[ no he seriously didn't care about tsukasa not believing he almost died (if he was actually in any danger he's pretty sure he'd care. pretty sure.) except if it nets him a hand, sure, why not. it's tsukasa's touch and the peeking hints of legitimate worry that switches leo's mind from directionless rage to something that should maybe be a little more productive... but this is actually kind of a big deal to him, because ruka is a big deal.
.....
he stops pouting. ]
Ruka's...
[ a tsukinaga, and apparently they're attracted to suou's like bees to honey. platonically or otherwise.
his lips press together again. ]
Nah, we're not mad. I mean, I'm-- I don't know, but Ruka...
[ he cannot even say this out loud. ]
Well, use your imagination. When someone says a name and it pitches higher while they blush, what do you think that means?
[again, Tsukasa chooses to fixate on that, actually looking a little concerned for now because - if Leo's actually mad at him, he's not sure how to handle it? though he puzzles over the next bit, trying to understand why exactly Leo could be mad
is he talking about ruka?]
Mm...? If it's something like that... Well, it's not like I'm familiar with the feeling [lYING LIAR LIES he is, he just never wants to admit that Leo does manage to get him to feel like that sometimes] but isn't that what happens when someone has a -
forget being worried about Leo being mad at him for like five seconds, Tsukasa's actually kind of delighted??]
Really? Me? She's looking at me like a man?
[THIS IS HOW YOU'D GET DECKED, TSUKASA. GONNA CATCH THESE HANDS]
How... How precious! Ruka-sama is so cute - I'm honored! And that's why she asked for me? I suppose I haven't visited in some time... how awful of me. I hope she's not lonely?
leo was totally ready to shed his extreme amounts of GGRRRR but now tsukasa is definitely creeping up there on the list of "i am goING TO CRUSH THEM"
tsukasa's going to need to join fine because THIS IS NOT FINE, HE IS GETTING BOOTED OUT OF KNIGHTS AND JOINING THE EMPEROR IN THE SHIT PILE ]
Ahh! There's so many things wrong here, there's no beginning! Where do you start... Everything's a conflict! Who would've thought that me, a man loved by the gods, would be so betrayed by the universe?! [ not that tsukasa is the universe but he's definitely leo's personal hell, and his personal KARMA ] Yeah, I'm definitely gonna need to get Anzu...! You're millions of years too early for Ruka-tan! You're gonna have to settle with me!
[ THIS IS THE APPROPRIATE THING TO SAY TO YOUR BOYFRIEND ]
Tsukasa’s also definitely freely laughing at this now despite Leo’s distress because c’mon, c’mon, it’s pretty hilarious to have a situation where he not only has a fantastic (if ridiculous) king and boyfriend, but has somehow managed to win over the heart of his little sister.
Honestly, Tsukasa knows that their idol work involves a lot of fan service – Knights especially sure does enjoy that aspect of it, he thinks – and sure, a lot of their fans are young ladies. These same young ladies are the ones who came up with the ‘Ou-sama’ title for Leo after calling him Leo-sama enough times anyway…. at least, that’s what he’s heard from Arashi. but it sure is something else entirely to have a girl have a crush on him
(Tsukasa, Leo’s in love with you too – please focus)
it’s probably because he’s still pleasantly buzzing from the news that he just gives Leo a smile]
Please don’t talk about yourself like that, Leader.
[see? he loves leo. how sweet, how nice -]
You’re too troublesome and annoying to settle for. It’s a lot of work to be in a relationship with you.
and it's not like it's the first time in his life that leo's been called a walking disaster, so he's really unfazed by that. he knows enough to be aware of the fact; besides, if tsukasa's still here despite all of that, that's definitely a good thing, right? ... but god, mentioning it in this context is just—
— you know, how can he go ahead and say "troublesome" when he's pulling stuff like this...
and also when there's laughter echoing in his ears, which makes it ever so obvious that: ]
... Yeah? But you're here laughing without a care in the world. That'd be great, usually, except right now... [ he loves the sound of tsukasa's laughter and him enjoying himself, but. you know. it's hORRIBLE RIGHT NOW? this isn't the youth he envisioned?!
he shakes his head. ] Well, whatever! This's what you get! And you're seriously too happy about hearing Ruka's got a crush on you, aren't you? I'm not gonna forget that!
What are my other options? To be offended by her feelings? Rather, I think that would be more unacceptable, Leader.
[HE'S JUST GOING TO KEEP BEING CHEEKY, YOU KNOW. Except he also does believe this - because in the end, Tsukasa Suou is a gentleman. It's not like he's received many confessions from girls who seriously knew him - otherwise he turned them away, assuming they were fans who knew nothing about him truly but he would continue to help their fantasies - but it's not like he'd cruelly crush someone who seriously likes him.
But also -
He takes the hand of Leo's that he claimed instead, squeezing it reassuringly.]
Ruka-sama is a princess that deserves only the best. In regards to that, we can agree, can't we? And while I do not know if I am the best, I am still honored by her sincere feelings.
Mm, however...
[He raises Leo's hand to his lips, kissing the back of it with a smile.]
In the end, my heart has already been conquered by my king.
[ that placates him for a moment, if only because it's a point. then again, he's in irrational older brother mode which means tsukasa's excitement is dangerous, and if he wasn't enthusiastic it would be offensive. was there any winning response when those were the options?
... apparently, that smooth action of tsukasa's is one. leo shifts from slightly disgruntled with a sharpness in his eyes to something resembling quiet understanding, brows still furrowed by frown turned up slightly, just to a point of neutrality, and then there's the last expression with the squeeze and kiss of his hand.
( a blink. a flicker of fondness. another slight twitch of the lips, turning that neutrality into something resembling a slightly amused smile.
honestly...
wasn't tsukasa the one that was a lot of work, in a different way? )
finally, leo responds, and the grin remains. ]
Hey, [ he leans in slightly. lingers closer. ] That's what you say in the beginning, Suo.
[ and him thinking that it's stuff like that that nabbed him both tsukinagas goes unsaid.
he may be overprotective, but it's not like he can deny ruka's taste. if she can find someone like tsukasa, who iSN'T TSUKASA, then maybe he could come to accept that. later. with some time. there's only a small moment of silence before leo fills it again, his eyes twinkling with that something he always gets when he looks at suou, like when he's composing, except it's amped up to eleven. he's writing the best thing he's ever done. ]
You said you're not sure, right? If you're the best for Ruka. I don't think so, nah. [ and maybe that might be considered an insult, but leo is leo, and he continues wonderfully sincere: ] 'Cause you're the best for me.
I try not to increase your ego when I do not have to, Leader.
[Easily and honestly.
Still regardless, Tsukasa sighs - Leo's defused for the time being and it's not like he'll go out of his way to say something to set him off again yet. It's not as if Tsukasa can relate, being an only child - but perhaps it would be like if someone tried to date Anzu? Or maybe not, because sometimes it feels like half the school is trying to date Anzu...
Ah-]
I don't really know where you're coming from, but I'm doing my best to understand. [??? can he really tho. since that's not only Leo's beloved little sister but also his boyfriend.... hmmmm. tsukasa can't help but laugh a little bit again at the situation, tilting his head.] And at the very least, I can promise that I am not going anywhere?
Though I suppose I will have to be more careful navigating the times that I interact with Ruka-sama....
[ he laughs at the first comment, because this is how they operate. soft comments then jabs or sass, which amuse him for just a moment — shorter, this time, because they're on the topic of ruka and leo's feelings on this are still terribly Complicated.
he's nonsensical on a good day, good luck trying to tag his feelings appropriately on matters that confuse even him.
now, he takes tsukasa's hand, humming. there is a bit of a look at the "shame" part of that, because. because watch yourself, tsukasa suou, but leo doesn't flare up again.
instead: ]
I dunno, [ and then rubbing soft circles into the skin with his thumb. ] Just don't act too different? I don't want Ruka to get hurt, but she really likes you, you know? Not just like that.
and yet Tsukasa doesn't really flinch at that - because he's actually still pretty proud of it. he smiles and tilts his head, perhaps answering a little too easily:]
I like her too.
[isn't this where the problem started]
Perhaps the tricky part is getting her to like me less.
[which he still finds hilarious
who knew that someone besides leo could like him so much like honestly it's quite the ego stroke especially since ruka's actually a cute girl and not a weirdo screaming about aliens]
[ that is really fooking rude. he's not even screaming about aliens right now? he loves tsukasa and ruka a lot??? give him credit here, look how SANE he's being
nah
he can't help it, his brow does twitch a little bit with the reminder of what predicament they're in coming out of tsukasa's mouth...... sure, he said that himself just a moment ago. it's different when he says it? totally.
( ruka why did you give tsukasa more ammo. )
but, no, it's all the truth. including ruka liking tsukasa, and. like, considering his position, it's not like he can really think of something to make someone like tsukasa less..... ]
Mmmmmm... It'd be pretty weird if I could think up of something for that, huh? I mean, I'm a genius, but even then...! [ ... whatever, he'll admit it! because again, it's true, and it's not like leo's bashful to let tsukasa know how much he likes him. being a terrible tsundere because ruka's involved aside.
excuse him as his lips press in thought, brow furrowing again. ]
[the little eyebrow twitch is enough of a tell - because Tsukasa's watching for it, curious, taking in all of Leo's little expressions of what he's feeling - that a small smile tugs at the corner of heir's mouth and he tries very hard to suppress it
very very hard
so for a second all he can do is parrot:]
Time...?
Mm, perhaps - [a tilt of his head] - so should I not comply with her wish to come visit again soon?
[ . . . wait - ]
Does that mean I have to house you in the manor more...?
[leo coming to his fancyass home more often that is already
... It feels really wrong not giving Ruka-tan what she wants, ahhh--
[ the WOES OF A SISCON. so absorbed he is on the horrible reality that is ruka being displeased or sad or anything negative that he almost doesn't zero in on tsukasa's amusement, and then his distress at the realization that hey, you are now doomed to have tsukinaga leo in your place of residence way more than you probably want.
... except he actually doesn't zero in on that at all, so he just shakes his head, and then nods. ]
--I guess that's how it's gotta go for now. [ he seems pensive for a moment, until something strikes him, his mood switching from serious to more light pretty quickly. standard king, really-- ] Haha, maybe with all this practice I'll be able to avoid your security sometime!
[why is he, tsukasa suou, dating a giant fckin siscon
There's definitely a less than impressed look crossing his face, on top of a sigh and a shake of his head because oh dear god that's not what's going to be happening.]
Absolutely not. You will enter the front doors with me like a normal person...!
sorry, now it's his time to look a little disgruntled at that. front door? normal person? what? what? sure, it's tsukasa's house, and sure, it's not like leo wants to cause all that trouble in the manor (which he wouldn't, if he didn't get caught, so--) but--
--where's the inspiration in going in through the front door? ]
Huh?
[ just
baffled at first. as if that's sinking in. and then, slightly more energetic-- ]
Huuuuh?! That's boring, isn't it? If starting a bit of a ruckus is the problem, it should be fine if you sneak in with me to explain, right? Me and you, right over the fence... alley-oop! ☆ That gets the heart going way more...!
he's thinking for a hot second again about how much easier it would be to date a cute girl or something or even someone just generally more mild-mannered than leo fucking tsukinaga and yet here he is
here he is]
Why would I try to sneak into my own manor - that's just more trouble than it's worth! Stop having ridiculous ideas, Leader, you'll just end up causing a mess! There's no way I'll be able to explain that kind of unacceptable behavior if we get caught....!
[ for the same reasons leo isn't dating a fucking emotional mess like wataru "is this even the same dimension" hibiki who'll go with his dumbass ideas no problem because they're not even as weird as he is
balancing each other is nice. easy answers are nicer, which is why leo responds to tsukasa's worries in a way that makes it seem like what he's saying should've been the simplest solution in the world? it's 1 plus 1, what he says, that is-- ]
why the fuck are the rest of knights never here when tsukasa feels like he's experiencing a crisis with leo. except admittedly he thinks this one is a little too straightforward for leo not to understand which is why this is a struggle and
yeah there's a blank stare for a while.]
Or don't try to break in in the first place...! Leader, why aren't you listening to me? If this doesn't work out, then we'll have to keep going back to your house and encounter the issue with Ruka-sama again...?!
[nice tsukasa, playing dirty by using the little sister
[ what the fook don't drag his sister into this, this horrible boyfriend-
-except it works, because leo straightens his back and looks absolutely troubled by that fact for a whole 2 seconds because having ruka's crush rubbed in her face like that is not! not what he wants!
they were aiming to avoid that and it's true what tsukasa says, if they take risks they'll just throw that situation right back into ruka's face-
so, he relents. ]
Ahh, Right, right... That's no good! It's so plain, but - if it's for Ruka...
[ he'll wALK IN THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR AND BE A GOOD BEAN, NOT TAKE RISKS
let's pause the bitching from tsukasa's checkmate for a moment so he can actually make a serious addendum here- ]
yeah he didn't expect that to actually work out how it did. he looks a little bit surprised before schooling his expression back into something neutral and serious, nodding along with it
(even though he also kind of wants to question why his leader is so relenting for his little sister but not for his boyfriend, why the fuck)
whatever]
What would you say...?
[no he's genuinely curious, leo is such a doting big brother how could this possibly go. he kind of wonders if ruka will frown a little and then leo will just hand tsukasa over]
[ ( because ruka is cute and pure and tsukasa is not but anyway - )
honestly, leo isn't. quite sure how to answer that question? he said "maybe i should talk to her" and the maybe was already hint enough that he hadn't thought as far as he usually does about these things, which is not at all -
- and usually, yes, he's pretty good with all those spur-of-the-moment sayings because saying what needs to be said isn't really that difficult at all, except it's ruka. so. ]
That's pretty nosy of you, huh, Tsu? What if I said that was a secret?
[ he starts, light at first, until his playful smile relaxes into something softer. ]
Nope, nope, just kidding. It concerns you, so it's not like I'm not gonna answer... [ and it's tsukasa, anyway - he can spoil him sometimes ] ... Mm, probably something like I get it?
[ maybe it'll end with the tsukinagas having a sleepover and secretly talking about tsukasa's good features but it's not like leo'd ever admit to doing that. not that he's pulling an izumi, but. ]
It'd change on what Ruka wants to say, or what she's thinking... I think.
[ but he's actually not giving tsuk...asa up... so...
not that tsukasa's property to give up or anything ]
You always play with things that are very serious matters... Though I suppose if anyone would be best equipped to handle that, it would be Ruka-sama.
[she's cute as hell but also dealt with Leo for a lot longer than Tsukasa ever has.
Still, he listens thoughtfully and something warm blooms in his chest when Leo says 'I get it' and he finds himself shaking his head almost fondly. Almost. Ahh, his Leader could be so frustrating and yet sweet sometimes. without even trying? that really managed to make it worse.
but worse still manages to be relative, because tsukasa finds himself intertwining his fingers with leo's and scooting over to sit closer to him regardless.]
Mm, I'm curious what she's thinking too, but I suppose this is a matter best left between siblings? I wouldn't know...
But - regardless of what she says or thinks, I hope... this won't change?
Anything she's gonna tell me is staying in the depths between my imagination and reality, okay? What you get... that's up to her.
[ there's that warning.
if ruka felt like she had things to say (whether they be to tsukasa or otherwise) once leo made it apparent that there was an awareness of her small tells, he wasn't going to tell her no. he'll support her to do what she feels is best for her? that's just how it was.
maybe he'll know. maybe he won't.
to tsukasa's other words, however... he's far more certain about the outcome of those, as he gives their intertwined fingers a gentle squeeze. he smiles, calm, in that rare way of his when he's both settled and fond. ]
The answer to that last one's up to us, though! And... [ tsukasa scoots closer, and leo meets him halfway, scooting too. then, he brings tsukasa's hand to settle over his chest - it's not as if his heartbeat can be felt through his hoodie, just - leo's all about illustrating the point through action, too. ] So long as what's here's still singing the same, we'll be the same.
[ wait, that sounds stagnant. they're always blooming, inspiring, shifting, so - ]
Or, well... moving in the same way! Up? Forward? Diagonally? Wherever you like! [ ... ] Except that kinda counts as changing...? But if we both change together, maybe not at all. I love you, Tsuu - you don't need to ask if the roots of that'll ever change, 'cause they won't, wahaha! I'm not playing around with this "serious matter" - ☆
[ ah yes, said so shamelessly.
with such love crammed into the syllables, because if he doesn't let those feelings out of his chest eventually, he'll drown in them. ]
Mm, I know. A gentleman wouldn't want to hear second-hand information anyway. Once you speak with her, if she is willing, I'd like to speak with Ruka-sama myself.
[because that's the polite thing to do and if nothing else, Tsukasa tries very hard to be polite. mostly to young ladies. but that's probably what got them in this predicament in the first place--
not that that's what he's thinking when leo does
well. his leo thing.
and it's the same leo thing that managed to ensnare Tsukasa in the first place before Ruka even stood a chance, before... anyone else even stood a chance really. it's embarrassing but Tsukasa lets his hand be guided even as he feels his face turn into something embarrassed and disgruntled all at once.
leo just happens to be So Much All the Time.]
W-Well, you shouldn't play around with any serious matters....!
[but I'm glad that you take me seriously.
(he always has been.)
but Tsukasa's shaking his head, his mouth in the shape of a frown even though his cheeks are most certainly red]
I can't imagine that anything would change us so drastically that this wouldn't be possible anymore... [that there's a scenario in which he could be without leo in this way, now that he's gotten a taste of it] At the very least, we can agree on that.
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no subject
.....
he stops pouting. ]
Ruka's...
[ a tsukinaga, and apparently they're attracted to suou's like bees to honey. platonically or otherwise.
his lips press together again. ]
Nah, we're not mad. I mean, I'm-- I don't know, but Ruka...
[ he cannot even say this out loud. ]
Well, use your imagination. When someone says a name and it pitches higher while they blush, what do you think that means?
[ fuck ]
[1/2]
[again, Tsukasa chooses to fixate on that, actually looking a little concerned for now because - if Leo's actually mad at him, he's not sure how to handle it? though he puzzles over the next bit, trying to understand why exactly Leo could be mad
is he talking about ruka?]
Mm...? If it's something like that... Well, it's not like I'm familiar with the feeling [lYING LIAR LIES he is, he just never wants to admit that Leo does manage to get him to feel like that sometimes] but isn't that what happens when someone has a -
no subject
o h]
Ruka-sama has a crush on me....?
[what the fUCK THAT'S SO PURE
forget being worried about Leo being mad at him for like five seconds, Tsukasa's actually kind of delighted??]
Really? Me? She's looking at me like a man?
[THIS IS HOW YOU'D GET DECKED, TSUKASA. GONNA CATCH THESE HANDS]
How... How precious! Ruka-sama is so cute - I'm honored! And that's why she asked for me? I suppose I haven't visited in some time... how awful of me. I hope she's not lonely?
[RIP]
no subject
leo was totally ready to shed his extreme amounts of GGRRRR but now tsukasa is definitely creeping up there on the list of "i am goING TO CRUSH THEM"
tsukasa's going to need to join fine because THIS IS NOT FINE, HE IS GETTING BOOTED OUT OF KNIGHTS AND JOINING THE EMPEROR IN THE SHIT PILE ]
Ahh! There's so many things wrong here, there's no beginning! Where do you start... Everything's a conflict! Who would've thought that me, a man loved by the gods, would be so betrayed by the universe?! [ not that tsukasa is the universe but he's definitely leo's personal hell, and his personal KARMA ] Yeah, I'm definitely gonna need to get Anzu...! You're millions of years too early for Ruka-tan! You're gonna have to settle with me!
[ THIS IS THE APPROPRIATE THING TO SAY TO YOUR BOYFRIEND ]
no subject
this is too funny.
Tsukasa’s also definitely freely laughing at this now despite Leo’s distress because c’mon, c’mon, it’s pretty hilarious to have a situation where he not only has a fantastic (if ridiculous) king and boyfriend, but has somehow managed to win over the heart of his little sister.
Honestly, Tsukasa knows that their idol work involves a lot of fan service – Knights especially sure does enjoy that aspect of it, he thinks – and sure, a lot of their fans are young ladies. These same young ladies are the ones who came up with the ‘Ou-sama’ title for Leo after calling him Leo-sama enough times anyway…. at least, that’s what he’s heard from Arashi. but it sure is something else entirely to have a girl have a crush on him
(Tsukasa, Leo’s in love with you too – please focus)
it’s probably because he’s still pleasantly buzzing from the news that he just gives Leo a smile]
Please don’t talk about yourself like that, Leader.
[see? he loves leo. how sweet, how nice -]
You’re too troublesome and annoying to settle for. It’s a lot of work to be in a relationship with you.
[TSUKASA]
no subject
and it's not like it's the first time in his life that leo's been called a walking disaster, so he's really unfazed by that. he knows enough to be aware of the fact; besides, if tsukasa's still here despite all of that, that's definitely a good thing, right? ... but god, mentioning it in this context is just—
— you know, how can he go ahead and say "troublesome" when he's pulling stuff like this...
and also when there's laughter echoing in his ears, which makes it ever so obvious that: ]
... Yeah? But you're here laughing without a care in the world. That'd be great, usually, except right now... [ he loves the sound of tsukasa's laughter and him enjoying himself, but. you know. it's hORRIBLE RIGHT NOW? this isn't the youth he envisioned?!
he shakes his head. ] Well, whatever! This's what you get! And you're seriously too happy about hearing Ruka's got a crush on you, aren't you? I'm not gonna forget that!
[ it's hORRIBLE ]
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[HE'S JUST GOING TO KEEP BEING CHEEKY, YOU KNOW. Except he also does believe this - because in the end, Tsukasa Suou is a gentleman. It's not like he's received many confessions from girls who seriously knew him - otherwise he turned them away, assuming they were fans who knew nothing about him truly but he would continue to help their fantasies - but it's not like he'd cruelly crush someone who seriously likes him.
But also -
He takes the hand of Leo's that he claimed instead, squeezing it reassuringly.]
Ruka-sama is a princess that deserves only the best. In regards to that, we can agree, can't we? And while I do not know if I am the best, I am still honored by her sincere feelings.
Mm, however...
[He raises Leo's hand to his lips, kissing the back of it with a smile.]
In the end, my heart has already been conquered by my king.
no subject
... apparently, that smooth action of tsukasa's is one. leo shifts from slightly disgruntled with a sharpness in his eyes to something resembling quiet understanding, brows still furrowed by frown turned up slightly, just to a point of neutrality, and then there's the last expression with the squeeze and kiss of his hand.
( a blink. a flicker of fondness. another slight twitch of the lips, turning that neutrality into something resembling a slightly amused smile.
honestly...
wasn't tsukasa the one that was a lot of work, in a different way? )
finally, leo responds, and the grin remains. ]
Hey, [ he leans in slightly. lingers closer. ] That's what you say in the beginning, Suo.
[ and him thinking that it's stuff like that that nabbed him both tsukinagas goes unsaid.
he may be overprotective, but it's not like he can deny ruka's taste. if she can find someone like tsukasa, who iSN'T TSUKASA, then maybe he could come to accept that. later. with some time. there's only a small moment of silence before leo fills it again, his eyes twinkling with that something he always gets when he looks at suou, like when he's composing, except it's amped up to eleven. he's writing the best thing he's ever done. ]
You said you're not sure, right? If you're the best for Ruka. I don't think so, nah. [ and maybe that might be considered an insult, but leo is leo, and he continues wonderfully sincere: ] 'Cause you're the best for me.
no subject
[Easily and honestly.
Still regardless, Tsukasa sighs - Leo's defused for the time being and it's not like he'll go out of his way to say something to set him off again yet. It's not as if Tsukasa can relate, being an only child - but perhaps it would be like if someone tried to date Anzu? Or maybe not, because sometimes it feels like half the school is trying to date Anzu...
Ah-]
I don't really know where you're coming from, but I'm doing my best to understand. [??? can he really tho. since that's not only Leo's beloved little sister but also his boyfriend.... hmmmm. tsukasa can't help but laugh a little bit again at the situation, tilting his head.] And at the very least, I can promise that I am not going anywhere?
Though I suppose I will have to be more careful navigating the times that I interact with Ruka-sama....
[ . . . ]
That's a bit of a shame.
no subject
he's nonsensical on a good day, good luck trying to tag his feelings appropriately on matters that confuse even him.
now, he takes tsukasa's hand, humming. there is a bit of a look at the "shame" part of that, because. because watch yourself, tsukasa suou, but leo doesn't flare up again.
instead: ]
I dunno, [ and then rubbing soft circles into the skin with his thumb. ] Just don't act too different? I don't want Ruka to get hurt, but she really likes you, you know? Not just like that.
[ tsukinaga magnet. ]
no subject
and yet Tsukasa doesn't really flinch at that - because he's actually still pretty proud of it. he smiles and tilts his head, perhaps answering a little too easily:]
I like her too.
[isn't this where the problem started]
Perhaps the tricky part is getting her to like me less.
[which he still finds hilarious
who knew that someone besides leo could like him so much like honestly it's quite the ego stroke especially since ruka's actually a cute girl and not a weirdo screaming about aliens]
no subject
nah
he can't help it, his brow does twitch a little bit with the reminder of what predicament they're in coming out of tsukasa's mouth...... sure, he said that himself just a moment ago. it's different when he says it? totally.
( ruka why did you give tsukasa more ammo. )
but, no, it's all the truth. including ruka liking tsukasa, and. like, considering his position, it's not like he can really think of something to make someone like tsukasa less..... ]
Mmmmmm... It'd be pretty weird if I could think up of something for that, huh? I mean, I'm a genius, but even then...! [ ... whatever, he'll admit it! because again, it's true, and it's not like leo's bashful to let tsukasa know how much he likes him. being a terrible tsundere because ruka's involved aside.
excuse him as his lips press in thought, brow furrowing again. ]
Time...?
[ except that went so well for him right
wtf ]
no subject
very very hard
so for a second all he can do is parrot:]
Time...?
Mm, perhaps - [a tilt of his head] - so should I not comply with her wish to come visit again soon?
[ . . . wait - ]
Does that mean I have to house you in the manor more...?
[leo coming to his fancyass home more often that is already
giving him a small headache]
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[ the WOES OF A SISCON. so absorbed he is on the horrible reality that is ruka being displeased or sad or anything negative that he almost doesn't zero in on tsukasa's amusement, and then his distress at the realization that hey, you are now doomed to have tsukinaga leo in your place of residence way more than you probably want.
... except he actually doesn't zero in on that at all, so he just shakes his head, and then nods. ]
--I guess that's how it's gotta go for now. [ he seems pensive for a moment, until something strikes him, his mood switching from serious to more light pretty quickly. standard king, really-- ] Haha, maybe with all this practice I'll be able to avoid your security sometime!
[ silver linings??? who says that
the headache is definitely deserved ]
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There's definitely a less than impressed look crossing his face, on top of a sigh and a shake of his head because oh dear god that's not what's going to be happening.]
Absolutely not. You will enter the front doors with me like a normal person...!
[HIS MANOR, HIS RULES??]
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sorry, now it's his time to look a little disgruntled at that. front door? normal person? what? what? sure, it's tsukasa's house, and sure, it's not like leo wants to cause all that trouble in the manor (which he wouldn't, if he didn't get caught, so--) but--
--where's the inspiration in going in through the front door? ]
Huh?
[ just
baffled at first. as if that's sinking in. and then, slightly more energetic-- ]
Huuuuh?! That's boring, isn't it? If starting a bit of a ruckus is the problem, it should be fine if you sneak in with me to explain, right? Me and you, right over the fence... alley-oop! ☆ That gets the heart going way more...!
[ not for the reasons leo's thinking probably ]
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he's thinking for a hot second again about how much easier it would be to date a cute girl or something or even someone just generally more mild-mannered than leo fucking tsukinaga and yet here he is
here he is]
Why would I try to sneak into my own manor - that's just more trouble than it's worth! Stop having ridiculous ideas, Leader, you'll just end up causing a mess! There's no way I'll be able to explain that kind of unacceptable behavior if we get caught....!
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balancing each other is nice. easy answers are nicer, which is why leo responds to tsukasa's worries in a way that makes it seem like what he's saying should've been the simplest solution in the world? it's 1 plus 1, what he says, that is-- ]
Uh... Then don't get caught?
[ d'UH????
all blank looks and tilted head, this one. ]
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why the fuck are the rest of knights never here when tsukasa feels like he's experiencing a crisis with leo. except admittedly he thinks this one is a little too straightforward for leo not to understand which is why this is a struggle and
yeah there's a blank stare for a while.]
Or don't try to break in in the first place...! Leader, why aren't you listening to me? If this doesn't work out, then we'll have to keep going back to your house and encounter the issue with Ruka-sama again...?!
[nice tsukasa, playing dirty by using the little sister
he's still such a fumbling chessmaster]
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-except it works, because leo straightens his back and looks absolutely troubled by that fact for a whole 2 seconds because having ruka's crush rubbed in her face like that is not! not what he wants!
they were aiming to avoid that and it's true what tsukasa says, if they take risks they'll just throw that situation right back into ruka's face-
so, he relents. ]
Ahh, Right, right... That's no good! It's so plain, but - if it's for Ruka...
[ he'll wALK IN THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR AND BE A GOOD BEAN, NOT TAKE RISKS
let's pause the bitching from tsukasa's checkmate for a moment so he can actually make a serious addendum here- ]
... Maybe I should talk to her about it, too...
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yeah he didn't expect that to actually work out how it did. he looks a little bit surprised before schooling his expression back into something neutral and serious, nodding along with it
(even though he also kind of wants to question why his leader is so relenting for his little sister but not for his boyfriend, why the fuck)
whatever]
What would you say...?
[no he's genuinely curious, leo is such a doting big brother how could this possibly go. he kind of wonders if ruka will frown a little and then leo will just hand tsukasa over]
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honestly, leo isn't. quite sure how to answer that question? he said "maybe i should talk to her" and the maybe was already hint enough that he hadn't thought as far as he usually does about these things, which is not at all -
- and usually, yes, he's pretty good with all those spur-of-the-moment sayings because saying what needs to be said isn't really that difficult at all, except it's ruka. so. ]
That's pretty nosy of you, huh, Tsu? What if I said that was a secret?
[ he starts, light at first, until his playful smile relaxes into something softer. ]
Nope, nope, just kidding. It concerns you, so it's not like I'm not gonna answer... [ and it's tsukasa, anyway - he can spoil him sometimes ] ... Mm, probably something like I get it?
[ maybe it'll end with the tsukinagas having a sleepover and secretly talking about tsukasa's good features but it's not like leo'd ever admit to doing that. not that he's pulling an izumi, but. ]
It'd change on what Ruka wants to say, or what she's thinking... I think.
[ but he's actually not giving tsuk...asa up... so...
not that tsukasa's property to give up or anything ]
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[she's cute as hell but also dealt with Leo for a lot longer than Tsukasa ever has.
Still, he listens thoughtfully and something warm blooms in his chest when Leo says 'I get it' and he finds himself shaking his head almost fondly. Almost. Ahh, his Leader could be so frustrating and yet sweet sometimes. without even trying? that really managed to make it worse.
but worse still manages to be relative, because tsukasa finds himself intertwining his fingers with leo's and scooting over to sit closer to him regardless.]
Mm, I'm curious what she's thinking too, but I suppose this is a matter best left between siblings? I wouldn't know...
But - regardless of what she says or thinks, I hope... this won't change?
['this' being another word for 'us'...]
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[ there's that warning.
if ruka felt like she had things to say (whether they be to tsukasa or otherwise) once leo made it apparent that there was an awareness of her small tells, he wasn't going to tell her no. he'll support her to do what she feels is best for her? that's just how it was.
maybe he'll know. maybe he won't.
to tsukasa's other words, however... he's far more certain about the outcome of those, as he gives their intertwined fingers a gentle squeeze. he smiles, calm, in that rare way of his when he's both settled and fond. ]
The answer to that last one's up to us, though! And... [ tsukasa scoots closer, and leo meets him halfway, scooting too. then, he brings tsukasa's hand to settle over his chest - it's not as if his heartbeat can be felt through his hoodie, just - leo's all about illustrating the point through action, too. ] So long as what's here's still singing the same, we'll be the same.
[ wait, that sounds stagnant. they're always blooming, inspiring, shifting, so - ]
Or, well... moving in the same way! Up? Forward? Diagonally? Wherever you like! [ ... ] Except that kinda counts as changing...? But if we both change together, maybe not at all. I love you, Tsuu - you don't need to ask if the roots of that'll ever change, 'cause they won't, wahaha! I'm not playing around with this "serious matter" - ☆
[ ah yes, said so shamelessly.
with such love crammed into the syllables, because if he doesn't let those feelings out of his chest eventually, he'll drown in them. ]
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[because that's the polite thing to do and if nothing else, Tsukasa tries very hard to be polite. mostly to young ladies. but that's probably what got them in this predicament in the first place--
not that that's what he's thinking when leo does
well. his leo thing.
and it's the same leo thing that managed to ensnare Tsukasa in the first place before Ruka even stood a chance, before... anyone else even stood a chance really. it's embarrassing but Tsukasa lets his hand be guided even as he feels his face turn into something embarrassed and disgruntled all at once.
leo just happens to be So Much All the Time.]
W-Well, you shouldn't play around with any serious matters....!
[but I'm glad that you take me seriously.
(he always has been.)
but Tsukasa's shaking his head, his mouth in the shape of a frown even though his cheeks are most certainly red]
I can't imagine that anything would change us so drastically that this wouldn't be possible anymore... [that there's a scenario in which he could be without leo in this way, now that he's gotten a taste of it] At the very least, we can agree on that.
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