With You

Grape Kisses

Being cut off in mid-sentence, his mouth was still slightly open, then it closes slightly before he speaks again; his voice sounded unsure.

"W-what..?"

"He's gay. I came across Kankri and him having it out in the alley back behind the school."

"You're just fucking with me-"

"No I'm not!"

He jumps at the sudden rise in your voice, his eyes scanning your face as they widen slightly in surprise."

"So... He is.."

"Yes! That's why he's been treating you this way! That's why he's been calling you gay! Do you not remember the rumor a few years ago??"

"Rumor?"

He furrowed his brows as you widen your eyes in disbelief that he hasn't of heard.

"There was writing in one of the bathroom stalls, it said, 'Ampora is gay' it meaning Cronus. And... Cronus decided to put it all on you I guess.."

"I hadn't heard of that..." He pauses for a long while, stopping in mid-chew, "It all makes so much sense now.."

You nod, the knot finally leaving your stomach as you let out a silent sigh of relief and triumph. Your gaze goes down to your feet in silent thought. You hadn't notice but Eridan was watching you the whole time, he reaches over and touches your hand lightly, saying your name softly.

"Hey..."

You jump and look up at him,

"Huh?"

"Can you do me a favor?"

"O-of course.."

"Can you sit here next to me? I'm cold..."

You nod and move over next to him, sliding into the small space between him and the wall. You notice the paper towels had dried to his arms, so you take them off carefully, eliciting a small gasp of pain from Eridans lips. You tug down his black sleeves gently over his arms, your fingers idling over his hand before pulling away and folding your hands in your lap. He smiles weakly and looks over at you.

"Thank you..."

You smile back lightly and relax a bit.

"You're welcome..."

He leans his head back against the wall and sighs, closing his eyes.

"Boy did I fuck up."

"You didn't fuck up... It's not your fault they pushed you to your edge. They aren't worth your time, sweat, or blood, Eridan.."

He turns slowly to look at you, hunkering down a bit more to meet your gaze eye level, given that he was taller than you. You let him steal your warmth, a slight blush dusting your cheeks. He smiles a bit and pats your knee gently as he mutters.

"You're a good friend.."

"I'm your.. Friend..?"

"You are now."

You smile lightly back at him as your palm slides into his. You give his hand a reassuring squeeze.

"Good. I like that. I'm glad I'm your friend."

He smiles and squeezes your hand back, nudging a bit closer into the warmth. You had to admit it was pretty cold. Especially sitting on the cold floor and leaning against the cement wall. He shivers and jumps slightly from a cold chill.

"Jesus Christ it's cold.."

"Y-yeah. It is..."

You shiver back just the same, the chill going through your thin jacket. You feel something behind your back, realizing it was his arm you turn to face him. His arm snakes behind you to hug you close, making the warmth more prominent and comfortable. You blush a bit and speak quietly.

"What are you doing?"

"You're cold. I'm keeping you warm. That's what friends do right?"

He smiles and you smile back as you lean into him, resting your head against his shoulder. He leans his head down to rest his temple to yours, making you blush more. He chuckles.

"Why the blush?"

"I've.. Never been close to a boy like this before."

"Neither have I a girl."

You smile shyly and avert your eyes away. Eridan pulls his head away and looks down at you with half lidded eyes. You turn slowly to face him, blushing more as your eyes trace over his face.

"W-what is it?"

"Thank you.."

You furrow your brows, confused as to why he thanked again.

"You're.. Welcome."

"No.. Really.. Thank you.."

He leans down and presses his lips to yours, making your body tense and your eyes go wide. His kiss made a comforting warmth spread through your body, so you let your eyes flutter and your body melt into the kiss. He pulls you closer with his arm around you, his other hand releasing yours to move up and cup your cheek. A shaky sigh escapes between your lips as his teeth nibble your lip, making you smile softly and crush your mouth to his. For a first kiss, you liked it. And you never would've thought it would be from Eridan Ampora. He smiles against your mouth and traces a thumb along your jaw, making you shiver and gasp. He chuckles, his lips parting with a small grin. You take that opportunity to slip your tongue past his lips, his tongue immediately meeting with yours. A small whimper sounds from your throat, your body just shaking from the pleasure of this new feeling. It seemed like hours as your tongues danced slowly with each other, curving along the dips and rises, tracing over each others teeth, tasting the sweet flavor of the grape bubble gum that he had cheeked quickly. Finally after what seemed like eternity, the both of you pull away, leaving nothing but frequent breathes for air and a deep flushed heat.

The both of you look into each others eyes for the longest time, the silence becoming longer, and more comfortable. Finally, he smiles and speaks lowly.

"Then again... Maybe more than friends."

You smile back and giggle slightly.

"Maybe.."

His smile softens as he brings his lips down to brush softly against yours.

"I'd like that.."

"I would too.."

The both of you continue to nuzzle noses and place gentle kisses against one another's lips before Eridan pulls away and leans his head down on your shoulder, linking his fingers with yours again. His eyes were already closed as he speaks.

"Wake me up when the bell rings?"

"Of course Eridan.."

He smiles and lets out a soft breath, falling asleep shortly after. You sit there, holding his hand tightly and listening to the rhythmic breathing of his lungs. The noise being soothing, your eyes start to get heavy, and you soon join your new boyfriend in the land of dreams that he was traveling through.