title: Exhaustion
characters: aphrodi, fubuki shirou
pairings: afufubu
summary: Aphrodi is tired and gets a surprise visit.
a/n: tumblr request!

Aphrodi let out a deep sigh as he sat on the bench, running a hand through his hair. His eyes went to the clipboard beside him to the field, watching the team practice. It was heartwarming to see them working together, nothing like how they were when he was first assigned to them. Comparing them from then to now, it always made him smile to see them come together.

And he'd be happier if he wasn't feeling so damn tired. The past few days had been terribly hectic. They were filled with meetings, him running around with last minute paperwork, trying to contact family, and finally trying to put something together to determine if the latest soccer players would have what it takes to be on the team. It had left him with little time to himself.

The thought of leaving practice was tempting, but he had decided against it. The team would be fine on their own, he trusted them not to slack off for practice. Though, he couldn't just abandon his duties because he was overworked. It was his duty to remain here, keep an eye on them, mentor them when needed.

But it was so difficult to keep his eyes open and focused on the team. He could feel himself ready to doze off. And maybe it was just his imagination, but the team seemed to be pausing and chatting more often than usual. They could just be talkative today, possibly talking about classes, exams, hissatsus, other things. Nothing to worry about.

The man holds back a yawn, or tries to. It doesn't work as he ends up covering his mouth and yawning anyway. God, he wished he was at home and in bed right now, gaining all the sleep he had lost in the past few days.

"Wow, you look exhausted."

It's a blunt comment that startles him. On instinct, he straightens up, tries to act as if he hadn't been yawning and wears a serious, studious expression as he turns to face the other.

"I am not. I'm just- Shirou!" Aphrodi gasps out his name, jumping to his feet (somehow mustering the energy for that). He could hardly believe his eyes, having to rub them, poke at the other male's cheek and then take his hand to confirm that he was really standing before him and that this wasn't some dream he manifested in his tired state.

"Hello, Terumi," Fubuki smiles as he holds onto his hand. "Sorry that was so sudden, but I've never seen you so worn out before."

"Oh, I'm not that worn out," he says, tries to act like he's full of energy as usual. His free hand plays with the lock of hair that's hanging over his shoulder. The blondie gives him a playful look, but he doesn't have the energy to pull it off and he can immediately tell that Fubuki isn't buying his act.

"You are. You can't hide that from me. Besides, I know you've been busy the last few days."

"How?"

"Well, for starters, you haven't been texting me as often as you usually do." He figured he was busy due to that but couldn't have guessed how busy. "And second," he stops and points to the field, "your team noticed your lack of spirit lately. They thought I might be able to help you regain it."

Aphrodi turns his head to look over to the team. They had stopped in their tracks to watch the two converse, but once their coach had looked towards them, they had all rushed to get back to practice, wanting to seem innocent to this act.

"Those boys..." He shakes his head and lets out a sigh, but can't help but smile. "I shouldn't have worried them, or you. I'm sorry, you didn't have to come all the way out here, Shirou. I know it's not the trip here isn't the shortest."

"But I had to come here for you..." He wears a worried expression. "Besides, I want to make sure you get some rest. And the team already said they were okay with it."

The coach gives him a quizzical look. Just what had his team been planning behind his back with his boyfriend? He'd really have to look into this further when he was more energized and make sure they don't plan any surprised like this again (but he had to admit this was sweet of the team, they were looking out for him instead).

Fubuki smiles at him, there's a hint of mischievousness hiding behind it. And before he knows it, the silver haired male has tugged on his hand, pulling him close. He uses this moment of surprise in his favor, lets go of his hand and reaches out to lift Aphrodi in his arms. He makes sure to have an arm under his legs, the other against his back, keeping him against his body.

"Sh-Shirou!" Aphrodi yelps, quickly holding onto the other.

"You're safe in my arms, I won't let you down." It's such a smooth line and it takes a moment to realize just what he said- and he swears he can feel his heart melt.

"I can't believe you're doing this in front of the team," he replies with a slight chuckle, deciding to rest his head against Fubuki.

"It's not that bad. I'd think kissing in front of them would have caught more attention. And you were the one to initiate that," Fubuki reminds him.

"Oh, I can't believe you're blaming poor old me for being scandalous in front of children!" He gasps and pretends to be offended. "Now you're the one initiating something so...romantic?"

"Well, I don't think you'd come home so willingly if I just took your hand. This seemed like a better solution. And if you need to take a nap you won't fall to the ground so suddenly." Fubuki smiles, leans down to give him a quick kiss to his forehead. He then turns to the team. "I'm taking your coach home! Be sure to finish practicing!"

Aphrodi looks over, watches the team and how they're so unfazed by this. He's going to have to lecture them about doing this before their next practice.

"Does this mean you're going to sleep with me?" Aphrodi asks, giving him a playful and tired wink.

"You're going to sleep and I'm going to make sure you do."

"With me?"

"Someone has to make sure you stay in bed and I doubt you'd let me sleep on the couch."

Aphrodi looks up to him and smiles. He forces himself up and returns the early kiss, pecking him on the cheek. "You know me so well, Shirou."