bakerstreet | they live inside us

[ Ren's sacrificial white-knight complex is both his most endearing and his most frustrating trait. Even when he's confessing his feelings he still manages to suffocate the matter at hand by putting Aoba first, like always. It's a nice feeling, don't get him wrong, to be loved and appreciated so fiercely that you become such a driving force in the way another person handles themselves but.. Ren has spent long enough being Aoba's protector and guide, Aoba wants to see him develop the man he's become, to be truly himself.

He doofs his forehead up against Ren's and then presses a small kiss to the corner of his mouth before drawing back with a look on his face like he's about to tease him. ]

Stupid Ren. [ When they're like this, when Ren is captivating and enticing (Aoba doesn't take his eyes off that little sliver of a fang until he absolutely has to) and painfully sweet, Aoba wonders why he has concerns about breaking the news and why he doesn't just parade his happy relationship around for all to see. Ren makes it better, even when he's uncertain and worrying about things he needn't. ] If you want to do more, no-ones stopping you.. but do it because you want to, not because you feel like you need to.

[ His own worries are far away, tucked into the corners that curl up when Aoba is alone, or when it's quiet. Right now he can't spare a single thought for any of it, and instead worms a hand down to link his fingers lazily with Ren's. ]

I liked what you said earlier, about going to bed. Can we? I think this conversation would be better had up there. [ He smiles, encouraging. Whatever the issue, they can fix it together, Aoba's confident of that much. ] I haven't even taken my shoes off yet.

[ Having literally been a part of Aoba had definitely complicated the process of Ren coming into his own. Sure, his years as an Allmate had certainly prepared him for what not being a part of Aoba anymore would be like, but it couldn't really be compared to being a human on equal footing with him.

Ren deflates a little at that, feeling both embarrassed and a little stupid. Aoba is right, of course, and he's probably being too hard on himself. The kiss is nice, though, and Ren can't help but to smile in a somewhat sheepish way. ]

I... apologies, Aoba, you are right.

[ He nods, feeling warm inside as Aoba looks at him like that. If he still had a tail, it would definitely be wagging now. Aoba always makes him feel better and as long as he has him by his side, what does he really have to worry about?

Of course. [ The slightly playful tone from before creeps back into his voice as he continues. ] And... My offer to carry you still stands.

[ Aoba snorts a laugh at that, completely ruining the tender moment with such an embarrassing sound, and pushes at Ren's stomach with his elbow. ]

Aah-ah, you're going to make me lazy, is that what you want? I'll want you to carry me everywhere~ It'll be even harder to get me out of bed in the morning, and Granny will never forgive you. [ He teases, but then.. when he thinks about it, thinks about Ren taking him everywhere, being at his side at all times once again, it stops his mirth in it's tracks and his expression goes a little sombre as he moves away to unfasten and take off his boots. ] Nah, I can get there myself.

[ He tucks those thoughts away for later.. he doesn't want to ruin this time with Ren thinking about things like that, especially not when Ren has his own things to work through. ]

Besides.. [ His voice goes softer and then he adds, cheekily: ] I've had my legs longer than you've had yours. [ Before he scampers off toward the stairs to the first floor and ascends them two at a time. ]

Well... I would not mind carrying you everywhere. You used to do it for me.

[ He smiles, voice a mixture of affection and playfulness. He does, however, pick up on the change in expression on his boyfriend's face and recalls that he'd felt as though something might be wrong earlier.

Before he can say anything about it Aoba has already run off to the stairs. Ren hurries to follow, unable to keep a smile off of his face as Aoba takes the steps two at a time. Showoff.

Ren follows upstairs, but sticks to taking one at a time. Best to not overdo it. Once they're both at the top, Ren can't resist wrapping his arms around Aoba's waist, lifting him off of his feet for just a moment in a strong embrace. ]

[ When he's lifted Aoba lets out an embarrassing noise that has him pressing both hands over his mouth in some vain attempt to keep it in, but it's too late and his honest to god squeal is already rattling through the house. He's blushing as Ren lets him down, and squirms away to bap at Ren's shoulder. ]

Ren! Don't show off! [ He scolds, like you would a dog who got too excited and mauled your slipper a little too much, but his face is full of a smile as he pushes open the door to his bedroom, so he clearly doesn't mind. Ren has got so much stronger in what feels like no time at all.. Aoba can remember him barely being able to speak like it was yesterday, and now look at him.. Soon he'll be racing Aoba up the stairs. ] Lifting me might be easy, but you'd be exhausted carrying me around all day, I'm much heavier than you used to be.

[ When he enters the room, because he's talking about it and also because he's started doing it by habit, his eyes glance at the empty AllMate curled up on a blue pillow in the corner. It still looks like it's sleeping, and Aoba can't help but smile. ]

Your little legs were so small, letting you run around after me just drained your power.

[ It's only soft teasing, but Aoba still turns over his shoulder to grin back at Ren as he laughs. ]

[ Ren can't help but to laugh. Aoba's squeal and flustered reaction is just... too cute. Aoba is just too cute. ]

I am sorry, Aoba. [ He says that, but the smile on his lips makes it pretty obvious that he's not actually very sorry at all.

He follows Aoba into the bedroom and his eyes too stray to the Allmate. It always feels a little strange to see it like that, from the outside, but he doesn't really mind it either. Especially since it only looks like its sleeping.

Now it's Ren's turn to blush a little. ] Ah, yes... It would have been impractical if I were to walk everywhere.

[ Ren walks over to sit down on the bed, remembering why they came up here in the first place. He chews on his bottom lip with one of his canines again as he looks seriously at his boyfriend. ] Aoba.... I could not help but to notice before... You seemed troubled by something. Is everything alright?

[ Aoba busies himself with taking off his jacket and throwing it somewhere without really thinking about it. He's trying to be tidier, to adjust to having another person in his space, but it's taking him time to get used to the change too. That, and the fact that he never feels any judgement from Ren, so he feels less pressured to make a good impression; Ren already knows full well what a slob he can be.

When Ren speaks up, Aoba turns with an owlish look on his face. ]

Me? [ Oh. So Ren had spotted him. Immediately he feels guilty for being so obvious, and regret for not being certain that Ren would figure it out immediately in the first place. Ren knows him better than anyone, after all. ]

Don't worry about me for now-- [ He shakes his head, holding up his hands as he hastily switches the subject. ] We were talking about you, weren't we? You wanting to contribute more? Do you.. want to get a job, then?

[ It would be tough getting Ren a job that would fit with their certain set of circumstances, but he's sure if they put in a little thought they can figure it out. ]

[ Ren often picks up after Aoba anyway, so the room usually doesn't have the chance to get as messy as it used to before...

Ren had kind of hoped to change the subject away from himself, but no such luck. There seems to be no escaping having to focus on himself rather than Aoba for once... It is certainly out of his comfort zone, but deep down he knows it's probably good for him and so he doesn't protest.

Instead he nods hesitantly. ] I suppose I do... I just... well, I must confess that I would not know where to begin. It isn't as though I have any previous experience.

[ Aoba takes a seat beside Ren, and without his jacket on it's much easier to get close, to align their legs side by side so that they're pressing together, so that Aoba's shoulder meets up with Ren's and it's easy for him to wriggle a hand into his lap, catch up his hand and lace their fingers together as he listens to what Ren is saying.

He's a little distracted by how.. uncertain Ren sounds, like he's uncomfortable even talking about these kind of things. Though Aoba has a sneaking suspicion it's the attention that has him flustered, rather than the subject matter itself. Clearly Aoba thinks it's his fault for not giving Ren enough attention consistently to get him used to it, and immediately starts worrying his bottom lip with his tongue. ]

Mmm. Maybe we could get you some courier work.. You've got experience doing that with me, right? [ Sure, Ren was just a glorified map back then, but if Ren had a coil with all the applications of an AllMate (besides the online persona, of course) then he could do something similar. ] It'd be a good way to keep up on your physiotherapy, too.

[ Aoba could see it working, can see Ren making it work if it's something he really wants.. and though Aoba loves the idea of Ren being at home waiting for him when he opens the door, he'd much rather have Ren happy than trapped in Granny's house slowly going mad. ]

[ Ren feels better when Aoba takes his hand, and he smiles as he squeezes it gently. His boyfriend is so loving and supportive... he feels a little bad for not opening up to him more often. He promises himself that from now on he'll be more open about his feelings to Aoba. He's never had any problems showing Aoba just how much he loves him, but it's definitely not as easy where these sort of things are concerned.

Ren nods thoughtfully. Courier work... it is a good idea. If he can find anyone who needs someone to do that kind of work. He can only think of Haga-san and... Yoshie-san. He suppresses a shudder at that. Yeah, no, he's definitely not going to work for her. ]

Yes, that might work. Perhaps... Haga-san would let me practice delivering for him? N-Not to take your job, Aoba. [ He chuckles sheepishly. ]

[ There are plenty of people around the district who would appreciate a happy-to-help courier, but there are certain ones Aoba knows full well would not be good places for Ren. Aside from all the employers who are known to overwork their staff, there are also various rumours going around about workers being hurt or going missing... He'd hate for something like that to happen to Ren. Haga-san and, unfortunately, Yoshie-san are the only people Aoba would trust with his most precious one.

But, of course.. that would mean telling about exactly why this man is suddenly living with him, why be looks so much like Aoba in certain ways, but in others looks more like the little dog Aoba has curiously stopped but bringing with him wherever he goes. He looks more and more Ren every day, even sounds exactly like he did before now.. it would be impossible to avoid telling the very complicated truth in a way they'd both understand.

But maybe that wouldn't be such a bad idea after all. It would be better in the long run to stop lying to them, and if he told them both then perhaps he'd be able to tell others... and finally they could leave the house together, and walk around holding hands... ]

I'm sure he'd be happy to give you a chance. He only sends me because I'm quicker than he would be, so it'd be nice to actually be able to stay and look after the store.

[ Aoba's words are a bit quiet, distracted almost. After a short pause, he sighs and leans his head up on Ren's shoulder. ]

I need to say sorry for something..

Maybe that's the thing that's upsetting Aoba the most about all this... that not being honest about Ren is, in turn, hurting him. It's limiting his opportunities, it's the reason he's trapped here like Rapunzel in her tower.. and whether it be the overall care he has for Ren or whether its influenced by Sei in that Aoba never wants any trace of him to be imprisoned ever again... either way Aoba feels his eyes prickle.]

I haven't told anyone about you yet. Just Granny. Not even Koujaku knows. I just... haven't found the right time, or the right words. But if you want to get out and see what there is out there, I.. I'll tell them. Everyone. I'll figure out a way to explain it.

[ Ren smiles, relieved to hear that. ] Ah really? Then perhaps we could ask him... It'd be good to get out of the house more.

[ As it is, he doesn't really leave much aside from the occasional trip to the grocery store and he has to admit that it can get a little lonely at times when Aoba isn't around. He does however take note of the fact that Aoba sounds a little off when he speaks, and Ren's brows furrow slightly in concern.

When Aoba finally begins to let him in on what's bothering him, Ren is surprised. He can't think of anything that Aoba could've done to warrant apologising for, but he doesn't say anything and just listens instead.

He smiles softly when Aoba finishes and leans down, one hand cupping Aoba's cheek. With Aoba's face so close to his own he cannot resist pressing a kiss to his lips. When he pulls back, his eyes are full of affection. ] Aoba... You do not have to apologise for that. In truth I have not felt quite ready to let my existence be known either... but I think I may be ready for it now.

[ He strokes Aoba's cheek. ] I would not mind being there when you tell them. I'm certain that we could come up with a good way to explain it together.

[ Aoba's heart feels like it's in a vice. While the issue might seem like a trivial one to most, to Aoba it's so much more than that. The thought of being responsible for holding Ren back or making it seem like he doesn't care as much as he does upsets him more than he previously thought it did, which is why when Ren kisses him and looks at him and Aoba can see how much he still loves him despite it all.. he blinks and a surprising tear drips from his eyelashes. ]

I don't want you to be trapped. [ Either of them, is what he probably should be saying, but Ren will probably understand what he means anyway. ] I didn't want to seem like I was hiding you.. because I'm ashamed of you. I'm not! I'm not, I.. I just..

[ Another pause while Aoba searches for the real reason why he hid this, why he kept this to himself and never even explored the possibility of anything else, and why he never spoke to Ren about it before now. It dawns on him slowly, and as he blinks in realisation another salty tear rolls down his cheek. ]

I was scared of this ending. I was scared of bursting this bubble we've got, where you're here and safe and mine.. [ He pushes the heel of his palm into his eyes, wiping them ferociously. ] I was being selfish, and I'm sorry for it. I'll.. be better, I'll figure it out. [ He looks at Ren. His eyes are red, but he's smiling in that way that makes promises concrete. ] I want you to be happy, nothing else matters.

[ Seeing Aoba cry makes Ren's heart hurt. The sight of it makes him want to take Aoba into his arms and never let go, so that he can protect him from anything that would make him cry. This isn't the kind of thing you can really protect someone from, though, and Ren knows it. That doesn't make it any less heartbreaking. ]

Aoba... I am not trapped. I am with the one I love. [ He keeps his face close to Aoba's and leans in to gently lick the tears from his cheeks. Another dog-habit he's not got rid of. Aoba's never complained about and so he's never seen a reason to.

Even if he hates to see Aoba cry, he can't help but to feel happy that Aoba wanted to keep him to himself. It's honestly touching, and when Aoba smiles so does Ren. ]

I am happy, Aoba. [ A soft content sigh escapes him as he nudges his forehead to Aoba's. ] But it would be nice, to be able to hold your hand outside...

[ Aoba can't help but let the soft laugh bubbling up in his chest come out when Ren licks at his face. It's just like how it used to be, is further proof that things won't change, and Aoba feels this great weight lift off of his soul to be reminded of it. And to be told that Ren loves him, because while he knows without being told, it feels good to hear. ]

Mm, it would. [ He nods, hair brushing Ren's as he moves their foreheads against each other. ] And I'm happy too, believe me. It's strange to be alone, that's all. My mind goes places it wouldn't if I had you with me.

[ He raises his hands to either side of Ren's face, fingertips in his hair, palms on his cheeks. He ruffles his hair a bit with his nails as he speaks, and leans back to look earnestly into Ren's eyes. ]

I even got worried that.. since you've only ever really known me, that if you went out into the world you'd find someone else and leave me.

[ It's embarrassing to admit, shameful even, and Aoba blushes accordingly and looks about as guilty as it's possible to look. ]

I know you wouldn't, but I'm sorry for thinking it anyway.

[ Hearing Aoba's sweet laughter makes Ren's heart skip a beat. It's such a relief to hear his boyfriend in better spirits and it makes him hold him closer. ]

Yes... I do want to be with you more.

[ He wants to ask about the thoughts Aoba has when Ren is not around, but then Aoba answers for him.

The very idea of leaving Aoba is one that had never even occurred to Ren. He can't imagine ever loving someone the way that he loves Aoba and it makes his heart hurt a little again. As he considers it, though, he can to some extent understand Aoba's anxiety over such a possibility, no matter how minuscule.

He gives Aoba a look full of warmth and affection. He believes Aoba, but he still wants to reassure him. ]

I could not love anyone like I love you. I have been with you all your life, and all of mine. There is no one who could ever come between that.

[ Aoba listens, he believes and he trusts Ren. It's always hard for humans with even an inch of humility about them to accept compliments and feel truly like they deserve them, and Aoba is no different, but when he looks at Ren's eyes, his smile, the way he holds Aoba like it tethers his world just to touch him... He believes it, and he feels exactly the same way.

Suddenly Aoba decides that he wants to be closer, so in a flurry of movement he swings a leg up and over Ren's lap so that he's sitting there with his knees either side of his hips, chest to his chest, arms coming up to wrap around his neck and pull him close for one of those soul settling hugs he used to give his small AllMate body after a bad day. ]

I love you too.

[ He doesn't say it as much as Ren does, because it's taking time to get used to it, but he means it just the same. ]

I'll talk to Haga-san when I'm next in. Maybe you could even come with me.

[ Ren releases a deep sigh of contentment as Aoba straddles him and his arms just wrap tighter around his boyfriend, nuzzling his face into the crook of Aoba's neck. Being close to Aoba like this is the best feeling in the world...

Aoba doesn't have to say anything more. Ren knows him better than anyone and he knows that Aoba feels the same. Still, he's filled with a certain kind of warmth every time Aoba speaks those words. It always makes him want to kiss him, and so he does just that. Running his hands up Aoba's back he leans in for the kiss, lingering there for a moment before withdrawing.

When Aoba speaks again he smiles. ] I would like that.

[ He kisses Aoba again, feeling so full of love that he can't help it. ]

[ Aoba is happy for the kiss, and the second, and the one that he pushes against Ren's mouth when the other draws away again. Kiss after kiss, Aoba lets himself loose to how it feels to be wrapped up in Ren, to let everything else fall away to be dealt with later..

When it's just them, Aoba is intense and hungry for this, every inch of it, every brush of Ren's hands and pass of their tongues; so soon he's pulling away, mouth wet and quick, but an easy smile slides onto his face as his eyebrow quirks. ]

... You said Granny won't be home till the morning... right?

[ Do you get where he's going with this. ]

[ Ren feels his pulse quicken and his heart race as Aoba continues to kiss him. He knows when their innocent pecks are turning into something more and it always excites him so quickly. His libido is not as out of control as it was when he was still getting used to this human body with all its human sensations, but that doesn't make him want Aoba any less. He's just better at not letting it run away with him.

He licks his lips when Aoba pulls away and nods. ] Yes. We have the whole house to ourselves.

[ Oh yeah. Ren knows very well what Aoba's getting at and he's excited for it. ]

[ Aoba's eyes seem to light up a bit at Ren's response. It isn't like for a second he even imagined that Ren would miss or refuse his suggestion, it's just that seeing Ren is as excited as he is sparks something in him, makes him all the more eager and a touch more confident. ]

The whole house, huh... [ He murmurs, eyes lidded, voice light and lilting. ] Then we won't have to be as quiet.

[ ... Apparently he's not confident enough to say anything more suggestive without blushing furiously, and he raises a hand to cover his mouth as he starts to laugh, embarrassed at himself. ]

S-Sorry. [ He looks at Ren's face, only a little worried he's ruined the moment. ] Sorry. I'm still not good at being sexy.

[ Ren's heart just beats faster hearing that. He loves the sounds Aoba makes when they're intimate, and it's always a treat when they don't need to worry about being overheard...

Not to worry, nothing can really ruin the moment for Ren where Aoba is concerned. Instead he smiles and kisses Aoba's blushing cheeks. ]

Well, I think you are sexy. [ The word probably sounds odd coming from Ren, but he looks and sounds very sincere as he says it... because he is. ]

[ Aoba flushes even more, which is impressive since he thought the deep pink of his cheeks was as bad as it could get.. but as always Ren surprises him by encouraging more from him than he thought possible, in all the best ways.

He's still embarrassed even with the praise, but now rather than being something he feels shame for it's a more.. fluttery kind of feeling. It reminds Aoba of Ren's eyelashes against the sensitive skin of his neck in the morning when he's just waking up. It makes his heart skip in the same way.

It makes him feel good to know Ren thinks about him in that way, and in dawning realisation Aoba slowly drops his hands from his face to reveal the full extent of the flush creeping up by his ears and down his neck, and the way he's gnawing on his lower lip. As long as Ren finds him alluring, Aoba will do his best not to psyche himself out or get embarrassed. They've been doing this for long enough now, after all.. He just needs to put his trust in this like he does with everything else with Ren.

Aoba lifts his arms again, but this time instead of raising them to his face or to wrap them around Ren's shoulders, he slides his hands under Ren's shirt. His fingertips skirt up the still forming and yet already sculpted muscle on his chest, pressing in slightly as they reach his ribs. Aoba then dips his head as if he's about to hide it in the crook of Ren's neck out of shyness, but instead opens his mouth and trails wet kisses along the thrumming line of his pulse. ]

[ Oh, Ren certainly finds Aoba alluring, especially in these situations and even more so when Aoba's biting his lip like that and flushing so prettily. He's so perfect that it takes Ren's breath away for a moment.

Had this been a couple of months ago, this would've been around the time when Ren would've lost his self-control, but now he can take the time to just appreciate how beautiful his lover is without being too overcome with desire.

Aoba taking the initiative isn't the most common thing, but it's always such a turn-on. Feeling Aoba's hands on his skin and lips to his pulse point makes him shiver pleasantly, and he's suddenly desperate to touch Aoba in return.

His hands begin to slide in under Aoba's shirt in the back, running his fingers across the smooth, soft skin he finds there. He caresses up Aoba's sides and to his shoulders before getting a little impatient with the shirt restricting his access. His hands move down again, but only so that he can grip at the hem of Aoba's shirt and start to pull it up. ]

[ Aoba always feels beyond lucky to have this as something he can call his own, but especially so in moments like this when he can feel Ren's fingertips, his hands on his skin, his pulse against his lips; when Ren is real and responsive and his to touch and be touched by. It's overwhelming, and always strikes him like an electric current, which probably explains why his libido is so quick to jump into action at even the slightest brush of contact.

He chuckles - just softly, more a push of air than anything - against Ren's collar bone at the insistent tugging on his shirt. Like a puppy nudging it's food bowl, he thinks, or a child tearing off the paper wrapping a present.

He leans back obediently, half lidded eyes watching Ren's face even though it makes him blush to maintain eye contact, as he raises his arms and lets Ren pull the fabric off of him. His shoulders and chest have faint patches of blush creeping down, and even though it's not particularly cold in Aoba's room, his skin is prickling slightly.. as though shying away from being under such intense attention.

Once completely free, Aoba does the same to Ren in return, fingers nagging at the hem and barely waiting even a moment before starting to tug it up. ]

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your ren is so cute i'm perishing..... ; v ;

your aoba is adorable too ;; these two are the cutest ;;

weh, thank you ;_; they really are the cutest ;;;; <3

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