Why? Why? Why did it have to be this hard? It was just one question! But that question would determine the rest of his relationship with a man who just gave him permission to be their friend. Things were going too well for the two of them now that they were working closer to one another, the prompt of asking him out on a date would most likely demolish what they would've had going now platonically. But then, Jeice would never know what measures Salza had to go through to even get this far. The fight after midnight he had with his Captain to win that heart. So they both could finally put their trust in him. Would he really spend all his life in anguish over what could have happened, or what will happen?
"'J…?"
He knocked on his room's door. The cold metal brushed his knuckles, and an echo was heard off of the material. Salza's reflection too was seen, and it was everything but the metal's composition; not calm, cool and collective, but an anxious mess.
"You in there?"
Another knock. He heard someone from the other side fiddling with the lock. There was a twist of the other knob, and the door opened. Out came Jeice, in just what was an oversized t-shirt. His abundant mane of hair was more matted and pulled back in a black band, causing it to fall on his shoulders and in between his eyes from such straightness. He still had his gloves on, for whatever reason too. But it all made him look so much smaller than he actually was, a child in a state of curiosity, while he waited for the opposite to reply.
"Hmm?"
Salza wouldn't be a wreck. He would be so much better than that. Weak was never something he would be content with, so why became such now?
"Will you go out with me?"
Jeice blinked once and then twice while rubbing his eyes.
"It's too early in the morning for this, don't you think?"
Finally, Salza's face deepened in color. He was too caught up in this moment that he didn't realize it was 5am. Ashamed, he began to walk away until Jeice grabbed his hand and pulled him back.
"Hold me."
Not a question, but more of a passive command. Jeice drew closer to Salza and wrapped his arms around the other, hoping they would reciprocate. Due to height differences, Jeice had his face buried just below the other young soldier's chest. Salza did as he was 'told' and snaked his way out of Jeice's embrace to wrap his arms around him and then carry them back to bed. From there, they just laid next to each other on the ebony cloth, staring into each other's eyes. They didn't share a kiss, but Jeice moved closer to rest his head in the crook of Salza's neck and fell right back asleep. There was a faint vanilla scent, which caused the Brench who was still awake to soon follow Jeice, and they just rested there entangled.
A/N: Hoping to get more of a story on moving forward. Also publishing four chapters a week for convenience.