[ Rin cocks his eyebrow waiting for the explanation, a little frown on his lips. ] I dunno', seems like you'd be cute in a hat. [ Meanwhile, Rin could admit he probably looked goofy, at least once he got passed the initial defensiveness. Wait, did he call Ai cute? No, he's pretty sure he said he'd look "sharp" in a hat. Yeah.
If it's an apologetic smile, Rin simply waves his hand with forgiveness. He understands Ai means no ill. Maybe some of the cajoling he'd get overseas had gotten to him. He should know Ai better. His lips twist and he shakes his head at the idea of taking Ai's bed. That's his own space after all, and he wasn't here to intrude. His eyes cast more thoroughly over the personal effects Ai kept.
He sighs, thinking, as he lifts to examine a figure. ] Pretty sure getting pissed at the station killed my buzz... But tea's probably a good idea. [ He's kidding himself if he thinks he's totally sober. He sets the figure down. How about those books? Time to judge Ai's reading taste into adulthood. ]
[Ai won't make a comment, but if Rin is eagle-eyed he may catch the way Ai's cheeks immediately flush a soft pink at his word choice. Rin's paid him lip service before, but never with that kind of vernacular, and it hits Ai somewhere that no amount of booze could get him to admit to readily.
Thankfully, the moment is passed and Rin's attention seems far more rapt on Ai's myriad knickknacks. Small flocked figurines ranging from normal dogs to bizarre humanoid creatures, lord knows how many framed posters of indie bands both Japanese and Western, a couple pieces of film memorabilia... And an unreasonable amount of books. All neatly organized by title, even if his bookshelves are splitting at the seams. Ai's titles range from non-fiction to history to trashy, raunchy erotica and everything in between. Of note are about four nondescript notebooks with no inscription on the spines - his older journals.
At Rin's cue Ai shuffles into his small kitchen where he pulls out two mugs, readies them with bags of tea, and pours the hot water he'd set earlier. He leans over on his countertop and looks to Rin from over the low partition wall, eyes trailing him lazily, the smile he wears easy-going.]
Come to think of it, we've never drank together. [Probably something to do with Rin having been abroad by the time Ai came of age for it.] Though I only have once before, with Sousuke-senpai. I can't say it's my favourite feeling in the world, but. [he doesn't think twice about letting the words spill from his mouth,] If there's anyone I'm happy to make a few mistakes with, it's you, Rin-senpai.
...
Oh! Here, your tea's ready. [and Rin better come fetch it before Ai tries to carry it to him.]
[ Not a whole lot of books he recognizes, except- ] huh... [ Actually, he knows this erotica. He’s read this erotic. S-so Ai is like that, too, huh? ...Actually, on second thought, better not to comment on it at all, he’s not opening that can of worms for the sake of his own dignity. ]
[ The journals catch his eye next, though he leaves them untouched. Even years later, he’s sure he remembers one of them laying on Ai’s desk, and the nights he would scrawl into it. They had that in common: he still has the journal Ai got him years ago, and more journals beside it since then. He’s struck with nostalgia and longing.
Satisfied with his perusal, Rin saunters to the opposite side of the partition, leading his elbows onto the top of it and folding his forearms under him. A funny half-smirk, half-smile tugs at his lips when Ai mentions “mistakes,” somehow understanding, yet he finds the sentiment stirs the butterflies in his stomach. Rin felt like he was the king of mistakes. ] Thank you, [ he whispers in English, but the drink is too hot for his taste still. He reaches over and plucks the bag out with his bare fingers to set on a small plate—over-steeped tea would be too bitter tonight. ]
Drinking age is way too late in Japan, [ he shakes his head. ] First time out with the team, they got me wasted on Bundy, said I couldn’t swim with Aussies if I didn’t drink like ‘em. We don't drink a lot, sports and all, but... gets crazy when they do.
[ He looks happy, thinking of the team in Australia, but the smile drops off, seeming pensive. He really didn’t come home all that often, did he? Ai’s birthday isn’t that far off from his own. He should have visited. ...No. That's a stupid thought to linger on. He was the middle of training for long course. He couldn’t have. At least he sent a “Happy Birthday,” but... ]
Well, guess we can knock drinking together off our bucket list.
[For better or worse, there is absolutely nothing subtle about the way bright sky blue eyes tear from Rin's gaze down to his lips the instant he starts speaking English, like a sleeper agent instinct had been suddenly recalled. And he's staring even still as Rin continues on about his drinking experience in Australia; it's only half-way through his recollection that Ai blinks his attention back up a few centimeters. Words finally settling in, Ai gives Rin a sympathetic smile.]
They have reputations for being party animals, don't they? They must bring out a completely different side of you. [And no, he doesn't mean to imply Rin would become a party animal either; rather, Ai's mental image of his senior under those conditions is more akin to an exasperated mother. Or perhaps a guest who has accidentally fallen into a zoo enclosure. The thoughts both make Ai smile in a stupid way that bisects his face and lifts all the way up to his ears.
He senses it - for a moment, Rin was far away. Another one of his instincts that apparently never quite shut off, that intuition for where Rin's head is at most given moments. Ai doesn't comment on it though, just wonders passively what must've crossed his mind.
There's something else, though. He's also leaning on the partition, unintentionally mirroring Rin's posture, and lazily carries his eyes from his tea back up to Rin's.]
We have a bucket list. [A half-observation, half-query. A lifts his mug up toward his lips,] What else is on it, senpai?
[ Rin laughs, wryly. ] "What else?" It’s not really that deep. [ Not that dying too young wasn’t completely out of his mind, simply that it wasn’t where he was tonight. The thought that captured him still had its hold, and he’s unfortunately quiet as he thinks. There’s…. merit in the observation, however. ] Tch, but I’m not back in Japan all that long either. Guess I ought to think about what I’m doing before I go back. [ He has about a month, and Ai would know that.
What did he want here that wasn’t in Australia? At least one thing came to mind that was near at hand. He glances at Ai, whose eyes had scarcely turned from him, filled with precious concern and admiration. His chest tightens. He turns his gaze and pretends there’s a scratch on his neck, growling. ] I-- I’m sure I’ll think of something. [ He pulls away from the counter and paces back into the living room. He feels stupid with frustration, questioning how sound his choice was to visit Ai. Time alone with him in his home was so, so much different than their frequent texts.
Just a month. That’s not really fair to him. He sighs. ]
Uh, so, what about you? University and all... [ He asks, his back still turned from Ai, feigning renewed interest in the space. His voice sounds as stilted as he feels, anxious to turn the discussion from himself. ]
[Ai was used to this. And if his persistent trust in Rin had run any weaker, he may have grown over-worried at the sight of Rin suddenly beside himself, unable to look him in the eye. But if there is any one thing he has learned about enduring Rin's sometimes unreadable moods, it's that they're almost always facing inward, and almost always just need a bit of patience. Ai doesn't take it personally-- even if he does suddenly miss the bright reds of Rin's eyes.
He does passively wonder what he said or asked that had Rin turning on his heel, but knows it's no good to ruminate. Not that Rin can see it, but Ai smiles reassuringly, and maybe just a touch bashfully,]
You made it sound like we shared one. [A bucket list, he means. A silly notion, given Rin's propensity to go where his career takes him, but. Ai could dream. Rin sees a month as an uncomfortable; Ai sees it as thirty days to make as many memories as possible.
He grants Rin the space he clearly needs, but. Ai suddenly doesn't have words for the instinct that nearly has him springing from where he's currently leaning against the countertop, and nearly had him pressed to Rin's back. It's Ai's turn to clear his throat and stiffen a little.]
Ah, that's. [He organizes his thoughts to get his tongue in working order.] ... Maybe coming from me it seems like too much, but I want to do all I can to climb higher in the swimming world. [In Rin's absence, he's made strides. Before graduating Samezuka he left in his wake not one but two school records, and qualifying times strong enough for the All-Japan.] I might finally reach out to my uncle about training me properly.
[The pause that follows is long and pregnant and tense. Not for stalling; if Rin looked back, he'd see Ai is thinking. Choosing his words very very carefully.]
From the beginning, all I've wanted is to stand on the starting block next to you proudly. So I'll keep doing everything I can to make that happen.
[He's maybe a touch too quick to clear his throat, sit up a bit straighter, and awkwardly smooth his thumbs over the heated ceramic of his mug.] I'll probably have to quit my part-time job, but that's alright.
[ He realizes he feels hot with embarrassment, flustered before and now feeling decidedly uncool and weird. A bucket list… together…. He’s not sure how he feels about it. He also forgot his tea over there. Whether he wants to or not (he wants to) he’ll have to head back over, but if he wastes too much time, well… He’s sure he’d just look like a douche. He didn’t want to pull away; he would never, but certainly he feared the heat at his core.
At the mention of Ai’s uncle, Rin throws a look, but remains quiet. That quiet wasn’t so different than his own. He lets it hang in the air, his gaze locked onto Ai. He’s cute like this. Had so little changed over these years? Ai’s heart, his determination… Rin shifts his footing and walks back toward the kitchen, passing the partition and entering as he hears a muttering about a job, but he’ll worry about that in a bit.
Confidentially, he leans into the counter top near Ai, unintentionally shrinking his height. ]
Two school records, Ai. A slouch doesn’t pull that off. You’ve got plenty to be proud of just as you are, than trying to feel worthy beside me.
[ His hand starts to move, then hesitates—the Rin Maneuver already foretold—thinking how long it had been since he could actually do this. He ruffles Ai’s hair and grins. ] You’d probably beat my ass in breast, anyway.
[So much he wants to contest. It wasn't about value, it was about pride. It was about entering the same world Rin could step into so confidently. It was about trying to carve a space for himself and to be able to say he did so through nothing but raw hard work.
And maybe a small part of him that did want to earn Rin's gaze, but. That was different.
-- So much to contest, and yet at most all he can manage is a,] That's not-- [before his skull is gently rattling under a touch Ai didn't realize he'd missed so much.
Rin's propensity to just leave his palm there preemptively has Ai's cheeks kissing a soft pink, but he continues on as if that isn't the case, because bowing to the obvious would maybe toe a bit too close to the current line they both seem eager to ignore. If Rin looks, he might even see Ai bite back a titter before he gets his words out,] Of course I would, senpai. You probably haven't done a breast stroke since middle school.
[Intuition always whet, he wordlessly slides Rin's mug closer to where Rin is now stationed right beside him.
And continues the thought of his that had been waylaid, voice gentle,] The places you've gone... I want to climb those heights, too. That's all. [and for a moment levels Rin with a simper,] Which means shifting some priorities around. [Like university and his part-time job, going back to Rin's initial query.]
[ Quietly, Rin nods as he listens, giving Ai a smile. Crazy, really, how far he’s come along. The two of them, in different ways, better for having met each other. ] When you do get there, you know I’ll be there. [ His smile hangs, warmed as ever by Ai’s determination.
He casts his gaze down, a chuckle as well. ] Getting your uncle to coach you, though, huh? Wonder if you’ll have the muscles to impress him. That guy’s fickle.
Can’t say I get his taste that well, [ he finally grabs his drink and waves the drink under his nose; the pleasant aroma of white tea at night takes his mind away for a moment, ] Think I’d say they’re perfect, [ he mutters before he sips the drink. ]
Might even mean we train together, sooner or later.
[Had he been sipping his tea, he'd have done a double take. Instead, he's gawking at Rin with that candid delivery, Ai's expression owlish and his blink is too. He'd fluster right from his ears down to his clavicle if he didn't have mental images of his own uncle trailing right behind Rin's rather straight forward observation.
Suddenly, Ai simpers, rueful and almost resigned.]
No way this is how you feel when I say something like that... Is it payback? [For all the times he had proudly and flagrantly called Rin's body perfect, to his face and otherwise. He pats his cheeks twice, and shakes his head.] And anyway, I can't build muscle the same way you can... Even at my strongest, I'm a bit more lean...
[And at first when he turns to look at Rin, gaze voracious and not subtle, it is with dissecting intent. But then his eyes kind of just-- get lost taking him in. Time was a funny thing; Rin really hadn't changed that much since they'd last seen each other, yet all the same Ai was drawn to him like he'd manifested straight out of one of his dreams. He's so enraptured he doesn't hear Rin speak again for a second, blinking his attention back up to his eyes after a too-long pause.]
That. [His smile is so. Stupidly big.] That'd make me happy, if we could. I really...
[ He barely realizes what he said, and seeing Ai huge eyes has him blushing in confusion. ] Huh? Th-that look... [ is the best he can get out, unsure what the matter was. Payback? Was what he said so outrageous?
Oh! He sputters, glancing defensively to aside, ] Mikhails's a weirdo, who knows. [ He probably could have articulated himself better to anyone else, under damn near the exact same circumstances, but he's caught otherwise speechless. What a cute reaction. Awkwardly and subtly as he can, he rubs over his heart, wishing the thunder would settle. He can hardly look that sweet expression straight on. ]
I... [ miss it, too, but his brain slams shut. ] Yeah, [ he nods. He misses it terribly. Australia was everything he wanted to chase his dreams, but when he needed something most, it lacked. What is it... c'est la vie. Seems like this keeps happening over and over to him.
He's quiet, again, thinking before he speaks, ] Yeah, uh... Month's not really enough time. [ He's not sure what he's saying suddenly. ] Or... ah... Y'know.
[He really wasn't used to being appraised, not so directly, and least of all from Rin. He could handle comments about his swimming, his academics, his mess-- simply put, Rin saying something that edges on personal had Ai out of his wits. Not only was it foreign, but it registered somewhere in his psyche that was overwhelmingly vulnerable at best, and impressionable at worst.
His eyes flit to the next natural movement, which is Rin's hand grasping at his chest. Ai had his composure, even if he had appeared owlish for a moment, but all at once, it is as if there is a lump in his throat he cannot swallow down, and a heat he cannot keep from consistently trying to lick at his cheeks.
Month's not enough time. It'd be nice... Together.
There is something about Rin's disposition in that moment-- uncharacteristically disarmed, unusually... Ai wouldn't say shy, but. The only times he can recall seeing Rin so unsure of the words coming out of his mouth were around his other friends. In these tense moments, it wasn't uncommon for their scripts to be flipped. Rin beside himself, and Ai boldly crossing boundaries to get his points across. Somehow, right now was no different.
Between them Rin was usually the more handsy one, but Ai's senses overwhelm him to the point of breaking ice; he leans across the small distance between them, not so much resting his head on Rin's shoulder as he is pressing his face against his nape. At this proximity, Rin can no doubt feel the heat radiating from his skin... And can also likely feel the way Ai is suddenly smiling, as if Rin didn't just take an arrow straight to his chest.]
That's a month to make memories, senpai. And things don't end just because you have to go away for a little while... This much we're used to already, right? [Ai tilts his head up, just enough to catch the corner of Rin's gaze.] But.
If I was able to give you something to think on fondly when you fly back to Australia, I'd be happy.
[ Whatever he was saying, or trying not to say, clearly his heart sung louder. Ai reads every beat of his heart effortlessly. He barely moves as Ai closes the space, except to turn slightly and let him in. He’s still lost in his thoughts. Reflections of the night market flash before him: stolen glances, thoughtless doting, sliding his way in to be closer to Ai. No single text brought him more glee than Ai’s confirmation "I’ll be there"as he packed his bags for Japan.
And now… How many times had he felt another man, skin to skin, pressed up against him and felt nothing like this? Yet, with only as much as the layer of Ai’s shirt between them, a furnace blazes at his core. He feels the air of Ai’s voice close to his skin as he speaks.
He rests his head against Ai’s, leaning as much into him as the other had to start. The exhale of his breath shakes, making his nerves so, painfully obvious. A month of memories, huh? Less, really; he still has so much to catch up on before goes. Is it more selfish to deny them both, or to take what he wants?
His fingers twitch. He can’t find words at all within himself, but feels them so, so plainly. It’s just a small distance, isn’t it? To reach across and feel Ai’s knuckles with his fingertips. To hold his hand. He thinks: maybe it doesn’t matter as much, what I want. Thoughts become actions, reaching out to touch Ai’s hand; his own naturally dry after years of chlorine soaking into his skin. ]
[He will replay this moment in his head, over and over, likely for years to come. The small victory of choosing to take up space, deliberately be a nuisance, and be anything other than strictly orderly with his former roommate - and for it he's rewarded in spades. Ai can't yet deduce what all is going through Rin's head, and for once finds it incredibly hard to guess, but his intuition led him correctly to if I do this much, I won't drive him away and so Ai can reasonably surmise it's the same jumbled, heated mess as his own current stream of consciousness.
Rin's hand is unreasonably warm, much as his breath feels so unreasonably close. It is as if all at once that undercurrent of electricity he had gleefully ignored and rationalized as anything else all damn day was presently screaming for attention.
It leads him to two truths. One: they were both on the same page, even if Ai can't currently decipher its texts. And two: Rin was stuck in his head.
Ai strokes his thumb against the blanket warmth of Rin's hand; a soothing, almost reassuring gesture, meant as much for Rin as it is Ai himself. And his voice is small; as if any other ghosts weren't allowed to listen to him, only Rin. Feels as though he has to temper his words, lest his latent fluster get the best of him.]
It isn't often I'm left guessing what's going through your head, senpai. [It comes in a small titter, eyes rapt on where Rin's held his hand. Ai presses his temple further against Rin's neck. Softer still,]
[ If anything, the moment Ai took his hand, the tension breaks. Peace holds him. He could relax into this instant forever, awash with pleasant warmth. He closes his eyes and rests into him, thinking about brushes of his thumb.
He snorts, laughs. Why is he so nervous? ] You aren’t? [ He chortles, squeezing Ai’s hand before finding his words: ] Bet a pretty guy like you gets asked out all the time.
[ Maybe it was unfair to tease Ai to avoid the implications of the question, but he’s just as sure that any step toward that answer would be a step back into his rut. Without words, they’d already both agreed that right here, right now, felt right. ]
[Ai nearly huffs, Rin's question and then following quip so respectively obvious and direct that Ai's poor heart doesn't know how to react. Thankfully, his trust for Rin was in perpetuity; Ai is even bold enough to peel away from Rin's neck enough to sit up and look him in the eye, flashing Rin an expression that is both vulnerable and rueful, lips upticked in a lopsided smile.]
Of course I am. I don't know what to do when you keep saying things like that. [His tone is hardly accusatory, though if Rin's intent was to tease him to the point of riling him, it worked. His periphery is nothing but beautiful crimson eyes and strands of ruby hair; it's equal parts terrifying and calming.] If anything, senpai, aren't you...? [Courted way more often? Ai could think of at least four of their mutual friends that fit the bill, let alone the droves and droves of women and probably men who would salivate at Matsuoka's feet after seeing him qualify for Australia's championship.]
[ Giving him the room to draw back, Rin turns his gaze finally and listens. It's the first time he's stared at Ai long enough, in good enough light, to take in the person in front of him.
"Pretty" didn't cover it. The years had changed his face, Rin thinks as he sees it closer now, staring longer than he dared to before. Ai was young--no, they were both young when they first met; boys still, for only so long. As men... Ai's features had grown and strengthened, but his eyes and smile still shone like a sunny day. His heart warmed any space he stood in. Even that funny haircut sat better on his head than before. Rin smiles behind his own mess of hair. He's beautiful. ]
Tch, [ he grimaces slightly, eyes briefly closed, ] I'm single now, aren't I? [ His vector with his friends is different. There's always passion in competition. Although, reflecting on past relationship attempts, he realizes he's probably a heartbreaker. Probably taboo to bring that up now.... ]
[He knows he's being appraised. Can tell by the way Rin's eyes are rapt upon him, countenance measured. Weirdly, however, despite the weight of his gaze, Ai doesn't feel small or uncomfortable. It was a rather disarming feeling, in fact: the realization he doesn't mind Rin peeling him back layer by layer, taking him in for all he has to offer.
At this proximity, Rin can absolutely see the way the thought - vulnerable and so painfully, traitorously devoted - causes pink to kiss Ai's cheeks.
He smiles, a little cheeky, when Rin clicks his lips. Though his words leave Ai's mind spinning all the wheels it could spin. As the thoughts coalesce into something coherent in his brain, he takes a moment to raise his free hand and, surprising himself for a second time that evening, brushing a strand of Rin's hair away from his eyes and behind his ear. For a swimmer, his hair was unusually soft to the touch. He is yet again taken by that strong and unyielding crimson gaze; Ai chooses to break it only as Rin's eyes flit closed for a moment, his own landing upon Rin's lips. Suddenly, his heart is in his throat, and his eyes snap right back up to Rin's.]
I wouldn't have known either way. [Whether or not Rin was single; whether or not he cared about that kind of thing. Ai's suddenly pursing his lips, curiosity getting the better of him, and unwittingly poking at the very thing Rin seems eager to skirt,] But have you? Before? [Why so vague, Aiichirou? He leaves it for Rin to interpret that question as he sees fit.]
[ That glance does not go missed; they're too close for the arch of his gaze to slip passed Rin. Is that what he’s thinking behind those flushed cheeks? Rin rarely spoke of his romantic life, and he rarely asked; matters of the heart were simply not his business. So for Ai, he's equally clueless. ]
The hell is this, twenty questions? [ Rin mutters, impatiently. Whatever Ai wanted to know, the specifics are lost on Rin, yet he felt confident he could guess its roundabout conclusion. Rin draws his hand awa from Ai's before stepping away; another careful parry to set himself up for his next move. His lips are parted every so slightly, revealing a flash of sharp teeth. ]
If it’s a matter of experience... [ he mutters, taking action as he speaks: he steps forward, placing his foot firmly between Ai's, and he closes the distance between them with unwavering confidence. While he was not as stunted as Haru with words, they had never been his true strength. His large hand reaches just behind Ai's hip and with strength in his grip, presses their fronts flat to each other. His eyes flash with excitement suddenly--something Ai wouldn’t miss--as he realizes the challenge he's about to put forth. If words were not his strength, a show of physical prowess was his home field.
Expertly, he lowers his countenance to Ai's, pressing their foreheads together, the tip of his nose presses into shallow laugh lines, but his lips... Expertly--as if he had a perfectly honed penchant for shoving his face into other people's--their lips did not touch. The aura of closeness should tingle at Ai’s mouth. ] ...between you and me, does it really matter?
[Ai is about to make some kind of quip about how this much is normal for friends to talk about, this that and the third-- but all words die on the back of his tongue when Rin pulls away.
It says something that Ai doesn't suddenly miss the closeness and the warmth. There was something about Rin, a static and electric charge that led Ai to believe firmly that he was about to do something reckless. Like watching a fin cut through the water, ever closer.
At once, his purview is again nothing but Rin, but now all of him can supplement the feeling, not just his eyes and his hand. He makes a small noise, airy and sudden, surprising even himself. Stunned at first; he wasn't sure who was going to break tension, but for some reason had hedged his bets against Rin. Ai's endurance had actually done him no favours, as it appears Rin had grown weary of waiting. Realization finally dawns on him when Rin pulls their bodies flush together, forces himself flush to Ai's face in none of the ways that matter, Ai was so close to just--
Rin's bare skin is under his palm, which is a touch that is not shy and might even be described as frustrated, the way it clambers up Rin's stomach and chest and clavicle, his jaw.
He no longer cares if Rin might come to describe him as too much, nuisance, bad play; Ai doesn't so much as lean up to close that infuriatingly small gap as he does pull Rin down, slotting their lips together with a slow-roiling heat. His entire body pushes into Rin along with it; hips down against thigh, chest to chest. Ai breaks their kiss only long enough to catch Rin's gaze in his own, all raw determination and heat - not a single ounce of shyness or uncertainty to be found in clear sky blue.]
The gap has never scared me. I work hard for what I want, and this is no different, [his thumb smooths over the top of Rin's cheek; then lower, padding against his lower lip,] Rin-senpai.
[ Anticipation sets him ablaze as fingers dance up his torso. It takes everything he has to let Ai’s part play out. Wanting gnaws at him. If his action instilled frustration in Ai: good. Come take what you want.
It takes nearly nothing to draw Rin down that hair's breadth distance between their lips, and more, he buries himself into the kiss with gladness and fervor. His other arm swings around Ai to hold him tight; he’d surely knock the beautiful young man over without the extra care. This moment, this kiss, he feels like he’s chased it for years. Every movement of Ai’s body seemed to want for him and he felt so, so glad.
Rin’s cheeks are dusted pink when Ai draws back, breathless. What Ai says... a strange, yet dopey smile tickles Rin’s lips. It would be just like Ai to say this... the most stouthearted man he knew.
Rin-senpai. He mocks biting at Ai’s thumb. ] You’re such a freaking dork, [ But if his goal was to seduce Rin, it’s incredibly effective. Grabbing Ai’s hips, he pushes him back against the counter, stealing back those hot lips. His knee knocks into the counter between Ai’s legs. Rin’s hands smooth up, catching the hem of Ai’s shirt as he latches onto the bare skin of Ai’s waist. If Ai resists, he’ll stop, but feeling his obliques burns curiosity into Rin. Ai says he can’t put on muscle, but gods, he could feel the strength under the skin. It’s obvious from each inch his hands climb, until at last it this shirt makes no sense to wear. ]
[Want would be underselling it. What word could encapsulate the overture that had been Ai's desire, developing and compounding for nearly half a decade? What could quantify finally being given the permission to stop sitting on his hands and do something about it?
He didn't want Rin. Right now, small of his back pressed to the countertop, Rin's thigh achingly close between his legs, Ai needed him.
His exhale is breathless already, but his lips are cupped into a smile when Rin mocks biting his thumb,] Please don't call me that when you have your hands on me. [And instantly, he's swallowed whole. Ai could not imagine resisting, and instead Rin would find Ai eagerly meeting every little ministration, as if he could locket the heat building between them to preserve it. Both of his hands come down to Rin's hips, palms heady as they snake toward Rin's backside; Ai is not shy, gripping Rin by the rounds of his ass to pull him forward, force their bodies closer, and force that subtle friction. Ai's whole body keens into the motion, leaving heat where their bodies touch on Rin's upper thigh.
His abdomen muscles twitch under the unfamiliar touch, Rin leaving a trail of warmth in his wake against Ai's body. It's with reluctance he removes his hands from Rin's body to instead help shuck his shirt off - not out of shyness, but because it neglects him those four-to-five seconds of contact. As soon as it's pulled up and over his head, Ai's hands are both on the sides of Rin's nape, touch unusually soft and even gentle.
... Perhaps because the way he rolls his hips this time is anything but subtle, dragging along Rin's thigh until their hips find languid, rolled contact.
He keeps Rin's lips close to his own, but much as Rin had done a few moments earlier, Ai doesn't close the last centimeter; instead, eyes boor into Rin's, imploring him to see all the want and need Ai has to give him.]
[ He’s entranced. Ai’s gaze is like standing under summer sky: hot, humid, and breathtaking. It was not so long ago that diving into that bright, blue sky felt like taboo, now he cannot stop staring into the young man’s eyes. Beautiful as Ai is, there’s a fierce hunger in his gaze. That Ai is taunting him for his earlier trick is evident, but godsdamn if he didn’t love it. And worse... bribing him--grinding against him. Rin grins and groans, a laugh tickling his voice: ] Fuck, you are naughty, [ He whispers.
Still, he has this moment. As badly as he wants to cave to the unsubtle lust that gripped them, his thoughts are possessed with what’s now visible to him. As one hand presses into the counter behind Ai, he brushes his other over Ai’s jawline, down along his throat, and eventually over his bare chest. His eyes cast down, his admiration evident as he sees Ai, well, differently for the first time. Or, maybe just the first time in a while. No, his body wasn’t built like Rin’s, but that’s a swimmer’s body without question. Rin bites his own lip, knowing already how much effort Ai had to put in to get to where he is today.
He’ll spoil the hell out of this body.
His eyes flit back up, a heavy breath rushing out of him. Just a hair closer he steps, pressing his groin against Ai. Not to grind, but without underwear, behind the comfort of Ai’s borrowed shorts, his passion is unmistakable. His hand hovers heavily at the hem of Ai’s pants, a hundred pound weight ready to drop on at the word. His lips met Ai’s, a soft kiss to match the tender draping at his shoulders. ] Hey… that futon goin’ to waste? [ Ai is going to have to answer between kisses. Rin’s not being helpful. ]
[Funny how time works. And distance. In a way, none of this was new for Ai, other than the confidence to be present with it all. But as far back as their first year spent living together, Ai can remember the warmth that coalesced in his chest at seeing Rin, often shirtless in their shared dorm, or nude completely in the shower room. Propriety often kept every ounce of Ai's admiration - the kind that bloomed specifically with Rin out of the water - under tight lock and key, not wanting to take a friendship with Matsuoka for granted.
And yet given a few years, a few centimeters, a few new notches to his backbone... Ai wonders passively if Rin has thought about this as much as Ai has historically. Would Rin have corralled him against a desk like this, too?
Rin's eyes on him are heavy, and though Ai can say he's finally proud of the body he pilots, the sensation of being appraised and scrutinized still nearly makes him squirm. Rather than acquiesce to the insecurity, though, Ai instead chooses to lean into what is tangible; Rin's hand roams down his body, and Ai presses his chest up into that touch, rolls his stomach against it. He isn't showing off as much as he is trying to encourage more of that out of Rin.
Then he feels it.
For a split second Ai breaks their gaze to look down to where their bodies kiss, and there is just-- something about the visual. Two intentions caught against wrinkled fabric, Rin's hand so painfully close. Ai looks back up to him, and without even realizing it, one of his hands has skirted toward Rin's waist, his abdomen, his pelvic bone...
His breath hitches subtly on the back of his throat, caught between his growing arousal, the tightness in his chest, and the way Rin's lips seem as if they cannot leave him for longer than a half-second. He begins his answer by leaning a little off the counter, entire body flush to Rin's, trying to get him on his heel,] I really thought, [another soft kiss; one of Ai's hands is cupping the side of Rin's nape gently,] you'd sleep here tonight. For what it's worth.
[Tenderly he noses as Rin's cheek; kisses the corner of his lips.] Let me join you.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Date: 2025-08-09 05:21 am (UTC)If it's an apologetic smile, Rin simply waves his hand with forgiveness. He understands Ai means no ill. Maybe some of the cajoling he'd get overseas had gotten to him. He should know Ai better. His lips twist and he shakes his head at the idea of taking Ai's bed. That's his own space after all, and he wasn't here to intrude. His eyes cast more thoroughly over the personal effects Ai kept.
He sighs, thinking, as he lifts to examine a figure. ] Pretty sure getting pissed at the station killed my buzz... But tea's probably a good idea. [ He's kidding himself if he thinks he's totally sober. He sets the figure down. How about those books? Time to judge Ai's reading taste into adulthood. ]
apologies if this fires twice, I'm on underground train wifi
Date: 2025-08-09 02:25 pm (UTC)Thankfully, the moment is passed and Rin's attention seems far more rapt on Ai's myriad knickknacks. Small flocked figurines ranging from normal dogs to bizarre humanoid creatures, lord knows how many framed posters of indie bands both Japanese and Western, a couple pieces of film memorabilia... And an unreasonable amount of books. All neatly organized by title, even if his bookshelves are splitting at the seams. Ai's titles range from non-fiction to history to trashy, raunchy erotica and everything in between. Of note are about four nondescript notebooks with no inscription on the spines - his older journals.
At Rin's cue Ai shuffles into his small kitchen where he pulls out two mugs, readies them with bags of tea, and pours the hot water he'd set earlier. He leans over on his countertop and looks to Rin from over the low partition wall, eyes trailing him lazily, the smile he wears easy-going.]
Come to think of it, we've never drank together. [Probably something to do with Rin having been abroad by the time Ai came of age for it.] Though I only have once before, with Sousuke-senpai. I can't say it's my favourite feeling in the world, but. [he doesn't think twice about letting the words spill from his mouth,] If there's anyone I'm happy to make a few mistakes with, it's you, Rin-senpai.
...
Oh! Here, your tea's ready. [and Rin better come fetch it before Ai tries to carry it to him.]
1/2 <3
Date: 2025-08-09 05:31 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2025-08-09 05:35 pm (UTC)Satisfied with his perusal, Rin saunters to the opposite side of the partition, leading his elbows onto the top of it and folding his forearms under him. A funny half-smirk, half-smile tugs at his lips when Ai mentions “mistakes,” somehow understanding, yet he finds the sentiment stirs the butterflies in his stomach. Rin felt like he was the king of mistakes. ] Thank you, [ he whispers in English, but the drink is too hot for his taste still. He reaches over and plucks the bag out with his bare fingers to set on a small plate—over-steeped tea would be too bitter tonight. ]
Drinking age is way too late in Japan, [ he shakes his head. ] First time out with the team, they got me wasted on Bundy, said I couldn’t swim with Aussies if I didn’t drink like ‘em. We don't drink a lot, sports and all, but... gets crazy when they do.
[ He looks happy, thinking of the team in Australia, but the smile drops off, seeming pensive. He really didn’t come home all that often, did he? Ai’s birthday isn’t that far off from his own. He should have visited. ...No. That's a stupid thought to linger on. He was the middle of training for long course. He couldn’t have. At least he sent a “Happy Birthday,” but... ]
Well, guess we can knock drinking together off our bucket list.
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Date: 2025-08-09 08:03 pm (UTC)They have reputations for being party animals, don't they? They must bring out a completely different side of you. [And no, he doesn't mean to imply Rin would become a party animal either; rather, Ai's mental image of his senior under those conditions is more akin to an exasperated mother. Or perhaps a guest who has accidentally fallen into a zoo enclosure. The thoughts both make Ai smile in a stupid way that bisects his face and lifts all the way up to his ears.
He senses it - for a moment, Rin was far away. Another one of his instincts that apparently never quite shut off, that intuition for where Rin's head is at most given moments. Ai doesn't comment on it though, just wonders passively what must've crossed his mind.
There's something else, though. He's also leaning on the partition, unintentionally mirroring Rin's posture, and lazily carries his eyes from his tea back up to Rin's.]
We have a bucket list. [A half-observation, half-query. A lifts his mug up toward his lips,] What else is on it, senpai?
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Date: 2025-08-13 08:30 pm (UTC)What did he want here that wasn’t in Australia? At least one thing came to mind that was near at hand. He glances at Ai, whose eyes had scarcely turned from him, filled with precious concern and admiration. His chest tightens. He turns his gaze and pretends there’s a scratch on his neck, growling. ] I-- I’m sure I’ll think of something. [ He pulls away from the counter and paces back into the living room. He feels stupid with frustration, questioning how sound his choice was to visit Ai. Time alone with him in his home was so, so much different than their frequent texts.
Just a month. That’s not really fair to him. He sighs. ]
Uh, so, what about you? University and all... [ He asks, his back still turned from Ai, feigning renewed interest in the space. His voice sounds as stilted as he feels, anxious to turn the discussion from himself. ]
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Date: 2025-08-13 08:58 pm (UTC)He does passively wonder what he said or asked that had Rin turning on his heel, but knows it's no good to ruminate. Not that Rin can see it, but Ai smiles reassuringly, and maybe just a touch bashfully,]
You made it sound like we shared one. [A bucket list, he means. A silly notion, given Rin's propensity to go where his career takes him, but. Ai could dream. Rin sees a month as an uncomfortable; Ai sees it as thirty days to make as many memories as possible.
He grants Rin the space he clearly needs, but. Ai suddenly doesn't have words for the instinct that nearly has him springing from where he's currently leaning against the countertop, and nearly had him pressed to Rin's back. It's Ai's turn to clear his throat and stiffen a little.]
Ah, that's. [He organizes his thoughts to get his tongue in working order.] ... Maybe coming from me it seems like too much, but I want to do all I can to climb higher in the swimming world. [In Rin's absence, he's made strides. Before graduating Samezuka he left in his wake not one but two school records, and qualifying times strong enough for the All-Japan.] I might finally reach out to my uncle about training me properly.
[The pause that follows is long and pregnant and tense. Not for stalling; if Rin looked back, he'd see Ai is thinking. Choosing his words very very carefully.]
From the beginning, all I've wanted is to stand on the starting block next to you proudly. So I'll keep doing everything I can to make that happen.
[He's maybe a touch too quick to clear his throat, sit up a bit straighter, and awkwardly smooth his thumbs over the heated ceramic of his mug.] I'll probably have to quit my part-time job, but that's alright.
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Date: 2025-08-15 04:25 am (UTC)At the mention of Ai’s uncle, Rin throws a look, but remains quiet. That quiet wasn’t so different than his own. He lets it hang in the air, his gaze locked onto Ai. He’s cute like this. Had so little changed over these years? Ai’s heart, his determination… Rin shifts his footing and walks back toward the kitchen, passing the partition and entering as he hears a muttering about a job, but he’ll worry about that in a bit.
Confidentially, he leans into the counter top near Ai, unintentionally shrinking his height. ]
Two school records, Ai. A slouch doesn’t pull that off. You’ve got plenty to be proud of just as you are, than trying to feel worthy beside me.
[ His hand starts to move, then hesitates—the Rin Maneuver already foretold—thinking how long it had been since he could actually do this. He ruffles Ai’s hair and grins. ] You’d probably beat my ass in breast, anyway.
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Date: 2025-08-15 04:45 am (UTC)And maybe a small part of him that did want to earn Rin's gaze, but. That was different.
-- So much to contest, and yet at most all he can manage is a,] That's not-- [before his skull is gently rattling under a touch Ai didn't realize he'd missed so much.
Rin's propensity to just leave his palm there preemptively has Ai's cheeks kissing a soft pink, but he continues on as if that isn't the case, because bowing to the obvious would maybe toe a bit too close to the current line they both seem eager to ignore. If Rin looks, he might even see Ai bite back a titter before he gets his words out,] Of course I would, senpai. You probably haven't done a breast stroke since middle school.
[Intuition always whet, he wordlessly slides Rin's mug closer to where Rin is now stationed right beside him.
And continues the thought of his that had been waylaid, voice gentle,] The places you've gone... I want to climb those heights, too. That's all. [and for a moment levels Rin with a simper,] Which means shifting some priorities around. [Like university and his part-time job, going back to Rin's initial query.]
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Date: 2025-08-19 03:50 am (UTC)He casts his gaze down, a chuckle as well. ] Getting your uncle to coach you, though, huh? Wonder if you’ll have the muscles to impress him. That guy’s fickle.
Can’t say I get his taste that well, [ he finally grabs his drink and waves the drink under his nose; the pleasant aroma of white tea at night takes his mind away for a moment, ] Think I’d say they’re perfect, [ he mutters before he sips the drink. ]
Might even mean we train together, sooner or later.
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Date: 2025-08-19 04:04 am (UTC)[Had he been sipping his tea, he'd have done a double take. Instead, he's gawking at Rin with that candid delivery, Ai's expression owlish and his blink is too. He'd fluster right from his ears down to his clavicle if he didn't have mental images of his own uncle trailing right behind Rin's rather straight forward observation.
Suddenly, Ai simpers, rueful and almost resigned.]
No way this is how you feel when I say something like that... Is it payback? [For all the times he had proudly and flagrantly called Rin's body perfect, to his face and otherwise. He pats his cheeks twice, and shakes his head.] And anyway, I can't build muscle the same way you can... Even at my strongest, I'm a bit more lean...
[And at first when he turns to look at Rin, gaze voracious and not subtle, it is with dissecting intent. But then his eyes kind of just-- get lost taking him in. Time was a funny thing; Rin really hadn't changed that much since they'd last seen each other, yet all the same Ai was drawn to him like he'd manifested straight out of one of his dreams. He's so enraptured he doesn't hear Rin speak again for a second, blinking his attention back up to his eyes after a too-long pause.]
That. [His smile is so. Stupidly big.] That'd make me happy, if we could. I really...
... Really miss spending time with you.
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Date: 2025-08-19 05:50 am (UTC)Oh! He sputters, glancing defensively to aside, ] Mikhails's a weirdo, who knows. [ He probably could have articulated himself better to anyone else, under damn near the exact same circumstances, but he's caught otherwise speechless. What a cute reaction. Awkwardly and subtly as he can, he rubs over his heart, wishing the thunder would settle. He can hardly look that sweet expression straight on. ]
I... [ miss it, too, but his brain slams shut. ] Yeah, [ he nods. He misses it terribly. Australia was everything he wanted to chase his dreams, but when he needed something most, it lacked. What is it... c'est la vie. Seems like this keeps happening over and over to him.
He's quiet, again, thinking before he speaks, ] Yeah, uh... Month's not really enough time. [ He's not sure what he's saying suddenly. ] Or... ah... Y'know.
'D be nice... Together.
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Date: 2025-08-19 02:03 pm (UTC)His eyes flit to the next natural movement, which is Rin's hand grasping at his chest. Ai had his composure, even if he had appeared owlish for a moment, but all at once, it is as if there is a lump in his throat he cannot swallow down, and a heat he cannot keep from consistently trying to lick at his cheeks.
Month's not enough time. It'd be nice... Together.
There is something about Rin's disposition in that moment-- uncharacteristically disarmed, unusually... Ai wouldn't say shy, but. The only times he can recall seeing Rin so unsure of the words coming out of his mouth were around his other friends. In these tense moments, it wasn't uncommon for their scripts to be flipped. Rin beside himself, and Ai boldly crossing boundaries to get his points across. Somehow, right now was no different.
Between them Rin was usually the more handsy one, but Ai's senses overwhelm him to the point of breaking ice; he leans across the small distance between them, not so much resting his head on Rin's shoulder as he is pressing his face against his nape. At this proximity, Rin can no doubt feel the heat radiating from his skin... And can also likely feel the way Ai is suddenly smiling, as if Rin didn't just take an arrow straight to his chest.]
That's a month to make memories, senpai. And things don't end just because you have to go away for a little while... This much we're used to already, right? [Ai tilts his head up, just enough to catch the corner of Rin's gaze.] But.
If I was able to give you something to think on fondly when you fly back to Australia, I'd be happy.
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Date: 2025-08-19 06:57 pm (UTC)And now… How many times had he felt another man, skin to skin, pressed up against him and felt nothing like this? Yet, with only as much as the layer of Ai’s shirt between them, a furnace blazes at his core. He feels the air of Ai’s voice close to his skin as he speaks.
He rests his head against Ai’s, leaning as much into him as the other had to start. The exhale of his breath shakes, making his nerves so, painfully obvious. A month of memories, huh? Less, really; he still has so much to catch up on before goes. Is it more selfish to deny them both, or to take what he wants?
His fingers twitch. He can’t find words at all within himself, but feels them so, so plainly. It’s just a small distance, isn’t it? To reach across and feel Ai’s knuckles with his fingertips. To hold his hand. He thinks: maybe it doesn’t matter as much, what I want. Thoughts become actions, reaching out to touch Ai’s hand; his own naturally dry after years of chlorine soaking into his skin. ]
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Date: 2025-08-19 07:19 pm (UTC)Rin's hand is unreasonably warm, much as his breath feels so unreasonably close. It is as if all at once that undercurrent of electricity he had gleefully ignored and rationalized as anything else all damn day was presently screaming for attention.
It leads him to two truths. One: they were both on the same page, even if Ai can't currently decipher its texts. And two: Rin was stuck in his head.
Ai strokes his thumb against the blanket warmth of Rin's hand; a soothing, almost reassuring gesture, meant as much for Rin as it is Ai himself. And his voice is small; as if any other ghosts weren't allowed to listen to him, only Rin. Feels as though he has to temper his words, lest his latent fluster get the best of him.]
It isn't often I'm left guessing what's going through your head, senpai. [It comes in a small titter, eyes rapt on where Rin's held his hand. Ai presses his temple further against Rin's neck. Softer still,]
Why are you so nervous?
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Date: 2025-08-19 10:10 pm (UTC)He snorts, laughs. Why is he so nervous? ] You aren’t? [ He chortles, squeezing Ai’s hand before finding his words: ] Bet a pretty guy like you gets asked out all the time.
[ Maybe it was unfair to tease Ai to avoid the implications of the question, but he’s just as sure that any step toward that answer would be a step back into his rut. Without words, they’d already both agreed that right here, right now, felt right. ]
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Date: 2025-08-19 11:08 pm (UTC)Of course I am. I don't know what to do when you keep saying things like that. [His tone is hardly accusatory, though if Rin's intent was to tease him to the point of riling him, it worked. His periphery is nothing but beautiful crimson eyes and strands of ruby hair; it's equal parts terrifying and calming.] If anything, senpai, aren't you...? [Courted way more often? Ai could think of at least four of their mutual friends that fit the bill, let alone the droves and droves of women and probably men who would salivate at Matsuoka's feet after seeing him qualify for Australia's championship.]
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Date: 2025-08-20 05:05 am (UTC)"Pretty" didn't cover it. The years had changed his face, Rin thinks as he sees it closer now, staring longer than he dared to before. Ai was young--no, they were both young when they first met; boys still, for only so long. As men... Ai's features had grown and strengthened, but his eyes and smile still shone like a sunny day. His heart warmed any space he stood in. Even that funny haircut sat better on his head than before. Rin smiles behind his own mess of hair. He's beautiful. ]
Tch, [ he grimaces slightly, eyes briefly closed, ] I'm single now, aren't I? [ His vector with his friends is different. There's always passion in competition. Although, reflecting on past relationship attempts, he realizes he's probably a heartbreaker. Probably taboo to bring that up now.... ]
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Date: 2025-08-20 01:41 pm (UTC)At this proximity, Rin can absolutely see the way the thought - vulnerable and so painfully, traitorously devoted - causes pink to kiss Ai's cheeks.
He smiles, a little cheeky, when Rin clicks his lips. Though his words leave Ai's mind spinning all the wheels it could spin. As the thoughts coalesce into something coherent in his brain, he takes a moment to raise his free hand and, surprising himself for a second time that evening, brushing a strand of Rin's hair away from his eyes and behind his ear. For a swimmer, his hair was unusually soft to the touch. He is yet again taken by that strong and unyielding crimson gaze; Ai chooses to break it only as Rin's eyes flit closed for a moment, his own landing upon Rin's lips. Suddenly, his heart is in his throat, and his eyes snap right back up to Rin's.]
I wouldn't have known either way. [Whether or not Rin was single; whether or not he cared about that kind of thing. Ai's suddenly pursing his lips, curiosity getting the better of him, and unwittingly poking at the very thing Rin seems eager to skirt,] But have you? Before? [Why so vague, Aiichirou? He leaves it for Rin to interpret that question as he sees fit.]
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Date: 2025-08-20 06:21 pm (UTC)The hell is this, twenty questions? [ Rin mutters, impatiently. Whatever Ai wanted to know, the specifics are lost on Rin, yet he felt confident he could guess its roundabout conclusion. Rin draws his hand awa from Ai's before stepping away; another careful parry to set himself up for his next move. His lips are parted every so slightly, revealing a flash of sharp teeth. ]
If it’s a matter of experience... [ he mutters, taking action as he speaks: he steps forward, placing his foot firmly between Ai's, and he closes the distance between them with unwavering confidence. While he was not as stunted as Haru with words, they had never been his true strength. His large hand reaches just behind Ai's hip and with strength in his grip, presses their fronts flat to each other. His eyes flash with excitement suddenly--something Ai wouldn’t miss--as he realizes the challenge he's about to put forth. If words were not his strength, a show of physical prowess was his home field.
Expertly, he lowers his countenance to Ai's, pressing their foreheads together, the tip of his nose presses into shallow laugh lines, but his lips... Expertly--as if he had a perfectly honed penchant for shoving his face into other people's--their lips did not touch. The aura of closeness should tingle at Ai’s mouth. ] ...between you and me, does it really matter?
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Date: 2025-08-20 06:57 pm (UTC)It says something that Ai doesn't suddenly miss the closeness and the warmth. There was something about Rin, a static and electric charge that led Ai to believe firmly that he was about to do something reckless. Like watching a fin cut through the water, ever closer.
At once, his purview is again nothing but Rin, but now all of him can supplement the feeling, not just his eyes and his hand. He makes a small noise, airy and sudden, surprising even himself. Stunned at first; he wasn't sure who was going to break tension, but for some reason had hedged his bets against Rin. Ai's endurance had actually done him no favours, as it appears Rin had grown weary of waiting. Realization finally dawns on him when Rin pulls their bodies flush together, forces himself flush to Ai's face in none of the ways that matter, Ai was so close to just--
Rin's bare skin is under his palm, which is a touch that is not shy and might even be described as frustrated, the way it clambers up Rin's stomach and chest and clavicle, his jaw.
He no longer cares if Rin might come to describe him as too much, nuisance, bad play; Ai doesn't so much as lean up to close that infuriatingly small gap as he does pull Rin down, slotting their lips together with a slow-roiling heat. His entire body pushes into Rin along with it; hips down against thigh, chest to chest. Ai breaks their kiss only long enough to catch Rin's gaze in his own, all raw determination and heat - not a single ounce of shyness or uncertainty to be found in clear sky blue.]
The gap has never scared me. I work hard for what I want, and this is no different, [his thumb smooths over the top of Rin's cheek; then lower, padding against his lower lip,] Rin-senpai.
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Date: 2025-08-21 05:59 am (UTC)It takes nearly nothing to draw Rin down that hair's breadth distance between their lips, and more, he buries himself into the kiss with gladness and fervor. His other arm swings around Ai to hold him tight; he’d surely knock the beautiful young man over without the extra care. This moment, this kiss, he feels like he’s chased it for years. Every movement of Ai’s body seemed to want for him and he felt so, so glad.
Rin’s cheeks are dusted pink when Ai draws back, breathless. What Ai says... a strange, yet dopey smile tickles Rin’s lips. It would be just like Ai to say this... the most stouthearted man he knew.
Rin-senpai. He mocks biting at Ai’s thumb. ] You’re such a freaking dork, [ But if his goal was to seduce Rin, it’s incredibly effective. Grabbing Ai’s hips, he pushes him back against the counter, stealing back those hot lips. His knee knocks into the counter between Ai’s legs. Rin’s hands smooth up, catching the hem of Ai’s shirt as he latches onto the bare skin of Ai’s waist. If Ai resists, he’ll stop, but feeling his obliques burns curiosity into Rin. Ai says he can’t put on muscle, but gods, he could feel the strength under the skin. It’s obvious from each inch his hands climb, until at last it this shirt makes no sense to wear. ]
that icon is so perfect
Date: 2025-08-21 02:51 pm (UTC)He didn't want Rin. Right now, small of his back pressed to the countertop, Rin's thigh achingly close between his legs, Ai needed him.
His exhale is breathless already, but his lips are cupped into a smile when Rin mocks biting his thumb,] Please don't call me that when you have your hands on me. [And instantly, he's swallowed whole. Ai could not imagine resisting, and instead Rin would find Ai eagerly meeting every little ministration, as if he could locket the heat building between them to preserve it. Both of his hands come down to Rin's hips, palms heady as they snake toward Rin's backside; Ai is not shy, gripping Rin by the rounds of his ass to pull him forward, force their bodies closer, and force that subtle friction. Ai's whole body keens into the motion, leaving heat where their bodies touch on Rin's upper thigh.
His abdomen muscles twitch under the unfamiliar touch, Rin leaving a trail of warmth in his wake against Ai's body. It's with reluctance he removes his hands from Rin's body to instead help shuck his shirt off - not out of shyness, but because it neglects him those four-to-five seconds of contact. As soon as it's pulled up and over his head, Ai's hands are both on the sides of Rin's nape, touch unusually soft and even gentle.
... Perhaps because the way he rolls his hips this time is anything but subtle, dragging along Rin's thigh until their hips find languid, rolled contact.
He keeps Rin's lips close to his own, but much as Rin had done a few moments earlier, Ai doesn't close the last centimeter; instead, eyes boor into Rin's, imploring him to see all the want and need Ai has to give him.]
i should just rename it "this one's for aiichirou" tbh
Date: 2025-08-22 05:17 am (UTC)Still, he has this moment. As badly as he wants to cave to the unsubtle lust that gripped them, his thoughts are possessed with what’s now visible to him. As one hand presses into the counter behind Ai, he brushes his other over Ai’s jawline, down along his throat, and eventually over his bare chest. His eyes cast down, his admiration evident as he sees Ai, well, differently for the first time. Or, maybe just the first time in a while. No, his body wasn’t built like Rin’s, but that’s a swimmer’s body without question. Rin bites his own lip, knowing already how much effort Ai had to put in to get to where he is today.
He’ll spoil the hell out of this body.
His eyes flit back up, a heavy breath rushing out of him. Just a hair closer he steps, pressing his groin against Ai. Not to grind, but without underwear, behind the comfort of Ai’s borrowed shorts, his passion is unmistakable. His hand hovers heavily at the hem of Ai’s pants, a hundred pound weight ready to drop on at the word. His lips met Ai’s, a soft kiss to match the tender draping at his shoulders. ] Hey… that futon goin’ to waste? [ Ai is going to have to answer between kisses. Rin’s not being helpful. ]
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Date: 2025-08-22 02:15 pm (UTC)And yet given a few years, a few centimeters, a few new notches to his backbone... Ai wonders passively if Rin has thought about this as much as Ai has historically. Would Rin have corralled him against a desk like this, too?
Rin's eyes on him are heavy, and though Ai can say he's finally proud of the body he pilots, the sensation of being appraised and scrutinized still nearly makes him squirm. Rather than acquiesce to the insecurity, though, Ai instead chooses to lean into what is tangible; Rin's hand roams down his body, and Ai presses his chest up into that touch, rolls his stomach against it. He isn't showing off as much as he is trying to encourage more of that out of Rin.
Then he feels it.
For a split second Ai breaks their gaze to look down to where their bodies kiss, and there is just-- something about the visual. Two intentions caught against wrinkled fabric, Rin's hand so painfully close. Ai looks back up to him, and without even realizing it, one of his hands has skirted toward Rin's waist, his abdomen, his pelvic bone...
His breath hitches subtly on the back of his throat, caught between his growing arousal, the tightness in his chest, and the way Rin's lips seem as if they cannot leave him for longer than a half-second. He begins his answer by leaning a little off the counter, entire body flush to Rin's, trying to get him on his heel,] I really thought, [another soft kiss; one of Ai's hands is cupping the side of Rin's nape gently,] you'd sleep here tonight. For what it's worth.
[Tenderly he noses as Rin's cheek; kisses the corner of his lips.] Let me join you.
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