Otabek Altin (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
bypasser) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
maskormenacelogs2017-07-30 10:55 pm
bypasser) wrote in maskormenacelogs2017-07-30 10:55 pm
[Otabek takes dating seriously, probably too much for someone as young as he is, but he's never spent much time on personal matters so this is all new.
And intense, it's extremely intense. He's always known exactly what he wants and what he has to do to get it. Now, Yuri's, Yusuke's, and his own happiness is on the line, and he feels the pressure to make the right choices. He thought this could be a solution that would work for all three of them. A romance that included all three, together, if that was something that people could do. He'd just asked Yusuke out, planned for them all to meet in a few days, and he already had a lot he wanted to say.
But first, to see if him and Yusuke could connect if they were looking at each other in a romantic way.
He'd invited Yusuke to his apartment for breakfast (which he didn't make but ordered from his favorite cafe and spread out on a blanket in the middle of his bedroom) and he was optimistic, hopeful. He'd also gotten him a gift, wrapped up in mint green paper sitting on the floor next to Yusuke's side. When the other knocks at his door, Otabek pulls it open with a tentative smile, reaching for Yusuke's hand to rush him to his room. He promptly shuts the beddoor behind them and turns back to explain.]
My roommate might still be sleeping. I didn't want to wake her.
[He's all dressed up for the date, too.]
Sit. Please.
And intense, it's extremely intense. He's always known exactly what he wants and what he has to do to get it. Now, Yuri's, Yusuke's, and his own happiness is on the line, and he feels the pressure to make the right choices. He thought this could be a solution that would work for all three of them. A romance that included all three, together, if that was something that people could do. He'd just asked Yusuke out, planned for them all to meet in a few days, and he already had a lot he wanted to say.
But first, to see if him and Yusuke could connect if they were looking at each other in a romantic way.
He'd invited Yusuke to his apartment for breakfast (which he didn't make but ordered from his favorite cafe and spread out on a blanket in the middle of his bedroom) and he was optimistic, hopeful. He'd also gotten him a gift, wrapped up in mint green paper sitting on the floor next to Yusuke's side. When the other knocks at his door, Otabek pulls it open with a tentative smile, reaching for Yusuke's hand to rush him to his room. He promptly shuts the beddoor behind them and turns back to explain.]
My roommate might still be sleeping. I didn't want to wake her.
[He's all dressed up for the date, too.]
Sit. Please.
[Settling into his new apartment had been easy and that was all thanks to Laurie. She was friendly and that made the transition simple, comfortable. Otabek had slowly begun to spend more and more time there, less at the place issued to him by the government. Partly because he was happier in Heropa - lot of that had to do with the friends he had and was making there. Laurie was one of them.
It's late, closer to midnight andgrandpa Otabek should have gone to his room already since he was an early to bed and early to rise kind of person but there was some stuff on his mind. He needed to talk about. He sets the book in his hands down, glancing over at Laurie who is at the other end of the couch.]
I haven't asked yet, but we're friends aren't we?
[They were getting to know each other still and he knew roommates didn't automatically mean friends, but he had to ask.]
The kind of friends that open up and tell each other private matters.
It's late, closer to midnight and
I haven't asked yet, but we're friends aren't we?
[They were getting to know each other still and he knew roommates didn't automatically mean friends, but he had to ask.]
The kind of friends that open up and tell each other private matters.
[ Laurie's working through some last-minute marketing work, comparing and editing blurbs that are all grouped together in a stack of paper. She got her legs curled under her and the end of her pen in the mouth when the silence it broken, and she almost jumps at the sudden noise, mild as it is. ]
S-sure. I mean, yes. [ She's still a little bad at determining closeness and when people cross those lines, but nobody's scrutinizing that right now. Otabek obviously has something he wants to say, if he's brought it up. Laurie unfolds herself to better face him, leaning forward for a moment to set her work down on the coffee table. ] I didn't mean to sound hesitant.
What's up?
S-sure. I mean, yes. [ She's still a little bad at determining closeness and when people cross those lines, but nobody's scrutinizing that right now. Otabek obviously has something he wants to say, if he's brought it up. Laurie unfolds herself to better face him, leaning forward for a moment to set her work down on the coffee table. ] I didn't mean to sound hesitant.
What's up?
[ He should have asked for some time to think about this. Yusuke had been asked out or confessed to a number of times in his life, but nothing he decided to persue. He had always been busy, either with his work, or too sheltered under the thumb of his foster father to have much interest. Back home, saying no was easier, nobody really saw him for who he was until the Phantom Thieves came around, all those rejected romances were focused on was his pretty face.
Here, relationships are harder to navigate. He had gotten to know a lot of people rather quickly, and the web between them all was getting more intricate each day. Not being able to return peoples' feelings was harder than he remembered, because they knew him intimately and cared about him even after being told no, but the only person he really saw that way was dating another person, in addition to Yusuke. That was hard enough to swallow, without whatever it was that Otabek was suggesting.
Yusuke is an open person, but this is unconventional, even by his standards. It was hard enough to focus so much of himself so fully on one person, even if they did hit it off today, how was he supposed to manage two? How would that even work, logistically?
He's trying not to be nervous, trying to take things as they come. So, he isn't sure what to expect when he knocks on Otabek's door. He wasn't expecting to be dragged to his bedroom, that much was for sure, and he certainly wasn't expecting all of this. ]
This is beautiful, Otabek. You put this together in a day?
[ He sits when prompted, his legs folding neatly underneath him while he tucks his hair behind his ear. The skater can turn on the charm, it seems. If Yusuke's almost shy smile is anything to go by, it's working. ]
Here, relationships are harder to navigate. He had gotten to know a lot of people rather quickly, and the web between them all was getting more intricate each day. Not being able to return peoples' feelings was harder than he remembered, because they knew him intimately and cared about him even after being told no, but the only person he really saw that way was dating another person, in addition to Yusuke. That was hard enough to swallow, without whatever it was that Otabek was suggesting.
Yusuke is an open person, but this is unconventional, even by his standards. It was hard enough to focus so much of himself so fully on one person, even if they did hit it off today, how was he supposed to manage two? How would that even work, logistically?
He's trying not to be nervous, trying to take things as they come. So, he isn't sure what to expect when he knocks on Otabek's door. He wasn't expecting to be dragged to his bedroom, that much was for sure, and he certainly wasn't expecting all of this. ]
This is beautiful, Otabek. You put this together in a day?
[ He sits when prompted, his legs folding neatly underneath him while he tucks his hair behind his ear. The skater can turn on the charm, it seems. If Yusuke's almost shy smile is anything to go by, it's working. ]
It's alright. I didn't phrase it correctly. We're roommates but I would like us to be friends.
[He didn't have that many friends. Yuri, yes. There were others but it was a slow process and that was probably more his fault than anyone else's. If him and Laurie could be friends, it would make him happy, and he'd put in the effort needed to make that happen.]
I wanted to talk to someone about dating. Someone that I trust to tell me the truth.
[Otabek hasn't known her for very long but she didn't appear to be dishonest, at least he didn't think she would be.]
[He didn't have that many friends. Yuri, yes. There were others but it was a slow process and that was probably more his fault than anyone else's. If him and Laurie could be friends, it would make him happy, and he'd put in the effort needed to make that happen.]
I wanted to talk to someone about dating. Someone that I trust to tell me the truth.
[Otabek hasn't known her for very long but she didn't appear to be dishonest, at least he didn't think she would be.]
[Otabek nods, sitting across from Yusuke on the floor. There's small boxes of food, plates, and a drink holder with four drinks tucked inside.]
I didn't make it. I'm afraid I'm not much of cook, though I'm willing to learn.
[He lifts the drink holder and sets it closer.]
This is from my favorite cafe. There is a chai tea, hot chocolate, and orange juice. I didn't know what you would like and wanted to give you options.
[His room is bare, not much more than the bed, his clothes, and the blanket spread out in the middle of the floor with the food on it. Otabek hasn't had the money to fill it up, but he doesn't mind that. He's saving for something bigger.]
The package, it's for you. I thought you might like a gift.
[A memento, of sorts. One that he hopes Yusuke will see the humor in and maybe think of their meeting as a fond event.]
I didn't make it. I'm afraid I'm not much of cook, though I'm willing to learn.
[He lifts the drink holder and sets it closer.]
This is from my favorite cafe. There is a chai tea, hot chocolate, and orange juice. I didn't know what you would like and wanted to give you options.
[His room is bare, not much more than the bed, his clothes, and the blanket spread out in the middle of the floor with the food on it. Otabek hasn't had the money to fill it up, but he doesn't mind that. He's saving for something bigger.]
The package, it's for you. I thought you might like a gift.
[A memento, of sorts. One that he hopes Yusuke will see the humor in and maybe think of their meeting as a fond event.]
Neither am I. Akira tried teaching me how to make curry, once, it was a disaster. I need much more practice.
[ He considers his options while he talks, eventually reaching for the chai and taking a warm, slow sip. Whether he made it all or not, it was still very thoughtful, and Yusuke can more than appreciate that. The smile pulling at his lips doesn't fade, it only grows curious as his attention is pulled to the mint green package. Long, steady fingers pull back the paper with care, Yusuke isn't one to make a mess in his own home, much less someone else's. ]
You really didn't have to go through all this trouble over me.
[ His nerves mean an insistance on modesty, but it cracks when the paper is pulled back enough to reveal the portrait in full. That smile bursts wide open, with a laugh that has him throwing his head back. ]
Really? Again with the ice cream?
[ Yusuke gives it a long, fond look, and sets down his tea so that he can angle the painting in such a way that he see both it and Otabek at the same time. He holds his fingers up in front of his face, as if sketching something of his own I side his head, until he seems satisfied. ]
I love it. Thank you. Any more surprises?
[ He considers his options while he talks, eventually reaching for the chai and taking a warm, slow sip. Whether he made it all or not, it was still very thoughtful, and Yusuke can more than appreciate that. The smile pulling at his lips doesn't fade, it only grows curious as his attention is pulled to the mint green package. Long, steady fingers pull back the paper with care, Yusuke isn't one to make a mess in his own home, much less someone else's. ]
You really didn't have to go through all this trouble over me.
[ His nerves mean an insistance on modesty, but it cracks when the paper is pulled back enough to reveal the portrait in full. That smile bursts wide open, with a laugh that has him throwing his head back. ]
Really? Again with the ice cream?
[ Yusuke gives it a long, fond look, and sets down his tea so that he can angle the painting in such a way that he see both it and Otabek at the same time. He holds his fingers up in front of his face, as if sketching something of his own I side his head, until he seems satisfied. ]
I love it. Thank you. Any more surprises?
Oh.
[ It's a note of slight surprise. She wouldn't assume she comes off as a person who knows much about that, but then... Otabek's not one of those who's watched her dating history here fail to flower anything substantial. That's not really important, though, is it? He's asking for honest opinion, which she can probably give easily.
She's practical now, for all that she lacks practical use for her measured reasoning when it comes to others. ]
Well, I'll do my best. Hopefully I'm up to scratch.
[ It's a note of slight surprise. She wouldn't assume she comes off as a person who knows much about that, but then... Otabek's not one of those who's watched her dating history here fail to flower anything substantial. That's not really important, though, is it? He's asking for honest opinion, which she can probably give easily.
She's practical now, for all that she lacks practical use for her measured reasoning when it comes to others. ]
Well, I'll do my best. Hopefully I'm up to scratch.
[Otabek sits up a little straighter, only to lean back again. His hands fidget in his lap - an uncharacteristic display of nerves. There was a lot on his mind that he wanted to say but he didn't know where to start.]
There's someone from back home, his name is Yuri. I asked him on a date and while we were out, he told me that another had confessed feelings for him.
[He looks down at his hands.]
At first, I was jealous. I couldn't demand that Yuri choose me when we've only just begun. I wanted that, but it wouldn't be right. He needs time to decide and.. [A pause.] I only want him to pick me if that's what he truly wants.
Someone suggested that we all date. The three of us date each other, together.
I want to try that but I find myself confused about how to feel about it.
There's someone from back home, his name is Yuri. I asked him on a date and while we were out, he told me that another had confessed feelings for him.
[He looks down at his hands.]
At first, I was jealous. I couldn't demand that Yuri choose me when we've only just begun. I wanted that, but it wouldn't be right. He needs time to decide and.. [A pause.] I only want him to pick me if that's what he truly wants.
Someone suggested that we all date. The three of us date each other, together.
I want to try that but I find myself confused about how to feel about it.
We should practice together.
[Otabek follows suit, picking up a drink and taking a sip. His head cants to the side as he watches Yusuke open the gift, brows lifting in pleasure at the response he gets - it's nice, seeing the way he smiles and the laugh that's genuine. Otabek enjoys being the reason that people are happy, soaks up their displays of joy.]
I knew you liked art and thought a painting would fit. The ice cream caught my eye.
[He doesn't know what Yusuke is doing with his hands, but a small smile of his own curves his mouth, Otabek leaning in as if he's telling a secret.]
You must wait to find out.
[Reaching for a box, he opens it and picks a pastry for himself, setting it on his plate. He taps a few buttons on his phone, turning on some music to play softly in the background.]
I thought we could play a game while we sit. I ask a question and answer it. You respond then do the same.
[A beat.]
What is your favorite place?
[Otabek follows suit, picking up a drink and taking a sip. His head cants to the side as he watches Yusuke open the gift, brows lifting in pleasure at the response he gets - it's nice, seeing the way he smiles and the laugh that's genuine. Otabek enjoys being the reason that people are happy, soaks up their displays of joy.]
I knew you liked art and thought a painting would fit. The ice cream caught my eye.
[He doesn't know what Yusuke is doing with his hands, but a small smile of his own curves his mouth, Otabek leaning in as if he's telling a secret.]
You must wait to find out.
[Reaching for a box, he opens it and picks a pastry for himself, setting it on his plate. He taps a few buttons on his phone, turning on some music to play softly in the background.]
I thought we could play a game while we sit. I ask a question and answer it. You respond then do the same.
[A beat.]
What is your favorite place?
I can give it another try, if you watch and make sure I don't burn myself.
[ Leaning in is changing the composition of the frame! But...he doesn't mind. That little smile catches his eye, and Yusuke lets out a little huff of air, half amused, half still nervous. After a moment of just stupidly staring, he starts making himself a plate - some sausages, a croissant, some chopped fruit - and happily pops a piece of melon into his mouth as he thinks. ]
Okay. My favorite place is in Tokyo. It is a coffee shop called Leblanc that Akira and Futaba's guardian owns. I left my mother's portrait there for safekeeping. My favorite place here is the park downtown. It's peaceful, until people start practicing their powers, and then it's fascinating. And yours?
[ Leaning in is changing the composition of the frame! But...he doesn't mind. That little smile catches his eye, and Yusuke lets out a little huff of air, half amused, half still nervous. After a moment of just stupidly staring, he starts making himself a plate - some sausages, a croissant, some chopped fruit - and happily pops a piece of melon into his mouth as he thinks. ]
Okay. My favorite place is in Tokyo. It is a coffee shop called Leblanc that Akira and Futaba's guardian owns. I left my mother's portrait there for safekeeping. My favorite place here is the park downtown. It's peaceful, until people start practicing their powers, and then it's fascinating. And yours?
We should have Yura there, as well. He knows more about cooking than I do.
[Otabek decides, at that little huff, that this is going to go well. He'd had his reservations, nerves ticking up the night before, but things are going smoothly. Besides, Yusuke is sweet when he's not upset with him.]
Tokyo is a lovely place. Mine is Kazakhstan, my home. I had only recently returned before arriving in Cape Canaveral. Here, I like the ice rink and the park where we met. It's quiet there.
[He takes another drink, fiddling with his muffin.]
Your turn.
[Otabek decides, at that little huff, that this is going to go well. He'd had his reservations, nerves ticking up the night before, but things are going smoothly. Besides, Yusuke is sweet when he's not upset with him.]
Tokyo is a lovely place. Mine is Kazakhstan, my home. I had only recently returned before arriving in Cape Canaveral. Here, I like the ice rink and the park where we met. It's quiet there.
[He takes another drink, fiddling with his muffin.]
Your turn.
Your favorite place is all of Kazakhstan? You can't say that, any more than I can say all of Japan! You're cheating already.
[ Yusuke gives him a teasing grin, fingers wrapping around the still warm cup of tea again and bringing it to his lips long enough for Otabek to answer for real, if inclined. ]
What makes you angrier than anything?
[ Yusuke gives him a teasing grin, fingers wrapping around the still warm cup of tea again and bringing it to his lips long enough for Otabek to answer for real, if inclined. ]
What makes you angrier than anything?
Yes. [He shakes his head with a small laugh.] I like the ice rink there, where I first learned to skate.
[Otabek enjoyed many of the places where he'd grown up, but that one specifically.]
When people hurt those I care about. It makes me irrational. You?
[His next question comes easily.]
What is your least favorite thing to do?
[Otabek enjoyed many of the places where he'd grown up, but that one specifically.]
When people hurt those I care about. It makes me irrational. You?
[His next question comes easily.]
What is your least favorite thing to do?
People who abuse their power. I suppose your answer would fall under that, too. I have seen too much of it to have any tolerance left.
[ The words may be severe, but he delivers them with a shrug, it's just a matter of fact, a common trait among all the Phantom Thieves. Not thought about. Not rehearsed. It just is.
If one was looking for an answer as to why he had such a hard time forgiving Adachi, well, look no further. ]
I have a strong distaste for long car rides. They make me ill.
[ No distaste for these sausages, though. They are delicious, and Yusuke, as usual, is starving. He chews slowly, savoring, eyes on Otabek throughout, searching his expression. ]
What are you embarrassed about?
[ The words may be severe, but he delivers them with a shrug, it's just a matter of fact, a common trait among all the Phantom Thieves. Not thought about. Not rehearsed. It just is.
If one was looking for an answer as to why he had such a hard time forgiving Adachi, well, look no further. ]
I have a strong distaste for long car rides. They make me ill.
[ No distaste for these sausages, though. They are delicious, and Yusuke, as usual, is starving. He chews slowly, savoring, eyes on Otabek throughout, searching his expression. ]
What are you embarrassed about?
Wow. That's... [ Way more complicated that she'd have guessed. A rapid development. How do people even get into these situations? ] That's something.
[ She takes a deep breath and shakes her head slightly, as if to shake off her obvious surprise at the unconventional situation that Otabek found himself in. ]
Not that I'm-- That's not dreadful or anything, it's just... It's understandable that you'd have reservations, and for somebody to suggest that you form a threesome-type-thing is a bit... I don't know. I'd find that dismissive. It may not be a solution that validates your needs or acknowledges your feelings, you know?
[ Not that she want to dismiss that suggestion entirely. Otabek's said that he finds himself willing to try it, at least for the most part. That's as relevant as any other feeling he may have on the matter. ]
How to do you feel about the third party?
[ She takes a deep breath and shakes her head slightly, as if to shake off her obvious surprise at the unconventional situation that Otabek found himself in. ]
Not that I'm-- That's not dreadful or anything, it's just... It's understandable that you'd have reservations, and for somebody to suggest that you form a threesome-type-thing is a bit... I don't know. I'd find that dismissive. It may not be a solution that validates your needs or acknowledges your feelings, you know?
[ Not that she want to dismiss that suggestion entirely. Otabek's said that he finds himself willing to try it, at least for the most part. That's as relevant as any other feeling he may have on the matter. ]
How to do you feel about the third party?
[The ideal was similar and Otabek's dislike for his loved ones to be hurt would fall under the same category. An abuse of power couldn't be tolerated.]
What about motorcycle rides?
[He tips his head, trying not to give away that he's so curious about what Yusuke's answer will be. Otabek is a slow eater, not picky though.]
I don't get embarrassed very often. I think about what I'll do and say before I do or say it. [That didn't mean he was immune to being embarrassed.] In personal situations, that I'm not used to, I sometimes feel vulnerable. That embarrasses me. I should...
[Otabek, knowing that this is a date, is trying to be as open as he can be.]
I shouldn't mind letting others in.
What about motorcycle rides?
[He tips his head, trying not to give away that he's so curious about what Yusuke's answer will be. Otabek is a slow eater, not picky though.]
I don't get embarrassed very often. I think about what I'll do and say before I do or say it. [That didn't mean he was immune to being embarrassed.] In personal situations, that I'm not used to, I sometimes feel vulnerable. That embarrasses me. I should...
[Otabek, knowing that this is a date, is trying to be as open as he can be.]
I shouldn't mind letting others in.
[Otabek had already discussed, briefly, his thoughts about dating Yusuke as well. When he'd made the suggestion, it had been an idea implanted in passing, and he hadn't had much time to think about it. About what he wanted. As important as it was to make Yuri happy and to give him time to see how he felt, he couldn't negate his own feelings or Yusuke's. They had to all matter.
Now, with a date with both boys under his belt and plenty of time to think about it all, he texts them both asking them to meet him at his apartment in Heropa. Otabek tells them to bring an over night bag and he would take care of the rest. He sends another message, a little later, asking them to be there around nine.
He used some of his savings for the night, but thought it was well worth it. When they get there, he greets each of them in turn, taking their bags to lead them down the hall. Otabek's room has been transformed again, though this time it's set up for a three-person date??. Their stuff is placed in a corner, bed shoved to one side and the floor is covered in blankets and pillows. He's made it so that they can get comfortable on the floor and, after they've had their conversation and it goes well, they can order food and stay as long as they want.
Sitting, he puts a pillow in his lap and puts his hands over it. He's already in his pajamas, a tank top and sweats that look like they're knit.]
I wanted to talk and thought we should get comfortable first. I've thought a lot about this.
Now, with a date with both boys under his belt and plenty of time to think about it all, he texts them both asking them to meet him at his apartment in Heropa. Otabek tells them to bring an over night bag and he would take care of the rest. He sends another message, a little later, asking them to be there around nine.
He used some of his savings for the night, but thought it was well worth it. When they get there, he greets each of them in turn, taking their bags to lead them down the hall. Otabek's room has been transformed again, though this time it's set up for a three-person date??. Their stuff is placed in a corner, bed shoved to one side and the floor is covered in blankets and pillows. He's made it so that they can get comfortable on the floor and, after they've had their conversation and it goes well, they can order food and stay as long as they want.
Sitting, he puts a pillow in his lap and puts his hands over it. He's already in his pajamas, a tank top and sweats that look like they're knit.]
I wanted to talk and thought we should get comfortable first. I've thought a lot about this.
[It was something - something Otabek needed a lot more time to think about. He couldn't tell how he felt, though he was trying to work it out, because he's never had one relationship with one person, let alone a relationship with two people at the same time.]
I didn't think of it that way. [He needed to matter, to them both, or it wouldn't work.] I've never dated anyone. I was always so busy back home.
I find it difficult to express myself, when it comes to personal matters. I've always been reserved.
[Yusuke. They could talk about him.]
He's passionate. Smart. I like him, too. I like them both. I think, if given time, I could feel more than that for them.. at the same time. My heart is not small, there is room. But I wonder if they could have space for two.
It's not wrong, if they don't, but it has to be possible for this to work. I want to be loved, just as much.
I didn't think of it that way. [He needed to matter, to them both, or it wouldn't work.] I've never dated anyone. I was always so busy back home.
I find it difficult to express myself, when it comes to personal matters. I've always been reserved.
[Yusuke. They could talk about him.]
He's passionate. Smart. I like him, too. I like them both. I think, if given time, I could feel more than that for them.. at the same time. My heart is not small, there is room. But I wonder if they could have space for two.
It's not wrong, if they don't, but it has to be possible for this to work. I want to be loved, just as much.
I am not sure. I've never been on one.
[ He'd asked his fellow Phantom Thief, Makoto, though, and been rudely denied!
Like Otabek, Yusuke does not get embarrassed easily, but it's more because he lacks shame than it is a result of any sense of foresight. He says and does what feels right in the moment, and sees no reason to be ashamed of his feelings, even as unusual as they have turned out to be.
Still, he likes Otabek's answer. Someone has to think ahead, and unless lives are on the line, he is at least self-aware enough to know it isn't going to be him. ]
Do you feel vulnerable right now?
[ He'd asked his fellow Phantom Thief, Makoto, though, and been rudely denied!
Like Otabek, Yusuke does not get embarrassed easily, but it's more because he lacks shame than it is a result of any sense of foresight. He says and does what feels right in the moment, and sees no reason to be ashamed of his feelings, even as unusual as they have turned out to be.
Still, he likes Otabek's answer. Someone has to think ahead, and unless lives are on the line, he is at least self-aware enough to know it isn't going to be him. ]
Do you feel vulnerable right now?
[ Bring an overnight bag, and he'll take care of the rest, hmm? Otabek is always prepared, it seems. It's a trait that Yusuke wishes he had, but having the support and resources to do anything but scrape by moment to moment, physically or emotionally, is still an adjustment.
He has time to absorb, now. Time to think about what he wants, even though he's busier now than he has ever been, keeping more secrets and protecting more people, this world's greatest gift to him was a new sense of space and time. New people, new ideas, new experiences, all somehow familiar, but dramatically different at the same time, like unexpected splashes of color thrown onto an image he thought he knew. Whatever this is, between he and Yuri, he and Otabek, even between the two skaters...it's strange. Even Yusuke in all of his disinterest in what most people think of him can tell that this is strange, but it's exciting. He knows what he wants, and he doesn't second guess that desire. Only that it would really work.
Yusuke packs his bag and picks up Yuri, making sure they are on time, if not a few minutes early. He gives his bag away with a kiss on the cheek and a warning to Otabek to be careful, because of course his sketchbooks are in there, and one of them could be very dangerous if mishandled! But they have enough to talk about right now, that could wait, at least after they get comfortable. He sits down on a pillow and pulls a cozy looking blanket onto his lap, sitting close enough to knock their knees together, but not intimately close. They'll see how this goes... ]
As have I. To be honest, I am not sure where to start.
He has time to absorb, now. Time to think about what he wants, even though he's busier now than he has ever been, keeping more secrets and protecting more people, this world's greatest gift to him was a new sense of space and time. New people, new ideas, new experiences, all somehow familiar, but dramatically different at the same time, like unexpected splashes of color thrown onto an image he thought he knew. Whatever this is, between he and Yuri, he and Otabek, even between the two skaters...it's strange. Even Yusuke in all of his disinterest in what most people think of him can tell that this is strange, but it's exciting. He knows what he wants, and he doesn't second guess that desire. Only that it would really work.
Yusuke packs his bag and picks up Yuri, making sure they are on time, if not a few minutes early. He gives his bag away with a kiss on the cheek and a warning to Otabek to be careful, because of course his sketchbooks are in there, and one of them could be very dangerous if mishandled! But they have enough to talk about right now, that could wait, at least after they get comfortable. He sits down on a pillow and pulls a cozy looking blanket onto his lap, sitting close enough to knock their knees together, but not intimately close. They'll see how this goes... ]
As have I. To be honest, I am not sure where to start.
[Thank goodness Yusuke was there to keep Yuri on time. He might have spent forever in front of his closet trying to decide on just the right clothes and pajamas to bring over. Why he thought he needed two changes of clothes in addition to a set of PJs was anyone's guess (what if he changed his mind about what to wear!!), and it's probably for the best that Yusuke missed the time he took packing up his hair and skin care products. (There are a lot.)
When they make it to Otabek's house, Yuri stands back with a look somewhere between surprised and impressed while the Yusuke passes over his bag and that quick kiss. He tosses his own pack into the corner much more carelessly and kisses Otabek's other cheek before flopping down on the nearest unoccupied pillow.]
Is there really a lot to talk about when you greeted him with a kiss already? It looks like you're already okay with it.
When they make it to Otabek's house, Yuri stands back with a look somewhere between surprised and impressed while the Yusuke passes over his bag and that quick kiss. He tosses his own pack into the corner much more carelessly and kisses Otabek's other cheek before flopping down on the nearest unoccupied pillow.]
Is there really a lot to talk about when you greeted him with a kiss already? It looks like you're already okay with it.
Edited 2017-08-08 05:31 (UTC)
[Otabek glances at them both. Choosing the best place to start was difficult when he wasn't sure what needed to be said. He would just.. try.]
I don't know if it's that simple. I want it to be, but there are three of us.
[Which might be the place to begin.]
I've never been in a relationship with anyone, let alone two. I think we should say what we want and how we feel about it. [He'd thought about that, talked to Laurie and Viktor, which helped.] There are things I know we're all wondering.
Are we all three dating each other, as a unit or should it be separate? Will everyone date other people or is it just us?
[His eyes flick to Yusuke.]
You already have intense feelings for Yuri. Is there room for me?
I don't know if it's that simple. I want it to be, but there are three of us.
[Which might be the place to begin.]
I've never been in a relationship with anyone, let alone two. I think we should say what we want and how we feel about it. [He'd thought about that, talked to Laurie and Viktor, which helped.] There are things I know we're all wondering.
Are we all three dating each other, as a unit or should it be separate? Will everyone date other people or is it just us?
[His eyes flick to Yusuke.]
You already have intense feelings for Yuri. Is there room for me?
When I get mine, I will take you for a ride.
[Soon, very soon, he would have one again. It wouldn't be the same as what he had back home, but he'd enjoy it all the same.]
Yes.
[Not just because their situation was complicated, it was more than that. Otabek had asked Yusuke out on a date, knowing that it would change things and possibly make everything strange, sure. He was more focused on letting someone else in.]
Becoming one's friend isn't all that different than becoming one's boyfriend. [For him, it feels that way.] You let them in and they like you, or they don't. But it means showing someone else who you really are.
I am not without flaws, Yusuke. I am afraid you won't want me..
[Soon, very soon, he would have one again. It wouldn't be the same as what he had back home, but he'd enjoy it all the same.]
Yes.
[Not just because their situation was complicated, it was more than that. Otabek had asked Yusuke out on a date, knowing that it would change things and possibly make everything strange, sure. He was more focused on letting someone else in.]
Becoming one's friend isn't all that different than becoming one's boyfriend. [For him, it feels that way.] You let them in and they like you, or they don't. But it means showing someone else who you really are.
I am not without flaws, Yusuke. I am afraid you won't want me..
It's a date, then.
[ He smiles, unconsciously shifting forward, head tilted, as he listens to Otabek's answer. The concise way in which he speaks almost runs counter to the actual words coming from his mouth, and he can't help but be drawn in by the way he says so much without wasting a single syllable. Once, Yusuke described him as a man of few words, but he had been wrong - carefully chosen words, is what he should have said.
It reminds him that he still doesn't know what to expect from Otabek. Once Yusuke thinks he's got him figured out, he turns around and surprises him. It catches him off guard, and excites him at the same time, and maybe he shouldn't be so surprised at his openness, when it was he that suggested they date, and set this all up in the first place. Still, it's refreshing. He finds himself, despite the inherent strangeness of even being here, completely charmed. ]
We all have flaws. You are not so charming that I thought you were immune. I think to be a good friend, or a good boyfriend, you have to accept someone for who they are, flaws and all. I assure you, I have plenty of my own. I can look past a lot.
[ He smiles, unconsciously shifting forward, head tilted, as he listens to Otabek's answer. The concise way in which he speaks almost runs counter to the actual words coming from his mouth, and he can't help but be drawn in by the way he says so much without wasting a single syllable. Once, Yusuke described him as a man of few words, but he had been wrong - carefully chosen words, is what he should have said.
It reminds him that he still doesn't know what to expect from Otabek. Once Yusuke thinks he's got him figured out, he turns around and surprises him. It catches him off guard, and excites him at the same time, and maybe he shouldn't be so surprised at his openness, when it was he that suggested they date, and set this all up in the first place. Still, it's refreshing. He finds himself, despite the inherent strangeness of even being here, completely charmed. ]
We all have flaws. You are not so charming that I thought you were immune. I think to be a good friend, or a good boyfriend, you have to accept someone for who they are, flaws and all. I assure you, I have plenty of my own. I can look past a lot.
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