The Movies

Living with Kaiser had revealed a few things about the blonde striker with a temper. One of which, his sleeping habits were terrible. He had this awful habit of staying up late, watching soccer, taking notes, or just holed up in his room by himself doing whatever it was that he did when his door was closed. Ness never bothered to figure that out, and it felt intrusive to ask too many questions. Another one of his horrible habits was his inability to cook anything for himself. Ness didn't mind cooking, mind you, but Kaiser was prone to skipping meals if food was not made by Ness. The last horrible habit of his was that he seldom went out and did anything for fun. 

Everything was business in one way or another for him. He barely went out to eat unless it was necessary, he didn't just go out on walks, he didn't even really go out and visit other people. As far as Ness was aware, all he did was play soccer, train, and watch soccer. His entire life was surrounded by soccer. It sometimes worried Alexis Ness, who even in his immense dedication to his sport, had found time for other things in life. He cared far too much about Kaiser to allow him to keep going as he was. That is why he had come up with a plan. 

During an afternoon that was particularly quiet, Ness snuck up to Kaiser's room and knocked on the door. He had a pleasant smile on his face, and a box of chocolate in his hands. Ness had dressed in a simple white button down which hid underneath a crewneck labeled Berlin. He didn't care too much for fashion, and usually he went more for comfort. However today he wanted to dress a bit nicer. Maybe it was because this was as close to a date as he could ever get, or perhaps it was just because he thought that the blonde soccer player deserved something nice. 

Kaiser was holed up, sitting in his robes and barely dressed. His hair was a mess, and he had dark circles under his eyes, no doubt from a lack of sleep. Ness was sure that it was Yoichi Isagi again, getting into his head once more. It happened far too much, and although Ness understood where that anger came from, it was disheartening to see. 

"What do you want?" Kaiser asked, his eyes never leaving the myriad of screens propped up in front of him. His tone was harsh and tired, strained from a lack of water. 

"Kaiser, I think you could use a bit of a break. Why don't you get dressed and come downstairs?" Ness offered, walking up to him and looking at the mess in front of him. It was clear that he hadn't moved in a long time. 

"No. Get lost." Kaiser said, waving Ness off. The pink haired midfielder however just smiled and forced Kaiser's chair around. 

"Okay, then, I won't give you a choice. Get down stairs and get dressed. You are taking a break. If you continue to sit up here festering, you will never be able to defeat Yoichi Isagi." Kaiser stared defiantly at Ness, however the exhaustion clearly had been too extremely. He didn't say a word as he pushed Ness out of the way so he could go get clothes on. As he walked by, he noticed the box of chocolates. His eyes fixed on them before he extended his hand to receive them. "You only get these if you get downstairs~ Ill see you in a few minutes." Ness hummed, grabbing some of the empty water bottles and leaving the room feeling elated. 

Even when he was angry, Kaiser usually gave up when he was this tired. Ness felt rather pleased at his ability to work with the blonde. Even though he could be scary and aggressive, he had really mellowed out recently. Ever since he had been humbled.. It had been difficult, but Ness was glad. Clearly, it had changed him for the better. Even if only slightly. 

It took about ten minutes for Kaiser to change and come downstairs. He was wearing a black tank top and loose black pants. His hair was slightly less messy, and his makeup was done now, effectively covering the tired black circles under his eyes. 

"What do you want me to go do then?" Kaiser asked, sighing deeply as he leaned against the kitchen counter, his muscles flexing as he stretched his arms. 

"I was thinking we could go to the movies. It's been a long time since you have taken a break, and there's this film I think you would--" Ness began to explain, however Kaiser cut him off. 

"Fine. Lets go." He said, standing up properly. Ness was surprised by how easily he agreed, however a warm blush crept its way onto his cheeks as he smiled. 

"Okay! Lets go." Ness trotted alongside of the taller blonde as they walked outside. It was hot, but not unbearably so. It was almost so nice that he wished they could just stay outside, but there was no way that he could get Kaiser to agree to that. So they made their way to the movie theater instead. The movie playing was some historical action film. It had gotten great reviews online, and it seemed like it would be action packed enough to keep the attention of Kaiser for long enough that he would stop thinking about soccer for an hour or so. 

The theater was practically empty, so it didn't take all that long to go get popcorn and drinks. Ness offered to paid, however Kaiser didn't let him and instead he shoved his money onto the counter and yelled at the poor worker to take it. They got a large to share. 

"Your theater is down to the left, number 8. Please enjoy." The ticket attendant handed back their tickets as they made their way to the back of the theater. Kaiser walked in step with Ness, something he did not fail to notice. He really was being nicer today than normal. 

Once inside their theater, Ness was elated to discover they had it to themselves. He sat down next to Kaiser, following him to wherever he wanted to sit. He chose the very back, far away from the screen. Ness didn't argue and happily seated himself so that they could share the popcorn without difficulty. 

"Ness." Kaiser said with a demanding voice, looking down at the smaller soccer player with those intense eyes of his. Ness could get lost in them, if he was being honest. "Why are you doing all of this?" 

The question took him by surprise. 

"What do you mean, Kaiser?" Ness asked, a panic filling him a bit. "I just.. You were working yourself so hard, and I thought you could use a break. You cannot perform your best if you are too tired." 

"I see." Kaiser said, turning and grabbing Ness's face then with a sudden aggressiveness. Ness didn't dare move or breath, his usual reaction to when he got like this. Suddenly the grip softened and he let go. 

"Shit. You make me want to punch you sometimes. Stop look at me with those stupid puppy eyes." He said, huffing as he turned away. Ness rubbed his cheek, however after a second what Kaiser had said struck him. 

"Oh, sorry.. I don't mean--" 

"I know you don't mean to. I guess, thanks. I am tired.. and needed a break." He paused. "Sorry if I hurt you." 

Ness almost wanted to cry. He never said sorry like this, let alone... 

"I don't mind. As long as you are okay and able to do what you need to do, I am happy." Ness responded. The previews began to play in the background, but Ness couldn't find it in himself to pay even the slightest bit of attention to it. Kaiser kept staring at him, looking as if he wanted to say something. 

"Ness, I want you to stay with me." He finally spoke, and all Ness could do was stare. 

"Of course I will stay with you." He finally found the words to speak. Kaiser took his hands then, holding them tightly as if he was afraid that Ness would slip away like sand. He eventually let them go, and is gaze turned back to the movie. Ness however moved slightly closer, just close enough so that their arms remained touching. 

It was a start, and not anywhere near perfect. But Ness was willing to stay and wait with him through this all. He was willing to hold on until the very end. 

Kaiser eventually moved so his head was resting on Ness's shoulder. About halfway through the movie, he noticed that Kaiser's eyes no longer were open. He had fallen asleep. Ness smiled to himself and leaned his head against his. When he slept like this he really did look like a little kid.