or for expertly concealed gifts. the old behind the back trick... he'd never expect it. with a shake of his head, ryuu stands aside and opens the door wider. ]
[THOSE LOCKS MIGHT BE EASY TO BREAK INTO he let this happen okay. OKAY.
Except, (un)fortunately(?) he doesn't get a chance to witness her lockpicking skills and instead has to deal with the old behind the back trick. He didn't notice (she thinks) she's safe!
Either way, stepping in will zero escape. It's actually a good idea, only because this means she'll be committed to one path. Instead of...overthinking it.]
Y-yes, please! I mean, if it would be okay. [She steps in, unusually more flustered than usual. Which is saying something. That's someone who is hiding something (obvious).]
So...I heard that something very important has happened.
[ honestly, he's too happy right now to get swept away into the fluster feedback loop, so he's just beaming by the time he shuts the door instead. moving into the space ahead of her, he hums. ]
Important, you say?
[ he can't help feeling a touch playful... danger. ]
[She steps inside once he lets her enter, the old hiding trick still in effect. Never mind that she's really skinny.
Either way, she clears her throat. He's so cheerful right now, his smile as bright as the sun. Also, playful tone. Danger. He's broken his own feedback loop. Alert. Come on, keep cool.]
Important. I think you would be the only one who knows it intimately. [Because it's yo birthday!!! Being that it's important, she thought to get really important gifts.]
That may be so... [ with a laugh, ryuu just decides to come out with it to spare her some nerves. it would be rude of him to be coy about something so obvious, wouldn't it? ] If I can take a guess, then!
[He's so cheeky today, which, she has to admit, is absolutely adorable. Not that she was going to say that out loud, because he might not want that kind of attention today! Anyway!
She's going to play it cool.]
I suppose it is. Happy birthday, Ryuu! I tried to plan ahead but somethings do not work without the actual material, or skills. Still, here. Just a little something.
[NOW SHE CAN bring that very obvious gift from behind her back and hold it up to him. It's a neatly wrapped box, but considering that she did admit to focusing on the gift, it's just brown paper.]
You can also open it any time you wish.
[Just in case. He will find inside what she would nickname a "care package": hand crafted shisa, but since she doesn't remember, she winged it. chinsuko, which she actually find and then wrangled the recipe to recreate. And finally sweet potato tarts because pffft more baking. Ez.]
[ listen, it's hard to not be overflowing when he's had such a good day so far. it's not home, but it's fine - it's experiencing something completely new for something he should be so used to by now. even in a place like this, he has loved ones and friends.
and he looks no less enthusiastic to receive something plainly wrapped, because even just a visit and a well wish would be enough for him, but when he actually gets into the gift, that's when his expression shifts towards something completely awed. they're... sights from home. a smell from home too, warm and sugary. ]
Shisa...! [ said with a gentle lift of the little guardians. ] And these snacks, even...
[One thing she noticed was that Ryuu always often spoke dearly of home. He spoke of his brothers. He proudly told her he was from Okinawa. She visited because Okinawa happened to be closer to Taiwan than it was her brother, so the two made the trip because the beaches were nothing like theirs, and the culture wholly different. So she, thankfully, had a fair idea what to do.
It is his birthday, after all. Maybe it would've been nice to have some reminders of the place he came from.
She's beginning to fiddle with her fingers as he opens the package.]
It is a little! I wanted to make more, but I'm afraid I may not get the...what was it, the donuts, I believe. I didn't know if I could get them right. These, I knew I could. The shisa, that was, how do they say. An attempt.
[ it's true that he loves his home. he loves tokyo too, but it's hard for someone like him to completely conceal his roots. he was allowed to speak of okinawa, but it was always its bustling tourism aspects, his stepfather's beautiful hotels. never his hometown, and all the things that had shaped the person he is behind the glamour. it comforts him more than it makes him homesick, grounds him more than it displaces his sense of where he is. his home is real and waiting, no matter how faraway.
it's more thoughtful than he ever would have hoped or asked for. ]
I'm sure you'd make great sata andagi. But this is more than enough. Thank you, Sen.
[He's the most humble person she's ever met. Humble, caring, that she's sure he's completely selfless. And if he speaks so well of Okinawa, then this must be the place that made Ryuu Ryuu.
Her eyes brightened up.]
Sata andagi! Yes, that was it. [She doesn't remember it well enough to make it as he would want it, since that kind of doughy snack also exists back home for her that she didn't want complete overlap. She'll figure this out again one day! But she won't tell him. It'll be a surprise.
She rubs the back of her neck, unsure how to react now, and a little more nervous than she was at the beginning. What if she made all of these wrong? Heavens, now she thinks about this.]
No, you're welcome. It is your birthday! So, I thought it would be nice to give you a piece of home. Somehow. If I got anything wrong, I can correct it for the future. But I still hope these are to your tastes.
They're wonderful. [ thoughtfully, he brushes his fingertips over the shisa. ] I worry about home a lot, you know... I think about how time works, or if I'm there for my brothers or my fans, or if I'm here.
[ considering gaku had been somewhere else before here and he knows it's taken a toll on him, but to ryuu, gaku had never gone anywhere. how can he be sure? he feels real. he's having a birthday, he's celebrating, interacting with people, having experiences. yet it's always in the back of his mind. ]
This is a precious reminder that home is still there.
[She tried to make the shisa look cute too, to make sure she didn't screw up. So seeing him touch it, it's rather moving.] I understand how you feel. If time has frozen and you are able to return at that very exact moment, then it will be okay. But what if it is not?
[It's all so confusing, though she had always assumed it was the former since people do not seem to notice the difference back home.
She reaches and brushes the locks of his hair away from his face. It takes a lot of reaching.]
You have a beautiful home, Ryuu, I have been. And it is the home of someone as beautiful as you. So do not worry, your family and your fans will be okay.
It's a lot to think about. What if I return to that exact moment... [ TRIGGER had just defeated IDOLiSH7 at the MOP awards... their fans had come through for them in their darkest hour. that had truly been their daybreak. ] And everything went on as normal. But would I remember everything that's happened here?
[ moments like this. ]
I don't know that I'd want to forget all of this either.
Hmm, I'm not sure myself. I've never been back. Others have! But I always wondered...if we can control how we go back from here. If they could bring us here, it should be possible for us to control the other way around too, no? That means we can visit each other! But I am no good at science. So I am not sure if it is possible, or even where to begin.
[She can only dream, really.]
I do not wish to forget, and I do not wish to lose anyone. Like you, Ryuu.
[ listening to her wonder aloud, matching his concerns with her thoughts, ryuu's smile mellows. shifting the box to one hand gingerly, so as not to jostle its precious contents too much, he reaches up to settle a palm on her head. softly, just so. ]
Like you, too. There's nothing about this that I'd ever want to forget.
[She feels the weight of his hand on her head, looking up a bit and gives a tiny smile. It's warm, soothing. Just for a moment, she feels like she could just be anyone else, just Sen. Funny how this is a thing she thinks on his birthday.]
Let's try to find a way so that we can remember each other, no matter where we are.
I wonder... would a memento work? Something like, hmm, let's see.
[ removing his hand, he shakes his sleeve around his wrist a little. around it, there's an orange leather bracelet, capped in silver. smiling, he lifts it up. ]
[ leaning aside, he sets down the box so he has his other hand free to unclasp the bracelet, unwinding the crossed straps to free it from his wrist. ends held carefully in his hands, he holds it out. ]
Let's, and I will also treasure it forever. Your memories and everything.
[She nods firmly, and after he removes his bracelet, she lifts her wrist up. She plans to do the same, where a ribbon would normally be used to tie hair, but he probably needs a little more length before it is useable. It is long enough for it to wrap neatly around his wrist, she is certain.]
[ with a nod, he motions to her wrist first so he can slip the bracelet on carefully, over knuckles and down. he positions it so he can make sure the orange lather criss-crosses properly, then pulls the cord through the silver clasp and tugs it tight. he laughs a bit. ]
Your wrist is so much smaller than mine.
[ but he manages to secure it, leaning away again. ]
[She watches curiously, how he ties it. Her wrist is comparatively tiny, that it looks like he had to figure out some workarounds to get it happening.
She can't help but laugh.]
I suppose I would have to be as big as you for it to work. But it's so beautiful, after you tied it on like this. [She holds it up, fascinated by how it looks on her wrist.] I will keep this on as much as I can. Thank you, Ryuu, for something so important.
[Sometimes she has to keep it safe, after all. As for her ribbon, she holds it up and out, waiting for him to follow suit.]
[ obediently, ryuu extends his wrist so he can receive the ribbon. like her, he's sure he won't be able to wear it all of the time, but this moment is what imbues it with something special - something worth remembering. ]
I should be thanking you. I've come to like this place a lot because it was you who introduced me, you know?
[ with the exchange complete, he smiles. ]
Now it's a promise.
[ one that he can carry with him, so long as he's here. ]
[She diligently ties it, gently and making sure the knot stays. It's because it's Ryuu, that sometimes, she feels comfortable enough to be a little bit more affectionate, that as soon as she finishes the knot, she kisses it gently. Now it's a token!]
There--
[Before she hears what he had to say. She flushes deeply before trying to see if there was anything else to look at.]
W-well! I mean, I-I am sure that with your natural charm, the world would've welcomed you with open arms. Y-you're loved, Ryuu!
[She clears her throat before nodding.] A promise I will hold close.
[ it's hard to explain, how he doesn't know if he would have wanted to be loved simply for who or what he is. how closely being seen or heard ties in with his sense of self, instead. but hearing it so plainly is still a precious thing, right? instead of words that don't seem to fully convey what he's thinking, he takes hold of her hand and brings it up, placing a mirrored kiss atop it.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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or for expertly concealed gifts. the old behind the back trick... he'd never expect it. with a shake of his head, ryuu stands aside and opens the door wider. ]
Not at all. Do you want to come in?
no subject
Except, (un)fortunately(?) he doesn't get a chance to witness her lockpicking skills and instead has to deal with the old behind the back trick. He didn't notice (she thinks) she's safe!
Either way, stepping in will zero escape. It's actually a good idea, only because this means she'll be committed to one path. Instead of...overthinking it.]
Y-yes, please! I mean, if it would be okay. [She steps in, unusually more flustered than usual. Which is saying something. That's someone who is hiding something (obvious).]
So...I heard that something very important has happened.
no subject
[ honestly, he's too happy right now to get swept away into the fluster feedback loop, so he's just beaming by the time he shuts the door instead. moving into the space ahead of her, he hums. ]
Important, you say?
[ he can't help feeling a touch playful... danger. ]
no subject
[She steps inside once he lets her enter, the old hiding trick still in effect. Never mind that she's really skinny.
Either way, she clears her throat. He's so cheerful right now, his smile as bright as the sun. Also, playful tone. Danger. He's broken his own feedback loop. Alert. Come on, keep cool.]
Important. I think you would be the only one who knows it intimately. [Because it's yo birthday!!! Being that it's important, she thought to get really important gifts.]
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Did you come by to wish me a happy birthday?
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She's going to play it cool.]
I suppose it is. Happy birthday, Ryuu! I tried to plan ahead but somethings do not work without the actual material, or skills. Still, here. Just a little something.
[NOW SHE CAN bring that very obvious gift from behind her back and hold it up to him. It's a neatly wrapped box, but considering that she did admit to focusing on the gift, it's just brown paper.]
You can also open it any time you wish.
[Just in case. He will find inside what she would nickname a "care package": hand crafted shisa, but since she doesn't remember, she winged it. chinsuko, which she actually find and then wrangled the recipe to recreate. And finally sweet potato tarts because pffft more baking. Ez.]
no subject
and he looks no less enthusiastic to receive something plainly wrapped, because even just a visit and a well wish would be enough for him, but when he actually gets into the gift, that's when his expression shifts towards something completely awed. they're... sights from home. a smell from home too, warm and sugary. ]
Shisa...! [ said with a gentle lift of the little guardians. ] And these snacks, even...
[ uh oh, he's getting feelingsy. ]
Sen, this is more than just a little!
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It is his birthday, after all. Maybe it would've been nice to have some reminders of the place he came from.
She's beginning to fiddle with her fingers as he opens the package.]
It is a little! I wanted to make more, but I'm afraid I may not get the...what was it, the donuts, I believe. I didn't know if I could get them right. These, I knew I could. The shisa, that was, how do they say. An attempt.
Chúc mừng sinh nhật, Ryuu. I hope you like them.
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it's more thoughtful than he ever would have hoped or asked for. ]
I'm sure you'd make great sata andagi. But this is more than enough. Thank you, Sen.
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Her eyes brightened up.]
Sata andagi! Yes, that was it. [She doesn't remember it well enough to make it as he would want it, since that kind of doughy snack also exists back home for her that she didn't want complete overlap. She'll figure this out again one day! But she won't tell him. It'll be a surprise.
She rubs the back of her neck, unsure how to react now, and a little more nervous than she was at the beginning. What if she made all of these wrong? Heavens, now she thinks about this.]
No, you're welcome. It is your birthday! So, I thought it would be nice to give you a piece of home. Somehow. If I got anything wrong, I can correct it for the future. But I still hope these are to your tastes.
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[ considering gaku had been somewhere else before here and he knows it's taken a toll on him, but to ryuu, gaku had never gone anywhere. how can he be sure? he feels real. he's having a birthday, he's celebrating, interacting with people, having experiences. yet it's always in the back of his mind. ]
This is a precious reminder that home is still there.
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[It's all so confusing, though she had always assumed it was the former since people do not seem to notice the difference back home.
She reaches and brushes the locks of his hair away from his face. It takes a lot of reaching.]
You have a beautiful home, Ryuu, I have been. And it is the home of someone as beautiful as you. So do not worry, your family and your fans will be okay.
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[ moments like this. ]
I don't know that I'd want to forget all of this either.
[ often, ryuu manages a heart of two minds. ]
Wanting it all seems like too much.
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[She can only dream, really.]
I do not wish to forget, and I do not wish to lose anyone. Like you, Ryuu.
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Like you, too. There's nothing about this that I'd ever want to forget.
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Let's try to find a way so that we can remember each other, no matter where we are.
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[ removing his hand, he shakes his sleeve around his wrist a little. around it, there's an orange leather bracelet, capped in silver. smiling, he lifts it up. ]
How about this?
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[She blinks as he pulls back, curiously watching as he shakes his sleeve.]
My, that's beautiful. It looks like something uniquely yours!
[She reaches back, to her hair, and unties it. Shaking it out a little so that it could straighten itself, she brings forward her long red ribbon.]
I have this.
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[ leaning aside, he sets down the box so he has his other hand free to unclasp the bracelet, unwinding the crossed straps to free it from his wrist. ends held carefully in his hands, he holds it out. ]
I'll pour all my memories into this.
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[She nods firmly, and after he removes his bracelet, she lifts her wrist up. She plans to do the same, where a ribbon would normally be used to tie hair, but he probably needs a little more length before it is useable. It is long enough for it to wrap neatly around his wrist, she is certain.]
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Your wrist is so much smaller than mine.
[ but he manages to secure it, leaning away again. ]
There we are.
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She can't help but laugh.]
I suppose I would have to be as big as you for it to work. But it's so beautiful, after you tied it on like this. [She holds it up, fascinated by how it looks on her wrist.] I will keep this on as much as I can. Thank you, Ryuu, for something so important.
[Sometimes she has to keep it safe, after all. As for her ribbon, she holds it up and out, waiting for him to follow suit.]
Now it is your turn.
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I should be thanking you. I've come to like this place a lot because it was you who introduced me, you know?
[ with the exchange complete, he smiles. ]
Now it's a promise.
[ one that he can carry with him, so long as he's here. ]
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There--
[Before she hears what he had to say. She flushes deeply before trying to see if there was anything else to look at.]
W-well! I mean, I-I am sure that with your natural charm, the world would've welcomed you with open arms. Y-you're loved, Ryuu!
[She clears her throat before nodding.] A promise I will hold close.
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a token for a token. ]
Yeah. I will too.
(no subject)