Disclaimer: I dun own the characters. I do own my mind though … my drama-filled, angst-loving, HikaAki fangirl mind. : smiles sweetly :
Author's notes: Umm … definite hints at shounen ai now. This chapter is a little shorter and slower-moving than the previous ones. I dun think this is a very good chapter. : frowns : I'm sorry. Some fluffiness ensues. As always, read, enjoy, and review.
Chapter 4: Sleep for the Weary
The scene of watching Akira's body fall forward was so surreal to Hikaru that he swore it was happening in slow motion right before his eyes. With nimble, catlike reflexes, he compensated for his momentary stupor as he caught Akira's shoulders from across the board before the boy crashed head first into the game.
"Geez," he commented childishly. "You let me stay for a game, but you can't even stay awake." Even as he rolled his eyes, he was already moving around the board, slowly and carefully in order not to disturb the other boy while keeping him upright. Shaking his head unbelievingly, Hikaru looked down at a peaceful looking Akira lying defenseless in his arms. "You've really been working yourself too hard, haven't you?" Instinctively, Hikaru's hands moved to brush strands of still drying hair out of the sleeping boy's face.
Shaking his head, he wondered what the correct course of action would be. At times like this, he wished that Sai was still around. Even if the ghost would have been no help, his company would have been appreciated. Hikaru thought a little harder, imagining the ghost running around in a frenzy waving his fan scolding him because he worked Akira to his deathbed. Face blanching, he decided that it was better for this particular event that he was alone.
What to do? Cradling Akira's body with one hand he rested his chin in the other to help him calm down and think. Big mistake. He could smell the lingering scent of Akira's shampoo and conditioner on his fingers, fragrant, crisp, and wonderfully distracting as he looked at the dark-haired boy.
With a heavy sigh, he said, "Let's get you to your room." Hikaru knew that Akira was slightly taller than he was, but was delighted in discovering that the other boy was surprisingly light. Grimacing, Hikaru started ascending the stairs, trying to keep perfect balance with the added weight. Once at the mouth of Akira's room, he fumbled for the light switch. "Goddamn," he whispered. "You're just so much trouble." Although his words were angry, his tone held no malice as his eyes focused on Akira's face. He was aware of how Akira's slow breathing raised and lowered his chest slightly, how his lashes rested softly against his pale skin; the dark against the light contrasted beautifully.
He walked Akira over to his bed, a tatami, actually. Given the appearance of Akira's father, it wasn't really surprising how traditionally the Touya's lived, even though the ex-Mejin brought in more than enough money to have a lavish, contemporary life. He set his rival on the mat gently, feeling a somewhat wistful smile spread across his lips. Delicate features, narrow chin, peaches and cream complexion, silky hair…any girl would be jealous, he thought ruefully. The image of Akira now made him want to laugh. So ironic was the image of sleeping Akira, face undisturbed and serene, when Hikaru was so used to intense, sea-green eyes challenging him, focused on the win.
Sleep, eh, he thought. Not a bad idea, considering he couldn't exactly leave without leaving the door unlocked, which invited burglars (or perverts in white suits). Covering Akira with a blanket, he settled down on the floor next to him, purposely turning his back to him. The last thing I need is to be misunderstood. As he settled down, eyelids fluttering shut, he smiled slightly remembering Akira's warmth cradled in his arms.
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Blinking his eyes, Akira shook his head. What had happened? He was trying to remember it himself. The headache, the game, Hikaru. Thoughts rushed back into his mind as his eyes focused in front of him. There lay Hikaru, body curled towards and facing him. Wisps of feather-like blonde hair fell in his face.
He must have carried me up here, Akira assessed, seeing as he had no memory of climbing the stairs on his own. From his own position, he could reach out and touch Hikaru's dyed bangs, clear them from blocking his face. An adventurous hand stretched out, long, artistic fingers extended towards the other boy, fingers trembling as he moved forward. Hikaru coughed in his sleep, tucking his head deeper into his shoulder. Shocked by the sudden movement, Akira felt his hand drop. A tiny smile gracing his lips, he rolled his body slightly towards Hikaru's.
This doesn't feel so wrong, he thought closing his eyes once more.
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With a yawn Hikaru opened his eyes and was met with another view of Akira, picturesquely innocent in his slumber. What had startled Hikaru was their nearness. They faced each other, not more than a foot away. Akira's right arm was outstretched so his fingers were lightly curled up under the fabric of Hikaru's right sleeve, beautiful, long fingers that helped Akira's appearance of pure grace, especially when placing stones onto the go board. Slowly, Hikaru drew away from the other boy, removing his arm from out of Akira's reach, only to find that his own hand was reaching back for the other boy, towards his go playing hand. As gently as possible, he ran a finger across the go-stone worn nail on Akira's index finger, moved gently to the slightly calloused tip of the middle finger, and he didn't stop there. Still, touch as soft as falling snow, Hikaru added another finger to his caress, let his index and middle fingers trace down until they reached Akira's palm, where he let them rest.
"Hnn," Akria murmured in his sleep, fingers closing reflexively around Hikaru's. The bleach blond boy's eyes widened as he felt his heart skip a beat. At first he thought it was just out of nervousness at almost being discovered, but then his mind nagged at him, nagged that it could be something more. When the dark haired boy did not awaken, Hikaru found himself letting out a breath of relief.
Closing his eyes, he made the choice to keep his fingers in the other boy's grasp, thinking, this isn't so bad. . . in fact, it's kind of nice.
Author's notes: So, I realized something after I wrote it… In houses, you can lock the door from the inside. From school dorms and apartments, you cannot. I think I've been at college for too long. Please bear with that slight oversight. I'll try to correct for it somehow later.
Funny convo (yes this actually happened):
Me: Waaah! I love Touya Akira. He's sooo cute, smart, and polite. He's like the son I haven't had yet!
Friend: You're Chinese. Your boyfriend is white. There is no way you're going to have a Japanese child. -.-