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Serizawa learns a lot about himself. Before, he never thought much of tea. At Spirits and Such, he makes tea all day. Elderly customers who call him dear and sip hot, jasmine tea. Stressed parents looking for something light, calming. Not to mention all of the kids scrambling into the office. Mob, Ritsu, Teru, Shou, and Tome are frequent tea drinkers. Reigen says it keeps them sane.
All of the kids are at home now. Hopefully they’re going to bed. But Serizawa knows better. Tome had mentioned a meteor shower tonight. She’d bounced on the balls of her feet when Serizawa asked her to explain. That toothy, wide grin was stuck on her face all day. Serizawa thought it was cute. Not that he would ever say that to Tome-chan.
It’s been three years since he began working at Spirits and Such. Two years of him and Reigen dating. Six months of them living together.
Serizawa was nervous to share a bed with someone. Not because he and Reigen hadn’t slept together. He couldn’t help but worry that he would wake Reigen with a bad dream. Or that Reigen would think Serizawa too messy to live with. Or that he’d never let a cat in the apartment. Serizawa doesn’t have a cat. But he’d like to one day. And Reigen is always in Serizawa’s ‘one day’ ideas.
Reigen is there everyday. There was no need to worry. Living with Reigen started different conversations and planning, sure. But it’s wonderful.
Arataka‘s old apartment was sad and small. Filled with gray walls and cracks in them, Katsuya had suggested he look into another apartment building. It hadn’t taken them very long to find a place. Neither of them wanted anything too big or flashy. Just a nice apartment near the office.
Currently, they’re both standing around their oven. The kitchenette is small, but Katsuya likes to be with Arataka. Arataka, who had insisted on cooking tonight. Now he’s bent over their stove with hot water and tea leaves. Arataka doesn’t know it, but his tongue sticks out when he’s concentrating. Serizawa smiles as Reigen furrows his brow, staring intently at the tea. It’s uclear why as Reigen has more experience making tea than Serizawa. But Katsuya watches. He watches Arataka fondly.
It feels like only yesterday Reigen was showing him how to make tea in the office. But also a lifetime ago. Now Serizawa has a favorite tea flavor, chamomile. But a dash of vanilla never hurt anyone. Or a little caramel. Reigen teases him for having a sweet tooth. Now, his boyfriend is making his own tea. Serizawa had wanted to make it, but Reigen insisted on taking care of it.
“Had your night cap yet?” Reigen asks.
His right hand is on the teapot, watching the water hiss and bubble. It’s a simple teapot, light blue with a thin, dark line cracking its way up the spout. Serizawa shakes his head at the question, smiling. Reigen has his routine memorized by now. The thought makes Katsuya smile, his stomach a mess of butterflies. Katsuya hums and steps behind his boyfriend.
His warm hands tug at the cabinet door, revealing shelves littered with cups. They both have too many collectibles. But Serizawa will die before giving up his Hatsune Miku mug. Not to mention there is a white cup with frogs on it. Reigen insists it’s only for Mob. But this isn’t the first time Reigen’s used it for tea.
‘Green tea, green frogs- they go together,’ was Reigen’s excuse yesterday. ‘It’s important to match utensils.’ Serizawa just shook his head. He raises his eyebrows as Reigen raises his other hand to the cabinet. No doubt looking for a mug. Serizawa steps back. But not before grabbing Reigen’s hand and pressing a kiss to his wrist. Reigen groans.
“Would you stop that? I’m trying to do something nice for you and you’re winning.”
Serizawa laughs and lowers Reigen’s hand from his lips. “Winning?”
Reigen huffs and rolls his eyes. Is he tired? Serizawa reminds himself not to suggest bed too early. But he doesn’t understand. Katsuya makes tea everyday, but Reigen is huffing and puffing over one cup. Clearly he has some kind of plan. Reigen’s long fingers reach for the stove, twisting the knob to the left. Serizawa smiles and, secretly, rejoices that Reigen remembers to turn the stove off this time.
Serizawa compliments Reigen’s tea skills relentlessly. They talk and laugh in the kitchen. Well, Serizawa does. Reigen isn’t always good with compliments. He rolls his eyes and insists it’s nothing. Eventually the teasing gives way to a more intimate affection. Serizawa wraps his arms around Reigen, kissing the crown of his hair.
“I just wanted to spoil you a little,” Reigen says.
He smiles when he talks. Serizawa’s hugs are warm and weighted, they always have been. Reigen twists his neck to see his boyfriend.
“We’ve more than earned it after today.”
Serizawa smiles easily. He reaches for the cupboard again. But Reigen’s hand breaks from their embrace. It flies through the air, never still. Reigen smacks Serizawa’s hand playfully. He smirks when Serizawa pulls his hand back, feigning offense. Reigen pulls out a matching mug and hands it to Serizawa.
“And if we hadn’t earned tea?”
Reigen scoffs. “You think I would let either of us miss out on tea?”
Serizawa laughs. “Doesn’t sound like you.”
“No it doesn’t, does it?” Arataka laughs. “Screw that we’re always having tea.”
The light, mocking tone softens when Arataka looks up from the teapot. His mouth eases into something warm. His eyes are soft when he looks at Katsuya.
“You and me, Katsuya,” he smiles. “We’re always having tea.”
Katsuya smiles back.
The tea is good. It warms Serizawa’s hands as he and Reigen step out onto their back porch. The night is warm and blue. Stars twinkle in the unfolding sky. Reigen excuses himself to grab his own drink.
It’s a peaceful night. The cicadas chirp in the background as Katsuya sips his drink. He smiles into the night, basking in the endless blue. How wonderfully simple nighttime can be. Serizawa isn’t the only one with a routine.
The stars rise and twinkle around the moon. The white blue stars etch into the sky, reflecting the moon’s light. Serizawa can’t help but relate. He smiles when his own light walks back to him.
“I missed you,” falls from Katsuya’s mouth with a smile.
”Sap,” Arataka teases.
Arataka rests his head on Katsuya’s shoulder. Taka’ steps closer, snuggling against him. They stand together, watching the night sky.
Serizawa steps back from the view. His hand holds the dip in Reigen’s back, protecting him. It’s a full time job now. On and off the clock. Serizawa is eternally grateful to have it. He smiles when they ease into the hanging porch swing. It had been a tight squeeze, but it was worth it. Just like holding Reigen in his arms. The blond looks up.
“You’re quiet.”
Katsuya chuckles. “‘M always a little quiet, ‘Taka. Besides it’s late.”
Arataka smiles and snuggles into his side, sighing happily. “I know. I’m hard to keep up with.”
“No, that’s not it.”
“Talk to me anyways, ‘Suya.”
Reigen places a hand on Serizawa’s chin, guiding him gently. He meets Reigen’s honey eyes. Lavender folds beneath each one.
“What are you thinking?”
Serizawa smiles and brings Reigen closer. “I’m thinking about us, our night routine.”
“Oh.” Reigen nods his head. “Am I… part of that?”
Katsuya smiles at the question. How can he not know? He kisses Reigen’s cheek. Feels unsatisfied and kisses his mouth. He smiles gently. Grabs a blanket from their basket and drapes it over both of them. Katsuya bumps Arataka’s shoulder and furrows into their soft embrace.
“You’re part of everything.”