leftwinger | Open post [ACTION]

Entry tags:

Open post [ACTION]

For action/prose. For epistolary and texts, there's another post for that.

[In all honesty, the standard date ritual of dinner and a movie never struck Wakatoshi as ideal. It's not that he considered it uncivilized or beneath him, or that he couldn't find watching the latest comic book come to life on the big screen and a delicious plate of the latest food trend as part of an enjoyable evening. His preferences simply lay elsewhere. A night in, eating home-cooked food and watching a streaming rental was just as good if not better, in his eyes.

But it was an unwritten rule: a night in for a first date was just unacceptable. Every magazine and blog article and romance book had said as much. And if he wanted to make a lasting impression on Sakusa and make him believe that he was important to him, then Wakatoshi was going to have to put out all the stops to make it so.

First were the reservations to an exclusive restaurant, in Ginza of all places, and he had to call in a favor for that one. Everything that followed was relatively easier: after a haircut and fresh shave, he went and got himself an entirely new outfit consisting of a dark turtleneck, some tailored pants, new shoes, and new jacket. And, of course, an obnoxiously large bouquet of fresh roses.

It's not until he's waiting at the chosen rendezvous point -- in the park outside of the train station -- and several passersby have given him varying looks that he thinks that maybe, just maybe, the flowers might be a bit too much.

He thinks about texting Tendou about it, asking for his input but it's too late in Paris time. And just as he's thumbing through his phone's directory and considering maybe asking Semi or Reon, or even Shirabu, he feels a familiar presence approaching him in the park and looks up, mirth and relief shining in his eyes.]

Ah. Kiyoomi. Glad you could make it.

[As a type that generally avoids crowds and dislikes breeding germ breeding grounds, he makes it a point to remain home when he can. That he agreed to a date beyond the walls of his home was telling, even if Ushijima had no idea about it. A dinner date isn't exactly Sakusa's favorite (who knows who could be spitting in their food), but he wasn't about to refute Ushijima's offer. It's only a small part that didn't want to hurt Ushijima's feelings, a larger part knew that Ushijima wouldn't take offense if Sakusa said anything. No, the reason for Sakusa agreeing to this date is more calculated than that: this date has to be outside so that everybody can see they belong to each other. He doesn't need their validation, but it'd be nice if gossip magazines could stop prying into their romantic lives and suggesting that Sakusa is flirting with some up-and-coming model-actress or (worse) Atsumu.

And so, determined to make the best of this opportunity, Sakusa may have or may have not spent the better part of the day stressing over every little detail. He spends the better part of the day researching date night outfits and mixing and matching every single item of clothing in his closet, dismissing every ensemble. Most of his looks are too casual, and he doesn't want to wear the stuffy suit he wears to PR events, even if his intentions are a bit along the same lines. Eventually he settles on a black-on-black combination of his favorite button-up, a wool jacket, and cloth mask he only wears on special occasions. He even bothers to wear a belt and tie to make the outfit look more elevated, small details that he wouldn't pay any mind to if this were a date with anybody else. There's also a surprise beneath his shirt as Sakusa flattens his button-up and smirks to himself in front of the mirror, but Ushijima will just have to discover that later.

Sakusa had spent every second leading up to the date researching the Dos and Do Nots of dating, finding that most of the advice is vague, unhelpful, or doesn't apply to him, considering he and Ushijima are both men. That's why it's a bit of a shock when he arrives and instantly sees Ushijima sporting a dramatic bouquet of roses. It's exactly like the dating advice he read, both flattering and unnecessary. Sakusa winces as he approaches, shoulders squared as if braced for a fight. He's not the type that likes people noticing him and right now, everybody is staring. Suddenly he's having doubts in his plan. Can he really go through with this?]

Wakatoshi. You look nice.

[That part is true. If they weren't in public, Sakusa might tug him by the collar and climb into his lap, mind suddenly addled with crazy thoughts like cradling Ushijima's face in his hands and the desire to mess up that perfect coif. He's looking forward to peeling off every layer later, though he's extremely appreciative of the look in front of him.

But there's no ignoring the elephant in the room, and Sakusa turns his attention to the flowers with a squint. After a tense moment that's only suitable for stand offs, Sakusa accepts them gingerly. For the plan, of course. He holds them like a torch, making the flowers look more awkward than when Ushijima was holding them purposefully.]

Flowers again. [He looks at them, pinchfaced.] They're bigger than last time.

[He doesn't bother saying thanks, because really he's not sure if he's thankful for them. But he is thankful for Ushijima's effort, and that warrants reward. He tugs at Ushijima's sweater shyly before deciding to be bold. It lasts only a moment, pulling down his mask, pecking Ushijima on the cheek, and pulling his mask up again. Even if his intention is to make their relationship public, anybody watching might have missed it if they blinked.]

I can see you tried hard to please me. Let's go.

[As they make their way into the restaurant, Sakusa comes to the conclusion that he's used to being watched, but not like this. He doesn't really care about spectators when he plays volleyball anyway, too focused on himself, the ball, and the team on the other side of the net. The attention right now is entirely different, so Sakusa really has to push himself to relax, shoulders still stiff. Both to show off and seek refuse, he slips his free hand in the bent crook of Ushijima's arm, just barely leaning into him.

Whether Sakusa likes it or not, he's in the thick of it now. If he had it his way, it'd just be him and Wakatoshi. Nevertheless, he's trying his best since he can clearly tell Ushijima gave it his all. The restaurant is spotless and spread out, providing enough privacy to each table that Sakusa loosens up a bit. If he leans closer to Ushijima in the process, well there's no helping that.

They're discreetly ushered to their table, and the host is paid well enough not to make a comment on the clients or their flowers. Sakusa does the honors of holding out Ushijima's chair, carefully using a pocket hanky so he doesn't have to touch it directly, and then takes the seat across from Ushijima. Sakusa wouldn't choose to eat out, but if he has to, he could do a lot worse than this place. He wonders, for a moment, if it was difficult to find a place that would make Sakusa feel comfortable and appreciates Ushijima all the more for it. A quick glance at the menu and his eyebrows shoot up.]

This place is expensive. Places like this usually serve really small portions... Was it hard to get a reservation?

Thank you for coming, Kiyoomi. You look very handsome.

[Which is true. Of course, Sakusa could have shown up in a burlap sack and still look stunning, but there's something to be said about his silhouette and the way the tie and belt complete the look for him. They're bound to turn some heads, if Sakusa hasn't done that already. Wakatoshi feels warm and tight all over, and for the brief moment Sakusa's lips meet his cheek, he considers dragging them both back to his apartment.

But they're out here now, and they've put forth all this effort thus far, they may as well see it out to the end.

He blinks as Sakusa takes the flowers and holds them awkwardly.]

You can throw them away if you do not want them. I would not be offended.

[It's true. He was simply following yet another unwritten rule stating to present a classic gift that lined up well with something he appreciated: his own for gardening and plants; he saw it as no different than Tendou buying someone a box of chocolates. Alas. It's a lesson learned -- as many similarities as they share, there will always be something that they won't see eye to eye on. He makes a mental note to avoid flowers at all costs from now on.

Undeterred by the slip-up with the flowers and unbothered by the stares others give them as they link up arms, he leads them to the restaurant. It's located in one of the swankier parts of Ginza, already a ritzy district of Tokyo. During his search, Wakatoshi soon learned the more exclusive a restaurant was, the less likely it was to be crowded and filthy, two traits he wanted to avoid at all costs. That the press (legitimate or not) was not going to be hounding the two athletes or sneaking candid photographs of them was a bonus.

Once their coats are checked in by some apple-cheeked young man that lets his gaze linger on Sakusa for longer than Wakatoshi deems necessary and they're seated, Wakatoshi's finally able to relax. A little. His thoughts keep focusing on the man sitting across from him, even when they're presented with the menus.]

A friend helped me secure the reservations. It wasn't too difficult.

[His expression softens, voice lowering to match--]

Do you not like it? We can go somewhere else, if you want...

[Sakusa might not care for the flowers, but he glares at the suggestion of throwing them out, shielding the petals as thought expecting an attempt on their life. Liked or not, these are a precious gift from his boyfriend. Even if they haven't used that particular term yet.]

They're mine now. If I didn't want them, then they'd be in the trash already.

[Above all else, Sakusa appreciates effort. A large bouquet, an exclusive restaurant, no price pulled.... He's feeling quite spoiled now. It's not a far cry from reaping a harvest that was lovingly sowed.]

Huh? Of course not. Why would we go anywhere else? This place is perfect.

[Saying it's perfect when he complained about it just a second ago? Yeah, it's a regular occurrence. In any case, Sakusa has a checklist for when he eats out, and this restaurant ticks all the boxes. He unmasks in demonstration, neatly folding it and placing it inside a pocket. He could blame the ambient music that's floating behind them or the intimate candlelight, but really it's just pure desire that drives him reaching a hand across the table and resting it over Ushijima's.]

I like being here with you. I like that you dressed up, and I even like your obnoxious flowers. It must have been embarrassing standing around waiting with them, but you still did it for me. [Glancing at the bouquet that was given its own seat to accommodate its girth, a slight smile thins out his grimace. It's replaced by something fond and soft, the same look reserved only for Ushijima.] You brought me flowers the first time too, so it's starting to feel like a tradition... Of all things, flowers... [But then, a warning tone and squeeze:] Not so big next time.

[At hearing the word perfect and seeing Sakusa remove the mask in a gesture that he could only interpret as symbolic, Wakatoshi straightens, the burden of a weight lifted from his chest.

He returns Sakusa's smile with one of his own, just as warm and endeared, only slightly wider.]

I wasn't embarrassed at all. While I was waiting, I wasn't thinking of anything or anyone but you.

[His olive gaze flickers over to the bouquet on the chair. They are rather large and obnoxious now that he's had time to consider them. At the time of purchase, they were just large and beautiful flowers, a fitting representation of his thoughts and feelings for their recipient.

A slight chuckle escapes him and he nods.]

Not so big next time. Right.

[He pretends to skim over his menu yet again, though he does shoot Sakusa a quick look over the top rim of it. Just sneaky enough.]

Tendou would be saying, "that's what he said," right about now...

...Yeah? What were you thinking about me, then?

[Without his mask, Sakusa's defenseless against Ushijima's picture perfect smile radiating love within a two meter diameter. There's a wary but demure smile on his lips, a just barely there smile, that he immediately hides behind a menu; Ushijima's seen it a million times by now, but Sakusa always feels so vulnerable being seen like this. His blush creeps over the edge just as it would his mask, flustered by both Ushijima confessing his feelings so easily and Sakusa asking about his thoughts with all the innocence of a schoolboy.

It's after Sakusa announces what red wine he wants to order and while he's eyeing the appetizers when Ushijima makes a joke. Sakusa's eyes dart up, going wide and dark at the same time. He places the menu aside this time, smirk curling onto his face.]

I think you know me better than that, Wakatoshi. That is not what I would be saying.

[His knee knocks into Ushijima's beneath the table.] Although, if that's what you're trying to tell me with your flowers...shouldn't the bouquet be bigger?

[It warms his heart seeing the normally cool and stony Sakusa behaving so coy and vulnerable, asking him about his thoughts, smiling at him however slightly... There's a small lantern in the center of their table, the glow of it bouncing off the high points of Sakusa's cheeks, nose, and lips. Like his smiles, these parts are usually hidden from the rest of the world. And they're so so beautiful...

Wakatoshi realizes, truly, just how lucky he is that he's able to see him so freely now.

He lowers the menu, gazing at his...boyfriend? Partner? Lover? Gazing at Sakusa head-on, no obstructions, no nets, nothing in the way.]

I was thinking...about how perfect I want tonight to be for you.

[And also the silly joke he'd launched his way. Aww. Tendou would have been proud of his comedic timing. And of Sakusa's too. Even Wakatoshi can't fight back the slight snicker.]

...you said it, not me.

[There's no way Sakusa, with his careful and meaningful ways, did not bump their knees by mistake. Wakatoshi pauses to consider it, then taps his foot, ever so lightly, against Sakusa's ankle.]

You don't have to be modest. We both know it's true.

[What's polite dinner conversation?

Sakusa's eyebrows shoot up when Ushijima's foot pushes back, light as it is. Most people wouldn't expect Ushijima to be the playful, flirty type, but that just makes it all the more satisfying to Sakusa. There's something special about being the only one in the world to be on the receiving end of his teasing and kisses. Maybe it's a little juvenile, but Sakusa smirks back and nudges Ushijima's foot, this time more firmly and for longer.

The more Sakusa thinks about, the tighter his chest feels. Here Ushijima is, flirting with him in this amazing place that's tailored to Sakusa's taste. How could Ushijima doubt that this was anything less than perfect? It'd be easier to look away and blush when confronted by his feelings, but Sakusa keeps his eyes trained on Ushijima, his face completely revealed as the blush sprawls upward and outward. The tips of his ears burn redder than his lips, and he knows it, baring a rare display of a fully flushed face to his date.]

You know, you don't need all of this to make me happy. As long as it's clean, executed to the best of your ability, and you are by my side, then it will be perfect to me. So if that's your goal, you've accomplished it already.

[Because Ushijima was. Perfect. He's gone above and beyond for Sakusa tonight, and he even orders for the both of them so Sakusa doesn't have to talk with the server when it comes time to order. It makes Sakusa's heart squeeze and his hands restless to spike a ball as hard as he can. He inspects both of their plates and silverware sets, and when he's satisfied that they're free of smudges, takes to twisting one of his wrists back and forth anxiously. He waits until the waiter's gone to speak again.]

I'll admit, it's a lot. Nobody else has put in such effort just to please me... I keep wondering what's in it for you. Wouldn't it be more fun to date somebody cheerful and cute than somebody who is so particular?

[It's not insecurity talking; it's just fact. Sakusa isn't an idiot: he knows he's difficult to please, and very few are willing to put in the effort it takes to make Sakusa comfortable, let alone happy. He's what they call high maintenance, just a different brand of high maintenance than the usual stock. And he's not the usual brand of boyfriend material. He won't repay Ushijima back in tagged selfies with cute filters on social media, or romance Ushijima with kisses in the rain or dancing on the beach.

The attention to detail and care that Ushijima's invested in the evening is an entirely new experience; he's thankful, for certain, but unsure how to respond to all this affection. He certainly can't proceed like he normally would, with only his own interests at heart and not giving a care to what anybody else might think. His smile fades back into a contemplative grimace.]

For the first time, I care what somebody thinks of me. It's not a feeling I like.

[Playing footsie in a restaurant that most could only dream of visiting while dressed to the nines and exchanging fond looks and meaningful glances with a longtime friend-slash-rival turned lover...it's certainly not something Wakatoshi ever predicted for himself, let alone expected to enjoy. He's not the type to start looking a gift horse in the mouth, so he takes it for what it is, pats his foot against Sakusa's as he smoothly orders their meal for them based on recommendations, what Sakusa has said he likes and dislikes over the years, and his own online research.

But when Sakusa, brimming with an almost tangible anxiety that Wakatoshi can feel from his side of the table, begins to fidget and talk in that blunt and certain way of his, Wakatoshi finds himself lowering his foot and breathing a little deeper and slower. Expectant, although unsure of what to expect.

Ah, he thinks he understands now. Treading new territory.]

Kiyoomi...

[With nowhere to go, and nothing to hold onto, his large hands lay flat on the wrinkle-free and spotless tablecloth, his gaze soon following.]

My parents dated and married because it was what was expected of them. My father, the kind and cheerful athlete, and my mother, the stern and traditional housewife. They...did not have a lot in common. They eventually divorced. Even despite this, I was always held to the expectations of others. What an ace should be like, what a team should do for its ace, what a relationship should be like...

[Jaw tightening, he shakes his head and forces himself to relax with a sigh.]

I've tried being with someone that was expressive and cute. I suppose you could call them mercurial. It did not work out between us.

[That's putting it lightly. It was disastrous. Perhaps doomed from the start depending on who was asked; and considering they wanted different things the other could not readily provide, or just different people in general, Wakatoshi, in hindsight, would agree.

It was a learning experience and since then, Wakatoshi knew it was best for his sake to go for what he wanted versus what other people expected him.

He lifts his gaze back onto Sakusa.]

I've since learned what I want. Someone who understands I do things at a different pace, and that I might not always understand the latest trends or craze and that I might prefer a quiet night in and that sometimes I would rather fill space with comfortable silence because I don't always have something to say.

You're that person for me, Kiyoomi. I don't have any expectations of you. But I also won't pretend to know what it is that you need or want. I only know I will do everything I can to give it to you. But I also understand if it might be overwhelming or uncomfortable for you...

[He reaches a hand over across the table, fingertips coming to a rest on the inside of Sakusa's wrist, as he remembers they're about to eat and Sakusa has already washed his hands.]

...I can stop or slow down, if you want me to.

@ omiomi

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

@omiomi (What's Cookin' Good-lookin'?)

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

Slides in here for post msby vs adlers match

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

Sorry for delay, been sick!