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If you asked anyone who knew him, they would say he’s sulking. He’s not. Sulking is for toddlers, moody teens, and maybe a petty wife or two.
If you asked anyone around him, they would say he’s brooding, or maybe malding if you asked the right one. Two very different emotions blended into one because he’s feeling them simultaneously.
If you asked Altus himself, he would say he’s fine. He’s a grown man. He doesn’t sulk, brood, nor mald. He’s calm and collected. He’s nonchalant.
Nonchalant from a corner in Luca’s oversized vacation home, because of course a mafia boss would just have one of these lying around, acquaintances from all over milling about.
The cup in Altus’ hand cracks a little beneath the pressure, a light pink liquid slipping down the side through the newly formed escape.
Too many. There’s too many people.
He’s only here because Nayu is, — of course he is, he’ll follow Nayu anywhere, even to the bathroom (although he’s often kicked out) — and Nayu is only here because Uki is. Such a lovely pair of siblings, able to withstand each other’s presence for so long.
With that being said, Luca needs to die. There’s no way anyone can know this many people, and even if they did they can’t all be well-liked. On top of that, Uki seems to know at least half of the attendees here. How closely does a mafia boss and psychic’s circle intertwine? Isn’t there a bit too much overlap here?
Altus is watching, he’s never not watching, Nayu flit through the crowded room, arms interlinked with his older sibling’s so they don’t lose one another. It’s nearly every half of a second that they’re stopped by a different person, pulled into a conversation about one thing or another.
It’s been, Altus briefly checks his phone, two and a half hours of this, yet they’re barely even halfway across the room. Weren’t they initially going to refill their drinks? This is beyond ridiculous.
It’s fine if they — these randoms, these strangers, these groupies — want to talk to Uki. Despite their quiet nature, they’re kind of a people person. It is not fine that they want to talk to Nayu. A greeting is fine, it wouldn’t do to be rude, but everything else? Absolutely not!
Nayu doesn’t even know these people, so how dare they think they can talk to him? Altus knows everyone that Nayu knows, and he hasn’t seen 90% of these faces before today.
Okay, sure, Uki is acquainted with half the universe, but that is not a free pass to hit on their brother. Don’t you know you shouldn’t want what’s not yours? Who raised these gluttons?
The nerve of these people. They should know what Altus could do to them, they should know who they’re getting the chance to interact with. They don’t deserve the time and attention of The Nayuta Umbrage. They can’t properly appreciate this experience.
Only Altus is aware. Only Altus is deserving. He worships the ground Nayu walks on like any reasonable being should. It doesn’t make any sense. It’s not fair. Altus had to fight tooth and nail to get Nayu to even consider him — not that he’s complaining, he’ll do it over again in a heartbeat if it means proving his devotion — and there’s actual nobodies doing it in five seconds.
What is it? What do they have that he doesn’t? He’s taller, he’s hotter, he’s stronger, he’s knows everything there is to know about Nayu. Everything. He’ll never be inconsiderate or get his preferences wrong. Starting anew with someone is too much work. Why is he wasting his time chatting? He should return to Altus’ side, safe and sound where he belongs.
He’s being approached by so many people. There’s not a single soul lingering near Altus. Well, besides this girl who appeared at some point, but she’s not important.
He doesn’t remember exactly how long she’s been standing there, he just remembers realizing her presence as she talked about one thing or another to him, however long ago that was. It’s too crowded to pinpoint.
Maybe that’s the problem.
Nayu told Altus to stay put because “he’d be right back” and there’s “too many people.” Too many people. Too many options. He’ll just have to get rid of them all. Out of sight, out of mind. It’ll be difficult to dispose of so many people at once though.
Even if he spaces it out, people will start wondering about the mass disappearances. Is there another way? Perhaps, but not one that can guarantee that they won’t cross paths with Nayu again. Maybe he should just frame them? Frame them and ruin their careers? That might work… Luca has committed plenty of crimes, he has to have people who clean up after him, right? Of course he does, this will work.
He’s mid evil-plan when he notices the exact millisecond that Uki taps out for the night. They never even made it to the drinks. He rushes across the room to meet the siblings, pushing through randoms with an agenda. He can’t leave Nayu alone.
“Are you okay?” He asks Uki as he materializes into their peripheral vision. Uki startles a bit, because of course they do when they don’t notice someone as large as Altus just appearing, but they nod and inform both him and Nayu that they’re going to go rest by Kaelix for a bit, who also seems to be reaching his limit by the looks of it.
Okay, cool. Awesome. Uki is fine. Nayu is alone. Altus can monopolize his time in peace.
Altus turns to Nayu, and Nayu turns away.
Okay.
Odd.
He tries again. Nayu turns away again.
What…?
“Nayu?” He asks cautiously. Nayu gives him a terrible side-eye, one that oozes offense and suggests that Altus shouldn’t have even considered opening his mouth in the first place. He didn’t even say anything.
“Don’t talk to me.” Nayu huffs before walking off. Beyond confused, Altus immediately goes after him. What could’ve happened? As far as he’s aware, everything was fine about four-ish hours ago.
He’s starts up a ramble of apologies, going over all of his actions in the past two to three hours, hoping to hit something close to the truth as he mentally goes through if anyone that Nayu interacted with could’ve just put him in a bad mood perchance. Why does he have to suffer because of some idiot?
See, this is why they all have to perish. Actually, include Altus in this too. His boyfriend is mad at him, what’s even the point?
At some point during Altus’ reason roulette, Nayu either got tired of him or he struck gold with his attempts because Nayu suddenly turns to say; “I saw you. Talking to that girl, letting her twirl your hair and feel you up. You left me alone in a room full of strangers to fraternize with her. Am I not enough for you? Do I not give you enough attention?”
He’s so close. Pressed right up against Altus’ chest, an accusatory finger dug into it. He’s not pouting because Nayu doesn’t pout, but it’s the closest thing to it. He’s so cute. Altus has to eat him, has to consume him whole so that they can never be apart, so no one else can have him the way Altus does.
He can keep Nayu safe next to the cavity of his heart, the thing that only beats for him anyway. It’s not fair. He should steal him away. The world isn’t good enough for Nayuta Umbrage. The world must pay. Wait- girl?
“What girl?”
Nayu narrows his eyes, pinning Altus in place with a glare. He doesn’t grace Altus with a response, instead opting to fold his arms across his chest.
He can’t really remember taking the time to give anyone any of his attention at all, but Nayu said it happened, so it must be true. When would he have noticed, though? Altus didn’t notice and he’s the victim, not to mention watching Nayu’s moves all night. He hadn’t realized Nayu was watching him back.
Nayu looks like he’s arguing with himself, but eventually caves with gritted teeth. “Don’t act oblivious, do you take me for a fool?”
Altus is quick to rush out a, “No, never!”
Nayu raises one eyebrow. “You most certainly do. Acting as if I don’t exist, allowing another seduce you, letting her stand next to you, the space where I belong. You chased after me for so long, have you begun to think I’m not enough?”
None of that is true, Altus wants to say, but that would be a lie. Nayu is right that they belong directly beside one another, Altus agrees that it isn’t fair that they should ever have to part.
She will pay.
Well.
Maybe it’s kind of his fault for being so lost in his thoughts, how did he not realize that was happening? Regardless, she will suffer for her thoughtless actions. As will her parents, for giving birth to her. As will her friends, for allowing her to even end up in a situation where she was in the same room as Altus.
All he wants is to encage Nayu in a prison of his love for eternity. How could he have possibly ended up here? If it was up to him, no one would be allowed to look at Nayu. He would never attend outings, never leave the house, never communicate with the outside world, and never need anything except Altus.
And maybe Uki.
Even Uki is pushing it. Uki knows so many people, what if Nayu gets FOMO? No, it’s safer to have him completely isolated. No loose ends. He can’t risk Nayu trying to escape, but even if he did, Altus would just hunt him down again. Nayu shouldn’t be allowed to leave him.
He won’t be allowed to leave him.
“What’s with that weird look in your eye? Say something.” It’s a small, shifty movement, but if eyes are the window to the soul, then Altus’ future intentions must be crystal clear.
“I’m in love with you.” It comes out without an ounce of hesitation, making Nayu falter for just a few seconds.
“Say something else. Something that isn’t backed by lies.” There’s a bitter scoff in his voice, light enough that you wouldn’t be able to tell how bitter he actually was over the situation unless you strained to hear it.
“I’m not sure what you saw, but there’s no one that could ever tempt me into straying from you. You are the love of my life. I will do anything to prove that to you.” Altus is entirely too serious when he says it. subconsciously crowding into Nayu’s space. Even if he isn’t actively aware, his body craves to be close to his lover, to deplete the area between their bodies until their skin molecules start fusing together, until they are only a singular being.
“Can you back up a little?”Nayu takes a step back, and Altus follows him with one forward, slowly maneuvering them out of the center of the room. “People are going to think I like you or something.” It’s dark, but Altus was biologically engineered to be tuned to Nayu’s existence on the very first day that they met all those years ago. That’s why he can see the faintest traces of a hue that colors Nayu’s cheeks, even with his head angled away.
“You do. And even if you didn’t, I love you enough for the both of us. I want to marry you. I want us to live in a-”
“Stop talking.” Altus had rambled about it before, what he imagines their life would be like, out in the middle of nowhere. Nayu said he preferred the city, but Altus argued that there was too many people. He told Nayu that it’d eventually drive him crazy, having so many neighbors nearby. What if they try to befriend him? Or worse, befriend Nayu!?
Nayu humored him in the moment, agreeing to the country side with no one around, but then complained that he might get bored. Life without human interaction gets dull, and life with Altus gets on every single one of his nerves, so they could have a guest section for Uki and Uki only. Even if Altus never let Nayu out again, at least he’d have his sibling, even if that ground his gears a tad. Anything for his love.
He’s pulled from his thoughts about their future with a soft kiss to his cheek.
He’s gaping, he can feel it. Nayu never initiates!
“Stop fantasizing. I told you I’d follow you anywhere, didn’t I? Just don’t replace me, okay?” That blush from earlier had faded, but now it’s back tenfold. It embarrassed Nayu this much, but he still said it anyway? He’s so… so… everything! Altus will die. How can he not be attracted to the most perfect man to ever live?
First, his dick will explode because that was a confession of love! Love and insecurity and jealousy all in one! Yes, he’s this easy. Next, his heart will implode. His boyfriend is a grown man, he cannot be this moeful. How is that even fair? Lastly, whatever remains of him will combust. If he’s unable to give Nayu all of him, then he’s unworthy to give Nayu any of him. He deserves 100%.
Let the record show that Altus tried, okay? He was calm, he was collected, and most importantly, he wasn’t even touching Nayu until he registered that forehead kiss. If anyone’s at fault, it’s Nayu, alright? Altus is just a man, and a very weak one at that. That is why Nayu finds himself trapped between Altus’ body and the wall of the house within the following six seconds.
“You drive me crazy, you know that?” It’s not overly rough, but it is fast. It’s greedy, too. Altus chasing Nayu’s lips like he has anywhere to go. Nayu’s surprised at first, eyes slightly widened, but then they slide shut as he begins to kiss back.
Call him weird, but Altus watches. He can never get enough of Nayu, so why would he close his eyes during a kiss?
Altus moves his left hand to Nayu’s waist, grip almost tight, while his right one brings Nayu’s own next to their heads, fingers interlocked against the wall.
It’s one kiss, then two, then three, before Altus successfully pries nudges Nayu’s lips apart, sneaking his way inside.
Nayu’s right hand finds it’s way to Altus’ shoulder, resting there for a moment before repeatedly tapping him. With great reluctance, Altus pulls away.
“I’m not going anywhere, you don’t have to eat me.”
Despite this, Altus dives back in with twice as much franticness than before. His grip on Nayu’s hand tightens as his left hand slides down to the back of his thigh, only pausing briefly at his ass.
With less effort than that should be required for the situation, Altus hoists Nayu up, getting closer to use his own body weight to prevent Nayu from sliding down.
Nayu’s leg instinctively wrap around Altus’ waist in response. Altus twitches, just once. There’s a heat beneath his skin, just uncomfortable enough to be bothersome. He’s so warm, and Nayu is the opposite.
He has to meld them together, has to fuse their bodies into one being, has to live as Nayu and vice versa. He needs to be tethered to Nayu through something stronger than emotions.
“Get a room!” Someone shouts from their left.
They — well, Altus — pulls away. Nayu’s already panting, face as flushed as Altus feels. His heart is pounding like he’s feverish, but his soul is settled like dust.
He blinks a few times, gauging Nayu’s reaction. Not only is it rare for Nayu to initiate affection, but to do so in public of all things?
Nayu is looking away, already making movements to detangle himself from Altus. Altus doesn’t move any more than Nayu makes him, eager to stay as close as he can get away with.
When Nayu finally looks at him, it’s with confusion and a thin sheen of concern. “Are you alright? You look… dazed.”
Which is odd. Altus doesn’t feel any different than he normally does after Nayu is generous and graces him with affection. Maybe it’s the lights? They usually do this kind of thing in the dark of their shared bedroom, when Nayu is too sleepy to argue against Altus much.
He doesn’t get to respond as Uki walks up to them.
“Sorry, not sorry, to interrupt, but I’m going to crash at Kaelix’s place tonight. Seible’s out for the count and you know they just moved, so I’m going to help Kaelix get themselves home.” Uki points over their shoulder in Kaelix’s general direction, who gives a small wave while trying to ward off sleepy kisses from the Seible draped across his back.
“Do you need us to come get you in the morning?” Nayu asks, warding off wandering hands from the Altus attached to his side.
“It should be fine, but I’ll let you know.” Uki says before returning to the pair. Altus watches for maybe three seconds until he physically cannot stand it anymore and has to look at Nayu again.
“We should head home too. I’m kind of tired.” Comedically, he stifles a yawn.
“Did all that social interaction tire you out?” Altus means it as a joke, something light for the mood, but it comes out more bitter than intended which earns a look from Nayu.
Actually, he can swear Nayu’s eye almost twitched. Whoops?
“You have had more social interaction than I did. Didn’t that girl promise you her heart? Her virginity? Her first born child? I don’t want to hear it.” The last few words come out on something akin to a growl as he turns to speed walk away from Altus in the direction of the door.
Right.
Altus sighs. It’s back to square one then.