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“I promise I’ll never hurt you,” Miyuki’s words filled the quiet air around them.
Such a promise from the catcher was unheard of, but it left butterflies in Nori’s stomach. He could feel the heat rising up his neck, and he knew his cheeks were probably flushing with every second that passed. He felt embarrassed again, but that seemed like a common occurrence when it came to their relationship.
What relationship? Miyuki didn’t love him. There was no way that could ever happen. Before this went on any further, Nori pushed the catcher away. He kept his hand on Miyuki’s chest to make sure the latter stayed a good few feet away. “This is just a silly crush.” He said it in a way that he hoped would deter Miyuki from doing anything else. Nori looked away from his sharp gaze. “What could you possibly like about me anyway?” His voice was a low whisper.
The night was quiet around them. The moon was the only source of light as they stood unmoving behind the dugout walls. It was one of the few spots they could find some alone time, and they had been frequenting the spot more and more. Their time here filled with gentle touches, quiet whispers, and soft kisses. Nori enjoyed every second of it, but he knew he had to bring it to an end. If it continued, he knew he’d be the one hurt in the end, and he’d rather not go through a heartache like that.
To Nori’s surprise, Miyuki took Nori’s hand from his chest and laced their fingers together. With a gentle squeeze of the hand, he took a step closer to Nori, who took a step back. His back pressed against the wall as Miyuki took yet another step forward. “Is that what this is about?” Miyuki’s voice was quiet, but loud in the silence of the night.
They were inches apart, but Nori refused to look at him. If he did, he knew he’d lose his resolve. He was already mentally kicking himself for letting his insecurities come out into the open. He tried to swallow, but his mouth was dry. Maybe if he didn’t answer Miyuki’s question, he wouldn’t have to hear the pretty words the catcher would no doubt say that would get him hooked all over again. Miyuki was like a drug for him. The confidence that just seemed to roll off the catcher’s body was addicting, and he couldn’t get enough of it.
Miyuki placed his hands on Nori’s hips, and the latter stiffened slightly. Just an inch or two separated them now; their breath intermingling in the space between. Nori tried to ignore the feel of the hands on his hips, but as gentle as they were, it felt like his skin was on fire even with clothes in the way. This was bad. This wasn’t what Nori had planned at all, but he didn’t want to move away from the touch he craved. Old habits die hard.
They stayed like that until Nori relaxed a bit under Miyuki’s touch. The catcher moved closer. His body pressing Nori against the wall. The pitcher’s breath caught in his throat at the contact, and he wondered if Miyuki could feel just how fast and hard his heart was beating. This was definitely not part of the plan.
Miyuki let his left hand travel slowly up Nori’s right side. His fingers barely touched the fabric of the shirt, but the shifting material sent a shiver through him. “What I like about you…” Miyuki’s voice was low, but Nori could feel the words vibrate against his chest. He had to do his best to control his breathing as Miyuki’s hand continued to travel up his side and then down his right arm.
When Miyuki’s hand reached Nori’s wrist, he held it tightly. Nori watched as the catcher lifted his right hand. He pressed Nori’s palm to his lips. If the pitcher wasn’t already blushing, he definitely was now. He could easily feel Miyuki’s lips against the sensitive skin of his palm. It was such a small gesture, but it had Nori’s stomach doing flips. “I like the way you pitch,” he whispered into his palm. “I like the way you try your best every game.” He said while his lips brushed across the pitcher's knuckles. “I like your courage.” His kisses traveled up the pitcher’s bare forearm to the inside of his elbow, and the latter let out a shaky breath.
Miyuki looked up and Nori caught the intense look in his eye; he couldn’t look away. “I like the way you trust me.” He brought his lips to press against the t-shirt covering Nori’s shoulder. The catcher’s hair brushed against his cheek and neck, and out of habit, Nori leaned his head to the side. Usually, Miyuki would have chuckled at his eagerness, but he didn’t this time.
Miyuki turned his face to Nori’s neck. “I like the way you laugh.” His breath tickled Nori’s skin sending another shiver through the pitcher, and when Miyuki pressed his lips against his exposed neck, Nori took in a sharp breath. He let his lips linger a couple seconds before pulling away.
Miyuki lifted his face to look into his eyes again, and Nori wondered what he looked like because he felt a mess. His breathing came in short, rapid breaths and his face felt flushed. This definitely wasn’t going according to plan. If Miyuki hadn’t been pressing him against the wall, he wondered if he’d still be able to stand; his knees felt shaky. He was so weak to the catcher’s touch. He hadn’t even realized that his arms were now wrapped around Miyuki’s torso. His hands gripped the back of Miyuki’s shirt tightly for support as he gazed into the other’s eyes. “What else…?” He asked breathlessly. He wanted to hear more even if they were just pretty words to keep Nori from leaving. He loved being complemented by Miyuki just as much as he loved feeling his touch.
Miyuki smiled, and it was genuine. It made Nori’s heart skip a beat. He was always good looking, but when he smiled like that, he was downright handsome. The catcher brought his hands up and gently cupped Nori’s cheeks. “I like your caring thoughts.” His breath caressed Nori’s face. He leaned forward and pressed a kiss to Nori’s forehead. Miyuki’s lips were cool on his hot face, and the pitcher closed his eyes at the wonderful feeling.
“I like your kindness.” He pressed a kiss to Nori’s cheek. “And your devotion to your friends.” He kissed the other cheek. “I like the way you only look at me.” Miyuki whispered before placing a small kiss to Nori’s nose.
“I love you, Nori.” Miyuki whispered so quietly; Nori almost missed it even in the quiet of the night.
He opened his eyes and stared in shock. He never thought he’d ever hear Miyuki say those words about anyone, and definitely not with him being the reason for it. He didn’t know what to say. His resolve crumbled to nothing, but there was a good possibility that it had already dissipated when Miyuki was kissing and whispering to him.
But he was still afraid to go forward. “Really?” Nori whispered. His voice was a little shaky.
Miyuki leaned in to press his lips to Nori’s. The kiss was short, but there was so much tenderness to it. “Really.” Miyuki whispered against his lips.
“And you promise…” His voice trailed off. He felt foolish for asking such a thing after all the things Miyuki had said about him, but he needed to make sure.
“Yeah,” Miyuki smiled down. It helped relieve some of the anxiety that Nori had been feeling for the last week, and he wondered if Miyuki that.
“Okay…” Nori found himself saying. Miyuki would have never said those three words if he didn’t mean it. He moved his hands to wrap around Miyuki’s neck. He pressed himself against the catcher as much as possible, wanting to feel him on every part of his body. “Okay.” He said again a little more sure of himself as he pulled Miyuki into another, more eager, kiss.