Hiya. My name is Colin. And I have too many muses to keep track of. Here you'll find my plentiful muses not only interacting with one another, but breaking the fourth wall, responding to things happening in real life...et cetera. Unlike the make-believe worlds they live in for roleplay, my muses currently live together in my house (head?) in the city of Tampa, Florida. Of course, a few of them follow me around wherever I go, but, you know. Some of them are losers and would rather lounge around the house than accompany me to school. You can find an introduction to my dumbass muses in the sidebar beside this description. Feel free to bother any number of them. Or me. But I have a personal blog made just for that.
It was anticipating, to be honest. To see what would happen now that they were getting closerâŠwhat will Wakoâs reaction be? What will become of their little trio, who would want to sit next to who at lunch, who would hold hands with who? Would it be Sugata or Takuto in the middle, instead of Wako?
Whatever happened, though, the driver had no intention of leaving his partner. Heâd stay by his side always, through thick and thin, to stand with him and keep him safe.Â
Thatâs not only what a Star Driver was supposed to do - protect those important to them without hesitation - but itâs what he wanted to do. As a friend. AsâŠsomething more, perhaps.
âOf course. What do you wantâ? I should be the one to pay. I suggested this, after all.âÂ
Hopefully, the bond the three had formed as friends would not simply go away due to Takuto and Sugata growing closer or spending more time together. Itâs not like Sugata wished for the three of them to stop spending time together or anything. He simply⊠wanted to see what would happen if he didnât spend all of his time with Wako. There was nothing wrong with that.
Something more. What an interesting idea. Sugata wasnât quite sure what he really desired for the future between him and his friend. Heâd already admitted to himself that he thought about Takuto quite often, perhaps even more so than Wako these days, but what should he do about that? Perhaps it depended on how this particular evening went or on future outings. However, there was a tiny part of himself that really⊠wanted itâŠÂ before the night was over.
âOh? I suppose I canât persuade you not to pay, am I right? In that case, choose whatever. I have no preference.â
And it's not like Takuto wanted to completely forget Wako, either; just...what if she didn't react well?
After all, she had fallen for both of them. No, it wasn't like her to react badly to something such as two people being happy together, but there was always that possibility...considering the fact that the people that could be happy together were the two people she admired most as a woman.
Who knew that it would end up this way, jeez.
Takuto would have no objections to speeding things up a bit for the sake of Sugata's curiosity. At first the redhead would be shy and obviously embarrassed, but he would relax and get into it. You couldn't expect him not to...being a driver required libido. Lots of it, too, to power something like Tauburn.
If he really wanted to hide such a hunger for affection of sorts, it would take more than a sheepish exterior.
"You know me so well, Sugata." He grinned, standing and patting his pocket, making sure his wallet was still where he'd stuck it. "I'm in the mood for something cold. And...fruity."
Though calm and collected on the outside, it was more than obvious to himself that he was nervous as fuck.
Takuto was never one for dates. Heâd never been on one without a third person there. Come to think of it, he canât recall a time when heâd been on a date period. For him to suddenly suggest to Sugata that they go out somewhereâŠthat was a change.
Of course, to others it may seem odd and uncharacteristic of the ruby-eyed male, but to him it made all the sense in the world.
YouâŠyou go on dates like this with people you like, donât you?
On this particular evening he found himself sitting outside of the cafe heâd eaten at so many times, shivering and cuddling into his jacket. For it being a tropical island, he still felt that the breezes could be chilly.
Sugata, although a typically collected young man, could not help but feel a certain sense of eagerness as he strolled along the sidewalk towards the local cafe.
Ever since his last talk with Takuto, it seemed like it was growing more and more difficult to get the encounter out of his mind. He had not expected his friend to make the comments that he had, and now it was all he could think about. And even beyond that, soon it was simply Takuto that couldnât leave his mind; his flamboyant personality, his smiles and carefree manner of going about his life. Before he knew it, Sugata only wanted to see him more and more.Â
And perhaps it was why he was perfectly fine with going out with him tonight.
More than alright.
Eventually he found himself nearing the cafe, and after rounding a corner, he caught sight of flaming red hair not far ahead. A little smile twitching on his lips, it took not but a few long strides to land himself right beside the boy. âYou werenât waiting long, were you?â he inquired casually, smile widening.Â
Takuto didn't want to sound cheesy, but you could say he'd been doing the same.
More and more he thought about Sugata. The sapphire blue haired man brought out seemingly every emotion in him; he made the driver mad, he made him upset, he made him happy, he made him feel sick with adoration and longing. They truly were opposites of one another, but at the same time, magnets that attracted and stuck together.
They were some work of art.
Takuto had never imagined he'd be so nervous about hanging out with his buddy, though - after all, they were always together...just...with Wako there.
Then again, Wako was like a barrier. A barrier that kept his feelings from reaching Sugata, and Sugata's feelings from reaching him. With her around, he never had a chance to be nervous.
Upon sensing the man's presence he looked up with eyes that glittered, reflecting the galaxies themselves. "I wasn't waiting that long, no," He replied, a smile tugging at his lips. "Only about five minutes."
Though calm and collected on the outside, it was more than obvious to himself that he was nervous as fuck.
Takuto was never one for dates. He'd never been on one without a third person there. Come to think of it, he can't recall a time when he'd been on a date period. For him to suddenly suggest to Sugata that they go out somewhere...that was a change.
Of course, to others it may seem odd and uncharacteristic of the ruby-eyed male, but to him it made all the sense in the world.
You...you go on dates like this with people you like, don't you?
On this particular evening he found himself sitting outside of the cafe he'd eaten at so many times, shivering and cuddling into his jacket. For it being a tropical island, he still felt that the breezes could be chilly.
okay takuto i desire your honest opinion of sugata go go go
"Mmph--? Well," He swallows an assload of rice. Rice that was supposed to be Colin's. "Sugata is my very best friend and the entire world. If you wanted to get cheesy you could say he's the brightest star in my galaxy. He's very important to me and I'd do anything to keep him safe." Blink blink. "...and he's...important in another way...sort of...if that makes sense..."
Later, Sugata could press all he wanted; for now, what Takuto wanted was simply to keep him there, to hold him and reassure himself that heâd never leave again. Even now that Samekh was put to sleep and Kiraboshi had disbanded, the ginga bishonen couldnât help feeling as though danger could always be around the corner. After all, even with Kiraboshiâs Cybodies gone, Tauburn remained; some crazy asshole descendant of Reiji (that wasnât Takuto himself) could easily pop up and decide to attempt taking over the world.
Far-fetched, yes, but a possibility.
If at all possible, he wished that he could just grab Sugata by the hand and drag him onto the closest ferry headed towards mainland. As much as he loved Southern Cross Island, Tokyo was less of a threat than it. WakoâŠwell. As rude as it sounded, Takuto was ready for a long break from the girl.
At the tugs to his hair he looked up, giving the man a tired look. âFor now, can we just focus on the fact that youâre here, and not buried alive underneath the island?â
Sugata never thought Takuto could be such a worry-wart.
If the redhead spoke of any of his nervous thoughts out loud, he wouldnât know what to think. Takuto was being particularly out of character today, and although he was still his honest self, he didnât know if he could handle seeing him so tired and sullen for much longer. Of course, getting Takuto to relax and smile might take a little bit of effort -effort Sugata didnât mind applying. After all that had happened, seeing his friend happy was all that really mattered at the moment. He had⊠truly done so much for everyone, perhaps for Sugata the most. He had -honestly- saved his life. This was different than how heâd protected Wako for so long.
Sugata would have been⊠gone. Forever.
And the fear from acknowledging that fact was beginning to settle in. However, Sugata pushed the feelings aside, knowing it didnât do well to sit on such thoughts. Besides, he wanted to keep the mood light for not only himself, but Takuto as well. If anyone deserved to be care-free and at ease, it was him. He deserved it after so long, didnât he? Yes.
âAs you wish,â Sugata responded simply. He moved one of his hands without thinking, placing his thumb under one of Takutoâs eyes. He could see the shadows there⊠âMy, youâre tiredâŠâ
Out of character he was, but hopefully not for long. To be honest all he needed was some rest, now that he had talked to Sugata; though, that didn't necessarily mean he was ready to leave his side.
Not yet.
His other eye winced when its other was examined, ruby irises gazing into topaz ones. "I didn't get much sleep last night. My sleeping schedule is screwed up beyond belief." He blinked. "...Sugata, you look tired, too."
In other words, you should come lay down with me somewhere so I don't have to leave you.
 "Or is something bothering you? Are you thinking? You get that look when you're scheming."Â
There was, however, one thing Takuto was hiding from Sugata. Trying to hide, at least; perhaps now that heâs spilled his concern, it would be a bit more obvious. And itâs not like heâd deny it after beating around the bushâŠ
The driverâs cheek pressed against his oppositeâs shoulder, tears dried but that solemn, upset expression still plastered to his face. The slender hands entangled in his hair seemed to soothe him, reminding him in a way that Sugata was still here and listening to him, understanding what he was trying to say. You may be oblivious, Sugata, and reckless. But youâre a quick learnerâŠor is it that you get me?
âI donât care what anyone thinks or says. Not right now,â He replied, voice quiet and settled compared to the shouting heâd done earlier. âThe only important âideaâ right now is the one in which you never do something that dangerous and bullheaded again. As good of a hero as you are, please, donât play the role if it seems like itâs been given to you. Leave it to me.â
Sugata was typically an intuitive man, but Takuto proved to be a difficult boy to read at times. There was something about his previous words that sparked a theory in the back of his head, but the blue-haired male wasnât going to press right then and there. At least, not if it didnât go down that route.
A faint, humored smile managed to find its way onto Sugataâs lips despite the fact that Takuto still seemed to be dwelling on less than pleasant thoughts. He didnât have to see the otherâs face to know that even if his tears dried, his expression was still dismal. In that regard, Takuto was like an open book. His expressions gave many of his emotions away, but that wasnât always a bad thing. However, even if the redhead hadnât yet brightened, Sugata found himself beginning to relax. Perhaps the closeness brought him some comfort.
Trying not to shake with quiet laughter, the fingers in Takutoâs hair seemed to tighten the tiniest bit, giving it a bit of a playful tug. âScolding me again, I see,â Sugata mused softly, releasing a sigh and shaking his head. âYouâre going to really fall under pressure if you have to shoulder the weight ofâŠÂ protecting me as well. Youâd like me to simply accept that, hm? I donât think I can, Takuto.â Because then who will keep you safe?
Later, Sugata could press all he wanted; for now, what Takuto wanted was simply to keep him there, to hold him and reassure himself that he'd never leave again. Even now that Samekh was put to sleep and Kiraboshi had disbanded, the ginga bishonen couldn't help feeling as though danger could always be around the corner. After all, even with Kiraboshi's Cybodies gone, Tauburn remained; some crazy asshole descendant of Reiji (that wasn't Takuto himself) could easily pop up and decide to attempt taking over the world.
Far-fetched, yes, but a possibility.
If at all possible, he wished that he could just grab Sugata by the hand and drag him onto the closest ferry headed towards mainland. As much as he loved Southern Cross Island, Tokyo was less of a threat than it. Wako...well. As rude as it sounded, Takuto was ready for a long break from the girl.
At the tugs to his hair he looked up, giving the man a tired look. "For now, can we just focus on the fact that you're here, and not buried alive underneath the island?"
The ginga bishonenâs expression softened into a troubled frown, eyes widened and shiny with wetness, sniffling and raising a wrist to wipe his cheeks.
Heâd definitely feel awkward for this childish behavior later. Really, it was kind of silly.
âYou didnât realize because Wako was always there. It was always her. We were both so focused on the fact that as a Shrine Maiden, her safety was golden, that you failed to see your importance. But Iâm surprised my drastic actions didnât make you realize at the last minute, even soâŠâ He murmured, choked sobs escaping between sentences. Carefully he lurched forward, a mess to top all sobby messes, to grasp the sapphire-haired manâs shoulders and drop his forehead to his collarbone.
âYou, Sugata Shindo, are the reason why I wake up every morning. So I can bother you and chase you around and make sure youâŠyou havenât slipped away againâŠâ
Sugata wasnât particularly used to facing someone who was crying, much less a person who happened to be⊠male. He didnât consider Takuto weak for it, simply honest. As usual.
He was always honest in everything he did, and it could be quite⊠endearingâŠ
Everything Takuto spoke of was no doubt true. The two of them never took their minds off of the girl, off of Wako and her importance in everything that had been happening. Perhaps he had forgotten to mind himself in all of this, to take care of himself. Ah⊠no. Not perhaps. He had forgotten. Had it always been like this? Watching Wako, worrying over Wako, thinking about Wako⊠It might be a good time to take a look at himself and wonder, How long until I think about myself? And it wasnât until Takuto arrived that he thought to let that idea pop into his head; because he was now aware that Takuto looked at him, too, not just Wako.
âListen to you,â Sugata murmured, hands resting on Takutoâs head, carefully grasping the boyâs hair. âFussing over me in such a way⊠Youâll give people ideas.â
There was, however, one thing Takuto was hiding from Sugata. Trying to hide, at least; perhaps now that he's spilled his concern, it would be a bit more obvious. And it's not like he'd deny it after beating around the bush...
The driver's cheek pressed against his opposite's shoulder, tears dried but that solemn, upset expression still plastered to his face. The slender hands entangled in his hair seemed to soothe him, reminding him in a way that Sugata was still here and listening to him, understanding what he was trying to say. You may be oblivious, Sugata, and reckless. But you're a quick learner...or is it that you get me?
"I don't care what anyone thinks or says. Not right now," He replied, voice quiet and settled compared to the shouting he'd done earlier. "The only important 'idea' right now is the one in which you never do something that dangerous and bullheaded again. As good of a hero as you are, please, don't play the role if it seems like it's been given to you. Leave it to me."
âI canât believe this! Just how daft are you?!â The male shouted, ruby red eyes filling with tears, threatening to spill over at any moment.
No. Wako was never enough. Sheâll never be enough.
âEvery day I fought to keep her safe. Every day I put myself under stress and pain to make sure she made it through the day in one piece. But you know what, Sugata? In the end, there was something more important than Wako that I had to save. Didnât you see it? The way I slashed her Cybody in half in the blink of an eye? Didnât you hear her screaming?â
Though his voice remained unwavering and his composure together, Takutoâs cheeks finally stained with shining tears, plopping onto his signature red shirt. âIn the end I broke what I was trying to hold together to save you. I didnât want to live without you, Sugata, and I took the fastest way out of that fate. Youâre the most important thing in my life and I wasnât going to let anything tear you away from me.â
Sugata slowly looked over his shoulder, turning to face the fuming boy and furrowing his brows in the faintest betrayal of confusion. That didnât make senseâŠÂ
Yet there he was, shouting at him and saying things Sugata never thought he would ever even think, and it caused the blue-haired manâs head to whirl. He was often a composed man, someone who could grasp a situation and respond to it with ease, but it seemed that this time was different. Takuto possessed thoughts and feelings that had been unnoticed by Sugata. So how on earth was he supposed to reply to such statements calmly? Simply?Â
He couldnâtâŠ
âMe,â was all he could breathe, a soft, disbelieving chuckle following suit. âMe. I, Sugata ShindĆ, am the most important thing in Takutoâs life.â He covered his lips with a hand, eyes lowering to study the ground for a good long moment. Finally, he inhaled slowly and released that same breath, shifting from one foot to the other before lifting his gaze to the other male slowly. There was almost a hesitance in the manner in which he moved, slowly and with absolute care. He spoke in that same quiet tone, tilting his head, âI must admit that I was unaware of this fact.â
The ginga bishonen's expression softened into a troubled frown, eyes widened and shiny with wetness, sniffling and raising a wrist to wipe his cheeks.
He'd definitely feel awkward for this childish behavior later. Really, it was kind of silly.
"You didn't realize because Wako was always there. It was always her. We were both so focused on the fact that as a Shrine Maiden, her safety was golden, that you failed to see your importance. But I'm surprised my drastic actions didn't make you realize at the last minute, even so..." He murmured, choked sobs escaping between sentences. Carefully he lurched forward, a mess to top all sobby messes, to grasp the sapphire-haired man's shoulders and drop his forehead to his collarbone.
"You, Sugata Shindo, are the reason why I wake up every morning. So I can bother you and chase you around and make sure you...you haven't slipped away again..."
ââItâs something I had to do.â You think thatâll take it back?â Takuto breathed out, struggling to keep his voice from raising. His teeth grit in the silence, but he spoke again before Sugata could open his mouth, cheeks getting hotter and eyes getting mistier. âI rather DIE than accept the fact that I could have to live without out you. Wako isnât enough, you know! Do you have any idea how I would feel if Iâd lost you that day? What if I hadnât have been able to save you?! Sugata!â
Sugata said nothing, not once interrupting the redhead as his voice slowly got louder. He watched him with impassive eyes, not betraying anything that was stirring within him. It had startled him a bit, hearing Takutoâs final words. Call him foolish, but to hear the male admit that Wako was not enoughâŠÂ He didnât think such a thing was possible for Takuto. Slowly turning away from the boy, he lifted a hand to absently tug at a strand of his hair, eyes on the ground as he thought to himself pensively. âI hear you, Takuto,â he said softly, as calm as ever. âI am not sure what you expect from me. An apology? Or would that not take it back, either? Because it wouldnât. The risk was still present.â
"I can't believe this! Just how daft are you?!" The male shouted, ruby red eyes filling with tears, threatening to spill over at any moment.
No. Wako was never enough. She'll never be enough.
"Every day I fought to keep her safe. Every day I put myself under stress and pain to make sure she made it through the day in one piece. But you know what, Sugata? In the end, there was something more important than Wako that I had to save. Didn't you see it? The way I slashed her Cybody in half in the blink of an eye? Didn't you hear her screaming?"
Though his voice remained unwavering and his composure together, Takuto's cheeks finally stained with shining tears, plopping onto his signature red shirt. "In the end I broke what I was trying to hold together to save you. I didn't want to live without you, Sugata, and I took the fastest way out of that fate. You're the most important thing in my life and I wasn't going to let anything tear you away from me."
Oh, did that cool reaction make Takuto angry. âSugataâŠyou really donât understand, do you?â The driver murmured back, fists balling at his sides. âYou donât understand how badly youâŠyou scared meâŠâ
The faint smile on Sugataâs lips faded away, and although his expression remained at ease, he was more solemn. âScared, huhâŠâ A light sigh escaped him, his hands slipping into his pockets as he gazed upwards. ââŠIt was something I had to do.â
"'It's something I had to do.' You think that'll take it back?" Takuto breathed out, struggling to keep his voice from raising. His teeth grit in the silence, but he spoke again before Sugata could open his mouth, cheeks getting hotter and eyes getting mistier. "I rather DIE than accept the fact that I could have to live without out you. Wako isn't enough, you know! Do you have any idea how I would feel if I'd lost you that day? What if I hadn't have been able to save you?! Sugata!"