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Ness cringed when he felt the wound on his lips reopening. He admits, he was getting carried away from the thought of Kaiser’s interest for another person, but Ness calmed down once he was back in his room. Hopefully no one will notice the small injury tomorrow, he would hate it if something like this will distract Kaiser. Then again, he doubts that the other will pay any attention, especially with how he’s been acting this lately.
The next day, Kaiser was acting more distant and composed than usual. It was obvious who caused this change and Yoichi will pay.
They were having a mock match practice and Ness was getting tired from the amount of failed passes directed to Kaiser. Ness never missed, Yoichi knew, and that’s how he sabotaged every opportunity whenever Ness kicked the ball with the thought of Kaiser. How the brat figured it out, he doesn’t know, and it’s annoying. Ness never missed, but for the first 3 consecutive times in his life, his passes didn’t reach Kaiser. Ness hates failure, and he will keep on failing his duty to assist Kaiser if he keeps this on. Compromises must be made.
For the rest of the match that day, he tried his best to not assist Kaiser directly, only through others. If the result was still their victory with Kaiser’s finishing impact, then he doesn’t mind about the change in his playstyle. He knows better than anyone that Kaiser must be pissed with how Yoichi was using their chemical reaction to steal the ball, that’s why Kaiser would understand his decision to compromise.
“Shower as usual, Kaiser?” Ness approached him with a smile after the match, the neatly folded towel on both of his hand was snatched away by the barely sweating forward.
Kaiser lightly tapped his neck with the cloth. “Yes. Dinner after.”
Ness smiled excitedly. “Of course.”
He followed Kaiser two steps behind, allowing the other to lead their path. Ness took a quick shower before preparing the change for Kaiser, humming a small tune while waiting for him. Kaiser comes out from the bathroom with a wet hair and an aloof look. Something was bothering him. Still, Ness was silent when Kaiser changed his clothes. He walks to a nearby chair and plugged in the hairdryer cable in, waiting for Kaiser to finish.
Kaiser sat down without a word and let Ness do his work. Ness already prepared a tablet for Kaiser’s entertainment while he dried his hair. As expected, Kaiser was watching today’s practice, eyes never left the screen. At some point, Ness decides to completely focus on his task at hand. He knows well that Kaiser was determined to put the clown back to his place, that’s all. It’s not like Kaiser was getting interested for another man—well he is, but not like that.
Ness shakes his head. Get yourself together Ness. When he was back looking back at the blond hair, suddenly Kaiser turned his head, one brow raised. “What’s the matter?”
That tone, Alexis knows it well. He made the other concern for him. That was embarrassing.
“It’s nothing Kaiser.” Kaiser grew relaxed from the name and continued his previous activity.
Once his hair is all dried up, they went to the cafeteria to eat.
And of course, how very convenient that Yoichi was also here. The moment they arrived in the cafeteria, that clown immediately gave both of them a glare that could only be described as a puppy trying to behave like a wolf. It was kind of cute. They passed the group, Kaiser was silent but Ness couldn’t help but to greet them.
“Hello there.”
Yoichi opened his mouth, only to close it again when he realized Ness doesn’t need to hear his response. The clown decides to say something in Japanese to his friend group in a whispered tone, not quiet enough to escape Ness’s ear. Wait Japanese? Oh right. Ness looked back at the group, none of them are wearing their micro-interpreter. No wonder Yoichi didn’t reply, he doesn’t understand him, and Ness doesn’t understand what they’re saying either since him and Kaiser also didn’t wear the translator.
At the very least, he knows that they were talking shit about them, he can recognize Yoichi or anyone else mentioning their names. They aren’t even trying to hide it.
Kaiser took a seat. “Steak and fries.”
“Very well.” Ness went ahead and grab their food. He placed one of the trays for Kaiser before taking a seat in front of him.
They were sitting face to face in a way that Ness could see how Yoichi was stealing glances at them. Even though Kaiser couldn’t see him, maybe it was obvious with the burn from his back. “Is he looking here?” He asked in German, careful not to say names.
“Yes, multiple times.”
“Nosey brat. Ignore him Ness.”
Kaiser took a bite and Ness followed his order, not giving Yoichi a single look. The group finally left and once both of them finished eating, they walked back to Kaiser’s study room. There, Kaiser watched over everything. Yoichi’s physical training, Yoichi’s match review, even Yoichi’s past performance in the U-20 match.
This time, Ness managed to control his jealousy. Kaiser only does this to defeat Yoichi, yes, that’s all, and Ness will watch it happen with his own eyes. When his legs are starting to sore from standing beside Kaiser too long, Ness goes out to bring some drinks and snack for Kaiser. He went back to the room and placed the tray in the nearby table before sitting down on a chair. Ness can’t see Kaiser like this, but he knows he’s still watching Yoichi closely, so Ness took out his own tablet and browse any data he found important.
Ness looked at the time, it was almost 11, usually Kaiser would take a break after 9 or 10. That’s weird.
He approached the man, and Kaiser was indeed still up, with nothing but concentration on his face.
“It’s getting quite late Kaiser. I suggest you rest so that your body won’t get tired tomorrow.”
“Shut it Ness. I need to figure out how that brat managed to read our movements.” Kaiser was already tired, he knows that much. His words lacked the usual sting.
Ness could let it slide, but not Alexis. “Please don’t overdo it.” There was a firm gentleness in his voice that made Kaiser visibly flinched.
“What time is it?”
He lets out a sigh. “Ten forty.”
A short silence before a reply, “fine.”
It was good to see that Kaiser can still cooperate. He almost thought he lost him from his obsession with Yoichi. Ness prepared his sleepwear and accompanied Kaiser to his bedroom.
He smiled before the door closed. “Have a good night.”
There were no reply and Ness goes back to his lonely bedroom.
He hates the stage, he hates Blue Lock so much. They shouldn’t have come here.
The next day was even worse. God how can the kid progress so fast within these couple of days. His movement are getting better, sharper and more precise. When he stole a pass that was aimed at Ness and scored after, it was the tipping point.
Even after a cold shower, his anger couldn’t be dissipated. “Shitty Yoichi. That monster, I’ll crush him.” If only Yoichi was like the other secondary characters that would break easily under their hands, then none of them would be so worked up. It’s too late now. They can’t finish the story unless the credits roll with either a good ending or a bad one.
Ness who was slumped to the ground, his face resting on his hand with his eyes to the floor, didn’t notice the figure who were standing still in front of him. The only thing that brought him back was the sudden water droplet on his hand. Ness looks up and saw Kaiser looking down at him.
He quickly stands up. “Kaiser!?” too hasty. Ness took a breath. “I’m sorry, I didn’t see you. Let’s dry your hair.” Okay, more composed, much better.
Kaiser didn’t say a word and Ness hated the unreadable look on his face.
Once they were done, Ness was prepared to attend Kaiser to eat, but they didn’t have the same thoughts.
“Go to your room. I need to talk to Noa.”
“Huh!?” What’s this? What is he planning? And why can’t he join him? But his questions were silenced with a single look from Kaiser. “Okay.” Ness surrendered.
He walks back to his room while trying to figure out what went wrong. Though honestly? There was nothing but wrongs after wrongs once Yoichi was dead set with crushing them. He detests that kid so much—
The door slides open and Ness straightened up from his bed. Who the fuck entered—oh, wait huh?
Kaiser was nonchalant when he entered the room. Not a word of anything about his choice of clothes. He crossed his hands.
“Get ready. We’re going out.”
What? “Out? Huh—What do you mean?”
Kaiser lets out an uncharacteristic impatient sigh. “I already asked Noa for permission. He said something about as long as it won’t hinder our schedule.” He scratched his head. “Hurry up. We only have a couple of hours before they closed off the building.”
Even though Ness still has no idea what’s going on, his body already moved to change his clothes. He wore a casual white shirt with navy outer and black pants. Ness grabbed his phone and wallet before approaching Kaiser.
“Did you bring enough Yen?” Kaiser asked when the bedroom door opened.
Ness checked his wallet, yes, he had some Japanese currency, dunno if it’s enough though. “Maybe?”
Kaiser shrugs and the door closed behind them. “Oh well.”
They walked to the exit. There was a girl waiting for them in front of the door, she smiled politely at them. “I heard from Noa that you wanted to visit the city, is that correct?”
Visit the city?? Ness quickly turned to Kaiser.
“Yes. Is there a problem?”
“Oh, not at all. We’ve prepared a ride for the both of you. Please be back before ten.” The girl bowed and moved away from the exit.
Ness followed Kaiser with many questions in his head. They got into the car and soon enough, the both of them arrived in the city. Kaiser stood in silence, then he turned to Ness and tilted his head.
“So? Where are we going?”
“You’re asking me!?” Ness replied rather harshly. All of this was too confusing. “Wait, can you explain what’s going on first.” He pinched his nose and Ness could see the moment a lightbulb shine on top of the blond’s head.
“Oh,” Kaiser let one of his hand rests on top of Ness’s head, “I wanted to take a breather. Figured that it’s best to go around the city, anywhere really, that’s the furthest from Yoichi.”
“Can’t you tell me that earlier.”
“I guess I forgot,” he shrugs, “so where do you want to go Alexis?”
The effect of that name was quick. There was a bright blush on his face that could be seen by anyone, too bad one of them was just beside him.
There was a shit eating grin on his face. “Well? What do you think? A-le-xis.”
Even his heart starts to pound real fast. Alexis took a hand to hide his face. “Please give me a warning next time.” He wasn’t prepared to hear that name coming out of his mouth since it has been a while.
Kaiser hums in deep contemplation but he knows it’s fake. “Nope. Your reaction is too cute.” Right, he should’ve known. An arm found its place around his shoulder, the warmth covering not only his body, but also his whole face. “Lead the way then.” Alexis looks up to the smiling man. God that beautiful smile of his.
“Let’s get some food.” He finally replied, the both of them starts to walk side by side. “What do you want to eat Michael?” Alexis stopped scrolling through his phone for restaurants to look at the other. Michael turned his head to the side, pathetic attempt.
“Are you blushing? Mi-chael?” Now it’s his turn to have a wide smile on his face, even though Michael wasn’t looking at him, the blond must’ve known how much Alexis was enjoying this revenge.
“Yes.” Oh? More docile than he thought. How cute.
Alexis giggled. “Then, what’s for dinner?”
“I was thinking of ramen.”
“Sounds good to me.”
They arrived in a place that was recommended according to the reviews. Both of them took their time to decide what to choose from the foreign ingredients.
Michael furrowed his brows while looking at the menu. “Alexis I can’t read any of this.”
“Honestly, me neither.”
Thankfully one of the employees knows how to speak English. They ended up having whatever’s best from the restaurant. Alexis took out a translator app out of curiosity. “Apparently, Abura is oil.” He points out.
Michael looks even more confused beside him. “They sell oil?”
Yeah that doesn’t make any sense. “I don’t think they mean it like that.”
Their order came and they made sure that both dishes are different. They took a sip of the broth at the same time. Alexis hums from the rich and creamy taste. There’s a hint of herbs alongside the beef base. You don’t get to eat something like this in Germany.
“It’s delicious.” Michael comments, his whole body relaxed after a single sip. But then he turned to Alexis with excitement. “Let me try yours!”
“Yes, yes.” He took a spoon and carefully brings it to Michael’s mouth. One hand was placed under the spoon just in case he spilled it. Michael moved closer and inhaled the whole spoon.
“Yours good as well,” Michael placed his own spoon full of his ramen broth in front of Alexis, “Try mine as well.”
Alexis tasted the difference. This one is milder, but he can taste the meat used for the broth better. “I like this one too.”
“Let’s switch next time.”
A smile rose to his cheeks. Next time, a promise.
Well, that smile was gone the moment he saw Michael’s sad attempt at using chopsticks. Alexis raised his hand to a waiter. “Can we have a fork please.”
“Wait no, I can use it just fine!”
They were not, in fact, successful at using chopsticks. Michael gave up once a noodle hits him right in his face. It was fun to watch him struggle. Both of them left the restaurant with a full stomach.
“Where do you want to go next?” Alexis asked with curiosity. They have a lot of time before their curtain hour.
Michael snaps his finger and points at him. “Arcade.”
“What are you? Five? Aren’t we too old to play?” Alexis laughed and the arm around his waist tightened.
“You’re thinking too much about it. C’mon, where’s the nearest arcade?” Michael whined and placed more weight to Alexis on purpose.
He took out his phone, rolling his eyes, feigning annoyance because he couldn’t possibly get mad at Michael with the way his excitement was on the roof. “Around twenty minutes from here.”
“Then let’s go.”
“Yes, of course.”
Alexis bought some tickets from the register and Michael took him around after. They stopped in front of a basketball game. Alexis gave him a ticket and Michael took the ball with a smirk. “I am the German prodigy, scoring in something like this is no big deal.” Then he shoots with his hand.
“Ah.” He missed. Alexis resists a laugh. “It’s okay Michael—Pft—"
Michael stopped his game and came straight to him. Alexis took a step back but he was too late, two hands grabbed his cheeks and pulls it with no mercy. “Care to repeat that just now? Are you having fun laughing at me?”
“I’m reaawwy sowey Wichael.” He tried his best to say the words when his cheeks are stretched. Michael frowned and slowly lets him go.
Michael caressed both cheeks before walking away with a smile, back to his game. “Just see, I won’t miss the second time.”
And true to his words as always, Michael didn’t miss after that.
They played around until they ran out of tickets. There’s still more than an hour until they need to go back. Both of them decides to spend the time walking around, and it was the perfect moment to finally have a talk.
“So why did you want a break, Michael?” Alexis kept his eyes to the front, his head leaning slightly towards Michael’s shoulder.
“Is it not that obvious?”
“I get the gist of it, but I’m just making sure.”
“We both needed a break Alexis. There was an unpredictable element inside of that Blue Lock stage, I know well that I’m slowly losing my sanity while I play to the role.” Michael stopped walking.
Alexis turned to him and Michael used his other hand that weren’t holding his waist to touch Alexis’s lips, his eyes turning sharp all of the sudden. “I could tell I’m not the only one either. You never told me how you get that cut Alexis.”
It only dawned on him that Michael was touching right where the bite wound was supposed to be. It should be gone by now, but he didn’t expect him to ask about it.
“I bite it on accident.” He replied after a while.
“When?”
With the way he’s being asked, it’s like he got caught red handed.
“That night, when you splashed a drink to me.”
Alexis saw the moment all anger turned to guilt. “Shit, I’m sorry. I completely forgot about that.” The hand that was on his lip moved to Michael’s blond locks as he scratched his head in frustration. “Was it my fault then?”
Alexis shakes his hands. “No, no. Of course not.” He turned to the side. Should he tell the truth to Michael? It appears that Alexis was being silent for too long that Michael immediately knew something was wrong.
“Then why?” Alexis hesitated and the hand on his waist pulls them closer. “Look here and tell me Alexis.” It was the tone that could make Alexis submit in a second, and if Michael told him to walk all fours back to Blue Lock, maybe, he will comply.
Alexis looked at him in the eye, not caring about the way his heart was telling him to look away, and opened his mouth. “You were so fixated on Yoichi and I,” Alexis paused when he saw Michael’s worry, or maybe even pity, he doesn’t know, “—I was pissed. At you, at Yoichi, and myself.” He didn’t realize how the both of them have stopped walking. “He did nothing but break our play to his own ideals, and now we’re taking the consequences of creating the scenario in the first place.”
Michael was silent and Alexis kept on.
“This will only end in either our victory or downfall Michael. We made it that way, so that the same would weigh on Blue Lock’s hero.” There was a hand on his cheek, and Alexis leaned to it desperately. “I don’t want to see Kaiser and Ness suffer. I don’t want us to be the laughingstock of the audience. I don’t want any of us break.” Alexis hiccupped.
“I’m sorry Alexis,” instead of a hand, Michael brushed away his tears with a kiss, “It was cruel of me to make us play that role huh? Yoichi surpassed my expectations, I wanted to make him my sacrificial lamb, but instead that lamb bit me in the ass.”
Alexis can’t stop a laugh leaving his mouth and it made Michael smiled. “You’re right Alexis, this could only end in two ways. Maybe we’ll go insane, I don’t know, that’s up to Kaiser and Ness.” Michael let go of his hold on the waist, the hand is now intertwined with Alexis.
“But I promise you, we’re going to be okay. If anything happens and we break out of character, that’s just fine. You’ve done it for me whenever Kaiser was going out of line, and I did the same when you were feeling down after Yoichi steal your ball today.”
Of course, Michael noticed, Alexis just didn’t expect that something like that would lead them into having a short date to blow some fuse.
When he looks up, Michael was leaning close so that their foreheads are touching. Blue meets magenta, and none of them looked away. “Whatever that will happen—If Kaiser and Ness breaks, let them. But you, Alexis,” he can feel Michael tightened his grip, not letting their hand let go of each other, “you will be fine. Alexis and Michael will be fine, no matter what. Nothing will ever change that fact.”
Alexis knows that well, though it took a lot of weight on his shoulder. If Michael said that they’ll be okay, then it’s the truth. If Ness lost Kaiser, Alexis still has Michael.
Right?
“What’s wrong?” Michael broke the contact on their forehead to properly examine Alexis’s face. He completely forgot about their proximity, Michael must’ve seen the moment a single distress shows up.
“It’s nothing. Forget it Michael.” Alexis smiled to assure him, even though it probably won’t work.
“I won’t ask you twice Alexis,” Michael snapped, “If something is bothering you, tell me now. Everything that’s making you worried, share it with me if I can make you feel better. Before we go back to that hell.”
Alexis was silent for a while. It was a stupid thought really, maybe Michael would be mad if he tells him. Well, he’s already mad anyways, and he could use some reassurance.
He looked to the side, avoiding Michael. “You’ll—Stick with me, right?”
However, Michael was confused. “And by that, you mean?”
Alexis can feel the sweat creeping on their intertwined hand. “That in case the worst-case scenario happened, you won’t leave me, Alexis.” He points to himself.
He was prepared to hear Michael yell about how insignificant his question is, but when Alexis looks back at him, there’s only bewilderment in his face. Michael blinks at him without a word, and the longer he stayed silent, the more nervous Alexis becomes.
When Michael opened his mouth, Alexis prepared for the worst.
But then, comes the gentle concern from the other. “Alexis sweetheart you know that I already bought the ring for both of us.”
The petname sent him bright red. “Y-yes?”
“You and I promised that we’ll wear it together one day.”
He nods.
“Well I’m sure you’re worried, but I’m afraid that it’s absolutely for nothing.”
Alexis lets out a relieved sigh. “Okay. I’m glad.” Once the previous tension was all gone, they start to walk again.
“I must be a bad boyfriend if I made you question that.” Michael laughed, but Alexis knows that he was feeling a bit down.
Alexis shakes his head. “You’re far from it Michael.” He leaned against Michael once more, getting comfortable with their closeness. That’s when he realized something.
He stopped walking and Michael turned to him in confusion. Before he can say anything, Alexis beats him, “Actually, you did something that would make you a bad boyfriend.”
Alexis can see the moment Michael was alarmed by his words. “What? Me? Wait what did I do wrong?”
At that, Alexis made a frown just for fun, even though Michael was panicking. When he opened his mouth, Michael was ready to listen and atone for his actions, and Alexis sure hope that Michael will do just that.
“You forgot to kiss your boyfriend when you’re on a date—”
Atone indeed, Alexis lets Michael take the lead. He wasn’t able to push away the tongue since his mouth was wide open, it’s not like he had the chance to finish his sentence before Michael goes ahead and indulge himself. There was frustration at first, but once Alexis relaxed, Michael turned soft.
Breathing was getting harder, but they have no urgency. Michael would let go and Alexis will take a breath or two before pulling the other back. Yes, there was no urgency, but it’s been a long time since they’ve kissed damn it.
Michael kept his hand on Alexis’s chin and waist to hold him back, as if Alexis wants to get away anyways. Instead, Alexis took both of his arms and placed it around Michael’s neck. His chest was beating loudly to the point that both of them could probably hear it through the closeness of their bodies.
Michael stopped holding his chin, they pulled back for a quick second, then he grabbed Alexis’s head instead. He was pushed once more so that his face was leaning up and Michael could taste him again.
It was a mess, they were a mess, not that they cared. There was a string of saliva when they parted, and more dripping down from the corner of their mouths. Both of them were flushed and red, but it was satisfying nonetheless.
“I was saving the best for last.” Michael finally replied with a raspy voice.
Alexis raised a brow. “You forgot didn’t you?
“Yes, you’re right,” Michael gave him a small peck, “thank you for reminding me.”
“Of course.” Alexis pulls out a handkerchief and offered it to Michael. Once they’re clean from that mess, Michael began to assure him again.
“The moment Kaiser was satisfied with his play, when the credits finally roll, I’ll give you that ring, Alexis.” Michael was smiling when he said that. It was tender and hopeful. “Stay with me until then. And once you wear that ring, I won’t let you go.”
Michael turned to him and Alexis smiles back. “Sounds perfect to me.”
Both of them never let go of their hands, not in the car, not in front of the Blue Lock building that was the very stage they’re currently playing at. Michael moves their hand and land a peck on Alexis’s hand, a promise. Then both of them smiled.
“Until then, Michael.”
The curtain opened once more, their hands let go of each other when they walked through the door. Alexis was more determined than ever. No matter what, even if any of them breaks, what happens on stage will stay on stage. In the end, if Kaiser and Ness dies, then Michael and Alexis will persevere and cling to each other.