Work Text:
The rooftop garden was Tadashi’s only haven. Somewhere that Ainosuke never went. It was Tadashi’s quiet place and the place he felt most at peace. It was somewhere he could feel connected to his father even though it had been years since he died.
He didn’t feel alone here, not like he did working down with Adam. How he’d gone from being his friend, to his travelling companion, to his assistant he wasn’t completely sure. Only that from his end, he hadn’t wanted to leave the other’s side.
The phone in his pocket buzzed and he didn’t bother to pull it out. He was being summoned and like the loyal servant he was, he headed straight for the stairs going down to the executive suite below. He froze midway down when he ran into Adam, casually blocking his way.
“Why the long face? Sad I found your hidey-hole?” Adam lifted his leg, planting his foot against the opposite wall.
“I wasn’t hiding.” Tadashi stood still, unfazed after all these years by the other’s goading.
“Show me then.” Adam rocked forward with his foot still bracing the wall and leaning closer in. His eyes scanning his assistant for some reaction. Tadashi merely breathed out, no hint of irritation or fear.
“As you wish.” Tadashi turned away from Adam and went back up the half flight of stairs, smiling faintly when he heard the sound of the other’s heel hit the stair and follow him up. He held the door for Adam, closing it behind him.
“Well, well, so the gardener’s son keeps his little secrets doesn’t he?” Adam glanced around the rooftop surprised to see so much life and color.
“There has always been a garden here, it was in the building’s original design.” He replied blank faced, not letting Adam sense his irritation. “You signed off on the plans when it was being built.”
“Ah yes, a minor whim of mine at the time, I’d completely forgotten about it.” He took slow and measured footsteps along the raised beds that lined the outer edge, inspecting the variety of plants. “Is this where those tomatoes came from?” He asked a little surprised, spotting a cluster of red.
“Yes...and the melon last summer.” Adam paused, turning on his heel and looking directly at the other.
“And you grew them all yourself?” Adam asked, turning away again before Tadashi could answer, his eyes taking in the whole of the rooftop, when he spotted a small greenhouse at the opposite corner.
“In my free time. It only requires a little care every day, if you know what is needed.” He followed after Adam, quickening his step as Adam moved swiftly toward the windowed enclosure.
“And what are you hiding in here, hmm? A secret rendezvous spot? A little lovers’ getaway? A lonely little pup’s passion pit?” Tadashi had darted ahead of him and put himself between Adam and the door.
“Did you need something...earlier…when you called?”
“Only your devotion and attention and I see you’ve been giving it to another cause. I am curious what my little worker bee does in all that free time I apparently give him, when he’s not seeing to my needs.” Adam made note of how the other’s body filled the space barring the door. “All I’d really have to do is just say ‘sit’ and you’d be a good boy for Master, wouldn't’ you?”
“Why don’t we go back down to your office and I can help you finish up your work for the day. You have a long night ahead of you. Drinks with a client at 7:00. Dinner with your aunts at 8:30…”
“Oh little Tadi. I’ve known you long enough to know when you are deflecting. What is it you don't want me to see behind that door? Hmm?” His fingers curled around the lapel of his jacket and he leaned in to Tadashi, so close the other could smell his cologne.
Tadashi closed his eyes. It was the kind of cologne Ainosuke had worn when they first went to America. He’d spent more than a few nights breathing in the heady scent while they made out in the darkness. He’d long since changed to something lighter, more professional. Why he’d started wearing it again after all this time was a mystery.
He resisted a strong urge to kiss him there, out on the rooftop where anyone might see. “It’s nothing important, just more plants.”
Adam peered over his shoulder. “Just plants that require a lock on the door to keep predators out?” He held out his hand for the key.
Tadashi leveled his vision at the other, staring him down before finally relenting, pulling a chain from around his neck and offering the key.
“Such a good boy, an obedient boy.” He reached out, rubbing his thumb along Tadashi’s jaw before wrapping his arm around the other’s waist to move him out of the door frame. He opened the door and stepped inside, reaching his hand back for Tadashi’s to pull him in after.
Adam stopped so suddenly that Tadashi hit into his back as he came up short. “Oh…” He held Tadashi’s hand still, not letting go as he drew closer to the work table, leaning in as he kept his hand behind his back, tightening his grip on the other’s. “These are...beautiful.”
Tadashi blushed, in part with the praise, and in part because Adam hadn’t let him go. It almost felt like a long forgotten time, before Ainosuke had become Adam. He nodded his head acknowledging the compliment.
“I didn’t know you grew orchids.” His eyes took in the number and variety and he was secretly impressed.
“They take a lot of special care, but with time and nurturing, the results can be rewarding.”
Adam continued to hold his hand as he looked at each flower, circling back to several and inspecting them closer. After a long time in silence he leaned back against the bench and turned to Tadashi. “They are stunning.” His eyes were a mixture of confusion and adoration. He held out the key for Tadashi, and when he reached for it he took his hand, tugging him close.
Tadashi was used to Adam’s whims, that he could turn in a second from demanding boss, to needy lover, but this was...different. He looked up at Adam, but kept his head half bowed in submission. Adam’s fingers were under his chin, tilting his head up. “You should never be ashamed of these...you’ve put a lot of care into them...there are so many blooms.” Adam stared at him in awe.
“All they need is a little extra care.” They were close enough he could smell Adam’s cologne again. Adam’s fingers brushed along his jaw before pushing his hair over his ear. Tadashi pressed his thigh against Adam’s as he placed his hand on his chest.
“Is that what you’ve been up to all this time, secretly tending to me so that I’ll bloom for you?” He caressed Tadashi’s cheek with his thumb, smiling when he grazed the other’s lip and was rewarded with a light nip. “Always full of surprises, aren’t you?”