Every Day: Friday
Every Day - Friday Afternoon, Evening, and Night
Author's Note: This part had issues. Serious issues. Like broken/sprained wrists that shouldn't have ever been injured. But I've fixed it. Tried to. Now it's all fluff, which we all love, right? Saturday shall be around sooner rather than later. I have all of one hundred words of it written. Yay, hm?
Disclaimer: Because I keep forgetting this and can't remember if I did this on the first part or not: I don't own them and I make no profit. This is entirely for fun. If you wish to pay me for entertaining you, please just do so discreetly. (And the last is a joke which is not meant to be taken seriously).
*****
"So, you've been skating before?" Daisuke asked, voice overly casual as he and Ken waited in line to rent skates for the morning. It was edging on ten o'clock and it had taken them a short ten minutes to walk from Daisuke's house. It would have taken less time, but Daisuke had insisted on walking with both arms wrapped around Ken, and the first few minutes had been spent adjusting their strides to keep from tripping over each other.
Ken looked at Daisuke, eyed the tell-tale gleam of excitement and nervousness, and took that sign into account with the crushing grip Daisuke had on his hand. "I have, yes. This would be your first time?"
Daisuke nodded, eyeing the rows of skates behind the counter. There was a clerk sorting out the shoe size of a seven year old girl in front of them, but they'd be getting their pairs in moments. "I've been ice skating once, but my parents wouldn't let me go roller-skating because they were afraid I'd hurt myself. Or someone else."
"Ah." Ken nodded and then stepped up to the counter when the girl in front of them was done He pulled his wallet out of his back pocket and requested two pairs of skates, one in his size and one in Daisuke's. He thanked the man as he took both pairs, fingers of one hand gripping tightly to the laces of four skates as he tugged Daisuke away with the other hand. "You'll do fine. We'll take it slow and we won't have to worry about crowding because there's almost no one else here."
"Cool," Daisuke murmured, making an obvious effort to sound relaxed. It wasn't until they were sitting down that he seemed to realize Ken had paid for the both of them. He leaned over and kissed Ken's cheek before stealing his skates. "Thanks, Ken."
The little girl, who had been in front of them in line and was now sitting across from them lacing up her shoes, giggled. Ken blushed and ducked his head, letting his hair hide him. Daisuke reached out and brushed the locks back, however, uncovering Ken's face as he smiled.
"You're cute, you know that?" The words were soft, spoken in a low voice that made it private and more meaningful than any brash or romantic thing Daisuke might have said. The moment was between just the two of them. Ken's blush deepened and spread, making his ears and neck warm.
Ken looked up through his lashes and met Daisuke's gaze, swallowing hard at the affectionate look Daisuke was giving him. "Thank you," he whispered in return, trying to fight off his nervousness. On impulse, he leaned up and kissed Daisuke's cheek, showing his gratitude for the compliment the same way Daisuke had for the skates. Daisuke smiled, an actual smile and not a grin, and leaned over to put his skates on.
The hours until noon passed quickly, with Daisuke adjusting to the box wheels (1). He went slow at first, but quickly gained speed and confidence, until he and Ken were racing each other around the rink, easily sailing around the few other people who joined them on the floor.
In a move that demonstrated Daisuke's normally cocky, "I-can-do-anything" attitude, he decided to take on skating backwards. Instead of starting at a stop, he decided the best way was to get a good speed going forwards, and then to turn, a maneuver Ken performed easily through long practice. Daisuke's luck, which had kept him upright to that point, failed him then, and his arms spun around as he wobbled and then fell hard. Instead of falling backwards, he went forward and put his arms out to brace himself. The fall attracted Ken's attention and he made his way to Daisuke's side quickly.
"Are you okay?" Ken asked, stopping next to Daisuke and quickly dropping to his knees. Daisuke was hunched over on his knees, arms pulled tight to his chest. For a few horrible seconds, Ken thought he might have actually hurt himself, but then Daisuke looked up through his lashes.
"You're it!" In a fast, and surprisingly graceful, motion, Daisuke was back on his feet and skating away.
Ken laughed and gave chase, cutting across the old-fashioned wooden rink and going straight for Daisuke. As Ken neared, Daisuke turned sharply, trying to avoid getting tagged in return, but Ken could almost see where Daisuke was going, and he changed his trajectory to intercept Daisuke. He reached out to tag Daisuke and was surprised when Daisuke turned easily and grabbed his hand.
"Skate with me?" The game of tag was over, as Daisuke skated in reverse and tugged Ken along with him. As easily as Ken had accepted the game of chess, he now accepted Daisuke's invitation. He held his other hand out to Daisuke and smiled when Daisuke took it. They fell into an easily rhythm, with Ken guiding Daisuke with gentle tugs on his arm.
Morning gave way to afternoon.
*****
"I don't -want- ice cream," Ken protested. To Daisuke, Ken was just denying his obvious desire for the cold treat because Daisuke was insisting on paying, just like he'd insisted on paying for lunch.
"Yes, you do," Daisuke argued. Daisuke made to go back to the counter to order ice cream for the both of them, but Ken grabbed his arm.
They stared at one another, each equally determined to have his way. Daisuke was rather proud of his stubbornness. He didn't back down easily -- at all -- and he prided himself on being right. Even when he was wrong, he was right, simply because he would be the last man standing. Daisuke had thought Ken to be a rather quiet, giving person. He wasn't stubborn, except on the soccer field. Ken seemed determined to prove him wrong.
"Daisuke, I don't want ice cream. We still have two uneaten hamburgers, which -you- ordered. We don't need more. We don't have room for more." Ken's tone was very serious, as was his expression as he gazed at Daisuke.
Daisuke pouted. "But there's always room for ice cream." And for added affect, he stuck out his bottom lip and tilted his head.
Ken looked away for a moment, long enough for Daisuke to feel triumph budding inside. Then Ken leaned closer, kissed his cheek, and said very softly. "No ice cream, Daisuke. Please?"
And with a grudging admiration for Ken's ability to look cute, without pouting even, Daisuke conceded. He wasn't really that hungry, after all. Ice cream didn't come in Ken-flavor.
*****
They returned home after lunch and put the extra food in the refrigerator for Jun. Then they settled on the floor in Daisuke's room and played video games. Somehow, vague challenges became more playful, and the rewards for winning went from bragging rights to kisses and back rubs. Ken's prizes so far had included three kisses and two back rubs. Daisuke had won nothing, but he wasn't about to complain. He was massaging Ken's shoulders, the genius lying on his stomach on the floor, when the phone rang.
"Be right back," Daisuke said as he stood up. Ken murmured and turned his head to the side so he could see Daisuke leave. He smiled slightly, feeling relaxed. His head was resting on his arms. Beating Daisuke at video games wasn't something new or difficult, but the rewards were definitely better than they had been any other day.
Daisuke returned and held out the cordless phone to Ken. Ken rolled onto his back and accepted it with his right hand. "Hello?" he said into the receiver.
Daisuke smiled at him and sat down beside him.
"Ken, dear?" his mother's voice greeted him from the earpiece. Ken felt his smile dim slightly. There were few reasons she would call him at Daisuke's house and none of them boded well for spending a relaxing day with the auburn-haired boy.
"It's me, mother." Daisuke raised an eyebrow at him as Ken identified himself. The look on his face said he'd read the change in Ken's demeanor. Ken shrugged and tried to smile at him.
"I hope you didn't forget the Kinsons were coming over today." His mother's voice was mildly chiding.
Daisuke stretched out on his side beside Ken and wrapped an arm around him.
"I hadn't forgotten, mother," Ken assured. He rolled onto his side and raised himself up on his left elbow. He made a face at Daisuke. He -had- forgotten.
"Good. Your father will be around to pick you up in two hours." Her voice was distracted, and Ken could imagine her checking their conversation off on her list of things to do in preparation of their small dinner party. "You will be ready?"
"Yes, mother."
Daisuke grinned and ran a hand through Ken's hair. Ken shifted back to get away from the touch and attempted a stern look at Daisuke -- "I'm on the phone," his eyes said -- and Daisuke pushed him onto his back.
His mother's presence on the phone kept Ken from retaliating, and Ken shook his head as Daisuke rested his head on his stomach. "You could bring Daisuke," his mother's voice told him.
Ken gazed into Daisuke's eyes. "I'll ask him. I'll be ready when father arrives." His words were short and just short of being impolite.
His mother took the dismissal easily. "Goodbye, dear." The phone clicked in his ear, signaling that she'd disconnected the call, and Ken turned the phone off before setting it down and tucking his arms under his head.
"My mother has invited you to dinner tonight. We are having guests and it will be rather boring..." he trailed off as Daisuke simply grinned at him. "Would you like to attend?"
"Yes!" The answer was immediate. "Dude, you even had to ask?"
Ken closed his eyes and smiled. "I guess not."
Daisuke rolled onto his back his head still resting on Ken's abdomen. "So, what do I have to wear?"
"Clothes," Ken answered, smirking.
*****
Jun arrived home at a little after four, and Ken's father pulled up a short twenty minutes later. There was enough time between those two events that Daisuke gained permission to go to Ken's, was told he couldn't wear shorts to a dinner, and managed to corner Ken for a kiss in the front hallway.
Then Daisuke and Ken left and walked to the car. They weren't holding hands. Ken had started to quietly tell Daisuke that his parents didn't know about them and quite possibly wouldn't understand, and Daisuke had cut him off. It was enough that -he- knew, and Ken knew... and Jun knew, but she didn't really count. If Ken wanted to wait to tell his parents, until Saturday or Sunday, Daisuke could handle that.
He could even handle waiting until Monday, if Ken was willing to kiss him for his patience.
Ken opened the back door when they reached the car, then told Daisuke to take the front seat. Daisuke balked. He'd thought they'd sit in the back together. He hesitated, but then did as Ken said, but only because Ken was looking at him with the same expression he'd worn when they'd argued over ice cream. Daisuke figured if there was no battle, he couldn't lose again, so he didn't put up a fight.
He opened the door and got in, then turned a bright grin on Ken's father. "Hello. I'm Daisuke. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Ken's father looked nothing like Daisuke had expected. The man's hair was a simple brown color instead of the interesting blue-black shade of Ken's. He was taller and had a broadness/breadth Ken's build didn't even hint at. The man smiled, turned sideways, and held his hand out. "It's a pleasure to meet you also, Daisuke." They shook hands and Mr. Ichijouji offered his own first name. Daisuke ignored it and resolved to call him "Mr. Ichijouji." Politeness could go a long way with parents. Mr. Ichijouji turned to restart the car and take them home.
Daisuke turned around and looked at Ken expectantly, eyebrows raised. "How did I do?" he asked with the look. Ken smiled back at him, looking pleased with him, and Daisuke turned back around with a proud feeling. He'd wrap Ken's parents around his finger, so that when Ken introduced Daisuke later as his boyfriend, they'd know he was a great guy and they wouldn't have a problem with it.
*****
Ken's apartment building was in the middle of town. It was a nice building in a nice neighborhood, where children played safely in the park down the street. Of course, the entire town was 'safe' like that, but Ken's parents referred to their block as one of the 'better parts of town.' The conversation in the front of the car was lively as they pulled into the parking lot. Daisuke was telling Ken's father about soccer and school. When asked about his family, the only person Daisuke mentioned was his sister, but the omission of his parents seemed unconscious and innocent.
The car came to a stop, and the three of them got out. Daisuke almost instantly moved to Ken's side. For a moment, Ken thought Daisuke would try to take his hand or put his arm around him. He wouldn't have pushed him away, but he was steeling himself for his father's reaction. True to his agreement to wait, though, Daisuke held back. If Daisuke walked a little close, he made up for it by elbowing Ken in the side and making a joke.
His father seemed oblivious to Ken's controlled nervousness. That was good. Daisuke seemed as oblivious, which was also good, because Ken doubted he would have waited until they were alone to question it. Daisuke could be sweet and wonderful, but he was also tactless and impatient. Ken wasn't quite sure which combination he liked best, since they were both cute and part of the whole he adored.
The Ichijouji apartment was on the sixth floor, and they took the stairs up. Daisuke was too hyper to be cooped up on the elevator for the thirty seconds it would have taken then to get to the floor, and Ken and his father both preferred the exercise the stairs gave them.
Daisuke was slightly breathless by the time they got there. Part of the reason was that he'd run up ahead of Ken and his father, then back down, then back ahead of them again. All told, he'd gone up at least a dozen flights, his happy chatter filling the stairwell with comments the entire time.
Ken didn't know whether to be amused or embarrassed. His father was eyeing Daisuke oddly, trying to figure out where the boy got the energy. When asked, Ken simply answered, "High metabolism." He wasn't quite sure himself, but at the moment, it was the first logical answer he could offer.
They reached the sixth floor, Daisuke ahead of them once again. He held the door for the landing and waved them both through, bouncing on his heels and grinning like a maniac. Ken was starting to get worried. Daisuke tended to be very open and honest when he was wound up like he was at that moment. If he should say something...
His father unlocked the door to their apartment and waved the two boys in. Daisuke rushed right in and took off his shoes almost immediately. Ken, having formed the habit after staying most of the week at Daisuke's house, also took his shoes off. His father walked straight towards the kitchen, where his mother was making dinner. Ken took the opportunity to hold Daisuke back.
"Daisuke," he started, a hand on the arm of the auburn-haired boy. "Are you okay?" He kept his voice low and his attention partially focused on the kitchen.
"I'm perfect," Daisuke whispered back. He leaned forward and into Ken, his arms going around Ken's waist. "Your father likes me."
Surprised to suddenly find himself in Daisuke's embrace, Ken had no response at first, and Daisuke kissed him, effectively stealing anything he would have thought up. It was a short kiss, as far as kisses with Daisuke went, but Ken's brain was mush.
"Your mother is going to love me, too," Daisuke continued his own train of thought, oblivious to the one he'd derailed in Ken's mind. "After tonight, they'll both think I'm great, and when we tell them, they won't care. At all. Or they'll be really, really, happy." He was very sure about that, Ken could tell
His mother's voice called to them from the kitchen, demanding her son bring his guest in for introductions. Daisuke grinned, pecked Ken's cheek with his lips, and darted into the kitchen to introduce himself.
Ken touched a hand to his cheek and smiled bemusedly. His parents didn't stand a chance. At least, he hoped not.
*****
The Kinson family was headed by a man named "Albert" who worked with Ken's father. The wife was named something with an "E" and they had two daughters, one older than Daisuke and Ken, the other their age. With Daisuke, the number of people in the apartment was an even eight.
Daisuke watched Mrs. Ichijouji wring her hands as she stared at the oven. Inside was a roast big enough to feed ten people. Definitely enough food for them all, without including the large chocolate cake sitting on the counter and the pie cooling on the stove.
"I don't know what to do, Ken. It's never going to be ready in time." Mrs. Ichijouj turned away from the oven and started searching through cupboards. Daisuke had offered to help, but had been told he should sit down and relax. He was a -guest- in their home, and that prohibited him from helping out. //But boyfriends can help out. I'm sure. If she knew Ken and I were dating, maybe she'd let me help?// It was a thought worth dwelling on, and since he had nothing else to occupy him with -- he refused to think about joining the other 'guests' in the living room -- it was what he did.
Ken walked to his mother and put a hand on her arm. "Mother, please. Stop worrying. Why don't you go into the living room and make conversation with Mrs. Kinson? I'm sure she's more than a little bored by the business talk by now."
"Good thinking, Ken." His mother looked relieved as she smiled at him. "I guess this will give you and Daisuke an excuse to sit in here, away from the girls, hm?" She put a hand on his shoulder for a moment, then turned. Daisuke was surprised to see her head directly for him before leaving the kitchen. "Hello, Daisuke. It is a pleasure to meet you. Next time, we'll plan a dinner with just you, so we can get to know you better than we most likely will tonight." She was truly apologetic. "I'd ask if you wanted to come into the other room with me and have tea, but..."
"But I'll stay here and hide with Ken." He smiled at her, taking his cue from the way she had let the words trail off. "It was really nice of you to include me at all." She smiled warmly at that, brushed a motherly hand over the top of his head, and left to join her other guests.
"That was good, Daisuke," Ken said softly from across the room. He was leaning against the counter and watching Daisuke with a smile.
"Yes, well. That shouldn't surprise you. I am the -master- of good." Daisuke made his way to Ken's side, where he wrapped an arm around him and leaned into him. "Your family is really nice." He rested his chin on Ken's shoulder. "You're very nice to help her out like this." He made sure his tone was teasing and playful.
Ken must have read his tone just right, too, because he tilted his head and gave Daisuke a -look-. "Yeah?"
"Yeah," Daisuke said back, leaning closer. "Niceness like yours should be rewarded." Ken made to say something else, but Daisuke closed the distance between them and kissed him before he could.
*****
Afterward dinner was served, eaten, and cleared away, Ken and Daisuke were both dragged into the living room to talk with the other guests. "No more hiding," Mr. Ichijouji had stated. Daisuke kept near Ken most of the time, especially when the youngest Kinson girl decided the genius was cute and flirted with him. Much to Ken's embarrassment, Daisuke got between them and flirted back with her. She eventually got the hint, as Ken did nothing to encourage her and Daisuke was really more annoying than flirtatious, and left them to each other.
"I can't believe you did that," Ken murmured softly, leaning against the wall and taking advantage of the fact that everyone else was engrossed in conversations which didn't include him or Daisuke. They had a respite and were going to make it stretch as long as they could.
Daisuke grinned at him and leaned against the wall beside him, not close enough to make them look suspicious, but close enough to press his shoulder against Ken's. "I can't believe you didn't just tell her off." There was no hint of jealousy in his voice, no accusing tone that suggested Ken should have just told her he was taken. Ken looked at him searchingly, trying to see something that didn't seem to be there.
"Were you jealous?" he asked. If their roles had been reversed, he was pretty sure he would have been angry. Only by recognizing the fact that Daisuke had been 'protecting' him by flirting with the girl had Ken managed to tamp down on his own jealousy.
The auburn-haired boy shook his head and leaned his head against the wall. His eyes were dark and hot and, Ken thought rather hopefully, just a tad possessive. "Not really. Almost, but why would you want her when you have me?"
Ken started to laugh, thinking that was a rather cocky thing to say. He was tempted to tell Daisuke he was full of himself, but the words didn't come. Daisuke leaned just a little closer, his head still tilted to the side, and gave Ken a look full of promise. Ken swallowed hard and leaned towards him, lost in his eyes and the moment. They drifted together until their lips were touching in a light kiss.
It wasn't until a high-pitched, feminine voice said, "Oh, my GOD!" and then all conversation died that Ken remembered where they were and who their audience was.
"Oh, my god," he said softly, under his breath as he sagged against the wall and look at everyone else in the room. All eyes were on them.
He felt Daisuke take his hand and he turned to look at him. Instead of the same fear and trepidation Ken could feel winding through his body, all he saw on Daisuke's face was happiness and pride.
*****
Daisuke kept reminding himself that Ken's parents loved Ken and -he- liked Daisuke. //It'll be okay. We'll work this out and they'll still love me.//
The attention was only on them for a few minutes before it was split between them and Ken's father. The man was staring at them with his mouth gaping, obviously as surprised as his guests at what they had just done. Daisuke really should have felt at least a little embarrassed, but kissing Ken made him feel good, and holding his hand in front of everyone was a high Daisuke wasn't going to let go of easily. If at all.
Finally, Mr. Ichijouji turned to his wife, and they leaned their heads close together as they whispered. Daisuke squeezed Ken's hand and then tugged him closer so he could wrap an arm around him. The Kinsons kept looking back and forth at either side of the room, switching between staring at Daisuke and Ken and looking at the parents to see what their reaction would be. No one seemed eager to say anything until the head of the house made up his mind about how to react. Finally, Ken's parents stepped apart.
Mrs. Ichijouji, with a smile in place and no outward indication of awkwardness, returned to her conversation with Mrs. Kinson as if there had been no interruption. Mrs. Kinson wasn't quite as able to put it aside. Her answers to Mrs. Ichijouji were short and distracted as she watched Mr. Ichijouji cross the room to his son.
He was frowning slightly when he reached them, and Daisuke felt Ken grip his hand a little tighter. "Would the two of you please accompany me to the master bedroom?" His voice was stiff and formal, despite the fact that they were the only ones who could hear his low tone.
Daisuke wasn't entirely sure if that was good thing or not, but he followed Ken when his boyfriend went to the back of the apartment. Ken's father didn't come in directly, and as soon as they were alone, Ken turned and hugged him, thin arms wrapped tight around Daisuke's shoulders. Daisuke returned the embrace, wondering at this sudden act of affection on Ken's part. He didn't have long to wonder, though.
When he came into the room, Mr. Ichijouji had a calm expression on his face, one Daisuke recognized as the universal parent-look of "Now, Daisuke, listen really closely as we tell you something you're not going to like."
//What is it with this family and the serious conversations?//
No one spoke at first. It seemed that even though Mr. and Mrs. Ichijouji worked out the 'who' of the discussion, they'd failed to work out exactly 'what' would be discussed.
Ken turned in his arms, but didn't pull away, so Daisuke rested his chin on Ken's shoulder as best he could despite the difference in their heights. Ken leaned back against him, helping out with that detail as Daisuke crossed his arms over the genius's chest. //Two on one, but the ball is in Mr. Ichijouji's court.//
The man finally spoke. "How long have you two been...?" He trailed off as if he didn't know how to form the right word.
"Boyfriends," Daisuke supplied helpfully. He felt Ken tense up a little in his arms, but there was no vocal protest, and no answer, so Daisuke supplied that as well. "Since last night."
Mr. Ichijouji looked at them for a moment longer, before nodding thoughtfully and rubbing the bridge of his nose with one hand. Daisuke got the feeling he hadn't been expecting that, or really any answer. With Mr. Ichijouji's gaze averted, he took a moment to nuzzle Ken's neck, which Ken seemed to like. He tilted his head to give Daisuke better access and relaxed just a little.
"Daisuke, may I please speak with Ken alone?" Despite the rather polite tone of voice the request was asked in, Daisuke knew it was a command. He gave Ken a squeeze and let go of him. Ken straightened up, back stiff, and stared at his father as Daisuke left the room.
*****
Ken found Daisuke in his room. The auburn-haired boy was sitting at his desk and playing with his computer. The icon on the screen indicated a game was loading, but it was taking a long time and Daisuke was fiddling with the mouse impatiently when Ken walked up from behind and hugged him.
Daisuke jumped, then turned the chair so he could pull Ken closer, tucking his head against Ken's stomach and giving him a hug. "So, do they love me yet?" Ken could tell he was half-kidding, but there was a bit of nervousness in those brown eyes. Ken thought it was about time Daisuke started to show a little worry, but the thought was short-lived.
He smiled down at Daisuke. "They like you well enough to let you spend the night." There was a sign flashing in Ken's head which told him it would be okay. He hadn't been yelled at, hadn't been told to make Daisuke leave, that what they had was wrong, or any of the negative things he had expected. There had been a lecture about responsibility, about sex and what his parents thought was inappropriate for his age no matter who he dated. There had even been, just as Ken was leaving the room, a softly spoken wish that he do what made him happy -- which had been followed by a slightly rougher reminder of 'within reason.'
There had also been a question, asked innocently enough, which had struck Ken deeply. He was Daisuke's for a week. He had agreed at the beginning to be the friend Daisuke wanted. Obviously that 'friend' was now 'boyfriend,' but after Saturday, what would Daisuke expect of him?
Ken had realized, as they asked, that they thought this 'relationship,' whatever it was he had with Daisuke, would end as soon as he no longer 'owed' Daisuke, as soon as the terms of the auction were over.
He looked down at the head pressed against him and ran his hands through soft, auburn locks. "Daisuke?"
"Hm?" The question was quiet, distracted. It was rather late in the day, and they'd been active for most of it. Added to that was the stress of the past hour or so, and Ken could feel his own fatigue starting to pull at the last of his energy.
"What do you want to do on Sunday?" Not Saturday, -Sunday-; after their prearranged week was over and gone.
Daisuke hummed for a couple of seconds, thinking about that. He finally shrugged and tilted his head, resting his chin against Ken as he looked up at him. "Want to go swimming? Jun can drive us to the pool."
"That sounds wonderful," Ken answered, relaxing completely. Daisuke stood up without pulling his arms away, and pressed a kiss to Ken's chin, his cheek, and then his lips. Ken stopped him before the kiss could deepen or rob him of rational thought, as Daisuke's kisses tended to do. "You are wonderful."
"I know that," Daisuke said back, grinning as he stood up on tiptoe, determined to kiss Ken. Ken wasn't about to argue in the face of that determination, not when giving in was so much more fun. He knew all he needed to know at the moment and everything else could wait.
*****
A bed was made up on the floor in Ken's room. His father carried two sleeping bags in from the master bedroom and his mother brought in sheets and an extra pillow. The resulting pallet was wide enough for six people. The first sleeping bag created a thin mattress over the floor, and with the heat in the apartment at a sub-tropical level, Daisuke was able to lay on top of the second one as well, increasing the padding between his body and the floor. Given that he and Ken had spent two of their nights on the floor in his room without such comfort, the padding was an extra he hadn't expected but definitely liked.
By nine o'clock that night, they were settled into their respective 'beds.' Ken was in his loft bed, high up off the floor compared to the pallet where Daisuke was supposed to be sleeping. There had been an argument over who got to sleep in the bed. Daisuke had won the argument by lying down on the blankets, pulling them into his arms so there wasn't enough space for Ken to get a hold, and refusing to move. Ken couldn't struggle with him without making a lot of noise and possibly bringing his parents in to check on them, and the argument was considered finished.
Daisuke took his time getting comfortable, shifting this way and that, spreading the blankets back out. He was just getting comfortably settled when he heard a noise coming from Ken's bed. He listened and heard the sound of bare feet on the rungs of the ladder, and then the soft rustle of the carpet as Ken came closer. With a smile, Daisuke slid over and held his hand out. It connected with an ankle, and Daisuke slid his hand up so he could tug at Ken's calf.
"There's room," he whispered. Ken was still for a moment, and then Daisuke heard a small chuckle and the leg was pulled away, only to be replaced with Ken's hand a moment later.
"My parents are going to yell at me in the morning," Ken said. He didn't sound terribly worried, and Daisuke felt the blanket smoothed out on the side to make room for Ken's body.
Unconcerned, Daisuke pressed as close as he could as soon as Ken had lied, and snuggled against him. "Just tell them we got cold." They were silent for a couple of minutes. Daisuke rubbed his foot against Ken's leg. "So, your parents do like me?" He'd asked the same question an hour before, and again an hour before that.
Ken laughed softly and nodded into Ken's neck. "They think you're very sweet and good for me. They won't think you're so good for me if they find us in bed together in the morning, but we'll let them keep their delusions until dawn."
"Technically, we're not 'in bed.'"
Ken laughed and Daisuke kissed his temple, then tossed the foot which had been rubbing Ken's leg over his legs, so that Ken was wrapped in arms and legs, nestled against Daisuke's body. "Technically, we both -could- be in bed instead of on the floor."
*****
Notes:
(1) "Box wheels." Don't give me that odd look, please. I have roller blades. Inline skates. They're very common to buy in stores and such. However, when we got to skating rinks in this area, they don't -have- inline skates for rent, only the four BOX-wheeled skates. I had to clarify this, for a couple of reasons.
(1a) Daisuke -has- ice skated. He admits as much.
(1b) Inline skates and ice skates are much more similar than box wheels. Instead of ---- you have = = on the bottom.
(1c) I'm an idiot who -really- likes notes on the bottom of her chapters.
(2) This one isn't marked in the rest of the story, because it's just a nit-picky detail. Where I live, we have a variety of floor-types when you go to a skating rink. The one I used as a child was wood. It was well taken care of until about six years ago, when gum on the floor became a problem. However, when we go to Pines to go skating, their floor is smooth cement. It's just a minor detail, but wood is more fun.
Every Day - Friday Afternoon, Evening, and Night
Author's Note: This part had issues. Serious issues. Like broken/sprained wrists that shouldn't have ever been injured. But I've fixed it. Tried to. Now it's all fluff, which we all love, right? Saturday shall be around sooner rather than later. I have all of one hundred words of it written. Yay, hm?
Disclaimer: Because I keep forgetting this and can't remember if I did this on the first part or not: I don't own them and I make no profit. This is entirely for fun. If you wish to pay me for entertaining you, please just do so discreetly. (And the last is a joke which is not meant to be taken seriously).
*****
"So, you've been skating before?" Daisuke asked, voice overly casual as he and Ken waited in line to rent skates for the morning. It was edging on ten o'clock and it had taken them a short ten minutes to walk from Daisuke's house. It would have taken less time, but Daisuke had insisted on walking with both arms wrapped around Ken, and the first few minutes had been spent adjusting their strides to keep from tripping over each other.
Ken looked at Daisuke, eyed the tell-tale gleam of excitement and nervousness, and took that sign into account with the crushing grip Daisuke had on his hand. "I have, yes. This would be your first time?"
Daisuke nodded, eyeing the rows of skates behind the counter. There was a clerk sorting out the shoe size of a seven year old girl in front of them, but they'd be getting their pairs in moments. "I've been ice skating once, but my parents wouldn't let me go roller-skating because they were afraid I'd hurt myself. Or someone else."
"Ah." Ken nodded and then stepped up to the counter when the girl in front of them was done He pulled his wallet out of his back pocket and requested two pairs of skates, one in his size and one in Daisuke's. He thanked the man as he took both pairs, fingers of one hand gripping tightly to the laces of four skates as he tugged Daisuke away with the other hand. "You'll do fine. We'll take it slow and we won't have to worry about crowding because there's almost no one else here."
"Cool," Daisuke murmured, making an obvious effort to sound relaxed. It wasn't until they were sitting down that he seemed to realize Ken had paid for the both of them. He leaned over and kissed Ken's cheek before stealing his skates. "Thanks, Ken."
The little girl, who had been in front of them in line and was now sitting across from them lacing up her shoes, giggled. Ken blushed and ducked his head, letting his hair hide him. Daisuke reached out and brushed the locks back, however, uncovering Ken's face as he smiled.
"You're cute, you know that?" The words were soft, spoken in a low voice that made it private and more meaningful than any brash or romantic thing Daisuke might have said. The moment was between just the two of them. Ken's blush deepened and spread, making his ears and neck warm.
Ken looked up through his lashes and met Daisuke's gaze, swallowing hard at the affectionate look Daisuke was giving him. "Thank you," he whispered in return, trying to fight off his nervousness. On impulse, he leaned up and kissed Daisuke's cheek, showing his gratitude for the compliment the same way Daisuke had for the skates. Daisuke smiled, an actual smile and not a grin, and leaned over to put his skates on.
The hours until noon passed quickly, with Daisuke adjusting to the box wheels (1). He went slow at first, but quickly gained speed and confidence, until he and Ken were racing each other around the rink, easily sailing around the few other people who joined them on the floor.
In a move that demonstrated Daisuke's normally cocky, "I-can-do-anything" attitude, he decided to take on skating backwards. Instead of starting at a stop, he decided the best way was to get a good speed going forwards, and then to turn, a maneuver Ken performed easily through long practice. Daisuke's luck, which had kept him upright to that point, failed him then, and his arms spun around as he wobbled and then fell hard. Instead of falling backwards, he went forward and put his arms out to brace himself. The fall attracted Ken's attention and he made his way to Daisuke's side quickly.
"Are you okay?" Ken asked, stopping next to Daisuke and quickly dropping to his knees. Daisuke was hunched over on his knees, arms pulled tight to his chest. For a few horrible seconds, Ken thought he might have actually hurt himself, but then Daisuke looked up through his lashes.
"You're it!" In a fast, and surprisingly graceful, motion, Daisuke was back on his feet and skating away.
Ken laughed and gave chase, cutting across the old-fashioned wooden rink and going straight for Daisuke. As Ken neared, Daisuke turned sharply, trying to avoid getting tagged in return, but Ken could almost see where Daisuke was going, and he changed his trajectory to intercept Daisuke. He reached out to tag Daisuke and was surprised when Daisuke turned easily and grabbed his hand.
"Skate with me?" The game of tag was over, as Daisuke skated in reverse and tugged Ken along with him. As easily as Ken had accepted the game of chess, he now accepted Daisuke's invitation. He held his other hand out to Daisuke and smiled when Daisuke took it. They fell into an easily rhythm, with Ken guiding Daisuke with gentle tugs on his arm.
Morning gave way to afternoon.
*****
"I don't -want- ice cream," Ken protested. To Daisuke, Ken was just denying his obvious desire for the cold treat because Daisuke was insisting on paying, just like he'd insisted on paying for lunch.
"Yes, you do," Daisuke argued. Daisuke made to go back to the counter to order ice cream for the both of them, but Ken grabbed his arm.
They stared at one another, each equally determined to have his way. Daisuke was rather proud of his stubbornness. He didn't back down easily -- at all -- and he prided himself on being right. Even when he was wrong, he was right, simply because he would be the last man standing. Daisuke had thought Ken to be a rather quiet, giving person. He wasn't stubborn, except on the soccer field. Ken seemed determined to prove him wrong.
"Daisuke, I don't want ice cream. We still have two uneaten hamburgers, which -you- ordered. We don't need more. We don't have room for more." Ken's tone was very serious, as was his expression as he gazed at Daisuke.
Daisuke pouted. "But there's always room for ice cream." And for added affect, he stuck out his bottom lip and tilted his head.
Ken looked away for a moment, long enough for Daisuke to feel triumph budding inside. Then Ken leaned closer, kissed his cheek, and said very softly. "No ice cream, Daisuke. Please?"
And with a grudging admiration for Ken's ability to look cute, without pouting even, Daisuke conceded. He wasn't really that hungry, after all. Ice cream didn't come in Ken-flavor.
*****
They returned home after lunch and put the extra food in the refrigerator for Jun. Then they settled on the floor in Daisuke's room and played video games. Somehow, vague challenges became more playful, and the rewards for winning went from bragging rights to kisses and back rubs. Ken's prizes so far had included three kisses and two back rubs. Daisuke had won nothing, but he wasn't about to complain. He was massaging Ken's shoulders, the genius lying on his stomach on the floor, when the phone rang.
"Be right back," Daisuke said as he stood up. Ken murmured and turned his head to the side so he could see Daisuke leave. He smiled slightly, feeling relaxed. His head was resting on his arms. Beating Daisuke at video games wasn't something new or difficult, but the rewards were definitely better than they had been any other day.
Daisuke returned and held out the cordless phone to Ken. Ken rolled onto his back and accepted it with his right hand. "Hello?" he said into the receiver.
Daisuke smiled at him and sat down beside him.
"Ken, dear?" his mother's voice greeted him from the earpiece. Ken felt his smile dim slightly. There were few reasons she would call him at Daisuke's house and none of them boded well for spending a relaxing day with the auburn-haired boy.
"It's me, mother." Daisuke raised an eyebrow at him as Ken identified himself. The look on his face said he'd read the change in Ken's demeanor. Ken shrugged and tried to smile at him.
"I hope you didn't forget the Kinsons were coming over today." His mother's voice was mildly chiding.
Daisuke stretched out on his side beside Ken and wrapped an arm around him.
"I hadn't forgotten, mother," Ken assured. He rolled onto his side and raised himself up on his left elbow. He made a face at Daisuke. He -had- forgotten.
"Good. Your father will be around to pick you up in two hours." Her voice was distracted, and Ken could imagine her checking their conversation off on her list of things to do in preparation of their small dinner party. "You will be ready?"
"Yes, mother."
Daisuke grinned and ran a hand through Ken's hair. Ken shifted back to get away from the touch and attempted a stern look at Daisuke -- "I'm on the phone," his eyes said -- and Daisuke pushed him onto his back.
His mother's presence on the phone kept Ken from retaliating, and Ken shook his head as Daisuke rested his head on his stomach. "You could bring Daisuke," his mother's voice told him.
Ken gazed into Daisuke's eyes. "I'll ask him. I'll be ready when father arrives." His words were short and just short of being impolite.
His mother took the dismissal easily. "Goodbye, dear." The phone clicked in his ear, signaling that she'd disconnected the call, and Ken turned the phone off before setting it down and tucking his arms under his head.
"My mother has invited you to dinner tonight. We are having guests and it will be rather boring..." he trailed off as Daisuke simply grinned at him. "Would you like to attend?"
"Yes!" The answer was immediate. "Dude, you even had to ask?"
Ken closed his eyes and smiled. "I guess not."
Daisuke rolled onto his back his head still resting on Ken's abdomen. "So, what do I have to wear?"
"Clothes," Ken answered, smirking.
*****
Jun arrived home at a little after four, and Ken's father pulled up a short twenty minutes later. There was enough time between those two events that Daisuke gained permission to go to Ken's, was told he couldn't wear shorts to a dinner, and managed to corner Ken for a kiss in the front hallway.
Then Daisuke and Ken left and walked to the car. They weren't holding hands. Ken had started to quietly tell Daisuke that his parents didn't know about them and quite possibly wouldn't understand, and Daisuke had cut him off. It was enough that -he- knew, and Ken knew... and Jun knew, but she didn't really count. If Ken wanted to wait to tell his parents, until Saturday or Sunday, Daisuke could handle that.
He could even handle waiting until Monday, if Ken was willing to kiss him for his patience.
Ken opened the back door when they reached the car, then told Daisuke to take the front seat. Daisuke balked. He'd thought they'd sit in the back together. He hesitated, but then did as Ken said, but only because Ken was looking at him with the same expression he'd worn when they'd argued over ice cream. Daisuke figured if there was no battle, he couldn't lose again, so he didn't put up a fight.
He opened the door and got in, then turned a bright grin on Ken's father. "Hello. I'm Daisuke. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Ken's father looked nothing like Daisuke had expected. The man's hair was a simple brown color instead of the interesting blue-black shade of Ken's. He was taller and had a broadness/breadth Ken's build didn't even hint at. The man smiled, turned sideways, and held his hand out. "It's a pleasure to meet you also, Daisuke." They shook hands and Mr. Ichijouji offered his own first name. Daisuke ignored it and resolved to call him "Mr. Ichijouji." Politeness could go a long way with parents. Mr. Ichijouji turned to restart the car and take them home.
Daisuke turned around and looked at Ken expectantly, eyebrows raised. "How did I do?" he asked with the look. Ken smiled back at him, looking pleased with him, and Daisuke turned back around with a proud feeling. He'd wrap Ken's parents around his finger, so that when Ken introduced Daisuke later as his boyfriend, they'd know he was a great guy and they wouldn't have a problem with it.
*****
Ken's apartment building was in the middle of town. It was a nice building in a nice neighborhood, where children played safely in the park down the street. Of course, the entire town was 'safe' like that, but Ken's parents referred to their block as one of the 'better parts of town.' The conversation in the front of the car was lively as they pulled into the parking lot. Daisuke was telling Ken's father about soccer and school. When asked about his family, the only person Daisuke mentioned was his sister, but the omission of his parents seemed unconscious and innocent.
The car came to a stop, and the three of them got out. Daisuke almost instantly moved to Ken's side. For a moment, Ken thought Daisuke would try to take his hand or put his arm around him. He wouldn't have pushed him away, but he was steeling himself for his father's reaction. True to his agreement to wait, though, Daisuke held back. If Daisuke walked a little close, he made up for it by elbowing Ken in the side and making a joke.
His father seemed oblivious to Ken's controlled nervousness. That was good. Daisuke seemed as oblivious, which was also good, because Ken doubted he would have waited until they were alone to question it. Daisuke could be sweet and wonderful, but he was also tactless and impatient. Ken wasn't quite sure which combination he liked best, since they were both cute and part of the whole he adored.
The Ichijouji apartment was on the sixth floor, and they took the stairs up. Daisuke was too hyper to be cooped up on the elevator for the thirty seconds it would have taken then to get to the floor, and Ken and his father both preferred the exercise the stairs gave them.
Daisuke was slightly breathless by the time they got there. Part of the reason was that he'd run up ahead of Ken and his father, then back down, then back ahead of them again. All told, he'd gone up at least a dozen flights, his happy chatter filling the stairwell with comments the entire time.
Ken didn't know whether to be amused or embarrassed. His father was eyeing Daisuke oddly, trying to figure out where the boy got the energy. When asked, Ken simply answered, "High metabolism." He wasn't quite sure himself, but at the moment, it was the first logical answer he could offer.
They reached the sixth floor, Daisuke ahead of them once again. He held the door for the landing and waved them both through, bouncing on his heels and grinning like a maniac. Ken was starting to get worried. Daisuke tended to be very open and honest when he was wound up like he was at that moment. If he should say something...
His father unlocked the door to their apartment and waved the two boys in. Daisuke rushed right in and took off his shoes almost immediately. Ken, having formed the habit after staying most of the week at Daisuke's house, also took his shoes off. His father walked straight towards the kitchen, where his mother was making dinner. Ken took the opportunity to hold Daisuke back.
"Daisuke," he started, a hand on the arm of the auburn-haired boy. "Are you okay?" He kept his voice low and his attention partially focused on the kitchen.
"I'm perfect," Daisuke whispered back. He leaned forward and into Ken, his arms going around Ken's waist. "Your father likes me."
Surprised to suddenly find himself in Daisuke's embrace, Ken had no response at first, and Daisuke kissed him, effectively stealing anything he would have thought up. It was a short kiss, as far as kisses with Daisuke went, but Ken's brain was mush.
"Your mother is going to love me, too," Daisuke continued his own train of thought, oblivious to the one he'd derailed in Ken's mind. "After tonight, they'll both think I'm great, and when we tell them, they won't care. At all. Or they'll be really, really, happy." He was very sure about that, Ken could tell
His mother's voice called to them from the kitchen, demanding her son bring his guest in for introductions. Daisuke grinned, pecked Ken's cheek with his lips, and darted into the kitchen to introduce himself.
Ken touched a hand to his cheek and smiled bemusedly. His parents didn't stand a chance. At least, he hoped not.
*****
The Kinson family was headed by a man named "Albert" who worked with Ken's father. The wife was named something with an "E" and they had two daughters, one older than Daisuke and Ken, the other their age. With Daisuke, the number of people in the apartment was an even eight.
Daisuke watched Mrs. Ichijouji wring her hands as she stared at the oven. Inside was a roast big enough to feed ten people. Definitely enough food for them all, without including the large chocolate cake sitting on the counter and the pie cooling on the stove.
"I don't know what to do, Ken. It's never going to be ready in time." Mrs. Ichijouj turned away from the oven and started searching through cupboards. Daisuke had offered to help, but had been told he should sit down and relax. He was a -guest- in their home, and that prohibited him from helping out. //But boyfriends can help out. I'm sure. If she knew Ken and I were dating, maybe she'd let me help?// It was a thought worth dwelling on, and since he had nothing else to occupy him with -- he refused to think about joining the other 'guests' in the living room -- it was what he did.
Ken walked to his mother and put a hand on her arm. "Mother, please. Stop worrying. Why don't you go into the living room and make conversation with Mrs. Kinson? I'm sure she's more than a little bored by the business talk by now."
"Good thinking, Ken." His mother looked relieved as she smiled at him. "I guess this will give you and Daisuke an excuse to sit in here, away from the girls, hm?" She put a hand on his shoulder for a moment, then turned. Daisuke was surprised to see her head directly for him before leaving the kitchen. "Hello, Daisuke. It is a pleasure to meet you. Next time, we'll plan a dinner with just you, so we can get to know you better than we most likely will tonight." She was truly apologetic. "I'd ask if you wanted to come into the other room with me and have tea, but..."
"But I'll stay here and hide with Ken." He smiled at her, taking his cue from the way she had let the words trail off. "It was really nice of you to include me at all." She smiled warmly at that, brushed a motherly hand over the top of his head, and left to join her other guests.
"That was good, Daisuke," Ken said softly from across the room. He was leaning against the counter and watching Daisuke with a smile.
"Yes, well. That shouldn't surprise you. I am the -master- of good." Daisuke made his way to Ken's side, where he wrapped an arm around him and leaned into him. "Your family is really nice." He rested his chin on Ken's shoulder. "You're very nice to help her out like this." He made sure his tone was teasing and playful.
Ken must have read his tone just right, too, because he tilted his head and gave Daisuke a -look-. "Yeah?"
"Yeah," Daisuke said back, leaning closer. "Niceness like yours should be rewarded." Ken made to say something else, but Daisuke closed the distance between them and kissed him before he could.
*****
Afterward dinner was served, eaten, and cleared away, Ken and Daisuke were both dragged into the living room to talk with the other guests. "No more hiding," Mr. Ichijouji had stated. Daisuke kept near Ken most of the time, especially when the youngest Kinson girl decided the genius was cute and flirted with him. Much to Ken's embarrassment, Daisuke got between them and flirted back with her. She eventually got the hint, as Ken did nothing to encourage her and Daisuke was really more annoying than flirtatious, and left them to each other.
"I can't believe you did that," Ken murmured softly, leaning against the wall and taking advantage of the fact that everyone else was engrossed in conversations which didn't include him or Daisuke. They had a respite and were going to make it stretch as long as they could.
Daisuke grinned at him and leaned against the wall beside him, not close enough to make them look suspicious, but close enough to press his shoulder against Ken's. "I can't believe you didn't just tell her off." There was no hint of jealousy in his voice, no accusing tone that suggested Ken should have just told her he was taken. Ken looked at him searchingly, trying to see something that didn't seem to be there.
"Were you jealous?" he asked. If their roles had been reversed, he was pretty sure he would have been angry. Only by recognizing the fact that Daisuke had been 'protecting' him by flirting with the girl had Ken managed to tamp down on his own jealousy.
The auburn-haired boy shook his head and leaned his head against the wall. His eyes were dark and hot and, Ken thought rather hopefully, just a tad possessive. "Not really. Almost, but why would you want her when you have me?"
Ken started to laugh, thinking that was a rather cocky thing to say. He was tempted to tell Daisuke he was full of himself, but the words didn't come. Daisuke leaned just a little closer, his head still tilted to the side, and gave Ken a look full of promise. Ken swallowed hard and leaned towards him, lost in his eyes and the moment. They drifted together until their lips were touching in a light kiss.
It wasn't until a high-pitched, feminine voice said, "Oh, my GOD!" and then all conversation died that Ken remembered where they were and who their audience was.
"Oh, my god," he said softly, under his breath as he sagged against the wall and look at everyone else in the room. All eyes were on them.
He felt Daisuke take his hand and he turned to look at him. Instead of the same fear and trepidation Ken could feel winding through his body, all he saw on Daisuke's face was happiness and pride.
*****
Daisuke kept reminding himself that Ken's parents loved Ken and -he- liked Daisuke. //It'll be okay. We'll work this out and they'll still love me.//
The attention was only on them for a few minutes before it was split between them and Ken's father. The man was staring at them with his mouth gaping, obviously as surprised as his guests at what they had just done. Daisuke really should have felt at least a little embarrassed, but kissing Ken made him feel good, and holding his hand in front of everyone was a high Daisuke wasn't going to let go of easily. If at all.
Finally, Mr. Ichijouji turned to his wife, and they leaned their heads close together as they whispered. Daisuke squeezed Ken's hand and then tugged him closer so he could wrap an arm around him. The Kinsons kept looking back and forth at either side of the room, switching between staring at Daisuke and Ken and looking at the parents to see what their reaction would be. No one seemed eager to say anything until the head of the house made up his mind about how to react. Finally, Ken's parents stepped apart.
Mrs. Ichijouji, with a smile in place and no outward indication of awkwardness, returned to her conversation with Mrs. Kinson as if there had been no interruption. Mrs. Kinson wasn't quite as able to put it aside. Her answers to Mrs. Ichijouji were short and distracted as she watched Mr. Ichijouji cross the room to his son.
He was frowning slightly when he reached them, and Daisuke felt Ken grip his hand a little tighter. "Would the two of you please accompany me to the master bedroom?" His voice was stiff and formal, despite the fact that they were the only ones who could hear his low tone.
Daisuke wasn't entirely sure if that was good thing or not, but he followed Ken when his boyfriend went to the back of the apartment. Ken's father didn't come in directly, and as soon as they were alone, Ken turned and hugged him, thin arms wrapped tight around Daisuke's shoulders. Daisuke returned the embrace, wondering at this sudden act of affection on Ken's part. He didn't have long to wonder, though.
When he came into the room, Mr. Ichijouji had a calm expression on his face, one Daisuke recognized as the universal parent-look of "Now, Daisuke, listen really closely as we tell you something you're not going to like."
//What is it with this family and the serious conversations?//
No one spoke at first. It seemed that even though Mr. and Mrs. Ichijouji worked out the 'who' of the discussion, they'd failed to work out exactly 'what' would be discussed.
Ken turned in his arms, but didn't pull away, so Daisuke rested his chin on Ken's shoulder as best he could despite the difference in their heights. Ken leaned back against him, helping out with that detail as Daisuke crossed his arms over the genius's chest. //Two on one, but the ball is in Mr. Ichijouji's court.//
The man finally spoke. "How long have you two been...?" He trailed off as if he didn't know how to form the right word.
"Boyfriends," Daisuke supplied helpfully. He felt Ken tense up a little in his arms, but there was no vocal protest, and no answer, so Daisuke supplied that as well. "Since last night."
Mr. Ichijouji looked at them for a moment longer, before nodding thoughtfully and rubbing the bridge of his nose with one hand. Daisuke got the feeling he hadn't been expecting that, or really any answer. With Mr. Ichijouji's gaze averted, he took a moment to nuzzle Ken's neck, which Ken seemed to like. He tilted his head to give Daisuke better access and relaxed just a little.
"Daisuke, may I please speak with Ken alone?" Despite the rather polite tone of voice the request was asked in, Daisuke knew it was a command. He gave Ken a squeeze and let go of him. Ken straightened up, back stiff, and stared at his father as Daisuke left the room.
*****
Ken found Daisuke in his room. The auburn-haired boy was sitting at his desk and playing with his computer. The icon on the screen indicated a game was loading, but it was taking a long time and Daisuke was fiddling with the mouse impatiently when Ken walked up from behind and hugged him.
Daisuke jumped, then turned the chair so he could pull Ken closer, tucking his head against Ken's stomach and giving him a hug. "So, do they love me yet?" Ken could tell he was half-kidding, but there was a bit of nervousness in those brown eyes. Ken thought it was about time Daisuke started to show a little worry, but the thought was short-lived.
He smiled down at Daisuke. "They like you well enough to let you spend the night." There was a sign flashing in Ken's head which told him it would be okay. He hadn't been yelled at, hadn't been told to make Daisuke leave, that what they had was wrong, or any of the negative things he had expected. There had been a lecture about responsibility, about sex and what his parents thought was inappropriate for his age no matter who he dated. There had even been, just as Ken was leaving the room, a softly spoken wish that he do what made him happy -- which had been followed by a slightly rougher reminder of 'within reason.'
There had also been a question, asked innocently enough, which had struck Ken deeply. He was Daisuke's for a week. He had agreed at the beginning to be the friend Daisuke wanted. Obviously that 'friend' was now 'boyfriend,' but after Saturday, what would Daisuke expect of him?
Ken had realized, as they asked, that they thought this 'relationship,' whatever it was he had with Daisuke, would end as soon as he no longer 'owed' Daisuke, as soon as the terms of the auction were over.
He looked down at the head pressed against him and ran his hands through soft, auburn locks. "Daisuke?"
"Hm?" The question was quiet, distracted. It was rather late in the day, and they'd been active for most of it. Added to that was the stress of the past hour or so, and Ken could feel his own fatigue starting to pull at the last of his energy.
"What do you want to do on Sunday?" Not Saturday, -Sunday-; after their prearranged week was over and gone.
Daisuke hummed for a couple of seconds, thinking about that. He finally shrugged and tilted his head, resting his chin against Ken as he looked up at him. "Want to go swimming? Jun can drive us to the pool."
"That sounds wonderful," Ken answered, relaxing completely. Daisuke stood up without pulling his arms away, and pressed a kiss to Ken's chin, his cheek, and then his lips. Ken stopped him before the kiss could deepen or rob him of rational thought, as Daisuke's kisses tended to do. "You are wonderful."
"I know that," Daisuke said back, grinning as he stood up on tiptoe, determined to kiss Ken. Ken wasn't about to argue in the face of that determination, not when giving in was so much more fun. He knew all he needed to know at the moment and everything else could wait.
*****
A bed was made up on the floor in Ken's room. His father carried two sleeping bags in from the master bedroom and his mother brought in sheets and an extra pillow. The resulting pallet was wide enough for six people. The first sleeping bag created a thin mattress over the floor, and with the heat in the apartment at a sub-tropical level, Daisuke was able to lay on top of the second one as well, increasing the padding between his body and the floor. Given that he and Ken had spent two of their nights on the floor in his room without such comfort, the padding was an extra he hadn't expected but definitely liked.
By nine o'clock that night, they were settled into their respective 'beds.' Ken was in his loft bed, high up off the floor compared to the pallet where Daisuke was supposed to be sleeping. There had been an argument over who got to sleep in the bed. Daisuke had won the argument by lying down on the blankets, pulling them into his arms so there wasn't enough space for Ken to get a hold, and refusing to move. Ken couldn't struggle with him without making a lot of noise and possibly bringing his parents in to check on them, and the argument was considered finished.
Daisuke took his time getting comfortable, shifting this way and that, spreading the blankets back out. He was just getting comfortably settled when he heard a noise coming from Ken's bed. He listened and heard the sound of bare feet on the rungs of the ladder, and then the soft rustle of the carpet as Ken came closer. With a smile, Daisuke slid over and held his hand out. It connected with an ankle, and Daisuke slid his hand up so he could tug at Ken's calf.
"There's room," he whispered. Ken was still for a moment, and then Daisuke heard a small chuckle and the leg was pulled away, only to be replaced with Ken's hand a moment later.
"My parents are going to yell at me in the morning," Ken said. He didn't sound terribly worried, and Daisuke felt the blanket smoothed out on the side to make room for Ken's body.
Unconcerned, Daisuke pressed as close as he could as soon as Ken had lied, and snuggled against him. "Just tell them we got cold." They were silent for a couple of minutes. Daisuke rubbed his foot against Ken's leg. "So, your parents do like me?" He'd asked the same question an hour before, and again an hour before that.
Ken laughed softly and nodded into Ken's neck. "They think you're very sweet and good for me. They won't think you're so good for me if they find us in bed together in the morning, but we'll let them keep their delusions until dawn."
"Technically, we're not 'in bed.'"
Ken laughed and Daisuke kissed his temple, then tossed the foot which had been rubbing Ken's leg over his legs, so that Ken was wrapped in arms and legs, nestled against Daisuke's body. "Technically, we both -could- be in bed instead of on the floor."
*****
Notes:
(1) "Box wheels." Don't give me that odd look, please. I have roller blades. Inline skates. They're very common to buy in stores and such. However, when we got to skating rinks in this area, they don't -have- inline skates for rent, only the four BOX-wheeled skates. I had to clarify this, for a couple of reasons.
(1a) Daisuke -has- ice skated. He admits as much.
(1b) Inline skates and ice skates are much more similar than box wheels. Instead of ---- you have = = on the bottom.
(1c) I'm an idiot who -really- likes notes on the bottom of her chapters.
(2) This one isn't marked in the rest of the story, because it's just a nit-picky detail. Where I live, we have a variety of floor-types when you go to a skating rink. The one I used as a child was wood. It was well taken care of until about six years ago, when gum on the floor became a problem. However, when we go to Pines to go skating, their floor is smooth cement. It's just a minor detail, but wood is more fun.