#my god i'm far too lazy to properly format this

[futilescript]

chamomile

Pairing: Shin soukoku

Rating: G, it's fluff

Word count: 450

"What do you mean by that?"

It's about five. Morning light is just beginning to break through the windows casting dim shadows. Birds are chirping, traffic is starting up as citizens head to work, and they should be sleeping.

It's harder to pretend when this exhausted.

Two pairs of weary eyes fixate gazes at the low-hanging cremé ceiling. The chill of the morning seeps in, sticks to the walls, makes itself a guest alongside them.

"I'm not too sure. It's new."

A small smile tugs at Atsushi while a thrumming sits comfortably in his chest. Of all the things Akutagawa is good at - it's surprising him.

"Does it feel nice?"

It's lovingly juvenile to ask. Curious and curiouser is his partner.

Akutagawa pinches wisps of grey hair as they lie side by side on the floor. They are both cold but the little contact is enough. Cheeks warmed by the company of each other.

"Sometimes."

Atsushi turns to meet grey eyes already intent on devouring his existence. A bit intense albeit it forces his body to shiver in a way that he doesn't seem to hate. Waves of warmth mist over his body as he smiles brighter.

Things are different with him. Akutagawa makes him feel a multitude of feelings and it's bothersome when he feels them all at once. But maybe it'll all be okay.

"I agree."

In a gentle manner Akutagawa places his hand on Atsushi's neck to close the space between them. Their noses brush while their foreheads bump.

"Oh, is that right?"

Maybe it will be a ways away for him to reciprocate properly. But Atsushi doesn't mind waiting. It's endearing because in a way, and maybe it's presumptuous, he feels it already.

It's subtle and very tricky. It's the way he says his name sometimes, soft but with a caring edge when he isn't doing such a good job of taking care of himself. The way Akutagawa breathes his name - three syllables - into his phone when he calls him after getting off work. His not so subtle way of knocking his knuckles against Atsushi's fingers only to look away when the tiger gives in and holds his hand. Because Akutagawa would never do it on his own at least not yet. Wrapping his scarf around Atsushi even though he himself is freezing. Buying Atsushi little trinkets for his house keys.

Even if at times he can seem unloving Atsushi understands that he is trying. And he's so proud of him.

"Don't push it."

There's a split second of irritation before teeth nibble at his cheek. A gentle smile graces his sharp features as Atsushi brings a hand up to cup his cheek.

Yeah, he's trying.