The Problem with Perfection

by DracoMalfoy456

Perfection is not an option. It is a requirement. At least… that's what Kiyotaka Ishimaru has always been taught, from the time he was old enough to be taught anything. (Ishimondo)

23. The Most Epic Battle

CW: Underage sexual content in this chapter again. There is no summary for it this time, since I'm busy and haven't the time to do it yet, but if anyone needs it, please ask and I'll write one! This chapter's escapades can be skipped for the most part, though, since it doesn't further the plot much.

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Hi guys!

I managed to not be super late in posting! Yay! As stated in the content warning, there is more sexual content in this chapter, though I'm very meh about it, since it doesn't really add much to the story. It follows the same pattern as the other chapters. Sexual content starts with the single asterisk (*), ends with the double asterisk (**). I also saw someone tag that the sexual content in this story feels awkward to them, and I will say that… yeah, that's kind of what I was going for? Ha. One of the reasons I know I'm ace is because sex is always so awkward to me when I think of it. And that's kind of what I tapped into while writing, since I kind of head canon Taka as being somewhere on the ace spectrum. Also, sex is just awkward, my dudes, though I def don't know that from experience since yuck. So… yeah, ha.

Also… just a warning, but this chapter has some pacing and timing problems. I wrote it while distracted with work and it kind of goes all over the place at times, going from flashback to present to flashback to present… I had a lot I wanted to add and it got a bit muddled at parts, oof. I still like the chapter despite that, since it's mostly fluff with the whole class, and I love class fluff. 3 I finished watching the Game Grumps' playthrough of Danganronpa last week and I am still sad. :-(

Also! I wanted to link to this sort of story I posted on my Tumblr. It's based on a prompt someone sent me anonymously on Tumblr, and it took me 3 months to post, oof. But I like it. It's just an explanation for what I would write if I had time to write the fic fully, but it ended up over 25K words long and is kind of a fic in its own right, ha. It has no title, but you can find it there if you want.

Thanks for the comments and the support everyone! Enjoy!

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Taka is laughing— high and happy— as he runs clumsily through the heavy snow and muddy sludge underfoot. His lungs are aching with the bitter chill of the cold air outside, even as he heaves it in greedily to replenish the oxygen his frantic escape is depleting within him. He chances a glance behind him, cheeks aching with how wide he's grinning, his heart and soul so impossibly full he barely knows what to do with himself. When his eyes land on his assailant, the teen looking just as flushed and exuberant as he does, he cannot help but let out a taunt, even though he knows how unwise such a thing is.

"You have- no hope- of catching me, k-kyoudai! I- I am-! I am- the pinnacle- of physical- health! Give up- now! Or taste- bitter- bitter- defeat!" he pants, his burning lungs belying his words somewhat. While, yes, he is in very good shape, thank you very much, even he has trouble running at full speed in sub-zero temperatures for extended periods of time! Still, he refuses to give up! He will not be beat!

"Oh- yeah? Fuck- fuck you! Gonna- shit. Gonna fuckin'- get ya, asshole! Then- then yer gonna- gonna eat yer- yer words!" his assailant replies, panting just as hard. It just makes him laugh harder, which hurts more, but he just... he can't help it. He's never felt so impossibly light before, never knew that he could feel so happy. Never knew... never knew that living day by day, moment by moment could feel so good.

That being said, it hasn't all been wonderful. Over the last several days since the baking misadventures with their class, there have been several moments that have been... less than ideal. Enoshima, for one, seems to be upset with them and has been a lot more biting and pointed in her comments towards pretty much... well, everyone. Taka's been doing his best to avoid the girl as much as possible, but with his duties as hall monitor and class representative, not to mention the fact they share almost all classes together... well. He's had to be around her a few times and it has... not been pleasant.

On one hand, he feels a bit sorry for the model, since she's often seen alone or with her sister, but on the other hand... well. It's kind of her fault, isn't it? If she would just be kinder, if she wouldn't try and pick at their insecurities... he's noticed that she's been talking with the upperclassmen more and more often lately, which he hopes will help her stop feeling so out of place soon. Maybe if she can find herself a true friend, she'll stop living in so much despair...

Even without Enoshima's passive aggression, things have been a bit tense in other ways, too. Sakura is still a little upset with Mondo over the events of that Tuesday, and as such, she's been giving Mondo the cold shoulder, as it were. You wouldn't think that such a thing would truly matter, but the entire class has felt the radiating waves from the chilliness, and as such, a bit of tension has grown between them. No one but those present know what the fight was about, but they know something happened and that it's led to some awkwardness. Kyoko has been snooping around, trying to figure out what exactly had happened (while she's still not told them, Taka is fairly certain that she is the Ultimate Detective, given her perchance for deduction and mystery. Well... it's better than his other theory that she's the Ultimate Criminal Mastermind!) to no real avail, since none of them are really willing to talk about it.

Anyway... it's been a bit tense between their class the last four days, with Mondo looking sullen and angry whenever around the martial artist. Taka's been doing his best to soothe the biker, by doing things like watching whatever movie or show he wants to, going back to the kitchen to bake something together (a nice key lime pie, something that Mondo had truly adored, devouring most of the pie on his own), holding Mondo close and letting him relax against his body... things like that. And while it has been working, Taka can still feel the tension in Mondo's shoulders, can still see his unhappy frown whenever he thinks that Taka isn't looking.

And Taka knows it's not just his fight with Sakura that is causing Mondo's upset right now. He knows that it's not just that, alone, that is causing him such pain. But Taka... Taka has no idea how to help him. How to take that pain away. How to make him happy and make him realize that it's okay. If... if he wants to be okay. If he... i-if he...

Thankfully, he and the biker haven't been fighting recently, which has made him so relieved he can barely express it. The thought of Mondo being angry at him or because of him, yet again... it still hurts. So, the fact that they have been able to get through the rest of the school week without snapping at one another even a little... he's so relieved it's not funny. Even with how tense Mondo is, he hasn't once snapped at Taka, or told him to 'fuck off!' as the biker is wont to do when frustrated. He's clenched his jaw a few times, given him warning looks, but Taka has been making sure to read the signs as they come, forcing himself to perfect his read of Mondo's body language so that he doesn't make things worse instead of better. And so far... so far, it seems to be working.

By backing off a little when Mondo starts to get frustrated, he allows the biker the time to cool himself down without making him defensive. He stays around, doesn't abandon the teen, but he doesn't try and talk, just rests a careful hand against the biker (either on his back, his shoulder, his side or— a couple times— his hip), showing silently that he is there. That he's still there, no matter what. And it... it's been working.

He's fairly certain that Mondo has noticed how hard he's been trying to give him his space when he needs it, if the grateful looks the biker shoots him are to go by. Also, when Mondo does manage to cool himself off, he will smile at Taka softly, grabbing him around the waist and pulling him close, the chill of early December vanishing when so close to Mondo's wonderful warmth. Aha... if only he'd had Mondo when he'd been younger... he'd never have had to worry about possibly freezing in his subzero apartment growing up... well. He'd not have had to worry about a lot of things, if he'd known the biker all along. It's best not to think about that, though...

"Thank you, kyoudai," Mondo would mutter in his ear as he held him tight, the soft hum causing shivers to wrack his body, belying the warmth that he felt inside. Mondo would often get concerned, then, and insist they head to his room to snuggle under the blankets, either doing homework (or, in other words, Mondo doing homework while Taka patiently assists him) or watching a movie or television show.

During those moments, Mondo would always pull him close, tight to his chest, while bundled under several blankets, cozy and warm. It was challenging at first to find a comfortable position to study in while pressed tight together, but Taka found that if he sits on Mondo's lap, legs curled up underneath him, then Mondo can easily do his work— chin rested on Taka's shoulder, his view of his paper not at all obstructed— while Taka watches and provides assistance when needed, neither getting in the other's way. It's very cozy and intimate and Taka adores it more than anything, really.

As such, even with Mondo's obvious upset at Sakura's silence and his own personal battles, they've managed to weather the storm easily and haven't let it break them apart, close as ever. In fact, Taka would almost say they've grown, somehow, closer over the past several days, if such a thing were possible. They study together, eat together, sleep together... Mondo goes out with him on his patrols, and Taka follows Mondo when he works on his bike. The only times they're apart is when Mondo is with Chihiro, and even then, Mondo will often send him silly little texts to show that he's still thinking of him. Part of Taka wonders if it's healthy for them to be so close, for them to spend so much time together, but it hasn't caused a problem yet, so... he supposes it doesn't really matter. As long as they know to back off when the other needs them to, and as long as they know they can be apart, if they desire it... he supposes that's all that really matters, right?

Of course... well. Of course, not everything is exactly the same as it had been, prior to that Tuesday. Taka isn't sure what it is that caused it— their fight, Mondo's fight with Sakura, the discussion they had with Hina and Sakura, or something else entirely— but... well. Since that day, they've not done anything intimate together. W-well... they've been intimate in closeness but not intimate... y-you know what he means!

Basically, Mondo has not made any offers, not exactly keeping his hands to himself (he's always touching Taka these days, after all), but not allowing his hands to wander down south at any point. Perhaps it's simply because Taka has actually, somehow, not been very tense this week. It's mystifying, honestly, but something about being the one to help Mondo out and feeling more assured in himself and their friendship just... it's made him feel looser, he supposes. Perhaps there is something in this whole 'live life moment to moment' thing he's been trying this week... hm...

Still. He can't help but realize how much he misses it. Misses Mondo's hands on him, his heavy breathing hot in his ear, warm heat pressed firmly to his back. Misses the lips on his neck, misses the fingers up his ass, misses... all of it, really, even though they've only done it a total of five times. And only once have they done... that.

But it was enough. For him to get used to it. To the sensation and the feel. He's not tried doing it to himself since, knowing that if he works himself up and can't reach completion, he's kind of out of luck. Besides, he doubts he'd like it as much if it was just his own hand doing the actions, after all. Especially if he refuses to think of Mondo like he has been in the past... aha.

And he also refuses to bring it up with Mondo himself. Thus far, it's always been Mondo to bring it up, always been Mondo to suggest they do things together. He refuses to break that pattern, thank you very much! Besides, if the idea of it makes Mondo uncomfortable now... he'd hate to make their friendship awkward! And... a-and maybe... maybe Mondo doesn't actually want to do it anymore because of what Taka is. Because Taka is... i-is... is gay. Maybe it was easy for Mondo to write it off as just 'bros helping bros' when he'd assumed both of them were 100% straight. But now that he knows that Taka decidedly is not... and that he, himself, may not— w-well. It might be more than the biker is comfortable with now. And if so... Taka will respect that. It was nice, while it lasted, but all good things must come to an end.

He just hopes the same is not to be said about their friendship, honestly! He can take or leave the rest of it. But his friendship with Mondo? Heck no. He... he isn't sure he'd be able to survive without that, to tell the honest truth. And it may sound overly dramatic, but... well.

Outside of that, things are good between them. They still do everything else that they used to do, they are still very close, still kyoudai... and it's good. Things for Taka are just good right now.

After all, in addition to all that, the class as a whole is also doing pretty well too, outside of the tension between Mondo and Sakura, and Enoshima's passive aggression. They have grown closer since the baking adventures, which is why the tension between two of their classmates has been making things so awkward, but not overwhelmingly so. With the aid of the group chat, they're able to have frankly bizarre conversations that Taka can barely follow, and yet enjoys reading all the same.

For example, one exchange that sticks out to him in particular is how a few days ago, completely out of the blue, there'd been a particularly heated discussion about geese, of all things. To be perfectly honest, he's still not entirely sure why the geese are untitled or why they are 'hell spawn' (like Leon called them), but Mondo had been laughing uproariously next to him during the argument, even stealing Taka's phone so he could chat easier and quicker, stirring up the drama with glee. Taka hadn't even been mad at the theft and had just smiled indulgently as he looked over Mondo's shoulder at the impassioned replies. He'd mostly just been so very happy to see the biker so enthusiastic about the group chat again, especially since he hasn't been chatting as much as he once had these past few days. The argument had been lighthearted, and no hard feelings were had by any sides, too, so he'd not had to worry too much about the whole thing. It had just been... nice.

And while Taka has had to moderate the chat a couple times and has given a few strongly worded reminders to not chat during class (mostly to Leon, who rolls his eyes and grins at the reprimand) or during nighttime— so as to not bother anyone— for the most part the chat is nice and not overly stressful. It gives them a chance to get to know one another a lot better, even if it's just through silly chats. He's definitely learned quite a lot more about Hifumi than he's ever wanted to know... though he is, tentatively, using his first name now, so he supposes they might be friends... maybe...

Regardless, it's nice, he feels, to be a part of something like this, even if he doesn't participate all too often, not without being directly spoken to first. He just finds it awkward to interject himself into conversations, especially if he doesn't have much prior knowledge on the subject. He also still writes his texts 'strangely,' according to Leon. What is wrong with writing in proper letter format? It's proper! But, well... he supposes that it does make it harder for him to message as fast as it seems he needs to be to get a word in edgewise in the oftentimes breakneck chat. By the time he types something out, the chat has already progressed several topics! Because of this, he mostly has found himself acting as a self-appointed moderator, like he's said; keeping the peace the best he can.

He doesn't mind it, though! It's nice to just... be included like this, in a way he'd only dreamt of as a young child... honestly, being included at all is still just so... so... strange to him! Even now, after all this time. But it feels nice. To know that his classmates don't mind his weird quirks, don't mind him moderating, have even thanked him for it a couple of times... well. It's just... nice. Or, well, a stronger word than nice, like fantastic, wonderful, absolutely incredible... but nice works well.

It's also nice to know that they have almost all of their class in the chat, all of them able to interact nicely and pleasantly with one another, despite their differing personalities. It's quite frankly wonderful knowing that their year gets along so well here that they're willingly spending time together, be it in person or via text. Even the more asocial members are willing to join in now... and it's just... nice!

And all of it, the closeness with Mondo, the way their class is growing used to one another, the way he doesn't force himself to think of how this all is going to crash down around him... it makes him feel far happier than he's been in... probably years. Yes, he's been happy recently, but there was always some hint of sorrow or pain mixed with that happiness. And while, yes, he still does feel some pain, it... it's less than it had been. It allows him to actually feel what he feels. And it's all just... good.

It has all also led to this moment that he currently is in, running for his life (or his pride, which is just as important!) through freezing temperatures, hands and other various body parts freezing off. And the strangest part is that he doesn't mind. He doesn't mind at all.

Taka focuses on the moment as he darts to the side quickly, a projectile shooting past his shoulder harmlessly, laughing with glee at the muffled curse behind him. He chances a glance back and sees that his assailant is farther behind him than a moment ago, which makes him feel lighter. Hm, he might actually do this!

As he faces forward again, his hand clutching the piece of fabric that is supposed to represent the opposing team's 'flag,' he muses about the puzzling turn of events that brought him here.

It had started with a text. Like most things, recently. It had been innocent and— quite honestly— kind of beautiful.

From: Hina: OMG, look at the sno outsid!

From: Hina: *picture upload*

From Hina: sooo pretty! we GOTTA head out an play soon! how bout sat day? we can hav a snoball fight! :D

That was what had sparked it. Soon, the rest of their classmates latched onto the idea, texting back with varying degrees of excitement. Togami (he insists that they all call him that, and while most of their class have rejected that and started using his first name, Taka will respect his wishes) had sent back a few scathing texts but had eventually conceded to join them. Fukawa had agreed soon after, and it wasn't long until everyone was agreeing. Mondo had been with him at the time, and when he'd asked the biker if he wanted to do it, Mondo had grinned and nodded fervently.

"Oh, hell yeah, kyoudai! Gonna tear those fuckers up!"

Mondo had then stolen his phone again (which he does sometimes, when wanting to look up random things online or text the group with more ease. While he doesn't use proper grammar even with a smart phone, his messages are a lot more legible and understandable. Taka doesn't mind Mondo taking his phone, since his phone bill is paid for by the school, with unlimited talk, text, and internet. That still makes Taka nervous, but the headmaster pretty much threatened to not allow him to work on any further school events if he didn't accept, so he had. Reluctantly. Though he finds that he really does enjoy having a smart phone, it truly does make life so much easier for him, with organizing his day and his assignments and... but he's digressing!) and had begun texting the group that they'd join and would smoke them all out of the water. That had led to a discussion about how it wouldn't be fair if Taka and Mondo were on the same team, which led to a discussion on if there would be teams, which led to many, many more discussions over the last handful of days, and eventually led them to the idea they currently have.

Capture the flag. Snowball edition.

They're currently at a local park, the snow thick and beautiful. It was decided early on that it would be the best location for their battle, after Taka grabbed his phone back and informed them all that such an event on campus is decidedly against the rules! There'd been a bit of grousing (mostly from Leon, who he is coming to realize just likes to argue against him no matter what, without any real heat. When he'd brought it up to Mondo once, Mondo had rolled his eyes and grinned, saying, 'he's an asshole, whaddya expect?') but aside from the token protests, most people were agreeable to the change in location, and the park was unanimously agreed upon to be the best option.

Before that day, Taka had never been to this particular park, but when he'd first seen it, glistening in the snow, he'd immediately fallen in love.

"It looks so beautiful, kyoudai!" he'd exclaimed, grinning at Mondo excitedly, eyes bright, like a child at Christmas. Mondo had given him a soft look in return, chuckling quietly as he brushed back some hair from his face.

"Yeah, it sure fuckin' is, Kiyo. We, uh... we should come back here one day. Have a picnic or some shit. Maybe when it ain't fuckin' freezin', but uh... fuck, dude. Shit'd be nice, yeah?"

Taka had grinned so brightly in reply that his freezing cheeks had hurt, nodding so enthusiastically it made Mondo laugh.

"Absolutely! I would adore that, kyoudai!"

Mondo's arm— which had been around his waist, like it always seemed to be these days— had squeezed him tight, no more words uttered between them as the group walked to their previously decided upon battle ground.

Taka had never played capture the flag before (none of his old classmates would ever dare let him join in on their fun, he'd only have ruined it for them), but he'd rectified that oversight by researching the game extensively the last two days since they'd decided upon it, Mondo smiling at him softly as he scrolled through the webpages that detailed what the game is and what the rules are.

"S'just a game, kyoudai," the biker had muttered about half an hour into his research, arms wrapping around his waist as he pulled Taka's back to his chest, resting his chin on his shoulder, Taka going easily without looking away from his phone. "Y'ain't gotta know everythin' 'bout it 'fore we play. Can always learn as ya go, ya know?"

Taka had let out a soft noise of disagreement, looking away from his phone to shoot Mondo an aggrieved look, which had made Mondo laugh, of all things. He'd then pouted and sniffed, turning back to the phone decisively. He didn't miss Mondo's soft and nearly sappy look, though...

"That is where you are wrong, kyoudai! If I do not know the rules, then how can I possibly play?! Perhaps I do not need to research quite this much, but this is very interesting, I assure you! Did you know that the game has its roots tied to the American Civil War? It's quite fascinating!"

Taka had then gone on to explain everything he'd been reading, about the origins of the game, to variations of the game, to random tidbits he'd found out along the way.

About halfway through his explanation, however, Taka had frozen, realizing abruptly that he was going on and on about something that Mondo wouldn't have any interest in, worried that he was boring the biker. But then Mondo had given him a strange look, tightening his arms around him.

"Well? What happened next, kyoudai?" Mondo had muttered, leaning around his shoulder to kiss his cheek gently (something he's been doing a lot more often recently), like he knew what it was that made Taka hesitate and wanted to assuage him. It had made him flush bright red (he's still not gone to the nurse to figure out if that's healthy or not... hm...) and smile shakily. He'd then kept going, voice more enthusiastic and passionate as he explained all the useless facts and details that he'd learned about the game, Mondo snorting or asking questions along the way, showing that he was actually listening. Taka had never felt so in love before... which is really saying something, considering how much in love he's been for weeks now!

Anyway, back to the battle... as they'd walked to their makeshift battlefield, they'd quickly decided who would be the team captains. By popular vote, both Hina and Sakura were decided to be captains, the group figuring it wouldn't be fair if the girlfriends were on the same team. The reasoning had made him flush slightly— though he doubts it was noticeable with how pink his cheeks were from the cold— particularly when everyone protested him and Mondo being on the same team for a similar reason.

"What the fuck ever, ya assholes," Mondo had grumbled, reluctantly heading over to Sakura's team, both teens looking awkward and uncomfortable, but not protesting it too much.

In the end, most of the close friend pairs had been split up, other than Togami and Fukawa, the latter refusing to play if she wasn't on her 'master's' team. They were both put on Sakura's team, to Mondo's displeasure. Kyoko and Ludenberg were also on her team, while Makoto and Hifumi were on his, to Hifumi's displeasure.

Presently, the lineup is as follows: on Hina and his team is Makoto, Hifumi, Chihiro, Sayaka, and Hiro (as the Ultimate Clairvoyant insists they all call him now). On Sakura and Mondo's team is Kyoko, Ludenberg, Togami, Fukawa, and Leon (who had been in high demand given his talent, but Hina had conceded to Sakura kindly).

Once the teams were divided up, each team had marched to opposite ends of the park, deciding on a home base and strategy to follow, given fifteen minutes total to get set up.

Taka had immediately taken charge of strategy, given that he'd spent the last couple days working out any and all possible tactics that would be beneficial for whatever team he was on. He'd briefly gone over the strengths and weaknesses of the members of the other team, including Mondo's (his hair, for example, makes it harder for him to run fast as it gets in his eyes when he runs, even when it's down and in a ponytail. Also, he focuses more on weight training than cardio, which will give them an advantage when running, but goes against them when facing the snowballs, as Mondo has pretty good aim). He'd gone into pretty good detail about everyone on the other team, too, sparing nothing when talking about what might help them win.

Hina had asked him, shocked, how he'd learned all these things about them all, and he'd shrugged casually.

"I make it a point to always know my classmates as best I can! It's always good to get a good judge on their character!"

And while it was correct, it wasn't entirely accurate. To be perfectly honest, most of what he knew wasn't anything he'd specifically tried to learn, but things that he just... has noticed over the months. He hadn't even realized how well he's come to know his fellows until that moment, honestly! But it was nice to realize, especially since it helps give them some edge in the competition (though he has no doubt that Kyoko is doing the exact same thing on the other team, but most definitely more in depth).

After that, he went over a basic strategy that they could do, utilizing their team's strengths to their advantage. While Chihiro isn't the most physically able, she's quick and small, which would allow her to break through enemy lines easier than the rest of them. Plus, he doubted that anyone would want to potentially harm the slight girl. Once she got the flag, it would be best for her to then give it to either Hina or himself— the most physically able of the group— so that they could then run it to their base. The others would play defense and create distractions, with Makoto and Hiro defending the base while Sayaka and Hifumi acted as distractions for Chihiro, though Taka told them if they saw a chance to grab the flag, to do so and bring it to Hina or himself.

The group (which Hina enthusiastically dubbed the 'Super Mega Ultimate Friends Team!') agreed to his plan, Hina squealing as she hugged him, saying that she'd just planned on having them just go for it, no real strategy in mind. Which had made Taka glad that he'd prepared for the match, honestly... Hina had then casually mentioned that he sure put a lot of thought into their little game, hadn't he, to which Taka had straightened up, putting his hands on his hips as he looked at his team almost imperiously.

"Of course!" he'd cried, filling with self-righteousness. "This is more than a game, after all! It's a competition! And Kiyotaka Ishimaru never backs down from a competition! That's a guarantee!"

His friends had laughed at that, even though he'd not meant it to be a joke, smiling at him as they cheered. He'd smiled back, a little awkward, but they'd not had much more time to talk before his timer went off, indicating that it was time to commence the battle. They'd then all met in the middle of the battlefield to talk briefly with the other team, Hina and Sakura shaking hands good-naturedly, Hina giggling as she did so.

And then, finally... the game began!

The first few rounds were a blur in his mind, to be honest, Taka dodging snowballs and throwing snowballs (clumsily) and waiting for Chihiro (or one of the others if they found an opportunity) to bring him the flag. Part of him wanted to storm the opposing base himself, to be more proactive in their assault, but he knew that this was the best option. He had to let Hifumi and Sayaka play distraction while Chihiro grabbed the flag... it's what they agreed upon! And it was a good plan if he did say so himself!

Still, it was hard to force himself to wait when he wanted to do more, more than throwing snowballs at the opposing team when he had a chance. It made him slightly anxious as he waited for something to happen, wanting to do something constructive for his team.

His problem was thankfully solved for him rather quickly when, at one point near the beginning, he'd seen Mondo running past, his hair down and tied back with a hair tie, holding Taka's team flag. With a racing heart, he'd quickly hit the biker with a snowball, Mondo clearly not expecting him to do such a thing, laughing gleefully even as Mondo scowled at him with annoyance.

"Didn't think ya'd fuckin' hit me, shit," Mondo muttered when he passed him on the way back to Taka's base to return the 'flag' (an extra scarf one of his classmates had let them borrow for the game), to which Taka gave him a sharp look.

"This is war, kyoudai! There is no room for emotions to get in the way of winning!"

Thankfully, Mondo had taken his words as the light-hearted 'ribbing' that he'd intended, the biker snorting with laughter as he held up his middle finger.

"Oh, then it's fuckin' on! Ain't gonna go easy on ya now, ya asshole!" Mondo called behind him as he grinned brightly, before turning to jog back to return the flag and rejoin the game. Taka had spent a moment grinning like an idiot, before he'd seen Hina run past, the flag in her hand.

Focus back on the game, Taka took off after the girl, providing her defense from snowballs and assailants. When Hina managed to reach their base, scoring them the first point of the game, their team had let out a large cheer, to the professed grumbling of their opposing team. The only one who actually looked legitimately annoyed at it was Togami, though, of course.

After that, the next few rounds flew past, the other team gaining two points while his team gained one more, courtesy of Hina again, making them tied. Taka mostly acted as a sort of offensive defense, where he would stay in enemy territory, acting as additional distraction for his teammates and did his best to prevent the other team from gaining his team's flag. Because of this, he'd regretfully found himself getting 'out' a few times, especially now that Mondo was aiming snowballs directly at him in retaliation for earlier, hitting him a few times. That forced him to walk all the way back to his home base, wait five seconds, before he was able to rejoin the game. It was highly annoying, but he privately felt it was worth it to see Mondo laughing gleefully, eyes squinting with his joy. Plus, the practice did allow him to get very good at dodging the projectiles, and he even was able to get a few hits in himself despite his somewhat awkward aim, to Mondo's vocal annoyance.

It was during one of these times— when he'd gotten Mondo 'out'— that Sayaka had run up to him, flag held tight in her hand, passing it off to him with a shouted "GOGOGO!"

Taka had done exactly that without a hint of hesitation, peeling off in the direction of his base, heart racing, taking care to not slip on the somewhat slick ground. Now that they'd been playing for a while, the ground was more muddy than snowy, but there was still enough snow for them to still play for a while more, at least.

Taka took care to dodge snowballs and other assailants as he ran, Hina acting as his defense this time, the girl laughing as she hurled snowballs at her girlfriend. Taka could hear Mondo yelling and cursing from across the field, which just made him laugh harder, bright and happy. His chest had been heaving, his heart had been pounding, and he could barely remember a time he'd felt so exhilarated before.

And when Taka had passed the boundary of his base, flag held high in his hand, he'd not been able to help the loud exclamation of excitement, which was followed close by the feel of exuberant arms wrapping around him, Hina jumping up and down as she squealed with excitement. Before Taka could even get used to the sensation, he'd felt other arms wrap around them, Hiro's usually lazy tone sounding far brighter and happier. Soon, their entire team was packing in, their arms around one another, laughing and happy, with Taka at the center, his face bright red and his smile bright and shining.

He could hear Togami grumble that 'they've not even won yet, why are they acting so childish,' only to hear the billionaire splutter a second later, watching as a snowball hit him square in the face, Mondo whistling innocently when Togami turned annoyed eyes to him. Taka couldn't even find it in him to chastise the biker, not when the teen was looking at him with stars in his eyes, looking so ridiculously happy despite the fact his team was now behind by a point.

After a few moments the team pulled back and the game was on again, Mondo bringing his team's flag back to his base so they could start the next round.

And that— several minutes and thwarted attempts at capturing the flag by Chihiro and Sayaka later, only for Hifumi of all people to hand it off to him— had led him here, flag in hand once more, his home base in sight as he dodges snowballs thrown at him from Sakura and Togami, the latter surprisingly invested in such a 'childish game.' And, of course, being actively pursued by his closest and dearest friend...

"I am- almost- there! Aha!" Taka exclaims, chancing a glance behind him again, even though he knows he shouldn't, that he's playing with fire.

And his glance, predictably, becomes his downfall.

He can feel himself falter as soon as he looks, the sight of Mondo— hair stubbornly escaping his ponytail and getting into his eyes like he predicted, face bright red, lavender eyes bright and determined— too much for him to handle. And that one moment of hesitation is more than enough for Mondo to make up his lost ground, seeing his opportunity to speed up, tackling Taka around his waist (carefully), bringing them both to the ground (Mondo taking the brunt of the damage to his arms, still so careful even despite the fast-paced game).

"Ow," he still finds himself muttering, grumbling softly as Mondo rearranges them so that he's face up underneath Mondo's bulk with his arms pinned to the snow, his hips pinned under the biker's body firmly. He honestly has no idea how they'd gotten into this position, Mondo's hands too fast for him to keep up with, but he certainly isn't complaining... definitely not when he looks up into Mondo's shining face, his eyes bright and his grin wide...

"Ha! I fuckin'- fuckin' caught ya!" Mondo exclaims, chest still heaving as he leans over Taka, hair that escaped his ponytail dangling down, framing his face beautifully. Taka has already been having trouble breathing— as out of breath as he is— but now he finds the act nigh impossible, as literally breathtaking as the biker above him is. It's all he can do to gasp, arching up to press against the teen, not even trying to buck him off, just... just needing to be- to be closer...

"T-technically," Taka gasps after a moment, desperately trying to get his brain to work, as sluggish as it currently is, "y-you've not gotten me out! The rules- rules state that- that you must hit the other- o-other player with a snowball in order to-!"

Taka's words are interrupted by his face getting pelted with snow, making him splutter at the frigid assault. He shakes the snow away rapidly, glaring up at the biker, who is cackling gleefully, smirking when he sees Taka's glare.

"Ya were sayin'?" Mondo asks innocently. To which Taka— uncharacteristically, but unable to help the childish desire— sticks out his tongue. That seems to shut Mondo up, the biker staring slack jawed at the muscle in a way that almost makes Taka nervous, pulling the now frigid thing back inside his mouth. He keeps going with his words, though, not wanting the moment to get awkward or anything.

"Mondo Owada! That was highly unpleasant! Not to mention unsanitary!"

His indignant words seem to snap Mondo out of his strange reverie, the biker letting out a startled snort, before happy laughter escapes his lips, eyes crinkling once again.

Rather than say anything more, though, Mondo simply leans down, pressing his frigid face against Taka's neck (which has been made exposed, his scarf unraveling somewhat with his furious running), breathing deep, lips barely brushing his chilled skin as he nuzzles gently. Taka gasps at the sensation, hands straining under Mondo's gentle yet firm grip, wanting to wrap around the biker so badly he aches with it...

"Yer so fuckin' amazin', Kiyo, I just... f-fuck..."

Taka doesn't get a chance to reply (though he has no idea what he'd say, his mind utter mush at the moment), before a loud, mocking snort sounds above them, making Mondo pull back with a flush.

"If you two would stop trying to have intercourse on the battlefield, you'd notice that Kuwata scored a point for our team and we are tied again," Togami drawls, rolling his eyes when Hina glares over at him, the girl previously looking at them with bright eyes and a smile, apparently. Taka flushes bright red, but he doesn't get a chance to say anything (again...) when Mondo snorts, looking at Togami with a raised eyebrow, face unimpressed.

"Hey, Byakuya," Mondo growls softly, before he pauses for a moment. He then proceeds to lift his middle finger up when Togami raises an eyebrow at him, saying quite plainly, "fuck you."

Togami stares at them for a moment longer, before turning away with a scoff, striding back down to his end of the field. Taka is able to see the small smile on the rich teen's face before he turns, however, which makes Taka think that he's not as annoyed at this all as he likes to profess. Which he is somewhat relieved about. While he's not quite comfortable around the billionaire (because not only is he everything that Taka strives not to be, but he can also be quite rude, to be perfectly honest...), he doesn't want the boy to be overly annoyed because of them.

Taka is pulled back to the moment when Mondo pulls back, cheeks a dusty pink, though he's still smiling softly, eyes liquid silver and shining, sitting up carefully. Taka sits as well, body pressed close to Mondo, the biker's knees still around his hips.

"H-heh... guess we should, uh... get back ta the game, huh?" Mondo mutters lowly, lifting his hand to brush off the remaining snow off Taka's face. Huh... he'd not even noticed it was still there...

He gets jolted into speech when Mondo cups his cheek tenderly, looking at him like he's the entire universe, the moment far too intimate for him to handle, not when he can hear their classmates shuffling around them, eyes intent upon them. With a shaky smile, he nods carefully, not able to bring himself to fully dislodge the gloved hand (Taka forcing the biker to wear gloves despite his protestation, of course)...

"Y-yes! W-we... w-we should, k-kyoudai," Taka gasps, body shaking from a mix of cold and overstimulation. Mondo grins, nodding as he removes his hand (to Taka's disappointment) and stands carefully (also to Taka's disappointment).

When Mondo holds out a hand to lift him up, Taka takes it immediately, gasping when Mondo apparently misjudges their collective strength, making Taka stumble as he gets to his feet. He doesn't fall, though, since Mondo's arm immediately snakes around his waist, pulling him close as he steadies him, Taka's arms resting comfortably on the biker's chest. It reminds him so much of the moment that they met that he momentarily can't breathe again, bitterly reminded that the rush of pleasant heat he feels is not at all different from the previous time, either...

"Y'okay, Kiyo?" Mondo whispers into his ear, breath hot and ragged on his skin. He shivers with more than cold, nodding fervently.

"I'm fine, k-kyoudai... f-fine..."

And he is. He is very, very fine... more than fine, really... if he could spend the rest of his life in this one moment, he's fairly certain he wouldn't be disappointed at all, really...

He feels the side of his face get nuzzled tenderly again, a wonderful chuckle sounding in his ear, before the biker is pulling away, hands lingering to keep him steady. It's almost too much for him to keep looking in Mondo's eyes, the tenderness making him ache so beautifully inside. He's almost glad when Mondo pulls back, leaning down to pick up his team's 'flag,' grinning at him.

"Heh. Good. Then let's, uh... let's keep playin', yeah? Still gotta beat yer team, heh."

Taka gives the biker a mock glare, absolutely no heat behind it, making Mondo laugh again. God... he doesn't think he's ever heard the biker laugh so much before... it's intoxicating...

Mondo turns to leave then, ignoring the poorly concealed grins their classmates give them, just keeps walking to his base to return the flag. Taka stares after him for long seconds, also ignoring their classmates, spurned into action when he sneezes lightly, rubbing his nose to try and warm it up. He wraps his cheap scarf back around his face, hoping that the slightly damp material will actually help protect against the bitter chill he is currently feeling. Hm... hopefully the game ends soon so he can go inside to warm up... though this afternoon has been so much fun he hardly wants it to ever end, truly...

He shakes off his musing when the next round is called, Taka getting back into the zone as the round starts up again, snowballs flying once more as they begin anew, the competition mounting now that they are tied again. Both teams only need two more goals to win, as they'd previously agreed that five captured flags was a good end point, so the competition is fierce.

That's how they find themselves, half an hour and several bitter attempts and desperate tries later, with half the group bitterly disappointed while the other half is overly exuberant, cheering happily at their long-awaited win.

"YAYAYAYAYAY!" Hina is screaming in his ear as he wraps his arms around the excited girl— the first time he's initiated such an action— the flag grasped tightly in her fist, his throat almost raw from how much he's been screaming that day. That doesn't stop him from congratulating the swimmer excitedly on her narrow win for their team, as their team crowds around them, equally as excited, piling in like they'd done earlier but even more exhilarated this time. They'd almost lost, after all, since Leon had managed to grab their flag and was running frantically to his base to try and win, since they'd been tied yet again. He'd only been halfway across the field, however, when Hina had narrowly avoided Togami's surprisingly laser accurate snowball, crossing the boundary of their home base with a happy shriek, securing them the win.

It's all a mess of excitement and noise for several minutes as they cheer, even after they pull away from their group hug, Hifumi singing (very off key) something from one of the anime he enjoys, Sayaka giggling while Makoto grins and jumps up and down happily with Chihiro and Hina. Hiro is grinning, his wild hair even more wild as he gives them all thumbs up, more sedate than the others but still showing his happiness in his own way. And as for Taka... well. He has eyes only for his opponent, who doesn't look nearly as upset as he probably should, considering his team's narrow loss.

In fact... none of the other team looks particularly upset, most of them coming over to offer congratulations of their own, Sakura leaning down to kiss Hina chastely, smiling softly as she congratulates her girlfriend. Even Togami looks happy... or, well. What passes for happiness on the usually dispassionate billionaire's face. And Fukawa is standing off to the side, looking at Togami with a softness he's not sure he's ever seen on the girl's face before, which makes him hope that she's been able to find some measure of happiness this afternoon, despite not really participating in the activities much.

Once the celebration is over, the entire group converges together and discusses what to do next, thinking about heading to the mall and getting something to eat to celebrate the narrowly won game.

Before they can make any full plans, however, Taka feels himself sneeze again, rubbing his nose as he frowns at himself. Hm... that's the fourth time he's sneezed over the last half hour, which concerns him somewhat... after all, he never gets sick! He makes sure of that!

He feels as Mondo pulls him close to his side, watching Mondo curiously as the biker frowns at him and removes one of his gloves. His nose wrinkles when Mondo presses the back of his hand to Taka's forehead and then his cheek, to Taka's displeasure. He bats the hand away in annoyance— not liking the implication of the action, since he does not get sick, thank you very much— but Mondo doesn't seem to care, the biker frowning at him as he turns to the group, shaking his head firmly.

"Go do what ya guys wanna, but I'm gonna take Taka back ta the school. He's freezin' cold, an' his clothes an' shit are all wet. Don't want him catchin' a cold or nothin'. This was a lotta fuckin' fun, though! Should do it again sometime. Or, I dunno... maybe laser tag or paintball or some shit, with less freezin' my balls off, heh. See ya later, nerds."

Mondo doesn't give Taka enough time to let out the protest that is building in his throat before he's pulling him along, a chorus of 'goodbye!'s and 'good game!'s and 'feel better!'s following them as Mondo firmly marches them along.

He is able to let out a peevish, "I can take care of myself, kyoudai! Besides! I don't get sick!" before they go, though, which Mondo snorts at.

"Yeah, I know that ya dork. But y'ain't gotta take care a' yerself anymore. Not when I'm here. 'Sides, everyone gets sick sometimes. Y'ain't that special, kyoudai, though ya are pretty fuckin' special ta me."

Taka's nose wrinkles at the words again, a blush rising on his face as several of the girls 'aww' at Mondo's comment. A-ah... he'd not realized they'd still been in earshot... embarrassed, he falls silent, letting the steady warmth of Mondo gradually heat him up.

Taka can't help the few sneezes he lets out, or the cough or two, though he resolutely denies the fact he might be getting sick, stubbornly calling them 'allergies.' Mondo just shakes his head but stops pressing the matter as they finally reach the school, opening the door and shuffling them in quickly, hurrying them through the halls to get to their room (and yes, Taka has taken to mentally calling Mondo's room their room recently, not even chastising himself for it anymore).

Once inside their room, Taka scowls as Mondo begins taking his wet scarf off, hands almost clinical as he goes. Taka bats them away again, even as his cheeks flush, his mind assaulting him with images of other reasons Mondo could have to want to take his clothes off...

Pushing that thought right on out of his mind, he puts his hands on his hips as he pouts at Mondo, sniffing indignantly.

"I can take my own clothes off, kyoudai! I'm not invalid!"

Mondo frowns at him, brows furrowed as he crosses his arms, looking a little miffed and a lot concerned. It makes Taka feel bad, especially when he hears the hurt tone to Mondo's muttered words.

"The fuck is yer problem? I'm just tryin' ta help, Taka, shit. Ain't no problem lettin' people help ya, 'specially when yer not feelin' a hundred percent, ya know? I just... I just wanna help ya, man..."

Mondo trails off, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly, frowning slightly at him. Taka looks off to the side, grimacing as he does. A-ah... he'd not wanted to hurt Mondo... he just... he hates...

"I- I know, Mondo... I'm sorry, I just... I don't like being sick. I-it... it makes me feel weak and out of control, and I don't like it... y-you know? W-which is why I most decidedly am not sick! It's just a few sneezes, nothing major at all! I will be perfectly fine; I am sure of it!"

Taka nods his head decidedly and doesn't offer any further complaints as Mondo steps forward hesitantly again, putting a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"Shit, man, ain't that big a deal. Bein' sick sucks an' all, but it ain't nothin' ta worry 'bout. 'Specially not when ya got me, got it? If ya ever did get sick, then I'd take care a' ya, ain't no big deal. But hey. Ya say y'ain't sick, then I'll believe ya, Kiyo. But… still. Ya gotta get outta yer wet clothes or else yer gonna get sick, ya hear me? Maybe ya should take a warm shower or somethin' too, ta warm up. Ya feel so fuckin' cold, kyoudai... can't be good fer ya. The water shouldn't be hot, though, since that can hurt ya, but warm should be good. 'Kay?"

Taka quails under Mondo's steady gaze, but he nods slowly, feeling very chagrined. He isn't even sure why he'd gotten so peeved at Mondo, to tell the truth... no, he isn't a fan of being sick, but that doesn't mean he can be so rude to Mondo, who is only trying to help... hm...

"Okay, kyoudai... I- I'll just go and take a quick shower then..." he mutters, before turning and heading for the bathroom, not liking the way Mondo stares at him, frown gentle on his face still.

He feels his shoulders relax somewhat as he closes the door behind him with a click, sighing as he rests against the wood, shaking his head slightly. He hates that he'd ruined the happy exuberance from the game earlier with his nonsense again, wishing that he had just kept it all inside... but, well. He can't change the past, no matter what he may want. And there's no point dwelling on it and making himself feel worse about it. Not when Mondo is waiting for him.

So, he pushes aside the off feeling inside him and finishes removing his clothes, gently folding the leather coat Mondo had gifted him at Halloween with loving hands, smiling down at it. It really is a nice gift, the coat nice and warm against the bitter chill. It works a lot better than his threadbare jacket he'd gotten at a secondhand shop that he usually would wear during the cold months, at least. It stopped keeping him warm years ago, but he's never had the ability to replace it, not really. And while the leather coat isn't perfect, it certainly makes him a lot warmer than he'd be without it, at the least.

With the jacket off, he moves onto his uniform, the cloth wet despite the jacket he'd been wearing. The pants are practically soaked, stained horribly with mud. The jacket is too, he notices with dismay. He wrinkles his nose at the sight, deciding that he'll have to wash them immediately if he doesn't want it to stain. But seeing as how he still has to take the shower Mondo wants him to take, he settles on rinsing the clothes off as best as he can in the sink, before filling the sink with warm water and some liquid detergent, letting his pants and uniform jacket soak, hoping that it will prevent it from drying and staining while he's taking his shower. It will have to do for now, at least.

That done with, he takes off the rest of his wear, which are less wet and stained, since they'd been protected by his many layers. He can't help how he shivers once he's stood bare in the middle of the room, though, and quickly heads to the shower, stifling another sneeze as he goes.

The warm shower feels like heaven on his overly chilled skin, though, Taka letting out a happy sigh as he slowly warms up, using his body wash to wipe all the dirt away from his body, feeling relieved to be clean again. He'd not even noticed how filthy he'd gotten earlier, as distracted as he was by playing the game. He isn't quite sure if that's a good thing or not, to be perfectly honest...

Still, it doesn't take him long before he's ready to head out of the shower, not wanting to make Mondo wait any longer for him. Now that he's warm again, he doesn't feel quite as tired and peevish as he had been earlier, which allows him to feel bad about how he'd been treating Mondo. He doesn't let himself dwell on his feeling of regret, though, and instead vows to make it up to the biker however he can. Mondo always does enjoy watching movies together, perhaps they can do that... while snuggled up close on the couch, under a few warm blankets, Mondo muttering softly in his ear, saying little tidbits or his personal opinion about the movie... hm... yes, that does sound very nice indeed...

Once he exits the shower, however, he realizes his mistake immediately, flushing brightly. A-ah... it seems that he'd been so distracted earlier that he'd forgotten to bring a change of clothes with him into the bathroom, and it's not like he can get back into his old clothes even if he wanted to, given that they are soaking wet. Hm...

Well. There's no use for it. He can't exactly stand here in the middle of the bathroom for the rest of his life, now can he? Sighing softly, he grabs his towel and dries himself off clinically, before wrapping it around his waist, biting his lip gently (it's thankfully healed since Tuesday, but is still tender if he bites it too hard). Hopefully Mondo excuses his pink skin as a result of the shower...

Taking a deep, shaky breath, Taka marches determinedly towards the door, opening it up with shaking hands, telling himself that it's fine, that Mondo has forgotten his clothes a few times before, it's not a big deal, it's fine-

Taka flushes brighter when the door opens with a gentle *thud*, Mondo— who had clearly taken the time to change himself, since he's now wearing his night clothes— turning to face him with his mouth open to say something, only to freeze when he notices Taka's state of undress. Taka freezes too, biting his lip harder as he fights hard to not squirm under the scrutiny, Mondo's eyes like lasers as they trail up and down his body.

When the moment of awkwardness drags on several seconds, Taka realizes he can't take it any longer and finally shakes himself out of his stupor. He forces his legs to move and walk stiffly to the dresser, opening it up and reaching in to grab his preferred tighty-whities (the same brand he's been using since he was a child, the ones his grandfather had also preferred, actually).

He barely gets a chance to touch them, however, when he feels a presence step up behind him, causing him to gasp. He then shivers harshly when he feels a warm hand brush his side, the sensation decidedly not caused by cold...

"Hey... are ya... are ya feelin' better, kyoudai?" he hears Mondo mutter behind him, his body heat radiating out. God, how can Mondo always be so overwhelmingly warm... it's intoxicating, truly...

Gulping lightly as stupid anticipation fills him, he nods slowly, tilting his head to the side to talk to Mondo, though he can't quite bring himself to look over his shoulder at the other teen.

"Y-yes, kyoudai... I- I feel so much better now, thank you for the advice. I think the steam helped my allergies as well."

Mondo lets out a disbelieving hum, but Taka doesn't have any time to focus on the sound before he feels warm hands brush his hips, large fingers toying with the edges of his towel. A-ah... Taka can't help the way he trembles, his body hypersensitive to the featherlight touches, his groin swelling fully...

"H-heh... if ya say so, kyoudai. U-uh... s-so... shit. It uh, it's been a while, hasn't it? Since we, uh... y-ya know. Did ya... fuck. Did ya still need help with, uh... with that?"

Taka finds himself nodding before the words are even fully out of Mondo's mouth, the moment from earlier rising in his mind, remembering the feeling of him under Mondo's body, pressed firmly to the ground, not caring about the mud or the sludge or any of their classmates, not as long as Mondo was pressing into him just so-

"Y-yes, k-kyoudai, I- um. I- I would love s-some- some help..."

Mondo lets out a choked noise, but Taka doesn't have time to worry about him before he feels Mondo's hands grab his hips fully, pulling him back firmly to Mondo's body, letting him feel the hardness against his lower back. He can't help the moan that escapes his lips, Mondo letting out a responding one softly.

"S-shit, uh... cool. We, uh... we should move though, heh. Don't wanna... wanna make a mess..."

Taka nods, barely able to hear what Mondo is saying, just knowing he will agree to anything if it makes Mondo agree to touch him again... god. It's not even been a week and he's already aching for it so badly... huh. He suddenly understands his age mate's preoccupation with things like this, now... it is highly addicting! Especially with a young man like Mondo there, so eager to help out...

Mondo lets out a breathy laugh and Taka feels as the biker gently guides him over to the wall again, the same one as last time, he realizes with a breathy gasp. He is getting his arms in position to press against the wall, like he'd done that first time, but is surprised when he feels Mondo press against his hip insistently, Taka finding his back pressed to the wall when he follows Mondo's movements. He looks at Mondo with wide eyes, his mouth dropped open with his heavy breathing, though the biker isn't looking. Instead, Mondo is looking firmly at his crotch, where a very visible tent is forming. Taka moans when he sees the biker lick his lips subtly, his nearly naked body awash in gooseflesh...

"Wanted ta try somethin' new," Mondo mutters as he presses closer, hands ghosting along his side as he leans down and noses at Taka's neck, nipping once gently. Taka whimpers at the sensation and nods desperately, legs shaking at the overstimulation. His neck has been steadily healing from the last round of love bites, and he has found himself missing them quite acutely...

"Y-yes, M-Mondo... a-anything you want... p-please... I- I want..."

Mondo rumbles against his neck as he lets out a low keen, nipping his neck yet again. It feels- so good. From this angle... it feels incredible, god...

"F-fuck yeah... let me know if ya wanna stop, though, okay? 'Cuz I'll stop. No questions asked."

The repeated reminder makes him melt against the wall, his heart so full at the concern Mondo still feels, even after all this time. He lets out a shaky laugh, nodding firmly when Mondo pulls back to look at him in concern, a soft smile on his lips.

"Of course, kyoudai. But I won't. Want to."

*The concern gets erased off Mondo's face as he grins back, nodding once firmly. And then he's pressing somehow closer, and his hands are grabbing Taka's towel, and then the towel is gone, tossed carelessly over Mondo's shoulder, and Taka is standing there completely naked, and then- t-then-

"O-ohhhh," Taka moans, hips bucking when he feels Mondo's hand on him, firm and delicious as ever. It all feels a little different than usual, which Taka figures mainly has to do with the fact that they have a different angle today, Mondo's hand a bit clumsier as he gets used to it all. There's also the fact that he's stark naked while Mondo is still fully clothed, a fact that Taka is finding really, really unfair right about now...

All thoughts flee his head, though, when he feels Mondo squeeze him tighter, his other hand coming down to fondle his balls gently, another thing he doesn't often do. It makes Taka moan loudly, though, with Mondo answering in kind.

It doesn't take Mondo long to get used to the new angle, his hand soon going as fast as always, his lips returning to his neck to litter kisses and bites to the tender flesh he finds. Taka's throat is still sore from all the shouting and cheering during the game earlier, but he can't help the loud shout he gives when he feels Mondo's lips travel further south, tongue swirling around his left nipple before it's getting engulfed in warm heat, feeling far more arousing than he'd ever imagined such a thing would feel like. He'd known that women's breasts were erogenous zones, but he'd had no idea that men felt similarly! You learn something new every day...

He whimpers when Mondo moves from one nipple to the other, pulling at the sensitive nub gently with his teeth, the sensation so good he wants to cry. God, why hadn't they been doing this all along, honestly... not only does this feel so good, but he adores being able to see Mondo, watching his head as he laves his chest with his tongue, biting and nipping as he goes, tongue tracing his scar gently and wondrously. And then... then Mondo is talking, oh, god...

"God, ya taste so fuckin' good, Kiyo, mm, fuck... wanna fuckin' taste all a' ya, every last fuckin' drop, wanna feel ya, w-wanna... wanna taste ya..."

Taka gasps at the words, the meaning they bring to his mind so filthy he can't help but blush. Images of Mondo on his knees, kneeling before him... his wondrous mouth washing kisses down his body as his lips trail south... the overwhelming heat of a warm mouth, engulfing his cock fully, light suction and pressure and heat and-

Mondo doesn't move, though, just stays where he is, licking Taka's nipple like it's freaking candy, and Taka- Taka can't find it in him to mind. Not too much, at least. Especially not when Mondo glances up, his lavender eyes fully blown, the lust Taka sees there making him moan yet again. Ohh, this is so much better, being able to see Mondo's wolfish grin as he surges up to bite his neck again, harder than usual, making Taka buck up into the tight grip that is still around him, aching so bad it hurts. He is so close, he can feel it, and he wants... h-he wants...

When Mondo presses his hips forward, almost unbidden, Taka can feel the hardness against his own, and he gasps, knowing suddenly exactly what he wants. And, as far gone as he is, he doesn't have the presence of mind to tell himself no...

And so— emboldened by his mounting lust— Taka reaches out with tentative fingers and brushes the front of Mondo's boxer shorts, making the biker freeze entirely. The hand on his cock halts too, making him whimper softly, but he's already committed to this, so he might as well keep going. In for a penny, in for a pound...

"M-Mondo, I- I... I wanna... I wanna touch you, please, k-kyo- M-Mondo, I... y-you don't have to, if you don't- don't want, but I... I want-"

He feels as Mondo shudders against him, the biker's breath shaky against his neck, hot and heavy. Taka bites his lip against the feeling, trying his hardest not to move and scare Mondo off.

"Y-y'ain't... f-fuck. Y'ain't gotta do that, Kiyo. This is- this is fer you, not me. I can- can fuckin'- shit. I can handle myself later. Y'ain't... y'ain't gotta..."

Taka lets out a soft laugh, shaking his head as he absently moves the hand not pressing lightly to Mondo's crotch, running it tenderly through Mondo's hair, the biker letting out another shuddering breath against his neck at the sensation.

"I know, Mondo. I... I want to... a-and if you don't, w-we don't have to, but if- if you're worried about me wanting... t-then don't. I do. I- I... I do. God... I do."

And he means it. Fully and completely. Touching himself comes with some measure of shame in his mind, a mental block that he can't for the life of him break through. But touching Mondo? Making Mondo feel as good as the biker makes him feel? God... yes, he wants that... so, so much... he has no idea if he'd be any good at it, but, well... he can't ever learn if he doesn't try, can he? And he's always been such a dedicated learner...

His heart leaps when he feels Mondo nod fervently against him, lips kissing his neck again as he pants.

"God, fuck yes, Kiyo, ya fuckin' shittin' me? 'Course I fuckin' wanna feel yer hot little hands on me, Jesus Christ... but, fuck, man... just... if ya wanna stop at any point, if ya don't wanna keep goin'... ya can fuckin' stop, no matter how close I am, okay? I can fuckin' handle a little blue balls. Would rather that than make ya- m-make ya feel... o-okay? Y'ain't gotta do nothin' ya don't wanna, nothin' that makes ya uncomfortable. Okay?"

Taka's breath is shaking as it escapes his lips in a half laugh, half sob, so utterly amazed at the wonderful man before him that he almost can't breathe with it. He smiles down at Mondo when the biker pulls back from his neck and looks up at him with worry, sure his face looks ridiculously soft and sappy, but he doesn't care. Not when Mondo is looking at him with such concern, such care, such... such... love...

"I believe that is supposed to be my line, kyoudai," he manages to say lightly, eyes sparkling as Mondo gives him a blank look for several seconds, before he's suddenly laughing, the biker finally comprehending Taka's meaning.

"Shit, man. Ain't gotta say that shit ta me, promise ya that. I fuckin' want anythin' yer willin' ta offer, ya've got no fuckin' idea, man... s-shit, Kiyo... y'ain't... y'ain't got any clue how much I... I fuckin'..."

His heart clenches as a dark look enters Mondo's eyes, the lust fading somewhat as something raw enters them, the biker shaking as his hand clenches slightly. Taka forces himself not to focus on the pleasure that shoots through him at the touch, though. He- he has to fix this, has to get Mondo's mind off whatever thoughts are entering it, needs to... n-needs to...

Leaning forward almost desperately, Taka bites Mondo's neck harshly— not enough to hurt, per se, but enough for the biker to feel it. And judging by the way he gasps and then moans, his entire body shuddering with the sensation, he thinks he might have succeeded...

"Still. If you... i-if you do want to stop... please let me know. I want... I wanna make you feel good, kyoudai. Not bad," Taka mutters against the warm flesh, unknowingly repeating the words Mondo has said to him so often, his mind going blissfully blank with his desire as Mondo gasps again, the biker nodding fervently against him. He says nothing, though, just moves his hand again, causing Taka to moan.

With the moment of tension over, Taka feels his right hand shakily press forward, palming Mondo's considerable package through his tiger-striped boxer shorts. He has a single moment to feel glad that his palm is mostly healed— only a shiny scar to remind him of the burn he'd foolishly gotten— before he's slipping his hand smoothly up and into Mondo's boxers, adoring the strangled groan Mondo gives as his hand meets Mondo's over sensitive flesh. The biker retreats back to his neck, then, hiding his face as his lips press fast to his flesh, panting heavily.

"Holy fuckin' shit, Kiyo... h-holy fuckin' shit..."

Taka laughs at the shaking words, adoring them as he gets used to the foreign sensation under his palm. It's not like he's never touched himself. He has once or twice, after all. But… but it felt nothing like this. Mondo is larger than him, for one, both in width and length, though Taka is not complaining at all... and for another, he doesn't feel any hint of shame as he slowly moves his hand up and down, getting a feel for the foreign motion, collecting the slick precum at the tip of Mondo's head as he goes to make his journey easier. In fact, shame is the farthest thing from his mind as he curiously explores, not caring that Mondo's hand is frozen against him, the biker panting and moaning so desperately against him, begging him to not stop, please, don't stop... ohh, no. Decidedly not shame...

"Y-you feel good in my hand, k-kyoudai... I like the way you f-feel," Taka tries to say, a hint of awkwardness filling him as he tries to mimic the sensual words Mondo says with such ease, to sadly no avail... Taka would feel hurt by the startled laughter Mondo lets out, but the feeling fades as fast as it arrives when Mondo pulls back to look at him, such tender fondness in his eyes that he aches inside. Mondo leans forward and tenderly kisses his cheek, then, whispering soft words against him.

"F-fuck, Kiyo... why- why don't ya leave the dirty talk ta me, huh? Ya jus'... ya jus' keep on doin' what yer doin'... i-if ya wanna..."

Taka tightens his grip at the words, perversely enjoying the muffled cursing Mondo lets out, hoping that that will stop the biker from thinking that Taka doesn't want this just as much as (if not so much more so) than Mondo does.

He doesn't say anything, though, and just keeps sliding his hand up and down, slow and steady, only speeding up when he feels Mondo start his movement up again too, though the biker's hold is a lot shakier than it had been. That's okay. Taka doesn't mind at all, especially when Mondo starts speeding up, his motions sloppy and jerking, the uneven action making it feel so much more for some reason. Taka tries to keep up, adoring the little noises Mondo gives out, but his hand is too unpracticed to go too fast without slipping up and accidentally holding too tight, making Mondo hiss with something that Taka can instantly tell is not pleasure.

"S-sorry- s-sorry Mondo, I- I-" Taka gasps, stopping his hand immediately, afraid he's hurt the biker, but he feels Mondo shake his head frantically, the biker pulling back to look him desperately in the eyes.

"N-not a problem, Kiyo, fuck... please keep goin', I'm so fuckin'- so fuckin' close, god-"

Taka nods frantically back, correcting his grip as he moves again, slower this time, compensating for speed with purpose. He hears Mondo let out a choked cry against him, the biker burying his face in his neck again, seemingly his favorite place to be, muttering silent curses. He's not even talking dirty like he'd mentioned he would, which honestly makes Taka feel somehow more turned on. The thought that he can make the biker feel so far gone he can't even speak... mmm. That definitely makes him feel something inside...

But then…

"God, Kiyo, please, I'm so fuckin' close, I need ya ta fuckin' cum fer me, please baby, I need ta feel ya release. Fuckin' cum all over me, shit, I wanna feel ya all fuckin' over me, goddamn, Kiyo, god fuckin' damn... ya feel so good, touchin' me, yer a goddamn fuckin' natural, so fuckin' good, f-fuck... never wanna feel nothin' else but yer hot little hands all over me, wanna feel ya all over me, mm, so fuckin' good, yer so fuckin' good..."

A-ah... it seems he had spoken too soon, as the steady stream of words reach his ear again, making his insides clench with want and desire and god, does he wanna let go. He can feel it building inside him, can feel his body want to give over to the sensation, so close he can taste it. He's not quite there, though, and he lets out a strangled cry as he bucks his hips, wanting so badly to cum, but then- then Mondo is pulling away from his neck, and he feels a spike of concern hit him, but before he can worry too much, he feels the biker press their foreheads together, lips millimeters away as he breathes heavily, cinnamon cloying on Taka's tongue.

"Fuck, baby, c'mon, I know ya wanna, fuck, that's it, I want ya ta fuckin' cum fer me. I wanna cum with you, cum all over yer hand as ya cum all over me, yeah, fuckin' love that shit, baby, fuckin' love it, an' you... a-an' you... f-fuck... I wanna feel you as you cum with me, c'mon Kiyo, c'mon, baby, just a little bit more, just a little bit... more..."

Mondo's words taste beautiful against his lips, the words ghosting against him wonderfully, so close that Taka can almost pretend that the hint of space between them isn't there, that their lips are touching, can practically taste the cinnamon on Mondo's tongue as the biker talks, wanting so much, and then- then Mondo is squeezing just like that, and he leans forward just enough for their lips to brush properly, the electricity shooting through Taka immediately, and then he's screaming as he cums, hot and heavy, all over Mondo's wife beater and his own abdomen, hand spasming as he feels Mondo follow so closely after him they might as well have cum at exactly the same time, Mondo letting out a strangled sob as he presses closer, his lips pressing more firmly to Taka's as he does so, and Taka- Taka-

Taka doesn't have time to get used to the sensation before Mondo is pulling away, lips sliding across his cheek to his ear, biting and sucking the lobe gently as he moans softly with his post orgasmic bliss, words slurred so badly Taka has no hope of hearing them, especially not through the rushing in his ears. God... g-god, that was... h-ha. Well. It was well worth the wait, he will say that...

"-so fuckin' good, s-so... so fuckin'... god, Kiyo," he hears get whispered in his ear as the haze surrounding him clears somewhat, the shudders wracking his body lessening somewhat with time. He hums softly, voice too shot to even hope to say anything, as he nuzzles Mondo's cheek gently. It's a little awkward with the angle, but he doesn't care, not really...

He doesn't know how much later it is, but after a while he feels Mondo pull back, his hand leaving his manhood gingerly, making Taka shudder with residual desire as he removes his own hand, which is covered in a viscous white fluid. He can't help how his eyes dart downward, a small shot of heat filling him at the sight of Mondo's soiled shirt and his own filthy hand... and then Mondo's hand is lifting, lifting, and Taka can watch it as it rises, covered in his cum, and his mouth opens without a thought as Mondo silently offers the digits.

It's so much headier doing this now, his eyes unwittingly looking straight into Mondo's as he licks the fingers clean, the disgust at the taste paled by the heat he feels at the lust he sees on Mondo's face, the biker's mouth partially open as he watches Taka 'go to town' on his large fingers, as the biker says. It feels utterly obscene to be doing this, but Taka doesn't care, he just... doesn't care. Not at all. Not a single goddamn bit.

"So fuckin' sexy, baby... so fuckin'..." he hears Mondo mutter softly, a low whine building in the biker's throat as he lightly slides his fingers in and out of Taka's mouth, Taka letting them easily.

After a while Mondo removes his fingers with a soft *plop* as they exit Taka's mouth, and Taka bites his lip as he looks down, a soft laugh building in his throat at- at it all. God. Just... god.

**"Fuck. Kinda... kinda ruined ya bein' all nice an' clean, didn't we? H-heh..." Mondo mutters after a few moments pass in a not-quite-awkward-but-not-quite-comfortable silence. Taka finds himself smiling at the words, looking down at the slight mess that landed on his own body, nodding once. He'd normally feel disgusted at the mess, but honestly... he doesn't really mind at all.

He looks up when he hears Mondo hum, the biker's eyes trailing him slowly, licking his lips again. They're both still soft, since it's not been that long, but he can definitely see the heat in Mondo's gaze, the biker still not seeming to care about his very obvious attraction. But that's okay. Taka won't mention it. He's not that stupid.

"We should. Uh... fuck. We should take a shower. Ta clean up. Save water if we, uh..." Mondo starts, before trailing off, an awkward grimace rising on his face as he rubs the back of his neck. Taka can't help the way his eyes track the motion, biting his lip again as he recalls where that hand had just been... h-ha...

He doesn't say anything to Mondo— since he'd not entirely sure he can speak at all— just pushes off the wall with shaky legs, hoping he doesn't look as terrified as he feels as he walks over to the bathroom, body bright red with the embarrassment he's fighting against. He pauses at the door, looking over his shoulder with what he hopes is a sultry look, but he knows probably looks closer to mildly constipated.

"Would you like to... t-to join me?"

He had almost managed to get the words out without any struggle, voice scratchy and raw as it cracks, but Mondo doesn't seem to notice. He just snaps to attention and soon he's quickly moving through the room, eyes darting up from the decidedly southern place he'd just been looking on Taka's body, a shaky smile on his lips as he presses up behind Taka, hand hot on his hip once more.

"H-heh... yeah, s-sure... if ya- if ya wanna..."

Taka doesn't say anything again— once more unsure if he can say anything else, as tight and sore as his throat feels— and just nods again, looking over his shoulder with a shaky smile. He has no idea what is currently going on, has never felt more lost, but he knows he wants to keep going. Whatever is going on between them right now, whatever is making Mondo's mind not switch into overdrive as he tries to rationalize the desire he very clearly feels... he's not going to question it. He just... he doesn't care.

In this moment... in this moment, Mondo wants him. Wants to feel him, wants to shower with him, wants to be intimate and close. And he knows it won't last, knows Mondo still has a way to go before he can... well. But he... he's okay with it. Maybe Mondo will never be able to fully work through his problems, but he can handle it as long as he can get moments like these, moments that are soft and sweet and tender and just... all kinds of wonderful. As long as Mondo doesn't push him away after this... as long as this isn't the straw that breaks the camel's back... then he's okay with it.

The pair slip into the bathroom together, Taka feeling awkward about his nakedness until Mondo starts to strip, baring himself as much as Taka is, eyes not leaving his for a second, a silent plea in them as he goes. Taka has no idea what Mondo is asking from him, but he hopes he's giving it as the biker stalks over to the shower, turning the water back on and getting in, holding a hand out to Taka in silent welcome. Taka accepts, smiling shakily as they press close to fit in the much smaller than he remembers shower.

The action of showering is far less sexual than Taka might have thought if he's being honest. Especially after Mondo relaxes from the strange tension that has been steadily building in him since they'd reached their mutual climax. Mondo even smiles at him softly as he grabs Taka's body wash, tilting his head in question as he gestures the bottle towards his hands, the silent question obvious even to Taka. He nods immediately, loving the soft smile on Mondo's face as he opens the cap, and then his hands are gently running up and down Taka's body, spreading the citrus scented soap all over him, impossibly intimate and tender, but not really sexual. It... it's far more than that. To Taka, at least... and he thinks... to Mondo, too.

Taka then returns the gesture in kind, grabbing Mondo's body wash and letting his hands slide all over the biker's body, committing the hard and soft planes to memory as he goes, hands curious but not feverish as moves along. Mondo lets him explore, just looks at him softly, a very peculiar look on his face that Taka doesn't even try to decipher. It doesn't matter. Not in this moment.

Once he's done washing Mondo's body, he lets his hands drift up, gently touching the long strands of hair that cling to Mondo's head, his own silent question in his actions. He watches as Mondo smiles, nodding subtly as he leans into Taka's ministrations, eyes closing and lips letting out a shaky, happy sigh. It makes Taka's heart swell with love, love, love, and it's still bright in his chest as he reaches out to grab Mondo's shampoo, putting a healthy amount into his hands as he slides his fingers back into Mondo's surprisingly silky hair, the product getting washed out easily.

As he watches Mondo's mouth part slightly, eyes closed with bliss, part of him wishes he hadn't washed his hair the previous day, thus making him not have to wash it again for at least another day. Part of him also wishes that he and Mondo weren't so close that the biker could tell that without Taka having to explicitly tell him… though, actually, no. Scratch that, he doesn't wish that. Not at all. Not at all. He'll never regret their closeness for anything.

Once he's done soaping up Mondo's hair, he gently brings the biker back under the warm spray to rinse it out. And then he repeats the actions again with the separate conditioner that Mondo has to use to keep his hair healthy despite the unnatural way he styles it every day. It feels surprisingly slippery in his hands, and Mondo chuckles as Taka starts scrubbing the conditioner in the biker's hair, making Taka feel curious as to why.

"Ya don't gotta scrub in conditioner, Kiyo. Ya just slide it onta yer hair. Like this," Mondo mutters softly, fondness bright in his words, before his hands are on Taka's, showing him the proper motion for applying the fancy conditioner that Mondo uses. The action is a little awkward, Mondo's hands holding his at a bit of an awkward angle, but neither of them mind too much, not with how intimate it all feels. Taka honestly hadn't realized that conditioner was meant to be put on differently than shampoo, either... he's always just used the two or three-in-one stuff they sell at general stores, but even if he didn't, his hair is short, so he doesn't really think it matters too much for him. He sure is learning a lot today...

Once its applied, Mondo lets the conditioner sit in his hair for a minute as he lets his hand trail up and down Taka's body almost absently. Taka's hands return the favor with pleasure, their bodies close as they stand in the shower, Mondo partially out of the spray to allow the conditioner to sit— which the biker assures Taka is a very vital step in the conditioning process, to Taka's amusement.

Once the allotted time is over, Mondo moves back under the spray, looking utterly gorgeous as the water streams down his hair and face and body, looking like a goddamn Adonis.

Soon, it's time to turn the water off, their bodies as clean as they can get, though he can tell they both are dreading the moment they leave the warm spray, not wanting this absolutely perfect moment to end.

But end it must, as all moments do. And Taka just smiles sadly at Mondo as the biker turns the water off, both standing for a moment before Taka takes initiative and exits the shower, bending to grab a spare towel from the bottom drawers, since his usual towel is both wet and tossed somewhere in the bedroom carelessly. He can feel eyes on his backside as he bends over, but he doesn't mind. Not at all...

(He also sees his old uniform still sitting in the sink, waiting for him to take it to the laundry to remove the stains. He ignores it. He's never cared less about the state of his uniform, to be honest.)

Soon, they are both wrapped up in towels, the intimate moment in the shower ending decisively, making Taka feel a little colder inside. They silently exit the bathroom and head to the dresser, getting clean clothes to wear. It's not honestly that late, but he doubts either of them will be leaving their rooms for long, other than for dinner, since Taka doesn't have patrol on weekends. He dresses in an undershirt and a pair of Mondo's sleep pants, the biker watching him through the side of his eye as he dresses. It makes some of the chill in his heart leave, the knowledge that Mondo still- well. Still wants being more than enough for him.

It's when they are both dressed again that a slightly charged, slightly awkward moment arises, ironically enough, both teens looking anywhere but the other as the strangeness of earlier sinks in. Everything they've done before this day could technically— very, very technically— be considered heterosexual. Or, well... as not inherently homosexual, he supposes. Just a- a bro helping a bro, as Mondo calls it, though even that's a very large stretch.

But this? What they'd just done, both the sexual act and the intimate one after? Well... Taka is no expert, but he has a feeling that there is no possible heterosexual explanation for that. Especially not now that Mondo knows Taka's sexual orientation. Especially not with how desperate Mondo had been, how much he'd wanted it, too. He has a feeling Mondo will still try and justify it to himself, but... well. He also has a feeling it will be a lot harder to do this time around.

He won't push it, though. He has never felt more lost or adrift before, but he isn't going to question it. Mondo needs his space to come to terms with everything that is going on. Taka can respect that; it has taken him years to come to grips with who and what he is, after all. He's fairly certain he's finally made peace with it all, even though he knows it's going to make achieving his goal that much harder. But if Japan can't elect an openly gay Prime Minister, then, well... he doesn't know. He really... he doesn't know. It just will mean he has to work harder, but that's okay. He's used to hard work. It'll be better, he thinks, than trying to hide who and what he is again. God, does he not want to have to do that ever again... he's not quite ready to fully come out, not yet, not to everyone, but he refuses to force himself to not take what he wants just because of fear.

And if Mondo- a-ah. If Mondo works through his own issues and realizes that he does... does want to be with him, well. Then, Taka will do everything he can to make them work. To make... to make them work. After all, he highly doubts he will ever love someone quite as much as he loves Mondo, even if he might be able to find some form of love again. If he believed in such fanciful nonsense as soulmates, well. He'd think that he and Mondo are it. Two pieces of the same puzzle, made perfectly to compliment the other, even if they're not at all the same. Their similarities are just enough to make the differences all the more striking and beautiful, he feels. He doesn't quite know if Mondo feels the same about him, can't quite get a feel for that, but he doesn't doubt that Mondo feels something for him. Something more than just friendship. Something deeper than just that. Something decidedly not familial, too.

The charged moment gets broken— hilariously enough— by a sneeze. Taka's sneeze, to be exact. The silence was just about to grow so heavy as to consume them entirely, when Taka had sneezed abruptly, no build up whatsoever. The sneeze is quickly followed by another, and then another, Taka sniffing and rubbing his nose when he finally is done, pouting at the way his body is staunchly betraying him.

Luckily, it— at the very least— manages to break the mounting tension quite nicely, Mondo stifling his laugh for a split second before he lets it loose, the sound almost a little hysterical, but still happy and boisterous all the same. Taka can't even find it in him to feel offended, though he does make sure to frown exaggeratedly at Mondo when the teen glances at him, tears in his eyes. Taka doesn't ask if they're from happiness or pain, and instead just sniffs indignantly. He then has to sniff actually when he feels another sneeze coming on, doing his best to stifle it, to no avail.

Still chuckling, Mondo strides over to him, eyes soft and tender as he gently bullies Taka over to the couch, tutting as he goes.

"Yeah, yeah, I fuckin' know. Y'ain't sick, got it. Don't fuckin' care. Yer gonna sit down there on the couch, we're gonna fuckin' snuggle under a fuckin' blanket, an' we're gonna watch some fuckin' shows while ya rest up. Got it?"

Despite the exasperated words, Taka can hear the genuine concern and care in the biker's voice, as well as the fondness he always hears these days. It's because of that— more than anything— that he doesn't complain. Much. He grumbles, yes, but they're token protests at the most, his heart too full for him to feel truly miffed. After all, the main reason he's always hated being sick is that it makes him feel slow and out of control, his body warring with his mind about his own body's functions. He's always hated that and fought it as much as he could, his sheer stubbornness protecting him more often than not from the worst of his colds.

However...

However, he thinks, as Mondo meticulously sets up their cozy little movie space, grabbing the blankets from the bed and arranging them carefully around Taka on the couch, grabbing some water bottles and candy and chips that he has been buying from the store specifically for times like this... he thinks that maybe— just maybe— he wouldn't mind being sick quite as much if Mondo were here to take care of him during. It should make him feel guilty, should make him feel angry at himself for being such a burden (like he always felt when he'd get seriously sick as a child and his father would have to take time out of his busy day tending to him, the man not always able to hide his dissatisfaction at having to do such a thing), but for once he just... he can't. Not when Mondo is pulling him so close to his side, kissing his temple gently as he does so, his body engulfed in so much pleasant warmth that the ice inside him has no hope of taking hold.

He does manage to mutter out a few words after another sneezing attack, these ones more violent than the ones before. Especially once they are followed by a few racking coughs, not even Taka able to fully deny the truth anymore...

"Y-you really shouldn't be sitting so close to me, my dearest kyoudai," Taka claims softly, heart clenching at the thought of Mondo not holding him so close anymore... "I-if I am sick... I'd hate for you to catch it too..."

Mondo doesn't pull away at his words, though. If anything, he presses closer, kissing Taka's nose gently when he turns to face the biker.

"Yeah, prolly right. Good thing y'ain't sick, ey?" Mondo questions lightly, his eyes sparkling with unrestrained mirth. The look softens at Taka's small frown, the biker leaning forward and kissing his nose again, before moving over to his cheek and kissing there, too, before moving to the other cheek and repeating the action. He sure has kissed Taka almost everywhere, hasn't he...?

Mondo continues before he can get too invested in the thought, though, his heart aching softly at the reminder of their actual kiss earlier, which had ended far too soon for him to properly enjoy it...

"I don't fuckin' care, kyoudai. I get sick every so often. It fuckin' sucks, but I can handle it. Don't want ya havin' ta go through this shit alone. Y'ain't ever gonna be alone again, ya hear me? Not as long as I'm here. So, if I get sick, I fuckin' get sick. Not a big deal. Leavin' ya alone while yer sick? Now that, Kiyo, is a big fuckin' deal. Now, shut the fuck up, eat some snacks, an' watch the fuckin' movie. Doctor's orders."

And well... honestly, how can he argue against that?

If this is what being sick is going to be like now, well...

Maybe it isn't so bad after all.

---

So! The only thing you missed if you skipped the sexual content is that Mondo and Taka shared another sort of kiss. Mondo also is getting more comfortable doing sexual acts with Taka, allowing Taka to reciprocate, indicating that he might also be coming to terms with his sexuality. Slowly, yes, but one day… ha. Actually, when I first wrote this chapter I wrote about Mondo's thoughts and feelings, and while they're a bit too long for this note, I did post them to my Tumblr, and you can read it there if you're curious. This all will hopefully be addressed in The Problem with Mondo, but since I'm still struggling to write the companion to chapter 17, it's gonna be a while until TPWM is posted. :-(

Anyway! I hope y'all liked this chapter! It was mostly fluff and the class getting along, which I love. Next chapter is a lot of fun though. ;-) It was originally 28k words long, but I split it up into two chapters, which I honestly think makes the most sense as the two parts are VERY different, despite occurring on the same day. You'll see what I mean when you get there, ha. Anyway, next chapter is also very fluffy, and I think some of you may have an idea of what occurs in it, if you look at how this chapter ended. ;-)