[RL - forward-dated to Saturday.]

[unknownrival]

Issei was very, very nervous.

His experience in doing... couple things was practically nil, and Archer was coming over. To his house. On Valentine's Day. What was he going to do? What if he did something stupid and wrong and they broke up? What if he tried to kiss him and it was too soon? What if one of them choked on a chocolate?!

Forcing himself to calm down, Issei paced outside the entrance to the temple and waited anxiously for Archer to arrive.

Comments

[steelisblood.livejournal.com]

"You'll understand later," Archer promised with a smile.

[stripping.livejournal.com]

"I'll look forward to that, then. But I really think it would be best if we didn't continue this in the kitchen where someone might walk in at any time," Issei replied, rising to his feet.

[steelisblood.livejournal.com]

"Well, I don't want to rush you either, Issei," Archer said with a smirk as he slowly stood up as well.

[stripping.livejournal.com]

"I appreciate the concern," Issei answered, smiling and taking a few steps towards Archer. He paused for a moment, blushing in embarrassment once again, before wrapping his arms around Archer in a hug.

[steelisblood.livejournal.com]

Archer smiled as he returned Issei's hug. He stroked the indigo hair with a smile. He pulled back enough to push Issei's glasses up on his nose.

[stripping.livejournal.com]

"You have some strange fixation with my glasses," Issei teased gently, leaning in again to press a soft kiss to Archer's cheek. "Not that I mind."

It was the truth. At that moment, Issei couldn't think of any place he'd rather be than here in Archer's arms.

[steelisblood.livejournal.com]

Archer smiled and said, "Well, they were slipping off." He hugged Issei again with a chuckle before maneuvering him to move away from the kitchen.

[stripping.livejournal.com]

"Were they? I suppose if they'd fallen off, it would have ruined the moment," Issei answered lightly, following Archer wherever he led them.

[steelisblood.livejournal.com]

"Well, I wouldn't want you not being able to see what was going on," Archer replied as he kept his arm around Issei.

[stripping.livejournal.com]

"You mean you wouldn't want me to not be able to see you?" Issei asked with a smile. "That would be a travesty, I agree."

[steelisblood.livejournal.com]

"Well, unfortunately, I'm not one to look at," Archer said with a tiny shrug as they kept walking.

[stripping.livejournal.com]

"What are you talking about? I think you're very..." Issei trailed off, his dark blush speaking for him.

[steelisblood.livejournal.com]

"Very what, Issei?" Archer said with a smirk.

[stripping.livejournal.com]

"Why are you making me say this? A-a-a-attractive," Issei stammered out, his blush spreading.

[steelisblood.livejournal.com]

Archer laughed, "Yes, with my burned skin, white hair and multiple scars."

[stripping.livejournal.com]

Issei frowned at him. "Burned skin doesn't look like that, I like the white hair, and as for the scars... I don't like that you have them, I would prefer that you hadn't been hurt at all, but I think they just prove that you're a strong person."

[steelisblood.livejournal.com]

Archer smiled and cupped Issei's cheek. He rubbed it with his thumb and said, "Thank you."

[stripping.livejournal.com]

"You're welcome, but you don't need to thank me for something like that." Issei blushed again at the physical contact. "Err... where are we going, Archer?"

[steelisblood.livejournal.com]

Archer replied, "I don't know. Where do you want to go."

[stripping.livejournal.com]

"W-well, the temple is the same as when you were last here, where-"

Did that include the part about his room being the most comfortable place? But Issei couldn't possibly just invite Archer in there, that would be too forward! But what if Archer wanted to go in there? How was Issei supposed to know when it was time to move forward? It wasn't as if Issei didn't already want to - no, no, stop thinking about that!

Needless to say, Issei panicked.

[steelisblood.livejournal.com]

"Issei, breathe," Archer demanded as he placed his hands on his friend's shoulder, "Let's go walk outside."

[stripping.livejournal.com]

"What? Oh, I'm sorry, that sounds good," Issei agreed, still hazy-eyed.

[steelisblood.livejournal.com]

Archer guided Issei outside and took his hand just to quietly walk with him. He asked, "Better?"

[stripping.livejournal.com]

"Yes, thank you. I'm sorry for panicking, I just... this is all new to me," Issei replied.

[steelisblood.livejournal.com]

Archer smiled and stroked Issei's hair back from his face. He said, "I know, that's why I'm taking it slow."