Chapter Text
Takashi’s a little too busy these days, and on those days, Adam’s a little too angry at the world. Today is not one of those days.
Takashi asks, “How was your day?” He sighs, probably just sinking into his chair.
“Great,” Adam replies, “you know, I think the Spaghetti guy was on rota again, so yeah it was great.”
“Mhm,” Takashi agrees mildly, and Adam knows he’s smiling even if he can’t really see him. “I think I teach that kid- He’s actually quite a talented mechanic. He hangs out with Katie and the kid who plays guitar on the dorm roof every Saturday night.”
“I think Keith knows them,” Adam says back, because Takashi’s on his way to his mother’s house and there’s nothing else to say. He doesn’t like arguing on the phone, makes him brave enough to say things he’ll regret.
A hurricane is expected to land in New York in a few days, anyway.
It makes sense.
“You think?”
Adam rolls his eyes. “You know Keith, he doesn’t pay attention to people.”
“He pays attention to us,” Takashi insists.
“To you,” Adam corrects with a laugh.
“No,” Takashi huffs back. “He respects you a lot- Uh, probably more than me.”
“Anyway,” Adam says, because he doesn’t want to talk about how much influence he truly has over Keith, because that would mean addressing how similar the two are, and that would mean talking about Adam’s issues.
It’s supposed to be an ordinary day, of course. They also avoid talking about why Takashi decided to retreat back to New York, maybe for the last time as far as Adam’s concerned.
“Hm?”
Adam blinks. “You left your slippers here.”
“My slippers?”
“Your slippers.”
“I see,” Takashi exhales with a smile. “Are you wearing them?”
“No,” Adam says, too quickly, “I have my own.”
“Mhm,” Takashi says, far too amused for Adam’s liking, “yes, you do.”
“Go away,” Adam grumbles.
“I’m not the one who called, Adam,” Takashi replies, sing-songy and sweet.
Of course, Adam’s established that any day with Takashi somewhere in his life will never be an ordinary day. This one is no different.
Before he can stop himself, Adam snaps, “Well I’m not the one who decided to leave, to go in a spaceship for the rest of his already short lifespan.”
“Adam,” Takashi sighs.
“Ugh,” Adam painfully groans. “I’ll see you soon.”
“ Adam ,” Takashi tries again. “We can talk-“
“See you,” Adam quickly says, hanging up.
He stares at the ridiculously fluff slippers on his feet, which are a size too big. He shuffles around the kitchen to grab the jar of honey from the back of the cupboard.
He can almost hear his mother tutting at how many spoonfuls of honey he scoops into his mug.
“Well, it’s just one of those days.” Adam bitterly chuckles to himself. He wonders if Takashi left his slippers on purpose, because he won’t need them for when he actually leaves Earth. When he actually leaves Adam.