Work Text:
Nagi used to love Saturdays.
It was by far his favorite day of the week. No school. No getting up early. No reason to leave his bed. He could laze around all day and play games. Didn’t have to deal with anyone other than Choki. Plus, there was still one day left of the weekend. So he didn’t need to go to bed early. For so long, he used to wish that every day could be a Saturday.
That is… until he met Reo.
Now, unless they have a football match, his Saturdays are Reo-free.
Technically, he should be happy. It’s his one day off— no annoying teammates, no one to force him to run laps, no training of any kind.
And yet— being alone no longer holds the same appeal. Even spending time with Choki isn’t the same, when he could have Reo and Choki in the same room. And by his side.
Reo has changed him on such a fundamental level that sometimes Nagi doesn’t recognize himself. While he still loves to play games and laze around, Nagi has become so dependent on Reo’s warm presence in his life that any day without Reo leaves a Reo shaped hole in his heart and an ache in his chest. He longs to be near his best friend in the same way Choki thirsts for sunlight and water and Nagi isn’t equipped to handle this embarrassing, new development.
You see… Nagi has never needed anyone before. Not even his parents. He isn’t happy perse, but he’s always been fine on his own, figured that was his place in the world. But fine is no longer enough, not when he's experienced an alternative filled with radiant kindness and the overwhelming warmth and comfort of Reo’s presence, not when Reo so effortlessly carved and reserved a space for Nagi right by his side.
There’s no way he can return to a life without Reo— a half-life spent monotonously spacing out in shades of gray, observing life from the sidelines, never allowing himself to hope that someone might actually see him and not be scared away, that someone who shines as brightly as Reo would be interested in a slacker like him.
No, Reo has ruined him beyond repair and Nagi is a hopeless mess without him. Since this is all Reo’s fault, he should be responsible for dealing with the consequences, to take care of Nagi even on their days off. Right?
Although Reo usually spends his Saturdays with his family and doing whatever it is that rich people do, if Nagi texts him to come over, he’ll come. Probably? Maybe?
It’s rare that Nagi reaches out first. But the few times he has, Reo always greets him with an almost immediate response. And unless Nagi asks about skipping practice or slacking off during games, Reo usually indulges his requests. So maybe it isn’t a big deal. He should stop being a loser and ask Reo to come over. It’s Reo’s fault that Nagi misses him so much anyway.
After offering Choki a good luck peace, he types out a message to Reo before he changes his mind.
come over for a movie night. choki misses you.
He tacks on one of his ghost stickers, a sad one with big eyes and a pouting face, knowing Reo loves them and hopes for the best.
“Reoo, you’re here.”
Nagi opens the front door and tugs Reo inside by the arm, shoving him through the doorway of Nagi’s apartment. Without even letting Reo remove his shoes, Nagi throws his arms around Reo’s left shoulder, clinging to him tightly, smothering his face in Reo’s neck with a deep sigh. Mmmm, why does Reo always smell so good?
Reo laughs and returns Nagi’s embrace with one arm, the other reaching up to stroke his hair. Closing his eyes, Nagi can’t help but lean into the contact. There’s something so soothing about Reo’s touch.
“Woah, Nagi is everything ok? You don’t usually tackle me like this.”
Nagi mumbles into Reo’s neck, refusing to let go. They’d been separated for more than 24 hours and Nagi needs his Reo fix in order to recharge. “I’m fine. Just wasn’t sure if you were coming.”
Reo laughs again, this time brighter. Nagi can feel Reo’s chest vibrating against his. Reo has such a pretty laugh. It’s one of Nagi’s favorite sounds in the whole world.
“Why wouldn’t I come? You invited me over for movie night. I wouldn’t miss it.” His voice is so fond as he continues stroking long fingers through Nagi’s hair, massaging them against his scalp. “Not gonna lie… I was shocked to get a message from my treasure on our day off. Thought you’d be sick of me by now and need a break.”
Nagi shakes his head and rubs his face against Reo’s shoulder like a shy cat desperate for attention from his favorite human. Silly Reo, doesn’t he know that Nagi always wants to talk to him. He’s the only one that Nagi is never sick of. Will never be sick of. How can that ever happen when being in Reo’s presence feels this amazing, when he spent all day miserable and moping without him?
No, Reo belongs by Nagi’s side. They are partners and should not be separated. He hums contently into Reo’s shoulder and asks, “Did you bring the popcorn?”
“Of course, anything for my treasure.” Reo raises his right shoulder, drawing attention to his oversized backpack, which probably cost more than half of Nagi’s wardrobe, the thick leather strap inching down his arm. He ruffles Nagi’s hair one last time then removes his fingers. Nagi almost whines at the loss of contact.
“Not that I’m not enjoying this greeting … but you gotta let go so I can take off my shoes.”
“Don’t wanna,” Nagi says petulantly. “Shoes are a pain.”
Another laugh and then Reo leans in, voice softer and coaxing. “That might be so but didn’t you want popcorn? I can’t make it if you don’t let go.”
Nagi considers his options. Honestly, he wouldn’t mind staying in this position all night if it means being close to Reo. But Reo wants to watch a movie and the last thing Nagi wants is to make Reo sad. Anything but that.
“Fine,” he huffs, releasing his death grip on his best friend. Reluctantly, he unburrows his head from Reo’s neck and turns around, meeting amused purple eyes for the first time that evening. He gulps and then blinks, staring into Reo’s wide, pretty eyes. Were they always so mesmerizing?
“Butter too?” he adds, before Reo can question his behavior. He knows he’s acting strange even by Nagi’s standards.
“You worked hard this week and deserve a little treat so butter too. But promise you can’t eat too much though and get sick to your stomach again.”
Nagi pouts. “I didn’t get sick.”
Reo arches a challenging eyebrow.
“I won’t get sick this time,” Nagi amends.
“Ha, that’s better.” Reo flashes one of his devastating grins, even white teeth on full display. Nagi tries to ignore the fluttering warmth in his chest. “Why don’t you go pick out a movie while I make snacks, ok?”
“Huh? Let’s watch Truman Show. It’s Reo’s favorite.”
Reo shakes his head and scrunches his nose. “We’ve already watched it 3x. Nope! It’s your turn this time to pick out a movie. It’s only fair.”
Nagi frowns, annoyed at himself for not thinking that far ahead. Picking out a movie seems like a pain, but he doesn’t want to let Reo down. “Sure, boss.”
Nagi isn’t a movie person. He finds watching movies annoying. By the time he decides if the characters or plot are worth getting invested in, the movie is already over, which is why he prefers video games and tv shows. But Reo loves watching movies and Nagi likes doing anything that involves spending more time with Reo, especially when it means Nagi can cuddle into Reo’s side and not move for an entire evening.
Besides, Reo has generously gifted Nagi a new Apple TV and even spent an afternoon setting it up and sharing all his passwords for various streaming services. Nagi doesn’t want Reo to think his gift was unappreciated. For Reo, Nagi is willing to take on many bothersome tasks.
Unfortunately, Nagi doesn’t have a favorite genre or actor but he knows that Reo likes Jim Carrey. Stretching his long legs on the small couch in his living room, he types Jim Carrey into the Apple TV search bar and hopes the little box is smart enough to offer a good recommendation. The first film in the search results, listed right next to Truman Show, is a film called Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Nagi hovers over the title and notices it has a 92% approval rating. He wonders if Reo has seen it before?
“Did you find something, my treasure?”
Nagi startles when he hears Reo’s voice murmur in his ear, as he casually rests his chin on top of Nagi’s head. Apparently, Reo is already done preparing the snacks and snuck his way into the living room. A bowl of popcorn, two lemon teas, and some napkins are already waiting on the low, wooden coffee table in front of them. He shouldn’t be surprised. Reo is good at everything.
“Have you seen this one?” Nagi asks, pointing to the television screen.
Reo lifts his chin off Nagi’s head and focuses on the screen. “Mm, I haven’t.” He purses his lips, in that adorable way of his when he’s deep in thought. “But it’s been on my watch list for ages! I’ve read it’s one of Jim Carrey’s best performances.”
Nagi nods, satisfied that Reo seems excited about his choice. Thanks little apple box. Boss approves of your choice. “Gotcha, let’s watch.” He bends over and reaches for the popcorn bowl offering it to Reo before grabbing some for himself, tossing a few pieces into his mouth.
Reo’s eyes widen as he joins him on the couch. “Are you sure, Nagi? It’s a rom-com and I don't wanna bore you.”
Nagi shrugs, inching closer on the couch toward Reo until their shoulders touch, wrapping his legs over Reo’s lap, intertwining their knees. He doesn’t approve of how far away Reo chose to sit and needed to fix it. “Don’t care. If it’s boring, I’ll just nap on my Reo pillow.”
Reo chuckles and grabs the tiny remote that Nagi offered him. A faint blush tints his cheeks. He knows that Reo likes to be in control of things when possible. It makes him more relaxed and Nagi doesn’t mind. He would rather be in charge of the popcorn bowl anyway. He pops a handful of hot kernels into his mouth, savoring the buttery and salty goodness. So airy and perfect. Whenever Nagi tries to make popcorn, he tends to burn it.That’s why Reo is on snack duty. He sighs in contentment and snuggles into Reo’s side, revels in the softness of his cashmere sweater, then returns his head to rest on his shoulder.
By the time Reo presses play, he’s already narrating the opening credits and is vibrating with excitement beside Nagi. Yeah, this is so much better than being alone. Even if the movie sucks, he won’t care.
Random thoughts for Valentine’s Day 2004. Today is a holiday invented by greeting card companies to make people feel like crap. I ditched work today and took a train out to Montauk. I don’t know why.
Sand is overrated. It’s just tiny little rocks.
Huh? Nagi supposes this Joel guy is kinda smart and knows what he’s talking about. It’s not often that Nagi is able to relate to a movie protagonist. Maybe he won’t fall asleep and give the film a chance. He shifts his gaze toward Reo, who has a small crease between his brows, already engrossed on the screen. That annoying flutter in his chest is acting up again. Lately, being in Reo’s presence makes him flustered. He isn’t sure why but there’s no way he’s giving up his Reo time. He wants to enjoy every minute and will figure it out later.
Halfway through the movie, Reo turns toward him, his hair reflecting the blue television light. He flaunts an indulgent grin. “I can’t believe you’re still awake, Nagi. Are you liking the movie?”
Nagi shrugs and leans further into Reo’s shoulder, nuzzling his face into Reo’s neck. “It’s not bad,” he admits. “I like Joel.”
Reo shakes his head. “Of course you do! I like Clementine. Kate Winslet is so beautiful.”
Nagi frowns at his best friend’s admission. He guesses that Clementine is kinda pretty but that’s not why Nagi likes her. He’s more drawn to Clementine and Joel’s relationship.
They’re opposites but fit together. Find a way to balance each other out. Clementine likes Joel even though he’s quiet and awkward and Joel helps ground Clementine whenever she has too many wild ideas. Clementine pushes Joel to try new things, forcing him to expand his comfort zone and they are so deliriously happy. Living in their own world when together.
If he’s honest, they remind him of Nagi and Reo. Except for the part where they erase each other's memories. Nagi would never do that. All his most precious memories involve Reo. He’ll never give them up. Never give up his time with Reo even if he were to lose him in the future.
Nagi hasn’t given much thought to love. Girls have never interested him. Yet, seeing the way Joel looks at Clementine, how much he needs her. It’s similar to how he looks at Reo, how much he needs Reo, how much Reo has changed his world.
Nagi assumed he’d never fall in love. Love meant dealing with some bothersome girl, who would want to change him. At least that’s what his father told him. But if he can fall in love with Reo, who already accepts Nagi exactly as is, then that would be okay. It wouldn't be too different from being partners. And there would be benefits… like kissing. Reo’s lips are probably soft.
Mmmm, yeah, as Nagi watches Joel and Clementine kissing against the wall before the end credits roll out, he imagines pushing Reo against a wall after practice. Or against the lockers in the clubhouse and kissing him breathless. And oh, that annoying flutter in his chest finally makes sense. Nagi wants to kiss his best friend, has wanted to for a long ass time.
Now he needs to figure out if Reo feels the same. Would it be weird to ask him for a kiss? Is that something best friends do?
Lost in his daydream, Nagi stiffens when a faint sniffle catches in his ear. He whips his head around and realizes Reo is crying. What’s going on? Who made Reo upset? His Reo should always be happy and smiling. Nagi sucks at comforting people but for Reo he’ll try.
“Reo, what’s wrong? Did you not like the movie? We can watch something else.”
“What? No, I loved it! Ignore me, I’m just being a crybaby. You don’t wanna hear about—”
Nagi swallows and then places a shaky hand on Reo’s face, trying to understand why Reo is always so hard on himself, why he doesn’t apply the same grace he does toward Nagi to himself. He gazes into his eyes almost reverently and wipes the tears away with his thumb.
“If Reo’s upset, I wanna know.”
Reo tilts his head and gawks at him, surprised. He takes a deep, ragged breath. “It’s embarrassing but here goes. I just think it's so beautiful that Joel loves Clementine so much even with all her faults. He’s such a nice guy… And even though she was awful to him. Well, they were kinda awful to each other. But he doesn’t care. He wants her no matter how broken she is, wants to try their relationship again even if it means everything goes to shit and falls apart again. I just can’t imagine anyone loving me like that, willing to put up with all my faults unconditionally. Maybe it’s not realistic but don’t you find it romantic?”
“Not really.”
“So cold.” Reo snorts and tries to keep his tone light. But his eyes are still watery.
Damn, Nagi realizes he misspoke. Talking might be a pain, but it’s important Reo understands. He grabs Reo by his wrists then intertwines their fingers, trapping Reo’s hands underneath his own. “Reo, you don’t get it. I can’t imagine anyone having to put up with you. And it’s not weird what Joel said. There’s nothing I don’t like about you. You’re perfect. How could someone not love you?”
Reo chokes, coughing until his entire face is flushed. “Nagi, you can’t say things like that!”
“Why not? If they’re true.”
Reo bites down on his bottom lip, a painful expression deepening in his eyes. He lowers his head, uneven bangs coming untucked from behind his ear. “What you think is love… the kind of love you feel for me… is friendship and probably some gratitude since I was your first friend. But that’s not the same. At least not the kind of love you’re talking about.”
Nagi tightens his grip on Reo’s hands and draws him closer. A soft audible gasp escapes Reo’s, pretty, pretty, lips.
“No. Reo, I like you how Joel likes Clementine. I like you like this.”
Just in case he still doesn’t get the picture, Nagi cups Reo’s cheek with his left hand. He gasps again as he realizes what Nagi’s about to do. Nagi has never kissed anyone, has no idea how to kiss. That doesn’t matter. He needs Reo to understand his intentions.
Closing his eyes, Nagi leans in and presses his lips against Reo’s. It’s a soft, hesitant kiss, their lips barely brushing. But Nagi feels his lips tingle, his entire face heating up. He was right, Reo's lips are soft. Reo seems shocked but then recovers once Nagi pulls away. He wets his lips and locks eyes with Nagi, who’s desperately trying to convey everything he can’t say.
Like always, Reo seems to understand. He smiles, all soft and tender, then drags Nagi in for another kiss. This one is much less hesitant. Reo is more determined and confident in his actions. He wraps one hand in Nagi’s hair, the other around his neck, slim fingers sneaking their way under the collar of his hoodie. He takes full control of the kiss, hungry lips devouring his in one swift motion, Reo’s tongue carefully pushing his way into Nagi’s mouth, stealing all his breath.
Wet is the first thing he thinks. But Nagi doesn’t mind. Reo tastes like lemon tea and the melon chapstick he always carries around and Nagi’s never been more infatuated with a combination. He responds eagerly, opening his lips under Reo’s, tangling his own hands in Reo’s silky hair, deepening the kiss.
It’s a bit awkward and messy. He’s probably using too much saliva and yet his entire body feels like it’s humming. His head is spinning and brain feels like mush, heart pounding hard and insistent against his rib cage. He’s never been happier, never felt more alive than tangled in his best friend’s arms. Not for the first time Nagi realizes he doesn’t want to lose this. That he’ll do anything to keep Reo.
When they pull apart, Nagi is trembling. He’s breathless, more breathless and lightheaded than after running laps during extra long practice sessions. He parts his lips and tilts his head, looking to Reo for acknowledgement. He’s pretty sure that Reo enjoyed it too but needs confirmation.
“Reo?” he breathes, still in awe.
“I’m sorry,” Reo tells him, offering a reassuring smile. “Sorry that I didn’t get it. You’ve been trying to tell me this for a while, huh?” This time it’s Reo who reaches out and links their fingers together. He gives Nagi’s hand a gentle squeeze.
“Yeah,” Nagi agrees, squeezing Reo’s hand in return, “but it’s ok.” He’s so relieved to have figured out what that annoying feeling was in his chest, finally understanding why he’s been so hungry and needy for Reo these last few months.
Reo laughs. “This feels like a dream. I never imagined you’d ever like me back. If it’s not clear, I like you like that too.” He fixes Nagi with such a soft look, full of so much affection and fondness it almost hurts to look at him.
Maybe movies aren’t so bad. Nagi rubs Reo’s pinkie with his own and locks them together, then gives his hand another squeeze. Exhausted from their discussion, he plops his head on Reo’s shoulder again.
“Ne Reo, I think this might be my new favorite movie.”