So there he was...

This far away, the chattering and music could still be heard, but it was faint, muffled by the sounds of the air and chirping of crickets. It was just like him, to leave a fun festival to go sit and brood by himself in the darkness...

Ranmaru held out a snack to him. "Dango?"

...

Takuto lifted his head to look at his friend, peering at him between his red fringe. He didn't look upset... just a bit tired, but he did light up a little when he saw Ranmaru.

Completely ignoring his offer of dango, he preferred to just stare up at the other, not saying a word... but maybe just finding comfort in his presence.

...

...

Eventually Takuto looked down, away from him. Ranmaru could tell he wanted to say something, but might have just given up on the idea...

Though, Ranmaru had seen that look, that sign, plenty of times before. Slowly, he walked closer to Takuto, between his knees, until he was close enough to hold.

Which Takuto did almost immediately, hugging Ranmaru around his waist and burying his face into his abdomen, as if he was the comfiest pillow.

...Ranmaru wrapped his arms around him as well.

He could understand... sometimes the crowds of people, the bright lights and constant banging of taiko drums... it could get to be a bit much sometimes.

He knew festivals weren't exactly Takuto's cup of tea... but to be honest, it wasn't Ranmaru's either. Neither of them had ever been very fond of such high energy, crowded events...

Takuto let out a long sigh, pulling himself closer, fingers searching for recognizable feelings, like tracing his shoulder blades, the curve of his back, finding comfort in Ranmaru's familiar shape.

"I want..." While muffled and quiet, Takuto finally spoke, taking a breath... before continuing. "I want to be alone with you..."

Ranmaru smiled. "Hmm...?" He only recieved a light squeeze as a response, Takuto must have been done talking. Though the laziness of his movements was the only answer Ranmaru really needed.

...

"Are you sure...?" His voice was low, as if to prevent disturbing the peace. "There's still a lot more we can enjoy here... there's not a festival everyday you know." Ranmaru found himself absentmindedly running his fingers through the other's curly hair...

...

...

Ranmaru sighed a bit. "It's ok... we can go home..."

Though Takuto still didn't move. From the gentle tugs on his pigtails, Ranmaru could tell Takuto had found himself absentmindedly doing the same.

"Though..." Ranmaru began.

It was true, festivals weren't either of their cup of tea... if given the choice on their own whether to attend, they'd always pass, as unfortunate as missing out on the experience would be. Both of them could do without the commotion...

But...

"If it's alright... do you mind if we played the goldfishing game first?" Ranmaru found himself smiling at the thought. "...you know, it's my favorite part..."

He wanted Takuto to teach him the perfect way to catch a fish... again... for what had to have been the dozenth time.

"If it's not too much time..."

Moments like that, if given the choice...

Takuto finally looked up at Ranmaru, looking almost as if he really were about to fall asleep... Ranmaru gave him a gentle smile, brushing a few stray strands across his forehead. He was a little silly like that sometimes...

Takuto leaned up, only close enough to Ranmaru for their lips to barely brush, but for them, that said enough. "Of course..."

Ranmaru grinned, he couldn't even help it. Even that... was lazy too.