Bloody hands

14- As it was

Drinking hot chocolate after classes had always been there ritual, one they had created as children once after getting soaked in the rain. They would go to his or her house, mix milk and chocolate in a pot and let it heat up on the stove. Then they'd either do their homework together or watch movies, their favourites being in this order : 'The Lion King',  'My neighbour Totoro' and 'Mary Poppins'. 

After her departure he had held onto this habit, hoping this would somehow bring them closer despite the distance. And this had became his way to cope with deceptions and hardships. He remember the taste of salty tears and sweet chocolate. However, truly it was less the hot cocoa than the thought of (Y/n) that helped him during these moments.

And right now, his heart swelled upon discovering that she had been maintaining there tradition too during all these years. Despite time and space they had shared this unbreakable bound, this fragment of their friendship had subsided. Had he been a comforting thought to her, like she had been to him ? 

After a few seconds the boy shook away his thoughts, passing a hand through his hair before finally replying to the female.

"Yeah, sorry I just got nostalgic when you mentioned hot cocoa." Takao explained, his eyes gentle as he gazed at her. A soft smile crossed her lips as she too made a small trip to memory Land. 

"Fair enough." She replied as they proceeded to walk outside of the school's grounds. 

The male's eyes shifted through their surroundings, pondering on his invitation before finally speaking up. 

"Say, would you like to come over ? We could watch a movie and I've mastered the art of the best hot chocolate in the world." He proposed, a kind smile adorning his features as he observed her tired features lighting up with mischief. This mocking chuckle he had missed so much graced his ears.

"Bold of you to assume YOU make the best hot chocolates out there my friend." (Y/n) replied in a pompous tone, puffing out her chest and raising her head high to keep her imaginary chocolate maker crown from falling off.

Takao let out a light hearted giggle, sending her a challenging gaze. 

"Wanna bet ?" The male stopped in his track, holding out his hand to the maiden. She observed his invitation a few seconds before seizing his offer with a handshake. 

"Alright. Today I'll taste your recipe and next time you'll try mine. Then we'll elect the winner." The girl explained clearly, (e/c) eyes filled with resolve. "And the winner gets an ice cream from the loser." She added, eyes shining with childlike excitement at the prospect of a free vanilla ice cream. 

Takao let out a deep chuckle, a warmth spreading within his chest at his friend's obvious enthusiasm. To be honest he wouldn't mind buying her an ice cream, any time. 

"Deal." With that said, they shook hand a last time before making their way to the male's house. 

"Here you go." Takao sat down beside (Y/n) on the couch, handing her a fuming mug of hot chocolate, the sweet sent enveloping her in a comforting embrace. She accepted the cup with a smile and brought the hem to her lips, blowing on the warm liquid. 

The boy observed her, an affectionate smile gracing his features. She had truly grown to be a breath takingly beautiful woman. Now, Takao had always found his friend stunning but her beauty seemed to grow with time. He couldn't help but to admire the way her luscious (h/c) locks framed her face, the way her eyelashes caressed her cheeks every time she closed her eyes, how her lips formed the most earnest of smiles and how her eyes lit up enough to brighten a whole room. He found himself aching to caress her smooth cheeks, to caress her hair and to bring her closer. 

After making sure the drink wouldn't burn her tongue, the girl slowly brought the cup to her lips and took a sip, marvelling at the creamy texture and the richness of the cacao. A sigh escaped her lips as she closed her eyes, enjoying the calmness of the moment. Takao always had a talent to make her feel at home.

"I think you're enjoying my recipe." The brunet chuckled lightly, joyful that the expert of chocolate herself enjoyed his hot cocoa. He took a sip from his own mug, a relieved smile crossing his lips at the familiar taste. 

"However, it has a different tastes than usual." He remarked, frowning slightly.

(Y/n) turned to her friend, tilting her head to the side in wonder.

"What do you mean ?" She queried, staring at him as she took another sip.

His emerald eyes locked with hers, tightening his hold around the cup in his hands, holding onto the warmth it provided. The lump in his throat made it hard to speak. 

"It tastes better with you here." He managed to utter, his voice fragile, the hint of a melancholic smile on his lips. 

Truth is he hadn't realised how much he had missed her until this very moment. He hadn't realised how lonely it had felt without her, how he felt at home only when they were together. Without him realising a tear pearled down his cheek. 

"I-I've really missed you (Y/n)... S-So much happened after you left..." His words came out blurred with emotions, another droplet of water rolling down his face. 

(Y/n) placed her cup on the coffee table, concern clear in her eyes as she seized the male's mug and settled it beside hers before taking his hands and nestling between her palms. She scooted closer, drying his damp cheeks with her sleeve. 

"Takao, I really missed you too. Life just wasn't the same without my best friend." She offered him a reassuring and understanding smile, her arms circling around his vulnerable self for an embrace. 

The male inspired deeply, cherishing her scent he had craved for so many years, his arms circling around her in return and holding her tightly in fear she'll flee from him again. 

"I'm sorry... I don't like crying in front of you..." The male murmured, muffled by the girl's clothes. 

(Y/n) loosened her hold on the male, placing her hands on both sides of his face and locking their eyes together. 

"Takao, you don't have to apologize for being emotional or for your feelings. Actually I think crying is good, it's a wonderful way to let things out." The female explained calmly. Once the male nodded, she proceeded to hug him again, rubbing small circles in his back. 

"Thank you (Y/n)... I've never been able to hide anything from you... Mainly because I'm so myself when with you." A small smile curved his lips, his whole body relishing at her contact. 

"But, what happened when I was away ? We have lots to catch up on." An adorable giggle left her lips.

The boy pondered on her question a moment. Could he tell her now ? When they just reunited ? He really wanted to tell her everything, he really did, and most things, he could and will tell her. But how would he approach the subject of his dad when he still lacked the words and strength to talk about it ? 

"If you don't want to tell me now that's alright. I'll just start with my side of the story." She escaped the embrace and sent him one of these smiles which made his heart so warm. He dried the remaining trails of tears on his skin and nodded. 

"Yeah, that sounds great." A grateful smile decorated his features as he handed her back her mug and took his. They laid down on the couch, (Y/n) speaking and Takao drinking her every words, delighted by the sound of her voice. 

Yes, one day he'll tell her everything. Best friends told each other everything after all. 

And if they were to marry one day, she'll know eventually.