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Most people would assume that Kojiro was the go-to guy for advice, but most people are wrong. The kids from S rely on Kaoru. Kojiro is kind hearted, but he's too loud sometimes. Hiromi isn't a bad person at all, but he isn't exactly helpful. And sometimes there's things that are too difficult to talk about with their parents.
Kaoru, despite being just as immature as Kojiro, knows how to collect himself and be calm.
1.
Miya is nervous. He stands outside Kaoru's calligraphy studio, hand hovering over the door knob. He's been questioning things lately. Surely Kaoru wouldn't be judgemental, but Miya can't help but worry.
Kaoru isn't busy, but through the glass windows Miya can see Kaoru's face. He looks tired. Frustrated. There was probably an annoying client. Miya decides that he may as well go in, and if Kaoru sends him away then fine.
At the sound of the door chime, Kaoru looks up. "Miya? Why are you here?" His tone contradicts what he says, worry lacing his words.
"I need… Help. Advice." Miya warily kicks the floor, his eyes desperately trying to look at anything but Kaoru.
"...With calligraphy? Or A.I.?"
"Not..... No. It's serious." The tone of his voice brings Kaoru to his feet. He walks past Miya and locks the door. Business can wait.
He gives Miya a few moments to breathe and collect his thoughts, and he prepares tea for them. Miya watches silently as Kaoru pours milk into one of the demitasse cups. Miya appreciates it; most tea tastes bland and gross to him, but Kaoru always adds milk for Miya and it's delicious.
"What can I help you with today?" Kaoru asks, handing him the cup of milk tea.
They sit down across from each other. Miya is quiet for a little longer, but Kaoru doesn't push him. "You're… Gay. Right?" Of course he knows Kaoru is gay- he's married to Kojiro and has even said it. He just doesn't know how else to start this conversation.
Kaoru raises an eyebrow curiously and nods. "Yes, I am. I assume you didn't come all the way here to ask me only that." Miya nods.
There's another moment of silence before Miya sighs. "I think I might be… Something. I don't know what… It's so confusing, Cherry. I like girls and honestly I like guys too… I'm not upset at that. I just… Agh. I don't feel like 'bi' fits me…"
"Have you considered the term 'pansexual'?"
"...What's that?" Miya peeks up at Kaoru who's face no longer looks tired or frustrated, but soft.
"Pansexuality is a term to describe a person who is attracted to all genders. Men, women, and everything outside of the binary."
Miya's face lights up. "That… That sounds like me. I think I'm pan, Cherry!"
Kaoru smiles softly. "I must remind you that you do not need labels to define your identity. Labels cannot define everything. Some words simply are yet to exist. And it's more than okay to identify as one thing now and something else later. You are Miya, and that is the only label that truly matters."
Miya sniffs and puts his cup down. He feels like crying. He hates crying. Once he had told Kaoru that and Kaoru told him he was the same. So maybe letting himself cry in front of Kaoru will be okay.
And it is.
Kaoru's lovingly gentle arms embrace him in the warmest hug he's ever received. Kaoru truly gives the best hugs in the world. So Miya allows himself to quietly cry on Kaoru's chest. Kaoru gently rubs reassuring circles across his back until he stops crying. "It's okay, sweetheart," Kaoru reassures him as Miya lifts his head up with a sniffle, "it's okay."
"Thank you, Cherry."
Kaoru hums and dabs Miya's wet cheeks with a cloth. "There's no need for thanks. You can always come talk to me, Miya. I may not have the greatest advice in the world, but I will most certainly try my hardest to help you kids."
Miya nods and smiles. "Yeah. We know."
🌸🌸🌸
2.
Much like every other night at S, Kaoru is playing babysitter. Truthfully, he doesn't mind the kids (and Hiromi) hanging around, but he can't help but feign annoyance. Kojiro loves calling the boys their kids and the kids play right along. They have a strange dynamic, but they're a family.
Tonight Reki has been off. Langa seems to have noticed, but he hasn't said anything yet. Kaoru keeps a watchful eye on the teen until Reki meets his gaze. Kaoru recognizes the look on Reki's face to be anxiety, so he acts fast. "You know, Reki, do you recall telling me about that new trick? I wouldn't mind giving you some tips on it."
Reki's head nods frantically, his headband falling askew. He seems to understand what Kaoru is getting at. They make their way away from everyone and once out of sight, Reki dives into Kaoru's arms. His body trembles against Kaoru, who gently sways them.
"It's okay. Take a deep breath, Reki-" The teen inhales. "Good. Hold it… And exhale. Very good, you're doing so well. Breathe in again. Mhm, now hold… And exhale." Kaoru repeats himself until Reki's breathing is regular.
"Is everything alright, Reki?" Kaoru squeezes the hug.
"Yeah, that's why- why I don't get it. I'm happy right now but I'm an anxious mess. I don't know why."
"Hmm. Anxiety is quite terrible, isn't it? Ruining good days for no reason."
Reki quietly laughs and nods. "I hate it. Sometimes I feel like my brain is broken. D'you know what I mean?"
"Very much." Kaoru pulls away and fishes a handkerchief out of a pocket. He carefully places one hand under Reki's chin and uses the other hand to wipe away tears. "You know, I used to feel foolish for being anxious or sad for no reason. Do you know what made me feel better?"
Reki shakes his head with a sniff. "I let myself be open with someone close to me. Now, I know that can be difficult- but I suggest talking to Langa. That boy cares about you, Reki." Kaoru pinches his cheek.
"Don't say it like that, man!" Reki's face lights up as red as his hair, drawing a laugh from Kaoru.
"Alright, alright. Are you feeling well enough to go back?" Reki smiles and nods. "Very good."
"Cherry?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you."
Kaoru smiles softly. "Of course."
🌸🌸🌸
3.
"Master, there is an unexpected visitor on your front doorstep. Facial recognition: Langa Hasegawa."
Langa? "Thank you, Carla. I will take care of it." Kaoru fixes his yukata, wiping down any wrinkles, before answering the door. "Langa."
"Hi, Saku- Cherry." At least he tried. "Are you busy…?" His eyes are slightly downcast.
"I am not. Is there something you would like?"
"Is it okay if I, um… Hang out here for a while?"
Kaoru tilts his head slightly. "Well, yes, I don't mind, but may I ask why?" He steps aside to let Langa inside.
As Langa walks into Kaoru's house, he sighs. "I've been… Lately, I've been missing my dad. And I love my mom and love her company, but I… Really miss just hanging out with my dad."
That's right. Langa's father died. Sometimes Kaoru forgets the kid isn't just a bottomless stomach or reckless skater. "I thought you kids saw Kojiro as a father figure, do you not?" He leads them to the large sofa in the living room.
"No, I do. But I… You're really comforting…" Langa sits. "We all see you as a dad too. Is that okay?"
His heart swells with warmth. "Oh, Langa, of course that's alright. Kojiro and I will gladly be here for you if you need it. As long as your mother is aware you're here, I don't mind your company. When Kojiro comes home he'll certainly be glad to cook for three."
Langa smiles; sadness still present in his eyes, but much less than before. He wordlessly drops his head on Kaoru's shoulder and shuts his eyes. No words are needed though, because Kaoru wraps the boy up in a loving hug.
"I'm so sorry for everything you went through, Langa." He whispers in the boy's hair. "I wish there was more I could do to make things easier for you."
A sob escapes Langa at those words. Kaoru feels tears on his chest as well; Langa's sobs are so painful to hear, he feels like crying with him. The two stay silent and hug each other for a while until Langa sniffs and speaks up.
"Thanks, Cherry."
"No need."
🌸🌸🌸
4.
Every Sunday at noon, Kaoru walks into Tulip to purchase flowers for Kojiro. Today is no different, however he takes notice of Hiromi's nervous behavior. Hiromi is an… Interesting man. Kaoru does consider him a friend, though he still can acknowledge Hiromi is a bit off. "Hiromi? Is everything alright?"
The ginger looks up and he seems to consider answering before he does. "You were friends with Kojiro before ya dated, right?" He's too loud.
"Yes. We have been best friends since kindergarten." Kaoru isn't sure where this conversation is going.
"Aight. So like, how did'ya like, confess or whatever? Weren't ya worried 'bout losin' a friend?"
Kaoru hums. "Oh, I was downright petrified of losing him. My anxiety was eating me alive, but Kojiro told me how he felt before I got too bad."
"Agh, so like… Do ya think I should ask Oka out?" He leans over the counter expectantly.
"Oka?" Kaoru raises his eyebrows. "Well, Oka is a kind man, I'm sure the outcome will result in you two still being friends, regardless of his answer."
Hiromi laughs loudly with excitement. "Great! Today's bouquet is on the house, man!"
Kaoru fondly shakes his head. He picks out a lovely bouquet of sunflowers and leaves Hiromi a tip to cover the full price of the flowers. "I wish you two the best, Hiromi. I'll see you later."
"Thanks, man!" Hiromi reaches over the counter again to engulf Kaoru in a hug. Kaoru hugs him back for a moment before pulling away and waving goodbye.
"Let me know how it works out."
🌸🌸🌸
5.
Kojiro will never understand how people use the internet. Sure, he uses some social media like Twitter and Instagram, but that doesn't mean he understands it. He feels old and silly trying to make a website with zero understanding of how to do so. How the hell does Kaoru make a living off of technology?
He hears the front door shut, followed by the familiar footsteps of his husband. "Koji?" Kaoru's voice brings a smile to his face.
"Bedroom!" He calls back to him.
He doesn't receive a verbal response, just the sound of approaching footsteps. The door opens and Kaoru steps in. "Is everything alright?"
"Ah, yeah… I'm just trying to make a website for Sia…'
Kaoru lets out a soft laugh. "Yeah? How's that working out for you, love?" He steps over to Kojiro and wraps his arms around his shoulders.
"It's not," he sighs, melting into his husband's touch. "Kaoru, my love, my life, my-"
Kaoru interrupts him with a laugh and a kiss to his head. "I will make it for you. But I don't work for free." Kojiro laughs as he stands up and wraps his arms around Kaoru.
"Oh, how could I ever afford your time?"
"Well, I do accept all currency," Kaoru runs his finger up Kojiro's chest. "And I suppose I could give you a discount."
They stare into each other's half-lidded eyes and share a smile so fond it could rot your teeth. Kojiro is the first to break. He leans down, meeting their lips together. Over the years they've shared thousands of kisses, but every one is just as lovely. God, he loves Kaoru so much.
Kissing him is like standing in the sun. Warmth that spreads throughout his body. It's almost addictive. He can feel himself melting into Kaoru, kissing his forehead, his cheeks, his soft mouth. There's no place he'd rather be.
There's nothing better in the world than this man. His beautiful, wonderful husband. His soulmate. Who is now leaning on his shoulder with a content sigh.
"I love you, Kojiro." Kaoru says softly.
It makes him shiver. He loves this. Loves the words of such pure affection and love that are solely for Kojiro. It sounds better than anything in the world.
He smiles against Kaoru's neck and breathes him in. Inhales him. Kaoru laughs. The sound rumbles through his chest. He wraps an arm around Kojiro's shoulders, hugging him close.
"I love you too. So much," Kojiro whispers against his cheek.
God, Kojiro is beautiful. He's perfect. He's Kaoru's entire world. "Now, about that website of yours."
🌸🌸🌸
+1
It hasn't been a pleasant day. Three very frustrating clients gnawing on his nerves, very little sleep, a headache, and an empty stomach aren't helping. All he wants is to fall into his husband's embrace and stay in his arms forever.
Kojiro is still at work, Kaoru knows this by now, so he hops in his van to head over to the restaurant. Hopefully Kojiro has dinner waiting on me, he thinks as his stomach growls. Things just won't work in his favor today, though. His van coughs and sputters when he turns the key. "Come on, don't do this…"
He turns the key in the ignition again and again, but his van only responds with more sputtering. "Fuck..." He slams his hand down on the steering wheel. "Damn it!" He bangs the wheel for a few more times before calming himself. He takes a deep breath and steps out of the van. Sia is only a few blocks away, a walk wouldn't hurt.
With that thought in mind, he starts walking.
The closer he gets to the restaurant, the worse he feels. Every time he passes his reflection something inside of him feels like it's about to explode and he wants nothing more than to take refuge in his husband's embrace. Why must his heart feel so heavy when there's nothing to burden it?
Sia comes into view quickly and with it comes a sense of calmness. The familiar sight of his husband's restaurant brings a soft smile to his face. It always seems like home to him. He pulls his keys from his pocket and unlocks the door.
Kojiro is behind the bar, wiping down the countertop, when he hears the door. "Kaoru! You're late tonight. I tried calling, but you never answered."
Kaoru sighs heavily as he walks up to his seat at the bar. "My phone is dead. And I had to walk here, my van is doing it again."
His husband instantly recognizes the expression on Kaoru's face and walks around the bar to sit beside him. "I made you carbonara, would you like to eat first or tell me what's hurting first?"
Kaoru shakes his head lightly. "You know I can't talk about it until I get some food inside of me and I can breathe properly."
"Okay." Kojiro reaches up to give his husband a quick kiss before going back to the kitchen to retrieve the dinner he prepared for Kaoru. He sits next to Kaoru again with his own plate of food. They sit in silence while they eat their dinner before Kaoru speaks.
"Sorry I'm late," he says softly.
"No need to apologize."
Another pause. Kaoru sets his fork down and looks away for a moment. "It's been a red day."
A red day. When they were still in elementary school, Kojiro made up a system for Kaoru's mental health. Green days are good, no anxiety or sadness. Yellow days are the most common; a little on edge, maybe a bit down, but manageable. Red days are the equivalent of Kaoru begging for reassurance and love.
Kojiro immediately stands and steps over to Kaoru. He pulls him into a hug. "I'm here, baby."
Kaoru buries his face in Kojiro's chest. He hugs him tightly and lets himself be engulfed in Kojiro's warmth and presence. He closes his eyes tight and tries to relax. "Thank you."
Kojiro rubs Kaoru's back. "There's nothing to thank me for." He presses kisses to his temple. "I love you, and I will always be here."
This makes Kaoru feel better. He smiles slightly, tears threatening to form in his eyes. "I love you too."
They stay together for several moments, holding each other tightly. Just being in Kojiro's embrace is enough to calm Kaoru. This is one of the things he loves most about Kojiro. He's patient and understanding. He's always willing to listen and help. He's always there for Kaoru.
Kaoru really doesn't deserve him.
Eventually they pull apart, but not far. Kaoru leans forward again and kisses Kojiro gently on the lips. He returns the kiss sweetly.
"Are you ready to clean up and get home, princess?" Kojiro asks after pulling away.
Kaoru nods and picks up his plate. They silently walk to the kitchen and rinse their dishes off together. Kaoru loves the domesticity of it all. He loves how easy everything with Kojiro is. He loves that even when they fight or argue, he'll be there by Kojiro's side, supporting him. It's such a simple thing to love someone like Kojiro.
It's amazing, and Kaoru would go through a million red days just to spend a moment with Kojiro. He's so in love. They move in sync, cleaning up until there's nothing left. "Let's go home," Kojiro mumbles against Kaoru's temple, placing a kiss there.
"Okay." Kaoru agrees softly. Together they make their way outside, hand in hand, and walk to Kojiro's car. They drive in comfortable silence, neither wanting anything else. The ride home is so peaceful Kaoru nearly falls asleep in the passenger seat.
It isn't long before they reach the house. Once they're inside, Kojiro places an arm around Kaoru's waist and pulls him into his chest for a hug. "Join me for a shower?" Kaoru hums in agreement and they both make their way to the bathroom.
Once there, they undress each other slowly. Kojiro carefully unwraps Kaoru's yukata, Kaoru unbuttons Kojiro's shirt. There's nothing sexual about their actions, only affection. Taking care of each other is their favorite thing.
They take their time, enjoying one another's presence. They wash each other, taking turns shampooing and conditioning their hair. Kojiro gives Kaoru a big, boyish grin before gathering soap in his hands and decorating Kaoru's face with bubbles. This draws a soft laugh from Kaoru. "Dopey gorilla."
"Robot nerd."
"Muscle for brain."
Kojiro barks a laugh and kisses Kaoru. When he pulls away, a bubble beard of his own adorns his face. And suddenly, as Kaoru laughs at his husband, his bad day washes away.