[ it'd only crossed his mind once or twice, and fleetingly so, if he'd been too eager for this meeting after the request for it had caught him off his guard. but coming from someone like sougo, it means that much more to him to fulfill such an honest and bold-faced request. plus, it's not like there's an expectation beyond spending the evening with him, which is something ryuu is all too glad to do nowadays. time in sumarlok had passed strangely for him, at first bright and fast like lunatia had been, and then dim and dreamy from manna hibernation. normalcy like this - at least as he's come to know it with the other idol - is welcome.
so he shows up at sougo's studio at the agreed time, smile pulled at the corners of his mouth and a bag of groceries (and a bottle of wine) on his elbow. he looks nice but not overly so, casual in a way that's comfortable to him but still worn with the knowledge that somewhere, at some time tonight, a camera lens with someone he cares about behind it will find him.
honestly, there's a little fluster in his heart, a little giddiness at the thought. he rings the bell to announce himself and steps back to wait. ]
After so many months, those soft words he'd carefully tucked away in his heart finally urged him to say something he normally wouldn't. It's amazing, really, how Ryuu makes being honest so remarkably easy, meeting everything Sougo could ever ask of him with kindness and an endless well of warmth.
So yes, maybe he was awake for half of the night, nerves and excitement twining deeper in his chest with every passing hour. But just as promised, he's perfectly cleaned his studio and is ready right on time (which, by Sougo's standards, means no less than an hour before they're supposed to meet).
The bell ringing makes all of his nerves stand on end, but when he finally opens he door to Ryuu's gentle smile, the familiarity of it all instantly sets his heart at ease.]
Tsunashi-san! Please, come in. [Stepping aside, he holds the door open, smile soft yet genuinely elated.] I'm so glad to see you.
Good evening, Sougo-kun. [ low and warm, brimming with quiet fondness. ] Thanks for inviting me over tonight.
[ even on the doorstep of a loved one, ryuu doesn't forget his pleasantries - but those are also full of that same heart he carries with him wherever he goes, never forced or flat. with a brightness to his eyes that gives away his enthusiasm, he toes off his shoes and enters the studio, slipping the grocery bags towards his wrist to go and set them on the counter.
but he doesn't make his way there without leveling a fond gaze at sougo, noting the nature of his expression, the plainness and intricacy both of this thing they've built. ]
[In so many ways, it feels like his heart is going to overflow with the earnest warmth that Ryuu seems to naturally emanate. Sougo is long past the point of trying to conceal any of the genuine brightness that permeates his expression, perfectly comfortable with the here and now as their eyes fondly meet. And in a way, that alone feels amazing.]
I'm doing well. We're awfully lucky that we both have the day off, aren't we? I've been looking forward to having you.
[The kitchen is just as spotless and perfectly organized as everything else, but in spite of Sougo not using it that often, it looks more homey and comforting than sterile. Call it an effect of living with the others for so long, or perhaps trying to break free of the mold of his family.]
Thank you for bringing over the groceries, too! I'm excited to see what you plan to make. But first, please make yourself at home.
[ that comforting feeling of being home hums like magnetism between them. he knows he's spoken out of line about it before, that they come from such different places that it was a struggle for him to understand. yet that they can meet on equal footing like this still sets his soul at ease and warms him from the inside out. blood is blood, but a home and a family is what you make of it. ]
It is lucky! I wanted to use it to its full potential, after you asked...
[ how lucky it is happens to be twofold - that an idea like this gives his nerves a thrill rather than a scare. he's been looking forward to it too. ]
But I feel right at home already. Here.
[ once in the kitchen, he sets the grocery bags down and begins unpacking what he'd brought - nice cuts of steak, vegetables, some ingredients for sauces. and the bottle of wine, of course. it's nothing too ornate, but nothing too inexpensive either. a perfectly walked line, as ryuu does. ]
I thought we could make something nice and easy together first.
[Its full potential... Referring to this in such a sweet manner isn't fair at all, and Sougo only smiles more fondly, elation seeping into his tone as he laughs softly beneath his breath.]
I couldn't be happier. Just having you here always makes everything seem brighter.
[The words are remarkably easy to say, not a trace of hesitation in his tone. But once they're in the kitchen, he simply steps closer, looking over the groceries with a smile.]
It looks wonderful. I'm sure whatever you have in mind will be delicious!
[This may not be the first time Ryuu is visiting, but it's still difficult to battle the side of himself that intends to be a good host. Maybe this isn't the best time to mention that he also bought a bottle of wine, but better too much than not enough.
God, his heart is so warm.]
Would you like to relax a bit, or should I go ahead and get the aprons and cookware out?
[ better too much indeed. it's a good atmosphere already, supported by the honesty ryuu loves so much - pleasant words and a sense of belonging that comes from a place he knows (home) and yet still feels so very new at the same time. folding the bags and placing them aside once emptied, he perks up at sougo's question. ]
We can sit down for a while, if you'd like! It's still early, now that I think about it...
[ barely into the evening, and it's not as though he doesn't plan on staying the night. it might feel even more relaxed and unhurried this way. ]
So, let's start with this.
[ being familiar with this space already, neverminding knowing his way around the kitchen, he carefully packs the cold goods away in the fridge and goes to retrieve two glasses. it doesn't take him long to pop the bottle of wine open and get to generously pouring - he smiles over one of the glasses as he offers it to sougo.
[The first time Ryuu visited, he remembers scurrying around and trying to be the picture perfect host. But being able to breathe and take in this relaxed atmosphere is far more pleasant, so he doesn't jump in to try and help with such simple tasks.]
There's no need to rush, after all. It'll be nice to catch up.
[Said like they haven't spoken in ages, but they still don't get to meet in person as often as he'd like. They have the whole night (and perhaps some of the morning) to themselves, so it's only right to make the most of it.
And, well... "Just one drink" may be Sougo's downfall, but a simple glass of wine is nothing to hold back over, especially when it's paired with such a warm smile. So upon taking the glass carefully in his hands with a quick "thank you," he leads them over to take a seat on the couch.]
[ he's up with the sun. maybe a little before it, just to be safe - in this joint household they're all early risers, out of habit and duty both. you don't aim for the top by sleeping in, that's for certain. ryuu hasn't once forgotten, even being "away" from home for so long. if anything, it's made him more committed to his work and to TRIGGER. but today is special, and someone's earned the right to spend a little extra time in bed. ryuu is awake early enough to enforce it by getting started on breakfast before any alarms can sound. it's not what he'd usually make for any of them to get them through busy mornings, but rather an indulgent spread of sweet things: hotcakes made with cake flour, glassy fruit syrup, whipped cream, carefully cut strawberries.
it looks like something that would belong on a cute girl's social media page.
but even having tasted stardom, ryuu's love language is still domesticated and often found in the heart of wherever they happen to call home: the kitchen. he's putting on the finishing touches, intending to take his adorable breakfast masterpiece to tenn's room for his birthday, but he knows it might be a 50/50 toss up on whether or not tenn will awaken on his own to the smell of baking and sugar, the clink of silverware and quietly boiling water. ]
There...
[ he arranges the last strawberries on top of the stack of pancakes, plating everything on a tray with some coffee. now, did he make it in time to surprise him? ]
( you can't rise to the top if you don't rise early. others are less kind, opportunists. ruthless. so, it was a rule that made sense to him even at his most inexperienced, and even now? a rule that certainly allows him to maintain a crispness to everything that he does. there is no "one eye opens, then the others". there is no "slowly waking with the sun". the alarm doesn't need to go off anymore; he is awake and already stretching. a glass of water on a nightstand. no need to shower yet; tenn is clean, his room always cool enough so that he doesn't sweat at night.
but this is a special day.
he's a year older. wiser. another year of living with TRIGGER. with his brother. with IDOLiSH7. Re:vale. the biggest difference is that they aren't home. without their past popularity which had gone through its own rise and fall and a rise again, making this another fall. a descent that wasn't foreseen. on past birthdays? the fans would be relentless: physically, on social media, making their presence known in various ways. things would be sent. delivered. flowers, chocolates, all sorts of things. he would graciously accept them all with a smile.
but this is a special day.
it's quiet. well, for the most part. this morning is not as quiet as the previous ones. no, someone has been doing something--- and the results of that something has crept its way into his room. there is the unmistakable scent of something sweet. something... cakey. very much not a thing he normally expects to grab in the morning, something made with the same amount of love and care that he has come to enjoy. something that he didn't have for the longest time.
he moves to the door. presses his ear against it. smiles, closes his eyes. a short huff as his chest tightens. his heart thrums. tenn feels light as a feather. hand on the doorknob, he slowly turns it before pulling it open--- a crack, to peek out. )
Hello?
( almost expectantly. a piece of the past. at least it will be a face that he wants to see... loves to see. )
[ truth be told, he was so focused on making everything look just right that he missed the sound of the door latch, only lifting his gaze when he hears that familiar voice calling out to him. beaming bright, he stands to his full height, suddenly comfortable with when and wherever tenn happens to catch him with his surprise. ]
Tenn? Are you awake? Good morning.
[ that first greeting comes just as quiet and natural, brimming with heart. it's still so early that he hasn't even changed out of the comfortable clothes he slept in, only throwing an apron over the ensemble so as to not cause any undue damage. or undue laundry.
still, he doesn't need perfection or styling for this, which is an honor that he's gotten more familiar with over the past long months - both at home and here. to be unadorned is something that ryuu has always cherished, a truth that his gentle heart holds to no matter the weight places upon his, their, shoulders. it feels like closeness, like family. standing straight, he carefully picks up his full tray and holds it up proudly, his entire expression lit by his smile. ]
I was planning on surprising you, but I think this works just as well, don't you?
I am. ( obviously, right? but he leaves that out. he's too busy smiling, radiating with joy. it may no longer be a surprise in one case, but it's still a surprise. not because it's coming from ryuu, but because... well.
it's always good to be remembered. for the small things, for the big things. this is definitely one of the latter. )
Come on in. You don't think I can eat all of that by myself, do you?
( as he opens the door, he reveals his room to ryuu. rarely does he let people inside in the first place; his privacy could easily be considered a prized possession. an old habit for sure. even though his heart has opened up, especially after all they've gone through, it's difficult to not resort to what he's used to.
but he can easily adjust.
his room is neat and tidy, bookshelves with a few scattered ones lining it. there are more photos than anything, other little trinkets from his travels so far. shells from the beach, a flower crown that hasn't wilted. a stone from the temple they first trained in. a ticket and program from their first performance. things that he wants to hold onto as long as he can, memories and reminders of what he's achieved.
as he sits down on his bed, tenn smooths out his already made bed so that ryuu can join him. )
[ though they live together still, ryuu still feels his pulse give a little thrum when tenn invites him into his room. ryuu has always been gracious with his space and somewhat... clumsy, with other peoples' space, but walk through enough fires with someone and eventually, something more polished emerges. granted, that newfound sense of maturity doesn't keep ryuu from taking a fond look around - spotting the little things he's kept around from his time in the city so far. the sentimental things.
smile mellowing, ryuu follows slowly, tray still balanced in his hold as he muses aloud in answer to tenn's question. ]
I was going to see if you wanted to try! It is your birthday, after all. [ and why not go all out for something so special? ] But if you need help, I don't mind.
[ he was going to get to cooking up something a little simpler for himself later, but this works just as well. with a space laid out, ryuu gingerly sets the tray down first so tenn can finally have a good look at the sky-high stack of hotcakes and all the sweet toppings.
taking a seat beside him, long legs coming to fold at the edge of the mattress, ryuu has to pause. ]
( all the while, his eyes aren't on what looks like a stack of pancakes that might take more than just the two of them to complete, but the man who brought them in. that his eyes are stuck, locked onto ryuu, onto his face and those features--- handsome. warm. he might go a little further and go with the one word that many use, but not in the same way: sexy. yes. what sexy is to him is different than what those who see ryuu on the billboards, in those ads--- a perspective that only he knows.
it's the feeling of comfort, of something one would never want to live without. familiarity. something that staves off homesickness. trust. reliability. what ryuu represents... it's the best of what he wants. what he wishes he could have all the time. what he can have here and could have back home... but...
maybe it's not having additional pressure that helps, the self-inflicted kind along with the ones placed on him by another person. even if those dreams align and resonate with him, he wants to do it his way. not another's. )
Better to do too much than not do enough.
( tenn carefully pulls a fork off the tray, uses it to cut into the stack--- all the way through. a line of triangles that drips with syrup, strawberry still clinging to the top one, and cream teetering on the edge of falling off. taking a few of the top bits, he's quick to bring the utensil to his lips and then before anything falls to hit his lap, sticks it in his mouth.
chew, chew.
...
his cheeks feel warm. they're probably as red as the strawberries. )
[ what would sound silly to most is what ryuu tends to want to hear. it's that homegrown sense of gentleness he has, that inability to look at something heartfelt and not be moved by it, no matter how corny or embarrassing. but tenn's other statement matters too - how they've taken their ability to aim high and applied it to every aspect of their lives, no matter how small or simple. this is the axis, here in tenn's bedroom in a still-foreign place, the one along which his trust runs. tenn knows him on screen, on stage.
and he knows him here too, by his side. when tenn says things like that, it's impossible to not crave all of it at once.
but with his gaze rapt on his first bite, his expression dissolves into an instant smile at the appraisal it gets. breathing a relieved laugh, he acts as though he's never had tenn speak well of his cooking before. but to hear he can taste the most important ingredient? it puts him on cloud nine. ]
- ahh, is that so? It took a while to find everything in the markets here, so I was worried it'd come out tasting strange...
[ he'll never take strawberries for granted again. or like, being on planet earth.
( he huffs, a smile spreading across his features. )
I'd be a little concerned if you found love in the markets. Who knows what that really is?
( a tightness in his chest needs relieving and soon. a pressure that extends out to his limbs, up to his head and making him a little lightheaded, before going down to the tips of his toes and then returning back to the source. tenn has to stand up. all the while, his eyes still on ryuu. on familiarity, on strength. a rock that he can put his weight on that will support him, with strong arms and handsome features. it's almost unbearable how much he wants to make those all his and never share it; perhaps it's the ruby gem that feeds that need to covet, but...
it's not like ryuu is that far. it just takes a few steps until he's in front of him. it takes even less to bend slightly so that his face could be precariously close to the other's, to his friend, to his partner... )
Thank you, Ryuu.
( ... and then, in order to share some of that sweetness on his lips? he places them firmly against ryuu's, exhaling slowly before pulling back, tongue swiping along as a very brief and hopefully temporary retreat. )
[ It was one of those nights where one unlucky event followed another, like a packed night paired with an understaffed bar. From lending a hand with serving to helping behind the bar, Alex was starting to find new ways to use her amethyst speed for the greater good. Or course, working drinks was something different, which made her grateful to have someone as patient as Ryuu showing her the ropes. He really did make it look easy, and good. ]
[ it's not the type of job anybody might peg him for, if they knew his true demeanor. gentle and modest in most regards, ryuu nevertheless strikes a pretty handsome figure behind the counter at one of the most prominent bars in the ruby underground. it's not the most polished place, but far from the roughest the area has to offer - many of its clientele came here to do a little business, listen to a little music, and have a good drink. ryuu is personable, doesn't ask a lot of questions, and can make a mean cocktail, so he doesn't mind the atmosphere and the extra manna. the company doesn't hurt either, and he smiles apologetically at alex when she draws near during a lull in the business. ]
I think so too. You did great, running all those tables. I owe you one.
[ of course, they are famous last words... no sooner than she's said it, one of the sound attendants comes skittering around from backstage, looking a bit. frazzled. ]
- ah. Was there supposed to be a music act starting now...?
[ though the general atmosphere of the bar hasn't gone south yet, the fidgeting of the live band waiting to go on without a singer is going to cause problems eventually. a crowd is an awfully sensitive thing when there are problems afoot. brows pinching, ryuu has to smile somewhat at alex's question. ]
They'll be angry, I bet... I wonder what we should do...
[ it's not like he owns the place, but as a performer he can't in good conscience sit and do nothing, either...
it's then that he perks, eyes brightening as they turn on alex as if he's remembered something. ]
Oh! I heard it from Gaku the other day! You've sung with him before, right?
[ Despite the situation, the way his brows pinch in concern then suddenly perk up when an idea comes to mind was rather adorable. Was that a weird descriptor for someone as towering as Ryuu?
At the mention of Gaku, she pauses. ]
Oh, yeah. He’s been letting me practice with him and teaching me stuff, and we did sing together once.
[ A fun experience really, one she smiles shyly but fondly about. ]
It’s so different singing with someone so experienced.
[ which is more than enough for ryuu to tug at the waist tie to his apron, starting to slide it off as if he's going to leave his position from behind the bar. if he looks like he's brewing a plan, it's because he is. though generally responsible, he's not immune to a wild hair or two. especially if it benefits someone else. ]
What do say to trying it out with me too?
[ it could sound like a come on, but from ryuu - well. it just sounds playful, a little excited to be doing something outside the norm. ]
[ luckily ryuu is already too enamored of the idea to really pick up on how suggestive it sounded, or else his entire plan may have fallen apart. his rolls his sleeves up with a daring smile, illuminated by the stage lights. he's just fine behind the bar, but up on the stage - that's where he belongs. ]
It'll be fine, don't you think? It's the same set every couple of days, and we've heard it plenty of times before!
[ though usually a bit timid in attitude, it seems in this singular thing, he has bravery in spades. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
▾ july 2021
▴ sougo
so he shows up at sougo's studio at the agreed time, smile pulled at the corners of his mouth and a bag of groceries (and a bottle of wine) on his elbow. he looks nice but not overly so, casual in a way that's comfortable to him but still worn with the knowledge that somewhere, at some time tonight, a camera lens with someone he cares about behind it will find him.
honestly, there's a little fluster in his heart, a little giddiness at the thought. he rings the bell to announce himself and steps back to wait. ]
no subject
After so many months, those soft words he'd carefully tucked away in his heart finally urged him to say something he normally wouldn't. It's amazing, really, how Ryuu makes being honest so remarkably easy, meeting everything Sougo could ever ask of him with kindness and an endless well of warmth.
So yes, maybe he was awake for half of the night, nerves and excitement twining deeper in his chest with every passing hour. But just as promised, he's perfectly cleaned his studio and is ready right on time (which, by Sougo's standards, means no less than an hour before they're supposed to meet).
The bell ringing makes all of his nerves stand on end, but when he finally opens he door to Ryuu's gentle smile, the familiarity of it all instantly sets his heart at ease.]
Tsunashi-san! Please, come in. [Stepping aside, he holds the door open, smile soft yet genuinely elated.] I'm so glad to see you.
no subject
[ even on the doorstep of a loved one, ryuu doesn't forget his pleasantries - but those are also full of that same heart he carries with him wherever he goes, never forced or flat. with a brightness to his eyes that gives away his enthusiasm, he toes off his shoes and enters the studio, slipping the grocery bags towards his wrist to go and set them on the counter.
but he doesn't make his way there without leveling a fond gaze at sougo, noting the nature of his expression, the plainness and intricacy both of this thing they've built. ]
How're you feeling?
no subject
I'm doing well. We're awfully lucky that we both have the day off, aren't we? I've been looking forward to having you.
[The kitchen is just as spotless and perfectly organized as everything else, but in spite of Sougo not using it that often, it looks more homey and comforting than sterile. Call it an effect of living with the others for so long, or perhaps trying to break free of the mold of his family.]
Thank you for bringing over the groceries, too! I'm excited to see what you plan to make. But first, please make yourself at home.
no subject
It is lucky! I wanted to use it to its full potential, after you asked...
[ how lucky it is happens to be twofold - that an idea like this gives his nerves a thrill rather than a scare. he's been looking forward to it too. ]
But I feel right at home already. Here.
[ once in the kitchen, he sets the grocery bags down and begins unpacking what he'd brought - nice cuts of steak, vegetables, some ingredients for sauces. and the bottle of wine, of course. it's nothing too ornate, but nothing too inexpensive either. a perfectly walked line, as ryuu does. ]
I thought we could make something nice and easy together first.
no subject
I couldn't be happier. Just having you here always makes everything seem brighter.
[The words are remarkably easy to say, not a trace of hesitation in his tone. But once they're in the kitchen, he simply steps closer, looking over the groceries with a smile.]
It looks wonderful. I'm sure whatever you have in mind will be delicious!
[This may not be the first time Ryuu is visiting, but it's still difficult to battle the side of himself that intends to be a good host. Maybe this isn't the best time to mention that he also bought a bottle of wine, but better too much than not enough.
God, his heart is so warm.]
Would you like to relax a bit, or should I go ahead and get the aprons and cookware out?
no subject
We can sit down for a while, if you'd like! It's still early, now that I think about it...
[ barely into the evening, and it's not as though he doesn't plan on staying the night. it might feel even more relaxed and unhurried this way. ]
So, let's start with this.
[ being familiar with this space already, neverminding knowing his way around the kitchen, he carefully packs the cold goods away in the fridge and goes to retrieve two glasses. it doesn't take him long to pop the bottle of wine open and get to generously pouring - he smiles over one of the glasses as he offers it to sougo.
surely, one before dinner is just fine. ]
no subject
There's no need to rush, after all. It'll be nice to catch up.
[Said like they haven't spoken in ages, but they still don't get to meet in person as often as he'd like. They have the whole night (and perhaps some of the morning) to themselves, so it's only right to make the most of it.
And, well... "Just one drink" may be Sougo's downfall, but a simple glass of wine is nothing to hold back over, especially when it's paired with such a warm smile. So upon taking the glass carefully in his hands with a quick "thank you," he leads them over to take a seat on the couch.]
Cheers.
(no subject)
(no subject)
▴ tenn
it looks like something that would belong on a cute girl's social media page.
but even having tasted stardom, ryuu's love language is still domesticated and often found in the heart of wherever they happen to call home: the kitchen. he's putting on the finishing touches, intending to take his adorable breakfast masterpiece to tenn's room for his birthday, but he knows it might be a 50/50 toss up on whether or not tenn will awaken on his own to the smell of baking and sugar, the clink of silverware and quietly boiling water. ]
There...
[ he arranges the last strawberries on top of the stack of pancakes, plating everything on a tray with some coffee. now, did he make it in time to surprise him? ]
surprise
but this is a special day.
he's a year older. wiser. another year of living with TRIGGER. with his brother. with IDOLiSH7. Re:vale. the biggest difference is that they aren't home. without their past popularity which had gone through its own rise and fall and a rise again, making this another fall. a descent that wasn't foreseen. on past birthdays? the fans would be relentless: physically, on social media, making their presence known in various ways. things would be sent. delivered. flowers, chocolates, all sorts of things. he would graciously accept them all with a smile.
but this is a special day.
it's quiet. well, for the most part. this morning is not as quiet as the previous ones. no, someone has been doing something--- and the results of that something has crept its way into his room. there is the unmistakable scent of something sweet. something... cakey. very much not a thing he normally expects to grab in the morning, something made with the same amount of love and care that he has come to enjoy. something that he didn't have for the longest time.
he moves to the door. presses his ear against it. smiles, closes his eyes. a short huff as his chest tightens. his heart thrums. tenn feels light as a feather. hand on the doorknob, he slowly turns it before pulling it open--- a crack, to peek out. )
Hello?
( almost expectantly. a piece of the past. at least it will be a face that he wants to see... loves to see. )
heart eyes
Tenn? Are you awake? Good morning.
[ that first greeting comes just as quiet and natural, brimming with heart. it's still so early that he hasn't even changed out of the comfortable clothes he slept in, only throwing an apron over the ensemble so as to not cause any undue damage. or undue laundry.
still, he doesn't need perfection or styling for this, which is an honor that he's gotten more familiar with over the past long months - both at home and here. to be unadorned is something that ryuu has always cherished, a truth that his gentle heart holds to no matter the weight places upon his, their, shoulders. it feels like closeness, like family. standing straight, he carefully picks up his full tray and holds it up proudly, his entire expression lit by his smile. ]
I was planning on surprising you, but I think this works just as well, don't you?
[ a small laugh. ]
i am smitten
it's always good to be remembered. for the small things, for the big things. this is definitely one of the latter. )
Come on in. You don't think I can eat all of that by myself, do you?
( as he opens the door, he reveals his room to ryuu. rarely does he let people inside in the first place; his privacy could easily be considered a prized possession. an old habit for sure. even though his heart has opened up, especially after all they've gone through, it's difficult to not resort to what he's used to.
but he can easily adjust.
his room is neat and tidy, bookshelves with a few scattered ones lining it. there are more photos than anything, other little trinkets from his travels so far. shells from the beach, a flower crown that hasn't wilted. a stone from the temple they first trained in. a ticket and program from their first performance. things that he wants to hold onto as long as he can, memories and reminders of what he's achieved.
as he sits down on his bed, tenn smooths out his already made bed so that ryuu can join him. )
Here...
guess who else is smitten
smile mellowing, ryuu follows slowly, tray still balanced in his hold as he muses aloud in answer to tenn's question. ]
I was going to see if you wanted to try! It is your birthday, after all. [ and why not go all out for something so special? ] But if you need help, I don't mind.
[ he was going to get to cooking up something a little simpler for himself later, but this works just as well. with a space laid out, ryuu gingerly sets the tray down first so tenn can finally have a good look at the sky-high stack of hotcakes and all the sweet toppings.
taking a seat beside him, long legs coming to fold at the edge of the mattress, ryuu has to pause. ]
...ah, maybe I did go a little overboard...?
:3c is it you
it's the feeling of comfort, of something one would never want to live without. familiarity. something that staves off homesickness. trust. reliability. what ryuu represents... it's the best of what he wants. what he wishes he could have all the time. what he can have here and could have back home... but...
maybe it's not having additional pressure that helps, the self-inflicted kind along with the ones placed on him by another person. even if those dreams align and resonate with him, he wants to do it his way. not another's. )
Better to do too much than not do enough.
( tenn carefully pulls a fork off the tray, uses it to cut into the stack--- all the way through. a line of triangles that drips with syrup, strawberry still clinging to the top one, and cream teetering on the edge of falling off. taking a few of the top bits, he's quick to bring the utensil to his lips and then before anything falls to hit his lap, sticks it in his mouth.
chew, chew.
...
his cheeks feel warm. they're probably as red as the strawberries. )
Ryuu? I can taste the love.
( it sounds silly, but it's true. )
it is me (and him)
and he knows him here too, by his side. when tenn says things like that, it's impossible to not crave all of it at once.
but with his gaze rapt on his first bite, his expression dissolves into an instant smile at the appraisal it gets. breathing a relieved laugh, he acts as though he's never had tenn speak well of his cooking before. but to hear he can taste the most important ingredient? it puts him on cloud nine. ]
- ahh, is that so? It took a while to find everything in the markets here, so I was worried it'd come out tasting strange...
[ he'll never take strawberries for granted again. or like, being on planet earth.
but more importantly: ]
I'm really glad. Happy birthday, Tenn.
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I'd be a little concerned if you found love in the markets. Who knows what that really is?
( a tightness in his chest needs relieving and soon. a pressure that extends out to his limbs, up to his head and making him a little lightheaded, before going down to the tips of his toes and then returning back to the source. tenn has to stand up. all the while, his eyes still on ryuu. on familiarity, on strength. a rock that he can put his weight on that will support him, with strong arms and handsome features. it's almost unbearable how much he wants to make those all his and never share it; perhaps it's the ruby gem that feeds that need to covet, but...
it's not like ryuu is that far. it just takes a few steps until he's in front of him. it takes even less to bend slightly so that his face could be precariously close to the other's, to his friend, to his partner... )
Thank you, Ryuu.
( ... and then, in order to share some of that sweetness on his lips? he places them firmly against ryuu's, exhaling slowly before pulling back, tongue swiping along as a very brief and hopefully temporary retreat. )
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look not at my timestamps
idk what those are
Ruby Underground: Early July
I think things might actually be settling now.
[ A hopeful statement, but famous last words. ]
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I think so too. You did great, running all those tables. I owe you one.
[ of course, they are famous last words... no sooner than she's said it, one of the sound attendants comes skittering around from backstage, looking a bit. frazzled. ]
- ah. Was there supposed to be a music act starting now...?
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How pissed will people be if you guys just played some records tonight?
[ Partially a joke. Partially a suggestion. ]
Any chance you have back ups?
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They'll be angry, I bet... I wonder what we should do...
[ it's not like he owns the place, but as a performer he can't in good conscience sit and do nothing, either...
it's then that he perks, eyes brightening as they turn on alex as if he's remembered something. ]
Oh! I heard it from Gaku the other day! You've sung with him before, right?
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At the mention of Gaku, she pauses. ]
Oh, yeah. He’s been letting me practice with him and teaching me stuff, and we did sing together once.
[ A fun experience really, one she smiles shyly but fondly about. ]
It’s so different singing with someone so experienced.
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[ which is more than enough for ryuu to tug at the waist tie to his apron, starting to slide it off as if he's going to leave his position from behind the bar. if he looks like he's brewing a plan, it's because he is. though generally responsible, he's not immune to a wild hair or two. especially if it benefits someone else. ]
What do say to trying it out with me too?
[ it could sound like a come on, but from ryuu - well. it just sounds playful, a little excited to be doing something outside the norm. ]
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Me…with you…in front of people?
[ That really makes it sound a lot more scandalous than it really is. ]
W-without practice?
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It'll be fine, don't you think? It's the same set every couple of days, and we've heard it plenty of times before!
[ though usually a bit timid in attitude, it seems in this singular thing, he has bravery in spades. ]
I don't mind going alone, but...
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