[ He's not expecting the sudden touching, but instead of stiffening like he'd done in the past, Gino simply relaxes. Lets his weight sag backwards a bit, shoulders sloping with it.
Once, he used to hate this casual touch. Felt it was unnecessary, that it made him weak to want it. Now he can't think of his life without it. Without Kogami on the other side, a reassuring line of warmth. Tilting his head, he considers the question– it takes him off guard a bit. Not because he didn't think Kogami capable, but. He hadn't thought that far ahead. Content to live day to day.
Turning a bit, he glances at his partner out of the corner of his eye, brows raised slightly. ]
[ It occurs to Kogami that this is one of Gino's enduring habits -- he doesn't assume that their... whatever this is, is a matter of course. They've definitely come a long way from where they had been before, but it seems that they still have quite a ways to go, if they ever get there at all. Gino is always poised to assume that all of this is transient, that nothing ever really stays, and Kogami knows he can't blame him.
After all, he knows himself; Kogami is as much of a flight risk as any, even if he'd chosen to be here, to destroy Sibyl from within.
Gino relaxes in his touch, now, he notices. It's a small improvement, but no less cherished. Kogami doesn't think twice, simply shifting to accommodate, an arm smoothly curling around his waist. The other hand plucks the unlit cigarette from between his lips; Gino doesn't much fancy kissing a human ashtray, and maybe there is something Kogami is craving more than nicotine, after all.
Today is a day of plenty of firsts. ]
I'm not sure what I'd do with all that unused space on your side of the bed.
[ He points out by way of response, because Kogami is not a wholly sentimental man, even if he does have his exceptions. And affections. Expressing himself is something he's never had much of an aptitude for. ]
[ Granted, Kogami is not one to take up so much space. Possibly too used to sleeping on the couch. Or, maybe he's always been like this. Gino never paid too strong attention to his sleeping habits before.
Still, there's something warming about Kogami even broaching the topic. That he's considered it and doesn't want to run in the other direction. He knows how much of an effort it must've been—neither of them are good at expressing themselves, but Kogami is worse about it in a lot of ways. ] I'm finding it hard to turn down, though; weighing the pros and cons nets more positives.
[ Kogami's curious, after all. Net positive is a good thing, but he would rather not be a narrow margin. Nuzzling against his cheek lightly, he squeezes his partner's waist. ]
You can take the arrangement for a test run, starting this evening.
[ It's not the only thing on the list and the answer is far more gentle than what else he has on there. But, as much as Kogami may want to know, he isn't going to divulge. Gino has learned his lesson in blunt truths and sharp comments. Sometimes, it's better to withhold; people can only change so much. ]
You're being bold for someone who eschewed the idea of a bed two days ago. [ He smiles as he says it, the words colored with warmth. ]
[ Kogami is certain that Gino has far worse up his sleeve, ready to be deployed at moments that are far less tranquil and warm than this. He knows his own shortcomings, aware of just how Gino has accommodated him in different things.
Really, he doesn't deserve this man and his patience.
He grasps his chin briefly, tipping his face up to give him a soft, fleeting kiss. ]
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Once, he used to hate this casual touch. Felt it was unnecessary, that it made him weak to want it. Now he can't think of his life without it. Without Kogami on the other side, a reassuring line of warmth. Tilting his head, he considers the question– it takes him off guard a bit. Not because he didn't think Kogami capable, but. He hadn't thought that far ahead. Content to live day to day.
Turning a bit, he glances at his partner out of the corner of his eye, brows raised slightly. ]
You'd want to? Really?
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After all, he knows himself; Kogami is as much of a flight risk as any, even if he'd chosen to be here, to destroy Sibyl from within.
Gino relaxes in his touch, now, he notices. It's a small improvement, but no less cherished. Kogami doesn't think twice, simply shifting to accommodate, an arm smoothly curling around his waist. The other hand plucks the unlit cigarette from between his lips; Gino doesn't much fancy kissing a human ashtray, and maybe there is something Kogami is craving more than nicotine, after all.
Today is a day of plenty of firsts. ]
I'm not sure what I'd do with all that unused space on your side of the bed.
[ He points out by way of response, because Kogami is not a wholly sentimental man, even if he does have his exceptions. And affections. Expressing himself is something he's never had much of an aptitude for. ]
no subject
[ Granted, Kogami is not one to take up so much space. Possibly too used to sleeping on the couch. Or, maybe he's always been like this. Gino never paid too strong attention to his sleeping habits before.
Still, there's something warming about Kogami even broaching the topic. That he's considered it and doesn't want to run in the other direction. He knows how much of an effort it must've been—neither of them are good at expressing themselves, but Kogami is worse about it in a lot of ways. ] I'm finding it hard to turn down, though; weighing the pros and cons nets more positives.
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[ Kogami's curious, after all. Net positive is a good thing, but he would rather not be a narrow margin. Nuzzling against his cheek lightly, he squeezes his partner's waist. ]
You can take the arrangement for a test run, starting this evening.
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[ It's not the only thing on the list and the answer is far more gentle than what else he has on there. But, as much as Kogami may want to know, he isn't going to divulge. Gino has learned his lesson in blunt truths and sharp comments. Sometimes, it's better to withhold; people can only change so much. ]
You're being bold for someone who eschewed the idea of a bed two days ago. [ He smiles as he says it, the words colored with warmth. ]
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Really, he doesn't deserve this man and his patience.
He grasps his chin briefly, tipping his face up to give him a soft, fleeting kiss. ]
Maybe I'm keeping an open mind.