Chapter Text
Shizuwan walked down the street, his senses on high alert. His ears twitched at every rustle hoping to hear that sweet jingle from a familiar bell. His nose sniffed the air in search of that scent he had grown fond of. His olive brown eyes scanned the street, looking out for tuffs of black and a coat with gray fur as the trim. Unaware of the building notifications on his phone, instead his hand fiddles with the small box in his pocket. When did this become a habit? He wondered in the back of his head. Perhaps it was just a whim from seeing the accessory on display. Or, perhaps it was because it reminded him of that feline's slender wrist and his lazy tendencies. Well, whatever it was, Shizuwan knew he couldn't just leave it as is when he knew it was Iza's birthday as he had it on his mind that day a month ago when he bought the watch.
It felt good to not be confined in a dorm with other people on his birthday. Perhaps, he had purposely planned it to evade getting gifts from the others in the dorm. Honestly, getting presents was stressful. As much as he liked to take, he could never take gifts on his birthday; not that Iza could explain why other than he never exactly got much on his birthday at all and that it was just another day in the week. Really, it was nothing special. Even then, getting out and walking around the city felt...well amazing. No ties, no stress, no pressure. Of course, he knew no one would be able to find him in the city anyway, that was the only reason why he put up such a bet. Without a second thought, he lit up a catnip cigarette. The scent of it was strong, and honestly, it felt good to feel good and get this added high. It was a small pleasure on the corner of some convenience store that he found such delight and indulgence on this special day. He hadn't even noticed a looming sense of something- or rather someone searching for him.
It didn't take too long for Shizuwan to find him. After he had sent his initial text and seeing Iza's expected response, he wandered around the city in search of the other hybrid. His eyes skimmed over the crowd and his ears twitched as he focused on his sound. But, of course, the thing that first picked up any trace of Iza was his nose. Ah, it was Iza's scent. A little mix of catnip and something that reminded Shizuwan of the lone moon in the dark sky. Though, the dog-hybrid wouldn't admit something as poetic-like that easily.
Iza was standing alone at the corner of a convenience store, enjoying one of those atrocious catnip cigarettes Shizuwan always warned him against; well, they were better than weed but still not good with how overindulgent Queen was with them.
Quietly, Shizuwan observed the man's solitude. He wouldn’t call it lonely. No, rather than that it looked like he was relaxing, releasing himself from the binds of this world and going beyond to whatever universe he floats into in his mind. Those alluring eyes are lost in that world, not bothering with this mortal realm around him as if he were not another resident but an apathetic god of sorts. Without any thought, the canine man approached him as if to beg him not to disappear and leave this world behind; as if to plea for the other to stay he had an urge to reach out and grasp him.
Yes, without any thought, the faux blonde reached out and grabbed the hand holding the cigarette.
Iza continued to not notice, finding that he seemed to not mind people staring at him. No, it was something he was used to, but why should he care about someone's judgement? The truth was he did care, even when he knew he shouldn't. It was easy to pretend and hold onto an aloof appearance. It was even easier to look down on people, as if he were above them in some right. Even if that might not have been the truth.
A single hit and a deep breath.
The emotions that took at his senses, the relaxing emotion of feeling like he was letting go. A slow exhale toward the sky. This was the life of a true cat. A cat that didn't need to be held down. A cat that didn't need restrictions. A cat that didn't need close bonds and gifts.
Even as his instincts told him to pay attention, to listen and to run away from what should have felt like impending doom, he didn't. To him, the feeling only felt like a soft buzz, one that he could brush off and he did. He brought the hand holding his cigarette to his mouth again, hoping for another hit of the sweet taste. Only for it to not come, feeling something warm around his wrist, which made his ears twitch as if signifying a flinch. Iza saw their eyes, the bright olive-brown eyes he was far too familiar with.
Why? Why did they look so desperate?
"Sire...?" A small tsk, covered with a small laugh, "Did you come to give me a gift? I'm surprised. Didn't think of all people, it'd be you who would take that bet."
The chime of Iza's voice snapped Shizuwan from his daze. Coming to, he realized his hand was around Iza's thin wrist and the attention of the cat-hybrid was on him. The click of his tongue was pleasantly familiar even though it was hidden behind a small laugh and it made the dog-hybrid chuckle. He felt warm. "What bet?" He scoffed, not releasing that hand. "I'm here to stop you before you did something ridiculous." Shizuwan teased, huffing in exasperation though there was a little smug smirk evident in his tone. The box was heavy in his jacket.
Iza's ears couldn't help but lean forward at the soft chuckle only to return to a neutral state at his scoff. "The one I sent in the group chat." Iza returned, a small shake of his head. That was right, Shizuwan didn't exactly check the group chat that often. Ah...what did he expect. He hadn't noticed how Shizuwan hadn't let go of his wrist yet. Though hearing him explain that he was there to stop him from doing something ridiculous in such a teasing tone, Iza couldn't help the surprise on his face. Shizuwan wanted to stop him? That was far too sweet. "Tsk, I wouldn't actually do something ridiculous." A twitch of his left ear. So maybe he would have.
"Says the one who tried to jump out the window to escape work." Retorted Shizuwan as he stared at Iza's left ear. It was funny how honest he was despite how much he lied.
"I wasn't trying to escape work." It was the truth, but was he going to say the true reason? No. He tried taking his hand back now, figuring he couldn't let his cigarette go to waste anyhow.
With Iza's tugging, Shizuwan remembered he had grabbed the other’s hand. Quickly, he released it without a struggle allowing the cat-hybrid to be free. Yet, he didn’t understand why the action made his gut turn so unpleasantly. Well, he didn't ponder on it either though. "So, what are you planning?"
With his hand free, Iza brought his cigarette to his mouth, taking a drag as he pondered Shizuwan's question. What was he planning? Honestly, he didn't plan anything. He was hoping to find himself some fun by sheer chance, or at least something entertaining. Of course he could observe people if he wanted, but with it starting to turn night, the streets were not as full as they would have been. He breathed out the minty smoke. "Nothing really. Typically, the fun comes to me if I wander around long enough. I guess I was going to find a party but." A shrug, "You found me."
"Yeah," Shizuwan nodded, not taking his eyes off Iza. "I did."
Iza couldn't help the small restrained laugh at how Shizuwan seemed to echo his words. "I guess that's what we are going to do then, but the park sounds nice doesn't it?" He took another drag, before he exhaled. "Who knows, maybe we will see something interesting. Heard the moon is supposed to be pretty tonight, a shame we might not get to see stars." With that, Iza turned to walk in the direction of the park. It was a few blocks away, but it wasn't anything too much of a hassle.
Shizuwan followed after him with a faint smile. Most wouldn’t be able to recognize it since the dog-hybrid tended to not express himself much, though. After arriving at the park, Shizuwan looked up at the sky. As Iza had said the stars were hard to see with the outdoor lamps lit around them, but at least the moon was beautiful.
Iza finished his cigarette as they walked, placing it in a white envelope to throw away later and picked a bench to sit on when they had arrived. It was in a place under a tree, a peaceful small spot where people usually wouldn't come by. As he thought, the moon was easy to see, but the stars were lost. He didn't look at the moon though, he looked at Shizuwan. Iza never noticed how handsome he could be when he was moon-kissed. Ah, no, that wasn't right. He never saw Shizuwan under the moon's light and how bright Shizuwan seemed to shine in comparison. How different he and Shizuwan were. A sun-kissed canine and a moon-kissed cat? Oh, how it all seemed to collide in ways Iza never thought about. Iza looked away then, and at the moon "It makes me sad that we can't see the stars. Makes the moon look alone out there."
"Yeah..." Shizuwan's eyes softened as he stared up at the moon. What a lonesome moon it appeared to be. But, unlike the satellite, at least they were not alone. Since, they were here together. The small box in his pocket felt especially heavy - weighing more on his conscience than his body as the dog-hybrid reached into his pocket. He played with the wrapping with the tips of his fingers as he turned to look at Iza who was staring straight at him. Admiring those garnet eyes, he couldn’t help but approach the other, almost too slowly he felt as he gently grabbed the gift. Once he was close enough he leaned over the other hybrid, continuing to stare at his moon-kissed face which he now shadowed over all while pulling out that wrapped box. They were close enough that surely it would take less than a step to close the distance between them. But, instead, Shizuwan did not. Instead, it was the box that landed on Iza's head, pressed onto the cat-hybrid's black hair between his ears just as the dog-hybrid pulled away and plopped down beside him, still supporting the box. "... here."
With Shizuwan leaning over him, his ears leaned forward with small interest in what Shizuwan was doing. It was hard to understand why Shizuwan looked at him so intently, but he didn't hate it. Something about Shizuwan looking at him made the feline feel seen. As if, perhaps Shizuwan could clearly see passed the façade and the front he put up but didn't seem to judge him for the imperfections. It was a small wishful feeling he felt as he noticed how close he was, how all Iza would have to do is lean up to close the space.
The small space between them made Iza feel like Shizuwan was so far away. He was going to say something until he felt something on his head. His ears turned to the sides as if to display a small annoyance. What did Shizuwan put on his head? It felt like it had a little bit of a weight to it, then Shizuwan pulled away and sat next to him.
With a pout on his face, Iza reached up brushing a hand over Shizuwan's to get the item. "A gift?" He asked, inspecting the wrapping that seemed to look as if it was played and tugged with. Was that why Shizuwan kept a hand in his pocket?
"You didn't have to get me anything." A deflection of modesty as Iza couldn't help the small smile on his face as his ears leaned forward and his tail came out from under his shirt to softly thump against the bench.
"I just happened to see it." Shizuwan explained, though he didn’t understand why he had the urge to defend himself. With a huff he leaned back against the bench before he averted his gaze toward Iza, watching him play with the wrapping.
Feeling strangely embarrassed, he urged the other on. "Just open it."
An ear turned hearing how defensive Shizuwan sounded. He spared the dog-hybrid a glance, a smug smirk on his face, "That right?" It wasn't hard to read how Shizuwan appeared defensive honestly, but who was Iza to blame him for feeling that way? Shizuwan, of all people, getting him a gift? Iza wondered if it was going to be something silly like some heavy cat toy. Yeah, Shizuwan wasn't that thoughtful was he? He thought as he opened the wrapping and his eyes seemed to glint at the box. It was branded and appeared sleek. What in the world...? Iza opened it then.
It was a watch. A pretty silver color with what looked like a constellation behind the glass. It was somewhat hard to tell which one it was exactly, but it appeared to be Libra's constellation. Small embedded gems, though Iza was sure they were fake. He placed the box off to the side as he held the watch. It was simply, but honestly simplicity was something Iza enjoyed.
"It's so pretty, Sire." Iza spoke in a small voice. What made the gift even better was it was practical and he could use it or even just look at it if he didn't wear it. He fumbled with the watch as he tried to put it on, clearly, not ever having put a watch on before. After a few failed attempts he still continued to struggle. He definitely needed help.
Seeing and hearing the genuine joy in Iza's reaction to the gift made Shizuwan feel strangely warm. He couldn’t help but softly smile at the other hybrid as he watched the raven fumble with the watch. Clearly, he wasn't used to it. Without much thought, the dog-hybrid reached out carefully catching the watch in his hand before gently maneuvering Iza's hand with the same care he would give a patient. The brunette with partially bleached hair smoothly fastened the watch onto Iza's wrist and smiled when he saw it was a perfect fit. It seems that there would be no need to ask the shop to readjust it after all. When he had bought the watch, he had merely given an estimate on the size, for it to turn out so well was quite a miracle. Furthermore, it truly did look good on him just as Shizuwan had imagined. "Happy Birthday, Queen."
Ears twitched when Shizuwan reached out. Naturally, Iza half turned toward Shizuwan to make himself more comfortable as the canine helped him. How careful and caring his touch was as he was gentle in putting the watch he struggled with on. He couldn't help how his ears felt like they got hot from the small embarrassment he felt. Even his face had gotten a little red, but he was glad that it was dark so he could continue to hide. Shizuwan felt warm.
Honestly, it was amusing to find that the watch seemed to fit perfectly. Iza turned his hand once it was on securely, putting his hand on Shizuwan's. He looked at Shizuwan then when he spoke. Ah-- really this was almost too much for him. His ears turned back in small embarrassment as he brought a free hand to move hair out of his own face. Honestly, he had no reason to act and seem so shy. "Thank you, I... I really like it." His tail was up as it softly swayed.
To even hear those sincere words, Shizuwan couldn't control the warmth that spread in his chest and the smile that fluttered from his lips.
"I'm glad." His tail thumped softly against the bench.
Iza mirrored him unconsciously as he gave his own smile at Shizuwan's words. Even hearing the soft thump of their tail against the bench, he couldn't help himself from tilting his head. The feeling of wanting to lean into Shizuwan was there and he did, only to stop. He was close to their face, as if he wanted to bunt his forehead onto theirs, "Oh- sorry," The hand that brushed hair out of his face moved to the back of his neck paired with a nervous laugh.
Confused by what Iza was apologizing for, Shizuwan tilted his head giving a clear questioning and curious look. It was in moments like these that you could see Shizuwan's resemblance to a dog. He was usually so composed, well he was still composed but there was a sort of innocence to the head tilt.
Seeing the way Shizuwan looked at him it was hard to deny that Shizuwan looked cute when he tilted his head. As if, Shizuwan didn't exactly understand but Iza supposed that was okay. Despite how there were many other things he could look at, he kept his gaze on Shizuwan. It was soft and tender moments like these that Iza didn't want to lose, and with little thought Iza brought a hand up to Shizuwan's face. His touch was soft as he caressed their cheek. Oddly, to Iza he couldn't explain why this moment felt important. "Sometimes, you can be so cute." Iza couldn't help the small chuckle.
"Cute?" Shizuwan questioned bluntly while staring back into Iza's eyes. He allowed the cat-hybrid to hold his cheek, even leaning a bit into it as he continued. "How is a grown man like me cute?"
Iza nods at Shizuwan’s blunt question. Even seeing how he leaned into the palm of his hand made Iza softly chuckle. Really, it was the little things. How could Shizuwan not notice?
“You sound like you can’t believe someone like you could be cute, Sire,” He started off smoothing as his hand stilled, “it’s cute how... when you get focused your ears do that little thing where they perk up a little or when you get happy they do that too. And your tail wags a lot too when you feel that way. And when you get mad or a little irritated your fur starts puffing up. Sometimes, your eyes do that thing where they get bright because you’re excited or happy too,” Iza couldn’t help the small laugh again, “There’s a lot of little things you do that’s cute to me.”
Ah, he laughed.
There was a certain shine in Shizuwan's olive eyes when he saw Iza's warm smile. He was truly beautiful with the moon shining above him, illuminating his face and multiplying that mysterious allure of his. That smile was something he didn't want to show anyone else. Instinctual possessiveness made the dog-hybrid want to lock it up and hide it away from other people's eyes so that no one but him could have it.
What a silly instinct.
Shizuwan's hand reached out, cupping Iza's cheek slowly and gently rubbing his thumb against it.
Yes, what a silly instinct this was. Dangerous.
Then, Shizuwan pinched that soft skin and stretched Iza's cheek out. "Such a cheeky, Queen." He muttered matter-of-factly.
The feline couldn’t help but notice this shine in Shizuwan’s eyes. Perhaps it was only the reflection of the moon’s light. Even if it was, Iza still found it to be alluring. When he felt Shizuwan’s hand on his cheek and how their thumb rubbed against his face, it was easy for Iza to lean into the hand that could hurt him. The danger wasn’t present, but how hard would it be for Shizuwan to move his hand just the right way to cause damage? Ah...that didn’t matter. None of it mattered.
Iza couldn’t help the purrs only for him to meow in small protest at Shizuwan pinching his cheek, “Nyy— Sire, that’s mean.” He tried to pull away as the hand from Shizuwan’s cheek moved to their shoulder, “It took me a long time to notice that stuff, you know?” A small huff as his tail thumped against the bench in small irritation. His ears leaned back in small defense.
It was amusing to see Iza fidget like this. Usually around others he was so composed but around Shizuwan he had this clumsiness that could only be called cute. He chuckled at how huffy the other hybrid was. "Is that so?" He didn’t think much of the compliment, too captivated by the person that gave it instead. He released the raven’s pale cheeks and rubbed small circles where he had pinched prior. Shizuwan couldn't help the small smile as he noticed every little action Iza's body made from the sway of his tail to the twitch of his ear. It made the other man endearing and it made Shizuwan want to tease him more.
An ear flicked hearing Shizuwan’s chuckle. Iza couldn’t help but pout as he felt Shizuwan’s hand stop pinching his cheek and instead started rubbing small circles around where it stung a little. “Yeah, of course it did. Most of the time I was running away from you.” He spoke with a thump of his tail, even if he started purring contently now. The hand with the watch around his wrist moved to lay on top of the hand Shizuwan was using to touch his face. Iza took a deep breath, slowly exhaling as he turned his face to nuzzle into Shizuwan’s palm. “It...” He shook his head then, “Never mind.” Honestly he thought Shizuwan would make fun of him for such a stupid confession anyway. Instead, he simply chose to hold onto this moment instead.
Shizuwan wondered what Iza wanted to say with such a face. But, he didn't want to press for answers when the other would likely just go and run away again. When he was ready, Iza would tell him. For now, something else was important. "Let me say it again." Gingerly, he caressed Iza's face with a smile. "Happy Birthday."
Iza's tail raised when Shizuwan spoke up. His eyes dilated as he felt their hand caress his face again. Sometimes, Iza wished he could better understand expressions. That smile could have been for any reason. That gaze could have been seen by anyone else. He couldn't help how he wanted to keep it for himself, some way, somehow, but who was he to capture someone who shone so bright? Hearing Shizuwan say the words again. Why did it seem so meaningful when it came out of him versus someone else? Without thought, Iza bunted his forehead onto Shizuwan's. In the end, did he really deserve their kindness? "You don't have to say it again." Just tell me you're happy to be here with me.
When Iza bunted his forehead against Shizuwan's, he closed his eyes instinctively. "I just felt like it."
Happy Birthday' - it is a phrase that wishes one good things on the day of their birth and it can also hold another meaning:
"I am happy you were born."
Something like that is likely too straightforward of a saying for people of this day and age, but surely many understand the meaning of such a simple phrase.
Shizuwan lingered in this position for a bit, enjoying Iza's warmth against him before he rubbed their foreheads together a bit and scooted away from the other hybrid. He stood up, stretching while looking up at the sky with a satisfied look on his face. "Let's go get something to eat." The dog-hybrid's ears flopped up a bit as he looked over his shoulder at Iza. "My treat."
Of course Shizuwan just felt like it.
It was simply in his nature to do what he wanted, even if Iza couldn't exactly understand his thought process when it came to certain things he would choose to do. Iza hadn't stopped purring and feeling how Shizuwan rubbed his forehead against his own-- ah... It was almost too much honestly. Once Shizuwan pulled away and stood up, Iza looked at him and how he looked at the sky. To Iza, Shizuwan was beautiful under the moon. Why didn't he go out at night more often? What a stupid question. Shizuwan wasn't nocturnal. The fact he was even staying awake and not leaving to go back to the dorm to sleep was heart-warming.
Iza saw the way Shizuwan's ears flopped up when he glanced backward and in a moment he stood up, "Oh, yeah sure that sounds good. Where should we eat?" He hoped he would be made to choose just because it was his birthday. Honestly, he would never be able to decide.
"Wherever you like." Shizuwan replied, but after a second he quickly added. "But nothing too expensive. Or else I'll have to sleep on the streets."
Oh God the pressure of having to decide. Iza contemplated, though hearing the quickly added words he laughed. "I wouldn't take you for all your money, Sire. So, don't worry, even if I did I wouldn't let you sleep on the streets either." It was true. Even if it was an exaggeration on Shizuwan's part, Iza couldn't possibly let the faux blond end up on the streets. Had it been anyone else, he probably would have. He brought a hand to his own face in thought.
"Ah...what about that steakhouse? You know the one I'm talking about right."
"Steakhouse?" Shizuwan seemed to know of which Iza was talking about. He had overheard their coworkers talking about the restaurant which had opened not too far from where they worked, saying that it was very delicious. The dog-hybrid tried to recall where it was located. "The one that opened up by the clinic you mean?"
Ears perked as he nodded. With their question Iza gave a hum. "I think so. That's a bit of a walk from here isn't it?" He kept trying to think. "We can go somewhere closer."
"Nah, it's fine." Shizuwan took out his phone to search for the address. "Besides, a walk before dinner would be pleasant."
"Alright, which way do we go then?" Iza asked, moving to stand close to Shizuwan's side as his tail curled under his waist to hide again. He almost wanted to put an arm around Shizuwan's to interlock them together, but he decided to pocket his hands in his coat instead.
Shizuwan leaned down a bit and closer to Iza to show him his phone with the directions. "It appears we head..." The dog-hybrid surveyed their surroundings and looked back at the map before pointing in a particular direction. "... that way."
Iza looked at the phone when Shizuwan had offered it. Honestly, he wasn't exactly that great with directions finding it a thousand times easier to find himself lost than found. Yeah, he felt lucky that Shizuwan was with him and knew directions. Once Shizuwan pointed in a particular direction, Iza meowed, "Then onward we go~ I heard that the place has some really good fish."
"We're going to a steakhouse," Shizuwan retorted, "If you want good fish, we should get sushi."
"Okay, I'll get steak or something then. Sometimes steakhouses make good fish too." Iza huffed in response. "Besides, I can always get sushi tomorrow as a treat. Too much fish isn't good for me anyway." He waved a hand that he took out of his pocket as he kept walking with Shizuwan.
"Yeah, it's good to get something different every once in a while." Shizuwan nodded. "Too much of anything will just make you sick. Moderation is the key."
Iza hums, of course he should fully agree but he couldn't bring himself to. He supposed he could never exactly allow himself to moderate just how much he would smoke in a night. Cutting back on the sweet taste of mint was hard. "I suppose so, but who am I to deny myself the pleasure of something good?" Hypocritically, Iza would tell patients exactly what Shizuwan had just said.
"It's a little something called 'self-control'." Shizuwan snarked with a huff. Of course, Iza had caught on to what he had been referring to despite having been on the subject of food. "You're getting older. Don't you think it's time to exude more of it?"
Iza laughs when Shizuwan huffs. Self-control... Iza brought a hand to his own face, "As a cat my age, I'm still pretty young. Overindulging in the small pleasure of life isn't something that bad. Besides, if it helps calm my nerves why shouldn't I use it?" His hand moved as he spoke, gesturing and waving in an animated fashion.
"You call that calm?" Shizuwan questioned with a smidge of honesty and disbelief. "Still, it isn't good for you and the withdrawals will only get harder as you get older."
"What do you mean calm? It wore off a while ago when we were at the park." A small huff. "It only takes a like fifteen or thirty minutes for the 'high' to go away and after I have to wait like two hours to even get another hit if I finish a whole cigarette." Though, hearing Shizuwan talk about the withdrawals, he sighed. "Okay, you have a point, but that's only if I run out." Iza's ears turned back in defense.
"I'm trying to cut back, alright? It's just..." His hand went back in his pocket, "It's just hard." Honestly, he was doing it more or less for Hibiya. They were someone he never did want to constantly disappoint, even if he was sure Hibiya got disappointed with him often.
"Of course it's hard," Shizuwan agreed promptly. "It's going to be hard at first, but when it comes to the future, it will be better in the long run to bear with it now while you still are able to. Breaking addiction is like trying to break a habit, it's bound to be difficult beyond imaginable." He didn't intend for this to sound like a lecture, but he wanted to express that he knew that this was no child's play.
Iza took in what Shizuwan said, ultimately deciding to wave a hand as if brushing it off. "It's my birthday. I think I earned a day to have fun without having to think about the consequences." That was why he was out here anyway. It wasn't like he was trying to find trouble or parties anyway. "So, don't worry about it. Not like I'm going to die anytime soon, ne?"
"Yeah, but..." Shizuwan's voice trailed off until he quietly muttered. "I'll still be worried." Mumbling this, the dog-hybrid's eyes slid over to Iza, staring at him for a second before he turned around and moved a bit forward. They had arrived at their destination. "The steakhouse is over here."
Hearing Shizuwan trail off, only to hear the softly muttered words-- it seemed to have struck a chord with the feline, as an ear turned toward Shizuwan while the other leaned back. How stupid was he to think that Shizuwan still hated him and that everything he was doing was just some ruse. Iza looked at him when, "I thought..." He faltered for a moment when Shizuwan turned and moved forward. Iza's ears perked seeing the steakhouse. He hoped while they ate, things would be good. It was bothersome to feel these emotions when he knew better.
"Oh then-- let's go inside."
With that, the two entered the restaurant and they requested a booth seat which Shizuwan had seen open rather than a regular table.