Archive of Our Own

"Is it possible for summer heat to get worser than it already is?"

Mikaela had just finished serving two guests their breakfast for the morning - he took a moment to process those words before frowning.

"Uh." He started. "I don't think worser is a word."

"That's what I thought." Mitsuba said impassively, passing by the two behind the counter to make her way into the kitchen. Sorting out stacks of plain white bread, Shinoa sputters out a laugh.

"Does it even matter? "

"The word's worse ." Mikaela rubbed his hands on shorts, trying not to get his white apron dirty. "But I agree."

He tugged at the collar of his plain gray shirt with the name of the restaurant stamped on the right, even in his work shorts he felt like his legs were also sweating bullets .

To be truthfully honest, Mikaela fucking hated summer heat. He preferred cold winters since that meant being cooped up in his home wearing comfy sweaters and cocooned in blankets. The others weren't too bad - but summer is by far the well, worst.

Perhaps it was Mikaela's opinion since working in the summer was hell. Shinoa's sister Mahiru was the manager of this joint - albeit it's called Hiiragi's - pretty typical and very much like his best friend and coworker with the most massive ego known to man.

More people liked to visit during the summer. They were on vacation, he supposed. But he asks aloud every time if any of these fucking people have jobs. Having a fair share of rude customers who asked for everything to the point where it's practically impossible for them to be satisfied. He wishes he can spill their dish down their clothes and asks the chefs in the kitchen to spit in their food if they ever come back again. Yoichi and Mahiru were against the idea. Shinoa and Mitsuba definitely weren't.

Mikaela was a philosophical individual - but he acted impulsively when people pushed his buttons. And sometimes, customers tended to do that quite easily. One may have stormed out one time dissatisfied with their service and Mikaela kindly said fuck you while flipping the bird.

They never came back. Thank God. Often Yoichi scolds him about preventing bad reviews - though, Mikaela doesn't give two shits. He will not stand for providing his service for people who aren't so willing to be polite or show some damn kindness or respect. Other than that, if you do - Mikaela can be the sweetest person on Earth.

"My fan broke the other day." Shinoa fanned herself with a pamphlet. "Mahiru doesn't want to get me a new one because she's such a damn bitch. " She said loud enough to catch her sister's attention, currently busy filing paperwork at a table nearby.

"Right back at cha, sis." She said without looking up from her work.

Shinoa groaned loudly, turning to Mikaela - who currently tied his hair up into a ponytail because he couldn't stand the heat sticking to his face. "Could you please go fan shopping with me?"

"I need a new fan too anyway." Mikaela replies, "I'll go with you."

He didn't have enough money to afford an air conditioner in his apartment and his own fan had some problems, likely because it's Krul's and she had the old thing for years. He's surprised the piece of junk could even perform all that good.

Mahiru stood up and made her way into the office, swatting Shinoa on the head with her clipboard on her way behind the counter.

"Make sure she doesn't bribe you into buying fans for the both of you with just your money."

"I won't." Mikaela assures, Shinoa tries to hit her back but Mahiru is already in the office.

"I just checked the weather." Yoichi spoke, pouring a cup of coffee. Phone in hand. "Yeah, the weather doesn't look like it's going to be cooling down anytime soon."

"Is this how hell feels like?" Mikaela begun to unload a box of milk creamers.

"I'm gonna need two of those." Yoichi requests, Mikaela tosses two creamers - Yoichi catching them in his hand - phone tucked in the back pocket of his own shorts.

"I thought burning alive would feel more decent." Shinoa joked. There's a jingle, and the doors open. Mikaela asked Shinoa to handle it while he unloads the rest of the boxes - paying no mind to who walked in.

"How's your mom?" Mitsuba asked, joining him - before having walked out balancing two plates on her hands.

"She's alright." Mikaela answered earnestly, "Living on her own now."

"Do you visit her often?"

"Of course." Mikaela rolled his eyes, "She'd kill me if I don't call her every week to check up on how I'm doing."

He rented an apartment a mile or two away in hopes of staying close so it's easier to keep in touch.

"I don't remember the last time I contact my sister." Mitsuba snorted. "We kinda lost communication."

"How come?" Mikaela asked, he realized Mitsuba doesn't talk about her family much. Which is why no one pressed on the matter. Not even Shinoa, respecting her wishes on sharing personal things.

"Business." Mitsuba stated dully. "Working in the office for big companies mean cutting all contact  with even your own family. Amazing, right?"

"Not even a call or visit?" Mikaela arched a brow. Mitsuba shook her head.

"Negative."

"Well shit." He said. Mitsuba flipped her hair over one shoulder, agreeing silently.

"Yeah, but she'll come around eventually. And when she does, I'll tell you how it goes." She mumbled.

Mikaela nods, noticing the look of melancholy on her face. He startled when Shinoa pats his shoulder.

"So uh, for some reason those guys over there... Well one of them are trying to holler at some of us working here and they want you."

"Not happening." Mikaela said instantly, Shinoa nudged his shoulder - coaxing him to look. So that’s where all the hubba’s coming from. Jesus Christ.

"Three o' clock."

"I swear if they're one of those douchebags-"

"He doesn't seem like one. Nor do his friends." Shinoa observed, curiously - Mikaela turns to peer at a group of men sitting at a table by the window near the corner, all of them engaging in a conversation. Shinoa pointed at a man in particular with dark hair and dazzling emerald eyes, he's trying to look at a newspaper and it seems like his friends are constantly trying to grasp his attention.

"I took the rest of their orders but he refuses to let me take his because he wants you to." Shinoa explained. "Don't ask me why. The request is daring as fuck."

"Shinoa." Mikaela said carefully. "What did you do?"

Shinoa smirked. "I may have asked him if he was dating anyone, and instead of answering he asked me if you were..."

Mikaela sputtered. "How does this all happen while I'm standing here sorting out bowls of coffee creamers?!"

"I'm a ninja." Shinoa smacked Mikaela on the ass, urging him to approach the table. "Now go for it. I think he really wants you, you know?"

"I don't even know him." Mikaela deadpanned, dreadfully forcing himself to walk over to that table. His heart pounding the closer he got.

His heartbeat was basically ringing in his ears, and Mikaela guilty thought of ways to get out of the situation – falling into cognition as he got closer and closer. God, if the man who requested him was a douchebag he was going to lose his shit.

Sure, Shinoa had said he wasn't, but Mikaela was still on edge. Many times had he thought he met the perfect guy who wore a sweet smile as he held a kindly personality, charming Mikaela instantly. However, it was just a hoax in the end.

Though Mikaela was on edge, acquisitiveness wrapped around him like a blanket, making his skin grow warmer than it already was. His heart rose in his chest as Mikaela narrowed his eyes, tracing the outline of the man at the table.

To say he wasn't attractive would have surely been a lie. Broad, sharp posture, cutting jawline, dazzling green eyes which continued to stand out – something lured Mikaela closer.

Mikaela's blank stare suddenly faded though, for when he stepped up to the side of a table he flashed a smile. He tilted slightly to the side, and Mikaela cleared his throat was he reached into the apron tied around his waist to pull out his notepad and pen.

Clement sun shining on his face, Mikaela raised the pen in his hand and clicked it a few times before speaking.

"Alright..." He said slowly, eyes flicking around the table to discretely scan over all the people around him. However, before noting much of their appearances, he sighed. "Whose order am I taking?" Asked Mikaela as if he didn't know.

A hand was raised to his right, so Mikaela shifted his body and turned with a raised eyebrow.

"It would be mine," the man with captivating looks, green eyes staring deep into Mikaela's soul. "I hope this wasn't too much trouble," He continue, nodding his head as he licked his lips.

"No problem, happens all the time," Mikaela said with disinterest, a part of him curious to see what would happen if he dismissed the man's comment.

"Is that so..?" The man asked, and Mikaela pursed his lips. "Then I must be lucky, aren't I?" He asked, laughing and smiling brightly.

The sight of the corners of his eyes wrinkling made Mikaela's heart skip a beat. He couldn't even start with the way his lips puffed up, too.

Mikaela opened his mouth to respond, but one of the other men cut him off.

"Nice one, Yuuichirou," said the one with pink hair.

"Thirsty much?" Finished the one with dirty brown hair, leaning over to nudge at the pink-haired man's shoulder.

So his name is Yuuichirou... thought Mikaela, eyes moving and body shifting as he followed the conversation which was passed around the table.

"Shut up, Kimizuki," Yuuichirou grumbled, nodding towards the pink haired man. "You too, Narumi."

He actually sounded a bit upset.

Mikaela couldn't help but to giggle.

"You can't blame us, we're hungry,'" Kimizuki said with a shrug. "Being hungry and angry at the same time isn't a good combination. I just want a damn burger, okay? I miss the taste of real meat."

"Not just the kind that comes from beige plastic bags that smell like ass," Narumi added on.

Mikaela rolled his eyes, clicking his pen impatiently before looking back down at Yuuichirou. He adjusted his name tag before clicking his tongue.

"I'll stop, I get it," said Yuuichirou as he raised his hands in defense. "But, hey..."

Mikaela raised his eyebrow again.

"Gotta make the most of the time I have here, who knows what's going to happen?" Yuuichirou continued, lips curving up into a gentle smile.

Mikaela realized he was staring. Shinoa said she already asked the other guys for their orders, leaving Yuuichirou - whom was currently seated and waiting patiently. 

"Um." Mikaela gathered his composure. "What will you be having, sir...?" He silently prayed he hadn't asked before for some unknown reason. He was totally spacing out.

"I'll be having what they're having." Yuuichirou cocked his head over to Kimizuki and Narumi, and they're making faces at him. Mikaela assumed they were telepathically sending him messages, that seemed like it ticked Yuuichirou off because he kicked them under the table or threatened to hit them with the newspaper in his hands.

"Drink?" Mikaela asked next, scribbling away in his notepad.

"I haven't drank soda in a while." Yuuichirou muses, "You have coke?"

"Definitely." Mikaela answered, averting his gaze to add Yuuichirou's choice of beverage as well. "Fries with that?"

Yuuichirou's smile never fades. "Definitely." He responded, that quirk of his upper lip causing Mikaela to be rendered speechless.

"Menu?" He extends a hand, Yuuichirou hands it to him - and they don't break eye contact until Mikaela is the first to do so.

"Give it a lil bit and I'll be coming right back."

"I hope so." Yuuichirou adds, "I was worried you wouldn't."

Mikaela didn't know how to answer that. So he just laughs along, turning his heel to inform those working in the back Yuuichirou's order.

"I saw you." Shinoa whispers teasingly, wiggling her eyebrows. "It kinda looked like you forgot how to speak words. "

"Oh hush." Mikaela lightly gives her a shove. "He's just strange."

"How so?"

"Because I've never had a customer refuse a waitress because they want someone else to take their order." Mikaela stated, the concept itself came off as odd. "That's pretty persistent."

"Ultimate douchebag quality." Shinoa agreed. "But you were still making those eyes at him."

Mikaela let out a snort. He's no stranger to customers like Yuuichirou, familiarizing with their behavior to match with their bold personalities.

But in a way - he has intentions, but they aren't something Mikaela would find himself worried about.

When Mikaela was called up to serve Yuuichirou's order - he tried not to think anything about Yuuichirou's attempt to initiate conversation. Saying he hoped their burgers and fries were good because he hasn't gotten to eat a full meal like this in ages.

"We're eating it." Narumi said with his mouth full. "So I think it wouldn't disappoint."

"I'm glad you're enjoying yourselves." Mikaela says with a smile, when he walked away - he registered that they were all very strange.

Shinoa pointed out how Yuuichirou often kept stealing glances at Mikaela every few minutes, Mikaela relieved to see that he was enjoying his food. At least, that's what he assumed from a glance.

He also registers the grins on the faces of his two friends, the little pestering and how he'd tell them off - even as he was serving other customers and welcoming whoever walked through the doors.

"What do you think?"

Mikaela knew this girl wasn't going to let it go.

"I'm not obligated to answer that question."

"But you have to tell me!" She whined, stomping her foot like an impudent child. Mikaela wiped the sweat beading on his forehead. It was far too hot for this. Even with the air conditioner turned on it did a bad job of keeping everyone completely cool, protecting them from the heat.

At least those eating dressed accordingly - therefore complaints were the last of Mikaela's concerns.

They were working still until the sun started to come down, the bright afternoon skies shifted to something of a darker blue.

Taking a short break, Mikaela sneaks a glance - Mitsuba passing by to start handing out lunch and dinner menus to those just now arriving to see the two at Yuuichirou's table standing up.

He couldn't hear what Narumi was telling him, but his thumb pointed back at the window, his small jacket in hand - Kimizuki standing up to do the same.

The two headed out the restaurant - when Mikaela was aware that Yuuichirou was the only one finishing up, he looked down quickly to check his phone, desperate to occupy himself with something for a bit before he makes his approach.

It's six-thirty.

It looks like he was going to be the one paying.

"I'm gonna ask Mahiru to check the air conditioning." Yoichi reminds Mikaela, who nods and smiles - thanking him for doing so before he hesitantly approaches Yuuichirou's table.

"Is everything good?" He asks genuinely, a phrase he commonly proposed to customers in hopes of knowing that they're enjoying themselves.

"Yeah of course." Yuuichirou answered calmly, "My friends are dicks so they all called dibs agreeing that I should pay while they wait in the car, a friend of ours is gonna drive us."

"Typical." Mikaela tries to sympathize. He hands Yuuichirou the check, "Here you go, sir."

"Thank you." Yuuichirou responds politely, retrieving his wallet from his pants pocket.

"Mhm." Mikaela hummed, "Ah... May I ask why you wanted me to take your order earlier?"

"My friends dared me to ask for the cutest in this joint." Yuuichirou admitted uprightly. "The one that happened to catch my eye was a blond in particular with the most gorgeous pair of eyes I've ever seen."

The sincerity in his tone was something mixed with sportive that made heat rush to Mikaela's cheeks.

"Oh jeez." He finds himself saying with repudiation. "You really should've tried looking harder." He quipped, Yuuichirou doesn't laugh. Staring at Mikaela with marveling reverence making his cheeks redden with embarrassment, thinking he's said something wrong.

"Here." Yuuichirou placed the bill on the table, standing up. Mikaela looked down at the bill, his eyes broaden with percussion.

"I." Mikaela starts, "Sir that's a one-hundred ."

"Yeah." Yuuichirou confirms inadvertently. There's a gleam of amusement flickering in those irises. "Should I tip you more or?"

"No no!" Mikaela exclaims, "T-this is already too much..."

"You deserve it." Yuuichirou then smiles lopsided, "For your hard work. Please, keep all the change."

Mikaela opened his mouth to speak, "Um...!"

"I'll be back." Yuuichirou winked. "The food was kick-ass. See you around," His eyes flickered over to Mikaela's name tag. "Mikaela."

He brushed past Mikaela, who stood there - gawking at the bill - then whirling around to see that Yuuichirou has already left through the door. Smelling the whiff of cologne that hit his nostrils when Yuuichirou passed by.

Mikaela blinked rapidly, unable to process what had just happened.

However, before Mikaela could stuff the tip into his pocket along with the rest of the stuff in his hands, Shinoa snagged the bill from him and twirled on her heels. 

Raising the bill up to the ceiling, Shinoa gaped at the money – eyes practically shimmering with dollar signs. Mikaela noticed and pursed his lips, reaching out in an attempt to snag the money from her.

"H-Hey!" Mikaela said as he stumbled, somehow not able to the tip back from the short girl. Surprisingly, she was quick and her movements were sharp.

"Well shit," Shinoa said with awe, only waving Mikaela off. "Casanova there's rollin ' in the dough."

"Apparently," Mikaela mumbled with nod, shoving his hands into his pockets as he rocked back and forth on his feet.

Humming, Shinoa nodded and pulled her bottom lip back with a grin, remaining silent for a few moments. Mikaela, with an eyebrow raised as a uncertainly creeped up at him, hesitantly reached out and pulled the money back – stuffing the bill into his pocket. The look on his face remained the same and never wavered.

"So..." Shinoa started as she smacked her lips.

Mikaela narrowed his eyes and leaned forward, tilting his head to the side.

"How's it feel to have a sugar daddy?"

Mikaela nearly choked on the air.

"W-What?" He stuttered out, eyes blown wide open. Mikaela took a few steps to the side and scoffed, going to the table Yuuichirou and his friends sat at so he could lean over it – peaking out the window near it. He could make out a few figures outside laughing and standing by the curve.

Mikaela continued, "He's not my... no , I don't even wanna say it."

"Sugar daddy."

" Shinoa. "

"Papí?"

"Please, stop talking," Mikaela said with exasperation, but then suddenly laughed and waved a hand at Shinoa. "You know, I was gonna split my tip with you, but now–"

Shinoa's posture suddenly straightened.

"–I don't think so," Mikaela finished with a grin, placing his hands on his hips.

"No, no, no," Shinoa wavered her hands around and cleared her throat. "You got it all wrong."

"Uh-huh."

"You see, what I was trying to say was that..."

Mikaela patiently waited, grin curving his face.

"He's your mega sugar daddy ."

Once again, Mikaela choked – but, this time, he flipped Shinoa off along with it and reached to the side, beginning to collect the few pieces of garbage which were left on the table.

"I mean, come on Mika. How petty do you think I am?" Shinoa asked with a grin, clicking her tongue. "I can get twice as much money from Mitsu if only I gave her another lap dance."

There was a scream from the other side of the restaurant, and Mikaela ducked his head down as he snickered.

"Shinoa, shut the fuck up and help us close up and clean! " Mitsuba yelled with acrimony, so Shinoa raised her hands in surrender – shooting Mikaela a wink before beginning to back away.

"I'm just teasing though," Shinoa said, walking back behind the front counter to grab the broom which leaned up against it. "But really, was he a douche or not?"

"You really think I'm gonna call the man who just gave me a big ass tip a douche?" Mikaela asked with disbelief, eyes occasionally flicking to the window in hopes that the group of men were still outside.

Shinoa rolled her eyes. "Aside from that, Mika-dear."

Mikaela took a moment to think about it.

"I mean... he was nice ," He admitted, once again ducking his head down. "And sweet... I guess. "

"You guess?" Shinoa asked with incredulity, shaking her head as she pointed at Mikaela and laughed. She began sweeping across the main floor, the lack of customers in the restaurant giving her the option to talk louder. "Honey, you were hooked right from the start."

Mikaela scoffed. "You're imagining things," He said with a hum, walking across the room and peaking his head into a back room to search for a rag. He quickly grabbed one, along with some cleaning spray, before emerging once again – going over to a table so he could begin wiping it down.

"Please, you were melting on the spot. And not from the heat."

"You're crazy."

"Probably 'cause of that laugh."

...Mikaela couldn't argue with her on that.

God, why was he doing this? Sure, it was one thing to appreciate a customer's looks, but becoming flustered because of it? Mikaela really needed to pull himself together.

Sighing, Mikaela only hummed and sat down in a booth, continuing to wipe down the tables as he did so. He could hear Shinoa snicker in the background, but only rolled his eyes and continued to clean while sitting down. He rolled his ankles once, feet throbbing.

"–If Yuuichirou comes back, that booth won't be the only thing you'll be sitting on. If you catch my drift."

Mikaela oh so badly wanted to whip Shinoa with the rag he had, going from angrily wiping down the tables to chasing her around. Landing a few hits on her and looks from the customers, though he could care less. 

Yoichi pleaded for them to stop. They were causing a ruckus, Mitsuba allowing them to chase each other around like elementary school children - Mikaela swatting Shinoa with a rag.

It wasn't until Mahiru came out the two weren't aware of the commotion they've spurred up, holding Shinoa and Mikaela by the back of their collars and pulling them close together. An eyebrow twitching.

"Are you two trying to get yourselves fired? " She grits out, "You're supposed to be working, not making noise and running around like this is the fucking McDonalds' playground."
`
"She's the one who's messing with me." Mikaela fixed his collar, muttering stubbornly when Mahiru let go. Shinoa snorts.

"Sorry sis, Mika just went wacko because I tried to steal his really, really huge tip. " Shinoa explained, she smiled at Mikaela. "If you know what I mean."

"Shinoa." Mikaela glared.

"A handful of that tip."

"What are you two blabbering about?" Mahiru quirked a brow. Mikaela shakes his head, dismissing the situation with a forced smile.

"It's nothing." He assures her, "Sorry for acting out, you really need to control your sister."

"I deduct enough of her pay for her to get her shit together." Mahiru replied knowingly, "The night's not over yet. Get back to work."

She gives them the side-eye before sauntering off.

"Only you two would tick off the boss." Mitsuba said, balancing more plates in her hands to serve the remaining customers present. During the nights, it's less jam packed though sometimes several enter interested in having dinner or trying out the desserts.

It’s not like it’s Mikaela’s intention - it happens that he’s a target because of Shinoa’s antics, Mahiru can be scary when she isn’t just being threatening.

He stretched his back and arms - preparing for enduring long hours of stress and even more running around.

                                                                                       

Yuuichirou didn't show up the next day.

Well that should've been expected. Key word, should have. Mikaela is certain the man is loaded - but maybe he wasn't feeling the need to have breakfast or a late brunch out today.

Shinoa asked if he was looking for someone in particular. Mikaela outright lied and said he wasn't looking for anyone.

Yoichi pulled Mikaela aside to gush about how cute he thought Kimizuki was when he was at Yuuichirou's table yesterday, and Mikaela tensed, at first - asking who Yoichi was referring to.

"Ah, interesting!" Shinoa intervenes, "Mika also happened to be the server for table nine too!"

Mikaela wanted to murder her.

"They seem really nice and funny." Yoichi comments, "Right?"

" Definitely. " Shinoa grinned, "One of 'em gave Mika a hundred bucks last night just for serving them."

Yoichi gapes. Mitsuba, who had just shouted out "order up!" nearly dropped the plates she held on the way to the counter.

" Say what?! " Yoichi and Mitsuba blurt out at the same time.

Mikaela was looking forward to having a regular work day. He really was. But Shinoa makes that extremely difficult, because the little minx likes to make his life a living hell.

"We still sharing that tip your sugar daddy pocketed." She whispers mischievously, she waltz off - Mikaela losing the chance to yank her hair out.

"I swear to God, I love her." Mikaela told Yoichi, "But sometimes I just want to grab that tiny little head and smash it against the window."

Yoichi smiles sheepishly. "I'm still in shock someone can tip you that much."

"Maybe it's because that ass is so golden." Mitsuba mumbled. "I'm fucking green with envy."

Mikaela laughs. " Please, don't be. It was probably just a one time thing."

He quickly pulls Yoichi aside to whisper to him not to tell Mahiru about this, at all.

Yuuichirou didn't show up the next day, and the day after that.

Mikaela and Shinoa went shopping for a new fan, splitting the extra tip he received. She did try to bribe him into paying for both of their items - but Mikaela wasn't having it. That girl is the reason he has stashes of beer in the fridge he consumes at an unhealthy amount in the night time.

Mikaela started to think that perhaps Yuuichirou went to a different restaurant when Kimizuki showed up and not him, his interest in Yoichi clear - Mikaela pretending that he wasn't green with envy.

Coincidentally, the next day - Yuuichirou finally shows up.

This time, alone.

Rather than approaching him with a simple hey , (though Shinoa had a different greeting in mind, he vehemently ignored it) his anxiety kicked in.

"It's you again." Mikaela blurts out, his relief seeping into his words.

"Yo." Yuuichirou waved.

"Hey!" Mikaela says, his surprise yet to dwindle at his presence. "I was wondering since your friend showed up the other day if you were ever gonna come back again."

"Miss me?" Yuuichirou asked, eyes shimmering with amusement.

"I didn't get to thank you for giving me that tip the other day." Mikaela says apprehensively.

"No need." Yuuichirou refuses, "How's your pancakes?" He asked next, startling Mikaela.

"Pretty kick-ass." Mikaela answered with a short laugh, "However if you're not feeling them we have French toast."

"Pancakes sound good, with eggs and bacon." Yuuichirou replied.

"Alright." Mikaela scribbled down, "Beverage?"

"Orange juice."

"Anything else?"

"Dinner." Yuuichirou said after some time when Mikaela was finished writing.

"Um." Mikaela snorts, "We don't serve anything off the dinner menu until late evening-"

"With you." Yuuichirou interrupts, Mikaela flushed at his boldness.

"Sir-"

"I don't mind it if you call me Yuu."

"I'm not so ready to dive into a relationship..." Mikaela explained, his heart racing. "Not so quickly, that is."

"That's okay." Yuuichirou took it quite well than Mikaela anticipated. "We'll work our way towards it. Just because you're cute and I'm genuinely interested in you."

Mikaela thought he'd explode with how red his cheeks were, blossoming a deep scarlet.

"I-I'll be back in a jiffy..." He stammered, retreating quickly to the back, unable to comprehend how unpredictable Yuuichirou could be with words.

Mikaela wasted no time once he was in the kitchen and pressed his back behind the door – breathing deeply as heat spread over his body. Yuuichirou's confidence was bursting through the room, apparently. First having Mikaela specifically take his order a few days ago, then that? Mikaela was starting to question how much bold he was.

Though he couldn't deny he wasn't attractive.

Damn him for making Mikaela a blushing mess, with rarely happened. Maybe it was because how charming Yuuichirou came off, or maybe because of that breathy chuckle he always let out that made Mikaela's knees wobble.

Whatever it was, he couldn't help but to feel like putty in Yuuichirou's hands.

Mikaela knew he wasn't one-hundred percent ready for a relationship, anyway. Sure, Yuuichirou said that wasn't his right-away goal, but Mikaela was still weary. No matter how attractive he was, going on a dinner date so soon was mind boggling.

Especially if the only thing he knew about Yuuichirou was that he give big-ass tips and was dripping with allure.

He was so out of it, damn.

Mikaela sighed as he shook his head, reaching up to fix his bangs slightly. He pulled a few pieces of hair out of the ponytail he sported, letting them curl next to the sides of his face. Mikaela then tightened the rubber band which hugged his hair before going over to where the coffee mugs were.

As Mikaela reached over to grab the mug, his eyes flicked up because of the sound of screaming children. They were chasing after each other, playing a game of tag much like a cat would run after a mice – scattering after each other persistently as the role as the tagger was passed around. Strands of hair bouncing, eyes glittering while some were filled with fire, it seemed as if their little game could go on forever.

The children moved across the room, and Mikaela chuckled as he grabbed the pot, beginning to carefully pour the coffee into it. He couldn't seem to tear his eyes off the kids though, and Mikaela suddenly jolted when a little girl seemed to stumble over her feet.

A part of him wanted to act fast, but was comforted when a pair of large arms were extended out to catch the girl. Her eyes, squeezed shut, were peaked open to see the dazzling sight which was Yuuichirou.

Mikaela watched closely, not realizing the coffee was getting close to the brink of the cup.

"Woah, woah," Yuuichirou said with a laugh, lifting her up. "You good?" He asked the girl.

The girl nodded hastily, finding her own balance as her brown curls bounced. "Yes," she mumbled quietly and with embarrassment, "T-Thank you, mister."

Some of her friends ran to her side.

" Woah! " One little boy said, "Mister is strong!”

"He's so quick," One agreed, tilting his head back. "Mister, how are you so quick?"

Yuuichirou laughed deeply, not realizing Mikaela's eyes were still on the situation.

"That's a secret," He said with a small wink. "But I'll maybe tell you guys if you promise to take it down a notch. I bet the staff here are pretty overwhelmed as it is, you know?"

All of the kids nodded quickly while their mouths dropped wide open.

"Alright," said Yuuichirou as something mischievous glimmered in his eyes. The parents didn't seem to mind. In fact, some of the single moms were making googly eyes at him.

Mikaela despised them. Oh would you all look away, will you? There’s nothing to see here!

However, he watched Yuuichirou lean down and whisper to the awestruck kids, and Mikaela leaned closer in hopes he could hear–

That was, until the coffee overflowed from the mug and burned his hand.

Mikaela instantly jumped back and pushed the mug from his hand and onto the counter, his face scrunching up as he shook his hand in discomfort. He heard Shinoa snicker from the other side of the counter, mumbling a "nice" under her breath.

Mikaela childishly stuck his tongue out at her before rolling his eyes.

"Stare much?"

" Fuck off ," grumbled Mikaela with a pout, grabbing a rag to wipe the counter and mug off.

Shinoa only snickered and grabbed a recipe and pen, flipping her hair as she walked away.

Mikaela wiped down the coffee-covered items with precision and malice, his hand still throbbing. Once he was done though he grabbed the coffee mug and pushed it towards the end of the counter so he could rip off Yuuichirou's order and clip it on the cook's board.

"Pancakes, eggs, bacon – special number two, no modifications," Mikaela called out, not waiting for a response before strutting back to Yuuichirou – now alone with no kids around him.

Clearing his throat, Mikaela set the coffee down on the table. "H-Here you go."

Yuuichirou smiled, but when his eyes flicked down it wavered. "Uhm..."

Mikaela's heart shook. "Something wrong?"

"Yeah, well it's just," Yuuichirou cleared his throat, "I wanted orange juice..."

It took a moment for Mikaela to process what he had done before he cussed.

"Shit," He said, running a hand up his face.

"I'm sorry. Uh, let me run back and get you one," Mikaela said, beginning to turn around.

Yuuichirou waved him off though and reached out towards him a bit. "No, no, it's fine. I'm fine with this, too."

"But it's not what you wanted," Mikaela retorted with a small smile. "It's really no problem."

"I'll keep the coffee," Yuuichirou insisted with a charming smile.

"The coffee's on me then," Mikaela said with the tilt of his head. "And I'll go snag you another orange juice. Like I said, no biggie."

Yuuichirou ducked his head down and nodded. "Alright, Mikaela."

"Call me Mika," Mikaela pipped up, much like Yuuichirou did earlier.

"Alright, Mika," corrected Yuuichirou. "Means a lot."

"It's fine, my mistake," Mikaela said with a shaky breath before spinning on his heels – jogging back to the kitchen so he could pour a glass of juice. It only took a second or two for Mikaela to do so, and soon he was walking with determination back out to table and set it down in front of Yuuichirou.

"Here you go," He said with a sigh, eyes flicking around the room – anywhere but Yuuichirou in fear that if he did, Mikaela wouldn't be able to stop looking at his heavenly face. "Need anything else?"

"Maybe one thing," mumbled Yuuichirou.

Mikaela raised a brow, reaching down for his pen and notepad.

"Not like that though," Yuuichirou said and laughed, causing Mikaela's hand to retract.

"I see..." Said Mikaela with slight confusion, shuffling in place because of the silence which hung in the air. His blue eyes were locked on Yuuichirou though, watching him closely as he took a small sip of his coffee and raised it off.

"Firstly, thanks for buying me a drink."

Mikaela froze.

...Oh, he had really done that.

Well, shit.

"Secondly. Does that mean you're at least considering my proposal?" Pushed Yuuichirou, lips flicking up as he laughed lightly.

"I mean," Mikaela trailed off. "Yes?"

"Yes," Yuuichirou breathed out with satisfaction. "'Yes as in you'll go or 'yes' you're thinking about it?"

"Thinking about it," Mikaela said, clearing his throat as his mouth and heart got the best of him. "B-But I-"

"Mikaela."

Mikaela's head whipped to the side where Mahiru was giving him a look, twirling her finger as if to say " hurry up. "

"Right," Mikaela said in her direction, turning back towards Yuuichirou to give him a sheepish smile. "Oh my God." Mikaela groaned dramatically. "I'm sorry but, the mornings is the worst time you can show up at." He ranted.

"There is literally no breaks because the service is so tight, I mean, you can take one if my manager, or boss advises it but can you really call thirty seconds a break?"

"Depends." Yuuichirou takes a sip of his coffee first, Mikaela figuring he needed the caffeine boost for the morning. "Use your time wisely."

"Mitsuba told me you can't even light a cigarette in under thirty seconds."

"A break is better than none at all." Yuuichirou shrugs lightly, Mikaela turned around to hear the children scream and giggle again at their table, accidentally knocking a fork down.

"Jeez." Mikaela heaved out a sigh. "Children these days are such energetic balls of energy."

"I second that." He hears Yuuichirou agree as he walks away. He nicely picks up the silverware for the children, their parents putting them in their seats and scolding them lightly to stop running around.

He thinks this encounter with Yuuichirou went a little more smoothly than before, but he's still such a klutz and a flustered mess. He waved his hand, seeing that it's red from the hot coffee burning him earlier.

Yuuichirou didn't even ask for coffee.

"Why are you so stupid?" He harshly whispers to himself. He should know the answer to that. Yes. He's aware.

"It's your inner crushin' consciousness talking." Shinoa answered. Pouring syrup onto a plate of French toast and sausage along with an omelette. "He seems like he's good with kids, too. You ain't the only one who wants to get some of that."

"Look at how fucking old they are." Mikaela said bitterly. "Not that I'm saying they don't have a better chance than I do... But yeah , they don't have a better chance than I do."

Shinoa cackled madly. "Holy shit, I've known you since middle school and this is far by the most petty shit I've heard you say."

Well it's the truth. Mikaela wanted to believe, them both going their separate ways. Yuuichirou's order was up, snapping Mikaela out of his daze.

"Hey." Mahiru snapped her fingers in his face - handling Yuuichirou's order, single plate in hand. Mikaela almost dropped it.

"Look awake and aware of your surroundings." She glared. “You look as if you don’t know what year it is. Focus, Mikaela.”

Obediently, Mikaela flashes a smile, “Sorry.” He said - shutting his eyes for a moment to keep his calm. He approached Yuuichirou's table.

"Pancakes, eggs, and bacon at your service!" He beams brightly. "Let me know if it's kick-ass."

"I would." Yuuichirou grabbed his fork, taking a bite out of his eggs. He chews, then nods - humming with delight. "They are." He replied, "And I'd give more feedback but I don't wanna disturb your working."

"Pssh." Mikaela bluffed, waving it off. "She can't give me diddly squat if I'm actually working."

"I didn't take you for a rebel." Yuuichirou raises both brows. There's that gleam of amusement.

"I'm no rulebreaker." Mikaela denied.

"Hey." Yuuichirou whispered, "When exactly do you close?"

"What time?" Mikaela's eyes widen, and he checks the time on his phone. "People start to clear out after ten, though we close at eleven thirty - half an hour before midnight. Depends on our shifts. We're pretty understaffed so we're forced to work from morning to night for a good week or two until we're allowed to change our schedules. It's fucking unbelievable."

"Tell me about it?" Yuuichirou offered, "I'm gonna be free and hopefully not busy most of the week to take some time to myself. I hope you don't mind if I stay here for dinner and dessert tomorrow night."

Mikaela tensed. "Of... Of course." He nodded quickly, "But why?"

"Because I like hearing you rant to me about your struggles." Yuuichirou laughed, he blinks, clearing his throat. "Shit. Let me rephrase that."

Mikaela can feel his lips creeping up into a smile, humored.

"I want to talk more with you." Yuuichirou clarified.

"Mika!" Mitsuba called out, "Help me check if the air conditioner is working properly again?"

Mikaela turned to Yuuichirou. "Sure." He mustered up the courage to accept the offer gladly. "No free orange juice this time, or next time. Hopefully. But now that's on the house." He points, warning sternly before he jogged over to Mitsuba.

He didn't understand why Mahiru can't just get a new air conditioner. It turned off sometimes and today was scorching hot, matter of fact a few customers complaining to Yoichi about its terrible performance.

It took them a good hour to get it working, earning them a two minute break. A blessing, really, before they had to enter through the backdoor to continue their shifts.

Once again, Yuuichirou thanked him for the food. Now that evening was here, Mikaela was disappointed he was leaving so early.

"For the free service." Yuuichirou used a napkin and asked for Mikaela's pen, hesitantly - Mikaela handed it to him. Yuuichirou scribbled down something quickly, folding it along with yet another hundred dollar bill he pulled out of his pocket - as if he was ready beforehand to pay up on the spot.

He tucked it inside Mikaela's apron, and saluted with two fingers - casually exiting the restaurant.

"See you soon!" Mikaela blurted out, watching Yuuichirou's disappear out the window, headed for his car that looked incredibly expensive in the parking lot.

                                                                                         

Mikaela unfolded the napkin, sitting cross legged on the carpeted ground. The battery powered fan blowing cool air in Mikaela's direction, messy hair shifting in various places - strands blew in his face, beer bottle sitting next to him as he carefully read the digits of Yuuichirou's number.

"Maybe he wants to seal the sugar daddy contract."

Shinoa's teasing words rang repeatedly in his head, causing Mikaela's cheeks to flush. He abandoned counting the money in his makeshift safe where he kept his funding. That is, a large empty can of Quakers oats.

He created a new contact, freezing when "New Message" popped up on his phone screen.

Mikaela's fingers slowly tapped away at the keyboard.

> Thank you for your appreciation

Mikaela bit his lip. Heart hammering in his chest when three bubbles appear.

< It's my pleasure :p

< We still up for talking tomorrow night? For the sake of making up for the days apart?

He's referring to the fact that he hasn't shown up for a while. Mikaela smiles a little, a jittery feeling welling up in his stomach, churning and coiling with butterflies.

> Try not to bail last minute

Mitsuba's advice was to always respond with a witty response. It's probably what makes them think you're proposing a challenge they aren't willing to turn down so easily.

                                                                    

It was if Mikaela's exhaustion was far from a problem to him when dusk fell and he was more giddy than ever.

Mahiru asked if Shinoa lent him any drugs, but maybe it was the coffee he drank in the morning.

He didn't hide his radiating hullabaloo when Yuuichirou showed up, asking for their cherry pie.

Somehow, that lead to Mikaela sliding in the seat across from Yuuichirou while he ate, telling him stories about his working experience and how insane it drove him sometimes. Earning the honor of making Yuuichirou laugh a few times, and it warmed Mikaela's heart how he was genuinely interested in what Mikaela had to say.

It became a daily routine. Yuuichirou texting Mikaela when he'll be able to show up so Mikaela can chat with him.

Sometimes, Mikaela would be talking to Yuuichirou for almost an hour, ignoring the stares Shinoa would give him - promising not to rat him out for not working when he's supposed to.

Once, he even danced while the music on the speakers were playing, caught up in the groovy beat and felt comfortable dancing in front of Yuuichirou using a broom as a mic.

Yuuichirou commented about how Mikaela can really shake what his mama gave him. He’s got moves. And that night, they slow danced. Laughing through the night. They sang a few old songs together, reminiscing of their childhoods.

At some point, he did get a scolding from Mahiru, and Mikaela can't afford to be caught and embarrassed again. But these nights were the best ever.

Another night comes around and the conversation they engaged in waned slowly.

"How's your hand?" Yuuichirou asked after some time. Mitsuba and Yoichi were scrubbing down the tables, Shinoa serving three or four customers present in the restaurant.

Mikaela registers his hand is placed on the table - currently finished talking animatedly about how he intentionally spilled lemonade on a douchebag that harassed him on the job.

"Ah, this?" Mikaela blinks, "It's... It's fine, it doesn't sting too much compared to the day I first burned it."

"You're prone to getting minor injuries like this if you aren't careful." Mikaela startled when Yuuichirou gently grabbed his hand, the other's fairly warm and sending electric sparks down his spine. "Next time, bandage it properly and apply some ointment before sleeping on it."

"Thanks for the tip, doc." Mikaela teased, "Am I going to need a cast to cover this up even though it's already healed?"

"I'm no doctor, actually." Yuuichirou snorted, "Just advisin' you what I was taught in the military."

Mikaela's eyes broaden. " Pardon? "

"That's Corporal Amane at your service." Yuuichirou winked, "But here, I'm just Yuu. I'm serving on the front lines and I'm on leave."

"Wow.” Mikaela gawked. “That makes so much sense now." He murmurs to himself, his hand raising up tuck a strand of hair behind his ear.

Yuuichirou laughs. 

"You said you're on leave." Mikaela spoke slowly. "For how long?"

"About a month." Yuuichirou answers, "Visiting my old man's place and hanging with my friends who are also on leave with me until it's time to be departed back."

"I see." Mikaela blew a raspberry. "Just when I thought we were becoming best friends." He joked.

There's a quiet huff of laughter coming from Yuuichirou.

"I have a lil something else to advise, if you mind." Yuuichirou said hesitantly. "You know what. I'm not even gonna ask and say it anyway." He snorts. Then pauses.

"No."

Mikaela blinked, "Yes!" He urged, "What are you gonna tell me? I wanna know some kick ass tips!" He slammed a hand on the table.

"Maybe we'll have a good time if you consider going out to dinner with me like I promised, because it's pretty clear that if I ask you once, I'm not gonna stop pestering you until I get an answer." Yuuichirou explained.

Mikaela's heart skipped a beat. He thought Yuuichirou would forget about that, after all - they've been talking back and forth for a week now.

"What would it take if I said yes?" Mikaela proposed.

"I'll stop pestering you." Yuuichirou bargained.

"Will I have a good time?"

"I've been told I never disappoint."

Mikaela stood up.

"...Then it's a deal, Saturday night?"

Yuuichirou does the usual, retrieving his wallet and tipping Mikaela accordingly.

"Bet." Yuuichirou smirked.

Though Yuuichirou collected his belongings, Mikaela couldn't stop himself from trailing behind him over to the door – continuously pulling him back with questions and small topics.

Could anyone blame him though? He was definitely attracted to him, and that was something he could barely hide.

Mikaela's heart pounded with apprehension, watching the way Yuuichirou's eyes were locked on target, his potent posture and how he didn't flinch a single bit. His face stoned, arms extended out straight and hands clutching the gun in his hands.

He waited.

The only things that can be heard in the junkyard are the flocks of birds in the sky and the light wind shifting in the breeze, Mikaela thinks at some point, he can hear his breath - before his eyes, a true soldier.

Yuuichirou pulled the trigger.

He gasped lightly, head whipping to see the bullet pierce through the glass bottle placed on the flat surface of the old, abandoned car in the distance.

Yuuichirou hit bulls eye.

"Holy shit." Mikaela gawked. "That was really impressive..." He placed a hand on his chest, the awe on his face made Yuuichirou laugh.

"You've never seen anyone shoot a gun before?"

"In movies, yes." Mikaela grinned, the adrenaline surging through him even though he wasn't the one that made the attempt to shoot one of the bottles. "I didn't think you were lying when you said you owned a glock you oh-so bragged about but," He tucked a strand of hair behind his ear, "That was really amazing..."

He wasn't expecting Yuuichirou to ask Mikaela if he wanted to go somewhere other than the restaurant. Yuuichirou said he had a place in mind, though Mikaela's not complaining, the walk to the junkyard in the outskirts of the town was pleasant. Yuuichirou said he's been here a few times for target practice because his old man often didn't want to go to the forest, and that's where he taught him how to use a gun.

"You wanna try?" Yuuichirou asked.

"What now?" Mikaela laughed nervously, "I feel like I'll get myself killed if I even hold that thing. I can't believe this is what you soldiers casually use during war."

"There's more sophisticated weapons than this. But I'll get into that another time if you ever ask me." Yuuichirou chuckled, shaking his head. "This is for self-defense."

"So there's a difference?"

"Definitely."

"Of course you'll be a weapons expert, nerd." MIkaela placed a hand on his hips. Yuuichirou smiled charmingly, walking up to Mikaela.

"It's what we need to know." He said, sounding a bit offended. "Come on, one try won't kill you. If you use it the wrong way."

Mikaela threw his hands in the air, "Ah, no, I don't mess with guns even if my mama holds the right to bear arms-"

"I'll show you." Yuuichirou's smile is still present. Mikaela looked around, and his eyes fall on the gun in Yuuichirou's hands. It's very tempting.

"I can't believe I'm doing this." He feared, stepping beside Yuuichirou. "Makes me feel dangerous."

"Don't it?" Yuuichirou teased, Mikaela tensed when Yuuichirou slipped an arm around his waist - bringing him closer. "Relax your shoulders. Take deep breaths and keep your breathing steady, and focus." He directed, fingers delicately trail to lift Mikaela's arms so that they're straight.

Mikaela inhaled, then exhaled - looking far too stiff. Yuuichirou's voice and commands turned him to mush, and they were soothing as well - trying the best he could to follow his orders, he properly held the gun the way Yuuichirou advised.

He wanted to impress Yuuichirou, standing straight and keeping concentration - piercing cerulean blue gaze falling on one of the bottles before them, standing there, temptingly inviting. 

"Go for it." Yuuichirou murmured, stepping back and giving the call. Mikaela can feel his gaze on him, never returning it as he shuts one eye. The bottle is still in view. He does an extra step, positioning himself so that one foot was ahead of the other, spreading them out.

Mikaela's index finger rested on the trigger, he exhaled one last time - and pulled the trigger.

He expected the bullet to fly right past the bottle, but when it grazed the one he aimed for - his eyes widened, and he gasped with revelation.

"Oh my God!" He exclaimed, failing to comprehend his feat. "Did you see that?" He turned to Yuuichirou, who's got the same look as he does.

"Wow." Yuuichirou gaped, "And that was on your first try... I couldn't even hold a fucking gun properly on mines."

"Maybe I was just lucky?"

"No, you know how to wield a gun like a badass."

"Oh jeez..." Mikaela shakes his head, "It's just beginner's luck."

"That was amazing." Yuuichirou compliments, placing his hands in his pockets, he nodded at the other bottles remaining. "Try again." He demanded. Mikaela stared at Yuuichirou with bewilderment and reverence, at how Yuuichirou marveled at his simple successful attempt.

Mikaela wasn't the best at target practice. Despite getting a couple bottles, he mainly enjoyed the fun he had with Yuuichirou learning about how to use a gun better and he certainly wanted to do it again another time.

Yuuichirou says he'll think about it, giving him a high five after all their hard work. Mikaela's eyes sparkled.

The time spent with Yuuichirou that evening seemed to go by in the blink of an eye. The conversations they shared were meaningful, yet casual. Though, towards the end when Yuuichirou was about to leave, Mikaela seemed to keep in mind that he should avoid the topic of Yuuichirou's time in the military.

Something sharp always gleamed in his eye when he did so. It never went unnoticed by Mikaela – whose eyes were glued on Yuuichirou the whole time.

Mikaela found it hard to focus at times though, his mind drifting into thought as he thought about their date... or whatever it was. Date seemed appropriate, considering the flirtatious looks both boys sent to each other.

But God , the butterflies which rose in Mikaela's were enough to snap him back into the moment. Every time. Sapphire and eyes, swirled with golden passion, would blink quickly as he came back into reality – his daydreams of Yuuichirou coming to an end.

At the same time though, he was happy to be in the moment. Yuuichirou's voice was music to his ears – something Mikaela never wanted to get out of his mind.

Conversations bloomed left to right, euphoria washing over both boys as they laughed for the rest of the night.

He offered to even wait until Mikaela was closing up, walking him home - small talk dragged into long late night conversations, or sitting on the curb in front of Mikaela’s workplace - Mikaela offering Yuuichirou a cigarette.

Mikaela recalled this as he laid in bed the night of the meet-up. Him and Yuuichirou he planned to meet up outside of his work in a little more than the hour, so Mikaela knew he'd have to start getting ready soon.

However, he found that hard to do. As silly as it was, Mikaela was quite happy with his position on the bed and his legs ached. Plus, he was stuck in a daze. Memories of Yuuichirou on repeat as he started up at the ceiling – something magical lingering in his eyes and giving it a glare.

Thoughts swirled in Mikaela's mind as he wondered what was going to happen that night.

What would Yuuichirou wear?

What would they talk about?

More importantly: Where would they go to eat?

Yuuichirou was persistent and requested to keep the restaurant he wanted to take Mikaela to a secret. It was a bit of a drive away, he told Mikaela, but he didn't mind. Actually, Mikaela liked car rides.

Plus, the excitement of it all didn't even make him think twice about the distance of where they were eating.

Yuuichirou promised it would be amazing, and Mikaela trusted him.

During Yuuichirou's month off, Mikaela told himself that he'd help make it special no matter what they were. Friends or something more, if they even got there, Mikaela wanted Yuuichirou to relax and not feel the world's stress on his shoulders.

So, he finally pushed out of bed as the clock ticked down. Now having to be at his work in fifty minutes, Mikaela shuffled into the bathroom and stared into the mirror with eyes lit like lights.

Funny, he had actually just come from work – hence why he was so sore all over. But Shinoa, being the eavesdropper she was, found out about Mikaela's little ' date ' and told him she'd cover his shift.

Originally Mikaela planned to get off work and go with Yuuichirou right away. Him and Shinoa didn't see eye to eye though, for she told him:

"Go home, glam up, come back, and knock his fucking socks off."

Mikaela complied after a lot of debate.

So, reaching down on the counter, Mikaela grabbed some colored lotion and rubbed it all over his face before running his hands through his hair. A frown made its way onto Mikaela's face because of his dirty hair that he forgot to wash. So, leaning down, Mikaela began digging through one of his drawers before he found a curler.

He just wanted a little volume to his hair, that was all. Maybe not.

Mikaela plugged it in without a second thought, then strutted out of the room to get some clothing.

Since he already had his outfit in mind, picking out his clothing went by quickly. It was just the shoes that got him in the end. But, Mikaela settled with a pair of light blue, high-waisted shorts and a short sleeved shirt that revealed a bit of his stomach if he raised his arms. Then a pair of high top chucks.

He posed in the mirror a few times, bouncing as he reached into his back pocket. Mikaela pulled his phone out, plugged it into his room's speakers, and played music – swaying to the beat as he made his way into the bathroom to fix his hair.

                                                                                   

Mikaela's feet slapped up against the sidewalk as he ran towards his work – his phone in his pocket and a small bag of his belongings by his side. His belongings bounced, but Mikaela didn't mind it too much.

The somewhat urgent text message he received from Shinoa made it all different.

There he was – in his bathroom doing his hair, just about to finish – when Mikaela got an urgent text message from Shinoa with absolute no explanation.

> Come fast, emergency. I need you here.

Of course, Mikaela dropped everything and basically ran out of his apartment so he could sprint over to his work. However, the panicked expression he wore on his face seemed to drop the closer he got to his work...

...Considering Mikaela could see Shinoa through the front window laughing her ass off.

There he was, sweating.

Slightly ruining his curls.

While Shinoa was just there smiling like a dork.

Mikaela was going to whack her so hard.

He grit his teeth and held his back tightly as he pushed the front door open, the bell on the door jingling and ringing in Mikaela's ears.

Mikaela paused for a moment, looked left to right, then stomped forward towards Shinoa with his finger raised.

" You. " He started, voice dripping with acrimony.

"Aha, Mika-"

"You said it was an emergency so I fucking ran here!" Mikaela yelled, raising his hands up to run them through his hair. Yoichi was standing next to Shinoa with the most confused look Mikaela had ever seen.

"There's an emergency?" Yoichi asked slowly, looking around anxiously.

"Indeed there is," Shinoa hummed with a nod.

"No there's not-"

"A friend emergency," said Shinoa cutting Mikaela off as she grinned and reached into her pocket – pulling out two small rings. "Okay, but just hear me out."

"Um, no." Mikaela shakes his head, "No." He put up a finger. "I came here early thinking this place was set on fire, Yuu-chan's gonna come here in several minutes and I don't have time for your shenanigans." 

"This'll be fun." Shinoa convinced. "I promise."

"Shinoa, no-"

"Please!"

"Stomping your feet like you're three years old's not always going to convince me."

"Don't you wanna learn more about the type of guy he is?" Shinoa prods, "I mean, like if he's loyal or not?"

"He's single. " Mikaela bluffed. "Well at least, that's what I think. He asked me on a date, isn't that enough?"

"It's kinda fishy that he turned the tables when I asked if he was dating anyone..." Shinoa hummed, placing a hand on her hip. "So just to make sure, I'm gonna be a good best friend and tell you. Let's fuck with him."

Oddly tempted, Mikaela stepped closer to Shinoa. His phone vibrated in his back pocket, he retrieved it quickly to see he's gotten a text from Yuuichirou. He's going to pull up soon.

He stared at Shinoa, then the rings in her hands.

"Mahiru's fucking loaded." Shinoa smirked, a glimmer of mischief in those devious eyes. "It'd be a shame to return the old rings she got from our grandparents that we've yet to pawn, you know?"

Mikaela huffed. He pulled Shinoa aside to the break room so they could converse about her emergency turned master plan he has no idea why he agreed to take part of.

                                                                                           

Mikaela thinks he just walked into a complete upgrade of the restaurant he worked at. Maybe a five star restaurant actually works up to its name.

Yuuichirou removed his hands from Mikaela's eyes, the whole time Mikaela begged if he can see and where Yuuichirou was taking him.

Turns out the restaurant was a place Yuuichirou went too often during his childhood. His father would take him there. They were known for their large burgers and he chowed down them all in a heartbeat. It's been a while - and he figured if he was going to go here again he might as well take Mikaela.

Mikaela's heard about this place. But it was far too expensive and he never entered here in person. His mouth dropping in awe.

"So this is the definition of fancy." He said aloud without thought, satchel strapped to the cushiony booth.

"Tell me more about you." Yuuichirou changed the subject. "You got any restaurants that you consider a favorite?"

"There's one closer to where my mom lives." Mikaela answers, "Well we mostly went there to drink their milkshakes and hot chocolate. Their beverages overall were really good, and she used to get mad at me when I went there because I'd never want to order food. I just wanted the milkshakes." He laughed, "My mom could cook and she taught me how to... But we went out to eat there a lot, just to spend time together."

"If they're that good, then shit." Yuuichirou snorted, "Maybe you should take me there sometime."

"Slow down." Mikaela teases, "I'm just getting used to this place, I can't even believe I'm here. Going here myself I don't think I can afford sitting in this chair."

"You don’t think you can afford sitting in this chair- ” Yuuichirou cuts himself off abruptly with a quiet huff of laughter, sounding breathy. “Doesn't your job working at Hiiragi's pay well?"

"It's a part time job. You know. That minimum wage thing. Bullshit." Mikaela blew a raspberry, "Unfortunately you can't escape from the confines of capitalism so you gotta make what you can. It's the least I can do while I'm out of school for the summer."

He sighed loudly, realizing Yuuichirou is sitting there staring at him with fondness.

"Oh jeez!" Mikaela groans, "Listen you have to tell me when I'm rambling too much because I can sit here and keep talking for over an hour without you saying squat ."

"But I don't mind at all." Yuuichirou countered, a ghost of a smile appearing on his lips. "That's why I like to hear you talk."

"No you don't." Mikaela glared. He playfully smacks Yuuichirou's hand resting on the table. "Tell me about you, soldier."

"Don't call me that."

"Corporal."

"Yuu is perfectly fine." Yuuichirou pulled at his dog tag, "Pretend you don't see this and call it a day."

"I'm still gonna call you either one of those things anyway. Because after all…” Mikaela’s lip quirked up, “I know you are a man of honor…”

Yuuichirou seemed to tense at those words, Mikaela bit his lip. Got him.

"You're very persistent." Yuuichirou said in an undertone, licking his lips.

Mikaela stuck his tongue out. His suggestive aura easily lifting.

"I think in high school..." Yuuichirou began, "I was a janitor for two summers, the work I endured was absolute shit but the pay was worth it."

"Ew." Mikaela grimaces. "You had to scrub down toilets while kids were out of school?"

"Summer school was in session." Yuuichirou shakes his head, "So yeah, there's that."

"You gotta tell me more."

"We need to order our food first." Yuuichirou reminded him. They were talking so much that they hadn't even set on what they wanted to order, in the knick of time - a waiter approaches them. Both of them with silly smiles on their faces.

"You look gorgeous by the way." Yuuichirou complimented. Mikaela rested a hand on his cheek.

"You look gorgeous too. Like, model gorgeous."

That's the first time Mikaela saw Yuuichirou throw his head back and laugh louder than he usually does. That's Mikaela's way of saying "you don't look bad yourself" - he thinks he succeeded at being witty. The compliment by Yuuichirou however is just what he needed.

Throughout the dinner date - Mikaela learned Yuuichirou went to boot camp in college. There were programs in high school similar to what he attended, though he was set on getting drafted when he was in his second year of college.

He never really went into his experience. Though, Mikaela could tell he's endured far beyond what's imaginable. He's a bit older, and he's seen things to learn to cope with them and move on. Meanwhile, Mikaela can't move on if he had about twenty dollars deducted from his paycheck. Mahiru could be really hostile sometimes.

He told Yuuichirou that, and it was enough to lift the mood causing them both to crack up.

"You've no idea how many straight, white boys waltz into the restaurant hitting on me and saying that they don't mean to swing the wrong way, by asking 'what's my name' then saying 'you have a pretty fat ass' it's just inexplicably exhausting I don't even wanna give them an answer. I had to endure this since like, freaking high school." Mikaela popped a French fry into his mouth. "When will it end? I don't know."

"Sure they were straight?"

"I've witnessed enough shit douchebags like that do together to know not to question it. Ever."

"Not to come off as treacherous but they ain't wrong."

"Hush." Mikaela sends a glare he can't keep.

Yuuichirou's smiling. "I expect a thank you."

"Why?" Mikaela asked warily.

"Because I may swing both ways, for one." Yuuichirou winked. Mikaela flushed.

Well damn, he's pretty good. But still, a comment like that wasn't very necessary to agree with.

Yuuichirou offers to pay, but Mikaela says no and insists that he pays for his own portion. He's got money. Yuuichirou ends up doing so.

The night is warm when their feet scrape against the pavement, cars driving on the road - the place was full so they had to park farther away. People passing by, the stars in the night sky and the light breeze - just what Mikaela liked on a warm summer night.

"Hey," Mikaela strapped his satchel tighter over his shoulder, "Why did you really ask for me that day? When Shinoa called me over to take your order?"

"It... It wasn't actually a dare." Yuuichirou confessed. Mikaela frowned.

"Seems fishy to me." Mikaela quips, making Yuuichirou grin.

"Yeah, I'm back in town, my boys and I are just hanging around the hotspots scouting for dames to holler at... And honestly, I do have a thing for blondes."

"Mitsuba was a blond." Mikaela countered. "She's also a waitress that could kick your ass but she's very lovely."

"But I’m not very straight." Yuuichirou answered with amusement, "And once you talked to me I didn't think I could get enough of you, so that's all your fault."

"Fuck you." Mikaela shoved him playfully, "You're strange, but in a good way. It's not often we get customers like you, besides, you were really nice. I was afraid after that day you wouldn't show up again."

"I was actually just being a coward thinking I'd come off as a weirdo if I showed up more than once." Yuuichirou confessed.

"Technically, you did." Mikaela chuckles, them both approaching Yuuichirou's car.

"Fuck." Yuuichirou is smiling, "Does that make me a weirdo?" He joked.

"Look at how the tables have turned." Mikaela said in a comically suspicious tone.

"Thank you for coming with me tonight." Yuuichirou said. "I had a fun time with you."

"So did I." Mikaela tells him. "I think I rambled through most of it but you're just so easy and comfortable to talk to, next time, teach me more on how this date thing works."

"Of course.” Yuuichirou chuckles. I'll drive you home. It’s pretty dark out.” He offered.

"You don't have to, I could just increase my risks of getting kidnapped instead."

"But I want to."

Mikaela clutched the strap of his satchel. "You’re too kind, sir.” He quips, acknowledging quietly, overwhelmed by his gentlemanly charms.

"Very." Yuuichirou shoved his hands in his pockets. "On one condition."  

"Yes?" Mikaela asks softly, ready to walk around to the front seat.

"A kiss."

"Oh brother." Mikaela had a hand rest on the side of Yuuichirou's car. He turns away, cheeks burning - then meets Yuuichirou’s gaze again, standing there with anticipation.

He laughs nervously aware that Yuuichirou was serious. He went back around to car to walk up to Yuuichirou, pulling on his dog tag to bring him forward and peck him softly on the lips. 

He kept it chaste, wanting to part though Yuuichirou frames Mikaela's cheeks to bring him closer. Mikaela's hands creeping behind Yuuichirou's neck.

Yuuichirou's lips were warm too, he registers - and soft. They smelled of Blistex, the smell hitting his nostrils with a mix of cologne when they pull away. They both grin, Yuuichirou opening the car door for Mikaela before he heads inside.

"Was this a part of your plan all along?" Mikaela asked curiously.

"Maybe, maybe not." Yuuichirou shrugs.

"You shady dick." Mikaela giggles, he brushes his hair back, witnessing Yuuichiou's face morph into sheer horror.

"What is that?" He questioned thickly.

"What?"

" That , that on your finger."

Mikaela realized what he was referring to, continuing to play it casual.

"I'm sorry?"

"Fuck." Yuuichirou breathed out, "Shit, I'm, holy fuck I'm so sorry!" He exclaimed, "I swear I didn't know!"

"Easy there, Casanova." Mikaela stated calmly, "What are you talking about?"

"You're married!" Yuuichirou sputtered out, "I should've taken the hint sooner, I thought you were interested because I really fucking like you but then I just kept pushing and pushing and!"

"Yuu." Mikaela hushed. Yuuichirou still looks like he's freaking out. "Can I ask you something?"

"Your partner's not going to beat the shit outta me, are they?"

"Are you scared?" Mikaela countered, fighting the grin on his face. "Well, are you?"

" Yes I am!" Yuuichirou hissed, "I made you kiss me without knowing that you're married! "

"You shouldn't be." Mikaela shakes his head slowly, a smile forming on his lips. He raised a hand, wiggling his fingers. "Because this is a promise ring, and Shinoa was the one who gave it to me."

Yuuichirou's facial expression doesn't change. He rests his head on the window of his side of the car seat.

"Shut the fuck up." Yuuichirou said defeatedly, his tone dull.

Mikaela giggled. "Not a wedding ring."

"You're not married to Shinoa, are you?"

"She's dating Mitsuba, so I think you're good." Mikaela stuck out his tongue.

" Why would you do that?! " Yuuichirou wheezed.

"'Cause I wanted to prank you, fool," Mikaela said assiduously, no emotion resting on his face as he stared straight into Yuuichirou's eyes. That is, until he suddenly broke out into laughter – leaning forward and cackling until his eyes were filled with tears.

Yuuichirou also dropped his head, but he wasn't laughing. No, he was groaning and shaking his head in embarrassment. What only made Mikaela laugh more was how Yuuichirou's cheeks were captured by red.

"Oh God," Yuuichirou said, raising his hands to cover his face. He rubbed it slightly and sighed. "You're evil. "

"Indeed I am," said Mikaela with a grin, eyes shining and filled with pride. He sent Yuuichirou a small wink before running a hand through his hair. “Regret kissing me?”

“Fuck no,” Yuuichirou said with exasperation, raising his head to look at Mikaela with a somber face, eyes warm. “You’re just a little shit.”

“So I’ve been told,” Mikaela said with the flip of his hair, Yuuichirou once against capturing his gaze. Something similar to passion was trapped in Yuuichirou’s dazzling orbs, but Mikaela chose to ignore it and only clicked his tongue. “What you gonna do about it?”

Yuuichirou snorted. “For starters, make you pay your portion of the bill.”

Yuuichirou had covered it by himself, claiming he had to be a gentleman. Mikaela, of course, had protested… but in the end, Yuuichirou beat him to it and gave their server his card before Mikaela could. At the moment though, Mikaela froze, eyes blown wide. He suddenly raised his arms up and frantically shook them around, mouth hanging low as he stuttered.

“H-Hey, let’s just think about this for a second-!” Mikaela stuttered in a whine with fake panic, knowing Yuuichirou was only teasing.

“God, you’re too much,” Yuuichirou said with a snort, raising his hands so he could drum against the steering wheel with his fingers. With one hand he reached down into his pants and pulled out his keys, starting up the car before putting a hand on the stick shift. “Now, where to?”

Mikaela hummed for a moment and reached over, grabbing Yuuichirou’s phone out of the car’s cupholder before attempting to unlock it.

“You still up to taking me home?” He asked again. “And not a creepy old trailer where you’ll kidnap and keep me as your hostage?”

Yuuichirou raised an eyebrow. “Yeah of course I’m gonna take you home , Mika.” He chortled. “Where you think I’m gonna take you? The Korova Milk Bar? ”

“Alright alright, just making sure.” Mikaela eyes him suspiciously, “Password?” He prompted, tapping his thumbs against the screen of Yuuichirou’s phone. “So I can type down the directions in the map.”

It took a minute or two for Yuuichirou to think of it, and he waved his hand around as he tried to force out an answer. “Shit, sorry. I usually just use that weird finger scan thing,” He explained, clicking his tongue. “My password is ‘mika.’ ”

Mikaela froze, giving that Goddamn stalker a look before slowly typing the password down. He hit the ‘enter’ button, but it was denied.

“What…?”

“Gotcha,” said Yuuichirou in a monotone voice, expression low.

It took a few seconds for it to click inside of Mikaela…

And when it did, he reached over and whacked Yuuichirou’s arm as hard as he could.

“You asshole!” Mikaela exclaimed, still holding onto Yuuichirou’s phone tightly. “Why’d you do that?!”

“I thought it was obvious.”

“It was, I just can’t believe I fell for that,” Mikaela mumbled. “It wasn’t even creative, dipshit.”

“But you still fell for it,” Yuuichirou commented before telling Mikaela his actual password, the blonde typing it down with quick fingers afterwards - still mumbling under his breath. “Payback is oh so sweet.”

“I must be really tired,” Mikaela mumbled, refusing to admit defeat.

Yuuichirou nodded, grabbing his phone back once Mikaela typed his address down into Maps. He quickly scanned it before setting it next to him, turning his head to the side before backing up.

“Yup,” said Yuuichirou clicking his tongue. “You must be really tired to fall for such an easy trick like that, nice one Mika.”

“Oh, shut up,” Mikaela grumbled with a laugh.

“Make me.”

Once again Mikaela reached over to whack Yuuichirou’s arm, right as he was about to turn onto the main road.

“Not exactly what I had in mind,” admitted Yuuichirou in defeat, making a turn on the road and looking both ways.

“Oh well,” said Mikaela with a sly smile. “Serves you right.”

“Once again, my moves are shut down,” said Yuuichirou teasingly, sneaking a glance at Mikaela before continuing to drive down the road, eyes scanning his surroundings and glittering under the lights from around him. Slivers of metallic oranges, greens, and reds danced along both boys' faces as the went down the road, the buildings around them towering over them with might.

The purr of the car rolled through Mikaela’s body and caused him to roll his shoulders, face illuminated by the radio’s lights found in the new Mercedes Yuuichirou owned. The car was clean, the seats a sleek with glossy leather which was gentle under Mikaela’s touch.  

“Well,” Mikaela hummed, tilting his head back as he smiled softly. “Maybe you should just keep trying.”

“For how long?” Yuuichirou asked, rolling his wrist before turning another corner.

Mikaela only shrugged again, sweat sliding down his skin because of the humid, cramped air around him. Though there was an air vent pointed at his face, it still felt as he was melting - like the sun was only inches from his body and engulfing him in a wave of heat. Mikaela shivered, the sweat on his body cool and working against the burning needles pressed against his skin.

“As long as needed…” Mikaela said lightly, voice breathy as he turned his head to the side to give Yuuichirou a knowing smile filled with pleasantry. He could hear Yuuichirou’s phone alert him and tell him to get on the freeway in two-hundred feet, so Yuuichirou changed lanes as Mikaela continued.

“It’s gonna take more than just a burger and a little kiss to woo me, soldier.”

Yuuichirou couldn’t stop himself from shivering, hands gripping the wheel tighter as he grit his teeth - the sudden feeling of cool fingers pressed against his cheek making his body tense. Yuuichirou was internally melting under Mikaela’s touch, slightly leaning into it as Mikaela let his fingers fall down. However, Yuuichirou showed some self control.

After all, he knew Mikaela was just being a little tease and would shut down any advances he made in the end.

Porcelain skin glistened under the alloy-sliver light which fell through the window and kissed Mikaela – creating an evocative, heavenly scene. His hand fell lower to Yuuichirou’s jawline, the touch becoming light as his the distance between Yuuichirou’s face and Mikaela’s fingers grew.

Mikaela’s hand was suddenly pulled away from Yuuichirou’s face, no surprise. The hand instead fell and rested on Mikaela’s lap as he suddenly laughed, his shoulders bouncing with the sweet noise which left Mikaela’s mouth.

Yuuichirou grumbled under his breath, euphoria still rolling over his body. It was silent aside from that. The only noises swirling through the air were Mikaela’s laugh, Yuuichirou’s grumbling, and the sound of clicking as Yuuichirou turned on his signal – alerting his turn onto the freeway.

“Then I guess I need to step up my game,” Yuuichirou said with sudden ease – calm, collected.

Mikaela assumed that was one of his traits as an amazing soldier. He seemed to pull his composure back quickly and keep a level head.

Before Mikaela could ask what Yuuichirou meant though, something in the car happened. Yuuichirou’s fingers, which lingered over some glowing buttons, caused something to happen – making Mikaela gasp.

The Mercedes’ roof suddenly began going up, right as they were making their way onto the freeway. Mikaela felt like all the air left his body in shock, the intensity yet bliss from the wind making his heart hammer against his chest.

Yuuichirou didn't seem to mind it as much though. The only thing he did was reach over to place his hand on Mikaela’s seatbelt, making sure it was secured before raising his head to look into Mikaela’s eyes.

Green swirled with blue.

“Raise your arms.”

Mikaela blinked a few times in confusion before sputtering, “W-What?”

Yuuichirou only grinned and nodded, keeping his hands firm on the wheel before accelerating just a bit. After all, he was merging – but the freeway was empty with really only a few cars.

Sharp, cool wind which struck the car with force made Mikaela’s hair dance – swirling around much like streamers in the wind. The heat which rolled off the car and bodies in shimmering waves was washed over by the aggressive wind.

Yuuichirou’s request was quite odd to Mikaela, but once they were on the freeway with the world zooming past them… he understood.

Mikaela swallowed nervously, lifted his arms up, and gasped slightly, sharply. Air quickly ran through his fingers which acted as an obstacle for it and send chills down his spine. The heat which covered his body was soothed – all Mikaela could really focus on was the air which surged with passion and might.

As Yuuichirou sped up, Mikaela could feel his hands get pushed back from the new amount of force. However he didn't not drop them. No, if anything he lifted them higher and made sure to keep his inertia still. He would not stray, because God did it feel so good.

Yuuichirou’s speed rose much like the pace of Mikaela’s heartbeat. Mikaela glanced over for a moment, eyes locking of the speed of eighty miles per hour which seemed to climb. He chose to look away from it though and only focus on the dazzling colors around him which blended with each other as him and Yuuichirou raced by in the car.

Laughter escaped Mikaela and was contagious, for Yuuichirou laughed along with him and mirrored his ecstatic expression. The music, playing from the radio which Yuuichirou turned on, swirled around their heads – each note and key seeming like a symphony as it drifted into their ears.

Mikaela payed no attention to anything but the sound of Yuuichirou’s beautiful laughter, the engine’s pure, and the sound of the tires squealing across the road which shimmered with orange lines.

The clock was ticking down as they got closer to Mikaela’s home.

Mikaela wished that wasn't the case.

But he didn't seem to care, or keep track of where he was at in the end, because of how caught up in the moment he was. All Mikaela could think about was how fucking amazing it felt as the wind ran over his body – Yuuichirou by his side.

After some time though, Mikaela noticed Yuuichirou begin to take his foot off the gas. They slowed down, drifted to the right, and went up the ramp which led to the main road. However, Mikaela kept his hands up for a while and screamed even when Yuuichirou wasn't going as fast.

Maybe it was because of the euphoria which ran through him, or because Yuuichirou had such an effect on him and made him feel drunk on him alone.

Their hearts were racing.

Whatever it was, Mikaela couldn't stop smiling.

Mikaela giggled with joy as he and Yuuichirou bantered some more, something heavy in the air. Mikaela couldn't quite put his finger on it, but when Yuuichirou sped up and gave one last sharp turn it seemed to slip from his mind. Their breaths heavy.

Another track started to play, and immediately - Mikaela and Yuuichirou exchange knowing glances, looking ahead of them as they start to sing.

"I don't really care if you cry,"  They say in unison, and even though Mikaela's not in his best singing voice - sure Yuuichirou is the same as well, he could care less, bouncing to the rhythmic beat, "On the real you should've never lied, should've saw the way she looked me in me eyes, she said 'baby, I am not afraid to die'."

Mikaela swayed to the beat, shimmying his shoulders, grinning as Yuuichirou nodded his head to the beat, fingers drumming against the steering wheel.

"Push me to the edge, all my friends are dead, push me to the edge, all my friends are dead!"

Soon they pulled up to Mikaela’s house, and he was disappointed Yuuichirou had to turn off the stereo. He had such a fun night.

"See you soon?" Yuuichirou gently grasped Mikaela's hand before Mikaela opened the car door. Mikaela noticed the timidity in his tone, and he squeezed Yuuichirou's hand briefly with a small smile.

"Of course." Mikaela leaned in to kiss Yuuichirou softly on the cheek. When Mikaela stepped out of the car and up the pathway which led to his complex, he could have sworn he felt a pair of eyes watching him closely – drinking in the sight of his body under the summer moonlight.

They didn't want to say goodbye.

As the days passed, the events of that night seemed all like a blur.

To think the man who wanted Mikaela to be his waiter would end up being his first kiss in a long while.

It was going to take a bit of time to get used to. Though, Mikaela was okay with that.

He was happy.

“Is the cereal the only thing you have in this place?” Mikaela asked, shoving a spoonful of cereal into his mouth.

Yuuichirou’s place was pretty small and the complex building proved that as well - the place was clearly only made to be for one person. Yuuichirou said he would be renting the place temporarily, as he hasn’t made any plans for permanently moving into a new place.

“Give it every other week I go out to buy some groceries.” Yuuichirou shrugged, plopping down on the couch. “I won’t be staying here for long so there’s no need to stock up and cook a gourmet dinner every fucking night.”

“This cereal is delicious.” Mikaela said, crunching noises heard made by his teeth, mouth full. “Honestly, who needs to cook dinner often when you can eat this for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.”

“Sometimes I crave other things.” Yuuichirou grins, humored. “Though, that would be nice.”

“Right?” Mikaela beams in agreement. He walks around, as if he were on a gallery walk. “So this is your place, huh.” He looked around, bare feet softly treading across the cold wooden floors of the silent apartment.

The windows are open, and it’s cool in here. Mikaela felt comfortable wandering Yuuichirou’s house in a tank and briefs, too lazy to slip on appropriate clothing after satisfying morning sex.

“What, too shabby?” Yuuichirou arched a brow. “With the savings I have, I get I could do better. I know.”

Mikaela stared at Yuuichirou with guilt, and he scoops up his cinnamon toast crunch, “...Your cereal is really good.” He compliments, changing the subject.

Yuuichirou chuckles with a shake of his head. “You don’t like it?”

“No, no it’s…” Mikaela trailed off, “Decent.” He says unsurely, “It’s liveable .”

He could tell it was all temporary. The walls are almost bare and there’s baggage with items still inside, Mikaela doesn’t feel much of a homey feeling, registering the novels placed on the coffee table and the lack of food in stock when he rummaged through.

“Coming up with something that I’m positive is not a word to say it out loud like it is one?” Yuuichirou questioned in retaliation.

“Don’t judge.” Mikaela glared, he sat down the couch on the opposite end. He continues to eat his cereal.

“I like it.” He admits after some time. “Because I get to spend time with you for the time being, I get to learn more about you.”

Yuuichirou smiles, “Okay.” He leaned back on the couch, “What do you wanna know?”

Mikaela crossed one leg over the other, “I’d like to guess.”

“Shoot.”

“At some point, you have to have been in a rock band or something.” Mikaela assumed, “It’s hard to believe this is your life now, I mean, with how dull this all seems - drops a shit ton of hints.” He pointed at Yuuichirou with his spoon.

Yuuichirou is quiet for a moment.

Mikaela stopped chewing. His eyes broaden. “Shut up.”

“How’d you know?”

“ Shut. Up. ” Mikaela swallowed quickly, “You were not-!”

“It was just Narumi, Kimizuki, and I getting together since we learned how to play the guitar and I also used to sing a little, I’ll have you know I had a rockin’ voice, we had a few gigs in the past.” Yuuichirou explained, he snorts when Mikaela smacks a hand against his lap.

“Soldier boys slash former band members. Fucking unreal.”

“We weren’t that popular.”

“But still!” Mikaela bounced, “That’s incredible. You have to play something for me.”

“No.” Yuuichirou refused, “Narumi asked me to keep his guitar safe. Not to play it.”

“I need something to entertain me while I eat my cereal, sir.” Mikaela urged, “Please. Even if you’re just messing around with the strings I don’t care.”

Yuuichirou stood up, throwing his hands in the air as a sign of surrender. “If my playing sounds like shit don’t be surprised.”

“I won’t judge.” Mikaela promised with a giggle. Yuuichirou went to the back to retrieve the guitar. Mikaela sits up straight with anticipation.

“This is between you and me.” Yuuichirou warned, “We try not to bring up shit that should stay in the past.”

“It’s just me and my cereal.” Mikaela pops the spoon out of his mouth, chewing casually. Yuuichirou eyes Mikaela warily.

“Come on.” Mikaela motioned with his spoon, “I wanna listen to some quality music while I eat.”

Yuuichirou laughed, “There’s no taking no for an answer when it comes to you, sheesh.”

“Damn right.” Mikaela hummed. He sits and waits patiently for Yuuichirou, and he’s not sure of what he expected to hear. But it’s not the resplendent melody to ever reach his ears when Yuuichirou’s fingers delicately whisks at the strings.

The consonance starts out softly, before transitioning into something congenial, and the aria does appear familiar to Mikaela. Even more when Yuuichirou starts to softly sing.

He’s abstracted with the action, the delirium Mikaela picked up on he noticed Yuuichirou may have felt quickly fades into morale when he concentrated on the flow of the tune.

His eyes flutter shut, Mikaela chews less and less, setting his bowl down on the table and watching with admiration how Yuuichirou played and sang at the same time.

It grew hard for Mikaela to channel his compulsion, marvelling at Yuuichirou’s attractive features. How his fingers were gently stroking at the strings and the raspiness in his vocals.

He stood up, aware he’s been sitting there listening with awe for… he doesn’t even know how long, not that he was paying attention, a hand resting on the guitar in Yuuichirou’s lap pushing it aside so he could settle atop it instead.

He registers how Yuuichirou stops, intonation fading when Mikaela frames his cheeks and kisses him, suppressing a shudder at Yuuichirou’s hands soothing across his bare thighs.

“Was it that bad that you had to stop me from embarrassing myself or something?” Yuuichirou asks when they part, the huskiness remains evident in his tone.

“Don’t be silly.” Mikaela murmurs, the guitar slides completely out of Yuuichirou’s lap as Mikaela’s straddles him. “Right now I’d prefer if you talked less because I wanna do other things rather than listen to you play and sing so beautifully.”

“Mmm, it’s my pleasure.” Yuuichirou whispers with a grin, sealing their lips together in a feverish kiss.

Narumi’s guitar is long forgotten the rest of the morning.

After some contemplation, there was no doubt about it.

Mikaela was feeling something for Yuuichirou.

Shinoa was immensely freaked out when Mikaela willingly told her the good news he’s been aching to share of their first date, saying he totally got him good with the ring prank, and he actually ended up keeping it on - fitting perfectly on his finger that he forgot it was on.

“I know I wasn’t so trusting of him at first…” Mikaela fidgets on his toes, “But these past few days I’ve spent with him, you know, talking here and hanging out outside of work? I’ve been really happy. He’s been making me feel all tingly and my heart’s pounding so much. I think I’m falling in love with him.”

“Wow.” Shinoa sputters, playfully swatting Mikaela on the behind. “Look at you. Mr. I Don’t Date Douchebags.”

“Aw, don’t be jealous.” Mikaela bit back, shooting her a stone cold glare.

“Is he falling in love with you too?” Shinoa questioned.

“He said he liked me a lot…” Mikaela fiddled around with the coffee mug in his hand, “They’re two different things so I wouldn’t know if he feels the same way, you know? It was just the spur of the moment.”

“Did you tell him that?” Shinoa raised a brow in concern. Mikaela shakes his head.

“Good boy.” She patted Mikaela on the shoulder, “I taught you well. Remember, if he really wants it, make him chase it.”

Yuuichirou still often showed up at their workplace the next following days. Sometimes with his friends, and they started to hang out as a group.

Mikaela liked Narumi and Kimizuki. They had a friend named Shuusaku as well, and they met him on a hangout to go roller skating. Mikaela bonded with him instantly after he fell on his ass while everyone else laughed too much despite their struggles. Other than Yuuichirou, Shuusaku the only one who bothered to help him. He was very nice.

He never knew the boys could be such amazing skaters.

Mikaela remembers the last time he went rollerblading was with Krul when he was a child.

And he remembered landing on his face a whole fucking lot. Clinging to his mother like a toddler. He had a fear of rinks then, anxiety overwhelming him when Krul took him to the local rink near their town.

“How the fuck do you fit into this shit?” Shinoa muttered, at the benches - Mikaela snorted, wondering the same.

Yoichi stood up, wobbling over to Kimizuki with his foot half inside his roller blade.

“Did you choose the right size?” Kimizuki asked.

“Clearly not because I can barely put my foot in here.” Yoichi hopped, saying sheepishly.

Kimizuki shakes his head. “Yoichi.”

“I’m sorry!” Yoichi balanced on one foot, stumbling a little. “One last time. I’ll get a bigger size.”

“We’ll ask for another one then.” Kimizuki gave in, grabbing a hold of Yoichi’s hand. Shinoa and Mikaela arch an eyebrow suggestively at Yoichi when he turns around and smiles deviously. Score.

“Get it!” Shinoa hollered, Mikaela smacked her on the arm. How loud can this girl be?

“Don’t be a disturbance.” Mikaela hissed. Noticing how eyes and heads turned their way. “You'll get us kicked out with that mouth of yours.”

Shinoa blew a raspberry. “The staff can fight me.” She tied her hair up into a ponytail, Mikaela as well, rolling his eyes.

“My small ass feet can't get a size lower than this.” Mitsuba grumbled. “Fuck it.”

“Narumi!” Shinoa stuck her leg out, “Could you tie my skates?”

Narumi, who was waiting at the rink, threw his hands in the air. “Can you tie your own fucking shoes?”

“Yes I can.” Shinoa said matter of factly.

“Then why can't you tie your skates?” He questions irritably, regardless, he ties Shinoa’s skates.

“She's very lazy. Next time don't tie her shit.” Mikaela said to Narumi. She has a tending for asking people to tie her shoes. He’s gotten so used to it that he does it for her himself sometimes.

“Thank you.” Shinoa smiles sweetly, “Mika here doesn’t know how to be a good best friend.”

“I will hurt you.” Mikaela glared, struggling to push his feet into his skates. He does succeed after sometime.

Yuuichirou is talking with Shuusaku before he makes his way over to Mikaela, an amused smile on his face pointing at Mikaela’s skates.

“You haven't tied your skates.”

“I know!” Mikaela complained, “It took me ten years to fit into both skates and my hands are sore.”

Yuuichirou bent down. “Then lemme help.”

Mikaela flushed, “N-no you don’t have to-” He stammers, but Yuuichirou offers to tie Mikaela’s skates anyway.

“I’m a mess.” Mikaela whined, Yuuichirou cackles and Mikaela pouts, lightly kicking Yuuichirou. “It’s not funny!”

“At least now you’re ready.” Yuuichirou extended both hands, Mikaela gently grabs them to help himself stand up. He looks around the rink, today, it wasn’t too crowded. The place was cool and the lights often switched on and off, it’s like paradise.

“I haven’t skated in years.” Mikaela warned, Yuuichirou leading him onto the rink. “The last time I fell and accidentally took my mom with me.”

Yuuichirou laughed. “When I raced with my dad I think one time we collided into each other and busted our asses.”

“Oh my God!” Mikaela gasped, with caution - grasping Yuuichirou’s hand tightly stepping onto the rink. “Were you guys okay?”

“I still won.” Yuuichirou said, “So I was definitely okay but he was pissed. Truth is I did that shit on purpose.”

“You’re evil.” Mikaela responds with disbelief. Though, he could definitely imagine that.

“You still remember how to skate?” Yuuichirou asked, smirk lingering on his face. Mikaela tucked a strand of hair behind his ear, looking at Yuuichirou anxiously.

“No.” He said meekly, “I swear to God if you drop me or let go of me I will punch you -”

“I got you, I got you.” Yuuichirou assured, Mikaela shrieks when him and Yuuichirou start to glide leisurely across the rink.

“Please!” Mikaela yelped, he squeezed Yuuichirou hand embarrassed by the screams he’s letting out.

“Don’t make me fall too now.” Yuuichirou chortled, “‘Cause if we fall I’m taking you down with me.”

“Yuuichirou I swear to God-” Mikaela’s breath hitches when Yuuichirou holds onto his waist. He does keep his promise, passing by others rolling past in the rink - his fear starts to wear down the more he skates with Yuuichirou. Though he tripped and fell a few times, he oh so wished Yuuichirou could pick him up faster so he can chase after Shinoa who's laughing from across the rink.

He wished to strangle her, but he can’t even skate that far from Yuuichirou, the first time he tried didn’t work out too well. Yuuichirou laughing at him and Mikaela wants to wipe that grin off his face. Yuuichirou could roller blade incredibly well, he’s went to the rink a lot with his father when he was younger. Mikaela envied his jaw dropping skills.

That day, Mikaela doubted the generosity of soldiers, just eating lunch, skating to music and laughing together about stories and making jokes is the best fun he’s ever had in a long while.

He also despised the others rollerblading skills as well. Mitsuba was also a professional, racing with Narumi and Yuuichirou. Kimizuki, Yoichi, Shinoa, and Shuusaku took their time helping Yoichi and Shinoa skate. He could hear their banter feet away on the rink. Smiling, humored.

Mikaela on the other hand, was was embarrassed he had to hold Yuuichirou’s hand while gliding across the rink more than once. Shinoa made eyes at them, even though she was clinging to Narumi just as much. Mitsuba found it humoring, and honestly - Mikaela wished he could become better more than anything, but he was an average skater.

And then he thought to himself, with sweat beading down his forehead - curses, I’m going to be so sore after this all.

The concept was amusing kids, teens, and adults of all ages were roller blading with talented and strong men who were secretly soldier boys with the most heartthrob features that attracted nearly everyone in the joint, Mikaela felt kinda great hanging out with them - it made him feel powerful he managed to become friends with some kick-ass hardworking people.

They traveled everywhere in groups, whether it be to the mall or the movies, Shinoa says now that the boys are back in town they have to make the best of it, and Mikaela is glad none of them minded being dragged around the city. It’s summer, and the nights they've spent exploring the city and even hiking in the mountains on the outskirts at some point - felt unreal. But amazing.

Mahiru was kind enough to take a group photo of them all, labeling it as a “family dinner” taking up an entire booth. Mikaela liked it, considering it felt like they were family. Bonding in under a few weeks and forming a vibrant friendship.

The day they’ll be leaving was approaching - and it turns out Mikaela and the others were the only new friends they’ve made back in town.

It was kind of surprising, considering that they were all so lovely.

The phone was ringing beside Mikaela, a ragged breath escaped his lips as he groped the mattress for his phone. He checked the screen and accepted the call, he fails to stultify the delicate whimper that fell from his lips.

"Hello?" 

"Hey mama!" Mikaela beams, masking his toil jovially, "It's been a while..."

"I thought we went over about how you're supposed to call me at least every week, so like, I know that you're not fucking dead, Mikaela."

"Eheh," Mikaela does a short laugh, lip quivering as he shifts - the opposite of discomfort, wanting to make up for the sudden pausing of his voice - often trailing off to inhale sharply through his nose, "See I got caught up in a lot of stuff and it's been really busy working at Hiiragi's and all... I was too stressed out to even look at my reminders."

The reminder to call Krul notified him a couple days ago, Mikaela just ignored it. Because Yuuichirou made pancakes, and since there was no syrup, they just ate pieces of it in bed together while talking about conspiracy theories.

"Work comes over calling your own fucking mother?"

"I can explain, mama." Mikaela said thickly, his hand immediately reached for the pillow behind him, then the mattress beneath - eager to grasp onto anything for leverage, his thighs trembling - sparks of pleasure surges through his body feeling Yuuichirou's mouth enveloped around his length, calloused, tanned hands grasping his thighs firmly. The breathtaking warmth caused Mikaela to shut off his brain, at a loss of words. But he had to keep it together.

"I was really busy." Mikaela claimed, cursing himself for ignoring Krul's fucking reminder. How could he be so irresponsible?

"You know," Krul heaves out a sigh, "This is a first. Knowing you, you'd call me when the week isn't over just so you don't have to wait every week to get rid of me."

"Schedules are tight." Mikaela explained, his mouth parted and he arched his back a bit feeling Yuuichirou's tongue swirl around the tip of his cock before sinking further down and hollowing his cheek, "I work day and night shifts daily and everything else if I paid any attention to would've been a distraction."

"How's Mahiru?"

"Um." The question surprised Mikaela, he knew Mahiru and Krul were... somewhat acquainted. "She's great, running the restaurant perfectly fine! I mean, if you're curious you could always give the place a call."

"Has she asked about me?" 

Mikaela moans gravelly, lightly smacking Yuuichirou on the head multiple times - but Yuuichirou only hums around his cock and grips Mikaela's thighs tighter, he hoped to God Krul didn't hear that.

"Once, I told her you were doing great." Mikaela stated jarringly. He whimpers quietly, his feet trailing across Yuuichirou's upper back nearly digging his toenails into Yuuichirou's skin.

"I'd like to catch up with her sometime if possible. Let her know, though if not, you know... I'll give her a call."  Krul spoke hesitantly, but hinted with confidence Mikaela registered of late.

"Of course!" Mikaela exclaims more merrily than he should've, "Again, I'm so sorry for not calling you."

"It's alright, dearest. You're busy and you're an adult. You have other responsibilities."  Krul said understandingly. "Just remember to set your fucking reminders for every week, mark your calendar, something, so this doesn't happen again. Or I'll drive over there and break into your apartment to kick your ass."

"Warning taken." Mikaela said meekly.

"When are you going to visit?" Krul asked stubbornly. 

"When summer's over." Mikaela promised, "With the shifts I have I can't make any plans anytime soon."

Krul sighed. "I miss you."

"I miss you too." Mikaela answers, "And I will give you a call next week."

"Promise?"

"Promise." Mikaela says with constraint. "I love you."

"I love you too." 

Mikaela ripped the phone from his ear and disconnected the call, dropping it beside him with alleviation.

"Yuu-chan..." He lets out a breathy, audacious moan, "Oh. Yes, there..." He arched once more, as Yuuichirou spreads his thighs further apart and he hums in response - the vibrations only added to the sensitivity that overwhelmed him. He felt a pair of fingers reach and softly fondle his balls, tugging upwards. His moan is feeble and broken, heavily panting in-between, the favor alone making Mikaela reach at his peak.

He carded his fingers through Yuuichirou's hair, thighs quaking and body trembling vigorously when he climaxes, his whine turning into a drawn out - high-pitched gasp. Yuuichirou's hand is now soothing his bare sides, plain v-neck shucked upwards to reveal porcelain skin when Mikaela allows Yuuichirou to swallow down his remains.

Mikaela shudders when Yuuichirou pulls off him, teasingly, Yuuichirou grinned.

"So that was your mom, huh?" He kissed down Mikaela's stomach, lifting his hips - Mikaela gasping when Yuuichirou's tongue swiped over his puckered hole. "Mmm... should've told her I said hi."

"You asshole!" Mikaela whacked Yuuichirou in the head, catching his breath. Yuuichirou crawled upward to rest his head on Mikaela's stomach. "God, next time, warn me before you do something like that... the audacity."

"You weren't complaining." Yuuichirou pressed a kiss to Mikaela's rib, moving upwards- but Mikaela moved his face away.

"Ew, gross, don't kiss me after you just..." He trailed off, grumbling, "You know what I mean."

Yuuichirou goes for a chaste kiss to the cheek instead.

"You naughty soldier." Mikaela grunted.

"You came three times last night." Yuuichirou's open-mouthed wet kisses started again from Mikaela's jawline and down his neck, "Just from my tongue alone, how about we make that four?"

"I won't be able to last as long..." Mikaela confessed, "You'll be disappointed."

"Doll, I could care less." Yuuichirou chuckled, Mikaela can't even think straight when Yuuichirou's prying his thighs apart again, and he braces himself when Yuuichirou works his tongue, toes curling, the incandescence from his last orgasm started to well up in his stomach, making it coil.

A man's never eaten him out like this before.

Mikaela couldn't even last five minutes with how damn good Yuuichirou's tongue was.

Yuuichirou and his friends were going to be leaving soon. And since everyone's grown so close and fond to each other, Shinoa wasn't so willing to let it all go to waste.

To celebrate, Shinoa called for another get together in the night. She had an above ground pool in her backyard, and in the morning - she kindly asked if Mikaela and Yuuichirou could help.

Yuuichirou chose to tag along because Mikaela said he’d be spending most the morning with her bringing out the ground pool.

He thought being outside would help him cool down, turns out - even in just overalls and a tank top cut halfway under into a crop it was still blazing hot.

“You should know by now that Shinoa’s an ass.” Mikaela groaned, the two of them inside the ground pool - Yuuichirou finishing up straightening out the edges. “Only she would ask the only friend that she could convince to help her set this up.”

“I don’t mind.” Yuuichirou chuckles, Mikaela tries not to oogle at his exposed muscles and all. “Chilling here and havin’ a few drinks in exchange for doing this is worth it.”

He froze, realizing something.

“Oh shit .”

Mikaela placed his hands on his hips, wiping more sweat off his forehead. “What?”

“Our only way out’s hanging out over there.” Yuuichirou gestures over to the ladder lying in the grass. Mikaela sat down, exhaustion wearing over him.

“I guess we’re stuck here.”

Yuuichirou joined Mikaela, “We’re gonna hafta get that ladder back sooner or later.”

Using his elbows to lean further back, Mikaela blew a raspberry. “How about you do it?”

“Not happenin’.” Yuuichirou drawled, “I did most of the work while you just strutted around in your cute little overalls. But I love your sandals, by the way.” He nodded down to Mikaela’s flat lace up strappy sandals of black color and the ankle bracelets that complimented his painted toes.

“Why thank you.” Mikaela does a little shimmy of his shoulders. “And I attempted to do some stuff, gimme some credit.” He objects, teasingly drew his knees further apart, watching how Yuuichirou became distracted - his eyes wandering somewhere lower, averting quickly back to Mikaela’s face.

“Please?” Mikaela smiles elatedly.

“And what do I owe the favor in exchange of getting something in return?”

“You can eat me out sometime.” Mikaela bargained with a small, vixenous smile.

He knew with his shimmering puppy eyes entrapping Yuuichirou instantly, with how he made himself inviting - eyes staring back at Yuuichirou suggestively, he was going to give in.

“Well shit. You’re really fucking persistent. Mikaela Shindo Tepes.” Yuuichirou said lowly, with defeasance, “Now that’s an offer I ain’t fucking taking up,” He snorted ashe stood up to his two feet.

“You win, so I’ll go get that damn ladder.” He mumbled.

Mikaela stuck his tongue out. Yuuichirou clicked his tongue, Mikaela stares back with awe when Yuuichirou hops over the pool with a running start - leaping high… that was until he rolled along the side and onto the grassy fields below.

Mikaela bursts out laughing when he hears Yuuichirou cry out in agony, a string of swears escaping his lips.

Yuuichirou retrieved the ladder, allowing Mikaela to properly climb over and down.

“You tried.” Mikaela grinned, smacking him on the shoulder. “That was really impressive.”

“ Shaddup .” Yuuichirou uses an arm to rub at his forehead. “Help me crack open this valve so we can get the hydrant going.”

“Yes sir.” Mikaela saluted, he tugged at Yuuichirou’s dog tag before following him to the hydrant, where they used the loose hose to attach to it.

“That’s right.” Yuuichirou teased, the hose in his hands. Mikaela turned the valve, backing away when water starts coming out of it. “You take orders from me now.”

“I don’t take orders from anyone.” Mikaela shot back.

“But you will from me.” Yuuichirou demanded graciously. “And I’m gonna need you to get wet.”

Mikaela backed up further. “Don’t touch me.” He said menacingly, “Don’t you dare- ” He screams when a splash of cold water hits his skin.

“ Yuu!” He screams, shielding his face and turning around when Yuuichirou fires the hose at Mikaela, wetting him up even more.

“Think of this as punishment for refusing orders.”

“Stop it! No!” Mikaela squealed running from Yuuichirou, but the water’s still splashing against him regardless of where he goes, managing to dodge it a couple times. “Get the fuck away from me!” He shrieks, strong arms wrapping around his waist to pull him close - spinning Mikaela around to close the distance between them.

Mikaela’s laughing, the both of them now drenched from parting from the kiss only for Yuuichirou to chase after his lips, stealing pecks to keep him grounded.

Momentarily, when Mikaela pauses for a moment to kiss Yuuichioru languidly once more - cold water is now spilling down his overalls. And he breaks free, shoving Yuuichirou away and screaming once more.

“Yuu-chan!”

“What the fuck are you two doing?”

The both of them whip their heads to Mitsuba, who just arrived - walking up the sidewalk to enter the backyard. In the knick of time, Shinoa finally shows up - exiting through the back door of her house to witness Mikaela and Yuuichirou.

“You two having fun wetting up my entire lawn?”

Mikaela flushed, blurting out that Yuuichirou was the one who started it. Doesn’t help the fact that they put themselves in an awkward situation.

Laughter fluttered through the air like delicate, vibrant butterflies.

Bodies were in the pool, glistening with water under the sun while some laid out on the grass - soaking in the rays. No matter where everyone was though, they were all laughing and having a good time. Conversations were exchanged, and for some… glances were passed.

“This is so nice…” Shinoa said with a large sigh, stretching her arms up as she sprawled out on the grass. The towel beneath her saved her from the pointed, stiff grass covered in beads a water from the previous water fight all the friends had.

In the end, Shinoa had lost and Mikaela was carried away by Yuuichirou - who had a hose in his hand while squirting at Kimizuki. Mitsuba and Yoichi cowered behind a few foldable chairs and raised their hands up as a shield. Shinoa charged forward and tackled Kimizuki in the end of their water fight, who was shoveling water out of the pool to throw at his friends, while Yuuichirou squirted everyone with Mikaela thrown over his shoulder - especially Narumi, who was face first down on the ground with no fucks to give as Shuusaku pointed and laughed at him.

All in all, it was a pretty good start to their little get together.

“It is,” agreed Mikaela with a hum, the wet patches on his overalls drying as he laid next to Shinoa on the ground. The sound of Yuuichirou, Mitsuba, and Narumi laughing and jumping in the pool drifted into his ears.

“Too bad I’m still fucking soaked,” Shinoa grumbled under her breath, propping herself up with her elbow. “No thanks to that asshole, Kimizuki,” She called out with malice.

Kimizuki, who was standing by the pool with a bag of chips in his hand, only flipped Shinoa off as a response.

“Suck a dick,” Shinoa called out again, but then flopped on her side and shot Mikaela a wink. “Soooo…” She began.

Mikaela, nose buried in a magazine he brought along, barely acknowledged her.

“Mikaela…” Shinoa continued.

Blue eyes flicked to the side to give Shinoa a small look. “Yeah?”

Licking her lips, Shinoa ran her other hand through her silky hair. “I have a question.”

“Shoot.”

“How’d it feel to be saved by your shirtless knight, fearsome hose by his side?”

Suddenly letting the magazine drop to his face, Mikaela sighed and groaned loudly, draping his arms over his face as he hid in embarrassment. Red took over his cheeks and caused the tips of his ears burned, so Mikaela continued to hide as he spoke.

“Wonderful,” Mikaela commented, voice muffled because of the paper over his face. He decided to leave out the remark he wanted to make about how damn good Yuuichirou’s muscles felt. Or how Mikaela wanted to scream and fan himself when Yuuichirou was able to pick him up with one arm.

“ Bust a nut wonderful?”

Mikaela wheezed. “Do you have no filter?”

“You should know that answer by now,” Shinoa remarked with a small nod - pretending like she was tipping a hat.

“I do,” Mikaela said in defeat, raising the magazine off his face to flash Shinoa a smile. “Though as witty as you are I know you’re a sap in the end.”

Shinoa gasped. “Am not!”

“Are too.”

"I’m a strong woman,” Shinoa said with fake pride. 

“A strong woman who cries during Sex and the City marathons,” Mikaela teased lightly. “Don’t even get me started with how many crying text messages I got when that happened.”

“It’s not like I could help it, you would too if you saw the shit that went down,” said Shinoa in defense. “You should watch it, pleaseeee-!”

“Nu-uh,” Mikaela said with a nod, sitting up.

“Uh-huh,” Shinoa pushed with an eager smile.

"Nu-uh.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Make me popcorn and buy me some candy, then we’ll talk.”

“If that means you’ll finally hang out with me for the first time in forever, you’ve got yourself a deal,” said Shinoa with a hum, a large smile breaking out on her face. “Come on, bestie.”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” Said Mikaela with exasperation. “I know I haven’t seen you a lot outside of work lately. It’s just that…” Mikaela trailed off, eyes flicking to the side and locking on Yuuichirou for a brief moment - then going back to Shinoa. “You know.”

Shinoa looked to where Mikaela had glanced at, then let out a knowing sigh. “Ah, I got you.”

“He’s leaving soon so I’ve just been trying to cram in some time with him, I mean the sex is amazing ,” explained Mikaela as he adjusted his overalls - the heavy, damp fabric sticking to his skin a bit. “But it seems like everytime I remind him about it we just end up fucking-”

“I get it, don’t sweat it,” Shinoa said understandingly. “I take it everything is going fairly well though?”

“Yeah, I guess you could say that,” Mikaela said with a bit of hesitation, beginning to stand up so he could make his way over to get a beer from one of the coolers. When he rose from the ground and looked down, he noticed the palms of his hands were stained green from the grass.

“What do you mean?”

Mikaela froze in the middle of taking another step forward.

“I guess…” Mikaela searched for the right word as he shuffled forward, reaching out and bending down to scoop up a beer from the cooler full of crisp ice. “I guess I’m just nervous?”

“How come?”

Mikaela grabbed the bottle opener off the glass table next to the icebox. “Yuu-chan… he only has a few more days left here before he’s deployed again, you know?”

Shinoa nodded but remained silently, letting Mikaela continue.

“Nothing’s really changed between us, but the thought of what’s going to happen in the end kinda freaks me the fuck out, you know?”

“I know, it’s shit,” said Shinoa with defeat.

“Like, I don’t want long distance, that’s too hard…” Mikaela  paused. “But, then again, I really, really like him.”  

Shinoa listened closely and nodded, one leg crossed over the other. “And how long is he going to be gone for?”

“Six months,” Mikaela deadpanned.

Shinoa looked like she had been literally shocked, for her mouth suddenly fell open and she pushed off the ground with force.

“No… fucking really?”

“Yeah,” nodded Mikaela, popping the cap of his bottle off before taking a long swig of it. “It sucks ass, God."

“Does he have to go?”

“It’s what he’s passionate about, so I don’t think he’d just drop his life so fast for just our little… whatever,” Mikaela thought out loud. “I don’t know, a part of me hopes he would stay but like.. Why would he? We’ve only been together for such a small amount of time.”

“That makes sense,” Shinoa agreed with sorrow.  

“But then again we aren’t even officially labeled as ‘together,” Mikaela suddenly sighed loudly and set his drink down. “I’m trying not to think about it and just spend time with him while it lasts.”

“That’s all you really can do.”

“But… what if I want it to last?” Mikaela questioned hesitantly, voice almost in a whisper. “What if I don’t want to feel like time is running out..?”

Shinoa’s face dropped and she waved her hands around. “I mean… I mean…”

“I know, it’s silly,” commented Mikaela. “I should just keep it as a summer fling, no more than that.”

“A summer fling, huh?” Shinoa shakes her head, “All of us were wondering when the marriage proposal’s gonna happen.”

“Don’t even get me started on that…” Mikaela groaned. Recalling the events of Narumi bringing in his crappy guitar to the restaurant with Kimizuki and singing crappily in terrible unison Here Comes The Bride while Yuuichirou looked at Mikaela, shaking his head slowly with trauma filling his eyes, mouthing the words I am so sorry. Yoichi and Shinoa were laughing, Mitsuba deadpanning and Mikaela wanted to flee the country when the entire restaurant clapped thinking they were fucking newlyweds.

He cringes. “I doubt we’re even official to begin with. It’s silly to think about that.” Seriously. It is.

“The soldier and the waiter that fell head over heels with each other!” Shinoa exclaimed dramatically, “Has a nice ring to it.”

“ Stoooop. ” Mikaela whined.

“I’m just trying to make you smile, Mika dear.” Shinoa laughed. “...I’d just hate to see you get hurt,” She said earnestly as she took a few steps forward, placing a hand on Mikaela’s shoulder.

“Maybe just… wait until he comes back?” She proposed. “Or if his whole lifestyle isn’t your thing then maybe it’s a sign?”

“But I really, really like him,” repeated Mikaela, pushing forward though he knew he’d get hurt in the end.

He couldn’t stop his eyes from drifting from the side though, watching Yuuichirou closely as he continued to walk around in the pool - waist deep in glistening water while beads of the liquid ran down his defined chest.  Sun fell down on Yuuichirou, giving him a glow, and Mikaela decided he didn’t need any more alcohol for a while.

Drinking in the sight of Yuuichirou was enough for Mikaela, for his knees soon became wobbly and he had to lean up against the table next to him for support. God, Yuuichirou was just too much. Mikaela could barely take it.

The way Yuuichirou threw his head back when he laughed.

The way he smile brightly.

The way he walked with such confidence.

Mikaela felt woozy. His heart was racing and he was completely losing it - even Shinoa could tell.

So, Shinoa reached up and slapped his face.

Obviously. Because that was the right thing to do.

And it worked - Mikaela began shaking his head and stumbled back on his feet, groaning loudly.

“Why am I doing this to myself?” Mikaela asked as he threw his head back. “Why do I always fall for the ones out of reach?”

“Because they’re perfect and treat you right, the world is just an asshole,” Shinoa insisted. “You shouldn’t let it bring you down though. Everything will work out.”

“Promise?” Mikaela asked, hair falling over his face when he suddenly leaned forward - letting his head drop as he stood there, gloom hanging over his head.

“When have I lied to you?”

Mikaela paused. “When you told me that you were gonna split the cookie Yoichi brought in to work but then ate it all by yourself.”

“W-Well!” Shinoa gasped. “That was the only time.”

“Or when you said you’d pick me up from the store but then came, did doughnuts in the parking lot, and made me hop in the car as you continued to drive away.”

“At least I came,” Shinoa said with a giggle, rolling her eyes once before pulling Mikaela down into a tight embrace. “Seriously  though, I promise. Just have a good time and go hop in that pool, okay?”

Mikaela sighed in defeat loudly. “Yeah, yeah. I need that.”

Pulling away, after giving Shinoa a pat on the back, Mikaela kicked his feet at the grass beneath him before spinning around on his heels. Mikaela took a few steps back before reaching up to unbutton his overalls. He let the thick fabric on the top hang low as he reached down to grab the bottom his his crop top, lifting it up and over his head before letting it fall to the grass.

Mikaela’s skin gleaming under the sunlight, his hair curled because of the humidity, his eyes swirling with golden rays - he was like an angel. Shinoa’s mouth basically dropped to the ground from the sight.

She wasn't the only one who noticed though..

Because, as if on cue, Yuuichirou’s eyes flicked to the side on locked on Mikaela.

It was the late afternoon, when the heat was the strongest and nature was alive, but Yuuichirou could care less. All he could focus on was how Goddamn amazing Mikaela looked as he pulled down the rest of his overalls down – exposing the tankini with mid-thigh shorts. A light blue color which complimented his completion nicely.

Mikaela didn't seem to notice though and only stepped away from the clothing on the ground. His eyes scanned around the yard for a second before he hummed.

“Sunscreen?” Mikaela asked slowly, but before Shinoa could respond Yuuichirou opened his mouth.

“Over here!” Yuuichirou called out with enthusiasm, making Mikaela’s head snap to the side.

Yuuichirou walked to the edge of the pool, hands and body gliding through the water before he reached out to grab the yellow bottle or sunscreen off the ground. He then raised it up and flashed a smile, motioning for Mikaela to come over.

“I'll help you put it on?”

Mikaela nodded eagerly, Shinoa flashing him a gentle yet stern look as he waddled over to Yuuichirou with a smile plastered on his face.

Yuuichirou’s hands were extended towards Mikaela – and he couldn't help but to notice how Yuuichirou’s muscles gleamed so perfectly under the sun. Mikaela swallowed nervously though and walked to the edge of the pool, turning around so his back was towards the wall.

“Just my back is good,” Mikaela said with a hum, rolling his shoulders when he heard Yuuichirou open the bottle with a gentle ‘ click .’

“Upper or lower?” Yuuichirou asked slowly, one side of his lip flicking up into a smirk. He squeezed some sunscreen onto his hands before rubbing them together.

“Both,” said Mikaela with a shrug, shivering and closing his eyes when Yuuichirou’s hands finally made contact with his skin. Mouth falling just a bit, Mikaela cleared his throat and forced himself to close it – trying to keep his composure.

But it was so damn hard because of Yuuichirou’s intoxicating touches.

His hands stayed at the top of Mikaela’s back for a second, circling to rub the sunblock on, but in a more erotic way than it should have been. If Yuuichirou wasn't teasing him, Mikaela didn't know what he was doing. It was downright sinful and pure evil.

Yuuichirou’s hands eventually fell lower though and rubbed his lower back, going bit around his waist before retreating. He continued to grin even when he was done though, but Mikaela was just a blushing mess.

“Thank you…” Mikaela mumbled, cheeks captured by blush.

“No problem,” said Yuuichirou as he shot a wink, smacking his hands together to get the excess sunscreen off. “That mean you’re comin’ in the pool now?”

“I think so,” Mikaela said with slight hesitation, rubbing sunblock on the rest of his body. “Does it feel nice?”

“The water?”

“Yeah.”

“Very.”

“Not too cold?”

“It’s a little cool, but it helps with the heat. Plus you get used to it after a while.”

Mikaela nodded and bit his lip at Yuuichirou’s comment, them raised his arms up and smiled brightly.

“Help me in then?” He asked slowly, yelping when Yuuichirou eagerness got the best of him. Yuuichirou grabbed Mikaela, lifted him up with ease, and settled him in the pool – Mikaela’s legs wrapped around his waist because of how quickly it all happened.

“Jesus,” Mikaela wheezed in a shaken voice, laughing a bit. “Give a guy a warning.”

“My bad,” Yuuichirou said with a grin. “Was just happy you were finally getting in.”

Mikaela nodded and smiled ear to ear, letting his arms run through the water – though he stayed close to Yuuichirou the whole time.

“You seemed to be having a pretty good time regardless of where I was,” Mikaela teased lightly.

“Of course,” Yuuichirou paused, “but I always have a better time when you’re here.”

When Yuuichirou finished he swam over to the wall to his left – where another table was standing – and grabbing his beer off of it. He took a swig before sighing and smacking his lips.

“You fucking sap,” Mikaela teased once again.

“Can't help it,” Yuuichirou mumbled. “Especially not with you.”

Their eyes lingered on each other for a few moments, mesmerized with each other’s looks as something sweet lingered in the air. The world seemed drowned out when their gazes on each other were at their strongest, and Mikaela never wanted to look away. Neither did Yuuichirou.

However they had to when Shinoa suddenly came flying into the water with an inflatable duck floaty tied around her waist.

The waves from her splash got everyone wet, making Mikaela cry out loudly because of his blonde curls fell over his mind. Everyone – everyone complained loudly. Even Narumi, Shuusaku, and Kimizuki who were off by the side.

"My hair-!” Mitsuba grumbled, though she laughed because she wasn't extremely pissed off.

Yoichi swam to the side and grabbed Kimizuki’s hand, pulling him in for a kiss to soothe him.

Mikaela and Yuuichirou however only splashed at Shinoa with might as payback – Narumi joining in to and snickering loudly. Shuusaku stood by the side though and rolled his eyes.

“Let's get this party started-” Shinoa said in a sing-song voice, dancing a bit when everyone stopped splashing at her.

“I thought you said this wasn't a party,” Mikaela commented, hands on his hips.

“Yeah, but ‘party’ has more of a ring to it,” Shinoa retorted, wearing a shit-eating grin.

Mikaela gave her a knowing look.

Shinoa sighed.

“Fine,” She dragged out, stomping in place much like a child would when they didn't get their way.

“Let’s get this casual get together started..” Shinoa said weakly, but Mikaela still clapped.

“That’s better,” Mikaela said with a wink.

“You old man.” Shinoa stuck her tongue out.

“Technically, it would be since there’s only a few of us to begin with.” Shuusaku agreed.

“Oh would you look at the geniuses speaking.” Shinoa rolled her eyes. “Okay, anyway but really, who’s down for a game of Marco-Polo?”

No one said anything.

“Winner gets to go the rest of the day without me teasing them.”

Everyone’s hands went flying up.

“Fuckers,” Shinoa grumbled, watching as everyone piled into the pool with proud smiles on their face. Shinoa could help but to flip a few of them off - especially Kimizuki and Mikaela who were laughing their heads off.

“Now, just for your sassy remarks, Mikaela, you’re gonna be ‘it’ first,” Shinoa said with a wink. “It will be like an elimination game. Whoever gets caught has to sit out until there’s only two people left. They’ll do rock-paper-scissors to see who wins.”

“And you said the prize is escaping your torment?” Narumi pondered with a frown, face scrunching up in confusion when Shinoa nodded. “But what if you’re in the final two and win?”

“Then that sucks for you dipshits!” Shinoa said with a belly laugh, then pointed at Mikaela. “Now, go!”

Mikaela grumbled under his breath before reluctantly closing his eyes-

“Marco-!”

Everyone responded with polo, the sound of waves drifting into Mikaela’s ears as he saw darkness.

Mikaela swam forward just a bit.  

“Marco?!”

“Polo!” Everyone erupted.

Mikaela waved his arms around and whined. “Marco!”

This time though, no one responded.

Mikaela slammed his hands down on the water, everyone around him laughing. “Guys! What the fuck?!”

“Sorry!” Yoichi called out. “Kimizuki covered my mouth-”

“Shinoa covered mine,” Mitsuba said before snorting.

“You all are assholes,” Mikaela grumbled, taking a deep breath before continuing. “Marco!”

Then suddenly, he felt something brush up against him. So, Mikaela lunged forward and threw his arms around the body he touched.

“Got you!” Mikaela said with might, opening his eyes - breath hitching when he saw Yuuichirou smiling back at him.

“Yeah, I guess you did,” Yuuichirou said, voice dripping with honey. He then leaned forward and stole a chaste kiss from Mikaela, who gladly returned it. But he was still shocked.

Mikaela’s grip on Yuuichirou tightened and he closed his eyes, humming into the kiss.

Honestly, they would have kept going, but Shinoa threw her duck floaty at their head.

“Knock it off you horny little shits,” She scolded with a smile, pointing at Yuuichirou. “You’re out.”

“I guess I am,” Yuuichirou said in defeat, though he still chuckled.

Mikaela could only watch in amazement as Yuuichirou swam to the edge of the pool, climbing out and hopping to the ground with a grunt. Yuuichirou tilted his head back, water running down his body, and licked his lips. He bit his lip and pulled it back, too.

This bitch.

“I’m gonna get a drink,” Yuuichirou said slowly, looking at Mikaela. “Want one for when you’re finished?”

Mikaela nodded dumbly, still at a loss for words.

He could only watch as Yuuichirou sauntered away, that smooth bastard probably still smiling.

But, the game continued.

“Marco!” Yoichi called out.

This was going to be a long night.

Even during the night the neighborhood was quiet, everyone at Shinoa’s remained the only ones who were making the most noise.

Mikaela kinda felt bad for their neighbors - but it was summer. It was like they were all teenagers again having a little fun.

At this point, intoxication washed over everyone, dancing in Shinoa’s home while her older sister was out. They then collapsed on the couches and had a long talk and a few laughs.

Mikaela found out Shinya was dating the veteran Guren Ichinose - AKA the man who had a son who left for the military a couple years back. And that son happened to be sitting in the room with them. Yuuichirou.

Coincidence? He very much thinks so. They celebrated with even more shots and shoving cans and bottles of beer down their throats.

The music was still blasting, so with beer bottles in hands - the group danced the night away until Yuuichirou asked if they could go back to Mikaela’s place when everyone started to clear out.

There were shared kisses and light laughter leaving the elevator and stumbling into Mikaela’s apartment, relieved to get out of their wet clothing, cool temperature built up craving body warmth.

Mikaela popped open the buttons of Yuuichirou’s pants, tugging them downwards and allowing Yuuichirou to step out of them. He undid the tie to his sandals, taking them off as well. Yuuichirou helps Mikaela out of his overalls - removing his top with haste in order to bring them closer, hankering for friction and body contact.

Mikaela can smell hints of strong booze on Yuuichirou’s lips, rash, smacking pecks filled with despondency. He framed Yuuichirou’s cheeks, whimpering into his mouth when Yuuichirou tugged on his bottom lip between his teeth - molding them closer together.

Settled in their underwear, Mikaela’s yearning ached that they take things further - already their intentions when they’ve walked in, after all - he wasn’t aware of his pent up frustrations until now. Until his mind started flooding with thoughts.

“Yuu-chan-” Mikaela breathed, he tries to part - only for Yuuichirou to seal their lips together and he stifles a moan, humming in attempt to part.

With the way Yuuichirou is feverently grasping his hips to coax him into surrendering - Mikaela wasn’t willing to give into his strenuous advances - not when something else he can’t push to the back of his head is on his mind…

“Wait.” Mikaela’s hands slide up Yuuichirou’s chiseled build, stopping at his shoulders.

“You wanna stop?” Yuuichirou asked with concern, Mikaela masked his worries - shaking his head.

“It’s… it’s just…” He murmurs instead, “Why me?”

It takes Yuuichirou some time to answer, comprehending those words.

“Mika.” He says, “Look at me.”

Mikaela refuses, averting his gaze. That’s until warm hands cup his cheeks - and Mikaela hesitantly returns Yuuichirou’s gaze.

“You’re not just anyone to me.” He assures Mikaela, “You’re special. To me, you’re funny, you’re smart, gorgeous, and I love spending time with you more than anything.”

With each word, Mikaela stares at him with bombshell - the dolefulness in his glimmering eyes.

“You make my time back here worth it.” Yuuichirou told Mikaela earnestly, “And you really made me enjoy these past few weeks so fucking much.”

“Oh jeez.” Mikaela’s shoulders vibrate slightly with skittish laughter, “Maybe you’re just telling me all this nonsense to make me feel special.” He playfully slaps Yuuichirou’s hand, though he continues to frame Mikaela’s cheeks firmly.

“I’m serious.” Yuuichirou claimed with sincerity. “I mean everything I say.”

“Yuu-chan.” Mikaela could feel the moisture building up in his eyes. Yuuichirou’s lips are on his again, and he returns it querulously. Their lips are moving with one another slowly, and Mikaela can feel his composure breaking, muscles turning to molten.

But his thoughts keep coming back.

Mikaela parts abruptly, backing up to sit down on his mattress.

“You’re leaving in two weeks.” Mikaela spoke gravelly, running a hand through his hair. “And I’ve been thinking about it non-stop after the night we kissed.”

“And that’s what you’re worried about?” Yuuichirou questioned stridently.

“We can’t just pretend time’s not running out, can we?” Mikaela retaliated with a bite of his own lip.

“You know what I’m thinking?” Yuuichirou makes a “tsk” noise, approaching Mikaela and bending down, his hands trailing up Mikaela’s bare thighs to reach his boyshorts. Mikaela fails to suppress the shiver that wracked through his body, mouth parting. “We use our time wisely… and spend the rest of these two weeks, as leisurely as we can…” He says, drawing the fabric further until it’s off completely.

“And if I’m still thinking about it?” Mikaela whispered, crawling back on the mattress as Yuuichirou crawls forward - deliberately challenging each other’s longing for the tactility they had lost.

“How about either of us don’t?” Yuuichirou proposed with a charming grin.

It bothered Mikaela that Yuuichirou chose not to be aware in his involvement of the matter - though he very much liked where they were now… spending quality time together, that was - hanging out and fooling around.

“I had my fingers in myself all morning.” Mikaela admonished.

“Mmm, is that so?” Yuuichirou asked, mildly disappointed that tonight they’ll be skipping some thorough prepping.

“How come you don’t look too satisfied, sir?” Mikaela chortled, asking suggestively with his knees pried apart by Yuuichirou’s hands to settle in-between his legs, Yuuichirou having slipped out of his briefs with impatience.

“Not at all.” Yuuichirou denied, Mikaela’s head collapses onto the pillows beneath him - his gaze never leaving Yuuichirou’s when his cock entered him.

“Liar.” His breath hitches, hands on Yuuichirou to hold onto for leverage. Almost teasingly, he tugged on his dog tag, hands roaming his chest.

“It makes it all the more better for me…” Yuuichirou smirked, “Though you’re still a little bit tight, you know…”

Mikaela’s fingernails dig into Yuuichirou’s back, admiring his glorious tanned skin, accommodating his length as he lets out a sharp gasp. He expected to be more looser, supposing that he should’ve waited until later to do so… not that this was a daily routine.

“That’s it, baby.” Yuuichirou groaned, “All you oughta do is breathe into your body,” He husks, pushing in further - allowing Mikaela to adjust to his cock, “Once you shut off your brain… and don’t think about anything.”

Their ragged breaths mingle in with one another, Mikaela’s increasingly vocal as he tightens his grip on Yuuichirou’s shoulders, feeling Yuuichirou’s heavy breathing against his neck.

“You feel me inside of you?” He murmured, “Yeah?”

Mikaela responds with an obscenely wavering moan.

“Close your eyes for me.” Yuuichirou orders fondly - on instinct, Mikaela’s eyes flutter shut with pure bliss. “And this is why me fucking you is the best stress reliever there is.”

Swelter concealed their bodies - Yuuichirou’s stagnant pacing - his swivelling propulsion firmly grounding his hips. He rasps, deprived of the feeling of Mikaela’s tight walls, closing and constricting around his thick cock.

“Mmm, just how persistent are you?” Mikaela moaned, his breathy pants hitching with each thrust - Yuuichirou burying himself deeper and deeper inside of him.

Overwhelmed by the sensation, the mattress starting to creak - his mouth parted wider when Yuuichirou’s fingers tangle within his hair, soft golden locks slipping off his fingers trailing to his cheeks.

Mikaela cherished these lovemaking sessions.

Another time they would be hasty in hopes of getting Yuuichirou sheathed inside him as quickly as possible in the most barbarous but gratifying of ways, and sometimes he’d prefer Yuuichirou like this, leisurely slipping in and out of him as if they had all the time in the world.

Tears were brimming in his eyes, realizing that soon he would no longer experience the blissful happiness he’s had ever since he met Yuuichirou.

“I love you.” He finds himself insinuating in a whisper.

Yuuichirou stops moving. His throbbing member pulsating inside of him, filling Mikaela to the brim. Momentarily, he stares into Mikaela’s eyes, either simply drinking in his features or contemplating.

Mikaela started to worry that he said something wrong. Those words were strong, piercing like daggers to the heart. And disappointment washed over him, knowing that it was probably too soon.

With pleading eyes, shimmering with aphrodisia and sentiment - he hoped that Yuuichirou would say something.

Anything.

Please.

There’s silence, other than their heavy breathing and the incandescence that made Mikaela’s stomach coil, he braced himself for the lack of response that followed by his confession. There it was.

Yuuichirou responds with a rigid thrust, Mikaela’s hands scramble for purchase - he lets out a treble, shameless moan, allowing Yuuichirou to callously rock into him over and over.

Not even the mind-numbing sensitivity and pleasure that washed over him could replace the heavy conviction Mikaela felt - but regardless, he screams Yuuichirou’s name brokenly, closely reaching his edge, entrapping Yuuichirou with his hips, encasing his thighs to accommodate Yuuichirou in-between them.

Yuuichirou’s nails grasp Mikaela’s thighs, with a muffled shout he cums inside of him - the warmth spilling into Mikaela makes him arch his back and cry out.

All he asks is for Yuuichirou to stay.

Mikaela knew he couldn’t for as long as he wished him to - but tonight, all he wants is nothing more to hold Yuuichirou close.

The days spent at work with gloom hanging over Mikaela’s head were unbearable. He could barely focus on his tasks, nor could he even think straight. The hours of ‘completing his duties’ where just spent with him staring at a wall, blank expression resting on his face – wiping down one table for twenty minutes before doing the same with others. Only able to think, What the fuck did I get myself into?

To say he was pissed was an understatement.

To say he was sad was a pile of bullshit.

Mikaela was far past that – hurt deep down to the core so badly that it felt like he was shattered. Though on the outside he forced a smile, especially with his customers, he was broken on the inside.

Left in pieces much like broken glass – pieces so small, scattered, and seemingly impossible to be put back together without a lot of time and effort. Which Mikaela had none of. 

How stupid could be be? Confessing his love… during sex. Even Mikaela couldn't believe he did that – well, that was a lie. It was true, he was in love. He was an idiot in love with hopeless feelings bubbling up inside of him. The only stupid thing he did was confessing those feelings to Yuuichirou of all people.

Mikaela thought he was a gentleman. He thought Yuuichirou was kind, honestly, charming - a good person. But now - oh, now - Mikaela just wanted to slap him so hard, Yuuichirou would see stars.

Don’t get Mikaela wrong, he still held feelings for Yuuichirou.

But Yuuichirou was such an infuriating ass, so it seemed.

One who led him on, played with his feelings – all to leave him in the end.

Or maybe Yuuichirou felt the same way, but just… couldn't do anything because he had to leave…

Whatever it was, Mikaela was still pissed off. And hurt - so very, very hurt. But honestly, it made more sense to go with the first idea: that Yuuichirou was just playing him. Because that’s what it felt like, and he didn’t know what else to believe.

Mikaela hated that one thought of Yuuichirou sent a wave of despair over his body though.

“Mikaela?”

Mitsuba’s voice snapped Mikaela out of his thoughts, making him raise his head and freeze since he was no longer wiping the table. Mikaela’s blue eyes scanned the room until he turned his head to look at Mitsuba, who was standing next to the front counter with two plates – one in each hand.

“Yeah?”

“Help me carry these out to table four?”

Mikaela blinked at Mitsuba in confusion, watching her raise an eyebrow, before nodding and walking forward.

“Yeah, of course,” Mikaela said with a small smile – it's luminosity faded just a bit. And even though he still felt like a mess, he still shuffled forward with open arms and eagerly took the two plates of food from Mitsuba. A part of him was hoping that doing something other than cleaning would take his mind off Yuuichirou. “Is this all?”

Mitsuba rolled her shoulders once Mikaela took the dishes from her hands. “Yeah, I’ll just put the other four dishes on that big-ass black tray we have somewhere in the kitchen and carry it out on that.”

“You need any help?” Mikaela inquired.

Mitsuba shook her head. “Nah, I got it. Just wait up? I'll show you where the table is.”

Mikaela’s eyebrows furrowed. “I thought you said it was for table four?”

“It is,” Mitsuba sighed, “but for some fucking reason Mahiru moved it outside.”

“But that’s where like… table eighteen and nineteen are,” commented Mikaela with bewilderment.

“Yeah, but since it’s still the hottest time of the year Mahiru wanted it outside for large parties and shit,” grumbled Mitsuba. “But she still wants to call it ‘table four’ so all the other numbering doesn't get fucked up.”

“Ah, I see,” Mikaela said slowly, though he was still trying to process how random it was. “Then I’ll just wait here…” He finished with a nod.

Mitsuba flashed Mikaela a wink before turning on her heels and disappearing into the kitchen – leaving Mikaela alone in front of the counter, awkwardly rocking back and forth on his feet. Mikaela carefully watched Mitsuba through the kitchen’s narrow window, where food was usually pushed out, until Mitsuba successfully found the tray.

“Got it!” She called out, Mikaela sending her a victory whistle and grin. He watched her walk out with pride, pile the plates of food onto the large tray, then push pass the counter and go to his side.

“Ready?” Mitsuba asked, slightly out of breath.

“I should be asking you that,” Mikaela teased lightly, the corner of his eyes wrinkling with his large smile.

Mitsuba’s response to that was flipping him off - given with her free hand while she balanced the plates on her right forearm.

“Come on, let’s just get going,” She continued after rolling her eyes, walking across the room with  Mikaela trailing behind her.

Their plates clattered as they moved against the room, their shoe’s heels clicking along with them. Both Mikaela and Mitsuba fidgeted as they walked through, the summer’s still aggressive heat making their clothes stick to their skin while they wore uncomfortable expressions - knowing that once they stepped out the doors and went outside to give the customers their food, it was only going to get worse.

Great, Mikaela thought with grim, head snapping to the side when he heard clapping.

“There they go,” Shinoa called out, the rag once in her hand slung over her shoulder. “Our brave heros. Taking food outside in this nasty-ass heat.”

“ Language ,” Mahiru scolded from the kitchen.

“Yeah, language,” both Mikaela and Mitsuba teased - Mitsuba working on getting the door open as she grinned and juggled the large tray with one arm.

Shinoa only rolled her eyes before throwing her arms up in defeat, sauntering over to the door where her two companions were with the sway of her hips.

“Need a hand, you two?” Shinoa asked with a smirk, flipping her hair and opening her arms to the side - waiting with fake patience.

Mikaela’s eyes narrowed.

“No-”

“Please-”

Mikaela’s head snapped to the side to look at Mitsuba, who spoke at the same time.

He babbled for a moment in disbelief, blinking in confusion as he regained the balance of the plates in his hands.

“Seriously?” Mikaela asked, jaw low.

“I can't open the door, and you can't either,” grumbled Mitsuba. “It’s either Shinoa or we need to ask Mahiru to come over–”

“Shinoa’s fine,” Mikaela wheezed, taking a step back to let Shinoa through – who wore a cocky smirk and walk forward while swaying.

“You’re welcome, your highnesses,” Shinoa teased as she pulled one of the doors open, Mitsuba beginning to go outside and grin because of the temperature.

“It’s still hell out here,” Mitsuba complained, freezing in place once she was outside in an attempt to adjust to the heat. “How can anyone even sit out here and eat without melting?”

“Who fucking knows,” Shinoa said with a shrug, raising her hand to motion around her face. “I sure as hell ain’t ‘cause of the fucking cake of makeup I have on my face.”

“Same,” Mikaela chipped with a snort, he too taking a few steps forward. “Wish us luck.”

Shinoa suddenly saluted. Mikaela cringed, then froze.

“Hope you two return from the heat war out there, make sure not to melt,” Shinoa said with a wink, and though Mitsuba giggled and nodded - Mikaela was far gone.

War...

The thought of Yuuichirou made its way back into Mikaela’s mind as quick as an ice cube would melt on the sidewalk - especially in that heat. Too fucking fast.

Why did Yuuichirou have to do this to him? Why did Mikaela have to be so head-over-heels for someone who pulled away so quickly? He felt like such an idiot… The amount of embarrassment he felt was beyond belief. Mikaela could barely focus. His world became fuzzy for a moment-

As he took one step.

Then took another.

And soon all the food in Mikaela’s hands were crashing down to the floor.

Shinoa jumped back with a scream, Mitsuba rushed forward and spun with the twirl of her hair.

“Jesus,” Shinoa rasped, placing a hand over her chest - staring down at the food and broken plates which laid on the ground. “You good?”

“The heat finally getting to you?” Mitsuba asked slowly, clicking her tongue and looking to the side. “Yo, but seriously. I gotta get this food to the table.”

Mikaela swallowed nervously and nodded, face pale.

“Yeah, yeah,” Shinoa waved Mitsuba off, speaking slowly as she looked at Mikaela intensely. “I’ll help Mikaela clean up while you do that.”

“I’ll tell Mahiru about the two meals once I come back,” said Mitsuba before walking away.

However, Mikaela barely noticed and could only stare down at the food with a blank face.

I fucked up, didn’t I? He thought, licking his lips before jumping back in shock - Shinoa patting his shoulder scaring Mikaela senseless.

“Dude,” Shinoa shook Mikaela some more. “You with me?”

“Yeah, yeah…” Mikaela said, voice wavering. “I just- I’m sorry.”

“Don’t sweat it,” Shinoa said with a gentle voice. “Do you feel bad?”

Mikaela forced out a laugh, running a hand through his hair before dropping to the ground to begin to pick up the pieces of broken glass on the ground - trying to brush off the many stares he got which bore into his skin and sent fire across his body.

“I’m okay, really.”

Shinoa opened her mouth to speak, reaching down hesitantly but then retracting her arm.

“Right…” She mumbled, studying Mikaela closely before spinning on her heels and walking towards the counter. Her face was quick as she moved with purpose, drumming her hands against the wooden counter before peeking her head through the door to peer into the kitchen.

Colorful foods decorated the countertops while sweet and spicy smells drifted into Shinoa’s nose, making her chest rise as she inhaled deeply. Shinoa’s eyes scanned the room until they locked on Mahiru - who was standing next to a closet which led to her office while talking to one of the chefs.

“Mahi,” Shinoa said as she jogged forward. “I need a favor.”

Mahiru’s eyes flicked to the side, finishing her conversation with the man before turning towards Shinoa. “What’s up?”

“Mika just dropped two plates on the way out.”

“Well fuck,” Mahiru cursed as she ran a hand through her hair. She suddenly took a deep breath, as if she was going to call for Mikaela, but Shinoa waved her hand and cut her off.

“No, no, no,” Shinoa said in a rush, panicked. “Lemme take him on break, will you? He needs to calm down. He spent forty-five fucking minutes for him to clean down one table.”

“Is something wrong..?”

Shinoa paused. “Yeah, I think he’s having some personal issues.”

“He can take the rest of the day off if he needs to,” Mahiru said with a frown. “I mean, we’re not even busy.”

“But if he’s stressed he probably wants to work,” Shinoa grumbled, crossing her hands over her chest. “I know him, he’s a stubborn little shit.”

“Tell me about it,” chimed Mahiru. “Why do you want a break with him though?”

“To knock some sense into him.”

Mahiru hesitated and leaned back a bit as she thought.

“Please, please,” begged Shinoa, fluttering her eyelashes. “I promise I’m serious this time.”

“Last time you requested something like this, you and Mikaela got two liters of soda and snuck outside to see who could chug it faster,” Mahiru retorted, eying Shinoa suspiciously as she tapped her foot against the polished tile.

“It was a one time thing,” said Shinoa with a plea.

“Mhm, sure.”

“You can trust me this time,” Shinoa grumbled. “Unless you want Mika to keep being a clumsy mess all day. You’re gonna have to buy a shit-ton of more plates.”

Letting out a loud groan Mahiru suddenly dropped her head and groaned. “You can have a twenty minute break. But Mika can go home if he’d like. We can hold down the fort here.”

“Sweet,” said Shinoa with a small fist pump, shooting a wink at Mahiru as she spun on her heels. Shinoa finished in a sing-song voice, “Thank you-!”

“Don’t mention it,” Mahiru grumbled, watching Shinoa skip away - out into the main room. “Really, don’t. Knowing you two hooligans are out together is only gonna stress me out even more.”

Shinoa flipped her hair as a response.

With purpose she leaned down, picking up the fallen broom behind the front counter before strutting over to Mikaela while twirling it - slapping his ass with it once Shinoa was close enough. And, when Mikaela wobbled forward and yelped, Shinoa giggled and reached out to place a hand on his shoulder. She quickly pulled him up, looking at the broken plates in his arms before rolling her eyes.

“You could have waited,” Shinoa said with a grin, still twirling the broom around.

Mikaela shrugged. “I mean, I got the bigger pieces no problem.”

“I can sweep up the rest while you get a rag for the messy food?” Shinoa suggested, smile widening when Mikaela nodded and smiled - walking away to get a clean rag from the supply room after throwing away the broken plates.

“You didn’t cut yourself, right?” Shinoa called out as she began sweeping the floors, Mikaela in the corner of her eye as he dug through the closet in search of a rag.

“No, I think I’m good,” Mikaela responded, raising his hands for a minute just to double check. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

Shinoa pursed her lips. “And you’re sure that you’re feeling well?”

“Never been better.”

“Well, that’s a little too far,” She commented, watching Mikaela walk back with low shoulders.

“I don’t know what you want me to say…” Mikaela said quietly, meekly, as if he was scared of his own voice. “I don’t even really know how I feel.”

“Then just say the first thing that comes to mind, I’ll listen.”

Mikaela paused, watching Shinoa squat down to carefully sweep up the food into the tray. Mikaela did the same, getting on his knees to wipe down the floor.

“I guess… I’m just sad…”

“About?”

Mikaela cleared his throat. “I think I just lost someone for good.”

“Mika, listen, you’re not fooling me,” Shinoa said sternly, looking at her friend. “We talked about this at the party, remember? You and Yuuichirou.”

“I guess you can see right through me,” said Mikaela with a small laugh. “‘Cause that really is what’s bugging me.”

“About him leaving? Is that all?” Shinoa asked slowly.

Mikaela couldn’t stop himself from wincing. “Kind of…”

“You know, he could come back afterwards. Stay for a bit longer… You could catch up some more then, if that’s what you really want.”

Scoffing, Mikaela stopped moving his wrist - pausing his cleaning. He glanced to the side and looked at Shinoa with glassy eyes. “I doubt that.”

“He seems to really like you though,” Shinoa insisted.

“I thought so, too.”

“What’s that supposed to mean? I don’t think he’s never gonna wanna see you again,” said Shinoa with desperation. “You two got along so well.”

“I-” Mikaela choked on his own voice. “I said something to him. I… I really think I messed it all up.”

Shinoa stuttered, standing up and waving her arms around. “Well, what does that mean?”

“You don’t wanna know,” Mikaela said with a cringe.

“Try me.”

There was a moment of silence.

“I sprung the ‘L’ word on him,” Mikaela deadpanned, standing up and brushing himself off.

Shinoa gasped, mouth falling slightly. “Well, shit,” she said, but then shook her head. “Wait, that’s a bad thing?”

“Apparently so, because when I said it he fell dead-silent,” Mikaela finished, turning to the side and grumbling because of the rag stained with oranges, reds, and greens - all because of the mess he made. Thankfully it was cleaned up, so he began to walk back to the supply closet to toss it in the dirty bin.

“Fuck, no.”

“Yeah, really,” Mikaela said, swinging the door up while gritting his teeth. “I… I really thought he felt the same way.”

“Dipshit,” Shinoa mumbled under her breath, beginning to trail behind Mikaela. “And… you’re sure he didn’t say it back?”

“I think I would have heard,” said Mikaela in a sharp voice.

Shinoa took a step back and raised her hands up in surrender. “Look, I’m not trying to get on you about this. I’m only trying to listen and support you as much as I can.”

Mikaela took a deep breath, nodding slowly.

“I’m sorry… I know you are, I’m just being a dick…” He said, voice wavering as he stuffed his hands into his apron’s pockets. “I just really don’t know what to do. I haven’t seen or heard from him since it happened and…” he trailed off, looking down to his hide his now glossy eyes.

“You haven’t talked to him?”

“I don’t even know what to say,” said Mikaela with bleakness, desperation. “I feel like I really messed up… but I just wanna know how he feels. If he was just leading me on or if there was something more.”

Shinoa nodded, reaching out to suddenly drag Mikaela into a tight hug.

“Then you need to tell him that, just ask,” She said slowly. “Because unless that soldier is an actor, I don’t know what’s up. It was pretty clear that there was a spark between you two, in my opinion.”

“If there was, then how could he disregard it so easily?” Mikaela asked, voice cracking before he buried his face in the crook of Shinoa’s neck.

“Maybe there’s something he isn’t saying…” Shinoa whispered, ignoring the clattering of dishes and people around them. “You’re scared, aren’t you?”

Mikaela shuffled and nodded. “Of course…”

“Then maybe he is, too?” Suggested Shinoa, smiling weakly though Mikaela couldn’t see it. Her eyes filled with tears as well, the anguish radiating off of Mikaela piercing her heart as well. “I’m sure this is a lot, but there has to be a reason. You just need to get it out of him.”

Swallowing nervously, Mikaela closed his eyes and just listened. He tried to clear his swarming mind - pushing the nagging thoughts to the side so he could just hug his friend tightly. Shinoa swayed, and Mikaela did, too. Mikaela really did trust Shinoa with all his heart and soaked in everything she said. After all, their long history together gave him reason to.

“I’ll try…” Mikaela said after a period of silence, biting his bottom lip and pulling away slightly - just enough to see Shinoa’s face. “But I don’t even know where to start.”

“Maybe just,” Shinoa paused, “send him a text?”

“But when?”

“Now?” Shinoa said, glancing around the room. “Mahiru said you could have the rest of the day off if you needed it. Just to clear your head. You could even send the text now.”

Mikaela groaned out loud and let his head drop. “You know how I hate taking days off.”

Shinoa giggled. “I know, it’s fucking weird. I would kill for a day-break.”

“I think I’ll just stay,” Mikaela said, playfully sticking his tongue out at Shinoa before sniffling his nose - trying to regain his composure. “I’ll only stress about it more if I go home and do nothing.”

“You’re right, but you can’t break any more plates or Mahiru will have your ass,” Shinoa pointed out with a grin.

“Ugh, don’t remind me,” laughed Mikaela. “I’ll be fine, I’ll be fine.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah…” Mikaela trailed off, taking a deep breath. “Thank you for letting me talk to you though.”

“Don’t mention it,” Shinoa said and licked her lips. “And hey, I’ll be here if you need me, okay? I could even be with you when you text him.”

“That… that would be nice…” Mikaela said honestly. “After work?”

“Sounds like a plan. Meet me outside and we could do it then?” She suggested, beaming when Mikaela nodded. “Alright, I got you with my moral support.”

“Thanks,” Mikaela said with slight sarcasm, waving her off before taking a few steps back. “You’re the best.”

“Tell me something I don’t know-”

“Shinoa-!”

Mikaela and Shinoa’s head snapped to the side to see a fuming Mahiru impatiently tapping her foot against the ground while wearing a glare.

“Yeah?” Shinoa asked, confused for a moment.

Mahiru’s expression remained the same. “The sugar in the salt shakers prank needs to stop,” She growled in annoyance. “Now come in here and help me change the ones you switched back.”

Mikaela snorted.

Shinoa giggled.

“I gotchu gooood-!” Shinoa said while fluttering her eyelashes, giving Mikaela one last pat on the shoulder before backing away.

“I’ll see you tonight then.”

“Right…”

“Just a few more hours, you’ll be okay,” Shinoa promised, hopping towards Mahiru only to get whacked on the back of the head.

Mikaela nodded and watched with a smile, but he was still unsettled. Sure, he had a plan and that comforted him a bit, but he was still at a loss for what he should text Yuuichirou.

So, as he continued with his tasks, his mind was constantly working - trying to come up with a plan that would perfectly express his emotions. Mikaela just hoped Yuuichirou would listen to him.

The night couldn’t have came sooner.

With some coaxing from Shinoa, it took Mikaela a while to send Yuuichirou a text. Turns out, he was busy as well. Unnervingly, it doesn’t change the fact that rather than using the little time they have left they were spending it apart from each other.

And Mikaela didn’t realize how much that affected him until now.

He came into work and clocked in, working his shift as usual on a regular from morning to night. Aware that he hasn’t gotten a reply from Yuuichirou since the night before.

Shinoa was giving him a knowing look the whole time.

“Listen.” She said. “If he’s not gonna grab a hold of his balls and come and see you before he leaves I will-”

“It’s alright.” Mikaela intervened.

He should have expected this.

He should’ve braced himself for this outcome. After all, Yuuichirou is a soldier. When he departs on leave before his next tour, it’s only normal to start searching and craving someone to take home for the night. With the heavy stress endured it isn’t uncommon to want an outlet for relief.

But it wasn’t just a one night stand, a quick fuck and leave - there was so much more to it. But why now Yuuichirou decides to just drop it all?

Is this how a man would end it all? Without saying a single word? Oh, Mikaela truly was upset. Because the nerve of Yuuichirou to allow Mikaela to give himself to the other without his feelings being reciprocated in return…

He couldn’t help but feel so helpless. Agreeing to this mess and if he had resisted Yuuichirou’s charms, maybe if he tried hard enough to turn away from them… he blamed himself for being so desperate, coming back for more and more, and falling into a deep abyss where he could no longer make a decision for the right or wrong.

It made him feel used. And all kinds of dirty, that he drew himself into something he wasn’t prepared will never last…

He tried to muster up a smile and mask his true emotions, serving customers and making light conversation with his co-workers.

Shinoa lent him a cigarette to escape to the back for a good five minutes Mahiru allowed - blessed by the Gods because only Shinoa knew his stress levels had reached his peak being suffocated inside the restaurant. He’d dispose of the cigarette later on, as it wasn’t a habit Mikaela picked up on, only in times of desperate need to release some steam.

He took a drag and exhaled into the polluted air clouding the clear skies, reminiscing of a time where he would wait out the restaurant to watch Yuuichirou take a smoke break, and sometimes, they’d share a cigarette.

The summer heat was endless, Mikaela wiping at his chest - where there was a glimpse of a floral tattoo - a rose, and a beautiful color of crimson, the budding stems vibrant. Yuuichirou said he liked them once. It was small, but pretty, he said.

He couldn’t deny it.

He needed Yuuichirou more than anything. Unable to recall a time he was drawn to a man. He was charming, intelligent, mysterious, cunning and alluring… and the interest he showed in Mikaela - Mikaela swore it was more than just a desire to get in bed with him.

He could be perceptive like that, but for the first time in ages - he’s doubting it. Doubting that Yuuichirou ever felt something more.

Mikaela started to lose hope after that.

Until his phone beeped, heavy exertion wearing over him back in his apartment after a long day. He sat up in his bed, the rotating fan on high setting - drawing out a heavy breath when the screen brightened up, showing a familiar set of digits on the screen.

It would’ve said Yuuichirou’s name, but he removed his name from his contacts a while ago. Disappointingly, the numbers Mikaela mesmerized by heart, and it was hard to forget.

> Are you home?

> Because I’m coming in

Mikaela’s eyes locked on his keyboard, fingers tapping away.

I’m not opening the door for you_  

His fingers stopped, the text bubble that would’ve appeared in response - disappearing. But on Yuuichirou’s end… he seemed to have been clear with his intentions on beating Mikaela to it. Anticipating Mikaela wouldn’t even reply at all.

> You always leave your key under the floormat, so pardon the intrusion

Mikaela hears the sound of a door creaking open. He froze, sitting there - frozen in the darkness of his bedroom, light left off - he could hear the staggered breath that leaves his lips.

He couldn’t just sit here and pretend he wasn’t home, as both him and Yuuichirou knew Mikaela was. However, Yuuichirou was the last person he expected to see.

Mikaela dreaded leaving his bed, bare feet padding against the ground as he entered the living room - reluctant to return Yuuichirou’s penitent gaze.

“I talked to your manager.” Yuuichirou started, “And she said your shift ended a while ago… so I figured I’d stop by.” He held up Mikaela’s key, “Good thing I’m not a burglar, so this doesn’t count as me breakin’ in if you didn’t necessarily give me your consent.” He set it on the table.

Mikaela’s mind ran at a thousand miles per second, figuring out a way he should start this off.

“Did I misunderstand?” He asked apprehensively, “Like your advances towards me, ever since we’ve been spending time together, was I not supposed to take it more seriously than I have?”

Yuuichirou hesitates, shaking his head with remorse.

“‘S not that at all.” Yuuichirou answered earnestly, “The truth is, I’ve made a mistake. I think that’s it.”

Mikaela frowned, “So,” He sputtered out a laugh, “Coming into the restaurant, flirting with me and getting my number, was that such a bad thing or something?” He quipped, a hint of bitterness in his tone.

“ Everything I’ve done with you was a mistake.” Yuuichirou delineated, keeping his voice low. “Spending time with you and getting caught up in all of this. And it’s my fault for not realizing and stopping myself sooner.”

Mikaela takes time to comprehend these words, and he respires, his jaw clenching. “Look.” He said thickly, “Whatever that ‘I have a thing for blondes’ stunt was, if that’s your thing, I hope you realize you chose the wrong one to fuck with.”

“And you’re right.” Yuuichirou paced into the kitchen, placing a hand on the counter. “And you have every right to be pissed at me, I get it.”

“You’re leaving in three days.” Mikaela followed after Yuuichirou, his reminder came out more heatedly than he had hoped, but his blood was already boiling. “You know, lately, I realized how you tended to act like it’s nothing that you’ll be gone so quickly, just like that, and how stupid enough I was to believe you’d actually consider dating me. But your plan was to come and break it off so I could take the hint after you spent some time by yourself and pretend what we had was nothing.”

Yuuichirou exhaled through his nose, piercing emerald eyes locked on Mikaela. “You think doing this shit is easy for me?”

“If you’re an asshole, I suppose it’s what you usually do so it’s the opposite of difficult for you, definitely.” Mikaela shot back. “If this was just gonna be a one time thing, you could’ve done a better job making it clear, I would’ve been happen to oblige and end things if it were that simple.”

“I never said I wanted to end things.” Yuuichirou explained, “The problem is, is that I don’t .” He stated candidly.

“Sure seems like it from how you’ve been evading me these past few days.” Mikaela placed a hand on his hips, “So did you expect to just disappear just like that?”

“Why didn’t you speak up and tell me something?” Yuuichirou retaliated, “Are you just as eager to let this go?”

“Don’t turn it on me now.” Mikaela negates, “I texted you because I want to see you, because I miss you, and because I don’t want you to go and break it off without saying a single word.”

“And you know why that’s a problem?” Yuuichirou inquires with indignation, “Because the more I spend time with you I’m gonna want you for that.”

Mikaela is at a loss of words, eyes broadening - and he has a difficult time letting those words run through his head.

“I’m afraid of getting attached.” Yuuichirou confessed. “So, so afraid. Because there’s something about you that draws me to you, something that weighs heavy against my doubts and fears and makes me act on my desires.” He caught his bottom lip between his teeth, carefully carding his fingers through his hair before he continued.

“You know that I’d ever shut you out even if you are afraid.” Mikaela claimed with conjure, “What I feel for you won’t get in-between your duties and I don’t want to pressure you on anything, I’d more than anything like to compromise.”

“You don’t get it.” Yuuichirou rubbed his chin. “There’s something about you…” He repeated. Taking a short pause.

“You’re just so Goddamn beautiful, gorgeous, you’re… you’re sassy and sharp , and I find that charming and sexy to the point where it makes you dangerous, and the more I spend time with you and I can’t stay away.” He paced around briefly, “And I’ve seen that in someone like you once, and keeping my distance only ended up hurting the both of us in the end, I can’t have that shit happen again. That’s why I vowed to myself I ain’t getting attached, but I have a thing for breaking my damn promises.”

“Someone like me.” Mikaela repeated. “It won’t be hurting me as much if you’re leaving me.” He retorts, “It will be hurting me if you leave without telling me goodbye.”

“It already hurts me that I have to.” Mikaela tenses at Yuuichirou’s response, and he approaches Mikaela, voice dropping an octave, acrimony present in his tone.

“You’re irresistible, someone I find myself incredibly attracted to how enchanting, how dangerous, and chaotic … it’s like you’re a vixen and you have no fucking idea how plain sexy I find that.” Yuuichirou murmured, Mikaela’s breath hitching at Yuuichirou’s risque ambiance. The air felt heavy in the room, rising calidity and the distance between them, the nearness tantalizing.

“Not only I just wanna do bad things with you,” Yuuichirou laughed racy, “I wanna do more things, but I’m afraid that if I keep this up, I won’t be able to stop myself.”

Mikaela’s breathing shortened, as he lightly placed his palms on Yuuichirou’s chest for a shove.

“Then do something.” He tempts, fingers grasping on Yuuichirou’s dog tag. “Do something, soldier.” He persuades, “I command you to take me in the kitchen right now,” He whispers in Yuuichirou’s ear.

Yuuichirou is the first to draw Mikaela close by silencing him with a firm kiss, keeping it chaste before he pulls away, hands framing Mikaela’s cheeks.

They both share a capricious gaze, and Yuuichirou seals their lips together once more, this time when their lips attach - rugged as it slowly becomes feverish, frenzied in alacrity to feel the warmth one another. The body contact Mikaela craved , abdication washing over him when his fingers grazed over Yuuichirou’s cheeks, tongues drawing in an entanglement when they run down his neck and shoulders.

Yuuichirou’s hands do the same, wandering over Mikaela’s frame - sliding from his rear, and waist up, tugging him closer to mold their bodies imminently.

Mikaela works on ripping open the buttons of Yuuichirou’s flannel, shrugging it off his shoulders, fingers reaching for the hem of the tight black tank top under. He pulled it over Yuuichirou’s head, their smacking pecks don’t falter - lips never retracting when Yuuichirou pops open the button of Mikaela’s shorts, his cardigan sliding down with ease, revealing the cropped tank he wore for the second time.

“I think I’m in love with you too.” Yuuichirou breathed, “And that’s why the thought of having to go scares me.”

“Don’t be.” Mikaela cupped Yuuichirou’s cheeks to capture his lips in a searing, languid kiss, biting Yuuichirou’s bottom lip and tugging lightly, “I can prove to you how good I can be for you.”

He can prove he isn’t just like the people who Yuuichirou may have broken off things with. He can prove he isn’t like anyone else.

He can feel how Yuuichirou’s arms were fastened solidly around him when their lips move in perfect synchronization, for a moment - their kisses are tender, until it falls back into it’s sloppily coordination prior, bodies like magnets, aching with want and yearning for touch.

Mikaela helped Yuuichirou work the button open of his jeans, simply pushing them down before Yuuichirou opted to remove Mikaela’s shorts completely, helping Mikaela slip out of them. Their mingled, gravid breaths are the only things that could be heard.

Mikaela gasped with carnality when Yuuichirou hoisted him up competently, legs enveloping Yuuichirou’s waist and an arm hooked at his neck lifting his hips to permit Yuuichirou to gladly yanking off his briefs, nippy air hitting his hardening erection, already flushed and leaking with precum.

“This is how you expected things to turn out when I walked in?” Yuuichirou grates, with coercion, he forces Mikaela’s thighs apart and tugs him closer, putting two fingers into his own mouth to coat them with saliva, trailing up Mikaela’s thighs and prodding at his puckered hole, bearing in with haste.

Mikaela moaned raucous and ribald, “It’s the only way to make you stay.” He confessed with despondency. Crying out at the belligerent push and pull of Yuuichirou’s fingers, promptly hooking his wrist and Yuuichirou groans with impatience, Mikaela’s tightness impossible to loosen no matter how thoroughly he stretched him out.

Prepping fell short, as Mikaela writhed under the ministrations - Yuuichirou’s fingers were never enough no matter how long they were inside him.

He reached a hand to palm and stroke, pumping at Yuuichirou’s throbbing cock, extending his thighs further apart and pushing aside items carelessly placed along the kitchen counter.

Panting, lips hovering over Yuuichirou’s ear - he didn’t have to pull back to tell Yuuichirou what he wanted. His actions a silent plea, the moment he removed his hand Yuuichirou sheathed inside Mikaela, driving up his tight heat and rasping heavily once Mikaela constricted, tossing his head back and arching.

He groaned with fervor, and his response is enough to coax Yuuichirou to move. The counter shakes, rattling as Mikaela has a hand placed on the edge for leverage, the other tightly wrapped around Yuuichirou’s neck, teeth grated together feeling Yuuichirou’s breath hot on his neck, bodies rocking together in an asperous manner.

Unable to contain the noises spilling from his lips, he’s moaning out waveringly and bawdy - treble and high-pitched gasps, hands search for skin - carding his fingers through Yuuichirou’s hair, soon, they start clawing at his back and neck, and Yuuichirou groans ferociously, the pain inflicted eliciting nearly a growl building up the incandescence in the spur of the moment.

Their foreheads bump together, closing the distance between them. However, with their tongues entwining messily, they often parted to take a breather, mouths simply hovering over one another. Mikaela’s body jerked with the ramming of Yuuichirou’s cock inside of him, and Mikaela’s beginning to slip off the counter.

Yuuichirou lost his durability when Mikaela slips off the edge, and he’s stumbling backwards - both falling to hit the ground beneath them against the edge of the counter. Mikaela scrambles on top of Yuuichirou with potency, heaving himself up to sink down on Yuuichirou’s pulsating erection, stability to increase the overwhelming pleasure mind-numbing for them both.

Mikaela kissed Yuuichirou hard, with teeth clanking together, “Please stay.” He implored, the right words to utter out even though his head was spinning, although - he badly wanted to say, don’t go.

It was far too late to selfishly demand such things, here he was - bouncing on Yuuichirou’s cock with greed and throwing his arms around Yuuichirou tightly as if he were to slip away from his grasp, letting go and never coming back. Disappearing out of sight.

He realized how much he was dangerously attached as well and how deeply he fell - safe to say, he isn’t ashamed. His heart pounding madly with desire, Yuuichirou’s hands gripping firmly on his hips.

Mikaela’s backbone grew feeble, bleakness made his eyes moist - tears threatening to spill, pooling in his eyes making them shimmer with dejection.

He moans brokenly, startled when Yuuichirou lifts him up and his back hits solid ground. His arm finds Yuuichirou’s neck to loop around, lips connect briefly before Mikaela’s thighs are raised. He is unable to brace for when Yuuichirou’s cock slides back inside with ease, slick with his precum - and Mikaela can feel himself being sent over the edge with Yuuichirou’s fastening pace.

“I never wanna hurt you.” Yuuichirou whispered, and he sounds wrecked, breathless - Mikaela wailing with need , “Never again.”

“Yuu-chan!” He sobbed, caring less about his rapid rise of volume, Yuuichirou’s bristly thrusts at his prostate caused him to see stars.

Soon he won’t be able to feel Yuuichirou this close.

Be filled - be wanted - be loved.

He wanted this moment to last, instead - his worries of their time coming to an end were flooding his mind, even if his drawn out, filthy moans - drew Yuuichirou to climax first, cum spilling inside him in thick spurts and leaking onto the kitchen floor, they came back to creep up on him and weren’t planning on leaving anytime soon.

But he tries to ignore them, the bliss that he felt when Yuuichirou’s hips slowly stuttered out of time, propulsion and a squeeze of the supple flesh of Mikaela’s ass by Yuuichirou’s sturdy hand had him shooting ropes of cum between them, decorating his abdomen followed shortly after Yuuichirou’s release.

Mikaela’s hand is creeping to softly rest on Yuuichirou’s cheeks, Yuuichirou’s forehead resting on his.

“I wanna make this work.” Yuuichirou declared, the two of them catching their breath - the sweat beading down their foreheads, wallowing in the warmth provided.

“We can.” Mikaela exhales shakily, closing his eyes - allowing a single tear to escape. “If you can trust me, I’ll trust you.”

Yuuichirou responds by carefully pulling out, burying his head in the crook of Mikaela’s neck.

Mikaela hears a faint chuckle, the vibrations on top of him belonging to Yuuichirou.

“I’ll try.” He murmured.

Somewhat, relief washes over Mikaela. And he thinks that maybe he could be able to forgive Yuuichirou.

Crisp black shirt spread over his chest tightly.

Blue jeans hugging his waist.

Dog tag shining as it rested over his chest.

Mikaela drank in the sight of Yuuichirou in front of him as they stood under the fluorescent lights of the airport.

His chest rose and fell slowly – millions of thoughts racing through Mikaela’s head as he stared up into Yuuichirou’s eyes with gleaming hope. Though, Mikaela found it hard to really process anything. It didn't feel like he was in the airport, standing in front of Yuuichirou only feet away from his gate as he prepared to send him off.

No, Mikaela barely paid attention to that.

Instead he just stood there while taking deep breaths, eyes locked on Yuuichirou - studying and memorizing every detail about him which he loved so much. Mikaela ignored the fear of forgetting, knowing Yuuichirou’s absence would be six months, and just tried to take in the breathtaking sight of his lover in front of him.

Mikaela couldn’t bare to look away, neither could Yuuichirou. The minutes of silence left for just looking at each other were passing by - becoming irrelevant. After all, they were the only thing that mattered in each other’s eyes.

Unity pulled them closer, and soon Mikaela inched forward. Yuuichirou did the same, untucking his hands from is jean’s pockets before adjusting the duffle bag which hung over his right shoulder. Green mixed with blue, and hands were laced together soon after - Mikaela’s need for touch becoming stronger by the second.

Mikaela licked his lips, the heavy smell of cologne drifting into his nose as the distance between him and Yuuichirou closed.

“Please don’t go…” Mikaela said slowly, in a hushed voice like it was for his ears only. He didn’t dare to speak up, knowing that it was probably the last thing Yuuichirou wanted to hear at the moment.

Mikaela knew he could say something else - and he wanted to. It would be all too easy to let sweet words pour from his mouth because he couldn’t stop thinking them. Mikaela wanted to tell Yuuichirou he looked handsome, that his eyes were beautiful under the light from both the sun and the lights.

He wanted to tell him that he loved everything about him.

Mikaela wanted to rush forward and capture his lips - keeping him close as they locked. Head tilted back, bodies pressed together, hearts racing. Mikaela wanted that more than anything. To feel Yuuichirou one more time would be incredible.

It just didn’t feel right.

He was at a battle with himself - mind against heart.

Mind telling Mikaela to rush forward, stay close to Yuuichirou and make their last minutes together special. To smile brightly and pepper kisses over his face. Not that he wouldn’t eventually… that’s just not what his heart was telling him to do.

On the other hand, Mikaela’s heart was telling him to let go. Not of Yuuichirou, of course, but instead his feelings. His composure that he tried his hardest to keep intact.

His heart was telling him to cry, to tell Yuuichirou how much he loved him. How much he would miss him when he was gone. Mikaela wanted to beg for him to stay in fear that he wouldn’t return. It was the harsh truth that he had not yet accepted, but he knew he’d have to soon.

The fear that Yuuichirou might not return from the war had been creeping up on him for quite some time, but it was now at his doorstep - demanding to be let into his mind. Mikaela tried to keep that thought out though, for every time it did manage to sneak in it ended up with him crying in the end. He would wrap his arms around himself, draw his legs to his chest, and recall happier times. That’s what fixed it all.

But if something did happen to Yuuichirou when he was away… Mikaela was sure that his technique wouldn’t help him at all.

The sudden feeling of warm hands placed on his waist seemed to snap Mikaela away from his overpowering thoughts though.

“I know,” said Yuuichirou, also in a whisper. “To be frank with you, baby, I don’t want to either.”

Mikaela felt a shiver roll over his body.

“Then why?” Mikaela questioned slowly. “Why go at all?”

“You know it’s not so simple - getting out so quickly. Plus–”

“B-But you could at least try, put in a notice or whatever-”

“Mika.”

“-I’ve seen it before. Do something where they cut your stay just by a little,” said Mikaela, and by the time he finished he was out of breath due to the tears which pooled in his eyes and made him wobble just a bit. “Yuu-chan-”

“Baby, baby. Please,” Yuuichirou cut Mikaela off, raising his hands up so he could instead cup Mikaela’s face. “Take deep breaths and listen to me.”

Mikaela could feel his knees begin to bend, like his legs were giving out, but he forced himself to be strong. However, he couldn’t stop the tears in his eyes from streaming down his face.

“I can’t, I can’t,” he said with desperation. Mikaela shook his head. “You know I can’t stay calm when there’s a chance that you could get hurt. You know I love you.”

“And I love you,” Yuuichirou said softly, wearing a gentle smile, and as he spoke his voice wavered. Mikaela wasn’t the only one who was falling apart.

“You know,” Mikaela let out a broken sob, getting up on his tippy toes so him and Yuuichirou could press their foreheads together. “I can’t. You have to be okay.”

“And I promise I will.” Once again, Yuuichirou’s voice cracked, “God, I promise more than anything.”

“But how can you be so sure?” Mikaela asked with desperation.

Yuuichirou paused for a moment, pulling one of his hands away so he could let his duffle bag fall to the floor. His green eyes shimmered and filled with cognition, like he was searching for the right thing to say, All Mikaela could do was stare up at him and search for a clue on his face that would tell him what exactly was going through Yuuichirou’s head.

He couldn’t find one though, only standing there - breath hitching when Yuuichirou leaned down and pressed their noses together.

“Wanna know something?” Yuuichirou asked slowly, with a bit of gaiety and light-heartedness.

Mikaela sniffled his nose, looking up at Yuuichirou with hesitation before nodding slowly.

“I really believe I met you for a reason,” Yuuichirou said slowly. “Soulmates, I could say. Whatever the reason is, I’ll be damned if one of us gets taken from the other. I won’t it happen. I’ll give it all I’ve got-”

“Yuu-chan…”

“More than I ever have. And if I ain’t back at your doorstep, sweepin’ you off your feet and kissin’ you like there’s no tomorrow, then I’m not doing my real job. I will come back, and I will put a ring on that finger one day if it’s the last thing I ever do.”

Mikaela’s face scrunched up as he let out another whimper and sob, not able to take it anymore - rushing forward to completely throw his arms around Yuuichirou. He felt Yuuichirou stumble back just a bit but didn’t mind too much about it. All Mikaela could really focus on was the love he felt which poured from his heart and sent his head spinning.

He couldn’t stop himself from laughing though, Yuuichirou’s kind words making him feel giddy. His chest felt bubbly and Mikaela could barely wipe the smile off his face. Not like he wanted to anyway though, Mikaela couldn’t have been more grateful for the smile he wore that Yuuichirou brought on.

Blocking out the sound of chattering around him, Mikaela closed his eyes.

He didn’t care that they were in the middle of the gateway - chairs on either sides of them filled with other members of the military ready to go outside where their plane was. There didn’t seem to be many people though, and that surprised Mikaela. Yuuichirou told him that was because the small plane they’d be taking would take them to another plane, which was larger, that would finally deploy him.

Though, as they stood in the middle of the room, Mikaela could feel a few eyes linger on him.

He ignored the stares though and only pulled away to look into Yuuichirou’s eyes. Though it was a little hard to ignore the whistles and claps he got when he finally rushed forward to kiss Yuuichirou deeply. Mikaela tilted his head back and let out a sigh into the kiss, internally rolling his eyes because he knew the applause was coming from Kimizuki and Narumi - who were across the room, leaning up against the wall, suspension creeping up on them as well.

Mikaela ignored them.

Yuuichirou did, too.

So, for the next few blissful moments they kissed in silence - only listening to each other’s heavy breaths and thrumming heartbeats. They stayed close to each other, knowing that they’d be apart for so long. Mikaela cherished the moments he had with Yuuichirou, fighting back more tears.

However, he suddenly laughed and pulled away when he saw Yuuichirou raise his hand to flip Kimizuki and Narumi off while their lips were still locked. Mikaela could barely control his laughter and snorted loudly, bending over just a bit to catch his breath.

“You’re too much…” Mikaela mumbled, breathless - ears and cheeks burning in embarrassment.

Yuuichirou only shrugged. “Those assholes deserved it for being cockblocks.”

“We were only just kissing,” said Mikaela as he rolled his eyes. “Not like you were getting any action, anyway.”

"Only kissing?” Asked Yuuichirou with a wheeze. “That’s all?”

“What?” Mikaela grinned and scoffed, a bit of his playful personality rushing back into him. “Want me to stroke that huge ego of yours?”

“Something like that…” Grumbled Yuuichirou.

Mikaela only raised an eyebrow as a response, bring his hand up to cup Yuuichurou’s cheek softly and bring his gaze forward – down on Mikaela. A smile curved both of their faces as they stood there, swaying side to side a bit in each other’s embrace.

“But really…” Mikaela began slowly. “You have to go?”

Instead of answering, Yuuichirou let his head drop in a sorrowful nod.

Mikaela pushed further though. “But why..?”

“It’s,” Yuuichirou began, “it’s complicated.”

“I’m listening.”

“It’s long.”

“We have a few more minutes,” said Mikaela with a chuckle, his stubbornness not fading one bit. “You don't have to say it all now, I just want to know what’s running through your head right now.”

Yuuichirou tilted his head to the side, expression tightening as he let out a throaty groan - raising hand to run it through his hair while casually letting his hand fall to Mikaela’s waist to hold his boyfriend close. His eyes closed for a moment, tongue darting out to lick his rosy lips as he searched for the right words to say.

“I’ve always wanted to do more, you know?”

Mikaela nodded slowly.

“My dad, Guren, was in the military. He actually adopted me and I was more than thankful. It was the best thing that ever happened to me, though he was also going back and forth you know?”

“Of course…”

“The stories he told me when he did come back though, shit. They were amazing, mind blowing,” Yuuichirou paused and waved his arms around. “And for a kid, you know, coming from nothing… hearing about how your old man saved people and protected everyone, it was amazing.”

Yuuichirou clicked his tongue, shivering under Mikaela’s touch as he watched his boyfriend move his hand down - placing it over his heart while nodding slowly. Yuuichirou was able to take a deep breath because of that, almost seeming to forget to do so.

He continued, “It still is amazing. Guren was serving and I’m happy to be doin’ it to. But at such a young age, hearing all that stuff was incredible. I remember my parents before him… they were horrible, and it was hell. So Guren doing all this stuff, saving lives and keeping everyone safe, it made me bubbly and, I guess… Inspired.”

“Yuu-chan…”

“I was in a shit house, and I got out thanks to Guren. Other people… other people are in shitty situations, too. So… So if I can be their way out, then I’m sure as hell gonna do it.”

Mikaela watched Yuuichirou closely, studying his boyfriend with gentle, amiable gaze. He listened closely, with attentiveness, because he could tell Yuuichirou was opening up - pouring his soul out in front of him. Why now? Mikaela didn’t know.

Maybe it was because they were departing… or growing closer.

Either way, Mikaela was going to be there for Yuuichirou.

So, when Mikaela noticed the tears which pooled in his boyfriend’s eyes and caused the corners of his eyes to fade to red, he wasted no time and pulled him in for a tender hug - holding onto Yuuichirou like there was no tomorrow. Like he was holding onto Yuuichirou for dear life.

Mikaela made a promise to himself then - he wouldn’t let go of Yuuichirou until he had to.

He didn’t care of the flight attendants signaled it was time to board the plane.

Unless they were yelling at Yuuichirou to get on because the plane would be leaving any second, Mikaela would not let go.

His grip only tightened though when he felt Yuuichirou’s body jerk, a soft sob escape his lips as he too held onto Mikaela with force and closure.

Yuuichirou’s quiet sobs didn’t stop him from speaking though. “Even if it’s just one person at a time, I want to know I’m doing something good. Like the people who helped me. Even if it’s at such a great extent, I want to know I’m keeping people safe. Whether it’s people trapped in war, or just keeping people from it, I want to help. I want to give back.” 

“I understand, I really do,” Mikaela said and leaned away so he could press his and Yuuichirou’s foreheads together. “And I couldn’t be more proud.”

“I’m not rambling, am I?” Yuuichirou asked slowly, forcing out a laugh.

Mikaela rolled his eyes and sighed. “Oh hush,” he said softly, leaning close to peck Yuuichirou’s lips. “Ramble as much as you’d like, I like to know what you’re thinking.”

“God, Mikaela Shindo,” said Yuuichirou with decrepitude. “You really… You’re not just a dream right?”

Mikaela giggled. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“No one this perfect can be real,” Yuuichirou breathed out with incredulity and contentment. “It’s like you’ve walked out of my dreams.”

“Oh my,” Mikaela laughed, breathy and light, leaning up to meet Yuuichirou halfway for a searing, blissful kiss.  He hummed into the kiss which only lasted a few seconds, barely able to wrap his arms around Yuuichirou neck because of the difference of their height - even if he was wearing heels!

So, as Mikaela struggled with holding onto Yuuichirou, he let one of his hands run across his boyfriend’s jawline. The stubble on Yuuichirou’s face felt scruffy under his touch, but it wasn’t like Mikaela minded. No, it was quite the opposite…

Mikaela bit Yuuichirou’s bottom lip gently, pulling it back just a bit as he pulled away from their lip lock. A smile made its way onto Mikaela’s face because of it - one that was teasing and spirited.

“You’re too sappy for your own good,” Mikaela said with a giggle, cheeks flushing.

“Mmm,” Yuuichirou hummed in thought, “says you.”

“Oh?” Mikaela said with surprise, letting out a small yelp when Yuuichirou leaned down to bury his nose in the crook of Mikaela’s neck while wearing an almost saccharine smile. “Well… I’m okay with that, as long as you know I love you deeply.”

“And I love you,” Yuuichirou responded, clearing his throat before nodding – the sound of a ding coming from the front desk making both their bodies jerk in surprise. The loudness of the intercom only made both Mikaela and Yuuichirou cringe, too.

“Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen, your flight will be boarding shortly. Thank you for serving, flying with us, and we hope to make your flight as enjoyable as possible. Thank you.”

A few sobs erupted from around the room, families embracing in warm, tight hugs as tears ran down their face. Gloom hung above everyone’s heads as well – the undeniable thickness in the room making it hard for Mikaela to breathe, his breaths sharper than a knife.

He found himself running his hands up and down Yuuichirou’s arms nervously, giving them small squeezes here and there as he breathed heavily: Mikaela’s chest even clenched as he fought back the urge to cry, wanting to stay strong these last few minutes with Yuuichirou.

Mikaela knew the last thing Yuuichirou needed was more guilt and despite. He could tell Yuuichirou was already disappointed to leave, even he said it… but Mikaela didn't want that. Yuuichirou’s reasons deserved support, and he was willing to give it wholeheartedly.

“I’m….” Mikaela swallowed nervously. “I'm going to write to you every day.”

Yuuichirou took a deep breath. “I’ll respond as soon as I can.”

“You fucking better.”

Yuuichirou couldn't help but to chuckle, glancing down at his bag. “I have your address in my notebook. I’ll be sure to send you one when I get to where I’ll be staying, okay?”

Nodding slowly, Mikaela bit his bottom lip. “Yeah, yeah,” he croaked. “Of course.”

The sound of shuffling coming from people picking up their bags filled the air around them – the other soldiers gathering their belongings and beginning to walk towards the door which led outside. They would walk to their plane from there and board it using a ramp.

Mikaela didn't want Yuuichirou to go.

He was terrified that if he walked through those doors he’d never come back–

“Hey.” Yuuichirou broke Mikaela out of his thoughts. “Remember what I told you. It will be okay, baby. I promise.”

“I know…” Mikaela breathed out, squeezing his eyes shut. “It will be okay.”

“It will be okay,” Yuuichirou repeated with a smile, pulling Mikaela’s head towards his chest so he could kiss the top of his head. “I’m coming back for you, Mikaela Shindo.”

“You better, Corporal Amane,” Mikaela said with a laugh, pulling away and leaning up to kiss Yuuichirou softly – just a small peck.

“Of course I will,” mumbled Yuuichirou, their lips still touching as they stayed close to each other. “I’ve got an amazing man at home who I still need to take out on more dates.”

“I’m picking the restaurant next time,” jested Mikaela.

“Oh, really now?”

“Yeah, I’m thinking somewhere with hot chocolate,” said Mikaela with a hum, though his heart dropped at the thought. They were planning their imaginary date for when Yuuichirou returned… but what–

No, Mikaela thought to himself and cleared his throat. It will be okay. Have some trust in Yuu-chan.

Mikaela continued, “You know, since it will be the end of winter when you come back.”

“When I come back,” Yuuichirou breathed out quietly. “...When I come back, we’ll get hot chocolate.”

“Yes, we will,” Mikaela said in a hushed tone, voice cracking at the end as he smile brightly – eyes filled with tears. The sight alone almost broke Yuuichirou’s heart. “I’ll be looking forward to it.”

“It’ll be what gets me through this trip,” Yuuichirou added on, reaching down to grab Mikaela’s hand to squeeze it softly,

“Yo, Yuu,” Kimizuki called out, making Yuuichirou’s head snap to the side. The grim look Kimizuki wore made Mikaela’s breath hitch. “I’m sorry, man, but… we gotta go.”

Narumi, standing next to him, stared down at a picture of Shuusaku which he held in his hands.

Mikaela’s heart dropped to his feet at that.

“Right…” Yuuichirou breathed out, posture straighten as he turned back around to face Mikaela. “Mika…”

“Yuu-chan…” Mikaela whispered with the same amount of passion.

They slowly leaned forward, the world around them becoming blurry as they slipped into a blissful trance. Lips connected, hearts beating as one, heads spinning – they shared their sweet kiss. It was passionate, not rough or needy at all – it was different from all the other ones they shared.

This one was sweet, gentle… like it was full of love and desire to stay close to each other. Mikaela could feel the passion which rolled off Yuuichirou, so as his hands drifted up to rest on his chest, Mikaela held onto his shirt tightly.

Their eyes fluttered open when the pulled away, lips plump from their kiss. Both of them let out a deep, shaky breath before nodding and taking a step back.

Yuuichirou reluctantly leaned down to pick his bag up off the floor, and Mikaela watched him with hesitation.

Please don't go.

When Yuuichirou rose, he reached out to grab Mikaela’s hand.

“I love you so much.”

Mikaela smiled softly, but it quickly morphed into something else – a smile more bright and dazzling.

“I love you too,” Mikaela responded with hope.

And, before Yuuichirou walked away, they shared one last loving peck on the lips. But soon, Yuuichirou was backing away, and Mikaela began missing the warmth which came from Yuuichirou body.

Please stay with me.

“I’m coming back,” Yuuichirou called out, approaching the exit.

“You’re coming back,” Mikaela called out in agreement, voice wavering.

If something happens to you, I don't know what I’ll do.

Yuuichirou stopped walking for a moment.

“Stay strong for me, Mikaela,” Yuuichirou said with dazzling eyes, hand lingering on the push-open door. He salutes with two fingers, kissing them before he extends them outward.

Mikaela let out an awkward laugh, face scrunching up into a smile as he continuously fought back tears.

“I will, I will,” he said shakily. “You too, Yuu-chan,”

Yuuichirou nodded. “For you, I will.”

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

Please, Yuu-chan.

But at that, Yuuichirou was off. Disappear outside and going with Kimizuki and Narumi over to the plane – leaving Mikaela alone under the luminescent airport lights.

Finally, Mikaela fell to his knees and let out a broken sob though.

He held onto the front of his shirt tightly and let his head fall forward, body shuddering as he let out broken cries and quiet whimpers.

Mikaela couldn't stop tears from running down his face, staining his flushed cheeks and causing him to gasp for air.

After a while though, Mikaela raised his head and ran his hands over his face to wipe his tears away. It just wasn't fair, he wanted Yuuichirou to stay with him. Even if he was selfish.

But he loved Yuuichirou too much to do that.

So he had to let him go.

Mikaela took a deep breath, smiling and nodding as he watched soldiers pile into the plane since he could see them from the other side of the window.

And, in a hushed, gentle voice, he finally spoke.

"Good luck, soldier.”

They say a lot could happen in a week.

Maybe two, or more.

But the experience as it drags on, is something far beyond unimaginable.

Mikaela could tell anyone what could happen in six months.

The bell to Hiiragi’s jingles, the door opens. Customers walk in, and every single day - Mikaela greets his customers with a bright smile.

He no longer expected a familiar face to walk through those doors. At least, not until soon. So he stopped expecting. But sometimes, he saw that face in another. And with a snap back to reality - he remembers that face will never walk through that door.

He’s learned to cope with Yuuichirou’s presence absence, and without him here - he told himself, life for him shouldn’t be any different.

Slowly, everything started to fall back to the way it was.

Mikaela visited his mother when school came around. For the time being, he stopped working at the Hiiragi’s. With the pay he’s received, he could cover his rent and will continue to do so until the summer comes around.

He hasn’t told Krul about Yuuichirou.

From time to time, he received letters. However, they were very rare. And Mikaela would rush and tear each envelope open, and the ache in his heart is stilled with relief.

Mikaela often found time to sit down and write on a piece of paper, labeling each letter as he sealed it up and sent them. Feeling his stomach coil with anticipation, hoping that they reached Yuuichirou safely. Whether it would be in class, the library, his home, or outdoors. He reunited with Lacus and Rene, friends who he often hung around on campus when the others weren't present, and he's told them everything as well.

"He'll come back soon." Lacus says with optimism, "Don't they always?"

"I wouldn't say to get your hopes up if it was just a one time thing." Rene adds, "But since we both know it was much more than that... don't lose all your hope completely."

They were both right. Mikaela taking their word. If he was going to stay happy - the resolution would be to move on, for now. And time will pass.

12/5

Dear Yuu,

I told myself I was gonna miss summer when it passes.

Now that it’s almost winter, I find myself thinking - maybe summer isn’t the worst after all.

And it might be my favorite season of the year.

Now I’m not going to agree with everyone on their statements about nice and warm weather, that’s not the reason why I change my mind…

With the memories it holds, the next time summer will arrive, I will remember once it ends… that I’ve left everything along with it.

You included.

And last summer, isn’t like any other I’ve experienced. I still think to this day about how you’ve changed the worst summer of my life and made it into the best it could be.

When you get this, I hope you’re thinking of me, Yuu-chan.

I wonder how I made your summer, soldier.

With lots of love,

Mikaela-

“Hey!”

Mikaela nearly dropped his pen, scrambling to reach for it as he stopped writing.

“There you are.” Shinoa stood beside him, placing her hands on her hips. “I was looking all over for you.”

“ Jesus. ” Mikaela quickly folds the paper in half. “I’d prefer instead of going into stealth mode you can actually warn me before you sneak up on me.”

“You would’ve seen me.” Shinoa snorted, deciding to stand up and choosing not to sit with Mikaela on the concrete bench of their campus. “But you were too busy, obviously.”

“Sorry.” Mikaela tucked his pen inside his backpack. “I needed some alone time.”

“That’s okay.” Shinoa said understandingly, and when she heaves out a sigh - Mikaela can see her breath visible in the chilly air.

“It’s been so long.” She mused, looking up at the cloudy skies, “Time goes by fast, doesn’t it?”

“Yeah.” Mikaela agreed quietly. He rubbed his hands, aching for friction to warm them up. He wouldn’t admit it but damn - did he miss the heat.

“How is he?” Shinoa proposed the question hesitantly, “How are they all?”

Mikaela doesn’t answer right away, lips pursed.

“I haven’t heard from him in a while.” Mikaela confessed, “But I haven’t stopped writing.”

“And what is this?” Shinoa quipped, “Your three-hundredth letter?”

“Ninety-sixth, and still counting.” Mikaela chuckled heartedly, “Great estimate, by the way.”

Shinoa extended a hand. “You done?”

“I think so.” Mikaela smiled, after all - he was already finished before Shinoa had showed up.

“Mitsuba, Lacus, Rene, and Yoichi are waiting for us up front.” Shinoa returns the smile, her cheeks reddening from the cold. Mikaela wonders if his are red too. “Try to let us know next time before you sneak off and write secretly to your handsome soldier, alright?”

Mikaela took her hand, Shinoa helping him off the bench. “Why should I let any of you know when I write him back?”

“Because we’re your friends, remember?”

“Unfortunately.”

Shinoa gasped, offended. And Mikaela laughed.

Mikaela continuously spent time with Shinoa, Yoichi, and Mitsuba - after all, they were his friends. And they too, missed Yuuichirou. He catches up with Lacus and Rene the chances he gets, the two he was unable to contact much during the summer due to working.

They all still miss Yuuichirou, Kimizuki, Narumi, all of his friends. Letters were sent to them as well, and not always - they could write back.

But just like Mikaela had, they move on. Everyone moves on. The world moves on. And the next day, Mikaela will wake up again, and repeat his daily routine.

He dreamed of Yuuichirou sometimes, and checked for letters.

Nowadays, he gets nothing.

The winter weather was bearable, with comfy fur jackets - Mikaela felt cozy in them. He wondered what the weather was where Yuuichirou resided, and if they’re all probably suffering a heatwave at base, while where Mikaela was - crystalline snowflakes would fall, the color of his eyes, and surfaces would grow so cold patches and cracks of ice would form.

He visited Krul frequently on breaks.

“Everytime I see you you grow so much older than the last time.” She would say, hands playing with Mikaela’s hair and inspecting his face, pinching his cheeks.

She had a knack of invading his personal space.

Not that she could help it. Her son’s all grown up. And Krul tells Mikaela that she was once his age as well. She could relate to most of his situations. But Mikaela protests Krul wouldn’t understand half the existential crisis’ he’s gone through in a span of five months.

He’s getting through it. Little by little.

Mikaela made it through the winter.

As the new month was approaching, everyday, he was awake at night awaiting a letter from Yuuichirou. He hoped somewhere out there, they were still looking at the same moon.

He reread through the letters Yuuichirou sent to him, laughing, sometimes crying, hoping that this idiot kept his promise.

Yuuichirou tended to be shit at keeping his promises, a fact to be proven. But that’s okay. Mikaela decides, he’ll wait.

Campus is vibrant when he enters along with Shinoa, Mitsuba, and Yoichi. Blending in with the crowd as they share laughs and talk of studying, homework, midterms, and hanging out.

When the new month is here, Mikaela is aware Yuuichirou might not be writing back.

But that’s okay, he thinks.

Mikaela stops searching for letters. He doesn’t visit the post office like he used to, sweat beading down his forehead, out of breath as he asks if he’s been sent any.

He lost the pen he often used to write back.

He ran out of paper, anyway, and went shopping with Shinoa to stock up on more school supplies for the next semester. He didn’t use much of them.

“Mahiru’s making renovations to the place.” Shinoa’s talking, they left a cafe nearby campus - and Mikaela is walking beside her, Mitsuba and Yoichi tuned in to the conversation. “She wants us to help sometime, summer’s coming soon and we’ll get to start working again.”

“Renovations?” Mitsuba asked, “Like that new uniform upgrade you were suggesting last summer?”

“I think it’s pretty cute.” Yoichi objects with a giggle, “If Mahiru agrees to the idea, I don’t mind.”

“What’s the difference?” Mitsuba groaned, Mikaela chortled - their feet often scraped across the concrete as they walked, passing by others going the opposite direction.

“Well, they are cuter.” Mikaela mused, adjusting the beanie on his head, scarf wrapped securely around his neck and shoulders. “What do you think?”

“We could focus on I dunno, new air conditioning and not unnecessary matters like stupid uniform policies.”

“Who said we weren’t?” Shinoa frowned, “We’re thinking about those too, of course. Among other things. The building’s gonna have a lot of changes.”

“Still not feeling the new uniform thing.”

“Oh lighten up, Mitsu.”

Mikaela smiles at the bantering of his friends. Disappointed they all had to depart so soon. But they promised to meet up again before the weekend.

Now, Mikaela needed to get home. The commute was going to be hell.

As he started walking, the last one to say goodbye to the others before they separated, Mikaela’s phone started to vibrate in his pocket.

Confusion washes over him.

Who could be calling?

At this point, Mikaela reaches a secluded area of the streets - retrieving his phone from his pocket once again to see a number he wasn’t familiar with.

Even as he stared at the digits, it didn’t ring a bell. Random numbers call his phone all the time. Mikaela thought about deleting it, until he noticed the location is where he resided in.

Meaning it was someone in this area.

Hesitantly, Mikaela accepted the call - freehand shoved in the pocket of his P-Coat, combat boots clicked against the pavement as his walking slowed to a halt.

He put the phone to his ear.

“Hello?”

There’s silence.

Mikaela’s eyes flickered down to his boots.

“... Long time no see .”

That rooted voice. Raspy and overly brash.

It didn’t take more than a few seconds for Mikaela to register who it was. He could hear that voice from a mile away, and by the snap of his fingers - he’d know.

Something in him clicked.

A surge of overpowering ardor rushes through him. What hits him - is what he needed and yearned for, for so long in his life, has now come back to him again.

He missed this idiot’s voice so much it hurt. The anguish made his body tremble, and his heavy, feeble heart aches with delight, making his eyes water - and tears start to spill as his cheeks flush red, choking on a sob.

“Did you miss me?”

“You're such asshole...” Mikaela laments, a hand hovering over his mouth. Too content to care that he’s broken down, waterworks staining his cheeks in public, acrimony replaced with pure sanguineness. "Yuu-chan..."

“I’m here now, baby.”

Mikaela’s shoulders shake, and his heart aches.

“Mika, are you listening to me?”

Mikaela dumbly nods, as if Yuuichirou could visually see his answer, unable to speak.

“I need you to do me a favor.” Yuuichirou says anyway, and Mikaela removes his hand from his mouth, wiping at the tears that have spilled, his heart pounding - as he starts to accept the fact that this was really happening, and it wasn’t just a dream - reaching the light at the end of the tunnel.

Yuuichirou’s command next, sounds more certain than ever. And Mikaela thinks, it’s because he actually heard Yuuichirou say it, and the voice in his ear may have been there all along, right behind him, and waiting to surprise Mikaela - and in a heartbeat, Mikaela whirls around to follow that voice to see that his instincts were right.

"Turn around.”