"How's work with your ripperdoc?" Katsuo asked.
David hadn't expected his classmate to be hanging around Memorial Park before class, figuring the blue-haired boy would be passing time somewhere in Arasaka Academy with his other friends.
"It's going well. Managed to rank up enough experience to start helping out on actual patients," David explained, a bit surprised Katsuo was engaging in small talk with him.
Katsuo's eyebrows lifted. "Congrats on the promotion. How long have you been working now?"
"Ehh, about two years. Started off with just pushing XBD's, but I eventually got interested in learning more." He glanced up at the holographic fish.
"You have a lot of expertise within the field," Katsuo commented, pondering. That meant David had the job since he was fifteen. Back then it must've been a simple side hustle, something to get a few eddies here and there to support himself and his mother. But now, that job was a high necessity.
David shrugged. "I wouldn't call it expertise. I mean, I've learned a lot, but I'm still noob as fuck."
"Not for long," Katsuo said, giving him a small smile. "C'mon. Let's head to class."
As they walked together, David kept stealing a few glances at the blue-haired boy. His natural face color was coming back, but there were still a few signs of sleep deprivation, but not to an extent like before. David hummed, feeling content as he listened intently to his classmate mentioning the new wreath. He giggled. "I know how to use a BD wreath, choom. Happen to own one back home. Old as it may be, it still works as intended."
Katsuo lifted an eyebrow. "What kinda BD's are you watching, Martinez?" There was a hint of teasing under that tone.
"Calm down, Katsuo. Don't really like those BD's. Last one I watched was…" He stopped, vividly remembering it was the one where he experienced getting fucked from behind for the first time. He slightly turned away.
"Was 'what', David?" Katsuo teased, and David could hear that smile in his voice.
"It was… an experience…" His face was burning at this point. But what could Katsuo possibly know? For all he knew, the rich boy must be assuming he was into those skezzed-out orgy BD's.
"How original. Gonna leave me in suspense?"
"Besides that one," David continued, moving past the subject, "I watched one from that cyberpsycho in Corpo Plaza. Some guy from the military. Happened close by."
Katsuo hummed. "Heard about that on the news. There was gossip going around the school when that happened. Even saw the crime scene. Blood's all cleaned up though." He paused for a moment. "Where'd you manage to get a raw scroll like that?"
"Don't own any like those. My ripperdoc just shows me new ones that come into the market," David explained.
"I see…" Katsuo said, intrigued. He gave a snide smile. "So which ones do you own?"
"Oh ha-ha. Wouldn't you like to know?"
"I'm curious," Katsuo said innocently.
David rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah…"
They continued walking, finally heading to the familiar entrance of Arasaka Academy. David was sure Katsuo would depart from him and seek out his close friends, but the rich boy continued walking and talking to him.
"You still selling?" Katsuo asked. There was something in his tone, though. David couldn't quite point it out.
David side-glanced him, not giving anymore thought. "You lookin' to buy? What tier?"
Katsuo hesitated for a moment, a hand coming up to scratch the ride side of his facial cybernetics. Oh, David knew that look too well.
"Orange tier—"
The brown-haired boy's heart beat rapidly against his chest. Just by the color tier, he already knew what category those fell under.
"Sixty-four."
David tried his best at keeping his voice level and unaware of what that BD was about. He made a note of the braindance. "Nova. I'll let my ripperdoc know. Probably have it for you tomorrow if it's available. Keep ya posted."
"Thanks," Katsuo said, feeling a heavy weight lift from him.
They finally arrived at their class. Some students were already seated, no doubt they were having holocalls with others from different classes.
David took his seat, reaching into his inner blazer pocket to retrieve the gift Katsuo had given him. The new braindance wreath fit snugly around his head. For once, he was excited for class to begin. He turned to his left.
Surely enough, Katsuo was smirking at him, also eager to see the wreath in action.
———
"Fuck…"
David's stomach did a flip as the blue-haired boy effortlessly raised his legs so that they were perched up on his shoulders. At this angle, the sensation felt more intense as his classmate pounded into him.
David's hand reached down to touch himself, only to be swatted away by the rich boy.
"Ah-ah-ah… I'm coming first…" Katsuo breathed out.
"Fuck you," David moaned out, his head flush against the pillow.
"That's what I'm doing, Martinez…"
David sighed a curse, hands undoing the rich boy's dress shirt, wanting to roam that slim but toned build.
The blue-haired boy helped him out along the way, and he leaned forward, arching David's back even more as he placed a soft kiss on his lips—
"Hngh…" David groaned as he slowly awoke. His internal chrono didn't go off, but he got up either way, remembering he had to pick up a certain braindance chip from Doc.
Heat was burning between his legs, product of the wet dream he unfortunately didn't get to fully see to the end. He groggily made his way to the shower, not giving any second thought as he took himself in his hand. The urges were growing stronger now, and he didn't know if he should feel ashamed of himself.
Water streamed down his body as he reflected back to the dream… Well, dreams, really. His recent gay porn braindances came in handy for him to actually experience lucid dreams about his crush, but he craved more—he wanted the real thing, even if it was just a one night stand, or another blowjob. His oral skills have somewhat improved, thanks to the toys he's been using.
His hand increased its speed, and he moaned as he began to buck into himself. He bit his lip, squeezing his eyes shut as he pictured himself with Katsuo. He wanted to touch him again, taste him and bring him to ecstasy with his mouth again. What they did together after he blew him was hot too. What was it called? He had looked it up, knowing there was a term for every sexual activity out there. Frotting, or frottage? Whatever it was, it was hot as fuck. But the only problem was that he actually wanted Katsuo to fuck him. Properly.
David gasped as he came, shooting ropes on the shower wall. He stood under the stream for a few more seconds, watching as his fluid ran down the wall and onto the shower floor.
The slight guilt washed over him now. Would Katsuo even want to engage in such intimate activities with him again? It would be awkward as hell, considering they were now friends. He sighed, washing his hair and body. Looking back, it wasn't his intention to befriend Katsuo in the first place. He just wanted to apologize and do that one act of service—more so out of horniness than forgiveness—and hope that they would just be civil towards each other. Yes, the bullying did stop after their fight, but he didn't want Katsuo despising him for the rest of their senior year.
Quickly rinsing himself, he shut off the water and grabbed his towel, making his way to the closet. After he got dressed, he grabbed his school braindance wreath, placing it in his blazer pocket.
He pondered for a few seconds as he stared at the vending machine, deciding whether or not to buy a quick breakfast meal. His thoughts were interrupted as he received a message from Katsuo.
Katsuo: Delamain's outside
David blinked in confusion.
David: Wait, what? Why?
Katsuo: It's gonna take you to school, you gonk
Heat spread throughout David's face.
David: This is too much, choom… you don't have to…
Katsuo: I know
David gave a small chuckle as he saw an emoticon expression after Katsuo's words. His heart was racing, and he felt giddy all of a sudden. He smiled as he walked out of his apartment.
Surely enough, the Delamain cab was waiting for him outside the Megabuilding. Its door opened as he approached it.
"Hey, Del," David greeted as he jacked into its user interface. "Thanks for picking me up."
"It is my pleasure, David. I see we are headed for Arasaka Tower. We will arrive shortly."
David was about to confirm the location, before remembering he had to go to Doc's clinic. "Is it alright if we make a quick stop nearby? Needa pick something up from a ripperdoc. He's not too far from here."
"Certainly. Simply input the designated coordinates."
"Nova," David said as he pulled back his interface plug.
He looked out the window, watching as they passed the polluted and dull streets of this small part of Santo Domingo. He wondered if the Delamain taxis had ever been hailed this far from the City Center. It wasn't common, seeing a smart cab wandering around the almost empty streets. Perhaps people requested them in the more crowded areas, such as bars and small shops. Going more inland sounded dangerous, as the notorious gangs would try to find some use of their bulletproof exterior.
They stopped near the small plaza housing Doc's clinic. "I'll be right back," David said, stepping out.
Walking towards the entrance of the clinic, he opened the door, thinking he didn't need to knock. Surely Doc remembered to supply him with the braindance he requested.
"Davey…" the ripperdoc groaned in annoyance, and David could see that he was interrupting some kind of virtual intimate session. "There exists such a thing called 'knocking'. Ever heard of it?"
"Came to pick up my order," David said, cringing at how the ripperdoc had no shame being exposed, save for the weird contraption around his middle.
Doc lifted his braindance wreath. "What order?"
David groaned. He knew the old fossil would forget. "Seriously, Doc? I reminded you twice!"
"Not the only customer in the world, choom. Should be somewhere in the back," Doc lazily explained. "Now, if you'll excuse me, got some important matters to attend to." He gave a sinister chuckle as he equipped his wreath again.
David paid no attention at the sound of the weird contraption going off in the background, mixed with Doc's sinister giggles and laughs. He walked towards the many cabinets containing different braindances.
Hmm, where does Doc keep his orders? he thought, scanning each drawer and cabinet. His eyes finally spotted what he was looking for, and he opened the package containing the BD box. His face grew in confusion as he was met with four boxes, each labeled differently, but all with the same number.
"Hey, Doc," David asked aloud. "Why are there four of these? My client only asked for one."
Doc grumbled. "Four different versions exist of that BD, choom. Not my fault your customer didn't specify which one."
David's face grew red. He couldn't possibly give all of these to Katsuo. Four different versions…? He assumed the one labeled 'A' is the first original. If that's the case, then what the hell are the other four? Different POV's? Weird positions? Multiple partners? Whatever they were, David decided to stay curious on this one.
"Hang on, I'll ask him," he sighed, messaging his classmate.
The ripperdoc smiled viciously, and he gave a chuckle. "Who, your boyfriend…?"
David's eyes widened, and he sharply turned towards the old fossil. "Shut up!" Heat surrounded his face and ears, feeling embarrassed as Doc loudly cackled in the background.
Well, at least he wasn't the only one who was confused about the braindance.
Katsuo: There's four of them…?
David: Yeah, well four different versions. You know which one you want?
The brown-haired boy watched as Katsuo continued typing. He was probably searching up their info.
Katsuo: I'll go with B
David: Nova. See ya later, choom
"I'm taking version B," David said, placing the small BD box in his pocket. He started heading towards the door.
"Have fun at school, Davey," Doc teased.
David rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah."
…
In the bathroom, he munched away at his breakfast: a simple ham and cheese croissant, surprised it came out warm from the vending machine. But this time he selected water instead of juice.
As he finished his breakfast, he received a message from Katsuo, telling him he was on his way. That giddy and warm feeling returned, deep inside his stomach, and he felt himself blush.
Not too long after, the bathroom door slid open. David was about to greet his classmate, but immediately shushed himself as a group of first years walked in, talking and laughing about god knows what. David slightly sulked in disappointment, leaning against the sink, hands deep in his pockets.
So much for getting his hopes up too soon…
"Yo, Martinez."
David's head perked up, and he tried his best to hide his smile as he saw Katsuo walking over to him. He didn't even notice the blue-haired boy walking in.
"Tanaka," he greeted softly, brown eyes meeting blue ones. But his gaze wavered as he looked past Katsuo, and onto the group of students who were eyeing them with curiosity.
Katsuo noticed David's new expression and he turned too. He could hear snickering and whispering here and there. "The fuck are you looking at?" he asked coldly.
The group went silent and looked away.
Fucking freshmen… Katsuo thought in disdain. He turned towards David, whispering, "Have they been bothering you?"
David shook his head, a bit surprised by the question. He couldn't help but feel a sense of… protection? Safety? It was sort of unexpected to see Katsuo act like this. He reached into his pocket, handing Katsuo the braindance box.
Katsuo took it in silence, inspecting the item. "Didn't know there existed four different versions," he commented.
"I was just as confused as you. Glad my ripperdoc told me, though."
Katsuo gave a small smirk. "How much—?"
"You sell XBD's?"
They both turned to one of the freshmen that had walked up to them, his eyes glinting in wild curiosity, an innocent smile playing at his lips, not caring that he was rudely interrupting.
David was about to say something before the little rascal continued, "Do you have any others? How much for a red tier—?"
The young student stopped as Katsuo firmly placed himself between David and him. David peeked from the side, noticing the first year student seemed intimidated by Katsuo's height.
"I suggest you best head to your class," Katsuo growled lowly, fiery blue eyes staring into soft hazel ones. He then looked at the rest of the group, his voice rising. "All of you."
The group stayed quiet, tension rising in the bathroom. Even the rude rascal just stood there, slight fear evident in his body language.
"Now!"
They all scuttled towards the exit, a few exchanging hushed insults to one another as they hurriedly walked away.
Katsuo watched them leave, his annoyance fading away. He sighed, turning back to David, who was looking at him with a surprised expression. He felt his cheeks warm, and he cleared his throat. "Sorry, just can't stand freshmen. Annoying little shits…"
David chuckled. "Well, you managed to scare them away. Would've declined his offer, either way. I don't sell to freshmen or sophomores."
The blue-haired boy stared into his eyes, understanding why the brown-haired boy was strict with his clientele. No one should be introduced to the vast umbrella of XBD's that young. David had a good heart.
He blinked. Right, he was buying. "How much?"
"This one costs more than the other three," David explained, but he knew Katsuo didn't have a problem with money, so he laid out the price. "Three-hundred."
Katsuo nodded, and David watched as his blue eye color changed to the common transactional hue. David could see the funds being transferred, and his eyes widened as he saw way more than the standard fee.
"W-wait, you gave me more—"
"Keep it," Katsuo interrupted softly.
David stammered, clearly at a loss for words at the large amount of money. "Wha—I can't, Katsuo. This is way too much!" He felt his cheeks burn in embarrassment.
Katsuo chuckled lightly. "Then consider it a tip."
"No way, choom. I'm only taking the standard fee—" He was about to return the large sum, before he noticed that he could no longer send the money back to his client. The rich boy froze his account.
"Katsuo!"
"Relax, David. It's a tip for the little heads up earlier… and for hand delivering it," Katsuo said, giving a small smile.
"I always hand deliver my orders!" David countered. He wasn't mad, just very much in shock. "How is this any different from before?"
"This is from the heart," Katsuo said in Japanese, knowing David understood him.
David stared at him for a while, at a loss for words. He felt bad for receiving so much after doing so very little. Without saying anything, he walked closer to the rich boy and embraced him.
Katsuo silently gasped, body going rigid at the sudden affection, but then slowly warmed up to embrace. "Thank you," he heard David whisper, and Katsuo hummed in content, wrapping his arms around his classmate.
Feeling a sense of courage, David slightly pulled away and placed a kiss on Katsuo's cheek, the same spot where he had kissed him yesterday. He gave a small giggle as he heard Katsuo gasp, and he held onto him tighter—
David's eyes snapped open as he felt something poke at him, and Katsuo's embrace felt tense all of a sudden. Having a strong sense of what it was, he gently pulled away, noticing the blue-haired boy quickly moving his hands to cover his groin. What surprised David the most, though, was how red Katsuo's face had turned.
They both stayed quiet for a moment, before David tried breaking the tension, failing. "I, uhh—"
"Excuse me!" Katsuo quickly whispered, head hanging low as he disappeared into one of the bathroom stalls.
David tried his best not to laugh at him—poor guy—loudly saying, "See you in class!" The rich boy probably didn't hear him, and David chuckled, stepping out of the bathroom. It was kinda cute, seeing how a small gesture could entail such a reaction.
In class, David watched as Katsuo walked over to his seat in silence, his face still flushed, but the obvious tent was no longer present.
The blue-haired boy didn't say anything as he equipped his wreath, his heart still racing over what happened. How embarrassing! And over a small peck on the cheek? He had better self-control yesterday, but that was because he was tired as fuck, his body nearing exhaustion. And now that he was feeling better, his body felt alive. He side-glanced at David. The choom seemed content. He sighed through his nose, feeling a bit shameful at his lack of self-control.
Incoming Call: David
David: Hey, about what happened… don't worry… it's a natural reaction… It happens…
Katsuo tried to hide his embarrassment by coughing into his hand, his face feeling hot at the comment.
Katsuo: I—Let's just forget that ever happened, ok…?
David couldn't help but smile at hearing the blue-haired boy's vulnerability.
Katsuo: [sigh] But must you always do that, Martinez…?
David raised an eyebrow.
David: Do what…?
Katsuo: Kiss me… That's the third time—second time in the same bathroom…
David paused for a moment, feeling a small pang of sadness. He didn't mean to make Katsuo feel uncomfortable.
David: They're just platonic kisses, choom… nothing serious…
Katsuo winced slightly at the words, noting David's change in tone. Ok, maybe he should've rephrased his comment.
David: … you want me to stop…?
Katsuo swallowed. Of course he didn't! But how was he supposed to tell him that?
Katsuo: I-I never said that…
David: Ah… so you do like it, then…
The blue-haired boy cleared his throat.
Katsuo: That's not what I meant! It's just—it's a comforting feeling, is all…
David slightly turned to him, and his eyes quickly noticed the same problem that ensued in the bathroom. The blue-haired boy was really on fire today.
David: Whatever you say, choom… Annoying that I have to ask, but you are aware that you're pitching a tent right now, right?
Call Ended
Katsuo turned to him, confusion plastered on his face. What the hell did that mean? Was that another idiom? He's clearly never heard it before. Pitching a tent… His eyes suddenly darted down to his middle, and he quickly covered himself with his hands. Again?!
Katsuo could hear David's small laugh next to him, and he looked straight ahead at their AI instructor, feeling embarrassed but attracted to the brown-haired boy. He just hoped his other friends didn't notice as well…
…
David smiled as he walked back to his apartment. It was a good day at school today, for once in his life. Before, he would dread walking to Arasaka Academy, but now he was looking forward to going to school. He gave a small sigh as he stepped through the door. If only his mother were still here to tell her about his day…
His thoughts were interrupted as a notification ping rang next to the door—it was the postbox compartment. David walked over to see, a bit confused as the panel told him he had received mail. He's never received mail before.
He opened the small compartment door panel. Strangely enough, there were two packages inside, one small and the other slightly large. His face twisted in even more confusion. He sure as hell didn't order anything, wondering if these were for someone else. Perhaps they got the wrong address. It is a huge Megabuilding, after all.
But as he read both labels, he realized that they were for him. They even had his full name.
As if having a sixth sense, his mind immediately went to Katsuo, and he called him.
"I know you did not just spend more money on me, choom," David said sternly. First the school wreath, then the huge wad of eddies, and now this?!
Katsuo: … What are you talking about?
Something in his tone made David suspect it was him even more—there was a hint of enthusiasm in Katsuo's voice.
"I haven't opened them, and I'm not going to…" David explained, placing the packages on a small table.
Katsuo: What?! Why not?
David gave a dry laugh. "... So it was you."
Katsuo: …
"Don't act like a gonkbrain, you blue bowl-cut," David teased annoyingly. "How much did you spend on these—whatever's in 'em?"
Katsuo: That's not important… brown eyes
David couldn't help but give out a snort. "Wow, what a lame-ass comeback…"
Katsuo: Shut up! Just open your gifts, Martinez…
David could hear the smile in his voice now.
"Fine, but you're not spoiling me again after today," David warned lightly. He heard the blue-haired boy chuckle.
Katsuo: We'll see…
Call Ended
Grabbing a switchblade from a nearby shelf, David opened the larger box. His eyes stared in awe as he pulled out a familiar Arasaka Academy uniform blazer, brand new. Beneath that laid a white dress shirt, along with a black tie and dark slacks, all new. David quickly checked the neck tags. Surely enough, they were his size and fit, including the slacks. He smiled softly as he laid out the new uniform before him. Now he wouldn't have to worry about going to school with his tattered one. He sometimes felt a bit self-conscious walking around the many halls with whispers here and there entailing his cut up uniform.
It wasn't until he lifted up the pair of slacks that he saw another brand new uniform pair below that. David led out a small curse, but it was soon replaced by a soft laugh. He pondered for a moment; Katsuo was really trying to make up for his past mistakes with him.
After hanging up his two new uniforms in his closet, he went to open the small box. He gasped when he saw a new braindance wreath, but this one wasn't like the one for school—this one was of the latest in the market for the most immersive and intense braindance scrolls, similar to the one he borrowed back at Katsuo's home. He took a moment to fully read the specs on the box, his eyes gleaming in delight knowing this wreath had a long distance shared feature. Not even his old wreath had these specs integrated into it.
There was a note under the wreath. David read it. It was a personal share code. Katsuo's code.