[Rei takes a breath, steadying herself further and rubbing Yuri's shoulder in their embrace. She knows, deep down, that she could've accomplished this alone, as Mars. But Yuri made Rei stronger, this warm and gentle person resting against her.]
I...think it's because we worked together.
[Shifting a little, she does something she hadn't really expected to do. Something she's definitely thought about doing, but never acted on. Impulses flare up though, and she just acts, quickly and without thinking. Pressing her lips to Yuri's cheek, a quick and gentle kiss.]
We're a good team. We should-- [Her words are cut off by the sudden press of lips to her cheek and she freezes in surprise.
Had that... Had that really just happened? She reaches up to touch her cheek, ears slowly turning red and spreading down from there.] ...Do this... more often. [She finishes her sentence with a little squeak, glancing to Rei and then away again in embarrassment.
A little afraid Rei might mistake her embarrassment for rejection, she reaches up to place her hand over Rei's that had been rubbing her shoulder. Hesitant, unsure, she slides her fingers against her's and curls them around them.]
[Rei's fingers instinctively curl against Yuri's, her cheeks flushing slightly at the strengthened contact. Fortunately for the other girl, her empathic senses are on high alert and it's easy to see the embarrassment and hesitation, but there's no rejection. At least, not yet.
Her head slips lower, shifting back just in case, not wanting to pressure her friend. Her...very attractive friend.]
Sorry. I...didn't mean to do anything you were uncomfortable with. It just...seemed like...the thing to do?
N-no! [THe protest is a bit too loud and Yuri turns her head quickly to look at Rei, eyes wide. She then quickly lowers her voice to a more manageable level.] I, uh... I mean, no. It's not that. [She feels like her face might actually catch on fire at this rate with how red she's turning, and she closes her eyes a moment to disengage and gather herself.
When she opens them she meets Rei's gaze a moment, trying to remain steady and confident.] I wasn't uncomfortable. It was... nice. [With her free hand she touches at her cheek and looks away shyly.] We could, um. ['Do that again'? Yuri hesitates and glances at Rei's mouth, leaning in some herself.]
[Rei smiles at Yuri's half finished question, sucking on her lip a little while she waits with baited breath for the other to finish. She doesn't want to cut her off, but she understands the question.
Leaning in a little, she puts her free hand against Yuri's cheek and nods.]
We...we can.
[And with no further hesitation she dips her head in the rest of the way, angling herself to not bump foreheads when their lips finally meet. Not today, anyway. There's a softness to the touch, a willingness to go further but no pressure to do so, letting Yuri decide how deep she wants their kiss to go.]
[A soft, surprised noise, and she returns the kiss with a shy hesitation. She's never kissed anyone before, that much is probably obvious right away, but the absence of physical intimacy in her life seems painfully obvious to her now.
Was this the sort of thing she'd been missing until now? She pulls away after a moment to remind herself to breathe and to not push for the touch she's been starved of before now. She stares at Rei for along moment, just taking in her face, the line of her mouth, her own reflection in Rei's eyes. It feels like the library and everything else doesn't exist anymore; it's just herself and Rei in a bubble she doesn't want to break.]
[Rei isn't really aware of why Yuri's feeling this way, but she can feel something just let go in her friend. In her head, it's almost a dam breaking, and it only makes her feel more right about this. She tilts her head a little, studying Yuri and deepening the kiss slightly, holding her tenderly.
She doesn't keep it for too long, not wanting to overwhelm anyone, knowing that the longer it goes on the harder it'll be to pull away. And when she does, finally, she sighs softly and bumps her forehead against Yuri's.]
[Yuri laughs, just a little, and closes her eyes.]
More, even. I... [She doesn't know what she's about to say, but she reaches up to touch the side of Rei's face and just marvels at the turn of events.
In the end, she doesn't end up studying much at all for her exams, but she passes them just fine anyhow. The worrying was for nothing, her grades were great. On her returned trip to Takayama, she hesitantly told Hisoka about her new--friendship. Relationship? She was a little too hesitant to apply an actual title to whatever it was between herself and Rei. But Hisoka's response had been what she expected-- warm and just happy that Yuri was expanding her social circle, ecstatic at the idea that Yuri might actually be in love.
So of course she'd given her blessing for Yuri to go visit Rei in Tokyo. And as soon as she got the go-ahead from Rei as well, Yuri found herself standing at the station with her one suitcase, trying to not look like a complete tourist. It's hard not to be a little starstruck though, but she doesn't have time to focus on that when she's too busy looking for Rei herself.]
[Rei had taken great pains to prepare for today. She'd arranged things with her grandfather, with her friends, and ensured on pain of death that they wouldn't be followed. The confession that she might be seriously interested in someone, even if it was a woman, had earned her Makoto and Ami's most serious support. They'd pledged to enforce her will on Usagi and Minako, who had predictably been prepared to stalk. Grandfather hadn't required even that much convincing, willingly taking the train to visit some friends up in Aomori. He understood what his granddaughter wanted, after all.
The day arrives, the appointed hour, and Yuri won't have to wait for Rei very long She's standing in the station dressed in her priestesses hakama, a driver waiting at the curb. Waving, she crosses the space between them and bows, smiling her most radiant smile.]
I'm so glad you could come, Yuri. I have a car waiting for us, but...before we go, do you need anything here? I know you must be tired, from the trip.
Oh-- Wow. [The exclamation is out before Yuri can think to stop it and her face turns red seconds after. But look, Rei is beautiful and she hadn't really expected her to show up in her hakama like that, looking like she stepped right out of a period drama or painting of classical Japanese beauties.]
I, uh-- I mean. I just, I imagined you in one before, but seeing it in person... It really does suit you. [Wait, that mad it sound like she was thinking weird things and she quickly shakes her head] That's not what I meant, I. Um.
[Fuck. Can she get a redo?] ...I am pretty tired. [Let that be her excuse.] But I'll be okay. [Her pride, however, may not be. She takes a step forward and half-reaches out as if to touch Rei, and then shyly retreats before she can.]
[Rei takes that awkwardness in stride, honestly feeling a little tongue tied herself. Or, she would be if she hadn't spent hours practicing how to speak to Yuri in the mirror earlier today. It'd been hard, and she'd resisted the urge to call Makoto over to listen.
Her discipline nearly dissolves though, seeing Yuri reach for her. She awkwardly reaches out and catches Yuri's retreating hand. Her grip nearly slips, and she steps in closer to make sure it doesn't, smiling at her. Self consciously, she blushes a bit, but doesn't let go.]
I've missed you. It's so nice, seeing you, and not just hearing you on the phone.
[Casually, she takes the handle of Yuri's luggage and tugs it closer. She's taking this, nothing you can do about that.]
Let's go. You can freshen up at the shrine, and then we can catch up. Okay?
[Yuri lets out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding, the touch of Rei's hand grounding her back to reality. Rei was here, and so was she, and there were no regrets from either of them.
She can feel some of the tension leaving her and her shoulders relax, her return grip on Rei's hand relaxing into something more natural as well. She makes a small noise of protest as Rei takes her luggage, but one look at her face has Yuri quieting again with a soft sigh of amusement.]
Yeah, okay. It's funny, isn't it? I wasn't nearly this nervous before... [She shakes her head.] You're still the same Rei, but somehow... I kept thinking, 'what if she changes her mind or something?' [Yuri looks a tad sheepish] ...I shouldn't have doubted this.
[Rei's smile is nothing short of genuine, a showstopper if there ever was one. She was beyond delighted to see Yuri and she was glad, in a way, that she hadn't been the only one who'd been nervous.]
But I'd be lying if I didn't have the same thought at least once on the drive over here.
[Jerking her head, she starts walking towards the exit, using the motion to hide her blush.]
Grandfather is away visiting friends up north, so we'll have the whole shrine to ourselves. I expect you'll like the quiet, Yuri. It's beautiful this time of year, and I heard on the radio we may be in for a major snowstorm. Though I suspect you're used to them, aren't you?
[Yuri laughs a little bit, giving Rei's hand a squeeze as she follows after her. It felt like a chastise--of course she shouldn't have doubted!-- but a friendly one. There was no reason to have doubt, but at least Rei admitted to feeling similar.
It helps her relax too, though her eyebrows raise in surprise at the admission it'll be just the two of them. While Yuri isn't usually inclined to tease, she feels like letting this opportunity to do so slip by would be a gross injustice.]
I am, yeah. I rather like the snow and the rain and things like that. It makes the rest of the world seem sort of... Hazy? Dreamlike.
But-- All to ourselves... [She trails off with a hum] Is that how this is going to be...?
[Rei nods in time with her steps and Yuri's speech, content to listen and agree, because she doesn't mind snow at all. Not really. Even at it's worst, her shrine still has a generator and a fireplace. Not that she's been cold for a long, long time.
Of course, the record scratch in her head is nearly audible. She stops cold, face flushing bright red. Clearly...]
...I...hadn't considered that. [Well fuck. Now she's come across as too eager, hasn't she.] I...I'm sorry. I hadn't thought you'd mind. It just seemed natural, I guess, and that you'd prefer not to have my grandfather poking in on us. But if it makes you uncomfortable...
[Oops. Yuri quickly squeezes Rei's hand in reassurance and shakes her head, looking embarrassed herself.] No, no, it's okay. I know it's not really like that.
I like the quiet, and the fewer people the better most of the time. It was thoughtful of you, really. [She raises their joined hands and presses a light kiss to the back of Rei's, smiling slightly] If you wanted to go that far, I don't think you'd be sneaky about it. I trust you.
It was just funny to see your face, though... [Look she can't help it, that reaction was funny and cute.]
[Yuri why do you do this? Rei's mind had definitely come to a screeching halt, mortification setting in, but those reassurances helped. Almost as much as the kisses. Her fingers tighten around the other girl's, squeezing back, but her cheeks still blaze scarlet.]
You...are a most vexing woman, Yuri Kozukata.
[Yes she said that, but with an exhalation she lets it go, breaking in several times slowly to re-center herself. She would not make an ass of herself in public. She would not.]
But I'm...I am glad that you trust me. [She squeaks a little as her eyes dart towards the waiting car.] S-Shall we go?
[Yuri can't help but laugh again, but at least she looks apologetic for it] Sorry, sorry... But, you know, if it was like that, maybe... [She trails off, but doesn' elaborate, shrugging her shoulders.] Well, anyway, we should go.
[It's fun, she realizes, to tease Rei. despite her own earlier anxieties, this somehow helps her feel more at ease and comfortable. She feels a bit more confident, her shoulders relaxing as she nods and tugs at Rei's hand to move them to the car now.]
Are your friends going to try and meet up with us too? [Not that she'd mind; she's heard a bit about them, after all, and she's intrigued, but she also wants to know if she has to share Rei's time with anyone during this stay.
Also just casually going to change the subject nothing to see here nbd]
[And a cruel thing you are, Yuri. But Rei just keeps on walking, not turning around until the heat is gone from her face. It's tough, kind of annoying, because she's not used to anyone being able to get under her skin but it's Yuri so it's fine. It's worth it.]
I'm not actually sure. [That was something she'd discussed with the others, and while Usagi and Minako had been bouncing around like pinballs, Ami and Makoto had taken a more levelheaded approach and flatly shut down any and all attempts to worm into Rei's private time with Yuri.]
I think if we called them, they'd come meet up with us, but I didn't make any definite plans. I wanted to see what you thought first. They're great people, though...Usagi and Minako are both very loud and I wouldn't want you in the path of Hurricane Tsukino without a lot of warning.
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They really are. It's kind of annoying.
I...think it's because we worked together.
[Shifting a little, she does something she hadn't really expected to do. Something she's definitely thought about doing, but never acted on. Impulses flare up though, and she just acts, quickly and without thinking. Pressing her lips to Yuri's cheek, a quick and gentle kiss.]
I don't think I do, either.
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Had that... Had that really just happened? She reaches up to touch her cheek, ears slowly turning red and spreading down from there.] ...Do this... more often. [She finishes her sentence with a little squeak, glancing to Rei and then away again in embarrassment.
A little afraid Rei might mistake her embarrassment for rejection, she reaches up to place her hand over Rei's that had been rubbing her shoulder. Hesitant, unsure, she slides her fingers against her's and curls them around them.]
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Her head slips lower, shifting back just in case, not wanting to pressure her friend. Her...very attractive friend.]
Sorry. I...didn't mean to do anything you were uncomfortable with. It just...seemed like...the thing to do?
[Lame answer, Rei.]
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When she opens them she meets Rei's gaze a moment, trying to remain steady and confident.] I wasn't uncomfortable. It was... nice. [With her free hand she touches at her cheek and looks away shyly.] We could, um. ['Do that again'? Yuri hesitates and glances at Rei's mouth, leaning in some herself.]
Can I...?
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Leaning in a little, she puts her free hand against Yuri's cheek and nods.]
We...we can.
[And with no further hesitation she dips her head in the rest of the way, angling herself to not bump foreheads when their lips finally meet. Not today, anyway. There's a softness to the touch, a willingness to go further but no pressure to do so, letting Yuri decide how deep she wants their kiss to go.]
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[A soft, surprised noise, and she returns the kiss with a shy hesitation. She's never kissed anyone before, that much is probably obvious right away, but the absence of physical intimacy in her life seems painfully obvious to her now.
Was this the sort of thing she'd been missing until now? She pulls away after a moment to remind herself to breathe and to not push for the touch she's been starved of before now. She stares at Rei for along moment, just taking in her face, the line of her mouth, her own reflection in Rei's eyes. It feels like the library and everything else doesn't exist anymore; it's just herself and Rei in a bubble she doesn't want to break.]
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She doesn't keep it for too long, not wanting to overwhelm anyone, knowing that the longer it goes on the harder it'll be to pull away. And when she does, finally, she sighs softly and bumps her forehead against Yuri's.]
That was...everything I thought it would be.
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More, even. I... [She doesn't know what she's about to say, but she reaches up to touch the side of Rei's face and just marvels at the turn of events.
In the end, she doesn't end up studying much at all for her exams, but she passes them just fine anyhow. The worrying was for nothing, her grades were great. On her returned trip to Takayama, she hesitantly told Hisoka about her new--friendship. Relationship? She was a little too hesitant to apply an actual title to whatever it was between herself and Rei. But Hisoka's response had been what she expected-- warm and just happy that Yuri was expanding her social circle, ecstatic at the idea that Yuri might actually be in love.
So of course she'd given her blessing for Yuri to go visit Rei in Tokyo. And as soon as she got the go-ahead from Rei as well, Yuri found herself standing at the station with her one suitcase, trying to not look like a complete tourist. It's hard not to be a little starstruck though, but she doesn't have time to focus on that when she's too busy looking for Rei herself.]
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The day arrives, the appointed hour, and Yuri won't have to wait for Rei very long She's standing in the station dressed in her priestesses hakama, a driver waiting at the curb. Waving, she crosses the space between them and bows, smiling her most radiant smile.]
I'm so glad you could come, Yuri. I have a car waiting for us, but...before we go, do you need anything here? I know you must be tired, from the trip.
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I, uh-- I mean. I just, I imagined you in one before, but seeing it in person... It really does suit you. [Wait, that mad it sound like she was thinking weird things and she quickly shakes her head] That's not what I meant, I. Um.
[Fuck. Can she get a redo?] ...I am pretty tired. [Let that be her excuse.] But I'll be okay. [Her pride, however, may not be. She takes a step forward and half-reaches out as if to touch Rei, and then shyly retreats before she can.]
It's... really good to see you again.
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Her discipline nearly dissolves though, seeing Yuri reach for her. She awkwardly reaches out and catches Yuri's retreating hand. Her grip nearly slips, and she steps in closer to make sure it doesn't, smiling at her. Self consciously, she blushes a bit, but doesn't let go.]
I've missed you. It's so nice, seeing you, and not just hearing you on the phone.
[Casually, she takes the handle of Yuri's luggage and tugs it closer. She's taking this, nothing you can do about that.]
Let's go. You can freshen up at the shrine, and then we can catch up. Okay?
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She can feel some of the tension leaving her and her shoulders relax, her return grip on Rei's hand relaxing into something more natural as well. She makes a small noise of protest as Rei takes her luggage, but one look at her face has Yuri quieting again with a soft sigh of amusement.]
Yeah, okay. It's funny, isn't it? I wasn't nearly this nervous before... [She shakes her head.] You're still the same Rei, but somehow... I kept thinking, 'what if she changes her mind or something?' [Yuri looks a tad sheepish] ...I shouldn't have doubted this.
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[Rei's smile is nothing short of genuine, a showstopper if there ever was one. She was beyond delighted to see Yuri and she was glad, in a way, that she hadn't been the only one who'd been nervous.]
But I'd be lying if I didn't have the same thought at least once on the drive over here.
[Jerking her head, she starts walking towards the exit, using the motion to hide her blush.]
Grandfather is away visiting friends up north, so we'll have the whole shrine to ourselves. I expect you'll like the quiet, Yuri. It's beautiful this time of year, and I heard on the radio we may be in for a major snowstorm. Though I suspect you're used to them, aren't you?
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It helps her relax too, though her eyebrows raise in surprise at the admission it'll be just the two of them. While Yuri isn't usually inclined to tease, she feels like letting this opportunity to do so slip by would be a gross injustice.]
I am, yeah. I rather like the snow and the rain and things like that. It makes the rest of the world seem sort of... Hazy? Dreamlike.
But-- All to ourselves... [She trails off with a hum] Is that how this is going to be...?
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Of course, the record scratch in her head is nearly audible. She stops cold, face flushing bright red. Clearly...]
...I...hadn't considered that. [Well fuck. Now she's come across as too eager, hasn't she.] I...I'm sorry. I hadn't thought you'd mind. It just seemed natural, I guess, and that you'd prefer not to have my grandfather poking in on us. But if it makes you uncomfortable...
[Or if it's moving too fast...]
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I like the quiet, and the fewer people the better most of the time. It was thoughtful of you, really. [She raises their joined hands and presses a light kiss to the back of Rei's, smiling slightly] If you wanted to go that far, I don't think you'd be sneaky about it. I trust you.
It was just funny to see your face, though... [Look she can't help it, that reaction was funny and cute.]
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You...are a most vexing woman, Yuri Kozukata.
[Yes she said that, but with an exhalation she lets it go, breaking in several times slowly to re-center herself. She would not make an ass of herself in public. She would not.]
But I'm...I am glad that you trust me. [She squeaks a little as her eyes dart towards the waiting car.] S-Shall we go?
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[It's fun, she realizes, to tease Rei. despite her own earlier anxieties, this somehow helps her feel more at ease and comfortable. She feels a bit more confident, her shoulders relaxing as she nods and tugs at Rei's hand to move them to the car now.]
Are your friends going to try and meet up with us too? [Not that she'd mind; she's heard a bit about them, after all, and she's intrigued, but she also wants to know if she has to share Rei's time with anyone during this stay.
Also just casually going to change the subject nothing to see here nbd]
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I'm not actually sure. [That was something she'd discussed with the others, and while Usagi and Minako had been bouncing around like pinballs, Ami and Makoto had taken a more levelheaded approach and flatly shut down any and all attempts to worm into Rei's private time with Yuri.]
I think if we called them, they'd come meet up with us, but I didn't make any definite plans. I wanted to see what you thought first. They're great people, though...Usagi and Minako are both very loud and I wouldn't want you in the path of Hurricane Tsukino without a lot of warning.