Chapter Text
In the beginning, when you find the one you’re supposed to be with, it isn’t always obvious. In this case Ace had no idea what he was in for. It struck him blind and without much warning either. Looking back there were signs all around him, he just didn’t know what he was looking for. The side smiles they shared during class, the protection he seemed to exclusively receive in battles, the fear he saw in the other’s eyes in the cemetery when Ace went to say goodbye to someone he thought he knew; all signs that pointed in the direction of love, adoration, and a meaningful relationship. He was getting ahead of himself though. There were much bigger things that happened even before all of that.
~~~
Ace sat in the classroom listening to Kurasame lecture on techniques in fire, ice and lightning magic. He noticed Kurasame’s enthusiasm went up when discussing ice magic; as much enthusiasm/emotion that one can get from a rock. Although, being the Ice Reaper, he did hold a bit of an advantage in that respect. Ace was taking notes on ice wielding when he heard a soft noise from behind him. He ignored it, initially thinking it was a breeze from the window. He continued his note taking for several minutes when he heard it again. This time it was a little louder, but apparently not enough to arouse the attention of the commander. He turned to look out the window to locate the noise, but the window was closed. Confused, Ace turned back in his seat when he felt a tickle of air against the nape of his neck. Looking behind him he was no longer surprised where the noise came from.
Laying down on his folded arms, Nine was sleeping through another lecture. His breathing deep and even, blowing against Ace’s neck as he slumbered. Knowing Nine was academically behind to begin with in the field of magic Ace attempted to wake the sleeping man. Ace poked his head with a pencil which did nothing more than move his head slightly. He tried again with his finger which resulted in little more than a huff of air that spilled across his neck and shoulders. Turning to assure Kurasame was preoccupied, Ace placed his fingers in Nine’s hair with the intent to pull his head off the desk and let go.
At least that was the plan; which was not what ended up happening. Ace placed his fingers in Nine’s hair and felt the baby soft fineness of it. He was surprised at the softness of it and carded his finger through it. The sensation was wonderful, bringing back memories of days in the soft grass at the ranch. The blades of grass that would flow through his fingers as he brushed them over the ground, the chocobo chicks chirping in his ear nearby. He brushed the locks that covered the taller man’s eyes away to see Nine’s intense blues staring at him. Ace’s finger froze mid swipe. They sat there for what seemed like forever, just staring at each other. Their eyes locked, waiting to see who would cave first. Ace blinked a couple times to try and break the overwhelming gaze. Nine continued to stare right into Ace’s baby blues until their little moment was interrupted.
“Ace! Name the capital of Milites and its supporting cities,” Kurasame barked from the opposite side of the room. Ace physically jumped at the command and broke his contact with Nine. He stood and rattled off the correct information before quickly sitting down, head looking down at his paperwork. The classroom bubbled with laughter which caused Ace to blush. Kurasame silenced the room with a glare and nodded, continuing his lesson. Ace was barely paying attention now. His thoughts were scattered at what had transpired just prior to his name being called. ‘When did we switch from Magic to History? How long were we just staring?’ Ace thought. He refused to look back at Nine, worried he might see some form of dismissal or judgment. He worried his pencil some as he tried to listen into the lecture.
About halfway through this lecture he felt the warm breeze of Nine’s breath again. Figuring he was once again asleep, Ace tried to ignore it. The breath against his skin caused goose flesh, and not because he was cold. He wondered for a moment what it would be like to feel that warm breath elsewhere. Ace shook his head trying to rid himself of such thoughts. He didn’t think Mother would approve. They were here to become Agito cadets, not sit around thinking inappropriate things. He was successful at avoiding the mental thoughts until he heard the small grunt from behind him.
Unable to help himself, Ace turned to find Nine, once again, asleep on the desk. This time he was a little more restless in his slumber. His jaw clenched and moved as he dreamed. His body twitching every now and then, almost like a flinch. Ace watched for a few moments before slowly running his hand back through the soft hair of his comrade. It was four or five strokes before Nine finally calmed in his slumber, his body reduced to the slow, rhythmic movements of his breathing. It was between strokes nine and ten that the bell for lunch rang out. Ace came out of his trance and removed his hand, turning around in his seat to start collecting his things. Nine came up with a large yawn and stretch of his arms.
“Lunch time! Yeah!” Nine exclaimed, rapidly collecting his books into his bag. Hoping Nine would quickly depart, Ace continued his collecting at a slow pace until he felt a strong, but gentle, hand on his elbow. Ace looked up knowing who it was well before he saw the face. Nine leveled his gaze to Ace’s eyes and waited. Ace had a difficult time reading those eyes, but Nine’s face as a whole was easy to read. He was upset about something. Ace knew exactly what it was too. He knew Nine wouldn’t hurt him, but he knew he was in for at least a verbal lashing of some sort.
Apparently fed up with waiting, he picked up the rest of Ace’s belongings and dragged him out of the classroom. Ace stumbled as he attempted to keep up with Nine’s long strides. They passed through the hallway and around the central portal heading to the last place he thought he’d see Nine at lunchtime, the Crystarium. They passed through the intricate doors and had other students jumping from their path. Nine had quite a presence to be reckoned with. They passed through several rows of books and shelves before they came to a funny offset looking shelves. More specifically these were known to lead to Kazuza’s lab. Nine tapped one of the books on the middle shelf and the doorway appeared. Nine continued down the pathway with Ace in tow.
Ace still wasn't too concerned about what was going on. He was sure Nine wouldn't do anything. Although, why Nine was bringing him down to the lab was beyond Ace's knowledge. They made it to the wooden door that separated the lab from the hidden hall and entered through it. The sketchy doctor was away at the moment, meaning no witnesses to the impending verbal whipping. Ace walked into the room and dropped his things with a sigh. He was prepared to fight if he needed to, but didn’t want it to come to that.
As the door closed behind him Ace became nervous. He quickly ran through scenarios that would allow him to touch Nine so intimately. Not coming up with one that would hold longer than 4 seconds, Ace started to panic. As much as people claimed he was, Nine wasn’t all that dumb. He was pretty good at judging the distinction of good vs bad and black and white situations. Although, he did flounder when it came to gray area situations. Facing the opposite wall, and in his panic, Ace didn’t notice Nine approach him from behind. He felt one of Nine’s arms wrap around his waist and one start carding slowly through his hair. Stunned, Ace remained still for several moments just feeling the long fingers brush through his hair. It actually felt nice.
“I’m not good at these things, yo. So I’m only going to say this once, hear me?” Nine mumbled into Ace’s hair. Ace could only nod, terrified at the statement that might come. Nine huffed a breath into his ear as he brought his head around to Ace’s shoulder. It sounded like Nine was trying to figure out his next play and was having a hard time coming to a conclusion. Ace waited in the embrace for any change in the mood. Finally Nine spoke softly into his ear.
“Thanks for looking out for me, yo. If not for you taking that question, Kurasame would have caught me sleeping and had my ass for sure,” Nine confessed. Ace relaxed into the embrace. He was certain Nine was there to strip him down verbally and remind him of his place. Nine continued to play with his hair as Ace turned around to look at the older blonde. The small blush at the base of his neck showed the amount of effort Nine put into the statement.
“Hey that’s what we’re here for right? To take the heat when others can’t?” Ace offered. He felt Nine’s hand slowly brush away his bangs before lowering back to his side. He also let his other arm fall away from the embrace nodding his agreement. Ace felt hollow from the simple lack of touch. As if losing contact with Nine had brought about a change in his desires and needs. Testing his theory Ace brushed Nine’s bangs away and could feel the instant rush of feelings as he felt the hair and skin under his hand. It was unsettling at first, although not unpleasant. In fact, it was the complete opposite. He liked the feeling.
Nine stood there and allowed Ace to feel around his face for a moment. He didn't look uncomfortable. Ace didn’t like the empty feeling that returned when he finally retracted his hand. It left him cold and wanting more. He knew though that Nine was always for black and white outcomes, which is what he should make it now. The comfort he got from the simplest touches made him think this would be all worth it. Ace could see the wheels in Nine's head turning, but before he could say anything Nine had turned and walked toward the door. He stopped just before the exit, holding the door open as he spoke.
“Thanks again for the assistance. Don’t hesitate to help out if you think I need a hand,” Nine said before opening the door to the lab and stepping out.
Ace stood in the middle of the lab, lost and contemplating his actions. He wasn’t quite sure what just happened, but it seemed like it was wanted by both Nine and himself. He could feel that hollowness again. The empty feeling that something was missing. Why now? After all this time, after all the other touches they'd had; what made this time different? He thought about what this might have meant which lead to where Kazuza found him not long after. Ace was lost in thought when the older man walked up and hung an arm over Ace’s shoulders.
“Ahhh! Look who it is! One of my favorite cadets. Have you stopped in to have a session with Dr. Kazuza?” Kazuza asked letting the cadet go as he placed his lab coat on a nearby desk. Hearing a slam he turned and found the room empty and a metal plate tumbling on the ground from Ace’s hasty retreat. Kazuza laughed and picked up the plate looking at his reflection in the shine.
“Those kids are always good for a laugh or two…”