halloforigin | 2017 OPEN RP POST

[He'd be lying if he said the thought had never crossed his mind prior to this. Sure, the revelation had never felt more real than it did right now, but ever since he'd heard some of the seniors talking about graduation, the idea that there would be a gap of time where Shindou would be out of his life had sunk in, seeds of uncertainty sown in his heart.

He wasn't afraid, but he had to admit..it did leave him a little lost. He knows Shindou's been looking at schools in his spare time, Kirino with him. He knew books were being bought, his senpai had been studying more. But it had never felt more solid than it had when the clock struck midnight, the new year officially in the present instead of the future.

Suddenly, things feel so distant and muted, cheek falling into Shindou's hand and resting there, letting the moment soak just as it had when their foreheads brushed. His skin was so soft, thumb showing almost no wear...unlike Tsurugi's own calloused fingertips, and yet strong enough to wear down his outer shell he often put up to guard himself from the outside world.]

The minutes and seconds will seem longer. [A smile to himself--that was cheesy even for him.] But I'll just look forward to seeing you more.

And you can message me. I'll call you.

[Maybe they're rushing into it, discussing what they'll do in each other's absence when they've still got a whole year ahead, but maybe this is important, too, having answers to their worries instead of anxiety gnawing at their insides. Shindou lowers his head, long bangs falling like a curtain over his eyes as he feels the corners of them sting. He'd cried a lot less over the past months, but sometimes, the urge still struck.

One year, huh? It's almost funny. A year had never felt so short before. He takes a breath, and when he raises his head his eyes are bright but he's smiling still.]

I won't let you forget about me even if you get busy supporting your captain Matsukaze.

Video chat.

[Tenma had mentioned trying that out with him one night. Something about how they could message with a webcam...it was now suddenly seeming all the more appealing to try out. Then again...he wonders in the back of his mind if that was why Tenma had been so insistent to try it. The boy was more clever than anyone ever gave him credit for, after all.

He watches Shindou's head retreat, sinking lower as his bangs covered his eyes. Anyone who knew Shindou could tell that it was a vain attempt to hide the formation of tears at the corner of his eyes, and every time it happened, Tsurugi couldn't help but lift his hands to try and wipe them away.]

If Tenma has anything to say about it, he won't let me go a day without contacting you.

[And there it is, that smile that he often saved for his most teasing moments. Smug and full of confidence--almost embarrassingly so. He leans forward once more, noses touching for a single moment in a quick rub before stealing a kiss on Shindou's own lips, chaste but playful.]

So chin up, senpai.

[A tone he'd saved for when he was a Seed before, and now just for those moments when he liked to get a little rise out of his boyfriend.]

Hey--

[It's amazing what a few months could do. Early on that tone would have made him tense up, frustration anger and fear bubbling up all at once at the reminder of the Seed member at school. But now, he knew it as a tone for when Tsurugi was acting cheeky, a tone that he deliberately used when trying to change whatever glum mood that fell between them. It worked every time, and the way Shindou purses his lips in response makes his cheeks -- still round and soft for a boy his age -- puff out beneath large but narrowed eyes.]

You should contact me even without Tenma's insistence, [he returns with a huff, earlier tears already forgotten.]

After all, Tenma isn't the one who's dating me.

[There's more of the Shindou he knew. Those brown eyes went from foggy to bright and sharp in an instant, his voice gaining that edge he saved for when he had to act like their captain. A good look for him, if Tsurugi were honest, and if he wanted to reminisce more than he already was, he'd say it was an odd homage to the day they met.

With an all too different feeling, that is.

Arms loop around Shindou's waist, cutting off any chance of escape the boy ever had. Although something tells him that Shindou wasn't planning on making any plans to book it from their position any time soon.]

I doubt Tenma will find much work in nagging me about it. It'll be what I look forward to.

[Already, it feels like Shindou's not going to stray far, both physically and from his heart. It's grounding, necessary for them both to hear.]

[Shindou certainly had no intention of pulling away now. The slight jump when he feels Tsurugi's around him is nothing more than surprise -- and a touch of ticklishness, which he hopes the boy doesn't realize -- but there's nothing but trust in his eyes as he sits in his boyfriend's embrace. He feels his cheeks flush warmer at the proximity (not that they weren't just kissing seconds ago) and he wonders if Tsurugi might feel the way his heart is pounding in his chest as he scoots closer to lean against him, his own arm snaking around behind Tsurugi's back to return the embrace.]

But you can only do it if you're at home or somewhere you can sit down. Using your phone while walking the way you do is dangerous, you know?

[It's a soft feeling, but he can certainly feel the way Shindou's heart beats in rhythm, as if subconsciously trying to match his own, which has been racing ever since Shindou's lips had graced his. Their embrace is loose, but close enough for Tsurugi to lean and rest his chin on the boy's shoulder.]

What if I'm waiting in line? Or at a cross walk?

[Small, teasing comments. And if Shindou concentrated, he could probably feel Tsurugi's chest lift with another silent chuckle.]

Right before bed sounds good to me. The last thing I see before I shut my eyes would be you.

[Or your texts, at least. Whatever works.]

[The weight of the other's chin is comforting, another point of contact from which warmth spreads through his body and leaves him cozy despite the now-January chill outside. Of course he can feel that chuckle; in this moment, the only thing he's paying attention to is him, and he's paying attention with every one of his senses. The way he feels against him, the sound of his voice, the way he smiles, the scent of home that lingers on his clothes.]

Mm. That sounds good. And I can wish you good night, and message you in the morning.

[It wasn't like Tsurugi to get emotional about many things. He often held himself in check pretty well, enough to function as the logic-over-emotion part of the team. A few things did hit him harder than others, but for the most part, he was the cool headed ace striker.

But this...the idea that Shindou would be the last thing he saw at night to the first thing he read in the morning...It was something so small, a gesture that anyone could have done for him at any moment. ]

That's great.

[His voice softens to an almost pillowy tone, his fingers gripping just underneath Shindou's shoulder blades and pulling him closer.]

That's really great.

[Lips press into Shindou's shoulder after that, letting his thoughts collect before he says anything more. Because it just hit him right then, that since his brother got surgery and was recovering with Physical Therapy, since Tenma had saved him from his life of misery, since Shindou had captured his heart...he'd entered a new year.

And this year, Tsurugi truly didn't feel alone anymore. He never had to ever again.]

[Tsurugi's voice sounds so soft and fragile it nearly breaks Shindou's heart the moment he hears it. At first, he can't figure out what's going through the boy's mind as he says those words, and it takes every ounce of his self control to just listen and think, not blurt out a dozen questions asking him if he's all right. He's afraid that a barrage of questions would shatter him.

It was probably the correct decision. In the silence that follows, he feels the pieces come together. Understanding dawns on him, remembering what Tenma told him all those months ago about Tsurugi's brother, and remembering the time he actually got to meet him -- a different Yuuichi, one from a timeline that no longer exists -- and saw how much the brothers cared about each other. For so many years, Tsurugi fought alone and crushed his love for soccer to work for the Sector and save his family. Those days were behind him now.

As he turns to wrap his other arm around him and pull him into a full embrace, Shindou's eyes momentarily fall on the television that's still playing. He doesn't even know what's being discussed on the show now, but he does see the timestamp, and the date next to it, reminding him that they truly were in the new year now. Soon, school will end and the Raimon they fought together with will change members, but a new year was also the mark of a new beginning.

One arm still holding Tsurugi around his middle, he brings the other to rest a hand on the back of his head, letting the boy keep his head where it is as he leans his cheek against that nest of dark hair. When he murmurs in response, he speaks just as softly, but with his mouth so close to his ear it will be impossible not to hear him.]

No matter what happens, you'll never be alone again, Tsurugi. These last few months, this year, and all the years that will follow, you'll always have people around you. And I will be with you.

[It was a soft, almost broken tone, but not one that would ever be applied to sadness. In fact, this is probably the happiest he's ever been, realizing now just how concrete his life seems to be. How stable everything is. How light he feels with the weight of guilt off his shoulders.

His arms squeeze Shindou tightly, almost lifting him a centimeter or two off the ground in his excitement as he practically buries his face into that mess of soft brown hair.

"You'll never be alone again."

If only Shindou could see his face right now, his smile practically splitting his face and golden eyes warmer than any sunset.]

Thank you, Takuto.

I've never been so happy to hear that...

[Takuto. In their previous, shy attempts at changing the way they addressed each other, Tsurugi had never called his name so intimately. There was always a title or honorific attached, and they always returned to calling each other by last name when they were around their team. But his name is called clearly now, right by his ear, Tsurugi's hot breath felt through his hair, and he practically melts into the embrace.

He's older, he should be the one to look out for the younger boy and support him through challenges big or small, to lead the way even as they advanced together, but it was always Tsurugi that swept him off his feet.

He smiles to himself anyhow, unable to observe Tsurugi's expression but confident that he must truly be happy, and murmurs a response into the other's shoulder.]

You know... you could always try for the same high school as me, too.

[It's strange, the thought had never even occurred to him. Maybe it was because even in the back of his mind, he had some expectations of Shindou that still felt unreachable. That the boy was all together on a different pedestal than him, if equal. It did nothing to stop his love for the boy, certainly, and he'd accepted by now that he deserved him. But there were still some gaps to cross, like what happened after middle school.

IF anything happened after high school.

The same school as him. A smile presses against that head, easily felt against Shindou's jawline as he continues to cradle him in his arms.]

I'd like that.

...

But I doubt I could get in. [A more realist statement than a self-depreciating one. After all...Tsurugi was a good student in the books, but probably not one people would hash out recommendations for with how he dressed.

What's a Raimon uniform and does it bite.]

[Despite being awake now, he's usually asleep by this time of night. With the excitement from the party already died down and held so warmly in Tsurugi's arms, he can feel the tiredness starting to seep in. How unfair, really. He doesn't want to sleep yet. He doesn't want this night to end. But if he could fall asleep like this, it would be the most wonderful thing. He turns his head into that hand to return the gesture from earlier -- lips brushing ever so lightly against that palm.]

You give yourself a lot less credit than you deserve. Any school you put your mind to will be happy to have you.

...

[It takes him a minute to fully process what Shindou is implying. He was about to protest again, saying that the kind of schools Shindou would apply to would be out of his league--he's sure Shindou's parents would want him to go somewhere prestigious right?

At least, that was his thought pattern, until the more obvious reason rings clear. He bites his lip, thinking it over.]

You want me to go with you.

[Not a question, but more confirming what was so obvious in Shindou's own voice.]

Mm.

[The smile on his face, in the cool light of the television, is still warm. Playful. Hopeful.]

I think it would be nice. What do you think?

Well I--

[It'd be perfect. is what he almost says, Shindou's voice striking him deep in his heart before those words can leave his lips. Compose yourself, Tsurugi. Breathe in, out, and answer.]

I'd do whatever it took to follow you.

You said it.

[He couldn't be happier right now than in this moment, he thinks. His chest feels light, and tight, at the same time. He's elated. He wants to laugh out loud and share with the world, and at the same time he wants to continue whispering and hold it close to his heart.]

See? You don't have to worry about it being our last year at all.

[Tsurugi couldn't help but feel the same. Whatever weight the end of Shindou's third year had on his heart was quickly unshackled, much like he'd felt when he'd been able to play soccer for himself. It was so strange, knowing that feeling was once foreign.

Now it's like an old friend coming back and lifting him up when he fell.

If Shindou wanted him to go to high school with him, he'd make it happen. That was all there was to it in his mind. He'd study, he'd bring up his test scores (not that they were all that bad), he'd find a way.]

No one will be surprised at it.

[His arms pull Shindou close once more, hand looking for the other boy's to lace their fingers together. It was amazing how soft Shindou's hands were, right down to the fingertips. Such a difference from his own calloused ones, worn down from Seed training and general lack-of-care.]

A Knight can't leave his Prince waiting.

Right?

[And Shindou sinks readily into those arms, his hand fitting into Tsurugi's like it always belonged there. They lock together like two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, Tsurugi's rough, calloused skin brushing up against his own. He's happy to weave his fingers through the other boy's, squeezing gently.]

That's right. I don't want us to be apart for long.

[There's something validating about hearing those words. He knew them, he objectively knew them. But to hear them in Shindou's voice, tone as warm as the brown colour of his hair, it strikes him right at his heart, cutting deeper into it in the best possible way.]

I'll make sure of it.

[This would be the perfect moment to break away, to go lie down somewhere together...but his eyes snap wide open at the soft snicker he hears under one of the blankets.]

Funny, I thought I heard Tenma just now.

[Clearly loud enough that the offender can hear.]

Huh?

[Shindou doesn't move. Not immediately. There's still a chance that Tsurugi misheard, or the sound came from someone who's talking in their sleep. That's it. That's totally feasible. No, that's got to be it, because even if he isn't ashamed of this relationship with Tsurugi -- not at all -- he would die if the team got wind of it and they started teasing them.

He speaks in a hushed voice muffled further by Tsurugi's shirt.]

Really?

[Tsurugi doesn't answer at first, but his hand moves around Shindou instinctively, looping around his shoulderblades and positioning his chin just over the boy's shoulder. He knew damn well Tenma was probably listening in, or at least had just started to.

But his comment had certainly gotten the boy's attention, and he knows the last thing Tenma would want is to upset their senpai.]

Mmm. Maybe I was just hearing things.

[A soft merciful warning to Matsukaze, if there ever was one.]

We should probably find somewhere more private, just in case.

[He's not ready to let go of Shindou just yet, despite how he can feel the edges of sleepiness creeping in.]

[His heart is pounding, once again, but this time for a different reason. It feels like back when he was younger, out playing with Kirino, and they came home later than they were supposed to. He'd gotten his white shirt dirty after they fell in a puddle chasing a soccer ball, and it'd been a trip trying to get to his room and change without getting caught by the head maid. To think he'll experience this feeling again...

The fingers of his free hand find the fabric of Tsurugi's shirt, curling around the material as he quiets his breathing and tries to listen for any more of the noise the other said he picked up. Any uneven breathing. Any voices.

He nuzzles into his shoulder again.] My room is down the hall...?

[Tsurugi's heart had skipped a couple beats as well, as if he'd gotten caught sneaking to the kitchen at night, or trying to tell Yuuichi he'd broken something of their mother's. His grip was not unlike Yuuichi's in those moments, arm around Shindou protectively, hand gripping gently but firmly against his back.

His feet take a step towards the hallway, turning them both so they can walk, but still keeping an eye on that sleeping bag.

Matsukaze Tenma, you're granted a freebie this time.]

Lead the way. It'll be nice to lie down and relax, anyway.

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