Just Friends! We Promise! (Erwin x Clock)

[Mituna Captor]

(That's fine, after this reply of mine, we could do a year's timeskip to when Sei is legal (16) and By this time, we can make Yves 24? Are you going to rp as Yves? ouo that'd be awesome. We can timeskip when it gets the the lovemaking and stuff bc I don't think this site allows that anyways.)


Sei laughed gently as Valentine coughed, what he did next made Sei's smile widen further, he leaned back towards the boy and kissed his cheek gently.


"You did... You seem pretty proud." He said with another gentle laugh, only tightening his grip around the Smaller boy's waist, their lips just inches apart for the second time this month...


Not again... He thought to himself, his eyes twinkling once again under the moonlight. The impulse to kiss his acquaintance was so strong, but he could ruin things between them for a second time, could he? Could he?


He shifted slightly closer to Valentine, resting his head on the boy's should and sighing slightly.


"It's funny, because I still consider you as my best friend... Sometimes I forget that we even fell out and I think you're going to be in the meadow after school. But the realisation hits me like a punch in the face." He said a bit too quickly, a bit lost for what to say whilst embracing the fine figure of a young man that he hadn't even spoken to properly in so long.


"Vallie..." He whispered, his cool breaths settling along the blondes neck.

 

[Clock]

Yves had taken to wandering the streets at late hours, walking with no destination in mind. He stumbled a lot, drank a lot but still looked beautiful enough to garner him giggles and air kisses from hookers and drag queens. His auburn hair fell into his eyes, hiding the shadows well. Tonight, he hadn't drank. It made him even more attractive to the wenches that hung around the rich folks homes apparently. He offered them a cold glare. They didn't seem to get the message, there was only one person on his mind: Katrina. A woman as bold as brass, his love, his wife, his everything. One little confession had changed years of history. God damn it. I would never have if I knew...





Yves didn't have much family, Katrina and hers had been his only. But, the absence of a blood relation could be felt now. They'd support their eldest daughter. They always would. So, with a light heart, the man made his way to the alley where drunkards, krunkies and smokers hung out. Little kids. Precious. But Yves had no time for them now. He was looking for someone in particular. And when he caught him, he stumbled over, slinging an arm over the other's shoulder, "Found you."

 

[Mituna Captor]

Sei had been apart from the rest of the group, with nothing to do apart from smoke what everybody gave him, when a figure stumbled into view, his eyes shifted upwards and surveyed the fine bodied man that was making his was down the alley.


When he felt an arm drape over his shoulder, he shivered and craned his neck again.


"Yves...?" Already so many questions flew into the back of his mind.


Why is he here? Does he smoke? Does he drink? He doesn't do drugs... Does he? Where's Katrina? Aren't they always together?


"Yves..." He muttered again, testing the name on his tongue, his eyes locked with the other male's.


"What're you doing here?" He asked quietly, turning to face him and sighing, his face... Had he been crying? Sei raised a shaky hand and wiped away the tears forming in Yves' eyes, his own eyes questioning Yves' whereabouts, his eyebrows slightly raised at the auburn haired man Infront of him


'Found you'? What was that supposed to mean? Yves had been looking for Sei?


Surely, Yves should've been with Katrina and the children...


"Found me?" He asked, yet another question pushing it's way past his lips.

 

[Clock]

"I screwed things up." Yves whispered, taking a shaky step back. Now that he was here, he wasn't exactly sure what the purpose of this meeting was. Sei was Valentine's friend. Or, from what Katrina had told him while they fretted over Julian past midnight, 'a past acquaintance.' Unfortunately, Yves' anti-social behaviour hadn't exactly garnered him many friends he could turn to. So, Sei had been the only choice.


Yves hadn't believed it at first, when Katrina had kicked him out of his own house. She had been assertive, her angry glare enough to have Yves packing and into a nearby hotel. He couldn't bear to bee too far from her. "Katrina won't let me in the house. She told me to, and these are her exact words," the man almost seemed amused, but his sorrowful eyes sad something else, "'Get lost. Don't ever come back, you lying jerk.' But the problem is... I want to go back to her. I really do." He felt like a blabbering fool, talking over the raucous fighting going on behind them.

 

[Mituna Captor]

Sei's eyes widened slightly.


Screwed things up? How could a man ever screw things up with Katrina? She was the most caring, open and considerate lady that Sei knew, Yves would have had to have done a great deal to rile her up... And so much that she kicked him out...


Without really thinking about it, he embraced Yves gently and patted his back, his chin just about reaching the older Man's ear.


"My parents aren't home for another few days, Fathers on his deathbed and mother is in hospital with him, they're probably not gonna come back for ages. Or she's gonna come back when he's dead, either way... Would you like to come back to my house? We can talk more there. And you wouldn't have to shout over the drunks..." He pulled away from Yves and looked up at him.


"Then you can explain to me about how you could possibly screw things up with Katrina, I have a feeling that this is going to take a while. We could have a couple drinks or something whilst we're home..." He stubbed out his cigarette and slid the rest of the packet into his jeans pocket, After Valentine had forced him to eat, he'd put on quite a bit of weight and grown taller still. He had grown into quite the attractive young man, his eyes had that mysterious sparkle back, and his pale face still kept it's framed, prominent cheeks. Over that one year, his eyeliner had grown a little thicker, just accentuating the beautiful brown eyes.

 

[Clock]

A man could screw things up with Katrina by being Yves. It worked 100% of the time. Unfortunate for people named Yves. The man gave a slow nod at Sei's suggestion, not sure wether to accept it or not. It had the makings for a bad idea. A very bad, embarrassing idea. Such a cool man hanging out with a kid almost 10 years younger... But Yves had no one and he needed someone. Some consolation. He gave Sei a light smile. He appeared to be a good kid, who got stuck in bad situations. The cigarette was proof of that. None of the Krane family smoked, Katrina specifically frowned on it, so Yves had been happy to give up his high school obsession. He was getting something much better in return.


"You're so tall." Yves mused, though maybe he was just short. Nah, he ran a hand through his dishevelled hair. Sei almost came up to his height. And Yves was known for being tall. But Sei was still a kid. Yet the way he'd spoken of his parents chilled the man. There was something cold, evil in this kid he thought so fondly of.


"This is stupid. I can't believe I'm hanging out with an underage kid. A friend of my brother-in-law, nonetheless." Yves laughed, but it held no malice. "Whatever, lead the way, kid."

 

[Mituna Captor]

Sei chuckled.


"Friend? where have you been the past six years?" He laughed at Yves. But his eyes had turned cold and his stomach had began to feel funny.


"Valentine hates me, Yves. He may have done me a favour last year. But he hasn't spoken to me since, he still walks past me in the corridor at school with Rei. And they still shout things like 'dirty' and 'queer'. That one is worst though... Queer." Sei hadn't said that word in so long, and hot tears filled his eyes. He was instantly reminded of that day, when their friendship was torn apart over that one word.


"But anyway. I'm here for you, this isn't my counselling session." He gave a loud cough, his eyes screwed tightly shut as he wiped away the salty tears. He couldn't belive he'd just let slip to Yves that he'd needed counselling at some point. When he'd just turned thirteen, that was when the bullying hit it's peak.


As Sei had been talking of his relationship with the golden son in law, They'd finished the short walk to the Fukawa household, Sei hastily shoved his key in the door and pushed it open, taking off his coat and hanging it up, also taking Yves' without a second thought and hanging it beside his own.


"What's your poison?" he asked. The Fukawas were some of the biggest drinkers on this estate, his father and Mother, always drank. No wonder the old fart was dying and she wasn't far behind.

 

[Clock]

"Red wine." Yves made himself at home, reclining on a comfortable couch. The decor was as expected of such a wealthy family, the interior polished to near perfection. Leaning slightly forward, he pondered Sei's words. The boy was so frank with someone he barely knew. Stupid or genius? Yves couldn't decide. And he also couldn't decide what to do about his golden boy brother-in-law. Perfect grades, pretty talk, handsome smiles. Who would've thought he was such a screwed up tyrant?


Yet, Valentine and Rei insulting Sei as a 'queer' didn't connect in Yves' mind. When Rei came over for a sleepover, the mother went rigid, her eyes cold. The man was sure he'd seen the two, in the late hours of night, underneath the cherry blossom tree. They appeared almost one, playing in each other's laps, touching, kissing... It was understandable if the two were hesitant to admit it, Yves had been, too. But to insult Sei... Little kids play cruel little games.





"Actually make it beer, it's that kind of night." Yves got up, coming behind Sei.

 

[Mituna Captor]

Sei's eyes widened slightly, nobody had come close to him in so long. It even made him shiver slightly when He felt the presence of Yves' form behind him. If that were a younger Vallie, he would have wrapped his arms around Sei and maybe even kissed his cheek softly. If it was his brutish father on the other hand, he would have stood behind him for a minute or so, making him shake with nerves before hitting him across the back of the head or something like that.


Sei quickly ducked out of the way, not liking the way Yves was so close, it yanked and ripped strings in his heart. Valentine, his father's death. He had a lot to think about right now. The dark haired boy opened the fridge quickly and grabbed out a can of beer for Yves and one for himself.


"Think fast!" He shouted at the man before throwing the can lightly to Yves and smiling softly, anything to stop the confusing feelings swimming around his head and his heart.


"Come, sit down." He instructed gently before flopping down on the couch, scratching his bony hip slightly before turning to Yves, his eyes soft, but still with that mysterious sparkle that flaunted all the wrong attributes of the younger boy.


"So, talk. Talk about how you screwed things up... and I'll see if I can offer any of my dazzling psychology." Sei said with a grin, cracking the can open and taking a rather ladylike sip, letting the cool liquid slide down his throat.

 

[Clock]

Yves couldn't help but notice Sei's odd reaction to his actions. Yves hadn't exactly thought much of it, unlike Sei. Such acts had been so common in his life. He barely caught the beer, narrowly missing a harsh throw in the face. It surprised the man. He was usually athletic, one of the best badminton players in the city. Well, that had been several years ago... Ever since little Julian had come along, Yves had to play good daddy. All past activities of leisure had to be put aside.


Yves gave a light groan before sitting right beside Sei, scarcely missing a lap dance formation. He popped open the can, looking up as Sei spoke. Yves couldn't help but smirk. Sei seemed so vulnerable, so weak, as if anyone could take advantage of him. How he and Valentine ever became friends Yves couldn't fathom. Valentine didn't like weak people. He hated them.


"I admitted something to Katrina I should've said years ago. Y'know, we've known each other since, uh, kindergarten? And I never told anyone because, well, it was embarrassing. I didn't think she'd care. I love only her. God damn it. That's why I fucking married her." Yves set the beer down without a sip, having lost his appetite. "I was, ahem, just like you. Queer-ish. Except nobody knew, so no one teased me. But I needed counselling, too," He gently patted Sei's head, "because my family started suspecting I was bloody gay, emo and depressed."

 

[Mituna Captor]

Anger washed over the boy's features and he batted Yves' hand away from the top of his head, he mirrored the way Yves was staring into his eyes... Obviously trying to find something out.


"I'm not quite sure I understand what you're trying to say here." He said, shifting and ending up closer to Yves than before now.


"So... You admitted something to Katrina... That you liked men, yes?" He asked, running a bony finger over Yves' shoulder, his eyes twinkling.


"And she got upset because you hadn't told her earlier? And then she kicked you out? Well. That's just precious isn't it." He took his hand away from the other and scratched at his head slightly.


"I most definitely know what it's like to lose somebody like that. But at least she's not an adolescent boy that knows one hundred ways to make your life a living f*cking hell for five years." He felt his face flush and he looked away, Yves' closeness was something else. He couldn't decide on weather he liked it or not.


"I'm sorry. It just makes me angry that she'd react so harshly... That really is terrible. I'm... I'm sorry. Yves, I really am." He thought this an odd moment, he wasn't really the best person at comforting people. And so he simply wrapped his arms around Yves best he could and hugged him gently before pulling away.


Yves was so warm. And that's when Sei decided that he liked this newfound closeness between them.


He looked towards the other male and wiped his eyes slightly, he could already feel tears forming. He felt so sorry for Yves. But his tears weren't for that, they were because he'd been reminded of that day. Almost seven years ago now... When Sei himself had kissed Valentine, and the day after, When he'd spat out Vallie's name and called him queer. And the night last year, When Sei and Valentine fought and Sei kissed him again and told him that he loved him.


Memories came flooding back into his head, and as they did, a few tears made their way down his cheeks. Followed by more until he had to hide his head.


"Sorry, I'm sorry." He whispered, tugging at his hair in a desperate attempt to make himself stop crying. He hadn't cried once since the hospital, he'd been upset, but not cried. But now with Yves here, He felt like all his resolves were broken, here was. Crying Infront of a grown man.


He picked himself up again, his watery eyes locked onto Yves'


"There's still time for you and Katrina... Or do you like men over women? Or do you like both? What exactly did you confess to her, Yves?!"

 

[Clock]

To be quite honest, Yves was taken aback by Sei's abrupt change of mood. From understanding, to touchy, to flushed, to demure and then taken to tears, Yves could almost guarantee he didn't need as much help as the kid. In a sudden movement back, he ended up knocking a vase to the floor. It shattered and he offered Sei an apologetic glance. The tension in the room was high, an awkward silence filling the small space between them.


"I like Katrina," he shrugged finally, not sure if he could say anymore. It almost felt wrong to talk about his problems when Sei was such a mess. He had managed to somewhat conceal it, but Yves was sure that the vase lying on the floor was not as shattered as the boy in front if him. At that age, while Yves had been a depressed druggie, he had her to take care of him. And she'd fixed him up and Yves couldn't have been happier. Sei seemed like he had no one, the empty house proof of that. Or, from what the man could gather, Valentine had turned out to be a douche. Yet Yves couldn't bring himself to be mad at Valentine. He was a caring person when he chose to be, he just made relations with the wrong people.


"I love Katrina, actually." His hands clenched, and he felt both anger and relief wash over him. "I did like men. But, I don't care anymore. I just love her. And I want her back." Even as he was saying that, he was pulling the younger boy close. He loved her so much. And he just wanted her to be here tonight. Maybe it was because Sei shared the same twinkling eyes. The same fickle moods. The same bony figure, that Yves found himself so attracted to Sei. As Katrina, of course. He loved her so much. Twisted love, maybe.


(fade to black & shall we make sei 18 as that's the legal age, & yves 26? we might get into trouble otherwise lmao.)

 

[Mituna Captor]

(Okay xD he's Eighteen now so this is the same year he runs away.)


Sei groaned slightly, snuggling into Yves' neck as light poured through the drapes in the spare bedroom they shared. Memories came back and he cringed slightly. It was clear to see that Yves had imagined Sei as Katrina. But he'd been able to forget about that pretty quickly. Because he too had closed his eyes and imagined the one he loved the most, Vallie.


Sore, that was the only thing that Sei really felt, even with his legs clinched tightly together. He rolled over to face Yves, tracing a finger along the sleeping man's lips before curling up against him again, trying to shut his eyes and drift off again. Desperate to forget about last night. One night of passion that had spanned from both men being pretty messed up in the head. But Yves just thought Sei was like his wife, his wife. Yves has a wife. As much as Sei enjoyed his company lastnight, What if Katrina found out...? If she did... Both men would be done for. Sei's father would kill him, Valentine would kill him. And he was pretty sure that Katrina would have a good go too.


He got up and out of bed, grabbing a shirt off the floor that happened to be Yves' they'd been ripped off and tossed to the floor in such a hurry last night that Sei couldn't really tell his from Yves'. He slipped on some boxers and exited the room quickly, wincing slightly as he walked to the kitchen... Who know something that felt so good could leave so much pain.


The younger man rubbed his eyes slightly as he flicked the kettle on, lighting up a cigarette as he did so.


He took a long drag and watched the smoke disappear into the air. After Yves had kissed him for the first time last night, both men had ended up drinking quite a substantial amount. And he had a banging headache to show for it. Sei made two black coffees, his own with a mountain of sugar and Yves' with none, he shakily carried the tray up to the spare room with the cigarette balanced between his teeth. When he had set it down, he looked on at Yves. Sei could kiss those lips again and give into Yves' warm embrace... And just... Fall asleep and forget the whole world for a few more hours.


But instead he sat down gently and forced out Yves' name.


"Cmon, wake up. You need to sort out this mess with Katrina..." He shook the man ever so gently, his hands shaking.


And then it hit him, a sudden wave of Nausea washed over him and he cut himself off, clamping a hand over his mouth.


"Ngh..." Sei got up quickly, running down to the bathroom and just bending his head over the toilet in time, his eyes watered and a few tears trickled down his face as he was sick, the burning sensation lingered in his throat and just caused him to vomit yet again.

 

[Clock]

It wasn't as if Yves had forgotten about Katrina. He'd fallen into a troubled sleep afterwards, the boy in his arms, regretting the decision he'd chosen to make. It was wrong on so many levels, Yves could barely fathom them all. In the early hours of morning, the man finally managed to fall asleep. It wasn't until he felt sudden movement and undistinguishable words that he stirred. The scent of coffee finally roused him and he woke up.


Hearing the retching coming from the bathroom, he finally came to his sense. Sei. Beer. Bed??? Yves stumbled out of bed, dressing himself quickly. Finding his shirt amiss, the man just slipped on his sweater. His vision blurred slightly as the pounding headache washed over. Yves knew, though, that the after effects of drinking alcohol wouldn't be too burdensome on him. He had quite the resistance built up.


Yves opened the bathroom door, entering without a word. His eyes fell on Sei and he exhaled. He couldn't help but feel responsible for the mess this kid was in. The mess Yves had dragged him into. If anyone found out... Yves grimaced. Katrina would never forgive him. Not only because Yves had cheated, but with a barely legal boy who happened to be her brother's childhood friend. If things had been messed up with his wife before, she'd never let him near their child now. A part of him really hated Sei. Yves wanted to leave, perhaps walk on that one bridge, jump off it, forget how to swim...


Instead, the man sat by Sei, gently rubbing his back. "Rough, huh?" He coughed, feeling rather awkward. After a while, he got up. "I'm sorry, that was stupid. I guess I should... Go now." He headed out the door, feeling like a jerk. But having stayed would have made him feel more so.

 

[Mituna Captor]

Sei nodded numbly as Yves walked out, pulling his shirt off and stepping into the shower, dry sobs escaping his lips as warm water fell over his back. He was utterly disgusted with himself for what he'd done. He hated himself for it.


~


Nobody had seen Sei for a week. He hadn't been eating again and he'd locked himself in his room upon hearing of the death of his father. Although Mr. Fukawa had always looked down on his son, Sei had loved him dearly. And he was truly upset about his passing. His mother was distraught. She cried every single night and even told Sei that she was going to kill herself. Being unstable as he already was, Sei hadn't been able to face anything or anybody without wanting to smack them. But soon he could get away. And he was already planning his flight to England. It was a long way from Manhattan. But at least it meant a fresh start for him by himself. He was going to get a job, find a nice man for himself... and live in the home that his father had owned in London. He'd bought his plane ticket and was almost ready to go. But he had one more trip to make first. Valentine. So a very gaunt and sad looking Sei knocked timidly at Valentine's door, his suitcase in hand and his parka wrapped around him.


"please answer... I cant go without telling you...!"

 

[Clock]

It wasn't Valentine who opened the door. It was the second eldest daughter, Aria, with a crying baby girl in her arms. She appeared irritated at first, but seeing Sei, eased into a smile. "Hello, you're Len's friend, right?" She adjusted her bouncing baby on her hip. She then noticed the suitcases, the demure look the boy presented.


"Oh my, it's early. Were you and Len planning a trip?" She eyed the suitcase with suspicion, then sighed. "Come in, you look like you could use some coffee." Aria had heard of the Fukuwa father having passed away. The mother had fallen into weakness, the child neglected. Aria felt sorry for the young boy. Unfortunately, the Krane family mother wasn't one to lend a helping hand. She just kept a stoic face, laughing secretly at the woman's frailness. Aria couldn't forget, though, how Eva Krane had cried the night her husband had passed away... The two widows could've helped each other. They hadn't.


Opening the door wider, Aria signalled for a butler to fetch Valentine. "He's probably asleep." She explained, leading him into her house. She wouldn't take no for an answer.


Valentine finally appeared, walking down the stairs. His hair was damp, his face blank, but his voice visibly annoyed, "I was talking a shower-" He paused as he took in the scene. Sei. Aria. Baby.


"What do you want?" The coldness in his tone surprised Aria. The baby giggled.

 

[Mituna Captor]

Sei nodded blankly when Aria opened the door, staring at the gurgling baby in her arms, her warm tone relaxed him, He pulled his suitcase with him, laughing dryly.


"We weren't, I am though, I'm leaving for good." He said softly.


When Valentine appeared, Sei's brain went blank, he didn't know what to say, the suitcase was slipping in his grasp because his palms were sweaty.


"I... I..." He bit his lip hard, locking his gaze with Valentine's.


"I'm going. I'm leaving Manhattan." He said with a soft sigh.


"And I thought it was proper of me to come and say goodbye to the only friend I've ever had. I just wanted to say thankyou. For the time when it was okay to be how I am, and when you were always there. You turned into a prick though, Valentine. Surely you can let the whole queer thing go after eight years. Because I'm going now, and I'm going forever. Not just somewhere else in America. To England." He smiled, his eyes watering. Of course, of course he still loved the blonde boy, with all his heart. He had never stopped loving Valentine.


"I've no idea why, but I'm going to miss you a great deal." He said, dropping the case and embracing him tightly. Slipping a small square of paper into his hand as he did so. He knew deep in his heart that the boy wouldn't come and find him, Valentine hated Sei.


He pulled away and took something out of his shoulder bag. His drawing book that he'd filled with pictures and memories from their childhood. And on the first page, he'd written a small letter to Valentine


'I love you. You don't have to look at the pictures or anything. But I just want you to know that I'm stupid and retarded because even after you and Rei were so horrible to me... I still love you, so much. The slip of paper that is currently in your hand has my phone number and my next address on it. So should you need me. I know you won't. But if you will, that's where to find me. And how."


Sei handed the small book over, looking down at the floor before kissing him deeply and running out of the open door, tears streaming down his face.


Stupid Sei. Stupid. Idiot.

 

[Clock]

Valentine barely gave a sign of acknowledgement at Sei's announcement, though his heart sped up slightly. He felt oddly... betrayed. It just gave him another reason to hate the man. In fact, he could write a book for all the reasons he despised Sei. He'd always been weak. He couldn't stand up for himself, he didn't try to acknowledge the people who did want to know him and now he was running away... Valentine had never hated someone so much. And now he'd just called him a prick. And why exactly would Sei miss him? How did you miss a person who never wanted to be seen near you?


He froze as Sei came near, his mind filled with too many thoughts. Surely, he wouldn't...? Not in front of Aria and in the view of many home staff. But, as Sei hugged him, Valentine let him. A hug, that was okay. An endearing gesture. He felt Aria smile. Valentine gently grasped the paper. He even took the book, feeling relief wash over him. Valentine decided he could, at the least, offer his condolences for the passing away of his father...


...And then Sei kissed him. And not just a kiss, a kiss. Valentine felt himself flush, then as Sei ran out, grow angry. An anger that took him over like a tantrum. He finally managed to calm down enough, though tears threatened. He'd never felt so embarrassed lmao. In front of Aria! "Y-you won't tell mother, will you?" He kept his gaze downcast, unable to meet Aria's eyes.


None knew that mother had been watching from the top steps. Uh oh.


~


A month later is when Valentine finally looked at the book. He read the first page, ripped it out and then threw it into the fireplace without hesitation. Page after page, the same procedure was repeated. Making daisy chains in the meadow? Into the fireplace. Climbing trees only to fall out? Also in the fireplace. By the end of the book, the fireplace was a lump of ashes. He finally opened the note, where the aforementioned contacts were. He wanted to burn that, too, in an attempt to get rid of Sei forever. The bruises on his arms were still a deep red, the scars healing too slowly. And it had all been Sei's fault. Valentine picked up the phone, dialling the number with a deliberate slowness. If the b*stard didn't pick up, Valentine would kill him. Castrate him. Feed him to the hounds.

 

[Mituna Captor]

Sei ran, and five minutes later he was blubbering to a taxi driver about taking him to the airport, the man didn't sympathise though, and even asked Sei to shut up a few times.


He'd arrived in England what seemed like years later. He didn't care for the plane journey or the films that they showed on the plane. He still hadn't eaten and he was desperately hungry by the time he got off the plane.


~


A month later, Sei had very nearly settled down in his father's old home. He'd found a job in a quaint little café just down the road from where he lived. He was slowly getting to know everybody he worked with and he was actually happy, for the first time in years he'd found friends. It had been surprisingly easy, people liked him there.


He was just on his short walk back home when his phone began to vibrate in his pocket, he grabbed it out and quickly and swiped the screen, holding it to his ear.


"Hello? Who's this?" He asked as he let himself into his house. He let out a faint chuckle down the phone when he felt a tiny head bump against his foot. He picked the kitten up and kissed it's head, sitting down.


"Hello?" He asked again. Having not heard an answer.

 

[Clock]

"..." There was an eerie silence on the phone as Valentine contemplated what to say next. He'd been so sure he could deal with such a small situation, it had never occurred to him to think over why he was calling. Ah, yes, he had no idea why he was calling. Valentine inhaled, his fingers slipping from the phone and the boy barely caught it before it fell to the ground.


"It's Valentine. Your friend? From Manhattan." He could've scolded himself for such a lame introduction. Of course, Sei would remember him. Guy who ruined his life? It was hard to forget people like that. There was another pause as Valentine struggled with the words. He wanted to blame Sei for his mother's anger and hate. The loathing. The fear he had to live in. Valentine had never felt that way before, he could almost sympathize with Sei. Shudder.


He heard knocking on the door, flinching instinctively. The knocks continued for a while, before stopping suddenly. Valentine heard the footsteps retreat and relaxed slightly. "Can I come visit you in England? I don't have to stay at your place, Yves is travelling for a business trip, so we'll stay at a hotel... I know this is sudden, but please?" His begging tone made him flush. But, Valentine just really did not want to be in Manhattan. He wanted to be as far away as possible. Even if it meant being closer to the biggest queer he knew. lmfao.

 

[Mituna Captor]

Sei picked up his kitten and kissed it's head whilst waiting for an answer. When he did get one, he froze.


He'd almost forgotten about Valentine... But something in the younger man's tone made him stay, he didn't hang up because Valentine sounded suitably distressed...


"Wh- Of course you can!" He said with a grin, falling back onto a sofa, kitten following closely.


"I wouldn't mind you staying here!" He said, his tone happy... But in some ways it was forced. He did love Valentine... But he was slowly realising he wouldn't ever love Sei back.


"If you can get me some details... Like how soon, what time your flights are and what hotel you're staying at, I could meet you at the airport if you wanted!" After that, Sei went blank. Not Yves... Anyone but Yves. Why did it have to be the bastard he slept with at the start of the year?! It was sure going to be awkward between them.


But Sei was concerned for Valentine. So of course he would still go ahead with it.


"Vallie? Are you sure you're alright? This is all a bit sudden and you sound a little upset... It's not like you to want to visit me... You don't like me all that much? Remember?" He let out a small chuckle.


"But... Of course you can stay, I guess I'd like it even more if you stayed with me. You could see my new cat and I could take to to see the Queen's house and-" he cut himself. Stupid Sei again, getting too exited.


"Sorry." He muttered as Claude, the sandy ginger kitten settled on his chest.

 

[Clock]

Despite himself, Valentine laughed quietly. He'd been afraid that Sei's reaction would be less than pleased... It only made sense for Sei to hate him. Yet the other sounded rather excited which surprised Valentine. Rocks bounced off his window. He slowly got up from his place on the sofa, listening intently as Sei spoke, "Pick me up at the airport? That's fine. I'll just come to your place. And, I think I'll arrive next week. I won't tell you exactly because it'll be a surprise!" Valentine put the phone down as he slipped into a jacket. He then picked it back up, "I'm taking you up on your offer by the way. I'd rather not stay with Yves, too awkward." Valentine opened the huge window, shivering automatically. The wind was cold tonight. Freezing. "By the way Sei, I don't hate you. You're just not cool enough for me." More giggles before he hung up. Looking back to his darkened room, he threw the phone onto the bed.


Cool to the core, Valentine climbed down his house, the breeze mixing with smoke, alcohol. Intoxicated hello's. "Hey, sl**." "Yo, prick."


~


A week later, they did arrive. A 9 hour flight and a coffee later, Valentine still felt like a tired mess. Sleep was barely an option on the plane, as the irritating family beside him had kept up a loud banter. The boy had to beg Yves to carry him across the airport. It embarrassed them both. It really did, and Valentine hadn't spoken much since. Now, he sat by the front of the airport, waiting for Yves and Sei. Yves had gone off to reschedule their flight back. And Sei wasn't here yet. Glancing at his watch, he cursed silently. 15 seconds late. One did not make Valentine wait. He idly pulled his jacket closer, imagining a warm bath with floating rose petals...

 

[Mituna Captor]

Sei laughed, smiling as the other put the phone down and giggling to himself. Valentine was going to be here next week. And he didn't mind Sei's excitement. Well, at least that's what it sounded like.


~


Due to minor traffic, he arrived at the airport a little more than a minute late. It was probably best for him and Valentine to get a taxi back. Sei would pick up his motorbike in the morning or something.


He jumped off the bike, searching terminals and such until he came across a familiar blonde man (who looked more like a boy than Sei) slumped on a wall. Bearly even awake.


Sei shed his coat and wrapped it around Valentine, before placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.


"Hey... It's me. Are you awake?" He whispered, shivering slightly.


He dropped Yves a quick text to let him know that he was taking Valentine back, and not to worry if he'd gone when Yves got back.


Once he had let Yves know, he slid one arm under Valentines knees. And made one support his shoulders, lifting the other up effortlessly. Sei was skinny as a stick, but he'd always been strong.


Satisfied with Yves' speedy reply, he carried Valentine out into the cool winters night, a few moments later, they were in a taxi and on the way back to Sei's house. He watched the boy in his arms open his eyes again.


"Welcome back." He whispered.


"Long haul flights are the worst hm? But anyhow. You can sleep when we're home. And even now, there's still a little while until we're back." He played a hand across Valentines forehead and stroked his hair lightly. Smiling to himself.

 

[Clock]

Okay, so maybe Sei wasn't that late. Valentine just had a diva complex. A thousand thoughts ran into his mind as he was picked up by the other boy (or was he a man now? Damn! They grow up fast!). It was embarrassing, but not more than the spectacle earlier. He almost didn't notice the cool breeze, Sei was super warm. But bony. Not exactly the most comfortable cuddling buddy, but without a complain Valentine fell into his arms in the safe confinement of the taxi. He was too tired to protest.


There were things Valentine needed to take care of. Yves may be worried if he found Valentine gone... Although he had warned the man he might have a friend pick him up. And! The luggage! Valentine groaned, letting his head rest on Sei's lap. His luggage had barely made it through security checks. It was essential, no hyperbole, to Valentine's life. Lastly, he was in Sei's lap. Tired. Unable to fight back. Not that he necessarily believed the rumours that Sei was a pimp or a drunkard or a teenage rebel (he'd invented most of them), but still, "Hey. Don't you dare take advantage of this situation." And he fell into an uneasy sleep. Until he was rudely awoken by a sudden stop. Sei was serious when he said "short while." Despite being fully awake, Valentine feigned slumber. He didn't want to walk inside. lazy.

 

[Mituna Captor]

He spluttered slightly.


"Wasn't!" He muttered, blushing as he rested his own head back, eyes slowly closing.


He'd had a few minutes sleep when they came to a stop, he opened his eyes and found some money in his pocket. He grabbed it out and paid the driver before slipping out of the taxi, Valentine still in his arms. He slid his key in the door and was instantly greeted by Claude, scratching at his trouser leg and mewing quietly.


"Shh. We've got a guest and he's asleep!" He said, looking down at the ginger cat as he began the walk upstairs. He opened his bedroom door and stripped his coat from Valentine's shoulders, and then took Valentine's own, much smaller coat off. He wasn't about to undress the other boy (that was 17 so almost a man I guess idk xD ). And so he slipped the blonde into bed whilst he was still in his jeans and t shirt. He pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek and left the room silently, picking up his kitten as he walked back down the stairs. Smiling to himself again.