Anywhere you'd prefer, so long as it isn't too busy.
I wanted to ask if you had a partner, as well. I don't, so if you're not spending Valentine's with a special someone I thought it might be nice to do something creative during our free time?
The network is absolutely full of posts about the day right now. I'm sure you've noticed, but I am... not really one for blind dates. Music and poetry seems like a peaceful alternative.
[Hibiki reads that message over and over, mystified as to whether Jūbei is or is not asking him on a date. For most, the answer would be obvious — but Jūbei is particularly innocent when it comes to innuendo. It's entirely possible that this is a completely platonic request for company on a day that would otherwise be lonely.
Either way, Hibiki's answer remains the same.
He can work out the truth on the actual (not)date itself.]
Come by my salon. I have no more appointments today. The door is locked so I'll have to let you in.
I don't have a partner. Nor did I have plans, until your proposal. A day of creative outpouring at the beach... a magnificent idea, Jūbei. I look forward to it.
Very well. I'll be about half an hour, Hibiki-san.
[And of course Jūbei will continue to not make it clear at all...]
Ah, thank you, that will be wonderful! I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to hear such quality shamisen music in person rather than via recording; it brings such warmth to my heart.
Hibiki? It would be good to talk to you when you're available about this but for now I'll just go ahead and ask.
Perhaps I've been reading things wrong, I'm not good at things like this, but I would very much go on a proper date with you. Only if this is something you would like, of course.
[The simple message does not properly convey the deep anxiety and mild freaking out Jūbei's doing over sending it. He's very worried about his response but after everything that's happened recently, well... he's made a few realisations and found some courage...]
[When he is done with the appointment that keeps him from his phone, Hibiki reads with amazement, but not surprise.
He'd thought Jūbei attractive the first time he saw the other man blissfully eating a grilled peach in the middle of a crowded street. As he got to know Jūbei as a person, Hibiki's attraction only grew.
And it was easy to see that Jūbei likewise felt their chemistry, whether consciously or not.
He could have taken matters into his own hands, but Hibiki believed that it would be far more meaningful to let Jūbei choose the moment.
This moment.
Words are a poet's craft, so Jūbei's choice of text is fitting. But Hibiki is a musician; he wants to hear Jūbei's voice right now and commit the nuances to memory to later treasure.
Which is why rather than respond by text, he calls.
Hibiki's voice is deep and warm in a way Jūbei is yet to hear. No longer a playful tease, the desire in his tone carries the unmistakable weight of intent.]
[That voice makes Jūbei fluster even more; his own tone is quiet and gentle, still, but there's an obvious note of shyness to him. This was not the kind of thing he'd usually do but considering all that's happened recently, and what they've shared, it felt right to try.]
[And Hibiki wanted it too!]
Ah, I'm happy to hear that. [You could almost hear his smile.] You may find it ridiculous but I wasn't sure if you would be... well, interested.
[He pauses for a short time before laughing quietly.]
I can't say I really considered where and when for a date yet. This was a bit of an impulsive decision by my standards...
[That comment was only ever going to embarrass Jūbei further. Of course it makes sense that Hibiki would be so forward with such compliments to anyone he's attracted to, but still...]
Do you always talk in such a flattering way to your dates?
[The anxiety eases out of his voice entirely now, staying soft and quiet as he talks. That kind of plan suits him very well; he's a very private and modest man, after all. Enjoying the first active moments of a romance away from prying eyes is an ideal.]
Maybe I can justify peach ice-cream? It's far from summer, but I'd so like to try some.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Text;
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I wanted to ask if you had a partner, as well. I don't, so if you're not spending Valentine's with a special someone I thought it might be nice to do something creative during our free time?
The network is absolutely full of posts about the day right now. I'm sure you've noticed, but I am... not really one for blind dates. Music and poetry seems like a peaceful alternative.
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Either way, Hibiki's answer remains the same.
He can work out the truth on the actual (not)date itself.]
Come by my salon. I have no more appointments today. The door is locked so I'll have to let you in.
I don't have a partner. Nor did I have plans, until your proposal. A day of creative outpouring at the beach... a magnificent idea, Jūbei. I look forward to it.
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[And of course Jūbei will continue to not make it clear at all...]
Ah, thank you, that will be wonderful! I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to hear such quality shamisen music in person rather than via recording; it brings such warmth to my heart.
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[At this point, Hibiki is leaning slightly towards maybe. If not, well. It bodes well that Jūbei is so passionate about his music.]
Excellent. You're welcome to hear me play whenever you like; there are few things better than an appreciative audience.
I'm eager to discover what our collaboration will produce.
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I'm no professional at what I do, unlike you, Hibiki-san. Though I've dreamed of getting something published since I was a boy.
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Our creative energy will resonate. Neither my work, nor yours, shall be without the influence of the other. That will be the joy of the experience!
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14/02
09/03 - Text
Perhaps I've been reading things wrong, I'm not good at things like this, but I would very much go on a proper date with you. Only if this is something you would like, of course.
[The simple message does not properly convey the deep anxiety and mild freaking out Jūbei's doing over sending it. He's very worried about his response but after everything that's happened recently, well... he's made a few realisations and found some courage...]
voice;
He'd thought Jūbei attractive the first time he saw the other man blissfully eating a grilled peach in the middle of a crowded street. As he got to know Jūbei as a person, Hibiki's attraction only grew.
And it was easy to see that Jūbei likewise felt their chemistry, whether consciously or not.
He could have taken matters into his own hands, but Hibiki believed that it would be far more meaningful to let Jūbei choose the moment.
This moment.
Words are a poet's craft, so Jūbei's choice of text is fitting. But Hibiki is a musician; he wants to hear Jūbei's voice right now and commit the nuances to memory to later treasure.
Which is why rather than respond by text, he calls.
Hibiki's voice is deep and warm in a way Jūbei is yet to hear. No longer a playful tease, the desire in his tone carries the unmistakable weight of intent.]
There's nothing I'd like more, Jūbei.
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[And Hibiki wanted it too!]
Ah, I'm happy to hear that. [You could almost hear his smile.] You may find it ridiculous but I wasn't sure if you would be... well, interested.
[He pauses for a short time before laughing quietly.]
I can't say I really considered where and when for a date yet. This was a bit of an impulsive decision by my standards...
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Hibiki chuckles warmly at that assertion. While he may not have pressed his attraction, he has hardly been coy about it.]
We have time to make a decision. It will happen. Besides... it's you, Jūbei, that will make our date special.
[The rest barely matters.]
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Do you always talk in such a flattering way to your dates?
[He laughs quietly himself.]
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[Hibiki drawls sincerely.]
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[Just as sincere.]
Though I've not had very many before, I admit.
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[Hibiki remarks playfully.]
I shall endeavour to keep your thoughts in the present with me.
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[It's a quiet and awkward admission; Jūbei's voice quivers a little as he says it. The 'dream' had sealed it, really, made it impossible to ignore.]
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[The satisfaction in his deep, warm voice rings clear.]
Let's picnic away from the bustle of the city, where no one can intrude upon our date. Just us and the vast ocean.
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[The anxiety eases out of his voice entirely now, staying soft and quiet as he talks. That kind of plan suits him very well; he's a very private and modest man, after all. Enjoying the first active moments of a romance away from prying eyes is an ideal.]
Maybe I can justify peach ice-cream? It's far from summer, but I'd so like to try some.
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[They both win from peach ice-cream; Hibiki can still recall the expression on Jūbei's exquisite face when they first met.]
What time is all that remains for us to settle. Let me check the tide.
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[And of course Jūbei is oblivious to his 'peach face.']
And very well. You seem a far better judge of the oceans than I.
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[While he keeps the call going, Hibiki quickly brings the net up on his phone to look up the tide times.]
Meet me at the boardwalk in two hours.
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