Chapter Text
It was Friday and that meant date night. It varied from a movie night, a game night and sometimes even a going-out night. Anyway, for Atsushi it was the best day of the week. Ever since he and Himuro got together, they tried to do something together on the weekends. And slowly the habit of spending their Friday night together was born.
Right now, their date night was a relaxing movie night at Atsushi's place. This morning Atsushi had complained that he hadn't seen Himuro in his cat form for too long.
Well, it was just two weeks back, but Atsushi really loved petting the soft fur of his boyfriends soulanimal. And luckily Himuro agreed to change for him tonight.
Of course, cuddling with the human Himuro was the best thing in the world. It didn't matter if Atsushi was in his soulanimal form, as a black bear, or if he was human. For him, Himuro will always be the best pillow on earth.
Being able to pet the cat was a very good second, though. And right now, Atsushi could enjoy it to the fullest. The cat was purring on his lap. The two grey eyes were still focused on the tv screen, but Atsushi caught them closing contently so now and then.
Atsushi had chosen the movie, but he wasn't really watching. Well, he was watching something, but that something was on his lap and not on tv. Sometimes the giant was still amazed that he could call this adorable guy his boyfriend. And it was already more than five months!
Living with Himuro in his life was the best thing that happened to him. The guy seemed to know when he was hungry. Which, admittedly, is as good as always. And the little guy was so kind and good to him. It makes Atsushi want to protect this furry bundle of happiness forever.
Recently they decided that it was stupid to both go home late, when there was enough room in their beds for the other to stay for the night. Besides that, Himuro has his own apartment, and Atsushi's parents are almost always overseas for business. So they won't disturb anyone with midnight change of plans.
They mostly stay in Atsushi's place, because the house is more spacious than Himuro's. And there was an enormous tv in the living room, which was perfect for movie nights like this one.
They settled comfortably on the couch before the screen, with chips and drinks. Well, the chips is only for Atsushi since Himuro couldn't eat that as a cat. The giant just wants to pick another chip from the bowl beside him when Himuro's phone starts to buzz. The cat lifts his head but doesn't make an attempt to get it.
"Ah should I look for you?" Atsushi says in a lazy voice.
He reaches forward with his long arm for the phone on the table and reads the display. "Taiga? Who is that?" He says while picking up the phone.
Immediately the cat perks up. Within a second, Atsushi feels the weight on his lap increasing and then Himuro sits there in his human form. He gets the phone, quickly puts it through and keeps it against his ear.
"Taiga! Hey." He says enthusiastically. Slowly he stands up from the giants lap and searches for his sweatpants to put on. "No, no, you don't disturb."
Atsushi puts the action movie he wasn't paying attention to on pause and frowns at Himuro. The mysterious phone caller did disturb the movie. With a soft sigh, he leans back against the couch.
"Ah you got my e-mail? Perfect, wait a second." He glances at Atsushi and when he sees the giant pouting he looks sheepish.
"Ah I'm sorry Atsushi, but this is really important. I will be right back, okay?" Himuro says apologizing. He bends forward and quickly puts a kiss on the giant's mouth. Then he puts his phone back on his ear and walks in only his pants to Atsushi's kitchen.
A little confused Atsushi looks after him. What is so important that Himuro had to take this call? And who is this 'Taiga' person. He already doesn't like him. He was enjoying himself with Himuro and that person rudely interrupted it.
Slowly he gets up from the sofa. The glass with water from Himuro is still full, but his soda is already empty. He decides to get some more to drink while he waits for Himuro.
In a few strides, he is in his kitchen, there Himuro stands with one hand on his hip and the other with the phone on his ear. Atsushi gives himself a second to enjoy the view of that beautiful back.
"Yes, could you do that?" Himuro says over the phone. Slowly Atsushi puts his hand on the guys back and slides it down. It causes a shudder from the other guy. Himuro looks at Atsushi and smiles for a second. "That would be amazing- ah I need to go now I'll text later okay? ... Yes, bye!" he says fast and disconnects the phone.
He then turns around and puts his arms around the giant's shoulders. "Couldn't you wait for a few more minutes?" He says with a smile.
"Mmm, I only wanted to get something to drink." Atsushi tells him, acting innocent. He knows he is always impatient when it comes to Himuro. Himuro knows it too and looks at him warily. But apparently he decides to let Atsushi go and just kisses him. The kiss is just quick and soft, but Atsushi lives on these things and he tries to make it last longer by grabbing Himuro closer.
Himuro hums happily into the second kiss and Atsushi feels his boyfriends lips perk upwards in a smile. But then the raven haired boy leans back, while patting Atsushi affectionately on his chest. "Hm, only a drink, was it?" Himuro says with the playful smile still on his face.
Atsushi also lets go after another little peck, then he walks with a similar smile to the refrigerator. He gets the soda bottle and while pouring the contents of the bottle in his glass he asks lightly. "Who is Taiga?"
"Ah, you remember when I told you about that friend from America? The one who was like a brother to me?" Himuro says happily. Atsushi takes a sip of his glass and nods. "Well that's Taiga. He also lives here in Japan."
Atsushi walks back to the couch with his glass in his hand. "Ah, so a childhood friend." He wonders. Himuro agrees with him while taking the half full chips bag with him out of the kitchen. It makes Atsushi think of his own friends. They are not really childhood friends, but his old teammates from Teiko are the oldest friends he has. For a second his mind wanders to the time before Teiko, where he was shunned by other kids from his age, because he was 'scary'.
He quickly pushes those thoughts away. The past is in the past, he is happy that he now has his friends from Teiko. And Himuro, who is so much more than a friend for him.
Himuro opens the chips bag with a loud crack and directly put the contents of the bag in the now nearly empty bowl. It is a miracle that the guy doesn't spill any crumbs. When Himuro is done, he puts the empty bag on the table next to the bowl.
Atsushi replaces some pillows so the other can get comfortable on the couch. Himuro immediately shows he appriciates that by snuggling up to the giant.
Just when he sits, Himuro continues his talking. "You know, I used to be really jealous of Taiga. Whatever it was, it seemed like he was just naturally better in it. Well I am just a cat and he... well he is a very big cat." Himuro sighs and puts his head on the giant's shoulders.
Atsushi's arm circles around the others waist and keeps him close. He doesn't like it when Himuro gets sad. "Muro-chin" he starts, but Himuro already smiles again.
"Ah never mind. In the end, I got over my jealousy. To think that I almost ruined my oldest friendship over that. Well, I was younger then." Himuro says and Atsushi hums in response.
"So you are now friends again?"
"We are." Himuro says and then reaches forward for some chips. "Sorry for the interruption, shall we watch the movie further? I'm curious how it's going to end now." Atsushi looks down at the guy at his side. "You're not changing back then?" He tries not to pout, but he likes the cat.
"Actually I feel really comfortable right now, and being human does have its advantages." Himuro says with a mischievous glimmer in his eyes. Then he reaches with his hand to Atsushi's cheek and presses a kiss onto the giant's mouth.
A cheeky smile pulls on Himuro's lips when he leans back. "See?" Dark purple eyes watch him with full interest. This certainly is something the cat won't do.
"Okay." Atsushi answers with a low voice. He leans down to get another kiss and moans when Himuro gets even closer. Atsushi feels the other's hand reaching over him to the tv console. Atsushi breaks the kiss when he hears the movie starting again.
"Later, big bear. We have all the time." Himuro whispers in his ear. Hearing that makes Atsushi wanting to pin his boyfriend down and kiss him even more. But he knows that Himuro is right. He stays over tonight, so they have all the time.
He lets Himuro watch this movie, but after that... A deep hum rumbles in his chest.
~
That night something wakes Atsushi up. With sleepy eyes, he looks around and sees some light coming from Himuro's side of the bed.
"Muro-chin.." he murmurs. Himuro lays with his back to Atsushi and is tapping away on his phone, but when he hears Atsushi he quickly looks around.
"Ah did I wake you up? Sorry there was something I needed to write down, before I forgot." Atsushi sees Himuro tapping away some text. After he sends it he immediately shuts his phone and puts it away. Atsushi doesn't really think anything of it, he is too sleepy.
"Let's get back to sleep." Himuro whispers while turning to Atsushi. He lays his head against the larger chest and automatically Atsushi wraps his arms around the smaller body. With a deep and content sigh he hums an agreeing tone and then shuts his eyes again.
With Himuro in his arms, he quickly falls asleep.
~
When Atsushi wakes up the second time in that night, he can't pinpoint what it is that woke him up. Maybe a sound?
The room is already brighter by the sun that sneaks under the curtain in small strokes. So it is already morning then.
"Muro-chin?" Atsushi says with a still sleepy voice. He rubs with his fist in his eyes. He doesn't hear anything. Atsushi pets the space besides him, and feels that the blankets are cold. With sluggish moves, the giant gets out of bed.
Himuro usually isn't this early out of bed. Especially on a Saturday.
On bare feet, and only in his underwear and a sleep shirt, Atsushi walks to the living room. When he can't find Himuro there, he walks to the kitchen.
There, against the counter, stands Himuro with in his hands both his and Atsushi's phone. He is so focused on his typing, that he doesn't hear Atsushi walking in.
"Muro-chin? What are you doing?" Atsushi says softly, his brows screwed in confusion. With a little yelp Himuro almost drops the phones in his hands.
"Atsushi!" He says startled. His grey eyes look everywhere but at Atsushi. He fumbles his phone back in the pocket of his sweatpants and lays Atsushi's phone back on the counter. "It was nothing." Himuro says with a nervous smile.
A wrenching feeling spreads in Atsushi's stomach. Himuro is obviously keeping something from him. "Really?" He asks suspiciously.
Himuro turns away from him and starts rumbling in the cupboards. "Yes, really Atsushi." He says with a stern voice, but without looking at the giant.
"Okay." Atsushi responds when he sees that Himuro wouldn't say more. Maybe he can ask later? Himuro turns around when he hears Atsushi's soft answer. His eyes soften and a genuine smile appears on his face. With two cups in his hand he walks to the giant and puts a chaste kiss on Atsushi's cheek. "Good morning, big bear." Himuro says warmly. "Do you want coffee or tea?"
Atsushi looks down at those gentle eyes and the nervous feeling in his stomach fades. "Morning, tea with honey please." He answers and then leans down to put a kiss on Himuro's lips.
"Of course, one tea extra honey, coming up." Himuro says with a cheery voice.
"Mmm thanks, I will just take a quick shower." Atsushi tells the other. Himuro nods and starts boiling water. "Take your time."
~
The warm water helps Atsushi wake up and his thoughts are much clearer when he gets out of the shower. While standing before the mirror Atsushi looks at himself, a worried look paints his face. What was Himuro doing on his phone? He was not checking on him, was he?
Was there something he forgot about? Was today a special day? Atsushi thinks while drying himself with a large towel. He can't think of anything that he has done wrong or forgotten about.
Without finding an explanation he returns to the kitchen. The smell that hits him there is mouth-watering. Apparently Himuro already started on breakfast. Atsushi pushes the questions far in the back of his mind and follows his nose until he is standing right next to Himuro. The guy is standing before the stove, making American pancakes.
"Aah, Muro-chin, you are amazing." Atsushi pours himself over Himuro's shoulder and wraps his arms around the small body.
"Ew, your hair is still wet." Himuro says with a chuckle in his voice and he pushes Atsushi of him. With the spatula in his hand he gestures at Atsushi. "You know I hate it when you do that." He says accusingly, but his eyes are looking fondly and there is no hint of anger to be seen.
"But you just looked like you invited me to hug you." With his strong big arms he reaches for Himuro again.
"NO. Don't you dare! You will make me wet." Himuro bolts away from the strong arms and runs out of the kitchen. Before vanishing behind the wall, he gives Atsushi challenging look which says 'come and get me'.
Atsushi's body works automatically. Chase. He sprints after Himuro who lets out an indignant shriek when he sees Atsushi coming at him. With a big smile and a heart beating like crazy, Atsushi follows Himuro's frolic dodging around the room.
But then Atsushi's done with it and stops going easy on him. Atsushi manages to pin Himuro down against the wall in a chase halfway the corridor. "Got ya." He then whispers in Himuro's ear.
Atsushi hears a devilish chuckle, followed by a "Do you?". And then he is no longer holding Himuro against the wall, but a cat is darting between his legs to the kitchen.
"Ow you." What Himuro can, Atsushi can do better. He takes a second to get out of his clothes and then changes in his bear. In a second, the world is smaller and every smell increases tenfold.
With a growl he chases behind the cat, who was just looking from behind the corner. A high meow comes out of the cat and it hurries away. The agility of the cat is a match for the big bear, but Atsushi is amazingly fast when he wants to.
It doesn't take him long before he also has the cat cornered. The cat is purring and his tail is wagging. The grey eyes that look up to him are blazing with delight. Atsushi loves this game just as much as his cat.
Then the bear comes closer and bares his teeth. The cat knows it can't go anywhere and finally seems to come into terms with his loss, but then the teeth make place for a large, wet pink tongue. And Atsushi licks Himuro all over his face.
Himuro changes back sputtering and laughing. "Oh you did not just do that!" He says and pushes the bear playfully. "That's gross." Atsushi changes back, a smug smile on his face.
"I also could have eaten you Muro-chin." He says teasingly. Then he suddenly realizes what the weird smell was he was smelling when he was a bear. "Ah something is burning."
Himuro quickly scrambles up and climbs over Atsushi to run to the stove. "Oh no! The pancakes." He says, his expression crestfallen. Atsushi gets his clothes from the corridor and then joins his boyfriend next to the stove. There is already a plate with a pile of pancakes ready.
"Ah there is still enough, right?" He says carefully. Himuro huffs but smiles when he throws the burned pancake away. "With you? Not nearly enough." But he sets the pancakes on the table.
They sit down and Atsushi sees a now cold cup of tea standing next to his board. "And thanks for the tea, Muro-chin." Himuro looks up from where he is putting pancakes on his board and starts laughing. "Oh that must be cold now. You want more?" Atsushi grins and stands up to make it himself. "Yeah I'll get it. You want some too?"
Himuro agrees and after they both have a steaming cup of tea they start digging in their pancakes. They don't talk, too busy with eating. But the matching smiles stay on their faces even after all the pancakes are eaten.