Warning: Rated SSS for Sickeningly Sappy Shonen Ai.
Beary in Love With You
Polishing Kevin's armor for his upcoming match, Croe glanced outside. Today was Valentine's Day, and many couples were walking down the street in various states of bliss. Many carrying some form of object that symbolized their love, such as flowers or balloons. Some of them holding hands, or with their arms around each other, mostly whispering sweet nothings that only the ears of their partner's hear.
Quickly, the Russian tore his gaze from the outside world and returned his attention to his protégé's armor. He had never heard of the concept of Valentine's Day until much later in his life, as his country had not yet embraced the notion. However, as soon as he watched the holiday in action during his time in Britain, he always found it endearing. How nice it must be, for those who have that special someone in their lives. A day specially made to celebrate that union.
On the other hand, for those who lacked a significant other, Croe quickly discovered that it was a very lonely holiday. Never had he anyone to spend it with. It wasn't that he had no interests...he rarely did, but they existed nonetheless. He simply never pursued them. Lord Flash was not suave, he had no idea how to serenade an object of his affection. So he never did, and eventually his infatuation always faded. However, there was one person he adored over all others. One he could not deny his affection for - Kevin Mask.
Yes, Kevin was strong, in fact if he won this competition he would be considered the currently most powerful chojin. Yes, Kevin was handsome, very handsome (at least, in Croe's eyes he was.) But both were merely icing to the cake. Lord Flash loved everything about his young disciple, from his tastes in clothes and love of freedom to every weird quirk and inside joke shared between them.
Still, just like all others, Croe had no intentions of pursuing anything further than friendship. Although his attire was often perceived as flamboyant and he showed little interests for girls, Kevin's sexuality couldn't be determined for sure. The young Brit had been through much in his life and if he were to misread his coach's intentions...he might feel betrayed, used.
Especially if he was straight.
A sudden click and the soft swoosh of a door opening startled the Russian from his thoughts. He looked to see Kevin walking in through the front door, a bag cradled tenderly in one hand.
"Greetings, Comrade-er-Kevin," Croe said with a nod of his head.
"Hey Croe..." Even with his mask on, Lord Flash could tell his disciple was nervous.
"Is there anything wrong?" The older man asked.
"No-uh," The youngest of the Mask heritage stepped forward and held the bag out. "I uh, I got you something."
"A present?" Croe asked. Kevin nodded. "..for me?"
Another nod.
The Russian gently took the bag from his hands, a small tingle of giddiness forming in the pit of his stomach. He reached in and, feeling something soft and furry in his hand, pulled it out. A quick examination identified it as a small, stuffed bear...but this wasn't the standard teddy bear. This one looked like a real bear, only smaller and cuter. A small gasp escaped the coach. He loved bears. His eyes drifted to a large heart that was connected to the belly of the little creature. Written on the heart were the words Beary in love with you.
Beary in love with you...
Kevin raised one hand behind his head, his entire stance radiating bashfulness. "So...do you like it?"
"Like it?" Croe stood up from the chair and embraced him. "Oh, Kevin, I love it!"
"Good," the Brit returned the gesture. "Well...I must get back to training."
"Yeah..." Slowly, the older man released his grip. Kevin turned and started walking towards the door to go outside. Croe's eyes drifted back to the bear in his hands.
Beary in love with you.
"Kevin..." The youngest of the Mask heritage had the door partially pushed open when he stopped and looked at his coach over his shoulder. Holding the bear before him, Lord Flash's stomach fluttered nervously and his words tumbled out uncharacteristically uncoordinated. "Do-uh.. I-is what this says-uh... true?"
Time stood still as crimson eyes met gold.
A small pang of regret made the coach's blood run cold.
Had he just made a horrible mistake?
The silence was deafening.
"...yeah Croe, it's true..."
A gasp emitted from the normally stoic Russian.
"What if...I told you it was reciprocated...?"
Kevin's golden eyes widened.
The door was shut. Training was temporarily forgotten.
The true meaning of Valentine's Day was discovered.
Author's Notes: Feel the sappiness. Still, what's wrong with a little love in Ultimate Muscle. X3 I think this chapter was better written than my last one, although, like I said, this isn't the best demonstration of my abilities. It was meant to be a sweet, sickeningly sappy fic and not much more. Hope you liked it!
