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Kaito didn't dare to move, Christopher had just managed to fall asleep.
On his lap.
Kaito didn't want to disturb him.
He knew it was a busy day for the older duelist and how he's been lacking proper sleep, but Kaito didn't expect him to immediately fall asleep next to him on the couch.
Even now, Chris looks so pretty... no matter what he just carries this air of peace.. before he could catch himself, Kaito felt his face heat up in embarrassment.
He was my mentor and friend .. that's why I feel this way about him.. there's nothing else ... there's no way he would feel that way about me anyway.... but... his hair looks so soft ... what.. what if... no . No, I cannot pet his hair... though it always comforted Haruto in his sleep so maybe ... maybe it'd do the same for Chris...
Kaito hesitantly reached out his hand , gently bringing it to rest on the top of Chris's head. He slowly began to stroke down, his fingers weaving between the strands like a comb.
Christopher began to relax further, letting out a small content sigh in his sleep. Kaito smiled gently, continuing to stroke Chris's hair.
He was exhausted huh.. I can't believe this is happening. I wish I could grab him a blanket but....
Kaito watched the steady rise and fall of Chris's chest.. content.. yet scared …
I've. I've always appreciated him, the determination to make me a better duelist, how he is around Haruto... how he listens to me... butbthats normal of friends.. and we've known each other for a long time. This can't be anything else can it...
But... I like him... I like him alot. This is different to how I have felt about anyone else in my life, Gouache, Droite, Yuma, Shark, none elicited this intense of a reaction.. This amount of warmth .. admiration… This had to be different didn’t it.. I like him.. Love even… but…. but .. it'll be alright if he doesn't return my feelings, I’d be more devastated if I lose him in my life entirely… it’ll be alright…
Kaito's expression turned to longing ... sadness seeping into his eyes.. Chris’s chest rose in a steady rhythm.
Up.
Down.
Up.
Down .
Up.
Kaito turned away..
I shouldn't be doing this... this is selfish.. A selfish selfish thought... but Chris needs rest, I shouldn’t disturb him.... there's no way he would reciprocate... I should get over him ....
Tears threatened to fall from Kaito’s eyes. He removed his hand from Chris’s head, wiping away his tears, before placing his hand flat on his lap. Kaito glanced back at Chris, noticing how perfectly his hair fell around his shoulders, how he managed to fit his tall form in the remaining space next to him on the couch, and the small, gentle smile that adorned his face… It was too late for him.
He really is beautiful... I know I should get over these thoughts.. but for now...... I.
Kaito brought his hand back to Chris's hair, continuing the repetitive motion.
It's to help him sleep. This is a normal activity . This always helped Haruto... this always helped Haruto....
It was as if he was signaled, Haruto appeared in the doorway, making eye contact with his older brother. He quickly walked inside , making a quick assessment of the situation.
Kaito didn't appreciate the face that appeared on his brother. One of pure excitement and enthusiasm. A small undercurrent of mischieviousness..
Harutos' eyes darted between Chris and Kaito , his expression getting grander and grander , before jumping onto the couch next to Kaito.
"Big Brother!!!!! Big Brother !!!! Does this mean you two are dating now !!!!?" Haruto exclaimed, his eyes filled with joy.
Kaito stared at him, heat quickly rushing to his face....
"No… NO!" he burst out quickly, only causing his face to heat up more… Shit he’s still asleep.
“ Haruto SHHH he’s still sleeping! I don’t want to wake him”
"What do you mean you're not dating yet..." Haruto frowned in disappointment
"Chris is just my friend Haruto, there's no way he would want to date me." He answered sadly...though how did Haruto know his feelings before him. ... Kaito just accepted the fact he liked Chris and there was no way he'd tell Haruto.... Kaito truly didn't believe his face could get anymore red. He looked over to his brother, who was sadly kicking his legs over the side of the couch, deep in thought..
"How. How did you know I liked Chris Haruto.?" Kaito stuttered from his embarrassment.
"Well..." Haruto passed, bringing a finger to his face. " When you talk about him you always look very soft and gentle. You're happy! " Haruto grinned up at his older brother.
Kaito was caught off guard, blinking at his brother , who's smile continued to grow.
"It's okay brother, you'll eventually tell him I know you will. You're my brave big brother , and then I'll have 4 big brothers !!!" Haruto gleamed, kicking his feet in excitement
Kaito brought a hand to his face , trying to hold on to what was left of his pride. He looked back down at Chris and his stupidly gentle sleeping face and smiled once more...
"Maybe I will tell him... but not now... he needs to rest, " Kaito whispered, running his fingers through Chris’s hair.
About an hour later, Chris stirred gently before stretching to wake up, a blanket around his shoulders.
“Good morning sleepyhead,” Kaito greeted over the pages of his book.
“Ah Kaito, what an amazing sight to wake up to” Chris spoke with a smile, turning to face him.
Kaito froze, looking at Chris with embarrassment… He coughed before averting his eyes.
“How’d you sleep, you were out for a while”
Chris sat up, stretching his arms over his head “ Pretty well I’d say, I had a really great pillow” He smirked over in Kaito’s direction .
“Chris, what are you doing right now?!?” Kaito sputtered.. A faint blush coating his face.
“Well, we are dating now aren’t we?” He flipped his hair back over his shoulder, winking in Kaito’s direction “ we can’t disappoint Haruto now can we.”
~☆