Tales Across the MultiBurst

The Criminal and the Officer's Son

In which after a couple weeks living together, Shu finally tells Rantaro the true depth of his feelings for him, and when it turns out that he feels the same way they begin to build a life together.
(Continuation of The Truth, Rantaro and Shu are sixteen.)

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"I can't believe I actually got an A!"

"Well, you've been studying hard, Honcho." I look to Shu, grinning brightly when I see the smile on his own face. I step over and pull him into my arms, hugging him tightly and cheering.

"I couldn't have done it without you, buddy!"

"T-Thank you!" He chuckles, sounding a bit startled before he wraps his arms around me in return. "I'm really happy I can help you."

"Me too, Shu, me too." I sigh, closing my eyes and enjoying the warmth of his body.

Ever since I ran away and moved in with him, everything in my life has been so much brighter. Everything has been more peaceful, more hopeful. It's like a dream come true- especially since Shu is working on removing all traces of the parental custody Manami had on me, and he's removing all traces the restraining order against my Dad.

I will finally be able to see his face in person for the first time in six years. The only thing I could wish for now is that Shu had come into my life sooner. I don't give a damn if he sells drugs and animal parts and blood illegally, he's been an answer to the prayers I never had enough hope to pray.

I would do anything for Shu. I owe it to him, no matter how many times he says otherwise. I want to do anything I can for him, and maybe once day I'll get that chance.

"... Honcho?" Shu suddenly calls, his voice soft in my ear. "Are you alright?"

"Mm-hmm." I whisper, feeling him shiver a bit when my breath hits his ear. I pull away a bit so I'm not breathing on him, murmuring. "I'm just thinking about how lucky I am to have you, Shu."

I hear him let out a soft breath, a certain tenderness lacing his tone as he whispers back. "I'm just as lucky to have you, Honcho." I feel him resting his cheek on my shoulder. "You're my best friend."

"You're mine, too."

"Aw, gee, you two!" One of the other students suddenly groans as he steps into the library, and we kind of pull apart to turn to him. "Why don'tcha just get a room already, ya love birds!" The group with him laughs, but they all quiet down when Shu starts to speak.

"Well, if you can find someone desperate enough to get a room with you, then we will."

The other students groan loudly and shove the guy around a bit, then I take Shu's hand and take him out into the hall before leading the way to our next class. "You know, one of these days your smart mouth is gonna get you in trouble."

"Nuh-uh." He protests playfully, jogging up to my side and squeezing my hand gently. "I'm careful with who I sass- and besides, everybody is too afraid of me to try and get back at me."

I frown a bit, mumbling. "Does it really not bother you?..."

"... Yeah... Because I know the one person who matters isn't afraid at all."

I can't help but smile at that, and the way it makes me feel all fuzzy inside. "Just like it doesn't bother me that everyone else thinks I'm dumb, because the one person who matters knows I'm not."

He smiles too, his eyes going soft in a way that I only see when he's talking to me. I gently swing our arms a bit, rubbing my thumb over the back of his hand.