4+1 November fic
Titles:
Summary: Subaru really wants some alone time with her college boyfriend Saku. Unfortunately, the universe seems to be conspiring to prevent her from getting what she wants. Four (ish) times it didn’t work out, and one time that it finally did.
One
Subaru rubs her sweaty palms on her jeans, doing her best to settle her nerves. It’s just Saku, she thinks, sneaking a glance at the dark haired figure walking next to her. There’s nothing wrong with inviting your boyfriend over to your apartment. It’s not like I’m planning on doing anything to him.
She averts her eyes from him, blushing slightly. Okay, that wasn’t entirely true, she admits to herself as they round the corner. A few years ago, the idea of wanting to get close to a boy emotionally or physically had been unthinkable. Now, it seemed as if she couldn't get enough.
Time to themselves had been rare in high school, with entrance exams to study for and graduation fast approaching. But with both of them now secure at university together, time seemed endless in comparison.
“You feeling okay Subaru? You’ve been awfully quiet tonight,” Saku asks, interrupting her thoughts as they come to a stop in front of her building.
“Huh? Oh y-yeah, I’m fine,” she sputters, heart pounding in her ears. Come on, ask him.
“Living by yourself must be quite the change,” Saku says, gazing up at her building. “Getting used to it yet?”
“It’s not so bad,” Subaru says, giving him a side-eyed glance. “It’s a lot easier to have people over, at least.” Take the bait, Saku.
“That’s true. Rintaro was saying that Waguri-san couldn’t wait to stay with you once she gets a break from school. He almost sounded jealous,” Saku says with a chuckle.
So close, yet so far, Subaru thinks to herself.
“Anyways, I’ll be off now. Good night Subaru,” he says, giving her a smile before turning and making his way towards the station.
Wait! Ah, no! Don't be needy! she argues to herself, before admitting defeat and making her way inside.
Back in her apartment Subaru flops onto her couch with a sigh, unfortunately by herself. Next time, next time for sure.
Two
Saku groans, sitting down on the park bench next to her. It’s quiet in their usual spot to meet just outside of campus, as a few students pass on their way home after the end of classes. “I swear, I think my language professor wasn't loved enough in undergrad.” he complains, passing her one of the two drinks in his hands.
Subaru laughs, taking a sip. “I'm sure you would rather do some form of terrifying math instead.”
“Probably,” he admits with a shrug. “Oh! I did manage to catch Rintaro after work today. We managed to get lunch together at a restaurant near the bakery he's at these days. It was surprisingly fancy.”
“That's good,” she says, not meeting his eyes.
“Wait. Is that jealousy I hear?” he asks, leaning forward slightly to peek at her face.
“Of course not. Don't be ridiculous.”
“Very convincing. Why don't you try turning and looking at me when you say it?”
Subaru turns towards him, glaring at his amused expression. “I-”
Saku leans in, interrupting her protest by stealing a quick kiss. She blinks, cheeks flushing pink. “Saku, we’re in public.”
“What were you saying?” he asks innocently, leaning back and taking a sip of his own drink.
“I… don’t remember,” she admits, giving him an annoyed look.
“Well, it couldn’t have been that important.”
“Maybe, but now it’s time for revenge.”
“Oh? Since when did you hold grudges?”
Suddenly, another voice interrupts their moment. “Natsusawa-kun!” They both jump in surprise, and turn to see Hidika come to a stop on the path in front of them. “Ah, good afternoon to you too Hoshina-san,” he says, bowing his head slightly. “Is now a bad time?”
Yes, Subaru thinks to herself, before shaking her head.
“Not really,” Saku replies. “What’s up?”
She slides her hand over his on the bench as Hidika pulls a notebook from his bag, launching into a long winded question about one of their classes that she doesn’t follow. Without glancing back, he squeezes her hand, telling her all she needs to hear.
I’m sorry too.
Three
It’s quiet in Saku's house for once. Usually from his room, Subaru can hear the sounds of Mio, Kinako, and all the other people in his life going about their business for the day. However, they were on their own for today's study session. It's almost too good to be true, she thinks to herself.
Dropping her textbook onto the table, Subaru sighs, glancing up at Saku on the other side. He looks up from his own book, giving her a knowing smile.
“Had enough already?” he teases lightly.
“I don't think I can take much more of this class,” she replies, pressing her palm to her forehead.
“Break time?” he suggests, dropping his own textbook onto the table.
“Break time,” Subaru agrees, using the edge of the table to push herself to her feet. She makes her way over to his bed, flopping down onto her back with a tired groan. She seizes his doughnut plushie from the corner of the bed, drawing it tightly into her chest.
Saku laughs and stands up, kneeling on the edge of his bed next to her. “You look comfortable,” he says softly. She blinks, eyes suddenly heavy.
It's the last thing she remembers before her eyes drift shut.
Subaru slowly opens her eyes, the sound of a dog barking shaking her from her sleep. A dog? Why…
The room slowly comes into focus. A blanket pulled up to her chin, a familiar plushie still squeezed tightly against her chest. She bolts upright, hiding her face in her hands with a groan.
The door opens, and Saku peeks in. Seeing her awake, steps inside, closing the door behind him.
“Sorry we woke you. Mio and Kinako just got home. Although I was about to wake you anyway. It's getting late,” he says.
Subaru nods, face still hidden in her hands.
“...is everything ok?” he asks.
“I…fell asleep in your bed,” she murmurs.
“I don't mind, you know. We can study some other time,” Saku replies, scratching the back of his head awkwardly.
Subaru blushes. “It's… not that. I just, wanted to spend more time with you. And I slept instead.”
Saku bursts out laughing, hands clutching his stomach.
“H-hey! It's not that funny!” she protests, chucking the plushie at him before swinging her legs over the edge of the bed
“I know, I know. I'm sorry,” he says, easily dodging while stifling his laughter. “You're just so adorable, you know?”
He moves closer, sitting on the edge of the bed next to her. “I want to spend more time with you too. Why don't I come over this weekend, if that's okay with you?” he asks in a softer voice.
“That would be nice,” she admits, giving him a sideways glance, cheeks still slightly pink.
“Alright. Now come on. Let's get you home before Mio sees you in my bed and explodes,” Saku says, rising to his feet.
Subaru chuckles. “We can't have that,” she agrees, standing to follow him.
Four
“What? You haven’t had him over already?” Madoka’s voice asks over the phone.
“I’ve tried! Something comes up every time. And he wouldn’t try to invite himself,” Subaru groans, drying the last of her dishes from dinner.
“I mean, this is Natsuawa-kun we’re talking about. The same person who hid his feelings for over a year because he was trying to be considerate.”
“Ugh. Don’t remind me.”
“Still, at least he’s coming over now. You two act like such an old married couple, I figured he had already moved in,” Madoka teases.
“Madoka!” Subaru protests. “That’s not-” Well, okay. It was kind of true.
“Don’t even try denying it.”
Subaru huffs, shifting the phone to her other ear. “Seriously though. What do I do if something goes wrong again?”
She can almost hear Madoka shrug on the other end of the phone. “Grab him? Tell him he’s not allowed to leave? Lock him in your closet?”
“I’m being serious!”
“So am I! Okay, maybe not about that last one. Look Subaru, you’re overthinking it. He’s your boyfriend. Of course he wants to spend time with you. Try thinking a little less with your head, and more with your heart.”
“Think… with my heart?” Subaru asks skeptically.
“Exactly!” Madoka confirms. “Look, I gotta go. Have fun, okay? Don’t do anything I wouldn't do! Bye!”
“Wha-”
The call ends, and Subaru sets her phone down gingerly. Well, that wasn’t exactly helpful. Tomorrow…
Plus one
There’s a knock at the door. Subaru smoothes her carefully selected dress before opening it, doing her best to act as if she hasn’t been waiting around for this exact moment all afternoon.
“Hi,” Saku says, giving her a warm smile.
“Hi,” she echoes, stepping back from the door. “Come on in. Is that what I think it is?” she asks, nodding to the box under his arm.
“Thanks for having me of course. If you think it’s a half-dozen doughnuts, you would be correct.”
Closing the door, they make their way to the kitchen. Saku sets the doughnut box on the table and immediately cracks it open, snagging a doughnut for himself before offering the box to Subaru.
“Eager much?” she teases, grabbing a doughnut for herself. “I’d offer to make coffee, but I think it’s a little late in the day for that.”
Saku shrugs, taking a bite of his doughnut. “Can’t be helped, I guess.” He pauses for a moment, regarding her thoughtfully. “I don’t think I’ve seen that dress before. It’s nice.”
Subaru brightens at the compliment. “Thanks. I don’t really have a lot of occasions to wear things like this.”
“Maybe that’s for the best. I nearly dropped the doughnut box when you opened the door.” he admits.
“That’s good to know,” she says mildly, filing that information away for later.
Finishing his doughnut, Saku grabs a napkin from the table, wiping his fingers. “Any particular plans for tonight?” he asks.
“Not really. I did get a TV delivered yesterday. We can watch something, if you want.”
“Sure,” he says, closing the doughnut box. He moves to the living room, settling on one end of the couch in front of the TV.
Finally, Subaru thinks to herself, following him to the living room. She quickly curls up next to him, tucking her legs underneath her. “Feel free to try and find something,” she says, leaning in against his shoulder.
Saku hums in agreement, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. A few moments pass as they enjoy each other’s company, before Saku gives her a sideways glance.
“Hey Subaru?”
“Hmm?”
“Not that I’m complaining or anything… but if you want me to pick something to watch, I kind of need the remote.”
“...ah. Right.” She leans away for a moment, stretching to the other side of the couch to grab the remote before dropping it into his hand. Satisfied, she resumes her previous position. “Look away.”
Wrapping his free arm back around her, Saku clicks on the TV, flicking through shows before picking one. “Good enough?” he asks. Subaru hums in agreement, blinking at the TV lazily.
“Not going to fall asleep on me, are you?” he teases lightly, adjusting the arm around her shoulders to brush her hair over her ear.
“Not a chance,” she says, grabbing his hand and placing it firmly on her head.
He laughs quietly, running his fingers through her hair. They stay that way as evening fades to night, Subaru eventually returning the favor by thoroughly messing up Saku’s hair as well.
Returning from the bathroom, Saku pauses in front of the couch, glancing down at his phone with a sigh. He leans down, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. “Well, the last train is going to be leaving soon. I guess it’s about time for me to go home,” he says, giving her a small smile.
A flicker of loneliness shoots through Subaru’s chest. Even though everything went right, It’s not fair. It’s never enough. Suddenly, Madoka’s advice doesn’t sound so bad after all.
“No, it isn’t,” she mutters, lowering her head.
“Huh?”
Instead of answering, Subaru surges forward, grabbing him by the collar with both hands as she crashes into him. They both stumble back, Saku’s back hitting the wall behind him with a dull thump as she kisses him firmly.
“I think you should stay,” she says, breaking away for a moment to rest her forehead against his.
He blinks at her, his hands sliding up to wrap around the back of her neck. “Forever. But only if you do that again,” he replies in a low voice, leaning in for another kiss.
She happily obliges.