NB: This is for Faikitty, who always makes me think about these three drinking together.
Tsukitachi's "tea parties" are typically work-related. Honestly. But tonight's conversation is casual, much to the chagrin of his companions. Neither is particularly forthright regarding personal matters, after all.
"...and I never loved again." The redhead concludes a saga complete with disapproving fathers, lovers' pacts, and incredibly enough, high-speed car chases.
"Perhaps that's best. You were nearly arrested the first time," Hirato says dryly.
"And killed," Akari adds.
"How rich, you guys, for you to crush my dreams of love." Tsukitachi winks. "Especially since you've finally found each other." Immediately, an uncomfortable silence settles upon the trio. Circus' first captain realizes he's just charged his friends with hypocrisy - friends disinclined to forgive such accusations lightly. He clears his throat and continues, hoping to assuage the sudden tension. "Unless you were first loves, hmm? Then I'll concede your point." A roguish smile is insufficient armor against the withering look he's receiving from the other commander (who is indignant on his lover's behalf, apparently).
"Yes. That would have been ideal," Akari says thoughtfully.
Violet irises snap upon ruby with stunning alacrity. "What?" Calmness carries the rich baritone, but the redhead knows malice lingers beyond its placidity.
"Oh, I see. You thought you'd ensnared some untouched, ethereal creature? So presumptuous," the doctor scoffs.
"Who?" Hirato's tone remains light - carefree, even. Yet the room chills perceptibly.
"A medical school professor before I joined Research Tower." The researcher's smirk is telling; clearly, he's relishing this. Tsukitachi almost chokes. Hirato is a terrible influence on Akari-chan.
"You were involved with your instructor?" the brunet asks, still largely collected albeit a trace disquieted now.
"Technically, you're similarly engaged." Akari was indeed an instructor during the captains' matriculation at Kuronomei, but this fact does nothing to mollify the other man. If anything, a lethal potentiality manifests in the square of his shoulders and the cant of his head.
"We'll discuss this later." Hirato's cadence suggests nothing ostensibly threatening, but all present parties feel icy menace gathering.
"Will we now?" Remarkably, the blond chuckles in a manner uncannily reminiscent of his bedmate. "How patriarchal."
Mocking laughter - that's what prompts the ordinarily unflappable commander's faltering. Instantly, he invades every millimeter of Akari's personal space, one hand gripping the edge of Tsukitachi's dining table so forcefully it creaks. He motions to speak and is rendered mute by the gentlest, most fleeting brush of lips against his.
"This impetuous? You? I wonder if I should be flattered or concerned." The physician's affect softens considerably. "In either case, your lack of precision is staggering. I said that I'd have preferred not being involved. Even amoeba can comprehend that, right?"
Hirato regains his composure with characteristic swiftness after that. "Then why-"
"Why bother telling you?" Akari offers, an uncommonly affectionate expression alighting his face. "Think about it. I'm sure you'll understand."
Tsukitachi understands perfectly.
Pretentious author's note: I'm being intentionally vague about what's to understand. If you've loved before, if you've lost before, I think you'll understand. If you haven't... well, then you have my envy.
Also, I find it hard to believe that a 33-year-old hasn't had a single romantic relationship. I know folks assume Akari is all virginal, but I'm not inclined to see him that way. I hope his character works here.
Goodnight, everyone.