artisticliberty | [reverie] inbox.

I sympathize. I feel similarly unbalanced, myself.

['@fox is typing...' appears for a few moments, then disappears.]

[ ... ]

Am I making you uncomfortable?

I'll stop.

[the reply back is almost instantaneous:]

No. That's not it.

Well, perhaps it is. In the strictest definition of the word, I could be considered uncomfortable.

But I do not dislike it.

[ !

Of course, Ren knows the answer to the riddle. He has his biases like any human does, but it isn't as though anyone could possibly be as blind to friends becoming infatuated with them as Ryuji "Oblivious to his best friend being in love with him" Sakamoto. So he has that one leg up. ]

I think I understand how you feel.

I must've seemed pretty cruel at the time.

[cruel? yusuke contemplates that for a moment before replying]

During these past few days, I have done little else but think of that dance. Did you mean for that to happen? We were all out of our minds at that time, albeit less so near the beginning, but I myself had already begun to feel the sway of the music's influence by then.

So if your behavior was a byproduct of its hold on us, then I can hardly blame you for that.

[if the feelings yusuke experienced were just something he imagined on his own, he can't put that on ren. it wouldn't be fair. he may be falling for him, but he's badly misinterpreted feelings before--both his own, and others. this isn't something he wants to recklessly misjudge.]

[ Did he? Ren knew what wound up happening, but what did he mean to happen? It's a short while before a response comes through, though the indicator is steadily blinking throughout, suggesting a constant revision of thought. ]

In the moment it seemed like that's what I should be doing. I had a similar reaction to a waltz with Haru-chan but I can't say that I planned it more than it was a peculiarly beautiful kind of madness that the station opened us up to.

Now that it's over though... it isn't as though the feeling has disappeared. Just the avenues of expressing it are different.

[ A short while later, another message comes. ]

I fought with Ryuji, too.

I think the common factor among each instance is me. I don't know what it means except that I have feelings that belong to each of you alone.

[yusuke's mouth feels dry as he reads each message, and he's thankful this conversation is happening over text, because he might have difficulty speaking right now]

Would you do it again without the music compelling you? Any of it, not just dancing with me.

[ It isn't instantaneous, but it's fast enough to detect resolution. ]

I would.

[yusuke lets out a deep breath he didn't realize he was holding, and quickly texts back]

I would, too.

I want to paint you, again. On your skin, like I did before, but with proper paint this time. I already have a design in mind, if you'd like to hear it.

[ God.

At least there's one person who returns his feelings. ]

I didn't know you got some paint?

I always like hearing your ideas, Yusuke.

I don't, but I did find a paintbrush in my toothbrush holder this morning. So, I'd like to start sketching out a design for now.

I want to paint wings on you. A pair of feathered, dark wings that stretch down your back and perhaps along the back of your arms. What do you think?

[man, even if you don't art, it's hard not to see the symbolism there]

Oh, so what you mean is we should be looking inside our shoes or in the observation deck for paint now, lol. like I just found some way more comfortable clothes poolside, for instance.

[ Black wings? Well damn, Ren is pretty flattered over here. ]

I'm thinking I'll probably need to get up and walk around to make sure my arms & legs don't fall asleep while we get it done :)

[ Bring it on, he loves it. ]

Please let me know if you find anything. I'll continue searching, as well.

I will work on the composition in the meantime. Thank you for indulging me.

[a pause, and then another quick text]

That is to say, might we try dancing again sometime?

Edited 2018-07-15 05:32 (UTC)

Is it still indulging if I'm getting relaxation out of it too? So don't worry about it. I'm looking forward to playing canvas again.

[ @joker is typing... ]

I think we could find more appropriate music for it, yes. I'll ask Minato-kun if he has anything.

I do think of it as indulgence on some level. I certainly feel that way when I have you all to myself.

[p h r a s i n g]

There doesn't need to be any music. After that ordeal, I think I've had enough of music for a while anyway. Rather, if it's alright with you, I would like to try it without any distractions. I want to focus entirely on you.

[ PHRASING but is he lying tho.

This must be revenge for Ren's little indiscretion toward the end of the dance, surely. He echoes Yusuke's sentiment from earlier: it's good that this is a text conversation with how hot Ren's face suddenly glows. Should be be ashamed of how agreeable he still finds it while his and Ryuji's conversation remains unresolved? ]

I'd like that too.

Well. Now that I'll have a bit of free time maybe I'll think of what dance to teach you.

I await with bated breath.

[@fox is typing...]

And an odd feeling in my stomach. I wonder if I have indigestion.

[ YUSUKE ]

I've been spoiling you with too much coffee.

Get something to eat before you get lost in your plans, okay? I need you in one piece.

[ ...Phrasing? ]

Edited 2018-07-15 08:02 (UTC)

Very well, I don't want to risk being cut off from your delicious coffee.

[don't punish him,]

We shall resume this discussion after food, then?

A wise choice.

Agreed. idk maybe I'll meet you down there. Feel like I'm going to climb the walls any minute.

[ ... ]

I'll see you there, Leader.

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