thread dump, basara edition

[connike]

what year is this even

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[anchorspear]

[ Motochika is not a smart man - ever quick to leap to action, and driven by his heart, rather than his brain. Why waste his time with thinking when his gut's never (or, well, rarely) lead him wrong? Besides, thinking's better left to other people.

Like Motonari. Cold, calculating, cunning Motonari, who's been with Motochika for years now despite being his polar opposite.

In the beginning, he didn't have a clue what was on his mind - why was he with him? he didn't hate him, sure, but did he really like him enough to date him? - but through sheer stubbornness, determination, and the passage of time, Motonari began opening up to him, smiling ever-so-slightly at his antics and softening his verbal jabs, and Motochika found himself falling deeper and deeper into a messy, complicated love. He can't remember how many times he's heard people say they wouldn't last - they were just too different, Motonari too cold and cruel, Motochika too blind and stupid - but he can't imagine building the life they have together with anyone else.

But there's one thing missing - one thing that, despite every instinct of his, has plagued his mind for quite some time.

It started as an off-hand comment while on vacation with Motonari. While curled up in bed together, listening to the ocean right outside their window, Motochika mused aloud about leaving everything behind and starting a new, quiet life by the sea, just the two of them. And Motonari, bless his heart, didn't immediately oppose. From there, as weeks passed the thoughts swelled into monstrous waves, and he knew - he knew if he was going to follow his gut on this, too, that he'd have to plan carefully for once.

After all, he wanted to propose to Motonari. He knew he only had one shot at this. One chance to prove how serious he was about his feelings toward Motonari, toward the future he so desperately wanted to have with him.

And boy, did it take a lot more planning than he anticipated - never has he been more grateful for all the connections he's made over the years, to pull this off. But with the ring now in his possession, he thinks it's about time to just be out with it already.

Sure, he doesn't know exactly how he's going to say it yet, but he figures it should be easy enough to convey. So he shoves a hand in his pocket (ring box tight in his grip) and knocks loudly on the door to Motonari's bedroom. ] Motonari, are you busy? I want to speak with you. [ please... don't be busy................... ]

[solaring]

[There are some days when Motonari still isn't sure how he ended up here: in this cozy little two bedroom apartment with a bird, a cat, and the man he previously would have considered his rival - a nuisance - turned lover. It's been years since they've been together and he still wonders.

They've had their ups and downs, of course. Motonari is not the easiest to get along with let alone love, and that's not something he's willing to apologize for. Especially when, for someone like him, Motochika is just as difficult to deal with. All fire and compassionate to a fault. Ever sympathetic and big hearted. But also loud in his stubbornness and general existence, he was the exact opposite of Motonari. But they make it work. Despite all odds, Motonari loves him.

They've gotten close enough that Motonari is confident in his ability to read Motochika's moods. So he knows something has been on the other man's mind lately. However, that's where Motonari's ability to read his lover's moods stops. He knows something is on Motochika's mind but he can't even begin to guess what it might be at the moment.

Whatever it is, it hasn't been making Motochika sulk just yet so Motonari has been able to ignore it for now. But when Motochika knocks on his door, Motonari knows it's finally time to confront the thing nagging at the larger man.

He only hopes it's worth interrupting his reading.

He would normally call to him. He would make Motochika open the door and enter himself. But this time Motonari goes to Motochika. He swings the door open himself without answering Motochika's initial call.

Motonari's expression is bored but not irritated, and he's already leveling his gaze with Motochika's.]

What is it.

[anchorspear]

[ The gesture may be small - Motonari opening the door himself instead of making Motochika barge into his space - but it warms his heart all the same. Gives him that little bit of courage he didn't realize he needed until he met the love of his life's gaze.

Motochika smiles easily and lightly brushes his thumb against his cheek. ] Let me in first? [ Get comfortable first - it only seems right, with how emotional things may get and how emotions and Motonari don't always mix easily. ]

[anchorspear]

[ Motochika knew from the moment he laid eyes on him that this wasn't the first time he's crossed paths with Motonari Mouri. His name, called out so casually on the first day of classes, tore Motochika out of his boredom-fulled stupor and left him staring across the room, bewildered, toward his once wartime rival, now classmate.

He remembers everything about his past life - the taste of the salty sea air on his tongue, the weight of his spear draped over his shoulder, the rush of adrenaline as he sailed the open ocean or locked weapons with a worthy opponent... and, perhaps most importantly, the loss of his beloved comrades, and all the lies and deception behind that incident. For that, his past self had gotten revenge - cut down Motonari, the man pulling all the strings, and ended his clan with him - but seeing him now has his heart aching in a way he can't put into words.

He's never really been the best with words, honestly, but he knows he can't avoid him forever. Like it or not he's got to talk with Motonari about all this.

Even if Motonari doesn't want to. Which he clearly doesn't, with how quickly he disappears whenever there's a break between classes, or the day ends.

It's starting to piss Motochika off. So when he finally manages to catch a glimpse of Motonari during their lunch break, well. ] -- Hey! [ He quite literally runs up to him and grabs him by the wrist.

(His hand makes contact with his skin, and a sharp pain shoots through his side.) ] Dammit, Mouri, stop running away already!

[solaring]

[When Motonari was younger, he used to resent the man he used to be. Motonari Mouri was cold and calculating, ever holding everyone at arms length. He died alone, brutally, at the hands of one of the men he'd hurt the most. And Motonari knew he'd deserved it. Mouri's actions were unforgivable and the memories of his actions haunted Motonari's dreams. He hated him.

But then Motonari grew up. And he found the realization that if he ever had to go back to that conflict driven time, he wouldn't change a thing. Mouri was cruel, yes, unforgivable, but given the circumstance they were necessary. If he hadn't acted as he had, he wouldn't have stood a chance against Oda or Toyotomi. He did not regret what he did against Chosokabe and Ishida, either. Mouri had thought through his actions and the consequences. Motonari did not find fault in them.

He knows that is not the response the others would want should he ever run into their reborn selves in the current timeline, though.

So when he hears Motochika Chosokabe's name called for attendance, he thinks the surge of dread that hits his stomach is justifiable. Since the first day of classes, Motonari has done a good job of avoiding Motochika who very clearly remembers his past life as well and actively seeks Motonari out. Until now. He slips, lingers in once place too long and Motochika catches him. Mouri would be disappointed.

"Stop running away" he says. But Motonari doesn't want to talk to Motochika. He'd gone his whole life after his epiphany hoping and wishing he'd never run into any of the others, and especially Motochika, again.

Yet, here they are. Motochika's grip is hot on Motonari's wrist and his chest aches, suddenly, painfully. A lurch. The ache spreads right to his lungs and he doesn't think he's ever raised his voice to the extent that he does when he demands - ] Let go of me. [ - of Motochika.

If Motochika is anything like Chosokabe (and clearly he is) then Motonari knows once wont be enough.] Let go of me this instant, Chosokabe!

[anchorspear]

[ If anything, the grip on Motonari's wrist tightens. Motochika has no intention of actually hurting him - that's kind of the whole reason he wants to talk at all - but he's not letting him walk away after he finally has him in his grasp.

Though fuck, does his stubbornness make his blood boil. His eye, damaged since his youth, burns white hot, and he yells back - ] Like hell I'm gonna! You can't avoid me forever!

[rekkaen]

[ The war is over. Many lives were lost - warrior and innocent alike, all with bright futures ahead of them - but in the end, Ieyasu Tokugawa emerged victorious.

Yukimura should feel happier than this. His lord Shingen has recovered from his ailments and expressed, upon his return to Ueda Castle, that he's proud of him - of him! He, Yukimura, who has fought so hard in his honor, and grown so much in the past months all on his own. His joy should know no bounds to be training alongside him once again, and to have an opportunity to learn even more from the man he admires from the very depths of his soul.

But there's still an emptiness in his heart. A part of him was left behind in Sekigahara, burned away in a fiery blaze.

He never expected to fall for Motonari. Never even thought that Motonari would let him into his life, let alone his heart. But they were close. He saw parts of the cold tactician that no one else could even dream of, and though they never said a word about it, they knew - they knew - that there was something special between them.

What was doesn't matter anymore, though, because Motonari Mouri is dead.

Motonari Mouri is dead.

Motonari Mouri is dead. Gone, never to return.

He supposes the truth will become easier to swallow in time. But there's an ache deep in his being every time the thought crosses his mind.

So he leaves. Sets out for Itsukushima to settle his emotions, once and for all, and to pay his final respects to the man that, despite the odds, stole his heart.

In silence, he stares out at the open waters. Peace begins washing over him, like the waves over his feet.

(Lord Mouri really loved these seas, didn't he?) ]

[solaring]

[Motonari Mouri should be dead.

He is not dead.

He had been found near-dead and unrecognizable on the line between Aki and Suo, and taken into a small fishing village to heal. He'd been too tired, too injured, blind in one eye now, pride in tatters, too mentally - emotionally - crushed to argue with the old wives who fussed over his wounds. He was a poor soul. An honorable soldier who'd gotten caught in the crossfire of Sekigahara perhaps? Motonari could have laughed. If only they knew. He wondered if they would still treat him so kindly or if it would be just as Chosokabe had said: no one would remember him favorably. Would they have continued to rub salve into his burns or would they have poisoned him in his sleep? It didn't matter.

No one in the village had spoken a word of Motonari Mouri. Only of Tokugawa. Chosokabe.

He hasn't seen a lick of his soldiers. There are no remnants of the Mouri, just as Chosokabe said. He's sure Chosokabe has swept them up into his arms, also true to his word, and they're living peaceful lives now. May they never be haunted by the orders of their lord again.

And, unsurprisingly though it hurts the most somehow, Motonari has not seen that flash of red that he got used to seeing from the corner of his eye. Logically, Yukimura would not know he was alive and thus he would have no reason to stay in Chugoku. He can only assume he has returned to Takeda, and for that Motonari is glad. He had always thought Yukimura a fool for staying with him. For developing feelings for him (though that made him just a fool). Yukimura was doomed to only hurt if he stayed with Motonari. So it's good he hasn't stuck around.

...

Motonari wishes he were dead.

He has no regrets. But he wishes he were dead.

...

He hasn't stepped foot near Itsukushima even after he became well enough to move again. He has wandered throughout Aki, but returning to Itsukushima felt too risky. Too bold. Dangerous. And not because of the people there, but because of his emotions. They already teetered on edge some days, chaotic and unsure like he's never experienced before. He's sure they would go haywire if he returned too soon.

Now finally feels right. Something calls for him and so he goes. He has never ignored the sun's call before.

Motonari doesn't know what he expects to find there, but it's definitely not that flash of red he's missed so desperately. Even with his back turned to him, Yukimura is unmistakable and so is the fire he stirs within Motonari.

And there is something beautiful about him there. Water lapping at his feet, sun high in the sky above him. The sky has never looked so pristine and the sound of waves so clear. Crisp. Motonari almost doesn't want to touch this; ruin it. But he is selfish, and he has longed for this, and for the first time in ages he feels alive again.]

Sanada Yukimura... What are you doing here?

[rekkaen]

[ Yukimura has never been able to hide his emotions. He's much too honest, with his heart shining on his sleeve brighter than the sun. So there's no way that Motonari can miss how he jolts at the sound of his voice, the confusion and doubt in his eyes as he just stares back at him for a moment.

He rubs his eyes furiously, blinks away the haziness - and he's still there. Worse for wear, sure - bandages over a portion of his face, and a weariness that seems to sink into his bones - but he's alive. He's alive.

Or is he just dreaming again?

Yukimura takes a step toward him. Two steps. Two more steps, until he stands before him, trembling. ] L- Lord Mouri? [ He reaches a hand out toward him... ]

[rekkaen]

[ and his hand doesn't pass through him. Through Motonari's clothes and his own gloves, Yukimura can't quite feel the warmth of his body - but he feels him, present and solid, and his vision immediately blurs from tears. ] Lord Mouri...!!! [ He doesn't know how he could've survived. He'd heard what happened - that fateful battle with Chosokabe. But the fact that he's here, breathing, is an absolute miracle.

Yukimura takes a deep, shaky breath. Drops his hand back to his side. And throws himself down at Motonari's feet, face half-buried in the sand. ]

Forgive me, my lord, for straying from your side! I should have hastened my return to you - then you-- I--! [ His voice cracks, and he has to stop for a moment to just breathe. ] I, Sanada Genjirou Yukimura, have failed you...!

[anchorspear]

[ Motochika would do anything for Ieyasu - so when Ieyasu asks him out of the blue to meet one of his friends who, as he put it, "could use a good friend like him", he accepts without a second thought. After all, anyone who Ieyasu likes can't be a bad person, right?

Though he doesn't know anything about this friend of his. Not even his name, or what he looks like. It wasn't something he thought to ask until he arrived early at the coffee shop they agreed (through Ieyasu) to meet.

But it's fine. He shoots a quick text to Ieyasu - a description of what he's wearing, so this friend of his can pick him out in the crowd of people - then opens up a game on his phone. The friend of his will show up in time and then they'll nurture a bond, just as Ieyasu wants.

... he just won't stop being curious about this guy until he shows up. ]

[shadoudachi]

[Mitsunari has no idea why he's even giving this guy the time of day. He'd only agreed to Ieyasu's little set up to get the other man to shut up; he didn't actually have to show up.

.....But the more he thought about it, the more standing up an unknown person who'd also gotten roped into Ieyasu's schemes felt wrong.

So he'd decided to show up for the other guy's sake (definitely not Ieyasu's). He doesn't plan to stay long and he definitely doesn't plan on making friends with the guy, but he can at least say hello and apologize for Ieyasu. That's it.

Mitsunari is feeling pretty confident about this plan, especially when Ieyasu's friend is easy to spot. A large man, bulky. Slightly intimidating with his eye patch. Soft white hair that doesn't seem to fit in with the rest of his appearance. Yeah, there's no missing the single person who matches that description playing around on his phone.

He hovers about a foot away from where Motochika is sitting, arms crossed over his chest.] You. You're Ieyasu's friend, correct?

[He doesn't know how to announce himself not awkwardly.]

[anchorspear]

[ Awkward or not, the announcement does its job. Motochika looks up from his phone to meet the gaze of the person before him. ] Yeah. I'm--

[ And then he really looks at him, and has to stop himself.

Motochika was meek in his youth. Gentle and reserved, completely unlike the behemoth of a man he is now. He wasn't necessarily disliked as a child - there were a fair share of bullies, sure, but he remembers some of his classmates befriending him solely because he "wasn't like the other boys" - but he never put himself out there, either.

Until he met a certain boy. Someone with a spirit as soft as his, but went above and beyond to defend him from the meaner kids. Like a moth to a flame Motochika gravitated toward him, sticking by his side every moment that he could.

He... greatly admired him, honestly. For that inner strength that shone so brightly through his loyalty to the few people who he called his friends. The image of his back to him, arms shielding him protectively is burned into his memory even to this day. Because of him, Motochika wanted to become strong, too. Wanted to be able to protect others, like his friend always protected him - and he did. He's strong in heart, body, and spirit, and it's more than partly because of him.

Though they parted ways before the end of elementary school, there's no mistaking it. This is that boy. His precious childhood friend. It's- ]

... Mitsunari? Is that you?

[6claws]

[ Masamune isn't sure what brought him to Itsukushima. Curiosity, maybe. He'd heard from Tokugawa the way Chosokabe got manipulated by the Western Army's generals - and the look on Chosokabe's face as he walks off the battlefield with Tokugawa at his side is that of a man who's settled a score.

Though a witness to the battle from afar, it's hard for Masamune to believe that Motonari Mouri is dead. He's a terrible and shitty man, yes, but a tenacious one, one who survived Oda and Hideyoshi's reigns without batting an eye. If anyone could survive a direct assault through wit and cunning alone, it's him. But perhaps that's a bit of illogical thinking on his part - after all Motonari's done, there's no way in hell Chosokabe would let him live a second longer. The strength of an angered Sea Devil is not something to trifle with.

Masamune stares down at Motonari's blood-stained, unmoving body. Chosokabe and Tokugawa left Motonari to rot on the battlefield like a forgotten soldier. A fitting end for someone like him, abandoned by all who surrounded him the moment the Chosokabe family crest flew in place of the Mouri. But something - perhaps the same thing that brought him here in the first place - tells him this isn't right.

He bends over to pick up the pieces of his ring blade, then turns to his Right Eye. ] Kojiro, we're moving out.

[ With the spoils of Itsukushima in tow - the body of the former ruler of Aki and his signature weapon - Masamune sets his sight on home.

He'll find a good place for Motonari to rest on the way. Somewhere remote, where he'd likely never be found, but within Aki - shitty as he is (was), it's the basic respect he deserves. ]

[solaring]

[Blood caked over Motonari's eyes makes it difficult for them to open. But when they finally crack just a smidge, the sky above him is moving and he's convinced it's from the severe damage done to his body by Chosokabe. There's no other way to explain it. His body is in too much pain for him to be physically moving. His world is just spinning. He's lost a lot of blood.

(How very like Chosokabe to take, and take, and take... though, this time, he supposes, he deserves what he's stolen.)

If these are to be his final moments, he's glad he gets to spend them looking up at the sky - at the sun.

Motonari closes his eyes and tries to breathe, but in the end even that hurts. He only feels liquid rattle in his chest.

And while he may only feel it, the sound of it (wet at he breathed in, raspy as he breathed out) is enough to catch one of Masamune's men's attention. There's a whisper of heat as the men lean in to catch more of his raspy breathing but that's the only indication Motonari gets that anything is happening around him.

He doesn't hear the panicked calls of "B-Boss! Boss!!

Boss Masamune, I think he's alive!"]

[6claws]

You serious? [ Masamune trusts his men - it's one of the reasons he's gotten this far - but hearing "I think he's alive!" is a bit much.

But as he approaches the cart where Motonari lays, he sees it. The rise and fall of his chest, erratic, clinging to life in a raw, instinctual way. Masamune leans in close enough to hear his breathing as well - Motonari sounds almost as rough as he looks, but there's no doubt. Whether it be a blessing from the sun he loves so much or simply a stroke of luck (good or bad, Masamune doesn't know), he managed to survive. He's not dead yet.

Masamune breathes out a curse. ] Shit. [ Back straight and shoulders tense, he finds himself standing over Motonari once more, simply staring at his broken, bloody form.

Voice even, he speaks, expecting no response. ] Somehow you managed to survive, huh, Mouri?

[ There's no telling if he'll make the trip to Oshu. But Masamune can't just leave him here - he's dangerous, especially like this. In such a desperate state, there's no telling what he'd do to reclaim his lands.

His hand finds the hilt of one of his blades but he makes no move to draw it fully from its sheath. Killing him is an option. It may be an act of mercy, putting him out of his misery. But Motonari's head is not his to take - it's still Chosokabe's. And he's not about to shatter the peace of mind Chosokabe's found with the fact that he failed to finish the job properly.

His sword clicks back into place as his mind sets. ] Wonder how long that luck of yours will last.

Let's find out.

[ Masamune and his men, for the most part, leave Motonari alone during the duration of the journey to Oshu. They keep a close eye of him, make sure he's got something comfortable to lay on, but not much more. If he survives, he'll be cared for in Oshu, carefully monitored but allowed to live another day. Otherwise, he'll be forgotten over time as a casualty in the war.

Motonari's fate is in his own hands. ]

[rekkaen]

[ Yukimura expected many things when enrolling in university - to meet and befriend new people, to make his family (particularly Shingen, the man who practically raised him) proud, and to excel both in his studies and on the soccer field. And, to his credit, he's done all those things quite well. Though only a first year in his second semester, he's on track to becoming vice captain next year, his grades are fairly solid, and he has more friends than in his high school days.

Among that list of friends is his roommate, Mitsunari. It'd taken a bit of time (and some roommate bonding nights he strong-armed him into) for their relationship to develop but Yukimura wouldn't trade their friendship for anything in the world. He loves Mitsunari with all his heart and would do just about anything for him without a single hesitation.

There's just one tiny, tiny problem, though: he wants Mitsunari to be his boyfriend.

He never expected to fall in love - romance wasn't on his radar - but the more he sees of Mitsunari's soft but fiery spirit, his fierce tenacity and unwavering loyalty toward who and what he believes in, the further he falls. And there's only so much he can do to tame the fire burning in his heart when he's the first person Yukimura sees in the morning, and the last one he sees before drifting off to sleep.

He knows he should say something already. He's never hesitated to express himself before, and every second he doesn't, he risks his heart bursting from everything he's holding back. But even with Sasuke's reassurance, Yukimura is afraid. What if Mitsunari doesn't like him in that way? Would he lose his dear friend by admitting his feelings?

Alone in their shared dorm room, Yukimura face-plants into his open textbook with a loud groan. ]

[shadoudachi]

[Mitsunari is not the best at feelings. He's always felt things very strongly - too strongly - but he doesn't know what to do about those emotions that just want to pour out of him constantly. Ever since he learned that shouting his feelings at the top of his lungs was not the best way to go about them, he's never learned how to appropriately express himself.

So when the beginnings of romantic feelings for his roommate Yukimura start crawling under his skin, Mitsunari is thrown into turmoil. He wants to say something, but not only does he not even begin to know How, logically he shouldn't because there are many possible consequences to deal with. But also, it doesn't feel right not saying anything either. It feels like he's lying to Yukimura every day now, and both his own honor and loyalty to the other boy is weary with it.

It burns inside him like acid, but he just... can't risk his friendship with Yukimura. Mitsunari hadn't expected to make any new friends in college: he was happy with his small social circle that had carried over from high school. So to be suddenly gifted with this friendship (dare he say..... bond.... ) that has proven over time to be his most important and most cherished, and suddenly throw it away because of his treacherous heart? It's out of the question. He will never meet anyone quite like Yukimura again. He's sure of this.

Keeping a lid on his feelings gets progressively harder as times passes though, so he's spent a lot of that recent time with Motochika. Motochika, another cherished friend, proves to be a good distraction from his thoughts and often times they'll partake in some physical activity that leaves Mitsunari exhausted and mind blank once he returns to Yukimura and their shared dorm. (A wistful 'I want to kiss him' may sneak in whenever Yukimura is looking particularly precious, but those are easy to swat away. No way. No Way. He would Never.)

Such is the case as of now. After classes, Mitsunari had met up with Motochika and when he'd gotten back to their room, Yukimura hadn't been there so he'd jumped into the shower. Yukimura being absent is the only reason Mitsunari comes back into the room shirtless, rubbing his hair dry with his towel.

If he'd known Yukimura had returned... well, he'd definitely be more dressed. But he's not, and the sight of his roommate startles him. His heart jumpstarts into his throat and suddenly he's feeling extra exposed even when Yukimura's not looking at him.

There's no way Yukimura didn't hear him enter the room, but he's still going to hurry to his side and busy himself with finding clothes. They can avoid acknowledging this, this is FINE.]

YOU'LL HAVE TO PRY COMEDIC DOUBLE COMMENTING OUT OF MY COLD DEAD HANDS

[rekkaen]

[ Yukimura jolts at the sound of the door opening behind him, and he quickly sits upright to pretend he was reading his textbook like a good student and not moaning and groaning over the thought of dating his roommate.

How well that works is up for debate - Yukimura is, unfortunately, very easy to read at times - but all the same he smiles as he turns in Mitsunari's direction. ] Mitsunari-san, welcome ba--

[rekkaen]

[ --AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA HE'S SHIRTLESS????!??!?!??!?!??!?!??

Though Yukimura only gets a glimpse of Mitsunari before he's got his back to him, the image of his chest is immediately burned into his memory. Mitsunari's on the lean side, but ever since starting to work out with Motochika, Yukimura's (guiltily) noticed a shift in his physique. He's got more definition now than when they first met, particularly in his arms and legs. In Yukimura's eyes, he's always been attractive, but seeing the no longer subtle curve in his biceps as he drys his hair is too much for his poor heart.

Especially since, up until this point, he's never seen Mitsunari without a shirt on. Given that they're both modest people, they've gone to great lengths to avoid undressing in front of each other. Even after developing romantic feelings for Mitsunari, he never tried to sneak a glimpse - he didn't want to betray the trust they've built over the past several months. So the sight of his bare chest and abdomen in general right in front of his eyes makes him realize that he's even more attractive than he ever thought possible.

In an instant, Yukimura flushes, red up to his ears, and his face is back in his textbook as he loudly exclaims. ] M-my apologies, Mitsunari-san!! I didn't- you- I'm--!!!

[ His brain is all but fried. He's scrambling for words, but all he can think is how desperately he wants to touch him, even for a second.

This is bad. This is really, really bad. ]

I'm sorry!!!!!!!!

[6claws]

[ Rain or shine, Masamune visits the park near his university at least once a week. On some occasions he's there just for a run, to clear his mind before diving headfirst back into whatever school work he's got to do, but today, like most, he's brought his trusty acoustic guitar along for the journey. Sure, there's plenty of places he can play on campus - some more populated than others - but he got tired of that scene pretty quick. He doesn't need an audience - just himself and his Azure Dragon.

(He's lost track of how many times people have told him the same old bullshit. It's either a variation of "you're wasting your time on this hobby, you should focus on your studies" or, almost more infuriating, "why aren't you pursuing music instead, when that's what you're really good at?"

To all of them - every last one of them - his message is plain and simple: go to hell.)

Of course... sometimes, he still gets an audience. A pair of older women walking around the park, an excited kid drawn in by the sound of music... so long as they don't pull him out of his zone, he doesn't usually mind it. But today, he gets a listener he never could've expected. ]


[ Shortly before dinner, Masamune returns to the dorms, and, in lieu of knocking, kicks the door to his (shared) room a few times. ] Yo, Mouri, open up. I've got my hands full. [ Technically true, but he could put down his guitar case and open the door himself. But he knows his roommate(/boyfriend) well enough to know that he's in there, probably working on his next composition for the one class they share together. (He should really get started on that eventually, huh.) ]

[solaring]

[Motonari has his headphones in, indeed working on the next composition due for class, and he can still hear Masamune outside. Really, why must he be so loud?? Motonari's tempted to just leave him out there.

... And he greatly considers it for a solid minute before he decides it wont be worth the bullshit that will follow if he does.

(he has a lot of positive feelings towards Masamune, but the man still grinds on his last nerve)

So, he opens the door to their shared dorm and --

stops.

Stares.



And starts closing the door again.]

You're not bringing that inside.

[rekkaen]

[ The past several hours have been hell on earth for Yukimura. Not only was it his first time flying (or venturing far from home in general), but he was soon going to meet Motonari face-to-face for the first time. Motonari, who he's known for what feels like ages through online forums, and only started dating a few years ago. From the start they've both been cautious in their own ways - Yukimura with the "don't trust strangers online" rule ringing through his head constantly - but those reservations have only made the fact that they're here now all the more special. He never thought he'd ever find himself in a long distance relationship, or a relationship in general... but with Motonari, it feels strangely right.

He just hopes his nerves settle a little once the plane touches ground again.

After a quick "I've landed" text to Motonari (proceeded by a barrage of "I love you I can't wait to see you I'm so nervous are you nervous too I'M SO EXCITED AND NERVOUS AAAAAAAA" texts mindlessly sent throughout the flight but only delivered once his phone had reception) Yukimura disembarks from the plane, duffel bag held tightly in his grip, and makes his way toward baggage claim. He's only got a few photos from over the years as reference for picking out Motonari in the crowd, but it shouldn't be too difficult, right?

... Right? ]

[solaring]

[Motonari Mouri is not the type to get nervous. But as he's waiting in the airport, just outside the baggage claim alongside other family and friends eagerly awaiting their loved ones' arrivals, he finds himself tapping his foot - nervously.

He's nervous, worried, about finally meeting Yukimura face to face for the first time. They've been cautious, that much is true. To the extent that Motonari knows Yukimura is an angel. And unless he's been deceiving him from the beginning (unlikely) he doesn't have a malicious bone in his body. However, Yukimura is not the person he's worried about in this situation. He's worried about himself and his own dumb emotions - or lack thereof.

Motonari doesn't generally like people. And he's definitely never liked anyone romantically before Yukimura. The people he speaks to in person, 9 out of 10 times, annoy him to an unbearable extent. At least online he can pick and choose who he speaks to. He can turn off the people who annoy him. Talking to Yukimura online was perfect; he's felt a stronger connection and liking to the other boy than anyone he knows face to face. But he's worried his dumb lizard brain is going to decide for him that he can't handle Yukimura once that changes. Once they go from online to in person.

As he's mulling over this, Motonari's phone starts buzzing conveniently with all of Yukimura's late texts. He can't say his concerns are totally quelled but Motonari can't help but feel a little reassured after reading them. He really does love Yukimura, one way or another.

He can only look at his phone for so long before people start filing towards the baggage claim. They're heading toward the claim that should has Yukimura's flight indicated on it, and he's pretty certain he spots his boyfriend in the crowd. He doesn't have much to go by but there's not a lot of guys who have hair as long as Yukimura's so he's just going to have to go for it.

Motonari moves around the people who have gathered, and when he's just close enough -- he reaches out to him.] Yukimura?

[rekkaen]

[ "Yukimura?"

That voice. He recognizes that voice. On some nights, it was the very last thing he heard before drifting off to a sleep filled with warm, pleasant dreams.

Without thinking, Yukimura catches Motonari's hand mid-air, and turns to face him with bright eyes. There's only one person who could be calling out to him. It's-- ] Motonari-san!

[ The first thought that crosses his mind upon seeing him is hardly romantic. Motonari's... smaller than he expected. He always looked small next to his friend Motochika (Yukimura's sure most people would, honestly) but he's about a head shorter than him. It's funny, how fond that makes him feel.

And it's funny, too, how quickly Yukimura abandons his modesty, dropping his duffel bag at his feet and all but throwing his arms around Motonari. If anyone sees him, he can't say he'd be bothered - with so many people around them having their happy reunions with their loved ones, they fit right in. ] Truly, I am overjoyed to see you. [ He may be more than a little tired from all that traveling, but he sure does have enough energy to squeeze him tight. ] I hope you were not waiting here for me for too long?