Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Ever since Agape was young, he admired artists. To think the strokes of a single brush could create an image baffled him as a child, which inspired him to take it up as a career. His family was unsupportive of his choice though, they told him how much he’d struggle and how… Even though his artwork was beautiful, it wasn’t anything special.

That’s how Agape was in life though, nothing special. Nothing about him would be jaw droppingly amazing, but nothing about him was jaw droppingly horrendous; he was mediocre at best. 

Despite this, he put all his love into art, hoping that through practice his art will shake someone up, make them feel miserable, feel hopeful, feel anything. Agape wanted someone to remember his art, even if it was the worst person in the world. At least he’d know his art isn’t just, “oh, it’s art!” To people. That people would feel the brush of each stroke, and want to pick up art as well.

As unfortunate as it was, his family was correct. Agape struggled through life as an artist, barely making enough income to support himself. He didn’t want to go home and admit to his family that his career was practically dust, he wouldn’t allow his pride to go through that. So instead, he endured it quietly, the pain of being nothing more, nothing less.

All wasn’t at loss though, Agape’s artwork was presented at an artist convention! There, he could sell his work to anyone interested, if anyone even was interested.

While setting up, a young man approached his stall holding a camera. Agape noticed him because the man stared at his stall for a long while, Agape chuckled, “you good?” The man shook his head to recollect himself, he nodded and said, “yes, I’m fine.” Agape also noticed the man’s bored tone, wondering if this man was forced to look at his artwork to be polite. Insecurities always got the best of Agape.

“What’s this called?” The man pointed at an artwork of Agape’s, it was an oil painting of a mother holding a baby. Agape had never named it, he didn’t really see the point of naming something so mediocre. Hundreds of artists could replicate this image, it was an image one could see anywhere. Agape laughed, “I’m afraid I don’t have one for it.” The man blurted out, “you’re selling art with no name?”

The two paused, and the man quickly covered his mouth, “my apologies, that came out rude.” Agape shook his head, “no, I get it.” He held in his tears, “it is strange to sell art I haven’t named.” The man shook his head, “no, I think it’s rather… Interesting.” Interesting? “What do you mean?” Agape set down his brushes, the stranger continued, “the image’s name can be made up for the viewer, and no matter how many people show up, it’ll have many names by the end of the day.” The man smiled fondly at the painting, “it’s beautiful.” 

“What’s your name?” Agape asked, nobody ever complimented his paintings so earnestly, when they did it was clear they did in order to seem polite. The man rubbed the camera lens nervously, “Goyou.” 

Goyou… Agape would have to remember that name. Even though this person was practically a stranger, it made Agape almost burst with tears that his artwork made someone feel anything except, “oh, it’s art”.

Goyou held up their camera shyly, “may I… Take a picture?” Agape usually didn’t allow photos, however this one time he made an exception. “Yes.” He stepped away from the booth in order for Goyou to take a photo, however Goyou held his hand up. “Ah, ah, stay where the camera can see you.” Agape curiously asked, “why?” Goyou explained happily, “I want to remember the artist who made this.” Agape scooted closer to his artwork and gave a genuine smile toward the camera. He was glad he met Goyou.

At the end of the day, when everyone was ready to pack up, Agape saw Goyou approaching him. Goyou requested, “m-may I have your business card?” Agape blinked, “huh?” Goyou again requested, “may I have your business card?” Agape rushed to his pockets, “oh! Yes, here you go!” He practically shoved the card into Goyou’s chest, who accepted the item gratefully.

For the first time ever, someone admired his work so much they wanted his business card… It made Agape feel like he was on cloud nine for the rest of the night. 

When he awoke the next morning though, he was reminded of his empty and hollow artwork all over again. He was commissioned to draw a public scenery, which would’ve been great! Except, the price was incredibly cheap, and the canvas he had to use was quite small. It was clear they commissioned him because he was the closest artist. 

Agape was the type that needed to hear he was wanted in order to feel wanted, however he was realistic, no human being in this world would say those words to him. He wasn’t anything special, so nobody would say anything special to him, and he couldn’t even be mad about it.

The artist sat himself in front of a park statue. Observing his piece, he rummaged through his supplies and didn’t even notice Goyou from afar taking pictures.

Goyou, who was casually strolling through the park, secretly watched as Agape picked up a brush, and began to photograph the artist. He knew he shouldn’t be taking photos of a stranger without their knowledge, but Goyou wanted to capture this moment. Everyone else would glance at Agape painting but Goyou was the one watching him paint.

The photographer had always been this way, admiring and finding comfort in the most bizarre of things. He took pictures of almost anything because he found value in everything, to frogs, to people, to art. 

Life wouldn’t last forever, he knew sooner or later, everything around him would disappear. Nobody would know the existence unless he photographed them, a way to capture moments in an endless time. Nobody around him cherished the time they had left, they didn’t cherish the lives they met. He did, he wanted to embrace everything, life was beautiful to him. To him, this man Agape was beautiful.

Goyou had a bit of a bad habit of growing attached to anyone he met, he enjoyed learning the lives people lead. Especially artists, those whose moments of painting were rarely cared for. Goyou loved watching people paint, the process of the art was almost magical each time he saw it.

It was then Goyou realized he’d been recording Agape, he knew he appeared as a creep and carefully hid his camera. He didn’t mean to record, but watching each mark from the paint was fascinating. 

Unexpectedly, Agape got up to stretch, causing Goyou to jump up and pretend he was photographing random things. Not that he’d complain, being able to take more photos was more preferable. 

Agape saw Goyou from afar photographing something on the ground, he approached the man and kneeled down beside him. Agape tapped his shoulder and as Goyou turned around, Agape couldn’t help but notice the faint dust of pink on his face. 

“Nice to see you again!” Agape grinned, making Goyou shy away. Agape was worried if he was coming off too strong at this point. Agape said, “did you come here for work too?” Agape pointed at the camera, leaning closer he observed, “its quality is good too!” Goyou mumbled, “uh, no… It’s just a hobby of mine. Agape stood back up, “want to walk around while you take pictures then?” Goyou nodded slowly, not expecting to end up interacting with Agape.

During their time together, Agape made small conversations with Goyou, talking about unimportant things such as the gossip in town. Goyou snapped a picture of a bench, which made Agape lean in front of the camera curiously, “why’re you taking pictures of an old park bench?” 

In truth, he took the photo to reminisce about this moment. This peaceful moment of doing nothing that’ll hurt anyone, nothing that’ll please anyone but himself. In the photo was a place Goyou could venture in to remember the artist and scenery. 

The other finally replied, “I like taking pictures of everything.” He held up his camera, “everything has value to me. Everything we see now will be gone in a millenia, I want something to remember it at least.” 

“Everything has value”, words Agape found childish, and yet this childish statement made his heart flutter. To imagine someone worried that humanity will forget about a simple park bench was silly, and yet he gave the image meaning. 

Oh, how jealous Agape was. To find someone who’d value anything, it made his hopes go up that maybe this person would find value in him. They barely knew each other, and yet Agape wished to hear it from this stranger before anyone else. He really was desperate for validation, genuine validation meant so much more from a stranger than someone close to him. After all, this stranger wouldn’t shower you with compliments like close ones do.

Goyou noticed the sour expression on Agape’s face, and in that moment snapped a picture. The shutter startled Agape, who blinked and looked down at Goyou, puzzled. Agape questioned, “why’d you take a photo of me?” Goyou looked down at his camera, almost like he felt bad. Goyou admitted, “You seemed upset, so I wanted to take a photo.” Agape sat on the bench curiously, Goyou began, “I hope this doesn’t sound weird—” He held the camera close to him as he also climbed on the bench, “but I wanted to capture that moment of you.” 

Surprisingly, Agape held out his hand, visually asking Goyou if he could hold the camera. Goyou lifted the camera to Agape’s hands, who looked through the memory of said camera. He saw a few pictures of himself painting aimlessly, feeling nothing but self pity for himself during that moment. And then he saw the photo Goyou had just taken, Agape didn’t know why Goyou wanted to capture this moment.

He thought back to what Goyou said, about finding value in everything. Agape didn’t want to get his hopes up, perhaps Goyou took the photo on a whim, perhaps Goyou was a creep. Or, perhaps Goyou found value in Agape.

“Goyou.” Agape said suddenly, “Let’s go out for dinner tonight.” Goyou looked puzzled at the invitation, “why?” He questioned, Agape handed the camera back to Goyou with a small blush tinted on his cheeks, “so I can take photos with you.” 

Did Agape just invite a man he met yesterday to dinner? Yes. Did Agape regret it? No. Agape wanted to befriend this man, out of desperation or not, Agape felt a genuine connection with him. Little did he know, but Goyou felt the same. The first connection on a deep level, with a stranger they hardly knew.

Chapter Text

That night they really got along! Agape and Goyou got to know each other well enough, and later they even became close friends. While Agape’s art career was still practically non-existent, it almost didn’t matter because of Goyou. Whether Agape realized it or not, he grew attached to Goyou, just as much as he was to Agape. 

As the two were shopping for liquor together, there was a sudden scream that caught their attention. The two peeked around a corner and could see the register being robbed. Agape immediately ducked around the corner with Goyou who whispered, “hey, at least let me take a photo of them.” 

Goyou had a habit of bringing his camera everywhere with him. Agape whispered back, “hell no! They have a knife on them, don’t do it!” As much as Goyou wanted to help in some sort of way, he didn’t want to put Agape through any danger. Reluctantly, he shrunk back with Agape.

There was a crash behind them, causing the two to jump and turn to the sound. There stood a robber who yelled, “you. Drop your cash and everything else valuable.” Agape dumped his wallet which unfortunately had over $100 for the liquor, Goyou did the same but the robber noticed his expensive looking camera. The robber demanded, “hand over the camera.” Goyou replied, “no.” 

???

They didn’t really have any other choice but to say “yes” and Goyou choose no?! Agape exclaimed, “Goyou! Just give him the c—” Agape was interrupted by the robber attacking Goyou, snatching the camera from his neck. The robber snapped, “fucking hell, just do as your told.” He returned to his friend with two wallets and an expensive camera.

As Goyou’s camera was taken away, his face resembled a child who had gotten bullied. Agape felt bad for Goyou, but currently his fear overrode his pity. 

Thankfully, the robbers left without much of a fuss, the police were able to assess the situation and take detailed reports by Agape and Goyou. Afterwards, Agape apologized, “God, sorry Goyou. I didn’t expect that to happen.” He felt so bad, it was him who wanted to go out and buy liquor to celebrate an artwork he had finished. And now, because of him Goyou’s camera was stolen.

Goyou only smiled in response, “it’s okay, I’m sure they’ll be caught anyway.” Despite the look of hope, Agape could tell Goyou was upset by the whole situation. 

Would Agape lose Goyou? The one person who found value in him? If this situation were to fester in Goyou’s heart, would Goyou one day become fed up and abandon him? It was a terrifying thought, Agape chose to stay quiet of his fears however, worrying he’ll scare Goyou off if he asked.

Little did Agape know, Goyou was upset from the robbery but not at him. His precious camera that he valued most of all was gone, he had bought it with his allowance as a kid and kept it with him everywhere. While Goyou didn’t blame Agape for wanting to go out to buy liquor, he couldn’t help but be upset. 

The strange thing about it though was that Goyou wasn’t mad at Agape or anything. Yet, when Goyou thinks back to that moment it makes his blood boil. The fact his one source of capturing moments of Agape was taken away angered Goyou.

One day, while Agape was painting in his house there was a knock on the door. He got up to open the door to reveal a very intoxicated Goyou stumbling inside. Agape shrieked as Goyou practically dropped his weight on the other, crushing Agape. “Get off..!” Agape winced, pushing Goyou off him and catching his breath. 

“God, you’re heavy…” Agape commented as a slurring Goyou complained and whined. The artist sighed and dragged Goyou to his bed, allowing the other to sleep. On the bed, Goyou cried about his camera, to the point of sobs. It shocked Agape because he was used to Goyou speaking in his monotone voice, hearing Goyou cry made his heart ache.

Agape didn’t realize it, but his face frowned at Goyou, feeling guilty for being the cause for the camera’s disappearance. Goyou in his daze raised his arms and felt Agape’s cheeks, they were soft. Agape blushed at the gesture, “Goyou, what’re you doing?” He almost laughed as Goyou began pulling his cheeks in weird directions. Goyou sobbed, “Ughh, I wish I had my camera.”

Pang! How guilty Agape felt, he whistled as if he had nothing to do with it. 

While drunk, Goyou was always more touchy than he usually is. He always moved Agape’s arms and legs in order for him to pose for random photos he’d take, but because his camera was missing he had no choice but to maneuver the man without photos. 

Goyou sniffled into Agape’s pillow as Agape got up to clean his art supplies, “I’ll be back, just gotta clean.” Agape reminded him, leaving Goyou alone.

In his office, Agape held his paint brushes tightly; he could’ve probably broken it. Goyou that little… Making Agape’s heart run in loops like this was a crime, it should be. Agape calmed himself down by splashing water into his face, but when he thought back to how gingerly Goyou caressed his face… Stop, stop! Agape shouldn’t be having such thoughts over a friend, even if he began to like him. Goyou was drunk and Agape had to take care of him.

Once Agape finished cleaning up his area, he returned to his room to find Goyou obediently laying in bed. The artist scoffed and kneeled down beside it, “you sober yet?” Goyou looked down at Agape and said simply, “I wish I had my camera…” Agape huffed, “yes!! I’m sorry about the camera!” He pouted, although he felt extraordinarily bad for the incident, he couldn’t withstand every jab to the arm about it.

The other shook his head. Turning to his side he mumbled quietly enough so that Agape could hear, “I want to take a picture of you.” Agape blushed at the words. How could someone be so sweet while drunk? What did Agape do to deserve this man who treasured him without reason? Not that Agape was complaining, he loved this man deeply.

Whether or not Goyou felt the same was a mystery.

The next day was a doozy for Goyou, his head banged horribly like the worst migraine he ever experienced. By his side was Agape who slept beside the bed, realizing the events that unfolded Goyou shook Agape awake. He apologized sincerely that he took the bed and forced Agape to sleep on the floor, he was horrified by what he’d done. Agape shook his head and laughed, “it’s fine, besides… You’re hilarious when drunk.” Goyou thought back to his actions before and shriveled up like a prune. 

The day proceeded as normal, Agape cooked breakfast for the two and even cleaned up Goyou’s laundry. Yet there was a forbidden line separating them, Goyou’s memories of that night were a little hazy so he didn’t remember everything he said and did. He began to wonder if he spouted any nonsense in front of Agape that made the other uncomfortable. 

“Agape?” He called out, and the artist turned back to him, “yeah?” Goyou questioned, “did I do anything wrong last night?” Agape blinked, surprised by Goyou’s concern, “no, why?” Goyou confessed, “well, it feels like you’re… A bit distant than usual…” Agape looked perplexed, “huh?? What made you think that??” Goyou frowned, beginning to question if he was going insane.

While they ate, Agape informed Goyou, “hey, I’m going to go out real quick okay? Stay here for a moment.” Goyou hummed a response, he didn’t have work so he could linger around Agape’s apartment for as long as he wished. To pass the time, Goyou decided to enter Agape’s office to peek at some of his artwork. 

In the office, Goyou saw many portraits of himself, he was almost a little flattered. In his house, Goyou also had many photos of Agape, he didn’t realize how close to the artist he had gotten. Many of the portraits of Goyou were a bit dramatized for artistic value, some looked exactly like him, while others featured colors that didn’t match him. Goyou admired these portraits, he wondered if these artworks of Agape’s had any value to him, similar to how every photo Goyou took of Agape meant to him.

Time had passed so swiftly in Goyou’s mind, he didn’t realize Agape had returned home. Agape called out, “Goyou?” Goyou’s head shot up at the sound of his name. He tried to sneakily walk past Agape but it was too late, Agape had already opened the door to his office. To say that Agape was mortified was an understatement, the person he cherished found his paintings. 

Goyou then noticed the camera in Agape’s hand, while it was much cheaper than the one Goyou had previously, the quality was still satisfactory. Goyou questioned, “is that… For me?” Agape’s flustered face scrunched up and whined, “yes…!” Praying the sight of the camera would distract Goyou from the sight of his lovesick paintings.

Carefully, Goyou approached Agape and picked up the camera. It wasn’t as good as the one from before, but the fact Agape would buy this for him made Goyou’s heart leap from his chest. Agape looked away with a timid blush on his cheeks, appearing nervous of Goyou’s reaction.

Capture it, Goyou wanted to capture this moment.

The way Agape’s face grew red, the way Agape’s thoughts probably had a million thoughts rushing through. Without a second thought, Goyou held the camera up and took a picture of Agape’s flustered face. The other exclaimed, “Wha–?! Hey!” He hadn’t expected Goyou to take yet another picture of him. Agape knew Goyou’s habit to take pictures of him, but to think Goyou’s first instinct upon receiving his new camera was to photograph the moron who lost his first…

As Goyou lifted the camera down, he demanded, “Agape, come with me to my place.” Agape paused, “huh?? Why?” Goyou lightly grabbed Agape’s hand, “I want to show you something.” Goyou began to tug Agape away to his apartment, to which Agape followed in confusion. He was glad they left his office though, if he had to face Goyou in there any longer he would’ve died.

Once they arrived to Goyou’s apartment, Goyou unlocked the door with his keys and slid in. It was… Incredibly bare, for an apartment. Well, except the millions of photos hanging on the walls, other than that there was nothing in the apartment beside basic furniture. 

Goyou brought Agape to his bedroom, showing the artist the many pictures taken of him. Goyou confessed, “I was honestly really happy when I saw you painted several portraits of me.” He let go of Agape’s hand, “I thought it was because you saw value in me.” Agape’s fist gripped the hem of his shirt as Goyou poured his heart out, “Agape, I— I always took photos of you because I valued you. I thought I valued everything but after meeting you, I want to be the only one who values you.” Goyou picked up a picture from their first dinner. “A-Agape, I really…” He held the picture close, “I really love you, Agape.” 

To prove his point, Goyou wrapped his arms around Agape’s shoulders, holding him close. Agape didn’t know how to even respond, he was in love with Goyou, but to hear Goyou essentially tell him that he wanted to be Agape’s only fan? Agape was overwhelmed with emotions, joy, love, etc. 

Goyou looked at Agape pitifully, “is that weird..?” Agape shook his head and laughed, “no, it’s cute…” Agape kissed Goyou’s nose, “I’ve never thought I’d be satisfied with just one fan, but if it’s you…” Goyou blushed as Agape leaned into his touch, “I don’t mind.”

“I love you, Agape.” Goyou stated, Agape smiled back, “I love you too, Goyou.”