[ Taichi makes a mental note to ask about the hotel later because that sure sounds alarming, but Hikaru seems okay so he focuses on doing his best to decorate. The longer travel time actually gives him a little less stress. He knows none of this is up to the standards he was supposed to meet, but it's not like they've got until Firialia anymore. They were supposed to have more time, this isn't fair.
He's finishing up wrapping the present when he hears the knock and does. He had wanted to redo it a few more trying get well, it's do or die now.]
Close your eyes okay? I'll lead you in.
[ And he reached to take Hikaru's hands with both of his if he lets him.]
[Anybody else then he may not have listened but with Taichi it's much more fun to go along with whatever he wants so he closes his eyes and offers his hands. As usual, as it has lately, his heart picks up when he feels Taichi's hands and he reminds himself not to act so stupid. Don't go crazy over this, he tells himself, because it could just be this place... ]
[ The wink he gives is practically audible in his tone of voice as he pulls Hikaru into the center of his apartment. There are streamers and a couple of balloon animals. He had been planning on fresh food for the party, so what's out now are two bottles of fancy water (or the equivalent of Fiji anyway, since Taichi has no idea but he started trying to stock something Hikaru would like when he comes over), a bottle of sparkling apple cider, and a punch bowl filled with instant ramen with eggs and some veg added. It's definitely not what he wanted, but he takes too long to cook anything real, so he's definitely going to suggest they just order delivery.
Before he tells Hikaru to open his eyes, he pulls away and gets the party popper out of his pocket, aiming it above Hikaru's head and firing it so the confetti showers over him.]
[Hikaru laughs because he can hear the wink, imagine it, and who winks when a person can't see it? But that's just like Taichi, completely him.
And so is this party. When Hikaru does open his eyes, it takes only a brief moment for him to realize it's a party. He looks around, at how the decorations placed, and Hikaru has fired plenty of party planners for lesser offenses. It isn't decorated well at all but Hikaru isn't blind to the obvious effort that Taichi put in. He looks to the food, to the two bottles, and realizes this is for them.
And Hikaru feels that familiar rush of emotion he knows now is his crush. Hikaru has to remind himself that Taichi's his friend and he would do this for anybody. That's the kind of person he is. Whatever this place wants from them shouldn't make him forget that Taichi is his friend. He can't ruin that.
Hikaru looks to Taichi finally and he's still confused about a lot of the finer details.]
You did all this? When? Why? [But he isn't unhappy. That much is obvious.]
[ Taichi already knows it isn't what it was supposed to be. But it's something, and he wanted Hikaru to know he was appreciated. He'd been planning to do all this before he knew they were leaving after all.. ]
It was supposed to be for Firialia! [ He makes a little whining sound. ] I was planning it as ahead as I could so that it would meet your standards, and I even had Kaoru-san telling me when stuff was an absolute no, and they said I could use the theater, and I ordered fancy catered tapas, but then all of this stuff happened..[ He scratches the back of his head. ] I didn't want you to leave without getting your party, even if it's not really... [ What it's supposed to be. Good enough. He's looking at Hikaru's face trying to see if there's judgment or happiness about the hot mess in his apartment. ]
[Taichi threw a party for him. Taichi had gone through so much effort just for him. Hikaru knows Taichi had probably never done catering before if he was going to compare him to Haruhi who's really his only other commoner example but he knows Taichi. These aren't things he cares about. He's simpler than that.
This explains why Kaoru had been missing sometimes and why it felt like he was hiding something. He's talking to him about that later because how dare Kaoru know all about this while Hikaru was agonizing over Taichi. But that doesn't matter.
He reaches to grab Taichi and hug him tightly. Taichi can't see his face but the hug should say enough.]
Youre so...so...! I can't even think up the right word for you right now! Everybody's freaking out about going home and you just...you throw me a party! [And nobody's ever gone through this kind of effort for him. Maybe he's had parties that were planned a year in advance but those had had ulterior motives. It had never been to just make him happy. Not like this.]
[ Sorry Kaoru. He didn't realize he would be busting him if he outed him. In Kaoru's defense, Taichi made absolutely certain that neither twin was agony-free during the party planning process.
He definitely should've told Hikaru to tell Kaoru to come, actually, since he was originally invited to the party. He's about to tell Hikaru that they can call whoever he wants to come over and they'll just have fun and party until it's time to leave, but the hug catches him off-guard. Taichi is used to being the one to initiate hugs, he doesn't think he's ever really had many situations where he's been hugged himself unless he was in the middle of an emotional breakdown.
...He likes it. This is the best hug he's probably ever had, he thinks. Hikaru is warm, and not just warm in the chroma way, or the physical heat way, he's got a warm feeling in his chest that he can't explain. He's got a warm feeling in his face too that he's definitely felt before, but not usually about another guy while knowing that guy is a guy. But that's.. not something he has time to even think about. He just hugs Hikaru back tightly. ]
I'm just sorry it turned into a goodbye party instead of a celebration. This sucks. I don't want to say goodbye.
[ So he's just going to hold onto Hikaru back for another moment, then hugging him more tightly before backing up and giving him a smile. ]
[Hikaru doesn't want to think about never seeing Taichi again. They've only had a few months together but Taichi's become so important to him that it breaks his heart to think of this as goodbye. Hikaru knows that isn't just this place's influence on him either. Taichi had been his friend before this crush started.
Hikaru isn't ready for the hug to end so he still holds onto Taichi. He was always physically affectionate to the people he was close to, crush or not.]
Present? Ugh I didn't get you anything. [And that makes him feel bad. They're saying goodbye and he doesn't have anything to give even if he knows Taichi hadn't planned on this being goodbye.]
That's okay, I know what I want. Open yours first.
[ With Hikaru not letting go of the hug, Taichi settles into it and instead of pulling out of it, he moves his hands to Hikaru's waist to nudge them both to hugwalk sideways over to the table, where he's got his present hidden underneath it. It's a little perfectly made origami box (wrapping was last minute, he hadn't purchased that yet!!). Taichi is something of a wizard with paper and arts and crafts, so it looks fairly impressive.
Taichi's more certain about the gift wrapping than the present itself because it's not.. yet gotten final approval from Kaoru. The design had and Taichi had moved on from the practice version though, so he was at least using the fabrics that he wanted it to be in, instead of the ones he'd been practicing with. He just hoped it was good enough that it's something Hikaru doesn't have to say thanks for and hide in the closet because he can't actually been seen in public. (He's definitely more skilled than that, despite his dramatic concerns.)
Inside the box, there is a pair of gloves. He holds the closed box up to Hikaru after slipping down in the hug just enough to pick it up. ]
[Hikaru wonders if he can even give Taichi what he wants. They literally have no time to do anything but ugh, he doesn't want to think about that.
There's something distinctly hilarious about how Taichi still holds onto him. Maybe Hikaru should have let go but it cheers him up knowing that Taichi hadn't wanted to let go either. Even if it made more sense to do so and he has to let go to open the present anyway.
He can tell the box is made and Hikaru smiles at it. Taichi was good at origami, he knew that much and more. They had really gotten to know each other.
When he opens it and sees the gloves, it's just his first instinct to examine them. It was simply how he was taught and it's a hard habit to break. But instantly he notices:]
You made these. [Hikaru hasn't seen Taichi's work before but he can tell from how they were made it wasn't from somebody that was an expert in this. That doesn't make them bad by any means because they aren't. His fingers rub over the fabric and the seams although his critical eye has become a little less intense once he's realized that Taichi made them. If this wasn't goodbye then he might have had some critique but all he can think about is how Taichi made him these. Taichi threw him this party. Taichi liked him enough to do all of these things for him and Hikaru can't stand it as he pulls Taichi into another hug.]
I can't believe you. Those had to have taken you ages. How long were you working on them? That's not an easy design and the fabric can be a pain and I...[He's touched. He's happy despite it all. ]
Yeah! This wasn't supposed to be the final version, I wanted them to be perfect, but there isn't enough time to try again...
[ There's just not enough time left in this world and weighing the options, he wanted to spend more time with Hikaru. Maybe that's selfish, he's not really sure. It's fine if it was. Taichi's arms wrap tighter around Hikaru's waist. ]
I started right after Halloween. I've been practicing every day with cheaper material until I got it how I wanted since I couldn't afford to mess up with the right fabric. This is the third one with the right fabric. Do you like it?
Yes. [Really, if it hadn't been the fact that Taichi made them for him then he would have been far more judgmental, much more nitpicky. But Taichi's earnest attempt at doing something so nice for him has left him unable to think about anything else.
He pulls back to look at Taichi with a frown, really more of a pout.]
Hm... Firialia is supposed to be the time you spend with the people most important to you. When I think about who that is to me, I think about you. So I wanted to do something that means something for you.
[ He doesn't.. super know if he's explaining it right. It just felt like the thing that he wanted to do, to make this special for Hikaru and bring everyone important to him together...and he didnt succeed at that because he couldn't plan for everyone going home, but Hikaru likes what he managed!! So he looks super happy. ]
[It isn't like he's never been important to somebody. He's important to Kaoru, he's important to Tamaki, and Haruhi, and the rest of the host club...
But that's different, isn't it? At least it seems different and even if Hikaru is certain whatever he feels is one-sided, their friendship doesn't feel like the friendship between him and anybody else. Ever since that sleepover they had.
And now he has to leave it behind.]
You're important to me, too. [Hikaru doesn't want to confess. He doesn't want to ruin their last moments together but Taichi should know that much, shouldn't he?]
[ Something about the way Hikaru says it back makes Taichi quiet down. He's still smiling, but it's something warmer. He's glad he's important to Hikaru. Finding Mankai Company was something that Taichi never thought he would find-- a place he felt accepted, felt supported. A place he didn't feel he deserved. Hikaru was someone he found and didn't betray, who cares about him and wants to be around him outside of acting, outside of whatever faults he has... and he's important. A sense of nerves that had bundled up in Taichi's stomach seems to release itself and he feels something tightening in his chest instead, and he doesn't know why. ]
Heeeh, if you say something like that, you'll make me think things, you know...! Hehe, just kidding. [ He looks to the side, scratching the back of his head. His eyes lid halfway down and he looks down at the floor, then back up at Hikaru with his head still down. It's almost hopeful, questioning, but too shy to actually assume anything but the joke he made. ] Unless...?
[Hikaru has realized a lot of things about Taichi. Importantly he's learned about this guy's terrible self-confidence. Two years ago, Taichi would have been the perfect target. Hikaru would have destroyed him. Taichi was so openly vulnerable that Hikaru didn't even know if Taichi realized. Ways that Hikaru can't tease him for and all he wants to do is not hurt him. Which is hard. Hikaru doesn't think he's very good at it but he tries to be nice, boost him up.
But Taichi has this habit of voicing the things he wants as a joke and now as Hikaru stares, the realization hits him: Taichi wants him to like him. He wants this to be some romantic moment.
Does he like him? Hikaru has no idea but that doesn't matter. When it comes to impulse control, Hikaru has none over his emotions. It's an opening. Taichi wants something for whatever reason so...]
What if I did? What if I liked you and...and...what if I'm telling you? [He cannot look away even if it's tempting. Even if he feels shy about this. This is his first confession and he thinks it's horrible.]
[ Taichi makes a little confused sound after Hikaru speaks. He's.. not.. He didn't hear him right, did he? The amount of hope the actor puts forward differs with his expectations for reality. If Hikaru was playing a prank on him right now, he doesn't know if his heart could take it. Goodbye was hard enough without this feeling in his stomach turning from butterflies to a boulder too heavy to push up a mountain. Not only was it his first real confession (even if it wasn't a girl, which he didn't really expect) but it was someone he genuinely cared about. It was someone he relied on and wanted to be around. Hikaru was cute, and funny, and amazing, and talented, and rich, and so far out of his league. He wasn't someone who should ever have feelings toward someone like him, who'd been here for months and hadn't even managed to get more than a background part with no roles. It feels like a lie. It feels like it has to be because Taichi would have to be the luckiest person in the world for this not to be a prank, and if he were then they wouldn't be on their way to separate planets.
But Hikaru isn't looking away. Despite Taichi's shock and silence, he's looking right at him. There's no laughing. If there's one person here he trusts above everyone else, it's Hikaru.
And anyway, weren't they both straight?! Taichi's brain is focusing in on this little bit because otherwise it's going to flashback to the times he felt excited, felt warm, felt happy, felt wanted and it's making his heart ache because he's never going to experience that again with Hikaru. He's never going to see him again, and all he wants to do is say that he likes him back, and if Hikaru's telling the truth, then his heart is going to break too. So Taichi focuses on the fact that he likes girls. The fact that Hikaru literally caters to women back home as his school club, willingly. And Taichi likes... ]
He swallows, remembering the way that Hikaru touching him made him feel. His foot between his legs when they were playing on his birthday. The excitement he feels whenever he knows he's going to see Hikaru. The absolute stubborn determination and worth he felt working with Kaoru, knowing that he was going to make Hikaru smile if he pulled it off. Ah.. he might more than like him and just hadn't really connected the dots. Dumb, dumb dog. ]
Then... what I want for my present is even more important.
[ He reaches into his pocket until he finds a pen then holds it out, along with his hand. ]
Give me your number. I want to try to call you from home, even if it's impossible. I like you too much to say goodbye, Hikaru.
[When Kaoru had explained to Hikaru that he had feelings for Taichi, Hikaru hadn't really thought that they would be returned. Taichi liked guys, Hikaru was pretty sure about that but he didn't assume that meant Taichi liked him. From what he could tell, Taichi was affectionate towards anybody he considered a friend. It was just like Tamaki.
Hikaru had not wanted to tell Taichi in fear of ruining the friendship. Even if things were awkward between them then that was too much for Hikaru to handle. Taichi didn't have to return his feelings but he couldn't stand to have their friendship change. These few months had been a lot of fun with the other boy. Friendship wasn't always easy for Hikaru but with Taichi it had been quick and effortless and he valued that. So no, it was fine if Taichi didn't return them. A little painful but fine.
This, though, wasn't something Hikaru understood. It wasn't a rejection and that was great but what?
Hikaru's problem is how emotional he is and it never works well with his immaturity and all he can think is how unhappy he is that it won't work. How miserable is it that he met this person he really likes and there's no way they can ever talk to each other again?]
That's still good-bye! See you later, talk to you later, is good-bye when we both know that won't work! [Why is he yelling? He isn't mad. He's just upset and it's similar to how it was when they first met and Hikaru had yelled at him for his simple joke. It isn't fair to Taichi at all but Hikaru doesn't have good emotional control.]
[ Taichi doesn't respond as easily to being yelled at as he did the first time. He's an emotional sort too, in a very different way. He knows he's being stupid the second Hikaru starts yelling, but he also knows that there's isn't any other answer he can give. ]
... The Unopening Door!
[ It's grasping at straws, and it sounds like absolute nonsense, especially because Taichi's eyes are welling up with tears and his fists are balling up in frustration. He keeps one hand out, though. ]
There are three pieces of magic at Mankai Company that really exist, the Director's gotten stuck behind it! So if that much exists, there's more, and that means I can find out a way to call another universe or time or whatever Japan you're in!
[ he lowers his hand and moves forward, pressing his forehead against Hikaru's shoulder to try to hide a sob. ]
What else am I supposed to do, after you say something like that? There's no way I can just give up...!
[That absolutely sounds like nonsense and maybe he would tell him so if it wasn't for the fact that this doesn't matter in the scheme of things. What matters is the fact they can't see each other after this and Taichi's crying.
Hikaru had not been crying until Taichi finally starts welling up and it's all over for Hikaru. Everything Taichi says pierces through his heart and Hikaru simply cannot deal with that. He wraps his arms back around Taichi and he isn't sobbing but tears are rolling down his cheeks as he rests his head on the other boy's head.]
I want you to come with me. I wish that we could. [And he does want that but it's said in a tone that shows he knows that isn't happening. Taichi has important people and Hikaru cannot leave his own life behind.
So what can he do? Realistically not much at all but he can give Taichi his number. Likely it won't work at all. It probably is impossible. But if all they have is this one little spark of hope then Hikaru can hold onto that.
He pulls away and grabs the pen and paper to write down his number and name before holding it out, laughing once and wiping at his eyes even if he doesn't know if he's going to stop crying.]
You know you're not allowed to forget about me now, right? You'll definitely get punished. [He sticks his tongue out, trying to act much cooler than he is being this emotional.]
You could come with-- I live in a dorm, I don't have enough room for you and Kaoru.
[ Besides, there's no way Yuki won't try to fight another fashion designer in the building and Taichi's/the entire theater's budget probably isn't enough for one day for the Hitachiins. And he assumes they have other friends and obligations too. And they'd probably run into the same issue of being illegal aliens regardless of who went where and Mankai will get in trouble for hosting so many people without work visas and go bankrupt.
But not forget is something he wants to stick to. He wipes his eyes and takes the paper and writes it again on the inside of his arm before pocketing it, just in case he loses anything on his way back home. ]
When you get home, don't forget that I'm gonna try to call you at 8pm before bed every night either. And...
[ Maybe he shouldn't ask for more. He definitely should ask though right? Girls always want consent before anything according to the latest trends, Hikaru probably... ]
You could give me something to remember you by that no one else can.
[ There, just vague though that he's asking but not being obvious enough to get turned down outright. ]
[Hikaru is ready to tell Taichi it won't work but he quickly comes to the same conclusion. It isn't as if Hikaru wouldn't like to live with Taichi in theory but in reality, Hikaru knows it wouldn't work. Unfortunately and Hikaru hates that as well. Hates that this truly means goodbye.
But he's nodding along and smiling despite it all. The fact that Taichi wants to talk to him every day and if Hikaru's honest, imagining that feels nice. Talking to Taichi, telling him about his day, and hearing his. That makes him happy and maybe for just a little while, it's okay to pretend they can have that.
Taichi's request brings him out of his thoughts and it takes him longer than it should for him to realize what Taichi is asking for and...Hikaru has thought of it. When he thought about his feelings, he wondered if he could kiss Taichi because if you liked somebody then you could kiss them. Hikaru had learned that he could imagine it, he thought he could do it, and it had been on his mind more than enough times.
He licks his lips and looks at Taichi's, blushing. Taichi hadn't said he liked him too but...but...you didn't ask for a kiss if you didn't want one, right?! So Taichi did feel the same way? How long? Since when? What has Taichi thought about? There are so many questions and not enough time. Better to not think and just live in the moment, right?
Putting his hand on Taichi's cheek and taking a step closer, he's still too nervous to just lean in and do it.] You...sure?
[ Ah.. his heart is beating through his chest when Hikaru touches his cheek. What is going on? Honestly, Taichi's pretty sure he's dreaming right now. If there was one person most important to him here, it was Hikaru. Yet again, despite implying he wanted something (at least he managed not to laugh it off this time) he was getting what he wanted so easily he thought there's no way it's real.
He reaches across himself to pinch his arm, briefly checking to make sure he's awake. He swallows, visibly, and nods. He's obviously nervous, but not because it's Hikaru. He straightens himself, clearing his throat, and tries to be at least.. somewhat suave. He's doing his best. He grins and and reaches up to try to tug Hikaru's shirt by the collar toward him, but stops the second after he hooks his finger. He doesn't want to stretch the fabric, Hikaru definitely wouldn't like that. He takes his finger down. He doesn't know how to do this with a guy? (Not that he knows how to do this with a girl, but he has some idea from movies!!) ]
I like you and this is my first time, I don't want to mess this up! ..I know!
[ He grins, his cheeks rosy. He doesn't know what he's doing. So he decides to do what he and Hikaru do best and reaches for both of his hands to hold, then tries gently pulling him closer by the hands while standing on his toes for a kiss. That feels right. ]
[Hikaru has no idea what Taichi is even trying to do because he's just as clueless about how to kiss somebody as the other boy is. He doesn't think it makes much of a difference if it's a girl or not. But either way, all he can do is look down at him and laugh. Softly and full of affection because he really likes him. Aliens or not, whatever the reason, he just really likes him and does want to kiss him. Right now, that's all he needs.
It's always been nice to hold Taichi's hands. This had been what had started all of this, right? Hikaru trying to be a good friend and offer to moonlace with him by holding hands. Taichi rushing over and them having that sleepover. Even when Hikaru couldn't help him make chroma at all. But they had held hands through all that fabric and it still had been nice.
It's just as nice now as he entangles their fingers and begins to lean in. Maybe he should be more nervous about this and he does pause for only a second, making certain that Taichi isn't having any second thoughts. But when he doesn't see that, Hikaru decides not to even think anymore as he leans in. Kissing shouldn't be so hard and if it's both of their firsts then what do they even have to compare it to?
But before their lips can touch, there's some commotion going on that interrupts him. People shouting nearby and something else. He isn't happy about being interrupted and pulls away, snapping:] What the hell is going on?
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He's finishing up wrapping the present when he hears the knock and does. He had wanted to redo it a few more trying get well, it's do or die now.]
Close your eyes okay? I'll lead you in.
[ And he reached to take Hikaru's hands with both of his if he lets him.]
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Are you leading me into some trap? Scary~
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[ The wink he gives is practically audible in his tone of voice as he pulls Hikaru into the center of his apartment. There are streamers and a couple of balloon animals. He had been planning on fresh food for the party, so what's out now are two bottles of fancy water (or the equivalent of Fiji anyway, since Taichi has no idea but he started trying to stock something Hikaru would like when he comes over), a bottle of sparkling apple cider, and a punch bowl filled with instant ramen with eggs and some veg added. It's definitely not what he wanted, but he takes too long to cook anything real, so he's definitely going to suggest they just order delivery.
Before he tells Hikaru to open his eyes, he pulls away and gets the party popper out of his pocket, aiming it above Hikaru's head and firing it so the confetti showers over him.]
Happy Firialia!
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And so is this party. When Hikaru does open his eyes, it takes only a brief moment for him to realize it's a party. He looks around, at how the decorations placed, and Hikaru has fired plenty of party planners for lesser offenses. It isn't decorated well at all but Hikaru isn't blind to the obvious effort that Taichi put in. He looks to the food, to the two bottles, and realizes this is for them.
And Hikaru feels that familiar rush of emotion he knows now is his crush. Hikaru has to remind himself that Taichi's his friend and he would do this for anybody. That's the kind of person he is. Whatever this place wants from them shouldn't make him forget that Taichi is his friend. He can't ruin that.
Hikaru looks to Taichi finally and he's still confused about a lot of the finer details.]
You did all this? When? Why? [But he isn't unhappy. That much is obvious.]
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It was supposed to be for Firialia! [ He makes a little whining sound. ] I was planning it as ahead as I could so that it would meet your standards, and I even had Kaoru-san telling me when stuff was an absolute no, and they said I could use the theater, and I ordered fancy catered tapas, but then all of this stuff happened..[ He scratches the back of his head. ] I didn't want you to leave without getting your party, even if it's not really... [ What it's supposed to be. Good enough. He's looking at Hikaru's face trying to see if there's judgment or happiness about the hot mess in his apartment. ]
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This explains why Kaoru had been missing sometimes and why it felt like he was hiding something. He's talking to him about that later because how dare Kaoru know all about this while Hikaru was agonizing over Taichi. But that doesn't matter.
He reaches to grab Taichi and hug him tightly. Taichi can't see his face but the hug should say enough.]
Youre so...so...! I can't even think up the right word for you right now! Everybody's freaking out about going home and you just...you throw me a party! [And nobody's ever gone through this kind of effort for him. Maybe he's had parties that were planned a year in advance but those had had ulterior motives. It had never been to just make him happy. Not like this.]
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He definitely should've told Hikaru to tell Kaoru to come, actually, since he was originally invited to the party. He's about to tell Hikaru that they can call whoever he wants to come over and they'll just have fun and party until it's time to leave, but the hug catches him off-guard. Taichi is used to being the one to initiate hugs, he doesn't think he's ever really had many situations where he's been hugged himself unless he was in the middle of an emotional breakdown.
...He likes it. This is the best hug he's probably ever had, he thinks. Hikaru is warm, and not just warm in the chroma way, or the physical heat way, he's got a warm feeling in his chest that he can't explain. He's got a warm feeling in his face too that he's definitely felt before, but not usually about another guy while knowing that guy is a guy. But that's.. not something he has time to even think about. He just hugs Hikaru back tightly. ]
I'm just sorry it turned into a goodbye party instead of a celebration. This sucks. I don't want to say goodbye.
[ So he's just going to hold onto Hikaru back for another moment, then hugging him more tightly before backing up and giving him a smile. ]
I have a present for you!
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Hikaru isn't ready for the hug to end so he still holds onto Taichi. He was always physically affectionate to the people he was close to, crush or not.]
Present? Ugh I didn't get you anything. [And that makes him feel bad. They're saying goodbye and he doesn't have anything to give even if he knows Taichi hadn't planned on this being goodbye.]
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[ With Hikaru not letting go of the hug, Taichi settles into it and instead of pulling out of it, he moves his hands to Hikaru's waist to nudge them both to hugwalk sideways over to the table, where he's got his present hidden underneath it. It's a little perfectly made origami box (wrapping was last minute, he hadn't purchased that yet!!). Taichi is something of a wizard with paper and arts and crafts, so it looks fairly impressive.
Taichi's more certain about the gift wrapping than the present itself because it's not.. yet gotten final approval from Kaoru. The design had and Taichi had moved on from the practice version though, so he was at least using the fabrics that he wanted it to be in, instead of the ones he'd been practicing with. He just hoped it was good enough that it's something Hikaru doesn't have to say thanks for and hide in the closet because he can't actually been seen in public. (He's definitely more skilled than that, despite his dramatic concerns.)
Inside the box, there is a pair of gloves. He holds the closed box up to Hikaru after slipping down in the hug just enough to pick it up. ]
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There's something distinctly hilarious about how Taichi still holds onto him. Maybe Hikaru should have let go but it cheers him up knowing that Taichi hadn't wanted to let go either. Even if it made more sense to do so and he has to let go to open the present anyway.
He can tell the box is made and Hikaru smiles at it. Taichi was good at origami, he knew that much and more. They had really gotten to know each other.
When he opens it and sees the gloves, it's just his first instinct to examine them. It was simply how he was taught and it's a hard habit to break. But instantly he notices:]
You made these. [Hikaru hasn't seen Taichi's work before but he can tell from how they were made it wasn't from somebody that was an expert in this. That doesn't make them bad by any means because they aren't. His fingers rub over the fabric and the seams although his critical eye has become a little less intense once he's realized that Taichi made them. If this wasn't goodbye then he might have had some critique but all he can think about is how Taichi made him these. Taichi threw him this party. Taichi liked him enough to do all of these things for him and Hikaru can't stand it as he pulls Taichi into another hug.]
I can't believe you. Those had to have taken you ages. How long were you working on them? That's not an easy design and the fabric can be a pain and I...[He's touched. He's happy despite it all. ]
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[ There's just not enough time left in this world and weighing the options, he wanted to spend more time with Hikaru. Maybe that's selfish, he's not really sure. It's fine if it was. Taichi's arms wrap tighter around Hikaru's waist. ]
I started right after Halloween. I've been practicing every day with cheaper material until I got it how I wanted since I couldn't afford to mess up with the right fabric. This is the third one with the right fabric. Do you like it?
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He pulls back to look at Taichi with a frown, really more of a pout.]
You really did all of this for me? Why?
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[ He doesn't.. super know if he's explaining it right. It just felt like the thing that he wanted to do, to make this special for Hikaru and bring everyone important to him together...and he didnt succeed at that because he couldn't plan for everyone going home, but Hikaru likes what he managed!! So he looks super happy. ]
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But that's different, isn't it? At least it seems different and even if Hikaru is certain whatever he feels is one-sided, their friendship doesn't feel like the friendship between him and anybody else. Ever since that sleepover they had.
And now he has to leave it behind.]
You're important to me, too. [Hikaru doesn't want to confess. He doesn't want to ruin their last moments together but Taichi should know that much, shouldn't he?]
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Heeeh, if you say something like that, you'll make me think things, you know...! Hehe, just kidding. [ He looks to the side, scratching the back of his head. His eyes lid halfway down and he looks down at the floor, then back up at Hikaru with his head still down. It's almost hopeful, questioning, but too shy to actually assume anything but the joke he made. ] Unless...?
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But Taichi has this habit of voicing the things he wants as a joke and now as Hikaru stares, the realization hits him: Taichi wants him to like him. He wants this to be some romantic moment.
Does he like him? Hikaru has no idea but that doesn't matter. When it comes to impulse control, Hikaru has none over his emotions. It's an opening. Taichi wants something for whatever reason so...]
What if I did? What if I liked you and...and...what if I'm telling you? [He cannot look away even if it's tempting. Even if he feels shy about this. This is his first confession and he thinks it's horrible.]
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[ Taichi makes a little confused sound after Hikaru speaks. He's.. not.. He didn't hear him right, did he? The amount of hope the actor puts forward differs with his expectations for reality. If Hikaru was playing a prank on him right now, he doesn't know if his heart could take it. Goodbye was hard enough without this feeling in his stomach turning from butterflies to a boulder too heavy to push up a mountain. Not only was it his first real confession (even if it wasn't a girl, which he didn't really expect) but it was someone he genuinely cared about. It was someone he relied on and wanted to be around. Hikaru was cute, and funny, and amazing, and talented, and rich, and so far out of his league. He wasn't someone who should ever have feelings toward someone like him, who'd been here for months and hadn't even managed to get more than a background part with no roles. It feels like a lie. It feels like it has to be because Taichi would have to be the luckiest person in the world for this not to be a prank, and if he were then they wouldn't be on their way to separate planets.
But Hikaru isn't looking away. Despite Taichi's shock and silence, he's looking right at him. There's no laughing. If there's one person here he trusts above everyone else, it's Hikaru.
And anyway, weren't they both straight?! Taichi's brain is focusing in on this little bit because otherwise it's going to flashback to the times he felt excited, felt warm, felt happy, felt wanted and it's making his heart ache because he's never going to experience that again with Hikaru. He's never going to see him again, and all he wants to do is say that he likes him back, and if Hikaru's telling the truth, then his heart is going to break too. So Taichi focuses on the fact that he likes girls. The fact that Hikaru literally caters to women back home as his school club, willingly. And Taichi likes... ]
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Then... what I want for my present is even more important.
[ He reaches into his pocket until he finds a pen then holds it out, along with his hand. ]
Give me your number. I want to try to call you from home, even if it's impossible. I like you too much to say goodbye, Hikaru.
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Hikaru had not wanted to tell Taichi in fear of ruining the friendship. Even if things were awkward between them then that was too much for Hikaru to handle. Taichi didn't have to return his feelings but he couldn't stand to have their friendship change. These few months had been a lot of fun with the other boy. Friendship wasn't always easy for Hikaru but with Taichi it had been quick and effortless and he valued that. So no, it was fine if Taichi didn't return them. A little painful but fine.
This, though, wasn't something Hikaru understood. It wasn't a rejection and that was great but what?
Hikaru's problem is how emotional he is and it never works well with his immaturity and all he can think is how unhappy he is that it won't work. How miserable is it that he met this person he really likes and there's no way they can ever talk to each other again?]
That's still good-bye! See you later, talk to you later, is good-bye when we both know that won't work! [Why is he yelling? He isn't mad. He's just upset and it's similar to how it was when they first met and Hikaru had yelled at him for his simple joke. It isn't fair to Taichi at all but Hikaru doesn't have good emotional control.]
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... The Unopening Door!
[ It's grasping at straws, and it sounds like absolute nonsense, especially because Taichi's eyes are welling up with tears and his fists are balling up in frustration. He keeps one hand out, though. ]
There are three pieces of magic at Mankai Company that really exist, the Director's gotten stuck behind it! So if that much exists, there's more, and that means I can find out a way to call another universe or time or whatever Japan you're in!
[ he lowers his hand and moves forward, pressing his forehead against Hikaru's shoulder to try to hide a sob. ]
What else am I supposed to do, after you say something like that? There's no way I can just give up...!
[ Hikaru's not the only emotional one here. ]
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Hikaru had not been crying until Taichi finally starts welling up and it's all over for Hikaru. Everything Taichi says pierces through his heart and Hikaru simply cannot deal with that. He wraps his arms back around Taichi and he isn't sobbing but tears are rolling down his cheeks as he rests his head on the other boy's head.]
I want you to come with me. I wish that we could. [And he does want that but it's said in a tone that shows he knows that isn't happening. Taichi has important people and Hikaru cannot leave his own life behind.
So what can he do? Realistically not much at all but he can give Taichi his number. Likely it won't work at all. It probably is impossible. But if all they have is this one little spark of hope then Hikaru can hold onto that.
He pulls away and grabs the pen and paper to write down his number and name before holding it out, laughing once and wiping at his eyes even if he doesn't know if he's going to stop crying.]
You know you're not allowed to forget about me now, right? You'll definitely get punished. [He sticks his tongue out, trying to act much cooler than he is being this emotional.]
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[ Besides, there's no way Yuki won't try to fight another fashion designer in the building and Taichi's/the entire theater's budget probably isn't enough for one day for the Hitachiins. And he assumes they have other friends and obligations too. And they'd probably run into the same issue of being illegal aliens regardless of who went where and Mankai will get in trouble for hosting so many people without work visas and go bankrupt.
But not forget is something he wants to stick to. He wipes his eyes and takes the paper and writes it again on the inside of his arm before pocketing it, just in case he loses anything on his way back home. ]
When you get home, don't forget that I'm gonna try to call you at 8pm before bed every night either. And...
[ Maybe he shouldn't ask for more. He definitely should ask though right? Girls always want consent before anything according to the latest trends, Hikaru probably... ]
You could give me something to remember you by that no one else can.
[ There, just vague though that he's asking but not being obvious enough to get turned down outright. ]
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But he's nodding along and smiling despite it all. The fact that Taichi wants to talk to him every day and if Hikaru's honest, imagining that feels nice. Talking to Taichi, telling him about his day, and hearing his. That makes him happy and maybe for just a little while, it's okay to pretend they can have that.
Taichi's request brings him out of his thoughts and it takes him longer than it should for him to realize what Taichi is asking for and...Hikaru has thought of it. When he thought about his feelings, he wondered if he could kiss Taichi because if you liked somebody then you could kiss them. Hikaru had learned that he could imagine it, he thought he could do it, and it had been on his mind more than enough times.
He licks his lips and looks at Taichi's, blushing. Taichi hadn't said he liked him too but...but...you didn't ask for a kiss if you didn't want one, right?! So Taichi did feel the same way? How long? Since when? What has Taichi thought about? There are so many questions and not enough time. Better to not think and just live in the moment, right?
Putting his hand on Taichi's cheek and taking a step closer, he's still too nervous to just lean in and do it.] You...sure?
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He reaches across himself to pinch his arm, briefly checking to make sure he's awake. He swallows, visibly, and nods. He's obviously nervous, but not because it's Hikaru. He straightens himself, clearing his throat, and tries to be at least.. somewhat suave. He's doing his best. He grins and and reaches up to try to tug Hikaru's shirt by the collar toward him, but stops the second after he hooks his finger. He doesn't want to stretch the fabric, Hikaru definitely wouldn't like that. He takes his finger down. He doesn't know how to do this with a guy? (Not that he knows how to do this with a girl, but he has some idea from movies!!) ]
I like you and this is my first time, I don't want to mess this up! ..I know!
[ He grins, his cheeks rosy. He doesn't know what he's doing. So he decides to do what he and Hikaru do best and reaches for both of his hands to hold, then tries gently pulling him closer by the hands while standing on his toes for a kiss. That feels right. ]
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It's always been nice to hold Taichi's hands. This had been what had started all of this, right? Hikaru trying to be a good friend and offer to moonlace with him by holding hands. Taichi rushing over and them having that sleepover. Even when Hikaru couldn't help him make chroma at all. But they had held hands through all that fabric and it still had been nice.
It's just as nice now as he entangles their fingers and begins to lean in. Maybe he should be more nervous about this and he does pause for only a second, making certain that Taichi isn't having any second thoughts. But when he doesn't see that, Hikaru decides not to even think anymore as he leans in. Kissing shouldn't be so hard and if it's both of their firsts then what do they even have to compare it to?
But before their lips can touch, there's some commotion going on that interrupts him. People shouting nearby and something else. He isn't happy about being interrupted and pulls away, snapping:] What the hell is going on?
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