[He is far too pensive and far too quiet before deciding Sousuke won't eat him alive if he looses his tongue, eyes slipping closed in that sometimes defiant way of his,]
If I faced consequences when my clothes came off, I wouldn't be complaining about it so much.
[No he isn't elaborating. But yes he's a little salty that every time he's spontaneously become pantsless it's been bad luck, a bad bet, spilled drinks... And never in company he'd call worth the hassle.
Ai sits for a moment with his head lolled on the window, though learns fairly quickly that's a bad idea; his eyes scrunch closed, and instead he leans back against the headrest.]
If I had big grandeur plans, I'd cancel them, [he reaffirms without an ounce of hesitation, smile blooming across his countenance,] but no. Just swimming, but I can make up for it once I'm back.
[sousuke means it. even if his tone is light, he's aware that ai didn't have to be dragged out in the early morning to some hot springs adventure. ai giving him an out with that whole "pretending to die" or "alibi" was probably the best thing that could have happened.
he's always had some prospect that they have a bond that runs deeper than the rest of their teammates. sure, sousuke and rin have history. something that runs deep and could cut through glass. but even then they had years apart, and sousuke... wasn't able to share everything with rin for a long time. still hasn't. ai is the one he poured all those things out to]
Think the pool will be there when you get back. Wouldn't worry about it too much.
[another stretch of silence. sousuke rolls his shoulder a little, readjusting his grip on the wheel. the green around them is calming. sousuke thinks he would much rather be in a place like this than tokyo at the end of it all]
[It's once again a sentiment so normal and assumed that Ai can tend to forget what they have is inherently unique. An immediate accord; so much implicitly understood without having to say it. And yet when the words flow, they never seem to stop. Sousuke can hold him accountable in ways no one else can, because it is in essence like looking in a mirror.
There's so much more he could say, but he settles with a playful smile,]
You take up a lot of space, Sousuke-senpai. But I'd have it no other way.
[He silently puts Sousuke's thermos back in the console; takes a sip from his own and does the same in the second holster.
Eyes closed again, his expression melts into something peaceful. Sousuke's driving is unusually smooth, and the surroundings were calming; a similar thought crosses Ai's mind, how escaping to a place like this wasn't enough. Tokyo wouldn't have him for long if he had a say.]
I might try to nap, [he then murmurs.] Just a little. That way when we get there, I can be good as new.
Get some rest. I'm surprised you're not half dead already.
[he nudges ai's shoulder with his fist, letting his own thoughts flood over him. ai's words nudge something in the back of his brain. you take up a lot of space. surface level, it almost sounds deprecating. but ai would never indulge in such casual cruelty. even ai states the obvious. that he wouldn't have it any other way.
so then...
the drive is quiet once ai slips into sleep--or doesn't. sousuke's driving is impeccable, thanks. it would be easy to lull into a dreamstate. and maybe sousuke takes it even a step farther, slowing his roll a bit and letting their interstate journey turn into relishing the sights and silence.
with the slowed projectory, it's another hour and a half or so before they reach the secluded resort. sousuke's parents were kind, and spared no expense for their child. there's only two other cars there. probably one belonging to a worker/owner and another client. it's off-season for such a place, and his parents were mindful of sousuke's enjoyment of quiet. solace. he reaches over to nudge ai's shoulder, his fingers accidentally brushing against his neck]
Parents paid extra for early check-in, so don't want to sleep through that right?
[He doesn't exactly hit deep sleep, and so dreams don't come to him. But his subconscious is still active and reactionary throughout his small power nap. It'd surprise no one that his thoughts and quasi-dreams are filled with the man presently ushering them from point A to point B. Ai's mind flits to the past, their first time going to an onsen together on repeat. The conversation in the bath...
You're being too formal. What are you getting at? I know you'll be able to swim again if you give it your all. I've only come this far because of you.
Even in his sleep, the memory causes heat to rush to his face; less fluster, more hindsight. To speak so boldly, and yet to cower behind polite keigo - as if Sousuke wouldn't see right through him anyway. That exact weekend is when he'd learned to drop pretenses; there was no getting anything past his senior.
He hums a gentle, slightly croaking noise when Sousuke brushes against his shoulder and inadvertently his neck; it's feather-light enough to stir him, that and the car idling. Ai presses a palm to his eye, and through his fog, manages a sweet smile.]
I wonder if there's anything I can get for Yamazaki-san? As a thank-you. [Come to think of it, he's never met Sousuke's parents. Or his cousin that he talks about so much.] Sorry, I really slept the whole way... Let's load in! I wonder what kind of room they booked for you.
[he laughs, killing the engine and opening his door. he takes a moment to enjoy the crisp air. the silent rustle of wind through the trees, and the trickle of water from obvious places. he takes it all in, rolling his shoulders and stretching his legs a bit]
Don't sweat it. I doubt you slept much. You texted way too early for the shape you were in earlier.
[he closes his door, opening the trunk and grabs his duffel out of the back, tossing a glance over at ai before he shuts it]
I can grab some of yours, if you need.
[he leaves the offer open, knowing ai to know that it might be a fruitless offer. but one he tosses out regardless. he saw some of the pictures his parents showed him. and it's stunning to say the least. maybe they were hoping he would invite someone. it certainly seems a hair big for one person, despite his stature. he laughs. the private onsen was the thing he was looking forward to most. despite being a professional swimmer, he likes his privacy at times]
Ah, that makes it easy. [His smile is easy-going, leaving after Sousuke out of the car.] Like parents like son.
[He can make the joke because who was usually the one accompanying or finding Sousuke at random food joints at eight pm on a weekday night? It's Ai. In high school, after high school. Food was a universal love language, after all... And apparently made for a semi-decent sky signal.] I've had rougher nights; this is nothing.
[Mid-proposition, Ai is shaking his head and reaching into the back seat to pick up all he'd packed; the fact his head doesn't rattle at the gesture is a good sign,] I've got it.
[And then it's his turn to just-- stand there. And take in the facade. A traditional-style ryokan with a beautiful dark wood exterior nestled between mountains, and the perpetual sound of running water around them. Ai swears the air is lighter up here, even; more crisp. Or perhaps he'd simply grown too used to Tokyo's congestion?
He sidles beside Sousuke, intent to walk through the front, but...]
Isn't this small for a ryokan? [he can't help but observe. He sees several rooves in the background, though, indicating multiple private... Houses? Rooms? This entire time, Sousuke hadn't even told him the itinerary.] Sousuke-senpai, what exactly did your parents book for you?
[sousuke grunts, ceremoniously closing the door behind ai at least. he locks his car by habit (they do live in the city after all. even if out here in the boonies there is little threat) and lifts his duffel to watch ai's gaze take everything in.
and maybe sousuke is utterly enthralled by the sight. those wide blue eyes coursing over the sights, taking it all in. to say he hasn't looked at ai like that before would be a lie. complete and utter. sousuke finally lets his gaze trail from ai's face back towards the facilities. to say the least, his parents spared no expense. and he smirks a little as he makes his way towards the entrance, casting a glance back at his companion]
Everything you can imagine.
[once they make their way into the lobby, it's evident the kind of place this is, if the exterior wasn't. quiet, private, intimate. sousuke tries to ignore the last bit, despite the glaringly obvious nature of it. private onsens, intimate experiences blahblahblah. the attendant greets them warmly, handing sousuke a key and pointing towards the back of the building. it's a private suite that has a small staircase leading into a basement area, where a rock lined private onsen awaits. you know it's a serious place when they advertise it for tattoo friendly.
sousuke begins to make his way towards their room, knowing ai is surely trailing behind. perhaps in a little bit of awe]
[He'd deflect and flush if he thought Sousuke had been actually insulted - Ai would never. He'd only ever meant a word out of his mouth with fondness and sincerity. Self-deprecating if anything at times.
Four gifts, he surmises to himself, following right beside Sousuke through the front door, One for his father, his mother, and two for him.
Lux doesn't even begin to cut it. The peaceful, serene quiet alone set the tone more than anything; there wasn't even music playing in the reception area, only the natural sounds from outside amplified throughout the wide, open space. The attendants were dressed in traditional formal wear, even.
Sousuke may have stolen his glances when he thought Ai wasn't looking, but Ai is unabashed in looking right at Sousuke when he, for the umpteenth time, feels teal roving over him. Rather than accusatory or flushed, though, Ai's expression is overwhelmed with gratitude. Sousuke didn't have to invite him here - to encroach on such a unique and special weekend meant to celebrate his overwhelming odds and dedication. Yet he did. Ai's heart is in his throat, and he chalks it up to the selfsame gratitude and something about the quiet, private energy of the place.]
This is incredible, [he manages, voice just a bit hushed as they come to their door; Ai waits for Sousuke to open it.] No wonder they booked you such a place... It's hard to want to think about any of the difficult things here. Competition, swimming. [Just relaxing and soaking.] It's well-deserved.
Don't stare too hard. You might run into something.
[he laughs, opening the door--holding it open to allow ai to slip in first, and really take it all in. instantly, another wave of relaxation settles over him. maybe it's the room. maybe it's good company. maybe it's some little combination of the aforementioned. but whatever it is, the tension drops from him as he lets his duffel slump to the ground, closing the door behind them]
They made sure to get something quiet. Can't say I won't fully stop thinking about competition...
[sousuke rubs the back of his head]
At least I'm not as bad as Rin.
[literally everything is a competition to the guy. all he talks about is competition. striving for the top. sousuke thinks the last time he saw the guy let loose and chill was in a similar situation, plus one. this is the least sousuke can do, right? as payback for that time spent together]
Make yourself comfortable. There's a private fountain out the back. If you want to get a headstart on soaking, it's past that door and down the stairs.
Well that's impossible, isn't it? Especially with training season around the corner. [Ai steps in, making sure to carefully toe his shoes off before doing so, one at a time. He steps up into the room proper, dropping his bags and leveling eyes back on Sousuke,] It's hard not to be excited, knowing we'll be on the same stage this time.
[It kept him motivated, that's for damn sure. But there was thinking about competition and being competitive, and at least for this weekend, Ai is happy to put a halt on the latter. His train of thought leads him to the exact same quip that Sousuke says out loud, which leaves Ai laughing in a soft bellow, covering his mouth with his knuckles as he does.]
I think you're quieter about it is all. [Cheeky! Ai enters the room proper to examine it; the living space has a low table and several amenities on it, including a beautiful kettle and some seemingly home-farmed teas. An air purifier in the corner; a large window overlooking their private bath. And to the side, a large doorway leading to the sleeping area. Large enough to fit several futon, but all of them are folded away at the moment save for two, laid near each other in the center of the space...
It's intimate, isn't it? The thought hits him like a freight and leaves him scratching his cheek. It was one thing when four boys were crammed into an onsen with an atmosphere casual enough to support full sports teams and be raffled away at street stalls; it was another to share a luxury ryokan room with someone whose very essence often disarmed Ai so thoroughly it was alarming, to say the least. There's some amount of solace in knowing Sousuke likely has noticed the same. Well, if there's anyone I'd rather endure it with, it's him.
Ai's already heading for the shallow stairwell,] I did want to scope it out... Ah, but you'll come too, right?
[sousuke pauses, internally scrambling for the right words. because none of them seem to come out right. but finally he settles on the best he can. the simple truth]
...I think I figured out why I invited you. As a thanks. For waiting for me.
[it's true Sousuke reached a global stage first. but it wouldn't have been possible without the aspirations and limitless cheering on from others. from his dream team. he smiles, and doesn't reiterate on it. it excites him too. watching his friend push through one of the hardest walls to overcome, beating his personal best time and time again]
Cozy, huh?
[sousuke smirks, notating the way in which ai's gaze roves over everything, taking it all in. sousuke can't even say "it's nothing fancy" because that would be the furthest thing from the truth. a total lie. and maybe he enjoys watching his friend observe everything. even if it might be lost on ai how intimate this place is, sousuke is dimly aware. tries to nudge that little thought aside. it's too peaceful to dwell on things. like how this place would have felt too big without company, too lonely. too--]
Ah, course.
[he trails behind ai, now letting his own gaze widen as they reach the base of the staircase. it's a notably dark room. something akin to a private swimming pool, though arguably smaller. the edges and interior are lined with rocks--assumedly for a more natural, water feature feel. he's aware he's staring at the steam billowing off the surface, the drip drops of condensation somewhere in the distance.
needless to say it's beautiful. and it's private. something like this could be found in the common grounds of even more luxurious resorts]
A simple sentiment, yet one that has Ai's throat choking around his own heart, which has leapt out of his chest and straight into his airways.]
Such a thing doesn't need thanks. Of course I'd wait; I knew no matter what, you'd reach this place.
[It wasn't as if remaining steadfast by Sousuke was unique; Rin did that. Or that encouraging him to fight harder to reach a world stage through insurmountable odds was unique; Rin did that too. Or waited with patience and measured input as he recovered; Makoto did that. wasn't as if he was the best friend, or best teammate, or best confidant.
Yet time and time again Ai finds himself measuring Sousuke's trajectory, just enough to remain right along side it. Never thought for a second they wouldn't find each other again - had believed and known Sousuke would climb to the heights he aspired to. Just needed a little bit of hope - a reason to hope, maybe - and a lot of hard work. Ai knew this much because Sousuke had taught it to him in the first place.
Speaking of mutualities... Ai, too, is enraptured by how borderline magical the onsen is. The thicket of steam licks every corner of the open-air space, the high noon sun casting glowing, sparkling lights over the crystal clear mountain water. It does little for his poor blood pressure, spiking with his pulse, but Ai banks on the water hopefully having the opposite effect once he's in.]
Is it uncouth? Enjoying it in the middle of the day... We haven't even eaten yet. [And yet Ai is still turning around to re-enter the laundering area, fit with several clothing racks and baskets; a couple of yukata hanging ready; two sinks, and god knows how many amenities. Doesn't think twice about beginning to shuck his shirt off, placing it in one of the baskets.] Well, I guess it's ours to do what we want.
[there was a time he thought--dimly--it wouldn't ever happen. he wouldn't ever swim again. true rin backed him up, shoved him stubbornly back into the lane. but without those first divulges of information to ai... watching how ai clambered from such a low point. that. that was his inspiration.
once again, he's drawn to the way that ai is taking it all in. he hates that he keeps staring. it's like how he makes fun of rin for letting his gaze always trail after--
...ah]
Doubt it's uncouth. Maybe if we were sharing, but...
[he watches the trail of ai's clothes slowly leave his body. it's nothing new. they've been in changing rooms a thousand times and then some together. ai has a muscular leanness that sousuke has always admired. a certain lithe nature to him. something so uniquely him. sousuke blinks away the thought, sighing and deciding what the hell. and begins to undress himself as well]
You're right. It's all ours.
[sousuke finishes stripping the last of his clothing, dropping them in the basket, and slowly lowering himself in on one of the ledges near the left side. immediately, sousuke shivers out a sigh of relaxation. the hot water absolutely perfect, his parents assured him they would request only the best dragon temperature. he smiles as he lets the water overtake every inch of him]
[He would have hesitated. Would have thought twice at Sousuke's words. Maybe if we were sharing, but. Wasn't that the point? It's something they've done before - surely this is no different? It may be a private bath, but. They were friends, and this was normal, so surely...?
Maybe he's teasing. Ahh, I think the steam's getting to me.
He notices it, too. That Sousuke is watching him disrobe down to nothing. It's for the better he got a headstart; Ai's walking into the water first, back to Sousuke as Sousuke does much the same. Obfuscating how red Ai's face has gotten. And by the time they're both in the water, the dense steam amd ripples obfuscate Sousuke's body enough for Ai to put a halt to his ruminations.
He sits close-ish; on the same wall, about a person's width away. Sinks into the water just barely to his nose. Feels in real time how all of his muscles begin to lose their stress; his mind, even, unwinds a little. That much in and of itself was a rarity. The water itself is scented vaguely of clean, earthy minerals and yuzu; every slow and measured intake of breath, it clouds Ai's olfactory in the best possible way.
Ai lifts his head out of the water just barely enough to speak after a moment,]
People share all the time. We have before, [he finally returns, an affable banter. Reasoning with himself, a little. Sky blue eyes roll closed, and Ai tilts his head back against the rocks. Then he smiles, because he knows it isn't the case and knows Sousuke will have something to say about it,] Unless you're regretting inviting me after all.
so why doesn't it feel like something they've slipped into before? sousuke sits, let's the water seep into his bones with a soft sight. for a moment, his friend is lost to his thoughts. his only focus is the water, the overwhelming heat, the billowing ripples pooling around him and the slight drips echoing elsewhere.
until ai brings up the obvious. which has sousuke pulling his mouth out of the water, that ever present snicker ai always pulls out of him, ever present]
Woah woah, never said that.
[but he likes it. the easy quips they can share together. knowing the other could never feign such a serious accusation or aggressive tactic. it's easy like this. sousuke sighs, shifting himself up a little to keep his chin out of the water, letting everything remain below the surface]
Wouldn't dream of it.
[sousuke can't even rise to the bait to lie and tease. it's so true. he's eternally grateful. that much he knows. through everything. sousuke smirks over at ai. okay. maybe he can play into the teasing nature a little bit]
[It was incredible how Sousuke could say something, anything, and it could function as both a salve and a fire. A reassurance that manages to give Ai twelve new thoughts to juggle, and with them twelve new problems. Half the time Ai has to wonder if Sousuke even realizes what he's saying - is Ai an idiot to be so easily worked up, drawn in?
Wouldn't dream of it. The idea of Sousuke having regrets was laughable to begin with; Ai saw exactly what lengths Sousuke would go to to undo a path born of regret. Think you're the only one I'd want here.
That, though.
Has Ai slowly letting his eyes flutter open again to roll his cheek some and look at Sousuke. As if measuring his expression might help Ai glean exactly how much of that was meant to be taken at face value and how much was Sousuke sticking to the bit. Intention ultimately mattered little in the face of the deep, unsettling warmth blossoming in Ai's chest. He preemptively steels his own expression; if that managed to kiss his countenance more than it already has, maybe Sousuke will regret bringing him here after all.
He'd never fish for compliments; would never make Sousuke justify himself. It's all Ai can do to smile, easy-going and relaxed. Very professionally playing off the yawning void in his chest that keeps screaming at him.]
Rin-senpai isn't that bad of company. When he stops complaining, he can be nice. [It was an easy mutual ground, Sousuke's best friend and Ai's (other) senior. Kept the attention off him for a moment, long enough to not have to will his cheeks back to a normal colour. That which does seep up across pallid skin can easily be dismissed as the heat of the water.]
[he doesn't think there will ever be a time he won't be able to feel when those glints of blue are fixated on him. then again, he thinks that he has a little more of an inkling now. maybe it's the dimly lit room, the vapors swirling around them, the obviously glaring lack of clothing--]
Nice is one way to put it.
[sousuke giggles, letting his head tilt back against the edging in turn. there's a certain depth to someone, especially when you grow up with them. sousuke remembers ai from tournament days. though, regrettably he didn't know of him. and sometimes he wonders what would have happened if he had extended that olive branch first. who knows what kind of friendship would have blossomed? especially in rin's absence?
it would go without saying sousuke was a lonely soul through those years. overextending himself, just to prove himself worthy of swimming with his best friend again someday. and look where it got him. years of setbacks...pain...frustrations...]
I don't envy you for having to put up with him that first year he came back. He seemed like an ass to you.
[The way Ai smiles at Sousuke is incredibly fond, then. Brighter still when Sousuke laughs, an unusually soft noise coming from him; Ai subconsciously places his hand over his chest, fingernails scraping gently into his skin. As if to stay his engine, which has given two painfully loud thumps! against his rib cage.
To this day, Ai still has no idea how much Sousuke had been in his periphery. Sousuke never mentioned that relay when they'd grown friendly with one another, and so Ai blankly assumed Sousuke either wasn't present at all at that regional tournament, or they simply hadn't crossed paths. But it's a what if Ai tends to turn over in his head, too; if given the opportunity for a head start, where would their relationship have progressed? What kind of people would they be now?
The comments about Rin leave Ai shaking his head gently, leveling Sousuke with... A somewhat unreadable look. Something very close to home. A feeling that he's sure they both share, in spades.]
He had a lot going on. I wanted to make sure he never felt alone, even if it was difficult sometimes. [His smile upturns,] He apologized eventually anyway.
I can't help but feel you would have done the same, Sousuke-senpai.
[that almost solemn look garners a raised brow from sousuke, as he shifts a little bit to fully turn his head ai's way. kind. forgiving. overextending in all aspects. there's so many layers to this kid, that most of the world has never gotten to pick up on]
Kinda wanted to shake some sense into him.
[there's the slip up. something only rin had been privy to prior. sousuke realizes he's ran his mouth and sighs, turning his gaze back towards the water]
...I saw the way he treated you at regionals. You were a saint for putting up with that, you know. Someone lesser might have decked him.
[sousuke would never. but the thought of reaching out, grabbing rin's wrist with a fierce hold, asking him where he got off treating his juniors like that? it was an overwhelmingly, tempting thought. sousuke bites his lip, pulling his knees towards himself a bit.
meanwhile when sousuke finally transferred their final year, rin was so caught up in cementing his place in the swimming world at long last, juggling captain duties, whatever the hell was going on with nanase all year, his own injuries... the end of the year was the only time that felt appropriate. and it nearly gutted rin. learning his friend saw him tank the way he did]
[He blinks at first. Then his eyes blow wide, realization dawning on him. Sousuke had seen everything. Saw Rin's fall from grace-- his comeuppance. His mismanaged anger.
Ai's pitiful failure at being able to do anything about it.
Several emotions flood over him at once; shame, shock. Embarrassment. Relief? He trusted Rin, even in the moment didn't think for a second a single punch or kick was meant for him, but knowing Sousuke had been there in case things took a turn for the worst...
He leans off the rocks a little, pushing slightly into Sousuke's space. Opens his mouth to find words; when they don't come, slams his jaw shut. And then tries again,]
You...
[Ai shakes his head, and potently stares down at the water.]
I.... wasn't able to do anything, ultimately. If Ryuugazaki-san and the others had shown up a minute sooner, it would have been them instead.
[His expression softens, even if his heart feels heavy. Because he knows how much Sousuke cares for Rin-- how much Rin has shaped his life. This they had in common.]
It kills me a little you had to see me like that. [Useless.]
sousuke has already realized the misstep, but lets ai process everything. there's no turning back from it now and pretending he meant something else would be damn near impossible. he watches everything play out on ai's face in real time. there's a little pang to the realization. because ai's mouth is forming around nothing and--
sousuke shifts a little closer to him, letting their shoulders bump. some physical affirmation that it's okay to feel]
I don't know if you could have ripped him out of that moment anyway. Not you, not anyone.
[god sousuke wanted to step in. it broke his heart into a million pieces. seeing his best friend break, seeing him tank the way he did. but it wasn't his place, it wasn't his time. the first time in years, and that's how he might have seen rin? rin would have flown off to sydney or jumped off the plane into the ocean first.
...only nanase. sousuke sighs]
See you like what?
[sousuke blinks dumbly over at ai, raising a brow]
See you at your strongest, fighting for someone you care about?
[i was the coward. i couldn't--didn't--do anything]
[The touch of their shoulders is a minor reassurance, something that Ai doesn't take for granted. Sousuke was famously nowhere near as hands-on as his redheaded counterpart; it's taken Ai a while to get used to the occasional times he's bumped his leg, his shoulder. Indulged in a hair ruffle, much as Ai's tried to object once or twice.
Even in this context, all it does is set him at ease. And when it's Sousuke's turn to balk at him, unspoken words laden between the lines, Ai's the one raising his hand out of the water to touch Sousuke's arm, grounding them both.
He can't take the compliment-- the platitude. At my strongest? I was air at best. If he's honest, it still hurts a little sometimes to think about - how forgettable he was, could be. But the reason he knots his eyebrows in the center of his forehead and levels Sousuke with a simper isn't even because of that, nor is it because of Rin. His mind flashes forward to a fire escape and eyes so leaden with tears he could barely make out Sousuke's back as he descended the stairs.]
It's a little funny, isn't it? The two times I hated myself the most, you had to see it. [Ai peels his eyes down to the water; he isn't ashamed, not even forlorn. Just mildly contemplative; grateful, even.] I'm lucky you gave me time to give you a better impression.
... I'm lucky to have you here at all, Sousuke-senpai. [Flashes him a smile, creasing the corners of his eyes, pressing his beauty mark higher on his face.] If it took moments of weakness to lead you to me, then I can't regret a single one of them.
[the gruffness in sousuke's tone melts away into something almost soft. there's nothing but warm surrounding them, and it only intensifies in the way it floods sousuke at that blue gaze sparkling up at him. he instinctively leans into that touch on his arm. it grounds him more than the damn hot spring]
Never said I had a bad impression.
[it's nothing but the truth. that bright eyed kid staring up at him upon first meeting, sousuke's features melting and ai's face brightening in turn. there's no such thing as love at first sight, but there's the sense of deep, personal connection and from then on sousuke knew they had something together. whatever it may be in the future.
and maybe it's selfish the way sousuke leans in, with a stupid grin on his face, and bumps their foreheads together. normally something impossible, but here at the same level they are now, it's easy. they're on an international stage together soon. they've overcome their own athletic challenges and odds. there's no distance or secrets between them now. except, maybe...]
[In a way, Ai is used to Sousuke taking up his periphery. Spent a lot of his time looking at Sousuke's back, tall and broad shoulders being all Ai needed to know what steps to take next. Was used to beautiful teal boring into him for certainty or answers or even self-confidence.
Sousuke's close enough he can likely even hear the little breath Ai inhales, a misplaced anticipation. And it wouldn't be the first time, either; it's like this every time. When Sousuke helps him out of the pool and Ai lingers just a hair too long against him; when Ai dips his head by Sousuke's driver's window to say hi or bye, nothing but teal in his world's view. It's the same every time--
Anticipation, and a small death. Because Ai's smile is a mile wide and is so incredibly gentle in a way that has only ever been reserved for Sousuke, that can only be brought out of him by Sousuke, and yet the way it makes his chest alight with a fluttery warmth is terrifying in its potency.
And so he brushes knuckles along the high of Sousuke's cheek, and pets the back of his nape... And then just a hair too quickly is parting from him, and sinking low enough into the water that even his chin is submerged. A rock on the opposite end of the bath is suddenly the most interesting thing in the whole world, and from his low perch, Ai silently clears his throat.]
I can't believe I thought you were scary when we first met. [It was always his salve: a platitude, or a quip that tried to disarm himself. In either instance, Ai cannot cope with how hot his face feels.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2025-08-31 03:36 pm (UTC)If I faced consequences when my clothes came off, I wouldn't be complaining about it so much.
[No he isn't elaborating. But yes he's a little salty that every time he's spontaneously become pantsless it's been bad luck, a bad bet, spilled drinks... And never in company he'd call worth the hassle.
Ai sits for a moment with his head lolled on the window, though learns fairly quickly that's a bad idea; his eyes scrunch closed, and instead he leans back against the headrest.]
If I had big grandeur plans, I'd cancel them, [he reaffirms without an ounce of hesitation, smile blooming across his countenance,] but no. Just swimming, but I can make up for it once I'm back.
no subject
Date: 2025-08-31 07:50 pm (UTC)[sousuke means it. even if his tone is light, he's aware that ai didn't have to be dragged out in the early morning to some hot springs adventure. ai giving him an out with that whole "pretending to die" or "alibi" was probably the best thing that could have happened.
he's always had some prospect that they have a bond that runs deeper than the rest of their teammates. sure, sousuke and rin have history. something that runs deep and could cut through glass. but even then they had years apart, and sousuke... wasn't able to share everything with rin for a long time. still hasn't. ai is the one he poured all those things out to]
Think the pool will be there when you get back. Wouldn't worry about it too much.
[another stretch of silence. sousuke rolls his shoulder a little, readjusting his grip on the wheel. the green around them is calming. sousuke thinks he would much rather be in a place like this than tokyo at the end of it all]
no subject
Date: 2025-08-31 08:41 pm (UTC)There's so much more he could say, but he settles with a playful smile,]
You take up a lot of space, Sousuke-senpai. But I'd have it no other way.
[He silently puts Sousuke's thermos back in the console; takes a sip from his own and does the same in the second holster.
Eyes closed again, his expression melts into something peaceful. Sousuke's driving is unusually smooth, and the surroundings were calming; a similar thought crosses Ai's mind, how escaping to a place like this wasn't enough. Tokyo wouldn't have him for long if he had a say.]
I might try to nap, [he then murmurs.] Just a little. That way when we get there, I can be good as new.
no subject
Date: 2025-09-01 12:58 am (UTC)[he nudges ai's shoulder with his fist, letting his own thoughts flood over him. ai's words nudge something in the back of his brain. you take up a lot of space. surface level, it almost sounds deprecating. but ai would never indulge in such casual cruelty. even ai states the obvious. that he wouldn't have it any other way.
so then...
the drive is quiet once ai slips into sleep--or doesn't. sousuke's driving is impeccable, thanks. it would be easy to lull into a dreamstate. and maybe sousuke takes it even a step farther, slowing his roll a bit and letting their interstate journey turn into relishing the sights and silence.
with the slowed projectory, it's another hour and a half or so before they reach the secluded resort. sousuke's parents were kind, and spared no expense for their child. there's only two other cars there. probably one belonging to a worker/owner and another client. it's off-season for such a place, and his parents were mindful of sousuke's enjoyment of quiet. solace. he reaches over to nudge ai's shoulder, his fingers accidentally brushing against his neck]
Parents paid extra for early check-in, so don't want to sleep through that right?
no subject
Date: 2025-09-01 02:03 am (UTC)You're being too formal. What are you getting at?
I know you'll be able to swim again if you give it your all. I've only come this far because of you.
Even in his sleep, the memory causes heat to rush to his face; less fluster, more hindsight. To speak so boldly, and yet to cower behind polite keigo - as if Sousuke wouldn't see right through him anyway. That exact weekend is when he'd learned to drop pretenses; there was no getting anything past his senior.
He hums a gentle, slightly croaking noise when Sousuke brushes against his shoulder and inadvertently his neck; it's feather-light enough to stir him, that and the car idling. Ai presses a palm to his eye, and through his fog, manages a sweet smile.]
I wonder if there's anything I can get for Yamazaki-san? As a thank-you. [Come to think of it, he's never met Sousuke's parents. Or his cousin that he talks about so much.] Sorry, I really slept the whole way... Let's load in! I wonder what kind of room they booked for you.
no subject
Date: 2025-09-01 03:38 am (UTC)[he laughs, killing the engine and opening his door. he takes a moment to enjoy the crisp air. the silent rustle of wind through the trees, and the trickle of water from obvious places. he takes it all in, rolling his shoulders and stretching his legs a bit]
Don't sweat it. I doubt you slept much. You texted way too early for the shape you were in earlier.
[he closes his door, opening the trunk and grabs his duffel out of the back, tossing a glance over at ai before he shuts it]
I can grab some of yours, if you need.
[he leaves the offer open, knowing ai to know that it might be a fruitless offer. but one he tosses out regardless. he saw some of the pictures his parents showed him. and it's stunning to say the least. maybe they were hoping he would invite someone. it certainly seems a hair big for one person, despite his stature. he laughs. the private onsen was the thing he was looking forward to most. despite being a professional swimmer, he likes his privacy at times]
no subject
Date: 2025-09-01 03:48 am (UTC)[He can make the joke because who was usually the one accompanying or finding Sousuke at random food joints at eight pm on a weekday night? It's Ai. In high school, after high school. Food was a universal love language, after all... And apparently made for a semi-decent sky signal.] I've had rougher nights; this is nothing.
[Mid-proposition, Ai is shaking his head and reaching into the back seat to pick up all he'd packed; the fact his head doesn't rattle at the gesture is a good sign,] I've got it.
[And then it's his turn to just-- stand there. And take in the facade. A traditional-style ryokan with a beautiful dark wood exterior nestled between mountains, and the perpetual sound of running water around them. Ai swears the air is lighter up here, even; more crisp. Or perhaps he'd simply grown too used to Tokyo's congestion?
He sidles beside Sousuke, intent to walk through the front, but...]
Isn't this small for a ryokan? [he can't help but observe. He sees several rooves in the background, though, indicating multiple private... Houses? Rooms? This entire time, Sousuke hadn't even told him the itinerary.] Sousuke-senpai, what exactly did your parents book for you?
no subject
Date: 2025-09-01 04:32 am (UTC)[sousuke grunts, ceremoniously closing the door behind ai at least. he locks his car by habit (they do live in the city after all. even if out here in the boonies there is little threat) and lifts his duffel to watch ai's gaze take everything in.
and maybe sousuke is utterly enthralled by the sight. those wide blue eyes coursing over the sights, taking it all in. to say he hasn't looked at ai like that before would be a lie. complete and utter. sousuke finally lets his gaze trail from ai's face back towards the facilities. to say the least, his parents spared no expense. and he smirks a little as he makes his way towards the entrance, casting a glance back at his companion]
Everything you can imagine.
[once they make their way into the lobby, it's evident the kind of place this is, if the exterior wasn't. quiet, private, intimate. sousuke tries to ignore the last bit, despite the glaringly obvious nature of it. private onsens, intimate experiences blahblahblah. the attendant greets them warmly, handing sousuke a key and pointing towards the back of the building. it's a private suite that has a small staircase leading into a basement area, where a rock lined private onsen awaits. you know it's a serious place when they advertise it for tattoo friendly.
sousuke begins to make his way towards their room, knowing ai is surely trailing behind. perhaps in a little bit of awe]
no subject
Date: 2025-09-01 04:44 am (UTC)Four gifts, he surmises to himself, following right beside Sousuke through the front door, One for his father, his mother, and two for him.
Lux doesn't even begin to cut it. The peaceful, serene quiet alone set the tone more than anything; there wasn't even music playing in the reception area, only the natural sounds from outside amplified throughout the wide, open space. The attendants were dressed in traditional formal wear, even.
Sousuke may have stolen his glances when he thought Ai wasn't looking, but Ai is unabashed in looking right at Sousuke when he, for the umpteenth time, feels teal roving over him. Rather than accusatory or flushed, though, Ai's expression is overwhelmed with gratitude. Sousuke didn't have to invite him here - to encroach on such a unique and special weekend meant to celebrate his overwhelming odds and dedication. Yet he did. Ai's heart is in his throat, and he chalks it up to the selfsame gratitude and something about the quiet, private energy of the place.]
This is incredible, [he manages, voice just a bit hushed as they come to their door; Ai waits for Sousuke to open it.] No wonder they booked you such a place... It's hard to want to think about any of the difficult things here. Competition, swimming. [Just relaxing and soaking.] It's well-deserved.
no subject
Date: 2025-09-01 05:16 pm (UTC)[he laughs, opening the door--holding it open to allow ai to slip in first, and really take it all in. instantly, another wave of relaxation settles over him. maybe it's the room. maybe it's good company. maybe it's some little combination of the aforementioned. but whatever it is, the tension drops from him as he lets his duffel slump to the ground, closing the door behind them]
They made sure to get something quiet. Can't say I won't fully stop thinking about competition...
[sousuke rubs the back of his head]
At least I'm not as bad as Rin.
[literally everything is a competition to the guy. all he talks about is competition. striving for the top. sousuke thinks the last time he saw the guy let loose and chill was in a similar situation, plus one. this is the least sousuke can do, right? as payback for that time spent together]
Make yourself comfortable. There's a private fountain out the back. If you want to get a headstart on soaking, it's past that door and down the stairs.
no subject
Date: 2025-09-01 05:36 pm (UTC)[It kept him motivated, that's for damn sure. But there was thinking about competition and being competitive, and at least for this weekend, Ai is happy to put a halt on the latter. His train of thought leads him to the exact same quip that Sousuke says out loud, which leaves Ai laughing in a soft bellow, covering his mouth with his knuckles as he does.]
I think you're quieter about it is all. [Cheeky! Ai enters the room proper to examine it; the living space has a low table and several amenities on it, including a beautiful kettle and some seemingly home-farmed teas. An air purifier in the corner; a large window overlooking their private bath. And to the side, a large doorway leading to the sleeping area. Large enough to fit several futon, but all of them are folded away at the moment save for two, laid near each other in the center of the space...
It's intimate, isn't it? The thought hits him like a freight and leaves him scratching his cheek. It was one thing when four boys were crammed into an onsen with an atmosphere casual enough to support full sports teams and be raffled away at street stalls; it was another to share a luxury ryokan room with someone whose very essence often disarmed Ai so thoroughly it was alarming, to say the least. There's some amount of solace in knowing Sousuke likely has noticed the same. Well, if there's anyone I'd rather endure it with, it's him.
Ai's already heading for the shallow stairwell,] I did want to scope it out... Ah, but you'll come too, right?
no subject
Date: 2025-09-01 10:23 pm (UTC)[sousuke pauses, internally scrambling for the right words. because none of them seem to come out right. but finally he settles on the best he can. the simple truth]
...I think I figured out why I invited you. As a thanks. For waiting for me.
[it's true Sousuke reached a global stage first. but it wouldn't have been possible without the aspirations and limitless cheering on from others. from his dream team. he smiles, and doesn't reiterate on it. it excites him too. watching his friend push through one of the hardest walls to overcome, beating his personal best time and time again]
Cozy, huh?
[sousuke smirks, notating the way in which ai's gaze roves over everything, taking it all in. sousuke can't even say "it's nothing fancy" because that would be the furthest thing from the truth. a total lie. and maybe he enjoys watching his friend observe everything. even if it might be lost on ai how intimate this place is, sousuke is dimly aware. tries to nudge that little thought aside. it's too peaceful to dwell on things. like how this place would have felt too big without company, too lonely. too--]
Ah, course.
[he trails behind ai, now letting his own gaze widen as they reach the base of the staircase. it's a notably dark room. something akin to a private swimming pool, though arguably smaller. the edges and interior are lined with rocks--assumedly for a more natural, water feature feel. he's aware he's staring at the steam billowing off the surface, the drip drops of condensation somewhere in the distance.
needless to say it's beautiful. and it's private. something like this could be found in the common grounds of even more luxurious resorts]
...not bad.
no subject
Date: 2025-09-01 10:50 pm (UTC)A simple sentiment, yet one that has Ai's throat choking around his own heart, which has leapt out of his chest and straight into his airways.]
Such a thing doesn't need thanks. Of course I'd wait; I knew no matter what, you'd reach this place.
[It wasn't as if remaining steadfast by Sousuke was unique; Rin did that. Or that encouraging him to fight harder to reach a world stage through insurmountable odds was unique; Rin did that too. Or waited with patience and measured input as he recovered; Makoto did that. wasn't as if he was the best friend, or best teammate, or best confidant.
Yet time and time again Ai finds himself measuring Sousuke's trajectory, just enough to remain right along side it. Never thought for a second they wouldn't find each other again - had believed and known Sousuke would climb to the heights he aspired to. Just needed a little bit of hope - a reason to hope, maybe - and a lot of hard work. Ai knew this much because Sousuke had taught it to him in the first place.
Speaking of mutualities... Ai, too, is enraptured by how borderline magical the onsen is. The thicket of steam licks every corner of the open-air space, the high noon sun casting glowing, sparkling lights over the crystal clear mountain water. It does little for his poor blood pressure, spiking with his pulse, but Ai banks on the water hopefully having the opposite effect once he's in.]
Is it uncouth? Enjoying it in the middle of the day... We haven't even eaten yet. [And yet Ai is still turning around to re-enter the laundering area, fit with several clothing racks and baskets; a couple of yukata hanging ready; two sinks, and god knows how many amenities. Doesn't think twice about beginning to shuck his shirt off, placing it in one of the baskets.] Well, I guess it's ours to do what we want.
no subject
Date: 2025-09-02 03:01 am (UTC)[there was a time he thought--dimly--it wouldn't ever happen. he wouldn't ever swim again. true rin backed him up, shoved him stubbornly back into the lane. but without those first divulges of information to ai... watching how ai clambered from such a low point. that. that was his inspiration.
once again, he's drawn to the way that ai is taking it all in. he hates that he keeps staring. it's like how he makes fun of rin for letting his gaze always trail after--
...ah]
Doubt it's uncouth. Maybe if we were sharing, but...
[he watches the trail of ai's clothes slowly leave his body. it's nothing new. they've been in changing rooms a thousand times and then some together. ai has a muscular leanness that sousuke has always admired. a certain lithe nature to him. something so uniquely him. sousuke blinks away the thought, sighing and deciding what the hell. and begins to undress himself as well]
You're right. It's all ours.
[sousuke finishes stripping the last of his clothing, dropping them in the basket, and slowly lowering himself in on one of the ledges near the left side. immediately, sousuke shivers out a sigh of relaxation. the hot water absolutely perfect, his parents assured him they would request only the best dragon temperature. he smiles as he lets the water overtake every inch of him]
no subject
Date: 2025-09-02 03:13 am (UTC)Maybe he's teasing. Ahh, I think the steam's getting to me.
He notices it, too. That Sousuke is watching him disrobe down to nothing. It's for the better he got a headstart; Ai's walking into the water first, back to Sousuke as Sousuke does much the same. Obfuscating how red Ai's face has gotten. And by the time they're both in the water, the dense steam amd ripples obfuscate Sousuke's body enough for Ai to put a halt to his ruminations.
He sits close-ish; on the same wall, about a person's width away. Sinks into the water just barely to his nose. Feels in real time how all of his muscles begin to lose their stress; his mind, even, unwinds a little. That much in and of itself was a rarity. The water itself is scented vaguely of clean, earthy minerals and yuzu; every slow and measured intake of breath, it clouds Ai's olfactory in the best possible way.
Ai lifts his head out of the water just barely enough to speak after a moment,]
People share all the time. We have before, [he finally returns, an affable banter. Reasoning with himself, a little. Sky blue eyes roll closed, and Ai tilts his head back against the rocks. Then he smiles, because he knows it isn't the case and knows Sousuke will have something to say about it,] Unless you're regretting inviting me after all.
no subject
Date: 2025-09-02 03:59 am (UTC)so why doesn't it feel like something they've slipped into before? sousuke sits, let's the water seep into his bones with a soft sight. for a moment, his friend is lost to his thoughts. his only focus is the water, the overwhelming heat, the billowing ripples pooling around him and the slight drips echoing elsewhere.
until ai brings up the obvious. which has sousuke pulling his mouth out of the water, that ever present snicker ai always pulls out of him, ever present]
Woah woah, never said that.
[but he likes it. the easy quips they can share together. knowing the other could never feign such a serious accusation or aggressive tactic. it's easy like this. sousuke sighs, shifting himself up a little to keep his chin out of the water, letting everything remain below the surface]
Wouldn't dream of it.
[sousuke can't even rise to the bait to lie and tease. it's so true. he's eternally grateful. that much he knows. through everything. sousuke smirks over at ai. okay. maybe he can play into the teasing nature a little bit]
Think you're the only one I'd want here.
no subject
Date: 2025-09-02 04:11 am (UTC)Wouldn't dream of it. The idea of Sousuke having regrets was laughable to begin with; Ai saw exactly what lengths Sousuke would go to to undo a path born of regret. Think you're the only one I'd want here.
That, though.
Has Ai slowly letting his eyes flutter open again to roll his cheek some and look at Sousuke. As if measuring his expression might help Ai glean exactly how much of that was meant to be taken at face value and how much was Sousuke sticking to the bit. Intention ultimately mattered little in the face of the deep, unsettling warmth blossoming in Ai's chest. He preemptively steels his own expression; if that managed to kiss his countenance more than it already has, maybe Sousuke will regret bringing him here after all.
He'd never fish for compliments; would never make Sousuke justify himself. It's all Ai can do to smile, easy-going and relaxed. Very professionally playing off the yawning void in his chest that keeps screaming at him.]
Rin-senpai isn't that bad of company. When he stops complaining, he can be nice. [It was an easy mutual ground, Sousuke's best friend and Ai's (other) senior. Kept the attention off him for a moment, long enough to not have to will his cheeks back to a normal colour. That which does seep up across pallid skin can easily be dismissed as the heat of the water.]
no subject
Date: 2025-09-02 09:51 pm (UTC)Nice is one way to put it.
[sousuke giggles, letting his head tilt back against the edging in turn. there's a certain depth to someone, especially when you grow up with them. sousuke remembers ai from tournament days. though, regrettably he didn't know of him. and sometimes he wonders what would have happened if he had extended that olive branch first. who knows what kind of friendship would have blossomed? especially in rin's absence?
it would go without saying sousuke was a lonely soul through those years. overextending himself, just to prove himself worthy of swimming with his best friend again someday. and look where it got him. years of setbacks...pain...frustrations...]
I don't envy you for having to put up with him that first year he came back. He seemed like an ass to you.
no subject
Date: 2025-09-02 10:23 pm (UTC)To this day, Ai still has no idea how much Sousuke had been in his periphery. Sousuke never mentioned that relay when they'd grown friendly with one another, and so Ai blankly assumed Sousuke either wasn't present at all at that regional tournament, or they simply hadn't crossed paths. But it's a what if Ai tends to turn over in his head, too; if given the opportunity for a head start, where would their relationship have progressed? What kind of people would they be now?
The comments about Rin leave Ai shaking his head gently, leveling Sousuke with... A somewhat unreadable look. Something very close to home. A feeling that he's sure they both share, in spades.]
He had a lot going on. I wanted to make sure he never felt alone, even if it was difficult sometimes. [His smile upturns,] He apologized eventually anyway.
I can't help but feel you would have done the same, Sousuke-senpai.
no subject
Date: 2025-09-02 11:37 pm (UTC)Kinda wanted to shake some sense into him.
[there's the slip up. something only rin had been privy to prior. sousuke realizes he's ran his mouth and sighs, turning his gaze back towards the water]
...I saw the way he treated you at regionals. You were a saint for putting up with that, you know. Someone lesser might have decked him.
[sousuke would never. but the thought of reaching out, grabbing rin's wrist with a fierce hold, asking him where he got off treating his juniors like that? it was an overwhelmingly, tempting thought. sousuke bites his lip, pulling his knees towards himself a bit.
meanwhile when sousuke finally transferred their final year, rin was so caught up in cementing his place in the swimming world at long last, juggling captain duties, whatever the hell was going on with nanase all year, his own injuries... the end of the year was the only time that felt appropriate. and it nearly gutted rin. learning his friend saw him tank the way he did]
Seemed like he played nice after, though.
no subject
Date: 2025-09-02 11:57 pm (UTC)Ai's pitiful failure at being able to do anything about it.
Several emotions flood over him at once; shame, shock. Embarrassment. Relief? He trusted Rin, even in the moment didn't think for a second a single punch or kick was meant for him, but knowing Sousuke had been there in case things took a turn for the worst...
He leans off the rocks a little, pushing slightly into Sousuke's space. Opens his mouth to find words; when they don't come, slams his jaw shut. And then tries again,]
You...
[Ai shakes his head, and potently stares down at the water.]
I.... wasn't able to do anything, ultimately. If Ryuugazaki-san and the others had shown up a minute sooner, it would have been them instead.
[His expression softens, even if his heart feels heavy. Because he knows how much Sousuke cares for Rin-- how much Rin has shaped his life. This they had in common.]
It kills me a little you had to see me like that. [Useless.]
no subject
Date: 2025-09-04 03:51 am (UTC)sousuke has already realized the misstep, but lets ai process everything. there's no turning back from it now and pretending he meant something else would be damn near impossible. he watches everything play out on ai's face in real time. there's a little pang to the realization. because ai's mouth is forming around nothing and--
sousuke shifts a little closer to him, letting their shoulders bump. some physical affirmation that it's okay to feel]
I don't know if you could have ripped him out of that moment anyway. Not you, not anyone.
[god sousuke wanted to step in. it broke his heart into a million pieces. seeing his best friend break, seeing him tank the way he did. but it wasn't his place, it wasn't his time. the first time in years, and that's how he might have seen rin? rin would have flown off to sydney or jumped off the plane into the ocean first.
...only nanase. sousuke sighs]
See you like what?
[sousuke blinks dumbly over at ai, raising a brow]
See you at your strongest, fighting for someone you care about?
[i was the coward. i couldn't--didn't--do anything]
no subject
Date: 2025-09-04 04:07 am (UTC)Even in this context, all it does is set him at ease. And when it's Sousuke's turn to balk at him, unspoken words laden between the lines, Ai's the one raising his hand out of the water to touch Sousuke's arm, grounding them both.
He can't take the compliment-- the platitude. At my strongest? I was air at best. If he's honest, it still hurts a little sometimes to think about - how forgettable he was, could be. But the reason he knots his eyebrows in the center of his forehead and levels Sousuke with a simper isn't even because of that, nor is it because of Rin. His mind flashes forward to a fire escape and eyes so leaden with tears he could barely make out Sousuke's back as he descended the stairs.]
It's a little funny, isn't it? The two times I hated myself the most, you had to see it. [Ai peels his eyes down to the water; he isn't ashamed, not even forlorn. Just mildly contemplative; grateful, even.] I'm lucky you gave me time to give you a better impression.
... I'm lucky to have you here at all, Sousuke-senpai. [Flashes him a smile, creasing the corners of his eyes, pressing his beauty mark higher on his face.] If it took moments of weakness to lead you to me, then I can't regret a single one of them.
no subject
Date: 2025-09-08 02:52 am (UTC)Never said I had a bad impression.
[it's nothing but the truth. that bright eyed kid staring up at him upon first meeting, sousuke's features melting and ai's face brightening in turn. there's no such thing as love at first sight, but there's the sense of deep, personal connection and from then on sousuke knew they had something together. whatever it may be in the future.
and maybe it's selfish the way sousuke leans in, with a stupid grin on his face, and bumps their foreheads together. normally something impossible, but here at the same level they are now, it's easy. they're on an international stage together soon. they've overcome their own athletic challenges and odds. there's no distance or secrets between them now. except, maybe...]
Me neither. Not a single one.
no subject
Date: 2025-09-08 03:11 am (UTC)Sousuke's close enough he can likely even hear the little breath Ai inhales, a misplaced anticipation. And it wouldn't be the first time, either; it's like this every time. When Sousuke helps him out of the pool and Ai lingers just a hair too long against him; when Ai dips his head by Sousuke's driver's window to say hi or bye, nothing but teal in his world's view. It's the same every time--
Anticipation, and a small death. Because Ai's smile is a mile wide and is so incredibly gentle in a way that has only ever been reserved for Sousuke, that can only be brought out of him by Sousuke, and yet the way it makes his chest alight with a fluttery warmth is terrifying in its potency.
And so he brushes knuckles along the high of Sousuke's cheek, and pets the back of his nape... And then just a hair too quickly is parting from him, and sinking low enough into the water that even his chin is submerged. A rock on the opposite end of the bath is suddenly the most interesting thing in the whole world, and from his low perch, Ai silently clears his throat.]
I can't believe I thought you were scary when we first met. [It was always his salve: a platitude, or a quip that tried to disarm himself. In either instance, Ai cannot cope with how hot his face feels.]
(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From: