title: Ski Trip
characters: Afuro Terumi, Fubuki Shirou
pairings: aphrodi/fubuki
summary: How can one person, or god, win the heart of a certain snowy striker? Go on a ski trip with him and try to use that charm of his on the other boy. That should work.
a/n: like ch 17, done for a meme on tumblr. jfc this was supposed to be a drabble and look at it now.
Aphrodi had his mind set on learning how to ski. Well, he was more set on attempting to learn the sport; his main focus was trying to spend some time with a certain silver haired striker. He was eager to make a move on him, eager to find out if that Hakuren striker actually had some feelings towards him. And if not, he was sure that he could recreate some moments from various popular romantic movies in order to get Fubuki's heart to skip a beat for him. It shouldn't be that hard anyway, right? Who wouldn't love a god of beauty like himself after all? Besides, for someone like Aphrodi, it should be easy to work his godly charm on those around him.
The blonde had asked Fubuki a couple of months ago if he would be willing to teach him how to ski, saying something about how he wanted to get a grasp on one of the snowy sports during a trip to Hokkaido. Aphrodi also offered a room to him since he'd be staying at a ski lodge. The blonde had suggested it would be best if Fubuki remained with him, saving him some time from traveling back and forth from there to home, as well as getting to share the same room with him to (although he knew Fubuki would have probably offered his home for a short visit, there was something more romantic about going to a lodge instead).
While the striker happily agreed to it, he was assuming it was just as the blonde had said. This would be just them, the snow sport expert teaching the blonde beauty how to ski; nothing more, nothing less. But even he had to admit that his heart was racing to the thought of spending a few days with Aphrodi. He didn't dare let any of his emotions for the other ever show. He couldn't allow himself to even hint at it. His blonde friend had so many admirers (he so happened to be one of them to), so Fubuki didn't think he had a chance. But, being able to do something like this with him, well, he felt very lucky to be the one he had chosen for this situation. Who else better to teach such a handsome soccer player to ski than the prince of the snowfield?
When the appointed date had arrived, the two had met up at the ski lodge. Aphrodi had gotten there earlier to check in while Fubuki had made it just a little after the other male had settled into their room. Fubuki was glad that Aphrodi hadn't gone and reserved a single bed room, he didn't think he'd manage to control himself if given the chance to share a bed with his crush!
"Make yourself at home, Fubuki. And I hope you don't mind if we go skiing right away?" Aphrodi had asked while the other was unpacking. If the silverette had wanted to relax, he wouldn't mind, but he was just so eager to put his plan in motion.
Fubuki had turned to him, no matter what he was unable to say no, especially with that excited look on the blonde's face. "Alright, we can. It is best to go out while there is light anyway." Doing anything in the dark out here was probably not the best idea. The silver haired male wasn't too sure if the blonde was aware of that fact, surely he was, it was common sense after all.
The moment Fubuki had finished unpacking, the two had taken their way out of the lodge, rented some gear, and then began their little skiing getaway. Fubuki was very focused on helping Aphrodi get himself started with this sport, while Aphrodi was…trying his best, as well as 'accidentally' fumbling around, occasionally finding himself leaning onto the other for support, putting his arm around Fubuki, faces nearly touching as he listened to Fubuki speak, doing all that he could to get a reaction out of the other male.
And had it worked? Aphrodi really couldn't tell. He had seen the other's face flush from time to time, though he couldn't tell if that was due to his actions or to the cold. There were also some stutters that spilled from his lips, which he could assume was from something else besides the cold, he was hoping so anyway. Either way, he was intent on getting Fubuki's heart to beat for him, one way or another. And in a way that he would notice it to!
The rest of their first day continued on like that while light was out. When darkness had taken its place, the two had gone back inside the lodge, warming up by the fireplace, having a warm drink, and sharing a blanket together (which of course was Aphrodi's idea).
The next day had been the same, though Aphrodi was getting a little better at skiing, he decided he couldn't be a bumbling fool the whole time he was here with Fubuki. He wanted to show him that his teaching skills were really paying off, and they were! Aphrodi was so glad to manage to do some beginner level paths, falling only a couple of times, but ended up having Fubuki help him up. It was way better than having some boring instructor do all this with him. Besides, being helped by his crush and having an excuse to hold his hand was definitely worth a couple of snowy falls. And when night came, they spent it the same way as the last, although this time it was Fubuki who had suggested sharing the blanket, which gave Aphrodi some hope to his romantic skills working their magic on his soon to be cute snow angel.
As for the following day, Aphrodi wanted to do something different, a little more daring. He had been asking around if there was another lodge and found out there was one. Although it had been left unused for years, it was still there and provided some getaway for…couples during their stay here. What they did was left up to the imagination, but of course the most fitting came to mind. Thinking about such indecent things- he couldn't! It was far too soon, but perhaps in time such things could be between them. Now all he had to do was find a way to get them both there. It would prove to be difficult considering he didn't even know its exact location, but as long as they kept going down slopes and away from the main paths, they should find it...eventually.
"Fubuki! I'm going to try this one!" Aphrodi called out, going to a little more advanced course. The blonde would really have to do his best not to fall and just keep on skiing on this one. "Want to do this one with me? I'd appreciate if you were by my side on this path."
"Are you sure? I know you want to do a more difficult one, but do you…think you can handle it?" Fubuki asked, oblivious to the other male's true intentions. In all honesty, he just didn't want Aphrodi to end up hurt or falling to much. "I mean, I think you can do this, just…not at the moment. It takes a while to go from one course to another."
"I know, but theres no harm in trying, is there?" Aphrodi asked, a sweet smile and determined look in his eyes accompanying the question.
"No, there isn't. But…be careful, okay?"
"Oh, I will be. And if not, I have you by my side. I know you'll help me and you'll be there if I fall."
Aphrodi nearly forgot his plan just speaking to him, getting swept up in the moment and actually wanting to try this path. But he had to focus! Try his best to impress Fubuki and also lead him off the main course! Someone like him could definitely do it, he was so certain of it.
Taking on this rookie course was easy at first, but these slopes were far more different than what he was used to. Even though his cool facade, he did begin to worry if he could even continue with this. The only reason he didn't end up giving up half way through was seeing Fubuki skiing right along side him.
When the path came to an end, Aphrodi began to continue on. He just had to. That empty lodge, it was calling their names (or so he believed) and he just needed to get Fubuki to come with him.
"Aphrodi?" Fubuki's voice was full of worry. That was a good sign, right? "Where are you going? We should be heading back…"
"Oh, I just want to see whats ahead! Besides, the path keeps going, and I want to show you that I can follow it," Aphrodi replied before quickly trying to ski onward. While he heard Fubuki say something about turning back, if he acted like he hadn't, the other would follow. And follow he did.
The sun was beginning to set and Fubuki was definitely worried that they wouldn't make it back to their lodgings in time. He kept calling out to Aphrodi, asking for them to turn back but it didn't seem like he would listen. And since he couldn't just leave the other out here, the silverette had to follow. Though, he was very surprised to find that another lodge was in sight. He was so relieved, thinking they'd let them stay the night. Yet, he found it odd that it was rather empty.
"Oh, look! A place to stay! Come on, lets stay there for the night!" Aphrodi said rather eagerly. Fubuki was going to question the other but just shook his head and followed after him. As much as he did not want to go into this empty lodge, what other choice did they have?
Although upon entering and finding out why this place was empty, Fubuki had gotten the chills and really did not want to stay there. This place was old, creaky at every step, wood rotting, cold air shifted through the place. For once, he wanted to chance going back to their place in the dark.
"A-Aphrodi…I don't think we should stay here…" Fubuki mumbled while pulling on Aphrodi's jacket.
"But we won't make it back in time, I don't think so anyway." Aphrodi said while looking around, already trying to find some blankets that would help keep them warm for the night. "Besides, its not like anything bad will happen here."
Fubuki let out a sigh and mumbled, "We're in an abandoned lodge in the middle of nowhere…Sure, you're totally right, nothing bad could ever happen here…" He paused for a moment, putting a hand over his mouth. He didn't expect his comment to sound as if he were annoyed with the other. While he sort of was thanks to him insisting on coming here, he just wanted to be somewhere that he knew they would both be safe. Even so, Fubuki was secretly hoping that Aphrodi had not managed to hear his mumbling worries.
"Nothing bad will happen." Guess he did hear it after all. "I'll protect you from anything dangerous. And tomorrow we can relax back at the lodge for our final day, okay?" Aphrodi was planning on letting Fubuki decide tomorrow's activities. Wether it be skiing or just relaxing, it would be his decision since he had dragged him all the way out here. But by tomorrow, he was hoping that they would be a little more than friends to. Perhaps it was a stretch, but he could have high hopes.
And after hearing Fubuki's little change in tone with that comment, he was worried that he had done something wrong. He should have listened to the other, he had grown up here after all and probably knew this place better than he had. Not the lodge, but the area in general. A pang of guilt had struck through him, thinking that being here had made him lose every chance he had now.
The blonde sighed to himself during his blanket search, and luckily for the two, he had managed to find some. Although they were rather dusty and probably not the best to sleep under, but it would be the best thing to use for now. Alongside the blankets, a dusty pillow was resting beside it. Also, probably not the best, but it would have to do.
"Fubuki! I found some blankets and a pillow!" He called out to the other, moving the items about in an attempt to get the dust off them.
"Oh, thats great." He actually sounded relieved upon hearing that. And although he was looking fairly calm, Fubuki couldn't help but worry about what may happen while here. Unlike the other, his worries about being avalanched in were beginning to spike. Mentally he began to tell himself to calm down, something like that would not happen. If it did, he was certain it would take their original lodge down before getting to them...which really wasn't a happy thought either.
"Are you alright, Fubuki?" Aphrodi asked, noticing the slight trouble expression that was playing on his face.
"Oh! S-Sorry, I was just thinking..." Fubuki mumbled, not wanting to tell the other about his worries. He was certain Aphrodi meant well when spotting this lodge and it was far better than trying to camp out in the snow, so he remained quiet.
Yet, Aphrodi was still worried by the look. Now he was really regretting his decision to come to this lodge. He should have just stuck to falling into Fubuki's arms while losing his balance! Oh, just being in that silverette's arms now sounded so lovely...
"Come on, Fubuki, the sooner we get to sleep the sooner we can head back up." The blonde said, setting down the pillow in a place he found did not have such a creaky floor underneath and was not too cold. Hopefully during the night this place wouldn't be too freezing for the two.
"Alright..." Fubuki quietly walked over to where the pillow was placed. And just as he sat down, his thoughts of worries seemed to disappear as he finally came to the realization that he would have to sleep beside Aphrodi. There was no way either one of them could sleep apart, they had to sleep under the same blanket, share the same pillow, be literally centimeters away from each other. Fubuki's face flushed to the thought. Oh dear, could he even handle something like this?
The blonde had tried getting rid of any remaining dust before sitting beside Fubuki. He had caught the other's face turning red and even through all this was still hoping the Hakuren boy was feeling something for him. And even he had to admit that he was starting to get a little heated to the thought of sleeping beside Fubuki. Maybe he could get away with a sleepy hug in the middle of the night, he was hoping he could.
"Lie down with me?" Rather than making that a command, he left it as a question, not wanting to force Fubuki to end up beside him. He had already been forceful enough leading Fubuki here.
After a moment of hesitation, the silver haired boy gave a slight nod and had settled down beside the blonde striker. He remained oddly still, almost frozen in one spot. If he were going to get through the night, he'd really have to calm that beating in his chest. Fubuki was hoping that only he could hear his strangely loud heartbeat.
Aphrodi rested upon his side facing Fubuki, who was lying still upon his back. A hand of his reached out, gently touching the boy's shoulder and causing him to flinch. "Sorry." The blonde apologized quickly. "You should relax, Fubuki."
Fubuki only nodded to that, taking a deep breath in, then out. Calm down, calm down. It was only night by his side. While the thought should be relieving, he would have liked more to come, that is if he weren't so damn shaken up by his presence. "I will. I didn't mean to worry you..."
"Let me guess, you're just thinking? I wouldn't mind knowing what you're thinking about. Maybe telling it to me would help you relax?" It was only a suggestion, but he was rather curious to know what was on the other boy's mind.
Fubuki had to resist simply saying, 'You.' as a response. Just imagine if he had let that slip! "Its just being here...I'm worried about something bad happening. Something that neither of us can stop." Rather than say his other worry, he decided to let that one come out. Besides, he was afraid that might happen, an avalanche coming down suddenly. It wouldn't be the first time he heard one out here anyway.
Aphrodi frowned upon hearing his response, biting down on his lower lip for a moment. Although Fubuki had been quick to agree to this trip, the blonde had nearly forgotten about the other's fear to a certain snowy disaster. This was a terrible, terrible idea. He shouldn't have brought him here. "I'm so stupid."
"Huh? You're not, Aphrodi." Fubuki spoke, sounding confused hearing Aphrodi say something like that. He was usually one to boast not belittle himself.
The blonde let out a sigh and shook his head. If he were to tell the other his plan now, he would surely hate his guts. Without a word, Aphrodi had reached around Fubuki, pulling him close in a tight embrace. "I'll tell you later, when we're back at the lodge. Let me do this, I'll know your safe if your in my arms."
Fubuki's face had gone a deep red as he was bound to Aphrodi. He didn't push away nor struggle in his grip. His mind was just at a loss, his heart definitely beating like crazy now. Not wanting the other to see his flushed face, he had just rested it against his chest. And was it him or was Aphrodi's heartbeat going just as fast as his own?
It had even taken Fubuki a moment to process what the other had said. He'll be safe in his arms- he felt safe in his arms. Slowly, Fubuki had raised his own arms to be around Aphrodi, wanting to be comfortable and not completely stiff in his hold. He was hoping this was okay and since the blonde didn't seem to be against it, he figured it was.
The silverette could feel a hand on his back, gently rubbing it in an attempt to soothe his worried soul. And it had been working. As time passed together in this darkening room, Fubuki could feel himself losing that tense feeling and being overcome with sleep. Eventually he had fallen asleep, leaving Aphrodi awake to look after him. Although, sleep would eventually take him to but for now he was happy to be like this.
"I'll make this up to you, I promise," Aphrodi said in a hushed tone. He even dared to give a quick peck to Fubuki's forehead. Now it was his turn to fall asleep while embracing him.
The two had no clue what time it was when they had woke, though they figured it was some time in the morning considering the sun's rays had peaked in and shone on their faces, the cause for them to wake up. When they had both come to, for a moment they looked to each other, just staring into each other's eyes and processing the night before. Each had turned red (Fubuki was first and Aphrodi followed upon the sight) and had let go of the other. Neither really mentioned enjoying sleeping like so, but they had been quietly happy about that situation.
Not wanting to waste time, Aphrodi was now eager to go back. Fubuki, unlike coming down to this lodge, had happily agreed to hurry and get to their place. As much as he would like to continue their skiing lessons, the silverette had decided that it would be best to just enjoy what the lodge had to offer, do warm activities. Fubuki had promised that another time, another trip, they could continue their lessons. Hearing that had made Aphrodi's heart soar, a promise to see each other again!
"Ah! Its great to be back!" The blonde gave a sigh of relief as they had finally gotten back to their warm and comfortable room. Stepping inside here, he was glad Fubuki had chosen to stay in. He'd rather not have to go out and deal with the cold, especially when it kept hitting him in the face. "I definitely need a shower though. I hope you don't mind me going first?"
Fubuki shook his head, taking a seat on one of the chairs rather than on the bed. "No, you can go on in first. I'll wait." He didn't mind showering second, but after the reminder of sleeping in a rather dirty place, he was eager to take one quick.
"You know...you could always come in with me." Aprhodi winked to the other boy with a playful smile. Seeing Fubuki's cheeks turn pink had definitely been worth it. And now he felt more confident in his advances to. Perhaps it was that sneaky kiss he had given the other or just knowing that they had slept in each other's arms, either way he was looking forward to really pulling on Fubuki's heartstrings. "Kidding. Anyway I won't take too long."
Fubuki sighed in relief, though had been secretly hoping that Aphrodi was serious on that. No, he couldn't be. But he could dream that he was.
After the two had both showered and taken a moment to appreciate a room like this, they had gone out to travel around the lodge. There wasn't to much to do, most activities were made to be outside or for younger children, but nevertheless the two had enjoyed themselves. And when night came, they had more then quickly returned to their room. Definitely not about to take a chance to get locked out or anything like the previous night.
"Hey, Aphrodi?" Fubuki looked to the other as he decided to ask this now. "What was it that you were going to tell me? You know, about...you being stupid, which you aren't."
Aphrodi had frozen on his bed when Fubuki had asked that question. It felt as the blonde had been hit by Fubuki's Ice Ground. Oh dear, he really had hoped the silverette had forgotten about that little slip of the tongue.
"Well..." Aphrodi had thought to brush it off, say it was nothing or the cold had gotten to him. But how could he lie to this sweet boy? And if were ever to really be involved romantically with him...telling the truth would be necessary to make their relationship functional, wouldn't it? "Promise me, you won't be angry with me, alright?"
It was such an odd request to hear, but nevertheless he agreed. "I won't."
Aphrodi let out a sigh, hoping that Fubuki really wouldn't be angry. He had never seen the other truly angry before and the thought of someone so calm and sweet losing his temper...it would not be pretty, at least thats what he thought.
"I had...intentionally tried to find that place. I heard some rumors about it being a good place for couples to get away for more privacy and I thought it would be nice to be completely alone with you for a while. But, it was a mistake. I made you worry and made terrible memories resurface. I should have just remained here, been a good person, then we wouldn't have to had slept in a disgustingly filthy place like that. I'm sorry, Fubuki, I only meant to..."
Aphrodi stopped himself there. Oh boy, this was not how he wanted to go about with a confession, but mentioning that lodge was a place for couples might have already been more than enough. That is, if Fubuki had picked up on what he was getting at.
"Is...that all?" Fubuki asked seeing as the blonde had gone quiet. He was expecting something worse, but found nothing wrong with wanting alone time with the other. Well, he could have gone about it in a better way, but Fubuki felt that if he said that it wouldn't really help. Besides, even Aphrodi was aware about that fact. As much as he tried to ignore that mention of a couples getaway, it was hard to get it off his mind. "I'm not angry with you over that..."
Hearing that had put his mind at ease, Aphrodi was glad not to have seen the imagined terror of an angry Fubuki.
"But..."
Maybe he spoke too soon.
"Why would you...w-want to go to a couple's place with me?"
Instead of dealing with an angry Fubuki, he was dealing with a curious and red faced one. Which one was worse? Probably the angry one, but right now he was going to have to give the other a truthful answer. So much for trying to have the most romantic confession in mind and at a later date.
Aphrodi sat up from his bed and walked over to Fubuki, looking at him as he remained seated on his chosen bed in this lodge. Although inwardly he was trembling and fearing that the silverette would reject him, outwardly Aphrodi remained calm, or as calm as he could be during this unplanned confession.
"Because, I wanted to get closer to you." Aphrodi pauses, reaching out and gently taking Fubuki's hand in his own. "I wasn't planning on saying this so soon, but I don't think I can really keep this a secret any longer." He clears his throat, eyes closed as he does so. When he opens them again, he speaks. "Fubuki Shirou. Being around you makes me happier than anything else in this world, your radiant smile brings light to my life, and a person as special as you only comes by once in a lifetime. I don't know how long I've had these feeling stored inside me, but I love you. It would truly make me the happiest god on this earth if you would accept my feelings."
Fubuki was at a loss of words, lost in the ones that Aphrodi had said to him. This had to be a dream or was it a dream come true? He couldn't tell but he was definitely hoping it was the latter. And if this was a dream, he did not want to be woken from it!
"I-I..." He stumbled for words, wanting to say yes. The silverette hated to just keep the blonde waiting for an answer. What was he supposed to do? Without really thinking, Fubuki pulled Aphrodi down, just enough so that their faces would be close. He heard the blonde gasp and say 'What?', probably caught off guard to this action, but he didn't really care. Right now, he just wanted to have his lips press against those he had been wanting to meet with for so long. And he made it happen.
Aphrodi, although surprised to his actions and answer, was more than happy to kiss back. Although he was beginning to lose his footing from that pull and had to break away from that kiss for that moment, just to end up landing on Fubuki, who had fallen back on to the bed. He let out that amazing and melodic chuckle as he found himself on top of Fubuki.
"I take thats a yes?"
"Yes!" Fubuki was quick to respond to that question. "I've...liked you for a long time. I never thought you would like me though..." He admitted in a quiet tone. "You could probably have any one you want and yet-"
"I chose you." Aphrodi smiled down at him, finishing that sentence for him. "As I said, you're special, one of a kind. I'd be a fool to fall for someone else. You're the only one for me."
Fubuki blushed and smiled to his kind and loving words. "I love you, Aphrodi. Or should I say Afuro Terumi?" He asked. It felt a little strange using his real name, but he found himself enjoying saying it. Maybe he should start dropping the nickname? He didn't know if he could do so so soon.
"Terumi is fine, but only if you're alright with me calling you Shirou." Just as Fubuki had enjoyed saying his name, so had Aphrodi.
"I don't mind. I would like it if you called me that...Terumi."
"That settles it the, Shirou."
Aphrodi grinned at him, slowly lowering his face to Fubuki's and once again their lips met. Now they were able to let this kiss last without the worry of falling over or wanting a clear answer. Their lips parted only to be met again, they needed some air to continue with these kisses. And before either one got to carried away, they both decided to stop for now.
"I guess this means we can share a bed now? I really enjoyed holding my little snow angel last night."
Fubuki only smiled to that, putting his arms around Aphrodi and tightly hugging him. He'd be in the blonde's embrace for the rest of the night, but for now he wanted to be the one giving him a warm hug. It definitely was not the first, but it would not be the last, just as many other actions were to be shared between the two.
