Labyrinthum IC Inbox

[anxiouscat]

Hey, this is the inbox of Kozume Kenma! I'm probably not here!
Leave a message and I'll text back when I cat. Probably pretty quickly.

Comments

12/25

[photographists]

( With Omori and Xie Lian's presents contains Kenma's, too. Much like the others, his is wrapped in floral wrapping paper -- inside is a pair of mittens knitted with yellow-colored yarn, a small cat face pattern in the middle. There's a knitted blanket, too - golden-colored and made by Basil, too.

There's a note inside for him.

Kenma,

All of the time we spent together means so much... If you ever need anything, I'll always be here for you.

Merry Christmas,
Basil. )

[anxiouscat]

[ It takes a moment, but he eventually replies, probably sleeping in or just being a sad potato for a bit. He's fine, getting better. ]

You're always so sweet, Basil.
I got a bit lost for a bit, I wish I got something for you, too.

[ He's not usually a gift person, so he wasn't even expecting anything. ]

Merry Christmas. <3
I'll come by later, okay? Unless you're busy.

[photographists]

( He hadn't really been expecting a response at all, so he's glad to see the message when he does. Though, it takes him some time to respond. He's not doing so great, but he's trying. )

I don't need anything, Kenma.
You've already given me so much.

I'm not busy...
You know that you're always welcome to visit.

Are you doing okay?

[anxiouscat]

[ Kenma's doing... okay? He's a little messy, it's been a hard month, but he's recovered in that way that slightly less traumatised people do. Sad, but healing. He had been preparing mentally for this for a while and now it's just... living through it. Letting the wound close day by day. ]

I'm alright, today was okay. I didn't really do anything, just played games.

I was thinking... We could maybe... have a little date night? With a movie, something soft and easy to watch. I want to spend some time with you.

[ Time that isn't just Basil comforting him. Time where they can put the world aside and just be together for a bit. That'd be nice. ]

[photographists]

( The question makes his heart race, and this time, he responds far more quickly. After all the time he's taken to avoid others and he's been overall absent, it means a lot that Kenma would want to just spend time with him in general. )

Really?
You still want to...?

I'd really like that...
I have something in mind that we can watch.

[anxiouscat]

Yeah. Of course.

[ Soothing the idea that he wasn't genuine about liking him. There's no way. ]

Oh. Great. I don't like picking movies, so that's ideal.

I'll be there... in a bit? Want anything bringing?

[ Light stuff he can manage. ]

[photographists]

Snacks go with movies, so if you want then I can manage the movie and you can pick that out.

I'm... really happy that we'll be spending time together like this.

-> Action

[anxiouscat]

oh, sure... uh
I can grab a few snacks.

I'll see you soon. ♥

[ Not that much longer, after all. It's not hard to hear him coming, that metal leg isn't light. There's a knock at the door, and a quiet cat-like boy waiting for him. ]

[photographists]

( He does indeed hear him coming, but he waits for the knock before he opens the door. He can't help but greet him with a smile.

He looks like he hasn't been sleeping all that much, but things are getting better for him -- slowly, but surely.

He'll open the door a bit more to let him in. )

Hi, Kenma! Thank you for coming...

[anxiouscat]

[ In fairness, Kenma usually looks like he hasn't been sleeping that much. They both look a little rougher for wear, and for a moment he can't help but look over Basil and just... linger, letting his shoulders drop. ]

It's nice to see you. Again.

[ Weary, is maybe the best way to describe it.

The gamer steps in with a slightly awkward shuffle, putting a bag down beside the door and working off at least two warm clothing layers before turning to Basil. ]

I've got... something like potato chips. And Some chocolates. A bag of popcorn we can make.

[ Or, the closest thing somnius has to popcorn, it's close enough. A grain that pops!

But more importantly, he's already leaning in with an open arm for Basil to come closer, a more warm greeting waiting for him. ]

[photographists]

( Kenma invites him to come closer, and Basil doesn't hesitate before he moves in to wrap his arms around him in a hug. The visit is not only a welcome distraction, but it feels like a chance to attempt to have some normalcy when everything feels off. Everything feels a little emptier, but he wants to try to be strong for Kenma's sake. )

I'm glad you're here...

( He knew to treasure the time he shares with others, but saying good bye to any of his friends here always felt like a harsh reminder of that fact.

After he pulls away, he offers a gentle smile. )

I picked something that's... uhm... someone called it slice of life...? I-I thought that would be easiest for us...

[anxiouscat]

[ Oh- right in. That works. His arm falls around Basil's shoulder neatly, squeezing him into his side and tipping his head down to press a soft kiss atop that sweet green head. A moment of quiet, normal life. ]

Thanks... That sounds good. I'm not too picky so, it might be nice to watch something relaxing.

[ Almost regretfully, he lifts his arm to let Basil sort out the movie. ]

Mmh- i'll get the snacks out if you put it on?

[photographists]

( He can't help but smile brightly at the kiss then, closing the door behind Kenma. )

Alright...! Uhm... Kazuya made some really cute sweets that he wanted me to share if you were interested, too...

[anxiouscat]

[ Blink? Head tilting like a cat's. ]

He did?... I guess I could try them, if that's alright.

[ He does like sweets, the lanky setter kinda just awkwardly wanders over to the couch, plugging in his device and getting the movie ready before he falls into a seat.

Fwumph. Ough. ]

I still need to meet him, sometime... Properly I mean, maybe when things calm down.

[ Maybe a few passing interactions, but he's been busy, a lot going on. ]

[photographists]

Ah, yeah... He said he really wanted to share them, so it should be okay. I-I think he'd be happy if I did...

( Basil leaves as Kenma makes himself comfortable, coming back with wagashi -- he just then catches what Kenma says next, looking a bit sheepish. )

I think he'd want to meet you, too... The both of us are dating, so--

( Well, would it be better if they did? Basil wants to be as open as possible when it comes to his partners...

For now, he'll sit next to Kenma, looking to him hopefully. )

Ready?

[anxiouscat]

Oh-

[ He nabs one to try, nibbling lightly at it even as Basil settles down beside him, just experimenting with the taste before... blink blink. He's pausing, processing. ]

When did that happen?

[ Maybe he... doesn't know Basil as well as he thought he might. Maybe that's fine, it's why they are testing the waters, right? Something like that. A few more nibbles, and the closer arm lifts to drape around the shorter boy's shoulders and draw him in. ]

I think so, yeah.

[ A few button taps, and the movie's beginning, just a few ads first to help them pad time, but it's something for kenma to look at when he isn't occasionally admiring Basil. ]

[photographists]

Ah, a little bit ago... S-Sorry, uhm--

I meant to tell you, Kenma... But, things got away from me after the party.

( And Basil's trying harder. Having Kenma over for a movie was a good first step for that. It's a good distraction, and a way for him to try to focus on moving forward.

He leans into Kenma, watching the ads quietly before blinking back to the other. Gently, he moves to place his hand on top of Kenma's as he smiles softly. )

[anxiouscat]

Mmmh- It's fine. That's good though.

I'm glad you've found some people who really care about you.

[ His head bobs, mostly because he understands. It's not like they're properly together yet, Basil doesn't owe him any explanations. The last month had been particularly rough.

His arm wraps around Basil, neatly holding the other against him as their hands overlap. Fingers wriggle, a soft lift into place to curl around Basil's in a lighter hold as the movie gets going. Head tilting, resting atop his and sharing that quiet warmth together.

Come get comfy with him, silly. ]

[photographists]

( Perhaps Basil doesn't owe him an explanation, but first and foremost, they're friends. And friends tell one another important things, don't they?

Still, he follows suit as Kenma shifts, squeezing that hand as he curls against him comfortably. With how small Basil truly is, it feels like he fits nicely against Kenma. It's warm and comfortable. )

It's... been a really long time since I even felt like I had friends. But, I'm really lucky here. I-I have you, and Kazuya, and so many people who are special t me. Even though things have been hard, it feels like it'll be okay, too.

( As long as he has his friends here, he can keep going. )

[anxiouscat]

[ Owing and wanting to give something are two very different vibes, after all. Maintaining that connection with friends can be just as important. Especially if you're kindof dating them.

He really does fit into the setter's side so neatly, like he was meant to... It's cute in a distracting way. Even as they get into the movie, Kenma can't help but glance over, more interested in the boy beside him.

He tips in, placing a soft kiss atop his head. ]

I'm glad I have you too... And that things have been so nice here... despite everything else.

You're really sweet... Basil.

[ The arm around his side squeezes, just a bit protective, into him with a hum. ]

[photographists]

( He leans into the kiss, responding by place a soft kiss to Kenma's lips in turn. It's funny how such a simple show of affection is enough to make him feel so happy and loved.

He leans against him, wanting to take in whatever warmth Kenma can offer. )

I'm... I'm not all that sweet... ( He says honestly. ) But -- it's because of your own kindness that I can be kind in return....

( He pauses for a moment. )

Is there anything I can do though...? A-Anything I can do to cheer you up...?

[anxiouscat]

[ Sweet and soft.. That's how they tend to be when they're together, no matter what happens. ]

I don't know...

[ Lean, one soft nip to his lower lip, affectionate, warm. ]

You taste pretty sweet to me-

[ There's a soft smile, a rare playful nudge from the cat as he settles back in, finally turning back to the movie. A good thing he's familiar with this one, right? ]

You already are though... You're here with me, watching this together. That's already a lot.

[ Squeeze, he really does appreciate it. ]

[photographists]

( Basil wonders if his heart is beating too quickly. Kenma says such sweet words so easily, his heart jumps and he can't help but make a soft sound at the nip.

Still, he presses a kiss to the other's cheek. Never mind how heated his cheeks feel... )

That should be my line... There's nothing that isn't sweet about you.

( Still, he leans against him, the shorter boy wanting to remain as close as he can to Kenma. )

It feels like... as long as we're together, everything will be okay.

I think we can lean this one into a wrap in a post or two?

[anxiouscat]

Basil...

[ He leans in a little more, quietly curling both arms around him with a faint squeeze in closer. His head tips, resting against the other's.

The mood settles into something calmer and softer as they retreat from that playful moment into a more vulnerable space.

A slow breath escapes. ]

Me too... You help me feel like I can be myself.

[ Bump, softer breathing, and he's settled down for the movie. ]

ye!! i think we can wrap here if you'd like <3

[photographists]

( For the first time since Sunny had left, he can't help but truly feel some happiness at Kenma's words. They're so soft and kind, and if Basil can do something like that for someone... It means so much.

And so, he presses another kiss to his lips -- lingering, soft before he pulls away. He could stay like this forever, he thinks. )

That makes me really happy, Kenma... All I want is what's best for you.