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Preparing for his boyfriend’s vacation was much more stressful than he thought it would be.
Akira was preparing his little apartment for some visitors, after forcing his boyfriend, Goro, to go on a vacation from his job. What Goro did with the Shadow Ops was important, yes, but even he needed a break every now and then.
So Akira, Mitsuru (his boss), and Sae all convinced him to go on a quick vacation to visit Inaba. Apparently, his friend (an actual friend!)Ken was visiting as well with his dog, so Akira had quite a bit to prepare. Apparently, they bonded over their love for dogs at first, and the friendship grew from there. Akira wouldn’t be surprised if Goro ended up with his own dog one of these days, thanks to Ken and Koromaru.
Thankfully, his old friend Nanako was willing to help.
They had met a few years ago when Akira lived in Inaba with his parents. Despite the age gap, they got along well immediately and hung out whenever possible. She was also the only one to stay in touch during his time in Tokyo, so she held a special place in his heart.
Anyways, preparing his tiny apartment, yes.
He and Goro would be sharing a room, of course, they hadn’t seen each other in months after all. Ken would get the extra room, it had enough room for a dog as well.
It was supposed to be an office room, but Akira never got around to converting it with his time in school and now working at Junes. So, throw a futon in there and a table and it's an extra bedroom!
Pretty convenient when he has guests, so they don’t all have to stay at the Amagi Inn.
Nanako helped move the futon in and then they both took a break in the living room, having some water and snacks from the work of moving things around.
(His apartment was a mess before, bless Nanako for helping.)
“Hey… Aki? I’ve been wondering. We hang out all the time when you aren’t at work or in Tokyo… So what do you do for fun alone? You have Mona-chan but…”
“...I like to read, mostly. Or train, practice..that kinda thing.”
“I see…”
It was kinda an out of nowhere conversation, but he couldn’t really blame Nanako. The other’s had asked the same question before, what does he do for fun?
Akira likes to stay busy, all the time. If he’s not at work or with friends he finds something productive to do, like taking odd jobs or helping people out however he can. He never really gets alone time either, what with Morgana around all the time. There was one thing… But he preferred to keep that to himself.
The one thing he got for his own.
That was another topic though, for now he had time to rest and break before his guests arrived the next day.
He just hoped Morgana would get along with Koromaru, or this would be a long couple of weeks.
---
Today was the day. Akira had made sure his apartment was cleaned up and perfect, and it was time to pick up Goro and his friend from the station.
Nanako was at the apartment making up lunch for everyone and watching Morgana, so it would be in perfect shape when they all arrived.
Akira watched the train pull up and paced around anxiously as the small number of people got on and off. Inaba was a small place, not many in and out visitors, so Goro shouldn’t be too difficult to spot.
He heard the barks first. Small yips of excitement and happiness, then a boy around his age got off the train, followed by a dog on a leash. Akira ran up, excitement bubbling through him. This was the only person on the train with a dog so this had to be…
There he was!
Goro got off the train a few seconds later, sighing at the energy coming off of the dog and his owner.
“Koromaru, please keep it down. We’re disturbing everyone.”
“There’s no one here! Besides that fluffy haired man over there, and he seems fine with it!”
“Fluffy hair…?”
He didn’t wait for Goro to make the realization, Akira ran up to him, hopping over the dog and making his way into a hug.
“Goro!! You guys made it!”
“Oof- a little warning next time..”
Goro might have sighed angrily, seeming annoyed, but he still returned the hug. Akira could feel the smile on Goro’s face as he hid his head in Akira’s hair.
It felt nice.
“Uhhh...uhm..I know you two are happy to see each other but, I’m here too.”
Shit.
Akira pulled back from the hug, a dopey smile on his face, and turned towards the boy he knew now was Ken Amada.
“Ah...sorry man. I’m Akira Kurusu, nice to finally meet you. Goro talks about you a lot, well, a lot for him. Come on, let’s get you and Koromaru settled.”
---
“Cute apartment..”
“I can’t tell if that’s sarcasm or not.”
Akira led everyone inside, the smell of lunch hitting them as soon as they walked in. Nanako came to greet them when she heard the sound of the door.
“Oh! Hi everyone!! I made chicken and veggies for you all, let’s eat after you get settled!”
So, that’s what they did. Akira helped them unpack and get settled into each of their rooms as Nanako set the table, with some help from their resident cat.
Speaking of cats, by the time Ken and Goro go unpacked and came to the dining room for lunch, Morgana and Koromaru were playing with some cat toys together.
“Let’s eat!”
Lunch was delicious, of course it was. Nanako was planning on becoming a chef when she was given the chance, and it showed in everything she made.
As they had lunch, they discussed their plans for the next few days. First, visit Junes. Nanako insisted, and it really was the only thing to do around here.
Then they’d visit the small shops and decide where to go from there. This vacation really was about relaxing and taking a break, so not having a lot to do was a good thing.
“Let’s relax for tonight, okay?”
“You just wanna cuddle with your boyfriend.”
“You say that like it’s a bad thing, Nanako.”
---
“Everyday’s great at your Junes!”
“If I have to hear that single one more time..”
“Oh, leave her alone, this is like, the only thing to do here in Inaba.”
That’s where the group was heading at the moment, the convenience store in Inaba, Junes.
Akira really was right, this was the main thing to do in this place besides shopping at the central shopping district or heading out of town to the mall or beach.
“We’re here!”
It really wasn’t far from Akira’s apartment, just a short walk. Koromaru started barking excitedly when Nanako’s energy level rose.
Morgana poked his head up from the bag Akira carried, jumping down and rushing to play with the giant puppy.
“Well while those 2 are distracted, let’s head inside.”
“I think Big Bro is here today! Come on Akechi-san, let me introduce you!”
And...off they went. Ken stayed outside with the pets, so that left Akira all on his own. He didn’t mind, he didn’t want to claim all of Goro’s time, he was happy to let Nanako steal him for a bit.
He decided to wander the store a bit, heading in any random direction as he looked at everything for sale. Eventually, he ended up in the music section.
It had… sure expanded since the last time Akira was here. There was even a piano out for people to practice on.
That was new.
There was no one playing currently, but it looked like it had been used recently. It’s perfectly tuned, based on the few notes Akira played as he walked over.
There was no one around, not his guests or any other customers.
It wouldn't’ hurt to play a bit.
That was what Akira enjoyed doing in his free time, playing piano. He had picked it up when he first moved back to Inaba, searching for something to do with his hands to keep himself distracted. Morgana had made many suggestions, but this was the only thing that stuck.
It was fun, finding something he was good at and enjoyed so much. He was just nervous to share his new hobby with anyone else, scared they’d make fun of him or… something.
He knew it was silly, but it was something he couldn’t move past so he kept it a secret for now.
While Akira’s mind wandered, he played a few more notes, getting in the mood before sitting down and deciding to play a song. No one had come by yet, so he figured it was safe.
He hummed a bit before deciding on a simple song to play, nothing too complicated. They are in a convenience store after all. So, his decision was to play the Featherman theme song.
He’s not quite sure why that was the song that came to mind, but he assumed it was because Goro never left his mind even when they were separated. Goro and Futaba really enjoyed watching that series, so Akira found himself getting dragged into it as well from time to time.
Okay, “time to time” was putting it lightly. Anytime Goro had a marathon they watched together, usually over video chat. Akira had that theme song memorized by heart by now.
So, play it he did. Despite it being a theme song for a “children’s” show, he found himself getting into it. Akira really missed playing the piano, he hadn’t had the opportunity to play in weeks.
He was so distracted by his playing that he didn’t notice the group of people that surrounded him, listening to him play. It wasn’t until he finished the song that he opened his eyes to look around, noticing everyone staring at him.
Nanako looked ecstatic, like she was about to burst from the energy bubbling inside her, Ken just looked impressed, and Goro… Goro looked amazed. He stared at Akira in awe and had a slight tinge of red to his face.
“You...play piano?”
“Er..every now and then I suppose..” “Every now and then?! That was amazing Aki! Play more, play more!”
Nanako finally let her energy burst, not noticing the little moment he and Goro were having. He couldn’t help but laugh though, he knew why she was excited. She had been taking lessons recently and was probably happy to learn her friend shared her interest.
So, Akira smiled at everyone, and with a little wink to Goro started playing again. This time, a little tune he had heard on tv..something about Tanaka. Akira had learned while teaching himself to play that he could hear a song once and play it by heart basically. It was apparently impressive enough to everyone that the awe was shared between them all.
“That’s...really amazing Akira. When did you..?”
“Oh. I taught myself after coming back to Inaba..I really enjoy music and didn’t have time to learn in Tokyo.”
“Oh oh that’s so cool! I play piano too you know!” Nanako interrupted again, she couldn’t contain her excitement. “We should play together sometime!”
Goro looked content with that idea though, shoving Ken playfully. “This one plays violin, maybe you can create a little song together.”
“Wah- hey!” Ken pouted at being shoved, Koromaru barking at the surprised noise he made, but Ken smiled at Goro. A mischievous smile. “Well! You play the trumpet! You enjoyed jazz right? So you started taking lessons!”
“That was supposed to be a secret!”
“You gave up that secret when you shoved me, Akechi.”
Ouch. Maybe a little much, but Akira found himself laughing beside everyone, even Goro. He had a soft smile on his face, admiring the relaxed and content laughter coming from his boyfriend. He didn’t remember the last time he had seen Goro so… calm and content with life. It was nice.
“Well, why don’t we all play together? Nanako’s place has a piano, so we don’t have to come to Junes every day.”
Ken and Goro looked at each other, each a little nervous about sharing their talent, but after a silent conversation they must have concluded it to be alright.
“Okay… You’re lucky we bring our instruments with us where we go.”
“Why did you bring them?”
“Well...I had a surprise planned, and Ken just likes to practice in his freetime. Koromaru seems to enjoy the sound of the violin too.”
With a bark in agreement, they all laughed again and sat contentedly together.
Akira hadn’t planned on sharing his talent, at least not like this, but he found himself not regretting it one bit. He got up from the seat in front of the piano, taking his place beside Goro and clinging to him a bit.
“Well, I think I’ve taken up the piano here enough. Let’s get some food and then discuss what we’re gonna do next okay? Maybe even talk about the song we wanna play…”
Goro rolled his eyes at Akira, but wrapped his arm around him with a small smile. He had really been smiling a lot more since coming on this vacation. Akira knew it’d be a good idea for him to get away.
“Alright alright… let’s try this legendary beef I keep hearing about and then we can discuss this music thing. I need to practice a bit anyways..”
Nanako was dancing in place out of excitement when the plan came together. Akira understood. He kept his excitement inwards, but he was ecstatic to play with everyone, to share his talent.
But first, food.
---
“Here, if you position your hand like this you can hit those notes easier.”
“Oh! Thanks, Aki! That’s so much better!”
Akira laughed softly and guided Nanako through the song, Ken’s soft violin playing being a nice background noise as she played. He could feel Goro’s eyes on them, waiting for his cue to start playing as they practiced.
Nanako played the higher notes of the song, while Akira took over the lower notes, the two of them making it into a duet. Akira had never played in front of anyone like this, let alone playa duet like this, and it was some of the most fun he’d had since discovering his talent of music.
A couple notes later and Goro’s playing began, a soft jazz tune making its way through the Dojima household.
By the time the song ended, he could tell just from the energy flowing through the room that everyone had enjoyed their quick practice session. Morgana gave a little clap with his paws and Koromaru barked at them, sending Ken and Akira into a fit of laughter at their animal companions.
Goro rolled his eyes and Nanako giggled, rushing to pet both of them in thanks for the cheers.
“That went surprisingly well for a quick throw together, we work really well together!”
Akira smiled proudly, excitement bubbling through his entire body. He loved playing, and playing together with people like this was amazing.
“It was pretty nice, I always enjoy a nice jazz song..”
“It was a blast!! Come on, we should practice some more, or play another song! This was so much fun, thanks for giving me some tips Aki, you’re a great teacher!”
“Oh..that's..” “Nanako is right, you know. You did well teaching, maybe you should look into tutoring some kids at piano.”
Akira blinked, but gave a smile at Goro as he considered everyone’s words. It was always enjoyable to show other people the things you were proud of, so showing his talents to kids by teaching them seemed like a good idea. He could take it on as a part-time job.
It was a hobby he was proud of, something all his own that he could show off and be happy with.
“I’ll consider it… It does seem like fun. Music is something to be shared after all…”
“Good. Now, Nanako said something about playing another song, yes? Why don;t we give it a try.”
“Yes!” “Don’t see why not, let’s play.”
Akira smiled brightly at everyone in the room. Ken playing with Koromaru, then stopping to grab his violin with a bright happiness in his eyes. Nanako, bouncing in excitement as she took her seat at the piano again, ready to play at a moment's notice. Goro, who had a soft content look on his face as he held his trumpet, probably the most relaxed he’s been in months.
Akira took his place at the piano and turned the page of his music book to find another song, pointing out to Nanako which part to play.
This is what contedness felt like, and he was happy to share his love of music with the people he felt closest to.
“Alright...let’s play!”