[ ryuu's thought it often. it's not them who are the stars, but their audience. people reach for the skies for their entire lives, but for him - for eichi too, he's certain - those coveted, precious lights venture into their reach by responding to their songs. it's difficult to put into words, how much that just the thought of that light illuminates his heart and throws open all the windows in the dim confines of his own anxieties.
ryuu is still a moment, though no less companionable for it. ]
I'm sure you've already touched them as you are. You just have to keep doing that, no matter what. Then that feeling will continue to grow.
[ and there's such exhilaration in that, when that success continues to bloom, bigger and brighter, without limit. ]
It's simply how I picture it. Ah, but you're right with that, as well... It grows each day, even, and I continue to be grateful.
I'd like it if I could become a shining star, as well. For those fans in the audience, for anyone else who'd like to reach for this dream of being an idol, and for those who doubted the impact of it...
[He leans back a little to leave room for their drinks as they're dropped off, and the appetizers shortly after. Eichi laughs softly in the middle of it, though, a hand delicately covering his lips.]
Of course, I'm not on this path alone. I'd like to be able to carry my precious fine to these heights, as well. I wonder if it's wrong to think "I wish Yuzuru was here, as well", but no matter who may stay, or leave, there's a place for each of them here. I've been making sure of that personally.
[ while eichi speaks, ryuu listens, calmly arranging everything on the table with a practiced touch while he does so. something about it sticks in his throat - whoever may stay or leave - making him pause only slightly, then reach for his drink once situated. he twists his fingertips against the glass, stirring the deep amber-hued bubbles within to life. ]
It's not wrong to think. Or rather... it's natural to miss the people close to you, especially now.
[ ryuu has done it too, though the circumstances between that situation and this are like night and day. he stood by himself on stage, carrying the wishes of the people he loves most so they wouldn't be left behind. it's not enough to just think it, as ryuu often does. he glances aside, leveling a smile at eichi with affection all pushed into the corners. ]
But you're a kind person. Those are the feelings that reach others the most. Whether they're here to see it right now or not, I think that's true! So...
You can turn anything into something like a warmhearted toast, can't you?
[Eichi lifts his wine glass carefully, admiring the color of it before he brings it to touch to Ryuu's, a quiet clink that tugs his smile slightly wider.]
I'm only teasing, of course, since I appreciate that sort of thing. Cheers~. ♪ Let's drink to everything; my first step on this real path, the bridge for all moonblessed idols, the friends we've made and the friends we won't lose, no matter how far apart from them we become.
[He draws it back to his own lips for a delicate, slow sip, even if his eyes don't move from Ryuu.]
I'm serious! [ his tone flows with amusement, and he likewise tips his glass into the clink while he listens, soaking up every word. ] Cheers.
[ with that toast made and the thrum of it already warm in his veins, he's no where near as refined as he knocks back a good glug of his drink - it's beer, you're meant to do that! and maybe this gives away that he's not going to be satisfied with just one glass, but he's not in any rush, either.
puffing a breath once he releases the glass, the effect is immediate. he's missed having celebratory drinks, no doubt. ]
That tastes great! Beer from a whole different planet... [ a laugh. ] Amazing. How's yours?
[Amazing... That's what's amazing! He meets Ryuu's cute little lean with a slight sway to bring himself briefly closer, lifting the glass just between them to admire it.]
You did, of course. It's a nice flavor... Ah, I've heard that wine was varied in this way and it made me think of tea, but it's quite different after all, isn't it? I have no idea what pairs with what, so I'm glad Ryuu-kun was here to offer some insight.
Fufu, it makes me feel warm immediately, this sort of thing... ♪
[An answer can never be short, with Eichi. He sets his glass down and reaches for one of the renkon chips next, holding it up for Ryuu. Eat it. Do it.]
[ when the glass comes closer, ryuu dips down to lightly smell it. he gives a smile upwards. ]
It's not like I'm an expert at it! There are a couple of rules to keep in mind, that's all. Since you're helping me a lot with teas, I don't mind returning the favor.
[ also setting his own glass down, sides coated with froth, ryuu blinks at the sudden intrusion of a renkon chip before he can argue that you can, indeed, taste beer when you chug it. ]
Like a first without being a first. [ a small grin, before he reaches up to steady eichi's wrist. ] Hold still!
[ he is absolutely going to take a bite of it right from between eichi's fingers. ]
[This is the power of Ryuunosuke Tsunashi. A charm that permeates your heart, makes you relax, laugh, and then the sharp chill that runs up your spine when a strong hand grabs your wrist and perfect lips graze so close to your fingertips that your brain almost short circuits... Eichi feels it in his heart, honestly. That rush of blood, the way his laugh comes brighter and his face feels hotter, but he chases it off with movement, subtly angling himself towards Ryuu, encouraging this physical closeness without actually forcing himself any closer.
At least right now.]
Well? How is it? Can you taste it, after that large taste of beer, Ryuu-kun? [His fingers shift slightly, but there's no way he's gonna pull back. If anything, he's lingering close like this, holding his hand in the air too long even after the bite is finished...
In other words, the flirting will only get worse from here.]
[ ryuu would stupidly like to think he can handle the worst eichi has to offer him (as he knows it), so - he's not going to be the first to break away from the closeness they're sharing now that the spark of it is in the air. something about it is comforting to him. his grip eases away after a moment. ]
Come on, you're not meant to gently sip beer! [ you can tease him about a lot of things, but beer is clearly where he draws the line. he hums, pursing the salt-taste from his lips. ] I can taste it. It has a really light flavor for being fried, so it goes well with strong drinks. You find these in a lot of izakaya.
It's not often that I'm able to have anything fried, lightly or not, so I want to try it.
[He's heard of snacks like this, but trying it and experiencing it is a whole different story. He finally drops his hand away, still angled in and using the question as an excuse to lean a little forward himself, pointing at his lips. Feed him...]
[ but ryuu really likes things like this... so who is the worst between the two of them, truly. ]
So that's how it is. Well, just try one or two, then!
[ shaking loose one of the thinner chips from the plate, he cups his other hand beneath it to catch any of the salt, then leans in to bring it up to eichi's mouth. he didn't even have to ask him to say aah~, he did it on his own! ]
[Eating can be so fun. He's glad that he's got his appetite. It means his health is good enough, at the moment, and that he can enjoy moments like this with others... He doesn't grab Ryuu's wrist, but he does lift his own hand like he's almost going to, fingers curling at the air as he takes the chip (and eats it).]
It is light...! Ah, the salt is nice, isn't it... It's delicious.
[He takes another sip of wine after, then reaches over for his chopsticks so he can grab a gyoza. Hopefully they've arranged themselves so not to bump arms.]
[ what a cute reaction... ryuu chuckles too, glad to see eichi like this. he'd mentioned it earlier, but seeing this liveliness about him, this warmth and vigor for even the simple things - it's good medicine for them both, he thinks. dusting his fingers off a bit, he reaches for his beer again while eichi goes for the gyoza, giving the rim of the glass a thoughtful touch to his bottom lip before drinking.
(this time, it's a normal drink, and not a glug.) ]
I don't dislike anything in particular! I like Okinawan food and alcohol, but that's to be expected, isn't it...
Okinawan food... I'd like to try it some time. Would you share a dish with me, some time?
[Like this, they can talk and drink and eat... Eichi starts by taking it slow, alternating food and wine, being responsible. This won't matter later, but the effort is there.]
I enjoy trying most things, but spicy foods are usually something that I can't handle... To be honest, I'm amazed by anyone who can handle them.
Would you? I can do that! I know a lot of seafood dishes... ah, and I heard about these things you can buy - some kind of orbs? You throw them at the wall, and you get an item from home! Isn't that cool? Would it be weird to get bitter melon that way?
[ even if eichi does think it's weird, it's obvious ryuu's given this idea some thought, hm. continuing to work through his beer quickly enough, he also picks at the gyoza now and again, letting the food and alcohol work in tandem with one another. contrary to popular belief, he can measure himself. ]
It does take a special kind of person to handle a lot of spice! I don't mind it, myself, but I wouldn't go for it every time.
Oh, I recently purchased that item myself! I already used it, but it worked exactly as intended. I threw it with something in mind, and like magic, it appeared!
[He was so excited about sharing this that he gripped the edge of the table, just then.]
Ah, but you should be careful if you want to summon something like food. Once I threw it, it flopped to the ground, so be prepared to slide in and catch it. I believe you could make it work.
[ hearing that made ryuu lean so far in?! same feel. ]
Really?! I'm glad to hear it works! And don't worry, bitter melon has a really thick rind, so even if it fell, I think it'd be okay. If I couldn't catch it, that is...
[ not that he typically goes catching things of such a... shape... but! ]
[He says that, but he doesn't actually sound upset at all since he's joking around. These are his ideas of jokes. Another sip, and his free hand reaches for one of the leftover chips, salt and all, and pokes it right into Ryuu's lips without waiting.]
If you try it, I want to watch. Afterwards, I can watch you prepare it, as well, and learn about all sorts of things. Make sure to wear an apron, as well.
But you're a lot better looking than a bitter melon, trust me.
[ they seriously look like angry cucumbers. but JOKES ASIDE - ]
Hm? [ oh, a chip. thank you. he accepts it, chewing on the edge thoughtfully before just kind of vacuuming it in... ] I usually wear an apron if I'm cooking anyway! But I'd like it if you ate some bitter melon stir fry, too. It's one of my favorites.
[His response to the compliment is a light laugh, pleased as he is.]
If it's one of your favorites, then naturally I want to try it. I'd eat anything that you put in front of me, you know, Ryuu-kun. But more than that, I'd like to learn about the things you care about the most. Pieces of what you consider "home"... parts of your past, your upbringing. They're important to someone like you, aren't they?
Each time you draw me more into that world of yours, I feel as though I'm able to pick out pieces that are foreign to me and borrow their warmth.
[He hums into his glass, then leans to rest his cheek on his other palm, looking back at Ryuu again. He's already got slight color to his cheeks that seems stuck there.]
Since I'm always stealing things from others like that, I wonder what else I might be able to? They always say "kiss the cook," so I think I'll surprise you with something like that and steal a kiss, too.
[ they are important. and yet, for as tightly as he holds to those roots of his, as much as he keeps them nourished alongside what pieces of him people can see... he exists because he reaches out for other experiences, too. ]
If you’re on your toes too much, it might be difficult for me to reach you, though...
[ He thinks he’s so funny when really it’s all dad joke level. He lets that set in for a proud moment before he looks back to the table, eager for meat time...!! Even if he didn’t help out a ton with these appetizers. He has to save room!! ]
[ who's worse, the one who makes the dad joke, or the one who laughs at it - ]
I have to even the playing field somehow!
[ yeah, right. he'd cave instantly, if past experience is anything to go by. but each time they do something together, no matter if it's incredibly mundane, the feelings that surround it are never typical, or boring. it hits him when their waiter comes to clear the appetizer plates and place down their entree instead. it's, well.
[Eichi's on glass two of his wine and he is so into this meat it's not even funny. It's uncooked and beautiful... He can't wait to smell it. And then eat it. He presses his hands together in front of his mouth in anticipation.]
Yes! Ah, how do we do that...
[Is it clear he doesn't really get to do fun things like this yet. Or cook. How do you light this thing up.]
Oh, these tools here are for cooking it once it's turned on, aren't they?
[ reaching over, ryuu lifts up the grill slats, then the top for the compartment inside. with the restaurant's lighter (a long-necked variety with a heavy handle, he notes that it seems like an antique...) he lights the charcoal bricks, then puts everything back together. ]
Okay, once it starts to glow, you can start cooking. It's a nice smell already, isn't it?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[ ryuu's thought it often. it's not them who are the stars, but their audience. people reach for the skies for their entire lives, but for him - for eichi too, he's certain - those coveted, precious lights venture into their reach by responding to their songs. it's difficult to put into words, how much that just the thought of that light illuminates his heart and throws open all the windows in the dim confines of his own anxieties.
ryuu is still a moment, though no less companionable for it. ]
I'm sure you've already touched them as you are. You just have to keep doing that, no matter what. Then that feeling will continue to grow.
[ and there's such exhilaration in that, when that success continues to bloom, bigger and brighter, without limit. ]
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I'd like it if I could become a shining star, as well. For those fans in the audience, for anyone else who'd like to reach for this dream of being an idol, and for those who doubted the impact of it...
[He leans back a little to leave room for their drinks as they're dropped off, and the appetizers shortly after. Eichi laughs softly in the middle of it, though, a hand delicately covering his lips.]
Of course, I'm not on this path alone. I'd like to be able to carry my precious fine to these heights, as well. I wonder if it's wrong to think "I wish Yuzuru was here, as well", but no matter who may stay, or leave, there's a place for each of them here. I've been making sure of that personally.
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It's not wrong to think. Or rather... it's natural to miss the people close to you, especially now.
[ ryuu has done it too, though the circumstances between that situation and this are like night and day. he stood by himself on stage, carrying the wishes of the people he loves most so they wouldn't be left behind. it's not enough to just think it, as ryuu often does. he glances aside, leveling a smile at eichi with affection all pushed into the corners. ]
But you're a kind person. Those are the feelings that reach others the most. Whether they're here to see it right now or not, I think that's true! So...
[ he picks up his drink and holds it out. ]
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[Eichi lifts his wine glass carefully, admiring the color of it before he brings it to touch to Ryuu's, a quiet clink that tugs his smile slightly wider.]
I'm only teasing, of course, since I appreciate that sort of thing. Cheers~. ♪ Let's drink to everything; my first step on this real path, the bridge for all moonblessed idols, the friends we've made and the friends we won't lose, no matter how far apart from them we become.
[He draws it back to his own lips for a delicate, slow sip, even if his eyes don't move from Ryuu.]
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[ with that toast made and the thrum of it already warm in his veins, he's no where near as refined as he knocks back a good glug of his drink - it's beer, you're meant to do that! and maybe this gives away that he's not going to be satisfied with just one glass, but he's not in any rush, either.
puffing a breath once he releases the glass, the effect is immediate. he's missed having celebratory drinks, no doubt. ]
That tastes great! Beer from a whole different planet... [ a laugh. ] Amazing. How's yours?
[ he gives an interested lean over. ]
Did I pick alright?
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[Amazing... That's what's amazing! He meets Ryuu's cute little lean with a slight sway to bring himself briefly closer, lifting the glass just between them to admire it.]
You did, of course. It's a nice flavor... Ah, I've heard that wine was varied in this way and it made me think of tea, but it's quite different after all, isn't it? I have no idea what pairs with what, so I'm glad Ryuu-kun was here to offer some insight.
Fufu, it makes me feel warm immediately, this sort of thing... ♪
[An answer can never be short, with Eichi. He sets his glass down and reaches for one of the renkon chips next, holding it up for Ryuu. Eat it. Do it.]
Now, renkon chips from a whole different planet.
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It's not like I'm an expert at it! There are a couple of rules to keep in mind, that's all. Since you're helping me a lot with teas, I don't mind returning the favor.
[ also setting his own glass down, sides coated with froth, ryuu blinks at the sudden intrusion of a renkon chip before he can argue that you can, indeed, taste beer when you chug it. ]
Like a first without being a first. [ a small grin, before he reaches up to steady eichi's wrist. ] Hold still!
[ he is absolutely going to take a bite of it right from between eichi's fingers. ]
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At least right now.]
Well? How is it? Can you taste it, after that large taste of beer, Ryuu-kun? [His fingers shift slightly, but there's no way he's gonna pull back. If anything, he's lingering close like this, holding his hand in the air too long even after the bite is finished...
In other words, the flirting will only get worse from here.]
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Come on, you're not meant to gently sip beer! [ you can tease him about a lot of things, but beer is clearly where he draws the line. he hums, pursing the salt-taste from his lips. ] I can taste it. It has a really light flavor for being fried, so it goes well with strong drinks. You find these in a lot of izakaya.
[ his turn! he reaches for a chip also. ]
Do you want one too?
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[He's heard of snacks like this, but trying it and experiencing it is a whole different story. He finally drops his hand away, still angled in and using the question as an excuse to lean a little forward himself, pointing at his lips. Feed him...]
I want one! Aah~.
[He's the worst]
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So that's how it is. Well, just try one or two, then!
[ shaking loose one of the thinner chips from the plate, he cups his other hand beneath it to catch any of the salt, then leans in to bring it up to eichi's mouth. he didn't even have to ask him to say aah~, he did it on his own! ]
Here you go.
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It is light...! Ah, the salt is nice, isn't it... It's delicious.
[He takes another sip of wine after, then reaches over for his chopsticks so he can grab a gyoza. Hopefully they've arranged themselves so not to bump arms.]
Is there any food you dislike or don't care for?
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(this time, it's a normal drink, and not a glug.) ]
I don't dislike anything in particular! I like Okinawan food and alcohol, but that's to be expected, isn't it...
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[Like this, they can talk and drink and eat... Eichi starts by taking it slow, alternating food and wine, being responsible. This won't matter later, but the effort is there.]
I enjoy trying most things, but spicy foods are usually something that I can't handle... To be honest, I'm amazed by anyone who can handle them.
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[ even if eichi does think it's weird, it's obvious ryuu's given this idea some thought, hm. continuing to work through his beer quickly enough, he also picks at the gyoza now and again, letting the food and alcohol work in tandem with one another. contrary to popular belief, he can measure himself. ]
It does take a special kind of person to handle a lot of spice! I don't mind it, myself, but I wouldn't go for it every time.
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[He was so excited about sharing this that he gripped the edge of the table, just then.]
Ah, but you should be careful if you want to summon something like food. Once I threw it, it flopped to the ground, so be prepared to slide in and catch it. I believe you could make it work.
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Really?! I'm glad to hear it works! And don't worry, bitter melon has a really thick rind, so even if it fell, I think it'd be okay. If I couldn't catch it, that is...
[ not that he typically goes catching things of such a... shape... but! ]
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[He says that, but he doesn't actually sound upset at all since he's joking around. These are his ideas of jokes. Another sip, and his free hand reaches for one of the leftover chips, salt and all, and pokes it right into Ryuu's lips without waiting.]
If you try it, I want to watch. Afterwards, I can watch you prepare it, as well, and learn about all sorts of things. Make sure to wear an apron, as well.
[EICHI.]
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[ they seriously look like angry cucumbers. but JOKES ASIDE - ]
Hm? [ oh, a chip. thank you. he accepts it, chewing on the edge thoughtfully before just kind of vacuuming it in... ] I usually wear an apron if I'm cooking anyway! But I'd like it if you ate some bitter melon stir fry, too. It's one of my favorites.
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If it's one of your favorites, then naturally I want to try it. I'd eat anything that you put in front of me, you know, Ryuu-kun. But more than that, I'd like to learn about the things you care about the most. Pieces of what you consider "home"... parts of your past, your upbringing. They're important to someone like you, aren't they?
Each time you draw me more into that world of yours, I feel as though I'm able to pick out pieces that are foreign to me and borrow their warmth.
[He hums into his glass, then leans to rest his cheek on his other palm, looking back at Ryuu again. He's already got slight color to his cheeks that seems stuck there.]
Since I'm always stealing things from others like that, I wonder what else I might be able to? They always say "kiss the cook," so I think I'll surprise you with something like that and steal a kiss, too.
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You can't steal what's given freely, you know.
[ warmth, kisses, the like. ]
I guess I'll know to be on my toes now, though!
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[ He thinks he’s so funny when really it’s all dad joke level. He lets that set in for a proud moment before he looks back to the table, eager for meat time...!! Even if he didn’t help out a ton with these appetizers. He has to save room!! ]
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I have to even the playing field somehow!
[ yeah, right. he'd cave instantly, if past experience is anything to go by. but each time they do something together, no matter if it's incredibly mundane, the feelings that surround it are never typical, or boring. it hits him when their waiter comes to clear the appetizer plates and place down their entree instead. it's, well.
it's meat. ]
Here we go. Are you ready to light the charcoal?
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Yes! Ah, how do we do that...
[Is it clear he doesn't really get to do fun things like this yet. Or cook. How do you light this thing up.]
Oh, these tools here are for cooking it once it's turned on, aren't they?
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Here, like this.
[ reaching over, ryuu lifts up the grill slats, then the top for the compartment inside. with the restaurant's lighter (a long-necked variety with a heavy handle, he notes that it seems like an antique...) he lights the charcoal bricks, then puts everything back together. ]
Okay, once it starts to glow, you can start cooking. It's a nice smell already, isn't it?
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