Lover's Sacrifices Chapter 8, Hidden Ring
"You two are married?!" Aladdin's mouth hung open. He circled the couple holding hands tightly, peering at the fingers that are undecorated like a curious child. He raised them up to examine the missing gold, "But...I see no rings."
Since the announcement was shared among the roommates Judal was almost at disbelief. Suddenly having Alibaba and Kouha popping up out of nowhere declaring marriage made him stumped. Alibaba didn't get praise out of him but a mash of feelings he wasn't afraid to lay out in front of him. The older man laid his elbow on the blond's shoulder, "You've only been together for more than a week and you're already moving in that direction? You didn't even have a wedding and you have no marriage papers! Plus, ring." Aladdin slithered under the couple's arms to the front of his brother. He paused him before anything else could distress the happy news. "Hey big brother maybe they didn't get to that yet. But, I'm still happy for you two, you guys are the cutest couple ever!" He turned to the two lovebirds and flashed a sweet smile. Right away the teen was brought into a warming embrace by Kouha who was captured by his kind words.
He softly ran his hands on his blue hair, "You're such a dear, Ala." Everything changed ever since Alibaba and him left the mansion, being happier and calm. But Alibaba is more glad to see his husband free from the stress his family has given him, which almost separated the two. After the visit Alibaba helped sneak Kouha out the house with Kouen's assistance. The older man promised to not speak of his brother running off leaving his disappearance a mystery. Kouha moved into their comfy dorm room and already settled in. He left all his belongings in Alibaba's room for now; which he didn't really bring too much with time being precious as they hurried back to the campus. Alibaba felt so hyped about the idea of Kouha living with him. Now that his husband is with him day and night he can have him in his arms anytime. He will no longer be consumed in his worries of him. However he worried a little about what his mother will do. Will she call the police saying this is a kidnapping?
The blond shook it all off his mind knowing Kouha and him already talked about it. She's not going to pull them apart, he keeps reminding himself. The pink haired male saw Alibaba stuck in another world and softly pat his chest, "Something on your mind?"
Alibaba chuckled and shook his head, "It's nothing." Kouha didn't take the answer as Alibaba could tell. His eyes wouldn't leave him and slightly groaned. He kissed his cheek, "I know that look, everything is alright. Nothing bad will come between us…" Alibaba wished to believe him if his mother hadn't appeared in his head occasionally. Knowing what kind of parent she was unsettled him a little. The possible things she could be doing in the shadows could leave him paranoid. At any moment given he will be dragged behind bars and all hopes of living with his husband forever will be left behind. "I know, but I can't-" He started but a finger settled on his lips. Kouha caressed below his chin when he shook his head. "Nothing..." He said quietly. His eyes became slightly serious as he gave him assurance he should take that time. Alibaba felt no need to argue and placed on a cheerful expression.
Tuning back in the background he heard Aladdin and Judal stuck in what seemed like an intense political debate. One provided reasoning of how marriage can be seen in any way a couple wants it to be. Documents doesn't simply show their commitment, but mostly what is shown between them. The other brings up how it's based on the tradition passed from history. Where a couple is required to sign papers to allow the public to know of it and so on. Alibaba can't understand how the heck they are still tackling something that isn't a big deal. It was interesting to see Judal expressing his hidden intelligence to win the argument though. But Cassim walked into the living room in time to stop them. He watched the show for a bit before intruding the space of the argument, "What's going on here?" Aladdin stopped and gave himself some time to stretch.
His older brother rolled his eyes, "These two suckers think they are married but they are here ringless and have no proof of it." Aladdin closed his eyes and sighed. Nothing he said will ever get through Judal; he stood playing with his braid while glancing away. Cassim chuckled and crossed his arms, "That's all? Well if they say they are married, then they are so what? It all matters from what you think, you don't need a ring or anything to prove it. But I guess nowadays you do but just keep that in mind." Alibaba gave a warm smile to him. Cassim hung an arm around Kouha and him, "Show some love towards them once in a while. Especially now that they are going to be together for the rest of their lives."
Judal ignored Aladdin who slapped his ponytail playfully. The teen then hung on his arm asking for him to drop his disagreement with the marriage. All what the boys needed was his part in their rejoicement. Smirking he placed a hand on Aladdin's shoulder, "You want me to show them love? Fine, if you stand aside." Cassim smirked and backed away. In one swoop Judal scooped the confused males into his arms. Alibaba was stuck in place and Kouha decided to return the sudden contact. Alibaba really wanted to see the look on the older man's face as he did the same. All he got was a light sigh that was good enough to make him laugh a little. Aladdin waved his arms up to Judal, "I wanna give them love too!"
Judal frowned, "No! Wait your turn!"
"You're not really putting much feeling into the hug, Judal…" The blond grinned evilly.
"So are you tw-" Judal was tightly squeezed by the couple at once. They laughed at his struggle to get out of the hug he regretted to be a part in. Alibaba finally peeked at the face he hoped to see. His face was red and shining with embarrassment; to really get him upset Kouha and him rubbed their cheeks on his chest. The evil duo giggled when Kouha topped the torture with his eyes shining up Judal cutely. The black haired man whined after his cheeks went crimson, "Seriously you guys?! I think I'm done hugging you now!" Aladdin joined in with Cassim trapping him in a bigger group hug. As Judal protested the rest laughed happily.
"What have I gotten myself into…This is not gay at all," Judal groaned. They all separated but Aladdin still remained in his spot. Aladdin pressed his cheek on his arm. Judal rolled his eyes, smiling. He stroked his head, "Honestly… You know without you morons I'll be bored as hell. With our new addition to the house of gremlins it would probably be a little better...But please don't make the bed rock every damn night, you hear?" The pink haired man heated up madly.
Alibaba brushed the back of his head, "I-Erm..."
Kouha tucked his arms behind his back, "A-Alright."
Alibaba didn't think of how sex will even be handled with Kouha living in the dorms. They had to start thinking of appropriate times to have intercourse without upsetting their roommates. But things will be set back if they get carried away like they did before, since they can get pretty crazy if they simply kiss. They might have to have it at least once a week or so if they would want the room to themselves. Judal walked out of the room after Aladdin pulled away from him. He stopped by his room and leaned on the door frame, "Oh yeah there's no classes due to preparations for the Halloween festival. But we can go outside and help out if we want." Aladdin jumped about in excitement. He took Alibaba's hand, "Let's go see what they are doing!"
Alibaba tilted his head, "Wait seriously?! It's almost Halloween already?"
His brother nodded, "Yeah, it's tomorrow, and we're celebrating for the whole day." The blue eyed boy pulled Alibaba to the door with tons of energy building up inside of him. Alibaba laughed, "Awesome. Whoa Aladdin you really want to see what's happening outside?"
Aladdin grew a bit hyper, "Yes! Come on!" He took Kouha's hand as well, "You coming with too Cassim?" He started to bring them into the hallway. Both of the older men got dragged behind smiling lightly. However Cassim saw Alibaba's helpless face, "Sure, I could see what they are doing this year. What about you Judal?" He yelled out to the male who was hiding in his room. He popped out holding a sweater, "Sure, I was about to work on an assignment for one of my classes but that can wait." Aladdin couldn't keep himself still that made him chuckle. He followed him into the hallway next to Cassim. Ahead of them Aladdin almost brought himself to a run while the couple behind tried keeping at his pace. Judal watched the three and frowned, "Poor fellas, chibi is going to tear their arms off."
The dreaded man rolled his eyes, "You're always filled with words, aren't you?"
"You're always filled with shit, aren't you?" Judal gave him a warning glare.
Cassim smirked, "Ouch, learn to take a joke once in a while." The black haired male mocked him in a high pitched tone. A small force hit his arm and he caught the other man's lips playing a noticeable smile. He reached to strike him back only to swing his arm back at his side. The group made it outside and came to a stop. Aladdin released his grip and stared around in awe. Students gathered about hanging decorations on trees and the buildings cheerfully. The courtyards were filled with pumpkins that had creative carved faces on them. Aladdin crouched by a pumpkin, "Wow! This is amazing! But the many pumpkins that get hurt each year..."
Kouha knelt near him, "Don't worry, there's many more and they grow as beautiful as these." Aladdin looked at the vegetable in concern. He poked it, "True, but the ones here are begging for us to help them. We have to rescue them!" Alibaba never saw Aladdin like this towards food. He always felt that animals and people need to be treated respectfully, showing great sympathy to the ones who never get the treatment. Not...to pumpkins. Not to the orange vegetables with seed covered guts pulled out of them and are left to smile until they rot. Alibaba screamed in shock when the teen lifted the pumpkin up. He is not seeing him trying to take the pumpkins that students worked hard to carve and place about the courtyard. He lifted a hand up, "Uh Aladdin, I don't think we can do that!" Judal stepped up to him carrying four small ones, "What? We are simply returning them to health."
The blond pushed him away, "Not you too! Put it back!" Kouha took the pumpkin Aladdin was holding. He received a whine, getting a lazy hug from him. "Kouha~ I thought you're my buddy!" He mumbled into his chest.
The pink haired man hugged back, "I'm sorry Ala, these are decorations. We'll get in trouble if we take them."
Judal placed the pumpkins back in the rows they sat in, "Do I get a nickname too? You give everyone one except for me."
Kouha hummed in thinking. He pointed at him, "How about Judi?" Judal slumped his shoulders giving a face in distaste. By the way the name came out it probably seemed feminine to him. Cassim made a playful smile and elbowed Judal, "What's wrong, you don't like your nickname?"
Judal waved a finger at Aladdin and Alibaba, "Those two get less girly ones! Well, not so much rhino face but you know! Give me a better one!" Kouha stood trying to think up another name for his liking.
"Um...JuJu?"
"Oh please no."
"Jumpy?"
"I don't know where you're going with that..."
"Wait...Oh! How does Chocolate sound?" Kouha beamed at the taller man. He slowly frowned, "Why? Do I have shi-" Cassim covered his mouth. He shook his head at him and then pulled his hand away. Judal corrected himself after giving a growl, "That's alright. Hang on why that?" Kouha looked like he knew what he was about to say earlier but paid no mind to it. He held his smile, "You seem to love chocolate, and you can be as sweet as it sometimes." Judal flushed lightly and turned his attention to the buildings covered in fake webs. The blond saw a small smile painted on his face. He thought that he would've said something rude but didn't, bringing out his soft spot. It's a good thing that Kouha is starting to get a great bond with him along with his brother and Aladdin. He's already fitting into the little family perfectly and is able to read through the silliness they express all the time. No problems will be happening by seeing how well they are managing with his husband. Alibaba was brought to reality when Aladdin touched his bad arm lightly.
He looked up at him, "How's your arm?"
The older man moved his arm a little, "It's fine, just a few more days until it's normal again." Aladdin crossed his arms behind his back and nodded. They both observed Kouha and Cassim teasing Judal to the root of his nerves. The short male amusingly sung his given nickname having Cassim follow for better reactions. "You and Kouha are showing a lot more understanding and love to each other compared to when we all stayed at home the other day. It's pretty awesome that you are married! Well, by heart. I really wish the best for you two and I'm hoping the marriage lasts forever." Once again his friend has brightened up Alibaba's moods by showing kindness and honesty. The blond messed with his hair, thanking him.
"But...Kouha is hiding something in his eyes. He looks happy, but at the same time sort of distressed," Aladdin spoke in a serious tone. Alibaba looked at his husband in confusion. He never even noticed that he could be upset with his bright expression. He couldn't believe it but Aladdin never lies when he reads the faces of others. He frowned, "When I confronted him I found out that his mother forbade him to make any contact with me again. Maybe he still has all that stuff in his mind, just like me."
"Wow I never knew his mother was really mean. But I don't want to get into that business. It's just a good thing that he is with us now. He can be happy all the time."
"Yeah," Alibaba agreed. He saw Kouha glancing his way and walked to his side. Aladdin stumbled to the male and hugged him. Kouha played with his hair, "Where to? We can go find costumes somewhere and eat afterwards."
Alibaba kissed his cheek lightly, "Alright. Hey where did Cassim and Judal go?" He paused when he saw that the older men were nowhere to be seen. A breath near his ear made him spun around screaming. Judal laughed and moved to the front of him. That was a good scare but it could've gotten the blond's heart on the edge of exploding. Upset he furrowed his brows and gave Judal a look that didn't faze him one bit. The older male pried Aladdin off Kouha, "Why are you always on him? I know you find him cute but you can't be suffocating the poor thing all the time." Alibaba slowly looked at Aladdin.
He can't suspect his friend for adoring Kouha in that level and the teen would be honest if he did. It could be Kouha's feminine and tender attitude that gets him to feel highly comfortable around him. He imagined him looking up to him as a mother figure of some sort. He still teased him and raised an eyebrow, "Aladdin, didn't know you liked him..." His husband giggled and waved the boy's hands. Aladdin made a pout face, blushing. "I only like Kouha as a friend. If he's a lady I'll like him a lot because he's very pretty," He blushed as Kouha nuzzled him. He was snatched from the taller male and Kouha hugged him tightly, "You are just adorable! I swear I'm going to kidnap you!"
Judal lightly jabbed the pink eyed man's cheek with a finger, "Oi that's my little brother you're planning on kidnapping. I'm not gonna let you or you'll have to get through me." Kouha gave him a mischievous smile and scurried away with Aladdin in his arms. "Aw seriously?! I can't run that fast! Cassim, get my chibi from him!" The red eyed man shouted. A dreaded man jumped out near Alibaba getting him to squeal again. The angry blond roughly smacked him in anger. Cassim laughed and strode to Judal, "Alright." Judal pointed at Kouha who stopped a few yards away from him. The distance wasn't really far for the men, laying out a short journey to reach him. Cassim shrugged and made his way to Kouha casually. Once he was near him he backs away giggling like a child. Judal took the opportunity to go after him until he took off again. "Jesus, come on! You are a fast little fucker!" He sighed.
Cassim crossed his arms, "Or maybe you are just too slow. Even a turtle can run faster than you."
Alibaba had to catch up to them, watching them fuss. He smiled from the randomness they displayed and even chuckled a little. Judal continued the chase until they were outside of the campus. There Kouha gave in and handed Aladdin back to him. He was held the whole time the males walked around the stores searching for costumes. They really enjoyed themselves joking about the upcoming holiday and giving hilarious gestures. When Alibaba took Aladdin's words into his mind he saw that Kouha did have a hint of unhappiness. Hopefully it will go away since he was finally with his love again and should be overjoyed about it. And they didn't care what his mother will think about his option of living on with Alibaba. Kouha even said that she can go screw herself for all he cares. The blond spent most of the time lost in his mind when the group explored the crowded square.
Kouha tucked his costume between his legs. He shook his head, "It's a surprise. You can't see it yet."
Cassim leaned forward, "Oh? Is it something you're gonna wear for my brother?" Kouha blushed madly, shaking his head more. Alibaba grew red as well thinking about some lewd costumes on him. On the sick part of his mind he really wants his costume erotic. Cassim cocked a brow at Alibaba who got stuck in his fantasies. He rested his head on his hand getting ready to drool. Kouha slapped a menu on his head, "S-Sweetheart I know what you're thinking! Can you save all that until we're not in public?" Alibaba blinked and straightened himself. He made a forced laugh, "It's nothing! I was just thinking about desert!" Aladdin almost spit out the milk he was drinking. He let out a sneaky laugh, "You mean Kouha's desert?" All attention was turned to him. The words that just fell out of his mouth was nothing Alibaba heard of before. Clever with perfect timing, but so sudden it threw the men at the table off guard. Judal gave a guffaw that almost made him fall off his chair. He hugged the young teen, "I love you so much chibi!" Kouha and Alibaba's mouths hung open.
"Wh-Wha?!" They both screamed.
How does Aladdin know about this type of stuff? All what Alibaba taught him was sex, nothing naughty! The boy might've dug into the internet to discover it. Alibaba flushed deeply, "Aladdin, I can't believe you just said that..." Cassim drank some soda he swirled in his hand, "You've learned so much already with the internet being the culprit. What else do you know?" Aladdin set his glass down. He cleared his throat preparing to speak. Next came a rain of sentences that could be inappropriate to the other customers.
"Well...Men and women use some whacky things like dildos when they have sex. And they use whips too which is really weird. What also gets me stumped is that they-"
He went on explaining his discoveries and it looked like he could have a mouthful to share. Cassim and Judal busted out laughing with Alibaba and Kouha staring in horror. Morgiana came just in time to hear Aladdin getting deeper into the subject. Alibaba squeaked and slapped a hand over his mouth. The pink haired woman frowned, "How did you learn all this? This isn't something you would learn from Alibaba…" She passed plates of ice cream to the males. Her pink eyes shifted to Alibaba who nervously dug into his vanilla treat. "Internet!" Aladdin muffled proudly. She squinted at the blond, "Internet?" Alibaba wanted to cry from her stern voice. He didn't know why she was thinking he is the one to blame. Judal chewed on some of his chocolate cake acting like nothing is happening. The blond flung a finger at him, "I didn't show him any of that stuff on there I swear! Judal probably showed him it!"
The waitress scanned Judal carefully. He set his fork down, "You really think I would go and look up that kind of stuff? Chibi probably just came across all that by himself." Morgiana sighed as a response. She turned back to Alibaba, "I see, I'm sorry." She blinked once she saw Kouha who was giving Aladdin a cherry. She giggled, "Seeing him with you in person makes me happier than looking at the pictures you text me. I can see how wonderful you two are and see the pure light in your eyes." Kouha poked the golden eyed male's mouth with a cherry. Alibaba accepted it while heating up. He smirked, "Wow talk about a whole bunch of compliments from everyone. Thanks Morgiana, it really means a lot to me." He reached his arm out to hug her. She hesitated, but soon wrapped her arms around him shyly. Cassim watched in amusement and sat back on his chair. "Hey Morgiana, I wonder when you'll settle down with a man yourself," He spoke in somewhat a teasing tone.
The young woman pulled away and puffed her cheeks, "I am not interested in finding someone I can love. I've always wished for Aladdin and Alibaba to. Besides I am not very good when it comes to relationships." The blue haired teen crosses his arms over the table, "Don't worry about me Mor. I have my family right here, so I have all the love I need!" He tightly hugged Judal as he was wolfing his cake down. He gave a relaxed sigh and moved an arm over his shoulders. Morgiana nodded, smiling a little. She turned away, "Alright. I'll see you boys later." The males waved with their forks due to them eating the cakes in front of them. Alibaba was stretching his legs out but he accidentally kicked Judal's. He received a harsh kick back that made him hit his leg again. The two men started a small fight under the table, swearing at each other.
The angry black haired man snatched his cup and aimed it at Alibaba. He missed by a hair with it striking the floor in shards. A waiter came over and kicked them out for their inappropriate behavior. Morgiana apologized to them saying they can return after Halloween. Judal smacked Alibaba after she went back inside the cafe. Alibaba groaned, "Ow, you don't need to abuse me out here too!"
Judal flicked his ahoge, "Oi I wasn't abusing you at all! You were the one who kicked me like a dick!"
The males resumed their fight by wrestling on the ground. Kouha pulled Alibaba away with Aladdin stopping his brother. The pink haired man fixed the blond's shirt, "Fighting like children will get you nowhere. And we are in public." Judal struggled out of Aladdin's grasp. "I can care less if people see, I want to-" He was cut off by Kouha's deadly glare.
"Judal," The pink haired male snapped.
After seeing Kouha's harsh side it reminded Alibaba of when they were at the theater four days ago. His eyes held a dark look that made him shiver. It unsettled him a little too since Kouha never did this before. He didn't know how to react to it. Kouha softened his expression when the men laid their eyes on him mutely. He took Alibaba's hand and sighed lightly, "I just don't like it when you two act like this. You can use words to avoid conflict, not your fists." The blue eyed boy looked up at Judal, "Big brother..." Judal rolled his eyes at his pleading look. He went up to Alibaba and patted his shoulder, "Sorry. I should've apologized instead of starting a huge ass fight."
Alibaba placed his hand on his, "That's okay. I'm sorry too, I can't just lose my temper like that." Cassim lit up a cigarette as they shared a smile. Alibaba noticed and took it, "No smoking." Cassim frowned and leaned on Judal.
"Let's go back to the dorms now. It's getting dark," He got a light push from him. For some reason Aladdin kept his distance from Kouha, cuddling up to his brother. They headed to the dorms trying to set a cheerful mood among them. Thanks to Cassim's random rambles Alibaba was able to forget the fight. It was not brought into conversation once leaving it wiped from his mind for now. Kouha tried to scoop Aladdin up but he cowered away by his brother. Alibaba grew worried watching him showing the faces of fear. Why is he acting so afraid of him? Is it because Kouha is not likely to be the type to act like a snake that's ready to strike? Alibaba was confused himself about the erratic behavior. But he knows that Kouha will never stand by and watch situations get worse. He thought about talking to his blue haired friend after they went back to the dorms.