[ And to think it was a simple text that started this chain reaction. If not for that, they probably would have stayed how they were on their first date--two kids enjoying a moment of levity to distract from the weight they both separately carried. They might have eventually found this road at some point, but she isn't quite sure.
But this feels more genuine and real; a starting place to a destination unknown. How else could she describe it? There's bound to be bumps along the way, hiccups and fumbles as they both figure out what this new normal will be for the both of them. No secrets, no lies--and for her, no hiding behind a bright smile and a bit of bravado. And as he smiles at her, delicate and subdued in spite of the words that follow it, she finds herself caught in their warmth, with no escape in sight.
Pulling her hands away from his, Hibiki stands up, moving very slowly and deliberately to stand in front of him. Those same hands hesitate as she crouches down a bit before finding purchase on his shoulders. Careful of the swing's chain, she brings her head closer to his before gingerly resting her temple near his before speaking softly. ]
Can... can you say that again? I don't think I heard you.
[ ...Idiot, why'd you have to wear a hat when all it's going to do is get in the way? It's not like anybody would recognize her all the way out here anyway. Ah well, too late now. ]
[ If there’s one thing that surprises him about this conversation, it’s how much less painful the experience has been compared to his expectations. It hurts, of course, but Suzaku finds it more reminiscent of a wound in the process of lancing than a fresh one being inflicted. Bracing and freeing in equal measure. Exhausting but necessary, almost refreshing despite the raw nature of it.
A feeling that grows, along with his smile, at her request. ]
In that case… [ After a pause, just long enough to tease. ] You’re important to me, Hibiki.
[ Words emphasized as he leans in, resting his head more firmly against hers briefly, before he speaks again. Sure, he could follow along to the letter and leave it there, but where's the fun in that? ]
I’ve never met anyone quite like you. You’re an amazing person. You're beautiful, strong, and... I'm just. So grateful that we got to meet. I know I've said that before, but it's true.
[ Look, he could keep going. But considering her usual reaction to praise, he's already a little worried what reaction he's going to get. ]
[ Hearing him repeat himself, the words ripple through her; and if he left it at that, Hibiki would have been more than content. But he doesn't stop there, leaning in before continuing his assault. Without realizing, she holds her breath as he pays her compliment after compliment, her heart fluttering all the while.
Suzaku, that's too much. How is she supposed to respond to that? Her heart can't take this.
As he punctuated his heartfelt declaration with a cheeky quip, she realizes what she needs to do. Pulling away briefly, eyes closed as she exhales slowly, Hibiki takes her hat off. Taking a brief moment to gaze into deep greens (he really does have beautiful eyes, how did she not notice this before now), she closes her eyes once more before leaning in for a kiss.
For a woman who claims she talks too much, she certainly is quick to let her actions speak for her.]
[ He's not quite oblivious enough to miss where this is going — experience has taught him that much, at least. So there's no excuse for how long it takes him to react. Besides the desire to indulge in a look of his own. She's gorgeous, of course. He said it a moment ago in complete sincerity, has known it from the very first time they met, but proximity makes that fact no less striking.
Especially with her hair fluffed up, courtesy of the hat's removal, and her eyes closed in concentration before the approach. Looking for all the world like a regular teenager when she's anything but. Or maybe, in this moment, she is. Maybe they both are.
Suzaku reaches up to rest one hand alongside her cheek, cupping it as he leans in to meet her a little shy of halfway, head titled to keep their noses from colliding. It's gentle, almost cautious. She's the one who started this, after all. He's got no problem letting her decide where it leads. ]
[ She expects this to be somewhat brief, chaste and one-sided; and if she had given herself time to think beforehand, she might have decided against it. It's a balancing act of what she wants versus what is considered appropriate. But he surprises her yet again, resting a hand on her cheek before closing the small gap between them. Relaxing under his touch, Hibiki places a hand on his shoulder before leaning into the kiss.
Even if she's not quite sure what she's doing, that's okay. She's allowed to be a regular teenager every once in a while; and if anyone has shown her that, it would be him. And more than anything, she wants him to feel the same way.
After a few long (yet short) minutes, she breaks away. Hibiki doesn't move far away, letting her forehead rest against his as her eyes flutter open. She lets out an airy giggle, a bit unsure but giddy at the same time. The temptation to kiss him again and again, to lose herself in the warmth of it once again is there, but she fights against it. For now. Speaking in a whisper, her fingers idly trace shapeless lines on his shoulder. ]
[ As if this night hasn’t been enough of a rollercoaster. It’s been a long time — like, years long — since he’s kissed anyone. And, well… Even if that wasn’t the case, it still wouldn’t be the same. It can’t be. Not when he’s never been with anyone like Hibiki before, no one who he’s felt this much towards. He assumed it would be different, but. Maybe he underestimated just how true that would be.
Let’s just say she’s not the only one left feeling giddy, or a touch more breathless than the activity warrants.
Suzaku keeps his hand where it was for another few seconds, thumb stroking against soft skin, before he speaks with a laugh of his own. ]
I’m not complaining.
[ In the end, he is a teenage boy. Hard as that may be to believe. ]
[ This whole relationship (or whatever this is, she isn't sure) has been a bit of a roller coaster, so why should this be any different? He isn't her first, but there's something about this that feels unlike what she's had before. Bubbly and bright, and incredibly heartfelt in equal measures. It's hard to say where things will go from here, but she doesn't want this feeling to end.
God, even the way he laughs while delicately running his thumb across her cheek leaves her feeling weightless. Suzaku's right, he is dangerous--and if she isn't careful, she's going to fall hard. If she hasn't already.
Blue-gray eyes briefly flitting downward before she lets her hand slowly trail its way up to the base of his neck, Hibiki grins brightly. ]
[ This time, Suzaku's the one to lean in, closing the miniscule gap between their faces, inching nearer and nearer... before he bumps his nose against hers playfully.
He can't remember the last time he felt this light. It's easy to let the the feeling wash over him, in spite or because of how disparate those emotions are from the rest of the evening. As if they're from two different worlds. ]
I don't know. Can you?
[ Hibiki's not the only brat in this relationship. He's happy to match her beat for beat. Even if he has to resist the urge to lean back towards her touch, far from unaffected by the gentle path of her hand. As contact goes, it's less intense than the previous embraces, but made just as overwhelming by the casual intimacy behind the gesture. ]
[ Hibiki closes her eyes in anticipation, only to have him bump his nose with hers playfully. She opens her eyes, puffing out her cheeks with a huff. ]
Maybe I won't, if you're gonna tease me like that.
[ It's an empty threat, but one she's more than happy to play up to fit the mood. Because it has been an intense conversation, with a lot about each other coming to light. And its because of that that Hibiki decides to indulge a little.
But she is never going to tell him that she likes that side of him that likes to tease. Some secrets are best left undiscovered—not like she's doing a good job at hiding it. ]
[ Maybe the previous parts of their conversation weren't quite as painful as expected, but it's impossible to deny how much easier slipping into playfulness is. She's always brought out this side in him, since the very first day they met, and he's never been more grateful for it. Considering everything else they've covered, this is downright refreshing. Even if it is uncharted territory in its own right. ]
Then I'd just have to be the one to kiss you, isn't that right?
[ And if she allows it, that's exactly what he'll do. Without jokes this time around. ]
[ Will she allow it? Please—she encourages it, a smug grin on her face. There's something about his playful side that she can't resist, and she can't help but try to pull it out whenever possible. It's a reminder that, despite the weight on their shoulders, they're both still teenagers. ]
But what if—
[ Nope, she doesn't get to finish that thought. Thief, scoundrel, how dare he steal a kiss after broadcasting his intent. She's going to match him in kind, of course, make him have to reflect on his actions. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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But this feels more genuine and real; a starting place to a destination unknown. How else could she describe it? There's bound to be bumps along the way, hiccups and fumbles as they both figure out what this new normal will be for the both of them. No secrets, no lies--and for her, no hiding behind a bright smile and a bit of bravado. And as he smiles at her, delicate and subdued in spite of the words that follow it, she finds herself caught in their warmth, with no escape in sight.
Pulling her hands away from his, Hibiki stands up, moving very slowly and deliberately to stand in front of him. Those same hands hesitate as she crouches down a bit before finding purchase on his shoulders. Careful of the swing's chain, she brings her head closer to his before gingerly resting her temple near his before speaking softly. ]
Can... can you say that again? I don't think I heard you.
[ ...Idiot, why'd you have to wear a hat when all it's going to do is get in the way? It's not like anybody would recognize her all the way out here anyway. Ah well, too late now. ]
1/2
A feeling that grows, along with his smile, at her request. ]
In that case… [ After a pause, just long enough to tease. ] You’re important to me, Hibiki.
[ Words emphasized as he leans in, resting his head more firmly against hers briefly, before he speaks again. Sure, he could follow along to the letter and leave it there, but where's the fun in that? ]
I’ve never met anyone quite like you. You’re an amazing person. You're beautiful, strong, and... I'm just. So grateful that we got to meet. I know I've said that before, but it's true.
[ Look, he could keep going. But considering her usual reaction to praise, he's already a little worried what reaction he's going to get. ]
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Suzaku, that's too much. How is she supposed to respond to that? Her heart can't take this.
As he punctuated his heartfelt declaration with a cheeky quip, she realizes what she needs to do. Pulling away briefly, eyes closed as she exhales slowly, Hibiki takes her hat off. Taking a brief moment to gaze into deep greens (he really does have beautiful eyes, how did she not notice this before now), she closes her eyes once more before leaning in for a kiss.
For a woman who claims she talks too much, she certainly is quick to let her actions speak for her.]
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Especially with her hair fluffed up, courtesy of the hat's removal, and her eyes closed in concentration before the approach. Looking for all the world like a regular teenager when she's anything but. Or maybe, in this moment, she is. Maybe they both are.
Suzaku reaches up to rest one hand alongside her cheek, cupping it as he leans in to meet her a little shy of halfway, head titled to keep their noses from colliding. It's gentle, almost cautious. She's the one who started this, after all. He's got no problem letting her decide where it leads. ]
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Even if she's not quite sure what she's doing, that's okay. She's allowed to be a regular teenager every once in a while; and if anyone has shown her that, it would be him. And more than anything, she wants him to feel the same way.
After a few long (yet short) minutes, she breaks away. Hibiki doesn't move far away, letting her forehead rest against his as her eyes flutter open. She lets out an airy giggle, a bit unsure but giddy at the same time. The temptation to kiss him again and again, to lose herself in the warmth of it once again is there, but she fights against it. For now. Speaking in a whisper, her fingers idly trace shapeless lines on his shoulder. ]
Sorry, I probably should've asked you first.
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Let’s just say she’s not the only one left feeling giddy, or a touch more breathless than the activity warrants.
Suzaku keeps his hand where it was for another few seconds, thumb stroking against soft skin, before he speaks with a laugh of his own. ]
I’m not complaining.
[ In the end, he is a teenage boy. Hard as that may be to believe. ]
If you’re fine with it, so am I.
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God, even the way he laughs while delicately running his thumb across her cheek leaves her feeling weightless. Suzaku's right, he is dangerous--and if she isn't careful, she's going to fall hard. If she hasn't already.
Blue-gray eyes briefly flitting downward before she lets her hand slowly trail its way up to the base of his neck, Hibiki grins brightly. ]
Does that mean I can kiss you again?
[ Cheeky. ]
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He can't remember the last time he felt this light. It's easy to let the the feeling wash over him, in spite or because of how disparate those emotions are from the rest of the evening. As if they're from two different worlds. ]
I don't know. Can you?
[ Hibiki's not the only brat in this relationship. He's happy to match her beat for beat. Even if he has to resist the urge to lean back towards her touch, far from unaffected by the gentle path of her hand. As contact goes, it's less intense than the previous embraces, but made just as overwhelming by the casual intimacy behind the gesture. ]
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Maybe I won't, if you're gonna tease me like that.
[ It's an empty threat, but one she's more than happy to play up to fit the mood. Because it has been an intense conversation, with a lot about each other coming to light. And its because of that that Hibiki decides to indulge a little.
But she is never going to tell him that she likes that side of him that likes to tease. Some secrets are best left undiscovered—not like she's doing a good job at hiding it. ]
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That'd be a shame.
[ Maybe the previous parts of their conversation weren't quite as painful as expected, but it's impossible to deny how much easier slipping into playfulness is. She's always brought out this side in him, since the very first day they met, and he's never been more grateful for it. Considering everything else they've covered, this is downright refreshing. Even if it is uncharted territory in its own right. ]
Then I'd just have to be the one to kiss you, isn't that right?
[ And if she allows it, that's exactly what he'll do. Without jokes this time around. ]
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But what if—
[ Nope, she doesn't get to finish that thought. Thief, scoundrel, how dare he steal a kiss after broadcasting his intent. She's going to match him in kind, of course, make him have to reflect on his actions. ]