Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Graduation was painfully long, Kuyo concluded 50 minutes into the ceremony. Being ranked #2 in his class allowed him to graduate earlier than everyone else, which was nice, save for all the waiting that had to be done afterwards.

Listening to the opening speeches, walking the stage, and then waiting for another 300 names to be called up only to have more speeches at the end. Kuyo was sure to doze off well before then. To keep himself from going insane, he turned his gaze to the graduate beside him.

Mint green hair, golden eyes to match his golden stole, and black gown that was partially unzipped to let out some heat. This was the top of their class, the most powerful and by a long shot the most handsome in the entire school.

Rei was looking just as bored as he was; only Rei had the discipline to continue clapping for everyone. Kuyo had stopped after Rei got his diploma.

Kuyo sighed and Rei turned his attention to him, a single eyebrow raised in question.

“Whats with that? Shouldn't you be more excited for your peers?” Rei teased in a whisper.

Kuyo didn't bother hiding his groan.

“Since when were there so many people at Wellston?” Kuyo grumbled, dragging a hand down his face. “It's like the list never ends!”

The next person's name began with the letter ‘M’... there was still a long way to go.

Rei rolled his eyes and continued to clap for the students walking on the stage.

“Dont your hands sting from constantly clapping? Mine do”

Rei chuckled “I haven't seen you clap once”

The two of them settled into silence again. Rei went back to smiling at the stage and politely recognizing the graduates. Kuyo leaned back and folded his arms over his chest and spaced out.

He had imagined graduation to be something more… impactful, but he found he couldn't care less about the actual ceremony. He found his eyes drawn to Rei again. Always on Rei.

To think that it had been 4 years since they first met in their dorms. Kuyo smiles at the memory of them yelling and fighting their first year as roommates. He hated Rei then; couldn't even stand being in the same room as him. Now they sat side by side at graduation, the top two in their class and school– Kuyo second to Rei.

Upon reflection, Kuyo knows that his past self would have been thoroughly upset that Kuyo would be graduating without the king stole– or any royal stole. ‘Maybe I shouldn't have given up the title to Arlo’ Kuyo muses.

‘It's all Rei's fault.’ His thoughts always managed to tie back to the other. How could it not? Rei was charismatic, impactful, influential, and incredibly beautiful-

Kuyo frowned. Maybe beautiful was the wrong word to describe his friend. He refocused on Rei sitting beside him.

His looks were beyond human description, Kuyo concludes. Rei's once soft and round face had molded itself into something incredibly irresistible and utterly addicting. The entire student body at Wellston was well aware of this change and sought after Rei frequently.

Speaking of Rei's fangirls, too many of them had decided to watch the graduating ceremony. Kuyo was sure he was going to go deaf when Rei walked the stage. The sheer volume they were able to produce could challenge the decibels of a jet engine.

As Kuyo glances back at the crowd he can see a multitude of girls clad in the wellston uniform sobbing uncontrollably into handkerchiefs, all too aware of their loss.

“We're almost done I think” Rei mumbles, causing Kuyo to snap his gaze back at him.

“I sure hope so, I'm losing my mind”

Rei hums absentmindedly. “You've always been impatient”

“So have you” Kuyo accuses back, recalling every incident where Rei had rushed him into something out of eagerness.

“I wish I hadn't been.” Rei softly admitted. “I took it all for granted and now it's done”

Kuyo gives Rei a strange look. “I thought you more than anyone would've been excited to move on from here. Didn't take you to be sentimental over graduation”

“Hah… how could I not be? I've spent the last 4 years at this school. I'm not even entirely sure where I'm headed next”

It was incredibly uncharacteristic of Rei to be uncertain about something. Rei has always been the type to forge his way with passion and unwavering conviction. Maybe Kuyo was the abnormal one for being so confident in his future plans.

“Well together we'll go to the same college so physically at least you know where you're headed” Kuyo said lightheartedly. “Besides, choosing your major doesn't need to happen immediately, I'm sure you'd decide in no time though”

Rei gives him a small smile. “I hope so”

At last the final name had been called. Principal Vaughn stands at the podium and declares everyone graduated. The spectating crowd bursts into cheer as the graduates throw their hats up in celebration.

Ex-students clump together in tears and give each other one final goodbye before moving on forever. Kuyo wonders how many people he'll actually miss.

Rei is swamped almost immediately by many people in their grade, notably the ones ranked lowest in the class. He's showered in gratitude and Kuyo swears he sees Rei tear up a bit at their admiration.

Kuyo, now pushed away quite far from where he was beside Rei, decides to head over to where his family was, leaving a quick text to Rei before heading out.

While other families embraced their graduated children with hugs and kisses, Kuyo's parents greeted him with a nod. Nothing unexpected considering the kind of people his parents were. High level, high status people that were beyond public displays of affection unless necessary, typically done at elite social gatherings or for media publicity.

His father placed a hand on his shoulder. “Congrats on graduating. We weren't sure if you were gonna make it but you proved us wrong!” His father teased lightly. Kuyo gives an awkward laugh.

His mother was seemingly less enthused about Kuyo's graduation, again nothing unexpected. She sighs and shakes her head at his father's remarks. “I can't believe you graduated without being one of the royals,” his mother frowned. “You should've fought harder for the Jack title at least”

Kuyo wasn't entirely honest about how he lost his royal status. Telling them that he had willingly given it up to a freshman would not bode well by any means.

Kuyo's father chuckled. “What's done is done, I’m surprised he even managed to get a title in the first place.”

Kuyo inwardly groaned. Dealing with an over expectant mother and a father who set the bar underground was bound to make another long summer.

Kuyo's mother glares at his father and he wonders how the two of them got together in the first place.

He absentmindedly thinks of Rei’s family. If he could, he'd join them in a heartbeat. Rei was born lucky, growing up with loving, doting parents and a sister that looks up to him. Kuyo wonders if Rei is aware of how fortunate he is to be part of a perfect nuclear family.

Kuyo glances back at the crowd one more time, searching for a certain green haired boy. When he spots him, he smiles, and then follows his parents off the school grounds.

—-- —----

When Vaughn had announced them as graduates, Rei had hoped to get a final picture with Kuyo in their graduation gowns.

However, before he could drag Kuyo over to his family, he found himself completely surrounded by classmates. Rei being the polite person he is, addressed each of them with a smile and some parting words. To his despair, as he continued to bid farewell to his graduating classmates, he found more people coming to him.

Rei was grateful of course, even brought to tears by some of the stories he heard about how he had changed their lives for the better. But in the end there was only one person he cared to look for.

He really is impatient as hell..!

Rei looked frantically between people for his blue haired friend. He struggled against the sea of people. Parents, teachers, and graduates have now completely mingled themselves together, making the crowd close to impenetrable.

All that height for what?

As Rei continued his search he found himself growing more and more irritable. Fed up, Rei reached for his phone to call him when he spotted a notification from Kuyo.

‘Hey, don't worry about looking for me afterwards. My parents are gonna take me home immediately after they find me (you know how they are)’

Rei frowned. Surely his parents would let Kuyo stay a little longer to talk to some of his classmates or his teachers…

Just as he was about to text Kuyo an essay about how stupid his parents were, he noticed Kuyo sent another message.

‘Don't be a stranger. I better see text notifications from you every morning or I'll get you at Wellston University’

Rei sighed. A whole summer without Kuyo. How would he survive?

He texts Kuyo back, ‘same goes for you. I'll miss you’

With no reason to stay in the crowd, Rei weaves between people to a more open space and calls his mother to meet up with his family.

Almost immediately he sees Remi sprinting towards him, ability activated and all. Rei tries to brace himself but Remi tackles him to the ground.

“Remi, get off your brother!” his mother chides from a distance.

Remi gives him a lopsided smile and helps him up from the ground. As soon as he's on his feet his mother and Remi squeeze him in an almost excruciating hug.

“Congradulations, Rei” he hears his father say proudly from a distance. He feels a hand ruffle his hair and Rei laughs in response.

Eventually they break from the hug and his mother wipes tears from her eyes.

“Let's get someone to take a picture of us..!” She exclaims. Rei watches in mild embarrassment as his mother asks various bystanders for a picture.

The four of them posed together as they always do for a family picture and smiled. At the last minute he feels a hand behind his head and he's sure Remi was giving him bunny ears again.

His mother collects her phone and then squeezes Rei again and whispers how proud she is. Rei hugs her back like a good son and laughs a little when she grumbles something about how fast time flies.

“Is there anyone you want me to get a picture of you with?” Rei's mom asks once she pulls away.

“Yeah, do you want a picture with that blue boy?” His father asks teasingly.

“Oh yeah! What about Kuyo? Where is he?” His mother frowns and starts looking around to see if she can spot him.

“He… already left,” Rei tells them awkwardly. “His parents were in a hurry apparently.”

Rei hears his mom scoff. “Those typical high tiers and their entitled self urgency. They couldn't even let their son stay at his own graduation? Ridiculous”

His father offers her a soothing pat on the back.
“Not everyone is as virtuous as you, dear.” His father says and kisses her head

It seemed to calm his mother down. She took a deep breath and nodded at Rei. “Is there anyone else?”

Rei shook his head. He had already spoken to Arlo before the ceremony, and there was no one else he was really close to aside from him and Kuyo.

“We can head back, it's been a long morning.”

And thus, Rei's lonely summer began

Chapter Text

The days of summer blurred together indistinguishably. There were some days where Rei felt overworked by his parents, constantly cleaning, cooking or learning to repair something. Other days Rei didn't bother leaving his room and opted to just watch mindless videos on his phone or an occasional texting spree with Kuyo.

Unlike Rei who only worked ever so often and could spend the rest of the following days lazing around in his room, Kuyo must have been kept busy everyday because it took ages for Kuyo to respond to any of his texts.

Today was precisely one of those lazy days where Rei was left helplessly with his own thoughts- thoughts of his best friend- who hadn't answered his texts since last night. He was probably busy doing something productive instead of rotting in his bed all day like Rei was. Still, Rei was impatient by nature and found himself constantly checking his phone for new notifications. It's already 3 in the afternoon and he still hasn't responded. Rei sighed and let his phone drop back onto his bed, opting to continue indulging in his thoughts about his friend.

What does Kuyo’s room look like? Rei wonders, glancing about his own. Would Kuyo have piles of laundry? Probably not, knowing his parents, they wouldn't allow it. And he has house cleaners that would take care of that. How lucky.

He glances at the small photo album that was currently on his nightstand, his parents gifted him at graduation. Does Kuyo have pictures of them together? Rei picks up the album and flips through the pictures as he had done hundreds of times this summer. He flips to a picture from their freshman year and smiles fondly at their small, childlike faces.

Kuyo's hair was still short then, it protruded out awkwardly and was far from its current day magnificence. They had been closer to the same height then too. Rei misses the times he didn't have to crane his neck just to talk to him.

Rei flips through some more pictures. Apparently Remi had taken his phone while she had visited him at Wellston and sent herself a bunch of pictures from his gallery without him knowing. As a result, there were lots of selfies and awkward pictures of his friends that made their way into the album. Rei laughed at himself when he stumbled upon an especially funny picture of Arlo that was purposefully angled to make him look even shorter than he already was.

Rei flips some more and discovers that in one of the photo sleeves there was a double set of pictures. Curious, Rei reaches for the image in the back and slides it out.

It had been shoved in with the picture side facing downward so he couldn't see what it was immediately. Someone had written ‘Just for you’ with a winking face on the blank side .

Rei turns the image around and nearly jumps at the sight of it.

Somehow, someone managed to get a picture of Kuyo post workout. Rei gaped at the image for an unhealthy amount of time, taking extra care to memorize all the details of the picture.

Kuyo was shirtless. Kuyo was sweaty. Kuyo was flexing his muscles. Kuyo's hair was a mess. Kuyo Kuyo Kuyo-

Rei gently placed the picture back where he found it and stared off into space. Uninvited images wormed its way into his brain and suddenly he was imagining Kuyo on his own bed, sweaty and messy and calling his name-

Rei stood up and decided he needed to take a long cold shower. He shouldn't be thinking about his friend in such a lewd position– as much as he wanted to.

The cold water did nothing to stop the thoughts invading his mind. He had already known that he had some complicated feelings towards his best friend, though he had never gone further than cracking a couple flirty jokes occasionally. He had actually thought that he might've gotten over his feelings now that they've spent the summer away from each other. Clearly, that was very much not the case right now, as his imagination gives him an image of Kuyo standing behind him in the shower.

He visualizes Kuyo's tall, wet body pressing him against the cold tile wall, his long slender hands gliding all over his body, groping and stroking in the right places as he bites down on his neck. Rei groaned and slid down the shower wall until he was sitting on the ground. It was as if the water was evaporating as it hit his body. Nothing could stop his thoughts from taking over his mind.

“Fuck” Rei moaned helplessly. There was only one way he could go about this now since his shower had failed him. He hesitantly reached in between his legs to grab at his erection.

His face turned a deep red- he couldn't believe he was about to masturbate after getting turned on by a picture of his best friend. He felt guilt wash over himself the more he thought about it, but when he started moving his hand around his own dick he quickly got over the feeling. I'll deal with it later.

His hand started at a slow, easy pace, but it didn't take long for him to speed up his strokes. Precum started flowing out soon after, with every slide of his thumb over the tip he let out a strangled noise. With his eyes shut, all he saw was the sharp gaze of his taller friend meeting his own. The thought of kuyo staring down on him- sharp green eyes attentively following every move of Rei’s hands as he pleased himself- made him sob and let out a needy whine.

“Kuyo… “ Rei moaned into the empty bathroom, the running water making it so he could hardly hear his own voice.

A few more pumps, and the thought of his best friend was enough for Rei to come undone on the shower floor, his legs shook as he bit down on his lower lip to try and quiet any noise that may try to escape.

After being slumped on the shower floor for a minute too long he finally got up -albeit his legs nearly gave out- and finished his shower with shame.

Once he got to his room all dressed up and relaxed, he checked his phone. Rei was met with a wall of notifications, an onslaught of messages from none other than his best friend, the one he had just masturbated to in the shower- Kuyo.

Rei felt his face burn in embarrassment when he saw the notifications. He prided himself in being one to respond in ‘record time’, but he couldn't bear to talk to his best friend after what he had just done in the shower. Without opening any of the notifications, Rei set his phone down.

He looked at the picture album that had been left on his bed and quickly skimmed through the pages to look for the photo. Once he took it out from behind a random picture he had taken with some class mates, he began to analyze the writing, taking care not to turn it around, lest he find himself needing to masturbate again. Carefully studying the drawn on winky face was all it took for him to recognize who it was from.

“Remi” he cursed under his breath.

He was so incredibly tempted to turn the photo around, to stare at his best friend who he hadn't seen in weeks - and maybe his muscles- but he held himself back with trembling hands. Rei pinched the photo in between his fingers and hurried to his drawer, putting it face down under his socks.

Now to figure out the next course of action. Would he confront his sister about the picture? He thought hard about it. On one hand he didn't want her to know he had found the picture that she had planted but on the other, he wanted to scold her for planting such an indecent photo- though it wasn't really indecent he supposed, it was his mind that was in the wrong place- of his friend in the photo album.

The decision had been made for him when he heard his mother call them down for dinner. Rei swiftly got up and made his way down to the dining room where he knew he'd find his devious sister.

By the time he got there, the rest of his family was already sitting, ready to eat. Rei hastily took his own seat at the table.

His parents quickly fell into conversation, as they always do and Remi would join in with her own input every once and awhile. Though Rei would normally join in on their lively conversations, he found his mind in an entirely different place. He narrowed his eyes at Remi as she shoved a large amount of food in her mouth.

“Rei, why are you glaring at your sister?” Rei jumped in his seat at the sound of his mother's voice. Remi looked up questioningly at him, apparently oblivious to his earlier staring.

There was no way he was going to tell everyone here that he was glaring at his sister because she put a shirtless sweaty picture of Kuyo in his album, so he had to come up with something else.

“I wasn't” he lamely responded, turning his gaze down to his untouched plate of food. Rei missed the way his mom gave him a suspicious- and scolding- look.

He heard his mother sigh and out of his peripheral he could see his father shaking his head playfully.
“Have you done anything today?” His father asks him. Rei shrugs and turns his head away guiltily.

Again his mother sighs and Rei wonders if she ever gets tired of it. “Have you started packing your room?” she interrogates with a noticeable edge to her voice.

“..no” Rei responds meekly. He decides to shovel all the food on his plate into his mouth all at once. They can't question him and expect an answer while his mouth is full.

“You do realize you'll be moving out again in about 3 weeks, Rei.” His mother began to scold him after a minute. “I don’t mean to nag, but you have to start sometime soon or you'll be stressing out like you did last year.”

She had a point. The summer before his senior year he had procrastinated packing his things before returning to Wellston High and he had left behind an embarrassing amount of necessities. Still, it seemed that experience has not taught him anything because he was well on the path to repeat last year's mistakes.

Rei nodded along to his mother's words and took another bite without saying anything.

“Have you started packing? Your school starts sooner than his so you better have everything you want in your bag” His mother had moved onto Remi who had a similar reaction to him.

“You know what? It's not my problem, I'll stop reminding you, both of you are old enough to keep after yourselves” his mother concludes, folding her arms irritatedly. His mom has always been more on the hotheaded side, but she never meant any harm.

His father offers a gentle laugh, easing her temper like he always did. “Speaking of college, are you and Kuyo rooming together?” His father asks playfully.

Rei's entire family had somehow decided together that Rei and Kuyo had something between them that went deeper than friendship, and Rei was constantly tormented for it. The two of them had nothing going on between them, as much as Rei wanted them to.

“No, actually,” Rei responded flippantly. “Since we're studying different things we're separating so we can live close to our major specific courses.”

Remi snickers. “How will that work? You two were always together at Wellston. You can barely function without him over the summer.”

Rei rolls his eyes. “Not true, I'm perfectly functional without him. I lived 14 whole years before I even met him and I was just fine.”

“Uh-huh, and that's why your room is packed right?” Remi teases.

“Says the one who also hasn't packed and leaves sooner than me”

“Hey!” Remi yells and then falls silent because she has nothing to say to that. Rei smiles triumphantly. She was totally gagged.

“How is Kuyo doing? I haven't heard much about him lately.” His mother asks curiously. Rei's face drops a little.

“He's busy. His parents set up a whole schedule for him over the summer. He's been to all sorts of conventions and social parties to build connections. He's been training a lot too apparently.”

His mother frowns and Rei braces himself for another rant about how overly prissy high tiers were. Instead his mother leans back and folds her arms with a thoughtful expression on her face.

“How early are the move-in dates for your dorms?”

Rei racked his brain trying to remember. “I think they open a week before my move-in appointment”

His mother smiles. “Well then, why don't you invite Kuyo over to our house? He can ‘move in early’ and stay here until your move in date.”

His father gives her a questioning look. “You know I'll always support you dear but do you really think it's a good idea for him to lie to his parents?”

“It doesn't matter if they never find out”

Rei beams at his mother. “I can talk to him about it” he tries to respond nonchalantly but he can't hide the excitement in his voice.

Remi groans. “I hope he can't ugh. I don't want to spend my last weeks of summer watching my brother drool over that ponytail butthead.”

“Well I didn't wanna spend my summer with an annoying pink haired shrimp.” Rei retorts, getting up from the table. Remi sticks her tongue out at him.

“Are you gonna go text your wannabe boyfriend now?” Rei pushes her head down as he passes her and heads up to his room.

“Clear your place before you leave!” He hears Remi yell as he heads back to his room.

“You're on dish duty so you do it!” He yells back before closing his door and reaching for his phone. When he turned it on he was overwhelmed with the amount of notifications he had.

Ah, he never responded to Kuyo's texts…

Swiftly, he unlocks his phone and pulls up the text thread between them. Rei realized Kuyo was on his phone too when he saw the texting bubble pop up on the bottom corner.

‘kys’ it read. Rei sighs and scrolls up to read the spam of texts Kuyo had sent him earlier. It was another long rant about how terrible his mother was. Apparently today his mother had forced him to go to a medical convention- whatever that meant- to help prepare him for potential careers in the field.

Since Kuyo had told his parents about his plans to go into the medical field, his mother has been overbearingly supportive. The day after Kuyo revealed his college plans, his mother came back with nearly an entire library of medical related books. Rei would know. Kuyo sent another picture of every single individual book and about 6 paragraphs explaining how overwhelming his mother was.

Rei struggled to come up with a response. He always did when it came to this topic of conversation. He couldn't say he understood, because he truly had no idea what that felt like, nor could he think of anything to placate his friends feelings about his parents.

He ultimately decided to just react to each message in lieu of a written response. Now that it was out of the way, Rei could text Kuyo what he wanted to.

“Hey, what do you think of coming over and staying a week at my house before the semester starts?”

Rei watches as the typing icon shows up and waits for a response. And as expected Kuyo's answer was, “I don't think that's going to be possible.”

Now it was time for Rei to explain the plan. He sent his mother's plans to Kuyo, texting him to tell his parents that he decided to ‘move-in early’ because he wanted to be ‘academically proactive’ and needed a head start on his living situation to do so.

It took awhile for Kuyo to come up with a response. Rei watched as the typing icon appeared and disappeared repeatedly for a couple minutes. Eventually, Kuyo responded with an “I'll try” text.

Rei wasn't a religious person but he prayed to every being he could think of. Please let this work.

Kuyo sent him another text. “You miss me so bad you couldn't wait for me until college?”

“Yeah” As soon as rei hit sent he immediately regretted it. That definitely came on too strong. He decides to follow up with “I miss my underling”

Kuyo's response is almost instant “I'll make you my underling when we meet again, tiny. And i was never your underling to begin with, it was Arlo”

“I'd like to see you try” Rei quips back. Truthfully Rei had slacked completely on his ability training, so it was very possible that Kuyo had reached his level over the summer. Maybe he shouldn't have ignored his sister's pleas to train with her.

“You won't know what hit you” They continued to go back and forth in playful banter until Kuyo stopped responding.

His parents must have called for him. Rei sighs disappointedly. He types “goodnight” in the text bar as he does every night. And just like he does every night, he deletes the text and turns off his phone.

Chapter Text

Kuyo finally gathered the courage to set Rei's plan in motion. His summer has been entirely too busy and he was desperate for an escape route. Everyday since graduating has been nothing but torture, if he wasnt sleeping he was either socializing, training, or studying.

Kuyo almost regrets choosing the medical pathway, seeing how his mother had reacted. Though he should be grateful that she's become incredibly supportive in that aspect, it quickly became overwhelming.

Suddenly his room was filled to the brim with chemistry, biology, and medical textbooks. Not to mention the piles of discs with recorded lectures and references to medical professionals. His mother sure knew her way around.

Though he studied daily, as was required of his mother, he didn't remember a single thing he's read in all of the textbooks given to him. Some may say it was wasteful, to which Kuyo would argue that it was not his choice.

Now he stood at his parent's door and hesitantly knocked on it. He did his best to gather his composure before one of them opened the door.

He was slightly relieved that it was his father that answered, it gave him some more time to collect his growing nerves.

His father didn't seem to be in a talking mood at the moment, but so was Kuyo. He quietly slipped past his father in pursuit of his mother.

He found her sitting at her working desk placed beside her bed. She didn’t seem to be typing actively, so that basically gave him the green light to talk with her.

“Mom, are you busy?” She looked up half surprised and stood from her desk.

“Kuyo! What brings you here? Do you need anything? More textbooks maybe?”

Kuyo shook his head. “No but I wanted to speak to you about some college plans I've changed.” He said measuredly, paying extra attention to his mother's face.

Her eyes sharpened in seriousness but she nodded for him to continue.

“I decided to move in earlier than I planned for originally. I wanted to move in sooner so I could begin acquainting myself with the professors and try to get some research done before school starts.”

Kuyo was pushing the limits here, but he was desperate for an out. His mother seemed to think for a moment which was a win in Kuyo's book. If she were against something she'd shoot it down with no hesitation.

“How early do dorms open?”

“About a week before the day I was scheduled to move in” he answered, crossing his fingers behind his back.

His mother turned around and pulled up a calendar on her screen. She typed some things into it and then turned back around with a smile.

“I don’t see why not. I'll arrange for you to move in then. Just know that once you're there, I'll be too busy to check up on you so stay on top of your studies!”

“I won't let you down,” Kuyo responded with faux earnestness and smiled. He walked back with a lighter gait and immediately pulled out his phone once he reached his room.

‘I got the green, I'll see you soon’

—-

Kuyo's parents said their goodbyes on their front porch as Kuyo climbed into the back of the taxi his mother arranged for him. He was set to go to Wellston University, where Rei would meet him and then take him to his house.

Kuyo has never been more excited. He kept anxiously checking his location, waiting to text Rei when he was getting closer to WU.

After what felt like days, Kuyo finally arrived at the university. He swiftly pulled all his bags out of the trunk and walked to the place they agreed to meet up.

The second he saw a head of green hair he began to sprint, bags swaying wildly around him. Rei was turned the other way on his phone, the opportunity presented itself. Kuyo jumped onto Rei and the two of them crashed down onto the pavement.

“Kuyo, what the hell is wrong with you!?” Rei yelled as he tried to pick himself off the ground, though with Kuyo and the heavy bags on top of them both, it made it difficult to move. Rei only managed to turn himself onto his back so he could see Kuyo's face.

Kuyo smiled mischievously down at him. “What, I can't show affection to my best friend now? “

“Not when you have bags that weigh 100 pounds each! Get off!” Rei pushed against Kuyo but didn't get very far.

“Awe, but this is the first time we've touched each other in months, indulge me for a moment,” Kuyo teased, laying his head against Rei's chest shamelessly.

He must have gone too far because he felt Rei's entire body stiffen. He must be uncomfortable, Kuyo realized and awkwardly sat up from where he was.

He looked down at Rei in concern, searching his face for discomfort. Rei's face turned bright red and he quickly turned his head away from him.

“Y-you should get off.” Rei stuttered, still unable to look Kuyo in the eyes. Kuyo frowned but then realized he was totally straddling Rei, the extra weight from the bags pressing him down onto his lower half.

He quickly got off and helped Rei stand up. Rei was still flushed, Kuyo wonders if he's sick.

“Let's go, my dad is waiting” Rei motions and points towards a car in the near distance. Kuyo wonders if his dad had just seen everything that transpired.

It seemed he had if his face was anything to go by. Rei's father gave the two of them the same devious smile Kuyo always saw on Rei. “Looks like you guys had a good reunion” he laughed.

His father came up to Kuyo and gave him a bone crushing hug. “Hello” Kuyo gasped and Rei's father laughs again.

“You're still as skinny as ever. Let me help you with those bags.” With one arm, the man took all of Kuyo's bags and then opened the trunk with his free hand. Kuyo wonders what his workout routine was.

While Rei's father worked on shoving all of Kuyo's bags in the trunk, Rei motioned for Kuyo to get into the backseat of the car. He joins him without question.

Once settled, Kuyo felt an incredible relief. After a whole summer of being worked to exhaustion, he could finally relax. He let his head drop on Rei's shoulder and sighed.

“Tired already?” Rei teased. Kuyo hummed.

“Anyone would be tired after spending their summer with my parents.”

The two of them jumped when the trunk slammed shut behind them. Kuyo sat up instantly awake. Shortly after, Rei's father was sitting behind the wheel, looking amusedly at the two of them through the rear view mirror.

“Sorry about the wait, I'm not the best at tetris” he chuckled and started the car. Rei rolled his eyes at the silly comment. Kuyo laughs along awkwardly.

“It's good to see you again Kuyo, Rei has been talking about you non-stop, even in his dreams!” Rei groans and puts his head in his hands.

“Is that so? All good things I hope,” Kuyo teases along and nudges Rei who had once again turned a surprising shade of red.

Rei grumbles something unintelligible and it makes both Kuyo and Rei's father laugh. Kuyo rests a hand on Rei's thigh and leans in closer. “So you missed me that much, huh?” He asks quietly so the driver can’t hear.

Rei pushes Kuyo's head away. “No way.”

“Hey, keep it PG back there, I don't want to see you two getting nasty in the back seat.” Kuyo instantly moves as far from Rei as possible.

“Dad!” Rei nearly screams out of embarrassment. “We weren't doing anything like that!”

“Uh huh” his father responds sarcastically. “I'm just saying don't do anything in the car. Save it for your room. And make sure you use protection, we don't want you to get any STDs-”

Kuyo feels like this car has suddenly gotten very hot. He glances at Rei who seemed to be curled up in a ball trying not to exist.

“Dad, shut up please,” Rei pleads.

His dad was on a roll and ignored his son's poor pleas. “What? Sex is a very normal, just do it safely”

“We aren't going to have sex!” Rei yells back exasperatedly.

At the mention of sex Kuyo finds himself curiously imagining the two of them on a bed, naked, touching each other sometimes with their hands and other times with their mouths- bent over each other sensually. Maybe he would be the one penetrating Rei. Or maybe the other way around. He finds that he doesn't hate the idea of either.

Rei's dad laughs from the front seat. “I'm just saying if you want to I'm not against it, just don't make it obvious.”

“Yeah Rei, no hickeys,” Kuyo teases again and gets kicked in the stomach.

“I'm gonna kill you.” Rei threatens weakly, his face red as a tomato.

Before Rei's father could tease anymore, they reached his house. Kuyo laughed as Rei let out a relieved sigh and the two of them got out of the car and pulled the bags out of the trunk.

Apparently Rei's father had to run some errands and couldn't help them move the bags to Rei's room, which seemed to make Rei happy.

“Hey, forget everything my dad just said in the car, he likes to make me embarrassed as hell.” Rei said as the two of them made their way up to his room.

“I won't hold it against you if you did want to have sex with me though” Kuyo comments. “I'd want to have sex with me too.”

Rei groans in annoyance. “Enough talking about sex, I don't want to hear anything of it while we're in my room.”

Rei pushes his door open and drops the bags. “I'll go look for our air mattress”

“You didn't get one before I got here?” Kuyo asks, feigning offense. Rei didn't seem to hear and left him without another word. Kuyo sets his bags down and looks around the room.

It was pretty much what he had expected, though a lot cleaner. He probably cleaned it recently Kuyo smiles at the thought of Rei frantically cleaning just for him.

His eyes catch on something sitting on Rei's bed. It was a small basket containing a box. Curious, Kuyo approaches the box and picks it up.

Oh

It was a box of condoms. Just as he had discovered that, Rei came barging in with an arm full of air mattress.

“I found one but I'm not entirely sure if it works-” Rei looks at Kuyo who is staring back at him.

“What is that?” Rei asks in regard to the box in Kuyo's hands.

“A box of condoms. They were on your bed” Kuyo responds awkwardly.

Rei gasps and drops the mattress in shock. “A box of WHAT!” Rei rushes over and snatches the box out of Kuyo's hands. He looks between Kuyo and the box frantically.

“I swear on my life these aren't mine” Rei says, chucking the box into a corner.

“They were on your bed though.”

“Somebody framed me!” Rei exclaimed desperately. “I've never even seen a condom”

Kuyo laughs. “You're so easy to tease.” He ruffles Rei's hair. “Always have been” he adds quietly in his ear.

Kuyo watches amusedly at Rei's instant reddening. Rei seemed to be at a loss for words. Kuyo decides to let him breathe and redirects his attention to the dropped air mattress.

Rei stands awkwardly as Kuyo gets the air mattress set up best to Rei's bed. Once the shock turns to annoyance towards his family, he distracts himself by helping set the mattress up.

Just as they had connected the cable they heard the sound that resembled that of a balloon deflating.

“Great, it's got holes” Rei sighed as he disconnected the cable from the wall outlet and started folding the mattress once more.

“So.. Where am I going to stay? “ Kyyo asked as he helped Rei.

“I guess we're just going to have to share my bed, there's no way my mom is going to let you sleep on the couch, and I'm not sleeping there either”

“Wow, first you have a box of condoms and now you want to share a bed? Calm down Rei you haven't even taken me out to dinner first. “ Kuyo chuckled as Rei glared at him.

“I think we have another one in the garage, but we can look for it tomorrow” Rei grabbed the folded mattress and put it at the edge of his bed.

“I guess this will have to do” Kuyo sighed dramatically as he fell onto Rei's bed. It smells like him Kuyo thinks absentmindedly as he enjoys the softness of Rei's mattress.

He feels the mattress dip as Rei sits on the edge. “You can't be taking up the bed like that tonight or I'll kick you off” Rei comments, seeing how Kuyo had splayed out his body over the entire bed.

“Why not, you can just lay on top of me.” Rei reaches for a pillow and hits Kuyo over the head with it.

“Don't touch me tonight or I'm making you sleep outside.” Rei warns. Kuyo sighs and closes his eyes, the exhaustion he had built over the summer came crashing hard on him.

“You're missing out, I make for a great cuddle partner,” Kuyo responds tiredly. He was about to fall asleep when he felt hands grab at his face.

“Don't fall asleep yet, you need to change out of your clothes.” Kuyo opens his eyes to see Rei bending over him, their faces closer than they should be.

“...alright.” Rei takes his hands off of Kuyo's face and gets up from the bed. “You can change in here and I'll change in the bathroom.” Rei says, collecting his pajamas from his drawer.

Kuyo nods and takes off his shirt from where he is on the bed. Rei turns around to glance at where Kuyo was and turns bright red. When Kuyo grabs at the waistband of his pants he sees Rei run out of the room.

—-

Rei slams the door to his room shut and quickly heads to the bathroom. Kuyo was shirtless on my bed! Rei shuts the door behind him as he stumbles into the bathroom.

He glances at his face in the mirror and isn't surprised to see that he was completely red in the face. The image of Kuyo reaching to take off his pants has Rei hunched over the sink.

“Fuck” Rei curses to no one as he rushes to turn on the water. He splashes his face a couple of times in a sad attempt to chase away the redness of his cheeks.

He needed to collect himself. It hasn't even been a day and Rei is already struggling to keep his emotions at bay. He wasn't sure how he was going to survive the night knowing he was sleeping next to Kuyo on his bed.

In the midst of his gay panic, Remi burst into the bathroom, causing Rei to scream.

“Don’t you know how to knock??” Rei yells.

“Don't you know how to lock the door? What are you even doing right now? Your face is soaking wet” Remi asks suspiciously.

“I was just washing my face” Rei responds annoyed.

“With no soap?” Remi asks as she glances at the dry soap bar beside the faucet.

“I was trying a new routine” Rei says defensively, wiping his face off with his shirt. Remi gives him a disbelieving look before returning her attention to the sink.

“Well I'm going to brush my teeth so I hope you're done with your ‘routine’” she comments, moving to grab her toothbrush.

“Wait, I'm not done here, I still have to change my clothes!” Rei gets up and begins shoving her out of the bathroom.

“Why are you even changing in here, you have a bedroom for crying out loud!” Rei slams the door on her face and takes extra care to lock it this time. He grumbles something about how annoying his sister was as he rushes to change his clothes.

When Rei opens the door he sees Remi and Kuyo standing outside, their stances indicating they were about to punch the door down.

“You guys are so impatient. I was literally in there for like 5 minutes”

Kuyo quirks an eyebrow. “You've been in there for almost 20 minutes. I thought you fell into the toilet.”

Remi looks at her brother disgustingly. “What on earth were you doing in there before I came in?”

“Don't look at me like I did something nasty! I was just trying to- uhh- change my clothes” Remi and Kuyo both looked at Rei with disbelief.

“No shame in saying you were pooping” Remi commented annoyedly and pushed past Rei to brush her teeth.

“I was not!” He yells.

“You're right it doesn't smell absolutely vile in here, I guess you were doing something else then” Remi responds.

“Yours smell worse” Rei yelled back and stormed into his room. Kuyo laughs and follows Rei into the room, closing the door behind him.

“Ugh she can be so annoying.” Rei grumbles and drops himself on the bed. Kuyo lays down beside Rei.

“I think she's hilarious.” He comments. Rei would respond with something witty but he was far too distracted by the fact that Kuyo was laying down beside him. Silence fell over them like a heavy blanket, a sort of reverence filling the once lighthearted atmosphere. It was a companionable quietude, not unfamiliar to the two of them.

Rei turned his body to face Kuyo and blushed when he saw that Kuyo was already looking at him. His green eyes caught the moonlight that filtered through the bedroom window, making them shine in the dark. Rei loses himself in the emeralds, the fields of green, the color of life itself.

When Kuyo blinks the enchantment breaks and Rei's attention turns to the pool of blue that collected on the pillow under the other. His hand reaches for the silk and collects a small strand. His thumb glides over the smooth texture and Rei wants nothing more than to feel it on his lips.

“It's gotten long,” he whispers, hand releasing the lock of hair and moving along the stretches of blue.

“Yeah…” Kuyo responds, his eyes seemingly mesmerized by Rei's hand. His fingers go upstream the river of azure, and settle on the elastic that bound it all together.

“Why don't you take it out? It's uncomfortable to lay on your ponytail isn't it? Remi always complains about laying down with her hair up.” Rei says quietly to preserve the peaceful atmosphere.

Kuyo smiles. “I guess it is. I can take it out but you might end up with hair on your face." He responds with a similar tone to Rei. It was supposed to be an off putting thing but Rei wouldn't mind drowning in the waves of blue, he thinks it would be his preferred way to go.

Kuyo sits up and his hair drags along the bed, flowing behind him obediently. Rei watches fascinated as Kuyo slides down the hair tie along the waterfall behind him. The once calm river now spilt everywhere, uncontrolled and free. Rei reaches and lets it pool in his hand with sacredness, strands spill out between his fingers, reaching for the bed below.

Kuyo turns towards him with a mild look of curiosity and Rei's breath catches. The backlighting of the moonlight gave Kuyo an etheral glow, the blue of his hair shone and complimented the greens of his eyes the way the oceans contrast the grassy lands of the earth. His skin is the perfect harmony between them, glowing richly between the two colors. Kuyo was a masterpiece himself, and Rei could study him for hours.

His hand moves from Kuyo's hair and towards his face, fingers dragging across warm skin, below green eyes and towards a curtain of blue. He purposefully lets the blue strands catch on the back of his hand and he tucks them behind Kuyo's ear.

“You look better like this,” Rei admits softly. His hand drops from his ear and he drags it against Kuyo's body, following the flow of his hair, until it lands on the bed.

Kuyo turns away from Rei, uncharacteristically shy, before reaching behind him and grabbing at his hair. He lays down and lets the hair spill behind him on the pillow, what was once a river was now an overflowing pond. Rei's hand finds itself swimming in it once again, relishing in the softness of it as his fingers part the fluid locks.

He hears Kuyo sigh and close his eyes as Rei continues moving his fingers through his tresses.

“Does it feel good?” Rei asks curiously, seeing how Kuyo relaxed at his touch. He moves his hand up to Kuyo's scalp, savoring the warmth of his body. His fingers curl at the root of his hair and gently tug.

Kuyo quietly moans in response and Rei's hand twitches. I guess that’s a yes then. He continues to pull and stroke the hair at the root until he feels his eyes grow heavy and his breaths come out deep and slow.

If he woke up in the middle of the night and noticed that their legs were intertwined and arms were resting around each other's bodies, he didn't mention it the following morning.

Chapter Text

Kuyo wakes up at 7am sharp out of pure habit. He opens his eyes and realizes that there's an unknown weight on him. He looks down and sees that a leg had somehow ended up right on his chest.

Kuyo turns his head towards the culprit and almost laughs at his friend's absurd sleeping position. Rei's head had somehow gotten under the pillow and one of his arms was leaned against the wall upright. One of his legs was on Kuyo and the other was hidden under the blanket, likely in an odd position given the angle of his hips.

Kuyo not-so-carefully moves Rei's leg and sits up with a stretch. He runs a hand through his hair and winces as it gets caught in a rough tangle. He forgot to braid it the night before like he usually does and now it was a mess.

Kuyo gets up lethargically and opens one of his bags to get a hairbrush. Once he finally finds it, he begins to detangle the clump of hair at the back of his head.

He hears Rei mumble something before Rei moves around on the bed and gets himself in an even weirder position than before. Kuyo smiles deviously and looks for his phone. He finds it on the nightstand and immediately takes a picture of Rei.

He laughs softly to himself and saves it for later. While Rei was still asleep he decided to change into his outfit for the day. Kuyo carelessly takes off his shirt and digs for a new one in his bag.

By the time he's finished changing completely, he looks back and is surprised to see that Rei was awake and was staring at him.

“...Good morning” Kuyo manages, trying to act as though Rei didn’t just stare at him in his underwear. Rei furrows his brows for a second and then eventually responds.

“...morning.” Kuyo was caught off guard by the unexpected gruffness of Rei's voice. Rei sits up from his awkward sleeping position and squints as if to get a better look at Kuyo. His hair had become quite wild from sleep and stood up in awkward angles, Kuyo found it extremely charming.

“Why the hell are you up so early?” Kuyo is tempted to grab his phone and start recording Rei's morning voice. He'd use that recording well in his alone time. Kuyo shrugs.

“Why are you sleeping in so late?” He quips back. Kuyo pulls his hair tie off of his wrist and begins to put it up. Rei groans and falls back on the bed, Kuyo doesn't miss the way Rei's shirt rides up when he lands.

“Come back to bed” Rei calls tiredly from the bed. Kuyo finds it quite tempting, especially given the state of Rei's voice and hair. Before Kuyo could come up with a flirty response, Rei had already fallen back asleep.

Kuyo walks over to where Rei was sleeping and chuckles, moving his hand to ruffle his hair. He couldn't find it in him to stop, and he let his hand lower onto Rei's face, thumb pressing against his bottom lip.

“I'll let you sleep a little longer then..” he mumbles.

Kuyo hears voices that seem to come from down stairs and decides he should go out and greet the rest of Rei's family. He didn't get the chance after he'd arrived quite late yesterday and didn't want to seem rude. With one last look at Rei, he heads out.

When he heads down the stairs he's hit with the smell of pancakes. Kuyo smiled. Of course they'd eat pancakes for breakfast. He's surprised to see that Remi was already downstairs, though she looked like Rei did with wild pink hair sticking up in random places and an extremely disheveled look on her face, he couldn't understand why she was even awake at this time.

“Good morning” Kuyo greets her overenthusiastically. Remi grunts back and makes an uncomfortable face by the loudness of his voice this early in the morning. He whispers a quick “sorry” in return.

Remi's mother notices Kuyo and smiles brightly at him. “Looks like we have another early riser!” She exclaims. Remi groans and stuff her face with a fork full of pancake which seems to wake her up a bit more.

“Come here Kuyo, I've got a plate for you.”

Before kuyo has the chance to retaliate, a plate of stacked pancakes is shoved into his hands.
He gave her an awkward nod before heading to sit next to Remi in the dining room.
Remi had already fallen asleep once more on the table, some saliva was running out of her mouth and for his own cleanliness- he cleaned her up with a napkin and set it down on her half eaten pancake plate.

Kuyo himself had only gotten a couple bites into the fluffy breakfast before Rei sat beside him - fork in hand - and started taking Kuyo's pancakes into his mouth.

“Your mother left some in the kitchen ya know, go serve yourself” Kuyo said as he swatted one of Rei's attempts to grab some more.

Rei said something, though it was inaudible from the amount of food in his mouth.

“Dude, gross, swallow your food before speaking”

Rei swallows the pancakes dryly and Kuyo wonders why he hasn't choked to death yet.

“I said, it tastes better off someone else's plate” Rei gave kuyo a crooked grin before stealing more of his food. Kuyo just pushed the plate in front of the other. Rei gives Kuyo a questioning look.

“You can have it, I'm already full”
Before either can say anything more they hear a loud crash at Kuyo's side. Remi had fallen off her chair and was currently clutching the back of her head as she curled into a ball.

“What happened?!” Rei and Remi's mom yelled as she appeared from the hallway.

“Remi fell off the chair! “ Rei yelled back,
“What an idiot,” he mumbled.

“Shut up… “ Remi winced as she started getting up.

Her mother rushed to check the back of her hair, once confirming there was no bleeding she hit Remi on her shoulder.
“I tried to ignore it earlier, but you look absolutely exhausted. What were you even doing last night? “

“I finished packing up… I got a little distracted and ended up staying up till much later… That's all. I think I'll just head back to bed, “ her walk was a bit wobbly but her mother didn't say anything else.

“I swear… that girl is going to be the death of me one day. “ She sighed and redirected her attention to Kuyo. “Speaking of sleeping, Kuyo, did you sleep well? Was the air mattress comfortable? “

Kuyo, who was chopping up the pancakes with his fork from feeling awkward and out of place from the previous scene, looked up at the older woman.
“Oh, I didn't sleep on the air mattress, it had some holes so we didn't set it up”

“So where did you sleep? If Rei made you sleep on the couch-”

“No, mom, we uh… we shared my bed” Rei flushed slightly as he stuffed his face with the remaining food on his plate.

“Well what about the spare in the garage? Did you look there yet? If you don't find it then you'll have to wait until tomorrow to buy one at the store, your fathers off at work all day and I have some errands to run” Kuyo took the dirty dishes from her hand and took them towards the kitchen sink, he figured helping out from time to time was the least he could do if he was staying at their house for an entire week.

“yeah yeah, we'll look for it later today, don't worry, if not then I'm sure Kuyo won't mind sleeping on the couch the rest of the week” Rei brought his dirty plate to Kuyo, who splashed him with water in return. Rei just leaned on the counter next to him.

“You're threatening him despite the fact you were gushing at the idea of him staying just last week? “ She asked innocently.

Not this shit again, Rei thought as he rubbed his heated up face, he could hear Kuyo chuckling as he finished up the dishes.

“I'll be back later tonight, your sister has the keys to the garage so ask her about them when she wakes up” His mother shuts the door as she yells a quick "I love you, stay safe! “

Rei turns from the door to Kuyo, only to find the man already staring at him.

“So what do we do until your sister wakes up”

“Beating your ass in Mortal Combat, duh”
Rei pushes Kuyo's shoulder as he heads over to the living room.

“When have you ever beat me at that game? “ Kuyo retorts as he follows Rei.

—----

After a couple of hours of Rei losing miserably against Kuyo in several different video games, Remi suddenly appears in the living room looking more revitalized than before.

“Hey, mom just texted me to open the garage for you. I'm gonna go open it so you should start looking for that air mattress. There's a lot of stuff in there, it could take awhile.”

Rei nodded and turned off the gaming console. He had enough of playing with Kuyo. The two boys got up and followed Remi towards the garage.

“Mom said that she thinks she saw it in one of the boxes.” Remi said once she opened the door for them. Kuyo goes ahead and steps into the garage. Before Rei could follow suit, Remi pulls him aside and whispers in his ear.

“You better take this opportunity and use it well,” she said rather ominously.

“What do you mean by-” before he could finish, Remi shoved him in the garage and slammed the door on him. He heard a click coming from the door, indicating that she had just locked him in with Kuyo.

Rei was just about to start banging on the door when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

“What are you doing just standing there? Let's go look before we get too hot.” It was quite hot in the garage, and given that it was summer, it was sure to reach unbearable temperatures the longer they stayed.

Rei sighed and turned towards the mess in the garage. The entire room was filled to the brim with boxes and outdoor equipment. Rei rarely went into the garage, so he was completely unfamiliar with where everything was. It would take awhile for him to find the air mattress.

Kuyo and Rei agreed to split up and dig through separate boxes in an attempt to speed up the process. Their plan didn't work as efficiently as they hoped, considering the boxes made for a very narrow path. The two could only search in a small area unless they wanted to move boxes constantly.

In other words, they were back to back, bodies touching, searching through boxes in the uncomfortable summer heat. After opening and closing what seemed to be the 50th box, Rei let out an agitated sigh and stood up straight to stretch his back. The heat was getting under his nerves. He felt his shirt cling to his sweat soaked body and his hair was getting damp.

Rei found it hard to keep a level head with this overwhelming sensory input. He turned around to Kuyo to suggest taking a breather but lost his train of thought entirely when he saw how Kuyo's clothes clung to his form, casting a perfect mold of his sculpted back.

Kuyo was bent over at the moment, digging through a rather large box which allowed Rei to stare blatantly at Kuyo's body for a good while. His eyes linger on the hard lines of his shoulder bones, then drag along to the muscles working around them, pushing and pulling against the fabric as Kuyo moved his arms to dig through the box. Rei continues to move his eyes down his back, following the outline of his spine down to his shorts and some more. Maybe the heat wasn't so bad after all.

Eventually Kuyo also stood up, but as he straightened his posture he brought his shirt up and above his head. Rei just about explodes at the sight. Everything he had imagined under his shirt just a couple seconds ago was now on full display.

His vision was filled with blue hair and rich brown skin dripping with sweat. Rei traces his muscular back with his eyes and commits it to memory. He notes the way his shoulders roll back, the way his body curves inward slightly at his waist, the outline of his spine embedded deep within strong, large muscles. The picture in his room truly doesn't do his body justice, the real thing was infinitely hotter. When Kuyo moves his arms above him to stretch, Rei nearly drools at the sight, spending extra time looking at the way his back moves to accommodate his movement.

Oh this was certainly an opportunity all right

Before Rei loses all sense of self-control, he turns away and tries his best to refocus on the task at hand. Though he finds it quite difficult considering the absolute jaw dropping sight that was currently behind him. Against his will his mind wanders into dangerous thoughts of the two of them doing something they shouldn't in the garage.

A hand on his shoulder jumpstarts his heart and he yelps in surprise. He turns around to see Kuyo staring at him in concern, blue hair clinging to his sweat soaked face and green eyes boring into his soul. Rei resists the urge to strip down right then and there.

“Dude you're nearly hyperventilating, you should take a break. I think the heat is getting to you”

It's because you're too hot, Rei thinks helplessly, noticing a drop of sweat rolling down Kuyo's face. He lets his eyes slip down to Kuyo's neck, then his collar bone, then to his chest, and then-

Kuyo places a hand to his forehead as if to measure his temperature.

“Rei, you're losing focus” He says, moving his face closer to Rei's. Rei feels Kuyo's breath on his face and stops breathing entirely. He can't help but fantasize about them in a different scenario where Kuyo would breath harshly against his bare skin, their bodies in a more compromising position.

Kuyo pushes Rei to the ground and forces him to rest. Rei would like to do something entirely different on his knees but he stops his train of thought immediately. He needs to keep his act together, he can't be imagining such perverse things about his friend while he was right in front of him.

Rei notices the way Kuyo was also running short of breath, his face darkening with a reddish hue he didn't see often. It seemed he was reacting to the heat, unlike Rei who was fighting his own arousal at his friend's shirtless body.

“There's.. there's a cooler by the door. It has some chilled drinks in it” Rei pants. Kuyo nods and heads out of sight. Rei watches his friend’s form as he walks towards the cooler, his position on the ground giving him a rather pleasant angle of his body.

Rei leans his head back against the boxes once Kuyo leaves his sight and lets out a soft whine. Everything in the garage seemed to be a little too close and personal, the boxes towered over him, acting like a prison to his discomfort. His clothes felt too tight as they clung to his sweaty body and he felt increasingly more claustrophobic

Kuyo eventually returns with a couple soda cans in his hands. His brows were furrowed in disturbance to something. Rei looks at him questioningly.

“I tried to open the door to the garage but it was locked shut.”

Ah, so he found out

Rei sighed and reached his hand out for a drink. “It was Remi, probably trying to pull a sick prank. We both left our phones in the living room so we can't text her. We'll have to wait for her to unlock it for us.”

Rei was about to open the drink when Kuyo placed a hand over his to stop him. Rei suddenly felt cold against Kuyo's blazing touch.

“Here, before you open it.” Kuyo takes the can from him and places it against the back of Rei's neck. Rei sighs at the cold and leans against Kuyo's arm.

“That feels so good,” Rei moans and Kuyo laughs.

To Rei's dismay, Kuyo retracts his hand far too soon and drops the can into Rei's lap. He then turns around and moves to place his own can behind his neck. Rei jumps up at the opportunity and grabs the can from Kuyo.

Kuyo turns around confused and Rei nearly gets whipped by his hair.

“Relax, I'm just returning the favor” Rei mutters, moving Kuyo's hair off of his neck so the can could make direct contact with his skin. Kuyo looks down, giving Rei more access to his neck. Rei swallows hard at the sight. He places the can against Kuyo and rests his free hand on his shoulder. He couldn't help but notice that the other was incredibly warm.

Rei realized he was standing quite close to Kuyo, he could see the way Kuyo's loose strands of hair move with his every breath. Hesitantly, Rei dragged his free hand down Kuyo's back, feeling the hard muscle just below slick, sweat soaked skin, and onto Kuyo's waist. Rei let his thumb press into his skin, watching delightfully as his skin dips with his touch. He enjoys the way Kuyo's body shifts at the movement, muscles contracting under his hand. He enjoys it far too much.

Rei moves the can from Kuyo's neck and lowers it between his shoulder blades, watching the condensation leave a wet trail as it moves. He feels Kuyo shudder to the cold can. Rei strengthens his grip on Kuyo's waist as he fights the impulse to bite his back.

Rei had been so distracted by Kuyo that he didn't notice that Remi had been watching from the garage door the entire time. It's only when she slams the door shut again that the two of them look towards the entrance of the garage.

Rei immediately steps away from Kuyo.

“Looks like the door is unlocked now..!” Rei is proud of his stutter free delivery. Kuyo briefly looks at the door, then turns towards him with an unreadable expression on his face. Rei's words seemingly have no effect on him.

Rei was about to suggest that the two of them give up the search entirely and go to the store, but before he could Kuyo had gotten incredibly close and pressed Rei against the boxes, one of his legs settled between Rei and his hands grabbed at his hips.

Rei was sure Kuyo could hear the way his heart pounded as he waited for Kuyo's next move. They stared at each other intensely, Kuyo's green eyes seemed to burn him as they stared with such ferocity that Rei had only seen them when they sparred. Rei felt Kuyo's breath on his lips and he swallowed in anticipation. They stood like that for a good while, stance shifting slightly as time passed.

To his disappointment, Kuyo seemed to abandon what he was going to do and moved away from Rei and towards the door to the garage, picking up his shirt on the way.

“You should head inside, I know you hate the heat.” Was all Kuyo said before leaving the garage. Rei continued to stand against the boxes in disbelief. Heart beating wildly in his chest.

What the hell was that??

He sighed and wiped the sweat off of his forehead. He picked up the two unopened- and now warm- cans of sodas from the ground and headed towards the door. He drops the sodas back in the cooler and slams the garage door behind him.

Remi was waiting for him inside, staring at him in disgust.

“..what?” Rei asked dryly, exhausted by the heat.

“You guys are gross. I can't believe you were doing that in the garage.”

“...how much did you see?” Rei asked, concerned.

“I saw enough,” Remi said, avoiding his gaze. Then she turned to him with worry.

“You really should tell him-”

Rei sighed and looked away from her. He wasn't in the mood for this conversation right now. Instead of letting her finish, he climbed up the stairs to his bedroom.

To Rei's surprise, Kuyo was not in the room. Rei assumes Kuyo has gone to the bathroom and begins to change his clothes. When he was about halfway undressed, he noticed an unknown bottle on his nightstand.

What on earth is this?

Rei picks it up and nearly drops it as he discovers just what was placed on his nightstand. A small sticky note was attached, it read, “forgot to add this - stay safe!”

Rei rips off the sticky note and crumples it in his hands. Just as he was about to hide the bottle, the doorknob behind him began to turn.

“Don't-!” Rei turns around in panic and sees Kuyo staring at him incredulously.

This must look really bad. Rei realizes. He was only half dressed holding a bottle of lube.

“I'll… come back later” Kuyo says and turns to leave.

“Wait! don't leave! I'm almost done..!”

Kuyo slams the door behind him.

Rei groans and puts the bottle back down. He quickly puts his pants on and hides the bottle of lube deep in his closet.

It's time to die, Rei decides and bangs his head against the wall.

Chapter Text

Rei wakes up along with Kuyo this time, being more on edge than he was the previous day. Rei had trouble sleeping the night before, staying up with wild thoughts of the other man on his bed. His dreams were far less forgiving and he found himself staring at the wall in shame.

Kuyo wore a braid to bed that night and Rei watched fascinatedly as he pulled the hair tie off and let his hair loose in waves.

“Your hair is so nice” Rei grumbled, reaching to touch Kuyo's hair. Kuyo grabs a strand of hair and plays with it between his fingers.

“You think so?” Kuyo asks, amused. Rei nods and gently tugs at Kuyo's hair.

“I could make a good wig out of it,” Rei jokes and Kuyo pulls his hair out of Rei's hands. Kuyo throws him an incredibly offended look and gets up from the bed.

Rei continues to watch Kuyo get ready for the day, especially entranced by the sight of him brushing his hair.

Rei unceremoniously falls off the bed and rushes to take the brush out of Kuyo's hands.

“Let me do it!” Rei exclaims and Kuyo gives Rei a deadpan look.

“You're trying hard to harvest my hair aren't you?” Kuyo jokes and Rei rolls his eyes.

“Well I think I'd look pretty good with blue hair.” Rei smiles and begins to brush Kuyo's hair. He starts at the ends, just like he's done plenty of times with Remi's hair, and works his way up.

He hears Kuyo sigh and watches as his shoulders relax. Rei takes his time with the brush, running it down his hair repeatedly, even after all the tangles were brushed out.

Eventually, Rei gives the brush back to Kuyo. Kuyo runs a curious hand through his hair and smiles when it goes through with no resistance.

“I was a little worried you were going to make it worse,” Kuyo teased lightly.

“You think so little of me don't you?” Rei accuses with fake offense.

Kuyo laughs and turns to face him. He brings the brush down onto Rei's head and watches amusedly as the brush clings to Rei's hair.

“With this hair it's hard not to.” Rei frowns and tries to pull the brush out but Kuyo stops him before he can.

“Let me return the favor,” Kuyo said with a mischievous glint in his eyes, quoting what Rei had told him the day before.

Rei felt his face warm at the memory of them in the garage. He simply nodded and let Kuyo try to detangle the mess on his head. Kuyo's face quickly morphs into a frown as he is caught in yet another tangle.

“I swear I just brushed this part” he mumbles and tries to brush through it again. Rei hums and closes his eyes. Kuyo was being far too gentle to actually tame his hair, but Rei wasn't complaining.

Kuyo eventually abandoned the brush and tried to detangle Rei's hair manually. His fingers pressed and pulled on his scalp, Rei felt himself falling asleep.

“I give up,” Kuyo sighed, but kept his hands in Rei's hair. Rei laughs.

“I'm surprised you even tried.” Kuyo strokes his hair some more to make it look presentable, even though it was completely riddled in tangles.

Once satisfied, Kuyo brings his hands to his lap and Rei misses his touch already.

“What are we doing today?” Kuyo asks curiously, tugging a hair tie off of his wrist.

Rei thinks for a moment. “I was planning on getting you an air mattress at the store. We can pick some other things up while we're there.”

“I don't know, I'm getting pretty comfortable sharing a bed with you,” Kuyo teased as he put up his hair. Truthfully, Rei wanted Kuyo to stay on his bed, but for his sanity he had to get Kuyo off, not unless he wanted another sleepless night full of unwanted sexual fantasies.

“Well I find it hard to share a bed with a 6’4 giant, so we're getting you an air mattress.”

Kuyo sighed dramatically. “Curse this height..! Keeping me away from my dear lover”

“We aren't lovers.”

Kuyo laughed and got up. “Only because you're too chicken.” Rei rolled his eyes.

The two of them head down together for breakfast. Today it was toast, eggs and bacon.

Unlike yesterday, Remi was nowhere to be seen. Rei's mother greeted the two of them merrily and shoved plates of food into their hands. Kuyo's was noticeably more stacked than his friends.

“You need to eat more.” Rei's mother insisted.

Kuyo just politely smiled and took a seat next to Rei. The two of them took their time eating, especially Rei who was lost in thought. He always found it hard to focus in the morning, but even more so now that Kuyo was with him.

Oh yeah. Kuyo. The mattress.

With a full mouth Rei calls out to his mom. Kuyo hits him on the back for speaking with food in his mouth again.

“What is it? And finish chewing before you speak!” His mother scolds. Rei forcefully swallowed the food in his mouth before speaking again.

“Hey, can you drop us off at the store? We couldn't find the mattress in the garage.” At the mention of the garage, Kuyo stiffens.

Rei's mother ponders for a moment. “I should be able to take you if we go now.” Rei sighs in relief.

“-but you need to bring Remi with you. She needs some last minute school supplies.” Rei groans at that and drops his fork on the table.

“Why can't she do that on her own time?” Rei complains.

“Rei, you are almost 19, stop complaining like a 12 year old child. You know Remi can't drive and you're banned from sitting behind the wheel. These are my conditions.”

Rei grumbles something but nods. “Fine, she can come with us I guess...”

Rei watches his mother smile. “Good. Now finish eating. If you want to go shopping I have to drop you three off soon.”

By the time Rei resumes eating Kuyo has already scraped his plate clean. Rei quickly shoves the rest of his food in his mouth and goes to clean his plate, Kuyo following behind.

“Go wake up your sister and tell her to get ready. We leave in 15 minutes.” Rei's mother shouted as the two of them went upstairs.

“You can go ahead back to my room, I'll go wake up Remi” Rei tells Kuyo once they reach the top of the stairs.

Kuyo nods and heads to Rei's room while Rei takes his time to get to Remi's. He knocks loudly before barging in.

Remi was snoring rather loudly and Rei held back a laugh. He turns on the light and pulls the covers off of her.

“Get up, we're going shopping!” He yells. Remi groans but doesn't make any move to wake up. Rei sighs.

“I guess we'll do this the hard way.” Rei places his hand on her arm as he activates his ability and shocks her awake.

Remi screams and sits up. “You're not supposed to do that!” She yells and throws a pillow at his head.

“I'm gonna tell mom that you zapped me while I was asleep!”

Rei rolls his eyes.

“Maybe if you just woke up like a normal person I wouldn't have had to shock you. Anyways we leave in like 15 minutes so hurry and get dressed.” Rei tells her and leaves the room so she can get dressed.

Rei hurries back to his room to change out of his own pajamas. He finds Kuyo there looking through his photo album. Thank goodness Rei found the shirtless picture before Kuyo did.

Rei picked out some clothes from his drawer and was about to change in the bathroom when he heard Kuyo speak up behind him.

“You know you don't have to be shy, you can just change here and save yourself the hassle. We're both dudes after all.”

“I didn't want to intrude on your privacy…” Rei responds hesitantly, leaning on the doorframe.

“Well you're not intruding on my privacy, I couldn't care less if you changed here. It'd be faster if you didn't have to go from here all the way to the bathroom and back.”

Kuyo was right but Rei wasn't sure if he was comfortable enough to change in front of Kuyo. Still, Rei contemplates for a moment.

Is this some kind of test?

Rei wasn't one to back down from a challenge. He stood for another short moment at the door and then gave in, closing the door behind him slowly. He's sure his face is burning but he moves to take off his clothes.

Rei doesn’t miss the way Kuyo stares at him from across the room as he begins to move his shirt up his body. Still, he continues stripping, taking his time and dragging his clothes against his skin, not wanting to be called a chicken for being too shy to change in front of Kuyo. The air around him is strikingly chilling, with no clothes to insulate him, he's at the mercy of the room.

Now wearing nothing but his underwear, Rei turns and stares back at Kuyo, who's caught off guard by the sudden eye contact. The two of them don't say a word, nor do they look away. Rei finds his situation oddly exhilarating, proud to have Kuyo's gaze on him, to be stared at while he was in such a vulnerable state.

Eventually Kuyo relents and breaks eye contact, his gaze trailing Rei’ body until he's eventually looking at the ground. Rei resumes putting his clothes on, rather slowly to show that he was entirely comfortable in front of Kuyo - even if the other supposedly wasn't even looking.

Once he finishes he looks over to Kuyo who's eyes are still glued to the ground. He walks over to him and grabs his jaw and angles Kuyo's face so he's looking at him.

“Now why are you getting all shy?” Rei teases. Even though he was putting on a brave front, he was completely overwhelmed by nerves- he had no clue what he was doing right now, shooting his shot? Though it was a very shitty attempt. His hand clenches from his anxiety and he hopes he isn't hurting him. Kuyo's eyes are wide open, looking at his face wildly, surprised by Rei's impulsive move. Rei watches as Kuyo swallows and licks his lips. Kuyo looked like was going to respond but was interrupted by a harsh knocking on the door.

“Are you ready to go?” It was Rei's mom. Rei kept eye contact with Kuyo as he responded.

“Yeah, we're ready.”

—-

Rei decides that his sister is an angel, despite what she'd done in the garage the day before- though that could also be an act of grace on her part. Remi sits in the front next to his mother which allows him to sit next to Kuyo in the back.

Since their… endeavor in Rei's room, Kuyo was acting odd. He hasn't said a word since they left Rei's bedroom and seemed to avoid Rei's gaze. Rei was going to put a stop to that in the car.

While his mom and his sister were busy engaged in a conversation, Rei scoots closer to Kuyo and lightly tugs on his ponytail. Kuyo frowns at Rei and reaches to stroke his hair, as if Rei had injured the hair itself.

“What are you doing?”

“Dude you've been ignoring me since we got in the car, are you good?” Rei asks, concerned. Kuyo sighs.

“Yeah, just… thinking about something.” Kuyo says, glancing out the window. Rei frowns, unsatisfied with the answer. He wonders if it's what he did earlier. Maybe he had misread the situation and had pressured Kuyo into letting him change in front of him.

“I’m sorry,” Rei blurts out against his better judgement. Kuyo looks back at him confused.

“I shouldn't have done that earlier. I didn't mean to pressure you into that-”

Kuyo cuts him off before he can make a bigger fool of himself. “Rei, you didn't do anything, I was the one being insistent. There's no reason to apologize.”

Kuyo sighs again. “I'm not mad at you or anything, I'm just thinking about my parents.”

“Oh.” Rei says dumbly. He awkwardly plays with his hands. “Did something happen?”

“No, I'm just being paranoid.” Kuyo says, leaning his head back against the seat. Rei hesitantly places a hand on his shoulder as an act of comfort.

Kuyo smiled and seemed to relax at his touch.

“We're almost at the store.” Rei's mom announces, redirecting their attention to the front. “Rei, I'll give you money to buy the mattress. Don't leave Remi behind or you'll be in big trouble.”

Remi turns around and sticks her tongue out at Rei. She lost all of her angelic qualities right then and there. Rei sighs and promises his mother to not leave Remi behind.

The car pulls in front of the store and the three of them climb out. They wave Rei's mom goodbye and walk into the building.

“What was it you needed again?” Rei asks his sister as they go between the large store aisles.

“I just need some basic school supplies. Oh, and shampoo.” Rei sighs. This store didn't have a back to school collection so they'd have to spend more time looking for school supplies.

Kuyo still seemed a little out of it and it bothered Rei immensely. Remi picked up on her brother's concern.

“Did you guys break up already?” Remi asked bluntly. Rei rolls his eyes. “You can't break up with someone if you were never together with them in the first place.”

“It would be obvious if Rei were going through a break up” Kuyo butts in. “He'd be a mess.”

“Would not!” Rei huffs and walks a little quicker to avoid being the victim of their teasing. He hears the two of them laugh behind him.

“You should have seen it when I beat Rei to the last slice of cake last year. He was so devastated he skipped the rest of his classes for the day in mourning.”

“Why are you lying?” Rei accuses, turning around and raising an eyebrow at Kuyo. Kuyo shrugs then leans down to Remi.

“It's not a lie, he's just embarrassed.” Remi laughs at her brother's reaction to Kuyo's comment. Rei huffs and folds his arms.

“If you want to hear a true story, I'll tell you about the time Kuyo got so jealous of Arlo that he tricked him into believing ghosts were real.”

Kuyo burst out laughing at the memory. “Oh he was fooled so easily! Remember that time I got him to throw forks at a wall? Ha! I wish I had recorded it.”

“Poor Arlo” Remi comments, taking a step away from Kuyo. Rei shook his head.

“Poor Arlo indeed. Kuyo did all sorts of hazing with him.” Kuyo smiles victoriously.

“And he fell for it every time.”

Remi sighs loudly and the two of them look at her confused. She looks up at both of them with a frown.

“I can't believe that I never got to go to high school with you guys. You two made it sound like so much fun.”

Rei gives her a consoling smile. “Trust me, you definitely did not want to go to high school with this guy,” he points a thumb at Kuyo. Kuyo scoffs.

Remi glances at the floor. “I just don't want to go alone.”

Rei places a hand on her shoulder. “Don't worry about that, you'll make plenty of friends in no time. Plus, you already know Arlo, I'm sure he'll stick with you” considering he doesn't have any other friends. Rei leaves the last bit out in some respect to his successor.

Kuyo reaches out and ruffles her hair. “Yeah, Asslo better stick with you because if he doesn't, he'll have to answer to your big scary brother.”

Rei pulls at Kuyo's hair in response to the last comment. “Arlo can choose who he hangs out with, but do let me know if he ignores you”

Remi laughs. “I guess I will.”

The trio runs through the rest of their errand smoothly, sharing stories about each other that were embarrassing but extremely funny. Rei is glad that Kuyo seemed to be back to his normal carefree self, even if it was at the expense of his reputation.

As they shopped, Rei felt his heart burning in longing. This domesticity was something that he was unknowingly yearning for, and he wanted it desperately. The two of them doing mundane things together like shopping, eating breakfast together, sharing a bed, fulfilled some unknown lonely part of Rei that he didn't know he had.

He watched in admiration as Kuyo helped Remi pick out school supplies, his insides warm as he took in the sight of the two getting along. He could imagine a life of them together like this. Kuyo would join him and visit his family often. He'd banter with Remi and get doted on by Rei’s parents. They'd return to their own house and eat their meals together and eventually sleep in their shared bed.

The image came to Rei so easily it was almost frightening.

Could it work? Could something like this really become a reality for them?

“Rei, you're making heart eyes at Kuyo.” Remi commented bluntly, snapping Rei out of his thoughts.

“Hm?” Rei responded, pretending not to hear her. It seemed they finished collecting everything Remi needed.

They head to the register, Remi had conveniently forgotten her card and Rei almost cries seeing the total cost of her excessive amount of school supplies.

Remi sends a quick text to her mom and the three of them wait on a bench outside the store, hands full of bags with Remi's supplies.

Rei feels his lack of sleep catch up to him as they wait and he leans against Kuyo. Kuyo shifts slightly to a more comfortable position and Rei feels him place a hand on his back. Before he knows it, he falls asleep. The bag he held in his hands dropped onto the concrete ground.

Rei wakes up in the car, eyes opening to the skylight that was kept open at all times. He looks around disoriented. To the right was his mother and sister, and to his left…

Rei turns too far and his vision is filled with fabric. He angles his head up a bit more to see Kuyo looking down at him. Rei blinks a couple times confused before he realizes that he was sleeping on Kuyo's lap.

He considered getting up, but a hand in his hair changed his mind. He closes his eyes again contentedly and savors the feeling of his hair getting played with.

“Did you not sleep well last night?” Kuyo asks, bringing Rei back to reality. Rei hums positively.

“Just had a lot on my mind, made me a little restless.” He wasn't about to explain that he spent the entire night battling his inappropriate gay thoughts of him and Kuyo getting wild on his bed.

“If you're stressed about moving in, I can help you.” Kuyo offers, moving his hand to Rei's forehead and pushing his hair back. Rei was being pet like a cat, and he enjoyed it very much.

“You might have to, he hasn't even started packing yet” Rei's mom butts in from the front. Rei groans at the reminder.

“I was gonna get to it eventually” He mumbles, getting up begrudgingly from where he was laying. He throws a glance out the window and sees they've reached his street.

Rei slumps against the car door, longing for his bed. The sleepiness from earlier still hasn't gone away, and it weighs him down drastically. He feels a warm weight on his shoulder and turns to the source.

Kuyo looks at him strangely, as if he was some puppy he'd found on the side of the road, though less pitiful and more doting. Rei wasn't sure what to make of it.

Once they reach the house, Kuyo and Rei head to his bedroom. Rei led the way with hurried, clumsy steps. He feels Kuyo's hand grab his arm to steady him.

It was when the two of them finally entered the room that they realized they had completely forgotten to buy the air mattress.

—

Kuyo woke up surrounded by warmth. He cracked his eyes open, against his body's wishes, and glanced around his surroundings.

The room basked in orange lighting, the late day's sun was finally going to rest. Kuyo lets out a small breath realizing he slept through the rest of the day.

He focuses on the warmth around his body. A pair of arms grabbed at his waist, his legs were deeply entangled with another's, and his entire back was pressed against organic heat. His body moved with every shared breath they took, their hearts beat together in sync.

Kuyo covers the hand on his waist with his own, weaving his fingers between them until they are interlocked. His thumb moves absentmindedly, exploring the texture of smooth, foreign skin.

It's moments like these where Kuyo thinks that maybe Rei liked him too. Maybe Rei yearned for the two of them the way Kuyo did. Maybe Rei spent nights staring at their picture wishing they were something more. And maybe Rei was just as scared as he was, fencing in his emotions and willing to let them die so long as they got to remain together, even if it was just platonic and nothing more.

Kuyo wonders sometimes if he's just been misled by his own excitement of finding someone like him. The only other person he knew that didn't care for the opposite sex. He feels guilty at the thought that maybe he was just chasing Rei because he was the only option for him.

Rei likely had many options for himself. He was popular, and likely met more people like the two of them, and perhaps just as desperate. Kuyo's hand squeezes at the thought, gripping at Rei as if to keep him to himself.

Would Rei be doing what he's doing now if it were anyone else? Would he grab onto others while he sleeps? Would his family tease him the same way? Would he stare at others when he thought they weren’t looking?

Kuyo's chest contracts at the thought of Rei with another man. Or maybe it's the thought that Kuyo could be easily replaced. Either way Kuyo finds it excruciating and utterly unbearable. Still, he makes no move to claim Rei as his own, his fear jails him and makes him unable to speak.

It would hurt far more to be outright rejected by him than to stay together as friends.

When the hands around his waist shifted and he felt movement behind him, Kuyo realized he was gripping at Rei's hand far too hard and let go immediately, hoping he didn't accidentally bruise the other. Rei sighs behind him and he can feel his warm breath against the back of his neck. Kuyo doesn't want anyone else to be in his position. He doesn't want anyone else to feel Rei's arm around them and his breath on anyone else's neck.

Do you even know what you do to me?

Kuyo feels his heart burning with possessiveness. It's ugly and wildly untamed, the feeling engulfs him and cloaks itself as rage. The feeling is not unaccompanied. He drowns in shame at the same time, thick and cold and agonizing. What right does he have over his friend? Who is he to decide who Rei spends his time with?

His thoughts begin to race and he can't seem to keep up, one painful thought after another before he can recover from them. The arms around him fade away and he's left feeling numb and alone. He closes his eyes and tries to regain some semblance of rationality, going back to his meditative training he's worked on for years.

A finger between his brows is all it took to bring him back to reality. He opens his eyes and finds Rei looking down at him concerned. The vile part in him wonders who else Rei has looked at like this, who he will look at in the near future.

The weight of Kuyo's guilt pulls on his sight and he drops eye contact with Rei, opting to stare at the wall across the room. He feels a hand brush through his hair and he wonders bitterly who else has been at the receiving end of his affections, who else will be.

He hears Rei awkwardly clearing his throat. “I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable.” Kuyo's jealousy continues to bite at him, he wonders who else will get to hear Rei's voice after he sleeps.

He realized he was so lost in his thoughts he forgot to respond to Rei, who seemed to be getting more uncomfortable and guilty by the second. Kuyo finds the strength to look at him again and the words die on his tongue as he revels in his beauty.

The orange light of the fading sunset mingles pleasantly with the color of Rei's eyes, making them appear like glowing amber as opposed to the usual color of dull gold. His skin glows warmly in reflection, and his hair appears darker in color due to the contrasting hue of the dwindling sunlight.

Kuyo bites the inside of his cheek. He couldn't let anyone else see him like this. Not if he could help it.

Kuyo watches as Rei gets up from the bed, a glowy haze engulfs his being and seemingly illuminates the room, as if he were some celestial being. Maybe that's just what he was. He's pointedly looking away from Kuyo now, much to his dismay.

I want to see his face

Kuyo gets up from the bed and walks over to Rei as though he were magnetized to him. Wordlessly he grabs Rei's hands and pulls him closer. Rei makes no move to resist him, and follows his motion obediently. Kuyo bites the inside of his cheek as he pores over Rei's face. Citrus eyes looked up at him almost adoringly, laced with confusion and embarrassment. Kuyo could fall head over heels for him again and again just from that look alone.

The sun was now set too low to properly irradiate their faces; it hid them well in the room and made the atmosphere all the more intimate. Their proximity was concealed as though it were a secret; their shared moment sacred, safe from prying eyes.

Kuyo feels pressure building inside him, eager to burst. The dam containing his emotions was crumbling fast, and he feared he would drown Rei in them if he lost control. His face heats up at the thought of confession, then and there. His hands begin to sweat and his heart races.

He opens his mouth, ready to come clean, admitting to Rei that he's been the only one that Kuyo has thought of all summer, all year long, for the past 4 years.

But fear grips him with an immeasurable strength, and for the first time in a long time Kuyo felt weak. He looks at Rei intensely, hoping by some miracle Rei would understand, that he wouldn't have to say anything because Rei would figure it out in some magical, clever way.

Unfortunately Kuyo doesn't live in a fairy tale, nor does he have a telepathic ability. Rei remains confused, staring up at him concerned.

Still, Rei notices his discontent and quietly pulls him into a hug, offering comforting pats on the back as Kuyo relaxes into his arms. All that he can offer in return is an embarrassingly pathetic apology, mumbled into the crook of the other man's neck.

Eventually, the two of them break apart. Kuyo puts more effort into suppressing his jealous thoughts, trying his best to collect himself to stop Rei from worrying about him. Rei grabs his arm gently, grounding him once again.

“Come with me.” His voice is alluring and irresistible, entirely enticing when he whispers. Kuyo finds it thrilling to be spoken to in such a private matter, to hear words meant only for his ears. Then, in the same breathy tone Rei adds,

“I want to show you something.”

Kuyo allows himself to be pulled around through the house, his eyes never straying from Rei. The two of them end up in his backyard, standing on a large open area of grass.

The night made it hard to see outside, but the fireflies were easily visible in the dark. Rei excitedly shows Kuyo their light in the near distance, pointing out each one he could find. Rei's childlike wonder was especially charming, his eyes seemed to shine with excitement with every blink of light spotted in the dark. Rei's attitude was infectious; Kuyo finds himself smiling and pointing out a few himself.

The two eventually settle down onto the grass, sitting in a way that their legs rested against each other's. Rei leans his weight against Kuyo, his arm links around his own. They settle into a cherished silence, enjoying the sounds of the nature around them in each other's company.

Rei continues to look forward, eyes moving between the different flashes of warm lights. Kuyo has long since abandoned the spectacle before them and stares at his friend instead, looking over familiar, comforting features. He wishes Rei would look at him too, that Kuyo was more important than the fireflies were at the moment. Without thinking, he moves the arm that's locked around Rei's and places his hand on the other's knee.

Rei's eyes drop down to his leg before he turns his gaze towards Kuyo's, eyes wide and gaze flustered. Kuyo discovers that he likes him better like this, hidden by the night, visible only to those closest to him, like Kuyo was at that very moment.

He leans in, captivated, intoxicated, desperate and depraved. The air feels thicker as he does so, warming and asphyxiating. A weight settles on his hand, but he barely processes it, his attention is consumed by fluttering lashes and reddening skin.

This could be it. This could be the moment.

It was maddening. To be so close yet so far. Their faces were only inches apart now, Kuyo can feel the warmth coming from Rei. He hesitates to move forward and follow through with his intentions. Does Rei know? Does he know what he's about to do? What he's willing to risk?

Rei's breath stutters against Kuyo's lips and brings him back to his senses. He shouldn't be doing this. Kuyo wasn't sure if Rei wanted this, if he was simply taking advantage of his friend's kindness.

He sharply turns his head away at the thought, not wanting to be unintentionally manipulative or pressuring Rei. Kuyo feels the other move closer to him, his breath warm against his cheek. He freezes in place, unsure of what to expect from Rei. His heart pounds in curiosity and excitement, against his better judgement.

He feels Rei's hand, separate from the one atop his own, grab at his upper arm, tugging him closer. Kuyo swallows hard, still refusing to turn and look at Rei. He hears Rei sigh gently, the loose hair around his ear shifting at the action. Then, Rei closes the gap, tender lips pressing against Kuyo's skin, below his ear on his jawline.

He lets out a soft gasp, turning to Rei in surprise. Was he dreaming? His hand reflexively clenches on Rei's knee, searching for proof that this was reality, that it wasn't another made up fantasy.

Rei was now the one turned away from him, eyes cast downward shyly, a beautiful sight privy to Kuyo and Kuyo alone. He wants to grab at Rei's face, to kiss him until they both lose their breaths and their minds, with only the stars and the fireflies to be witnesses of their love. He wants to claim him, to give and to take everything he has and lacks, to shed their skins and become one and the same.

It was delirium, and Rei subjected him to it, obliviously and unknowingly so. His chest burns, hot and greedy, and his stomach swirls, ready to take on anything and everything Kuyo wished to do with Rei.

A door slams behind them and Kuyo nearly jumps out of his skin, yelping and launching himself backwards. The two look back only to see Remi walking on the grass towards them.

“What on earth are you two doing this late?”

Rei glances at Kuyo fleetingly before returning his gaze to the ground. Kuyo grabs his chest and tries to calm his unstable heart.

Rei awkwardly clears his throat and speaks, his voice a little strained as he does so. “I wanted to show him the fireflies in the backyard. They're especially active around this time of year.”

Remi takes a seat beside Rei, humming in response to his words. Kuyo composes himself and sits upright, brings his knees to his chest and rests his arms over them before turning his attention back to the flickering lights, intentionally avoiding looking in Rei's direction.

The three of them watch for a while longer, though Kuyo focuses more on his wayward thoughts, replaying Rei's kiss several times, before being interrupted by the sound of an aggressive slap from where Remi sat.

“I hate these mosquitos!” She exclaims. Kuyo breaks from his repeated flashbacks and watches fascinated as she activates her ability and begins to kill any bug that comes in contact with her. What a unique use of lighting, he thinks monotonously. He lets his eyes peer over to the warden of his thoughts, checking over his handsome features and lingering his gaze on soft lips.

Rei sighs beside him, not noticing Kuyo's stares, to his disappointment. “You could just go inside, there aren't any in there.” Rei says annoyedly to his sister. Kuyo cringes as he hears a few more bugs pop when they get into contact with Remi's lightning.

Remi lets out a huff and stubbornly holds her place, increasing the amount of bug corpses now surrounding her. “I don't want to go back inside. It's boring there. There's no one to talk to.”

Kuyo wonders if Remi has any friends she's keeping contact with from her middle school years. It'd be quite terrible if she didn't and had to rely on her brother for social interaction.

An idea makes its way into his head and he nudges Rei. “Why don't you invite Arlo over? It'll give Remi someone to talk to.” And more alone time for the two of them

Rei stares at him for a moment, eyes flitting to Kuyo's lips absentmindedly, making Kuyo's face warm. It takes a moment for Rei to register the idea that Kuyo offered, but once he does he immediately pulls his phone out of his pocket. Remi and Kuyo peer over his shoulder curiously, Kuyo resting his chin against Rei's body, as he types out a message to Arlo.

The second Rei sent the message Arlo began typing back. “Wow he must have been on his phone, how lucky are we!” Rei exclaims.

Kuyo side eyes Rei. Arlo always responded instantly to Rei, whether it be in person, through a text, a call, or even an email. Kuyo on the other hand never got a response. He's 90% sure Arlo blocked him on everything, not that he’s complaining.

Kuyo watches the text thread develop as Rei tries to convince Arlo to come over and spend time with Remi. Arlo seemed more hesitant at the fact that it wasn't Rei asking to spend time with him one on one, but of course Arlo complied, he always folded when it came to Rei. Anyone would, Kuyo thinks helplessly.

Rei shows the phone screen victoriously to Remi. “Hah, I got you a date!”

Even in the dark lighting, Kuyo could see Remi's face flush. Remi vehemently shakes her head and pushes the phone screen away.

“It's not a date, ew! We are nothing like the two of you.”

Now it was Rei's turn to frantically deny any and all of Remi's allegations, insisting that the two of them were just friends and nothing more. Kuyo ignores the way his chest tightens and his throat constricts painfully at his friend's words.

That's right, they were just friends. Friends kiss each other all the time. Sure they do. Or maybe it was Rei's unique way of showing affection to those close to him. The thought of Rei kissing his other friends makes bile rise up into Kuyo's mouth.

The rest of the night blurred after that comment, Kuyo intentionally separating himself from reality once more. He vaguely remembers more bantering between the siblings, the three of them heading inside only after Kuyo makes a move away from them, specifically from Rei- the love of his life.

Rei holds him once again in his sleep, and Kuyo wonders if this is something that normal friends do. The guilt of mistaking Rei's entirely platonic shows of affection as something romantic to fulfil Kuyo's own long desired fantasy haunts him and plagues his dreams.

Chapter Text

Arlo shows up at Rei's house exactly when he said he would. Remi nearly runs to answer the door when she hears the knock. Kuyo and Rei follow behind her, curious to see if their junior had grown at all over the summer.

To Kuyo's amusement, Arlo was still as tiny as ever. Rei greets the blonde with a pat on his head which Arlo tries to duck out of and fails.

“Will you ever stop doing that?”

Arlo complains to Rei as he tries to fix his messed up hair. Rei laughs lightheartedly.

“Maybe if you get tall enough to where I can't reach you.”

“Just you wait..! I'll be taller than all of you here!”

Rei, Remi, and Kuyo all laugh at Arlo. The blonde looks about ready to slam the door on them and walk away before Rei pulls him into the house.

Kuyo puts his arm around Arlo and points at Remi.

“Alright Asslo, you're going to take care of Remi today. Should you break her poor heart you'll have to answer to me and Rei.”

Remi groans and folds her arms over her chest.

“This is not a date! Cut it out!”

Arlo's eyes widen at the word date and he slips from Kuyo's headlock. He looks disbelievingly between Rei and Remi.

“A date?? You didn't say that over the text!” Arlo accuses, pointing a finger at Rei.

Rei shrugs and looks away guiltily. Kuyo snickers and Remi groans, covering her face with her hands.

“Well I didn't want to call it babysitting-”

Kuyo stops Rei from talking, anything more and Arlo was sure to leave. Now that Remi had someone to keep her company, the two of them could spend time together. Kuyo impatiently begins to pull Rei from where they stood and towards his bedroom.

“Enjoy yourselves! We'll be very busy so don't bother us!”

Kuyo shouts from the second floor before closing the door to Rei's bedroom.

“Do you think they'll be alright down there?” Rei asks worriedly, glancing at the bedroom door.

Kuyo shrugs and makes his way to Rei's bed.

“Im sure they'll be fine. They're both in high school anyway, they can take care of themselves. Anyways now that we're free we should do something together.” Kuyo not so subtly suggests. Rei hums and looks around the room.

“You could help me pack some of my stuff. I have less than a week to move out after all…” Rei trails off as he seems to realize just how much stuff he had in his room.

Kuyo nods and gets up from the bed. “Just tell me where to start.”

The two of them collect empty boxes that were left in the corner of Rei's room and begin to organize various objects left around the bedroom. Rei was quite the sentimental person, Kuyo realized after discovering yet another collection of old notes and letters from Rei's middle school days.

Rei sighs as he looks between old school assignments and reluctantly throws them in a trash bag, which was growing to be quite full.

Kuyo digs through more of Rei's miscellaneous stacks of items on his desk and delightfully discovers several old pictures from Rei's middle school years.

He fails to hold back a laugh at a dorky picture of Rei with braces and an ill fitting uniform. Rei notices Kuyo's reaction and freezes when he sees the pictures Kuyo had found.

Rei's face flushes and he reaches to pull the picture out of Kuyo's hands. The two of them wrestle and end up falling on the ground. Rei activates his ability and pins Kuyo to the ground with his wrists pressed above his head.

Kuyo's eyes widen and he becomes hyper aware of their position. Rei's legs were on either side of him, his weight pressed down on Kuyo's lower half.

Kuyo swallows as he takes in the sight of Rei above him. Rei's face was awfully close to his, his body stretched quite far to pin down his arms. Rei was too short to be able to hold him down comfortably.

Rei's breath brushes against Kuyo's face in quick puffs, their wrestle earlier left them grasping for air. Kuyo is reminded of their interaction from the night before, more specifically the feeling of Rei's lips on his skin. He wonders how soft they'd feel against his own lips. Rei shifts against him, stretching his arm further to read for the picture still clutched in Kuyo's fingers.

Kuyo activates his ability and twists his wrist out of Rei's hands and straightens his arm above his head so Rei can't reach from his current position. Rei grumbles and extends his arms to try to reach the photo.

In doing so, his entire body moves to accommodate, creating friction from where he straddled Kuyo. Kuyo bites his lip at the feeling, trying to ignore his growing arousal.

Rei continues to fight for the picture, unintentionally grinding against him repeatedly. Kuyo groans and tries to push Rei off of him before Rei catches on to what was happening.

He must have noticed Kuyo's increased efforts to break free because Rei's ability started to manifest more, making all of the hairs on Kuyo's body stand up straight.

Rei moved one of his hands from Kuyo's arm and onto his chest, pushing him down. Then, without warning, Rei shocks him.

The voltage from Rei's fingers were far more mild than it usually was when they fought. Nevertheless, it stunned Kuyo and he gasped in surprise. At Kuyo's surprised reaction, Rei lunges for the picture again. Kuyo moves his arms up as far as he can and Rei chases it desperately. Now the two of them were laying practically flat on top of each other, the only thing between them was Rei's hand.

Kuyo was sure Rei could feel the way his heart beat erratically in his chest, and likely the hardness in his pants as well.

Rei's fingers twitch between them. Kuyo hears him panting from exertion above him. Rei gets up slightly and shocks Kuyo again, with a bit more voltage this time.

Kuyo's arms bend reflexively and so does his back, pressing more into Rei. He gasps in an awfully lewd way and bites down on his tongue immediately.

Rei's eyes widen and he looks down at Kuyo, face burning. He spreads his fingers on Kuyo's chest and shocks him a third time. Once again Kuyo's back lifts off the ground in response and he miserably fails at holding back a whine.

Kuyo was sure his face was as red as Rei's was at that moment. He feels Rei shift his weight back, putting more pressure on Kuyo's hips. Rei's hand moves from Kuyo's arms to the floor beside his head, his other hand still resting on his chest.

The two of them stare at each other for entirely too long. The room seemed to heat up at every passing second. Eventually Rei climbs off of Kuyo and sits dazedly staring at a wall.

Kuyo wordlessly drops the picture and stays on the ground, staring at the ceiling trying to process all that happened. Was there any way to brush off what happened in the last 10 minutes?

He turns to Rei who's now holding his head in his hands. Kuyo can see the way Rei's ears burn red. Kuyo covers his own face with his hands and mentally screams at himself.

Why can't I be normal? Who the hell moans while getting electrocuted.

He feels a thud on the ground and looks between his fingers to see Rei getting up and leaving the room, mumbling that he needed to go to the bathroom.

Kuyo lets out a dramatic groan and rolls over onto his side. He pulls out his phone and begins to scroll through old pictures. Anything to get his mind off of what just happened.

He finds a picture of his parents and sure enough his tactic had worked because any possible thoughts he had about doing anything with Rei disappeared immediately.

I guess my parents are good for something

He pores over the image of his family and develops a sudden bout of anxiety. He wonders how they'd react if they knew he had lied to their faces and was staying over at Rei's place instead.

The two of them were another reason Kuyo hasn't been able to be honest with his feelings. Even if he didn't get rejected by Rei, he'd still have to deal with hiding their relationship from them. His mother especially.

Kuyo would argue that it would be worth the effort of hiding it from his parents if it meant they got to be together, but he feared Rei would disagree and insist there was no reason to hide their relationship. What a mess that would cause.

Speaking of Rei, the man stumbled into the bedroom, looking a little out of breath and flushed, as if he had just finished a workout.

“Hey.” Rei greeted somewhat calmly, leaning against the wall. Kuyo stares at him from where he is on the floor.

“..hey.” He responds awkwardly, setting his phone on the ground.

Rei pulls at his fingers, a nervous habit he picked up sometime during his high school years. Kuyo moves to sit up and waits for Rei to talk.

“Remi said there's going to be a meteor shower tonight. We should check it out.”

Kuyo hums absentmindedly, his thoughts still lingering on his parents. Rei seemed to pick up on his spaceyness and approached him, snapping in his face.

“Did you hear anything I just said?” He pouts once he gets Kuyo's attention.

Kuyo swats Rei's hand out of his face and sighs. “Yes, I heard you. When is it supposed to start?”

“It actually started a couple days ago, but it's supposed to be most visible tonight. We should head out so we don't miss it.”

Rei stands up and offers Kuyo a hand, pulling him up in one motion. Kuyo glances out the window to see the sun was beginning to set. They must have been packing for longer than he thought.

“You can head outside and wait for me. I'm going to grab something real quick.”

“Alright.”

Kuyo was not expecting to see Remi and Arlo sitting together outside, already looking for the next visible light in the sky. The two of them sat awfully close for insisting they weren't anything more than friends.

He thinks about interrupting them and teasing them for being so close, but when he sees Remi lean her head on Arlo's shoulder he holds back. He imagines him and Rei sitting the same way, and stares longingly at the two of them.

Rei seemed to care a little less about protecting the peace and made quite the commotion upon seeing his sister and Arlo sitting so close together. Everyone turned and stared at Rei, who was looking more disorganized than usual.

Kuyo was about to comment on Rei's sudden appearance but his words left him when he felt his hand in Rei's. Before he could process the fact that Rei was holding his hand, Rei began to pull him back towards the house at a brisk pace.

The two of them eventually walk around to the side of the house where a ladder had been set up. Rei looks at him and winks wordlessly, and begins to climb up the ladder onto the roof.

Kuyo follows close behind, keeping up with Rei's excited pace. The two of them walk over the sloped roof until they reach a spot next to a chimney column. Kuyo notices a bottle placed beside it, seemingly opened and partially drained.

Rei takes his seat beside the bottle and Kuyo follows suit, sitting closer than a normal friend would, but still further than they had last night. He watches as Rei shifts and turns over to where the bottle is and holds it excitedly in front of him.

“Check this out, I got it from my parents stash.” He says deviously, moving his hand to uncap the bottle.

Kuyo raised an eyebrow. “Underage drinking? I didn't know you had it in you.”

Rei rolled his eyes and brought the bottle to his lips and Kuyo watched the liquid disappear as Rei drank it greedily. Rei pulls the bottle away and makes a face.

“Ugh this stuff is so gross.”

“Big words coming from the guy that was chugging it a few seconds ago.”

Rei huffs and leans against Kuyo, the alcohol seemingly running its course. Rei offers the bottle to Kuyo, placing it in his hands.

“You should have some, I don't want to be the only fool tonight.”

Kuyo laughs and stares at the bottle in his hands. He didn't have to drink to become a fool, all it took was to be in Rei's presence. Still, he humors Rei and takes a sip, not overlooking the way the opening of the bottle was lightly coated with Rei's saliva.

He holds himself back, not trusting what he'd say if he were to get completely drunk. Kuyo puts the bottle back into Rei's hands after scarcely partaking.

Rei clumsily takes it and barely places it back where it was earlier without spilling. From below the roof, Kuyo hears Remi faintly shouting excitedly. He glances up and sees the meteor shower was now clearly visible in the dark sky.

Kuyo turns to Rei, about to point out the lights in the sky but stops when he sees Rei already staring at him. There's something different about the way Rei looks at him at that moment. Despite being inebriated, Rei's gaze is clear and he stares with an aching expression.

The lights from the meteor shower wash over them like rain. Kuyo catches glimpses of tears that were building up in Rei's eyes with every meteor that soared overhead.

Carefully, Kuyo reaches his hand towards Rei's face and tenderly brushes his thumb under his eye, wiping a tear that was about to drip. Rei closes his eyes and leans into his hand.

“Whats wrong?” Kuyo whispers, leaning in closer to get a better look at Rei's face.

Rei turns his head towards Kuyo's hand and kisses his palm, cupping Kuyo's hand with his own. Despite the affectionate action, Rei's face is pained.

“I want you,” Rei quietly confesses into his hand. Kuyo's face falters as his heart skips a beat at the admission and his hand trembles in excitement. But there's a part of Kuyo that was paralyzed in dread. If this was a confession, why did Rei seem so upset?

“I want you so badly.” Kuyo feels Rei's grip on his hand tighten as Rei's voice breaks. Kuyo's free hand cups the other side of Rei's face, already wet with tears and he cradles him with care.

“If…if that's true then, why do you say it so devastatingly?”

Rei opens his eyes and glances at him despairingly. His hand loosens its grip around Kuyo's, thumb circling on the inside of Kuyo's wrist before it slides down his arm heavily.

Rei follows in a similar way and slumps onto Kuyo, his head landing on his shoulder. Kuyo's hands land on Rei's back, and Rei grabs desperately at Kuyo's sleeves. Kuyo feels Rei's erratic breathing against his neck, his hands rise and fall where they rest on his back, and he feels his shoulder begin to get damp.

“I wish you were someone else, anyone else.” Rei admits brokenly, lips pressed warmly against Kuyo's neck.

It was as if the air had been brutally knocked out of his lungs. The sound of leaves rustling in the wind, the quiet chatter down below, and the songs of summer bugs suddenly fell silent. All Kuyo could hear was the sound of uneven breathing, unsure if it was coming from him or the man in his arms.

Kuyo bit his tongue, forbidding himself from crying. Not in front of Rei. He tried to speak, questions flew through his mind at an incomprehensible rate. A million things to say, a million questions to ask, and yet none of them were spoken. Kuyo swallows dryly, and he grips at Rei's shirt.

“What… What do you mean by that?” he asks, his voice sounding restrained even to his own ears.

Kuyo feels anger build in his body, it was easier this way, to cloak his depression with rage. He feels his eyes burn and his hands clench. He was trembling again, but no longer from excitement.

Rei shifts against him, and rests more of his weight against Kuyo.

“If you had been anyone else… it would've been… so much easier.”

Rei pauses as he takes a breath. The smell of the alcohol hitting Kuyo hard as the other exhales.

“...maybe loving you wouldn't have felt so wrong”

His words slur as Rei loses consciousness. His body falls limply against Kuyo, suffocating him in warmth. More lights fly across the sky, and Kuyo looks up to watch them with blurred sight.

He closes his eyes and fervently wishes on every falling star that he'd have the strength to abandon his feelings and let them die. That he could pretend nothing happened and the two of them could be friends and nothing more.

Kuyo lowers his head onto Rei's and weeps.

Chapter Text

Rei wakes up with an excruciating headache. He turns to his side with great effort, and disappointedly finds the other half of his bed empty. Rei reaches out a hand and pats the spot beside him.

It was cold, Kuyo must have left awhile ago. Rei frowns and gets a better look at the bed. It seemed completely untouched.

He tries to recall what happened the previous night. The two of them sat on a roof to watch the meteor shower. Rei began to drink and offered it to Kuyo. After that….

Rei groans and drags a hand down his face. His memories were muddled and almost nonexistent. Rei hopes desperately that he didn't completely embarrass himself in front of Kuyo last night.

Judging by the way the sun shone brightly, Rei guessed it was well past the time he should be getting up. Against the insistent pain and ache going through his body, Rei got off his bed. The room seemed to be spinning as he grasped the wall for support.

After taking some painkiller from his nightstand he headed down stairs, expecting to see kuyo and his mom talking over breakfast -he'd steal kuyos breakfast like he had been for the past three days, but all he was met with was a note on the counter top.

‘Went out for some errands, be right back!
Ps. Make your own breakfast’

He left the note on the countertop before heading to the living room- he could make himself some cereal later. Upon entering the living room, he was met with a sleeping figure on the couch. It lay uncomfortably considering the couch was far too small for anybody to sleep in it. Rei could see the way the limbs were bent awkwardly to adjust to the significantly smaller couch.

Based on the glimpse of blue hair that hung over the armrest of the couch, he didn't have to think much about who it was before he walked over to him.

Looking down at Kuyo's sleeping form was something quite odd - despite sharing the same bed for the week - he'd gotten used to seeing Kuyo awake before him.

Rei couldn't help but smile at the sight of his friend sleeping soundly, though the eye bags gave away the fact he mustn't have slept well. Speaking of, why wouldn't he sleep on the bed?

Rei cringed at the thought that maybe he did do something embarrassing in front of the other - if his sore body didn't make him regret drinking, then his drunken actions would.

Pushing away any more stupid thoughts of him making a fool of himself last night, he took in the sight of kuyo sleeping soundly.
He reached out his hand to tuck a strand of hair behind kuyos ear but the second his finger came in contact with the other's head - a hand flew from under the blanket and gripped his wrist.

Rei jumps in surprise and looks down at an equally surprised Kuyo.

“Good morning” Rei offers, failing miserably at a smooth recovery.

Kuyo doesn't respond, choosing to stare at Rei instead. Unlike the previous times they've held eye contact for an abnormal amount of time, Rei senses malice in Kuyo's gaze and for once breaks eye contact from him in discomfort.

Rei feels his hand get shoved away from Kuyo. He looks back at Kuyo confused, not understanding where his anger was coming from.

Kuyo gets up and grumbles an annoyed “morning” before heading towards the bathroom, out of sight. Rei frowns at Kuyo's displaced attitude. He decides to blame it on the uncomfortable couch Kuyo slept on.

Now left alone, Rei decides he should go eat breakfast. Maybe by the time Rei finished eating Kuyo would get over his grumpiness.

That was not the case. Kuyo joined him during breakfast, and both of them ate in silence, the atmosphere around them grew increasingly tense by the second. Rei stared hard at Kuyo, trying to figure out what it was that caused him to act so off.

It had to have been something he'd done last night, Rei realized horrified. Maybe he'd lost his mind and actually kissed Kuyo! Or worse, maybe he tried to seduce him! Rei's face burns at the thought of him trying and failing to get laid by his friend.

I guess I know how he feels about me now, Rei concludes glumly, stirring his spoon mindlessly in a bowl of milk and soggy cereal all while keeping his eyes on the blue haired man in front of him.

Out of nowhere, Kuyo slams his hand on the table and Rei drops his spoon in shock, causing it to clatter loudly against the ground.

“Stop staring at me like that!” Kuyo bites, angrily getting up from the table. “It’s weird!”

Rei lets out an offended scoff and gets up as well. He slams his hands on the surface of the table and leans over to get closer to Kuyo.

“What’s weird is your attitude this morning! If you have a problem with me just tell me outright!”

Kuyo only offers a glare as a response. Rei wants to drag Kuyo down by the hair.

The annoying giant leaves the dining room without another word and Rei is left standing at the table, staring at the bowl of milk he was just eating out of. Kuyo's avoidant tendencies always left him heated and on edge. Rei tries to calm himself with deep breaths but seeing his spoon on the ground quickly undoes any form of self regulation he worked towards.

He kicks the spoon in annoyance and then follows it to kick it again. Any guilt he might have felt before was gone, all that remained was frustration and annoyance. Kuyo was acting too childish to receive any guilt from him!

Rei aggressively picks the spoon off the ground and tosses it into the sink and misses. The spoon clatters on the ground once again.

Ignoring the failed throw, Rei clears his place at the table and very obviously stomps to his room. He launches himself on the bed and throws a pillow against a wall.

After a few minutes of venting his anger out on his pillow, Rei calms down. He lays on his bed staring at the ceiling, his mind finally at peace, or more so than it was earlier.

Rei decides he should approach Kuyo again now that he's in a more contented mood and gets up from the bed determined.

With a confident stride, he finds his way back to where he discovered Kuyo earlier that morning. Kuyo sat on the couch he slept on, scrolling on his phone. He must have been looking at something real nice because he was smiling to himself and at times holding back a laugh.

Is he talking to someone?

No matter. Rei moves to stand in front of kuyo and looks down at him. Kuyo pretends not to see him.

“Kuyo.” Rei says firmly, folding his arms over his chest.

Kuyo says nothing and continues to stare at his phone as if Rei wasn't in the room at all. Rei felt his patience wearing thin. His recently acclaimed placid mood quickly souring at receiving the silent treatment.

Rei eyes Kuyo's phone with malice, he had to get him to look up from it somehow. He takes a step closer and grabs Kuyo's jaw and forces him to look up.

“Look at me when I'm talking to you! What the hell's so important on that phone that you can't even be bothered to look at me!?”

Kuyo's eyes widened at the sudden contact, but quickly hardened into a glare. He looks Rei up and down wordlessly and eventually chooses to stare at something in the distance.

Rei huffs at kuyos avoidance.

“Are you fucking serious? You're acting like you're a freshman again, avoiding me when I've done nothing wrong!”

Kuyo rolls his eyes at Rei's comment, and he nearly loses it. Gathering up the remaining bits of sanity he has left he lets go of the hold he has on Kuyo's face.

“I'll be in my room. Find me once you get over whatever the hell is wrong with you!” Rei walks away and Kuyo can hear him storming up the stairs.

As he walks up the stairs- Rei ends up harshly pushing Remi who was going down. Before she can even say anything he grumbles a half assed apology under his breath, not slowing down his gait.

She gives him a questioning look before heading down to the living room where she finds Kuyo sitting down on the couch, seemingly pissed.

“Did you two break up?”

Kuyo's expression softens as he looks at her.
“Don't be fucking stupid- er- sorry”

Remi approaches the couch tentatively, as if encroaching on a wild animal. When she deems it safe, she takes a seat beside Kuyo, a moderate distance between the two of them.

Kuyo lets out a frustrated sigh and drops his head in his hands. Remi fidgets with her hands, coming up with the best way to pry into their business. She eventually settles on the most blunt option, wanting to cut to the chase.

“What on earth happened between you two?”

Kuyo grumbles and looks up from his hands.

“Would you even understand?”

“Try me.”

He pauses for a moment, the air feels suffocating with every passing second, Remi's gaze was unnerving, pressuring. Kuyo eventually folds and surrenders his thoughts to her. “I felt like I wasn't ‘good enough’ for your brother - and I think he just proved me right last night”

Remi made a squeamish face “Ew, did you two do it last night? Gross I don't want to hear any more.”

Kuyo rolls his eyes at the comment. “Don't be absurd, he just… got really fucking drunk, and you know what they say, drunk actions, sober thoughts or whatever.”

“Well, what did he say exactly?”

He raised an eyebrow at Remi's insistent questions. “You're very nosy, aren't you?” She simply shrugged in response and nodded her head for him to continue.

Kuyo didn't answer immediately, his mind takes time as it tries to formulate exactly what it was that he wanted to convey, poring over his recent memories and emotions. His face stiffened as he remembered the drunken words that were whispered to him under the shower of lights in the intimate quiet of the night before.

He feels the sting in his eyes return and he bites his tongue as he did back then. He turns his head and faces away from the girl next to him. Seriously, how much more pathetic could he be?

Remi's voice brought him back to his current situation, saving him from his despair over her own brother.

“Listen, if you don't want to tell me about it then don't, I won't force you, but I can see that you're holding back on telling him how you feel.”

Kuyo's eyes shot wide as he tried denying whatever Remi was saying. “What the f- hell are you talking about? I don't-”

Remi raised her hand to Kuyo's face to stop him from going into an impossibly long rant about how he doesn't hold any feelings for her brother.

“Despite what my brother might say about me, I'm not dumb, and even if I was, it doesn't take much for anyone to notice how you so clearly like my brother.”

Kuyo stayed silent. Had he been that obvious? The room got increasingly hot and he felt his palms start to sweat. Remi lowered her voice as she leaned in a bit closer to Kuyo's side.

“I won't tell him, if that's what you're worried about, but you should consider telling him soon or you'll miss your chance.”

Remi took out her phone as she leaned back into the armrest of the couch, acting as if she hadn't just torn down Kuyo's “act”. As Kuyo was still processing her words she spoke up again.

“Or don't tell him, you'll have to get over him eventually, right?”

Kuyo chews on her words, mentally weighing the outcome of both confessing and moving on. For his and Rei's sake, he'd rather deal with the latter. His decision doesn't stop him from entertaining the idea of confessing, however. He mulls over the options again and again, rethinking his decision over and over. Every time he imagines himself confessing, he remembers the words Rei shared with him on the rooftop, and it hurts ten times more each time.

Yeah, moving on was the only option for him.

Kuyo dejectedly goes back on his phone, wasting time scrolling mindlessly between online posts.

He spends the rest of the day doing just that, distracting himself with things online rather than dealing with reality. With every passing hour the desire to reconcile grows stronger.

When nighttime finally approaches, Kuyo gives in. He lethargically walks up the stairs to Rei's bedroom. Rei's door was left open, sparing Kuyo from the need to knock.

Kuyo stands at the doorway, unsure how to approach Rei after being terribly rude all day. He peeks inside and he sees Rei laying on his bed scrolling on his phone like he had been.

He awkwardly knocks on the door frame and watches as Rei's attention turns towards him. Kuyo struggles to form a proper apology, thinking over it several times, trying to figure out what to say and what to leave out.

He eventually settles on the simplest one.

“I'm sorry.”

Rei raises an eyebrow and waits, egging him on to continue.

“I shouldn't have ignored you.”

They stay in awkward silence. Kuyo's eyes flick between Rei's and anywhere else in the room, unable to keep eye contact for more than five seconds before feeling his face heat up - a bad start to getting over his feelings.

“‘You just gonna stand there all night or are you going to come lay down?”

Rei's question brings his attention back to the man in bed, Kuyo opened his mouth but nothing came out. Why the hell am I acting like this? It's so embarrassing…

“I'll sleep on the couch for tonight, I want to give you your space for at least one night,” and I need distance to get over you. Just as he turned around he heard Rei's voice call out for him.

“I don't mind. “ Kuyo turned around and saw Rei sitting up on the bed, it looked like he was ready to leap towards him.
“You. I don't mind you staying here with me…” Kuyo didn't miss the way Rei said the last part in a quieter tone.

Kuyo chuckled lightly. “You don't have to do that, see you tomorrow.” And with that, Kuyo left. The door clicked softly behind him.

Rei was left sitting on his bed in the darkness of his room, he groaned as he fell backwards onto the bed once more.

Maybe I should've jumped off the roof last night.

He laid in his own embarrassment for a while until he let out a breath he didn't know he was holding in. The bed felt so cold and empty without the other, he felt stupid for getting used to his presence after only a few nights of staying together, he reached out his hand to his side to see if by some miracle Kuyo would be there - his warm body felt so right in Rei's hands every time he held him close, it was as if their bodies were made to fit together perfectly, he'd bet that if he presses his face to the mattress hard enough he'd still smell the lingering scent of Kuyo's shampoo - but all that he felt was the plush of a pillow.

He held it in a vice-like grip before turning to his side and bringing it close to his chest. It didn't feel as good as having his best friend in his arms but he could make do for one night.

Maybe it was time for him to move on.