What a soft feeling, to have someone back home. Well, it wasn't exactly the case, not definitely but there was someone. Lily was already a good reason to wish to return fast but the mere fact to know he had a friend to talk with repaired what lasting winter did. Never alone.

So it was a strange moment when he walked to his flat, increasing joy. There was no real change except this. It struck the second he stepped inside, Lily giving her noisy welcome as usual. Cute sight he had been looking forward to all day. Then he had looked into the lightened living room and indeed there was Yasuo. As if to check if these latest days weren't imagined.

He's here.

Mere statement but quite a relief to know. At least his friend wasn't lost somewhere in the city. If Yi was really honest with himself, there wasn't just the appeasement of Yasuo but also the relaxing thought of knowing him near.

After all these years there weren't a lot of people he knew like that so any friendly interaction was good to take. Espcially from him.

All this made easier to bear the return at home, new silence. This place wouldn't be quiet anymore since Lily claimed it anyway. Heart lighter, Yi got on his routine then joined the latter in the living room.

This busy fluff ball was quick to follow him around, seeking his specific attention after a day without it. Yi picked her up and sat on the couch, holding her in his lap. Exhale.

Home.

Yasuo was quick to move a little, enough to leave him enough space to sit. Then he still came closer to play with Lily, while she was quite approachable.

He watched him do, quite amused. The cat didn't seem really scared, just a little annoyed by this intruder but she wasn't trying to bite him.

« Hey hey hey. » Small attempt at catching her attention, Yasuo petted her gently.

Definitely entertaining, from Yi's point of view. Himself kept his hand over Lily, burried in fur to appreciate the soft touch.

« You're quite loved, my lady. » All too fond but could he really help it ? She knew nothing was refused to her – except wet food – and it meant lot of attention. Yi looked at the latter to ask : « Would you like to hold her ? »

Not so immediate answer, Yasuo wasn't sure : « Errrr I don't think she'll like that. I mean, I'd die just for a cuddle but looks like she's just going to bite and jump away. »

Maybe.

« I don't think she would be so violent but you're still right. Maybe it's better to try another time. »

A cuddle. His mind paused on this, among everything. It was true, having Lily here and ready for any kind of affection was a good occasion to hug her. For this, he was sad Yasuo could't try it yet.

It also brought back a small memory, fleeting thought. Yes, Yasuo was quite the tactile guy, always keeping any kind of contact with whoever was his friend back in highschool.

Yi remembered that and how now it was completely gone. Was it truly ? Could it be just held down as much as Yasuo could ? It didn't make a lot of sense knowing that man from highschool but given all he had to go through, a change was possible.

When Yasuo hummed quietly, along a curious gaze, it took him out of his thoughts.

« Oh, sorry. »

« What's wrong ? » He didn't sound really worried, probably he merely found him rather silent for too long.

« Nothing, really. » Would that be useful to point out ? Potentially Yasuo had said that without thinking it. But since he was already there, he might as well give what he could.

To keep himself from zoning out again to find a answer in this mess of thoughts, Yi followed his instinct and sort of embraced the latter. Merely an arm over his back to take him closer and nothing else just in case. There was barely no space between them before since Yasuo had come to pet Lily.

Paying attention to any reaction, Yi stayed there and resumed his small affection to his cat. Nothing unusual.

On the latter's side, there was not a single noise. Maybe a little tense though.

« Yi… ? » It happened, so low compared to what Yasuo could prove.

« Yes ? Do you want me to stop ? » Playing oblivious was tempting but not very smart. If the latter really changed his habits since highschool then this could be uncomfortable.

Trying to look at him, he only found Yasuo averting his gaze, stuck on Lily instead.

« No, no ! It's fine. Just… errrr no, nothing. »

Alright. Then he didn't have to overthink this. Maybe all that was a simple reflex since they were both men but as he remembered, Yasuo did that so often back in the days.

They could stay like this forever, nothing would bother them.

At some point Lily decided to go, stretching a little after ending up napping in Yi's lap. Quick departure for the corridor, probably she wanted to eat or anything else.

« Good bye. » Softly said when she left them, pure habit.

Yet not once they moved from this, still holding Yasuo close. He didn't seem tense anymore but looking away all the same. Since he said nothing nor tried to get out, Yi guessed this was fine and he indeed needed that. Yasuo's family trouble could be to blame for this, no doubt it played on his peace of mind.

Without seeing it coming, Yi heard it again. That first night, when his friend cried and there was nothing to do for him. It was that deep. The memory had him coax Yasuo slightly closer.

« I remember you used to do this very often before. Although you didn't initiate it once since you arrived. »

It was his way to check and know what was true or not. If all this time he believed something wrong.

« What are you talking about ? » It didn't sound as relax as Yasuo must have tried. That man knew perfectly what he mentionned.

« About your habit for contact. I thought I had imagined that in our highschool years but no, you were naturally tactile. »

Heavy silence was his answer, enough to make him search Yasuo's gaze. He kept it down with great stubborness. Bingo. This was as good answer as saying yes.

« It's alright, you know. I don't mind, just like it never bothered me back then. »

« Ok, ok. Yeah, I missed that kinda stuff. But didn't know if that was too much to ask. » Still quite shy, far from his usual self but at least he wasn't too put off or embarrassed.

« As long as you ask or I offer, it's not a problem. You had to go through a lot of trouble, so I do my best. »

If really Yasuo needed his dose of contact then he would give it. Arms open for him, the choice was given. After all, he still had time on the evening.

« Come here. »