Work Text:
The morning starts when the sun is halfway from the horizon line and trickles of light faze through the slits of a crooked blind. The subtle warmth it brings is welcoming as the buzzing of the ceiling fan fills the room, blankets are strewn about and a slight snore to the right is almost like a lullaby to the man that lies awake.
Bright crimson reds stare up at the faded white ceiling, studying every crack and pattern to the tiniest details. Feeling a bit of the drowsiness creeping up once more, the young man turns to his side to glance at the back of his sleeping partner.
Wine colored hair spread out messily on the pillow to where just a peak of the other’s neck is shown, sleep shirt creased creating a maze like pattern and something that Kazuha couldn’t help but run his fingers lightly in those folds.
He draws his hand away as soon as he sees his partner twitch a little at the touch before seeming to go back to sleep. It made the smaller male smile a bit at the action and he curls up against his lover’s back repeating that it’d only just be another moment before he gets up.
There is an itch in the back of his mind, a familiar scene plays out with someone with long ink hair and the wetness of red staining the pristine white covers. Her body trembling as coughs resound throughout the dark room. Small hands and a tiny body curl up close, smelling the fragrance of flowers stained with copper.
Deep red eyes open slowly as Kazuha begins to sit up, remembering that Heizou had an early shift this morning and that breakfast needs to be made. He looks softly at his partner and gently runs his fingers through the messy bed head of his boyfriend, leaning down to place a feather-like kiss to the other’s temple before getting up to prepare for the day.
The itch is long gone and not a single stain of it remains.
The smell of grilled fish permeates through the small apartment, the quiet sizzle filling the gaps of silence in between the whir of the rice cooker doing its job. Kazuha watches the two pieces of fish carefully with his chopsticks in one hand while the other holds the handle of the pan, and waits patiently while all focus is on breakfast.
“Is the fish being deep fried this time?” A tired voice comes through the doorway and Kazuha merely glances at his partner who dresses in a button down white shirt with long shorts in dark colors as the work recommends he wear. Well, except for the shorts part.
“It’s breakfast, I don’t believe fried food would be good to start the day with.” Kazuha replies, turning his attention back to his task. Not a moment's waste as he focuses intently on the color and curl of the fishes. The pop of oil on the pan accompanies the sound of a wistful sigh as arms wrap around his sides, chin on his shoulder as he feels the warm air of his lover’s lips against his ear. He has to fight a shiver running through him due to his sensitive ears being caught in this crossfire.
“On the contrary, I believe fried food is a perfect way to start the day. A happy mouth, a happy taste, a happy stomach— what could go wrong?” Heizou hums as Kazuha simply raises his eyebrows at the childish reasoning. He feels those arms squeeze just a bit tighter in a tender way.
“It doesn’t have to be meat or fish either! Vegetables are just as good fried— and the deep kind, mind you.”
“Get the rice and soup ready, if you would be so kind.” Kazuha smiles, and with a huff he could hear and feel Heizou retreat away as the other does what he’s told. The tray of tupperware already prepared beforehand by the white haired male.
“I’ll get you to see when it’s my turn for breakfast.” He hears a soft grumble to which Kazuha chuckles as he turns off the stove and pulls the fishes off the hot metal to place on two small plates.
“That is if you wake up before me.” He replies and he sees Heizou roll his eyes at that.
“My intuition needs time to recharge, the paperwork at the station isn’t doing me any favors, you know.”
“I thought deep fried food fuels you?”
“Think of it like solving a case. A lot of factors tie into finding the culprit and motive, and so you need a lot of evidence to back up your findings. It’s not just one thing but more things added on.” Heizou explains as the two set the table and settle down in their floor chairs. Kazuha merely smiles at him once more as he picks up his utensils.
“That sounds closer to writing a paper than a justification of deep fried food in the morning.” Kazuha laughs especially when Heizou could only pout as they began their early morning meal together.
After finishing up the cleaning, albeit not without bickering on who gets to do what, Kazuha was busy with making his usual tea in the mornings when he heard the stuttering of pills dropping in a cup, making him scrunch up his nose a bit.
“Don’t make that face, you know taking vitamins isn’t that bad.” Kazuha dislikes the fact that Heizou can read him even without having to turn around and face him. Perhaps they knew too much about each other, he thinks.
“I have a healthy diet and exercise regularly. I also make sure to nap in the sun for extra care. What is the use of having extra supplements made synthetically rather than those made naturally?” He challenges when Heizou turns around with a glass of water in hand and a cup of an array of vitamins.
“Well given the fact that as you get older, your body doesn’t produce as many nutrients as you need, supplements give you that extra boost. Besides, it’s recommended by your doctor that you take this stuff.” the other explains and waves the cup right at Kazuha who only shies away from the rattling of pills, the sound ringing in his ears and causing him to tense. Heizou seems to relent at that as he leans away with a sigh.
“Look, it’s just vitamins. Everyone takes them, even Uesugi brings them to work sometimes so what’s the big deal?” The detective pauses before a sly grin crosses his face and red eyes narrow at him knowing what was coming next.
“Or I can get you those kid shaped ones, you know the ones that children take. Madame Kujou still takes the Raiden shaped ones, I’m sure I can find you some maple leaf ones-”
“I am not a child.” Kazuha snatches the cup away from the other, frowning at the pills in disdain and reluctant to even put one into his mouth. He sets the kettle down while his shoulders sag as he knows that this would always be a losing battle for him. Logic usually sides with Heizou when it really counts, although as strange as it sounds, would this be something that really matters as much as it does?
He never really thought it necessary to ask though.
Kazuha is taken out of his thoughts when the touch of cold glass brushes against his cheek causing him to jump at the sensation.
“Taking them dry is really bad for your throat, just so you know.” his partner hums as Kazuha takes the glass gingerly. Kazuha pops each vitamin taking sips in between to help swallow them down, all the while he feels olive green eyes watching him intensely. The bitter taste of the powder residue stains his tongue and he can’t help but grimace at it.
When the cup is empty, the white haired male opens his mouth knowing that it’s the first thing Heizou would ask, he almost seems relieved when the other nodded but it was short lived as soon as he felt Heizou shift his weight.
Too soon than he could prepare for, Kazuha feels a hand cradle the back of his head as he’s pulled against Heizou’s lips. Hands against the other’s chest as Kazuha feels lightheaded from the way Heizou sweeps his tongue around in Kazuha’s mouth, those soft lips against his while he is left breathless and swaying a bit, but Heizou holds him steady and Kazuha feels another hand slide against his side to hold his back.
Just as he was about to push Heizou away as he really was running out of oxygen, the detective pulls back with a grin licking his lips as the red eyed male is gasping lightly for needed air. Kazuha could only give a halfhearted glare at the other, especially when Heizou starts to laugh at the look.
“Just making sure, you never know if someone is hiding pills under their tongue or what not.” Heizou shrugs and leans in for a quick peck on pouting lips. Kazuha could feel that smile touching his lips and he has half the mind to bite them.
“I would hope you do not do this with your clients and criminals at the station.” Kazuha mumbles and has to stifle a snort when Heizou reels back in absolute disgust.
“Oh, ew . No, do you know how many diseases can be passed through saliva alone? Or infections even?” Heizou shivers at just the thought and Kazuha can’t help but wrap his arms around broad shoulders, allowing the dark haired male to lean against him.
“Plus, I only go for the really cute and handsome one, you know, the one that’s called Kaedehara Kazuha. Only man and person I would let my lips touch.”
There’s this warmth that blooms within Kazuha at that, possessiveness and pride well up as he leans his forehead against Heizou. He breathes in the scent of something natural with an added spice that the other usually had on and somehow it makes Kazuha enjoy the fact that it’s something that’ll always be by his side. Something that would be a constant even if his life were to suddenly change.
A scene plays out however hazy and muffle it becomes, almost like staring in a water reflection. There’s a tall figure with ashen blond hair and a pure white cat that meows ever so lovingly. The figure turns and Kazuha is filled with a sense of familiarity and longing especially how those deep violet eyes seem so empty and without a spark of life in them.
“You should get ready before Sara dumps more work on you.” Kazuha chuckles at how suddenly such a tender moment is gone as Heizou jumps in a panic and places another quick kiss on Kazuha’s cheek worrying over the idea of being stuck in his office again.
And gone was the image along with the memory of it ever being there.
Kazuha opens the shop as usual, pulling out the flowers and other assortment of plants to the window to absorb the sunlight that reflects through and moves some of the others closer to the middle of the shop. Rotation and change was always something he valued, and he often likes to rearrange the flowers in the shop to fit his mood. There isn’t a thought or pattern he truly follows though, wherever his heart and hands take him to he simply goes along with it. Like a leaf to the ever changing winds as he likes to put it.
Besides, his employee loves coming into the shop exactly because of Kazuha’s little habit. Speaking of, he can hear the familiar pitter patter of footsteps bounding to the glass door and the ringing of the bell placed above.
“Sorry I’m late, I was— oh. You’re arranging the flowers again?”
Kazuha turns to smile at the other, seeing how the long locks of blond hair tied to its usual braid as it glistens in the sunlight. Those golden irises caught in the arrangement Kazuha had gone with for the day.
“I felt that the mood was right to change things around again.” Kazuha hums as he straightens himself, he crosses his arms to give the other an amused look.
“You know I do not mind tardiness, Aether. After all, you’re the only employee I would allow and trust here.”
“I’m your only employee, Kazuha.” Aether rolls his eyes at that as he makes his way to the register to set down his bag and grabs one of the aprons hanging on the rack.
Aether had applied for the job back when he was a budding college student needing to pay for his tuition and books. At first, Kazuha had thought the other would leave after his first two years to move cities to university, but to his surprise, Aether had chosen a school close by as to be near family. So he never sent in his two week notice, much to Kazuha’s delight at still having his favorite and best employee still working with him. Another constant that Kazuha does not mind in his day to day life in his little flower shop.
He hums to himself as he rearranges a few poppies to the right, listening to Aether walk around him to turn the ‘open’ sign around and hears him round the place again to stand next to Kazuha’s latest work.
“The poppies are blooming really nice lately.” Aether says thoughtfully to which Kazuha could only agree.
A ringing in the back of his mind at the bright vibrant color buzzes in his ear but he pays no mind as Aether starts jumping around about a bee in the shop.
Business was steady as usual, not too busy but not too dead which was what Kazuha liked the most. While being busy would be good for the shop every now and then, having time in between for himself allowed him to work through the fatigue from the early morning. He watches as Aether casually talks to Grace and Godwin about dandelion seeds as usual, they were the only two customers in the shop at the moment after the morning bustle. The flowers had been watered and settled, Aether seems to have the shop under control and perhaps having two workers in the front was a bit much for the pair at the register.
“I’ll be in the back, Aether.” Kazuha calls out to which Aether turns to give a thumbs up at his boss. The older male could only chuckle at the blond’s enthusiam as he slipped through the door at the back of the shop.
The light here was sparse yet the room emitted warmth from the bare rays of the sun. Shelves lined up with stocks of dirt, pots, seeds, and fertilizer that had already been accounted for, so they were not of concern to Kazuha. He treads lightly over the concrete flooring, his steps ever so silent as he moves closer to the small window nestled at the corner of the room to where a bonsai pot sat on an old wooden table.
Kazuha brushes his hand over the patterns of the pot, his family symbol being a key feature as he traces over the faded maple leaf carving. He lets his hand move up to the rock formation he had been working on for as long as he can remember, changing ever so much as proof from the shavings covering the floor. His table was littered with carving tools and other variations of rocks and ores from his little outings.
Though, one stuck out in particular to him as it sat next to the old desk lamp he had swiped from Heizou’s work space upstairs. It wasn’t anything special or rare, but the sentiment was what really mattered from such an ordinary rock. A strange concept even for Kazuha since he never was a type to hold onto belongings for long even if they held deeper meanings to them.
He brushes his fingers over the rough edges, it was jagged and simple yet still kept its original shape despite how long it’s been since Kazuha had been in possession of such an item. It’s an idea he can’t help but smile at as he picks up the piece that he could never place right in his arrangement, finding it just as difficult as the man he met that day along with it.
A fond memory rewinds itself in Kazuha’s mind, a crime had just happened and for the life of him, he could not remember what it had been about. Perhaps it was a case of severity as Kazuha had never found the importance of keeping up with news or whatnot. He found the beauty in living in simplicity and perhaps living under a rock mentality was more enticing than fretting over the latest fears amongst the people.
He knelt over an array of stones that littered the park, some soft or hard and others jagged or smooth, but never the right type. He paid no mind to the bustling of cops or how forensics were sweeping the area, his mind too occupied in his little quest for the perfect stone.
Vaguely he hears footsteps from behind approach him, casual and without urgency in them.
“Sir, you do know you’re at a crime scene, yes?”
Kazuha glances at the person behind him, dark hair and a boyish look adorned in a grin far too familiar with someone he just met. Olive green eyes staring at him in such amusement.
He can’t help but smile at the air of calmness around the other.
“I suppose I am.” Kazuha hums as he’s skimming over the rocks, not daring to move them out of place just yet. He could practically feel eyes rolling from behind as the dark haired male shuffled closer to squat next to him.
“So, what do we got here?” He asks as Kazuha simply goes back to his task, never missing a beat as he allows his fingers to glide across the array of choices he had.
“I am simply a man in search of rocks. Nothing really more than that.” He responds and finally lets his bright ruby eyes linger on the man beside him. He sees the other pause at his response before letting out a snort and the officer leans his head on his propped hand.
“Most would assume you’d be an accomplice or some sort.” He grins and it was Kazuha’s turn to look at the man questioningly. Though, the flower shop owner could only shrug as he pointed in the direction onto the busy streets.
“I do not have answers to the questions you seek to solve, but perhaps ask a young woman who smells of coffee beans and a heavy fragrance of perfume may have those answers. I am but a humble man looking for rocks to make his bonsai.” Kazuha states as if it were obvious, however he was a little surprised to see that grin still in place and the other looked almost amused at his answer.
“Sure you’re not trying to pin the blame on someone else?” He asks cheekily to which Kazuha returns with a hum.
“A lovers quarrel is something I tend to avoid.”
“Ah, so it’s one of those. Figured as much with the victim’s testimony.” The officer sighs, Kazuha catches the man swiping something off the ground before standing up. He held his hand out to the white haired male and Kazuha couldn’t help but blink at the sudden action but also what the olive green eyed male handed him.
“How about as thanks for helping with the investigation, I walk you back home?”
“I’m not one to walk home with strangers.” Kazuha grins as he watches fondly when the man before him laughs and takes Kazuha’s hand to place the stone he had picked up.
“Right, let’s fix that. I’m Shikanoin Heizou, but you can just call me Heizou.”
“From one favor to another, it is only fair that I introduce myself as well.” He curls his fingers around the tips of Heizou’s fingers that have yet to release the stone. They were rough and the pads at the tips felt worn, but they filled him with interest in the story behind them.
“As a gesture to a budding friendship, I am Kaedehara Kazuha, though I much prefer just Kazuha. No need for formalities between friends, after all.”
‘Friends’ he had said at one point in time, a term which he thought would stay that way for the longest time. However, the winds by his side always led him to an array of places for the materials he sought for his personal bonsai, and each time he had met Heizou who had always walked him home after every encounter.
Either that or he just happened to be at another crime scene that Detective Shikanoin had to be on.
Regardless, Kazuha felt it was the winds leading him to his now partner by threads of fate. Heizou was never one to believe in fate being the one to lead though, but Kazuha could never get rid of that thought. He believed that even the slightest change can turn a person’s world forever completely.
He let his hand fall away from the stone that Heizou had picked for him, the thought occurred to him that he still had yet to use such an important piece to an ever changing scenery. Perhaps he should test fate again to lead him to new places and new encounters to find stones that match this fine piece.
“Kazuha?” He turns when he hears Aether at the opening door, a sly grin adorning his face and Kazuha knows what was to come next from a look such as that.
“There’s a dashing detective at the front wanting your recommendations again.”
Kazuha sighs and shakes his head this, the smile on his face betraying his sounds of exasperation.
“A special one for a certain person I assume?”
“Hm, can’t say!” Aether sings as he skips outside once more and Kazuha could only follow as he adjusts his apron once more.
The white haired male had already prepared himself to have someone prop themselves on his shoulder, turning his head slightly to them he felt soft lips brush against his cheek and the grin that accompanied the action. He can’t help but chuckle at the breath tickling his skin.
“Heard you were the best florist in town, so I thought having your recommendations would really help me win my partner’s heart.” Heizou winks at Kazuha who could only sigh with his own playful smile at his lover.
“Perhaps poetry would work instead? He might find more interest in your words and actions rather than objects of adoration.” Kazuha replies and has to stifle a laugh when Heizou leans back dramatically at that.
“I don’t think I can beat him in poetry though! I’m thinking he just wants to make a fool out of me now.”
“It wouldn’t be a bad thing, now would it?”
“Kazuha, you’re an absolute sadist, especially to someone that barely writes or understands poems.” Heizou frowns in defeat, they both ignore the eye rolling in the back from Aether who was trimming the flowers a little for presentation.
Crossing his arms as he leans away a little to get a glimpse of Heizou who moved his arm a little further down to the smaller male’s back. He catches a bit of crumbs on the corner of Heizou’s mouth and the smell of oil coming from the other.
“You made a getaway from eating the meals at the station, I take it?” Kazuha asks, already knowing the answer to his question as Heizou wraps his other arm around Kazuha in an exasperated manner.
“In my defense, the meals there are so boring and hard to eat. A detective like me can’t live off of that, I swear, they want to turn us into mindless robots there! So poor me had to escape to grab a quick bite to eat— you know, the actual good food to eat.” The dark haired male laments, tucking his chin against the dip on Kazuha’s shoulder. Kazuha could only hum as he untangled one hand to pat Heizou on the head knowing the other was sticking his bottom lip out as if he were truly hurt by the idea of eating meals from the station.
“Um, I’m still here, you know.” Aether mumbles trying to avoid their space and keep his eyes away.
Kazuha sympathized with his co-worker and was just about to push Heizou off only for his lover to hold him a bit tighter, having such a fox-like grin on him.
“You’re always welcome to come in for a hug too, Aether. We both don’t mind.”
“I’m so sorry I said anything.” Aether quietly shuffles closer to the flowers hanging from the ceilings, Kazuha could only roll his eyes at Heizou’s usual antics when it came to expressing himself.
Although, it would be a lie if Kazuha said he didn’t indulge the other for his own enjoyment as well.
The recent memory from the back room creeps its way towards him again, remembering the way how a budding relation between friends somehow slowly developed into something more, and how natural it seemed how they connected just like that. From greeting each other at crime scenes and how Heizou would always come into the shop to buy a particular flower only to give it to Kazuha, and to how Kazuha would offer flowers back with no charge intended.
A story worthy of a poem that Kazuha still struggles with coming up with.
He is brought out of his thoughts with a tap on his shoulder.
“You listening, Kazuha?”
“About?”
He watches as Heizou sighs and shakes his head, he winces when the other pinches his cheek as reprimanding him for being absent minded. Fair enough as that rarely happens.
From what he could remember at least.
“Anyway, be sure to stay home tonight, okay? I might be a little late, but I’ll get lonely if I come to an empty home.” Heizou repeats with a fond smile, Kazuha feels there was something off about the other’s words as if there were a hidden meaning behind it and he glances at Aether who seemed just as clueless as he was.
Did he miss something important? If not; then why did it seem there was something amiss?
His mind started to itch again.
“Should probably get back before Madame Kujou notices my absence. See you later, Kazuha! Aether!”
With a press of lips against the side of his head, and just like the breeze, he was gone.
“Kazuha, I’m going to take my break now! I forgot my phone and I have to tell Xiao to come swing by to walk home with me.” Aether calls out as he takes off his apron and makes his way to the door, Kazuha holds his hand up to wave the other off as the bell rings from above. Thoughts trickled through his tired mind still from the morning, but the itch was still there and he felt that whatever Heizou was saying was more like a warning of sorts.
Perhaps he’s over thinking it, Heizou did get lonely often so it makes sense for the other to request that Kazuha stay and wait for him.
He pushes the doubt away and the itch subsides for now.
After Heizou’s sudden appearance and the sun starting to sink from the sky, the steady flow of customers started to dwindle down until it was just him and Aether watering and arranging the plants for the night before the shop closes. Aether was humming to himself as he went about placing the tulips -- ones that Heizou had picked and tried to grow himself -- closer to the cash register remembering that Kazuha often liked to gaze at the gift he had so carefully taken care of. They worked in comfortable silence as closing time neared and soon enough the bell rang from the door of the shop opening.
“Welcome!” Aether chirps before his eyes brighten up at the newcomer, Kazuha watches as Aether quickly rounds the register to Xiao who had just gotten off his shift at the cafe earlier. The white haired male couldn’t help but grin a little at the way they both stop with just a few centimeters between them, knowing that the two still struggled with physical affection despite being together for quite awhile.
“Are you almost done here?” Xiao asks, his voice void of emotions as he tucks his hands deeper into his oversized hoodie. He stood there awkwardly as he turned to Kazuha with a small nod to which Kazuha smiled with a nod of his own.
“Oh! Yeah, I’m almost done here! Just give me a few moments--” Aether scurries about but Kazuha stops him with a hand raised up.
“It’s alright, Aether. I can close up shop on my own. You can go home early since your date is here.”
“Date?!” Aether flusters while Kazuha could only chuckle at the reaction he got from his company as Xiao had coughed and looked away. The shop owner had to bite his lip from laughing at how red Xiao’s ears were at such a notion. It was so entertaining to tease the new couple, if Kazuha was being honest.
“We should get going, Aether…” Xiao mumbles as Aether could only nod and stutter around as he takes off his apron and grabs his backpack.
“Bye! See you tomorrow, Kazuha!” Aether shouts as he and Xiao exit the shop, Xiao giving another nod as he holds the door open for the blond.
Kazuha waves after the duo, his shop falling back into that comfortable silence with the buzz of the light echoing through the small space. Watering each and every flower in the shop until he gets to Heizou’s tulips and a fond look crosses his expression.
His fingers brush over the leaves of the plant, the plant being in an orange pot that Heizou had painted with the small image of him one would often find at his little skits for public awareness. It leaves a flutter in Kazuha’s heart at the memory of seeing Heizou gift him the pot and flower and red in the face. It was one of the rare times to catch the detective stuttering over his words and especially when Kazuha complimented how the other had taken great care of the flower.
“I’m not one to have a green thumb, but watching you helps me learn a lot. You know, about the beauty within nature and how to work with it, or something like that.”
The white haired male thinks back to that moment and suddenly his mind is in the back room, the old desk lamp perhaps glowing upon the unfinished bonsai and the old gift beside it. He begins to wonder if he could give Heizou a bonsai of his own? Not one that’s with a tree— Heizou apparently worries whether what stays in his hands grows and dies, so he’d rather not burden his lover with those feelings— but something meaningful to both of them.
Perhaps he should look for another stone to add to the arrangement.
Just as Heizou had said, Kazuha had been alone late into the evening, the shops around his own had already closed for the night so the streets were pretty empty. Not even late night passerbys went by the sidewalk, but not that Kazuha minded as he finished dinner and left Heizou’s portion in the microwave. Everything had been cleaned and put away which left Kazuha on the couch in the loft area who seemed content to just look around his small living area.
His thoughts kept circling back to that bonsai in the back room of his shop downstairs, his rock arrangement that he never seems to be satisfied with no matter how many times he’s changed it. It always felt incomplete the more he worked with it, yet Heizou had always said otherwise. Which brought him to another topic of what to do with the gift Heizou had given him. Even if he had gotten it long ago, he still couldn’t find a place for it in his arrangement so it had been sitting there collecting dust.
Heizou had said it was just a small gift and nothing to be too worried about if it didn’t fit. Sometimes not all the pieces fit and it doesn’t really change the outcome more often than not, at least that was the gist of what the other was saying using evidence as examples. But Kazuha had always disagreed with him, especially with some of the cases he’d seen Heizou take on with the rare occasion of the detective bringing some work home with him. Strange he couldn’t remember them now for some reason.
He sighs and shakes his head, letting his thoughts wander too much in his home was starting to make him feel cramped in the small place that he had stood up from the couch. Bright reds glance out the window seeing the sun had set for quite some time now and the light breeze in the night whisks a stray leaf away into the darkness.
Perhaps a walk outside would be good for his muddled mind, he thinks as he makes his way downstairs to leave.
He purposely ignores the cup of night vitamins that Heizou had prepared for him this morning on the counter as he takes the keys and enters his closed flower shop.
He tugs at his light red sweater a bit tighter around himself, enjoying the cool night and the sounds of the trees rustling around him. It was quiet and still as he walked down the sidewalk, making sure to stay a bit closer to the side as he blended too closely to the surrounding darkness with his black shirt and grey sweatpants. He breathes in the crisp of the night air, feeling as if it were cleansing his whole body and mind and clearing away those muddled images and incomplete thoughts.
Usually he had company with him, but it was fine like this too. He had time to unwind in the eerie silence of the ghostly empty streets with no destination in mind.
Kazuha hoped that Heizou would be fine just for a moment if he came home to an empty apartment and had shot the other a quick text, saying that he’s looking for rocks for his arrangement yet again. He didn’t get an answer from the other, which didn’t bother him considering Heizou did say he’d be working late.
Back at the familiar park he frequents so often, he can remember each flower and tree there, his favorites amongst them would have to be the chrysanthemums that lined the path, their brilliant white illuminated the way down to the small creek beside the thicket of trees. The perfect place to find the right stone and organize one’s thoughts.
He ignores the footsteps that echo in the park as well, perhaps they were just a night jogger as Kazuha would run into them from time to time. It mattered not to him though as he made his way to the little cleared path that led him to the small stream of water. He kneels down to look at the rocks better in the moonlight rather than the distant street lamps, not wanting to use an artificial glow of the lamp to determine his choice.
Blissfully, he ignores the closer sounds of steps from behind. The rustle of grass and the creak of an object swaying closer, he knows it wasn’t who he thought of. He wonders if they’ll leave once they see he’s not of interest.
He lets his hand glide over the stones as usual, studying each shape as the heartbeat behind him starts to drum in his ears. The sound feels as if it’s scratching the inside of his head, but he pays no mind to it as everything starts to blur together.
Senses heighten and his own breathing seems to still as the surrounding begins to fade into the night. He hears the rigid cracks of bone from movement, and then a whistle as something slices through the cool night breeze.
A final thought of the gift of red tulips lingers on his mind.
---
The only sounds that fill the emptied office space were the sounds of a keyboard being used and the whir of only a single monitor. The flipping through files and scribbles of a pen occasionally joining in to compliment the dull atmosphere in the musky space.
“Here’s the other stuff Owada sent me from Ms. Kujou, Heizou-senpai.” Uesugi chirps as he holds the papers over the space between his superior’s desk and his.
“Put it in that pile there.” Heizou mumbles and points over to the side of his desk. His coworker seems to pause at that.
“Uh, there’s two piles, where do you want this case file?”
“I swear Madame Kujou just wants me to wither away here. Just pick whichever one you like.” Heizou could only sigh and pinch the bridge of his nose. His eyes were tired looking through these old case files that had nothing to do with the current case at hand.
“I pick… left this time!”
Heizou nods without looking up from his work, solely focused on the task of completing what was given to him tonight. Uesugi had gone back to his desk to type away on a few documents through the file as Heizou’s computer had frozen up earlier that day.
The detective had yet to look at his phone after getting a call at work that morning. Uesugi notes that Heizou had been more attentive that day but perhaps it was because a new case had come through. A serious one at that.
There’s a buzz in Heizou’s pocket followed by a chime for his message tone. He had just turned the sound back on after everyone left, most likely to avoid being chewed out by some higher up that were watching the place like hawks. Whatever the case, Heizou reaches behind himself in his hoodie to grab his phone as he puts down the pen.
“Wonder if it’s from your boyfriend? We’ve been stuck here awhile looking through old cases, so I can see why he’d call. Hey, speaking of which, what did they say about the case this morning, Heizou-senpai?”
The junior officer jumps as Heizou stands up abruptly, the chair that the smaller male rolls at the sudden action, and before Uesugi had the mind to ask what was wrong, Heizou grabs his hoodie and tucks his phone in his pants pocket.
“Sorry Uesugi, I have to go. I didn’t realize what time it was!” Officer Shikanoin laughs as he skips to the door without a care in the world. Uesugi stands up at that considering then it’d be just him in this kind of creepy place.
“Wait, what about the paper work though?” He really didn’t want to be left alone with these stacks of papers. He would be here all night and day if that happened.
“I’ll get them tomorrow, just leave whatever ones I need to look over on my desk— or chair, or space under my desk, or just make a wall. Doesn’t really matter! See ya, Uesugi!” Heizou waves and before Uesugi could get a word in, the officer was out the door and into the night.
Heizou makes his way down the sidewalk, his pace brisk as he tied his hoodie around his waist, the cool breeze felt nice on him compared to that stuffy office with the broken a/c. Though, he seems unaffected either way as he simply follows his route home, the streets empty and quiet as not even cars pass by. Why would they especially with an order sent recently for safety reasons.
Not that it really matters to the young officer as very little seems to affect him.
He walks with purpose, he walks with a destination as his steps are steady upon the concrete, his sneakers quiet as he avoids to drag his heels through the cracks on the ground. Hands in his pockets and Heizou could only grip his phone tighter, the top message echoing in his mind like a constant alarm bell going off. He continues his walk in silence with a quickened pace.
Heizou sees the flower shop in the distance, its sign long darkened as the store had closed a good while ago. The dim nightlights barely made itself known to him under the soft glow of the faded street lamps that littered the streets, and only intensified the eerie silence that had a tight grip around him.
He stops in his tracks, the shop still a good ways away and yet he could easily continue his way home and end his small walk. Home to an empty shop and an empty apartment, home to the unknown in the equation.
Yet he takes a right and heads to the entrance of the park where trees cascaded onto the path, the leaves picking up from both the night wind and his quickened steps. He keeps his toes silent and steps ever so carefully onto the paved pathway that was lined with flowers swaying in the breeze. There’s slight haste in his speed now, his breath quick as he takes the familiar route down the walkway as if he were led there by some invisible force.
Heavy wheezing close by is what breaks the trance and he takes a sharp turn off the path and into the thicket of trees where the stream trickles over the rocks. The water running through the little creek fills the void in the quiet night, but does nothing to quell the anxiety that claws at the throat.
Heizou stares at the scene, his expression calm and unassuming as he’s met with red eyes that seemed to glow in the night. Moonlight outlining the white locks of hair with a touch of red to them that reflected from the water’s light, the echoing silence between them was almost unnerving especially with rocks, branches, and other things that littered the ground. The heavy breathing was just another background noise as the mud beneath them dampened with the light drops of red onto the ground.
A strained smile appeared on Heizou’s expression as he walked closer and took a hand that was far too warm and far too wet for just a night walk.
“Let’s go home, Kazuha.” He whispers and intertwines their fingers, not caring if his hands were stained as he was met with silence as deep reds simply stared at him and the other did nothing to protest as Heizou simply dragged his lover along.
The pristine petals of the chrysanthemums scatter around them as they make their way back home.