dissimilates | INBOX.

[ A well-received truth. Even if it's not the same Yokohama, it bears similarities. Strange, how they can come from completely alternate realities, and still know this much is the same. Jyuto's bias for Kogami grows stronger though he hadn't imagined it any more influential than it already was. He's easily steered, because Kogami seems to know at least a little more about where they're headed compared to himself. ]

If that museum's history to you, someone like me who still finds it relevant must be in an urn already. Do I count as a cradle robber? Maybe a ghost? [ Of course, it doesn't really matter now. Lunatia is the only place where they can coexist in the same time and place. ] I feel a little embarrassed now, to bring it up. What's your Yokohama like? Is there at least a bay still there? [ Because who knows how different it may actually be. Maybe it's a completely different landscape, like desert Yokohama. With the crusty cup noodle museum. ]

[ ah, isn't that just incredibly sobering? kogami has thought of that, but to hear it like this makes his heart tighten a little. jyuto would be a ghost in his world in an age long past, and his brows knit, quietly thoughtful. ]

It's still there, as beautiful as ever. As is the city. There are a lot more holograms, though.

[ it's a bittersweet thought as they come across a series of black and white photography on human faces, scenes, images captured in time. can he do that, too? can he capture jyuto in time? he turns to him briefly, but the question does on his lips. instead: ]

I'd want to remember you.

[ It sounds beautiful and surreal, even if he's somewhat aware of how just how tainted Kogami's world is. With technology overrunning the way humans bring justice to their criminals, he isn't sure that this Yokohama is something he should say that he wants to see, together. Because of that, he doesn't speak.

He's studying the photograph of a bride whose smile drew him in when Kogami angles himself to face him. Because Jyuto isn't quite aware where his dark humor has brought Kogami's train of thought, so it's almost sudden to hear. He'd want to remember him. He remembers the text message from before, too. He thinks he could be worth it. Jyuto looks at him, his smile a little sad. ]

You mean if we have to go back? [ He has to guess. ] I hope I'd remember you, too. [ And lately he thinks that he doesn't want to go back. He'd arrived so determined on figuring out how to get himself and the rest of MTC back, but now... he's starting to feel like this is better for all of them. He's come to like it here, and... if he isn't here, he and Kogami can't coexist. ]

I haven't met anyone like you before.
[ Jyuto won't elaborate, it makes him too vulnerable. He looks back at the image of the bride on the wall, to the child and then the tired, rugged looking man. He thinks about how fleeting happiness can be, and wonders how long he's meant to have Kogami beside him. ]

[ kogami's in the same boat, too -- he hadn't wanted to be here, not really, because while japan is the far less unsavory version, he had work to do there; but as the days passed, as he'd come to know others and jyuto here more and more, the reluctance to leave this city grows.

kogami's quiet for a long moment, and he decides that he doesn't like this feeling, as if he's fighting to remember ever inch of jyuto; the solid figure he cuts just paces from him, the green of his eyes, the glint of light off his glasses, the gloves, the polished shoes and the chain over the knot of his tie.

it's seared into his memory, as is dozens of little moments, fragments frozen in time. his smile, the tender way he looks at him after sex, the way he asked for the time. christmas eve. the moment his lips closed around his dogtags, wait, he'd said. he's collecting every glimpse of jyuto, every expression, but finally he's found one he doesn't like.

the curve of that sad little smile, and his words catch in his throat, his answer to that sentiment unspoken but never clearer in his mind, i hope you never remember.

you can't be sad over what you don't know is gone.

so he turns to look at what jyuto's looking in. ]

Me neither. [ then: ] Do you know where they sell those instant cameras? I think they used to call them... polaroids?

[ The impermanence of their time together isn't a pleasant thought. It never is— it's one of those anxieties that haunts Jyuto frequently, a core fear that's made Jyuto the way he is. If only Kogami knew. The reason he doesn't let others in easily is because... ]

You want to buy a polaroid camera when we leave?
[ No more. He doesn't want to think about losing Kogami, yet. They haven't even started. ]
That's what they're called, yes. They develop within the frame of a couple of minutes. We may be able to find one at an electronics store. Isn't there one near the burger place?

I'll have to find it.

[ he gives him a crooked smile when they make their way to another collection of colourful photos of couples and joyful children at play, as well as a particular poignant one of a man and a woman walking together in a field of golden barley. ]

You'll have to be my subject for some of them.

I don't mind taking a detour together tonight, if you want to. [ If polaroids aren't around in Kogami's time, has everything become digitalized? Do they still print pictures, or are they all holograms too? ]

But if you really want to take photos of me, I'm warning you now that I'm not very photogenic. You'd be better off with pictures of birds or landscapes, I think.

Let's take a look around first, then I'll take you up on that detour together.

[ as much as he likes the museum, it's jyuto he's spending time with, and he's pleased that the man's willing to look for it with him. raising his brows at him in mild amusement at the assertion that he's not photogenic, he asks, ]

Who told you that?

No one, I just know it for myself. I imagine you'd photograph well, though.
I think there's a modeling agency for moonblessed now, if you're interested. [ Mostly teasing, he doubts Kogami would take up a modeling job seriously. ]

I know. I was approached.

[ kogami drawls with a small, mischievous little smile. gaku had been pretty decent about it, too. they're heading toward one of the natural history exhibits, now. ]

We should test that theory. If it turns out you're right, I'll keep those photos for you as a favor.

[ heh. ]

You were? [ Oh? And he didn't take the offer? Jyuto's eyebrows lift. He's impressed with what he hears, and he looks as if Kogami's shut him up with the statement, stunned and quiet. ] Well, there you have it. [ He'll make this a told you so moment. ]

Should I even ask why you'd want to keep my bad pictures? No funny ideas; if you try and blackmail me, I'll get you back harder.

[ is it surprising? kogami blinks, not quite expecting it to be to anyone -- it is what it is, just an offhanded comment. he just shakes his head and smiles. ]

Many people here are really physically gifted. You included.

[ him, strikingly handsome, neatly elegant. ]

Is it even possible for you to take bad pictures? I mean, look at you.

[ If anyone between them is physically gifted, it's Kogami. Jyuto doesn't entirely look convinced, his eyes are somewhere on Kogami's chest and thinking about how snug that button up shirt fits him. ]

I just think I look better in person. [ This may be the only way to express his thoughts on it without sounding entirely conceited. ]
Do you really think I'm going to let you go without telling me about how you were scouted? I want to hear more.
What kind of job did they offer you?

I was just having coffee. You should see the man himself, he looked like he stepped out of the magazine's pages.

[ gaku is absolutely stunning. kogami? maybe not quite at that level yet. still, jyuto's interest is endearing, and he playfully chucks him under his chin with light fingers. ]

Hey, my eyes are up here. If you'd like to be a model --

[ Jyuto's head turns up, but his eyes are still down on Kogami's chest. He grins mischievously, ] Stop, I'm trying to talk about you. I don't want to model.
[ He reaches to tug on the edge of Kogami's shirt, for no reason in particular. Kogami's always so quick to shaft the spotlight away from himself. ]

The man who scouted you? If he looked any differently, it'd be concerning. That's his industry and all... [ Jyuto looks up properly now on his own time. ] You look like you'd be on an ad for either cologne or leather boots. Maybe a gym.

[ kogami shakes his head and pauses when jyuto gently tugs on his shirt, admiring the mischief in his smile, the lovely wickedness in his eyes. jyuto's catlike, looking him up and down like he's sizing him up like a particularly delicious piece of meat.

he kind of likes it, despite himself. to have jyuto's full attention like this is a privilege, and he lets himself soak it up a little even if he doesn't much fancy the attention -- although he does step a little closer, lightly touching the sharp line of his jaw. ]

Ah... are you flirting with me, Jyuto?

I can stop, if you'd like me to. [ His gaze flickers to Kogami's hand and then back to his face. The fingers tugging on Kogami's shirt curl lazily, hooking him close but not reeling him in. Jyuto just wants to be close. ]

I had something to say, was all.

No. Don't.

[ kogami doesn't want him to stop, and he gently urges him closer as he steps back into a little shadowy cranny, out of the way of cinema-goers.

kogami wants to be close to him, too, and he leans in to nudge his nose along his cheek. it's intimate, soft, the attraction crackling between them, strong as ever. ]

I liked it. You think that highly of me, huh?

Don't look so surprised. [ Though they're nuzzled together, Jyuto's eyes are carefully passing behind, over the walkway where other attendees may pass. He's wary because the two of them are pushing the envelope of the PDA department, and if he doesn't put some kind of halt to it, leaving it to Kogami is unlikely going to be a success story. ]

Are you really this worked up over me telling you that you're hot?
Because you're hot.

Edited 2020-01-17 15:58 (UTC)

It's because it's you.

[ kogami isn't a blushing virgin -- he's aware of his physical attributes, even if he doesn't put much stock in them; what matters is what's between your ears, but to be the focus of jyuto's attention is... it's arousing.

jyuto looks at him like he intends to unravel him, and kogami finds himself fascinated, admiring the beast that's settled inside of the other man, too. there's a reason why he's noticed him out of the others the very first time.

and jyuto's right, kogami can't be trusted to put a halt to it, because he's already winding an arm around his waist, his lips gently nipping at his ear. ]

I don't care about hearing that from others. Although if you keep going -- [ his words are pitched low in his ear, husky. ] I'm going to have to take you right here.

[ Is that really why? Naturally Jyuto has a hard time believing what truth there may be to Kogami's words, but with some reluctance, he does. He can hold him. Kogami has no need to sweet talk him, anymore. Jyuto knows this. Jyuto had even put it out there that he'd be fine with just meeting for sex from now on. Without a reason to keep going through the motions or to manipulate him, the words being said now don't make sense unless Kogami sincerely wants to say them. There's so much comfort in that. Jyuto's heart is beating hard. ]

Oh, shut up. [ It's a tempting offer in its own dark way, but Jyuto can't let Kogami hold too much power over him like this. There's no bite to what he's saying; he just can't meet tenderness the way he's supposed to. ] I'm not going to let you take me anywhere. We're going to look at the rest of the exhibit like two grown men. [ Hypocritically, though, he feels himself lean into the frame in front of him, Kogami's moving and perverted lips sweet to the touch. What a buttery voice. ]

You can hold me for 7 more seconds, and then we're going to enjoy the rest of our date.
[ He gives Kogami's stupid sexy chest a smack with the bottom of his hand. ]

Edited 2020-01-18 08:45 (UTC)

7 more seconds?

[ kogami laughs softly now, burying his face in the crook of his neck, nosing against his collar and pressing a soft kiss to his neck, lingering before pulling away. he can feel his pulse quicken, and jyuto's spirited denial of his attentions only makes him want him more.

there's something about jyuto, always, that keeps him on his toes. it's true that kogami doesn't need to do anything else to get him into bed -- jyuto's made it clear, after all, but the truth is that he does enjoy his company, too, and when he pulls away he keeps close, happy to spend the time going through the exhibit with him as he is suggesting filthy things in public spaces.

grinning at the smack, he catches his hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. ]

I thought we're already enjoying the date.

Good boy. [ When they part. Jyuto tries not to say it in a dirty way, because it'd do more harm than good and give mixed signals. Green eyes roll playfully, and his gloved fingers curl within the squeeze of Kogami's grasp. ]

You know very well what I meant. I need you to not play that card right now. [ His thumb rubs the top of Kogami's idly, and he lets his wrist go limp as to let their hands fall together. ] There's still the entire exhibit left for us to see.

[ ah. there is a moment (quite a few moments, actually) when kogami is tempted to grasp it -- to take his hand in his own. but it's too soon, he thinks, which is ridiculous and yet, here they are. so he doesn't, not yet, and indeed, there is the entire exhibit for them to see.

they stroll close together, leaning into each other briefly, and eventually when the exhibit is concluded and they're out of the museum and on the steps, kogami hands him another small box. it's a tie pin, a miniature of one of the abstract paintings he had caught jyuto lingering at. an inexpensive bauble, but something kogami figures jyuto would want to remember this excursion by. ]

Here. Thought you'd like this.

You spoil me too much. [ Jyuto already has the chocolate, too. ] What is it? [ He'd missed witnessing Kogami buy it, or he'd have tried to stop him before he could go through with it. He's prying it open to check, and when he sees what's been picked for him he smiles, amused to himself. Had it been that obvious he'd liked that one? Leave it to Kogami to notice... ]

Kogami. [ How does he start. Jyuto slides that tin shut again, collecting it in his arm with the chocolate. ] You don't play fair, you know. I'm going to have to pretend I'm not interested in anything to keep you from pampering me. [ But Jyuto's already thinking of ways to even the scale. ]

I'm going to buy your polaroid camera as a present. You won't stop me.

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