[ since arriving in surmalok, it's been pressing on not only his mind, but also on his heart. time doesn't seem to be playing by any rules that he knows of, when it comes to these cities and whatever lies between them and home. some from lunatia remember him. some don't - and that had near gutted him. to be forgotten is a cruel thing, for someone like him. or rather, for people like them, who live in the light of the eyes of all the thousands of people who know their names.
ryuu sees it in sougo's eyes before he feels it in the rush of his emotions. he doesn't have to depend on synchrony for that, as it has been forged by something more important. calming in the face of such honest words, ryuu lifts his free hand and reaches up to lay it on sougo's cheek.
he hasn't forgotten. ]
I'm sorry too, if I troubled you. I don't know if I understand what's happened, but... I'm happy to see you.
[The fear of not only forgetting, but being forgotten is something that no one can understand the true horror of until it's happened to them. And Sougo, much like Ryuu, knows it very, very well. It's clear as day in his eyes, in the way that everything in his body seems to overflow with relief as the look of recognition he receives settles in.
This is the Tsunashi Ryuunosuke he knows. And oh, how lucky he is to bask in the warmth of this smile once more.
Gentle as ever, Sougo releases the wrist he'd seized perhaps a little too tightly, fingers gently making their way down to slide between much larger ones. The hand that settles at his cheek makes the surge of emotions feel that much stronger, and without ever looking away, he reaches up to rest his own on top of it.]
You didn't. You couldn't.
[It's the truth.]
I doubt that anyone fully understands. But knowing that you're here, I already feel like... it's going to be okay, one way or another.
[ already, those sweet gestures seep into his heart like a soothing balm, easing the nervous ache that threatened to beat through it. sougo... is a special case. if he were to face losing all those days that they'd spent together, slowly building up to this kind of openness and honesty - he knows it would be a difficult blow to handle. not impossible, but surely distressing.
that ryuu can lessen his worries like this, that he provide familiar respite... it feels good. with fingers slotted, he squeezes them in reassurance. ]
That makes me glad to hear.
[ expression softening back down, he gives sougo's face a tilt with his palm. ]
Are you okay? You weren't hurt or anything, were you? [ brow creasing, his gaze travels over him. ] You must have a gem, too...
[There's something amazing about how just this much is enough to quell the turbulent worries that had stirred up within him. Ryuu's smile is like a beacon, and the moonl-- ah, synchrony between them bubbles up with warmth like a spring. Sougo can't say that he isn't uneasy about the situation as a whole, but right now, it feels manageable, and that's more than he's been able to say since arriving here.]
Yes, I'm just fine. Are you doing alright?
[As much as he can be, anyway. Ryuu doesn't look like he's been hurt, and that's what matters most. Before he can mention anything more, however, his expression mellows out alongside Ryuu's words.]
Ah, yes...
[Gently, he turns his head to the side, using the hand atop Ryuu's to reach back and lift up the hair at the nape of his neck. While probably not entirely visible from this angle, a relatively small, diamond-shaped amethyst rests at the nape of his neck.]
I haven't been able to see it for myself, but I can feel it. Where is yours, Tsunashi-san?
[ better, now. with this, it feels like he can confidently say which way is up and which way is down. it's reoriented him. and curiously, ryuu follows the draw of sougo's hand towards the back of his neck - he reaches out with his own fingers, brushing them along the outline of the jewel. ]
Ah, there. It suits you! [ a low laugh. ] Mine isn't that easy to show off. Here.
[ ryuu shifts to take sougo's hands, lowering his arms and bringing them all the way around his waist. if he settles his hands there, he'll find a large blue jewel centered on the lowest point of his back. it's warm, slightly aglow from the synchrony. it's also half an embrace, which ryuu is aware of.
Does it? It's violet, so I suppose it goes with my theme.
[And really, he can't say he minds it too much. It doesn't get in the way of daily life, and he can move his neck just fine without it digging into his skin, which was his only initial worry. Those generous words make him smile, though, and the deep laughter that reaches his ears brings another smile to his lips.
In an easy, fluid motion, Sougo's arms are easily guided around Ryuu's waist, fingertips brushing beneath fabric to smooth over a gem far larger than his own. And though it may not be strictly necessary to lean forward to close the meager distance left between them, it's hard not to give in when they're only barely apart to begin with.
Maybe it's the addictive nature of the synchrony that pulls him that extra bit forward. Maybe it's because he missed this. But easing into a comfortable, loose hold with the fingers of both hands gently resting atop the jewel, it's evident that there's no need to find a more compelling reason to enjoy each other's touch.]
I do. It's warm and comforting. [It's okay for him to glide his fingers along it, right?] Yours suits you too, Tsunashi-san.
It seems we both managed to match! I didn't look for myself, but the researchers at the station said it was a sapphire.
[ it may not be necessary, no, but it feels too nice to not lean into. familiarity is a guiding force more than manna is, but he can't deny that the flow of it through synchrony isn't soothing, after all the stresses of the experience. wanting to have the experience with someone he knows opens up a conduit for his emotions, the gratitude and the comfort.
with sougo's fingers poised at his gem, ryuu's let go of his hands and shifted to wrap his arms around his shoulders instead. it should be okay... just for a moment. ]
But if you say it suits me, I'm happy to hear that too...
[ a resonant chuckle. ]
Though it caused a few problems up in that crater!
[Of that, he's sure. Sougo may not be able to see it either, but he's certain that it's a sparkling blue, warm and welcoming. Yes, it's perfect. And while touching the gem may be nice, after a few moments, he shifts his hands to bring them above Ryuu's shirt once more in a proper embrace.
And really, he hasn't spared a moment to think that this may be overbearing or too bold of him. The arms that settle over his shoulders and bring him in that extra bit more are proof that he doesn't need to, and he smiles fondly.]
That's putting it lightly... But I'm glad we both made it out alright.
[Though it's difficult to imagine a man like this openly sobbing, on top of everything. Even in such a state of distress, he's sure he would have hated to see that. But they're okay now. They're both here, and Sougo really just wants to hold on to this warmth and breathe him in.]
To tell you the truth, I wound up staying Lunatia a few months longer than everyone... [His tone is almost remarkably casual, choice in words deliberate as to not incite worry.] So I've made progress on a few songs I'd like to share with you.
[ if ryuu ever needed proof that it's the people in his life that make all the difference in where he stands, it's this. he knows he'll have to let go eventually, but for the moment he's fine to soak up the familiarity and the manna, the pleasant sweeping of it throughout his fatigued body. it makes him all the more aware of which direction is up, in all of this. there's nothing more valuable, he thinks.
and though he's at ease, letting the spaces between them disappear a little more with every breath, the mention of staying in lunatia does make his expression tick in curiosity. worry exists there too, but he can sense...
it's probably not the time for it. still, concern thumps in his heart, tucked away for later. ]
Is that so? [ low, lulling. ] While I'm sorry you had to be alone for that long... I bet your songs are amazing. I can't wait to hear them, Sougo-kun.
[It's amazing, really, that his months alone and everything that happened in the crater feel like afterthoughts in the balmy glow of the manna flowing between them. Letting go eventually hardly warrants concern, now that Sougo knows they're both here... but he still doesn't really want to pull back, as if he's a battery that's been worn down and needs to be recharged by broad ocean man hugs. It certainly feels that way, with this palpable energy flowing between them.
And though he nearly clarifies that neither of them are to blame for the follies of time, he's simply too grateful for the here and now to continue on that topic.]
Thank you. I hope they live up to your expectations. But if I'm allowed to boast, I think I've improved a bit over time.
[Voice hushed, his cadence is almost musical, endlessly fond.]
That, and... I actually wrote one in your image. It's light and flowing, like the ocean... I was hoping I'd have the chance to play it for you.
[ ocean man has a surplus of unconditional hugs to give, now that he knows they're welcome. even if they didn't generate the kind of manna that they do, a balancing of energies to ease fatigue and bolster hearts, he would still feel that way - there's few things as grounding as a calm embrace from someone you trust. homegrown or star-studded, he believes in that.
though sougo's mention of what song he'd written does get ryuu pulling away curiously. his arms remained balanced on sougo's slender shoulders, but he does have the room to gaze down at him. thoughtfully, he slides one of his arms back enough to touch his face, thumb swiping over soft cheekbone. ]
It hadn't been terribly embarrassing to admit that he'd written that sort of song, given the countless hours he poured into perfecting it. But now that he's facing the person he thought of every step of the way, warm eyes curiously peering down at him... it's impossible to ignore the way that his heart flutters helplessly in his chest, heat blooming over his face beneath Ryuu's long fingers.
And oh, if only Ryuu knew how much influence he has. Sougo is only one man, and the tender brush of Ryuu's thumb over his flushed cheek is enough to make every one of his other thoughts short-circuit.]
Yes... I did. I haven't played it for anyone else. I wanted you to be the first to hear it.
[Maybe even the only one to hear it. And though it goes unspoken, admitting this is basically another way of saying that his mind was on Ryuu the entire time he was writing it. It's a weird kind of confession that pales in comparison to some of the other things he'd said during their time in Lunatia, but the timidness he feels doesn't stop him from leaning gently into Ryuu's touch.]
[ though he feels the effect it has on sougo, the warmth pulsing to life beneath his fingers, ryuu doesn't regret asking one bit. gestures like this always have the biggest impact on him, the moments when he realizes that someone was thinking about him to that extent - using both time and talent to convey something maybe even words wouldn't express. music was like that... not just any music, but music written by someone he's come to care about and confide in, whose heart he'd been able to see into, even if only a bit. he is... happy.
he's really happy.
smile broadening, ryuu's eyes shine with an emotion that would be hard to name: curiosity, gratitude, admiration. he gives sougo's cheek a fond scrub, as if to press down on some of the heat and color. ]
I want to be the one to hear it first. I'm sure it'll love it, Sougo-kun.
[ there's no way he wouldn't, right? relaxed now, he nods. ]
[No matter how comfortable Sougo feels he's been able to become in Ryuu's presence, the way his heart swells upon hearing those sweet words is just the same as when they barely knew each other and he was simply looking at a screen.
Or... no, it's far sweeter than that. He could melt into nothing right here - that's no different. But the pressure that made it hard to breathe and the high-strung nervous energy that edged too close to nauseous for him to concentrate on anything other than maintaining his composure are long gone. In their place, he can only find genuine affection, yearning, an overwhelming gratefulness... and a number of things he can't quite sort.
So in a way that that feels far more familiar than daunting, he leans up on his toes and closes the distance between them, tilting his head until their lips finally meet. While sweet, there's a gentle passion beneath the surface that he simply can't restrain... a yearning, a longing that thankfully (hopefully) doesn't read as overtly salacious.
They're in public, yes, but this matters so much more.]
[ when their lips meet, he can feel just how much it matters. his arms shift and his palms find the gentle slope of sougo's jaw, cradling it as he nudges his way into a fuller kiss. synchrony is as pleasant as moonlacing was when it's like this, lifting the veil over his heart to display its true colors - ryuu breathes into him quietly, a deep fluttering of balance, a matching desire. nothing too overt, but also nothing too restrained. in a place where it was never guaranteed that they'd meet like this or remember what they'd been through, he can't suppress his relief.
they're in public, but it's a rare moment where no one knows who they are. he can't say he won't try with all his might to show everyone who they are in the future... so for now...
he wants to make sure sougo knows what's really in his heart. he breaks away just barely, feeling grounded again. ]
You should be selfish a little more often.
[ brushing noses fondly, he places another short kiss against his lips. ]
[It matters. After months of uncertainty and hesitation, this matters so very much, far beyond what words could express. But words aren't needed right now - not when synchrony connects them like this, setting their hearts in time as each sensation washes over him like waves.
In movies and fiction, reunions are always described as widly passionate. But rather than flowing tears and dip kisses under the moonlight, Sougo is perfectly happy to settle into the familiar motions. Reveling in Ryuu's warmth is all he needs, the worries strung high in his chest effortlessly unraveled with every touch.
Because he can feel it. More than before, he can feel it. And for the first time in months, all of his fears melt away into bashful laughter as they barely part, voice hushed beneath his breath.]
Maybe I will.
[But only where Ryuu's eyes can see, just as fond and tender as this shared moment between them. Being selfish isn't so hard when every brush of lips is this sweet.]
Then... If you don't have any other plans, can we stay together a little longer?
[ with sougo's face still cradled in his palms, ryuu grins at his agreement. not that he doesn't appreciate a sweeping moment or gestures of grandeur, but there are some things that can only be conveyed by honest simplicity. it suits what his heart resonates with, beyond the stars and the status. plus, he hadn't said it just to be cheeky - he hopes he continues to see sougo speak his mind more and reach out for what he wants.
and right now, well. there's no better place to start, right? ]
I'd like that.
[ allowing his fingers to slip away, he touches their brows together sweetly before standing back to his full height with a more energetic smile. seems that did the trick. ]
As important as getting settled is, there's so much I still want to explore... how about it?
[Ryuu's touch is so warm that once his hand lowers, the slight chill in the air feels fresh against Sougo's cheek in its wake. If he's always met with such kind, encouraging reception, it's so easy to slip into speaking his mind, even if it's only little by little. How wonderful. Truly, he feels incredibly lucky.
None of the gratefulness slips from his chest as they part, the sweet gesture only lifting him up more. And without a moment's hesitation, Sougo's smile brightens to match the one he's given so readily.]
I would love to.
[Polite as ever, he gingerly reaches out to place his hand in Ryuu's far larger one.]
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no subject
ryuu sees it in sougo's eyes before he feels it in the rush of his emotions. he doesn't have to depend on synchrony for that, as it has been forged by something more important. calming in the face of such honest words, ryuu lifts his free hand and reaches up to lay it on sougo's cheek.
he hasn't forgotten. ]
I'm sorry too, if I troubled you. I don't know if I understand what's happened, but... I'm happy to see you.
no subject
This is the Tsunashi Ryuunosuke he knows. And oh, how lucky he is to bask in the warmth of this smile once more.
Gentle as ever, Sougo releases the wrist he'd seized perhaps a little too tightly, fingers gently making their way down to slide between much larger ones. The hand that settles at his cheek makes the surge of emotions feel that much stronger, and without ever looking away, he reaches up to rest his own on top of it.]
You didn't. You couldn't.
[It's the truth.]
I doubt that anyone fully understands. But knowing that you're here, I already feel like... it's going to be okay, one way or another.
no subject
that ryuu can lessen his worries like this, that he provide familiar respite... it feels good. with fingers slotted, he squeezes them in reassurance. ]
That makes me glad to hear.
[ expression softening back down, he gives sougo's face a tilt with his palm. ]
Are you okay? You weren't hurt or anything, were you? [ brow creasing, his gaze travels over him. ] You must have a gem, too...
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Yes, I'm just fine. Are you doing alright?
[As much as he can be, anyway. Ryuu doesn't look like he's been hurt, and that's what matters most. Before he can mention anything more, however, his expression mellows out alongside Ryuu's words.]
Ah, yes...
[Gently, he turns his head to the side, using the hand atop Ryuu's to reach back and lift up the hair at the nape of his neck. While probably not entirely visible from this angle, a relatively small, diamond-shaped amethyst rests at the nape of his neck.]
I haven't been able to see it for myself, but I can feel it. Where is yours, Tsunashi-san?
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[ better, now. with this, it feels like he can confidently say which way is up and which way is down. it's reoriented him. and curiously, ryuu follows the draw of sougo's hand towards the back of his neck - he reaches out with his own fingers, brushing them along the outline of the jewel. ]
Ah, there. It suits you! [ a low laugh. ] Mine isn't that easy to show off. Here.
[ ryuu shifts to take sougo's hands, lowering his arms and bringing them all the way around his waist. if he settles his hands there, he'll find a large blue jewel centered on the lowest point of his back. it's warm, slightly aglow from the synchrony. it's also half an embrace, which ryuu is aware of.
he doesn't mind. ]
Feel it?
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[And really, he can't say he minds it too much. It doesn't get in the way of daily life, and he can move his neck just fine without it digging into his skin, which was his only initial worry. Those generous words make him smile, though, and the deep laughter that reaches his ears brings another smile to his lips.
In an easy, fluid motion, Sougo's arms are easily guided around Ryuu's waist, fingertips brushing beneath fabric to smooth over a gem far larger than his own. And though it may not be strictly necessary to lean forward to close the meager distance left between them, it's hard not to give in when they're only barely apart to begin with.
Maybe it's the addictive nature of the synchrony that pulls him that extra bit forward. Maybe it's because he missed this. But easing into a comfortable, loose hold with the fingers of both hands gently resting atop the jewel, it's evident that there's no need to find a more compelling reason to enjoy each other's touch.]
I do. It's warm and comforting. [It's okay for him to glide his fingers along it, right?] Yours suits you too, Tsunashi-san.
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[ it may not be necessary, no, but it feels too nice to not lean into. familiarity is a guiding force more than manna is, but he can't deny that the flow of it through synchrony isn't soothing, after all the stresses of the experience. wanting to have the experience with someone he knows opens up a conduit for his emotions, the gratitude and the comfort.
with sougo's fingers poised at his gem, ryuu's let go of his hands and shifted to wrap his arms around his shoulders instead. it should be okay... just for a moment. ]
But if you say it suits me, I'm happy to hear that too...
[ a resonant chuckle. ]
Though it caused a few problems up in that crater!
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[Of that, he's sure. Sougo may not be able to see it either, but he's certain that it's a sparkling blue, warm and welcoming. Yes, it's perfect. And while touching the gem may be nice, after a few moments, he shifts his hands to bring them above Ryuu's shirt once more in a proper embrace.
And really, he hasn't spared a moment to think that this may be overbearing or too bold of him. The arms that settle over his shoulders and bring him in that extra bit more are proof that he doesn't need to, and he smiles fondly.]
That's putting it lightly... But I'm glad we both made it out alright.
[Though it's difficult to imagine a man like this openly sobbing, on top of everything. Even in such a state of distress, he's sure he would have hated to see that. But they're okay now. They're both here, and Sougo really just wants to hold on to this warmth and breathe him in.]
To tell you the truth, I wound up staying Lunatia a few months longer than everyone... [His tone is almost remarkably casual, choice in words deliberate as to not incite worry.] So I've made progress on a few songs I'd like to share with you.
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and though he's at ease, letting the spaces between them disappear a little more with every breath, the mention of staying in lunatia does make his expression tick in curiosity. worry exists there too, but he can sense...
it's probably not the time for it. still, concern thumps in his heart, tucked away for later. ]
Is that so? [ low, lulling. ] While I'm sorry you had to be alone for that long... I bet your songs are amazing. I can't wait to hear them, Sougo-kun.
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And though he nearly clarifies that neither of them are to blame for the follies of time, he's simply too grateful for the here and now to continue on that topic.]
Thank you. I hope they live up to your expectations. But if I'm allowed to boast, I think I've improved a bit over time.
[Voice hushed, his cadence is almost musical, endlessly fond.]
That, and... I actually wrote one in your image. It's light and flowing, like the ocean... I was hoping I'd have the chance to play it for you.
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though sougo's mention of what song he'd written does get ryuu pulling away curiously. his arms remained balanced on sougo's slender shoulders, but he does have the room to gaze down at him. thoughtfully, he slides one of his arms back enough to touch his face, thumb swiping over soft cheekbone. ]
You really wrote a song like that?
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It hadn't been terribly embarrassing to admit that he'd written that sort of song, given the countless hours he poured into perfecting it. But now that he's facing the person he thought of every step of the way, warm eyes curiously peering down at him... it's impossible to ignore the way that his heart flutters helplessly in his chest, heat blooming over his face beneath Ryuu's long fingers.
And oh, if only Ryuu knew how much influence he has. Sougo is only one man, and the tender brush of Ryuu's thumb over his flushed cheek is enough to make every one of his other thoughts short-circuit.]
Yes... I did. I haven't played it for anyone else. I wanted you to be the first to hear it.
[Maybe even the only one to hear it. And though it goes unspoken, admitting this is basically another way of saying that his mind was on Ryuu the entire time he was writing it. It's a weird kind of confession that pales in comparison to some of the other things he'd said during their time in Lunatia, but the timidness he feels doesn't stop him from leaning gently into Ryuu's touch.]
...Tsunashi-san. May I do something selfish?
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he's really happy.
smile broadening, ryuu's eyes shine with an emotion that would be hard to name: curiosity, gratitude, admiration. he gives sougo's cheek a fond scrub, as if to press down on some of the heat and color. ]
I want to be the one to hear it first. I'm sure it'll love it, Sougo-kun.
[ there's no way he wouldn't, right? relaxed now, he nods. ]
Of course you can.
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[No matter how comfortable Sougo feels he's been able to become in Ryuu's presence, the way his heart swells upon hearing those sweet words is just the same as when they barely knew each other and he was simply looking at a screen.
Or... no, it's far sweeter than that. He could melt into nothing right here - that's no different. But the pressure that made it hard to breathe and the high-strung nervous energy that edged too close to nauseous for him to concentrate on anything other than maintaining his composure are long gone. In their place, he can only find genuine affection, yearning, an overwhelming gratefulness... and a number of things he can't quite sort.
So in a way that that feels far more familiar than daunting, he leans up on his toes and closes the distance between them, tilting his head until their lips finally meet. While sweet, there's a gentle passion beneath the surface that he simply can't restrain... a yearning, a longing that thankfully (hopefully) doesn't read as overtly salacious.
They're in public, yes, but this matters so much more.]
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they're in public, but it's a rare moment where no one knows who they are. he can't say he won't try with all his might to show everyone who they are in the future... so for now...
he wants to make sure sougo knows what's really in his heart. he breaks away just barely, feeling grounded again. ]
You should be selfish a little more often.
[ brushing noses fondly, he places another short kiss against his lips. ]
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In movies and fiction, reunions are always described as widly passionate. But rather than flowing tears and dip kisses under the moonlight, Sougo is perfectly happy to settle into the familiar motions. Reveling in Ryuu's warmth is all he needs, the worries strung high in his chest effortlessly unraveled with every touch.
Because he can feel it. More than before, he can feel it. And for the first time in months, all of his fears melt away into bashful laughter as they barely part, voice hushed beneath his breath.]
Maybe I will.
[But only where Ryuu's eyes can see, just as fond and tender as this shared moment between them. Being selfish isn't so hard when every brush of lips is this sweet.]
Then... If you don't have any other plans, can we stay together a little longer?
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and right now, well. there's no better place to start, right? ]
I'd like that.
[ allowing his fingers to slip away, he touches their brows together sweetly before standing back to his full height with a more energetic smile. seems that did the trick. ]
As important as getting settled is, there's so much I still want to explore... how about it?
[ he offers his hand. ]
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None of the gratefulness slips from his chest as they part, the sweet gesture only lifting him up more. And without a moment's hesitation, Sougo's smile brightens to match the one he's given so readily.]
I would love to.
[Polite as ever, he gingerly reaches out to place his hand in Ryuu's far larger one.]
Lead the way, Tsunashi-san.