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Josuke was enveloped in perfect warmth, on one hand, there was the wool jacket he'd bought himself that he adored so much especially on days like today. Fashion may seem like a waste of money to the ignorant people of Morioh but on days like today how could anyone denounce the power of his Navy Insulated Down Parka
And in his literal other hand there was Okuyasu that he also adored and though he was more than capable of keeping him warm- he couldn't wear him. At least not in public, no matter how much he would have loved to.
Walking hand in hand, Josuke stole glances of his boyfriend who was adorned by a coat of his own also purchased by himself, he was proud to think. Okuyasu was a modest individual who’d be happy wearing the same old clothes for years on end but Josuke knew that his boyfriend would look amazing in the clothes he chose. That way they could be a cool and fashionable duo.
Okuyasu looked really hot, warm mostly and Josuke had no qualms of pressing himself into Okuyasu’s side who, as expected, faltered slightly blushing and helped Josuke maintain his balance, not knowing this was a part of Josuke’s not-so devious plan.
Josuke lit up like fireworks they’d watched the night before for New Year's Eve. When Okuyasu looked over at him his easy smile stretched into a full one, no teeth but all lips, eyes practically twinkling.
Lips that weren't chapped thanks to Josuke’s quick thinking having fully applied chapstick all over Oku’s as well as his own lips. They looked perfect to kiss, but he knew better than to rub off all his chapstick this early on, they’d actually need it in the cold. It was quite a walk to Tonio’s from here but the walk there was half the fun.
Today was the last day Tonio would be making ‘Cioccolata Calda’. It was a Christmas drink by nature and Josuke and Okuyasu had spent the entire holiday season drinking it and shopping. It had very easily become a tradition for them. Sad now that it was coming to an end, so they vowed to make the most of it.
“I feel like I’m about to attend a funeral.” Okuyasu moaned.
Josuke nodded, “Yeah, but I’m sure Tonio will make another drink we’ll like.”
Okuyasu seemed a little satisfied with that, but Josuke still knew he was in ‘mourning’.
The crunch of snow beneath their footsteps helped lighten their spirits however, winters in Morioh were always a pleasant time. Though the holiday season had come and gone they still had another 2-3 months to indulge in all the winter activities that awaited them. Hot springs, snowball fighting, and cuddles near an open fire.
As they approached Tonio’s despite the biting cold at their cheeks they could only feel warmth in each other's presence.
“At least it's not busy.” He said pointing with their hands interlocked and Josuke began to fall in love with the fact that Okuyasu refused to let go.
‘Could they order hot chocolate and drink it like this too?’ Josuke thought, immediately feeling like an absolute softie when he did, yet it still disappointed him.
Just like the hot chocolate, and now their hand-holding everything had to come to an end.
Okuyasu looked for a spot and took a seat, Josuke following in toe.
Josuke took his seat across from Okuyasu and waited for Tonio to take their order. It was almost bittersweet the thought that this would be the last time they could order it for another 11 months. Josuke probably would have mulled over it with Okuyasu but their waiter just arrived or rather, a waitress.
‘Huh, that’s new, when did Tonio start hiring help? Well, he did hire Okuyasu part-time so, maybe he’s been doing it for quite a bit? Why am I noticing now?” Josuke looks at the waitress taking their order speaking directly to Okuyasu. She was short, round, and cute as a reindeer- seeing as she was still wearing antlers despite it being January 1st.- but then again they’d come here for hot chocolate so maybe he shouldn't really be talking.
But she was cute, and she was talking with Okuyasu and not just about the order either. That, and her giggling, it was grating on his ears. She didn’t even spare him a single glance, what was that about? Was she into Okuyasu? Oh no, he shouldn’t have thought that- he didn’t like how his stomach sunk to that.
After she’d effectively spent too much time at their table for a double order of hot chocolate Okuyasu smiled at Josuke easily, almost erasing Josuke’s uneasiness. Almost. Josuke returned it trying not to swoon at the sight. Which was a tall order considering the fact that his whole face was flushed red already from the cold. Maybe he was just getting worked up over nothing.
“Miyumi said she’d get us the hot chocolates for free, isn’t that cool?”
It would be if Josuke hadn’t suspected there were ulterior motives.
“Miyumi?” he asked dumbly. Even Okuyasu seemed disappointed he had to explain it, “The girl who took our order, she’s my coworker we work together all the time,”
Oh no, the sinking feeling returned even stronger. They worked together? All the time? Oh man, no- don’t panic. He tried to tell himself.
It looked like Okuyasu was going to ask something but just then the waitress- ‘Miyumi’ brought them their mugs. “Enjoy boys,” she said sweetly, too sweetly.
“Thank you so much, that’s awesome of you,” she shook her head, “It’s nothing Oku,”
‘Oku? Was she really calling him that, right in front of Josuke, was this some sort of joke, did she not know they were together?’ Then a horrible thought crept its way into his head. ‘Did Okuyasu not tell her they were dating?’ No, not his Oku but, then why? Oh no, the more he struggled against this feeling the faster he sank.
After some more small talk Josuke failed to listen to, Miyumi took her leave.
Josuke started stirring the cocoa with his spoon, losing himself in his own thoughts, as he waited for the beverage to cool a little. All he was seeing was brown as his thoughts became numb and indistinguishable,, his cocoa now a whirlpool.
“Josuke,” And in a moment he resurfaced, his hand stopped moving but the whirlpool kept on for a few moments longer.
Okuyasu laughed, “What’re you doin?” Josuke didn’t share his laughter and instead sipped at his still too hot cocoa, burning his tongue, the one thing he didn’t want to do.
“What’s wrong?” Okuyasu asked in a whisper. “Are you sad?”
‘Yeah, but that's not all,’ he thought pathetically.
Josuke’s lack of response left Okuyasu cocking his head like a confused puppy which didn’t help Josuke any in the blushing department. Hating the fact that even after dating for a year he was still not the best at this. He wasn’t great with his feelings, just yet. Hell, sometimes he felt like he never would be. Okuyasu probably couldn’t see through him or anything but Josuke couldn’t bring himself to hide his feelings or pass them off as something else entirely. He tried not to hate himself too much since he didn't want to spoil the fun they could be having, flirting and joking but he couldn’t be the smooth guy he’d always envisioned himself to be.
And yet here he was, jealous. Was that what this was? Jealousy?
He was ruining the fun for himself but he couldn’t stop now. He was into deep, and every time he thought of Miyumi and all her cuteness, Josuke wanted to die. Unlike him, Okuyasu wasn’t just attracted to men, so there was no way he didn’t find Miyumi attractive. When did Okuyasu talk to girls anyway? He was a mess all through High School, though it had been a few years since they’d graduated. Josuke never thought he’d long for his school days again. Okuyasu was becoming more of a man every day. Did that mean his growth would lead him to outgrow Josuke?
“I can get you another one if you want.” Okuyasu offered politely, “I know how much you like ‘em and I just got paid so it’s no big deal,”
“No!” He almost shouted, “Uh no, it’s fine.” He told him feeling immediately stupid for being so jumpy and weird. If he hadn’t blown his cover before he was now.
Okuyasu, bless his heart, laughed it off and slid his mug over to Josuke, “It’s okay dude,- take mine, I'll get you another one. No sweat.”
Before Josuke could think up an excuse and protest, which was a testament to how slow Josuke’s thinking actually was when his heart was filled up with intangible emotion after intangible emotion.
Okuyasu was already up at the counter and speaking with Miyumi again. And Josuke felt a deep dread knowing he was responsible as to why this was happening again when he could be rubbing all up on Okuyasu’s arms and smelling his cherry chapstick and envisioning all the ways he’d kiss him when they were far away from the public eye.
Josuke sipped at Okuyasu’s hot chocolate and wasn’t the least surprised to find it was delicious. Tonio had done it again. If only this hot cocoa cured anxiety instead of sore muscles.
‘This is the cocoa he gave me-’ he thought spitefully, ‘I’m basically kissing him right now.’ He thought looking at Miyumi defiantly and something happened that he hadn’t anticipated to happen. They met eyes and she smiled immediately and waved.
He broke and looked away blushing. It was only made worse when the two of them shared a laugh- at his expense! He could’ve died right then and there.
It wasn’t much longer before Okuyasu returned. “It’s getting dark, so maybe we should just head back to your place.” He said, gesturing for Josuke’s hand. Josuke took it but with much less enthusiasm than in previous encounters.
Normally he’d be impressed by Okuyasu’s forward-thinking and manly demeanor but honestly, he couldn’t focus on anything other than the thought of Okuyasu being nice to him in order to soften him up for the blow. Was this the end of them? This soon? Maybe Josuke was foolish to think they could ever be more than just friends, but, he didn’t want to be Okuyasu’s friend anymore. He could never just be his friend.
With those thoughts in mind, Josuke kept his mouth shut and his head down.
As they exited Okuyasu stopped and waved back at the staff “Night everyone! Thanks again Miyumi!” He waved with Josuke’s hand in his, he was still pretty fond of the feeling but his arm was lifeless as he forced a smile.
“Be safe you two!” She said back and in a moment they were out into the cold and now empty sidewalk.
The silence was so uncomfortable compared to the silence from earlier it didn't last forever and what was already uncomfortable increased tenfold when Okuyasu spoke, “Hey, I hate to keep askin’ but uh, you alright man? Are you sick?”
“There’s nothing-” Josuke attempted to lie.
“Well, you say that but, we haven’t really talked, I know you’re bummed about the hot chocolate but I talked to Miyumi and she said they will try to sell it in November this year so we can enjoy it a bit longer. So that’s cool!”
Josuke swallowed, “Miyumi.” He surrendered feeling sick to his stomach and realizing that he might have just prompted the beginning of the end. Well, all good things come to an end after all. Might as well bite the bullet.
“Yeah?”
He wasn’t taking the bait, did Josuke really have to spell it out? It looked like it.
“Are you guys dating or something?”
Okuyasu’s face warped into horror.
That did nothing but make Josuke more nervous, was it worse than he thought? Had he caught Okuyasu in the act?
“Huh?”
Josuke clenched his teeth, balling his fists to maintain as much as he could but with every second he was slowly unraveling at the seams.
“Don’t play dumb! She’s cute, and you guys talk a lot, and work together.”
“Well, yeah.” Okuyasu agreed Josuke’s eyes blew up. Ripping his hand from Okuyasu’s which proved to be harder than he thought when he refused to let go.
“What the fuck!?”
“Josuke- ” Okuyasu attempted to calm. “Why, why are you upset?”
“What do you mean?”
“Are you jealous?”
“That’s a stupid question!”
“It is? I mean, that’s kind of what it sounds like, though I don’t really know why you would be,” He said.
“Because..!”
Okuyasu looked at him questioningly. Not saying anything.
“Because!” Josuke yelled again exasperated.
“Because she’s cute?” Okuyasu asked.
“Stop saying that!”
Okuyasu was still trying to grab his hand but the task became increasingly more difficult.
“Josuke you’re cute.” Josuke’s hand stilled for just a moment and Okuyasu seized the opportunity to grab it.
“Hey,” he soothed and Josuke hated the tone but didn't hate Okuyasu’s firm grip.
“We're together, you and me man, it’s always been us.”
“Oku… Don’t, don’t try to spare my feelings I mean, you’re being real shitty-flirting with her in front of me!”
“I wasn’t flirting,”
Josuke gritted his teeth clearly not believing him.
“I wasn’t, I mean, that’s not a very cool thing to do. Flirt with someone when you have feelings for someone else y’know? I mean, we were just talking about you.” Okuyasu said honestly.
Josuke then felt a tinge of defeat, he knew he was making a big deal out of seemingly nothing and he knew Okuyasu was loyal, but the thought still remained he couldn’t just pretend he liked seeing Okuyasu so friendly. Josuke felt guilty then it prickled at his throat and made it hard to swallow.
“I’m sorry,” he apologized defeated, “I’m just being stupid- you’re a great guy and I don't know why- I mean you’re friendly with everyone…”
“Josuke,” Okuyasu started to soothe, clearly not bothered by the assumptions. But Josuke knew that he shouldn’t get off so easily.
“But you are! And I ruined this whole date because of you being yourself and I got all- well you know, I don’t own you! You're still yourself!”
“Josuke, don’t be sad babe.” Okuyasu embraced him and the move plus his guilt moved Josuke to immediate tears.
“This is so dumb, I’m sorry. I just, god you're so cute and even if you weren’t flirting I know most of them do and like- yeah you’re hot but you aren’t just a piece of meat- you’re a person like the best person I know and-” he continued to ramble through tears.
Okuyasu tightened his embrace around him as snow silently twisted around them and crashed into them. But even in 10-degree weather, Josuke had never felt warmer.
“I love you Josuke. You aren’t dumb, man, you’re like the smartest guy in the whole world. Don’t say stuff like that,”
Josuke pulled away to meet eyes with his boyfriend, “Look, you really don’t have to lie to me, there are a million other things to compliment me on. My hair is probably the best you’ve ever seen.”
“Yeah for sure. You’re also really cool and um, gorgeous, I mean Miyumi is cute but, you’re- well you’re crazy cute.”
“Okuyasu, I love you. Don’t forget that okay?”
“No way,”
Josuke smiled at him, his fears dissipating at that moment.
Okuyasu lifted his chin with his fingers and stared deep into him, that wasn’t a move he was used to so Josuke fell in an instant.
“I think we’d be here all day if we had to say all the things we love about each other,” Okuyasu tells him, and he’s right. Josuke nodded, “Yeah, for sure.”
“Miyumi thinks you’re really cool. She probably likes you more than me.” Okuyasu tells him scratching the back of his head.
Josuke shook his head.
“I mean we work together but she’s never talked to me more than today.”
“You didn’t say anything bad about me did you?” Josuke asked, pressing himself into Okuyasu playfully.
“No babe I swear!” Seeing Okuyasu get so defensive was just too precious.
“Just joking babe,”
“Oh, good.”
Their lips met a moment later and Josuke’s eagerness showed when he was sucking and licking away at Okuyasu’s lips and his mind turned to static. The taste of cocoa and Okuyasu was arguably better than any Italian dish in existence, or rather it was a mix of the two. Josuke wanted to taste this all year long bottle it and drink it every morning for breakfast. Okuyasu was digging his fingers into Josuke's hips and thighs and twisting eagerly back into him. He was aroused, he was loving being eaten as much as Josuke loved eating him.
Standing here out in the cold wouldn’t do though, they still needed to get home. That way Josuke could properly stake his claim, and he was sure Okuyasu was on the same page. The walk home felt long, almost excruciatingly so but, Josuke wouldn’t have traded the feeling for anything else.
They wore their love like an oversized coat, and with it, they could weather any storm.
