Chapter 7

Back at home Kyo made Akaza take a shower with him and wash his hair and back for him. Akaza complained about it “Why do I have to?” “You’re not a baby, do it yourself.” “I wish the twenty four hours were over already”, but even so he complied and did it gently. Kyo didn’t say anything, he knew Akaza was saying all that because he was shy, but his heart squeezed about the fact Akaza was being gentle with him instead of his usually rough demeanour. “Let’s switch. I’ll wash your hair and back for you.” said Kyo, turning around.

“No need. I can do it myself. You go and relax.” said Akaza.

“It’s an order. Just shut up and let me return the favour. Now turn around.” said Kyo. Kyo took his time washing Akaza, he liked touching his hair, it was fluffy and light. Kyo noticed Akaza’s cheeks were almost the same shade of his hair and he teased him some more by touching Akaza softly on his neck down his spine. Akaza trembled but he kept quiet, he didn’t shout, or push Kyo, nor complained. Kyo went on to wash Akaza’s left arm, taking his sweet time. He wanted to know how much more Akaza could take without a word. Akaza kept trembling below Kyo’s hands and against his nature he still kept silent.

“Never thought you would behave so well like this, '' said Kyo, massaging Akaza’s other arm. When Akaza didn’t reply he went on “No come back huh? You’re not sick are you?”. And still Akaza didn’t utter a word, hands on his mouth as if to stop himself from speaking. “Hey talk,” ordered Kyo angrily “Don’t forget the second rule.”

“You stupid idiot! You dimwit! No brain!” screamed Akaza moving away from Kyo’s hands “First you tell me to always answer. Then you tell me to shut up and now you have the audacity to get pissed because I followed what you said?”

Kyo paused for a second looking dumbfounded at Akaza and then when he realised he had told Akaza to shut up, he laughed “Really you… I didn’t mean it like that. I just wanted you to stop fretting.” Kyo got closer to Akaza and grabbed his arm to finish what he started “Aren’t you cute, following orders like that.”

“It’s enough right? I can do the rest myself.” said Akaza keeping his gaze low “And… don’t call me cute.”

“A reward for the misunderstanding, so just humour me will you?” said Kyo, smiling. After washing Akaza’s arm, Kyo went to his torso. He started from the neck and went down, being careful not to tickle him. Akaza kept looking elsewhere, avoiding Kyo’s gaze, his lips were pressed together and he was trembling again. Even with his mouth closed, Akaza couldn’t stop soft gasps that against his will left his throat. In that small and quiet bathroom, Kyo could hear the soft moans and was entranced by how his hands were affecting Akaza. Akaza tried harder to stop moaning and, by a lapse in judgement for a split second, he looked over at Kyo to see if he had heard it. They locked eyes. Kyo’s fingertips stopped in the middle of Akaza’s abdomen. Both breathing harder than they should. Akaza, flustered, pushed Kyo and went over to the shower head to wash off the soap on him but to Kyo’s surprise Akaza didn’t leave the bathroom after. “Hurry, the water will get cold,” said Akaza while getting in the bath. Kyo smiled and soon enough he too was inside, Akaza’s gaze avoiding Kyo at all cost.

“Acting so docile, are you sure you’re Akaza?” teased Kyo “Are you like this because you lost by a mile against me? Don’t let it get to you, I’m just that strong.”

“Don’t get so high on your horse, I’ll beat you next time for sure.” yelled Akaza while kicking Kyo on the chest. Kyo grabbed Akaza’s ankle. “Yeah, this is more like you.” murmured Kyo while supporting Akaza’s leg on top of his knees and massaging Akaza’s foot. “What did you say?” asked Akaza, still triggered by Kyo’s words.

“I’ll massage your foot.” said Kyo “You’re always barefoot so your feet and the rest of your body end up being under stress.”

“You’re weird,” said Akaza, finally able to look Kyo in the eyes.

“I’m weird. I tickle you amid fights. I bore you with my talks and piss you off. And even hurt you in the past. But still you don’t leave me, why?”

“You’re strong.” replied Akaza after a while.

“Just that?” insisted Kyo.

“It’s nice… spending time with you.” Kyo studied Akaza for a few seconds and decided not to pry anymore than that. “I’m getting out.” said Akaza “I can’t relax like this.”