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This is, what? Like the second time we've talked? And you're already... well, sweeping me off my feet.

[ So, yes, Nanami is definitely wooing him. Or wooed him? The wooing might have already happened, to be honest. Charlie isn't typically the type to jump into anything just because of one or two good experiences, so he's really not sure if it's the atmosphere or the change in locale or if the chemistry is simply that good or what.

But what he does know is— ]

I really like you a lot.

[ Nanami is quiet for a moment after Charlie says that, letting it settle in his chest and warm him all over as he thinks of how to reply. He gets it though. This is... new for him but he likes Charlie a lot. He likes him so much and the more he talks to him, the more he likes him. This doesn't happen to Nanami, not being the pessimistic recluse that he is.

But...

He's going to stop walking then, letting them fall to a halt and facing Charlie after. He'll look at Charlie, a little earnest, as he replies with — ]

I spend a lot of time thinking about how bad things can be. I'm not the most... cheery person you will meet. And I'm quick to judge and dismiss people based off my first impression of them.

[ His mouth pulls in a bit of a grimace then, because he doesn't want to just... lay out all his faults for Charlie. But he does want to be honest. ]

Since arriving here, I've tried my best to take it a little easier. A lot of why I am the way I am is because of the world I come from and how vicious it can be, I'm well aware of that. I'm actively trying to be more open here because my free time is no longer in such limited supply. Meeting you, having lunch with you, was a pleasure and a novelty. Meeting you again now just reinforced how pleasant I find your company.

I don't... date often, another result of the life I live back home. I don't have a lot of experience. But I am honest about the things that I feel and what I want — even if that's usually to say what I don't like and don't want. Right now, what I do like is you and what I do want is also you. I know I've already agreed to your request for a date but I want to be completely transparent going into it. I like you, Charlie-san. I like you a lot. If you'll have me, I would like to spend a lot more time with you and learn everything I can about you.

[ A pause and finally — ]

... I'm going to stop talking now.

[ When they slow to a stop, Charlie can't be certain where this is going, but he is ready and willing to listen to whatever Nanami has to say, good or bad. As it turns out, for being someone who says he doesn't have a lot of experience, Nanami certainly doesn't do anything halfway.

There's a lot to sift through here, though Charlie had guessed at some of it already — the harsh reality of Nanami's world and how that might affect him as a person. But he is also so, so earnest, that even his remarkably straightforward words find some way to coil tightly and warmly around Charlie's ribs.

He was right to call this man dangerous. ]

Nanami, I... [ "I'm going to stop talking now." ] Good, because I'm going to kiss you now.

[ That's all the warning Nanami will get before Charlie's free hand comes up to curl around the back of Nanami's neck, tugging him down for a kiss. Something sweet and warm and chaste, but lingering. ]

[ If Nanami was expecting anything, it wasn't to be kissed. He wasn't really trying to get there either, he just wanted to be honest with Charlie about where he was at, how this was new for him, and how he was trying to be more open. This is a place where they can take it easy, bit by bit by bit. And Nanami is adjusting to that.

But Nanami moves easily with Charlie as he's pulled down into the kiss. A soft, surprised noise is pressed into it initially before Nanami lets his eyes fall closed and he kisses back just as sweet and warm. There's something a bit embarrassing about kissing in public, he's not much of a PDA guy but. Despite that, he lingers in Charlie's space after the kiss, not quite pulling back just yet. Their breath will mingle and something warm spreads across Nanami's expression.

He lets out an amused huff and his voice is warm as he replies. ]

Now what am I supposed to do? I'm going to be thinking about kissing you for the rest of the night.

[ That's... oh, that's gorgeous, the way Nanami melts into him, hard, stoic edges softened by warmth and intimacy. It doesn't escape Charlie's notice that they're out in the middle of the promenade, so the kiss doesn't overstay its welcome, but even fleeting as it is, it is wonderful.

The warmth lingers in Nanami's face, in his voice, when they separate, and Charlie can't help but feel a bright surge of joy knowing that he's the one who put it there. ]

Kiss me again later, clearly.

[ The corner of his mouth quirks, playful, though his expression smooths into something softer and more fond a moment later. ]

In all seriousness... thank you, for your honesty. It's nice to know where you stand, in general and with me. I don't think there's any question about it now but... "if you'll have me," you said. Absolutely. I want to learn all I can about you, too.

[ Nanami's hand not already in Charlie's will lift up then and slides across Charlie's cheek, tender. His thumb brushes over his skin then and he lifts his head to press a follow up kiss to Charlie's forehead before he drops his hand and pulls back completely. Charlie is warm and soft and Nanami can tell already that he's going to have a hard time not kissing him over and over and over again. He just hopes that's what Charlie wants. ]

I just might.

[ He'll keep their hands joined together though, warm and solid together. Charlie's words leave him feeling humbled, grateful, and his heart clenches somewhat. ]

Thank you. For listening. For wanting the same. I'm looking forward to... this. Us.

[ Once again, Charlie is taken utterly off-guard by the tenderness that Nanami displays, and his heart does a definite flip behind his ribs when his lips alight briefly on his forehead. Having literally no time for dating has got to be the only reason this man has stayed single for any amount of time. He's perfect otherwise. ]

Me, too.

[ "Us." Is it too soon to think about all the possibilities in that little word? This whole situation has thrown him for a loop, got him thinking about things he wouldn't even consider before they've even had their first date.

Oh, actually, now that he thinks about it... ]

So, uh. Is this date number one? Or is that still tomorrow?

[ Nanami would never agree to being called perfect so it's a good thing Charlie doesn't say it. Otherwise they might get into a cheesy little back and forth about it. They can save that for later. For now, he just feels happy at the response he gets from Charlie and squeezes his hand gently.

His eyebrows raise lightly at the question and he considers it for a moment. They have gotten to know each other and they also kissed so — ]

We're most certainly not acting like strangers. Nor just friends. I wouldn't mind counting this if you don't.

[ Then date number two happens tomorrow and Nanami will feel a lot less shy about kissing Charlie as much as he wants to if it's the second date, not the first. ]

I don't mind at all.

[ That assessment is right on the money. They both kind of jumped into this with both feet, but perhaps that's a good thing instead of dancing around their mutual attraction for who knows how long. Charlie is much too old for that kind of thing.

He gives Nanami's hand a squeeze in response, smiling brightly. If this is date number one, and tomorrow is date number two, that means they're officially dating. Funny how things have worked out. ]

Though, since we're putting some cards on the table and I'd hate to spring this on you way later, unless sorcerers have some kind of extended lifespan thing going on too, it's very likely that I'm... how to put this? Significantly older than you are.

[ Nanami isn't one to beat around the bush either. He hasn't felt attraction to many people in his life, especially like this, but he's had enough experiences in his life to tell him to just — go for it rather than sit on his hands. He's glad he listened to his instincts.

At the confession from Charlie, he raises an eyebrow and doesn't look exactly surprised but maybe just a bit bemused. ]

You certainly don't look it. How old are you truly then?

[ Charlie would definitely chalk up some of the speed at which they’ve tumbled into this up to being in a place where they can just be honest with each other. No weird secrets about life or work or magic or curses. ]

Eighty nine.

[ His grin turns a bit apologetic, still half-prepared for that to be some kind of deal breaker despite Nanami giving no signs of it. ]

I'll be the big nine-oh later this spring.

[ That's absolutely it. There's a relief here in being able to just talk about things and not have to talk around it or straight up lie. Nanami's feeling better about just being transparent about where he comes from, each new experience encouraging him some more towards it.

Though, he can't say he expected to be told Charlie is eight-nine years old. Well then. ]

... Huh.

[ Extended lifespans indeed. It's kind of ironic, Charlie is long lived and Nanami is... the exact opposite. Though he doesn't think he wants to tell Charlie about that part just yet. ]

Then I hope it's not a bad thing I'm only twenty-eight. I can understand if that's a turn off for you, considering.

[ He's not opposed to Charlie's age, doesn't think that would deter him at all. But Charlie might feel a little strange about dating someone so significantly younger than him. Hm. ]

No, you're fine. Most of my attempts at dating have been with normal people, so the age gap just kind of comes with the territory. Besides, I'm about the wizarding equivalent of being in my thirties anyway.

[ Charlie looks the right age, and that's a decent judge for how well they line up. For now, there's no need to dwell on much more. ]

So, if you're cool with it, I'm cool with it.

[ Nanami considers that for a moment before nodding. That... makes sense to him and is something he can live with. Now he just has to accept that he's dating someone who is nearly 90. If Gojo knew this, he would say something about how Nanami is dating someone who is as old as Nanami is in his soul, he's sure.

Either way, Nanami feels good about the decision they've made and he's going to lift their joined hands and kiss Charlie's knuckles very sincerely. ]

I am. Just tell me if you ever have any issues with it, or me in general. I want to know what's bothering you, if anything ever is.

[ As Charlie likes to say, you're only as old as you feel. Maybe Nanami has an old soul (understandable, considering), but Charlie is quite young at heart. They balance well, and it'll probably be easy to forget that Charlie is indeed an old man.

Though, for a second it feels like his old man heart is going to give out with how tender Nanami is being. A bit of color rises to Charlie's cheeks, surprised and delighted by such a sincere gesture of affection. ]

Only complaint I have so far is that you seem too good to be true. If I find out I'm dreaming, I'm gonna be pretty upset.

[ Nanami has tenderness to give and hasn't had the opportunity to deliver it before now. It's a certain kind of freedom, being able to be affectionate in this way with someone. It makes his own heart giddy and he's already excited for more. More kisses, more touches, more time with Charlie.

He takes a step back then, and then another, tugging Charlie lightly with him so they can return to their walk around the festival. He'll stay close to him, keeping their hands joined, their arms brushing, and gives a hum of thought at Charlie's words. ]

I can pinch you, if you'd like. I'm sure I can make it quite painful.

[ Lucky Charlie that he gets to have all that directed at him. He’s never had anyone be so sweet with him so quickly, and it’s certainly not helping him feel like his feet are going to touch the floor anytime soon.

Ah, right, they were walking, weren’t they? He falls in step beside the other man, giving his hand a warm little squeeze. ]

Whoa, hold on now. Let’s not go that far.

[ A laugh. ]

I think I’ll take my chances.

[ Nanami was joking, at least, despite how flat his delivery was. He's glad that Charlie picked up on that, feels warm at the understanding and continues walking in step with the other man with warmth on his expression.

It's then that he glances over to where a small crowd is gathering and he tilts his head in that direction before looking at Charlie. ]

Looks like they're preparing to release the lanterns. Shall we grab a spot to watch?

[ CHarlie knows a dry sense of humor when he sees one, and coupled with how sweet Nanami has been, he kind of doubted that was a serious offer. ]

Let's. I'm kind of excited to see. I've never been to a festival like this before.

[ Without thinking, Nanami replies: ]

Then I'm happy to be your first.

[ A pause. Ah. Then adding, awkwardly, ]

Part of. Your first. Lantern festival.

[ He's going to be so embarrassed if he's the only one who noticed the accidental innuendo. Either way, he's trying not to meet Charlie's eyes and instead continue forward towards where the crowd is. ]

[ Oh, sweet Nanami. Charlie is almost 90 years old, you’re not his first anything. Well, except for part of his first lantern festival. Which is to say, the accidental innuendo is quite apparent to him and he chuckles with good humor. ]

You’re cute when you’re flustered.

[ Not helping, Charles. ]

[ Not helping at all, Charles!! Nanami sighs, closing his eyes for a moment and ignoring the warmth of his face. He's not cute.

... But if Charlie thinks he is, he doesn't exactly mind that. He just. You know. Would never refer to himself in such a way. Ahhh. ]

Be grateful, you're the only one who gets to see me like this.

[ He just wants to say the right thing to Charlie and that's made him a bit tongue-tied. Ironic, isn't it? The more he thinks about what to say, the harder it is to say the right thing. ]

[ He is cute! He's so cute! Especially when Charlie finds a crack in his otherwise stony facade and wiggles his way in to tease. ]

Lucky me, then.

[ That gets Nanami lifting their joined hands again so he can press another gentle kiss to Charlie's hand, eyes glancing over at the man when he does.

But his affection is immense and that wasn't enough, so he ends up tugging Charlie closer again to lean in and press his mouth to his in a quick kiss. Brief, fond, he gives a soft hum before drawing back and continuing their walk. ]

[ “Lucky me,” indeed. Whenever Nanami kisses his hand, he can’t help but feel like he’s somehow stumbled into dating a fairytale prince. The way his heart flutters goes into overdrive when he’s tugged into a kiss for real.

When they part, he exhales a sigh, looking nothing short of starry eyed as he looks up at the other man. ]

I could get used to that.

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