Chapter 4
Title: Requiem of the Rising Tide (4/?)
Author: akiryu
Pairing[s]: Implied Aki/Mizuki, other pairings later.
Band[s]: Sadie, Mucc, mentions of alice nine, maybe some others later on.
Rating: PG-13
Warning[s]: A slap to the face.
Synopsis: Somebody gets hit.
Disclaimer: Obviously, I own nobody.
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Aki blinked, aware of his surroundings. He realized that he kept dozing on and off, the low grumblings of the TV had relaxed him. The bassist awoke as a result of a light pain on his shoulder that was closest to Tatsurou. He looked over; the vocalist was asleep, biting along his shoulder. The taller man’s other arm had rested along Aki’s stomach, gripping his shirt gently. He reached over and poked the vocalist’s cheek; who opened his eyes, glaring a bit at him before pulling his face and arm away until the arm around Aki’s shoulder remained.
“I’ve heard of sleepwalking and talking, but biting? Another way you’re weird.” He teased.
“S-sorry..” For once, the vocalist seemed shy.
Aki ruffled Tatsurou’s hair. “It’s alright. I mean you were asleep. It kind of reminded me of a dream I had yesterday.” The bassist mumbled quietly.
“You had a dream about me already? Pervert.” The vocalist laughed lightly.
“It wasn’t like that at all. You just reminded me a bit of the wolf in the dream.”
“A wolf…? Never knew you were into that~ Tell me what happened.” Tatsurou grinned, teasing the bassist a little.
Aki rolled his eyes at Tatsurou before sighing. “No, I’m not telling.”
The taller man’s lips curled into a small pout, clearly not content with Aki’s answer. “I’ll kick you out..”
“Good. It’s getting late and I should be going soon, anyway. Practice tomorrow.” That is, if Mizuki shows up.
Tatsurou’s expression shifted, and he stared back at the TV. “Okay. You’re probably right.”
Aki was curious as to why the other seemed disappointed, but he decided against asking. “Hmm I never would’ve thought the vocalist of Mucc would be clingy like a girl.”
Tatsurou grinned, staring again at Aki. “You…”
The bassist noticed how the taller man’s arm wrapped a bit tighter around his shoulder. He idly played around with his lip piercing, relaxing into the touch.
“I’m sure you’ll be able to sort things out with Mizucchi…”
“I really should get going.” The vocalist’s arm loosened on him, and he felt that weight disappear.
“If he ends up really upset, what will you do?”
“I can’t help it if I don’t feel the same way. Getting upset would be a result of his feelings for me, but it’s not like I don’t want to be friends with him anymore. He’s not losing me. It’s something he has to understand and accept.”
“You think more logically and realistically, don’t you? No wonder it’s tough being by you.” Tatsurou chuckled. “Wonder how it’d be if you fell in love.”
“I’m not really interested in that sort of thing. I like following my own path. That’s just the way I am, doesn’t mean others have to do the same.”
“From the way you make it sound…would you really be alright with always being alone?”
“That has nothing to do with you. It’s none of your business.” Aki stood up, heading over to slip his shoes back on.
“Are you angry?” Tatsurou followed, watching Aki. “Would you really be content, always being alone?” The vocalist asked again.
The sound Aki heard next was slightly startling to him. He realized it only after the fact, but he had slapped Tatsurou in the face. At least it wasn’t a punch. His hand stung a little, the taller man’s cheek a light shade of red from the blow.
“…Don’t add to the stress I have right now.” He mumbled quietly, hastily putting on his shoes.
“Ki-kun, I--” The bassist chose to listen no more; leaving the apartment and slamming the door.
As he headed back to his car, he regretted acting so impulsively towards Tatsurou. It left him with a bad taste in his mouth, one he wished to get rid of. He realized he was running away and came to his senses before opening his car door. He sighed, shutting it and stood outside his car; finally noticing a pair of eyes on him.
“You followed me.” Aki hid behind his bangs.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you. I was just curious, is all.”
“No, it’s my fault. I just have been dealing with Mizuki-kun and I want to get that over with first.” He looked up at the taller man. “Does it hurt? Maybe you should put some ice on it.”
“I’ll be fine. I’ve been hurt worse before.” The vocalist grinned, but it only aided in making Aki wonder as to what the other had been through in the past.
Slowly, he opened the car door again. “I’d have to get to know you better before answering that sort of question.” He muttered quietly.
“I’ll wait.” A soft smile shone on Tatsurou’s face; slightly dampened by the redness that still lingered from the slap.
Aki rolled his eyes, getting into his car. “I’ll call after practice tomorrow.” He buckled his seatbelt.
“Good luck with Mizucchi.” The taller man laughed.
Aki stared into the other’s eyes deeply before answering. “Thank you.” He shut the door, watching as Tatsurou waved at him as he pulled out his car and headed home.
The next day Aki felt some nerves throughout his body but pushed it away as he went to practice. Opening the door of their rehearsal room; he realized it was empty, save for Mao. Aki knew he was early, so he didn’t find that unusual. The shorter man sensed Aki’s presence and nodded in acknowledgement.
“Mizu-kun won’t be in today. Should we cancel or not?” The smaller bandleader asked.
Aki sighed. If they decided to cancel, would things really be okay? He didn’t want problems between himself and Mizuki to deter practice, but he was starting to feel the effects of dealing with it although he didn’t state that out loud.
“I’m fine, so we don’t have to cancel.”
“I’ll call the others to say that it’s been rescheduled.” Aki blinked in surprise, then nodded.
The pair had known each other long enough to know such things, and the bassist was thankful towards Mao for that.
“…T-thank you.” He mumbled incoherently, knowing the vocalist would understand.
He sat down on the couch, listening as Mao called the remaining members about how practice was cancelled. Remembering that he had to call Tatsurou, he waited until Mao was finished to say a quick ‘later’ to the shorter man.
“If you need someone, you know you can call me.” Mao’s face formed a small, warm smile.
Aki nodded, taking his leave. On the way to his car he called Tatsurou. Once again it took a while for the taller man to answer.
“Mmm Ki-kun. You keep returning to me~ I bet your bandmates’ll start to get jealous.” The vocalist teased, but what Tatsurou said got Aki to thinking.
I do seem to return to Tatsurou. I don’t know why…maybe I’m just using him to escape things related to Sadie a bit. That’s probably why Mizuki went to Hiroto-san. But…Tatsurou is persistent with wanting to have me call or be near, so even if I’m using him it’s not like he doesn’t enjoy it.
“Practice is cancelled.” He stated, but Aki guessed that the other had already figured that out.
“Let’s go eat, Ki-kun. You’ll pay as payback for waking me up early.”
“Always ordering me around. I’m not your pet.”
“You didn’t have to call. You’re the one that’s obedient to me.” Tatsurou snickered.
“I’ll be over in 10.” He hung up, entering his car.
The drive was shorter than he expected, so Aki was surprised by how quickly he got to the vocalist’s door. He hesitated about knocking, feeling a slight nervousness but knocked anyway.
The door opened, Tatsurou’s face smiling brightly. “Ki-kun, you’re quick. But you just wanted to be by my side faster, right?”
He decided to play along. “You know it.” Aki half-smirked up at the other.
Tatsurou froze a few seconds before responding. “You’re kidding again, aren’t you? Man, your brand of humor is slightly sadistic.”
“I’m a sadist..” He muttered quietly.
The vocalist grinned, a hint of something dark in his eyes. “Ki-kun’s even more interesting than I thought.”
Aki rolled his eyes. “If you want to find out more, all you have to do is read an interview.”
“I’d much rather spend time with you.” The taller man whispered.
“Let’s go.” Aki didn’t know why, but the taller man’s personality was beginning to get to him.
Tatsurou trudged behind him, the bassist opening the passenger door for the other as they got to his car. Aki got in, the pair closed the doors and buckled up. The vocalist looked around Aki’s car curiously; inspecting.
“Where do you want to go?”
“Hm…let’s go to a buffet. There’s this one I know. I’ll give directions.”
Tatsurou’s directions ended up with the pair going around in circles at some points, which frustrated the bassist to no end although he didn’t let it show. They parked at a parking garage, and Tatsurou began to lead Aki. He followed, watching the taller man. He was glad the other was taller; the area they were in was crowded so he was easier to spot because he stood out. Tatsurou’s lithe frame seemed to flow through the hoard; his hair in a small, tight ponytail. The crowd began to worsen, and Aki realized why: the morning rush. He cursed quietly, afraid of being split up. He bit his lower lip lightly and grabbed onto one of the taller man’s wrists. He figured if he held onto the other, it’d be alright. The bassist could tell that he had surprised Tatsurou, who glanced back at him. He felt his hand being shook away from the vocalist’s wrist; instead Aki felt someone’s hand holding his. If there wasn’t a crowd this would just be weird. But if there was no crowd, there’d be no need for this. He squeezed the other’s hand lightly, and they walked a few more blocks through the daily throng. His hand was freed as Aki followed Tatsurou into a restaurant.
A waiter gave them a table and the pair ordered drinks. As they got food, Aki laughed to himself a bit. The vocalist was excessive with grabbing food. He stopped, staring at the bassist.
“Hey, I’m a growing boy. Need to eat well for my growing body.” The taller man pouted; sometimes Aki had a hard time believing the other was around the same age as him.
“You’re already overgrown, and our age difference isn’t that much.”
Tatsurou smirked. “I’m pretty tall, aren’t I? I need more food then, anyway.” He poked Aki’s cheek.
“Still always someone taller. It’s overrated, anyway.”
“Such a downer.” The other set down his plate and tugged the corner of Aki’s lips up. “Smile.”
“…Don’t touch me.” He glared a little.
“What’re you going to do about it?”
Aki pulled his face away from Tatsurou’s hands. He realized they felt comforting; they were the same hands he had felt on his face when he was feeling sick. Part of him regretted moving away but he didn’t want things to go further than that.
“…How long did you stay with me the other day?” Aki murmured, curious.
“I stayed with you until Mizucchi got there. It actually took him a few hours.” The taller man’s voice became unusually quiet. “You felt like you were burning..”
“You didn’t have to stay. I would’ve been fine.”
“You’re welcome, Ki-kun.” Aki rolled his eyes as the other smiled. “I think I understand you more.”
“Oh? Good for you.” They finished grabbing food and sat back at their table.
“I like how you are.”
Aki blinked, surprised. “I don’t really understand you.”
“I’m not all that complicated. Not much to look forward to.”
“You like playing around with things selfishly, but then you’re really loyal to whomever you care for.”
The taller man fidgeted. “You’re observant. I wonder if that’s all you’ve thought about me.”
Aki thought for a moment. “No.”
“What kind of things, Ki-kun?” Charcoal-outlined eyes stared at the bassist.
Tatsurou…he’s cat-like, but also like a stray dog. He gets amused by simple things; is kind. Messy, and he likes enjoying himself. He’s rather optimistic, like nothing bad could phase him and is understanding. He’s certainly overgrown..Aki wondered if that meant he was strong. He enjoyed teasing and joking. Mizuki-kun’s like that only not so much with me. He doesn’t tease as often. Aki thought that maybe the guitarist was afraid of making him mad. Tatsurou invades a person’s space even if he’s unwanted. It’s not like that’s bad, I’m just not used to it. He probably does that with everyone.
“Hmm you must think about me a lot. Glad to know I’m special in your heart.” Tatsurou laughed before shoving food in his mouth.
“You’re just strange.” He sipped on some water.
“That’s what you always say. Maybe you’re the abnormal one?”
The vocalist grinned widely. Deep within himself Aki felt a tug but instead munched on his food. There’s no reason for me to think anything of him. After all, he’s just working with Mizuki-kun in a side-project; nothing more. That felt even cold to the bassist. We’re friends, I guess. He stared down at his food, lost in thought.
“…Ki-kun?” Aki looked up, hiding behind his bangs.
“What?” He noticed as one of the vocalist’s distinct hands came towards his face, moving the hair out of his eyes.
He sat still as the other did so, watching the taller man. “Tatsu-kun…” The bassist murmured.
“Don’t hide.” The other smiled; his hand resting on Aki’s cheek.
The bassist swatted carefully at Tatsurou’s hand. “Stop it.”
“Okay.” The taller man moved his hand away, stuffing his face again.
The pair ate in silence; Aki finished first and watched Tatsurou. Lazily, he pulled out a cigarette; lighting it and having his first hit.
“Kiiiiiii-kun…” Tatsurou stared with puppy dog eyes.
“Not sharing.” Aki took another drag.
“So mean…” It wasn’t like Aki didn’t want to share, his pack was just fairly empty.
The vocalist had grabbed some desserts and was gnawing on them. Abruptly he pulled Aki’s cigarette from his lips and pushed a mini-éclair into the bassist’s mouth. Blinking at the others, he bit on it as Tatsurou fed him. He noticed how the taller man stole a couple of puffs of his cigarette, slightly annoyed. Finishing the éclair, he licked his lips and felt the other’s bright smile on him.
It felt like Tatsurou still did things that put Aki off-guard. It wasn’t annoying, although the bassist would never mention it to the other. Tatsurou got on his nerves in a good way, his company was warm and…safe? Even though the vocalist invaded his space it wasn’t with malevolent intent.
He stood up, taking out some money and placing it on the table. The taller stared up at him, surprise in his face along with a flash of something else. Was it sadness? Longing? Worry? Aki didn’t try to fathom and tried to forget the face that the vocalist showed him. As he left Tatsurou alone; he felt a pang of anger. Hatred at himself for doing such a thing to someone that seemed to really care for him.
Author: akiryu
Pairing[s]: Implied Aki/Mizuki, other pairings later.
Band[s]: Sadie, Mucc, mentions of alice nine, maybe some others later on.
Rating: PG-13
Warning[s]: A slap to the face.
Synopsis: Somebody gets hit.
Disclaimer: Obviously, I own nobody.
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Aki blinked, aware of his surroundings. He realized that he kept dozing on and off, the low grumblings of the TV had relaxed him. The bassist awoke as a result of a light pain on his shoulder that was closest to Tatsurou. He looked over; the vocalist was asleep, biting along his shoulder. The taller man’s other arm had rested along Aki’s stomach, gripping his shirt gently. He reached over and poked the vocalist’s cheek; who opened his eyes, glaring a bit at him before pulling his face and arm away until the arm around Aki’s shoulder remained.
“I’ve heard of sleepwalking and talking, but biting? Another way you’re weird.” He teased.
“S-sorry..” For once, the vocalist seemed shy.
Aki ruffled Tatsurou’s hair. “It’s alright. I mean you were asleep. It kind of reminded me of a dream I had yesterday.” The bassist mumbled quietly.
“You had a dream about me already? Pervert.” The vocalist laughed lightly.
“It wasn’t like that at all. You just reminded me a bit of the wolf in the dream.”
“A wolf…? Never knew you were into that~ Tell me what happened.” Tatsurou grinned, teasing the bassist a little.
Aki rolled his eyes at Tatsurou before sighing. “No, I’m not telling.”
The taller man’s lips curled into a small pout, clearly not content with Aki’s answer. “I’ll kick you out..”
“Good. It’s getting late and I should be going soon, anyway. Practice tomorrow.” That is, if Mizuki shows up.
Tatsurou’s expression shifted, and he stared back at the TV. “Okay. You’re probably right.”
Aki was curious as to why the other seemed disappointed, but he decided against asking. “Hmm I never would’ve thought the vocalist of Mucc would be clingy like a girl.”
Tatsurou grinned, staring again at Aki. “You…”
The bassist noticed how the taller man’s arm wrapped a bit tighter around his shoulder. He idly played around with his lip piercing, relaxing into the touch.
“I’m sure you’ll be able to sort things out with Mizucchi…”
“I really should get going.” The vocalist’s arm loosened on him, and he felt that weight disappear.
“If he ends up really upset, what will you do?”
“I can’t help it if I don’t feel the same way. Getting upset would be a result of his feelings for me, but it’s not like I don’t want to be friends with him anymore. He’s not losing me. It’s something he has to understand and accept.”
“You think more logically and realistically, don’t you? No wonder it’s tough being by you.” Tatsurou chuckled. “Wonder how it’d be if you fell in love.”
“I’m not really interested in that sort of thing. I like following my own path. That’s just the way I am, doesn’t mean others have to do the same.”
“From the way you make it sound…would you really be alright with always being alone?”
“That has nothing to do with you. It’s none of your business.” Aki stood up, heading over to slip his shoes back on.
“Are you angry?” Tatsurou followed, watching Aki. “Would you really be content, always being alone?” The vocalist asked again.
The sound Aki heard next was slightly startling to him. He realized it only after the fact, but he had slapped Tatsurou in the face. At least it wasn’t a punch. His hand stung a little, the taller man’s cheek a light shade of red from the blow.
“…Don’t add to the stress I have right now.” He mumbled quietly, hastily putting on his shoes.
“Ki-kun, I--” The bassist chose to listen no more; leaving the apartment and slamming the door.
As he headed back to his car, he regretted acting so impulsively towards Tatsurou. It left him with a bad taste in his mouth, one he wished to get rid of. He realized he was running away and came to his senses before opening his car door. He sighed, shutting it and stood outside his car; finally noticing a pair of eyes on him.
“You followed me.” Aki hid behind his bangs.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you. I was just curious, is all.”
“No, it’s my fault. I just have been dealing with Mizuki-kun and I want to get that over with first.” He looked up at the taller man. “Does it hurt? Maybe you should put some ice on it.”
“I’ll be fine. I’ve been hurt worse before.” The vocalist grinned, but it only aided in making Aki wonder as to what the other had been through in the past.
Slowly, he opened the car door again. “I’d have to get to know you better before answering that sort of question.” He muttered quietly.
“I’ll wait.” A soft smile shone on Tatsurou’s face; slightly dampened by the redness that still lingered from the slap.
Aki rolled his eyes, getting into his car. “I’ll call after practice tomorrow.” He buckled his seatbelt.
“Good luck with Mizucchi.” The taller man laughed.
Aki stared into the other’s eyes deeply before answering. “Thank you.” He shut the door, watching as Tatsurou waved at him as he pulled out his car and headed home.
The next day Aki felt some nerves throughout his body but pushed it away as he went to practice. Opening the door of their rehearsal room; he realized it was empty, save for Mao. Aki knew he was early, so he didn’t find that unusual. The shorter man sensed Aki’s presence and nodded in acknowledgement.
“Mizu-kun won’t be in today. Should we cancel or not?” The smaller bandleader asked.
Aki sighed. If they decided to cancel, would things really be okay? He didn’t want problems between himself and Mizuki to deter practice, but he was starting to feel the effects of dealing with it although he didn’t state that out loud.
“I’m fine, so we don’t have to cancel.”
“I’ll call the others to say that it’s been rescheduled.” Aki blinked in surprise, then nodded.
The pair had known each other long enough to know such things, and the bassist was thankful towards Mao for that.
“…T-thank you.” He mumbled incoherently, knowing the vocalist would understand.
He sat down on the couch, listening as Mao called the remaining members about how practice was cancelled. Remembering that he had to call Tatsurou, he waited until Mao was finished to say a quick ‘later’ to the shorter man.
“If you need someone, you know you can call me.” Mao’s face formed a small, warm smile.
Aki nodded, taking his leave. On the way to his car he called Tatsurou. Once again it took a while for the taller man to answer.
“Mmm Ki-kun. You keep returning to me~ I bet your bandmates’ll start to get jealous.” The vocalist teased, but what Tatsurou said got Aki to thinking.
I do seem to return to Tatsurou. I don’t know why…maybe I’m just using him to escape things related to Sadie a bit. That’s probably why Mizuki went to Hiroto-san. But…Tatsurou is persistent with wanting to have me call or be near, so even if I’m using him it’s not like he doesn’t enjoy it.
“Practice is cancelled.” He stated, but Aki guessed that the other had already figured that out.
“Let’s go eat, Ki-kun. You’ll pay as payback for waking me up early.”
“Always ordering me around. I’m not your pet.”
“You didn’t have to call. You’re the one that’s obedient to me.” Tatsurou snickered.
“I’ll be over in 10.” He hung up, entering his car.
The drive was shorter than he expected, so Aki was surprised by how quickly he got to the vocalist’s door. He hesitated about knocking, feeling a slight nervousness but knocked anyway.
The door opened, Tatsurou’s face smiling brightly. “Ki-kun, you’re quick. But you just wanted to be by my side faster, right?”
He decided to play along. “You know it.” Aki half-smirked up at the other.
Tatsurou froze a few seconds before responding. “You’re kidding again, aren’t you? Man, your brand of humor is slightly sadistic.”
“I’m a sadist..” He muttered quietly.
The vocalist grinned, a hint of something dark in his eyes. “Ki-kun’s even more interesting than I thought.”
Aki rolled his eyes. “If you want to find out more, all you have to do is read an interview.”
“I’d much rather spend time with you.” The taller man whispered.
“Let’s go.” Aki didn’t know why, but the taller man’s personality was beginning to get to him.
Tatsurou trudged behind him, the bassist opening the passenger door for the other as they got to his car. Aki got in, the pair closed the doors and buckled up. The vocalist looked around Aki’s car curiously; inspecting.
“Where do you want to go?”
“Hm…let’s go to a buffet. There’s this one I know. I’ll give directions.”
Tatsurou’s directions ended up with the pair going around in circles at some points, which frustrated the bassist to no end although he didn’t let it show. They parked at a parking garage, and Tatsurou began to lead Aki. He followed, watching the taller man. He was glad the other was taller; the area they were in was crowded so he was easier to spot because he stood out. Tatsurou’s lithe frame seemed to flow through the hoard; his hair in a small, tight ponytail. The crowd began to worsen, and Aki realized why: the morning rush. He cursed quietly, afraid of being split up. He bit his lower lip lightly and grabbed onto one of the taller man’s wrists. He figured if he held onto the other, it’d be alright. The bassist could tell that he had surprised Tatsurou, who glanced back at him. He felt his hand being shook away from the vocalist’s wrist; instead Aki felt someone’s hand holding his. If there wasn’t a crowd this would just be weird. But if there was no crowd, there’d be no need for this. He squeezed the other’s hand lightly, and they walked a few more blocks through the daily throng. His hand was freed as Aki followed Tatsurou into a restaurant.
A waiter gave them a table and the pair ordered drinks. As they got food, Aki laughed to himself a bit. The vocalist was excessive with grabbing food. He stopped, staring at the bassist.
“Hey, I’m a growing boy. Need to eat well for my growing body.” The taller man pouted; sometimes Aki had a hard time believing the other was around the same age as him.
“You’re already overgrown, and our age difference isn’t that much.”
Tatsurou smirked. “I’m pretty tall, aren’t I? I need more food then, anyway.” He poked Aki’s cheek.
“Still always someone taller. It’s overrated, anyway.”
“Such a downer.” The other set down his plate and tugged the corner of Aki’s lips up. “Smile.”
“…Don’t touch me.” He glared a little.
“What’re you going to do about it?”
Aki pulled his face away from Tatsurou’s hands. He realized they felt comforting; they were the same hands he had felt on his face when he was feeling sick. Part of him regretted moving away but he didn’t want things to go further than that.
“…How long did you stay with me the other day?” Aki murmured, curious.
“I stayed with you until Mizucchi got there. It actually took him a few hours.” The taller man’s voice became unusually quiet. “You felt like you were burning..”
“You didn’t have to stay. I would’ve been fine.”
“You’re welcome, Ki-kun.” Aki rolled his eyes as the other smiled. “I think I understand you more.”
“Oh? Good for you.” They finished grabbing food and sat back at their table.
“I like how you are.”
Aki blinked, surprised. “I don’t really understand you.”
“I’m not all that complicated. Not much to look forward to.”
“You like playing around with things selfishly, but then you’re really loyal to whomever you care for.”
The taller man fidgeted. “You’re observant. I wonder if that’s all you’ve thought about me.”
Aki thought for a moment. “No.”
“What kind of things, Ki-kun?” Charcoal-outlined eyes stared at the bassist.
Tatsurou…he’s cat-like, but also like a stray dog. He gets amused by simple things; is kind. Messy, and he likes enjoying himself. He’s rather optimistic, like nothing bad could phase him and is understanding. He’s certainly overgrown..Aki wondered if that meant he was strong. He enjoyed teasing and joking. Mizuki-kun’s like that only not so much with me. He doesn’t tease as often. Aki thought that maybe the guitarist was afraid of making him mad. Tatsurou invades a person’s space even if he’s unwanted. It’s not like that’s bad, I’m just not used to it. He probably does that with everyone.
“Hmm you must think about me a lot. Glad to know I’m special in your heart.” Tatsurou laughed before shoving food in his mouth.
“You’re just strange.” He sipped on some water.
“That’s what you always say. Maybe you’re the abnormal one?”
The vocalist grinned widely. Deep within himself Aki felt a tug but instead munched on his food. There’s no reason for me to think anything of him. After all, he’s just working with Mizuki-kun in a side-project; nothing more. That felt even cold to the bassist. We’re friends, I guess. He stared down at his food, lost in thought.
“…Ki-kun?” Aki looked up, hiding behind his bangs.
“What?” He noticed as one of the vocalist’s distinct hands came towards his face, moving the hair out of his eyes.
He sat still as the other did so, watching the taller man. “Tatsu-kun…” The bassist murmured.
“Don’t hide.” The other smiled; his hand resting on Aki’s cheek.
The bassist swatted carefully at Tatsurou’s hand. “Stop it.”
“Okay.” The taller man moved his hand away, stuffing his face again.
The pair ate in silence; Aki finished first and watched Tatsurou. Lazily, he pulled out a cigarette; lighting it and having his first hit.
“Kiiiiiii-kun…” Tatsurou stared with puppy dog eyes.
“Not sharing.” Aki took another drag.
“So mean…” It wasn’t like Aki didn’t want to share, his pack was just fairly empty.
The vocalist had grabbed some desserts and was gnawing on them. Abruptly he pulled Aki’s cigarette from his lips and pushed a mini-éclair into the bassist’s mouth. Blinking at the others, he bit on it as Tatsurou fed him. He noticed how the taller man stole a couple of puffs of his cigarette, slightly annoyed. Finishing the éclair, he licked his lips and felt the other’s bright smile on him.
It felt like Tatsurou still did things that put Aki off-guard. It wasn’t annoying, although the bassist would never mention it to the other. Tatsurou got on his nerves in a good way, his company was warm and…safe? Even though the vocalist invaded his space it wasn’t with malevolent intent.
He stood up, taking out some money and placing it on the table. The taller stared up at him, surprise in his face along with a flash of something else. Was it sadness? Longing? Worry? Aki didn’t try to fathom and tried to forget the face that the vocalist showed him. As he left Tatsurou alone; he felt a pang of anger. Hatred at himself for doing such a thing to someone that seemed to really care for him.