twostringsonebow

[Akira's hand is warm and Goro wishes he were just a bit braver, just a bit more, but it's better that he's not. This is nice. Friends is a step forward, and that is nice, too nice to lose. Doesn't mean he's gonna pull away though, Akira's fully capable of doing that himself.]

It was the first thing on my mind, though I suppose for most people that would be the case. Am I required to tell you what it is?

Not required.

[ It would be too much to ask for, he thinks. While he is curious, it shouldn't be too hard to guess it be a dream, family, or friends... Those usually hit the top. He retracts his hand now, but with a lingering graze along Goro's knuckles. ]

How easy was it for you to decide?

[Lord, he is gay tonight. His hand burns and he's laying back, rubbing his knuckles idly as he ignores the flutters in his stomach in favor of staring at the sparkling stars.]

Almost too easy, honestly, though I suppose that's worrying in its own way.

[Goro glances at Akira, smile curious.]

It's an interesting test to teach someone, though it begs the question of why.

[ For some reason, that answer kind of stings. Almost too easy. He's sure Goro doesn't mean it in the way he interprets it. Not at all. He rests his open palms against the platform as he watches the stars, too. To think he used to do this alone... The presence next to him is warm, foreign, but comforting.

Morrigan planting himself onto his lap is also nice. Kitty gets pets. ]

My mother told me it's a test to show how easy or hard it is for you to throw everything else away. It's silly, right?

[... Oh. Oh, that turns this into something new, and those butterflies drop dead in his gut.]

I don't know if I'd call it silly, but... it certainly is something. It turns my "almost too easy" into "not easy enough", even if the answer remains the same.

[He wonders what sort of things are important to Akira, which he can afford to lose and what he can't. Maybe he'll ask him another night.]

[ He remembers what his mother said exactly. It rings in his ears, "if you can pick the most important thing to you quickly, that's how easy it is." It... sounds lonely. Whatever, it's in the past. It's also dumb. Nothing Goro says will make him think otherwise. ]

I wouldn't use it unless you have to make a decision.

[ Lesson learned. He hopes that day never comes, but it's also better to transition to happier things. ]

So I found Morrigan in a box on a rainy day and took him home. It seemed like he was the runt of his litter.

[ As if on cue, Morrigan squints. ]

I'd say he still is.

[Sorry Morrigan. He's thankful for the topic change though, chuckling softly.]

But you're the type of person who does that, hmm? How admirable.

[like a bad boy in a shoujo. except he's not as delinquent as them]

[ Morrigan seems peeved, but it might be because of the time of day. The cat lazily closes his eyes on Akira's lap, possibly trying to sleep now. Gently, he shoves Goro's shoulder. ]

What's that supposed to mean? [ It's a compliment, but still... He's feeling attacked for being predictable. ] I'm sure you would have done the same.

Of course. I'm just saying that it fits you.

[He's not sure why, but he can absolutely see Akira just kind of picking up strays, even beyond Morrigan. Maybe it's because he's aware that Silver's his friend now and Silver's as stray as they come. Goro yawns a little, rubbing his face.]

Animals are easy to get along with, aren't they? A little act of kindness can go a long way with them, or so I understand, but that doesn't mean they're pushovers... and though I know there's people out there who probably looked at Morrigan and just walked away for whatever reason -- they don't like cats, they can't handle taking one in, he's too small -- I can't imagine ever meeting someone who would. Or did. I don't think I'd like them very much, honestly.

[ Maybe because Akira is a stray. Birds of a feather flock together cause he definitely did not pick Silver up like a stray cat. The lack of sleep is finally taking its toll on him, so he returns to leaning against Goro. ]

Everyone has a story. [ That's what he tells himself, so he can't blame those that pass by as much as he would like. ] But I probably wouldn't like them much, either.

[ Yawns are unfortunately contagious. Akira starts first, then his cat follows after. ]

We should head home.

[ But he doesn't budge? What is energy? ]

[Oh, no. He certainly doesn't want to leave. Between the two of them he's probably got the will to go through with it, but... this is nice, the weight and warmth. It's tempting to just accommodate Akira more, huddle in close, indulge himself a little more--]

Probably. Sleeping in the park is just asking for someone to draw on your face or steal your things.

[So he moves away reluctantly, first taking away Morrigan to cradle carefully in his arm and then taking Akira's hand to pull him up. Goro's not sure if Akira'll walk without help, so his grip's firm.]

Let me walk you home. I did ask you out, after all, it's the least I can do.

[ Akira grumbles as Goro leaves his side and takes not only his cat but also his hand. Begrudgingly, he's pulled to his feet, slouching forward with his eyes shut. At this time in his life, he wishes he was a cat so Goro can just carry him home. That would be a lot easier than going the distance and sneaking back into his room. ]

Do we have to...?

[ It's a soft whine as he rubs his eyes with his free hand. ]

[He's so, so cute, and Goro gentles his voice as he starts along, just on the edge of laughing.]

Yes, Akira. While I'd love to spend the rest of the night with you -- it's been fun, and I'd like to do it again -- it's best that you two get home. Morrigan shouldn't stay out longer than needed.

[... There's the brief thought of bringing him back for a sleepover, but that is not happening, no sir.]

[ With half-lidded eyes, he only gives Goro a look of slight annoyance. He can literally just pass out in the structure yonder that has a little roof and be fine. Morrigan can sleep in his arms. It would be perfect?

With an exasperated sigh, he follows after Goro obediently. He's quiet for most of the trip back, probably crashing because he drank coffee before heading over to the Akechi complex (bad idea). ]

Why do I feel like we're going to wake up like death?

Because neither of us are morning people, probably.

[Well. Goro isn't, at least. But from the sounds of it, neither is Akira. He adjusts Morrigan in his arm and yawns lightly, shaking the sleep out for just a little while longer.]

I hope you don't regret it too much.

[ He's a little slow on picking up sentences and words right now. Actually, he can barely form them in his mind, but regret is definitely not a word he feels strongly right now. ]

No, I don't. It was fun.

[ No need to lie. ]

[He's so out of it. At least the Kurusu residence isn't much farther, if his memory serves him well.]

I'll try not to disturb your sleep schedule too much anyway. [More teasingly:] You need the beauty sleep.

I think being able to afford panda eyes is as much of as luxury as beauty.

[ You can tell when he's seriously out of it when what he says makes no sense. ]

Better put on five eye masks before you go to bed tonight. Today? This morning.

I'll take your words to heart, Akira, really. But I think I'll just put on some cover up when I wake up like I usually do.

[... God, he has something to do today, he has shopping with Silver to do and all he's gonna be able to think about is their little outing tonight.]

[ "Like I usually do"? He squints at him for a bit. This doesn't sound right to him. Hm. ]

Remember to take care of yourself, Goro.

[ Akira's place is within sight now. Morrigan instantly stirs, as if sensing their home with some kind of feline ESP. ]

[Please don't jump out of his arms, Morrigan, just make it a little farther.]

I do, don't worry. These kinds of nights don't happen that often, though I will admit that I've gotten more restful sleeps now that school is done with...

[Boy, he cannot wait for college.]

Don't remind me...

[ Their peaceful summer will soon end when school hits. Akira, while kind of excited, doesn't want to think about the piles of schoolwork that wait for them. Finally, they reach Akira's place and he's back to rubbing his eyes under his glasses again. ]

Thanks for coming out so late. [ Early. ] Will you be fine heading back on your own?

[Goro hugs Morrigan gently, then reluctantly hands him over. He's left with empty hands, cupped in front of him to keep them still.]

I will be. And I should be thanking you, Akira, for indulging me in the first place. Maybe we can spend a night on the beach sometime? I'm certain the stars will look even prettier there. Well, if Retrospec hasn't taken them away.

That just means we should go sooner than later, right?

[ If this was what Goro had intended, then what a smart boy. Akira cradles Morrigan in his arms, realizing that the weight is... Actually kind of heavy. Maybe he should stop giving his cat snacks.

With the drag of his feet, he opens the door to his place, ready to head in, but— ]

Take care, Goro.

[One beat, two, he's kind of netted himself a second date in a sense, even if it's more social engagement than anything Elizabeth would require him to kiss after. His heart is squeezing pleasantly.]

Sleep well, Akira. I'm looking forward to our next outing.

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