not near nor far nor soon

[misheard]

Title: not near nor far nor soon
Fandom: Bungou to Alchemist
Character(s): Kyouka, Atsushi
Pairing(s): Kyouka/Atsushi
Genre: Fluff/Hurt/Comfort
Word Count: 300
Rating: G
Warnings: None
Summary: After receiving his birthday presents, Kyouka pulls Atsushi aside.
Notes:

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Sometime after Kyouka’s thanked his friends for all his presents, he pulls Atsushi aside. He’ll need to talk to Ton too, of course, but Ton has always been more positive and resilient against what anyone else thinks of him. Atsushi is more sensitive, always full of doubt, and Kyouka hates to think that he’s contributed to that even in part.

“Oh, Kyouka. How is the hand cream?” Atsushi asks. “I-if you don’t like the scent, I can pick out a different kind, or maybe you should choose-”

Kyouka holds up a hand to stop his nervous rambling. “It’s perfect, thank you.”

Some of the tension drains out of Atsushi’s body. “I’m glad. Then, what do you need?”

“…I overheard you and Satomi speaking, the other day.” He’d tried to bring it up to Ton, but it hadn’t felt like a good time. “Do you really see me as unapproachable?”

“Well, I, um… it’s not a bad thing?” Atsushi says, weakly. “You’re amazing, Kyouka. Far beyond me. I’m sure Ton feels the same way. It’s only natural that you’re hard to get close to when we’re not on the same level…”

It’s not the first time Kyouka’s heard Atsushi speak poorly of himself, and yet it twists something in his stomach to hear him praise Kyouka at the same time. Without thinking, he sets a hand on Atsushi’s shoulder.

Atsushi looks at where Kyouka’s touching him like he isn’t sure what he’s seeing. “Kyouka…?”

“I’m sorry, Nakajima. I’ve been a poor friend to you.” He squeezes Atsushi’s shoulder. “You’re every bit my equal, as a writer and a person. You can talk to me about anything.”

“Really…?” When Kyouka nods, Atsushi breaks into the biggest smile Kyouka’s seen on him. “Thank you, Kyouka. You’re the best friend I could ask for.”