Archive of Our Own ^beta

  Enji slammed the door to his office, already annoyed. Things were only piling on, responsibilities taunting him. The redhead subconsciously chewing on his already bitten nails. His throat hurt from talking at a meeting all day, with not one sip of water, and the constant chattering of the people he was meeting with hurt his ears.

Not to mention he was completely exhausted, and just generally in a bad mood. Enji sighed, throwing the papers onto his desk, scattering unevenly across the wood surface.

Enji twitched as he heard the door open, heavy footsteps walking towards him. The flame-wielder narrowed his eyes, turning around to see a concerned Toshinori, the blond opening his arms for a hug.

With a sigh, Enji allowed himself to fall into Toshinori's burly arms.

"Are you okay, Enji?" Toshinori raised his eyebrows, looking at Enji with determined eyes, who only stared back at him without a word.

Toshinori smiled, pulling the silent Enji closer to him, heating up Toshinori's body, which was cold from the winter air in the unheated house. Since they never had time to install it, despite planning to for months.

Enji felt his stomach growl, he hasn't eaten in over a day, which isn't good for the amount of energy he burns a day being a hero. Enji dug his face into the soft, textured fabric of Toshinori's knitted sweater, biting him gently with only his front teeth, a non-verbal signal that he was hungry.

"Oh? Are you hungry Enji?" Toshinori grinned, patting Enji's back. The shorter man didn't respond, removing his arms from Toshinori and crossing them, staring at him expectantly with half-lidded eyes.

Surprisingly, Toshinori stayed silent, gently guiding Enji out with a hand on his back. Enji exhaled, finally calming down as the silence calmed him. Toshinori led Enji into the middle of the kitchen "What do you want to eat?" Toshinori beamed, despite using his indoor voice he still seemed as loud and prominent as ever.

Enji didn't respond, still standing upright in his unbreaking b-boy stance, eyes darting around to find something.

Honestly, Enji should find this patronizing, embarrassing. But, somehow– Toshinori didn't come off as condescending. Enji blushed as compliments of Toshinori filled his head. The flame hero pointed to a jar of spaghetti sauce on the counter. Enji stayed silent as Toshinori strode over to him.

"Alright! Spaghetti?" Toshinori started pushing Enji to their bedroom whilst the redhead nodded. Enji felt a pang in his heart, body heating againg his will. Enji felt a hand rub his back, helping him into bed carefully.

Usually, Enji despised those who tried to baby him, and treat him like an unknowing toddler. But when Toshinori did something similar, it felt...comforting.

Enji huffed, face still red from mixed frustration, embarrassment, and the overwhelming feeling of love.

"I'll get you a water, stay here!" Toshinori stroked the side of the flame-wielder's face, rubbing Enji's sideburns before giving him a quick kiss and running to the door.

"Love you!" Toshinori shouted, smiling and turning on the fan, which was still in the room despite it being winter. Enji opened his mouth to speak, but couldn't to his frustration. Toshinori shushed him.

"I love you, Enji." "I know you love me too." "And I will love you always— even if you didn't love me back." Toshinori spoke gently, going over to give Enji one last kiss. This time, Enji reciprocated, icy shivers went up his spine as he processed what the blond said.

He felt as soft, plushy lips, kissed him gently. Enji felt empty as the pressure of the blond hero's lips left his, the feeling of emptiness was intensified as his stomach growled.

Toshinori laughed, petting his red hair once more. "Alright, I'll start making your food!" Toshinori rushed out the room, coming back shortly after with a cold bottle of water, turning off the lights on his way out.

The only light left in the room was through thin orange curtains, Enji heard the sound of pans clacking, though distant it was still audible. Enji zoned out, listening to the soothing sound of the fan, the smell of tomato filling his nose, only adding to his comfort.

He felt lucky, to have someone as loyal, loving, and attentive as Toshinori.

Enji exhaled, smiling as he replayed memories of them together, and just memories of Toshinori being as silly and loving as usual. Even if the blockhead was often annoying, he was annoying in the most loveable way, even if Enji pretended he hated it.

Before he knew it, a tray with spaghetti and garlic bread was set on the bedside table. Strong arms sitting Enji up, who was still groggy.

"After you eat, you can go to sleep." Toshinori moved the tray to Enji's thighs.

Spaghetti is more of a comfort food for Enji, the textures mixing together nicely, unlike with most other foods, the taste was also a major factor. Something about it was soothing, also knowing it was cooked by his loving boyfriend.

Enji zoned out yet again, sleeping rubbing his eyes and started to eat. The heat and moisture of the food soothing his scratchy throat.

"Awe, you didn't even drink any of your water!" Toshinori started to reach for the bottle, only to have his hand smacked away by Enji, who hurriedly took a big gulp. The blond smiled, looking at the valiant red head in awe.