Archive of Our Own

“Reo, is all this really necessary?” Nagi whined as Reo continued to tidy up his outfit, running his hands along his tie to straighten it to perfection. He was wearing his Hakuho uniform properly for once. The taller boy let his eyes linger on his partner's gentle hands as they began to brush through his messy white hair.

“Of course it is!” The Mikage heir replied, his face scrunching in annoyance as a particular strand of hair refused to stay down. Bringing his hand to his mouth, Reo licked his fingers before returning to the piece that so stubbornly refused to cooperate. He took a step back and smiled triumphantly once he fixed it. Looking Nagi up and down once more, he continued, “My treasure needs to look his very best today!”

“But that's too much work…”

“Oh hush, you big baby,” The purple haired boy giggled as he placed a rewarding kiss on Nagi's cheek. “I'm the one doing most of the work anyway.”

“Mm, kiss me again Reo.”

Nagi's hands found their way to Reo's waist as he pulled him closer, waiting expectantly with needy eyes.

“Just what am I going to do with you?” Reo sighed despite the fond smile that stretched across his face. His grin could be felt against Nagi's lips as he kissed him once again, savoring the warmth shared between them.

Reo rolled his eyes at the pout he received once he pulled away. If he continued to indulge Nagi like this they'd be here all night.

“Alright, we should really get going.” Reo took one last deep breath before grabbing his partner's hand in his own. He led the two of them out of Nagi's apartment and shut off the light.

It was only a fifteen minute car ride to their destination. The Mikage heir watched anxiously as the area outside the window became more recognizable with each landmark they passed. Each second brought them closer to this stressful moment, one Reo wasn't sure he was ready to face.

Sitting at his side, Nagi noticed the far away look in his eyes, the way he fidgeted with his fingers. He rested his head against Reo's shoulder as he grabbed hold of his hand and entwined their fingers together.

“It'll be okay, Reo...” His voice was soft, a tone he saved for Reo and Reo alone.

The Mikage heir only hummed in response, squeezing his hand tightly as he circled his thumb against the back of Nagi's palm. He let out a shaky breath before allowing his head to lay on top of his partner’s. A small laugh escaped him as fluffy white hair tickled his cheek.

Using his free hand to brush aside his bangs, Reo placed a long kiss against Nagi's forehead which earned him a content hum. A comfortable silence remained as they relished in each other's presence.

Despite the stressful situation, Reo found himself smiling. He couldn't help it, not when the boy at his side made him feel like he was worth the world. As long as his treasure was with him, Reo would be able to get through anything. He was certain of it.

Before long, the car rolled to a stop in front of the Mikage household. Ba-ya held the door for them as they exited the vehicle. Looking at the huge building in front of him that was his home, Reo swallowed down his worries and took a deep breath.

“Good luck, young master Reo.” Ba-ya offered him an encouraging smile as she bowed with a hand over her heart.

Even if things went wrong with his parents, having Ba-ya's support was much more important to him. The woman practically raised him on her own after all. Reo could rest easy knowing she would always be on his side.

The Mikage heir returned her smile with a firm nod.

So what, he was bringing home a boyfriend to his more-than-likely homophobic parents? What's the worst that could happen? Besides being forced to break up with the love of his life and being scolded and lectured for hours on end, Reo has nothing to lose!

He pulled at the itchy collar that sat around his neck. Was anyone else sweating, or was that just him?

The two walked through the Mikage household, making their way past fancy paintings and decorative plants. Nagi's been here a few times, but not enough to know his way around the huge place.

The trip to Reo's mother’s room was mostly quiet, except for the constant words of reassurance Reo mumbled to himself, murmuring about how things will go perfectly with no issues at all.

When he glanced at his partner, the impassive expression he wore gave off not an ounce of worry whatsoever. It was oddly reassuring, knowing that Nagi wasn’t afraid in the slightest of meeting his parents.

“You’re not nervous?” Reo couldn’t help but ask as he nudged Nagi’s side with his elbow. The taller boy glanced towards him and shook his head.

“No,” was his simple response. When Reo continued to watch him expectantly, he added, “Me and Reo are perfect together, it will work out.”

“Is that so?” Reo laughed as a smile crept onto his face. Nagi stared at him affectionately, something swirling in his eyes as he idly hummed.

Arriving in front of the door, the Mikage heir looked his partner up and down once more before entering. He brushed through Nagi's messy hair and patted down his outfit. Once that was done he took a deep breath, his shoulders rising and falling with the action.

Reo gave Nagi a quick and firm nod, a silent ‘let's do this!’ written in his tense smile. Bringing his hand up unnecessarily slowly, his knuckles rapped against the door.

A reply came almost instantly, a sweet and soft voice could be heard from the room.

“Reo, dear, is that you?”

“It's me, mama.”

Nagi's eyes widened slightly at Reo's gentle response. Turning to look at the shorter boy, Reo avoided eye contact, his ears a flush red.

“Come in, sweetheart.”

And with that they entered.

The room was painted a calm gray, bookshelves lined along the walls with picture frames of the Mikage family. Nagi stared at each one intently, looking at how Reo aged through the years.

He looked happy in each photo, smiling wide while standing tall. Despite that, Nagi had a feeling the photos were only taken for appearances. The kind of picture taken in order to showcase what a so-called perfect family they were.

Mrs.Mikage was seated in her bed, a book placed on her lap as the two boys stood awkwardly at the foot of the mattress. Tilting her head to the side, she gave her son a quizzical glance.

“Is something wrong?” She asked, tone laced with worry as she adjusted herself to sit up against the head board behind her. Placing her book on the nightstand at her side, which was covered in jewelry, she continued as she patted the mattress. “Have a seat, dear.”

Reo did just that, Nagi following suit, as they sat on the mattress beside her. Mrs.Mikage eyed the white haired boy warily, unsure what to make of him just yet.

The Mikage heir cleared his throat before speaking up in a tentative tone. “This is Nagi,”

“Ah,” Mrs.Mikage’s eyes widened slightly in realization. She looked at Nagi once more, a knowing look painting her face. “So this is the boy you're always ranting about.”

Nagi blinked, surprised by such a comment. His chest was warm and fuzzy as he turned to his boyfriend, his lips tilted in a slight smile as Reo flushed.

“Yeah, this is him,” Reo admitted, embarrassed about being exposed. He fidgeted with his fingers as he decided his next words. “Nagi, hes…”

Reo swallowed before taking Nagi’s hand in his own. He chose to stare at Nagi as he spoke, not ready to be met with his mother's expression.

“Nagi is my boyfriend.”

A silence overtook the room.

Reo's heart thrummed in his ears as he squeezed his partner's hand tightly. The silence was deafening. He became all too aware of his surroundings. The soft blanket beneath him, the bright lights overhead, the clamminess of his palms.

Reo avoided looking at his mother. Not wanting to be met with a judgemental grimace, or a disappointed frown, or even a disgusted glare. Whichever it was, he knew it would be a slap to the face.

He was running through all the worst casinarios in his head when his mother finally spoke, Reo flinching out of his thoughts.

“This is your boyfriend?” Mrs.Mikage asked, her voice steady and curious, causing Reo to finally face her. Nagi watched her carefully as she talked.

Reo slowly nodded.

Mrs.Mikage hummed thoughtfully to herself. Her gaze shifted back to Nagi, examining him from head to toe. Her eyes lingering on his messy hair, his vacant features, his outfit that Reo prepared for him.

“Reo,” She began flatly as she crossed her arms and fixed her son with a stern stare. The boy in question bit his lip and braced for the worst. “You could do so much better.”

…huh?

Both Nagi and Reo blinked, sharing a quick glance before she continued.

“I mean, Reo, darling, you should never settle for someone so...” Mrs.Mikage trailed off as she fixed Nagi with a look of pity. “...so lame.”

Ouch, Nagi thought as he watched on quietly.

Reo, on the other hand, paused for a moment as the situation processed in his mind.

He hadn't expected that to be her issue. Reo had prepared for something along the lines of ‘you can't date another boy!’ to be shoved in his face, certainly not this.

His mother’s words rang through his head once more. Lame she had said.

She called Nagi– Reo's one and only treasure, Reo's partner, the best person in Reo's life– lame.

“...Who are you to say that?” The words fell like venom from his lips. His teeth were clenched as Reo cast his gaze down at the mattress below him. He could feel Nagi's eyes on him.

“I'm your mother, Reo.” Her tone was strict, one that highlighted the authority she held over him. Reo didn't care for that in the slightest. “I only want what's best for you.”

“Nagi isn't lame.” Reo continued. He picked up his head, glaring at his mother as she dared to question Nagi's character. “Nagi is cool and interesting. He's perfect.”

Nagi didn't say anything, choosing to let Reo handle the situation as he saw fit, but a look of fondness washed over him as he admired his boyfriend sticking up for him.

Reo thinks I'm perfect… The blissful thought made butterflies swirl through his stomach.

Mrs.Mikage sighed, a long and drawn out sigh. She shook her head as she tried to reach for Reo's hand, but left it to rest in her lap when Reo pulled away from the contact.

“You've always been stubborn, Reo.” She looked at Nagi disapprovingly. “From what I've heard of him, he's no where near qualified to date a Mikage.”

Reo rolled his eyes, scoffing as the Mikage title fell from her lips. “I don't care about that stuff.” He mumbled as he furrowed his brows, trying to keep his voice low to prevent him from yelling. He knew if he were to begin, his irritation would only escalate.

“But you should.”

“Well, I don't.” Reo clicked his tongue. “And I never will.”

Another silence. Nagi sat anxiously in the middle of the scene, wondering if that was the end of the conversation. He hoped it was, but, unfortunately, it wasn't.

“You know, Reo, I was speaking with Mrs.Yamada the other day. She has a daughter around your age,” Mrs.Mikage explained. Nagi’s chest suddenly felt tight, his breath catching in his throat at the indication. “I think you would get along-”

“Stop it.” Reo spat.

“She's a very sweet girl.” His mother added in a jaded tone. The Mikage heir only stared at her, not bothering with another response. She sighed again before continuing, “Reo, I'm saying this for your own good. Someone like him isn't good for you.”

“Like him?” Reo repeated, his face scrunched in confusion as he stared at her. She stared back sympathetically, as if she didn't want to break the bad news to him.

“He's lazy,” Mrs.Mikage stated bluntly. “Unmotivated, dull.”

Reo gaped at her. He couldn't believe the words coming out of her mouth.

The purple haired boy glanced at his partner, his heart aching when he saw Nagi’s face. Lips tugged down in a frown, eyes cast away from Reo. He looked guilty, as if each word out of his mother's mouth was a crime he needed to be ashamed of.

Reo clenched his fist.

“Don't you dare say that.” He practically growled, Nagi turned to look at him, surprised by the venom in his voice. Reo's mother remained silent, watching as he seethed with rage.

“Yeah, Nagi’s lazy, but that just gives me more of an excuse to spoil him.” Reo started, voice brimming with unwavering certainty. “He may not have a lot of motivation, but that just makes all he does for me mean so much more. And Nagi's not dull. He's interesting beyond words. He's dazzling and never fails to amaze me.”

Reo turned to meet Nagi's gaze and his features softened when he was met with wide gray eyes full of adoration and mild surprise.

“Reo,” His mother shook her head, completely ignoring what he said. “He's not fit to be your partner.”

Reo grit his teeth. Just what doesn't she get?

“Nagi’s fit to be my everything.”

“Reo…” Nagi whispered under his breath, slipping his hand into Reo's and squeezing it tightly. Realizing the weight of his own words, Reo blushed slightly.

No one said anything else for a moment. That was until Mrs.Mikage said her final piece. Her words heavy as they fell from her mouth.

“You're going to get bored of him.”

It was a short, brief statement. Despite that, it lingered in the air like poison.

Immediately, Nagi tensed. His grip on Reo's hand hesitated. His weight shifted uncomfortably on the mattress.

The Mikage heir mumbled something under his breath, too quiet to be understood. When he was met with two confused stares, he spoke up.

“I can't get bored of Nagi.” Reo's eyes swirled with devotion. The words spoken not as a statement, but a promise. “He's the only person who makes me feel so alive.”

He held his mother's gaze, stubbornly refusing to budge. They studied each other for a long moment. An unspoken conversation taking place in each shift of their face.

Nagi was silent at Reo's side, hand in his as he waited for someone to speak up. All he could do was squeeze his partner’s hand tightly, he never planned to let go.

After what seemed like an eternity, Mrs.Mikage slowly broke into a gentle smile.

“Okay,” Her voice was much lighter than before, her eyes soft.

Reo blinked. He raised an eyebrow cautiously. “Okay?”

“Okay.” Mrs.Mikage repeated again with a firm nod. She turned to Nagi and rested a hand against her cheek, a slight giggle escaping her as she continued. “You must have truly captured my Reo’s heart. He's never spoken back to me like that.”

“Ah,” Nagi blinked, albeit a bit stupidly. The sudden switch in her demeanor had thrown him off guard. He stared at her for a moment before realizing he was expected to say something. “I promise to take good care of your son.”

“Oh, you will,” Her smile grew strained as she continued casually. “Or I'll sue you for all you're worth.”

Scary, Nagi thought as he drew his eyes away.

“Reo,” She began again, voice soft as a mother's should be. “If you're truly happy with him, then I am happy for you. I shan't object any further.”

Reo's eyes widened, the unexpected support causing his eyes to soften. This was the last thing he thought would happen. He gave a faint smile before he thanked her. Short and quick, but nevertheless genuine. Reo held her gaze for a moment longer, acknowledging and relishing in the approval that shone within it, before grabbing hold of Nagi’s hand and leaving the room with one last goodbye.

The moment the door shut behind them, the quiet and vast hallway consuming them both, Reo heaved a long sigh, his entire body sagging with the effort.

“That was nerve wracking.” He groaned as he pressed himself against Nagi, his hand clutching his sleeve in the way it always does when he's stressed.

“Mm,” Nagi hummed softly as he looked down at his partner. He grabbed Reo’s hand off his sleeve and brought it against his own cheek to lean into the touch. “But she gave her approval.”

Reo visibly softened, a smile stretching across his face with the warmth of the sun, a sight so blindingly beautiful Nagi couldn't help but get lost in it.

“You're right, my treasure.” Reo's hand glided to the top of his head, massaging his scalp as he ruffled his hair with a grin. “She could see it; the way I love you more than anything in the world.” He pulled Nagi’s head down, pushed aside his bangs and placed a gentle peck on his forehead.

Ah, Nagi really was lucky, wasn't he? Reo never failed to make his heart flutter. He could die right here, in Reo's adoring hands, and he would consider it a blessing.

When they locked eyes, Reo grinned and stuck out his tongue playfully, a cheeky glint in his eyes as Nagi flushed. The taller boy turned his face away, his ears tinted pink behind his messy hair and Reo laughed at the sight.

The sound echoed through his head, bouncing and ricocheting around his entire being. Nagi wanted to hear that laugh again, he wanted to feel Reo’s lips against his own, wanted to hold him close and never let go. When it came to Reo, Nagi constantly found himself wanting more.

Nagi slid his hand to the low of Reo's back and the other found soft purple hair, cradling his head like a jewel. The Mikage heir gasped as Nagi dipped him towards the floor, his foot lifting in the air as Nagi held him firmly.

Nagi brought their faces close together, then mumbled Reo’s name like a prayer before crashing their lips together.

“N-Nagi!?” Reo’s muffled voice was swallowed as Nagi pulled him impossibly closer. Reo's hands clasped his partner's chest as he attempted to catch up.

The taller boy deepened the kiss even as Reo began to squirm in his hold. He relished in the noises that escaped his partner as his eyes squeezed shut. Blush spread across Reo’s entire face, a beautiful pink that made him all the more lovely.

Nagi pulled back, watching purple eyes flutter open with the glossy look of love swirling within them. Reo’s heavy breathing filled the space between them as they stared at each other.

“What was that for?” Reo asked, raising a brow as he grinned.

There was no answer. Instead, Nagi kissed Reo’s lips once more, soft and sweet and perfect in the way he knows Reo adores.

Nagi’s hands moved to cup his face and Reo giggled as his treasure began to kiss him all over. Above his eyes, his nose, his cheek, chin, eyebrow, he peppered every inch of his face as if to claim it as his own.

“Hey!” Reo’s laughter chimed like bells through the hallway, he pushed against Nagi's chest in a weak attempt to get away. “Nagi, that tickles!”

When Nagi finally, finally, decided Reo had been kissed enough, Reo wrapped his arms around him and rested his head on the taller boy's shoulder. A content sigh fell from Reo's lips as he basked in the warmth that only came from them being together.

“You're so good for me,” Reo professed, a smile engraved on his face as he stared into Nagi's gray adoring eyes. Nagi let out a noise as he was squeezed even tighter. Reo's voice was soft when he spoke again, a quiet promise spoken with all the fondness in the world. “I love you, Nagi. I always will.”

Nagi doesn't think he's ever been happier. So many thoughts swirled through his mind that he ended up not having a chance to respond before Reo grabbed his hand and pulled him down the hallway.

“Let's get this over with,” the Mikage heir said as he led them towards the office at the end of the floor. “After we introduce you to my shitty dad, let's go home, watch a movie and cuddle.”

Nagi hummed as he followed after him. The thought of being underneath warm blankets with Reo wrapped in his arms was enough to make his heart soar. “Okay, boss.”

—

“Reo,” Mr.Mikage’s strict tone was enough to send chills down his son's spine. The room was already tense, the suffocating air only growing as he spoke. “Is this some sort of joke?”

Reo held his partner's hand as they both sat across from his father at his desk. The office was lined in bookshelves with countless files and documents Reo knows his father hasn't touched in years. The large windows on the back wall did little to make the atmosphere feel more welcoming.

“No,” Reo's voice was no louder than a mumble. He swallowed as he forced himself to present himself more properly. He sat taller in his chair, attempting to lift his head in a way that shows he has control over the situation- which he certainly didn't. He cleared his throat before speaking again, “Me and Nagi are dating.”

He was met with silence and a heavy stare, his father's gaze weighing on his shoulders with the force of a mountain. It wasn't exactly disgust (although that seemed to be part of it), more so just disappointment and rejection.

Reo knew there was no room for dispute when his father got like this. He was demanding in his expectations, not meeting them always resulted in Reo going through this ridiculing process of admitting his failure and submitting to his father’s demanding ways. It was terribly humbling, and Reo really, really didn't want to have to deal with it.

A reassuring squeeze of his hand brought Reo back to the moment. He looked towards Nagi who stared at him gently, a soft lullaby seeming to lull in his eyes. It wasn't until he tasted a metallic tang in his mouth that Reo realized he was biting his lip.

When the silence stretched out further, with neither Reo nor Mr.Mikage showing any sign of being the one to fold under the eerie quiet, Nagi cleared his own throat as he spoke. “It's nice to meet you, sir.”

Nagi didn't know what to do in such a situation, that much was obvious, but seeing the way Reo struggled to find the courage to face his father, he knew he should probably say something. Even if it was something as simple as that, Nagi just hoped he could take half of the attention off his partner to give him room to breathe.

Reo heaved a sigh of relief when Mr.Mikage’s gaze shifted to the white haired boy. Nagi remained steadfast under his scrutinizing stare.

“Nagi,” he addressed him in a voice that lilted with authority, as if he couldn’t be defied. “Do you know the first thing about business?”

“I…” He hesitated, glancing towards Reo as if the answer would be written upon his face but flinched when he was interrupted by the slam of Mr.Mikage’s hands hitting his desk.

“Exactly as I thought,” The man scoffed and turned back towards his son. “He has nothing to offer you. Dating him will help you gain nothing.”

“But-”

“Reo.”

Reo grit his teeth as his father’s gaze overpowered his courage to speak, the words bubbling and dying in his throat. His nails poked into his palm, a stabilizing pain that kept him from losing his composure. Mikage's are always under control. It was taught to him from a young age, he wasn't going to fall apart in front of his father of all people.

“The Mikage heir being in a relationship with another man.” He shook his head, clicking his tongue as continued. “Just think of the reputation that you'll end up with.”

“I don't care about that,” Reo finally grumbled, crossing his arms as he leaned back in his chair. An ugly feeling curled in his gut and burned. He’s always had a short temper when it came to his father. It was always a new issue with him, picking at every flaw or mistake he could find.

“How did…” he paused as he considered his words, then motioned towards the two with a flick of his wrist. “...this even start? Who's to say he's not just after your money?”

Nagi's gaze shifted into a glare at the mere idea of it, he opened his mouth to say something but Reo beat him to it.

“Nagi loves me.” His voice was firm, absolute and unwavering with all the confidence in the world. Reo may be oblivious from time to time and have a tendency to over think, but never has he doubted the love Nagi showers him in.

His partner made loving him seem like the easiest thing in the world, Reo’s heart could melt at the thought alone. Every choice Nagi made, every word he said, every touch he gave, it all felt as if it was done with pure devotion to Reo and Reo alone. It was like there couldn't possibly be anyone else for Nagi.

Mr.Mikage had the audacity to roll his eyes, it was minimal but Reo caught it nonetheless.

“I love Reo.” Nagi said at his side, threading their fingers together as he brought their intertwined hands up as if to prove something to Reo's father. When he was met with an incredulous stare he added, “More than anything. His money doesn't matter.”

“Right,” his father scoffed. There wasn't an ounce of belief in his tone, it was more mocking if anything.

Reo turned towards Nagi and a soft sigh escaped him. He appreciated his efforts, but he knew this conversation would be futile in the end. When Nagi met his gaze, Reo noticed the flare burning within it, the fiery frustration of being doubted.

Before Reo could speak again, his partner abruptly stood from his chair, the seat screeching as the legs pushed against the floor. Nagi was silent, a menacing aura looming over him as he moved. Both Reo and his father watched him curiously.

Nagi stepped towards him, then wrapped a hand around his head, his fingers tangling in purple strands as he slotted his leg on the chair between Reo's thighs and leaned in to kiss him. Reo gasped into his mouth as Nagi’s hold remained firm and absolute, pulling his head closer to his own as if he were trying to meld them together.

Lavender eyes blew wide open as Reo startled in his seat, gaze jumping between Nagi and his father who sat completely stunned, mouth agape. It was an emotion he'd never seen on his father. Reo wanted to laugh at the stupid face he wore, it was very unbecoming of a business man. Instead of laughing, he returned the kiss as his hand cupped Nagi's cheek gently.

When they parted, Nagi went back to his seat, plopping down lazily as if he hadn't done anything unusual. Mr.Mikage stared at him, Reo stared at his father, and Nagi stared at nothing in particular.

The longer the silence stretched between them, the more flushed Reo became as the kiss replayed again and again in his head. He never imagined doing such a thing in front of his father of all people.

Reo's father opened his mouth but Nagi cut him off with a flat and curious voice.

“Mr.Mikage, sir,” he said, his head tilting innocently to the side, bangs swaying over his eyes. “Why exactly can't Reo date me?”

A moment passed and the man leaned back in his chair.

“You're a man,” he stated, crossing his arms like he was a wall that couldn't be passed. “You won't contribute to the business at all, are disrespectful, and I don't like you. At all.” The last part definitely wasn't necessary, but he added it nonetheless.

Reo clenched his teeth as he refrained from saying anything further. His father was as stubborn as he was, maybe even more so. Any attempt at changing his mind was futile.

“Nothing that you said,” Nagi began, his gaze unyielding as he held eye contact with Reo's father. “has anything to do with how Reo feels.”

Silence fell over the room, and for the first time Reo's father didn't have a response, not because he was surprised and couldn't think of what to say on the spot, but because he had no way of defending himself.

“I'm saying this for Reo's own good,” he eventually declared, standing from his seat to make his presence loom before them. His words almost sounded like a crude joke.

Reo suppressed an eye roll but stayed silent. His father's glare remained steadfast on Nagi who didn't flinch.

“You say that but you’re not considering Reo’s feelings.” Nagi shot back.

“I am-”

“You’re really not…” Reo interjected with a flat voice and an exasperated stare. It’s not often that he has the courage to speak back to his father, let alone cut him off, but Nagi was at his side. Nagi gave him more strength than anything. If it were with Nagi, Reo’s certain he could take on the world.

“Just-!” His father scoffed, pausing as he took a moment to collect himself and decide his next words.

In his momentary hesitation, Nagi leaned towards Reo and mumbled a quiet “just be a good dad” which caused Reo to bring a hand over his mouth as he attempted to hide his laugh. Although, it was obvious Mr.Mikage had heard, granted the way his eye twitched and he slammed a fist on his desk.

“Just get out of my office.”

“Huh?” Reo sputtered as Nagi blinked at his side.

“I said get out.” He spat then sent a death glare at Nagi who began awkwardly looking around the room as if he were innocent. “I don’t want this brat in my sight any longer.”

The moment the door swung shut behind them, there was a silence that hung in the air. Not tense or uncomfortable, just quiet. Only a second of it could pass before Reo burst out into laughter. He hunched over, clutching his stomach as if it hurt, as his cackling echoed through the hallway. Even Nagi couldn’t help but huff amusedly. It wasn’t a laugh exactly, but the closest he would get to one.

“Did you see how mad he was!” Reo wheezed as he wiped at his eye, a tear forming in its corner. “Ah, that was great! His stupid face!”

He snickered as he threw an arm around Nagi, pulling him close and poking his cheek.

“Man, you really have no shame.” Reo said teasingly, although the look in his eyes made it seem like a good thing. He placed a kiss where he had previously been poking and smiled. “Thank you for sticking up for me, my treasure.”

“Reo's papa is scary,” Nagi whined, latching himself onto Reo and burrying his face in his shoulder. “Praise me lots, Reo.”

Reo giggled and ruffled his hand through messy white hair.

“Let's go back to your apartment first,” Reo said then pushed Nagi off of him, earning him a pout. He then crouched to the floor and looked over his shoulder at Nagi with a cheeky grin. “How about a ride on the Reo limousine?”

“Reo...” Nagi gasped with shining eyes before immediately collapsing onto his back. “Reo's the best.”

“I know I am!” Reo boasted cheekily, bringing himself to his feet and adjusting his partner to be more stable.

As he began to stroll down the hall, the white haired sloth resting comfortably on his back, he looked over his shoulder at Nagi and asked, “What movie do you wanna watch when we're back?”

Nagi wrapped his arms tighter around Reo, almost like he was trying to get even closer, as if already being flush against his back wasnt enough. “Reo already knows.”

“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind it is then!”

—

“Reo, are you busy after practice?”

“Hm?” Reo rolled the ball underneath his foot as he turned to Nagi, who was sitting on the grass. After running three laps, he collapsed to the floor, dramatically claiming he wasn't going to make it. The lazy boy watched him with those big bug eyes Reo loved so much. “I'm never too busy for you, treasure. Did you have something in mind?”

“Mhm,” Nagi hummed. “There's someone I wanna introduce Reo to.”

Reo felt the world tilt. All he could do was blink. He was half tempted to feel Nagi's forehead to check for his temperature.

Nagi had someone Reo needed to meet. How has he never heard of this person? Reo was completely unaware Nagi even knew other people with how closed off he was. There were his parents, sure, but Reo knew enough to know it wasn't them, given how distant they were.

“Of course,” Reo smiled, his voice slightly strained in the way he attempted to hold himself together. How could he be unaware of someone important in Nagi's life? Oh God, was he a horrible boyfriend for not knowing about them sooner..? Reo ran a hand through his hair as his thoughts ran faster through his head than he ran on the field today. “I'll come to your apartment after school.”

“Kay,” was Nagi's murmured response as he rolled onto his stomach, nuzzling his head into the grass like a pillow and fluttering his eyes shut.

Reo didn't even have the heart to scold him, not when he was so worked up about this new mystery person. He half heartedly kicked a ball, sending it soaring towards the goal, only to frown when it bounced off the rim and rolled off the field.

Yeah, he wasn’t going to be able to focus at all. He sighed as he joined Nagi on the ground, threading his fingers through his hair as he watched his partner closely.

Whoever Nagi wanted to introduce him to, Reo would be sure to leave a good impression. As Nagi’s boyfriend and the esteemed Mikage Reo, he couldn’t possibly allow himself to mess this up.

“What is Reo wearing?” Nagi asked, his head tilting to the side as he stared at Reo standing outside his apartment door. He held himself tall, his hair slid back in a fancy way that could easily earn him a modeling career. Dressed in a suit that fit him perfectly, Reo’s features looked more elegant than ever.

“You wanted me to meet someone,” Reo explained, fidgeting at the collar around his neck and glancing past Nagi as if to search the room for company. When he found nothing, his eyes flitted back to the white haired boy with a curious glint.

Nagi blinked, then hummed, then grabbed Reo’s wrist to lead him into the small apartment. His partner followed, gazing around the room, inspecting every corner like the person was hiding and would jump out when he least expected it. Reo had to be on his guard. He had no clue what to expect from this encounter.

When they stopped in front of Nagi’s bed, Reo blinked stupidly at him as if there's something he’s missing. They’re still holding hands, fingers intertwined as Nagi clears his throat.

“Reo,” he began, bringing his free hand up to offer it towards his window, as if he were presenting him to some invisible presence in front of them both. “This is Choki.” Then shifting his hand towards Reo, he adds, “Choki, this is my boyfriend, Reo.”

Finally registering what he was supposed to be paying attention to, Reo blinks as he stares at the tiny cactus lodged on Nagi's window sill. Now that he's looking, the soil around Choki is rather damp. Nagi must have gone through the trouble of watering him in order to have him look his best today.

“Nagi…” Reo frowns, scratching at his cheek awkwardly. “Me and Choki are already well acquainted, you do know that, right?”

“But I had to formally introduce Reo…” Nagi says, his huge puppy dog eyes gleaming at him with an innocence that causes Reo’s heart to skip a beat. Gosh, his treasure really was the cutest thing in the world. Reo clutched a hand over his chest as if his heart were gonna burst out of it from the sheer affection it held for his partner.

Turning towards Choki and bowing politely, Reo gave a charming smile. “It is an honor to meet you, Choki. I promise to love your father with all of my being.”

“Yay,” Nagi cheered in his flat voice that most people would probably take as sarcastic, but Reo knew well enough it was as close to a happy tone he could get. The white haired boy hooked his chin on Reo’s shoulder and wrapped his arms around his waist. “Reo is Choki’s papa too.”

“Am I now?” Reo laughed as fluffy white hair rubbed against his cheek.

“Mhm.” Nagi hummed into the crook of his neck, the vibration causing Reo to shiver. He brought his hand to Nagi’s head and carded through his messy bangs. Then, Nagi lifted his head and looked at him expectantly. “Reo, did you hear that?”

“Hear what, my treasure?” The Mikage heir asked with a tilt of his head, eyebrows furrowed with slight worry because he’s certain he didn’t hear any noise.

“Choki said we should get married.”

“D-did he now?” Reo stammered as his cheeks turned a flush red. The arms around his waist pulled him closer and his heart began to hammer in his chest.

“He did.” Nagi nodded eagerly, a hopeful shine in his eyes as he stared at his partner. “Reo, we can’t ignore Choki. That would be child neglect.” Then after a slight pause he added, “I think.”

Mikage Reo is a very sensible man with a very important dream and future he has yet to achieve. Jumping into marriage at the ripe age of seventeen is obviously reckless but that doesn’t make it any easier for him to stop himself from saying yes on the spot. It takes all his strength to refrain himself from dragging Nagi to a court house this very moment and having him sign the contract now before he has any chance to change his mind.

“It’s too early for marriage, Nagi…” Reo tried, hoping his weak voice didn’t expose how difficult it was for him to keep a level head in this situation. The love of his life asking him about marriage… Reo knows it’s much too early for that but still the thought is so alluring he’s fighting back the urge to ask Nagi his ring size.

“That’s not a no,” Nagi pointed out, eyes shining with hopeful expectation. Reo was painfully tempted to cave in to his every request and kiss him silly.

“It’s not a yes either, not yet at least.”

“Not yet,” Nagi echoed, a satisfied hum in his voice. Melting into him even further, Reo’s breath hitched as a soft kiss was placed against his neck. Oh gosh, was Nagi trying to drive him crazy or what? “I’ll wait, Reo.” Another kiss. “We’ll be together forever and ever.”

“Is that what you want?” Reo couldn't help but ask with an amused smile. His chest felt so incredibly warm and fuzzy every time he was with his partner. Nothing else made him feel this way, not even soccer- …okay, maybe soccer did too a bit, but no where near as strongly as Nagi does.

The white haired boy didn't answer his question, instead he took a step forward. With the way he was wrapped around Reo, he dragged his partner along with him. He trudged ahead until they were in front of his bed then suddenly wrapped his arms around Reo real tight and collapsed onto it with him.

Reo let out a startled noise as they both sunk into the mattress, then laughed when Nagi intertwined his legs with his own and squeezed him even tighter.

Nagi's face was buried In Reo's chest as he mumbled, “I just want Reo.”

God, Reo was so in love. He felt his heart melt as he hugged Nagi back just as hard.

“I'm all yours, Sei.”

It was a promise. One that the both of them know is never at risk of breaking.

“Reo, Reo, Reo,” Nagi gushed, nuzzling his head into his partner's chest. “My Reo.”

Reo giggled and then placed a kiss atop his head. “My good boy.”