[It strikes him as sort of weird when Jirou's words and expression don't really match. Gilbert chomps on the food he has been offered and lays his eyes on the sake.
His idea of being affectionate doesn't involve kisses, but maybe that's a mistake. It's clearly what Jiroutachi wants, so...]
[Well this is unexpected. Jiroutachi blinks in surprise (this seems to be an ongoing thing with him today when it comes to Gilbert) and looks at him a moment before setting down his chopsticks to cup that pretty face with both his hands.]
[Jiroutachi isn't alone in blinking because that's exactly what Gil does after hearing that question. It's a good one, but as much as he's trying to focus, answering isn't that easy.]
Are you insane...I can't even think straight when we're so close.
[Once, for a change, instead of flailing and denying things he tells him the truth.]
[Gilbert can't argue with that, but there's something that doesn't feel right. He remembers Jirou's expression from before quite well. It was slightly different from what he has seen before...or maybe it was just his imagination?]
That's not it...it's just sort of...new.
[As new as it could be with Jirou giving him a kiss from time to time, at least.]
No, it's not what I meant...this, this is new.
[He takes Jirou's hand in his own and presses it against his own chest to make him feel his heart pounding wildly.]
Damn, that's not exactly new either...I've been feeling this for a while...
[HE'S STRUGGLING SO MUCH.]
Uh, screw it.
[The realization dawns on him finally; he's really thinking too much into it. While his voice sounds rather resigned, Gilbert doesn't pull away. Quite the opposite—he tilts his head to the side to kiss Jirou once again.]
[Gil...can be so bad at explaining things. To Jirou's credit though, he really is trying to understand. He's even patiently listening while his new partner tries to explain things to him.
So this is new. And Gil's just not used to it? He wants and likes kisses but he hasn't figured out when to do them?
Or how to do them right?
He thinks that's what he means?
Oh. His heart is pounding. Jirou looks down at his chest then looks up just in time to see the other lean in to kiss him again. It might not be the most expert of kisses but he doesn't mind that. It's a Gilbert kiss and it has a lot of feeling in it. That's important to him as he accepts it then leans forward to return it.
[Jirou is pretty much right. Funny thing, he probably realizes what the problem is faster than Gilbert does. One more thing he doesn't realize quite yet is that his fingers intertwine with Jirou's while their lips are locked together in a kiss.
[Jiroutachi gives the hand a gentle squeeze before bringing it up so he can turn the hand over to kiss Gilbert's palm.]
Gi-chan, just because you are new to all of this doesn't mean I won't like it or not want it. If it means that you learn how or when or what to do with me then that makes me happy.
[He gently bumps noses with him.]
I just like when I get to feel what Gi-chan feels. And kisses are one of the ways I get to do that.
[See? Jirou can be serious and helpful with the right motivation!]
[It'll take him a while to get used to call him that, but he's definitely trying his best? Before he has the chance to say what he wanted to tell him, a kiss is planted over his palm.
That's...more than enough to make him forget about that.]
If that's so...I suppose we could do this for a little while longer.
[In the heat of the moment he may or may not forget about the food right in front of them...
However, now he's eyeing the cup of sake which he hasn't tried yet and pondering whether it'd be a good idea to have some or not.]
By the way...I didn't know what I should make for dessert and couldn't really find anything, sorry. But if there's anything sweet you'd like to try, just let me know what it looks like and I'll try my best.
[To take such things seriously is in his nature, after all.]
[He winks at him and then DOESN'T EXPLAIN. Nope. He just eats a few more bites before enticing Gilbert to eat ooooooone more before he eats the last one and finishes the sake in his cup.
Grabbing Gil's hand and the other cup, he encourages him to come with him over to the bed. They won't do anything dirty but they will be more comfortable here.
So cue Jirou taking a sip of sake and then kissing Gil to share it with him. Sake kiss! Yay!]
[What's this? It's a letter! His name, Gilbert is written in plain black ink. And this is what's written inside:]
Gilbert, the hopeless bishop:
I do hope you're keeping this to yourself. Not because I think you're a gossip, but because I would rather this stayed between us.
For this is not an apology. Not quite, because that would mean that I would be asking for your forgiveness. And I don't think you would want this.
But it is an acknowledgement for my behaviour.
There are times where I make you yelp like a puppy; there are times where there is true distress and panic in your eyes. And I can not help but enjoy seeing you express yourself. Hearing your voice crackle and squeak, your eyes widen, the little huffs that you make...
It's endearing. I like the look in your eyes when you take a stand against me, the way you look when you're flustered. Another would say that this was a love confession.
This is not. I merely enjoy the time that I spend with you. Though sometimes, I cause you more distress then you can handle. You are, to me, a nervous man. But...
I do not think I will ever see the man who is centred and focused, who could take my breath away like you did for that moment of conviction. I don't know if anyone will. But in a way, I wish it were possible.
I know that I can not make you smile either. Nor have I thanked you for the purse and the hat that you purchased for my sake. I would like to buy you a hat, but I do not know what style would suit you. Or perhaps I should get you cigarettes? Gloves?
I don't know if any of these things would make you smile, or laugh, but it would at least repay the small favor of times past. I meant to do it sooner.
You have no need to reply to this drivel if you do not wish to. Burn it even. Just try not to get ashes up your nose, Gilbert. I would have to snicker at your sneezes.
Your carrier lovingly hacks up a small package that would fit in your hand, as well as a handwritten letter with some sort of armored animal drawn in the corner...
Dear Friend,
We may not know each other very well yet, or maybe at all! I've only seen one battle here, but the amount of bravery and care that people have shown for one another both on and off of the battlefield lets me know I'm part of something special. People have lost their homes and loved ones, and while we can't bring those back, I know that there are people here to believe in. And I'm very lucky to get to fight alongside them.
It's not much, but I hope you enjoy a few snacks that I've made! A full tummy always makes me feel better. Maybe we can share a snack together in person sometimes soon.
Sincerely,
Orihime Inoue & Kou-kun 井上織姫とコウくん
The package is wrapped in pink and blue paper. When unwrapped, your character will find three cute little animal-themed pastries! (You're welcome to decide which three.) They have a sweet bread outer layer and some curious fillings...
Pink Bunny is hopping and happy to see you! It is filled with a sweet carrot cream. Purrfect Kitty is very pleased and ready to be eaten! It is filled with some sort of chopped meat, reminiscent of a BBQ Pork bun. Sleeping Froggy knows it's delicious. It's filled with a MYSTERY FLAVOR...which is either a sour green apple or...seaweed? Friendly Puppy isn't supposed to have chocolate, but it's filled with it anyway. Don't tell anyone! Cute Chicky is filled with a egg-flavored cream. Yeah, that one actually isn't surprising, although maybe a little morbid when you think about it.
[This package you will receive doesn't come by Carrier. Rather, Vietnam has given strict instructions that this will be treated like every large package, and will be delivered like so. After all, it is one! A letter, and a little box. Wonder what it is? And when do you receive it? Any time between the September 6th to the 15th. And in the case of the newer Heroes, it comes sometime on the 8th or after (hint hint).]
COMRADE,
No matter our opinions of our situation or this place, we are all the same, brought here from different places. Still, we all have each other. Whatever fate has in store, we will chose. I suppose what cane be important here now are the bonds we create.
To celebrate that let me share a custom. In my world, sometime in the Autumn, is the Mid-Autumn Festival, known to me as Tết Trung Thu. It is said that during this time, the moon will be so round and will shine its brightest. To appreciate the moon, one can ask for blessings from the gods. You can give thanks for the harvest or harmonious unions. You can pray for prosperity and good fortune. But also, it is a time to spend together.
Each year will it would be celebrated on a different day. In the year I left, 2016, it should fall on September 15th. I believe the equivalent date here is Sylvant 15th. So please take this chance to relax. I have included one free pass to a two night stay at the inn I manage, Dragon's Flight and Phoenix Dance, located on Gisela. On these islands, you will be able to see the sky, so very close. I have also included a mooncake of lotus filling. As per custom, you share your mooncake with family and friends to signify unity. I hope it is to your tastes.
[What's this? It's a letter! And one that didn't come through the Carrier, but can rather be found at the room's doorstep. The reason for that isn't just because Noel wants to give it a more traditional feeling, but also... because she wants to remain anonymous. That's right, the letter isn't signed anywhere. Even though the cutesy stationery with a panda pattern and the smell of burnt food might be more than enough of a hint...]
The clock goes Tick-tock tick-tock Tick-tock tick-tock Bursts of white-hot passion Will set you free! Follow the black rabbit
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