Inspired by daiikon's "Step By Step" on Archive Of Our Own. Chris/Eijun fans should check it out.
Sawamura is unaware of his tendency to invade people's private spaces, especially Chris'. For the most part Chris doesn't mind, but it becomes a little worrying when the boy takes it upon himself to memorize Chris' bathing schedule and volunteers to wash his back every time. There's also the matter of Sawamura's shameless staring at his body from head to toe, especially how his eyes linger at that part hanging between Chris' legs. It's just a phase, Chris assures himself.
Because, really, how can he say no when Sawamura looks at him with those expectant eyes and that innocent smile? "Chris-senpai, let's play catch!"
"A few minutes wouldn't hurt." Chris falls for it every single time.
There isn't a day since their first and last game together that Sawamura has failed to throw a goofy grin his way and greet him good morning. On their way back to the dormitory, Sawamura races up the stairs ahead of him and waits in front of Chris' room so he can say, "Good job today, Chris-senpai, and welcome back!" There's little that Chris can do except pat the younger boy's head and answer, "I'm home." It almost makes Chris wish he never gets over this phase.
Of course it isn't all rainbows and butterflies. There's still Sawamura's ogling of Chris' body; and his unhealthy fascination with Chris' face; and his desire to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner with Chris; and his—needless to say, Sawamura can be a bit too affectionate at times. It's bordering on obsessive, really.
"Sawamura, I think we're spending a little too much time together," Chris tells him one day, finally deciding it's for the boy's own good. He's a bit unsettled at how it came out sounding eerily like a break-up line. To his surprise, Sawamura acknowledges his bad habits and gets down on his knees to apologize. "Well, there's no need to be so—I don't even know how to describe you right now."
In the following days, Sawamura makes it a point to distance himself from his mentor. This means no more baths together, meals together, or catch together, and it dawns on Chris just how routine everything was before the freshman came into his life. Just great, Chris, now you care.
He finds the freshman in the bullpen that night, sprawled on the ground and softly snoring away. The chafed skin at the tips of Sawamura's fingers tells him the pitcher's been practicing more than usual.
"What did I tell you about taking care of your body?"
Chris picks him up and proceeds to carry Sawamura back to the dorm, making a mental note to come up with a better diet plan for him because he is far too light. Chris also notes that there might be something wrong with him because he can't stop smiling when he glances down at the sleeping boy's face.