Work Text:
In Tsukasa's cozy room, an unlikely collaboration was in full swing. Both boys were sat on Tsukasa's bed, a chaotic landscape of scattered pens, pencils, highlighters and meticulously penned notes that Tsukasa had accumulated in the course of their project. It was a familiar sight because Tsukasa and Rui would usually bei at eachother's homes once in a while, wither to discuss upcoming shows, or to have sleepovers with the whole troupe. Tsukasa liked to think he was a good host for these occasions, well... he'd have to be now that he and Rui shared classes together, he knew this would mean Rui would be over to work on projects with him alot more. He would never admit it aloud but the thought of spending more time than usual with Rui put a warm smile on his face.
Tsukasa, with his marigold eyes laser-focused on the task at hand, sat perched on the edge of his bed, hunched over a mound of papers filled with his meticulous scribbles, the 1,2 duo were paired for a science fair project, something that Tsukasa actually enjoyed working on so it just had to be perfect! Rui, his vibrant purple hair adorned with blue streaks, had a mischievous glint in his eyes as he hatched a plan out of boredom, his fiddling with the quilted blanket halted as he looked toward Tsukasa. A small, catlike smile curled at the corners of his lips as he shifted closer to the blonde. Rui leaned his head resting gently on Tsukasa's shoulder from behind, and he peered down at what the blonde was so diligently writing.
His breath tickled Tsukasa's ear as he spoke, "Tsukasa-kun, you seem utterly absorbed in this." Rui's voice, like velvet, held a playful tone. "But you know," he continued, his words whispered softly, "It's boring... We've been writing for ages."
Tsukasa, though momentarily distracted by Rui's proximity, was determined to stay on track. He knew Rui's closeness was a regular occurrence, but the project was important. He brought his free hand up, attempting to gently push at Rui's face back to move him away and maintain his focus. "𝘐'𝘷𝘦 been writing for ages, Rui," he corrected with a hint of exasperation, "grab a pen and help, please. We need to concentrate on this." His eyes returned to his notes, Rui frowned, mock sadness on his face
Rui shifted away from Tsukasa with a mock sigh, his voice dripping with playful disappointment. He watched Tsukasa continue to write, feigning sadness with crocodile tears. "Tsukasa-kun, you truly are no fun... fuu…" Rui wiped away imaginary tears with dramatic flair, keeping a close eye on Tsukasa. He noticed Tsukasa's eye roll while writing, but beneath that, there was a subtle hint of amusement on the blonde's face.
An idea sparked in Rui's mischievous mind. His catlike grin returned as he shifted slightly, careful not to draw too much attention to himself. Tsukasa spoke up, "We can do something else when I'm done with this," Tsukasa continued, his voice still tinged with seriousness. "All I have to do is find out how much baking soda we need for the vol–"
Before he could finish his sentence, a pillow came hurtling through the air, smacking Tsukasa square in the face. The pillow ricocheted onto Tsukasa's lap, and Rui couldn't quite see Tsukasa's expression once the pillow dropped. However, he did hear something unexpected—sniffles? Did he accidentally hurt Tsukasa? Before Rui could reach out to the blonde, he spoke first. "The metal zip part caught my face..."
Rui immediately tilted his head to try and catch a glimpse of Tsukasa's face, filled with concern. "Oh, Tsukasa-kun, I didn't mean to h–" Rui's apology was cut short as a pillow was thrown right back at him, hitting him across his forehead. Tsukasa was faking it.
Grinning mischievously behind the pillow that had been thrown at him, Rui couldn't help but chuckle.
Rui peered at Tsukasa's face behind the pillow. To his delight, Tsukasa was grinning as well. The pen and notes had been set aside, and it seemed that Tsukasa, despite his initial insistence on finishing the work, was getting bored too.
Rui's eyes followed Tsukasa's slow, deliberate hand movements as he reached for another pillow, a star-shaped one this time, fitting for himself. "Give up, Rui," Tsukasa boasted proudly, a grin plastered across his face. "You're not gonna win against me. I'm a master in the art of pillow fighting!"
Rui smirked in response, his catlike grin widening. "Oya?~ Is that so? I recall catching you off guard just a few moments ago..." he retorted with a playful tone.
"That was a cheap shot! It was unfair!" Tsukasa grumbled, and with a swift motion, he launched the star-shaped pillow in Rui's direction. However, this time, Rui was prepared. He deftly caught the pillow in his hand, his smirk growing.
"Ah..." Tsukasa muttered before scrambling to stand up and make a run for it, and Rui was quick to catch on—it was a chase. Giggles escaped from both of them as they darted down the stairs, grinning like a pair of mischievous kids. They were lucky to be home alone; otherwise, Tsukasa's sister wouldn't have been too pleased with the commotion.
As they descended into the living room, Rui decided to put his remaining pillows to good use. He aimed one at Tsukasa, who managed to dodge it skillfully, sending it crashing onto the coffee table. Tsukasa immediately glanced over to check if anything had been knocked off. Seizing the opportunity, Rui fired another pillow, this time connecting with Tsukasa's cheek. He heard Tsukasa chuckle and turned to see the blonde grab the pillow from the floor.
Without hesitation, Tsukasa charged toward Rui with the pillow in hand. Rui gasped and scrambled in the opposite direction, but Tsukasa was relentless. He sped up, and Rui glanced over his shoulder just in time to see Tsukasa lose his balance on the slippery wooden floor. They collided, crashing to the ground.
Despite the tumble, neither of them was hurt. Instead, Rui heard Tsukasa's soft chuckles, followed by little bursts of giggles. Rui turned to look at Tsukasa beside him, watching the blonde laugh, it was nice seeing Tsukasa laugh, Rui found that when the blonde laughed his cheeks would be dusted a pretty pink, his nose would scrunch up a bit, it was endearing, he loved seeing him laugh, Rui felt his heart flutter. Tsukasa's laughter was contagious, and it brought an irresistible smile to Rui's face. Before he knew it, he was laughing with Tsukasa, their joy echoing through the room, the worries of their science project temporarily forgotten in the midst of their playful pillow fight.
As the laughter slowly subsided, both Tsukasa and Rui found themselves in a quiet moment on the floor, their gazes locked. Tsukasa, still sprawled on the ground, looked over at Rui, who was already gazing back at him with a soft smile. Rui's eyes were slightly droopy, perhaps a bit tired from their spirited chase. Tsukasa found himself captivated by that smile, and he couldn't deny that it was pleasant to look at Rui. He made Tsukasa feel... safe? It was an odd sensation, considering Rui's nack for wild and unpredictable antics. But in moments like these, when they shared quiet, comfortable, almost tender moments, Tsukasa couldn't help but feel a warmth spreading across his face.
He maintained his soft smile as he looked back at Rui. There was a certain connection between them, one that went beyond the playful teasing and mischief. It was a bond that Tsukasa cherished, even if he couldn't quite put it into words.
Breaking the tranquil moment, Tsukasa decided it was time to get back to work. He got up from the floor, dusting off his clothes, and extended a hand to Rui. Rui's smile widened, and he grabbed Tsukasa's hand as they both stood up.
Tsukasa casually kicked his foot against the wooden floor and suggested, "Perhaps... We should actually try getting some work done now?"
However, his proposal was met with a melodramatic groan from Rui. "That's so boring, Tsukasa-kun~ Can't we watch a movie before we continue with work?... please?" Rui pleaded, dragging out the word "please" with an overly sweet tone.
Tsukasa chuckled, unable to resist Rui's charm. "Alright, fine," he relented, "a movie it is... But only if you promise to focus on the project afterward!" Tsukasa brought an accusing finger up to point at Rui.
Rui's eyes sparkled with mischief as he held his hands up and agreed, "Hmm... Deal, Tsukasa-kun. Now then, let's find something exciting to watch, where do you keep your DVD's?" They both knew that the evening was far from over, and their project might have to wait a little longer, Tsukasa had a sneaking suspicion that this project wasnt going to be finished today, especially with Rui needing to go home before night falls.
Tsukasa pointed towards a drawer nestled just below the TV, revealing his well-kept stash of DVDs. "In there, on the second shelf, you'll find quite a bunch of movies. Make yourself comfortable; I'll go grab some snacks," Tsukasa offered, his inviting smile promising an enjoyable movie night. Rui gave a sly nod in acknowledgment, his catlike grin stretching even wider.
With Tsukasa's departure into the kitchen, Rui took a closer look at the movie selection. To his pleasant surprise, it was a treasure trove diversity. Musicals, romances, horrors, action-packed adventures – the array spanned across various tastes and preferences. It was an unexpected revelation about the Tenma household, Rui didn't take them as movie people, but perhaps he was wrong.
As Rui skimmed through the titles, his curious smile evolved into one of mischief. While he typically didn't lean toward romances or action flicks, there was one genre that never failed to ignite his intrigue – horror. Rui pondered whether Tsukasa shared this fascination, and even if he didn't, the prospect of witnessing Tsukasa's reactions to the chilling scenes ahead was too good to resist.
With deliberate care, Rui selected a horror movie from the collection, the disc cold and promising in his hand. He slid it into the DVD player with anticipation and initiated the TV, leaving it paused for a moment. This was his opportunity to let Tsukasa prepare some snacks, and Rui was eager to see what the kitchen had in store.
From his vantage point on the couch, Rui couldn't help but chuckle softly to himself. This impromptu movie night was shaping up to be an unexpected delight, and the thought of sharing a horror film with Tsukasa filled him with both mischief and anticipation. The hum of the microwave could be heard from where Rui sat and aroma of buttery popcorn filtering into the living room only heightened his excitement, who didnt like popcorn after all?
After a minute or two, Rui glanced over his shoulder toward the kitchen, and there came Tsukasa, wobbling out with a charmingly insecure balance, holding two glasses of drinks, a large bowl filled with the enticing smell of buttery popcorn, and several colorful candy packets. Rui was just about to get up and assist Tsukasa with carrying the items when he noticed Tsukasa shaking his head, indicating that he had it under control.
"Don't worry, Rui! I got it!" Tsukasa reassured as he reached the table and began placing the snacks and drinks down one by one. Once the popcorn bowl was on the table, Rui couldn't resist grabbing a handful and promptly popping it into his mouth. His eyes widened in pleasant surprise as he savored the taste.
"What did you put on this? It's lovely!" Rui exclaimed, genuinely impressed by the unexpected sweetness.
Tsukasa eyed Rui with a playful huff due to the speed at which he'd snatched the popcorn, but a warm smile quickly took its place. "Golden syrup, butter, and sugar! I know it's rather extra," Tsukasa explained, "but I used to make it for Saki and I whenever we wanted to watch movies when we were younger. It sort of just stuck. I'm glad you like it!"
Rui nodded appreciatively, continuing to munch on the popcorn. He'd have to remember this delightful snack recipe for future movie nights. His gaze then shifted to the bags of candy on the table, and a mischievous grin spread across his face.
"Are those Ramune candies?~" Rui inquired with a playful hum.
"Sure are," Tsukasa confirmed with a nod. "I had a few packs spare from when the troupe all stayed over a few weeks ago. It's best to use them now, right? You can take them home with you if you don't finish them today."
Rui's smile softened as he appreciated Tsukasa's generosity. "You're too kind~" he replied gratefully.
Tsukasa shook his head. "Nonsense. They'd go to waste if you don't take them. Saki isn't too fussed on them, and I only occasionally eat them. And I know you like them more than I do."
"I suppose so, yes. Thank you, Tsukasa-kun," Rui expressed his gratitude once more.
Rui took a sip from the drink Tsukasa had brought him before picking up the remote, preparing to take charge of their movie night. Tsukasa turned his head to gaze at Rui expectantly.
"So? What are we watching?" Tsukasa asked with anticipation, eager to see Rui's choice for the evening's entertainment.
Rui grinned back at Tsukasa, his excitement palpable. "I hope you like horror movies, Tsukasa-kun; I found the perfect one!" His catlike grin stretched wide across his face as he relished in the anticipation of their movie choice. Rui noticed a brief hesitation in Tsukasa's expression, and his eyes darted from the TV back to Rui.
"Aha... Wonderful! Horror movies are... something! I trust your pick, director!" Tsukasa replied, attempting to sound enthusiastic. Rui could detect a hint of tension in Tsukasa's demeanor, but he chose not to dwell on it. Instead, Rui chuckled softly, unfazed.
"Fufu~ brilliant, I'll turn the lights off, you know, so we can see the TV better," Rui announced cheerfully as he hopped to his feet. He drew the curtains closed and flicked off the lights, allowing the room to be bathed in a cinematic darkness. Tsukasa gulped, feeling a sense of apprehension he hadn't shared with Rui. Horror movies weren't exactly his forte, but he decided to go along with it, hoping this particular film wouldn't be too terrifying.
Rui settled back down next to Tsukasa, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips. He turned to the blonde, their faces just inches apart. "You ready?" Rui asked, his voice low and filled with playful anticipation.
Tsukasa gave a faint nod, his heart pounding slightly. Rui clicked the play button, and the screen flickered to life, immersing them in the eerie atmosphere of the horror movie... Much to Tsukasa's dismay.
The movie continued to play smoothly for Rui, each scare and suspenseful moment having a diminishing effect due to his prior viewing. He maintained his composure, taking casual sips from his drink and enjoying the sweet Ramune candy as he observed Tsukasa's escalating unease.
On the other hand, Tsukasa was enduring an entirely different ordeal. He sat at the edge of the sofa, body tensed, and his eyes wide, peeking through the gaps in his trembling fingers. Gone was his earlier prideful spirit, and now he simply hoped to get through this without appearing like a complete child. Horror movies were Tsukasa's Achilles' heel, and it was becoming increasingly evident as the movie played on.
After a particularly jarring jump scare, Tsukasa dared to pull one of his hands away from his face, convinced that enough time had passed without another fright. He aimed to grab a sip from his drink, his hand trembling as he gripped the glass. But fate had other plans. Before he could bring the glass halfway to his lips, a blood-curdling scream erupted from the TV's speakers. Tsukasa's reaction was instinctive. He yanked his hand back to his face, involuntarily dropping the glass in the process, which shattered into pieces on the floor.
In the ensuing silence that settled upon the room, Tsukasa made a move to stand up and clean the mess. However, he felt a gentle yet firm hand on his chest, stopping him in his tracks. It was Rui's hand, and without hesitation, Rui took charge of the situation. "Stay there; I'll clean it up. I don't want you to step on it," Rui spoke, his tone gentle, and a soft smile graced his lips.
Despite Tsukasa's initial inclination to help, he found himself obeying Rui's wishes and remained seated as Rui swiftly returned with a dustpan and brush. He began the task of sweeping up the shattered glass, his movements precise and careful. As Rui reached for one of the larger glass shards that refused to fit into the dustpan, something unexpected happened. A sharp hiss of pain escaped from Rui's mouth, and Tsukasa's concerned gaze immediately snapped to him.
Rui set the dustpan aside carefully, his now free hand clutching the injured one in pain. Tsukasa's heart raced with worry, and he sprang up from the couch, hurrying over to where Rui stood. A barrage of concerned questions tumbled out of his mouth in rapid succession. "What happened? Are you alright? Are you hurt?"
Rui kept his eyes tightly shut, clenching his fist as he tried to manage the pain. "The glass slipped and cut me," he replied, his voice laced with a hint of bitterness.
Without hesitation, Tsukasa assumed the role of caretaker, his voice soft yet firm. "Go upstairs to my room; I'll fetch some stuff for your hand, and finish cleaning up here. I'll try to be quick, alright?" he instructed, his concern evident.
Rui nodded, wincing slightly from the pain, and made his way to the staircase. Tsukasa focused on the task at hand, completing the cleanup of the broken glass diligently. Afterward, he gathered some bandages, a damp cloth, and ointment, ensuring his hands were clean before dashing upstairs to attend to Rui's injury.
Rui sat patiently on Tsukasa's bed, still clutching his injured hand. As Tsukasa joined him, he set the supplies down in a neat arrangement. The room's ambiance had shifted from the tension of the horror movie to one of care and concern,
Tsukasa gently slid his hands to cup Rui's in his own, his fingers softly prying at Rui's clenched hand. "Let me see..." Tsukasa muttered, his usually loud and boisterous voice now replaced with a gentle and worried tone. Rui looked at Tsukasa's face, studying the way the blonde's eyes were softly focused on his injured hand. Despite the pain, Rui could feel the warmth emanating from Tsukasa's hand in his, which provided a comforting contrast to the sharp sting in his palm.
Upon hearing Tsukasa's request, Rui hesitated momentarily but eventually managed to slowly open his hand for Tsukasa to examine. Tsukasa gasped at the sight of the wound, his thumb instinctively tracing the corner of Rui's injured hand in a soothing manner. "Rui, I'm truly sorry you got hurt," Tsukasa spoke softly, genuine concern evident in his voice.
Rui shook his head, his gaze locked with Tsukasa's. "It's quite alright, at least it wasn't you; that's all I'm worried about," he replied, his words laced with reassurance. Tsukasa's cheeks tinged with a slight pink hue, but he grabbed the wet cloth and gently dabbed it around the wound, ensuring it was properly cleaned. Rui winced at the sensation of the cloth so close to the cut, but Tsukasa's gentle touch and soothing presence helped alleviate some of the discomfort.
"Still... you got hurt cleaning up my mess, and for that, I am sorry," Tsukasa hummed, his thumb continuing its soothing circles on the corner of Rui's hand. "This part is going to sting; I'm sorry... you can hold my other arm if you want to try and take your mind off of it..." Tsukasa suggested as he concentrated on applying a generous amount of ointment to the cloth.
Rui used his free hand to grip Tsukasa's arm, seeking both physical and emotional support. Tsukasa made eye contact with Rui, giving him a calm and reassuring stare. "Three, two, one..." Tsukasa counted down softly, keeping his gaze locked with Rui's. Once the cloth made contact with the wound, Rui instinctively grasped Tsukasa's arm tighter, wincing at the sharp sting.
Tsukasa looked back down at Rui's injured hand, whispering a string of "I'm sorry"s and "just a little bit longer"s to comfort Rui as he tended to the wound. After applying the ointment, Tsukasa grabbed a roll of gauze and carefully unraveled it. With gentle precision, he began to wrap the gauze around Rui's hand, all the while maintaining a comforting hold with his other hand.
"I knew I should've cleaned it myself..." Tsukasa muttered quietly as he carefully wound the gauze. Rui could feel the warmth of Tsukasa's hand still holding his own, and despite the stinging pain, he found immense comfort in that touch. A subtle blush graced Rui's cheeks as he watched Tsukasa's caring and gentle actions.
"Don't worry yourself, Tsukasa-kun~..." Rui replied in a hushed yet affectionate tone. Tsukasa continued to weave the gauze around Rui's hand, his gaze locking with Rui's. Tsukasa's look was filled with warmth, care, and kindness, causing Rui's heart to skip a beat.
"How can I not, Rui..? I'm a terrible host for letting you get hurt like this... especially over me being scared of a measly movie..." Tsukasa whispered, a slight frown tugging at his lips.
"Your far from a terrible host. You're quite literally bandaging my hand for me..." Rui hummed back.
"As should anyone... I can't bear seeing you hurt, Rui..." Tsukasa replied, finishing the wrapping by tucking the end into itself. Tsukasa then cupped the injured hand in his own two hands and brought it up to his face. Tsukasa planted a soft kiss on the freshly wrapped wound, his warm lips pressing gently against Rui's palm through the gauze. Rui's face grew warmer at the gesture, feeling the sensation of Tsukasa's kiss through the thin layer of fabric.
Rui couldn't help but steal glances at Tsukasa, his heart dancing with a mix of emotions he couldn't quite pinpoint. When had his best friend become so... unintentionally romantic? He shook his head slightly, trying to regain his composure, but the blush on his face lingered.
Outside, raindrops gently tapped on the windowpane, and Tsukasa's concerned frown deepened as he glanced at the weather. "It's raining... Did you bring an umbrella, Rui?" he inquired, turning his gaze back to his friend.
Rui shook his head in response. "The forecast didn't mention rain today... quite peculiar," he remarked. Tsukasa hummed in thought. "I'd say you could borrow one of ours, but I think Saki still has it. She's going to be at band practice for a while today; she told me so before you got here," The blonde spoke.
"It's quite alright, Tsukasa-kun~ I can manage a little rain, if need be. Besides, maybe it'll clear up by the time I have to head home. There's still plenty of time, right?" Rui suggested, hoping that the rain would indeed relent.
Tsukasa nodded thoughtfully. "There's still some time left, yes... But! As a future star, I declare that you mustn't walk home in the rain if it continues. We'll figure out something else if it comes to that!" Tsukasa announced, his pride evident, and a warm grin on his face.
Rui chuckled softly. "Fufu~ Very well," he agreed.
"Now, given that you can't write anymore, work... is officially off the table," Tsukasa sighed, a hint of disappointment in his voice as their plan to finish the assignment had been thwarted by the injury Rui had gained. Rui, on the other hand, secretly celebrated the prospect of no more work, even if it meant enduring a minor injury.
Tsukasa furrowed his brows in thought. "What should we do instead?" he mumbled to himself, contemplating their options.
"We never did finish that movi—" Rui began, but Tsukasa interjected firmly, "No." Tsukasa paused for a second. "Not that movie, at least. I'd rather not risk any more... horror-related injuries today."
Rui thought for a moment. "Perhaps you should choose a movie this time~ It'd be intriguing to see your taste in films," he suggested, wearing a playful catlike smirk.
Tsukasa's cheeks took on a slight pink hue. "Nono- It's alright; I don't mind if you choose another one," he responded, looking a tad embarrassed.
"Oya? Is Tsukasa-kun perhaps... a bit shy about his choice in movies? Now I'm even more curious..." Rui teased with a sly grin.
"Am not! A future star doesn't get embarrassed about sharing his favorite movies!... I just... don't feel like watching any of my picks right now!" Tsukasa countered, offering flimsy excuses. Rui raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced by Tsukasa's response. After a moment of internal debate, Tsukasa sighed and gave in to Rui's teasing.
"Alright, alright... let me go grab the movie disc. We can watch it up here... Would you prefer hot cocoa? Tea? Coffee?" Tsukasa asked, attempting to change the subject.
"Hot cocoa sounds perfect, if that's alright with you... do you need any help with that, Tsukasa-kun?" Rui asked politely, his gaze fixed on Tsukasa.
Tsukasa flashed a warm smile and shook his head. "No need to worry. You can stay here. I'll take care of it for you, alright?" he replied, and Rui nodded, content to stay put as Tsukasa made his way downstairs to retrieve the movie and prepare some hot cocoa for the both of them.
While Tsukasa carefully heated the milk on the stove, his mind began to drift into deep contemplation. A furrowed brow adorned his face as he couldn't help but revisit the memory of Rui's injury. The weight of responsibility hung heavily upon him, knowing that he played a part in Rui getting hurt. With a dedicated fervor, he whisked the cocoa powder into the milk, each motion accompanied by a heavy sigh.
Lost in thought, Tsukasa pondered how he could make amends. Should he bring those Ramune candies upstairs for Rui? Or perhaps he could add an artistic flair to Rui's hot cocoa to make it more special? Tsukasa's troubled expression deepened as he contemplated ways to rectify the unfortunate incident. He couldn't shake the feeling that Rui might hold him accountable for what had happened. The thought gnawed at him, urging him to make things right.
Tsukasa's thoughts then wandered to that warm, kind look in Rui's eyes as he wrapped Rui's injured hand, that look... It made him ponder if Rui 𝘥𝘪𝘥 blame him, nobody had looked at him like that before after all... It was a gaze that left him feeling strangely unsettled, a fluttery sensation in his chest that he couldn't quite understand. He found himself craving that warm regard from Rui, desiring those kind eyes on him always. The question loomed: why did he want that so badly? Tsukasa was at a loss for answers, his confusion reflected in the soft, genuine smile that played on his lips.
As he continued to stir the hot chocolate, his thoughts took a slight turn. He considered the texture of Rui's hands from when he had held them, not as soft as they seemed at first glance, rather cold... The roughness was what Tsukasa assumed was due to Rui's years spent tinkering with machines and inventions, yet Tsukasa didn't find it unpleasant. His mind ventured a tad further, wondering how it would feel if Rui's cool hands cupped his cheek, would they feel just as cool there? The mere thought caused Tsukasa's cheeks to flush, his heart to quicken. Why was he thinking about Rui like that? The question nagged at him, leaving him perplexed even as he tried harder to focus on the task at hand, stirring the hot cocoa more vigorously. How embarrassing...
With meticulous care, Tsukasa poured the steaming hot chocolate into two elegant mugs. Whipped cream swirled gracefully on top, adorned with a sprinkle of chocolate star-shaped confections, while miniature marshmallows, also shaped like stars, stood in perfect alignment. A delicate drizzle of chocolate syrup added the final touch to these delightful concoctions. Satisfied with his culinary masterpiece, Tsukasa returned the ingredients to their designated places.
Balancing the two visually striking mugs, the chosen movie disc, and Rui's cherished candies, Tsukasa ascended the stairs to his room. Upon entering, he noticed that Rui had shifted himself to the window, where he observed the raindrops in a peculiar race down the glass. Tsukasa placed the cocoa, the movie disc, and the candies on his desk before settling down beside Rui, their shoulders gently brushing against each other.
Curious about what had captivated Rui's gaze, Tsukasa inquired with genuine interest, "Whatcha doing?" Rui turned his gaze toward Tsukasa, his eyes warm and expressive as he explained, "Watching the rain. I like to watch the raindrops race; this one's winning, see?" Rui pointed to a lone raindrop, cascading down the outside of Tukasa's window.
Tsukasa couldn't help but find Rui's explanation utterly adorable. However, he quickly shook off the thought, his mind proclaiming that labeling Rui as 'adorable' was most definitely not what he should be thinking here. Clearing his mind, he suggested with a genuine smile, "Well... I got our cocoa and the movie. Let's go sit, shall we?"
Tsukasa stood up with a graceful demeanor, extending a hand towards Rui, who accepted it with a soft, appreciative grin. "We shall," Rui replied as he rose, moving gracefully to the bed after Tsukasa's assistance. Once seated comfortably, he propped a pillow behind his head and leaned back against the wall.
As Tsukasa deftly prepared the DVD player and handed Rui a hot mug of cocoa along with the packet of ramune candies, he gracefully settled down on the bed beside him.
A subtle shiver ran through Rui as he felt a sudden draft. Tsukasa raised an eyebrow, curious about Rui's discomfort. "It's a bit cold," Rui mentioned, his voice carrying a hint of vulnerability. Tsukasa paused, briefly contemplating a solution. An idea soon formed, and he gently lifted the quilt that covered his bed, shuffling himself under, keeping the blanket held up gesturing for Rui to join him. "We can share; it's nice and cozy under here," Tsukasa offered, his expression warm and inviting.
Rui blinked a few times, his gaze shifting between the outstretched blanket and Tsukasa's warm smile. With a nod and a soft smile in return, he decided to embrace the warmth offered by the blanket, scooting closer to the blonde and partly tucking himself beneath it. Tsukasa's suggestion had proven accurate; it was indeed very cozy.
Tsukasa's head reemerged from under the blanket to retrieve the TV remote. After unpausing the movie, Rui too followed, peaking his head from out the banket, sipping his cocoa, Rui couldn't help but chuckle softly as he noticed something his amusement plain on his face. "You made the marshmallows symmetrical, Tsukasa-kun..." he commented with a playful tone.
Tsukasa rolled his eyes in a jesting manner, playfully muttering, "You don't?" He shot Rui a teasing glare.
"No," Rui replied, his laughter soft and gentle, "I just put them on there."
"Barbarian," Tsukasa retorted with a light smile, their banter lighthearted and playful.
Rui's gaze returned to the movie, his eyes glued to the screen. "So... What are we watching then, hm?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.
Tsukasa's eyes flitted down to the blanket, his voice adopting a somewhat shy tone as he mumbled, "Rapunzel... It's a nice story..."
Rui's reaction genuinely surprised Tsukasa. "That's cute..." he said spontaneously, a blush dusting his cheeks. Quickly realizing how that might be interpreted, he backtracked with a stammer, "Sorry, that was weird."
Tsukasa, with a gentle blush of his own, offered an understanding response. "I-... It's alright. I'm glad you don't think it's silly," he replied warmly, a soft smile gracing his lips. "If it's what you like, then of course it isn't silly..." Rui's reassurance filled Tsukasa with a sense of comfort and connection.
The movie's tender storyline continued to unfold on the screen, casting a soft, warm glow across the room. Tsukasa couldn't help but smile bashfully at Rui's heartfelt response. Rui's words always seemed to have a magical touch, and they never failed to make Tsukasa's heart swell with fondness. "Thank you, Rui," Tsukasa murmured back, his voice now a soft, affectionate whisper as he allowed himself to become fully absorbed in the movie.
"Of course, Tsukasa-kun," Rui replied, his voice carrying a hushed, comforting tone.
As the movie played, the room fell into a serene and tranquil silence. This experience was a stark contrast to their previous endeavor with the horror film. Instead of being separated and trembling with fear, they were now huddled together under the warmth of a soft, oversized blanket. The movie's warm glow bathed them in a cozy, intimate atmosphere, and neither of them seemed to mind the close proximity as the heartwarming story continued to unfold on the screen.
With the passage of time, Tsukasa began to notice subtle shifts in Rui's posture. The taller boy, wrapped in the emotional embrace of the movie's narrative, was gradually and almost unconsciously edging closer to Tsukasa. His arms slowly but surely found their way around Tsukasa's back, creating a gentle, comforting connection between them. Tsukasa pondered whether this could be considered a cuddle, a friendly hug, a simple mistake, or just something that friends did.
However, he didn't dwell on the semantics. What truly mattered was the warmth and comfort he felt in this shared moment. Tsukasa decided to reciprocate Rui's unspoken gesture of closeness, raising his arms to encircle Rui in return. His head naturally found its place in the crook of Rui's shoulder, and Tsukasa could feel the gentle rise and fall of his chest as he breathed, Rui's soft heartbeat could be heard from where Tsukasa was laying, the calm thud..tap made his eyes feel heavy suddenly... he felt sleepy. Although Rui's hands might have been a touch cold, his overall presence radiated a comforting warmth that enveloped Tsukasa.
In this intimate moment, nestled closely against Rui's shoulder, Tsukasa felt happy. A part of him didnt want to move from this spot ever again.
As Tsukasa and Rui shared this cozy moment, Tsukasa couldn't help but feel the weariness creeping over him. His struggle to stay awake continued, knowing that if he succumbed to sleep now, he might end up trapping Rui beneath him. Tsukasa was a heavy sleeper, the type who needed blaring alarms and Saki's shouts to rouse him from slumber even for school. So he fought valiantly against the impending drowsiness, his determination clear.
Yet, his battle against sleep was made all the more challenging as he felt Rui's gentle fingers gently caressing his hair. The rhythmic and soothing touch was like a siren's call, threatening to pull him into the embrace of sleep. Tsukasa couldn't help but grumble softly into Rui's shoulder, his voice a murmured protest, "Stop it... I'm gonna fall asleep, Rui..."
Rui's golden eyes, warm and tender, descended to Tsukasa, silently taking in their newfound closeness. He couldn't help but realize that his hand had been acting of its own accord, soothingly stroking Tsukasa's hair in a repetitive motion that seemed to be mutually comforting. A gentle blush spread across Rui's cheeks as he observed Tsukasa's weary state up close. Tsukasa's marigold eyes were half-lidded, fluttering slowly open and shut, while a faint rosy hue adorned his cheeks, one of which was gently compressed against Rui's shoulder, giving his features an endearing scrunch.
Unable to divert his gaze away from the sight of Tsukasa's sleepiness, Rui continued to lovingly run his fingers through Tsukasa's tousled hair. In a half-accidental, half-playful tease, he muttered, "Then why don't you... my star...? You look exhausted."
The nickname slipped from Rui's lips, a term of endearment he hadn't intended on calling Tsukasa. Rui couldn't help but wonder if Tsukasa would catch the name. Tsukasa, grumbling softly, gave a response, his cheeks reddening further, and he turned his head even closer to Rui's shoulder in a bashful attempt to hide his face. "You have to go home soon... I don't want to keep you here just because I'm tired..." Tsukasa's voice was a hushed murmur, weighted by the pull of slumber. "I told you to stop that... I'm gonna fall asleep..."
Rui couldn't help but chuckle softly and reply, "Fufu~ I was going to ask... if I could perhaps stay over? The rain hasn't let up yet, and we don't have much longer left." His eyes scanned the darkening sky through the window, noting the impending storm and the onset of nightfall.
Tsukasa, who was growing sleepier by the moment, offered a drowsy reassurance, "You know you don't have to ask... of course you can stay..." His embrace around Rui's back relaxed ever so slightly. "I think you're only saying that because you're using me as a pillow, Tsukasa-kun~" Rui teased playfully.
Tsukasa responded, his voice softening with weariness, "You started it... And I just like your company."
Rui's smile in response to Tsukasa's words warmed the room, their mutual appreciation for each other's company creating an atmosphere of affection and comfort. Rui paused his ministrations on Tsukasa's hair, his fingers now gently tracing down Tsukasa's chin to hold his face up just enough for their eyes to meet. His gaze was soft and unwavering, locked onto Tsukasa's eyes.
"If you're tired... Let's drop the rest of the movie. You should get changed into something more comfortable, and then you can sleep, alright...?" Rui spoke, his voice a gentle murmur, still focused on Tsukasa's face.
As Rui's cold fingers rested softly on his chin, Tsukasa felt an odd sensation. His heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, he wished Rui's hand had moved just slightly to the right, cupping his cheek. But those thoughts were strange, weren't they? Tsukasa blinked, his tired eyes connecting with Rui's gaze. Slowly, he nodded and agreed, "Mm... Alright..."
Tsukasa shuffled away from the blanket and stood up, his fatigue evident in his yawn and sluggish movements. He rubbed his eyes as he walked to his clothing unit, returning with a baggy long shirt and some shorts for Rui. "Here... you can wear these if you want to... My parents bought them for me last Christmas, they're way too big, they should fit you fine though," Tsukasa explained, offering the clothes to Rui.
Rui took them with gratitude, smiling at Tsukasa's generosity. "Thank you, Tsukasa-kun. I'll go get changed in the bathroom," Rui replied before making his way to the bathroom, closing the door behind him. In the privacy of the bathroom, he quickly changed into the offered clothes. As he pulled them on, he couldn't help but notice the pleasant scent lingering on the fabric—lemon and vanilla. It was a scent that seemed to belong uniquely to Tsukasa. Rui didn't dwell on it and soon finished changing.
After knocking on the bathroom door, he called out, "I'm done, Tsukasa-kun, can I come out?" He wanted to ensure that Tsukasa had also finished changing.
Tsukasa's voice responded from the other side, sounding slightly less tired, "Go ahead, I'm finished in here!"
Rui opened the bathroom door, discarding his own clothes into the bag he had brought. He then walked over to Tsukasa's bed and sat down, contemplating for a moment "I can sleep on the floor if you would like, Tsukasa-kun." Tsukasa shook his head.
"I don't mind if you sleep in my bed. It won't hurt if you shared, I suppose..." Tsukasa said with a bashful kick at the floor.
Rui couldn't resist teasing, "Fufu~ Could this be because Tsukasa-kun wants to lay on me again?" His catlike grin danced with playfulness.
"No..." Tsukasa quickly denied it, but his hesitation betrayed his true feelings. Rui couldn't help but find this adorable.
Rui's faint laugh in response to Tsukasa's denial only added to the warmth between them. It was clear that they both enjoyed being close to each other, and neither of them was quite ready to question it. Tsukasa quickly settled back into his bed, sliding under the covers and holding them up for Rui, a clear eagerness in his actions.
Rui couldn't help but smile softly at this eagerness. It was touching to see how much Tsukasa seemed to want to continue their cuddle. Without hesitation, Rui climbed onto the bed and slipped under the covers as well, his arms wrapping gently around Tsukasa's back.
"Is this alright..?" Rui whispered softly, but he received no verbal response. Instead, Tsukasa snaked his arms around Rui, and his face nuzzled back into Rui's shoulder. It was a silent but clear confirmation that Tsukasa was content with this closeness.
Rui's gaze shifted down to Tsukasa's face, which now held a gentle blush and a small smile. The sight made Rui's heart flutter. He couldn't deny that this felt nice, comforting, and warm. It was just two friends sharing a moment of closeness, he told himself.
With tenderness, Rui's fingers found their way back into Tsukasa's soft blonde hair, eliciting a contented sigh from the boy. They stayed like this for several minutes, neither fully awake nor asleep, simply savoring the warmth of each other's presence.
One of Tsukasa's hands moved from Rui's back to gently grasp the hand Rui had resting on his head. Slowly, he guided it to his face, placing it on his cheek that wasn't pressed against Rui's shoulder. It was a curious gesture, one that made Rui's heart race a little faster.
Tsukasa seemed to be curious, perhaps wanting to know what it felt like to have Rui's hand against his face. The touch was cooling to the blonde, and he appeared to enjoy it, leaning into the sensation with his eyes softly closed. Rui watched him intently, his thumb caressing Tsukasa's cheek softly.
As he continued to observe Tsukasa, a thought crossed Rui's mind. Tsukasa was almost the perfect height for forehead kisses. It was a fleeting thought, but it made him realize how close they were at that moment and how easy it would be to give in to such a gentle urge. However, he held back, not wanting to overstep any boundaries.
Instead, he continued to run his thumb gently across Tsukasa's cheek, enjoying the softness of his friend's skin and the peaceful atmosphere they shared.
Rui's mind had been consumed by the thought of giving Tsukasa a forehead kiss however. He pondered why he wanted to do it so much, whether it was merely to gauge Tsukasa's reaction or if he simply craved the closeness and intimacy of such a gesture. These thoughts swirled in his head until he finally mustered the courage to ask.
"Tsukasa-kun..?" Rui began, his voice a soft, uncertain whisper.
"Mhm..?" Tsukasa responded, his eyes still closed, his voice equally soft.
Rui hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Can I try something..?"
Tsukasa, intrigued and curious, cracked open one eye to peer at Rui. He nodded, offering a subtle yet reassuring gesture.
Taking this as permission, Rui leaned in slightly, pressing a soft, gentle kiss to Tsukasa's forehead. As his lips made contact, Rui could feel the warmth spreading across his own face, his cheeks flushed with emotion and the intensity of the moment.
Tsukasa, receiving the unexpected kiss, smiled softly. It was a warm, genuine smile, one that spoke of appreciation and comfort. It felt nice, different from the teasing they often shared.
In response to Rui's affectionate gesture, Tsukasa leaned his head up slightly, his lips finding their way to Rui's cheek. He planted a delicate kiss there, mirroring Rui's earlier move.
Rui's chuckled softly, encouraged by Tsukasa's reaction, Rui continued, planting gentle kisses across his forehead, down to his cheeks, and even on the bridge of his nose. He was careful not to venture too close to Tsukasa's lips, wanting to respect boundaries.
With a hand cupped gently on Tsukasa's cheek, Rui's lips moved like soft whispers, leaving a trail of affectionate kisses. Each peck was light and filled with warmth, conveying the fondness and tenderness he felt for his best friend.
However, Tsukasa's tolerance for the ticklish sensation reached its limit, and he responded by pushing lightly against Rui's forehead. "That tickles..." Tsukasa murmured, his voice a mixture of sleepy amusement and quiet giggles.
Rui chuckled softly, withdrawing from the playful kisses but maintaining his close proximity. "Sorry," he said, giving Tsukasa a warm smile. "I couldn't resist."
Nestled within their warm cocoon of blankets and affection, Tsukasa's mind was a whirlwind of contemplation. The soft kisses Rui had planted on his face, the intimacy they shared... It felt so right, so natural, as if it was meant to be. Did he want to be more than friends with Rui? Did he desire to be Rui's boyfriend, to hold him closer and express their feelings openly? – it left him pondering the boundaries of friendship. Friends, as far as Tsukasa understood, didn't typically engage in this level of closeness. But here they were, tangled in each other's arms, sharing affection that went beyond the bounds of friendship.
As he gazed up at Rui through his half-lidded, drowsy eyes, a moment of clarity emerged. He decided to cast aside his doubts and fears. The warmth he felt, the yearning for something more – he couldn't ignore these emotions any longer. With a surge of determination, Tsukasa decided to reveal his true feelings.
"Rui...?" Tsukasa began, his voice soft yet resolute.
Rui, his eyes reflecting curiosity, affection, and surprise, responded with eager anticipation, "Yes, Tsukasa-kun?"
Tsukasa's confession was a revelation, his emotions laid bare. "I love you."
Rui was momentarily stunned by the profound declaration, his heart racing as he attempted to process the weight of those three simple words. Stammering slightly, he sought clarification, "I... you.. wh-"
Tsukasa, with unwavering determination, repeated his confession, his voice heavy with emotion, "I said I love you."
Rui's face flushed a deeper shade of red upon hearing Tsukasa's confession. He tried to maintain his composure, echoing Tsukasa's words, "You love me...?" Tsukasa affirmed it with a nod, pulling Rui a little closer, his own cheeks tinged with a rosy hue.
A soft chuckle escaped Rui's lips as he continued the tender caress of Tsukasa's cheek with his thumb. "Well, Tsukasa-kun, I must say I love you quite a lot too," he murmured, a gentle smile curving his lips.
Tsukasa, his eyelids drooping with drowsiness, leaned in closer, "I love you more, I'm sure..." Tsukasa spoke. Rui met him halfway, their breaths mingling, as Rui playfully teased, "I think you might be wrong about that, my dear Tsukasa-kun."
Their lips met in a soft, affectionate kiss, it didn't last long, nothing more than a peck, Tsukasa smiled softly when he pulled away, He felt loved... and warm, this was nice. Tsukasa leaned up again, the sweet exchange of gentle kisses filled him with a giddy sense of glee. Tsukasa's smile remained tender as he nuzzled back into Rui's shoulder, cherishing every moment of their closeness.
However, the tranquility of their shared closeness was momentarily disrupted by a sudden flash of lightning outside Tsukasa's window, which caused Rui to jump slightly. He tried to hide his unease, but Tsukasa, lifting his head up to rest on ruis chest instead. Being as perceptive as ever, he immediately sensed that something was amiss. In hushed tones, he inquired, "What's wrong?"
Rui hesitated for a brief moment before softly admitting, "Lightning..."
Tsukasa contemplated for a moment, his mind racing for a solution to comfort Rui. Finally, he gently suggested, "Would you like to go watch it?"
Rui shook his head, "I'd rather stay here, it's too loud..." his hold around Tsukasa grew a tad stronger as if seeking refuge. Tsukasa, hummed in thought before giving an explanation, "I see... Well then, something my mother used to tell Saki when she didn't like the thunder was to count the seconds from when you see the flash to the grumbling noise. Then divide the number you have by five, and you'll get how many miles away it is." Rui thought that sounded nerdy, it was cute.
Another low grumble echoed from outside, and Rui began silently counting the seconds... 1... "Do you think you can sleep through it?" Tsukasa asked... 3... "I don't know, I'm a pretty light sleeper..." Rui replied, 5... "Hm... wait a second..." Tsukasa muttered, then shifted away from Rui... 7...
Rui observed Tsukasa as he walked across the room, searching through his drawers for something. After a brief pause, Tsukasa returned, scooting back under the covers beside Rui... 25...
Suddenly, there was a flash of lightning, causing Rui to instinctively shut his eyes against the brightness. When he opened them, he felt something warm and fluffy being placed around his ears – fluffy earmuffs. He looked at Tsukasa with a puzzled expression.
"Ear muffs! They're cozy, and they block out noise a tad, so the thunder isn't so bad!" Tsukasa declared with a proud grin. Rui chuckled softly at Tsukasa's sense of accomplishment.
Rui once again wrapped his arms around Tsukasa, this time being the one to rest his head on Tsukasa's shoulder. The warmth and coziness enveloped him just as he expected. Tsukasa reciprocated by embracing Rui, his hand gently running through Rui's hair, which had a calming effect on Rui. Despite feeling awake earlier, he found himself yawning now.
The ear muffs effectively muffled the grumbling thunder outside, leaving only the soothing sound of the rain. Rui's eyes began to grow heavy, and he slowly succumbed to the warmth, comfort, and the rhythmic beating of Tsukasa's heart. With his face nestled into Tsukasa's chest, Rui drifted into a peaceful slumber.
Tsukasa looked down at the peacefully sleeping Rui, feeling content. Another rumble of thunder punctuated the calm, but Rui seemed undisturbed by it. Tsukasa heard his phone ping in his pocket, prompting him to shift slightly to check the message from Saki. He replied quickly, all while watching over his dear boyfriend as he slept soundly beside him.
'The door is unlocked, and we have a guest staying over due to the rain. You can warm up the noodles I made before you left if you're hungry when you get in. Are you alright? How was band practice?'
.... Saki is typing.
'It went all good, and I'm fine, brother! The girls and I planned a cafe date for next week I can't wait! I'm guessing Rui is staying over?'
Tsukasa smiled at his phone subconsciously, genuinely happy for his sister. She had the school life she'd always wanted, with caring girlfriends and a constant smile on her face. It was a stark contrast to how she used to be when they were younger, and Tsukasa couldn't help but feel proud of her. The mention of Rui's name brought warmth to his face as he looked down at the peacefully sleeping director. Rui slept soundly, his expression peaceful and content.
"Spot on, the rain got too heavy, and I didn't want him to go walking home in it. He could've caught a cold."
.... Saki is typing.
"You care an awful lot about him, don't you?"
"Yes."
.... Saki is typing.
"Are you sure you don't love him?"
Tsukasa realized that all the denying he had done to Saki was probably going to result in her teasing him about it.
"I do love him."
.... Saki is typing.
"I NEW IT!!!"
"Knew it, you mean?"
.... Saki is typing.
"SHUT UP. (◍•ᴗ•◍)"
Tsukasa chuckled quietly at the messages, then turned his phone off and placed it back in his pocket. His attention returned to the peacefully sleeping boy cuddled up to him. Tsukasa felt a warm smile grace his lips as he watched the rise and fall of Rui's chest, and he, too, started to feel the pull of exhaustion.
Tsukasa couldn't resist the pull of exhaustion any longer. His eyes started to close as he pressed one last tender kiss to the top of Rui's head. With a soft and affectionate whisper, he murmured, "I love you... sleep well, sweetheart..." Then, he slowly succumbed to the warmth of rest, content with the gentle presence of Rui by his side.
Little did he know, tomorrow he wouldn't hear the end of this from Saki. He dreaded to think what Nene would say either, but that was buisness for tomorrow, for now, he was content enough, drifting off to sleep in Rui's warm embrace.