synflux | ( OPEN ) SEPTEMBER CATCH ALL

(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.

(It's short and brief but there's a quiet. There's that moment after he speaks where he knows Aki is thinking. And for a moment, he wonders what Aki will do next. Will he ask about it? Try to talk about it? He wouldn't be surprised.

Instead, he just smiles. He smiles and touches him so softly, any little anxieties he might have had before melt away. Of course. He doesn't know why he'd expected anything else. Aki is patient, respectful, caring, and so, so good to him. It makes him relax and smile back in turn.

Eyes warm, filled with adoration, so completely charmed. It's been months since Aki's confession and he's yet to say the words back in turn but some things don't need to be said. Sometimes it's all in a single look.)

[ Aki understands, even if other people might think that it's a little pathetic of him to be content without worrying about the responses. Tsurumaru isn't the same as other people, and this isn't some kind of shojo manga where the climax of the story is a confession before it comes to an end, a happily ever after. They're a sword and a sword wielder, two people come together in the midst of violence to find happiness.

That's enough for him. They're happy together, isn't that enough?

Leaning in, he kisses Tsurumaru again, arm curling around him and holding him close, fingers in his hair and warmth on his face, cheeks flushed. ]

You look handsome like this, Tsuru.

(In the background, the sound of running water flowing into the bath fills the ceramic and stone room. The water laps against them when they move and for the briefest moment, Tsurumaru sees the moon behind Aki, shining bright as their silent and only witness.

Draping his arms around him, the tips of his fingers brushing against the back fo Aki's neck, they kiss softly. They're both warm, heat radiating from each other and in the air all around them.

"You look handsome" Aki says and Tsurumaru can only smile as he moves to stroke his cheek. )

And you look like a strawberry.

(And he grins like the menace he is. Of course, he has to tease him. He's one to talk when he probably looks even brighter but maybe it's a sign they should get out soon and cool off before the warmth becomes too much for one of them.)

[ There's a brief pause where Aki is doing his best to consider the fact that despite the romantic moment he is still in a bath with Tsurumaru, and that means the teasing is practically inevitable. He pauses, and his lips curl into a smile, almost bursting into a little laugh, before he reaches out to cup his partner's cheek. ]

How complimentary. Thanks.

[ Lifting both arms, he tugs them away from around Tsurumaru's neck before they rest gently on his shoulders. ]

Menace.

[ And then he shoves him under the water. ]

(He's pleased with himself. In fact, he's giggling when Aki holds him tenderly in his hands and--)

Hahahauaauahghg!

(He goes under the water. There's spluttering and splashing and when he comes up, he coughs and STARES at him, eyes wide with BETRAYAL.)

Me?!

(HE'S THE MENACE???? Clearly there is a BIGGER ONE.)

[ Aki can’t help the way he bursts out into real, honest laughter, the tickle of it a little unfamiliar. It’s rare that he’s so willing to let loose his joy, but seeing the indignation on Tsuru’s face makes it impossible to resist. It’s endearing, too, and that delights him. ]

That’s what I said.

[ Reaching out, he helps wipe some water from Tsuru’s face. ]

That’s what you get.

(It all echoes off the walls, just like now, when he sits still so Aki can wipe at his face and he listens to their acoustics bounce off the tile.

Indignant, he halfheartedly splashes at Aki as he pushes his bangs out of his face but he can't stay annoyed. The smile is already breaking through.)

I'll return the favor later...

(Watch your back, Aki Hayakawa.)

I didn't doubt that for a moment.

[ If there's one thing he can bet on with Tsurumaru, it's getting teased a little bit later. He's almost looking forward to it, in fact. ]

You look cute, though.

I was handsome a moment ago.

(What a downgrade!!

But in the end, it's all just teasing. They're playing. They're having fun. And before they eventually get out, they splash at each other some more. The departure is a slow and steady. Moving up to sit on steps into the water, then up to the ledge of the bath before eventually deciding its best to get out.

As promised, he makes sure to help Aki dry his hair in return for washing his own. Brushing through hair with his fingers, massaging scalp, careful not to make any tangles and when they're finally ready to return, the walk back to their room is content, relaxed, but also quiet.

Content to just be at each other's side, enjoying the walk back together until their room comes into view. Tsurumaru slips away, skipping ahead of Aki and walking backwards. Raising his hand, he holds up one finger to tell Aki to wait, wait, wait just a moment. )

Wait here. (He places his hand to the door handle but doesn't open it just yet.) Count to thirty.

(The door beeps as he flashes his wrist across the scanner.)

I told you, I have a surprise, too.

[ Aki is about to question it, ready to raise his eyebrows and make some kind of comment about Tsurumaru, but he stops himself and holds his tongue. If his partner wants to have a bit of fun with it, to play the game of teasing and being sweet, then he can allow it. He'd done the same by planning this entire vacation to begin with, after all.

It's nice, to spend time together, to indulge, and Aki is trying to grow more accustomed to the nature of indulges itself.

They're allowed. ]

Thirty seconds.

[ And he's being a good man, too, turning around and tilting his head up to begin to count. ]

One... Two... Three...

(Aki starts counting and Tsurumaru slips into the room, the door closing behind him with a click.

To be honest, he doesn't need that much time. He just didn't know what the situation in the room would be like when they returned. Sometimes the workers enter while the guests are out to prepare things. As promised by the employee from earlier, two futon are laid out on the floor already, side by side, close but still a respectful distance apart. It only takes a few seconds for him to pull one close to the other.

But really, all he has to do in the end... is kneel at the end of one futon. Tucking his knees neatly under him, he faces the door, waiting for Aki to enter. Both hands are placed neatly in front of him in a triangle point and really, the whole image is one of simple grace but presented like this, in the open with nothing around him or between them, it almost feels like...

When Aki finally enters, he's there, waiting in formal offering. He bows lowly, slowly, and when he rises, he holds his head up high to look up at him,)

I don't think I can change myself completely. I've been how I am for too long but Aki Hayakawa...

I promise to give you many surprises but I also want to spend many peaceful days with you.

[ True to his word, honest almost to a fault in most cases, Aki tilts his head all the way back and counts properly, his hair hanging around his shoulders. He hits ten, twenty-one, thirty... And then he gives it just a little bit more time before he lets himself turn around and slip back into their room, not sure what he should be expecting from Tsurumaru's adventures.

He's not expecting the kneeling, the grace, the softness of it. It feels like - something he doesn't want to name, and he has to bite his tongue. It's as if he's some kind of sweet husband come to bed, and Tsurumaru is waiting to receive all his kisses and all his sweetness.

Strangely, it makes him blush.

It's impossible to resist the urge to walk over and cup Tsurumaru's face when he rises, thumb pressing into his lower lip, and he breathes out softly, his own expression filled with warmth and adoration. ]

I've never wanted you to change, Tsuru. I like you just the way that you are.

[ Kneeling, leaning in, Aki brushes their mouths together before he nudges their noses together, their foreheads, gentle and so, so loving. ]

All the days I have left are yours, if you'll have them.

(Perfectly still, waiting patiently to receive him, he leans into the touch so easily. Pale gold eyes look up at him, regarding him with only warmth and fondness. There's some distance there still. True to his word, there are some things about himself he can never change, but despite it all, he brings himself closer and lets himself stay within reach.

His lips turn up into a smile and he lets out a light laugh. Reaching out and around, arms hanging loosely around Aki's shoulders, he preens in his embrace.)

I want to. (He wants to change. He wants to be better. He can never truly let go of the past but at the very least, he wants to live more in the present, too.) Even if it's just a little, I want to change because,

(He presses his forehead against Aki's and levels his eyes with him, )

I like you, Aki.

(The words come out so easily. As if he's always said them. In some ways, he has said them. In all of his small praises and all of his teasing and every time he says his name,)

I told you cranes can only have one love. You know, I have more than that. (There's Sadayasu who will always be a core part of who he is. There's also Denji, who he knows he shares Aki with and has come to care so, so much for.) I'll take all of your days and give you all of mine in turn. Another thousand years and more.

[ Trying to put into words the butterfly joy that Aki is feeling seems impossible for him. The scene is familiar, the tender sweetness of arms around his neck, the illicit feeling of a body moving closer to his own, seeking him out and giving in to their urges. They’re intimate in a variety of levels, sweet and soft and loving with each other without words.

Tsurumaru takes his heart and claims it and Aki can feel it bleeding happiness. Novel, exciting, thrilling beyond measure.

Leaning back, he swallows and licks his lips. How long had he wanted those words? He had known how much they cared for each other, had known that they cherished one another truly, but to be offered it with some genuine warmth, to know it was given freely and not because Tsurumaru felt as if he had to… That’s a gift of its own making.

Cheeks red and warm, Aki leans in to kiss him again, tugging him as close as he can get, their bodies pressed in an embrace that he doesn’t want to end. It’s so perfect, so beyond what he had dared to dream for in this place, and he feels as if he might start crying.

Embarrassing.

Leaning back, he kisses Tsurumaru, a brush of their mouths as he speaks against his lips. ]

I like you, Tsuru. I’m glad that we… That you…

[ The words are too hard, briefly, and Aki tucks his face into his partner’s neck. ]

Everything I have is yours. [ His heart, his happiness, his family, down to his bones and marrow, the depth of his adoration in the makeup of his very being. They’re a family, now, the three of them, and Aki would never have imagined such joy was possible for him.

Tsuru and Denji… Reasons to live. ]

(Kissing sweetly between words, he hugs him closely, feeling his body against his; his warm words, his beating chest, the way he feels so relaxed and at ease in his arms but also so strong as he supports him. It's good. It feels good and he turns his neck to allow him more comfort, more skin.

And then slowly, carefully, he gives himself over, letting himself weigh a little more heavily in his embrace, back into the soft downy fabric of the comforter.)

Then give me all of you.

(Thin fingers tapping the back of his neck, tracing his spine, gently twirling around his hair. Turning his face, to nuzzle against him, he whispers,)

I want everything.

Edited (the typo was bothering me dont look at me) 2024-09-29 17:18 (UTC)

( OPEN ) SEPTEMBER CATCH ALL

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