caycay | I've Been Lonely

Cater's chuckle turns into a more vibrant giggle as he presses his face into Idia's chest briefly. "Yeah, it is--I'd totally forgotten to ask you about it before, what the name of the show was called. But I was just thinking about it. Back then...it made me so happy to get a gift from you."

Most people would probably think it was such a lame, throwaway gift. A digital sticker pack--not only a cheap, intangible item, but something super random that he probably wasn't into at all. One might think that Idia had been trying to pick something frustrating.

"It meant that I had an excuse to message you, and something to learn more about so we could talk about it together." That hadn't happened, of course, because Cater hadn't been able to find the anime, but it gave him an in to ask for recommendations. Even if Idia hadn't really warmed up to him at the time, it was more than he'd ever expected.

To his credit, Idia does look mildly embarrassed. "I had no idea what to do. I mean, I know what I was expected to do, but I didn't know anything about you other than the whole Magicam thing. The stickers were an 'I panicked and it was the first thing I thought of' gift."

But having Cater there, snuggling and clearly happy without the least bit of resentment, eases the urge to apologize for the old almost-snub. "You get much better gifts now, at least. And it doesn't have to be a special occasion."

Looking up at Idia with a wide smile, Cater stretches up for a kiss, brushing those flaming bangs from his face. "You are the best gift I've ever gotten."

The phone, the vacation, the sexy study sessions...they're all amazing gifts. But just to have Idia at he is--no, just to know Idia. He feels like his life's been enriched just by having met him. The Fates saw them for what they were: two lonely sides of the same coin and saw fit to put them on a path toward one another.

"I couldn't ever ask for anything more than that."

Hearing his own thoughts from Cater's mouth cements how true they are, that each of them is exactly what the other needed to be complete. This is what being whole feels like, Idia's certain of it. He chases Cater's lips with a kiss of his own, sliding his fingers through copper locks, lingering in a warm press and soft breaths on each other's faces.

"You're my world, Cay. I love my brother, but... he has a life of his own now. You are my life, the best co-op player I could ever have."

Once they're kissing, Cater doesn't want to stop kissing again. This time, the passion he feels is sweet and warm--a fervent ember of affection that burns deep in his heart. "You've turned me into such a softy--you'll make me cry, you nerd." Laughing, the ginger lets out a slight sob as his happiness swells and he dots Idia's pale lips with kiss after kiss.

"You're my whole world, my life, my everything," he agrees. "I'm sure I don't have to say it, but I'm going to anyway: I'll never make you choose between me and Ortho. As far as I'm concerned, he's my brother now, too."

Ortho's a good kid, and between that and the history of the Shroud brothers, Cater couldn't imagine trying to diminish what they have. "I've always wanted a brother, anyway."

It’s one thing for Cater to like Ortho, but knowing his boyfriend thinks of Ortho like a brother has Idia’s throat tightening with emotion. Cater has accepted all of Idia, the good and the bad, and every day the other boy integrates further into the Shroud family through the eldest son. The next big step is STYX, but more and more even the fatalistic Idia is sure Cater will pass that test with flying colors.

Oh. Cater… really is a permanent fixture in his life now, isn’t he? Living together, sharing plans and hopes for the future, it’s like they’re….

No, it’s too soon for that. They still have internships, graduation, so much ahead. But the thought doesn’t feel as ludicrous as it would’ve been a year ago, and the watery smile and the light in Idia’s eyes is a crystal clear sign that something in his heart has just clicked into place. “I love you so much,” he whispers, not bothering to stem a few happy tears.

Gazing at each other like this, he's the one who feels like his heart can't possibly get any more full.

"What's that look about?" The question comes playfully, a thumb stroking Idia's cheek. "You keep that talk up and you'll be way too sweet for me to eat up the way I'm planning."

Eyes crinkling, Cater nuzzles into his lover's neck, gnashing his teeth in a joking, exaggerative manner before kissing the skin instead.

He can't tell Cater what he was thinking, it really is too soon. No matter how close they are, what if saying it starts an argument? Or if Cater worries about things moving too fast and the entire summer becomes awkward? Idia's just caught up in the moment, that's all. He missed his boyfriend and now his imagination is running wild, no more and no less.

So instead he giggles through the brief bout of tears, nuzzling into Cater's hair. "The only sweet you actually like?" Gods, he loves this dork so much it makes him dizzy. He takes up the hand stroking his cheek and presses a kiss into the palm, then another on the backs of Cater's knuckles.

"Definitely," he confirms, too over the moon with the mood they're in to question anything further. They're clearly both just lovesick from their time apart and the promise of everything to come. "If it's you giving me sugar, I'll take it all."

Accepting every kiss and every gentle caress, Cater settles back in. He takes a deep breath and sighs, eyes closing. The nostalgic mood hasn't left him yet--he thinks about so many of the times that the two of them had interacted, the delight he'd feel seeing Idia outside of his room. Getting the chance to talk to him in person instead of through a tablet screen. Sometimes it still seems so impossible they've gotten to where they are.

"Who knew it was possible to feel so happy?"

“Not me, not until you told me how you really feel.” ‘I think I've been in love with you for a long time.’ Those words forever live in his brain, a neon sign that lights up so many darkened corners. Cater saved him in a way the others hadn’t. They’d saved each other.

He cradles Cater’s head to his chest, holds him tight with his other arm, tangled their legs. It’s not enough but it’ll do for now. Idia closes his eyes too, letting the quiet sounds of the anime and the train and Cater’s breathing lull him into a dozing state.

Safe in Idia's arms, Cater feels untouchable. The stress of the outside world dulled out to silence. Here, there's only the sound of their heartbeats, the rise and fall of his boyfriend's chest beneath his cheek. He drifts off before long, as well, coming back to reality only when the train eventually rolls to a stop, gently lurching both of their bodies against the seats.

"Mmmm," he murmurs as he presses his face fully into Idia's chest. "What's that, are we here?"

Idia checks the time and GPS data on his phone, then nods. “Last stop, so we have time to get ourselves up and out. Don’t wanna linger too long, though.”

The drone tucks away his tablet before settling itself into Idia’s baggage. Groaning, the flame-haired boy sits up, still holding Cater close. “Cuddle time later, promise.”

Cater nods, pulling himself up with a measure of reluctance as he rubs his eyes. "Later," he agrees. "After I've had my way with you and vice versa." He knows once they get up and moving, the excitement is going to get his blood pumping once again. Still, in his half-awake haze he plants a sweet kiss on Idia's cheek.

"Need to stretch my legs so I don't totally beef it once we're vertical."

Idia smiles at the kiss, swinging his legs down to stretch and get blood flowing again. Neither of them needs to stumble and collapse. They have a bit of a hike ahead of them as it is to get to the little town at the foot of the main trail. Ugh.

Once he’s sure he won’t buckle to the floor, Idia gets up and retrieves his bags. A glance out the windows shows a lot of trees and sloping hills leading up to mountains, not something he’s used to. Seven, what has he gotten himself into? “If I collapse out there, wipe my browser history.”

"After I browse all of your dirtiest secrets, it's a promise," Cater agrees as he hoists his own bags up and over his shoulder. Once they're ready to go and heading toward the door he adds, "but if you collapse, I'll carry you like the princess you are."

He'd never simply let his beloved expire on a mountain trail! And once they've stepped on the train, officially far, far away from everyone they know, Cater reaches over to take Idia's hand, lacing their fingers together.

Idia can’t help cackling at that, his eyes crinkling in the corners. Still, the return grip on Cater’s hand is firm and loving, obviously enjoying their anonymity here where they can hold hands or kiss without raising a fuss. They hold on tight as they make their way from the station to town, a cozy place with lots of little shops and restaurants catering to tourists.

“It’s… quaint. Feels like a hub village from a more modern but not futuristic RPG.” Idia squints under the bright sun. With one hand holding Cater’s and the other occupied with baggage, he has nothing to shield his photosensitive eyes. He’s never really had to prepare for extended outdoor activity, aside from the horror that is PE. “Too bright, though.”

Humming, Cater reaches around with his free hand and pulls open a front zipper from one of the bags he has slung over his shoulder. Pretty easily he's able to pull out a pair of sunglasses and reaching over to slide them onto Idia's face. "This'll help--we can get you your own pair later if you like, though I do like you in diamond."

He winks, definitely meaning the double-entendre, before continuing the conversation. "Quaint is good, right? It's kinda like...the low level spot on the map where we start our adventure."

All things considered, they were well into their journey--and one could argue that it started when they both joined the NRC's student body. Maybe even before that, if one counted their individual prologues. Still, this was a completely new arc for them both. It stood to reason there should be an appropriate beginner world.

Definitely better, but with the hot sunlight Idia can feel on his skin he knows he’s going to need more: a hat, sunblock, maybe an umbrella. He’s really not designed for outdoors, but getting to have so much alone time with Cater in a private residence is worth it.

A starting point… that’s not far off the mark. This trip is the beginning of the next phase of their life together. They have weeks to grind levels in intimacy and connection, without the handicap of nosy classmates and strict rules. Now, any planned journey starts with stocking up on supplies, and Idia spots a small store with bins of fruit and vegetables out front. He’s not used to cooking from scratch, hopefully Cater knows how to do it so he can learn a few things.

“Doesn’t look like they sell a lot of convenience foods here. Do you know how to cook?”

Cater gives himself another moment to admire Idia in those shades before he turns his attention to the task at hand. He nods--they're in luck. "I'm nowhere near Trey's level of skill, but I've picked up enough at home that I can manage. We can pick up some staples and other ingredients based on the kind of meals you're interested in."

He squeezes Idia's hand--there's just something so...fulfilling about the idea of getting to take care of him like this. Without the cafeteria and the takeout options...it's going to be so domestic. Thinking about it makes Cater giggle to himself.

"I won't make everything super spicy, either. Do you want to pick things up to take with us while we're passing through, or should we get our bags put down, first?" He still has one free hand, but they can get more shopping out of the way without their luggage hindering them.

Idia glances from the store to the trail they’ll have to walk to get to the cabin. The website blurb said it’s an easy 15-20 minute walk, which means it’s not one Idia wants to do twice on their first day. Ugh, he’s hindering them already.

“Maybe we should pick up a few things now, get a full stock tomorrow,” he mumbles. “Gotta put more points in mobility while we’re here.” He squeezes Cater’s hand as he huddles further into his hood. “S—sorry.”

When Idia shrinks, Cater presses in slightly, an encouraging bump of his side against his boyfriend's. "Hey now," he coos, "nothing to worry about. Let me do the heavy lifting, okay?"

Aside from being the more athletic of the two, it also feels like the least he can do when Idia's the one funding the whole trip. He doesn't want to put any real attention on Idia's insecurities, so he tries and keeps the energy light. It's tricky, he knows, but he's sure that once they get to the cabin Idia will be much more relaxed.

"I have more than enough experience handling an absurd amount of packages at once thanks to my sisters--and you know what? I could just have a split card help us out if we need...even though I'd rather save all my energy for when we're alone."

Oh, he didn’t even think about the split cards. And the thought of being a burden? More of his malware acting up, most likely. He knows it’s part of the curse but it’s still frustrating. Cater loves him so much to put up with everything Idia is.

“Thanks, Cay.” He’s still quiet as they enter the store but he doesn’t sound quite as down anymore. People glance at them when they step inside but there are no lingering stares to make Idia shrink down into himself again. Their sneakers tap the wooden floor as they make their way along the aisles.

There’s lots of produce, along with simple dry goods and canned food. Idia clearly gives the boxed macaroni and cheese a few looks. Ah, comfort food. He’ll eat almost anything as long as it’s easy to make or prepared by someone else, except for raw fish. So he turns his attention back to his boyfriend and shrugs. “No raw fish, nothing super hot. Other than that, you decide since you’re the one putting in all the effort.”

Cater's quick to fill Idia's dip in mood with an added dose of playfulness, hoping to continue taking his mind off of his perceived shortcomings. "Can't cook something fancy every night," he says with a wink as he takes a couple of those macaroni boxes and tosses them into the basket he'd picked up for shopping.

He needs to let go of his boyfriend's hand in order to shop properly, but tells himself he'll make up for that with extra touchy-feely smoopiness once they're done. Cater chatters as they browse the small grocery, firing off some meal ideas. Eggs, milk, rice, an assortment of produce, a couple herbs and spices...all of that is good for a couple days, at least. Toss in some bread and a couple protein options and they're golden.

Well, okay. Maybe a couple snacks and something for dessert for Idia. And a box of cereal doesn't hurt for lazy breakfasting, either.

"Look good? Final check!"

He has the best boyfriend ever. Idia nods and offers a thumbs-up along with a shy grin. With all this they can hole up for a couple of days, unwind in each other’s arms before attempting to explore nature. Well, after they wind each other up first. Hopefully they can get the perishables away before they start getting handsy.

Of course, Idia pays for everything. They both have things to contribute to this vacation, Idia’s mainly being a deep well of cash while Cater has the necessary skills to keep them from starving. So they’re equal, right? Will Cater start to feel like a sugar baby? Okay, letting the split card squad carry stuff makes Idia feel better about that possibility.

(Deep breaths, nerd. Don’t ruin the vacation on the first day with your broken brain!)

“If you’re tired by the time we get to the cabin, I’ll make it up to you.” He has a few relaxing and non-sexy things in his stuff for that, in case of the sore muscles he’s anticipating after hiking or… other things.

They got a bit too much for Cater to carry with one arm, so once they’re outside, a few split cards are manifested. Could’ve probably gotten away with one or two, but the thief insists on taking Idia’s luggage with a wink. Now the two lovebirds can stroll at a much more relaxed pace, hands clasped again.

The other Caters definitely whine about it before they laugh and back off, giving a respectful distance and talking amongst themselves as they make their way to their retreat.

“Ooooh?” Cater gives Idia a sly look. “Maybe I’ll be so exhausted I’ll just faint right into your arms.”

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