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Charles, evidently, couldn’t contain his excitement from seeping out. The boy was restlessly on edge, skipping to the airport, smiling with all 32’s. Yes, Charles is normally hyper and bubbly, but this one felt more affectionate and sincere. He was excited, but also nervous.
Vivian and Julien attempted to give him a pep talk and drill advice to the contrarian – key word: attempted. Charles appreciated the effort though but whatever they were saying came through one ear and left through the other. The two were silently thankful he didn’t plan a big surprise in the middle of a crowded airport; if they told him not to, Charles probably would have just to piss them off.
Currently, Vivian and Julien were a few (an understatement they were way too behind) steps behind the eager blonde who skipped past through tons of people. Some crying either uncontrollably or barley, some with a bittersweet face, and some with the most enthusiastic smile he’s seen.
Charles was glad he would be the latter option. Long distance was excruciatingly hard. At first, the two thought it would be difficult, sure, but not as bad as people were making it out to be. It has been two fucking years.
The first couple of months, challenging, but he could manage and only after 9 months, the dam began to break. His guardians and teammates were genuinely surprised he lasted ¾ of a year without admitting he reached his tipping point. Because he hadn’t.
Now fuck the tipping point and dam.
In just about half an hour, Charles will get to greedily touch and talk face to face with the love of his life after two years. They simply never had a chance to catch up, well, in real life at least. The pair would have long deep talks on call every month but then twice a week a normal 2-hour talk. Plus, the consistent texting, pictures of their daily lives, and sending videos.
They loved their new routine called norm. but it wouldn’t ever compare to if all of that could happen in real life.
Both tried countless times to travel abroad to hang out with the other, the universe may just hate them because breaks never linked up between France and Japan. Or, in a rare blue moon they did, they were too busy or weather shit delaying flights to the point where it’s too late.
Yeah.
But now, after weeks of begging, Niko finally managed to make it on a plane a day ago. The flight was long, exhausting but in Niko’s mind, 100% worth it.
“Charles, attends juste là!” (Wait, right there!) Vivian said, through a snapchat call. It seems as if Charles got way too ahead of himself and skipped right past the correct terminal so now his guardians had to go fetch him.
Which also meant, delaying the moments he gets to see his precious ‘Ikki-Chan’! Charles groaned in annoyance which made Julien reply “Ne te fâche pas maintenant, c'est de ta faute. Tu aurais dû rester avec nous!!” (don't get pissed now, it's your fault. you should have stayed with us!!)
Charles rolled his eyes, lucky for him they weren’t around to see that, otherwise he would have gotten an earful from Julien. And then hear Vivian’s waffle about destiny or whatever, he wasn’t really listening. On a good day, he would listen for 7 seconds and on a bad day, 6.
He once told them that and got another earful.
Whatever –
“Okay, what do I faire maintenant?” (Do now) Charles asked in broken English. You got to respect the effort; he made the couple get him an English tutor just for Niko’s sake and his intellectual knowledge and use of English. He never told him though. Charles is planning on surprising him during his stay here.
“Turn your body around and just continue walking where you came from, we will meet halfway.” Vivian matched his switch right away; that’s the perks of having someone you live with know the language you’re trying to learn. Same thing with Niko actually, except he knows fluent French as he’s been learning way longer (and harder) than Charles.
That didn’t seem to be an issue as Charles had the Mikage translating earbuds and so did Niko, so luckily, they could speak their own respective languages. Maybe if they were feeling like a cosmopolitan, they could take it out and try speaking each other’s language!
“Oui” Charles huffed, he was annoyed for his silly mistake, but he would be even more annoyed if he spent more time dwelling on that and not trying to get to the correct terminal faster. Without further ado, he ended the call and sped walk the opposite direction.
--
“What’s with that look on your face?” Vivian’s monotone voice called out, snapping the laser focused attention Charles had at some random couple reuniting. That was supposed to be him… 30 minutes ago! On top of that, he didn’t even text him anything which was so unlike Niko that it made this whole ordeal uncanny.
Charles just hoped and prayed to whatever Gods was up there that he’ll get to him soon and maybe there was a CharNiko specialised God up there because he felt his phone buzz in the pockets of his jorts. The way his face lit up, and eyes glistened like a puppy finding its owner after days, can only be described as lovesick.
Or was it heartsick, heart struck, love struck??
IKKI-CHANN💕😛- got held up by security for a solid time hah
IKKI-CHANN💕😛 – im at the lounge thingy tho so find me before I find you hehe :P
Charles grinned, so like his Niko to say something like that. Julien looked behind from where Charles now stood, seemingly noticing something the other 2 havent. It took everything in him to not call attention to the curly head Japanese creeping up behind the tall midfielder.
When they first started dating, or even being friends, Charles always had a good couple of inches on Niko. But over the years and time being separate, they were at the same height, if not Niko being slightly taller, and Julien knew Charles would pout about that sooner or later.
As Niko made it so he was like two times arm length, Charles spoke up in his thick French accent and declared he would walk around to look for his boyfriend and promised to come back with Niko by his side.
“No need for that.” A sincere, but deep voice sliced through the tension in Charles, not in a bad way. Since when did Ikki’s voice get so deep…
Wait.
Wait…
Ikki??
His ikki?
What.
Charles spun his head around way too fast that he felt a joint pop uncomfortably, he wouldn’t know, that wasn’t his main priority. It was the gorgeous Japanese 18-year-old, staring at him with nothing but purity and content. Charles noted that he had grown more masculinity, but his chubby cheeks and bright orby eyes said otherwise.
Ikki still had that same toothy smile that regressed his age back to the early times where puberty just hit. Charles didn’t know him then but based off of the childhood photo album his mum showed him when he was still in Japan, he could recognise his toothy smile miles away.
After Charles realised he been spending more time analysing his looks and hasn’t said shit, he immediately threw himself into Ikki’s warm welcoming arms which didn’t hesitate to envelope his body. Because the hug was so quick and a moment’s decision, the couple ended up stumbling and falling backwards. Ikki yelped as his back collided with the floor, luckily raising his head before it could have been dangerous to the brain. He didn’t register the pain or anything else. A giddy laugh broke out as began messily showering his face with kisses.
That laugh.
Oh, how Charles missed hearing it in real life.
He could listen to it a million times and never get bored or feel any less different, the effect on him was still the same.
Charles contently peppered Niko's face with affection, whispering endearments (in a mix of all languages he knew) between each kiss, while Niko, tears blurring his vision, wrapped his arms tightly around Charles, burying his face in his shoulder. Niko missed this deeply: the scent of him, the feel of his weight, his heart feeling like it’s about to explode of being in love, that pretty face.
Bystanders were looking at them. Some with amused glances and knowing looks, others with sour hatred and envy, and then Charles noticed, the same couple he was staring daggers into were watching them. He only looked up for a split second and in their eyes, he saw the look of familiarity.
Like it happened before. Like déjà vu.
Whatever, Charles couldn’t care less right now. Not when the man he hasn’t had a chance to hug, touch, kiss or even pinch his cheeks is sprawled on the ground all for him. Just as they were about to dive in for their first – since reuniting – proper passionate kiss on the lips, they felt two figures dragging them apart.
“No more of that, till we get home.” Vivian declared that while hoisting Charles over his shoulder and began to walk towards the carpark; even with his constant punching and complaints. (He’s been around Charles too long; he’s used to that. It was going to take a lot more) Vivian could admit that scene touched him in a way he didn’t know was possible, and as much as he loved seeing the boys reunite, enough was enough.
He didn’t want to separate them, neither did Julien, but they were pro athletes and in public for destiny’s sake, the sappy shit and waterworks can wait for an hour. Its not like Vivian and Julien would know, they’ve always been around each other so this wasn’t something he could really relate to. However, as much as he couldn’t relate, he needed to pick the young adults off the floor before they make themselves a fool more than they already have.
Charles gave up eventually. From his angle, he could see Julien and Niko walking together normally. It seems as if Julien was interrogating Ikki’s life these past 2 years and as much as Charles wanted to be upset about this whole current situation, he couldn’t. Not when Julien was making an effort, and vice versa, to talk to his boyfriend and whether it was out of kindness or Charles’ sake, it still made him grin.
Its fine, let them have their moment, as soon as they were in that fucking car, Charles would show him who he really fucks with!
Except,
“That’s not fair!” Charles repeated for the seventh time because truly, it wasn’t! Julien rolled his eyes at this pathetic persuasion (if it could even be called that) and beeped his car once again. His mind was made up and that was that. “How comes your boyfriend agrees with no further argument and you’re still complaining?” Vivian added, without looking up from the blank book he was supposedly ‘reading.’
Ikki spoke up for the first time, the flight taking more out of him then expected, “Charles, the quicker you sit, the quicker we spend time together. Plus, we would be distracting to Loki when he’s driving.” He reasoned, pleading with his eyes at Charles who instantly shut up and whatever sassy resort he had boiling up, died flat on his tongue.
“Fine.” Charles huffed, taking a step into the passenger seat – where he had been unfairly separated from his boyfriend – and slumped down as far as he could before Julien smacked his arm lightly and reminded him dutifully to put his seatbelt on. Since Charles was 18 and not an immature (he still had it in him) 15-year-old teenager who would rebel at the most basic shit, he obeyed but only after he mimicked him, scowled and grumble incoherent curses in Japanese.
Julien acted like he didn’t understand but silently let him have that one, he would be sure to get him back eventually and secretly. The car ride was as normal as you could get with that group: conversations were playful and fun. They all came prepared and was wearing the Mikage translating earbuds, so the language barrier wasn’t an issue as of now.
After a gruesome – for Niko, who was absolutely knackered – car ride, they finally made it to their residence. Since Charles was 18, and considered an adult in France, he eas technically allowed to live by himself in the comfort of his personal space. But he didn’t want to. For loads of different reasons: He’s grown used to Vivian and Julien being around, didn’t like being alone, preferred having his stuff done for him, and just convenient. As long as he had his own room, which he graciously did, then all is well!
The pairs of couples have just entered the residence and Charles wasted no time being all touchy and quite literally jumping on Niko who almost fell on the ground again if it wasn’t for Vivian’s huge broad body supporting him from behind. Don’t get Niko wrong, he’s far from weak and has improved his body hence he isn’t the scrawny 15-year-old insecure boy.
He isn’t massively confident though, but way better than the blue lock days. It was only the fatigue, soreness and jet lag that caused him to stumble. “Charles, can’t you see he’s tired? Let him sleep.” Julien half heartedly scolded, already hunting for something to fulfil his hunger.
It wasn’t a surprise they noticed before Charles, when he’s excited, it’s like his heart and muscles take over his brain. Charles took a step back from where he was jumping on his boyfriend’s back whose suitcase and belongings been taken by Vivian to the guest room. (Though all four of them know, he will not be staying or sleeping there.)
There was silence for thirty seconds, Charles fondly analysing the state of his wonderful boyfriend and realising he must’ve been so exhausted and he was increasing it instead of helping. Truly, they were both lost in the moment to think about anything else, so it wasn’t entirely on Charles – Niko thought because he was too observant and realised what Charles was thinking.
Wordlessly, Charles lightly grabbed Niko’s wrists and lead him towards the direction of his bedroom. This was a new house, so Niko wasn’t familiar with the layout, but it looked lively and comfortable, plus it was Charles’ house so. Niko was too deep in thinking that he didn’t realise he was already in his boyfriend’s bedroom.
Wow.
It was certainly giving… Charles. Niko was excited for this bit, dissecting everything in his animated room and just looking at what each of those figures and shit mean. He didn’t get the chance to.
He felt the room shake, spin, dance and before he knew it; he was sprawled on something comfortable and warm. That’s when Niko understood that this was Charles’ bed and oh how it made him feel at home straight away as he sunk into the fortress of pillows and blankets.
He completely forgot about the man himself until he felt the bed sink and an extra weight plopped right next to him. So now the two were on their backs, side by side, pinkies intertwined as they looked at the ceiling above. The silence wasn’t awkward or tense, it was a steady calming one.
And, just as Niko felt his eyes getting droopier and harder to open his eyes, he felt Charles wrap an arm around his waist and snuggle up to his side before placing his head on his chest. After a few seconds, Charles heard Niko’s breathing evening out softly, so he indistinctively raised his head to plant kisses everywhere.
--
“Guys, what do you want to eat?” Julien called out across the halls, after three times of getting no response, he marched in there prepared to give them a scolding. He expected two teenagers awake and giggling, not them sleeping contently with each other, Julian’s facial expressions softened.
Whatever.
The funniest part was Charles lips in a permanent pout inches away from Niko’s cheek, “Cheeky.” He muttered, before pulling the forgotten blanket over the two. After, he carefully repositioned Charles’s face, so it was at a better and more cosy direction.
“JULIAN LOKI, THE FOOD IS FUCKING BURNING.”
Not so whatever, indeed.