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That's what times like this are-- [ for, she means to say, but that nip stops her short with a quietly strangled sound, and she squirms just a bit. Further in his arms. ]

--for? [He's so helpful, offering that in a low voice, somehow tight. Maybe that's because he wasn't expecting the sound she made. He's breathing against her earlobe, his arms tightening to (also very helpfully) help her closer.]

... for. [ And Yang sounds slightly dazed, her hand on his chest moving to rest on the slightly broader mark not far above it. ] You're being irresistible again, demon lord.

[She'll hear Naoki's sharply indrawn breath next to her ear, but he doesn't move, either-- He can feel warmth gathering quickly under where she touches, aware of her as he is.]

Whoops. [One day, that'll go right to his head.] I'll try to tone it down.

In public, at least. [ She almost sounds huffy, even as she learns the sweeping lines of this particular tattoo, mapping it with her fingers distractedly. She can hear the effect it has on him-- and she's growing to enjoy it, even though she'll keep the touching fairly light, chaste. ]

Do you have any idea how hard it was not to do anything to you tonight?

[Naoki's laugh next to her ear is thin, breathy, and the skin under her fingers trembles minutely as she traces it. Though light, it leaves that electric feeling and lingering heat.]

...Mm-mm. [His head moves in a tiny shake.] Were you trying not to drag me off somewhere too?

[Naoki'd thought about it.]

... Yeah. I figured... [ It's her turn for a laugh, rubbing her fingers into his skin. ] Nat might not like it if I disappeared during her birthday party. And I wouldn't have done that to her or Ruby, anyway.

[ But damn had she been tempted. ]

[Naoki squirms slightly-- but he kisses her ear more lightly, affectionately, this time around.]

Yeah. I wouldn't have wanted to take you away like that.

[And, in an amused tone:] I think I would've gotten in trouble, too.

You definitely would have. [ But because the edge is off of the heat shared between them, Yang will just tickle a bare patch of skin playfully. ] I had to make sure Natalia wasn't going to hunt you down and traumatize you, as it was.

Nn-- [Naoki jolts with a little burst of laughter.]

She did hunt me down, but it was trauma-free. [His hand shifts, sweeping fingers lightly through her hair.] You've got good friends, Yang.

I know. [ She does. ] And I also have a great boyfriend, so they don't have to worry at all.

[Naoki looks off to one side in a little bout of pleased shyness.] Seems like the worrying comes with the friend territory, though.

Yeah, it does. But you're their friend, too-- and if you're not yet, you will be.

I'd like to be. [Sincere, as he looks back to her eyes, but there's a tinge of uncertainty in his expression. Though he's given Yang his full trust, that's still difficult yet with others.

He wants to change that bit about himself, but he-- still can't quite--]

... Hey, it's okay. [ And smiling, she taps under his chin. ] I know trust takes awhile. You don't have to try and rush it. It'll happen on its own.

[ Like it had with her. ]

[His chin lifts a little, but his expression relaxes. He tightens his arms around her thankfully.] ...Okay.

I still feel kinda bad about it sometimes, that's all.

[That mix of wanting to be friends with someone, being friends with someone, and yet not trusting them completely, unable to discard memories of what'd happened when he had.]

You've had it rough. [ Both of her hands move, to cradle his face in her palms. ] Anyone who went through what you did would have a hard time trusting, and you're still doing your best, Naoki. That's not something to feel bad about.

[Naoki's eyes close gradually, his face tipping slightly into her palms. He's his own worst critic, when it comes down to things of the past.] Mm... [But he nods.]

I just remember when it used to be easy. [He cups his hand at the back of one of hers, turning his face to kiss her palm.] But, I won't rush it.

Just remember. [ Firmly, her thumb brushing along his cheek when he kisses her hand. ] Right now, from now on, you're not alone anymore. Got it?

Got it. [Naoki sighs softly in contentment, and he's smiling when he looks at her face.] I wouldn't ever forget it.

[He slides his hand up her side, up her arm in a warm, firm sweep to cup at her cheek and draw her in close, until their noses graze.]

[ Which is plenty close enough for Yang to kiss him, warm and encouraging, murmuring against his lips after a second-- ]

I wouldn't let you.

[His palm slides along her cheek, slow, taking his time to trace, also like he wants to let his feelings seep through somehow.]

I'll remember that, too. [Naoki smiles to her mouth and curves his hand to the back of her neck, drawing her in to kiss her again.]

Mmm. [ It's agreement, probably, but he's effectively melted her, and Yang slides her palms up, fingers slipping into his hair as she closes her eyes to savor his sweetness.

She won't let him be alone, won't let him doubt. She's reaffirming it now, held securely against him. ]

[Naoki's glad for the reaffirmation, that firm reminder she's here with him. He's sure she'll stay with him.

And he's more grateful than anything for that, too, wants to express it in his kiss... He slides his fingers tenderly along the back of her neck, angling his head to slant his mouth more firmly against hers.]

[ She can feel that much, even if she doesn't have the ability he does, to pick up on emotions. He's still taking care with her, still keeping her close, and she tugs a little at the strands (I'm not going to break) as she tilts her head in response, sealing their mouths together.

He should be able to feel it, her fondness and determination, both growing by leaps and bounds every day. ]

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