Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Can you fucking believe it, Leon?”

The question– completely rhetorical at that– is asked amidst jarring rustles and clanging alike.

“He’s just so fuckin’ annoying thinking he’s all that. Pisses me off is what it does.”

Sounds of metal on metal are created as Koga takes no precaution in being smooth with his actions. Whisk hitting the bowl in a careless manner while stirring the ingredients it holds.

“He’s just so… He’s so- so–”  

A frustrated groan leaves the male’s mouth at his inability to further vocalize his thoughts, his stirring only increasing in momentum. At this point he’ll overstir the damn thing.

With a heavy sigh and some sympathy towards the bowl and whisk, Koga sets the two items on the counter of the kitchen island. Hands with black-painted nails grip the edge of the surface to the point of knuckles turning white. Sharp teeth grind against itself while Koga’s jaw clenches, a faint ringing filling his ears due to the pressure used. Quickly growing tired of the barely there noise, a jaw slackens and hands relax. Koga instead shifts all of his weight onto the kitchen island, body supported by his hands more than his legs. Gray hair strands flailing about when he shakes his sagging head. Another sigh escapes between a pair of lips, one more resigned than the last.

“Arf!”

Startling his owner, honey eyes look at black ones. The little ball of fluff making up a corgi stares at him all cutely as he pants, tongue sticking out and everything. Koga’s heart pangs at the sight of it. Not a day will go by where he doesn’t take a physical toll from the adorableness his dog exudes. 

Koga grins at the tiny thing. “Yeah, you agree with me, don’tcha buddy? I don’t even hafta finish my sentence and you know exactly what I mean. Aren’t you just a good boy?”

Leon yips in agreement, nails click-clacking as paws scamper across the wooden floor. Leon may be a dog and by no means does he understand the complexity of human language to any degree, but he sure as hell knows the meaning behind ‘good boy’. And Koga definitely understands that from how fast the dog’s stubby tail wags, practically vibrating his entire body from the force of it.

The heartwarming sight softens Koga’s grin, a fond smile taking place on his features. Eyelids lower from nothing but love as Koga watches Leon. He glances at the neglected bowl with the whisk handle barely sticking out before looking once more at the corgi. Honey eyes roll in fond exasperation.

“Alright, Leon. You win.” He says with a chuckle as he sits down on the floor, back against the kitchen island. Koga holds his arms out to the dog. “C’mere boy.”

Immediately does a bundle of beige and white fur dart towards a Koga his short body can actually reach. With loud sniffs and pants, Leon worms himself into Koga’s lap, snout nuzzling against the male’s shirt. Soon, all squirming ceases with a huff, finally comfortable.

Koga’s hands go to card through Leon’s pelt, fingers brushing through short yet incredibly soft hair. “Hey, what do ya think of Sakuma-senpai?” The male asks while playing with the dog’s ears.

Another huff is his only answer.

“That’s what I’m sayin’.” Koga gives a huff of his own. “He’s so fuckin’ irritating, y’know? Makes me wanna scratch up the damn walls, fucking punch a hole in ‘em too while I’m at it. I hate him so much, Leon. Hate that damn vampire bastard.”

The corgi in his lap shakes his head. The action impelled by the hands fidgeting with his ears, yet Koga takes it personally. Emphasis on personally.

Koga glares at Leon, though honey eyes quickly soften from just looking at his dog. “Oi, what’re ya doing disagreeing with me? Thought we were on the same thought process here. I do, though! I do hate that old man and his creaky joints. And I hate his- his hair ‘n his fucking eyes and his dumb smile and his voice and- and Leon his voice- and–”

Emotions rapidly bubbling within Koga’s being wavers his speech. Causes him to close his eyes so tightly it makes those weird static lines appear despite him not technically being able to see. The gray-haired male lets out a mix between a strangled yell and a groan as he throws his head back against the kitchen island. The pain helps a bit. Well, not really but it’s a common method for grounding. Leon’s disapproval of such a method is, however, vocalized.

Concerned is the only way to describe the whine the dog lets out. Somehow attentive to Koga’s every mood yet having no experience as a service dog. He really is a good boy.

Silently apologizing to Leon, Koga scratches his head. Petting the corgi helps him calm down ever so slightly. Helps all of the sensations throwing him to the dangers of a violent ocean placate to somewhat manageable levels. 

“I really hate him. So damn much it drives me fucking insane.” Pausing in his petting, he gently grasps Leon’s face, jostling his head around as frustration still festers in his mind. “Vampire bastard makes me nuts, doesn’t he Leon? Completely fuckin’ crazy.” 

And Leon– the absolute angel and good boy he is– merely lets his owner fidget with him. He just sits there and allows Koga to get his frustrations out in a method of grabbing and petting and pushing a soft and warm fluffy body. An annoyed noise or two is vocalized through a too rough exhale from the nose, but that’s all the complaining the corgi gets up to. He is more than happy having his owner’s attention on him with the way his tail wags.

“Him and his stupid vampire persona- he’s the stupid one. The fuck’s the point in even makin’ himself out to be a vampire when all he acts is like a leech, huh Leon? If you’re gonna act like somethin’ then you gotta play the part.” Koga squishes Leon’s face, being mindful of his eyes. “Bastard’s got nothin’ on me, at least I act like a wolf. No actually, I don’t even act- I am a wolf. And you’re my partner in crime, Leon. Together we’re gonna take over the world and Sakuma-senpai isn’t gonna have anything to his name ‘cause of us.”

To end his rant, Koga kisses Leon on the white patch of fur that ends right between his eyes. Leon gives a little shake of his head from the affection, even responding to it in kind by freeing his head from Koga’s grasp and licking his chin. A laugh leaves Koga’s mouth from the ticklish feeling of the corgi’s little tongue.

He pulls Leon in closer, squishing him against his body and stopping the assault of wet muscle on his face. It’s cute since it’s from Leon but it is still very much dog slobber unfortunately. “Yeah, that’s right buddy. It’s just gonna be you ‘n me. You and me and no one else, they’re not worthy enough of our greatness.”

Koga then takes a breath, inhaling long and deep. Filling the capacity of his lungs with the air tainted with a sugary scent. The sweetness of the kitchen isn’t an overwhelming one, it’s barely present and more than tolerable to Koga’s keen sense of smell. If the smell had packed any more of a punch then Koga would surely have a headache by now. An annoying headache and an annoying itch in his nose and an annoying urge to sneeze every so often. Never before has Koga utterly despised his heightened smell when it comes to facing strong aromas. The inevitable headaches and waves of nausea are inconveniences at best and in-the-way obstacles at worst. All in all, he hates it. Makes him all the more careful about where he goes, taking into consideration the variety of smells he could possibly encounter.

Enough about that, the source of the scent the kitchen is blanketed in is from Koga’s current batch of blueberry muffins. They’re a pastry that isn’t overwhelmingly sweet, by taste and smell, it’s something Koga’s stomach can handle. And they’re good as fuck too, also a bonus. 

The male is somewhat of a baker. Well, baker is putting it lightly. Koga is more of a stress baker, angry baker– whatever. Point is, Koga puts a lot more than just love into his baking. He puts spite and hate and rage and every single negative emotion that can possibly be thought of into that bundle of batter. And in Koga’s highly sought out opinion, it works like a motherfucking charm. His pastries have never tasted better than when he’s in some sort of dilemma that deals with even an ounce of anger– which is more often than not. Adonis and Hakaze can agree with him.

Speaking of Adonis and Hakaze, they’re the reason why his current batch of batter makes the space smell sweeter than what it did half an hour ago. Those two have a big sweet tooth, thus the need for more sugar than he’d initially use for himself. And it’s out of the goodness and kindness of his heart that he decided last minute to whip up some muffins for them. Koga was already baking said pastry, he might as well. It’s just another dozen or so of them, and it implies a longer ranting time for Koga so how could he not? And Koga fucking loves to rant. Additionally, he is fully aware of how much time he needs reserved for this specific rant, one of which features (as well as the fair majority of his other rants) a certain vampiric being straight from the depths of hell itself.

Rei motherfucking Sakuma.

Just thinking about the male makes Koga want to clench his hands into fists and tear apart whatever unfortunate object he has in his hands. However, Koga will not do that at this current moment as he has Leon in his lap and he would rather die than hurt Leon.

Though if he can’t express himself through actions then goddamn will he express himself verbally.

“I don’t get it, Leon.” Koga says with the corgi still pressed against his chest, him placing his head on top of Leon’s own. “Why does the damn vampire bastard have to be so- so fuckin’ himself. Ya know? It’s irritating as all hell.”

He scoffs, nuzzling his cheek into Leon’s fur. Koga’s voice loses some of its bite when Leon wiggles in his hold. “But you’re not irritating, Leon. Not at all. You’re everythin’ Sakuma-senpai wishes he could be. You’re fierce ‘n strong and nothing like that old thing of withering bones. I swear the bastard’s expiration date is comin’ up real soon. Hope it comes up faster.” He grumbles.

A muffled whine sounds from against his chest, a huff quickly following.

“Ah, sorry buddy.” The gray-haired male released his hold on Leon, letting him clatter his little nails against the flooring once more. With a sigh, he apologetically pats his head before getting up from the floor. Brushing the dog hair off of his pants and shirt, Koga goes to the sink to wash his hands before resuming his batter making.

And, naturally, his shit talking.

“Sakuma-senpai is just so dumb. And stupid and awful and terrible ‘n horrible and ugly and–” Koga pauses in his egg cracking. “Alright, I take that back. He may be the worst person to ever exist but he ain’t ugly. I have eyes ‘n I use ‘em.”

Leon gives a mixture between a snort and a sneeze from his place beside the fridge.

“Yeah, yeah. He’s good-lookin’, I’ll give him that.” He grimaces into his cup of eggs, grabbing a fork to scramble it. “Ugh, what a waste. Givin’ someone like him a good appearance. Like- like why’d they gotta give the damn bastard a good body? ‘N they just had to go ahead and give him nice hair and eyes and oh, of course they even gave him long fucking legs too. Like shit just make the most insufferable person in the entire fuckin’ world have the perfect appearance.”

Koga blinks his eyes. Once, twice, thrice.

“Not- not like I’m sayin’ I find him hot. Or- or y’know- ‘m not implying that I find him good-looking. Wait- no, I did say he’s good-looking. We- well, it’s not that it’s my opinion- I’m just sayin’ that objectively he is an attractive person. And it’s not just me who thinks he’s all that- he has an entire fanbase for fuck’s sake. And he’s seen as one of the sexiest idols out of Ensemble Square, so. D- don’t look at me like that, Leon. It’s not like I specifically searched for that info. Which I didn’t!”

The corgi huffs, simply blinking at his owner.

Koga stares back, glaring at the thing. “I’m tellin’ ya! I didn’t!”

Leon only continues to stare. A moment passes of the two just staring at each other, unblinking.

Koga’s glare soon breaks. He groans and looks away, pointing honey eyes towards the cup and bowl that holds wet and dry ingredients respectively. “Okay, maybe I did but- but it’s not like it matters! Doesn’t matter a damn thing. Doesn’t matter how nice the vampire bastard’s hair looks or how his eyes look ‘n how nice their color looks. And it doesn’t matter how good of a body he has even though the damn fucker doesn’t work out for shit unless it’s practice. Honestly, Leon. How the hell does he look so good with how shit he is at takin’ care of himself? He puts no fuckin’ effort into it yet he still looks hot.”

The temper in his voice wavers as he combines the two mixtures together.

“Ya know, I wish he’d take care of himself better. It’s annoyin’ havin’ to babysit that grown ass man. He should do all that himself, he’s so fuckin’ pathetic now. Bastard can barely even get his own tomato juice before whining about how tired he is. Hate him, Leon. I hate that fucker so damn much.

“But y’know what I hate more than all that?” Leon gives a little noise, spinning in a circle. “I hate how much I notice all that shit.”

Looking at the corgi, Koga continues. “I see him all the damn time, obviously I’ll start t’ notice it all. But still… It’s damn distracting- he’s distractin’. Why the hell do I have to pay so much attention to his ass. It’s not like it’s required of me even when we’re unitmates- it’s not in the damn job description, not even implied in the fine print.” He looks away, eyes narrowing at the prepared batter. “I don’t even pay that much attention t’ Adonis or the flirty bastard– hell, I’m literally makin’ ‘em muffins right now but I don’t look or think of them as much as I do him.”

Shaking his head, he huffs, putting paper cups into the muffin pan. “Just doesn’t make sense. Doesn’t make any damn sense, does it Leon?”

Hearing his name, the dog yaps.

Koga chuckles, tossing Leon a blueberry while he adds them to the bowl of batter. “Yeah. Yeah, it really doesn’t.”

A brief thought worms itself into the male’s head. “I know Hakaze-senpai and Adonis are really into sweet stuff, but d’ya think Sakuma-senpai is too? Ritchii is, so. Could just be a Sakuma thing.” Humming as he pours the batter into the baking tray, Koga thinks more on it. “Ah, maybe he’ll like ‘em, maybe he won’t. Hakaze-senpai and Adonis go crazy over my baking– ‘n who wouldn’t– so, maybe he will like ‘em? Pfft, like I’d know. Oi, what do you think, Leon?”

Turning to look at the dog in question, Koga watches as he scratches behind his ear with his hind leg. He gives a satisfied noise when Leon succeeds in getting rid of his itch, laying down with content.

“Mm, yeah. I think so too. Well, ‘s not like I care if he does like them or not. It’ll be more for Adonis and the playboy if he doesn’t. Ugh, still doesn’t explain why he’s constantly stuck in my head. He really is more leech than vampire. Bastard.”

Koga opens the pre-heated oven, gently slotting the tray of sweetened batter into place.

“I put so much attention into his stupid self. Why can’t I put that into fuckin’- I dunno, something more important, like… Like makin’ sure the twins don’t set the Light Music Club room on fire. Ah, well, that’s Sakuma-senpai’s job, so it‘s not like–” Suddenly does Koga let out a loud groan, even slamming his hand on the countertop. Startling Leon with a yelp. “Fuck is wrong with me? Even when I’m tryin’ t’ not think of him, I still think of him. God, what is he- a witch instead of the vampire he says he is? What kinda fucking curse did that fucker put on me. Hate him, Leon. So damn much.”

Gnawing on his bottom lip, Koga sighs for the nth time. “Corrupts my mind is what he does. Can’t even last a single day thinking about him or looking at him or- or anything.” Ignoring the stinging sensation from a sharp canine meeting plush skin, the male continues. “All I do is think about him and look at him ‘n I hafta actually put in effort t’ stop staring. Fuckin’ arrogant asshole. Stupid as all hell. He’s stupid as all hell.” He clicks his tongue. “Maybe I’m the stupid one. Dumbass running ‘round in my head is makin’ me a dumbass. Didn’t know stupidity like that is contagious… How fuckin’ dumb.”

Reaching the end of his tangent, Koga stands there enveloped by nothing but silence and that sugary scent of blueberry muffins. He stands there and stands there and stands there. And the more he stands there, surrounded in that silence, the more uncomfortable he becomes. Silence is fragile, an intangible concept easily broken. Something Koga likes to have broken. If there is no noise, then there is silence. And if there is silence, then there is nothing left but to think. And when there is nothing left but to think, then Koga’s mind ultimately seeks out thoughts of Rei.

And god does that just piss him off.

Koga spends so much time thinking about Rei, his appearance or his opinions or his mood. It’s pathetic, really. Pathetic and indescribably stupid. Koga is a lone wolf! He doesn’t need anything like someone’s validation or shit like that– least of all Rei’s. Yet despite knowing all of that, despite firmly believing it, Koga still seeks out any bit of positive affirmation from the black-haired male. He craves even the smallest trace or implication of Rei’s approval. 

Understanding that tidbit of knowledge pisses off Koga even more.

Everything about Rei never fails to piss off the male. His entire being pisses him off to hell and back. Fuck Rei and fuck everything he stands for. Fuck him for consuming his mind and worming himself into his every thought and for flooding Koga with serotonin if he so much as nods at him in an approving way. Fuck him for always calling Koga ‘Wanko’ or ‘Doggie’– he’s a damn wolf, not a dog. And fuck Rei for constantly stealing his attention away from anything else. What a self-conceited freak he is, selfish and narcissistic and always demanding of Koga’s time. He’s such a bastard. A bastard who somehow has Koga wrapped around his dainty little finger, able to order the gray-haired male around at his every beck and call. Rei’s nicknames for him really are accurate, Koga thinks.

Despite how irritated and offended he acts whenever Rei commands him to do something, he still does his absolute best to properly and efficiently complete whatever task Rei gives him. It disgusts him, in a way. How similar he is to an overeager puppy whenever it comes to Rei and the things he asks of him.

Koga really does hate him.

And then, Koga has a thought. A small passing thought that should really be as insignificant as it’s meant to be. Hands form into fists, filed nails digging into palms. Eyebrows furrow, doubt forming in his brain alongside the ever-present thoughts of his unit leader. It causes a tiny bout of worry to seed within Koga’s chest, threatening to blossom into something more. Into something that takes more of a hold on Koga’s mind. Nails burrow deeper into the palms of his hands.

Tired of the silence– tired of the way his mind derails into dangerous territory– Koga breaks it. Albeit it’s with that same worry embedded in his mind, dredging his tongue and the train of thought that is vocalized.

“Hey, Leon…” The words are slow as they are hesitant. Pained in a way, as if getting the syllables out is an arduous task. Cutting through the unstable quiet state that consumes his apartment.

A pink tongue darts out to lick at chewed lips, he looks back at Leon. The little dog tilts his head at him with soft ears perked up, almost knowing the vulnerability his owner will soon display.

“Do you- do ya think…” Koga huffs, annoyed at the way words fail him once more. His speech grows quieter, soft and easily overshadowed. A label that no one would even think to associate with the male. “D’ya think Sakuma-senpai looks at me, too?”

He’s at a whisper now, reduced to a low murmur. Any quieter and his words wouldn’t be registered, any louder and his words would be heard by the entire world.

“And, do you…”

Koga isn’t ready yet for what Rei would do if he heard him.

“Do you think he likes what he sees?” 

As those innocent and beady eyes stare back at him, Koga doesn’t know whether or not to be grateful for the corgi’s silence.

——————

Off-key notes from an electric guitar permeate the empty practice room.

Unsavory is the sound it creates. Stark and unclean, constantly biting back at the silence that threatens to engulf the area. The music notes impel shoulders to shudder and eyes to narrow. They’re dreadful to one’s hearing, making anyone want to scrunch their nose out of disgust or cup their hands over their ears. Truly, it’s a wonder how an electric guitar can get to such a horrendous sounding state. Pathetically reduced to sour notes and loose strings.

“Now how in the hell…”

And, truly, does Koga wonder how his guitar of all things withered away into something so pitiful.

Molars gnaw at the innards of his cheek, honey eyes narrowing at the black instrument. Another riff of the guitar plays out, unharmonious and sharp, causing Koga to grumble once more. “The hell happened for this thing t’ be so out of tune?”

The gray-haired male is slumped over in his place on the floor, the comfortable weight of the electric guitar settled in his lap. It had been a while since Koga brought the instrument out and actually used it, what with UNDEAD only having created songs with a guitar that was provided by ES. And the song they’re writing as of right now– the name they finally agreed upon being Forbidden Rain– is, in Rei’s words, required to have the exact guitar Koga is currently in the process of tuning. And, additionally in Rei’s words, it will only be able to sound precisely as he envisions it if said guitar is used. It is, still in Rei’s words, the only guitar that will work for the song and tie everything together. Thus concludes the logic that leads to one Koga Oogami sitting on the floor in the UNDEAD practice room an hour before practice officially starts. Like anyone would even enter the practice room at the designated time– fucking slackers the lot of them are. Well, except Adonis. Adonis is cool like that and actually arrives on time unlike some people Koga is much too familiar with, to his dismay.

Koga strums the instrument once more, its pitch noticeably better than what it had been previously, albeit still riddled with that dissonant noise.

The guitar in Koga’s hands is an item thoroughly loved and cherished, it had been kept in pristine condition for many a time. Keyword being had been.

Truth be told, Koga doesn’t quite understand how the guitar became so neglected. He’s almost always on top of his game when it comes to keeping things in check and tidy, he lives alone with a dog after all, it’s a skill Koga had to learn early-on. And just because he’s good at making sure the space isn’t some messy hellhole, it doesn’t mean he’s some common housewife (thinking about you, Hakaze and Sakuma, yeah fuck you). Yet somehow, completely disregarding his reputation, in some way, in some shape, in some form, his guitar– which is in all aspects one of his most prized possessions– has turned into whatever this is.

This, of course, being the way Koga has been sitting on the floor for the past fifteen minutes (which frankly, is not an awfully long time but it is to Koga who has been in this business for a couple years now) tuning this stupid damn electric guitar.

And thanks to this, Koga is bored as all hell as he fiddles with said stupid damn electric guitar. Also disappointed for whatever reason. Though that’s a lie, the male knows full well why the pitiful sounding guitar makes dejection bubble up in his stomach. 

It’s because it’s his guitar. His, italics and everything.

It was Rei’s originally, before he gave it to Koga. Before he gave the damn thing to him like a parting gift before he practically sailed the seven seas.

Koga’s grip on the guitar neck tightens, the next strum becoming distorted. He scoffs at the instrument as if it personally offended him before loosening his hand. With a deathgrip no longer applied to the strings, he resumes in tuning it.

A sense of pity is felt towards the instrument. It stabs deep in his chest, cleanly nestled between his ribcage. Rei had given it to him as a gift– for whatever reason, Koga isn’t sure– and a gift is implied to be taken care of for the next millennia. It’s a gift, a sentimental afterthought manifested into a tangible object, it’s disrespectful to not keep it in perfect shape. Briefly ignoring Koga being a perfectionist in everything there is to be a perfectionist in, it’s shameful for Koga to simply forget about something given to him by Rei. Completely blasphemous of him, if he wanted to use a stronger vocabulary. It’s fitting after all, certainly feels that way.

A click of the tongue, a handful or two of guitar strums, and a good ten minutes later, and Koga finally succeeds in tuning the guitar.

Thank fuckin’ god.

However, now that Koga’s done with returning the electric guitar back to its original state of actually sounding good, he feels restless without anything to fidget with. There’s still about a little over half an hour to go until anyone (Adonis) enters the practice room. 

Which leaves Koga in a dilemma. A dilemma of having too much energy with too little things to occupy himself. Sure, he could scroll through whatever shit social media has to offer or maybe zone out and stare out the window. But that’s boring! It’s boring and dumb and would do the exact opposite of getting his energy out. He’s a wolf for fucks sake, stupidly energetic to such surreal levels. That characteristic of his is definitely shown with his performances, Koga putting in as much energy as physically possible into every move despite them primarily standing behind a microphone stand.

Eyebrows furrow just thinking about it, curse that damn vampire for making UNDEAD’s choreo effortless as shit.

A beat passes. Two, three, four. Then Koga shoots up from the floor with a grin on his face.

If a performance is what his mind fixates on, then a performance is what he’ll give.

Koga shuffles through his bag for practice, locating the water bottle beside the can of tomato juice packed inside. Bottle in hand, Koga places it closer into the middle of the room and takes his own position in the dead center.

Energy courses within the gray-haired male’s body. What better way to expel that than start his own practice early?

The choreography for Forbidden Rain is (and thank every deity in the universe for this) a lot more ‘actual dance moves’ packed than any of their other songs. It’s actually fun, having spins and twirls and even a jump (a jump!!) in there. Its high tempo is accompanied with fast-paced motions that actually utilize their entire body. It’s fun– fun! It’s fun and Rei finally got off his ass and created choreography for them that can actually be labeled as choreography. Most of their choreo consists of mainly seductive arm gestures and sly gazes, a common aspect that Koga wholeheartedly believes to be fucking boring.

Giddiness makes itself known in Koga’s system. Unapologetically festering within the male’s veins and breaching into his core. A large smile slaps itself on his face, honey eyes forming crescent moons. With that same giddiness in his system, Koga skips to the very middle of the practice room, absolutely teeming with energy.

Forbidden Rain’s choreography is already something Koga knows by heart at this point. Of course it is, it has actual dancing in it. There’s no way he wouldn’t immediately grow obsessed towards nailing every step. Rei had just finished sorting out all the choreography a few days ago and he’s almost, almost, 100% successful in having each movement perfected. Therefore practice is good, practice is fun. Practice is exhilarating for once with the way the movements are organized. Maybe Rei isn’t completely wasting away into a pile of dust and bones.

Counting aloud in measures of four, Koga claps his hands to the vocalized beat, positioning his body into the starting pose.

A moment passes before the clapping ceases, Koga’s body springing into action. Humming and shoes meeting ceramic tiles soon fill the once silent room. Accompanied with them are the telltales of physical activity, Koga’s wavering breathing and strained callouts of time measurements. There’s a duller whirring in the background. The source of the noise is the air conditioning that is constantly blasting, every current needed to ensure its temporary inhabitants don’t overheat. It’s not at all similar to the male’s humming, his own being upbeat and melodic, strong yet undeniably smooth. A softer version of his usual singing that is reserved for empty rooms and Leon only.

Transitioning from a jump (a jump!!!) to a spin, Koga abandons verbally counting the beat and instead puts all of his energy into humming. The more energized his movements get, the louder his humming is. His volume increases and increases until he begins to intertwine fragments of the lyrics into the self-provided melody. 

With another spin, Koga has to bite his lip in order to contain the smile that wishes to show itself. In his defense, it’s not his fault the dance is so fun. Nor is it his fault that spinning makes Koga feel so euphoric with the way the air ruffles his hair– nor is it his fault how he just thrives in the feeling of going fast that spinning provides. None of it is his fault, not at all! And sue him for finding all of it addicting, he never gets to do this! Rei never gives them actual good choreography where they’re able to dance their hearts out so Koga will be as elated as he wants to be from this! (Koga vehemently denies how he still manages to dance his heart out in all of their previous choreo despite them just standing.)

Doing the next set of hops with a spin, Koga’s restraint breaks.

Victim to his own self, Koga beams with the stupidest grin on his face. Really it’s embarrassing how enthralled the gray-haired male is by a mere spin. A mere spin that logically has no reason being so damn fun. But fuck does he enjoy the air time it gives him. Makes him feel childish and happy and light.

It’s nice, being able to expel all of his energy and emotions into something as simple as dancing. Freeing in a way, getting rid of the sensations his body is constantly riddled of. Whether that be anger, anxiety, or just being incredibly energetic all because Koga is himself. He’s a fiend when it comes to possessing an incomprehensible amount of vitality that it tires the people around him out. It’s an attribute closely correlated to the male, him always compared to an overeager puppy. As much as Koga denies any claims of him being a dog rather than a wolf, he has to at least give those people some kudos for being right. Koga is not at all a dog, he’s not a mere household pet whose sole purpose is to sit in purses and look pretty. He’s a wolf for fucks sake! A determined and strong hunter, an apex predator to be feared by all. Not whatever ‘Doggie’ or ‘Wan-chan’ shit Rei and Hakaze like to call him.

Letting a scoff interrupt his singing, Koga channels all of his annoyance at the two seniors into the last spin. Which was, most definitely, a dumb decision (nor is it the last he makes that day).

Apparently, Koga carried a lot more annoyance than he initially thought. Though that is quite an oversight on his part as he was just thinking about the vampire bastard and the flirty bastard. Furthermore, thanks to said annoyance, there is a lot more punch put into that spin. Major emphasis on a lot more. Like, major emphasis. Major.

Embarrassing is the best possible adjective for the way Koga yelps. Koga would’ve been impressed by the raw power the spin had if it weren’t for the raw fucking power the spin had.

Still spinning (yeah, still spinning), Koga does his best to slow his velocity. Hastily propping a foot out, he shoots his arms out to regain balance as he stumbles to a stop. A disgusting concoction of a whimper and a yell is choked out of Koga’s vocal cords– how he made that noise, Koga has no fucking clue.

Nausea accompanies the startled sound once the male stops staggering. He’s dizzy. Dizzy, dizzy, dizzy. Light-headed, too. When Koga first relished in the light feeling spinning gave him, he didn’t mean this.  

Honey eyes are shut closed in an attempt to lessen that feeling of ‘you’re spinning, everything is spinning, the world is spinning’. Slow, shaky breaths in and out of the nose are taken to beat down the unwelcome yet strong urge to vomit. He continues to stay there in the center of the practice room, standing and breathing and feeling like he’s spinning. And he continues to stand and breathe and feel like he’s spinning until a voice cuts through the sound of his own cautious breathing.

“Everything alright there, Wanko?” The question is said by a light and mellow voice. One that never fails in throwing the gray-haired male into a spiral of displeasure.

Caught off guard by the voice, Koga opens his eyes and whips his head to the source. Honey immediately targets the whites and grays and blacks of the UNDEAD practice uniform that shrouds Rei’s form.

The vision that greets him is slightly distorted given his dizzy state. With an eyebrow perked up on the asshole’s face, Rei is standing in the doorframe. He’s leaning against it, arms crossed as his right shoulder bears the brunt of the weight. One foot crosses over the other in a show of nonchalance. Though what’s strange to Koga is how Rei’s hair looks surprisingly soft. Softer than it usually looks, how odd. Did the male add an extra product to it or did his hair always look that way? Could it be that this is the first time Koga’s noticed how soft and nice to the touch Rei’s hair appears? Or how it looks as if his fingers could effortlessly glide through the black locks? Or maybe it’s– Wait. Why is he even thinking abou–

Koga’s stomach lurches, effectively dispelling whatever the fuck train of thought his brain just went on.

In the midst of Koga slapping a hand over his mouth– adamant in fighting back the bout of nausea rolling through his body– and shutting his eyes, his ears pick up on a concerned ‘Doggie?’ followed by footsteps too hurried to support that image of permanent composure Rei always strives to uphold. Eyes still screwed shut, Koga can smell more than hear Rei moving directly beside him due to his apparent yet faint cologne.

A cold palm is pressed against his forehead. “It doesn’t feel like you’re running a fever…” Rei mutters. More to himself than anything.

“‘Cause I’m not.” With strained words, Koga glares at him and swats his hand away. “Oi, quit bein’ handsy.”

To further remove any opportunity of the black-haired male touching him once more, Koga steps back and swivels his body away from Rei. Another dumb decision.

Koga’s dizzy state was briefly forgotten upon seeing the self-proclaimed vampire. By swiftly spinning once more as well as moving in general, the previous unbalanced state he was in comes back full force. Instability makes itself known by way of shaky knees and unsteady feet. That singular step away from the unit leader bites Koga in the ass as the knee utilized gives out as soon as his foot touches the ground. Letting out a gasp, Koga does his best to rebalance himself. Before he can even begin to awkwardly find his footing, another gasp– this one more akin to a startled yelp than anything– breaches Koga’s lips from a sudden pressure. Immediately, two slender hands are felt on his waist, a body pressed flush against his back.

It’s a surprising feeling, having something stop your fall when you least expect it. Even more surprising given how warm it feels.

Temperature when it comes to Rei Sakuma is an easily associated concept. Rei Sakuma is cold. Rei Sakuma is freezing hands and long sleeved shirts. Rei Sakuma is a proneness to a drop in degrees and a desire for wool scarves. Rei Sakuma is the aftermath of being surprised by a sudden downpour. Rei Sakuma is autumn and winter and that awkward time of cold fronts during summer. By all aspects, Rei Sakuma is frigid and reserved. Rei Sakuma is cold, a universal answer anyone and everyone agrees with. What Rei Sakuma is, is not warm. Rei Sakuma is not the fleeting sensation that hot flashes provide. Rei Sakuma is not a slow, creeping heat that overwhelms your body. Rei Sakuma is not the comfort of a fireplace during a chilly night. Rei Sakuma is not a fresh mug of coffee straight from the coffee pot. Rei Sakuma is not the warmth Koga is currently stabilized with. Rei Sakuma is not warm. What a strange contradiction that makes.

“Careful there.” Comes the smooth voice delivered straight to his ear. “You’re my Doggie, not a newborn fawn. Or did you somehow manage to forget the role you’ve assigned yourself?”

Understandably, Koga internally combusts.

The gray-haired male’s heart pounds in his chest from the rapid change in position. It’s the only sound he can hear, the thunderous banging of his vital organ overwhelming all else.

Rei’s touch– something that is known to be cold– burns holes into the dips of Koga’s waistline. He scorches Koga’s every being like a wildfire, cauterizing nerves and veins alike. Leaving nothing but charred debris and an unresponsive mind in its wake. It makes Koga feel so warm inside. Hot and light-headed and the light-headedness is not just from being dizzy this time. It makes him feel awkward and fidgety, teeth snagging on lips and tongue and the insides of his cheek and–

Koga clenches his hands into fists, nails digging into flesh.

It takes a moment for Koga’s brain to kick back into action, what with it being shot to shit thanks to a certain vampire that doubles as a unit leader.

“Fuck did I just say ‘bout bein’ handsy?” Koga takes a slow and wavering breath, willing away the slight flush undoubtedly found on his cheeks. “You really are an old man if you can’t listen for shit. All this talk about forgettin’ I’m a wolf when you’re gettin’ too into it with your haughty vampire shit. Didn’t think you’d take the age thing so serious.”

Rei chuckles in his ear (Koga ignores how hot his breath feels against it). “You passionately complain yet I don’t see any effort on your part in getting away. Could it be that you like this, Doggie? How perverse of you, I thought I trained you better than that.” That fuckin’–

“W- well!” He stutters, eyebrows furrowing with shades of red coloring the tips of his ears. “It’s not like I wanna fall to the damn ground. St- stop tryna twist it around!”

Another chuckle (god does his breath feel so hot). “Ah, indeed. It would be quite the misfortune.”

Koga rolls his eyes. “Quite the misfortune my ass. You’d have the time of your life seein’ me sprawled on the floor. Don’tcha lie to me–” Abruptly, Rei snakes his arms around the male’s torso, pressing him further against his body and reducing his speech to wheezes. “O- oi! The hell was that for? Damn vampire bastard, you trying t’ kill me?”

Rei’s hold on him only gets tighter. “Oho, surely you know the basics of any good predator is to not give their prey any chance at escaping.”

“Yeah, ‘n your prey–” Koga mocks. “Is gettin’ real sick of being squeezed to death.”

A dejected whine and a head nuzzling into his own. “Is my dear Wanko getting tired of his beloved owner?”

“I ain’t ya damn pet- and quit calling me that!”

“Calling you what? My dear or my Wanko?” Rei’s voice gets lower, the syllables deeper. His grip becomes firmer, index finger tracing circles against his waist. “Or is it calling you mine that you have a problem with?”

His breath hitches. Suddenly Koga feels much too hot in an all too well ventilated room. 

Rei makes him feel antsy, threatened. His voice and the way it deepens, how his mouth blows hot puffs of air into his ear. How his touch lights his nerves ablaze, limbs wrapping around him so securely. The way his body feels so warm against his, not akin to his breath when he speaks. In a way that makes him feel suffocated yet so secure, two contradictory descriptions that are synonymous to Koga’s own thoughts. Conflicting. So, so conflicting. All because of Rei– always because of Rei. Because of his voice and his touch and– and all of it. All of it makes Koga feel so anxious and nervous and frustrated and–

“Just–” He says, aggravated. Doing his best to squirm out of the other male’s grasp. “Just get off of me ya damn leech!”

Fortunately Rei abides, a remorseful sigh leaving him as they part. “Fine, fine. It seems you’re feeling better given how loud your barking is.” Before Koga can retaliate, Rei changes the subject. “So what were you doing in here, Doggie? You looked ill when I came in.”

The gray-haired male scoffs, going to pick up the water bottle he left on the floor. Anything to cool down the heat on his face. Anything to stop feeling the hot impressions of Rei’s hands on his body. “And what are you doing here before practice starts? Didya get the time wrong or something?”

“Oh how you wound me, Koga. Is that any way to treat your favorite senpai?”

Koga barks out a laugh. “Like hell you’re my favorite. And yeah, actually. It’s the only way to treat you ‘n how late ya are to practice all the damn time.” He shakes his head at the thought, uncapping the bottle and taking a drink.

He hears Rei sigh, a hint of a smile laced within the stream of air. “While I do thank you for answering that question, I’d highly appreciate it if you were to answer my initial question. If you would please, Doggie?”

Honey meets wine red in an act of defiance. Wine red grows a shade amused from honey being darkened by irritation. A beat passes between the interlocking of two primary colors before Koga rolls his eyes.

“Practice, for Forbidden Rain. Ya know, like what you’re supposed t’ do in a practice room?”

Rei raises a hand to his chin, nodding his head at the response. “Yes, yes. Practice rooms are meant for practice, thank you Doggie. Though that does nothing to explain the state you were in. Unless dear Wanko is pushing himself too hard? If that’s the case, then–”

The other male is interrupted with a huff. “Like hell I’d–”

“If that’s the case, then–” Rei interjects, refusing to have his speech cut off. “I believe the best course of action would be to supervise you.”

Koga blanches at the idea of being watched over like a misbehaving child. “Supervise? I don’t need any supervi–”

Koga clicks his tongue at the damn bastard speaking over him again. Rei walks closer, a smile on his face. “Straining one’s body is a hindrance to any idol, do take better care of yourself. Now, start from the very beginning, yes? Go through it again and I’ll correct your mistakes. You strive for nothing but the best, after all. Go on, Wanko.”

Annoyance rises within Koga’s body. Emotion displayed by shoulders rising defensively and a glare thrown in the black-haired male’s direction. He sets the water bottle down. “I’m tellin’ ya, I don’t need–”

“Does Doggie need a treat to follow his owner’s orders? If so, I’d be happy to provide. Granted, you’re spoiled enough as is but it wouldn’t be too grievous of a hassle in getting you a new ball.”

Koga groans, loud and every bit as annoyed as he feels. “Fuckin’– fine! Fine, I’ll listen to you if it means you’ll shut your damn mouth. Can’t finish a damn sentence with you.”

Rei claps his hands, sounding way too overjoyed at his begrudging compliance. “Good boy, Wanko!” The smile on his face only grows, Koga’s own scowl doing the same. Oh how Koga wishes he could wipe it off.

Another glare is thrown the unit leader’s way.

Rei then stops in his applause, blinking twice in realization. “Oh, by the way, Koga. It was to my understanding that practice is best done with music.” He tilts his head in question. “Did you not have any playing? I don’t see your phone on you, nor is it on the floor.”

“Huh?” A pause, something startlingly similar to embarrassment forms in the pit of Koga’s stomach. “Oh, uh- I didn’t blast any music.” Koga turns his head away, eyes finding interest in the floor plan. “I was hummin’ it.”

“Oho?” Rei says, seemingly more amused by Koga’s bashful nature than the response itself. “How cute my dear Doggie is, singing it all to himself.” A wishful hum is heard from the other male. “If only I could’ve heard it myself…”

Crossing his arms, Koga continues to act transfixed with that singular spot on the floor, volume lulling to a mutter. “Well isn’t that a real damn shame. You hear me sing all the time- we’re literally in a unit. Don’t act so disappointed over somethin’ so stupid, it’s a waste.”

A frown finds its way on Rei’s features, seeping into his tone. “It’s different though, nothing compares to it.”

Koga huffs at the vague explanation, busying himself with arm stretches to follow along with whatever shit the black-haired male plans. “Now what the fuck are you even saying?”

“Koga sounds utterly divine when he sings without any expectations attached, don’t you agree?”

“Wh–” Honey eyes zero in on those of a wine red. Their eyelids are lowered, an emotion held within them that Koga can’t exactly pinpoint. “D- don’t just say things like that all casually!”

Rei looks at his unitmate with confusion. “And why’s that, Wanko? Am I not allowed to speak on how captivating your voice is? It would be most unbecoming of me to not give praise where it’s due as your unit leader.”

“Be- because–!” Heat inflicts itself on Koga’s body, aggressively burning every inch of skin that makes up the male. Koga swallows, attempting to dislodge the lump in his throat. His efforts are ultimately futile. Instead, he shakes his head in disbelief, still with that same lump causing discomfort. “A- anyways, what were ya on about ‘bout supervising me?”

Laughter is muddled behind a fist. Narrowed eyes are concealed with a recipe of gray bangs and a downturned head. A relieved sigh leaves Koga’s mouth due to Rei allowing the conversation to branch off into a new path. After his little laughing fit passes– though not without seeing that stupid amusement dancing in his eyes and contorting them to crescent moons– Rei raises an eyebrow. “I’m surprised you’re so eager to get started.” 

With the way the other male has his lips quirked up in mirth, it’s safe to say the fucker is not at all surprised. Koga’s eye twitches.

He scowls, waving a hand in irritation. “What fucking ever, so how are we doing this?”

“Well.” Drawing out the singular syllable, Rei slowly circles around Koga. “I assumed you would carry on with what you were doing before I got here. I’m to point out your mistakes, not direct your every action. Or is that what you were hoping for, perhaps?”

What the fuck is wrong with– Crosshatches of maroon invade Koga’s skin, his volume increases to a shout in hopes of somehow canceling out the physical sensation by overwhelming it with noise. “Hell is your obsession with makin’ ev’rything out to be sexual? Callin’ me a perv when you’re acting like this.” He drags a hand down his face, groaning. “And no, I’m not gonna fuckin’ sing. Keep wishing, bastard.”

“Oh…” Rei stops in front of him, looking downcast at the information. His facial features shaped into something heartbroken. The asshole looks like he’s about to cry and for some reason it makes Koga’s chest twinge, must be him delighting in Rei looking so depressed. Then, his attitude does a whole 180. “That’s fine! Seeing my dear Wanko dance to his heart’s content is more than enough for me.”

Koga can only blink at the madman of a unit leader. Several emotions swirl within him, both at Rei’s ridiculous response and at the way seeing him happy causes the twinge in his chest to subside. It’s an odd emotion, hopefully something that doesn’t become a familiar one. It makes him feel strangely suffocated for the briefest moment. Heart condition? Maybe. Koga opens his mouth in retort before quickly shutting it, blinking at him once more. 

“Something wrong, Doggie? Perhaps I really do need to get you that new ball if your attention is as fickle as Kaoru-kun’s attachment to a single woman.”

The gray-haired male can’t tell if the anger churning in his gut is from being treated like a mutt or from being compared to Kaoru of all things. Ignoring it, Koga gives Rei a blank stare. “You’re fucking weird, ya know?”

Covering his mouth to poorly conceal a laugh, Rei lets the comment slide. He unpockets his phone and steps off to the side, offering Koga a wide berth of space. “Alright, I’ll count you down then play the music. Let me know whenever you’re ready.”

“Yeah, yeah. I gotcha.” Bending over to touch the toe caps of his shoes then reaching his arms out and above his head, Koga does a full body stretch. Letting out a sigh of satisfaction, he walks to the center of the practice room once more. Positioning his body to face Rei, he gives the vampire the go ahead.

Without a second to waste, Rei begins the countdown. “Three… two… and a one.” Then music.

Koga throws his body into the starting portion of the choreography. Ignoring Rei’s watchful eyes yet feeling his constant gaze all the same, he swings his arms as instructed by the composition. Skipping a few paces ahead, he pretends as if his unitmates were dancing alongside with him to truly perform the dance. Koga follows the choreo to a T while executing all the correct gestures and leg movements. Unbeknownst to him, as Koga runs through the dance engraved into his muscle memory, he begins to hum along to the playing music. So enthralled by performing said dance, his hums taper off and dissipate in the song only to develop into under the breath singing. (And unbeknownst to him, Rei offers a fond smile at the display, though of course, Koga doesn’t know.)

Dancing to the choreo like clockwork, Koga loses himself in the throes of it. Imbuing more and more energy into it, his singing grows louder and his movements more animated. The scene continues on like that; Koga repeating the Forbidden Rain choreography with Rei watching him, the respective song playing from the vampire’s phone with Koga singing along (as well as Rei gazing at the sight so warmly, but Koga still doesn’t know). The male gets through the first set of jumps followed by a spin before he’s ultimately stopped.

The music stops playing, as does Koga.

Immediately does his vision target Rei’s form, anger brewing inside of him. “Oi, the hell’s your problem? I know I did that part right so don’t spew some dumb bullshit on me.”

Giving Koga a dismissive wave that only heightens the bitterness rolling around in his system, Rei speaks with a collected tone. “Do that again, Wanko.”

“Do what?” Koga instigates with that same anger contorting his mouth to bare teeth. “Redo the bit that you interrupted?”

“Wanko.” A warning undeniably laced into the nickname.

Koga bites back a snarl, instead gritting his teeth and taking an obnoxious breath. “Fine.”

Following the other male’s orders, Koga does as asked. He repeats the dance move of a slight body roll paired with a smooth raise of the arms. As Koga goes to reposition his stance to one of a casual standing, Rei raises his hand in a sign to stop whilst walking towards him. Confused and more than displeased at Rei’s ordering around, Koga pauses with dubious eyes and a frown.

There’s no fucking way Koga could’ve messed that move up. Sure, maybe he messed up a different move– muscle memory isn’t reliable all the time. But still, to mess up a move as simple as that one? And with the way Koga has repeatedly gone through the dance for Forbidden Rain numerous times to the point he could recite it in his sleep? Absolutely no fucking way, the vampire bastard has to be on something to even think about coming to that conclusion. So Koga vocalizes that thought.

“I told ya, there’s seriously no way in… hell…” Koga’s words trail off into nothing, losing any sort of substance or spark when Rei’s hands wrap around his wrists. The gray-haired male’s jaw shuts closed with a click, teeth hastily slammed together. Gone is the ever-present anger that consistently drums through his veins whenever around Rei. Replacing the loss is nothing other than an indiscernible bundle of sensations, stifling and overwhelming.

A shaky inhale.

“Your arms aren’t raised enough.” Rei brings Koga’s wrists together and maneuvers his arms up and over his head. His volume toes a fine line between a whisper and a mumble, eyes completely focused on the meeting point of his skin and Koga’s. 

It’s a miracle Koga can even think right now, though all he can think about is how dangerous it all is– the proximity, the position, everything. It’s so dangerous.

Rei goes to say something else, mouth opened with syllables laid on the tip of his tongue. But the moment wine red eyes interlock with those of a honey color, all intentions of speaking die down. Dwindling off into nothing, swept away by the electricity between them.

A wavering exhale.

No matter how many times Rei has touched him today, it still surprises Koga how warm he is. It inflicts itself on the joints of Koga’s hands, affecting knuckles and fingers and his palms. Spreading throughout the rest of his body in a stalking, creeping manner. Beginning with his arms, it travels to a visceral level, attacking his veins and nerves alike. It causes sparks to light within his nervous system as if a flint and steel were put to use. A fireworks show in and of itself. It’s electrifying, maddening. Captivating.

Breathe in.

Despite Koga’s vision being reduced to mere tunnel vision– focusing only on the specks of vermillion hidden amidst the other shades of red in his eyes– he can still define Rei’s hands on his wrists so clearly within his peripheral.

Specifically, the way they completely engulf his wrists.

Breathe out.

Koga is more than knowledgeable on Rei’s hands being bigger than his, what with their height difference and familiarity with the other when it comes to music and just hanging out. But that’s just hand size, only noticing the span of their fingers and palms being different in the midst of guitar lessons or writing up drafts for songs and their lyrics. That’s nothing compared to this. Nothing compared to how effortlessly Rei’s fingers wrap around Koga’s wrist, how fingertips strainlessly meet despite the obstruction of another limb. What a strange picture that detail paints. Questions begin to overcome the entirety of Koga’s thought process from it.

Was he always so small compared to Rei? Or did Rei just make him feel small? Is it both, perhaps? Is this the first time he’s ever felt such a way towards the black-haired male? Is it just the first time Koga has ever focused on such a sensation if it’s a reoccurring one? And if so, what changed? What changed for Koga to suddenly feel so much around this man who embodies vampiric characteristics? Has it always been there? An underlying thing? A recessive trait? A single speck of bacteria that will soon evolve into a colony? Maybe even gain so much traction to be able to develop into a complex cell? What happened? What happened?

Koga doesn’t know. He really, really doesn’t.

Inhale.

Pupils belonging to those of honey are enlarged. Pupils belonging to those of a wine red are equally enlarged.

Entranced, all they can do is continue to stare at each other. The duo’s focus darting from one eye to the next, locked in a staring contest that neither wish to drop. Not a single noise is made amongst the two unitmates, only soft breathing and the humming from the air conditioner. It feels as if time itself has stopped, the entire world frozen. Timeless, soundless, impermeable, never to be broken. The disordered mess of it all surely makes for an amalgamation, a subgenre of Lovecraftian horror. The concoction itself is guilty of producing a dangerous cocktail, expertly mixed from the most experienced of bartenders. A deadly drink Koga feels as if he could drown in.

Koga can’t afford to drown in such a thing.

And it’s terrifying. Not the closeness, not the hands around his wrists, not the molten lava flowing through his veins and searing all it touches. Not the way Rei’s voice was so quiet, not the way everything feels all the more intense with how low his volume was. Not the way Koga’s heart races and races in his chest, so rapid and loud he’s sure the other male can hear it too. Not the way heat crawls up Koga’s skin, affecting his cheeks and neck and ears. Not the way sweat forms on said skin, sweat that cannot be determined to have formed from the exertion of dancing or the nervousness Rei has a hand in causing.

Exhale.

It’s terrifying purely because Koga can’t find it in himself to move away. Koga doesn’t think he wants to move away.

But why doesn’t he want to move? He should– by all means he should, but he doesn’t. He doesn’t. Why does he–

“Are you kidding me…”

Just like that, the spell is broken.

Unheard footsteps are finally registered when its owner speaks up. Its owner being Hakaze in an exasperated mutter. Great. Entering the practice room with Adonis right behind him, the final two members of UNDEAD arrive with their practice bags in tow. Now they show face of all times. Of fucking course the universe just loves fucking with Koga motherfucking Oogami.

Shattering whatever weird, tense moment just occurred, Koga sharply inhales and pushes away from Rei, adding as much distance between the two that can be written off as purely casual.

“Pl- playboy.” He stammers, shoving his hands into his pockets in hopes of hiding their trembling state. Koga ignores how red his face must be, ignores how out of breath he is, ignores how the heat of Rei’s touch still burns on his wrists. He ignores it, he does– he does he does he does (he doesn’t). Koga exhales, the stream of air should not be as shaky as it is. It’s not like he was caught red handed, he wasn’t doing anything scandalous with Rei (so why does it feel that way?). “It’s about damn time you show up. I’d thank ya for comin’ but I doubt you deserve that.”

The fucking dick merely gives him a look that causes embarrassment and shame and anger to wrack his body. A blink and then the look is gone, replaced with a smile. “Don’t worry, Wan-chan. I can tell how happy you are to see me.”

Beyond flustered at Kaoru’s knowing look, Koga falls back into the familiar routine of bantering amongst his unitmates. “Oi, don’t start gettin’ an ego around me. You’re insufferable as is.” He turns to Adonis, not sparing Kaoru a second glance. “Can’t say the same for you though, thanks for comin’ Adonis.”

That earns a hurt ‘betrayed by my own kouhai’ from Hakaze and a small smile from the purple-haired male. “Thank you, Oogami.”

Koga huffs in amusement, moving towards Adonis to (get away) add more distance between him and Rei. “Yeah, yeah.” He slings an arm around the other’s shoulder, pointedly choosing to feign ignorance at Rei’s stare burning holes into him. “Took you guys long enough t’ get here. What was the hold up?”

Adonis fondly shakes his head, the smile on his face growing ever so slightly. “We came across Anzu on our way here, you know how Hakaze-senpai is.”

With an eye roll, the gray-haired male pushes off of Adonis. “‘Course you took any chance you could get to flirt with Anzu. She’s busy as hell, try flirtin’ with someone who can afford to waste time.”

Kaoru waves his phone. “As if I don’t know that. Anzu-chan said we can chat whenever she’s free, though.” He then sighs, long and pitiful. “I miss her already…”

Disgust taints Koga’s face. “What’s a flirty bastard like you doing mopin’ around like a lovesick freak? You probably have another date set up with some other woman right after practice.”

“I’d never treat Anzu-chan like that.” Taking Adonis’ bag from him, Kaoru walks to the end of the room to place his phone and their bags on one of the many tables shoved against the wall. His voice lulls to a mutter as he moves, seemingly speaking to himself. “You’re something for calling me lovesick.” Blonde hair bobs in its place as Kaoru shakes his head. “Oh, Koga-kun… you and Rei-kun, I swear…”

“The fuck? Hey! The hell’s that supposed t’ mea–”

Clearing his throat, Rei puts a stop to Koga’s inquiry. He whips his head over to Rei with narrowed eyes. What greets him is a split second of Rei aiming his own glare at Hakaze before meeting Koga’s, face completely devoid of any ire as if nothing ever happened. “Quiet down, Doggie. Thank you two for arriving, it is much appreciated. Though practice time is wasting away, isn’t it? Remember that time is valuable as it is fleeting, we must utilize every second.”

“Cheap for you to say, you’d sleep your lifetime away if it was possible.”

“And to never play with my dear Wanko again?” Rei says with eyebrows tilted up and a frown. “What a miserable fate I would be given.”

“Sakuma-senpai is right.” Adonis interjects, ever the peacemaker. His fist hits his palm in a gesture of determination. “We must practice to not let our fans down. That is something I wish to never do, so please let us do our best.”

The frown on Rei’s face eases into a fond smile. “Well said, Adonis-kun. Yes, yes. Let us enthrall our fans once more with this new song. They’re sure to love it as well as the choreography.”

“So then quit your yappin’ ‘n let’s get on with it already!”

Adonis gives him a nod before starting to stretch, loosening his muscles accordingly for practice.

Feeling sweat trail down his back, Koga takes his jacket off, relishing in the unobstructed sensation of cold air meeting skin. Holding onto the sleeves, he ties the piece of clothing around his waist.

“Overheating already, Wan-chan? We just got here.”

Koga scoffs at Hakaze, the blonde-haired male doing his own set of stretches. “You two did, I got here an hour early. Been practicin’ for a while now so yeah you could say I’m overheatin’ a little.”

“Practice.” He says slowly, pausing in his stretching as beige eyes flit between him and Rei while nodding along. “Riiight.”

Koga furrows his eyebrows at the weird response before ultimately shrugging it off. He has more practice to do after all– more actual dancing. 

Getting another stretch or two in there and watching everyone else finish up their stretches, Koga takes his position for Forbidden Rain and glares at everyone to do the same. “Ya heard the vampire bastard. Time’s a wastin’ or whatever the fuck he said, now hurry up!”

“So feisty, Koga-kun.” Hakaze says while wringing out his hands, though still moving to take his spot diagonally in front of Koga. Rei follows suit and takes his own position to the right of the gray-haired male whilst Adonis is directly in front of him. Hakaze turns to look at him. “Didn’t your master train you better than that?”

An eye roll. Why the hell did he agree to form a unit with this fucker? “For the last goddamn time, Sakuma-senpai isn’t my master.”

The male only chuckles. “I never said anything about Rei-kun being your master.”

“You say that shit all the time, don't give me that.” Despite the sound and very much correct defense, red still blossoms on Koga’s cheeks. He pretends it’s just the heat and makes a show of tugging at the collar of his shirt to let air in.

“Now, now, Kaoru-kun. Be easy on Wanko lest he bites you.”

Hakaze huffs and turns back around. “If he bites me then that’s your fault, you know. As much as Koga-kun is cute, his growling totally ruins that.”

“Can ya stop talking about me like I’m not here? ‘N can ya stop saying that I’m the bastard’s fuckin’ dog already?”

Kaoru’s voice grows humorous as he continues to tease Koga. “But Wan-chan, we can’t just lie.”

Part of Koga wishes Hakaze was looking his way so he could feel the rage that son of a bitch makes him constantly go through with his glare. “How the fuck is it lying if it’s not true in the first place?”

“It’s alright, Oogami.” Adonis says, his only ally.

“Thank you, Adonis.”

“Sakuma-senpai and Hakaze-senpai would be looked down on if they lied, please do not tempt them to be dishonest.” To hit the nail on the coffin and seal his fate of having no allies in this dumb world, Adonis turns around and smiles at him. Smiles at him. Like the stupidly kind and generous person he is.

“What the fuck? I thought you were on my side!”

Hakaze cackles in his place, not possessing the modesty to even try and muffle the sound. “This is why you’re my favorite kouhai, Adonis-kun.”

Now that makes Adonis smile once more. “Thank you Hakaze-senpai, you are my favorite as well.”

“Ahh, you’re so much better than Wan-chan.” Kaoru sniffs. “Thank god Rei-kun favors the dog of the group. It’s just you and me, eh Adonis-kun?”

He nods, giving Kaoru a bow. “I am in your care, Hakaze-senpai.”

Koga is about to start spewing insults at Hakaze (not Adonis, he doesn’t deserve that. Hakaze on the other hand), when the unit leader interjects.

“Alright, alright.” Rei starts, a smile on his lips from the display. “While I do love teasing Doggie, I think we should start practice before he starts barking more.”

“Fine, fiiine.” Kaoru sighs out, the volume drowning out Koga’s muttered ‘about damn time’.

“Practice. We’re startin’ that now? Seriously startin’ it?”

An amused shake of the head from Rei is seen in the corner of his eye. “Yes, Wanko. We’re starting.”

A smile flourishes on Koga’s lips while watching the backs of Kaoru and Adonis as they face forward once more. Fucking finally do they get started, practicing choreography is a lot better with the involved members rather than solo work. Bonus points for Forbidden Rain choreo being what it is, too. The gray-haired male bounces on his feet, ready for the dance workout with energy coursing through his body. Catching himself, Koga stills. He drops the smile on his face and straightens his posture. Koga’s a badass wolf, he wouldn’t be caught dead getting giddy over a silly dance.

Despite Koga thinking no one noticed his displayed happiness– what with Adonis and Kaoru not even facing his way– Rei still looks at him and sends a knowing smile as he fishes out his phone from his pocket. Koga brings his hands together and squeezes, pretending it was the bastard’s neck. The visual makes Koga feel a little better.

“I’ll hit play on the count of one.” The black-haired male explains as he fiddles with his phone. “Everyone ready?”

Receiving a chorus of agreement, Rei does as stated and Forbidden Rain blares from his device. Quickly crouching down to slide the phone across the floor, Rei waits alongside the others for the beginning beat to begin the choreography. At the start of Adonis’ opening line, the unitmates recite the dance.

Putting his all into the composition, Koga perfectly performs the first step sequence. Due to him and Rei skipping a few steps ahead to swap positions with Adonis and Kaoru respectively, the gray-haired male now takes the frontmost spot. Alongside Koga’s first solo line, he and Rei fall back into step, directly side-by-side with the other two members. With Koga and Kaoru performing their duo line, the former notices how lackluster Kaoru’s movements seem to be. Keeping it in mind, Koga focuses back on dancing the choreo.

With the next portion putting Koga back into his position as the furthest one back, he’s able to witness everyone else's dancing. Paying attention to the purple-haired male directly in front of him, Adonis performs the dance well. He’s perfectly on beat and imbues a good amount of energy into his motions. A hint of a smile shows itself on his face at seeing Adonis’ rewarding progression. Satisfied with the results shown, honey eyes focus on the other two.

The smile promptly vanishes at the sight.

Stopping in his tracks, Koga ignores everyone’s sounds of confusion as he walks to Rei’s phone in order to pause the music. The vampire bastard’s phone in hand, Koga turns around to address the others.

“Everyone shut your mouth, let’s make one thing clear here.” Pausing to think, he shakes his head. “Let’s make like, four things clear here.”

Adonis’ brows are bent in worry. “Is something wrong, Oogami?”

“Yes! Somethin’s fucking wrong!” He snaps. At the male’s stricken face, Koga backtracks. “Not with you though! You’re great, Adonis. It’s nothin’ concerning you.” Koga’s eyes then sharpen into a glare that could kill, vision targeting the graduates’ forms. “You two on the other hand.”

Rei puts a hand on his hip, finding humor in Koga taking control. “And what are your senpais so guilty of, dear Koga?”

"Don’tcha act sly with me! You and Hakaze-senpai are a whole beat off!”

Rolling his eyes, Kaoru smirks and raises an eyebrow at him. “Look at you, paying such close attention. If I were a lesser man, I would think Wan-chan is in love with us or something.”

A snarl filled with bared teeth. “The fuck did I just say ‘bout shuttin’ up!” A finger is pointed at the tallest of the group. “Vampire bastard, it's your own damn choreo. You literally fabricated it ‘n everything, so why the hell are ya so bad at it? Stop half-assin' shit all the time in practice– you too, playboy."

Immediately does an annoying little whine come from Rei’s vocal cords as he slouches. “But Wankooo.”

“Shuddup! Stop actin’ like a child. One minute you’re preachin’ about how old ya are then the next you throw a tantrum like a baby.”

Kaoru clicks his tongue, side-eyeing the man in question. “He does have a point.”

“I always have a fuckin’ point!” 

The blonde-haired male only looks at him. Koga scoffs.

“I don’t wanna hear shit from someone who doesn’t put in effort at practice.” He opens his mouth only for Koga to shut down his rebuttal. “‘N don’t say anything about how you always put your all into the actual performance. Practice is for practicin’, it’s so ya can get better beforehand. The hell is the point in that when you don’t try?”

It’s Kaoru’s turn to scoff, the male reduced to silence for a moment. “So what are you suggesting, Koga-kun. For you to conduct everything? Be a little dance instructor with how precise you want this to be?”

At that, Koga grins. Teeth and canines proudly on display for all to admire. If he had a tail, it would be wagging full-force. A fact everyone knows to be true, and scared by.

Kaoru blanches, face paling and head shaking in refusal. “W- wait. Wan-chan– Koga- Koga-kun, surely you wouldn’t do that. You wouldn’t punish your elders like that, right?” He nervously laughs. “R- right, Koga-kun? Right?”

“Hush, Kaoru-kun.” Rei puts a hand on Kaoru’s shoulder in reassurance. “Let’s do as Koga says, he’s allowed to have fun every once in a while.” Then, that same hand goes over his mouth, voice lulled to a stage whisper. “If we don’t argue, maybe he’ll go easy on us.”

The words– which are undoubtedly meant to be comforting– make Kaoru look like he could faint. Koga finds hidden glee in that.

His smirk widens. “Well if ya insist, Hakaze-senpai.” 

Nodding at Koga, Adonis offers his gratitude. “Thank you for leading our practice Oogami, I will do my best to not let your efforts be put to waste.”

“‘Course, Adonis.” He beams, sending a pointed look at the other two. “Least someone ‘round here appreciates me.”

Adonis cocks his head to the side. “We always appreciate you.” 

Caught off guard by the sudden affection, Koga pulls a confused face. The expression soon dissipates when the gray-haired male unlocks Rei’s phone. “Alright, alright. Quit your yappin’.”

“But Doggie, aren’t you the one who–” Rei shuts his mouth at Koga’s glare, giving him a thumbs up in understanding.

“As I was sayin’ before I was rudely interrupted.” Another glare sent Rei’s way, the black-haired male looks away under the burning stare. “Since you lot can’t seem t’ do things correctly– not you, Adonis– then I’ll make ya do it right. And if ya don’t, I’ll do somethin’ a lot worse than bitin’.” The threat is paired with an innocent smile, making it absolutely fucking horrifying.

It’s comical how Rei and Hakaze simultaneously gulp.

“Now!” The gray-haired male claps his hands. “Get back into position, I won’t do shit but watch since I have everythin’ down.” Adonis moves to his place at the frontmost spot, their seniors begrudgingly doing the same. “Ya ready?” Receiving a warm ‘yes, Oogami’ from Adonis with the others hesitatingly nodding, Koga hits play.

Keen eyes instantly lock onto mainly Rei and Hakaze once Adonis’s first solo line sounds out. He watches the three’s movements like a hawk, taking note of their recitals of the dance composition. Whenever Koga notices a mistake from anyone, he points it out immediately. The response he receives varies from a determined nod to a pointed look sent in his direction. Though despite the occasional speck of annoyance in someone’s (Hakaze’s) eyes, it’s clear they do their best to rectify the mistake. 

Into the latter half of the choreo, it’s obvious that the two graduates are putting their all into the choreo, still a little offbeat but much more acceptable than their previous sad excuse of a performance. Offering a little more assistance, Koga waits for the next measure to play out before clapping his hands whilst counting along to the beat. The assistance grants fruitful results as Rei and Kaoru soon fall into beat alongside Adonis. Giving praises when due and guidance (read: insults) when necessary, Koga doesn’t stop vocalizing the tempo until the song dwindles to a stop.

Koga puts his hands on his hips, proudly raising his head. “What’d I tell ya? Ev’ryone didn’t do as terribly thanks t’ the one and only Koga Oogami. You should be kneeling on the ground praising me for my greatness. But if ya think we’re just gonna stop at one repeat of the song, then you’re wrong! We’re gonna keep it up ‘til ya get it down.”

Ignoring the groans from Rei and Kaoru, Koga gives the three ample time before signifying the next repetition of Forbidden Rain. Once again does he clap along to the beat, counting as he does so. And he continues to until they reach the end of the song, and then resuming once more when the song plays again. And again. And again and again and again. He gives them a small five minute break before continuing this process, finally stopping once he’s fully satisfied at everyone’s progress.

Though it’s strange, Koga had thought, in the midst of one of the various repetitions. It’s strange for Rei to so eagerly jump at the opportunity of ‘supervising’ him– whatever the hell that even means. But it’s extremely hypocritical for the male to do seeing as he himself hasn’t even nailed the dance yet. It’s weird and Koga doesn’t fixate on it too much, much more focused on helping the rest of UNDEAD with their own practice.

“Oi!” Koga exclaims, a large smile on his face. He turns the volume off on the phone in his hand and shuts it off, fidgeting with one of the tied jacket sleeves with his other hand. “I think we’re finally done here.”

There’s a collective sigh of relief from the others, Rei and Hakaze being so dramatic as to drop to the ground with an obnoxious groan. By now, everyone has shed their unit’s practice jackets, the clothing sitting in heaps on the floor somewhat close to them.

“Oh, thank god.” Kaoru heaves, laying completely horizontal to the ground. He uses a hand to weakly fan himself. “I thought… thought I was gonna die if we kept going.”

Rei nods in agreement, sitting slumped over as he desperately tries to catch his breath. “Much agreed, Kaoru-kun. Much- much agreed.”

Rolling his eyes, Koga crosses his arms. “Oh, please. It was only like half an hour's worth of dancin’, you’re just weak as hell.”

“Actually, it was closer to an hour and a half.” Adonis says, voice and balance wavering from fatigue as he walks to his packed bag.

Koga blinks. “Oh.” He intelligently says.

“Yeah, oh.” Hakaze parrots. Groaning, he briefly lifts his head off the floor to push his hair away from his neck. “Thanks for that, Wan-chan.”

“Uhm, sorry Hakaze-senpai…” The gray-haired male clears his throat. “I uh, didn’t mean t’ overwork ya so hard.”

Hakaze only waves his hand at Koga, too tired to verbally accept the apology.

“Nothing to apologize for, dear Doggie.” Rei restates his words at the cough Kaoru forces out of his throat. “Ah, well. There are some apologies needed for straining our legs. But aside from that, the taxing practice session is required, I’d say.” The black-haired male smiles at Koga in all of his tired, sweaty glory. “Thank you for looking out for your old seniors, Doggie.”

He grins back. “From what I’m hearin’, it kinda sounds like ya want me to instruct you more.”

Wine red eyes widen as its owner has a coughing fit. “A- ah, not to worry Koga, I don’t think that’s necessary. As your senpai, it would be terrible of me to cause you to needlessly tire yourself out.”

“Mm.” Koga hums noncommittally. “Ain’t that a real damn shame.”

Rei nervously laughs. “Incredibly unfortunate, I fear.” The black-haired male then does his best to wipe away the sweat collecting on his forehead with the back of his hand. “Ah, Adonis-kun, do be a dear and fetch me a water bottle, please.”

Turning his head, Koga sees the purple-haired male is already in the middle of drinking his own bottle, a towel around his neck as he’s slumped in a chair. Swallowing the water, Koga watches Adonis nod. “Of course, Saku–”

Koga stops him from getting up. “Oi, you don’t hafta, Adonis.”

Adonis looks at him. “But–”

“I got it, I got it. Just keep sittin’.”

A tired but nonetheless fond smile appears on the male’s face. Amber eyes are molded into crescents as he sags back into his seat with relief. “Thank you, Oogami.”

Koga hums in acknowledgement. Gaze wandering back to Rei, Koga points a finger at him. “And you, don’t go makin’ Adonis do all your dirty work. He’s tired too, you vampire bastard.”

Rei gives a breathless chuckle at that. “Look at you, Wanko. Getting mad at me for making a request to someone other than you. What a loyal service dog you make.”

Taking a breath, Koga clenches his hands. “Call me a dog one more time ‘n see where that gets ya.” Regardless of the threat, he still makes his way towards Adonis, targeting his own practice bag. Clicking his tongue, Koga digs through it. “You didn’t even bring your own bag, Sakuma-senpai. What’s your motive? Tryna leech off of us or somethin’?”

“Or something.” He wearily sighs.

Grabbing a water bottle, a can of tomato juice, and a towel, Koga returns back to Rei. He tosses the towel onto the unit leader’s head, ignoring the noise he makes in response as Koga places the drinks down. “I got ya water and tomato juice, you gotta stay hydrated instead of just drinking that shitty juice all the time. Oh, ‘n–” Koga places Rei’s phone next to him. “Here’s your phone.”

Doing his best to wipe away the sweat on his skin with the towel, Rei takes the can of tomato juice. “You really do carry these on you wherever you go.” He mutters, before his voice raises to a normal volume. “Good boy, Doggie. Thank you.”

“Yeah, thanks Wan-chan.” Kaoru’s voice comes out in a rasp, form still in a disheveled state splayed across the floor. “You really do care about your senpais, don’t you? Hey, notice how I said senpais. Like, with an ‘s’? Yeah, really accommodating of you, Koga-kun.”

“Hakaze-senpai.” Everyone turns their head to see Adonis bending over Hakaze, a towel in one hand and a water bottle in the other. The purple-haired male looks noticeably more put together than how he did a few minutes ago. “Please forgive me for going through your bag, you looked rather miserable.”

“Oh, Adonis-kun! My savior, the light of my life, the hero I’ve always needed!”

“Just- just take the fuckin’ shit from him already.” 

Ignoring Koga, Kaoru reaches his hands out for Adonis to place the items in. “Thank you so much, Adonis-kun. See? I told you it’s just you and me. Ah, you’re much too kind, what would I do without you?”

“Continue being sweaty on the floor, I think.”

That earns a laugh from Kaoru as he dabs at his skin with the offered towel. “You might be right. Ugh, I hate being all sweaty. It makes an unruly mess out of my hair. How cruel of Koga-kun to abuse me in such a way.” He whines.

Koga pulls a disgusted face. “Shut your trap, now you’re actin’ like the vampire bastard. Stop bein’ annoyin’ with your whining if ya don’t want me to give you the stuff I baked.”

Now that turns Kaoru quiet, as it does Adonis, the two share an eager glance. Immediately sitting up criss-crossed and leaning in, beige eyes light up with stars practically swimming within them. “You baked?”

“What’s it to you? Why, ya want some?”

“Do I want–” Kaoru clears his throat, raising his hand in oath. “For the record, I, Kaoru Hakaze, member of unit UNDEAD, have never said anything bad about Koga Oogami, fellow member of unit UNDEAD and lead guitarist. For I, Kaoru Hakaze, solemnly swear to–”

“Oh, hush.” Despite the irritated tone, a smile slaps itself on Koga’s features. “Well if you so graciously demand it of me, I guess it won’t hurt t’ give you a muffin or two.”

Hakaze and Adonis gasp. “Oogami.” Adonis begins. “You made muffins?”

He grins, wide and proud. “Only blueberry ones.”

The duo gasps again, more excited than the previous. “Oogami.” Adonis begins once more. “I am forever in your debt.” Kaoru nods his head vigorously beside him.

Koga chuckles. “I’ll give ‘em to you for free just this once. I tired ya out real good from practice anyway, see it as a reward for your hard work.” The gray-haired male moves back to the end of the room in order to retrieve the container of muffins packed away in his practice back. During his small trek, he can hear Hakaze and Adonis’ conversation.

“Adonis-kun, I’m sorry to do this to you but I’m making Wan-chan my favorite kouhai.” Hakaze regretfully informs Adonis.

“It is understandable, Hakaze-senpai. Do not worry.”

“I won’t let you down next time, this is a delicate situation we’re dealing with here.”

A chuckle. “It’s okay, Oogami’s baking is worth any sacrifice.”

Kaoru makes a sniffle. “Oh, Adonis-kun. You’ve grown up so much, understanding the real woes of the world.”

“I’m sure you’re overexaggerating a little, but it is a fitting statement.”

Coming back with the muffin container in hand, Koga raises an amused brow at the two. “You guys are seriously something.” Opening the container, he hands it over to them. “Here, have at it.”

Kaoru immediately places the container on the floor between him and Adonis and grabs one of the pastries. He takes a bite and groans from the taste. “Koga-kun.”

The aforementioned male huffs out a laugh. “I take it ya like it?”

Beige meets honey in disbelief. “Like it? You’re asking me if I like it? Wan-chan I’d do so much to make you my personal chef.”

Koga snorts, shaking his head. “Yeah, yeah. Keep eatin’, playboy.” 

Hakaze doesn’t need to be told twice. On the other hand, Adonis looks at Koga with hesitance in his stare. “Are you sure, Oogami? Wouldn’t you like one too?”

He nods his head at the container. “Nah, I make yours ‘n the playboy’s batches sweeter than I like ‘em. I dunno how you guys can handle all that sugar.” Koga grimaces. “It’s too strong for my taste.”

Adonis thanks Koga profusely before joining the graduates on the floor. He takes out a blueberry muffin and begins to eat it, eyes closed in an expression of bliss.

Watching Hakaze and Adonis eat his pastries fill his body with warmth at how content they are. Despite them having had a taste of his baking numerous times, the happy feeling in his chest never stops at seeing their first bite turn their facial expressions into something that can’t be described as anything but pure satisfaction. Koga smiles to himself, gazing at the two unitmates savoring their muffins before it wanders, ultimately sliding to focus on Rei’s form. Koga tilts his head.

Slowly breathing, the black-haired male is still sitting slumped over a little ways away from the trio. The white towel is draped over his hair as he leans his cheek on his knee. Rei looks about ready to pass out, knowing the vampire, he probably is on his way to passing out right then and there. Though honey eyes do notice the tomato juice can next to him is already opened, as well as the water bottle being two-thirds empty. Seems the male at least had the energy to drink. Good.

Looking back at Adonis and Hakaze, Koga bites his tongue. Should he give a muffin to Rei? Koga doesn’t even know if he likes them, though. But he can at least offer one, there’s no harm in that. Ah, but what if Rei doesn’t like it? Then he’ll just look uncool and it’ll be totally embarrassing. But why does that even matter? He’s Koga fucking Oogami, why would that bastard’s opinion even matter? He already knows the other two members like it so who fucking cares, right? Ugh, fuck it. If Rei hates it he hates it, it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t.

Koga hopes he likes it.

“Hey, Adonis.” Grabbing his attention, amber eyes meet his own lighter shade of yellow. A question is held within them. “Gimme the container, will ya? Just for a bit.”

Plucking out a singular muffin when Adonis wordlessly holds it out, Koga gives him a nod in thanks. Licking his lips, Koga makes his way towards Rei. With his back turned, he doesn’t see the knowing look Hakaze and Adonis exchange.

“Oi.” Koga mutters, voice subdued into something gentle rather than its usual energetic bark. “Sakuma-senpai.”

“Mm?” Rei yawns, tilting his head up enough from the force of it to send the towel sliding off of his person. “Yes, Koga?” He says as he turns to meet Koga’s gaze, a hand rubbing tears away from an eye due to the yawn.

“You okay?” Koga blinks. That’s not what he was going to say, where did that come from?

The unit leader gives him a small smile. “Perfectly fine, Wanko. Your owner is simply rather tired, I’m afraid.”

He hums. “Not too tired t’ eat somethin’, I hope?” Koga shrugs. “I mean, ya need t’ eat anyway. Some food will probably do your energy some good.”

Rei tilts his head, going back to rest his cheek against his knee. “Is Doggie offering himself to me once again?”

Koga bites his cheek before he snaps at the asshole. Ignoring the anger brewing in his stomach, Koga offers the pastry. “It’s blueberry, sugary as hell too. It’s gotta be for Adonis and Hakaze-senpai t’ like it.”

Wine red eyes blink at the treat in surprise. A beat passes of Rei just silently staring at the muffin before Koga begins to get self-conscious. A trickle of dejection replaces the anger sitting amidst his system. He moves to retract his hand. “Ya probably don’t want it, it’s fine. I dunno why I offered anyway.”

“No.” 

Koga blinks at Rei's reply. “No…?”

The black-haired male then shakes his head. “Ah, sorry. I’d like to try it. My apologies for not saying anything, I was rather taken aback that you offered one.” Taking the muffin, Rei examines it whilst continuing to speak. “You said you baked this yourself, yes?”

“I did, yeah.”

He hums at that, eyes darting to Koga before examining it once more. He bites into it. Koga watches Rei chew silently, anxious for his reaction. Rei swallows, licks his lips, then takes another bite. Closing his eyes, Rei’s body visibly relaxes. His shoulders slacken and the knee he previously used to support his head soon lowers to the floor. A hum is sounded around the mouthful of blueberry muffin, content and the definition of tranquil as he savors the taste. 

Butterflies flutter around within Koga’s intestines at the visual and auditory reaction. They make quite the commotion, invading his vascular system and forcing his heart to beat erratically from how fulfilled Rei seems to be. The butterflies grow chaotic once more, bleeding into his veins and making them drum under his skin. Koga shakily breathes in, realizing that Rei is fulfilled.

Realizing that Rei is fulfilled because of him.

Koga clears his throat. “You like it then?” He hopes to the gods above that the waver in his voice isn’t picked up.

Pausing in his chewing, Rei swallows and looks at the gray-haired male. “Wanko, we’ve known each other since your first year. At this point I’m offended I have yet to taste these delectable little treats of yours.”

Abashed, Koga tugs at the tufts of hair protruding from the back of his neck. “I didn’t know if ya’d like ‘em or not, so…” Speech dying out, he wordlessly shrugs.

“Koga.” He says, nothing but genuinity in his voice. “My brother is Ritsu. You two are in the same class and acquainted, I’m sure you know of his sweet tooth and baking habits.” Rei huffs as he shakes his head. “Honestly, Wanko. With how atrociously terrifying Ritsu’s products look, they’re incredibly delicious. If I find my dear brother’s treats delicious, then I’ll find yours similar.”

The butterflies only thrash around even further. Making a mess out of his ribcage and nerves and arteries, inflicting bruises and sores alike.

He ignores the heat on his skin that is definitely not from practice. “R- right…” Turning away from Rei, Koga speaks out to Kaoru and Adonis. “Anyways, practice is basically over, yeah? Guess we should head home now.”

The blueberry muffin-eating duo pause in their quiet conversation to shrug at each other and get up. Still eating the pastry, Kaoru and Adonis make their way to their practice bags. 

“C’mon.” Koga says to Rei. “‘Bout time ya get up, ya bastard.” Rei sighs wistfully yet abides after a moment passes, following the gray-haired male as he picks up after himself and Rei and heads over to the bags as he continues to steal bites from the muffin. 

In the time it takes to successfully get Rei off his ass, Hakaze and Adonis are already walking towards the door. “Hey, we’re gonna go ahead and leave. Thanks for the muffins Wan-chan, we look forward to your next batch of whatever you bake.”

“Goodbye, Oogami, Sakuma-senpai.” Adonis and Kaoru wave at them, the pair waving back.

“Yeah, yeah. Bye ‘n whatever.”

“Do take care on your way home. Have a good day, Kaoru-kun and Adonis-kun.”

Now alone with Rei, Koga busies himself with packing up his things whilst the other busies himself with finishing the blueberry muffin. “You should really start bringin’ your own practice bag with ya. What’ll you do if I’m not there t’ provide you with your tomato juice or a spare towel?”

Rei hums in contemplation. Zipping up his bag, Koga looks at the male. When their eyes meet, a smile forms on the black-haired male’s face. “Fortunately for me, my Wanko is always there for me.”

Scoffing, Koga faces the wall again, hiding the patches of red stubbornly blooming on his cheeks. “Fortunate for you, huh.” He mutters.

Another hum from Rei, amused.

Koga shakes his head, twirling around in the direction of the door. “Enough of that, ‘bout time we leave. I’m tired as he–” Honey eyes find themselves locked onto the wall adjacent to their position. Specifically, locked on the guitar case that rests against it.

The guitar case.

Aw, fuck.

“Ah, shit.”

Rei’s voice sounds out at Koga’s abrupt cursing. “Something wrong?”

“Nah, nothin’s wrong, just…” Koga turns to Rei. “Didn’tcha wanna use my guitar for the song, Sakuma-senpai? Almost completely forgot about it.”

He raises a brow at the gray-haired male’s question before finding the guitar case laying on the floor against the wall. His eyes widen in recognition immediately upon seeing it. “Oh! Thank you, Doggie. I completely forgot about it myself. The instrumental will sound eons better with your guitar. Bring it here, if you will.” Rei then stops himself. “Unless you’d prefer to go home? You did get here an hour early and mentioned being exhausted, so–”

“No, it’s fine.” Koga grins at him. “Being a little tired won’t stop me from playin’ my guitar. I’m up for messin’ around with it if you are.”

Rei claps his hands at the response, happiness crinkling his eyes. “Excellent, excellent. Then please bring it over, thank you.” 

Doing as asked, Koga goes over to the lonely guitar case and retrieves the instrument nestled inside. Bringing it back to Rei, the black-haired male pulls out chairs for the both of them, they take their seats with the electric guitar in Koga’s hands. 

“So, what I was thinking was…”

As the two work on the song and smooth out any edges, it never occurs to Koga that butterflies still thrive inside him. The butterflies claiming their natural habitat within Koga’s stomach never ceased to stop fluttering. Never ceased to leave, never ceased to evaporate into nothing.

If anything, they only flourished.