Chapter 10
It's still bright and early when Aomine gets home, so he's a bit surprised to see Kagami sitting on the couch watching television. Kagami looks at Aomine like, oh, it's you. Stupid bastard, Aomine thinks, returning the glare with matching intensity.
"Where's Tetsu?" Aomine asks, shrugging out of his jacket and hanging it over the back of a chair.
Kagami shrugs, and then pulls his phone out of his pocket. Aomine makes his way over to the refrigerator and pulls it open, only to find that it's nearly empty. Before he can complain about the lack of stock, his phone begins vibrating.
From: Bakagami
Thursday 8:43
Msg: Kuroko went grocery shopping. Where the fuck were you last night?
Reluctant to answer, Aomine casually slides his phone back into his pocket with hopes that Kagami isn't watching him. He keeps his back turned, eyes set on the empty fridge, hoping to spot something that will settle his stomach for the time being. Since when was Kagami so concerned with his life? It's different when Kuroko questions him about such things; Aomine is used to it. He's had to deal with the phantom's blunt curiosity since middle school, had to look into those chilly eyes each time he made a mistake. Kagami, on the other hand, only shows concern when he's being a nosy bastard, and Aomine can't help but react defensively every time he asks a question regarding his day.
"Hanging out with a friend," Aomine finally answers, curtly, while grabbing an apple. He hopes the tone of his voice is evidence enough that he'd rather not be interrogated. It's not like Kagami has ever cared about what Aomine wants, the asshole he is, and it's not long before Aomine feels his phone vibrating within the pocket of his pants.
Just as Aomine closes the refrigerator and turns back around, he feels something rubbing against his leg. He looks down to see Nigou happy as ever, bouncing up and down on his front paws. "Hey, boy," Aomine coos in a low tone before taking a bite out of his apple, eyes remaining set on the enthusiastic dog beside his feet. Nigou wags his tail and nudges Aomine's leg with his nose a few times before scrambling off towards the front door.
Nigou has a habit of rushing to greet Kuroko whenever he comes through the door, so his presence is always initially revealed before he can make his way through it. A sigh escapes Aomine's lips as he waits for Nigou to return from around the corner with his rightful owner.
Kuroko doesn't seem to look surprised to see Aomine standing in the kitchen, eating the last piece of fruit in the refrigerator. Good morning, he signs after setting a bag of groceries on the counter. Did you have fun with Kise-kun last night?
Aomine nearly chokes on his apple and breaks into a short coughing fit. Did Kise tell him everything that happened last night? Kuroko's always been good at seeing past Aomine's exterior, but this… he hoped to at least keep this concealed until he's sure it's what he wants.
Who said I was with Kise? Aomine retorts, brows furrowed.
Did Kise tell him they kissed?
Or that he practically confessed to Kise?
No one. It's obvious. Besides, where else would you be, Aomine-kun? Kuroko stares at him, blankly.
Aomine feels like he's being set up and can't help but narrow his eyes suspiciously.
It's obvious…
What's obvious? So many questions ring through Aomine's mind, though he ultimately keeps them confined. It's not something he's comfortable talking about yet, and Kuroko needs to realize that he doesn't need to stick his nose in every damn thing involving Aomine.
None of your business, Aomine says, and takes another bite out of his apple. He averts his eyes and cranes his neck to the side minimally in attempt to alleviate the throbbing pain coursing down his spine. Sleeping on the floor is something he'll be sure to avoid in the future.
"Gonna go take a nap," Aomine says aloud, mouth full. "Don't miss me too much while I'm gone." He glances down at Nigou who stands between him and Kuroko, looking back and forth with excited eyes. "I'll take him for a walk later."
The moment Aomine gets into his room, he plops onto the mattress of his bed with his apple wedged between his teeth, and pulls his phone out of his pocket.
From: Bakagami
Thursday 8:47
Msg: Hanging out with Kise?
Aomine rolls his eyes and tosses his phone to the side. Is it that obvious? Even Kagami—one of the most oblivious people Aomine knows—notices. And damn, it's frustrating. Aomine feels like privacy is a nonexistent concept with the way Kuroko and Kagami constantly pry in his business and worry about his whereabouts.
It's what friends are for…
He stares at the ceiling and thinks of how pathetic he is.
No matter how hard he tries, he can't seem to shake the image of Kise out of his head. It's like that bright smile is imprinted in his brain, haunting his consciousness. And to think his heart is doing these weird flips over the thought of waking up to Kise in his arms; it makes him grunt in a mixture of frustration and confusion.
Out of all the people, he wants the one that sings. The one that fucking sings. Aomine brings a hand up to his face, the core of his eaten apple falling out from between his teeth. God, he's an idiot.
Sighing, Aomine reaches for his phone again.
"What's got you so happy?" Kasamatsu asks casually as he pulls his guitar out of its case.
Kise perks up, eyes wide like a doe caught in headlights. "Huh? What do you mean?"
"You're humming," Kasamatsu glances up at him quickly before averting his gaze back down to his instrument. "You always hum when you're in a good mood."
"Ah, I'm just thinking about something…" Kise admits vaguely.
The smallest grin graces Kise's lips, and he looks down, attempting to hide the overly content expression on his face like some flustered schoolgirl. To say he hasn't been thinking about Aomine all morning would be a lie, and it's embarrassing to think about it. The absent warmth of having Aomine's arms wrapped around him courses through Kise's body like an aftershock, and he finds himself craving Aomine's touch. His grin widens, and he brings his fingers up to his lips as he reminisces on the multiple kisses they shared last night.
"Kise," Kasamatsu says sternly. "Get your head out of the clouds, we have work to do."
Kise's gaze snaps up quickly, and he nods, pushing a piece of hair behind his ear. "I'm a bit out of it. I didn't get much sleep last night," he says, and it's the truth. He'd spent most of the night staring at Aomine's peaceful face, examining the youth of his features when they weren't scrunched into a scowl.
Kasamatsu doesn't look too pleased. "Of course you didn't."
"What is that supposed to mean?" Kise quirks a brow, his smile slowly fading.
"Nothing," Kasamatsu responds, curtly, "What song are we starting off with today?"
There's something sharp about Kasamatsu's tone that causes Kise to cringe the slightest bit. Kise has known Kasamatsu since high school, and he knows when something is on his mind. He contemplates asking Kasamatsu what has him so worked up, but considering they are there for work, Kise pushes the thought to the back of his mind. He'll bug him about it later.
"Here," Kise pulls out various sheets of music, and hands a few to Kasamatsu. "We can try the new song today. I want to start performing it soon. A few record labels should be at our next show; I want to make a good impression."
They've been playing at local bars over the past couple of years, and it seems that they're finally beginning to get some recognition. Kasamatsu suggested a few times that they try to expand their band, get another guitarist and maybe a drummer, but Kise refuses. "It's what makes our music unique," Kise says, confident. It's always been just the two of them, and he couldn't see himself playing music with anyone else—getting recognition for their music with anyone else.
Kasamatsu stares down at his sheet, the intensity of his gaze never diminishing. "Alright," he says. "Let's get this over with. I have class in a couple of hours."
Kise can hear his phone going off from across the room, and usually he'd shoot out of his seat to check it, but considering Kasamatsu's rather off mood, he stays put in his spot. Kise frowns, and then sighs. "Of course."
Kise goes out to lunch after rehearsals with a friend he hasn't seen since high school, and it's then that he realizes just how much everyone, including himself, has changed. He hadn't kept in contact with many people other than Kasamatsu, and occasionally Hayakawa. Yet here he is, sitting across from his former vice-captain, Kobori.
Over the past half hour, Kise has been going on about music, the girls he's dated, the people he's met, and even Aomine. Kobori has always been rather quiet and calm; sometimes it's hard to tell if he's actually paying attention, but sometimes he'll look up and give this small smile that assures he's listening. It's nice, to just be able to talk. He's been doing a lot of talking in sign language, and it just isn't the same for him. He's always been a talker, a singer, someone who can't shut up for the life of him.
"So you're telling me, you haven't picked up a basketball since you graduated?" Kise forks a piece of meat, and sticks it in his mouth.
Kobori shrugs. "Basketball just stopped being important after high school. I only have one more year of college, you know. Then I'll be heading off to law school."
Kise swallows. "Good luck with that, by the way. I guess we were all wrong when we voted you most likely to become a school teacher, huh?" His laughter is dry. "And to be honest, I haven't picked up a ball since I started getting into music. Same with modeling. Kind of just dropped all of my high school interests to make this music thing happen, you know? I mean, don't get me wrong. I love basketball, but it's just not something I have fun playing anymore."
"It's kind of surprising to here that from you," Kobori says.
"I've grown up, Kobori," Kise smiles, complacently. "But, I suppose one thing that'll never change about me is the constant flock of fans. Look at those girls practically gawking at us."
Kobori looks over his shoulder, and smiles. "Still such a smug bastard."
They split their way afterwards; Kise walks home because his apartment isn't that far from the restaurant. It's then that he realizes he hadn't checked his other missed messages aside from Kobori's call.
From: Aominecchi
Thursday 9:00
Msg: get out of my head….
Kise smiles so wide his cheeks begin to hurt.
To: Aominecchi
Thursday 14:34
Msg: Only if you get out of mine first.
Hitting send is like pressing the launch button to a rocket, and the moment the message says received, Kise is sure his heart is going to flutter out of his chest. The pace of his steps gradually lessens as he focuses on his phone, anticipating Aomine's answer.
From: Aominecchi
Thursday 14:36
Msg: it's about fucking time…
To: Aominecchi
Thursday 14:36
Msg: Sorry, had a busy day! ヘ(;´Д`ヘ)
To: Aominecchi
Thursday 14:37
Msg: Did you miss me? (*/∇\*)
From: Aominecchi
Thursday 14:40
Msg: no
Kise is walking up the stairs of his apartment by this time, his eyes never leaving his phone.
To: Aominecchi
Thursday 14:42
Msg: Bullshit
To: Aominecchi
Thursday 14:43
Msg: So where are you taking me out on a date?
Having forgotten to lock the door to his apartment again, Kise nudges the door open without having to pull out his keys. He slides his phone into his pocket, and looks around cautiously. Something feels a little… off, although everything seems to be still as usual. Eventually he deems the coast clear and makes his way into the kitchen. He sets his wallet down on the countertop, and then eagerly checks his phone.
From: Aominecchi
Thursday 14:44
Msg: haven't decided yet
Of course. It's like Aomine to push these sorts of matters aside, and Kise has a feeling that he's going to have to bug Aomine until he breaks. Just as he's about to respond, another message pops up on the screen.
From: Aominecchi
Thursday 14:48
Msg: you should really learn how to lock your door, idiot
Kise glares down at the message in confusion, his perfect brows pinched together. "What?" he asks aloud, and then looks back at his door. How did he know the door had been unlocked?
"Arf!"
Kise's head snaps in the direction of the bark quickly, eyes wide with fear as he realizes that someone… something is in his house…
"Nigou?" The panic in Kise's expression immediately falters at the sight of the black and white dog wagging his tail at him. And then it all clicks at once. Kise's eyes follow the trail of Nigou's leash until it reaches the very end, where a tanned hand is gripping loosely.
"Wanted to see if you'd take Nigou for a walk with me," Aomine mutters. His other hand is stuffed in his pocket. He leans against Kise's freshly dried wall like he hadn't just broken into his house without permission and nearly startled him into a heart attack.
Kise's hands are curled into fists, and he's sure the expression on his face isn't pleasant. "You can't just walk into people's homes like that!" he sputters, momentarily forgetting that his words are rendered useless. He lifts a hand to his mouth and awkwardly shifts his weight from one leg to the other.
Aomine quirks a brow, seeming to take the hint that Kise isn't okay with the unwelcomed visit. It's not that Kise doesn't want him here, because that's exactly what he wants. It's just that the fear he had felt just a few seconds prior is foreign and unsettling; knowing that someone had been in his home while he wasn't there.
Ah, but it's his fault for not locking the door…
"Sorry," Kise murmurs softly, lowering his hand a few seconds after. I'd love to, he transitions to sign language, forcing a smile to hide his previous unsteadiness.
I upset you, didn't I? Aomine asks bluntly.
Kise swallows hard. You just startled me, that's all. You really shouldn't sneak up on people like that when you've snuck into their home. But I suppose it's what I get for leaving my door unlocked… I've learned my lesson.
I'm glad I could teach you a lesson, but that wasn't my intentions. Sorry, I guess. Aomine looks uncomfortable stating the apology, and the sight draws a stifled laughter from Kise.
You don't say sorry often, do you? Kise asks.
I don't ever need a reason to say sorry, Aomine says.
I'm sure you don't, Kise says, a taunting smile gracing his lips.
Aomine narrows his eyes, seeming to notice Kise's sarcasm. Are you going to come with me, or not? He asks.
Nigou tries running over to Kise, but the leash Aomine has him on restricts him. So after a few failed attempts, he finally settles with sitting halfway, and stares up at Kise with longing eyes. Kise can't help but melt when Nigou is looking at him like that, so he makes his way over to his side, and begins running his fingers through his soft fur.
It's a bit surprising how patient Aomine seems to be; standing there without saying a word. Kise can feel Aomine watching him, and eventually he returns the gaze, his blond fringe covering his face a bit as he tilts his head up. Being that his hands are occupied, Kise settles with nodding his head, and that's enough to get Aomine to push himself away from the wall and begin making his way past Kise.
"Aominecchi, wait," Kise says, only to sigh in frustration at his second failed attempt of verbal conversation.
Aomine tenses up and stops like he had heard Kise calling out to him. Kise begins holding his breath, eyes wide as he begins to wonder if Aomine had been able to hear him. Of course not, that's ridiculous, he tells himself.
"I forgot," Aomine says, voice low as he turns around.
Kise looks confused when Aomine begins to approach him, and he even takes a hesitant step back when Aomine reaches out to slide the palm of his hand behind his neck. Oh, Kise breathes softly as Aomine pulls him forward, crushing their lips together in a slightly unpleasant manner. It's amusing how bad Aomine is at this, and he can't help the small smile that coats his lips.
"That was bad," Aomine admits, face still close to Kise's as he pulls away.
Kise nods, biting down on his bottom lip. He gives Aomine a look that reads you tried, hoping that he won't get upset or feel uncomfortable with his inexperience.
Aomine sighs, and then takes a step back. "I'll get better," he says, voice cracking in the middle.
They take Nigou to a park and let him roam around freely without a leash while they sit on a bench to talk about trivial things. Kise goes on about his new song – how he's excited to sing it – and Aomine just stares. Kise is really attractive under the sun; it's like the sunlight intensifies how faultless his features are.
When are you going to come to one of my concerts? Kise asks, and Aomine shrugs.
Not anytime soon, Aomine thinks as he averts his gaze. Kise does a lot of things Aomine wishes he could hear, one of them being singing. And he just doesn't think he'd be able to deal with sitting through one of his performances knowing that everyone is able to enjoy his voice but him. He's never been envious of those who can hear, and he doesn't want to start now just because some stupid singer has stumbled into his life. So he'll avoid it, and he'll continue to avoid it until Kise stops asking him.
Aomine keeps his gaze elsewhere the rest of the time, because he knows Kise will try to press the subject, and he's not in the mood.
When Nigou finally gets tired of running around, he makes his way back over to Aomine and jumps in his lap. Aomine scratches Nigou behind his ear, and then sets him on the ground so he can stand up. It's beginning to get cooler as the sun slowly sets, and the gust of wind that breezes past causes goose bumps to arise on Aomine's skin.
It's time for him to start heading home, but some part of him doesn't want to depart with Kise. Unfortunately Nigou is with him, and considering Nigou isn't his dog, he can't just keep him over at Kise's all night. "Wanna come over for dinner?" Aomine asks, finally turning his gaze to Kise.
The moment Kise realizes what is being asked, he perks up in his seat with wide eyes. He looks too surprised for his own good, and it annoys Aomine.
Aomine rolls his eyes and lets out a sigh. "Nevermind," he says, scoffing.
Kise begins waving his hands frantically, attempting to grasp Aomine's attention again. No, no! I'd love to come over for dinner! I just… I'm… Are you sure that's okay with Kurokocchi and Kagamicchi?
"It's my house, too, Kise. I don't need to check with them every time I bring company over," Aomine says. "Either you're coming or not. I'm heading back now, so…"
Smiling, Kise stands up and clutches the sleeve of Aomine's arm as he begins walking off, indicating that he's coming along. Aomine looks over his shoulder, and glances down at the hand grasping at his shirt, though he doesn't say anything about it. They continue to walk this way, Kise holding on to him, and Nigou leading the way. And although he can't hear, he swears Kise is humming.
Everyone has been talking around the dinner table for what seems like hours, only occasionally using sign language so that Aomine knows what is being said. He watches their mouths intently, trying to pick up words or phrases so that he doesn't feel entirely left out. It's like someone pressed fast forward on the conversation three times; he can't keep up with the movement of their lips. Eventually, he gives up, and sets his chin in the palm of his hand and stares off at the wall across from him with a discontent scowl.
He's never been eager on listening in on a conversation, but the way Kise is smiling and throwing his hands around, he can't help but wonder what is being said.
Suddenly, gentle specks of water hit his face and pull him out of his momentary trance. Aomine straightens up in his seat, brows furrowed. He instantly shoots a glare at Kagami, though he can see Kise laughing in his peripheral.
Kagami's eyes widen like he just got caught sticking his hand in a cookie jar, and he begins pointing his finger at Kise, mouthing, "I didn't do it!"
Kise flicks some more water in Aomine's face, and smiles big. It's the kind of smile that frustrates Aomine, because there's no well in hell he can stay mad when Kise looks so bright and happy. "You're an ass," Aomine mutters, and reaches up to wipe away the specks of water on his face.
You're the one staring into space in the middle of a conversation, Kise feigns a pout.
"Well, I can't hear shit. So why does it matter to you?" Aomine averts his gaze again, and leans back in his seat. His stomach drops, and he immediately regrets saying what he said. He's sure the room is quiet enough to make the sound of a pin dropping prominent, and he can feel all of their eyes set on him. Aomine sucks in air, holds it for a few seconds, and then lets it out all at once.
Aomine pushes his chair away from the table and stands up. "Wanna see my room?" He looks at Kise. Everyone is still looking at him with pity eyes, and it takes all he has to ignore it. "Since it's your first time here, and all."
Kise nods stiffly, and then stands up as well. He places a hand on Kuroko's shoulder, and whatever he says is enough to make Kuroko smile the slightest bit.
When they enter his room, Aomine shuts the door gently. It's a bit awkward at first, considering he just snapped at the blond a few minutes prior. But when Kise glances over his shoulder and smiles, it feels like all the tension immediately dissipates.
Kise walks over to his desk and begins looking through a pile of disorganized papers and drawings he planned to throw out later. He suddenly feels embarrassed, because it's not his best art. He makes his way over to Kise and stands next to him. "Hey, about snapping on you… I'm…" The apology rests on the tip of his tongue, though he can't seem to get it out. Instead he waves a hand out in front of him, and then sighs and lets it fall back to his side.
It's okay, Kise signs. He reaches up to grab Aomine's face in both of his hands, and presses their foreheads together. He's speaking, and dammit, Aomine wants to tell him to shut up; he wants to remind him that he can't hear shit. Instead, he stands still and looks into Kise's eyes like he can hear him… like he wants to hear him.
Kise initiates the kiss this time, and he's a lot better at it than Aomine is. Although it doesn't last longer than three seconds, it's probably the sweetest one they've had yet. Aomine's fingers curl into the fabric of Kise's shirt, like he's trying to keep himself from floating away, and he's reluctant with letting go.
Your art is amazing, Kise says when he goes back to looking through Aomine's papers.
"You're just saying that," Aomine murmurs, unconvinced. Kise's chest rises and falls like he's laughing, and he shakes his head.
I don't understand how someone so talented can be so unconfident, Kise says.
Aomine shrugs, and glances down at his unfinished works of art. "Not everyone is bursting with confidence like you."
Kise frowns, and then sits on the edge of Aomine's bed. They don't say anything else, but it's like it's natural for Aomine to lie down and Kise to curl into his side. Aomine stares up at the ceiling as he runs his fingers through Kise's hair, trying to figure out how he got himself into this whole relationship bullshit. One day he was completely indifferent towards Kise, and the next he was craving his touch, his smile, and the sound of his laughter.
Kise sits up and looks at Aomine like something's burdening his mind. When are you going to take me out on a date? He narrows his eyes.
Aomine scoffs, because he knows he's never going to get around this. Kise is persistent, and equally determined. Aomine has never been good with these kinds of things—asking people out, and taking them to nice places. And he kind of enjoys what he and Kise have now. Nothing too serious, but serious enough to be considered a thing. Kind of.
"When I figure out where I want to take you," Aomine admits, too lazy to use his hands to sign back.
Kise might be sighing, Aomine's not entirely sure, but his pink lips are parted slightly and he averts his gaze in a slightly curt manner. Aomine pulls Kise back down, and kisses his forehead gently. His lips feel dry against Kise's soft skin. "I'll figure it out soon. Stop stressing it so much," Aomine says.
He just doesn't want to tell Kise that he's thinking about buying tickets to a concert, maybe. Kise's into music, and he wants the first date to be something special. Or, some shit.
Kise looks up at him, like he can tell something is wrong, and Aomine kisses the tip of his nose to keep him from growing curious.
He's not supposed to be thinking about stupid sappy shit, like making a great impression on the first date. This whole relationship thing is a lot harder than he thought it out to be.
