log: Atobe & Shiraishi - going for a drink

[kanpekikura]

Who: Atobe Keigo, Shiraishi Kuranosuke
Where: Dorms - Atobe/Echizen's room
When: 13th August, evening.
Rating: PG (underage drinking lol~)
Summary: Atobe is tired of the hormonal team and decides to go find a bar. Shiraishi goes with him. Leads to tipsy Shiraishi.

It was yet another sudden impulse that made Shiraishi offer his company to Atobe. Just the day before he had finally left his room to go for a walk with An because, well, she had no interest in him, he had no interest in her. They knew each other but that was pretty much it. It was a good way to keep his mind off tennis, his disappointment, and also Atobe. The blond teen knew there was no danger in thinking about the Hyoutei captain, why would there be? But something in his brain told him, and repeated many time to him to stay away. Yet, he couldn’t, and neither did he want to avoid Atobe.

So there he was again, waiting just outside the dormitory entrance for the one responsible for that little innocent kiss that kept playing in his mind even since he got it.

Hands buried deep in the pockets of his leather jacket Atobe made his way down the stairs. He had already spotted the blonde and greeted him with a small nod. A quick glance around the quad gave no real indication which way to take so he simply started off in the direction away from the dorms. Right now he wanted to neither hear nor see any other member of the Hyoutei team nor the various others they had become involved with.

It didn’t require much of Shiraishi’s skills to notice Atobe was pretty unhappy as he walked out of the dorms without a word. The Osakan was even surprised his offer was accepted considering the other’s clear foul mood, but he pushed away from the door where he had been waiting and followed.

Timing his steps so Shiraishi could easily keep pace, Atobe didn't break their silence until they had left the inner circle of the school. Once the shadow of the trees enveloped them he allowed himself to take a deep breath, his shoulders relaxing ever so slightly. “Are you going to play in the Doubles Tournament?” He offered as conversation starter, keeping his gaze fixed ahead as they continued walking.

Shiraishi didn’t mind the silence but he was glad it was eventually broken. “I am. I’m playing with Kirihara. We were practicing for most of the day today.” He wouldn’t have done it, but the young Rikkaidai player was pretty tough on practicing, clearly from so many years working under Sanada’s strict training. “Are you? You seem better,” he paused briefly then decided to add, “healthwise.”

“I’ve considered it but I am not much of a doubles player.” Atobe shrugged. “It will be interesting to see you and Kirihara play together again.” Sanada it seemed had finally bought a clue and had resigned, if too late in his opinion. “I have to say I don't know what other doubles pairs are going to participate aside from you and Yuushi and his cousin.” Usually he would have betted good money on at least Ootori and Shishido but considering that all the two seemed to be interested in was screwing each other like bunnies he couldn't be certain of anything right now.

“There aren’t many from the people we know better,” Shiraishi gave it a moments thought, “Ootori and Dan, I believe. Because we are only allowed to play with someone in our team, it makes for some complications. Most of the doubles matches will be played together. I don’t think it will last more than a couple of days if weather permits.” And he was confident he would win as well.

“Ah. I wasn’t aware of that.” Atobe rolled his shoulders with a little sigh. “I guess each of our teams will be represented by one doubles pair then.” Maybe Yuushi and his cousin would actually have a chance there. “And you have recovered from your loss against Yukimura?”

“So it seems,” and Shiraishi gave him a little smile, certain that Team C would have yet another victory, both singles and doubles tournament. The smile faded quickly at the mention of his loss. The Osakan signed and looked the other way as they continued to walk. “I suppose. When you lose, the only option is recovery,” even if that took a while.

“That’s true.” Pulling his hands free Atobe linked them behind his back. “And the game you played wasn’t bad.” He glanced over at Shiraishi. “He isn’t an easy opponent to beat.” It wasnt meant to comfort as much as a simple statement of fact. “I’m quite surprised Tezuka could do it.” He admitted, a hint of admiration in his voice.

But for someone as perfectionist as Shiraishi, a loss was a loss. No matter how well he played it wasn’t perfect enough. “Tezuka is something else,” he added with not just hinting on the admiration, “this last match will be quite epic. I’m looking forward to it.” With a sigh, he glanced over toward Atobe. “Not that it matters, but where are we going?”

“I haven’t decided yet.” Atobe admitted. “Maybe into town. I could really use something to drink.” He sighed. “Though I’m not sure where to go for that.”

“Something to drink?” Shiraishi help back a chuckle, “You wouldn’t mean something alcoholic, would you?”

“That is in fact exactly what I am talking about.” Atobe raised an eyebrow at Shiraishi. “Unless you have some moral objections?”

“Well, we are both illegal in Japan,” Shiraishi reinforced, “Although, I believe we are not in Japan, you are still illegal in most countries.” That wasn’t even the main issue however. “That, and the fact I have never drank before, aside,” he looked closer at Atobe, “why this sudden urge for alcohol?”

“Considering we are on island of we don't know what nationality, where we have been kidnapped to I am not all that concerned about the legality of getting a drink.” Atobe smirked sharply. “And what makes you think I don't simply enjoy something alcoholic now and then?” A certain tension that had been leaching out slowly returned to his shoulders.

.

“Mm..” Shiraishi sounded with a little smirk of his own, “I never took you for the kind who breaks rules, but then again,” he put his hands into his pockets, “Atobe Keigo probably lives by his own rules, right?” He offered a playful wink, even though he knew what Atobe said wasn’t true. The journal then the long silence, they were indicators that this wasn’t just a search for a glass of wine with a meal.

"He does indeed." Atobe's lips twitched slightly and he turned his head to look ahead again, picking up speed once again. "You could even go so far to say I am an outlaw." He ran his fingers through his hair with an extravagant flip. "And will you be joining me?"

Shiraishi chuckled quietly and smiled a little wider. It didn’t matter how much he tried to reason with himself, he still wasn’t sure why Atobe’s over the top body language was so alluring. “Well, Mr. Outlaw, what kind of gentleman would I be if I let you drink by yourself?” Although intrigued by having his first drink, the Osakan was mildly worried at the effects of it on his body. “But like I said, I have never drunk before,” he sighed, not bothering to tell Atobe he had try other, more natural, things.

"No hard liquor for you then." Reaching over Atobe gave Shiraishi's arm a short, comforting pat. "Don't worry, I'll stop you before you start dancing on the table." He smirked lightly. "At least the first time."

"I have danced on tables sober," Shiraishi replied with a laugh, "and I'm a great table dancer, it would be a pity if you stopped me." Besides, Shiraishi really had no shame, he would happily dance naked if allowed. He decided to keep that information to himself for now however. "The first time? Oh my, you are such a bad influence, Atobe," he added lightheartedly.

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Atobe assured Shiraishi then shook his head with a little chuckle. “But lets keep my bad influence our little secret, ahn?” He winked. “I have a reputation to keep after all.”

“I’m pretty sure that if anyone found out, the Osakan would take the fall,” Shiraishi replied playfully and touched Atobe on the shoulder. He let his hand linger there for a little moment before dropping it. It ran lightly down the back of Atobe’s arm then lost contact at the elbow. It was a quick gesture, but for Shiraishi, who was conscious of it, it left quite the opposite. “How exactly are you planning on acquiring it?’

“So far my devious plan is to go into town and find a place that sells it.” Atobe quirked an eyebrow at Shiraishi, matching the faint smile playing over his lips. “Its not quite a train robbery but it gives us something to work toward.”

“You mean,” Shiraishi continued to walk, but this time a little closer to the other teen, “not a train robbery yet,” he raise a finger, “once you enter the life of crime, who knows where it will lead you.” All in good fun of course.

"Indeed." Atobe chuckled, glad to leave the frustration of the last week behind. "Though I don't know if I am ready for another sidekick after Sanada ran back to his owner with his tail between his legs." He heaved a long suffering sigh. "What a disappointment."

“Sidekicks, they either run away, die or take your place.” Shiraishi laughed some. “Should I ask what you did to scare him off like that? Or am I better off not knowing?

"What makes you so sure it was something I did?"Atobe drawled, not even trying for fake innocence. "Though I suppose my expectations were simply too high." He shook his head mournfully. "He just couldn't get into the spirit...the jazz."

Shiraishi gave him a knowingly side glance. “It’s Sanada we are talking about, when would he ever do anything out of the ordinary? Therefore, it’s safe to assume it was something you did,” he winked, “And now I’m curious.”

“He lacked the necessary panache.” Atobe gestured loftily with his hand. “That certain je ne sais quoi as they say.” Glancing over at Shiraishi he gave the blonde a shrewd once over. “And I could hardly just tell my secrets to just anybody, no?”

The Osakan leant a little closer, arms bumping against each other as they walk. “Aww...” he moaned a complaint, “but I’m not just anybody.”

“Saa...” Tapping a finger against his lips Atobe smirked playfully. “But are you worthy I wonder?”

“Oh, very much so.” Considering all his unholy activities, Shiraishi had always been pretty discrete. There was no kiss and tell, no gossiping about. He was secretive with his own private life and other people’s too. “I’m not only worthy, but trustworthy too. Can’t get any better than this, Atobe,” he offered his a knowing nod and a smile, hidden behind a forced serious face.

“Hm.” Looking away Atobe pretended to consider this seriously. “I suppose, that will have to do.” He sighed again then glanced over again, flashing a sharp smile. “And you might make a better figure as a gentleman thief than that neanderthal.”

“Oh my,” Shiraishi looked ahead, seeing the faint lights of their quiet little town, and smiled amused at Atobe’s choice of work for Sanada, “it’s already escalating!” He playfully bumped into Atobe’s side, “First, underage drinking, and now theft, by the time we get to town we will have started a coup d'état.”

"Actually the theft came first - but if they don't sell us anything....well desperate times call for desperate measures." Atobe shook his head indulgently at that bump. "As for a coup...I'm still working on that." It certainly made the student council sessions more interesting.

“Ah, yeah, I forgot you were our leader,” Shiraishi winked, “I wonder much of what it is said in the council meetings is monitored.” Just an afterthought. They had finally arrived, there were some students around, but not many since it was getting dark pretty fast and apart from a couple of restaurants and the cinema, most shops would be closing soon. “You know, Atobe, I feel responsible for you, being older and all.” The Osakan was still smiling but there was a hint of truth in that.

“Really.” Stopping at the edge of the town Atobe turned to give Shiraishi a doubtful look. “I don’t think a few months make that much of a difference. Besides I am turning eighteen next month.” He rested a hand on his hip, staring at the other teen. “I am quite capable of making my own decisions.”

That didn’t change anything. Shiraishi was just that kind of person, but at the same time, he was not the type to stop anyone. Even if he wanted, how could he? A look at his team and anyone would know how impossible that task would be. He sighed and rested a hand on Atobe’s shoulder. “Well, then, let’s find you that drink, shall we?”

“You don’t have to come with me.” The darker haired teen dug his heels in. “I appreciate that you have accompanied me this far but I can handle the rest myself.”

Shiraishi smiled softly, noticing that Atobe was giving him a bit of a hard time. It wouldn’t be fun otherwise now, would it? “My my, Atobe,” he put his arm around the other’s arm and tugged him forward just a little, enough to get them going, “you offered me the opportunity of a lifetime here,” he said playfully, “I’ll come with you, you can handle everything.”

Allowing Shiraishi to move him Atobe exhaled deeply then started walking again, looking around for a bar or a similar establishment. “I would hardly call this the opportunity of a lifetime.” He demurred, slipping his hands back into his pockets.

“Well,” he pulled his hand back and fixed the edge of the bandages around his finger, “I wouldn’t drink back home and considering where I live, having a drink with your would be quite impossible. Besides, whenever we meet we are in tournaments, drinking would be not only illegal but unwise,” he completely ignored the fact that he had tournament matches on the following day. “It’s a great opportunity, and I get to spend more time with you.”

“That is true.” Atobe agreed with a majestic nod. “I suppose spending time in my presence is in fact something spectacular for most.” Spotting a little neon light above a simple door leading to a basement in one of the narrower side streets he nodded for Shiraishi to follow him and headed that way. “And call me Keigo while we are here, I dont want people to recognize my name.”

“And I get to call you Keigo for a little while,” he winked, happy to follow the other teen into whatever narrow street he was going. It was a town made just for students, he assumed everywhere was pretty safe. “Same goes to you then. Call me Kura.” The only people who called him Kuranosuke were his parents, “While we are here, when we are back. I don’t really mind.”

“Kura....” Atobe drawled, letting the name drip from his lips. “I’ll keep that in mind.” That said he reached for the door and pushed it open. Inside the light was dim and the atmosphere muted, only low notes of music drifting outside. “Lets get this show on the road.”

His pet name sounded good coming from Atobe’s lips. Well, he thought his pet name sounded good coming from anyone really. Usually, Shiraishi was the one ahead, doing his own thing, but he still wasn’t sure about the whole alcohol thing, despite having convinced the other to go ahead with the plan and he would follow. He looked around the bar, hoping none of the teachers were there. Like most of the town, it seems fairly empty. “Mmhmm,” he agreed, “let’s do this.”

Keeping his head up Atobe strode to the bar as if he owned the place. Taking a seat he gestured for the bartender at the other side. “Two beers.” He ordered curtly. “German if you have it.”

The waiter nodded to much of Shiraishi’s surprise. And he thought he would start with a glass of wine. Shiraishi decided to keep to himself his knowledge of health issues caused by the intake of beer. One would not be that detrimental to a healthy person like him. He rested his elbow on the counter and the chin into his palm, looking at Atobe.

In short order two tall glasses filled with amber coloured liquid and a white foamy crown were placed in front of them and Atobe nodded his satisfaction before passing a few coins over to the other man. Picking up his glass he turned to Shiraishi. “Well then Kura, what do you suggest we drink to?”

That was one big beer, and Shiraishi decided to just snack on a few vegetables and nuts earlier on. Picking up the glass, looking as unfazed as ever by a challenge, he raised it. “To whatever and whoever was bothering you earlier to leave you alone for a while... and that I win my matches tomorrow, of course. Or..” he smiled, “... peace on earth, something hippy like that.”

“To victory.” Atobe agreed, raising his own glass and tipping it toward Shiraishi’s. “And to things that actually make me glad we are here and not back home.” Once their toasts were done Hyoutei’s captain brought the glass to his lips and took a long sip, foam sticking to his upper lip before being caught up by a deft swipe with the tip of his tongue. “well..what do you think.”

“To victory...” he said in a quieter tone as he watched Atobe drink. C’mon Kura, you have to do this, he thought, building the courage to bring that glass to his lips. He had drank not so legal tea before, but alcohol, that sounded way unhealthier. Nevertheless, he put to his lips and decided to drink as much as he could in one go. The bitter taste wasn’t that unpleasant. He put the glass down. “Ah...” he cleared his throat and crooked his head to the side a little, smiling, “I like what you did with your tongue there,” he said playfully, laughing a little, then shook his head. “It’s good.”

“I am skilled in a wide variety of things.” Atobe smirked. “Be awed.” After the first long drought he satisfied himself with smaller ones, even catching himself humming along to one of the songs playing in the background as they sat in companionable silence.

“Oh, I am...” what Shiraishi wasn’t sure of was whether Atobe was just being himself or teasing in a flirtatious way. What a difficult guy to read, but how curious that made him. He continued to drink, trying to follow Atobe’s pace. The beer was actually nice in taste, though, very filling. The Osakan continued to drink. “So, Keigo,” he said once his beer was almost finished, “are you going to tell me what this is all about?”

“No.” Waving the barkeeper over again Atobe ordered them a round of water before the next beers. “I refuse to believe you aren’t intelligent enough to figure most of it out yourself.”

And the beer was gone. Did he drink it too fast? Either way, Shiraishi was feeling quite well. “Well,” he paused and sighed, “I have a vague idea, however venting is a good thing. Stress piles up, and the more you bottle up, the worse it gets. “Besides, Keigo, I’m not going to assume anything. I don’t like speculations. And believe it or not, you can be difficult to read.”

“Really?” Instead of upset Atobe seemed flattered by Shiraishi’s remark. “Well I really don't want to spend any more time thinking about things that upset me tonight - that is why i am here.” He gestured for Shiraishi to drink his water. “You should take care not to get dehydrated or you will be hung over tomorrow and you can ill afford that, no?”

Shiraishi looked at the water and nodded. Atobe was right, for each glass of alcohol, a glass of water was needed. Maybe it was his older sister who said that once. The water went down much faster than the beer. “Then I shall not persist,” he smiled. Each of their own, and in all honesty, Shiraishi himself was a lot like that too, so he understand. “That would be rather awful. I don’t want Kirihara-kun to be disappointed. He really wants to win,” he sighed, “I do too. It would boost my spirit a little,” so would other things that suddenly crossed his mind but did not make it to his lips, yet, he smirked.

Satisfied that Shiraishi had obediently finished his water Atobe called for another glass of beer each. “Of course he does - he is Rikkai.” He shook his head. “Sometimes I wish I’d manage to inspire even half as much determination in my own team.” He confided. “Though the slapping was simply barbaric.”

“The slapping?” Being from Osaka meant he missed out on all the news from kanto, so he had no idea what Atobe was talking about. “I believe there are many ways of inspiring your team. I find Tezuka quite inspiring, if not more.”

“It was a phase they went through.” Atobe waved it off in favour of the subject Shiraishi had brought up. “Tezuka is...” He pulled his new beer closer and stared at it deep in thought. “He is exemplary -- his dedication and resolution.” Taking a sip from his beer he shoot Shiraishi a shrewd grin. “He wouldn't approve of this at all.”

Shiraishi laughed then brought the beer to his lips, drinking again. Second beer. Knew he should have probably stopped on the first, but it the taste really wasn’t bad, and he was feeling quite talkative and Atobe was looking even more attractive than before, even if he sounded more into Tezuka than Shiraishi would have liked. “I don’t think would. I don’t think any of them would,” he smirked, “I don’t think I would if the one sitting in front of me wasn’t you.”

"So I have tempted you into this den of depravity?" Leaning back a little Atobe crosses his legs and shoot Shiraishi a coy look from under lowered lashes. "I'm flattered." Though he had to admit to a certain hypocrisy since he wouldn't have approved of anybody doing what they were doing either. "To our little illicit adventure then." He lifted his glass and took another long swallow. "May nobody ever be the wiser."

Shiraishi raised his glass and then drank whatever was left in that glass of beer. He realised he could drink that really fast. Amazing how he couldn’t feel the taste of alcohol at all. He put down the glass and what he could feel was the fact that he was no longer all that sober. “You have,” he touched his his face and peered between his fingers with a smile, “tempted me, that is. You keep doing that somehow. I’ll blame that on that kiss.” That little peck.

"That's what happens when you play with fire." Atobe murmured, his eyes still shadowed by his lashes. "You get pulled in until you break free or you burn." A wave to the bartender had them supplied with another round of water. "The question is - which one you want...freedom or to go up in flames."

Took the Osakan some time to start thinking of an answer. Atobe. Why was he so attractive? How could he, being everything he was, still be single at that age? Maybe, Shiraishi thought, maybe he did like someone, but his pride would never allow him to be the one to go after. Or maybe he just didn’t like anybody. “Ahh...” the sighed loudly, more of a deep breath, and tipped his head back, letting it sink into his shoulders. “My life’s conundrum,” he said aloud with his eyes closed, but in a quiet tone as if it was a thought that just escaped his lips but due to the beer he wasn’t afraid to let it out. Why didhe have to be the one to flee or get burnt? Why couldn’t someone get burnt in his fire instead?

Opting not to answer the question after all, Shiraishi straightened up his back and looked at Atobe once again. “Have you ever been burnt, Keigo?” his tone was soft, his brown greyish eyes were slightly narrowed, but the expression was gentle even without the smile.

"Me?" Arching an elegant eyebrow Atobe tapped his fingers against the cool glass of his beer. "No, I haven't - my passion has always been tennis." He answered honestly though there was a note of longing to his own gaze sweeping over the length of the bar. "Yuushi tells me I should try but..." His lips quirked as his eyebrow settled again. "I'm not a great believer in romance." Hence their regular disagreements.

"Romance," Shiraishi returned, staring curiously at Atobe, trying to read him, but it was easy to get lost in that beautiful face of his. The Osakan had to be so careful but the beer made him lose the little constraint he had. "I'm not sure i know much about that either, but I do believe it's there, to be found," he paused and drank from the water, "for most people. Now me, I fall for people quite easily and I always end up with freedom, whether I would have chosen it or not." The blonde closed his eyes and sighed softly, "my my I'm just so unlucky in that area."

"Is it really that bad?" Propping his arm up on the bar Atobe rested his chin on his curled up fingers and observed Shiraishi curiously. "To be free instead of being tied down." He uncurled his fingers and tapped them consideringly against his cheek. "I always see people fly blindly into the light, with no care for themselves or others." And only in rare cases like Shishido and Ootori or apparently Yuushi and Yagyuu did they not go up in flames.

That was a good question and one so do hard to answer this time. Slowly, Shiraishi’s smile grew wider and he shook his head. “No, it’s not that bad,” he pointed out knowingly. “but being free is sometimes filled with loneliness. And choosing freedom doesn’t necessarily make careful, or that you care for others either. Sometimes, it simply means you are a coward. Too scared to lose yourself into something you have no real control of,” he closed his eyes and considered his own experience, “other times the decision is made for you, whether you would he willing or not.” He looked again at Atobe, then to the water, poking a drop of water that was running down the outside of glass, “bad timing is a horrible thing.”

"Bad timing?" Atobe gave Shiraishi a questioning look. "I'm not sure i know what you mean with that." In his opinion beginning a relationship while kidnapped to a remote island would count as bad timing but it didn't seem to bother the happy couples and was in general not something that happened with any great regularity as far as he knew. As for the part about being a coward...he decided graciously to ignore it. He had come here to forget his fight with Yuushi, not start a similar one with somebody else - maybe it was something about the Osakan accent that made people so susceptible to the allure of 'romance'.

“Bad timing, as in wrong place, wrong time, wrong kind” Shiraishi said, “let’s say, Keigo” a little smirk came to his lips and he stood up from his stool and approached Atobe. “Hypothetically speaking, that you,” he placed a hand on the other’s shoulder, “you had this beautiful someone, and he... or she, whatever is your preference, I’m not here to judge, where ready to dive into your glorious fire. But that lovely more morning they were ready to that that leap of face, you, the very own love of their lives who was also ready for it all, vanished. That’s bad timing.” He smiled raising a finger. “Or if, say, you had this immense curiosity and you felt this unexplainable attracting for me, but... you aren’t sure because you are the free type of person. But soon,” he touched his own bottom as though he was in deep thought, but he was still sounding playful in his mini theatre, “you realised oh Kura, i want to drown into your perfect ocean, but then I turned to you after a couple in beers as said Keigo I’m have a crush or.... and the name I say isn’t yours and you see that you were just a day too late,” he reached for his glass, and sipped, then gave another a wink, “That’s bad timing. Hypothetically speaking, of course.”

"Hm." Tipping his head up Atobe studied Shiraishi then smirked slightly. "Maybe the first - but really, how often does somebody disappear just like this, our current predicament aside." He reached up to brush his bangs out of his face. "As for the other - it's not a matter of timing." He stared intently at Shiraishi. "People don't develop crushes or fall in love from one moment to the next. Surely that person had already been drawn to their 'crush' before. Maybe they have felt that way for some time before telling you." He sighed and leaned elegantly back against the bar. "And maybe, if the person waiting to confess had let so much time pass - maybe they were looking for something like this to happen, so they wouldn't have to make a choice." Turning to the barkeeper he ordered another round of beer before sending the man away with a hard look. "I would say it is never just a question of timing."

Three beers? Or was that the fourth. Shiraishi had lost count, and most importantly, he had lost interest in counting. He was feeling the effects of it, but he wasn’t worried, it was a nice warm feeling. Besides, his mind seemed to be pretty okay, at least for the time being. The same could not be said about his body language, since he was a lot more flirtatious with his eyes and gestures.

“Kei-chan, Kei-chan~” or maybe his mind was mildly affected by it, “no offence but you sound like my sister. And I do mean no offence because I love her and she is a very clever girl,” he pointed out sincerely. “Letting time pass, looking for a way to avoid making a decision,” and he sister said those things, because that’s was how she claimed Shiraishi acted there was more than just ‘free love’. “But it could be a question of timing too. Maybe some people need more time than others to understand their feelings and that’s why I agree that feelings must develop. Crush and love at first sight, only in teens cheap novels.” At least for him that’s how it was. “Yet, Kei-chan, unless it's mad, passionate, extraordinary love, it's a waste of time. There are too many mediocre things in life and love shouldn't be one of them.”

Atobe's eyebrow jumped up at the petname though the new flush on Shiraishi's cheeks and the slightly glazed eyes were a sure fire sign that this round should be the other captain's last. "And have you felt this mad passionate love for yourself yet?"

“Me?” the Osakan laughed, then sighed dreamy before looking back at Atobe. “Sadly, I have not. I suppose I’m a picky and difficult person when it comes to the mad passionate love. It’s a big contradiction, you see. This kind of bond takes time, and I give too much time because i want to be sure,” he thought for a moment and look at the next round of beer, “but there is no way of knowing if you just don’t try. Whenever I’m in doubt, I don’t try because it might end up in a yet another physical thing, and I know that leads to nothing. I just show the best way I can, and if the person doesn’t pick it up, doesn’t return, then that’s the answer.” He took the glass and sipped, “I’m not the confessing type either. Confessions are so.... one sided, I don’t like them. What can the other part do? How can you consider whether you like someone or not when they just gave you an ultimatum? Confessions are so... unromantic. In my opinion, of course.”

It was refreshing to find somebody who shared his view on confessions though Atobe wasn't entirely sure just what Shiraishi was trying to tell him anymore. "So...is there somebody you would like to try with?" It seemed their kidnapping coupled with the usual teenage hormones had led to growing need to find somebody in most of their acquaintances.

Shiraishi stared at Atobe for a moment then he smiled and turned to his glass of beer. “Well, ...“If you don’t know the answer to that then..., “maybe. I don’t know. I need more time,” he laughed a little and drank a little more, “I’ll wait, I’m patient, and will never confess out of principle,” he gestured raising a finger. “The person might end up passing me by though, that’d sad.”

There was...something there for a moment and Atobe knew he could have gotten a real answer from Shiraishi but he held back, strangely feeling like he might not be ready to hear it himself. "Maybe..." He hummed, trading his water glass for the next beer. "i guess we'll see then."

“We?” Shiraishi chuckled. Had Atobe realised something? Either way, the Osakan knew he was drinking too fast, and was realising he wasn’t sober. It was a dangerous situation to be in, because he just couldn’t help himself. “Say, Kei-chan, tomorrow I have matches,” he rested his elbow on the counter and leant in a little closer, “will you kiss me?”

"Another kiss?" Atobe decided he didn't feel like finish his beer and pushed the glass away again. "It didn't help you in your match against Yukimura." He raised his eyebrow at Shiraishi again.

Shiraishi stretched his arm over the counter and dropped his head onto in, laughing a little. “I knew you were going to use that against me,” he said in a muffed playful tone.

Atobe's lips curved up into a languid smile. "Well, it is quite an important fact - for a token." Reaching over he nudged Shiraishi's arm with his fingers.

The blonde turned his head to the side and smiled at Atobe, strands of hair falling over his face. “It is, isn’t it?” he chuckled.

"I would say so - though granted I don't have much experience in token giving." Atobe smiled down at the blonde, brushing those stray strands out of his face. "Maybe we should try something else?"

“I would never blame your lack of experience. It was magnificent token, something else might have gone wrong,” like the fact that Yukimura was just too good, probably.. “Something else sounds good, what do you have in mind?”

“I wonder...” Atobe stared down at the other teen consideringly. “What would give you an incentive to win, ahn?” Leaning down he let his lips almost brush against Shiraishi’s ear. “But I suggest we head back now - maybe the fresh air will help us think of something.”

That caught Shiraishi completely off guard. He never expected Atobe to be such a tease! Maybe it was the beer? Maybe it had affected the other captain too. Whatever the reason was, the effect was the same. Shiraishi felt that touch to his ear all the way down his spine. He hadn’t felt something like that in a very long time. During sex was one thing, out of the blue a simple brush of those lips could drive him up the walls. He closed his eyes, hearing the very loud bangs of his heart beating in his chest. “Mm.... give me a second to recover from that,” he smiled but raised after a moment, pressing a palm against the ear and looking at Atobe. “Lets leave before you kill me here.”

Chuckling to himself Atobe left the money for their drinks and a tip for the bartender on the counter and pushed himself to his feet. “Oh my, I didn't think it would affect you like that.” He teased, gesturing for Shiraishi to accompany him. “Does that mean I shouldn't do it again?”

Shiraishi stood up, just to realise the world wasn’t moving according to his movements anymore. “Oh.....” he made sure to steady himself by putting a hand on Atobe’s shoulder, laughing a little, “I feel perfectly fine, Kei-chan. It’s you who makes me feel like this, not the beer.” As they left, Shiraishi continue to stay very close to the other, for more than one reason. “We should do this, more, but I’ll stop after two. How about that?"

"That sounds fine with me." Atobe agreed, keeping a hand on Shiraishi's back to steady the other teen when necessary as they began their slow trek back to the school. "Who is your roommate again? I hope we won't disturb them."

"No one" Shiraishi replied with a smirk. It was probably a bad this that he enjoyed that touch on his back so much. "So," he started in a quiet slow tone, "about that kiss..."

[continues in the comment]