perfectmatch | week three | match ceremony

Entry tags:

week three | match ceremony

We're back, baby!

The courtyard is lit up with lanterns all over and there is now a second special couch near the Furina and Ringo couch from last week. This is the Verso-Nico couch, if they want to sit in it. But they don't have to! Live your truth, boys! Go sit with your situationships instead!

Wei Wuxian is here, still looking happy after his absence this week, and he is dressed to impress in NOT a hanfu this time, but a modern look. He's liking it, honestly. Look at him sparkle!

"Congratulations, my friends! You are once again free from a blackout and losing a wish as you found a perfect match at yesterday's truth booth. Good job!" Wei Wuxian explains, twirling his flute in his fingers as per usual. "You might still get no lights again otherwise but, uh, let's hope not! I believe in you!"

... Does he?

Either way, he bounces on his feet and calls out, "Team Suibian, it's time to make your picks!" Looks like we're ready to go.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Haha. That's -- cute, he thinks? He's not much for evaluating what people generally find cute or not, but. This is cute, he thinks. Yeah. The way Edamura's face goes red, and he stutters a little. It feels nice, knowing he managed to elicit that.

Rom smiles before finally straightening up from the hunched poster he'd taken to permit Edamura's arm over his shoulder. Arches his back a little to crack his spine before giving Edamura one of his usual uncanny grins. ]

By the way, we'd better think of a good use for your wish as well! It's not something to be taken lightly. Many people in history have killed or died in order to have their wishes fulfilled -- [ saying this morbid shit without batting an eye ... ] -- and being able to earn one through simply participating in a game show is an absolutely steal! So please do think the matter over carefully. It'd be nice if you could come up with something that would really make things better for you, yes?

[it's a bit reluctant, but Edamura does allow his arm to slip away as Rom straightens. it's strange, but. . . he feels kind of bereft without the contact, his hands hanging uselessly at his sides, itching to reach out and reclaim what they've lost. for a moment, he simply sits with this feeling. dips his fingers into the pockets of his pants, shoulders hunched, as something stupidly and childishly discontent turns in his stomach]

[. . . it was nice. feeling comfortable enough to lock fingers on stage. to casually lean. to claim a bit of Rom's personal space for himself, perching there like a cat commandeering a couch cushion. it has been. . . a very long time since he has been able to indulge in physical intimacy of any kind. and while it has never been much of a priority in his life, he thinks. . .]

[a sharp exhale. he already threw away his reservations back at the match ceremony, right? so maybe it's--]

[-- maybe it's okay for him to reach out and snag one of Rom's hands in his own, holding it much more loosely than he did on stage as he casually answers the question]

There isn't anything I want that badly.

[he is a very simple bean]

I actually offered my wish to Yingying. She has. . . some stuff holding her back.

[ It had been easy permitting all the casual physical contact and manhandling so far without reaction. It had all felt like some game, after all -- fishing for a reaction and getting it, the face-shoving and grabbing acting as simple feedback to confirm he was on the right track.

This feels different, though. Unearned, unmerited, almost. Rom blinks when he feels Edamura's hand slotting against his, hesitating for a moment. Then squeezes back, gentle but there.

It's nice. The solid sensation of it. It feels like some screw that's been wound too taut in his chest for far too long loosens just a fraction. ]

Most people wouldn't use something as precious as a wish for someone they've barely known a month, you know. [ He glances down at their hands, thumb brushing against a knuckle just once. ] Even if there's nothing you need, there's plenty a wish could be used for. Fame, fortune, a comfortable life, political power ... even just an easy way to get that coffee shop of yours, if you wanted.

[ Another slight squeeze before he looks back up. ]

It's admirable, if you'd really take that route. We'll really need to try our best to guarantee those wishes.

[it's the thumb across his knuckles that gets him. not because he didn't think Rom capable of such tender affections, but because-- it is different. far more different than Edamura's defensive roughhousing from the past three weeks. something flutters lightly in his chest as he glances down in turn, as he watches that thumb return to its original position after its brave excursion forward. . . while quietly wishing it would try again]

[. . . one breath in. then two. he looks up afterwards, catching Rom's gaze with his own. it's not on purpose, but the sheer timing of it all sends his pulse skittering]

. . . I don't want any of that.

[he isn't meant to have fame. he is far too ordinary for that. fortune? nah. . . he still has a pretty solid stash of money back home from the cons he pulled off. a comfortable life. . . would bore him, if he is being honest, and he knows it. political power? fuck no. and the coffee shop--?]

[-- that's the only tempting option. and even then, he thinks he'd want to build it from the ground up himself. and certainly not now.]

[Rom squeezes his fingers, and Edamura returns the gesture in kind, holding on just a little bit too tightly. it's hard not to, with how his heart feels like it might lodge itself into his throat any second now]

So. . . if Yingying will have it, I'll use my wish on her. [. . .] If someone else doesn't first.

And if someone does, then-- [a helpless little laugh] I'll just find someone else who needs it.

[. . .]

[though he thinks he may have already]

[ It's nice, this.

The warmth of Edamura's hand around his, but also, the conviction in his voice. So much of his work -- outside the thrills and danger of exorcism -- consists of dreary research, reading into endless vile incidents and grim histories. The sorts of atrocities that birth malevolent spirits. Terrible people committing terrible acts of all sorts are a dime a dozen, blending together. Even if he knows on a rational level that those monsters are the outliers, not the norm, he still interacts with their remnants so much more than he does normal people.

What a refreshing change this is. ]

Understood~!

[ There's some of his usual, obnoxious showmanship leaking into the reply, his delivery sing-song, and Rom lets their clasps hands swing a little bit. The sort of thing that probably comes across as mugging for the camera, trying to be annoying on purpose. It's basically reflex for him, after all, putting on that sort of act.

He does squeeze Edamura's hand, though. Lets his thumb brush against knuckles once more. ]

I'll really have to do my best, then. It's quite the hurdle we have remaining ahead of us, trying to figure out these last few matches, but ... we've come this far, so our odds are good. Let's get you that wish.

[that thumb brushing featherlight against his knuckles is absolutely going to be the death of him. it's weird, how such a tiny gesture can mean so much. . . and can feel like it's completely upending his entire world. then again. . . hasn't the show itself done that? from proving to him that other universes exist, to letting him meet vampires and AIs and exorcists, to. . . whatever this turns out to be]

[. . . he had been so tired that first week after having his worldview so completely and utterly changed, knowing that he would once again have to adapt to something far outside of his control. this is. . . easier. it's nicer! it changes things, but for the better. and the best part is?]

[he got to choose it for himself]

Hey now, don't talk like it's only my wish on the line, here.

[Rom's is important, too!!]

But all that aside--

[a brief pause, because despite everything he had said (and meant) at the ceremony, he hadn't really thought about the things that came after]

We still have a week left, and we can't spend that whole week thinking about the rest of our matches. S. . . so. . .

[ His wish is important, certainly. One of the main reasons he came here in the first place. But if it doesn't come true, well ... he'll just continue working hard on his own, doing what he can. Same old, same old.

But if he could support Edamura in making the choice to help someone else -- that'd be different. He wants that gratification.

The thought has him grinning, and he leans in a little, lowers his voice to a conspiratorial murmur. Ominous in his usual fashion: ]

Soooo?

[ The brim of his hat taps against the crown of Edamura's head with the way he looms close. ]

Was there something you wanted to do during the week we have left, Makoto-san? ... unfortunately a private hot spring is still off the menu despite your wishes [ hehe ] but if there's something else you'd like to do, and the production team is amenable, I'd like to do it.

[gck--]

H-- hey! That was just a suggestion to help you out, back at the onsen. . . ! That's not--!

[his grip on Rom's hand tightens]

[Rom's wide-brimmed hat bumps up against the top of his head, and red floods Edamura's cheeks, hardened only by the slightly defiant scowl that pinches his features]

[. . .]

[his free hand grips Rom's collar so tightly his knuckles turn white]

[he exhales his next words sharply, with audible exasperation]

You're such a pain in the ass.

[and then he yanks on that captured collar, surging forward at the same time, all in one surprisingly smooth motion]

[to claim a very indignant and fussy kiss]

[ Hehe. He's starting to find some nice familiarity in that, the grab at his shirtfront. The sort of playful roughhousing that he never got to experience much of growing up.

And just as he's about to say some followup quip to put a pause to whenever Edamura starts shaking him again --]

[ ... for better or for worse, Rom doesn't react to the kiss much. Stays mostly still, seemingly frozen as he tries to process how he feels about that.

Huh. Strange. It doesn't feel much like any of the kisses shared during that game of spin the bottle, even the supposed 'special first.' Those had felt so ... perfunctory.

Edamura pulls away, and there's just long enough of a pause for him to see Rom blink, expression still the same owlish neutral. Then, movement -- ingrained reflex that has Rom raising a hand to sweep off his hat, using it to shield their faces from the nearest camera. Offering them just a little privacy so he can whisper, ]

Once more, if you'd please?

[it's probably for the better, considering how short the kiss winds up being. something quick and purposeful, meant as revenge for Rom's goading. Edamura's attempt at flustering instead of being flustered for a change!! so. . . when he draws back, and there isn't a single hint of embarrassment on Rom's features, he feels an irritable sense of disappointment. that's not fair!!]

[he knows Rom's poker face is pretty good, but still!! not even a hint of a blush? a small spattering of pink on those cheeks? a few stuttered words of confusion?? come on, surely Edamura isn't that bad at this (. . . or maybe he is, considering how long it has been??). either way, he feels his shoulders stiffen defensively, another loud complaint dangling on the tip of his tongue]

[one that Edamura swallows almost immediately once Rom sweeps off his hat. meets his gaze with that familiar owlish neutrality, a simple request tumbling from his lips. Edamura's grasp on that collar loosens as his surliness evaporates, replaced by raised brows and parted mouth]

[a moment passes. then another]

[his grip tightens again]

[. . . this time, when he closes the distance between them from behind the cover of Rom's silly hat, he doesn't do so with the intent for quick, impulsive retribution. this time. . . he moves with purpose, dipping forward to claim a kiss that is much gentler, much slower, and lingers far longer than the first]

[ It would be a lie to say that Rom returns the kiss with any sort of grace or skill.

Can Edamura tell that this is truly a first for him? Unlike the usual, uncanny ease with which he seems to glide through things on a day to day basis, tanking obstacles and surprises while barely batting an eye, there's a distinct pause before he even tries to return the gesture at first. But try he does, ducking in to capture a better angle and clumsily returning the press of lips against his own.

When he pulls back, there's a split second where Edamura might get to see Rom's usual pokerface falter -- gaze softer in focus, lips still parted a little uncertainly.

-- then Rom shoves his hat over Edamura's head, right down, so the brim falls over his eyes. ]

[finesse is not what Edamura is asking for. . . nor does he really have it himself, considering his own limited experiences. but that's okay; it's his confidence that carries him. the confidence of the match ceremony and the lights afterwards that see him pressing just a bit closer when he senses reciprocation. Edamura's fingers flex into the fabric of Rom's shirt, head tilting slightly to the side to better match that angle, all the while the tension in his shoulders eases away, running off his back like rainwater. it has been a while. it has been a long while. when was the last time he opened himself up to someone like this. . . ? even if it's slow and gentle and perfectly chaste, when was the last time he let down his guards this much. . .?]

[the kiss ends, and Edamura draws back as well, trying not to think too hard about the shade of red that paints his features. he doesn't miss it. the unfamiliar, uncharacteristic hint of softness in Rom's gaze, the small flicker of uncertainty that edges his own smile--]

[-- but then it is gone, replaced by a swath of dark fabric as the brim of that hat covers his eyes]

Hey--

[protesting noise?? but it's muted by a laugh as Edamura releases Rom's shirt to grasp at that hat instead, tugging it even further down his face like the stupid blushing maiden he is]

. . . I don't think it works for me as much as it does you.

[ Give him a moment to clear his throat and try to calm his quickened pulse. Years of habit and training mean he doesn't really blush or fluster, but he's still not immune to this, something he has zero built-up tolerance for. His next exhale is a little wobbly before he manages to even things out and steady his voice. ]

... nonsense! It's a perfectly good look on you.

[ Which is why he'll let Edamura keep the hat a little longer. Not just because Edamura keeping it tugged down like that gives both of them a few more moments to calm their nerves. Still -- maybe Edamura can hear the usual smile creeping back into Rom's tone of voice. ]

If ... -- when you assist me with my work in the future, you'll need to dress for the job, you know? We can't have you showing up to a haunted spot tour as assistant guide wearing a polo shirt and slacks! I guess we'll have to get some new clothes ready for you. Maybe a shopping excursion would be useful in the next week?

[ A pause. Has Edamura raised the hat enough to look over again? Maybe he'll catch sight of Rom nervously licking his lips -- an uncharacteristic move -- before he adds quietly, ]

... in any case, perhaps some time spent away from the group would be nice.

[IMAGINING HIMSELF IN ROM'S BLACK GOTH GARB. . .]

[. . . well he supposes he has worn worse! it can't be as bad as a prison jumpsuit. nothing can be as bad as the prison jumpsuit]

What am I, your own personal dress up doll?

[the protest is weak and half-hearted; as a seasoned confidence man, Edamura understands the importance of looking the part. . . even if it's not necessarily his everyday style. and while it does take a few moments for him to regain his composure, he eventually manages to lift the brim of Rom's hat just in time to catch that uncharacteristic move. a tongue darted between lips, a motion that arrests his gaze and draws it right onto the very mouth that he had stolen earlier. something that seizes his heart in his chest, breath stuttering in the back of his throat]

[oh. . . oh dear]

-- I guess. We could go. Shopping. Yeah?

[. . . he went to the mall the week before though, and it had been so awfully crowded. . . not a very romantic place for a date, to be quite honest!!]

[ Rom lets that lukewarm response hang in the air just long enough to make it clear he heard it, then gives a small nod. Right. Shopping trip it is next week, then. ]

-- I'm kidding, Makoto-san. We can always get you appropriate clothes later.

[ A grin as he reaches over to take his hat back, slipping it back on and turning his gaze back over the group, skimming over the camera-men. Tries not to wonder if that little moment of theirs was caught on film. ]

As you might be able to guess, I'm not very ... [ hm. Wording. ] I'm more the indoors type, on my days off.

[ What does he even do on days he isn't chasing ghosts? Videogames (even those, usually streamed for some extra income), research, catching up on much-needed sleep. That's it, he thinks. A little embarrassing in this context. ]

I don't often go places just for fun. So I'm afraid I'm a little dry on suggestions ... but this is our last chance to do something indulgent on the production's dime. Is there anything that comes to mind for you?

[the lukewarm response comes from Edamura's distraction more than anything else, but he does let out a small, relieved sigh when Rom pushes the inevitable "find Edamura goth fashion" trip to a later date. that definitely sounds like something they should tackle. . . after. bringing future business into-- into this-- just feels a little. . . well]

[it's simply not what he wants for their final week. that's all. business matters are for future Edamura and Rom. making the most of the one week they have left without any responsibilities weighing on their shoulders is for now]

[and so Edamura follows Rom's gaze towards the cameramen, knowing that their moment was almost certainly captured on film somewhere, and for some reason. . . his brain keeps skipping towards that idle remark. some time away from the group, Rom had said. honestly? some time away from everyone would be nice. they really haven't had the chance to just be alone-- save for that quick fifteen minutes back at the arcade-- have they? but he is sure the camera crew will be watching him like a hawk next week, especially considering how many times he had ditched them and/or broke their equipment. and while there is. . . a certain space. . . in the house.. . that affords them plenty of privacy, it feels a little. . . too soon. even if all they were to do was slip in there alone to talk]

[. . .]

[though. . . perhaps. . .]

[. . .]

[a grin stretches across Edamura's features as he turns back to Rom, one eye slipping shut in a li'l wink]

-- yes, actually. Something does.

[he would probably have to pay some people off, but whatever. bribery is a perfectly acceptable tactic in the world of scam artists]

It's outdoors, but it'll be at night. Someplace pretty secluded! [a pause] It'd be even better if there were no spirits, but I admittedly don't know how to check for that beforehand. . .

Edited 2025-06-22 23:22 (UTC)

[ Charming. It's charming, when Edamura's lips curve in that devious little grin. Even more so because he can guess there's more going on behind that smile than just excitement or anticipation, and who can resist the allure of a shared secret? ]

Oh? I see. I'll be looking forward to your selection, then.

[ A low chuckle before he winks back. It's not a standard part of the role he usually plays, so it's not quite as natural as Edamura's, but a little deviation should be fine, probably. ]

Well, you don't need to worry about that last part. Regardless of how the place might be, I'll guarantee no ghosts will be bothering us.

[the way he is going to be SO DISAPPOINTED when the camera crew can't be bribed. but that is also a problem for future Edamura, because present Edamura currently finds himself charmed by that mildly out of character wink]

[. . . it's pretty cute. . . with a slightly widening grin, he rocks forward to rest his elbow on Rom's shoulder. the man is taller than him by a few inches so it is no easy feat. whatever. CONFIDENCE CARRIES HIM]

Great! Then it's a-- [. . . . . . . . ]

[hhhhhhhhhhh]

. . . it's a date!

[preferably. . . not. . . just one for show. . .?]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

week three | match ceremony

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

1/4 look i have a number this time

no subject

no subject

no subject

1/2

no subject

1/2

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject