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?~~]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[It’d taken a while, both the trust and understanding, but Sousuke’s come to realize for a while now that Rin is the one person he feels the most comfortable with being personal around. It’s a strange paradox; Rin is both the one person Sousuke can’t stand to see him at his weakest, and yet Rin is also the one person he trusts to help him through such weakness. Because Rin understands him the most, because Sousuke knows he can be open with Rin despite the larger swimmer’s tendency to be so closed. Even if he has little to compare it to, no one will ever be to him what Rin is. Sometimes he wonders if the “him” Rin knew before is the same… or different… and quickly shoves the idea away each time.

Maybe they’d be like this no matter what circumstance they found themselves in. If Sousuke had been the god and Rin his amnesiac shinki, would they become this close? If they were suddenly thrust into a strange city with new rules and lived separately, would they become this close even still? If they came from two vastly different walks of life, would what they had remain strong all the same? There’s no way to know, and frankly, he’d rather not experience those questioning wonders. But inside, Sousuke thinks… yes… Yes, they would be together. No matter what. He’s a little too theoretical to throw lots in with fate or destiny, but he’s not blind or dismissive to the notions either. If he’s eternally to be part of Rin’s life, Sousuke has no problem with it.

That mouth is still on his jaw and there’s a faint pink rising under his eye, glowing warm beneath his tan skin.] Oy… [Rin’s doing this on purpose, and he’s enjoying it to boot. Jerk… The best jerk he could ever have in his life. The heat inside only increases the longer Rin’s lips and teeth wander over his skin, scraping at the slope of bone so close to his neck, moist breath puffing words over his fle—

…]

Urusei… Don’t say stuff like that…

[Calling him ‘cute’ and snickering like a dorky cupid. The flush doesn’t get any lighter, quite the opposite in fact, and Sousuke shivers as another run of sensation ripples down his spine. Teasing or seductive, Rin’s being both. And he’s still got the nerve to laugh. Sousuke offers a quiet “hmph” at the question and tilts his head a little, exposing more of his neck.]

I was… got distracted and forgot.

[It’s half true.]

[He wishes he can answer all those questions without repercussions someday. It’d be worth it to tell Sousuke more about their past, more about his own past more specifically. The person he was when he was alive, the dreams he had, the challenges he faced. There’s differences here and there, but... Sousuke is Sousuke and Rin’s more than satisfied with that. The missing memories leave room for new ones, and he’s grateful to even be part of them to begin with. So maybe wishing for answers doesn’t make much sense. When he can look forward to a future he never dreamed of, brand new and full of possibilities... The person Sousuke wants to be won’t rely on the past. He can only move on. It’s his choice. His freedom.

And if his choice involves being here, being with Rin– Rin has no problem with that either.

He laughs again, more like a giggle this time, because he knows he’s testing Sousuke when there’s no real threat. He can’t push him away, though he’s more than welcome to try. If he could, he would’ve. And he hasn’t. So that’s something for Rin to be proud of, isn’t it?]

I already did.

[And if doing so grants him better access to all those sensitive spots, there’s no sense in stopping. He follows almost immediately, neck dipping for his lips to slip down, catching on the sharp edge of his partner’s jaw one more time before he can just barely graze his teeth over a bed of raw nerves. His teeth start to itch. One shift and it’ll be easy. A single breath and he can makes the itching stop... Instead, Rin controls himself (for now), the damp, plush skin of tongue and lips leaving more delicate touches over that single spot. Exploring, mouthing, tasting. He’s not really sure what he’s doing, only that it feels nice... and it’ll have to do if he doesn’t want his whole mouth to start itching next.]

Not distracted enough for this though.

[Someday they’ll reach the point where all the questions swimming around in their private seas could finally spill out into their conjoined ocean, answered and free among all the rest they already share together. Rin keeps the secrets for Sousuke’s safety. While he doesn’t like the fact they have to do this, he understands the protection and accepts it. Because even without his memories, he’s with Rin and that’s more important than what happened in the past. And he’s able to make new memories too… so that’s nothing to be upset about. From here on out, it’s what he wants to be, with the same freedom to take what life’s given him, the same as Rin, and move forward with the freedom he has. Rin sees to that with everything he does… and there’s no way Sousuke can be anything be appreciative of it.

What he does with that freedom, however, is to remain here, beside his best friend. Where he knows he belongs. He doesn’t need memories to know that’s the truth.

A brow arches at the giggle of a laugh. Sounds like Rin’s a little kid again. Could tease him, but he holds his tongue; the sound’s too stupidly precious to want to ruin his elation. It’d be easy to shove him away and “pout” off to the side for the teasing thrown his way, but doing anything “away” from Rin is very counterproductive to his desires right now. Hmph, and of course Rin understands this. Look at that smug light in his eyes. He huffs at the retort and clunks the side of his foot against Rin’s.]

Baka…

[He’s not going to stop, is he. Sousuke’s breath catches in a higher-pitched noise as lips begin to descend his neck, tracing the edge of his jaw with the points of those unique, shark teeth. They scrape, with all the fineness of blades, sharp and pointed drawing those lines of both hot and cold over his skin. His nerves bloom raw beneath the touch instantly and the strong cords of Sousuke’s neck flex beneath the tan of his flesh, a swallow dipping the column of his throat. That itch is there… he can practically sense it. The heat of his breath, the tempting indent of his skin beneath Rin’s teeth, the drag of his lips over where he’s scraped him already. There’s always that thrill of danger when Rin does this. One single shift, one flex of muscle, and that desire will sate. Shark bite.

But he doesn’t. The tension in Sousuke’s body wilts slightly as teeth trade for the plush of his tongue pressing to the damp skin. Delicate and wet, sliding over the marked spot until the taller boy’s normally-controlled breath comes out in a tremoring rush. Quiet, shaking, and obviously ignited. Exploring him, tasting the faint sheen of salt and the ever-present tinge of biting chlorine on his skin. Once again, neither of them are sure what they’re doing or where this is going… but Sousuke likes it. That much is certain.]

Hn, this is the distraction.

[Long fingers suddenly nudge the barest of touches at the back of Rin’s neck, hinting at their arrival. Just long enough for that electric fizzle between his fingertips and Rin’s skin to make contact. Then presses forward, smoothing the pads of skin and the blunt edges of his fingernails over Rin’s neck. Up to where smooth flesh meets the maroon strands of his hairline. And further, combing into the tresses of silken hair and massaging his scalp. Until Sousuke can fold his fingers and palm, cupping the back of his boyfriend’s head in the cradle of his hand. Holding him close, possessively… lovingly.]

[If Sousuke wanted him to stop, he could have easily made him do so a long time ago. Instead, he’s standing here, receptive to everything Rin’s given him so far, which leaves Rin wondering what’s going on through his head. Is he really enjoying himself or only doing this because he feels obligated to? Because Rin started it and he could be kicked in the shin if he tries to back away. He chooses not to read into it so much, and with those higher pitched breaths in his ear and stiffening flesh on his tongue he keeps up with the same back and forth exploring, tense at first then eventually soft and more confident once that irritating itch dies down.

He likes it. Rin likes it. Whatever it is... it’s working.

It seems he’s distracted himself in getting carried away though. Another lick here, a light kiss there... An electric shock running down his spine once fingers find his neck. Where he’s sensitive, where he’s just learned he’s sensitive... The journey further up has Rin shutting his eyes, a warm sigh fanning over the damp patch of skin he leaves behind. Funny how being held can nearly bring him to his knees. Must be the romance. Possessive... and loving as it is.

He ducks his head to press his forehead into Sousuke’s shoulder, wanting to compose himself before he moves any faster. It’s still fairly bright outside. The sun’s only just started to set. ... And they’re still standing in the damn foyer. Even if they’re alone, he doesn’t feel as if they’re private just yet.]

We should go upstairs. [Or anywhere. Just so long as he has a place to steady himself properly.] ... You can distract me more there.

[Then obviously he doesn’t want to stop. All of this, the things going on between them, he moves forward with them, no hesitation (well, maybe a little hesitation as his brain comes back), just a desire to remain close to Rin no matter what direction their relationship goes. Perhaps if Rin says something about the doubts in his mind, Sousuke would put him straight, but there’s only silence and he says nothing to it. Even though he knows Rin’s probably wondering about something in his head. For now, he simply has to let his actions speak for him and Rin can draw his own conclusions. (It really is arguable as to “who” started “it” here or there.) But right now, it’s moving, without stop, and Sousuke has no intention of pausing for them to ask stupid questions they already know the answer to.

A warm breath is his reward to escalating his fingers along Rin’s neck, tingling the damp skin beneath his god’s teeth and lips. The touch is at once icy and scalding, enough to draw another groan from the larger swimmer’s mouth as he leans into the touch as best he can in this position. Yet he doesn’t stop his own touches, carding his fingers through Rin’s hair, combing the maroon strands and cupping over the curve of his scalp with mild grazing of blunt nails. Enough to leave his best friend shivering and… oh… he’s actually almost buckling at the knees? Hn… maybe they should move before this goes further…

Sousuke sucks in his breath slightly as Rin’s forehead settles against his shoulder, the firm slope of muscle thickening beneath his shirt before relaxing again. Che, will he forever be sensitive there? Sousuke can’t deny it feels good, but there’s something else there, something else to the sensitivity of his shoulders. Rin probably knows, but they can’t talk about it. That’s fine. He pushes the thoughts to the side as Rin finally breeches the same ideas going through Sousuke’s mind.

A gentle breath of amusement slips against Rin’s ear and Sousuke gives him a light tug of an embrace.] Aa. Sounds good. Do you want me to carry you?

[So what if he’s almost buckling at the knees? Don’t mock him for it! It’s been a long day. A long few days. And they haven’t done anything like this since that one night. S-so it’s only right he’s grown oversensitive and probably more expectant than he should be for Sousuke’s touch. It’s different, after all, the way Sousuke touches him. Firm but gentle, moving slow enough to memorize the smallest details but fast enough to keep Rin’s interest. He’s certainly come a long way from angrily pinning him against doors or keeping his back turned with disinterest. No, Sousuke isn’t what Rin would call “touchy,” but in his own way this suits him. And... he loves it. This attention, the affection, the time and effort put into making them work.

He easily melts into the embrace as it happens, easing all his weight into Sousuke’s chest, then it’s his turn to scoff in amusement. As if he’d let him do something like that. Even if he can, even if it’d be the easiest thing in the universe for him to do... With his forehead still pressed to Sousuke’s shoulder, Rin falls still and quiet. Beneath his clothes and skin, there’s nothing to hurt his best friend anymore. He hasn’t seen him lose rhythm in the water, hasn’t heard the familiar scrape and tug of elastic in the mornings... Only a name rests here now. The one Rin gave him, the one he’ll always have until this world can set him free. Sometimes it mocks him. Curses him. Forces him to stare and remember what used to be. What could be again if he’s careless with Sousuke’s safety.

... this is how he’s meant to be. Touching, holding, standing strong. The strongest person Rin’s ever known.

Lifting his head, eyes shut, he presses his mouth to the same spot on his boyfriend’s neck as before.]

Aa. I do.

[I like knowing nothing hurts you anymore.]

[He’s a romantic fairy tale prince, isn’t he. Sousuke won’t ride him too hard for it, but it wouldn’t be him if he didn’t tease Rin at least a little. Still, it has been a draining few days, keeping all this bottled inside and now getting all of that rushing out in a relieved flow. That the result is Rin being overstimulated to his touch, however, is an interesting side effect. He’s going to have to keep that in mind, though it’s almost completely doubtful he’ll ever want to go so long without Rin again. Without his words, so lively and warm he can’t help but want to hear them over and over, his touch, so deliberate and playful that maps out his skin and body and admires it all at the same time. Rin’s always been different from him, from patiently watching over him to expression all his passion in his determination to teach Sousuke how to swim and arguing with him over their differing opinions. Never rude, never disrespectful. Rin’s far more physically affectionate than Sousuke, but that’s simply part of his charm… a perfect facet of his best friend.

Something Sousuke will never hope to change between them. The embrace is a culmination of so many things, from affection to protectiveness to simple enjoyment of having Rin close like this. He supports his boyfriend as he leans his full weight into his chest, arm fitting around Rin’s shoulder in a smooth motion. This person who’s become more than a partner, more than a companion… someone who’s become his best friend. The person he feels the most comfortable around. The person who understands him the best. For everything Rin’s gone through in this world, he remains firmly resolute to his own path and rhythm. He’s the one person Sousuke finds himself never wanting to fail. The one person he wants to be with… The strongest person Sousuke knows.

Lips find his neck and Sousuke shivers at the gentle touch, but a soft, tender smile appears when the answer breathes over his skin. Warm and soft.

Without further question, the larger swimmer nods and moves his body, taking time so Rin knows where he’s going. An arm around his boyfriend’s neck and shoulder, legs bending to brace himself as he fits his other arm behind Rin’s knees. The question might have been teasing, but once Rin’s affirmed his choice, the answer and result flow like second nature. With a little pull and nudge, he has the other swimmer lean back and drop, falling into Sousuke’s strong arms as he swiftly stands and pulls, scooping Rin into a bridal carry. Arms wrapped around his shoulders and tucked under his folded knees, drawing him close to his chest.

His best friend. The most important person in Sousuke’s world.]

Let’s go.

[And steps forward, moving to the bedroom.]

[Didn't expect him to actually go through with picking him up... but this very well could be the first and only time Rin will let this happen, so might as well enjoy it while it lasts. Anyway, there's no one around to see them, so what's the harm in being hoisted up and carried away at least once? He'll probably look back on this later and laugh. Or cry. Or punch Sousuke in the arm once he gets over this fluttering feeling in his chest. Until then, he'll enjoy the moment and let himself be carried away with it... figuratively and literally.

That isn't to say he's used to this though and as soon as his feet leave the ground he's at a loss with where to put his arms. He flails a bit, indecisive between his lap, his sides, his lap again... Ultimately he goes for the most obvious place: around Sousuke's neck. It's an awkward, sideways embrace, but it's stable and comfortable... and he has all the freedom in the world to rest his chin on his elbow so the other swimmer won't have to watch him starting to furiously blush like some helpless maiden. Yeah, yeah, he's letting you do this, but don't get used to it!]

... You agreed so easily.

[he mutters, thumb absently brushing at the bit of skin he was teasing at before.]

Don't tell me you've been wanting to carry me like this all along.

[Hey, it’s not like the chance to pick Rin up comes along so freely so regularly. Sousuke’s thrown the other teen over his shoulder or twice before (not that Rin’s that much smaller or lighter than him) and carted him off to get dumped in the pool or just swung around for a bit. But that always gives Rin prime access to smack him on the back or punch him in the butt. This… this is probably the only time Sousuke’s going to get the chance to pick Rin up like this. So of course he takes it. especially because Rin invited him to.

Whatever punches or pouts or embarrassment comes later, he’ll deal with it. Obviously point out that Rin asked for it, but whatever.

Sousuke tugs his head back, expecting the flail of arms, and then ducks his head forward to try and loop one of Rin’s arms around his neck. Jeeze, for a romantic guy, he has no clue. Something they’ve established plenty of times already since they started, well, all of this. As Rin’s arm slips around his neck in that strange, sideways embrace, he leans up a bit, straightening his neck and rounding his shoulders to get comfortable. Yeah, he knows Rin’s flushing as red as a tomato. He’ll at least be nice enough not to point it out.]

You said you wanted me to.

[A quiet murmur without hesitation. Don’t blame this on him, bae. You had all the opportunity not to make this literal. Maybe you’re the one that’s secretly wanted this.

Sousuke shivers a little as that thumb rubs along the still-tender area and he focuses on moving down the hall with his arms loaded.]

All right, I won’t tell you.

Yeah, but I didn’t think you’d actually go through with it.

[So what if he secretly wanted this? It’s innocent, isn’t it? At least he’s not asking for piggyback rides. ... It is nice though, way nicer than he would have expected, and halfway up the stairs he ends up shutting his eyes, feeling about ready to drift off to sleep. Down the hall and he heaves a quiet sigh, shoulders rising, chest warm, arms still secured where they belong around Sousuke’s neck. Every step matches up with his heartbeat. One, two, three... Down this same hall they wandered down together so many months ago, Sousuke in his legskins and Rin trying his hardest not to dissolve into more tears. The same hall they walk through together every morning, every night, amidst paintings of seascapes and far away lands they’ll never see. ... Briefly he thinks about wanting to take Sousuke away from here overnight. He wants to explore the world, escape responsibility, introduce his best friend to the life he’s been missing outside these castle walls.

I promised I’d wait for you... There’s so many things I want you to see.

Lifting his head, Rin tightens his embrace just a touch. He is here. Breathing, speaking, alive. ... He almost wants to never let go.]

You’re impossible. [he mutters softly again, this time pushing his hand up the back of Sousuke’s neck to rake his fingers through his hair. He doesn’t want to let go.] ... Next time, I’m carrying you.

Liar.

[Rin knows him too well to think such a comment had no chance of getting acted upon. Sousuke’s pretty sure his best friend’s got a secret little desire to be picked up and carried like a bride (or a princess), but he’s not about to risk getting a Hell’s Pinch with Rin’s hands so close to his neck and chest. So long as he’s the only one that gets to pick Rin up like this, however… Sousuke glances down once they reach the top of the stairs and can’t help a tender smile when he sees the other boy’s eyes closed. Rin has a pretty sleeping face; he looks so peaceful and beautiful at the same time, none of the day’s cockiness or excitement shining bright or those clouded moments of concern. It’s a brief moment (because Sousuke doesn’t get to watch him sleep for long) where his best friend’s simply at rest. Still for once. The larger boy keeps quiet, willing to let Rin sleep if he really ends up doing so. Heck, he’ll wander the halls (maybe not on purpose) to lull him in his slumber if it happens that way…

This hallway brings back memories for him as well. He’ll never forget the first time he saw it, following behind a young man he didn’t know but had just met and accepted as his partner. Knowing there were tears and heaviness hidden where he couldn’t see “behind” Rin’s strong back. The cling of his legskins and the cool air on his naked upper body felt different inside, the plush carpet soothing beneath his bare feet. But that remains the only really heavy memory of this hall. The rest are made of up morning conversations, yelling each other’s names during a race, quiet murmurs as they move to their room for the night. Noting the paintings on the wall, pausing to look at the sakura petals through the arching windows, talking about what if’s and wonders.

What would we be like if we met in another place under different circumstances? Would we be like this? Or would we be how you remember us…

Sousuke breaks from his thoughts as the arms around his neck tighten and he glances down at Rin again, teal eyes gentle, but a little deep from the flow of his mind. The same tender smile returns to his face at the words, accepting his “impossibility” with a casual dip of his head. Rin’s not one to talk about being impossible. But he spares the redhead the comment, since those fingers are raking through the short crop of his hair up the back of his head. It brings a shiver to his spine again.

But then he has to go and say that.]

Bphht--! Hahaha!

[… don’t kill him, please?]

Edited 2018-04-06 03:10 (UTC)

[Part of him wants to tell Sousuke to keep walking and take the more "scenic" route to their bedroom, just so he can enjoy being carried for a few minutes longer, but he's feeling forgiving and chooses to behave. No kicking, no jostling around. Just a nice quiet walk... where he's being carried bridal style with his hand in his best friend's hair and wow this would probably look stupid to anyone peeking in from the outside. Well, Gou always did say mushy feelings have a tendency to make people do stupid things.

Like suggesting to pick up his much taller, much heavier and dumb best friend.

Rin frowns deeply before the laughter even starts, expecting it straight away, then without hesitation reaches around with both hands to grab either side of Sousuke's face, palms squishing his cheeks together as if that'll get him to stop.

Quit ruining the moment!]

Oi, I'm serious! It wouldn't be hard, you know! I've carried way heavier than you!

[If anyone wants to try climbing up a story or two and peek in through the window of a sprawling castle with only two people living inside it on the off chance of spotting them the moment they walk by… good luck. Sousuke also has that little urge to simply keep walking. It’s nice to carry Rin around, for both the immediate comfort and enjoyment and the latter ammo for future teasing. But also… that hand in his hair… If Rin keeps doing that stroking, rubbing, scratching thing, heck, Sousuke’ll keep walking until his legs fall off. He gently tightens his grip on Rin’s shoulders, holding him a bit closer. Romantic…

You know, before he starts laughing, that is.

Really, sometimes his best friend could be such a dork. Sure, he’s not doubting it! Sousuke’s seen Rin bench some pretty heavy loads and he’s got no doubts the other athlete could shove him or tackle him around if he wants to. But the very idea of Rin carrying him around bridal style? Hah! Yeah right. (And this has nothing to do with the fact Sousuke’d be utterly mortified to be in such an embarrassing position.)

Smack! And now he’s doing a fish face, some smothered laughter coming out in little putts. This is not a flattering face at all. Least it quells his laughter pretty quickly. And ruin the moment? Rin, you’re just making another moment right here! Besides, you already ruined it by thinking out loud about carrying him, right?]

On the bench, yes. Not across the room or up the stairs.

[Hmph. He knew picking a dog for his shinki form was a good move. Not that he knew Sousuke would enjoy the whole head petting thing before, but, you know... he would've guessed it! Such a lazy guy. Rin won't be surprised if he's thinking about taking a nap right now in the middle of this hallway. Still, even with that in mind, Rin doesn't let up on his ministrations, even holds on a little tighter when Sousuke does so around his shoulders--

But someone has to once again ruin a perfectly romantic moment! Yes, it's Sousuke's fault and Rin won't hear another word about it!

Squish squish. That's right, fish face, take that! With an arrogant, angry smirk, Rin pinches his best friend's cheeks this time, giving them a couple tugs.]

I'm gonna make you eat those words. Take a look here!

[He'll only stop tugging with one hand so he can drop his arm and flex it right in front of Sousuke's face. Look at these biceps! These triceps! There's no way he worked to get them this toned and perfect so he can just bench press!]

It'll be easy.

[Oh so you did pick his form! He knew it! (Actually he knows Rin had no choice in the matter.) But it’s impossible to deny those fingers in his hair don’t end up relaxing him and making him want to feel more. He’s dozed off plenty of times with his head in his best friend’s lap, those fingers wandering through his hair, book flopped open on his chest like a deflated tent. A nap would be nice, if he weren’t carrying the most precious/prized load in his arms. To the bedroom, to note, but still, carrying none the less.

(Actually, they’ve probably passed the bedroom by now; Sousuke’s just wandering.)

Still Rin’s fault for ruining the mood with his boast. Can’t argue with that one, shark boy. You piped up first.

And now it’s gotten him in trouble with these hands squishing his face into these undignified expressions. From fish faces to… oh hell, not the—tug. Sousuke glowers in a pathetic way with his lower face half stretched out. So terrifying. But seriously, ow… easy on his cheeks, Rin. And don’t pinch too hard; he might drop you!

Oh, cheek relief. Sousuke blinks at the sudden shove, twitching his head back as Rin jams his arm right in front of his face. He looks (longer and more intently than he should) at the swell of bicep and triceps bulging under Rin’s lighter skin. Damn… That’s as attractive as always. He still doesn’t give in though.

Though he does lean forward and lazily bite the top of Rin’s bicep, teeth and lips molding to the curve of muscle for a moment before bite turns to retreating lick and kiss. Don’t think he doesn’t know how to get you fired up, babe.]

I’m tempted to let you try…

[Here you go calling him the most precious/prized load while wanting to drop him right onto his ass at the same time. So romantic. So precious. He'd pinch you more for that if he could read minds.

But he does ease up on the pinching to make his point and for a moment it does seem to be... working? Or maybe Sousuke's humoring him. Wouldn't put it past him since they kind of are having another stupid argument. If he can even call it that. Anyway, he'll keep at it, clenching his hand into a fist so he can get the most out of his muscles, but a few more seconds in he starts to think this isn't producing the effect he wants. Oi, what's that look for? And--

--did you just bite him.

The skin beneath Sousuke's teeth tightens, muscles reflexively ready to yank his arm back out of reach, but out of pure curiosity they don't follow through. He'll never know if he's going to regret that or not, not when tongue and lips replace teeth and briefly wipe his mind clean. Is his spine tickling? Did his heart just drop straight into his belly? Why is it hot...

Words, Rin, find some words.]

Um... [Eloquent. Time to swallow his own tongue and hope it stays down. Or at least cross his arms and look away, fingers rubbing at the warmer, now damp patch of skin on his bicep to force the tingling sensation to subside.] Not until you finish what you started, idiot.

[... Speaking of which.]

Oi. Didn't you pass the bedroom already?

[So? You’re just jealous he’s unconsciously (and in denial) more a romantic than you are, Mr. Romantic. But no, he’d never drop you on your ass unless you asked for it. Really hard. And there was a bed or a pool under you. Pinching him isn’t going to help matters either, he’ll have you know.

At least he gets a reprieve from the pinching and he can focus on other things. Like admiring that flexing arm in front of him and deciding to dig his own grave deeper. Maybe it wasn’t smart to lean forward and take a bite out of Rin’s bicep, but it seriously had been his knee-jerk reaction. A kiss, honestly, had been the first thing on his mind, but since when did they like to be complacent? Keeping Rin on his toes and flustering him is Sousuke’s duty as Rin’s best friend, remember? So, there’s no regret when his teeth scrape skin and his tongue and lips do an insincere apology afterwards.

Yep, bitten. Right on the bicep and leaving it glistening and warm after the retreat.

Sousuke traces his tongue between his teeth, hidden behind his lips. The sensation of Rin’s skin tightening and his muscle bulging against his teeth and lips plays back through his flesh. Firm and hot, a perfect repeat of what he sees all the time. Rin’s the one that does most of the biting between them, but this is one more time where Sousuke can see the appeal of the action. The little claim mark glowing on Rin’s skin is… nice.

He expects the reaction (one of a few, actually). Averted eyes, crossed arms, adjusting his balance so they don’t topple and the flush on his face. Sousuke arches a brow at the comment though. Finish what he started? Does he mean biting him more or keep carrying him to the room?

… which, ugh. He flat faces. Yes, they’ve probably already passed it. Maybe a billion times by now.]

Urusei. I’m distracted.

[As if he can out-romance Rin! (Actually, he's been doing a very good job of it so far and it's the most irritating thing in the world, but never mind all that.) He'll find a way to get his revenge later, so be doubly prepared for it!

Maybe it'll involve biting. Or kissing. Or more face pinching because that seems to be the more comfortable (albeit boring) option. Whatever he chooses, he seems to have all the time in the world to decide at the rate they're going, pacing down this same hallway the second... or third time around. Truthfully, he's gotten pretty distracted himself.

Sighing, Rin leans back again into Sousuke's chest, head resting against his shoulder as his eyes fall shut.]

Do you need to stop and ask for directions?

[Darling?]

[(You said it.) Sousuke’ll probably not be ready for any revenge when it comes to romantic things. Rin’d probably have to make it obvious, like tell him they’re going out to dinner or something. Emphasize “candlelight” or something. That way he’ll know to put on a nice dressy casual rather than showing up in jeans and a white tank top. Bare arms and all that.

Biting, huh. Well he might prepare for that. Considering he’s already gotten more than a few of those dotted-line U’s on his body in the past. Kissing, that’s… Bring it on. He’ll return it so good, you’re head’ll spin! (Once the momentary surprise wears off.) Seriously, more face pinching? You’re gonna pull his cheeks off one day! Sheesh, what a variety of payments for one simple little nip of that beefcake being offered to him.

See if he ever does that again. (He will. No doubt about it.)

Sousuke blinks at the bump of head against his shoulder and glances down. A brow quirks. Rin’s eyes are closed. Is he really going to fall asleep like this? … Probably isn’t putting it past him. Though he’s gotta go and ask that question next.] Hmph. [Momentary grump above him.

But nothing else. See, he can behave.]

No. I’ll find it on the next pass.

[Babe.]

[Oh, he'll do more than just a romantic dinner. Besides, they've already had a romantic dinner! I-if that last one even counted. Point is, you don't have to tell him what to do when he's already the master of romance! Just you wait. He'll make your head spin so fast it'll send you toppling over into a sakura filled pool!

He'll let the momentary grump stick around for a bit. Heck, he'll even give Sousuke a minute of quiet to focus on finding his way. ... At least until he gets too comfortable where he is, enjoying the way that heartbeat on his back moves interchangeably with Sousuke's footsteps, how his chest rises and falls against his shoulder, the phantom sensation of teeth lingering on his arm--

--After another minute, Rin looks up again, this time with eyes lidded and lazy.

He's still warm.]

Hurry up.

[Not exactly nagging. More like... persuading.]

[Oy. Don’t go crazy here. Sousuke’s still Sousuke. He’ll always prefer a quiet night at home on the couch, sitting next to Rin, probably teasing him or having an “argument” over whose dinner was the healthier. But he knows Rin likes those kinds of outings, being around other people. So he acquiesces and goes. Can’t deny it’s always interesting to see what Rin’s going to plan or what he expects once they get there. Sure, the Master of Romance. Send him into a sakura-filled pool and he’ll haul you right in after him by the ankle.

Still, right now, he’s got to focus on the hallway and getting to their room. It’d been nice to go wandering without Rin pointing out the obvious, but he doesn’t have that luxury anymore. Ugh. He’s not lost! He just happened to take a wrong turn. Anyone could make that mistake. At least he’s considerate enough not to pick up his steps and go running around. Come on, he’s lived in this castle for almost a year now. If not more. Finding his way around should be simple.

Should be.

Hurry up.

Shit. He hears the words, but understands what’s lying beneath them. It drives a rush clean up his spine and Sousuke narrows his eyes, determination pushing aside the frustration. Okay, now he’s going to make some extra attempts to locate th--]

Oh.

[There they go. Their room. The same big doors rising in front of them they’ve taken so many times before. Sousuke balances himself and hikes a leg up at the knee, catching the handle under the bare dent of his kneecap, and pushes as he drops his leg. The latch gives and he catches the door with the base of his heel in one motion, wedging the door open in a practiced ease. Fancy movements, hm. Especially since he’s carrying around another teenager.]

Bed?

[Are you really going to complain when he’s offering to spoil you? Just take it and let it happen! You know, whenever it actually happens. ... There’s another thing he’s slowly starting to learn about himself in all this. How fast he wants to go, all the things he wants to do, the points he needs to prove. All to keep Sousuke beside him. If his best friend remembered anything of the past, he’d probably find all this out of place. After all, Rin never stays in one place for long, easily bored and itching to find success on a higher level. Now here he is, spending most, it not all of his time with Sousuke practically attached at the hip. Rin was never so heartless to never miss his loved ones, but this degree of affection... It’s new. Almost scary. He’s worried he’s becoming too reliant, too needy, too overbearing.

He thinks all this as he once again absentmindedly brushes his thumb along the inside of his forearm. It still tingles without sign of letting up. He’s so distracted that by the time Sousuke finally finds their room he doesn’t even acknowledge it, doesn’t even look up to congratulate him on a search well done. Once there’s some jostling beneath him though, Rin does catch on and out of instinct wraps his arms around his best friend’s neck again so he won’t go toppling out of his hold. Idiot. Could’ve asked him to reach out and open it himself. Or even put him down for a second.

... Though now that he thinks about it, once the door swings open and their bedroom comes into clear view, there’s some... interesting implications here. Being bridal carried around, about to be carried over a threshold– He nearly chokes on his own air. Stupid thought. Out of all things!

Anyway. There’s not many options for them once they get inside. Experience tells him to nod and go with what’s familiar. Nothing complicated or fancy there. Which is... ok. Not particularly exciting, but ok. Not wanting to seem indecisive though, Rin buys some time for himself, grabbing at the other teen’s face so he can pull him in for a kiss. Straightforward to start. Not much in the way of movement or romance. Inexperienced. But then his shoulders relax and so does his mouth, lips parting so he can pull back, inch back in... start over slower and tender with a few experimental kisses. Sometimes it’s simple, sometimes it’s a little deep. Once or twice he pauses just to feel the warm air between them.

He comes up with an answer without much thought.]

Shower.

[No more than you whine when he’s doing the spoiling. Only his is with far less flushing and sputtering and tsundering. But he can’t deny the same feelings Rin has coursing through him. There’s a pang of selfishness that demands to be satisfied when it comes to Rin. A fleck of jade when he sees him laughing and smiling with someone else. It’s stupid, he knows, but he can’t help it. And now they’re going to be boyfriends. Is this like Rin? He doesn’t know, he probably won’t ever know, but there’s nothing that strikes Sousuke as odd about Rin’s actions. After all, he really doesn’t gather that the two of them were dating back when he was alive. So this is… new, right? Yet each time Rin displays this hidden desire to stay beside him, to linger, it brings a stupid little grin on the inside. They do spend a lot of time together; that much is obvious. But Sousuke can’t bring himself to dislike it. Having Rin’s attention and affection, complete and unshared… It’s probably a little unsettling if he looked at it clearly.

Not that it’s stopping them. The door to their bedroom opens, the familiar sight of the towering window, the large, single bed they share each night, their personal affects resting here and there around the room. Elements that scream “us” to anyone who might happen to see. Sousuke grunts slightly as an arm wraps around his neck, but he quickly catches his balance and adjusts his hold. Like hell is he going to drop Rin after coming this far with him. Besides, the door’s open. He didn’t need to interrupt his best friend’s daydreaming for something as simple as that. Or risk Rin unbalancing them…

~~Excuse you!!! What kind of marriage wedding thoughts are you thinking about?! And why are you not sharing with the rest of the class?!~~]

Mhn- [Any further thought’s ground to a halt as hands catch hold of his face and he’s pulled down. Lips find lips, a tender exchange of warm flesh and Rin’s unique taste glossing over his mouth. Sousuke leans forward, pressing into the connection without hesitation. Tongue peeking between the rims of his mouth, slicking over the small dip of Rin’s cupid’s bow. Candid, intimate, simple. If Rin’s inexperienced, Sousuke’s either the same or worse. Thought it’s not the first time they’ve kissed. There are no teeth clicking, awkward trying to find the best fit and position… It feels good. And there’s more. The slight separation instead heralds another kiss, and another, soft and experimental. His lips burn and a faint pink touches under his eyes. Though… he brings his steps to a halt, unwilling to walk with eyes closed and sorely distracted even through their room.

And then, his answer. A dark brow arches for a second. Then settles with a gentle smile curving into the shared kiss.] Romantic… [And heads for the bathroom. Eyes glancing up every now and then, keeping pace and location until he’s standing outside the bathroom door. Only then does he give his arms a slight dip.] Hold onto me. I’m gonna put you down.

[It's difficult to ignore those phantom flecks of jealousy gripping at the edges of his heart. When they're together, when they're alone, when Rin's eyes wander without him noticing. Is this like Sousuke? Has he always harbored those feelings before they arrived here, before they started dating? He thought about calling him out on it once or twice. Just to ask, just to make sure there's nothing he needs to be concerned with. And yet... He also doesn't want it to stop. Because it means Sousuke wants him, all of him. Attention, affection, time and effort. Maybe he's unworthy of all of it, maybe he's not. But he has it, unshared and unadulterated. So there's no room for complaint.

~~As if he'd share those wedding thoughts with you, you big dumby! Don't get so excited!~~

Any hint of anxiety in him fades away once Sousuke reciprocates (quicker and more naturally than he would have anticipated, by the way), though it's quick to flutter back to life again once he revisits his response. Ah... Did he actually suggest the shower? Why did he suggest the shower? So far their experiences in the same tub together haven't been romantic, you know! But he's already being whisked away and why are you ok with this!?]

Huh? Oh...

[Right. Gotta put him down at some point. Biting his lip, Rin does as he's told while shifting his weight around so his legs can straighten out towards the floor. He'll only keep his arms around Sousuke another second longer before lifting them up over his head in a lazy stretch, already making his way into the bathroom himself.]

Hn, I had a lazy day today. Gotta make up for it tomorrow before my body softens up. [He's already got his arms crossed over his body to start tugging his shirt off from the lower hem, back turned to his shinki as it slowly lifts up over his waist and shoulder blades, muscle and bone taut against his skin.]

[Sousuke knows in the back of his mind Rin can feel those little flickers of jade; like normal, it bothers him if he ever thinks about it for a moment. But there’s nothing he can do about it. He’s learned by now it’s easier, healthier, better, for him—for them—if he just ignores the reality and focuses on the rest of it. Rin hardly ever capitalizes on that element of their relationship as god and shinki and Sousuke both respects and appreciates his recalcitrance about it so much, he’s resigned himself to silently accept it for what it is between them. It’s not like he’s able to stop the feelings either. Seeing Rin’s eyes wander when he’s with him sends a little jolt through the larger swimmer. Sometimes he wonders if Rin feels the same when the same thing inevitably happens in reverse. He most likely does… Sousuke at least likes to think he does… but they obviously don’t bother talking about it, so it’s fine. After all, they’re both teenage boys with libidos. And only an idiot would say they’re unattractive. He’s happy with the attention and affection he gets from Rin; is he really deserving to demand more?

~~Oy! Who’re you calling a big dumby, chibi baka?! You’re the one that gets excited about… everything!~~

The kiss parts with the gentlest of ‘smacks’ as their lips separate, trailing the vapors of their breaths twining betwixt their mouths. It’s a soft thrill, knowing this simple action shares so much between them. From their taste to their breath to their warmth to their words… It’s a mixture of them shared evenly. But, parted as they are, Sousuke recognizes the subtle flurry of Rin’s mind kicking up over his answer. Hn, some things never change no matter what the circumstances. Yes, he’s going to the shower. Never said anything about getting one together, you know. Maybe he just assumes you’re talking about getting one like they normally do; one of them barely visible through the foggy glass while the other leans against the sink counter preparing for the day or getting ready for his turn under the water.

He doesn’t trust Rin’s legs enough to suddenly drop him down. After all, he’s been carrying him bridal style for… a while. But it doesn’t seem like Rin has any trouble, getting his footing without issue and heading into the bathroom with a lazy stretch of arms over his head. Sousuke follows him through the doorway, letting his arms drop by his side and swinging them slightly to work some blood back into his forearms and fingers.]

Physically, at least. [Considering Rin was probably doing mental explosions listening to Sousuke ask for advice about “liking your god” over the network. Not to mention the eventual confessions and decisions it led them to making. Sousuke’s thoughts trail off and he finds himself staring, mouth parted a fraction, as Rin pulls off his shirt. Peeling from his back, exposing the angles of his pelvis peeking over the hem of his pants like always, and then the span of a muscular back with lines and definitions toned and streamlined to an athletic perfection, and finally the shapely angles of Rin’s wing bones pressing and flexing beneath his fair skin, the entirety of his back a sculpture Sousuke’ll never not be able to marvel at whenever he sees it.]

… show off …

[Ignore his momentarily husky breath.]

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