With a sigh, he allows himself to relax against Akira’s side, the arm around his waist pleasantly warm. ]
I can be charming, but I certainly haven’t been that way with you.
[ But would Akira even want him to turn up the charm if it’s only a front? Probably not… and so he won’t. Instead, Kurapika will rest his head on Akira’s shoulder. ]
[ It makes sense, what with the kind of person Akira is. Kurapika isn’t always forthcoming with everything about himself, but for the most part, what you see is what you get with him. He’s never been the sort to pretend to be something he’s not.
Heaving out a sigh, he allows himself to scoot a little bit closer to Akira. It’s all in the name of warmth… or something. ]
It’s a bit funny, since you’re the opposite, at least in a sense. You shy away from others seeing the real you, and you dodge opportunities where they might catch a glimpse. But what I’ve seen of that part of you is what I like the most.
[ His kindness and sincerity beyond that flirtatious exterior. ]
[So many people have called him out for that very habit here, but back home, the only one to call him out was Akechi. All of his friends have their strengths and weaknesses, but not everyone is as sharp-eyed as the likes of Akechi or even Kurapika.
Akira squeezes Kurapika's side. All in the name of warmth, of course.]
It's not exactly by choice. Back home, my friends relied on me to be the cool, calm, confident leader. It's a habit now.
Then you can make a choice and break that habit right here.
[ With me.
It never is that simple, even as Kurapika lays it out as if it’s an easy choice Akira has to select in order to change everything. But he thinks it’s doable, something Akira can work on bit by bit. ]
[ He doesn’t miss the way Akira’s gaze quickly drifts to his lips, and it makes his stomach flip. Sitting close like this as the sky slowly washes over with stars is more intimate than a quick peck in an alleyway, and that only now fully dawns on him.
But he holds his gaze, not letting his resolve break just yet. Things a challenge, and Akira needs to know that he’s poised to meet this one as well. ]
I do anything I can to get what I want, and what I want is to see the real you.
[ Fully and completely. He wants to see more than what has just slipped through the cracks so far. ]
[Akira huffs, amused. How did he know this man would be his undoing? It's a foregone conclusion, see, his mind made up and his attention squarely focused on no one else. If Kurapika knew just how serious Akira was, would he be delighted or afraid?
Akira tips forward just a hair, just enough to tell Kurapika that he's not going to go easy on him. If he wants a challenge, he'll get one.]
Are you prepared to chase me to the ends of the earth and back? I've only been caught once, you know.
[ It’s a small shift in the space between them, but it makes a world of difference. It’s a tipping of the scales, balance thrown out the window as he finds himself realizing just how serious he is about this. Who knew that he’d be caught up in the whirlwind that is Akira? It’s too late for him to worry about this decision now, because his heart has already made it.
Forget the stars in the sky, he’s too busy looking for them in Akira’s eyes instead. ]
I’ll catch you before you can even get halfway.
[ He’s upping the ante, giving Akira his own challenge in turn. See if you can ever escape my grasp in the first place.
Kurapika reaches out, catching the fabric of Akira’s shirt in his fingers. ]
[Another laugh, Akira easily acquiescing to the pull of Kurapika's fingers.]
Are you sure you're not writing checks your body can't cash?
[He's never been one to lie down and accept defeat when his pursuer is hot on his trail. If it's Kurapika chasing him, Akira's going to run all the faster. With a sly grin, Akira tests the grip on his shirt, coyly leaning back in the opposing direction.]
Prove you've got what it takes to take me down. For all I know, you're all talk.
[ His grip is as firm as his resolve, so he easily pulls Akira right back where he belongs, in Kurapika’s personal space. ]
Have I not told you, Akira? I’m a Bounty Hunter. I know all I need to know about tracking down my targets.
[ And he knows when he’s right on the cusp of something too, as he leans in so that their faces are only a few inches apart. It’s not satisfying to claim his prize just yet, if only so he can see if Akira is the one who cracks first.
If his gaze slips from Akira’s eyes and towards his lips for just a second, that’s fine. He can still win. ]
[Kurapika is so stubborn, but true to his nature as a man with poor tatse, Akira also finds that part of him attractive... so much so that he throws this little game of theirs to the breeze and takes Kurapika by the jaw to urge their lips together. Fighting hard for his meals? Sure, that's rewarding sometimes. Other times, he's satisfied only in taking what he wants when he wants it.]
[ He'll let Akira take what he wants right now, only because this is exactly what he wants too. His arms find their way around Akira's neck, looping around to keep him close. The ease with which Kurapika all but melts into the kiss should be embarrassing, but he'd be hard pressed to deny that he hasn't been thinking about Akira's lips against his like this since that afternoon in his bedroom.
So it's easy to let his lips part the moment they break apart, an open invitation for Akira to lay claim to what he wants to take. ]
[A simple kiss shouldn't steal the breath from his lungs and make his heart dance in his chest, should it? Ah... but he's been thinking about kissing Kurapika like this for days. One kiss easily lends itself to another, and when Kurapika's lips part, their tongues meet just as easily.
Akira has kissed his fair share before, but nothing like this. Never like this. He shivers and he isn't even cold, pulling Kurapika closer to feel his warmth up against his skin.]
[ Is it a bad idea to settle on Akira's lap? Probably, but he's doing it anyway, straddling Akira's thighs so he can settle more comfortably against him. Maybe it's the atmosphere, or the feelings that they've finally aired out... but this is different.
He's more insistent this time, letting his tongue slide against Akira's with a confidence he didn't have before, unafraid to let the kiss naturally deepen. This is instinct, after all, and it's easy to give into it with Akira. ]
[This feels like more of a test than a bad idea, but it absolutely is a bad idea. Even so, Akira welcomes and embraces Kurapika's presence on his lap, one arm around his back while the other stays against his cheek.
...If he isn't careful, Kurapika will easily overwhelm him. Akira new he'd be a quick study, but his confidence is unreal. Akira catches himself moaning into their kiss, a testament to Kurapika's efforts, and straightens up. He can't afford to get distracted or he'll turn this bad idea into a big mistake. Don't get hard, don't get hard, don't get hard...]
Kurapika's head spins and he's dizzy enough that he doesn't realize that a little sound has escaped the back of his throat in response, his hands migrating to clutch at Akira's shirt. Is it possible to get too lost in the Akira sauce here? He doesn't think he's quite there yet, but surely he's dangerously approaching it.
Catching himself, Kurapika slides his hands back up to Akira's shoulders. He's keeping them right there. ]
[If you were to ask Akira, he'd argue they're mutually drowning in the sauce ocean, though his complaints are few. His skin's burning beneath his clothes and his limbs tingle and goosebump in ways they never have over simple kisses before. That, and he suddenly gasps when he realizes he'd forgotten to breathe. Unreal.
...A little friction's fine, right? Kurapika won't complain if he hugs him closer? Rolls his hips up into his? On second thought, Akira kinda regrets that. Kissing Kurapika, touching and holding him, feels too damn good.]
[ Maybe this really is a bad idea. That bit of friction is akin to an electric shock, the waves of pleasure reverberating throughout Kurapika's body as he moans into Akira's mouth. His fingers dig into Akira's shoulders as he finally, finally breaks the kiss.
He feels hot, feverish almost, as he pulls back. His entire body aches to touch Akira, but he needs to practice self control.
When did he get so bad at doing that? ]
Let's save the rest for another time.
[ It's obvious in his voice that he doesn't want to, but this is for the best. ]
[...Whew. Kurapika's self-restraint saves the day. Akira reluctantly loosens his hold on Kurapika to allow him room to scoot off his lap. In this moment, the cold air is his best friend.]
Uh... right.
[Man, when did it get so dark? He really was distracted. Kurapika is a dangerous man and not for the reasons he wishes to be perceived.]
[ Letting out a long, long breath, Kurapika maneuvers himself off of Akira's lap and lays back down on his jacket. The cold air is a refreshing reminder of all things pure... but mostly of self control.
Turning his head, he lets his eyes linger on Akira's face for a bit longer than he probably should before looking back to the stars. ]
I've read up on the constellations here, if you'd like to hear about them. I can point them out to you too.
[ Something nerdy to distract them from what almost happened. ]
[Akira, on the other hand, maintains eye contact only to keep up appearances. If it were up to him, he'd be teehee-ing and twirling his hair and avoiding direct eye contact. He's trying to be normal over here.]
Sure... but before that, I'd like to hear about the constellations back home.
[ Kurapika smiles, reaching out to grab Akira's wrist and pull him closer. They can at least be close without causing problems. ]
Fine. I'll tell you about the constellations the Kurta came up with.
[ That's a lot more meaningful than any others, he thinks, so he doesn't waste any time before launching into the different constellations and their origins. It's a lot of information that he doesn't mind sharing as long as Akira doesn't mind listening.
And if that turns into other, unrelated conversations? That's fine with Kurapika, just as it's fine with him if they end up falling asleep on that very roof sometime in the middle of the night. Sure their backs are sore in the morning, but it's a soreness that's well worth it. ]
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[Akira settles beside Kurapika on crossed legs. If he gets cold, no biggie. He's got his thoughtful date right beside him to keep him nice and warm.
Actually... while they're at it? He loops an arm loosely around Kurapika's waist, hugging him to his side.]
There's a lot about you that I like. You really don't give yourself enough credit.
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[ If he didn’t, he wouldn’t be where he is now.
With a sigh, he allows himself to relax against Akira’s side, the arm around his waist pleasantly warm. ]
I can be charming, but I certainly haven’t been that way with you.
[ But would Akira even want him to turn up the charm if it’s only a front? Probably not… and so he won’t. Instead, Kurapika will rest his head on Akira’s shoulder. ]
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[Call him blind all you want, but Akira likes what he sees.]
You're no one but yourself and I really like that about you. I wouldn't have been so enamored with you if you were the kind of person to put on airs.
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[ It makes sense, what with the kind of person Akira is. Kurapika isn’t always forthcoming with everything about himself, but for the most part, what you see is what you get with him. He’s never been the sort to pretend to be something he’s not.
Heaving out a sigh, he allows himself to scoot a little bit closer to Akira. It’s all in the name of warmth… or something. ]
It’s a bit funny, since you’re the opposite, at least in a sense. You shy away from others seeing the real you, and you dodge opportunities where they might catch a glimpse. But what I’ve seen of that part of you is what I like the most.
[ His kindness and sincerity beyond that flirtatious exterior. ]
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[So many people have called him out for that very habit here, but back home, the only one to call him out was Akechi. All of his friends have their strengths and weaknesses, but not everyone is as sharp-eyed as the likes of Akechi or even Kurapika.
Akira squeezes Kurapika's side. All in the name of warmth, of course.]
It's not exactly by choice. Back home, my friends relied on me to be the cool, calm, confident leader. It's a habit now.
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[ With me.
It never is that simple, even as Kurapika lays it out as if it’s an easy choice Akira has to select in order to change everything. But he thinks it’s doable, something Akira can work on bit by bit. ]
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The surprise is written on his face, slowly sifting into a smile, a gaze that briefly flits from Kurapika's eyes to his lips and back again.]
Oh? You're gonna be the one to break me of my bad habit? I'd like to see you try.
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But he holds his gaze, not letting his resolve break just yet. Things a challenge, and Akira needs to know that he’s poised to meet this one as well. ]
I do anything I can to get what I want, and what I want is to see the real you.
[ Fully and completely. He wants to see more than what has just slipped through the cracks so far. ]
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Akira tips forward just a hair, just enough to tell Kurapika that he's not going to go easy on him. If he wants a challenge, he'll get one.]
Are you prepared to chase me to the ends of the earth and back? I've only been caught once, you know.
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Forget the stars in the sky, he’s too busy looking for them in Akira’s eyes instead. ]
I’ll catch you before you can even get halfway.
[ He’s upping the ante, giving Akira his own challenge in turn. See if you can ever escape my grasp in the first place.
Kurapika reaches out, catching the fabric of Akira’s shirt in his fingers. ]
Before you know it, I’ll have you captured.
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Are you sure you're not writing checks your body can't cash?
[He's never been one to lie down and accept defeat when his pursuer is hot on his trail. If it's Kurapika chasing him, Akira's going to run all the faster. With a sly grin, Akira tests the grip on his shirt, coyly leaning back in the opposing direction.]
Prove you've got what it takes to take me down. For all I know, you're all talk.
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Have I not told you, Akira? I’m a Bounty Hunter. I know all I need to know about tracking down my targets.
[ And he knows when he’s right on the cusp of something too, as he leans in so that their faces are only a few inches apart. It’s not satisfying to claim his prize just yet, if only so he can see if Akira is the one who cracks first.
If his gaze slips from Akira’s eyes and towards his lips for just a second, that’s fine. He can still win. ]
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So it's easy to let his lips part the moment they break apart, an open invitation for Akira to lay claim to what he wants to take. ]
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Akira has kissed his fair share before, but nothing like this. Never like this. He shivers and he isn't even cold, pulling Kurapika closer to feel his warmth up against his skin.]
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He's more insistent this time, letting his tongue slide against Akira's with a confidence he didn't have before, unafraid to let the kiss naturally deepen. This is instinct, after all, and it's easy to give into it with Akira. ]
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...If he isn't careful, Kurapika will easily overwhelm him. Akira new he'd be a quick study, but his confidence is unreal. Akira catches himself moaning into their kiss, a testament to Kurapika's efforts, and straightens up. He can't afford to get distracted or he'll turn this bad idea into a big mistake. Don't get hard, don't get hard, don't get hard...]
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That was hot.
Kurapika's head spins and he's dizzy enough that he doesn't realize that a little sound has escaped the back of his throat in response, his hands migrating to clutch at Akira's shirt. Is it possible to get too lost in the Akira sauce here? He doesn't think he's quite there yet, but surely he's dangerously approaching it.
Catching himself, Kurapika slides his hands back up to Akira's shoulders. He's keeping them right there. ]
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...A little friction's fine, right? Kurapika won't complain if he hugs him closer? Rolls his hips up into his? On second thought, Akira kinda regrets that. Kissing Kurapika, touching and holding him, feels too damn good.]
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He feels hot, feverish almost, as he pulls back. His entire body aches to touch Akira, but he needs to practice self control.
When did he get so bad at doing that? ]
Let's save the rest for another time.
[ It's obvious in his voice that he doesn't want to, but this is for the best. ]
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Uh... right.
[Man, when did it get so dark? He really was distracted. Kurapika is a dangerous man and not for the reasons he wishes to be perceived.]
Good news, Kurapika. The stars are out.
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Turning his head, he lets his eyes linger on Akira's face for a bit longer than he probably should before looking back to the stars. ]
I've read up on the constellations here, if you'd like to hear about them. I can point them out to you too.
[ Something nerdy to distract them from what almost happened. ]
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Sure... but before that, I'd like to hear about the constellations back home.
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Fine. I'll tell you about the constellations the Kurta came up with.
[ That's a lot more meaningful than any others, he thinks, so he doesn't waste any time before launching into the different constellations and their origins. It's a lot of information that he doesn't mind sharing as long as Akira doesn't mind listening.
And if that turns into other, unrelated conversations? That's fine with Kurapika, just as it's fine with him if they end up falling asleep on that very roof sometime in the middle of the night. Sure their backs are sore in the morning, but it's a soreness that's well worth it. ]