Work Text:
Kaito dragged Kei over gnarled roots. His skin was well kissed by the sun in contrast to Kei's lighter arm. Pink scratches littered his bare chest, marred by bushes and thorns. His cargo shorts sagged, shifting with each step as he heaved Kei through the forest.
Obsessively, Kei watched the skies for any signs of drones or planes. He'd mapped out a black out zone, which Kaito consistently ignored.
“We're almost there.” Kaito panted, sweat trickling down his nape.
Rolling his eyes, Kei submitted to being yanked around like a misbehaved dog. Kaito was incorrigible, once he had an idea, not even Kei could stop him.
“Look, Kei, isn't it beautiful?” Kaito paused at the entry to a clearing.
Trees parted for a crystal clear pond, a thin waterfall trickling over rocks. The sun’s sparkles were blinding on the inviting ripples.
Kei let out a low growl at the base of his throat. It felt exposed, risky.
“Why couldn’t this wait until night?” Kei bit, tugging his hand back from Kaito’s hold.
Kaito’s grip firmed, digging his fingers into Kei’s forearm. Grounding his position, he held strong while Kei turned and pushed within his grip. Kaito simply watched him, waiting for him to tire himself out. Though Kei was the immortal, there was no doubt as to who was stronger.
“Ugh, Fuck! Do you want to get caught?” Kei gave a few more tugs, his teeth clenching.
“Hey.” Kaito gave a little pull, forcing Kei into the clearing. “I know you’re scared.”
“I’m not scared!” Kei was a fish out of water, thrashing in Kaito’s hold.
“Just, LISTEN!” Kaito grabbed and trapped Kei. Kei’s back was against Kaito’s stomach and they’d bent slightly, forcing Kei to look at the mud and rocks they’d kicked up during their scuffle. “We don’t even know if Sato is out there.”
“But -”
“No.” Kaito squeezed tighter. “I agree that we should be safe. But we can’t stop living.”
“Is that a gamble you really want to take?” Kei seethed as he relaxed into his precarious position.
“Yeah, I’m fine with it.” Kaito picked Kei up, his feet kicking in the air. Without a moment's notice, he tossed Kei into the pond with a high pitched thunk. Water splashed back, smacking Kaito in the face.
With a face splitting grin, Kaito peeled off his cargo shorts, running into the water after him.
Kei shot through the water’s surface, droplets soaring into the air. “You fucking asshole!” Kei slapped the water, the sting against his palm giving him a surge of adrenaline. “My clothes are soaked!”
Laughing, Kaito waded towards him, the water cool on his hot skin.
“What are you laughing at?” Kei’s voice was still laced with venom, but Kaito could already hear the ire fading.
“You look like a wet cat.” With a low chuckle, Kaito reached out to ruffle Kei’s slicked back hair.
“I hate you.” Kei shook off the new hairstyle Kaito had given him.
“I can live with that.” Kaito pushed himself up, his body floating in the water. Closing his eyes, he let the sounds of the forest take over. Birds were chirping as a breeze rolled through the trees. Freshly turned dirt and the aroma of fresh pine melded with the crisp scent of fresh water.
Irritated at Kaito’s relaxed manner, Kei jumped on him, pulling him under.
Big green eyes shot open under the surface of the water, startling Kei. Bleached hair stood up, dancing in the water under the bubbles Kaito breathed out. Pushing himself out of the surface of the water, he let out a little laugh.
“That’s the spirit!”
Kaito was infuriatingly optimistic. He greeted danger as an old friend. He deserved to be dunked at least once more.
Kei shoved his head under the water again, bubbles coming up faster this time. Turning his hips, Kei attempted to flee the scene, but Kaito’s hands were quick to grab his ankle. Stuck, Kei paddled furiously to no avail, the grip on his leg a vice. With a squeeze, Kaito ripped Kei’s leg back, not letting go until it was behind him.
“Hey! Don’t- you!” Kei feebly rejected him as Kaito wrapped Kei’s legs around his waist.
Ignoring his defiance with a smile, Kaito pulled them closer together. Kei let out a shiver as their chests met, Kaito’s skin cold against his.
Finally giving into the recklessness, Kei rested his forehead against Kaito’s. Their noses brushed as their ragged breaths tickled each other’s lips. Giving a hum of appreciation, Kaito pecked at Kei’s lips.
His kiss was wet, a small taste of the pond.
“You’re an idiot.” Kei mumbled, tightening himself around Kaito.
“I know.” Kaito agreed, stealing another kiss.
There may never be another moment where Kei feels safe. He’d seen Sato pull too many tricks - and believed they were ignorant to believe that’s all he had up his sleeve. The world was still morbidly curious about Ajin’s; nightmares of the torture table still plagued his nightmares. Though he may never feel safe at least, with Kaito, he could feel peace.