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]

"You know if you don't tell people what you want you'll never get them," Kise said in response the unsaid statement and pulled back from Yamazaki, looking at the older boy.

He thought for a moment. Wondering exactly what Yamazaki wanted from Matsuoka. He had assumed Yamazaki was in love with Matsuoka... but he might have been projecting his own feelings on the matter. "Did you only want to swim with him?" he asked gently. "Or did you want more?"

He shook his head. "You don't need to answer that, sorry that was a really personal question."

[takenwithhim]

“Some people are content not getting everything they want, Kise,” Sousuke responded, his voice lowering. He no longer had the chance at the future he wanted so desperately. The last thing he wanted was to drag Rin down with him because of his blind drive forward.

He settled his elbows on his knee and propped his chin on interlaced fingers, gazing ahead of him with the normal stoicism he'd grown into. Kise was a smart guy; he could read somewhat between Sousuke's lines, probably due to his own experiences and knowledge on athletes. But Sousuke was a stubborn person even if he was sometimes an idiot about them. The question Kise posed next... well...

Sousuke offered a little “heh” of slight embarrassment, slight incredulous. Really, Kise? “I could ask the same about you and your captain,” he countered, glancing to the side at the other athlete. Besides, Kise was like Rin, a romanticist. “What do you think?”

[yellowcopycat]

What about Kise and his captain? He let out a sigh. "What I think is that just because you're content with not getting what you want doesn't mean you shouldn't try."

He stood. "Knowing you won't succeed, but trying anyways, you sorta did that. But you..." He paused, and then went ahead and said what meant. "You did it in a stupid way. You got yourself hurt worse than before, didn't you?" He looked down at Yamazaki. "Sousuke, that makes me very worried for you."

And as for his captain. "We're.. it's complicated, but I've talked to him about it."

[takenwithhim]

Sousuke didn't reply to that one immediately. It'd be the furthest thing from the truth to say he hadn't tried. As far as achieve his goal. But if Kise really was talking about his feelings for Rin, that was a completely different topic altogether. There were things that Rin needed to focus on... things that didn't need to be compounded by his best friend admitting to some feelings for him. But...

He glanced up when Kise stood. Only to sigh and lean back when the other athlete lowered the proverbial boom on him. Stupid. He'd hurt himself worse than he had already. Even if his intentions had been noble, his dream to swim at the top with his best friend, his methods hadn't helped him get there. Despite all his strength and power.

“Aa.” It was all he could say. He'd told Kise the truth and the other athlete could see the entire thing straight through. From his feelings for Rin to the real reason he'd put himself through such rigors. Lying to him would only get him in worse trouble. “You're not the only one worried,” he admitted quietly. After regionals, he'd been back in a shoulder brace with only meager allowances into the pool, always under Rin's watchful eye. There would be no more swimming for him this semester.

“If the time's right, I'll tell him too. But I don't want to burden him with something he doesn't need.”

[yellowcopycat]

"When will be the right time?" Kise challenged, but after a moment of studying Yamazaki for a moment and then put a hand gently on his shoulder. "Never mind, let's... go get lunch and talk about fun things. We can hit the beach afterwards and we can wade out a bit. We can talk about feelings later."

Because feelings were annoying really. His own for Kasamatsu were... not getting him where he wanted. But they could talk about that later.

"Please? I can tell I'm only making you feel bad and that's not what I wanted."

[takenwithhim]

Sousuke had just been about to answer, already having at least that ready to go on his tongue. But Kise, like a true basketball athlete, passed the ball elsewhere and left him with open air to speak of. The right time... He knew the right time. When Rin wouldn't be burdened by knowing it. When he wouldn't be held back by Sousuke. Rin had a dream to accomplish, unfortunately a dream he'd have to accomplish without him.

Even though he said he'd wait for him...

A soft sigh was Kise's only answer instead and he pushed himself up with a silent motion in spite of his large body. “Don't feel bad, Kise. Rin already laid into me when he found out about my shoulder.” A bittersweet smile appeared, gentle at the memory. “I'm not really a team player, Kise. I always thought that swimming was a solo sport. You dive in the water and you're alone.”

But his growth over the years, his friendship and separation from Rin, the breakdown of his shoulder and wreckage of his dreams, his reunion with his best friend... They'd changed all of that. Though, old habits and thoughts die hard even still. “I was wrong. I know that now.”

But lunch and the ocean were good options to leave this behind.

[yellowcopycat]

"Well, yeah," Kise said, "But I'm just as guilty. You at least have the excuse of solo events to let you think that."

Because at the beginning he had thought he could win on his own, that his teammates would only be there to pass him the ball. He was good, he was exceptional, and his skills would only keep growing. He had thought that the only opponents that would give him trouble were the other members of the Generation of Miracles. He was wrong, even more wrong than Yamazaki was.

Looked like they had more in common than he had originally thought.

"You know, you can call me Ryouta if you want. I've decided that's okay." Then after dropping that he turned to the door, a spring in his step. "C'mon I'm hungry. Let me pack a bag and let's go. I'm a growing boy and I need food."

[takenwithhim]

Sousuke shrugged, not about to get into some kind of competition over who's guiltier. They both have their own burdens from the past; it's simply a matter of whether or not their special someone's are going to be able to knock it off their stubborn shoulders.

He was one of the top ten in Japan, had been in a period of time where no one could beat him in his entire nation. But he swam not for them, but for his own dream and for the future he was going to share with Rin. That'd been his goal... that was why he loved swimming. Life wasn't always fair though and as he slid his hands into his pockets, he tried his best to let the topic roll away. They could deal with things later.

Food sounded good about now anyways. “Hn, you've decided?” he echoed with a small smile, one that said he'd decide for himself what he'd call Kise. Mostly just to be a bit of a dick about it. Sousuke wasn't one to have others tell him or “permit” him to do things. Still, he appreciated the gesture was was only teasing him. “Aa. Grab a towel or two.” Passing by, he went close enough to offer over Kise's shoulder--

“Swimsuit's optional.”

[yellowcopycat]

Blinking, Kise blushed and turned to look at Yamazaki.

"Optional?" he asked. Then smiled.

"So you're taking me to a secret spot then?" The thought of that was pretty exciting. He grabbed two towels from his suitcase and shoved them into his messenger bag. He didn't bother with a swimsuit. Probably they would just play around the surf in their underwear, but ... well, no need to let his imagination run away on him.

"Ready when you are," he chirped. "Take me someplace with good food~ I'm starving!"

[takenwithhim]

Sousuke carried on by without missing a step. “Aa.” That was the only response to the little hint. Iwatobi, being a coastal town for fishing, had a lot of little places, coves and such. And having a best friend like Rin, a romantic swimming maniac, Sousuke had gone on more than a lot of adventures up and down the coast, swimming and running along the beach to find secret places. Nostalgia was still there and of course there were some places that would remain between himself and Rin. But he knew one where it'd be nice to spend time with just himself and Ryota.

A light glance over his shoulder told him there was an extra towel. Good. He didn't want to have to go back to his dorm and grab one for himself. “There's a seafood place right on the piers. If you like things fresh,” he offered as he headed out of the room and stepped to the side to let the other boy clear out and lock up. He did take a look to see if they were going to have... company. Bodyguard wise.

[yellowcopycat]

"No bodyguards," Ryouta said when he saw Sousuke looking around. "I'm not in danger, plus I have you." He smiled and lead Sousuke out of the room. "Fresh sounds good. Lead the way!"

He's really excited about this. It's been forever since they've hung out. And it's been a long time since he's eaten out with a friend who wasn't on his basketball team. Current or past.

"So, uh, tell me what's good at place we're going." He pauses, remembering. "I bet it's squid. Iwatobi is famous for its squid isn't it?"

[takenwithhim]

Sousuke nods, inwardly glad people won't shadow them while they're out. He isn't a very groupy person anyways and he'd rather have his alone time with his friend. Though the comment about having him does earn a faint smirk. “What makes you think I'll jump in front of you?” he hums as Ryouta falls in step beside him.

It really does feel like forever since they've spoken. Last time was two years or so in Tokyo. They've done some growing since then. Puberty's done some good work for both of them. Exiting the building, he skims off to the side to head for the sidewalk. At least Iwatobi's small enough they're not going to have a gaggle of fans mobbing them.

“Aa. Dried squid, but the fresh kind and baked dishes are just as good.” Along with various other treats that hone the culture here. “The place is on the water so once you're done with your food, you and throw any remaining food into the bay for the catfish. They gather around the piers for that reason.”

[yellowcopycat]

"I was thinking more about your resting bitch face," Ryouta answers cheerfully. "It would keep me safe." He's teasing, Sousuke's face isn't scary. It's actually nice. There's a reason Ryouta tried to recruit him after all. He'd be a good runway model, as they typically don't smile unless directed to.

They do draw some attention while walking together. They're tall, good looking, athletic boys, after all. Thankfully it's usually not more than a double take and there's a trio of junior high girls that stop talking and just watch them walk by until they're passed and then they burst into giggles. But Ryouta's used to being followed and being begged for an autograph.

"Fresh sushi does sound good," he's trying to think if he's had squid outside of sushi before. He tends to eat western foods now that he really thinks about it. His favorite dish is French for example. Well, here's a chance to try something new. He smiles at the idea of feeding the cat fish. "Sounds kinda wasteful, but fun. I bet those catfish are really fat."

[takenwithhim]

“If it can counteract your general magnetism,” Sousuke replies calmly, not at all ruffled by the comment about his RBF. Not the first time someone's pointed that out either. It's a protocol; keeps him from having to deal with people who he doesn't want to deal with in the first place. But honestly he'd be surprised if Ryouta ever lets it slip that's actually one of the reasons he thinks the swimmer'd be a good model.

Not that he's blind to the attention. He's had his time in the spotlight as well, magazines and reports and stuff when he stood at the top of Japan's butterfly swimming population. To say nothing of both of their looks, separately attractive in their own right, but together, like day and night, extremely alluring. At least it's doesn't interrupt them as they walk. Sousuke'd simply rather not mess with the press of a crowd. It's not his scene if he can help it.

“Then we've got a plan.” A little shrug lifts his shoulders at the wasteful comment. “Some people don't like leftovers, so they'll throw their food away. Better the cat fish get it than the trashcan.” He does make a wry face. “You'll be surprised; those things can be vicious.” The water'd be calm one second, then alive with open mouths and slapping bodies, tearing away at the surface and food in a flash. Keep your hand away from the railing.

[yellowcopycat]

"I don't know, I think it can. The Bitch Face is strong in you." He laughs lightly. "I think you could give Kasamatsu-senpai a run for his money when it comes to it." Though Sousuke's icy anger versus Kasamatsu's fiery temper would be a terrifying sight. Good thing they probably won't meet each other any time soon. He'd like them to meet, all his favorite people being friends with each other would be great.

Except he's not even sure he's friends with some of his favorite people. Like Midorimacchi for example. Ugh. He makes a face just thinking about him, but quickly schools back into a pleasant smile. Not hard at all considering he's with a good friend.

"Don't like leftovers?" The idea foreign to him, and it shows on his face. It's such a waste! What about snacks for later? What about lunch for the next day when the dinner portions are too much for his mother or sisters? "But, why? I mean, okay, feeding the fish, that's fun. But not at all? It seems like such a waste."

[takenwithhim]

“I heard he likes to kick you for running your mouth,” Sousuke hums, the faint hint of a smirk licking around his tone. Just a bit of a warning there too. Half-teasing. He's really not heard too much about the other athlete, but he knows Kise holds him in high regards. While he's not really got any intention of comparing personalities with Kasamatsu, if they ever do meet, he doubts either of them are going to set sparks flying. Mostly because the notions of respect and “don't care” would mute any steam between fire and ice.

Who knows; maybe the meeting would end up being the worse for their mutual unmutable model. Sousuke catches the face out the corner of his eye, but doesn't bring any attention to it. Probably a memory in passing he doesn't need to inquire of. He's got his own friends-that-might-not-be-so-but-for-Rin.

He slips both hands into his pockets and turns the corner, leading them towards a nice-looking building overlooking one of the piers. An ocean breeze wanders by, carrying salt, water, and a lingering thread of grilling food. “You've got me; I don't know either. Personal preference maybe.” He's not a ravenous eater or a glutton, but he can definitely pack down a lot to keep himself going. Leftovers still happen though. Sometimes it's a completely perfect way for Rin or him to mock each other at lunch. What are best friends for?

[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!"