Day 3: Morning Cuddles/Trying Each Other's Clothes
Radley sleepily stirred, opening his eyes to the new day. It had been a long and exhausting day yesterday, and he and Kalin had both been so tired they had immediately collapsed into bed after their late-night showers. Too worn-out to even look for something fresh among his clothes that mostly needed to be washed, Kalin had put on something of Radley's—with Radley's permission, of course. Now Radley was waking up with them peacefully snuggled together on his bed, a familiar scenario by now.
Not wanting to wake Kalin, Radley leaned deeper into the pillows and started to close his eyes again. Maybe he could go back to sleep. . . .
It felt so nice laying there with Kalin. Radley had often thought this type of arrangement would be pleasant so he wouldn't have to be alone. Kalin had experienced it many times with Yusei and the others, as they had only been able to afford two beds and had always doubled up. To be close enough that he and Kalin could comfortably do it with each other was amazing to Radley. They certainly hadn't started out that way.
Kalin stirred, smiling at him. "Hello."
"Hi," Radley smiled back.
"Your clothes are comfortable," Kalin said.
"They should be," Radley said lightly. "We're about the same size."
"Mine might run small on you," Kalin said.
"Probably not by much," Radley said. He was a couple of inches taller, but their body type was the same. "I might try something on out of curiosity, but I think it's all waiting to be washed. I'll have to get to that today."
"You taught me how to do the wash the right way," Kalin said. "I could do some of it too."
"That would be nice." Radley glanced at the clock. "I suppose we should get up."
"Yeah." But Kalin kept laying there, hugging Radley.
Radley didn't protest. They could wait a few minutes. The morning was cool with the gradual transition to Fall and the hug felt so nice and warm. He returned it more fully, smiling as he rested against his best friend.
"Is there anything planned for today outside of the house?" Kalin wondered.
"Nothing beyond the usual patrols and checking on the townspeople," Radley said.
"Good." Kalin relaxed more. Yesterday had been far too hectic. They needed a break, even if it consisted largely of something as mundane as the laundry.
Radley smiled, gently pressing his lips against the light blue bangs on Kalin's forehead.
Kalin practically melted into the bed. He liked that, but Radley didn't engage in it as often as Kalin did himself. It was strange how he had never been physically affectionate before, but being around Radley and then nearly losing him in the Duel Monsters world had caused him to change his attitude. Now he was usually the one who initiated such contact. Radley was delighted by it and engaged in it as well, but he tended to let Kalin lead.
Radley chuckled softly. This was comfortable and pleasant. Maybe it would be a while before they would get to the laundry, but that was alright. These were the types of meaningful moments that they would cherish all their lives. It was worth hanging onto this one a while longer.
"Did you ever do this in the Enforcers?" he asked. ". . . Wearing each other's clothes, I mean."
"Not really," Kalin said. "The only one I could share with was Jack, and we had different styles aside from the vests that were the symbol of the Enforcers."
"Yeah, I can't imagine you ever wearing something as flashy as Jack likes," Radley chuckled.
"He couldn't wear anything that flashy in the Satellite either," Kalin said. "Although he somehow found his first white coat after he left the group but before he left Satellite."
"Hmm. I wonder how you'd look in white," Radley mused.
"That has never been my color," Kalin said flatly. "Gray is the closest you'll get to me wearing white."
"I bet it would look nice on you anyway," Radley said. "But gray and black do make a nice contrast with your hair."
"One thing about white that's similar to me," Kalin grunted. "It gets marred so fast."
"Kalin . . ." Radley sighed. But then he smiled and relaxed, one arm still draped across Kalin in a hug. "You're wonderful to me no matter what."
Kalin smiled too, holding Radley close to him. Maybe he would never be able to fully feel good about himself. But Radley did, even after all the hurtful things Kalin had done.
That was enough.
