Boys Holding Hands
Two young men - boys really - were smiling as they exited the theater. The movie had been enjoyable for both of them, with a good mix of mystery, comedy, and action, and they each described their favorite parts. Chuckling as they repeated the funnier quotes from the film, they walked down the sidewalk, at the same time keeping an eye out for someplace to eat.
Yanagi Renji was happy to be able to spend this time with this person; he was glad his relationship with Tachibana Kippei was progressing, albeit a bit slowly, into something deep and quite meaningful. And even small moments like these brought them ever closer together.
As Tachibana's line of conversation moved on to what would make a good dinner, Yanagi tentatively reached across the short distance to touch him lightly on the shoulder. A touch that could be either friendly or intimate, it was just enough to have contact, without making Tachibana uncomfortable. Yanagi knew the other teen hadn't yet come to terms with what their relationship was, and what it meant to be with another male, so he was patient, and took things one step at a time.
He put in his own suggestions, perhaps udon or ramen, something simple, and also slowly slid his hand down as they walked. His long, slender fingers traced a path down the strong arm, until they reached and intertwined with Tachibana's. And that's when they fell silent, taking in the more obviously affectionate gesture. Yanagi wouldn't push it if the other pulled away, but when Tachibana instead looked up at him and gave a soft smile, his heart warmed. And though he pulled back a bit when they passed other people on the street, the Fudomine player never let go of Yanagi's hand.
Until they reached the restaurant; entering the place they'd decided on, having every pair of eyes there turn to gawk at the two boys holding hands, Tachibana's hand slowly slipped away from Yanagi's.
Although Yanagi was aware that it was more likely than not to happen that way...it still left him feeling cold. And still, he conceded. He nodded his head and lead the way to the counter to make their order, not forgetting the situation, but moving past it.
Because he knew the day would eventually come when Tachibana could accept what they were, to himself and everyone else. When all the other pressures faded away and all that was left to them was each other. Until that day, he would be content with what he got.
And he would wait for that day.
