Work Text:
Higuchi sat against the headboard flipping through the channels as Gin lounged propped on some pillows playing with her phone aimlessly. They ended up doing far more talking than sleeping on New Year’s and had discovered their mutual secret love of cheesy chick flicks. This was going to be the first of hopefully many girl’s night in. While both of them were strong deadly women of the Port Mafia they were still two girls who desperately needed a female to bond with in a male-dominated profession.
“Gin? Can I ask you something personal?” The older woman broke the silence.
Gin looked up. “Hm? Yeah.”
She hid her tensed hand by her side hoping the younger girl wouldn’t see her show of weakness. “How long has your brother and the weretiger been dating? The way they were together at the party, that didn’t just happen that night…”
“How is that personal? It has nothing to do with me.” Gin replied flatly.
The blonde felt stupid now. It wasn’t personal to Gin, but anything concerning her boss outside of work was personal in her mind.
“Personal family matters?” She tried explaining.
Gin would never consider her brother’s love life ‘family matters’. Let alone that she felt two orphans didn’t exactly make a 'family'. “Late October? Early November? I don’t remember exactly right now. You’re his assistant, you didn’t know?”
“Akutagawa-senpai barely informs me on my work duties. Anything regarding his personal life is out of the question.” She said laced with deep sadness. Higuchi hated their relationship, or lack thereof. She would gladly die for him and he seemed to hate her even on their best days…
Gin felt for her. She could tell for years how much Higuchi cared for her brother. It was quite possible that it was no longer just a crush but one-sided love. He was very fortunate to have an assistant so dutiful who genuinely cared about him as a person, not that he cared anyway.
Gin was thankful for Higuchi at least. She had saved and served her big brother countless times, and for that, she had her respect. But Gin was an Akutagawa, and Akutagawa’s didn’t know how to fully communicate such genuine feelings with anyone but each other - and now Atsushi (whom Gin was still getting personally acquainted with).
She put down her phone and thought of a way to distract the woman before she became truly upset or tried to have an awkward personal talk with her. Truly, Gin wanted to be like every other girl her age and be able to have personal talks with her friends, to be able to say the things on her mind and relieve some of her stresses and allow her friends to do the same, but it was hard. For years she had no one but her brother to call a friend, then her first handful of years in the mafia friends weren’t an option. It wasn’t until recent years she had convinced herself friends weren’t a weakness, but she still had yet to feel comfortable opening up to people. In all honesty, her only friends were Hirotsu and Tachihara, and Hirotsu was far more like a grandfather to her than an actual friend. She was able to have very simple cryptic meaningful conversations with Hirotsu throughout the years, but she cringed at the thought of having personal conversations with Tachihara. She never wanted him to see her as anything less than strong. All of that considering, could she even call Higuchi a friend yet? She had known her for years but only recently began to have conversations with her. Since New Year’s they had spoken many times, all of which conversations were unrelated to work. She wanted to be friends, but she was also worried to open up and be betrayed.
Movies! Right! They were taking a break between movies so she just had to get the topic back there.
“Why don’t we watch that other movie now? I’ll set it up while you grab some more snacks and drinks. Go ahead and make some more popcorn. You remember where it was?”
Higuchi could tell when someone didn’t want to talk. She felt stupid for showing too much emotion. What she was good at was taking orders, and right now they were to go make popcorn. “Yes, I remember. I’ll be right back."
As she opened Gin’s bedroom door, the one across the hallway happened to open as well, revealing a casually dressed Akutagawa. Before she could say a word the door slammed shut.
GIN!” She could hear her boss yell from his room.
The girl still on the bed sighed. “Ugggg he wasn’t here before why is he back home?”
She yelled back to her brother. “YES?”
No reply came causing her to storm out of her room to his. Higuchi stood in the hall stunned. Her presence must have just sparked an argument between the two. She wasn’t sure what to do. She felt horrible, so horrible could puke. Instead, she did what she was good at and followed her orders to make popcorn. She should have never considered doing anything besides following orders…
As she rounded the corner she froze in the threshold of the kitchen. The werertiger moved about making tea, and who knows what else, so comfortably it seemed like he lived here. Well… maybe he sort of did now…
Upon turning she caught his eye.
“Oh! Higuchi-san, are you here for Ryu? I thought he was free today.” Atsushi asked genuinely confused on why she was there. What confused him more was if she was here for work, why was she standing in the kitchen in ripped jeans and a well loved long-sleeved University of Tokyo shirt?
It took Higuchi's all to overlook that the boy in the kitchen had referred to her boss as 'Ryu’. She guessed it wasn’t so inappropriate if they were dating though…
She broke out of her thoughts to reply. “No. I’m not. I’m Gin’s guest.”
Normally she would always use honorifics, especially when referring to an Akutagawa, but Gin said herself it was okay not to, and if the annoying detective in the kitchen was to walk about as if he owned the place calling her boss ‘Ryu’ , the only bit of footing she had would be to show she belonged here as much as he did now that she was a friend of Gin. If ‘friends’ was what their new affability could be called, that is.
The stupid tiger boy seemed to be happy to hear that. “Oh! Really? I didn’t know you and Gin-chan were friends! Well, you are coworkers… so maybe that sounds kind of stupid…”
Continuing in her duties, she bit her tongue. First ‘Ryu’ and now ‘Gin-chan’. Unless they specifically told him to do so, he should never refer to them as anything less than his superiors. Both Akutagawa’s could kill him where he stood if they were so inclined and yet he had the audacity to stand in their kitchen like he belonged there, like some kind of friend.
Oh… right… He was. That fact did nothing to calm her jealousy. She had known both of them for years and only in the past few weeks had she become close enough to call one anything but a coworker.
Atsushi could feel the murderous aura coming from the woman as she moved about roughly. He knew she liked Akutagawa, in fact, she probably even loved him. He had nothing to be jealous of though. While she may be a pretty woman, if Akutagawa had found interest in her he could have taken the opportunity well before they ever met each other. Honestly, he seemed to be quite annoyed with her on most occasions.
It wasn’t really fair though. Atsushi knew she was dedicated to her job and loyal to Akutagawa. She took her loyalty beyond work and showed genuine care for him, even once saving his life when he was kidnapped. He was lucky to have someone like that, but he would never see it. He loved his boyfriend but it was terrible how much he took her for granted… If Akutagawa wasn’t going to show her kindness, he would.
“University of Tokyo? Did you go there?” He attempted to make small talk.
Higuchi stopped. Even though he knew she liked his boyfriend and was a ruthless Port Mafia member he still showed her the same blind kindness he did everyone. How irritating. Another reason to dislike him.
“Yes, but I had to drop out my second year. My job doesn’t allow me that much personal time.” She had no idea why she answered that honestly.
Atsushi slowed what he was doing in favor of giving her more attention. “If you don’t mind me asking, why did you join the Port Mafia? I know you all have different reasons, just like us in the agency…”
Why was he acting like he cared? He should hate her. He probably could tell how she felt about Akutagawa. He should hate her just like his boyfriend does. She’s a terrible assistant, she thought, she deserves it anyways…
It was a good thing Akutagawa didn’t feel about her the way she did him. She would never be good enough for him. He was strong and handsome and intellectual - qualities anyone would die for, ones she herself admired greatly. If she could be one-tenth of the person he was she would have become a person far greater than her wildest dreams. Any woman could only dream to have a man like Akutagawa - or well, any man as well according to the fact he was currently dating one.
Even though Atsushi was irking her she found herself replying with the truth once again. “I didn’t associate with good people once I got to college. Once the mafia got wind of my studies and various skills they decided I could be an asset. I had a scholarship but that wasn’t enough. In the end, I couldn’t leave and I had no time for school. It may be unconventional but it’s still a job with good income and growth potential.”
“That’s amazing you went to college! I always wanted to but… I’m not smart enough. Especially not enough for a scholarship… What did you study?” Atsushi continued to act as if he was interested and actually cared about her.
She couldn’t take it anymore. “Why are you acting like you care? Are you trying to make a fool of me? There’s no reason for us to be friendly, you can’t possibly want to have an actual conversation with me.”
The weretiger looked hurt like a scolded child. “I do care… and I did want to talk to you… I’m sorry if you got that impression…”
She turned away to hide her shame. “I studied English literature and minored in law. I wanted to be a teacher or maybe a lawyer's assistant or something…”
Atsushi stood quiet in shock she actually answered. Before he could reply she spoke again. “Why do you care? You have no reason to be friendly with me and every reason to hate me.”
He replied without thinking of the deeper meaning. “We work together now sometimes. There’s no rivalry. Why would I hate you?”
She scoffed turning back around leaning on the counter but avoided eye contact. She crossed her arms. “I’ve tried to kill you before. I’m your boyfriend’s assistant and even he hates me. I try my hardest, I really do, but I’m never good enough for Akutagawa-senpai. I’ve failed him and made things worse many times.”
Atsushi could practically feel her depressed mood in the air. It weighed so heavy it could have knocked him over. He leaned against the counter across from her. “I don’t think he hates you. He never said he has. I think you’re a very good assistant.”
He was so stupid. So very stupid. She scoffed again and hoped tears wouldn’t form. “It doesn’t matter. You have more reasons than just that to hate me… but I have no reason I should hate you the way I do…”
The silver-haired man worried his brows. He realized what she meant now. Sure, maybe he was a bit jealous of her at first, but Akutagawa had no feelings for her. Akutagawa didn’t even have thankfulness to give her for how dedicated she was. He also didn’t even know if Akutagawa was attracted to women in the first place. None of that mattered. They were together and Higuchi was his assistant. Atsushi was so grateful for all the things she did for his boyfriend, both work and personal. She did her job and listened, going as far as disobeying Mori to save him. She cared for him, showed him kindness, showed him friendship even if he didn’t want it, and showed him love even if he didn’t reciprocate it. She brought him meals and nagged him to take his medicine. She begged him to see doctors when needed and remembered his birthday every year. She would gift him small things to brighten his dark birthdays and lackluster holidays. Most of all she showed him someone could be loyal and care and not just out of obligation. She tried to care for him before and was met with resistance, now it was time for Atsushi to care for him, and thankfully he accepted it. Atsushi was very thankful for all she had done.
Higuchi was caught off guard when the man bowed deeply to her. No one had ever bowed to her like that.
She had no idea what was going on. “Atsu-”
“Thank you Higuchi-san for all of your hard work. I’m grateful for all you’ve done and greatly respect you. I’m sorry for anything I may have done to make you think otherwise. I’ll try harder to become a person deserving of your kindness.” Atsushi blurted.
The blonde stood completely shocked and dumbfounded.
“What are you-?” She sputtered.
Atsushi continued to bow as if she was someone far his superior. It made no sense.
“You’ve been an amazing assistant and I apologize Ryunosuke hasn’t seen that. I hope one day he will. I’m trying to teach him to look at life differently. Maybe that’ll change his attitude towards you one day.” The detective finally stood up again.
Higuchi studied his face looking for some sort of clue this was a joke, but Atsushi was too easy to read and she found no malice. Her eyes began to tear up. No one has ever told her she was good at her job. No one has ever shown her that sort of respect.
The man continued. “Thank you for taking such good care of him. I may never have had the chance to meet him without you.”
The tears betrayed her and began to slowly fall. Atsushi was such an interesting man. If she set her hatred aside for once she would have seen how much of a genuine person he was.
“I- I don’t-” She wiped the tears away and bowed in gratitude. “Thank you Atsushi-kun. I’m glad Akutagawa-senpai has someone like you. I’m sorry for how difficult I’ve been. Thank you.” ‘Thank you for telling me my life is valued and that I’m important’.
Atsushi laughed scratching the back of his head. “Neither of us are perfect. I’m sorry for any misunderstandings in the past.”
Higuchi continued to wipe away the tears that just wouldn’t stop.
The boy laughed light-heartedly. “Do you need a hug? Don’t they say hugs heal all wounds? Err…. wait no that’s time… what do hugs do?”
The blonde couldn’t help but laugh at how air-headed he sounded. Weren’t blondes supposed to be dumb? Not people with silver hair.
Atsushi took her laughter as an invitation and wrapped her in a hug. She jumped at the sudden embrace, unsure of what to do but soon relaxed. He may be an odd air headed man, but he gave the warmest caring hugs. Once he was her enemy, but now when he hugged her, he felt more like an old friend. She was never one for long hugs, but she would allow it just once. It really did make her feel better.
“Oh!” He pulled away suddenly. “I realized we work together and you’re always with Ryu but I don’t have your number! Let me give you mine in case you ever need something. Maybe it would be awkward, but if you just want to talk and be friends that’s nice too…”
Higuchi took a deep breath finally feeling the emotions gone. Sure, she would always have a major crush on her boss, but at least he was happy and was with someone who truly loved him.
“Ya, sure. What is it?” She asked pulling out her phone.
As they exchanged numbers, both Akutagawa’s came to the kitchen. It was easy to tell whatever conversation or argument that had occurred ended in Gin’s favor.
Gin beamed, “Ryu thinks it would be a lovely idea if we all watched a movie together instead!”
Atsushi looked questioningly and Akutagawa. Something told him that wasn’t actually what he thought.
The grumpy taller man coughed before giving the most monotone obvious lie. “Yes. I think it would be a lovely idea if we all watched a movie together instead.”
Gin happily clapped her hands together. “See! Perfect! Me and Ryu will go find a movie!”
Akutagawa was ushered into the living room and exiled to the floor with a pillow. Atsushi could hear Gin griping at her brother from the other room. “Higuchi is our guest! We get the couch! You two can cuddle on the floor!”
The weretiger finished his original plan of making tea for his boyfriend before leaving to sit and wait for the movie.
Higuchi felt lighter as she made the popcorn. It was like something was lifted. Looking over to the living room she would kill to be in Atsushi’s position - cuddled under Akutagawa's arm while he played with the younger’s hair - but now she felt okay with it. Maybe now she could stop thinking of only him and open herself up to the possibilities of meeting someone…
Higuchi came back with two bowls of popcorn and plopped down on the couch next to Gin, immediately noticing she forgot something.
“Oh, sorry! You wanted a drink too. What did yo-” She was cut off right as she moved to stand.
“I’ll get it.” Akutagawa sighed.
Her eyes followed Akutagawa before she turned her attention back to the tv waiting patiently for them to start. She wanted to kick herself for making him irritated again. Akutagawa came back passing a bottle of cold tea to his sister and a soda to his boyfriend.
Higuchi fell out of her trance as red soda can entered her vision. Her eyes shot up, catching large handsome grey eyes.
“There's other drinks, but coke is your favorite right?” He stood waiting for her to take the soda.
Senpai was offering her a drink??? Senpai was doing something for her??? When did she tell him coke was her favorite soda???
She scrambled to take the can with two hands still transfixed on his beautiful eyes. God, she could watch those instead of the movie…
“Yes, it is. Thank you Akutagawa-senpai. How did you know?” She asked full of admiration and wonder.
He sat back down, wrapping his arm around his boyfriend again. “I notice you drink it often. If you don’t have a coffee or water, you have a coke with you.”
Higuchi couldn’t speak. Akutagawa senpai didn’t hate her? He paid enough attention to her he noticed her preferences? She had at least some significance, enough for him to remember unimportant things about her?
The movie started but she had no idea what was going on. She was too busy looking at the soda in her hands and at the back of her beautiful boss’s head with his soft and shiny raven black hair. Higuchi was sure she was redder than the can in her hands.
~Bonus~
From: Senpai's boyfriend (Atsushi-kun)
“Hi!!!（＾∀＾●）ﾉｼ Me and Gin-chan are going to have coffee together, would you like to come? We both would love to hang out with you today!”
From: Senpai's boyfriend (Atsushi-kun)
"It was really nice seeing you today!ヾ(≧▽≦*)o Maybe one day we could get coffee without Gin-chan or Mr.Grumpy? (o′┏▽┓｀o) "