thefarshore | Heaven's BBS

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Heaven's BBS | ~Video~

From: Sousuke Yamazaki
When: Early October

[It’s rare that he posts to the BBS; Sousuke’s quiet nature and sometimes-over-focus kind of leads to that little problem. Content to dwell with his own life and his own small circle of friends and duties. But sometimes, the private life just doesn’t cut it. Especially when said private life is the entire reason for breaking his silence and going outside that small circle.

The video feed clicks on with a quiet sound, light blazing from the screen for a second until it adjusts to the scenery. It’s soon obvious he’s alone. Considering the presence of a black jacket barely resting at the peripheral of the video’s frame, it’s likely he’s holding the screen to his side. Deliberately not pointing the feed at himself. Instead, there’s a lovely shot of a quiet patch of natural garden, complete with trickling spring, breezing of clear air, and the ever-present drizzle of pink sakura petals from the surrounding grove Eros’ castle temple is renowned for.

There’s a moment of silence, semi-awkward on his end, before Sousuke finally outs with it. His tone’s calm, musing.]

Can a god and a shinki be more than god and shinki? [A measure before adding in a lower voice.] Or will it make problems between them?

[Yeah, it’s vague, he knows. The nature of god and shinki is a complex relationship. But Sousuke’s not honest enough with his softer emotions and being open to other people to outright ask the serious/~~embarrassing~~ question:

~~What happens if you find yourself attracted to your own god?~~]

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[Ruin his shoes or his roses and he'll lock you in a broom closet! Rest your head on his thigh... and he might squeeze your face because, look, his thighs could probably crush a person's skull and he's not afraid to use them! As for going in the right direction--]

Like I'd tell you that!

[No doubt he can hear his voice though, which kind of gives his hiding place away. Still, who's to say all the scuffling isn't a bird or something lurking around in the trees? He might just be trying to throw you off.

Back to Sousuke's question though, and to be honest he didn't think he'd bother to ask it. Thought he might've made a joke out of it, teased him a little, say it does drive him up a wall occasionally... But now here he is, trapped under the spotlight with his shinki closing in. Ugh, please don't find him while he's awkwardly fidgeting in place.]

I don't know... [Doo dee doo, just gonna pick at some grass...] I guess it could get kinda annoying? [He does drag Sousuke around all the time without consideration.]

[Only if you can catch him, which he’ll make sure you can’t. After all, he’s got four legs in that form and he’ll outrun you any day. As for those thighs… He’ll put up with it. Getting a leg hug from those man catchers you call legs isn’t a bad thing at all. Might lick your face if you get close enough.]

Oi.

[Sousuke hears his voice. Came from the direction he’s facing right now. Hah, amazing. Leave it to Rin to give himself away. But he’ll keep the realization inside and not mock him for the slip up. Yet. (Right, and that’s a big shark bird behind the tree.)

He heads into the next area of the grove, slowing down so he can scan the area. Won’t put it past Rin to slide around the tree trunks trying to hide from him. Jerk. If this conversation had been anything else, he probably would have teased him about it. But considering their words came off the whole “lets be more than god and shinki,” well… It lends itself the softer curiosities. Lucky for Rin though, he’s not near his area so far.]

Hn. Sometimes. I’m not the easiest to get along with either. [He’s sure he exasperates the hell out of Rin plenty of times. But the truth is…] Maybe I’m selfish, but I always like having your attention. No matter what it is.

[Of course you wouldn't call that a bad thing. ~~You've felt those man catchers yourself, so there's no room for complaining!~~

Ah, but Sousuke does know him too well. He can hear his shinki's voice drawing closer along with his footsteps, so, hoping to buy himself a little more time, he scoots around the base of the tree to the other side, checking over his shoulder once to make sure he hasn't been seen. Nope! No chance of seeing any fidgeting now!

He hopes.]

Oi, what're you saying... [Selfish? That's not selfish.] It's normal to want someone's attention. [And it's not like his brand of attention is different from anyone else's, right?]

[You’re the one that’s talking about petting him and stuff. ~~And who says he’s complaining? Those man catchers did their job well; they caught him.~~

Sousuke pays attention to the voice on the screen and the one he can hear in the grove. It doesn’t take long to pinpoint the general direction. And the scuffling of grass as a certain someone scoots out of sight. At least that’s his guess considering when he looks around, he doesn’t see anyone. Hmph, so Rin’s going to hide from him. Well he can play this game. Sousuke glances at the screen again and then starts walking. Slower. Eyes scanning the tree trunks amid the gentle shower of cherry blossom petals.]

Hm? [What’s he saying? Probably something stupid. But heartfelt. Which equals embarrassing. He sighs and rubs at the side of his neck with the edge of his phone.] I guess. But you’re not just someone to me. [Rin’s attention is totally different from other people’s attention.]

[~~Hush, you.~~

Hmm... can't hear him shuffling around back there. Did he stop walking or start going in a different direction? Maybe he'll better his chances of winning (winning what?) if he hops up into the lower branches and hides in the blossoms. Or he'd just make a huge racket and give himself away quicker. Not so sure he wants to risk it. So low to the ground he'll stay, keeping his back flat to the trunk as much as humanly possible. Hehe. He'll never find him now--

You're not just someone to me.]

Ah-- [How... is he supposed to respond to that? Apparently with a lot of nothing... except for more red cheeks and a slow, semi-hopeful peek around his hiding spot. Is he hoping to find Sousuke nearby? Possibly. Maybe. Kinda. Tsk. Stupid Sousuke, making everything so confusing! Time to fill in the awkward silence.]

What do you mean?

[~~But then you can’t fall asleep to his mesmeric voice…~~

Sousuke knows Rin’s around this area of the grove. He’s keeping his own steps slow and soft so if his god decides to be a cheater and make a break for it, he’ll definitely hear. Same goes for climbing into a tree. (Though honestly, the taller swimmer has to momentarily wonder since when’s the last time either of them climbed a tree? Well, they did as kids, so not too long ago…)

Shaking the idea out of his head, Sousuke glances back at the screen again, checking on Rin’s “location” at the moment. Nothing changed, so that means he’s staying put. Okay. Then he just has to keep going in this direction. He pauses between two of the trees and rotates, scanning the area to look carefully at the trunks. Searching for a stray peek of a shirt or shoe.

The feed’s quiet though, save for that small noise, and Sousuke frowns a little. Only to catch something right out the peripheral of his vision. A flash of maroon stands out sharply from the light pinks, woody browns, and wavy greens. It’s gone a second later, but it’s too late. He’s seen it and Rin’s in that direction. Behind one of those three trees.

As he heads for his final resting place, he’s greeted with that question. For a few seconds, he’s silent. Not because he’s unable to answer, but more out of a slight, frustrated stun that Rin would even need an answer. Hasn’t all of this made it painfully, awkwardly obvious that Sousuke considers Rin more than just a “someone” to him?

…

Actually, no. He’s not sure how to answer that. Awkward, for one. For two… Ugh.]

What do you think I mean?

[That’ll work. As he comes up to the tree Rin’s sitting behind. But instead of jumping around it and “finding” him, Sousuke turns and rests his back against the opposite side of the trunk, one leg bracing to the grass with the other ankle crossed over the other. Maybe they should be a weird couple and not face-to-face just yet.]

[~~He'll fall asleep just fine, thank you! ... Maybe with a little more tossing and turning, but he'll manage!~~

It's too quiet for his liking now, nothing but the sound of rustling leaves filling the grove, but Rin has to mentally laugh at himself for trying to rely on sound at all to pinpoint his shinki. Instinctively he should know where he is and what he's feeling at any give time. ... Guess it's not as instinctive as he thought. Not natural, not quite them.

Finally there's footsteps again, closer this time, and at first he considers making a break for it so Sousuke can give chase. It'll feel more comfortable that way, he thinks. Less tense, less awkward.

Less close.

He stays seated in the end, back to hugging his knees to his chest, knowing just opposite him his best friend's waiting for an answer. It shouldn't be difficult to explain. But it is. For all Rin's boasting and confidence, he's not very good at pointing out his positives (at least where swimming isn't concerned). Not only that, but it's a question he's been struggling to answer long before they arrived here. Why isn't he just someone to Sousuke? Why did he change the course of Sousuke's dreams? Why did Sousuke have to go and ruin his body just to swim with him one more time?

Staring down at the grass, Rin sighs and rests his chin atop his knees.]

I think... [He doesn't know how to put his thoughts into words.] ... I think you might feel I'm worth some of your time. Maybe it's worth it for us to be together because we work well, even when we fight.

But I'm probably a special brand of annoying too. And I guess not just anyone can be that. [scoff] I'm also your god, if we're talking technically. ... Could just anyone be that? [Shaking his head, Rin stares back out at the grove, missing his view of the water instead. Then, after a beat of silence, there's quiet laughter bubbling from his chest.]

I thought I knew you better than anyone... but here I am not knowing what to say at all.

[~~One shark, two shark, red shark, blue shark… He’ll believe it when he sees it.~~

He’s aware Rin knows where he is. It might not be natural for his god to lean on that connection between them, but he has it. For as quiet as Sousuke can be despite his large frame, sneaking up on Rin right now is a stupid goal. For the most part, it’s mostly just letting his god know he’s found him. Without direction. As promised.

And if Rin wants to break for it, well… he’s more than welcome to. Sousuke’s confident he can catch him. Longer legs and all. They’ve raced before, played tag, chased, most of the time for fun, sometimes for training. It’s something that’s easy, natural. Something that’s not quite a decent backdrop for this kind of conversation…

So he knows Rin won’t run. With his back to the tree, only a circumference of dark wood between them, Sousuke finally looks down at the screen in his hand, showing his face and amid the umbrella of cherry blossoms above him. It was a throwback question, but he had little recourse to offer much else. Trying to explain that “more than someone” comment is a mixture of frustration and obvious. Wanting to be more with Rin, the ever-present tease about being boyfriends, their first date (“date”?) that led to that night… Rin’s far more than just “someone” to him. His partner, yes, but also his friend… his best friend… and now, more than that.

A realization that’s not so easy to swallow and digest. It’s hard to ask himself “why” in the first place. The dodgy answer of “because” in any of its forms is worthless. He tells himself he could sit here and list off all the things he likes about Rin, or the things that draw his attention and feelings… but he knows his god will turn into a blushy mess and deny most of them on principle. Then the other, more painful reason being his missing memories, which Sousuke’s sure have something to do with his relationship and the strength of his bond with Rin. They knew each other back then… But that’s as far as he’ll allow himself to go.

And Rin can’t talk to him about them either…

But he does answer Sousuke’s deflective question. Honestly, he’s a bit surprised that Rin’s actually doing so; he half-expected a red-faced yelp and some method of topic change or sputtering “because” response. Instead, he gets heartfelt words that make his stomach twist a little on the inside. And stupid flutters run up and down his ribs. A small splash of heat blooms under his eyes as he listens. Nothing Rin says is untrue. He’d argue Rin’s worth a lot more than “some” of his time, but…

Sousuke offers a quiet breath, amused, shoulders lifting in a small shrug of surrender as a gentle smile appears.]

Just because we understand each other doesn’t mean we know what we’ll do in a new circumstance. I can’t say 100% how you’d respond to… well… dating me.

[Sure, he has his range of very educated guesses and he knows 100% that Rin won’t reject him. But whether it’ll be sputtering tsundere, a red-faced laugh, or a tearful nod in awkward relief… they’re all possible. But…]

This is a new path for us; we’ll learn more about each other as we walk down it together.

[Rin does know him better than anyone; no one’ll ever be able to say that’s not true. It’s not like Sousuke knows the magic words either. After all, he’d just responded to a question with a question and ducked. That’s pretty telling. He rounds his shoulders and looks up to the boughs above.]

Mah… You’re not just someone to me… because it feels like you’ve always been here with me. Heh, it’s kind of trite, but you’re my other half. When I’m with you… I feel complete. No simple “someone” can ever do that for me.

… It’s why I don’t want “someone’s” attention. I want yours.

[His time, his partnership, his ability to work well with Sousuke in fights and training and even the mundane parts of living together. His special brand of annoying that has Sousuke silently rolling his eyes or giving an exasperated breath before ultimately (always) going along for the ride. Even Rin being his god… No one else can be those things to Sousuke. Ever.]

[He’s surprised he chose to answer Sousuke at all instead of complain or call him an idiot as usual. These days it’s been more and more of a struggle to focus on not slipping up on his words for Sousuke’s sake, simply because they’ve been drawing closer to each other seemingly by the minute. He wants to protect his shinki above anything else, and that involves being truthful no matter what. But just because it should be done, doesn’t mean it will be, and it destroys Rin little by little each time he needs to withdraw from the only person in this world he can’t afford to watch slip away. Even now with his words out in the open, he fears the effect they’ll have on the other swimmer, and holds his breath with anticipation. Sousuke knows Rin’s involvement in his past, knows he exists in those lost memories like a ghost... One fateful slip and everything they’ve built together, feelings and all, will shatter.

A violent reaction never comes though and with Sousuke’s amused tone Rin relaxes his shoulders with a sigh of relief. However, the feeling’s short lived, and he tenses once again upon hearing that one simple word.

Dating.

He sounds so sure about that... How can he sound so sure?

Flutters interrupted him almost instantly, trailing up his arms, down his shoulders, along his spine... He feels warmth radiating in his core and sparks at his fingertips. He wants to run and hide, laugh and yell until his lungs give out... all because of some heartfelt words in return. He sounds so uncertain yet sincere at the same time... At least Rin can confidently say neither of them know what they’re doing.

But they’re trying. And it’s a start.

He doesn’t say anything for a long while, too busy sorting through which emotions are his and which are Sousuke’s to come up with anything coherent. It’s normal not to know everything from the start. Even best friends like them can’t hope to change that. As long as he understand that, accepts that, then tackling this together with Sousuke shouldn’t be scary.

Shutting his eyes, Rin smiles softly towards the sun.]

After everything, you still want me. [There’s more to that statement he won’t elaborate on, but it should be enough to go on. Deep breath. Exhale. Breathe... All the petals at their feet begin to circle in slow rotations around the tree. I want yours.] ... And I want you.

[He might’ve frowned at being called an idiot in this most serious conversation. (Expected it, but frowned nevertheless.) Luckily, Rin doesn’t do that so… they’re moving forward with something both touching and awkward. Still, Sousuke’s not taken all those comments and advice from the people who responded to his network post and ignored them. He knows this is a risky decision; one slip up from Rin could potentially ruin everything between them. But… it’s not concrete. He’s been given some relief from Hakkai about the limits of what his mind can handle; what he and Rin have done together is working. While he doesn’t want to believe it’s fully Rin’s burden for any potential slipups, that’s the nature of the risk. They’ll just have to… be careful. Attentive. Even though he knows it kills Rin each time. From the silent looks his way, knowing that the person Rin sees isn’t quite the person he remembers, to the smiles that cover a quiet-but-deep pain, Sousuke recognizes the burden his friend carries.

But this time, it’s not one the swimmer can help him shoulder.

Perhaps because of that, he’s determined not to let himself be driven from Rin. They’ve come too far, experienced too much, grown together side by side. Even if he doesn’t have his memories, even if them being together carries a threat, it’s not enough for him to leave. Especially not now. Not when he’s asked questions, received his answers, and made a decision to walk down this path.

Next to you. I belong by your side.

And yes. Dating.

Because face it, that’s what this is going to turn into. They’ve already done the dinner thing, the romantic walk in the park, the riverside talk, the quiet return home, and the… well… you know. The hot night. Even if it left them silent for the next several days. The thought of it sends those twittering thoughts and sensations rippling over his skin, filling his stomach and sliding up and down his spine. It makes him shiver, yet warms him despite his embarrassment. Yeah, neither know what he’s doing, Sousuke’s just saying the words floating into his mind, and somehow, they’re supposed to make some progress. In their own way. Tripping and laughing, flustered and shrugging, solemn and curious. It’s a start…

The silence initially makes him wonder if he’s said something wrong. Those words were pretty deep, he guesses. Rin might be a red-faced mess on the other side of the tree, unable to say anything because his tongue’s too tied and he’d sputter if he tries. But as it goes on, he realizes it’s not that. Rin’s… simply trying to process the feelings. Sousuke can give him that. After all, he’s had the advantage of talking about his feelings for a while before their reunion.

Still…it’s like he can feel the smile drifting up to the sky and hear it in his best friend’s voice. A relief. A kindness.]

Of course. [Because of everything, he wants Rin. As his partner, as his god, as his rival, as his best friend. And more. The deep breath and exhale earns a slight tilt of his head as Sousuke looks to the side, as if he can see around the curve of the tree trunk to the other teenager on the opposite side. The lifted petals don’t escape his notice. And then an answer that seizes at his heart and makes his insides melt at the same time.

And I want you.

All he can really do right now… is smile.]

[If there's anyone to call an idiot right now, it's himself. For being reckless, careless, selfish with this whole situation. He's considered the consequences of carrying the burden of a deeper relationship, but even with those in mind he can't bring himself to tell his best friend 'no'. Isn't this dangerous? Out of all the missions they've put themselves through, surely this puts them all to shame. Not... to say this is an ordeal or anything like that. But it isn't easy, probably won't be any time soon, and almost every nerve in his body won't stop screaming at him to reconsider. He can't risk pushing a burden onto Sousuke he won't be able to carry. He can't choose his happiness over his best friend's life.

It's all anxiety speaking though and he knows it well. Being worried about the what-ifs and other things out of his reach... It isn't practical. And all it does is keep the two of them from moving forward, moving on... and being at each others' side.

You do belong here. You always have.

With that fluttering feeling running through Sousuke's body, Rin takes a deep breath, relaxing his muscles to accept the mirrored sensation less than a second later. Up his spine, filling his core, rippling over his skin towards the tip of his head. A long time ago he used to hate the feeling. So overwhelming, ghostly, annoying. Now in this moment, it's almost... enjoyable. Rin arches away from the tree with the electric current coursing through his veins, and just like that he feels rejuvenated, the connection between them made stronger. It's difficult to explain... but it works, right?

There's more silence on his end for a moment after, until finally the grass shifts beneath his feet. Sousuke should be able to figure out why since he's already looking. A little peek of red, a few stray blossoms lifting up with a single step--

--He meets his shinki's eyes after what feels like an eternity, leaning forward just enough and around to make it so.

So... are you ready to start?]

[Lucky for Rin, Sousuke doesn’t share those thoughts. They’ve both had their moments of brash charges during this entire thing, as much as they’ve hesitated and tried to think before jumping. Sousuke’s never asked due to the potential consequences, but he wonders every now and then what it must have been like for Rin to forge the contract and take Sousuke as his shinki so long ago. He must’ve thought about it, must’ve been a mixture of knee-jerk desperation and focused determination. Rin’s emotional, but he’s not stupid.

Of course, taking your dead best friend as your shinki soon after waking up a new god isn’t nearly the same thing as your best friend basically asking if you want to be boyfriends. The risks and challenges of both, however, intertwine. It is dangerous, there are real possibilities of everything being destroyed. Even himself. But… after spending well over half a year together, deepening their friendship and partnership on so many levels… does Sousuke really have it in him to say he doesn’t trust Rin’s strength? Rin is the strongest person he knows and the most caring.

Whatever burden he can carry and smile beneath, Sousuke can carry the same. Even if it means he may eventually break.

Lying about his feelings and pretending nothing ever happened… He can’t live like that. Not with Rin. The burden that would cause his best friend to experience would be insanely frustrating. Sousuke’s not willing to put such a thing on his god’s shoulders. It’s not the safest route to move forward down this path… but it’s the easier and more truthful of the two. I’d rather risk my life and be with you, than hold you at an arm’s length and forever wish you were closer.

Sousuke hears the rustle of fabric pulling away from the tree trunk and his heart picks up a beat. He’s seen Rin so many times, and yet this time, with the sun glittering through the sakura overhead and the new bond blooming between them, the sight is one he’s never seen before. One that embosses itself in his mind in a permanent painting he’s never going to forget. Red eyes look back at him, the drifting petals of rose pink wandering between them, their sight framed on one side by the dark trunk of the tree.

Close enough it only takes a gentle roll to the side and one step to bring Sousuke around the side of the tree. Standing in front of his god. In front of his best friend. The unspoken question is clear in his eyes. He could answer with his voice… but he’d rather lift his hand and cup Rin’s chin with his fingers. Curling the tips to fan over the side of his jaw, thumb brushing at Rin’s lower cheek. Caressing, holding, drawing him closer with a tender tug and coaxing Rin to tilt his head up.as Sousuke leans forward.

And connecting where everything runs sweetest.]

[The heavens probably gave Rin all the time in the world to meet and name his shinki. They were assigned, they were meant to be partners, so sooner or later they had to meet face to face and form an official contract. But Rin couldn’t afford to wait once he knew the truth. A second too long and his best friend could be gone again, taken away by another god or some other horrible twist of fate. Sure, claiming him this way would forever leave a sour taste on his tongue, but nothing could be more important than his best friend’s safety. Whether he remembered him or not... Rin couldn’t let Sousuke stray from his side.

Didn’t need to think about it. He only knew. Intuitively, definitively. No one else could protect Sousuke the way Rin knew he deserved.

Yes, he’s the strongest person he knows. He trusts Sousuke’s strength more than anyone’s. Still, he’s witnessed his pain firsthand, and sad as it is to say, he knows he isn’t invulnerable. Rin couldn’t protect him from everything before, but at least now he has the power to try. He can care for him, fight for him, do all the things he couldn’t for him because distance always got in the way. Dangerous, of course. ... But he loves too much to stop.

Distance closes in an instant. He holds his breath. The light dances between the blossoms and casts soft patterns across his skin. Teal. Red. Touch. Warmth floods his veins in such a rush it renders him dizzy, but Sousuke’s holding him and he’s touching him and Rin can’t lose focus even if he tried. He’s so gentle and inviting, it’s no wonder the motions come so naturally. Eyes lidded, Rin leans in, and from there time forgets to pass them by. How long does it last? How slow is his heart? How many breaths, how many seconds, how many heartbeats can he count where their bodies connect? Ordinarily his mind would be racing with all those questions. Instead, there’s only peaceful silence, and he’s even grown comfortable enough to slip both hands up Sousuke’s shoulders and hook his wrists behind his neck. Stay here. Stay with me. Stay where you belong.

When Rin opens his eyes next, they’re vibrant and burning like rubies. He’s sure Eros’ energy has never been stronger, not even in battle.]

... Heh. I feel like I can take on a hundred ayakashi right now. [He laughs, forehead nudging against Sousuke’s when he does.] Must mean we’re doing something right.

[The thought has lingered in his mind like a fish lurking in the back of the ocean. What would have happened to him had he been taken by another god? Not the stolen version he’s experienced, but actually having another person as his god. The connection he feels towards Rin, not the god and shinki bond, but the other, deeper one… what would have become of that? Would he even be who he was right now had Rin not come into his life? The pool where they swim, the kitchen where they laugh, the bed they share, the conversations… all of that… It’s not a comforting thought, really, but it does remind him each time how grateful he is that Rin’s his god. There’s so much the other boy’s shown him, so many ways he’s helped him grow. Things he’ll never be able to completely thank him for.

He's not stupid; this is a dangerous path to walk down. There are memories in Rin’s head that will be stirred and brought to poignant focus. There will be times he risks blurting something out that might trigger a downward spiral. But Sousuke knows that living a lie and stunting his own feelings would be far worse. Especially since Rin can feel them and would know immediately that his shinki is hiding something. Frustrating, but simultaneously rewarding. So… this is his choice. To live the truth and not hide away behind fear over “what if’s” that might not come true. To live with Rin.

Truly with him.

He twitches his fingers, soft pads offering tiny rubs at the other boy’s skin. Feeling the tender warmth of his flesh and the heady rush of heartbeats swimming through his veins. He tastes the heat in his lips; the flavor of his breath soaks into his tongue. It feels as if everything in his body focuses on that one point, their connection. Comfort, completion, relief, all those good sensations drain over him like a warm rain, leaving his skin tingling and his spine shivering beneath his shirt. It’s… what he’s wanted for days now. This feeling that lasts for however many eternal seconds. Not counting, not thinking, merely enjoying the freedom that comes from admitting and acting on the deep affection that’s for so long budded into such strength between them.

A soft breath slips from the corner of his mouth, puffing over Rin’s lips. Natural response to those touches sliding over his shoulders and hooking around his neck. The race of Rin’s pulse immediately comes clean through the back of Sousuke’s neck, warming his skin and making him struggle not to break into a stupid smile in the middle of a kiss. It doesn’t quite work and pink appears under his eyes as his side of the kiss curves upward into a soft, but happy smile. Embarrassing… but it’s happened.

He opens his eyes, gazing into the sparkling gemstones in front of him. Hn… There’s no way he can’t feel that energy surging through his god’s body. Eros’ strength rekindled into something amazing.

So that’s what a god and shinki are capable of. And he gets the feeling they haven’t even gone past the surface of what they were capable of.]

I’m going to take that as a ‘yes’.

[He didn't realize just how long he's gone without this brand of contact. How many days has it been since they could look each other in the eye for longer than a second? How many hours since the last time they brushed fingers or even playfully nudged each other in the sides with their elbows? Rin wonders if it would be cheesy to say he's taken his time with Sousuke for granted up until now... Che. As if this entire day hasn't been cheesy enough.

Doesn't seem like that's going to stop him from doing cheesy things, like grinning back and snickering through his teeth, all the happiness bubbling out of him, unable to hold back. Embarrassing, whatever. At least he's not doing it alone.]

You think?

[he teases, pulling away so he can lightly push at his best friend's chest.]

Look how goofy you look. I've never seen you so pink.

[Days. It’s been days since that night. Sleeping in the same bed had been moderately awkward the entire time, though he couldn’t really bring himself to sleep on the floor or in another bed after all this time. The normal teasing they were so used to doing had gone tepid for a bit. No longer bumping each other on the hip while cooking, avoiding the casual tug of that little ponytail or ruffling his hair like a pupper, generally looking past each other rather than at… It’s kind of embarrassing to admit it’d gotten that far… but now, he doesn’t think they’re going to have to worry about that distance anymore.

Of course, when Rin’s laughter finally breaks free, Sousuke can’t keep his own inside. A brief snort and then his own laughter spills out, short, deep, and most importantly, happy. It feels good, this happiness and relief. How stupid it took him this long to finally admit his feelings. Especially with this as the result.]

Of course.

[Sousuke leans back as they separate, then grunts slightly at the push. He takes a mock step back to “brace” himself before giving Rin an attempted frown. Doesn’t work.]

Urusei. You’re no better, and you always hog the pink.

[It’s a relief to return to normal and not have to live with constant tension underlying their actions. There’s a weight that’s been lifted off his shoulders and Rin finally feels like he can breathe better, move better, do everything better because of it. Finally they’re on the same page. Will it be easy from here on out? Somehow he doubts it. But he’s ready, just as with everything else. Might even be a little eager.]

Hog it? Oi, look closer.

[And there he goes, right back to stepping into Sousuke’s personal bubble to lean up with a playful gleam in his eyes. Mm, maybe playful isn’t quite the right word for it. Flirtatious? ... Wow. He’s getting into the swing of things quicker than he thought. At any rate, Rin’s not exactly doing himself any favors now, showing off a blush bright enough to rival all the blossoms in this grove. Better laugh it off again. Or bat his eyelashes some more.]

It’s just warm out here, that’s all. [He snickers again though, clearly not bothering to cover up.]

[How they ever made it this far with such an issue twisting beneath them is anyone’s guess. Sousuke’s relief is as obvious as his elation. They can go back to being simply them. Even with this new layer added to their complex relationship, even with this new path they’re diving into together, they’re still just them. Rin and Sousuke. The way he knows he’ll always want it. No, it won’t be easy; they’ll have problems. But heck, they’ve already dealt with so much getting to this point. They’ll handle anything else the same way they did the past.

Together.

Look? Psh.]

Don’t have to.

[And glances to the side on purpose as Rin redefines what “personal space” is in front of him. But it only lasts a few seconds before he returns his gaze back to his best friend. And almost instantly sinks into a cool little smirk. There’s so much pink on that face in front of him. As rosy as the sakura petals drifting around them. If not even a little darker. Though this time, Sousuke’s tan skin is wearing a shade that’s a surprising rival to Rin’s. (He’ll lose his faster than his god will; that’s for sure at least.)]

Hmph. Yours is even worse than mine and you know it.

[Not taking back the “hog” comment. Rin blushes more than enough for the two of them. But when that bold-faced fail of an excuse comes out, Sousuke snorts in wry amusement. Especially because Rin did it on purpose and doesn’t believe a word of it.]

Maybe you should take something off then, hot stuff.

[Hey, don’t look away from him and don’t pretend like you don’t wanna stare either! He can see right through you, mister. Just try pulling a fast one on him. Remember: this is the guy you’re stuck with not just as a partner, but as a partner partner. No room for regret here. It’s not like Rin believes Sousuke would anyway, having addressed the entire network as he did just to seek answers and closure for the sake of their relationship. Stupid. Potentially. But look where it got them, back to laughing and smiling and doing all the things they should be doing side by side. Yeah. So Sousuke’s stuck with him and Rin’s stuck with Sousuke. Just as it should be, right?]

Is not.

[Rin rolls his eyes and considers sticking his tongue out for added effect. If he gets aggressive enough, surely his complexion will return to normal. Or... he can hear that. Hot stuff. And self consciously cross his arms over his chest as if trying to cover himself up from some yet undiscovered x-ray vision Sousuke hasn’t shared with him. Hey now, that’s quite a jump in teasing, you know! Give him a second to catch up!]

What is it with you and getting me to take stuff off? [Ok, so telling him to take his shirt off that night was a special, exclusive case, but still.] I shouldn’t entertain you with that anymore if you’re gonna be greedy.

[Maybe he wants to look away just to see your attempts to get his attention back, hm? Unfortunately, Rin knows him too well, so he gets Sousuke’s eyes on him soon enough. Yeah, he’s well aware that this is the person he wants to be more than god and shinki with, more than partners. More than friends. This hasn’t come as some kneejerk reaction; Sousuke’s dwelt on it for a long time. Ultimately, the simple truth is, he desires this. Without any regrets. Enough to finally man up and ask people about the consequences. It is stupid, but so are most things if you think about it for a bit. Especially romantic things. But with each laugh and smile, his heart feels warmer, his body lighter, his spirit freer. Because he’s made the right choice. As it should be.]

Uh-huh.

[Sousuke arches a brow at the folded arms. He remembers that motion… lying on his back on the bed, Rin above him pulling his shirt off and then blocking his vision out of embarrassment with those same arms. It’s a mixture of adorable and annoying, truth be told. And look, it’s not like he went off purring that comment or waggling an eyebrow! It could very well be a simple, boys-will-be-boys suggestion on how to get more comfortable! Right?]

… Nothing? This is the first time in… a long time, if you don’t count swimming. [Yeah, that night will forever brand those words, that very idea, as something intimate and sensual. But can’t fault Sousuke for trying to buck the brand, you know. He cocks his head to the side at the threat, only to close his eyes and offer a casual shrug.] Says the guy who busts in while I’m showering.

[Look, it’ll never not be fun ammunition.]

[Annoying? Adorable? W-well, he'd better get used to it, especially if he's going to keep messing around with him like this! Being all annoying and adorable himself... The nerve.

With a huff, Rin looks away, arms still crossed. They should probably get a move on from under this tree before all these petals practically bury them in a sea of pink.]

Figures you'd be keeping track.

[He starts walking off with that and with the way he glances over his shoulder and keeps at a steady pace it should be obvious he wants Sousuke to fall into step with him. Yes, even when he blurts out nonsense like that.]

We've already been over that! I didn't do it on purpose!

[Have an elbow nudge for that one.]

I barely saw anything anyway.

[You say that like he’s not already used to that. Maybe less so on the annoying part, and he’s only started realizing the adorable part in the past weeks, but it’s not like Rin’s any different now than he always is. That’s part of his never-ending charm. (And don’t worry, he won’t tease you too bad… You’re just too fun to fluster.) ~~Who’re you calling annoying and adorable? That’s your gig.~~

As Rin averts his gaze, Sousuke only offers a quiet smile. Of course he’s going to be like this. But yes, they can move out from under the tree. Should probably head back inside anyways. The sun’s starting to dip. He snorts quietly at the comment and lifts his shoulders in a lazy shrug.]

Figures you wouldn’t.

[Sousuke doesn’t need more than that silent glance to understand. There’s only a few seconds gap before his longer legs catch up to Rin’s and he falls instep beside him. Where it’s comfortable and normal. Where he enjoys being the most. Hearing that defensive burst only makes him laugh, a short little sound that’s simply happy.]

Hai, hai. I know—oof!

[Oy! Keep that bony elbow out of his ribs! Unless you’re trying to reach his heart or something. (Says the guy that met said elbow with a solid “thud” of strong body.)]

Aa. But you’ve seen everything now…

[Che, like he trusts him when he says he won't tease him too bad. Rin knows for a fact Sousuke won't let up on him just because they're closer now. If anything, that's going to give him an excuse to be even more of a pain in the ass. He can already see it now, pretending gravity's failing on him so he can squish Rin into the pillows and never get up again. As if he doesn't do that enough already.]

Wh-- Something like that isn't important to know!

[Defensive, defensive. He feels like he has to be to make up for all the sappy things he's been saying for the past hour or so. Funny how quickly time's flying now that they've patched things up and fallen back into place. In the back of his mind, Rin secretly wishes it'll slow to a crawl again before the sun disappears...

Rin makes a choked sound in response. Everything. That's a bit bold, isn't it? Then again, why would it be anything else? He really needs to stop being so prudish about all this. They're both mature enough to make their own decisions... and today they've made the most important one. His expression softens on that thought, though still a touch rosy around the edges, before he drops his arms to shove one hand in his pocket and leave the other to reach out for Sousuke's sleeve. There's a simple, light brush at first, a tentative stretch for the inside of a wrist, but then he's hooking two fingers into the fabric instead.]

Urusei...

[Who’re you calling a pain in the ass? Rin teases him just as bad, if not worse! Poking him in the sides in the morning, telling the “lazy bones” to get up with him. Not to mention all those physical assaults. You know, he might just do that gravity squish thing a few more times, just to get in a few extra Z’s in the morning and keep his ever-energetic boyfriend stuck. Mutter something along the lines of “go back to sleep” while he buries his face in the pillow. (And of course he won’t let up on the teasing; he doesn’t want Rin getting soft around the edges.)]

Oh? Maybe I pay more attention than you then.

[Said casually. Meant as a taunting dig. They may be similar in many ways, but they’re polar opposites in others. It rounds them out well and makes “them” uniquely them. Sousuke tilts his head to the side and blows a sakura petal off his shoulder with a puff. It ends up a small, pink cascade down his arm since there’s a heck of a lot more than one sitting on him right now. The little back and forth brings a gentleness inside him that makes him want to linger here. Their ebb and flow, like the constant surf of the beach.

He glances to the side.] Oy. [Don’t choke on him. That’ll ruin this wonderful mood they’ve got going on here. Ah who’s he kidding. He’s going to tease Rin mercilessly. Maybe unconscious paybacks for being so stubborn, Sousuke had to buckle down and fess up to the network. But he’s glad for the results; that goes without saying. As for the comment, it’s not like it’s a lie! They’ve seen a heck of a lot more than an second-long flash in the shower. Done more too… Sousuke’s just more mature than Rin. ~~In some regards.~~

There’s a brush at his sleeve, a gentle one that’s pure accident… but followed by a second, more deliberate. Fingers hook, his wrist bumps against the ring of his sleeve cuff, and his arm’s now married to Rin’s swaying limb. For a few moments, he leaves it, but then turns his hand and gently spiders his fingers up the underside of Rin’s wrist. Before inverting the touch and sliding his hand down, fingers slipping between Rin’s to hold.

And stay’s silent. Because he’s a good boy who’s obedient. Right?]

[Worse? Since when is he worse? You’re bigger, so each one of your teases is worth double the pain Rin’s normally are! That’s just the physics of things, you know. Don’t blame him, he doesn’t make up the rules. This does mean Rin should work harder then, doesn’t it? If Sousuke’s going to bury himself in the pillows, then he’ll have to sit on his head to keep him there. Or flip the mattress over. Or both. Heh. That’ll show him a thing or two. For being annoying, for being complicated... for being adorable and gentle and stupid while he stands there against the setting sun with sakura petals on his shoulders and in his hair...

He’s about to reach out to brush some off when Sousuke takes care of it himself, so Rin’s hand makes an awkward detour to fiddle with his shirt instead, brushing off the lower hem as if there’s something there.

It’ll take some getting used to. Maybe a lot of getting used to before he’ll be 100% comfortable with “everything.” But Sousuke’s always been more patient than him... and he trusts his best friend to ease him into this without a hitch. He’s always been good at that. Tying up their loose ends, making sure Rin doesn’t stray too far, too fast.

As soon as he feels skin to skin contact, Rin’s movements become more fluid and less hesitant, featherlight to start but warm and receptive once fingers meet the base of his palm. Each digit spreads just wide enough for Sousuke to fill in the gaps, and from there they fall into place like puzzle pieces. He waits... adjusts... squeezes... His pulse only exists in his fingertips for a solid minute.]

... So, uh— [Finally he finds his voice after taking a moment to let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding in.] –That night... [Still staring at the ground and counting his steps] ... It wasn’t too much, was it? You can say if it was.

[He’ll admit it was... explosive at times with their combined emotions running rampant as they were, but as for Sousuke he can’t say.]

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