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“I can’t accept this.” Shokichi frowned down at the cardboard box where the little golden ball of fur was sleeping soundly. “Where did you even--no, you know what, don’t answer that.” He sighed, scratching at the back of his neck as he looked up at the dark-haired man standing in front of him.
“You told me once you wanted a pet,” Tadashi said quietly. “Is this one not to your liking?” He’ll get him another, something else, something better, if only Oka would just say--
Shokichi stared at him, frowning. “Yeah, a dog or a cat or something. Not this.” Not a fox--a fennec fox at that, big ears and bushy tail, very clearly not a domesticated animal. “This is super sketchy, Kikuchi. Is it even legal?”
“Adam wanted you to have the best,” Tadashi murmured, reaching inside the box and running his fingers over the little fox’s back. “An apology. For what happened.” In truth, Adam didn’t even know Tadashi was here, and certainly did not approve of Tadashi’s apology. He left Tadashi to clean up the mess of his false-Eves without a second thought, and that never involved apologies.
For what happened. Shokichi bit his lip, shifting on his feet. The accident had been bad--worse than bad . He’d nearly died. He was fortunate that Kojiro and Kaoru had been there that night, Adam would have left him for dead, he was sure of it. Instead, he’d been rushed to the hospital, and although he’d come out alive…this new hell was almost worse--he couldn’t skate the same way anymore, after all. “Adam doesn’t apologize. Why are you really here, Kiku--” he cut himself off at the look on the other’s face, deep shame and hurt showing clearly.
“It’s my fault,” the younger man whispered. “I introduced you to him, and he’s only acting like this because…” he couldn’t make himself say it--Oka already knew about his feelings for Adam, anyway.
The brunet leaned against the counter, keeping his eyes firmly fixed on the sleeping fox. It was a miracle the little thing hadn’t woken up yet. “Because he can’t have you ? Because you’re stubbornly refusing to skate with him? Because you won’t just man up and admit your feelings for him already?” Shokichi huffed, crossing his arms over his chest and tilted his head back to stare at the ceiling instead. “He’s gonna keep hurting people Kikuchi. I got…lucky.” He remembered when Kikuchi had formally introduced him to Adam--he’d been intrigued by the young man who’d stolen Kikuchi’s heart, and more than surprised when Adam decided to pursue him as ‘his Eve’. He’d liked the attention, had wanted it to drive Kikuchi crazy with jealousy, which had apparently been Adam’s intention as well. The younger man didn’t know he already had Tadashi’s heart--had had it for years. “You just need to tell him. He loves you too, I’m sure of it.”
Tadashi made an embarrassed sound, and that-- that was what finally woke up the fox. The little head lifted up, big ears twitching, and he yawned, squeaking. Oka looked down, making eye contact with the creature, who yipped happily and jumped out of the box at him. He grabbed him easily, cradling him in his arms before looking up at Tadashi. “Just tell him, Kikuchi. It’s not as painful as you’d think.” He would know--telling Kikuchi about his feelings and getting rejected had hurt, but it was not as bad as just not knowing .
The younger man shook his head, stepping away from the counter. “N-no. I…” he sucked in a deep breath and bowed slightly. “Please accept this gift as an apology. Your medical bills have already been taken care of. We ask that you do not go to the media with this.” Oka blinked in confusion as Kikuchi turned on his heel and left the store without another word.
“Well,” he murmured, looking down at the fox who had curled up in his arms. “Guess you’re stuck with me, huh? I think I’ll call you…Sketchy.” Most would think the fox was named after the store. Only Oka would know the truth. He shook his head, pushing away thoughts of Kikuchi and Adam, and got back to work, Sketchy sleeping soundly on the counter beside him.