A KanaTyy Collaboration XD
KawaBoru Week: Day Two
Prompt: Travel "Where you go, I go"
Traveling was what Kawaki considered his most hated and exceptionally loved thing required by his work.
On one hand, he was able to see a lot of places and experience many things. However, on the other hand, it made him tired and less likely to actually spend his free time enjoying himself and more likely to sleep as much as possible.
At least currently, he was traveling for pleasure and not for work. Not many people knew it, but Kawaki enjoyed just getting away and doing things most single men wouldn't be doing alone. Like seeing theatrical things or admiring more beautiful sports, like dance or figure skating.
Kawaki was a professional athlete himself—a basketball player. The season had just ended for him two weeks before and after resting up for a while, he decided to take this trip as a cleanse for himself. Tonight, he'd settled into his hotel and then went out for dinner at a quiet diner. The relaxing atmosphere had calmed him and he even enjoyed a cup of hot tea and dessert after his meal before taking a cab back to his hotel.
The place he was staying was nice, of course. Kawaki just wanted simple luxuries, like a big, comfortable bed, room service, and a balcony. Simple, wonderful. That's it. It was only ten at night when he walked into the hotel, thinking he'd take a shower and then pass out right away. He wasn't expecting any kind of excitement on his way in, but then he came upon a commotion.
"I said I gots this!" A guy's voice yelled. "Two feets in front of the other, you know?"
"God, you're so fucking drunk." Another man laughed. "Hima, are you getting this?"
"Yep! Serves him right for causing so much trouble. Sorry bro, but you're going to hate us in the morning," A woman said, clearly amused.
Kawaki rounded the corner from the lobby and stepped into the hallway leading to the elevators. The commotion was coming from three individuals—or rather, one individual while the other two were busy dealing with him.
It was none of Kawaki's business. He intended to just walk by, go to his room, have his shower and throw himself into bed as planned. But no, that was not how things went for him.
The young woman was busy holding her phone up, apparently recording her brother who was completely wasted. The other guy that was with them was laughing and doing nothing more than watching as the shorter guy, who had a slim build and blond hair, stumbled drunkenly.
He ran into the wall, which was beside him and not in front of him. He face-planted the floor. No matter how many times he claimed he 'had it' and kept scrambling to his feet, the blond kept falling down. His body was loose and limber and instead of being hurt, he just laughed at himself for taking one fall after the next.
Kawaki told himself to just keep walking. It wasn't his business. He didn't need to get involved. However, when he moved to walk by them, the blond reached out towards him as if for help. The action was enough to make the man stop walking. Kawaki glanced at the blond's friends who weren't saying anything and then looked down at the guy crumbled over on the floor.
Whether the other two couldn't handle him or not, Kawaki didn't know, but after a moment he sighed and stepped over to him. It didn't help to ignore him when he was quite possibly the most adorable thing Kawaki has ever encountered. He had big, beautiful blue eyes and was dressed in skinny jeans and a pink button-down shirt that was tucked into his pants. The clothes really showed off his slim build.
Since he expected the blond to reek of alcohol, Kawaki was surprised to find that he didn't smell of it at all. He smelled good; sweet. His movements were so sloppy, left arm waving around wildly while his right was braved against the wall. He was on his knees on the floor and before he could try to get up again only to fall, Kawaki stepped up behind him and bent down. He didn't want the boy to hurt himself. He was probably underage and shouldn't have been drinking—causing a scene like this could get him in a lot of trouble and he was way too pretty for jail.
Kawaki wrapped his arms around the blond's chest under his arms, holding him firmly and carefully at once before standing and lifting him to his feet. The guy couldn't stand properly on his own, so Kawaki had no choice but to hold him against him to prevent any more falling. He was short, his head level with Kawaki's chest. His shirt was silky, obviously expensive and he was wearing black boots that didn't do anything to make him taller.
Looking over to the pair accompanying the intoxicated blond, Kawaki opened his mouth to speak to them when the guy craned his head back against his chest, trying to get a look at him. He was just too uncoordinated to make it happen though.
"Who is you?" He asked, turning and pulling back to manage to raise his eyes to Kawaki's face. His hands held tightly to the taller man's shirt and his eyes widened. "Pretty . . ."
Ignoring his comment, Kawaki tore his eyes away from the blond to look back at his companions. "I'll help get him to his room," He told them, taking a step closer to them while easily pulling the blond with him.
The woman lowered her phone and cast an unsure glance to the other man. He shrugged, not seeing a problem with it. "Alright man, thanks for the assist," He said and held out a room key.
"Hey!" The drunk blond shouted. "Back the fuck up, Mitsuki. I saws him first."
Kawaki accepted the key, his pierced brow twitching at the fact that the blond's friends just stood off to the side, recording and seeming not to care about the situation at all. It wasn't his business though—he was just trying to do a good deed so the blond didn't get in trouble.
After checking the room number, Kawaki carried the blond down the hallway to the elevators and then the four of them got inside. The guy's knees were wobbly and kept buckling so Kawaki had no choice but to keep supporting his weight—the full of it—not that it was much.
The drunken blond was all giggly and swaying his hips against Kawaki in a way that made the man want to distance himself and get closer all at the same time. So, it was obvious he was attracted to the sloppy drunk, shamefully, so he just needed to hurry and get him to his room. He was a handful and trying to hold him on his feet and get the key into the hole wasn't working out for him with the guy struggling and trying to dance. He was just trying to have fun and it was amusing, but Kawaki had no choice but to lift the blond up and settle him over his shoulder so he could free his other arm and unlock the door.
"Say, you come here often?" The blond asked with a wide smile. "I don't, but if you're here I'll stay. Wanna stay togethers?"
Kawaki pushed the door open and walked inside, tossing the key on the table on his way to the bed. The room was on the same floor as his own and just as luxurious, the bed nice and spacious. Kawaki brought his free hand up to support the guy's back as he pulled him down, cradling him in his arms before laying him down on the mattress gently.
"There you go," Kawaki said, meeting those pretty blue eyes once more before he moved to straighten himself.
The blond was grinning happily at him but frowned when he realized the taller man wasn't staying. "Hey . . . aren't you getting in too? Don't leave." He pouted.
How cute. Kawaki felt himself softening and surprised himself by gently ruffling the guy's hair. "Sorry, I have to go."
"Is it what I said? I have better flirts," He insisted and tugged on the hem of raven's shirt. "I'll prove it! How's the weather up there? I wanna come see for myself."
Kawaki didn't think he'd ever been around anyone so drunk before and couldn't help wondering exactly how much and how long the guy has been drinking. "Get some sleep. Maybe if we're lucky, we'll run into each other again. When you're sober."
The blond reluctantly let go of his shirt and settled down, still pouting. "Wells . . . alright . . . but only 'cause you said so . . ." He trailed, eyes falling closed. "Have my secretary take your number."
"Good night." Kawaki smiled and turned away from him, face settling back into a neutral expression as he approached the two quiet stalkers by the door. "You're welcome," He mused, stepping between them to reach the door.
"Hang on," The guy said with a playful smirk. "Aren't you going to leave your number with the secretary?"
"That's me." The woman smiled, putting her phone in her pocket after she stopped recording.
"He's drunk. Don't be ridiculous. I doubt he even remembers meeting me." Shrugging, Kawaki opened the door and stepped out before looking back at them. "If he does and he wants to talk to me, I'm sure he'll find a way."
Kawaki left the stranger's room, shaking his head to himself and chuckling under his breath. So much for a quiet night, but he couldn't say he was upset about it. Meeting that silly little drunk had been entertaining at least and it was still early. He'd caught a second wind, yet still did as he planned once he made it to his room.
After taking his time in the shower, Kawaki brushed his teeth and stepped into a pair of his briefs before getting into bed. The covers were smooth and cool, refreshing on his skin that was still heated from his shower. As he lay on his stomach, arms slipping around the pillow he rested his head on, Kawaki sighed softly and closed his eyes.
Getting into bed did bring his tiredness back and he found himself drifting off within minutes, but those big blue eyes remained on his mind.
.
.
.
The hotel's restaurant was ridiculously lavish. Kawaki had planned to be lazy and order room service for breakfast, but then his trainer called and threatened to come after him if he even considered actually eating in bed. It was a pain, but Kawaki just had his morning shower and forced himself to go.
He dressed casually, in a pair of black joggers with his team's logo on them and the hoodie that matched. Some people were bound to recognize him wherever he went, but he was always quiet and as discreet as possible. It was already after nine, later than he preferred to eat his first meal—because Kawaki ate a minimum of six meals a day.
Three big meals. Three small meals in between.
This was Kawaki's first trip to this city. He'd come specifically to unwind and also to attend the latest qualifying competitions for figure skating. His fascination with the sport had sprouted at an early age, thanks to his mother who did ice skating just for fun. She was beautiful and graceful in the way she moved on the ice though, a sight Kawaki watched excitedly every chance he got.
It was something he'd hoped to enjoy for a long, long time, but sadly it didn't work out that way. He never lost his love for watching the sport and he went to competitions as often as he could. Watching those people always reminded him of his mother. He didn't want to let go of her, or let go of the beautiful sport she'd introduced him to. So, tonight, he would once again be seated and watching skaters from all over the world trying to score a place in the world championship.
As he sat down at the table he was led to, Kawaki felt his stomach bubbling with anticipation. Every year there were new competitors and sometimes the novices were exceedingly impressive. He honestly couldn't wait and was so excited, he couldn't concentrate on the menu laid on the table before him.
The waitress asked if he would need a little longer and he apologized, shaking his head. There were a variety of things the hotel offered but he didn't go too crazy, making sure to order his sausage, bacon, and eggs. And toast. He couldn't go without his toast.
It wasn't long before his water and coffee were placed before him. Thanking the waitress, Kawaki cradled the mug in his large hands and stared down at it, picturing a figure skater on ice, moving in a manner that soothed him. A wistful sigh fell from him and he finally raised the mug to his lips for a taste.
Breakfast was a peaceful event. Kawaki finished all of his food just as he always did and managed to drink two cups of coffee and his glass of water before he was done. After making sure to send photo evidence to his trainer, he wiped his mouth and hands and then got up to his feet. He would need to go for some stretching and maybe a light workout soon.
On his way out of the restaurant, Kawaki was startled to hear a voice he recognized. Only today, it was clear-spoken—and angry. He stepped closer until he could hear more and spotted the trio from the night before just at the entrance.
"I don't care, your ass is fired!" The blond huffed at the other man. "And you," he turned his attention to the woman, "you're getting demoted. If anyone asks, I'm saying you're my step-sister."
"What? Bro." The woman whined and the other guy patted her shoulder.
"Don't take it personally, Hima. He's just mad he couldn't score with that big fella."
The blond's face flamed and he smacked his friend upside the head. "Just for that, you're fired. Again."
Kawaki just kept walking, hands resting in the front pocket of his hoodie on his way. He didn't really know what to make of those three, but the blond was clearly fed up with the both of them. Kawaki almost laughed when he stomped his foot before turning on his heel and marching away—heading right towards him.
His eyes were closed as if he didn't want to risk seeing the two troublemakers he was with. He was wearing a pair of black skinny jeans—what was it about those tight-fitting jeans that just got to Kawaki? He didn't know, but those legs were certainly fun to look at. This morning instead of a tight, tucked-in shirt, he was wearing a thick, blue sweater that was almost the exact color of his eyes. His hair was a mess, same as the night before, but Kawaki thought it suited him well.
When the blond finally did look up and met the raven's gaze, his face turned even brighter than before. "Fuck me." He cursed under his breath.
Having heard him loud and clear, Kawaki arched his brow and came to a stop in front of him. Was it only coincidence that they had ran into each other again? He wasn't sure, but he wanted to hear what the sober blond had to say.
"Yo."
"A-ah, hey. Hi. hello," The shorter man greeted nervously.
Biting his lip to keep from laughing, Kawaki just stared down at him for a moment and wondered exactly what was going through his mind. "You remember me? We met last night… you tried to keep me." He couldn't help it, he just had to tease him and see how he'd respond.
"I'm sorry!" He said quickly and bowed his head. "I do remember, yes, of course. You're the pretty—" He cut himself off with a cough. "I mean, you're the one that helped me back to my hotel room. Thank you for that by the way. I know I was a little . . . difficult. I don't usually drink that much! We were just celebrating and then I got carried away and . . . yeah."
Even his rambling was cute, or at least it was to Kawaki. "I didn't mind. I was just happy to help and know that you didn't get into any trouble. I don't go around promoting alcohol, but if you are going to drink, maybe you should pace yourself. Okay?"
"Okay." The blond nodded. "I know my limits better now, three is way too many for me. I should stick with one."
Three?! Kawaki just gawked at him for a moment but decided to let it go. "One. Or none. None is good." It wasn't his business, but he had never agreed with alcohol, and somebody needed to be concerned for the guy since his friends weren't.
"Yeah, none is good too." He smiled shyly and brushed his hair behind his ear.
"What's your name?" A second chance encounter was happening and while it was doubtful they would ever meet again after this, Kawaki still wanted to know. "And… are you even old enough to drink?"
The pout was back. "I'm twenty-one . . . and my name is Boruto."
Older than Kawaki thought. Had to be because he looked so youthful and sweet. "Well, it's nice to properly meet you, Boruto. I'm Kawaki."
"It's nice to meet you too, Kawaki." He smiled again. "Do you, um, maybe . . . that is . . . would you like to join me for breakfast?"
Kawaki felt his heart stutter and it surprised him enough to have him shifting on his feet. He almost regretted having breakfast already, because he really and truly didn't want to turn the guy down. "I'm sorry," he began softly, looking away so he wouldn't have to see any disappointment on his face. "I actually just finished having breakfast…"
"Oh . . . oh. Well, it is a little late for breakfast. Maybe if I had gotten up earlier," He said lightly, but it lacked his previous cheer.
Kawaki hummed, pulling his right hand from his pocket and laying it on Boruto's head. "I wouldn't turn you down if I hadn't just eaten. If I don't go work out now, it will turn into fat instead of muscle. Then what would I do?"
"I understand," Boruto said, and he meant it. "But if we run into each other again, you owe me one." He grinned cheekily.
Giving the blond a nod, Kawaki ruffled his hair and then dropped his hand to his side. "If we run into each other again, I won't consider it anything but fate." He smiled, winking at him before stepping around him to leave. "Won't lie, I'm hoping it happens."
"Me too!" The blond called after him. "Bye, Kawaki!"
"Bye, Boruto," Kawaki responded over his shoulder, sliding his right hand back into his pocket with his left. He almost wished he had given up his number, but he just had this gut feeling that this wouldn't be their last encounter.
«•~•»
Boruto had been working towards his dream for a long time. Practice after practice, competition after competition, most of his life was spent on the ice. He had waited and prepared to pass qualifiers. Three years ago he had dropped out for this very competition when his parents passed, but even then he never gave up his passion. Himawari had been there to support him and him her. It was a hard time for them to get through, but here they were once again. Even determined as he was, he was still a little nervous and anxious about the whole thing.
His manager and childhood friend, Mitsuki, took them out for drinks to celebrate moving forward in his skating career again and to help relax the blond. He wasn't a drinker in general and hadn't had more than one at a time. He wanted to splurge a little though and soon found out he was much more of a lightweight than he thought. He was completely hammered after his third drink and didn't appreciate the 'humorous' video his sister took, encouraged by his so-called friend. Not only did they let him embarrass himself in front of a pretty stranger, but they weren't guilty about it in the slightest.
They were lucky things turned out alright after his run-in with the man before breakfast. While he didn't get to eat with Kawaki, he at least got to chat with him and learn his name. He thought the raven was interested in him even if it was just a little. Boruto hoped they would see each other again, hoped with all his heart, and fully intended to collect what he was owed. He had practically zero time for romance and Kawaki seemed so nice and kind. He didn't want to miss out on the opportunity and the man had already seen him at his worst but wasn't scared off.
Maybe it could lead to something more . . . but then again most of his time would be spent skating. A relationship would end up being strained and probably long distance. That was part of the reason he never pursued one before, that and never meeting someone who really made his heart pound. Kawaki had easily done that when he was drunk and when he was sober. Maybe things would work out between them after all, they could work things out and put aside time . . . but Boruto was getting ahead of himself.
Truthfully he was too infatuated with Kawaki, embarrassingly so, and he scolded himself for being so easy. If he got his hopes up too much then he would only crush himself if things didn't work out. Regardless of what happened, he made up his mind to really put forth an effort to get to know the other man if they crossed paths again. However, he couldn't spend all day thinking about the pretty stranger. He had a competition to get ready for and if he was late his coach would have his ass. After he finished his breakfast, he went back to his hotel room to stretch and focus his mind.
Mitsuki and Himawari went with him when he headed to the rink with his duffle bag. Konan was already there waiting and didn't waste any time having Boruto change and get ready. The moment he was in his skates, the blond felt empowered and full of energy. There was truly nothing like being on the ice and he was itching to put it all out there, but he couldn't go all out. He had to conserve and maintain his concentration and stamina. After warming up, Konan talked him through the key parts of his routine she wanted him to practice.
Boruto blocked out everything other than his coach's voice and the sound of his skating cutting the ice. He was feeling great today, there was no doubt in his mind that he would make it past the qualifiers. This was going to be his year, he was going to take the world of figure skating and turn it upside down. It was his time to shine and let the big names know, all the high-rated professionals had better watch out. Boruto Uzumaki was here and he was going to win.
«•~•»
Finally the time for the competition arrived. Kawaki didn't show up early when the younger competitors were out. He waited specifically for the eighteen and older participants to be up. Not that the younger ones weren't skilled, because there were many who were amazing and some that he even admired—but as the qualifier was an all-day event, he preferred to show up later in the afternoon after he'd already done everything he needed to do beforehand.
His day consisted of nothing but eating and exercising, an average day for him. The hotel had its own gym which Kawaki didn't hesitate to take advantage of. It was easy to tune out the world around him when he was focused and playing his favorite workout mix through his earbuds. There were only a few instances when that blond, Boruto, drifted into his thoughts.
It was only due to Kawaki having distanced himself from the world of cute things, avoiding them instead of making them his because he just didn't have time. Basketball took up almost all of his time. Dedicating himself to a relationship was impossible with his schedule and he was choosy with who he'd take to bed. As a public figure, he had to be.
There were only two days left of his vacation here before he'd return home and focus on training. This was his off time, but slacking off wouldn't bode well for him, even if he was currently in his prime. Kawaki loved playing basketball and had been playing his entire life, but he intended to retire early from the professional side of it. He had enough money to do so now, could see himself coaching at a local school and playing for fun. Money wasn't an issue anymore, but one day he would want someone in his life and he wanted to be able to give them his time.
Being single wasn't bad at all. Kawaki actually enjoyed it. Things were calm and peaceful for him when he wasn't working, he didn't have any drama to worry about when it came to things like that. That kind of drama was the last thing he needed, so he didn't really like stumbling upon cute little gems like Boruto. It made him want to change his mind about a lot of things.
Eventually, he was able to clear his head and focus on the event he was attending. It wasn't hard to get pulled in when there was someone on the ice. It had to be the most majestic sport there was. Kawaki almost wished he had a talent for it, but he was perfectly content just watching those who did. Not all were amazing, but he loved seeing everyone no matter their skill level. His mother had never been on a professional level, but watching her had still been such a thrill.
Kawaki liked watching all the different styles of figure skating, but freestyle was his favorite. Seeing a skater on the ice alone, going through with a routine they'd done their best to perfect was exciting. The pairs were nice too, but the single skaters got to him the most. Time really began to fly by once the competition began and he was completely absorbed in watching. He honestly didn't want it to end.
There were falls and mistakes, but everyone was amazing in his eyes and unique in their own ways. The only thing really different about these professional skaters and his mother was the costumes. It was neat how they dressed to match the theme for their song and brought it all together. His mother was always just in her casual clothes, always smiling, always so pretty.
Kawaki really missed her.
After the first dozen competitors, a name was called out that had the basketball player standing on his feet. Not that there was any chance of Boruto Uzumaki being the same blond-haired, blue-eyed Boruto staying at the same hotel as him.
No possible way.
Only, it was.
Seeing the blond get on the ice had Kawaki just stuck where he was standing, gaping at the slim figure skating towards the center of the ice. Was this fate—throwing the guy in his face time and time again? It was unbelievable, but it was really him.
Boruto looked a little different, his blond locks were slicked back, held by gel that gave it a wet look. His costume was black and hot pink, flashy and fitting. Anyone else could be out there and Kawaki didn't bat an eye at the smaller things, but now that he was out there, Kawaki really needed to take in every little detail of him.
He wasn't ready.
It all happened too quickly. Kawaki was still trying to come to terms with the fact that Boruto was really out there on the ice when he took his position and then the music began.
His choice of melody was a tango, a quick and unorthodox tempo. Boruto was so precise in the way he moved that Kawaki knew he was the best so far. Nobody was going to outdo him. Miraculously, he wasn't making any mistakes. Everything he did was clean and borderline perfection—and not because Kawaki was biased.
The blond was just all-around wonderful, even the announcers were in awe as they spoke throughout his performance. His transitions were so smooth and graceful, he had insane elevation and his footwork was absolutely astounding.
He was fast, agile and his jumps were impressive. He used many huge combinations, even in the second half of his performance and his combination spins were blowing Kawaki's mind. His tiny figure helped him a lot, but he was skilled beyond belief and those spins were enacted with such force and speed that Boruto appeared as nothing more than a black and pink blur. Then he would stop—so sudden and on point. Kawaki just couldn't calm down.
So many years of loving and watching the sport—but he hadn't been this excited about a performance since he'd watched his mother as a child, and even that didn't compare. His heart was pounding, he couldn't breathe. All he could do was watch Boruto finish his routine and listen to the loud praise and applause filling the room.
Kawaki hadn't prepared or bought anything, but dozens of people tossed bouquets of flowers, stuffed animals, and candies onto the ice for him. He had such a dazzling smile on his face as he skated around, bowing politely to show his gratitude. Several young skaters joined him on the ice to collect the tossies and then he left the ice and Kawaki sat down, only able to see him on the big screen where he awaited his scores.
He wasn't surprised when he saw Boruto sitting next to those two who had been with him at the hotel—and then an older woman with lavender hair who must've been his coach. His scores were amazing, exceeding all those before him by a longshot. So high, he was already guaranteed a place in the championships. The blond disappeared from sight, but Kawaki was quick to try and go after him.
Unfortunately, he was unable to find Boruto after that, but he was so shaken after watching him that he couldn't even return to his seat to watch anyone else. At least Kawaki knew where he was staying, so he opted to leave so that he would be able to catch the blond.
Normally, Kawaki wasn't one for gifts, but he stopped and bought Boruto the biggest pink teddy bear he could find and an arrangement of two dozen pink roses. Twice, Kawaki had seen the guy in pink so he assumed it was a color he liked. Boruto wasn't at his room though and Kawaki realized he'd been foolish—he'd probably go out to celebrate and have dinner before he returned to his room.
Though he was feeling a bit down at not being able to talk to him and congratulate him in person, Kawaki set the bear against the door to Boruto's room and placed the arrangement on the floor as well. Maybe he would seem like a total stalker, but he couldn't not do anything. So, he wrote his congratulations on the card he's bought, signed his name, and left his number this time. Tomorrow was his last day of vacation, but he hoped he would at least get to spend some of that time with Boruto and get to know him more.
For dinner, Kawaki planned to order room service. He didn't really care to leave his room if he didn't have to and what his trainer didn't know wouldn't hurt him. Just as he sat on his bed and reached for the phone so he could order though, a text came through on his cell and he decided to check it instead.
'Thank you so much! I didn't even know you were there, were you following me? (just kidding) So we did end up running into each other again like you said . . . that means you owe me a meal. I'd like to switch out breakfast for dinner, if that's alright and you're not busy. Would my hotel room be okay? You know the way and this time . . . I would really like to keep you.'
Kawaki laughed as he read the text message and got back up from the bed. Boruto was more forward than Kawaki expected him to be, but he wasn't going to complain. Instead of replying, he left his room and headed down the hallway towards Boruto's. Room Service with a cute blond sounded even better.
When he reached the room, Kawaki raised his hand and knocked on the door twice. While he waited, he slid his hands into the pockets of his jeans. Yet again, fate had intervened for him to have been so close to ordering dinner only for Boruto to text him. Now he was here about to have a dinner date with the guy who'd been plaguing his mind for almost twenty-four hours.
Was it really a date though? Kawaki decided it would be.
«•~•»
Boruto had been high off his win and the congrats he received from his performance, but the gifts that were left for him made him feel as if he was on cloud nine. His heart blossomed at the pink roses and the giant pink teddy bear was the softest and cutest thing he had ever seen. Finding out they were from Kawaki was pleasantly shocking enough, but the raven had seen his routine. He had been there to see the blond in action firsthand and decided to leave his number afterward.
He didn't know if this was random chance or if the other man made the effort to track him down, but either way, he was happy. He didn't waste any time texting the number as soon as he was able to get away and be alone. His message was bold and daring to say the least, but he wanted to make it clear that he was interested too. He couldn't say exactly what he was expecting to happen tonight although he was hoping to steal a kiss or two. The shorter man invited him to dinner in his hotel room later that night, trying not to stress about what to wear.
Finally, he just told himself not to overthink it and went with a pair of tight blue jeans and a purple long sleeve shirt. Ruffling his hair back to the usual messy style he wore, Boruto gave himself a once-over in the mirror. He barely had any time to look, the sound of knocking on his door making his pulse skyrocket. He's here. The blond quickly made his way over to let the other man in and took a deep breath before opening the door. Kawaki was dressed casually in jeans and a black hoodie, looking laid back and utterly perfect.
"Kawaki!" He greeted cheerfully. "Hey. Hi. Hello."
Kawaki gazed down at him, a lazy smile crossing his features. "Thanks for inviting me. I was just about to order dinner."
Hearing that information, Boruto was glad he hadn't waited any longer to contact him. "I was able to catch you this time." He grinned and stepped back so the taller man could enter. "Please, come in."
Moving past him, Kawaki pulled his hands out of his pockets and pushed his hair back out of his face as they walked in. "Got rid of your friends?"
"They have their own room," He explained and swallowed when the raven sat down on the bed, seeming completely comfortable. Boruto joined him, keeping a respectable distance and crossing his legs. "Thank you again for the gifts, they were beautiful."
Kawaki hummed, noticing the flowers placed in the center of the table in the room and the bear overtaking one of the chairs there. "Sorry I couldn't give them to you myself. I wasn't sure how long you would be out… thought you might have some more drinks to celebrate." His lazy smile turned into a smirk as he looked over to him.
The blue-eyed man flushed and laughed at the assumption. "Yeah, there was another little get together but I passed on it. I had better things to do, you know?"
"Like not getting wasted? That's good. I'm all for it," He said, looking Boruto over momentarily before saying, "I was really amazed to see you out there today… I had no idea. You're something else, huh?"
The figure skater preened at the praise and brushed his hair behind his ear. "Thank you. I still have a ways to go though. I'm going to keep getting better and better," He said modestly. "What about you? What's your passion?"
"Basketball." He answered easily, laying on his side on the bed and propping his head up with his hand. "But I'm pretty passionate about watching people like you on the ice."
"Really?" Boruto smiled sweetly. It was the first time an athlete from a different sport ever said something like that to him. "I'm sorry to say I don't watch basketball, but if you're playing then I'll have to change that."
"I play, but you don't have to watch just for me." Kawaki laughed. "It's off-season right now, so I'm just taking a short vacation."
That made sense and answered some of the blond's questions about him that he hadn't voiced. It was apparent they both had busy schedules though, but that didn't get him down. "Are you enjoying it so far? You chose a good place to visit and relax at."
Kawaki nodded, grey eyes locked on Boruto's face. "I am. It feels nice to get away and it not be for work… but I came here specifically for the qualifiers."
That was even more surprising, planning a vacation about skating so he could see it in person. Boruto was impressed and flattered. "Oh wow. Are you going to be watching the next stages too?"
"Absolutely. I was already planning to, but I'm more excited now that I know I get to see you out there. Do you skate a lot?"
"Every day, usually," Boruto answered and felt giddy about the raven wanting to watch him. "It's a little unfair that you get to see me in action, but I don't get to see you." He pointed out before pulling out his phone with a cheeky grin. "Maybe I should search you up and take a peek at your highlights."
"I'm down for that, as long as you show me more of you. Should I order our dinner while you choose one?"
The blond nodded quickly, having admittingly forgotten all about dinner. "Please and thank you."
After they decided what to order, Kawaki used the room's phone to order their food and then moved to settle himself next to Boruto, resting against the head of the bed. Boruto was still scrolling through different videos when Kawaki spotted one and leaned closer. He pointed it out and suggested it.
"That looks like a decent one."
"Okay, this one then." The figure skater agreed easily, hitting play. He moved a little closer to the raven, holding his phone up between them as an excuse, and hoped he wouldn't notice that he just wanted to share his warmth. "There you are! You're so easy to find when you tower over the other players." He giggled as he watched the video.
"Not all of them," Kawaki said musingly, admiring how smooth Boruto's hands looked. "It's probably because I'm the only one you recognize."
It was a simple night—a first date among many, despite the distance between them. So far, fate had continued to bring them together, and though their careers kept them traveling so often, and they didn't even have the same home ground, both of them were determined to do whatever they needed to do in order not to let go.
After all, what was a bit of travel when it came to love. Being forced to travel for work may not have been so appealing, but traveling for what excited you—for pleasure—Kawaki and Boruto both could easily get behind that.
