Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Oh so you’re not completely pissed off right now?” Obanai raises a brow, an elbow propped on the counter as he rests his chin on a hand. Sanemi huffs, looking fine at the bouquet of primroses he’s currently tying up for his supposed “best friend”.

“I already told ya, dumbass. I’m unaffected by it.” He scoffs, grabbing some pink paper to wrap the flowers up with. Obanai watches him, knotting his fingers together- a habit he’s had since as far back as Sanemi can remember. The dark haired man looks back across the street at his answer and right at the new shop that’s just opened up today. 

A tattoo parlour. Right across his family’s beautiful shop. It’s dark with blacked out windows and clashes with the rest of the neighbourhood that he practically grew up in. What’s worse? Teenagers. Everywhere.

Not that he hates teenagers and shit, it’s just the way they stop right in front of the shop, barely give it a once over and turn right around to that damned parlour. Ugh. Kids.

“Are you sure?” Obanai’s smooth voice cuts across his thoughts. Sanemi turns back and catches a hint of a smirk underneath his mask. “Because you’re squeezing that bouquet a little too hard.”

Immediately, he loosens his grip on the flowers, making sure he didn’t damage anything and sighs in relief, much to Obanai’s pleasure. The other man snorts, accepting it with a nod, but thankfully dropping the subject.

“Mind telling me why you’re buying your girlfriend flowers that mean eternal love, even through suffering?” Sanemi folds his arms, leaning back against the wall covered with charts of flowers and their meanings. Not that he needs them, of course, but it helps the customers decide what they want.

“Well…uh- it’s our anniversary uh- and I…just…” God,he’s such a child when it comes to Mitsuri, it’s ridiculous. They’ve been going out for literal years and he still acts like this. Typical.

“Yeah, yeah, I know. Don't give yourself a hernia.” Sanemi chuckles, waving a hand at him when he’s offered a wad of cash. “It’s on the house. You’ve bought enough shit to earn a couple of free passes.”

“C’mon, I want to.” Obanai insists, persisting with the money, but Sanemi shakes his head.

“Save up for a wedding ring for your girlfriend with that, asshole.” Obanai turns very red at this and drops his hand. “Besides, when you get married, I’ll do the flower arrangements and all your fancy guests will see it and I’ll get even more money.”

“I knew you weren’t finally hitting your redemption arc.” He deadpans, shaking his head. “And here I thought you cared for our relationship.”

“Nah, I like money more.” Sanemi smiles pleasantly, avoiding a smack in the head as he makes his way to the main display again, spraying the pink hydrangeas. Obanai stares down at his flowers again.

“Thanks for this, Sanemi.” He says, a lot quieter than their previous bout of banter. “It really means a lot.”

“‘Course.” He waves him off, not looking back but smiling anyway. “Kanroji’s a lucky gal to have someone so head over heels for her.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Obanai waves him off, adjusting his mask awkwardly and heading to the door. “See you, Sanemi. Good luck with your rivalry.”

“It’s not a rivalry.” He hums, but the dark haired man is already out the door, shrugging unapologetically as he passes him from outside the window.

Jackass. It’s not a rivalry.

_________________

Okay, so he would be lying if he said he wasn’t a little affected by whatever the fuck was going on there. Even more teenagers- and even some adults- have passed by today, not even sparing the shop a glance before marching to the opposite place. 

Some even walked in and snapped a picture of one of his flowers before heading out. The fucking audacity.

Right now, the sun has set and Genya, who plants and takes care of the flowers in the back, has taken his leave. Now all that’s left is for Sanemi to clean up and close for the day. He sighs, picking up his broom and beginning to work his way over the floor slowly, humming to himself despite the bitterness in his throat.

It’s not new to have a slow day at work. It’s a flower shop, for fuck’s sake, of course business has it’s up and down days. Ever since he started working here at nineteen, he’s known this. But it stings more knowing that normally people don’t even pass by this small neighbourhood and are doing it just for this parlour.

Abruptly the door swings open, but Sanemi barely looks up from the floor.

“Sorry, we’re closed.”

“Oh, I just need a singular flower.” The voice is smooth and cold, almost devoid of any emotions. Sanemi looks up, raising a brow and-

Ah. Tattoo artist, probably.

The man has long, dark hair, pulled back into a low ponytail. He’s dressed a little nicer than him too, a black dress shirt rolled up at the sleeves and dark jeans that could pass as a uniform. He’s wearing latex gloves, a dead giveaway of his occupation, and a black mask over his face. His eyes are cold like his voice, a deep ocean blue that looks way too pretty under the warm lights of the shop.

Sanemi sniffs, turning away again.

“Closed.” He repeats, setting the broom aside and folding his arms as he looks back at the stranger. “Come back tomorrow.”

“Uh, it’s a little important.” The man persists, stepping towards him. He smells sharp, like expensive cologne and unlike the rest of the shop. “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I work across the street and our place just-”

“Yeah, I’ve seen it.” Sanemi huffs, rolling his eyes. How could he not? “Why do you need a single flower anyway?”

“Ah, our place is a little more specific with appointments.” He matches his tone, raising a brow as he speaks. “When a customer books one, we have them tell us what they want and make sure we can do it- but uh, I need a defence to practise it so it’s perfect because tattoos are permanent and-” 

“Christ, I didn’t ask for your life story.” Sanemi rolls his eyes, but then a thought hits him. “Aren’t you guys closing now, though? It’s pretty late.”

The stranger nods. “Yes, but I practise at home on some paper. And I find it easier with a real life reference. Just…” He pulls his mask down and hesitates, seemingly just noticing the lack of space between them. Sanemi’s breath hitches for a moment. He has snakebite piercings. Of course he does. “Please, I just need one.”

Okay, fine. He’s pretty. But that has nothing to do with how he gives up the little petty charade. He’s just a little tired. Sanemi sighs, clicking his tongue as he steps back. “What kind?”

“A white chrysanthemum.” The stranger’s face breaks into a smile. It’s small, but his eyes scrunch up gratefully.

“Truthfulness and trust, huh?” He hums, tapping his lip with a finger. He turns around gesturing for the man to follow him behind the racks. “They’re pretty detailed, so it could be a tall order.”

“I can handle it.” The man says confidently, following him a few paces behind. Sanemi nods, reaching for a high shelf and pulling down a pot of the flowers. It’s beautiful, of course. The chrysanthemums are a pearly, almost translucent and frilly with layers. Sanemi reaches for some cutters, bringing it close to the stem carefully and cutting it at the base.

He exhales quietly, placing the pot up on the shelf again and turning around. The man is watching him warily, awkwardly bent to the side with his hands folded behind him to seemingly peer at the flower, but that’s not what he’s looking at. Sanemi raises a brow.

“Got a problem with my face, tattoo boy?” He asks, pushing his bangs out of his eyes as he makes his way to the counter. He knows he looks odd for someone working at a pretty little flower shop. His face is covered in scars and so are his arms. Some are from the thorns of the plants they grow. Some are from fights he got into as a kid. He’s grown out of that phase now, but there’s only so much that aging can cure.

Stranger stutters for a moment, caught out, and turns away quickly. “Sorry, I was just-” 

“I used to get into a lot of fights as a kid.” Sanemi shrugs, grabbing a plastic box that’s usually used for singular flowers and slides it inside.

“Oh- uh, I-”

“Just take the damn flower.” Sanemi sighs, rolling his eyes and handing him the box. Stranger scowls, but takes it anyway and begins fishing in his pocket for some money.

“Nuh uh.” Sanemi shakes his head, grabbing his arm gently to stop him. Stranger raises a brow. “It’s a singular flower. It doesn’t mean shit if you don’t spend money on it.”

“But I came in pretty late, too.” Stranger tilts his head, confused. Damn. He hates pretty people.

“Think of it as a…welcome to the neighbourhood gift.” He says, gritting his teeth for a moment. 

“Some welcome after you didn’t let me speak for more than five seconds.” Stranger snorts tucking a strand of dark hair behind his ear. “But thank you.”

“Anytime- well, not really, but you know know what I mean.” Sanemi chuckles, resting his palms on the counter. A thought hits him. “I didn’t get your name.”

“Oh, it’s Tomioka.” He turns away, making his way to the door. “Tomioka Giyuu.”

Sanemi nods thoughtfully, registering his name. “Shinazugawa Sanemi. Don’t bring your ass here after closing time again, ya hear?”

“I hear.” He lifts his mask up again, but Sanemi still catches the hint of a smile. “Good night.”

“Night.”

_________________

Unsurprisingly, that little interaction stays with Sanemi when he’s opening the shop the next day. Genya’s by the flower pots, spraying them with water to keep them fresh for the day.

“Bring me the Zinnias.” He mumbles, sticking a hand out until he feels the weight of a small pot being placed in his hand. Genya hangs back after that, clearing his throat as he begins speaking.

“I’m not sure, but I think one of the white chrysanthemums is missing?” He poses it as a question, leaning back against the counter. “I might have miscounted last night, though.”

“Nah, you counted right.” Sanemi stands up when he’s done, stretching out his back as he joins his brother. “A customer came up right at closing time. Pretty boy from the tattoo place.”

“Oh.”

“I gave it to him for free too.” He doesn’t know why he says it, but as soon as he does, the look in Genya’s eyes shifts a little. 

“Oh.”

Sanemi shoots his brother a glare over his shoulder as he walks behind the counter.  

“Don’t give me that look, ya little shit.” He scoffs, bonking his head. “It was just a flower. Nothing-”

The door swings open and- as if fate is trying to stab his eyes out- Giyuu walks into the store, awkwardly looking between them for a moment. He looks a lot fresher than he did the previous night, and his clothes are almost the same, save for the fact that two of the top buttons are left undone, just showing a peek of a tattoo. How much-

No. Stop it. It’s nine in the morning.

“Morning.” Sanemi looks away for a moment, taking his time to walk across the counter and keeping his gaze purposefully nowhere near his chest.

“Morning.” Giyuu nods, staring at him awkwardly for a moment before clearing his throat. “Uh, I wanted to thank you for last night- the flower I mean.”

“Like I said, don’t worry about it.” Sanemi shrugs, folding his arms. “So is there anything-”

“I wanted to give you this.” Giyuu reaches for Sanemi’s hand- he does not blush- and places a piece of sketch paper on it. He looks down at it to find a beautiful drawing of the chrysanthemum, shading and all. “I know it isn’t really a payment, but I didn’t want to throw it away and I have too many sketches in my file right now to hoard anymore, so- uh, you can…keep it.” He finishes lamely.

Upon closer inspection, it seems to be completely accurate down to even the bend of the stem. It’s been signed too, a quick messy thing compared to the actual piece. 

“It’s really pretty.” Sanemi hums, looking back up at Giyuu. “Thanks. I think I’ll keep it.”

“Oh, it’s no trouble, really.” Giyuu waves him off and Sanemi notices his gloves aren’t on yet, exposing his pretty pale hands. Wait, not pretty. They’re hands. Hands aren’t pretty…except for maybe these ones. Maybe. “I should be headed to work. See you.”

“See ya.” And with that, the tattoo artist leaves, the chime of the door’s bell ringing loud enough to get him to look away from the drawing. He turns around, meeting Genya’s eyes. His brother stares at him for a moment, mouth slightly agape as he fights back a smile.

“Now, I’m not professional-”

“Shut the fuck up.”

_________________

The sketch that Giyuu gave him ends up being pinned to the tackboard behind the counter that’s usually just used to remind them of the orders needing to be fulfilled, but he likes the way the sketch looks on it. Genya’s gone back to the green room after a thorough scolding about how all his hanging around with that blue haired skater boy is going straight to his head, all of which he took quietly, nodding as his face turned extremely red. Tch. Idiot.

The door opens up and Sanemi looks up from where he’s organising the wrapping papers. A girl stands at the doorway, smiling up at him as she enters. She’s pretty- fresh faced with white hair and blue eyes.

“Hi there!” She flashes him a smile that could blind a lesser man.

Sanemi nods in return, eyeing her forearm, which is wrapped in plastic cling wrap. “Do you have any white chrysanthemums?”

That sends him back a few paces.

“White…chrysanthemums?” He repeats, though he heard it correctly.

“Mhm, I just got one of them tattooed on me.” She proffers her wrist at him. “And the tattoo artist told me I could find the best version of the real thing here.”

“Uh…I’ll get ‘em for you.” He hurriedly makes his way to the pots, picking up his scissors and pausing. “How many would you like?”

“Oh, I’ll take a whole bouquet.” The fuck? A whole bouquet? For a tattoo? How rich is this kid?

Sanemi snips about nine of them, bringing them back to the girl, who gasps softly at the sight. “Wow, they’re…amazing.”

Okay, these are the moments he wishes Genya was here, because of how he could deal with customers better. Like, how is he supposed to answer that? But even if he was, this is a woman. And his brother is useless around women.

“Thanks.” He says simply, wrapping them in white paper. “We grow ‘em ourselves.” He finishes off the bouquet- the girl pays- handing him a huge wad of cash that he has to separate- and leaves with a friendly wave, leaving him feeling…off.

Of course it’s Giyuu’s doing- it’s too big of a coincidence not to be- but it’s really unnecessary too…and a little adorable. 

No. 

Not adorable. Chivalrous. Humble. Yeah. Just that.

Sanemi looks back at the drawing again. There’s something he didn’t notice by the signature before. A smiley face. Right under it.

Just…that…

_________________

Thankfully, the rest of the day goes by without any more incidents, though he does notice a few more customers than usual. Teenagers are still stopping by, but they’re not as outright, at least. The sun is setting again, and Genya enters from the green room, hands and face freshly washed as he scans the index of today’s customers.

“White chrysanthemums, huh?” He smiles, looking back at Sanemi, who simply shrugs in response. “That’s really coincidental, don't you think?”

“Nah, it’s not. It’s deliberate.” Sanemi keeps his eyes on the drawing as he speaks. “The kid who bought ‘em said that the tattoo artist recommended the place to her.”

“…nice of him.” But a smile creeps up Genya’s face as he straightens up, burying his hands in his pockets again. Sanemi could smack him. “Well, I’m meeting Mui in an hour or so, d’you need any help in packing or should I leave?”

“Go ahead.” Sanemi nods towards the door and walks over to the counter again. “There isn’t much to do.”

“Alright, see you, Nemi.” Genya smiles, waving at him once before exiting the shop. Sanemi sighs as he begins cleaning up for the day, putting away his gloves. He’s just reaching for a broom when the door swings open.

“I hope you’re not closed yet.” Giyuu. He turns around to meet the other man’s eyes. He’s smiling, he notices by the way his eyes are scrunched up like from last night. Sanemi rolls his eyes, but only to find an excuse to stomp away the mini burst of serotonin that had pulsed when he entered the shop.

“You’re just in time.” He walks back over to him, resting his palms on the counter and leaning it. “A certain customer came in today…bought a whole bouquet of white chrysanthemums.”

“Oh, did they?” Giyuu lifts a brow, pulling his mask down with a finger. Part of Sanemi wishes he could do the same. “What a coincidence.”

He clicks his tongue. “Coincidence, my ass. I know you told ‘em about the place.” 

“Maybe I did.” Giyuu shrugs looking around. “You have a beautiful variety of flowers here, more people should see it.”

“I don’t need your helping hand, pretty boy.” Sanemi scoffs, resting a hand on his hip. Giyuu’s pale face colours slightly at the nickname, but he presses on. “I can manage this place perfectly fine on my own.”

“I don’t doubt that.” Giyuu hums, walking over to a few empty pots and examining the detailing on them. “But this place is genuinely full of some of the most beautiful flowers I’ve seen. I’d have told the customer to come here regardless.”

“Well, don't do it again.” Sanemi scolds lightly, joining him at the shelves. “So, what are ya doing here now?”

“I need another flower.” Giyuu chuckles, meeting his eyes.

“Another? How many people get flower tattoos this often?” Sanemi scoffs, tilting his head to the side as Giyuu turns back to the pots.

“Not many. But the girl I tattooed today was a popular social media influencer. Ume has a shit load of followers who buy whatever she marks as “trendy” in a heartbeat.” Giyuu whips out his phone and pulls up the account of the girl. They’re mostly selfies of her and another boy, but the latest is a picture of her wrist, where the spitting image of the flower on the tackboard is inked across it. “Ever since she posted that, we've been getting tons of appointments for different flowers, most of which I can do on my own, but they’re a few that are a little more…detailed.”

“Uh huh…” Sanemi nods absentmindedly, swiping through the photos. There are a few selfies of her showing off her wrist, which he swipes by until he comes to one of her on a plush leather sofa- presumably from the parlour. The girl is flashing a dazzling smile at the camera, but that’s not what he’s focusing on.

Instead, Sanemi stares right at the man behind her, tattoo gun in hand and mask pulled over his face as he raises a brow almost incredulously at the girl.

“Her brother immediately started snapping pictures of her when I finished the piece.” Giyuu snorts, now standing behind him and peeking over his shoulder. He’s close. Almost too close. “She’s a nice girl, though. Really respectful to our rules.”

“Huh.” Sanemi hands Giyuu his phone again, looking back at the tackboard.

“Oh, by the way, does this place have an Instagram?” Giyuu asks, swiping through his phone. 

“The shop? Yeah, Genya made one a while ago.”

“Your brother?” Sanemi nods at this, accepting Giyuu’s phone when he hands him it. He pulls up the barely active account and passes it back to him.

“Why do you need it?”

“No reason.” Giyuu shrugs, but there’s a glint in his eye as he pockets his phone again. “Just wanted to know.”

“If ya pull anything, you’re banned, got it?” Sanemi flicks his forehead with his index finger and Giyuu giggles. 

He fucking giggles. This black dress shirt wearing, piercing having tattoo artist fucking giggles. What’s worse? Sanemi blushes. Like an idiot.

He clears his throat, looking away. “Okay, so I’m thinking about making a deal.”

“Oh? What kind of deal?” Giyuu raises a brow. 

“The kind that’ll get you as many flowers as you need. For free.”

“But I can totally-” Bur Sanemi claps a hand over his mouth gently. 

“Lemme finish.” He inhales slowly, starting again. “You’ll get as many flowers as you need as long as you bring a sketch of them to me the very next day.”

“Huh?” But it comes out muffled through Sanemi’s hand.

“I really liked the piece.” He admits gruffly, pointing to the board. “So I stuck it on the wall, but it looks a little lonely there. So I want more.”

“You…liked the drawing?” Giyuu slowly pulls his hand off his face. There’s a bashful smile on his face that’s almost too cute for him to keep looking at. The other man’s eyes are on the board, glittering with something like pride at the piece of paper.

“…a little.” Sanemi clears his throat, pulling his hand away hastily. “So…what’ll it be?”

“Deal.” Giyuu looks right at Sanemi as he says this, smiling still. 

“Alrighty then.” He looks away quickly, fully aware of the warmth in his chest. Huh. “What’s the order today?”

“A coreopsis.” Giyuu says confidently.

“Aw, that’s a cute one.” Sanemi smiles, leading them to the plants like the previous night.

“What does it mean?” Giyuu follows obediently, hands folded behind his back.

“It’s usually given to someone who’s always happy, no matter the shit they’re gone through.” He hums, reaching for the pot of tiny yellow flowers. “Reminds me of my little sis.”

“How many siblings do you have?”

“I’m the oldest of, like, seven.” Giyuu’s eyes widen at this and he chuckles as they head to the counter. “Yeah, it was wild growing up, but now ma and the younger ones live a little further away from here, so me and Genya run the place. Here ya go.”

Sanemi hands the flower, now packed in a box, to Giyuu, who takes it gratefully.

“Thanks.” He hums, looking down at it for a moment, turning the box at different angles.

“Don’t worry about it.” Sanemi chuckles. “Just bring me that flower tomorrow, got it? 

“Got it. See you then.” He turns, pulling his mask over his face and walks over to the door, opening it, but then hesitates, looking back. “Goodnight, Sanemi.”

He smiles, nodding in turn. “Goodnight, Giyuu.”

~~~~~~~~

Later that night, Sanemi wakes up to a burst of notifications from his phone. He unlocks it to find their shop’s account has mysteriously blown up in the past hour, all because of a singular tagged post.

It’s a picture of that Ume girl’s wrist while she holds the bouquet with her free hand. The caption reads:

@Ume_Daki: ACK, OKAY IM POSTING ABT THIS AGAIN BC THE TATTOO ARTIST FINALLY GAVE ME THE FLOWER SHOP’S ACC 💖💖

TYSM TO @Shinazugawa_Florists_ FOR THIS AMAZING FLOWER, WHICH I TOTALLY SUGGEST GETTING TO SEE HOW REALISTIC THE TATTOO LOOKS BC OF HOW AMAZING THE ARTIST IS 😩

He chuckles, opening up the comments and scrolling down. There, under a sea of pink heart and kissy emojis, is a singular lowercase comment by the tattoo parlour’s account.

A tattoo is only as good as its reference :)

_________________

From then on, Giyuu became a frequent customer at the shop. Sometimes he just drops by for the flower later at night and then again in the morning to show off the sketch. Sometimes he brings a small box of donuts with him, effectively earning Genya’s approval. Sometimes, they even walked home together after Sanemi’s shift, the other man staying to help him pack up later at night.

These were the times Sanemi had learnt most about Giyuu’s life.

Like how his grandfather raised him and his older sister. How he started as a small artist on Instagram who did simple line art commissions for a bit of money until a high school friend suggested they make their own place. They’d been open for years in another location, but they got popular quick and had to hire more people and rent a lot more space, which is why they’re here now.

Another thing he learnt about Giyuu on one of their walks is that he’s a fucking nerd about ramen flavours.

“Chilli oil is fucking disgusting.” He said that night, walking a little ahead of Sanemi and looking back at him. “It’s just so gross, like why would you eat something that just burns your lips with no flavour?” 

“Because you’re making it wrong, you fucking cracker.” He had snapped, hands buried deep in his pockets to shield them from the cold. At the time, Giyuu scoffed, rolling his eyes and rambling on about how chicken is the best flavour until Sanemi had dragged him to his own apartment and made him some himself.

They were laughing like idiots the entire time, nudging each other as Sanemi worked the stove. They even woke up a grumpy Genya, who immediately brightened as they placed a bowl in front of him. Giyuu slept in Sanemi’s room that night because of how late it was, but he couldn’t catch a wink of sleep because he was too busy staring at the man sleeping on the mattress in the floor, face illuminated by the moonlight that made him fucking glow. 

Surprisingly, that wasn’t the moment Sanemi realised he had fallen in love. 

Instead, he fell in love with Tomioka Giyuu on a day he hadn’t expected to see him at all.

It was months later, the day of Obanai’s and Mitsuri’s wedding. The flower arrangements hadn’t been confirmed until the last minute, leaving Sanemi to supervise the movers who were loading her truck with all kinds of garlands and bouquets. It was a Saturday, most stores were closed early in the day, but he quickly rushed Genya to the venue and ran back to their shop.

One of the last garlands was being loaded when the door opened behind him. He clicked his tongue irritably, turning to say that the shop was closed, but then stopped short.

There, in an adorable white thumb hole sweater and a pair of gray sweatpants, was Giyuu, looking too fucking soft for his own good. His hair was down, falling over his shoulders and, when they locked eyes, he tucked a strand of it behind his ear almost shyly. Wow.

It was then that Sanemi became aware of his appearance. Instead of his T-shirt and jeans, Sanemi was wearing an off white suit, the jacket left over the counter, leaving him in his waistcoat. Giyuu paused, staring at him, the look in his eyes shifting as he took in his appearance.

“Hey there…” He had begun, raising a brow.

“Hi.” Sanemi did so too, meeting him at the door. “Shop’s closed today. Wedding arrangement stuff. Need anything? I can get ‘em from here.”

“I know, but I was just passing by to get a mango juice box from the convenience.” He swallowed, looking him up and down again. “What’s…with the suit?”

“Friend of mine is getting married.” He shrugged, shoving his hands in his pockets. “And I’m the best man, apparently.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, I was confused too.” They laughed, a little more awkward than usual. “What’s with you, huh?”

“You think I always dress all dark and broody?” Giyuu teased, poking his arm.

“C’mon, you’re a tattoo artist, it’s normal for you.” Sanemi rolled his eyes. From outside, one of the men shot him a thumbs up, signifying their work was done. “Oh, I better go.”

“Your tie’s undone.” Giyuu pointed out as Sanemi reached for his jacket and began pulling it on.

“Oh, I’ll just have Genya-”

“Let me.” Giyuu stepped forward, leaving no room for argument. He grabbed the tie’s loose ends, slowly tying them together and working his way slowly around the silky cloth. Sanemi swallowed.

He was so close, almost standing nose to nose with him as he chuckled quietly, the heat of his breath fanning over his face for a moment. His pretty ocean eyes were so deep and rich that he could have gotten lost in them. His stupid thumb hole sweater that covered his palms up to his fingers adorably looked even softer up close. Part of him wanted to bury his face in his shoulder. 

At that thought, Sanemi’s skin suddenly became hyper-aware of every brush of Giyuu’s fingers against his chest, the way he sucked in his bottom lip between his teeth as he helped him, teeth clacking gently against his piercings, the way he was so, so close. Close enough to kiss.

That sent his mind reeling back to the past few months, revisiting every moment they had together.

Holy shit.  

He was head over heels in love. 

Well, he knew that he had a minuscule crush on Giyuu beforehand. Of course he did. The man’s breathtaking. But…when did it get so deep? When did he fall so hard? And why didn’t he notice?

“There.” Giyuu smiled, stepping back and snapping Sanemi out of his thoughts.

“Uh, yeah. I should get going. I’ll text you the pictures of the arrangements.” He awkwardly scratched the back of his neck, looking away. How is one supposed to act when you find out you’re in love with one of your best friends?

“Yeah of course.” They walked out of the shop together, Sanemi hastily locking it up. “I’ll- uh, bye!”

Giyuu smiles softly, scrunching his eyes up in that adorable way of his. “Bye.”

And oh god, did that smile stop his heart.

In fact, after that, everything Giyuu did did just that. Suddenly every morning donut, mindless late night conversation and every new flower sketch was just him screaming at himself to get a grip because of how stupid he acted around him.

Sanemi sighs now, handing a customer a bouquet of carnations. Business has been positively exploding for the past few months, thanks to Giyuu. There’s barely a moment to zone out now because of how many people visit in a day. At this rate, they’ll have tons of money left over for renovation and a proper greenhouse (something that Genya’s excited for way more than him).

Even though the days are hectic, he still finds himself enjoying them. Sometimes, customers are really unsure of what they want and end up confessing that they’ve forgotten an anniversary or a birthday or made a promise they didn’t fulfil, all to which he hurriedly makes them a bouquet and explains the meaning behind each flower. These customers tip the most, it turns out. 

In fact, business keeps getting better, which is why he’s had to hire someone to help out and, begrudgingly, choose someone Giyuu recommended. 

Kamado Tanjirou is probably the first person you’d guess to work at a florist. He’s honest, hard working, nosier than Sanemi would like but overall a good kid. Plus, he doesn’t have to clean up any more, since the kid is so insistent on doing so. Besides, Genya has a friend around, so he stays outside the greenhouse for longer periods of time and even interacts with some customers.

“Shinazugawa-san?” The little shit pokes his head out from around the shelves. “Should I arrange the plants in alphabetical order, or according to colour?”

“Neither, kid.” He grumbles as the customer leaves. “I prefer them the way they are.”

“Okay!” He smiles brightly, walking away again. Gah. Where did Giyuu find this kid?

Sanemi looks at the time, squinting up at the clock. The sun hasn’t set yet, but it’s getting late.

“Closing time, runts.” He calls, immediately summoning Tanjirou and Genya. “Pack it up.”

“Oh, we’re headed to the skate park now, is that okay?” Genya asks, knotting his hands. Beside him, Tanjirou nods enthusiastically.

“And who will you meet at this park.” Sanemi narrows his eyes at the pair of them.

“Oh, um, y’know…some of Tanjirou’s friends…and Muichiro.” He looks down, blushing furiously.

“You’re a real piece of work, kid.” Sanemi clicks his tongue, resting his hands on his hips. “Alright, go ahead. See you tomorrow, Kamado.”

“See you!” With that, Tanjirou pulls Genya out of the shop by the arm, leaving Sanemi to lock up. 

Just as he steps outside, the door of the tattoo parlour swings open too and Giyuu steps out, smiling at him as he approaches.

“Fancy meeting you here.” 

“Well, I was gonna clean up, but that Kamado kid already did it.”

Giyuu laughs, standing beside him as they head to their houses, which are in the same direction. “Yeah, his whole family is full of people like that. He’s a sweet kid.”

“I bet.” He grumbles, looking straight ahead to avoid meeting Giyuu’s eyes.

“Can I ask you a question?” These are how all their dumb conversations start. A question. An answer. Another question. On and on until they’re laughing their asses off. Sanemi smiles.

“Sure.”

“Do you want a tattoo?” 

Well, that’s new. Sanemi hesitantly ooks at Giyuu- his heart races because he’s an idiot- and thinks for a moment.

“I suppose. Never really thought about it much.” Giyuu nods at this before speaking again.

“And, if you had the chance, would you get one?” He asks, tilting his head to the side. Sanemi raises a brow.

“Where is this going?”

“Alright, fine. I just noticed that you haven’t ever been to the parlour before.” He sighs, looking ahead again. “You haven’t even met Sabito or Shinobu yet. So I was wondering if you could…come over?”

“I can do that without the tattoo.” But Giyuu shakes his head.

“This’ll be my way of repaying you.” He insists, kicking a rock ahead of him. “For all the flowers you’ve given me.”

“You’ve paid me with your drawings.” Sanemi rolls his eyes, putting a foot in front of Giyuu to steal the rock and begins kicking it in front of himself. “Customers really love ‘em too.”

“Yeah, but I want to do this for you.” Giyuu frowns, looking back at him again. “Come on. You can’t say you haven’t at least thought about getting a tattoo once.”

“I mean I did. But they’re expensive, ya know?” Sanemi says, eyes fixed on the sidewalk. 

“Well this one will be free.” Giyuu narrows his eyes at him, kicking thr rock away, much to his dismay. Sanemi clicks his tongue, finally meeting his eyes again. “Come on. Think about it.”

Honestly, it wouldn’t be a bad idea. He can put Tanjirou in charge of the register at any time of the day. Plus, it’s not like the idea never crossed his mind before.

“What would I even get tattooed? Aren’t they supposed to be, like, important and shit?”

Giyuu shrugs. “Doesn’t have to be. Not all tattoos have meanings. You can just get one for the fun of it.”

“Well, I really do t want “the fun of it” to leave a permanent mark on my skin.” He deadpans, earning a jab to the arm.

“Come on, at least give it time. When you do decide, you can come over to the parlour, no appointment needed.”

“And your boss is gonna be okay with that?”

“Sabito isn’t my boss, he’s my business parter.” Giyuu grumbles, narrowing his eyes at him. “And, yes, he will. He’s hooked a few friends up before. So…is that a yes?”

“It’s a maybe.” Sanemi sighs, shaking his head. Giyuu immediately brightens, a smile at his lips that looks so fucking gentle that he needs to look away once more.

“Can’t wait to see what you’ll choose.”

“If I choose.” He corrects him, but Giyuu shoots him a teasing look.

“You’ll choose.”

_________________

Unsurprisingly, Sanemi finds himself scrolling through Pinterest a week later and scouring for designs. Unfortunately, most are either really shitty and obscure “inspirational” quotes that kids get once they turn eighteen or absolutely hideous rugged shit like axes and knives he wouldn’t be caught dead with.

Honestly, nothing he finds online really appeals to him much, so he finds himself shutting his phone off and tuning back into what Genya is saying.

His brother is ranting frantically, flapping his hands in front of his chest as he speaks, which he does when he’s excited. “-and he asked if I wanted to and I panicked and said no, but then I corrected myself and now we’re going on a date!”

“Congrats, kid. You finally got your shit together.” Sanemi deadpans, but pats his head fondly. They’re sitting on the couch in their house, watching a show neither of them really like, but it kills time on the weekends at least.

“Yeah, I just- ugh, he’s so cool.” Genya lifts a pillow up to his lap and buries his face in it, blushing as he does. 

“Isn’t this the same kid who forgets his skateboard at the park almost daily?” Sanemi asks, to which Genya nods frantically.

“Yeah, that’s the one!” God, he’s hopeless. Sanemi sighs, resting back against a pillow too.

“I’m thinking about getting a tattoo.” He hums, looking back at Genya. “But I don’t know what to get.”

“A tattoo? Like from Tomioka-san’s place?” He asks, fiddling with the zipper of the pillow.

“Yeah, he wants to repay me for the flowers.” Sanemi smiles, picking his phone up again and holding it up for Genya to see. “But all the designs are…eh.”

“That’s because you’re not looking in the right places.” His little brother takes it, typing something into the search engine and handing it back. Now, the tattoos are more aesthetic, moons and stars and obscure shapes fill the screen as he scrolls through.

“Hm…” Sanemi clicks on a few, but exits again because he can’t imagine any of them on him. “What kinda thing would suit me?”

“A rabid wolf.” Genya smiles, earning a pillow to the face. He laughs, doshinf it just barely. “Kidding, kidding!”

“Take this seriously, will ya? Tattoos are forever.”

“What’s with the sudden interest in one?.

“Giyuu suggested it.” Sanemi shrugs, clicking on one of a crescent moon. “So I’ve been thinking about going to get one in a few days.”

“Hm…what about a flower or something?” Genya suggests, resting his head on a hand. “You could get something that reminds you of yourself.

“Eh, that’ll make me a part of this weird trend going around with these teens.” He sniffs. “…but a flower wouldn’t be a bad idea.”

“Yeah, but which one?”

“Hm…” Sanemi scrolls through a few pictures he has on his phone (for posting on their account) and stops at a selfie they took a few weeks ago when they were visiting their family. He and their mother are closest to the camera. She’s smiling shyly, an arm on his shoulder. Behind them, at their kitchen table, are the rest of his siblings, who are all still eating breakfast. The youngest ones are holding up peace signs, flashing bright smiles at the camera. The others are simply waving. Genya looks caught off guard, a spoon still in his mouth as he holds up a thumbs up.

Sanemi smiles, an idea hitting him.

“I’m gonna get a few of ‘em. Ones that remind me of you guys.” He says, thinking for a moment. “Hm…I’m thinking tulips for Sumi and Koto…spring crocus for Teiko, Hiroshi and Shuya…carnations for ma, duh.” He then turns to an anxiously waiting Genya. “And amaryllis for you.”

At this, Genya’s smile softens and looks down at his hands. “Pride? In me?”

“Nah, it’s ‘cause you’re always blushing.” Sanemi cackles as Genya’s jaw drops in indignation. “Kidding, dumbass.”

“We were having a moment!” He grumbles, tossing the pillow that was previously thrown at him back to Sanemi, who catches it easily.

“It’s your fault you’re so easy to mess with.” He laughs, setting it aside.

“Am not!” 

“Are too.” He sticks his tongue out Genya, he scoffs and folds his legs again.

“Whatever, you don’t know what you’re talking about.” He says irritably, laying back again. “Where will you get them anyway?”

“Hm…dunno. Gotta think about that. Plus, I might get a few more…” He hums, shutting his phone off. “But I think I might go get one in a couple of days and Tanjirou at the register. Kid’s got a knack for helping out, I should give him a raise.”

“I’ve been working here for years and you haven’t given me a raise!” Genya gasps, offended.

“Because I’m putting money into your college fund, idiot. Don’t think I’m letting ya work here forever.”

“Come on, Aniki.”

“I’m not changing my mind, ya little runt.” He rolls his eyes, tucking his hands behind his head. “You’re completing your education.”

“Can I at least get a tattoo?”

“You’re sixteen, you little shit.”

“A piercing, then.”

“Over my dead body.”

With that, they argue well into the night until he pushes Genya into his own room. Later that night, a thought hits him as he collapses on his bed and he whips out his phone, sending a single message to Giyuu.

 I chose.

_________________

“Kamado.”

Tanjirou books it towards him from where he’s watering a few plants. “Yes sir?

“I’m headed across the street for an hour or so.” Sanemi explains. “So I’ll need ya to man the counter.”

“Aye aye!” The kid salutes, dutifully joining him at the register. 

“Good. If Genya asks, tell him I’m getting a tattoo.”

Tanjirou brightens. “Ooh, really? What kind?”

“Mind your own business, runt.” He slaps the back of his head, making his way to the door, but the kid is unfazed.

“See you, Shinazugawa-san!”

“See ya.” He grumbles back.

And with that, he’s out the door, walking across the street to the parlour and swinging the blacked out glass door open. The first thing that hits him is the smell of leather, strong and comforting at the same time. 

The room itself is darker than he anticipated, taking a moment to adjust. When his sight finally clears, he finds that the place is pretty classy. The floors are dark wood and walls a craggly grey. There are a few sofas at the edge of the room in front of a coffee table, where a few magazines are scattered. Next to the door, however, is a large black desk.

The woman who’s standing at it just stares at him expectantly as he approaches. She has short, dark hair that’s purple at the tips and tied back with a large butterfly clip. Her eyes, however round and gentle, almost seem to bore into his skin as he approaches.

“Hi there.” He begins somewhat awkwardly, trying to maintain eye contact. “Um, I don’t really have an appointment, but a friend-”

“You’re Sanemi, I’m guessing.” Her voice is just as sweet as her smile…yet just as eerie. “Tomioka-san said we should be expecting you. He is currently at an appointment, however. Do you mind waiting?”

“Not really.” He says, looking up at the clock. Yeah, he has time.

“You work across the street, right?” She hums conversationally, propping an arm on the desk. He nods.

“Yeah, it's a pretty old shop, so we’ve been here a while.”

“I’ve heard.” What’s that supposed to mean? “Tomioka-san visits a lot. I'm not sure if you know me, but my name is Shinobu.”

He takes the hand she sticks out to shake, face clearing up with realisation. “Ah, so you’re the gal who always drags him to bars on the weekends.”

Shinobu smiles, rolling her eyes. “He’s such a pain at parties, but you have to take him out for a walk every now and then, you know?”

“Shinobu, when did you get a dog?” A voice cuts across their conversation. From the adjacent hall, a man walks in. He’s wearing dark clothes similar to Giyuu’s, but his look more comfortable. His hair is an odd shade of pink too, but it suits him, in a way. He looks at Sanemi questioningly as he approaches.

“My, my, there’s no need to talk about our dear Giyuu like that.” She laughs, beckoning him over. “This is Sanemi.”

She shoots the man a significant look and he raises his brows, whipping his head back to meet his eyes. What the fuck is going on here?

“Oh, so you’re the Sanemi our dear friend doesn’t stop talking about.” He smiles, leaning against the desk. “I’m Sabito. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Yeah.” He says doubtfully, looking down the hall again as Shinobu speaks again.

“Apparently, Giyuu’s told him about us.” She nudges the taller man, who’s smile turns a little more mischievous.

“Oh, really? What does he say about us?”

Sanemi thinks for a moment, burying his hands in his pockets. “Hm, well he just calls Shinobu a little shit most of the time.” The woman cackles at this. “And he says he owes you a lot, plus you used to buy him food all the time, so he legally can’t leave you.”

“Guilt tripping, it always works wonders.” He laughs, idly picking at his nails when the tone of the conversation shifts slightly. “So what do you think of Giyuu?”

Well that’s an odd question. “He’s nice, I guess. Definitely really fun to have around, especially if you’re walking home later at night. Shit taste in ramen, though.”

“Agreed.” Shinobu cringes, nodding solemnly before leaning in. “Between you and me, though. He never really tries keeping friends who aren’t us. So you must be really special to him.

Sanemi looks away, abashed. Special, huh? “Nah, it mostly started out as a business deal. I would give him a flower and he’d bring the sketch to me.”

“The sketch? Like, his drawing?” Sabito asks, suddenly interested. Sanemi nods. “That’s odd. He doesn’t even let us see his sketches. He says they’re all messy.”

This sends his mind racing. It- no, it couldn’t be. He would’ve noticed if Giyuu liked him. And showing him his drawings isn’t a done deal way of knowing he may like him back. Exactly. Calm down.

“Sanemi, you’re here.” Sanemi’s heart races a little faster upon hearing Giyuu’s voice. He walks over with a younger man by his side, who’s clutching his arm loosely. He nods at the group and exits, leaving the four of them together. Sanemi looks at Giyuu, smiling easily despite the way his stomach is all twisted.

Giyuu looks between the three of them for a moment, narrowing his eyes. “You idiots better not be embarrassing me.”

“No, of course not.” Shinobu smiles sweetly, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “There’s absolutely nothing embarrassing about you.”

“I know what you’re doing.” He reaches over the desk and flicks her forehead before grabbing Sanemi’s arm. “Come on, let’s go.”

“Keep the door open when you have a boy in your room!” Sabito calls, accompanied by a fit of laughter. Giyuu turns around and flips him off, ears turning bright red.

“Sorry about them, they’re really just annoying siblings to me.”

Sanemi laughs. “Don’t I know it. I gotta start being nicer to Genya.”

Giyuu takes them to the end of the hall and inside a room, shutting- and locking- the door behind him.

The office resembles that of a dentist’s. There’s a large leather bench in the middle of the room. Next to it, a cart of different tools is present and in the corner, there’s a dark sofa that marches the chair. It’s pretty intimidating, overall.

Giyuu walks over to the bench, patting the seat next to him as he does. Sanemi chuckles, following suit and sinking down.

“Hi.” Giyuu smiles, cheerfully adorable. 

“Hey.” He pokes his arm and they chuckle for a moment.

“Come on.” Giyuu says, a hand on his shoulder. “Tell me what you chose. What design?”

“Flowers.” Sanemi says easily, whipping out his phone to show him the ones he wants. Giyuu’s eyes widen slightly as he scrolls through the images.

“Really, now?” He hums, reaching for the small tattoo gun. “Why these?”

“Each of ‘em symbolises someone important in my life.” Sanemi explains, showing him each one, closing in on his side as he speaks, a little quietly. “Tulips mean happiness, spring crocus means strength and amaryllis means pride. So those are for my siblings. Carnations mean a mother’s love, so those are for her. Eastern arborvitae for my best friend since they mean everlasting friendship and the fucker’s always stuck with me. And finally, black dahlia. It’s a pretty shit one, meaning betrayal but it symbolises my father. That piece of shit was important enough.”

“Are you sure you want a reminder of him on your skin?” Giyuu rests a hand on his shoulder, fixing him with concern.

“Yeah. It’s not like it hurts me anymore. But tattoos are like scars, right? Even if you hate ‘em, it means you went through something and got out of it.”

“Yeah.” The raven-haired man smiles, standing and letting Sanemi rest his back against the chair. “Where do you want them?”

“I’m thinking here.” Sanemi gently tugs at the collar of his shirt, pointing just below his collarbones. The idea came to him last night. “In a sort of pattern.”

“Yeah I understand.” Giyuu nods, opening up a glass pot of ink. Then, he turns away, blushing slightly. “You’ll, uh- you’ll need to take of your shirt.”

“Oh.” Ah shit. He’s going to have to sit around for an hour shirtless. And in front of Giyuu at that. “Oh, okay.”

Sanemi awkwardly grabs the hem of his shirt, slowly pulling it over his head and, since he’s not an animal, folding it and putting it into the side. When he looks up, Giyuu quickly snaps his head back, ears furiously red.

Oh.

Oh.

Oh shit.

“So, how are we…doing this?” Sanemi asks, sitting back again as Giyuu approaches, pointedly keeping his eyes on his gun. 

“Well, since this is your chest area, I have to sit in front of you on a stool.” He says, taking a seat. “Usually, I use it to keep my distance but-”

“But it’s not that weird if you and I are friends?” Sanemi finishes, leaning forward. “Alright. Tell me how to sit.”

“This is fine.” Giyuu says, flushing again. He reaches forward, fingers brushing over the skin that needs to be tattooed. His eyes are locked on the large scars that make a cross over his chest. Sanemi shivers at the feeling. Even if he’s wearing gloves, his soft touch sends electricity through his skin. 

Giyuu stays still, pressing the skin for a moment before shuffling closer until they’re almost nose to nose. When he dips his head down, his hair brushes against his chin, a sensation that’s innocent as it is…perfect. He wants to get used to it.

“Is this okay?” Giyuu asks breathily and he’ll be damned if that question didn’t take his mind right to the gutter. Sanemi clears his throat, nodding. 

“Yeah.”

“This’ll hurt, alright?”

“I can take it.” Sanemi scoffs as Giyuu rises again, dipping the pen in the pot and leaning in, pressing the needle to his skin.

He hisses sharply, gripping his thigh a little tighter at the first stroke. Giyuu chuckles, giving him a moment before starting again, for longer this time.

“You can talk, if you want.” Giyuu says while he works.

“If I open my mouth for too long, I might make a noise I’m not proud of.” They burst laughter, Giyuu rolling his eyes and starting again, a little gentler this time.

It turns out, it gets easier with every stroke. Sometimes, he doesn’t even feel Giyuu moving. Well, that’s mostly because he’s too busy focusing on the hand on his shoulder, or the one on his thigh, or, for a second, on his abdomen. Giyuu doesn’t seem to notice, though, too fixated on the task at hand. Oh god, he’s not making it out of this.

Sure enough, about an hour later, Sanemi’s a mess, gritting his teeth through the pain as Giyuu finally finishes, pulling back with a sigh.

“There.” He smiles pushing his hair off of his face. “You can walk over to the mirror and see.”

“Yeah, yeah, lemme recover from you fucking me up with a needle first.” Sanemi grumbles irritably, laying against the backrest to catch his breath and tipping his head back. Giyuu watches him for a moment, eyes almost glazed over as he stares.

“Hello?” Sanemi raises a brow, snapping him out of his thoughts. Giyuu shakes his head, clearing his throat as he looks away.

“Sorry, I zoned out.” He says hurriedly, massaging his own shoulders. “C’mon, go check them. I need to see your reaction.”

Sanemi nods, walking over to the wall and checking his appearance. His skin is still red and- embarrassingly enough- so is his face. That’s not what he’s focusing on, though. There are six tattoos inked across the width of his shoulders. Small, but not too much so. Each is beautiful and detailed, as if it’s etched deep into his skin like it could’ve been there his whole life. He runs a hand under them, noting how they don’t touch the area anywhere near his scars.

“Giyuu.” He breathes, looking back at the other man, who’s staring at them too, fixated almost. He snaps his up to meet Sanemi’s as he approaches again, faint pink dusted across his cheeks. “You’re amazing.”

Giyuu’s eyes fucking sparkle at this and he looks down, abashed. “It’s my job. I get payed to-”

“But I didn’t pay you for this and you still put so much into this.” He cuts across him, taking a seat. “Thanks.”

“Yeah, whatever.” He smiles, rolling his eyes. “So now you’ll be getting more tattoos, right?”

“I suppose.” He shrugs, to which Giyuu brightens.

“And you won’t pay for those either.”

“Nope. I’m definitely paying.” He shakes his head indifferently. “Besides, thanks to you, the shop’s making a shit ton of money, so I can blow some of it on myself.”

“That sounds good.” He laughs, nudging him slightly. “You need to moisturise that, by the way. I’ll send you a tattoo care sheet later.”

“Ugh, seriously?” Sanemi groans, itching the area above his tattoo. “Now I gotta maintain it?”

“Please don’t tell me you don’t have a skincare.”

“I don’t have a skincare.”

“That’s why your skin’s all rough, idiot.” Giyuu smacks the back of his head. “I’m sending you a skincare routine too.”

“I’m not gonna follow it.” He grabs his hand and pushes it down, keeping it firmly on the seat.

“Yes you will.” Giyuu hums, pulling out his phone with his free one. “Your skin will be glowing in a week.”

“Lovely.” He gripes, pulling a face and looking back at his reflection.

“You have a few too, right?” The question pulls itself out of his thoughts before he can stop it. Giyuu snaps his head back to him, tilting his head in confusion. 

“A few what?”

“Your…tattoos.” Sanemi shuffles closer, just slightly, testing the waters. Giyuu notices but doesn’t react, flushing as he tucks a strand of hair behind his ear.

“They’re nothing special, don’t worry.” He smiles, playing with their still interconnected hands, an action that makes his heart jump. “I got them a long time ago too, so they need to be touched up.”

“I wanna see ‘em.” Sanemi insists, but then backtracks, raising his free hand up. “Uh, only if you want to- like, if you’re uncomfortable, you don’t-”

“It’s okay, Sanemi.” The raven haired man chuckles quietly, squeezing his fingers as he does. “I’m not uncomfortable around you.”

And with that, Giyuu slowly begins unbuttoning his shirt, revealing the large pattern inked onto his skin. Every sliver of his pale skin is a new sensation that sends a shiver through him. By the time Giyuu finally slips his shirt over his shoulders and turns to face him, Sanemi knows he’s completely red.

Wow, he’s gorgeous. What with how the dark ink clashes against his bare skin, it’s breathtaking. Sanemi finds himself trailing his eyes all the way up and down over his bare torso, taking in his lean build. He wants to reach over- he wants to touch him, but he resists.

Over Giyuu’s chest is the tattoo he saw a peek of on his first day here.

It isn’t really a single piece, but more of a large combination of different smaller tattoos put together, branching out from just below his chest, which is etched with thin black lines. Looking closer, the inside of the lines looks rougher than the rest of his pale skin almost like-

Oh.

They’re scars.

Sanemi snaps his eyes up to meet Giyuu’s, but he’s looking away deliberately, gripping the seat tightly as he speaks.

“I understand if they make you…uncomfortable.” He swallows, gaze still fixed ahead of him. A piece of Sanemi’s heart shatters just hearing that. Does he think it’s okay to feel that way?

“Can I?” He hovers a hand over the marks, looking at him questioningly. Hesitantly, Giyuu looks back at him, lips pursed anxiously as he nods.

That’s all it takes for Sanemi to brush his fingers over one of the faded marks. Giyuu shivers slightly at the touch but doesn’t move away. After a moment, he begins tracing over it carefully with his index finger, admiring the way the pearly skin still has some roughness left over.

“Giyuu.” He whispers, turning and resting a knee on the sofa so they’re face to face as he leans in. Sanemi finds himself cupping his cheek as he speaks. “They’re beautiful.”

“You don’t have to say that.” He hushes back, raising his hand to meet Sanemi’s own and leaning into it.

“But I want to.” He challenges, looking back down at the scars as he traces them. “I really like the way they look on you.”

“Sanemi, you shouldn’t say things like that.” Giyuu looks away again, positively flustered now. Sanemi just smirks.

“Why not?” He tilts his head playfully. “Want me to stop?”

“No, I just-”

“Just what?”

“I just need you to kiss me and get over this whole dancing around each other bit already!” Giyuu finally snaps, grabbing his shoulders and pulling him in until their face to face. “Kiss me already, Sanemi.”

Oh fuck. Giyuu looks like pure fucking temptation like this with his hooded eyes that practically scream desire. His breath fans over his face and Sanemi can’t find the will to resist anymore, pulling him in by his pretty little waist and meeting his lips.

Giyuu practically melts against him, exhaling into the kiss before he shuffles on top of Sanemi’s lap. He takes one of his piercings between his teeth, tugging lightly and bringing out a gasp from the other man. He smirks, sliding his tongue past his lips and drags it slowly over the roof of his mouth.

“Slow down, will you?” Giyuu snarks, panting when they pull apart. “I’ve been imagining this in my head for months, you can’t just give me all that time’s worth of kisses in one sitting.”

“I’ve been imagining it too, asshole. Gimme a break.” Sanemi rolls his eyes, gently pressing his lips to his cheek. Giyuu clicks his tongue irritably, grabbing his face and pulling him away to meet his lips again. Sanemi hums, wrapping his arms around him and pressing their chests together, but still being cautious of his own fresh tattoo.

“Hey.” Giyuu pulls away, hands on either side of his arms. “Can I do something?”

“Go ahead, baby.” Giyuu flushes at the nickname, but nods, slowly lowering his head and pushing Sanemi back gently, leaving his to prop himself back on his hands as he begins pressing a kiss to his collarbone, right above the tattoo. Then another right next to it, and another right next to that. Slowly, Giyuu peppers kisses all along the width of his shoulders, smiling against his skin as he does and rendering Sanemi fucking speechless.

When he lifts his head up, his eyes are shining with warmth as he smiles at Sanemi. 

God, he’s in love. 

In love with tattoos and pale skin and dorky rants about ramen flavours and pretty flower sketches and Tomioka fucking Giyuu.

“And what was that for, hm?” Sanemi smiles softly, pressing a kiss to his forehead.

“I’ve been wanting to do that for a while.” He confesses, flushing all the way down his neck. God, that’s so cute.

“My turn.” Sanemi lifts his hand up, gently pressing kisses over his knuckles, then to his palm and up his wrist is a slow pattern. Giyuu’s skin is soft against his lips and pleasantly warm. Sanemi shuts his eyes as he moves up his arm to the crook of his perfect neck. Hands find their way to his thighs as he does and squeeze gently. 

Then suddenly, there’s a knock and they jump apart.

“Tomioka-san?” Shinobu's voice comes in cautiously. 

Shit. Giyuu’s eyes widen as he scrambles for his shirt and Sanemi does so too. “Uh- yes?”

“May I come in?” They look at each other for a moment, stopping every movement but then realising they’re wasting time and turning away again. 

“No…?” Giyuu fumbles with his button as he speaks.

“Oh, shit, alright then.” There’s a tinkle of laughter and Giyuu rolls his eyes, blushing furiously. “Um, your next appointment is here.”

“Shit, has it been an hour already?” He whispers, grabbing his phone and checking the time. His eyes widen and he pockets it quickly.

“Just give us a minute.” He buttons his shirt again hurriedly.

“Take five.” Shinobu hums, her footsteps receding slowly. Sanemi lights quietly as he pulls his shirt on, watching Giyuu panic.

“And what the fuck are you laughing at?” He hisses, punching his arm. Sanemi just laughs harder, pushing him back gently to help him with his shirt.

“You’re so cute when ya act like a stressed mother.” He chuckles, undoing the wrongly buttoned shirt and starting again. “Relax. No one’s gonna die if you’re five minutes late.”

“We almost fucked in my workplace. That’s a little stressful, you know.” He says indignantly.

“Hey, I wasn’t gonna fuck ya until we had a people date.” Sanemi scowls, pinching his cheek and softens, pressing a kiss to his forehead. “I really like you, Giyuu. I’ve liked you since you walked into my shop in that adorable white sweater.” He tilts his chin up, bringing their lips together gently. “You’ve been on my mind all the time since then.”

“I’ve liked you since we made that deal.” Giyuu smiles against his lips, tangling their fingers again. “God, but when I saw you in that suit, I knew it wasn’t just a crush.”

“Aww, you really liked seeing me all dressed up?” Sanemi asks playfully, wrapping his arms around his waist for a moment and pecking his cheek a final time. “I gotta go now. Come to the store at closing time, ‘kay?”

“I already do that anyway.” Giyuu rolls his eyes, pulling away slowly. “Bye.”

Sanemi walks over to the door, turning back and shooting him a wink. “See ya.”

With that, he leaves the room, walking back to the door and shooting Sabito and Shinobu a thumbs up, which they return with a nod, high fiving each other as he exits.

The florist, thankfully, hadn’t burned down. Sanemi cautiously swings the door open, stepping inside.

“How’d it go?” Genya asks when he walks in, sitting on the floor in the corner of the shop, scrolling through his phone.

“Did it hurt?” Tanjirou counters, rushing over.

“Where is it?”

“Can we see?”

“Did you kiss?” At this, both Sanemi and Tanjirou turn to look at Genya, who shrugs. “It’s a valid question.”

Tanjirou then looks back at Sanemi, whispering as he speaks. “Did you kiss?”

Sanemi lets out a long drawn out sigh, tipping his head back and shutting his eyes. “Yes.”

The two boys gasps, whipping their heads to look at each other before smiling at Sanemi.

“We’re going to be brothers!” Tanjirou pulls Genya into a hug, who chokes on the pressure around his neck.

“You and Tomioka-san aren’t even related!” He gasps, pulling him off irritably.

“We’re so close, we could actually be brothers!”

“No one’s getting married yet, idiots.” Sanemi scowls, smacking their heads. “We just got together.”

“Congrats, Aniki.” Genya smiles, folding his hands behind his back. “Although, I totally knew that from the first day.”

“Uh huh. Sure.” Sanemi rolls his eyes even though he knows he’s right. “How was business while I was gone?”

“Love is in the air, Shinazugawa-san.” Tanjirou hums, clamping his hands together. Now it’s Genya’s turn to roll his eyes.

“Mui dropped by to say hello.” He explains, to which Sanemi chuckles.

“Did he forget his board here?”

“…yes.” Genya solemnly points to a bright blue skateboard that’s propped back where he was sitting. Sanemi laughs, ruffling his hair. “Get back to work, both of you.”

“Sir, yes sir!” Tanjirou pipes up, shooting him a salute and rushing towards the display. Genya smiles at him one last time before making his way back to the green room.

_________________

“Hey there.” Giyuu walks in a few hours later, right before closing time. Sanemi looks up from where he’s writing down a few preorders.

“Hi. You’re early.” He smiles, setting his pen down and walking over to pull him into his arms. “Not that I’m complaining.”

“Sabito let me go early because I have “business to attend to”, whatever that means.” He huffs, pressing a kiss to Sanemi’s cheek. “How’s everything here?

“Better now that you’re here.” He smiles before realising what he just said. “Oh, ew. What’s happening to me?”

“You’re so lame.” Giyuu teases, pressing his cheek against his chest and pulling him into a hug. Sanemi smiles, wrapping his arms around him and stroking his hair.

“I let the kids off early.” He says, mumbling into his hair. “Gave ‘em some money to get ice cream too, so they’re occupied.”

“Sounds good.” He laughs as Sanemi draws away, walking over to the counter.

“I actually have something for you too.” He reaches under the desk and pulls out a small pot with only a few flowers in it. He picks one gently, bringing it to Giyuu. “This is a Pansy.”

He holds up the flower, which is a rich, dark purple in the centre and bright yellow at the tips. “Do you know what it means?”

He shakes his head quietly and Sanemi leans in closer.

“Pansies can mean remembering someone who has gone and mourning for them.” He explains, taking one of Giyuu’s hands. “Or, it could mean “you occupy my thoughts”, something you’ve been doing for so fucking long.”

Giyuu’s eyes soften as he brings the flower up to his face and gently tucks it behind Giyuu’s ear. “I’m not really good at romance and shit but I really want to do this with you. So, Tomioka Giyuu, will you go on a date with me?”

“I- uh, sure,I guess.” He blushes, adjusting the flower. The dark purple almost blends into his hair but the yellow tips clash with it perfectly. “Gosh, are you sure you aren’t good at romance? Because I feel very swept off my feet.”

“Good to hear, but no.” Sanemi holds his face in his hands, pressing a kiss to his forehead. “You’re one of my first, so ya need to tell me how to do things.”

“Well, uh, I haven’t dated much either.” He confesses, looking away. “But I do know that we should go on a date now…”

He lets go of his face and takes his hand again. “Where to?”

Giyuu hums thoughtfully, tangling their fingers together. “Can we just…walk?”

“To my place?” Sanemi asks. “I got ramen that doesn’t taste like shit.”

“You have pathetic taste.” He deadpans, rolling his eyes as they exit the shop and waits for Sanemi to lock the place up.

“We could watch a movie too.” He looks down at Giyuu, who’s illuminated by the faint orange of the sunset.

“Sounds good.” He smiles as they begin walking. 

He can’t bring himself to look away from Giyuu, though. Not him, nor his pretty eyes or his carefree smile. So, for the entire walk, Sanemi watches Giyuu. He rolls his eyes when he catches him staring and he watches him take his hand and wrap it around his own shoulder.

God he’s so, so in love with this man.

“Hey.” Giyuu whispers, resting his head on his shoulder. “I really like you.”

“Same.” Sanemi bushes back, playing along with a laugh. “I really like you too.”

Chapter Text

“Thank you, kind sir!” The fiery haired man across the counter flashes him a blinding smile, gently grabbing the bouquet from Sanemi’s hands.

“Any time.” Sanemi mumbles, but what he really means is “If you ever come back here and demand a bouquet with every flower we have because “they’re all so lovely!”, I'll shove it so far up your ass, you won’t be able to walk for at least a month.”

Tanjirou let’s out a sigh as the man walks off with a nod, babbling on about his brother’s graduation like he has for fifteen fucking minutes. Sanemi shakes his head sympathetically at the boy’s state.

“Nice guy. Shit taste in bouquets.” He hums, storing the cash in the store’s register. Tanjirou pockets his clippers in his apron, leaning against the wall behind the counter.

“I don’t know, he made a fair point. All flowers are beautiful.” He smiles, wiping the sweat from his forehead. 

“Well you’re not getting your own ugly ass bouquet, so don’t even think about it.” Sanemi shuts him down hurriedly, flicking his forehead. The summer heat has been affecting plants and humans alike. Leaving his beautiful flowers dehydrated if they’re not watered every fifteen minutes and his employees exhausted until he buys them ice lollies.

As if on cue, Genya stalks out of the place’s new green room, which is practically a whole other world compared to the main shop. The construction took almost six months and, when it was finally done, his little brother looked positively ecstatic at the increase in space.

Now, however, he looks less enthusiastic. It makes sense: thanks to the plants, his space is hot and humid.

“How are we holding up?” Sanemi raises a brow at Genya, who shakes his head, panting.

“We’re holding, at least.” He sighs, taking a seat on the floor next to Tanjirou, tipping his head back and resting it against the wall. “Peonies look great, though.”

“Wish I could say the same for your sweaty ass.” Sanemi teases, tapping Genya’s knee with a foot as he reaches into the register again. He makes an offended noise, but stops short as a small wad of cash is thrown in his lap.

“Four orange ice pops.” He orders, looking down at him. “You need some fresh air. And take Kamado with you.”

“Yes, sir.” Tanjirou helps Genya up with a hand, marching over to the door when he rises. Genya nods at Sanemi as they head out the door, offering him a smile.

Sanemi returns it, sighing once they leave and fanning his face with a hand. Fuck, it’s hot. The summer has literally just hit its peak and they’re already dying in the heat. 

He lets out a puff of air again, undoing the highest button of his shirt that’s been closed for way too fucking long.

“Wow, already getting undressed and I’m barely through the door.” Sanemi whips his head towards the entrance at the voice. Sure enough, Giyuu’s standing at the doorway, smiling teasingly as he approaches. He didn’t even hear the door because of how distracted he is.

“Don’t get too excited, dumbass. The sun hasn’t even set yet.” He rolls his eyes, but meets him halfway anyway, wrapping his arms around his waist when he reaches him and pecking his cheek.

This is his favourite part of any work day: Giyuu visiting the shop during his breaks just for a quick kiss or a hello. God, they’ve been together for almost a year and the sight of this gorgeous fucker still makes him smile like an idiot.

Sanemi trails kisses down the fine cut of his jaw, mumbling against the skin as he does. “Didn’t get to see ya this morning. Early shift?”

“Mhm.” Giyuu pulls away, exhaling loudly and looking around the shop. “I was gonna text you, but there was a customer waiting outside the shop way before we opened, so that kind of distracted me.”

“Don’t worry about it.” He sighs, wiping the sweat from his forehead when a thought hits him. “How come you’re not huffing and puffing like the rest of us, hm?”

“Oh, the parlour has air conditioning.” Giyuu shrugs, picking at his nails. Sanemi scoffs, smacking the back of his head. “Ow, what the fuck?”

“Because your fancy shmancy place has air conditioning while the rest of us are fucking dying.” He replies, smacking him again.

“Hey, stop that!” Giyuu ducks away from him and grabs a spray bottle from one of the shelves, squirting the water at Sanemi as he lifts a hand in front of his own face.

“Using my own tools against me?” Sanemi laughs maniacally, trying to make a grab for it. “You really know how to play dirty, Tomioka.”

“And you know how to be a petty bitch, Shinazugawa. So we’re even, aren’t we?” He laughs, hiding it behind his back. 

Sanemi curses under his breath, grabbing Giyuu’s shoulders. That action has his lover falling forward into his chest with a yelp. Sanemi grabs the spritzer, supporting his weight as they fall to the ground in a fit of laughter.

“You piece of shit!” Giyuu laughs breathlessly, trying to grab the bottle again, but Sanemi sticks his hand up in the air, keeping it out of his reach as he chuckles. “Give that back.”

“Hell, no.” He cackles, throwing it to the corner of the room. Giyuu grumbles at that, but doesn’t make an effort to get it back, panting as he presses his face to Sanemi’s chest again.

“Damn, you were right about this heat.” He sighs, pushing his hair off of his face. Sanemi smiles, leaning back so they’re both laying on the floor. It’s a lot colder than the rest of the shop and clean too because of how often Tanjirou  rooms over it.

“Better?” He asks, carding his fingers through his dark hair. Giyuu smiles, fluttering his eyes shut.

“Yeah…but someone could walk in, you know.” He hums, looking up at him. Giyuu’s eyes are shining in the lights of the shop, the vivid blue deeper than the ocean itself. He wants to drown in them.

God, love is so fucking stupid and addicting. It’s frustrating how it makes him melt for this man and sickening how it makes him want to give up everything for him. It makes him feel so fucking weak. So foolish…and he doesn’t want it to end. Ever.

“Don’t care.” He says now, lifting a hand up to rest his head on it. “They can fuck off if it’s so weird to them.”

Giyuu laughs, lifting himself up on a hand and hovering his face over his own. “Hi.” He giggles.

“Hi, idiot.” Sanemi rolls his eyes, grabbing the collar of his shirt and pulling him down to meet his lips. Giyuu smiles against him, cupping a hand over his cheek as he does. 

The bell of the shop rings and they hurriedly pull away to find Tanjirou and Genya at the door.

“Awww…” They coo in unison, an ice pop on each of their hands. Sanemi scowls as Giyuu blushes, slipping his hand off his chest but he grabs him before he can stand. 

“You better have gotten those ice pops, Kamado.” Tanjirou nods at this, tossing one to him and another to Giyuu. Genya walks past them, laying in the corner of the shop with a sigh as his cheek presses against the cool tiles.

Giyuu smiles bashfully as he looks down at his ice pop. “You got one for me too?”

Sanemi nods, pecking his cheek as he begins unwrapping his own. “Knew you’d show up at some point.”

Giyuu smiles again, doing the same and laying back down, facing the roof this time. Tanjirou joins Genya, offering him a smile as he leans against the adjacent wall, licking his own popsicle.

Sanemi closes his eyes as he stares at the ceiling lights, thoughts swirling. One particularly strong one makes its way to the front of his mind. He can feel Giyuu’s gaze on him, he can always tell when he’s thinking about something.

“Giyuu?” Sanemi finally asks into the peaceful silence of the shop. 

“Yeah?”

“Mind making an appointment for me tomorrow?” He finally turns to meet his eyes, tucking a strand of hair behind his ear and pecking his cheek.

“At the parlour?” Giyuu’s eyes shine and he smiles. God, he’d give anything to see that excited look all the time. “Sure.”

“Thanks, baby.” He smiles, kissing his forehead now. Giyuu returns it with a small laugh.

“I wonder what it is this time.” He hums thoughtfully.

“It’s not that surprising.” Sanemi rolls his eyes, looking back up. “Finish that up and get to work, will ya? Can’t have a deadbeat in my shop.”

“I love you too, dumbass.”

(“Wow, Genya. They’re so in love.”

“Shut up and let them have a moment, dumbass.”)

_________________

The next day, Sanemi decides to go to the parlour an hour before closing time. The place is empty, save for Shinobu, who’s scrolling through her phone when he walks in.

“Shinazugawa!” She smiles pleasantly, setting it down. “You’re right on time for your appointment. Giyuu’s just in his office, so go right ahead.”

“Thanks.” He nods, walking past but she grabs his arm, stopping him.

“You’re not, like, proposing are you?” Shinobu asks, eyes wide.

“What? No.” He scoffs, flushing slightly. “We’ve only been dating for a few months, damn.”

“Just making sure, jeez.” She laughs teasingly, clasping her hands together. “Please don’t fuck in there, though.”

“I’ve told you, we weren’t fucking last time.”

“Sure, sure.” She rolls her eyes, waving him off. “Go, go. I’ll knock on the door in exactly an hour, so keep it in your pants, alright?”

Sanemi scowls, marching to the end of the hall and to the door he walked through all those months ago. Truthfully, he doesn’t know how time went by so fast. 

Months? He’s spent actual months with Giyuu? He’s been waking up next to his peaceful sleeping figure, eating waffles at 3:00 am with him, dancing in the rain to a playlist Giyuu made just for the occasion, letting him kiss the scars on his body while they lay in bed, unable to fall asleep…for months.

God, he could’ve spent an eternity with this man and not even notice.

And that’s what makes this tattoo worth it.

“Hey.” Giyuu looks up from where he’s dipping his small gun in an ink pot. He smiles, setting it down and making his way over to him.

“Hey.” He hums, pressing a kiss to his cheek as he steps behind him, hands on his shoulders as he guides Sanemi to the chair in the middle of the room. “Jeez I just got here, slow down.”

“I wanna see what you picked.” Giyuu urges him, pushing him onto the seat. 

“It’s another flower.” He grumbles setting himself until he’s leaning against the backrest. Giyuu smiles, sitting on the other end of the chair as Sanemi begins pulling his shirt off, revealing the tattoo he got last winter.

The flowers are as vibrant as they were that time, etched onto his skin delicately yet firmly. They haven’t even begun fading yet. (Yes, it’s because of the tattoo care routine Giyuu gave him. No, he will never admit it).

“I did a good job with these.” Giyuu leans forward, brushing his fingers over the tattoos adoringly before dipping his head to press kisses all over them.

“Hey, focus.” Sanemi blushes, but gently smacks his head. Giyuu pulls away almost reluctantly, pouting slightly. “Don’t be a baby, I’m about to get real romantic here.”

“Oh?”

“Shut up and listen.” Sanemi scowls as he sits up, pulling him onto his lap. Giyuu’s eyes widen, but he doesn’t say anything. “Do ya remember the day I first came here? The day we got together?”

Ocean blue eyes soften. “Of course.”

“And do ya remember the flower I gave you that night?”

A nod. “A pansy.”

“And do ya remember what it means?”

“Is this an appointment or a quiz show-”

“Answer the damn question.” Sanemi snaps, pinching his cheek.

“It means “you occupy my thoughts”.” Giyuu sighs, tangling their fingers together. “Happy?”

“Ecstatic.” He deadpans, bringing his hand up and peppers kisses all over his knuckles. “Now, I want you to tattoo one of those onto me.”

Giyuu freezes. “Huh?”

“All these tattoos I got symbolise someone who’s been important in my life. They all mean something to me, positive or negative. You, obviously, are 

positive. I’ve been thinking…and I really want one for you too.”

His lover just stares back, mouth slightly agape as he looks into Sanemi’s eyes, hands on either of his shoulders. “You…want one of me?”

“Mhm. A pansy because it’s still fucking true. You still occupy my thoughts, Giyuu.” Sanemi smiles softly, leaning in and pressing their foreheads together. “You never stopped doing it. So I really want this for you.”

“What about what you said? That you don’t want-”

“-the fun of it to leave a permanent mark?” Sanemi finishes the sentence for him. “Changed my mind. I wanna have a reminder of you on my skin that won’t fade away after one night. So whaddaya say?”

“God, Sanemi.” Giyuu presses their lips together, slow and lingering as his hands move down to his collarbones instinctively. “You’re so- ugh.”

“Damn, alright. I guess we’re not-”

“Shut up, you know my answer is yes, asshole.” He smacks his head playfully, but equally as irritably. “I’m just…happy.”

“That’s a good thing, isn’t it?” Sanemi tilts his head playfully. “Come on, I’m here for a tattoo, get to work already.”

Giyuu nods, eyes still unfocused and almost sparkling as he smiles, standing up and walking over to his cart. He grabs the gun, turning it in his hand as he makes his way back to the chair.

Sanemi leans back against the headrest of the sofa, folding his legs like he did last time. “So how are we-”

But he doesn’t get to finish his sentence before his lover sinks down onto his lap, smiling softly. “Like this, if that’s okay?”

“Am I allowed to kiss you while you work?”

“No.”

“Then it’s not.” He scowls, folding his arms and looking away stubbornly. “Get off me, whore.”

“Shut up, Sanemi.” But Giyuu speaks so softly, it takes the wind out of his sails. Sanemi looks back at him and-

Oh. Oh, he's so gorgeous.

Giyuu’s smiling down at him. It’s his favourite smile of his. 

Small, meaningful, something he likes to think only he has the pleasure of seeing. It’s the smile he shoots him as he kisses the scars over his chest to wake him up. It’s the smile he tries to hold back when they’re cooking together and he burns something again. 

It’s the smile that Sanemi would die for, but more than that, he’d keep living for it. Just to see it. See him.

“I love you so much, Giyuu.” He whispers, kissing him, putting all his love, all his want into one long, passionate kiss. He parts Giyuu’s lips with his own, pushing his tongue into his mouth, desperate, aching for him to feel what he feels right now. “You’re my everything.”

“Sanemi…” And of course his lover understands. He pulls away, holding his face close as they just…stare at each other, mesmerised. “My darling Sanemi…”

Giyuu presses kisses all over his face, lips fluttering over the bridge of his nose, his forehead, his cheeks, eyelids, whatever part of it he can reach.

Is this real? Is this actually happening right now? He must’ve died in a fucking war in a past life to have deserved Giyuu. He must’ve been a fucking saint.

“Ready?” Only now does he notice that Giyuu’s been watching him for a moment, eyes filled with adoration and warmth.

“Yeah.”

The tattoo doesn’t hurt as much this time, but that’s mostly because he’s too occupied with staring at the man on his lap. Every time Giyuu lifts his gun to dip it in the pot of ink, he presses a kiss to Sanemi’s forehead. They sit in silence throughout, but there’s nothing awkward or uncomfortable about it. They both know what they’re thinking, there’s no need to break the tender moment.

Sanemi shuts his eyes at some point, letting Giyuu work in peace because he knows his lover gets nervous whenever he watches him sketch anything at all.

“There.” Giyuu hums after he’s done, reaching for the cart and grabbing a wipe. The tattoo is right at the centre of his chest, a pendant to the chain. Giyuu whips out his phone, snapping a picture and turning the screen tk Sanemi. “Take a look.”

Of course it’s perfect. Of course it looks like it could’ve been there his whole life. Of course it looks just like the one he gave to him so long ago.

“God, you’re amazing.” Sanemi sighs, putting the phone away and pulling him in close. “Thanks, baby.”

“I’m glad you like it.” Giyuu melts into his arms, pressing a kiss to Sanemi’s neck as he rests his cheek on his shoulder. He lays back, arms around Giyuu to pull him down too. Perfect.

“How much time do we have left?” Sanemi asks as he runs a hand through his hair. Giyuu tilts his head to look at the clock on the adjacent wall.

“Fifteen minutes.”

“Wanna stay here until Shinobu kicks me out?”

“Hell yeah.”

_________________

1 month later:

“Hey.” Giyuu smiles when Sanemi opens the door of his apartment. He's dressed in a soft grey crew neck and some sweats or, as he calls them, his “doing nothing in bed” clothes. 

“Hey there, gorgeous.” Sanemi holds his arms out, inviting him in for a hug, which Giyuu takes the opportunity of immediately. “You look adorable.”

“Shut up, I have a surprise for you.” Giyuu hooks his arms over his shoulder and lifts his legs up, willing Sanemi to support the weight, which he does immediately, gripping the back of his lover’s thighs as he closes the door behind them with his foot. “I was supposed to wait a week, but I couldn’t any longer.”

“Oh? What is it?” Sanemi carries them to his room, pressing a kiss to Giyuu’s cheek.

“Is Genya home?” His lover eyes the door of his brother’s room cautiously.

“Nah, he’s at his bite-sized boyfriend’s place, why?”

“Just asking.” But of course he isn’t.

Sanemi shuts the door of his room with his shoulder as he enters, placing Giyuu down on the bed gently.

“Come on, out with it. What’s this surprise of yours?”

“Okay, okay.” Giyuu sits on his knees, handling his shirt over his head hurriedly, an excited smile at his lips.

“You…want me to fuck-”

“Shut up and look.” Giyuu turns around, smiling still and-

Sanemi gasps softly at the sight.

There, just below his left shoulder. A bouquet of flowers. Flowers with a meaning each.

Arbutus, meaning “you are the only one I love”. 

Amaranth, meaning immortal love. 

Bellflower, unwavering love. 

Diphylleia, “I will show my true self to you.” 

And finally, pansy. 

“You occupy my thoughts.”

All inked over his back in a bouquet and tied together with a ribbon.

Sanemi quietly reaches over, fingers brushing over the tattoo. It’s not quite fresh. But it’s not quite old.

“Giyuu…”

“I really wanted to do this for you.” His lover looks back at him, shooting him that heart throbbing smile. “Do you like it?”

“I love it.” Sanemi pulls him in, arms around his waist as he begins pressing his lips to the tattoo, kissing each and every flower. “And I love you.”

“I love you too, my darling.”

He doesn’t believe in reincarnation. Or any higher being, really. But part of him feels like.

In any universe.

He’d find Giyuu.

Whether he’d be selling flowers, or working a boring ass job in an office, or killing demons in a fucked up world, he’d find him. And he’d love him.

Because he was born to be Giyuu’s. That, he’s sure of.