✧ 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

[threebetrayals]

I had to get spices from him for the pork, and he would not stop with that damn smirk of his for some reason.

[Kuni's portion has a bit more rice. He's fine with spice, but this is just a hair too much for him.]

[reignitions]

[Yeah, sorry, Kuni, hazards of your roommate growing up with Jiaoqiu's cooking.]

Huh, wonder what that was about, then... [Anyway, he's going to go ahead and dig in.] Mm-- you did amazing with this, Kuni.

[threebetrayals]

[Kuni knows perfectly what that was about but he isn't saying anything.]

It's the first time I've made it, so good to know. I was worried about the spice, admittedly.

[reignitions]

Yeah, fair enough. It turned out perfectly, though.

[threebetrayals]

I'll make sure to keep the recipe on hand, then. The cake and the gifts are yours, too.

[reignitions]

Alright, thanks.

[He'll reach for the gifts after he's finished eating, carefully opening each.]

[threebetrayals]

[The first one is a new cookbook for Shio to try, if he wants. Kuni knows how boring it can be sometimes to cook the same things over and over again. The second gift is a new leather jacket, clearly meant to go with the helmet Shio has for his motorcycle. The third gift is a set of cooking utensils, and a photo of some very nice cookware.]

The cookware was held up in customs.

[reignitions]

[All of this... Once he's opened the final gift, he turns and pulls Kuni into a hug.]

Thank you so much.

[threebetrayals]

[And for the first time, Kuni returns the hug.]

Nahida helped me get money the Raidens apparently owe me just in time for your birthday.

[reignitions]

[Oh, it's... really nice having Kuni return the hug...]

This is more than I expected. [He pulls back, just enough so he can smile down at Kuni.] And even besides all of this, I'm glad you got the money you're owed.

[threebetrayals]

[Dryly:] If you pay rent on this building, I can fix that really easily.

[He has so much money.]

[reignitions]

[Holy shit.]

I mean. Do you want to?

[threebetrayals]

I wouldn't have mentioned it if I didn't. I have so much money, I could buy the entire neighborhood and still be fine.

[reignitions]

Then... if you'd really be fine with it, I wouldn't say no.

[Holy shit.]

[threebetrayals]

I'll get that started tomorrow, then. Fuck landlords.

[reignitions]

Yeah, seriously. Thanks.

[... He'll go and get some of that cake for himself, smiling a little when he realizes it's carrot cake. He turns back to call to Kuni--]

Do you want some of this without the frosting?

[threebetrayals]

I wouldn't complain!

[reignitions]

[Getting some of that for Kuni, then! He will take the frosting.]

Here.

[threebetrayals]

[And he takes it. He made it, so he knows it's good, but it's better without the excess of cream cheese frosting.]

Oh, your friends are planning to kidnap you this weekend. I don't know the details, but if they start acting weirder, that's why.

[reignitions]

Well, that explains a lot about this week so far.

[He snorts, digging in to the cake and just. Quietly enjoying it.]

[threebetrayals]

Mhm. They asked me about "our" plans for the weekend. I told them I don't have any, but you'd probably be working. Again. They seemed offended.

[reignitions]

[He sighs.]

So I'm going to need to have a word with them as to why I can't ditch for a weekend on short notice.

[threebetrayals]

Already did. They'll wait until Gen's closed, on pain of me.

[reignitions]

[He blinks, then laughs a little.]

You're the best.

[threebetrayals]

[He smirks a little and blushes.]

Someone has to get them to calm down. You should hire help, though.