Can You Hear Me? [Tsubai]

[.unlogged//]

Slender fingers stroked the fine cords to the musical instrument which was that of a Guitar. The notes however were random and seemed to collide with another making a sketchy beat but to the ears of the youth who played they sounded unsatisfactory. A small sigh of indignation flew from his pierced lips as the cords became jumbled in his mind; the notes seeming to not come to him this night. The Guitar was held with both hands only the right hand held down the cords whilst the left strummed hoping to hit that perfect melody with a mixture of metal and various forms of rock. The first three verses matched each other well and complimented each other too. It was just the next few verses he would have to randomly come up with that would sound well together. Playing the first three verses over the figure bent his knees which were adorned in torn faded jeans that exposed random bits of his knees and thighs. What adorned his arms and upper half was that of two layers. The first layer was a short sleeved tight black shirt, the second being just a tight hooded cotton gray sweater which ended in folded back cuffs that reached past the middle of his thumb.

The youth continued on playing those three verses as he sat out on the beach, perching himself on top of a rock that looked over the beach. His torn pant legs draped over his bare feet, nearly covering his toes. Continuing to play his acoustic Guitar he felt the nice breeze tame over his frame, tugging and pulling at his hair and clothing lightly rustling it. The youth let his hands slide from the cords to where his slender fingers then ran through the thick layers of his own raven hair. His hair was styled strangely. The part was more to the left and his bangs were cut just below his eyes though only covered his right eye whilst the back was cut short, spiked up, and layered save for two long sections that reached his collar bone. But sadly he lacked the color his hair usually had. Even though this youth was of Japanese heritage though his skin was milk white, thanks to his American parent. His jet black nail polish seemed to match the raven hue of his hair as did the eye liner that lined the top and bottom lids of his eyes. The Asian youth gently leaned against the chain link fence and let his arms hang by his sides. His dark hazel eyes seemed to rest slightly as he seemed to go into a soft reminiscing state. The instant his eyes closed the image of a small boy dressed in traditional attire appeared brightly in his mind. His name, or was Tsubai. It had been so long since he had last seen that angelic face of his. Not since Japan. Kyoto to be exact.

He tried to break away from the thoughts of Kyoto, Japan but found that he could not. And so the memories flooded into him making him lower his head with a frown. The guitar clinked against the jagged surface of the rock but that didn't shake the youth from the horrid memories of that man. During the Jidai Matsuri he had met that horrible man but also he had met Tsubai. Thoughts of Tsubai and his unidentified attacker collided with one another making the Asian youth lift his pained gaze out to the ocean. That man could have done so many things to him.. and those words, oh how those words had scarred him. Luckily Tsubai wasn't there to witness this horrible scene first of his Mother's murder then the murder of his own dignity. That man's smirking lips drawing closer and closer to his own plus that strength he seemed to over power the Japanese youth with so easily, all of that was fresh in his mind to this very day considering how it had only been a year and a year since he last saw Tsubai's bright smiling face. As the unpleasant memories subsided Kiyo composed himself once again and took up the neck of his guitar. Instead he went back to playing it along with the three verses that he had made so far. His fingers held down and strummed at the cords but his fingers struck the wrong notes throwing off the original beat he had. Growling he ran a hand through his hair and licked at the bronze 'x' like piercing on his lower lip and tried to calm his mind.

Calming thoughts came to him in the form of Tsubai when they first met. He had kissed his cheek then stole the last peach without paying for it. Kiyo had lost him but encountered trouble of his own. After that they grew close, very close. Tsubai was a flirtatious youth whilst Kiyo was rather submissive surprisingly because he actually had strong feelings for Tsubai and those feelings haven't changed at all. His fingers began to strum the cords whilst the youth was in thought but surprisingly the next verses that played matched perfectly. Standing slowly from his perch on the flat surfaced stone he continued on playing and eventually began to make the lyrics in his head. The singer in his song would be none other than Tsubai and this brought a smile to his face. The youth began to move around a bit feeling the beat of his newly finished song. So as the Asian youth continued on playing, but when thoughts of Tsubai faded.. he strummed one string and held the note before he let his arms rest by his sides once again. His dark eyes fell upon the dispersing waves further down near shore and slowly he brought his knees close to his chest only to wrap his arms about them. His mind once again wandered back to Tsubai. He wondered how he was doing but that was a ridiculous question to ask. A pang of guilt and regret wove it's way into Kiyo's gut making the youth rest his head on his folded arms just peering out at the scenery about him.

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[Z]

Who would ever have thought that warm weather could make a day so sombre?

For the majority of the day, Tsubai had been sat alone on a bench. He had been lost deep in his thoughts, not even the taunts from younger students awakening him from his musings. The sun had shone down on him, beating his face and body with its hot rays, wanting to make beads of sweat break free. He was sweating alright, but not because of the sun. The anxiety of his past, and also the tragedy of his past were the only thing occupying his brain. Sometimes he felt like he and Kiyo were just an oxymoron pair; They went together but didn’t exactly go. Well, that wasn’t true for one. Kiyo certainly did go, but where? That was an unanswerable question. For almost a year now, each day would follow on like this. Tsubai would drift around lonely and unspeaking, craving for his lover. Hours had passed now, and Tsubai had not moved from this spot, and nor did he plan to. He swayed slightly in the breeze, thoughts of Kiyo and his murderer for a father not allowing him to think of anything else. Tsubai gasped and leaned back against the bench, the day actually becoming night now, and he still had not moved. Several times throughout the day, people had approached him and asked if he was alright, but Tsubai had merely shaked his head, indicating yes for his response. He wasn’t exactly lying, he was absolutely fine physically, just emotionally he was breaking down, not being able to take the loneliness anymore.

No sooner than he had thought this, he heard it. The melodic guitar rhythm actually brought him from his musings. When nobody else had managed it, someone - somewhere had. The song being played managed to make him stand, and without realising it, follow the waves of sound. Tsubai drifted along the beach, in search for the person responsible for the song; he had to hear it again. Glancing out to the sea, waves crashed gently against the shore, and he could see the sun beginning to set in the distance. The beautiful music made this more dramatic and effective; it made him feel as though in a dreamlike state. He froze upon nearing large rocks, he would have to climb them to find the guitar - or moreso the person. He looked up, realising it wasn’t too far, and so he pulled himself up. He wiped the dirt from his hands over his jeans before looking up, and when he did so he almost fell backwards. The scent drafting towards him, the hair blowing gracefully in the breeze. The type of attire being worn, it just had to be...

Kiyo wasn’t looking in his general direction. Infact, Tsubai had climbed up the rock behind him. He took several steps forward, making sure his footsteps on the rock were silenced beneath the guitar. He wondered if the person before him was actually real; or whether it was even Kiyo. But it had to be, he would recognise that body and scent anywhere, considering they had grown up together. He let a small grin curl upon his lips and scraped back his hair from his eyes. He wasn’t being deceived, it was certainly Kiyo. Tsubai took several more footsteps, moving in harmony to the song being played. He couldn’t take it anymore; He licked his lips and sang along with the rhythm.

”It’s surprising what you’ll find,
When your curiosity leads you to a new place,
A place where sadness is overcome by joy.
If given the chance would I walk by my life again?
Naze totemo kanashi desu ka? Ai shiteiru~
I still consider you to be my boy.”

The lyrics weren’t brilliant, but they were thought of on the spot; And also held a lot of meaning. As Kiyo stopped playing, Tsubai held his breath.

[.unlogged//]

'Would you like to buy a Peach, Sir?'

As the small boy tried to sell his basket filled to the brim with peaches and fans he weaved his way through the crowds of people. The small Asian boy smiled up at a man who laughed, and tousled his hair leaving some yen in the boy's basket but walked away. The realization hit the boy that the man had forgotten his peach. Scampering after the fading form of the gentleman the small Kiyo finally caught up with said man, seeming to pounce and cling onto the obi about the man's waist. The man only turned about with a quirked brow.

'Nani?'

Kiyo only grinned up at the man and offered him the peach he rightfully claimed. The adult smiled and thanked Kiyo, took a bite from the fruit and gave his compliments to the young Merchant.

A few more chords were played by the reminiscing youth as the breeze played with his hair causing his bangs to fall across his face. He, however, didn't stir.

And as the small boy began to turn back into the mobs of people he paused seeing another child run toward him. Kiyo only tilted his head to the side trying his best to keep the basket in his arms upright so that he didn't drop anything. When glancing about his small feet to see if he had in fact dropped anything he blinked seeing a pair of feet stop in front of his own. Looking up with an inquisitive look to the other boy, the older child leaned forward with a smile, laughed, kissed his cheek then ran off.

A small laugh escaped Kiyo then as he remembered the small Tsubai. He felt a smile pierce his lips as the lyrics in his head seemed to float in the air about him.

The small Kiyo was perplexed and merely placed a small hand to his cheek where he had been kissed. But when he glanced down he found that his basket was empty. Instantly Kiyo dropped the basket and ran off after the other child, shouting and pointing at the other boy calling him a Thief.

His thoughts were interrupted as Tsubai's voice began to sound more real to his ears. Kiyo paused staring down at the rock he had currently situated himself on with wide eyes, almost seeming unable to move. And upon hearing faint steps step closer toward him Kiyo knew for sure who it was. As he placed his Guitar down the voice stopped as did the singing. Kiyo turned about with a jump to his feet looking up at the man he had left back in Kyoto.

"Tsu..Tsubai.."


[ooc- Italics are memories.]

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[Z]

As his lover turned to face him, he let out the breath he had been holding, his lips curling and forming a half smile. It felt good to look into the eyes of Kiyo once more. The time that had passed since he last saw him seemed to drag; making him feel like he had been wandering around lost for much longer than just a measly year. But once your heart is clinging onto another: it’s difficult to let go. Tsubai blinked a couple of times, as though acknowledging whether this moment was real or whether he had fallen asleep back on the bench. He waited several minutes, silence passing between them as they gazed at one another. Tsubai felt like he was going to cry. Such a beautiful figure before him, he felt as though he had forgotten just how amazing the person infront of him was, the lack of him being there making him slowly drift away. Only he would never drift that far, the memories were still on his mind to taunt him and remind him of the loneliness he was going to have to endure. Only that was around one hour ago; when he was still sat on his bench and staring into space. Was this moment seriously real?

Tsubai took a daring step forward, his breathing calm and silent. His felt his heart beat firmly against his chest, and he felt every breath he took. He blinked again, tempted to reach up and rub his eyes, almost certain that this was just a dream and he would wake up anytime now. In a way he hoped it was a dream, there was so much explaining and awkward moments to be shared between the two; Only the thought of an embrace put him back on the right track. He stopped suddenly, his half smile turning into a grin, one of those grins that he used to have when they were together in Kyoto. Yes, it felt good to smile in such a memorable way. He tilted his head to the side, his eyes still focused on the surprised Kiyo. Well, Tsubai was just as surprised himself, all the happiness that flew over him was overwhelming.

“Kiyoshi.”

Tsubai dragged the ‘shi’ making it sound dramatic; an obvious sign that there was a past shared between the pair. He let out a sigh and started walking again, reaching Kiyo and wrapping his arms around his waist. This was no longer a dream, the natural smell of his lover and the sparkle in his eyes would be enough to wake him, wake him and search in desperate hope for his beloved. He was awake and oh so happy, he was holding Kiyo in his arms again and it felt incredible. He moved his head closer slightly, so Kiyo would be able to feel his breath on his lips; Perhaps Kiyo would want to be reminded how Tsubai tasted?

“Mm Kiyo. I missed you.”

Tsubai was trying so hard not to act how he really felt; sadness and joy welling up inside him. He badly wanted to cry, he wanted to lecture Kiyo, scream at him. But he still loved him: The absence had only made his heart stronger.

[.unlogged//]

Upon seeing Adults pause with inquisitive expressions clutching to their faces the small Kiyo merely sighed and chased after the small thief making careful not to stagger as he ran considering what adorned his small feet. Though it was surprising that he hadn't fallen yet and this only egged the small Asian boy on further to try and catch this Thief. And besides, who knew, maybe the kid was a wanted criminal or something and there was a bounty on his head? That would surely help his family. So continuing to tail the other small boy with only thoughts of helping his family he willed himself to quicken his already amazingly fast pace. However the small child tripped and tumbled on to his stomach with a small whimper. Sitting up he glanced about but he had lost the small child and possibly the only hope he had.

In all truth he thought he would never see Tsubai again but he should have known that his Lover would come look for him, especially since Kiyo left without saying a word to anyone, to Tsubai. He then realized how Tsubai must have felt, how he felt now seeing Kiyo after so long. He was probably mad and seeing Tsubai seem to pause he thought for sure he was going to yell, scream or shout or do any of those. And honestly, Kiyo wouldn't blame him if he did. They had been through so much together and who was Kiyo to go and just leave like that? Tsubai probably thought this. Kiyo had enough reason to leave, there was no way he could live in Kyoto again after what had happened that night. After everything he had gone through why should he stay?! Sure that was being selfish but honestly, he didn't think Tsubai would want him to stay in a place that only reminded him of the bad things he had gone through in Life, did he? Hearing his name he seemed to exhale sharply though inaudibly drawing his eyes instantly up to Tsubai's that were only filled with, from what Kiyo could tell was, happiness. Though he still didn't trust what he saw in Tsubai's eyes thinking that to be the first step to something worse. But the other drew closer making Kiyo take a small hesitant step back, nearly slipping and loosing his footing. Instead Kiyo fell forward into Tsubai's embrace voicing his startled reaction.

With a mixture of a pout and a scowl adorning the small boy's face he brushed himself off but paused when he felt a small pebble hit him on the back of his head. He didn't even have to turn around to know who had threw the stone. It was Tomahiru and his pack of friends or rather, bullies. Sure enough more stones were thrown pelting the small Kiyo from behind but the boy just stood still letting the small stones hit and mark his body. This only seemed to provoke the boys further for they soon tackled and dragged Kiyo into an alley and began to hurl their fists at the defenseless boy. They were all bigger than Kiyo was, in both weight and height and age! This seemed hardly fair but Kiyo had gotten use to unfair advantages. However after a few minutes of bodily harm another boy stepped into the mouth of the alley almost instantly striking the head honcho down with his own small fist. Kiyo looked upon the other boy but paused realizing he was the other boy that had kissed his cheek and stolen his last peach. But what was he doing here helping him?

"..Hai."

Kiyo murmured with a breath seeming to gain that fluttery feeling in his stomach. It was strange feeling this after so long but he seemed to welcome the awkward feeling. So seeing Tsubai lower his lips close but leaving a small gap Kiyo found himself lifting his head to try and meet those lips he missed so badly. His hands clutched Tsubai's shirt tightly turning his knuckles white and finally, Kiyo closed the distance between their lips in a soft kiss.

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