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Arupek likes Chaco.
This, he can say without a doubt. He is easily the best friend Arupek has ever made, coming through for him time after time during their journey together. He’s kind and easy to talk to, respected by everyone in his kingdom. The fact that he’s handsome adds to his charm, too. However, lately, Arupek has run into a small problem. He became aware of it around the time they spent in Hangyodon Kingdom, but when he thinks back on it, this has likely been a thing ever since they first met.
Whenever Chaco puts his hand on Arupek’s shoulder or flashes him one of his winning smiles, Arupek’s heart flutters in his chest and his face becomes warm. At first, he thought he might be coming down with something. He had been on the move with little rest for weeks, after all. But then one night, the two of them had gone out for dinner together. They each ordered a bowl of ramen, and halfway through eating, Chaco stopped Arupek and reached across the table to wipe his cheek with a napkin.
“You had some sauce there,” Chaco said, his gaze so blatantly affectionate. Arupek had stammered out a thanks, trying to focus on finishing his food and not on the incessant pounding of his heart. It had been such a small gesture, but to Arupek, that was it. The moment he understood everything he’d been feeling.
He doesn’t just like Chaco, he like likes him. He wants to be the only person to be on the receiving end of that tender gaze. Wants to hold his hand, to fall asleep with him in his arms, to kiss him beneath the starry night sky back home.
Which puts Arupek in a sort of predicament. He hadn’t really had the time to think about it with everything going on in Bad Badtz-Maru Kingdom, but now that it’s just the two of them, it’s all he can think about. They’d spent a lot of their journey to Ahirunopekkle Kingdom chatting about anything and everything, from childhood memories to comparing their foot sizes. Arupek doesn’t think he’s ever had as much fun as he does when he’s with Chaco. Once they arrived, he introduced Chaco to Pekkle as his friend, but how would Chaco feel if he knew Arupek wanted more than that?
After a long day of Arupek showing Chaco around his kingdom, the sun is beginning to sink below the sky. They went fishing by the dock as Arupek has done so many times with Pekkle, Chaco showed the kids his skateboarding skills, and now they’re cozied up in Arupek’s secret hideout. They fit together like puzzle pieces, legs tangled in the cramped space meant for one. It’s extremely comfortable, but if he spends another moment here, he might end up spilling everything that’s been on his mind.
“Are you hungry?” Arupek asks. “I know a great place we can get some dinner!”
“That sounds good,” Chaco responds. “Lead the way.”
Arupek lets Chaco climb up and off of him before getting to his feet himself, following him outside. Chaco stretches his arms above his head, his hood slipping down in the process. Without his hood up, Chaco has a sort of boyish glow to him, turning to Arupek with a bright-eyed smile. It’s awfully cute. “The sunset here is really pretty, huh?”
“It is,” Arupek replies, but he isn’t looking at the sky. “Just wait ‘til the stars come out!”
They make their way back into town; Chaco’s carrying his skateboard for once, and their shoulders keep brushing against each other as they walk. Arupek enjoys the quieter moments like this that they share just as much as he enjoys talking. He’s always at ease around Chaco—there’s no need for him to be anyone other than himself, and Chaco accepts all of him with open arms.
Eventually, they reach a small restaurant around the corner from Pekkle’s castle. It’s warm and full of life, familiar faces sat at each table. “Arupek-sama!” The old lady who runs the place greets, her smile friendly and reassuring. “My, it’s been a while since we’ve seen you. How was your journey?”
“Hi, Granny! It was super fun, but it feels great to be back home.”
“Well, you’ll have to tell everyone all ‘bout it soon,” she says, leading the two of them to a table in the back corner. “And it seems you brought a friend back with you?”
“Ah, yes! This is Chaco, from Pochacco-san’s Kingdom. He’s been a real help to me,” Arupek answers. Chaco gives the woman a little bow before taking a seat. Does he even know how cute he is?
“Thank you for lookin’ after our Arupek-sama, Chaco-sama. I know he’s got his head in the clouds sometimes, but he’s a good kid.”
“I know,” Chaco replies, a small smile gracing his features. Arupek’s heart skips a beat when he looks over at him, his gaze stupidly soft. “Being around him never gets boring. If anything, I should be thanking him.”
Arupek stammers out a laugh. “C-C’mon, enough about me! You’ve gotta try the kabosu ramen!”
They order two bowls and some beer, which may have been a mistake because all it takes is one glass for Arupek to be slurring his words and his face to be flushed. He recounts the highlights of his journey to the townspeople that come to listen to his drunken tales, Chaco chiming in when Arupek gets off-topic or starts to say something he maybe shouldn’t.
Everybody seems to take to him easily, fawning over his looks or commending him for keeping an eye on Arupek all this time. A few even ask if he’s Arupek’s lover, which is when Chaco decides story time is over and shoos everyone away so that the two of them can have some privacy.
“What, you hate the idea of marryin’ me that much?” Arupek asks around his last mouthful of food.
Chaco laughs playfully. “Considering you’re talking with your mouth full, maybe I do.”
“C’mon, that can’t really be your dealbreaker!” Arupek exclaims. “Y’know, I’ve been thinkin’ this whole time that you seem t’ handle your alcohol pretty well. Not faiiir. Teach me, Chaco-sensei~!”
“Teach you? There isn’t much to teach, I don’t think…” Chaco says. “Besides, I think you’re fine just the way you are, Aru. It’s cute.”
Arupek tilts his head. “Eeh? Me, cute? No, no, you’re obviously the cute one here.”
Chaco raises an eyebrow, but Arupek doesn’t miss the way his cheeks flush red ever so lightly. “Is that so?”
“Uh-huh. Your smile is so cute, it’s no wonder smilin’ is your special skill. An’ your fluffy hair is cute, an’ so is your laugh. It’s cute how much you like banana ice cream,” Arupek lists off, completely lacking his brain-to-mouth filter. “Also, I like your nails a whole lot, an’ that collar you wear is real cute. I wanna pull at it…”
Chaco doesn’t say anything. The blush on his cheeks has darkened, travelling down to his neck, right where that collar sits… No, now isn’t the time to focus on that. Chaco seems lost for words, mouth opening and closing but making no noise. He kind of reminds Arupek of a fish. A cute fish. The cutest fish. If Chaco were a fish, he would still want to kiss him.
“U-Um,” Chaco eventually mumbles. Embarrassed Chaco is a gem. Arupek wishes he could take a photo. “S-Should we get out of here? You seem pretty drunk, Aru.”
Arupek doesn’t protest, letting Chaco get up to pay the bill. However, the old lady denies him and insists it’s on the house to celebrate Arupek’s return. After five minutes of trying, Chaco finally gives up and accepts it, making his way back over to Arupek. “Can you walk?”
“Of course!” Arupek says, but immediately falls forward as soon as he stands up.
Chaco catches him, placing an arm around his waist to support him. “Honestly, you’re so…”
They make their way outside, waving goodbye to the patrons of the restaurant. Now that the sun has fully set, the beautiful night sky that Pekkle’s kingdom is known for is visible. Arupek hadn’t planned on getting drunk; he wanted to spend the night stargazing with Chaco, sharing the same constellations he’s been appreciating his entire life with him. But now the sky is too blurry for Arupek to make out properly, but he can see the moon shining brightly above the peak of the castle.
“Hey, Chaco?”
“Yeah?”
“The moon sure is pretty t’night, ain’t it?”
Chaco hesitates for a moment. Arupek’s head is too fuzzy to discern exactly what emotion is brewing behind his eyes. “...It is. Now, come on. We can go look at the stars tomorrow night when your head is clear enough to enjoy it properly.”
“M’ head is plenty clear,” Arupek pouts. “Besides, d’you even know where you’re goin’?”
“The castle, right?” A nod. Chaco huffs out a laugh. “I think that’s a pretty easy find.”
Arupek leans into Chaco as he half-carries him in the direction of the castle. He’s warm, and he smells nice. Maybe he should get drunk more often. Luckily for them, Pekkle is far too trusting, so the door is unlocked. They try to make as little noise as possible as they enter—well, Chaco does, and Arupek just tries his best to remain upright.
“Where’s your room?”
“On the second floor. It has my name on it.”
Chaco helps Arupek up the stairs, then guides him to his room. He opens the door and flips the light switch on, and Arupek squints at the sudden brightness. Once his eyes have adjusted, his heart clenches in his chest. The cyan walls he painted with Pekkle’s help, the photo frames from over the years, his bed, all neatly made with fresh sheets… It’s good to be home.
“So, this is your room, huh…” Chaco murmurs, setting Arupek down on the bed.
With a relaxed sigh, Arupek falls back into his soft sheets. “Well? Whaddya think?”
“It’s very you. I like it.” Chaco’s smile has Arupek’s cheeks burning, and not from the alcohol. “You should be okay from here, right?”
It’s then he realises that Chaco is going to leave. “Yeah…”
“In that case, I’m gonna go find a hotel.” Chaco smiles over his shoulder. “Make sure to get some sleep, okay? And drink lots of water.”
“…W-Wait!” Arupek calls, jumping to his feet. He immediately regrets his decision, feeling as though he may pass out from the sudden movement. But he pushes the feeling down and meets Chaco’s curious gaze. “Don’t go…”
“What?”
Arupek stumbles forward, digging his fingers into the fabric of Chaco’s sleeve. He doesn’t want Chaco to go. He wants him to stay with him. Forever, preferably, but that’s getting a bit ahead of things. For now, he should start with tonight. “Don’t go. You can sleep in here with me! My bed’s big enough for two.”
“I-It is, but—”
“No buts! You’re my precious friend, Chaco. I ain’t gonna let’cha go off by yourself to some hotel. Besides, we don’t got many in the first place.” His voice grows quieter, the grip he has on Chaco’s arm easing up. “So stay with me.”
A million emotions hide behind Chaco’s eyes. Arupek wishes he could read minds. “…Okay, I will. Thank you, Aru.”
“O-Of course!” Arupek bounces back immediately. “You can even wear some of my clothes to sleep in!” He leaves Chaco’s side to rummage around in his drawers before tossing a hoodie and some shorts in Chaco’s direction. “D’you want anythin’ else? Some more food? Water? A shower?”
“A shower sounds good, actually,” Chaco muses. “And you should drink some water. Try to sober up a bit.”
“Yes, Chaco-san!”
Arupek shows Chaco to the bathroom then makes his way downstairs as quietly as possible, making two glasses of ice cold water. He somehow manages to not spill either of them on his way back, proudly setting Chaco’s down on his desk.
It doesn’t take long for Chaco to return, clad in Arupek’s clothes. The hoodie is too big on him, making him look smaller than he is. He smells like the citrusy soap Arupek uses, and a wave of desire washes over him. He wanted Chaco to be his, and here he is, completely surrounded by all things Arupek. His eyes fall upon his bare neck, and the idle thought of marking it crosses his mind.
“Cute…”
“A-Again with the cute?!” Chaco asks, his ears red.
Arupek smiles lopsidedly. “I mean, it’s true. You’re super cute, Chaco.”
Chaco shakes his head with a sigh. “Just go take a shower, you.”
Arupek obliges, grabbing some pajamas before making his way to the bathroom. It’s still warm from Chaco’s shower, and when Arupek inhales, he can pick up a little bit of Chaco’s lingering scent. Trying not to let it get to his head, he strips and steps into the shower, letting out a deep sigh when the hot water hits his body. It really is good to be home. He can’t wait to sleep in his own bed. With Chaco…
Honestly, he can’t believe he just asked Chaco that. Sleeping in the same bed is not going to be good for his heart whatsoever. Maybe… Maybe he should think of a way to tell Chaco how he feels. Chaco is kind, so even if he didn’t feel the same way he would be nice about it. Arupek knows he doesn’t have to worry about losing him, but the thought of confessing is still quite scary. But compared to everything he’s been through recently, this should be easy. Maybe tomorrow, he can take Chaco somewhere to stargaze where it’s just the two of them, and then profess his love. Or… just ask him out on a date. That sounds like less pressure.
He feels a little more levelheaded once he’s washed and dressed. Chaco got to see an embarrassing side of him tonight, but the fact that he stayed nonetheless means he doesn’t think any less of him. Ah, Chaco is so sweet. There’s so much to like about him.
Chaco turns to him when he enters the room. He’s examining a photo on the wall—it was taken the day Arupek officially became Pekkle’s knight, the two of them smiling brightly at the camera down at the dock. “Hey. Have you sobered up a bit?”
“Yeah…” Arupek mumbles, everything he said—and did—earlier on that night flashing in his mind. He closes the door behind him, then takes a seat on his bed. Chaco sits beside him, pulling his legs up so they’re crossed. “Look, Chaco… I’m sorry if I was a lot before.”
“With what?”
Arupek averts his gaze. Chaco in Arupek’s hoodie. Chaco in Arupek’s room. Chaco in Arupek’s bed. It’s all a bit much, if he’s being honest. “Y’know, when I kept calling you cute…”
“...Aru.”
“Yeah?”
Chaco takes a deep breath. “I like you. Will you please go out with me?”
A beat passes. “…What?”
“I like you. Go out with me,” Chaco says again, his confidence unwavering.
Wow. Arupek knows he can be straightforward, but this is next level. “Eh? Eeh? For real?!”
“Yes, for real,” Chaco murmurs, the embarrassment seemingly settling in. He tugs at the drawstrings of Arupek’s hoodie, retreating into the hood. So. Cute. “I wouldn’t joke about something like this.”
“I-I like you too, Chaco!” Arupek exclaims, leaning into Chaco’s space. “I like you sooo much, it’s been drivin’ me crazy! Seriously, it’s all I’ve been able to think about these past few days. I’m so happy you feel the same way. I did think that maybe I had a shot, so I was thinkin’ about confessin’ to you soon, but—”
Arupek is cut off by a pair of lips on his own. He freezes in place, unsure of how to react. Chaco is kissing him. Chaco. Is kissing him. Kissing. And, oh, his lips are just as soft as Arupek imagined, and he tastes faintly like lemon. He’s always heard that your first kiss is supposed to taste like lemon, but he never imagined it would be true. Perhaps it’s the remnants of the kabosu dish; Arupek wonders what Chaco normally tastes like. He’ll have to find out one day.
To Arupek’s disappointment, Chaco eventually pulls away, a sappy grin on his face. “You okay there?”
“That was my first kiss,” Arupek whispers, brushing his fingers over his lips in a daze.
“I figured as much.”
“C-Can we do that again?!”
“Sure,” Chaco laughs, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind Arupek’s ear. “Only if you kiss me back this time, though.”
Arupek nods enthusiastically, and before he can process how dizzy that made him, Chaco is kissing him again, which he thinks might have made him even dizzier. Arupek kisses back, closing his eyes and following Chaco’s lead. Chaco licks at the seam of his lips, a silent request for more. Arupek accepts him with a soft gasp, leaning into Chaco perhaps with a bit too much force because then they’re falling, Arupek landing with Chaco braced perfectly between his arms. He’s beautiful like this, flushed red down to his collarbone again, his hair splayed out behind him.
“Sorry,” Arupek breathes.
Chaco winds his arms around Arupek’s neck, pulling him back towards him. “Don’t stop.”
This time, Arupek goes for Chaco’s neck, placing a gentle kiss against his pulse point before mouthing at the soft skin. Again and again, not biting, not nipping, just soft, way too tender kisses, then slowly makes his way back up again. Chaco shivers beneath him, tipping his head back against the pillow.
Arupek moves up, aiming for Chaco’s jawline, but Chaco tilts his head down at the same time and their lips meet again. He nips at Arupek’s lower lip, sliding his tongue into his mouth again. It’s hot, awfully so, but Arupek doesn’t care, overwhelmed with a desire to get closer to Chaco, to slot their bodies together as if they were one. Arupek slides his hand underneath Chaco’s hoodie, his hand cold against Chaco’s warm skin, and Chaco moans into his mouth.
He has no idea how much time passes before they drag themselves away from each other, breathless and flushed. Arupek flops down next to Chaco with a grin, overcome with a sense of satisfaction he didn’t even feel after he’d finished delivering Pekkle’s gifts. He rolls over so he’s facing Chaco, finding that he’s already looking at him, smiling softly.
“You’re a quick learner,” Chaco comments.
“Well, you’re a good teacher,” Arupek says. He could kiss Chaco for hours. Days, even. But his head is starting to throb, reminding him of the alcohol still in his system. Almost shyly, he reaches out and takes Chaco’s hand. “…Hey, can I hold you?”
“We just made out and you’re asking if you can hold me?” Arupek is embarrassed for a moment, but then Chaco laughs and pulls him in for a quick kiss. “You’re so kind. That’s one of the things I like the most about you. Of course you can.”
Almost immediately, Arupek winds his arms around Chaco’s surprisingly small waist, holding him close against his chest. “I think this is the comfiest I’ve been, like, ever.”
“Me too.” Chaco nuzzles into him, and Arupek’s heart swells with affection. How can one person be so cute? “You give good hugs.”
“Thanks,” Arupek says around a yawn. “I’ll give you as many as you want from here on out.”
Chaco laughs. “Is someone sleepy?”
“No…”
“It’s okay. We have all the time in the world,” Chaco murmurs, his breath warm against Arupek’s neck. “Goodnight, Aru.”
More than content, Arupek presses a kiss into his hairline. “G’night, Chaco.”