Chapter 18: Fireworks
The tall blue haired first year finds himself staring down at a shorter, green haired, second year. This second year's eyes are stern and his lips are pulled into a deep frown, refusing to leave his face as they continue to have a stare off regardless of what the situation is- which, at the moment, Aomine has no idea what it is. "What are you doing here?" He questions as he brings his home's door to a fully shut position, not allowing his snooping mother to hear the conversation. Sometimes she can just try too hard to know what's going on, he swears. He would ask this green haired fellow how he knows where he lives, but given the fact that his cousin is Satsuki, it's not surprising that he found out with relative ease. The girl can't keep anything to herself, he swears.
He had been hoping that he would never have to have this sort of conversation. Not this early on in their lives at least. However, with a certain time coming along and with knowledge in his head that he only an hour ago had been without, he has no choice but to do this. If not for his own sanity, then for her protection. He stands as menacingly in front of the tall basketball player, his wine red eyes carefully taking in his stance and obviously clueless gaze. The young man in front of him has absolutely no idea what's going on; good. Is there a chance that he actually will be having this conversation pointlessly, in which case he would be making an ass out of himself? Yes, there is. Is there the possibility that he could just walk away, and regret not having this talk, and having to listen to his friend suffer because of it? Yes, there is. Is there a possibility that either way he may embarrass himself over something that could or could not be possible? Yes, there is. But all the same, he is willing to take the risk, willing to possibly make a dick out of himself and embarrass himself, all because he cares for her.
"I'm here to talk about Tatsumaki," he announces blandly, not bothering to beat around the bush. He and Aomine are not friends, they are merely acquaintances whom share a common person in their life- the very girl he just mentioned. So there's no point in asking how his day is or if he's been having a good time during summer break. There's no point in asking if he was amazed by the girl's run the other day, or if he had returned home safely after getting her to her own house. No, straight and to the point is best.
"Tensai?"
"Hai," Yuji nods once. "I want to know something, and don't avoid the question. This is as weird for me as it will be for you". Or it's probably been weird since his mom called him down saying that a handsome boy with Satsuki's eyes is looking for him. All the same he continues, "I want this answered man to man".
Aomine raises an interested brow, curious as to what the hell this guy is going on about. First he comes to his house at random and then he says he'll be asking weird questions? He sighs and with a huff leans against his door. "Fine. Here is as good a place as any. But you better hurry up; I have plans that I have to get ready for tonight". He did make a deal after all. A deal which he only kind of regrets making.
"That's fine, so do I," Yuji agrees blandly. "Anyways...What are your feelings about Tatsumaki? Is she just a friend or do you have romantic urges towards her? In other words, do you have a crush on her or not?"
The young navy eyed ace is brought into a moment of shock, surprised by the sudden and point blank question. His heart, ruthless and not at all subtle, skips a beat or two causing a sharp ache to enter his chest cavity and disappear. Adrenaline, though a small dose, sweeps its way through his veins and encourages his senses to be more sensitive to just about everything around him. That's a loaded question, he supposes. The way this guy is standing and the tone in his voice speaks of an older brotherly angle being taken. Meaning that if Aomine were to say yes, he would get the 'hurt her and I break you' speech. And honestly, with the way this guy is built Aomine isn't quite certain he'd end up on top. The guy is smaller than him, but the way his build presses against the confines of his clothing is more than enough to hint that he's packing some serious muscle. If Aomine were to say no, however, he'd get the 'then stop leading her along or I break you' speech. Either way, if he makes a wrong move he could end up with some damage to his person. However, Aomine does not need to think about the answer to this poisonous question. He's known the answer for quite some time now, and as he looks at the red eyed male he finds himself unafraid to answer evenly and truthfully.
In the mean time, at a certain train station, Satsuki beams and smiles as she tugs on the taller girl's arm, dragging her along and off of the train in all her excitement. "Come on! You asked Yuji for my number just for this reason, right?" she smiles and giggles a little at the disgruntled girl, more than just a little happy about the task at hand. "I've always wanted to do this with another girl, but Aomine always scares them away with his constantly scowling face and dark aura," she admits.
"You really don't have to make such a big deal out of it," Tatsumaki grumbles, mostly regretting asking the girl for help in the first place. She didn't want it to turn into this huge thing. But apparently Momoi just has to either go big or go home. The latter which the whirlwind is seriously contemplating on finding a way to do. "Seriously Momoi, there's no need".
"Oh but I do," Satsuki turns a, "And didn't I ask you to call me Satsuki?"
Tatsumaki in the mean time sighs as she is continuously drug down the side walk of the shopping district, finally understanding just why Aomine bugged her with texts for her to save him when the pinkette drug him out for random outings. She's far to bubbly and excitable for something so simple as looking for a kimono. Maybe she should have asked Yuji's mom? Or maybe Aomine's even- no, scratch that, it'd be weird to ask your date's help. And now that she thinks about it, she did try to ask Yuji's mom but unfortunately she can't help her. All in all, Satsuki was her best bet in the end.
She needs more female friends.
"Oh, here is is! This is where I got mine," Satsuki happily grabs the hand she had only momentarily released only to drag its owner into the depths of a near by shop, cloth of all sorts of colors and patterns line the walls, racks of clothing here and there hanging elegantly waiting for someone to pick them out and try them on. "How about this one?" the fabric she offers to show the other girl is a brilliant red color, beautiful designs made of gold and black and silver dancing across it elegantly. "This would really clash well with your eyes," she praises, holding it up to the taller girl's person.
Before Tatsumaki can answer, a voice speaks up behind her. The owner is a kind looking woman, with squinted eyes and a braid running down her front, the strands wrapping forward around her neck in an odd but elegant fashion. "May I be of assistance to either of you?" She dresses herself in a beautiful purple kimono, the obi being a pretty blue to match the butterflies that swarm across her clothing. "Ah, I believe I remember you, miss. You were here the other day. Is your article satisfactory?"
Satsuki grins, "It's perfect," she admits proudly, recalling the kimono she had purchased for this very evening a few days ago. "I'm actually looking for something for my friend; she has a date tonight and I want her to look stunning".
But Tensai holds up a hand, "Not stunning, just nice. You know? I don't want to look like a drowned rat in it at the very least".
The gentle voice that had greeted them giggles, a hand coming up to cover her mouth as though afraid to let others hear the sound or see the expression on her lips. Her words are dainty and soft spoken, but at the same time they're hard to miss. "I think I have something in mind for you. May I ask for your name?"
"Hah? Oh, it's Tensai Tatsumaki," she announces casually with little care.
"Tatsumaki, what a lovely name for an even ore lovely girl," the store employee- most likely the owner- praises with care. She speaks the teen's name as though it were something most precious. To be honest it's endearing yet unsettling at the same time. "My name is Unohoshi. I think I have just the outfit for you. Will you please follow me to the back room?"
"She will," Satsuki grins as she shoves the taller girl forward to follow the graceful older woman. "Have fun, Tatsumaki~!"
Before the snowy haired girl can deny wanting to go, she is shoved forward and left with no choice but to follow lest Unohoshi be left to think she ran away. She doesn't want to leave a bad impression with the elder female- not when said elder seems to be so kind and warm. And so, she is left to part with Satsuki by way of entering a new room. Within this room, there are kimonos left and right, hanging invitingly here and there. Some beckon for her to look them over, others hiss for her to leave them alone as they are not meant to be. "So," she begins awkwardly, "...You have something in mind for me?"
"I do," Unohoshi smiles out. "I know exactly which one would look best on you, Tatsumaki-san. Will you allow me to bring it to you so you can try it on?"
"Sure, but I've never put a kimono on before," she's never had the need.
Another soft giggle comes from Unohoshi as she accepts the truth for what it is. She seems to find the statement amusing if her giggle means something. However it is not rude laughter. Simply patient like this woman seems to be. "I understand. I can help you get dressed if you so wish". She mentions this as she begins to search through the cloth pieces, obviously looking to where the last time it had been. Spotting the younger female's rapid nod, she giggles a third time, only for the sound to be cut off as her smile widens. "Ahh. Here it is," pulling it from the rack, she gently shows it to the potential buyer, "What do you think?"
Tatsumaki's eyes widen, green orbs large with surprise and astonishment. She likes it. A lot. "Can I try that on?"
"Most certainly," Unohoshi assures. Gesturing to a corner of the room she assures, "You may discard your things there. I would suggest you strip down to just your undergarments. If you plan to wear this traditionally, then you'll need to wear nothing under this," she issues.
"...Not even underwear?"
"Yes," she replies, "As they tend to show lines on the body. Bras specifically; panties however have come to learn how to not show lines even in something like this".
"...Okay, no bra I can do. But completely commando? I don't think so". It'd still be weird to not wear a bra, but she supposes simply for the look it would be good to lack one. "Anyways, let's get this baby on me".
Later finds Tatsumaki walking, or rather shuffling, out of the changing room. She feels odd, as though she stands out amongst the gathering of three. She feels self conscious and uncertain over all. "So," she tells the standing pinkette whose jaw hangs open and her eyes are wide, "Don't just gape. Does it look weird? It looks weird, doesn't it? I thought so too after I put it on; I guess this isn't the-"
But before the white haired girl can turn away, the red eyed one speeds forward and places her hands onto her shoulders. "Get that one," she issues sternly. Before she can be asked to repeat herself, she squeezes her shoulders, "Tatsumaki-chan, you need to get that one. Understood? You have to have that one. If you don't get it for you, I'll get it for you!"
Confused but flattered, Tatsumaki relents though she still nibbles at her lower lip, "Okay. Just stop freaking out, okay?"
When night hits, however, she doesn't feel flattered at all. "You've gott to be kidding me. I have to go out looking like this?" She whines, looking herself in the mirror. "I liked it without my hair up and stuff," she groans.
"Would you stop that?" Satsuki grumbles as for the fourth time she fixes the careful up-do she had set Tatsumaki up with. "I'm going to smack you the next time you even think about messing your hair up. Do you have any idea how long it took me to figure out how it was supposed to say like that?"
"No, and I really don't care," the snowy haired girl replies. However, she purses her lips upon realizing the inevitable. "Well shit. And now I don't have any time to take this off," with a sigh, the girl makes for her front door, gesturing towards it, "You're leaving too, right?"
"Yea yea," the pink haired girl replies, "Anyways, email me the details, okay? I wanna know everything".
"About how I failed at the shooting game?" She questions in turn, only to earn herself an annoyed scoff. As the pinkette takes off, she too makes to leave after locking her door. Pursing her lips, Tatsumaki carefully looks herself over before making her way forward in her traditional sandals. She'll be meeting him in front of the train station, seeing as he needs to take one in order to get to the festival as it were. She ignores lingering glances sent her way, knowing that she stands out despite her attempt to at least seem a little normal. She glares at those whose eyes linger for far too long, and rolls them when some of them dare to meet her gaze with less than a pleasant glaze in their eyes. Eventually though she does make it to where she's going. And just in time too as she spots him stepping off of the train itself, expression bland and movements bored. However she hadn't expected him to dress up too. He looks good in the simple dark blue clothing, a cream colored sash wrapped around his waist to keep it from falling apart. Just ever so slightly can she see the tan of his chest, teasing her eyes and reminding her of the night she had given him a back rub. One that was apparently so good that he had been coaxed into falling asleep- not that she had aimed to make him do that, but he did it anyways.
Aomine's gaze wanders casually from side to side, looking for the girl whom said that she would meet him once he got off the train- if not a little later. Not seeing her, he makes to pull his phone from the inside of his clothing only to find a hand raised in the air. It catches his attention, causing his eyes to take in the blue color in the bland sea of other shades. He was going to look away when he spotted the white hair. With it done up fancily and held in place with a single hair piece, her normally sweeping bangs gently curling around either side of her face, he cannot help but continue to look her over from a distance. Although she approaches him despite his lack of moving. Dressed in a light blue kimono, red white and purple flowers dance along the hem of her sleeves and actual bodice, as well as on her left shoulder. The obi is red itself, a thin purple rope pulled tight around it and the cloth under the kimono red as well. It follows her features like a second skin, tracing the curves of her shoulders into her chest and then her slender waist coupled by her rounded hips and hiding her powerful legs and arms. As she draws closer, he notes the light tones of make up- compared to the heavier tones he had seen at the cultural festival a few weeks back- that allow her vibrant green eyes to attract just the right amount of attention and lip gloss that makes her mouth shiny.
"Yea, I thought so too," Tatsumaki sighs as she shifts her head, adjusting a bang that dare not sit in the right place, "It looks better off than on".
Immediately dirty thoughts enter the bronzed teen's head, his hormones fueling these thoughts shamelessly as he shakes his head. "No, you look good," beautiful even. He's happy she doesn't ask for him to say that a second time, because he's certain he would add something on to the praise that wouldn't sound all that innocent. "To the festival right?"
The whirlwind nods her head, happy with his words, "To the festival".
The walk is silent but comfortable, the two tall teens bypassing other people smoothly and with their heads held high and confident. However, despite this comfortable air between the two of them, glances are sent towards the other party when they're not looking. Looking over their stature, watching their movements and facial expressions. Looking at certain body parts. Luckily, before the air can go from nice to weird, they make it to the loudness that is the festival they had been aiming for. Lined up and down the street, replacing normal shops and stands are booths ranging from food based to game based and everything in between. People walk here and there happily, children dressed normally or in kimono and yukata dash passed the tall duo with laughter on their faces and in their voices. Beautiful paper lanterns replace the actual street lights, illuminating the way gently reminding many of the edo era from movies or historical novels and texts. The only difference is that there are no samurai or geisha walk around either just going on their journey or looking for some attention for the night. Despite the little momentary pocket of olden times, each of them knows that the moment they step out of the pocket everything will return to normal. It will be odd to walk around in kimonos and in getta, trains will be the main mode of transportation with the occasional bus or car, men and women will have to return to work. Things will no longer be simple.
As the two stop at the opening of the festival, the taller one looks down to the shorter, "So now what?" This after all had been her idea. And though he doesn't regret joining her- not now that he's seen her as she currently is- he didn't have anything in mind off the top of his head.
Tatsumaki pauses, her eyes scanning the crowd. A smile spreads across her face as she grabs the tall teen's hand, not really thinking of it in her excitement, and pulls him along. But then she stops, realizing, "Sorry, I forgot that you don't like to be drug around because of Mo- I mean, Satsuki does it all the time".
"Yea," Aomine agrees, the irritated expression falling from his face the moment she stops and lets him go. His hand, now lonely, twitches with the lack of palm against his own. As she turns to lead the way all the same, he follows after her fluidly, watching as her eyes again shine with wonder and glee. When she finally stops, he finds himself in front of some sort of shooting game. Targets sit lined up on the back wall of the stand, these targets being an assortment of feminine accessories, to stuffed animals for children- or lovers to win for their girls- and other such things. Above head hang bigger stuffed toys being worth more points than those along the wall. Along the desk at the front of the stand sit toy shotguns, their bullets merely being corks that are just light enough to actually fly forward and knock into the target. "This is what you were excited about?"
Tatsumaki grins, flashing sharp pearly whites to her partner in crime, "Yea! I heard that this game is lots of fun. I've always wanted to try it out but never got a chance to for various reasons. I'm gonna play. Hey Ossan, can I get a round?"
"Sure thing little miss," the happy man whom looks like it's in his forties, nods with a beaming smile. "You know how to use one of these?" He points tot he toy with a risen brow.
The runner pauses as she picks up the toy after handing over he payment due to play. "...Honestly? No". But then she shrugs, "It's okay as long as I hit the target, right?" she makes to hold it, however instead of having the butt against her shoulder as it's supposed to be, she has it against her chest, pressed against her sternum and the trigger far from her reach. She ignores the incredulous look the stand owner gives her, his hand reaching out to correct her. He doesn't want her getting angry at him for not explaining how to hold it- not that she's given him a chance to.
But before the adult can direct the teenager, Aomine chuckles, "Should have guessed. You're gonna mess up if you hold it like that". Having not seen the happy go lucky side of her for a while, he finds it amusing. Ever since they became friends, she had mellowed out, something he appreciated but he found himself missing tha blinding smile as well. Seeing it back allows him to realize that it wasn't that she was forcing herself to remain relaxed but rather that at school the happiness is a little too forced. This, as she is right now, however is natural. Seeing her clueless gaze, he sighs and reaches around her body, his longer arms reaching for the gun and his chest pressing against her back to help him guide her into the right stance. He knows this game well, it having been one of his favorites as a kid too. Of course, he doesn't tell her that it's rigged so that the toys won't fall, wanting her to figure that on her own. That and wanting to see how frustrated she'll get. "Stand like this and look straight down the barrel. When you think you have it properly aimed, shoot".
Tatsumak's heart jumps into her throat at the close proximity of his person, pressing shamelessly against her back as his voice whispers into her ear almost seductively. She tries not to let her shoulders tense up, but it can't be helped as his hands move hers and as he guides the butt of the toy weapon to one shoulder while the other is placed onto the pump of the gun. "Aim and shoot," she utters, "Got ya". She shoots after careful aim, only for the bullet to miss. She purses her lips before cocking the gun again, adjusting her sights, and shooting again. This time it makes its mark, but the toy does not fall. She tries again, but third time it fails to give way. Until finally she's been through six total rounds meaning she's out of ammo. "Seriously?" She grumbles, her brows high up into her hairline. "That's not cool".
"Better luck next time missy," the stand master smiles good naturedly, "Would you like to try again?"
Aomine's dark gaze narrows upon hearing the offer, "No, she's good," he assures, placing a hand on the girl's shoulder. He's certain she'll waste all her money if she keeps on going now. He knows all too well from experience. Not to say watching her fail wouldnt' be funny, he just doesn't want her whining later.
But Tatsumaki shrugs his hand off and looks over to him, "On me time," she too realizes that this is as addictive as gambling. However she refuses to be beaten by just a little game. "You can drag me away after this, okay?"
"Fine," he relents, "But don't bitch to me when you're out of money".
"Hai hai hai," she dones, "Set me up Ossan," she states, slapping money onto the counter and being permitted to grab another fully loaded gun. Shifting the weight in her hands, she looks the sleek toy over before getting into the stance that Aomine showed her. She aims, and shoots hitting the target. Rapidly she reloads as the toy continues to tip, firing in quick succession. She repeats this two more times before the toy falls. Aiming quickly, she shoots a box of rock candy down, first shooting its top edge to get it rocking and then the bottom to make it fall. With her bullets run out, she beams over to the stand owner. "I get both of those, right?"
The elder male pauses, surprised but sighs and slumps. Silently grumbling as he ducks under the counter to get an undamaged box of candy and the very snow leopard she had been initially aiming for. He hands the to her with a forced, "Congratulations!"
Tatsumaki grins and gathers these things. "I'm all set to go. Did you want to play?"
"No," Aomine chuckles as they begin to walk, "Surprising that you knew how the game worked after failing the first time through".
"Mere physics my friend".
"Like hell you know physics," he shoots back.
"...Shut up," is the returned grumble. Tatsumaki ponders as she looks over the leopard whom has been maid to be in a constant laying position. "I wonder what I should name him...Nah, it looks like a girl. So what should I name her?"
"Why would you name it?"
"I dunno," she shrugs, "I just feel like it. You know?" She pauses before beaming, suddenly proud of her idea. "I'll name her...Fubuki. My uncle says that that's what my parents thought of naming me when my hair didn't change to a normal color". She beams up to the blue eyed boy. "So, I've chosen something for us to do. You take a turn".
Aomine stares down at the currently happy girl as she hangs onto the leopard and the rock candy. He doesn't really know what they could do other than get food or watch the play he saw signs for upon entering the place. He does not bother to weave through the people, as due to his stature it is easy for him to cut through the crowd like a ship through the ocean. It would appear that she doesn't have that issue either. Which is nice, because last time he went he had to hold onto Satsuki lest she get lost. Whomever she's with- because he's more than certain that she's somewhere around here- definitely has their work cut out for them. But never the less, he looks around for something, only for his eyes to zone in on what he didn't want. He can feel it though, the desire to play the game despite the fact that he knows that it'll be far too easy for him to win.
Turning through the crowd, he changes their angle of direction and continues to walk until he makes it to the stand. "Oi," he greets the stand's owner, startling them as they have to look far up to greet him. He's at least twice the guy's size. Putting the money needed down, he points to a basket, "Let me play".
Tatsumaki blinks before a sigh comes from her lips. She should have guessed. Then again, she can't blame him. If there was something Stride based, she would attempt to play even in this kimono. Though gimmicks would be deadly and she probably would get half a yard forward before falling flat on her face. Running in getta and in this tightly wound clothing doesn't sound like it would turn out well. But she'd still try. "If you're gonna do that, I suggest you try to make it harder for yourself".
"What, you want me to be blindfolded or something?" Aomine questions before he can shoot, looking down at his fellow ace with a risen brow. The ball is ligher than a regulation one, being made or children and simple fun. Nothing serious. However, as he twists his hands around the globe he gets used to the weight. It'd be far too easy for him to shoot even from where he's standing and make the basket. "You wanna spin me around or something?" Shooting while dizzy wouldn't be much either.
"No," Tatsumaki denies, "Go stand behind the stand on the other side of the walkway and then shoot," she challenges.
"Hah?" Aomine demands, taking note of the total distance that'd make. About a court and a half, give or take a few feet. Given the lightness of the ball, it'd be hard to do. If he had a normal ball, it'd be easier, but no. "You're kidding me".
"What?" she continues to challenge, a smirk spreading across her face, "Can't do it? The great Aomine Daiki can't shoot a ball into the hoop from even that far?"
Tch. Seriously, why doesn't she shoot from there if she's so confident? He could do it, no doubt, but he's really not in the mood to try all that hard just to get one prize. One which he could probably just buy at a store or something at that. "It's not worth my time. I'm not doing that".
"I'll give you a reward," her mouth returns faster than she can even ponder on what a reward would be. Realizing just what that sounds like to the third party- the stand's owner- she blushes hotly. Ahh, she shouldn't have said it like that. Lord knows she didn't mean it to come out that way. She casts her gaze away, hoping he doesn't take that offer.
However, that has caught his attention far faster than anything else she's said all night. The only thing that would have made him more interested is if she were to undo her obi then and there and flash him. He's not stupid, he knows that nothing but maybe underwear lies under that tight clothing...Maybe that should be his reward. A peek at her goods. Pushing this thought away for the time being, he smirks broadly. His eyes narrow challengingly, "Oh, you'll give me a reward if I make it from all the way over there huh? Let's make it interesting: I'll make three baskets, you give me three rewards. Sound good? Old man, three more balls". The short man is too frightened by the sneer on Aomine's face to deny him what he wants. Especially not when additional money is given.
Her jaw drops in her surprise. He was supposed to ignore that last part! Damn it all! And now he's already demanding two more rewards?! She doesn't even know what she'll do for the first one she so stupidly offered to him! Gah! However, despite the fact that her face is a brilliant pink as he shoves his face into her own with that confident grin of his, daring her to shove him away and deny him what he wants. Ah, his eyes are so pretty- No! She needs to focus damn it! Defiant and not willing to give into the nerves that beg she back down and change her mind, she stands tall bringing her face closer to his. "Deal," she grumbles herself. "But no bouncing off the rim or anything. If they bounce, you're not getting anything".
Aomine likes the sound of that, "Challenge accepted," he grumbles lowly before standing and pointing for her to move to the side. "I'll be right back," he issues before wading through the crowd with ease. Passing around person after person, he makes his way between two stands and stands behind one- a cotton candy shop. Collecting himself by closing his eyes and working to calm his beating heart- which has become excited over the concept of the rewards due to come his way- and positions his person carefully in place. "It should be here," he utters to himself, his eyes closed as he imagines the basket hidden across the path. Once he is certain, he opens his eyes, the gaze dazed but not in The Zone. He doesn't need Zone in order to do this, this he knows well. Bending his knees, he shoots the first ball, ignoring the gasps from the walkway as they spot the gracefully rising and falling orange globe. He doesn't have to hear the swooshing sound of the rope to know he made it. Immediately he shoots again the second ball, breathing, bending his knees and then throwing again. A third time he repeats this, not even staying in place as he knows the results. As he makes his way around the stand again, his eyes land on the basket just in time for the third ball to meet its mark. He ignores amazed eyes and small whispers of astonishment. Instead, all he has is eyes for the brilliantly red face of the girl waiting for him.
She's cute when she blushes.
With a confident smirk, he reaches out without looking at the stand's owner being handed something fluffy. Instead, he shoves his face into her own, "See? Wasn't much of a challenge for me. I'll be taking that first 'reward'"
She had honestly been hoping that he'd comically miss. She should have never challenged him at his own damn game. Ah! Bright red and with no words to repute his demand, she looks away from those eyes that remind her of the dark sky above them. Her and her big mouth! "F-Fine," she grumbles almost childishly as she looks away and tries to think of a way on how she'll go about this. She bites the inside of her mouth nervously for a moment as he stares her down, hunching down ever so slightly to meet her eyes in full. Deciding that it's best to get the movement over with, like a flash she reaches up with one hand to keep him from retreating, placing it on his dark cheek, and presses her lips to the other one firmly. She feels his jaw lock under her touch but pays it no mind as she backs off and puts distance between the two of them. Turning away from him in a fit of embarrassment, she makes her way through the crowd, her faint statement of, "Let's keep moving," almost being lost in the crowd.
Aomine's eyes are wide as he feels his face become warm and his heart leap into over drive. Ghosting his fingers over the spot, he can still feel her lips on his cheek soft and warm. The memory makes him become jittery further even as he turns and leaves the smiling stall owner behind with a gruff thanks for the prize in his hand. It is easy for him to spot her bobbing white head in a sea of darker locks both male and female. "Oi, don't just walk off without me," he demands as he catches up to her, once more striding at her side smoothly.
Tatsumaki's shoulders stiffen upon hearing his voice, however this startle fades into nothing else as she naturally settles down once he's at her side. "Sorry," she smiles and plays off the moment not even five minutes ago, "I wanted to continue. There's so much stuff we have left to do".
"Yea? Like what?"
"Eat good food and try to catch gold fish," she insists with a beaming grin.
"That's it?"
"...That I can think of. I think the fireworks should be happening soon so yea," she answers smoothly. "Did you have something else in mind? I'm open to suggestions. I'm not going to force you to do stuff you don't want to". She doesn't want him to think of his time with her as annoying.
Aomine pauses, tilting his head, "Not really". Honestly he just came because he made that deal. Then again, he doesn't regret losing that small bet and making said deal. So far it's been pretty fun. Watching that first guy gape at her and then astounding her with his abilities. Oh, and then there's that kiss he just got. All of these things are pluses to him. "What do you want to eat?"
"Mmmm," she looks around, pondering, before grinning and pointing, "Shaved ice sound good?" Aomine gives her a shrug and she nods in kind, taking that as a 'go ahead, I don't care'. She leads the way through the crowd, though she pauses for a small second when she thinks she sees familiar green hair. However, when she realizes it wasn't Yuji, she shoves the wonderment to the side and instead focuses on the matter at hand. "Oh yea, what did you win from that basketball game?" She shuffles Fubuki to the other arm, the rock candy being handed off to some random kid as she cares not for the stuff now that she'll have shaved ice to have.
Aomine looks to the stuffed animal tucked under his arm, its black fur warm against his person from his body heat and soaking in the last rays of the sun. It, like the one in the girl's arms, is perpetually laying down. "Here, you can have it," he offers casually, shoving it into her hands without taking no for an answer.
Tatsumaki pauses as a panther is shoved into her arms, leaving her to stare at it as they stand in line for the cold treat. "...Thank you," she smiles lightly. She hasn't had stuffed animals since she was a kid. But now she has two. "I think I'll name him Daiki". She takes only a small note of Aomine's stiffening and the shift in his stance. But it's enough of a note for her to push her own idea down, "Oh, that's right, Daiki is your name. Aomine Daiki. It'd be rude of me to take your name from you. Hmmm...Maybe I should just name him Hyo. It's short and simple".
"It's fine," Aomine interrupts her thought process. At her clueless glance, he turns his head away, a hand rising to the back of his neck as he rubs it- a habit of awkwardness or nervousness. "I said it's okay if you name him Daiki. I'm fine with that".
"Really?"
"I said it was, didn't I? Don't make me change my mind".
The girl next to him beams like a child, more than just a little pleased that she got to keep the first name she chose for the simple ball of fluff and cloth. "Daiki it is then," she coos the name, touching her nose to its cold black one, its lifeless golden eyes shining back at her, "What a good name". This time, she does not notice the heavy gaze sent her way upon saying that. It takes not too long a time after that they manage to get their shaved ice, blue syrup spread across the crystals. Unfortunately for her, Aomine insisted on paying for hers despite her desire to take care of herself. His bland 'pay for your own food and I'm taking Daiki back' managed to keep her from pulling out her wallet and at the very least paying him back.
Later finds the duo looking for a spot in the field despite the sky that has grown cloudy and heavy in the time they've spent looking around and merely enjoying themselves. Other than the shaved ice, they ended up sharing some dango and gyoza before reporting to where the best spot to watch fireworks would be. It is not a field on a hill or anything, but just flat ground of a park not too far away from the actual festival. However, before the two can even so much as sit, the rumbling sound of thunder growls above their heads. Following shortly after is the opening of the sky, not even giving the festival goers the chance to see even one fire work.
"You've got to be kidding me," Aomine grumbles as he grabs Tensai's hand with his and drags her swiftly through the throng of people rushing to find cover from all the water. "Who the hell lets it rain just before the fireworks?" They were honestly his favorite part. Exploding brilliantly above head, unattainable in the sky. And then they fade into nothingness, only a memory to be remade the year after. Pictures were fine and good, but for him it's always been the physical sight of them that makes the best memory. None the less, he holds onto Fubuki as she requested as she couldn't carry both large stuffies without the risk of dropping them while heading for protection from falling water instead of falling fire. He clicks his tongue as they stand under an over hang, the sky further opening up and not looking like it's going to close up at all. The startled yelps of men and women, and even children, alike can be heard as person after person looks for shelter. The festival is obviously brought to a forced close.
Tatsumaki sighs, calm compared to the others. The only reason she ran was because Aomine pulled her along. She had heard that rain might happen despite it being the summer, and as such she had asked Unohoshi about how the kimono would hold up against the liquid. She said that so long as she hung it up to dry right after it got wet, it would be okay. Though she would have to take it to the dry cleaners to make sure it was properly taken care of afterwords. "Aomine," she gets a grunt in return, "I know a short cut from here to my house". As she says this, she carefully takes off her getta, returning her to her not so short original height, "If you wanna run we can get there relatively unscathed".
"Then what are you waiting for?" he demands. He's never really been a fan of the rain. At least not when it gets in the way of his plans. And though he isn't much of a planning man, he certainly had some tonight. He had something completely set up in his mind that hitched on the fireworks actually happening. Now he's going to have to redo his entire idea. "Lead the way," he takes off his own sandals, not feeling like ruining them- his mom would have his head. She was the one who made him dress like this after all- such as breaking the strap or something. His eyes widen however a shes takes off with surprising ease despite the tightly wrapped kimono around her. Jolting to keep up with her, he notes that her strides aren't nearly as long as they normally are, and as such she has to take double the steps in order to keep up her speed. He on the other hand has a normal stride. Still, that answers the question as to how she's running so fast. The girl leads him through a series of allies, weaving around obstacles that she obviously would have normally leaped over out of mere habit. He can see it being an actual chore for her to weave around thrash cans and such before popping out of the most recent back street. He nearly skids as she makes a sudden left and stops at a walk way. Swiftly she opens up the gate to the fence around the nice yard and zips to the door that has a dripping wet roof that provides protection.
She's soaked through to the bone, she realizes, however if they had walked it would probably be worse. She's just glad she didn't get any glass or anything in her foot by taking those back roads. Slipping into the entry way, she sets down her getta and sighs. The door closes softly behind a just as soaked Aomine. "Well, that was fun," she grumbles sarcastically. Looking over Daiki the panther, she realizes that he too is rather wet, and spotting Fubuki in Aomine's arms her darker fur shows that she too is soaked. She sighs, displeased with this though there's nothing she can do about it. "Stay here," she issues, "I'll get you a towel and a change of clothes".
Silently she cringes at the fact that her wet self is making a wet trail behind her as she pads through her home, retreating to the upstairs where she keeps all her large towels in a closet. She then swiftly slips into her room where she strips in her private bathroom, hanging her kimono gently along the rung of her shower, not daring to wring it out out of fear of harming the cloth. She doesn't bother with her hair just yet, more so focused on getting dressed and pulling extra clothing from her drawers that should probably fit the male in her home's entry way. She dresses herself in a simple tank top, bra included, dry panties and some booty shorts that she tends to wear as part of a pajama outfit. All situated, she slips out of her room five minutes after leaving her friend to fend for himself. However she stops in her tracks, her eyes wide and her face slowly crawling its way into a blush.
It would appear he was starting to get chilly, because Aomine currently stands there with his yukata hanging around his waist, the top portion slipped off and dangling uselessly. This leaves the access water that clings to his well developed muscles to trace them and cause them to have a slight shine to them. Tatsumaki can't help that her mouth goes dry upon seeing the rather alluring sight. It's like looking at a model dressed to look like a samurai that didn't feel like wearing a top or something like that. Over all, her mind only finds it glorious to see. However, she shakes her head from side to side, ignoring the sensation of her still done up hair shifting as a sign of being more loose than it had been at the beginning of the evening.
"Here," she ushers after padding her way forward to the male first year, "Yuji normally keeps clothing here just in case ends up sleeping over for whatever reason. Even though you're taller than him, he's broader than you so it should fit". She also offers him a towel, "You can use this to dry off. I'm pretty sure you remember where the guest bathroom is".
Aomine's eyes narrow at the mention of Nobuyuki sleeping over at her house, regardless of the truth he had learned earlier in the day. However, he sighs and takes the offerings all the same. He nods once and leaves her behind, gently brushing passed her and ignoring the fact that he too leaves a trail of water behind. He hears however as she takes the second towel she had and makes to clean up the puddles they left as best she can. Slowly he closes the door behind him and strips, ridding himself of everything including underwear as it too is wet. Finding that this bathroom also has a shower, he hangs up his yukata carefully- again so that his mother doesn't kill him later- and makes certain that his phone isn't soaked.
However, just before he can put it into the pocket of the borrowed shorts- surprisingly the shirt does fit, a sleeveless thing white in color to go with simple black basketball shorts- the contraption rings. Flipping the thing open, he takes note of the name on screen and places it to his ear, "Hey Ma".
"Daiki," she cries, "Are you okay? The sky just opened up and I know that you were out with Tatsumaki-chan. You're not too wet are you? Would you like your father to come pick you two up? He can drop her off at home if she wants".
"I'm okay ma. My stuff got soaked but it's hanging up now. I'm at Tensai's house now actually, we ran here since it was close," he pauses, addressing the question that he has yet to answer, "Actually, is is okay if I stay the night here? There no point in dad coming if it stops raining by morning". After a pause, he shrugs and figures that this last part won't hurt, "Tensai says that I can borrow her guest room like last time and then I can leave in the morning".
The female parent pauses, pursing her lips, "Well...Let me ask your father. I'm okay with it, I know you're responsible enough to not do anything stupid but I want his opinion as well. Hold on sweetie". The sound of his mother calling to his old man can be heard as she pulls her mouth from the phone piece, coupled with the sound of her relaying the request and the information at hand. He can hear the gruff uncaring tone of his dad and something along the lines of no sex- something that had honestly crossed his mind but he didn't plan on trying, tonight anyways, as it were. "Your father says it's okay with him but we expect you home tomorrow by lunch at the latest. Okay Daiki?"
"Yea. Thanks mom," the blue haired teen silently cheers his parents on, more than pleased about their understanding and trusting nature. "Good night...I love you too". Closing his phone and putting it away, he heads down the stairs and to the living room where he spots the girl watching a movie. She must have heard him coming because she looks over the back of the couch and offers a small smile.
"Good, they fit," and look good on him.
Aomine nods, "Yea. Isn't this the same movie from last time?"
"No, this is the second one," she denies, "You want something to drink?"
"Nah".
Silence envelopes the duo as their eyes are trained on the TV as Ip man begins to truly succeed at running his Wing Chung school. His head pupil reminds Tatsmaki a lot of Aomine with his brashness. However, that's the only correlation she makes to real life at the moment. It is a comfortable silence as in the distance she can just barely hear her dryer- which holds the clothing Aomine had left for her to pick up, the used towels and both Fubuki and Daiki the panther- tumbling its contents. Tonight, she admits, was a lot of fun even though she didn't get to watch fireworks in the field and even though now she has to take her kimono to the dry cleaners to make sure that it is properly cleaned of any mud that it may have gotten on it. She frowns at the sight of the boxer whose name she never bothers to remember slams his fist into the master whose name she never bothers to remember. In fact, she's pretty sure that the only name she's ever bothered to recall is Ip Man's. And for good reason.
"Oi, Tensai," the voice that rumbles next to her is so close that for a moment she thinks it's talking into her ear. However, when her head whips to the side, the owner of the voice doesn't appear to have moved. A tilt of her head tells her that she's listening and curious, "I want to collect my second reward".
The girl's eyes now widen, her heart leaping onto her tongue. She has to swallow it before nodding, "I did agree to give you three. You want another back rub I'm guessing? I know you really liked the last one". She silently begs him that that's all he wants. Either that or food. Something that will not send her nerves into over drive or cause adrenaline to flush through her system. "Or maybe you're looking for dinner? I can make us something- how's teriyaki sound?"
But Aomine is silent as he slides across the couch, turning his attention fully away from the movie at hand. Already are his fingers silently trembling, energy and alertness settling in each of his limbs, urging him to do something- anything- to expend this sudden jump of energy. His heart beats as though he had drunken one of those energy drinks he sees people walking around with, or maybe he unknowingly drank seven cans too many of coffee. He's not quite certain as he positions himself directly next to the girl, his torso turned towards her and his left arm laying along the back of the couch. His joints are numb, uncertain of whether they want to lash out and take a hold of her or simply stay still. He meets her gaze intently, his thigh now touching her own as he nearly sits in her lap with the close proximity. "No. I want something else. You'll let me have it, right? You promised. You're a woman of your word, right? And I actually want both the rewards now," he states as an afterthought.
She hadn't promised per say, but she is a woman of her word. And even if she hadn't vowed to give him rewards, she already put the ball in motion by giving him his first one. That kiss on the cheek. Maybe she shouldn't have done it, but her body had taken control faster than her mind could real it in. Her lips and hand were already on his face and retreating, her legs carrying her away from him, far more quickly than she realized. Her dry mouth opens, her tongue feeling as though to be twisted into multiple knots within her jaws and unable to form proper words. "Y-Yes," she allows, having not known until that moment just what answer was going to come from her. She is as surprised as he appears to be upon hearing that one syllable go ahead.
A smooth smirk spreads across his lips, a pleased lilt entering his teasing tone, "Good. I was worried I'd have to order you. You're still my slave after all". She has no retort as carefully he brings his face closer to her own, allowing him to see the yellow flecks in her eyes that blend in with the pretty green hues, as well as the rings of darker green that circle around her pupil. He can feel her quickened breath on his face as he whispers, "Close your eyes". He can feel now his own mouth going numb from nerves, his body growing warm from expectation and wonder. Carefully, ever so carefully his right hand takes her chin between his fingers. This allows him to guide his mouth to hers.
Tatsumaki jolts, more than just a little surprised by the sudden assault of one mouth on top of the other. A sharp breath is taken in through her mouth due to the shock, the sensation of something completely new taking over all of her senses. The feeling of soft flesh against her own, the feeling of someone being so near and yet it not being anything close to a hug that they're giving her. The hand on her chin is trembling in what she assumes is self control, as the kisser too had taken in a deep breath upon discovering the new feeling. Clumsy and fumbling, like that of a new born horse or fawn, is how the embrace is. However, she cannot say that once she gets used to the apparent attack that she dislikes it. Being able to take in his smell without being weird, or being near to him in a way that he isn't around anyone else. The warmth from his trembling hand is welcoming, and she can almost imagine his body to be stiff like it had been during that training camp when the gimmicks during the race came along. He was awkward and practically useless, stiff and not nearly as fluid as he normally was.
When he pulls away, taking away his entire presence from her, her eyes slowly open. It is then that she realizes that her face is warmer than the sun even, her heart is pulsing in her wrists and temples. He tasted faintly of the blueberry flavored syrup that was on his crushed ice earlier, but other than that there is not a flavor left behind. Taking in his position, he is looking away from her, his normally dark face distinctly darker as his eyes trail anywhere and everywhere but don't dare to look her way. His hand has flown to the back of his neck, his fingers seeming to clutch it for dear life. Before she can open her mouth to ask just what happened, he further turns away from her, eyes purposefully watching the movie as Ip Man gets decked a third time, his body hardly hanging on as the boxer slams his heavy gloved fists ruthlessly across his face.
"Yea, I know that sucked. Just forget it happened," he demands of her, his face remaining an embarrassed red. His structure cannot calm down, his heart pulsing through each and every limb almost painfully as his nerves make him hyper aware of everything around him. Including her staring despite his command for her to not ask. Oh, but it had felt so good to do that. So much so in fact that his other hand has to clutch the couch to keep himself from turning and doing it again against her will. It's fucking stupid. Aomine Daiki doesn't run away- and that's just what he's doing as he ignores her purposefully and tells her to pretend nothing just happened- from anything. And yet, here he is, fleeing for his life practically. It's ridiculous, but his mind and body refuse to work with one another. One says to run completely- to go into the rain and catch the soonest train home- and the other says take the girl into his arms and devour her completely whether she wants to be or not.
She probably hates him now, though. She probably only just wanted to be his friend, and as such he probably ruined that for the both of them. Shit. He hadn't taken that into consideration, and instead just focused on what he had been wanting to do since the game against Seirin. He'd blame it on hormones, but he sure as hell knows that it wasn't just them that urged him to do what he just did at last. Either way, he should probably get out before she starts throwing shit at him or crying rape or something. God he's stupid. Why hadn't he thought about what she wanted?
"DAIKI!" The shout and the sudden impact of something hitting him in the side of the head gets his attention.
More than annoyed, Aomine turns to face the person that dared to call him by his first name without his permission. "WHA-" but before he can demand just why the hell a pillow was thrown at him- although he probably deserved it- something cuts him off. His voice is muffled and cut off, all the anger at the situation and at himself that he was feeling is put on pause. Warmth flashes across his face again as his eyes widen, as he feels something around his neck- and it's not exactly painful nor hands- and something pressed against his torso. The impact is enough to catch him by so much surprise that he falls back onto the couch, the attacker coming with him. However, by the time he lands, he takes in the vision in front of him. Pale soft skin, white bangs, a small nose and most of all closed eyes. His senses come back to him as a new sensation registers as something not completely new. Yet it's not completely familiar either. When he is again permitted to breath through his mouth, he is greeted by vibrant green eyes.
Tatsumaki frowns, her slightly fuller than usual lips slightly pouting, "Man, took you long enough. I've been calling out to you for the past five minutes. Baka". Oh, laying on top of him is so nice. Her arms around his neck, their chests pressed together like this. She had seen it portrayed in the few romance movies she owns, but actually experiencing it is something completely surreal in and of itself. Even as warmth envelopes her completely, she can't help but smile when his surprise turns into a scowl.
"You were probably saying something stupid. You know I zone you out when you go on about how stupid class is, right?" he returns, his arms slowly- almost as though afraid she may leap away from him if he were to touch her- and carefully wrapping around her waist and locking her into position. This presses her closer to him as he takes a moment to better adjust himself so that he's not half hanging off of the couch and now her straight legs sit between his bent ones. "What do you want?"
The girl smiles wider, laughing and letting her breath ghosting across his face warmly. "I wanted to tell you that I like you. Will you be my boyfriend?" She swears that he can feel her heart hammering in her chest against his own with ease, considering how close they are but she doesn't care. She wants to get the words out before they are swallowed along with her pulse again. When he is silent, she pulls back a little though is not able to by much due to his arms being locked around her waist holding her in place. "Well?"
"Glad you asked instead of me," he lazily drawls, his stunning navy orbs coming to half mast as he stares at her, meeting her gaze. He can see those yellow flecks and those rings again in her irises. He's glad she asked him, because sure as hell he was about to run and never come back for the first time in his life. "Sure, I'll be your man. You gonna be my girl?"
"I don't know," Tatsumaki continues to tease, "You just randomly kissed me and then ignored me. I'm not sure that's boyfriend material". She laughs a little upon seeing his scowl as he opens his mouth to demand why she had asked him in the first place if she was going to say no. Cutting off his voice a second time, she relishes in the way his mouth feels against hers, and the way her body rises up against his own as time seems to halt if only for a moment. "I'll be yours," she answers, "By the way, can I call you Daiki?" She likes the way it flows off her tongue better than his family name.
Wanting more attention, Aomine doesn't bother to answer her for a moment, his grasp spreading further as an arm raises to wrap around her shoulders and smush her against him. He can feel her breasts upon his person through the thin cloth of their shirts and her bra, a sensation he probably won't ever get tired of. Her tits aren't massive, but shit do they feel nice against him. Aomine pulls his mouth away from hers, pleased that with the more kissing he does, the better he figures out what to do. Instinct apparently applies to even this. He doesn't mind. "Tatsumaki," her own name flows from his mouth with such ease it's as though he had been saying is all this time. "Say my name".
He doesn't have to ask a second time, "Daiki".