deercountry | soft hours

[those gentle words and that earnest smile...does Manabu really deserve them? still learning, Ryunosuke says, yet he seems like such a pro! everything's relative, really...

he gulps, deaf to that prod about bedrest, his thoughts still on just how kind Ryunosuke is to sacrifice his time and efforts on someone who ran headfirst into trouble and has a busted ankle to show for it. he can't say he regrets doing what he did, only...he regrets not being able to be someone Ryunosuke can believe in, instead of someone who just worries him.

the hand on his face is warm, too...]

...Hey... What could I have done different? [he closes both of his hands over the one still laced with his.] To not scare you so much.

[What could he have done different? He wants to say run head first into danger but that's not reasonable. Not here. Not anywhere. It's not like he's one to talk as he ran after criminals who had shot Herlock, so he knows he would have likely made the same choices that Manabu and Kazuma made. It meant helping people, even if not everyone was going to make it.

He shakes his head.]

I don't think there's anything you could have done differently. [He says softly, dropping his hand from his cheek down to their clasped hands.] I think I'll always be scared that something is going to happen. I need to learn to trust you more, to put my faith in your strength. [He needs to believe in him without faltering.] I do trust you. [He quickly points out, face flushing.] Just so you know. It's not that I don't trust you, it's just that I need to trust your judgement more? Does that make sense?

[Did it make sense? He trusted Manabu a lot, but hearing about him running into battle - that's the part he needs to trust more of.]

Maybe... tell me when you're about to do something stupid?

...

[Manabu's mouth twitches, almost laughing despite the circumstance.]

Mn. Remind me now and then...what qualifies as stupid. I'm kind of a dummy about that. [he looks up to grin, but falters when he sees the color of Ryunosuke's face, double-blinking. there's a squeezing feeling in his chest that holds him in place for a beat before blurting:]

I might...do something stupid right now. Is that okay?

I think I can managed that. [He smiles again, almost laughing and squeeze's at Manabu's hand. As long as they kept communicating they'll have a strong relationship. He's certain of that.

He glances up again, and finds himself flushing more at his sudden remark.]

Something stupid now? [If it's getting up on your foot Manabu he's going to insist you don't!!] I.. sure?

[he utters a faint little sound of acknowledgement, gulping and steeling himself in preparation for following through on that something stupid - that something being...a lengthy hesitation? well, yes, that's dumb, but that wasn't the actual intention - that's just a side-effect.

what he meant was lifting one hand away to put it on Ryunosuke's shoulder for balance while leaning in to try and kiss the corner of his mouth. this is challenging for multiple reasons: 1. slight height disparities; 2. inexperience; 3. no depth perception due to that missing eye. it's the effort that counts, maybe.]

[Everything feels like it slows down as Manabu manages to kiss the corner of his mouth. There's such a softness to it that his heart practically stops at the notion, his face heating up. He's not embarrassed, just surprised. So surprised he doesn't move to do anything at first. Not for a solid few seconds before he's turning his head and returning this kiss - this time on the lips. Soft and sweet.

There's something exhilarating about it. His heart doesn't know how fast it wants to beat or if it should beat at all. And despite how he feels with time, it's over quickly as he pulls back in quiet awe.]

That-- [He barely manages to find his voice, a grin breaking out across his lips.] --Wasn't stupid at all.

[Manabu expected to make a swift retreat from that gesture, but Ryunosuke caught him before he could; he's left with his eyes fluttering back open in something of a daze while his brain catches up with reality versus intention.

his heart's pounding so loud he nearly misses that remark, but he can't miss the look on Ryunosuke's face.]

Gih-- [he goes scarlet, leaning back in a wave of bashfulness.] It! It was precaution! Precaution, you know?! That's the first time I ever-- [no, even admitting that is embarrassing!!]

[He laughs, not really at Manabu but just at the situation that they have found themselves in. Ryunosuke was still a little cross with the two of them for risking their lives, but that kiss was definitely something to break the tension. He can't help but laugh, and he settles down as Manabu explains.]

Really? [First time kissing, huh? He leans forward, getting into Manabu's space, smile still on his lips.] Your first time?

[He'd like to tease him more, tell him it was a honor to be his first, but he's pretty sure Manabu would combust. Instead he kisses him again, something quick and over too soon, and pulls back enough to lean his forehead against his.]

Don't worry so much... [He finally says, quietly.] To be truthful, I've never dated a man before so... first time for everything.

Edited 2022-05-13 15:45 (UTC)

[and a second time for other things, clearly! Manabu's struck still by the second kiss, face burning and heart pounding - damn, is it always like this? it's great, but also...how does anyone function like this?! the wild swing from embarrassment to being utterly twitterpated is enough to make a guy dizzy - this guy, at least.

he blinks a couple times, eyes widening, and this close, all he's got a view of is Ryunosuke. gosh...]

I-it's...okay, right? [said the absolute clown who just got smooched twice in a row.]

Yes, it's okay. [He's just leaning new things about himself is all. About himself, about what society expects of him - he had a great conversation with Dirk about it and is very lucky that there were plenty of understanding people around him. It's exciting discovering something new about one's self.]

It's more than okay. [He squeezes his hand.] I wouldn't have agreed to date you if it wasn't okay.

[And that's the truth of it. To be fair he's been utterly charmed by Manabu. There's so much he wishes to say but he doesn't think he could find the proper words to convey it. Not yet, at least. He'll find the words one day, he's sure.]

[well that-- Manabu could argue that could've been a one-time thing. a fluke!! but...Ryunosuke said let's do this again, and then he said we're together, and now there's really no getting around it, is there?

Manabu gulps, a little overwhelmed by the surging tide of feelings he's not entirely used to - or even familiar with yet!]

Then I'll-- [he retracts his hand from Ryunosuke's shoulder, clapping it down atop the stack of hands already in play here - perhaps with a bit too much gusto, but it's either that or steam starts coming out of his ears.

maybe a bit too loudly:] I'll work hard to honor that! That agreement! That-- [deflating, head ducking down between his shoulders in embarrassment. what's he doing, blurting stuff like an officer sir-yes-sirring in a lineup?! maybe it's just the best he could do in uncharted territory - lean back on old, familiar things.] All that...even though I don't--I'm not-- [he grimaces, shaking his head and straightening back up, nearly clobbering Ryunosuke in the chin in the process.]

Jeez, whatever! Y-you already know where I stand! So! So...! [deflating and going hot in the face again:] ...Than-thank you...Ryunosuke...

[He can't stop grinning as he leans back just in time, needing to remind himself about how excitable he can be. Ryunosuke shakes his head as he sits back.]

Manabu, you don't have to thank me. [He squeezes his hand again.] Really, I'm enjoying spending time with you, getting to know you... [He glances away from Manabu, just briefly as he looks toward his bed.] Now I think it's time you try and get some rest, yeah? You need to stay off your foot and keep it elevated. [At least he thinks so. He's not a doctor but that sounded right.]

I really don't mind you staying in my bed. [Though saying it like that makes it sound a lot dirtier than it was.]

Eh-? But-- [he just realized that a kiss or two isn't so bad! and now he's got to just...lay here?

his eyes wince as he peeks up, then over his shoulder, his hair fluffing with another rush of heat as that last remark finally hits his single brain cell. wh-why'd he have to put it like that?! it's almost like he's from a game franchise famous for faux pas and double entendre!!!]

I...I guess so, but... [deflating:] I'm really going to be stuck...doing nothing at all, huh? For more than a day, I bet...

Yes, unfortunately, until you're healed you will be stuck in bed. I'll bring you food and the like but you really need to keep off your foot. Both of you need to take care of yourselves right now.

If I need to I'll reach out to a friend of mine. He's a doctor. [And his hand-to-hand combat instructor, but that's an anecdote for another day.] But right now the best thing for you is to just relax. Maybe we can ask Wu to send over another moving picture.

[Though the last movie Wu sent him was Rocky Horror Picture Show and that was... weird.]

I'm sure we'll find ways to occupy your time that don't require you to be standing.

…That…that’s okay…

[Wu is and always will be a treasured friend, but Manabu cannot wrap his head around his taste in media; there must be a level of fun one must be naturally able to have to get it.

he lets Ryunosuke’s hand go in order to start scooting back toward the headboard - an awkward effort, but he gets there, one foot on the ground and the banged-up one on the mattress. he’s already got a fidgety look about him, pouting at that foot before looking back to Ryunosuke.]

I won’t be much trouble. Er, that is…I’ll try not to be, anyway. So…

I'm sure you won't be much trouble.

[Though, he knows both Manabu and Kazuma are people of action. They like to do things, so sitting still was going to be a tough thing for both of them. He moves to grab a spare pillow and very, very gently moves it under Manabu's foot to prop it up, taking great care to not bring any harm to him if he can help it.]

Just try and take it easy. I know you'll likely get antsy but that's to be expected. [ He moves to take a seat next to Manabu's side, brushing his hair out of his face.]

I'll try and keep you both company as best as I can.

[it's been a long road to getting used to affectionate touches. from crash courses in random hugs from Wu or Amara, to the surprising shoulder-claps from James or Mako...it's just not something he was used to growing up!

not from sober people, anyway.

~~Amara wasn't always sober, but still~~

that said, he's still abuzz with the revelation that a couple little kisses can bring, so he doesn't immediately react to such a sweet gesture at his face. helps that it was on his blind side, so he has to double-blink and really think if it happened or not.]

You're...really kind, Ryunosuke. [...] That-that is, I mean... [his mouth twitches, shoulders lifting a bit.] I mean, if you weren't around, I think Diluc would've just...tied me to a hospital bed and checked in later, a-ahaha...

[the laugh dies in his voice as he starts to frown, searching Ryunosuke's expression for clues he knows he can't read.]

I want to make it up to you. When I'm better, I mean. When I can. However it is I should.

Well, Diluc is welcome to come check-in if he needs to.

[He finds his fingers lingering on his cheek as he just watches him. Even if Diluc left him and Kazuma in the hospital he would have gone to see them both every day if they allowed him. He'd have to thank Diluc if they ever ran into each other soon.] I'm glad you're here.

Manabu... [He trails off, shaking his head.] There's nothing to make up. [He smiles softly.] You could take me on another date though if you really must make it up to me.

Uoh-- [he perks up, eyes brightening.] Su-sure! [he reaches up and grasps Ryunosuke's hand in both of his, gripping it with resolve.] Of course! I'll do better than the last time, even! Whatever you like, of course! And...and I won't fall asleep, either! I promise!

You know I don't mind that you fell asleep, right? [He wants to reiterate the fact a thousand times over. Manabu clearly needed the sleep, and really he did get caught up reading a bit more than he probably should have.] I still enjoyed myself.

[He has to think of all the places he hasn't been in Trench and where it would be nice to actually explore and go. He blinks, then smiles, quickly turning to face him again.]

Maybe we could go to Achelliac and check out the hot springs?

Eh?? [he blinks.] Hot springs? There's...hot springs in Trench?

[man's been living here near half a year, but anything fun-related is still alien to him besides a Raccoon Room and a Red Room.]

Apparently! I think someone mentioned it not too long ago and I've been curious.

[It honestly sounds relaxing compared to the horror show they deal with on a constant basis.]

I haven't been to Darcmouth yet so it could be interesting! I really need to just get a map of Trench and mark down the places I've been... [And the places he hasn't bene. He's not really been too much beyond Trench's boarders - probably for the best but it does have him curious as to what is beyond them.]

[bewildered, quietly:] A scary place like this...has something like that? Maybe even a ryokan? I haven't been to one of those since... [since home.]

Right? I never expected it either. [He smiles, before rubbing the back of his head.] It would be nice, wouldn't it? Actually, getting a chance to relax... [Would they actually relax? It remains to be seen but the idea of it was nice.]

[Manabu blinks again, looking back at Ryunosuke.]

I...mn, maybe... [he looks askance, feeling a shade guilty.] I'm not really the best at that sort of thing, though.

soft hours

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