[ Why does this feel like a test? Yu isn't the kind of person to test him like this, so is Yosuke testing himself? Now? Of all times? He can admit to himself that he's been spending a lot of time trying to find reasons to talk to Yu and sometimes coming up with nothing other than "why not". Even his friends--peers, more like it--have noticed he's distracted when he's not spending time downstream.
He...he doesn't want to jump the gun here. And yet, somehow Yu's quiet voice is louder than the storm around them. His lips twitch into a smile that fades halfway, the fins on the sides of his face flexing open just a little more, the way they do when he's particularly interested in what Yu is sharing with him. ]
Yeah...just you.
EXCUSE ME??? COMING FROM MS "I WANT TO KILL YOSUKE"????
[ Yu practically breathes out the words, swallowing past his heart in his throat. To all appearances he's cool and calm, but he can feel his own racing pulse. He leans in just enough to bump their foreheads together. It's not a far distance to travel. ]
That's a relief. Since I was just thinking... that I don't make a habit of going around letting people kiss me. Actually, it's just you.
[ Yosuke lowers his eyelids instinctively, sucking in an unnecessary breath through his nose. He's picked up a lot of strange habits after listening to Yu, he's realized, for someone who isn't as reliant on the breathable air on land.
Yu's forehead feels a little cold, but as he shifts slightly and bumps their noses together, Yosuke finds that the pinkness developing there is from warmth. ]
Just me?
[ He repeats the question for a lack of better lines to drop. Wait, since when was he dropping lines? ]
I KNOW, I'M JUST SAYING, I'M NOT THE ONE WHO ACTUALLY HAS KILLED HIM, YOU BLOODTHIRSTY ANIMAL
[ Is this... really happening? Can ... they even make this work? There's so much that stands between them. Yu is going to leave in a few months and he and the Investigation Team are still caught up in the middle of these murders, and even if all of that gets solved, they don't even belong to the same worlds. He's from land, Yosuke is from river, and--
And--
Yu really wants to kiss him.
It's all he can think about, at the moment. ]
That's right, [ he breathes, his own eyes lidding until they're open only a sliver. Yu hums, the sound a laughing one. ]
Maybe this is as good a time as any to tell you that I've got a crush on you. I have since we met, I think.
[ He wants to lean in. It's just a centimeter away, he can practically feel Yu's lips on his own as he speaks. Maybe he is leaning in and he doesn't even know it--yet, when Yu shares that, Yosuke pauses before pulling back, brows raised nearly into his hairline. ]
Wh...what? Seriously?
[ His stomach does a flip. ]
You--
[ Surprise slowly turns into curiosity, and then curiosity to laughter. He laughs despite the rain and the wind, despite all the things that tell him he should be cautious, he has too much on the line. But he knows he's never been so invested in someone or something before.
Without warning, Yosuke closes the distance between them and places another kiss on Yu's lips, less desperate than before. ]
[ This time there is no hiding his delight, as he makes a quiet, happy sound when Yosuke swoops in and kisses him, just like that. He's thought about this -- maybe too much. Yosuke's warmth, his bright laughter and smile blinding as the sunset glinting off the waves of the Samegawa, his curiosity and his tendency to bring anything and everything he thinks Yu might be able to talk about, that Yu might like (he caught onto that, yes), his ... everything. His beauty had been the basis of Yu's infatuation with the other boy, but his personality had done all of the rest. Yu was accustomed to finding people attractive regardless of their gender ... he just normally didn't act on it. He'd never planned to develop real feelings for another person, not here in Inaba.
But here he is, in the arms of a boy, and for just a breath of time, he finds himself perfectly happy. Yosuke won him, fully and completely.
Yu kisses Yosuke back with enthusiasm, though the kiss remains tender, sweet. He's just an obvious and active participant, tilting his head so their mouths meet just right, moving his lips against Yosuke's, smiling against his friend's mouth.
When the kiss breaks, Yu laughs and simply hugs Yosuke tightly. ]
I'd been thinking about doing that for a while, too.
[ With a happy sigh, he pulls back enough to look at his ... boyfriend? ]
As much as I'd like to stay here and kiss you... [ Yu frowns out at the water, at the rain. His legs are getting numb, and he pulls them in, onto the sand. ] ... I need to find shelter.
[ He doesn't mean alone - but he's guessing Yosuke can take these temperatures. He's not built for it, though, and hypothermia is a real concern, even in September. ]
[ Looking back on this, he'll likely find the entire situation completely ridiculous. Just minutes ago Yu nearly died, but perhaps that's all the more reason for it. No time left to lose, right? Neither of them had planned on meeting, of course, yet Yosuke's day became finding excuses to go downstream. He was worried that Yu might find that too much, strange, even. But after what Yu said, his doubts left--for the moment, at least.
He really doesn't want to break away especially when Yu starts kissing him back. The hug isn't too bad, it's just not the same. Yosuke places his hands on the either side of Yu's face when he pulls back, fingers running through short wet hair. He looks happy, almost radiant with it.
Oh.
Shelter. ]
--Ah.
[ His smile falters just a bit as the realization settles in entirely--Yu needs to go one way, Yosuke needs to go another. ]
R-Right. Um...I don't really know what is around here...
[ Ah. Yosuke really likes to touch. Yu finds himself warmed by the attention, by Yosuke's hands on his face and fingers in his hair. It feels nice.
But as much as he truly wants to keep feeling that, and as much as it wrenches at his chest to watch Yosuke's smile dim, his life is still in danger.
Yu squints out at the storm again. Briefly he turns his head and leans in to press a peck to Yosuke's lips, and then he sits up properly, worming his way out of Yosuke's arms to brace his hands on the sand. Well, one hand; the other shields his eyes as he looks out at the rain. It's futile, though. With a sigh, Yu just pulls himself entirely out of the water, though once that's done, he reaches for Yosuke. ]
I can't see anything, and I haven't been this far downriver before. Looks like we'll have to wait the rain out.
[ Truthfully, he's concerned. Staying out here, wet and cold... he could get very sick. What if something happens? Dojima will wonder... Yu huffs, blowing water out of his face as he does so. ]
[ It is a bummer, though Yosuke isn't so selfish as to put his own infatuation above Yu's wellbeing. He pulls back to give Yu room to move, taking a moment to look over his own shoulder towards the river. He'll have to stay close to shore for the right, if he goes too far out he'll just get swept by the current.
When Yu drags himself further upshore, Yosuke turns to watch. He's hesitant to take Yu's hand, though. The bottom half of his tail is still in the water. ]
Yeah. I'm fine. Kinda banged up, but I've had worse.
[ Bruised would heal. ]
I should tell you about the time I got caught on a hook.
[ He's teasing, of course. ]
But, um...you should go, but I can't come with you. [ Its harder to say than he thinks it should be, the stark reality of their different situations already settling in. It's just unfair. ] If I dry out...
[ Yu's expression softens slightly at the teasing. He really... does like Yosuke... ]
I can't go anywhere right now, [ he says honestly. ] I can't see anything, and it would be more dangerous for me to get lost by myself. I'll have to wait the storm out for a while.
[ For a moment, Yu looks at Yosuke, thoughtful. Then he peels off his soaking wet jacket - it's not keeping him warm - and drapes it over Yosuke, just over where skin fades into tail. ]
This should help keep you wet, [ he murmurs. The cloth will hold water, after all.
Given a moment to think, Yu curls up on the bank, settling as close to Yosuke as he can get without getting back in the water. He takes one of his friend's hands. ]
... besides, I won't just leave you here. Not if I can't know for sure you're safe.
[ Its really very touching that Yu doesn't want to leave him there, even though Yosuke is clearly the better off of the two of them. Yu was the one who nearly died, after all, and this isn't Yosuke's first storm. Still, giving Yosuke his jacket...the cold doesn't brother him at all, he's built for it, but the cool dampness or treating fabric feels nice. His gaze is focused on Yu and a little wondrous.
When Yu takes his hand, his tail fin starts to swish in the water in a fashion Yu has likely become familiar with when he's pleased. The fins at the sides of his favs flex curiously before Yosuke returns the hold Yu has on his hand. ]
I'll be okay. But shouldn't you get out of the rain?
I should, [ he murmurs. ] But like I said, it'll be even more dangerous if I get lost right now.
[ Yu interweaves their fingers, staying close. At least Yosuke is warm, helping to keep him from the point of starting to shiver. He can't help but note the tail swish - tail wag, he's come to think of it, if he's honest with himself. Yosuke is very much like a puppy, earnest and eager to please, and it's never hard to tell when he's happy. It's charming, but also feels a little bit like cheating, that there are such visible tells to his friend's happiness.
He's obviously concerned, too, though, and he has every reason to be. Yu presses a kiss to Yosuke's forehead before looking out at the rain. It falls in steady sheets, with no sign of letting up. He'll give it a couple more minutes before he tries venturing out there. ]
There's something else, [ he finally says, after an extended, serious silence. ] I didn't just fall into the water. [ He looks at Yosuke, grim. ] I was pushed.
[ He feels like he should probably protest more, at least coax Yu under some tree cover, but he frankly doesn't want to. He likes having Yu close, actually being able to touch him for once. He's spent most of their conversations looking up at the other boy from his position in the water, it's nice to be on even "ground", for once.
At the kiss, Yosuke closes his eyes. It's nice...he likes this. If it wasn't for the storm, it could almost be perfect... ]
Huh?
[ Wait, did he hear that right? He refocuses his attention on Yu with a growing frown. ]
[ Any version of getting Yu out of the rain requires separating him from Yosuke. Which even he can admit he doesn't want right now, though he has to defer to his own health at some point.
Yu's grip on Yosuke's hand tightens only slightly, and he nods. ]
Yeah. I felt hands on my back. [ He pauses. He's never brought up the investigation to Yosuke except in oblique ways, mostly because it's unwise and unsafe to involve anyone who doesn't have to be involved. And while it's possible for there to be other explanations for why someone would push him into the Samegawa during a horrible storm....
That shove was purposeful, and there aren't many people in town who would have reason to want him dead. In fact, there's only one. ]
[ That--is surprising. And troubling. Yosuke can't imagine that anyone wouldn't like Yu, much less dislike him enough to basically try and kill the guy. ]
Wh-what the hell!?
[ Yosuke pulls back almost immediately, pushing himself up onto his hands so he can get a better look back towards the river. ]
I didn't even--they must've been standing right there and I didn't notice a thing!
[ When no shadowy figure miraculously appears out of the gloom, Yosuke faces Yu again, his tail now slapping the water with growing anxiety. ]
[ Understatement. Yu would have been amazed if Yosuke had managed to catch sight of his assailant at all. He's quiet for a moment, meeting Yosuke's eye, serious as the grave. He wants to still Yosuke's tail, wrap this boy he likes so much up in his arms and just hang onto him, but--
life isn't always easy, or fair. ]
... ever since April of this year, there's been a string of serial murders and attempted murders. My friends and I ... are the only ones who can solve them. We've been investigating for months. [ Falling into the TV with Chie had been an accident. But when Yukiko had disappeared shortly after that... things had simply kept happening, one after the other, and when Chie said she felt like she could rely on him, well... somehow, he came to be the leader of all of it. ]
The murderer is the only person I can think of who'd want me out of the picture like that. But... [ He pauses, trailing off. It means the murderer knows who he is. It means the murderer was following him - who else would just happen to be out on a night like this? He'll have to tell the team. But what can be possibly say about why he was out tonight? The truth would require outing Yosuke. Yu's mouth turns down in a sour, unhappy frown. ]
... I'm sorry I never told you this sooner. When we first met, I ... thought we might have solved it. I kept feeling like it wasn't over, though. I should have trusted my instincts. [ This is said somewhat more coolly. He's starting to blame himself a little, not just for almost dying out here tonight, but-- who else will be at risk, because he was willing to this go? ]
[ He doesn't mean to, but he does blame himself just a little bit. He'd gone downstream because he wanted to make sure that Yu was safe, after all. How could he have missed it?
But what Yu says is surprising. Yosuke's eyes widen bit by bit. Yu and his friends...following murders? Trying to save people? He knew that Yu was a good person, but he didn't realize it went this far. To think that he might be getting close enough to the truth that someone might want him dead, too... ]
...Seriously?
[ Half-surprised, half-impressed. Yosuke seems to relax a little, lowering himself back down to his elbows. ]
No, it's fine. There's a lot we haven't told each other...
[ Which, of course, implies there's much Yosuke has yet to share as well. ]
This guy is obviously going after humans only, it's not like there's much I can do from here to help, huh?
[ It doesn't surprise him that there's much Yosuke has yet to share, as well. Honestly, Yu has not forgotten Yosuke's title, but since then, they've never talked about what it must mean, even though Yu can surmise some things. There's... so much, between them--
Yu curls his hand a little tighter through Yosuke's. ]
You can stay safe, [ he says, very seriously. ] That's more important than you think.
[ He can't imagine it would be easy for the killer to come after Yosuke. He'd have to know Yosuke was out here--
All at once, he remembers crying Yosuke?! into the dark and the rain, and the hands that had shoved him only moments later. ... what would someone think, hearing him? That he was looking for someone, but...
Yu looks at the other boy, his eyes tracing the other's profile, the shape of his jaw, the small movements of the fins on the sides of his head. Suddenly, his chest feels raw in ways that have nothing to do with having almost drowned. He'd been worried about Yosuke's safety before, but the idea of his actually being compromised, of him somehow getting thrown in the TV...
No. No, this is an absurd line of thought. There's no way it could ever happen. ]
It's-- [ he starts suddenly, and then realizes he'll have to finish the thought. Quietly, cutting his gaze down and to one side: ] --important to me.
[ A heavy silence falls between them after Yu speaks, one that even the rain and the wind can't seem to break. There's clearly a lot that's weighing on him, more than Yosuke had ever realized. Should he have noticed something sooner? For all he feels that he's learning about the human world through Yu, there's still so much he doesn't understand...and probably never will since he can't exactly experience it.
Hm...
He's not really sure how to respond. The moment feels serious in ways he's not used to when he's talking to Yu. They've discussed some deeper things before, but for the most part he feels that their interactions have been jovial, fun, thoughtful at times, but rarely sad. ]
Hey...
[ He leans down completely, resting his cheek against their joined hands. ]
I'm not that worried about getting pushed in the water.
[ It's...a joke? See?? His gaze is turned on Yu, a little unsure. Is that a bad time to make a joke? Did he just ruin it all...? ]
[ Yu stares at him, like maybe he's never quite seen him before.
And then, slowly, he starts to laugh. Laugh and laugh until it lights up his whole face, easing all the tension out of his frame. He doesn't laugh loudly - it's only barely voiced - but it's sincere and sort of relieved.
He has a good point. But mostly, it just makes Yu feel better, that Yosuke is trying to reassure him. ]
Well, I guess it's not too much of a problem for you if you get wet, right?
[ His eyes are crinkled by his smile. He leans in to give Yosuke a peck on the lips. ]
This time, when he leans in, the kiss is longer and more lingering. One of his hands even slips up to cup the side of Yosuke's face, to get a better angle for the slide of their lips in the rain.
He's clearly reluctant when he pulls away, and his misgivings are in his smile. ]
I should go.
[ It's still raining heavily, but not sheeting like it was a few minutes ago. He'll be able to navigate through it, at the very least, and he can't afford to stay much longer. ]
You sure you'll be okay to get back upstream?
[ The Samegawa is flooded right now, wild and swelled with storm water. He has faith in Yosuke, he does, but ...
... he's allowed to be concerned about someone he has feelings for, right? ]
It's just too bad that it's now, of all times. When Yu says that he should go, it's like Yosuke finally begins to notice the rain again. He knows it's right, though. Yu should go. Yosuke can withstand this weather.
Yosuke nods. ]
I'll have to wait until morning, probably, but I'll be fine.
[ There's an encouraging wave of his tail behind him. ]
[ Yu frowns softly at that, like he might say something, but after a moment, he reconsiders. There's nothing he can do for Yosuke, not except maybe come back with a wet blanket or food or-- something, and he knows Yosuke would wave him off. He's the far more at risk of the two of them and they both know it. ]
Yeah. I will. Just take care of yourself, too. I'll come back as soon as I can to check in.
[ He finds one of Yosuke's hands and squeezes, then finally completely extricates himself from the other boy's arms and pushes to his feet. Huffing a breath that blows drops of water away from his face, he lifts a hand in parting and then trudges off up the bank.
... getting back inside the house tonight is going to be complicated ... ]
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YOU WANT HIM TO DIE SO QUICKLY
He...he doesn't want to jump the gun here. And yet, somehow Yu's quiet voice is louder than the storm around them. His lips twitch into a smile that fades halfway, the fins on the sides of his face flexing open just a little more, the way they do when he's particularly interested in what Yu is sharing with him. ]
Yeah...just you.
EXCUSE ME??? COMING FROM MS "I WANT TO KILL YOSUKE"????
[ Yu practically breathes out the words, swallowing past his heart in his throat. To all appearances he's cool and calm, but he can feel his own racing pulse. He leans in just enough to bump their foreheads together. It's not a far distance to travel. ]
That's a relief. Since I was just thinking... that I don't make a habit of going around letting people kiss me. Actually, it's just you.
THAT'S WHAT THE FOAM IS GOSH
Yu's forehead feels a little cold, but as he shifts slightly and bumps their noses together, Yosuke finds that the pinkness developing there is from warmth. ]
Just me?
[ He repeats the question for a lack of better lines to drop. Wait, since when was he dropping lines? ]
I KNOW, I'M JUST SAYING, I'M NOT THE ONE WHO ACTUALLY HAS KILLED HIM, YOU BLOODTHIRSTY ANIMAL
And--
Yu really wants to kiss him.
It's all he can think about, at the moment. ]
That's right, [ he breathes, his own eyes lidding until they're open only a sliver. Yu hums, the sound a laughing one. ]
Maybe this is as good a time as any to tell you that I've got a crush on you. I have since we met, I think.
I'M NOT GOING TO KILL HIM YET GEEZ
Wh...what? Seriously?
[ His stomach does a flip. ]
You--
[ Surprise slowly turns into curiosity, and then curiosity to laughter. He laughs despite the rain and the wind, despite all the things that tell him he should be cautious, he has too much on the line. But he knows he's never been so invested in someone or something before.
Without warning, Yosuke closes the distance between them and places another kiss on Yu's lips, less desperate than before. ]
"yet"
But here he is, in the arms of a boy, and for just a breath of time, he finds himself perfectly happy. Yosuke won him, fully and completely.
Yu kisses Yosuke back with enthusiasm, though the kiss remains tender, sweet. He's just an obvious and active participant, tilting his head so their mouths meet just right, moving his lips against Yosuke's, smiling against his friend's mouth.
When the kiss breaks, Yu laughs and simply hugs Yosuke tightly. ]
I'd been thinking about doing that for a while, too.
[ With a happy sigh, he pulls back enough to look at his ... boyfriend? ]
As much as I'd like to stay here and kiss you... [ Yu frowns out at the water, at the rain. His legs are getting numb, and he pulls them in, onto the sand. ] ... I need to find shelter.
[ He doesn't mean alone - but he's guessing Yosuke can take these temperatures. He's not built for it, though, and hypothermia is a real concern, even in September. ]
yet
He really doesn't want to break away especially when Yu starts kissing him back. The hug isn't too bad, it's just not the same. Yosuke places his hands on the either side of Yu's face when he pulls back, fingers running through short wet hair. He looks happy, almost radiant with it.
Oh.
Shelter. ]
--Ah.
[ His smile falters just a bit as the realization settles in entirely--Yu needs to go one way, Yosuke needs to go another. ]
R-Right. Um...I don't really know what is around here...
please don't murder yu's new fish boyfriend
But as much as he truly wants to keep feeling that, and as much as it wrenches at his chest to watch Yosuke's smile dim, his life is still in danger.
Yu squints out at the storm again. Briefly he turns his head and leans in to press a peck to Yosuke's lips, and then he sits up properly, worming his way out of Yosuke's arms to brace his hands on the sand. Well, one hand; the other shields his eyes as he looks out at the rain. It's futile, though. With a sigh, Yu just pulls himself entirely out of the water, though once that's done, he reaches for Yosuke. ]
I can't see anything, and I haven't been this far downriver before. Looks like we'll have to wait the rain out.
[ Truthfully, he's concerned. Staying out here, wet and cold... he could get very sick. What if something happens? Dojima will wonder... Yu huffs, blowing water out of his face as he does so. ]
... are you alright? I haven't asked.
i won't (probably)
When Yu drags himself further upshore, Yosuke turns to watch. He's hesitant to take Yu's hand, though. The bottom half of his tail is still in the water. ]
Yeah. I'm fine. Kinda banged up, but I've had worse.
[ Bruised would heal. ]
I should tell you about the time I got caught on a hook.
[ He's teasing, of course. ]
But, um...you should go, but I can't come with you. [ Its harder to say than he thinks it should be, the stark reality of their different situations already settling in. It's just unfair. ] If I dry out...
NO NOT PROBABLY
I can't go anywhere right now, [ he says honestly. ] I can't see anything, and it would be more dangerous for me to get lost by myself. I'll have to wait the storm out for a while.
[ For a moment, Yu looks at Yosuke, thoughtful. Then he peels off his soaking wet jacket - it's not keeping him warm - and drapes it over Yosuke, just over where skin fades into tail. ]
This should help keep you wet, [ he murmurs. The cloth will hold water, after all.
Given a moment to think, Yu curls up on the bank, settling as close to Yosuke as he can get without getting back in the water. He takes one of his friend's hands. ]
... besides, I won't just leave you here. Not if I can't know for sure you're safe.
80%
When Yu takes his hand, his tail fin starts to swish in the water in a fashion Yu has likely become familiar with when he's pleased. The fins at the sides of his favs flex curiously before Yosuke returns the hold Yu has on his hand. ]
I'll be okay. But shouldn't you get out of the rain?
no :|
[ Yu interweaves their fingers, staying close. At least Yosuke is warm, helping to keep him from the point of starting to shiver. He can't help but note the tail swish - tail wag, he's come to think of it, if he's honest with himself. Yosuke is very much like a puppy, earnest and eager to please, and it's never hard to tell when he's happy. It's charming, but also feels a little bit like cheating, that there are such visible tells to his friend's happiness.
He's obviously concerned, too, though, and he has every reason to be. Yu presses a kiss to Yosuke's forehead before looking out at the rain. It falls in steady sheets, with no sign of letting up. He'll give it a couple more minutes before he tries venturing out there. ]
There's something else, [ he finally says, after an extended, serious silence. ] I didn't just fall into the water. [ He looks at Yosuke, grim. ] I was pushed.
82%
At the kiss, Yosuke closes his eyes. It's nice...he likes this. If it wasn't for the storm, it could almost be perfect... ]
Huh?
[ Wait, did he hear that right? He refocuses his attention on Yu with a growing frown. ]
Pushed? Are you serious?
IM GONNA FIGHT YOU!!!!!
Yu's grip on Yosuke's hand tightens only slightly, and he nods. ]
Yeah. I felt hands on my back. [ He pauses. He's never brought up the investigation to Yosuke except in oblique ways, mostly because it's unwise and unsafe to involve anyone who doesn't have to be involved. And while it's possible for there to be other explanations for why someone would push him into the Samegawa during a horrible storm....
That shove was purposeful, and there aren't many people in town who would have reason to want him dead. In fact, there's only one. ]
It was no accident.
COME AT ME BRO
Wh-what the hell!?
[ Yosuke pulls back almost immediately, pushing himself up onto his hands so he can get a better look back towards the river. ]
I didn't even--they must've been standing right there and I didn't notice a thing!
[ When no shadowy figure miraculously appears out of the gloom, Yosuke faces Yu again, his tail now slapping the water with growing anxiety. ]
Who would do that?
FIGHTS U. W MY MOUTH. ON UR MOUTH
Don't blame yourself. It happened pretty fast.
[ Understatement. Yu would have been amazed if Yosuke had managed to catch sight of his assailant at all. He's quiet for a moment, meeting Yosuke's eye, serious as the grave. He wants to still Yosuke's tail, wrap this boy he likes so much up in his arms and just hang onto him, but--
life isn't always easy, or fair. ]
... ever since April of this year, there's been a string of serial murders and attempted murders. My friends and I ... are the only ones who can solve them. We've been investigating for months. [ Falling into the TV with Chie had been an accident. But when Yukiko had disappeared shortly after that... things had simply kept happening, one after the other, and when Chie said she felt like she could rely on him, well... somehow, he came to be the leader of all of it. ]
The murderer is the only person I can think of who'd want me out of the picture like that. But... [ He pauses, trailing off. It means the murderer knows who he is. It means the murderer was following him - who else would just happen to be out on a night like this? He'll have to tell the team. But what can be possibly say about why he was out tonight? The truth would require outing Yosuke. Yu's mouth turns down in a sour, unhappy frown. ]
... I'm sorry I never told you this sooner. When we first met, I ... thought we might have solved it. I kept feeling like it wasn't over, though. I should have trusted my instincts. [ This is said somewhat more coolly. He's starting to blame himself a little, not just for almost dying out here tonight, but-- who else will be at risk, because he was willing to this go? ]
omg
But what Yu says is surprising. Yosuke's eyes widen bit by bit. Yu and his friends...following murders? Trying to save people? He knew that Yu was a good person, but he didn't realize it went this far. To think that he might be getting close enough to the truth that someone might want him dead, too... ]
...Seriously?
[ Half-surprised, half-impressed. Yosuke seems to relax a little, lowering himself back down to his elbows. ]
No, it's fine. There's a lot we haven't told each other...
[ Which, of course, implies there's much Yosuke has yet to share as well. ]
This guy is obviously going after humans only, it's not like there's much I can do from here to help, huh?
[ His tail droops a little at the thought. ]
:)?
Yu curls his hand a little tighter through Yosuke's. ]
You can stay safe, [ he says, very seriously. ] That's more important than you think.
[ He can't imagine it would be easy for the killer to come after Yosuke. He'd have to know Yosuke was out here--
All at once, he remembers crying Yosuke?! into the dark and the rain, and the hands that had shoved him only moments later. ... what would someone think, hearing him? That he was looking for someone, but...
Yu looks at the other boy, his eyes tracing the other's profile, the shape of his jaw, the small movements of the fins on the sides of his head. Suddenly, his chest feels raw in ways that have nothing to do with having almost drowned. He'd been worried about Yosuke's safety before, but the idea of his actually being compromised, of him somehow getting thrown in the TV...
No. No, this is an absurd line of thought. There's no way it could ever happen. ]
It's-- [ he starts suddenly, and then realizes he'll have to finish the thought. Quietly, cutting his gaze down and to one side: ] --important to me.
you're ridiculous
Hm...
He's not really sure how to respond. The moment feels serious in ways he's not used to when he's talking to Yu. They've discussed some deeper things before, but for the most part he feels that their interactions have been jovial, fun, thoughtful at times, but rarely sad. ]
Hey...
[ He leans down completely, resting his cheek against their joined hands. ]
I'm not that worried about getting pushed in the water.
[ It's...a joke? See?? His gaze is turned on Yu, a little unsure. Is that a bad time to make a joke? Did he just ruin it all...? ]
is this a problem
And then, slowly, he starts to laugh. Laugh and laugh until it lights up his whole face, easing all the tension out of his frame. He doesn't laugh loudly - it's only barely voiced - but it's sincere and sort of relieved.
He has a good point. But mostly, it just makes Yu feel better, that Yosuke is trying to reassure him. ]
Well, I guess it's not too much of a problem for you if you get wet, right?
[ His eyes are crinkled by his smile. He leans in to give Yosuke a peck on the lips. ]
maybe a good problem
It is totally worth it. It warms his chest and widens the smile on his lips to see Yu like that. The kiss doesn't hurt, either. ]
I think I can handle it.
o-oh [swoon.jpg]
This time, when he leans in, the kiss is longer and more lingering. One of his hands even slips up to cup the side of Yosuke's face, to get a better angle for the slide of their lips in the rain.
He's clearly reluctant when he pulls away, and his misgivings are in his smile. ]
I should go.
[ It's still raining heavily, but not sheeting like it was a few minutes ago. He'll be able to navigate through it, at the very least, and he can't afford to stay much longer. ]
You sure you'll be okay to get back upstream?
[ The Samegawa is flooded right now, wild and swelled with storm water. He has faith in Yosuke, he does, but ...
... he's allowed to be concerned about someone he has feelings for, right? ]
iamherenow.jpg
It's just too bad that it's now, of all times. When Yu says that he should go, it's like Yosuke finally begins to notice the rain again. He knows it's right, though. Yu should go. Yosuke can withstand this weather.
Yosuke nods. ]
I'll have to wait until morning, probably, but I'll be fine.
[ There's an encouraging wave of his tail behind him. ]
Just be careful...okay?
faints gracefully in your strong arms
Yeah. I will. Just take care of yourself, too. I'll come back as soon as I can to check in.
[ He finds one of Yosuke's hands and squeezes, then finally completely extricates himself from the other boy's arms and pushes to his feet. Huffing a breath that blows drops of water away from his face, he lifts a hand in parting and then trudges off up the bank.
... getting back inside the house tonight is going to be complicated ... ]