And now sadness was gone. Just for a moment but still gone. Good break, enjoyed to its fullest. Now they returned to talk about more trivial things, in a same mood than in their younger years. Really, always sweet to remember that Yi could talk more once it was in a comfortable context.
Yasuo learned this during highschool, after months of slow realization. The latter was always so quiet except when around him or Yone. At first, only with Yone, since they were classmates and friends before him. It took him some time hanging around to hear Yi more often. As in his initiative. Fine, maybe it was Yasuo's fault because he was always so loud. Fuck.
So what a reminder, to hear him chat as if time never separated them.
Then came a sort of silence, not too awkward, just a topic finished. For a time Yi said nothing, though still gazing at him quietly. The kind of melancholia, soft wonder after years. It left Yasuo a bit startled, unsure about what to say, if the latter found out about whatever crossed his mind since he came. Why feel like this ? Like he was in fault, guilty ? Maybe there was still something. Making him blush faintly, for being observed like this. Another memory about Yi, how he was quite good at guessing his thoughts, his problems. Not so accurate but never really missed. Again, this was Yasuo's fault for being so oblivious, open about everything. A miracle he never broke about his own pain during his childhood.
Growing flustered, Yasuo was unsure about his reaction. If he got to such point Yi would guess why he was staring like this. And he wasn't ready to explain himself on that one. Fidgetting a little, he stood the latter's gaze as he could though he could feel his own face heating up. No…..
Light laugh, coming from Yi. Nothing mean, of course. Intead, kind amusement. « You know, you haven't changed at all. Sorry for this but I can't help remember. »
This could mean everything and the opposite, leaving Yasuo to panick all alone. A few seconds came, looking for anything to say but Yi continued.
« Oh, not in a bad sense ! But really it's nice to see you exactly as I remember you. Except for that one scar. How did you even got it ? »
Light, innocent questions. See, no reason to fear. Yi was merely as happy than him to find a friend.
Explaining the reason behind such scar sure was going to make him laugh. Yasuo did too, in advance because that was the most ridiculous thing. How he came to 'earn' a scar right on the nose. Well, let's go.
« Ah, okay I'll tell you but please don't judge me too hard. » He saw Yi paying attention, eyes full of interest. « I don't remember. Like, I know when I probably got it but I have no memory. »
« Oh no, what did you do ? » A bit more serious, slight frown.
Awww. Worry, again. Normal, Yi knew he could be up to no good and so it meant looking for troubles.
« Hey, nothing bad I swear ! Just after one party quite drunk, I woke up with that. Looked like I even tried to clean it but here I am, it still scarred. »
« That's not funny at all. How can you laugh from this ? It could have infected or anything of the sort. » There, clear worry for such recklessness.
« Mom said exactly the same. Relax, I'm still alive and now I look badass. »
Still sweet to hear, despite the stern tone.
« Mmmh indeed. But don't forget to take care of yourself. Even such a small detail could get worse. »
« So you think I look badass ? » Why ask crap like this ? He couldn't help it, grinning like an idiot.
« Alive. But yes, badass too. Just be aware you merely gave me another reason to worry. » If at first it came rather blank, it still had the warm tone between long-known friends.
« Thaaaaanks. And don't worry for me, I'm used to it. Not so dumb. » It remained fun to play around, stay oblivious as if moments ago he wasn't close to break. Many change of mood but this one was so good.
« I know this. You're smart but you pass off as dumb very often. This is part of things that didn't change. »
Direct, impossible to dodge, a good punch to the gut. Aye, always so blunt. Yasuo was very tempted to laugh again, despite the blow to his own intelligence/
« Ouch. You're still pretty honest too. »
« I'm aware and I apologize. Though I don't think less of you. You rush in but you still figure out a solution. »
This was his friend, telling things directly but still taking care not to be too mean. Usually he was right anyway and truth was always useful. Even when it hurt.
« So I never really changed, huh ? Still the same noisy guy from highschool ? » Nostalgia hit half-sentence. Again.
« Not so loud, to be honest. I remembered you to be so noisy half the people couldn't bear to stay around for long. Now you seem…more quiet. »
« Eh, for the best. » Still, he didn't know what to do of that statement. This was probably Yi's first thought when he saw him and indeed it would come from his damned fluster.
« I disagree. » Again serious, low tone as if lost in his memories. Not even looking at him, gaze unfocused on his cup. « You were yourself, that was clear. Your own way of expression. I guess I grew fond of it, though it took me time to get used to it. »
For someone talking with honesty, it still took them years before talking things so personal. Yasuo froze for a short second, unsure about how to take this. Still nice to hear, that even as himself he was accepted. Like his family.
Nothing broke silence that followed, him looking for his words, Yi too far in this sort of nostalgia too.
« Thanks. For letting me stay, back then. It was nice. »
« You say this as if it was a sacrifice. I think you would have heard me complain if you were bothersome. »
New wave of feelings, unsure how to handle this. This became too deep for a joyful conversation. But it was alright. To hear he wasn't so hated anymore. That in the end he could count on Yi.
« Still, thank you. It wasn't easy at that time so I'm glad you let me. »
Probably he was far too dull, quiet now. So Yi made a move, hand reaching for him slowly, merely staying over his arm for a short time. Forgot how he used to get close to anyone before, tactile. Maybe Yi kept that in mind, remembering what used to be.
« Don't worry about it. This is what friends are for. And I'm glad too, for the company. »