#;im rusty. says someone who doesnt write enough anymore to be anything other than rusty--

[pharihyde]

@murderaer​ said: quietly and secretly holds his hand,

Aside from their initial bursts of affection, in the haze of the bubbling anxiety and new feelings, public intimacy was not an activity they indulged in. He knew Yuri wasn’t much for displaying feelings in public--or, perhaps, it was him that was more hesitant? Seeing as he had such a reputation and standing that would be changed as more knew of their relationship. It wasn’t that he was ashamed of being with Yuri, a man, no--it was Yuri that ought be ashamed to be with him. Older, a fake heart that faltered now and then and would continue to break down, with a history of betrayal and blind loyalty to the detriment of everything. As the butterflies died, what would be left to keep the wolf by his side? He’d certainly not want to keep him from a potential future with someone better.

So the feeling of a hand slipping into his jolts him, even as his own fingers immediately curl around the other’s, if not for any reason that his response to such unexpected actions is to grab the snake by the head, so to speak. His breath hitches as he falls back onto years of experience to keep expression neutral and not look about to make sure they’ve not got an audience for the moments it takes to relax again. This is fine. This is--well, as he loosens his grip and lets himself feel the heat ‘gainst his fingers--it’s good. It feels nice, and there’s a hint of a small grin, just a corner of his lips risen in that shy sort of new love, even as he tries to push it down because, really, he’s too old for that.

Still, repeatedly telling himself that he’s too old for young lovers’ games doesn’t keep him from being touched or wanting to play. Maybe one day he’ll act his age. Today, however, he’ll simply lean a little bit closer as they walk, and enjoy the way his baggy jacket obscured their hands between them as a secret only they shared, turning his head to make a quip, as if he hadn’t been caught so completely off-guard a moment ago.

   “Can’t keep yer hands off me, eh? We can skip th’ bar, go straight t’ my place. I’ve got enough beer.”