Archive of Our Own ^beta

Slaine’s day started with a dream.

It was a very long dream.

In that dream, the world seemed far from his own: surreal, but not completely unrealistic. It would be possible for it to happen in the future a few years from now, where Mars would be occupied with people too.

The outer space has gotten more advanced in what he saw. The moon had some sort of gate used to travel to Mars, and when humanity began to settle there, they called themselves Martians. Aldnoah, an ancient technology, also came about, and not before long that a war was declared between Earth and Mars, the gate went out of control and destroyed part of the moon. It affected Earth to some degree, but it was the Martians who were more devastated by being cut off from their path home. While the Martians temporarily had their bases on debrises of the moon, another war was ignited, triggered by the assassination of their princess.

The said princess was someone he knew in reality, but in that dream, she had a different role, and the same goes for other people that he knows too. Asseylum-san, who he has had a crush on since childhood, was the princess who had access to Aldnoah. Harklight-san, a senior of his, was his subordinate that swore loyalty to him. Lemrina-san, sister of Asseylum, had trouble standing even though she could walk fine in reality. The personalities they had in his dream were similar to how he knew them, but he couldn’t say the same for himself. It bothered him how he saw the Slaine there as someone who he barely recognized and understood.

In that dream, Slaine was on the other side of the war along with the Martians despite being a Terran himself. He underwent so much injustice because of his origin, and yet was able to climb the ranks in their Martian society. He only and truly wanted what was best for Asseylum, just like how he would in reality, but some misunderstandings had gotten in the way, resulting in what had happened. He was viewed as a villain in his own dream, and of course, if there is a villain, there should be a hero as well.

The hero was none other than his roommate, Inaho, who sided with the Terrans and won many battles. Regardless of the Martians having the upperhand for their Aldnoah technology, the brunette always manages to find their weakness, and somehow, Inaho being a war hero fits his image, even if he’s indifferent to most things. In both reality and dream, he still has his valor, his wits. He never loses himself, even in the face of death. His unwavering resolution and strong sense of duty is something that Slaine is very familiar with, and he guessed that even in his dream, Inaho didn’t fail to express it.

In that dream, Slaine was prisoned at the end of the war, and as for Inaho, he never really left the ashen blonde’s side, just as he does now. He thought their entangled fate was finally severed, but no, Inaho himself wanted to be involved with him. It was Inaho who frequently visits. It was Inaho who gave him his first belongings, things he could call his own. It was Inaho who handed him his due justice, even when he was a prisoner for his crimes and the object of hate to many. It was Inaho who he spends most of his time with, and in those times, he finds tranquility, peace. The life of the Slaine Troyard he saw was never calm and was always being plunged into chaos, but when the brunette was by his side, it was as if the world had forgiven him, even by little, and that he was finally able to breathe without a feeling of constriction.

Seeing how the Inaho in his dream and reality acted, he couldn’t help himself but wonder as to why the other man is doing this. He asked this before, and the same scenario happened in the dream with the exact same answer as well: That he is ‘worth it’. But what does it mean to be ‘worth it’? Does it go along the line of being pitied that there is value in saving him, or does Inaho genuinely think that he as a person is so much more than anything? Whatever it is, it’s starting to affect how Slaine feels towards him, and it might be bad considering how their relationship started. 

In that dream, Slaine noticed a few things about the events that had happened early on and after he lost the war that seemed to parallel each other. In both times, his father is still the same famous scientist, but after he died, people thought of his son as a nuisance. It was much harder for the Slaine on Mars as he is frowned upon for being a Terran. He was humiliated, and had to endure the verbal and physical abuse since childhood. In those dark times, the princess was there for him to be his friend and his anchor. And although his childhood was more lenient than the Slaine in his dream, it didn’t change the fact that Asseylum being there made him pull through all the name calling and bullying of children at the same age.

High School was harder as he and Asseylum went to different schools. He didn’t socialize with his classmates much, and whenever the two decided to meet up, Asseylum had a bunch of people following her around who she mentioned she became friends with. It was one of those meet ups that he met Inaho, and almost immediately, they didn’t like each other. Their first impressions were already bad, and their interaction, in most cases, always starts with the wrong foot on the front. It is also worth mentioning that they don’t call each other with their given names, but something else that they associate the other with. It just so happens that when they first met, they had keychains hanging off from their bags that later on became their identity.

“You have bad taste in the food you choose, Bat .”

“I don’t want to hear that from someone who always orders eggs, Orange .”

As friendly and harmless as it may sound, these nicknames carry a heavier meaning to the Slaine and Inaho in his dream. Whenever they encounter each other, they have more hostility, more drive to defeat the other, and it doesn’t just stop at useless bickering that they do in reality, oh no. Their dislike of the other goes deep that one of them got shot in the eye by the other. 

In college, Slaine realized how forgiving his life has been since the beginning. The bullying he had before didn’t amount to anything he experienced in university, and that’s when he noticed the uncanny resemblance it had with the Slaine in his dreams and his life in prison after the war. Aside from the parallels of his early life in both dream and reality, the Slaine he saw was treated less than a human and more of an animal, similar to how he was exploited back in the day. He saw no purpose in his life and was wishing for his death to come, but the prison guards didn’t want him to have it that easy. Instead, they wanted him to rot away, slowly and painfully, played with him until they got bored; until Slaine wished he had never been born. Slaine was already a dead man to the rest of the world, so it didn’t matter what happens to him inside the prison. It was only Inaho, the war hero, who had a different opinion. Despite his many crimes, the brunette punished those who abused their authority over the ashen blonde, changed the whole system for him and handled how Slaine’s prison life would be. From the inhumane treatment of the previous warden and corrupt management into an easygoing one, Slaine was able to have more freedom and was treated as how a human being should be rightfully treated. 

All of this forced him to look back on his ugly reality; memories he would like to forget and forge new ones on top. He’s been trying for the past months now, both him and Inaho, but of course, they also knew that it’s not something that can be easily shaken off. Whilst Slaine entered the same university as Assseylum and Inaho, he was basically separated from them because of their different departments. Nevertheless, he was happy to be in close proximity with his childhood friend, even if they don’t always see each other. Inaho though, was a different story. For some reason, the brunette is always loitering around his department’s building, either talking to seniors despite being a freshman or just reading a book in a corner. He doesn’t fail to greet the ashen blonde too, and it became more frequent with the rumors going around surrounding Slaine.

Apparently, some freshmen find Slaine as an easy target. He is always alone, only interacts with people when necessary, and has a feminine face to boot. If he needed help, no one would even spare to look at him for being a stranger. The people he knew can only be counted with his fingers at most, and many of them are not even in the same department as him.

Other professors also think the same, although there was one that was particularly more aggressive. Slaine would sometimes be called to the office to ‘help’ with organizing paper works, and even if it was the real reason, he sometimes got unwanted looks and off handed remarks that the professor passed off as ‘jokes’. Soon, the looks and words become touches and actions, like being spanked or caressed near his crotch. The sexual harassment he got is something that he couldn’t tell anyone, especially to Asseylum-san, and while he is obviously disgusted by it and clearly rejects him, telling him that he is not what he think he is, the man still continue to do it afterwards, more assaultive and forceful than the last. It seems that the more he fights back, the more harassment he gets. So when he got out of the office from forcibly opening the door and running away with disheveled hair, disheveled clothes and red face from protecting himself, it didn’t help his situation when a few saw him. Knowing how students are, they love this type of hearsay and are creative with it.  

“There he is. Why don’t you ask him if he’ll let you do it?”

“Bastard, I’m not that sick! He’s probably loose from all the screwing anyway.”

It escalated over time, with freshmen spreading rumors about this one ashen blonde with blue green eyes who would let you screw him if you ask. Apparently, he does it with professors too just to get good grades on all of the subjects  and be ahead of the rest. Other undergraduate levels couldn’t be bothered by this issue, but it became a big deal that the first years had to be reprimanded and Slaine being called for a disciplinary action with a sanction for a wrongdoing he didn't commit. It had been a hell for him in just a short time, and just when he thought it was over, he started to have a stalker instead. 

In the dead of a night, a shadow would lurk just behind him. Sometimes he would make detours to lose who was following him, and it worked a few times, until his door steps had dried stains of white. The stains became copious in amount as he got closer to his door, more moist, and what had greeted him was a freshly released semen on the door. Slaine had been horrified to the point of vomiting and asking Asseylum-san if he could sleep over just for the night. Clearly, his childhood friend was worried and offered to stay for a week, but even after that, it didn’t stop and got worse instead. 

Despite him reporting this to the landlord and the said landlord patrolling the area until late, there are still days where the person is able to reach his home. There were used condoms tied at the door knob, semen scattered everywhere, and just recently, there is evidence of someone trying to crack the door open. He was advised by the landlord to transfer to another place despite having lived there for so long, but when he returned back to gather his things, the door was already ajar. As he peered a little, he saw the stalker inside, jerking off as he looked around the place, repeating Slaine’s name again and again and again . It was the professor who made the most assaults and passes on him, overcome by the white burst of pleasure and released it on a stolen picture he had of Slaine in his phone. 

The ashen blonde was stunned in his place; wanting to run away but afraid of being noticed and caught if he did. His heart raced even when he was just standing there, lungs out of air despite being plenty of it. The rim of his eyes were red from holding back his tears, biting his lips so as not to make a single sound that would alert the other of his presence. 

Despite him slowly backing out to report it, the professor noticed his slight movement and looked back, locking eyes with him and flashing him a smile of pure happiness.

“There you are, my Slaine… I’ve been waiting.”

What happened next occurred in seconds. As he was about to run, his shirt was caught. As he was about to scream, his mouth was covered. As he was fighting for his dear life, the doors were closed, locked even. He was dragged inside and was pinned down, with the professor on top, straddling him, taking off his belt and pulling his pants down.

 “No- no, no, no, no, NO!”

Slaine tried to retaliate, but his hands were immediately tied off against the nearest furniture.

“I’ve been waiting for this moment, my Slaine.”

“No! P-please-”

He was crying, shouting until his voice sounded raw in hopes of someone hearing him, but the man on top only became more aroused than before. 

“You’re so beautiful…” The man squeezed his butt cheeks and spread it open. “I want to enter here, can I?”

“NO! Please- I Don’t want this!!!”

The man’s face contorted into that of anger and fury. “You’ve always said that, yet you’ve seduced me, my Slaine! You have to take responsibility and take my seed-”

There was a loud clang, as if a whole door knob was removed. Truly enough, it was crooked from how it should be, and as the door slowly opened, the person who he least thought would come help him was there with a steel bar on his hand. A tear fell, the ringing on his ears stopped, and he could finally breathe again. With the man that showed up, he knew he was safe.

“I advise you to stop, Professor.”

The man wasn’t shocked to be caught red handed. He didn’t even bother to move and answered with composure. “I see how it is. No wonder you’ve been loitering around the department’s area… Are you perhaps interested in my Slaine?”

Inaho, with the same nonchalant face as always, replied. “Maybe, but that’s not what I’m here for.” The brunette pointed at the breast pocket of his long sleeve outer polo, making sure to emphasize the ball point pen that rested on it. “This is something that I made.”

The professor raised his eyebrow. “And? I’m not your teacher to grade you for-”

When Inaho pulled out his phone, that’s when he finally understood.

“You…”

Inaho looked at him dead in the eyes. “It’s connected to my phone. One press, and it's over.”

On the screen, it showed how the professor was stalking Slaine, which meant Inaho was after his tail too. There was another clip that showed him how he jerked off as he got closer to the door, then released his load after. Another time where he used condoms, did it multiple times in front of it until he was satisfied, moaning the ashen blonde’s name and verbalizing how he wanted to be inside him. It was too much for Slaine that he had to look the other way and close his eyes, hoping that this would be over any minute now. It also recorded their voices, the commotion inside as Inaho tried to rescue him just now. The latest one was the professor looking at the screen, pale from disbelief: The pen was still recording.

“I did my research. You have a wife and two kids, both still in elementary school. This wasn’t the first time you had a rumor like this, according to the seniors of your department.”

“What are you on?!”

“I’m simply stating the fact that your family will be affected, if this got uploaded on the internet.”

The man scoffed, still trying to act cool. “Do you really think… That you can scare me with this little trick of yours?!”

Inaho didn’t hesitate to hover his finger on the ‘OK’ button. “Again, I advise you to stop, Professor.”

The man was suddenly sweating buckets, not wanting to back down from a mere freshman of another department who decided to mingle with his affairs, but was also left with no choice but to give in.

“You were unlucky this time, professor. Slaine is my friend, and it’s your fault for picking on him.”

The man gathered his things and left in a hurry, leaving Slaine on the floor with his lower part exposed. He was covering his face with his arms, stifling a cry he didn't want to show.

Slaine noticed that for the first time, Inaho called him by his name and not the nickname Bat. Because of that, for some reason, he got more emotional than he already is. He never really thought that there would be a day where the brunette would call him his friend, call him his name, and he thought what a great timing he had for doing it at a time like this.

As he laid there half naked, Inaho turned off his ball point pen and got closer, draping Slaine with his outer long sleeve polo. 

Suppressing his shaky voice, Slaine spoke. “...When?”

“When I first heard the rumors. There was a senior I had to work with in your department.”

That was ages ago, and Slaine didn’t even notice what the brunette was on. Sure, he saw him around the department’s area, but just as he said, he was either talking to undergraduates of a different level or reading a book. He never expected him at all, because he never told anyone, not even Asseylum-san who he trusted the most. So how come Inaho is here with him, and has saved him? Aren’t they supposed to be against each other? Dislike one another?

“I’ll go on ahead. I have to report this to your department head.”

“Wait-”

With a trembling hand, Slaine reached out to Inaho’s and held him tight, the other hand keeping the polo in place. His tears never stopped flowing, and he was hesitating about what to say next, unsure of whether the brunette would agree with him. Being left alone after what just happened in his own home scares him and he wanted to tell him that, but in the end, he opted not to and kept it instead.

“I…” Slaine met his burgundy eyes,  then completely avoided drowning in them as he let go of his hand. “It’s nothing.”

There was a pause. Inaho stared at him for a good minute, and as if he could read Slaine’s mind, responded with what he thinks the ashen blonde is trying to say. “I can stay here for tonight, lest he decides to come back. In the meantime, I’ll go prepare your bath.”

Slaine let out a sigh of relief he didn’t know he was holding in. He tried to wipe his tears off, but it just wouldn’t stop falling. Everything that had happened was too overwhelming and traumatic. He knows this will leave a mental scar for a while, possibly causing  him erectile dysfunction at most.

As he headed towards the restroom, Inaho was kind enough to prepare him a hot bath. Despite him being in the same room as the brunette, he didn't feel suffocated and was given the much needed space. A pair of shirt and pants was also neatly folded on the countertop, and once he was done crying himself out and calming down, there was an aroma in the air that he hadn't smelled for a long time the moment he stepped outside. He couldn't specifically pin down what it is, but it obviously smells delicious and fried. No doubt, the brunette is cooking, but he doesn't want to assume that his portion is included. With the smell of food, he was reminded that he hasn't eaten anything yet after he had lunch, so he'd have to buy something at the convenience store later.

Slaine, like a curious cat, took a peek at this newly found information that Inaho knew how to cook. His back is facing him, and there is a sizzling sound coming from a pan in the kitchen he barely uses which is now seemingly full of life. The place he called 'home' for years suddenly had some colors in it, and to think that it was Inaho who made a change was something akin to an out of this world experience for Slaine.

Because he had lived alone for some time now after his father died, having another person around gave him a sense of familiarity, something to reminisce about. The scientist was never a homey person, but he did try his best to cook for Slaine, even if most of it were preserved goods. Those days seemed like a far off memory now: A fond memory, but also a painful one. Because when he was robbed of it, it was then that the life he knew flipped and changed drastically. 

“I’d appreciate it if you set up the table, rather than just looking.”

Startled by the soothing and calming voice, burgundy met blue green. 

“...Oh.”

Inaho was already finished, and by impulse, Slaine helped and took out the plates and utensils. Both of them worked with precision and efficiency, as if this wasn’t the first time and that they’ve been doing this for ages. Surely enough, the brunette made serving for two, a gesture he didn’t expect from the other. 

“Have a seat.” Said the man like he owned the place. Slaine chose not to comment on it.

No one really dared to speak as they ate, until Inaho asked what he thought of a certain dish.

“How’s the tamagoyaki?”

It came out of nowhere that it was baffling to Slaine, but he mustered up the strength not to make it obvious as he shrugged, “Fine, I guess.”

Inaho blinked, expression as deadpan as always. “...My sister always says I cooked delicious egg dishes.”

 “…”

“...”

Truth to be told, it was good. He was just too shy to admit.

As the night deepened, it was time for both men to sleep. They had to argue on who would take the floor and the bed, and in the end, it was settled with a simple rock paper scissors. Inaho had won, but even then he chose to sleep on the floor, leaving Slaine conflicted. 

“This doesn’t sit well with me. You’re my guest.” Slaine argued for the last time.

“I won fair and square. We decided the winner could choose.”

“Still-”

“I’m taking a bath.”

As stubborn as the ashen blonde is, the brunette is also no different. They haven’t been on terms whenever they meet or had to decide, and tonight just happened to be the same. He thought the other had mellowed down after seeing his pitiful state, that after seeing him cry and not as feisty as he would towards him, he would give in, but Inaho does otherwise. Yes, he had pulled stunts that were definitely not normal and out of bounds on their dynamics, but he is Inaho after all, and he doesn’t yield to anyone. 

By the time Inaho was done, Slaine was already in bed, trying to figure out how to sleep for the night. Having the brunette around does make him feel safe, but that doesn’t mean he could sleep in the presence of another or simply forget about the commotion earlier. With him facing the wall, he remembered something important that needed to be said.

“Kaizuka.”

“I thought you’re already asleep.”

“...”

“What is it?”

Slaine contemplates, but he knows he has to say it.

“Thank you.”

As far as his memories go, the events that unfolded after that were not what he anticipated. It wasn’t unpleasant, in fact it was the opposite that he couldn’t help but smile fondly. The dream he had was long and sad, but his reality that paralleled it seems longer. Both had bitter circumstances and sweet rewards. And those sweet rewards were given by Inaho.

The incident regarding Slaine was not taken lightly, especially since the brunette had the evidence. Knowing him, he did not let it go under the rug, and despite not being able to upload it on the internet to humiliate the professor for the entirety of his life just as he wanted, he did report it to Slaine’s department head and demanded for him to be fired. With the evidence, Slaine’s testimony and the testimonies of other victims who were brave enough to speak up, due justice was made. Inaho was satisfied, although he’d probably prefer it if the man received the same mortification he did to Slaine. 

Now that the issue was solved, Slaine was honestly hoping that he could return to living quietly, but Inaho had other plans. He visits often, too often that they were practically together twentyfour seven a day, be it in his home or in university. It was becoming ridiculous, and when the other got hold of Slaine’s leash that was about to end, he proposed something more ridiculous.

“Do you want to live with me?”

The way Inaho worded it did not surprise Slaine. It gave him a headache at most, but being with him had made him numb towards his antics that now it's amusing how he could handle it. 

“Can you choose words appropriately?”

Inaho blinked, oblivious of how he sounded. “I said what I meant.” 

“I know, but care to elaborate it.”

“Oh.” Inaho folded his arms as he thought. Slaine’s head continued to throb. He knows exactly what was about to happen.

“What I meant  was I want us to be roommates.”

Slaine responded quickly. “No.”

“Slaine-”

“No.”

“The pros are-”

It was a heated discussion, with Slaine losing his rights to live alone. Not that it’s bad, he just thinks he still needs more time to adjust. Seeing each other for most of the time of the day and living together is different after all, and Slaine wants to think this through. Inaho, on the other hand, has made his points too well that he was getting suspicious if the brunette was practicing and waiting for this moment to come. Long story short, according to him, he noticed that the incident before still bothers Slaine that he’d sometimes have difficulties sleeping at night, and Inaho sees the room as a factor. This was where he was assaulted and had lived alone for a long time, witnessing Slaine’s turning points in life, starting from when his father died. There was no reason for him to stay, because even the fondest memories he had with his father gets overthrown by the many unpleasant ones. 

“You’ll still have your own room and privacy. I just think it would be better for you to leave this place.”

Inaho doesn’t need to say anything further because Slaine knows this. He knows that he is right and that he understands, he’s just being stubborn at this point. 

“...Give me some time.” He says that, but knowing Inaho and his tendencies, he’ll make sure that Slaine lives with him as soon as possible.

Days turn to a week, and weeks turn to months. Living together with someone who he thought he would never get along with went pleasantly well, too well that he’s having a hard time accepting it. Even Asseylum-san is perplexed by how things turned out between them. They never really explained the whole situation, in respect of Slaine’s decision not to tell her, and made up a lie instead that it would be saving Slaine from financial problems in the future. 

Truth to be told, he was getting comfortable with what they have. They were roommates who looked out for each other, but with his life that was nothing but troubles until now, it scares him to think that their tranquil time together might break one day. It might not be that different from before since Inaho used to visit him often back at his old place and that they were together most of the time, but waking up and sleeping, knowing that Inaho is there with him was another thing. It gave him a sense of stability. If he really had to point out what is different, it’s the fact that he now lives in a house, and not just a 1LDK room. It’s more spacious, more comfortable, and more fit for a human being to live in. He doesn’t feel suffocated, and he doesn’t feel gloomy being all by himself.

Aside from that, Slaine also gained another person who he cares about. Inaho mentioned about having an older sister who currently lives at the dorm provided by her workplace, and having met her a few times when she visits, they pretty much clicked together. She was warm and welcoming, and Slaine felt like he had an older sister too. They both love to watch movies together, because with Inaho, it becomes a discussion of technicalities, plots and plot holes, and even how bad or good the acting is. With him who understands human emotions more than the brunette, the reviews they do after watching becomes interesting. 

“I’ll visit again on my next day off. We really need to watch the season 2!”

Slaine chuckled as him and Inaho sent her off. “I’ll look forward to it, Yuki-san.”

The woman pouted. “I told you to call me Yuki-neesan!”

When Yuki left, it might just be his eyes playing tricks on him, but Inaho looked like he’s pouting too. 

“You two are awfully getting close.”

There was a smug look on his face. “Jealous?”

“Yes. I want us to be closer.”

Slaine doesn’t really know how to deal with that information afterwards.

The fond flashbacks ended when he heard a knock on the door, knowing exactly who it was. It wasn't long after that the doorknob twisted open, and a specific brunette peered inside. 

"Slaine?"

"I'm up."

"Good." He invited himself in, sitting on the edge of the bed as Slaine sat up. Silence settled between the two, but it wasn’t the type that was uncomfortable. They’ve been together for a while now that they understand each other without speaking a single word.

Inaho then took his hand and made tiny circles with his thumb. "Did you have nightmares again?"

The physical touch calmed his mind. He thought for a good while, thinking if it’s be better to keep quiet or explain the whole dream he had. The details of it all were uncannily clear, like it really happened to him in another time or space, even forcing him to look back on his own past as well.

In the end, he opted to give him his gentlest smile. "I wouldn't call it a nightmare."

"But you did dream of something."

Inaho has always been careful when talking about this type of thing, knowing that Slaine had frequent nightmares about the past and what had happened to his life before where they are now, but he never really pushed him far enough to make him feel oblige in sharing. He would simply ask, and it's up to the ashen blonde if he would elaborate or not. He might be stubborn in regards to other things, but not to those that Slaine is sensitive with. 

"Inaho, I'm fine. Really."

Calling him by his given name still feels weird for Slaine, but they have long passed the time where they would call each other by nicknames.

There was a hint of doubt in his burgundy eyes, but he chose to trust his words. "...If you say so."

Slaine smiles some more, grateful for Inaho being here and understanding him the most. Looking at how he still continued to rub his hand, Slaine felt the butterflies in his stomach making a havoc. This is what living together had made them become. More open, more intimate with each other. Physical touch was never really their thing, but oddly enough, little gestures like this calms them both. If it was the Slaine from before, he might have swatted off Inaho’s hand and rejected any form of intimacy, but now, he just wants to do more.

"What did you come here for again?" Slaine questioned in an attempt to change topic and to keep his mind occupied before it went to something else.

"Right. What eggs do you want for breakfast?"

"Sunnyside up."

"Wrong. It's Scrambles today."

Their day went on as usual, with the both of them preparing for classes. Inaho had a first period in the morning, leaving him to cook breakfast for the two. Slaine comes in a little later, so he's in charge of cleaning after. Once in a while there would be changes in their schedule, but living together for months now doesn’t make them feel bothered by it. At night, they'll try to eat dinner together, spend a little time together, then study together. Today, though, was a little special for the two.

"Don’t forget our appointment.” Inaho reminded.

“How many more times do you have to remind me?”

The brunette shrugged. "Just making sure you have no reason to forget. Also, I'll pick you up after class."

“Yeah, yeah. Leave before you’re late.”

Inaho was already at the entryway, staring at Slaine as he groggily walked towards him. 

“What?”

“I’ll get going now.”

It made Slaine stop in his tracks. How long have they been doing this again? And even then, he still can’t deny that tumbling feeling in his chest everytime he sends him off like this.

He smiled. “Take care.”

Later that afternoon, the said appointment started to commence. Oddly enough, when Slaine’s classes ended, Inaho really did pick him up and went straight to the university’s parking space, which was weird knowing that the brunette doesn’t own a car.

“What are we here for?”

“I borrowed Yuki-nee’s for a sunset drive.”  

Slaine was astounded. Going out for a sunset drive is nice and all, but isn’t it a bit too much for roommates to do together? He knows they’ve gotten a lot closer compared to the past, still it’s not good enough of a reason for them to go out on a date-like scenario. Inaho might be indifferent to most things, but he should be able to identify things that you do with a special someone and things you do with a friend. Maybe he misheard Inaho?

Even then, the ashen blonde felt like blushing, but had to hide it and not assume anything. 

As they chased the sun, city lights started to appear one by one. The brunette didn’t specify where they were going and the ashen blonde did not dare to ask, but he did guess that the other must have something planned on his mind. He wouldn’t pick a specific route that has a nice view of the sea on one side and the city lights on the other if he didn’t plan this out. 

“Slaine, do you know why the sky is blue?”

It was Inaho’s attempt to make a conversation that Slaine did not mind responding to. He thought it was cute. Their time together made them adept in holding conversations with topics they’re both interested in, and this kind of effort is something that they appreciate. It wasn’t easy to get where they are, and yet what they’ve become proves that even your worst enemy can be your greatest ally. Remembering back on his vivid dream, he just hopes that the Slaine and Inaho there have patched up things too, just like they did. He hopes that they’ve worked things out between them and are now inseparable, that the Bat and Orange from before who could never agree on things, always bickering, always trying to get better and ahead of the other are now looking out for each other, walking side by side, valuing the existence of another.  

Both men continued to chat on trivial things, something that they couldn’t do before but does now as natural as they breathe. They still argue, but it never ends in a bad tone. They still try to prove their point, but respect their opinion. They still hold on to the stubbornness of their youth, but never to the point of hurting the other. Many struggles have yet to come, but they’ve got the back of another.

Around 5 in the afternoon, Slaine had a feeling that the drive was about to end as he saw a cafe with an open area facing the sea. It was quite far from the city, but the hours that had gone by weren't as long as they should in the company of Inaho. Only a few visitors had been there by the time they went in and ordered, so they got the perfect seats for themselves to eat while enjoying the view. Slaine always loved how the sea and sky stretched into the horizon, hearing the waves on the shore and birds trying to catch fish for supper. Even though he himself doesn’t have that many occasions and times to enjoy it, he had this odd feeling of nostalgia and deja vu, like he’d been there a couple of times despite knowing that he hasn’t. This is the first time he and Inaho did this, and yet there is a scene in his mind that keeps repeating.

“Do you want to have a closer look?” The brunette asked.

Slaine didn’t bother to answer and instead stood up from his seat to walk towards the railings, mesmerized by the scenery laid before his blue green eyes. The sun burned bright as it gradually descended into the waters below, creating bursts of colors from red to orange to yellows in the horizon. Up ahead, little stars start to twinkle, preparing to glitter the night as the sun leaves for the other side of the world. The sea mirrored the same colors, glimmering with the last rays of light. It was breathtaking, with the smell of salt breeze bringing comfort to him. 

“Slaine Troyard.”

As he looked at Inaho, meeting eye to eye, drowning into those burgundy ones, it was then that something had hit him. 

This scene had happened in his dream.

It was this that keeps on repeating, like a broken disk on a record player.

It was this that gave him a sense of familiarity.

“I have something to say.”

“Inaho?”

“Ever since we first met, I've had this feeling I couldn't shake.” He started, averting his eyes from blue greens and leaned on the side rails.

“We had bad beginnings, but I thought that if we get along, get to know each other, we probably fit well together.”

Hearing those lines, Slaine looked back on the day he thought of the same thing. Despite their rivalry, in some ways or another, he and Inaho do complement each other. They work together so well that people didn't realize they weren't close, and some of their friends even said that it became natural for them to come as a pair together. Both men have wits, could read each other's action and respond how the other would likely respond. It was no wonder that in the dream he had, Inaho was the one who ended his reign as the leader of the Martians. There could be no other person than him to do it otherwise. 

“So I became interested in what we could be. The whole thing with the harassment months ago helped me to see things and understand what I truly feel.”

Slaine’s heart started beating so loud that it rang in his ears, but he could hear Inaho’s words perfectly well. His calm and collected voice that always soothes him brought forth different kinds of emotions as he spoke his feelings: Affection and ecstasy.

As the brunette faced him once more, there is determination in his eyes that Slaine admires since long ago. His forefront attitude, his kindness and gentleness towards him, his actions that speaks volume… And most of all, the way he calls his name, carrying thousands of unspoken words behind; Slaine loves it all.

“I won't ask for anything in return, but please allow me to express my feelings for you.”

Inaho stepped closer, reached out to hold both of Slaine's hands and held it tight. 

“I love you, in this timeline and for the rest.”

He gently kissed in between those hands, showing Slaine his respect, admiration and devotion. Inaho knew it would be hard to explain with words given how his personality is, but at least in his actions, he wants to convey it. He wants him to know that he's giving his life to him: That he is willing to spend the rest of it with Slaine.

He then took the ashen blonde's left hand and placed it on top of his chest, right above where his heart is.

“There can only be you in here.”

That was the last straw for Slaine to shed beautiful tears as he blushed hard up to his ears. The scene that had unfolded, it was the same with what had happened in his dream. After being together for so long that it became painfully obvious to others that they had feelings for each other, Inaho confessed on the open deck of a vessel called Deucalion. It was hovering above the sea at sunset when it happened, much like how they were now. With the uncanny similarities and parallels, Slaine might as well believe that his dream really happened in another time and space.

So many emotions surfaced that he doesn't know how to respond. He feels happy, to know that he wasn't the only one who felt like this. He feels thankful, to Inaho for confessing. He feels loved, that someone other than his father loves him back. That someone did not mind how broken he had been before he could rise back up again, and that even at his lowest point in life, Inaho still sees him as a person deserving of love. There is also a feeling of realization, knowing that his connection with Inaho goes deeper than he thought if his dream was a reality to another Slaine in another time. Inaho chose him in both, and he is sure that no matter how many timeline there is and whatever their circumstances may be, Inaho will still do the same thing over and over again. Some people would call such a thing as fate.

Slaine kept on crying, and Inaho kept on wiping his tears until he decided to hug him, rubbing his back to calm him down. 

“Sorry. You can reject me if it's too much to the point of making you cry. I didn't mean to disgust you.”

“Who said I was disgusted, idiot.” Slaine sniffed. “I'm happy.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Why else would I cry?”

“I thought you didn't like it.”

Slaine playfully pulled at Inaho's shirt. “I was blushing hard. How could you misinterpret that?”

Inaho looked dejected for not reading between the lines. “Sorry.”

“Don't be.”

Silence settled in as both men did not know how to proceed with things. Inaho got fed up with it and whispered in his ear.

“...I love you.”

Slaine chuckled, heart full of love as he tightened his hug on him, inhaling his hair that smelled like sun and sea breeze.

“I love you too.”

Slaine had a very long dream.

In that dream, he was the villain, and his lover was the hero. They fought against each other, and when he was finally defeated at the end of the day, it was the hero who stayed with him the most.

Slaine smiled at the memory. Not long after, the person beside him woke up, lacing his arms around his waist and buried his face to his pale neck. 

With a muffled voice, Inaho greeted. “Good morning.”

Slaine played with his brown hair. “Morning.”

They stayed like that for a while, basking in the presence of the other, feeling loved and giving love to each other.

Slaine twirled his hair some more, until he was reminded of something that he's been meaning to say since Inaho's confession.

“There's something I want to ask you.”

“Go ahead.”

“ ‘I love you, in this timeline and for the rest.’ That's what you said, but what did you mean by it?”

Inaho didn't respond, until he looked at him with bright burgundy eyes.

“You might not believe me.”

“Try your luck.”

He took his time, but staring at those blue green eyes, he knew he just had to be out with it.

“Would you believe me if I said I dream of us in another reality?” His hug tightened while avoiding eye contact. A frown formed in his face as his eyebrows furrowed. “We were enemies. You fought for the Martians, I fought for the Terrans. Even after the war ended, your suffering didn't.”

Oh. It's the same. 

It wasn't just him.

“Inaho.”

Having called for his attention, Slaine cupped his face, holding it dearly.

“Would you believe me if I said I had the same dream?”