Work Text:
Today. Finally, he was free from his duties today. It was one of the rare evenings Rindou was able to secure for himself and he decided to spend it with you, as your humble escort to the cafe you mentioned you were interested in.
Originally, he was planning to treat you to a full-course dinner at the restaurant of your choice, as a small reward for your hard work during the weekend. The lady’s wish, however, was a rule, and Rindou was more than glad to follow your decision, all too happy to escape the formal, business-like atmosphere restaurants reminded him of and settle in the cosy, small café at the corner of the street.
There is a gentle, polite smile present on his lips— but Rindou is mindful enough not to appear too close to you. The mafia boss doesn't want any harm to come to his beloved, so he does his best to save more intimate gestures for private time with the two of you only. It's something that doesn't come to him easily — if he could, Rindou would at least kiss the back of your hand, but, instead, he can just offer his arm as he leads you to the table, sending a gentle gaze your way that lingers just a tad bit longer than allowed in your small pretend game. You catch it immediately but, instead of reminding Rindou of the rules he has set himself, you simply smile in response, urging him to give more of his attention — daily life of the mafia boss is never easy, and it is all the more reason why he should let himself relax once in a while and let go of that urge to control the situation perfectly at all times.
“Seductress”, his soft whisper reaches your ear as you sit on the chair he pulled out for you.
“Are you this weak to my smiles?” you joke, looking up at him with traces of mirth dancing in your eyes. He chuckles, but says nothing and the quiet laugh doesn’t quite reach his eyes. Were you mistaken?
However, before you can ponder over the matter any further, you are presented with three buttercups as Rindou bows slightly to you, your eye level even once again.
“You are especially charming today”, he says after making sure you took a good look at the flowers, savouring your emotions with the corners of his lips slowly lifting upwards.
You know. You cannot help but smile as you carefully accept the flowers and take a whiff.
I am dazzled by your charms
The hidden invitation in your earlier gesture didn’t escape Rindou, and he is not at all against the idea to give in. Even if he, himself, is not able to admit it verbally. You are a fast learner, though, and the language of flowers has gradually become both your hobby and your way of secret communication. Old-fashioned, yes, but secure and, most of all, lovely.
“Thank you, Rindou”, you do not elaborate whether it is thanks for flowers or the compliment — your man knows the meaning behind your words just as you know the meaning behind every flower he gives you.
“It is me who should thank you for accompanying me this evening”, he replies in the usual polite manner, settling in his own seat and asking a waiter to bring the menu. “But, I am curious. Why did choose a café instead of a restaurant?”
The answer is simple, but you don’t mind voicing it even though Rindou has probably guessed it himself already.
“You always go there for business meetings, don’t you? So I figured it wouldn’t seem much different from your usual routine if we went to one. Besides”, you pause for a moment, looking over menu. Your eyes light up upon finding the dish you wanted to show him, and you turn your menu over, excitedly tapping the name of the dessert. “They make the best cakes here! And this one is especially good from what I’ve heard.”
“It would be a waste not to try it then”, the man agrees with a hum, looking at you with a soft expression.
He loves to see you so lively and full of joy, as if your happiness is the source of his own. He even said that a couple of times, and each time the confession managed to reduce you to a blushing mess. Of course, it never was the words alone...
“Are you ready to make an order?” a waiter reminds you of his presence with a short cough, an indication he might have been standing there for more than a moment. You almost begin to wonder how you could have missed his coming to your table but, well, the saying “lovers don’t notice the flow of time” was there for something, right? So you dismiss the thought and smile charmingly, shortly apologizing before the waiter before ordering your cake and coffee to go with it.
You expect Rindou to make his order just as quickly, as he always seems to know what he wants. However, a lingering pause makes you look at him questioningly.
“To be honest, I’m not quite sure what to order”, the helplessness in his gaze and a rarely seen awkward smile makes you chuckle.
One would think a mafia boss would be a lot more composed and confident, wouldn’t they?
“Mm, then, why don’t you order tiramisu? I like it, and, this way, we can taste two good things instead of one”, you jokingly offer, and, contrary to your expectations, Rindou nods, and follows your recommendation, asking for tiramisu and cappuccino.
“Anything the lady says, goes”, he explains, noticing your puzzled look. “At least for today.”
You make sure to remember these words and hold onto them mentally. After all, you have some plans of your own for today’s evening.
As your order is served, you indulge in the sweetness of your dessert, scooping some of the cream along with the soft biscuit and sending it right into your mouth. The cake melts on the tongue and you close your eyes in bliss, enjoying the moderate sweetness that spreads in your mouth.
“Mm, delicious”, you lick your lips, savouring the taste, and belatedly notice the attentive, intent gaze.
It is at this moment that Rindou notices a bit of cream from the cake stuck on your cheek.
Instead of voicing it, though, he just sighs helplessly and, with a silent laugh, takes off one of his gloves.
He hesitates for the briefest moment before touching your cheek, clearing smudge with his finger and lingering just a tad bit longer, tracing his hand from your cheek to your chin and the corners of your lips.
Rindou rarely takes off his gloves outside his private quarters — for safety measures — and it leaves you wondering what urges him make an exception. That is, until your face lights up in the mixture of joy and embarrassment upon remembering.
“I want to feel your skin, not your gloves”
Your bold request, made once in your shared bedroom, was taken seriously by him. And, while it was a bit embarrassing to have your mind re-enact the scenes, the sounds of rustling sheets and some other sounds not suited for public, it warmed your heart to know that he remembered and, despite any reservations, kept his promise.
When you come to your senses, a wild thought possesses you but, before you can act on it, Rindou retracts his hand, wiping the cream with a handkerchief and offering you a wet wipes.
“There might be some cream left”, he explains with a helpless smile. “I don't want my lady to ruin her perfect appearance.”
You scrunch your nose. Perfect. There is this word again. You know he doesn't mean anything bad by that, and there is no pressure in his voice, only slight concern. Still, you can't help but lean forward and flick him on the forehead — a funny sight for Rindou's family and an action unthinkable of for an outsider.
“You know we don’t have to be perfect around each other”, you remind him, squinting your eyes, “or all the time. You have to relax sometimes too, dear.”
Another helpless sigh and a smile as a silent apology.
“You know it is difficult, especially since our family is not the only one here”, he hums, looking briefly at the dark street through the window. “And you never know when your enemy might present themselves.”
It is reasonable. You know it is. But there is that small part of you that wants to make him forget all the worries and problems the world throws at him, assure him there will be no more betrayals at all in his life...
But it’s easier to be said than done and, instead, you simply snatch a piece of his tiramisu while Rindou is not looking.
If your silly, impulsive acts can help him take his mind off some heavy things, you are more than happy to act silly around him. With him.
“Your cake is mine now”, you giggle in delight, taking Rindou by surprise and out of his reverie. He looks at his plate, puzzled, only to find more than half of his dessert left.
“There is still tiramisu left on my plate, though?” he points at it with his fork and, when you think he will finally give some of his attention to the delicious treat, he leans forward and gently grabs your hand, the fork with a cake halfway to your lips. Your “stolen goods” are then eaten by the very man you stole them from, but your puffed cheeks do little to give him any sense of guilt.
Instead, Rindou quietly chuckles.
“I just took back what’s mine, did I not?”
“Not going to forgive your girlfriend and enjoy what I left for you?” you wish your “angelic eyes” would work on him, but, alas, you two have known each other for too long.
“I don’t have a habit of letting thieves go. Even if the thief in question is my lover”, he calmly responds, taking the opportunity to try some of your cake.
“So you will steal my dessert as a revenge?” a defeated sigh escapes you as you watch your dessert disappear in your lover’s mouth.
“It’s not a revenge, but a lesson”, Rindou smiles, taking another piece of your cake and moving his fork closer to your mouth. “Now, why don’t you be a dear and open your mouth?”
You want to protest, but the sweet treat swaying in front you makes you accept this small defeat for today, and you nod, accepting the cake and leaning into his touch as Rindou once again traces your cheek and your jaw with his bare fingers.
You will take your revenge later. After all, the evening was just a beginning that could — and will — evolve into a night.