synflux | ( OPEN ) SEPTEMBER CATCH ALL

[ Watching the way that Tsuru lights up at something as simple as bringing sweets back endears Aki all the more, and he lets himself enjoy the moment, however briefly. He knows there are going to be lots of good moments so he doesn’t want to get too lost in this one - at least, not yet. There’ll be time for all of what he wants to do. ]

It’s good. I’ll try and teach you a little bit, on the quieter roads.

[ He’s not foolish enough to let Tsurumaru drive around streets when there is a risk of other people getting him into trouble.

Enjoying the tease of the kiss, Aki gets up and offers his hand, his expression warm and soft. ]

Let’s check it out. I tried to get the best room I could, so there’ll be some good views. Go ahead.

Help me with the test, too.

(The fifty question one...

The curtains are thick, heavy, worn from age and stiff from disuse. Pulling them back, the curtain rod scrapes and immediately, the room lights up when they're treated to a view of green mountains, forests, and far away in the distance, Mt. Fuji covered in a cloudy haze but still visible.

It's beautiful and Tsurumaru is stunned. He goes quiet, staring at the view and slips his hand into Aki's. He gives him a tug to come and see. )

[ It is beautiful, but Aki isn’t looking at the view.

Tugged forward, he slips up to stand beside Tsuru and gaze out at the rolling view in front of them, his expression warm and fond. It’s good, and his research had paid off, if the reaction of anything of his partner is anything to go by.

Squeezing Tsurumaru’s hand, he leans close with a hum. ]

We can go for a walk and see it more up close later, and take some picture, too. Then we’ll have the evening for the springs and dinner.

(After the initial wave of shock and awe washes over him, he can regain some of his composure. Turning towards him, leaning close, and kissing him on the cheek, he smiles warmly. It's funny how sometimes the air around Tsurumaru can feel fresher, lighter, warmer. It's less like a late summer afternoon and more like a spring day. But of course, Aki has probably noticed by now that this is something that just happens when he's in a good mood. It's some sort of ability.)

Let's go.

(The promise of an evening of relaxation and comfort is good but he's always preferred more active activities.)

But before we go, let's see where the springs are.

(They can explore a little. Find the springs, see where their dinner will be, and learn the layout of their retreat.)

They shouldn't be too far. I picked this room intentionally.

[ The good mood is noted - it always has, Aki learning what his partner enjoys and likes and doing his best to remember it - and the gentle kiss to his cheek makes him smile. Their fingers wrapped together, bodies close, Aki tugs gently and starts to lead him towards the pathway that lends itself to the private baths for the room.

He really did go out of his way. ]

If there's anything you don't like, we can change it.

[ It doesn't take long at all, and then Aki is getting Tsurumaru to peer through the opening that leads to the springs. ]

I like it.

(He hasn't even seen everything but he just knows. If everything is going to be as perfect as this, he's sure to love it.

But when they go out to explore the inn, it's just as Aki said. With the low visitation, it's easy to get a private bath, especially in an off season like this. The banquet hall is on the first floor and while they aren't allowed to enter just yet while it's being prepared, a glimpse of a large garden can be seen at the very back.

What endears Tsurumaru most, though, is the tradition. The familiar architecture, art that he's used to, employees dressed in traditional kimono instead of flashy fashions. They may sport some colorful hair and odd prosthetics of their own but their whole demeanor reminds him of an older time.

The reception gives a quick safety explanation to them before they leave. Stay on the trails, use a certain signal if they run into trouble, and return before their reserved dinner time at sunset. It's a relaxing walk. The leaves are still green but beginning to tinge with color in the cooler climate of the mountains. The mountain trail to get a better view of Fuji is, unfortunately, closed part way but the view they see is still excellent.

The entire time, Tsurumaru switches between running ahead and falling back to walk side by side, holding hands or wrapping around an arm to lean against him as they explore. He's chatty, pointing out trees that he thinks would look nice when they full change color or views that he thinks would look amazing in a certain season. He mentions coming back, just the two of them or maybe with Denji and or other friends who would also enjoy the experience.

They turn back around before sunset and Tsurumaru leans on Aki, quiet and content, the odd cherry blossom petal fluttering after them every now and then as they walk.

When they return, reception announces they prepared their rooms already and their yukata have been laid out atop their futon if they wish to change before dinner.)

Good.

[ The exploration is fun.

Aki likes being able to be out in the quiet for a while, but what captivates him more is the way that Tsurumaru reacts to it all. Watching him dart around, pointing things out, clearly delighting in the scenery... It makes Aki happy, and it makes him feel as if he's done a good job, even without the confirmation from his partner. Each time their fingers clasp together, or an arm wraps around his own, he gives Tsurumaru a doting smile, his heart warm.

This kind of happiness... It was so, desperately foreign to him for such a long time. Would he have been able to do anything like this if Denji and Power hadn't helped him to see it as a possibility again? He has a lot to thank them for, he thinks.

It's far too easy to lead Tsuru back to their room, towards their futons, and then he's leaning down to look at the outfits they've been given. They're nice, and he looks back over at his partner with a small smile. ]

Do you want me to help you dress?

[ Not because he thinks Tsurumaru needs it, but because it might be cute. ]

(His eyes light up at the offer and he's quick to kick off his shoes, stepping into the main room and holding his arms out in front of Aki. Arms spread wide, he holds his head up high and practically sparkles at the offer to get dressed.

Aki doesn't understand. He's such a menace, he doesn't deserve these rights. He's so much younger than other swords he's the one who always has to take care of them. No one spoils him like this back home.

He's ready, Aki. He's so ready.)

[ Aki is, unfortunately, prepared to spoil the people he cares about - and right now, the focus of that care is Denji and Tsurumaru.

It does mean, however, with Tsurumaru so open and vulnerable, Aki finds it far, far too easy to lean in and steal a kiss, sliding their mouths together - not brief, but not exactly lingering either - before he goes to gather Tsurumaru's clothes and begins to get him into the yukata properly.

It's nice, to take care of him like this. ]

(His initial excitment is shortlived, immediately giving way to something new. So completely caught off guard, he feels his knees go weak and he grabs onto him, fingers gripping at his sleeve and the front of his shirt.

There's a surprised gasp followed by a content sigh, surprise giving way to security, relaxing in his presence. Before he can give chase, go in for a taste, Aki's lips brush against his and he slips from his fingers like water.

He can only follow him with his eyes, expression a mix of being flustered and something that can only be described as forlorn. To be teased like that... to be tugged closer to an edge only to be left behind, wanting more. The insanity starts and it only builds as he feels Aki's hands brushing against him, on him, taking off each piece of clothing and neatly, carefully, tenderly getting him into his new attire for the evening.

When both arms are put through the sleeves, he brings them up and around, wrapping them around Aki's shoulders and hanging there. Looking up, eyes twinkling playfully, bright and only on him. There's a dinner to go to. Now isn't the time. But there's an open invitation and an unspoken promise for later. The tips of his fingers brush gently against the back of Aki's neck, tracing a sensitive line down that small part of his spine,)

I've been waiting for this.

(Ever since Aki first mentioned the trip to him. He's been counting down the days, thinking of all the things he can do to surprise him in turn,)

I have surprises for you, too, you know.

(And he slides off, slipping free, to turn away, kneel down, and take the yukata meant for Aki. Holding it in front him, like some screen between them, he looks up from just above the fabric. Part of his face is hidden behind it but it's clear from his eyes that he's smiling,)

Your turn.

(He'll tend to him next.)

[ It's far too easy to lean into the tenderness of the moment, to the way that Aki feels when he's able to take care of Tsurumaru. He's getting bolder himself, stealing more and more of those kisses, willing to reach out and touch, letting himself bask in the tender affection that's right there in front of him. It makes him blaze with warmth and happiness, and that is why he is so careful when he dresses the other man.

He wants to make sure this is one of the best memories they can have. He wants to make sure that they will look back at this time together with fondness and joy, even if there's an edge of something teasing about the smile he gives Tsuru.

Prepared to go and put on his own outfit, he's immediately distracted by the way that Tsurumaru reaches out for him, for the way that fingers brush so gently and tenderly against his neck, and his eyes close briefly; it makes his skin prickle, makes his cheeks go a little red, and he wants to lean in and steal another kiss right away. Resisting temptation is hard, but... There's always later.

They'll have later. ]

Have you...?

[ Blinking back to reality, he laughs softly. ]

Alright, my turn. Surprise me, Tsuru.

[ Lifting his head, Aki tugs down his hair and offers himself to Tsuru without hesitation. ]

(Layer after layer, piece after piece, removing each article one by one with lingering care. It's the way he loops his arms around him Aki to bring the robe over his shoulders. It's the way he uses his thumb to smooth the collar across his chest, slow and deliberate just to press the palm of his hand against him, right over his heart as he admires his work for a moment. It's the way he wraps the obi belt around his waist snuggly and comes from behind to smooth the creases in the back. And lastly, it's the way he tugs at the back of Aki's collar to create a detail no one else will care for. His index finger tracing the back of his neck, untucking strands of hair for the final look.)

There.

(He comes around to admire his work from the front. )

Perfect.

(Totally handsome.

Stepping forward, kissing him on the cheek as he slips his hand into his,)

Now we're a matching pair.

[ It's all intimate, all gentle and careful and soft, and Aki is enchanted. He watches him with a warmth that he can't push aside, and he feels the burn of desire coil inside of him - but he can wait. He can wait, because they have dinner, and Tsurumaru has put so much effort into dressing him and making him look as handsome as possible.

It would be a shame to waste all that effort by undressing immediately.

Leaning in, he nudges their noses together before he nods. ]

I hope you're hungry, in that case.

(He's all smiles. Holding his head up high, smiling brightly at him before they leave. Swinging their arms together as he practically skips down the corridor.

There aren't many people at the inn but given the time right now, they run into a few other guests also on their way to the dining room. Other couples giggling to themselves or business partners talking loudly about the drinks they've arranged to be served for their deals tonight. Still, there aren't many of them.

When they arrive at the dining hall, plenty of areas are separated by screens. A host greets them and escorts them to their designated area. They'll have time to settle in and take in their surroundings before the course meal starts.)

Ah, how nostalgic. (The traditional style of the room, the floors, the table, everything.... it reminds him of an older time.) It reminds me of home.

(And he reaches across the table, offering his hand to Aki to hold before their meal comes,)

Two nights?

(Just confirming again.... because he really can't believe it.)

[ Aki is quietly polite to the people that they walk by, but it's clear where his attention lies; his focus is on Tsuru, on watching him enjoy himself as he moves down the hallways, drinking everything in. He knew he had picked well based on the reviews and the atmosphere of the place, but having the confirmation of it was more than enough for him to feel that buzz of pleasure, the reward of a job well done.

Not that taking Tsurumaru somewhere was a job. It was a pleasure, a delight that he enjoyed.

Settled and comfortable, Aki doesn't hesitate as he reaches out to take his partner's hand. ]

Two nights.

[ He didn't want to risk too much longer, but there'll be chances to come back here. Eventually, the waitresses bring their food and he has to let his fingers slip away from Tsurumaru, but only so he can start putting him a plate together and pouring his drink. ]

How hungry are you?

(He doesn't even try to hide how pleased he is. With mischievous eyes and a content smile, he's looking forward to the rest of their time together. Fingers stroking at the palm of Aki's hand before he has to pull away, making easy for their drinks and first platters.

Salad, small appetizers, a few pieces of sushi that they say uses real fish from specialty markets. Even if food is hard can be hard to find and deliveries even harder to arrange out here, they've spared nothing to provide for their guests. Raising his cup to Aki, he gives cheers,)

To many surprises together.

(As for the question itself...)

Starving.

(Sure, they ate before they arrived and had some snacks along the way but this is dinner. It's time to be hungry again.)

And after this, we'll take a bath.

(In their private bath, too...)

[ Seeing Tsurumaru so happy, so pleased with what Aki has been able to plan for him and the knowledge that he ha done a good job is enough for him, and it settles in his gut with a warmth that he holds close.

He likes him, he likes him so much, and this happiness... It's enough for him. It'll be enough. ]

That sounds like a good idea. I'll wash your hair.

[ Passing the plate over, Aki prepares his own, before pouring their drinks. ]

Is there anything else you want to do? We could go for a walk deeper out into the scenery tomorrow.

(He'll wait for Aki to eat before he starts eating. After all of this planning, it's only fair that he gets the first taste. Besides, he wants to see his reaction, too.)

My, my...

(Washing his hair? For some reason, this sounds more intimate than some of the other things they've done, actually.

He's quiet for a moment, thinking of what else he could want. A walk outside, dinner, a hot bath, a night together... what more could he really want right now? It isn't that he has something he wants to say but won't. He genuinely finds himself with nothing more to ask for and the realization confuses him. Brows knit together closely and he frowns, trying to come up with words to say until,)

... I can't think of anything.

(It's quiet, unsure and he looks at Aki as if expecting some help with an answer. Like hes' been asked a difficult math question and needs a hint to solve the problem.

He can't think of a single thing. Not even a surprise right now. And ever so slowly, something begins to dawn on him. A thought in the very back of his mind that makes his heart beat a little harder in his chest.

(Maybe he's just... content?))

[ Oh.

It should be baffling, that there's nothing more than Tsurumaru wants, but it hits Aki as something warm and gentle instead. It makes him feel as if he really has made the perfect weekend, because there's nothing more that Tsurumaru wants to do other than this - be together, enjoy one another's company, and bask in the joy of it.

The smile on his face is warm and tender, and he reaches out to draw Tsurumaru's fingers to his mouth, to press a kiss against them, eyes closed for a moment. ]

Then we can eat, and have a bath, and just enjoy ourselves.

[ No more overthinking, trying too hard, anything like it. Just the two of them together, enjoying the comfort of their shared warmth. ]

(He sees Aki reaching over and moves to offer his hand over. Is something wrong? He's almost certain he'll have to hold his hand, give him a reassuring squeeze, and say everything is fine. Instead, he feels Aki's lips against his fingertips and he stares, gold eyes captivated.

Nothing is wrong. Everything is right.

By now, Aki should be used to it. The way the cherry blossoms fall so slowly when Tsurumaru's mood is good, when he's pleasantly surprised and so smitten.)

... It sounds good.

(It really does.

They eat and they drink and they make plans and talk. Tsurumaru smiles and he laughs and he tries to make Aki do the same. He picks food from Aki's dish and shares parts of his plate with him. There are others in the dining hall, eating and conversing behind privacy screens but still loud enough to hear. Tsurumaru doesn't mind, though. He doesn't care about anyone else here.

When their meals are finished, he wraps himself around Aki's arm. He's steady but he leans heavily on him and feels warm. How much of it is from the drinks and how much is from the mood itself is to be determined.)

Let's take a bath.

(Like they agreed to at dinner. Aki had promised to wash his hair and Tsurumaru had teased he would help Aki dry his when they got out. Returning favors, taking care of each other. )

[ There really is nothing wrong, is there? This moment, this shared space between them, is just... Good. They've shared their own amount of pain and heartache, they've suffered a great deal, but somehow they found their way to one another. In some ways, Aki thinks he ought to thank LILITH - they've given him a second chance at life and a chance at happiness, here with Tsurumaru and Denji.

Lifting his head, he watches the cherry blossoms fall with a fondness that he will never be able to hide.

Together, they're happy. Aki can eat, and plate up more food, pour a few more drinks, and watch the man he cares about find his happiness. His laughter is brighter than it has been before, especially with the soft flush of a little bit of drink, and he lets himself bask in how it feels.

Aki is cherished, and wanted, and his happiness is being chosen. That means something to him. It's special.

Nodding his head, he guides Tsurumaru to their private baths, slipping to one side to grab all the things they'd need before he kisses his cheek and heads out, the warm air enough to make him feel as if he's drunker than he actually is.

It might be the joy, too. ]

I made a promise, didn't I?

[ Slipping into the water together, gleeful and happy... Aki looks content, opening his arms in offering. ]

(The air is warm and hazy with steam but it's easy to see the flush on Tsurumaru's face, as bright as he wears it. It's relaxing, it's calming, and he's able to bring himself down a little, enough to stop the spotty blossoms from falling for now. It's distracting and he doesn't want to be distracted right now.

Getting into the water, all tension relaxing from his body, he takes a moment to let it all soak in and then he wades across, cutting water to come into his arms, straddling him. Wet and warm, he wraps his arms around his shoulders, positions himself, and hums agreeably as he kisses him gently on the mouth.

Yeah, they have a promise but how can he not go for the kiss when he makes himself so open? )

[ Aki certainly isn't going to complain.

It's simple, letting his arms wrap around Tsurumaru's shoulders, as if they belong there; and maybe, for now, they do, the two of them puzzle pieces that fit in this world, finding each other and snapping into place. It's enough to give him that moment of pure bliss and the buzz of it that has him tilting his head, just so.

He would draw Tsurumaru closer, slide him into his personal space and keep it for himself, but there's a certain level of politeness to keep to, isn't there?

One hand tangles into Tsurumaru's hair all the same as he kisses him back, tender and sweet. ]

(His mouth turns into a smile and he hums against him, lips parting to tease sweetly. There's that moment where he cracks, when he feels that gentle tug in his hair and moans softly, inviting Aki to do more. To take more. He pulls himself close, leaning against him as he reins himself, trying to behave now if only because there are other plans.

Warm from the steam, flushed from the alcohol, buzzing with joy, it takes everything he has to stay good. It'll be worth it. He knows it. But gods, if he isn't dizzy with impatience.

Or maybe he's dizzy from the heat. How long have they been in the water? Time really flies when they're together. This weekend will surely be over in the blink of an eye. But for now, when they have finished with each other and are content to just relax in each other's space, they can look out at the view provided for them.

A dark night, the sky unfortunately patched with clouds that covers the stars and waxing moon from time to time. When the moon peaks out, for a half second he thinks aloud,)

The moon is beautiful tonight, isn't it?

(Always careful with his words, skilled at speaking in riddles and poems, and as old as he is, there's no way a spirit as old as him wouldn't know what he just said.

The moon is beautiful, isn't it? I love you, you know?)

[ The kiss is sweet with the burst of alcohol and the sweet echo of their dessert, and Aki steals into it with all that he has in him. It’s something they’ve done dozens of times now since the first, hundreds, even, lip on lip and the soft press of bodies together, but there’s something magical about doing it in a place like this.

A moment with no risk of interruption, a moment just for them and no others.

When Tsuru leans back Aki doesn’t give chase, not when they’re still so close to each other either way. He’s about to get the supplies to take care of their hair and settle together when the words come, and he’s pausing to blink, completely and utterly shocked by them for a moment.

He’s not an idiot. He’s read novels, he’s seen dramas, he knows the poetry of it. He knows the deeper, hidden meaning of it, his eyes flickering to the sky before they go back to Tsuru. The problem is… Is this something he’s meant to believe, or just a literal turn of phrase? Either way, it’s surely something sweet, and he sighs with a contentment he can’t hide.

Carefully, his fingertips lift to stroke through Tsuru’s hair, tender and sweet. Not judging or demanding, just loving with all that he has. ]

It is beautiful tonight.

[ A kiss, right to his nose. ]

The moon is the most beautiful when I’m with you.

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