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The young man wanted to meet upon a bench; a human version of a haunt. The young man had stated time and place but not a reason for the meeting. He was left wondering, just a little, curiosity was not a necessity when his trust was infallible. Was their meeting training or personal? It did not really matter which it was; he was the devout to the will of the young man; an constructed offering upon his altar. Just like the bench in the demon haunt the appearance was ordinary, not even a hint of decoration elevate it above the mundane. Did it matter what the bench looked like? No; it was what happened upon it that was sacred. When they had first met it was upon a simple bench that he performed his first health check on the young man. His knowledge had been as willing to offer him his hand as he was. They shared that habit, that association of care and protection that came with holding hands. Upon many simple benches in different demon haunt locations they had talked freely, sharing all of themselves. If their relationship had a sacred symbol then it was the humble bench.
And there he was; the young man was seated upon the bench, hands upon his knees with the fingers curled into a comfortable ball, legs slightly parted and his back relaxed but straight. In his hands was a familiar item; a book. The young man always had a book available for company. He preferred the company of literature over humans. Aogami did not share that particular opinion. He found humans to be fascinating creatures. There was much to learn from their nuances, their emotions and their unique intelligence.
“Please, come and make yourself comfortable.” Despite being absorbed into the pages of his book, the young man could still sense the arrival of Aogami. The connection they shared was more than words, physical contact or any sensory experience, it was like they were one inseparable whole. “You have a habit of standing around like a mannequin, a rather impressive one, but such stillness is unbecoming of a storm god. Your fingers are best served caressing me with a cool breeze.“ Metaphors and poetry; the young man spoke in a pretty way. Little happy songs played in his head as the soundtrack to his knowledge's voice.
“My fingers are a breeze…” He drew nearer, curiosity was an abundant sensation that urged him to react. “Are they always a cold breeze?”
“No, only your metal clad hands are. Your fingers are a tropical breeze when they are bare.“ With the page finished he tucked the bookmark in, so the written word could slumber, before the book was concealed in his bag. Only then could he fully appreciate the God who had accepted his invitation. He was greeted with a rare sight; Aogami draped in human clothing. It was necessary to blink several times to ensure he wasn't imagining things. Aogami really was cocooned in soft navy cotton; joggers with a drawstring and a close fitting tee to be exact. There were many little things to appreciate in the whole ensemble; the soft rounded necklace that revealed a cheeky hint of collarbone and his proud neck. His fingers could climb his tree trunk neck for endless hours. Another feature he enjoyed was the sleeves ending at the wrist. There was something sensual about being able to caress that region. Aogami insisted that he did not have a heart, therefore no pulse. He still liked to imagine that his fingers could send little messages, like morse code, to something dwelling, a metaphysical heart. Finally the drawstring would be useful, he could use it in a similar way to a mountain climber scaling a mountain. Aogami was his godly mountain; his Fuji, his Haku, his Tate.
“Today my hands are a tropical breeze; just for you.” When he spoke so earnestly and softly it was impossible not to melt into his voice. Aogami had different tones for different people, the one he saved especially for the young man was the gentlest, most emotional of all. If his voice enchanted then his eyes hypnotized; two benevolent balls of honey laced lightning. They shone dazzling light upon whoever he observed.
“You are sweet, that is probably why I got you a little something for White Day.” The light squeak of the young man's voice drew Aogami in, grabbing every bit of his attention. Aogami was equally as enthralled with his knowledge as his knowledge was with his life. He looked like a fine porcelain doll bred with a woodland creature. Every look transformed his eyes to sugar, no one was as adorable. The young man handed over a bag of marshmallows.
“You have given me a traditional gift. I appreciate the sentiment.” His smile was warm and absolutely devastating, the young man was rendered speechless by it. “Your head is the shape of a marshmallow,and just as sweet. I shall protect and support your sweet marshmallow face; always.” Was that Aogami's attempt at flirting and complimenting him? Being called a marshmallow wasn't exactly the smoothest line, in fact it was dorky. Aogami was a dork but a charming one. Luckily the young man laughed in amusement.
“I actually gave you the marshmallows to express my feelings. There are one hundred marshmallows in this bag, each represents something sweet about you. Using chocolate icing I have written a compliment on each one. Here…” The young man untied the bag and removed one squishy treat. “Kind.“ One treat was offered to Aogami and he gratefully opened his mouth and accepted it. “Positive.” Yet another passed his lips. “Compassionate.“ And then another “Affectionate.”
“I feel something strange. I have never felt this way before. It is curious. My cheeks feel hot. I need to extinguish them.“ Aogami was blushing! That was impossible! Aogami was cooler than a ski slope. He was normally an expert in emotional blankness.
“You look radiant with a little colour in your cheeks. I forbid all extinguishers.” Another treat was pressed to Aogami's lips, this time it read ‘patient‘
“You should blush as well then. I want a little strawberry sauce on your marshmallow face.“ Aogami double checked that there were no onlookers, thankfully the bench seemed to be in a quiet area, before he meant inwards and kissed each cheek. “Your cheek is as soft as a marshmallow.”
“You are weird! Only you would use ‘marshmallow face’ to court someone. Instead of ‘young man’ I will be called ‘young marshmallow.” A playful expression fully embraced his face with eyes that beckoned. “I don't mind being a marshmallow if it means more kisses. However. .. you will have to work hard to turn my cheeks strawberry red.” If the young man wanted more kisses then he would provide an endless fountain of them. Kisses flowed like water from his lips and covered his face until he was soaked in them, then he swallowed his petit hands in his giant shovel sized palms and kissed each fingertip, then each knuckle and finally a few were rained down on his wrist. Each finger kiss was a delight that tasted of marshmallow.
“Koji, your cheeks match mine, do your feelings match mine? My body feels full of warm magetsuhi soup and my chest feels full of butterflies flying. It is strange to speak in a way that is more poetic than logical.“ A marshmallow was removed from the bag. “This one suits you more.“ He fed Koji a marshmallow with ‘beautiful‘ written upon it. Koji caressed his cheek and felt the warmth against his cool fingers. A smile accompanied the realisation that they were both tinted with a blush. After the smile he stroked Aogami's cheeks and felt similar warmth.
“Yes, you have filled my bloodstream with comforting soup and my heart with a whole kaleidoscope of butterflies. Let us move away from logic and move towards the most illogical and irrational of sentiments; I love you.” Curious excitement lingered in his heart as he awaited Aogami's reaction to his romantic declaration.
“Mmmmm, I feel content, very content and light, as though the bench is levitating beneath us. Inside there is a desire to hold you and never let you go. Love? Are these feelings what constitutes love? It is as fascinating as it is wonderful.“ Koji's hands remained upon his cheeks and he felt as though he could melt into them. “I love you, truly.”
“I feel like I have levitated higher than the Empyrean.“ Koji chuckled as a way to release some of the joy within before he was full enough to burst. “I like hearing about your feelings even if it is in a logical, less poetic way. Remember that my ears are always open to you and so is my heart. Never hold back.“ Aogami pulled a marshmallow in half which read ‘good listener ‘ and offered half to his knowledge. They both consumed the treat with mirroring smiles.
“Then we both need to eat this one. I do not have a heart inside my body. My heart is by my side.” On a public bench was not the place to show his full appreciation. He needed somewhere private to hold as much of Aogami as his slender arms could fit.
“If I am your heart then let me show you a heart racing.” Hand in hand they started to run, side by side despite their differing length of stride. Aogami had the gait of a magnificent stallion while Koji scuttled like a mouse. Care and consideration; Aogami shortened each step so they could stay close together. There was something exhilarating about running, as though all troubles and the burden of reality was left in their dust.
“That was quite a run. Are you tired? Do you need to rest?” The moment they reached the dormitory Aogami became doctor and counsellor . His eyes performed a full scan, from head to toe, as Koji bent forward and rested his hands on his knees.
“I will be alright after a few breaths.” Koji inhaled deeply and let his lungs fill.
“Let me fetch you some water.“ Aogami collected a water bottle for a cooker and handed it to his other half.
“Thanks.” Koji consumed nearly half the bottle before erecting himself upright again. “Shall we continue our conversation? All we need is a bench. Mmmmm?“ His eyes bounced around the various pieces of furniture in the minimal environment before they settled on Aogami. “You, you can be the bench. If you sit on the bed then I can sit on you. Would you like that?“ Aogami pondered the merits of transforming into something as practical as a bench. Koji could rest upon him and he would be close enough to offer support and protection, all in all, being a bench was a marvellous idea.
“I will be your bench. You can sit upon me as long as you need to.” Aogami carefully planted his buttocks upon the squishy mattress, to ensure his body was supported by good foundations, then he moved his arms to the arm rest position which made Koji chuckled.
“I didn't think you would take my suggestion literally. Oh well, let me customise you.” Koji slid into a three quarter angle upon his lap and customised the arm rests into a cocooning embrace. “You are very comfortable.“
“I am glad that I am comfortable. My thighs perform the role of two thick planks supporting your frame.“ Aogami was serious in his examination of the situation, which made what he said amusing. ‘Plank thighs’ Aogami was a vision both comedic and borderline erotic. One vision turned Aogami into a pirate with tree trunk legs rather than peg legs then the other was just Aogami looking unbelievably hot in speedos.
“And your tiddles perform the role of cushions.“ Koji rested his head upon the firm but supportive chest meat.
“Tiddles? I do not understand. I have tiddles? Do you have tiddles?“ Aogami liked the position, Koji's head was in the perfect position to sniff his head and kiss his forehead. Whatever tiddles were, he enjoyed their involvement. Finally it clicked; the problem solving cogs of his mind started to turn, heads laid on cushions and Koji's head was using his pectoral muscles like a cushion by laying on them. “You mean my pectoral muscles. Yes, I suppose they are quite large.“
“Billowy.” Koji closed his eyes so he could fully appreciate the warmth and strength around his meagre body.
“Billowy is an interesting description. I admit that your descriptions of my body makes me feel happy. I desire to return the descriptions. You are beautiful. I have seen many gods famed for their incredible beauty but none have compared to you. When I first saw you I made many vows. I vowed to support you and protect you. Your physical beauty and the beauty of your heart make me want to repeat my vows to you. I vow to support you. I vow to protect you. I vow to… love you.“ The cadence of his vows were adagio and pianissimo, that only added to the power of the sentiment. Koji's heart felt like it was going to supernova.
“I love you too. I have many compliments for you. I will compliment you until your cheeks are red and your confidence swells enough to form a planet. The magetsuhi veins over your body are like a map leading to all my favourite destinations. The forked road leading up your neck; they lead to your lips.“ He trailed a finger up the vein until he reached his chin. He then tickled his chin before he looked up and cherished a brief moment of heaven; a kiss.
“You do not have magetsuhi veins so I will have to remember the directions to my favourite destinations rather than rely on a map. I think another kiss will help me remember the destination of your lips.” He echoed the briefness and loveliness of the kiss given to him.
“When I had the idea to participate in white day gifting I didn't expect such a positive reaction. Normally you can be rather practical. I expected the warmth of your gratitude along with something about proto-fiends not needing food. Your understanding of sentiment and pleasure have improved. More kisses would help further improvement. “ A long drawn out kiss followed where his hands rested upon his strong shoulders and caressed his neck with his thumb, where their eyes softly closed and their noses nuzzled. “Your kisses are perfect, just the right amount of soft and firm. You are gentle but you display a charming eagerness.”
“I came into your life and stole the peace you once enjoyed. The least I can do is kiss you tenderly. I do not deserve such a luxury. “ Koji placed a finger upon his lips to hush him.
“My life was a meaningless amble. I just floated like a leaf in the wind. With you I am helping people and demons. I am changing the world. My life is better with you in it. You give me purpose both professionally and privately. If my kisses are a luxury then we must luxuriate. No more doubts about your impact on my life. The only impact I want is your lips against mine.“ Koji's final word was followed by a hard, passionate kiss, the kind that existed in dreams and were reenacted on the big screen in dramatic expressions. It was the ‘kiss under the moonlight’ and in the ‘pouring rain'; one memorable moment, a photograph that never fades.