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Lightning flashed outside his window. The thunder howled and called harsh winds to blow against the glass. It only made the bedroom darker, as the storm brewed in the midnight abyss.
Yet, Takuto didn’t flinch at the loud claps or bolting snaps. He remained staring at his bedroom walls, his thoughts occupying his skull.
He flipped over to the other side, figuring that the bright flashes in his window blinded him. Though, he did wonder if the sounds the storm offered were better than being blinded every few minutes.
Takuto focused on the rise and fall of his chest. He closed his eyes, telling himself that he could simply fall asleep to the sounds of rain pattering on the glass.
Another pound of thunder flashed his room in a white light. Takuto sighed. Maybe this wasn’t as easy as he wanted.
He pushed the blankets off his body, slipping on his sandals and left his room. At first, he wanted to simply lay on the couch, but he found himself walking towards Zenkichi’s bedroom.
It wasn’t that Takuto didn’t trust Zenkichi, he already shared much with the other man. He never felt like he was holding himself back from sharing what came to his mind, regardless of the topic’s nature. From philosophical questions, to deeply personal feelings, Zenkichi didn’t mind listening and giving his two cents.
it was more of a reluctance in getting used to living in a shared space again. It’s been years since Takuto lived with someone. Even more so when he had moved out from his apartment.
Takuto slipped into the other bedroom, and approached Zenkichi’s body. He laid his hand over the other man’s shoulder, jostling him gently.
An exhausted ground departed from Zenkichi and he turned to face Takuto. His gray eyes slowly opened and rested on the other man.
“Maru…? What’s on your mind this time?”
Takuto pulled back his arm, moving to lift up the blankets and lay down beside Zenkichi. “The usual… Though I tried to sleep, I really did. The storm just kinda prevented me.”
Zenkichi’s arm lifted up to accommodate the other man. His eyes studied Takuto to make sure he wasn’t instinctively treading lightly on his feelings. A crack of lightning ceased it though, which caused him to let out another yawn.
Zenkichi wrapped one arm around Takuto’s waist, slipping his hand under his shirt to rest on the small of his back.
Silence accompanied Takuto. The kind of sudden quiet that seemed to make everything stop in its place. The kind that made him miss something, when his mind had a chance to wander endlessly and his heart a moment to reminisce.
That was how he felt when Zenkichi had pulled him closer. Takuto’s thoughts finally became sluggish, and the other man’s warmth surrounded him. Their limbs entangled amidst the sheets.
Zenkichi’s hand wrapped around Takuto’s, the moving sheets being the only sound that indicated the movement.
Takuto hadn’t noticed how his breaths became erratic. He attempted to slow down, matching with Zenkichi. He released a shaky breath and allowed his body to sink against Zenkichi’s embrace. Allowing his being to be consumed with the longing of the other man.
The blanket had caught Takuto’s gaze. It was soft, smelt of lavender. The teal yarn blended well with a gentle nature hue of green.
“You can knit?” The words flowed out unexpectedly from Takuto.
Zenkichi chuckled and shook his head. “No, Akane did this blanket. I honestly like this hobby of hers more than… the other one.” His voice was groggy with sleep, as he felt Takuto settle further in the warmth.
Zenkichi briefly rolled his eyes at the reminder of the figurines and merchandise decorating his daughter’s bedroom. But he wasn’t complaining. If his daughter was happy, he was happy. As well as Takuto too.
“...Do you think I made the right decision? Moving in with you, I mean.” Takuto’s voice was quiet compared to the storm.
Zenkichi huffed out a sigh, a small smile forming on his face. “Well, I think it’s right. But… Do you have some regrets about it?”
“A little, though I guess I’m just being scared of change, is all.” A shrug followed. “I’m glad I got to keep the apartment as like a minor home when I need it. Could use some renovations but, better than nothing.”
Zenkichi nodded. “Hey, that apartment means a ton and I get it. I’m glad I could help out and clean it up from time to time.”
Takuto nodded as well, closing his eyes. He let himself get lost in the sound of the quieting storm and Zenkichi’s breathing. The safety of the other man’s presence.
“...Zen?”
“Mhm?”
“Thanks. For everything.” Takuto paused, finding his words. “I… I love you, so much.”
“I love you always, Maru.” The other man replied in return. Despite the constant need to say those words, it was always worth providing Takuto that very reassurance that got him through his longing.
Eventually, the thunder drifted into background noise, the storm outside unable to shatter through the warmth and comfort that settled around them. For a couple of minutes, they relaxed, slowly slipping back to sleep. The storm still raged outside, but neither of them paid any attention to it.