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Hobo Scarf
“Shouta why don’t you throw out that ratty old scarf?” Hizashi whined as they prepared to go out for their usual Saturday morning walk.
Shouta smiled donning the burgundy, tattered and frayed accessory, a standard of his casual attire for as long as Hizashi could remember.
“‘C’mon Sho, you have so many others, how ‘bout a change for once?” Hizashi continued.
Over the years, in an attempt to get Shouta to lose this security blanket, the blonde provided his husband with a host of alternatives. Expensive alpaca, buttery soft silk, cozy fleece, fashionable tartan, even a chic designer wrap which never left the gift box. Always the horrendous hobo scarf. At least he was able to get it cleaned periodically, Hizashi thought.
God the thing was old and showing it. Thinking back, the first time Hizashi saw Shouta with that particular item of clothing was back at UA. The new kid, who Hizashi did not yet realize was to become the love of his life, first appeared in a black sweater, with rolls upon rolls of the burgundy scarf. The boy’s whole head was encapsulated in the wooly cocoon. All Hizashi saw, was a mop of black hair peeking over the top layer of the voluminous material as they gathered at their lockers. As it was unfurled, Hizashi took note of a furrowed brow, followed by dark soulful eyes, a nice straight nose, and the cutest pout that Hizashi ever saw. Hizashi was thunderstruck. His green eyes locked onto the new kid the massive scarf finally released.
“Hi” the dark haired kid said as he passed by Hizashi who was unable to formulate a reply. It was one of the rare occasions that Hizashi Yamada’s tongue was momentarily rendered mute. “Hey, h-hi,” Hizashi’s reply came just a bit too late.
Fast forward a few weeks later, after some hard won conversation with the shy kid, Hizashi found the nerve to ask Shouta if he could walk home with him for the first time. The blonde pretended to be going the same way home as Shouta, hoping to get to know him a little better. The ever present wrap was around Shouta’s neck. Hizashi made the move to push it down, just enough, to see his companion a bit better. A pink flush which rose on Shouta’s pale cheeks when Hizashi's finger made momentary contact, made him all the more the crush-worthy. Hizashi suggested they stop at a cat cafe, having noticed that when Shouta doodled, the doodles were cats. When Shouta removed the scarf at the cafe and placed it on the floor next to him, a dark kitten promptly snuggled itself within it’s loops causing Shouta to smile. Hizashi remembered this had been the first full on smile he had ever seen on the often sullen Shouta. Hizashi remembered how his heart hitched and nearly left his chest as he focused on that smile and how Shouta's features changed with it making him all the more handsome. Seeing the soft look in Shouta’s eyes as he played with the kitten, with his curly locks, and dark eyes, made it clear to Hizashi he was in love.
The scarf came in handy again after the first sports festival they participated in. Hizashi recalled how within moments and to Hizashi's surprise, he was thrown and pinned to the ground by Shouta who ultimately won the match. Hizashi’s shoulder took the brunt of the fall but since they both wanted to see the next matches, they settled into the bleachers despite the aching and rapidly swelling shoulder. Shouta however noticed Hizashi's wincing every time he was jostled so slipped away while Hizashi remained to watch. Looking a little guilty, Shouta returned with the scarf and fashioned it into a sling until they could make it to Recovery girl for healing. The pain had been worth it Hizashi recalled with a smile. Shouta had leaned in, his chest nearly touching Hizashi’s nose as he reached over to tie the scarf behind his injured friend. Hizashi smiled and put his hand up to touch the back of his neck remembering the electricity he felt, the shiver that ran up his spine with that touch of Shouta’s hand as he fashioned the sling. “My hero even then” Hizashi said quietly looking at his husband.
The first time Shouta asked Hizashi on a date to watch a meteor shower from the roof of UA, the scarf was there as a makeshift pillow. As they lie there, Hizashi remembered Shouta reaching over for Hizashi’s hand holding it and tracing his thumb across the back. More fireworks than meteors were appreciated while they kissed the rest of the evening away under the stars, snuggled into the ever present scarf.
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“Zash, are we going or what?” Shouta asked somewhat impatiently waiting for his husband to begin their walk. It was a marvel these walks occurred at all given Shouta’s preference for sleeping in when able. Since they were officially a couple, almost every Saturday started with a stroll together, hand in hand, ending at the coffee shop for breakfast or lunch.
As Hizashi walked, he caressed the threadbare garment draped over Shouta’s shoulders with more fondness than earlier that day. Hizashi found tears welling up when he recalled when their walk was placed on hold after Shouta was injured and hospitalized after a villain’s attack. As Shouta lay unconscious, blissfully unaware of his body’s damage, Hizashi stayed at his side. The blonde wrapped himself in Shouta’s scarf as comfort, in lieu of his usual hug, hoping the prognosis improved. Shouta was and still is Hizashi knew, a man of few words, but his hugs spoke volumes. As Shouta lie there draped in gauze, smelling of sweat and antiseptic, Hizashi clung to the material which carried Shouta’s familiar scent, helping to keep him grounded and hopeful.
Hizashi placed a kiss on Shouta’s cheek under the residual scar from that day, as his partner wrapped an arm around his waist continuing to the cafe. Hizashi had to admit the bulky wrap was a nice place to rest his head against as they cuddled briefly. “You ok?” Shouta asked a little concerned, noticing the dampness in Hizashi’s eyes. “Mmm hmm” the blonde responded placing another kiss.
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Too soon they arrived, Hizashi thought having enjoyed the casual stroll. Shouta ordered a no whip caramel macchiato, Hizashi Matcha and a scone. Hizashi laughed thinking all Shouta’s jelly pack meals left him craving the sugar high, hence his crazy sweet coffee choices. They sat outside since the cool but pleasant fall weather complete with its seasonal colors was inviting today.
“Comfortable?” Shouta asked from across the table, leaning on one hand gazing at Hizashi with a half smile. His lidded eyes had little creases curving up on the edges matching the smile Hizashi loved.
“Mmmm hmmm” Hizashi purred admiring the view. Shouta’s hair started to show some jots of grey, which he wore very well, Hizashi thought. When Hizashi shook with a little chill and hugged himself, Shouta never missing anything, came around with his chair, unfurled and wrapped both their shoulders in his familiar lofty friend. Few people got to see this Shouta, Hizashi thought, the tender caring man under the gruff exterior.
Music started to pipe through the cafe’s outside speakers quietly but not enough to overpower their conversation.
“Babe, let’s dance” Hizashi suggested as he leaned in to place a kiss on his partners temple. “Mmmph” with a sideways glance from Shouta which Hizashi knew was not a hard no in ‘Shoutaspeak’. “C’mon, no one is crowding the patio yet and it’s been forever since you stepped on my toes” Hizashi teased.
“Who steps on who’s toes?” Shouta replied with a wry smile, since he was generally much more nimble than the lanky Hizashi.
Hizashi rose, unwound Shouta’s scarf from their shoulders and repositioned it around Shouta’s neck, touching the little wrinkles around his husband's eyes and usual chin scruff. As they did a little slow dance on the cafe’s patio, Hizashi rested his head on Shouta and nuzzled the soft pile, enjoying the essence of Shouta’s rarely used cologne still permeating its fibers.
“Still think I should get rid of it?” Shouta asked Hizashi, lifting the blondes chin to place another longer kiss. In response Hizashi just buried his face again in the familiar softness, snuggled and enjoyed familiar rumble from Shouta’s chest, as they hummed along to the morning’s song.