[ Xiao's cheeks heat up again. He clicks his tongue, annoyed with himself and his inability to process everything right now. All he knows is that being with Haruka is nice, and it has been since day one. Well, aside from all the times Haruka cried, but he's more certain that he can comfort him now, when that happens.
He's praying that his karma isn't rubbing off on him. Xiao will take his chances, though, and lean in to gently silence Haruka with another chaste kiss of his own. ]
[WELL, he really wasn't expecting that, for all his teasing. It's not that he can get mad, either, heart skipping a bit as Xiao leans in, and it almost feels like it stops when their lips connect.
He doesn't want to press forward, because he's afraid of spooking Xiao, but...
[ The kiss is cut short, because Xiao pulls away pretty quickly. He closes his eyes, inhales quietly. His hand is still on top of Haruka's. For his first actual attempt at a kiss, it isn't half bad.
After composing himself, he glances at him again. ]
[ Oh -- Xiao doesn't expect that, despite everything, and he clears his throat out of embarrassment. ]
You really like doing that, don't you?
[ He pouts a little as he says it, but he needs a moment to still his racing heart. He takes in a deep breath in hopes that it'll calm his nerves.
Then, he faces Haruka again, and tentatively brushes his fingers against his cheek. It's soft to the touch, warmer than he expected. Xiao finds that he likes it a lot.
He looks at him like he's discovering something new, like something he didn't know he had in him is being brought to the surface. ]
[ It's not like he doesn't like it, either. Xiao leaves his hand where it is and looks away again. He needs time, he's sticking to what he said, but Haruka's presence makes it hard to wait. Still, Xiao has exercised patience many times before. He can do it now. ]
I'll keep it in mind. I'm still learning about you, after all.
[ Oh... Xiao looks down at Haruka, recalling the first time he'd done this. It feels far different this time, like Haruka is seeking more than just someone to console him. Given his confession earlier, Xiao is inclined to believe that Haruka just wants to be in his presence.
Xiao's arm brushes up against Haruka's, and he moves so he takes the other's hand in his -- for real, this time, even if it's still a little hesitant. ]
[ He hums thoughtfully, and he releases Haruka's hand in favor of gently putting his arm around Haruka's shoulders. His touch is still tentative, and the grip on the other's shoulder is still light, but he's trying his best. ]
[It's an awkward cuddle, but it's cuddle adjacent.]
I'm fine for now.
[He says that, but... beaches at night are pretty chilly, aren't they? He can already feel that the breeze is getting cooler, but he still doesn't want to get up. It's fine. He'll be fine!!]
[ The wind is starting to pick up, and the tide's starting to rise. Xiao frequents this area around this time, but Haruka seems like he might be getting cold.
Xiao lets go of him and rises to his feet. He bends down a little to extend a hand towards him. ]
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...Not that he takes offense to it, though. Xiao thinks Haruka is simply stating a fact! It's fine. Anyway... ]
Thank you, for being honest. [ His heart's still pounding in a way he doesn't quite understand. ] I didn't mind it. The...kiss, I mean.
[ Which probably says something. He lifts his hand, looks at Haruka's, and gently brushes his fingers against the back of the other's knuckles. ]
These sorts of things aren't unwanted. ... They're helping me understand my own feelings.
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...So, you liked it?
[These are kind of mixed messages, aren't they? The touches combined with what he's saying.]
Are you saying you'd want another one?
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He's praying that his karma isn't rubbing off on him. Xiao will take his chances, though, and lean in to gently silence Haruka with another chaste kiss of his own. ]
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He doesn't want to press forward, because he's afraid of spooking Xiao, but...
He's giddy. Incredibly giddy.]
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After composing himself, he glances at him again. ]
I hope that met your expectations.
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I wasn't expecting you to kiss me, so I would say that exceeded my expectations.
[What Is Even Happening? Is this real? It doesn't feel real, but he's not going to complain.]
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I told you, I didn't mind it.
[ That explains nothing, Xiao -- but the blush on his cheeks might, instead. ]
... I'll aim to exceed your expectations again.
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[He laughs softly, leaning forward with a little grin.]
Because I wouldn't mind that, either.
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After a moment, though, Haruka may be able to see a small smile on his face. ]
Hm. We'll have to see about that.
[ Xiao looks at him again, and his smile broadens the tiniest bit. ]
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Well, I look forward to seeing about it.
[He’s no less gay, though, and he leans in to press a quick kiss to the corner of Xiao’s smile. Better get it in while he can.]
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You really like doing that, don't you?
[ He pouts a little as he says it, but he needs a moment to still his racing heart. He takes in a deep breath in hopes that it'll calm his nerves.
Then, he faces Haruka again, and tentatively brushes his fingers against his cheek. It's soft to the touch, warmer than he expected. Xiao finds that he likes it a lot.
He looks at him like he's discovering something new, like something he didn't know he had in him is being brought to the surface. ]
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[He leans into the touch, feeling a little greedy, but he’ll take what he can get. Affection like this… it’s not something he gets often.]
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[ It's not like he doesn't like it, either. Xiao leaves his hand where it is and looks away again. He needs time, he's sticking to what he said, but Haruka's presence makes it hard to wait. Still, Xiao has exercised patience many times before. He can do it now. ]
I'll keep it in mind. I'm still learning about you, after all.
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[He leans back, not entirely out of Xiao’s space, but they’re not face to face anymore.]
Anything you want to know, just ask. But for now…
[Tentatively, he shifts so he can lean his head against Xiao’s shoulder.]
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Xiao's arm brushes up against Haruka's, and he moves so he takes the other's hand in his -- for real, this time, even if it's still a little hesitant. ]
Are you comfortable?
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Yeah, I am.
[He doesn’t want to leave and ruin this moment.]
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Let me know when you would like to move.
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I'm fine for now.
[He says that, but... beaches at night are pretty chilly, aren't they? He can already feel that the breeze is getting cooler, but he still doesn't want to get up. It's fine. He'll be fine!!]
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Xiao lets go of him and rises to his feet. He bends down a little to extend a hand towards him. ]
You should rest. It's getting late.