Their relationship isn't cursed. Nagisa doesn't even believe in that kind of thing! And even if he did, maybe the gods just made a mistake. Things have been fine recently. Even better than fine! It's not quite the weight off his shoulders sensation he might have hoped for, sure, but at least he can walk straight again. That's some sort of progress.

Nagisa would be one to talk, anyway. He's not the best at 'emotional vulnerability'.

"Hey," Karma kisses his cheek, if you could call it a kiss. It's more like he's just blowing on him.

"I'm busy," Nagisa says, and means it. Golden Week is approaching pretty soon, and whilst most people would enjoy the concept of a whole week away from work, it just means Nagisa's extra busy trying to make sure everything is in order beforehand. That means grading whenever he has the chance to do so, since he wants to leave as much individual feedback as he can for his students to study from.

Karma rests his chin on Nagisa's shoulder. "I'm bored though."

He finally turns his head to look at him. "You were literally asleep half of today."

"Which means I have extra energy," he counters, shoving a hand playfully underneath the fabric of Nagisa's shirt. Well, it's actually Karma's shirt, but that's a minor detail.

It feels like the edge has been taken off things at least. Karma generally seems in a better mood. Nagisa doesn't feel like he has to question everything. Last night, all they did was cuddle. Nagisa quite likes that activity. Whilst it's almost rainy season, it's still relatively cold, and he doesn't own a radiator. Thankfully, Karma's pretty warm.

"At least let me-" he puts his work on the nightstand, otherwise afraid of what might happen to it.

He's still not very good at masking his reactions. So, when Karma's lips press against the back of his neck, he knows his enjoyment is probably obvious. That is to say, there's not a lot that discourages Karma from continuing in a line along his shoulder. Nagisa lets his eyes flutter closed, falling into the sensation.

"No complaints now, hm?"

Nagisa spins around and kisses Karma properly, which very quickly ends with Karma on top of him. Though clearly suggestive, there's nothing urgent in this, and Nagisa mostly just feels like he's breathing… in a good way. It's so easy to just get wrapped up in this kind of feeling, like he's away from the rest of the world. It quickly becomes more literal, as he wraps his legs around Karma's hips to make more room.

The loud noise of something vibrating snaps him out of it though. He sits up, confused, and automatically scanning Karma's hands for a sex toy or something. Though, he would have expected a bit more of a warning…

"Phone," Karma says, glancing off to the side.

Ordinarily, Nagisa would happily ignore it, but nobody calls him. That makes him think it might be important somehow. Karma doesn't seem to mind too much, allowing him the space to reach for it. He's even more confused when he sees the caller ID. Bitch Sensei? What could she possibly want?

"Uhm," Nagisa accepts the call, "hi?"

"Do you always have such bad manners when picking up a call?"

Well, she's probably not under any real duress then at least.

"Sorry," he says, "you caught me off guard."

He can practically feel the eyeroll. "Listen, brat, you free tomorrow?"

Nagisa's suspicious. "Why?"

"Sudden work mission," she says casually. "I need someone to watch my kid. I feel better about it being with my own dear past students. Not alone, though, you'll be tag teaming."

It sounds like she's made her mind up about this whether Nagisa agrees to it or not.

"Uhm," he's not actually sure how to respond to this, especially out of nowhere.

"Your entire career is babysitting," she elaborates.

"I'm not sure that's the kind of babysitting you'd want," he says, considering all the knife fights and questionable English lessons. Karma's head tilts in confusion at that. "Besides-"

"The offer is for Karma too," she says, though Nagisa's not sure it's much of an 'offer'.

He thinks for a moment. "Why aren't you calling him?"

"I have more important things to do," she brushes off. "Anyway, I'll see you at eight tomorrow."

The line goes dead.

Looking at Karma, he's not sure how to start explaining. "I-I think we're looking after Naochan tomorrow?"

His eyes narrow. "What?"

"Bitch Sensei… I don't think she was really asking," he voices aloud. "It was more like she was telling me she'd decided that."

Karma snorts. "Good luck."

"You too," he adds.

The look that goes over his face is a little hard to dissect. Maybe a mixture between disbelief and dread. Nagisa feels a little bad, because it probably wouldn't be wrong to conclude that Karma wouldn't be involved in this if not for him. He's not exactly the type that screams responsibility. Or a particular enjoyment of having kids around, honestly. Nagisa thinks, at least, that he definitely doesn't hate them.

"Fine," he says eventually. "How hard can it be, right? You deal with like thirty of them every day anyway."

"They're not that young," he says.

A part of him wants to ask if Karma still wants to go to Okajima's party. Nagisa suspects he didn't actually want to go in the first place. Thinking about it, Nagisa doesn't even especially want to go. The only reason he committed to the idea was because he wanted to avoid a confrontation. He feels bad, though. He's never been especially close with Okajima, but it feels wrong to throw him in the middle of this.

"I should probably leave soon," he announces.

Karma turns over and pouts. "What for?"

Nagisa looks down at the clothes he arrived in, which are actually folded for once rather than strewn somewhere across the room. "I don't really want to go out in yesterday's clothes."

A kiss lands on his ear. "You can borrow mine."

"That would look stupid," he turns his head, and Karma's face is suddenly very close to his. "There's no way anything fits."

"But," Karma starts, hand tracing the hem of the button down shirt he's currently wearing, "this item looks great on you."

Part of him wants to either complain or push him away, but for some reason he feels opportunistic. "Maybe I only want to dress like this for you."

Karma makes a slight choking sound, stilling instantly. That's enough for Nagisa to consider it a success. No way does Karma get to engage in one-sided teasing anymore. He'd get too cocky for his own good if Nagisa even let him.

"I have a washing machine you know," he recovers, apparently electing to change the subject.

Now it's Nagisa's turn to experience a minor glitch. Yes, he's aware of that. Actually, there have been several occasions where he's walked home in underwear that's definitely a little… He twitches thinking about it. It just feels kind of weird to start washing his clothes at someone else's place, though. Is that meant to be an inherent part of dating? Nagisa kind of wishes he had that advice book on him.

He figures Karma's giving him pretty direct permission. By the sound of it, he wants him to stay. So Nagisa pulls himself off the bed and heads to the bathroom, wordlessly picking up the clothes on his way. Thankfully the machine isn't exactly rocket science. He throws his armful of clothes inside, before deciding to strip out of the boxers he's been wearing in place of actual pyjama bottoms.

Their relationship isn't cursed. Things like this wouldn't fly if that was the case. Maybe that's not logical? Who knows. They're fine, whatever the case. Absolutely great, even! And Nagisa's definitely okay that Karma's still somewhat emotionally caught over his ex…whatever. Even though, in retrospect, he's probably more attractive than him in every imaginable way. But who cares, right? He doesn't have anything to prove.

Why does he feel like he's about to murder the washing machine?

Nagisa shakes it off, and re-enters the bedroom to find Karma lying on his stomach, staring intently at his phone screen. He doesn't acknowledge him at first, but he turns when Nagisa sits down, pausing whatever it is.

"Let's go somewhere."

Nagisa just stares at him. "You just told me to wash my clothes."

"Not now," he rolls his eyes. "Golden Week. It's what I usually do."

"How come?"

Karma shrugs. "It's like tourism hell here. At some point I realised it made more sense to just leave the whole country."

That hadn't actually been the question he'd asked, not really. Nagisa's more stuck on the 'together?' part. Though, that's not exactly a wild idea. Considering they've already technically been on a trip together… not that they did any sightseeing. And wait… leave the country? That feels like another level.

Nagisa swallows. "Where to?"

He thinks for a moment. "How about Samoa?"

His brow creases. "Not that I have a problem with it, but why there?"

"So I can take you on a date," he deadpans, before cracking up, apparently finding himself hilarious. "Literally. International date line."

"That's terrible," Nagisa doesn't react.

"You found it funny~"

"Nope."

Karma pouts. "Do you wanna come or not?"

"Depends," Nagisa's resolve softens. "Will you promise not to make any bad jokes?"

"Screw you," he says with fake bitterness. "Take it back."

Nagisa meets his eyes. "Make me."

He doesn't hesitate before launching his attack, too fast for Nagisa to block. Karma gets him horizontal with both arms pinned almost frighteningly quick. He still has complete control of his legs, though. Using that to his advantage, he curls them around Karma's torso and twists, providing just enough force to unbalance him and free his arms.

Unfortunately, Karma's quick to recover, and thwarts his attempt to turn them over. He still holds the advantage, repining him, though Nagisa doesn't make it easy. In the process, their hips grind together, and Nagisa fails to completely mask his gasp. Not that that stops him from trying to wriggle free, still.

Karma stills, looking down at him. "So now you're wearing my shirt and nothing else?"

Peering at himself, he realises the shirt rode up at some point, exposing his current lack of underwear. Maybe Nagisa would have taken the distraction to his advantage, but he doesn't miss how dark the pupils in Karma's eyes are. In turn, somehow, he finds himself feeling even hotter. So, instead, he silently lets his legs splay further, brushing Karma's side as they go.

That earns him a kiss immediately, and Karma forgets all about pinning him. That's fine by Nagisa, much happier to clutch the back of his head anyway. It should be scary, how the rest of the world fades away like this. Their breathing turns heavy as their kissing deepens, hips grinding in an uncoordinated chase of sensation.

Ding.

Nagisa breaks the kiss, feeling more dazed than anything.

"Ugh," Karma complains, "seriously?"

Ding.

Nagisa shuffles back. "Are you gonna get that?"

"I guess," Karma sighs, standing up with a stretch. At least he looks regretful about leaving.

Alone, Nagisa finds himself relaxing, his brewing desire fading away. As have, thankfully, his feelings of doubt. For the time being anyway. Maybe this is what 'content' is supposed to feel like. Nagisa could get used to this.

"Just a delivery," Karma explains when he returns. "Wasn't even due this early."

"I hope you're not complaining," Nagisa says.

They spend the next few hours doing nothing at all, really, given that the universe is clearly against him getting any action. Nagisa doesn't mind, though. Not that 'doing nothing' is a natural concept for him. As always, Karma seems to be talented in it though. Somehow, though, the time passes. Nagisa discovers, with an almost annoyed jealousy, Karma actually owns a washer dryer. That means, at least, it's not too long before he's dressed in a set of clean clothes.

A part of hm even really wants to suggest they just continue to do nothing, surprisingly, but he finds himself on the way to Okajima's place regardless. Nagisa's never even been there, but the address is in a pretty upscale neighbourhood. How much does a photographer even make?

"Y'know," Karma says, "I don't get why he's having a birthday party a month before his birthday."

Nagisa mulls it over, but he can't think of much of an explanation either. Maybe he just wanted an excuse for a party? Their arrival, at least, is met with little fanfare. It's not like they're late or anything, but things seem to be in full swing. It's a pretty big apartment, modern and designed in a more western type of style.

He feels a little nervous pulling his shoes off.

"Nice air guitar," Karma says with a laugh.

Following his eyes, he sees Mimura doing just that, surrounded by a small group of onlookers, most of which Nagisa doesn't recognise. Honestly, he used to do that sober, which Korosensei had taken delight in photographing at one point. He doesn't really look sober, though. And he's not exactly matching the rhythm of the music. Mimura doesn't seem to take any notice of Karma's comment, but they're waved over by Kurahashi.

"Hey guys!" She says, a smile plastered across her face. "You actually showed up for once."

"I-I come to things," Nagisa defends. It wasn't even that long ago.

"Sure," she leans on his shoulder, and Nagisa wonders if she's also been drinking. "You guys missed the King game!"

"That's too bad," Karma finally says flatly, not even attempting to mask his lack of sincerity.

At his words, Itona turns his shoulder, looking maybe a little surprised to see them. "Karma, it's been a while." He tilts his head. "Hi, Nagisa."

"Not that long," Karma says.

"How's your teaching going?" Kurahashi asks, and Nagisa turns his attention back to her, leaving Karma to his own conversation.

"It's good," he gives her an honest reply. "I was really proud of my students last year, and my new set are doing well so far at least."

She nods, smile still strong. "I liked your article by the way."

Nagisa's face falls. "Y-you read that?"

"Why wouldn't I?" She sounds genuinely enthusiastic. "Korosensei would have liked it!"

He flushes. "Well, maybe…"

"I love giving my nature tours," she says, "I guess it's not the same though. But there's something really fun about a bunch of city kids seeing a cicada with their own eyes for the first time!"

"You still do that?"

Kurahashi smiles like the sun. "Yeah! Honestly, it's fun to go back to the mountain so much. I know we all hated the idea of the E Class at first, but it was great to be surrounded by nature like that, don't you think?"

"Guys," someone calls, "next drinking game!"

"C'mon," Kurahashi says, turning towards them.

Nagisa has never really been big on drinking games. Honestly, drinking in general. There's a difference to him, at least, between being in a situation where alcohol is expected, and actively trying to get drunk. He'd kind of hoped he'd aged out of the latter after university… though he supposes it's probably a good choice at a party where people don't know each other that well.

"Yamanote Line?"

"Boo," someone Nagisa doesn't recognise says, "that's too easy."

His eyes flit across the rapidly forming circle. About half of them are familiar faces, which puts Nagisa slightly at ease. They're not the friends he was closest to back in 3E, but that doesn't matter really. They'll all have a special bond no matter what.

"Never Have I Ever?"

Nagisa's played it before, a couple of times. Honestly, it's probably the easiest drinking game for him. Simply because he never gets that drunk doing it. In his experience, the people around him were so busy getting drunk themselves that they never had time to make fun of him for any of it. At least the rest of the group seem to agree.

"Rules are simple," Yada says cheerfully from across the circle. "We go round in a circle, and you have to say something you've never done. If anyone else has done it, they have to take a shot. If they're the only person, we can make them tell the story." She beams. "I'll start. Never have I ever… cheated on a test."

See, easy. Though, the obligatory opening tame topics don't continue more than a couple of turns, because someone uses: "never have I ever had a friends with benefits!"

Nagisa realises he was a very different person last time he played this game. And this has the potential to backfire. This isn't a group just of their old class, Okajima's friends are also very much in the mix. Given his personality, it completely makes sense that they'd be happy to ask questions like that. He should have thought this through, he thinks, cringing as he downs a shot. He shudders, throat burning. He hates shots.

But it keeps going.

'Never have I ever bought a sex toy.'

'Never have I ever had to hide a hickey.'

'Never have I ever had sex more than twice in 24 hours.'

Shot after shot after shot. And he even has to drink during some of the non-dirty questions! He shouldn't have got involved in this, but it's clearly already far too late. Admittedly, maybe it's a positive that he doesn't just automatically win games like this anymore… Though it just feels like a different type of embarrassment. The shame of so many questions applying to him gives him the will to drink, anyway, rather than just lie about it.

"Never have I ever had sex in a public place!"

Nagisa downs his next shot, but instead of the game continuing, everyone turns to look at him. Surprisingly, he doesn't feel that dizzy yet, but it's enough that his senses aren't working the best. Still, it's hard to miss the varied looks of horror, bewilderment, and shock. At that point, he realises he's the only one who just drank.

"No way," someone comments.

"Seriously, Nagisa?"

His cheeks burn. "U-uhm-"

"You didn't have to watch them make out in a forest," Maehara complains. "I believe it."

Nagisa finds himself glaring, and then he realises it's his turn, and he takes the opportunity to move the game along. "Never have I ever had sex in a forest."

He just feels like… clarifying… that. Thankfully nobody drinks to that, and the circuit continues. Though, he quickly stops paying attention.

All at once, it's like the shots just hit him, and his vision glazes over. It's not a bad feeling at all, though, aside from the dizziness. Even the dizziness isn't that bad though. It feels a bit like he's on a park swing, and who doesn't enjoy that kind of sensation? Warmth spreads through his chest, brimming him with joy. He has such a strong urge to smile… which causes him to laugh. When he actually looks up again, it seems the game is over, having devolved into regular conversations.

Nagisa's not really in the mood to just sit around and rock on the chair, so he takes to his feet. Scanning the room, he sees Maehara, who probably hasn't actually moved. Nagisa decides to approach anyway. Maybe he's possessed by some kind of wilfulness. At least he manages to walk straight.

"Hey Nagisa," Maehara says happily enough.

His head lowers. "Maehara kun, I'm sorry for what you had to see."

He laughs, and Nagisa meets his eyes again. "I was just kidding, I'm not actually bothered by it, promise!" He holds his hands up in surrender. "Trust me, everyone was really happy for you guys."

"Really?" Nagisa blinks.

"Don't get me wrong," Maehara hands him a filled cup, whilst filling up his own, "I didn't expect it. I mean, I remember restraining you guys so you wouldn't beat each other to a pulp. Times have changed, huh?"

Nagisa takes a gulp of the drink, which tastes a lot better than the shots. "I like it when he hits me," he muses out loud.

Someone gasps.

"N-not in a bad way!" He turns, and notices Kurahashi beside them.

Maehara laughs. "Yeah I think we got that. Honestly? Respect."

He offers a fist bump. Nagisa ends up accepting it.

"Maehara." Okano stands above them with her arms folded. "What have you done to him?"

"I didn't do anything!" He says defensively. "He came over like this!"

Kurahashi laughs. "He looks like he's having a good time."

"His face is bright red," Okano points at him. "Are you okay Nagisa?"

Dazed, Nagisa tries to focus on her. "Where did Karma go?"

"Aw!" Kurahashi pats the top of his head. It feels nice, so he leans into it. "They're so cute! Hey Nagisa, is Karma any nicer to you as a boyfriend?"

"He's the nicest!" Nagisa smiles wide. "He keeps giving me so much good food. Did you know he's such a good cook? But that's what makes him the nicest because… because he still lets me come to his house and take all his food! He even looks happy when I do it! He has such a pretty smile… I never saw it before… But anyway! He's the best boyfriend. I'd give him an A!"

Okano raises an eyebrow. "I'll believe it when I see it."

He forces direct eye contact. "Is that a challenge?"

"I'd say yes," Maehara comments, "but I'm also kind of scared of what he means."

Nagisa feels filled with determination, thrusting his cup into Maehara's hand. "Hold my drink."

Admittedly, it would be easier if he could actually see Karma… Thankfully, Nagisa's fool proof tactic of heading towards the tallest person in the room serves him well. He's starting to feel physically hot, but no matter. The apartment feels a lot bigger than it did earlier, though… Lifting his legs to walk is starting to feel like effort.

"Karma," he finally lunges against his side. "Come with me."

Not that Nagisa gives him much of a choice about it. He tugs him as hard as he can. Though… Karma's probably strong enough to stop him if he wants to. Looking up at him, he doesn't exactly look happy about this, more confused if anything.

"Are you okay?" He asks.

"I'm great!" Nagisa says, his determination remaining strong. "I haven't seen you in a while."

"You looked busy," he says. "What are you doing anyway?"

Finally, Nagisa spins on the spot, plants his hands against Karma's chest and kisses him. He can taste a hint of beer, which isn't as good as whatever drink Maehara gave him. It's not a long kiss or anything, and Karma doesn't respond much to it, but Nagisa doesn't mind. He backs down with a sigh, wrapping his arms around Karma's torso to hug him for a moment.

"You can go now," he says, satisfied by the squeeze.

Karma looks down at him. "You're dismissing me?"

"That's all I needed to do," he turns over his shoulder, looking at Okano. "See."

Maehara apparently finds it funny, still laughing. "Woah dude, whipped."

Karma opens his mouth, but Nagisa beats him to it, leaning in to grab Maehara by the collar of his shirt. It's weird, because despite his moment of rage, he still feels overall floaty and happy. All he needs is to is defend his boyfriend's honour, really. He'll forgive Maehara afterwards.

"That's rude," he says. "Say sorry."

"Nagisa-"

He looks at Karma. "I'm just proving how great you are!"

Karma's eyes widen, though he's laughing. Nagisa loves the sound of his laugh. "Are you sure you're good?"

"Never better!"

"Have fun with that, then," he shuffles away.

Maehara shouts "sorry!" towards his back.

Nagisa lets go of Maehara, smooths out his collar, and sits down again. He feels better now he's seen Karma, like a recharged battery. He misses when everyone was talking, though. Now it just feels like he's being looked at. Even like this… Nagisa doesn't enjoy being the centre of attention.

Kurahashi leans on his shoulder. "Was Karma blushing?"

He starts missing him again, thinking about how cute Karma is when he blushes. A well of despair opens up inside him, because Nagisa didn't notice it just then. "I wanna see him again."

"He's just there," Maehara points out to him.

Sure enough, he's within his eyeline. Nagisa beams at that. Apparently it doesn't take much to resettle him. In fact, he even decides to forgive Maehara for… well, Nagisa can't exactly remember why he's mad at him. But all is good now!

"Hey guys-"

Nagisa looks up, as Isogai comes into view.

"Hey man," Maehara says, "you came!"

Isogai smiles. "Yeah, I managed to finish what I was working on."

"Isogai kun!" Nagisa says suddenly. "I wanna to talk to you about something important!"

Isogai seems a little alarmed. "Okay?"

Even Nagisa can appreciate that might have come a little out of nowhere. It's just the gears of logic turning in his mind. Most of his recent thoughts about Isogai have been in the context of him being at the same university as Karma… even if strictly speaking that was a couple of years ago. Still, Isogai, Karma's university, other people Karma was at university with… He could have information. Nagisa must get it.

"In private!"

"Aw," Kurahashi said. "We were having fun too. Speak to you later, Nagisa!"

Not that Nagisa knows where 'private' is. The entire room is looking like even more of a blurry mess already. Thankfully, Isogai seems to know where he's going, and they end up outside on a balcony. It seems pretty big, but Nagisa's not complaining, especially with how nice the cool wind feels against his face. What a great guy! Isogai is still almost scarily perfect. He still likes Karma better though.

"Right," Nagisa says, regaining track of his thoughts. "Do you know any tall Russian people?"

Isogai's brow creases. "What?"

"Specifically," he finds himself wobbling, "from university. Y'know?" Nagisa jumps to prove his point. "That high? I… I think my ass is better than his at least."

"Okay," Isogai looks awkward. "I don't know what this is about but-"

"I need to know everything about Karma's ex," Nagisa finds himself turning serious. "He's The Enemy."

Isogai shifts. "Why does it sound like you're planning a hit?"

He tilts his head. "I can do that?"

"Maybe take a step back," he sighs. "Nagisa," his expression reads something like 'diplomatic smile'. "I don't think it's the best idea for me to get in the middle of this."

He stares at him. "So you do know something."

"Hey, don't put words in my mouth." His expression softens. "It's a big university you know. It's not like we saw each other every day."

"But did you see him with the tall guy at least some of the days?"

Isogai hesitates. "I did spend some time volunteering to help with the exchange students. I saw Karma a couple of times then, but it wasn't necessarily with one person."

"Oh no," Nagisa clutches the side railing. "I can't believe I'm dating a foreigner hunter."

"It's probably not that," Isogai seems to be offering comfort. "Why don't you talk to Karma about it? I don't think this conversation is going to do you much good."

He mulls it over, at least a little bit. Isogai's probably right. He's usually right. But still, Nagisa's irritated, and now it feels like he has even more reason to scratch the itch. He also gets the sense Isogai's withholding something from him. That has to mean it's important. He knows Karma won't tell him.

"This is an act of love!" Nagisa declares. "I need to know."

"I'm thinking you need some water."

Nagisa nods his head. "I promise to have some if you tell me!"

Isogai rubs his hand down his face. "I genuinely don't know much, believe me on that at least. I had to check on the allocated dorms sometimes, just to get a feel that things were going okay. One of the students was having a personal crisis and they had my number, so I went over to help them in the middle of the night. By the time they were okay it was about 4am, so I figured I'd just try and head home. I didn't expect to run into Karma on the way out, I mean, he wasn't supposed to be there. I'd… seen him do it a couple times that year, and those dorms had a pretty strict guest policy. I had to remind the guy he was with too at one point, but he had different guests all the time. Anyway, I don't even remember what he said, only that he was really angry about something. I didn't see him there any other time after that though." He exhales. "I promise, that's all I know. Okay?"

It washes over Nagisa, a more unpleasant rocking feeling than he'd been previously feeling. Though, the weight of it seems to fly over his head. It's like he knows he wants to think about it, but he's too cloudy to actually do it.

Instead, he looks at Isogai sincerely. "Thank you."

After all, he promised to go get some water, right? That can't be too difficult. There are drinks all over the place inside. Maybe the kitchen? That seems like a good place to find water. All he has to do is find the kitchen.

"Okajima!" His face morphs into view. "Great party!"

He looks taken aback. "Yeah, thanks for coming?"

Nagisa sees the cup in his hand. The liquid in it looks clear. "Is that water? Mind if I take it?"

"Wait-"

He yanks it out of his hand anyway, before an uncomfortable tightness suddenly grows in his lower body. "Gotta pee!"

"That's Strong Zero you know!"

It feels like a miracle that he even finds the toilet, but that probably marks his desperation. When he's done, and almost ready to return, he feels something vibrate in his trousers. His phone! He takes it out, almost dropping it immediately. In the process, he cancels whatever notification had popped up. Nagisa squints at the screen.

"You look like a mess." His phone says.

"N-nakamura…" he looks closer. "You're not supposed to be in Japan…"

Her voice is loud and clear. "You called me."

"Right," Nagisa staggers, planting a hand against the door to keep himself upright. "Sorry about that."

"Don't apologise," she laughs. "You know how much I love our catch-up sessions."

The toilet lid falls closed, and Nagisa takes the opportunity to slump down on it, reaching around for the cup. That feels a little better. He takes a sip, but the liquid is surprisingly fizzy. It still flows down his throat nice enough, even though it's a little sour.

"This isn't water," he says.

"Oh no," Nakamura coos through the screen. At least she looks sympathetic. "What is it?"

"I dunno," Nagisa admits, "Isogai kun told me to drink some water though."

She blinks. "So I'm speaking with the real deal Drunk Nagisa right now, huh?"

"'m not drunk," he defends.

"Remember your 20th birthday?" Nakamura keeps laughing. "I know the signs."

Nagisa scowls at his phone. "I didn't call you to make fun of me."

"I thought you called me by accident. What was it for then?"

His shoulders slump. "Just wanted to tell you how hot Karma is."

Nakamura nods seriously. "Absolutely, that's really important Nagisa. You're right. Please, go ahead. Tell me everything."

"He's so sexy," Nagisa says, like he's only just realised exactly how much. "He could be a model I think. He's literally a movie star! Did you know that? It might have just been the back of his head but he was there! That costume looked really good on him. Everything looks good on him. I like him better without any clothes though. It's unfair. Nobody should look that good all the time! Even his chest. It-it's sexy. Ass? Carved by the gods."

"Oh yeah," Nakamura says, "I'm with you."

His eyes narrow. "He's mine. Only I get his sexy."

"Don't worry," Nakamura is laughing. He's not sure if he likes that or not. He's being serious! "I'm not coming for your man Nagisa."

Nagisa thinks about it, taking another gulp of the drink. "You can have him when I die."

"What?" Nakamura splutters, laughter increasing.

He looks down. "I wouldn't want him to get lonely… Promise me Nakamura!" He looks at her dead in the eye. "Promise you'll marry Karma after I'm gone."

"So you're marrying Karma first in this situation?"

Nagisa thinks about it. "He'd make a good husband. He's so good at food. And he's tall so he can clean hard to reach places. Maybe I should ask him…"

Nakamura inhales heavily. "Is Karma with you?"

"He's somewhere," Nagisa looks around, though he hasn't appeared inside the toilet with him sadly.

She nods. "Now I need you to think carefully about this. Is he as drunk as you are?"

"Don't think so…" Nagisa can't really remember. "He wasn't taking shots."

"And you were?"

He nods enthusiastically. "Yeah! I was losing at never have I ever!"

"He's corrupted you huh?" She laughs again. "Okay, well maybe hold off on the marriage proposals if he's sober."

"Nakamura~"

"Nagisa~" She grins, mimicking him. "What?"

He pouts. "I love him though. Really… Not sure I can match his sexiness though."

Nakamura smiles again. "Trust me, you have nothing to worry about there. He's completely googoo heart eyes for you. Honestly I'm embarrassed for him. Believe in yourself Nagisa, go get him."

Somehow her words make him feel better. "R-right now?"

"Sure, and let him know he has me to thank, okay? Bye bye~"

A loud knock comes to the door. "Hey, are you done yet?"

Nagisa unlocks it, feeling a little guilty for hogging the room. "Sorry." He pauses before moving out of the way. "Have you seen my hot boyfriend?"

The guy shrugs. "Nah, sorry."

He has one quest! So, Nagisa decides to just ask everyone, stumbling around from group to group. He doesn't get it. Karma exudes hotness. How come they don't know what he's talking about. Nagisa's previous 'find the tall guy' tactic isn't working anymore… he's too dizzy for that.

"Have you seen my hot boyfriend?"

"That meant to be a pickup line?"

!

"Karma!" He squeals, launching himself into his arms.

Karma sets him back down again. "What's gotten into you?"

"A lot of vodka," he says. "And I think some other things." Nagisa wobbles, trying to look him in the eye better. "I'd prefer to have your dick in me though."

Karma splutters, and he really is visually turning red. He stares at his face. It's more like a tomato than a strawberry. He wonders what that means. Nagisa's just being honest! He doesn't care. If he had a megaphone he'd shout about it anyway. His hot boyfriend! His.

"I'm taking this," Karma removes the cup from his hand.

Nagisa's eyes widen. He had hugged him pretty energetically. "Did I spill some? I didn't mean to…"

"I'll live," he brushes him off. "But you won't if you keep drinking your way to liver damage."

"Don't wanna die," Nagisa says, "you have to marry Nakamura then."

"Huh?"

He leans heavily into his side, placing pretty much his entire weight against him. "You smell good~"

Karma laughs, so he doesn't hate it. "I think it's probably time we call it a night, hm?"

He tilts his head hopefully. "So we can go hook up?"

"Yeah sure, whatever you say."

"We can do it here," he reaches for his belt. "I don't mind."

Karma goes rigid, but stops his hand. "As fun as this whole exhibitionist streak is, let's not."

Someone clears their throat and says something. At least, Nagisa thinks so. He glares at them, or tries to, but he struggles to focus for long. Especially with Karma right here. He prefers looking at Karma anyway. If he doesn't get any sex, maybe Karma will just let him stare at him for a little while. He'd prefer option one, though.

"Okay," he concedes, letting his body lose its tension as he wraps his arms around Karma's neck again. "You can take me to bed."

Karma starts walking, half carrying him. "You're gonna hate yourself for this in the morning y'know. So I'm just telling you now, none of this was my fault."

"Why would I?" Nagisa questions. "I'm not ashamed of you Karma. Don't censor me. Don't care if everyone knows how good y'are in bed!"

"Thanks," he says, "but I don't need you to announce that to a crowd of people."

"If they're mad about it they're just jealous!"

Karma just snickers.

Maybe Nagisa closes his eyes for a second, or maybe Karma's just supernaturally fast, because the next thing he knows they're standing outside on the street. Nagisa was having fun just now… It feels nice to cool down again though.

"This isn't a bedroom," he says.

"Yeah," Karma replies, "we have to get back first."

"M'kay."

"Let's grab this taxi."

Nagisa gasps. "That's expensive."

"You really want to take a train like this?"

"No…"

The taxi was nice. Warm. They start driving off before he's even really adjusted. Now everything is spinning in a way that's definitely unpleasant. Nagisa doesn't like it much. At least he has Karma here. He rests his head against his shoulder, which he finds surprisingly comfortable.

"Hey!" Nagisa says. "Taxi driver san! Did I tell you how great my boyfriend is yet?"

"You don't need to," Karma says.

"I wanna!"

He laughs lightly. "Even I know I don't need this much of an ego boost."

The taxi driver doesn't seem to mind. "Don't worry about it. I've seen a lot worse."

Nagisa snuggles even harder against Karma, satisfied.

"Nagisa~" Karma says. "We're here."

"Wh-already?"

He stumbles out of the car, though that doesn't stop the spinning at all. Oh yeah! This is where Karma lives. He should walk to his apartment! Just… one step at a time. He can make it. Where's the entrance again? Maybe he can climb a wall? He's not sure which window is Karma's though…

"Watch out," Karma grabs his arm, preventing him from falling.

Nagisa staggers backwards. "'m a trained assassin. I'm graceful!"

Laughter. "I don't think you could kill much in this state."

"Do I have to kill someone?" He clutches his side seriously. "We're not being hunted are we?"

Karma looks around. "I don't see anyone. I think we're good."

"I'll protect you though," Nagisa says seriously. "I'm qualified."

"How about you 'protect me' all the way to the elevator?"

"Okay!"

The entire rest of the way to Karma's door, Nagisa does his very best to keep watch. Just in case of enemies. Maybe he's never seen one in this building before, but you can never be too careful! Nobody comes, though, and they make it inside Karma's apartment in one piece. Nagisa only lets his guard down when he has his shoes off and the door locked behind them, though.

"Where are you going?" He follows Karma like a lost puppy, trailing him into the kitchen.

Karma fills a glass with water from the tap and hands it to him. "Drink up."

He sips it, and it runs down his throat smoother than anything he had before. "You're so nice."

"I know right?" Karma grins.

Nagisa just looks down. "I think I'm a little bit drunk."

"A little bit?"

He mimes it between his fingers, before taking another sip. "Can we have sex now?"

Karma laughs at him. "How about you eat something instead? I can make you some toast or something."

Nagisa feels a bubble of annoyance. "The only thing I want in my mouth is you," he looks pointedly at Karma's crotch. His.

"I'm never letting you live this down," Karma shakes his head. "Bed it is."

"Yay!"

"Take the water with you."

It feels a bit like the walls are twisting around him. And his face is melting into the floor. Something unpleasant also starts to churn in his stomach. He pushes it aside in favour of everything else. There is nothing he wants more now than naked Karma. At least he knows he won't get it if he messes up his bedroom, so Nagisa takes care to put the glass down on the side table, before collapsing onto the bed.

"Let's do it then," he stretches himself out.

"I never knew you could be so demanding," Karma says.

Nagisa pouts. "I'm horny today."

"I can see that."

"Take responsibility!"

"That's what I'm doing," Karma says, and begins to unbutton his trousers. He doesn't let Nagisa kiss him, though, much to his disappointment. He still doesn't resist him, though, letting Karma strip him of his trousers completely, and then his shirt. Karma leaves him in his underwear, though.

Nagisa sits up when Karma doesn't immediately climb on top of him. "Where are you going?"

"I'm getting changed."

"What for?" He tilts his head. "You don't need clothes."

He pulls on what looks like pyjamas anyway, pulls back the covers, and climbs into bed. "C'mon," he pats the space beside him. Nagisa finds himself obeying, fitting himself against his side. "Now get some sleep, okay?"

Nagisa frowns. "But we didn't do it yet."

Karma sighs. "We're not doing anything like this."

"Why not?!" He feels offended all of a sudden. "Am I not sexy enough for you?!"

He makes a choking sound. "Where did you get that idea?"

"I dunno," he looks down.

"Nagisa."

Surrendering a little, he looks Karma in the eye again. He's lucky he's so pretty. "What?"

"You don't need to worry about that, okay?"

That feels a little bit better. Maybe.

"A-and my ass is okay? You stare at it a lot at least…"

"More than okay. And no I don't-"

"Then why would you screw me?!"

"Because," Karma draws out, "you don't even know right from left right now. I promise," he kisses him on side of his forehead, "you're hot. Think that's what you were yelling about earlier anyway," he sighs. "But you're even hotter when you're conscious of what you're saying."

"But-"

Karma looks at him seriously. "Do you trust my authority as your Sex Sensei?"

His mouth feels dry. "Yes."

"No sex with drunk people. Important rule to live by."

Somehow he feels his happy feelings bubbling up all over again. Even like this… Karma still manages to be the best. Nagisa almost feels like crying. How did he get so lucky? He has nobody left to tell about it though. And he needs to tell someone, because otherwise all of these feelings might just overwhelm him.

"I love you Karma~" he says.

He doesn't get a response, though. In fact, Karma hasn't moved.

"What are you looking at me like that for?"

Finally, Karma's shoulders seem to relax, and he pulls Nagisa lightly against his side. "It's time to sleep."

"Alright," Nagisa concedes, burying his head against Karma's neck where he's the most comfortable. "G'night."

Everything else fades into total darkness.