[askleaks]

Feel the ice is melting

[askleaks]

Leaks knows to expect this type of greeting from Shui, and lightly leans in against the other. He’s gotten quite used to this, but doesn’t fail to notice that this time Shui doesn’t hurry with pulling away.

He nods knowingly at Shui’s reply, which was the one he expected and hoped to hear.

“…I know.”

Leaks focuses his gaze on Shui again, and wrinkles his brow just slightly at the inquiry about his plans. He really has no excuse as to why he is out here, but he can’t bring himself to just state out the truth. Who knows what kind of over-enthusiastic reaction that would get out of Shui.

“You could.. But I wasn’t really going anywhere in particular,” Leaks finally admits, even though by his vague answer Shui might realize what he was here for.. Or not, the red cat’s train of thought might be somewhere else already, as he could be somewhat unpredictable at times.

[uta-utai]

Leaks gets a head tilt for that answer. Is he just walking around without a purpose…? That’s a little odd. Perhaps Leaks likes the cold a lot more than Shui thought. He’s about to put it down to that and move on when it finally clicks. Right here, of all places…

Shui runs the idea through his mind once. Twice. It’s not likely, true, but… It still makes some sense after the third time, so he ends up voicing it.

“You were… waiting for me?” Shui’s tone is not teasing, just slightly disbelieving. That would be a first, and a big surprise—but by no means a bad one. 

[askleaks]

Leaks didn't expect Shui to think too much of his reply.. But apparently, he was wrong. He watches Shui's reaction in silence, just slightly raising his brows as the red cat eventually figures it out.

"...Think what you will," he says. He has noticed Shui pretty much always catches the meaning of whenever he replies with something like this, but he doesn't really have any reason to try to deny it, either.

Leaks keeps his eyes concentrated on Shui, taking in the sight of the other's surprised face. It's somehow.. rather adorable. He does get the urge to turn away, since this way Shui can easily observe his expressions as well, but decides to not act upon it.

"We shouldn't just stand around like this, or we'll get cold" he eventually states.

[askleaks]

Feel the ice is melting

[askleaks]

Before long, he does see a very familiar figure walking along the supposed road, and continues walking onwards. Leaks stops in front of the other, and bluntly returns the stare. He was hoping for Shui to visit, but it actually happening surprises him, anyway.

He lifts up the hood he is wearing, and nods as a greeting.

“I don’t mind it. I find it to be somewhat refreshing, and the athmosphere of the forest in winter quite calming,” he states, glancing at the distance, at all the trees slowly but surely getting covered in snow. The nature is rather beautiful in winter as well, it’s like everything is peacefully sleeping.. But he decides to keep these thoughts to himself rather than voicing them out just like that.

“And what are you doing here, when you could be ejoying the warmth of your home?” he asks, though the answer to that is quite obvious.

[uta-utai]

Shui is a lot more effusive with his greetings, and as soon as he’s within range, he presses his head to Leaks’ shoulder. Routine, maybe, but today he decides to change it a little bit; instead of pulling back right away, he lets his head rest there for just a moment longer.

“My home is not the only warm place I know,” he says, quietly, and then adds, a little louder, “I wanted to see you.”

Shui finally moves away, clasping his hands behind his back. He is somewhat curious about meeting Leaks out here rather than at the end of the path, truth to be told. “What about you? Where are you going? Can I come along?”

After all, Shui does make Leaks go outside with him, from time to time. It’s only fair that he should accompany his friend… wherever he might be going.

[askleaks]

Leaks knows to expect this type of greeting from Shui, and lightly leans in against the other. He's gotten quite used to this, but doesn't fail to notice that this time Shui doesn't hurry with pulling away.

He nods knowingly at Shui's reply, which was the one he expected and hoped to hear.

"...I know."

Leaks focuses his gaze on Shui again, and wrinkles his brow just slightly at the inquiry about his plans. He really has no excuse as to why he is out here, but he can't bring himself to just state out the truth. Who knows what kind of over-enthusiastic reaction that would get out of Shui.

"You could.. But I wasn't really going anywhere in particular," Leaks finally admits, even though by his vague answer Shui might realize what he was here for.. Or not, the red cat's train of thought might be somewhere else already, as he could be somewhat unpredictable at times.

[askleaks]

Feel the ice is melting

The season is changing, the weather slowly turning colder and colder. The trees have lost their leaves a while ago.

The ground, covered in pure white snow, is untouched with the exception of footprints left behind by a certain black cat. Leaks is  walking in the forest, along a path that currently can’t be seen. He’s crushing the snow beneath his feet as he walks, resulting in a slight scrunching sound. It was’t very cold yet, so the snow was still wet and soft, but it’s still cold enough to make one’s breath fog. The path Leaks is walking along is the one Shui uses to visit, and the time of the day is the one around which the red cat usually comes by, when he does. This is in no way a coincidence. Leaks wonders if Shui will be surprised to see him along the way, obviously out here on purpose.. If the other happens to be coming over today, that is.

[uta-utai]

Waking up that morning, Shui’s first thought was that he hadn’t seen Leaks in a few days — and ‘a few days’ was starting to feel like a lot more time than it should —, so a visit was in order.

With that in mind, off into the white forest he goes.

Shui never would have guessed he’d run into Leaks on the way. For a second he just stands there, staring. Eh…? The surprise wears off quickly, though; he doesn’t really care where he meets Leaks, as long as he does.

“Why, Leaks,” Shui says, approaching his friend, “you don’t want to leave the house when it’s warm, but decide to walk around in this weather? Do you like the cold?”

[askleaks]

Before long, he does see a very familiar figure walking along the supposed road, and continues walking onwards. Leaks stops in front of the other, and bluntly returns the stare. He was hoping for Shui to visit, but it actually happening surprises him, anyway.

He lifts up the hood he is wearing, and nods as a greeting.

"I don't mind it. I find it to be somewhat refreshing, and the athmosphere of the forest in winter quite calming," he states, glancing at the distance, at all the trees slowly but surely getting covered in snow. The nature is rather beautiful in winter as well, it's like everything is peacefully sleeping.. But he decides to keep these thoughts to himself rather than voicing them out just like that.

"And what are you doing here, when you could be ejoying the warmth of your home?" he asks, though the answer to that is quite obvious.

[askleaks]

Feel the ice is melting

The season is changing, the weather slowly turning colder and colder. The trees have lost their leaves a while ago.

The ground, covered in pure white snow, is untouched with the exception of footprints left behind by a certain black cat. Leaks is  walking in the forest, along a path that currently can't be seen. He's crushing the snow beneath his feet as he walks, resulting in a slight scrunching sound. It was't very cold yet, so the snow was still wet and soft, but it's still cold enough to make one's breath fog. The path Leaks is walking along is the one Shui uses to visit, and the time of the day is the one around which the red cat usually comes by, when he does. This is in no way a coincidence. Leaks wonders if Shui will be surprised to see him along the way, obviously out here on purpose.. If the other happens to be coming over today, that is.

[uta-utai]

On the mend

[askleaks]

Leaks clutches Shui’s sleeve more tightly, and concentrates his gaze at Shui’s closet eyes, more specifically his eyelashes. He’s never really paid attention to them before, instead just looking at the red cat’s striking green eyes.

Leaks parts his lips just slightly when his hand is moved to Shui’s chest, and he can feel the other’s heart beating, at a speed somewhat faster than a normal heartbeat. “…I guess I understand what you mean.” He wants to believe what Shui is saying, but accepting it is still hard. After all, Shui does spend most of his time with his wife. Shui smiles at him, and it’s beautiful. the corner of Leaks’ mouth twitches a little, not quite returning the smile, but somehow finding himself wanting to. Shui’s presence is always so calming. Leaks will most likely have to bring this topic up again sometime later, but for now.. It would really be for the best to just savour this moment, he decides, and brushes his leg against Shui’s.

[uta-utai]

Leaks’ attempt at a smile makes Shui’s own smile wider. “I’m glad.” His heart is finally calming down now, and he keeps Leaks’ hand against his chest so Leaks can feel it.

And this is where Shui would have happily gone for a kiss if he thought the gesture was welcome, but he’s unsure. Too much too fast? It feels like it wasn’t so long ago that Leaks still froze from simple greetings, and though they’ve kissed before, the circumstances were such that Shui barely remembers it. It’s a blur in his mind where a clear picture should be.

But Shui doesn’t know what else he could say; he’s never been good at the talking part — especially when it comes to feelings —, choosing instead to let actions or just music speak for him. Music… Maybe that would work. Leaks listens to his songs. But that would mean getting up to go pick up his lute, and he’s just too comfortable like this, feeling Leaks’ warm breath against his lips, and soft blond hair tickling his face.

Worth a try…? Shui tilts his head, but seems to reconsider and ends up just kissing Leaks’ cheek before letting his head drop on his friend’s shoulder. For now, this is enough to sate his need for closeness, hopefully without pushing Leaks too hard. He closes his eyes and breathes in deep, letting Leaks’ scent fill his lungs.

[askleaks]

Shui keeps his hold on Leaks' hand on his chest, but he doesn't mind. Leaks can feel the beat of Shui's heart slowly becoming more normal, signaling that the situation is rather calm right now. Shui then has another one of those thoughtful pauses. For a moment it looks like Shui is leaning in for a kiss.. Well, which he does, but on the cheek instead of the lips.  It spreads warmth to Leaks' skin, and this time he manages to not tense up much, as he usually does. It's a natural reaction, so getting rid of the habit doesnt' come very easy, but Leaks knows Shui understands. Leaks leans his head against Shui's, and moves his hand away from the red cat's arm, to his back, pulling Shui closer. Despite his unfamiliarity with such closeness, he wants to have Shui there right now. The recent turns of events have resulted in a lot of confusion and anxiety, most definitely for both, but for now all seems to be well, and perhaps it would be for the best to try and not to think of all the negative aspects.

[uta-utai]

On the mend

[askleaks]

Leaks follows suit, sitting back down on his chair for now.

He furrows his brows at the question. What is Shui expecting from him, exactly? “What do you mean by that?” He runs his hand through his hair in slight frustration, wishin he was the type of person that could empty his mind of negative things in a situation like this, but sadly, it’s not one of his qualities. “You have a wife, which means I’m not the only one in your heart. I would very much like to ignore that fact, but it’s somewhat impossible, isn’t it?” Leaks  fixes his eyes on Shui’s face, placing his hands on the red cat’s forearms,  and leans closer, so that their bodies are nearly touching each other. The expression on his face might be mistaken for irritated by most, while in fact it’s more laced with uncertainty. He doesn’t want to be only the second choice to Shui. He wants to express his feelings to Shui more directly than he has so far, but he is still contemplating on what would be the best way, one that wouldn’t make Leaks himself feel uncomfortable about the way he is acting.

[uta-utai]

When Leaks leans in, the temptation to close the remaining distance between them is too great — Shui doesn’t even try to resist. He presses his forehead to the other cat’s and closes his eyes.

“Don’t,” he says, softly shaking his head at Leaks’ words. Both his wife and Leaks are equally important to Shui. He doesn’t want either of them to be ignored. “It doesn’t make—this—any weaker.”

He can’t make Leaks accept this, he knows; Shui had problems with the concept himself. But he doesn’t want his friend to think his affection isn’t as strong as it can be just because it’s shared.

Shui takes one of Leaks’ hands and presses it to his own chest so Leaks can feel his heartbeat — still slightly accelerated, maybe from anxiety, or joy, or both —, smiling tentatively at the black cat. Leaks may not be the only one there, but that doesn’t mean there’s not enough space for him.

[askleaks]

Leaks clutches Shui's sleeve more tightly, and concentrates his gaze at Shui's closet eyes, more specifically his eyelashes. He's never really paid attention to them before, instead just looking at the red cat's striking green eyes. Leaks parts his lips just slightly when his hand is moved to Shui's chest, and he can feel the other's heart beating, at a speed somewhat faster than a normal heartbeat. "...I guess I understand what you mean." He wants to believe what Shui is saying, but accepting it is still hard. After all, Shui does spend most of his time with his wife. Shui smiles at him, and it's beautiful. the corner of Leaks' mouth twitches a little, not quite returning the smile, but somehow finding himself wanting to. Shui's presence is always so calming. Leaks will most likely have to bring this topic up again sometime later, but for now.. It would really be for the best to just savour this moment, he decides, and brushes his leg against Shui's.

[uta-utai]

On the mend

[askleaks]

Leaks watches Shui collects the papers that got scattered when they fell to the floor. The way Shui is just randomly gathering them is definitely going to result in the order of them being completely wrong, but that can just be fixed later, Shui wouldn’t know how to organize them, anyway.

After just a moment of hesitation, Leaks takes Shui’s hand, and lets himself be helped up. 

“I wasn’t planning on that,” he anwers to Shui’s inquiry about him wanting to go outside.

He glances at the window, wondering if it really will snow soon.. The sky does look like it. He’s not very keen on going outside, but the red cat seems to want to do so, and perhaps going out would calm both their minds, making talking easier. Leaks thinks they shouldn’t just leave things between them still somewhat unfinished like this, it isn’t that simple, it’s too big to just state out loud and go on with life normally after.

”..But, if you insist,” he finishes, his expression making it look like he’s more bothered by it, than he really is.

[uta-utai]

“It’s okay if you don’t want to. We can stay here.” It’s just easier to think in open spaces, Shui feels. He could use that, but he doesn’t want to impose.

Shui places the stack of papers on the desk, and then pulls both chairs upright again. There. Everything looks neat now, even if it means Leaks will probably have to spend some time sorting out his research later.

After a second of reluctance, Shui pushes his chair a lot closer to Leaks’ than it was before and sits down.

Read More

[askleaks]

Leaks follows suit, sitting back down on his chair for now. He furrows his brows at the question. What is Shui expecting from him, exactly? "What do you mean by that?" He runs his hand through his hair in slight frustration, wishin he was the type of person that could empty his mind of negative things in a situation like this, but sadly, it's not one of his qualities. "You have a wife, which means I'm not the only one in your heart. I would very much like to ignore that fact, but it's somewhat impossible, isn't it?" Leaks  fixes his eyes on Shui's face, placing his hands on the red cat's forearms,  and leans closer, so that their bodies are nearly touching each other. The expression on his face might be mistaken for irritated by most, while in fact it's more laced with uncertainty. He doesn't want to be only the second choice to Shui. He wants to express his feelings to Shui more directly than he has so far, but he is still contemplating on what would be the best way, one that wouldn't make Leaks himself feel uncomfortable about the way he is acting.

[uta-utai]

On the mend

[askleaks]

Leaks lets Shui stay close for as long as he wants this time, at a moment like this he doesn’t want to push the other away, even though the closeness is lasting a little too long for him to feel comfortable. Thankfully Shui stops before the contact starts feeling too suffocating.

“It’s all right,” he sighs, glancing down at Shui’s hands holding his. This kind of closeness he can say he’s getting sort of used to, it’s not too much, and perhaps with time he can take more without getting all tense about it, he thinks, with the continuous attempts Shui has made at getting physically closer. “You don’t need to ask that, isn’t it obvious that you can,” Leaks answers Shui’s question with just a slight raise of the eyebrows, and a look into the red cat’s eyes. He suspects the cat must already know the answer, but is perhaps asking just to make sure, because of  the things between them being so confusing just before this.

[uta-utai]

Ah. There it is. The confirmation that he needed to hear. It sets his heart at ease — it’s like things are finally going back to normal. Maybe. Whatever ‘normal’ might be from now on.

Shui looks around, taking in the mess he made in his excitement. The papers scattered on the floor look somewhat important… Then again, most of Leaks’ things do, even when he says they’re not. Experiments and books and samples; they all seem pretty crowded around his desk today.

Reluctantly letting go of his friend’s hands, Shui begins gathering the papers he dropped. He probably should go, or sit quietly on a corner as he usually does when Leaks is busy, but…

It feels like there’s so much more to say, even when Shui has no idea what that might be. Is everything fine now? Are they fine? Are things going to change? How? He isn’t sure how to ask. It’s not like Leaks will have the answers, anyway.

Shui leans in and presses his forehead to Leaks’ neck one more time before getting up and offering a hand to help Leaks to do the same. “You don’t want to go outside today, do you? It should start snowing soon. That would be nice to see…”

[askleaks]

Leaks watches Shui collects the papers that got scattered when they fell to the floor. The way Shui is just randomly gathering them is definitely going to result in the order of them being completely wrong, but that can just be fixed later, Shui wouldn't know how to organize them, anyway.

After just a moment of hesitation, Leaks takes Shui's hand, and lets himself be helped up. 

"I wasn't planning on that," he anwers to Shui's inquiry about him wanting to go outside.

He glances at the window, wondering if it really will snow soon.. The sky does look like it. He's not very keen on going outside, but the red cat seems to want to do so, and perhaps going out would calm both their minds, making talking easier. Leaks thinks they shouldn't just leave things between them still somewhat unfinished like this, it isn't that simple, it's too big to just state out loud and go on with life normally after.

"..But, if you insist," he finishes, his expression making it look like he's more bothered by it, than he really is.

[uta-utai]

On the mend

[askleaks]

Leaks’ gaze drops down to his hand, now being covered by Shui’s. The red cat’s reaction is surprisingly calm, Leaks didn’t expect a silence like this. He shifts in his chair just a slight bit, anxious to know what Shui’s planning on doing next.

Soon enough Shui seems to be back to his normal self, practically attacking Leaks, obviously full of happiness.

Leaks lets out a muffled shout as they fall on the floor, almost hitting his head in the process, as he’s caught completely off guard.

The physical closeness still feels somewhat foreign to him, and he can’t bring himself to relax in Shui’s hold, but despite that.. He finds himself liking it. Shui’s warm body against his feels right, and his purring is rather.. heartwarming.

“There’s no need to thank me,” Leaks states, with an expression, while still serious, slightly softer than before. He makes no move to get up, there’s no hurry. He’s content being like this for now.

[uta-utai]

Shui will go for as much headbutting and nuzzling as he thinks he can get away with before sitting back up, giving Leaks some space. It’s not his intention to scare his friend, after all; Leaks’ limits are still there, and they won’t go away with just a few words.

It’s a start, anyway. There’s a lot of contact Leaks already accepts; it’s a matter of time until touching comes as naturally as talking to them. At least Shui hopes so.

“Sorry,” he says, offering Leaks an abashed smile. “I didn’t mean to do that. Not exactly. Not the falling down part.”

He feels almost giddy; what he really wants is to wrap his arms around Leaks and not let go for a very long time. Shui’s always been pretty open and physical with his affection, and it’s all he can do not to tackle Leaks again. Instead, he settles for grasping the black cat’s hands and holding them tight.

“Does that mean I can keep coming over?” He thinks he already knows the answer to this question — but it would be nice to hear Leaks say it himself.

[askleaks]

Leaks lets Shui stay close for as long as he wants this time, at a moment like this he doesn't want to push the other away, even though the closeness is lasting a little too long for him to feel comfortable. Thankfully Shui stops before the contact starts feeling too suffocating. "It's all right," he sighs, glancing down at Shui's hands holding his. This kind of closeness he can say he's getting sort of used to, it's not too much, and perhaps with time he can take more without getting all tense about it, he thinks, with the continuous attempts Shui has made at getting physically closer. "You don't need to ask that, isn't it obvious that you can," Leaks answers Shui's question with just a slight raise of the eyebrows, and a look into the red cat's eyes. He suspects the cat must already know the answer, but is perhaps asking just to make sure, because of  the things between them being so confusing just before this.

[uta-utai]

On the mend

[askleaks]

Shui seems to think Leaks doesn’t reprocicate his feelings at all, and Leaks inwardly curses himself for apparently saying just the wrong things. It’s not the first time something like this has happened, but usually the situation is not as serious as it is now. As meaningful.

“It’s…”

Fixing his gaze to the wall next to Shui, he lets his hand drop on the other’s lap, clutching the fabric of his kilt just lightly.

The way Shui is going about this, he has to say something. To make the other understand. 

“You can talk about it. I.. need to talk about it too.”

He pauses after that and drops his gaze in thought, having no plan as to how to go on. Even Shui had trouble expressing himself, so how is he supposed to do it? Maybe just stating it bluntly would do. Though maybe Shui might get it from a less direct approach too, voicing it out like that would be easier on Leaks.

Finally, he lets out a barely audible sigh.

“You’re not alone in feeling like you do,” he concludes, glancing at Shui’s face with a rather serious expression on his own.

[uta-utai]

Shui is getting really good at this routine of ‘staring like an idiot’, he feels. He’s been doing a lot of that lately.

Leaks looks so serious. He doesn’t joke much. He doesn’t joke at all. He doesn’t lie, either. Not that Shui knows, at least. So it’s true. Isn’t it? It’s true.

Oh.

Oh.

Shui lowers his head again, but this time he’s smiling widely. Something warm and pleasant spreads throughout his body, and he just wants to hold onto that feeling for as long as he can. The tension simply seems to melt, being replaced by a deep relief. This is the best Shui’s felt in a while. His hands find Leaks’ on his lap and cover it; for a moment he sits there, quietly, letting what Leaks said sink in…

…and next thing Leaks knows, he’s being tackled by one very happy red cat. It was meant to be a hug, really, but there’s just so much energy behind it that both cats, their chairs and part of Leaks’ papers end up on the ground. This doesn’t seem to deter Shui in the slightest; he keeps rubbing the top of his head against Leaks’ shoulder, purring loudly, as if nothing had happened.

“Thank you, Leaks,” Shui says, sounding as glad as he feels.

[askleaks]

Leaks' gaze drops down to his hand, now being covered by Shui's. The red cat's reaction is surprisingly calm, Leaks didn't expect a silence like this. He shifts in his chair just a slight bit, anxious to know what Shui's planning on doing next.

Soon enough Shui seems to be back to his normal self, practically attacking Leaks, obviously full of happiness.

Leaks lets out a muffled shout as they fall on the floor, almost hitting his head in the process, as he's caught completely off guard.

The physical closeness still feels somewhat foreign to him, and he can't bring himself to relax in Shui's hold, but despite that.. He finds himself liking it. Shui's warm body against his feels right, and his purring is rather.. heartwarming.

"There's no need to thank me," Leaks states, with an expression, while still serious, slightly softer than before. He makes no move to get up, there's no hurry. He's content being like this for now.

[uta-utai]

On the mend

[askleaks]

Leaks turns to Shui, attentively looking at him, listening to what he has on his mind.

His expression starts out as non-readably serious as ever, but as Shui goes on, it morphs into one of confusion, this time he doesn’t manage to hide it very well.

Is this really happening? Is Shui actually.. Making of a confession? 

Leaks takes a moment to think. He can’t pretend to not understand what Shui is saying, it’s completely clear. But he’s not certain how to proceed with this, what to say in return. He can’t pretend to feel differently than he does, it would just prove to be too difficult.

So, if they both feel the same.. What then? Shui loves the city, as he has stated before. and being with Leaks would not work with his current life at all. And, worst of all, he’s married. Leaks’ mind can’t process all this right now, there will be a time for that later.

Leaks tries to keep his composure, but his voice fails him, his tone being somewhat anxious, even desperate, yet soft at the same time.

“You..”

His eyes narrow suspiciously. He’s trying to think of a valid response to this, but first he needs to find out if Shui is really being serious about this. If he really means what he’s saying. 

“Don’t joke with me.”

Leaks leans forward, reaches out for Shui, and lifts up his chin. He feels he needs to actually see the other’s face to finally believe he’s honestly telling the truth.. Even though there really is no reason to doubt the cat’s words.

[uta-utai]

Ouch. Not having his words even believed when it was so hard to say them in the first place hurts. Even so, Shui does his best to smile when his head is lifted. It’s not the happiest smile Leaks has ever seen, but not a total failure either.

Shui gently pushes his friend’s hand away. As much as he enjoys touching, right now it’s doing more harm than good. It’s a teaser of something he should hold no hopes of having.

“I wouldn’t joke about something like this.” He’s not that cruel of a cat. And he’s not going to take back anything he said — no matter how much he thinks Leaks wishes he did. It’s uncomfortable and awkward and maybe a little painful, but it’s out now, and Shui feels a bit better for it.

He figures he can nurse his heart later; at the moment he has far more important things to worry about.

“If you don’t hate it, I’d like to keep visiting. I still want very much to be your friend. And I won’t talk about this again. It won’t get in the way, I promise.”

If only things could only go back to the way they were, Shui would be contented enough. He honestly wants no more than that.

[askleaks]

Shui seems to think Leaks doesn't reprocicate his feelings at all, and Leaks inwardly curses himself for apparently saying just the wrong things. It's not the first time something like this has happened, but usually the situation is not as serious as it is now. As meaningful.

"It's..."

Fixing his gaze to the wall next to Shui, he lets his hand drop on the other's lap, clutching the fabric of his kilt just lightly.

The way Shui is going about this, he has to say something. To make the other understand. 

"You can talk about it. I.. need to talk about it too."

He pauses after that and drops his gaze in thought, having no plan as to how to go on. Even Shui had trouble expressing himself, so how is he supposed to do it? Maybe just stating it bluntly would do. Though maybe Shui might get it from a less direct approach too, voicing it out like that would be easier on Leaks.

Finally, he lets out a barely audible sigh.

"You're not alone in feeling like you do," he concludes, glancing at Shui's face with a rather serious expression on his own.

[uta-utai]

On the mend

[askleaks]

Leaks quietly observes as Shui sits there, looking all nervous yet lost in thought. The only visible sign of Leaks’ state of mind is his idle tapping on the table with his fingers.

Leaks wonders what’s going on inside Shui’s head right now. He must have planned what to say before coming here, but the actual situation may have made him.. rethink things? Who knows. Might be that the other’s just not sure where to begin.

It takes a while before Shui talks again, but he has Leaks’ attention right away.

“Go on,” Leaks says in a voice more quiet than usual, and nods lightly. He has a feeling Shui has a lot of things to say. Leaks has no idea what to expect, but he has prepared himself for the worst. It’s the easiest way to handle things.

There are things Leaks should probably voice out as well, feelings he should let out before suppressing them begins causing him harm. 

But Shui is perceptive, and Leaks hopes the red cat might understand even without him saying anything. That, and he wouldn’t want to say anything before he hears what Shui’s has on his mind about this.

[uta-utai]

Shui doesn’t know how to start. He doesn’t know how to continue or how to conclude it either. Leaks gives him way too much credit for thinking in advance.

“You know, Leaks, lately I… really…” Shui’s voice trails off. No, this is not how he wants it to go. It’s not lately. This didn’t start with the mating season disaster; his feelings have been dancing on the edge between friendship and something else for a very long time. The only difference is that now he knows what this ‘something else’ is.

“…I’m having a hard time thinking of you as a friend,” Shui says quietly, then quickly shakes his head. “Well, no, I’m not—I do think of you as a friend, a very dear friend, but that’s not… all…” He scratches the back of his neck, smiling wryly. “And. And it’s fine if I’m the only one feeling this way. Or if you want to pretend I’ve never said any of this later. I just wanted you to know why I acted the way I did that—that day.”

Shui refuses to look at Leaks while he talks; he doesn’t know if he’d be able to go on otherwise. His eyes stay trained on his own hands, clasped tight on his lap. His tail taps the leg of his chair nervously.

“It was not just because of the heat, but because I… I…” the last words come out barely louder than a whisper, and if he says anything else, it’s not audible. Shui just looks defeated once he’s done speaking. It’s fairly obvious what he expects now.

[askleaks]

Leaks turns to Shui, attentively looking at him, listening to what he has on his mind.

His expression starts out as non-readably serious as ever, but as Shui goes on, it morphs into one of confusion, this time he doesn't manage to hide it very well.

Is this really happening? Is Shui actually.. Making of a confession? 

Leaks takes a moment to think. He can't pretend to not understand what Shui is saying, it's completely clear. But he's not certain how to proceed with this, what to say in return. He can't pretend to feel differently than he does, it would just prove to be too difficult.

So, if they both feel the same.. What then? Shui loves the city, as he has stated before. and being with Leaks would not work with his current life at all. And, worst of all, he's married. Leaks' mind can't process all this right now, there will be a time for that later.

Leaks tries to keep his composure, but his voice fails him, his tone being somewhat anxious, even desperate, yet soft at the same time.

"You.."

His eyes narrow suspiciously. He's trying to think of a valid response to this, but first he needs to find out if Shui is really being serious about this. If he really means what he's saying. 

"Don't joke with me."

Leaks leans forward, reaches out for Shui, and lifts up his chin. He feels he needs to actually see the other's face to finally believe he's honestly telling the truth.. Even though there really is no reason to doubt the cat's words.

[uta-utai]

On the mend

[askleaks]

Leaks’ gaze follows Shui, but he doesn’t dare look the other in the eyes. The silence is very uncomfortable, and very different from how things usually are. Shui seems to be rather nervous, Leaks notes. No surprise there. He is feeling like that as well, but is doing a better job at hiding it so far.

Shui’s opening line makes it sound like he only came here for the clothes, but Leaks does know Shui better than that; the cat isn’t be the type to come over only for such a petty reason. Leaks wants to tell Shui to speak up, for he must have something to say about last time, but he doesn’t know how to say it without sounding way too rude and potentially scaring the red cat away.

”..You did,” he replies, motioning to the wall next to his door, where Shui’s clothes are hanging surprisingly neatly.

[uta-utai]

“Oh.” Shui makes no motion to get up. He just sits there, head and ears low, tail moving restlessly behind him. Thinking.

There were several words he could use to describe his wife. Caring. Comprehensive. Kind. ‘Slow’, however, was not one of them them. When he got home in the middle of the mating season missing half his clothing, it didn’t take her long to put two and two together.

Read More

[askleaks]

Leaks quietly observes as Shui sits there, looking all nervous yet lost in thought. The only visible sign of Leaks' state of mind is his idle tapping on the table with his fingers.

Leaks wonders what's going on inside Shui's head right now. He must have planned what to say before coming here, but the actual situation may have made him.. rethink things? Who knows. Might be that the other's just not sure where to begin.

It takes a while before Shui talks again, but he has Leaks' attention right away.

"Go on," Leaks says in a voice more quiet than usual, and nods lightly. He has a feeling Shui has a lot of things to say. Leaks has no idea what to expect, but he has prepared himself for the worst. It's the easiest way to handle things.

There are things Leaks should probably voice out as well, feelings he should let out before suppressing them begins causing him harm. 

But Shui is perceptive, and Leaks hopes the red cat might understand even without him saying anything. That, and he wouldn't want to say anything before he hears what Shui's has on his mind about this.

[uta-utai]

On the mend

[askleaks]

Another quiet day filled with the usual research. Leaks has been trying his best not to think about the.. thing that happened with Shui a while back. It has proven to be a difficult task, and Leaks is worried this will soon begin affecting his daily life a little too much. He’s already getting somewhat…. lonely.

He startles slightly when all of a sudden there’s a knock on the door, followed by the familiar voice he’s been secretly missing.

Leaks stand up, but then sits down again, not sure what to do. He isn’t prepared for this.

“…Yes,” he answers after what seems like forever. This can’t be avoided, and even though it might turn out more than a little uncomfortable, Leaks is glad to be able to see the red cat again.

[uta-utai]

It’s like a weight off his shoulders when Leaks lets him in. Shui genuinely feared he wouldn’t be welcome anymore, that the barrier might have been left up due to forgetfulness. Taking a deep breath, he walks into the house.

For a moment, he just stands there awkwardly. Leaks didn’t get up to greet him, and Shui doesn’t know if that distance is on purpose or if the other cat is just busy. He gathers his courage, grabs a chair and sits down, picking at the edges of his kilt.

What now? How does he even start? He has so much to say everything just wants to come out of his mouth at once. He bites the inside of his cheek not to let that happen. Think. He has to think first. Get his thoughts in order.

“I think I left my clothes here,” Shui says, and immediately cringes. That was the worst possible beginning, wasn’t it? He hasn’t felt this nervous in a very long time.

[askleaks]

Leaks' gaze follows Shui, but he doesn't dare look the other in the eyes. The silence is very uncomfortable, and very different from how things usually are. Shui seems to be rather nervous, Leaks notes. No surprise there. He is feeling like that as well, but is doing a better job at hiding it so far.

Shui's opening line makes it sound like he only came here for the clothes, but Leaks does know Shui better than that; the cat isn't be the type to come over only for such a petty reason. Leaks wants to tell Shui to speak up, for he must have something to say about last time, but he doesn't know how to say it without sounding way too rude and potentially scaring the red cat away.

"..You did," he replies, motioning to the wall next to his door, where Shui's clothes are hanging surprisingly neatly.

[asktokino-deactivated20120927]

askleaks started following you

[askleaks]

Leaks half-turns towards the orange cat after getting greeted by him. This one seems to be one of those overly friendly merchants, who try to strike up conversation with customers.

The hood Leaks is wearing to cover his ears nearly hides his eyes as well, casting a shadow.

He simply glances at Tokino for a moment, and then turns away again without bothering to answer.

[asktokino-deactivated20120927]

This isn’t the first time Tokino is ignored, but this time he got the attention of the other and he just simply turned away from him. Clearly without any intention to talk. Then he remembers another person that didn’t talked with him, but helped him gathering customers by playing an music.

“You can’t talk too?”

Another mute cat wouldn’t surprise him after all, he saw other Ribika in more poor states, like the ones that couldn’t hear or feel.

[askleaks]

..The cat must be an idiot. When someone doesn't answer him just like that, he assumes they're mute? 

"Oh? I'm just not interested in talking to you," he replies with a slight, humorless smirk. Soon he'll see if the merchant is smart enough to leave him alone.

[uta-utai]

On the mend

Shui almost expects to find his path gone as he enters the forest, the barrier raised to protect him from the monsters removed. He looks at the still colourful leaves with considerable surprise. They light a little flame of hope inside him; perhaps he hasn’t lost Leaks just yet.

The last few days have been nerve-wracking for Shui. The only reason he didn’t run straight to Leaks’ place as soon as the mating season ended was that it would be too suspicious, and he didn’t want the cats in Ransen questioning his connection to the forest magician.

His heart is drumming in his chest when he reaches Leaks’ home. He doesn’t open the door and walk right in as he usually does; instead, he knocks on it almost timidly.

“Leaks? Are you there? …may I come in?”

[askleaks]

Another quiet day filled with the usual research. Leaks has been trying his best not to think about the.. thing that happened with Shui a while back. It has proven to be a difficult task, and Leaks is worried this will soon begin affecting his daily life a little too much. He's already getting somewhat.... lonely.

He startles slightly when all of a sudden there's a knock on the door, followed by the familiar voice he's been secretly missing.

Leaks stand up, but then sits down again, not sure what to do. He isn't prepared for this.

"...Yes," he answers after what seems like forever. This can't be avoided, and even though it might turn out more than a little uncomfortable, Leaks is glad to be able to see the red cat again.

[asktokino-deactivated20120927]

askleaks started following you

The merchant ears perked up, finally someone came! Now it is time to welcome him.

“Yo, my name is Tokino, how are you today?”

He was clearly happy to have an visitor, his naive mind don’t paying attention to any signal of the other cat don’t wanting his attention, his tail was swishing slowly. As he opens his big sack to search for something.

“Are you here to buy something? Maybe some kuims?”

[askleaks]

Leaks half-turns towards the orange cat after getting greeted by him. This one seems to be one of those overly friendly merchants, who try to strike up conversation with customers.

The hood Leaks is wearing to cover his ears nearly hides his eyes as well, casting a shadow.

He simply glances at Tokino for a moment, and then turns away again without bothering to answer.