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It's definitely one of those in-the-moment things. Well, Sento would never think to hug Ryuuga at any time before all this, and Ryuuga would probably never think to hug Sento, period; but people do crazy things when they're lost and confused. And in a new world.
"Sento?" a voice calls, rough and twinged with uncertainty. The physicist by the name of Kiryuu Sento snaps his head up, then spins around at the familiar sound.
There's Banjou Ryuuga; auburn hair, graphic T-shirt, combat boots, completely unnecessary waist-shirt and all. He's got his mouth open even when not saying anything, as if he can't quite believe what he's seeing–or can't quite catch his breath.
He stumbles (or stomps. He's always been a heavy stepper) toward Sento, his eyes wide and confused, and blurts, "you remember me, right?"
To which Sento responds with a gasped, "Banjou."
What is left of Kamen Rider Build steps toward Ryuuga with his heart suddenly racing and the loneliness that was threatening to crawl up into him from the ground instantly dispelled. But before he can act any further, Banjou just about breaks into a sprint and crashes into him.
The impact sends Sento stumbling backward and forces an "OUGH" from his chest, but he doesn't fall. Instead, he's enveloped by strong arms and grounded by a sturdy weight against his chest. Banjou presses his head against Sento's shoulder and locks him into a tight embrace and Sento, being the total intellectual he is, freezes with his arms hanging at his sides.
"You do!" Banjou shouts triumphantly. His breath is hot through Sento's shirt and he can't help but squirm.
"Get off, you big musclehead," the physicist complains. He wriggles himself out of Banjou's grasp and then grabs each of Banjou's biceps, forcing his arms away.
The dragon rider backs up, as if now realizing how weird he was acting, but then just stares at Sento (which is weirder, actually).
And with nothing to stop it, Sento's face splits into a massive grin, because how is this possible? Ryuuga shouldn't be here, Sento saw him with Kasumi.
But that wasn't his Banjou Ryuuga; this is.
Sento runs a hand through his own hair and exclaims, "This is terrific!"
Ryuuga laughs, and Sento can hear the world mending itself in that laugh. There's hope and a future there–hope and a future that the two of them so desperately and dangerously crafted for their friends, the public, and even themselves. All at once, this hope smashes itself into Sento, and it is not kind. It's rough and heavy and overwhelming, and it pushes him forward and right into a laughing Ryuuga.
Now it's Ryuuga's turn to freeze as Sento hooks his arms under Ryuuga's arms and wraps them around his back. His muscles lock, and Sento chuckles at the shy reaction before exhaling a deep sigh he didn't know he was holding in.
The new world doesn't fade away once Ryuuga puts his arms around Sento again. They're both grounded, safe, and protected by one another now, and the new world stays. Sento feels himself melt against Ryuuga, like a jumbled wad of clay that is molded to fit into a specific shape.
The only things that leave are Sento's doubts and worries. He isn't left alone. He does exist. He is remembered, he is admired. Someone remembers, someone remembers, someone remembers.
Ryuuga remembers.
People make way around the pair as they remain this way, the casual blend of multiple conversations and spring breeze soothing Sento. He could just about cry, but he won't because hugging Banjou Ryuuga is enough vulnerability for two lifetimes. Or two worlds.
"This really is terrific," Sento murmurs again, his mouth against Ryuuga's neck.
"Sure is," his partner agrees, a smile in his voice.
