maskormenacelogs | I see the real you, even if you don't I do.

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I see the real you, even if you don't I do.

WHO: Mikaela and Yuichiro Hyakuya
WHERE: Florida, Disney.
WHEN: Early February
WHAT: Mika doesn't remember taking Yuu to Disney for his birthday. Yuu decides this needs to be rectified because Mika needs to experience the rides. Of course.
WARNINGS: None planned?

[The trip there has Yuu alternating between Yuu asking or checking the gps for how close they are to their destination. Being all excited at going back, being with Mika again, just the two of them. But also the car, even if he might pout at Mika insisting he drive instead of letting Yuu. His reasoning made sense though - because there's definitely one point where Yuu might doze off along the way.

Still, once they get to the hotel and check in, he looks at some food options, figuring to eat something before crashing and getting up early for their trip to the park itself the next day. That and if he lets Mika feed tonight there shouldn't be any problems the next day or two while they're at the park itself.

It's the next morning that he really gets worked up, all excited that he barely tastes breakfast, whatever it is he wolfs down before they head out and get into the theme park.]

Where did you want to go first, Mika?

[He leans in closer to the vampire, holding out the map to show his friend. He's happy to let Mika take the reins as it were, since this is his friend's first time here and all. That Mika doesn't recall their previous visit.]

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[Mika holds the map steady, looking at the different parts they can visit. There are enough rides that they might have to use several days exploring the park, unless they run from ride to ride. Judging from Yuu's bouncy, nervous energy, that might actually be a possibility. For once, that isn't annoying. Mika suspects it is because they aren't in mortal danger for once. The only thing they have to worry about is to hang onto the hotel keys, and even they can manage that. His eyes smiles just a little, even if it doesn't quite reach his mouth.]

I don't know. I haven't tried any of these before.

[He picks something at random, looking at Yuu's face to see if he knows anything about it. If it's fun or not.]

What about this one? Is it fast?

That's why we're here, Mika.

[Or, technically Mika has been on the rides with Yuu before, but the Porter messed with his earlier memories of this place. But Yuu's trying to make up for that, shown in him bringing Mika back here to make new memories of the place with him.

Still, he leans in more to look at the map, to see which ride Mika was pointing to.]

That one? It's kinda slow, but then near the end it has this drop you go down really fast! Might get a little wet though. I guess it's better to go on those ones first so we have plenty of chance to dry off after....

It's a good start. Let's go.

[It's a bit bizarre to think that people did this before, without the fear of horsemen or viruses. That it was possible to feel this safe. Mika adjusted his bag, where he had bought some water for Yuu and some money, plus some extra things. He wanted the day to go as smoothly as possible.]

[They weren't safe, of course. This world was a sanctuary, but Mika was waiting for the other shoe to drop. Good things couldn't last.

But if it's not going to last, he was going to enjoy every second he got to spend with Yuu. It doesn't feel like he can get enough, after being separated from him for so long.]

We can find the other ones later.

Come on then, let's get started!

[There being no horsemen, no virus is exactly why, even aside from the tensions of the war escalating, that Yuu figures they have to make the most of this. Enjoy every moment they can, even as part of him half anticipates being dragged into fighting once things escalate farther.

That and there is still so very much to make up for, after so long apart back home. So much they couldn't see or do, being stuck underground at Sanguinem for years. So Yuu likely hardly intends for this to be their last trip away somewhere together.

He reaches, taking Mika's hand and sprinting, leading the way amid the growing crowds, even if he's well aware Mika could run so much faster.]

[Mika instinctively holds on tightly to his hand, glad to get the chance to run with him (even if it's still a little new to hold hands. It feels good). It feels like they're children again. If his heart would work he's sure it would have hammered against his ribs.]

I'll race you!

[He doesn't run at full speed, of course. He doesn't quite know where they're running, so he needs Yuu to barely be in lead in order to lead the way. That doesn't stop him from having a little fun with him.]

H-hey!

[Even not going full tilt, Mika still obviously had an advantage given his vampire speed. But their hands are joined and Yuu keeps hold, barely ahead in leading Mika to the ride he'd chosen. Thankfully, given their passes, they don't wait in line as long once they get there, Yuu just barely in the lead as he stops to catch his breath and grin at Mika.]

[It's simply good to be out and moving again. Mika feels a little more alive after the warm-up, and the fact that they don't have to wait in line only makes it better. He doesn't speak at first, because he's too preoccupied with looking. There are bright colours everywhere, interesting shapes and loud children who are so thrilled to be there. It's beautiful, in it's strange, own way.

Mika knows he wouldn't have cared much about it if Yuu wasn't there with him. His friend carries the colours with him. Without Yuu there, it would have been simply black and white, as far as emotions are concerned.]
Alright, you won this time. But barely just.

[He can't stop looking in his direction, even as their seat belts are checked.]

Still a win!

[Yuu laughs, ignoring any stares they might get for being so childish, or with the way Yuu held to Mika's hand without thinking as he led the way to the ride. Mika's right though, even with traveling to and from rides or food attractions, there's a lot to see and do.

Still, Yuu's priority, at least right now, is the rides. Which is why he might not notice his friend staring as he catches his breath, and sits up straighter as he waits for the ride to start once the safety checks are done.]

[Mika slung his coat over the edge of a chair, tiredly padding over to the large hotel bed. It had been a good first day. They had bought enough souvenirs to last a lifetime (he was fairly sure they didn't need that many mickey mouse ears and cute cups with princesses on them, but apparently they were great gift material.)

It had definitely been worth it to see Yuu's eyes light up like that.

Mika wasn't tired in the usual human tired way. He felt like his bones were getting dry. Like he needed water. It made him a little cranky and sleepy, but still, he had a good day and he knew he would be able to last another without any issues, so he simply sat down on the bed and began to remove his socks.]

Is it okay if I shower first?

Hm? Ah, sure. I'll try sort packing some of this stuff.

[The souvenirs they ended up with to take back for friends can be packed into their bigger bags so they don't lose or forget them at least. It'll keep Yuu doing something to keep him awake long enough to at least have a shower after Mika's finished.]

I'll have one after you.

[Yuu himself is feeling the exhaustion catch up with him, considering how early he got up and how full of energy he'd been running around the park all day from ride to ride, from one giftshop to a food stall, dragging Mika along every second.]

I won't take a long one.

[Just enough to get the dust out of his hair and the stickiness of cotton candy off of his face. (He hadn't even eaten any of it, but Yuu had, and the hug that came after made everything into a sugary mess.]

[It had been a good day, though. Full of impressions and soon-to-be memories.]

[He undressed quickly once he'd gone into the bathroom, and the warm shower was incredibly pleasant against his skin even if heat and cold didn't damage vampires. He still liked feeling clean and warm.]

[Mika didn't let himself enjoy it too much, knowing that Yuu was tired and waiting. As promised, his shower didn't take long. Rubbing the water out of his hair with a towel, he changed into his pajamas and gathered his clothes before walking out.]

Don't fall asleep just yet.

[Yuu nods, listening to the stream of water once Mika starts the shower, getting on with packing their gifts and their own souvenirs in the bag to keep him busy, keep him awake at least long enough to have a quick shower before crashing.

Which doesn't mean he doesn't have moments of closing his eyes while he does this. Seeing this probably being what prompted Mika to say that once he gets out of the shower.]

I-- I'm not. Just give me a bit.

[He finished with packing the last, before checking he has his own sleepwear and heading in to the bathroom himself. He may not have actually thrown up from the combination of food and the rides, but even so he is still sweaty and sticky.]

[Mika runs his fingers through his wet hair, feeling just a little strange about it. When his hair is wet he can't hide his pointed ears so he'll be glad when it's back to its old, fluffy self. At least Yuu doesn't seem to mind, accepting the changes Mika's gone through with enough confidence that even Mika feels comfortable about it (at least half of the time).]

[As he waits for Yuu he simply crawls under the covers on his side of the bed, bringing a book with him. It's cozy to read when Yuu's around but busy.]

[He never does think twice, because in spite of appearances, and how both of them have changed as a result of what they've been through the last eight years, he still trusts Mika more than anyone else. He always would. Regardless of his friend's appearance or remaining humanity or lack thereof.

Yuu takes a little longer in the shower, both from indulging every time he steps under the hot spray in knowing it isn't such a questionable thing after his time at Sanguinem, or knowing they'd be on the run back home without guaranteed access. Plus he was stickier, sweatier in comparison to Mika. But even then he doesn't stay under the hot spray overly long before stepping out, pulling on his sleepwear and coming out while still toweling his hair dry.]

You had fun though, right?

[Mika is the same way. The trust he has in Yuu in unwavering and has always been. Once Yuu exits the bathroom, Mika puts the book down, giving him his full attention. He may be tired, but that doesn't mean he's too tired to talk with him. Not when he's waited so long to talk to him before now, spending so much time in Sanguinem thinking about him.]

I did. I wish we had gotten the chance to do it sooner.

[And while Mika's not exactly smiling, his eyes are shining when he looks back at him. It's his first actual vacation. He hasn't gone anywhere for pleasure since before the world ended.]

Was there enough hot water?

Good! I know you don't remember going last time, but that's why I figured we'd go again now.

[And hey, he learned from last time at least, in giving himself a break for a bit after eating before going on another roller coaster or something. He finishes drying his hair before hanging the towel back up to use in the morning, before properly heading back over to bed and half sitting half lying next to Mika. Not even thinking twice about curling up with the blonde, given they have been sharing his bed for months now anyway. If the lady at the front desk had been unsure or curious about the two boys, he hadn't noticed.]

Yeah, the shower was nice. We don't get that as much back home. Or, I mean, we get hot water but showers gotta be quick because there's so many of us.

[He closes his eyes, yawning as he explains and answers.]

[It seemed like Mika had expected him to curl up against him, because when Yuu comes into bed he adjusts his position to allow him to come close enough to fall asleep on him if he wants.]

[Mika likes it. It reassures him that Yuu is safe and near, and after the years apart that soothes his soul. His hand goes to Yuu's hair, running through his damp locks.]

Do you have to share showers with your whole squad?

Not with Shinoa and Mitsuba. The girls had their own bathroom at headquarters.

[Though now he thinks about it, that's probably going to be a little more difficult, once they are on the run after defecting from the military. Still, that's all the more reason to make the most of all this, here.

There's few people that Yuu would get this close with. Mika, Nike, and probably Guren out of habit from when he was younger. But this is nice. Feeling Mika's hand carding through his hair as he closes his eyes, pulling the blanket up. It's comforting.]

I'd hope so. Not even the vampires share showers with the opposite gender.

[He's speaking and growing a little tired as he does so. It feels good to have a quiet moment with him. Yuu's very active all the time, so having him sleepy and quiet (and most importantly of all, safe) is a rare occurrence. Mika sighs and snuggles under the blanket with him, stroking Yuu's hair tenderly.]

Do you think girl showers are the same as ours?

I didn't even think about the vampire quarters. But I guess if the library was anything to go by they were way better off than us kids.

[Mika could probably easily confirm that. As if Yuu needs it confirmed. It'd probably only piss him off all the more in knowing, recalling the resources they were given while living underground as children there.

Mika's fingers carding through his hair feels nice though. Yuu could get used to this. Allowing himself to enjoy and savor this amid his excitement and activity in general.]

I dunno. It's not like I ever had a reason to go in theirs. But I don't see why theirs would be any different.

It was a little better. More space.

[Even though they were better, Mika preferred the ones he shared with humans. Unfortunately, once he was turned the opportunity to live with humans in Sanguinem grew smaller and smaller. No one trusted him anymore. And he didn't like the other vampires.]

[Mika's glad he doesn't have to wonder about what kind of lonely place he'd spend the night in. He is home now, after all those years. His fingernails scrape gently against Yuu's scalp, making slow circles.]

Really? ...I suppose.

[His vampire senses are a little sensitive, and it seems to him that girls smell differently than boys. But saying that out loud sounds really indecent somehow.]

Probably private or at least less crowded rooms and bathing too. Taking all that when they don't even really need it while the kids were -- are....

[But for once, he's too tired to get too fired up in indignation over it. Part of him might selfishly even be kind of glad for it? If it helped Mika through those few years they were apart and all.

Which is all the more reason to savor this, just curling up with Mika on the big hotel bed. His lips curling upwards in an appreciative smile at Mika's fingers running through his hair.]

I dunno. They might have different kinds of shampoo or whatever that they use. But I can't see the actual shower or sinks or anything being any different.

The vampires don't even use them that often. It's all kinds of unfair.

[At least talking about vampires behind their back makes Mika feel better. Like they're still kids.]

[Mika feels a little jolt of happiness at seeing Yuu's smile. Going on this trip together, just the two of them, is pretty much everything he wants. And lying together like this, as if nothing is wrong in the world, feels almost too good. He's a little worried that he's being lulled into a false sense of security. It doesn't stop him from continuing to pet him, though.]

I think you may be right. Or maybe they just use more perfumes.

They're just greedy bastards.

[An important distinction in that Mika is not included in that. 'They' separating his friend from the rest. Because the blond currently stroking his hair and having enough trust for Yuu to curl up to like this is an exception. He always would be. Even if Yuu might still be figuring out what that might imply.]

I'd say ask Shinoa or something but she isn't here. Maybe Nike might explain about perfumes or whatever if you're that curious.

And jerks.

[Mika blinks a little sleepily, stroking Yuu's hair one final, wistful time before his hand stops by the nape of his neck, right where his hairline begins. The way Yuu speaks about vampires doesn't go amiss. Mika doesn't mind; he hates them too. But he's had to live with them for so long that some of the strength has gone out of him. It still fills him with hope to hear his friend speak that way, though, and some of that is visible in his eyes even if he's tired. It feels like they're still kids and none of the bad things happened.]

I'm not that curious. Besides, it would be weird to ask them.

Weird? You think so? I guess I never really thought about it. Not so long as we had soap and shampoo, really. I mean, maybe if I wanted to get something for Nike I'd ask, I dunno.

[Yuu's never needed anything that fancy. Even having some semblance of privacy and enough of the basics are plenty, after dealing with Sanguinem as a child, really. He's never been that interested in whatever Shinoa and Mitsuba might use or the effort they go to in their appearance each day in comparison to his own routine. It just doesn't seem like his business. The only reason he might ask would be for ideas for a gift for a friend or something maybe.

Still, he does relax, for once, yawning as he feels Mika's hand rest at his neck. Probably, he should get in bed proper, though he is rather comfortable just curling up like this with Mika.]

It's not my business. It's just that I notice, sometimes.

[He runs his nails through the shorter hair at the back of his head. If it's up to him they can lie like this forever, cuddling until Yuu falls asleep. But if they're going to have fun tomorrow, he expects that Yuu will need a lot of sleep to recover. Knowing him, he'll try to stay awake as long as Mika is.]

I'm glad you don't wear perfume. It makes my nose itch.

Just soap and deodorant seems enough to me. But I guess people make the most of having more of this sort of thing available.

[But it's true. Even Yuu notices sometimes when there's a particularly strong perfume someone is wearing when they come order ice cream for their kids or something. Or even today, amid the crowds at the park.

Though Mika isn't wrong. Yuu does kind of have a habit of sometimes trying to stay up with Mika to keep him company. Not realizing that Mika is probably content enough to sit or lie with Yuu in simply being together again after so long.]

[Mika is content as long as he knows Yuu is fine. It doesn't matter if he sleeps or is awake, although Mika certainly appreciates that he's keeping him company. He's missed hearing his voice, and the nights can become a little lonely if he's the only one awake.]

[He closes his eyes, breathing out a sigh. It's pleasantly warm here, under the covers with his friend. He absolutely prefers this over restlesstly stalking Sanguinem's streets while waiting for morning.]

I suppose so. We make the most of this, after all.

Hm. I'm trying. All the things here we didn't have back home, having somewhere safe and stable without being on the run, no military or vampires to look out for....

[Well, okay. There's still war. There's still the government he's attached himself to by still yet remaining registered thus far. But he can handle that. It's still quieter and safer in comparison to home anyway.]

And we're together.

The fact that there are amusement parks.

[Mika still doesn't trust the government here. It takes a while before bad things happen, and it usually happens once people have given their loyalty and is unable to tear themselves away. But since Yuu has given his loyalty to the government here, Mika is determined to help him out, and make sure that no one will try to exploit him while they're here.]

...I missed you so much.

And amusement parks. Yeah. I dunno, might still be one or more back home but I doubt they're still running. So this is...I like coming here.

[He's well aware Mika is distrusting of the government. Here and back home. There's a reason the blond isn't registered like he is. But that's irrelevant here and now, as they lie here curled up together in the hotel room. It's not much if any different to them curling up in Yuu's bed really, but somehow still has that different setting all the same to make this new in a sense.]

Mm. Missed you too, Mika.

I can understand why.

[That said, Mika wouldn't have come if it wasn't for Yuu leading him there. It's simply not worth it if it means he has to leave Yuu behind. His protectiveness of the other boy wouldn't allow it. Something could happen to him.]

[Mika's heart clench just at the thought. Nothing will hurt him as long as he's there. The blond sighs and turns around, wrapping one of Yuu's hands around him.]

From here on out, I won't let you feel lonely again.

I won't either, Mika. Not if I can help it.

[He's all too aware from earlier how the Porter isn't under their control. How it could easily send him or Mika back home. That the Porter doesn't give a damn if they want to stay or not. It's hard to say when or if that might happen. But that's just why they need to make the most of this. Here and now.

There's something nostalgic about this, for as many times as Mika has curled up with him back at his housing in Heropa. The way he pulls one of Yuu's arms around him is almost reminiscent of back at Sanguinem. It's comforting. Reassuring in knowing Mika is still here even if he'd been taken back by the Porter earlier.]

[Mika hasn't yet experienced what the Porter can do, so it's easier or him to make that kind of promises. If it's up to him, he'll fight tooth and nail to keep Yuu safe and happy, and deep in his heart he knows that Yuu wants to do the same for him. Placing his hand over Yuu's hand, he entwines their fingers and gently holds it against his chest.]

[It's not always something in their control, but Yuu knows as long as it is, they'd stick together. It was only such things that separated them before, and would now. There's some comfort in that, as painful as it is at the same time.

Yuu curls up more, entwining their fingers easily as he rests against the blond, eyes closing.]

[Mika sighs contentedly once Yuu makes himself comfortable. It's so comforting to feel like the old days, except the beds are softer and warmer now. There are a lot of things to be grateful for.]

[There are a lot of things out of their control, but things like this moment, and holding each other are at least within their control. And Mika feels like as long as Yuu's within his sight, then he can keep him safe. Then they can spend as much time as possible together. Feeling a little sleepy, he strokes his skin with his thumb.]

But this is...this is nice. It was fun today. And we still have tomorrow before heading back.

[Though if Yuu wants to make the most of it again he probably should actually get some rest rather than trying to stay up with Mika like this. He just enjoys this, simply being together again. It's comforting, nostalgic, even if he might not admit it. A yawn escapes amid his pout then, as he curls up with the other.]

Mhm.

[It shouldn't surprise him that Yuu's still awake. It's been an eventful day with plenty of sugar. He'll probably be up for some time still. It makes Mika happy to know that Yuu's had such a good day that he doesn't want to fall asleep, though. He turns in his arm, so he's lying on his back instead of on his side. It is easier to talk that way.]

What do you want to do tomorrow?

Well, we didn't quite get to all the rides today. So any we missed, we can do those first before going back to the ones we want to try again.

[At least, that's the obvious that comes to mind, for a start. He's kind of tired amid the wired feeling from the sugar to think of much if anything more at this hour, but it's something.]

[Mika glances at Yuu, a gentle look in his eyes. Seeing his friend so tired makes him terribly protective, from the deep of his heart to the tip of his ears. It's suddenly very obvious to him how close they are, physically speaking. Lying like this he can feel Yuu's heartbeat and every breath. He can sense of slender he is, beneath the bulky pajamas.]

[It is so unlikely. To go from starving and fighting for your life, to finding the one person you need and escaping with them? It feels too good to be true. He rubs Yuu's back.]

It still feels like I'm dreaming, sometimes. I can't believe we're able to do this together.

Dreaming?

[That almost has him tempted to reach up to pinch Mika's cheek. Which he does, with one hand barely poking out from the blanket around them. Just to tease him, because he can, even amid his tired chuckle. Yuu isn't even considering their proximity, having gotten used to sharing beds with Mika since he was all of eight years old and all. Besides, going for one bed was cheaper for hotel options anyway.]

Nope. Not dreaming. But....I know what you mean. All this is....it's something alright. Compared to our situation back home and all.

[Mika doesn't quite know how to respond at first, since it's been so long since anyone's done that to him. In the end he pinches Yuu's side lightly, taking the teasing as an invitation to tease him back.]

[Yuu has a point. It's too good, in a strange way. Mika's not sure what to do, now that he has almost everything he wants right here in his arms.]

It really is.

Oi? What, you were the one who said it was like a dream.

[So of course Yuu had playfully pinched him in response. Teasing. It's almost nostalgic to do so. Remembering how things used to be. He's grateful for the chance to recapture it again after so long.

But he also notes the almost worried expression on his friend's face, frowing slightly.]

Mika?

[It's been a while since he's had anyone to tease. It's so good to have Yuu back in his life again. He squirms away from the fingers, tickling his side in revenge. But he stops once Yuu says his name.

Mika looks up into his eyes, his attention fully on Yuu. It sounds like his friend wants to ask him something.]

Yes?

You just looked like you were worried for a second or something, is all.

[But maybe he was wrong. He does feel rather tired. Maybe he was reading too much into it. He probably should get some rest, at this point. As much as he enjoys trying to stay up to keep Mika company. He fails to stifle a yawn then, snuggling closer.]

Should probably sleep....

...

[Yuu's not wrong. Mika has a lot to think about, concerning blood and love and their future. But since his friend is so sleepy, it's not the right time to talk about it. Instead he lets Yuu snuggle close, pressing a chaste kiss against his forehead. Mika's genuinely missed these sleepy snuggle sessions.]

It's okay. I'll stay right here with you.

[If he remembers, he can ask about it at another time when he isn't so tired. For now though, he closes his eyes, possibly too fatigued to mind or react to the kiss Mika presses against his forehead amid the mop of dark strands.

His breathing becomes more regular, as he dozes, but his lips curve to a hint of a smile.]

Good.

[Mika instinctively returns that small smile, running his fingers through Yuu's hair soothingly. This is what people must mean when they talk about peace: this bone deep contentment. Nothing else matters as long as they can stay in this warm bed, while he listens to him breathe.]

[Mika gladly pets Yuu until sleep takes him, cradling his body until he wakes.]

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I see the real you, even if you don't I do.

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[Later, back at the hotel]

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