I Can't Live Without You (Sequel)

Chapter Seven

  The sun was slowly setting in the sky by eight o'clock. The living room window offered a view on the street as it changed colors. Inside the cozy apartment was Kenma and Magnolia still sitting in the living room. Seeing as it was getting late, the young teen decided he needed to leave, although he most certainly did not want to. He thanked the sweet old woman for everything she had done that afternoon. Magnolia held him to her chest and kissed his head tenderly. Just a few more minutes of warmth and love was all Kenma asked for. If only for a second...

  Before heading back home, Kenma went back into his old apartment to at least clean up some of the mess he had made. The place was in a pitiful state indeed. A few furnitures were knocked over and there were the shards of the broken lamp scattered on the floor. As he made his way to the kitchen, he picked up the fallen chairs and the misplaced cushions. He arranged them as best as he could. Once in the kitchenette he opened a cupboard under the sink to pull out a broom and a dustpan. He started sweeping the debris as his eyes kept wandering around the memories which lingered in the apartment. His mind fell back to the times which seemed so far away and so unreal. The setter picked up the dustpan and carried it to the trash can. He dumped the glass in and placed the container and the broom on the counter before heading toward his bedroom.

  Mentally and physically exhausted, he slammed his body on the mattress simply laying on his face. Kenma remained in a drowsy state where his thoughts roamed unleashed. The scent pervading from the sheets intoxicated his whole being as he fell back to the days when Kuroo would softly call out his name to wake him up. The soft melody of his deep voice danced in his ears. After each vociferation of his name, he sunk deeper into his dreams.

  However he was not able to go very far as a hand on his shoulder pulled him right out. Kenma jumped up in surprise and turned to see who had awoken him. Still under a thin veil of sleep, the young boy was incapable of discerning if what he was seeing was reality or a form of hallucination. In front of him, standing next to the bed, face just as confused as himself, was the object of all Kenma's anger, sadness, hate, mixed with his peace, his happiness, and his love. Both boys stared at each other unsure how to act with another now. Just to clear his doubt, the younger gently stretched out his right arm to barely stroke the cheek of his mirage. His fingers grazed the soft skin. One more time. His palm pressed against the face. Just to double check. His thumb drew circles on the cheekbone as his index and middle finger curled behind the ear. So it really was Kuroo.

  The tall boy placed his own hand over Kenma's as if confirming, for the both of them, that their touch was vivid. He softly caressed the hand placed on his cheeks, slowly descending its arm to reach the other's face. They stayed like that for a while longer, hands cupped around each other's cheek, fingers moving across their skin, eyes lost among their emotions.

  This was it. The moment Kenma had played in his mind all evening. He was going to tell Kuroo all that he had to say, he was going to show him just how hurt and betrayed he felt yet again, he was going to get angry and say every truth. Afterwards he would ask for explanations and judge if the situation deserved his forgiveness.

  However that was the scenario he played in his head, and God knows, those never come to life.

  Kenma didn't understand why he couldn't be angry at Kuroo. He tried, he wanted to, he needed to, but neither his mind nor his body would allow him. It frustrated him, but as he gazed into his lover's eyes, he simply lost all strength and will. He caved in whilst clinging onto Kuroo's shirt. The strong volleyball player closed the embraced with a heavy sigh. As little grip as Kenma had, Kuroo had it tenfold. The teenager accepted being squished and melted in the touch.

  After a good squeeze Kuroo pushed himself back and held his partner at arms length away.

  "Let me look at you," he whispered as his eyes trailed over the face that changed so much over the last few weeks.