Love Syndrome - Rewritten

Chapter 12: The Calm Before the Storm

//Because I'm evil, you're going to have to wait a chapter or two before Day and Brick are back...also because I just remembered that this is meant to be on both their stories. But I really like this chapter and how cute it is, and I hope you feel the same. : ) //

Third Person P.O.V.

Although Night and Gear have only been going out for a few days, they have been some of the happiest days of Night's life. 

The two of them have been inseparable and both of their friend groups teased them by asking things such as, 'Are you two going to die if you aren't always around each other?' or 'They are in their honeymoon phase, let's leave them alone.'

Even though they both found this a little embarrassing, they didn't care too much, as it actually had the opposite effect, making them both even more aware of their feelings for each other. 

Both of them had decided to to enjoy this week as much as possible as their uni classes were starting the following week. They have even planned for a two day trip to the beach. At first it was just going to be the two of them, but their friends had caught wind of the plan and it was now a massive group trip with both their groups tagging along. They didn't mind too much, it just meant that they would have to find ways to spend time alone together without getting caught. 

The thought excited both of them, as they imagined it to be pretty thrilling. 

Except, ever since that day, Gear has not once touched Night, not even a pat on the head, without asking first. 

Night could even see the slight fear in Gear's eyes when they did touch a little. It was almost impossible to spot, but when you're sitting inches away from someone, it isn't hard to see their emotions. It was almost like Gear was afraid he was going to mess up, or hurt him. Night found it endearing and sweet, but also worrying. 

Night wasn't too sure how to tell Gear that it was okay, that he could touch him, especially innocent touches like holding hands, because he was used to physical affection. Physical touch has always been one of Night's love languages and he was used to showering his brother with hugs, but he was feeling too shy to tell Gear...and also a little afraid that Gear would misunderstand and think that he was ready for something more, when he really wasn't. 

"Night."

"Night?"

"Night!" 

Gear calls out Night's name, trying to snap him out of his thoughts. 

Worry is obvious in the tall man's dark eyes. 

"Sorry, P'Gear. I was just thinking about something." Night answers, quietly, feeling embarrassed about spacing out when his boyfriend was sitting right next to him, driving them to Night's home.

"What were you thinking about?" Gear asks, his worry clearly not erased. 

"Nothing, really." Night replies, a bit too quickly to sound reassuring. 

"Are you sure everything is okay?" Gear persists. 

"I'm sure. Everything is fine, I promise." Night answers in a very slightly upset tone, a little aggravated by feeling put on the spot.

"Okay." Gear gives in, not wanting to make his boyfriend uncomfortable. 

"But you know I'm always here for you, right? I want you to feel like you can talk to me about anything. I'm not saying tell me right now, but I hope, whenever you feel ready, you can talk about whatever is on your mind with me." Gear says honestly. 

He was really trying hard to be a good boyfriend. 

Truth be told, whenever he was alone, he would watch videos and read articles on how to be a better boyfriend/person. 

Night's wholesomeness and pureness enticed Gear to improve. 

He had no idea what it was about Night that felt so overwhelmingly special but if things like God existed, Gear knew that God had given him his soulmate. 

Gear's thoughts were not just based on Night's angelic looks, although he knew that Night fit perfectly in his arms, but it was like Night's aura had pulled him in the first day they met, he just didn't know it then. 

"Can I hold your hand?" Gear asks softly because his heart was hurting to know that something was bothering Night but they weren't close enough for him to feel comfortable sharing. It was a little heart crushing but he willed himself not to dwell on it too much. 

"Of course." Night answers. And when he looks at his boyfriend's face - at his creased brows, spaced out eyes, and lips drawn into a thin line - he convinces himself with motivational quotes to share his thoughts without directly stating them. 

"Y - You know you can hold my hand without asking, right?" Night decides to phrase it like a question, to make it seem more spontaneous than something he had been thinking about all night long. 

A soft smile appears on Gear's face and his whole body seems to relax.

"Thank you." Gear whispers gently, moving his hand to find Night's and ever so slowly intertwining their fingers, relishing in the feeling of Night's soft hand in his, as they both tighten their grip on each other. 

Night knows that the 'thank you' means so much more than just letting Gear hold his hand. 

He was thanking him for his forgiveness, for being his boyfriend, and for coming into his life. 

A little stunned but also overwhelmingly delighted by the cute act, Night puts his other hand on top of both their hands and  squeezes tightly. 

The rest of the drive to Night's place was peaceful silence as they played with each others hands, their smiles never leaving their faces.