All Teeth: Chapter 10

Author's Note: Well, this took longer than intended. But given that this chapter is the longest and makes up a fifth of the story, I guess that makes sense.
Thanks for following me on this self-indulgent ride!

Shinji woke up the next morning with a headache that made him immediately close his eyes again. Light was shining into his room, signaling that it was already probably late morning.

But more important than that was that Yutaka was tucked up against him.

Despite the pain in his head, Shinji grinned.

Parts of last night were slightly fuzzy, but he remembered the important parts clearly. Parts like kissing Yutaka.

He opened his eyes again and looked down at Yutaka's sleeping form. He was lying on his side, spooning against Shinji and drooling just a little onto the sheets. He was also shirtless, which confused Shinji for just a second before he noticed Yutaka's shirt lying on the bed next to him, along with some spent glowsticks. Shinji figured Yutaka must have taken them off sometime after they'd made it home.

Shinji remembered the walk home. He'd carried Yutaka part of the way, while Yutaka had kissed every part of him from the neck up. He'd eventually had to put him down, though, after one too many stumbles. But after that they'd walked home holding hands and occasionally knocking into each other or stopping to kiss more.

It'd been a wonder they'd made it back at the slow pace they were going. They'd been so tired by the time they'd made it to Shinji's house that they'd almost immediately passed out on Shinji's bed.

And now Shinji was waking up with Yutaka against his chest. He figured it didn't get much better.

Shinji looked down at Yutaka's watch and saw that it was almost ten in the morning. Shinji knew Yutaka wouldn't be up for a couple more hours. Yutaka was a late sleeper on weekends and having stayed out late, he'd sleep even later.

Shinji didn't mind sleeping late, but he did mind that his head hurt and that he felt sticky from sweat. So, he carefully lifted his arm from Yutaka and pulled away from him. Yutaka barely stirred. Once he was out of the bed Shinji pulled the blanket back up to Yutaka's chin. He stood looking at him fondly for just a second before he reached down and kissed the top of his head.

He was going to be great at the whole boyfriend thing.

He then stood up and stretched before grabbing clothes to wear once he got out of the shower. He was currently still wearing his clothes from the night before. Once he had them, he left the room and walked toward the bathroom.

The house around him was silent, but he'd expected that. His sister Ikumi had been staying over with a friend and his parents were rarely around on the weekends. His father was probably working or maybe nailing his secretary, and his mother was probably at some class or at brunch with a friend.

That was good. He and Yutaka would probably be alone in the house until midafternoon. Shinji didn't want to deal with telling his parents that he a boyfriend, at least not yet. He wouldn't make Yutaka sit through that conversation.

Once he reached the bathroom, Shinji caught sight of himself in the mirror. He laughed to himself before leaning closer to take a better look at his neck.

Yutaka had left him with a collar of hickeys.

Shinji probably should have been at least a little embarrassed by it, but he wasn't. He liked the look of them. Liked that he had a physical reminder that Yutaka had kissed him so thoroughly. He grinned thinking that maybe later he might repay the favor.

After he finished showering, Shinji threw his dirty clothes in the hamper (and threw away the glow sticks that had still been wrapped around his person) and changed into the fresh ones. The shower had helped to dull his headache, but he went ahead and got a pain killer to take anyway. After swallowing the pills and drinking a full glass of water, he brought a couple back to his room with him, as well as a glass of water for when Yutaka woke up.

Once he'd sat those things on his nightstand, he crawled back into bed with Yutaka and wrapped around him. Shinji wasn't usually the type to sleep in late on a weekend, or any day really, but he didn't mind so long as he was cuddled up next to Yutaka.

He was back asleep within ten minutes.

Shinji woke up the second time because Yutaka was groaning.

"My head hurts," he whined. He was currently curled up, almost in the fetal position, facing the wall. Shinji still had an arm thrown around his torso.

Shinji laughed lightly. "Don't worry, I have you covered," he said softly, giving Yutaka's arm a squeeze.

At the touch, Yutaka's head turned rapidly to look over his shoulder.

Shinji was already starting to sit up and grinned at Yutaka's big eyes. "Morning, sunshine," he joked.

Yutaka sat up, hand on his head. "M-morning," he said, sounding nervous. He then seemed to notice that he was shirtless and crossed his arms in embarrassment.

Shinji laughed at that. It wasn't like he hadn't seen Yutaka without a shirt before. "Your shirt's right there," Shinji said nodding his head toward it as he grabbed the pills and water off of his nightstand for Yutaka. "I think you took it off last night when you were feeling less shy."

Yutaka grabbed it and tugged it on quickly before looking over at Shinji. "I—" Yutaka stopped midsentence, staring at Shinji's neck.

"Yeah, you also left me this souvenir when you were feeling less shy," Shinji teased him, raising his chin up so that Yutaka could more easily see the hickeys he'd left.

Yutaka's face flushed, and he looked down at the bed.

It was then that Shinji knew something was off. Shinji had expected that Yutaka might be a little embarrassed, maybe even a little shy. But he'd also thought Yutaka would look happy. But he was staring down at the bed, and he only looked worried.

Shinji suddenly felt cold. He sat the pills and water back down on the nightstand.

"Do you remember last night?" Shinji asked softly.

Shinji was scared. He'd been so sure this morning that he hadn't misjudged Yutaka's intoxication. Because they had both been drunk, but they hadn't been drunk. But suddenly he feared he was wrong. That all Yutaka remembered was a blur.

"Of course, I remember," Yutaka answered quickly.

Shinji only felt a little relieved at that because something was still wrong. Yutaka still looked worried.

Thoughts flew through Shinji's mind.

I don't understand; why is he worried? I know he likes me back. He said he's wanted to kiss me for a really long time. He couldn't have been clearer. So, this isn't a case where he's wondering how to get rid of me without hurting my feelings. And he said he remembers last night, and he seemed perfectly coherent then. What am I missing? What's there to worry about?

Then it hit him. There was only one other variable besides Yutaka and the alcohol, and that was him.

He's worried this was just a hookup.

The thoughts had all came to Shinji like rapid fire within a couple of seconds. He looked at Yutaka's downturned face, which was squeezed up like he was trying to think of what to say.

Like he was trying to find a way to ask Shinji what last night had meant.

I can't believe you have to ask. Isn't it obvious that I like you too? Didn't I make it obvious?

But then, maybe he hadn't. Years' worth of feelings shoved into a couple of days, then coming to a head during a drunken party didn't necessarily read easily.

But I do like him. I really like him.

Okay, then maybe just say that? Give some reassurance? Like, now, so he can stop freaking out.

"I really like you," Shinji said, looking at Yutaka's face and trying to meet his downcast eyes. "And not like how I've liked girls. Not in a, you'll work for the weekend, kind of way. More of a… I'm really happy I got to wake up with you, kind of way."

Yutaka face turned upward, and he no longer looked worried, only surprised and a little hopeful.

"I want to be your boyfriend. I don't want to be with anyone else," Shinji said, hoping that was enough. He didn't want Yutaka to doubt him, to doubt his feelings.

"For real?" Yutaka asked, his voice soft and wanting.

"Is my sense of humor so bad you think I'd joke about this?" Shinji asked, smiling lightly. He then looked Yutaka dead in the eyes. "My crush on you has taken over my life. Be my boyfriend so at least I have something to show for it."

"I love you," Yutaka said it so suddenly it seemed to surprise even him, like the words had come running out of his mouth without his consent. He looked stunned, but he didn't try to take what he said back.

Which was good because Shinji definitely didn't want him to.

Shinji grinned. "Here I was worried that if I said I loved you, it'd scare you off," he said while reaching to grab one of Yutaka's hands. "I love you, too. I think maybe since middle school."

"Since middle school?" Yutaka was looking at him like he had two heads, but there was also an upward lilt in his tone. Finally, he was looking the happy kind of shy that Shinji had expected.

"I'm not really sure," Shinji said truthfully. "You've been my first and only best friend, so what feelings go with that and what feelings go with this," he raised their connected hands "is a little confusing."

Yutaka laughed. "That's relatable."

Shinji grinned. "For sure I've liked you for the last year. Once I got my head back on, I noticed it."

Yutaka looked surprised. "You never said anything."

"I know," Shinji said, feeling a little ashamed. "I had a lot of excuses for why I couldn't let myself feel that way. Like it'd be dangerous, or you wouldn't like me back. And I was worried about that stuff, but I think maybe the biggest thing was just that I wasn't ready to let myself be happy again."

"But you're ready now?" Yutaka asked, searching his face.

"I'm very ready now," Shinji said, grinning. "I'm sorry if I kept you waiting."

Yutaka laughed. "I was trying to tell you the other day."

"Tell me what?"

"That I liked you," Yutaka said, tightening his hold on Shinji's hand. "When I was talking about when I realized that I didn't like Kanai anymore. I was trying to explain that I realized it because I liked you. But instead I just made you feel guilty over it."

Shinji started laughing, a full belly one. Yutaka stared for a second but then couldn't help joining in.

"So basically, I cockblocked myself. That's what you're telling me?" Shinji finally asked once they'd calmed down.

"You totally did," Yutaka said, crooked grin on his face. "And you're supposed to be good at this stuff."

"I ended up with you, didn't I?" Shinji asked with a wink. "I must not be too bad."

"No, not too bad," Yutaka agreed, leaning against him a little, smile on his face.

"That's good, because this morning I was thinking about what a good boyfriend I was going to make. So, it'd be a pretty big letdown if I wasn't good enough for you to date," Shinji said, leaning closer against Yutaka. He wanted to hear Yutaka say it, that they were dating now.

Shinji could tell by the way Yutaka smiled at him that he was about to joke with him. "Well, you know I'd never let you down," he said before going for the kill. "Plus, I'm dying to have the good boyfriend experience. The girls' reviews haven't been raving. What was it the last one said?"

Shinji snorted. "That I was a total narcissist who had a basketball where my heart should be."

"Yeah, she had a way with words," Yutaka laughed. He then put a hand to Shinji's chest. "Listen to that little basketball bounce."

Shinji smiled. He knew Yutaka was joking around. If there was anyone who didn't think Shinji was a narcissist and knew he cared about more than basketball, it was Yutaka. Still, he hoped Yutaka knew how serious he was. That he really would be delivering on the 'good boyfriend experience.'

Whether that thing beating inside me is a heart or a basketball, it's all yours now.

Shinji grabbed Yutaka's hand from his chest and held it. Then, even though they were alone, he leaned in and whispered in Yutaka's ear. "I'm going to be so good to you. I promise."

Shinji felt Yutaka's body shiver against him. Then whispered against his neck, "Me too."

But Shinji had never doubted that Yutaka would be good to him. With Yutaka he rarely had any doubts.

Shinji pulled back from him after a minute, and Yutaka's eyes were looking into his. First seriously, but then they turned humorous again.

"This is super weird," Yutaka said honestly, his thumb rubbing lightly over Shinji's hand. "But, like, in a good way."

Shinji grinned. It was weird. Probably even weirder for Yutaka because Shinji was never this open with his feelings. But he could do weird as long as it was the good kind.

"It's us with another layer," Shinji said, thinking out loud. "We're still best friends, but now we get to do the boyfriend stuff too."

"That's pretty awesome," Yutaka said, tilting his head up to look at Shinji. He then quickly leaned forward to kiss Shinji's lips. "I really like the boyfriend stuff."

Shinji beamed. He did too.

Then he thought of something. "Speaking of the boyfriend stuff," Shinji said, letting go of Yutaka's hand, and beginning to unfasten his watch. "I'm taking this."

"My watch?" Yutaka asked, looking down at where Shinji was removing it from his wrist. He had a very faint tan line around where it had sat. "Why?"

It made sense that he was asking. Yutaka's watch was a cheap, black, digital thing that he'd bought way back because he'd liked the blue ring around the face, and it had a button that made the digital screen light up. But the light up button had stopped working a long time ago, and it was hardly an impressive watch.

But Yutaka had been wearing it every day for all of high school.

"I want to wear it," Shinji said as he took off his own watch and then secured Yutaka's in its place.

The reasoning had to do with symbolism. With wanting to have something that said he was Yutaka's. The same way his uncle used to wear the earring in Shinji's ear because it'd belong to the woman he loved.

Shinji thought he might have to explain that, but when he looked at Yutaka's blushing face, he knew he understood.

"Do I get yours?" Yutaka asked looking down at the gold watch Shinji had put on the bed.

"You can have anything of mine that you want," Shinji said, handing Yutaka his discarded watch. It was hard to describe the feeling of knowing that Yutaka wanted to wear his, too. "Well, except for my computer and its related items. Those are still off limits."

"Damn, and I was going to take the afternoon and become a master hacker," Yutaka joked as he pulled Shinji's watch over his wrist. "But I actually would like that painkiller now. My head doesn't feel great."

Shinji grabbed the water and pills from his nightstand and handed them to Yutaka, who immediately swallowed them and downed half of the glass.

"Your stomach good for breakfast yet?" Shinji asked.

"Yeah," Yutaka said before drinking the other half of his glass. "Can we have katsudon?"

Shinji raised a brow at him. "You want katsudon for breakfast?"

"Yes," Yutaka said simply.

Shinji laughed and shook his head. "Sure. Katsudon for breakfast." His lack of fight truly was a sign of how soft he was for Yutaka. "Just remember you promised to sit on the counter with me," Shinji said before winking at him.

He then pulled himself out of bed and stretched.

"Actually, I'm pretty sure we got interrupted before I answered on that. Which was good because my brain was short circuiting," Yutaka admitted as he scooted out of bed, but not before his eyes had lingered on Shinji stretching.

"You see something you like?" Shinji asked, lewd smile on his face. He was going to enjoy teasing Yutaka.

Yutaka looked a little embarrassed at having been caught staring, but then he smiled up at Shinji, a determined look in his eyes. "I mean, yeah. I don't know if anyone has told you this before, but you're kind of ridiculously attractive."

"I have been told that before, but feel free to keep telling me," Shinji said, smirking down at Yutaka.

Yutaka's eyes then traveled to Shinji's neck. "I still can't believe I gave you that many hickeys."

"Yeah, turns out you're a freaky, little monster," Shinji said nonchalantly, taking pleasure in the way Yutaka blushed at the assessment. "But I guess I can try to keep up with you," Shinji said in an exaggerated tone that suggested that doing so would be a chore. Even if he hadn't been smiling as he said it, it would have been clear that he wasn't even slightly serious.

Yutaka snorted. "Yeah, try and keep up, prude," Yutaka said as he walked around Shinji to the doorway.

"I'll do my best," Shinji said, catching Yutaka around the waist from behind and leaning down to kiss his neck. He then shoved him forward. "Now hurry up, I want to get a start on this elaborate breakfast."

Yutaka only laughed.

Shinji and Yutaka spent most of Saturday together. It would have been all of Saturday, but around 8pm Yutaka's mom had called asking if he had moved in with Shinji without telling her. Of course, Yutaka had then joked, 'I didn't know that was an option.' …And then his mom had promptly told him to get home before she grounded him.

So, Shinji had walked him home just to get a little extra time with him.

And then he'd shown up at Yutaka's house again before noon on Sunday, asking if Yutaka could hangout.

Yutaka's dad had let him in, telling him he'd have to wake Yutaka up. Shinji had been quick to wake him by jumping onto his bed. After Yutaka had startled awake, they'd spent almost all of Sunday together.

The two days alone together had been good for them. It'd given them a chance to get used to their new status without prying eyes. That said, the blend of friendship and romance felt pretty natural. Yutaka was a little shy with some of Shinji's more overt affection, but he always met Shinji with the same energy, regardless of any embarrassment. And sometimes Yutaka was the one who surprised him with his affection. Shinji liked those moments. He loved the attention.

They'd also taken the weekend to discuss if they wanted to be public about their relationship.

Yutaka had been the one to say that there was no reason not to be. It'd been then that they'd discussed who else at the party might have gotten together. Yutaka said he wasn't sure if it had been Yumiko Kusaka or Haruka Tanizawa he'd seen kissing a girl, but one of them definitely had been. Hell, maybe they both had, Yutaka's memory on it was fuzzy.

He'd also told Shinji that he'd seen Oki kiss Motobuchi after Motobuchi had shotgunned his beer.

"How did you not mention that?"

"I totally did! After I said it was a magical night!"

"You definitely didn't. You were too busy laughing."

"Oh, well that was why I was laughing. I thought I said it."

Shinji had agreed with Yutaka about going public. He didn't want to hide that they were together, especially since he had finally wrapped his head around the fact that it was safe.

That was why on Monday morning they walked into school holding hands. It probably should have felt like a huge moment, but Shinji and Yutaka were mid argument about the chance of an alien invasion.

"Look, I love you, but you're insane. If aliens do exist, which is unlikely, they aren't the invading type," Shinji explained, not for the first time since he'd met Yutaka.

"Well, I love you, but you're totally wrong. And I find it a little irresponsible that I'm the only one with an alien invasion plan," Yutaka said as they walked in the direction of their lockers.

Shinji couldn't tell if Yutaka was joking or not. He feared he wasn't.

"I'm not going to dignify that with a response," Shinji said as they turned the corner and approached his locker.

"Fine, don't. You'll see when I'm saving you from the aliens," Yutaka said simply.

"Sounds hot, Ripley," Shinji said, referencing the lead in the Alien movie series.

Yutaka snorted, even as he rolled his eyes. Shinji knew he wouldn't complain about the comparison to the woman. Yutaka definitely thought Ripley was a badass, not to mention hot.

They reached Shinji's locker and Shinji dropped Yutaka's hand to open it. As he was getting his things out, he couldn't help but overhear a discussion happening behind him.

"If they always just get stronger when they almost die, doesn't it get boring to watch?" Souma asked.

"Well, a lot of people think the power system in Dragon Ball Z is broken, but I kind of like it. I think it's a nice metaphor for real life. Sometimes the strongest people are the ones who've been beat down the most," Yuichiro explained.

Shinji had to hold back his laughter. Over the weekend Yutaka had also filled him in on the whole Souma and Takiguchi situation. Apparently Yuichiro hadn't needed rescued. When Yutaka had made his way over, Souma was simply sipping a wine cooler as she listened to Yuichiro babble. She'd even asked a couple of questions. Yutaka had described it as surreal, standing there in a group composed of Souma, Shimizu, Keita, Yuichiro, and himself. Shimizu had apparently looked just as confused as he felt.

"You might want to start bringing condoms to anime night if Souma's going to be there," Shinji suggested, standing up fully and closing his locker.

"Why would I need condoms?" Yutaka asked incredulously.

Shinji shrugged. "I'm just saying there might be tits out at anime night."

"So what? If I can manage not to throw myself at you, I think I can manage not to throw myself at Souma, even if her tits are out. Which, I mean, I hope they're not. I think Yuichiro would probably pass out," Yutaka said, facing Shinji who was now leaning against his closed locker, smirking.

"Aw, you think I'm hotter than Souma?" Shinji cooed, sounding quite pleased.

Yutaka rolled his eyes. "Yes, I think you're hotter than Souma."

"How much hotter?" Shinji asked just to tease him.

Yutaka was obviously aware of that, based on the sarcastic tone of his voice when he replied, "So much hotter. You're the hottest person on the planet."

Shinji's grin only grew as he wrapped his arms around Yutaka's neck. "I think it's funny how you sound sarcastic, even though we both know you're being serious."

Yutaka laughed, but the slightly embarrassed look on his face told Shinji that he might not be far off.

Shinji laughed, leaning in to whisper in Yutaka's ear, "I love you so much." He then kissed the side of Yutaka's head before pulling away and grabbing his hand again.

Yutaka was beaming. Shinji couldn't believe how proud he felt to have caused that look. Being in love was so weird. Such small things suddenly had the power to brighten his whole outlook, but then, that was what made it all so nice.

Good call on this one, Uncle.

They'd barely started walking down the hall again when Sho approached them. He sighed before putting his hand on his hip.

"Well, I must say I'm disappointed but not surprised," Sho said looking between them.

Shinji grinned. "Morning, Sho."

"Hey," Yutaka added, a light blush on his cheeks.

Sho looked like he was trying to keep the disappointed look on his face, but finally he cracked and smiled at them. "Oh, I guess I can't be too upset when you both look so happy. And all thanks to my party! It brought so many people out of the closet," He then pointed at Shinji. "I was getting concerned that we'd never get you pulled out."

"Ha," Shinji said dryly. He wasn't going to give Sho any credit for his realization. Even if he did inadvertently push Shinji toward it.

"Always such a hard nut to crack," Sho said, hand on his cheek. "But then, that was always why this was fun. A shame it's come to an end, this thing between us."

"Gotta admit, Sho, I feel like you're breaking up with me," Shinji joked easily.

Sho smiled, looking absolutely delighted. "Oh, sweetie, we can tell everyone it was mutual."

Shinji snorted and beside him Yutaka let out a light laugh.

Sho once again looked between them, lightly smiling. "I suppose it never would have worked out between us anyway. It seems I'm not your type," Sho said focusing on Yutaka.

"Afraid not," Shinji agreed. It would be hard to find two people who looked less alike than Sho and Yutaka. But then again, Shinji was pretty sure he'd like Yutaka no matter what he looked like. But he didn't need to say that; there was no need to rub salt in Sho's wounds when he was being civil.

"Just as well," Sho said, and the smile on his face suggested that maybe he had a secret he wasn't sharing. He then looked down at Yutaka, still smiling. "Of course, if it ever doesn't work out, I can't promise I won't try my hand again. I'm only human."

Shinji scoffed. "Not gonna be an issue."

"Remember—" Sho didn't get to finish saying what needed to be remembered before he was interrupted.

"Are ya fuckin' serious?" A voice seethed from behind Shinji.

Shinji looked over his shoulder to see Ryuhei Sasagawa approaching them with a scowl on his face. He stomped up to them, and Shinji and Yutaka had to move quickly to avoid getting plowed into as Ryuhei got right up in Sho's face.

"Are ya seriously flirtin' with Mimura?" Sasagawa demanded, poking at Sho's chest with a finger. It must not have been too hard though, because Sho giggled.

"Oh, Ryu, I wouldn't do that," Sho said despite having just done that.

Ryuhei glared at Sho like he knew that was a lie, but instead of pressing him further he turned his sights on Shinji.

"You stay the fuck away from my boyfriend, ya hear me?" Ryuhei said, now poking his finger into Shinji's chest.

Shinji could only nod. Had he opened his mouth he would have started laughing. As if he needed to be told to stay away from Sho. Not to mention, holy shit, Sho and Sasaggawa were dating.

"Oh, honey, don't be so violent," Sho cooed, grabbing Ryuhei's raised arm and pulling it down. "He already has Seto anyway."

Ryuhei seemed to notice Yutaka standing there for the first time. He then saw their linked hands. He scowled and then looked at Sho. "Well, I didn't see 'im!"

"It's like I'm invisible," Yutaka muttered.

"And anyway, I don't care!" Ryuhei looked at Shinji again. "Flirt with yer own boyfriend!"

Ryuhei then grabbed Sho's arm and began pulling him down the hallway. Or, at least, it sort of looked that it way. It couldn't really be considered pulling when Sho went with him so easily. Shinji doubted Ryuhei was strong enough to move Sho where he didn't want to go.

As they left, Shinji could hear them talking to each other.

"We been datin' two days and ya seriously are still flirtin' with Mimura?"

"Oh, Ryu, I can't help it. You're so cute when you get jealous."

Shinji finally couldn't contain his laughter anymore and took a second to get it out, Yutaka joining in almost immediately. They held onto each other's arms to steady themselves.

"Do you think they'll invite us to their wedding?" Yutaka asked, wiping a tear from his eye.

"They'd better. I'm going to prepare a toast," Shinji said, looking down the hallway where the couple had disappeared. Then a thought struck Shinji.

"You know, I just remembered. You never told me what Sho said to you the other night," Shinji said, eyes locking Yutaka in place.

Yutaka blushed. "It would be better if I didn't repeat it."

"Well, now I'm even more curious," Shinji said, grinning down at Yutaka. "Come on, spill."

"Fine," Yutaka sighed. "He said, and this is a direct quote, 'If you don't choke on that dick soon, I will.'"

Shinji started laughing again.

"It's not funny!" Yutaka said, even though he sounded on the verge of laughing himself. "I had no idea how you felt! And you were right there! You totally could have heard! Plus, who says that?!"

Shinji finally stopped laughing, but he couldn't wipe the amused grin off of his face. "You know, the funniest part of that is that he thought he stood a chance against you," Shinji said softly.

Yutaka somehow managed to look flattered, while also looking at him skeptically. He could tell when Shinji was about to make a joke just as easily as Shinji could tell when Yutaka was going to make one.

"Well," Shinji drew out. "Second funniest part. The funniest was definitely your face after he said it."

Yutaka shoved him good naturedly before pulling him along by the hand. "Whatever. Come on, I still need to go to my locker."

Shinji didn't fight him, instead walking with him and rubbing his thumb over Yutaka's hand that was holding his.

"Did you—" Shinji was interrupted by someone screaming his name.

"Shinji! Shinji! Guys, stop!"

When Shinji turned, he saw Shuya hurrying toward them, with Yoshitoki behind him trying to keep up. They dodged a few random students and ended up next to Shinji and Yutaka.

"Where's the fire, Shu?" Shinji asked, turning to face him but not dropping Yutaka's hand.

"So many people hooked up on Friday!" Shuya said in a voice that was louder than necessary.

"Did they?" Shinji asked, his tone amused. Shuya still hadn't noticed their joined hands.

Yoshitoki, on the other hand, had noticed almost immediately and was giving them an approving look.

"Yes! Pretty much everyone in class is dating someone now!" Shuya said, sounding both surprised and excited by the development.

Well, Shinji was certainly dating someone.

"Who's dating now?" Yutaka asked, sounding genuinely curious, as he leaned against Shinji.

Yutaka then looked up at Shinji with mischievous eyes that seemed to ask, 'How long until he realizes that we're dating?'

Shinji winked, meaning, 'If we don't spell it out for him, it might take years.' But that might have been too long of a message to convey in a wink.

"Oh my god, so many people! Kusaka and Kitano for starters—"

Yutaka interrupted, "So it was Kusaka I saw!"

"And Tanizawa and Utsumi—"

"Shit, maybe I did see both," Yutaka mumbled.

"Oh! And did Hiroki tell you he's going on a date with Kotohiki?" Shuya asked.

"Uh, no. I didn't think there was enough liquid courage in the world for him to ask her out," Shinji said, looking around the hallway to see if he could see Hiroki. Unfortunately, he didn't see him among the mass of students. And being a head taller than most, he tended to stand out.

"I guess Chigusa did it for him? At least that's what I heard," Shuya said sounding unsure.

Shinji nodded. "So, this story still needs officially confirmed?"

"Technically, yes," Yoshitoki said as Shuya scoffed.

"Well, how about Nakagawa, Yuka, not Noriko, and Hatagami? Does that need confirmed?" Shuya asked Yoshitoki.

Yoshitoki laughed easily before telling Shinji and Yutaka, "We saw them holding hands this morning."

"Must be serious then," Yutaka said, swinging his and Shinji's conjoined hands a little.

Shinji and Yoshitoki both laughed a little, but Shuya still didn't seem to catch on.

"I guess so?" Shuya said, brows knit together. "They've known each other a long time, so I guess it makes sense."

"Yeah, the old childhood friends to dating route," Shinji said, making Yutaka hold back a laugh. "I can see the appeal."

Shuya nodded. "It's just crazy. We're practically the only single ones left."

Finally, the group around Shuya couldn't take it anymore and broke into laughter. Shuya just looked around confused.

"What's funny about that?" Shuya asked, looking around at each of them for answers.

"Shuya," Yoshitoki said, tilting Shuya's head down. "Look."

Shinji helped out by lifting his and Yutaka's joined hands up.

For a second Shuya still looked confused, and Shinji thought they really would have to spell it out for him. But then his eyes widened, and a look of recognition came onto his face. Then he pointed at their connected hands.

"You guys are dating!" Shuya yelled.

Shinji grinned. "Thanks for noticing."

"Oh man," Shuya said, suddenly sounding defeated, as body slumped down.

Yutaka and Yoshitoki both cocked eyebrows at him.

"Don't be like that, Shu," Shinji said, amused tone to his voice. "I know you were into me, but you'll find someone else." He then patted Shuya's shoulder lightly.

Shuya ignored him and instead turned to Yoshitoki. "That means we're the only ones left!"

"Only ones left for what?" Shogo asked, approaching the group with Noriko Nakagawa.

"The only ones left who are single!" Shuya bemoaned.

Shogo took note of Shinji and Yutaka's attached hands and nodded approvingly at Shinji. Then he faced Shuya. "Well, you aren't the only single ones left. I know someone who's free for a date," Shogo said as he bumped Nakagawa closer to the group. She blushed and gave Shogo a betrayed look. He only grinned.

"Aw, Shogo, really?" Shuya said, sounding excited. "Where do you want to go?"

For a second Shogo looked surprised, but then he caught on to what Shuya was suggesting. "I didn't mean me. I was talking about Noriko."

"Oh! She and Nobu could double with us!" Shuya suggested, throwing Yoshitoki a knowing look. Nobu was burning red.

Shinji and Yutaka were holding back laughter.

"I ain't going on a date with you," Shogo said still looking taken aback.

Shuya scoffed. "Why not? Am I not good enough for you?"

Shogo's mouth dropped open for a second, but he immediately closed it and held up his hands. "I don't date. All I was saying is Noriko's free. Do what you will with that information," Shogo then turned to leave the group, but before he broke away, he caught Shinji's amused eyes. "Don't start."

As Shogo walked down the hall, Shinji called after him, "When are you going to let yourself be happy, Shogo?"

Shogo flipped him the bird, but Shinji hardly cared. They'd have a heart to heart later about the possibility of Shogo ever finding love again.

"The three of us could always do something," Noriko suggested to Shuya and Yoshitoki shyly. "If you wanted to."

Shuya grinned. "That sounds awesome!" He then threw his arms around Noriko and Yoshitoki. "Who says couples get to have all the fun?"

Noriko and Yoshitoki were powerless to do anything but agree with him.

"We'll catch you guys later," Shuya said, grinning wide. "I want to start talking weekend plans."

The group of three took off, leaving Shinji and Yutaka standing alone in the hallway. Well, as alone as two people got in the school hallway before the first bell.

"Did you think us dating was going to be a bigger deal?" Yutaka asked, looking up at Shinji. Yutaka had obviously thought it was going to be.

"Kind of, yeah. Thought there would at least be some follow up questions," Shinji admitted looking down the hall toward the departed group.

Yutaka looked thoughtful for a second. "I guess it's kind of nice that there wasn't. Like, maybe we just make sense together, so what's to question?" After he said it, he looked a little unsure of himself.

Shinji couldn't help smiling at him. "Yeah, that would be pretty obvious for anyone paying attention. We're kind of made for each other."

Yutaka grinned, looking up at him earnestly. "I couldn't imagine anyone better."

Shinji's heartbeat sped up. Being in love was amazing. Being loved back was one better. He lifted Yutaka's hand and kissed it as casually as one could do such a thing. And Yutaka accepted it with a grin.

"Come on, let's hurry up so we can get to homeroom. I want to see Oda's face when he realizes how vulgar our entire class is," Shinji said, winking at Yutaka. He thought if they didn't get a move on, he'd end up staying in the hallway sweettalking Yutaka all day.

"Oh, yeah, me too," Yutaka agreed. Then his face lit up, and his big brown eyes looked devious. "Want to dirty talk in front of him during free period and see what happens?"

Shinji grinned. He was so in love with the boy beside him.

"Let's see if we can make a toad explode," Shinji said, dropping Yutaka's hand in favor of putting his arm around his shoulders and pulling him close.

And as usual, Yutaka looked perfectly content under his arm. Shinji hoped that would never change. He would walk anywhere with Yutaka by his side.

I hope you're looking down on me right now, Uncle. I know for a while it was probably hard to look at me. But now the war is over, and I don't have to choose between living with integrity and being happy. I get both. I get this. I get to be young and in love. I get to have all the things you wanted for me. I get to be in love with my best friend and be loved back by him. It's all smiles from here, Uncle. All teeth.