After saying all those words, he had taken a knee, kneeling down before Tsukasa, to show this person he viewed as his King that he would forever be his loyal Knight. Perhaps a bit over the top and alluding to a proposal rather than asking Tsukasa out, but he just wanted to show the boy how special he was to him. The things he said prior didn’t offend him in the slightest. No, it was just the frustration of not being able to convey feelings until now!
His own stomach was in knots too, anxieties and fears, wondering if this was the right choice to make, if he had made it too soon or hell— even been misunderstanding the situation from the very beginning. He never thought of that until now. What if Tsukasa didn’t feel the same way he did? What if Leo was just getting ahead of himself and now he’s ‘pressured’ the other into a situation where he has to pick between how he wants to go about this? Stupid. His heart feels heavy, the more time of an answer being unspoken makes him more unnerved, head slowly tilting back up to look at him.
He wouldn’t dream of ever hurting someone like this, there was no games or gimmicks in this situation. To hurt someone, especially when it evolved feelings like love (of any kind)? Hell no, he absolutely refused. Sure, he’s played things off or given vague answers but he would never do something that would intentionally hurt another. Leo could see the fear, he could sense that fearful aura around him like something was going to go wrong. The tears alone were indication enough that he was struggling with this. As much as he would like to give Tsukasa some space to pull himself together, he doesn’t want to leave the younger idol alone right now. The poor boy was crying, something like this was a really big deal to him, more so than Leo was expecting. He expected a lot of confusion, maybe a bit of crying but this almost seemed like they were going to part ways for the rest of their life.
Yet despite that, he saw the signs that Tsukasa was trying to get an answer out, that singular breath of trying to calm himself down gave Leo’s anxieties over this a bit of relief. He would watch carefully as the other crumbled before eventually wrapping his arms around him tightly. Tsukasa hasn’t spoken like this around him, nor cried like this either. He was always trying to be so strong, so naturally, Leo wrapped his arms around the other and patted his back. “Shh, shh. It’s okay. Take all the time you need, I’m not going anywhere unless you want me to.” The ginger continued to rub comforting circles into the other’s back, head tilting to make the embrace what he assumed would be more comforting.
The redhead seems to finally calm down enough to form words, Leo smiles at him reassuringly, now taking his hands and giving them a squeeze. Tsukasa doesn’t seem to pull away, in fact, he squeezes back! Green eyes would now watch him— he’s trying not to stare, he knows that puts more pressure and adds more to the nervous feelings, so he looks down every so often to make it feel like he’s not on display, reminding the other that it’s just the two of them here and that no one else currently matters.
Those words alone felt like all of his worries, all of his fears and anything else he was afraid of just fly away like a bunch of white doves. Freed from their cages and away to the skies without a second thought. His heart pounds, a sparkling feeling which could only be likened to fireworks burns within his body, shining and bright, myriad of colours which ended in a loud explosion.
Even if his speech got slurred, even if Tsukasa was an emotional mess right now, Leo heard every word as clear as a ringing bell. He doesn’t hesitate to envelop the other into another tight hug, head resting in the crook of his neck. One arm wrapped around his midsection, the other snaked around to hold what he could of his shoulders and head; right hand stroking comforting motions through his soft ruby-coloured hair. He’s entirely silent for a moment before the slightest puff of a giggle, soon bursting into a proper laugh. It’s airy, joyful and conveying the sort of feel like when spring rolls around. It’s refreshing, new, revitalized. A blooming feeling of something new and rarely ever expressed like this.
“I’m happy! I’m so happy to hear that! Wahahaha! This feeling— ah, it’s so great! I haven’t experienced this kind of happiness before. Can’t you feel it too, Tsukasa? I love you! I love you, I love Tsukasa so much! I won’t ever leave his side. I’ll always stay with you. So, please try and stop crying, Tsukasa.” He pulls away, moving his hands to wipe the tears away from Tsukasa’s cheeks, offering affection rubs just underneath his eyes. Green eyes were gleaming with a new form of life, a new form of happiness. Love. Love for Tsukasa Suou.
His hand brushes back the other’s fringe, placing a kiss onto his forehead before resting against him. His arms slide down his sides, taking his hands once more and raising them up to give a squeeze. His smile shows no signs of dimming, voice speaking in a much softer tone now.
“To stay by your side, it’s all I could ever want, Tsukasa. I want to make you happy, so let’s smile together.”
█ 。・:*:・゚★ Leo had this quality to him, that no matter what he could almost bounce back and be the happiest person alive in a matter of seconds. It seems that quality really shined through here. Despite Tsukasa’s tears and his apologies and fear, Leo showed him happiness and assurance. Tsukasa could feel his heart race more and the knots in his stomach come undone, though he could feel butterflies fluttering about as he listened to Leo’s ramblings. He closed his eyes as he felt thumbs wipe away his tears, a few little hiccups still coming out of him. He truly felt like a child right now but it was warm, he felt protected and comforted. He was happy even if he was still overwhelmed with a lot of feelings he hadn’t expected to surface like this.
█ 。・:*:・゚★ He wants to be able to smile for Leo, to laugh and be happy but he is still scared. Fear still grips at his heart and making it hard for him to be totally sure at this moment. He is sure he loves Leo, he has known that for a while. His heart races around him, his face heats up, he always wanted to be around him and stay by his side, but the idea of losing him, being separated from him. It scared him. Taking a deep breath to try to steady himself more as he sniffles softly. Okay ... It’s okay. Right now, nothing can take Leo away from him ... Everything will be fine and he can stay by his side as long as he wants, right? That won’t bother Leo, would it? Well, he already said he wants to stay by his side but that’s more figuratively, but he is sure Leo won’t mind if Tsukasa literally stays by his side for the rest of the day and through the night.
█ 。・:*:・゚★ Leo’s happiness was very cute though, it did make him happy. He could feel it swelling up inside him despite the fear and crying. He wasn’t sad as much as he was scared so once he was able to breathe a bit more, he was able to stop the crying for the most part. He just hopes he’s got it all out of him now. He looks back to him, Purple eyes meeting green. Leo was full of love and life and it made his face warm up again. Ah, he truly does love him. He can tell just by this moment alone, Leo’s full of nothing but love and happiness. Tsukasa can’t help but finally smile, a small smile but a smile nonetheless, a small laugh passing his lips as he closed his eyes from it.
❛ Leo-san’s happiness is contagious, I can’t help but smile. ❜ It was simple but he is sure the words would assure Leo and make him happy to see him smile and laugh, even if it was small. Tsukasa took one of Leo’s hands into his own, giving it a small squeeze as he got closer to him, truly staying right by his side. He was still a little nervous, but he’ll get through it. He is strong and he has Leo, So nothing will stop him from being happy. He deserves this, he deserves happiness and security with someone he loves and cherishes and that loves and cherishes him back.
█ 。・:*:・゚★ Now would be a good time to ask though ... If he was allowed to stay with Leo for the night. It wouldn’t be inappropriate, would it? They have already stayed together overnight many times so he is sure it wouldn’t be any different now... Maybe they could even get some snacks together at the stores before heading back. Of course, Tsukasa didn’t want to disturb Leo’s roommate, but he seemed very nice so hopefully he wouldn’t mind just one night ... (Even though Tsukasa has came over many times in the middle of the knight, gotten caught by him while doing it and all he did was poke a bit of fun at him for it but otherwise never cared)
❛ Leo-san ... Is it alright for me to stay with you tonight? ❜