Building Bodhum

New Bodhum 0AF Part 2

''It's been roughly a week since Snow and I kissed. He's been distant, often avoiding being alone with me and avoiding eye contact. Lebreau had noticed and asked me if we were okay, she was always so observant and caring. I still don't quite understand what happened that day but I didn't regret it. I know that when Serah comes back Snow will be wary, he'll have to act normal or else she'll notice something's up. The NORA house is now complete with enough space for us to sleep including Serah. She's coming back tomorrow from a small settlement at the base of the crystal pillar. Which reminds me that Hope has stayed with her, which means he'll be coming to the NORA house too.''

''So, Snow. Serah's back tomorrow.'' Gadot began.

'' Yeah, I can't wait for her to see the NORA house and the rest of the work we've done.'' Snow said proudly. Gadot smirked and shook his head.

'' Anyway I'm going to go see if Lebreau needs any help with dinner, later.'' Gadot left the NORA leader.

Snow was busy clearing up in what would be Serah and Lebreau's room. He wanted it to be perfect for her, make her first day, in their new and incomplete village, perfect. The room consisted of several wall decorations, various plants, small bedside tables and two large single beds.

''Hey Snow?'' Yuj walked in sheepishly. He was holding a large object with various decorations and patterns. ''I found this mirror; it seemed a shame to let it go to waste. I cleaned it up and it looked like it would go nicely in here.''

''Hey Yuj, thanks.'' Snow said quietly, avoiding Yuj's gaze, he took the mirror off Yuj and placed it between the two beds. ''Erm… listen. I'm sorry about, well, everything.''

''It's okay, I just want things to go back to the way they used to be. Maybe we just need to sit down and talk it out?'' Yuj asked hopefully. He was looking down, he seemed nervous.

''Sure, but first let's get some dinner I'm starving'' Snow replied rubbing his stomach. Yuj laughed lightly and turned to walk away. Just as he reached the doorway he turned slightly towards Snow, smiled, and then left. Snow looked at the large mirror; it was mostly purple with some blue and brown tones here and there and a relatively large blue-purple gem at the top. He lifted it up and hung it on the wall between both beds.

''There,'' He thought aloud ''All done.'' As he reached the doorway he took one last look at the room ''Perfect.'' He said, he then smiled and walked towards the dining area.

Maqui was tapping his cutlery on the large wooden table in anticipation. Gadot sat across from him glaring at him due to the irritating tapping noise Maqui was making. Yuj was grooming himself. He seemed to love doing that. He'd do it all the time, once he did it during a fight against some monsters. Lebreau was slaving away at the stove as usual, she was good to the group and they really appreciated it.

''Hey… I thought Gadot was supposed to be helping you?'' Snow asked.

''He is… by staying away from the chef. He cannot cook to save his life.'' Lebreau laughed, she didn't really like anyone but her working on the meals. It was just easier for her to do it herself. She rarely let the group help with the cooking. The scent that was emitted from the stove was undoubtedly the smell of the NORA special. They had it often, but it didn't bother them because Lebreau made it beautifully.

''Wow Lebreau, that smells awesome!'' Maqui announced.

''Don't sound too surprised Maqui!'' Lebreau giggled.

Lebreau served up dinner. She placed a bowl in front of Maqui. His eyes lit up and he almost drooled, once Lebreau sat down he looked at her in anticipation. Lebreau always wanted the group to eat together so they didn't start eating till everyone was sat down

''Go ahead Maqui, dig in.'' She laughed.

''Yes! I'm starved!'' Maqui shouted as he dived straight into his bowl. Everyone stared at Maqui, no one knew what to say as this small teen devoured his dinner. Within minutes the bowl was clean, Maqui leaned back on his chair, placed a hand upon his bloated stomach, and let out a huge burp. Everyone was speechless, just sitting staring at the blond teen.

''What?'' Maqui questioned, whilst he picked at his teeth.

''Erm… I don't know what to say… where did you put it all?'' Yuj asked astonished.

''In my stomach, obviously.'' Maqui sarcastically answered.

Yuj glared at Maqui. Everyone else began to eat, once everyone had finished Gadot gathered the bowls and Lebreau washed them. Yuj went up to the cliffs and Snow followed a few minutes after. Maqui wandered into the garage to tinker with various machinery.

Yuj was walking up the steep slope towards the top of the cliffs. It was a relatively warm day so, walking up such a steep slope, Yuj worked up a sweat. Once he reached the top he wiped the sweat off his brow with his right arm and sat down in the grass. Snow arrived a few minutes later. Yuj spotted him and smiled, he waved him over. Snow also sat down, he removed his trench coat and Yuj couldn't help but stare at Snow's muscled body through his tightly fitted t-shirt. Snow noticed his stare, he didn't mind, he was used to it from Hope.

''So, Yuj? How long have you preferred guys?'' Snow asked, it wasn't a great ice breaker but it was all he could think of to ask.

''Well, I realised when I was about 13, but when I think back to before then I think I've always known. What about you?'' Yuj was looking into the sunset smiling. The sun hit his eyes at such an angle that his eyes became a cocktail of colours ranging from green to hazel. Snow couldn't divert his gaze, after a few seconds Yuj noticed his silence and turned to look at him. Snow quickly diverted his gaze after realising he must have looked liked a complete fool.

''Snow are you okay?'' Yuj asked. He did enjoy the attention he noticed Snow gave him.

''Uh… yeah sorry… I…'' He trailed off, the mood had just became awkward. ''Erm… recently I guess, but I prefer women.''

''I have to say something, I don't like you in that way Snow… and I think that I kissed you in the heat of the moment and not through attraction.'' Yuj admitted, he was obviously lying to himself, but he had to make sure that nothing would happen again.

''I noticed you staring at my torso, which shows you have an obvious attraction to me… the feelings mutual, but I have Serah to think about and I can't destroy what Serah and I have. I'm sorry.'' Snow tried to comfort him, he placed a hand upon Yuj's shoulder.

''You can read me just like that? Well you're right, and yes we shouldn't destroy what you and Serah have.'' Yuj forced his words; he began to well up towards the end. Snow stood up, hung his trench coat over his right shoulder holding it with just a hooked finger, and took a step towards Yuj and crouched next to him. He used his left arm to pull Yuj in closer and he kissed him on the side of the head.

''I best be off, they'll get suspicious. See you later.'' Snow stood up, looked into the sunset and walked down the steep slope. Yuj closed his knees to his chest, wrapped his arms round his knees and began to cry. He knew it was for the best, Snow and Serah were really good friends to Yuj and he couldn't damage what he had with them. He knew he liked Snow and it was unbearable. He cried, and then a bit more. After a few minutes he stood up, dusted off his knees and his behind and walked off towards the NORA house. The lights were on, and he heard a lot of laughing. Yuj wondered what the commotion was, he hurried towards the building. He walked up the steps and into the lounge.

''Yuj!'' Chirped a similar voice. Yuj stared completely shocked, it was Serah, Snow's fiancée. She held out her arms and rushed towards Yuj.

He wrapped his arms around her, gave her a big hug and replied ''Hey stranger.''