A year.
A full year.
Rex wasn't a person to remember dates often. He wasn't just clumsy on his feet, but his entire world seemed to be modeled around it. There would come years where he couldn't even remember his own birthday. And even if calendars were a thing, Rex always seemed to lose them, so it wasn't a very effective method.
But this was different.
This was one year.
One year dating Kaze, his boyfriend.
The date was fastly approaching it, and it didn't even seem like there was a time of the day where he had forgotten about it. All during work when he was mopping floors and cleaning counters, the anniversary would plague all of his thoughts. One in particular.
A gift.
They weren't the biggest gift-giving couple. Mostly because they found a way to give to each other all the time. They would exchange cute notes sometimes when they too busy to see each other. Rex would give him his latest craft projects and Kaze would always return the favor with a nice meal, or a poor messy excuse of whatever Rex gave to him previously. But Rex loved them all, they all packed into a box up in his closet.
That is why it was so hard! Rex couldn't think of a single gift for the guy. Kaze was a simple guy. if he needed something, he got it. Kaze didn't desire much stuff, he liked what he needed, and he liked food and sleep. he was a classical as Mozart. Rex couldn't supply him with anything he wanted OR needed because he didn't think such a thing existed. And worst of all, despite Rex's refined skill in crafts, he couldn't think of anything to craft for his boyfriend, because he ALWAYS gave Kaze his crafts. It would be a poor excuse to give him that as a gift for their first anniversary.
So he was left stumped. And the worst part is he could ask no one for help.
Vel was the worst gift giver ever. It didn't matter, because Hana was a sap and she always said it was the thought that counted. But he was no help in the gift-giving process. When Rex went on one of his hang out with the Hino girls and went out for tea, they weren't much help either. Yuka was great with ideas! They just weren't ideas for KAZE. And Sayuri, despite being his twin, could only shrug and bring him that same conclusion that Rex already faced. "He just isn't the best person to buy gifts for."
Everyone was super supportive of him about it though. May even went shopping with him for hours about it, and yet nothing came up. It was exhausting, and even his boyfriend was catching on because he would frequently ask him if he was stressed. Rex would never dare to tell him that it was due to the boyfriend's competence in his own well-being because of course, he knew what Kaze would tell him.
"You don't have to get me anything."
But of course, Rex had to get him something! Kaze was his first boyfriend, first anyone for that matter! And it was a GREAT year. An amazing and awesome year of dating him. This one year was special. And Rex knew it was special for Kaze too. But wasn't too draft not to notice the fact that Kaze had canceled his training on that day and circled the date on his calendar as well.
Rex was so happy about the date that he couldn't stand it. If it wasn't for that gosh darn gift!
He decided he had to make something. It was the only thing he was good at.
But all the crafts he WAS good at were already dozens in Kaze's collection. So the only thing he had left was everything he WASN'T good at. He drew a lot when he was younger... but he didn't do it often anymore besides cute animals in the corners of some notebooks. And he wasn't good at it either. He got halfway through a canvas before giving up. Sayuri, Kaze's twin, was a beautiful artist, how could Rex give away this excuse of art to his boyfriend?
He couldn't make anything related to food. As much as food could make its way to Kaze's heart, they decided they were going out to their favorite restaurant for their anniversary, meaning that food was out of the picture for now. Besides, Rex thought Kaze was much better of a cook anyway.
He could sew something, But that could take months! He didn't have the time for it, and he was already working on a scarf for Kaze for his birthday since it was getting to the colder months.
He was running out of ideas. And then it hit him. And of course, it had to be his wonderful boyfriend that gave him the idea.
Rex was curled up, his back pressed into half of Kaze's chest. His eyes were softly closed. He had just gotten off work and just needed these few moments to unwind before he had to start his chores. Kaze's fingers lightly brushed against his forehead, playing with the strands of his messy hair. it was so light it tickled and caused Rex to relax into him even more.
Then he did it. He did what he always did. Rex didn't know if he was aware of the habit. But he would sing a bit, or hum, whichever one of the tunes. Rex would become entranced with his heavenly deep voice as it almost carried him into a different realm. His boyfriend had the prettiest voice in the entire world. Rex would make sure never to call it out, because he didn't wanna risk the chance of his boyfriend stopping from embarrassment.
Rex wanted those moments to last forever. It was his favorite thing in the world. And that's when Rex got the idea.
Music!
It was uncharted territory for Rex, sure, but it was simple enough. It was something from the heart. A song! A song that Rex made for his boyfriend. And he could sing it for him on their anniversary. It was a perfect idea!
But of course, it did come with its own set of problems.
The biggest one being; rex was clumsy.
Not just physical, it was his words of course that were also consumed. Kaze often teased him about how his sentences often didn't come out right, He wasn't exactly angelic with his words. So how could he even dream of writing a song when he couldn't even write a paragraph without it being filled to the brim with mistakes? He hovered the paper for what seemed like hours and hours. But nothing but a jumble of words. Not a song.
That's how he ended here. At the door of the cold king.
Jackson.
Rex pays attention to his tea dates with the girls. And Jackson, despite being known for his intimidating glare, was quite the romantic. More than that, he was a writer. No surprised. the assistant to the king would have to be a really bright guy, but Rex never fancied him a poet until Sayuri brought it up.
"Yes, Mr. Landcaster?" Jackson answered his door, same old expressionless appearance and glare at his glasses.
They were practically related. Which was always weird for Rex to think about. Jackson was with Sayuri, sister to his boyfriend. And they actually hung out quite often at family gatherings and get together that Junki would throw. Even still, the boys never really spent any alone time together. They were dramatically different. It was still bizarre that Jackson was best friends with the King, who was very very outgoing. Rex was different although, unlike Tara, he wasn't one to try his best to get on the nerves of people who despised him. Sure, his pestering may have been what got him with his boyfriend, but Rex never really felt scared of Kaze. There was just this aura about Jackson that Rex was always wary of.
But Rex needed to do this. He made sure to pile his breaks together and his lunch to get this time with Jackson at work. He had to make every second count. So he spilled. All the information. About the anniversary, about Kaze and his inability to need or wants things, and how Rex needed a song to sing. Well, he needed a song written by him.
Rex was expecting a wagger. He had gathered up some savings and was willing to put aside more hours at work. But surprisingly, or maybe not so surprisingly, Jackson was understanding. He invited Rex in his office, they talked about it, and Jackson agreed to meet after work.
Rex was over the moon. Practically skipping around work until the time met, and smiling ear to ear in the library when Jackson sat time. He pulled out this familiar notebook that Rex could have sworn he had seen him hold before, and fiddled with his pen.
"So... What do you want the song to be about?"
Shit that was supposed to be the easy question. And yet, Rex didn't exactly know how to answer.
"About Kaze."
Jackson gave him a look like he was already over it. He rolled his eyes and pushed up his glasses. "What ABOUT Kaze?" He clarified.
And once again. it was hard. He had been thinking about this song for a while now. He had scribbled a lot of words. But there wasn't exactly one thing he wanted the song to be. He just wanted to show Kaze that Rex cared. he cared a lot, and he liked him a whole lot. That this year has been nothing but a blessing. How could he wrap all of those thoughts into one song?
Jackson realized soon enough that he wasn't gonna make the shortie talk with that type of vague question. "Okay... Let's start with something different. How about you talk about what you like about Kaze?" He asked.
That question. Was easier. But where to start?
Rex couldn't help that big goofy smile on his face. "Well, I like everything you know! But there is something that stands out you know? Everyone thinks he's this really gloomy guy right? But he's not! Totally not. He actually has this really happy personality, you just don't see it at first. He's super brave, like the hero out of a fairytale! But more than that, it's like he isn't even from this planet. Cause he's one of a kind. And he makes me calm, and when he looks at me he has almost like... like stars! They are like stars!" He laughed with his words and these eyes that almost seemed lost in the imagery like it. "And every time he talks to me he has this gentle voice and there goes that light! It's so bright!" His eyes slid across the table, the fondness resting on his face. "It's almost like he..." He could see it so clearly in his head. "Like he swallowed the sun."
When Rex finally looked up, he was able to snap out of it from the surprised look on Jackson's face. Suddenly his face enflamed. He swallowed and tensed up as he was quick to put his hands to cover his face. "Oh my God, I was totally rambling!" He exclaimed, about to die of embarrassment. He usually rambled, but darn that was embarrassing. Talking about his boyfriend like the biggest sap on the planet.
Jackson shook his head. "Oh um no. It's okay. It's just surprising. I don't exactly see Kaze like that. But it's nice you do." Jackson told him.
Rex pouted. "Well, you should see him like that!" Rex was suddenly quick to defend.
Jackson let out a small laugh. The midget really did like Kaze. He shook his head again, sliding his chair closer to Rex and moving the book next to Rex. "But that's good. Those words. Let's use them."
Rex cocked his head. "What? But I was rambling! It didn't even make sense. I mean, I said he swallowed the sun." He blushed embarrassed, knowing how stupid the words sounded. But Jackson didn't seem to share the opinion.
"I think that's what Kaze will like about it."
It was finished in a week.
And it was perfect. Jackson is like a translator, making all of his rambles into a beautiful song. It wasn't the perfect song, but that's why Rex liked it. it was simple enough to sing, and the words weren't a mouth full or anything. Rex was in love with the song once they finished, and tackled Jackson in a hug afterward in the biggest thanks.
The remaining time was preparing. Jackson told him to go to Tara about the actual music for it. Akitara had recently taken up the guitar and learned some strings, despite just being a piano guy. He let Rex borrow a guitar that Rex hid in the closet, and taught him the few simple cords to Rex's song. And Rex just- practiced. When he wasn't with his boyfriend, he would sneak away to practice the cords and memorize the song. he would sing it when he was at work, and strum the strings against his leg during lunch.
And then, one year had rounded.
It was just as beautiful as Rex had imagined. A day, just the two of them. Rex called off the time from work. They woke up together, and spent the day just relaxing in the living room, just like they usually did. But the air was still different. Rex made hot tea for them in the morning and they curled up together in a blanket on the couch, snuggled up as Rex giggled his thoughts into Kaze's ears. His normal cheesy flirting lines of how great the year was.
He would tell him Happy anniversary practically every twenty minutes, and Kaze would roll his eyes with that amused smile on his face that told Rex he wasn't exactly getting tired of it anytime soon.
They spent their day doing the times they loved, and as the day winded, they went to their favorite restaurant. Kaze ate his favorite food and Rex couldn't help but laugh at that look of heaven that crossed his face when he took those first few bites. They chatted and Kaze so casually was able to reach over and rub the cause off the corner of Rex's mouth. Rex's heart ran a mile a minute as he wished one year would split into two, into three, and for eternity.
They decided to take a long way home and walk in the nice moonlight as they returned home. And the nerves ate away at Rex. So much time preparing for the gift, and now it was time to pay the piper. He could feel the weight of the guitar in the closet all day, and suddenly the nerves were eating away at him.
He realizes all his mistakes. He wasn't a good singer. He wasn't tone-deaf, but he had a weak high voice that wasn't exactly magical. it wasn't gonna be nice to listen to really. Kaze was such a good singer, would it be hard for him to hear Rex sing? Rex practiced hard on the guitar, but he didn't know anything. What if he messed up? Like all the times he messed up during practice? And he never really performed it in front of anyone, what if when Kaze watched him, He forgot the lines or got too embarrassed to play? What if all this hard work would be for nothing? He couldn't help but think of those things as they linked hands and returned home.
The house was still dark when they returned, all the lights off, and the curtains covering most of the moonlight through the house. It was quiet, the night taking over the world as it was a peacefulness to it. You could only hear Rex's key as he fiddled to take it out of the door and the sound of their shoes against the ground.
Rex could make out Kaze's figure, but not much else as they entered, and was trying to throw his keys on the living room table before something caught his an ear.
"Rex" Kaze's deep and soothing confirming voice beckoned Rex to turn around.
And the capture of his lips. The way the warm easily overtook his face, and how Kaze was up against him before Rex had the time to even wonder how he came to be there. The way his lips knew every corner, every highlighted section. The sheer gentleness of it contrasted the intimidating aura he usually carried across his shoulders. The darkness caused him to close his eyes and focus on nothing else. How his arms naturally reached up around Kaze's neck, unable to help the smile from kissing his lips and he leaned further into the kiss.
And suddenly the nerves and anxieties didn't matter anymore.
When they pressed away, he could see Kaze's face in what small moonlight they had left. Those beautiful blues eyes that locked him in, The galaxy that danced between them. And of course. The sun, that lit the very dark room.
"Happy anniversary," Kaze told him.
Kaze had already told him that this morning. Rex filled the rest of the day with him saying it. But this version was sincere. A heartfelt warm one that washed over rex and caused him to practically melt in the taller boy's arms.
He wanted to play him his song.
Rex took him by the hand and dragged him along. Kaze made a sound of confusion, but settled into an accepting silence and Rex lightly pushed his shoulders to make the boy sit. He walked carefully to the closet and pulled the guitar out.
He planned this differently. He was gonna turn on the lights, make it a whole big show, sit him in the dining room, and present a speech before it. But this- this was perfect. With nothing but the darkness to accompany them, he wanted Kaze to be the only light there.
"I really tried hard on my gift. But um I really hope you like it." Rex didn't explain much, taking a seat on the living room coffee table in front of Kaze, resting the guitar on his lap, and taking a big deep breath. It was no different. During all those practices, every itch of the cords and every syllable of the words, everything crafted for his boyfriend of one year. And finally, he got to show him. Rex wasn't sure if Kaze was stunned to silence, or was simply waiting in anticipation, but either way, he let Rex sing.
His hands were shaking a bit when he was playing it, but the sound was the same, the words easing into space, just like they were supposed to. There was some nervousness to his voice, this blush creeping on his face and ye this big smile when he sang it because there was this inability to look at Kaze from embarrassment, and yet this inability to unsee him because every thought was surrounding him in every lyric and chorus. And he wanted every word to work through his ears. He wanted him to see the stars in his eyes if they could be reflected from his words. He wanted to know that with all his clumsiness and inability to form proper sentences, above all else, he thought Kaze... swallowed the sun.
And it wasn't just happy when he sang. It was the love he had felt during the entirety of this year, the way that Kaze made him special, and this desire to want Kaze to feel the same, even if it was with broken lyrics and simple cords.
This wasn't it. This wasn't enough. it wasn't a fraction. Rex wanted to write lyrics forever. And fill every space with every declaration of every feeling he felt. He didn't want this to be the last song. He wanted to make a song next year, no next week, tomorrow, and therefore after. He wanted every note as clear as paper if it meant that Rex could give a fraction of the happiness he feels singing this song, to Kaze, the boy he played it for.
The song faded, and with it left this smile on Rex's face, and another deep breath when he met Kaze's face.
You could see the fractals in the tears as the moon gentle touched his cheek.
Rex's suddenly jumped, almost dropping the expensive guitar but hovering over Kaze, panicking as the mood completely shifted. Oh my god, he made his boyfriend Cry! On their anniversary! He was the worst!
"Oh my god are you crying??" He asked all panicked and worried.
Kaze turned quickly in attempts to hide his face, his face scrunching up as if the hide whatever tears would slip out anymore. "N-No I'm not! I-I just got something in my eye." His forearm reached to wipe away more tears that fought against his effort, making it painfully obvious that he was a bad liar.
Rex couldn't help his own tears from coming. He was such a cry baby, he was the type to cry when others did. But he also was feeling extremely guilty. Kaze NEVER cried! And when he did he would never do it so openly!
"I didn't mean to make you cry!!" He shouted, blinking away the tears that were clouding his vision. "I'm sorry!" He blubbered and wrapped his arms around Kaze's shoulder, tucking his head against him.
Kaze shook his head, pretty much crying an equal amount at this point. "I'm not crying dumbass! I just... I never knew you thought of me like that before."
It hitched Rex's lungs. His knees reaching up and pressed into the couch as he allowed himself to sit on Kaze's lap like he usually did, sitting against his legs and faced him, his hands letting go of his shoulders and finding his face and forcing the blue-eyed boy to look at him.
"Of course I do, you big dummy!" He shouted, a pout in his words as the tears streamed down his face, and yet a small smile remained.
Almost as if it was infectious, that smile reflected Kaze. His smile was just so... special. Small, but not like his usual rare smile. It wasn't smug or a grin. It was so incredibly gentle, and just oh so bright. He had these specks of red on his cheek and Rex could make out all of it in the dark. Both of them so incredibly happy and a crying mess and Rex's curled his face into Kaze, both their smiles and tears continuing, and Rex could feel Kaze's hot tears as well as his own.
The pure emotion surrounded them, Rex curled up against his boyfriend and the crying and silence that followed and proceeded it.
The song was perfect.
They just enjoyed each other like that, Rex fitting into the crooks of Kaze's face, the small pepper of kisses the prolonged against his cheek.
Kaze spoke up after a small fragment of time. "So... Eating the sun huh?" He asked.
Rex swallowed hard in embarrassment. "I- um. I don't know. That's just what I thought." He said all rambling.
Kaze chuckled so softly. "No uh, it's just that I- I think that you're way more like a sun." His words were so gentle and in a whisper. Words only for him.
Rex exploded in a soft laugh as he cupped Kaze's cheek. "No-No! I made the song! I said it first! You can't say that!" He defended through his laughs, his forearm pushing against Kaze's chest a bit.
Kaze clutched him tighter close to him, almost as if pinning him. "Oh bite me. I can say whatever I want." He spoke up almost in a competitive tone that caused Rex to laugh harder at how ridiculously silly his boyfriend was, pushing against him as Kaze's strong arms kept him from going anywhere.
"You aren't allowed to sing it yet! Give me a bit! I can't have my voice be overshadowed so quickly." Rex warned him with a cheeky smile.
Kaze rolled his eyes, not convinced, but still had that smile. "You're such a dork, your voice too fine." He told him.
They playfully fought back and forth, their quiet laughs and teases filling the empty space left from the song.
It had only been one year. One small year. But it was an eternity of a year. And Rex couldn't wait for the next circle in the calendar. He couldn't wait for the next gift next year and the restaurant visit. But he could also wait, and enjoy every day before it too.
Because here. Right now, curled into Kaze's laugh with a bubbly laugh and Kaze's small aggressive, and playful tone.
It was the best gift of them all.
