[Akechi doesn't often wake up feeling rested or refreshed, but when his alarm starts blaring it's cheerful(?) tune, he slaps it once to silence it and extricates himself from Ren's grip. Sure, it's tempting to just stay in bed with the other man (boyfriend, Ren had said, but that still feels at once too tentative, and not nearly strong enough of a label), especially in the wake of weeks of poor sleep, but he has a routine, damn it. If he could wake up every morning to bike, jog, or go bouldering before a TV shoot, he's not going to let something like a little exhaustion and fatigue stop him now. Besides, it gives him time to think.
When he returns, it's as quietly as possible to avoid waking his roommates. He leaves a travel container of coffees from a local shop on the counter, along with a selection of the most popular pastries an equally-as-exhausted looking clerk recommended. Just as quietly, he lets himself back into his room, leaves a cup of coffee and a small paper bag on his desk, and resumes his normal morning routine as if Ren weren't even there.
Eventually he has to stop putting it off and ventures out from the bathroom, towel around his waist, hair still damp from a basic consideration not to start blow drying it until Ren was awake. He hesitates for a long moment, watching the other boy sleep, before finally venturing over and pressing a knee into the bed. The kiss he leans over and presses to the other boy's forehead is uncharacteristically soft, the touch he presses to his cheek is surprisingly gentle, but hopefully it's enough to wake him up.]
(Tired doesn't really come close to explaining the exhaustion that Ren has been feeling - although he reckons everyone must be going through the same dragging mood after so long without proper sleep. It helps to sleep next to Akechi, though.
Ren wraps himself around the man, allows him to hear his tranquil heartbeat before they fall into slumber. For a couple that tends to get into discussions ever so often, and serious ones at that, it's always nice to know that they're together at the end of the day. Breathing in the same pace, holding each other's hand.
While Akechi keeps his busy morning routine, Ren doesn't have it in him right now to follow. The bed is too comfortable, and even in his sleep, Ren lets out a sigh of displeasure once he feels the weight of the other man dissipate on the mattress. It's worth waiting for Akechi to return, though. A kiss, a touch, and Ren's awake with a smile that might as well blind, an arm wrapping around the boy's waist before he presses a kiss to his close cheek.)
[It's a murmur, accompanied by a ghost of a smile that doesn't even try to compete with Ren's for brightness, but it's there nonetheless. A soft hand trails down Ren's cheek and cups it gently, even as wine-red eyes study Ren's face for any hint of lingering trauma or disquiet that could have accompanied a nightmare.
The sun is bright outside, but it had seemed bright more than once during the events of last month. He needs to know that Ren is truly awake and unharmed.]
(For once, Ren awakens in sheer peace and tranquility. It's been a fulfilling sleep, and slowly, he moves to sit and snake around the boy, burying his face in the crook of his neck.
Akechi smells nice, and his skin is still a little damp. Someone's had a busy morning.)
Dreamless, [he confirms. Pleasant dreams are a lot to ask for, and he rarely has those, but if he dreamed at all last night, he doesn't remember them at all. That's all he can ask for, it seems.
He exhales and shifts slightly on the bed to make it easier for Ren to wind his arms around him. It's dangerous not to be fully dressed near the other boy, but hopefully it's early enough, and he's still tired enough, not to get utterly... distracted.]
I brought you breakfast. You like spicy foods, yes?
[-Though, now he's second guessing himself. It's not like most coffee shops sell curry. Perhaps Ren only likes spice in curry, and the jalapeño-and-cheese bagel he'd bought after careful consideration of what he thought Ren's tastes to be was well off the mark.]
(No dreams is a much better situation than the endless strings of nightmares that ended with a violent death. He'll take it, easily. Ren himself has dreamed of tending to a garden, separating flowers that could tell a delightful story when considered in order. It was more than pleasant, and the boy's aroma reminds him of it.
Ren squeezes, just a tad, pressing the gentlest kisses before he perks up at the mention of breakfast. Usually, Ren's in charge of that, but lately he's gotten more than his share of oversleeping to tend to everyone's appetite.
Good news for Akechi, Ren will definitely love his choice.)
[He nods in the direction of the paper bag and to-go cup of coffee, pretending that the knowledge that he got something that could potentially be Ren's favorite doesn't make him want to preen.]
Just a bagel. There are pastries in the kitchen if you'd prefer that instead, but I made an educated guess as to your preferences. I'd considered a breakfast sandwich, but didn't want to wake you up too early without need.
[He cuts himself off, realizing that he's perhaps going into too much detail that Ren simply didn't ask for, as if something like this is worthy of showing off.]
(Ren doesn't find it easy to get himself off of this embrace, but his stomach growls, and Akechi has made promises of spiciness in the morning. The only reason why the other man hasn't been kissed on the lips thus far is out of respect due to his morning breath.)
I'm excited. Thank you.
(And hopefully it shows with the energy that he gets out of bed after kissing the boy's cheek one more time, reaching for his sweatpants and shirt. Even in the coldest nights here, at least they can be sure that Ren can warm both in their sleep.)
[Akechi allows himself to brush Ren's cheek with the back of his hand as he rolls out of bed, then shimmies his way past to get to his own dresser. They've seen each other in enough various states of undress that he isn't bashful about getting dressed in front of him, just mindful of his elbows in a cramped space. Sometimes (more often than he'd like), he misses the small apartment Shido's dirty money paid for. At least he had a little more space to maneuver.
He's pulling on a pair of black slacks when Ren ventures his question, turning slightly with a quirked eyebrow. The idea that Ren has to preface the actual question with a leading question is an odd one.]
(Never has Ren ever been so happy to wake up. All this affection, so rare from Akechi in such a pure form, it's both mind-boggling and delightful all the same that even when Ren's no longer in contact, his cheeks don't let up the smile.
Ren might be too sleepy to deal with it after all, but it doesn't stop his gray eyes from fixating on the boy's slim figure. God forbid Akechi notices the very gay sigh he exhales, smitten and enamoured, before he sits back on the bed to stretch his arms.
He's fine with their space. It's almost attic size, really.)
Was your sweet-tooth really a marketing tool? Thinking of the pastries.
[He snorts at the unexpected question, then laughs, shaking his head. Honestly, Ren will never fail to surprise him.]
Were you truly so hurt by the revelation that my public persona was a lie? Dwelling on it even now.
[He didn't miss the sigh, and thus doesn't feel bad about leaving his slacks unbuttoned and turning to stretch himself, fingers interlocked as he stretches arms toward the ceiling.]
But I was telling the truth, then. I don't dislike sweet foods, but I certainly overplayed my tastes for them for the camera. The pastries are for the girls; I ate something already. An egg sandwich, if you must know.
[For the protein. Eating by himself has always been more about efficiency and nutrition, rather than flavor. Cost, too. If he had his way, the apartment freezer would be stocked with frozen meals, and the pantry with instant ramen.]
(Sometimes, Ren reckons there is a smidge of Akechi in the Detective Prince and vice-versa. The kiss he received, ever so delicately, may be enough argument. His eyes certainly find Akechi's unbuttoned slacks, and he smirks, but today is not that type of day. Yet. Maybe. Listen, he can admire in the distance, can't he?)
What's your favorite food, Goro?
(Ren's hands reach forward, grabby so that the other boy could come close.)
[He releases his stretch, groaning quietly at the release of muscles recently exercised, and grabs the paper bag on his way back to the bed. He'll indulge Ren this time; normally he'd gripe about crumbs in the bedspread, but he's due to wash the sheets soon anyway.
Into Ren's grabby hands goes the bag, and he perches on the edge of the bed. If Ren wants him closer, he'll have to come to him, or pull him into himself. He isn't going to do all the work.
The question is an interesting one, though, enough that he pauses to consider it.]
You know, [he answers with a small note of curiosity,] I'm not certain that I have one. I'm quite certain I've told a magazine that I enjoy sushi, and that is true, but not to the exclusion of other foods. I suppose it truly depends on my mood.
[He shrugs a shoulder, gives Ren a smile to hide his own disquiet at the realization that he never truly thought about it.] Isn't that strange?
(Unlike Mr. Mastermind, Ren's a very simple man. He supposes Akechi has done what he thinks Ren has asked, and chosen to give Ren some space to eat. Therefore, no shame or hesitation in scooting closer, until he can kiss the man's shoulder, a little bit of teeth from the smile that won't fade.)
So, like cravings?
(And Ren perks up as he takes the bagel from the bag. It looks delicious, and a celebratory fist clench of victory is in order.)
If not food, how about a favorite place? We should save and hit up restaurants and see which you like best.
[Success. Akechi leans back against the other boy's solid build, humming a quiet dissent and shaking his head.]
No, not exactly. I believe I've mentioned it to you before, yes? How adults are so fixated on eating what seems appropriate that they ignore what it is they want.
[He sighs and closes his eyes, mentally reviewing his finances before shaking his head again. Minor indulgences like buying pastries at a cafe aside, the kind of money for hopping around expensive restaurants is out of the question right now.]
There's no need for that. It's more cost-effective to make your own food, yes? And you enjoy such things.
[A beat of hesitation, then he sighs, and almost grudgingly adds,] I... enjoy the food you make, as well.
[One of the things he'd been thinking about last night, and into this morning after waking up. Expressing himself to Ren, while he has the chance.]
I'm going to try and make different things for you. I'm glad you enjoy it.
(Before he tends to his breakfast, he finds it appropriate to thank the man who provided it in the first place. The kiss is planted on the top of Akechi's head, lingering a while before he can press a quicker one and depart slowly. God, he loves this man, and each and every day he catches himself thinking just how much. It feels torturous when he has to sleep alone, cuddling a pillow that doesn't hold a candle to how comfortable Akechi is to sleep against.
Well. At least he's got a really good idea, and the bite he takes is an attempt to conceal the sneaky smile-- and oh, god.)
[It's something like a feeling of inadequacy, to admit that he relies on Ren for a home-cooked meal. But Ren already knows that about him, has known for quite a while. And really, Akechi did rip the other boy apart and that still isn't enough to drive him away. An inability to cook isn't going to do it.
The grin that rises to his lips is pure self-satisfaction when Ren exclaims that the bagel is delicious. Again, it stings a little that all he can do is buy something for the other boy, instead of cooking something himself, but it still feels good to provide even a half-measure of what Ren gives to him daily.]
It came highly recommended. I'd be rather offended if you didn't enjoy it.
You're going to get sick of curry eventually, though.
(He laughs, but really, it might as well be true with how much Ren makes it. It's how he can connect to where he came from, to honor Sojiro with a family recipe he was so kind to allow Ren to learn.
Ah, but he's absolutely overtaken by the flavor to speak, at least for a moment. The bite he takes is huge, and he covers his mouth with the back of his free hand before he wordlessly offers the bagel for Akechi to try.)
[His throat closes up for a moment as he tries to work out what he wants to say. Ren does always have a habit of derailing his thoughts and forcing him to reevaluate his plans.
He does take a piece of the offered bagel, tearing off a small chunk for himself rather than taking the whole thing, and finally continues,] To be honest... being able to share a meal with someone, let alone a home-cooked one, is still a novel concept. My mother worked very long hours, after all, and it was much easier for her to give me a few hundred yen for convenience store meals than cook. It was a special occasion if ever she was able to.
What I'm trying to say is, I don't take your efforts for granted.
(Nothing Akechi's telling him is news, and yet, it explains plenty about his behavior when Ren takes a deeper look at it. His fright regarding intimacy, a fear that he might lose what he allowed himself to have. How sometimes, Akechi bites without meaning to. The endless discussions of why Ren shouldn't be with him. His never-ending quest for revenge, until it ended.
All products of someone loving, who wanted nothing but to love and be loved in return, and to tear apart those who denied him that... And yet, doesn't want to lose something so dear.
[He sighs through his nose with some relief and allows himself to rest more fully back against Ren's chest, slouching somewhat to get comfortable. When Ren's finished eating, they'll have to resume the day as usual, but until then, he can bask in the other boy's warmth, and yes, presence, a little longer.
Ren deserves better, but who the fuck is he to sit here and bemoan that when he can try to actively be someone who deserves Ren? An unending task, to be sure, because he refuses to change for Ren's sake, but... still. He can put in the effort. Ren deserves that much.
He pops the bit of bagel in his mouth almost as an afterthought, and makes the mistake of biting directly into one of the chopped-up jalapeños. He jolts bolt-upright with a snarl and covers his mouth. It's spicy! (it's really not)]
(Ren's nearly melting from all this attention, the affection that Ren feels Akechi is increasing in both quality and quantity, and he truly couldn't be happier. Akechi is sinking against his chest, and Ren almost finds himself choosing between love and food...
Until Akechi nearly sticks to the ceiling like a surprised, panicked cat.)
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Date: 2021-11-08 01:00 pm (UTC)When he returns, it's as quietly as possible to avoid waking his roommates. He leaves a travel container of coffees from a local shop on the counter, along with a selection of the most popular pastries an equally-as-exhausted looking clerk recommended. Just as quietly, he lets himself back into his room, leaves a cup of coffee and a small paper bag on his desk, and resumes his normal morning routine as if Ren weren't even there.
Eventually he has to stop putting it off and ventures out from the bathroom, towel around his waist, hair still damp from a basic consideration not to start blow drying it until Ren was awake. He hesitates for a long moment, watching the other boy sleep, before finally venturing over and pressing a knee into the bed. The kiss he leans over and presses to the other boy's forehead is uncharacteristically soft, the touch he presses to his cheek is surprisingly gentle, but hopefully it's enough to wake him up.]
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Date: 2021-11-08 01:21 pm (UTC)Ren wraps himself around the man, allows him to hear his tranquil heartbeat before they fall into slumber. For a couple that tends to get into discussions ever so often, and serious ones at that, it's always nice to know that they're together at the end of the day. Breathing in the same pace, holding each other's hand.
While Akechi keeps his busy morning routine, Ren doesn't have it in him right now to follow. The bed is too comfortable, and even in his sleep, Ren lets out a sigh of displeasure once he feels the weight of the other man dissipate on the mattress. It's worth waiting for Akechi to return, though. A kiss, a touch, and Ren's awake with a smile that might as well blind, an arm wrapping around the boy's waist before he presses a kiss to his close cheek.)
Hey, honey.
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Date: 2021-11-08 01:29 pm (UTC)[It's a murmur, accompanied by a ghost of a smile that doesn't even try to compete with Ren's for brightness, but it's there nonetheless. A soft hand trails down Ren's cheek and cups it gently, even as wine-red eyes study Ren's face for any hint of lingering trauma or disquiet that could have accompanied a nightmare.
The sun is bright outside, but it had seemed bright more than once during the events of last month. He needs to know that Ren is truly awake and unharmed.]
Sleep well?
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Date: 2021-11-08 01:38 pm (UTC)(For once, Ren awakens in sheer peace and tranquility. It's been a fulfilling sleep, and slowly, he moves to sit and snake around the boy, burying his face in the crook of his neck.
Akechi smells nice, and his skin is still a little damp. Someone's had a busy morning.)
Did you?
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Date: 2021-11-08 01:50 pm (UTC)He exhales and shifts slightly on the bed to make it easier for Ren to wind his arms around him. It's dangerous not to be fully dressed near the other boy, but hopefully it's early enough, and he's still tired enough, not to get utterly... distracted.]
I brought you breakfast. You like spicy foods, yes?
[-Though, now he's second guessing himself. It's not like most coffee shops sell curry. Perhaps Ren only likes spice in curry, and the jalapeño-and-cheese bagel he'd bought after careful consideration of what he thought Ren's tastes to be was well off the mark.]
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Date: 2021-11-08 01:55 pm (UTC)Ren squeezes, just a tad, pressing the gentlest kisses before he perks up at the mention of breakfast. Usually, Ren's in charge of that, but lately he's gotten more than his share of oversleeping to tend to everyone's appetite.
Good news for Akechi, Ren will definitely love his choice.)
They're my favorite. What did you get?
(Excited, he is!)
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Date: 2021-11-08 08:14 pm (UTC)Just a bagel. There are pastries in the kitchen if you'd prefer that instead, but I made an educated guess as to your preferences. I'd considered a breakfast sandwich, but didn't want to wake you up too early without need.
[He cuts himself off, realizing that he's perhaps going into too much detail that Ren simply didn't ask for, as if something like this is worthy of showing off.]
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Date: 2021-11-08 08:50 pm (UTC)I'm excited. Thank you.
(And hopefully it shows with the energy that he gets out of bed after kissing the boy's cheek one more time, reaching for his sweatpants and shirt. Even in the coldest nights here, at least they can be sure that Ren can warm both in their sleep.)
Can I ask you something?
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Date: 2021-11-08 08:58 pm (UTC)[Akechi allows himself to brush Ren's cheek with the back of his hand as he rolls out of bed, then shimmies his way past to get to his own dresser. They've seen each other in enough various states of undress that he isn't bashful about getting dressed in front of him, just mindful of his elbows in a cramped space. Sometimes (more often than he'd like), he misses the small apartment Shido's dirty money paid for. At least he had a little more space to maneuver.
He's pulling on a pair of black slacks when Ren ventures his question, turning slightly with a quirked eyebrow. The idea that Ren has to preface the actual question with a leading question is an odd one.]
Go on.
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Date: 2021-11-08 09:05 pm (UTC)Ren might be too sleepy to deal with it after all, but it doesn't stop his gray eyes from fixating on the boy's slim figure. God forbid Akechi notices the very gay sigh he exhales, smitten and enamoured, before he sits back on the bed to stretch his arms.
He's fine with their space. It's almost attic size, really.)
Was your sweet-tooth really a marketing tool? Thinking of the pastries.
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Date: 2021-11-08 09:16 pm (UTC)Were you truly so hurt by the revelation that my public persona was a lie? Dwelling on it even now.
[He didn't miss the sigh, and thus doesn't feel bad about leaving his slacks unbuttoned and turning to stretch himself, fingers interlocked as he stretches arms toward the ceiling.]
But I was telling the truth, then. I don't dislike sweet foods, but I certainly overplayed my tastes for them for the camera. The pastries are for the girls; I ate something already. An egg sandwich, if you must know.
[For the protein. Eating by himself has always been more about efficiency and nutrition, rather than flavor. Cost, too. If he had his way, the apartment freezer would be stocked with frozen meals, and the pantry with instant ramen.]
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Date: 2021-11-08 09:27 pm (UTC)(Sometimes, Ren reckons there is a smidge of Akechi in the Detective Prince and vice-versa. The kiss he received, ever so delicately, may be enough argument. His eyes certainly find Akechi's unbuttoned slacks, and he smirks, but today is not that type of day. Yet. Maybe. Listen, he can admire in the distance, can't he?)
What's your favorite food, Goro?
(Ren's hands reach forward, grabby so that the other boy could come close.)
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Date: 2021-11-08 09:35 pm (UTC)[He releases his stretch, groaning quietly at the release of muscles recently exercised, and grabs the paper bag on his way back to the bed. He'll indulge Ren this time; normally he'd gripe about crumbs in the bedspread, but he's due to wash the sheets soon anyway.
Into Ren's grabby hands goes the bag, and he perches on the edge of the bed. If Ren wants him closer, he'll have to come to him, or pull him into himself. He isn't going to do all the work.
The question is an interesting one, though, enough that he pauses to consider it.]
You know, [he answers with a small note of curiosity,] I'm not certain that I have one. I'm quite certain I've told a magazine that I enjoy sushi, and that is true, but not to the exclusion of other foods. I suppose it truly depends on my mood.
[He shrugs a shoulder, gives Ren a smile to hide his own disquiet at the realization that he never truly thought about it.] Isn't that strange?
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Date: 2021-11-08 09:41 pm (UTC)So, like cravings?
(And Ren perks up as he takes the bagel from the bag. It looks delicious, and a celebratory fist clench of victory is in order.)
If not food, how about a favorite place? We should save and hit up restaurants and see which you like best.
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Date: 2021-11-08 09:52 pm (UTC)No, not exactly. I believe I've mentioned it to you before, yes? How adults are so fixated on eating what seems appropriate that they ignore what it is they want.
[He sighs and closes his eyes, mentally reviewing his finances before shaking his head again. Minor indulgences like buying pastries at a cafe aside, the kind of money for hopping around expensive restaurants is out of the question right now.]
There's no need for that. It's more cost-effective to make your own food, yes? And you enjoy such things.
[A beat of hesitation, then he sighs, and almost grudgingly adds,] I... enjoy the food you make, as well.
[One of the things he'd been thinking about last night, and into this morning after waking up. Expressing himself to Ren, while he has the chance.]
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Date: 2021-11-08 09:58 pm (UTC)(Before he tends to his breakfast, he finds it appropriate to thank the man who provided it in the first place. The kiss is planted on the top of Akechi's head, lingering a while before he can press a quicker one and depart slowly. God, he loves this man, and each and every day he catches himself thinking just how much. It feels torturous when he has to sleep alone, cuddling a pillow that doesn't hold a candle to how comfortable Akechi is to sleep against.
Well. At least he's got a really good idea, and the bite he takes is an attempt to conceal the sneaky smile-- and oh, god.)
This is delicious?!
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Date: 2021-11-08 10:09 pm (UTC)[It's something like a feeling of inadequacy, to admit that he relies on Ren for a home-cooked meal. But Ren already knows that about him, has known for quite a while. And really, Akechi did rip the other boy apart and that still isn't enough to drive him away. An inability to cook isn't going to do it.
The grin that rises to his lips is pure self-satisfaction when Ren exclaims that the bagel is delicious. Again, it stings a little that all he can do is buy something for the other boy, instead of cooking something himself, but it still feels good to provide even a half-measure of what Ren gives to him daily.]
It came highly recommended. I'd be rather offended if you didn't enjoy it.
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Date: 2021-11-08 10:12 pm (UTC)(He laughs, but really, it might as well be true with how much Ren makes it. It's how he can connect to where he came from, to honor Sojiro with a family recipe he was so kind to allow Ren to learn.
Ah, but he's absolutely overtaken by the flavor to speak, at least for a moment. The bite he takes is huge, and he covers his mouth with the back of his free hand before he wordlessly offers the bagel for Akechi to try.)
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Date: 2021-11-08 10:18 pm (UTC)[His throat closes up for a moment as he tries to work out what he wants to say. Ren does always have a habit of derailing his thoughts and forcing him to reevaluate his plans.
He does take a piece of the offered bagel, tearing off a small chunk for himself rather than taking the whole thing, and finally continues,] To be honest... being able to share a meal with someone, let alone a home-cooked one, is still a novel concept. My mother worked very long hours, after all, and it was much easier for her to give me a few hundred yen for convenience store meals than cook. It was a special occasion if ever she was able to.
What I'm trying to say is, I don't take your efforts for granted.
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Date: 2021-11-08 10:24 pm (UTC)All products of someone loving, who wanted nothing but to love and be loved in return, and to tear apart those who denied him that... And yet, doesn't want to lose something so dear.
Ren beams, taking the boy's hand.)
I know. Never thought you did.
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Date: 2021-11-08 10:43 pm (UTC)[He sighs through his nose with some relief and allows himself to rest more fully back against Ren's chest, slouching somewhat to get comfortable. When Ren's finished eating, they'll have to resume the day as usual, but until then, he can bask in the other boy's warmth, and yes, presence, a little longer.
Ren deserves better, but who the fuck is he to sit here and bemoan that when he can try to actively be someone who deserves Ren? An unending task, to be sure, because he refuses to change for Ren's sake, but... still. He can put in the effort. Ren deserves that much.
He pops the bit of bagel in his mouth almost as an afterthought, and makes the mistake of biting directly into one of the chopped-up jalapeños. He jolts bolt-upright with a snarl and covers his mouth. It's spicy! (it's really not)]
Fuck!
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Date: 2021-11-08 10:55 pm (UTC)Until Akechi nearly sticks to the ceiling like a surprised, panicked cat.)
Milk?!