Hearts in their eyes, chocolate in their hands... you've guessed it! It's that time of the year again, where everything goes to hell and shipping is at its high. Or something like that. Basically, this is an open Valentine's Day post for all of your shipping needs with Len.
How does this work, exactly? Easy! Just pick a character from my muselist and post a top level comment calling them out. I'm game for anything ship-wise, canon, cross-canon, you name it. I'll even work with CRAU. ♥ And then we go "love love" and keep on going.
[It was after he'd woken up from the simulation that he and Hinata had figured out they were soulmates. The accident is one that sticks out in his mind if he stops and thinks about it. Hinata had pissed him off and he'd grabbed the front of his shirt to snarl something snide when fingers brushed over his hip.
Needless to say the fight went out of him when the connection of that touch sparked through him. That had been months ago. Since then they had cautiously, very cautiously tread into new territory. It wasn't ever perfect. Hell no. They had too much history for things to be fantasy brand incredible. That's probably why they both get irritated when anyone mentions 'soulmate' in their presence.
Books always called it some whirlwind romance. Not sometimes suddenly violent all over the place. They get along about like a house on fire some days, with both of them sitting at the kitchen table plotting the other's demise while everything burns around them. Other days he feels less like he's forever tied to a boring, average, jackass and closer to 'maybe you'll get in my pants someday'. Begrudgingly this month they'd planned to step a few inches closer to what most people would call 'relationship'. If they'll succeed is an entirely another matter.
Dinner had gone...mostly well. For every rational and seemingly reasonable conversation he's ever imagined in his head. Usually one of them will take a cheap shot they can't resist. Some form of 'fuck you' will be uttered however polite and it goes spiraling down the drain from there. Tonight had been closer to reasonable. He stares at the bed as if it might bite him while sliding his coat off of his shoulders.]
Hinata. [He has that mild cryptic smile on his face as he hangs the coat up.] What side of the bed are you going to be on?
[He has to make sure if they're going to sleep in the same bed that Hinata's hand stays away from his hip. Damn dragon tattoo spanning from the top of his hip to curl over the muscle of his thigh. It's like it was made for accidents.]
[ Just a few seconds into the conversation and Hinata already leads up with a sick burn? Must be a day that ends in y. He isn't even hiding any trace of bitterness that slips into his tone at all, because, you know.
Might I remind you that you suggested this. [Why yes, he'll rub that in. He flexes the fingers of his machine hand and strides over to the side by the window. He pulls off his shoes one at time with his gaze fixed on the scenery outside.]
I doubt Souda would thank you for waking him up for our 'petty squabbling'. [He doesn't even hide his own frustration. What's the point?
Mind you Souda had also said 'if you got your ashes raked regularly you'd both be less fuckin cranky'. He'd had to look the phrase up because it hadn't made sense. He'd been pissed off for the rest of the day.]
Just because I suggested it doesn't mean I have to like it.
[ Your point? Hinata follows suit by kicking off his own shoes, arms folded as his eyes narrow at the other teen, a skeptical 'are you fucking kidding' look plastered all over his face. He can't even hide it, no way, no how. It's pretty much impossible. ]
And we won't wake him up, the room's soundproof. [ Unless they were lying about that, too. ]
You really don't bother to listen. [Komaeda snaps as he removes the chain from his belt loops. He'd love to choke Hinata with it. Like he'd predicted it's going to hell.]
You would wake him if you asked for a saw. [The belt hits the floor and he briefly considers sleeping in his pants. But, not wanting to appear worried, he removes those too. Yet, he still tugs his shirt down to cover his right hip.
What is Hinata's tattoo anyway. He has no damn clue what or where it is.]
[ As if Hinata would ever tell him. He wouldn't; not in a million years. It's too embarrassing and he's absolutely positive that he would be made fun of, if and when he did decide to show it. Which means never. ]
And who said I was going to ask him for one? [ He's considered it, but no; he's not getting any of his classmates involved in their squabble. Even if Hinata is 100% right and Komaeda is 100% wrong (in his head) about it. ]
[He openly stares at him with a puzzled and slightly frustrated expression. ...what the hell was the point-]
...Or I could just go back to my room. Hinata, what is the point if this is how we're ending up?
[He leans back down to collect his pants. To say he'd been an idiot to agree to this evening is an understatement. Naturally things never go well, especially with them.]
I thought it was about settling differences. [He yanks his pants back on and fumbles with his belt.] Or was there some secret to this I'm not getting.
[Probably to shut up. That seems to be a favorite set of words from Hinata. Komaeda reaches for his shoes to snatch them up. He'll just walk out barefoot if it goes any further south.]
[He almost walks out. Except there's something about Hinata's expression that makes him stop. His shoulders fall, as he bows his head. The other hasn't made it a secret how much he hates this situation. And why.
Nor has he ever made it clear because of that why he's not any happier with the situation. It was bad enough to be linked to someone he had always been interested in and could never explain why. But to be reminded so often that the other was bitter about it and never wanted him in the first place.
It's just his luck laughing at him yet again.
He scrubs at his face. They haven't been getting anywhere. Not for months. They won't for years at this rate if he doesn't say something. Finally he drops his shoes on the floor and wraps his arms about himself as he turns to face the window. It's easier to act like the gulf between them is physical instead of in every way that matters.] Hinata.
Do you even know why I'm just as upset as you are about our souls tied together?
[Well, he'd originally intended for Hinata to never find out anything about how he felt. Komaeda can't exactly kick himself for playing his cards so close to his chest. It's be miserable until they die or just show his hand.]
Yep. Even when I found out you were reserve course and we were all despair, I felt a tie with you I couldn't explain. I wanted you to understand. Wanted to understand you.
[This is more honesty than he's had in a while but. He digs his fingers into his forearms, letting the pain drive him to keep talking.] ...if we'd discovered this bond sooner, things would have been...different.
And you didn't think that I didn't want to understand you, Komaeda? You still tried to kill everyone who was in Super High School Level Despair! That wasn't something that I would have wanted!
[ The words come off as clipped as if he's subconsciously understood the meaning behind Komaeda's words. He's angry, loud, and bitter. ]
I didn't want to forgive you because you've hurt my friends. Even now, I'm torn between wanting to. We can't change the past. But that doesn't mean that we can't fix things. [ And more importantly... ] So what exactly is it that you wanted me to understand, anyway?
At the time, I was trying to clue you into what I found in the Octagon. I thought of anyone you would realize what I found. [He tips his head back to stare at the ceiling. There's going to be marks on his arms.]
This...Hinata the past can't be changed. Neither of us are sure if we can forgive it. To be honest, I haven't known what to make of you since I woke up. And just when I thought I had it all figured out...
[They had that argument and Hinata's hand brushed the exposed skin of his hip.] ...everything happened. I hate it. But not for the reasons you assumed. No one is more aware of what you think about it than I am.
[Usami's "motive" for them all to get along could have been worse, Peko supposes. Searching for materials in the mountains was hard work, after all, and the hot springs the stuffed rabbit had... conjured? Revealed? Seemed like just the thing for relaxing her sore muscles. Ever mindful of their less-than-honorable classmates, she's opted to wear her bathing suit into the spring, even if it seems deserted for now. It's less than traditional, but she has no interest in being peeked at when she's trying to relax. It would be a shame if she had to stain these peaceful waters with blood.
She stops short upon entering, however, when a familiar bit of hair is visible through the steam. Damn. She'd thought coming to the spring this late would mean that the others had already gone back to their cottages, but it seemed there was one straggler left.]
Ah, Hinata... I had not realized anyone was here. Would you like me to wait until you're finished?
[Though she's wearing her towel, the black straps of her bathing suit are still visible above it. She's decent! He had better be, or that shinai, still in its bag on her back, is going to find a target.]
[ Why this. Why him. He's going to get killed, or at least knocked out— which is why he just sinks further into the spring, trying to hide even the faintest signs of his blush. Although he could always blame it on the water. Clearly. Can he just run away from this...
(Well, he could, but then she'd see more of him than he wants her to - as of this moment - and that isn't something that he wants right now.) ]
Did they switch the times?! [ As in, did he screw up when he thought that the springs was going to be for the men's at this hour? Or did it suddenly become mixed bathing? He's not really sure... ] I-I can get out if you want, just look away!
[Maybe it was her mistake as to the times... she'd seen everyone else heading back toward their cottages and just assumed the springs would be available for her. Well, she'd seen Souda and Hanamura back at their cottages, and that was good enough for her. Either way, Hinata seems harmless enough, so she just gives him a nod and shrugs the shinai off her shoulders, setting it down on the ground and slipping into the spring. She can still reach that shinai easily, and Hinata is well within striking distance... so don't try anything.]
As long as you respect the relationships between men and women.
[??? What the heck. That's probably just weirdo swordswoman warning him not to be a pervert.
But that's apparently all she's got to say for now. Not the best conversationalist, Peko Pekoyama.]
[ He has most of his body in the water, so he's fine (for now) but when he sees Pekoyama join him, he can't help but have his cheeks flare up to the point where it reaches his ears. Don't judge him, he just can't handle the idea of being alone... with a girl... in a hot spring.
Gulp. ]
S-So... [ How in the hell does he do this? ] Nice weather we're having tonight.
She's not progressing the conversation-! A true hazard of attempting to converse with her. She has her bathing suit at least, so she'll just fold her towel and set it behind her, preparing to relax into the water-
Until she suddenly lunges to her feet, grabs her shinai bag, and surges toward Hinata, planting a hand firmly atop his head and shoving him underwater with a quiet, insistent warning to,] Get down!
[Rest in pieces this motive was actually to drown him-! Or not, considering it's only a few seconds before she lets go of his hair, but not her shinai. It seems as though she's watching for something?]
I thought I sensed something.
[Maybe someone activated Fine Sword on their student ID. Whatever it was, it seems to have passed for now, though she keeps her guard up. Don't mind the girl in the bathing suit standing all but on top of him.]
[ He's quiet for a good moment before he tries to shout, but soon enough it's muffled gurgle sound as he's nearly underwater. Ah, yes, he can see the light now, good bye friends...
Except he's alive as he tries to get back up, breathing rather heavily as he coughs out some of the water. ]
I-I didn't see anything... [ Although that's probably a bad thing to say as his vision just goes up. Um.
[In spite of the burst of action, she doesn't seem winded in the least, nor does she notice his roving eyes. Whatever half-perceived threat had caught her attention is far more important, and Hinata's face is far too harmless to incite worry as she continues to monitor the situation.
But something's... off. The fingers of the hand that had been in his hair open and close slightly, as if trying to dispel the feeling of being asleep. But no, this feels far too nice. Strange. Then again, his hair is reminiscent of a small, fluffy animal in a way, so perhaps not that strange.
It takes a few seconds, but the set of her shoulders relaxes, and she shifts to rest her shinai against the ground and sink back into the water, closer to him this time.]
My apologies. [It doesn't sound like she's that sorry, though?? An uncertain beat, then she rests a hand on his shoulder as if to catch his attention.] Are you alright?
[ He has to catch his breath as he shifts his gaze away from her, making sure not to look at her directly in the eyes. He feels as if he's going to get killed if their eyes meet. ]
Y... yeah. [ No, he's not alright? He was right underneath her and now he's just... really close...?? ] I'm fine.
[He's still not looking at her, though... Concerned, she bites the inside of her cheek, keeping her hand on his shoulder. Perhaps literally shoving him under the water had been a mistake? She'd been trying to protect him from... whatever that sense was, but clearly she must have offended him in some way. Which is... disheartening. A mere tool may not need friends or feelings, but being seen as a person by all her classmates is nice. Better than nice, it's something she hasn't experienced very often. And Hinata has always been kind to her, spending his time with her without hesitation.
Perhaps she should find a way to apologize? If only she could think beyond how nice his shoulder feels beneath her hand, a sudden warmth that has nothing to do with the heated bath. The steam is starting to fog up her glasses, though... let her just remove them, setting them carefully by the shinai behind her. If something dangerous does show itself after all, she won't do either of them any good if she can't see through her glasses.]
Hinata.
[And her hand returns to his shoulder, fingers tightening in a gentle insistence as her brows furrow with confusion.]
[ There is a raise of curious brows as he looks at Pekoyama, green eyes blinking at her. It's nice, feeling her hand on his shoulder, but it's also... awkward. He finds himself flushing, licking dry lips awkwardly. ]
[She meets his eyes without flinching, though she bites the inside of her cheek again with uncertainty. No... no, she can't ask him something like that. It would be weird.
So with her cheeks flushing a light pink, she pulls her hand away and looks straight ahead, hand falling with a quiet plunk into the water. An athlete is always super-aware of her body, and right now...? Once under the water, her hand moves to graze her own thigh, pinching the skin in an attempt to distract herself.]
N-no. It's nothing.
[But he's so close. Even if she tries to distract herself, she can't deny that something about Hinata is even warmer than the surrounding water, drawing her closer until her shoulder bumps against his.]
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Hinata - Soulmates Au
Needless to say the fight went out of him when the connection of that touch sparked through him. That had been months ago. Since then they had cautiously, very cautiously tread into new territory. It wasn't ever perfect. Hell no. They had too much history for things to be fantasy brand incredible. That's probably why they both get irritated when anyone mentions 'soulmate' in their presence.
Books always called it some whirlwind romance. Not sometimes suddenly violent all over the place. They get along about like a house on fire some days, with both of them sitting at the kitchen table plotting the other's demise while everything burns around them. Other days he feels less like he's forever tied to a boring, average, jackass and closer to 'maybe you'll get in my pants someday'. Begrudgingly this month they'd planned to step a few inches closer to what most people would call 'relationship'. If they'll succeed is an entirely another matter.
Dinner had gone...mostly well. For every rational and seemingly reasonable conversation he's ever imagined in his head. Usually one of them will take a cheap shot they can't resist. Some form of 'fuck you' will be uttered however polite and it goes spiraling down the drain from there. Tonight had been closer to reasonable. He stares at the bed as if it might bite him while sliding his coat off of his shoulders.]
Hinata. [He has that mild cryptic smile on his face as he hangs the coat up.] What side of the bed are you going to be on?
[He has to make sure if they're going to sleep in the same bed that Hinata's hand stays away from his hip. Damn dragon tattoo spanning from the top of his hip to curl over the muscle of his thigh. It's like it was made for accidents.]
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[ Just a few seconds into the conversation and Hinata already leads up with a sick burn? Must be a day that ends in y. He isn't even hiding any trace of bitterness that slips into his tone at all, because, you know.
Fuck that. ]
Maybe we should saw the bed in half.
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I doubt Souda would thank you for waking him up for our 'petty squabbling'. [He doesn't even hide his own frustration. What's the point?
Mind you Souda had also said 'if you got your ashes raked regularly you'd both be less fuckin cranky'. He'd had to look the phrase up because it hadn't made sense. He'd been pissed off for the rest of the day.]
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[ Your point? Hinata follows suit by kicking off his own shoes, arms folded as his eyes narrow at the other teen, a skeptical 'are you fucking kidding' look plastered all over his face. He can't even hide it, no way, no how. It's pretty much impossible. ]
And we won't wake him up, the room's soundproof. [ Unless they were lying about that, too. ]
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You would wake him if you asked for a saw. [The belt hits the floor and he briefly considers sleeping in his pants. But, not wanting to appear worried, he removes those too. Yet, he still tugs his shirt down to cover his right hip.
What is Hinata's tattoo anyway. He has no damn clue what or where it is.]
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And who said I was going to ask him for one? [ He's considered it, but no; he's not getting any of his classmates involved in their squabble. Even if Hinata is 100% right and Komaeda is 100% wrong (in his head) about it. ]
I'll just sleep on the goddamn couch then. Happy?
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...Or I could just go back to my room. Hinata, what is the point if this is how we're ending up?
[He leans back down to collect his pants. To say he'd been an idiot to agree to this evening is an understatement. Naturally things never go well, especially with them.]
I thought it was about settling differences. [He yanks his pants back on and fumbles with his belt.] Or was there some secret to this I'm not getting.
[Probably to shut up. That seems to be a favorite set of words from Hinata. Komaeda reaches for his shoes to snatch them up. He'll just walk out barefoot if it goes any further south.]
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[ He stops himself, biting his lower lip as he glances away, half annoyed and half... something else, that he can't exactly explain. ]
Just forget about it, then.
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Nor has he ever made it clear because of that why he's not any happier with the situation. It was bad enough to be linked to someone he had always been interested in and could never explain why. But to be reminded so often that the other was bitter about it and never wanted him in the first place.
It's just his luck laughing at him yet again.
He scrubs at his face. They haven't been getting anywhere. Not for months. They won't for years at this rate if he doesn't say something. Finally he drops his shoes on the floor and wraps his arms about himself as he turns to face the window. It's easier to act like the gulf between them is physical instead of in every way that matters.] Hinata.
Do you even know why I'm just as upset as you are about our souls tied together?
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[ Hinata quiets, if only because he isn't sure of what to say, how to answer. ]
I always assumed that it's because you outright don't like me. [ Because of what they've done. Because of who he is. ] Am I wrong?
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Yep. Even when I found out you were reserve course and we were all despair, I felt a tie with you I couldn't explain. I wanted you to understand. Wanted to understand you.
[This is more honesty than he's had in a while but. He digs his fingers into his forearms, letting the pain drive him to keep talking.] ...if we'd discovered this bond sooner, things would have been...different.
Very different.
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[ The words come off as clipped as if he's subconsciously understood the meaning behind Komaeda's words. He's angry, loud, and bitter. ]
I didn't want to forgive you because you've hurt my friends. Even now, I'm torn between wanting to. We can't change the past. But that doesn't mean that we can't fix things. [ And more importantly... ] So what exactly is it that you wanted me to understand, anyway?
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This...Hinata the past can't be changed. Neither of us are sure if we can forgive it. To be honest, I haven't known what to make of you since I woke up. And just when I thought I had it all figured out...
[They had that argument and Hinata's hand brushed the exposed skin of his hip.] ...everything happened. I hate it. But not for the reasons you assumed. No one is more aware of what you think about it than I am.
Even gestures like this...I know how they end.
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Hinata - Mind Altering Hot Springs???
She stops short upon entering, however, when a familiar bit of hair is visible through the steam. Damn. She'd thought coming to the spring this late would mean that the others had already gone back to their cottages, but it seemed there was one straggler left.]
Ah, Hinata... I had not realized anyone was here. Would you like me to wait until you're finished?
[Though she's wearing her towel, the black straps of her bathing suit are still visible above it. She's decent! He had better be, or that shinai, still in its bag on her back, is going to find a target.]
my favorite kind of motive
[ Why this. Why him. He's going to get killed, or at least knocked out— which is why he just sinks further into the spring, trying to hide even the faintest signs of his blush. Although he could always blame it on the water. Clearly. Can he just run away from this...
(Well, he could, but then she'd see more of him than he wants her to - as of this moment - and that isn't something that he wants right now.) ]
Did they switch the times?! [ As in, did he screw up when he thought that the springs was going to be for the men's at this hour? Or did it suddenly become mixed bathing? He's not really sure... ] I-I can get out if you want, just look away!
[ Nailed it. ]
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[Maybe it was her mistake as to the times... she'd seen everyone else heading back toward their cottages and just assumed the springs would be available for her. Well, she'd seen Souda and Hanamura back at their cottages, and that was good enough for her. Either way, Hinata seems harmless enough, so she just gives him a nod and shrugs the shinai off her shoulders, setting it down on the ground and slipping into the spring. She can still reach that shinai easily, and Hinata is well within striking distance... so don't try anything.]
As long as you respect the relationships between men and women.
[??? What the heck. That's probably just weirdo swordswoman warning him not to be a pervert.
But that's apparently all she's got to say for now. Not the best conversationalist, Peko Pekoyama.]
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[ He has most of his body in the water, so he's fine (for now) but when he sees Pekoyama join him, he can't help but have his cheeks flare up to the point where it reaches his ears. Don't judge him, he just can't handle the idea of being alone... with a girl... in a hot spring.
Gulp. ]
S-So... [ How in the hell does he do this? ] Nice weather we're having tonight.
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[...
She's not progressing the conversation-! A true hazard of attempting to converse with her. She has her bathing suit at least, so she'll just fold her towel and set it behind her, preparing to relax into the water-
Until she suddenly lunges to her feet, grabs her shinai bag, and surges toward Hinata, planting a hand firmly atop his head and shoving him underwater with a quiet, insistent warning to,] Get down!
[Rest in pieces this motive was actually to drown him-! Or not, considering it's only a few seconds before she lets go of his hair, but not her shinai. It seems as though she's watching for something?]
I thought I sensed something.
[Maybe someone activated Fine Sword on their student ID. Whatever it was, it seems to have passed for now, though she keeps her guard up. Don't mind the girl in the bathing suit standing all but on top of him.]
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[ He's quiet for a good moment before he tries to shout, but soon enough it's muffled gurgle sound as he's nearly underwater. Ah, yes, he can see the light now, good bye friends...
Except he's alive as he tries to get back up, breathing rather heavily as he coughs out some of the water. ]
I-I didn't see anything... [ Although that's probably a bad thing to say as his vision just goes up. Um.
UH.
This is a problem, huh. ]
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[In spite of the burst of action, she doesn't seem winded in the least, nor does she notice his roving eyes. Whatever half-perceived threat had caught her attention is far more important, and Hinata's face is far too harmless to incite worry as she continues to monitor the situation.
But something's... off. The fingers of the hand that had been in his hair open and close slightly, as if trying to dispel the feeling of being asleep. But no, this feels far too nice. Strange. Then again, his hair is reminiscent of a small, fluffy animal in a way, so perhaps not that strange.
It takes a few seconds, but the set of her shoulders relaxes, and she shifts to rest her shinai against the ground and sink back into the water, closer to him this time.]
My apologies. [It doesn't sound like she's that sorry, though?? An uncertain beat, then she rests a hand on his shoulder as if to catch his attention.] Are you alright?
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Y... yeah. [ No, he's not alright? He was right underneath her and now he's just... really close...?? ] I'm fine.
[ But she's so close?! ]
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[He's still not looking at her, though... Concerned, she bites the inside of her cheek, keeping her hand on his shoulder. Perhaps literally shoving him under the water had been a mistake? She'd been trying to protect him from... whatever that sense was, but clearly she must have offended him in some way. Which is... disheartening. A mere tool may not need friends or feelings, but being seen as a person by all her classmates is nice. Better than nice, it's something she hasn't experienced very often. And Hinata has always been kind to her, spending his time with her without hesitation.
Perhaps she should find a way to apologize? If only she could think beyond how nice his shoulder feels beneath her hand, a sudden warmth that has nothing to do with the heated bath. The steam is starting to fog up her glasses, though... let her just remove them, setting them carefully by the shinai behind her. If something dangerous does show itself after all, she won't do either of them any good if she can't see through her glasses.]
Hinata.
[And her hand returns to his shoulder, fingers tightening in a gentle insistence as her brows furrow with confusion.]
May I ask you something?
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[ There is a raise of curious brows as he looks at Pekoyama, green eyes blinking at her. It's nice, feeling her hand on his shoulder, but it's also... awkward. He finds himself flushing, licking dry lips awkwardly. ]
What is it?
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[She meets his eyes without flinching, though she bites the inside of her cheek again with uncertainty. No... no, she can't ask him something like that. It would be weird.
So with her cheeks flushing a light pink, she pulls her hand away and looks straight ahead, hand falling with a quiet plunk into the water. An athlete is always super-aware of her body, and right now...? Once under the water, her hand moves to graze her own thigh, pinching the skin in an attempt to distract herself.]
N-no. It's nothing.
[But he's so close. Even if she tries to distract herself, she can't deny that something about Hinata is even warmer than the surrounding water, drawing her closer until her shoulder bumps against his.]
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[ His gaze doesn't flinch at all as Hinata's head inclines slightly to the right before he brings his hand to her shoulder. ]
You can tell me anything, Pekoyama. Or at least... I'd hope I could be that person.
[ He wants to believe. ]
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