#deescalates

"So-ra..." Momiji cupped his face, thumbs brushing over his cheeks with utmost tenderness. How could she scold him if she felt the very same way, always hoping she was on his mind, that he needed her as much as she needed So-ra? Eyes studying the male with a warm gaze, Momiji paused for a moment, mind collecting words to put them into sentences - or else, she might just get out only gibberish. Yes, even she experienced nervousness, a natural reaction around someone you had feelings for, right? "Be selfish. Because I'm afraid I am selfish, too. I will always need you, I might not have known that from the very beginning when things were still nothing more than fun and games but now... now I am certain. And my selfish wish is for you to need me, too. That I'm for once chosen by someone I love as well." Perhaps the scene of So-ra standing in front of her apartment after getting soaked by the rain appeared too much like out of a television series but it appealed to Momiji - at first before she pulled the man inside to dry him up. "Let's talk more later, handsome. Can't exchange love confessions with you if you catch a cold. We'll have a shower together and cuddle up with blankets and something warm." I'll always choose you.

He placed both hands upon Jonghun's cheeks and planted a very thorough kiss upon his lips. "I have some more... out the back," answered Munehisa. Cheeky!

"I'm worried! What the hell!" He threw his hands up into the air - and after a pause where he appeared to be a statue, returned to wrap his arms around his boyfriend, burying his nose into the crook of his neck to inhale deeply. "Sorry, sorry. I'm excited about the trip. Mm. First anniversary already, huh? You and me? Tacchan always treats me soooo well."

"I have some eye drops if it's about dryness..." Her gaze is concerned albeit amused at the same time. Seeing him a little confused apparently is now on the list of things Otohime adores about Reiya. "Too bad, here I was thinking of putting on a little fashion show with all the clothes I got today. I went to this hidden secondhand store close to the bookshop! They even had jewelry!"

Whenever Miran observed her dear friend reaching for things without a second look or just going to freshen up without even asking, it felt like shared the place. Quite a nice image! Her lips curled into a smile at the sight, already anticipating the taste of wine. "We can't have a boring man bore you to death with just as boring topics - when it's clear you always excite me. Then I should make sure to come along next time. As your friend, I have a certain responsibility. So now that you're here, I'll start with one or two things." Why would she not appreciate the other woman in ways she deserved? Manicured nails danced over her friend's arm, tender and almost delicate when her hand then squeezed the hip in appreciation.

The way he pulled her closer - time of the essence as it seemed - never failed to make the woman's heart skip a beat. Such a profound love, both expressed through physical touch and utter devotion. Reiya did not have to go out all the way but of course, Otohime appreciated his efforts, showed him just how much by returning the kiss with eagerness and enjoyment. "I was so tired after work..." she hummed against the man's lips as hands rested on his chest, "But now I feel rather energized. Work days should always end this way. Should I be the one to greet you tomorrow upon returning?" Delicate fingertips brushed over Reiya's lips, seconds after they parted, a content purr leaving her mouth. "Or... I don't go to work tomorrow at all... sounds very tempting."

The dragon grinned at this, arms opened widely to welcome his lover with eagerness in both voice and expression. "Favorite places, hm? Are you the detective now interrogating me before we get to the messy tongue kisses?" Yet, he chuckled softly as he caressed his lover's cheeks before leaning in for a subtle kiss, a first taste. "Should we make it our designated day for this type of kisses? I have to admit, I think I enjoy them the most in the kitchen... between delicious tea and cookies. What about you, Ta-kun? Where do you love to share this type of kiss with me? In our bed?" Gin winked.

"And we don't mind you asking," Hikaru added. "If we wanted you gone, we would say so." Certainly that could not be considered a hidden threat, could it? The angelic face greeting the man did hide its intentions all too well. "Whether or not we tell you more about our friendship depends on how the evening progresses, curious stranger but we don't see any reason to shoo you away. Does your friend want to join?"