Work Text:
Atushi awoke in a cold sweat.
Breathing heavily, he ran a clammy hand through his hair and down his face. The nightmares are back, his brain provided. Yea, thanks, He thought back, sarcastically.
Shaking his head to try and clear some of the thoughts away, he slowly crept out of the closet he resides in. As quiet as he could be, he snuck around Kyouka’s sleeping form and padded towards the kitchen. His hands still felt sweaty and he felt a bit gross. Grabbing a glass of water, he glanced at the time. 4:08 AM. Great. Atsushi sighed, knowing he wouldn’t be getting any more sleep tonight.
He took note of his current state; a loose white T-shirt, black shorts that went down to his knees, slightly damp bangs, and a too-fast beating heart as a result of his nightmare. A walk might be nice. He went over to where he threw his socks and shoes. Pulling them on, he paused for a moment, thinking. Nodding to himself, he picked up his guitar case and slung it over his shoulder. Clutching the guitar pic attached to the necklace he was wearing, he headed out into the night. Beneath the moonlight, he took a deep breath of fresh air and felt the knot in his stomach begin to unclench.
***
Akutagawa never slept well. His body and always changing work schedule never allowed it. It was okay, his body was accustomed. However, that didn’t mean he was immune to exhaustion. He sighed as he awoke for the fourth time that night. Deciding to give up on sleeping, he rolled over and swung his feet off the side of the bed. He threw on some sweatpants and a jacket and decided to venture out into the dark.
After leaving his apartment building, Akutagawa used his ability to propel himself onto a rooftop. He enjoyed being up high, looking out into the night; it gave him a sense of power. Not quite paying attention to where he was headed, he ended up at the ADA side of the city. That’s when he heard it; soft guitar, flowing easily into the cool air. As he moved closer to the source, he noticed quiet singing to accompany the melody.
Akutagawa peaked over a higher building and saw him. Atsushi Nakajima, his sworn enemy and rival, in shorts and a T-shirt, playing guitar and singing. Akutagawa didn’t know what to think. He had too many questions. Why was the weretiger out this late? Since when did he play guitar? He can sing? Why is he good at it? Seeming to sense another presence in the area, the quiet playing stopped. Atsushi used his tiger hearing to pick out another person’s breathing. He turned around and locked eyes with Akutagawa immediately.
“If you’re here for a fight, can you come back tomorrow? I don’t have the energy for you right now.” He seemed too calm, Akutagawa noticed. He called upon Rashomon to bring him down to where Atsushi was.
“Nor do I,” Akutagawa sighed, sitting next to his rival.
“Then?” Atsushi prompted.
“How long have you been playing?” Akutagawa changed the subject.
“Ah, well,” He seemed bashful now. “In my orphanage, they locked me in this one closet sometimes. I decided to look around, and I found an old guitar. I taught myself to play.” Atsushi smiled sadly, looking at the stars. He strummed lightly.
Akutagawa didn't say anything to that. Instead, he asked, “Can you play something?”
Atsushi was startled and looked over at him. “For you? Right now?”
Akutagawa bristled, about to say something hostile, but Atsushi cut him off.
“Sorry, you just surprised me.” He shook his head. “‘Course, I can play something for you,” Atsushi smiled softly at him before looking down at the strings. Akutagawa thanked the stars that his blush was hidden by the dark sky.
Akutagawa noted that the melody Atsushi was now playing was different from the one before. He closed his eyes and let the cool breeze soak into his skin. Much to his surprise, Atsushi started singing. Akutagawa cracked an eye open and watched Atsushi’s lips form the words. Akutagawa’s eyes darted to Atsushi’s to find him staring right back. Atsushi smiled.
When it got quiet again, Akutagawa was desperately searching for something to say.
“You know,” Atsushi started, not looking at him. “The other day, after that mission, I knew your intentions.”
Akutagawa’s cheeks flamed. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he whispered into the air. He heard a quiet chuckle.
Suddenly, there was a hand on his face and pressure on his cheek. His eyes darted to Atsushi. When did he get so close? Akutagawa’s hand came up to his face and touched where Atsushi had kissed him. He was sure his face was bright red. Atsushi giggled next to him, breaking his trance.
“You- Why did-”
“Akutagawa.”
He shut his mouth.
“I did it because I wanted to.”
“Why?” Akutagawa whispered desperately.
Atsushi shrugged and looked away, still smiling softly.
“Despite everything, it’s just us. It’s always been us, Aku, surely you’ve realized?”
Akutagawa blushed at the nickname. Could his face get any redder?
“Well, yes, of course, but,” He paused. “Why me?” Akutagawa laughed self-deprecatingly. “I mean, I’m… and you’re… you know, you.”
That made Atsushi laugh.
“Alright, why do you think I did it then?” He asked.
“I don’t- What?” Akutagawa shook his head, trying to get the confusion out.
“Wow, I’ve never seen you this shocked. I’m glad to know I have that effect on you,” Atsushi teased.
“Shut up, stupid Jinko,” Akutagawa grumbled.
A few moments passed. Atsushi took a peak at his watch; the time read 5:15. He sighed.
“We should probably head back home. We have work in a few hours.” Akutagawa frowned.
“Do we have to?” He whispered. Atsushi smiled sadly.
“Hey,” He brightened up. “We’re work partners, you know,” Atsushi elbowed him gently. “I’ll see you on the job, partner,” He winked.
“You’re so stupid, Jinko,” Akutagawa rolled his eyes but smiled anyway.
The walk back to Atsushi’s dorm never felt so lonely. Has he ever missed Akutagawa this much? He just saw the guy for Christ’s sake! Making up his mind, he stopped in his tracks and turned around, only to find Akutagawa already standing there.
“I, um…” Akutagawa started, eyes darting every which way.
“Me too,” Atsushi laughed, walking over to him. He slung his arms around Akutagawa’s neck and kissed him for real this time. He felt arms encircle his waist.
Somewhere in the back of his mind, he was aware that they were kissing in the middle of a sidewalk, but did that really matter now? When he had Akutagawa’s lips in line with his?
Breaking away, Akutagawa whispered, “I think I’m in love with you,”
Atsushi blushed a pretty pink, and laughed. “Me too,” He grinned. “I guess we’re both pretty stupid for not realizing earlier, eh?”
“The only stupid one here is you, Jinko.” Akutagawa smiled softly.
“I’ll see you later?” Atsushi mumbled against his lips, never really wanting to break away.
“Yea,” Akutagawa breathed. Neither of them moved. A moment passed before Atsushi started laughing.
“Okay, okay, if we don’t get going now then we never will,” Atsushi actually pulled away this time. Akutagawa fought the urge to pull him back in.
“Fine,” He huffed, crossing his arms.
“Oh come on, don’t be like that,” Atsushi cupped his face with his hands and lightly squished his cheeks. Akutagawa let it happen.
Eventually, he took Atsushi’s wrists, gave them both kisses, and then his forehead, his nose, and finally his lips.
“I’ll see you later,” Akutagawa whispered before using Rashomon to hoist himself back onto a building and into the night.
Atsushi watched with hearts in his eyes.