[This whole newly wed thing would be such a breeze if Keith didn't mysteriously disappear for several hours during the night...or randomly during the day.
Whether it's necessary or not Keith has apologized so frequently with flowers that the local flower shop has dubbed his particular bouquet the Keith Goodman Screw-Up Special.
Presently our Hero can be found dog-napping with John on the floor after another night of secretive escapades]
[Yuri's own absences are not mysterious, as they are easily explained away, and he doesn't apologize for them. His work for Sternbild's Administration of Justice alone could account for so much time spent away from home, not to mention his other duties. A judge's work is never done.
Yuri himself seems rather tired, as if he hadn't slept well. He gazes down on the sleeping Keith with a quiet fondness. John opens his eyes and glances up at him hopefully, panting. Yuri leans down to pet the dog, then brushes his fingertips over Keith's forehead, pushing back his hair.]
Good morning. [His tone is faintly wry.] We do own a bed, as it so happens.
[Keith, on the other hand, had absolutely no good reason for his absence, of course with some help he could pull off working in the television industry...which wasn't totally false, Hero TV was part of that world after all. Yet, it wasn't completely true either which made it a lie and lying to a judge, not to mention his baby, always put his stomach in a knots.
And then he reminded himself exactly what he was protecting and who.
Over time Keith had trained himself to be a light sleeper, despite being able to sleep almost anywhere, so when Yuri's fingers caressed his forehead his eyes shuttered open. He looked up at him owlishly and a little confused before breaking into a smile. His enthusiasm could rival John's own as he rose from the floor and draped himself around Yuri.]
I didn't want to wake you up [Keith leaned back a little, looking into Yuri's face, his own twisting with concern. Not always the most perceptive of souls even he couldn't ignore the fact that Yuri didn't look as well rested as he would have expected] but you
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[Yuri withstood the onslaught of affection patiently, reaching up to put a hand on Keith's arm. He wondered, amusedly, if there were more flowers in his future. It wasn't that he disliked receiving them. He quite liked flowers, in fact, but one can have too much of a good thing.]
I wouldn't mind. Unless you prefer sleeping out here. [His faint smile was for both man and dog.] It seems John enjoys it when you do.
I've been having trouble sleeping. Insomnia. [It was a simple, reasonable explanation, like all of his explanations.] You were out late again? [There was no accusation in the statement, only curiosity.]
[Perhaps it was more unusual than it was fortunate, but there were no flowers this morning. The NEXT had crept in so late that the flower shop wasn't even open, though he meant to rush out on his morning run with John to pick them up. Keith had to remind himself to think of new and exciting ways to make it up to his partner.]
No, no, no I like sleeping with you! [It took Keith a few seconds to register how that might have come off before having the grace to look a little bashful. He knew that there were some who thought that his shyness was remarkable, but the NEXT was getting over it] I mean that in every sense too...and John...well...it won't hurt if he slept in his own bed...
Hn? [Insomnia...fortunately Keith was easy to convince] A...ah...yeah, work is, you know [another twinge of guilt bubbled up inside of him when he looked down at Yuri's sleep deprived face] sorry, I'll come home earlier if it'll help. I'd feel a little lonely in that big bed too...I wasn't thinking, or is there something else keeping you awake?
I understand. I feel the same. I was only joking. I know you're very considerate. [He smiled again. The dog licked at his hand, and Yuri stroked its head again, unthinkingly, his other hand still on Keith's arm. Dog and master were somewhat alike. It would have been hard not to realize how considerate Keith was. His kind, open nature was one of the main reasons Yuri had felt drawn to him. It was easy to trust him. He was so completely earnest.]
[Except on one count. Keith was generally evasive when he talked about his work. His absences were actually convenient at times, but Yuri didn't wish to seem like he thought so.] If there's something you'd like to talk about, you can tell me anything, Keith.
[He shook his head at the very idea that Keith could be the cause of his sleepless nights.] You needn't blame yourself for that. It's mostly the stress of work. There's so much to think about, and it weighs on my mind.
I guess I'm being too serious, I'll have to work on that [Keith said this almost distractedly as John wove himself around their bodies, much like a child eager for their love and attention. Once he'd gotten the affection he sought from Yuri that he wanted he wound his way around to Keith, bumping up against his leg and earning a habitual pat from his master. He was probably telling them that it was time for a walk, but right now the NEXT's senses were drawn to his partner.
At the subtle suggestion from his lover Keith's brows knitted together, almost as though he were considering something] Listen, I guess it would be good to talk about this with you...you're my world now so I can't really keep avoiding it...
[With his free hand Keith tangled his fingers in Yuri's hair, combing carefully so that he didn't snag] I think I can do something about your stress...but how is your day looking, do you have some free time? Talking about what's on my mind and taking care of you, I'll need more than a few minutes.
Now you're being too serious about working on being serious. [This was another wry joke, but he quickly sobered. He knew Keith well enough to guess that it must indeed have been a serious matter he wanted to discuss. He hardly paid attention to John's further attempts to gain and keep their attention.]
Candor is an important part of any relationship, so that would probably be best. [He couldn't say he didn't feel the sting of his own hypocrisy as he said this.] I'd appreciate it, and I'm always willing to listen.
[He sighed, pleased, as Keith's fingers moved through his hair.] I might be busy, but I can easily make time for you. [The thought of a little more rest and being taken care of did have its appeal.] There's nothing in my schedule today that can't be put off.
That...that's probably true [Keith agreed immediately, but he had the presence of mind to recognize that Yuri was joking and he chuckled. Even though he knew what they were about to discuss was serious he didn't want to make it a stressful topic, he only wanted his partner to understand.]
You're right! Truer words have never been spoken...and I love you too much to keep anything from you [it was becoming easier for him to say the word love as opposed to earlier on in the relationship where Keith nearly had an aneurism trying] and if I don't say anything it would be selfish...since you deserve to have a chance to rise to the occasion.
[That sigh stirred something more in Keith than a desire for a serious conversation once he realized how long it had been since he'd last taken care of Yuri, and himself for that matter] I'm glad...and I have plenty vacation time saved up [the NEXT's fingers slid from Yuri's hair to his cheek guiding him into a kiss, gentle as usual, but with an underlying hint of impatience] I've missed you, Yuri.
[He nodded at Keith's declaration of love.] I feel the same. [He was habitually reserved, and it was difficult for him to be as warm and effusive as Keith could be. At times, he still found it disconcerting, these unstinting displays of affection, though he was beginning to grow used to them.] You've made me quite curious. [It wasn't that he felt no misgivings about whatever Keith had been keeping from him, but he doubted Keith would have anything too upsetting to say. That wasn't the kind of thing one expected from him.] Whatever it is, I'll do my best not to disappoint you.
[Then Keith changed the subject with a kiss and an embrace, and Yuri didn't object to this in the least, smiling again.] I'm not adverse, but are you planning on talking first, or apologizing?
Nah. You couldn’t disappoint me, Yuri…it’s important information, so what you decide to do with it is up to you.
[It took some deliberating on Keith’s part before he could answer that question. On the one hand he thought it might be taking advantage if he took him in the bedroom and started ‘apologizing’ before breaking the news. What if it turned out that Yuri did get angry, wasn’t that the whole point of makeup…ah…
…but…in the same vein would that be his last chance to hold Yuri?
And what if he didn’t get angry at all, of course Keith would explain it to his lover thoroughly so that there would be no misunderstanding…and there was no point in being pessimistic about it until it was done…]
Alright! [He was finished thinking about it, thinking about it only made it more confusing and he had to be decisive in this if nothing else. Keeping his arms wrapped around his partner, Keith led Yuri back to the bed, but he released him reluctantly soon after so that he could sit on the edge of the mattress. Sitting was good right now, better
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[He allowed himself to be led to the bed, then sat beside Keith calmly, though this was becoming a little odd.] I'm pleased you've decided to share this important information.
[The question gave him pause.] Yes, I'm more than a little familiar with it, though I don't watch it regularly. [His tone was carefully neutral. Accustomed to hiding his true feelings, he betrayed no sign of the various emotions the mention of Hero TV stirred in him.] I do have some connection with it, in a purely legal capacity. As you can imagine, a program that revolves around capturing criminals requires the close cooperation of the Administration of Justice. [Keith didn't always pay attention to all aspects of his work, but that was fine, as Yuri neither needed nor wanted someone who would keep close tabs on him.]
[It didn’t help that Keith was a little bit anxious about telling anyone outside of the sphere of Hero TV about his identity, especially a loved one. Of course the fact that Yuri seemed neutral and calm about the forthcoming news imbued him with some confidence. And of course the fact that his partner knew about the show and understood the concept behind it having some legal connection would make it easier] Well…first I want you to know that I wanted to protect you, from the bottom of my heart…my intentions were pure though it doesn’t really justify keeping it from you…[bargaining for time, he couldn’t keep doing it so he turned his eyes earnestly on his mate, almost trying to will him to understand what he was about to say]…Sky High…I’m Sky High…
[At first, he couldn't speak. He must have been blinded by sentiment, because it was so obvious now, in hindsight: Keith's absences, their timing. Perhaps he hadn't wanted to believe it. He'd already known some of the Heroes' identities-- obviously, everyone knew Mr. Brooks, and it would have been hard to miss Mr. Kaburagi, whose wanton destruction of property couldn't be ignored. But Sky High--he hadn't considered him. Not like that. Now he knows.
It was the ultimate absurdity, the ultimate joke: somehow, he'd ended up married to a Hero.] Sky High.
[As the truth sank in, panic tightened his chest. What was he supposed to do now? He forced his tensing muscles to relax. He had to remain calm and continue to lie. There was nothing else he could do. He'd never attack Keith, and he had to be careful not to give himself away. It wasn't as if he could reply with I'm Lunatic. That wouldn't go over well, to say the least. He had unwittingly put himself in a very vulnerable position.] Yes, I see. This is certainly a surprise.
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[It’s fortunate that Keith was too oblivious at times to read his partner’s body and his forced smile, only too happy to accept his grace and the fact that he wasn’t going to punish the Hero by making him sleep on the couch or worse. It had gone better than expected which was both a relief and exciting in a way. Sharing his secret with his lover meant that there was at least one person in the world he could now share his troubles with, not dump, but merely talk to him about…he had no intention of getting Yuri entangled in something so dangerous.
Little did he know that the other man could handle himself, little did he know he was Lunatic…actually he didn’t know a whole lot about his partner’s past and he didn’t ask either. If he wanted to talk then Keith would listen, otherwise he loved him dearly just like this and at the moment it was so overwhelming that he couldn’t hold back in his affections. He pounced, both arms wrapping around Yuri as their bodies flopped back against the bed] I’m sorry for not telling you sooner, but…I have
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Whether it's necessary or not Keith has apologized so frequently with flowers that the local flower shop has dubbed his particular bouquet the Keith Goodman Screw-Up Special.
Presently our Hero can be found dog-napping with John on the floor after another night of secretive escapades]
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Yuri himself seems rather tired, as if he hadn't slept well. He gazes down on the sleeping Keith with a quiet fondness. John opens his eyes and glances up at him hopefully, panting. Yuri leans down to pet the dog, then brushes his fingertips over Keith's forehead, pushing back his hair.]
Good morning. [His tone is faintly wry.] We do own a bed, as it so happens.
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And then he reminded himself exactly what he was protecting and who.
Over time Keith had trained himself to be a light sleeper, despite being able to sleep almost anywhere, so when Yuri's fingers caressed his forehead his eyes shuttered open. He looked up at him owlishly and a little confused before breaking into a smile. His enthusiasm could rival John's own as he rose from the floor and draped himself around Yuri.]
I didn't want to wake you up [Keith leaned back a little, looking into Yuri's face, his own twisting with concern. Not always the most perceptive of souls even he couldn't ignore the fact that Yuri didn't look as well rested as he would have expected] but you ( ... )
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I wouldn't mind. Unless you prefer sleeping out here. [His faint smile was for both man and dog.] It seems John enjoys it when you do.
I've been having trouble sleeping. Insomnia. [It was a simple, reasonable explanation, like all of his explanations.] You were out late again? [There was no accusation in the statement, only curiosity.]
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No, no, no I like sleeping with you! [It took Keith a few seconds to register how that might have come off before having the grace to look a little bashful. He knew that there were some who thought that his shyness was remarkable, but the NEXT was getting over it] I mean that in every sense too...and John...well...it won't hurt if he slept in his own bed...
Hn? [Insomnia...fortunately Keith was easy to convince] A...ah...yeah, work is, you know [another twinge of guilt bubbled up inside of him when he looked down at Yuri's sleep deprived face] sorry, I'll come home earlier if it'll help. I'd feel a little lonely in that big bed too...I wasn't thinking, or is there something else keeping you awake?
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[Except on one count. Keith was generally evasive when he talked about his work. His absences were actually convenient at times, but Yuri didn't wish to seem like he thought so.] If there's something you'd like to talk about, you can tell me anything, Keith.
[He shook his head at the very idea that Keith could be the cause of his sleepless nights.] You needn't blame yourself for that. It's mostly the stress of work. There's so much to think about, and it weighs on my mind.
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At the subtle suggestion from his lover Keith's brows knitted together, almost as though he were considering something] Listen, I guess it would be good to talk about this with you...you're my world now so I can't really keep avoiding it...
[With his free hand Keith tangled his fingers in Yuri's hair, combing carefully so that he didn't snag] I think I can do something about your stress...but how is your day looking, do you have some free time? Talking about what's on my mind and taking care of you, I'll need more than a few minutes.
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Candor is an important part of any relationship, so that would probably be best. [He couldn't say he didn't feel the sting of his own hypocrisy as he said this.] I'd appreciate it, and I'm always willing to listen.
[He sighed, pleased, as Keith's fingers moved through his hair.] I might be busy, but I can easily make time for you. [The thought of a little more rest and being taken care of did have its appeal.] There's nothing in my schedule today that can't be put off.
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You're right! Truer words have never been spoken...and I love you too much to keep anything from you [it was becoming easier for him to say the word love as opposed to earlier on in the relationship where Keith nearly had an aneurism trying] and if I don't say anything it would be selfish...since you deserve to have a chance to rise to the occasion.
[That sigh stirred something more in Keith than a desire for a serious conversation once he realized how long it had been since he'd last taken care of Yuri, and himself for that matter] I'm glad...and I have plenty vacation time saved up [the NEXT's fingers slid from Yuri's hair to his cheek guiding him into a kiss, gentle as usual, but with an underlying hint of impatience] I've missed you, Yuri.
[As ( ... )
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[He nodded at Keith's declaration of love.] I feel the same. [He was habitually reserved, and it was difficult for him to be as warm and effusive as Keith could be. At times, he still found it disconcerting, these unstinting displays of affection, though he was beginning to grow used to them.] You've made me quite curious. [It wasn't that he felt no misgivings about whatever Keith had been keeping from him, but he doubted Keith would have anything too upsetting to say. That wasn't the kind of thing one expected from him.] Whatever it is, I'll do my best not to disappoint you.
[Then Keith changed the subject with a kiss and an embrace, and Yuri didn't object to this in the least, smiling again.] I'm not adverse, but are you planning on talking first, or apologizing?
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[It took some deliberating on Keith’s part before he could answer that question. On the one hand he thought it might be taking advantage if he took him in the bedroom and started ‘apologizing’ before breaking the news. What if it turned out that Yuri did get angry, wasn’t that the whole point of makeup…ah…
…but…in the same vein would that be his last chance to hold Yuri?
And what if he didn’t get angry at all, of course Keith would explain it to his lover thoroughly so that there would be no misunderstanding…and there was no point in being pessimistic about it until it was done…]
Alright! [He was finished thinking about it, thinking about it only made it more confusing and he had to be decisive in this if nothing else. Keeping his arms wrapped around his partner, Keith led Yuri back to the bed, but he released him reluctantly soon after so that he could sit on the edge of the mattress. Sitting was good right now, better ( ... )
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[The question gave him pause.] Yes, I'm more than a little familiar with it, though I don't watch it regularly. [His tone was carefully neutral. Accustomed to hiding his true feelings, he betrayed no sign of the various emotions the mention of Hero TV stirred in him.] I do have some connection with it, in a purely legal capacity. As you can imagine, a program that revolves around capturing criminals requires the close cooperation of the Administration of Justice. [Keith didn't always pay attention to all aspects of his work, but that was fine, as Yuri neither needed nor wanted someone who would keep close tabs on him.]
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It was the ultimate absurdity, the ultimate joke: somehow, he'd ended up married to a Hero.] Sky High.
[As the truth sank in, panic tightened his chest. What was he supposed to do now? He forced his tensing muscles to relax. He had to remain calm and continue to lie. There was nothing else he could do. He'd never attack Keith, and he had to be careful not to give himself away. It wasn't as if he could reply with I'm Lunatic. That wouldn't go over well, to say the least. He had unwittingly put himself in a very vulnerable position.] Yes, I see. This is certainly a surprise. ( ... )
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Little did he know that the other man could handle himself, little did he know he was Lunatic…actually he didn’t know a whole lot about his partner’s past and he didn’t ask either. If he wanted to talk then Keith would listen, otherwise he loved him dearly just like this and at the moment it was so overwhelming that he couldn’t hold back in his affections. He pounced, both arms wrapping around Yuri as their bodies flopped back against the bed] I’m sorry for not telling you sooner, but…I have ( ... )
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