Chapter Text
BEEP!
BEEP!
BEEP!
“Mmmnghh… Turn it off…” Johnny groaned as the alarm clock on the bedside table continued to shriek. Gyro finally smacked his fist onto the “Off” button, and the bedroom was silent once again.
Usually, Gyro woke up before his 5:30am alarm went off, but he was incredibly exhausted last night. When he came back from an extra late shift at the hospital, he kicked off his shoes, undressed on the way to the bedroom, and fell face-first into the mattress. Throughout the rather sad display, Johnny watched from the couch and tried not to laugh. He worked as a veterinarian at a nearby animal clinic, so he was often home way before Gyro. That also meant he didn't need to be up until 8am, but Gyro's career rendered Johnny's alarm useless. It would take him almost an hour to fall back asleep, so most mornings, he just stayed up and watched Gyro get ready. He really didn't mind it at all. Gyro liked talking to him in the mornings before he left, since they weren't able to spend much time together during the day. Sometimes, he wouldn't even talk -- just enjoyed the other's presence as he prepared himself for the day. Johnny got to see his lover get dressed in his scrubs. Both parties were happy.
A couple minutes had passed and Gyro still wasn't out of bed.
“Gyro?” Johnny called him softly, voice still thick from disuse. He hoped the man didn't fall victim to the clutches of sleep.
“Mm. I'm up,” Gyro rolled over onto his side, facing Johnny. His long, golden hair was falling out of the messy bun Johnny helped him do last night. A few strands curled lazily against the pillow, just as reluctant to move as their owner.
“You sure? Don't look-it.”
He just smiled sleepily in response, eyes half-open. Even though it seemed like Gyro was barely in this plane of existence, he looked at Johnny with his full attention. He always did.
When it first started – before they officially began dating – Johnny noticed the way Gyro would stare at him like he'd never seen anything like him. It was the same way a fine-arts connoisseur would admire a beautifully illustrated painting. Taking in every detail – every stroke of the paint brush, every sub-color that blended into a new, unique shade. It was like he was taking Johnny apart, bit by bit, and appreciating every piece that brought him together.
When it first started, it was new for Johnny. He was used to people looking at him like there was something wrong with him. People silently judging and underestimating him solely based on what they saw at first glance. That was all it used to be. A glance. A whisper. Then they would ignore him. Try to avoid addressing the elephant in the room to make themself feel like a better person. It was as if they were saying: “Look at me! I didn't stare at the disabled man. I'm such a great person.” Yet whenever it was time to actually see him for more than his body, it was a whole different story.
Now, he doesn't think about the people anymore. He didn't think about the stares or the whispers. He had Gyro, who loved every hair on his head like it was personally bestowed upon him by the Gods. Who cares what everyone thinks?
“How could I even think of getting up when I have you here, tesoro mio?” He reached out and cupped Johnny's face. Using his index finger, he brushed a strand of hair away from his eye and tucked it behind his ear.
Johnny couldn't help but crack a smile. “Is that what you're gonna tell your boss?”
“I think that's a very reasonable explanation. If anyone saw you, they'd understand.”
“Quit sweet-talking me and get up!” He laughed through his words, unconsciously pressing his cheek into Gyro's palm. There was a slight heat radiating from his hand that brought about a wave of comfort.
“Mm~ Fine. If you hate me, you can just say that ya know,” Gyro pulled his hand away and sat up. He stretched his arms up above his head and shook them, releasing the tightness in his body. In typical Gyro-fashion, he was shirtless, so Johnny was getting a truly immaculate view of the man's physique. The constant movement in his line of work kept his body lean. The consistent gym days kept his muscles pumped and perfectly sculpted. Don't even get Johnny started on Gyro's pecs.
“You know I would definitely say it if I did,” he replied teasingly, propping up his elbow on the pillow to hold up his head. “You coming home late again tonight?”
“I wish I could give you a good answer. I'll keep you updated as best I can.”
“Just make sure you don't pass out the moment you get back again. I'm thinking of making dinner.”
Gyro finally got out of bed, continuing to stretch as he listened. “Oh? What's on the menu?”
Johnny's eyes followed those gorgeous back muscles as he spoke. “Hawaiian pizza. Extra pineapple.”
“Do you think that's funny?”
“Very.”
Gyro grabbed a pillow and tossed it at Johnny's head. The younger male caught it and tossed it back. Gyro easily caught it with one hand and held the pillow up to his chest, crossing his arms around it. He was also desperately holding back the urge to start a pillow fight, so he forced himself to listen instead.
“I'm gonna try my hand at pesto from scratch.”
“Nyo-ho~! Ambitious, are we? I'd love to see how it turns out.”
“Exactly, so get home on time.”
Gyro set the pillow down on the bed, and moved closer. He placed his knee on the edge of the mattress, leaning forward over Johnny. He tipped Johnny's head up by his chin and pressed a gentle peck onto his lips. It didn't last long – maybe a second or two – but it still sent flutters through Johnny's stomach. Even after a year of dating, his body still acted as if he was a teenager with a stupid crush. Gyro was about to pull away when Johnny reached up and grabbed the back of his head. He held Gyro in place by his half-undone bun and kissed him a little longer. He could feel the man grin against his mouth.
The two separated (unfortunately) and Gyro ruffled Johnny's hair. “I'm gonna go take a shower.”
“Okay.”
After he showered and got dressed, Gyro quickly grabbed a protein bar from the kitchen and returned to the bedroom to bid his boyfriend goodbye. Johnny was laying on his stomach, phone in hand. He glanced back when he felt Gyro's presence and Gyro felt his heart thud in his chest. The sun started to peek through the blinds, finally rising and signaling the start of the day. It dusted the room with gold and light pink accents that painted Johnny's smooth face. All he could think about was how beautiful his lover looked.
“I'm heading out now. Need anything before I go?”
“Mnh-mm. Go ahead. Have a good day.”
“You too. Ti adoro~”
“Anch'io.”
Gyro paused at the bedroom door, whipping his head around.
“Did you just speak Italian?!”
“Don't make it a big thing! Just thought I'd at least be able to say something back.”
The man seemed to be holding back a squeal as he rushed back over and peppered Johnny with kisses.
“Il mio Johnny mi parlava in italiano! Sono così felice!”
“Okay, okay! I don't know what you're saying anymore! Go to work!”
“Hahaha! Alright, alright!”
Just like that, Johnny's second half left.
…..