Chapter Text
Liang was at a loss for what to do after passing Samon’s word off to the other officers. Qi had holed himself up in the greenhouse for weeks tending to the flowers that were going to be used for the wedding, and Upa wasn’t in the room.
Liang wandered over to the training yard, where he found Upa sitting in the dirt with Nico and Rock.
Liang’s chest tightened when he locked eyes with Rock, who waved him over.
Liang’s throat felt tight, and words could not escape him as he sat down right next to him. Their legs were nearly touching and Rock was wearing his workout clothes. It took all of Liang’s concentration to not stare.
He hadn’t even noticed that Nico was asking him a question until Upa poked his shoulder to get his attention.
“Huh? Sorry I was spaced out.”
“What did you need Jyugo for earlier?”
Liang relaxed, “Oh, Samon needed some paperwork but he was already at the warden’s office so I needed to get past the security to give it to him.”
Upa leaned forward, resting his chin on a closed fist, “what was so important he needed it right then? And why would you be the one to deliver it?”
Liang pauses, and awkwardly flirted his gaze between his friends, “It was... apparently I’m involved in it, something about a new program that’s getting set up. He didn’t really say much about it, only that it was going to involve people coming over here every two weeks or so. He didn’t know who exactly, although apparently he could think of two people off the top of his head.”
“Huh.” Nico said, “Well I hope whatever it is will be fun!”
“I hope so too.”
—
As it turns out, everyone had been waiting for him for a picnic type event. Qi had finally come out of hiding, bringing with him some sandwiches and lemonade.
Liang was grateful for the distraction food posed, as every bite was another few seconds of not talking. Fewer questions.
Upa knew not to push the issue, and steered the conversation away from the new program, toward the next coming wedding to hit the Nanba scene.
“From what I’ve heard, Hitoshi is aiming to have the wedding next October.”
“Ooh, fall weddings are so pretty!” Nico gushed, “all the colors!”
Rock nodded, “I can’t wait! All these weddings, all the good food! Speaking of good food, you didn’t hear it from me but apparently Shiro is gunning for red velvet!”
“That sounds absolutely lovely,” Liang replied, “how do you think he’ll end up decorating it?”
“The other day Hajime was looking at pictures of cakes and he really liked those ones with the frosting paint chip looking things.”
“Hm, yes that’s a popular choice these days.” Upa agrees, “it’s simple but non-traditional. Sounds like one they might choose.”
“Personally,” Tock slings an arm around Liang’s shoulder, earning a surprised squeak, “I would want a cupcake tower. Red liners and chocolate frosting on strawberry cake, with little red heart candies.”
“It sounds like a Valentine’s Day party more than a wedding.” Liang replied, relaxing into the embrace.
“Well maybe it can be on Valentine’s Day! Everything can be pink and red!”
Liang have Rock a playful shove, “do you really want to be known for having a valentines wedding?”
“No, I want to be known for blowing every wedding that’s ever happened here out of the water.”
Upa suddenly fake vomits, “how the hell are you too planning your wedding and you can’t admit you like each other?”
Nico is a heap of giggles so intense he’s not making any sound at all, and Liang flushes, remembering they were never alone.
“T-That was just a hypothetical!” Rock shouted, scooting away.
“Ah yes, a hypothetical wedding with Liang’s favorite colors, favorite cupcake and frosting combination, and favorite date of the whole year. Yeah.”
Rock looks at a Liang, “Valentines Day is your favorite holiday?”
Liang nods bashfully, “yeah, actually. I like the idea of a day where you show appreciation for the people in your life by giving people chocolate. Chocolate is nice, everything is pink and red, it’s just a fun day! Although, I almost like the day after more, that’s when everything goes on sale!”
Rock smiled and Liang melted just a little, “well shoot! I wasn’t even trying hard I was just saying whatever popped into my head!”
“You always could read my mind.”