šā He understood his stiffness; even Cheren couldnāt begin to take in how much he had been longing for the chance to feel the other between his arms. He could vaguely remember the times where he rejected his friendsā embraces out of spite of being deemed as āweakā orĀ āsentimentalāĀ ā what kind of fool had he been? Feeling another person between his limbs was immensely wholesome; which is why he wanted Touya to be greeted like this. He deserved this, not the condescending hisses he used to direct at him two years agoā¦ Not the bitterness of a frustrated individual.
While his breathing seemed normal and his body language remained relaxed, his heartbeat was fast under the dampened shirt. He really didnāt mind the fact that he was crying on his chest; in fact, he kept rubbing and caressing his back and shoulders and nape lovingly, even daring to press a gentle, brief kiss to the distressed head. He couldnāt bring himself to hate the boy, nor did he even consider such a thing.Ā
āāYou did what you had to doāā, he speaks softly, resting his cheek on top of his head carefully.Ā āāEven if you had taken decades to return, I would have still waited patiently.āā He pauses for a second, breathing in, thus noting the scent of earth and wind in Touyaās clothes. Although new and fresh, it still remained ā¦ so familiar and natural. He was here, as tangible and real as the first time they met.Ā
He lowly hummedĀ āthere, thereā when more sobs were pressed, lips and nose brushing the tender hair reassuringly. After a minute or so, he gently pulled back from the hug, yet this time he went down to hold the softer hands.
āāAre you feeling better? Do you want me to keep going?āā Of course he referred to the fact that he didnāt want to suffocate the Champion with too much affection, but would be hapy to deliver more if he so desired. He would be lying if he said he didnāt want to keep hugging his friend.
āYou would have waited...?ā Touya couldnāt imagine anyone waiting that long just for him, let alone Cheren. There were so many other people that were actually worth that time. Surely Cheren had a new best friend by now. Probably a few best friends. As far as Touya was concerned, anyone would be lucky to count the other male as a friend. He was smart, honest, maybe a little cold at times... But Touya struggled to think of a time when his heart wasnāt in the right place, at least.Ā
And what had he waited for? Touya was still the same boy he was when he left. He hadnāt even grown any taller. But Cheren... he looked like an adult now. It wasnāt just his appearance, either; his whole aura felt more mature. Surly Touya looks like a child to him now...Ā
Does Cheren pity him? Probably, he thinks, but he canāt bring himself to care. For now, at least, he wants to enjoy the physical closeness heād never been allowed before, despite growing up together.Ā
āWell, I guess I wouldnāt mind if you kept goinā...ā Touya made no move to stop the hug, though. Truth be told, heās just as happy about their long overdo embrace, but worries about being clingy and overeager.Ā āYou got real good at hugginā, Cheren. Did you practice?ā
