[Try? Hifumi's not sure if he should, but he can't not go for it now. It's just one little gesture, at this point. And they'll still have a very long way to go beyond it, getting to know each other. The tension is right and the moment can't pass without acknowledgment.
He knows how he'd do this as a host, so he does the opposite. Sitting up, Hifumi smiles softly, but not without a touch of excitement and maybe even anticipation. Pulling the hand at his chest up over his shoulder, he encourages Gentaro to get closer, to pull into an embrace. The hand on Gentaro's cheek drifts into his hair, the lightest of touches, and his other arm winds around him. Then Hifumi presses his lips ever so softly to Gentaro's.]
[ Gentaro lets Hifumi lead. It's... strangely nice, actually. He feels so out of his realm here, but... there are worse things to do than put himself in Hifumi's hands. Odd, that. But that smile, the way he looks excited...
He lets out a breath and leans into him. He's weak to the touch, that hand in his hair, the arm around him. Gentaro wraps both arms around his neck, and when Hifumi presses their lips together--
His heart feels like it's going to burst. He lets his eyes slip shut, returning the kiss easily, if a bit awkwardly. Hifumi's lips are warm and soft against his, and Gentaro feels like he's melting. ]
[Hifumi's warmth is enough to melt them both, really, his own eyes sliding closed as he makes the softest, gentlest sigh of relief. Maybe sometimes he longs to be close to someone. Someone who won't hurt him, someone who tries to understand.
How funny that it might be this man. In a matter of hours, they've gone from rivals to this, this... maybe something. He isn't sure where to start with people, but maybe if he takes it slow from here on out and lets himself be vulnerable, something will come of it.
Something like this gentle kiss, his lips moving delicately, bolder by the moment but not too bold. A slow burn, exploratory and curious. He just... finds that he honestly doesn't want to stop.]
[ That sigh--it wraps around his heart, lodges itself there, a memory Gentaro thinks he'll never forget. It's a sigh that's because of him, and there's something truly special about it. Gentaro decides, then, that he'd like to hear that more. Ever cautious, though, Gentaro doesn't try to prompt it; if it comes, he wants it to be a natural thing.
He's still hesitant, but he finds... it's easier to be more confident. Gentaro shifts closer to him still, burying a hand in Hifumi's hair. He lets out a soft, quiet, content sound of his own, and he realizes that he really doesn't want to stop kissing him. ]
[That sound is so unexpected. Maybe somehow Hifumi forgot that Gentaro has a passionate side. He's seen it in a rap battle before, but something about him always seemed immovably distant. Certainly Hifumi didn't set out to get this close, but now that he is, he's dangerously delighted. This is the best thing that could've happened on a weird morning after work, and he never would have expected it. Not in a bazillion years.
So he continues the kiss, slow, soft, little sighs and huffs and gentle sounds affirming that he's content. He can tell Gentaro doesn't do this often, but then again, neither does Hifumi. He's a host, so he knows what he's doing, yet something sincere and sweet as this feels like it ought to be impossible. At the same time, it feels like he's alive in a way he hasn't been in so long, like tiny yellow flowers in a park, or that one big cherry tree, full of pink-white blooms, waving in the wind, carefree.
When he finally pulls away a few inches, his eyes remain closed for a moment.]
[ This is-- it's so very dangerous. Hifumi is an opponent, and more than that, Matenrou and Fling Posse don't exactly have the best rapport. Gentaro, if he were rational in this moment, would end this here and now. But-- Gentaro finds that maybe things have a way of surprising him. Hifumi certainly has.
After all, Gentaro's here, caught in his embrace, cheeks flushed in a way he doesn't think he's ever felt. He draws in a breath, unsure of what to say-- or maybe, afraid of saying the wrong thing.
Gentaro decides none of that matters. He's already thrown caution to the wind, so what's a little more? ]
Have my expert kissing skills rendered you speechless? Goodness, I had no idea I was capable of such a thing.
[ He is, perhaps, playing it up a little more than necessary, but Gentaro's not exactly used to all this. He isn't nervous. He's just... figuring things out. ]
[Hifumi sounds appropriately breathless, just for Gentaro's sake. His eyes slide open, and with sight comes a sunshine-bright grin at the pink in Gentaro's cheeks. He won't call it out--he's being good--but he will bask in the shared warmth for a few moments more. They're still in each other's arms, after all.]
[ It's-- He laughs softly and ducks his head, just slightly. His forehead rests on Hifumi's shoulder, and he draws in a breath or two. It's so unlike him to act like this, but then again, this is new. Still.
He doesn't want Hifumi to have the upper hand, so he turns his head and presses a feather-light kiss to his neck. ]
You flatter me. But how do I know you're not just saying that to make me feel better, hmmm?
[The kiss sends a shiver right through Hifumi, and he practically flinches, curling in on himself slightly. He's not used to actual intimacy beyond jovial shoulder pats and fleeting tackle hugs, so this is a bit different.]
[ Ah-- Gentaro picks up on that, so he pulls back slightly so he can look at him. He hesitates a moment, then brushes his fingers along his cheek, to his hair to tuck a lock behind his ear. ]
That is the goal, yes. [ There's a subtle, gentle vulnerability in Gentaro's gaze. ] I do hope it's working.
[Hifumi smiles brightly at him, though there's a gentle uncertainty in his eyes for just a moment. Still, the longer he looks at Gentaro, the more he realizes just how strangely ethereal he looks. Well, in Hifumi's opinion.]
Yeah. [He laughs faintly.] Gosh, I was just crying on your couch and now I want to say here all day looking at you. [The vulnerability he sees matches his own attempts at opening up just now, and he touches Gentaro's cheek with perfectly manicured fingertips.]
[ Hifumi is warm, and Gentaro's chest feels tight. It's not a bad feeling, but it's different. He thinks-- maybe, it wouldn't be so bad to feel that more and more. Embarrassingly, he lets out a quiet, content sound from the back of his throat and leans into the touch.
Who knew a mere touch could make him ache so very much, so sweetly? ]
Mm. Between the two, I'd much prefer the latter. [ He hesitates again, but it lasts only a short few moments. ] I wouldn't mind looking at you more, either.
[He runs his fingers carefully but admiringly through Gentaro's hair and over his scalp, letting curiosity carry him. The softness of his hair is grounding; the sound of fingers carding through strands is soothing. He's almost forgotten his nightmare for the moment.
All that exists now is this curious connection, this author with his gentle plea... Hifumi wouldn't dare say no. He lets out a heavy breath, as though he's forgetting how to breathe to begin with.
Watching Gentaro, he can't help smiling when he meets that gaze. His own cheeks feel hot for a moment.]
I've got all day. Even if I oughta be asleep, this is way, way, way better.
[ It's disarming, seeing him smile like that. Gentaro wants to see it more, as long as Hifumi will allow it. He wants to keep looking at him, but that hand in his hair feels so good that he closes his open eye.
He leans further into the touch, entirely too much like a cat. He'd be purring if he could. ]
Mmm. [ A content sound, completely at ease and-- almost trusting. At least, as trusting as Gentaro can manage. ] At this rate, you may put me to sleep.
[ He lets out a quiet hum, then opens his eyes. ]
... Would you like to lay down? It may be more comfortable.
Ahh, I guess you want me to get that shut-eye! Do I seem out of it?
[For a fleeting, dangerous moment, Hifumi thinks about laying down with Gentaro, arm around him, fingers in his hair, just two strange people being strangely close... It passes as soon as the color touches his cheeks and he has to look away, because wow does that seem like it's overstepping.
But Gentaro seems to be enjoying the attention thus far, and Hifumi is enjoying giving it, so maybe it's not stepping too far over the line.]
Maybe I won't have weird dreams if you're next to me?
Oh, terribly. I fear you may soon become delirious with exhaustion.
[ He chuckles softly, and not for the first or last time, his cheeks take on a pale flush. Admittedly, his thought was to lay down with him... his writing can wait. Right here, right now--this is a far more attractive option. ]
If we pull out the couch, it will be even more comfortable for the both of us to lay down.
It's no trouble at all. We'll have to move the table somewhat, but aside from that, it is easy enough.
[ Even if it were trouble, Gentaro would do it anyway. Momentarily, he's distracted by the urge to kiss Hifumi again, but he squashes it down and moves to stand. He extends a hand once he's on his feet. ]
If you'd like even more blankets or pillows, they're in the closet. [ Teasingly-- ] Help yourself, if you aren't too lightheaded.
[Hifumi takes his hand with that brilliant smile still shining, and practically bounces to his feet.]
The closet! Point the way!
[He's taking off looking for it without direction, though, maybe to distract himself from the fact that he's a little nervous about curling up with Gentaro.
But he's going to find the pillows and blankets and bring an armful back.]
[ In the time that it's taken Hifumi to grab them, Gentaro's pushed back the table and pulled out the couch. He turns to him with a smile that's steadier than he feels. And, undeniably, there's a quiet fondness in the way he looks at Hifumi. ]
Excellent. You may give me a run for my money in blanket-selecting skills.
[Hifumi stops and actually just chokes on air at the way he's being looked at. The blankets and pillows are being held out to Gentaro, but Hifumi is just staring and trying to catch his breath.]
Um.
[Best host ever, can't even talk.]
Um! Good grief, you can't just look at me like that...
[ He takes the blankets and pillows, but Hifumi's reaction catches him off-guard. It's obvious that Gentaro does not actually know how he's looking at Hifumi. Some of that fondness melts into concern. ]
[Hifumi looks down, a hand running over the back of his neck.]
I'm not used to people looking at me like that. It's usually people looking at me like wolves, or people telling me to stop doing whatever I'm doing. You looked like you wanted to give me a hug or something.
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He knows how he'd do this as a host, so he does the opposite. Sitting up, Hifumi smiles softly, but not without a touch of excitement and maybe even anticipation. Pulling the hand at his chest up over his shoulder, he encourages Gentaro to get closer, to pull into an embrace. The hand on Gentaro's cheek drifts into his hair, the lightest of touches, and his other arm winds around him. Then Hifumi presses his lips ever so softly to Gentaro's.]
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He lets out a breath and leans into him. He's weak to the touch, that hand in his hair, the arm around him. Gentaro wraps both arms around his neck, and when Hifumi presses their lips together--
His heart feels like it's going to burst. He lets his eyes slip shut, returning the kiss easily, if a bit awkwardly. Hifumi's lips are warm and soft against his, and Gentaro feels like he's melting. ]
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How funny that it might be this man. In a matter of hours, they've gone from rivals to this, this... maybe something. He isn't sure where to start with people, but maybe if he takes it slow from here on out and lets himself be vulnerable, something will come of it.
Something like this gentle kiss, his lips moving delicately, bolder by the moment but not too bold. A slow burn, exploratory and curious. He just... finds that he honestly doesn't want to stop.]
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He's still hesitant, but he finds... it's easier to be more confident. Gentaro shifts closer to him still, burying a hand in Hifumi's hair. He lets out a soft, quiet, content sound of his own, and he realizes that he really doesn't want to stop kissing him. ]
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So he continues the kiss, slow, soft, little sighs and huffs and gentle sounds affirming that he's content. He can tell Gentaro doesn't do this often, but then again, neither does Hifumi. He's a host, so he knows what he's doing, yet something sincere and sweet as this feels like it ought to be impossible. At the same time, it feels like he's alive in a way he hasn't been in so long, like tiny yellow flowers in a park, or that one big cherry tree, full of pink-white blooms, waving in the wind, carefree.
When he finally pulls away a few inches, his eyes remain closed for a moment.]
Man.
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After all, Gentaro's here, caught in his embrace, cheeks flushed in a way he doesn't think he's ever felt. He draws in a breath, unsure of what to say-- or maybe, afraid of saying the wrong thing.
Gentaro decides none of that matters. He's already thrown caution to the wind, so what's a little more? ]
Have my expert kissing skills rendered you speechless? Goodness, I had no idea I was capable of such a thing.
[ He is, perhaps, playing it up a little more than necessary, but Gentaro's not exactly used to all this. He isn't nervous. He's just... figuring things out. ]
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[Hifumi sounds appropriately breathless, just for Gentaro's sake. His eyes slide open, and with sight comes a sunshine-bright grin at the pink in Gentaro's cheeks. He won't call it out--he's being good--but he will bask in the shared warmth for a few moments more. They're still in each other's arms, after all.]
Told you you could be a host!
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He doesn't want Hifumi to have the upper hand, so he turns his head and presses a feather-light kiss to his neck. ]
You flatter me. But how do I know you're not just saying that to make me feel better, hmmm?
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You're the one making me feel better, right?
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That is the goal, yes. [ There's a subtle, gentle vulnerability in Gentaro's gaze. ] I do hope it's working.
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Yeah. [He laughs faintly.] Gosh, I was just crying on your couch and now I want to say here all day looking at you. [The vulnerability he sees matches his own attempts at opening up just now, and he touches Gentaro's cheek with perfectly manicured fingertips.]
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Who knew a mere touch could make him ache so very much, so sweetly? ]
Mm. Between the two, I'd much prefer the latter. [ He hesitates again, but it lasts only a short few moments. ] I wouldn't mind looking at you more, either.
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They must be more similar than he ever knew. They both need this gentle closeness.]
D'you like being touched? Like this, I mean. I'll keep doing it. [A beat.] Unless you need to get back to your writing. I'm distracting you...
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I will be very upset if you stop. [ He opens one eye. ] That is to say... please continue. My writing can wait.
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All that exists now is this curious connection, this author with his gentle plea... Hifumi wouldn't dare say no. He lets out a heavy breath, as though he's forgetting how to breathe to begin with.
Watching Gentaro, he can't help smiling when he meets that gaze. His own cheeks feel hot for a moment.]
I've got all day. Even if I oughta be asleep, this is way, way, way better.
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He leans further into the touch, entirely too much like a cat. He'd be purring if he could. ]
Mmm. [ A content sound, completely at ease and-- almost trusting. At least, as trusting as Gentaro can manage. ] At this rate, you may put me to sleep.
[ He lets out a quiet hum, then opens his eyes. ]
... Would you like to lay down? It may be more comfortable.
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[For a fleeting, dangerous moment, Hifumi thinks about laying down with Gentaro, arm around him, fingers in his hair, just two strange people being strangely close... It passes as soon as the color touches his cheeks and he has to look away, because wow does that seem like it's overstepping.
But Gentaro seems to be enjoying the attention thus far, and Hifumi is enjoying giving it, so maybe it's not stepping too far over the line.]
Maybe I won't have weird dreams if you're next to me?
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[ He chuckles softly, and not for the first or last time, his cheeks take on a pale flush. Admittedly, his thought was to lay down with him... his writing can wait. Right here, right now--this is a far more attractive option. ]
If we pull out the couch, it will be even more comfortable for the both of us to lay down.
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[An admission, brightly delivered and chased with a sunshine smile.]
Is that too much trouble?
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[ Even if it were trouble, Gentaro would do it anyway. Momentarily, he's distracted by the urge to kiss Hifumi again, but he squashes it down and moves to stand. He extends a hand once he's on his feet. ]
If you'd like even more blankets or pillows, they're in the closet. [ Teasingly-- ] Help yourself, if you aren't too lightheaded.
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The closet! Point the way!
[He's taking off looking for it without direction, though, maybe to distract himself from the fact that he's a little nervous about curling up with Gentaro.
But he's going to find the pillows and blankets and bring an armful back.]
Here we go!
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Excellent. You may give me a run for my money in blanket-selecting skills.
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Um.
[Best host ever, can't even talk.]
Um! Good grief, you can't just look at me like that...
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I-- am not certain I follow.
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[He stumbles forward a bit.]
Sorry.
[Hifumi looks down, a hand running over the back of his neck.]
I'm not used to people looking at me like that. It's usually people looking at me like wolves, or people telling me to stop doing whatever I'm doing. You looked like you wanted to give me a hug or something.
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