[ Marui frowns thoughtfully, managing to blow a full bubble out to popping before he has an answer for him. ]
Well, I guess Orlando Bloom between them. But you know, I'm not really interested in either of them on his own. I like cute more than sexy when it comes to girls, and on the occasions it happens, I like men who are clean-shaven and athletic. Confidence is a nice bonus, too.
[ He doesn't mind the implication Teshima made with the limited information he had, nor does he mind using his answer to clear things up for him. That's all part of what they're doing, isn't it? Getting to know each other. ]
[He agrees, throwing the line back at him simply because it's what he appreciates about him right now. Though, it also reminds him that he should use the chance to clear up things before they get too deep into this.]
Just so we're clear, is this still a date, or just two guys hanging out? I don't wanna assume...
[ Marui blinks and looks in slight bewilderment at Teshima. ]
It's still a date as far as I know... Did I say something strange?
[ Teshima still sounds interested from the way he phrased it, and Marui knows he still is. It's no accident that he highlighted Teshima's alignment with what he liked in a man following his admission he similarly favored girls as a rule. Clearly, though, a false signal went out somewhere along the way. ]
[ He moves fast! Marui's eyes widen in surprise; it is pretty forward, taking everything into account, but it makes more sense when Teshima confesses his inexperience. That's a surprise, too, but an endearing one he must admit.
Rather than 'tell him off,' Marui playfully bumps shoulders against him and ropes an arm around his waist. ]
Never, huh? Leave it to me, then. [ He grins. ] I'll teach you everything you need to know.
[Well, that's unexpected. The hand on his waist is heavy, in the sense that Teshima never quite expected to be on that end of things, but he recovers quickly enough to loop an arm around Marui's shoulder as he laughs.]
I'll put my trust in you then.
[It doesn't last long, because Teshima doesn't think he can walk properly if they're this close, so he pulls back to reach for his hand anyway.]
[ It's funny. If someone asked, Marui would say he was absolutely the kind of person to try something before deciding he didn't like it.
Apparently that sentiment doesn't extend to holding hands with a first date. The gesture brings to his mind heavy associations with emotional connection-- deep emotional connection-- that simply isn't there in the first few minutes exploring an attraction to someone. Hands were a surprisingly intimate part of the body. The suggestion to share that with someone he's barely talked to prior to the last five minutes is immediately uncomfortable.
But warmth closes around his palm before he can say anything and, well. Marui isn't sure that turning feeling in his stomach is still discomfort. He can't put a name to what it is instead, though, because he doesn't get butterflies. He'd resisted the idea when Teshima proposed it, but now that they're doing it, he kind of dislikes the idea of stopping.
After a few moments, his fingers shift to interlock. ]
[For someone who has not dated before, he seems very comfortable with holding hands with another guy in public. While he visibly looks surprised at the interlacing of fingers, he relaxes immediately after and settles into it as he tugs him towards the theaters.
Then again, one could probably assume, judging by how he is in class, that he's simply very touchy-feely. He speaks with his actions as much as his words, very quick to place a hand on someone's shoulder or back, though not as often holding someone's hand.]
So, are you the type who prefers to snack during a show, or do you prefer meals separate from entertainment? I'm thinking we can probably get burgers if the showing crosses through lunch.
[ Marui is feeling... just a little off-balance after that exchange. He went into this meeting with a distinct upper hand (or so he thought). Teshima's admission that he had zero dating experience only widened the gap he perceived despite the steady confidence Teshima has offered him-- even in the face of situations that would embarrass most. Maybe he should have seen it coming better than he did.
It's not that he minds; he's perfectly comfortable as the follower. It's just disorienting after presuming the leader position for himself for the role to so cleanly be pulled right out from under his feet. It's also hot as fuck. What a neat trick Teshima just pulled.
Marui sends him another teasing grin. ]
You say that like they're mutually exclusive. For me, it's not a movie without popcorn and candy. Burgers after sounds perfect.
And, if we still have time after that, I have a few ideas of my own for places to go.
[He decides he likes that grin, though it reminds him vaguely of a race, when he's flirt-taunting his opponents and not trying to bring them out on an awkward date. Teshima normally has a plan in mind, is very good at following said plan, and leading was simply one of those.
Judging by Marui's words though, he had other ideas.]
Well, you're gonna have to make me more curious than that.
[He teases right back, up until they arrive just outside the movie house. There's not a line in sight just yet, so he doesn't rush, and instead looks for a directory of movies just to see the schedule.]
Heh! Forget that. I'm not interested with anyone I have to convince.
[ Truly an unflappable guy. Marui wouldn't have blamed Teshima for answering his test with something far less receptive, but it seems he'd gambled right that his date was at least chill enough to not be completely put off. That was good.
He looks over the movie directory with him once they find it. The Wonder Woman movie is there, but its next show time is over an hour's wait. There are a couple of others with more convenient show times. ]
[ Nor did he mind going for one of the earlier showings, but why complicate it when there was already an implied preference? Besides, Teshima is right that it would be nice to have some more time for them to get to know each other before sitting down to a movie. ]
Why don't we pass the time at an outdoor table with iced coffee?
It's like you read my mind. All right, ticket first then let's find a cafe.
[Either the closest or the newest, he thinks, already heading to the counter. At the very least, the payment process is short, so they don't have to stay for long.]
[ Marui follows him to the counter and gets his ticket. ]
The closest café I know of is a Starbucks a bit further down in the shopping center. If you don't mind an extra couple of blocks of walking, I know of a family-owned corner shop with better quality. The selection is smaller, though.
Well, do you think the extra walk would be worth it?
[He asks, mostly because a couple of blocks is quite a bit of time, and since they want to buy snacks before the movie, they'll have to do all their talking on the way.
Not that he minds, not really, but it was an idea.]
[ And since he's the one who knows where they're going, he takes the lead. ]
If you weren't going on dates, what took up all your free time in high school?
[ He must have been doing something in place of that kind of socializing. He doesn't seem like the kind of person who should have any trouble securing one if he tried, so what was the holdup? ]
[He admits, and he was rather proud of it despite knowing that not everyone would've done the same. He does follow his lead, trusting Marui's judgment, even as he elaborates.]
My first year was spent trying to improve, my second year trying to keep up and by third year I was team captain, so I didn't really have time to date.
[Though he supposed that wasn't entirely true, if he counted all the time he spent with Aoyagi as 'dates'.]
Fair enough. Club activities took up most of my time, too. And I definitely found time to date along with them. I was never a captain, though.
[ And that would absolutely demand rather more time. Captains were effectively wedded to their teams for all the extra work and planning that they had to invest in them. Marui was never interested in such a thing for himself. ]
[He asks, without judgment in his tone. If he were, he'd be envious, because that probably means he's way better at his sport than Teshima had been. He's proud of hia accomplishments, definitely, but it also took him twice-- maybe thrice-- the effort to keep up.
Then again, he only knew crazy guys who loved cycling too much, himself included. Dating hadn't even really been an option, even when Higashida tried to set him up with his crush.]
I probably could've dated at that time, but it wasn't really a priority for me. Being captain was just another thing, but even without it I'd have to work extra hard just to keep up.
[ Marui is pretty sure he heard the truth couched in that answer: wasn't really a priority. People made time for the things that mattered to them, after all, no matter how packed their schedules got (though certainly the busier someone was, the more challenging that became).
And that was fine, too. There was no rule that a person had to be interested in dating by X years. ]
I dunno. Is that what your club calls a Regular? If so, then I was. I take it you had some real monsters to compete with.
[ A world of monsters, that was a pretty apt description for the U-17 tennis circuit, too, and for Rikkaidai in particular. It's not a world for anyone who isn't 100% committed to putting in the time and work needed to stay relevant.
Of course talent factored into that, too. For some, no matter how hard they worked, they simply weren't born with what it took to be a star. Others were overflowing with that gift and could afford to balance other interests alongside their sport. Marui happened to fall closer to the latter end of that spectrum. ]
Most people don't have a chance at being a Regular until their third year anyway in tennis. Was it different for your club?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
no subject
Well, I guess Orlando Bloom between them. But you know, I'm not really interested in either of them on his own. I like cute more than sexy when it comes to girls, and on the occasions it happens, I like men who are clean-shaven and athletic. Confidence is a nice bonus, too.
[ He doesn't mind the implication Teshima made with the limited information he had, nor does he mind using his answer to clear things up for him. That's all part of what they're doing, isn't it? Getting to know each other. ]
no subject
[He agrees, throwing the line back at him simply because it's what he appreciates about him right now. Though, it also reminds him that he should use the chance to clear up things before they get too deep into this.]
Just so we're clear, is this still a date, or just two guys hanging out? I don't wanna assume...
no subject
[ Marui blinks and looks in slight bewilderment at Teshima. ]
It's still a date as far as I know... Did I say something strange?
[ Teshima still sounds interested from the way he phrased it, and Marui knows he still is. It's no accident that he highlighted Teshima's alignment with what he liked in a man following his admission he similarly favored girls as a rule. Clearly, though, a false signal went out somewhere along the way. ]
no subject
[Since well, on Teshima's side, he hadn't been really looking for a date so much as he was set up on one. Still, it seems like it wouldn't be so bad.]
I've never been on a date before, just so you know. So if I'm being a bit too forward, you can tell me off.
no subject
Rather than 'tell him off,' Marui playfully bumps shoulders against him and ropes an arm around his waist. ]
Never, huh? Leave it to me, then. [ He grins. ] I'll teach you everything you need to know.
no subject
I'll put my trust in you then.
[It doesn't last long, because Teshima doesn't think he can walk properly if they're this close, so he pulls back to reach for his hand anyway.]
Then, shall we?
no subject
Apparently that sentiment doesn't extend to holding hands with a first date. The gesture brings to his mind heavy associations with emotional connection-- deep emotional connection-- that simply isn't there in the first few minutes exploring an attraction to someone. Hands were a surprisingly intimate part of the body. The suggestion to share that with someone he's barely talked to prior to the last five minutes is immediately uncomfortable.
But warmth closes around his palm before he can say anything and, well. Marui isn't sure that turning feeling in his stomach is still discomfort. He can't put a name to what it is instead, though, because he doesn't get butterflies. He'd resisted the idea when Teshima proposed it, but now that they're doing it, he kind of dislikes the idea of stopping.
After a few moments, his fingers shift to interlock. ]
Yeah... Let's go.
no subject
Then again, one could probably assume, judging by how he is in class, that he's simply very touchy-feely. He speaks with his actions as much as his words, very quick to place a hand on someone's shoulder or back, though not as often holding someone's hand.]
So, are you the type who prefers to snack during a show, or do you prefer meals separate from entertainment? I'm thinking we can probably get burgers if the showing crosses through lunch.
no subject
It's not that he minds; he's perfectly comfortable as the follower. It's just disorienting after presuming the leader position for himself for the role to so cleanly be pulled right out from under his feet. It's also hot as fuck. What a neat trick Teshima just pulled.
Marui sends him another teasing grin. ]
You say that like they're mutually exclusive. For me, it's not a movie without popcorn and candy. Burgers after sounds perfect.
And, if we still have time after that, I have a few ideas of my own for places to go.
no subject
Judging by Marui's words though, he had other ideas.]
Yeah? What did you have in mind?
no subject
Well, that depends on how much you want to learn today.
no subject
[He teases right back, up until they arrive just outside the movie house. There's not a line in sight just yet, so he doesn't rush, and instead looks for a directory of movies just to see the schedule.]
The day's just started, after all.
no subject
[ Truly an unflappable guy. Marui wouldn't have blamed Teshima for answering his test with something far less receptive, but it seems he'd gambled right that his date was at least chill enough to not be completely put off. That was good.
He looks over the movie directory with him once they find it. The Wonder Woman movie is there, but its next show time is over an hour's wait. There are a couple of others with more convenient show times. ]
What do you want to do?
no subject
[He offers as a compensation. Then again, they also would need time to buy snacks, maybe a Starbucks drink along the way.]
Unless one of these other titles tickle your fancy?
no subject
[ Nor did he mind going for one of the earlier showings, but why complicate it when there was already an implied preference? Besides, Teshima is right that it would be nice to have some more time for them to get to know each other before sitting down to a movie. ]
Why don't we pass the time at an outdoor table with iced coffee?
no subject
[Either the closest or the newest, he thinks, already heading to the counter. At the very least, the payment process is short, so they don't have to stay for long.]
no subject
The closest café I know of is a Starbucks a bit further down in the shopping center. If you don't mind an extra couple of blocks of walking, I know of a family-owned corner shop with better quality. The selection is smaller, though.
no subject
[He asks, mostly because a couple of blocks is quite a bit of time, and since they want to buy snacks before the movie, they'll have to do all their talking on the way.
Not that he minds, not really, but it was an idea.]
Let's go then. I'm in the mood for good coffee.
no subject
[ And since he's the one who knows where they're going, he takes the lead. ]
If you weren't going on dates, what took up all your free time in high school?
[ He must have been doing something in place of that kind of socializing. He doesn't seem like the kind of person who should have any trouble securing one if he tried, so what was the holdup? ]
no subject
[He admits, and he was rather proud of it despite knowing that not everyone would've done the same. He does follow his lead, trusting Marui's judgment, even as he elaborates.]
My first year was spent trying to improve, my second year trying to keep up and by third year I was team captain, so I didn't really have time to date.
[Though he supposed that wasn't entirely true, if he counted all the time he spent with Aoyagi as 'dates'.]
How about you?
no subject
[ And that would absolutely demand rather more time. Captains were effectively wedded to their teams for all the extra work and planning that they had to invest in them. Marui was never interested in such a thing for himself. ]
no subject
[He asks, without judgment in his tone. If he were, he'd be envious, because that probably means he's way better at his sport than Teshima had been. He's proud of hia accomplishments, definitely, but it also took him twice-- maybe thrice-- the effort to keep up.
Then again, he only knew crazy guys who loved cycling too much, himself included. Dating hadn't even really been an option, even when Higashida tried to set him up with his crush.]
I probably could've dated at that time, but it wasn't really a priority for me. Being captain was just another thing, but even without it I'd have to work extra hard just to keep up.
no subject
And that was fine, too. There was no rule that a person had to be interested in dating by X years. ]
I dunno. Is that what your club calls a Regular? If so, then I was. I take it you had some real monsters to compete with.
no subject
[He chuckles, and for a moment he looks fond, wistful as a memory hits him from his time in highschool.]
Our rivals were monsters, all right, and my underclassmen were just as competitive.
I was only what you would consider a 'regular' in my third year.
Sorry! It's been a hectic week
[ A world of monsters, that was a pretty apt description for the U-17 tennis circuit, too, and for Rikkaidai in particular. It's not a world for anyone who isn't 100% committed to putting in the time and work needed to stay relevant.
Of course talent factored into that, too. For some, no matter how hard they worked, they simply weren't born with what it took to be a star. Others were overflowing with that gift and could afford to balance other interests alongside their sport. Marui happened to fall closer to the latter end of that spectrum. ]
Most people don't have a chance at being a Regular until their third year anyway in tennis. Was it different for your club?
No worries!
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
I thought I replied to this...
no worries!