@thesilvermoonrays liked for a kiss written between our muses
Romance isn't something Alaire has ever gotten the chance to explore. A mixture of due to never having met someone he's fallen for before on top of the fact that, when his father was alive, Alaire didn't have a choice in who he married. Be it that his father had been stronger than him to the point he needed aid to defeat him; who he ended up with? It was his father's choice.
The freedom that came with his father's defeat was such a strange thing. What does one do with themselves when they suddenly have the freedom they sought out for so long?
An unfortunate turn of events that led in the complete destruction of his clan brought him his answer. As sad as what happened to them all was, all murdered in strings pulled by none other than Naraku, Alaire can't really complain about where he's ended up. Befriending the group that had aided him in his father's defeat.
Originally, simply to seek them out and join them on their quest. Though it had turned into something more. Never did Alaire think he would feel most at home with a small group of humans, a young demon, and a hanyō. Even if he never looked down on humans or hanyō, interacting with them isn't commonplace. Given his status and the whole ordeal with his father. Sure, Alaire had snuck out plenty of times to go see and help the humans in the villages neighboring his clan's building, but he's never gotten to really befriend.. anyone.
Though it's with Inuyasha that Alaire seems to get along with the most. To the point he realizes he's sure he has feelings for the hanyō. Whom is actually sitting with him right now. It's late, the humans and Shippo are asleep, and they're off up on a branch playing lookout. Well, it's originally simply been Inuyasha, however, the daiyōkai had come to sit with him.
There's a perfect view of a lake and the moon and stars are reflecting off its waters. Quietly, they'd been talking so as not to disturb anyone though eventually, they fell quiet. It was nice how they could just sit quietly and enjoy each other's company. Talking wasn't always necessary. Though Alaire does eventually end up speaking, it's more him thinking out loud than anything. "Pretty."
Which is funny because that's just what Inuyasha was thinking whilst he looked at him. Alaire hadn't noticed it, but the hanyō has been staring at him; the way the moon and water seem to reflect off his eyes so beautifully. What's embarrassing about it? Inuyasha ends up mumbling a you are under his breath unintentionally. It'd been meant to just be a thought. And unfortunately, he knows because of how good Alaire's hearing is, that they guy definitely heard him.
His instinct is to run but before he can even shift, Alaire is looking at him. Wide eyed almost like a doe in something he can only assume is shock. It's not as though he hasn't been called pretty before, but when the person you like suddenly calls you pretty clearly by accident, caught staring? Well, it's hard not to feel a fluttering feeling in his chest with his cheeks turning red. Inuyasha's would be just as red.
While Inuyasha believes he's likely just made things awkward, Alaire is doing mental gymnastics and trying to figure out if that means something. Means more than just him being called pretty. It's not as though Inuyasha hasn't commented on his looks before, but this scenario feels.. different. Especially because Alaire is good at putting two and two together. Because why would Inuyasha suddenly get so flustered at being caught staring and complimenting him if it wasn't something.. more than that.
So, to test it, Alaire shifts, moving so one of his hands can rest atop of Inuyasha's though within this movement the other male speaks up suddenly and it brings the movement to a pause.
"What're ya looking at me like that for?"
Looking at him with adoration. It's something Inuyasha isn't accustomed to. Even his companions often held snide remarks for him at every turn; besides Alaire, that is. Despite what they are and how others would assume them to interact, Alaire has been nothing but kind to him. Always listening, understanding him in ways that he feels no one has ever attempted to before.
So yeah, Inuyasha likes him too and the two of them have been doing this stupid dance of being unsure how the other really feels for about a month or so now. That's what happens when two grown men who have never really experienced true, real, romance let alone care fall for each other. How ironic that the two of them would find each other. Now if only one of them could just made a damned move.
Alaire answer is physical. One thing he's learned is words aren't always necessary with them. Sometimes, when words are too hard to articulate or form, action was the easiest way to explain. So, Alaire finishes the action of resting his hand atop Inuyasha's, fingers slipping between his in a sign of affection. He does end up speaking eventually. After his surprised gaze softens, Inuyasha's red cheeks telling him everything he needed to know. He then begins to lean in, words leaving him just before his lips press gently to theirs.
"Isn't that how you were just looking at me..?"
There's no time to respond to Alaire's question before feeling their lips upon his. There's a moment of fear. Where he flinches, but not because the affection isn't wanted. It's instinct telling him to run, to not give in to something like this because it's just going to get fucked up somehow. Only feeling Alaire's other hand gently resting upon his cheek seems to silence those thoughts. He stays, let's their lips fully press to his, and kisses them back.
It's not long even though Alaire would have loved it to be. It's just that they didn't need anyone spying on them and ruining this precious moment. Short and sweet is fine for now. At least that's what Alaire tells himself despite the fact he didn't want to pull away. They're both shy about it when he does. It's clear neither of them know how to proceed after an interaction like this, so they go with not speaking again. No words necessary.
Instead, the two of them continue to sit there together, holding hands and with Alaire's head resting on Inuyasha's shoulder comfortably. Soft, rumbling purrs emanating from his throat in comfort. For the first time in a very long time? He feels happy.
