Chapter Text
It's only the second match in when Leo sees his phone flash in his peripheral– finds a hiding place that'll do for a minute and quickly checks his texts.
'Leo I'mdrunk and i miss tou'
Well, he knows Claude prefers to stay sober. Is usually the one watching everyone with a glass in their hand and makes sure they've got at least double the amount of water in them by the end of the night.
'It's too lkoud'
'Are you availableir are you streaming'
Leo bites his lip and shoots a few messages.
'hii oh god i'm in the middle of a round, but i'll call you when i'm out of it'
'i'll try to be quick !'
'are you okay??'
Claude responds instantly.
'Yeah just head hurts'
'Aa Wilsonm is asleep I think Shu tuckedvhim in lol'
His stomach is uneasy, twisting and turning with the thought of Claude going through a rough time and.. knowing he's the only one he's reaching out to. Leo autopilots his way through the game and while he really doesn't like it he just wants to pick up his phone again.
'what about you man? maybe lay down?'
'i'm free now but still live. gonna pause rq'
They're always so unbelievably understanding, Leo thinks as he moves to sit on his bed. Mic muted and a message that he might need to dip on screen, he's out of shot of the tracker and just sets his focus to his best friend.
'Sorry if I'm echoey I movrd to the bathroom'
Leo quickly rings him up and can feel his chest tighten as the voice floods in. A bit low like when he wakes up in the morning, but he can physically hear the headache from across the line.
"Leoo?" Claude says like he's asking a question, or wasn't expecting a phone call. Both unintentional. He hasn't been using his voice in the past thirty or-so minutes, he doesn't really know what he's doing with it.
"Hey– how you feeling?"
"Leo.." he says again, groans a bit then seems to find his focus. "Am I keeping you from stream?"
"Nah bro don't worry about that, alright? I just wanna make sure you're okay.." He fidgets with the corner of his blanket and his nerves aren't figuring out a way to settle. "Are you drinking water?"
"Yeah.. I'm trying not to be a downer though, don't know why I'm reacting like this."
Leo can feel his heart break, he just wants to take his duo's hand and tell him he's doing his best.
"It sounds like you're pretty overwhelmed.. Let Yamiyami know okay? He's good with that." Leo blows air through his lips and all the ideas in his swirling mind spring one after another. Head over, check on Claude himself, make sure he's good-
"But it feels nicer talking to you."
Oh he's definitely jumping into action then.
"Mm.. please rest your head somewhere for me okay? I'm gonna end stream. Keep sipping your water and texting me."
"Ah.. okay- thank you Leo." Claude sounds conscious, and that's a good thing.
_
In hindsight, running the 2 kilometers it takes to get from his apartment to Shu's wasn't the best idea he's ever had. Leo's chest burns and it's moments like these where he really should've remembered his inhaler. Alas, mistakes are way easier to spot once made and Leo can't really give a shit to dwell on it. He turns the corner and nearly trips over a curb before he takes more careful steps up concrete stairs. Leans his arms against the railing and takes sharp breaths, an almost stabbing pulse in his chest and yet he still can't find it in him to be all that concerned. Maybe it's the adrenaline, maybe he's just that worried.
Claude stopped sending messages around ten minutes ago, Leo hopes it's because he's finally resting. He knocks on the door of the roommates' apartment and tries not to cough as he continues to force air in his lungs. Only feels his brain swim maybe twice, not enough to make him dizzy and when the door opens he's greeted to violet and curious eyes.
"Leo-?" Shu opens the door all the way and his mouth falls slightly.
"Where's Claude?"
"On the couch, he's not feeling grea-"
Leo just slinks past and removes his shoes. Hears Shu close the door and partially registers "are you good" but he's got his mind set on other things—one thing, one person. His breathing is labored as he kneels next to Claude. The end of the couch where his head is resting and soft blue eyes flutter open.
"Hey buddy.. You with me? Everything okay?" His heart is racing up to his ears and he's trying to keep his panting to a minimum if he can help it- doesn't wanna worry his friend when he already has stuff going on.
"Leooo hii.. my best friend Leo.." Claude's voice comes out so much more gentle than earlier– sweeter when he says Leo's name and fuck, it's honestly really cute.
"Ah-" Leo's mind glitches for a second, rewinds what he just heard and adds to the dusting of rose on his face. He inhales and exhales. "Hiii how you feeling?"
Claude blinks a couple times, takes in the sight of Kuga Leo in front of him and can't fully tell if he's real. He really doesn't like being this drunk, his brain can hardly process anything.
"Did you just shower?" Is all he can think to say, staring with earnestness and Leo cannot wait to remind him of this exchange later.
"No... I ah- ran all the way here to check on you." He chuckles and brushes his hand at his bangs. "I'm all sweaty huh.."
"You're really pretty.." Claude's hand reaches to feel at Leo's head, brushing his fingers at messy hair before his face dips a bit in temperature. Like he's seen a ghost. "Y..you okay?"
Leo's sort of frozen, save for how his chest rises and falls with more effort than he's used to.. Dazed, dazed and shellshocked. He tries to laugh it off but regrets it as soon as the coughs start and he's so embarrassed– doesn't want Claude to have to-
"Leo where's your inhaler?"
It's like strings are being tugged around his lungs and he can only blame himself. He grunts and feels himself settle after a cacophony of coughs he never wants to experience again as long as he lives. "I'm- I'm good.."
Claude grips Leo's shirt with more strength than he probably thinks he's using. Face completely flushed with another wave of the alcohol and lips in the saddest little frown imaginable. "You're struggling to breathe.."
He almost wants to squeeze his eyes shut because seeing Claude so worried adds another layer to the pain in the recesses of his chest. Leo's heart aches, and it shows in how his eyes water. He'll let it all be read as the asthma, most logical explanation as he tries to wipe his eyes.
"I'm just.. happy you're safe, okay?" Leo says like they're the only two people in the world, carefully detaching Claude's hand from his shirt and just holding it in his own. He lets his eyes close to try and balance his breathing, thumb rubbing at soft skin and down to nimble fingers. Wishes he had been smarter today.
"Here Leo." The voice of Shu Yamino captures his attention like lightning and when he looks up he's being offered a glass of water. At first his mind understands it as not for him, but well.. Claude already has his own. "No ice since that'd make it worse, right?"
Leo doesn't let go of Claude's hand, just uses his other to take the glass and nods as Shu's eyes whisper their own shreds of wariness. "Thank you- Fuck I'm so stupid."
"You are." Claude's brain works overtime for the way he doesn't miss even half a beat.
"I- shut up, you're drunk." Leo has to try very very hard not to laugh right now. Both because this situation is ridiculous— but also because Claude has just been watching him with honey-glazed eyes and a cute pout. His face is so fucking precious Leo might melt. And hearing that juxtaposed with the way he's looking at him..
"Drink your fucking water..!"
He doesn't need to be told twice. Leo tilts the glass to his lips and takes slow, room temp sips. Inhales through his nose and mindlessly continues to feel over Claude's fingers.. traces at nails with his fingertips. It hasn't even occurred to him that there's 2 pairs of eyes watching.
"Claude has been staring at Leo with potent heart eyes since he got here and I'm living for it." Uki speaks fairly quiet and Vanta's " oh my god there's no way " plays through the speaker of Shu's phone. "No way you're not here for this." A disgruntled sound cuts out into a sigh, Vanta will just have to witness some other insane happening next time he's in Japan.
"I don't even think they remember we're here.." Shu pipes up with his fingers tapping silently at the kitchen table. Picks up the juice box he was in the middle of opening when the knock on the door came and laughs to himself. "Vanta it's okay at least you're not asleep in my room missing this."
Uki snorts, hand covering their mouth as a gentle giggle takes over. "Wilson.."
"Wilson and I...will get you back for this fomo." Vanta takes longer than he should to get that sentence out, and to no one's surprise just continues talking. "Where Uki's sitting? Should be me."
"Hey bitch if you wanna be my chair I'm not complaining.."
"No one would believe me if I said I watched both of these things happen simultaneously." Shu sips on his juice and focuses on Uki as they finish their wine for the evening. "Wilson would though, he believes everything I say for some reason."
"It's your.. uh your Shu Yamino charm." Vanta responds near instantly, yawning directly after like being possessed by a sleepy demon.
Leo can't shake this feeling in his chest.
Nothing to do with him acting recklessly and all to do with his best friend.
"Hey Claude- how about some fresh air?" He squeezes his hand and brings his other to smooth out soft tufts of hair along Claude's cheek. "If you feel like moving.. you don't have to if it's too much."
"Mm.. hold my arm if I'm unstable..?"
"I gotchyu bro, tap out anytime and I'll just help you lay down again yeah?"
"Yeah.." Claude takes a deep breath then sits up on his own, assessing how his head feels with his fingers to his forehead. Turns to look at Leo and winces. "Augh.."
"Is it as bad as before?"
"No.." Claude replies when taking his hand to help him stand up. He's definitely more aware of how real Leo is with how he grips his arm. It's so often that he's the one being the safety net, feels surreal being the other way around.
"Feeling dizzy at all?"
It's just him and Claude in this corner of the world. Stepping into the cool late-autumn air and as they sit at the very top of the stairs all Claude can think is yes. But it's because of you.
Leo's hand runs a sweet cinnamon roll spiral on the center of Claude's back, feels the warmth through his shirt and thinks about how he needs to help him get some warmer clothes for the Winter. Comes back to tonight and his friend and lets his words flow through amused lips. "I didn't know drinking made you sentimental.."
A gentle weight on Leo's shoulder, hair grazing like leaves on the surface of his neck. Maybe Claude's nervous.. or maybe he just likes the affection.
"Yeah.. ah- partially why I don't like it." Claude speaks truthfully and keeps his eyes closed. Just enjoying being close. Hearing Leo's voice.
"It's okay to be sentimental though," Leo says while his fingers trail up to the back of Claude's head. Slowly putting pressure to his scalp to try and dim the ache, massage away the slurry of all that hurts him.
"I.. I missed you too."
Said as thin as wire and quieter than a mouse, the only reason Claude's able to hear is because Leo's lips might as well be touching his temple. Ah- his mouth is so close‐ and he's letting Claude rest his head and he missed him-
Leo missed him.
Missed him enough to risk suffocating.
A sober wave slaps his back like a palm of ice cold water, up up up his spine gripping deep in the hollows of his head and he brings a hand to pet into Leo's sweat soaked shirt. Now colder in the breeze, he wonders about how uncomfortable he probably feels in it.
"You're so.. aghh Why did you do that?" Claude's voice comes out with the buzz of menthol, makes Leo shiver like vapor rub on his skin and he's already starting to shake. Fuck.
"You didn't sound okay man." Leo says honestly, breathing shallow as his heart accelerates. Coughs again into his arm and Claude trails his hand from just above Leo's chest to the center of his back. Runs his nails painted in laquer down where he can physically feel the depths of his spine. Easy to detect, Leo's so small.
"I felt like crying hearin' ya struggle.. ahh I was probably overreacting but.. yeah." Leo can never deny the strength of his emotions.
"You're staying the night now." Claude watches his face, how Leo's cheeks go a pretty pink and how he's probably the cutest thing he's ever seen. "Just uh.. wanna watch and make sure you're okay.. yeah."
It's only a little funny, ironic in how Leo's here to make sure his best friend is alright and here his best friend is. Doing what his best friend always does.
Keeping tabs on Leo the moment anything happens.
"I'm supposed to be.. the one watching- taking care of you, Claude." It feels heavy on his tongue, bold even if he shivers in the shared chill of their night.
"Mm.. maybe if I wake up with a killer hangover," Claude responds all too normal. Like Leo's heart isn't incessantly beating out of his chest and how fucking nice it feels when his nails scratch up the valley of his shoulders. Grazes just under his hair on his neck and Leo can't take it, shakes his head and hides in Claude's chest. Raspy whine escaping his throat in junction with pressing his forehead into him. "What? You wanna take care of me so bad, the thought of actually doing it make you nervous?"
Nail in the coffin, direct fire. Perhaps fresh air was what Claude needed, but Leo can't help but think I'm so utterly fucked . Why did we come out here if not to clear my mi-
"Aww Leooo.." He starts up.
"Claude?" Leo says through the fog. Purple haze. "You know you're really fucking pretty too, right." He declares after lifting his head to be eye level again, not caring how intimate it feels—maybe even enjoying it.
"Ahh- mm.. Shush, you're messing with me."
"I'm not–"
Leo's mouth reacts faster than he can even process that. "I'm.. really not. You're- gorgeous . Like.."
Claude's expression lifts several levels, mouth in a tiny o while he averts shy eyes. Thinks for a few breaths before his palm is covering the lower half of his face. Looking away best he can while veins send signals through his skin and make their mark.
"That's kind of a strong word.." Claude mumbles, doesn't completely hide away but you can tell he's trying to.
"I mean have you seen yourself?"
"Not my point." It just gets warmer. Claude's face fucking burns.
"At least let me keep looking at you." Leo pouts. Realizes his fingers are twitching to grab at Claude's wrist and pull his hand away from his exceptionally beautiful face.
"..."
"Please?" He says in that voice he uses when it's just the two of them. Soft like the sounds of pressing his pencil to paper and urging because he can truly never help himself.
Claude huffs and obeys, dropping his arm and just baring those icy blue eyes through Leo's soul. Nothing is chilling though, not with the present blush on his best friend's face.
Cool fingers brush up against his cheek, like he's uncertain. Claude feels the little shake going through his wrist and he could swear he hears his blood pumping because he's stopped breathing.
"It's really cute when you hide your mouth, but please don't do it with me." Leo speaks as he traces the very edge of Claude's ear. Presses his palm more firmly to his face just to squish him and that's when Claude realizes he's been holding his breath. He gasps.
"Leo–"
"I'm not done talking."
Claude shivers, shuts his mouth and just continues to listen. God, Leo is so..
"I'm really happy you were texting me," he says soft as his thumb caresses the curve of his cheekbone.
He's so.. Leo .
Isn't afraid of asking for what he wants, isn't shy with Claude. Makes it damn obvious how much he means to him in just the smallest of touches and short exchanges of words. Lifts his head up for him when Claude is feeling his weight slip and his head hurts. Leo makes things feel less impossible, captures the demon trying to suck the life out of him and tells it to scram because he can't have Claude feeling bad about himself.
"I just think.. I wanna see all of you, yknow?" His hand pushes back to scratch pleasant circles behind Claude's ear—fuck it feels really nice—he can't help the little satisfied sigh leaving his lips.
"You.. could stay in my room, if you want.. um," it comes out clunky and awkward, but Claude's too entranced. Leaning into Leo's hand shamelessly. "Since you're spending the night."
"In the same.." he tries not to sound too enthusiastic about it. But pinkish red eyes nearly dilate. Voice dripping in concern in attempts to hide how much this makes his heart race. "Your bed? You sure you don't mind?" The ever-present overthinking can't just let him accept it so easily.
"I wouldn't suggest it if it bothered me- was it a weird thing to say?" Claude's own thoughts flood in with a wobble in his chest. He doesn't like being drunk, it makes him say things he'd normally be able to keep contained. Brings out a greedier side.
"No no not at all!" Leo is quick to reassure, now holding his best friend's face in both hands like he's cherishing his whole entire world. "It's fine, totally fine! I just.. wanted to make sure you were sure." He squishes his face enough that it distorts Claude's mouth. Continues to drink in his appearance as the chill bites at their skin. "Wanna go back in then?"
"Mm mmhm.."
Leo smiles and drops his hands. A flutter in his tummy as he stands up and immediately offers help in the form of just taking Claude's hand in his own without saying a word or skipping the beat. Squeezes to assure his support as Claude joins him up the top step of the staircase and walks steadily back to his front door.
"Leo?"
"Hm?"
Claude pauses at the metal plate of #362, jaw clenched as he lets the silence swirl around them for a moment.
"Don't risk your health for me again, okay?" His tone comes out timid, much different from how Leo's used to when he's 'scolding'. It's like he doesn't wanna look at it—think about it, doesn't want to fully acknowledge everything hitting the center of his heart.
"What if I do?" He says, curiosity quicker than his sense of tension. It'd be easy for Leo to say 'okay' and to drop the topic completely. Smooth out the pieces of hair frizzing behind his neck and let out a soft chuckle knowing he gets to Claude. But he wants to know, see more of his mind and all the things people seldom see.
"Leo." Claude's voice is firm, his grip tightening on Leo's hand. "I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if something happened to you." The emotions bubble up out of his chest more than he's used to, he lets out a groan like he's trying to push it back down. "Agh- just.. does that make sense?" Worry, wanting Leo to be safe, happy, healthy, secure. Guilt, currently getting at him a little but he'd never say that because it'd be another burden that Leo doesn't need. Longing–
Leo takes the precious hand he's holding and lifts it to his face, going for it without letting his mind talk him out of it.
He presses his lips to the knuckle of his pinky. Delicate, silent, breathes steady as he rubs his nose over the rest and then kisses over the veins at the back of his hand. Heart pumping fast, he's wanted to do this for awhile but it never felt like the right time.
"It's not your fault." Leo says, voice thick with care. "Don't go blaming yourself for things out of your control."
And that's the thing. Claude has no control over what Leo does.. not that he'd want to, but Leo never wants his friend burying in mistakes he had no say in. It's the least Leo could fucking offer when he's a little impulsive, acts before remembering his body gets weak sometimes.
"..I'll be more careful," Leo says softer. Notices Claude hasn't moved since he kissed his skin. "Are you okay?" He tilts his head all cute, look of just that little bit of concern. Always earnest.
"That's why I say you need to reach a higher weight before you can start going to the gym with me yknow." Claude murmurs, still very frozen.
Ah, to cover up the heat blazing on his skin probably. Leo bites anyways .
"Mmhm.. I kinda forgot when I walk here it's not too hard but– running is a whole different story.. That coughing hurt dude. I'm such a..."
Claude's face melts around the edges, wiggles his hand. "Why not just walk then? Was I in danger in my own apartment with.." Claude opens the door, stepping in and pulling Leo with because he hasn't let go of his wrist. "Shu Yamino?"
"What?" Shu says immediately from the kitchen, probably just waiting for them to return. Leo spots the low battery Uki scrolling their phone on the couch and realizes he would have no other place to sleep here even if Claude hadn't offered–
"I'm safe under the same roof as you right?" Claude pulls his hand back from Leo's grip, only to wrap an arm around the smaller form of his shoulders. "Reassure him?"
Leo's cheeks go pink, or maybe they had been this whole time. He doesn't know it's just‐ well he feels his emotions a little stronger than most!! How was he supposed to know he was overreacting?
"Yup yup." Shu responds confidently, coming over to the two other men and subtly slipping granola bars in Leo's hand. "I did offer to babysit in this experiment anyway. Claude you only scared me a little."
"What happened?" Leo can't stop himself from latching on to that.
"All I'll say is headache and not being able to stop thinking don't feel great."
Leo looks to his left and instinctively nuzzles his forehead in Claude's neck. "Feeling better now though?"
"Oh yeah‐ cause my guuuy's here.." Claude muses, in his silly voice that slides up in pitch. Squeezes Leo's shoulder before dropping his arm back and bowing his head a bit to Shu. "Thank you for taking care of us.." He eyes the snack in Leo's hand then walks over to grab his water. Nods at Uki in acknowledgement but just returns to the kitchen to refill it wordlessly.
"You okay too Leo?" Shu tilts his head to try and read his face easier, or.. something. He'd say that's why he does it anyway.
"Mm mmm. as long as everyone else is, I'm good."
Shu flicks his hand to give Leo's hair a ruffle.
"Try not to worry too much. I'm positive Claude would tell you if something went wrong." Shu's smile is soft, reassuring too as Leo shakes his head at the affection.
Are you my wingman or my mom.
"I'm gonna go see if Wilson needs anything– have fun guys!!" He nods at Leo's silent stare and heads off to his room. A breath of fresh air wherever he goes. It's only a second too late with the click of Shu's door that Leo tries to say thank you as well. Eyes catching Claude's as he mouths 'thanks Shu..'
"He knows you're grateful, but you could text him too yeah?"
"Ah- yeah.. I probably will." Leo curses under his breath, his mind is all over the place. "Uh.. We can eat these in your room?"
Claude snorts and covers his mouth, giggling to himself and not letting Leo in on what's so funny. What the hell.
"What!! I don't know if you have rules or ants or something–" Leo defends, not offended or anything just‐ he wants to respect his space.
"It's cool. You think I have ants infiltrating my room Leo?"
"No!! I never said‐" But he stops as soon as Claude is laughing behind his hand again. Just messing with him. "Y'know what I'll be the ant infiltrating your room." He says with a huffiness in his cute voice. "I'll come find you, need to pee first." Leo makes Claude take the granola bars—and when stepping into the darkness of his room he just checks his phone. Sees their text conversation and when Leo had apparently been on his way.
'it'd be crazy if i came over'
'yeah it would be but i won'tbe that fun with the ouch'
'i might call a taxi' Leo tends to ponder his options verbally. Thus explains the amount of messages.
'you're okay right?'
'claaaauuude'
'bro'
'okay wait for me'
Claude remembers once his head wasn't pounding as hard he chose to just relax on the couch, rested his eyes. He missed the chance to let Leo know he was as fine as he could be.
He needs to remember that shit like this happens when you care about someone. And it's not his fault. No one got hurt.
"Do you want me to leave the light off, man?" Leo's voice sneaks up on him, he sets his phone down and carries his gaze to where Leo's standing by the door.
"Ah no actually you can turn it on." He's perched at the end of his bed, smiles and gestures for his friend to join him instead of awkwardly hovering halfway in the hallway. Only offers his voice again once Leo's sat next to him and his eyes scan around. Resists the urge to get up and grab the little clawpe on Claude's desk. (And the second one next to it, frankly.)
Claude stretches then, pulling his arms back and above his head. "Shu might take Wilson home but I kinda doubt it," he lets out a small hum that sorta cuts him off. Satisfied sound as he focuses more on stretching his shoulders. "Mmmhhha– mm.."
He does notice how his friend stares, shameless if he's being honest. But he keeps it to himself, as he usually does..
"Hell yeah I wanna say hi to him before he leaves." Leo wonders if Wilson is the type to leave early in the morning.. since some people like having a whole day home. No train necessary to make it more complicated.
"It won't be early, he'll be hungover." Claude confirms what he wasn't asked. "We'll probably go get brunch or something before Uki needs to leave though."
"Ohhh," some cogs turn in his head, Leo's eyes struggling to know whether he should keep eye contact now or be a little more subtle with his gaze when he says things like–
"Brunch instead of breakfast because you're mine in the morning." It comes out more genuine than intended. Leo half expecting himself to break character and either exclaim or laugh.
Woah.
"Easy there Casanova.." Claude speaks a little lower, rips open wrappers so he can feed both the sweet boy in his room and himself. "Aaah?"
Leo is stuck between glaring and feeling his mouth fall open as soon as Claude puts the bar to his lips. Strong, sweet scent of milk chocolate in his senses and he takes a good bite. Humming into it just to please him. "Mm mmn.." His stomach sings– heart feels happy that he's not eating alone. Doesn't mind eating in general.
"These are really good mm?" Claude observes as if he's feeding Leo like he's a little lamb in a petting zoo. "You could probably finish this in 3 bites if you keep that up.."
Leo grumbles, chewing on his first bite and watching Claude absolutely devour his own like a tiger. It's sort of just.. there until it's not.
"Is.. that a challenge?"
"No I'd rather you not choke."
Ah, well...If there was anywhere Leo would most want to choke. In the bed of his closest friend would be up there.
Because he'd know how to rescue him of course.
Claude offers him more and Leo just eats at a quicker pace. Takes smaller bites but he's more eager to keep talking and he doesn't wanna talk with his mouth full.
"Are you good at throwing?"
"Huh."
"If I try to land these wrappers in the trash they'll end up on my floor." Claude mimes throwing in the general direction of the bin planted by his unlit lamp.
"Oh yeah! Uhh let me try.." Leo zeros in on his target, taking the wrappers and balling them up so they'll actually fly through the air. His hand makes test motions as he gauges his aim and eventually he lets it go. Successfully throwing their trash away without the headache of getting up. The grim reaper of lazy would be proud.
"Sorry what I aaactually meant to say was I'm awesome." Leo pats his own back in words and grins. Licks his lips and finds himself contently leaning into Claude's shoulder. "I wanted to keep talking."
He's quite cute, only tentative in how he goes about a space but never when it comes to leaning against Claude. Sharing his warmth and being more touchy than the latter tends to be. He brings a hand up to Leo and pokes directly at the apple of his cheek, feels him jump and can guess why.
"Mm?" The rest of Claude's fingers swipe warm over the line of Leo's jaw. Smooths down the spiky bits of dark hair behind his ear. " Juuust talk?"
That earns him a whirring flurry of whines to his shoulder, Leo nearly falling into his lap.
"That's a funny way to converse.." Claude's amused, endeared even especially with how he can feel the heat of his friend's face through the fabric of his shirt. Is laughing to himself again. Can tell he has every bit of leverage here. "Mhhhh!!" He mimics with his chin turning to press into Leo's forehead.
"Ahhh!! Don't tease me.. rrrah.." His cute face rubs into Claude. Cat-like. "Can we lay down?"
"Only if I can get you into different clothes."
Fuck. A bead of self conscious dread runs down Leo's neck. He'd normally brush that off and say he doesn't need anything– doesn't want Claude to lend him anything but...
"You can't sleep in all that sweat."
Yeah. It's kinda gross when he thinks about it.
"If it's no trouble..." Leo pulls away and won't look Claude in the eye. Feels the bed move as its owner gets up and hears him shuffling through the basket of clothes on his floor.
"You can shower in the morning too."
He's gonna get to wear his best friend's clothes.. He tries to swallow the knot in his throat—tugging at the end of his shirt—silently gasps when Claude's hand pulls his chin up to look at him.
"T-shirt and boxers okay?" He drops the clothes in Leo's lap without waiting for an answer.
"Uh. Yeah! Yeah- ah.. thank you Claude." He grips the shirt and wow, it's gonna be so baggy on him.. Something inside his stomach twists, flutters in figure eights like a hummingbird's wings and he finally swallows whatever molasses nerve is keeping him stuck. "I can change in here?"
"Of course man." Claude says with that soft static in his voice. Gets back on the bed and this time curls up where he always sleeps. Looks at his phone and Leo takes that as his cue to stop being a cross-legged little statue at 0 degrees. Thinks he has no reason to freeze up, it's not dangerous here.
Once his shirt is off he can swear he feels eyes on him, but he won't be looking behind him to know for sure. Absolutely feels better about stripping his lower half with the way Claude's singular cute anime shirt hangs past his hips.
"Did you know I've never really had a real sleepover?" Leo can't help the curious 'hm' in his throat. Pulls on very comfy underwear and finally looks over his shoulder.
"Wait really?"
"Yeah.. Usually I or my friends go home."
Leo crawls his way to be next to Claude. Props himself with his elbow and can see that he is in fact not doing anything on his phone. Just idly swiping through his home screen.
"Sooo.. I get to be your first?"
"You... could say that yeah." Claude lets out such a pure, unabashedly adorable laugh. Clicking his phone off and rolling flat on his back. "That is if we ever sleep."
Is he trying to make Leo's head spin? Everything feels so silly, awkward in the best way that makes his throat ache. Simmering cauldron of all the things Claude makes him feel. His arm lands across the spanse of Claude's chest, hand tucked where his ribs end, and his face is back in the man's shoulder. Cute.
A small cough escapes him, followed by Leo groaning like he's annoyed about it.
'You did that to yourself' nearly leaves Claude's lips but it snags right in the back of his throat like the wires under his desk. He feels Leo's hand shift, mostly the heat of his palm now resting on one side of his chest.
"Leo?"
He once again is paid with that grumbly whine. The one he's getting fond of the more he hears it.
Leo seems to realize he has to give more of an answer.
"Hm?"
You really like me, don't you..
"Nothing.."
Liking someone makes you do crazy things.
"Mm." Leo's fingers curl just enough for there to be a rustle in how Claude's shirt moves.. that slight squeeze of fabric as he practically kneads at his pec.
There's no protest; that is starting to drive him fucking crazy. A lack of reaction– Leo would be less bothered if he stopped him, or if he'd say anything– anything at all..
"Claude..?" He speaks up after sliding his fingers across the fold in black fabric several times. "Can I touch you?"
"You're already touching me Leo."
"Yeah.. but-"
Ugh. He's second guessing himself.
"Can you just answer honestly please."
Leo's cringing at how worked up he sounds as soon as it leaves his mouth. A pitiful whine.
"What. If I'm okay with you touching me while you've already been feeling me up?"
Leo's throat goes dry. Pulls his hand back so fast as if the thing's been burned.
"I- I'm sorry-"
Claude stops him right there, covering his mouth and apology with the flat of a strong hand– watches his usually determined eyes nearly shake in their sockets.
"Yes. Yes Leo you can touch me." He says it calm, but far from emotionless. "I'd be pretty fucking sad if you stopped."
Relief fills his chest, but Leo's mind is a raging whirlwind right now hearing that confession. Exhales rather shaky when Claude retracts his hand and it takes him a moment to gather enough words to form a coherent sentence.
"You aren't very subtle, yknow.." Claude fills the silence, soft eyes holding on to Leo like the blanket of an extra cloudy day.
"I-"
"But why-"
"..."
Leo huffs through his nostrils, all the frustration culminating into one question.
"Then.. how come you didn't say anything?"
If he's as overt as Claude is implying, why not react. Why not prompt Leo to explain himself. Not to mention if he.. if he wants this, too... why not reciprocate?
"I was waiting for you to say something." And he was absolutely seeing just how long it'd take for Leo to cave. Just how sturdy was his best friend's resolve. "I thought I was being pretty clear.. Opposite of subtle. Sharing a bed, calling you pretty, watching you change into my clothes that I pretty much made you put on–"
"So you were watching me? What the fuck?" Leo's face explodes in cherry hues, lets his hand return to its previous place.. Ah, he can feel Claude's heartbeat now.
"But... if you knew, if you could tell-" Leo groans and hides his eyes in the shelter of a nice, soft pillowcase. Feeling far too embarrassed to find refuge in Claude's shoulder this time. "You could have said.. yknow- Uh.. hey Leo- uhm.."
The way it quickly dawns on him how he can't even make his point without his cheeks burning brighter. Even more so does it make sense why Claude wouldn't be super keen on speaking up like that.
"It was cute watching you try your best to hold back." Claude's finger twirls a lock of Leo's hair, leans closer to him despite how hard he's trying to bury himself into another room. "Even if you're kinda- no, really bad at it."
"Ughh shut up!! Shut– uuup.." Leo lightly hits at his chest, involuntary taps of his fist with a bit of a whimper which makes it all the more endearing. Claude just sees a sweet little deer when he looks at him.
"You kissed my hand, Leo." Claude adds for good measure. Says nothing else so it can sink in.
And really Leo gets it, he understands this isn't the most normal thing to an outside perspective. Could tell you the only other person he'd done that to thought he was a little too sappy for their liking– wasn't a good match.. he knows he's a hopeless romantic, and yet.. he knew Claude would never-
"What's wrong with kissing the homie a little?" He doesn't wait for an answer. It's an instinctual response that makes him swallow his pride and give something better, something more real. "I- I did it since I knew...you wouldn't make fun of me for it."
He's been an adult for quite some time and yet the feelings reduce his confidence to juvenile mush. He looks back up with a meek expression, eyes trailing down for a millisecond too long at the line of his friend's cupid's bow. Flicks cinnamon sweet eyes to Claude's beauty mark as if that helps hide it. Everything's just one push from giving way. Layer so thin between them now, he can almost taste the air Claude breathes.
"The way I see it — you think about me a lot."
Yeah, he quite literally never leaves Leo's mind. Favorite record if you will, he'd play it on repeat until he's old and grey.
"I mean.. I think about a lot of things." Like how much he misses owning a cat, or how he should probably see a doctor, OR when his next waiting room should start.
"You said my name 44 times the other day– someone clip comped you."
Or how he definitely needs to eat something if he's wondering when the last meal he had was. How he gets so insanely hyperfocused on things it's no wonder he can hibernate for 15 hours– oh okay, they're talking about what goes on in their live spaces now? Of course Claude sees everything.
"That's because you're always relevant!" Leo's voice rings higher, red rushing to the tips of his ears like a burning thermometer.
Forty four? He can't possibly be more obvious.
"Don't look at me like that- agh.." Leo half pleads. Realizes he's holding his breath when Claude cautiously captures his hand.
"I'm just sayin' if.." His voice hardens a bit, like he's trying to get the words out before his throat gives and prevents him from saying the quiet part aloud. "If you wanna ...kiss somewhere else, you can." Then it softens, steady as Claude runs his thumb around Leo's palm. "It's okay.."
Like you said, I wouldn't make fun of you.
His next move is small. They're already so close it's easy for Leo to lean himself forward. Doesn't dare let go of his hand as he brings his mouth up to level with Claude's—who cannot help his growing smirk.
"Kiss me, idiot."
Bridging that gap is as easy as falling. Leo's head tilted as he balances on his elbow and feels the all-encompassing warmth of Claude. How fucking soft his lips are and how much he misses it when that first kiss is broken. The sound of their mouths registers in his head, but is completely drowned out by his rapidly beating heart. He needs it again—grips Claude's hand tighter as he dives in for a second, more greedy dance. His sweet little grumbles returning deep in Leo's throat, breathing heavier. Gets about three kisses in when Claude pulls back with a moaned out, airy sigh.
" Hha- you're rushing it—mm here.. hah.. just follow my lead, okay?"
Claude gives Leo's hand a reassuring squeeze before letting it go in favor of cupping right over his rosy cheek. Pushes him to lay more relaxed on his back so he isn't hurting his already tense shoulder. He swears, no one will ignore their personal discomfort quite as badly as his best friend.
Leo lets out a whimper, eyes buggy and needy for the man touching his face.
"Please.." It leaves his mouth with slack in his jaw. Headrush, desire, God he looks so beautiful from this angle. "Claude– I'm glad I'm here. :3"
"No way you just said colon three to me right now."
":3" Again.
Claude seals his mouth with his own, hint of a growl in his throat, hand nestled up to the side of Leo's neck. Quick fingertips tracing a firm line to his collarbone. Endeared evermore even if he's a goofball sent from Heaven. Claude has a type.
He controls the pace‐ can feel the little flicks of Leo's tongue at his lip and can't fully tell if it's intentional. He's being good, even if he's sloppy. And fuck, he can't lie and say he doesn't find it adorable.
Find him adorable.
You want to devour me huh ?
Claude's fingers go past his collar now, center of where his sternum sits and Leo can hardly hide trying to get closer. Manages to nearly make Claude lay his whole weight on him and that's when the nervousness hits, like pink chalk in his throat. Not wanting to hurt him— Leo's fingers slot through locks of platinum, holds the back of Claude's head like cradling a wish.
I'm starving.
"Mmh.. m -ffh ..." Claude loves how that feels– enough to let his guard down, let Leo in, swipes the tip of his tongue this time. Offers more of himself and Leo wastes no time to inspect at hard jewelry. The points of his canines. Retracts his tongue just so he can kiss Claude more sweetly.. 'cause of what he said, trying not to rush 'n all.
Claude rolls off to his side, presses his forehead to Leo's. Scratches his nails under his chin with hot breaths exiting parted lips.
"Leo.." Eyes all lidded.
"I like when you say my name."
"I know– ah! " The gasp leaving Claude's throat makes Leo grin, hand much further down from where it once was. He presses his palm firmly in the space between Claude's thighs. "Nnh- L.. Leo.. "
It's even hotter when he says it like that.
"You're.. hah sure you wanna do this?" Claude's already sweating. Can feel his fingers twitching to grip into something. Either Leo's shirt or some part of him, doesn't really matter.
"Yeah Claude.." His hand ghosts under the line of his shirt, fingertips tracing at his waist. Claude's whole body shivers. "You're sobered up?"
Crystal eyes are only hidden in how his eyelids fall in concentration. He knows he's not drunk anymore, could tell you he hasn't been for awhile. But to assure, to put Leo's sweet mind at ease, he thinks about it. Decides it's his own turn to let curious hands wander.
"Yeah. I feel okay." He replies calm, even if his heart is pounding. Lets his hand dive under to get a real feel of Leo's chest, warm, really warm. "There's... no way you fuck up here." He whispers soft reassurance and drags two fingers over one of his nipples. Leo breaks. Inhales too sharp to go unnoticed and whines. "Sensitive?"
He already knew that of course. He's nudged Leo enough times to know he's a landmine no matter where he touches.
"N-mnhh..h- fuck! You're distracting me- ahh..." It's hardly a complaint, but Leo's feeling so much right now. Can hardly handle it despite how small the gestures are. He groans, eyes screwed shut and grabs hold of Claude's arm, gently tugs. "I think I'm too weak."
He wants it, but it's too much.
"Tell me what you want." Claude just pets down Leo's stomach—gentle diamonds of love as he admires his face. Complexion so vibrant he's glad he asked Leo to turn the light on.
"Is it okay if I.. touch you...first?" The fact he's so delicate when he really doesn't need to be, bites his lip and tries to shake off how dumb he sounds. All because he'll die if he were to let Claude touch him right now. "Make you come. Kiss you?" All asked with big shiny eyes like he's scared this will slip right through the gaps in his shaky hands. Eager in all the right ways. "I want.. you."
"You want me to keep my hands to myself?" Claude asks because it's important, finding the root of what his best friend really needs.
"No.. you can touch my head if you want."
"The fuck do you mean if i want ?" He says with a lilt, gazing at the man in his bed with half a mind to stop asking questions. His eyes hang heavy, thumb smoothing hair behind Leo's ear. He shakes at the gentlest graze of his fingers, but is much, much too focused on how Claude's eyeing him. Starving, but not in a way that scares him. Nothing you'd find in the wild.