Misaki wrapped the jacket around himself, the fine fabric caressing his skin. It... it smelled nice - like expensive cologne, with a hint of sandalwood. It made him smile, though he couldn't quite tell why. He really appreciated Ryuto lending him his clothes. He felt a little guilty for inconveniencing the other boy. He felt like his shirt getting stolen was somehow his own fault. Most of all, he felt guilty for enjoying the fact that he had something of Ryuto's, even if it was just for a little while. Of course, he would hand back the article of clothing once they got to the other boy's home.

Despite his worry earlier, Ryuto's presence was distracting, comforting. Having the boy at his side made him feel relaxed. The reasons weren't clear to him, but he didn't want to question it right now. He had enough on his mind, what with his stolen wallet. He should have been more worried, more panicked. He really did have to figure out a way to pay his rent so that he wouldn't get evicted. Living on the streets of Sunagakure's slums would be a nightmare for someone like him and he wasn't too sure about how he would feel about moving to the village's orphanage. He wouldn't have to worry about food or shelter, but his sense of independence would likely go out the window. That was something he couldn't allow to happen. He had spent enough time caged and under someone else's thumb, someone else's rules. He didn't want anything that vaguely resembled that.

These thoughts, however, were a distant thought in the back of his head. Misaki's focus was on the person walking beside him. They were in a pleasant silence. He didn't feel the need to talk, and he assumed that Ryuto didn't either. They stood close together, only a few inches in between them, but it wasn't enough. Misaki felt like he needed to be closer to him, to brush his hand against the other boy's and link their fingers together. He blushed at the thought, realizing that he was staring at Ryuto's hand. He looked away abruptly. Why was he acting so strange? Ugh. It was frustrating. He needed to control himself. He didn't want the situation to turn into something strange or awkward. If Ryuto thought he was making some sort of strange advance on him, he likely wouldn't want to see him again. After all, he was probably the type of person who was always surrounded by women - a typical playboy, so to speak. He was probably very experienced when it came to romance and relationships, not to mention... sex. For some reason, the thought made Misaki feel inadequate.

A gust of wind blew their way, making Misaki shiver. Though the jacket helped, his chest was still exposed. He hoped this didn't end with him catching a cold, especially since his hair was still damp.

It had been an interesting day to say the least for Ryuto as he would make his way back to his family home with the young Misaki, who had seemed to have smitten him upon first glance. Ryuto wasn't used to not being on control of situations, and even though to onlookers it might seem to be the case, he was positive that if Misaki asked him to do pretty much anything, he would do so no questions asked. He smiled softly as he walked beside the handsome boy, glad that he was able to lend him his jacket to keep him warm. Due to an unfortunate situation arising the need had become immediate for Ryuto to do something to prevent Misaki from catching cold, and so he was able to be the hero at least for a little while as he lent Misaki his suit coat.

Ha, you set that up and you're trying to play hero? God damnit man, you were already his hero, you just couldn't see it.

That, simply stated, wasn't true. He had indeed been able to see the way that Misaki looked at him. He was able to read all over the boys face and body that he had felt the same way that Ryuto had when they had met, and that was why he had decided to pursue this, even though Misaki didn't yet realise his feelings for Ryuto. He had no problem with playing the waiting game, for good things come to those who wait and patience is a virtue, or something along those lines. He was used to being patient, often his plans requiring him to wait long periods of time for specific pieces to fall into place so that he could see them to completion. He had never had to be patient to follow his heart, however, and it was making him feel like doing things that he certainly normally wouldn't do. He wanted to tell Misaki how he felt, and help him understand how he felt as well, but he knew that he simply couldn't do that at the risk of losing Misaki. He wanted to hug him tight, to kiss him, to...to...well. That's not appropriate to get into, but it doesn't matter anyway as anything he wanted to do would wait, and he didn't mind one bit.

The two of them would walk in silence, Ryuto glancing over at Misaki quite often, unable to keep his eyes off of him. He could feel a wind kick up and saw that Misaki would shiver, Ryuto unable to resist as he wrapped his arm around Misaki and pulled him in close to him. "Don't worry Misaki, I'll keep you warm." His voice was soft and kind, warm and caring, and it was something that Ryuto was still getting used to hearing out of his own lips. He wouldn't describe himself as any of those things, but for Misaki he was more than willing to try. He would do anything for him, and that was a dangerous thing for any one person to have over anyone else...

531

Without any kind of warning, Ryuto wrapped an arm around Misaki's shoulders. Ryuto pulled him closer so that his head almost leaned against the other boy's shoulder as they walked. It made the task a little harder and a little clumsier, but Misaki couldn't care less.

His heart skipped a beat.

"You... You don't have to do that," he said. He was torn between wanting to keep Ryuto close and not wanting to feel like he was burdening or inconveniencing the other boy. He really liked having Ryuto's arm around him. Was that strange? He told himself it was because of the added warmth, but he did't believe that, not really. They were walking aimlessly - or at least it seemed that way to Misaki. The streets around him were vaguely familiar, lined with shops and street lights shining overhead. A few people passed by them, but none paid much attention to the young couple.

"I just realized I have no idea where we're walking towards. I'm supposed to take you home, right?" He asked, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. It was the most subtle way he could come up with to ask Ryuto where he lived. Judging solely by how he was dressed - a finely tailored suit, leather shoes and the like - Misaki guessed it was one of the nicer parts of the village. For a moment, the blue haired boy felt embarrassed of his own living situation. His small apartment - if it could even be called that - in the slums wasn't anything to brag about. It barely had the utilities he needed. The space was cramped and although he kept it neat, there was no way to avoid the clutter, what with his art supplies and projects, both completed and otherwise.

That reminded him, there were a few colors that he needed to get if he wanted to finish the current landscape he was working on. It was a realistic depiction of what he thought Sunagakure looked like from above. He had never seen the view, so he had to fill in the blanks with his own imagination. It was almost done, he just needed to save up for the colors he didn't have so that he could add in the finishing touches. Maybe after that, he could start a portrait of Ryuto, one of him smiling or staring to the side or.... No, that would be weird. Painting a guy he had just met was weird. Then again, Misaki liked painting beautiful things and Ryuto was certainly that. Objectively speaking, of course. But he would need a reference for the accuracy and he wasn't about to ask Ryuto for a picture. Besides, it wasn't like he had enough talent to do the other boy's features any justice. Still, maybe he could give it a try...

He felt his heart beating quickly and his mind going at a mile a minute. Maybe he was suffering from heat stroke or something like that. Or he was just nervous because Ryuto was intimidating, but not in a bad way? Like, he rally wanted to impress the other boy. He wanted to see him again, or actually, he wanted to see him all the time. Why? He didn't know. He was starved for friendship, maybe? He had been feeling a little bit lonely lately. Oh god, he was even rambling in his head. "Don't say something stupid, don't say something stupid, don't say something stupid," and yet he couldn't stop the words coming out of his mouth. He really needed an actual filter between his thoughts and words.

"You're great - I mean, today was great," a wonderful start. Bravo. 10 points. "So I was wondering if we could maybe do this again sometime? I mean, not this exactly, that would probably be boring. Unless you want to do the exact same thing, in which case, I'm totally fine with that. But I don't want you to get the wrong idea or anything! It's, um, just as friends! I- I don't swing that way! Not that there's anything wrong with liking guys or anything." Smooth. Real smooth.

Misaki told him he didn't have to keep him warm, but he simply knew that wasn't true. He wasn't going to allow this beautiful flower to wither away in the cold, he would do whatever it took to keep him warm, and to keep him smiling. When he didn't know where they were going, Ryuto just chuckled a little bit. "Don't worry, Misaki, we're going in the right direction. But even if we weren't, getting to spend more time with you would certainly make being lost worth it." He hadn't felt so comfortable with anyone in his entire life, and while that wasn't a long life, it was one that he had spent a long time making connections with people. Everyone whom he had met up to this point was simply another piece in his game, some pawns, some rooks, some nights, but never someone who Ryuto himself would protect. He often thought of himself as the king, the piece that all others worked together to protect, but he had now learned the truth. Misaki was his king, the piece who he needed to protect above all others. No piece meant as much, and Ryuto would lay down his life, which was really saying something, for his king. He might have been getting ahead of himself, but he was hoping that he could be happy for once.

Misaki's body felt right in Ryuto's arms, the warmth of the two of them transfering between one another. He wished that he could make this moment last for an eternity, but he knew that the two of them would be coming up on his house soon. It wasn't the fanciest place, though it was quite nice, his father having a decent amount of money to his name. Ryuto had never questioned how he had obtained such wealth, but he assumed that it wasn't necessarily in legal ways. It wasn't super beautiful compared to some of the houses in the neighborhood, though it had two stories, which was more than most, and it was kept in good shape by Ryuto's mother, at the instruction of his father. He didn't know what his father would do to her if she didn't keep on top of it, but he didn't like to think of it.

As they were getting closer, Misaki would begin to talk, causing Ryuto to smile once more. Though his words were scattered, they were also sweet, and while he intended to make it seem as though he didn't have a thing for Ryuto, informing him that he doesn't swing that way, which Ryuto knew was a load of utter bollocks, he said that he wanted to meet up with him again, which was something that Ryuto was hoping to hear. He knew that if he wanted Misaki to come out of his shell, and to potentially be someone who Ryuto could be in a relationship with, Misaki needed to make the moves, and this was certainly one. He had asked Ryuto out on date number two, since this definitely counted as number one, and Ryuto was more than happy to oblige.

"Misaki, you don't need to be nervous, or embarrassed or anything like that. I had an absolutely lovely evening with you, and would certainly love to do this again, and again, and many times after that hopefully. I would gladly do the exact same thing with you over and over if you wanted to, or try new things together, as long as they're with you." He pulled Misaki a little closer, briefly resting his head on Misaki's. His house was little more than a block away now, and he knew that his night was coming to a close, which made him a little bit sad. He would have to make it even more memorable though, and he would certainly take a gamble when they got to the front of his house that would hopefully not drive Misaki away...

1211

Misaki blushed at Ryuto's word, but nodded all the same. He wasn't sure that he believed him, though. He had never had anyone want to spend time with him beyond what was strictly necessary. That, or they spent time with Misaki because they needed something. He got along with the people at the Academy perfectly fine during the short amount of time that he had been there. He remembered a couple of people, though, that had initially been very friendly and kind towards him. The second they found out he was an outcast of the Karisuma Clan, he had found out why. They had only been interested in the wealth and fame behind his family name, so the second they realized he had none of it, they had scornfully left his side. The memory made him nervous. The thought of Ryuto leaving once he realized Misaki had nothing to offer... It terrified him for some reason. "You... really like spending time with me, huh?" He asked, still sounding unsure of himself.

Ryuto's next words gave him some comfort, though. They made him smile. A feeling of warmth spread across his body. He was... happy. The feeling scared him. The idea that it would vanish and leave behind nothing but the previous emptiness he had before was simply terrifying. When they stopped walking, he let Ryuto press his forehead to his. Mere inches separated the two. Misaki's heart was threatening to burst out of his chest. His hands were shaking slightly. Maybe if he held on to Ryuto's, like last time, it would stop. Before he could second guess himself, he impulsively reached for Ryuto's hands and slipped his fingers in between the other boy's.

"I... I'll try not to be so nervous," he said quietly. He was a little self-conscious, but he understood the sentiment behind what Ryuto was trying to say. He was trying to say that Misaki didn't have to worry, that he could feel comfortable around Ryuto, that the other boy wouldn't judge him for anything he said. "I just, um... It just seems a little too good to be true?" He started. He wasn't sure what he wanted to say or what point he was trying to get across. Judging by how they had stopped walking, the two boys were probably standing in front of Ryuto's house.

He took a deep breath. "It's been a while since I've had someone who actually likes me for who I am. It's hard for me to get used to the idea," he whispered. There was a wistful smile on his face. The blue haired boy was also making a considerable effort not to stammer as he spoke. "I'm happy and... and I guess I'm scared that you won't want to see me again, that it's a feeling that'll go away after I while and I don't want it to," he kept explaining. If there was one thing that could be said about Misaki, is that he was honest - almost heartbreakinlgy so. "I know it doesn't make sense, I mean, I just met you today, but I just can't help what I feel," He mumbled that last part. Scared that Ryuto would reject him completely, his grip on the other boy's hands tightened.

"I do enjoy spending time with you, quite alot yeah." His words would hopefully be reassuring, as Misaki clearly had a lot of personal doubt. Ryuto was a little bit sad that such a lovely and beautiful person had seemed to be in such a bad way, and he really wanted to to his best to help him out. He could feel the change in him, however, after Ryuto spoke to him about their evening together. He felt warmer, and before Ryuto knew it, Misaki had interlocked their fingers and was holding Ryuto's hands. He blushed a soft pink, smiling at the gesture. He wasn't sure if Misaki was starting to figure out his own feelings, but Ryuto knew that this was a good sign, as the boy clearly felt comfortable with him. He held onto Misaki's hands, not wanting to let go of the sweet boy who he was enjoying his day with, happy to be this close to someone, and also happy to have disarmed himself a little bit. It was a feeling of relief to have someone who he could let his guard down with a little bit, and he certainly was enjoying the feeling.

When he said it seemed too good to be true, Ryuto bit his bottom lip gently. He needed Misaki to realize that this wasn't a dream, that Ryuto was really going to be there for him. His words actually made Ryuto a little bit sad. He couldn't imagine how his father could expect him to use someone who had bore their heart to him in such a way. He wanted Misaki to know that he would always be here for him, and that he would try to keep making him happy for as long as he could. He knew that they had just met, but he didn't want to lose this feeling, as it was truly something special and he wanted to hold onto it for as long as he possibly could. There was something really special about Misaki, and the knowledge that he had clearly been hurt in his past made Ryuto a combination of sad and angry at the same time, sad that such a wonderful person had been put through whatever he had been put through, and angry at the people who had shattered the self worth of such a precious flower.

"Misaki...I will not leave you, I will not disappear. I will be here for you for as long as I can be, and as long as you will have me in your life." He came a little bit closer to Misaki, moving so that he had freed one hand, placing Misaki's now free hand over his other one so that both of his hands were over Ryuto's one. He moved his other hand up to brush some of the blue hair away from Misaki's eyes, smiling and moving in closer to him still, their noses nearly touching at this point. "I understand what you're going through, probably better than you do. I wish I could be the person to guide you through it, but I know that your heart will tell you the truth, you just have to listen to it. I know what I feel, and I'm sure that it lines up pretty well with what you're feeling. I won't let anyone hurt you, Misaki...I would never let anyone hurt such a beautiful flower."

Ryuto decided that he would take a chance, his thumb gently stroking Misaki's cheek as he would gently press his lips to Misaki's, planting a soft sweet kiss on the boy's soft lips. He assumed that Misaki had never kissed anyone before, let alone a male, and to be fair neither had Ryuto. He felt as though the time was right though, and he couldn't let this opportunity pass him by, as he honestly had no idea if he would get another opportunity. It would be quick, just enough so that Misaki couldn't enter fight or flight mode, before he would break off the kiss and begin walking to his door. As he would get to the door, he would stop, not looking back at Misaki, just speaking to him. "Keep the jacket, make sure you don't catch a cold on your way home. I'll get it back from you eventually. This was the best first date I've ever been on, by the way, and I'm looking forward to the next one." He opened the door, and with a heavy heart at leaving Misaki outside, wanting to accompany him home as well, he would enter the house and shut the door behind him. He could hear a commotion in the house, clearly his father was having another row with his Mother, and Ryuto was quite sad that he had walked into this. He had had such a wonderful evening, after all...

{Exit Thread}
2044

Spd D-D3 1175
Str D-D2 725
144 words discarded

Misaki's face lit up. A genuine smile made its way onto his features. His eyes shone brightly. Happiness radiated from his expression like light from the sun. He didn't know what he had been expecting Ryuto to say, but this far exceeded his expectations. He wanted to say that he never wanted Ryuto to leave, that he wanted the boy in his life forever. His words caught in his throat. As much as he wanted them to, they wouldn't leave his lips. The boy was too overwhelmed by Ryuto's answer, by the rapid beating of his heart. He had called Misaki a beautiful flower, someone to be protected and cherished. The other boy parted his hair gently. Misaki closed his eyes, instinctively leaning into the touch. "Ryuto-kun," was all he managed to say, in a small whisper. Before he could say anything else, Ryuto pressed their lips together.

The feeling of Ryuto's lips on his sent a shock of electricity through his body. For the split second that it lasted, Misaki couldn't think of anything else. He let his body answer for him. He leaned into the kiss automatically. Ryuto's lips were soft and delicate. They set his heart on fire and made his knees weak. Ryuto's hand on his face was electrifying. More than ever before in his life, Misaki felt alive. Above everything else, though, this - their lips touching gently, their hands clasped together, Ryuto's hand on his cheek -  felt right. It felt like this had been what was missing in his life.

This... he knew it wouldn't fix him instantly. Years of trauma couldn't be erased so simply. He still had so many repressed emotions, so much anxiety and fear. Parts of him still wished for death constantly while the others merely tolerated life, not really caring whether it ended or kept going. But Ryuto made him want to hope for something better.

The kiss ended too soon, leaving Misaki in a state of near shock. The other boy's following words and his quick retreat back into the house didn't help. A... date...? So... did Ryuto like... guys? Did Ryuto like... him? Did he... like guys? There was no mistaking it, they had kissed. It hadn't been an accident. It had been completely intentional. Nevertheless, he had always just assumed that he liked girls. He had never kissed anyone before, of course, but never had he pictured having feelings for another boy. What did this even mean? The confusion made his head ache, but there was no denying that he was happy.

Despite his house being only about half an hour's walk away, he got there about an hour later. He walked mindlessly, the entirety of his thoughts dedicated to Ryuto and the short time they had spent together. he had to see him again. He wanted to spend every waking moment with the silver haired boy that had enchanted him so.

That night, Misaki went to bed clutching Ryuto's jacket and lettings its wonderful smell lull him into a peaceful sleep.