ⁱˡᵒᵐⁱˡᵒ

ⁱᵗ'ˢ ʲᵘˢᵗ ᵃ ˡⁱᵉ

A/N: Trigger warning for the beginning of this chapter for graphic violence and non-con. You're all going to hate me.

"Shota." 

"...Shota." 

"...Shota?" 

Tired eyes finally tear their gaze away from the kitchen table to meet Masaru's, mutely noting the concerned look swirling around in those warm, honey brown orbs that Shota has learned to love so much. He often finds himself getting lost in those eyes---drowning in them as they seem to call him to a place that feels a lot like home. Even now, hovering over Shota with that ever worried look about him, Masaru is absolutely ethereal. How does someone become so beautiful, Shota wonders. How does someone become so perfect? 

"Hm?"

Masaru huffs, exasperated. 

"I asked if you were alright, darling. You seem rather distracted this morning. Are you unwell? Maybe it's best that you take the day off today." He suggests, pressing the back on his hand against Shota's forehead as if to check him for a fever of some sort. Shota doesn't shake him off or grunt in annoyance like he does on most early mornings while Masaru fusses at him about his health. He simply smiles as a certain fondness begins to take hold of his heart and squeeze at it, unrelenting. 

"I'm fine, Masa. Just thinking." He assures him, head slanting just enough to allow him to press a kiss into the palm of Masaru's hand. Still, Masaru doesn't seem very convinced on the status of Shota's well-being. "It must be something quite troubling. You don't usually space out like that. Is it something that I can help with? Anything that I can do to ease your worries?"

"Not worried, baby. Thinking about you." 

Masaru raises a curious brow. 

"Me?" 

"Mhm." 

"Have I done something to upset you?" 

His anxiety is no doubt a product of being with Mitsuki for so long---having to answer for every single breath that he takes in the face of her indiscriminate wrath. Shota's well aware that it won't be an easy habit to break but he's prepared to help Masaru in any way that he can---give as many verbal and physical reassurances as he can. 

"No, Masaru, I'm not upset. I was just... thinking about how beautiful you are. All of the things that I love about you. How absolutely smitten I am with you." The raven comes clean, wanting to dismiss any worries that Masaru might have. He's done nothing wrong. He doesn't want Masaru to feel as though he has---doesn't want Masaru to feel as though he has to tiptoe around him. 

Shota does, however, think that the shade of red powdered across Masaru's gentle features is incredibly lovely. 

"O-Oh…" he murmurs from behind his hand as a shy smile curls at his lips---those pretty, pink lips that Shota loves to kiss. 

And, occasionally, sit on.

"As insatiable as you are and now you're getting shy on me? God, you're so adorable, Masa."

Masaru giggles. "Sorry, love. I guess that I'm still not quite used to earnest compliments like that. And, in my defense, you're not usually this verbally affectionate."