Ever since Yuki left Snow kids to join Electras, Microice's been feeling a little down. It's not like he got too attached to the girl,he just didn't see it coming. Though they still kept in touch,yet,nothing will ever be the same again.
After they've won another exhausting match,everyone went to their rooms to prepare for a night out and a celebration of their recent victory. Almost everyone. D'jok and Mei,Rocket and Tia, and even Thran, were going out together. All except Ahito, who was too busy sleeping, and Microice who just didn't have a reason to go anywhere.
Before they left the Snow kids' headquarters, D'jok went to check on his heartbroken friend. "Are you alright, pal? Still upset because of Yuki?",the redhead raised an eyebrow as he took a place on the bed near his curled up friend.
"Nah.. I'm just..tired. That's all. Sinedd hit me pretty damn hard in the stomach during the match.. Nothing more. And Yuki... She's free to do whatever she wants. I mean,I'd rather be a part of a team than a substitute.",the petit male complained,rolling on the other side so he didn't have to look at D'jok.
"Alright. If you say so. In case you change your mind,you know where to find us. We'll be at the same bar as always. Bring Ahito too,if he wants to tag along.",and with those words and a small smile,D'jok left the room and followed after his friends.
As soon as the redhead went Away, Microice sat up and swung his legs a few times before getting on his feet and heading over to Ahito's room. Maybe he'll find some comfort near the sleeping male. To his surprise, the asian boy wasn't sleeping. He was,in fact,watching something on TV,to be more precise, surfing the channels.
"Hey..",the dark-green haired male mumbled, leaning against the door until he was invited inside.
"What's the matter? Does your chest still hurt?",Ahito turned to face his petit friend. He's always been concerned for his health and all,but Microice never noticed that.
"No. It's a litte better now.. Thanks to Dame Simbai..",the smaller of the two nodded once and headed over to Ahito's bed,so he could sit on the edge and glance at the TV to check what the other was watching.
"Are you sure? You seem like something's bothering you.",the dark haired goalkeeper yawned lazily, only to lie on his back and watch Microice focusing on TV and whatever was on. "You can tell me. That's what friends are for. Also.. I've known you for far too long, so,don't try to hide anything.",a lazy smile appeared on his face.
Once he heard those words and saw the expression which radiated of innocence,Microice finally decided to say what's on his mind. "I've been thinking.. Lately.. Whichever girl I liked, left me for one reason or another. Including Yuki,but her reason is acceptable ... I wonder if something's wrong with me.. Is it my size? My face? Hair? What?"
Ahito listened closely and frowned once the other was done. "Nothing's wrong with you... Your height shouldn't matter. You have a babyface. Who doesn't like that? Also,you're a great guy.. If they don't see that,they don't deserve you..",he yawned and closed eyes.
"But why then? Why won't anyone give me a proper chance to prove I'm boyfriend material?",he even chuckled at his own words,realizing how awful they sounded. "God.. I'm so childish.."
"Because you haven't found the right person... Besides... They won't fall from the sky... You have to look farther,to expand your horizons and dig deeper.. I'm sure there's someone for you..",the sleepy goalkeeper clapped once for the lights to turn off before crawling over to Microice,lying his head on his lap lazily. Such a comfortable position. The boy was so soft and cuddly. Maybe girls were jealous because of his superiority.
By now,Microice was used to Ahito sleeping on his lap. He did that from a time to time,mostly when no one was there. The two of them would go watch a game,and the goalkeeper would end up sleeping either on the smaller male's shoulder, or his lap,and it didn't bother him a single bit.
One of Ahito's arms shifted,ending up wrapped around the boy's waist as if he was trying to comfort him and sleep at the same time. "Just stop overthinking, alright? That's never brought any good..",he mumbled against the fabric of the other's trousers.
"Alright... Maybe I'll take a nap with you. I'm feeling exhausted from today's match anyway... It'll be good for me.",Microice nodded to himself as if agreeing to his own idea. Not even for a second did this seem strange, probably because he's known the goalkeeper for a long time.
Ahito moved his head away from the other's lap and went to lie properly on the pillow,patting the empty side of the bed as if inviting Microice to join him on that exact spot.
Without hesitating, the smaller of the two lay next to his friend and curled up in a ball, pulling his knees to his chest and wrapping arms around them. It helped calm his stomachache.
What surprised him a little was an arm which closed in on him,but it was gone soon since its purpose was only to put a blanket over both of them. Some comfort would be nice though, so,even if the arm remained there,he wouldn't mind,oh not a single bit.
Ahito yawned once again and not even a moment passed before he fell into light sleep. Microice used the opportunity to shift closer,led by the radiating heat which emitted from the taller male's body. So comfortable, he thought, closing his eyes.
The moment he woke up,he found himself in Ahito's embrace. Being held closely like that felt strange, he had to admit, but,on the other hand,he didn't want to part. It was around 3am.
"Hn... Did I accidentally hit you somewhere...?",the lazy voice mumbled from under the blanket. Those two strong arms remained where they were,but the goalkeeper was ready to move away if asked.
"No.. I woke up on my own.. Don't know why... Probably because of the warmth.",Microice stated,just as quietly. Then he did something he didn't think he would. The petit boy snuggled closer,practically burying his head in Ahito's collar bone.
There was a quiet grunt from the taller of the two when this happened. Ahito nuzzled the top of the boy's head,fingers travelling up and down his back and side,depending on the hand and the place he could reach.
Microice's stomach turned ever so slightly. He's never felt so nice,comfortable, wanted... Not even with Yuki,but he'd never admit. Has he found his guardian? It can't be. Ahito wouldn't want that responsibility, especially not with him out of all people.
A small huff escaped the goalkeeper's lips. "You're more silent than usually.. Is something on your mind? You know I like to listen when people have problems.. Even if I'm mostly sleeping.. But I hear everything.",he nodded once to himself.
"It's fine.. I'm fine.. Don't worry so much... It's flattering...",he shifted away a little,not wanting to squish the other with his clinginess.
"But Microice... We're friends... Who else is going to be here for you,but your friends? I know I'm here.. However, if you wish to remain silent,I have no right to demand answers from you.",Ahito stated simply, his hand moving upwards until his fingers intertwined with Microice's hair,combing it gently.
The smaller of the two shook his head. He wouldn't admit,no matter how much easier this would get. There was a slight chance things wouldn't go as planned. What if Ahito got mad? What would he do then?
So much thinking for one night, Microice moved back to his previous position, wrapping his arms around the other's neck instinctively,since he was being held in the beginning. "Go back to sleep.. Please.. Don't bother with my currently bad mood.."
Ahito's lips curled up in a smile once he felt a pair of smaller arms wrap around his neck. "Alright.. I won't bug you anymore. But,if you eventually find a need to talk,I'll be right here,ready for you."
"Thank you... You have no idea how much it means to me when someone wants to listen.. Not to mention help..",Microice smiled slightly himself as he tried to look at the other in the dark. He might've failed to find every spot on his face,but at least the silhouette was visible.
Two hours later,the boy woke up shaking and sweating dramatically. He had a realistic bad dream,and it seemed to have awakened Ahito from his slumber.
"What's wrong...? Bad dream?",Ahito mumbled as he watched the previously frightened male. Oh, how concerned he could get sometimes. Microice just wouldn't admit what's wrong,and that irritated him. As if he was in denial of his own problems.
"I'm fine... It was just a bad dream... Don't worry so much...",Microice mumbled, wiping sweat off his forehead. Oh how he hated those nightmares. They seemed so real and frightening.
"I sometimes have nightmares too.. So,I understand what you're going through.",the taller of the two ruffled Microice's hair gently,making him lie back down. A sigh escaped his lips as he stared up at the ceiling.
"What kind of nightmares do you have,Ahito?",the boy asked curiously, trying not to focus on his own thoughts which was the only thing he could do at the moment.
The goalkeeper yawned lazily, rubbing his nose and crossing arms over his chest. "Mostly of tragedies that might or might not happen to us.. You know.. Dying.. And stuff.. But I know those are dreams,so,I'm not worrying while I'm awake. Death is a natural thing.",he stated nonchalantly.
"Oh... So.. The same as me... Damn.. You get me.",Microice groaned in agony, hating the fact how much he clicked with his old friend. Why did it have to be so complicated and why did Ahito have to make it worse?
The sleepy male nodded once and this time,he curled up against the smaller of the two,sighing deeply, yet,contently. "At least I'm not going to lose my friends.. Not yet. And that's all that matters. Keeping you guys safe."
Microice smiled to himself, biting his lower lip during the process to stop himself from smiling so brightly. "Yes.. I couldn't agree more."
After a moment of silence, light snoring could be heard from the asian male. Despite that,Microice felt dense enough to force a question. "Hey.. Ahito.. How come you haven't left with Thran? I know going out isn't your thing,but I've never seen you two apart. Did you get in a fight or were you just not up for it?"
Ahito lifted his upper body a little,letting his elbow support the weight. "No. We haven't got in a fight. I just knew you'd stay.. So.. Why not hang out with you instead? Parties aren't my thing... I'd rather lie somewhere and watch TV or chat."
"Makes sense...",Microice stated,tensing a little when he was mentioned and how Ahito would rather spend time with him than his own brother,which was incredibly strange for him in particular. "Oh well. At least we weren't bored.. Right? And we got some rest,which is all that matters."
"Now it's my turn to ask something.. Why are you so tensed...? You've never been like this.. Except around Mei,in the beginning. Does your stomach bother you that much..? Or is it Yuki's absence..?",Ahito mumbled, using his free hand to run over the boy's belly gently.
Tensed? How did he even notice..?
"Uh... It's nothing. Just my stomach... But the pain will go away. I'm kind of flattered with how much you care... Not even my mother asks me these things so often...",Microice responded with a small smile. He felt like a schoolgirl. He really did.
Ahito smiled as well,a light blush decorating his cheeks. Maybe he cared too much. Maybe it seemed bad to the boy and he wouldn't want to scare him away. But on the other hand,he was still there,without moving or anything.
Microice shifted closer,suddenly, leaning towards the other's face so he could plant a small peck on his forehead,which was the first place he could reach. Then he took his previous position and waited for a reaction. Maybe he got too clingy.
Ahito blinked a few times. This action startled the sleepy male,but not in a negative way, quite the contrary. He smiled to himself and lay back down,embracing the other just like he did earlier, only to fall asleep. It was too much stress for one night and Microice wasn't far behind when it came to getting some rest.
The next morning, Ahito woke up in an empty bed. At one point, he even thought he imagined last night's conversation. But it seemed so real. Why would Microice leave just like that? It was pretty late,honestly, so,he probably just got up before him.
Just another boring day,another intense match, which Snow kids obviously won. When they were going to the changing rooms,Microice felt a little down. He even stopped Ahito to ask him something.
"How come you're always sleeping when something interesting happens...?",he complained like a child.
Ahito tilted head on a side as he leaned against the wall. To his surprise, Microice's hand was on the same wall,as if pinning him against it. "I saw you score.. That was interesting.. The angle from which you kicked the ball.. Amazing."
At this point,Microice couldn't control his burning face,so,he immediately moved his hand back and stuffed both of them in his pockets. "Heh... Thank you...",he mumbled, trying to keep his gaze averted as long as he could.
Ahito bent down,pecking the boy's cheek lovingly, before wrapping an arm around his shoulder. "I wouldn't and haven't missed a single goal you scored...",he smiled brightly, leading the other to the changing rooms,since they were already far behind.
Soon after that, they had returned home,safely, to their planet Akilian. It was a friendly match anyway,so,they didn't plan to stay longer than necessary.
Same plans,same things happened like always. One group went out and the other stayed to rest and express their laziness.
This time,instead of Microice visiting Ahito,it happened the other way around and the goalkeeper had a concerned expression on his face. What could've possibly upset him?
"Hey...",the taller of the two mumbled, making his way to the boy's bed only to fall on it lazily and stretch arms above his head. "I'm getting really worried about you.. Ever since Yuki left, you haven't been the same. Tell me.. Did you really like my sister that much... Or is it..Perhaps something else?",he tilted head towards the other to look at him.
"I don't know... I've been really... Confused lately.. Don't know how to explain.. You don't have to worry about me,as I said a million times,even if it's flattering as hell..",Microice smiled faintly, looking on a side to hide unusual embarrassment.
"Whenever I try to talk to you about your problems,you push me away.. And I just want to help... You even reacted badly today after the game... You can't know when I'm paying attention and when I'm sleeping..",Ahito sighed, closing his eyes for a moment,in attempt to relax.
The smaller of the two felt guilty for making Ahito feel neglected. He sighed as well,shifting over and lying his head on the other's chest, facing him. "I'm sorry.. I know I can be pain sometimes.. Most of the time..",he chuckled. "But thank you for caring about me.. I don't really know how I deserved this.."
One of Ahito's hands moved towards the other,running fingers through his hair gently and moving it out of his face. "You'll understand one day..",he looked on a side,mumbling nonchalantly.
Microice chewed on his bottom lip. He's been doing that recently since he realised some things about himself. "Can I tell you something? Promise not to tell anyone.. Alright..?",he suddenly felt the urge to go for it.
Ahito,as confused as he was,nodded once. There was absolutely no way he'd deny his friend,not in a million years. "Go ahead. I'm all ears."
The smaller male shifted a little,leaning in quickly and pecking Ahito on the lips. Tht went horribly wrong,but he just couldn't hold back anymore. It had to be done one way or another.
During the short kiss,Ahito remained in his place,practically frozen and his face displayed light shock, mostly because he didn't see it coming,especially not from Microice out of all people. Soon,the confusion faded away and he reached a hand out to place it behind the other's head to stop him from breaking the kiss.
Now the boy tensed,his hands gripped the bed sheets and he closed eyes,tilting head on a side. Ahito gently twirled a hair strand between his fingers as he deepened the already awkward kiss.
After this, Microice felt like his heart would explode. His stomach was turning in a weird way and he practically melted in the other's grasp.
It was a matter of seconds when they parted. Both of them remained silent. Ahito moved his hand away and lay back down,closing his eyes contently. He didn't see it coming. He really didn't. But then,some things clicked in his head. Maybe that was bothering him.
"I'm sorry.. I...shouldn't have...",Microice looked on a side,still having an illusion or a memory of how Ahito's lips felt against his own. Out of all things he could've done,he had to let his primal instinct do its best and get him in trouble.
"Do you feel better now..? After you've done it..? Did it lift unnecessary weight off your chest? If it helped,I'd gladly help you again, whenever something's bugging you..",a lazy smirk appeared on his face as he turned his head to look at him.
Microice felt like his heart would jump out of his chest when he saw the smirk. Not even for a moment did he think Ahito would ever act like this. He swallowed hard and placed his hands in his lap,not saying a word. It was way too awkward.
The goalkeeper sat up as well,turning to face the other as he took one of his hands in his own,intertwining their fingers together. "What's wrong now..? I thought you'd be happier.. I know I'm not that good... But the effort counts.. Right?",he leaned his forehead against the boy's shoulder.
Microice used the free arm to wrap it around the other's back,pulling him closer so he could feel how his heart raced. "I am happy... Just... Worried.. I don't want you to look at me differently.. Because of what I did...and stuff.. You know.."
Ahito leaned his ear on his chest,listening to the fast heartbeat. "Nothing will change.. I mean... Things have already changed.. But not every change has to be a bad one.. I liked the way things were before.. But I like them even more now.."
The smaller of the two freed his hands and placed them on both sides of the other's face,guiding it to his own. As soon as their lips connected, Microice felt some kind of relief. This is what he needed in his life. This was missing all along.
Ahito tilted head on a side slightly, letting his tongue slide over the boy's bottom lip as if asking for permission to deepen the kiss. As a response, Microice slipped his tongue in the other's mouth, taking dominance only for a short period of time. The goalkeeper wrapped arms around the smaller body,pulling him on his lap so they could be even closer.
Every good moment simply had to be interrupted somehow. There was a knock on the door and they suddenly opened,making the two jump in shock and part instantly, but it was too late.
"Hey Microice, I was-",there was a pause,right when the intruder caught them. D'jok blinked a few times,pretty damn unsure of what just happened. Was his best friend making out with Ahito.. It even sounded weird in his head,not to mention capturing that with his eyes.
"Jok... Shit..",the boy chewed on his bottom lip, feeling how panic was taking over him. What was his best friend going to think of him,now that he knew the terrible secret?
Unlike Microice, Ahito was acting pretty damn relaxed, as always. Did he not care at all that they've been caught? And what the hell was Jok doing here anyway?
"Boy,oh boy. You've got some explaining to do. Buuuuut... It appears that you're busy. So. I'll stop by later.. Or tomorrow.",the redhead grinned,winking at the frightened male only to exit the room and put a Don't disturb sign on the door.
"What's the matter..? Did he scare you that much... Or were you embarrassed of being caught with me..? I don't want to jump to conclusions. I really don't.. And most of all.. I don't want you to feel ashamed of who you are..",Ahito was like the big teddybear who would comfort you both physically and mentally.
"I.. I just got scared... I've never told Jok.. Honestly.. I didn't even have what to tell or explain, well,until now.. Which is perfectly fine,really!",he grinned sheepishly, scratching the back of his neck to complete the awkwardness.
"Ah.. If only you concentrated less on your own embarrassment.. It'd make things a lot easier.",the taller of the two yawned,wrapping arms around the other and forcing him to lie down so they could snuggle up,spooning him. "I'm tired..",with those words,Ahito fell asleep,leaving Microice confused and overwhelmed with warmth and comfort.
The next morning, Microice woke up with D'jok sitting on his own bed with crossed arms and a smirk. Who knows where and when Ahito left.
"Mind explaining what happened last night? And since when do you have the hots for Ahito? I mean.. You liked Mei first,then Yuki,but I would've never even assumed you'd end up liking him that way.. I'm not against it. Just... Surprised! I didn't even know you liked guys..",the redhead just couldn't wait for the boy to even wake up properly.
Microice yawned lazily, rubbing his eyes and sitting up so he could look at Jok. His cheeks were already showing embarrassment. "Jok.. I don't like just any guy... I've never even bothered to look at them... But there's something about him.. I can't explain.. He has everything my other crushes didn't have. He's really nice.. And the sleeping habit is just so adorable.. Not to mention the amount of times he cuddled with me for no reason. Two days ago he saw me feeling down,and he didn't stop asking until I made sure Nothing's wrong.. Care.. I like that about him.. Besides.. You have to admit that he is pretty hot.."
D'jok hit himself on both cheeks,groaning in agony before bursting into laughter. "My... You have a bad case of ahitis. Don't worry. I won't tell anyone,in case that's worrying you. When you two feel like coming out,do it. Besides,I'm glad you're happy."
"Thanks... Jok.. I don't know how others will react to this.. I don't even know if Ahito is serious.. I mean... We did kiss after all... But I don't know if he wants something to do with me.",that might not be the first time he doubted himself in this sort of situation.
"Then you should talk to him. I'm sure he's not a kind of person to use someone just for physical satisfaction. I mean,have you seen him? He's the exact example for innocence.",the redhead said finally and stood up. "I'm gonna get him. No pressure.",he winked and left to find the mentioned male.
Microice remained seated, rocking back and forth to calm down. Why was he even so tensed? Nothing bad happened last night, nor the night before,so why would anything go wrong now?