Archive of Our Own

The gentle lapping of the water against the deck was the only thing breaking up the silence infiltrating Lava's senses. He was sitting on the bench he'd claimed as his brooding bench. One leg was tucked underneath him, as he swung the other over the water. The repetitive motion helped ground his mind, so he could focus on the task at hand. 

Sure, it wasn't the most conventional place to clip his nails. But he'd only grabbed the nail clippers in the first place as a distraction for his overactive imagination. 

“Are you ready to be his whole world?” 

Hours after his conversation with Peng, those words were still echoing around in Lava's mind. They burrowed in his brain, eating away at his sanity until he felt like he was going to have an outburst. The only way to make sure he didn't do something stupid was to isolate himself and occupy his hands. 

Lava was used to being alone. Shunned. Outcasted from his own family, his old friends. The concept of being someone’s whole world didn’t seem possible. He hardly even felt like the main character in his own life. He was more like the random side character that showed up once to have a dispute with the protagonist, which left every reader hating his guts. 

Not that he could blame those readers for having an ill opinion of him. He never did anything useful. Even when he tried to help someone, he only made the situation worse. He never formed any lasting bonds. His only meaningful relationship was with his father, and that didn't end well for either of them. 

Lava used to think it didn't matter if he lived or died. He pretended to be okay with that. He got used to it. He found comfort in assigning himself the label of loner. That way, he was prepared for when other people stayed away from him. That way, he could act like being alone was his choice. 

But then, Wave came out of nowhere and shook his whole world up. He was a helpless snowman inside of a snow globe that Wave was shaking around at his own will, just to watch as the broken pieces of Lava's life fell all over the place. 

“From now on, you're the most important person in his life.”

Lava was never made to feel like he mattered. Like he was someone worth paying attention to. He was written off as a troublemaker, someone who only brought misfortune. He was condemned so much that he started to believe it himself. His presence was a curse, not a gift. Everything he touched crumbled to dust. He had to keep his hands to himself to avoid any casualties.

Why, then, did Wave keep gravitating towards him? It was like there was some invisible force drawing Wave closer every time he was in the vicinity. Or an unseen string tying them together, so they couldn't be too far apart. 

This was proven every time Wave popped out of nowhere and invaded his space, as if he'd been invited to do so. Like there was nowhere else he'd rather be than right by Lava's side. He was shameless. He assumed Lava wanted him around. 

The worst part was, he was right. Lava did want him around. But he wasn't going to admit that. Because he shouldn't yearn for Wave's company. He wasn't allowed to get attached to anyone. Especially not someone as innocent and fresh-faced as Wave. 

As Peng had said, Wave didn't know anything. He was a clean slate. It would be so easy for him to be taken advantage of. He trusted easily, because he assumed nobody meant him harm. He didn't remember what it felt like to be hurt by someone he cared about. And Lava didn't want to make him experience that for the first time. 

He didn't know if he could take care of Wave the way he wanted. He didn't want to be a disappointment. When it was just himself on the line, he could handle being a failure. He'd come to expect that. But when someone else was in the danger zone, it was better for everyone if he just didn't try at all. 

He didn't want to break Wave's fragile heart.

He was starting to fall for Wave, and it was dangerous. He wasn't worried for his own feelings, but for Wave's. He didn't want Wave to get too attached to him. 

He wasn't built for love. His hands could only destroy, not build. Someone as precious as Wave needed to be protected from jerks like him. He could already hear the insults that would be hurled his way if anyone knew how badly he yearned to drag the sweet, innocent amnesiac down with him.

He remembered his rhetorical question to Wave, “Does anyone love me?” He didn't expect a response, because the answer was obvious. Even someone who only knew him for one day would be able to guess that it was a resounding No. He was broken. Damaged goods. He was made of glass, and countless hammers had already shattered him into bits. Was it even possible for him to one day be whole again? 

Nobody loved him. Nobody ever stopped to wonder why he held so much anger in his heart. Why he was mad at the world. Why he lashed out at everyone, like they'd wronged him in some way. 

The truth was, he was mostly just mad at himself. He didn't think he was worth getting close to. He didn't want anyone to care about him. That way, he could continue not to care about himself. If nobody depended on him, then he never had to worry about letting anyone down again. 

He'd already destroyed his father's life. He didn't want to cause anyone else to have a similar fate. 

It was easier to keep everyone at a distance. To raise his voice as a precaution, so everyone thought he was loud and abrasive instead of secretly sensitive. There was no way someone as annoying as him would harbor a softness deep within him, lying untouched for so long. Just begging for someone to come along and free his vulnerable side, to allow his walls to come down so he could catch a breath and stop pretending to be something he wasn't. 

Putting on an act every second of his life was tiring. 

But Wave wasn't deterred by his hot-headedness. He didn't know why Wave was so determined to be close to him. He had to stop it before Wave made a huge mistake and ended up getting hurt. 

He was brought out of his thoughts when Wave plopped down in front of him and snatched the clippers out of his hands with an easy smile. “Give it to me, I'll do it for you.” 

He held Lava's hand with one hand, the other steadying the clippers. He really intended to cut Lava's nails for him. Who even did that? 

He attempted to protest. He was perfectly capable of clipping his nails alone. Besides, his palm would probably sweat if Wave kept holding his hand like that. 

“Don't be stubborn,” Wave chided, holding his hand tighter. “Look, your nails are long.” 

Something shifted in Wave's expression. The next time he looked up at Lava, his eyes were rounded and his lips pouted slightly. “You need to take good care of yourself. Got it?” 

He made it sound more serious than cutting his nails. It seemed like Wave was genuinely concerned for him. Like he wanted to take care of Lava in ways nobody else had before. 

His protests died in his throat. The soft, concerned look in Wave's eyes only gave him more to think about. And that pretty mouth he had was dangerous. If he kept jutting his bottom lip out like that, Lava just might feel inclined to kiss the pout away. 

Wave handled him with care. Nobody had ever been so gentle with him before. It felt domestic, especially with how beautiful the water and the sky were. The perfect backdrop for this quiet moment. If he ignored anything else, it almost felt like he had a boyfriend who was fretting over him. 

Wave looked so cute when he was concentrated, with his tongue poking out the side of his mouth as he diligently clipped Lava's nails. Ensuring he didn't accidentally cut too much. Every movement was delicate and precise. He wasn't used to being treated with soft hands and a gentle voice. Like he was worth something. Like his life held meaning. 

Sitting on the deck like this, Wave could easily shove him into the water. But the way Wave kept stealing glances at him with those sparkling eyes was proof enough that he wouldn't. They were past that now. When did they get past that? He didn't know. What he did know, was that Wave's sweet smile was melting him from the inside out. 

He'd never admit it out loud, but the outfit he'd chosen that day was because of Wave. As he was picking his clothes in the morning, shades of blue called out to him. He didn't know what Wave's favorite color was. Wave didn't even know himself. But Lava felt like blue fit him. 

Soft blue, like the pretty skies he likes to gaze upon when his mind was running rampant. Such a gentle color was the embodiment of calmness and trust. As they sat together on the deck, Lava was feeling those emotions very well. Wave was like his little blue bird. 

There was also royal blue. It was bolder, befitting a person who would dare to shove his way into Lava's life without knowing how corrosive Lava's presence was. And even if he did know, he still wouldn't give up. He'd step up to Lava and demand to be treated like royalty. 

Not that Lava could really blame him. Wave had a face that demanded to be kissed. He deserved to be told he was beautiful every day. And he knew how handsome he was. He knew that he deserved to be pampered. He expected it. And while Lava thought it was irritating at first, now he almost found it… charming. Maybe his brain had really exploded from all of his thinking. 

Wave was the cooling to his heat. He was ice being pressed over a burn wound, soothing the reddened skin. For Lava had always seen himself as the brightest shade of red. Angry. Fiery. Dangerous. Something nobody wanted to touch, for fear of getting burned. 

But Wave did. He braved the flames. He reached out and placed his hands on Lava's scorching skin, as if he didn't have an ounce of self-preservation in his body. 

Wave would look at something as scarred and charred as Lava's psyche and wouldn't tell him to get lost, as anyone else would. Instead, he told him to take good care of himself, armed with those big boba eyes as his only weapon. And what an effective weapon it was. 

Lava was accustomed to being forgotten. Typically, nobody checked on him or cared about his whereabouts. It was strange to have someone stuffed against his side, taking up his personal space. It felt odd that someone always wanted to know where he was and followed him around all the time. Wave had even ventured into places he didn't want to go, simply because Lava was there. 

At first, it was mildly annoying. But then, he started to look for Wave. A lingering cold front overcame him when Wave wasn't warming his side. He felt empty when he didn't have Wave's smile perking him up. He longed to hear that charming voice, speaking in a teasing tone, as curious fingers trailed over his skin. 

He came to a stunning realization. He needed Wave. He was no longer the lone wolf, surviving on his own. He no longer had to look out at the moon by himself. He had Wave to occupy his thoughts, to quiet the insecurities that raged within him when the night was too silent. Something to fill the void other than his negative thoughts.

Maybe the cure to his roughness was Wave's tenderness. 

Peng's previous assertion was now drowned out by a new phrase that had taken residence in his mind: “You need to take good care of yourself.”

Nobody ever cared if he took care of himself before. It was almost suffocating to have every ounce of someone's attention on him. To be important. The most important person in Wave's life, as Uncle Peng had said. 

It was scary. But somehow, it felt good. Bizarrely, he found himself wanting to jump into the deep end of these chaotic feelings while holding Wave's hand. He wanted to let Wave take care of him, even if it meant sitting still and allowing him to clip his nails. 

He wanted to go along with Wave's whims. To allow Wave to spend every second with him. The mighty Lava, who was a professional in not getting attached, had gotten attached before he even knew what hit him. Wave had tied him down when he least expected it. Now, not only was he the most important person in Wave's life. But Wave was also the most important person in his. 

Wave was blabbering about the colors of the sky. He wanted to watch the sunset every day as the colors changed. The unspoken: with you, while silent, was actually the loudest part to Lava. Because Wave was playing with his fingers as he spoke, all suggestive glances and cute dimples carving into his cheeks when he smiled. 

Lava found himself listening intently. He sometimes thought Wave only spoke to fill the silence. Even when he didn't have anything particularly interesting to say. He didn't mind it as much as he thought he would. He would listen to Wave speak about anything, and he'd be content. 

The conversation took a bit of a turn when Wave started listing all of the things he loved about the island. It was admittedly cute, how he couldn't stop smiling as he complimented the nature and atmosphere of his new home. 

“Maybe I don't need to know who I am anymore. Right now I'm happy. I'm with nature, finding joy in teaching music, and I've got…”

Wave trailed off, smiling almost coyly. Lava felt like he knew what he was getting at. And the sentiment had his mouth going dry. Wave was properly holding his hand now, the clippers long forgotten. His fingers traced down to Lava's wrist, where he pressed lightly. 

Lava didn't know what he was doing. He didn't care. He simply allowed Wave to touch him however he liked. He was too busy focusing on Wave's mouth. He swore it was shining in the sunlight, like he was wearing lip gloss. That only made him curious about what Wave's lips would taste like, if he were to kiss him again. 

But he had to focus on the task at hand. Wave was looking at him expectantly. He wanted something. Lava had to retrace his mental steps back to their conversation.

“Got what?” 

Wave rested one hand on Lava's knee, the other still holding onto his wrist as he leaned closer. He lowered his voice slightly, looking right into Lava's eyes as he spoke.  

He almost wished the next part would've stayed unspoken. Because what he said after that was even worse. Worse in the sense that, it made him feel warm all over. His heart was beating fast and sweat beaded at his temples. Maybe he needed to pay a visit to Dr. Wut. 

“I've got my own sun.”

That was the most romantic thing anyone had ever said to him. Wave had remembered what his name meant and stored that information to use against him when he was feeling weak, like right now. Wave knew just how to get under his skin. He paid attention to the little details Lava shared about himself that anyone else would forget without a second thought. 

Lava wasn't stupid. He knew what the look Wave was giving him meant. Peng was right. He really was the most important person in Wave's life. Wave's world revolved around him. 

As scary as that was, it was also oddly… comforting. He felt needed. For the first time in a long time, he felt like he was wanted. Because Wave's every glance and gesture was seeped with a deep desire to have Lava all to himself. 

And Lava wanted to belong to him. 

Wave looked down at their joined hands. His fingers were still pressed against Lava's wrist. Wave's smile was wide and toothy when he looked up again. 

“Your pulse sped up. You feel the same way, right?” 

Lava tried to fight his smile. But Wave's happiness was infectious. Wave had already sunken his claws deep into Lava's dead heart, willing it to come to life again with his bare hands. And it did. He felt the ice around his heart thawing out. The brambles and vegetation that had grown around it during its years of being abandoned were being cleared away by Wave's advances. 

He wanted to focus on what made him happy today and stop worrying about what tomorrow might bring. He was always a live-in-the-moment type of guy, anyways. Why should that stop now? Just because Peng gave him a warning? Why should he take Peng's advice, when Peng was on the verge of divorce? He was clearly in the dog house with Dr. Wut.

If he put all those scary thoughts out of his mind, it was easier to see the bright side. He found himself wanting to be Wave's sun. Someone who could uplift Wave. Someone who made him happy. He wanted to be the cause of those bright eyes and even brighter smiles. Then, he really would feel like his life was worth something.

Maybe Wave could be the one to love him. 

Wave was so beautiful with the sunshine washing over his face, casting him in golden hues. His dimples were showing themselves off again, which only made him look even cuter. Like an angel made out of sugar and honey. Lava couldn't help but lean in to press a kiss to one of those little craters. 

Wave's resulting sigh of contentment only had him falling deeper in love. All at once, he knew there was no turning back. Even if this wasn't the best idea, he couldn't hold his feelings in his chest anymore. They were already spilling out all over the place. The most he could do now was promise himself that he would do his best to maintain Wave's happiness.

Besides, Wave didn't deserve rejection. He couldn't bear to look upon the melancholy that would surely fill his eyes if Lava turned down his advances. 

Rather than worry about hurting Wave, he should focus on protecting him. Keeping him safe from outside harm. He'd soften himself, to ensure he wasn't the one doing any damage. He'd allow Wave through the blockades he'd built up around himself, simply because Wave wanted to be close to him.

Really, Wave had already walked right through them. He marched into Lava's heart and staked his claim, before Lava even knew he was there. But now, he knew. And he wouldn't let Wave go anywhere. 

He grabbed Wave's hand and pressed it against his cheek. Just so he could nuzzle against his palm. Wave softened even further, until Lava was sure he was made of everything cute and sweet in the world. 

He placed a small kiss to Wave's palm, then smiled against the skin, hard enough that his eyes closed from the force of it. “I've got my own sun, too.”

That night, as they were lying in bed, Wave just wouldn't stop touching him. 

The makeshift bed on the floor had been abandoned. Lava didn't say anything when Wave climbed into bed beside him. He expected it. He even hoped for it. He enjoyed sharing Wave's warmth the few times they'd already shared the bed. 

But this time, Wave was so touchy. It started with a shoulder caress. Then, those curious fingertips trailed sensual lines down his arm. Lava's entire concentration was zeroed in on that small point of connection. 

“Wave, what are you doing?”

Wave didn't answer at first. He was too focused on tracing over Lava's skin. It felt nice. He relaxed into the motion, even let out a deep breath he'd been holding in. 

That was when Wave peeked up at him through his eyelashes. Lava was starting to think he knew exactly how attractive he was, and he used it to his advantage. Those big, rounded eyes could get him to do just about anything. 

“I like touching you, feeling your skin. It feels soft.” 

He'd allow Wave to touch him as much as he wanted, if that brought him comfort. Besides, it was soothing to Lava, too. He'd never been touched so tenderly before. He'd never been looked up at him with those big, pleading doe eyes. Wave was too cute. It was too much. He had to turn over, to face the wall. To hide the warmth that was spreading across his face. 

Wave's hand didn't falter. He kept rubbing Lava's shoulder and upper arm. “Are you shy? But you really feel so warm, Lava… I like it.” 

Wave's voice was hushed, like he was telling a secret. The mounting tension was making the atmosphere feel thick. Especially when those fingers were tickling down his back, then meeting his waist. 

“Touching you like this is comforting. Don't you like it?” Wave scooted closer, still holding onto his waist. He pressed his chest against Lava's back and planted a kiss to his shoulder. Was Wave obsessed with his arms? He was flattered, but embarrassed at the same time.

Wave had shoved the blanket off the bed, saying it was too hot to use it. But he had no issues curling up against Lava's back as if he belonged there. If it was too hot for a blanket, surely it was too hot for cuddles as well. 

But Lava didn't call him out on it. Instead, he found himself wishing that he could keep this. That he could be worthy of such soft tenderness, gentle caresses and soothing kisses. That every night would entail Wave feeling all over his body like he owned it. 

He'd never been the little spoon before. It felt nice. 

“I do like it,” he finally admitted, and his honesty earned him more kisses pressed to his shoulder. “I like it more than I should.” 

Wave's hand left his waist, venturing into his shirt to rest against his stomach. He curled himself around Lava, completely encompassing him. His lips pressed against Lava's ear, only to whisper against it, “You like me, don't you?” 

Lava didn't know what to say. He was struck dumb. Wave's body was warm against his, his breath hot against Lava's ear, and his hand drew little circles over his stomach. How was he supposed to focus on anything when Wave was wrapped around him like this? 

Wave pressed a kiss to his ear. “You like me, Lava. Or else you wouldn't let me touch you everywhere like this.” 

He had a point. Lava had never let anyone be clingy towards him before. Not that people really tried. But if they had, he would've sent them packing. He'd never allow anyone to see him in such a weakened state. And yet, Wave was all crowded around him, and he didn't even think to shove him off. 

Even if he tried, Wave probably wouldn't allow him to escape. He seemed determined to glue himself to Lava and drown him in affection. He was on a mission to make Lava feel loved. And despite the rough start they'd had, his plan was working.

It was impossible not to feel cherished when Wave always sought out his company, even if it was to sit together with nothing much else going on. And recently, Wave was always looking at him with those wide eyes that said he saw Lava as his everything. 

Lava was drunk on the attention. He didn't want it to stop. He wanted Wave to pour all of his affection and praise out so he could catch it in his greedy hands. He'd drink it up like he'd been deprived of water for years. Because that was how long he'd gone without being praised. Without being seen as important. 

As someone who wasn't used to feeling cherished, it was overwhelming. Did someone like him really deserve to feel this way? 

He didn't say his question out loud. And yet, Wave seemed to know what he was thinking. His hand slid out of Lava's shirt, only to grab onto his shoulder and rotate him, so Wave could look into his eyes. “Won’t you admit it? You already gave me so many signs.” 

At Lava's lost look, Wave softened. He smiled and brushed his fingers through Lava's hair. “It's okay. I know you're scared to feel too much. Scared of getting hurt. I'll take care of you, I promise.”

He wanted that more than anything. He desperately needed someone to scoop up the fragile pieces of his heart and smooth out their jagged edges, so they could be fused back together. So he could love and be loved. 

He leaned into Wave's touch with a sigh. “You’re right. About everything. You know me better than I know myself.” 

Wave gave him one of those charming smiles and stroked his cheek. Having all of Wave's attention on him made him feel like he was on top of the world. He may be overwhelmed by the depth of Wave's feelings. But he had to take responsibility for them. Just as he had to acknowledge his own feelings, which he couldn't hold in anymore. 

In his heart of hearts, he hoped this was meant to be. That Wave was fated to be with him and only him. That he'd washed up on this island to heal the broken parts of Lava that nobody else dared to touch, for fear of suffering cuts and bruises.

That was why Wave gravitated towards him. They were like opposite poles of a magnet. Their differences were enticing. Lava didn't need someone who was just like him; someone who acted first and thought later. Who was too afraid to embrace his true self without a lot of nudging and encouragement. Who held himself back for fear of disappointing others. 

He needed his antithesis. Someone who was bold enough to smooth out his hard edges. Who wouldn't question whether he belonged in Lava's life or not; he'd simply shove himself in and expect Lava to make room for him. Who assumed his presence was wanted, even when Lava hadn't exactly welcomed him with open arms at first. 

They completed each other. Even though they were from completely different worlds, they'd managed to meet. That had to be soulmate magnetism in play. And now, nothing could separate them. 

Maybe, just this once, he could be greedy. He could admit that he wanted something and reach out with his hands to take it. Wave made it so much easier for him. He'd already made the advances that Lava was too scared to make. 

All of Wave's addictive affection was meant for him. Wave had chosen him. And even though Wave still lacked his memory, he wasn't some incompetent person who couldn't make his own decisions. 

Maybe Wave was full to the point of bursting with love for the person who saved his life. The only one who made him feel like he belonged in this brand new world he found himself in. Maybe Lava was the person who made him feel like everything would be okay. 

He wanted that to be true. 

Wave's hand was still resting on his cheek. His thumb rubbed circles over Lava's skin. Lava gently grabbed onto his wrist. Slowly, he brought Wave's hand towards his mouth and kissed each of his fingers. To prove to himself and to Wave that he could be soft and loving. He could be worthy of Wave's tenderness. 

“Whether you get your memories back or not, I'll keep taking care of you. You don't have to worry about anything.”

Wave let out a little giggle and pinched his cheek. “You're so cute, do you know that? You're like a little baby sloth. Or a puppy. Maybe both.”

Everyone else saw Lava as an annoying, loud jackass. But when he opened his mouth, did Wave just hear puppy yaps? At bedtime, was all Wave saw a sleepy sloth who couldn't keep his eyes open? Since when was he comparable to cute animals? Wave must've lost his mind. 

Despite the many kisses Wave had been giving his body, his lips still shined from the lip gloss he was wearing. He'd refreshed it before bed, while saying something about trying new things like Dr. Wut advised him. 

“It doesn't spark memories, but I like it,” he'd admitted when he caught Lava staring as he applied it. Lava liked it, too. Or more like, he liked the way Wave looked when his lips were all glossy.  

But what was the point of wearing lip gloss, if he was just going to smear it over Lava's skin with his kisses? Perhaps he was leaving his mark on Lava. Perhaps he wanted Lava to kiss the rest of it off. 

“Nobody has ever called me cute before. You need to schedule a vision appointment.”

Wave grinned and pinched his cheek again. “Well, they just don't see this cute side of you. That's good. I'll keep it all for myself.” 

“I wouldn't let anyone else see me like this.” His admission was soft, his eyes honest as he allowed Wave to peer into the deepest recesses of his mind. He made sure Wave could see every ounce of his emotion painted across his face. He removed the mask he wore like a second skin, so tightly woven into his personality that he almost forgot it was a farce.

Wave's eyes were sparkling when he leaned closer to nuzzle their noses together. “Thank you for trusting me, Lava. Everyone has their place in the world. Your place is with me.”

He probably should've scowled at such a cheesy statement. Instead, the softness of Wave's voice made him smile. A warm, sincere smile. He was delighted to be spoken to with such a loving tone. He was turning sappy and vulnerable, weak to Wave's whims. 

“Why are you smiling? Are you thinking about how my lips taste?” 

Indeed, Lava's eyes had dropped to those lips more times than he could count in the last few minutes alone. Of course, Wave picked up on it. He was always giving special attention to Lava. 

“What if I am?”

“Come try them then.” Wave seemed to look right into Lava's traumatized eyes and say, “You don't scare me. Show me your worst. I'll hold you anyways.”

He must've taken too long to move, because Wave was the one who closed the distance between them. Their lips joined in a haze of warmth and comfort. Wave tasted of strawberries and sunshine.

It wasn't their first kiss, but it felt so different than the rest. Because Lava now understood the depth of his emotions. He knew this wasn't some meaningless fling that he could forget about in a few weeks. Wave was important to him. And he had to embrace that. 

Rather than dampen his fire, Wave's lips only stoked the flames. He felt himself coming alive, grabbing onto Wave's neck to keep him close. Wave's hands were buried in his hair, tugging at it as he deepened the kiss. 

Wave was an eager kisser. He moved his mouth against Lava's like he was afraid a second of pause would be enough for Lava to disappear. Like he wanted to devour Lava until there was nothing left. And Lava would let him. For his heart and soul were already being held within those careful hands. 

Wave broke the kiss. Lava chased his lips, not wanting it to end. He felt desperate. He needed Wave's lips to live. 

Wave gave him another kiss for his efforts, shorter this time. A gesture of reassurance. He rubbed his fingers through Lava's hair, caressing his scalp while looking into his eyes. Wave's kiss-slicked lips were slightly swollen, and his cheeks were flushed when he spoke in a low voice. “Let me take care of you.” 

Lava decided to listen for the first time in his life. 

~🌋🌊~

Earlier that day…

Wave spotted Lava sitting all alone on the bench overlooking the water. That was where he liked to go when he was stressed. It had a calming effect on him. Wave knew this, because he'd found him there a few times before. Whenever he didn't know where Lava was, this was the first place he checked. 

Lava seemed to be in a bad mood when he picked him up from Aomsin’s house. He'd even scolded Wave for sticking his nose in other people's business. So rude. Wave just wanted to help his student follow his dreams! Was that a bit idealistic? Maybe. But wasn't it better to try and fail than to never try at all, and always wonder what could've been? 

Maybe something else was nagging at Lava. Something he wasn't ready to talk about. That was the only explanation for his unnecessarily harsh words that afternoon. He'd even denied Wave's chin tickles, which he'd only done because Lava looked so much like a sulky puppy in that moment. 

“Stop assuming things about me. You don't know me that well yet.”

Admittedly, that stung. But he knew better than to take Lava's words to heart. Lava may seem like someone who spoke his mind freely. But truly, he buried his feelings in his chest and painted over them with outbursts. He tried to keep people away by flashing his horns and showing his teeth. 

Wave was smart enough not to be deterred by Lava's false aggression. He saw the weakness sometimes swimming in Lava's irises. He badly needed someone to drag it to the surface, to stop him from suppressing his emotions. To show him that it was okay to hurt. It was okay to feel weak. Wave would never judge him for it. In fact, he welcomed it. 

He saw the way Lava looked at him sometimes. Reverent. Worshipful. Like he wanted nothing more than to be buried in Wave's arms forever. Lava probably had no idea that every facet of his gaze gave away his emotions without him having to use words. 

It was true that he hadn't known Lava for that long. But Lava was basically all he knew. He didn't have his memories. He wasn't as close to anyone else. Sure, he was friends with Tum and Kratae. He even saw Peng and Wut as his friends. Being around them made him feel safe. 

But he was closest to Lava. And he felt like he had the guy pretty figured out, even if Lava didn't want to admit that yet. They'd spent enough time together for Wave to understand his true nature. 

Underneath all of his anger and hot-headedness lay a man who was hurting. And while Lava may think that he was damaged beyond repair, Wave begged to differ. Lava needed someone to soothe his pain, to take away his burdens and show him that love could heal everything. 

He needed someone like Wave! And the sooner he realized that, the better. That was why Wave was so eager to spend as much time with him as possible. Surely, if he continued to show Lava that he cared, Lava would start to believe it. He'd have no choice but to let Wave into his heart, which was his rightful place. 

With that thought in mind, he skipped over to Lava’s brooding bench. He sat in front of him and took the clippers from his hands to show Lava that he was perfectly capable of taking care of someone. 

All Lava had to do was open his heart. Wave would take care of him until his very last breath.