[action log go]

[perseverant]

[It's a lovely evening. Souji cracks the window as the instant ramen seeps on the kitchen counter, letting in the night-air. There's still beer left in the fridge, and he goes to help himself as he waits. It's been an odd last few days—many significant things have happened all at once. Even someone as thick as him could notice that something's hanging in the air. From Kanji confessing to Naoto to Yosuke's blatant insecurities; and then there was his own slip-ups.

He doesn't take long to ponder it, as the timer pings and he heads over with wooden chopsticks to dig into his instant meal.]

Comments

[yearoftruth.livejournal.com]

[He can see it already. Yosuke's thinking too much into this. And then, as Souji's eyes follow him, Yosuke's hands slap down on the table, demanding his attention.

Well, all right.

There were times that he'd wish simply that Yosuke would let it go—that he would let this insecurity just pass him by. Too many times did he think that he was missing something because he drown himself in them. His eyes meet his partner's without hesitance, no flicker of embarrassment or second-thought. Suddenly, his whole expression was serious.]

This isn't that complicated. I don't like people just because they like me, you know that.

[twinknife]

[And it's as plain as that, really. Souji's eyes are naked and honest; he might not say much, but then again he doesn't really have to. Whether it's the truth or a lie, Yosuke would trust him anyway.

And just like that, it no longer feels like he's fighting something. Like finally, he's stopped trying to lie to himself. Embarrassed, but still weirdly more calm than he's been this entire conversation, he just nods--]

Yeah. ..... Yeah.

[--and let's his solemn expression relax into a sheepish, helpless sort of grin.]

I guess I wanted to give you a chance to back out, or make me back off, or something.

I'm.... glad you didn't, partner.

[yearoftruth.livejournal.com]

[Despite himself, Souji's always been honest. Whether he was being a jerk or completely sincere, there was a level of honesty that was always in his face and in his words. This situation was no different. He watches Yosuke linger, watches him speak, carefully. His expression softens.]

Yeah, I'm glad too.

[He pauses.]

We can always make out.

[twinknife]

h- Huh?! Dude, seriously??

[Yosuke's mouth ruins everything, as per usual. Though in this case it would be his undignified, overeager reaction to Souji's latter statement that completely ruins the flirtatious mood. Stay cool, Yosuke.

Struggling desperately to get the pace back, he leans forward a bit on his elbow, trying to look casual about it but only managing to look.... nervous. He opens his mouth to say something chill like.... okay, he's drawing a blank. But when in doubt, words will come out, right? (This has been Yosuke's unfortunate slogan for years - so far, it's done him no favours.)

Nervously, he lets his eyes roam the tabletop; over Souji's hands, his cellphone, the empty ramen cup, never Souji's face. His face feels like it's going to spontaneously combust.]

Oh man..... I--..

.... I really want to, now.... Can we?

[yearoftruth.livejournal.com]

[Well, he wasn't quite sure if he expected that sort of eagerness from his partner. His head quirks at him curiously in response, as if he's almost surprised at his reaction.

Suddenly, Souji's leaning forward and into his line of vision.]

[twinknife]

[If Souji only knew how long, exactly, Yosuke had been harboring that emotion, it might give him some appreciation for the exuberance of his reply, and the considerable restraint he was already exhibiting.

Now that he's expecting it, Yosuke finds himself leaning in almost before he even realizes it. He really hopes his heart doesn't explode before he manages to get close enough. Leaning up out of his chair, he puts his weight on the stinging hand he'd used to slap the table and tries to gauge the angles - from this perspective it's hard to imagine what fits where and who's supposed to tilt their head when. He feels like a complete novice, so instead of trying to plan ahead, he just closes his eyes hard and leaves his luck to fate.]

[yearoftruth.livejournal.com]

[It seems graceful at first. Souji seems to find a way to move into him as he leans forward. He tips his head to the side, inching closer as his partner does. He seems like a natural, as if he'd kissed people at his very table, and knew the exact angles which to turn his head.

That is, of course, until he moves a little awkwardly and bumps the bridge of his nose against Yosuke's. The's the sound of restrain laughter coming from his throat, but he quickly makes up for it, recovering smoothly and catching his lips.]

[twinknife]

[Things seem to be progressing unnervingly smoothly on Yosuke's end, too, so much so that he can scarcely believe that this is happening - at least until their faces mash together. That's the reality check he needs, and his laughter isn't nearly as pared back. With a throaty chuckle, he starts to say something, to draw attention to Souji's flawed delivery maybe.]

Dude, wha--


ah.

[That last part isn't so much uttered against Souji's mouth as it is into it, muted in surprise. For a second he goes a little rigid, but recovers himself just in time to lean in closer, back against the gentle pressure.]