thenearshore | [closed] autumn catch-all

[ They almost take a page out of their prior dance for a moment, don’t they? Just before Reisi coolly sips at his tea, (as though unaffected), and tugs Tatara into his arms. There’s a noise of surprised amusement that slips out, the shorter man looping arms around a neck to match those about his waist. Humming contentedly, he rests his head upon the other’s shoulder, ready to comment with something clever until hearing:

"This is my heart."

The power -- no, more than that, the vulnerability -- in that statement nearly makes Tatara shudder, though outwardly, little changes. A brief silence elapses. ]

...You would give me your heart, Reisi?

[ Or let him into it, at least. Still, this is said with such a carefree tone that one might think he’s joking; and in truth, he’s ready to play off something so presumptuous, should he be told he’s wrong in the next second.

But right or wrong, his response is the same either way, isn’t it?

Craning back in the shinki’s arms, he draws a hand up to cup Reisi’s cheek only briefly before offering a chaste, unhurried kiss. As it parts, he doesn’t stray but far enough for their eyes to meet, and a smile to show. ]

I’ll take care of it. I guarantee that.

[As he's pulled into Reisi's arms, Tatara may feel how relaxed Reisi is despite his stuffiness and propriety. He effortlessly holds Tatara securely close with a sort of tenderness and care. As their eyes meet after that sweet and simple kiss, Reisi smiles back at Tatara.]

In that case, I entrust it to your care. I cannot thank you enough. If you truly desire it, then my heart is yours.

[His eyes slide shut as he leans his forehead close enough to gently press it against Tatara's.]

It isn't overstepping any bounds, nor is it against my ideals to grant you this wish.

[There's a pause as Reisi hesitates to compose himself since he's never really opened up like this before.]

...The truth is, I'd very much like to give it to you. Knowing you'll take care of it, I couldn't be happier to do so.

[If he can trust Tatara with his heart, then he can also trust Tatara's reasons for asking that rather distressing question earlier, and it might be a little easier to set is aside.]

Edited 2018-02-21 05:17 (UTC)

[ He wouldn’t say it’s his wish; after all, not everyone is so self-assured and willing to part with something so important! But, before he can rebut with something to that effect, Reisi elaborates.

Oh my. Any distant and fleeting notions about this being some kind of joke or play on words – anything less severe than it actually is – are gone now, after hearing statements like those.

This is what he wants? Tatara’s chest feels... funny. So he really was that lonely, after all.

That’s one thing about Reisi Munakata that he can fix, among all the other broken pieces he’s unsure what to do with. Loneliness is something he can cure. He has full confidence in that.

As their foreheads rest together, fingers gently comb the longer strands that compose Reisi’s eartails, idly playing with their tips. ]

If that’s what you want, then I happily accept.

[ He’s nothing short of honored, honestly. Even if this means that sooner or later he’ll have to give his own heart in return, for the very first time. To earnestly consider what that means in finite terms is, well, terrifying, really. Especially knowing that Reisi’s fate is... uncertain, to say the least. But that can come in time, and has no bearing on the here and now.

Smiling cleverly, Tatara pulls away just slightly. ]

Well then, as the keeper of your heart, Munakata Reisi-san, can I make a request?

[Now that Reisi's opened up this much, there's no turning back. Though he'd already known that by the time he'd made his decision, and he's not the sort of person who goes back on something once his mind is made up. Of course, even Reisi can't ignore the trepidation that comes along with opening up, but he does try to keep that much to himself because he actually is glad about things as they are now.

Seeing that sly look on Tatara's face as he pulls away,] Hmm? What would you ask of me?

[If it's really something in his power, then Reisi will do what he can to fulfill Tatara's request.]

[ He’s got Reisi with his guard down still, given that question. The moment Tatara hears it, his clever, playful smile flees in an instant, like a stage actor dropping a mask to reveal their true face behind it. Then, a simple murmur: ]

Talk to me.

[ An easy request, (one might think), but he knows how guarded this man can be; knows how aloof and untouchable he was in the life before. But since he’s touching him now -- and holds his heart, apparently -- the Red Clansman figures he’s got half a shot, minimum.

A hand moves up to stroke one of Reisi’s cheeks. ] If you’re not feeling quite right, upset or depressed -- whatever’s bugging you, I want to hear about it.

[ It’s partly for personal reasons, yes, and also partly not. After all, the closer he can get to Reisi, the better his odds of keeping him alive. But all that gravity aside, Tatara finishes with a hint of his usual smile, hands moving as arms lace back around the shinki’s neck, foreheads pressed together. ]

Think you can do that for me?

[Once he drops the mask, Tatara appears genuinely concerned. It's an expression that, coupled with his soft and simple words, doesn't really suit him. The touch of his hand on Reisi's cheek only emphasizes his request.

So when Tatara smiles again, Reisi feels a measure of relief. With their foreheads still pressed together, he gives a firm nod.]

I can—I will. [His words are like both a gentle sigh and a solemn oath.] If it's that important, then I can do that much for you.

[ Tatara seems to breathe out just a bit with that assent, even if he knows simply putting an agreement into words isn’t the hard part -- it’s the follow-through. This is all easier said than done, after all.

Still, he’s reassured by how readily that humble request is accepted -- and without questioning, as well. Reisi really is a good man. ]

Good. [ Said with an airy sort of finality and a smile, before angling in to press a nigh-playful kiss to Reisi’s cheek and drawing away. ]

Now, where were we, hm~?

[With a smirk,] Well, I was finishing up my tea. And as for you...

Perhaps you were thinking to invite me to stay the night. [Said in a teasingly overconfident tone.] Which, if you were to do so, I'd gladly accept.

[ There’s a bit of light laughter at said tone. All well-intended, of course.

Really, Tatara can’t help himself -- with everything they discussed earlier this evening now fully and safely behind them, all that remains is a giddy sort of joy. ]

Aah, your powers of perception are as sharp as ever~! [ What Reisi concluded was practically common knowledge, but... there’s nothing wrong with a little flattery, now is there?

The god seems to bustle about a bit then, cleaning up where and how he’ll need to before they can call it a night. ]

I think you have everything you need to stay already here, don’t you?

[closed] autumn catch-all

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