Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

BGT had ended with a heartbreaking loss for India,which made Australia claim the BGT after a decade.

Good things always come to an end.

The 'it's coming too slow' incident hadn't yet died down because Yashasvi had performed well this series and Mitchell didn't have a problem with it.

He liked it,

He liked the confidence that the young man carried.

The last match had come to an end with the Australians drinking away.

It was the next day and a co-joint party was announced for both the teams. India would fly out just the day after.

The night had fallen and the Australian team was waiting for the Indian team.

Mitchell looked from the balcony as Team India's bus entered the party-venue. He looked around and sighed.

All of this just seemed over the top.

Why do they have to give them a 'goodbye' party?

It's not like he has anything against the Indians,if anything,The Indians are the sweetest lads.

But,at the end of such a hectic series,he would have thought he would get a day off but, nope,he gets to party.

Yay.

"Starcy,come on. Let's go. The team is here." Travis Head exclaimed, pulling Starc along. He only huffed but walked with the him.

He saw Virat and Pat hugging and the Indian players mixed well with the Australians. Starc glared at Head for pulling him along when the welcoming was already done.

"Hey,Starc!" Virat exclaimed, walking to his ex-RCB teammate. A smile spread across Starc's face as the two hugged and then he was pulled by Virat to the other Indian friends he had.

.

He drank beer, laughing at a joke Shubman had cracked.

The two teams were separated in a number of groups. They were in the terrace where they drank and ate, gossiping their night away.

"I will get a refill." Mitchell lift his glass,in a way to excuse himself.

"How come Australians have so much tolerance? I drank one and I am sure I will not be able to wake up tomorrow if I have another glass." Shubman complained, earning laughter around the table.

Mitchell laughed and excused himself for another beer.

When he turned around,he saw a certain tall and lean figure,alone near the balcony area. He twisted his head, trying to figure out who would be alone at such a party.

He meant,even Siraj and Head could get along and were probably talking shit now.

He slowly walked to the figure,soon realising who it was.

Yashasvi Jaiswal.

The YBJ64 in gold behind his customised black shirt helped Mitchell Starc recognise him.

Mitchell stood still, hesitant to talk.

He could pick up a conversation and he was sure no one would mind if he was a bit late to the table.

He looked around for Dhruv Jurel. He was rather observant and had noticed how Jaiswal and Dhruv were almost always together.

His eyes fell on Dhruv and Konstas involved in a serious conversation,not something for the party.

He turned and softly cleared his throat,before calling out

"Hey."

Yashasvi turned,his eyes slightly widened. He fixed his posture and looked up at his senior.

"Hello."

Mitchell passed him a tight smile.

"Mind if I give you company?" Mitchell had no idea why he was volunteering to be with a kid who he wasn't even in talking terms and rather go to the group that was possibly waiting for him,but he felt awful that Yashasvi was alone in this huge party.

The Indian shook his head as the Australian walked and stood beside him, leaving a respectable distance as he leaned against the railing and viewing the Sydney lights.

"The lights are worth admiring." Mitchell said,as he sipped on his drink. Yashasvi lowly hummed as his gaze where fixed on the lights.

Mitchell turned to look at him,the younger's face almost stiff.

"Well,no offense,but this is not what you do in a party mate. Like,what you do in other parties?"

"I haven't been to a party at such a large scale." Yashasvi mumbled, embarrassed.

Mitchell slowly nodded.

"Uh, it's fine. You can do it now. The night is yet to be over. Wanna have a drink?" Mitchell asked, pointing at the alcohol section.

Yashasvi frowned.

"Y-you are old enough to drink right?" Mitchell asked, awkward.

Yashasvi calmly nodded.

"I am but I don't drink."

Mitchell nodded at the response, suddenly feeling awkward to drink his beer.

"Sir,you don't have to be awkward to drink your alcohol. It's fine." Yashasvi assured, turning his face at the lights again.

Mitchell's gaze lingered a bit longer before he drank the drink and threw it in the dustbin.

"Well,tell me. Why are you alone?"

"I don't know anybody here and all my friends are with Australians" Yashasvi mumbled. Starc looked at the younger one in pity. He was always greatful to have an extroverted personality,it made things a lot easier.

In a field like cricket atleast.

"Hey,we can be friends?" Mitchell turned to the youngster, completely turning to him. Yashasvi widened his eyes and looked up at the legend.

He was tall,6 feet in fact,but the Australian was completely hovering him over and,as for now,he could only see the spark in Mitchell's eyes,the only source of light because Mitchell's height had covered the front light.

"I mean,we love new friends?" Mitchell said awkwardly.

"Guys."

Yashasvi would sigh in relief if it meant he wouldn't appear extremely weird.

"Oh,Hello Yashasvi." Head grinned at him.

Yashasvi gulped but awkwardly grinned back.

"What are you two doing here? Discussing if it's coming too slow or not?" He teased.

Yashasvi gulped at his comment and awkwardly shifted.

Mitchell noticed it and glared at the other Australian.

"Very funny Travy. Yashasvi,come,I will introduce you to some of my mates." Mitchell smiled, taking the drink from Travis's hand and drinking it in one go, letting the alcohol take over him.

"Mujh—"

Yashasvi shook his head at the use of the wrong language.

"I mean, that's fine. I don't think it's a—"

"It's an awesome idea,youngster. Our mates would love to know you." Travis said.

"No sirs, it's completely fine. Please enjoy the party. I have to get something to drink." Yashasvi mumbled and walked away,not wanting to be held back by the two.

Mitchell's eyes followed Yashasvi.

"Too introverted." Travis commented,patting Starc's back. Mitchell looked back and forcefully smiled,his eyes watching Yashasvi drink the cup of water too harshly.

"You are staring. That's rude,mate but you do you." Mitchell could feel the smirk in Travis's tone.

Mitchell sighed, walking to the beer counter and taking a beer, walking to his original group,along with Travis.

"I hope no one minds Yashasvi joining?" Shubman asked, standing up and looking around the group,mainly at the Australians.

Travis smirked and said

"Starcy wouldn't mind."

The group laughed.

Starc awkwardly smiled, drinking his beer,the only distraction he had.

He watched Shubman,from the corner of his eyes,walk to Yashasvi,who was seriously inspecting some dish with a frown on his face. Shubman back hugged Yashasvi and whispered something in his ear, making the younger laugh.

Shubman wrapped his arm around Yashasvi's shoulder, pulling him to the group.

"Bhaiya,nahi." Yashasvi mumbled, trying to back out.

"Naye dost time!" Shubman grinned. He pulled Yashasvi to sit beside him as he wrapped his arms around him.

The Australians smiled at the new entry,soon going back to original conversations.

Yashasvi sat straight after releasing himself from Shubman's grip,as he ran his hand arm across his hair, sitting awkwardly.

His eyes fell on Mitchell Starc and he met his gaze.

A small comforting smile spread across Mitchell's face, trying to provide the awkward one some comfort and peice.

He looked too troubled.

Mitchell's eyes fell on Yashasvi's empty cup. He suddenly stood up and said

"Can I get you anything?"

The group fell silent. Each one looked at Mitchell and Yashasvi,confused.

He looked around,biting his lips at the stolen attention.

"I mean,he had an empty cup." He mumbled.

Travis was the first one to laugh it off.

"Our Mitch is caring." Travis grinned.

The atmosphere softened but Yashasvi turned more awkward,if that was even possible.

"It's fine." Yashasvi mumbled,feeling the gaze on him.

"Yash,ja. Kuch to kha aur pi. Kitna dukh karega match keliye. Thik he,kabhi kabhi harna bhi acha hota." Shubman patted his back.

"Sir,he will tag along." Shubman said, noticing Mitchell leaving for, probably,a drink.

Mitchell slowly nodded at his words.

Yashasvi glared at Shubman but stood up and walked to the elder as they walked side-by-side to the drinks counter.

Mitchell had no knowledge on Hindi whatsoever,but the amount of time he spent in India,he understood some of the language.

He had a clue.

Shubman was talking to Yashasvi about the match(or series) they lost. He wanted to ask but it felt like it was crossing the line.

But was it?

He would give it a shot.

"Were you and Shubman talking about the Sydney match you guys lost?" Yashasvi froze. His hands were almost cupped around the drink of his choice.

"I understand a bit of Hindi." Mitchell clarified, grabbing some alcoholic drinks.

Yashasvi gulped but nodded.

"Ye conversation mat kar Yash." Yashasvi talked to himself.

"It wasn't your fault."

Mitchell had noticed.

Had noticed how heart broken Yashasvi looked.

Entitled to make the team win.

"I know." Yashasvi mumbled, taking the drink and blessing his throbbing throat.

"When I was your age,I had a similar fire. I was replacing my mate,Hazy. He was injured and I played against India. I wanted to carry my whole team,make them win impossible matches.

I was around your age,or maybe a bit older when I played the 2015 world cup. We had this one match against New Zealand where we score some 150 or just below par score for an ODI. I worked my ass off to win that match. Bowled forced yet perfect lengths,yorkers,took a fifer and yet we lost.

It felt like it was my fault,I genuinely felt like it was my fault but I was the best player that day for my team.

You are feeling the same,mate. You have batted the best in the whole series for India,no one else has. Sure,there were your batters who had stepped up when it mattered,even if they hadn't got the result but you had stood up almost everytime. You tried,you did,but you just couldn't do it alone. Like Jasprit couldn't.

So chill youngster. There is always a rough patch,India is having it now. You guys are going to come out of it, everyone does. Don't blame it on yourself."

Yashasvi looked up and passed him a smile.

"How do you do it?" Yashasvi asked, leaning against the some random empty table they had walked to. Mitchell did the same and looked up at the stars.

"Do what?"

"Be so perfect at bowling. You bowl unbelievable lengths. Before this series,I thought, because I faced James Anderson sir,I was capable of facing you guys.

Oh,how terribly wrong I was." Yashasvi mumbled the last line,but Mitchell heard it. The Australian laughed at the Indian's comment.

"Why,thank you.

Just years of practice and practice. You will get there. You already too good for your age." Mitchell grinned as Yashasvi grinned back, mumbling a thank you.

The silence engulfed them,non of them going back to the noisy and fun group back there.

"What are you two doing? Star-gazing? How senti." Virat came in and mocked. Mitchell smiled and wrapped his arm around Virat's shoulder as Virat wrapped his arm around the other's waist.

"Excuse me." Yashasvi smiled at the two, walking away. That's just too much seniority to be in.

Mitchell wanted to stop the man but decided against it, trying not to put him on spot again.

"You seem interested in your 'its coming too slow' " Virat teased. Mitchell playfully glared and laughed.

"He is. He's just too quite for a party like this,you know. He can always make new friends,I mean Siraj and Head were talking shit just moments ago."

Virat nodded,his eyes briefly in Jaiswal.

"He is......too introverted. Life was never easy for him. He spends too much time in the nets to go and interact with people. Even off the field,he would be thinking about cricket.

I once caught him watching 2019 Ashes to study the bowling because he got out on ducks. Now, that's not a crime but it was just after Gabba and on a day we decided 'no cricket' because we needed a break." Virat shook his head.

"What did you do?"

"Took his phone away,dragged him along with me, Anushka and Devdutt to a hotel to hang out and have fun."

Mitchell hmm'ed.

"He is heartbroken with the loss, isn't he?" Mitchell asked as Virat nodded.

"Yeah, extremely. Locked himself in his room after Sydney,Ro forced him out and he got an earful from all of us. Takes cricket too seriously,which is good but it affects him,as a person,a lot."

"I can see it. I saw him,earlier,near the balcony area,all alone just staring at Sydney lights. Too affected,but we were not too different huh?" Mitchell grinned, stepping away from Virat and grinning as Virat did the same.

The two walked over the group and sat side-by-side, involving in whatever conversation they were having.

.

The night was coming to an end and the Indian players were ready to leave.

Mitchell looked down to his watch,to see the clock hitting 2:15 am.

He had bid his goodbyes and now watched everyone else bidding goodbyes now.

And some how, almost the whole party,his eyes could find Yashasvi,even if he stood in the darkest corners.

Yashasvi stood near the door,tiredly watching everyone.

Mitchell's feet almost themselves made their way to Yashasvi.

The younger noticed,his posture slightly changing.

"How come I always find you alone?" Mitchell teased,leaning against a wall,just infront of the younger.

Yashasvi just smiled and for the first time that night,it wasn't awkward.

"Well,goodbye. Let's meet soon,in the IPL." Mitchell stood straight and extended his hand for a handshake.

Yashasvi stared at it for a second and shook hands in the most fragile way possible.

The Indian team walked away and while they climbed the bus, Yashasvi looked back for one last time and waved his hand, slightly at Mitchell and walked into the bus.

A smile spread across Mitchell's face as he enthusiastically waved back.

Coughs from the entire team brought him back as he embarrassing-ly put his hand down.

Maybe the party wasn't that bad after all.

.
.

Chapter Text

"Yash,uth gaya kya?!"

Yashasvi shouted a yes, making whoever pounding at his door stop.

He grabbed his keycard and pushed the door open to be greeted by Shubman,Dhruv and Devdutt. All of them exchanged good mornings as the hotel staff helped Yashasvi with his luggage.

"Ufff,finally gahr ja rahe hein." Shubman wrapped his arm around Yashasvi's shoulder and sighed.

Yashasvi laughed and dragged his suitcase to the lobby.

"Aree,Yashu,yahan ana thoda!" Virat called over. Yashasvi nodded and walked over to him.

"Mene Mitch ko tera number diya he. Thik he na?" Virat said,too casually. Yashasvi could choke on air because of what Virat said.

"As in?"

Virat looked at him weirdly.

"Starc,aur kon?"

Yashasvi gulped and nodded slowly.

And as if it was destiny of some sort,he heard his phone go off. He took it out and stared at the unknown number.

"Kya he? Bhoot dekh Diya kya?" Virat asked, raising his eyebrow at him.

"Ye unka number he?" Yashasvi made it out, turning the phone at the senior. Kohli grinned and nodded.

Yashasvi opened the message box,which read

Unknown number:

Hello youngster,Mitchell Starc this side.

Yashasvi's hand hovered over the keyboard, having no idea what to do. He desparately looked over at Virat,who was already staring at him with a smirk.

"Virat he,sambhal lega." Virat mocked, looking over Yashasvi's phone.

"Kya karu?" Yashasvi mumbled,the phone light being too much for him suddenly.

"Kya dar ke bol raha he. Tera girlfriend he kya?" Yashasvi blushed in embarrassment.

"Likh,Hello."

"Sirf hello?"

"Aur kya love letter likh na he?" Yashasvi pouted at each comeback Virat gave.

Then he texted,

'Hello.'

Then he saved,Mitchell Starc sir.

Within minutes,the reply came.

Mitchell Starc:'You took that long to type hello'

Yashasvi:'Haha, sorry'

Mitchell Starc:'All good. Ready for the flight back home?'

Yashasvi:'Yes very excited.'

Mitchell Starc:'Miss home?'

Yashasvi:'Yes,very.'

Yashasvi stared down his screen,before he turned it off to see a very smirking Virat Kohli.

"Kya bat ki?" Virat smirked.

"Normal logo ke jese." Jaiswal said sickening sweetly.

Virat laughed and walked along with Yashasvi.

.

Yashasvi smiled at his phone,as he typed a reply to the Australian legend. The conversation was still formal,but it was still fun to text.

As for now,they were debating if Indian food was spicy or not,which was from no angle formal,the first step of being friends.

Mitchell Starc: Y'all could eat raw chillies and still say it is not spicy. Does that sound normal to you?

Yashasvi:Not when you say it like that,but the taste of chillies are still good. Adds flavour to everything.

Mitchell Starc: Can I win this?

Yashasvi: Probably.

Mitchell Starc: Doesn't feel like it.

Yashasvi laughed.

Yashasvi: You win. I can't think of anything anymore.

Mitchell Starc: Yay! This feels better than getting you out on the first ball.

Yashasvi: Good reminder.

Mitchell Starc: Don't take it to heart,youngie.

Yashasvi laughed at the nickname,'youngie'. He always did when the Australian used the name.

"Kya jeet liya Starcy ne? Itna kush to ye BGT jeet ne bad bhi nahi hoga." Virat said, sipping on his coffee and staring at Yashasvi's screen for a millisecond.

Yashasvi almost dropped his phone at the sudden voice.

"Ap ne dekh liya?" Yashasvi mumbled.

"Kya bhai? Uske sath kya bank ka code share kar raha tha?"

Yashasvi blushed in embarrassment and shook his head.

"Dekh dekh,kuch to likha usne." Virat teased.

Mitchell Starc: Youngie,got to go. Talk to you later?

Yashasvi: Yes,bye sir.

Mitchell Starc: Bye Youngie.

Yashasvi closed his screen and turned to Virat, feeling his gaze.

"Tu itna has raha he,mujhe lag raha he ki mene tujhe ek ladki ke sath set up kar diya." Virat 'sweetly' smiled.

Yashasvi felt the heat creeping up as he coughed and awkwardly grinned.

"Bas bat kar raha tha...."

"Okay bhai, mazak kar raha. Chill kar Yashu." Virat wrapped his arm around Yashasvi and messed up his hair.

.

"Yeah,the flight is delayed. It's getting to my head now." Virat complained. He played around with his daughter and smiled at Anushka before returning to his conversation.

"It's been an hour now, Virat. Shit. The weather is horrible." Mitchell Starc's voice feigned concern.

"Yeah. What are you doing?" Virat asked, leaning back.

"Really nothing. Just confirmed Commo's and mine's unavailability for the upcoming test against Sri Lanka."

Virat hmm'ed as they talked about cricket a bit longer.

"Virat Bhaiya,Flight confirm hogayi. It's in 30 minutes,board kar lete hein." Yashasvi informed as the Kohli-family stood up and walked to him.

"Hey,can you get me on the phone with You—
Yashasvi?" Virat grinned and nodded, passing over the phone to Yashasvi without a warning.

"Bhaiya,kon he?"

Yashasvi turned and asked.

Virat sweetly smirked and said

"Tera wala."

Yashasvi frowned.

Anushka hit Virat's back and shook her head.

"He meant Mitchell."

Yashasvi widened his eyes and nodded.

"Hello sir,sorry for the hold. Virat sir was holding me back." Yashasvi looked at Virat who simply stuck his tounge out at him.

"No,all cool. Just wanted to say,have a safe flight!"

Yashasvi laughed at his comical tone and muttered a thank you before walking towards Virat and joking around.

.

Mitchell stared at his phone and sighed.

He liked talking to the kid.

The kid had too much fire in him. He was so passionate and enthusiastic about cricket,he half forgets who he is actually talking to. Once someone snaps him out of that facade,he goes back to his formal and introverted self.

Sure, Mitchell had come across a lot of youngsters who had a similar fire in them,but he was slightly concerned about this one.

Concerned that the fire would burn him alive.

That this fire wasn't as good as it seemed.

He had noticed,the world has noticed,how hard Jaiswal actually goes on himself. He had seen Jaiswal walk away from the field,beating himself to it.

Jaiswal just wouldn't realise that he is not the only one playing in the team.

He stared at Yashasvi's profile picture,a small smile spreading over his face.

Maybe,and only maybe,he could calm that fire down.

Help the youngster from fading away.

Help him not burn.

.
.
.

Chapter Text

Two months had passed in a blink of an eye for Mitchell.

He and some of his Australian bowlers refused to attend the Sri Lanka series after the harsh BGT series but it hardly stopped the Australian team to emerge victorious.

The break was needed.

He roamed around,had fun with friends and bowled the entire summer out.

He walked home with groceries and phone in hand,as he typed with his head down.

Yashasvi Jaiswal: Rules. You shouldn't walk on the road with your complete attention on the phone.

Mitchell Starc: I am walking on the side-walk. I should be cool.

Yashasvi: Still. Can't you go home and text? Or sit somewhere and text?

Mitchell laughed at the urgency of the text and stopped walking. He sat on a bench near by, setting his groceries beside him.

Mitchell: Your order is my command,sir.

Yashasvi: Not funny.

Mitchell: Okay. Don't get mad at me.

Over the months,with constant texting,the two had warmed up with each other. Sure,the timings were sometimes off, texting after trainings were off but,as said, making new friends were fun.

And they were friends.

Yashasvi: Not getting mad at you.

Mitchell: Haha,cool.

Yashasvi: Ready for IPL? When are the Australians coming to India?

Mitchell: Why? Excited to see me?

Yashasvi: To face you,yes.

Mitchell: Nice cover up. We all will be coming over this week, actually. I mean,our flights are the day after tomorrow.

Yashasvi: That's cool.

Mitchell: Are you already in Rajasthan?

Yashasvi: Yes,already in Rajasthan. The trainings have started and the sun is harsh.

Mitchell: That's upsetting. Well,I will be coming to Delhi and as far as I know,Delhi and Rajasthan are not far. Maybe,we could meet?

Yashasvi: You sure have a lot of idea about India?

Mitchell: Shhh. How's the idea?

Yashasvi: I will think about it. I can adjust going to Delhi, probably. We will see.

Mitchell: I can go to Rajasthan,it wouldn't be a problem.

Yashasvi: Nah, I will come over. Just give me a bit of time to confirm stuff.

Mitchell: Thanks Youngie.

Yashasvi: Thanks? Friends can meet.

Mitchell smiled and be was about to text back,a call came in.

He stared at the incoming call,before picking it up.

Pat Cummins(Cummo)

Pat Cummins: Hi Starcy

Mitchell Starc: Hi Cummo, what's up?

Pat: Nothing really. Just harsh trainings and I just realised we will be off to India for 2 months and play cricket under that unbearable sun.

Mitchell: I know right,but the IPL is too fun to resist.

Pat: Point.

Mitchell: Flight to Hydrabad?

Pat: Tommorow.

Mitchell: Oh,cool cool.

Pat: So,any news? What have you been doing all summer?

Mitchell: Nothing really, trainings and relaxing, that's all. You?

Pat: Same mate. But I have been able to spend a lot of time with my family,so a plus.

Mitchell: Good good. How's Albie and the little girl?

Pat: Good and better.
Have you been talking to Yashasvi Jaiswal?

Mitchell froze.

How the hell did Pat know?

Pat:Hello,Mitchy? All good?

Mitchell: Y-Yeah,how did you know?

Pat: Bro,chill. I asked because you two were texting after the party and was curious if you two still text now. What got you so tensed?

Mitchell: Why would I get tensed? I just was shocked. How did you know that I was talking to him.

Pat: Oh,did I disturb you? Sad. Should I leave you to talk to your girlfriend?

Mitchell: Come on Patty,I am allowed to have friends.

Pat: Yeah,you are allowed to have friends. But you don't talk to each friend with that constant sickening smile on your face,do you?

Mitchell: Yeah,I talk to everyone like that. I am lovable.

Pat: That's a lie. I have seen you, multiple times, frowning while texting Bison. I would too,but still.

Mitchell: Okay Patty,keep your assumptions with you.

Pat: You aren't denying.

Mitchell: and you will be going off the phone if you continue with whatever you are doing.

Mitchell left the bench with groceries in his other hand as he walked home.

.

"Bye Patty." Mitchell put the phone in his pocket and hugged his mother as he stepped inside the house.

"Mitch, when's the flight to India?" His mom asked as Mitchell gave her the date,his eyes falling on a notification.

Yashasvi,Youngie
New Notification

He picked up his phone and read the text.

"Could you tell me when you will be landing in India and when you get free?"

20 minutes ago.

"At 3:30pm,IST. Filling out formalities and meeting the team,free probably by night."

"Mitch,dinner is ready." Mitchell looked up from his phone and yelled a yes, before throwing his phone on the couch and walking away to the dinner table.

.

"At 3:300pm,IST. Filling out formalities and meeting the team,free probably by night."

Yashasvi stared at the text and then at his bookings, sighing.

He would travel by a car to Delhi, knowing it was safer that way.

He leaned back and ran a hand over his face.

What the hell was he doing?

Willing to travel to Delhi for a senior who he faced back in Australia, someone who he has been just casually texting.

He was willing to travel 8 hours to Delhi,spend around 4-5 hours with someone who he was close to over texts ONLY and return to Jaipur the next morning.

He had definitely gone crazy.

Well,quite literally.

Yashasvi stared at the cigrette packet that laid infront of him as he sighed. The Australia series took a toll on him.

And cigrettes seemed to be the last option.

Not the best,but last.

Yashasvi had done a brilliant job in handling himself.

It's been two months to BGT and he had smoked twice. The temptation was there but he restricted it,in the best way possible. Immerse himself in unbearable prcatice. It tired him out.

But, Yashasvi still hated how a cigarette packet lied casually in his bag. It triggered him,made him hate himself.

He shook his head, refusing the temptation once again as he kept the lighter and cigrette in the deepest cornor of his bag.

His parents and coach would be so disappointed in him.

"Yash, chal. Break khatam." Riyan Parag walked into the room and patted Yashasvi.
Yashasvi tiredly smiled,before taking his gear and walking out.

.

Mitchell stared at his phone with a frown on his face.

Message delivered 6 hours ago.
Message seen 45 minutes ago.

And yet Yashasvi hadn't replied.

Mitchell had noticed the pattern.

Yashasvi would never reply at night and Mitchell knew he wasn't an early sleeper. They used to text a lot in night, regardless of the time difference. This was when Yashasvi first returned to India.

As time passed, Yashasvi's replies at night turned weak and dry and then,they stopped coming.

It didn't bother Mitchell,he knew better. He can't expect his friend to be free 24x7,but he thought something was wrong.

Something didn't settle right in him.

He once druck called Yashasvi. He was drunk but sober enough to realise that Yashasvi didn't sound right.

Flashback.

The clock hit midnight as Mitchell chugged on his drink,the alcohol running free in his system. He felt the burn,he was so used to and grinned.

He pulled his phone out, avoiding the crowd and walking to the balcony area. He sucked in the air, feeling a bit fresher.

He clicked his screen open to see

12:00 AM.

Just under it was the time for Mumbai.

In small white letters,it was there.

He had added it, realising he should know when and when not to text his Indian friends.

Or mostly Yashasvi Jaiswal.

His eyes blurred as the alcohol in his system made him act up.

He opened his phone app as he dialled Yashasvi's number for the first time in the month.

"H-Hello?" A soft timid yet overly tired voice spoke out.

"Hi Yashasvi, Mitchell Starc this side." His words slurred as he leaned against the balcony,a ghost smile over his face.

"Hi Sir. All okay?"

"Why wouldn't it be okay?"

"Because you called now and it must be quite late in Australia."

"Yeah,it is. Just felt like calling."

"Are you drunk sir?"

Mitchell nodded before saying

"Yeah I am. Drunk but sober enough to remember everything the next day. Why do you sound drunk? Like,sad drunk. I can hardly hear you speak."

Mitchell heard Yashasvi take a sharp breath in.

"No, it's because you are drunk."

The coldness travelled from India to Australia as Mitchell fixed his balance and frowned.

What was with Yashasvi?

"Hey,Youngie,all cool? You don't sound too good."

"No,all good. It's just that I am tired and will probably go to bed soon. Sorry sir,I gotta go. Let's talk tomorrow?

Bye sir,have a great night."

Yashasvi didn't wait for Mitchell to reply as the Australian heard the other side go beep.

He out his phone down and stared at it with confusion.

What was that?

The next morning, Mitchell, although vividly,but still remembered how sad yet drunk Yashasvi sounded. Not drunk to be exact,but just extremely tired.

He knew Yashasvi didn't drink,he said that in the party itself,but what has happened to him last night.

He wanted to ask but he couldn't remember half of what they talked yesterday.

Present.

Mitchell sighed, turning his phone off and getting himself comfortable in bed as he thanked God that sleep soon took over him.

.

Yashasvi sat in his hotel hoom,his head on his knees as one of his hands had a lit ciggerate in it.

The room was dark and the curtains shut everything.

The only source of light was the TV screen that played the pink ball test match against Australia,where he got out on 0, twice,by the same bowler.

He wasn't crying.

He was just tired.

So tired that cigrette felt like the last option.

He lift his head up,his eyes barely open as he looked up at the clock that striked 12 just now.

Taking a long drag from his ciggerate,he left the smile and walked to the bathroom,to put the ciggerate off. He put the remaining of the cigrette down the toilet as he looked at himself.

He always hated how he looked after he smoked.

Tired.

Shit.

Light Drunk.

Worthless.

Stupid.

Eyes that could barely see.

He washed his face with cold water,before taking the room freshener and spraying it all in the room. He coughed as he inhaled the spray,but he kept spraying it, knowing he would be in big trouble if he got caught.

He tossed the spray bottle aside as he picked up the cigrette packet,which has 3 missing and kept it in the bag he was going to take to Delhi. Still the deepest darkest corners.

He shouldn't take it to Delhi,

He shouldn't keep it in his bag.

He should destroy it,throw it away and never turn to it again but he was incapable of doing it.

He sighed, walking to the curtains, opening them and then the large windows. The fresh air hit him as he took it in like he was in lack of oxygen.

He walked out,to the balcony, heavily sighing.

He could barely keep his eyes open but he knew he had to get that air out,that sickening air out before he slept in that cold and uncomfortable bed again.

He took his phone out from hsi pocket as he opened goggle to check the time,

In Australia.

5:30AM.

He opened his messages as he typed in

"Will be coming over to Delhi.
Reach by 12:30AM.
Hope it's okay."

He closed his phone and walked inside his room,the air being much fresher and cleaner. He closed the windows and curtains,as out the AC in a comfortable temperature to return to his extremely uncomfortable bed,or that's what he felt.

The mattress was soft and calm,

but he was too hard and unsteady.

.
.
.

Chapter Text

India,

A hot and humid air engulfs you in the months of March-May,

but the homely atmosphere compensates for it all.

India feels like home.

Isn't home,

but could be home.

Mitchell smiled for the cameras and greeted everyone in the Delhi Capitals camp.

The hospitality was over the top.

The people were kind and nice.

Mitchell clicked photos and hot along with everyone in the group.

And he knew,KL Rahul will be coming over by the end of the month and Mitchell always found that quite personality interesting.

The night came closer as Mitchell bid goodbye to everyone and returned to his hotel room.

The moment he stepped in the hotel room,a cold and relaxing air captured him. He was out for a while, seeing the stadiums and meeting the fans tat waited for him.

So,the AC was a reliever.

He pulled a chair and sat on it, removing his socks and shoes as he opened his phone and went to Yashasvi's contact.

"Okay,got the location. Will be reaching by 12:00."

12 minutes ago.

Mitchell stared up at the clock,

11:30.

He decided to freshen up before he could meet Yashasvi.

.

12:05.

Mitchell got dressed in casual clothing,

A white tee and black pants. He took his cap with him and his wallet,that wasn't of much use as he exited his room.

He put his cap on in the the elevator as he stared ahead.

He was excited to meet the youngster,but what exactly would they do?

Would they talk about?

All they did talk about,when they were half way across the world,was how their days went and what intresting news was going around.

And Yashasvi asking tips to face fast bowlers like him.

Their conversations lasted a max of 1 hour before they went off.

They were meeting,

So would the conversation only last 45 min—

Mitchell snapped out of it as the elevator door opened.

He felt his phone vibrate as he looked down at it.

Yashasvi,Youngie.

"Hello"

"Hi Sir,just outside your hotel. When you exit,turn right. "

Mitchell muttered a okay before exiting and turning right to see Yashasvi leaning against a car with his head high to inspect the building. He had RR's cap on,stupid if you asked Mitchell.

But,he was dressed casually, something that attracted Mitchell more than it should have.

He walked to be Indian, clearing his throat to gain attention.

"What's so pretty about the hotel that you can't take your eyes off it?" Mitchell teased and even under the moon light,he could see Yashasvi's ears turn red.

"Nothing." He muttered.

"Do you want to go to an ice cream parlour? i assume you have already had dinner." Mitchell nodded at Yashasvi.

"Yup,had dinner. Did you? You have been travelling for 8 hours." Mitchell said in concern. Yashasvi smiled.

"Yup,two sandwiches. I feel full." Mitchell grinned as the two walked to different sides for the car and sat as the driver drove them to the Ice cream parlour.

.

The conversations were light but comforting. It was a 15 minute drive to the ice cream shop.

"Hey,it took up 15 minutes to come up here. Will probably take 25-30 minutes by foot. Why don't you tell the person to drive back to the hotel and rest in the car,while we can walk back?"

Mitchell suggested.

"Well,Delhi isn't the safest place to walk at midnight." Yashasvi informed. Mitchell smirked and said

"Scared?"

Yashasvi laughed and shook his head. Gripping the bag tighter,he walked to the driver and watched the car drive away.

"Well,what do you want to have?" Yashasvi asked,once the entered the ice cream shop and looked over the flavours.

The shop was bright.

And for Mitchell,it was almost as if all of the lights were focused on only Yashasvi.

He stared at the younger one a bit longer before he mentally slapped himself and looked at the ice cream flavours.

"I am basic. Chocolate is cool." Yashasvi nodded, ordering a chocolate for Mitchell and a black currant for him.

"Hey,I will pay." Mitchell blocked Yashasvi to the cash register.

"I insist." Mitchell glared and shook his head. He slightly pushed the Indian aside and pulled out his purse. His face lost all its colour as he frowned.

Yashasvi peaked to see no Indian cash.

He took his own purse out and put the cash on the table,softly smiling.

He tapped Mitchell's shoulder and gestured take his cup.

"How did I forget?" Mitchell frowned.

"It's fine. Let's go out,fresh air is better than the AC. We can find a bench to relax on before we go back to the hotel." Yashasvi said,not feeling alright to see Mitchell frowning.

"I will treat you next time." Mitchell said stubbornly as Yashasvi laughed but nodded.

.

The both sat on the bench, breathing in the cool air and talking about the most nonsense stuff that exists.

Jokes.

Cricket.

Everything.

"Uff, didn't know India's air could be this comforting." Mitchell leaned back and sighed. His ice cream cup was almost empty but Yashasvi's wasn't,which was not normal. They had been out of 30-35 minutes and his ice cream had turned liquid at this point,yet it was only half-finished.

"Are you going to drink that down?" Yashasvi looked up from his cup and questioned him.

Mitchell gestured at the ice cream.

"Throw it away." Yashasvi shrugged, standing up. Mitchell grabbed his wrist, forcing him to sit down as he took the Ice cream from the younger's hand and put it near his lips.

"We don't waste money,kid. It's yours. You have to eat it,worse,drink it." Mitchell said,not realising the proximity of the two.

Yashasvi froze, because he did notice.

The proximity made his body flutter,

but with fear.

Fear that yesterday's cigarette smell might reach Mitchell's nose and the Australian might walk away from him.

He was scared.

Scared that he might lose what he had with the Australian.

Yashasvi gulped and backed away,sitting on the edge of the bench. Mitchell realised the proximity and then backed away, blushing.

"Sorry,take it." Mitchell said.

"Why don't you try it? You said it was good. I had two bites,so not bad." Mitchell nodded, sipping the ice cream.

The ice cream which was somehow still cold,hit Mitchell's throat.

He put the cup away, coughing.

"Oh shit." Yashasvi mumbled, opening his bag and messing it up to find his pink RR water bottle.

He pushed the cup aside, making Starc drink the water.

Mitchell's eyes fell on Yashasvi's concerned eyes that stared into the bottle,like it helped to make Mitchell drink the water faster.

It happened again.

The moonlight fell on the Indian.

And Mitchell couldn't tear his eyes away from him.

The Indian looked too handsome.

His hands, subconsciously,made its way to hover over Yashasvi's waist but he held himself back.

He couldn't make it awkward because of what he felt.

He fisted his fist, keeping his hands away.

"You cool?" Yashasvi backed away.

Mitchell hmm'ed and smiled gratefully at Yashasvi.

"I will throw this away." Yashasvi grabbed both the cups and walked to the dustbin. Mitchell smiled and nodded, leaning back and pulling his gaze away from Yashasvi.

His eyes stopped at the lighter that was near Yashasvi's bag.

He frowned.

It had to Yashasvi's. That wasn't there before and,now,after he messed up his bag,the lighter fell just beside his bag.

He picked it up and the lighter looked used.

What did Yashasvi need the lighter for?

He looked at Yashasvi,who was know buying some drink for the two.

He stared at the bag, knowing it would be extremely rude to go through his bag. He knew better,but his concern took over his rules.

He scooted over and grabbed his bag, putting his hands through it, praying to God it wasn't what he thought.

He almost sighed in relief that he didn't find anything he shouldn't have found,but then,his fingers slightly touched a box of some sort.

He froze.

His fingers laced around the box as he pulled his out,his eyes widening in shock and disbelief.

The box of cigarettes in his hand felt so foreign to him. He saw it.

The three missing cigrettes.

His breath shortened.

He cleared his throat,to put it together.

He couldn't,

Not after this.

His fingers destroyed the box of cigarettes,as he threw the box on the ground.

He stared at it.

"I can,but I don't drink."

That's what Yashasvi said to Mitchell back in the party in January.

"Here,I thought coffee would..."

Yashasvi stopped,the drinks in his hand suddenly feeling heavy.

A box of cigarettes in the floor.

Mitchell had his lighter in his hands.

Mitchell had a frown on his face.

And then Yashasvi realised,

his fear had finally come true.

Someone has found out.

And it had to be Mitchell Starc.

Mitchell looked up.

His eyes.

The same.

The same eyes he faced when he said

'it's coming too slow."

Eyes that represented anger.

But this time,it had a small hint of betrayal as well.

Yashasvi put the drinks on the bench,scared he might drop it,which might cause a burn.

"Can you explain yourself."

It wasn't a question,it was a demand.

He needed an answer.

"I-I can't." The answer came out in a whisper.

A cowardly whisper.

A 'caught in the crime' whisper.

Mitchell stood up, throwing the lighter in a near by trash can.

He turned to Jaiswal, bowing to reach his eye level,which was already down.

"Tell me."

Yashasvi looked up,his eyes too close to his Australians'.

The proximity didn't matter.

All there was now is guilt.

Guilt of his wrong act.

Guilt because he knew he didn't have an excuse.

Guilt because players don't smoke when they loose a series.

Guilty because he was wrong.

"Okay. When was the last time?" Mitchell asked,his eyes and body language radiating anger.

He stepped closer as Yashasvi stepped back.

"Yesterday night." Mitchell was close enough to hear that small whisper.

Mitchell's gaze turned into a glare.

He made Yashasvi look up.

"You don't drink. You rejected alcohol back in Australia just to smoke in India?"

He made Yashasvi feel like shit,

And he certainly didn't like it.

"Why did you lie?"

No answer.

"I am asking Jaiswal."

Yashasvi mentally hissed at the use of his last name.

"For God's sake Yashasvi, fucking answer me." Mitchell yelled,frustrated.

Yashasvi looked up to the fire he would soon burn in if he didn't answer.

But he couldn't find his voice.

"Fine, don't fucking answer.

Don't fucking expect to talk to me until you don't give me an fucking explanation." Mitchell backed away and turned his heels to walk away.

The hotel was in sight.

He could walk away and leave Yashasvi alone on the street.

"We lost the series.

I couldn't take it. I needed a distraction. I tried every other method. Arcades. Games. Movie nights. Nothing worked. I came across cigrettes and it worked. The first time was horrible and I never wanted to do it again. But,one month later,it happened again. I ignored it. I really did. I over worked myself and it worked,it fucking worked.

But yesterday, training didn't work. I had to do it again.

I promise I won't do it ag—"

"Fucking shut up Yashasvi!" Mitchell turned and yelled.

Yashasvi flinched.

Mitchell walked to him and shook his shoulders.

"I drink after good series wins. Drink on party nights and with friends. That's maximum 5 times a year. I limit it down. I didn't drink after the BGT win,but drank in the party. I drank with my friends,twice. I am not going to do it again,I am planning not to if we manage to win the WTC final. I am going to,I know. But I am trying to limit myself."

"I limited myself too." Yashasvi mumbled.

"For God's sake Yashasvi,do you even know how stupid you sound! You fucking smoke,you can damage your lungs this way.

Fuck can,you will!

I started drinking after 30,you are 23. I am trying to stop,I probably will. I will,I know I will. You won't. Do you know why? Because people know about this,this drinking. They help me to stop. And by looking at your face,you haven't told a soul that you have caught on to this."

He pushed Yashasvi's shoulder.

Something caught on to Yashasvi.

A wave of confidence.

A want to defend himself.

A want to prove his wrong,right.

"Why the fuck do your care?" Yashasvi asked,staring straight into his eyes.

Mitchell Frowned.

What.

"What do you mean."

"Why the fuck do you care?" Yashasvi raised his voice.

"Because you are a friend!"

"And you are only insulting me. You could tell me I am wrong,but no,you have to give me a speech about how God damn wrong I was.

How wrong I am.

Making me look down on myself."

"Shut up. Don't put words in my mouth. I trying to make you understand and you don't get to say anything because what you did isn't explainable."

"I—"

"I said,you don't get to speak.

You don't get to explain yourself."

Yashasvi turned his hands into a fist.

"I don't want to have this conversation."

The Indian mumbled. He grabbed his bag and brushed past the Australian.

Mitchell stopped him.

He had to.

He had to make Yashasvi understand before this news becomes headline.

He almost ran to Yashasvi, grabbing Yashasvi's wrist and dragging him to the hotel.

Yashasvi struggled and finally released himself before the two could come in view of Yashasvi's driver and the hotel staff.

"What are you doing!" Yashasvi backed away.

"I want you to stop."

"I am sorry, but I don't care. Those are the only things—"

"Don't complete that statement for fuck's sake. You are clean,too clean for this world. Just stay that way."

"Can't you get it? I can't sleep. It becomes impossible to sleep sometimes,it happened thrice and it helps me sleep. It takes away the restlessness,the problems.

I can't help it."

Yashasvi's voice broke.

He knew he was wrong.

He knew he was fighting a lossing cause.

But it made Yashasvi feel more human.

He didn't enjoy fighting with Mitchell,

He enjoyed defending himself,

something he couldn't do for himself back in Australia and after the Australia tour.

Mitchell sighed and walked to him.

"I get it. I never felt it,but I get it. Lost matches do affect you,but if you let it affect the way it's affecting now,you won't survive in this field. You have so many matches to loose,this is only the first. You will lose more than you win, it's a fact,but you have to keep yourself calm,right?

You can't pick up bad habits already Youngster.

You have to survive this." Mitchell whispered, pulling Yashasvi into a much needed hug.

Yashasvi hugged back feeling the warmth.

"Thank you." Yashasvi mumbled. Mitchell sighed and ruffled Yashasvi hair, pulling away.

"Look,go back. It's 2:00AM,you will reach by 11:00. Have you taken the day off?" Mitchell asked to which Yashasvi nodded.

"Good. Go back,sleep in the car, comfortably and whenever you can't sleep,give me a call. We will talk,we will do whatever,but you don't go back to that option.

Promise me."

Yashasvi mumbled a 'promise'.

"Go." Mitchell whispered. Yashasvi's lips could barely curl up to smile but it did as he walked away. He knocked on the car, waiting for a minute or two before it unlocked. He sat in the back sit as he looked up at Mitchell.

Mitchell waved him good bye as Yashasvi did the same and then,the car drove away.

He ruffled his own hair before walking into the hetel lobby and then his room.

.

He freshen uped and sat in his hotel room, staring at the clock. It was 3:00 and jet lag was hitting him. He couldn't feel the sleep,he was tired,but he couldn't sleep.

He wanted to invite Yashasvi over,not let him go away at this late at night but he had to. He couldn't cause him trouble.

He opened his phone.

No messages.

He opened his call history and tapped on

Pat Cummins (Cummo)

With a few rings,there was a sleepy voice talking

"Wow,Starcy. What's with you? Calling at 3:00AM?"

"Did I disturb you?"

"Nah,who sleeps in the night? Hmm?"

Mitchell pouted.

"Nah,all good. I wasn't able to sleep anyways." Pat said with yawn.

Mitchell knew he lied but he couldn't care,at least now.

Mitchell debated if he should tell Cummins about Yashasvi.

He knew Pat wouldn't let anyone know and Mitchell would probably explode if he doesn't share it with someone.

And he knew Cummins wouldn't let anyone know.

"I met Yashasvi."

"Hmm?"

"Yashasvi. I met him."

"Oh,he plays for Delhi?
The last time I checked he was wearing a pink jersey though."

Mitchell rolled his eyes.

"Wake up idiot.

Yashasvi came to Delhi. He plays for Rajasthan."

He heard coughing from the other side.

"What the fucking hell? Yashasvi Jaiswal came to Delhi from Rajasthan,to fucking meet you?

He is with you?!!! Currently?!!"

"No,I couldn't hold him back. We both decided not to make headlines."

"What flights are available now?"

"He came by road."

"So you let him drive back,all alone?"

"I had to. I couldn't make headlines."

"Okay,and you are telling me this because..."

"Because I have something to tell you."

"What,you kissed him?"

"Pat,shut the fuck up."

"You sound like you have experienced shit,so it can't be kissing. So what,he revealed he has a girlfriend?"

"Pat."

"Okay,I was joking. What did you two doing anyways? Then tell me what you wanted to say."

Mitchell sighed but answered his question.

"Well,we went to eat ice cream relatively close to my hotel. Then we talked nonsense and then,I found something out."

"Which is?"

"Yashasvi smokes."

The line went silent for a while when the other Australian finally spoke up.

"He does what?"

"He smokes. Says the BGT loss took a toll on him and,whenever he can't sleep,he smokes because it tires him out.

He has done it thrice in 2 months."

"That isn't a good excuse. A series loss shouldn't result him In taking up smoking. He is wrong."

"I said it to him and he had an emotional outbreak. He tried to explain himself but then couldn't anymore. He knew he was wrong and he still did it."

"What did you say?"

"Tried to make him understand. I yelled,he yelled,so I tried to take him to the hotel and make him understand but Yashasvi denied. We talked outside the hotel and I think he understood,but I don't know. I told him he could call me whenever,but I know he won't."

"You did right, Mitchy.

Look,you need to sleep. Do whatever,just sleep. Everything is too heavy in your mind right know. We will talk tomorrow,okay?"

Mitchell hmm'ed, feeling the sleep coming in.

He bid the younger Australian a goodbye as he put the phone away,the sleeping taking him away.

He needed the rest.

.
.
.

Chapter Text

"Uth ja bhai. Kuch to kha le. Tujhe hua kya?" Riyan shook Yashasvi. It was 4:00 PM and h Yashasvi has been out for 5 hours now. He reached by 10:25 AM and had passed on his bed around 11:10AM.

He didn't want to sleep when the driver was driving alone. He kept engaging into conversations and heard random cricket highlight commentary.

"Kal der se aya." Yashasvi said, burying his face into the pillow.

"Itnaa late ki darwaaza bhi nahi band kar paya?"

Yashasvi hmm'ed,the as he turned to feel the bed too uncomfortable.

"Kha na Bhai. Aur tera phone bhi dekh. It's been going off like crazy. Bar bar light on aur off ho raha he.

Khana rakh diya he,fir aunga. Agar tune nahi khaya,mar dalunga." Riyan stood up from the bed, pulling the blanket away and making Yashasvi sit up.

"Riyan,rukh ja." Yashasvi ran his hand over his face,his eyes barely opening.

"Le. Pani. Kha lena bhai." Riyan said, taking his exit. Yashasvi's eyes looked over at the food and took it, putting the food into his mouth.

He breathed out in relief.

The food tasted like heaven to him.

He put the empty plate on the side table as he walked to the bathroom, washing his face with cold water. He turned away,the smell of cigrette on the tip of his nose.

He shook his head, yesterday's scenes replaying in his head.

He sat on the better side of the bed as he grabbed his phone from the charger and flipped it to see the screen light up,once again.

He sat up straight,his eyes widening.

Mitchell Starc
5 missed calls.

Mitchell Starc
New Notification

Mitchell Starc
New Notification

For about 15 more times.

He opened his phone, calling the Australian.

"Hel—"

"What the fuck?! How come you didn't answer any of my calls or answer any of my messages?!

Don't tell me you smoked once again and you have passed out some where. Send me your location,I will pick you up. Wait a little."

"Sir,I am back in Rajasthan,in my hotel room. I just woke up. I reached at around 10:30 and slept at around 11:00 and I am waking up now. My friend, Riyan Parag,woke me up."

".....Was your phone on silent?"

"Yeah."

"God Yashasvi,you scared the shit out of me."

"I am sorry. I didn't mean to—"

"Starcy sir,come on. Let's go out!"

Yashasvi frowned as he heard another Australian voice,faintly.

"Coming

Hey, Youngie,I gotta go. Mates are calling for a hangout.

Bye?"

The goodbye was forced and questionable.

Yashasvi laughed.

"Yes yes,bye bye."

The phone line went dead as Yashasvi ripped the phone apart. He,then,went open messages,and then

Mitchell Starc Sir.

Mitchell Starc: Hey Youngie,got back already?

Mitchell: Youngie,all good?

Mitchell: you are kinda scaring me.

Mitchell: Hey,all good right? You did reach Rajasthan,to the hotel? No problems right?

Mitchell: Yashasvi,can you please answer me?

Mitchell: God damn pick of the call Yashasvi!

Mitchell: Have you smoked again and has your driver thrown you out?

Mitchell: Look, it's completely fine. You will get over it. Can you please send me your location?

Mitchell: God damn come online Yashasvi!

Mitchell: Yashasvi,please.

Mitchell: Are you mad at me? Why are you mad at me? I should be the one mad at you.

Mitchell:I am saying this because I care. I don't want you to suffer. This can take a hit at you.

Mitchell: They will find your system polluted and will not let you play matches.

Mitchell: You are India's next big thing. You can't afford to lose what you worked for so many years.

Mitchell: We have passed the stranger phase because I know strangers don't drive from Rajsthan to Delhi to meet. I owe you one.

Mitchell: I want you to succeed, because I am your friend. I care because I am your friend. Okay,so chill. We are in this together. We will get out of this together.

Mitchell: Hey,I told Patty about this. Pat Cummins. I promise he won't tell a soul,not his wife even. I promise. Once you left I had to talk to someone and he and Hazy were the first ones in my mind and I went with the first name I came across. I promise he won't tell.

Mitchell: Call me back please.

Yashasvi sighed,

Yashasvi: All good sir. I was just asleep,tired of my journey.

Yashasvi: No,I didn't smoke and the driver didn't throw me out.

Yashasvi: Thanks for the motivation,needed it.

Yashasvi: As long as the Australian captain doesn't announce it when he is out for the toss, it's all good.

He kept his phone aside. He turned to see the outside calm view as he laid in bed with a comfy blanket on top of him.

The bed was still uncomfortable but he was in peace,

In a right state of mind.

His eyes fluttered close.

.

Mitchell smiled at Kuldeep Yadav,his attention still on his phone.

He gulped.

He knew the young Indian had texted him. He had seen it.

The notification.

He closed his eyes, letting the cold drink pass through his throat.

"Hey." Faf du plessis greeted. Mitchell turned and smiled,side hugging the South African.

"What's with the restlessness? All good?" Mitchell choked on his drink.

"Oh man,calm down." Faf patted the Australians' back.

"Yeah,all cool." Mitchell awkwardly smiled.

Faf grinned and nodded, walking to someone who had called him.

Mitchell walked to a quiet area and pulled his phone out.

Yashasvi,Youngie

Yashasvi: All good sir. I was just asleep,tired of my journey.

Yashasvi: No,I didn't smoke and the driver didn't throw me out.

Yashasvi: Thanks for the motivation,needed it.

Yashasvi: As long as the Australian captain doesn't announce it when he is out for the toss, it's all good.

Mitchell Starc: Good to hear.

Mitchell: I will make sure he doesn't announce it at the toss. They do have their first match against you guys.

Mitchell stared at the screen,thankful the reply was soon coming.

Yashasvi: Yeah,we have our flight to Hyderabad 6 days from now.

Mitchell: Yeah. So,what are you doing now?

Yashasvi: With Dhruv and Riyan.

Mitchell: Oh,then catch up on you later?

Yashasvi: Sure.

Mitchell backed and called

Pat Cummins (Cummo)

"If you are going to yap about Yashasvi,I am going to cut the call."

"But he is with his mates now and we decided to catch up later."

"Surprise Surprise. Yashasvi Jaiswal,the rising youngster,has other mates than the Australian legend, Mitchell Starc. That's good headlines."

"Shut up Patty."

"Okay okay. What do want to talk about?"

"Nothing really. I miss y'all."

"Don't have friends in the camp?"

"Not yet,no. They are nice people but I haven't mixed with them yet."

"Then go. You aren't helping yourself by getting distracted by Yashasvi"

"What the fuc—"

The line went dead.

Pat Cummins had hung up on him.

He widened his eyes,staring at the phone.

"Oh,you are so dead." Mitchell stuffed his phone into his pocket and chugged down on his cold drinks.

He coughed at the coldness.

He closed his eyes and,out of the blue, Yashasvi's concerned eyes on him chocking.

He widened his eyes.

What the fuck has happened to him?

"Mitchy." He looked back, joining the party.

He was letting himself get distracted.

.

Yashasvi stared at the quite resturant,as he played with the fork.

He looked at the clock,

11:17 PM.

He wanted to go home.

Mumbai.

His family.

Where he can't feel the temptations.

Where he is with his parents.

He sighed, keeping his head back as his teammates,Dhruv,Riyan and some other boys were engaged in some random discussion he didn't want to be a part of.

"Yashu,thik he?" Dhruv,who was beside him, whispered. Yashasvi,which tired eyes,looked up at him and nodded, smiling softly

Dhruv smiled back, before being pulled by his teammate.

Yashasvi closed his eyes.

.

Knock knock knock.

Three sharp knocks broke Yashasvi's sleep.

He sat up and rubbed his eyes.

1:10.

In the night.

He frowned.

Who?

Dhruv probably.

He stood up,took a scent and sprayed it.

He thought it was okay.

Thought the smell was away.

The cigrette smell.

But,he couldn't take risks.

He had taken a bath,he knew he didn't smell like it.

He walked to the door and opened it without checking.

He should have checked.

It would've saved him the almost heart attack.

There stood Mitchell Starc,the freaking Australian bowling legend,with a bag pack loosely hung around his shoulder,messy hair and a boy-ish grin.

"I got your location with the help of some random resources and just had to make the staff search up my name to know your hotel room." Mitchell grinned, inviting himself inside.

Yashasvi froze.

He gulped and locked the door,as he turned and watched Mitchell fix his hair and throw his bag on a chair.

"Nice. The smell. What scent do you use?" Mitchell walked to the dressing table and picked up the scent.

"How did you come here? By road?"

Yashasvi asked, setting himself in the edge of the bed and leaning against his hands.

"Nope,flight. Stayed as mysterious as possible. It would definitely make headlines if people found out I flow from Delhi to Rajasthan." Mitchell laughed, putting on Yashasvi's scent.

Yashasvi took a deep and sharp breath in.

The thought of Mitchell smelling like him was fun but him using the same scent he used to avoid being smelled like cigrette smoke almost killed him.

Yashasvi rushed to his side, taking away that scent from his hand and setting it aside. He was glad he used only one pump of it.

Mitchell lowered his gaze to properly look at Yashasvi. He was standing close,

too close for his own good.

"This is the scent. This." Yashasvi cleared his throat, feeling the tension. He put the scent on the table and before he could leave the scent bottle, Mitchell grabbed both, the bottle and his hand.

"Why? That scent was strong,nice and the smell of this room. Why lie?" Mitchell whispered,staring straight into his eyes.

Yashasvi avoided it.

"I meant,it might be the smell of this room but this one is better." Yashasvi's voice was barely above a whisper when he took his hand away and showed Mitchell the bottle.

"Hmm." Mitchell smiled and took the bottle, spraying it on him.

Yashasvi mentally sighed, walking to the windows, making sure the blinds were closed. The curtains were,no one could see inside,but still.

Suddenly,

the scent that he used to hide his crimes was held infront of him.

"Used this to cover up smoking?" A small dangerous whisper.

That was it.

Very small.

Near his ears.

"Hmm?" Yashasvi froze.

No words.

No sound.

He felt the presence back away as he heard a thud. He glanced, slightly.

The scent was on the table.

A hand helped him turn around as he came face to face with a very angry looking Australian.

Mitchell backed away and then leaned to his level,their faces inches away.

"I thought I asked a question, Yashasvi? You use that? Hmm?" Mitchell did not walk away.

He demanded answers.

Yashasvi's words were stuck in his throat.

"Yes."

Could he lie?

Never.

Mitchell stood straight and backed away, betrayal on his face and in his eyes.

His body language punished Yashasvi.

The distance.

The foreign feeling.

"I—"

No words. Yashasvi couldn't explain himself.

"You can't explain yourself now.
You couldn't explain yourself that night."

Mitchell took a deep breath in.

"I thought we had a pact.
An agreement that we would follow.
I was excited to come over. Take this friendship further,be best mates and then I would have made a pact that if you quit smoking,I would quit drinking.

But look at this.

I enter a so heavily scented room,I can choke and die."

Mitchell mocking laughed.

Yashasvi hated it.

Hated how Mitchell hated him at the moment.

"It was a rough day. I came back,slept and woke up,went to some restaurant with friends,came back,cou—"

"If you couldn't sleep,you fucking call me! I told that to you!" Yashasvi flinched at the rasied voice. He stared up at the Australian.

"I am sorry." He choked out.

Mitchell sighed at Yashasvi's vurnarable state and walked to him, pulling him into a hug.

"You can't look kid-like and do actions like this,Yashasvi. I want to yell at you,hit you,hate you for ruining your carrier but I can't. I see you upset because of me,I feel horrible.

I stop yelling at you.

But I shouldn't." Mitchell mumbled, pulling Yashasvi away and putting their forheads together.

Yashasvi felt like ice.

He would freeze at Mitchell's smallest gestures.

"I don't understand.

I see you upset,I don't feel right.

I talk to you,and all I do the rest of the day it wait for your texts.

You tell me you are busy,I call Patty and complain.

This is—"

Yashasvi couldn't take the intimacy and proximity anymore.

He closed the distance,just very slightly on his tip-toes as he placed his lips on the older.

Mitchell almost responded, immediately.

It was soft,slow and nice.

Not lust driven.

Not urgent.

Just about right.

Like their lips were puzzle pieces, waiting to be connected.

It started out nice but then the urgency was felt.

Mitchell softly pushed Yashasvi against the curtain covered window.

They fought for dominance,

Mitchell won.

Obviously.

Mitchell pulled Yashasvi closer,if that was even possible. One of his hands were around Yashasvi as the other hand guided Yashasvi's arm around his neck.

Yashasvi put his other arm around his neck pulling Mitchell closer, leaving no space in between them.

Air couldn't pass between them,they were that close.

Mitchell pulled away,for them to get the oxygen,but Yashasvi didn't.

Oxygen wasn't a need.

Mitchell was a need.

He pulled Mitchell into another kiss,he had to.

He couldn't talk about smoking.

"Doing this to avoid the topic?" Mitchell pulled away and said breathlessly.

His hands stayed on Yashasvi's waist while Yashasvi's laid on his shoulder.

"Avoid what?"

Yashasvi said,with the same breathlessness.

"Smoking?"

"No. We can talk about it if it means we are getting right back to this." Yashasvi buried his face in the crook of the Australian's neck.

The Indian heard the Australian sigh.

He felt the older's hand on his back and lower back.

Soft rubs.

Comforting rubs.

Mitchell pulled away.

Yashasvi stood infront of Mitchell, feeling a void of the older's body warmth.

Mitchell interlaced his finger with Yashasvi and pulled him to the bed, making him lay on the bed. He sat on the side, taking his fhand away and covering him.

He sat beside him and stared down at the youngster.

"Sleep."

"But—"

"Sleep, Yashasvi. You need it." Mitchell sat up straight and rested his head against the wall.

Yashasvi suddenly shifted and put his head on Mitchell's lap.

The Australian widened his eyes but soon adjusted himself to make Yashasvi more comfortable.

"If it helps you to sleep,

Sleep."

Yashasvi closed his eyes, feeling the elder's warmth.

All of it went dark.

.

"Yashasvi, Yashasvi!"

He opened his eyes,his head throbbing.

He blinked his eyes open,to see himself in the hotel resturant.

He stared down at his watch.

1:10

He looked around,

he wasn't in his room.

He hadn't smoked.

Did he dream that?

Did he really dream of Mitchell Starc?

Where he kissed the Australian?

Yashasvi sat up straight,not believing what he had dreamed of.

"Chalo,room me jake so jao." Dhruv stood up.

Yashasvi gulped,yet nodded and walked to his room.

Why and what had he dreamt?

Had he gone crazy?

.

1:10 AM.

Mitchell finally reached his hotel room after bidding a good bye to everyone.

Freshen-uped,he laid on his bed,the comfort of the bed engulfing him.

He looked at the time, feeling the sleep take over him.

The Jet-lag sure didn't last long.

He put an alarm on his phone and wrapped himself in the blanket, knowing he was going to have a very nice and comforting sleep, tonight.

.
.
.

Chapter Text

Ring,Ring,Ring.

Mitchell woke up.

He frowned.

3:30 AM.

He set an alarm for 6:00AM.

Who is calling him this late at night?

His sleepy Brain thought it would be Pat Cummins, taking revenge for waking him up at a similar time yesterday.

So,he picked up without looking at the caller ID.

"Patty,why are you such a kid?" Mitchell said,his tone barely above a whisper. He buried his face into the pillow, waiting for reply.

"Sir,this is Yashasvi."

Mitchell's eyes widened,as he suddenly sat up. His sleep vanished into thin air. His head almost burst open for his sudden action.

He turned the light on and blinked to clearly see that it was 3:30 AM.

"Youngie? This late at night? Is everything okay?" Mitchell asked,chugging the water down to calm himself.

"No."

Mitchell's heart beats increased.

Did he smoke?

"Did you smoke Yashasvi?"

"No. But I brought a new packet of cigrettes and a lighter. They are infront of me but I swear I haven't smoked. I don't want to break my promise but it's getting hard to control."

"Did you ask the hotel for it?"

"No,I walked out of the hotel and then to the streets to see one soul shop opened. I had a mask,cap and glasses on,all black,so the shopkeeper wouldn't know. I hid it in my pocket,so no one knows."

Mitchell ran a hand over his face.

"Hey,I am glad you called. I wish I was there for you."

"You were sleeping, weren't you?"

"I was but it's okay."

"No it's not. I-I s-shoul—"

"It's fine Youngie. You needed me and you asked for me. All cool. I am glad you called. If it means you won't smoke,then you are free to call any time of the day."

"Thanks."

"Tell me about your day."

Sleep was heavy on Mitchell but the younger needed him,

Wanted him.

He had to stay.

"Well,I reached from Delhi around 10:30 and then passed out. Then woke up around 4:00 and then,went over my schedule for tomorrow and then me and some of my friends hung out in the hotel resturant. For a while. Then,I am here."

"Okay,Youngie,I trust you and all but can you please throw away the pack of cigarettes and lighter. I can't have you near them."

"I will throw them out tomorrow. I can't throw it away in the dustbin. The hotel staffs will find out."

Mitchell sighed and rubbed his forehead.

He was so tensed.

So so tensed.

He knew what temptations do and they usually win.

Always win.

They talked,for the next hour.

Stupid stuff.

"I mean,Ben Stokes is a clutch player. It's almost as if he only likes to play under pressure. His performances....." Mitchell stopped, hearing soft snores.

He smiled.

Yashasvi had fallen asleep.

"Good night,Youngie."

He whispered, keeping his phone aside.

"Good night Youngie." Mitchell smiled, closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep.

.
.

Days passed to that day and the two have talked comparatively. They were busy with trainings and IPL had officially started.

Rajasthan Royals had a horrible start to their tournament. Half way in,they were in the 7th position, having won only 2 of their 7 matches. Mean while,Delhi Capitals were on a high,on top of the table,only having lost 2 of their first 7 matches.

Rajasthan's next match was against the Delhi.

Yashasvi sat on his bed, watching the sun set.

Guilt was all he could feel at the moment as he looked down at the table which had a fresh pack of cigarettes and lighter from the day he talked to Mitchell Starc. He said he would throw it away but didn't,

Just in case.

He hadn't used it,even when times were tough.

He wanted to call Mitchell,cry and say the temptations were getting too high but with the IPL going on,he knew the star bowler must be tired and too busy to solve his problems.

His team was almost out of the tournament,so he wanted to give his best,at everything.

He sighed and laid back on his bed, staring at his ceiling.

A sharp knock pulled him out of his thoughts as he sat up straight.

He gulped and stood up,staring at the door as if it was unknown to him.

He wasn't expecting anyone,more than half of the team was out.

He pulled the drawer open and put the cigrettes and lighter in,before taking a deep breath in, making sure there was no smell of smoke,

even though he hadn't smoked.

He cleared his throat and walked to the door, looking through the peep hole.

Mitchell Starc stood with his DC jersey on.

Yashasvi backed away, sweating.

That dream he had.

He hated it.

This weird feeling.

Knock Knock Knock.

Three sharp knocks,once again.

Yashasvi gathered himself and twisted the knob, opening the door.

"Took you long enough." Mitchell Starc boy-ishly grinned and pulled Yashasvi into a hug.

Yashasvi froze.

This was not helping.

Feeling Yashasvi not hug back, Mitchell pulled away, awkwardly grinning.

"Not at that stage yet? We will get there.
Mind if I come in?" Mitchell tilted his head as Yashasvi nodded and let the man in.

"Uff,good. I waited for this match so I could meet you." Yashasvi hid his shock but eventually nodded.

"Me too. Want something to eat? I can order."

Yashasvi asked, holding the menu up.

"Oh,shit. I forgot. I am mad at you.

No I am not eating." Mitchell said, turning to the other side, faking the anger.

"Huh?"

Mitchell glared and stood up, walking to him. He pulled his phone out and opened his instagram and showed the screen to Yashasvi.

It was a post by DC.

KL and Yashasvi, laughing, hugging.

This was about two days ago.

Yashasvi stared up,confused.

"You landed in Delhi,two days ago?" Yashasvi nodded.

"And you didn't tell me?"

"I thought you would now. Weren't you at practice?"

"I was, yesterday. You weren't. Why?"

"Called early yesterday. I was out early,so Rahul sir let me go."

Mitchell rolled his eyes but nodded.

"How come you didn't text or call? We could have met you know? Now,the match is just the day after and you all will leave the next day." Mitchell pouted, sitting on the bed.

"How is coffee?" Mitchell rolled his eyes but nodded.

Yashasvi turned and internally sighed, trying to get a hold on himself.

"You cool? You seem distant." Yashasvi felt his presence behind him as he felt himself go stiff. He straighten his back and shrugged.

"Yup,all cool."

"You didn't smoke,right?"

Yashasvi shook his head, turning off the coffee machine and turning around,to hand him a cup. He sipped on his own coffee as he watched Mitchell sip his.

"Then why are you so distant?"

Yashasvi,once again shook his head.

"I am not. Training was harsh today."

Mitchell frowned.

"Okay." Mitchell sipped on his coffee.

"So,what are your plans for today?"

Yashasvi shrugged.

"Nothing. Half the team is out. I will probably relax today."

Mitchell stood up, walked to the table and kept his coffee on the table.

Yashasvi took a sharp breath in.

The drawer was below him,

The drawer that had cigarattes in it.

Mitchell clapped.

"We are going out today! I have Indian currency this time. I will treat you something."

Yashasvi shook his head, keeping his coffee on the table.

"It's fine. Thank you for the offer."

Mitchell frowned.

"Fine,I am not leaving till you say yes." Mitchell fakely smiled and sat on the bed,softly whistling.

"Sir, people ca—'

"Youngie,we can be friends. There is no rule in cricket that Mitchell Starc and Yashasvi Jaiswal cannot be friends."

"But,people will find it weird and I did travel by road to Delhi to meet you because we decided not to make headlines."

"Oh Yashasvi." Mitchell slapped his forehead.

"Of course it would make headlines if you travel to Delhi to meet people,that too in the middle of IPL,right? But,you are in Delhi now,for your match,so how does it matter?

And friends have dinner Yashasvi. Come on,please!" Mitchell pleaded.

Yashasvi bit his lips.

"We can take KL if you feel uncomfortable." Mitchell said, awkwardly.

"No no,I am not uncomfortable. Sure, let's go." Yashasvi hurriedly said.

Mitchell grinned.

"Good. At 7:00?"

Yashasvi nodded as Mitchell stood up and patted Yashasvi's back, walking away.

The Indian stared at his hotel door and then at his bed.

Where Mitchell had previously sat.

"Oh God,what am I gonna do?" Yashasvi buried his face into his hands.

This feeling.

Yashasvi looked up to stare at the clock.

6:15.

He sighed.

"Ready hoja Yash."

.

"You are not going on a date Mitch! Can you please chill!" Pat Cummins said through the phone. Mitchell turned around and glared at the blue-eyed Australian.

He was on a face time with Pat and he had been no help.

"I am chill. I just don't know what to wear."

"Wear whatever? He's not gonna walk away because you dress badly."

"I do not dress badly. What the fuck is wrong with you?"

"You are going to if you wear what you are holding. Seriously,pink shirt and pink pants? Bro,come on! Why are you going all pink? Because he plays for Rajasthan? Because his jersey is pi—" Pat burst into laugher.

Mitchell glared, throwing his clothes on the bed and glaring at the blue-eyed.

"Fine,bye." Mitchell picked up the phone and was about to cut the call.

"Okay okay. Sorry. Come on, show me the outfit. I can't have you wear all pink to meet your future boyf—"

"I swear if you complete that sentence,I am going to personally fucking murder you."

"You don't want him to be your boyfriend?"

Mitchell glared at Pat, shaking his head and putting his phone away.

"Okay. This?"

"Seriously? Why have you brought your Australian jersey to India? And you are planning to wear that to your date?!"

"It's not a date Patty. How many times do I have to tell you that?!"

"Whatever. You have that dark yellow shirt behind you,wear that with those jeans you have in your hand."

Mitchell nodded, grabbing his phone.

"What did I do now? Why are you cutting the call?"

"Why? You want to see me change? Becky wouldn't like that."

"No,eww,what the fuck? That's reserved for only that young Indian open—"

Mitchell cut the call,glaring at his phone.

He will call Josh Hazelwood next time.

Pat was getting out of hand.

"Time to go." Mitchell mumbled, putting on the clothes, grabbing his phone and walking away, closing the door behind him.

.

"No Joshy,I am not going on a date with Youngie. It's just two friends having a day out."

"And you didn't tell me?!"

"Tell you what? I am going out with a friend? How does that concern you mate?"

"It concerns me when you are going out with the guy you like."

Mitchell sighed, clicking on the floor Yashasvi was in and watching the elevator go up.

"When did I say I like him? Patty is putting trash into your head."

"Patty didn't have to,I have talked to you a lot over this summer. All you could talk about it the youngster,not exactly every time but still. I would face time you but you would talk to Yashasvi with that sickening smile on your face. It honestly scares me out."

"Shut the fuck up Joshy."

"It's fine,the first stage of love is denial after all."

"I thought of talking to you because Patty was getting to my head. You aren't doing anything different brother."

Mitchell shook his head at his phone as the elevator door opened, walking out and to Yashasvi's room, knocking it.

"Get used to right things,Mitch."

"What right things are you talking about mate?"

"God,you are going to have a long denial phase,I tell you."

"Hello sir."

Mitchell paused, looking at Yashasvi.

A smile took over his face.

"Hi Youngie!"

(On the phone)

"Bro,I am not Yashasvi. What the hell is wrong with you? I love you and all,but I cannot possibly be your lover."

Mitchell snapped out of it.

"Joshy,talk to you later,bye bye."

"But—"

Mitchell mumbled a bye again and cut the call.

"Sir,you could have talked to Josh Hazelwood sir. I could have waited." Yashasvi ran his hands through his hair and looked up at Mitchell.

Mitchell found it attractive.

Him running his hands through his hair.

His too casual clothing,that was just right.

Mitchell cleared his throat.

"Uh,I can talk to Hazy any other time. You don't even talk to me over the phone anymore." He rolled his eyes.

"It's not that. I figured out that we would be too bus—"

"Hazy has his match tomorrow and he can still talk to me." Mitchell glared.

Yashasvi gulped and awkwardly smiled.

"Haha."

Mitchell smiled.

"Okay,come on. I saw this restaurant just around the corner,Axar said it was awesome. We can walk to it." Mitchell patted Yashasvi's back as the two walked to the elevator.

"Okay,cool." Yashasvi said.

.

"So,how's everything been? It's been a bit of time we haven't talked. All this practice and matches do get to your head." Mitchell said, sitting on the chair.

Yashasvi sat infront of him and looked around the resturant.

Roof top

Dark.

The smell of Hookah all around.

The warm air constantly hitting them.

Yashasvi gulped.

The hookah smell.

The smokey smell.

"Everything's been well. How about you?" Yashasvi gulped down a glass of water and looked at the Australian.

"Good. The matches are folding along well." Mitchell grinned, flipping through the menu.

"What do you wanna order?"

"Uh,pasta is good?" Mitchell nodded, calling over a waiter and ordering their food. Mitchell pulled his phone out and kept it on the table.

"Tell me the truth Youngie,why are you so distant. You don't even answer my messages anymore." Mitchell slightly pouted.

Yashasvi gulped, looking away from Mitchell.

Lips.

Shit.

He looked down at his hands and hollowly laughed.

"I do answer."

"Yeah. I would ask how your day was,you say good. And then the answer to my next text comes after 4-5 hours. Hey look,not complaining. You don't have to answer my texts or call me,I am just worried." Mitchell cleared. Yashasvi looked up and nodded.

"Yeah,I get it. It's just that you are having an awesome season and thought you would be bus—"

Ring,Ring,Ring.

Mitchell's phone rang.

Two pairs of eyes fell on the phone.

Joshy calling.

Facetime.

Mitchell hissed,glaring at the phone.

When he was about to cut it, Yashasvi stopped him.

"Sir,pick it up. What if it's urgent?"

"It's not. He knows I am out with a friend and he wants to poke his nose in."

"It's fine,you should pick up the call."

Mitchell sighed but nodded.

He stood up when Yashasvi stopped him.

"Where are you going?"

"To the washroom."

"Why?"

"To talk. It's rude to talk when you are out with someone else."

Yashasvi laughed.

"It's fine sir,please sit down here and talk." Mitchell frowned but sat down.

He didn't have it in him to deny the younger.

"What do y—Patty?"

Mitchell's frown deepened as he viewed his two fast bowler friends.

"We don't care about you. Come on,let us see Yashasvi!" Pat said through the phone as Yashasvi's ears perked up at the mention of his name.

Mitchell fakely laughed at the Indian and then looked at the two Australians.

"The two of you are idiots."

Pat:What? Yashasvi is there right?

Mitchell:Yeah, infront of me. But you aren't talking to him.

Josh: Come on Mitchy,even we want to be friends with someone you are friends with.

Patty: I know right.

Mitchell glared at the both of them.

Mitchell:Do it when you meet him.

Yashasvi's phone rang as he looked down,a big smile taking over his face.

Now, Mitchell didn't mean to peak,but Yashasvi's phone was just on the table.

Jos Bhai,it read.

Yashasvi picked it up, giving an 'excuse me' nod at Mitchell and walking away.

Mitchell pouted, looking back at the screen to see two confused Australians.

Pat: Did he leave you?

Mitchell: A call for Jos Buttler,most probably.

Josh: You don't seem happy.

Mitchell: Guys,can you guys stop embarrassing me? Like seriously.

Pat: We just wanted to be friends—

Mitchell: Guys,gotta go. Promise to call you back. Bye bye.

He turned his phone off as the food was served and,by the time, Yashasvi had returned with a very relaxed expression.

Happy infact.

"If you don't mind me asking..." Mitchell scratched the back of his head.

"Oh,I don't. It was Jos Bhai. Jos Buttler bhai."

Mitchell fakely 'ohhed' and nodded.

"Dig in!" Mitchell boy-ishly grinned and ate his phone.

Yashasvi peaked at Mitchell,

He saw how the Australian's eyes glowed up at the taste.

How he savoured each bite.

Licked his lips at each bite.

Yashasvi shut his eyes.

"You cool?"

Mitchell asked as Yashasvi opened his eyes and forcefully nodded.

"Completely."

Yashasvi ate his pasta.

"How did you find this place?" Yashasvi said, suddenly.

Mitchell stopped and frowned at him.

"Axar suggested it. Why?"

"No,just.." Yashasvi awkwardly shifted in his seat.

Mitchell looked around,to find faults but the place was close to flawless.

He took a deep breath in and froze.

The strong smokey smell.

It entered his lungs as he coughed, violently.

Yashasvi hurriedly passed him a glass of water.

"Are you okay?"

Mitchell stared at Yashasvi.

"This place must have been hell for him and we have been here for an hour or so." Mitchell thought, slapping his forehead.

"Excuse me." Mitchell called the waiter.

"Bill please and pack it please." The waiter nodded and walked away with the plates.

"Hey,is everything okay?" Yashasvi asked.

"I am sorry." Mitchell said,guiltly as the food came with the bill. He took out the bill,read it and placed the cash in it, mumbling a thank you.

"Come on. Let's go." Mitchell walked, without even looking at the Indian.

Yashasvi frowned, going after him.

.

Yashasvi sulked as Mitchell walked infront of him and he walked behind.

Delhi was busy,

too busy to notice the two,

too loud for Yashasvi to even stop him and talk.

Yashasvi looked around,to see a very empty looking cafe with a single worker doing everything. He looked down at his watch,

8:30 PM.

He looked to see Mitchell too ahead of him.

He almost ran to him, grabbing the Australian's wrist.

The Australian,with widened eyes,turned at the younger.

"Come on, let's go." Yashasvi left his wrist and gestured him to follow him as they crossed the road to enter the empty cafe.

"Hame apka koi bhi acha cake denge,please?" Yashasvi asked as the worker happily nodded,to grab something for the two.

"Yashasvi,why are we—" Mitchell stopped at the glare he received from Yashasvi.

Yashasvi sat down on a table as Mitchell followed.

He kept the food on the table and waited for Yashasvi to speak.

"Why did you walk out of the restaurant? We could have ate and then walked out. I was almost at my bite when you told the waiter to pack it." Yashasvi almost pouted.

"I realised.

The smoke. That smell. I hadn't realised,I shouldn't have taken you there. I am sorry. So so sorry." Mitchell said,guiltly as he put his head down.

Yashasvi sighed and ruffled his hair as the cake came in.

He looked up at the guy and smiled,giving him money.

"Sorry,ap dono se puch ne keliye,par ap dono to cricketers ho na? Yashasvi Jaiswal and Mitchell Starc?" Mitchell looked up at Yashasvi who was looking at the young waiter.

"Yes,par kisiko batana mat. Apke pash marker he?" Yashasvi took his hat off and asked as the waiter nodded and brought over the marker.

Yashasvi signed it and handed the marker and hat to Mitchell who did the same.

"Ye lijiye." The young waiter excitedly smiled and walked away, holding the hat like it was gold of some sort.

Mitchell smiled.

He loved when fans where like the young waiter.

"Stop smiling." Yashasvi kidish-ly glared at Mitchell.

Yashasvi took a spoon, filling it up with cake and putting it infront of Mitchell's mouth.

Mitchell looked at the cake and then at Yashasvi,not doing anything. Yashasvi glared at him and ate the cake,his face lighting up.

"It's good. Your loss." Yashasvi shrugged.

Mitchell simply watched him.

He enjoyed it.

Just watching him made him forget that the cake probably tastes really good.

"Take it,you will miss the taste." Yashasvi handed over another spoon as Mitchell took it, putting the cake into his mouth.

Mitchell nodded yet backed away.

Yashasvi looked too happy with the cake.

He had to back away.

.
.

Chapter Text

DC won in the super over,

The big screen read.

Yashasvi sighed,ruffling his hair.

His performance was upto the mark,

the team's wasn't

and he was getting tired of it.

constantly lossing.

He hated it.

But it was alright.

He had so much to lose and he could not lose hope,

not just yet.

His eyes fell on Mitchell Starc talking to Nitish Rana,his teammate.

he cleared his throat,noticing the camera.

He didn't have to worry,

he shouldn't.

There weren't any restrictions on him for being friends with the Australian.

''Well played legend" Mitchell turned to Yashasvi,breaking into a wide smile and pulling Yashasvi into a hug.

They talked cricket before it was time for the presentations when the Indian excused himself to his dressing room.

Mitchell looked back at the India's back before sighing and walking to his team.

He saw it,

the dissapointment.

The younger's face when he got run out by the Australian in the super over,

he felt his heart break.

Maybe his expressions were too on point that even KL asked him if he was alright after the super over.

He was happy,

extremely happy that his team had won,

that too in the super over,

and how thankful the team was to him.

But his heart felt for Yashasvi,

he had played so well and yet his team had managed to bottle up a 9 run chase off the last 6 balls.

Mitchell was worried,

his anxiety hitting him.

What if Yashasvi does it again,

smoke again?

He gulped.

He can't let it happen,

he told Yashasvi that they were in it,

together.

"Hey,could I have my moblie phone please?" He asked a DC staff as the staff rushed to give Mitchell's phone to him.

Pat Cummins(Cummo)

"Hey Starcy,congrats on the win. You bowled so well in the last over and the super over"

"Thanks Patty. Patty,I have a favour to ask from you"

"Anything Starcy. You okay? You sound tensed,which you shouldn't be after the overs you bowled today."

"Well,umm,look I know it might sound weird to you,but it's important to me and I am afraid that I won't be able to do it."

"Okay Starcy,you don't have to give me this explanation. Is it about Yashasvi"

Mitchell widened his eyes,

how did Pat know?

This had to studied,

someday.

"How the fuck did you know?"

He heard Pat sigh.

"I just know. Now tell me,what do I have to do?"

"Could you talk to him for me?"

Silence.

"Talk to him about what?"

"Anything. I saw his face,his body language,he hates how his team lost today and even his captain is injured. I am afraid he might smoke when he reaches the hotel."

"Starcy,don't get me wrong,but you and him share an equation that me and him don't,will never probably. He will get awkward when he talks to me about this. I won't have a problem with it,but he will have one and I am afraid even I might get awkward,which will probably ruin it more. Maybe we should leave him alone?"

Mitchell sighed,looking over at his teammates who were calling him.

He knew Pat was right,

but he couldn't risk it.

"I know mate,but please? I can't risk it."

"Fine,send me his number."

"I owe you,Patty."

"It's fine,Starcy. I am hanging up."

Mitchell nodded and sent the younger's number to Pat.

He then texted Yashasvi,giving him a head's up.

He felt light,

he knew his Australian captain won't let anything go wrong.

.

Pat sighed,staring at Yashasvi's number.

It was 11:45,and he didn't want to call the Indian.

Merely because he didn't want to interupt the younger's personal space,

but he gave his word to Mitchell.

he clicked call and put his phone to his ear,

"Hello?" Pat greeted.

"Hey,Pat Sir." The Indian greeted,making Pat extra alert.

"How did you know?"

"Mitchell sir gave me a head's up."

"Oh"

"I won't smoke sir,I promised Mitch sir I won't smoke and I am not planning to break it any time soon. You should rest,you have your match soon."

"I know Yashasvi,but Mitch was too worried and he wouldn't give in until I agreed to talk you through it."

"Oh,but I am okay sir. You called,that's good enough. I really appriciate it. I do not mean to offend you,but today was a rough day for me,I am overly tired to smoke. I won't do it,I will give my word to you. You and I should probably rest. Good night sir."

Pat smiled.

"Okay Yashasvi, I hope you stay true to your promise and word,which I know you will. Good night."

Pat hung up,looking at the Indian's number and then at Mitchell's phone number.

He laid on his bed,smiling.

"Oh Mitch,you are so in love with the young Indian. I hope you let your boundries down and let the him in." Patty mumbled,looking at his and Mitchell's photo.

He called Mitchell,deciding he should let Mitchell know about this,

because Mitchell would never realise it himself,

and even if he did,

he would never accept it.

.

"Yeah Patty,did you talk to him?"

Mitchell asked over the phone as he looked outside from the moving bus.

"Yeah,talked. He gave me his word,he won't smoke and said he made some promise to you,which he wasn't willing to break anytime soon."

Mitchell sighed in relief.

"Thank God."

"Anyways,when did y'all spend time promising each other shit?"

"You are unbelievable Patty. How do you have the energy to tease me at midnight?"

"Okay,on a serious note,you seem to care about him a bit too much,don;t you think?"

"Uh,because he is a friend and I don't want a friend to die early?"

"Okay,I won't play around any more. Mitch, I seriously think you are in love with him."

Silence.

"What are you talking about mate? Did you drink or something? If this is because I told you to check up on him because I couldn't,I will confirm you that it isn't. He is young and a friend of mine,I am allowed to check up on him."

"This isn't about today,Mitch. Me and Joshy have noticed,the way your eyes light up at his texts,how the mere mention of him makes you look at that direction,how you become chirpy when you are with him or when you talk about him-"

"It's only been two months Pat,how do you expect I....."

Mitchell paused,looking around the bus and realising his surroundings,

he couldn't possibly say it out loud.

"Do not cut me off mate,you can't avoid it. Look,liking someone doesn't require time,it requires how your heart works,how you heart responds to a person. I am telling you this so that you don't miss out like the last time. I don't know if you love him or not,but I know you like him but don't ignore it because you fear what the world might think about your sexuality. I am not giving you false off,people will talk about it and hate you for it but then again people have too many things happening in their life to talk about you being gay for the rest of their lives. They will forget it,but if you miss out,you will regret it forever.

Think about this,give this a thought,but as for now,please rest and don't worry about the youngie,he won;t do anything you would disapprove of. Good night mate."

Mitchell mumbled a good night as he kept his phone away,

he watched the lights,Pat's words repeating in this head,

he didn't know if Pat was right,

he was scared,

he didn't want Pat to be right,

but very very deep inside his heart,

he knew Pat was right all along.

.
.
.

Chapter Text

Mitchell almost pulled his hair out at the lack of sleep from the last 4 hours. He sat up, glaring at particularly nothing.

Pat was going to hear from him.

His Australian captains' words swirled around his head.

He washed his face with extremely cold water and looked up at the mirror,

staring into it.

.

Flashback

Mitchell grinned, holding his player of the tournament trophy close as the World Cup 2015 trophy shined in the middle of the room.

They walked out to be greeted by a huge crowd of fans.

They cheered for Australia and the player for the tournament,as he smiled at everyone possible.

And then,his eyes fell on a very English looking man,

who was too admirable,

too good looking,

and he was screaming Mitchell's name.

As if his feets worked on its own,he walked to the man,

as close as possible.

"Oh,hello, Mitchell!!! Amazing tournament under your belt! Your bowling is so fun to watch! Can I please have an autograph?"

He streched his hat.

Mitchell smiled a million dollar smile as he nodded and signed his hat.

Before he could exchange any words,the guards pulled him away to the bus.

.

Mitchell had always noticed,

it was as if the man was in every match he played,

and all his eyes could find was him.

And one day,they got the chance to know each other better,

Mitchell didn't remember how,

but he did remember the jittery nights,

him and the other man,named Joe, talking throughout the night,

him waiting for the calls,

the texts

and them eventually getting together.

Mitchell had discovered his sexuality just a couple of years ago and he was glad everyone he knew, personally,had accepted him whole heartedly.

He was glad he had found Joe.

3 years went by,and

it was frequent and almost usual for both Joe and Mitchell to travel to Australia or England respectively.

Sure the flights were tiring, but running into your lover's arms just made it all better.

It was generally Joe because Mitchell still had a cricket career to take care of,and him being one of Australia's best produced bowler,he knew not everyone will appreciate his sexuality.

But,

One day, everything went horribly wrong.

In a way it never should've.

He was just 28, living his life, having the best time(sure, Australian cricket was going through a bad phase,but it is what it is) and had his lover with him.

Joe was two years older and with an unstable job.

Mitchell felt hidden at times,not knowing what his boyfriend worked in,

what his job was,

until that day,he figured out what Joe really did.

Worked for the underground,

supplying drugs,

and using the money Mitchell earned.

His heart broke when he heard Joe say he was just using the younger,

for money.

He remembered it all.

Still remembers it.

The way Joe threatened him,

saying that he will reveal Mitchell's sexuality to the whole world.

How he has the power to ruin everything Mitchell had worked years to gain.

How the police sirens ecohed throughout the night,

how he called Pat and Josh (Hazlewood) who threatened the older stay quiet.

It traumatized him,

made him believe love was never meant for him.

From 30 May 2018,he gave up,

gave up on hooking up,

gave up on love

and put all his attention on his cricket,

to make the world know that Mitchell Starc is meant to be feared.

.

Present

Mitchell felt warm tears escape his eyes as he looked at the wash basin, clinging his teeth.

Not again.

He couldn't fall into this, again.

He sighed, washing his face again and walking to his bed, turning on all his lights and grabbing his phone.

He wasn't much of a scroller,

he never really used Instagram,

it was handled by his manager,

but,today was the day he had to take his mind off certain stuff.

Somehow,for no reason,he searched up Yashasvi's instagram and clicked on the stories, expecting something about yesterday's match.

He tilted his head,as he looked at the photo.

Arun Jaitley stadium,

35 minutes ago.

He looked at the time,

6:04 AM.

"His flight is 5 hours from now,what is he?" Mitchell gulped.

"Friends bid each other goodbye, don't they?" And against all his will(or maybe not),he called DC's manager, already getting his kit ready.

"Mitchell,all good?" The DC maneger's sleepy voice asked.

"Hi man,all good. Sorry to wake you up so early. I wanted to go to the Arun Jaitley stadium, could you please get me in?" Mitchell put his shirt and pants on,as he ruffled his hair to make it look good.

"Arun Jaitley? We have a flight in 6 hours Mitch,why do you want to go and practice?" Mitchell bit his lips.

"Please?" Mitchell said,in not a very sincere tone as he dragged his kit into the elevator.

"Okay,fine. You will get through,do you need a mode of transport?"

"Yes,please."

"Okay,you will get it. Bye Mitch."

"Bye man, definitely owe you one."

He cut the call and put his phone into his pocket as the elevator doors opened. He looked outside,to see a car waiting for him.

He walked out and greeted the driver,before heading towards the stadium.

.

He smiled at the stadium guards as he entered the stadium and, immediately,his eyes fell on a blue and pink kit bag with a person simply sitting on the ground and looking up to the horizon.

The sun was slowly rising.

He knew it was Jaiswal,

so he walked to him, gently keeping his kit bag beside his.

"Didn't know the Arun Jaitley stadium was good for sun-siting." Mitchell teased, making Yashasvi flinch as he looked up.

He hurriedly stood up.

"Sir?"

"Hi Youngie." Mitchell grinned, patting Yashasvi's shoulder.

"W-what are you—?" Yashasvi paused, hoping the elder understood.

"Well the last time I checked,this was my IPL team's home ground. Shouldn't I be asking you that?" Mitchell continued teasing,as he sat on the ground and pulled Yashasvi along.

"I was here,to clear my mind out." Yashasvi stared a bit at Mitchell,before shooting away and looking at the sky.

Mitchell gulped and nodded.

He wouldn't lie,

even he was a bit flustered at the proximity.

Wait,was even Yashasvi flustered by it?

Wouldn't that mean—?

"Oh Pat,what have you done to my head?" Mitchell mumbled.

"Huh?" Yashasvi asked,turning to him.

Mitchell looked up.

"Huh?"

"Did you say something?"

Mitchell shook his head as the younger nodded, turning his attention back to the sky.

Mitchell looked around to see one net set up.

"How did you know it was me?" Yashasvi asked,

not looking at the Australian.

But for the Australian,the Indian was all he could see.

"Uh,well,I wanted to come to the stadium for light practicing and then saw a RR kit bag,and it could be only you."

"O...kay?" Yashasvi nodded.

"Let's go to the nets? Practice some more?" Mitchell asked, standing up and getting the ball. Yashasvi looked up and nodded, standing up to get his helmet,as he was already in his kit.

"I will warm up a bit,cool?" Yashasvi nodded as he walked to the nets while Mitchell warmed up.

In a matter of 15 minutes, Yashasvi was facing Mitchell's top notch deliveries,

which he had no problem hitting during the match yesterday,but as for now,

he missed every single on of them.

The ones that came in contact with the bat,barely could even be counted as a cricketing shot.

Mitchell frowned,softly huffing as he watched Yashasvi standing in a very awkward stance.

He paused,not going back to his run up like he did for the last half an hour.

Walking to Yashasvi,he pulled his helmet off and stared at the younger.

The sun was shining and it was slowly getting more hot. The two of them were covered in sweat and,with Mitchell standing too close,they could almost feel each other's hot breaths.

Yashasvi looked up, backing away by instance,which still didn't create enough distance.

Mitchell acknowledged it but couldn't bring himself to back away.

This felt better.

"What's up with you? How come you hit all of this in the match yesterday but can't come close to touching the ball now?" Mitchell tilted his head, questioning him.

Yashasvi gulped, suddenly feeling the tension.

When opened his mouth,for only warm air to escape.

He took another step back, trapping his legs in the wooden stumps behind him.

"Oh!" Yashasvi exclaimed when he felt himself loose balance.

Mitchell widened his eyes, gripping the strips of the helmet in his left hand as he pulled on the youngers shirt,to pull him closer,or save him from falling.

Either of those two.

or for both.

Mitchell's hands rested on Yashasvi's back,as he felt himself freeze,

unable to move away,

unable to blink.

Yashasvi's eyes did it again,

make them appear so brown that Mitchell couldn't stop looking into them.

Subconsciously,he softly pulled Yashasvi closer.

He was aware,

aware what this could lead to,

how wrong this will appear,

how wrong this is,

but Mitchell could do nothing to hold himself back.

He rested his forehead on the younger,

mentally sighing.

This felt right,

right at home.

Yashasvi's right hand rested just above Mitchell's collar bone and even he did nothing to pull away,

which made something inside Mitchell flutter.

One more inch,

and their lips would connect,

which was the only case where Mitchell had to hold himself back.

Yashasvi's eyes fluttered open, noticing Mitchell's eyes were closed.

He gulped,not knowing what he was doing.

This was exactly his dream,

that he saw a few nights ago.

Almost like his dream.

He felt Mitchell's hand on his back, providing him a rare sense of comfort.

But,he knew better.

He didn't know why and how this had happened,but

this was,in no way,right.

He shouldn't be seeing such dreams of the Australian.

He shouldn't be this close to the Australian.

Yashasvi's hand slipped off the elder's shoulder as he stepped back, making sure he doesn't trip again.

Mitchell opened his eyes,also backing away.

But,it was by instance,

by subconscious that he backed away.

Mitchell stared at Yashasvi,who picked up his bat and fixed the stumps, thinking,

"Was Pat right about this?"

"I-I am j-just having trouble concentrating,sorry. I wasn't planning to face any bowling when I got here,just normal machine bowling." Yashasvi cleared his throat and turned around.

Mitchell gritted his teeth.

He couldn't take it,

take ignorance.

People had to say it on his face,

not just pretend that it never happened.

That the both of them didn't feel anything.

"I hate ignorance, Youngie. I got it from you back in BGT,so I got your out in both of the innings the next test." Mitchell chuckled mockingly as he handed over the helmet to Yashasvi.

Mitchell watched Yashasvi's expression hard-en. The Indian picked up his kit, walking past the Australian.

Mitchell grabbed Yashasvi's wrist, turning him around.

"What do you want sir?"

Yashasvi said,in a tired tone.

Mitchell's eyes softened.

"Why ignore it?" Mitchell said,in a voice barely above a whisper.

In a tone Mitchell hated it.

"Because there is nothing to ignore.

Goodbye sir,best for luck for your tournaments."

Yashasvi escaped his grip, walking away.

Mitchell looked down,

fisting his hand.

He promised himself,

never again,

and yet here he was.

.
.
.

Chapter Text

The IPL ended,with both DC and RR out of the playoffs.

RR had a horrible season,

while DC choked in the second half of the tournament.

Mitchell and Yashasvi weren't much different,

meaning,

even they fell out.

After that incident,the both of them couldn't be back to what they were.

They talked,

but too formally to continue.

So,they stopped after a few days.

...

Yashasvi found out his sexuality when he was just 18.

Not everyone he knew accepted what he was,

so,he lost a number of people when he came out.

He was glad none of his RR mates reacted the same way.

He first felt it for his teammate,Dhruv Jurel.

He found it confusing,and him being just a kid,asked Dhruv about it.

Dhruv, although,just a year older,was still older and made Yashasvi understand.

Understand that he could get someone better,

someone who understands him better than Dhruv did,

in other ways that is.

Yashasvi was glad.

Sure,it took time to get over what he felt for Dhruv,

but with Dhruv with him through whatever,

just eased everything for him.

After Dhruv,there was no one.

He had met countless people,

but no one made him feel what he felt for Dhruv.

But,then,there was Mitchell Starc.

He so clearly remembered the first time he faced the Australian.

The first test,

at Perth,

fresh off a home white wash,

with The Mitchell Starc bowling unbelievable lengths,

Yashasvi could barely believe a man of that skill.

Sure,

he had seen him bowl,

his brilliance,

but facing him with Australian conditions was really something else.

An unknown admiration devloped within the younger,

which was purely professional.

An admiration which fired him to hit his deliveries,and prove the Australian that even he had skills the world would soon fear of.

Then,the party happened,

exchange of numbers,

talking at awkward times,

forcing time out

and meeting each other, physically,at awkward times.

His admiration,which was purely professional and later friendly,turned into something he didn't want to turn it into.

He felt what he felt with Dhruv,

back in the days.

All over again and

Yashasvi feared it would have the same result as last time.

He ignored it,

but couldn't when that happened.

So,distance was the only thing he could do.

He packed his clothes for England as he fell on his bed, sighing.

He picked up his phone, lighting up the screen.

Dhruv
Notification.

He was so used to the Australian's messages,that he expected every message to be him.

When he was about to open the notification,a call interrupted. He frowned,

a foreign number,

an unknown number.

He sat up, picking it up.

"Hello?"

"Hi, Yashasvi,this is Pat,Pat Cummins."

Yashasvi widened his eyes in shock.

"O-oh,Hi Pat sir."

"Hi. So,I am handing it over to Mitchell and solve whatever happened between you two. Mitch won't say a word,so here you go! Do not hang up!"

Pat said,fastly.

Yashasvi opened his mouth to say something,but paused when he heard

"Pat,fuck off."

Mitchell's voice echoed in his ears.

The voice he so desparately wanted to hear,

but the words were still,

'fuck off',

in a way that indicated that Mitchell did not want to talk to him.

'Mitch,come on,stop acting like a kid because you are not'

He faintly heard them speak.

'I said stop Pat,I do not need and want to talk to him!'

Yashasvi's eyes watered. He gritted his teeth and wiped his tears away.

He wanted to cut the call,but he can't be rude

couldn't be rude.

"Bye sir."

He put the phone away, gripping the sides of his bed.

"Yash, hogaya packing?" His mother call him out as he looked up and smiled at her.

"Hn mama, hogaya." Yashasvi grinned and walked to hug her.

"Thik he na tu?" His mother asked, concerned. Yashasvi simply nodded and hugged her tighter.

Hugs fix almost everything.

.
.

Pat frowned, looking at his phone.

He had just called Yashasvi,but he had hung up.

He glared at Mitchell and pushed him away.

"God,can you believe it,I am younger than you? Because I can't." Pat sighed, sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Mate,are you serious? What's wrong with you?" Mitchell questioned.

"What's wrong is you are too distracted and, now-a-days, Yashasvi is the only reason to get you so distracted." Pat pointed out.

Pat was still glaring when he stood up and made Mitchell sit on a couch,staring down at him.

"Come on mate,spill it out." Pat said, leaning against a wall.

"Spill what out?" Mitchell asked, looking up at Pat.

"Mate,just tell me. We have been through worse,this can't compete it." Cummins patted his back.

Mitchell sighed and nodded.

"After the match against Yashasvi's team,Pat told me that I liked the Indian. I thought about it, trying to deny it. I couldn't sleep that night and then figured out that Yashasvi was in the Delhi stadium. I went to the stadium and bowled against him. In some incident,we got close,too close, physically. He didn't back away at first but eventually did and ignored whatever happened. I said something,he said something and then went away.

We aren't talking, properly,ever since."

Mitchell backed away, acting casual.

"So you do like him?" Mitchell nodded at Pat, sighing. He put his hands in his hair, shaking his head.

"I shouldn't have. Now everything is a mess." Mitchell's voice broke. Pat walked to him and sat beside him,patting his back.

"Well,you admitted it, that's a huge step. I am sure it's both ways,mate."

"How do you know he is not straight, Pat. He most probably is and he must be di—"

"You don't know that mate,stop assuming things." Pat interrupted.

"Let's not get more people involved in this. Anyways, it's all done and we have to practice,we don't have to care about my love life." Mitchell mumbled, walking out the dressing room.

Pat stared at the elder

helpless.

.
.

"England kitna sundar he yaar!" Dhruv grinned, wrapping his arm around Yashasvi as he stepped out of the plane.

17 and a half hours later

they were in England for the tests,

to prove what how India actually plays tests.

"I know right." Yashasvi dragged his suitcase along with him.

They smiled at the staffs and everyone they passed by as the London air wrapped around them.

It was going to be fun in London for the next 2 months.

.

Mitchell hugged his teammate Josh Hazlewood,who had just came to the training ground after his IPL win. He mumbled a congratulations, patting his back.

"You okay?"

Mitchell nodded, tiredly.

"I miss him mate." Mitchell mumbled, looking at his feets.

Who knew,

what a few months of talking could actually so.

Josh patted his back,"Mitch, it's going to be alright." Mitchell still passed a tired smile.

Josh looked around, keeping his kit bag on the ground as he knelt down.

"Where is our captain?"

Mitchell shrugged at his question, looking around.

"Hey,Andrew,where is Pat?" Mitchell asked his coach.

"There. He was talking on the phone,so he took a small break." Their coach pointed as the two walked to the very jolly man.

"What got you so happy?" Josh asked, hugging his captain.

Mitchell grabbed a bottle, chugging down the water, watching the two.

"Congratulations on the trophy man." Pat hugged him back.

"The answer to your question,

I just talked to Yashasvi."

Mitchell,who was thankfully facing away from the two,spit all the water out.

He coughed,

violently.

"Mate,you good?" Josh asked in concern,patting his back.

"What got you so shocked?" Pat asked, walking to face Mitchell.

"You and him talk? Over the phone?" Mitchell wiped his mouth and looked at Pat.

Jealously,

was all he could feel.

He felt his throat burn.

Like really burn.

So,he gulped down all the remaining water, trying to calm his burning throat.

"Oh mate,can you not worry? I have a wife with two wonderful kids. I was talking to Ishan but the two of them were together,so I got a chance to talk to him."

Mitchell gulped down his saliva,

what got him to react this way?

This feeling,

the same what he felt for the fraud English man.

But this wasn't Joe,

this was Yashasvi Jaiswal,

the 23 year old who had the fire in him to tell Mitchell,one of the fastest bowlers of this generation,that he was bowling too slow.

But,he was also the 23 year old who was almost like a different person off the field.

Introverted,

Shy,

always minding his own buisness,

staying away from socialising,

but yet just a softie.

The 23 year old,

who had finally opened up to him,

talked formally in the most informal way.

Didn't make sense,

that couldn't be explained,

but Mitchell's feelings for Yashasvi couldn't be explained as well.

"W-what did you two talk about?"

Pat sighed,his expression dampening.

"I don't know what to say to you,but he really cares for you Mitch. I felt the hesitation in his voice when he asked about you and the break in his voice when he asked why you didn't want to talk to him. Don't let this escalate,Mitch. You two are too deep into whatever this is to solve it by just ignoring each other.

Just think about it,

text him tonight,

ask him to hangout,

and if you can't do that,

then just talk,solve all of this, because you won't get time.

We have the finals coming up and he has his practice test coming up. Just solve shit. Be friends. Figure out if he likes you back,which he probably does,and just proceed.

I know,easier said than done,but it has to happen mate" Pat rested his hand on Mitchell's shoulder.

Mitchell pulled him into a hug.

"Thanks mate,needed it."

Pat nodded, giving him a encouraging slap on his back.

.

Yashasvi gave the phone back to Ishan as he laid on the elder's bed and looked up at the ceiling.

"Didn't know you and Pat were friends?" Ishan sat on his elbow and looked at Yashasvi.

The younger shrugged.

"We....talk."

Ishan decided not to push him any further,so he just nodded.

"Hey,me so Raha hun,utha dena."

"Hn bhai,tera hi room he." Ishan ruffled Yashasvi's hair,as the younger grinned and drifted off to sleep.

...

Yashasvi fluttered his eyes open as he felt something vibrate,

probably his phone.

He blinked his eyes open,

8:00PM.

He had been out for 3 hours,

damn.

He looked at a note,just beside the bed.

'Yash,hum bahar gaye hein. Shubman ne bola tujhe na utha ne keliye,tune aj bahut training ki hai. Mat kar yaar,kitna training karta he. Khana order kar lena. Sach me khana! Room lock karke jana,if tu ja raha he. Agar nahi,to ignore. Bye Yashu!
-Ishan'

Yashasvi smiled at the note,softly folding it.

His phone vibrated again,

he assumed it was Ishan or Shubman.

He opened his screen to several messages.

Dhruv
New Notification

Dhruv
New Notification

Shubman Bhaiya
New Notification

Ishan Bhaiya
New Notification

His fingers froze mid air as he saw the another notification

Mitchell Sir
New Notification

He opened it,

a bit of hesitation still lingering.

Mitchell: Hi Youngie,long time no talk,eh? I heard you are in London,maybe we could meet and solve shit out?
Call me when you can.

When he was about to reply,

another text came on.

Dhruv
Yash,tu he kahan?!

He clicked on it.

Dhruv: Yash,chal,bahar ghumne chalte hein.

Dhruv: Chal yaar!

Dhruv:Yash,tu he kahan?!

Yashasvi: Ishan Bhai ke room me. So Gaya tha.

...

Dhruv: Thank God reply kar diya.

Dhruv: Thik he, coming.

Yashasvi quickly switched over to the Australian's chats,

typing something,

and then deleting it.

The cycle continuing.

What should he say that doesn't make him feel like jumping off a building?

"Dhruv jaldi aja na." Yashasvi bit into his nails.

Dhruv would know what to reply,

right?

He could help?

.
.

Mitchell pouted,as the three dots disappeared for the infinite time,

which didn't result in him receiving a text message from the younger Indian.

"Get off your phone. Staring at your phone like that won't make Yashasvi reply,dude." Pat pointed out.

"He has been texting and deleting for the last 10 minutes." Mitchell whined, keeping his phone on the table.

"God,I like this Mitch." Pat commented, drinking on his non alcoholic drink.

Mitchell frowned.

"The desparate and hopeless Mitch?"

"No,

The 'Oh,why doesn't he reply in one second' Mitch

The 'I know he has other mates but can't he just talk to me' Mitch

The lovesick Mitch." Pat grinned.

Then,

a notification popped in Mitchell's phone.

"It's Yashasvi, isn't it?" Pat asked,already standing behind Mitchell to look at the text.

"Obviously it is,look at his face mate." Josh said, gulping down his drinks and rushing to see the text.

Mitchell looked up at the two.

"We aren't teenagers,why are you two reacting like this?"

"Open the text."

Youngie, Yashasvi
New Notification

Yashasvi: Hi sir,is calling you now okay?

Mitchell desparately looked up at the two.

"Say yes,what are you looking at us for?" Pat said,like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Mitchell nodded and typed 'yes'.

In a matter of seconds,the call came in.

By that time,the other two had settled down and waited for the eldest to pick the call.

"What do I talk to him about?" Mitchell asked,his finger hovering over the answer button.

"Just answer,God dammit." Pat made Mitchell click the answer button. Mitchell flinched and glared at the blue-eyed.

"Hello?"

Mitchell gulped,before replying

"Hi Youn-Yashasvi."

Pat slapped his forehead, shaking his head at Josh.

Josh simply hushed him.

"Uh,how-how is practice for the finals going?"

"It's going well. Hope you are adjusted with England conditions? For your upcoming tests."

"Yes,I am trying to. Hopefully I soon get used to it."

"Uh,so.."

He desparately looked at the other two.

Pat mouthed

'can we meet?'

Mitchell nodded.

"Uh, Yashasvi,can we meet?"

"Now?"

"Yeah now,if it's okay with you?"

Mitchell shook his leg,

nervous.

"Su-sure."

"I am gonna send you the location?"

"Okay sir."

"Bye."

Mitchell barely waited for him to say goodbye as he kept his phone away.

"Let's go,help me get dressed." Mitchell said in a such a serious tone,that it almost sounded comical.

"Shit,what did we set him up for?" Josh asked as Pat shrugged but followed the elder man to his room.

.
.

Yashasvi sighed, keeping the phone on the table.

He hugged Dhruv,who sat beside him.

"Thanks man, appreciate the help."

Dhruv grinned,patting his back.

"Nah,no worries. Ab ja,je le apni zindagi."

Yashasvi hollowly laughed.

Oh, it's going to be a long night.

.
.

Chapter Text

Mitchell walked to a near by less crowded resturant he had searched up while his time in England.

It was a walkable distance for him and wished it wasn't far for Yashasvi.

As he walked,with a black cap on,he saw a bright flower shop. A very pretty one.

He stared into it,

his mind going back to one of the millions conversations he and Yashasvi had.

.

28 February 2025

Yashasvi: Just got off training,you?

Mitchell: Oh, throwing away flowers.

Yashasvi: Throwing away flowers?

Mitchell: Yeah,a friend gave it to me. I don't fancy flowers, though.

Yashasvi: Oh,but I thought everyone loved flowers?

Mitchell: Not me,but do you?

Yashasvi: I mean,I don't really have a reason to like them but I find them pretty, eye-catching.

Mitchell: Have you ever recieved flowers?

Yashasvi: No. Do men receive flowers?

Mitchell: Although,I don't like flowers,I for a fact know that flowers do not have a gender.

Yashasvi:I get it. Just,never received it.

Mitchell: Would you like to?

Yashasvi: Someday,surely.

.

Present

Mitchell smiled at the conversation.

So kidish,

yet so pretty.

He entered the shop,the smell of flowers engulfing him.

"Hi gentleman." A lady greeted. Mitchell smiled at the woman and looked around.

"Flowers for a lady?" The women smiled.

Mitchell frowned.

"For a friend." Mitchell smiled at the woman.

"Oh,Roses?"

He looked at it,

dark red roses.

"A smaller bouquet please?"

One step at a time,

small yet impactful.

Mitchell grinned, walking with the small bouquet in hand as he entered the resturant.

He looked around.

Only 4 tables filled,

the place was illuminated with dark blue lighting and

no smoke smell this time.

"Hi,table for Mitchell Starc?" He looked up at the receptionist who nodded and gave him his seat.

He sighed, leaning back.

"Calm down,Mitch. No worries."

He talked to himself.

He looked up at the entrance,

watching Yashasvi enter the restaurant,

with a confused, timid expression.

He relaxed himself as he walked over to the younger.

"Y-Yashasvi." Mitchell called out.

The Indian turned and passed him a small smile.

"Hi sir."

Mitchell's cheeck puffed up,as he led Yashasvi to the table.

He pulled out the chair,which Yashasvi made sure he appreciated as the Australian returned to his seat.

"Wow,nice place." Yashasvi took in a deep breath,the cool air entering his lungs.

"Uh,what would you like?" Mitchell passed the menu to Yashasvi.

Yashasvi's eyes,rather than looking at the dishes,looked at the price instead. He gulped,

the resturant was expensive,

very very expensive.

And Mitchell noticed almost everything about Yashasvi,

saw everything,

studied into him.

He lightly took the menu from Yashasvi's hand, causing the younger to look up, confused.

"I asked you to look at what to order,not to look at it's price. I will order something for you." Mitchell looked over the menu as Yashasvi sat back and simply nodded.

"Lobster and Pasta please. Thank you."

Yashasvi smiled at the waiter as he walked away.

Mitchell gulped, awkwardly smiling at Yashasvi,not knowing what he is supposed to do now.

"God, I should have dragged Pat and Joshy along."

Mitchell mumbled as he looked down,for his eyes to fall on the small bouquet of roses.

He gently grabbed it,and put it on the table.

"Uh,for you." He scratched the back of his neck, looking at the flowers.

He only looked up at the sound of laughter.

The sound he recognises well,

so so well,

that it calms his ears to listen to that.

"What?" Mitchell asked, leaning back on the couch he was sitting on.

"Seriously sir? Flowers? What are we? 18-19 year old teenagers?" Yashasvi teased, taking the flowers. He looked at it for a spilt second before he kept it on his lap.

"You said you wanted to receive flowers." Mitchell pointed out.

"Yeah,but I didn't think I would actually be receiving flowers." Yashasvi shrugged, holding the bouquet of bit tighter.

Close to his chest.

"You are holding on to that thing for dear life." Mitchell mocked, coming forward. Yashasvi simply shrugged, hugging the bouquet tighter.

"How have you been?" Mitchell asked, sincerity almost flowing out his tone. Yashasvi raised his eyebrows at the sudden change of tone and environment.

"Uh,well,good. Hope to do well for my country in the upcoming tests. How about you,yet another finals?" Yashasvi grinned, trying to keep the atmosphere light.

Mitchell sighed,

he noticed the younger's efforts of trying to keep everything light and free,

but how does he make the younger understand that,

whenever he merely thinks of him,

he can only think of the bright brown eyes under the sun,

he can only think of his smile,

his formal informality,

his face,

how he reacted when that happened,

And,at this time,he was infront of him.

How does he make him understand that he is using all the force he can to hold himself back and not just bring Yashasvi to a tight hug with a breathless kiss.

Mitchell was done denying it,

because he loved what he felt.

Loved the feeling of liking someone again,

Loved the feeling of thinking he had someone to be with,

Loved how happy he felt when he was even in the radius of where Yashasvi was,

Loved the jittery feeling,

Loved Yashasvi.

"Yup,yet another finals. Hope we win it." Mitchell forced out. Yashasvi nodded, mumbling a 'best of luck',as he looked down at the flowers, grinning.

"Here you go." Both Mitchell and Yashasvi turned to the voice,which came from the table beside them.

The girl ran over to her boyfriend's side, hugging the shit out of him with a teddy bear in hand.

"Eh,Riyan ko wo teddy bahut acha lagta." Yashasvi mocked under his breath, laughing.

Mitchell turned to Yashasvi,not understanding what he said.

"What was it?"

Yashasvi looked at Mitchell,not knowing what he was asking.

"I thought I heard you say something?"

"Oh,I saw that teddy bear and thought of a friend,Riyan. He has all these teddies he brings over in IPL,which is honestly so cute." Yashasvi grinned.

Mitchell held back a pout.

Damn,he must be down bad if he burns only by Yashasvi talking about another man.

"Oh,does he bring them over even now?"

"Not anymore,no. But,no matter how much he protests,he still has a small teddy in his suitcase."

"Do you like teddies?"

Yashasvi was taken back at the sudden and random question.

"Do I like teddies? That's so random." Yashasvi laughed.

"I know,but do you like them?"

"I don't dislike them."

"What kind of answer is that?"

"What kind of conversation are we having now,sir?" Yashasvi lightly mocked.

"Okay,let me rephrase it,

did you like it as a kid?"

Yashasvi's smile dampened.

"Ah,I never asked for it or got it,so I wouldn't know." Yashasvi laughed it off.

Mitchell, thankfully, didn't catch onto it and nodded, redirecting the conversation into another.

.

Their conversations were light, comfortable with a hint of jokes in between.

Suddenly,all of it seemed to fall right back into its place.

"Let me get half the bill, please." Yashasvi set the bouquet on the table,which he had magically kept with him through out the dinner,and tried to take it from him.

Mitchell was obviously faster.

By the time he was taking his card out, Yashasvi was already by his side,on the purple couch, trying to take the black folder.

Mitchell took it to his side and glared at the younger.

"Wow,what a kid."

Yashasvi glared at the elder and sat unbelievably close to him,

so close that their knees and sides touch.

Mitchell felt his breath shorten.

He looked down to take a look at his face.

Still the face he loved so much.

He only snapped out when he felt the folder tugged on.

"Oh Yashasvi,come on. Let me." Mitchell put his hand on the younger's shoulder to push him away,

but made sure they were still physically in contact.

Yashasvi pouted but gave up knowing he didn't have a chance to win.

Mitchell asked for the card machine,as he turned to Yashasvi.

Mitchell pulled him back,

right back to his side,

where is actually belonged.

"What?" Overwhelmed and slightly upset by the fact that he was not allowed to paid, Yashasvi didn't notice(or mind) that they were sitting so close to each other.

He crossed his arms and leaned back on the couch.

"Kid." Mitchell shook his head.

"What are you upset about?" Mitchell asked, leaning back.

One inch here and there,

thier shoulders would be in contact.

"How I still don't get to pay? I didn't pay last time as well." Yashasvi complained, looking at the flowers.

Denying to turn to face Mitchell.

The Australian bit back a laugh.

"Your bill sir." Both of them sat up straight,as Mitchell paid, taking the card back.

"Let's go." With a soft glare, Yashasvi nodded and straight away walked away.

"How do I always manage to make upset him after every hangout? I probably have that talent in me." Mitchell mumbled,before running after him.

.

"Let me walk you to your hotel?" Mitchell asked as the two stood infront of the restaurant.

"Oh,my hotel is a few blocks down and your must be too. You have to walk extra, it's fine. I will manage." Yashasvi said,

kindly.

"I hate the mock Yashasvi." Mitchell pointed out which almost made the Indian roll his eyes.

"And I hate having you pay for me everytime we have dinner."

"Well,I am older. Just live." Mitchell said, walking away.

"Uh,where are you going?" Yashasvi raised his eyebrow.

"To your hotel,to drop you?"

"Well, it's the opposite direction,but oh well. Bye bye."

Yashasvi grinned, walking to the other direction.

Mitchell bit his tounge and rushed to his side.

"But why are you coming along?!"

"I have to make up for all those days we stopped talking,now come on!"

.

"Well that's me." Yashasvi said, looking up at the hotel. Mitchell followed his gaze and slowly nodded.

He didn't want the night to end.

This was the best he felt in the past few days.

He can't leave it here,

but he had to,

because he knew this will never be the end.

"Yup,see you?"

Yashasvi nodded.

"Do you mind me hugging you?" Mitchell scratched the back of his head and looked at Yashasvi,freeze.

"Uh,well, it's okay if you don't wan—"

Mitchell paused,when he felt arms around his neck and shoulders.

"Sir,you are asking for a hug,not for me to help you hide a body." Yashasvi jokes near his ear as he backed away, smiling.

Mitchell smiled back.

He walked a step closer and put his hand on Yashasvi's back, pulling him into another hug.
The younger wrapped his left arm around the older as the other rested in his side.

Mitchell could only pull Yashasvi closer,

he didn't care if someone saw them and recognised them,

sure,had the fear,

but wasn't big enough for him to pull away being close to Yashasvi,

to have him embraced,

to have his arms around Yashasvi,

nothing would ever compare.

They stayed the same for a couple of minutes before Mitchell forced himself to move away. He ruffled the younger's hair before taking a step back.

"Let's never have that phase again? Please?" Mitchell suggested as Yashasvi nodded.

"Good night sir."

Yashasvi smiled and walked to the hotel entrance,

before turning one last time and waving at the Australian.

The Australian softly waved back.

He missed the warmth against his body,

but,he knew he would get it soon enough.

.
.
.

"Yaar,mujhe laga tha puri rath ap dono hug hi karte rahenge." Dhruv said, making Yashasvi jump.

"What the?" Yashasvi stared at Dhruv,wide-eyed.

"Angrez ho kya?" Dhruv weirdly stared at Yashasvi before noticing the flowers.

His expression turned teasy.

"Oooo,Mr-Australian is surely romantic." Dhruv said, touching the flowers.

"You were spying!"

"Kya bhai? Do ghante English bolke Hindi bhul gaya kya?"

"Chup kar."

"Hn hn. Aur spy nahi kar raha tha,11 bajne ja raha tha,to thought ki tujhe call kardu—"

"Room se nahi kar paya?"

"Aree Yash,rukh ja. Thoda tehelna tha,isiliye lobby aya. Phir tum dono ko notice Kiya,to wait kardiya." Dhruv shrugged.

Yashasvi rolled his eyes and walked away.

"Yaar,kya kiya tum dono ne?!"

"Nahi bataunga,ja."

.
.

"Hi Mitch." Cameron (Green) greeted before getting back to the game he was playing against Konstas.

Mitchell smiled at him and sat beside Cummins.

"You seem relieved,how was it?" Pat grinned.

Mitchell simply smiled,

not having an answer,

or maybe Pat didn't require one.

.
.
.

Chapter Text

"Woah Mitch! That's it!"

The coach clapped.

"Coach,you are going to get me killed!" Konstas yelled through the nets. The coach simply winked at him.

"Well,Mitch is bowling at his best,Sammie! Isn't that great news?"

"Yeah,at the cost of my life!"

"I am not getting you killed Sam,chill." Mitchell jokingly said, taking the ball and walking to his run-up.

"What's up with Mitch? Really happy that he is all chirpy,but he has been like a dead flower for the weeks he has been here,in England." The coach mumbled to Pat,who was streching beside him.

Pat grinned.

"No clue. Hey,Mitch has been bowling for a while,can I take him away?" Pat asked the coach.

"And he still bowls so well. Yeah,take him away,he needs a bit of rest." The coach said.

"Taking Joshy as well." The coach mumbled a yes as Pat called Josh and walked to Mitch.

"Sam,go on,take a break. I am sure you are tired as well." Konstas grinned at Pat, nodding.

"Hey,I was bowling!" Mitchell said, turning.

"Yeah,for the last 4 hours, against 3 different batters. Come on rest,we can't exhaust you out." Pat pulled Mitchell to sit beside him. Josh threw the water bottles at the two as he sat down.

"Make sure to talk to Yashasvi before the finals. We need you like this." Pat smirked, watching Mitchell turn red.

"I don't know what you are talking about." Mitchell mumbled, chugging the water.

"Sure you don't." Josh mockingly smiled.

Mitchell glared at the two.

"If you pulled me away for this,I am going away."

"God, Mitch,how kidish!" Pat and Josh yelled, watching Mitchell walk away,

with a small smile tugging on his face.

.

Mitchell walked into the dressing room, immediately grabbing his phone. He sat down, wiping his face down and opening the screen,an instant smile taking over his face.

"Lord,Mitch actually might fall sick at how lovesick he is acting." Josh mumbled, sitting beside Pat.

"I know,but,in some way,it is comforting to see him this way. He had been too out of it the past few days." Pat mumbled back, looking at Mitchell,who was pouting now.

"Let's go, pull his leg." Pat smirked as he pulled a 'denying' Josh by his side.

"Let me guess, Yashasvi is not replying." Pat said in a 'fake' sad tone, setting himself beside Mitchell.

The older looked up and glared.

"Don't you have anything better to do Patty? Captains have a lot of work,surely."

"Well,I am infront of you,so clearly I have no work."

"Shut up Patty. What's up Mitch,why the long face?" Josh,the clearly more sensible one,said.

Mitchell shamefully shook his head,

hiding his phone.

"What did you do?!" Pat overdramatically exclaimed.

"I did nothing,shut the fu—hey, that's my phone! That's not respecting privacy captain!" Mitchell yelled, gaining all the attention in the room.

"Woah,Mitch must have something important in his phone if he reacts like this." Head teased.

Mitchell stopped, looking at his teammates, embarassed.

"It's literally nothing,what was he staring at?" Pat mumbled.

"Do not do that Pat." Josh warned, snatching away the phone and giving it back to Starc.

"Are you sure Mitch?" Head continued teasing.

"He is one of those!" Marnus yelled.

"One of what?"

Mitchell stared at Marnus, horrified.

Did he know?

"Keep it private until it's permanent!"

Mitchell let out a deep breath,

a breath he didn't know he was holding.

"I thought you had something juicy." Smith rolled his eyes.

"The fact that the Mitchell Starc has someone has to be juicy!"

Mitchell nervously grinned.

"What did you see on his phone?" Josh asked, sitting beside Pat.

Pat deadpanned.

"Where did the nice Josh disappear?"

"I act nice, doens't mean I am always. Now tell me."

"He sent some text to Yashasvi,like 5 hours ago and he hasn't replied."

Josh stared at Mitchell,

shocked.

He had seen Starc through his 'Joe' era,

and he had never seen the older act this way.

Desparate and

so lovesick.

"I am genuinely getting worried about him."

Pat nodded at Josh's words.

"What are you two staring at?" Mitchell sat down beside them.

"Nothing,now come on,we have to roll out our arms over now."

.

Yashasvi bit back a yawn as he felt his head spin.

"And as for Yash,wo to open karlega. To Yash,tu ja sakta he ish meeting se,baccha." Shubman teased as the circle laughed.

Yashasvi blinked his sleep away, mumbling a sorry.

"Sorry,I didn't mean to. The Jet lag is hitting me."

"I agree,it is 10 in the night in India and even I am tired." Shubman broke out of his captain facade as he sat down.

Yashasvi sat up straight, feeling pity for Shubman. He, himself,has been staying in England for the past week,or over a week,and yet he still feels the jet lag.

Shubman and a few others have just landed in England,

and then, Shubman has to be this
serious and responsible person of the team.

It must be hard for him to handle all the critics and the team.

No matter how flawless it makes him look.

"M-Me kuch bol sakta hun?"

Shubman tiredly nodded at Yashasvi.

"Uh,hum me se bahut log just aj land kiya he, England me. Pata he team and nation always comes first,but mere hisab se we have to rest,as for now. To,if Shubman bhai could dismiss the meeting,for now?"

Shubman looked at Yashasvi,

through his tired eyes,

with a hint of greatfulness.

"Okay,he is right. Mujhe bhi tired lag raha he. Captain?" Gambhir turned to Shubman as he finally wrapped up the meeting.

Shubman rushed to Yashasvi, wrapping his arm around his shoulders.

"Kitna acha he tu? Bahut lucky hogi,teri girlfriend." Yashasvi awkwardly smiled at Shubman and nodded.

"Chalo, England ghumte hein?"

"Bhai,mene wo sab ghumne me liye nahi bola. Apko seriously rest chahiye,ap apne akh tak nahi khol sakte." Yashasvi deadpanned as Shubman grinned.

"Kitna acha he re tu. Me ja raha hoon, Tata!" Shubman grinned, walking away.

Yashasvi smiled and walked to the dining area, feeling the burn in his stomach.

"Aree,Yash,aja!" Some of his India A friends,who had escaped the meeting early,called. Yashasvi nodded at them, getting food from the buffet and sitting with them, involving himself in minimum conversation.

He felt his phone vibrate.

He has not touched his phone the whole day,

mainly because it ran out of charge,

and he forgot to charge it until when the meeting started,which was only 1 hour and 30 minutes.

He had just turned his network on when Shubman had pulled him away.

He took his phone out,and stared at the notification,

Mitchell Sir
Notification,6 hr.

"6?!" Yashasvi widened his eyes.

"You okay?" One of his teammates asked.

"Yeah,yeah." Yashasvi said, fiddling with his phone.

"Yashasvi,thoda phone rakh na. Kitne din se ham sab ne beth kar bath nahi ki he. Ye lo,mujhe kis angrez ne bola ye acha he." His teammate said, passing him over some bread-based dish.

Yashasvi nervously smiled, hesitantly keeping the phone in his pocket and involving himself in the conversations the team was having, forgetting about his phone.

.

"Good night guys." Yashasvi yawned, standing up and waving his teammates goodbye.

He entered the elevator, opening his phone,biting his lips at the message.

Obviously, Mitchell Starc was no kid,

no teenager,

but still.

He opened it.

Mitchell: When is your test against England?

Yashasvi: 20th June,in Leeds.

He sighed, switching his phone off and walking to his room, falling on his bed. He groaned at the thought of washing up,but pushed himself and walked to the bathroom for a fresh hot shower.

.

Yashasvi got dressed in a shirt and shorts as he laid in his,still,very uncomfortable bed as he laid flat on his back,his eyes dropping close.

Then,

Ring Ring Ring.

His eyes opened,as he slightly groaned.

"Yaar,ab kon phone kar raha he?" Yashasvi,at first,covered his ears with the pillows but sat up, taking his phone and answering it.

"Hello?"

"Oh,were you asleep?"

The Australian accent scared the living lights out of Yashasvi as he sat up.

.
.

Yashasvi: 20th June,Leeds.

"Must have been a rough day at training." Mitchell mumbled, shutting his phone.

He was alone,in the garden area of the hotel as he laid back, looking at the stars.

He forgot how this felt,

talking to Yashasvi,

waiting for his texts,

And all that shit.

At times, Mitchell really wished he could go back to the days when his feelings weren't this complicated for Yashasvi,

when he treated Yashasvi as just a friend,

didn't want Yashasvi to think about him,

but then,he liked it.

Liked all the complications,

embraced all of it.

It is what it is,

and there was no way he could change it.

He pushed himself off the ground as he walked to the lobby to go to the elevator and to his room. He felt the soreness finally take over his body,he bowled a bit too much than intended.

As he passed the lobby,he saw a couple in the gaming area of the hotel. He obviously didn't mean to peak or interrupt,but he saw the claw machine filled with stuff toys and the girl jumping because the boy won a toy. They hugged and walked away.

He entered the room,cold area engulfing him.

"Wow,the arcades are so cold." Mitchell rubbed his arms as he turned to the claw machine,a thing he hadn't touched in a few years by now.

He tilted his head, looking at all the stuff toys.

His eyes landed in a blue koala, smiling brightly.

He sat on his tip-toes as he inserted money into the machine as the machine lit up. Standing up,with his one hand in his pocket,he moved the handle, making it land on the koala,but to his unfortunate luck,it didn't grab the toy.

He frowned.

and tried again,

and again,

and again.

His calm and confused body language changed,

as one of his hand rested on the machine,the other on the handle while his eyes where deeply focused on the koala.

He watched the claw grab the toy,very loosely. His eyes followed the claw,

and he slightly jumped at he heard the soft thud sound.

He sighed, heavily.

"Yes!" He softly exclaimed, taking the toy and looking at it.

"Yashasvi." His eyes lightened.

He stared down his watch,

10:00 PM.

His hotel was 30 minutes away by feet,and 15 by taxi.

He walked out and requested a taxi.

.

"Is this invading?" He looked up at the hotel, clutching the toy harder.

"I hope not." Mitchell mumbled, calling the younger.

"Hello?" A deep husky voice greeted, stealing the oxygen from him.

'Shit.'

He gulped,

"Oh,were you asleep?"

"Just,but not completly. Everything okay sir?"

"Uh, actually,I am just infront of your hotel's entrance..."

"What?"

"Yeah,I mean,if you were asleep,I can come by tomm—"

"No sir, it's fine. Wait for a few minutes,I will be down."

"Okay."

He hung up the call, putting his phone into his pocket.

He looked at the koala, smiling.

It was kidish,

pretty,

cute.

"Sir?" He looked up at Yashasvi,once again, feeling his breath stolen away.

Yashasvi was fatel for him.

His messy hair,

messed up shirt,

barely open eyes,

was suddenly too attractive to him.

"Everything okay?" Yashasvi asked, ruffling his hair a bit more.

Mitchell gulped,

"Uh,here you go. Take it." Mitchell streched his arm with the koala in it. Yashasvi looked at the koala and then at Mitchell.

"Take what?"

"This." Mitchell slightly lifted the toy to his face.

Yashasvi stared at the toy.

"You came all the way here to give me....a koala?" Yashasvi asked as Mitchell guilty nodded.

Yashasvi smiled.

He smiled looking at Mitchell.

"Thank you sir!" Yashasvi took the toy and hugged it close. "But sir, don't you think it's not appropriate for anyone to give a 23 year old a stuff toy?" Yashasvi mocked, laughing.

"Well,it is your first stuff toy, everyone should have that phase in their life. You just had it late." Mitchell shrugged.

"I am glad it was you who gave me my first stuff toy."

Although Yashasvi's tone was all teasy,

Mitchell felt warm,

happy,

that something he did brought a smile on the younger's face.

"I wish I could hold you back but you have your finals the day after. I will book you a taxi." Yashasvi mumbled, taking his phone out and booking one. Mitchell smiled and nodded.

"Huh,Pat sir?" Yashasvi frowned, turning his phone towards Mitchell. The Australian copied the same expression,

but for other reasons.

"You have Pat's number?"

Yashasvi glared.

"How is that a concern?"

Yashasvi shook his head, swiping the green.

"Speaker!"

Yashasvi nodded and put his phone on speaker.

"Hi Yashasvi,I am sorry to be calling you this late but is Starcy with you?"

Mitchell rolled his eyes.

"Yes sir,he is with me."

"Y'all meet this late at.....I mean." Pat's voice turned to normal from teasey,when he realised he wasn't talking to Mitchell.

"No, actually—Uh,I mean,we just met." Yashasvi awkwardly replied.

"Just like that?"

"Yeah,do you have a problem with it?" Mitchell glared at the phone.

"Wow,hi Mitch? Are you two having a cand—"

"Pat,why have you called?" Mitchell hurriedly interrupted,not letting the other Australian complete his sentence.

"Because you aren't picking up your call? How deep were you guys talking for you to ignore my calls?"

Yashasvi cleared his throat awkwardly as he looked around. Mitchell awkwardly smiled, cursing at Pat in his head,as he pulled his phone out.

Pat Cummins (Cummo) (2)

"Oh,my phone was on silent."

"Yeah,okay. Just come back soon,I am sorry Yashasvi but we have the finals coming up and we suddenly decided a late night meeting."

"No sir,no need to be sorry about anything. The cab is here infact." Yashasvi pointed at the cab as Mitchell nodded.

"Yeah,bye Patty and do not call again." Mitchell cut the call. "Sir—"

"Don't feel guilty, it's fine. He knows it was me." Mitchell nodddd.

Yashasvi nodded.

"Bye sir."

Mitchell smiled, walking to the cab,waving him good bye.

Yashasvi smiled as the cab drove away.

He looked down at the koala,

so kidish,

so stupid,

so pretty,

so heart-warming

So lovable.

.
.

Chapter Text

WTC finals,

a match which decides who tops the greatest format of cricket.

AUS VS SA,

a battle to look out for.

Yashasvi sat in the dressing room,after getting out cheaply.

He knew better,

he knew the English conditions were still new on him,

he couldn't be upset by the few bad innings he had.

He looked at the clock,

4:30 PM,

"WTC finals." Yashasvi mumbled.

"Bhaiya,score kya hua he? Pata he apko?" Yashasvi turned to Shubman.

"Tere samne hi to he." Shubman pointed at the India VS India A scorecard,glaring at the younger. Yashasvi rolled his eyes.

"WTC."

Shubman nodded, opening his phone to check the score.

"Bhai sahab, Australia 65-4 he."

Yashasvi widened his eyes, sitting up straight.

"Kya?"

"Hn,Rabada kya bowling kar raha he!" Shubman said,also sitting up straight and watching the match.

"Damn." Yashasvi mumbled, leaning back and looked at nothing in particular.

He bit into his nails, listening to the commentary.

"Tu kya chahata he Australia jite?" Shubman looked up at Yashasvi. The younger turned to the other, saying

"Ap cahate ho South Africa jite?"

"Fair argument."

.

Yashasvi bit into his nails as he watched the last Australian wicket finally fell.

212,

the score card read.

He sighed, leaning back.

Now,that is surprising.

"Wow." He sighed out,his body fully into the soft spongy chair.

He flinched and sat up straight hearing harsh knocks on his hotel room door.

"Yash! Tu he?!" He heard his captain's voice boom.

"Hn,hn!" He ran to the door, feeling the urgency.

"Bhai,dekh raha he na? Australia ka halat? Bhai sab,kese din agaye!" Shubman grinned,softly pushing Yashasvi aside as he entered his room, followed by Dhruv,Reddy,Sai and KL Rahul.

"Thik sab? Esa kyu muh kiya he?" KL asked, closing the door and wrapping his hands around the younger, pulling him to the bed and sitting beside him.

Yashasvi awkwardly grinned and shook his head, patting the other's back.

"Yashu,me ye sab khol sakta hun? Ye kese khaya nahi ab tak?" Shubman asked, looking at the hotel snacks.

"Hn bhaiya, thik he. Pucho mat." He tightly smiled.

"Kya hua tujhe?" KL's eyes stuck on Yashasvi.

"Tired hoon bhaiya." Yashasvi yawned, falling on the bed.

"Aree yaar,chalo,ghumne chalte hein,day after humko Leeds jana he,kaha pata London ghum paye ge ki nahi." Shubman over dramatically exclaimed.

"Kya bhaiya,kitna over acting karte ho." Nitish commented.

"Hn bhaiya,hum phir aayenge London." Dhruv pointed out.

"Hn,by the way,day after tomorrow nahi,4 din he hume yahan." KL said,staring at the screen.

Yashasvi sat on his elbows, staring at the screen.

"Bhai,kya stats he Mitchell Starc ke." Dhruv whispered, turning his eye at Yashasvi. He nodded at the elder,his eyes watching Mitchell warm up.

Yashasvi's eyes were stuck on television screen as Mitchell bowled,

bullets,

like literal bullets.

Balls that barely managed to pass the edge,

too close to the stump..

And then,like he always does,

Mitchell Starc has taken a wicket.

Markram's struggle and misery finally ended,on the last ball of the over,

adding on to the Rainbow nation's misery and desparacy.

"Wow." Yashasvi's lips sighed,as he leaned forward, watching Australia celebrate.

"Definitely wow worthy." Shubman said, keeping his snacks away.

"Okay guys,come on, let's go!" Shubman said, looking at the bunch.

"Aur ye match miss kare? Yashu nahi manega." Dhruv said,too casually.

"Kya yaar,chal na!" Shubman insisted, wrapping his arm around Yashasvi.

Yashasvi looked down at their interlinked arms and then at Shubman's really fake desparate face.

"Yeah yeah,me mana nahi karne wala tha." Yashasvi rolled his eyes at Dhruv.

"Chalo chalo,pant change karke ata hun." Yashasvi jumped off the bed, grabbing jeans and entering the bathroom.

"Come on gu—oh."

Yashasvi stopped, seeing Pat and Mitchell hug each other as a second wicket fell in Pat's over.

Dhruv looked up at Yashasvi,smirking. The younger could only glare as he walked to the TV wires and pulled it out.

"Aree,Yashu!" KL groaned.

"Chalo na Bhai!" Yashasvi pulled KL, walking to the door, taking his key card and walking away with the others behind them.

.

The night fell as the team gathered up for a dinner.

Yashasvi laughed at a joke Kuldeep cracked. His eyes caught Shubman's hand, trying to seek him more food as he slapped his hand away,glaring before breaking into a smile.

The table was buzzing and filled with laughter,

it was light,

so light, Yashasvi felt comfortable,

happy.

"Bhaiya,ye lo!" Yashasvi fed Shubman some nasty paste.

"Aree yaar,kya kar rahe ho! Ew!" Shubman slapped his arm, gulping away the water.

Yashasvi laughed.

Shubman shook his head, muttering a 'kid'.

As Yashasvi continued to annoy Shubman with his horribly made jokes,the captain had to shift his attention to his plate,

to avoid seriously injuring his opening batter.

His eyes fell on Yashasvi's phone,which had lit up with a call but had soon died down,with almost an immediate text.

Shubman choked on his food.

He knew peeking wasn't okay,

rude,

but Yashasvi's horrible jokes made him want to look any where and then to the younger's phone.

"What the—"

Yashasvi,who didn't notice his phone,stared at his black screen confused.

"Tu aur Mitchell Starc dost ho?" Shubman stared at Yashasvi, wide-eyed.

Yashasvi looked at Shubman,shocked.

"Kya?"

"Wo call kar rahe hein tujhe. Aur,mana mat karna,koi stranger rat he 12 baje phone nahi karta."

Yashasvi fell short of words.

"Bro,kuch nahi he. Tu jise dosti kar,itna kya tension lena? Sorry ese react kara,thoda unexpected tha." Shubman quickly said, noticing Yashasvi's expression.

The younger's expression calmed as he forcefully smiled at Shubman.

The captain smiled back, sipping his cold drink as he looked at the time.

11:35 PM.

"Call karle,bahut late hogaya he,abhi call karne Kiya he un hone, important hoga." He looked at Yashasvi.

"Aur,rat ko 12 baje call karna normal he dono ke liye?"

"Kya bhai,ap bhi." Yashasvi laughed it off.

"Call kar—"

"Bhaiya,ese table chod kar phone me bat karna is rude."

"Thik he angrez. Par Yashasvi,jo Angrez me nahi peda hua tha,wo Yashu. Khud ko excuse karle." Shubman shrugged.

Yashasvi sighed but understood his words as he excused himself from the table, walking away.

"Usko kya hua?" Dhruv asked, looking at the door.

"Mitchell Starc ka phone agaya. Scared the living lights out of me." Shubman mockingly laughed. Dhruv bit back his smile and nodded, returning to talking to the others.

"Interesting." Shubman mumbled, looking at Dhruv and then back at the door.

.

Mitchell sighed,staring at his phone screen.

He put his phone aside and stared at the ceiling,sleep heavy on his.

Ring,Ring~

Mitchell picked up his phone in a hurry,his eyes desparately looking at the screen.

"Yeah Pat." Mitchell talked with a sigh.

"Yashasvi didn't pick up."

"No."

"Ah,well,get to sleep mate. Important day tomorrow."

Mitchell pulled his phone away, indicating another call as his eyes widen,through all the tiredness.

"Yo Pat,talk to you later."

"Wh—"

Mitchell hung up on Pat's call, picking up Yashasvi's.

"Hello."

Mitchell almost sighed at how homely the voice sounded to him.

A voice he would love to hear after a rough and tiring day of cricket.

"Hi Youngie."

"Good day today,watched some of your bowling. You just get better."

Mitchell let out a small laugh.

"Why,thank you."

Mitchell continued,

"Well,what are you doing?"

"With the team. Team dinner."

"Oh,I must be interrupting."

"No,I walked out."

"Ah,okay."

The line fell silent.

Mitchell rested his head against the board as he heard Yashasvi's rythmic breathing.

"Sir,you sound tired."

"I am tired."

"You should rest sir."

"I should. But,I really wanted to talk to you."

Mitchell wasn't careful with his words,

and he was glad he wasn't.

"Same for me sir. But,you should really rest. You are too crucial for your team and the next four days are to be tough for you."

"I know Youngie. I am overly tired,my eyes dropping close,but sleep fails to comfort me. Can you just....talk? It brings me an unknown sense of comfort."

"Well,will it help you to sleep?"

"It might."

"Alright then. Lay down and keep your phone aside."

"Ordering, aren't we?"

"Yes,you have to sleep."

"God,you are the kid here, Youngie."

Mitchell shook his head,a small smile on his face as he put his phone aside, getting into the covers and turning to his phone.

"Well,I will have to start with my day. We had this inter-squad match,India VS India A. I played horribly,but I know I will get used to the very new conditions. And then came back to the hotel,watched your match. Was kinda horrified with the first innings score. But then you with your brilliance,of course,out Australia on top at the end to the day,with Pat sir,of course."

Mitchell sleeply chuckled as comfort filled up his body.

His eyes dropped close at Yashasvi's tone,

he did try to stay awake,

but with the day's outcome and Yashasvi's overally comforting tone finally managed to put him to sleep.

.

Yashasvi stopped speaking when he heard soft snoring.

"Good night sir." He finally whispered, putting his phone away.

He turned,

jumping at the sight.

"Hello Yashu." Shubman smiled, walking to him and offering him a glass.

"Uh,I don't do alcohol." Shubman raised his eyebrow at Yashasvi.

"Woah, Angrez,kal practice match he, remember? Normal drink he,le." Yashasvi nodded taking away the glass as both of them turned to the horizon.

"Uff,nice cold wind." Shubman breathed in as he sipped on his drink.

Yashasvi hmm'ed, letting the cold air calm his body.

Yashasvi turned to Shubman,as he watched Shubman tapping on his glass, impatiently.

"Kya hua bhaiya?"

Shubman turned Yashasvi, confused.

"Hmm?"

"Itna tensed? Anxious? Kyu?"

Shubman let out a hollow laugh.

"GT ko captain karna aur India test team ko captain karna bahut alag he." His voice broke.

"Pata he, expected it. IPL me captaincy karna aur national level me captaincy karna bahut farak hoga,par this is way too much. This is hard,aur mene England ke against abhi tak captaincy nahi kiya he." His voice continued to break as he kept his drink aside.

Yashasvi's gaze turned into pity,

must have been so hard for Shubman to take up captaincy,

more importantly when India is under a changing phase in Test cricket,

when there are hardly any seniors in a team.

Every captain goes through it,

but Yashasvi was experiencing it for the first time.

Must be hard for Shubman to handle such an authorised position today,when he was just a kid and youngster yesterday.

Yashasvi put his glass down and pulled Shubman for a hug.

"Bhaiya yaar,andar kitna rakha tha. Ye sab jab suru hota he,tabhi hi bol Dena ka. Apko koi kuch nahi bolega,koi blame nahi karega. Atleast not the people who actually matter. Log to bolenge,they watched their idols retire,of course ye hona tha. Apke sath galat ho raha he,par ye sabne expect kiye tha. Sune ka nahi. Apko captain banaya he because you deserve it.

Aur me apke sath hun,kya fikar?" Yashasvi joked at the end.

Shubman laughed, hugging the younger back.

"Thanks Yash."

He sighed on to Yashasvi's neck.

Yashasvi gulped,

wanting to kill himself for his too fast of a heartbeat.

"God,Yashasvi,kya kar Raha he tu?" Yashasvi thought,patting Shubman's back.

.
.
.

Chapter Text

2 days since the last time they talked,

and it wouldn't be a surprise if this would continue for the next few days as well.

Australia lost to South Africa in the finals,

and it is hard losing one,

no matter how many you have won.

Once again, Yashasvi found himself engulfed by the cold England air as he rests against the chair in his room's balcony.

He stared at his empty phone, slightly pouting at the black screen. He picked it up to check the time,

8:36 PM,

they were going to travel to Leeds the day after and were off practice tomorrow.

He heavily sighed, looking at his contacts.

Mama,
Dhruv,
Shubman bhaiya,
.
.
.
Mitchell Sir

He gulped,

he knew he shouldn't call,

he wouldn't,

of course.

But,every nerve in him was almost forcing him to.

"Kya yaar, Yashasvi?" He thought, keeping the phone on the table with a loud thud.

"Pagal wagal ho gaya he kya?" Yashasvi scolded himself as he sighed and stood up.

As he was about to grab his phone,

it lit up,

making Yashasvi to frown at the name.

"Pat sir?"

He picked the phone up and pressed it against his ear.

before he could say hello,

he heard

"Patty,come on,what the hell is wrong with you? I should have never given you his number."

Mitchell Starc said.

"Come on mate,stop."

"What if he is asleep? Resting? Out with his mates? He is a cricketer too."

"He picked up the phone,I don't think that means he is sleeping."

Yashasvi lowly chuckled at their words,as he walked to the railings, leaning against it.

"Yashasvi?"

"Yes sir?"

"Where are you?"

"In my hotel,London."

"We are out,join us?"

"Oh,sir,I cannot possibly interrupt—"

"Oh, it's nothing. Just the fast bowling union, meaning just the three of us and every friend of Mitchy,is our friend too. Let's hangout,we will be off to Australia and then to West Indies the day after anyways."

"You won't interrupt us, Yashasvi." He heard Josh say.

"I will send you the location?"

"O-okay."

"See you."

.
.

"You really had to do that?" Mitchell glared at Pat, sipping on his drink.

"Come on,why act like you don't wanna have him here?"

"That's not the case. I just don't want to meet him on a day like today."

"What's today?" Josh asked, sipping on his drink.

Mitchell glared at him.

"I know we lost, everyone losses once in a while. This surely is humbling." Josh muttered.

"He will be here in 10." Pat smugly said, looking at Mitchell.

"You two text?" Mitchell raised his eyebrow at Pat as the captain rolled his eyes at him.

"No,we do not. I just sent him the location and he said he would be here in 10." Mitchell hmm'ed as he looked through the menu.

.
.

"Oh,Hi Yashasvi." Pat smiled as the younger Indian walked over to their table.

Yashasvi gulped,

this was certainly just too much seniority to be in.

"Oh, it's fine Yashasvi. A friend of Mitchy is a friend of ours. Come on,take a seat." Josh politely smiled. Yashasvi calmed himself down and was about to take the only seat available,
beside Josh.

"Oh, Yashasvi, here." Pat stood up from his seat and backed away.

"It's alright sir." Pat smiled and shook his head, sitting beside Josh.

"God,how do I survive these three." Yashasvi bit his lips as he sat down beside Mitchell, passing him a smile,which was gladly returned by him.

"What would you like Yashasvi?" Pat looked up from the menu and at Yashasvi.

"Uh." Yashasvi mumbled, looking around for the menu.

"Here." Mitchell said, sliding the open menu at Yashasvi.

"Uh,I will just have a drink."

"You don't do alcohol?" Mitchell turned to Yashasvi as they looked eye to eye.

"Not necessarily alcohol."

"Why are you not eating,may I ask?"

Josh and Pat bit their laugh back as they witnessed the scene infront of him.

"I already ate with Shubman Bhaiya."

Mitchell frowned at the mention as he leaned back and nodded.

"Well then,order the drink?"

Yashasvi hmm'ed as he looked at the drinks menu.

.
.

"How come I never pay?" Yashasvi blurted out at his three seniors as he leaned back to his chair,cross-armed.

"This is your first time out with us and thank God Mitch was gentle man enough to pay at your outings." Josh winked at Yashasvi.

"Maybe you can when you meet us the next time." Pat smiled, leaning towards the table. Yashasvi sighed but nodded at his words.

"It's a bit over 10. I hope you have time Yashasvi,we can go out for a walk? The England air is quite refreshing?" Josh suggested, standing up from his seat, followed by the others.

"Well unlike us,he is a rising star and the next huge thing for Indian cricket. He surely has curfews,Joshy." Mitchell glared.

"I do,but a walk wouldn't hurt." Yashasvi nodded.

"Youngie,look,I–we,we would love for you to be around but shouldn't you rest? When is your train to Leeds?" Mitchell said, taking a small step closer.

"How slick of Mitch." Pat whispered to Josh.

"The day after. We have the day off tomorrow and it's good be out for a while. The hotel walls are suffocating me,at this point of time. Please." Yashasvi pleaded.

Mitchell sighed,

of course he couldn't say no.

"Come on then." Mitchell announced as the four of them walked off.

As expected,the comfortable atmosphere engulfed the four as Pat and Josh walked ahead of Mitchell and Yashasvi.

The streets were surprisingly empty,just one or two cars passing by occasionally and very few people on the streets,mostly couples.

"England's weather is weird, isn't it?" Yashasvi said,as he breathed in the air. Mitchell looked at the younger, feeling his heart skip beats.

He could never get enough of the younger.

He missed this,

this feeling of desparate,

the feeling of coming right back home with that one person.

He knew he was early into this feelings,

but it feels right,

right at place,

right at home.

"Hmm." Mitchell was oblivious to whatever Yashasvi was saying,

it was distracting,

he was distracting.

The two to them soon just walked in silence,

their hands brushing occasionally.

Yashasvi bit his lips everytime their fingers brushed,but couldn't bring himself to back out.

Mitchell looked down at their hands,inches apart.

He huffed,

deciding if he should take a step,

a tiny small step,

still a step.

"Wow,a full moon today." Yashasvi said, making Mitchell snap out of his thoughts.

Mitchell was unable to follow his gaze,the shine on Yashasvi's face being a bit too bright,

if he could describe it as such.

The elder,finally tired to their hands faintly touching,softly and gently grabbed Yashasvi's hands.

His eyes stayed on their interlocked hands while the younger's gaze remained on the Australian.

Yashasvi bit a huge smile back as he slightly tightened his grip on their hands.

The Australian smiled,as they walked in silence.

.

"Let's ditch them." Mitchell spoke,not trying to not be heard.

"We can hear you Mi—" Pat paused, looking at their interlocked fingers.

Yashasvi,overly flustered at his gaze on them,ripped his fingers off.

Mitchell glared at Pat.

"Go on, return back before 2:00, that's your curfew." Josh winked at him.

"We are off to the hotel kids, return whenever the curfew ends." Pat said, pulling Josh with him.

"I am older than you Pat!" Mitchell yelled as Pat simply raised his hand,shooing him off.

"Such a kid." Mitchell mumbled, making Yashasvi softly laugh.

"Hmm?" Mitchell turned to him as Yashasvi stopped laughing.

He gulped, looking into Mitchell's eyes.

It held arrogance,

ego,

softness,

but only for him,

only when he looked at Yashasvi.

"Nothing." He mumbled.

Mitchell walked closer to Yashasvi as his heart warmed up when Yashasvi didn't back away.

He was close,

but not close enough.

Yashasvi's head could burst with the temptations,

not for smoking,

but for the glorious man infront of him.

He was done denying it,

he would follow anything life has to offer,

and as for now,

life offered him Mitchell Starc,

and he was not backing away.

"Why did you laugh then?" Mitchell whispered,his fingers making there way to Yashasvi's hair.

"I—"

Yashasvi took a sharp breath in when he felt fingers on hsi scalp.

"You grew your hair? Looks nice." Mitchell said, fixing the part of the hair he messed up and looked directly into his eyes.

Yashasvi stared back,

his heart beats increasing.

"Let's go,I know a place." He whispered, taking the Indian's hand and pulling him along.

.

"Ufff." Yashasvi exclaimed,his right hand tightly around Mitch's as he viewed the London lights with the cool breeze brewing.

It was definitely a sight to soak in.

But,as per Mitchell,

it was a sight he saw too many times,and each time it took his breath away,

but the sight he was looking at now,

was more than enough to be fatel to him.

"Oh Yashasvi." Mitchell breathed out as Yashasvi turned to him.

"Hmm?"

Mitchell tightly smiled, shaking his head as the grip around the younger's hand increased.

Yashasvi frowned at the grip. He looked around to see a single bench as he pulled the elder to the bench.

"Oh,don't wanna see the lights? I have seen it multiple times and it still was surprising." Mitchell said, clearing his throat.

Yashasvi took his hand away,as Mitchell hurriedly turned to him.

"W-wh—"

"Stop."

The Australian frowned at the order.

Yashasvi scooted closer,his hands hesitate to make any further move.

"Hey,Youngie,all okay?" Yashasvi looked up as he nodded.

"Yeah,all okay." He breathed out.

"Are you okay?" Mitchell stared at him in confusion.

"What has happened to me?"

Yashasvi rolled his eyes at him as he leaned back and stared at the elder.

"I don't know,you tell me." Yashasvi mocked and Mitchell knew exactly what he talked about. The Australian just sighed.

"I don't want to remember it,not when I am with you." Mitchell insisted.

"You don't have to." Yashasvi whispered, shaking his head.

"Well,as you said,the London lights are quite the sight. Wouldn't want to miss that." Yashasvi grinned running over to the thick cemented railings.

Mitchell laughed at his tactics as he leaned back on the bench to see Yashasvi.

He walked to him, standing just behind him,

contemplating if he should do it for not.

"Maybe another time Starcy." Mitchell thought, standing beside Yashasvi,at surprisingly a reasonable distance.

The Indian bit his lips tight, frustrated at the distance.

"God Yashasvi,please stop." Mitchell said,his voice deep.

"H-huh?" Yashasvi turned to him.

"You bite your lips,a lot." Mitchell mumbled.

"Oh,I apologise." He awkwardly said, wiping his lips. Mitchell simply hmm'ed, as both of them looked at the lights in silence.

"Nostalgia isn't it?" Yashasvi said, running his hands in his hair.

"What is?" Mitchell asked, turning to the younger.

"Remember? A very similar situation back in Sydney."

Yashasvi lightly laughed.

"True,but we weren't in a similar situation." Mitchell pointed at the two of them as Yashasvi finally turned to him.

"What do you mean by that?"

Yashasvi's tone gave it away,

he knew exactly what the other meant.

"Who are you fooling Yash?"

Yashasvi breathed out heavily,

his name sounding too hot out of Mitchell's voice.

"N-no one. I was just..."

Yashasvi trailed off, watching Mitchell step closer.

"No, continue." Yashasvi gulped, looking at Mitchell who stood an inch away.

"I-I"

And that one inch was gone.

Yashasvi could feel Mitchell's breath on his face,

he was so close,

Yashasvi wouldn't dare to look up.

"Yes Yashasvi, continue."

.
.

Chapter Text

Yashasvi cleared his throat,overly flustered by the man infront of him.

Mitchell lightly smirked, nodding at Yashasvi and backing off, making Yashasvi let out a breath that he didn't know he was holding.

"Come on,breath in the cold air." Mitchell gestured him to the city lights as Yashasvi stood stunned.

Was he doing this on purpose?

or was he really that unbothered?

was holding hands, coming unbelievably close normal?

Probably,

he is definitely overthinking all of it,

and it did slightly break his heart.

Yashasvi nodded, turning away, taking in the cold air.

"Why don't you have a jacket on?" Mitchell questioned, turning his gaze at him. Yashasvi hollowly laughed.

"Well,it wasn't really my plan to stay out of too long. So,I thought a jacket was not required. How horribly wrong I was." Yashasvi coughed.

"It's England. You always need a jacket. Haven't you been in London for over a week now?" The Australian lightly scolded, taking his own jacket off.

"Oh,I do not require—"

He stopped, feeling it on his shoulder.

"Get warm. India can't afford to have a sick opener." Mitchell said,patting on the younger's shoulder.

"I-I know."

Yashasvi muttered.

He looked at the jacket, slipping it off his shoulder.

"Wh—"

"I should go. I will get an earful from Shubman bhai if I do not return in well....10 minutes. I can excuse myself for a max of 30 minutes,or I am afraid me staying out this late wil be informed to the management." Yashasvi said, giving Mitchell back his jacket.

The Australian frowned.

Yashasvi was upset,

he could feel it in his voice.

"W-What happened? Why are you upset?" Mitchell asked,hurriedly.

Yashasvi frowned,

he was upset?

"I am upset? Why would I be?"

"Well,you sound like you are."

"Oh,I definitely am not. Just,the management and my team will not really accept indiscipline and—"

Ring,Ring~

Yashasvi took his phone out and answered the call,with a sour expression on his face.

"Yash,tu kahan he?!"

Yashasvi heard his captain almost shout.

"Uh,bhai,me wo—"

"Sach bolna Yash~" a teasy voice blurted out. Yashasvi fisted his fit, hearing Dhruv's voice. With a sharp slap sound, Shubman continued,

"Bhai,jahan bhi he,hotel aja. Curfew 10 minute me he aur 20 minutes ka buffer,fir tu aur management bath karna. Tu he kahan,first of all?"

Yashasvi looked around for a landmark,but when he found none,he looked at Mitchell, contemplating if he should just tell Shubman the truth.

"Uh,ek dost ke sath bahar hun." Yashasvi cleared his throat, ripping his gaze off the elder.

Mitchell tilted his head in confusion and cursed at himself for not knowing Hindi.

"Dost ko bye karke jaldi ajana. Bye." Shubman hung up the phone.

"Aj me gaya." Yashasvi mumbled, looking at the time.

He turned to Mitchell,tightly smiling.

"All cool?" Mitchell asked as Yashasvi nodded.

"Yeah,but unfortunately I have to go back to my hotel." Yashasvi said.

Mitchell hissed,

he wanted them to be together,

for a bit longer,

but he knew better,

a lot lot better.

"Uh,I would suppose your hotel is 20 minutes from here and cabs are available,I will suppose. Let's go then." Mitchell nodded, wearing his jacket.

"Together?"

Mitchell nodded.

"Uh, don't you have to go to your hotel?" Yashasvi hurriedly said.

"Well, Youngie,unlike you,I have had a lot of years in cricket and although we do have curfews,it applies for the mostly the younger ones and,on top of that, we finished playing our test match today. So,come on,I will accompany you." Mitchell winked, calling a cab.

Yashasvi sighed, going after him and seeing a cab.

"Woah,that was fast." Yashasvi mumbled.

"Come on in Princess." Mitchell overdramatically said, opening the door and gesturing him inside.

Yashasvi heartly laughed at his gesture as he mockingly nodded and went into the cab.

.
.

"How humble of you." Yashasvi mocked, shaking his head at the man sitting beside him.

"Humble of me? You do realise that Australia has produced bowlers like Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee right?" Mitchell defended his point.

"Sir,they do not play in your generation." Yashasvi said,for probably the 15th time in the conversation.

Their voices were hushed,as they continued to argue.

"My generation has Patty,Josh,Boland—"

The two of them audibly gasped as the cab suddenly stopped,jerking them forward.

"Oh,I am sorry gentlemen. Seems like the cab has broken down." The driver said,his heavy English accent flowing in.

Yashasvi widened his eyes, looking down at his watch.

11:10

10 more minutes,he would be dead meat.

He looked at the road, recognising it very well.

6-7 minutes by feet,

probably 5 by running.

"Uh,sir,I will get off here. Can you please pay,I promise to pay back later and you have to take it." Yashasvi turned to Mitchell,his words almost slurry because of his speed.

"Stop stop,what do you mean you will get off here? It's impossible to find a cab this late at night." Mitchell stopped him.

"Sir,I have 10 minutes to the buffer time. It will take me 6-7 minutes by walking and 5 minutes by running. This is my last option."

"Shubman isn't going to kill you Yash!"

"He will not,but the management will. Please." Yashasvi nearly pleaded, looking at his watch.

"Then,I will come with you."

Yashasvi froze,

"You will run with me to my hotel?"

Mitchell looked at him,like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"I said that, didn't I? What is the fare,sir?"

Mitchell asked, taking his wallet out.

Yashasvi quickly snapped out of it when the driver said

"9 pounds sir."

Yashasvi was a bit quicker than Mitchell as he took out the money and gave it to the driver.

"Yash—"

"Sir,please. I was going to stop you from running with me to the hotel,but I know this disagreement will take a minimum of 2 minutes,which I cannot afford. So let's go! Thank you for the ride sir."

Yashasvi said,his voice not stable as he got out of the car.

"What is wrong with him?" Mitchell muttered, everything being a bit too fast for him.

"Sir,I think you should go after him." The driver said as Mitchell widened his eyes, looking outside,seeing Yashasvi almost running.

"God,he looks so comical. This situation is fucking comical. Who would have thought...thank you sir." Mitchell hurriedly said, getting out of the car.

"Yash,can you wait!!"

"Sir,you are a fast bowler! You surely will catch up to me!"

"Yashasvi,shut up!"

.

Yashasvi and Mitchell ran side-by-side,fast to add on.

The situation was comical,

purely.

Yashasvi's hotel finally came into view as the both of them internally sighed.

They stopped infront of the hotel,heavily breathing.

Mitchell coughed,resting his hands on his knees.

"A-a-re you o-ok-ay?" Yashasvi asked, taking heavy breaths in between. Mitchell looked up at him,glaring.

"How the fuck did we run to reach in 3 minutes?!" Mitchell coughed.

Yashasvi looked down at the time,

5 minutes to curfew.

He grinned.

"God it's hot." Mitchell groaned, taking his jacket off.

Yashasvi stared,

as the grey shirt stuck into Mitchell's skin because of the sweat,

faintly highlighting his muscles.

Yashasvi gulped, ripping his gaze off the elder, forcefully.

"Yashasvi Jais—" Shubman, followed by Dhruv,came out of the hotel as the captain stopped in his tracks, noticing the extra company.

"What the..." Shubman blurted out as Dhruv stood beside him, smirking.

Yashasvi looked up at his captain, widening his eyes.

"Oh fuck no." Yashasvi thought, looking at both Shubman and then back at Mitchell,finally catching his breath.

Shubman's widened eyes finally came back to normal when he realised he was being a bit too rude,by staring.

"Hi." Mitchell awkwardly waved at the other two.

The both of them returned the gesture,

very awkwardly as well.

"Hey,I am 5 minutes to the buffer time." Yashasvi tried to ease the atmosphere.

Shubman glared, tightly smiling at him.

"Yeah. Uh,you two seem sweaty?" Shubman asked, looking at the both of them.

"We ran,fast." Yashasvi lightly grinned.

"Why?" Shubman questioned.

"Because the cab broke down in the middle of the road aur mujhe management ki bak bak nahi suni thi."

"Uh,Sir,shall I get you a cab?" Shubman asked,as Mitchell stood alerted.

"I can surely find one." Mitchell said, looking at the very empty streets of London.

"You said we won't find one this late at night." Yashasvi pointed out, making the elder galre at him.

The Indian mouthed 'what' as the Australian shook his head.

"Wait,I will tell them." Shubman said, going back inside.

"Sir,this is Dhruv,Dhruv this is Mitchell Starc."

Dhruv annoyingly stared at him.

"Pata he yaar,pathar ke niche nahi reheta." Dhruv glared before slightly bowing his head at the senior.

"Yash,I do know him." Mitchell said in a similar tone before passing a small smile at Dhruv.

Yashasvi grinned, nodding at the two.

"Sir,I booked it. Here you go,water." Shubman said, passing him a small bottle as the elder mumbled a thank you.

"Mere liye?" Yashasvi stared at Shubman's hands.

"Chup kar tu." Shubman scolded.

"Curfew ke buffer time me ata he,aur pani chahiye. Aur inhe doda ne ki kya zaroorat thi,khud nahi aa sakta tha?" Shubman scolded, hitting Yashasvi's hand.

"Yash." Mitchell called out as Yashasvi turned to see him handing over his half filled bottle.

The three young Indians stared at each other shocked.

"You understand Hindi?" Yashasvi asked.

Mitchell tilted his head.

"Why do you ask?"

"Did you understand what me and bhai talked now?"

"Should I have understood it?"

The three sighed.

"No,but thanks." Yashasvi smiled, taking the water and chugging it down.

"The cab." Shubman pointed out.

"Thank you Shubman,for the cab. Good night,three of you." Mitchell said, smiling at everyone as his gaze lasted a bit longer at Yashasvi as he finally walked away.

The car drove away.

Yashasvi gasped, feeling a hit on his back.

"Kya Bhaiya!" Yashasvi whined.

"First to,bol nahi sakta tha tu Mitchell Starc ke sath bahar gaya he?!"

Yashasvi stared at him,weirdly.

"Bol deta to kya hota?" Yashasvi questioned, throwing the bottle away.

"I don't know,tujhe aur time deta unke sath romance karne keliye." Dhruv snorted at his captain's words as Yashasvi nearly choked on air.

"Kya bol rahe ho Bhai?"

"Mat bol mujhe. Hum dono kafi der se yahan khade the,saw it when you guys came here running. Unka muh mene thik se dikh nahi paya tha,tera dikh Gaya tha. Mene dekha,how close you were to eye-fucking him when he took his jacket off."

Yashasvi gasped.

"I was not!"

"Hn,isiliye bola close to!"

"Okay guys,thoda calm down. Hume sabko adhi rat ko jaga nahi he na?" Dhruv said, walking to them and pulling them inside the hotel.

"Bhai,tu na,next time bolke jana." Shubman hissed at him.

"Aur kahan hi jayega. Kal to dono teams keliye last din he London keliye,I think. Agar jayega ga,humare sath hi jaayega." Dhruv teased as the three of them entered the elevator.

"Kya yaar?" Yashasvi glared.

"To,tu gay he?" Shubman asked,too casually. Yashasvi's eyes almost popped out at his question.

"Bhaiya,mujhe s-sir wese ache nahi lagte."

Shubman dead-panned him.

"Kisko juth bol raha he bhai? Shubman rolled his eyes.

"Bhaiya,sachi!"

"Yash, liking the same gender is not a crime." Shubman said as a reply to Yashasvi's defensive-ness.

"Thik hi he,kya jata he. Aur khudko aur mereko jhut bolna band kar. You do like him,tere ankho mese se dikta he. Aur agar aur bhi Denial me rehena he,rahe."

Yashasvi gulped.

Why was he not expecting a reaction like this?

He would never know.

"You aren't... disgusted?"

Shubman frowned.

"Kyu disgusted hun?"

"Wo me—"

"Kya yaar? 21st century aur tu kesi bath kar raha he. Obviously not." Shubman rolled his eyes.

Yashasvi bit his lip, nodding at him.

"Chill kar yaar." Shubman smiled.

Dhruv looked at his captain, feeling grateful. Quite a less number of in the young opener's life have accepted his sexuality and Yashasvi feared to open up with anyone.

Maybe this is make Yashasvi burst out of his bubble.

"Good night boys." Shubman grinned, walking away as the elevator doors opened.

"Bhai,mere zindagi me na sab kuch bahut jaldi ho raha He." Yashasvi said,annoyed and worried.

"Wo sab chod. Chal,mujhe sab bata."

"Kuch he hi nahi he bata ne keliye."

"Thik he,phir bata hi de you like the Australian!"

"I do not—

I do not know!"

Dhruv laughed, trailing behind Yashasvi.

.
.
.

Chapter Text

"Yaar,wo mera he!"

"Mujhe acha lagta he ye!"

"Par mera he wo!"

Shubman huffed, leaning back on the chair and watching Yashasvi and Dhruv fight over a bat.

The captain sighed, slamming his first on the table beside him. The two RR boys stared at him.

"23,24. Dono pine keliye eligible,phir bhi baccho jesi halkat." Shubman grinned.

Dhruv scrunched his nose,"Hum pite nahi bhaiya."

Yashasvi took this opportunity to take his bat for the other's hand.

"Bhai tere pash 6 bat he,ek dene se kya jata he tera?"

"Sab. Ab chup kar ke help karo."

Dhruv rolled his eyes,yet continued to fold Yashasvi's shirt and kept it in the luggage.

Shubman stared at the two of them weirdly,before shaking his head and turning to Yashasvi's kit bag.

"Ye kya he?" Shubman and Yashasvi turned to Dhruv,who had a frown on his face and a blue koala in his hand.

Shubman tilted his head, "Tu teddy bear collect karta he?"

Yashasvi nervously laughed, taking the teddy and putting it into his bag.

"Kitna romantic he re tu,sukhe phool bhi rakh ta he." Shubman mockingly smiled and grabbed the stem of the flower.

Yashasvi gulped, looking at the flowers.

Shubman sighed, arranging the flowers on the table and turning his gaze at Yashasvi. "Bhai,meri bath sun thoda sa."

The RR boys turned to look at their captain.

"Tujhe wo ache lagte he na? Mitchell Starc sir?" Yashasvi gulped, slightly turning his gaze at Dhruv. Shubman stared at the two of them.

"I wonder,how the two of you haven't messed shit up." Shubman leaned back and stared at the two boys. "Mene bola tha,par Bhaishab ko kuch pharak nahi padhta." Dhruv shrugged.

"Kyu ki mujhe nahi pata if he likes me back, scratch that,I don't even know his sexuality."

"He agrees to run with you to your hotel when you were about to cross curfew,he agrees to spend his evening with you when he lost a final earlier the day, probably wants to spend all his free time with you. Pata nahi tujhe kya pata nahi he."

Dhruv finally finished his monologue.

Yashasvi pouted,sitting on the edge of his bed.

"Bahut kam time hua he yaar,hardly 4 months."

"Tu time se pyar kar raha he ya admi se?"

Yashasvi frowned.

"Bhai dekh."

Yashasvi looked up at Shubman.

"Tujhe ye sab me nahi phasna,then mat phaso. That isn't really selfish,you have just started your international career. Par,jitna mene ek rat me dekha,he likes you. You are the one who is going to have to decide, because,this,is going to take a hit on your career, that's for sure. Pata nahi management kya bolegi,par duniya to bole gi hi.

Par,ye sab tera matter he, agar tu dono handle kar sakta he,then go for it. But,agar nahi kar sakta,please unko hopes mat dena. From what I see,he really likes you and giving him false hopes,just doesn't sound right."

Yashasvi nodded at his words, looking at the ground.

"Okay,thoda heavy hogaya na, atmosphere? Tu aram se decide kar,par jaldi okay." Dhruv smiled,sitting beside Yashasvi and wrapping his arm around his shoulders.

Shubman,also,walked to Yashasvi sitting at the other side of the young opener and patting his back. "Mene England me kya kya ho sakta he sab soch diya tha,par tujhe love advice was definitely not on the list."

Shubman teased, messing with the younger's hair.

Yashasvi slightly looked up, "Ap kya karte?"

Shubman tightly smiled. "I would,just go with it. Would be together with the person I love, because love doesn't come often. Love doesn't provide much chances,so take the slightest one you have."

His gaze flickered at the two RR boys,his gaze lasting just a second more on the older one.

Yashasvi turned to him,

"Leave it on time?"

Shubman nodded at him.

"Ab to hugs banta he." Dhruv climbed on to the bed and wrapped his arms around the two, pulling them closer to him.

"Han Bhai,par sirf ek luggage he Mera—"

"Chup kar yaar,kitna emotional moment he!" Dhruv slapped his head. Shubman burst laughing, tapping Dhruv's waist.

"Chalo,iska almost hogaya he. Phir bahar bhi jana he team ke sath." Dhruv pouted at the two of them, flopping back on the bed.

"Kitna dramebaz ho." Shubman stood up, slapping Dhruv's knee. Dhruv stuck his tounge out at his captain, jumping off the bed.

.

Mitchell zipped his bag, tapping his luggage slightly. He looked around and nodded, seeing his hotel room nearly spotless. He wasn't much of a cleanfreak,but liked it that way.

"You ready mate?" Josh peaked his head through the door as Mitchell nodded, hanging the bag on his shoulder and pulling his luggage.

He pulled out his key card and walked side by side with Josh.

"So,when did you come back last night?" Josh asked,as the two entered the elevator.

"15 minutes to midnight." Mitchell said, leaning against the elevator wall and turning his gaze at Josh.

Josh quietly nodded. "So,the two of you will be apart for months now,and you don't even know if he is coming to Australia in October or not." He pressed.

It was not like Josh.

Mitchell frowned.

"What?" Mitchell slowly said.

Josh sighed.

"I might not be some love expert,but if you don't tell him now,I am afraid you won't be any time soon."

"Josh,I don't even know—"

"You were holding hands. That's more than enough to know what his sexuality might be." Josh glared.

Before Mitch could think of a comeback,the elevator door opened.

"Hi fasties." Smith grinned at the two as the two passed forced smiles,clearly feeling interrupted.

"Come on,you gotta hang out with us today, especially you Starcy. You haven't been with us for a bit." Marnus said,as the two walked out of the elevator.

"Yeah yeah." Mitchell smiled, kindly passing his luggage to a worker.

His Australian teammates smiled at him as the team,divided in groups,walked out to explore London.

Josh looked at Starc,who was clearly avoiding his gaze.

"You are delaying Starc." Josh huffed, rolling his eyes.

.

Yashasvi stood at the lobby, watching his teammates gather one by one. It was a team day out,before they go to Leeds and prove everyone's predictions of a white wash wrong.

But,his mind didn't exactly stay on the day out as he fiddled with his phone.

"Itna kya soch na? Karde." Yashasvi's fingers almost let his phone escape when he felt the breath near his ear.

Taking a few steps back,he glared at Dhruv who grinned and walked to the team, wrapping his arm around their captain, quickly engaging into a conversation.

Yashasvi tapped the contact, pressing the screen to his ear.

.

Mitchell laughed as Steve rolled his eyes as Marnus tactics.

"Wear this." Marnus walked to Steve with a funny looking mask.

"Why are we even in here?" Steve groaned, slapping Marnus's hand out.

"I honestly do not know." Mitchell smiled as Steve apologiesed to the worker for the chaos and pulled his group out of the toy shop.

"Such a huge mall and you two wanted to come here." Steve looked at Marnus and Konstas.

"Where were you guys?" Pat,Josh, Nathon and Cameron(Green) walked to them.

"The toy shop,like why?" Steve rolled his eyes, walking to the other group. Mitchell wrapped his arm around the sulky Sam and Marnus, ruffling their hair.

"Don't mind Steve,he is just an oldie." The two laughed.

"I heard that."

Mitchell mockingly whispered a shit, making the two laugh once again.

"Come on, let's go to the arcade!" Sam suggested,his eyes fixed on the very dimly litted,yet fun looking arcade.

"Can we not?" Steve groaned.

"Okay, let's do this. Me,Josh,Mitch and Sam go to the arcade, because by looking at Marnus's face,he despises the idea of being separated from Steve." Pat joked, pushing Marnus to Steve.

Sam grinned, walking to the arcade as the three followed.

"I will pay." Mitch pushed Sam away from the counter.

"But—"

Sam was pulled away by their captain,who shook his head.

"Stop protesting kid."

Mitchell walked to the three of them,giving them the tokens.

"You?" Josh asked.

"I don't do arca—" Mitchell drifted off as his eyes landed on a soft-toy claw machine.

"des"

Josh nodded, crowding Pat and Sam as Sam played something.

He ripped his eyes off the machine as he walked to the thing Sam was playing and leaned against something, smiling at the excitement Sam held on his face and his two friends lowly cheering him on.

He pulled his phone out, clicking their photos,when his phone vibrated.

Youngie.

He lowered his phone,his eyes hovering over the name.

"Pick it up." Josh suddenly said,as Mitchell lift his gaze.

"Feelings aside,he is still a friend." Josh stared at the phone and then at Mitchell,who nodded his head.

"Josh look!" Sam called out as Josh turned to the younger, playing along with hsi tactics.

"Hello?"

Mitchell took a deep breath in, letting the Indian accent fill his ears.

He sighed, answering,

"Hello Youngie, what's up?"

"Are you free?like right now?"

Mitchell gulped, looking at his teammates.

"Uh,why? Is everything okay?"

"Yeah,totally. It's just that it's going to be long before we meet again,so I thought we could...."

Yashasvi drifted off, hoping Mitchell would understand.

Mitchell's grip on his phone tightened when he heard a few other Australians,his teammates,enter the arcade and crowd around Konstas.

His eyes drifted over to the team,who were congratulating the youngest on winning some game before walking over to the bowling area.

"Oh,Youngie,I am out with my teammates,I promised a whole day to them until our flight tommorow morning. I don't think I can....make it. I am so sorry."

"No,no, it's fine. You don't have to be sorry. Even my mates are calling me. Well,meet you whenever then. Enjoy your day out."

Mitchell winced at Yashasvi's tone,which had dimmed when he rejected his offer of hanging out.

"Youngie,I am real—"

"Sir,you don't have to apologise. They are your friends too. Well,as for now,I kind of have to go and judging by how your teammates are calling you,I don't think they will appreciate you staying in the phone for any longer. Bye sir."

Mitchell mumbled a bye,slowly bringing the phone back from his ear. He looked up at his team,who were repeatedly calling him and walked to them.

"What did you two talk about that made your face lose all the colour?" Josh asked, narrowing his eyes at Starc. The elder only shook his head, sitting down on the couch.

"He wanted to hang out,I had to turn him down." Josh widened his eyes, dramatically gasping,earning a few gazes from the team.

"What happened?" Travis asked, narrowing his eyes at the two fast bowlers.

Pat leaned against the bowling machine and stared down at his two friends. He knew Mitchell well enough to know when he made that 'desparate puppy' face and Josh's 'not helping' face.

He sighed,

remind the two that he was the youngest among the three.

"Thinking about their poor bowling skills." Pat butted in, stealing Travis's attention. "Go on mate,I will talk sense into them." Travis comically smiled as he nodded, walking over to the crowd.

"What happened to the two of you? Looks like you two have been banned from bowling for a few months."

Mitchell and Josh glared at him.

"What did 'Youngie' say?" Pat mockingly called. Mitchell hit the back of his head, grabbing the back of his neck.

"Okay,I am sorry." Pat hollowly laughed, backing off.

"Tell me, seriously."

Mitchell sighed.

"He wanted to hang out,I had to say no." Mitchell's head hung back,his lips forming a pout. "And why,may I ask?" Pat glared at the man.

Mitchell narrowed his eyes at Pat and then at his team.

"I promised my team a hangout,Pat. I cannot possibly back away from yet another. It's like,I haven't hung out with these people,given my time in London and all my attention on only the Indian—"

"Well,like it should be,reserved for the Indian to be precise." Pat shrugged.

"I know,you feel obligated to spend time with us after a tough loss,but you and your happiness lies with the Indian,no matter how much you deny it. All your life you have been heartedly devoted to your team,to spend time with the people who gave you this name. You have been doing it so far and will probably for a couple more years. You have the West Indies tour with us after a few days, you don't have Yashasvi with you the next tour.

And,who knows,he actually might be man enough to take a step forward." Pat winked, earning a small laugh from the other two.

"But them..." Mitchell's eyes fell on his team.

Pat sighed,shaking his head.

"Lads!" The team turned to their captain.

"Our Mitch has found a new priority and he has to attend to it,right now. He has the West Indies tour with us,sadly doesn't have his priority there. Shouldn't we allow him to leave?"

Mitchell scrunched his nose at Pat, dipping his neck.

"Oh,a guy or a girl?" Marnus came forward and asked.

Mitchell raised his head,shocked as the team gathered around him.

"W-what?"

"I mean,we can't just assume it's a girl. That would be utterly rude in this current generation." Marnus winked.

"I,uh.." Mitchell didn't know what to say. He knew his team wouldn't judge,

but,the fear was still there.

"It's a guy I would say." Sam rested his head on Usman's shoulder.

"Ohh,who is the lucky guy?"

Mitchell softly smiled.

How he loved the team.

"I hope you get to meet him very soon. I will take my leave, thanks." Mitchell gratefully smiled at all of them,leaving his seat and walking away.

Josh and Pat grinned at each other,before standing up and walking to the bowling alley.

"Do we know the guy?" Steve asked, narrowing his eyes at the two bowlers.

"Maybe,maybe not." Pat laughed.

.
.

Chapter Text

"I am stronger,of course." Nitish teased, earning an eye roll from Yashasvi.

He stared at the punch machine,a small po ut on his face.

"Yeah yeah." Nitish smiled smugly, wrapping his arm around Yashasvi's shoulders, pulling him away. They joked around,or more like Nitish teasing how 'weal' Yashasvi was.

Dhruv laughed when Nitish showed him the scores, joining in the teasing.

"Shut up guys,kuch bhi bol te rahate ho. But,Yash,tu itna weak he?" Yashasvi slapped Shubman's chest as the captain laughed, pulling him closer by his neck as Nitish joined into 'messing' around with Yashasvi.

Dhruv looked at the three,a grateful smile covering his face. He pulled a phone out, quickly swiping the camera button and clicking a photo.

Soon enough the phone vibrated as Dhruv frowned at the caller.

Mitchell sir.

?

As in?

He quickly turned the phone,to see the cover and realised he was holding Yashasvi's phone,which was given to him by the owner before he had walked away with Nitish.

When he was about to hand over the phone to Yashasvi,he was reminded what his friend had told him just before they existed the hotel,

"Mana kar diya un hone and ab to mujhe team he sath rahena he. No Mitchell Starc involved today."

He knew better,

Yashasvi would only mess it up.

"Hello."

So,he picked it up instead.

He quitely walked away from them.

"You—hello?"

"Yes sir, it's me,Dhruv Jurel. Yashasvi is rather.....occupied." his eyes went on the three,where Yashasvi was severely sandwiched with Shubman's arm tightly around his neck.

"Oh."

"Is there anything I need to pass on?"

"Well,I,no. Let—Let him be occupied."

"No, it's fine. We are only out with teammates. He has them for an entire two months,he doesn't have you for much long."

"Huh,you sound like Pat."

"Honoured."

"This morning he asked me if we could hang out. I unfortunately had to say no. But,I would love to now."

Dhruv mentally hissed, looking at Yashasvi.

No way he would agree,

he sure was upset this morning.

"Uh,I am not able to convey the same to Yashasvi. But,I surely can tell you where we are?"

"Will your team appreciate that?"

"It's me, Shubman and Nitish,no worries. Come over and take him away."

"Are you sure?"

"100 percent."

"Thanks Dhruv,I owe you one."

"No worries. Well,we are at *** street."

"There in 10"

Dhruv smiled, mumbling a good bye.

"Yashasvi better be greatful to me." Dhruv grinned, walking to the three,who were sat on a table by now.

"Order karke ata hun. Dhruv,last time ka order?" Dhruv nodded at Nitish, walking away.

"Starc sir aa rahe hein." Dhruv kept the phone on the table,smugly smiling at Yashasvi.

"Kya?" Yashasvi nearly yelled.

"Oh,you had prior arrangements?" Shubman said in a horrible Australian accent.

"Pagal ho kya?" Yashasvi unlocked his phone, looking at the call history.

"Tu na—"

"Thik hi kiya. Aj tu unko bol,phir khel khatam. Kya bolte hein? Stop beating around the bush." Shubman rolled his eyes.

"Mujhe puch to lete!" Yashasvi whined.

Dhruv rolled his eyes.

"Chup kar. Wo West Indies chale jayenge aur humko match khelna he,you two won't get time."

Nitish returned, frowning at Yashasvi's scrunched face.

"Kya hua?" He asked.

"Yashasvi is suddenly pre-accupied. We will have to go,hum ghumte hein,Yash ko jo karna he karne dete hein. Dhruv,hum *** pe honge,ajana."

Shubman winked, pulling a whiny Nitish inside the cafe.

Yashasvi sighed, looking up to the clouds.

Overcast,

heavily overcast,

the wind blowed,

cold,spine-chilling wind.

The kind that made him uncomfortable,

made his temptations rise once again.

Yashasvi gulped.

"H-Hello." The Australian accent sipped through his ears,

as he felt the warmth arise in himself,

with the cold air still engulfing him,

physically.

"Hello sir." Dhruv kicked Yashasvi's chair, standing up and smiling at the senior.

Yashasvi licked his lips,

feeling the dryness.

He cleared his throat, standing up and turning around,

hoping he had turned around a bit slower,

or a bit more aware,

or whatever to make him prepared for the sight that was served to him.

Mitchell's hair swayed in the cold air,

his eyes seemed almost grey,

but that was not his colour.

He wore simple clothes,

white t-shirt,semi-baggy black jeans and a black hat.

Simple,

yet breathtaking for Yashasvi.

Love is so weird.

Yashasvi licked his lower lip, again,before mumbling a

'hello'

Dhruv bit his lips, holding back his laughter.

"Well,I will take my leave. Enjoy~"

Dhruv whispered at Yashasvi, passing a smile at Mitchell and walking away.

Yashasvi cleared his throat and scolded himself,before saying,

"I thought you were busy hanging out with your mates."

He teased, leaning against the table as he felt the wind pick up a bit.

Mitchell smiled.

"I was,but then realised I was going to have them in West Indies but I wasn't going to have a certain Indian there,so I choose the better priority."

Yashasvi froze.

Because of his words,

or the drastic fall in temperature?

No one would ever now.

The Indian cleared his throat and shrugged his shoulders.

"Yeah yeah. Wanna have coffee or—"

"Let's roam London a bit."

Yashasvi stared.

It wasn't like him to be cut off by the elder.

"O-okay, let's go." Yashasvi picked up his long jacket and rested it over his shoulders as he walked to him and waited for the elder to lead the way.

.

The same thing,all over again.

Like yesterday,they were simply roaming the streets of London,

which was slowly, seemingly, emptying.

Obviously,

it was 12:00 in the afternoon and instead of the bright shiny sun,there were dark clouds looming all over.

"The weather doesn't look good." Yashasvi said, looking up at the sky.

"Why is England weather always so werid?" Mitchell laughed at the question.

"Guess we will never know."

"So,when is your flight?" Yashasvi asked, turning his gaze at the elder.

"Early morning. Train?"

"Tommorow, around this time."

Mitchell hmm'ed.

Silence engulfed them,

they enjoyed it,

enjoyed eachother's company,

the silence and

simply each other.

Then,

our of now where,it started to drizzle.

Big raindrops,falling rapidly, indicating even harder rain.

"Wow, surprising." Yashasvi mocked, looking up at the sky and taking off his long jacket.

"Okay, let's take cover." Mitchell said, looking around and finding a shed.

"Why?" Yashasvi frowned.

"What do you mean why? You will get wet." Mitchell said, putting his hand over his head.

Yashasvi rolled his eyes.

"No. This might be so much more fun." Yashasvi looked up to the sky, letting his face get wet.

"Yash." Mitchell sighed,the rain getting heavier. He gently grabbed the younger's wrist and pulled him to a cover.

Yashasvi freed himself and whined.

"Why?"

"You are going to get sick"

"I will not. I will take medicines if needed to. Come on,can I enjoy the rain, please." Mitchell shook his head.

"Yash,do no—"

"Please."

Mitchell stared into his eyes,

seeing the brown,

realising that maybe the sun didn't do much to his eyes,

it was only him,

his love for Yashasvi that made him appear more dreamy.

"You are going to get sick,Yash." The Australian's voice softened. Yashasvi's lips only left small whispers of please.

Mitchell left a breath, leaving his wrist. He extended his arm, indicating the younger to give him his jacket.

Yashasvi childishly smiled, setting his jacket on his arm, mumbling a thank you and walking to the rain.

"Woah." Yashasvi smiled, letting the cold water make contact with his skin.

As a cricketer,rain can be annoying and hateful at times,

but,when not on cricket field,

Yashasvi never realised how pretty rain can be.

Yashasvi's eyes set in Mitchell,who was softly staring at him,with his own jacket lossely hanging off his arm.

"You are a bore,you know that?" Yashasvi had to slightly yell,to cut through the heavy noise of the rain drops that hit the pavement.

Mitchell raised his eyebrow at the younger.

"Not a bore,just not wanting to get sick and overly concerned that you might fall ill." Mitchell yelled back. Yashasvi rolled his eyes, walking to Mitchell. He took his jacket, rested it on some chair and gestured the elder to come with him.

"Yash,even I suggest you stop getting wet in the rain. You will get si—Youngie!" Mitchell lightly yelped, feeling himself dragged by the younger to the rain.

Mitchell felt the cold water droplets travel across his body and his hair sticking to his forehead.

"Fun isn't...."

Yashasvi's words dimmed.

The Australian saw his lips move,

but nothing registered in his mind.

Yashasvi looked...beyond heavenly now.

His hair sticked to his forehead,

his shirt sticked to his skin, highlighting his defined abs as his sleeves stuck onto his biceps.

The Indian's hand removed the hair that fell on his eyes as he laughed, talking whatever.

Mitchell hollowly laughed.

He was down,

bad,

horribly.

He ran his hand through his own hair as he watched Yashasvi sit down on a bench and look at his surroundings.

He walked to the younger, standing infront of him and staring down at him.

"You are weird,you know that?" Mitchell blurted out. Yashasvi looked up at the elder, shrugging and mockingly smiling.

"Well, someone has to be. Who likes to be as serious as you?"

"I am not serious."

"Not always,no. Maximum times yes." Mitchell jokingly rolled his eyes and sat beside Yashasvi.

"Okay, it's cold." Yashasvi stood up, shivering. Mitchell looked up at him, dumbfound.

"Exactly what I meant when I said you are weird." Mitchell mumbled, following the man to the shed.

The two leaned against a wall, watching the rain fall. Yashasvi winked the water away as he stared at the rain.

He couldn't remember the last time he actually enjoyed the rain.

"The rain is fa—"

Yashasvi paused.

Mitchell's white shirt was see-through,

Like really really sea-through.

No one could make out if he was actually wearing a shirt or not.

Okay,that was an over exaggeration.

Yashasvi ripped his gaze off Mitchell and turned it back on the rain.

His breaths slightly became faster as he coughed.

"The rain is?"

Mitchell asked,his eyes fixed on the younger.

Yashasvi inaudibly mumbled.

"Yash,can you look at me? I can't figure out what you are trying to say.." Mitchell said, trying to catch his gaze.

"It's nothing important." Yashasvi's face turned a deep shade of red as he turned his face away,

completely blocking Mitchell's view.

"Woah,Yash. What's wrong?" Mitchell frowned.

"Y-your sh-shirt."

Mitchell's frown deepend as he looked down at his shirt.

Slightly see through,

just slightly.

Mitchell bit his lips, realising.

"Youngie,come on. Don't your mates get shirtless in your dressing room?" Mitchell teased, making Yashasvi blush deeper,

if that was possible.

"Yeah yeah." Yashasvi,with great difficulty,mumbled.

Mitchell, deciding to tease the younger further, walked to the other side and stood,facing the younger.

Yashasvi widened his eyes and looked to the other direction, making Mitchell follow.

"S-sir"

Mitchell mockingly smirked.

"Yeah?" The elder said, standing unbelievably close to the younger.

"Yeah Youngie?" Mitchell said, jokingly.

Yashasvi looked up at Mitchell,

making the elder freeze.

The light and playful environment faded,

tension rising.

Mitchell's eyes scanned his face,

observing each of his features,

when his eyes finally fell on Yashasvi's lips.

Mitchell gulped,

instinctively leaning in.

He paused, almost as if giving Yashasvi an option to back away.

Instead,their lips met halfway.

Mitchell's eyes fluttered close,the feeling of Euphoric almost overwhelming him. He slightly tilted his head, gaining a bit more access to the younger's lips.

It was slow,

sweet,

nice.

There wasn't urgency,

there were a lot of questions,which both weren't interested to answer.

Yashasvi had forgotten how to breathe.

He felt the absence of air in his lungs,but he didn't have it in him to pull away,

to be disconnected from this.

The two of them finally had to pull away.

Mitchell gently rested his forehead on Yashasvi's,not really having the guts to open his eyes.

Yashasvi, overwhelmed by what he was feeling,soon tip-toed to reconnect their lips.

The kiss was still cautious.

Mitchell's left land made it's way to Yashasvi's semi-wet hair as another pulled him closer.

He deepened the kiss,not letting the other go away from him.

When they finally pull apart,

Yashasvi could swear his senior could hear his heart beats. He gulped.

What was he supposed to say?

What will be the Australian say?

What do you say after situations like this?

Their eyes met,

the world fell silent,the raindrops hitting the pavement being the only sound heard.

The rain had calmed down,

but their hear beats didn't.

Their stomach did flips.

What were they going to do now?

How does this go further?

Does it go further?

Chapter Text

Letting a smile finally escape, Mitchell opened his eyes as his fingers played with Yashasvi's semi-dried hair.

He saw the nervousness on the younger's face,

was this finally going a step ahead?

One of the older's hand slightly rested on the other's hand,he felt him slightly shake.

The rain had calmed down,but the cold wind sent shivers down their spine.

"Told you not to get wet in the rain." Mitchell's concern took over as his hand slightly rubbed his arm.

"Well,it happened." Yashasvi said,

in what sense,no would know.

Mitchell bit back a smile as he stepped aside and grabbed the coat, wrapping it around him,patting his shoulder.

"Get warm Yash." Mitchell said, rubbing Yashasvi's arms. A light, ignorable hmm left Yashasvi's lips,as his eyes searched Mitchell's.

Ring~

Yashasvi looked at his pockets and then at Mitchell.

"You had your phone in here?" Yashasvi asked, taking the other's phone out and handing it over.

"Virat?" Mitchell mumbled.

"Let's sit." Mitchell pulled Yashasvi to a bench, putting a arm around his shoulder and slightly pulling him closer.

Yashasvi couldn't be more glad that his back was facing the elder,

his red and shallown face would surely have embarrassed him.

"Hi Virat."

"Hello Mitch, what's up?"

Mitchell's eyes hovered over Yashasvi,as he slightly smiled.

"Just out,why?"

"Well,heard it's your last day in England? Let's meet,catch up. Invited Patty and Joshy already."

"Oh,sure. When and where to meet?"

"Aren't you out with those two?"

"No,not really."

Mitchell ruffled Yashasvi's hair, making him sit up straight.

"The whole of Australian team is together,why aren't you....you know what, never mind. That's for later. Come with Pat and Josh later."

Mitchell hmm'ed, bidding the Indian a goodbye.

Sliding the phone back into Yashasvi's coat pocket as he made the Indian's head rest on his shoulder.

"Do you want you talk about it?"

Yashasvi gulped.

"Yes,not now though." Yashasvi silently pleaded.

"As you wish." Mitchell said with a smile,his fingers making their way to his chin, lifting his gaze as he planted a peck on Yashasvi's lips.

"I do think I own a licence to kissing you whenever I can,I hope?" Mitchell joked. Yashasvi held back his laugh, rolling his eyes.

"Yeah yeah." Yashasvi said, backing away a bit,the proximity still being too intimidating.

"Yash." Mitchell called.

"Hmm?"

"Virat has invited some on the Australians to his place,friends. I have to go." Mitchell held back a pout.

Yashasvi scooted away and nodded at the Australian.

"Lunch?"

Mitchell nodded.

"It's past noon. Come on,go." Yashasvi insisted.

Mitchell frowned.

"But I want to stay with you."

"Virat bhai has invited you."

"But—"

"No,you have to—"

"Come on Yashasvi,we just kissed. How do you not want to spend time with me?"

Yashasvi paused,his face turning red.

"I-it's n-not that. I,uh."

Mitchell leaned forward, slightly grabbing the other's jaw and planting his lips on the younger's.

It happened so quickly, Yashasvi had no time to respond.

"You seriously want to leave this?" Mitchell asked,his husky voice slipping through Yashasvi's ears, sending shivers down his spine.

".."

Mitchell smirked.

He liked it,

Yashasvi going all quite and red for him,

and only him.

Possessive?

Sure.

Guilty about it?

Never in an eternity.

"How come you never answer me?" Mitchell teased, leaning back wards, leaving Yashasvi desparate to his touch.

One thing Yashasvi was never good at doing was hide what he actually feels,at that moment.

His mouth may not babble,

but his face simply gives it away.

Yashasvi's mouth gaped open as he instinctively moved away.

"Stop doing that." Yashasvi mumbled, playing with his cheeck.

"Do what?"

"Nothing. Go and enjoy with Virat bhai." Yashasvi mumbled, standing up and walking away.

"Yash,what the hell? All that for nothing?"

Mitchell widened his eyes and followed after the young Indian.

.
.

Mitchell grinned,the thought of Yashasvi still fresh in his mind.

Him and Yashasvi,sadly,had to part ways,

both acknowledging that simply ignoring Virat wasn't going to do them any good.

(More like Mitchell realized it)

They did promise each other to talk about it.

Talk about them.

Mitchell had a hot and calm shower as he rested on his couch, looking up at the ceiling.

"Mitchell!"

He jumped at the voice.

"God Pat,I have not gone deaf!" Mitchell annoyingly said, walking out of his hotel room with his key card.

Slipping his hand into his pocket he walked alongside the other two as they existed the hotel to a cab.

"So,Mitch,are you going to tell us why you have that constant blush on your face?" Josh whispered.

Mitchell shrugged, turning his head away,biting his lips to avoid the smile.

"Mitch,why can't I reach your phone?" Pat asked, showing his screen.

Mitchell frowned, tapping his pockets,in search of his phone.

His frown turned to horror when he realised he didn't have his phone with him.

"What the—"

He paused.

"Yash's pocket."

Mitchell mumbled.

"Where did you lose it?" Pat asked.

"I didn't lose it." Mitchell said, leaning back.

"So..?"

"I will tell you later." Mitchell rubbed his forehead.

.
.

"That's huge." Pat exclaimed, looking up at Virat's newly made Penthouse.

"He is an Indian after all." Josh joked.

The three entered the penthouse, greeting the guards as the huge doors opened.

"This is royal." Pat exclaimed, looking at the chandelier.

Mitchell slapped his captain's head.

"So rude Patty." Mitchell rolled his eyes as the guards led them to Virat.

"Get out,the two of you!" The three slightly jumped at the tone.

"Pajji!" Their eyes landed on the Indian test Captain practically on Virat and Yashasvi, laughing.

A calm feeling washed over Mitchell,as his eyes stuck on Yashasvi.

"Oh see,you are making yourself a fool infront of the Australians." Virat pushed Shubman off of him and stood up.

The youngsters scrambled, Shubman stumbling upon Yashasvi's feet,which was slightly stuck under his thigh.

"Yash!" Shubman silently scolded, grabbing onto his shoulder. Yashasvi, instinctively, wrapped his arm around his captain's waist, mumbling sorries.

Virat glared at the two and stared at the Australians, embarrassed. He stood infront of the two and smiled.

Mitchell frowned,

looking at Yashasvi's hand safely and tightly around his captain's waist.

His hands formed a fist as he looked away and focused at Virat.

"Ignore them,they were just going. I don't know why they were here in the first place."

"Don't you love us?" Shubman said, pulling Yashasvi along with him.

Yashasvi straighten-uped,his arm resting on his captain's waist.

"Karo aur embarrass mujhe." Virat mumbled.

"It's fine,all good." Pat assured, keeping his coat aside.

"Bhaiya,chalte hein." Yashasvi mumbled, making Shubman nod.

"True." Shubman said, unwrapping his arm around Yashasvi as the two created some distance.

"We will take our leave." Shubman smiled at the three Australians, passing Yashasvi's coat to him and then taking his own coat.

Yashasvi slipped his hand into his pocket, taking Mitchell's phone out.

"Goodbye Virat bhai!" Shubman and Yashasvi said as they walked away.

"Phone." Yashasvi mumbled,as Mitchell looked at Yashasvi and then at him phone. The Australian nodded, taking his phone,

slightly brushing his fingers against Yashasvi's.

Yashasvi licked his lips,his eyes straight,

which caught Shubman smirking at him.

"Yeah."

Yashasvi mumbled, almost running away.

"That is so much food. I am sure Virat doesn't mind the two youngstars joining in?" Josh said.

Yashasvi paused, widening his eyes and shaking his head at Shubman.

After whatever happened today,

Yashasvi couldn't handle himself in Mitchell's radius,

he couldn't probably stay away from him.

Shubman bit his lips, laughing at Yashasvi's misery.

He knew something had happened,bot exactly what,but their constant blushed and flustered face simply gave it away.

"Are you sure?" Virat asked.

"Yeah,what about the two of you?" Josh turned.

"I am sure we have som—"

"Work." Yashasvi interrupted, turning around.

Oh,

how he wish he hadn't.

Mitchell's gaze almost killed him.

"W-work. Sure we have some work—"

"That can wait." Shubman interrupted,resting his arm around Yashasvi's shoulders.

He enjoyed how sour Mitchell's face went when he did anything that involves physical touch with the younger.

He smiled at the Australians, pulling Yashasvi to Virat.

"Par kyu?" Yashasvi whined against Shubman's ear.

"Tum hare wale ko jala na he. Mar gaye ho wo,mujhe terese chipak kar dekh kar." Shubman laughed.

Mitchell gulped,the two youngstars proximity killing him.

"God." Mitchell mumbled.

"I can literally smell you burning Mitch,calm down." Pat whispered teasingly.

"Why can't Yashasvi smell it?" Mitchell rolled his eyes.

"You are going to rip your shirt." Pat said, looking at Mitchell's grip on his shirt.

"I actually might if he clings on to Yashasvi any longer."

Mitchell sighed.

Long lunch,

Eh?

Chapter Text

"By the way,why does Yashasvi have your phone?" Pat mumbled, seeing a very familiar phone sliping out of Yashasvi's pocket.

Yashasvi froze, looking down at the couch to see a phone slip from his jacket.

Mitchell held back a smirk as he sat on the chair and leaned back,his eyes stuck on Yashasvi.

Virat picked up the phone and raised his eyebrow at Mitchell and Yashasvi.

"Oh,you were with Yashasvi when I called you?" Virat asked, passing the phone to the owner as the Australian casually nodded.

"That close?" Virat let the tease flow out as he sat on the couch and watched a very awkward Yashasvi and an overally casual Mitchell.

"Ese hi." Yashasvi cleared his throat, awkwardly settling on the couch. Shubman grinned, sitting down and quitely patting the younger's back.

"Isiliye tum dono aye the." Realisation struck Virat as he glared at the two, especially Yashasvi.

Yashasvi shook his head.

"Nahi Bhai,apke liye aye the."

Virat rolled his eyes yet nodded.

"So, I have lunch ready. We can dive into that or we can have a tour,maybe have a dive in the pool, anything." Virat clapped his hands, looking around.

Shubman smiled at the ideas, quickly mingling with the others and suggesting.

Mitchell took peaks at Yashasvi,

seeing how his eyes shined at the everyone.

His lips curled up for a small smile as he swirled the non-alcoholic drink in his hand.

Every small thing about Yashasvi made Mitchell feel light,

at ease.

Yashasvi felt his phone vibrate as he pulled his phone out and stared at the notification, opening it.

Nitish
New Notification

Nitish: Yash,Dhruv got injured but wo man nahi Raha he. He has like a huge injury on his forearm by a rusted metal but TT nahi le Raha he. Bacho jese behave kar raha he.

Nitish: new photo

Yashasvi bit his tounge at the photo.

Turning his screen off,he pulled Shubman slightly.

"Kya hua?" Shubman whispered.

"Jana padega,mujhe." Shubman frowned, looking at him.

"Kyu? Tere pas zyada reason he rehene ko." Shubman whispered back.

"Dhruv got injured, scratched his arm against a rusty metal. Baccha jesa ho raha he,TT lene keliye mana kar raha he."

Yashasvi swear he saw Subman's face lose all its colour.

"I am going too." Shubman mumbled.

Yashasvi didn't question it.

He turned his gaze at Mitchell, feeling his stomach in knots.

They didn't talk about it,

talk about them,

and the next time they surely will meet in IPL 2026,if Mitchell actually plays.

He doesn't know if he will get selected for the Australian tour,

he doesn't know when he can talk about them.

Yashasvi sighed,

Dhruv has to come first.

"B-bhaiya." Yashasvi called out, making the room go silent. He felt the four gazes,one being overly intense on him. He kept his gaze on Virat.

He didn't think he could leave if he looked at Mitchell.

"Hmm?"

"Humko jana padega. Something came up." Virat frowned.

"Sab thik he?" Virat asked,his gaze on Shubman and then at Yashasvi.

"Hn. Dhruv bacho ke jese ho raha he." Yashasvi shrugged.

"Thik he. Chalo."

"Nahi,apke yahan guests aye hein. We will find our way out." Shubman forced out.

Virat nodded.

"Everything good?" Pat finally spoke up, insanely confused by the three Indians.

"Yes,all good. They had something come up,so they will have to leave." Virat smiled at the Australians, patting Yashasvi and Shubman's back.

Mitchell stared at Yashasvi,wanting to get him to look at him.

"We will get going. We unfortunately had something come up,which we can't ignore. Thanks for the invite." Shubman formally smiled at the three Australian.

Pat shook his head, standing up and pulling Shubman into a bro-hug.

"All good mate." Shubman grinned,his gaze staying a bit longer as he moved to the others.

Yashasvi frowned at the interaction.

Totally normal,sure.

But,it was off.

Yashasvi snapped out when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

He looked at the contact and softly smiled at the Australian captain.

Pat smiled back,softly hugging the Indian.

"You gotta tell me what you did you Mitchell. He won't stop smiling." Pat whispered, pulling away and grinning at Yashasvi.

The Indian blushed, managing to put on a bold smile.

Barely.

Pat backed away as Josh side-hugged the Indian.

Mitchell looked at Yashasvi,

with probably thousands of questions in his eyes as they simply stood infront of each other.

Mitchell sighed, pulling Yashasvi into a quick hug,

afraid he wouldn't be able to let go.

"We will talk." Mitchell whispered, backing away.

Yashasvi silently nodded as the two youngstars hugged their Virat Bhai a goodbye.

"Milenge?" Virat narrowed his eyes at the two.

"Bhaiya,hum mar nahi rahe hein aur kuch serious bhi nahi hua he. Sab ese kyu hame goodbye bol rahe hein." Yashasvi mumbled as Virat hit the back on the younger's head.

"I know right." Virat joked.

"Bye everyone." Shubman and Yashasvi greeted, storming out of the penthouse.

Mitchell held back a pout as they settled down and went back to talking,

his mind still on the Indian.

.

"Shubman bhai." Yashasvi called out as the two entered clinic where Dhruv was in.

"Hmm?" Shubman snapped out of his daze.

"What's up with you? Dhruv mara nahi,ek thoda bada scratch hua he. Itna pareshan kyu ho?" Yashasvi frowned.

Shubman sighed.

"Yash,it's n-not easy." Yashasvi frowned.

What was not easy?

Before he could ask again,Nitish found them.

"Kitna bada baccha he bhai wo." Nitish rolled his eyes.

Yashasvi tighty smiled, entering the room,to see a pouty Dhruv and a frustrated doctor.

"Tu na pagal he." Yashasvi slapped his head, looking down at his arm.

"Nahi lena injection." Yashasvi deadpanned him.

Shubman looked over Yashasvi's shoulder,as his eyes fell on the bandaging.

"Tu pagal he—"

"Bhaiya,sab mujhe wahi bol rahe hein. Mene last time jab liya tha TT,mera hath sun hogaya tha aur practice nahi kar sakta!" Dhruv whined.

"Aj practice nahi he aur kal travel he." Shubman deadpanned.

Dhruv pouted.

"Par wo rusty nahi tha!"

"Jhut math bolo. Pura laal laal tha!" Nitish childishly said.

Yashasvi looked at the two, rolling his eyes.

"Dhruv."

Dhruv rolled his eyes.

"Fine." Dhruv leaned back.

"Yes doctor."

The doctor sighed, getting the needle ready and giving him the TT.

"I swear me agar kal practice nahi kar pa—"

"Kal practice nahi he Dhruv." Shubman rolled his eyes.

"I can't believe him! yahan iskeliye aye the. I mean,come on. Tum dono mar jao!" Yashasvi glared at the two.

"Isko bolo,meri bath nahi sun raha tha. Mujhe kya pata tha apki bath itni jaldi sunega!" Nitish defended himself.

Yashasvi threw his coat at him and sat beside him, observing the other two.

"Yash,kuch chal rahe kya?" Nitish whispered as Yashasvi shrugged.

"Pata nahi yaar." Yashasvi intellectually said, squinting his eyes. Nitish frowned as the two watched Shubman and Dhruv whisper-fight.

"Ap dono kaha the?"

"Virat sir ke yahan."

"Kyu?"

Yashasvi gulped,as he felt the heat creep up his cheeks.

"Y-yese hi." The opener shrugged.

Yashasvi felt his phone vibrate in his pocket,as he pulled it out,

looking at an expected text.

Mitchell sir: at 10 today?

Yashasvi pressed his lips together, typing

"You have an early flight."

Mitchell: Doens't matter.

Yashasvi bit back a smile.

"At 10,***(place name)"

Mitchell: See you.

Yashasvi switched his phone off as he heard Dhruv call him.

"Chal bhai, hospital ki hawa mar Dali gi mujhe." Dhruv rolled his eyes, walking to the door.

"Dono bacche hein." Yashasvi mumbled, watching Nitish whisper something into Dhruv's ear.

"You have a lot of explaining to do." Yashasvi softly glared at Shubman,who sighed but simply nodded.

.

"You what?" Yashasvi almost crushed the coffee he had in his hand.

"I don't think we should be drinking coffee at 2 in the evening Yash,lunch bhi nahi liya humne." Shubman rolled his eyes, looking at his steaming coffee.

Yashasvi deadpanned.

"You tell me you like Dhruv and then tell me we shouldn't be having coffee? You high?"

"Angrez ki aulat,itna kya English use kar raha he."

"Topic mat badlo!"

"Bhai aur kya bolu tujhe?"

"I don't know,how do you actually feel about Dhruv? Or how you will manage to deal with what you are feeling?"

"Just the way you feel when you are with Mitchell Starc. Simple, isn't it?"

Yashasvi gritted his teeth at Shubman's ignorance.

"Okay,tell me when you realised this?"

"Bhai murder nahi kiya he,interview kyu le Raha he mera?"

"Bhaiya please."

"The last time we played England...."

Yashasvi leaned back,the story registering in his mind. He didn't find it weird how Shubman always picked Dhruv,how they were at optional practice session every single time, although he remembered how Dhruv adored his free time.

He didn't find it weird when at team games,Shubman way always with the two RR boys,sometimes even choosing Yashasvi and Dhruv over Ishan(with great great difficulty).

Now,he will have to look at everything with a new perspective.

Yashasvi broke out into a grin, nodding at Shubman.

"I ship." Yashasvi expressed in a high pitched voice, making Shubman cringe at it.

"So,realise kese Kiya ki you like men?" Yashasvi asked.

"Tune kese realise Kiya,phir me bolunga. Mine is probably more terrifying."

Yashasvi bit back his laugh.

"Tit-for-tat?"

"Dost he hum,Yash. I just want to know your story as well."

"Mazak kar raha tha. Well,18 tha. I liked Dhruv."

Shubman's eyes were as big as coins,if Yashasvi could describe it as such.

"Kya?"

Yashasvi nodded.

"More horrifying than this?" Yashasvi asked, sipping his coffee.

Shubman sighed, nodding.

"My first boyfriend was Pat Cummins." Yashasvi harshly choked on his coffee,the drink being extra hot for his throat.

Hs felt water in his eyes as Shubman hurried with a glass of water.

Yashasvi wiped his eyes.

"What the hell?" Yashasvi said in a hoarse tone.

Shubman sighed, nodding.

"Pat sir is....bisexual?"

Shubman nodded.

"Yup. KKR ke dino me,we realised it wouldn't work out so we broke off,but remained friends. Mad respect for the man,helped me through shit. Tried to date girls,hang out with them, clubbing and shit. He pulled me out of it."

Yashasvi gulped, processing it all.

"Oh... okay."

Shubman sadly smiled.

"Me mar jata tum dono ko dhund dhund ke. Chalo,lunch khate hein." Dhruv along with some other team members walked in.

The wicketkeeper wrapped his arm around Shubman and grinned at his RR teammate.

Yashasvi secretly smirked at Shubman, coughing his laugh down.

"Let's go." Yashasvi sang and whistled at Shubman,as he stood up and walking with Jadeja.

Shubman glared at Yashasvi,already knowing it won't go down well.

.
.

"Late night walk chale? 8 baje hein." Jadeja asked, looking around the table.

"Wo kahan se late night hua bhaiya." Washington Sundar complained.

Jadeja raised his eyebrows at him.

"10 baje chalte hein,hum sab Gautam sir ko bolte hein,man hi jayenge,aur unko bhi leke chalenge!" Sundar suggested.

"True,iske bad bahut tension he." Jadeja said, slapping his thighs and standing up.

Yashasvi widened his eyes at the conversation,

how was his luck so sour?

"Itne rat ko kyu? Abhi chalte he." Yashasvi suddenly suggested.

"Late night maza ayega!" Sai defended.

"I skip." Yashasvi faked a yawn.

"You are a bore." Jadeja glared.

Yashasvi grinned, shaking his head.

"Well,best of luck. Gautam sir man jayenge,and probably apke sath nahi jayenge." Yashasvi grinned, walking out the room.

"Isko kya hua?" Jadeja narrowed his eyes at the youngsters of the team.

"Hmm?" Shubman asked.

"Ye aj kal inta hyper aur jumpy kyu he?"

Dhruv bit his lips, holding himself back.

"Kya pata bhai? Pagal he wo. Chalo,coach sir ke age hath jod te hein." The captian redirected the conversation,

kind of having an idea of why Yashasvi skipped team time,

which the youngster didn't do very often,

and something Shubman didn't quite appreciate.

.
.

Yashasvi laid on the cold seats,the thick blankets not doing their job. He rubbed his arms warm as he tried to get some rest.

Knock,Knock,Knock.

Three sharp knocks.

Yashasvi frowned, looking up at the clock.

9:15?

He forced himself out of bed, ruffling his hair as he walked to the door, unlocking and opening the door.

He opened the door to a very straight faced and serious Shubman Gill. But, ignoring the expression,he leaned against the door frame, smirking at him.

"Dhruv is two rooms down." Yashasvi pointed, winking at his captain.

Shubman pushed against Yashasvi's shoulder with his,as he walked into the room, settling on the bed.

Yashasvi frowned, slightly confused.

"What's up?" Yashasvi asked, closing the door and turning to Shubman.

"I don't appreciate it."

Scratch slightly,

overly confused.

"Okay,I do not understand."

"I don't appreciate you skipping team hangouts for someone else."

Yashasvi cheecks fell,the confused expression vanishing into thin air.

"What?"

"Isse pehle you never skipped team hangouts. Out of respect or fun, doesn't matter. You are obliged to the team Yash,you always have been. But,ab tu willing skip kar raha he."

"I skipped today as well."

"No,it was the four of us today, doesn't matter. It wasn't the team Yash."

"What are you suggesting?"

"Starc ko milne ja raha he tu."

Yashasvi tilted his head at Shubman's very accurate shot.

"How did I know? You are predictable Yash and I do not like it. Tujhe Jo karna he kar,mujhe farak nahi padta,hum dost he. Par tu jab pura team ko ignore karta he na,farak padta he. We have come to a tour without the three people who carried India for a decade and who have handled players like us. I want us to get along,the team to get along."

Yashasvi frowned.

"Me sab ke sath comfortable hun bhaiya."

"Team over individual,Yashasvi." Shubman said coldly, resting one of his hands in his pocket as he walked out, slamming the door open and shut.

Yashasvi froze,

like unable to even move from his place.

What had happened to Shubman?

Why did he react the way he did?

He did not have such a reaction earlier the day,why...

Yashasvi blinked, grabbing a glass of water and chugging it down.

The water that felt foreign and distant because of the cold England weather,now fell short to provide him comfort and cool down his suddenly throbbing throat.

Yashasvi's eyes stuck on the clock,the sound being too striking to his brain. With every second passing by,he felt his hangout with the Australian falling heavy on him.

Was he really choosing individual over team?

If he was,

why was he wrong?

What did he do wrong?

.

Yashasvi gulped,

9:55

he watched the clothes he laid out an hour ago.

He couldn't bring himself to move,

why?

The group chat was going crazy,mad crazy. Probably overly joyed that they did get the permission and were going out for the night before their train to Leeds tomorrow.

Everyone deserves a day off from discipline, don't they?

But,just one day off,

unlike Yashasvi...

He brought himself to stand up and walking to the balcony,the fresh air desparately needed.

It would take 20 minutes for him to reach the place,

he should have been heading to the place,

yet, Shubman's ignorance and tone stuck with him,

making him unable to accompany the team,

or even go to the Australian.

.
.

Mitchell leaned back on the wooden bench, England's cold air picking up.

It didn't bother him,

thinking of Yashasvi made him warm.

He softly whistled looking around the area.

England was really pretty,he had to admit.

"Yeah?"

Mitchell asked, picking his phone up.

"You are out?" Pat's disappointed tone made it to his ears.

"We have days off Patty,I can rest."

"Still Mitch..."

"I will be fine. You know we have to talk,better now than later."

"The quote is better now than never."

"Yeah yeah."

"You could have atleast told me you know."

"You were with Becky and the kids. How do you expect me to pull you away?"

"Whatever. When is Yashasvi's curfew anyways? It's like 10:20 now. When were you guys supposed to meet?"

Mitchell frowned, looking down at his watch.

He has been waiting for 20 minutes?

"We were supposed to meet at.....10."

".....Mitch,we have a really early morning flight tomorrow."

"I-I know. Something must have come up,he would tell me if he wasn't coming."

"I hope so Mitch. I will leave you to it. Just come back soon."

"Thanks Pat."

Mitchell managed to keep his voice steady as he slipped the phone back into his pocket.

The frown never left Mitchell's face,

it wasn't like Yashasvi to be late,

or even if he was,he would have informed the Australian.

Mitchell pushed all his thoughts aside as he waited for the younger to show up.

.

He felt the familiar ache,

that ache when he found out that Joe had used and betrayed him.

Yashasvi not showing up was not comparable to what Joe did,

but Yashasvi wasn't Joe either,

he isn't supposed to be Joe.

40 minutes late wasn't late,

it was ditching.

Mitchell sat alone on the bench on a cold Wednesday night,

pathetic was all he could think of.

"God,you have gone crazy Mitch. Something must have come up."

Yet,he pushed it all aside,

he couldn't possibly think of holding Yashasvi responsible.

"Must be busy,he has his train tomorrow."

He had his flight,

in 6 hours.

He cleared his throat and stood up, stuffing his frozen hands into his pockets.

"We will meet."

Mitchell hazily stared into a random direction.

He softly whistled, turning his heels to walk to his hotel.

.
.
.

Chapter Text

"W-wai—!"

Mitchell froze,the familiar tone settling into his ears.

He turned as fast as he could,

watching Yashasvi run towards him.

The Indian stopped right infront of the Australian,heavily breathing.

"S-s-s—"

Yashasvi couldn't make out,

feeling a heavy need of air in his lungs.

"Woah,Yashasvi,calm down."

Mitchell did the best he could to hide the relief he felt in him when Yashasvi showed up,

he didn't ditch,

didn't make him feel pathetic.

Yashasvi huffed, looking up at Mitchell's cold eyes.

He knew he had disappointed him,

and he would do anything to make it up.

"I am sorry." Yashasvi said,still out of breathe,but was okay enough to speak out.

"I-it's okay. If you had something come up,you could have skipped this,it—"

"I can't skip you,

not for anyone,

not for the world."

Yashasvi shook his head.

"I am sorry,I will make it up to you." Yashasvi huffed,finally feeling normal again. He stood up straight,am unknown aura of determination leaking out from him.

Mitchell tilted his head. He knew something was bothering Yashasvi, something was eating him up. His small frown that couldn't be hid through his shocking wave of weird determination,his hurried eyes that tried so hard to stay on the Australian. "Yashasvi,you don't have—"

Mitchell held himself back from groaning at being cut off again.

"I have to,like I am like 45-50 minutes late and obviously I didn't mean to. So,like you know,today was one of those rare days where my team finally decides to take a day off discipline,just my luck and also one of those days where the coach actually agrees and takes responsibility to handle the management,but like he is the management but whatever. I mean,how? Maybe because of the big ga—"

Yashasvi stopped, feeling a pair of lips on his yapping ones.

He quickly snapped back, kissing the Australian back, quitely sighing into the kiss,the warmth hugging him.

Mitchell pulled away,his forehead on the Indian's.

"I love you talking,I really do, don't get me wrong." Mitchell's hot breath on Yashasvi made shivers run down his spine.

"Yeah,yeah." Yashasvi barely spoke out.

Mitchell took a tiny step back, smiling at him.

"What do I do to make it up to you?"

Mitchell sighed at Yashasvi's persistence. No wonder the younger had nearly 2000 runs in test cricket already.

"Start by telling me why you had to keep me waiting so long?" Mitchell whispered, almost stealing Yashasvi's breath away.

"Yeah, definitely." Yashasvi shivered.

"Before that,when do you have to be back?" Mitchell asked, keeping a bit of distance between them.

"Not until very late, probably. Probably...2?"

Mitchell widened his eyes.

"Why?"

Yashasvi frowned.

"Didn't want to be with me?"

"You think? I waited almost an hour for you." Mitchell mocked,big quickly regreted upon seeing Yashasvi's tensed face. "Oh,I was just joking."

Yashasvi tightly smiled, shaking his head.

"No,just facts." Mitchell apologitically smiled.

"Let's go back to my hotel." The elder casually said.

"Huh?" Yashasvi widened his eyes.

"Yeah,15 minutes max by walking and promise to leave you back to the hotel,by taxi,before 1. Perfect for your curfew." Mitchell shrugged, looking at his watch and then at Yashasvi's horrified face.

Mitchell huffed out a smirk, wrapping his arm around Yashasvi and pulling him closer.

"My idea was to just talk...unless you are up for anything."

Yashasvi turned a deep shade of red, mumbling

"God Starc,you are unbearable." Yashasvi pushed him away, walking away.

Mitchell smiled, stuffing his hands into his pockets, yelling,"Other way Youngie."

.

"Now, that's huge." Yashasvi eyes reflected all the light around the hotel.

"Well,we are the Australian cricket team after all." Mitchell winked at Yashasvi, casually walking into the hotel.

"What if someone sees me?" Yashasvi whispered, making Mitchell look at him weirdly. "Then let them see,they are blessing their eyes anyways."

Mitchell mumbled the last part.

Yashasvi,too scared about the fact that someone might spot him, didn't care much about what Mitchell said as he deepened the hat he was wearing, hiding his face.

"Come on,no one will see you in the elevator." Mitchell rolled his eyes,as he watched Yashasvi timidly walking into the elevator, sighing in relief when the doors finally closed.

"So embarrassed of me?" Mitchell elongated his words, slightly mocking.

"You know that's nonsense." Yashasvi slightly glared,fixing his hat.

Mitchell leaned back,his eyes fixed on Yashasvi.

"What?" The Indian asked, looking at Mitchell through the corner of his eyes.

"Nothing." He breathed out,as the elevator doors opened.

Thank God,

the tension was getting unbearable.

Yashasvi followed behind Mitchell, inspecting the halls of the hotel.

"Starcy! Thank g—"

Yashasvi froze,

hearing a non-recognisable Australian accent.

The voice sounded as surprised as he was at that moment.

"Hi Patty,I am back." Mitchell said, taking his key card out of his pocket.

"What the?" Josh whispered,loudly.

Yashasvi took a tiny step back, looking up and awkwardly smiling at the other two Australians.

"I hope this isn't what I think it is." Pat tried to keep it from Yashasvi, failing miserably.

"Nothing your dirty brain is thinking of." Mitchell mumbled back.

Josh widened his eyes, hearing some other Australians at the end of the hall as he pushed the door apart, pushing his friends into the room and softly grabbing Yashasvi to pull him into Mitchell's room.

"Okay, let's keep it quite until you two are officially official okay?" Josh said,his hand still on Yashasvi's as he locked the door with the other hand.

Mitchell ignored whatever his mate said as he frowned at Josh and Yashasvi's loosely together hands.

"Yeah,got it mate." Mitchell gritted at Josh, pulling Yashasvi away from Josh.

"God mate,you are an idiot." Josh rolled his eyes at Mitchell's glare.

"Hi Yashasvi." Pat ignored the two, grinning at the Indian.

"How are you?"

Yashasvi blushed at how sweetly Pat teased him.

"Uh,good sir. You?" Yashasvi scratched the back of his neck, nodding.

"Awesome, perfect now that I see you two." Pat's eyes looked at both Mitchell and Yashasvi,the smile never leaving.

Yashasvi's blush only deepened.

"So,will you two finally get out?" Mitchell mocked.

"You promise i—"

"Josh,you are not seeing daylight if you complete that statement." Yashasvi looked up, questions in his eyes.

Mitchell looked at Yashasvi, mouthing a 'it's nothing',not at all convincing the other.

"Well,we probably can't,the others are outside." Pat made up some stupid excuse, smirking at the two.

"What?" Mitchell was ignored as the two Australians made found places to sit down,as Yashasvi stood out of place.

"Come on guys,you are making him uncomfortable." Mitchell hit the younger two Australians.

"No, it's fine." Yashasvi awkwardly smiled.

"He says it's fine." Josh pointed out.

"He respects you guys."

Pat hmm'ed.

"Yashasvi,we should really be friends,you know? I am sure we can be you know,I mean if you and him.."

"God,just make it more awkward." Mitchell mumbled.

"Sorry Yashasvi." Pat said, genuinely.

Yashasvi gaze stayed on Pat,not being able to move it away,

not after the new information he had learnt.

"You cool? They aren't making you feel awkward,yeah?" Mitchell asked,his hand resting on Yashasvi's shoulder.

With difficultly, Yashasvi looked at Mitchell and shaking his head.

"Don't worry,they are going to leave soon."

"We heard that!"

"Thank heavens you did!"

.

Mitchell had no idea how it happened,but now he was watching Pat and Josh teaming up with Yashasvi to beat him in Uno.

The four of them sat on the ground,

a total mess.

"Yash,do this,do this!" Pat frantically pointed at some card Yashasvi was holding. "But this is better?" Yashasvi questioned, looking up at Pat.

"I saw his cards Yash,come on!"

Yashasvi pouted.

And suddenly,he was Yash,

and not Yashasvi,

and it warmed Mitchell's heart.

Pat and Josh had already won,and, obviously they were rooting for Yashasvi to have third.

"So, basically,you tell him what cards I have and he plays?" Mitchell asked, taking the four cards Josh was giving him.

"Yup, that's how it works,

but Josh sir hasn't been any help."

Josh looked at him,

an offended look on his face.

"Come on Yash,I might not be completely telling you what his cards are,but I am cheering you on. The youngies can cheat." Josh pointed at the two.

"Shut up." Pat rolled his eyes.

"So,what does he have now?" Yashasvi looked up at Pat.

"He won't have you lose anyways."

Yashasvi frowned.

"Why?" He tilted his head.

"You are so cute." Pat pulled his cheeks.

"Stop glaring." Pat said, smiling at Yashasvi.

Mitchell rolled his eyes, putting some card.

"Uno!" Yashasvi cheered,one card in his hand.

As he high-fived the Australian test Captain, Mitchell clearly saw what Yashasvi had.

A blue 5.

He stared at the pile,

a green 5.

and then at his pile of cards,

a green 4,a red 7,a blue 4, a blue 5,a green +2,a +4.

He put down the blue 5, watching Yashasvi's eyes spark like they just saw foreworks.

"Yes!" Yashasvi cheered, putting his card down.

"Interesting." Josh mumbled.

"Don't do that when you are facing him. For the sake of watching him feel proud and happy."

Mitchell glared at Josh, shaking his head.

"He would probably stop talking to me if I did."

Josh laughed, nodding.

"Okay guys,are you two done?" Mitchell put the cards away,and looked at the two hovering around Yashasvi to show him something on their phone.

He hadn't even realised when Josh had left his side.

"That's rude." Yashasvi mumbled,clear enough for anyone to hear.

"See, that's rude." Pat and Jos said in unison.

"He has to get back by 1." Mitchell strictly said.

The two looked down at their watches and annoyingly sighed.

"Well,Yash,you owe us a visit someday."

"He doesn't owe you anything."

"We are friends!"

"Because you helped him win uno?"

"We will meet sir!"

"Bye Yash!" Mitchell annoyingly smiled at the two Australians as he shut the door.

He turned to Yashasvi laughter.

"God,they are funny."

Mitchell simply looked at Yashasvi, mumbling about the two before he pulled the Indian into a hug,

the laugh almost immediately stopping.

"All cool?"

Mitchell nodded against his neck.

"Yeah,I thought you ditched me."

Yashasvi hated how Mitchell sounded,

small,

broken.

"I am sorry." Yashasvi said.

"Yeah,now tell me why you are sorry." Mitchell pulled away,

making Yashasvi sit on the bed.

"Uh,yeah." Yashasvi mumbled, running his hand through his hair.

"My teammates decided to have a late night outing and the coach actually agreed. So,had to kind of sneak out." Yashasvi hollowly laughed.

Mitchell knew better,

Yashasvi's expression gave it away.

"O...kay. Now,the truth. Tell me."

Yashasvi gulped.

"Am I that of an open book? Match me bhi bowler logo mera techn—"

"Yash." Mitchell called out as Yashasvi sighed.

No point of hiding anymore.

"Well,uh,Shubman bhai..."

"Shubman Gill?"

"How many Shubman's do you know?" Yashasvi raised his eyebrow at Mitchell, making him roll his eyes.

"Yeah yeah,next?"

"Shubman bhai,I mean he is the captain,so he is allowed to think shit. He thought I was choosing individual over team and it would hamper the team atmosphere and shit,but of course not,I am close to everyone in the team,very good people you know. So,yeah." Yashasvi stopped yapping when he saw Mitchell expression.

Yashasvi patted Mitchell's shoulder and shook his head.

"Shubman bhai is paranoid. New Captain and all. Leave that,I am here now,so doesn't matter."

Mitchell forcefully nodded.

"You are here....because you want to right?"

Yashasvi frowned.

"Why is that a doubt?"

Mitchell smiled, shaking his head.

"Leave all that. I wanted to ask you, promise me you won't tell anyone!" Yashasvi said, turning to him.

Mitchell almost laughed at how serious Yashasvi tried to look.

"Not for the world."

Yashasvi smiled.

"So, did you know Pat sir and Shubman bhai where together at one point in their life?"

Mitchell widened his eyes,

out of anything,that wasn't something he thought he will be asked.

Mitchell stayed silent for a minute,

"Oh,did I...I mean,ese bhi pucha." Yashasvi mumbled, backing away.

"Oh,no no it's fine. Yeah they were,they are like history now." Mitchell said quickly, trying not to offend Yashasvi.

"Hmm,both of them have the looks and asthetics to be together. Bummer they aren't. Anyways Pat sir is good with his wife,saw pictures on Instagram, promise I wasn't stacking him. It just came up." Yashasvi nodded.

"They are." Mitchell nodded.

"So, to Australia tomorrow?" Yashasvi held back the remorse in his tone.

"Yeah,back to Australia." Mitchell tightly smiled.

"So,if you manage to play all the matches against West Indies,you get to your 100 matches in Test cricket,right?"

Mitchell raised his eyebrow.

"What do you mean by if I get to? Don't believe in my ability? Remember Adelaide?" Mitchell mocked.

Yashasvi gasped, shaking his head.

"You say that to someone you lik—"

Yashasvi froze,

realising what he was about to say.

He blinked his eyes at an equally frozen Mitchell.

He broke the facade, feeling the heat creep up his body.

"W-well (gulp),I have seen those highlights quite a few times. Hated every second of my batting. You know,learn from your mistakes." Yashasvi fakely laughed, slightly fan-ing himself.

"Achanak se itni garmi kyu ho rahi he?" Yashasvi mumbled, turning at the windows.

"Mind me opening the glass doors? Would love to see the view."

Mitchell blinked, barely nodding.

Yashasvi awkwardly smiled, walking to the doors and opening it,the cold chilly air finally hiting him, making him realise,

the temperature wasn't the problem.

Yashasvi ignored it, staring at the city lights.

"Y'all have a better view than we do. We have a pretty view,but this is so.....starry." Yashasvi said, feeling Mitchell's presence beside him.

"Yashasvi."

The Indian hmm'ed,his eyes still on the lights.

"When did you realise your sexuality?"

Yashasvi raised his eyebrows,not expecting that question.

"O-oh. Uh,I started to like Dhruv,Dhruv Jurel. Didn't realise,he made me realise it. Helped me move on." Yashasvi tightly smiled.

"Your family...do they know?"

"Yeah,non of them really reacted well enough, thought of it some weird phase I was going through. Some people left and stopped talking to me,but it's okay. Papa,mama and Bhai have accepted me, although it took them time."

"Ever had someone."

Yashasvi extended his lower lip, shaking his head.

"Now,you tell me." Yashasvi blinked his eyes towards Mitchell.

"What?"

"All the same questions." Yashasvi shrugged, turning around, slightly leaning against the railings.

"Let's keep it short. I am not fond of my past anyways,when is comes to love life,that is.

Found out during school days. Told my parents when I already started playing for Australia. Mom said if it made me happy,I said yes and Pops adviced me to the man whenever I get in a relationship, although I would end up dating one."

Yashasvi held back his laugh.

"What? Cool yaar." Mitchell smiled.

"So,ever had anyone?" Mitchell's jaw clinched,as his eyes left Yashasvi's.

"...yeah. 2015. English,a fan. Betrayed me. Never dated since."

Yashasvi frowned at Mitchell's pauses and decided not to push it.

The Indian just nodded,

looking over his shoulders.

"A-after him" Mitchell started, making Yashasvi look at him. "I never had anyone else. Purely because the betrayal was too much to move on from."

Yashasvi felt his heart crunch.

Mitchell noticed,

obviously he did.

"I have moved on from him, don't make that face."

Yashasvi blushed in embarrassment, looking away.

Mitchell smiled, shaking his head.

"I didn't quite beleive I was ever worthy of love. I felt suffocated. I had every happiness in my life,had won the World Cup,won the player of the tournament,have the opportunity to always represent my country in the toughest format and all,

but there was always absence of love.

Of course,had it from my friends, family and fans,but never had anyone to call my own. I genuinely thought 2015 would work out,

but,I ended up broken,hurt and filled with a lot of pain.

I remember going to my par—"

Mitchell's voice broke,his tears finally falling.

Yashasvi could feel the pain in his chest and the tears in his eyes as he stepped on a small step near the railing and pulled him into a hug.

"Stop. Don't need to know.." Yashasvi shook his head at the nape of the Australian's neck.

In reply,the Australian only laughed,one of his hands on the railing and other on Yashasvi's lower back, leaning onto him.

"You don't wanna know?"

Yashasvi shook his head.

"No. No. No."

The Australian nodded, pulling Yashasvi closer.

.
.
.
.