A Whale Shark's Ray (Free!)(SousukexOC)(Boyxboy)

Chapter 7

The headaches I'd had briefly during my first of high school have returned. Only now, they're much worse, and drive me into my room to wait for them to go away. I don't like pills. I've always associated them with death. Grandmother took lots of pills.

So I don't take painkillers. Besides, I only like once, right? Best to take in everything I can, even if it's something like my own pain. During these times, I'm glad Sousuke isn't here all day. But I can't help but want to see those eyes again. He once asked me if there was something that made me constantly need to have eye contact. I replied honestly, telling him I didn't, and that I just liked looking at his eyes. He just laughed.

At the time, I'd felt somewhat bare, like I'd shown a piece of me to him and he'd just ignored it, or tossed it aside. Now I understand the meaning of the feeling. Over the few months Sousuke's been living with me, I've come to fall for him. And quite a fall it was. But I was scared. Too many abusive relationships. It made me want to hide somewhere the world couldn't see me.

My room is my only solace during my headaches. So when I heard him come home rather early, I didn't leave my bed, only rolling so I was facing the wall, away from the door. I like his company, but I want to be alone right now.

I make ugly faces when I'm in pain.

He knocks on my door, waits a moment, then slides it open. Come to think of it, he's never seen my room before. I always made it to the couch around midnight, so he'd shake me awake to say goodbye there.

It's just a barren as it used to be, except now I have a solitary picture on my dresser. It was of me and the team in high school, just after we'd won. It was the last race I got to participate in before having to leave. Aside from that and the fact that I now sleep with blankets, nothing has changed.

I listen closely as his heavy footsteps come closer, until he's standing behind me. I can feel his stare, but don't bother to look at him, only staring at the wall.

"What are you doing?"

What an odd question. Very well played, my friend.

".... Relaxing."

Why did it take me so long to answer?

"You're lying. You don't look relaxed at all. Tell me."

There's a kind of authority in his voice that makes a shiver go down my spine. Truthfully, I was somewhat of a masochist. I can't help but answer.

"Headache."

"Did you take anything?"

"No. I don't like pills."

"Baka."

"Shut up. You're home early."

"Yeah. Too many staff, so some of us got sent home."

The bed dips suddenly, making me glance back at him. He's sitting behind me, back facing me but slightly turned in a friendly gesture. I can see his face from here. His hair is tousled, like he's been running his hands through it, and dark bags are prominent beneath his eyes. The very image of overworked. He's not wearing his uniform, so he must have changed in his room before coming in here. As I watch, he yawns and then shakes his head, as if trying to chase the sleepiness away.

I turn my gaze back to the wall.

"If you're tired, then go take a nap."

"Mm... Can I stay here?"

"What..?"

"I haven't really been around other people much lately. I got lonely."

How can I resist that?

"Fine. I don't know where you expect to sleep though..."

"Here."

Here...? What is he.... Oh.

"Umm, this bed is currently occupied..."

"That's okay. You're pretty small."

Uh, what? I don't think I've ever been called small in my entire life. Our bodies structures are nearly the same, sir. The only difference is that you're taller and my hips are wider. Don't really think you're thinking this through...

Before I can protest, he's already laying down behind me. It makes my heart beat to the point where it almost hurts. I don't know what direction he's facing, and I'm too chicken to turn my head and look. I just lay there in silence, listening to his breathing as the shadows lengthen. Soon, night has already fallen, the only light in the room coming from the moonlight streaming in through my window.

His breathing is calming, and my headache fades. I can't help but grow drowsy myself, and end up falling asleep next to him.

>>>>>>>>>>

The next morning was awkward. Well, for me anyways. He shook me awake like every morning, except I was in my bed. And still wearing street clothes. Ugh. I hate sleeping in not-pajamas.

I normally was shaken awake on the couch. I get kind of lonely in my bed. You get used to sleeping next to some one after a while.

Well, people you know really well or are dating. Not your roommate who you happen to have had a very large crush on since high school. I stare at him blankly for a minute, then shoot up into a sitting position.

And promptly send the blood rushing to my head to fast, giving myself another headache. I groaned softly, holding my head in my hands.

"You sure you don't want anything for that?"

I can feel the bed shift a little as he leans closer to me, and wriggle away, closer to the wall. I take a deep breath, glancing up at the window. It's rather late in the day... Wait, what?

"Shouldn't you be at work...?"

I lay back down while I speak, my voice a little hoarse. The bed shifts again, but I don't bother looking to see what position he's in. My right arm lays over my eyes to shield them from the sunlight, my other hand resting on my abdomen. My right knee is bent up slightly.

"I called in and took a week off. My boss noticed my 'zombie work mode', as you like to call it."

Finally.... Someone to pay attention to me.

"That's what you looked like... So? What are you going to do with all that time?"

"I don't know. Visit people. Catch up on sleep. Speaking of sleep.... can I sleep here with you? All the time?"

I frown a little. What the heck..?

"Why?"

"It's nice. I sleep well."

I stay quite for a long moment, stunned. On one hand, I'm scared. On the other....

"I guess that's fine."

...I really want him in my pants.... Awkward.