Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

       Aone has selective mutisme. It's never been a secret. It's always been a problem. 

       Aone has always been taller than most. One of the first times he started hating his height and body, was when his mother talked about her pregnancy with him.

He was born at almost 10lbs. His mother almost didn't make it out alive from what she told him... She's always been proud of her son for being so big, handsome and healthy, but Aone couldn't relate. To him, his height was a flaw. And even if his mother always reassured him that he was one of her biggest blessings, told him that she would go through that traumatic experience a thousand more times if it meant she could have Takanobu with her, Aone couldn't help but hate his body.

If he was smaller his mother wouldn't have been in danger.

He apparently wasn't the only one to hate his body.

At school, he's always been pushed away. Rejected. From kindergarten to now. He was bigger, taller, scarier than any kids his age.

In kindergarten other kids were scared of him. They ran away when he tried to approach them to play. Cried to teachers about Nobu, saying he was "too scary". It hurts his feelings but it could be worst. 

If he was smaller they wouldn't be scared of him.

And worst it got, when he entered elementary school. Kids grew up, and started to develop something called "mockery". Something they didn't have at 3 years old. 

Kids still ran away from him but this time they ran away while laughing at him. Insulting him.

"Aaaaah ! The giant is trying to get me !"

"Don't touch me I don't want your cooties !"

"Ewww ! Get away from us you biggie !" 

"Weirdo"

"Are you even human ?"

It wasn't fear anymore, it was bullying. He discovered he prefered when people feared him. He didn't like it when people mocked him. He felt embarrassed...

He always sat alone in class. Played alone at recess. Ate alone during lunchtime. Stayed alone during sports class.

If he was smaller no kids would bully him.

       And it kept going in middle school, it worsen. It became physical.

Kids pushed him around. Mocking him when he fell in the dirt.

"Not so tall anymore huh ? Hahaha !" 

He wanted to disappear.

They tried to beat him up. And when they succeeded, they mocked him again...

"You're pretty weak for a giant pffahaha !"

He wanted everything to stop...

He hoped it would change in high school. Because when people get older, they get more "mature", or so his mother had told him. 

But then his perspective changed. He looked around the school, trying to understand how could people get so many friends while he struggled so much. And for the first time, he noticed something. He wasn't alone. He's not the only tall kid.

People didn't hate him for his height particularly, they hated him because of how weird he was. His height just so happen to be one of the many flaws those kids could pick on.

But he saw other tall kids, they had friends. They were happy, no one bullied them. All because they were normal. They can talk, smile and communicate. 

If he was smaller, it wouldn't matter.

He would be weird anyway...

       Aone has always been quieter than most. One of the first time he started hating his disability, was when a teacher asked him to introduce himself in front of everyone like others did before him.

At the time he was still undiagnosed. Meaning he didn't get treated any different than his classmates.

Beginning of his first elementary year. 7 years old but he looked at least 10.

The awkward noise of his chair moving, all eyes on him when the teacher said "Aone, your turn". 

He stood there, in front of 30 other kids who looked their age. Their looks began to change from happy, to weirded out. They looked at this tall, imposing kid standing awkwardly in front of them as the teacher was getting angry at him because he didn't talk like he was asked to. 

"Aone, talk. Everyone else introduced themselves. You're not any different. You have to do it too. Even the shy ones did it."

He was trying to talk but nothing came out. He felt a weird felling in his throat and his eyes started to sting. He was about to cry. 

He felt helpless. He needed to talk but he couldn't. He felt like his throat was giving up on him. But instead she sighed and gave up. 

"Ugh forget it, just go sit back down." She rolled her eyes. He could already see other kids whispering between them. Mocking, talking, about him. He felt so embarrassed he just wanted to be invisible. But he knew it was literally impossible when he stood out so much because of his height. 

He looked at his desk and refused to interact with anyone until the end of the day. 

Which got his mother a call from the school and an appointment with the teacher:

"Does your son know how to talk ? He is 7 years old, he should have learned years ago."

"He is mute. We talked about it when I enrolled him in this school. You said it was okay."

"I don't have any doctors note. I have no proofs that you aren't just a bad mother. I will treat him like any other kids as long as I don't have a doctor's note."

"Are you kidding me ? You said it was okay when I got him in the school ? You never talked about a doctor's note ! And a note for what ? He doesn't talk but he understands everything and he has good grades. He is a really smart kid ! Isn't that enough ?" 

"Doctor's note for mutism, or SPC because you didn't teach your kid how to talk like a good mother would. It's for you to choose miss Aone." 

"I can't believe it..." 

That day, Aone-Okaasan felt true anger. But she got her son an appointment with a pediatrician.

During that appointment, Aone understood he was born flawed. Too tall, too weird, too quiet, too scary. He wasn't normal in anyway. He was doomed to a life of mockery and bullying. 

It helped him in a way. He accepted his flaws. He accepted mockeries. He stoped crying himself to sleep every night. He understood he wasn't normal and that was it. He would never be normal.

It was okay. 

If he was smaller, he wouldn't be any different.

       Then high school arrived. He walked in the corridors of the school on the first day. Students were holding out posters for each club. A tradition in every high school.

"Join the music club ! You'll become a star !"

"Join the basket ball club ! Our team is the fastest !"

"Join the football club ! You'll have so much fun !"

"Join the volleyball club ! We have the tallest players !" 

Aone's ears perked at that. Tallest ? He is tall. Standing high at 6 foot 4.  Maybe he could use his flaw for something good. 

He walked towards the boy who held out the volleyball poster. The boy took a little step back when Aone marched over to him with determination he had never seen before. 

«H-Hi ! You want to join our volleyball club ? You seem perfect for this ! Tall, muscular and athletic !» The boy spoke. Looking up to Aone who was easily 15 centimeters taller then him.

Aone gave a sharp nod. 

«Cool ! With you in our team, our Iron wall will definitely be the strongest ! What's your name ?»

«...» Aone didn't answer, he searched for something in his pocket. His ID, he always kept it in reach of an hand to make sure he could always introduce himself easily. Without having to live the awful situation he went through in elementary school again... 

«O-oh ! Aone Takanobu. You... You don't talk ?» The dark haired boy read the ID.

Aone shook his head. 

«I see...» The boy thought for a second, Aone was worried he would get rejected once again. Volleyball is a communication sport after all... His worries disappeared when the boy smiled brightly at him. «Well that's okay ! We'll find a way to communicate don't worry ! My name is Moniwa ! I'm a second year.» Moniwa held out his hand in front of Aone. Still smiling. 

Aone stood still for a second before realizing he was to shake his hand back. He wasn't a pro at social cues...

«First year...» Aone dared answering. For some reasons, he felt a comforting aura surrounding the boy in front of him. 

«Yeah, guessed it, I never saw you around here before. Otherwise I would've noticed you, you stand at what ? 6 foot 2 ?»

Aone gestured a four with his fingers. After Moniwa let go of his hand.

«6 foot 4 ?!» A Nod «Impressive ! You're exactly what we need then ! Hope to see you tomorrow at 4pm at the gym. Every informations you might need are on the paper.» Moniwa smiled at Aone. Aone nod in contentment before turning his back, letting Moniwa go back to giving papers. 

"Join our volleyball club ! We have the tallest players !" 

That little interaction with Moniwa gave Aone a sort of confidence. Moniwa was impressed by his height. Impressed in a good way. A first for Aone.

People in the school didn't seem to care about Aone. It was a good thing, he didn't feel watched or judged 24/7. He doesn't know if it's an high school thing or just this school that is non judgemental, but he couldn't be happier. Even if it doesn't particularly show on his face...

(Author's note: searched japanese school hours, they end school around 3:15pm so I assumed they go to after school clubs by 3:30 or 4pm) 

       Tuesday. 3:50pm. It's time. Aone is standing in front of the gym. Anxious for sure. He doesn't want to be a burden for the club because he can't talk. He doesn't want to get mocked because he can't play. 

He takes a deep breath and-

«Yo ! You're a first year right ? I saw you walking in the first year floor earlier.» A brown haired boy speaks to him, he speaks loud and fast. Aone is startled by the boy but nods. 

«Oh thank god ! I was scared I was going to the only new guy hehe. Come on, what are you waiting for big guy ?» The boy walks in the gym, loudly greeting everyone even if he's never met them before. Aone is impressed by the confidence this boy has. 

Aone feels a weird confidence take over him as he walks in the gym. Putting one hand up in the air as a greeting. 

He spots the locker room and walks in. The brown haired boy is here again. Along with two other guys. 

«Big guy ! Took you long enough... And look, there's two other first years with us ? Isn't that great ?» 

Aone nods again. Putting his stuff down before changing. The four first years walked out of the gym. 

Once everyone was in the gym, the coach called the players.

«So has you can see, we have four new players this year. You can introduce yourseleves.»

«I'm Kenji Futakuchi.» Smug smile. Obviously bad character. 

«Tarō Onagawa.» Lazily said, needs to get motivated to do anything.

«And I'm Yutaka Obara !» Bright smile, energetic player. 

Then silent. Players wondered why the last player didn't seem to talk. The coach was about to speak out when a deep voice suddenly, finally, spoke out.

«Aone Takanobu.» Stern, but kind. A strong player. 

His confidence streak got him to audibly say his name. He felt strangely proud of himself.

The coach gave a smile a proud nod.

«This year is going to be a bit special because one of our players is mute. We'll have to learn new types of communication. Which is a good thing, you guys could use communication for sure...» The coach looked at the second and third years in disappointment. They all looked away in shame. Communicating is hard, Aone understands them.

But none of them seemed to mind having a mute player. And for that Aone is greatful to say the least. (He is actually literally imploding in happiness but it doesn't show on his face. As per usual.) 

Practice went on. They teached the first years how to stretch to not hurt yourself, basic rules, and how to move on court. Basic things. Aone supposed they would get to learn how to play and communicate during later practices. 

Aone grabbed his things, not bothering to change before leaving the gym. 

He walked out, peaceful wind hit his face. The sun was orange-ish, meaning it would set soon. The only noises being the wind, a few cars passing by from time to time, bugs and... Futakuchi ? 

«AONEEEE !» A high pitched voice screamed. Aone stopped in his track. Looking behind him, a boy ran towards him.

Stopping in front of him to catch his breath. Aone looked at him, confused. While the boy was trying to remember how to breath, Aone searched his bag. He's pretty sure he didn't forget anything in the gym. So why is Futakuchi running after him ?

«Damn you *pant* walk fast... *pant*» 

Aone bops his head to the side, silently asking "You're okay ?". 

«I'm okay !» Futakuchi smiles and shows a thumb up. Aone eyes widen a little. Futakuchi understood his question once again.

Aone didn't know how to react when it happened earlier that day. He looked at Futakuchi because he didn't understand something. And Futakuchi had provided the perfect answer. To which Aone looked at him with big eyes and Futakuchi answered. 

«What ? You think I don't understand you or something ? Don't think you're special, you're easy to read you know ?» It was said harshly but Aone took it for what it was. A confirmation that he was like any other human to Futakuchi. He wasn't a weirdo, or a monster. It warmed his heart a little.

And then it kept happening. Aone looked at Futakuchi, Futakuchi answered as if Aone had spoken to him. It happened too many times for it to be luck.

Aone tries again to make sure, his expression changes just a little, so little it's almost invisible. 

«Oh, nothing's wrong. I live over there too so I thought we could talk together right big guy ?» Futakuchi kept calling him big guy. Usually it would bother Aone but, surprisingly he didn't mind when it was Futakuchi.

One thing he noticed about the boy, is that he is honest. Too honest. Always telling others if he finds them weird, or annoying, or even ugly. And Aone can tell Futakuchi doesn't mean anything mean when he calls Aone "big guy". If he wanted to sound mean, he would. He knows.

Anything Aone noticed, was that Futakuchi seemed to understand him. Somehow. At first he thought it was luck. But it seemed Futakuchi really does understand. 

«How do you do that ?»

«Wow you spoke a full sentence ! Crazy. But too answer your question, I don't know. It just happens.» Futakuchi spoke as if it was the most casual thing ever to read someone's mind. Aone gave a tiny smile before looking away from Kenji. 

«You don't talk but you listen right ? You look like a great listener.» Aone doesn't know what a listener is supposed to look like but he supposed if Futakuchi thinks he could be a listener, he might be. So he nodded. 

«Good because I absolutely need to talk to someone right about now. So many things happened today it was crazy ! First of all, I woke up late because my stupid sister took my phone last night and didn't charge it before giving it back to me, so it turned off during the night and I didn't have an alarm in the morning ! I was so angry at her I swear ! And then I missed my bus and arrived late in class so the teacher, that bitch, said "ooooooh Futakuchi late on the second day of school gna gna gna... Kenji went on, talking about his day to his quiet friend. Are they friends now ? Aone supposed so. 

He listened to Futakuchi talk, nodding from time to time. Giving disappointed facial expressions when Futakuchi talked about how he insulted a guy for being stupid today. Futakuchi always answered:

“Don't you look at me like that ! He was being a fucking idiot so I told him ! I'm right he's wrong." The boy looked away in anger.

Aone sighed, Futakuchi was kinda right...

Futakuchi reached his home first, waving goodbye to Aone. Aone finished walking alone. Everything was too quiet without Futakuchi yapping next to him... The silence was so loud... 

       Present day, Aone is in second year of high school. His friends still by his side. He is part of the famous "Iron Wall" he's much better at volleyball, and communication. 

Even with Futakuchi. Futakuchi now had a 80% success rate at understanding Aone. In first year he had like 60%. It was already enough for Aone at the time, but seeing how much better Futakuchi got at understanding the taller man, he can only say he is so grateful and proud. 

With Futakuchi's help, he managed to make other people understand him. Futakuchi helped Aone be more clear in his demands with signs or expression people could easily understand. But Futakuchi also helped others understand Aone by explaining how he proceeded to understand Aone. Sure it wasn't has great as Futakuchi but it was already something. He was greatful to see people try to understand him.

Along the year, Aone had to admit he developed something for Futakuchi. He doesn't know if it's love or really strong friendship. He can't tell the difference truly. Aone never really thought he would ever get a partner. Even less a boy partner to be honest. 

And he's never had real friends before either, it's a new feeling for him and he can't tell if what he's feeling is strong best friends feeling or straight up love.

He tried to talk about it with Obara. 

One night, he looked at the ceiling for too long. Wondering if he loved or liked Futakuchi. 

So he sent a message to Obara. 

Message:

Aone:

Obara ? U here ?

Obara:

Yo dude what's up ?

Aone:

How do you know if you love someone ?

Obara:

Who catched your eye 👀 ?

Aone:

Just answer the question 

Obara:

Okay okay, but you'll have to tell me ! 

Aone:

Sure

Obara :

Well, first, do you find them attractive ?

Aone:

Attractive ? 

Aone catched himself looking Futakuchi many times. But it's just a fact that Kenji is hot. Just one look at him and you'll know. He doesn't think it really matters though. 

Yeah 

Obara: 

Good start 

Next, do you like his personality ?

Aone thought about it. Futakuchi was the person he became friends with the quickest out of everyone in the team. That had to count for something right ?

One of the first things he catched about Futakuchi's personality, was his honesty. Always one to say if he thinks you're annoying, stupid, or even ugly. Aone knows Futakuchi isn't a hypocrite. And it's something Aone loves for sure. 

Futakuchi is also surpringly scary. He can make anyone run away with just a stare. And honestly, Aone had never felt so protected around someone. 

Aone:

Yeah, definitely 

Obara:

Hmmm interesting 👀

Let's add a bit of spice 

Have you ever thought about that person sexually ? Even just a kiss ? 

Maybe he thought about wrapping his hands gigantic hands around Futakuchi's waist and hips. Maybe he thought about his lips crashing with Futakuchi's own a few times. Maybe just maybe he wished he could hug the man whenever he wanted. 

Aone:

Uhmm, what is considered sexual ?

Obara:

Okay forget about it... 

Last question, do you think me your friend, is as important as the person ?

Aone:

What do you mean ?

Obara:

Well I'm your friend, you feel a certain way about me

Do you feel different about the person ?

Aone:

How am I supposed to know ?

Obara:

If that person is important to you, you'll know

Sadly I can't guess for you but I'm sure you'll figure it out ! You're smart ! 

Aone:

Alright, thanks I'll think about it !

Obara:

Of course, tell me if you need anything ! See ya !

Aone:

👋

In real life:

From what Aone understood from the situation, if he feels different around Futakuchi, he'll know if he loves him.

But he does like Futakuchi's personality and look. Which is a good start to love someone. 

       Aone spent the next few days thinking about Futakuchi. Thinking about how he felt when he was around Futakuchi. 

He noticed a few things. 

First off, he's much more interested by Futakuchi's yapping than any other person's yapping. They both talk nonsense but Aone will always listen if Futakuchi is talking. 

Also, Futakuchi looks rather basic. Brown hair, brown eyes. Simple features. And yet Aone looks at Futakuchi as if he was a god of beauty. To Aone, no one is prettier than Futakuchi. 

When coach says "Find a partner for practice" Aone immediately thinks Futakuchi. No one else. 

When Aone gets out of class. He immediately, searches for Futakuchi in the corridors. 

When they eat lunch with other second years, he sits next to Futakuchi. All the time. 

When Futakuchi says he can't come to school, Aone feels bad. But when it's Obara, less.

And lastly, he always feels that weird sensation when he looks at Futakuchi's lips or body for too long... 

A few details that make him think:

«I think I'm in love...» Aone thinks, sitting on a staircase in the middle of the school. It's 3:30pm. He's waiting to go to practice.

«Nobu !» Futakuchi comes running in the corridor, calling Aone by a nickname he picked a year ago. «Look what I bought ! They had new snacks in the vending machine, so I bought two for us to taste !» Futakuchi sits next to Aone in the staircase, their thighs are touching. It sends a wave of anxiety in Aone's brain.

«Why so anxious ? It's just a snack, it won't kill you I promise.» Futakuchi mocked and snickered. Of course he noticed the tiny change in Aone's face. For once, Aone wished Futakuchi could misunderstand him. 

But the bright smile and smug look Futakuchi gave Aone is enough to make the tall man think:

«I'm in love...»

(Author's note: second chapter will really dig in AoFuta dynamic because this first chapter was really Aone centered I know 

It will also talk more about the present, because this chapter talked mostly about the past so... Yeah !

Second chapter will certainly be more interesting in terms of ships and love and drama ✨)

See you soon !

Chapter Text

       Alright. And now what ? Aone knows he is in love with Futakuchi. What should he do now ? He can't just confess can he ? All TV shows he watched about love were much more complicated than that... He does even know if Futakuchi liked him back.

He doesn't know much about love but Obara helped him a lot last time. "Maybe I should try asking again" he thought. 

Messages:

Aone:

Can we eat together ?

Obara:

Hi Aone ! Sure I can join you and Futakuchi if you'd like 

Aone:

No I meant just us 

Obara:

Oh ? Sure ? Did you have a fight with Futa or something ?

Aone:

No.

Obara:

Alr then... 

See ya at lunch !

In real life:

He the sends a message to Futakuchi to tell him they won't be eating together today, and even if Kenji wonders why, Aone doesn't answer so he doesn't push. 

With this off his mind, he waits for the bell to ring the end of recess and goes back to class. 

       The longest hour of his life clearly. He never really liked math, but trying to do math while being excited for lunch is so much more complicated. 

Anyway, he grabs a tray, food. Lots of food. The lunch lady always gives him doubles of everything because "You're a tall kid ! You need to eat good !" She says. Aone doesn't complain though. 

He sat on one of the outdoor tables and waited for Obara to join him. 

«Aone hi ! Did you want to talk about something ?»

«I did. I'm more comfortable talking if no one's around...» Aone speaks. Comfortable with Obara who has been by his side for almost 2 years now. It's not that hot outside so nobody eats on the outdoor tables. He can speak clearly, he doesn't feel like he needs to rip his throat out at each word he says. 

«I'm listening, go on !» Obara says as he starts to eat his lunch. 

«We talked about love the other day right ? I think I know now. I'm in love...»

«Oh my god I knew it ! Who is it ? Who's the lucky girl ?» The boy cheers before smirking at Aone like an invasive mother. 

Aone bops his head to the side in confusion. As if to say "what girl ?" Obara's eyes widen. 

«A boy ?» Aone nods as an answer. «Alright then who's the lucky boy ?» The boy doesn't lose his enthusiasm as he smirks at Aone again. 

«Can't tell you yet... I just need advices, how can I get him to like me ?» 

«How do you know he doesn't already likes you ?»

«I don't know, is there anything I can do to know ?»

«I mean... You can ask-»

«No.» The taller man cuts Obara mid phrase.

«Hehe, I tried... But I guess you can know by spending time with him. If you feel he's acting differently with you then with others, maybe he likes you too ?»

«Mmmh, maybe.»

«But... You really can't tell me who it is ?» Obara looks at Aone with pleading eyes, puppy eyes. But Aone prefers cats. 

«No.» 

«Ugh fine... But you'll have to tell me soon ! I'm not helping you for no reasons !» Obara scolded Aone before going back to his lunch. 

They chatted until the end of the break and both went back to their respective classes. 

       "If Futakuchi is different with me, he might like me." Aone keeps thinking about the advice Obara gave him. The guy gave him other advices throughout the lunch but we'll talk about it later...

Futakuchi never seems to be that different around him. Maybe he should pay more attention ? Paying attention got him to realize he was in love so... Maybe that's the answer to all his questions.

Paying attention to the world around him. It had always been complicated for him. It's like he's stuck in his own head...

       The next days, he spent them observing. He did notice a few things.

• 1

Futakuchi defends him. 

You would think it's normal between two friends but, it's Futakuchi we're talking about. The bratty mouthed, who bullies everyone, Futakuchi. He's seen Futakuchi mock everyone in the team, even him sometimes. He's seen Futakuchi ignoring someone who was being mean to someone of the team, or someone of his class. 

But when it's Aone, it's a different story. 

Yesterday, Aone was walking around in the second years hall, searching for Futakuchi. When he heard commotion to his right, he noticed Futakuchi was upset and talking to someone who also looked upset too. They were fighting. Aone stayed away but could hear what they were saying. 

"What the hell Futakuchi I was joking ! We always joke together usually, what's wrong this time ?!"

"Your joke isn't funny dude ! Leave Aone alone he's not a freak !" 

"Oh come on you can't tell me you actually like this guy ? He's so weird ! He never talks, he never smiles, he's scary as fuck !"

"We're gonna have a problem you and me, I swear to god-"

Futakuchi was cut by a large hand on his shoulder. He looked behind him, angry at first because who dares cutting him off ? But his face softened when he noticed Aone, looking at him with a slight smile only he can notice. 

«Aone...»

Aone gives a nod of appreciation to say "Thank you for defending me, but it's enough" 

«What do you mean ?! He insulted you I can't just let him go like that !»

«I'm okay.» Aone spoke. And his voice managed to convince Futakuchi to stop because if Aone speaks, it means he is comfortable. He is okay. 

Futakuchi never talked to that dude again.

• 2

Futakuchi looks at him a lot. 

Aone never noticed before. But at practice, he was trying to look out for Futakuchi. Since he said he would observe him more. And each time he looked over at the shorter man, Futakuchi quickly looked away. Embarrassed. Slight blush on his cheeks.

It happened to many times for it to be a coincidence and if Futakuchi was mocking him, Aone would know. 

Sometimes Futakuchi stares (glares) at someone and when that person looks back at Futakuchi, the boy smirks and chuckle. To show he was indeed mocking him. No shame whatsoever. He did it to Aone once because Aone accidentally wore his shirt backwards.

All those time Aone catched Futakuchi staring, it wasn't for mockery. It was something else. He doesn't really know what, but he hopes it could be attraction. Though Aone doesn't really know what Futakuchi could possibly find attractive about him. 

• 3

Futakuchi likes him. (As a friend)

That's actually something Aone noticed a year ago. He always thought it was weird that Futakuchi wanted to befriend him.

Aone noticed Futakuchi doesn't have a lot of real friends. He talks to everyone, but he isn't friends with everyone. 

He's friends with Aone and Obara. And a few other people from his class. But very few. He has a closed circle of friends. If he likes you, you're privileged, clearly. 

Aone is glad to be one of the few people Futakuchi actually likes. But he never understood why Futakuchi would choose him as a friend. He isn't particularly interesting, or cool. He doesn't talk. He doesn't show much emotions. He accidentally hurts Futa while playing. And lots of other things that could make Futa hate Aone.

When he first met Futakuchi, he quickly caught the way Futakuchi mocked and provoked others. Aone thought he would be the first one to be mocked. There's so many things to say about him.

Then he thought "maybe it's just for volleyball" but Futakuchi wanted them to hang out after school. And Futakuchi isn't friend with everyone in the team either. 

So why him ? 

This question has been in his mind for a while... Maybe he has the answer now ?

• 4

Futakuchi is often touching him. 

Aone doesn't know why, but Futakuchi always seems to have a hand on him. Or being close enough to have a contact with Aone.

He never understood, or noticed really... It happened so often he didn't even register it anymore. But for the past few days, he's been paying more attention to his surroundings, and he could feel each time Futakuchi got closer to him. He could count at least 20 times a day. 

If it's a simple hand on his shoulder or back. Sittings close so their thighs are touching. Standing next to Aone in a way their shoulders can touch. Futakuchi even rested his head on his shoulder during their break in practice.

Whatever it is, there is always a contact. 

A contact Futakuchi seems to be avoiding with everyone else ? The boy is always glaring and side eyeing anyone who gets to close to him. Not Aone apparently. 

       Aone could let the list go on. He noticed quite a few things.

Like the way Futakuchi buys him things when he wouldn't even use penny for anyone else.

The way Futakuchi asks to hang out after school even if his friends asked him before.

They're on first name basis.

Or the way Futakuchi is just nicer to him in general.

Many things that said Futakuchi wasn't just his friend. But Aone was still hesitant to confess because what if Futakuchi just considered him his best friend ? They're closer than friends, but they're not lovers. 

He's scares he'll ruin everything... This friendship, this bond he has with Futakuchi is special. He doesn't want to ruin it because of his stupid feelings...

       Now that he did notice a difference in the way Futakuchi acts with others and him, he can try moving a bit further. But not to much, he wouldn't want Futakuchi to run away. 

Just like Obara said "Try to flirt a little, not too much though ! Wouldn't want to be obvious and make him run away..."

But Aone doesn't know how to flirt. So Obara added "Compliment him, try to have a little bit of physical contact. A hand on a shoulder or a simple tap as you walk by him. I don't know, try things, simple things." 

kinda like the way Futakuchi acts with him ? Futakuchi is always touching him and often compliments his volleyball skills. 

He could try that. 

Today was the perfect day actually. He and Futakuchi are supposed to meet up and go to the mall. Futakuchi says he wants to buy new clothes, but doesn't want to alone. And once again Aone doesn't understand why Futakuchi would want to go with him of all people but he agreed anyway. 

«Hey big guy ! What's up ?» Futakuchi greats him, waving. Aone shrugs in a "not much" way. «Hi auntie ! How are you doing ?» Futakuchi then greets Aone's mom who sat in her car. He calls her auntie. He's known her for a while now. 

«Hi Kenji ! Well not much, how about you ?» Aone's mom greets Kenji happily. She's much more emotional than Takanobu himself.

«Happy I get to hang out with Nobu over there.» Futa points at Aone who was standing behind him. 

Aone's mom smiles at Futakuchi before saying her good-byes and driving away from the mall. 

«Alrighg let's go ! I wanted to go to that new shop first, it arrived here like a week ago, but I was waiting for you before going.» Futakuchi proudly admits he wanted to visit the new shop with Aone and no one else. 

Aone smiles at him. Taking time to look at Futakuchi for a bit longer and realizing he really likes the way Futakuchi looks today. 

Kenji is wearing a green American jacket with a simple white shirt, a pair of blue jorts and a pair of green converse. It looked like him. "Let's try this compliment thing" Aone quickly thinks before talking. 

«You look good today, Ken.» Aone purposefully used a nickname.

Futakuchi looked at Aone for what felt like hours, registering the compliment AND the new nickname. Before he blurts out:

«I-I- thanks ! You look good too Nobu.» He stuttered at first but quickly caught himself and used his undying confidence to compliment Aone back. Smirking at the taller man in a teasing way.

Aone nodded in appreciation. 

They went to the new shop, Aone bought a new white and grey polar jacket. Futakuchi bought himself a light denim jacket.

Then they went to eat at a random restaurant they both wanted to try. While waiting in the line to pay, Aone tried the physical contact thing and wrapped an arm around Futakuchi's shoulder. 

Kenji looked at him with a strange look on his face but didn't push Aone away. He even let his body fall against Aone's side. 

The warmth Kenji radiated felt comfortable against Aone's cold figure. 

Throughout the whole day Aone kept trying to "flirt". Futakuchi always answers with a crazy confidence. Complimenting back, or leaning into the touches. They joked together as usual of course. When they hand out together it felt like Aone was totally himself, comfortable. Not scared to talk, not scared to be judged. 

By the end of the day they were both tired. But they were happy. It was a great date. Even if none of them would actually assume and call it what it was... 

Aone's mom was supposed to get them and drop Futakuchi at his house but...

«Aaah fuck...»

Aone bopped his head to the side. Asking a silent question. 

«My mom and my sister left town to visit family. She forgot to leave me the keys...»

Aone gives another look, a worried one. 

«Yep, exactly. I can't go home until monday...» Futakuchi sighs in exhaustion. 

«Wanna sleep over ?» Takanobu asks, a hand on Futakuchi's shoulder. The boy was obviously worried, maybe the contact would call him down a little. 

It seems it worked because Futakuchi looked at him in disbelief. 

«Oh my god you would let me ? For three days ?» Kenji looked him with pleading eyes. Half shocked half glad that Aone was ready to let him in his personal space. 

«Of course.» Aone smiles at Futakuchi. 

Futakuchi knows Aone usually never invites anyone in his house because it's his house. His room, his space. He doesn't let anyone go in it, except his mom. So for Aone to ask him to sleep over, it really meant the guy trusted Futakuchi. And he couldn't be more glad. 

Happiness took over him and he moved before he could think. He wrapped his arms around Aone's neck and burried his face in his shoulder. 

Aone froze on the spot, he forgot to breath for a second but quickly wrapped his arms around Futakuchi's waist. 

«Thank you for trusting me Nobu.»

Aone hummed.

«Come on love birds ! Get in the car !» A woman voice called out and they both immediately let go of the hug. Surprised to see Taka's mom, waiting in her car.

Futakuchi stuttered his way to the car. Aone is as unexpressive as usual but his mom knows he's dying inside. 

«Mom, can Kenji sleep over until Monday ?»

«Ooooh~» Takanobu's mom teasingly answered.

«Mom...» Nobu grolwed.

«Sorry sorry ! But yeah of course he can !» She chuckled. Nobu thanked her. «By the way Kenji» She looked at Kenji through the mirror. «Do you know it's actually the first time Taka invites someone over ? You must be reaaal special !» She says with an undertone that screamed "I know young love when I see it !" And Nobu didn't like that at all. He frowned at her. 

«Oh really ? Haha, I'm glad then. And thank you auntie for letting me sleep over.» 

«No problem hun ! But should we pick up your stuff before going to my house ?» 

«Well I can't... I'm sleeping over because my mom left the house and didn't leave me any spare key so... I'm homeless until monday.» Futakuchi admits.

«Ah I see, well that's okay I'm sure Taka would let you borrow clothes !»

«They'll certainly be 7 sizes to big but sure !» Kenji joked and Nobu's mom laughed with him. 

Takanobu was glad to see his mom liked Kenji so much. If they ever end up together, it would be better if his mom liked him...

Aone was starting to get hopeful. Maybe this could work ? Futakuchi showed signs that he likes Aone and he never rejected any of Aone's advance. Maybe... 

       When they got home, Taka's mom said she was going out tonight and wouldn't be back until tomorrow in the after noon. 

Aone knows for a fact his mom didn't have anything planned in the first place. She planned last minute.

It was obviously on purpose to leave them alone for the night. Takanobu is sure his mom knows about his crush on Futakuchi. He feels kind of embarrassed...

She leaves as soon as she can, sending a quick wink to Takanobu who frowns at her. "I love my mom but can she be any more obvious..." He thinks. They're alone now, and he doesn't know what to do. First time he has someone over, and it's Futakuchi of all people.

«Nobu, can I have spare clothes ? I wanna shower.» Futakuchi asks and Aone nods. 

He goes to grab some of his old clothes that are now to small for him. They'll certainly fit Futakuchi better. 

Or so he thought, it's still too big for the guy. But it's certainly better than any of his current clothes. "He looks cute like that" He thought. Should he say it ? It might be a bit too obvious right ? But then again, Kenji had been obvious all day too so... 

No.

He'll wait for a bit longer just to be sure. He needs to shower anyway. 

He spent longer than usual in the cold shower. Trying to mentally prepare himself for tonight. He is alone with Futakuchi. 

In all his thinking, he forgot to grab clothes for himself, and only realized once he was completely drenched. 

"A towel will do..." he thinks, grabbing his towel and wrapping it around his waist before leaving the bathroom. 

Is wardrobe is in his bedroom, and Futakuchi is also in his bedroom. "This is going to be awkward..."

Futakuchi POV: (I feel like it's a need right now) 

I'm waiting in Nobu's bedroom. Damn it's big. Well the guy is big too so it's proportional... 

It's a rather simple room compared to mine. The walls are white. Mine are white too but they're covered in images and posters.

 His double sized bed is a simple wood, the sheets are a light blue and white. Double sized bed. Are we sleeping together tonight ? Oh my god oh my god oh my god oh my god. 

His desk is completely clean, the only things on it are a picture of his mom and him when he was a kid. He looks so cute. He was a scary kid for sure but when you know how soft he actually is...

What else is on this desk ? A plant, healthy. He takes good care of it. A few pens in a glass. And nothing else. Really simple. I'm guessing the rest are in his drawers but I won't snoop around. Maybe he has things he doesn't want me seeing. 

A wardrobe in the corner of the room. A TV, with a game consol and three controllers, what for ? He doesnt have siblings and never invites anyone over... A few clothes on the ground. His trash is almost full of food wrapers. This room is lived in, but not messy at all. Well it's Nobu. 

Really different from my messy room, full of shit desk, and unmade bed.

What else is there, I'm so bored. Why does he take so long to shower I swear-

Oh god. 

GOD.

oh my god oh my god oh my god oh my god oh my god oh my god oh my god oh my god oh my god 

Nobu what the hell ?! He's wearing a towel and nothing else. He's dripping water everywhere. His hair look so soft when wet. I wish I could be a water droplet right about now just to go down his muscular body- Okay calm down Kenji. Don't lose your cool. Act normal. 

«What is that Nobu ? You forgot to get dressed ?» I tease and chuckle, as I usually do. 

«I did actually, forgot to take clothes in my wardrobe.» Nobu speaks and chuckles, in his usual deep voice. I'm so glad I get to hear it more often then others. He sounds like a Greek god. Looks like one too. I can't believe some people will never get to hear how good he sounds. They're unlucky bitches haha !

Nobu takes his clothes and leaves the room again. 

Fuck. I've seen his body before. We change in the same locker room after all. But this is different. I've seen in his body, drenched in water, in his bedroom. So fucking sexy-

I need to calm down damn, it's just a body I've seen thousand of those... But it's Nobu. It's Nobu of course I can't calm down. 

How can such a socially retarded man be so attractive ! Ugh...

Back to normal reader POV:

Aone enters his bedroom, Futakuchi looks at him strangely before asking 

«What is that Nobu ? You forgot to get dressed ?» He chuckles. 

«I did actually, forgot to take clothes in my wardrobe.» Aone speaks and chuckles back. He walks over to his wardrobe and picks a random shirt with a pair of shorts. Underwear and socks before leaving the room. 

"Well that was weird. He stared at me right ? I'm not crazy, I saw it. I'm almost sure I saw it." Aone thinks while getting dressed in the bathroom. He tried to understand if Futakuchi was weirded out or attracted. 

"I just don't understand why he would be attracted to me ? I'm not especially handsome or anything. But that's the look of someone who's attracted right ? I'm not good with expressions but I'm pretty sure I've seen that one in a TV show before. When the guy was getting undressed the girl looked at him weird like that. But after that they... Would Futakuchi look at me like that ? Would he think about doing that with me ? I can't tell fuck, for once I wish I was better with social cues..." Aone has a quick existential crisis. He's trying to understand. Is he on the right path, or is he completely wrong and Futakuchi would never like him like that. 

He stops thinking about this and goes back to his room. 

«So what do you wanna do ? Play ? Eat ?» Nobu asks. 

«Both if possible ?» 

As if right on time, Nobu's mom sent a message that said: "I sent you money on your credit card, you can order food for you and your friend ! Have fun baby !" 

«My mom sent money, what do you want to order ?» Aone goes to sit next to Futakuchi on the bed.

«Oooh !» Futakuchi made a satisfied noise before scooting over to Aone and looking over his shoulder. 

       They ordered Chinese food and played games while waiting for the food. 

«Why do you have three controllers by the way ? You don't have siblings and you never invite anyone ?»

«I have cousins.»

«Oh, so you do invite people.» Futakuchi chuckled.

«Not really, they never sleep over. I don't want them too.»

«But you're okay with me sleeping over ?» The shorter man raised an eyebrow.

«Yeah. You're special.» 

Futakuchi forgot to breathe. 

«Thanks... you're special too.»

Aone gave a simple hum. 

They ate, played, laughed, watched a movie. Then another, and another. It was almost 3am when they decided maybe they should try to sleep.

Aone confirmed Futakuchi's wonder when he didn't mention anything about another bed or a couch. He just slipped under the covers and looked at Futakuchi as if to say "what are you waiting for ?" 

Now both of them were trying to sleep but none was actually succeeding in that quest. 

Futakuchi had too much on his mind. 

"Should I ask him ? Fuck we're in the same bed. What do I do ? How do I sleep ? Do I talk in my sleep ? What if I snore ? Oh god... Is Nobu a light sleeper ? I don't think he is. But should I ask ? I need to ask. I really should. But what if I just make it awkward ?"

Same on Aone's side.

"I still didn't tell him he looks cute. I should do it. But not right now, it's too weird. We're in the same bed. My bed. Do I snore ? I hope I don't. I don't want to bother Kenji. I kind of want to hug him. But hugging while in bed is weird right ? I don't know." 

They both felt the tension. They felt the other stressing. 

Futakuchi thought:

"what if he's stressing because of me ? He never has anyone over, maybe this is a lot for him right now. Maybe I should sleep on the couch ? Would he feel better ? I hope." 

Aone thought:

"Is he uncomfortable because of me ? I look scary maybe he doesn't want to sleep next to me. I should tell him he can sleep on the couch. But if I do it'll sound like I'm kicking him out of my room. I don't want to upset him..."

Futakuchi was the first one to break the ice.

«Nobu ? Are you awake ?» He knows Nobu is awake but if he doesn't answer, it means he doesn't want to talk right now so he'll just let it go.

«Yes.» Okay he answered. So he's comfortable enough to talk, meaning he's not too stressed.

«Do you want me to leave ?»

Aone sits up, did he give that impression ? He didn't mean to act cold towards Futakuchi...

«What ? No, why ?»

Futakuchi sits up too. They won't be sleeping any soon anyway. Might as well. He can see Aone's face right now, the moon shines enough to leave them with a little bit of light. Not enough to clearly see each other, but enough for Futakuchi to read Aone. "He's worried." Futakuchi thinks. 

«You seemed uncomfortable so I thought you were overwhelmed or something. I mean, it's the first time you share your personal space with someone so...»

«No I'm fine, I thought you were uncomfortable because I can be scary and you might not want to sleep next to me.» Aone admits. 

«Are you serious ? That's the stupidest thing you've ever said.» Futakuchi half jokes. It is stupid, but it's also funny.

«Now that I think about it, yeah...»

«So we were both uncomfortable for the other. But we're both fine ?»

«Yeah...»

«Oh my god we're so dumb !» Kenji laughs out loud, Aone follows behind him. Less loud but he's laughing for sure. 

«Hey Nobu ? Can I ask another question?» 

Aone nods, Futakuchi can faintly see the movement in the dark.

«Why were you acting so weird today ?»

«Hmm ?»

«Like... The compliments ? And you were really touchy, more so than usual for sure. ..»

Aone looked away, ashamed he got caught. But that was to be expected. Futakuchi was a god at reading through his mind and, he's never usually touchy or one to compliment a lot so. Of course Futakuchi noticed the difference...

«I... Uhm...» He doesn't know what to answer. 

«It's okay if you don't want to tell me but... I've had suspicions for a few weeks now. Nobu, do you like me ?»

«D-do... Do you like me ?» Nobu tries to turn the question around.

«Honestly, I don't think I can hide it for much longer but... I do like you.»

«You like like me ?»

«I like like you. In other words, I love you Nobu.» Futakuchi said in a wave of confidence which he quickly regretted and tried to add «But if you don't like me I can always leave you alone and-» 

But he was cut a pair of arms around him. Aone didn't control his strength though, and tackled Futakuchi to the bed. 

«Nobu I can't breath-» Futakuchi spoke in a crispy voice from his lungs being crushed by a tank. 

Aone quickly got up, apologizing. Sniffing. Sniffing ?

«Nobu- what the- are you crying ?» Futakuchi grabbed Nobu's face and was met with wetness. He was crying. «I'm so sorry I-» 

«I'm so happy.»

«H-happy ?»

«Yes happy. I love you too» Aone wiped tears away and put a hand over Futakuchi's one. 

(Should I make them go freaky ? Alright let's do that (⁠ㆁ⁠ω⁠ㆁ⁠) don't get your hopes up there is no smut in this fic...)

Futakuchi pulled Aone towards him and crashed his lips with the taller man's ones. 

Nobu growled in the kiss and pushed Futakuchi down again. Not crushing him this time but simply bending over him. Kenji wrapped his arms around the muscular neck and Aone grabbed Futakuchi's jaw to stabilize him. His other hand resting on his waist, sliding under his shirt.

Futakuchi whimpered in the kiss, pushing Nobu away for a breath. They breath into each other's mouth, not quite kissing but not pulling away either. 

«How was that for a first kiss ?» Futakuchi asked, proud of himself. 

«It's your first kiss ?»

«No, it's yours though.» Futakuchi clarifies.

«Right... It was awesome.»

«Gotta admit you're not too bad yourself.»

Aone's hand were roaming under the shirt, caressing Futakuchi everywhere and earning tiny whimpers from the shorter man. Than Aone remembered the shirt he slipped his hands under belonged to him. 

«Ive been waiting to tell you, you look cute in my shirt.» 

«Oh you're getting bold now ? I like that... I've been waiting to tell you you look so sexy only wearing a towel~» Futakuchi teases as he passes his hands through the short white hair. Aone gasps.

«S-sexy ? I don't understand what you see in me really...»

«Are you serious ? You're the most attractive man I've met. Literally. You're so muscular, so hot, your face is perfection your hair are so soft and such a pretty white. Your eyes are so pretty, I could drown in them actually and-»

«Okay okay ! I get it... Stop...»

«Are you frustrated Nobu~ ?» Futakuchi teases again. What a man...

Aone shakes is head. A lie. Futakuchi knows. 

The shorter man pulls Aone in, they kissed again, more deeply this time...

       After they made out all weekend. They decided to tell the team. 

Most of them cheered for the new couple. Except for one person. Obara. 

«Are you fucking serious ? I've been helping you both without knowing you loved each other ?! It could've been so much quicker if y'all just told me who you liked !» Obara's scream echoed through the gym. 

«You've been helping Nobu ?»

«You've been helping Ken ?» They spoke at the same time.

The rest of the team laughed and mocked them. Only to get scolded by an angry Futakuchi.

It became a joke with time but Obara was pissed for a while... 

Oh well, they both lived happily ever after anyway...