Work Text:
The shop was quiet when Akira set the last row of cleaned vials down. He’d already shut off the lights in the front, so all that was illuminated was the little laboratory in the back. They’d closed early today, Chihaya too busy with her own errands to stay, and even before, there hadn’t been a lot of customers. Everyone on the street too busy to finish their errands for Halloween before the evening.
Akira hadn’t planned anything for the day, so he’d stayed behind in the shop, content with watching over a bubbling healing draught, stocking up empty shelves, refilling vials, and cleaning the ones the customers had brought back.
It was almost time to add the last few ingredients, so he checked up on the little cauldron – Chihaya insisted on keeping some things traditional – taking note of the electric green color of the concoction. Maybe a little too light, but it was the first potion recipe he’d memorized, and slight variations occurred all the time, every day, every moon phase bringing with it new conditions, so he wasn’t concerned. It darkened a bit when he scraped the remaining mixture of chopped herbs into the cauldron, so everything looked alright.
And when the smell changed, a refreshing and invigorating aroma filling the room, he’d been reassured that nothing had gone wrong. The color was still lighter than usual, but nothing should have changed about the effect. Maybe a little more or less effective, but healing potion was healing potion.
Only a few more minutes, and he could turn off the heat, which would also signal the end of his shift. It was slowly getting dark, and he could already see a steady stream of people getting ready for trick-or-treating.
Usually, the former Phantom Thieves would have met up in the evening, celebrating a little party of their own, or simply hanging out watching movies, but plans had already been made, commitments that couldn't be rescheduled and they decided to move their get-together to a few weeks later. All of them relieved that they still managed to make time for each other, no matter how full their schedules were.
So, Akira had nothing to do for the rest of the day. Maybe he'd see if Futaba could spare some time for him, or he'd see if he could finally finish the book Hifumi and Goro had been nagging him about. In the form of both referring to something happening in the second half and then commenting on him not being there yet.
The bubbling immediately ceased when he turned the heat down, and he knew that in a few moments, the concoction would only be lukewarm. One of the perks when working with magic.
Akira startled, when suddenly the bell at the entrance rang, followed shortly by the sound of the shop door closing.
The door wasn’t locked, but he’d already set the wards, so only a few individuals should be able to enter the store. And Akira didn’t expect anyone this evening. Not that he knew if someone was dropping by, his phone safely stored in his bag, so he wouldn’t be tempted to check his messages during some of the more fickle steps of the brewing process.
Without hesitating, he made his way to the front.
When he recognized the familiar figure waiting in front of the counter, his mood instantly soared. They hadn’t made any plans for today, so seeing his boyfriend casually stopping by was an immediate improvement.
“Goro!”
The smirk that met his exclamation made clear that Goro knew what he’d been doing by showing up unannounced. Not that Akira minded, since he relished every opportunity to spend time with him.
“Surprise.” The ‘missed me?’ he didn’t speak was unmistakable and Akira had. The two shops weren’t too far from each other. Which meant they usually spent their lunch breaks together, which hadn't been possible the last two weeks, both of them far too busy and taking their breaks during different times.
“Surprise successful. And what do I owe the honor of your visit?”
He could guess, but hearing it from Goro would be more satisfying. Even though he probably wouldn't get a direct answer.
“Just dropping by to get you home safely. Didn’t want you to get lost in between all of the children begging for candy.”
As he had thought.
The unsaid rang far too loud in the room. Magic would run rampant during the evening and night. And while it should be mostly safe out there, the Metaverse and Mementos calm for the moment, the possibility of something dark lurking in the shadows was there.
Goro being concerned about him always made him melt. Not a sentiment he’d have expected from him a few years ago, but he’d become quite protective over the course of their relationship. Not that he was any better. They’d both needed time to adjust, which had manifested in the urge to keep the other close and safe at all times.
By now it had become something a lot less desperate, the span of time, as well as the opportunities to keep the other safe against actual dangers making them more content with a little bit of distance.
Didn't mean that they wouldn't miss each other when they were apart.
It had clearly been too long if he started thinking like that.
He was about to give an appropriately flirty answer when a small detail he could spot out of the corner of his eyes distracted him.
“What happened to your hand?”
Red welts littered the surface of Goro’s right palm, not deep, but numerous enough to be uncomfortable as if he’d continuously touched a soldering iron.
When Akira reached out, he immediately withdrew it, obviously having forgotten about the injuries, if the almost surprised look he gave them was anything to go by.
Looked as if he’d forgone his gloves today, only to get repeatedly injured. And while Akira was glad that he was comfortable enough to show his hands, he also didn’t want him to be in pain.
“Wait here a moment!”
He almost skipped to the back, pulling the lid off the cauldron. Carefully ladling some of the potion into one of the vials before cleaning up once more and making his way back to the front.
“Freshly brewed, so this is going to heal it without a trace.”
Goro took the vial, and Akira was about to make a comment when he warily eyed it. Hesitating, before setting it down, but not letting go of it.
“And what’s with you?”
Before Akira could ask him what he meant, Goro had grabbed his hand, lifting it and nodding at the little cuts and burns he’d accumulated over the course of the day.
“For someone that’s usually so graceful, you always manage to hurt your hands when preparing potions.”
Akira sheepishly turned his hands over, registering the numerous small wounds now that Goro had drawn attention to them. A hazard of his apprenticeship. At this point, he didn’t even register the pain when he accidentally burned or cut his hands, still a little too unfamiliar with some of the tools, but getting used to the sting.
When he’d started, Chihaya had just laughed, told him that it was time for his first real lesson, and then proceeded to teach him how to make a salve that would take care of it. A part of his routine when closing down. One he hadn’t yet gotten to.
“I should get some for myself.”
“No need.”
A cool hand took hold of his chin, and he turned back to Goro, curious what this was about.
Only for him to stare, when Goro put the vial to his lips, swallowing the potion in one go. And next thing he knew, he was pulled forward. Both of them met in the middle, lips touching, and Akira reflexively opened his mouth as he caught on to what his boyfriend planned.
As expected, cool liquid hit his tongue, even though it had been happily bubbling only minutes before, the taste of mint and lemon flooding his mouth, leaving a slight tingling sensation in its wake. Exactly as it was supposed to.
He obediently closed his mouth when Goro nudged his chin, loath to separate, but knowing that there was no other way. They swallowed their mouthfuls at the same time, and Akira couldn’t help but focus on the way Goro’s throat bobbed as he closed his eyes and hummed at the taste. Nose scrunching up a little, which always made Akira want to boop it.
“Sourer than usual. Did you change anything?”
He was right. While the mint had hit first, the aftertaste was overwhelmingly sour, as if he’d drizzled lemon juice directly onto his tongue.
“Not really. Might have misjudged the number of herbs, but that shouldn’t have affected the taste.”
Carefully, he reached for Goro’s right hand, signaling his intent. And to Goro’s credit, all he did was clench his fingers for a moment, before presenting it to him. Still not too used to spontaneous touch, even though he’d never admit it.
The welts were already vanishing, both the aggressive red and the swelling fading, only leaving behind the familiar skin. Still littered with small scars, but all of them old, all of them healed years ago. With a bit of regret, he prepared to withdraw, but Goro just turned their hands around, inspecting Akira’s wounds in turn, before finally letting go.
Satisfied with the way the burns and cuts were vanishing, slightly faster than they usually would.
Instead of chasing after the contact, Akira only leaned halfway over the counter, fluttering his lashes in Goro's direction.
“Not the welcome kiss I was expecting, but I can’t say I mind.”
The smug look that stole across Goro’s face would have infuriated everyone else, but in Akira’s opinion, it made him look all the more beautiful. He had a face for mean smirks and fiendish glee, which looked just as fetching on him as genuine wonder and warm affection. Or maybe Akira was absolutely whipped for every facet of the man in front of him.
“You wouldn’t.”
Even more apparent when a thumb slowly swiped over his bottom lip, Goro’s hand touching his cheek as if he was about to cup his face before he withdrew. The action made him stop his staring, the feeling of the blush creeping up his neck being far too distracting.
Not even commenting on the amusement he could feel radiate from his boyfriend, he instead decided to address a far safer topic.
Except he couldn't think of anything but the man in front of him. Having Goro here and willing to accompany him to keep him safe was already more than he thought possible a few years ago.
The urge to ask rose again. It always did, on these occasions. And as always, he tried to ignore it, trying to find a better topic or ask something else.
“Can I spend the night at your place?”
He blurted the words out before he could stop himself. Immediately feeling bad for asking. Usually, he waited for an invitation, for Goro to feel comfortable enough to ask him. Offering his own place instead, when he really wanted the company.
It didn't help that Goro looked surprised at the question, mouth opening, probably preparing for rejection, before closing again.
An expression overcoming his face Akira had never seen before, something between distaste and what he'd looked like when figuring out an intriguing puzzle back when he'd been the Detective Prince. The first was new and transformed the whole expression entirely. It didn't help Akira's nerves, and in answer to his question wasn't making him feel very confident.
But it smoothed out quickly, Goro pulling himself out of his thoughts with something that was almost a shudder, looking apologetic for keeping him waiting so long.
"Why not? Neither of us have anything planned tomorrow."
Akira wasn't sure if he had expected an answer in the affirmative, too lost in the mortification of actually having asked the question, so he jolted up when the meaning of Goro's words registered. Smiling brightly after the initial surprise, making a gesture telling him to stay right where he was.
"Then let me get my bag, I'm already finished with everything."
It was slowly getting chilly outside, the last few days before winter would move in, but still comfortable, as indicated by the number of trick-or-treaters being outside.
He locked the door, shoving the keys to the bottom of his bag before zipping it up, not risking having them in his pocket right now.
Goro had been busy watching the throngs of children, some supervised by their parents, that were already out in full force, but abandoned it once Akira stepped closer, starting to walk after he glanced at him.
Goro's apartment wasn't that far from the shop. Only a long walk to reach it. Which was still a lot closer than Leblanc, which required him to take the train.
Akira was rather glad he could avoid the crowds today. While he usually wouldn't mind, today was probably going to be worse.
And he would have felt bad if Goro accompanied him home, only to leave in the opposite direction again. He preferred this outcome.
A curious look down confirmed that the potion had done its job well, Goro's hands as pristine as they usually were.
“You’re usually so careful with your hands, what happened?”
Apparently, today was the day he put his foot in his mouth whenever he opened it. But it was a legitimate question, so he didn't take it back. Not that Goro would let him.
Goro looked annoyed for a moment, before averting his gaze, exhaling instead of doing whatever else he wanted to do. Not a sigh, but close. Which meant that whatever had happened was a blow to his ego, but not big enough to act as if nothing had happened.
“Tried to work with new materials. And then promptly forgot that they wouldn’t react the same way as metals do.”
Goro's apprenticeship with Tae had been a surprise to most. Not to Akira, who'd been there when Goro had first beheld the rows of protective amulets that Tae made and sold, and which had been an even bigger help in the Metaverse.
He’d paused far too long during his first observation of them, muttering about what kind of magic probably made them work, before catching himself, and going back to playing the Detective Prince. And Akira had let him, not wanting to seem like he was making fun of him. All he did was ask Tae for more details on her little side business, which she gladly provided. And Goro had soaked them up like a sponge. If the situation back then had been any different, Akira would have entrusted him with this part of the supply runs.
Now he could. Even making them himself.
And he was good at it. It settled him. Working with things that were made to protect people. A welcome change from their forays into Mementos, where chaos and destruction reigned. Especially now, that Yaldabaoth's and Maruki's influence had made it even more unstable. Something they were only slowly able to fix.
There was only one thing that continued to vex him. A rather constant source of frustration.
Akira was allergic to silver. An unfortunate fact they had found out when Goro had presented him with a locket he’d made himself. Working tirelessly to finish twisting the metal and the enchantment, so it would be ready for Akira’s birthday. And everything had been fine. Until the next day, when Akira had awoken with a nasty-looking rash around his throat.
Goro had been devastated – incredulously asking how the allergy had never come up before, only for Akira to admit that he didn’t know he was allergic. Not like he was wearing a lot of silver jewelry.
They’d never talked about it again, Goro contritely offering him a steel locket with the same design and a similar – but not as powerful, because of the material - enchantment a few months later, as a placeholder.
And since then, he was trying to find something that would make the locket and enchantment as unique as they had been before. Not accepting when Akira told him that the steel locket was enough, knowing that Goro had gone to such lengths to essentially make him two presents.
Something he hadn’t told Goro, was that he only took the locket off when showering, almost immediately missing the weight around his neck, as negligible as it was. The metal warmed by his body heat a comfort during the day.
Driven by an uncharacteristic burst of courage, he reached for Goro’s hand. Slowly tapping his fingers against the back of it, and after he could feel him start at the touch, he intertwined their fingers before moving on to sliding their hands together. He ignored the way Goro kept looking at him while he did it, and considered it a victory that he didn’t pull away.
But he said nothing at Akira’s sudden need for contact, and once the hold was secure, squeezed his fingers once before going back to looking ahead. Without missing a beat he resumed talking about how challenging testing new materials for enchantments was.
And Akira listened. Spirit buoyed by the low murmur of Goro’s voice, the way their palms fit together, and the warm calm of the evening, chattering children with their parents sometimes crossing their way but never really taking notice of them.
He’d barely shrugged out of his jacket and shoes, a joke about helping Goro burn dinner on his tongue, when the other had moved almost soundlessly into his personal space, making him reflexively step back, the wall stopping the movement. And before he could ask what this was about, he was pinned. Goro being a warm and solid weight against his front.
It was a lazy kiss, and Akira felt absorbed by the sensation of Goro pressing him against the wall, almost shielding him from the world while slowly licking into his mouth. One of Akira’s favorite ways to kiss, every sense invaded by Goro’s presence. Which Goro knew and shamelessly exploited whenever he could.
For a slow kiss, it was extremely messy, Goro not waiting for him to keep up, only slowing down after Akira let out a sound of protest and clutched him closer. A slow climb to something languid and comfortable, tongues sliding together, soft breaths, and tiny hums. Akira liked to believe that it might have been the sight of him being in Goro’s apartment that had inspired the make-out session, but he wouldn’t complain if he’d just felt like it.
Once they regrettably separated, Goro looked as smug as possible when Akira tried to chase after the contact. But the hold his boyfriend had on him was secure, and he would have loathed to break it, so all he did was sink back against the wall, lazily fluttering his lashes.
"Welcome home, honey."
Akira couldn't help himself, the familiar phrase falling from his lips even though it didn't fit the situation at all. Hoping it would draw forth the same laugh it always did.
And he succeeded, Goro almost snorting while shaking his head, before opening his mouth again.
"You have no idea how much I love hearing that from you."
Three things happened at once, as the words sounded out in the air.
Goro's eyes widened, his mouth snapped shut and he stepped back.
He’d never said something like this before. Meant it, but never said it. Expressing sentiments like this, being straightforward, wasn't his strong suit, and Akira had gotten good at reading between the lines.
And if he read the situation right, Goro hadn't expected the words to come out.
His jaw worked, clearly turning things over at the same pace his mind did, while all Akira could do was stay where he was, not sure what was going on, waiting for Goro to tell him what had alarmed him.
It didn't take long but what came out when he opened his mouth again, was:
"Sakamoto is the one that broke your dagger,"
and, after a few more seconds ticked by:
"You're infuriating and I love you."
Something which Goro had said once before. Once. In a rare moment of vulnerability. One Akira didn't want to repeat if he could, willing to wait for as long as necessary until Goro could feel comfortable enough to get the words out.
The bit about the dagger wasn't important right now, even though he would have words with Ryuji. A dagger was no substitute for a lever.
This wasn't a comfortable confession, and it wasn't a vulnerable moment, this was Goro slowly getting angrier while puzzling something out.
And blushing, after all of it had left his mouth.
He was just about to answer the confession while asking what this was about when Goro's gaze snapped back to his face.
"Tell me a lie."
"What?"
"A lie," he almost drawled. "Try to lie to me, Akira."
No longer panicking, now confident in the situation, so he only needed confirmation.
Which he would get by Akira lying to him.
Tell him a lie? Did he even have something he could lie about?
"I have no idea what's going on, but I love you too."
He hadn't meant to say that. Had wanted to make a quip about lying to Goro's pretty face that would hopefully lighten the mood and make it possible to think of something he could lie about.
But the words had bubbled up his throat, forced out against his will.
And they were the absolute truth.
He was sure he was now spouting the same cornered look as Goro had after his confession.
Were they suddenly unable to lie?
He tried again, something maybe a little unwise, since the confessions couldn't be taken back once they were out in the air, but the moment he thought about telling the lie, it was already too late.
"Queen also totally caught us making out after you distracted me during last week's rage ailment."
The truth that spilled out of him made Goro's eyes widen once more, but he gave no answer, just kept thinking, hand going up to his chin, already absorbed in whatever he was puzzling over.
“Just a hypothesis, but whatever you did to the potion very obviously made us unable to lie.”
That… wasn't what he had expected.
But it made sense to suspect the potion, it being the only thing unusual, the only thing they more or less shared. The only thing that could affect them both.
“I'm so sorry," he blurted the words out before his brain caught up.
Goro needed to know. He hadn’t changed anything. Hadn’t planned for something like this. Probably a problem with the measurements, or the fact it was Halloween changing the effect.
Chihaya had said something about it when instructing him on the best days for certain spells and potions, but there had been no talk of a whole new added function!
Maybe he should have asked her if it was alright to just go ahead and brew the potion today, but she'd been in a hurry, and he'd been positive she'd say something.
This was embarrassing. Without looking, he tried to grasp the jacket he had just hung up, snagging a sleeve, while trying not to look at Goro.
“I should leave. Come back once it’s worn off. I’m sorry, I didn’t-”
He interrupted himself before more apologies could spill out of his mouth. None of them actually able to describe the horror and terror he felt, but nonetheless the truth. Of all things. A truth spell. The last thing he ever wanted to inflict on Goro.
Which wasn’t entirely true. There had been a time, now years ago, when he would have jumped at the chance to get a glimpse into Goro’s head, would have debated the pros and cons until concluding that he didn’t want to abuse his trust like that, no matter how minuscule it was, with both of them on different sides.
But now? No way.
The fabric was pulled from his grasp and he gulped as he now couldn't avoid looking at Goro. Not when he was as close as he currently was.
No anger, which was good. Or he was schooling his features to come across as less angry, not betraying what the truth potion would clearly force out of him.
“Stay. I don’t want you to leave.”
Goro’s face immediately morphed back into annoyance, muttering a “This is going to be inconvenient,” into the air, as if Akira wasn’t right there, before looking at him once more.
“While the situation’s not… ideal, I think we can actually work with this. The dose was small, and should soon wear off."
The wording was very deliberate. Every word chosen with a care he’d known Goro to use when preparing for interviews. It had been some time, but the skill was still there.
"It will be difficult to maneuver, but I think we can manage. With some slip-ups, of course."
Of course, even under the influence of a truth spell, Goro would have the self-control to not blurt out his every thought, only sharing what he wanted to share, maybe even managing to talk around the truths the magic tried to wring out of him.
It made Akira laugh, relaxing slightly, even though the mortification of accidentally dosing them both with a truth spell was still there.
"Already got most of the awkwardness out of the way."
If Goro, who at some point in their past, had more secrets than anyone else, was determined to make it work and wasn't afraid of accidentally blurting out that he still hated Akira and wanted him gone, then it should be alright. Right?
The way in which Goro peeled him off the wall and steered him deeper into the apartment was almost gentle. He came to a sudden halt when another thought seemed to cross his mind, and he stepped away from the kitchen and living room.
“True. But don’t you agree? Both of us affected by the spell could make everything a lot more interesting.”
The wording didn't betray Goro's eagerness, but his actions did, hand latching onto Akira's wrist and pulling him towards the bedroom. It almost made him laugh again, the mortification forgotten for a simple moment, as they moved from the hallway to Goro's bedroom.
"Unless you planned for this?"
Goro was teasing him. Something that was apparently possible. And even though Akira's brain registered the tone and the question the way they were meant to be, what came out of him was once more the absolute truth.
"I didn't! I just wanted to spend time with you."
Obviously not the answer Goro had expected. But this evening was full of the unexpected.
"You're almost disgustingly sappy."
A statement that he apparently thought to be true, even though there was fondness in how Goro threw it over his shoulder, as they made their way into his bedroom.
"You like me sappy."
The retort was out before he could think, and exactly the same thing as he would have said without the potion. It soothed Akira a little. Knowing that nothing fundamentally had changed. That they could dwell on certain topics while steering clear of others. Just that everything would be a bit more truthful this evening.
"I do."
Only Goro was able to look betrayed by his own mouth after already discovering that they both had been affected by a truth potion.
He seemed to think that kissing was an acceptable way to shut himself and Akira up and promptly followed through with it, kicking the door shut behind them. Pressing him up against the wall once more, probably so both of them wouldn't fall over.
Akira could feel himself panting slightly as the contact increased, not as against the idea as before. If keeping their mouths busy prevented truths from slipping out, he was more than happy to do the work. Be it cuddling up on the couch and making out until they drifted off, warm and cozy, or what Goro had in mind if he interpreted his intent right.
“Since this is your fault, you’re going to tell me exactly what’s going through your pretty little head,” Goro said with something that could have been a growl, hands pawing at his waist before moving to the front of his pants.
Definitely interpreted that intent right.
But instead of slipping his hand in as Akira had expected, and eagerly anticipated, Goro stilled. Instead, his mouth latched onto Akira's neck, kissing and sucking his way down, smiling into the skin he was marking up at every shuddering exhale and every bitten-off sound, before detaching again. Proudly surveying his work in the smug way only he could, before addressing him again.
“So,what do you want? I feel like indulging you.”
It wasn't a lie, not some half-truth, which made giving in seem more enticing. Not that Akira had ever thought Goro was lying about such things, but having the confirmation that he wanted to, did things to him. Even when all that came out wasn't even a sound as if his throat had given up before it could work.
Too busy cataloging all the sensations, too busy making sense of the situation.
Goro's hand, when it finally made contact, was slightly cold, almost tickling the skin of his belly when he spread his fingers and rested them there, slightly flexing them, ignoring the open pants just below. As if it hadn’t been Goro's goal to move there. As if he was going to take his time. As if he wanted Akira mad with want.
And Akira knew him by now well enough to know it was his goal. Licking his lips and hoping he could answer.
“Want you to feel good,” was all he got out, the response almost strained. His brain was still torn between the urge to voice his pleasure and to keep the words in, to keep his thoughts to himself. He lost on both fronts, the moan and the words coming out almost simultaneously. A combination of sounds he wasn’t aware he could make, almost convinced someone else had breathed them out, someone else inhabiting his body, giving in to the sensations, bucking up in the hand now suddenly cupping him, into the hold he was in. And the fact it was still so secure made warmth race through him.
Goro just smirked, and ground his hand down once before moving back, leaving him floundering against the wall once more, where all he could do was catch his breath and watch him slowly get rid of his shirt.
"Anything specific on your mind?"
He asked it so casually, as if not caring for the answer, busy removing one clothing article after the next, not caring that he had an audience, not caring about how he looked when taking his socks off.
Not that it mattered, Akira was entranced either way, just taking in the whole work of art his boyfriend was.
Only snapping out of his staring when Goro threw him a look over his shoulder that said he knew exactly what he’d been doing, and that he was now way too overdressed. It made him chuckle, before he pushed down his already-opened pants, stepping out of them while reaching for his shirt. When he’d finally discarded everything, pulling his socks off to let them fall onto the pile of his other things, he looked up to find Goro already lying on the bed, clearly enjoying what he’d been seeing.
Slowly darkening eyes trained on the locket resting on his chest, the only thing left on his skin. The only thing he wouldn’t part with. The reaction was everything he wanted out of Goro. And he hadn’t once disappointed him, no matter how often he saw him wearing nothing but it.
“I still need an answer. What do you want to do?”
He’d forgotten to answer, watching Goro and getting naked himself side-tracking him. And he was sure that Goro wouldn’t let things progress until he voiced his thoughts. As always, he could feel a blush overtaking his neck, probably accelerated by the fact that he knew he couldn’t evade answering. Not this time. Not even jokingly.
"Want to ride you."
Goro smiled at him, almost proud.
"Then come here."
Uttered as sultry as possible. Akira almost expected the sentence to be accompanied by a finger beckoning him, but Goro had always been more about showing than simple gestures. And so he simply spread his legs, already half-hard, even though all he'd been doing was taunt and tease Akira.
He climbed onto the bed next to him, content to not immediately jump into things, but enjoy the fact they had the space and the time to indulge in each other, the truth of his wish still present, but not as urgent. The other confession of him wanting Goro to feel good had been true as well, and he would make him.
Even if it got him a slightly confused look, when instead of straddling him, he just laid down next to him, reached for his face, and kissed him. Sweet and short, more a peppering of them, than a long drawn-out kiss as if the number he gave could convey how much he loved the man in front of him. His thoughts stuttered a little at the words, as they had always done, not out of embarrassment or because he couldn’t say them, but because sometimes, he still needed a moment to process that he could say them. That not even Goro could or would stop him from saying them.
Many small kisses became longer languid ones, slow pants in between before they dived back in, sometimes almost colliding in their eagerness.
Until a hand came to rest on Akira’s chest, during an especially long kiss, and pushed with enough force to let him know that he was supposed to break it.
Curious, he did and moved back, lying on his side to face his boyfriend. Goro wasn’t distressed but looked determined. As serious as he could be, as if he had something to announce. And announce something he did.
"I like having you here." Goro swallowed once before resuming, gaze turning to the ceiling, obviously not comfortable saying the words.
Normally, Akira would have made a teasing remark, but with the knowledge that the truth potion was still running through their veins which meant that Goro was using the honesty it brought to get the words out, he stayed silent. Telegraphing his movement, so Goro could see it out of the corner of his eye, grabbing his hand and silently rubbing his thumb over it. Not once ceasing his ministrations, but carefully keeping them up, so as not to spook his boyfriend.
"Not only in my bed, but my apartment. Meeting with you and staying at Leblanc is fine. But… it made me happy you asked to stay over today."
The happy was reluctantly pressed out between the other words as if he'd attempted to use another term, but this was the only one that had come out. And the scowl he wore afterward, as well as the light blush that decorated his cheeks just underlined that.
He wanted him here. Was happy he was here. And what he probably didn’t say, is that he waited for Akira to ask, not wanting to sound too needy himself.
They both weren't good with vulnerability, even after being together for quite some time now, but Goro was obviously trying, the truth potion substituting the necessary courage. There was only one thing Akira could do. Be honest back.
"I wasn't sure if you wanted me to ask."
Brushing his cheek against Goro's, almost nuzzling him, pretty sure that their twin blushes were complimenting each other.
"I can ask more often, or…"
He sat up, grinning, determined to change the mood back to something a bit more fitting, knowing that Goro didn’t want to dwell on this, but wanted him to remember it.
"I can just show up here and let myself in."
Goro's groan was worth it. It almost distracted him from the fact that Akira was gently pushing him onto his back, him automatically moving in the direction he was being nudged in.
Almost.
"What are you doing?"
The frown he was now wearing was almost too cute not to kiss, and Akira had to hold himself back from saying it out loud. This time, the potion let him keep them in. Instead, he leaned down and brushed his lips over Goro's brow.
When he drew back, he could feel the blush coming back.
"Just. Let me?"
Goro looked at him for a long time after his question. Long enough that he felt like squirming. Felt uncomfortable, as if asking had already been too much. But Goro wanted him to ask, and he wanted this, so he endured the embarrassment he could feel creeping up his neck. Holding eye contact, even though he wanted nothing more than to flop down next to Goro and hide his face in the pillows.
Requests without spelling out what he was going to do were rare, Akira always ready to listen to Goro’s objections. Always ready to give him a choice. Be it about a massage or blowing him.
But Goro said nothing despite the look he was giving him. His lips curled when he finally nodded, and he relaxed back against the pillows, some of the tension leaving him. Satisfied with what he’d seen in his expression after asking.
Not that Akira minded anymore, he was now thoroughly distracted by the way Goro’s hair fanned out from his head, slightly longer since he stopped cutting it a few months back. His hair, his hands, and his eyes, the three things that would always get him to stop in his tracks, completing the stunning display.
The latter were almost twinkling at him, expectant of what he was going to do, and it made him shuffle forward, swinging one leg over Goro, lowering himself until he was comfortable kneeling over him, hands next to his head, closer to the half-smile that had buried itself into his mind.
Gave a kiss to his forehead, to his brows, moving down his face, kissing everything he could reach, even placing several on his lips before he got to his throat, breath hitching at the knowledge of what he was going to do, but not stopping.
And for once in his life, he let go. Gave into the truths that were rising to the surface, spilling over his lips and right onto Goro’s skin. Down the line of his throat, in between kisses that let him taste warm skin and something that was utterly and undeniably Goro.
He was babbling, something he'd never done before, usually trying to stay composed until Goro broke him down. But now, every thought he ever had spilled out of him, words almost stumbling over each other, but all of them the truth, all of them his feelings given clumsy form.
Half of it was probably not making any sense, the words handsome, strong, gorgeous, and a million synonyms of those blurring together with all the other adjectives he'd ever thought about Goro. Knowing that every single one was true.
Nothing stopped him, even though he could feel the almost startled motions Goro made with every further word that traveled down his skin. Until he reached his chest.
Mouth slowly closing over a nipple, not biting, as Goro had never been a fan of pain, not like Akira was, the slight sting of a gentle love bite and the suction needed to create a hickey more than enough. The latter was what he delivered. His tongue worked in circles, stroking the skin before he separated himself with a wet sound, kissing the now erect bud in apology before moving down again, giving it his full attention.
The gentle pain Goro thrived on was entirely different from the sharp sensations that made Akira’s blood boil, and he’d always been more than happy to deliver it, making him shake with it, the same way Goro liked to make him writhe.
It had taken them both some time to learn each other, to fit together in a new way, not dictated by the cruel games Gods played but as always, they had excelled in the challenge presented to them. In their own way.
The hand that wasn’t busy holding the weight of his torso up, trailed up Goro’s side, dipping into every angle, every dip, fingers softly flexing, not grabbing, instead causing goosebumps wherever they went. Goro almost gasped when he brushed over the other nipple but bit the sound down. He kept brushing over it, slowly pressing in and rolling it between his fingers, but not pinching, until he was sure the one in front of him had enough, then he switched sides, trying to give the other the same attention.
Almost as if their roles were reversed for the evening. Akira not caring about the words leaving his mouth, while Goro tried to keep as quiet as possible. Maybe later, he would be embarrassed by it, would feel mortified at the truths that Goro now knew, but he’d never been shy about admitting his feelings once they had managed to clear away the biggest obstacles in their relationship. He was more reluctant on other fronts, which were a work in progress. One step at a time.
And it was time to move further. With a last, almost regretful kiss, he parted from Goro’s chest which was now heaving, the rest of him melting into the sheets from the relentless attention he had bestowed upon him.
His way down Goro’s body was marked with more kisses and words, recollections of times he couldn’t stop staring at him, last week in the Metaverse, impaling a Shadow that was about to attack, not caring about the liquid it was spewing, the triumphant grin almost blinding, even under the dark ichor, a few weeks ago in the morning, when the rays through the attic windows made him look radiant, or after winning their latest darts competition.
Bypassing his crotch and scooting down further. Slowly kissing his way down and up Goro's thighs, not caring about the time it took or the impatient noises from above. The words were not stopping. Not that he tried, at this point not even knowing what he was saying anymore, just knowing that it was the truth, what he’d always wanted to say, but for some reason had always refrained from.
Only giving attention to the middle, when he’d been sure that he’d devoted enough time to the rest, the faint marks on Goro’s thighs documenting where he’d been, almost feeling like they’d been proof of the words his mouth had pressed against the skin.
But he wasn’t going to neglect Goro’s length any further. Not when it was rising up in front of his face like this. A few licks over what he could reach, teasing with what was to come. Lifting himself onto his elbows, so he could dedicate his attention to the whole of his cock.
Tongue slowly licking up from the root, until he came up to the head, mouth sinking over it, but immediately popping off again, making sure the sound was as loud as possible. Only to do it again, attentively watching Goro’s hands clenching into the sheets even more. Looked like he took Akira’s request seriously, willing to let him do what he wanted. So he indulged. His hands wandered over Goro’s skin, his hips, over the marks he had left, while his mouth sank up and down. Not hurrying, keeping a slow and languid pace, feeling the organ harden even more on every pass.
His fingers brushed over Goro’s balls, relishing in the shudder it elicited before moving further down, stroking his rim before he pressed his thumb down. Sinking in a little, but not breaching it, rubbing little circles into the skin.
"Should I?"
Not letting up with the pressure, placing a few more licks on the now proudly standing dick in front of his face. Mouth once more surrounding the head, popping on and off again, more teasing than trying to get anywhere.
"Only if you want this to be over much too soon," was the gasped reply he got, Goro almost wriggling into the touch, in contrast to his words.
"Next time then," he decided with a kiss to Goro's hipbone, withdrawing his hand with a last resolute press, even though the unhappy noise it drew forth almost made him reconsider.
But there was always tomorrow, maybe even later, depending on how they both felt, and he still wanted Goro inside him. And they’d both be disappointed if they couldn’t hold on until then.
Carefully, he climbed back up, where Goro had moved to more of a sitting position, reaching for the lube in the nightstand, while Akira made himself comfortable on his hips. When Goro questioningly looked at him, he tilted his head and lifted his butt a little.
"Help me?"
It was entertaining to see the realization dawn on Goro's face, his jaw clicking shut once he realized what kind of help Akira wanted. Almost scrambling for the lube, eager to move things along.
It might also be the fact that preparing Akira was one of his favorite activities. At times he was more than content to see him fall apart on his fingers, smugly watching him come back to his senses afterward, only to be surprised by Akira pouncing on him, giving back as good as he'd gotten.
Right now, with everything that had happened before, all he could do was hold on to Goro’s shoulders, concentrating on the feeling of first one, then two fingers inside of him, the cold of the lube, and the stretch and pressure, that went from uncomfortable to pleasurable. Catching Goro’s mouth with his own, to stifle the noises and to try and mask how keyed up he already was. The smirk he saw when he moved back told him that he hadn’t succeeded, Goro more than aware of what he was doing to him. Not stopping and slipping in a third finger.
“You look wonderful like this.”
It wasn’t what both of them had expected, both having forgotten the truth potion. Too consumed by each other, the heat, and what they were doing.
Goro was looking almost defiantly at him in the wake of the words as if he waited for Akira to laugh and ridicule him. As if he would do so. All he did was bring up one of his hands to Goro’s cheek, gently stroking, before leaning forward and giving him the sweetest kiss he could. Even though he couldn’t lie, he was sure the gesture said as much as any of his words could have.
Which was the moment Goro chose to remove his fingers, the shudder traveling through Akira’s whole body and into the kiss.
Carefully, he moved back, reaching for Goro’s cock, raising himself so it could slowly breach him until it filled him out completely, leaving him soundlessly gasping into the air.
He would never get tired of this. Not of being connected to Goro, the way they fit together, how even the slightest shift elicited a reaction out of his boyfriend. The discomfort that he knew would get drowned out in heat and pleasure. And most of all, he would never get tired of the way Goro looked like this.
Pupils blown, hands clenched into the sheets, not permitting himself to touch even though he was always allowed to. Even though he'd just stretched him.
And he'd done a good job, Akira already eager to move on, the stretch not only bearable but already enticing, promising him the delight that was sure to follow.
Bracing himself on Goro’s chest, he raised himself up and slid down again, his moan tangling in the air with the groan the motion seemed to punch out of Goro, who looked up at him with wide eyes, almost as if he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Something he unconsciously did during the first few moments whenever Akira was on top. At least until he got his bearings back.
This time, Akira wanted to delay that moment as much as he could, raising himself up once more, this time letting almost falling down, fighting through the lightning bolt of pleasure to repeat the motion. The locket around his throat rose and fell with it, the chain making a sound that added to the soft slap of skin on skin.
"So good," was the gasp that followed which precluded another string of praise he let out, focused entirely on what Goro did to him, how he felt inside of him, and what it did to Akira.
There had been compliments before. And no matter where Goro had been - on top, smugly watching him fall apart while thrusting into him with unerring precision - or beneath him, body taut as a bowstring, taking everything Akira was giving him, waiting for the pressure to snap - he'd always managed to sound as if it was his doing. From how gorgeous he claimed Akira looked, to how good he was fucking him when it was his turn.
Now, he was silent, head thrown back, hands scrambling between Akira’s hips and the sheets, overwhelmed in a way Akira had never seen before. As if it was too much, too fast, too good.
So Akira just caught his hands the next time they wandered towards his hips, holding them there, signaling him to hold on, which Goro did after a moment, beginning to assist him the next time he moved up. Which was more than appreciated, because Akira could start to feel the strain in his thighs. The continuous talking and the movement were harder than he’d expected, the toll it was taking becoming obvious, the pace faltering at times.
Goro was now bucking up and moving him, almost taking over entirely, his pants and the almost erratic motions showing that he was getting close.
“Let me move you. Take care of yourself.”
Goro hadn’t even finished his sentence when Akira was reaching for his cock, finally getting the stimulation he needed. Only a few strokes and he tipped over the edge, cum slipping down his fingers and onto Goro’s chest where he was still bracing himself with his other hand. It, and Goro’s grip the only things holding him up.
With a groan, he could feel Goro’s warmth filling him, stilling for a long moment as if savoring the feeling of still being connected. The overstimulation almost drowned out the feeling of him pulling out, Akira almost collapsing next to him on the bed.
It took more than a few minutes for him to get his bearings back before he could sort and stretch out his limbs and curl into Goro’s direction, who was already opening his arms. For a moment they just lay there, catching their breath, legs brushing against each other, basking in the afterglow.
Until Akira stirred again, nuzzling into Goro’s neck.
“Any wishes for dinner?”
Goro just snorted in answer and pulled him closer, apparently not planning to move immediately, one of his hands tracing circles into his skin.
“You’re getting a bath and then we’ll see what we’re doing.”
The bath was a quiet and almost cuddly affair, the heat making Akira more drowsy than he thought it would, admitting it into Goro’s shoulder when he helped him out of the tub and into a towel.
Choosing what to order was a short affair, with no sudden surprises tumbling out of their mouths. For once, Akira managed to convince Goro that eating on the couch was fine, and while it took some time to choose a movie ("I'm not risking you suddenly blurting out that you hate Featherman. Stop. Don't even open your mouth."). By the time the food arrived, they had settled on one, only arguing twice about their reasons for refusing to see a specific one.
Goro had only called him an imbecile once, and Akira had accidentally admitted that he’d thrown one of the trashier suggestions in the ring to get a rise out of him. Seeing him flounder and his mouth opening and closing was one of the funnier things that had happened, even though he knew Goro wouldn’t let him forget that any time soon.
It was in the middle of the second movie, Goro entranced by the colorful spectacle of a space battle on the screen, both of them warm and sated, their feet intertwined, when he turned and nuzzled his face into his boyfriend’s neck. The overwhelming urge to let him know how much he appreciated him rising. But not overspilling.
Not like before. The words remained in his throat, the truth of them only known to him. And he could keep it that way this time. Could stay in this warm embrace and leave things unsaid once more.
Akira nuzzled deeper, face almost vanishing in the soft cloud of Goro’s freshly washed hair before he decided not to.
“I love you.”
He expected Goro to stiffen up, so wasn’t surprised when it happened. What he didn’t expect was the decrease in tension that almost immediately followed, as if it was draining out of him.
Probably realizing at the same moment that the compulsion was gone. That he didn’t need to answer.
The hand he had slung around Akira moved up, fingers tangling in his curls, a little wilder now after the bath. He moved his head slightly, obviously careful not to dislodge Akira’s head from his shoulder, pressing a long kiss to his forehead.
“I love you too.” An almost silent whisper against his skin, before he eased back into the couch, eyes back to focusing on the action happening in front of them. The blush decorating his face belied the nonchalance he was feigning, and so all Akira did was settle further into his hold, hiding again in his neck.
“Can I stay tomorrow?”
The fingers curled deeper into his hair, carefully skimming over the skin, just the faintest pressure away from scratching it.
“You can.”
With a happy hum, he gave a kiss to the skin he could reach, fully prepared to fall asleep like this, the warm cocoon of Goro and blankets more than enough.
He just really needed to remember to send Chihaya a message to throw out the potion before she opened the store tomorrow.