Disclaimer: I'm just a geeky fangirl that likes to play around; I own nothing.
The Long Way Home: Chapter 17
Aki's days were lacking if Ueno wasn't there to keep him company; bonding had been a seamless process, but being around Ueno had become as regular as blinking or breathing, so a day without him was noticeable.
So when Aki spent Saturday alone, he felt sort of hollow. Sure, he'd been an absolute pissant to his significant other on the phone and hung up on him to boot, but he'd expected Ueno to either drop by or try to call him back in order to hammer things out. Aki wasn't above an ignorant argument and no one should be; they were sometimes therapeutic.
At the very least, a circular argument was better than silence. The lack of communication was upsetting, considering his level of attachment.
Ueno always seemed to put Aki on a holier-than-thou pedestal, incapable of messing up and superior to others, which was maddening sometimes, as Aki had his own share of bad days and had never once considered himself better than anyone else. But Aki supposed he was guilty of the same, placing Ueno higher up, expecting him to always be diplomatic, reasonable, and calming.
Most of the time Ueno fit that bill accurately, but today was an exception.
His bedding had been replaced and his room was once again pristine; to hell with housekeeping's puzzled stares. It was early, but since he'd been up all day with next to no sleep the night before, Aki didn't see the point in staying up. Sleep would interrupt his boredom and anxiety.
He'd filled his day with insignificant tasks, such as tidying up his apartment unnecessarily and getting rid of his master's gifts. He'd fed his fish just a pinch of flakes, as the instructions on the canister indicated, and watched them dart to-and-fro while he lounged in bed. He ignored all phone calls after he checked his display and discovered they weren't from Ueno, remained quiet when anyone knocked on his door, and read more in one Saturday that he usually read within a week.
As the day progressed, he grew more and more incensed. Ueno had screwed everything up by running out on him and being inattentive in the aftermath of a very intimate encounter. Aki wasn't personally experienced in the ways of post-coital etiquette or morning after behavior, but he was aware of their existence. While he understood that sex hadn't taken place, it had been close enough, so the same rules should have applied.
That being said, a little cuddling after they both woke up would have been nice. A smile or a kiss would have sufficed as well. He was pretty sure running out was not the norm and Aki hadn't missed the way Ueno had tightened up when Aki touched him. And Ueno wasn't even apologizing. He was an oblivious fool and as a result, Aki had spent a day alone.
Being committed was stressful even though it was voluntary. Aki had always assumed that when it happened, all of his insecurities would vanish, but it appeared that just the opposite could occur. Everything Ueno did, every move, every thought, became more important, and attempting to read between lines became routine.
He wanted to know what Ueno had meant by being "confused". He wanted to know what had been running through Ueno's mind when he'd disappeared while Aki was showering. He needed to understand because if he didn't have those answers, he couldn't be positive that Ueno was all in. If Ueno wasn't serious, Aki needed to move on before he was too attached to deal. If Ueno was repulsed by what had taken place between the two of them, Aki wanted, needed to know.
Aki briefly revisited the previous night in the bar sitting next to Mira, drinking copious amounts of alcohol. Mira had assessed Ueno quickly, fitting him into a specific category, which Aki had scoffed at initially. But what if Mira had pegged Ueno correctly and Aki was just a novelty that Ueno would reject once their relationship got too serious?
It might be a long night. Aki crawled into bed, situating himself in the middle of the massive mattress and pulling the comforter up to his shoulders before curling into a ball. It was his normal spot, except Ueno normally occupied the right side, which was closest to the door.
He lay quietly, wishing for sleep and feeling the absence of Ueno's presence. It was a long time before his eyes closed, the battle between fatigue and irritation ending in a win for fatigue. The burning sensation underneath his eyelids intensified, and he slipped into slumber, despite his doubts of being able to rest.
Aki hadn't been asleep more than a couple of hours before he awoke as shouting and whooping reached his ears.
He had no defensive skills, but instinct took over as he rolled to the left, falling out of bed and colliding with the bedside table, causing the water in the lit aquarium to slosh from side to side.
He reached out and wrapped his fingers around the first thing they came in contact with, giving an extra yank as he met resistance, jumping to his feet and preparing to fling his weapon. As his sleep muddied brain began to process that someone was in his apartment uninvited, his heart began a rapid, rhythmic pounding and he was only able to think of one person.
He blinked as his unknown visitor flipped on the lights, and he hurled his weapon, where it hit the wooden doorframe and then the floor in several pieces, narrowly missing the two men who stood in the doorway.
Aki forgot to be relieved, even though he knew both men and neither of them were any danger to him, at least physically. He stood in open-mouthed indignation. "Wha- what are you doing here? It's-" Aki had been prepared to check his bedside clock to tell them what time it was, but his clock had been his preferred weapon, and was now shattered in small pieces.
Neither man answered him. The one in front stared at him in befuddlement, while the other laughed quietly. Aki tried again, but addressed them individually the second time. "Ueno, what are you doing here?"
"I came to talk." Ueno was flushed and fidgety. "You're naked," he blurted out. "Why are you naked?"
Aki addressed the other party, who stood behind Ueno, shirtless. "And why are you here? How did you get in?"
Mira shrugged. "The door was unlocked."
"How long have you been here? Why are you here?" He glanced at Ueno. "What was the yelling about?"
Ueno stepped forward. "I let myself in, and came to your room. I didn't know he was here until he popped up behind me."
"So you came in after him?" Aki's question was aimed at Mira.
"No. I was asleep on the couch, and I heard someone come in. I didn't know who he was, so I got up and followed him." He poked Ueno's side. "You're lucky I didn't hurt you."
Ueno rolled his eyes, swatting Mira's hand away. "So you decided to creep up on me ninja-style? Why are you here anyway?"
Aki stood, hands on his hips. "I'd like to know too."
"I spent the day in town and I didn't feel like going home tonight. I needed somewhere to sleep."
"You could have gotten a room and you already know that."
"I didn't want to cause any trouble." Mira scratched the back of his head, his gaze sweeping over Aki, his expression approving. "I figured I'd just stay here."
Ueno spoke again. "You're still naked. Why are you naked?"
Aki's gaze slid from ex to current. "I was sleeping."
"So?"
"This is how I like to sleep." It made Ueno's blood boil before logic reminded him that he'd slept that very same way once or twice in his own apartment.
He'd never, however, stood completely naked in front of any of his significant others while any of his exes looked on with blatant interest.
"I've never seen you sleep like this."
"I thought that it would have made you uncomfortable. I was alone tonight, so..." Aki voiced his assumption gently, but Ueno didn't appear comforted.
"Put something on! Mira's staring at your-"
"His thing? Don't worry," Mira piped up, patting Ueno's shoulder, his voice smug, "it isn't like I haven't seen it before. Clothes get in the way during sex, so we both preferred removing them. People in adult relationships tend to see each other naked a lot. "
"You're not helping," Aki hissed, staring at Mira in horror.
Mira pushed his way past Ueno, entering the room and stopping at Aki's side. "What? Am I lying?"
"Is that the point?" Aki looked up at him, refusing to turn his head in Ueno's direction. "Go to the front desk and ask them to give you a room. Go home. Sleep in your car. I really don't care, just go."
"I'll stay on the couch, and I'll be gone before you wake up. Why waste a room or resources?" Mira slung an arm around Aki's shoulders, his voice taking on a mock pleading tone. "I'll be good."
Ueno, who had been quietly stewing from his position just inside the doorway, sprang into action, stomping into the bedroom, yanking the comforter from the bed, and shoving Mira to the side. "Do you mind?" He draped the heavy covering around Aki's shoulders, overlapping the ends.
Aki allowed himself to be covered; if he hadn't been so involved in conversation, he may have considered doing it himself.
Mira crossed his arms. "Ueno, what are you so worried about? I told you I've seen Aki naked before."
"That doesn't mean you can see him now!"
"That's not up to you. I used to see him like this all the time. So are you better than me now, just because you get to call him your boyfriend? Does that little perk make you feel all high and mighty?"
Ueno shook his head. "I don't know about that, but I guess the boyfriend title does mean that I don't have to sneak into his apartment in the middle of the night." Then, as an afterthought, he spoke again. "And beg Aki to let me stay even after he tells me to leave."
Mira flushed, irked by the insult, but the embarrassment didn't stop him from pushing the issue a step further. "I didn't want to wake him up. And he's only irritated because I'm hurting his delicate boyfriend's little feelings."
"Of course you wanted to keep quiet." Ueno began herding Aki toward the bathroom. "Or else he'd have told you to get lost, like he just did."
"Well, don't let that title make you feel too secure. Aki and I never used labels; only insecure little boys who need constant reassurance really need them."
Aki clutched at his blanket, groaning softly, knowing he should do something, but he had never been able to effectively stop Mira from doing anything he wanted. He stood still, feeling useless as Mira, long winded and audacious, finished.
"I didn't come here to start any trouble. Anyway, I'll let you two talk. Goodnight. I'll be on the couch." With a cheerful wave, Mira left the bedroom.
"Wait here, Ueno. Let me get dressed and I'll deal with Mira. Please, just wait." Holding the blanket between stiff fingers, he somehow made his way to his dresser, producing a change of clothing, and barricaded himself in the bathroom.
He locked the door, letting his comforter slip off his shoulders and pool around his feet, staring into the mirror. His face, neck, and shoulders were blotchy, evidence of a deep blush that was beginning to fade.
Well, at least Ueno hadn't let him down. Aki had found it unbelievable that after their phone conversation that Ueno hadn't tried to contact him. They were both to blame, but Aki couldn't bring himself to call and he'd been too uneasy to pop up at Ueno's for an impromptu visit.
Aki was inept. He hadn't even attempted to make Mira stop, but he never could. His darn soft spot was at work again and now, alone in his bathroom, Aki was all too aware of the error in letting Mira run his mouth unchecked. He hadn't been goading some random stranger; he was disrespecting someone Aki cared for. He was sure if the tables were turned, Ueno would have intervened. Aki was supposed to speak up and stop the issue's progression.
He may experience issues apologizing for his own errors, but at the very least, he had to apologize for Mira's and try to reverse any damage his unwelcome guest had created. He hurriedly pulled on his clothes and ran a hand through his sleep-tousled hair before yanking open the bathroom door.
Aki took a deep breath, holding it in and willing himself not to panic when he found his bedroom empty. He opened the door, which had been closed while he dressed, and swept his gaze over the living area.
The only sight that greeted him was that of Mira, reclined carelessly across the couch cushions. The living area was now bathed in soft light, television on. His coffee table was littered with beer cans, and Aki inhaled and identified cigarette smoke.
Mira looked up as Aki stepped out of his bedroom. "Decided to join me? You didn't need clothes for that."
"Mira." The warning tone was unmistakable.
Mira flashed an enigmatic, crooked smile, reached into his shirt pocket, and fished out an engraved lighter, flipping back the lid.
Aki watched, irritation building. Why was he simply standing there while Mira did as he pleased? And why had he simply watched while Mira had insulted Ueno?
The situation continued to get worse. Aki marched towards the couch, snatching the lit cigarette from Mira's lips, and then made his way to the kitchen sink, twisting the knob to engage the tap, dousing the stinky thing.
Mira sat, eyebrows raised. "Smoking is not allowed, I'm guessing."
"Correct." Aki tossed the waterlogged butt into the garbage. "Why are you here- really?"
"I needed a place to crash."
"You don't live that far. I see beer, and it's obvious you've been smoking. How long have you been here?" Aki opened his front door to let the room air out more quickly before returning to the kitchen.
"Aren't you more interested in where your little crybaby went?"
Aki took another deep breath, and decided honesty was best. "Of course, but I'm not in the mood to pry the information out of you. I'm sure he's headed back to his apartment anyway."
Mira busied himself gathering up empty cans, carrying them into the kitchen, where Aki remained. "You're not going after him?"
Aki refused to answer Mira's question directly, switching gears. "Do you care? You've been trying your hardest to chase him away."
"You got me pegged down pretty well."
Aki, hand braced on the countertop, carefully chose his words before speaking. "I understand why you're upset with me, but not him. I should have at least called, but I couldn't."
"You hate me?" Mira leaned against the counter, staring at nothing in particular.
"Of course not." Aki's replied, quietly ferocious. "I don't hate you, or dislike you, or anything like that."
"So why did you ignore me? Why don't you want to acknowledge me? Why are you treating me like I'm such a nuisance now?"
"It's not because I hate you." Aki realized he'd been both expecting and dreading the possibility of having this conversation since he'd left his master. "You've always treated me well."
"Why, then? Why didn't you come back home instead of moving in here?"
"A couple of reasons." Aki left the kitchen, approaching the armchair he preferred to occupy, waiting for Mira to seat himself before elaborating. Mira followed him, lying back on the couch and propping his feet on the armrest.
"First," Aki began, crossing his legs, "I just wanted to be left alone for a while. And I couldn't go home right way. When I came here, I was really banged up, so I wasn't in any condition to see my parents. I called home, and my mom told me that my dad was out of town. I called his cel and we arranged everything over the phone, while he was away on business. The apartment was prepared for me that night, after we agreed on some terms."
"How badly did he beat you?"
"Badly enough that I had to go to the hospital. Bruises and cuts, a black eye and a twisted arm. I know the staff noticed; they had to. But my dad never mentioned it, so maybe they didn't tell him." Aki watched Mira carefully, sensing his anger and attempting to diffuse it. "It could have been much worse, and I'm fine now, for the most part."
"But he was never rough with you before. He's an asshole, but he'd never beaten you, not that I ever noticed, anyway. He treated you like some breakable souvenir." Mira heaved himself upright, raking fingers through his hair in agitation. "I never understood why you let him take you over like that, why you never asked for help! What made him want to hurt you?"
"I smarted off to him." Aki smiled in recollection. "I'd had enough."
"What did he do that brought you to your senses?"
"What Ueno did, you mean." Aki said, sighing. "I met him, and something changed."
Mira narrowed his eyes, lifting his head to face Aki directly. "Everyone assumed you met him at school, after you moved here. So you met him while you were living with the old guy?"
Aki nodded.
"And Ueno knows about your relationship with him?"
Aki nodded again. "He knows enough to be dangerous."
"Aki, you'd better start talking."
He wanted to come clean to someone, and Mira already knew of every incident that had led up to him living with his master. However, even though he'd be the easiest- and probably only person to confide in, Aki hesitated.
"You have to agree," Aki murmured, "not to talk to Ueno about this. Not even as a joke, to be obnoxious, or as a way to get back at me. You can't repeat this."
"You've covered all bases. I swear." Mira held up a hand, his reply solemn. "But hold on. I think I'm going to need a beer."
"You'd better bring a couple."
Explaining his year with emphasis on his final day of servitude, as well what had taken place earlier that same day took less time than Aki had expected. Mira listened quietly and asked a minimum of questions, which made his retelling quick and easy. Since Mira knew him so well, inquiries weren't necessary and while he expressed indignation and sadness over Aki's life with his master up to his last day, he did it quietly. Knowing Aki had left him jaded, and very little of the new shocked him. Aki also understood that the enormity of that year wouldn't really hit Mira until later, when he'd had time to think things over.
When it was over, they both sat in their respective seats, lost in their own thoughts. During their conversation, Aki did observe the smug expression that had graced Mira's features seemed dissipate, replaced by a worried, almost pained look.
Aki sat back. "Tell me I'm crazy."
"I can't." Mira looked at his warm, full can of beer. "I wish I could say you're crazy, and I wish it was easier to hate Ueno, but I can't do that either- not now." He laughed. "He's more of a stud than I thought. I couldn't stop you from going with him, but all Ueno had to do was sleep with you. He managed, without words, to convince you to leave. I'm a little impressed."
"You don't think I'm chasing someone I have no right to care for?"
"I don't know what to think. But speaking from personal experience, it's difficult to argue with someone in love." Mira stood. "All I can say is that you should have called him by now, or followed him home. The more time you give him to think, the worse things will get. He stormed out of here, which I'm sure that's mainly my fault. But if he thinks you don't care enough to stop him, it won't matter who he's upset with."
"You're being really nice about him all of a sudden. I thought it might be better to leave him alone until I see him at school on Monday." Aki didn't argue with Mira in regards to his other comment. Mira was rather sharp, and it was useless to refute it, especially since Aki had come to the same realization himself.
"Maybe. I don't know much about him, except that he has a luxurious, kissable, soft mouth."
Aki wondered how Mira got that out with a straight face. Perhaps because it wasn't a lie. He could vouch for that.
"But I do know that the combination of what happened over the last couple of days, along with being left alone to assume the worst may not work in your favor. Besides, I think you're just scared."
"Why would you tell me to talk to him?" Aki watched, confused at the helpful attitude Mira had assumed so quickly.
"Because you were honest with me, which is all I really wanted, and being a pain in the ass isn't going to change anything. Because even though you haven't said so, I can tell you've made your decision, and it's obviously what you want. You have to call him and put some work of your own into this."
"It's too late for that." Aki replied quickly, brushing aside the idea.
"Yeah, but you should still do it. What are you more afraid of, the possibility that he won't answer, or that he actually will? Inconveniencing each other without having to worry about consequences is one of the perks of dating, isn't it? Call him now, before it gets any later. I'll go outside and have a smoke while you're doing it. I'm dying for one anyway." Mira wriggled into the t-shirt that had been lying discarded along the back of the couch, and then grabbed his jacket. "I'll take my time."
It took Aki a few moments to stand after Mira left the apartment, but deciding his sudden ally was correct, he went to his bedroom and sat down in the middle of the mattress, phone in hand. After a couple of tries, he managed to initiate the call and he held the phone to his ear. He actually was fearful that Ueno would answer, and he'd have to try to explain himself.
And now, on the seventh ring, Aki was again confused. Was he relieved that Ueno wasn't answering, or disappointed? Reaching voicemail, Aki pressed the disconnect button roughly and tossed the phone aside. He should have known better. Ueno had to be asleep by now.
Or ignoring him.
Aki flopped down, spread eagled, and closed his eyes. Things had progressed from bad to worse, and he was to blame. Why couldn't he have just told Ueno how he really felt, what he was really afraid of? After all, even if he was afraid that Ueno would confirm his assumptions, it had to be better to know.
Shortly after, he heard his front door open and heavy footsteps approach his bedroom.
"Any luck?"
"No answer."
"He's probably asleep. At least he'll see that you tried. I'm sure you'll be able to reach him later."
Aki scrubbed a hand over his tired eyes. "Yeah."
Monday came slowly. As it had turned out, Ueno had been unreachable all day Sunday.
Aki wasn't into stalking or being pushy, but he called several times throughout the day, until he couldn't deny the fact that Ueno was either extremely busy or didn't want to speak to him. Fairly positive it was the latter, Aki had given up.
As promised, Mira had vacated the living room by the time Aki had woken for the day, and he was disappointed, since Mira had actually behaved like an adult for the remainder of his visit and had given sound advice. By Sunday evening, the remainder of the birthday party stragglers had cleared out, and he'd been able to avoid everyone successfully.
Aki was relieved that the weekend had finally come to a close. The sheer multitude of people, events, misunderstandings, arguments and disappointments had left him frazzled. He didn't need the added irritation, not with the outcome of his Monday still shaky. He had sat as patiently through his classes as possible, his thoughts centered on what could occur in the early afternoon, but disappointment reigned as he realized Ueno wasn't waiting for him.
His disappointment was quickly replaced by anger. How far was Ueno willing to go? Should he go to Ueno's house and demand entry, or hoof it across campus and stick his head into every doorway? He'd been wary of speaking to him, but now that he was positive he was being avoided, his ire rose.
There was a possibility that Aki found difficult to voice; that it really was over, but Ueno was too afraid to just come out and say so. But if that was the case, Aki wanted to hear it with his own ears. He stood awkwardly in the doorway of the break room, not hungry, and unwilling to sit there alone like a jilted loser to kill his break time.
He turned on his heel, intending to step back outside, and almost collided with a student attempting to enter.
"Excuse me." Aki said, not meaning it.
"Sorry. I tried to slide past you, but you moved."
Aki lifted his head and when he recognized exactly who he was speaking to, he perked up, forcing a smile.
The other student appeared to have the same reaction, and urged the girl he was entering with ahead of him. "You're friends with Ueno, huh? Aki, right?"
Aki nodded. "And you're Haruki."
"That's me, though I prefer Haru. Nice to finally meet you. I see you around lot, but Ueno's never had us meet up."
Forgetting his manners, which would have instructed him to return Haru's niceties, Aki got straight to the point. "Speaking of Ueno, have you seen him today?"
"Oh, yeah. Just saw him leave class. We usually walk here together, but he said that he was gonna skip lunch and study."
"Study where?" Aki's eyes narrowed.
"The library. He hauled ass like he couldn't get there fast enough. Didn't look good, either. He probably shouldn't even be here today, but that idiot never takes a day off. He's a beast. Eventually, though, it always catches up to him; he puts his immune system through the wringer at least once a semester."
Huh? "You're right. Ueno is most definitely an idiot." Aki pushed past Ueno's friend, tossing a careless "thanks" over his shoulder. He abandoned his standard lackadaisical stroll, fuming as he hauled his own ass across campus towards the library. Sorry, but I let you hide long enough.
At his current stride, it didn't take Aki long to reach the building and he flung open the double doors, storming through the lobby to another set of doors that allowed him to enter the library. He cursed, stopped to fish around in his wallet for his pass, almost dropping it in his haste before swiping it over the sensor and pushing through the turnstile.
The front of the library was impossibly quiet and virtually empty, so Aki immediately stalked the length of a set of shelving, then turned left and began his search, glancing from left to right as he passed each aisle.
Aki's initial search was a bust. He reminded himself that Haru said Ueno wanted to study, and if that was true, he most likely didn't need to browse through books and periodicals; he was probably sitting down somewhere.
Not sure what to say once he finally did find Ueno but determined to locate him regardless, Aki abandoned the aisles and approached a small, closed in area marked for quiet studying.
Every table was empty except for one. The table was small and square, with enough room for one chair on each side. Two chairs were empty. One held a messenger bag, while a body that Aki identified as belonging to Ueno occupied the other. A notebook lay open, Ueno's arms folded on top of it, his face buried in his arms, and only his thick mop of dark hair visible.
Now that his target had been located, Aki stood, frozen with indecision, the anger he'd just felt not quite gone, but wavering. His relief at just being able to see him almost dominated his scattered emotions. After a moment of thought, he gathered himself, quietly made his way to the table and paused before slamming his books onto the table surface.
Aki had meant to surprise him, not scare him to death, but the result was still very satisfying. Ueno sprang into action, sitting up straight and knocking several books to the floor in his panic. It took a moment before he noticed he wasn't alone; he looked ahead, brown locking with crimson before he groaned and resumed his previous position.
"Hi."
Ueno responded with a muffled, "Hello".
"You must have been very busy; I tried to call you a few times this weekend, you know. Or maybe you lost your phone. Was that it, hmm?"
Another low groan was Ueno's only reply. Aki sank into the closest empty chair.
"Do you hate me now? Is that why you won't talk to me?"
"No."
"Are you angry with me?" Aki spoke softly. "Is that why you're ignoring me?"
"No."
"So are you denying that you're avoiding me?"
"No."
Aki was unsure of what approach to take. Ueno wasn't angry with him and didn't hate him, but didn't want to speak to him? "You don't want to see or talk to me, but you're not upset with me? Do you just not want to be with me anymore?"
Another groan. "Yes."
Aki paled. "Yes, I'm correct?"
"No!" The words, whispered loudly from the cavern of his folded arms, were convincing nonetheless.
Crossing his arms, Aki was at a loss at how to proceed. He contemplated what questions to ask that could be responded to in a "yes" or "no" format and would give him to answers he desired, but his musings were interrupted when Ueno moved.
Ueno's face emerged. He pillowed his cheek on his arms, and although Aki could only see half of his face, he noticed how drained he appeared. Without thinking, Aki scooted his chair closer, patting Ueno's head sympathetically. Slowly, the pats became strokes, and Aki found himself running his fingers gently through the other man's hair, an act that had brought him so much comfort when Ueno did it. His scalp was extremely warm to the touch, and the cheek he could see was deeply flushed, though Ueno closed his visible eye and leaned into Aki's hand.
"You look terrible." Aki said, his words uncensored and bald. "What's wrong? Are you sick?"
"I love you." Ueno blurted mournfully.
While Aki watched, his heartbeat thundering in his throat, Ueno again buried his face in his arms, not reacting when several more books, a pen, and Ueno's cellular phone fell from the table. Aki balanced himself on his knees, resting part of his upper body on the table surface and blanketing his pitiful boyfriend with the rest.
"Yeah?" Aki whispered.
"Yeah." The muffled affirmation came from somewhere below.
Ueno remained hunched over the table- he had no choice now with the added weight, but with noticeably less stress in his form, like the air whooshing out of a slashed tire. Aki was able to both hear and feel him heave a sigh that carried along with it a load of tension and anxiety. Eventually a hand wiggled its way to freedom and reached upward, finding Aki's head and beginning a very gentle, familiar caress.
Ueno was slumped in his chair, arm curved in a deviated arch, his fingers embedded in soft, silvery hair. Aki, backside up in the air and on proud display for anyone lucky enough to pass by, draped himself across Ueno's back, nuzzling the soft cotton of the dark haired man's clothing.
"I love you too." Aki murmured into Ueno's t-shirt, repeatedly kissing whatever was closest, which just happened to be the area between Ueno's shoulder blades. Eventually Aki closed his eyes and relaxed into his position, thankful the area was abandoned. He was aware of how ridiculous the two of them appeared, and relieved there were no bystanders to interrupt.
Aki noted that it wasn't the most romantic declaration of adoration, nor the most well timed.
Before giddiness overcame him, however, Aki surmised that the one thing that he and Ueno were currently not, hadn't been since they met, and would probably never be as long as they were together, was normal.
Then happiness actually did take over and Aki ceased to ponder altogether.
