AN: OH MY GOSH! I am sooo sorry! I know I promised chapters, and I failed you all! I have no excuses other than first it was writers block, then I just forgot about it, Then I kinda lost interest in it... BUT I am back. I can't promise regular updates, but I won't disappear for 5/6 years again.
I hope I still have readers for this. Again I'm super sorry! I will also be trying my best to get the AkuRoku side story up, but it has been giving me issues.
To help make up for my long absence, I wrote over 4000 words, not including the Author notes.
Disclaimer: I still after all these years own nothing. Just my OC's Ace and Lynx.
As soon as Seifer joined up with Hayner and Ace, he knew something was wrong. Hayner was unusually quiet and didn't even acknowledge Seifer's presence. It was like the blonde was in his own little world; which didn't sit too well with him. He'd have to find out what happened today. In the meantime, Seifer would just watch him.
Hayner made it in the house first, followed by Ace and Seifer. Looking around the blonde was nowhere to be seen. Sighing, Seifer went in search of his favorite ChickenWuss. No one was upstairs, Ace was in the living room on his phone, and the bathrooms were empty. Storming into the kitchen, he found Hayner sitting at the table appearing to be doing homework. Seifer grabbed a drink, then sat across the blonde; who still had yet to say anything. After several minutes passed with Hayner ignoring Seifer, who was glaring, the latter snapped.
"Oi! I know you know I'm here. What gives?"
"Well, I was hoping if I pretended you weren't here long and hard enough, you'd disappear." Hayner replied, continuing his homework.
"Yeah, well I have a question, so suck it up."
"Go away."
"What's your issue? You were able to talk to me just fine this morning. Hell you were fine when I left you at school. Now you're just a sad silent ChickenWuss."
"Gee, thanks. Look, I have a ton of work to do right now. I'd greatly appreciate if you'd go away." Hayner snapped, finally looking at Seifer.
Seifer's eyes widened at his first time, that afternoon, seeing Hayner's face. His eyes looked a little red, kind of like he had been crying earlier in the day. That thought pissed Seifer off, Hayner shouldn't be crying; he was a hot-headed, happy person. Whether Hayner wanted to or not, Seifer was going to get an answer.
"Why were you crying?" Seifer asked, quietly; watching Hayner stiffen.
"I don't know what you're talking about." Hayner lied, grabbing another sheet of homework and returning his attention to it.
"I'm not stupid, ChickenWuss. I was your friend for years, remember? I know the signs when you've cried. I also happen to know your tells when you're lying, so stop you're terrible at it. Now that, that has been said, who made you cry and why?"
"Seriously, I'm okay. I can take care of myself, besides if I need help I have friends. I don't need your help. Now shut up and allow this to just end in awkward silence."
"Goddamn it, Hayner! I'm not saying you can't! It's a fucking simple question, that i'd like to know the answer too. Why are you being so difficult about this?" Seifer slammed his hands on the table, glaring at the blonde across from him, as he jumped.
Startled chocolate brown eyes met Seifer's ice blue ones. He could see the confusion and hesitation that laid, unusually, exposed in them. Seifer watched as he opened and closed his mouth several times. Hayner looked away and started to chew on his bottom lip. Seifer's eyes drew to his lips and he started to wonder, not for the first time, what the smaller blonde tasted like. About to give up and just leave, Hayner finally spoke.
"I had a nightmare last night and I decided to talk to Olette about it. While I was talking to her, I guess everything just hit me and I cried on her shoulder. I'd really rather not talk about it anymore. I'm over it and I'm okay." Hayner explained.
"Well, I guess that makes sense. You have been through a lot of shit here recently. Some of which is partly my fault. If you decide you need to talk about it some more, you know where to find me."
Seifer finished off his drink and walked out of the kitchen, before Hayner could reply. Seifer leaned against the wall and sighed; he seemed to be doing that a lot lately. He wouldn't push the issue, but he could tell there was more to the story then what Hayner was saying. He walked off to the bathroom, did his business, washed his hands and stared into the mirror. An image of Hayner biting his lip pops into his head. Pulling his beanie off his head, while groaning, he slashes water on his face.
After drying off his face and replacing his beanie on his head, Seifer leaves the bathroom. When he passes the kitchen, he glances in and sees Hayner frantically muttering into his phone. He pauses and watches as Hayner pulls his phone away, types quickly, then puts it back to his ear. After a few attempts, Hayner tosses his phone off to the side and drops his head on the table groaning. Beyond curious at this point, Seifer walks over to the table and nudges the blonde.
"What's the matter?"
Instead of answering, Hayner just pushes the paper in front of him over. Seifer looks it over and snorts. Of course, the ChickenWuss was still terrible at math. No wonder Hayner was having a panic attack. Grabbing a pencil and a clean sheet of paper, he wrote a sample problem down. After that he moved a chair over closer to Hayner and sat down. Hayner lifted his head and watched Seifer warily.
Ignoring the look he was receiving, Seifer moved the paper over so Hayner could see. Once he had Hayner's attention, he started to solve the equation and explain how he was getting his answer. After working a few sample questions with Hayner, he helped correct any mistakes he made on his actual homework problems. In no time at all, all of Hayner's math homework was completed and correct. The phone rang as they were cleaning up all the homework scattered on the table. Ace walked into the kitchen, talking on the phone and raised an eyebrow at the two.
"That was your mom, said she's staying late tonight. I'm ordering us a pizza for dinner. Are you staying for dinner, Seifer?" Ace said, hanging up the phone.
"Sure, got nothing better to do tonight." Seifer replied, shrugging.
Hayner mentally groaned, having heard Seifer's response. It was bad enough having to spend the last couple hours with him. Even if after the conversation earlier, he was glad for the help. Hopefully he was convincing enough that Seifer missed the fact that Hayner left out information as to what was going on. Stealing a quick glance at the beanie clad bully next to him, he could tell by the look in his eyes that there was something on his mind. Not wanting to get into another awkward conversation that could potentially lead to an argument, he went to his room to put away his homework.
Hayner picked up and looked at the picture on his desk. He smiled slightly at the memory, they had so much fun. They did everything from sparring to water fights to just talking and listening to music. Every time Hayner would try to bring up him leaving for an extended period, Seifer would drag him off to do something else or change the conversation. Sighing, Hayner put the picture back. He was partially to blame for everything, he could have left a note or wrote a letter, but he didn't think they would be gone as long as they were. Hearing the doorbell, Hayner realized he had hid in his room long enough.
Heading downstairs he went into the living room and saw Seifer sitting on the couch with his beanie covering his eyes. Rolling his eyes, Hayner grabbed a few movies and tossed them at the other. Removing the beanie, Seifer glared at Hayner who just raised an eyebrow and pointed at the movies. He watched as the older male, set his beanie off the side and flip through the movies on his lap. Ace walked in with the pizzas, plates, napkins, and a giant bowl of popcorn just as Seifer tossed a movie to Hayner.
After getting the movie set up, Hayner flopped onto the other end of the couch. He grabbed a plate and 3 slices of pizza and relaxed. Everything was quiet except the sound of eating and the movie. After he was full on pizza, Hayner decided he'd try something. Stretching, he lifted his legs up and flopped them on the blonde at the other end of the couch. They were immediately shoved off and he could feel the glare he was receiving. When he placed his legs back on Seifer's lap, he was pelted with small objects. Looking down at his lap, he was surprised to see popcorn and then his legs were immediately shoved back off.
"Really? Throwing popcorn?" Hayner asked, looking up at Seifer.
"Stop using me as your damn leg rest." Seifer shrugged.
"Then move."
"No, I was here first."
"My house, my couch."
"Wrong. It's your mom's."
"Don't play semantics with me, Seifer." Hayner glared.
"Aw, did I hurt the ChickenWuss' feelings?" Seifer smirked.
"Bastard." Hayner grabbed some popcorn and started throwing it at Seifer.
"You don't really want to play this game." Seifer warned.
"Oh really? Is that a challenge?" Hayner smirked, as he threw another piece of popcorn.
"ChickenWuss.." There was a warning note in Seifer's voice that Hayner ignored.
As soon as another piece left Hayner's hand, popcorn was being chucked at him. His eyes widened as he realized what just happened. More popcorn continued in his direction, and he swore. Grabbing more popcorn from the bowl, Hayner started chucking more at Seifer. Soon there was popcorn all over the place and the both of them were laughing. Hayner threw the last piece that he held and it landed in Seifer's mouth.
"Well, that was a waste of popcorn... Way to make a huge mess guys." Ace stated, when the movie ended.
"He started it!" Hayner pointed out.
"I warned you not to start this." Seifer shrugged, as Hayner shot him a glare.
"Oh my god, get a room." Ace groaned, getting up from his spot on the floor.
"Yeah, right. Like I'd share a room with him." Hayner responded, getting busy on cleaning up and hoping no one would notice the blush forming on his face.
"We both have school in the morning, Ace. Poor, ChickenWuss, can't afford to miss anymore school." Seifer responded, nonchalantly.
Hayners breath hitched and he could feel his face burning. Was Seifer implying what he thought? There was no way; it was just something to try and get a rise out of him, it had to be. Glancing at Seifer out the corner of his eye, he saw the older blonde was helping clean up. Releasing the breath he didn't realize he was holding, Hayner continued cleaning in silence. He could feel Ace watching him for a reaction, and mentally patted himself on the back for not answering back.
Once the room was cleaned, Hayner saw the disappointment and amazement conflicting in Ace's eyes. When Ace excused himself, Hayner froze in anticipation on what could happen. After a few minutes of nothing happening, he checked his phone. He saw it was almost eleven at night and he had new messages from the gang. Opening them he saw that they all pretty much said the same thing, apologizing for not answering his call with a reason as to why and wondering what was up. Rolling his eyes, he tucked his phone away and looked up at Seifer; who was watching him with an unreadable expression.
"So, what's up with your loser friends?" Seifer questioned.
"I don't see how that's any of your business." Hayner snapped, narrowing his eyes.
"Whatever. I'm heading out, but I'll be by in the morning. Later, Lamer." Seifer rolled his eyes and then turned to leave; Hayner followed that way he could lock up.
"Hey, Seif?" Hayner asked, hesitantly.
"What?" Seifer responded, turning around just outside the house.
"If shit had happened different, do you think things would have been better between us?"
"Can't say for sure, you know? One thing I do know is that we wouldn't be the people we are today if they had. I probably wouldn't have befriends Fuu and Rai, while you and your gang probably wouldn't have become friends."
"Yeah, I guess you're right."
"What brought that on?" Seifer leaned in close to Hayner, with curiosity shining in his eyes.
"Huh? Oh... Um... Just was thinking about the past earlier." Hayner replied, sheepishly.
"The past is the past, Hay. Don't dwell on it too much. Nothing good could ever come from it." Seifer replied, leaning back and looking up at the sky.
"You know you should really let me tell you what happened-"
"Stop. It doesn't matter." Seifer interrupted, narrowing his icy blue eyes on him.
"It does, but I won't push. Night, Seifer." Hayner sighed, looking away.
"Night, ChickenWuss." Seifer replied starting to walk off then paused, "If you have another nightmare, you can always call me. No matter the time, I'll answer and talk it through with you."
With that Seifer walked off into the night, and Hayner stood there for a few more minutes speechless. He wasn't sure what to make of Seifer. On one hand he says things that imply shit that he didn't want to analyze and on the other he acts cold and distant. Closing and locking the door, Hayner turned around to head upstairs. He jumped and clutched at his chest, upon seeing Ace leaning against the doorframe smirking mischievously at him.
"I thought you went to bed, what do you want?" Hayner asked, walking passed him; while feeling heat rise to his cheeks.
"So, how'd it go? Have you confessed yet?" Ace asked, following.
"No, don't worry though I have already set up a time that it will happen. Olette is already aware and is going to keep quiet, unless I don't follow through."
"Well, you two seemed to be flirting quite a bit during the movie. I was hoping maybe he confessed to you before he left."
"Yeah, right. That wasn't flirting, that was a friendly competition. Beside you have no room to even assume that, since the three of us used to do the same thing years ago." Hayner could feel his face becoming more red.
"Uh huh... Are you sure you weren't left under a rock at some point in your life? I swear you are the most dense and blind person I know. Hell, he even made an innuendo about you two getting a room! How does that not scream even the slightest bit of interest to you?" Ace stated, exasperated.
"Ha! That was him trying to get a rise out of me. Not him trying to hint at wanting in my pants. I'm going to head to bed now. Good night, Ace." Hayner entered his bedroom and closed the door.
"I didn't think you were that much of an idiot, but apparently I was wrong. You should open your eyes and pay closer attention to his body language when he's around. Night, Hayner."
Hayner clenched his hands into fists at Ace's final comment. Out of everyone, he always assumed Ace would have his back. Obviously, he was wrong and his cousin was just asking for a fight. Changing into his sleep pants, Hayner went into his bathroom and brushed his teeth. Climbing into bed, Hayner was asleep the moment his head hit the pillow.
The smell of food, brought Hayner back to the world of the living. Yawning and stretching, he glanced at the clock and realized he was up earlier than normal. Closing his eyes, he laid there for a few more minutes with sleep evading him. Getting up, Hayner hissed at the pain in his ribs. Heading downstairs and into the kitchen, he froze at the sight in front of him. Seifer was standing at the stove making breakfast, while humming along to the song on the radio.
"Take a picture, it'll last longer." Seifer stated, not even glancing in his direction.
"Pff.. As if, I'd want a picture of you." Hayner retorted, heading to get his pain meds.
"Says the one with a picture of me on his desk."
"That picture doesn't count! I didn't take it and it's from forever ago." Hayner felt his face flush and grabbed a bottle of water.
"Still a picture of me, that you own."
"Whatever. Why are you here so early and making food?"
"Your mom called me and said that she had to be in early. As for the food, are you really complaining about a home cooked breakfast?" Seifer raised an eyebrow at him.
"I wish Mom would lay off. I'm fine, I don't need a babysitter. Especially when said babysitter is my bully. Never said I was complaining, just curious." Hayner took a couple of his pain meds and set the water on the counter.
"If you're in pain, why are you on your feet?"
"I'm fine, just didn't think about my ribs this morning. I stretched like I normally would and pulled on them."
The next thing Hayner knew Seifer was in front of him. His breath caught and he could feel heat slowly creeping up his neck to his face. Seifer had a determined and worried look in his eyes, as he looked over Hayner's exposed chest. Hayner inhaled sharply, when Seifer started running his fingers over his sides. Prodding at a few spots, while being careful not to press too hard on the bruised areas. Hayner was positive
his face resembled the color of Axel's hair by this point. He couldn't move though, there was a counter behind him and Seifer was directly in front of him. Seifer finally looked up and met Hayner's eyes. For the first time in years, Hayner could clearly see emotions flashing through Seifer's eyes. The most prominent ones being guilt, anger, and worry. Biting his lip, he noticed Seifer's eyes glance quickly to his lips then back up. That was when Hayner realized just how close they were. All he had to do was lean up just a few inches and they would kiss.
"I swear you two, just need to get a room already. Please don't soil the kitchen, we make food in here." A voice from the doorway groaned, Hayner shoved Seifer away and stared at Ace.
"Like I said last night, we can't miss anymore school. Plus the Lamer's friends might show up, and as much as Lynx loves me... The ChickenWuss is a minor." Seifer replied, going back to the stove.
"Not that it matters, as we won't be sharing a room ever. Besides Lynx doesn't love you, she can't stand you." Hayner huffed, crossing his arms.
"Nah, she just doesn't approve of my decisions is all."
"So, Hayner won't tell me anything about Lynx. What can you tell me about her?" Ace cut in.
"That you would be wasting your time, if you remotely think you have a chance with that girl." Seifer chuckled.
"Which means she's single, right?"
"Ace, take my advice and stay away from Lynx. That's one girl who you'd do best to stay away from." Seifer started making a plate.
"I like a challenge." Ace smirked, walking out the kitchen.
"Here." Seifer handed the plate to Hayner.
"Thanks."
Hayner sat down and started to eat, ignoring Seifer's presence. He could hear him washing the dishes, then he sat down opposite him with a plate of food. As soon as Hayner finished eating, he rushed upstairs and got ready for school. Grabbing his bag, he headed back downstairs. Ace and Seifer were both waiting at the front door, having a heated whispered conversation. When Seifer noticed Hayner, the conversation stopped. Glancing between the two of them, Hayner shook his head and walked out the door ahead of the other two.
The walk to school was quiet, except for the occasional harsh whisper from one of the two following him. Hayner was starting to get irritated by the noise coming from him. If it wasn't for the fact the school building was in his sight, he would have exploded. He could see his gang hanging out by the front entrance. Rushing ahead, Hayner ignored Seifer's yell to slow down and wait.
"Olette!" Hayner yelled, drawing the attention of the brunnette.
"Morning, Hayner. What's-" Olette started, but got interrupted as he grabbed her arm and pulled her inside.
Hayner found glanced back and saw a very perplexed Seifer, watching him. Once inside he looked for a place to talk. Every time Olette tried to say something, he shook his head. He continued to glance back just incase Seifer decided to follow them. Finally he found an empty classroom, that would work.
"Is it safe for me to talk now?" Olette asked, annoyed.
"Yes." Hayner replied, glancing around the hall one last time before shutting the door.
"What is wrong with you today?"
"Is that a trick question? What else would be wrong with me, 'Lette? Seifer."
"Did you have another nightmare?" Olette immediately went into comfort mode.
"Surprisingly, no. Actually, I had pretty decent sleep last night." Hayner realized, falling into thought.
"You never did get back to me last night. What did you need?"
"Huh? Oh! I was having issues with Math, which none of you were around to help me with."
"Sorry, do you still need help?"
"No, Seifer helped me with it. That's another thing, he was able to break it down so I was able to understand it. Why can you guys never do that?"
"Seifer helped you with your homework?" Olette stared at Hayner in shock.
"Yes! Actually last night and this morning's events are what I wish to talk with you about." Hayner stated, looking at his feet.
"What happened?"
"A fucking lot. Seifer knows I had a nightmare, not what it was about though. Mom didn't come home till super late, so Ace got pizza. Seifer stayed for dinner, we had a popcorn fight during a movie." Hayner started biting his lip, nervously.
"And?" Olette sighed, "It's obvious that's not what has you so out of it."
"He made me breakfast, because Mom left early."
"Hayner, I swear if you don't stop skirting around the issue, I'm going to hit you."
"I thought about kissing, Seifer." Hayner whispered, feeling his face flush.
"Okay? From the beginning would be nice, Hay." Olette looked officially confused.
"I stretched wrong and pulled on my ribs. So I took some meds, and Seifer looked genuinely worried. I don't sleep in a shirt, and he pretty much had me trapped between him and the counter. Olette, he touched my sides gently and carefully felt around to make sure I was okay! The thought to kiss him just popped into my head. Honestly if it wasn't for Ace and his damn comments, I probably would have." He explained, staring at Olette wide-eyed.
"So, are you going to admit that he just might have feeling for you?" Olette smirked.
"No! There is no way he likes me like that! I doubt he's even gay."
"Well, if he's not gay then he definitely has to be bi. There is no way a straight guy would wear the outfits he does."
"Whatever. Let's get to class."
Hayner ignored the way his face felt like it was on fire and left the room. Walking off toward his locker, he didn't bother to look up and bumped into someone. Looking up, he meet an icy glare with wide eyes. Backing up, he tried to put as much space between himself and Seifer. His mind raced with all the different outcomes and possibilities as to why the older blonde was still there.
"So, what was that all about?" Seifer asked with barely contained annoyance.
"What do you mean?" Hayner responded, getting to work on opening his locker.
"Running off, ignoring my requests for you to stop, and then disappearing with Olette."
"I don't see what the issue is you could see me just fine, until I entered the building. Besides, I needed to talk with her about something. Why are you still here?"
"To make sure you are alright. It's part of the task I was assigned, in order to make everything up to your mom."
"Well, I have to get to class. I'm sure I'll be seeing you later." Hayner closed his locker and turned to walk to class, when a thought hit him. Turning back, he saw Seifer storming off.
"Seifer!" He called, watching as the older male paused, glancing back, "Almost forgot, there's a karaoke night being hosted tonight. I have to be here, Olette's orders."
"Fine."
With that, Seifer left and Hayner headed off to class. Once he was situated in his spot, he let his mind wander. Remembering Seifer's responses to Ace's comments, were starting to affect Hayner's emotions. Just that small hope that Seifer possibly held feeling for him was enough for him to say screw it and just lay everything out in the open. He dropped his head on his desk, when an image of him kissing Seifer while trapped between a counter and the bully popped up. Groaning, Hayner finally decided it was going to be a long day. If only two weeks could go by in the blink of an eye, he would be better off.
Reviews? Please? Maybe even a fav/follow from new readers? Anything would be appreciated.
Until next time!