A oneshot by weelilly and I.
We- We did many word plays on Eve's name.
Do we regret it?
... Who knows.
Please enjoy.
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The faint rattling of the train's wheels against the rails was the only sound that could be heard.
The few passengers that sat in the public vehicle were either asleep, reading, or staring out into the dark sky as the scenery slowly merged from countryside to the city, more and more houses beginning to be able to be seen, as well as lanterns.
One of those passengers was a young, short-haired male named Sou.
Seemingly tired, he tried hard not to fall asleep.
He knew that he would miss his stop otherwise.
Besides - There was a special person waiting for him, and he couldn't help getting excited at the thought of that.
As he took out his earphones and stored them in his backpack that sat next to his suitcase on the floor beside his feet, he looked outside the window, seeing white snow falling from the sky, the lights from the lanterns making it visible just fine.
Before he zipped his backpack close, he took one more item out, a creamy white sweatshirt, slipping it over his head, and putting his thick jacket over it, zipping it close.
"I wonder if he'll notice..."
Speaking to himself, the young gray-haired man took his stuff, stood up and made his way down the floor of the train, eventually reaching an exit.
Then he waited.
It were only a few minutes, but to him, it felt like eternity.
He couldn't wait to see him again.
The adrenaline from his concerts that he had hosted not too long ago - the reason why he actually was gone in the first place, for a full two weeks, as rehearsals and meetings had to be held as well - had faded and left him calm and exhausted.
The scenery in front of him moved quickly, making it seem as if it was actually the whole world moving and not the train, before he heard a soft ringing in his ears, followed by a kind voice announcing his stop.
Finally, after three hours of just sitting, he would be able to be home again.
The thought alone made him, despite his tiredness, bounce slightly while standing, gripping the handle of his suitcase that he would be pulling behind him tightly.
As the doors finally opened, he wanted to just run into his arms, but his senses hit him and he stayed calm.
Looking around, he saw many people, but none that looked like his person.
Starting to panic, he felt tears prick at his eyes.
The crowd of people cleared up slowly, some exiting the station by themselves, others finding their friends, parents, or lovers even, exchanging a hug and taking their leave.
Amongst the few people that were remaining, one caught his eye.
Grey hair, long coat, leaning against a lantern pole, phone in hand, and looking up to meet his eye, then walking towards him.
His tears dried immediately, a smile replacing his prior frown.
"Hey.", the elder grey-haired said.
A small smile was gracing his handsome features.
He started to get fidgety and nervous, unsure of how to greet him all of a sudden.
"Have you been waiting for long?"
Though he was happy to see him, he was worried that he had made him wait, especially since the illuminated clock in the station read 3:07am.
Though, he was happy that, even at such an hour, his friend made an effort to pick him up from the station, taking note of the fact that he had to take a train there.
"That's not exactly the first thing I wanna hear after seeing my best friend again after a long time, but- Don't worry, I just arrived.", the elder smirked slightly.
"Sorry- I just, well... I was worried you've been standing in the cold for, uhm- some time. That's why I asked."
He looked at his suitcase, his eyes fixating on his name and address tag, eyeing his own handwriting as he took notice of the snow that had fallen onto it while exiting the train earlier, where there had been no roof to cover him.
"It's nice to be here again, though."
The grey-haired smiled upon seeing the younger being nervous.
He thought it was cute- But he wouldn't tell him that, of course.
What would he think of him if he knew?
"It's nice to have you here again, too."
They both smiled at each other, a sudden silence rising up.
Eve didn't really mind it, he was just worried that Sou might be cold since it's snowing and that he might be hungry and thirsty and tired because of the train and that his muscles maybe hurt, also because of the train ride and-
His thoughts were getting ahead of himself.
"Hey, let's go home. The snow is nice and all, but you're gonna catch a cold.", he finally managed to say.
"Okay!"
The younger was about to take a step towards their destination, but Eve stopped him in his tracks.
"You don't actually think I'm gonna let you carry your suitcase, do you?"
"What? But it's mine-"
"That's exactly why I'm gonna carry it for you. You're exhausted, Sou. Please let me do something to help you."
'You being here is already enough-'
-is what he wanted to say.
Instead, he just nodded and let go of the suitcase, watching his hand stuff his phone away into his coat pocket, then reach out to wrap his long fingers around the handle, getting ready to go.
"Is there any place you'd like to buy food at? Or would you just like to head home straight away?"
"Let's just go home and eat something there, okay?"
'I wouldn't want him to pay for anything.'
"Alright. Then let's head to my place."
Sou's heart started beating rapidely.
He has been to Eve's place many times, sure, but he felt that this time was different.
Eve seemed to notice his uneasiness and tried to comfort him.
"... Since it's nearer. But I can also take you to your place and we can meet up tomorrow. I just thought that I shouldn't let you be alone tonight..."
At the end he was half-whispering and scretched his neck.
He registered his words, and also his want to not leave him alone.
Was he just being thoughtful?
As nervous as he was, he would not let such an opportunity pass.
He nearly screamed at him due to his sudden burst of energy, and the sight of Eve being flustered made him even more bashful.
"Wait! It's- It's fine. I like that idea. Really, we can take the train there."
He didn't want to seem like he was declining his offer, and even smiled in order to show him just that.
It was a genuine smile, though, as he was already bubbling over with happiness.
"Okay, then let's hurry.", the elder answered smiling and they made their way towards the train.
…………………………
"Oh, I didn't ask you yet, did I? How are you feeling? How was it? Have you been fine?"
Eve was bombarding Sou with questions, his concern and worry for the younger clear.
Sou couldn't help but smile to himself, seeing his beloved person genuinely care for him.
"I've been fine. The concerts went great, the hotel was good, too. My vocal chords have not been damaged, either."
He kept walking beside him, his eyes changing between looking at Eve and at the station.
"It was sad that you couldn't come, though. It was quite far away, but- uh-"
Realising his own words, he tried to talk himself out of it, receiving a small chuckle from the person beside him.
"I mean it like- you know, it would've been nice if you were there? But it's not your fault, of course.."
He trailed off, deciding to stop talking, as he would only make things worse with him getting more nervous with each word that left his mouth.
To his luck, Eve didn't tease him.
As they walked, Sou could see the elder beginning to walk in front of him.
Was he getting slower, or was Eve hurrying?
"Eve? Why are you walking so fast?"
"Eh? Am I? I'm sorry... I want you to be in the warmth, not in the cold. So I guess I have been hurrying unconsciously because of that..."
Sou's heart beat quickened again.
"You're too sweet..."
Eve's cheeks turned red upon hearing those words.
Sou noticed and quickly tried to save the situation.
"A-Ah, I-I mean like- You're too nice for caring so much! Haha!"
Sou could see eve breathe out.
The cold weather made the warm air appear in white puffs.
That's why he was red, as well, wasn't it?
It wasn't his comment, after all?
They both needed to get somewhere warm, it seems.
"I see. Of course I care."
He was quiet after that and turned around to walk again.
Beside him, on his right side, he could see him walk again, slower this time.
As his eyes trailed towards the suitcase he was holding in his right hand, he immediately got the urge to look at his left one, that was unoccupied and right next to him.
How convenient.
If only he could, though.
Instead, he breathed out, watching the white clouds emit from his mouth.
"If only I could..."
"Hm? What did you say?"
"Ah, nothing!", he exclaimed and ran ahead of the elder, leaving the latter amused at his childish yet unbearably cute behavior.
"Ah, the train's coming! Eve, we gotta run!!!"
"We're almost there, calm down, Sou, gosh!"
He fastened his pace, though he didn't run.
With Sou ahead of him, he walked towards their platform and noticed the younger quickly slowing down again, not able to run.
'He seems tired...'
"Sou, are you by any chance-"
"Huh?? I'm fine Eve, don't worry! I promise!"
"I didn't even say anything yet."
"Uh..."
"Come on, we have to get you home quickly."
"Yes..."
…………………………
As they sat in the train, the two started talking about various things, until Eve felt something warm and heavy on his shoulder.
"Are you okay?"
He looked to his left and saw Sou resting his head on his shoulder.
He didn't seem to be asleep yet, his eyes were deciding between opening and closing slowly, as if he were fighting to keep them open.
As a response, he only got a quiet hum from him, and felt the weight against him get heavier.
The sight of Sou struggling to stay awake while resting not only his head, but his side as well, against him, filled him with both anxiety and happiness.
"Hey, you can do it... It won't be long till we're there, you can do it. I'm not trying to say that I don't want you to sleep, but I don't know if I can get your sleeping body all by myself to bed..."
"Mhm... I won't.", he murmured, almost incoherent as he almost slurred his words, his head unconsciously rubbing against his shoulder to get more comfortable.
As the elder couldn't help but watch his face, he saw him staring off into nothingness tiredly.
"You're just like a cat."
"E-Eh? Why?"
"You're rubbing your head against my shoulder."
Sou panicked again, making Eve grin.
"Don't worry, I don't mind. It's cute."
"Now I definitely won't be able to sleep. Thanks."
His voice was still quiet, but his breathing was quick as he tried to calm himself down.
At one point, he was about to lift his head off of his friend's shoulder, but settled on resting it there again, hoping he would only think he was getting comfortable, rather than being nervous, and probably red, without the cold as an alibi.
As the train finally announced their stop, Eve tried to get up but found it rather difficult to do so with that weight on his shoulders.
he peered over to look at sou, with the intention to get up, to see him with his eyes closed lightly, and lips parted slightly.
If they were outside, he would've been able to see his flushed cheeks and the white puffs again, only with him looking more vulnerable than ever.
"Sou..."
'I'd hate to wake him, but...'
He thought for a moment, only one solution coming to mind.
"Sou, I'll need your help."
He slowly laid one hand in the younger's neck, lifting his head off his shoulders but still supporting him due to his weak condition.
"Ngh... Mh...?"
"Oh, sorry. I didn't want to wake you... But we're at our stop. Come on, lay your arm around my shoulder, I'll carry you home."
"Mhm..."
The younger did as he was told.
He got up and sloppily threw his arm around the elder's neck, stumbling a few steps.
'Man, he looks like he's drunk...', Eve chuckled to himself.
He proceeded carrying the lighter-than-thought male to his aparment where he could finally have some sleep.
While walking, his head fell back a couple of times, which caused him to startle awake for a split second before he closed his eyes again and let his head fall forward again, leaning against Eve's neck, where the latter could feel the brunette's soft hair tickle him slightly.
He struggled holding the small suitcase in one hand as he was still carrying the younger with two hands.
As he suddenly felt the younger's lips brush his neck, he apruptly stopped in his tracks.
"He's asleep, isn't he?"
His train of thought was interrupted as he felt the younger male's lips begin to actually make a move for it and kiss the exposed skin.
At that moment, he regretted not zipping up his coat completely, but also was not regretting anything at the same time.
"Mh... Eve-san..."
The younger continued to kiss various places on the elder's neck, occasionally giving them short licks.
Eve felt his grip on the suitcase and his feeting get weaker by the minute, anticipated for what was yet to come.
Eventually, the suitcase slipped out of his hand, making a loud *thud* as it fell to the ground.
"S-Sou... What are you doing? S-Stop it..."
Eve tried to calm himself, telling himself over and over that Sou was in a drunk kind-of state, not being able to think straight.
His body didn't want to accept that though.
He removed his arm from around Sou's shoulder, turning to face him, grabbing him by his waist and yanking his head away from his neck.
"Don't regret this later."
With those words, he smashed his lips onto the younger's.
He kissed him hard and deep, his hands wandering from his waist down to his behind, grabbing it tightly, deepening the kiss all the while.
"Ngh- Mhmmm- Eve-kun- Ah... Hah- Ngh..."
"Shit... You're half asleep, don't make such sounds! Argh... L-Let's go home...!"
"Hah... How long do we have left to go?"
As if he wasn't just borderline moaning out in public in complete darkness a few seconds ago, he merely was panting, his body heavy as he was clinging onto the elder's neck weakly, half-asleep but still half-aware of what had just happened.
As Eve tried bending down to pick up the suitcase again, he realised that his legs were too weak to do so with Sou in his arms.
Not from the male himself, but from his actions.
As he still felt his neck tingling, he looked at him beginning to fall asleep again.
"Sou, get down for a second. Get on my back, it'll be easier for us both."
"Hng... I'll try..."
"God... Please stop moaning, I'm-"
"Ahhh-"
"What happened!?"
He could only feel Sou climb up his back.
He was confused as to why Sou was making these sounds.
"Ah, uhm... I hit your back with my- Uh... You-know-what..."
Eve couldn't believe what he heard.
His breath hitched.
"Okay, I know you're really down, b-but isn't this going to far!? L-Let's just go, goddammit!"
As he picked up his friend's suitcase, hoping that his red face will have cooled down until their arrival, he propped himself up again, walking towards a lantern-lit path.
He felt Sou's arms snake around his neck for better support, holding his own hands together to connect both of his arms.
From behind him, he felt him move again, resting his head on his left shoulder and whining, from sleep, impatience- The answer was unknown.
Eve slowly calmed down again, gaining strength and enjoying Sou's warmth on his back.
He could hear the younger sighing peacefully, and feel him occasionally snuggling closer against him and shifting as to not slip off his back, and even wrapping his arms a bit tighter.
Just then, he, after moving for a bit, settled on burying his head into the crook of the elder's neck, soft, warm puffs of air soothing his skin.
"You're so cute like this... Can't you always be like that?", the elder sighed.
He took all his strength together and finally they arrived at Eve's appartment.
"We're here. Can you stand for a second? I need to unlock the door."
He looked over his shoulder to meet sou's half-open eyes looking around the hallway sleepily, then at him.
He once again smiled, opening the door and gesturing Sou to enter.
He didn't move though, so Eve helped him get in with a sigh.
Finally in, he removed his coat and put the younger's suitcase in his room.
Instead of moving any further, Sou looked around the apartment as if he had never been in it before, rubbing over his eyes and face sleepily, his eyes following Eve's form.
Not paying any further attention to literally anything, he made his way towards the nearest comfortable thing - the sofa.
He took no time to throw himself onto the soft cushions and left out an satisfied sigh.
Eve heard the noise of his doing and entered the living room, chuckling quietly at the sight.
"Sou, you're literally still in coat and boots. At least make yourself more comfortable or you'll wake up because you're uncomfortable."
"Hnnngg... Eve-saaan... Help me undress..."
"Say what?"
He had to actually say that out loud to just take a double-take.
His whining tone made it cuter and just more irresistible for him to refuse.
"God, I- Just sit up already. take off your shoes, I'll take off the jacket."
"Yay~! Eve-san is helping me undress~!"
"God, you're so sleep-deprived..."
'I hope at least it was all worth it and he's happy...', Eve thought as he took of the younger male's jacket and neatly hang it beside the door.
Sou immediately dozed off again, a few soft sighs escaping his lips here and there.
"I swear to-"
He tried to stay calm at the sight. normally, he wouldn't be fazed at all. But since quite some time ago, his mind became unable to stay normal around his younger friend.
Each and every little thing he did, Eve noticed.
He was so focused on him whenever he was around, it became hard for him to concentrate at all.
He started to overthink every word of Sou, searching for any sign of possible interest, or other meanings, so much it was beginning to trouble him.
With a sigh, he crouched down to untie the sleeping boy's, who was still sitting up, his head tilted downwards, boots, taking them off for him and putting them in front of the entrance.
When Eve came back, Sou was already half-way laying on the couch.
With a sigh, the elder cautiously, as to not wake his younger friend, put his his arms under the younger, heaved him up and carried him to his bedroom, where he carefully placed him on his cleaned up bed.
With that being done (Eve was as well, from Sou's half-asleep teasing), he stood up straight, trying to resist the urge to admire his singing partner's sleeping appearance, but quickly giving in.
It was then when he noticed all the little details about him that he would never have noticed if he wasn't in love with him.
His surprisingly long eyelashes, the natural blush on his cheeks, glowing skin...
He shook his head.
"I shouldn't think like that. But... I really love you, you know?"
His hand reached for Sou's head, stroking his hair.
"I could never tell you, because I know I shouldn't... But I have never felt anything like this about anyone before. You're really special to me, and I want you to know that. Whatever happens, I will always be by your side - Like it or not. I will always show you my love - Well, not directly, but through little things. I will make sure that you'll always be safe and sound, that your smile never fades, that you're the happiest person on this planet - No, the whole universe. Actually, no, sorry, I might be the happiest person being anywhere near you. Just thinking about you makes me happy, gosh... I could literally cry right now. Emotions are scary..."
After letting his feelings flow out, he took a look at the younger's sleeping figure.
He took in all his features, from head to toe, falling in love all over again.
"I love you, Sou... And now, have a good night and sleep right."
Leaning down again, he gave him a quick kiss on the forehead and left the other sleeping soundly and satisfied.