bottombitch | IC Contact @ Riverview

[ It's --

Love.

But it's not really the kind you can put a distinct label on. They were friends and soulmates first, and a romantic love came later, and it kind of snuck up on them. So really when Aoba throws his arms around Karamatsu's shoulders this time, it's more of an expression of gratitude and surprise. But there's so much affection poured into it that he literally bumps his head with his, laughing through eyes prickling with tears. But he keeps it short, because he is too keenly aware of how he needs to hold Karamatsu's brave heart gently. ]

Are you trying to act all cool? You nerd!

[ That doesn't mean he's going to refrain from teasing him. ]

Aa, act all cool? I do not need to act cool, I am already cool! I am.. the definition of cool! What I am trying to do with all of this is... not abandon you.
_{[ He thinks it's a decent compromise. Aoba doesn't want to be official with him— Karamatsu still can't quite understand, but he can't force someone into a relationship with him, but he also cannot leave someone cause he isn't getting his way.

At least now there is nothing to hide. Aoba knows he likes him and vice versa, he will just have to be patient. ]}

Heh.. which is your favorite kind?

[ Aoba pulls away and smiles at him, wiping at the corners of his eyes. He's still feeling a little vulnerable, but Karamatsu is trying to put him at ease and it's kind of working? Not that it's a magic spell to banish away the stress he's been feeling but... he wants him to feel like his efforts aren't wasted.

It's going to take time, and effort on his part too. ]

Non-dairy!

[ He answers that very quickly, faster than he usually does. Aoba usually hedges around a topic before giving a pointed answer like this, especially if it's almost like he's looking a gift horse in the mouth. ]

Non-dairy? Aoba, are you allergic and you never told me? If so, that is mighty dangerous of you.

I'm not lactose intolerant or anything. It's just that...

[ He can digest it just fine, but it's more of a texture and taste thing. For some reason, milk is something he just cannot stand. Some cheeses are fine, and sometimes a light cream is good. But he's very fickle about it. ]

The taste of milk is something I can't stand for some reason. Even in school I got in trouble for not drinking my milk. And one time I was fired from my job at an ice cream parlor because of it.

Anyway... don't let that stop you! I still like tofu or soy-based stuff! Sorbets and popsicles are good too!

_{[ These are good things to know when you're trying to woo a person, yes. Karamatsu will make sure to never surprise him with anything that has milk in it, then. ]}

Ah.. it occurred to me.. that I do not know of other things that you do not like.
What is something else you do not like?

_{[ AW LOOK AT HIM— BUILDING A RELATIONSHIP THE RIGHT WAY. ]}

Things I don't like?

[ Aoba blinks at him. It's odd, but even as friends they just kinda fumbled their way through being around one another, bumping into each other's likes and dislikes without even really talking about them much. ]

Maybe... having my hair touched. The nerves in them are pretty sensitive, so on windy days it can be a little painful.

[ Aoba picks up a lock of hair from his shoulders and frowns at it. He's holding it extremely gently. ]

I've learned how to wash it carefully, but when it gets too long I usually just end up cutting it where it hurts less.

[ Which explains why he has the worst mullet ever. ]

_{[ Oh, there Aoba goes again, talking about his hair. Karamatsu doesn't understand he never will.. sensitive hair? Just by touching it? It's so pretty though.. Karamatsu wants to touch it, he wants to--

Oh, shit, motherfucker. He's going for it. He's not even asking!

He holds a lock of hair, but he is being very careful. Just as careful as Aoba! ]}

I think it is beautiful. ♡ What cool shades of blue it is! It is my favorite color, remember.. it's my color!

[ Aoba was distracted so he doesn't realize what he's doing until he's already there, getting all up close and personal and speaking affectionately while he's this close...?! Aoba instinctively releases his hair in favor of closing around Karamatsu's wrist. He's touching his hair! Like he didn't even hear him that he didn't like it at all! ]

I-it's always been blue. It's not like I dyed it or anything. [ So it's his color too! ] And! Wh-what's the point of asking if you're just going to do it anyway?

[ And yet his response isn't angry, it's flustered with a slight trace of annoyance. ]

Although, if you're careful, I guess it's fine... [ Aoba holds his breath, glancing away for a moment as he mutters. ] A-anyway...

I already knew you liked blue, it doesn't take a genius. So... what else... do you like?

You. I like you.

_{[ MOVING ON... ]}

_{[ He lets Aoba's hair go, carefully, and then places his hands in both of his back pockets of his white slacks. Seriously, was he going to go back outside with just a blazer and pants on? ]}

A-ah.. I do like barley tea a good bit. There is nothing more satisfying than that! Especially if the meal is meat wrapped in meat.. I like.. perfect fashion! Fashion magazines and cologne... I also enjoy playing the guitar and singing to everyone!

[ Aoba reddens a bit more, making a stifled sound in his nose. This guy... ]

[ But it's really not a big deal, is it? It's nothing to get worked up over, after all...they've done a lot more than just said those three words. Right. This is just two bros hanging out talking about stuff and things and it's been practically a month since all that wild stuff went down at the club.

Aoba folds his arms and leans his head to the side. He already knew about that meat-wrapped-in-meat and fashion and honestly he had to talk to him more about his love of cologne. But anyway. ]

Didn't you tell me all this the first time we met? [ Or close enough. He remembers there was an open mic night and the rest is a blur of embarrassment. ] Tell me something I don't know.

What about things you hate?

_{[ Tell Aoba something he doesn't know? That's really personal! He doesn't like to dwell on the things he hates-- it kind of shows what an awful person he is. ]}

Uh, well.. why would we want to talk about something so negative?

[ Aoba blinks, then smiles. ]

...That's really a good point. And here I was starting off with that.

Still, you'll tell me if I do something you hate, right? I don't want to make some blunder that causes you to regret getting -- [ close to me, he wants to say. ] Uh. Honest.

[ It's a clumsy save, but whatever. ]

Anyway, I'm ready, so... won't you put on a shirt so we can head out?

I don't understand why I have to put a shirt on.
_{[ that's .. really all he says in regards to all of this. How stubborn. ]}

Because it's early spring. Do you want to catch a cold?

[ Aoba turns to a set of drawers and starts to pick through it, then pulls out a few. Black, white or light blue. None have decals or patterns. ]

Besides, I think some places will turn us away because you're not wearing a shirt.

_{[ Oh no, Aoba is about to share his clothes with him. This is extra-cute and Karamatsu is a little aggravated with how cute he finds it. ]}

Not if I charm my way in! Aoba, I'm sorry to say, bu the clothes you are offering to me aren't quite my taste.
_{[ not flashy enough.. ]}

... [ Charm his way in, huh? Somehow he doesn't see that actually working with any measure of success. Aoba thinks this part of him is annoying, but there's a weird sort of enjoyment in it too. In a way, he thinks this is kind of... endearing. Like a puppy who is just so happy and excited about biting balloons even though it can never quite get a good grip on it. ]

Kara-kun, you're wearing all white. If anything, a little bit of color would add to your ensemble, right?

[ Aoba's no fashionista (OBVIOUSLY, LOOK AT HIM) but he takes the light blue shirt and offers it, then pushes it against his chest. ]

I don't have anything with glitter on it, so please just -- [ Cover your naked chest plz ] bear with it for a little while. For me.

_{[ For Aoba, huh? It's not what he wants to do, but he finally takes the shirt in his hands and gives Aoba a gentle smile. ]}

As you wish, honey-- sweet Aoba. I have no choice when you use words such as for me, for I am a servant to you to do your bidding.. if it's for you.
_{[ wow, AMAZING. Look, he's taking off the blazer and slipping the shirt on with ease. ]}

S-servant...?

[ Oh god. He just said it without thinking. Something he's been doing a lot lately, blurting out 'for me' knowing full well what kind of power that phrase holds. Aoba instantly feels guilty, and just as he tries to soothe that feeling away by thinking that it's all for a good cause, Karamatsu starts out with those terms of endearment and then starts taking his blazer off. He's actually doing it, and while he's grateful he's finally putting on another layer for warmth (and decency) he can't shake off the fact that he totally manipulated him. On purpose.

So he'll just change the subject. ]

Just now, you reminded me of this other guy I used to know. Kind of quirky, like you, but he was always calling me 'Master' for some reason.

Other guy? Ah, do I have some competition, then?
_{[ he's so.. casual about this now... ]}

Heh. I do not think I would go that far unless you wanted me to, Aoba. I'm the sole driver of my own journey.. _{[ but you just said... ]}
Doing favors to make somebody I care about happy versus beckoning to their every will is a little different.
_{[ looks like he's learned about this somewhere down the road.. ]}

IC Contact @ Riverview

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