[Sakamoto meets Zura's eyes- Whether the other is mad at him or not, he's trying his best to please. No matter how bizarre Zura may seem, he's always been a wonderful friend.
And so, Sakamoto reaches out to take that hand before it falls right at the warrior's side, clasping it gently. He rubs his thumb over all the knuckles, as if each and every one is a treasure. Ah, not just "as if," they are little treasures- Zura is precious to him. Even more so, now that the man is all Sakamoto has left.
Takasugi does not deserve his affections any longer, the Kaientai has cut off trade with the Kihetai for good.
Sakamoto presses his nose against Zura's wrist, laughing, letting the air brush over the pale skin.]
You don't like it?
[Sakamoto then turns Zura's hand over, opening it, spreading the fingers, before kissing the palm with every ounce of gentleness that he has.
Maybe it's all just self sabotage.
Maybe a part of Sakamoto wants to be hit in the face.]
[ Katsura should know better and expect Sakamoto to respond the way that he did.. but come to think of it, Katsura has only witnessed Sakamoto with his forward advances at the hostess club— he's a little surprised ( and maybe insulted ) that Sakamoto hasn't done anything more forward to him yet. Did it mean he wasn't pretty enough? Zura's mind was really an enigma and even the people closest to him couldn't figure him out sometimes.
He was such a fussy creature. Even now, the affection Sakamoto is giving him makes his face slowly change color to a reddish hue again and he looks appalled. How dare. How dare he do something like this that makes Katsura feel warm inside when he didn't give him permission to do that.
See? He is a fussy creature. He likes it, he's embarrassed he likes it, and he wants it to stop unless he says so.
So, maybe granting part of Sakamoto's wishes, Katsura's hand balls into a fist and he clocks one right in Sakamoto's apparently horrendous nose that doesn't meet Katsura's what-the-hell-ever standards before dropping his hand to his lap. It was a pretty.. masculine kind of response and it causes Katsura to cough and clear his throat in an over exaggerated, lady-like fashion. Nothing male to see here. ]
I said, don't put your hands on me yet. [ Yet, he says. There is hope. ]
[Sakamoto reels backwards, the motion dizzying enough in itself, nevermind the impact. This is but a small fraction of how badly he deserves to be hit, even though it fills his alcohol-addled brain with a hint of twisted euphoria.
As he rights himself, as his vision settles again, he can’t help but look upon the other fondly, despite his debatably broken nose. Eyes warm with a cooler fire, something hot but not quite ferocious, not as if he’s going to devour the object of his gaze with some merciless attempt at a sale.
His heart is beating faster and faster, and he makes no attempt to quell it. What right does he have, feeling foolish and petty and miserable, lonely… When a man who has spent his whole life running from just that is sitting right here in front of him ?
Sakamoto loves time spent with his loved ones- It’s the most precious thing in the universe, something he could never put a price on.]
Okay. I’m sorry.
[Sincerely.]
I like bein’ close ta people. Didn’t mean to spook ya.
But are ya really gonna be sittin’ so far away this whole time? I’m loud enough already! Ahaha.
It’ll be really annoying if I yell atcha from across the way.
[Zura is easy to spend time with, even if others may find him strange.
Sakamoto has never objected to the other’s oddities- He finds them wonderful.]
[ Katsura breathes a hot puff of air out of his nostrils, somehow feeling satisfied he was able to strike Sakamoto in the face. Maybe that is all he needed to do to feel better about his friend missing a very important funeral for somebody who was very important to Katsura. ...but I doubt it.
He takes the invitation— why wouldn't he? Sakamoto is already close to him and maybe this will give him a chance to provide more comfort to him. More fussy comfort that he is willing to give instead of something that Sakamoto wants to take. Katsura shifts and sits down next to Sakamoto without any kind of hesitation. ]
I'm positive. [ GOD, DON'T MAKE HIM THINK TWICE... don't make him remember how delicious soba is. Sakamoto can probably see him biting his lower lip like he wants to say something else.. but he doesn't. ]
[ Soba is so obvious. If he orders soba, it's so obvious. Ugh, but it tastes so good. Katsura quickly swipes his tongue across his lower lip and pushes it into his cheek. He turns his gaze away from Sakamoto. ]
..Soba does sound good. Ah, it is not because it is the favorite food of the infamous political hero, Katsura Kotarou, or anything like that. Don't get any ideas. [ Then, he puts his gaze back on Sakamoto, faking a meek little cough into his fist. ]
[ That sounds a bit more like the Sakamoto he is used to hearing. Hmm. Has he still not found out? Maybe his disguise really is that good. I mean, of course it's that good! Nevermind the fact his name is Zurako right now and he coincidentally ordered soba! Katsura takes in a steady breath, cheeks turning pink again. ]
.. I see his face everywhere on [ wanted signs ] posters. I think he is just a misunderstood, upstanding citizen who is just concerned about the city he cares about. Ah, and he needs more screen time. His hair is nice too; I envy it. He's very smart too and the best at the game UNO. [ then, he looks at Sakamoto. ]
Don't you think so? [ I hope you answer this correctly if you want any tonight. ]
[ Of course he does. He's good. He's a master of disguise. He can get away with anything, even faking as something else in front of his friend. Little does Sakamoto know that all of these things he is saying is really.. helping. Helping with the bitterness that he felt in his heart against Sakamoto for making such a dumb mistake— helping with the sorrow that still lingered in his soul.
It's a nice, rare distraction, and suddenly he wants more. Katsura seems genuinely touched at Sakamoto's words, eyes filled with a certain fondness as he watches him. It's only when he gets to the very end where it seems to fade for a moment.
Sakamoto, don't blow this.
There's a beat of silence before Katsura asked for affirmation: ]
—But he is good at UNO, right? Ah, he could beat you, right? [ You're great at lying, Sakamoto. It's time to lie. ]
[ Such a good answer. Katsura actually has quite a foxy looking smile on his face when Sakamoto responds— he looked so proud there for a moment. To anybody else, the importance of the game and who wins it would mean nothing, but Katsura knows that Sakamoto knows how much he loves the game and how much he likes to win.
Suddenly, there is a head resting on Sakamoto's shoulder in this silence. Katsura has moved closer and has picked Sakamoto for a place for him to lean against. ]
I've decided. [ wait for it. ]
You can take me home if you want. You can be the one who rubs my shoulders too. And while you are doing that, you can tell me how great of a man Katsura Kotarou is. —And how he is under appreciated as a character.
[ This is.. nice. It's a side of Sakamoto that Katsura hasn't really been on the receiving of— just witnessed him flirt and talk with ladies in the past. He'll take a free meal. He'll take compliments and even a massage. Maybe this is exactly what he needs to not only help Sakamoto with a distraction, but maybe himself too.
Sakamoto probably feels Zura relax against him a little more. ]
Fuahaaa. [ there is that signature chuckle— how obvious was he? ] You're correct. He deserves his own spin off series so he can be a main character. Oh, and more merchandise. Don't you think so? [ just keep agreeing, Tatsuma. ]
Hahaha! Don'tcha think he'd be a little too nutty for that? How would the plot even work! Ahhhh, doesn't matter.
[Sakamoto restrains himself, perhaps he's getting too comfortable.
Zura is his friend.
Why does he feel the urge to kiss the lock of hair that's closest to him? Maybe it's because, despite all of this being a farce...
This affection feels real, palpable. Sakamoto knows that the women he's with smile and laugh because they're thinking of his wallet and not his face or his heart. Zura may be smiling because he's thinking about himself, but that's better, somehow.]
[ It is real. Even with Katsura being rather shallow right now— wanting special treatment and compliments, Sakamoto is a special person to him because of who he is. He's one of the few people in his lonely life that he can actually trust even with the differences they may have from time to time.
Katsura feels his hand reach over to hold onto Sakamoto's arm. Half of him is playing up his part; half of him really wants to be closer to Sakamoto. ]
Ah, I would too. Especially if that merchant friend of his is a reoccurring character. Maybe a supporting character that isn't just in the openings and closings. [ It was debatable whether Zura was actually trying to make his identity known now or not. ..Even though Sakamoto already knew who he was. ]
He hums to himself, thinking for once, and as the alcohol-addled haze begins to fade the edges of his vision become clearer. Sakamoto Tatsuma is not a man who dwells on the past- Whether it be the workings of years before or yesterday, he's already forgotten about it! Regrets nothing, and yet...
What does a shameless man do when he finally feels ashamed?]
Oh? Are ya fond of him?
[Move forward, like he always does.
Perhaps he should take better care of the friends who are here before him.]
Maybe he's done some shitty things, but what's the use of dwellin' on 'em? Maybe he should focus on doin' better~!
[ Katsura says, a sincere tone ringing in his voice. Sakamoto may have disappointed Katsura plenty of times in the past. let's face it— he wasn't proud of him when he ran away into space to leave them— running away from his fears. Back then, Katsura was very disappointed in him for that, but now he understands why Sakamoto would make such a drastic move like that. And from the looks of it, it had turned Sakamoto into a person of success, whereas Katsura was still going along with life— trying to change the world with only a small amount of success. If he can get over this kind of disappointment, he can move on from being disappointed in him missing a funeral even with it being as important as it is. It was not worth losing another friend over.
A part of him was envious of the success and progress Sakamoto had made in comparison, but he didn't live Tatsuma's life— he didn't feel the same that he did, nor did he know the negative aspects of Sakamoto's lifestyle.
But now, with what has happened, this conversation is reminding him that Sakamoto is his precious friend that he met in the war. Out of all four of them, he is all Zura has. When Sakamoto whispers, Katsura slides his hand off of Sakamoto's and he dips his head, hair obscuring part of his embarrassed face. His cheeks flourish a pink color again as he sits there wordlessly for a moment before meekly speaking: ]
How can I not be fond of him? Especially now when he is all I have left. [ Not all he has left as friends, point, blank, period. Katsura still had friends and people he adored but.. out of those special four that the clung so dearly to.
Also, there you have it. He's not pretending anymore with a statement like that. ]
It doesn't take long to wrap his own arms around the other man, he has never once been ashamed to return affection when it's been given so openly. His heart bleeds very easily, despite the stupid smile that always makes its way onto his face. Pain of any sort, whether it be a withering smile or a wet eye, is something that affects him greatly.
Moreso than a blow to the face or a knife to the stomach.]
You're silly! Silly~!
[The faint clink of glasses and plates against the table can be heard, but they barely register in Sakamoto's mind. The food's here, but it's not important.]
Hey.
The way you're actin' is kinda strange. You're gettin' me all worried aboutcha.
[He's sincere about that, despite the whimsical tone of his voice.]
You wanna stay with me tonight? Ah, if you'd rather have some space, I can rent ya a room! I'd like to be close to ya while I'm in town. You sound real tired.
[ Katsura allows and appreciates the embrace, especially from familiar, burly arms of somebody he has been friends with for so long. It was an accomplishment, really, to have a friend who can be here with him that has known him for long. People leave, people change, people die. This has been a repeated cycle in Katsura's life for as long as he can remember, even as a child, so to have somebody he trusts be here with him.. it is really like a sun beam bursting through an overcast sky— one that has been dreary for weeks.
Katsura pulls away, quiet, just enough so he can speak. ]
Yes. I would like that. [ if Sakamoto dares to look into his face, he'll notice a glossy look over his dark eyes, face only reddening even more so. Katsura is strong at keeping a rather stoic and mysterious face, but thinking of losing friends and having none of them left.. that is something even his strongest spirit cannot shelter. ]
Take me where ever you would like. [ It's quiet when he says that, and he even feels his hand lift to place his fingers over his own lips. Did that really just happen? Well, it did, but Katsura doesn't even feel the need to try and hide it.
He would go anywhere with a friend if it meant not being by himself in a time like this. ]
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And so, Sakamoto reaches out to take that hand before it falls right at the warrior's side, clasping it gently. He rubs his thumb over all the knuckles, as if each and every one is a treasure. Ah, not just "as if," they are little treasures- Zura is precious to him. Even more so, now that the man is all Sakamoto has left.
Takasugi does not deserve his affections any longer, the Kaientai has cut off trade with the Kihetai for good.
Sakamoto presses his nose against Zura's wrist, laughing, letting the air brush over the pale skin.]
You don't like it?
[Sakamoto then turns Zura's hand over, opening it, spreading the fingers, before kissing the palm with every ounce of gentleness that he has.
Maybe it's all just self sabotage.
Maybe a part of Sakamoto wants to be hit in the face.]
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He was such a fussy creature. Even now, the affection Sakamoto is giving him makes his face slowly change color to a reddish hue again and he looks appalled. How dare. How dare he do something like this that makes Katsura feel warm inside when he didn't give him permission to do that.
See? He is a fussy creature. He likes it, he's embarrassed he likes it, and he wants it to stop unless he says so.
So, maybe granting part of Sakamoto's wishes, Katsura's hand balls into a fist and he clocks one right in Sakamoto's apparently horrendous nose that doesn't meet Katsura's what-the-hell-ever standards before dropping his hand to his lap. It was a pretty.. masculine kind of response and it causes Katsura to cough and clear his throat in an over exaggerated, lady-like fashion. Nothing male to see here. ]
I said, don't put your hands on me yet.
[ Yet, he says. There is hope. ]
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As he rights himself, as his vision settles again, he can’t help but look upon the other fondly, despite his debatably broken nose. Eyes warm with a cooler fire, something hot but not quite ferocious, not as if he’s going to devour the object of his gaze with some merciless attempt at a sale.
His heart is beating faster and faster, and he makes no attempt to quell it. What right does he have, feeling foolish and petty and miserable, lonely… When a man who has spent his whole life running from just that is sitting right here in front of him ?
Sakamoto loves time spent with his loved ones- It’s the most precious thing in the universe, something he could never put a price on.]
Okay. I’m sorry.
[Sincerely.]
I like bein’ close ta people. Didn’t mean to spook ya.
But are ya really gonna be sittin’ so far away this whole time? I’m loud enough already! Ahaha.
It’ll be really annoying if I yell atcha from across the way.
[Zura is easy to spend time with, even if others may find him strange.
Sakamoto has never objected to the other’s oddities- He finds them wonderful.]
Why don’t you come over here?
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...but I doubt it.
He takes the invitation— why wouldn't he? Sakamoto is already close to him and maybe this will give him a chance to provide more comfort to him. More fussy comfort that he is willing to give instead of something that Sakamoto wants to take. Katsura shifts and sits down next to Sakamoto without any kind of hesitation. ]
You still haven't ordered my green curry.
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Are you sure ya don't want soba?
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I'm positive.
[ GOD, DON'T MAKE HIM THINK TWICE... don't make him remember how delicious soba is. Sakamoto can probably see him biting his lower lip like he wants to say something else.. but he doesn't. ]
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[Zura is cute when he does that- Actually, Zura is pretty cute in general.]
Have I gotcha thinkin'?
You should be kind to your heart. Honor it! People are most beautiful at their happiest.
Order whatever you like.
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Katsura quickly swipes his tongue across his lower lip and pushes it into his cheek. He turns his gaze away from Sakamoto. ]
..Soba does sound good. Ah, it is not because it is the favorite food of the infamous political hero, Katsura Kotarou, or anything like that. Don't get any ideas.
[ Then, he puts his gaze back on Sakamoto, faking a meek little cough into his fist. ]
..I have made my decision to that.
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[Sakamoto thrusts his head back, laughing.]
Even if people don't like ya all that much, if everybody knows yer name~! You're still a celebrity. A star!
[He whistles softly.]
And I dunno. I think stars are some of the finest things in this universe.
[luk at dis ho]
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.. I see his face everywhere on [ wanted signs ] posters. I think he is just a misunderstood, upstanding citizen who is just concerned about the city he cares about. Ah, and he needs more screen time. His hair is nice too; I envy it. He's very smart too and the best at the game UNO.
[ then, he looks at Sakamoto. ]
Don't you think so?
[ I hope you answer this correctly if you want any tonight. ]
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[Does Zura really think Sakamoto doesn't know who he is? Ah, well. He'll keep playing the game.]
I mean, yeah! All that other stuff about him, it's true, true! But-
[Except the Uno thing, Zura is shit at Uno.]
He's a very giving man. Even if at first glance, he seems to only talk about himself.
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It's a nice, rare distraction, and suddenly he wants more.
Katsura seems genuinely touched at Sakamoto's words, eyes filled with a certain fondness as he watches him. It's only when he gets to the very end where it seems to fade for a moment.
Sakamoto, don't blow this.
There's a beat of silence before Katsura asked for affirmation: ]
—But he is good at UNO, right? Ah, he could beat you, right?
[ You're great at lying, Sakamoto. It's time to lie. ]
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[Sakamoto had let him win.
That's how you do it- Pay poorly, weakly, at first.
Then you can reap what you've sowed- The highest amount! Win it all back when you play for keeps.]
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Suddenly, there is a head resting on Sakamoto's shoulder in this silence. Katsura has moved closer and has picked Sakamoto for a place for him to lean against. ]
I've decided.
[ wait for it. ]
You can take me home if you want. You can be the one who rubs my shoulders too. And while you are doing that, you can tell me how great of a man Katsura Kotarou is.
—And how he is under appreciated as a character.
[ absolutely serious. ]
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[Zura hadn't permitted him to use his hands, so Sakamoto simply leans to the side, letting his cheek rest against the other's hair.]
That's something I'd love to do.
[The waitress passes by and stops at the table.]
Hey, sweetheart! I swear, I've read the menu, but somethin's been distractin' me.
[He cock's his head in Zura's direction. She's probably... Disgusted by how close they are right now. Gross???]
You've got soba, right? I'll have me some of that.
Could I get a bottle of your hardest stuff? Thank you, thank you! You've been too kind, too patient.
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Sakamoto probably feels Zura relax against him a little more. ]
Fuahaaa. [ there is that signature chuckle— how obvious was he? ]
You're correct. He deserves his own spin off series so he can be a main character. Oh, and more merchandise.
Don't you think so?
[ just keep agreeing, Tatsuma. ]
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[Sakamoto restrains himself, perhaps he's getting too comfortable.
Zura is his friend.
Why does he feel the urge to kiss the lock of hair that's closest to him? Maybe it's because, despite all of this being a farce...
This affection feels real, palpable. Sakamoto knows that the women he's with smile and laugh because they're thinking of his wallet and not his face or his heart. Zura may be smiling because he's thinking about himself, but that's better, somehow.]
I'd still watch it.
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Katsura feels his hand reach over to hold onto Sakamoto's arm. Half of him is playing up his part; half of him really wants to be closer to Sakamoto. ]
Ah, I would too.
Especially if that merchant friend of his is a reoccurring character. Maybe a supporting character that isn't just in the openings and closings.
[ It was debatable whether Zura was actually trying to make his identity known now or not.
..Even though Sakamoto already knew who he was. ]
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Nice to hear, even if he doesn't deserve it.
He hums to himself, thinking for once, and as the alcohol-addled haze begins to fade the edges of his vision become clearer. Sakamoto Tatsuma is not a man who dwells on the past- Whether it be the workings of years before or yesterday, he's already forgotten about it! Regrets nothing, and yet...
What does a shameless man do when he finally feels ashamed?]
Oh? Are ya fond of him?
[Move forward, like he always does.
Perhaps he should take better care of the friends who are here before him.]
Maybe he's done some shitty things, but what's the use of dwellin' on 'em? Maybe he should focus on doin' better~!
[Quietly:]
Zura. It's okay. You don't hafta keep pretendin'.
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[ Katsura says, a sincere tone ringing in his voice. Sakamoto may have disappointed Katsura plenty of times in the past. let's face it— he wasn't proud of him when he ran away into space to leave them— running away from his fears. Back then, Katsura was very disappointed in him for that, but now he understands why Sakamoto would make such a drastic move like that. And from the looks of it, it had turned Sakamoto into a person of success, whereas Katsura was still going along with life— trying to change the world with only a small amount of success. If he can get over this kind of disappointment, he can move on from being disappointed in him missing a funeral even with it being as important as it is. It was not worth losing another friend over.
A part of him was envious of the success and progress Sakamoto had made in comparison, but he didn't live Tatsuma's life— he didn't feel the same that he did, nor did he know the negative aspects of Sakamoto's lifestyle.
But now, with what has happened, this conversation is reminding him that Sakamoto is his precious friend that he met in the war. Out of all four of them, he is all Zura has.
When Sakamoto whispers, Katsura slides his hand off of Sakamoto's and he dips his head, hair obscuring part of his embarrassed face. His cheeks flourish a pink color again as he sits there wordlessly for a moment before meekly speaking: ]
How can I not be fond of him? Especially now when he is all I have left.
[ Not all he has left as friends, point, blank, period. Katsura still had friends and people he adored but.. out of those special four that the clung so dearly to.
Also, there you have it. He's not pretending anymore with a statement like that. ]
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It doesn't take long to wrap his own arms around the other man, he has never once been ashamed to return affection when it's been given so openly. His heart bleeds very easily, despite the stupid smile that always makes its way onto his face. Pain of any sort, whether it be a withering smile or a wet eye, is something that affects him greatly.
Moreso than a blow to the face or a knife to the stomach.]
You're silly! Silly~!
[The faint clink of glasses and plates against the table can be heard, but they barely register in Sakamoto's mind. The food's here, but it's not important.]
Hey.
The way you're actin' is kinda strange. You're gettin' me all worried aboutcha.
[He's sincere about that, despite the whimsical tone of his voice.]
You wanna stay with me tonight? Ah, if you'd rather have some space, I can rent ya a room! I'd like to be close to ya while I'm in town. You sound real tired.
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People leave, people change, people die. This has been a repeated cycle in Katsura's life for as long as he can remember, even as a child, so to have somebody he trusts be here with him.. it is really like a sun beam bursting through an overcast sky— one that has been dreary for weeks.
Katsura pulls away, quiet, just enough so he can speak. ]
Yes. I would like that.
[ if Sakamoto dares to look into his face, he'll notice a glossy look over his dark eyes, face only reddening even more so. Katsura is strong at keeping a rather stoic and mysterious face, but thinking of losing friends and having none of them left.. that is something even his strongest spirit cannot shelter. ]
Take me where ever you would like.
[ It's quiet when he says that, and he even feels his hand lift to place his fingers over his own lips. Did that really just happen? Well, it did, but Katsura doesn't even feel the need to try and hide it.
He would go anywhere with a friend if it meant not being by himself in a time like this. ]
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It's just the alcohol.]
Just about anywhere would be the cat's meow!
[He throws his head back, laughing.]
That is, if I get to go there with you. ♥
[Gently:]
You should eat somethin'.