Chapter 12: Too Close

Summary: In which this is definitely not a cinema date.

Akashi has been coming to see him every weekend.

Including the basketball one-on-one weekend, this makes it the fourth time this month, and Furihata doesn't know whether he should put a stop to these weekly visits.

Because, truthfully, he doesn't want to. Furihata has never disliked spending time with Akashi; eight or eighteen years old, it doesn't matter. Akashi is clever and charming and funny – true, he can't make jokes, but it doesn't mean he's incapable of humor, Furihata isn't sure why most people can't see that – and he has the most interesting outlooks on the world and Furihata just adores spending time with him. He can listen to Akashi talk all day, honestly, but it isn't just that – it's also the way Akashi would, in turn, listen to Furihata talk and actually try to understand his perspective thoroughly – razor-sharp focus narrowing in on him like he's the only thing that mattered in the world at that point. And it's almost a strange, giddy feeling, for someone like Furihata who is so used to being dismissed as uninteresting and unremarkable to hold the attention of someone so thoroughly outstanding like Akashi.

Akashi makes Furihata feel seen.

Plus, it's not like there is anything wrong with these 'visits'. (Because it's definitely normal for two guys to go to places like the aquarium together. Or the cinema. Or take midnight walks to see the city lights.) Akashi has been impeccably well-behaved and has kept to every word of his promise. They don't touch beyond what would be considered appropriate between teacher and student, and Akashi's been so true to his word that it's gotten to the point where Furihata is no longer cautious of being in close proximity with him.

But that's where the problem comes in – because, god help him, Furihata now kind of wants Akashi to break the rules.

Not much; just a little hand brush here and there, or things like leaning his head on his shoulders, or a pinch on his cheeks. But Akashi's been completely strict with himself since their basketball date, without even a hint of an initimate touch. And Furihata knows it's selfish, so so selfish of him but he just- wants.

Wants Akashi to want him even though he's not going to give in – and Furihata hates himself for it.

This is what you wanted. This is as good as it's going to be, if we're going to keep seeing each other. This is more than good as it is. But even telling himself that, a small, greedy voice is protesting in the back of Furihata's mind that it's not enough.

"Kouki, are you sleeping?" Akashi whispers, nudging his hand.

They were sitting at the very back row of the cinema – Director's hall, of course, this is Akashi he's hanging out with – and it is dark enough that Furihata can only see the half of Akashi's face illuminated by the screen.

"Eh? Ah- no, Akashi-kun."

Akashi looks unconvinced. "We can leave if you find this movie boring."

"Oh, n-not at all, I was just- um-" Furihata shrugs, "Thinking."

"About?"

You. "N-nothing in particular."

"You were thinking about 'nothing'?" Akashi tilts his head, "How?"

On most occasions, Furihata enjoys how Akashi is curious about even the littlest things no one else is concerned about. This, however, is not one of those occasions.

"Eh- i-it doesn't really matter," Furihata whispers, aware of a couple sitting in the seat next to them starting to give them looks.

"Of course it does."

"Ano- we're disturbing other people in the cinema, Akashi-kun."

Akashi blinks at him as though to say: and? Why should I care what they think? I care what you think.

Furihata sighs, "I'll tell you after the movie, okay?"

Seemingly satisfied by that, Akashi leans back in his seat once again.

The movie is a period movie about war, strength, and love, and it was beautiful and artistic – so when the main protagonist of the movie suddenly strips down and starts making passionate love to the heroine, Furihata is more than a little startled.

The worst part is that the scene is actually well done, too. Low lights and sensual music, filmed at angles and zoom-ins that make the whole scene enticingly erotic. And to make matters worse, the scene is long; stretched out moans and gasps of the heroine echoing throughout the hall.

Furihata finds himself shifting in his seat, suddenly feeling all too warm and far too aware of the fact that Akashi is sitting right next to him. And before he can stop himself, Furihata's mind has already wandered off to thinking about what it would be like if it is Akashi who is kissing him, Akashi pushing him down on the bed and biting the curve of his neck, Akashi's hands running up and down his body and grabbing him, their bodies pressed close, moving together, those lips whispering hot breaths into his ear and making him gasp and tremble and beg—

Furihata swallows thickly.

I need to cool down.

"Ah-!" Furihata audibly gasps when he reaches for his water and, in the darkness, accidentally grabs Akashi's hand on the armrest instead. The jolt of heat that shoots through him at the contact almost takes his breath away.

Shit-! Furihata lets go immediately, biting his bottom lip in panic.

Akashi is staring at him.

"S-sorry," Furihata quickly mumbles, voice hushed, "I- I was- I didn't mean-"

Akashi says nothing, and it makes Furihata all the more flustered.

"Um-! I- I was just- t-trying to- to-" Furihata's hands are shaking, and he's struggling to whisper without his lips trembling. "Uh-"

They haven't touched hands in weeks. No hand squeezes, not even accidental brushes. Is that why Furihata's palm feels like it's on fire? And not just his hand, but his face, and his lungs, too, feel like they're burning up with every pulse and every stuttered breath.

And Furihata may be a grown man of twenty-eight-years old but Akashi Seijuuro has the ability to reduce him to a blushing virgin teenager.

"It's alright, Kouki," Akashi finally speaks, his voice a low murmur, "Here." He passes Furihata the water.

"T-Thank you, Akashi-kun," He shakily accepts, before looking up to see Akashi getting out of his seat. "Eh-? W-where are you going?"

"I'll meet you outside." Akashi simply says, not looking at him.

"Huh? But- the movie hasn't-"

"Kouki," Akashi says, and this time, both red eyes are directly on Furihata. "There is a limit to my self-control."

Furihata gulps.

When Akashi leaves after that, Furihata doesn't say a word.

The sex scene in the movie has ended some time ago, but Furihata still feels the heat in his veins – running even hotter now that he cannot stop thinking about what Akashi would do if he breaches that 'limit'.

That was… close.

Akashi has been good. In fact, he deserves an award for how good he has behaved these past few weeks. He's been the perfect gentleman, minding his boundaries, keeping his hands to himself, even though every time he sees Furihata all he wants to do is grab him and show him just how much he wants him, how much Furihata's been missing, how good it could be between them – promises and chivalry be damned.

'When you're always touching them and then, suddenly, you stop, it makes them feel kinda lonely. Then after a while, they'll start wanting it. It builds up slowly – Shin-chan took freaking forever, ugh, rough times – but trust me, it does work. So you gotta be patient, 'kay?'

That's what Takao Kazunari has said. And Akashi has been patient. He has resisted every opportunity to ruffle Furihata's hair, to brush hands with him, to reach out and cup those soft cheeks in his palms. It has been going so well, too; Akashi has noticed the way Furihata is now more comfortable in his space – even though it does make it harder having him so close yet not being able to touch.

But then Furihata just had to go and undo all of his hard work with that one grab of his hand.

It felt like electricity. The shock of it striking him like lightning and creaking open a dam of all the suppressed desires Akashi has been holding in.

Akashi didn't think he'd be so weak, but when he saw Furihata sitting there stuttering and blushing with hands shaking like they want to touch him, Akashi knew he had to get away. Because Akashi wants him – has wanted him too much for too long – and he can't look at him when Furihata is looking back like he wants him too.

The things he would do to that man… Akashi grinds his teeth, clenching and unclenching his fists, steadying his breaths.

'You gotta be patient, 'kay?'

Easier said than done. Akashi has no idea how Takao managed this – knowing Midorima, Akashi suspects Takao must've gone through a mini-hell. Does everybody go through this? This difficult, torturous phase?

Akashi thinks about Aomine and Kise, the easy sexual chemistry that seems to flow like lava between them. It may be that way now, but Akashi remembers that Interhigh match from years ago – Kise collapsed on the floor, ankles trembling, eyes brimming with tears, and Aomine walking away from him without even a second glance. Akashi thinks of himself back in Teikou, and Nijimura there, with their never-discussed kisses that probably happened too often, and the way Nijimura's eyes always looked at him like he wanted to say something but never did.

Then, of course, there was Rakuzan. And by Rakuzan, Akashi means-

"Eh? Sei-chan?"

A familiar voice calls him from behind, and Akashi turns around to see turquoise eyes that he never could quite figure out the shade; pretty long lashes that used to brush against his cheek; and cupid-bow lips that taught him the true definition of a 'good kisser'.

"Reo."

Furihata stays in the cinema for around 15 minutes more, before he becomes too fidgety and decides to leave. It's not like he can concentrate on the movie when he knows Akashi is waiting for him outside, anyways.

He grabs his bag and steps out of the theatre, apologies ready on his lips for making Akashi wait out here all alone; but all words die in his throat when he sees Akashi.

Because Akashi isn't alone.

Standing there was a tall man with chin-length hair, a lithe but athletic frame, and a gorgeous face that is both pretty and handsome at the same time. But what strikes Furihata the most is the fact that this man is embracing Akashi – in a way that can only be described as intimate; long fingers curled around Akashi's shoulder and splayed over his neck, another arm wrapped around Akashi's waist, and his face buried in the top of Akashi's hair like he's kissing Akashi's forehead.

What's even more shocking is that Akashi is letting him embrace him. In fact, he even has one of his arms around the tall man himself.

"You should've told me you were in Tokyo," His voice is sweet, elegant like everything else about him. "I missed you, you know."

"I thought you would be busy with university work."

"Please, I'm never too busy for you, Sei-chan."

'Sei-chan.'

Furihata stands there frozen, feeling like an intruder.

Almost like he has a sixth-sense, Akashi turns around to see him.

And Furihata doesn't know what expression he expected to see, but Akashi smiling was not one of them. It is one of those unguarded, easy smiles that Furihata likes best, too. And yet, Furihata finds himself strangely… irritated.

"Ah, Kouki," Akashi has turned his whole body towards Furihata now, but the tall, pretty man is still hugging him from behind, long arms draping all over him like vines. "Has the movie ended?"

"Uh- n-no," Furihata's voice cracks a little and he clears his throat, "I- um- I came out to find you, Akashi-kun."

Before Akashi can respond, the man pokes his chin over Akashi's shoulder, his long dark hair falling over his collarbones, "Hm? Sei-chan, who's this guy?"

Those turquoise eyes are looking at him up and down and even though his lips are smiling, Furihata feels slightly unnerved.

"Furihata Kouki. He took care of me when I was young," Akashi introduces him, then turns to Furihata, "Kouki, this is Mibuchi Reo. He was previously a starting member of Rakuzan's basketball team."

Starting member of Rakuzan. That explains the height. And the way Reo holds himself like he knows he's got an edge, like he's a level above the rest – because he probably does. Is.

"Ehh? He got to see Sei-chan when you were small?!" Reo pouts, managing to look attractive whilst doing so, "Mou, I'm honestly so jealous right now, Furihata-san."

You? Jealous? Furihata can't help but eye the way Reo's hands are still all over Akashi. And Akashi doesn't even seem to mind one bit. Like he's completely used to having those long arms around his waist, those hands putting themselves in Akashi's pockets like they belong there.

And before Furihata realizes it, he is clenching his own hands. Because right there is something that Furihata's been deprived of for the past three weeks, and this guy just happens to waltz in, all pretty lashes and grace, and place his hands and arms all over Akashi like it's that easy. Furihata almost wants to step up and tell Reo to back off because it's him who Akashi wants, it's him who Akashi's come to Tokyo to see, and it should be him who gets to be all over Akashi because Akashi is his-

-what? Furihata blinks, and then flinches at the ache in his chest that follows because he doesn't know.

I don't have any right to be- angry? Possessive? Jealous? What is the turmoil within him, exactly? But what Furihata knows for certain is that he dislikes the way Mibuchi Reo is touching Akashi, and dislikes the way it makes him feel so threatened he is almost shaking.

"I bet you were a nightmare to look after, Sei-chan," Reo grins at Akashi, eyes teasing, "All this genius compressed into one little devil child."

"Contrary, I was delightful."

"Lies!" Reo laughs.

"I only ever speak the truth, Reo."

"Oh please, Sei-chan, you must've demanded tofu soup from all the servants all the time like a little emperor."

"I don't see why that's a problem."

"Pfft-" Reo giggles, "That's just like you, Sei-chan. Were you an absolute terror with shogi even back then, too?"

'Sei-chan, Sei-chan.' Furihata feels choked. He even knows about the tofu soup. And the shogi.

But of course he does. Why wouldn't he? Akashi just told him that Reo used to be his teammate – Rakuzan is a boarding school, so it can be assumed that they must have lived in the dorms together at some point. It's unreasonable to think that only Furihata would know about Akashi's little quirks.

But that doesn't stop him from wanting to be the only one.

"I will say this again, I believe the shogi club was exaggerating when they stated that I 'terrorized' them," Akashi reasons, "I merely played. And won."

Reo shakes his head, smiling, "Sei-chan, you're just bitter no one wants to play with you anymore because you always win."

"Shintarou plays with me," Akashi argues.

"That's because Shuutoku-chan is at least smart enough to give you a challenge."

"So are you," Akashi says, "No one in Rakuzan right now is as good. It's boring in the dorms."

"My, my," Reo's lips curl, his eyes twinkling, "Is Sei-chan saying he misses me?"

Furihata feels hollow in his chest. With every reference he doesn't understand, every flirtatious intonation in Reo's words, it feels like Akashi is pulling further and further away from him even though he's standing right here. Like there's an invisible glass wall being drawn up between them, and Furihata can only watch from the other side, palms pressed against the glass, uninvited. It makes the hollow in his chest ache around the edges, like acidic wires eroding, tightening around his ribs and- and Furihata can't breathe-

Fortunately, a man steps in at that point to interrupt Akashi and Reo's back and forth banter. "Oi, Reo. The movie's about to start."

If Furihata thought Reo was gorgeous before, then this new guy is downright beautiful.

Dark hair, pale skin, slim, with a beauty mark under his eye and sex appeal streaming out of him in subtle waves, cool and sensuous, like dry ice. He stops and raises his brow when he sees who Reo is with. "Akashi? What're you doing in Tokyo?"

"Himuro Tatsuya," Akashi acknowledges. "I'm here for the weekend."

"And he didn't even tell me about it, Tatsu-chan." Reo whines.

That's because he came to see me. Furihata wants to say, to yell, but that would just be childish. And petty. And it's not like he has it in him to actually say it, anyways. Also, his dislike of Mibuchi Reo is completely unwarranted and Furihata knows this; but Reo is still touching Akashi, and Furihata can't help himself.

"I'm not sure why you think complaining to me about it will help?" Himuro side-eyes Reo.

"Well, you can call the very tall and purple Murasakibara-kun and tell him to tell Sei-chan that I am very, very upset," Reo says, casually flipping his hair and not at all looking the slightest bit upset.

Really, if anyone is upset here it's-

"You'll have to bribe Atsushi with candy if you want him to do anything," Himuro says.

"Eh, well I can do that, too," Reo shrugs.

"That seems a little extensive," Akashi says.

"All the things I do for you, Sei-chan," Reo winks.

Furihata wants to punch a wall.

Himuro glances at him for a moment, before turning back to Reo, "We should go in or we'll miss the start of the movie."

"Oh-! Right, it's almost time," Reo finally, finally, lets go of Akashi – and Furihata lets go of a breath he hasn't realized he's been holding. "It's been so nice to see you, Sei-chan, really. You have to come to Tokyo more often and let me know when you come, okay?"

Just go already. Furihata thinks darkly, and then blinks, startled at the unusual negativity in his thoughts.

"I will do." Akashi nods.

"Promise?" Reo leans closer, lashes lowering flirtatiously.

Akashi sighs, but it is fond, "I promise, Reo."

"Heh, alright, Sei-chan," Reo grins, satisfied. Before he straightens up fully, he turns his head and pecks Akashi on the cheek quickly, making a small kissing 'chu' sound as he does.

What-…!

"See you later, Sei-chan~," Reo waves as he walks off into the theatre with Himuro. His eyes flitted to meet Furihata's briefly – an amused glint flashing in them, "And nice to meet you, too, Furihata-san~."

If Furihata had been holding paper in his hands, he would've ripped it to shreds.

The walk to the train station isn't silent, but it may as well have been. Akashi has noticed the tension since they left the cinema, and Furihata's one-word replies since then only confirmed and made it the more obvious that something is off.

"Kouki," Akashi calls out to Furihata, who is walking in front of him with his hands in his pockets, head down, eyes on the floor.

"Yes?" His mellow voice is unusually sharp.

"You don't necessarily have to walk me to the station."

Furihata halts, his head snapping around to look at Akashi. His caramel eyes are hard, "Why not?"

Akashi has never seen Furihata like this. Furihata is usually so gentle and mild and not at all snappy and irritable. And, honestly, Akashi doesn't quite know how to handle, or how he feels about Furihata in this mode. "You don't seem to want-"

"I do." Furihata cuts him off before he can finish – that's also new. And not in a pleasant way.

Akashi frowns, "Kouki-"

"Unless you have a problem with it?" Furihata levels his gaze at him, his tone neutral. And it isn't impolite or even confronting – just a simple question. But the fact that it is Furihata who is questioning him, unstutteringly, facing him dead-on like this-

Akashi can feel his prideful side bristling at the challenge – the 'how dare you speak to me like that, know your place' brimming up under the surface – but Akashi presses it down like a forced lid over a steaming pot. He breathes, slow and steady, in and out, and levels his gaze back at Furihata. Calm. "I don't have a problem with it. You, however-"

"What. I don't-"

"Don't lie to me." Akashi doesn't mean for his voice to come out so harshly – dislikes the way it makes Furihata jolt bodily, like Akashi has physically struck him. But it's difficult, when Akashi is so used to commanding, so accustomed to everyone bending to his will. And Furihata – Furihata is the most infuriating of them all, because not only is he being stupidly difficult with- with the entire situation, really. But Akashi also can't whip him into submission like everyone else. He doesn't want to push, doesn't want to force his hand. It has to be Furihata who wants to, who decides to, that's the whole point.

Akashi isn't used to not getting what he wants, and it's been a month. 'Frustrated' is an understatement.

"I'm-" Fleetingly, Furihata's eyes waver, and his frame twitches like it's on the verge of crumbling, of giving into something internally. Then the moment passes, and Furihata stiffens once again. The curve of his spine is less severe this time, however. "I'm just- it's- it's nothing."

"Evidently, it is not 'nothing'," Akashi snipes.

Furihata looks torn between snapping right back and curling backwards to cower in a corner. The voice that comes out is somewhere halfway. "What do you expect me to say, Akashi-kun?"

"You're upset," Akashi crosses his arms, "I want to know why."

Furihata's face scrunches up, his lips quavering like they're about to spill out everything. But then Furihata takes a sharp inhale and grits his teeth, rolling in his lips as though physically sealing in his words. He averts his gaze, shakes his head like the matter's not important, turning his body; hiding, evading from Akashi in every way.

Akashi absolutely hates it.

"What- Akashi-kun, where are you going?" Furihata asks when he looks up to see Akashi walking away from the direction of the train station.

Akashi doesn't reply, just turns to look at Furihata once – those red eyes sharp – before continuing to walk in the same direction.

Furihata considers not following him. But just the brief thought of leaving it like this, of ending it here, on such a bitter note, and the way Akashi looked at him just now – it makes Furihata feel like he's been punched in the gut.

So Furihata clenches his fists and goes after him, trailing behind Akashi silently. Akashi doesn't even turn to glance at him, but Furihata knows Akashi's noticed him.

A block away from the station, they take a turn into a small, empty alleyway – all shops shut, still too early for the evening business hours. It's eerily quiet, the sounds of dried leaves scattering in the wind louder than they should be. Here, Akashi finally stops and turns to face Furihata.

Three seconds of eye contact and Furihata turns away; evading, again. He mumbles, "Y-you're going to miss your train, Akashi-kun."

Akashi narrows his eyes, "Are you going to tell me why you're upset? Or did you just follow me here to talk about trains."

"I-" Furihata starts, then stops, and rolls in his lips. Still not meeting Akashi's eyes.

Akashi clicks his tongue, irked. God, he hates it when Furihata acts like this – like he's afraid to move or breathe around Akashi; like he doesn't trust or know Akashi at all. He huffs a sigh, a hint of annoyance.

Furihata panics and automatically stutters, "I- I'm sorry-"

"For what?" Akashi shoots back, red eyes still and scrutinizing.

Furihata opens his mouth like he's going to reply then shuts it again once he thought better of it. Excuses don't work with Akashi – never has. The pressure peaks under Akashi's stare and Furihata feels himself bend and bend until, suddenly, he cracks and blurts out in one breath,

"I'm not good at shogi."

Akashi blinks, not expecting that line. "…shogi?"

"I- I'm no good at it. I can't give Akashi-kun a challenge, and you probably found it really boring to play with me, e-even back when you were young. I mean, you won every game – not that that's unexpected or anything – but it was probably far too easy, right?"

"Kouki, what-"

"A-and I'm not brilliant at basketball either – I play, but definitely not well enough to be on Rakuzan's first team, I mean i-if I were the same age as Akashi-kun," And wouldn't that be nice if they actually are? The same age, that is. It's not like Furihata hasn't thought about this more than a few times (read: over a hundred times) over the past few weeks. He goes on, voice becoming weaker, "And I'm not- t-tall. Or handsome. And I don't have long lashes that go all- all f-fluttery."

Something clicks in Akashi's mind then. "Kouki," He blinks at him, "Are you talking about Reo?"

"Eh?! N-no, I'm just-" Furihata shakes his head quickly, rubbing one arm nervously with the opposite hand. For a moment he looks indecisive, holding back, before curiosity gets the better of him because he just needs to know. "What- what is your relationship with him?"

Akashi raises his eyebrows. "With Mibuchi Reo?"

"Y-yes," Furihata nods, voice small and a little shaky. "Am I- am I allowed to ask?"

"Of course," Akashi replies immediately. He steps closer, voice gentle, "You know you can always ask me anything, Kouki."

Can I really? Furihata thinks, looking at Akashi. It's still strange that he has to look up at Akashi now instead of down, and where there used to be soft round cheeks there are now sharp, strong cheekbones. There's so much I don't know about you. So much I didn't realize I don't know. Ten years is a long time and there is so much- distance. So much distance between us.

It's kind of… lonely.

"Reo was my lover."

The words strike Furihata like a thunderclap. His mouth goes dry, his head is throbbing, his heart is pounding, his hands are numb, and he is staring at Akashi but all he can see is red, red-

Akashi frowns, considering, "Hm. But maybe 'lover' isn't the most accurate term."

Furihata stops breathing.

"We didn't date. It wasn't like he was my boyfriend. I suppose the best way to explain how he treats me is akin to how an older sister would treat a younger brother," Akashi pauses, "If the sister has a very strong brother complex."

"B-brother complex…" Furihata repeats quietly, skeptical. Akashi is many things, but one thing Furihata never expected is for Akashi to be on the receiving end of some sort of strange brocon. Thoughts of all the less-than-innocent content surrounding that tag swirls in his mind, and before he can stop himself, Furihata asks, "D-did you- um, I mean- did y-you and him- um-"

"Are you asking whether I slept with Reo?"

"Ah-" Furihata swallows, face burning. "I-It's not my place-"

What am I asking? This is none of my business, I don't deserve to know any of this-

"I didn't," Akashi says, and the relief hits Furihata so overpoweringly that he almost collapses to the ground. "We made out a lot. Slept in the same bed a lot. But no, we never actually slept together."

"I- I see," Furihata's voice sounds tight, even to himself. He's relieved that Akashi didn't have sex with Reo, but still, he's- agitated. "And are you- you and him- are you still…?"

"No," Akashi shakes his head. "We stopped when he went to Tokyo for university."

So would you have continued if he was still in Kyoto? Furihata thinks, not without resentment. The thought of Akashi with Reo, all long limbs and pale skin tangled up together, rolling in bed, fingers in Akashi's hair, lips locked in a passionate kiss- it's enough to make Furihata feel sick to his gut. Not from disgust, but… He grips his own arm hard, grits his teeth to stop himself from shaking.

"Kouki?" Akashi says, when he notices Furihata's reaction. His eyes widen, red orbs staring in disbelief, "Is it possible that you're… jealous?"

Jealous? Of course I am. How can I not be? When you're not even touching me and he's- he's…

…of course I'm fucking jealous.

Furihata clenches his jaw. But it's not fair, isn't it? I can't be jealous, not when I told you we can't be anything more than this. It's not fair when I'm the one who drew the line; when all this distance between us is my fault.

When you're not even mine, Akashi-kun.

"Kouki," Akashi takes a step closer.

"Don't-" Furihata takes one step back, eyes on the floor, his voice watery. "D-don't come any closer than this."

Akashi stops, and Furihata wants to scream because, once again, yet again, it's me who's putting a wedge between us when I want nothing more than to get closer.

"You sound afraid," Akashi says, and his voice is strangely quiet. "I used to think it was because you're unsure of what I'll do. But now I'm wondering if it's the opposite."

Furihata shakes his head, "Akashi-kun-"

"Are you afraid of what you'll do?" Akashi takes another step, and then another, "Of what you'll let yourself do with me?"

Furihata is gripping his arm so hard his hand is prickling with pins and needles. He refuses to look up, to look at Akashi; he only mumbles at the ground, voice barely audible, "P-please, Akashi-kun."

"No," Akashi says, firm. And Furihata trembles, because Akashi is so close to him in this moment, closer than he's ever been since they've fallen over each other all those weeks ago. Still not close enough. When Akashi speaks again, his voice is a whisper right next to Furihata's ear, "No, Kouki."

Furihata suppresses a whimper. Have mercy on me.

"I want- I need to know-" Akashi says, "-if you really are. If you're truly jealous of Reo, then I need to know."

"I-" Furihata voice breaks. I can't. I can't tell, can't let you know, can't let you get any closer than this- can't let you- can't let myself-

Then Akashi cups his hand on Furihata's cheek and it's all over.

Furihata looks up at Akashi, light brown eyes round and damp. In the smallest voice, almost childish, almost pouty, he grumbles,

"…he calls you 'Sei-chan'."

That's all Akashi needs to hear.

"Kouki," Akashi breathes, eyes wide and disbelieving, looking at Furihata like he's something wonderful.

It makes Furihata want to cry.

Momentarily, he closes his eyes, allows himself to fully feel the touch of Akashi's hand on his cheek. It's warm and, subconsciously, Furihata inclines his head towards Akashi's palm.

Akashi freezes. Stares at Furihata, decides to remove his hand-

-but then Furihata brings up his own hand to cover Akashi's just as he is about to move it away, keeping him there. Because now that Akashi's finally touching him, Furihata can't let him stop – not yet. Not now. Just a few seconds more.

"…" Akashi is deathly silent as he brings another hand to Furihata's neck, smoothing down the curve of it until his little finger is trailing the hollow above Furihata's collarbone. Furihata's breath hitches, shudders out of him, and Akashi's eyelids lower, relishing the sound.

Furihata's fingers curl over Akashi's own, and Akashi is tense, almost gritting his teeth.

"Kouki," He says. A warning.

Furihata should probably listen. This is pushing it too far, this is not appropriate, this is not-

"Kouki," A whisper, this time.

Furihata's eyes flutter open and he inhales sharply because Akashi's face is right there, inches away from his own, his lips close enough to almost, almost-

Their eyes lock, frozen in the moment; those crimson orbs searching Furihata's own, red-rimmed pupils burning and blown and it's a vortex that Furihata can't help but be sucked in, willingly consumed.

If this is a trap then Furihata has gone beyond saving. Beyond the point of return. Too far gone. And just this once- just this one time-

"Just-" The word slips his mouth, but Furihata manages to cut himself off, biting his tongue, biting his lower lip until it's near bleeding.

Akashi looks almost like he's in pain, voice low and strained, "What is it?"

Furihata swallows thickly, eyes lowering to Akashi's mouth.

"What do you want from me, Kouki?" Akashi whispers, and all Furihata can focus on is the way his lips move.

Furihata shakes his head, unable to say it. He can't. If he gives in now, that would be betraying everything, undoing everything he's done thus far, nullifying all his efforts, and Akashi's too. But right now, it's hard – so damn hard – to remember why any of that is important.

Akashi's hand on the side of his neck squeezes, and the pressure of it makes Furihata weak. One breath in and Akashi's scent is all around him and Furihata just- wants. He wants this. It's torture how much he wants this.

For one second, one split second of guilty pleasure, Furihata allows his hand over Akashi's on his cheek to squeeze back, just as firmly. But it is only for a second.

It's a physical pain when Furihata forces himself to look away from Akashi's lips, pulls himself out of the moment, and peels Akashi's hand away from his face. Akashi lets him. But then Furihata doesn't let go of Akashi's hand, and Akashi doesn't, either. So their hands stay like that, lingering between them.

"You cannot do this," Akashi hisses, "Do you understand? There is only so much self-control I can exercise."

"I- I'm sorry," Furihata chokes out, a lump forming in his throat.

"Let go of my hand."

Furihata doesn't want to.

"Kouki," Akashi says through gritted teeth.

In a spur of a moment's decision, Furihata brings Akashi's hand to his lips and presses a quick, chaste kiss to Akashi's knuckles – surely, he is allowed to do just this? This isn't too much to ask, isn't too wrong of him?

Furihata lifts his eyes and Akashi's red orbs look practically furious.

"You-" Akashi grinds out under his breath, "-are making this excruciatingly difficult."

Furihata falters, "I-"

"Leave."

"A-Akashi-kun…"

"Leave, Kouki," Akashi pulls his hand away from Furihata's grasp. "Before I do something I promised I wouldn't."

Furihata feels the absence of Akashi's touch like a gaping hollow in himself. Ignoring his own burning eyes, Furihata nods quickly and turns away, reminding himself with every step why this is appropriate, why leaving is the right thing to do even when it feels so awfully wrong.

He takes three steps before Akashi stops him.

"Wha-"

Akashi grabs him by the wrist, pulling Furihata against his chest, and – like he cannot stop himself – presses an ardent kiss on Furihata's forehead. He stays there for a few heart-aching seconds, before he brings a hand to the back of Furihata's head and holds him close, Furihata's face nestled into the crook of his neck.

And Furihata- Furihata allows himself this; shuts his eyes tight, inhaling in Akashi's scent, his hand clinging onto the front of Akashi's shirt.

For a moment, it feels like time has stopped. Time has stopped and all that is still moving, all that is important in this world, is standing here, like this, with Akashi's nose buried in his hair, with Akashi holding him close enough that they can feel each other's racing heartbeats.

I want to stay here forever.

When Akashi releases him from his arms, the pain of the departure is visceral, and it takes all that Furihata has not to sob at the loss of his touch.

Akashi isn't looking at him, his face turned sideways, his hand holding the bridge of his nose with his eyes shut. "Go," He says, voice low, "Go now."

Furihata nods, not trusting himself to speak.

He makes it about halfway out of the street when he hears Akashi call his name.

"Kouki." His voice is heavy.

Furihata turns to look at him, finding his voice. It comes out as a wheeze, "Y-yes?"

"The next time you give even the slightest hint," Akashi's eyes glint in the twilight, "I won't hold back."

And it scares Furihata – the way Akashi looks at him like a predator, like a lion stalking it's prey, like a snake before it springs to attack, like an eagle zeroing in before the dive-

It scares Furihata how much that doesn't scare him at all.

A/N: I actually am quite fond of Reo/Akashi. And Reo/Himuro (though it's MuraHimu in this fic). Basically, I just really like Reo as a character xD

Once again, I'm terribly sorry for the delayed update but I hope you all enjoyed this chapter anyways – let me know your thoughts! Your comments make my day xx