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Jono doesn’t like heights. He doesn’t like the chance of falling, he can’t see how far he’ll fall yes, but that doesn’t mean he wants to fall either way.
He never understood it, how people could fall without caution. Without fear, no hesitation. What if no one catches you? What if you just keep falling, forever and ever, never stopping but never being caught? Why can people just do that so easily? Give their existence up and sacrifice it all to chance.
It’s… weird.
But, Jono still finds himself falling.
The first time he even remotely notices that he might be falling is when he first meets Tetcho. Smooth, deep voice, rough at the end but also soft spoken. Reserved, yet so open to everyone around them.
”it’s hot,” Ranpo joked with his group of friends, which Jono had miraculously been a part of despite having no similar characteristics with anyone else in the group. (Granted, they are a group of misfits who have no other friends.)
But, Jono will not lie. It was indeed attractive… In many different ways, he wonders how his name would sound if they said it. How those letters could roll off that tongue so easily and… Wait, what was he thinking about again?
”Ranpo quit it, you’re gonna make Poe try and change his voice… again.” Koyo says, and Ranpo offers a lopsided shrug. ”I mean I’m not wrong, Jono, you think it’s attractive too, yeah?” Ranpo asks, and Jono’s head snaps up. “What were you saying? Wasn’t paying attention.” Jono says quickly and Ranpo sighs.
“The new kid. Their voice is attractive, yeah?” Ranpo asks again, and Jono thinks for a while.
I guess it’s kind of attractive, He thinks to himself.
It’d be more attractive if he heard it more… The kid was so quiet during class, they hardly spoke- not even a word. But when they introduced themself… The way they spoke just- it hits right.
“It’s okay,” He responds and both Ranpo and Koyo pause in their tracks. “Wait, you have nothing bad to say about their voice?” Koyo asks, bewilderment lacing her tone delicately.
“…Yeah? It’s okay.” Jono repeats, head tilting slightly to the side. “You always have shit to give about someone’s voice.” Ranpo says, placing his hand on the table. “Okay, what have you done to Jono?” Ranpo asks, and Jono scoffs. “I haven’t done shit, it’s still me.” Jono repeats and Ranpo raises a brow before turning to Koyo.
“Koyo?” He calls and Koyo thinks. “Something is certainly wrong, Jono, are you sick?” Koyo asks, and Jono sighs. “No, I am not sick.” He says sternly. Brows furrowing together in visible annoyance.
Ranpo and Koyo share another glance before they decide to drop it.
That was weird, but surely, that doesn’t mean anything. Just because Jono likes a person’s voice for once doesn’t mean anything special. It’s just a voice, He repeats in his head, it surely- surely couldn’t be anything else. It’s just some nobody’s voice! He doesn’t care about it.
Yet, when he hears it as they ask him if they can borrow his pen his heart does a flip and he quickly hands them one of his spare pens.
That was the first time, it really wasn’t anything special. The new kid was just a new kid, and it was supposed to end there. Keyword; Supposed, yet it didn’t. He kept finding more and more things to like about the new kid. More and more little habits they enjoyed doing. Finding odd little things that they did that made them stand out.
But these habits are so annoying! Like how they always tap their foot on the floor. It keeps distracting Jono during class, yet nobody else complains about it. Dammit, sensitive ears! And don’t get Jono started on his eating habits. He’s fairly certain he caught that kid eating lettuce and wasabi together. That kid could be a horror story and they would genuinely terrify Jono.
The second time he nearly falls is during science class, where everyone is slipping on their lab coats and putting on their goggles.
Everyone is absorbed in their projects, watching chemicals mix together. Whereas, Jono is stuck on a table with the new kid and Chuuya Nakahara of all people.
Now the guy isn’t that bad! ….
Okay yeah the guy is pretty bad. His yelling hurts Jono’s ears, his quick temper gets on Jono’s nerves and just hearing his voice makes Jono’s nerves start going haywire. Luckily, today, he’s pretty damn quiet. (Thank god, Jono was going to go insane if Chuuya started yelling.)
The teacher keeps talking about chemical reactions, but Jono’s too invested in something else to pay any attention to what Mr. Kaiji is actually teaching.
What was their name? Jono thinks, resting his head on the palm of his hand. Now, it may be rude, but Jono doesn’t think it’s that rude, it's just… He doesn’t remember their name. He’d like to know! Maybe he can finally stop calling them the ‘new kid’, hell, they’ve been here for a week and that nickname is getting old. People are starting to call them new nicknames and he wants to know their actual name.
He thinks it’ll be pretty, like their voice is- okay! That's enough of that thought train. He shakes his head to snap himself out of it, which earns an odd look from his two other tablemates but they don’t ask.
He should focus on class right now, yeah, he’ll ask that kid’s name later. Right now, he needs to start note taking and-
crash!
he hears that, and his head snaps up. The entire room has gone silent, and no one is saying a word. That is, until a young female girl speaks up. “I am so sorry!” She yells in a fit of panic before proceeding to bow, and everyone else whispers amongst themselves. ”what happened?” “Think she bumped into another kid.” “Damn, what’s she doing with all of those glasses anyways?”
“It’s okay,” Another, deeper voice speaks up. And Jono recognizes it immediately. It’s that kid! Okay, maybe the new kid is slightly better than that kid now that he thinks about it.
“I’m such a cluts oh my god… Are you hurt anywhere, uhm-“ She hesitates, fidgeting with her hands and the new kid blinks.
“Suehiro. But you can call me Tetcho.” They say, and the girl nods. “Okay Tetcho- uhm, are you hurt anywhere? Do you need to go to the nurse I uh-“ She reaches out slightly, and Tetcho waves their hand dismissively. “It’s okay, don’t worry.” They say, and the girl nods. “Okay, uhm, I’ll get going now.” She says, picking up the random items from the ground and quickly scampering out of the room.
Eventually, everyone returns to what they were doing and Jono is currently locking that name in his memory files.
Tetcho Suehiro, weird name. And they ask everyone to call them their first name? That’s weird. What, do they have some siblings studying at this school or something? It peaks his curiosity but he doesn’t bother to ask Tetcho anything.
Tetcho, hmm. He likes the sound of that.
It’s a nice but weird name, he wonders what it’d be like if he said it…
”Tetcho…” He whispers quietly, unaware that he had actually spoken aloud. “Huh?” Tetcho’s head snaps up, Jono can feel them staring at him and he silently panics.
“Nothing, I said nothing.” He states sternly, before anything else and Tetcho blinks in confusion. “…Alright? Anyways, can I borrow your pen again?” Tetcho asks, and Jono sighs. This isn’t even the first time they asked to borrow his pen, is this kid serious? Low on pens or some shit? Why do they keep asking Jono for his pens?
Yet, as annoyed as he is about it, he can’t help but feel a pang of happiness when they ask him instead of Chuuya or anyone else. So, attempting to mask his silent happiness he furrows his brows and let’s out a monotone- “Yeah.” And goes to get a pen for Tetcho.
He gives them his spare again, and for the rest of the class it’s spent in silence. But Jono can feel someone’s eyes on him, but he isn’t sure who.
After class, Tetcho walks up to him. Jono doesn’t try and predict what this kid is gonna say- mainly because he doesn’t know where on earth he’d even anticipate in the first place.
“Here, thanks.” Tetcho says, placing the pen next to Jono’s hand and Jono simply turns to them.
Tetcho just stands up straight, bows, and immediately darts for the door. Well, they don’t run. But he slowly paces away, and Jono just listens to their footsteps. Until they pause right before the door and they turn around. Just to stare at Jono.
“By the way, what’s your name?” They ask, and Jono’s mouth parts slightly in surprise.
“…Jono.” He says, and Tetcho nods. “Alright, thanks Jono for lending me your pen, lend it to me tomorrow. Okay?” They say, yet before Jono can object they’re off and gone and he is at a lack of words for what just happened.
Quickly, Jono puts on his bag, runs out the room and quickly leaves that day. He doesn’t need to over analyze this! It’s just a name. Now they know each other's names! And it doesn’t mean anything. Friends are supposed to know each other’s- Wait.
Since when did he think of that kid as a friend?
They’ve only met for a week, and Jono finds them annoying as hell! Sure their voice may be nice— but that doesn’t make up for the rest of their behavior! They haven’t even talked, aside from exchanging a few words during classes and when Tetcho borrows his pen but..
That's it! They aren’t friends, can’t be friends. And even if Tetcho thinks of him as a friend he doesn’t think of them as a friend! Hell no!
But… Maybe if Tetcho asks nicely then maybe… No! They aren’t friends, whether or not Tetcho asks if they can be friends or not they aren’t. No matter how much Tetcho may want to be friends they won’t be, Jono won’t allow it.
He’s not gonna trust Tetcho, Tetcho is just a stranger to him. All Jono knows about Tetcho is his name, how they like their eggs in the morning, their preference between cats and dogs, the fact they own a dog, their odd obsession with bugs and… Okay, maybe Jono knows a little more about Tetcho than he’d admit, But he’s a stranger to Tetcho, Just somebody they ask for pens.
But, if they were friends… That’d be nice, he’d get to talk with Tetcho and hear that pretty voice. Oh well, there’s nothing to change about it.
And that was the second time. Maybe he can trust Tetcho, just a little bit. Not a lot, they are very nice… and before Jono knows it- months fly by, and he’s actually friends with the guy. Can you believe it? Friends, actually friends! Sure, Jono’s heart might speed up and he might start getting fidgety when Tetcho’s around but they’re friends. Just friends, and that’s fine!
He hears Tetcho’s voice everyday, walks with them to school, and they hang out after school sometimes. That’s fine, it’s a perfect routine.
Yet, Jono gets a little more curious about Tetcho’s home life every day. But that’s just it! Simple curiosity. It’s not like he thinks about how Tetcho’s voice sounds in the morning, how their heart will beat when they're asleep, the way they greet other people good morning when they wake up and-
Okay, maybe he kinda wants to wake up with Tetcho in the morning. But not in a romantic way! No, of course not. It’s not a life or death situation, he’ll be fine if he never finds out what it’s like to sleep in the same bed as him… It’s fine.
Yet, the universe still gives him an opportunity.
The third time, and when he realizes is right before a school trip.
“The school will be having a school trip,” Mori announces, and the gymnasium breaks out into cheers and screams of joy. Much to the dismay of many. “Pack your bags for a week in Hokkaido.”
“A field trip?” Fyodor mumbles, before crossing his arms. “I just can’t wait.” Fyodor says sarcastically, and Gin hits him in the arm. “Oh come on, you know you’ll like it.” They say, and Fyodor blinks. “No, I’m pretty damn certain I won’t like it.” Fyodor huffs out.
Jono’s indifferent about the idea, he’ll be fine with it. And besides, his parents are fighting again, it’ll be best for him to get out of the house.
Jono’s indifferent about the idea, but the one thing he doesn’t like? The disastrous time of the morning he has to wake up at. The sun hasn’t even risen- his older sister isn’t even awake yet he has to wake up already!
“I can’t believe this.” Jono mumbles, and Tetcho simply hums. “I don’t think it’s that bad.” Tetcho says, and Jono groans. “It’s not the trip itself! It’s the monstrous time we have to wake up! It’s 2 in the fucking morning!” Jono screeches, and Tetcho laughs. “I mean, we’ll have a long day of travel ahead of us.” They say, and Jono groans. “Oh yes, that completely makes it better.” Jono says and Tetcho hums.
How does Tetcho put up with Jono’s cranky saltbag self? He’s an absolute menace to spend more than a single second with, and to think that someone is gonna be stuck with him for a week- damn.
Eventually, they arrive where all the busses are. Said busses are gonna take them to the airports, and everyone quickly boards the bus. Akutagawa, Gin, Tachihara and Naomi occupy the backseats. Them being relatives makes it easier for them to get along and it made a lot of sense y’know. Fyodor, Kunikida, Sigma and Teruko are seated in the front. All ready to fist fight the entire bus to keep everyone in line.
And everyone in the middle? Oh well, they’re all different.
Something cool about the Stray Dogs Academy’s school trips is that the busses have curtains! On both sides. Blocking both sights from the middle, and outside. Can you believe that?
It also causes couples to go haywire, which is the main reason why there is a strict- ‘if you’re dating someone you’re not allowed to share a chair with them.’ Why? Because Fukuzawa, bless his heart, while checking the students chairs had accidentally caught Margaret and Hawthorne making it out to Merry Go Round of Life.
Good thing Jono isn’t dating anybody! That’s good, yeah-
“Wanna sit next to each other?” Tetcho asks, as they board the bus and Jono blinks. “You, and me, sit next to each other?” Jono says, and Tetcho nods. “Yeah, next to each other.” He says again, and Jono has to do a double take.
Well, it makes sense, Jono is Tetcho’s closest friend in the school for now so he can’t really get on Tetcho’s ass for asking but…
“Yeah sure,” His mouth decides before his mind can and he slaps himself about several times mentally before boarding the bus. Did he just impulsively agree to sit next to his friend? Yes, yes he did- Wait, why is he even making a big deal out of this?! They’re just friends! Tetcho clarified that long ago and Jono agreed!
They’re just friends, and sitting next to each other is just one of the many steps of being closer friends!
Jono takes a breath in as he seats himself on the chair, he takes the window because he’s stern about having a window next to him and Tetcho doesn’t really wanna get into an argument with his closest buddy in this place.
“The bus leaves at 4.” They hear Fukuchi’s voice boom, and the entire bus erupts into annoyed mumbles of ‘kay’ ‘got it’ ‘yeah’. All of these kids are very obviously, really fucking tired. And have no mood to disturb anyone, even Dazai isn’t talking and he’s one of the most social butterflies to ever walk the earth.
Jono appreciates the silence, leaning back on the chair and stretching his arms.
The rest of the ride is calm, well, until he meets the 2 hour mark.
Tetcho yawns, stretching his arms. And Jono doesn’t pay him any mind, they all woke up early today and many are still tired- Jono simply hums, that is until there’s a sudden weight shift and there’s an unfamiliar object on his shoulder.
“What the-“ He pauses, turning to his side and he blinks.
No, this can’t be happening.
“You did not just-“ He straightens his posture, as his heart does a flip and he struggles to string together a coherent thought. Until he pushes Tetcho off of his shoulder, and thankfully, Tetcho is no longer on his shoulder-
That is until Tetcho falls back, but instead of landing on Jono’s shoulder there’s now a new warmth on his lap and Jono has to physically restrain himself from screaming, slapping a hand over his mouth. “Tetcho,” He calls, scowling. “Tetcho!!” He calls again, attempting to whisper. Because if he wakes up anybody else in this bus the silence won’t last for much longer.
He groans, tapping Tetcho’s forehead. “Tetcho,” He calls, frowning. “Tetcho, wake up and get off my lap.” He repeats. More sternly, but Tetcho’s head only shakes and he buries his head further into Jono’s lap. Jono’s heart nearly jumps out of his chest. And he pauses.
Well.. He doesn’t need to wake Tetcho up… Tetcho will wake up when they have to get off the bus. And besides, Tetcho needs the rest, so… It’s not that bad. Jono thinks, sighing and simply placing a hand on Tetcho’s chest. And he takes a breath. He feels his hand rise and fall with every breath Tetcho takes, and he feels like trailing his hand up and down but he doesn’t.
Tetcho feels warm, warmer than the bus. And he’s not sure why, because this bus is freezing and Jono reasoned everything inside must be freezing as well, no?
But it seems, Tetcho is warm. Tetcho makes him feel warm, makes his hand feel warm. Makes the frown that sits on his face soften into a small smile. Tetcho makes Jono feel…
like he’s falling.
He quickly retracts his hand from Tetcho’s chest, as if they are a flame that will burn Jono if he gets too close. And he knows that it will happen, and Tetcho is a flame. But a flame so warm, and so caring that you can’t help but crawl back to it every time you try to leave it.
He’s falling, he’s falling and he realizes it. But he can’t catch himself, because he’s already lept off the edge. And now? All he has to hope is that he’ll be caught, whether he catches himself or it’s another…
He needs to be caught, because he’s falling. And if he’s left to fall he’ll die.
His breath speeds up. Uneven and jagged, he starts to shake, because he’s falling. And he doesn’t like falling. Yet, unknowingly, the person in his lap has also seemed to awaken- because he feels a warm hand on his cheek. Brushing across his cold skin, and his breath hitches.
“Jono?” Tetcho speaks quietly, brushing his hand against Jono’s cheek. “Off,” He says sternly, and Tetcho is quick to get off of Jono’s lap. “I’m sorry, did I do something?” He mumbles, and Jono’s hand shakes. “I said off, go back to sleep.” Jono repeats, and Tetcho blinks. “But-“ “Go rest!” Jono yells, and the entire bus goes silent.
“Is there a fight?” A voice speaks out from the bus. “Fight, fight, fight!” Kyusaku chants, before being hit in the head by Chuuya.
The bus quickly goes back to minding their own business, and Jono turns away from Tetcho.
He fell, and he didn’t stop himself.
He doesn’t like falling. He hates falling! He swore he’d never fall again. Not after the first time… But he did it again, and now he’s dumb! Because he fell and he knows he won’t be caught, because when did anyone ever bother trying to catch him?
This is stupid. He’s just friends with Tetcho. He shouldn’t be acting like this just because he had a little mood tantrum but… he’s angry at Tetcho? No, of course not. How could he ever be mad at Tetcho? He’s so nice, kind, sweet, soft spoken and- perfect. He’s angry at himself, because he’s chipped, dumb, and stupid.
He can’t be angry with Tetcho, even if he wanted to be he couldn’t. Not in a million years, not ever.
But he’s always been angry with himself, with how he is. Because he’s just so imperfect.
This trip is stupid, he shouldn’t even be in this bus. He should be home, relaxing on the couch. Why’d he agree to come again? This is so stupid, he should’ve just called in sick. Just so he wouldn’t have to confront… This mess of feelings.
He doesn’t care, but he’s falling. And now he does realize how much he cares. How much he yearned to be with Tetcho, but he’s still falling. And he doesn’t know when he’ll be caught… Or when he’ll crash to the ground. It would’ve been so much easier believing the lie that all they were were just friends.
But That's all they are to Tetcho. Jono is just a friend.
He never knew such simple words could make his heart shatter into another thousand pieces.
He doesn’t confront the feelings until later, when they’re going into the hotel room and he finds out he’s roomed with Tetcho. Just great, and Fukuzawa pulls him away for a small conversation.
“By the way, Jono, to cut down on the funds we had to… do some editing to the rooms.” Fukuzawa claims, and Jono raises a brow. What does Fukuzawa mean by that? What did the school edit about the rooms? Now Jono is genuinely curious about what the fuck they did to these rooms.
And, he walks inside…
“Oh.” Tetcho mumbles out, turning around. “Jono,” Tetcho greets, and Fukuzawa clears his throat. “We had to do this to your room, apologies.” Fukuzawa clarifies, before leaving the room. And Jono raises a brow in visible confusion. “What did they do?” Jono asks, and Tetcho takes a breath in. “Only one bed,” He states, and Jono’s brain short circuits.
“You did not just say what I think you said,” He repeats, surprised, and in disbelief. “Yes, only one bed.” Tetcho mumbles, before walking farther into the room. “I’ll sleep on the couch so you can-“ But before he can finish, Jono is speaking as well.
“You’ll take the bed.” Jono states, and Tetcho stares in confusion.
“What?” He mumbles, and Jono nods. “You heard me, you’re taking the bed.” Jono says, and Tetcho blinks. “You’re kidding, right?” Tetcho says, and Jono blinks. “Am I kidding?” He mumbles. “No, you’re taking the bed.” Jono states, and Tetcho blinks.
“You should take the bed I’ll be fine with just the cou-“ Tetcho speaks, but is promptly cut off by Jono. “No!” He yells, before clearing his throat. “I mean- no, I’m taking the couch, you can take the bed.” Jono clears up and Tetcho blinks.
“Are you… sure?” Tetcho asks, and Jono nods. “Absolutely.” Jono says, and Tetcho blinks. “Do you know a secret about the bed that I don’t know or are you just being nice?” Tetcho asks in disbelief and Jono scoffs. “Oh please, I’m always this nice.” He says with a smile, and Tetcho raises a brow. “I don’t completely believe that.” Tetcho says. And Jono huffs.
“Well, believe it now cause you’re taking the bed and I’ll be taking the couch.” Jono repeats with a smile.
And, it’s okay for the rest of the day, until night comes around and they’re both trying to fall asleep. Jono manages to rest properly, that is, until somewhere around midnight. He’s aware he’s awake, and he groans quietly, tossing on his side and crossing his legs.
“What time is it..” He mumbles quietly, yawning. It’s quiet, almost too quiet, and he hears shuffling from the bed and he sits up. “Tetcho?” He calls quietly, and Tetcho hums in response. “Mmm, yeah?” Tetcho groans out, and Jono blinks. Because damn, Tetcho’s voice is gorgeous when he’s tired and Jono doesn’t know what to do with this information.
“Are you asleep?” Jono asks, and Tetcho mumbles something. “…nnno.” He slurs, and Jono stands up.
“Why are you awake?” Tetcho mumbles silently, throwing a blanket over his head and Jono walks over next to the bed. “I woke up,” He clarifies and Tetcho scoffs. “How clear, thanks.” Tetcho mumbles, and Jono has to repress a snicker because he thinks it’s adorable about how pouty and mad Tetcho sounds late at night. Jono kneels down, resting his arms on the bed and Tetcho cracks an eye open.
“Why are you really up?” Tetcho asks, dreary. Sleep laces his tone and he sounds like he’s teetering on the edge of passing out right then and there.
“I just woke up, that’s the truth.” Jono repeats, and Tetcho closes both his eyes and hums. “..Really?” Tetcho mumbles, and Jono nods in affirmative. “Mhm, yeah.” He says with a smile, and Tetcho hums.
“Are we friends?” Tetcho asks, and Jono raises a brow. “Yeah, of course we are.” Jono says, but Tetcho yawns. “Did you get mad at me earlier?” Tetcho asks, and Jono blinks. “What? Of course I didn’t, I’d never get mad at you I was mad at-“
“who?”
Jono’s head snaps up at the question, and Tetcho blinks. “Who were you mad at?” Tetcho asks, and Jono finds himself at a lack for words. “I wasn’t- not at you. I could never.” Jono mumbles, and Tetcho blinks, sitting up. “Who were you mad at? Or what?” Tetcho asks again, and Jono hesitates. “I don’t know,” He says, and Tetcho’s eyebrows furrow. “You're lying, you do know.” Tetcho says again, and Jono frowns. “I don’t.” He repeats, and Tetcho frowns. “Then- why were you mad earli-“
“I don’t know!” He says again, and they stand there in silence. Before Jono stands up. “Sorry, go back to sleep please. I didn’t mean to disturb you.” Jono mumbles, and Tetcho blinks.
Tetcho takes a breath in and tucks himself back under the sheets.
This is such a mess.
——————
He should address it.
He should, but will he? No, he won’t.
They always treated Jono’s snappy behavior as a joke, often making fun of it or just not taking it seriously when he yells or gets mad. Because in the end, he never means it for that long.
I wanna feel all that love and emotion,
But he’s still falling, and he’s still terrified of it and it’s sending his nerves haywire. Because he’s acutely aware of how far from the ground he is.
Jono is falling, and he wants Tetcho and only Tetcho to catch him. But will he, is the question. He wants to be close to Tetcho, because he holds Tetcho close. But he also pulls him farther and farther away from himself.
It’s weird, to hold someone so close, yet wish they would just leave you.
Be that attached to the person I’m holding,
Tetcho, he loves Tetcho, he wants to be with. And Tetcho? He gives the blade to.
“Tetcho,” He calls, frowning. And Tetcho turns around, raising a brow. “Yeah Jono?” He asks, curious. They’re such good friends. He loves hanging out with Tetcho, and he knows Tetcho likes hanging out with him too. They both enjoy and cherish each other’s company, but Jono doesn’t think Tetcho likes his company as much as he likes Tetcho’s company.
“Can you meet me out the back? I have something to tell you.” Jono says, and Tetcho blinks. “Oh, uh, sure.” He says, blinking in confusion and Jono nods. “Great, thanks.”
Someday I’ll be fallin’,
Without caution.
And he does meet Tetcho out back, and he does it. He moves forward, he takes a step. And he lets himself fall, fall so close to the ground. Braces for the impact, but he meets nothing, and instead? He’s cradled in arms.
His eyes are blown wide, bright, yellow, unseeing eyes shocked and surprised, unused to this reaction. Having not even expected a reaction like this.
He’s caught, finally, he’s caught by someone. Someone’s bothered to catch him, making sure he doesn’t fall. And it nearly makes him break out into tears at the thought of someone finally catching him. Because no one’s ever bothered to before, no one’s ever cared enough to make sure he’s not hurt before.
Falling is scary.
But maybe, just maybe, he’ll finally be caught by the person who made him fall in the first place.
And the joy that takes place afterwards? Is almost immeasurable.
But for now I’m only people watching.
——————
“Daddy, that story’s so weird.” A girl mumbles, and a boy nods in agreement. “Yeah, what happened in the inbetween?” The boy asks, shuffling around in his father’s arms. “That’s a story for another day, buddy.” Jono says with a smile, and the girl huffs.
“I can’t believe daddy was so mean,” The girl pouts, hugging Jono’s chest and he laughs.
“Hey hey, I’m not that mean.” He says, and the girl huffs. Before the boy looks up at him. “Daddy said curse words, I’m gonna tell pa’.” The boy says, and Jono huffs. “Alright you two, time for bed.” Jono says with a smile and the girl yelps. “nooo!!” She yells, and Jono smiles. “Oh come on, I gave you two of the stories I promised. Now keep up your end of the deal.” He says with a smile, and tucks the pair into bed.
“I’ll tell you the rest of the stories later,” Jono says with a smile, and the two kids’ eyes sparkle.
“Really?!” They ask, and Jono nods. “Yup, as long as you two sleep on time.” Jono says with a smile, and the two quickly cover their heads with a blanket. “Okay Daddy!” They say at the same time and Jono smiles.
“Goodnight you two,” He says softly, kissing their foreheads before leaving the room.
He walks down the stairs, and to the kitchen, where a certain brown haired man stands there. He wraps his arms around Tetcho’s waist and hums.
“Are they asleep?” Tetcho asks, and Jono nods. “Mhm,” Jono says. Kissing the back of Tetcho’s neck. “Did you tell them a story?” Tetcho says, raising a brow, and Jono nods. “Yup, their favorite.” Jono says, and Tetcho scoffs. “You read them the snake and the rabbit?” Tetcho asks, and Jono stops in his tracks. “No, I didn’t. But they liked the story either way.” Jono says, and Tetcho smiles.
Maybe falling isn’t that bad if this is what waits at the end.