PSL with takenwithhim

[yellowcopycat]

[continued from this TFLN thread]

The train ride to Iwatobi from Yokohama was a pretty long ride. A little more than six hours, with a line change at Okayama station. Kise was feeling tired and hungry when he got off the train at the Iwatobi station around noon. He was used to being up early for practice, but he was used to actually doing things instead of just sitting around watching the scenery go by. Actually, now that he thought about it, that sounded like class, and he sometimes dozed off during lectures. So maybe it wasn't so different.

The trip had been nice. He came down early so he could spend the rest of the afternoon with Yamazaki before retiring to his hotel for the evening for an even earlier start for tomorrows shoot, and then hopefully spend that afternoon with Yamazaki as well before getting back on the train to be back in Yokohama on Monday morning. Thankfully it was a teachers' conference that day because other he might have seriously considered skipping. He wouldn't because that would make Kasamatsu mad, and Kise had the current policy of trying to keep his captain happy. It didn't always work.

He cast his eyes about. Looking for Yamazaki. It had been awhile since he had seen him. And, ah, there he was. He was taller than last time they saw each other two years ago, but now Kise had a couple centimeters on him. He was still as broad shouldered as ever, broader now. It was a good look on him. He took off the sunglasses and knit cap he was wearing to disguise himself and waved before making his way over to him. "Yamazakicchi!" He chirped happily. "Long time no see!"

Comments

[yellowcopycat]

"Hey! I don't run my mouth! I'm just myself!" Ryouta pouted. He knew Sousuke was messing with him, so he was being a little dramatic.

And it's not the idea of them going against each other, and the idea of them teaming up against him! He's sure he would die if they did.

As they turn the corner Ryouta pauses to take in the view. He didn't get the chance to see the sea that much. And it was nice view. He took a deep breath, smelling the sea breeze and enjoying the grilled food smell. Then his stomach rumbled loudly, causing him to pink slightly with embarrassment. "Almost there?"

[takenwithhim]

“We know,” Sousuke retorts without missing a beat. If Ryouta wants to be dramatic, that's fine with him; he's got experience in overly-emphatic people (thanks, Rin). But really, it's those kinds of people, the loud ones that shine the brightest, that balance out the stern ones that are quiet and sometimes overly-serious.

The sea before them is rather calm today despite the gentle breeze; ships float in the harbor and some fishermen are gathered to inspect sails and nets for tomorrow's work. “Aa, it's right up there.” Sousuke extends his arm to point, effortlessly flowing with that growling stomach beside him. A fair-sized restaurant made of brown wood and metal, looking sturdy and natural among the backdrop of beach lines and town greenery, sits alongside a wharf. It's rimmed with a wide deck, chair-lined tables and grills resting here and there on the wood, and a shorter dock that curves from it and wraps around back to extend into the sea. Windows are dark from the sun light and shade overhead, but closer approach reveals lights inside, natural from skylights and lanterns as well as electric for a combination feeling.

“This place has been here even before I was a kid.”

[yellowcopycat]

"Rude," Ryouta complains. But no one hits him, so it's pretty good as far as he's concerned.

He follows Sousuke to the resteraunt, studying it with open curiousity. He's been to similar resteraunts before, though those ones were usually geared toward the upper class with other priced meals that didn't really fill up an athleltic teenage boy. Because of that Ryouta always preferred to eat "lower brow" places. The meals might not be as fancy, and probably fattier, but they filled him up and tasted good.

"I can tell," he said as they walked in. "It's full of history. Hey, do you think we can sit on the deck?"

[takenwithhim]

Sousuke’s not going to defend that tease at all; Ryouta earns it. It’s not too much longer before the two of them are in front of the restaurant, which is a little larger up close than the farther shot. The scent of the salt air mixes eagerly with grills, spices, and a tang of citrus. It definitely wasn’t a high-class establishment, going for the rustic, homey feeling of a comfortable wharf. Iwatobi has its fancy places, but Sousuke and his ilk normally don’t frequent them; high school and all.

“Two,” the swimmer intones to the hostess, before giving a little tilt of his head. “Can we get a table on the deck?” Neither were a problem and soon enough, they’re out there on the strong wood, the coastal breeze tugging at dark and yellow hair alike. There’s a host of food on the menu too, ranging anywhere from catch of the day (fried, broiled, or baked), the famous squid dishes Iwatobi’s known for, shellfish boils, rice plates with pork sides, traditional Japanese soups, and of course sushi options, though that’s not the main attraction here.

“The portions are pretty large so it’ll fill you up.” Probably because of the fishing industry and academia around the town.

Holiday season ate me at work, sorry!

[yellowcopycat]

Ryouta nodded and scanned the menu with a happy hum. "Wow, so much!" He doesn't get a chance to visit beach towns very often, so he's leaning to trying the Iwatobi's famous squid dishes, but the soups look good as well. In the end he chooses the squid. It's the local delicacy, and it's more filling than soups.

"So, what's Samezuka Academy like?" he asked. "It's an all boys school, right? I remember you telling me that." He looks over the drink menu, deciding on tea. "I'm kinda regretting going to a co-ed one. Girls won't leave me alone." He leans back and smiles at Sousuke. "Well, I'd probably have the same problem anywhere I go."

One of his biggest flaws. He knows how pretty he is.

That's how the holidays go. Least it's good pay.

[takenwithhim]

“Iwatobi’s generous during this time of year,” Sousuke murmured as he scanned over his own menu. They had a good season. A lot of things on the menu are dishes he’s had off and on during his childhood, but as an athlete so focused on his form and health, plus diving into Tokyo later on, he’d missed out on his hometown’s food for a couple of years. Some chances returned when he returned to Iwatobi as well, but mostly sticking around Samezuka limited his choices again. So, hanging out with Ryouta’s a good enough reason to splurge. A fried squid dish with a side order of soup (because he wants Ryouta to try it regardless).

“Samezuka? Aa.” He leans back in his chair. “It’s fairly studious despite being all boys. The swim team’s a national powerhouse so the school’s focused on them a lot, but there are other sports there that get their time in the limelight. They have dorms there; Rin and I are in them, as are almost all the athletes. Classes aren’t anything to breeze through either.” Some of their instructors are pretty tough and there are one or two that will rake you over the coals if you dare put sports over your studies. Those few or a blessing and a curse.

He has to hum a little in amusement at Ryouta’s “problem” with girls and subsequent clarification. “I had a feeling you’d have that problem. Tough life, being so pretty.” And yes, he’s teasing him with that.

[yellowcopycat]

"Wait, time out." Ryouta put down his menu and looked Sousuke in the eye. "You're living with your cr- Rin?" Never before had he looked so disbelieving. "Let me guess, you have the top bunk?"

He leaned forward. "Are you sure he doesn't already know how you feel about him? That maybe he's waiting for you to bring it up?" He was half convinced Sousuke was being self-sacrificing, now he's a little convinced the other boy is kinda dumb. Not that he has room to talk.

He leans back and gives Sousuke an incredulous look. "Okay, anyways. Yes, it is tough. Kasamatsu-senpai would kick me when they would sneak in to watch practice! Like, how is that my fault? Maybe if I went to an all boy's school I wouldn't get beaten up so much."

[takenwithhim]

Sousuke blinked at the stop, though he definitely didn't miss the almost “crush” that got cut off. But when Ryouta singled him out his bunk, he offered a light shrug and nodded. “He won the janken throwdown for it.” Like it was that simple. Both he and Rin preferred the bottom bunk, so there had to be a loser in that one. Now, whatever Ryouta was assuming about that, well... that was Ryouta's internal commentary.

But he tilted his head back a little when a certain blonde leaned towards him with that next question. Sousuke frowned slightly. “Maybe,” he murmured. “Rin's a romantic, but he's not stupid.” A small sigh. “He has other things to focus on now besides what I feel; besides, he's heading for the Olympics so he won't be around much longer. I don't need him worrying about anything.” Most certainly not a boyfriend pining behind for him.

Onto another topic not titled “Sousuke's Personal Life.” He gave a slight hum of amusement at Ryouta's expense when he heard about him getting fussed at by his own crush-captain. “Maybe. Though I think boys wouldn't sneak in; they'd just stand and watch until their own coach told them to move.” After all, even at Samezuka, the swim team got a number of lookers. Half-naked guys in skin-tight swimsuits dripping wet? Who wouldn't want to watch that, right?

[yellowcopycat]

"The Olympics huh?" that was impressive. Of course, both Sousuke and Ryouta both had designs on the international stage. Sousuke... couldn't anymore. But Ryouta still wanted to go. He wasn't strong enough yet to go next year. Too bad he had to wait until 2020, but that would be more fun as Japan was hosting.

He decided to move on from Sousuke's feelings for Matsuoka. That would be like throwing himself at a brick wall. He was stubborn, and he didn't always know when to quit, but he's getting better at backing down. At least for now.

Ryouta for one would be one to enjoy the sight of half-naked, athletic men in swimsuits and dripping wet. "There are a few boys who joined the team for me," Ryouta says quietly. "They're mostly quiet about it though, but I have good eyes." That and he's used to pining himself, and he joined basketball for a similar reason. Of course, he wasn't as quiet about his crush on Aomine as these boys had on him. They practiced hard, cheered for everyone, and over all were nice guys so Ryouta didn't mind them.

Their food arrived and Ryouta's eyes brightened. "This looks delicious!"

[takenwithhim]

“Aa. You’re aiming for the same level in your own sport.” A statement, but definitely something he assumed was true. Not just about Ryouta, but about the others in that Generation he knew the blonde to be a part of. Rin still believed in Sousuke, standing there promising him that he would wait for him to return to the world of swimming. No matter how long it took. But… Sousuke could only tell him that he would think about it. He couldn’t make the same promise. Not yet… Not when he didn’t know what the future held in store for him. But what he could do now was to make sure no one else with that dream and skill missed out on that chance. Not Rin, not Ryouta, not anyone.


“Go for it, Ryouta.”

He lifted his glass and sipped at it, letting the simple comment say all that it needed to. For both of them. The switch of topic was nice too. Sousuke didn’t mean to rebuff him rudely, but at the same time, he let the conversation topic drop. Not many people could out-stubborn him. Even if he appreciated his friend’s concern for him.

Sousuke arched a brow at that introduction. “They joined… for you,” he repeated with a dry tone. Obviously not supportive of that idea. “I hope they have more than that for their reason.” Yes, it was curt, but he wasn’t one to mince his words. As someone who for so long swam for himself and had his dreams for the sport, thinking about joining a sport simply because you idolized or crushed on a current athlete was kind of disrespectful and pathetic. “You can’t become good just to impress someone.”

He glanced up at the food and offered their server a quiet ‘thanks’ as he accepted his own dish. Excellent. This was what he’d been waiting for all morning, to be honest. “Of course; welcome to Iwatobi, Ryouta.”

[yellowcopycat]

"Thank you Sousuke," Ryouta said beaming after the waitress left.

"Well, it's what I did; joined a sport because of someone I liked," Ryouta counters and he begins to dig into his food. "Aominecchi hit me with a ball on accident. And I watched him play and fell for him a bit." He took a bite and chewed. After swallowing he continued. "I mean, I was looking for a sport to get into, but if I hadn't met Aominecchi I wouldn't have tried out for basketball and wouldn't have fallen in love with it. I like to think that's what these guys are doing. They're having fun, and they're not creepy, and they like basketball now, so I don't see anything wrong with it."

He takes another bite. "I get what you're saying though. I had to give up on Aomine in order to really grow. But these guys don't, have that problem though, because as much as they like basketball, they're not planning on going pro. I think they were lonely, but now they're not, they've made friends and are happier."

He put down his chopsticks to take a drink. "This is really good."

[takenwithhim]

[ooc: sorry for the delay; just finished getting back from holiday travels and all that fun stuff.]

Sousuke glances up, chopsticks lifting one of the squid blindly to his lips as Ryouta speaks. His reasons for joining basketball… It’s surprising that he’d done it partially out of liking someone, but can Sousuke really decry that? After all, he only started swimming because of Rin. He offers a tiny, amused snort at the idea of Aomine beaning a ball of the back of Ryouta’s blond head. Sadly, he can see it clearly in his mind. He wonders what reason Aomine had for doing that, but figured whatever it was probably was deserving. It’s Ryouta after all.

“If you put it that way, then that’s fine,” the swimmer murmurs, biting the squid stick in half and chewing on it a few times before swallowing. “I only started swimming because Rin dragged me into the pool.” A soft, thoughtful sound drifts out at the memory. “He pretty much forced me to take lessons and coached me for a while until I got the basics down.” At which point, natural talent and affinity for swimming took over and Rin found himself with a honed rival instead of a student.

“There’s a difference when you play a sport for the sport or for a person.” But the mention of giving up on Aomine… Sousuke sighs. “I don’t think it’s so much giving up on him so much as realizing you have to play with him, rather than solely for him.” Personally, he’s had a huge issue with swimming “with,” “against,” or “for” other people. But never once has he given up on Rin. The thought of doing so is chilling.

“So they’re only playing basketball for a hobby or simply as something to do during high school?” And yes, there’s a bit of elitism in his voice, but that’s because he’s a professional swimmer and has a different viewpoint on people who do it for fun or not as seriously. Most athletes do.

“Glad you like it. I’ll take you to some other places like this while you’re in town.”

[yellowcopycat]

Whatever you're thinking Sousuke, it's not as interesting as you think. Aomine had hit him completely by accident.

Yes, most athletes have that elitism. Ryouta had that elitism for a long time. He still does to extent, but he likes to think he's growing up a bit, thanks to Kuroko.

He takes another bite and shrugs. "I put him a pedestal, and I didn't want him to ever loose. Which in a team sport was bad," he looked down, the defeat still stings a little. "I failed to completely stop looking up at him."

He doesn't think that's the complete reason, but he does think it's a major reason.

"That sounds good! We can do that later. I really want to hit the beach after lunch."

[takenwithhim]

Maybe the first time. Something tells him that Aomine and Kise probably had a few “accidents” along the way during their time at Teiko. After all, he’s got a pretty volatile friendship with Rin too, so it might be somewhat similar. But he’ll offer nothing else for it, preferring to move on to other topics.

“You have to choose to help yourself or help someone else in that situation,” Sousuke murmurs. “I might not be able to follow Rin, but I’ll do whatever I can to make sure he’s able to see his dream come true.” Even if Sousuke can no longer be part of it. Rin still hopes, but Rin’s not faced Sousuke’s reality like he has. Time’s still waiting though, so they’ll have to see. “It’s not bad to have a role model. Even if he is your rival.”

He takes another bite, chewing as he thinks about his own relationship with Rin. It’s similar, maybe more compact than Kise and Aomine’s. The distinction between rival and friend and what that does in their sport is its own story. Another time.

“All right. Beach it is. Won’t take us long to get there. Unless you want to go to a private one,” he adds before slipping another piece of fried squid past his lips.

[yellowcopycat]

He raised an eyebrow at Sousuke. "You do remember we only packed towels, right?"

Ryouta wasn't particularly body shy, he was however, worried about being mobbed while wearing only his underwear. Sure he hasn't gotten a lot of attention yet, but him in his underwear... it'll draw a crowd.

"So, private beach please. I don't mind a walk."

[takenwithhim]

Sousuke met the glance with a neutral gaze as he picked up his last squid. “I remember.” Simply making sure none of the plans had changed. Or if someone felt like being daring. In case of the latter, he'd have wished him good luck.

And yes, he was very much aware that having someone like Kise Ryouta on the beach with him was practically asking for a flash mob. Perhaps a little bit less risky here in quiet, little Iwatobi, but only marginally. “Private it is.” Taking a bus was possible, but by the time the bus arrived, picked them up, and dropped them off, they'd make it by walking.

He finished off the remains of his meal and leaned back in his chair, taking in the view of the ocean beside them. “When you're ready, we can head out.” He'd pay up front.

[yellowcopycat]

Ryouta gave a short bark of laughter. "Do you often go to the beach in your underwear?"

He finished his drink and stood. He felt nice and full. The walk would be a good way to work off the calories he just consumed. He purposefully left a little uneaten and dropped it over the edge, watching the catfish come and eat it. He smiled as they ate. "Ready," he said and stood, stretching as he did.

"C'mon! I want to play in the ocean!"

[takenwithhim]

“I don’t really go to the beach.” It’s probably not something you’d expect from a swimmer and a citizen of Iwatobi, considering there’s beach all over the place in the seaside town, but really, Sousuke prefers pools like the rest of his friends. Though when he does go, well, it’s as fun as normal. “But normally I’m wearing my swimsuit.” Just so Kise doesn’t think he runs around in his boxers and such during beach trips.

A light push and he’s up, leaving behind a clean plate. Sorry, but nothing left for the catfish below. He leans over the railing to watch Kise dump the remains of his own food. It’s kind of unnerving; the surface of the water is relatively clear, but the second the food hits, it turns into a frothing sea of scaly bodies, flashing mouths, splashing water, and fish. They’ve certainly got a good deal going on at this place…

With that, he heads off to pay for their food at the front, not letting Kise get the chance to even if he did protest, and then they’re out in the sun once again. “Besides, I did say ‘swimsuits optional’ during our texting, right?” he adds with a tiny smirk.

[yellowcopycat]

Well, Ryouta didn't really think that, though maybe he let himself imagine it for a minute. Sousuke is a very attractive man, after all.

"I remember," Ryouta said, enthralled by the catfish for another moment before following him to the register. "Though I'm was a little confused whether or not that meant," he smiled mischievously and leaned in to whisper. "Going in our underwear or naked." And then he walked out the doors to wait for Sousuke on the street.

Okay, flirting was fun. Though he was a little surprised at himself. Usually when he flirted it was with those he didn't know, and didn't know about his unrequited love life. Flirting was easy when no romantic feelings was involved. Add that and Ryouta had no idea what to do with himself. Flirting with Sousuke was easy because, well, they were in similar situations.

[takenwithhim]

Sousuke was halfway through paying when Ryouta leaned in close and whispered words drifted into his ear. He froze for a second, then frowned when the other boy headed out the door, shooting him a light glare at his back. Jerk, doing that and waltzing out like he’d done nothing. But rather than make a scene (the lady at the register already curious), he paid and headed out to rejoin with his friend.

Someone just had to be a flirt. Though he guessed that was all right, considering he’d “flirted” first by dropping that whole “optional” bit already. Wasn’t like he wasn’t asking for it with that. He passed the blonde with only a light tilt of his head inquiring him to follow his lead. It was a bit of a walk, as said, but they were young and could make it without problem.

“I’m not walking around the rest of the day in soaking underwear,” he added once they were in a more secluded path. It was odd, proposing that when he was well aware Ryouta had something for his captain and Ryouta likewise aware of Sousuke’s feelings for Rin. But it wasn’t like skinny dipping was anything really intimate, right? No one had to know.

[yellowcopycat]

Well, it didn't have to be intimate. Ryouta was really just throwing the option out there. Sex, like flirting, is easy for him when romance isn't involved. And it wasn't like they weren't used to the sight of another naked guy.

And anyways, it wasn't like either of them were committed. Ryouta was in an awkward place with Kasamatsu at the moment. They had talked about their relationship with each other and more or less boiled down to Kasamatsu saying 'not now, but not saying never' which... well, it sucked.

"Seems like a good idea," Ryouta agreed as he walked beside Sousuke, watching the scenery go by. It was so different than the city. Nice and relaxing. "That would chafe, and then I'd be uncomfortable tomorrow during my shoot."

[takenwithhim]

Didn’t have to be. But then again, it’s been a while since he’s seen Ryouta and while Sousuke’s definitely not someone to just throw himself around, still, romance is reserved for a certain someone. Sex is, often times, sex. He’s not so icy he can ignore those urges. Besides, like Ryouta thought, he’s seen other guys naked. Locker rooms are weird places.

Well “committed” is a bit of a stretch, because even though Ryouta’s awkward around Kasamatsu, Sousuke’s still very much devoted to Rin. It’s not like he’s spoken to Rin about his feelings, but so far, no one else has really made him think so intensely about him or her. Maybe it’ll just be unrequited pining… unless he does what the basketball player told him to and actually talked to Rin. Right… because Sousuke’s so forward about his feelings and the truths of his heart. Later topic.

“Wouldn’t want that, poor thing,” Sousuke murmured, tone dipping into a tease at the “consolation” of Ryouta’s discomfort. “I might come by and watch the shoot for a while,” he offered thoughtfully. With the pre-approved promise of not dragging him up to the camera, it made a visit more plausible.

[yellowcopycat]

"Nope! Plus it might show in some of the suits they want me in!" Ryouta said cheerfully. "They like showing off my legs so I tend to wear the shorter trunks and the brief-cut suits, or whatever the real term for that is. Once they tried to put me in a bikini, but, um. It was too small. That particular shoot was didn't know what they were doing."

And it had been extremely uncomfortable. Ryouta didn't mind showing off his body, but he didn't like to wear things that were too tight. Often times the organizers forgot he was muscular as he was.

"Really? Kise's eyes lit up at that. "That would be great! I could use you as an excuse if they want more shots then I'm contracted for."

[takenwithhim]

“Those work.” Didn’t feel like correcting him with the technical terms; Ryouta really didn’t have to know the difference between legskins, jammers, speedoes, and all the other lengths in between. He glanced sidelong at the other boy at the mention of ‘bikini’ however. “I didn’t know they made bikini’s for men,” he murmured, though it was up to the basketball player to guess if he was being honest or just yanking his chain.

He wasn’t surprised that it was too small though. Even if Ryouta was a pretty boy, he was still a top athlete and those muscles weren’t going to shrink for a swimsuit. Besides, you couldn’t just slap a swimsuit on someone and expect it to fit. Try getting that past any swimmer and they’d shoot you down faster than you could say “what?”.

Hn, well, guess he roped himself into that one. “Aa, sure. What time should I swing by, if that’s the case?”

[yellowcopycat]

"Of course they do. Bikini's are cut sexier than normal Speedos," Kise explained, he wasn't sure if Sousuke was being serious or not, but he felt like explaining anyways. "It's like why some guys wear thongs or bikini briefs. They want to feel sexy."

He looked over at Sousuke and smiled. "Around tenish would be good. We're supposed to be done around eleven. The shoot should take about six hours, and we're supposed to start photographing at sunrise." Up at four, in the make up chair at five, and shooting as the sun comes up was the plan for this shoot.