[ Roughly a month has gone by since that fateful sleepless night.
The words said then haven’t reappeared at all since, in conversation or otherwise. Perhaps they’ve been in his eyes as he’s kissed his partner, or when he holds him close, but Sorey has been diligent and dutiful in minding his words.
Or, from another viewpoint, strangely quiet.
Sorey is, as always, pretty freehanded with his affections and relatively easy to please; but, lest he forget, Mikleo is less so. And this relationship is about him, too -- his needs, his wants, and his comfort zone. By that merit, when it comes to certain things, Sorey will... just have to wait, that’s all.
And he will. He’ll wait forever. Because whether they’re just friends or more than that, Mikleo is worth it.
But already, he’s pushed the envelope, it seems. And that means he owes his partner an apology. Already.
Jeez. Sometimes he has to wonder whether or not he’s cut out for this whole ‘boyfriend’ thing...
He’s tried not to let this stumble take root and shatter his confidence, making him rethink the timing of everything he’s done to build this relationship, evoking questions like, “how much of this was me, and how much was Mikleo?” and “Have I been pushing him into things this whole time?”
He knows his best friend to stubbornly dig in his heels against things he strongly dislikes. But when he’s dealing with someone he cares for, and a situation that’s delicate, how much is he sacrificing himself for the sake of keeping Sorey happy? He hadn’t before, but now he thinks back to another night in bed where Mikleo had seemed particularly rigid and hesitant during a moment of closeness, and he has to wonder if that, too, had been forced.
Good heavens. He can vow to purify the world without batting an eye; but when it comes to something so important to get exactly right...
Sigh. At least, unlike with purification, in this case he knows this can start off with an apology -- and that’s exactly what he intends to do.
He’s got Mikleo alone again now, and though they’ve been walking for hours, having something like this hanging over his head has made it feel like minutes. Up ahead is a clearing, presumably their destination. Looks like his time is up.
[ Of course, it hadn't taken long for Mikleo to notice that his silence silence had been something that seemed to effect Sorey rather strongly. Perhaps in some moments, words do speak louder than actions. And really, if anything - it's Mikleo who owes Sorey an apology. An apology for making him even think for a moment that he was unwanted, or that Mikleo didn't want this with him... If anything, Mikleo wouldn't have agreed to any of this if he had thought that he wouldn't be able to put 100% into all of this. Sorey deserves that, he thinks. They both do.
After all, isn't a friendship in general something that's a two way street? Then, it only makes sense that what they have would be more than that.
Though... when he thinks about it, boyfriend isn't something that summarizes their relationship, either. Sorey's more than that. He's family - his partner - his companion. It's truly difficult to put into words. Perhaps there isn't a word for it.
[ For a moment, he’d hoped they could keep walking while he does this, but. Well, maybe it’s for the best that they stop, anyway. It allows him to make eye contact, however brief it is. ]
So, about that night, where I said what I did... [ Surely Mikleo knows which one. ] I know you said you were glad I’m not hesitating anymore, but--
[ He sucks in a breath. ]
I’ve thought about it a lot, and I realize that I overstepped my bounds.
[ Go on, Sorey -- tell him what you’ve learned. ]
It was selfish and careless of me to say that without thinking of your feelings first.
[ Basically, it was way, way too soon -- just like Sorey thought it was. He should have gone with his gut like always. But he’s an impetuous boy in love and, in this one case, his filter just popped off. The resulting wound, he deserved; but what’s most important is that it probably left Mikleo in a weird, likely uncomfortable spot. ]
So I wanted to tell you that I’m sorry. [ His head tucks, a show of contrition. ] That was unfair of me, and I’m sorry.
[ He's... apologizing? Mikleo listens for a moment, taking in his words. It's no surprise that they both ended up thinking of the same thing to speak about. They've always been on the same wavelength. Not only that, but it is rather important they talk about.
Mikleo shakes his head, reaching for Sorey's hand. He appreciates it. It sounds as though Sorey has been thinking about this a lot recently. ]
There's no need to apologize. The reason why I asked you to come here today was so we could talk about that night.
[ Even so... ]
Thank you. It sounds as though you've given this a lot of thought. ... Still, I do have one thing to say before we continue: you didn't exactly overstep your boundaries, and calling that night selfish or careless is the opposite of what happened, isn't it?
[ Sorey unconsciously swallows. They’re here to talk about that night...?
He shouldn’t be worried -- and he knows that; but at least, perhaps he’s less so when Mikleo takes his hand. Tangling their fingers, he squeezes gently. ]
You’re right. [ He admits readily. ] That night is still special to me, no matter what. I don’t regret what was said, either -- it’s how I really feel, so how could I?
[ Upon his lips is a silly, sheepish smile; one that implies that he forgives himself, at least, for this premature misstep. ]
And maybe I didn’t overstep my boundaries, but my timing could’ve been better.
[ Anyway, who says I love you on the first night they get together with someone?? Someone with a foolhardy heart and no brain-to-mouth filter, that’s who. Unconsciously licking his lips first, he swallows again and glances away, knowing that he’s far too expressive to hide the pinch of hurt he feels as he adds-- ]
I... I didn’t know you weren’t ready.
[ To return his words, he means. Or, maybe that he couldn't do so honestly because they aren't on completely level ground. Either way, it’s not a great precedent to set; and if it bears any kind of foreshadowing on their future together, then this relationship stands to be incredibly rocky -- especially when they get to. Um. More intimate activities. ]
[ That's where Sorey was wrong. Mikleo had been ready. It's not on Sorey - it's on him. He knows better now himself. He's had more than enough time to think about it and plan out how he's going to apologize. Sorey deserves someone who will love and support him through a relationship like this one. So... that's what he plans to do.
He tugs at Sorey's hand then, shaking his head. ]
Come on. We'll talk more about this when we get there.
[ Surprisingly, to that earnest and humble admission of perceived fault and wrongdoing, there’s only the shake of a head. So, Mikleo...?
Sorey stops himself short there. He’s been puzzling over how to read his friend for some time now to no avail. It’s high time he admits that, when it comes to relationships, he simply doesn’t know which way is up sometimes. And that’s okay! There’s a learning curve to everything in life. He doesn’t hold it against himself any more than Mikleo appears to.
So, heart pounding in his chest, he offers merely a small nod and follows as he’s led, their hands still joined. ]
[ It doesn't take them long before they reach their destination. What's waiting for them is a rather large lake beneath them - the cliff overlooking it. There are countless flowers in bloom beneath them - the water crystal clear and animal life around them lively. There are ruins on the other side of that lake - just barely visible from where they're standing.
It's almost like a scene from a storybook, really. He's just glad that he can show it to Sorey. ]
[ Hands still joined, Mikleo ultimately leads Sorey to a cliff. And the landscape below? Unbelievable. There are moments -- not just one, but several of them -- where he’s left with nothing but to just stare, gape-mouthed, in awe of the absolute splendor of it all. ]
This is one of the places you found while I was asleep? [ He shakes his head a little as though in disbelief, completely awestruck. ] It’s beautiful...
[ He sounds humbled -- and that’s because he truly is. When he finally looks to Mikleo again, however, he’s all grins. ] You didn’t go explore those ruins without me, did you? We have to go check them out!
[ And yes, he’s practically salivating with the want to do so!! But first, he’ll bring his boyfriend’s still-held hand to his lips kissing a pale knuckle. ]
But, before we do... what did you want to talk to me about?
Don't worry. [ His lips tilt forward up that, looking fairly amused. Of course that's what Sorey would focus on. ] They're all ours to explore when you're ready.
[ Though, at the question, Mikleo pauses - expression turning more serious. He's though about how he's going to do all of this for a while before coming here. Now's the time to say it.
He takes in a breath, turning to Sorey - his hand still holding the other's. ]
... I love you. [ He says softly, thumb gently moving to stroke the back of the other's hand. ] It's something that I should have said before.
[ He's more than aware that it's something that he knows that he needed to hear. ]
[ Sorey is, admittedly, at least halfway caught up in the idea of ruins when those words hit:
”I love you.”
Did his heart just stop? Maybe. ]
You...
[ Sorey.exe has failed. Rebooting, please wait...
Finally, his breath returns along with his pulse -- and in a big way. There’s a rush of warmth that is full-bodied, nearly powerful enough to dampen his eyes, but not quite. Then, a bright, cheerful, chipper little chortle escapes him. ]
I love you, too!
[ He sounds like he’s shouting it to the heavens -- and really, why wouldn’t he? -- but that part is unintentional. At least when he hears his own words reverberated back to him in a slight echo, he gets the hint that he’s been a little loud and reels himself in, hands moving to Mikleo’s cheeks instead, gently. A few impetuous, excited kisses accompany, a nuzzle of noses appended as they part.
In a more heartfelt, meaningful murmur, with complete eye contact made and held: ]
Mikleo, I love you, too...
[ Those green eyes have perhaps never quite shined so bright as they do now, accented by a smile so broad it hurts his cheeks. ]
It’s nothing you had to say before; please don’t feel that way. [ It stung, sure; but he has no one to blame but himself for that. ] That was my fault. And besides, it’s in the past now!
[ Mikleo doesn't have a chance to respond - not before his cheeks are taken by both hands - not before he's kissed several times. He smiles slightly, cheeks slightly flushed.
It's a little embarrassing, but... Sorey seems happy. It looks like Mikleo made the right decision to come here. ]
Everyone's bound to hear you. [ He mutters, though it's not exactly said in a tone that sounds scolding, not with how his lips turn upwards. ] But... I'm glad.
[ He's still blaming himself... rather, it sounds like they're both blaming each other. He reaches to gently cup the others palms, shaking his head. ] ... Even so, I was the one who told you not to hesitate.
[ Let them hear! Would be Sorey’s reply, were Mikleo not concerned with it. But since he seems so, (he’s always been a more private person, after all), Sorey tries to curb his enthusiasm a little.
For the most part, it doesn’t work; though he does manage to quiet himself somewhat at the seraph’s later comment. ]
I’m sorry if I seemed upset about it.
[ He did his best to bottle it all up, but he’s never been especially great at that. ]
I kinda said it on a whim, and only realized after that I should have waited to make it special. [ A soft chortle, and Sorey glances out at the beautiful landscape once more. ] Kinda like you did here.
They are. [ He agrees quickly. ] They always are, and always will be. No matter how many times they're said. [ So you can say it as much as you want, Mikleo. ]
As for Mikleo's assumption... well. He's almost right.
Sorey steps a bit closer. ]
Right after this.
[ The word 'this' being punctuated with a quick kiss... then another, that lasts longer.
Then maybe just one more, just for good luck... or something. Does he really need a reason?! ]
[ He knows that the kisses are coming, but it makes his heart race wildly in his chest all the same. He kisses back - once, twice - and the third time, pressing a little harder, kissing a little more deeply. Despite how knew he used to be at the idea of kissing, he... feels a little more bold with each kiss he receives. It's more than worth it, he thinks, to see Sorey smile the way he does.
His lips curve upwards once more. ]
Picking something else over ruins? That's surprising. [ He leans in to kiss him once more all the same. ]
[ With every kiss, it almost seems like Mikleo gets a little more relaxed; a little more liberal with his affections. So much so, in fact, that the third -- notably deeper, more insistent than its predecessors -- steals Sorey's breath a bit. He exhales audibly as they part, distantly aware of how the air around his face feels a little chilly now. ]
Not something -- just you.
[ And he'll answer that obvious want to kiss him -- no matter how wholly warm he feels by now. ]
You're more important to me than any ruins we could ever explore -- in this world, or our own.
[ Naturally, Mikleo read his mind. At that pinch of reassurance, he feels his heart flutter bittersweetly in his chest -- a sensation that makes him smile, even as his eyes grow a bit glassy. There’s a moment of silent sort of reverence before he brings their joined hands to his lips and kisses the seraph’s knuckles. ]
When I wake up, we can pick right back up where we left off.
[ Even with love, though that much isn’t spoken aloud. Even if he remembers nothing when he wakes, he knows he’ll fall for Mikleo all over again. It’s only a matter of time. ]
So, try not to explore everything without me while I'm gone, okay?
[ He's joking, of course! Only joking. It's not like he'll be gone for 500 years, jeez. ]
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The words said then haven’t reappeared at all since, in conversation or otherwise. Perhaps they’ve been in his eyes as he’s kissed his partner, or when he holds him close, but Sorey has been diligent and dutiful in minding his words.
Or, from another viewpoint, strangely quiet.
Sorey is, as always, pretty freehanded with his affections and relatively easy to please; but, lest he forget, Mikleo is less so. And this relationship is about him, too -- his needs, his wants, and his comfort zone. By that merit, when it comes to certain things, Sorey will... just have to wait, that’s all.
And he will. He’ll wait forever. Because whether they’re just friends or more than that, Mikleo is worth it.
But already, he’s pushed the envelope, it seems. And that means he owes his partner an apology. Already.
Jeez. Sometimes he has to wonder whether or not he’s cut out for this whole ‘boyfriend’ thing...
He’s tried not to let this stumble take root and shatter his confidence, making him rethink the timing of everything he’s done to build this relationship, evoking questions like, “how much of this was me, and how much was Mikleo?” and “Have I been pushing him into things this whole time?”
He knows his best friend to stubbornly dig in his heels against things he strongly dislikes. But when he’s dealing with someone he cares for, and a situation that’s delicate, how much is he sacrificing himself for the sake of keeping Sorey happy? He hadn’t before, but now he thinks back to another night in bed where Mikleo had seemed particularly rigid and hesitant during a moment of closeness, and he has to wonder if that, too, had been forced.
Good heavens. He can vow to purify the world without batting an eye; but when it comes to something so important to get exactly right...
Sigh. At least, unlike with purification, in this case he knows this can start off with an apology -- and that’s exactly what he intends to do.
He’s got Mikleo alone again now, and though they’ve been walking for hours, having something like this hanging over his head has made it feel like minutes. Up ahead is a clearing, presumably their destination. Looks like his time is up.
Sorey clears his throat first. ]
Hey, Mikleo... can we talk for a moment?
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After all, isn't a friendship in general something that's a two way street? Then, it only makes sense that what they have would be more than that.
Though... when he thinks about it, boyfriend isn't something that summarizes their relationship, either. Sorey's more than that. He's family - his partner - his companion. It's truly difficult to put into words. Perhaps there isn't a word for it.
He turns then, stopping in his tracks. ]
What is it?
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So, about that night, where I said what I did... [ Surely Mikleo knows which one. ] I know you said you were glad I’m not hesitating anymore, but--
[ He sucks in a breath. ]
I’ve thought about it a lot, and I realize that I overstepped my bounds.
[ Go on, Sorey -- tell him what you’ve learned. ]
It was selfish and careless of me to say that without thinking of your feelings first.
[ Basically, it was way, way too soon -- just like Sorey thought it was. He should have gone with his gut like always. But he’s an impetuous boy in love and, in this one case, his filter just popped off. The resulting wound, he deserved; but what’s most important is that it probably left Mikleo in a weird, likely uncomfortable spot. ]
So I wanted to tell you that I’m sorry. [ His head tucks, a show of contrition. ] That was unfair of me, and I’m sorry.
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Mikleo shakes his head, reaching for Sorey's hand. He appreciates it. It sounds as though Sorey has been thinking about this a lot recently. ]
There's no need to apologize. The reason why I asked you to come here today was so we could talk about that night.
[ Even so... ]
Thank you. It sounds as though you've given this a lot of thought. ... Still, I do have one thing to say before we continue: you didn't exactly overstep your boundaries, and calling that night selfish or careless is the opposite of what happened, isn't it?
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He shouldn’t be worried -- and he knows that; but at least, perhaps he’s less so when Mikleo takes his hand. Tangling their fingers, he squeezes gently. ]
You’re right. [ He admits readily. ] That night is still special to me, no matter what. I don’t regret what was said, either -- it’s how I really feel, so how could I?
[ Upon his lips is a silly, sheepish smile; one that implies that he forgives himself, at least, for this premature misstep. ]
And maybe I didn’t overstep my boundaries, but my timing could’ve been better.
[ Anyway, who says I love you on the first night they get together with someone?? Someone with a foolhardy heart and no brain-to-mouth filter, that’s who. Unconsciously licking his lips first, he swallows again and glances away, knowing that he’s far too expressive to hide the pinch of hurt he feels as he adds-- ]
I... I didn’t know you weren’t ready.
[ To return his words, he means. Or, maybe that he couldn't do so honestly because they aren't on completely level ground. Either way, it’s not a great precedent to set; and if it bears any kind of foreshadowing on their future together, then this relationship stands to be incredibly rocky -- especially when they get to. Um. More intimate activities. ]
I’ll pay more attention next time.
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He tugs at Sorey's hand then, shaking his head. ]
Come on. We'll talk more about this when we get there.
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Sorey stops himself short there. He’s been puzzling over how to read his friend for some time now to no avail. It’s high time he admits that, when it comes to relationships, he simply doesn’t know which way is up sometimes. And that’s okay! There’s a learning curve to everything in life. He doesn’t hold it against himself any more than Mikleo appears to.
So, heart pounding in his chest, he offers merely a small nod and follows as he’s led, their hands still joined. ]
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It's almost like a scene from a storybook, really. He's just glad that he can show it to Sorey. ]
We're here.
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This is one of the places you found while I was asleep? [ He shakes his head a little as though in disbelief, completely awestruck. ] It’s beautiful...
[ He sounds humbled -- and that’s because he truly is. When he finally looks to Mikleo again, however, he’s all grins. ] You didn’t go explore those ruins without me, did you? We have to go check them out!
[ And yes, he’s practically salivating with the want to do so!! But first, he’ll bring his boyfriend’s still-held hand to his lips kissing a pale knuckle. ]
But, before we do... what did you want to talk to me about?
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[ Though, at the question, Mikleo pauses - expression turning more serious. He's though about how he's going to do all of this for a while before coming here. Now's the time to say it.
He takes in a breath, turning to Sorey - his hand still holding the other's. ]
... I love you. [ He says softly, thumb gently moving to stroke the back of the other's hand. ] It's something that I should have said before.
[ He's more than aware that it's something that he knows that he needed to hear. ]
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”I love you.”
Did his heart just stop? Maybe. ]
You...
[ Sorey.exe has failed. Rebooting, please wait...
Finally, his breath returns along with his pulse -- and in a big way. There’s a rush of warmth that is full-bodied, nearly powerful enough to dampen his eyes, but not quite. Then, a bright, cheerful, chipper little chortle escapes him. ]
I love you, too!
[ He sounds like he’s shouting it to the heavens -- and really, why wouldn’t he? -- but that part is unintentional. At least when he hears his own words reverberated back to him in a slight echo, he gets the hint that he’s been a little loud and reels himself in, hands moving to Mikleo’s cheeks instead, gently. A few impetuous, excited kisses accompany, a nuzzle of noses appended as they part.
In a more heartfelt, meaningful murmur, with complete eye contact made and held: ]
Mikleo, I love you, too...
[ Those green eyes have perhaps never quite shined so bright as they do now, accented by a smile so broad it hurts his cheeks. ]
It’s nothing you had to say before; please don’t feel that way. [ It stung, sure; but he has no one to blame but himself for that. ] That was my fault. And besides, it’s in the past now!
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It's a little embarrassing, but... Sorey seems happy. It looks like Mikleo made the right decision to come here. ]
Everyone's bound to hear you. [ He mutters, though it's not exactly said in a tone that sounds scolding, not with how his lips turn upwards. ] But... I'm glad.
[ He's still blaming himself... rather, it sounds like they're both blaming each other. He reaches to gently cup the others palms, shaking his head. ] ... Even so, I was the one who told you not to hesitate.
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For the most part, it doesn’t work; though he does manage to quiet himself somewhat at the seraph’s later comment. ]
I’m sorry if I seemed upset about it.
[ He did his best to bottle it all up, but he’s never been especially great at that. ]
I kinda said it on a whim, and only realized after that I should have waited to make it special. [ A soft chortle, and Sorey glances out at the beautiful landscape once more. ] Kinda like you did here.
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[ He grins a bit, looking to the ruins in the distance. ] The question now is - when are we going to explore those ruins?
[ Knowing Sorey, as soon as possible. ]
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As for Mikleo's assumption... well. He's almost right.
Sorey steps a bit closer. ]
Right after this.
[ The word 'this' being punctuated with a quick kiss... then another, that lasts longer.
Then maybe just one more, just for good luck... or something. Does he really need a reason?! ]
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His lips curve upwards once more. ]
Picking something else over ruins? That's surprising. [ He leans in to kiss him once more all the same. ]
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Not something -- just you.
[ And he'll answer that obvious want to kiss him -- no matter how wholly warm he feels by now. ]
You're more important to me than any ruins we could ever explore -- in this world, or our own.
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It's funny. They've known each other for their entire lives, but... Sorey keeps catching him off guard all the same. ]
You're such a sap. [ He nudges him lightly with his elbow. He looks away then, pale features reddening slightly. ]
... I feel the same. [ He always has. ] But... it feels as though our dream's only become stronger, as well.
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That is, until Mikleo gets him -- admittedly, off-guard -- with a playful elbow. All the same, all he can do is chuckle lightheartedly at the jab. ]
You love me. [ He rebuffs. Knowingly, now. ] And, you know, now that you mention it... I think you might be right -- I think maybe somehow, it has.
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He'll move to take a seat then, offering a hand for Sorey to take and join him to do the same. ]
There's more out there to explore than we thought. Not just in this world - but likely in others, too.
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You think we'll have time to explore it all? [ A beat. ] Maybe not here, but--
[ Lacing their fingers, he trails off. This is a bad time for that, no matter whether he wants to offer words of reassurance or not. ]
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[ He'll squeeze that hand, putting a bit of his weight against Sorey. ]
I'm sure we'll have some time then to see what's out there.
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When I wake up, we can pick right back up where we left off.
[ Even with love, though that much isn’t spoken aloud. Even if he remembers nothing when he wakes, he knows he’ll fall for Mikleo all over again. It’s only a matter of time. ]
So, try not to explore everything without me while I'm gone, okay?
[ He's joking, of course! Only joking.
It's not like he'll be gone for 500 years, jeez.]no subject
[ His heart leaps when Sorey presses lips to knuckles, eyes darting away for a moment before he squeezes that hand. ]
... I'll write everything down. [ He says softly. ] Just like the last time.
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[ Green eyes meet amethyst. ]
I can't wait to see you again.
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