Work Text:
Reigen ran a hand down his face, staring at his pale reflection in the bathroom mirror. He had to do something about this, he looked awful and Serizawa was starting to notice. No, had noticed, had asked, had worried openly about the dark purple shadows under his eyes, his pallor, even his appetite.
“You're thin.” He’d said one day, dark eyes narrowed, taking in the width of his shoulders, his waist, and Reigen felt strangely self conscious under his soft gaze, partially because he realized he liked it. He found he wanted Serizawa to notice him and he turned away to hide the blush creeping into his face.
“Hm?” He busied his hands with paperwork. “Yeah, always have been.”
“No, thinner.” He frowned, stepping forward. “Is everything okay?”
“Ah,” Reigen schooled his face into something of a leer and spun back to face him. “You’ve been watching me?” Then measured, low: “Ser-i-za-wa-kun?” Looking back it hadn't been very fair, but the flush spreading over the other man's cheeks had been worth it and had neatly shifted the conversation to other topics.
Now though, faced with a reflection he actively tried to avoid, he could see how he'd inspire concern. He looked positively gaunt, hair too long and eyes dull, suit noticeably wrinkled despite how careful he was with it.
The weekend was coming up. He had to do better.
First the smudges under his eyes had to go. Since he didn't think he'd be getting more sleep anytime soon he dug through a box of random items that had been left behind by various clients. He very vaguely remembered seeing some makeup in there from a while ago. Did makeup go bad? He held it up. It didn't look like his color, but maybe better than nothing? Several tutorials later found him under the bright lights in the bathroom in his underclothes dabbing concealer beneath his eyes. It was a pity he couldn't do anything for the rest of his face because this looked like it would work. Not perfect, but it dulled just how dark they really were into something less. He practiced some faces in the mirror, trying to get his signature gleam back in his eyes.
He could fake this.
The scissors felt heavy in his hands, if this went south there would be no fixing it, not until it grew back. But he looked so unkempt, he had to try.
Maybe one more video.
As he rinsed the auburn trimmings down the sink he tilted his head left and right, admiring his handiwork. Not too bad, he congratulated himself, flashing a trademark smile into the mirror and running a hand through his bangs. Combined with the makeup he would look downright put together compared to before.
His suit was a little harder.
He would have to stop sleeping under his jacket and that meant he wouldn't have anything at night. Feeling his face twist he weighed his options, there were few and this was more important, he'd make it work. Another internet search gave him some things to try which is how he found himself working the wrinkles out of his lapels with steam from the electric kettle. He couldn't believe it was working. All of this was actually working.
He set his alarm early for Monday.
“Ah, you got a haircut.” Reigen shoved his fingers through it and nodded, mask firmly in place, bolstered by his small success. By being noticed.
“It was getting a little long.”
“You look like you had a restful weekend.” Serizawa flashed him an endearing smile, “I’m glad.” There was naked relief in his tone, at the edges, and Reigen couldn't help but feel guilty for lying to him.
Just a little longer.