[Action]

[ledbythewind]

[It's early in the morning, just shortly after sunrise, and Richard is sitting on a fallen tree a short distance from House 6. Naoki had taken him there after CH 4 had collaspsed, and while it's far more crowded than Richard is used to, he's grateful to have a roof over his head and to be in the company of a friend (friends, possibly, though he's still not sure what Isamu thinks of him).

But eventually he needs some space, and that's why he's slipped outside to be alone for a while. Sure, he's seen several experiments by now, but this... this is completely different. Before this, Luceti hadn't seemed so bad at all. Now, however, he's not so sure.

And then there was that entire conversation he and Naoki had had the other day... it's amazing how confusing things could become in just two days. This is most certainly not the way Richard had been expecting to spend his 20th birthday.]

Comments

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

[Placing a hand on his shoulder now with a chuckle.] I think it's as straight as it's ever gonna be. You feeling okay, Richard?

[ledbythewind]

Other than being a bit warm, I think so. Although things seem to be somewhat fuzzy as well...

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

Ah...probably had enough of the sake for today, then.

[ledbythewind]

But there's still almost half of the bottle left.

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

...I guess it'd be a waste not to finish it.

[ledbythewind]

Yes, and it is a celebration, after all.

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that's right. [Finally finishing his first cup now and reaching for the bottle to refill both of theirs.]

[ledbythewind]

This is the best birthday I've had in... no, it's the best birthday I've ever had.

[That refill is very much appreciated.]

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

[Naoki chuckles and sips from his cup.]

M'sure you had to have better birthdays than this one before...

[ledbythewind]

[He shakes his head, a distant look in his eyes.]

I've had far fancier ones than this, but that's all they were: formalities, a party to celebrate the prince growing closer to becoming king. No one ever asked me how I wanted to celebrate my birthday.

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

[Naoki gazes at him, reaches out to knock a loose fist lightly against his chest.]

...well, this is just a celebration for Richard. Even if it isn't really fancy or anything.

[ledbythewind]

Naoki...

[In a rather unusual display of affection, Naoki is going to be getting pulled into a tight hug by the now decidedly tipsy Richard.]

Thank you... thank you. I'd rather this than the fanciest party Windol could throw.

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

Ah...

[Naoki blinks rapidly, going a little redder before his arms come up around him.]

I'm just glad you're happy.

[ledbythewind]

I am. I haven't been this happy in a long time.

[Leeeaaaaning~]

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

[Blink. Blink blink.]

...really?

[ledbythewind]

[A slight laugh.]

Really. Is that such a surprise?

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

No, it's...I'm happy, too, if you are.

[ledbythewind]

I am. You've been nothing but kind to me ever since I arrived, Naoki... you have no idea how grateful I am to you for that.

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

[Naoki squeezes him a bit where his arms are wrapped around, warmly.] I'm glad we met, Richard.

[ledbythewind]

As am I.

[He pulls back just a little bit to be able to look Naoki in the eye, smiling.]

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

[Naoki grins a bit, brings up a hand impulsively to pat his cheek lightly.]

[ledbythewind]

[He would never even consider this if he weren't somewhat drunk-- well, maybe he would, but common sense would quickly push it aside because it's NAOKI, and one doesn't just kiss their best friends, especially when he's not sure said best friend feels the same way and he's not even sure HE feels that way but... oh hell, somehow it seems like a good idea right about now. Almost without even thinking, he leans forward to close the distance between them and presses his lips to Naoki's in an awkward but sincere kiss.

... why was he hesitating to do this again?]

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

Ri-- [Naoki begins to say his name when he leans in--for what reason, he's not exactly sure--but cuts off because, well, it's kind of hard to talk when you suddenly have another person's mouth against yours.

...

Oh, wait. Those're lips against his right now and--wait. Wait. What? He doesn't--it sort of feels nice but that's not the point right now...he needs a minute, trying to remember what the point is right now.]

[ledbythewind]

[Naoki can take all the time he wants to figure out what the point is; Richard isn't in any hurry to break the kiss, as awkward and completely inexperienced as it is. This feels pretty damn nice and Naoki isn't pulling away, so he sees no reason to end it just yet. He shifts just a bit to lean more against the other as he relaxes into it.]

[denyingreasons.livejournal.com]

[...so far, Naoki's managed to put together that this is a kiss, that it's from Richard, his stomach's been taken over by butterflies, and his face feels like it's on fire. But--he finds his hand lifting to the side of his neck, palm resting there tentatively. This is nice. And despite the fact that Richard's his friend (despite some other emotions that have been nagging at him that have been hinting at stronger), he doesn't want to move away. So he doesn't, leaning in to return it, albeit tentatively, because he has no idea what he's doing.]