Inbox for duplicity

[chopoffyourhead]

Username: rosehearts

Comments

[perfectly_average]

[Wow... don't giggle so cutely!

Jamil unsurprisingly doesn't fight being tugged, but he can't resist gently pulling at his hood a little, hiding some of his face.]

More like I'm usually better at hiding it. [Somewhat.] ... Did you want to talk about something?

[chopoffyourhead]

Heh...

[His gaze softens as his hand falls away from Jamil's shoulder. He nods.

He holds a blink for a moment, then looks up at Jamil, cheeks pink.]

My answer is yes. It's worth it.

1/2

[perfectly_average]

[Wh-...]

2/3, I lied

[perfectly_average]

[There's a long pause... A lot of internal debate...

Worth it, huh?

Jamil lets out a quiet sound of struggle and soft frustration.]

[perfectly_average]

[In his struggles, he doesn't notice, at first, the tears escaping.

When he does, he angrily wipes at them, giving Riddle a look of frustration.]

... You say that now...

[But he can't finish. He just buries his face in his hands and lets out an angry, muffled noise.]

[chopoffyourhead]

[...oh...

Riddle can't help but stare at first... and then his expression drops a bit at those words.

After a moment, he raises a hand to gently pet Jamil's head.]

... isn't it all temporary to begin with? None of us are going to live forever. Who knows if after this we'll end up back at NRC, or maybe somewhere else completely?

I don't want to stop living to save myself pain in the future. And I definitely don't want to abandon the people who matter most to me in their time of need just because it'll make separation that much more painful.

[perfectly_average]

[He pulls out a handkerchief and dries his face, falling quiet after listening to Riddle's words. It's after a fairly long stretch of silence, he lets out a heavy sigh and nods.]

I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that's how you'd see it...

[With a small smile, he shifts to face Riddle, and then leans to kiss him softly.]

But, I think you're worth it, too.

[chopoffyourhead]

[O-oh...

His breath outright falters at that kiss as the blush on his face deepens.]

Jamil...

[He takes a deep breath as he looks at him for a moment, then...

He raises his hands to tenderly cup the sides of Jamil's face. His eyes lid, and he shifts forward to press and hold a kiss to his lips...]

[perfectly_average]

[... This is definitely a lot more than any kiss they've shared before, and Jamil can feel a tiny swell of nervousness. Is this really okay? Even as he leans into it, hands coming up to lightly thread through Riddle's hair, he has to wonder if Floyd would be... okay. He certainly doesn't plan to let things progress beyond this, in terms of relationship matters, of course, but... even just the matter of their feelings clearly being more now.

After their lips part, he slides a finger over to lightly tap Riddle's lips with a small smile. There's a gently playful air in his next words.]

I like you a lot, Riddle.

[chopoffyourhead]

[The kiss makes his heart race, and everything feels so right. And he has so many questions in his mind. What would Jamil be okay with? Just because he saw it as worth it didn't necessarily mean he was ready for, well... something more again, right? And he can't help but think of the others too. Especially Floyd...

He gives a little smile around the finger, then pecks it lightly.]

I like you a lot too, Jamil.

[perfectly_average]

[Jamil lets out a quiet laugh over the peck, tilting his head at Riddle.]

I'm glad you do...

[Which is something that carries a lot of weight, after everything.]

For now... I think we should just enjoy being alive together. This world can be terrible, but you're... happier here, aren't you? In some ways?

[chopoffyourhead]

[His smile warms further at those words.

At the questions, he nods.]

I am.

You're here, after all.

[perfectly_average]

[Those words get a quiet huff, but then he can't help the amused smile.]

Such flattery... [He leans to brush a couple of kisses over Riddle's cheek.] You wouldn't be trying to fluster me, would you? I might have to get revenge.

[chopoffyourhead]

[His smile brightens a little at the kisses, and then he gives a little chuckle at the accusation.]

As cute as you are when you're flustered... no, I wasn't.

[His hand comes up to cup Jamil's cheek once more.]

... I really am happier than I ever remember being.

[perfectly_average]

[His expression softens a little before he sighs and nods.]

... I'm glad, then. [He glances away, and then gives the faintest of genuinely warm smiles.] So am I.

[With a soft kiss to Riddle's lips, he hums and then he whispers.]

You've had a lot to do with that.

[chopoffyourhead]

[His heart melts at that warm smile, and he returns the soft kiss.]

I feel the same way about you.

[He simply smiles at him for a moment... Before he looks down, picking up his gift.]

Now, what is it you were in such a hurry to give me and go, hm?

[Time to find out.]

[perfectly_average]

[He gains a hint of sheepishness over the being smiled at for a moment...

As for the gift... it's a small cake! It has signs that point towards being handmade by someone new to it, but it's otherwise obviously made by someone experienced.]

I figured... you'd appreciate being the one to receive my first attempt at jelly-based cakes.

[chopoffyourhead]

[Riddle's face always lights up whenever presented with one of Jamil's desserts. This is no exception.]

Jamil, this is incredible...!

[He very carefully holds it up to get a better look.]

Your culinary skills never cease to amaze...

[perfectly_average]

[Ah... his expression softens, even as a very soft blush surfaces.]

I worked especially hard on it, seeing as it was... completely new, as a concept. While I have made gelatin desserts, it was never more than pouring liquid into a bowl or cup.

[He gives the tiniest smile.]

Of course, I can only hope it tastes half as good as it looks.

[chopoffyourhead]

I'm certain that it will.

[Riddle has never been disappointed eating any of Jamil's dishes, after all.

He gently sets it on the table, and gets to a stand.]

Why don't we share it together? [A light blush.] ... if you'd be alright with that.

[perfectly_average]

[Oh... he smiles softly, a hint of shyness in his face as he nods.]

I'd like that... [He glances away, brushing his ponytail off of his shoulder as he adds.] A lot, in fact.

[chopoffyourhead]

[Riddle's smile brightens considerably. He moves to go get the proper utensils from the kitchen.

As he does, he asks:]

By the way, how was the tea?

[The rose tea he'd hastily given to Jamil before running off to tend to Floyd and Azul.]

[perfectly_average]

It was very pleasant. That was my first time having rose tea, and...

[There's a soft dust of pink on his cheeks.]

Frankly, it made me happy to drink.