Author's note:
Let's all pretend I've been dead for these last two months. No one's to blame here...Hehe..Fine!
I''m sorry for being such a lazy ass, and not writing (Being practically dead) for over two months. But I've been busy... Playing video games. Shut up! You would have done the same if you were in my position. Having you father suddenly agreeing to buy you a crap-ton of games. Either for PS3 the Nintendo Wii, or on Steam. I've told my beta-reader -CrimsonLink- that I will cut down on playing too much games. I said I would limit myself to Mass Effect and the MGS series...Well, I kinda broke that promise... Bioshock is such a great game, so shut up!
Here's the chapter. You know what they say: Better late than never.. Right?
Edit: OBS!
I died again. Well not really, but let's just pretend. Actually, my laptop deleted ''Life is a Highway'' so yeah. Everything I had written for chapter 11 is kinda gone. But don't worry. I'll make it up for you all. In the nearest future (Maybe) I will post another multi-chapter story, which will probably take me a million years to update too...Sorry. But don't worry, I'll make up for that too. I'll make sure the story is really gay, and with a lot of IkexLink. Probably going to span about 3-5 chapters. It's AU. What kind of AU? fskdfhjk- You'll see. Oh and, CrimsonLink, about the games... I lied! LA Noire is amazing. I'll probably write something inspired from it.
tl;dr-version. This bitch is on hold until further notice.
Chapter Ten
Link woke up to a beautiful sunrise. The nightmares, the taunts, the mockery, and the disappointment had left him alone for the entire night. No. That was a lie. They had still been there, but in a lesser degree than before. And that was a good enough reason for Link to try to persuade Ike to sleep next to him again.
They had gone off to bed after laying in each others' arms for several minutes, listening to their heartbeats. Just lying there, not uttering a single word. There were a few kisses here and there (Link had to be the one taking the initiative), but there was nothing above PG-13, much to Link's dismay.
He turned around to look at the older man lying right next to him. Link took in yet again Ike's features, studying them, memorizing them, admiring them—from how the blue locks fell over his face to how his Adam's apple moved every time he swallowed.
Link debated whether to give into the temptation and drag his finger across Ike's jawline.
This whole thing would probably be awkward for the first few days—if there even were going to be any more days—for both of them, but right now, it felt... right.
Link found himself unable to resist the little temptation that had presented itself for him. He put his right index finger at one side of Ike's jaw, having to prop himself up on his elbow to properly see the other's face, and slowly started to drag it across the jawline.
The teenager's actions were apparently registered by Ike, since the older man's eyes began to flutter. Blinking the sleep out of his eyes, Ike turned around with Link's finger still on the side of his jaw.
Ike grabbed Link's hand by the wrist and brought it up to his lips, and gave it a quick peck. But it didn't stop there. No, far from it. Before Link could comprehend the chaste kiss that was placed on the back of his hand, Ike had pulled him forth and right into his arms.
Just before Link found himself pressed against the larger man's chest, he spotted a smile on Ike's lips. It gave him a warm feeling inside to see it, even if it was for just a split second.
Ike took a deep breath, taking in the scent of Link's hair.
''You do know we have to discuss this, right?'' Ike said into the blonde's hair in a low voice.
''I know but... can't we postpone it? Just for a little while.'' Link buried his face in the crook of Ike's neck.
Ike grabbed Link's shoulders and pushed him away, but just enough for the younger one to be able to see his face clearly.
''Hey. Did you hear anything of what I said?'' Ike put his hand on Link's cheek, but instead of stroking it lovingly, he grabbed the edge of Link's face and forcefully turned the teenager around so he was facing him.
''It's your turn, so I will ask you again. What is your opinion about this whole ordeal?'' Ike did not let go of Link's face, despite the small tugs the boy made to try to escape his grip.
A sigh escaped Link's lips (Not that he tried to conceal it). ''Fine. You win. I'll talk, but just give me a moment to think. 'Kay?''
Ike accepted Link's request. It was made clear when the older male slackened his grip on his face, but Ike still would not let go completely.
''...My opinion is that despite having us both take a huge risk for this... I still think it's worth it. And I want it to continue.'' Link struggled to find words to express his opinions, but he managed nonetheless.
''… Any thoughts?'' Ike went back to lovingly stroking the boy's face. Link seemed to like that; that was something for Ike to remember for the future.
Future...
Would there even be a future? Should there be a future? Would they quit, chicken out, before going any further? Or would they get caught?
Perhaps this was a bad idea. Perhaps they should just leave now and not look back. Perhaps—
''I am fully aware of how risky it is. But all in all, I feel happy. Happier than what I would've been if this had not happened.''
Ike refocused his eyes, which had fazed out while he was having his little game of twenty questions in his head.
They were sad eyes but had a genuine happy smile. Those two did not go well—well, Link didn't exactly look bad, at least according to Ike—they just did not fit together. He felt he had to change those light blue eyes to something different, to something in the 'happy-to-be-here' direction.
''Hey, hey...'' Ike grabbed Link's chin and tilted his head so that he was looking directly into his eyes. ''You know... I'm not sure if I think it's worth it.''
Link's eyes instantly became even worse, his mood dropping visibly.
''But you know, you might change that.'' Ike smiled at the confused expression plastered onto Link's face. It wasn't exactly the 'cute puppy-confused expression' you saw in films, TV, or books; it was more like the humorous expression you saw in comics and on the internet. It was the expression that asked, ''What did you say?'' and nothing more.
''...Convince me.'' Ike leaned down while leading Link's face up, eventually making their lips meet yet again.
Link wrapped his arms around Ike's neck, giving the older man no means of escape—not that the bluenette currently had any plans in ending this.
But when Ike felt like enough was enough, and he had surely been 'convinced', Link refused to let go of him. Arms clinged themselves around his neck, locked securely. Ike felt trapped, but not in a bad way. It felt so right, so nice, and he had almost lost every intention he had about disconnecting their lips.
Ike felt unsure whether he should start actually touching the boy beneath instead of having his hands planted on the bed. He wouldn't do anything before Link made some sort of signal… and then—Hello there—a couple of legs were wrapped around his waist.
Now that was a clear sign. Ike had gotten the green light, the thumbs up; there was no stopping now.
Ike ran his hand down his student's clothed back. He continued to stroke the now arched back until his hand had settled itself firmly onto the largest single muscle within the human body.
After a couple of minutes had passed, Ike was certain that the boy beneath him could not resist his need for fresh oxygen, especially when one saw his performances during P.E.
And, as deducted, Link had to break away from their little lip-lock. The blonde boy was desperately sucking in as much fresh air as his lungs managed to capture.
''Hnn... I'm convinced.'' Ike hummed, definitely pleased with the little session in which they were both performing extraordinary well.
Link did not answer; his smile however, answered every question Ike would have asked at that moment.
''Heh. That was nice. However there is just one more thing I would have liked to talk about.'' Ike started stroking Link's face yet again, finding that he had started to enjoy the simple action.
''Will it have the same end result as the last one? 'Cause then I'm all in.'' Link took Ike's hand, gave it a swift peck, and proceeded to move in for more.
However, Ike had put his index finger in front of his mouth, lest there be more open-mouthed kisses that would cause both to forget the subject at hand.
And then there were the disappointed eyes, disappointed face, disappointed boy, and the one thing that threatened to crack Ike's resolve; a high-pitched, disappointed whine.
''Don't be that way. You know 'this' will be much, much more difficult than most relationships. And relationships aren't that easy to begin with. So we will need a set of rules. Do you follow?'' Ike buried his hand into Link's blonde hair, enjoying the feel of those blond locks running between his fingers.
Link just nodded, unhappiness still evident on his expression—a tiny hint of sad eyes, a handful of head tilted down in sadness and a dose of pout. What an adorable sight to behold.
''We should work this out together, so lighten up. If you do a good enough job, perhaps I'll give a little reward for your performance and dedication. What do you say? Deal?'' Ike added a tiny peck on the boy's forehead to hopefully make him brighten up.
''Deal.'' Link snuggled closer to his teacher. Once positioned, he started running his hand down Ike's chest slowly. ''You start...''
''All right. First rule: No PDA. Especially in not school.'' Ike raised one finger to emphasize his point.
''Hehe... Have you already planned this whole thing?'' Link laughed, while starting to rub Ike's bottom lip with his right index finger.
''Maybe...Anyways, rule number two—'' Ike got effectively silenced by a finger pressing itself onto his lips.
''How about I make the next rule? That way, it will be more fair. One rule each, and then one rule together. What do you think?'' Link didn't give Ike enough time to answer before starting to speak again.
''My rule: Some kind of affection at least once a day, unless there's no possible chance. And no one can see or gain any suspicion from this.'' Link was currently straddling Ike, this position giving him more authority.
''Heh. Okay. Third and final rule: No breaking the rules. Got that?'' Ike's voice was stern and commanding, but Link could still hear that it was a question that was directed towards him.
''Well, it sounds kind of pointless, but fine. Those are the rules,'' Link sighed, still sitting on top of him. The teenager quickly wiped off the slightly annoyed expression, and replaced it with a smug one.
''How about we enforce rule number two? Right here, right now.'' Link did not give the older male time to answer, as he bent down to give him a kiss.
''Mm...'' Ike ran his hand down Link's back; enjoying how it curved beneath the palm of his hand.
After just one measly minute, Ike pulled back. A low, disappointed whine came from the back of the teenager's throat.
''Come on. We can't lie in bed all day.'' Ike tried to get up, but the teenager sitting on top of him would not make that an easy task. Link lay himself down, his body almost parallel to Ike's.
''Do we have to?'' Link pouted. He hoped for the older man to give in.
Ike encircled his arms around Link's waist, giving the teenager a small tint of hope. Perhaps the older male had actually listened to his wishes.
However, that tiny glint of hope ceased to exist when Link felt himself lifted up from his comfortable position. Not only was he not lying comfortably on Ike anymore, he was currently sitting on his companion's lap. He was being held in a bridal-style manner. And it certainly did not help with that annoying smirk on Ike's face, especially considering the fact that Link had his arms entwined around his neck.
But before Link managed to get one word out of his mouth, Ike had risen to his feet and was walking towards the room's exit.
''Okay! Okay! I get it! Just put me down!'' Link started to thrash in his teacher's grip, his right arm trying to pry off the hand that was supporting his upper-body, while the other hand was pushing at Ike's face.
Ike's laughter was low, but it still managed to annoy Link.
The younger male had a feeling that he'd have to endure more of this mocking laughter if he actually went full in to pursue a relationship with this man.
''Fine. You win. I'll go to the kitchen and make some breakfast.'' Link proceeded to successfully push himself out of Ike's grip. Ike listened to the light step that walked down the wooden stairs. He walked down the stairwell himself, and the bottom steps gave a few creaks under his weight. It was easy for him to see what the young teen was doing, since the living room and the kitchen were combined into one room.
The bluenette found himself stepping up on the wooden threshold that connected the two rooms, but not before walking around a few square wooden beams. He walked around the kitchen island, noting that flour, eggs, and sugar had been placed onto its black surface.
Ike placed his hands on Link's hip. He sensed the young teen tense momentarily before relaxing again, which indicated that Link had failed to notice his presence before now.
Ike's lips were just mere centimeters away from Link's ear when he whispered, ''So, what are you making?''
''Well, it all depends on what you want.'' Link his head around, making him look directly into the dark blue eyes with equal intensity. ''Is there something specific you want to eat?''
''Well, I could just eat you. But if you're referring to edible food—'' Ike took a firm hold on Link's hips and swung him around, making him face him, '''—I believe there are certain grades from school that will say that you are not the best at that kind of thing.''
''What? Hey! But I—" Link's words were interrupted by a finger, shushing him. He gave Ike a mixture of an annoyed, surprised and confused look all at the same time.
''Come on. You let me sleep over. Making you breakfast is the least I could do, and besides, it's not exactly the first time I've made food for you. Now is it?'' Ike gave Link a swift peck on his forehead and then turned him around and gently pushed him away.
Link wanted to put up more of a fight for the sake of his own moronic pride. But he felt that he should instead enjoy what was currently happening. He knew, after all, that it would absolutely not be like this most of the time.
A low but familiar tune suddenly started ringing in Link's eardrums, capturing his attention and redirecting it to the large table in front of two black couches.
Link flipped up his phone, the name ''Pit'' being displayed on the screen.
''What's up? Roy and I are going to the mall about an hour from now. So.. Do you want to—''
''Do you want waffles for breakfast?'' Ike yelled from the kitchen, completely unaware of the extra set of ears that was capable of hearing him.
''What was that?''
Link felt his heart stop for a second. Panic clouded his usually clear mind, his blood running cold and limbs staring to quiver ever so slightly.
''Link? You still there?''
Pit's voice managed to wake him up from his state. He stayed tranquil on the outside, but remained a turmoil of rampage emotions on the inside. ''Yeah yeah. It was just... the TV. Some kind of crappy soap opera Peach told me to check out. Nothing else.'' Link noticed the slight pause in his speech, and prayed that his brown haired friend did not pick that pause up.
'' 'Kay. So, what do you say? Do you want to come with us? Roy's here already.''
''Oh sounds awesome but,'' Link gave a swift glance towards Ike's direction. The older male had already begun heating the waffle iron.
''Here it comes…''
''…Not today. I can't.''
''Why not?'' Pit questioned. Roy's attention had been redirected from the TV-screen to his peer sitting a couple of meters away from him.
''I just... feel like lazing around this weekend. But I've got to go now. See you on Monday. Bye.''
Before Pit could get a single word to leave his mouth, a monotonous beep replaced the voice of his blond friend. Roy looked at him with a raised brow. Pit could only give a shrug of his shoulders in response.
Link threw the phone onto the light colored carpet and gave fairly audible sigh.
''Something wrong?'' Ike questioned from the kitchen. Two waffles had been placed on the medium sized plate he had prepared. A third one was on its way, perhaps even a fourth.
''No. It's nothing. Don't worry about it, Ike.''
''Okay. If you say so.'' Ike checked the iron again. No. Not yet, but very soon, there would be three instead of just two.
The day had gone by neither too fast nor too slow. It had its share of awkward moments, but that was to be expected.
However, only once had the carpet of uncomfortable silences befallen them, and it refused to lift itself up again.
Luckily, Ike had managed to remove the bothersome rug himself by pointing out the odd choices of books that existed in the bookshelf within the house. Well, it wasn't the books themselves, but more like the different languages that they were all written in. Most of the languages were from Europe, ranging from Italian to Russian. There was even one written in German (Surprisingly enough, it was given to him by Roy. Ike had even questioned the redhead's abilities to read; being on the brink of categorizing him as an illiterate.)
But the book that had managed to receive most of his attention was a completely black book. Well, technically it wasn't only in one color. It had a title, author's name and a small picture of a heart with sharp spikes protruding from it.
Link had told short snippets of the plot, not revealing too much, but just enough to catch and haul in Ike's attention. Perhaps he should pick up a copy himself one day. Or maybe he'd just borrow it from Samus. As far as he knew, Samus had every book published in possession, one way or another.
Currently, Link and Ike were lying in each others' arms, watching one of those late night movies.
A light click, barely audible enough for human ears, came from the front door.
Link turned around—he was now leaning over the back of the couch—and a pleased smile crept itself onto his face. He reached out his hand, rubbed his thumb and index finger together, and made a sharp sound, starting from a 'P' to a long, dragged out 'S'.
Ike looked at the younger, puzzled by his strange behavior until he heard soft chimes of a small bell being shaken a few times.
''Come here...'' It was coming from behind the couch. The blonde boy had a creature in his arms. It was a fine specimen of the species Felis catus, more commonly known as the domestic cat.
''And who might this be?'' Ike questioned. His eyes focused on the gray tabby lying in the teenager's arms.
''Ah. Well, her name is Missy. She's been my only company for one and a half years now.'' Link brought the feline creature up to his face. He felt like cuddling with the soft gray fur of the female cat, until he hastily pulled back when he felt a recognizable smell on her body.
''Hmm... Male cat. Have you been messing around with the strays in the neighborhood?'' Link raised a brow to the feline. An almost motherly tone was used.
''Oh there's no need to be jealous, dear. You can mess around with me as much as you want.'' Ike put his right hand behind Link's head, his fingers tangling themselves in those soft blond tresses. He pushed the teen forward until their mouths met. A slow open-mouth kiss had started between them.
Link let the hand that was scratching behind Missy's ear move and gently slide its way down Ike's chest.
Missy however, did not like the sudden turn of attention from her owner. She started to paw at his stomach and eventually his thighs. She even had her claws out, which made Link's attention make a turn towards the animal instead of the human.
Ike gave her a slightly disapproving look. Was it possible that the cat could have...? No, it was a cat. Of course it would not have done such a thing on purpose. It was an animal. Ike had to stop overthinking these things. Instead, he reached forward, trying to pet the cat. But instead of Ike stroking the striped fur, the tabby pulled away from the man's touch and buried herself into Link shirt.
Link started rubbing her forehead, and she started making a soft purring noise. ''Just give her some time. I'm sure she'll warm up to you, eventually. Oh don't look so pouty. She's always skeptic to new people. You should have seen how she reacted to Roy—he had over twenty scratch marks. And that was only on his left arm!''
The purring noises coming from Missy seemed to increase after that last sentence left Link's mouth. Perhaps Ike wasn't so paranoid after all.
Ike's thoughts and mild disapproval of the cat's presence were quickly washed away as soon as he felt Link's lips touch was a nice, sweet chaste kiss.
''Just give it some time, eh? Fine. I think I'll do that. I think I will.''
''Hey, Roy.'' Pit tried to get the attention of his redheaded friend. No response. He tried a few other times until he grew tired and just used the most brutal, but efficient way to make the fiery-haired teen focus.
''Hey listen, Ginger!'' Pit yelled.
On cue, Roy's head shot straight up, brows furrowed into a frown. ''What?'' he asked, irritated.
''You've been quiet and non-moving for the last half hour.'' Pit gave a look of concern, a look that was rarely ever shown.
''Well... Nah, it's nothing to worry about. I was just lost in my thoughts.'' Roy brushed him off. Whatever it was, Roy felt like keeping it for himself—or at least until he had more of a stepping ground in what was happening.
''What thoughts?'' Pit said in a mocking tone. Those two words could be interpreted in at least two different ways. He didn't know if he liked this one, or the one that he was kind of half-expecting.
''Just shut up. Go bother Marth or something.'' Roy waved him off.
Perhaps he could get a minute or two alone with Link. Just ask a few questions and make sure everything was okay. On Monday, or Tuesday. Didn't matter, as long as it happened.
Yeah. Just a few minutes.
Author's Note:
I have kind of an important thing to say, so I'll use some bold letters over here to more easily capture your attention. Chapter Eleven is kind of on a standstill. I have no bloody idea what to put in there. I need a way to break the ice. But these thing will not concern you. Oh no. Instead, I will ask you for a small favor. I need to widen my repertoire. I've got like, how many?.. Six stories. So, if you want, you can send me a plot, characters, pairing. I'll send a PM if I want to use it (If someone actually sends me this. If not, then this would be awkward) And if you want to add details, plot twist, surprises, recurring details, and that kind of things, tell me. This is not just for me to have more stories in my 'library', but I also need some kind of 'break' from LIAH. Not the kind I've had up until now, but more of a writing-some-other-stuff kind of break.
Fact for this chapter (Since I was gone for so long, here's an extra little treat/useless trivia):
''Uke'' is the Norwegian word for week. Not kidding. Just look it up if you want.
PS: Yes. The waffles are very important. And so is Ser Pounce-a-lot - I mean Missy.