✧ ex-gang

[reignitions]

[There's one thing Shio can say about his life now and that it's, for the most part, quiet.

Disbanding BLAZE was not the easiest decision (no matter how it felt at the time, grief is a bitch, etc), but... well, in hindsight, it's one he's glad he made now. Gen is moderately successful and that's good enough for him. Nobody causes trouble in this quiet little out-of-the-way noodle shop.

Even if that is partially by design.

He should be expecting one of his regulars in about three, two, one...]

Comments

[reignitions]

[He gently squeezes Kuni's hand.]

It's alright. I'd want to be here for you either way.

[threebetrayals]

Seriously? I'm just a regular at your soba shop.

[reignitions]

Yeah, seriously.

[So maybe he's idly thought Kuni was cute, so what.]

[threebetrayals]

Tch. Maybe Ryouta and Kou aren't the only idiots.

[But he's tired and sore so he just. sits there. Eventually leaning against Shio.]

If I try to kill Dottore, will you stop me?

[reignitions]

[He chuckles a little.]

Haven't you noticed? I spend more time with you than I do most of my regulars.

[He wraps his arm around Kuni's shoulders.]

No. If anything, I'd want to help.

[threebetrayals]

That implies I pay attention to other people. [He does not.] So...what, are we friends?

[reignitions]

I mean, I'd sure hope so.

[... Let Kuni get used to the "friends" thing first, he thinks.]

[threebetrayals]

Some of us haven't had friends in a few decades, Shio.

[This is new to him.]

[reignitions]

[He laughs.]

I know, I know, I'm only teasing. Yes, we're friends.

[threebetrayals]

Wow, not even the decades comment threw you.

[reignitions]

[He laughs.]

At this point, there's little that surprises me.

[threebetrayals]

Now that's just a challenge.

[reignitions]

Oh, I'm sure something'll come along to prove me wrong, but you were the one who said "Raiden creation" to begin with.

[threebetrayals]

[He snorts.]

Raiden Ei is a reclusive lesbian. Do you really think she'd have children like normal people?

[reignitions]

In my defense: I generally try to not think about Raiden Ei.

[threebetrayals]

Fair. My point still stands, though.

[reignitions]

That it does. So, yeah, fair enough.

[He chuckles.]

[threebetrayals]

[Kuni falls silent, before sighing and running a hand over his face.]

I'll need to get a new apartment. Fun.

[reignitions]

Mm. You can stay here for now, if you want.

[threebetrayals]

Is this apartment big enough?

[reignitions]

[He nods.]

It is, yeah. It's actually meant for two people, rather than one.

[threebetrayals]

[Kuni just nods. He's tired.

By the end of the following day, things have calmed down in their little city. It's not back to normal, but it can start getting there. Kuni settles in to living with Shio and tells him that he's not leaving the apartment for a while, not until the Fatui calm the fuck down some more. It's understandable.

Over the course of the next few days, Shio might notice something. Kunikaki, for all that he's an angry, still somewhat violent young man, is also remarkably good at household chores and the like. He takes to cooking, cleaning, and even mending as if he'd done them his entire life, all without even really saying he was going to do those things. Shio doesn't need to cook after cooking all day in Gen!

It's perhaps a little cute.]

[reignitions]

[Honestly, Shio hadn't expected it when he offered for Kuni to stay at the apartment.

It's actually incredibly cute how quickly he takes to the household chores, and honestly, it's... nice. Shio doesn't have the energy to do a lot, especially not cooking, after work.

... It's really cute, oh no. And it's just... really nice to sit down for a meal with someone.]

Thanks, Kunikaki, I really appreciate this.

[threebetrayals]

[He shrugs as he shuts the rice cooker off and starts dishing out for dinner.]

It's the least I could do. I'm not helping in the shop, after all.

[reignitions]

Still, it means a lot.

[Kuni's seen how tired Shio usually is after work.]