✧ 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]

[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.

[reignitions]

I really should, yeah... I'll worry about it after the others' plans, though.

[threebetrayals]

[Pleased, Kuni finishes his cake and waits for Shio to finish his before taking the dishes.]

There should be plenty for leftovers, if you want them tomorrow.

[He seems to be trying extra hard to make today...good?]

[reignitions]

[Shio's going to get up and follow him anyway, once Kuni takes the dishes. Once he won't be in the way, Shio wraps his arms around Kuni in a hug from behind.]

I appreciate it, Kuni. Thank you... for all of this. This is the best birthday I've had in a while.

[threebetrayals]

[The hug from behind startles Kuni, but he doesn't pull away. If anything, he almost leans into it.]

I just wanted to try new recipes, that's all.

[Liar.]

[reignitions]

[A small smirk.]

Really? That's all?

[threebetrayals]

Yes, obviously. I've never maid twice-cooked pork or carrot cake.

[reignitions]

Well, I appreciate it.

[He considers something for a moment... then leans down a bit, to press a kiss to Kuni's temple.

Between the blushing and the leaning into this hug...]

[threebetrayals]

[Kuni freezes before settling back against Shio a little more.]

Did you just...?