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Coming out to his family made Yuma realize…nothing had really changed in the end.
You’d think it would, and he’d be lying if he said it didn’t give him some mental relief. But when it came to everything else? Yeah, nothing changed. It’s not like he was going to take Kaito out on a date right in front of them, Rei already knew so he had been making jokes whenever Yuma went home for months now, and granny and Akari were too respectful to do more than just smile at him. So really, he just went on, going to visit Kaito every weekend and messaging him all the time, because truly, from their day to day, nothing had changed.
He was happy with that, until he realized…
Even if he did date Kaito right in the middle of the dinner table, would they even notice?
Cause, they didn’t do anything that couple-like. Outside of a kiss when they met up and cuddling while playing video games, nothing about their physical relationship had evolved since they began dating. Kaito was too shy to do more than link arms when they were out, only conceding to holding hands when there were no people around. While it was rare for guys to link arms, plenty of girls at school did it, and they were just friends. It was sort of like how in other countries, people would greet each other with cheek kisses. Outlandish here, but not in their eyes. Different standards. And Yuma believes that if it’s fine for girls, it should be fine for boys too. So, given that, the things that were exclusively seen as ‘romantic’…they just didn’t partake in much.
That has made him happy so far. He was honestly an awkward guy, and while he had successfully put his selfish impulses aside when Astral came to his side, in favour of his kinder ones, he still had a tendency to put a foot in his mouth. Plus, while he found some physical contact very comforting, he was slower than his peers when it came to ‘growing up’, and to this day, still didn’t get what Tetsuo waxed poetic about sometimes. Kaito was even more awkward than him, and had a bunch of trauma with getting close to others that was hard for him to address. This slow pace suited them just fine.
But…it did make him wonder…would it always be like this? He could see them ending up married this way, which was ultimately what he wanted most; someone to share his life with, so he would never feel lonely like he did before he met Astral (and after he left).
However, thinking of the things they would be ‘missing out on’ did make him feel just a tiny bit conflicted. But he wasn’t sure if that was a genuine desire for them, or if he was just curious because everyone else seemed to boast about them…was that worth potentially pressuring Kaito for? Likely not.
So he did what he always did when he felt unsure; shrugged and moved on.
If something was meant to happen, it would eventually, is what he convinced himself. Some things aren’t meant to be forced.
And like, always, his gut instinct was spot on…while also over simplifying things far too much.
He finds that out in particular after one of their dates. Well, not really ‘after’. More like, they were on their way to the movies after lunch in a restaurant, and because the weather was crazy these days, it suddenly began to pour as if the clouds decided to go to war with the sun, screw the humans below them.
Of course, neither of them were prepared. It was summer, after all. The only thing they could do is run for cover, and wait, trying not to mind the fact they were going to miss some of the movie too much. Which was fine, neither of them were that into it, it was just an excuse to have a date outside.
Then ten minutes passed. Twenty. Half an hour. With the sky almost as dark as Yuma’s hair, no sign of it letting up at all.
“What are we going to do?” he whines, rubbing his cold elbows in a futile attempt to get some warmth back into it.
Kaito just fetches out his D-Gazer, “Give up on this whole matter, of course. No use in catching a cold, and we shouldn’t watch anything in these wet clothes anyway.”
It’s true, while they hadn’t gotten that wet initially, the cover wasn’t that huge, and the rain was angled anyway. Leading them to become a soggy mess…his bangs were threatening to glue themselves to his face any minute now.
Like he thought previously, neither of them cared that much about the movie, so he doesn’t complain when Kaito calls a taxi. Maybe they could have fixed this whole mess by calling one right away, but…heh.
“Heartland tower.” Kaito orders when their ride arrives, and Yuma breathes a sigh of relief as they both get onto the back seat. Going back to Kaito’s place means they’ll still spend the afternoon together, and that’s all he wants.
The fact his butt leaves a wet imprint when they reach their destination and exit the vehicle, is all that needs to be said. Even the tiny bit of rain they are pelted with on the brief distance from the side walk to the tower, is enough to get him shivering. All he wants, is the sweet central heating of the tower, something his own home lacks.
“Man, the weather has really been crazy these past few years.” he comments during the long elevator ride.
Kaito keeps hammering the button despite knowing it won’t make it go any faster, and that actually makes Yuma chuckle, “Well, as long as there are no floods, I won’t complain.”
Easy to say when your house is so warm, as the shock in temperature when they get inside the liveable space makes him sneeze right away. But he does make a mental note…if there is a flood, the tallest place in Heartland city is the best spot to be in while waiting for rescue. And worse comes to worst, Orbital can fly…
Yeah, dating the richest man in Heartland sure has its benefits, he thinks to himself. He doesn’t remind himself of that fact often, cause he doesn't want to take advantage, honestly, but in these scenarios, it’s nice to know his family will have a place to go to.
Kaito leads him to the general bathroom, pointing to where the shampoo is, leaves, and quickly comes back with a change of his own clothes that won’t quite fit Yuma, before going off to his room’s en-suite. Yuma is far too focused on how hard it is to peel his clothes off, their wetness making them want to cling to him like Kotori does when she wants to keep him from running away during her shopping trips.
One odd thing about the bathrooms in Kaito’s house, is that none of them have a bathtub. Even his poor family has one, and he’s seen the size of them at Mihael’s house…maybe it’s a personal thing, who knows. What matters is that the shower is hot, and not only does it chase the cold away, it alleviates his sore muscles as well. He suffered from a rough fall during one of his races with Tetsuo this week, and he knows Kaito would throw a fit if he saw the yellow bruises on his thigh. Good thing that was an easy spot to cover, even if Kaito’s baggy pants still came up to his ankles for him.
The shirt is far too tight as well, making him want to wrap a towel around his torso or something and call it a day. But he needs to wrap it around his head, as he’s far too lazy to properly dry off his bangs today. Kaito likes the longer they appear to be anyway, so heh. He can just stick them to the side of his face.
Making his way through the familiar place, he goes to Kaito’s room, listening to Orbital prattle off to his babies in the kitchen about gods know what. He’s very thankful the thing hasn’t noticed his presence yet, and wants to keep it that way. Cancelled movie watching is one thing, but being nagged by that shrill voice…blergh.
Because he wanted to be quiet, he did not knock on the door, figuring Kaito was already done and dressed. Turns out not to be the case, as he comes to an empty room, but is able to hear the water still running in the bathroom. Guess he took quicker showers than he realizes. Oh well, not like it matters.
Looking at the pouring rain outside the window, thankful Kaito is kind enough to pay him for a taxi ride back to his house, he starts going through the other’s game collection. The physical one, anyway. Might as well try to make something of the day, but he didn’t feel like continuing the one they were going through together last time. He just wants to watch, honestly, and his favourite thing to oversee Kaito beat by himself, is horror games. Now, what looks good today? More stuff with stringy black-haired girls, zombies, would a space one be fine if it’s not set on the moon?
He’s so lost reading back covers, he doesn’t hear the door open, jumping when a loud shriek pierces his ears, “What are you doing here??”
“Huh, waiting for you. I know you’re shy, but we’re both dudes, so—” he stops, because he turns to look at Kaito by reflex…and what he sees makes his mouth hang open.
Unlike he assumed, Kaito did not get dressed in the bathroom at all. He’s clad in nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist, and even though he’s completely flushed crimson and twisting around in vain, trying to find a way to hide himself, Yuma can still see everything. From the surprisingly toned torso, to the legs that seem to make up around 70% of him despite being a shortie, to…
The completely soggy hair, dropping to almost his shoulders. Yuma didn’t even think it was possible for anything in the world to bring his boyfriend’s rose bud hair down, as the rain didn’t seem to touch it, but apparently…nope, gravity worked as long as it had a really heavy dose of water.
And how it worked. The way it clung down to Kaito, clearly wet, but still fluffy enough that it could almost pass for a normal shaggy hairstyle at a glance…it left Yuma stunned. He never thought Kaito could look like this. Normal, but…it’s still him, and—
“Stop staring like that, you pervert!” Kaito complains, covering his nipples with both hands and shooting him a glare. And he looks so ridiculous, Yuma would normally laugh, knowing most people would never dream of Kaito being this silly.
But he can’t because…he can’t stop staring.
Before that annoys Kaito to the point he shouts for Orbital to come electrocute him or something, he puts his hands up in mock surrender, “Okay, first off, we’re both guys, so…I am interested, but it’s nothing I wasn’t expecting either.” he offers with an awkward smile as he walks closer to the other, “But don’t worry, what I’m looking at isn’t your body at all, but…” he stops, smiling without even meaning to.
Because he managed to get right into Kaito’s face, it doesn’t take the other long to figure out where his gaze is focused on , “My hair?” he blinks in confusion.
“Y-yeah…” Yuma admits, feeling his cheeks warm up. But try as he might, he just can’t divert his gaze. His yellow rose is all soggy and doesn’t even look like a flower any more, and that’s both cute and…
And it makes his body tingle in ways he didn’t know possible. Pleasant, addicting ways. Which is both exciting and scary.
He doesn’t know what to do here, other than keep staring at Kaito, “It just looks…different, I don’t know. I like you you, but this…”
But the excuse feels weak when he can feel his own heartbeat all the way to his ears. Just…just what is going on here? It’s just hair, it’s the same boyfriend he left the tower to see a movie today, and yet…
“Heh, didn’t think you could have a hair fetish too.” Kaito’s chuckle grounds him to earth just a little, followed by the older man brushing his thumb over Yuma’s wet bangs peeking from behind the towel, “You’re pretty like this as well. I like the short back hair, but have you considered growing it back again? Just…not on the spikes any more?”
No, not really. I mean, he knows Kaito likes long hair, but he never really got it. But feeling the way he does now…
Not that he can give the matter much thought. If just looking was bad enough, having Kaito touch him only amplified whatever it is he’s feeling. He can barely keep his breathing under control now, and, “K-Kai—”
Honestly, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to say at all.
But he did know something…that he didn’t want Kaito to pull away before he even finished getting a word out, “I need to get dressed before I die of the cold.” he says as he walks away, not turning around to even look at Yuma, much less give him a chance to argue back. “Sorry.” he mumbles under his breath as he disappears into the bathroom.
Now that he’s alone again, the spell is gone. Just what the heck was that? It was kinda scary, how intense it was…
So he gets why Kaito did what he just did, even if it stings a little. Something to talk about…later, when he gets the guts to.
As it is, he spends the rest of the date just playing video games with Kaito until he leaves, the feeling kinda sorta of gone now that his hair is back to normal. Yet, he can’t quite look at Kaito the same way he did before either.
Well, if something is meant to change, it will happen again, his gut says. Always go with your gut.
Kaito sometimes worries if Yuma will get bored of him.
He’s aware of how teens are. Kaito wasn’t like that, true, but he knows darn well he’s a little off compared to the average, and the pile of issues he acquired over the years only made him even worse. Droite should be grateful he didn’t entertain her feelings for him, honestly, because he knows she’s much happier with someone simpler like Gauche.
Yuma is a little off himself though, so he always thought it would be fine. But whether that is just how Yuma is by his very nature, or if he’s just a late bloomer, that is the question. Both are fine, but Kaito has to pay attention to the latter, to make sure the relationship is being fair in meeting Yuma’s needs as well. It can’t all be about him.
And besides, imagine whining that you’re dating an older man who doesn’t sexually pressure you. That is on a whole other level, and honestly, he doesn’t want to feed on Yuma’s insecurities that he’s not good enough after all, because Kaito knows they are there. They are for every teenager, but especially a sensitive one who learned to hide his ‘selfish’ impulses because people unfairly hated him for being a rather normal kid.
But besides his own fears of not being good at physical contact, there is another matter to consider, and that is, Yuma’s age. Even if they both turn into horn balls tomorrow, there is that to worry over. And not just legal matters. Like it or not, experience or not, Kaito is the older one, and he needs to make sure Yuma doesn’t do anything he’ll come to regret. It’s his responsibility.
Everything seemed fine after they worked out the issue of ‘do you see me as just a little brother’, and having Yuma’s family put him further at ease. So he put no thought into the matter, figuring he’d work something out when the time came.
But that time came much too fast. During a date ruined by summer rain, and there’s some sort of poetic irony to it that Kaito can’t be bothered with. But when faced with the issue, he just…pushed the other away. And that likely wasn’t the right answer at all.
Way to be the mature, responsible one.
However, further reflection made him come to the conclusion that there was nothing to do yet. Try as he might, Kaito didn’t experience the same surge of desire Yuma did, and while he did want to meet the other boy halfway, they couldn’t compromise on something that didn’t exist.
Thing is, he knew the moment would come, eventually. He already experienced a realization of attraction towards Yuma when he first came back and saw the hairstyle change. All he needed was one more moment to push him over the edge, change how he’ll forever see Yuma for good. And it will come, he knows; and it will likely be just as random as the moment of Yuma’s own awakening.
He just hopes Yuma doesn’t get bored until then, that’s all…but that’s why Kaito is lucky he’s dating a forgiving man. Things will be fine.
With that, he puts it out of his mind, and two more weeks go by. It’s almost the start of Summer vacation, and he has to worry about what to gift Yuma for his birthday anyway. And how to survive the birthday party, now that he’s not abroad to skip it, ugh. Seventeen though…one more year, and yet another worry will be off his shoulders. Things are looking up, certainly.
Because school days end at 1pm now, Yuma has a bit more time to see him. It usually wouldn’t end up mattering much, as Kaito still has a job to do, but there was a tech issue at the laboratory last night that is still being fixed. He and his fellow researchers tried to do what they could, but eventually they all had enough, and Faker was nice enough to send them home before lunch came with full pay. Maybe because he wanted the opportunity to go spend the day with Haruto for once, accost the kid before he could run off with his friends, but it was still a good action on his part.
Kaito was invited to come as well, but he shot that idea down and sent Yuma a message instead. For some reason, he swears he saw Faker’s eyes turn wet…maybe the man finally needs glasses or something. And to go to a doctor, because this weather is not conducive to make one tremble like he did.
Not his issue, though.
Instead, he waits, has his own sad lunch, rather disappointed this did not happen later in the month so it could be a day where Yuma would get out even earlier and therefore have no school lunch. When 1pm comes around, he checks himself one last time, and takes the elevator down to wait for his boyfriend by the entrance. He’s already running his way over, certainly, so he won’t have to wait that long.
He doesn’t care if that makes him seem pathetic. So he’s excited for once, sue him.
But then…maybe it’s because he’s doing nothing but waiting, and the sun is annoying him, but it seems like it’s taking too long. He keeps checking his D-Gazer for messages, but there’s nothing in there, and the time does confirm that twenty minutes have passed.
He ignores it at first, keeps waiting, trying to make nothing of the odd looks some people give him as they pass by. Eventually, he sends Yuma a message asking where he is, but gets no reply. Just as he gets worried enough to try calling—
“I’m here! Sorry, I…ah…ah…” Yuma shouts, and he’s right in front of Kaito before he can even blink, so out of breath that he has to lean over and rest his hands on his knees, “Sorry, something came up, haha.”
But he can barely laugh, and Kaito’s overprotective instincts flare up. Which are quickly proven right, because even with his face hidden from view as he’s still trying to recover his breath, a lot of his bare body is plain to see…
“Why are you injured?!” he screeches as he leans over and grabs hold of one of Yuma’s arms, ignoring his boyfriend’s shrieks of pain as he turns it over, horrified by what he sees, “So many scratches! Don’t tell me you rubbed yourself against the wall as you were running over, again?!”
But that’s obviously not the case, as when Yuma finally looks at him, he realizes that there are scratches on his face as well, “Ah, not exactly. You see…” Yuma tries to smile awkwardly, only to flinch in pain and look away.
That does not calm Kaito any. Anger born out of worry mode is fully engaged now, and impossible to turn off, “You see?” he baits, glaring in a way that makes it clear the other has no choice but to answer.
Yuma pales as if he was facing up to Akari, “You see, I kinda fell on my way over here, real bad, because…” he begins to drip cold sweat as Kaito’s gaze intensifies, “…because I was racing Tetsuo, and he kinda collided with me in order to avoid a cat, running me over actually…”
There is a long moment of silence.
And then Kaito feels a vein burst in his head, “YOU’RE STILL DOING THOSE SKATEBOARD RACES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET?!”
As every bird in a ten-metre range flies off, any thought of a nice date goes out the window.
-- --- -- --- -- --- --
“Kaito, I keep telling you, it’s fi—”
“Less talking, more undressing.” he orders as he scavenges through the first aid kit, “I’ve seen enough to know you have bruises in places I cannot see, and those will only get worse if you don’t treat them right now. Not to mention, you want me to patch you up, or would you rather go home, to let your sister see you bleed like this?” he points at the stain Yuma is already leaving on his bed cover, “Your choice.”
That gets the other to pipe down and remove his shirt as quietly as he can. Kaito would feel a little bad for treating an injured person in this manner (health is the one thing that can get to his icy heart no matter who it is), if not for the fact that he knows Yuma can be foolishly stubborn when he wants, and that seeing his torso proved him right. Several spots are already visibly bruised, and there’s a cut below his right nipple.
If he needs to scream and be mean, fine. If that’s what it takes to make sure his boyfriend gets proper care, he can play the bad cop, and let his gentle hands do the real talking for him.
It still pains him a little whenever Yuma whines, mostly when he has to clean the scrapes, “Does that really need a band-aid?” he pleads, still worrying about his sister.
“You can spend the whole day here and remove it before you leave. If it’s not healed enough, I’ll just re-apply it though.” he warns, “If you’re that worried about your sister’s reaction, you should have thought about this before you went and did something so incredibly foolish. We only yell because we love you.”
Yuma just sighs, “I know, I know…it’s not like I start my day with them in my plans, you know? But Tetsuo always pushes, and he knows how to fire up my competitive side.”
Kaito feels his veins boil at that excuse, “Right, because a human versus wheels is the picture of a fair competition. Oh, but he would just lose otherwise, wouldn’t he? And since he hasn’t beaten you in a duel for years, this is his only outlet left.” he points out, getting angrier with each word, “You either ignore him, force him to drop this crap, or I’m making sure he has an accident on that darn thing every day from now on. Pick one.”
He knows it’s not mature. He knows this goes against the premise of their relationship, which is being honest and trying to work their issues.
But he doesn’t care either way. Yuma’s safety is almost on the same level as Haruto’s for him. Something he refuses to compromise on.
Not helped by the fact Yuma’s response is just…pout, as if it hasn’t gotten through his thick skull just how important Kaito’s words are, “Daww, don’t be mean, he’s my oldest friend.”
“Daww, stop being an idiot and realize you’re the one who’s going to get run over by a car eventually, not him.” Kaito mimics in a mocking voice, and it must really shock Yuma, as that finally seems to get his attention. Best to capitalize on it while he can, “Real friends don’t endanger each other like this. You have better friends anyway. If he gets mad for something that is also to his benefit just for the sake of his pride, then that is his issue.” he points out, and when that doesn’t seem enough, adds through gritted teeth, “Haven’t you been screwed over by a supposed close ‘friend’s’ foolish pride often enough already?”
Bingo. That sore spot is enough for Yuma’s eyes to widen, a sure sign he’s finally taking things seriously. As he should have done so from the start.
“The way he’s always looking back at me instead of the road, he’s likely to be run over too…” he mumbles after a long stretch of silence, before finally looking at Kaito in the eyes, “Tell you what, I’ll start going with Rei to school more often. For some reason, he can always guess when Tetsuo is coming and shoves him to his rear before he can pass us. Tetsuo always stays away when he sees him.”
Kaito has to hold back the urge to roll his eyes. Going with Vector, what a great solution! No, he doesn’t care for how many years they’ve been siblings now, Kaito will never forget Sargasso, and considering how he acted when they were coming out to Yuma’s family? Yeah, forgive him if he isn’t sighing in relief at the thought of handing Yuma’s safety over to such an unstable man who lived for trolling!
Except…he has to bite his tongue back. Because he really can’t come up with any other solutions. He doesn’t have time to fly over to Yuma’s house, get him to school personally, and still get to work on schedule. And all of Yuma’s other friends, well…
As far as he knows, Mihael is the only one with a family member who drives him over to school. Chris, in that van he sometimes bemoans he didn’t use to run over Nasch when the other was right in front of him. And Chris is someone Kaito trusts, but…
Yuma? Spending more time with a guy who was still in love with him? Who didn’t know that Yuma was already taken? Who might be a good match for him, even better than Kaito? He knows it’s selfish of him, but the thought of giving Yuma more time to one day return the affections of the runt of the Arclight litter?
Kaito is only a man, after all. Infeasible and weak.
So yes, he really sees no other possibilities here. And he can’t very well deny the only solution at hand, much as it pains him to come to that conclusion. It’s either Vector, or trust that Yuma will ignore or reject Tetsuo on his own…so the mutant carrot it is.
(Shark doesn’t count as another option, because first off, screw him too, and secondly, the seat on that abomination he calls a motorcycle is already taken up by his sister. Much to his eternal relief.)
His pride hurting all the way, he nods in agreement, “As long as he no longer has the habit of leading you into shortcuts riddled with dogs.” he grumbles.
To which Yuma just hums in joy, “Oh no, he wants to make it on time too, after all. Doesn’t want to get out of the student council, and while they can scold him for not getting there early, as long as he does the bare minimum, they keep him in. He’s really useful to discipline students during festivals.”
All marvellous information Kaito could have done perfectly well without. He just makes a note to have Orbital spy on them for at least a week, to see if that’s true.
With that cleared out, he continues to tend to Yuma as gently as he can, feeling pained to see his boyfriend in this state. It’s a good thing Yuma only duels him most of the time now, and he’s definitely not allowing any VR duels until the other is completely healed.
Despite twitching in impatience, Yuma waits without a further peep of complaint. Perhaps, he enjoys being doted on like this, and Kaito doesn’t find issue with that at all. He likes to dote, after all, so they’re compatible.
And speaking of that…“I need you to get these off too.” he asks lowly as he tugs on Yuma’s pants.
Yuma’s embarrassed screech does little to make him feel better, “W-w-what?!”
But Kaito isn’t being a pervert here, honest! “I saw how you were limping on the way here, and if he ran over you, then no doubt that you bruised your legs as well. Keep your underwear on, and we’ll get this over with as soon as possible.”
Straight to the point, and also the truth.
Yuma seems a bit taken aback, but eventually obeys. Still, regardless of the nature of the situation, it is the first time Kaito is going to see the utter in such a state of undress, and seeing Yuma do it just…makes the mood awkward, for obvious reasons.
But as expected, he was right to be worried. There are bruises in several places that need ointment, and a gash across Yuma’s left thigh.
Technically, he knows he should get to disinfecting the gash first, but…when he looks at it and realizes that Yuma is rather muscled there, compared to the rest of his body, something…rises up in him. Something he sort of can recognize, but that he doesn’t want to acknowledge right now.
So he does what he usually does (at least, now that he let his ‘yell and slap it away’ approach drop with Yuma), and just ignores it for as long as he can. He disinfects the bruises instead, despite it being unnecessary and resulting in Yuma giving him an odd look. Then he tries to apply the ointment as slowly as he can, but…
Feeling Yuma’s skin bend under the pressure of his fingers, to realize how toned he actually is…it only makes the feeling harder to ignore. It takes all he can to just swallow the knot in his throat, hang his head low to hopefully keep Yuma from realizing what is going on, and to keep going.
Eventually, he can ignore the gash no longer. But figuring it can’t get worse, he just does it. Hoping his trembling hands don’t give him away. Yuma knows he’s the gentle type by now, so maybe he’ll just think Kaito doesn’t want to hurt him.
And he almost believes he gets away with it. He applies rubbing alcohol to it, he does the best he can to cover it, all without letting his breath go out of control or look at Yuma’s briefs too much—
But then Yuma places a gentle hand on his cheek. Forcing Kaito to look up at him, and…
It’s clear by his eyes that Yuma knows. He knows what Kaito was just thinking about. What he had been struggling with all this time.
His reaction is to blush.
To lean down, slowly coming closer, “Kaito…”
It all feels so familiar. It’s just like that rainy day…only this time, Kaito knows he’s under that spell too. Both of them are.
This is the moment they should address this.
But…he can’t.
His brain is frozen. He can feel his entire body flush. When Yuma’s lips chastely meet his, it doesn’t feel like any of their other kisses. It feels…intense. Natural. Right.
He also knows they shouldn’t do this in this way. Something in him doesn’t want to anyway. Not yet. Not without thinking about it. No matter how his body is reacting.
So, once again, he pushes Yuma away. Unable to do anything but look down, and start to put the first aid kit back together.
This time, Yuma doesn’t look disappointed at all. He just smiles, tilts his head a little, and gathers his clothing, dressing and covering the legs Kaito was so distracted by once more. Not that it does anything to put the awkward mood away, “Thanks for taking care of me!” Yuma laughs.
All Kaito can do, is whisper, “Well, as long as you don’t get hurt again…” feeling miserable that he can’t be the adult Yuma needs right now.
Even though the rest of the date goes fine, after he scolds Yuma one more time for the races (mostly to distract himself), he knows things cannot go on in this matter any longer.
Time to change their relationship once more, and see if they survive it. Ignoring it won’t make it go away.
A week has past since his accident, his body mostly healed by then. They schedule their date as usual, but Yuma knows something is off right away.
First off, there are no concrete plans. Even when they just met up to study and mess around in Kaito’s room, they usually talked it up a little beforehand, arguing over which take out and game to pick, Kaito prodding about what classes Yuma took that week, etc.
But nothing this time. Just a, ‘I’ll be waiting for you after 10am’. Which is usually the time Faker went off to work at the lab and Haruto went out, so he wasn’t suspicious over that. Still, such a short message…if Kaito wanted to surprise him, he’d give something more away. He did it with their anniversary last time, telling Yuma he was looking forward to his arrival. Trivial for most people, not to someone who knew Kaito as well as Yuma did by now.
Still, nothing to do but to face it head on. Kattobingu and all, even if he didn’t say it as much any more.
Predictably, they are alone. He knows even Orbital and his children are turned off and shoved in the laundry room before he even gets one foot into the elevator. It’s the silence of the whole place when Kaito answered the intercom. It’s his gut feeling warning him.
It doesn’t stop his heart from beating out of control by the time Kaito opens the door and ushers him in, “Hey…”
There’s a chaste kiss as always, but Kaito pulls away far too fast. He also doesn’t say anything, just motions Yuma to follow him. Only to then sit him down on the bed once they arrive at Kaito’s room (as Yuma had guessed) and then…Kaito just stands around, awkwardly looking between him and the door over and over, “I do not know if I should fetch some tea or not…”
“You’re making me nervous.” Yuma admits, because it’s best to cut to the chase, “Just tell me what it is. I have no clue…”
Kaito just sighs, “I think you do, you just don’t want to face it.” he says as he walks up to his computer’s chair, wheeling the huge thing until it’s right in front of Yuma, “But we need to have a serious conversation.” he looks at Yuma right in the eyes after sitting down.
Yuma suddenly understands all too well why people usually hate hearing those words, “Okay…” he baits, hoping Kaito will start eventually. The other man just bites his lip, but Yuma has no clue what to do here, as despite what Kaito said, he can’t be sure what he’s getting at. And if there’s one thing he’s learned to hold back, is his tendency to jump to conclusions, “If you want to talk, do?”
“Of course you don’t use this moment to let your extroversion shine.” Kaito grumbles under his breath, “But I suppose it is only fair. Let me cut to the chase; this past month, some things have happened that have brought to light that our…physical…that it might be time to evolve our intimacy.”
The man is red as a beet, and it’s clear as day that he can barely keep looking at Yuma. Still, Yuma can only hold himself off so much, and he’s kinda baffled by the choice of words here, “You’re talking about the times we drooled over each other?”
Kaito looks as if he wants to screech at him due to shame, but settles for just frowning, “That’s not the most elegant way to put it, but yes.” he manages to almost grunt out, “We had moments of great attraction that lead us to not behave as we usually do.” he manages to continue, wriggling his hand together over his lap, “Things have not come back to normal for me even after we no longer engaged in the same circumstances that brought up my personal change. I need to know if that is the same for you.”
“You really do fall into fancy talk when you’re nervous.” Yuma comments, smiling fondly before Kaito can get insulted, “Nah, I haven’t been able to look at you the same way, even when your hair isn’t soggy. If that’s what you’re asking.”
He tried to lighten the mood with his choice of words, but going by the way the other sighs, he missed it, “It is, thank you for the curt reply.” he replies simply, looking at the floor as he gets to the main point, “We need to decide how to proceed from now on. While your birthday is close, you’re still only going to be seventeen, so it might be for the best that we don’t go too far. Not to mention, I’m still not quite…”
“Hey, aren’t you over-thinking this?” Yuma gently interrupts, placing a hand above Kaito’s, “I know we’re a bit different, and that we have some personal issues, and that we’re worried about the age issue and all, but…these things should be allowed to happen naturally, right? Wasn’t that what we were doing?”
Kaito looks up at him, trembling, “Most people go with that, and then regret it.”
He’s right, but Yuma is still resolute. Despite his fears over the whole thing that first time, when he looks at Kaito like this…he can’t think anything will go wrong, “Yeah, but, a lot of people rush and don’t listen to each other. I think, as long as we do that, it will be fine.” he assures, outright holding onto the other’s hands, “You trust me to take care of you, right?”
His words make Kaito open and close his mouth several times, but he flushes even deeper, so Yuma is sure that is a good sign, “If I was saying that to you, it would be called grooming.” he points out.
“Then good thing I’m the one who said it.” he laughs in response, “Look, it will be fine. If something happens, it does, and if it doesn’t, that’s fine too. And besides…” he leans over, his voice dropping to a whisper, “No one has to know but me and you.”
Maybe not the most correct thing to say, but it is the truth. As the Rei ‘Barian Police’ situation proved, he was good at keeping secrets, and…
He’s tired of worrying so much. His love for Kaito isn’t sick, but he is sick of having to act like it is.
If he were dating Astral, would people care? Even though he’s not human and thousands of years old? What about Shark, who’s a thousand-year-old in a teenager’s body? Same for Alit. What about Mihael, he’s already an adult too, even if he’s still in Yuma’s class. Or would people still have something to say because those are all men?
Is he only allowed to date Kotori, like people were expecting him to the one time she held his hand? Is that it? Because Yuma almost died saving the world, and he’s not going to let others be deluded into thinking that’s okay, but have a fit when he tries to make his own choices. That’s not fair, it doesn’t make any sense, and he’s not having it!
Sure, he’s not actually certain he is ready for anything too serious but…he wants to have the option for it, should that be the case. Is that so wrong?
Kaito stays silent for a few moments, then fetches his D-Gazer and fumbles with it, “I’ve set a timer. Fifteen minutes.” he shows off the device to prove it, then throws it onto the bed, “For the next fifteen minutes, let’s forget about everything and just…see how it goes.”
Yuma’s eyes widen, and before he knows it, Kaito stands up and walks over to him, leaning down to his face level and placing his hands on Yuma’s shoulders, “It’s not enough time, I know. I don’t want it to be. It doesn’t matter if you agree with the law or not, I still want to wait and do right by you. I don’t want to regret our future just because we couldn’t wait another year.” he almost begs, “I’m also not fully ready. I don’t think you are either. But, we clearly do need to do something so…”
Trembling, he sits down, still holding onto Yuma’s shoulders as a way for them to keep eye contact. Even if Kaito can barely keep it up, “Let’s just see how things go. And no matter what, I’ll listen to you, so if you—”
“I get it.” he interrupts, cupping the other’s cheeks with both hands, “It’s fine by me. I’ll listen to you too.” he promises, because if he’s unsure, so is Kaito.
And that is fine too. Everything is fine, as long as they go at their own pace. Kaito stops trembling, and Yuma, remembering the feeling he got when he first saw kaito with wet hair, slowly leans forward…
He can’t quite recall what happened next. Maybe things changed, maybe they didn’t.
But he’s happy afterwards, neither of them seem to regret it, and in the end, that’s what is important. Their relationship evolved once more, in a way he was comfortable with, so he’s glad Kaito pushed him off initially, so they could later have a conversation about it.
He’s sure his birthday next month is going to go well, and then it’s just one more year before things can evolve again.
Though he already knows it will go well, because they respect each other.