[There's a softness to his voice that's almost uncharacteristic of him, and yet still Crow. A voice he'd only save for Rean, when they showed their most vulnerable sides to each other.
A time like this, when they just appreciated finding each other again across time and space. A one in a million chance. Even Crow wouldn't have expected those odds...
They both sit in silence for those few moments, Crow just soaking in all of Rean's warmth and touch, memorizing it. As far as he knew, this was his life now. And he was more than okay with that.
And then...
"I love you, Crow."
His eyes snap open once more, staring at the wall behind them, as if the words were still registering in his brain. It only takes a second longer for the feeling to hit him like a brick, flooding himself with a warmth he'd only vaguely remembered from years ago.
A feeling his past self probably knew, too. And one he got to experience now.
Words can't even begin to describe the feeling. They hadn't even been dating for long, and here they were, saying those words that seemed so perfect.
That's right. He still had to respond, didn't he?
Crow's fingers run through Rean's hair, lowering his head down just a little.]
[Rean knows, the minute he hears the softness in Crow's voice, that this tone isn't something anyone else is ever going to hear. A warmth blooms in his chest at that, spreading to fill him to his extremities.
For once, Rean isn't concerned when Crow doesn't respond immediately. It gives him a moment to soak in their comfortable silence as well, to commit to memory how Crow's arms feel around him and how his heartbeat has picked up its pace just a little, to savor how Crow's fingertips feel against his scalp.
Crow's voice, when it comes, is a comfort all its own. Low and soft as it validates two lifetimes worth of emotion, Rean drinks in the sound as his eyes slip closed with a soft sigh.
"Back then and now." And Rean doesn't doubt for a minute that it's true. He still can't quite shake the way Crow looked at him, running his fingers through his hair just like this. Neither of them had said it, back then, but Rean knew.
Rean's said it a lot lately, how this life is a chance to atone for the mistakes of their past. For him... the mistake he's atoning for, more than anything, is never having told Crow how he felt.
He'll make up for it. He'll say it as many times as he can, until that warmth becomes a natural part of Crow, and long past that just because he can. Because he is here, he is alive, and there is no force in this world that is going to tear the two of them apart without a hell of a fight.]
...I did, too. Back then. [A gentle admission.] But... you probably knew, didn't you?
[A lot of his past self was shrouded in mystery. But the way he went out of his way for Rean, finding him in the snow, helping him fight that giant robotic goliath...
Yeah, there was no way he didn't feel SOMETHING for him. And a part of him knew Rean's feelings too.
Maybe that's why he tried to push him away so bad when he'd betrayed them. Maybe that's why Rean's words were so painful.]
You chasing after me even when I betrayed you? No way that's normal.
Heh... I'm not sure I've ever counted as "normal," to be fair.
[Still, he nestles into his boyfriend-pillow with a sigh.]
...I knew you were lying, though. When you said it didn't matter to you. All the things I remember us doing, all the ways I remember you helping us out... it didn't make sense for you to do any of that if you didn't care about us at all. About me at all.
You were just trying to shove me away because it'd be easier than having to deal with it. But...
[He can't help the nostalgic little smile that spreads on his face, eyes warm as he moves to glance up at Crow.]
Your mistake was forgetting that I can be a royal pain, too. Enough of one to chase you down here, too.
I remember parts of my past self's time at Thors and...what he said back then when he betrayed you really hit the wrong notes. I felt his happiness back then. It was the real deal, no matter how much he tried to prove it wrong.
And how much it hurt to say it. I don't think he expected Rean Schwarzer to whittle his way into his heart like that. And there he was, regretting his actions as they unfolded but not enough to stop him.
Jokes on him...and me.
[But Rean's comment is perfectly timed.]
Haha!
[Crow's whole body vibrates from that laugh, shaking his head in mock disbelief.]
Your determination knows no bounds, Rean Schwarzer. But a man like me has to know when to fold, and you had a full hand.
[Rean grins a little, pleased with himself for earning that laugh.]
Yeah, well. I see what I want, and I can be... [His voice cracks a little as he says the next word, but he continues nonetheless.] relentless.
[He shakes his head a little, doubling as a nuzzle into Crow's chest.]
I wish I remember why he did it. He was devoted to his cause, whatever it was, but... my memory cuts out right before he told the story.
He was just as cagey as you can be now, though. Kept trying to get around telling me. Started by asking if I was interested in any of the girls...
[A beat.]
Which. Now that I think of it, is kind of like what you were trying to do in February, isn't it?
[Calling you out, Crow.]
But anyway, when I shook that off, he just tried to tell me it wasn't anything exciting, like that would change anything. Like you, before we met on that swingset...
So I can't help but think that he must have had a pretty damn good reason for doing everything he did... I mean, murder's still murder, but. I still have faith in him. In you.
Old habits die hard, huh? I know I said our meeting was fate, but I could copy off my old self's homework a little less.
[His fingers start playing around with Rean's hair, watching as it just seems to form to whatever style he wants it to have...
Looks like this is his new little thing to keep himself busy, don't mind him.]
Can't really say for sure, but I think we were both trying to do whatever we could to make sure you had a future worth goin' for.
Which, in February when our minds were all messed up by Retrospec, is probably what I thought at the time.
[But Rean's last sentence hits him, his heart jolting a little. It's strange, he can't really place why it makes his nerves stand on end... Maybe his past self was listening somewhere. If you believed in that kind of thing.]
Political assassinations don't happen over spilled tea, but I doubt it's anything all that grand.
Not that it matters, anyway. Payback was a bitch in full to him.
But.
If you remember anything about his reasons, or if your past self ever found peace, let me know.
How low is your bar, Rean? The guy who put gatorade in your rice cooker is the best decision of your past three years...
[He nuzzles into the top of Rean's hair, though, obviously feeling mutual.]
You're definitely the best I've made.
[His face falls, hand rubbing against his boyfriend's head as he bores holes into the mattress.]
I doubt it. Seems pretty much like curtains for me. Not like I was gonna become a zombie or anything. Our world might've been magic, but the undead is kinda stretchin' it.
...Hope you found a nice girl or guy though, whoever they were.
[He'll leave it at that, and not his soft brewing jealousy that he couldn't be that person. It was fine, he has Rean in this life.]
...
[Rean's question (and his quick dismissal) earn raised eyebrows, his chest exhaling in contemplation.]
Well, with everything Retrospec has thrown at us...I can't really rule it out.
Aha... ha. Don't ask questions you don't want the answers to, Crow. [He's... mostly kidding. There's still a certain guilt gnawing at the back of his mind, but... mm. Now isn't the time. A little more lightheartedly, he continues.] So, I won't ask the same of you.
[...Ah. Crow took him seriously, there. He'd been joking, really...]
...I was kidding about the ghost bit, you know. I didn't mean... [He shakes his head a little again.] ...Well. If I find out anything, I already promised to let you know, right? But... if I'm honest, I think "peace" probably would be the best we can hope for. If he and I are the same... I'm not sure I'm strong enough to move on after losing someone like you.
[He goes quiet again, swallowing hard. He tries to keep his voice steady when he continues, to middling success.]
...It doesn't matter, anyway. We're here now, and... even if it's a little late, I finally got what I was after, didn't I? And we can walk forward into whatever the future holds for both of us. Without either of us leaving the other behind.
[Crow's response to his stupid question, despite Rean's urging, gets Rean's breath to hitch a little. It's almost like he's afraid of the answer.]
So... "not at first, but I do now?" Because that's more or less how I feel now, too.
So I just... wonder sometimes. ...About us. [His voice gets smaller and smaller as he goes. He's used to impassioned, corny speeches, but this is a little out of his comfort zone.] But... it's probably too early to think about anything like that, right? So... it's like I said, just forget it.
[If Rean's voice was unsure, Crow does his best to sound confident for him.]
Right, right. What's past is past and I got you fair and square! [There's a little squeeze, for confirmation.] Let's worry about those memories when the time comes, and focus on our lives now.
[That's the most either of them can hope for, and it's enough to keep Crow looking forward each day.]
That's...a good way to put it, actually. I wouldn't say I didn't believe in it, but rather I wasn't going to place any bets on it.
[But Rean pulls away from that question again, and Crow's face turns into a pout. You. Are going to come out with it, Rean. There's no time like the present.
So Crow just keeps his arms wrapped around Rean and rolls back and forth a few times, Rean's face smothered in his chest and legs locking around his like a vicegrip.]
Nuh uh! We're not forgetting it.
[He stops rolling.]
Because I think...if anything, we might just be. Too soon to tell, but a lot of evidence supports it, don't you think?
[He sounds more confident at the idea of just focusing on their lives now. Relieved.
...and then any sense of calm is ripped away from him when Crow starts rolling with him, leading Rean to yelp and flail a little.]
H-hey...!
[He's breathing a little rougher when Crow stops, pulling away a little mostly to reassure himself of his freedom. But not far - enough that he can lock his gaze with Crow's directly, his eyes a little wide and his cheeks dyed darker.]
I...
[He wasn't expecting Crow to agree with him, which is why he shied away twice. But here they are.]
...Yeah. [His gaze softens a little, and although it might be hard to quite make out the warmth of it in the darkness, it's there.] That's how I feel, too.
[There are more thoughts swirling in his mind, but... not now. He's too comforted by that answer to be too concerned with any of them, right now.
They'll work things out at their own pace, and for now, that's enough.
He shifts himself again, this time to move upward so that he can press his lips to Crow's. It's a soft kiss, but passionate all the same; his eyes flutter closed and he lingers for a moment or two, reveling in the airy feeling that's pushed aside some of his darker thoughts for the time being.
What's past is past, and they're together now. He can do things like this, or curl up against his chest and listen to his heartbeat while Crow plays with his hair, and it's okay. Everything else could come in time.]
[It's reassurance Rean needs, honestly. The two of them had their own lives to live, Retrospec or not. And they couldn't waste time worrying about their past lives when they had each other in this one.
That's all there was to it.
But Crow's eyes flicker open at that kiss, gently pressing back for as long as Rean holds it with him. There's nothing holding either of them back in this moment. There's nothing but true affection.]
Heh...good.
Now.
[Crow pulls the covers over them, reaching over to turn off his alarm that was set to go off at 6:30.]
I hope you weren't planning on going to school today, because we're long overdue for some sleep.
[Rean's already starting to mumble his words a bit, eyes slipping closed and starting to doze off himself.
It is hard not to get addicted to this warmth, this affection that envelops him like a comforting blanket. And the best thing is, he doesn't have to hold himself back.]
[And sleep they did. With each other to comfort their weary hearts and tired minds, it was safe to say that they slept in til about mid morning. Hell, it was probably Pachinko who woke them up in the end, kneading at his two favourite humans to greet the day before the noon bell rang.
Slowly and surely, they got up, had their late breakfast as promised, and mostly took it easy. Coffee and tea were made, pancakes were had, and the TV was on to give them the white noise while they went about their day. Crow had stayed in his pajamas for most of it, his trend of not wearing his bandana any longer giving him the most disastrous case of bedhead.
Not that it really changed much about his hair. It was pretty bedhead to start. With it's longer length, he'd taken to wearing it over one shoulder, like a side ponytail without the actual hair tie. It actually stayed there too, which was probably the most amazing part of it all.
It's not until around 3PM that Crow excuses himself to go put actual clothes on, coming down in his jeans and converse and slipping on a spring jacket over that tanktop.]
Alright, c'mon and get yourself lookin' beautiful. We're running errands.
[Normally he would've just said he'd handle it himself, but this one was special, and it required Rean to be there.]
[For the most part, it's a good sleep. Rean wakes up a couple of times throughout the... well, morning, every bump and noise seeming to trigger flashes of some memory or another in his dream and starting him back to wakefulness. Still it's easy enough to be coaxed back to sleep with Crow right nearby, fast asleep and snoring softly.
When they do finally get up, it's not like Rean's looking much better. He hadn't bothered to brush his hair before running over, and after sleeping on it once it'd already been poking out in several directions that weren't quite his normal. After passing out a second time, he's looking several shades of ridiculous. So he's in no position to judge Crow... and besides, if he's honest, it's kind of cute.
Rean's still lounging around in pajama pants and a pullover hoodie he stole from Crow when Crow comes back downstairs, petting Pachinko and quietly muttering for the cat to watch his claws against his pajama pants. When Crow calls to him, he snaps his head up, his glasses sliding slightly down his nose.]
Huh? ...Ah. [He smiles a little.] Gonna actually make me put in effort? How dare you.
[He's clearly joking, though, as he pushes himself up without complaint other than to softly apologize to Pachinko for leaving him. He has no problem accompanying Crow. Really, he would have offered to join had Crow tried to go on his own.]
Give me a bit, then. Can't promise beautiful, but I can at least get you "presentable."
[And so Rean heads upstairs himself. At this point, he's migrated over a couple items of clothing, so it's not impossible to put together an outfit that isn't comprised of the clothes from yesterday that he wore over.
...For the most part. He doesn't exactly have a jacket. There's the one he wore over – the lovely phoenix-embroidered one he got from the mailbox – but really, that's better suited for winter. ...Well, he does have this pullover he'd been wearing. The cool grey definitely suits Crow better than him, but it'll do.
Some attempt at taming his appearance later, Rean returns downstairs.]
All right, sorry for the wait. Where are we headed?
You betcha! [Crow smiles cheekily, leaning against the counter as he goes to wait for him. Teasing like this came so natural to them, and Crow can't even express how glad he is that them becoming an item didn't remove that from their lives.
If anything, it felt easier.]
Babe, you're always beautiful to me.
[He speaks theatrically, putting a hand to his heart as Rean makes his way upstairs. He's not kept waiting long, but he'll make sure Pachinko's got enough food anyway, and maybe putting some of the dishes in the washer.
By the time Rean comes back down, Crow can't help but stare a little. It's...not like it's cute that Rean'S WEARING HIS CloTHeS oR AnYTHInG!!!]
Jeez. Were I not a stronger man I would've said to hell with the errands and dragged your ass back upstairs.
[He tucks his wallet in his pocket before heading for the door.]
[Rean can't help but laugh a little and roll his eyes at Crow's theatrics, calling back down on his way up the stairs.]
Which is sweet and all, but still doesn't really make me presentable for the general public!
[When Rean comes back down, he doesn't miss Crow staring at him. But being who he is, he manages to completely misunderstand it, glancing down at the hoodie and then back to Crow.]
Do I still look that tired like this? I just figured it'd work for the weather...
[Oh, Rean, you dumbass.]
But all right. I guess I'll just have to wait with bated breath!
Rean's confused, still, but he'll take the forehead press. If anything, he might briefly look disappointed that it was just a forehead press, but he's quick to follow after Crow like the little lost kouhai he is.]
Don't jump in the shower!
[...As if that'll actually work. Still, Rean's quick to head out the door, now just waiting in the hall for Crow and bouncing on his toes a little.]
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[There's a softness to his voice that's almost uncharacteristic of him, and yet still Crow. A voice he'd only save for Rean, when they showed their most vulnerable sides to each other.
A time like this, when they just appreciated finding each other again across time and space. A one in a million chance. Even Crow wouldn't have expected those odds...
They both sit in silence for those few moments, Crow just soaking in all of Rean's warmth and touch, memorizing it. As far as he knew, this was his life now. And he was more than okay with that.
And then...
"I love you, Crow."
His eyes snap open once more, staring at the wall behind them, as if the words were still registering in his brain. It only takes a second longer for the feeling to hit him like a brick, flooding himself with a warmth he'd only vaguely remembered from years ago.
A feeling his past self probably knew, too. And one he got to experience now.
Words can't even begin to describe the feeling. They hadn't even been dating for long, and here they were, saying those words that seemed so perfect.
That's right. He still had to respond, didn't he?
Crow's fingers run through Rean's hair, lowering his head down just a little.]
Love you too.
[How couldn't he, after everything?]
Back then and now.
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For once, Rean isn't concerned when Crow doesn't respond immediately. It gives him a moment to soak in their comfortable silence as well, to commit to memory how Crow's arms feel around him and how his heartbeat has picked up its pace just a little, to savor how Crow's fingertips feel against his scalp.
Crow's voice, when it comes, is a comfort all its own. Low and soft as it validates two lifetimes worth of emotion, Rean drinks in the sound as his eyes slip closed with a soft sigh.
"Back then and now." And Rean doesn't doubt for a minute that it's true. He still can't quite shake the way Crow looked at him, running his fingers through his hair just like this. Neither of them had said it, back then, but Rean knew.
Rean's said it a lot lately, how this life is a chance to atone for the mistakes of their past. For him... the mistake he's atoning for, more than anything, is never having told Crow how he felt.
He'll make up for it. He'll say it as many times as he can, until that warmth becomes a natural part of Crow, and long past that just because he can. Because he is here, he is alive, and there is no force in this world that is going to tear the two of them apart without a hell of a fight.]
...I did, too. Back then. [A gentle admission.] But... you probably knew, didn't you?
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[A lot of his past self was shrouded in mystery. But the way he went out of his way for Rean, finding him in the snow, helping him fight that giant robotic goliath...
Yeah, there was no way he didn't feel SOMETHING for him. And a part of him knew Rean's feelings too.
Maybe that's why he tried to push him away so bad when he'd betrayed them. Maybe that's why Rean's words were so painful.]
You chasing after me even when I betrayed you? No way that's normal.
Even my past self knew that.
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[Still, he nestles into his boyfriend-pillow with a sigh.]
...I knew you were lying, though. When you said it didn't matter to you. All the things I remember us doing, all the ways I remember you helping us out... it didn't make sense for you to do any of that if you didn't care about us at all. About me at all.
You were just trying to shove me away because it'd be easier than having to deal with it. But...
[He can't help the nostalgic little smile that spreads on his face, eyes warm as he moves to glance up at Crow.]
Your mistake was forgetting that I can be a royal pain, too. Enough of one to chase you down here, too.
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And how much it hurt to say it. I don't think he expected Rean Schwarzer to whittle his way into his heart like that. And there he was, regretting his actions as they unfolded but not enough to stop him.
Jokes on him...and me.
[But Rean's comment is perfectly timed.]
Haha!
[Crow's whole body vibrates from that laugh, shaking his head in mock disbelief.]
Your determination knows no bounds, Rean Schwarzer. But a man like me has to know when to fold, and you had a full hand.
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Yeah, well. I see what I want, and I can be... [His voice cracks a little as he says the next word, but he continues nonetheless.] relentless.
[He shakes his head a little, doubling as a nuzzle into Crow's chest.]
I wish I remember why he did it. He was devoted to his cause, whatever it was, but... my memory cuts out right before he told the story.
He was just as cagey as you can be now, though. Kept trying to get around telling me. Started by asking if I was interested in any of the girls...
[A beat.]
Which. Now that I think of it, is kind of like what you were trying to do in February, isn't it?
[Calling you out, Crow.]
But anyway, when I shook that off, he just tried to tell me it wasn't anything exciting, like that would change anything. Like you, before we met on that swingset...
So I can't help but think that he must have had a pretty damn good reason for doing everything he did... I mean, murder's still murder, but. I still have faith in him. In you.
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[His fingers start playing around with Rean's hair, watching as it just seems to form to whatever style he wants it to have...
Looks like this is his new little thing to keep himself busy, don't mind him.]
Can't really say for sure, but I think we were both trying to do whatever we could to make sure you had a future worth goin' for.
Which, in February when our minds were all messed up by Retrospec, is probably what I thought at the time.
[But Rean's last sentence hits him, his heart jolting a little. It's strange, he can't really place why it makes his nerves stand on end... Maybe his past self was listening somewhere. If you believed in that kind of thing.]
Political assassinations don't happen over spilled tea, but I doubt it's anything all that grand.
Not that it matters, anyway. Payback was a bitch in full to him.
But.
If you remember anything about his reasons, or if your past self ever found peace, let me know.
I think that's what he would've wanted.
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...Please. Can't speak for my past life, but I think you're about the best decision I've made in the past three years of my life.
[There's an edge of bitterness to that, to be certain, but he's genuine.]
It's funny, you know... you say you ought to copy off his homework a little less, and here you are using almost the same words he did.
[Although his head still rests atop it, Rean brings his hand up toward that piercing scar, tracing patterns absently as he speaks.]
"Right where I shot Osborne, too. Karma's a bitch, huh?"
[Rean sighs, but then flicks his gaze up toward Crow.]
You too, though. ...About reasons, I mean. Unless you get ghost memories or something, in which case, fill me in on those, too.
[Rean's quiet for a while after that, just tracing those patterns on Crow's chest and letting Crow play with his hair. Eventually, though...]
...Although... fate, huh. [He sounds thoughtful, distant.] ...say, Crow. Do you believe in soulmates...?
[His breath hitches the moment the last word leaves his mouth, as if he's uncertain.]
...Mm. Never mind, it's a stupid question. Forget I asked.
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How low is your bar, Rean? The guy who put gatorade in your rice cooker is the best decision of your past three years...
[He nuzzles into the top of Rean's hair, though, obviously feeling mutual.]
You're definitely the best I've made.
[His face falls, hand rubbing against his boyfriend's head as he bores holes into the mattress.]
I doubt it. Seems pretty much like curtains for me. Not like I was gonna become a zombie or anything. Our world might've been magic, but the undead is kinda stretchin' it.
...Hope you found a nice girl or guy though, whoever they were.
[He'll leave it at that, and not his soft brewing jealousy that he couldn't be that person. It was fine, he has Rean in this life.]
...
[Rean's question (and his quick dismissal) earn raised eyebrows, his chest exhaling in contemplation.]
Well, with everything Retrospec has thrown at us...I can't really rule it out.
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[...Ah. Crow took him seriously, there. He'd been joking, really...]
...I was kidding about the ghost bit, you know. I didn't mean... [He shakes his head a little again.] ...Well. If I find out anything, I already promised to let you know, right? But... if I'm honest, I think "peace" probably would be the best we can hope for. If he and I are the same... I'm not sure I'm strong enough to move on after losing someone like you.
[He goes quiet again, swallowing hard. He tries to keep his voice steady when he continues, to middling success.]
...It doesn't matter, anyway. We're here now, and... even if it's a little late, I finally got what I was after, didn't I? And we can walk forward into whatever the future holds for both of us. Without either of us leaving the other behind.
[Crow's response to his stupid question, despite Rean's urging, gets Rean's breath to hitch a little. It's almost like he's afraid of the answer.]
So... "not at first, but I do now?" Because that's more or less how I feel now, too.
So I just... wonder sometimes. ...About us. [His voice gets smaller and smaller as he goes. He's used to impassioned, corny speeches, but this is a little out of his comfort zone.] But... it's probably too early to think about anything like that, right? So... it's like I said, just forget it.
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Right, right. What's past is past and I got you fair and square! [There's a little squeeze, for confirmation.] Let's worry about those memories when the time comes, and focus on our lives now.
[That's the most either of them can hope for, and it's enough to keep Crow looking forward each day.]
That's...a good way to put it, actually. I wouldn't say I didn't believe in it, but rather I wasn't going to place any bets on it.
[But Rean pulls away from that question again, and Crow's face turns into a pout. You. Are going to come out with it, Rean. There's no time like the present.
So Crow just keeps his arms wrapped around Rean and rolls back and forth a few times, Rean's face smothered in his chest and legs locking around his like a vicegrip.]
Nuh uh! We're not forgetting it.
[He stops rolling.]
Because I think...if anything, we might just be. Too soon to tell, but a lot of evidence supports it, don't you think?
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[He sounds more confident at the idea of just focusing on their lives now. Relieved.
...and then any sense of calm is ripped away from him when Crow starts rolling with him, leading Rean to yelp and flail a little.]
H-hey...!
[He's breathing a little rougher when Crow stops, pulling away a little mostly to reassure himself of his freedom. But not far - enough that he can lock his gaze with Crow's directly, his eyes a little wide and his cheeks dyed darker.]
I...
[He wasn't expecting Crow to agree with him, which is why he shied away twice. But here they are.]
...Yeah. [His gaze softens a little, and although it might be hard to quite make out the warmth of it in the darkness, it's there.] That's how I feel, too.
[There are more thoughts swirling in his mind, but... not now. He's too comforted by that answer to be too concerned with any of them, right now.
They'll work things out at their own pace, and for now, that's enough.
He shifts himself again, this time to move upward so that he can press his lips to Crow's. It's a soft kiss, but passionate all the same; his eyes flutter closed and he lingers for a moment or two, reveling in the airy feeling that's pushed aside some of his darker thoughts for the time being.
What's past is past, and they're together now. He can do things like this, or curl up against his chest and listen to his heartbeat while Crow plays with his hair, and it's okay. Everything else could come in time.]
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That's all there was to it.
But Crow's eyes flicker open at that kiss, gently pressing back for as long as Rean holds it with him. There's nothing holding either of them back in this moment. There's nothing but true affection.]
Heh...good.
Now.
[Crow pulls the covers over them, reaching over to turn off his alarm that was set to go off at 6:30.]
I hope you weren't planning on going to school today, because we're long overdue for some sleep.
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And then there are covers being pulled over them, which Rean can't complain about, and then—]
But...
[But school is important, Crow...! Even so, he doesn't keep up the fight for long, pouting a little but sighing in defeat almost immediately.]
...At least go to your important classes. Those aren't until later, right?
[And there's nothing about him going to school today, so it seems like this is a compromise.]
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[Crow burrows into the pillows and the top of Rean's head, giving a relaxed exhale.]
Now get some sleep. I'll make breakfast for us when we wake up...and then we'll head out later today. I got somethin' I gotta do.
Sound like a plan?
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[Rean seems to accept this, at least. So long as he's not holding Crow back from things he actually cares about...!
He nestles into Crow again, letting his body relax fully.]
'Night, then. Love you.
...and sorry for keeping you up so late.
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[Once they're comfortable, Crow sinks into that touch, eyes already drooping off into sleep. It was hard not to get addicted to this.]
Love you too.
And sweet dreams~
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[Rean's already starting to mumble his words a bit, eyes slipping closed and starting to doze off himself.
It is hard not to get addicted to this warmth, this affection that envelops him like a comforting blanket. And the best thing is, he doesn't have to hold himself back.]
LATER THAT DAY
Slowly and surely, they got up, had their late breakfast as promised, and mostly took it easy. Coffee and tea were made, pancakes were had, and the TV was on to give them the white noise while they went about their day. Crow had stayed in his pajamas for most of it, his trend of not wearing his bandana any longer giving him the most disastrous case of bedhead.
Not that it really changed much about his hair. It was pretty bedhead to start. With it's longer length, he'd taken to wearing it over one shoulder, like a side ponytail without the actual hair tie. It actually stayed there too, which was probably the most amazing part of it all.
It's not until around 3PM that Crow excuses himself to go put actual clothes on, coming down in his jeans and converse and slipping on a spring jacket over that tanktop.]
Alright, c'mon and get yourself lookin' beautiful. We're running errands.
[Normally he would've just said he'd handle it himself, but this one was special, and it required Rean to be there.]
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When they do finally get up, it's not like Rean's looking much better. He hadn't bothered to brush his hair before running over, and after sleeping on it once it'd already been poking out in several directions that weren't quite his normal. After passing out a second time, he's looking several shades of ridiculous. So he's in no position to judge Crow... and besides, if he's honest, it's kind of cute.
Rean's still lounging around in pajama pants and a pullover hoodie he stole from Crow when Crow comes back downstairs, petting Pachinko and quietly muttering for the cat to watch his claws against his pajama pants. When Crow calls to him, he snaps his head up, his glasses sliding slightly down his nose.]
Huh? ...Ah. [He smiles a little.] Gonna actually make me put in effort? How dare you.
[He's clearly joking, though, as he pushes himself up without complaint other than to softly apologize to Pachinko for leaving him. He has no problem accompanying Crow. Really, he would have offered to join had Crow tried to go on his own.]
Give me a bit, then. Can't promise beautiful, but I can at least get you "presentable."
[And so Rean heads upstairs himself. At this point, he's migrated over a couple items of clothing, so it's not impossible to put together an outfit that isn't comprised of the clothes from yesterday that he wore over.
...For the most part. He doesn't exactly have a jacket. There's the one he wore over – the lovely phoenix-embroidered one he got from the mailbox – but really, that's better suited for winter. ...Well, he does have this pullover he'd been wearing. The cool grey definitely suits Crow better than him, but it'll do.
Some attempt at taming his appearance later, Rean returns downstairs.]
All right, sorry for the wait. Where are we headed?
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If anything, it felt easier.]
Babe, you're always beautiful to me.
[He speaks theatrically, putting a hand to his heart as Rean makes his way upstairs. He's not kept waiting long, but he'll make sure Pachinko's got enough food anyway, and maybe putting some of the dishes in the washer.
By the time Rean comes back down, Crow can't help but stare a little. It's...not like it's cute that Rean'S WEARING HIS CloTHeS oR AnYTHInG!!!]
Jeez. Were I not a stronger man I would've said to hell with the errands and dragged your ass back upstairs.
[He tucks his wallet in his pocket before heading for the door.]
It's a surprise. A good one, I might mention.
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Which is sweet and all, but still doesn't really make me presentable for the general public!
[When Rean comes back down, he doesn't miss Crow staring at him. But being who he is, he manages to completely misunderstand it, glancing down at the hoodie and then back to Crow.]
Do I still look that tired like this? I just figured it'd work for the weather...
[Oh, Rean, you dumbass.]
But all right. I guess I'll just have to wait with bated breath!
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He can't help but chuckle.]
...
Whoo boy. Gonna have to alert air traffic control with how far that went over your head.
[He smiles, leaning in to press their foreheads together just slightly.]
You look fine. Now c'mon, we're burnin' daylight.
[He opens the door for him, key in hand and making sure Pachinko isn't anywhere near it so he can slip out.]
We'll be back soon, Patch. Behave.
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Rean's confused, still, but he'll take the forehead press. If anything, he might briefly look disappointed that it was just a forehead press, but he's quick to follow after Crow like the little lost kouhai he is.]
Don't jump in the shower!
[...As if that'll actually work. Still, Rean's quick to head out the door, now just waiting in the hall for Crow and bouncing on his toes a little.]
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As soon as he locks up, Crow's quick to fall in pace with Rean, his smile a little more gentle now as they start walking.]
I really gotta look into some better toys for him, if he's that bored.
[He'll start making his way to the elevator now, pushing the button for the ground floor with his elbow.]
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