Work Text:
On the sleepy, snow-covered countryside of Tokyo, Majima and Kiryu wearily made their way to their stay for the night. The two were out on official business, under direct orders from Daigo. For whatever reason, it was a big enough job to need one of the Tojo Clan’s legends on the job. When Kiryu took the mission, he vied to go and investigate alone, but seeing how interested Majima was to join him this time, he allowed him to come along. He figured that they didn’t get to do much together, and with Majima insistently prodding him to go on a mission someday, this seemed like the best opportunity.
After running around the eastern edge of Tokyo all day, they turned up with no info and were left freezing in the frigid December evening. It was uncharacteristically snowy for the time of year, so they walked down the barely paved sidewalk which was bordered by a short wall of snow. Trees lined the sidewalk, and the roofs of the sleeping houses collected layers of snow. Every so often, a bitter breeze would dare to blow by, kicking up whispers of the snow with the wind and making Majima wish he wore a shirt just this once under his snakeskin blazer. As they walked, they debated over what to do next and their plans for tomorrow.
Another breeze flew by that made them and the trees shiver, causing a clump of snow to dislodge and fall from the thin branches directly onto Majima. He immediately started cursing, threatening to cut the tree down and turn it into an ornamental table. Now with less sense than he already had, he began taking swings at the tree with his gloved fists. After a few heavy strikes, Kiryu grappled Majima’s arms to keep him from abusing the tree any further. Clearly, the exhaustion of the day had gotten to him. Majima shot the tree one last glare after he had brushed himself off and started running after Kiryu, who had already begun walking away.
A short walk later, they made it to the entrance of their ryokan. It was as humble and traditional as one could get, with dark wood paneled walls and tiled roofs outlined with ornamental decorations around the roof’s frames. It was humble looking— at best old-fashioned. Majima silently wished Nishida could have reserved something more upscale, but at this point, anything would be better than outside.
When they entered through the sliding doors, they both noticed that it wasn’t as warm as they had hoped. Instead of a warm foyer, what they got was more of a tepid lobby. They took off their shoes and left them on a lower ledge before slipping on the provided house slippers before walking into the lobby. A receptionist in warm clothes behind the front window welcomed them in and asked for them to wait a moment. They stood in silence until they were finally ready to be seen.
They stepped forward, and asked about a reservation under a fake name. The receptionist tapped a bit on the computer, and found a room reserved for one.
That wasn’t right. It should have been two different rooms for one booked under the same name. Taken aback, Majima asked if that was correct, still trying to hold his jacket closed to trap some heat. The lady behind the counter said it was. She verified, it was one room, with one bed.
Now, sharing one room wouldn’t be a bad thing. They’d could keep their distance from one another. It’d be only one night. But with only one bed on a night as cold as this, there had to be a better way. Kiryu sensibly asked if they had any spare rooms available.
“I’m sorry, sirs,” The receptionist replied, “but we don’t have any more rooms available. We just had a tour bus full of tourists fill up the rest of our vacant rooms. Your best option is either your reservation, or to go elsewhere.”
They looked at each other, knowing that this was their fate. It wasn’t worth going someplace else. All Majima could think about was how inconvenient this was, and that Nishida would surely get a thorough reaming for this screw up.
“We’ll make it work… thank you.” Kiryu replied politely.
“Sorry again for the inconvenience. Here is your room key.” She replied apologetically, before informing them of the complimentary meal bundled with their room, and where it would be found. The two made their way down the hall, wondering to themselves just how this night would go.
Now that they had eaten, they were in better spirits. They ate in relative silence, but Majima would try to pipe up with a story about the state of the clan, or what Daigo messed up on for the third time that week, and how that guy even stays chairman. He regaled, all while clasping a hot bowl of bland soup with his frost nipped fingers, and occasionally bringing it to his close to his face for a sip. Kiryu listened without adding much. He didn’t care for the clan’s drama, at least, that’s what he told himself. He was too busy thinking of the orphanage, and how Haruka was doing. It was good to hear that Majima had settled into the job reasonably, though.
They moved together out of the dining room and into the hall. They decided to pass on the onsen, not willing to risk there being anyone in there to see their obviously dangerous tattoos. They were already pushing it with Majima’s exposed chest. They shuffled down the hall to their room and pulled the paper screen door open.
They knew the room would be small, but it somehow was even smaller than they expected. Narrower than it was wide, the room was standard with white walls that squeezed the room together. An window held together by wooden beams faced them, which made opaque with delicate frost. The only things crammed into the room were a short wooden table with two sets of yukatas neatly folded on top, and a decrepit potted plant wilting in the corner. The whole space was no bigger than a broom closet, which the two easily could have confused it for, not for the single futon mat with two folded blankets and pillow on the ground.
Now having seen what they were working with, Kiryu began to dread the coming night. Majima, though, tried to find humor in the situation even while holding his shoulders to hold back his shivering.
“Well damn, ain’t this a load a shit!” He blurted. “Can’t believe Nishida reserved us the supply shed suite, fuckin’ moron…” He tried to joke, rather agressively.
“You’re not kidding.” Kiryu replied earnestly. “This isn’t ideal, but we can make it work.”
“Ain’t this just great. Us havin’ a lil’ sleepover. What do ya do at those again? Make prank calls? Talk about girls we like?” Majima jived.
“Enough of that.” Kiryu said. “We just got to get some sleep; we’ve had a long day.”
“You’re no fun at all.” Majima said dejectedly. “Damn… It doesn’t feel any warmer in here either.” He continued, still holding his arms close to his body.
Kiryu had noticed the chill too. He moved towards the far wall in less than three steps and felt the window. It was closed shut, but when he put his hands closer to investigate, he could feel a draft coming in between the wood frames. “It feels like the window has a slight draft.” He spoke.
“Great… Just peachy.” Majima replied. He wondered what kind of place this was to have such shit insulation. Then again, this was colder than the average night.
“It’s not my fault you never wear a shirt.” Kiryu said.
“Don’t need one! All I need is my snakeskin, and I’m golden.” He certainly didn’t sound it, with his words jittering from his shivers as he spoke and a closed off stance trying to keep some heat close to him.
“Right…” Kiryu said, totally believing him. “...the yukata should help.”
Separately, they took a set of the robes from the small, wooden table. One went into the even more cramped bathroom to change, before filing out for the other to follow suit. The yukata were a deep navy blue, made of soft cotton and reached to their ankles and flowed down their arms. They were an identical pair. Thankfully, the set came with a plain coat, which they both slipped over their shoulders. The coats were better than nothing, graduating them from chilled to lukewarm.
Now dressed for sleep, the time came when they had to face the biggest hurdle. They stared down onto the tatami mat lined floors at the single futon and pillow.
“Okay, so who’s getting the floor?” Kiryu said.
“Haw?!” Majima blurted. “Is that really how we’re gonna do this?”
“I don’t see any other way.” Kiryu shrugged. “There’s not enough space for the two of us, so one of us gets the futon, the other, the floor.”
Majima looked disappointed, almost hoping they could fight over who got the floor, but he honestly wasn’t in the mood. “Okay, then. Seein’ as you’re being cut and dry about it, how ‘bout we decide with the classic?”
“That being?” Kiryu asked.
“Rock-Paper-Scissors…” Majima replied, solemnly.
Kiryu accepted this challenge. “Okay… Ready?”
“Hhm!” Majima exclaimed, readying his fist for battle.
Kiryu followed suit. “Okay: Rock.”
“Paper…!”
“Scissors…”
Their hands flew down in front of them, deciding the winner of the battle. Majima had thrown scissors, Kiryu, rock.
Majima let out a sigh with his back on the cold floor, “Damn… I shoulda done paper!!”
“You should have thought about that before you threw scissors…” Kiryu replied, irreverently. “At least you have a spare blanket.”
This was true, but it didn’t make the loss any easier to stomach.
“Talk about diplomacy…” Majima complained. “G’night, Kiryu-chan.”
“Goodnight, nii-san…” Kiryu replied.
Some time passed, and Majima was still shifting and quivering on the freezing floor, with only a thin blanket doing a poor job of shielding him from the cold air. It felt painfully familiar, the quiet bringing him back to his shit hole apartment in Sotenbori. One too many cold nights were spent alone in the dark with nothing but a flat pillow, and his own cruel thoughts. He’d hoped those nights were behind him, that he’d never feel trapped like that again, but sometimes it felt like he was back there again. Echoes of the places he suffered in resurface to haunt him. Even though now he can do whatever he wants, go wherever he wants, every small room feels like a prison , and when it’s cold, it’s even worse. At least he had a blanket.
Behind him, he could feel the faintest heat. Kiryu’s turned back radiated a warmth that cut through the bitter cold. With the heat came his smell, that of cigarettes and his favorite whisky Majima could sniff out in any street or alleyway. It was taunting, but that made it even more desirable. It called for him to get closer, but he couldn’t. He knew who it was coming from, and he couldn’t get close without risking a fist to the face. But he couldn't take it anymore. Laying there and freezing all night would be more hell than trying. Noticing the lack of snoring from his companion, he began to whisper.
“Kiryu-chan…” Majima whispered loudly. Kiryu didn’t respond.
“Kiryu-chaaan…” He tried again. Silence.
“Kiiiirryuuuu-chaaaa—”
“What, Majima-san?” Kiryu groaned suddenly.
“I can't sleep.” Majima said.
“I figured that…” Kiryu replied, before leaving a pause.
“Aren’t you gonna ask me why?”
Kiryu sighed. “Why can’t you sleep, Majima-san…?”
“Why else why? This hard ass floor feels like an ice block. I’m freezing!” Majima sputtered.
Kiryu shifted over to look at Majima, letting out a “Hmm.” Even with the blankets and the padding on the floor, he was freezing his ass off too. Just moments ago, he was curled up in a ball, trying to keep himself from shivering. He wanted to do something; he couldn’t let them both go cold. Usually he’d know what to do, but he was stumped.
“Hey, here’s an idea” Majima said.
“What is it?” Kiryu replied, expecting some dumb scheme or some outlandish idea that-
“Get close to me…”
“What…?” Kiryu replied blankly.
“You heard me, lemme sleep next to ya. If we at least sleep back-to-back, we could share some of our warmth...” Majima was a bit flustered at what he said, but firmly sold his proposition.
“Majima…” Kiryu said in disbelief. Of all the things Majima could propose to help the situation, this was the most unexpected. What was he planning to do? There’s no way this could be an ambush.
“Look,” Majima gained his composure. “I know I sound like a creep, but I mean it. We’re both freezing our balls off, and if we keep up this way, we’ll just stay sufferin’. I don’t see it getting’ any warmer in here unless we share the warmth we have.”
Kiryu didn’t know how to respond. This request sounded genuine. Majima was crazy enough to ask something like this in earnest, but his first instinct was to think this was a prelude to a fight. It was hard to tell when Majima was playing for gags, but something about the way his eye refused to meet Kiryu’s, and the slightly pathetic trembling under the plain white blanket spoke louder than his words. He’d been like that all night. Kiryu could tell it wasn’t easy for him to ask for help. He knows what that’s like.
Kiryu had to think for a moment. They both may be freezing their balls off, Majima’s words, but how odd would it be; two full-grown men, sleeping in the same bed together. It’s one thing with friends, but with a long-time rival?
But the cold had a way of making that not seem like a barrier. And, it was the most rational solution. He was willing to be open-minded.
“So, whattya say?” Majima asked.
“Okay, I’m open to the idea. You’re not gonna pull any funny business?”
“I won’t, and I mean that.” Majima said.
Kiryu trusted that. And in the off chance he was lying, he’d just beat him into next week. “Fine… get closer.”
Majima shifted to his side and began sliding his back to Kiryu’s. Majima claimed space on the futon, pushing Kiryu from the middle in a rather rude fashion. Kiryu moved from the pushing, which he wasn’t the happiest with, but held his complaints. Both now half on, half off of the soft bedding, they crooked their legs and brought their chilled arms to their chests. They laid back-to-back with their own blankets between them.
Majima could feel Kiryu’s old heat that leeched into the floor, and felt it warm his legs and torso. He could just barely feel warmth through the layer of blankets; it was a miniscule improvement.
Kiryu could feel some warmth on his back through the blankets. He felt afraid to enjoy it, knowing who’s it was. Though there was some improvement in the temperature, he felt even less comfortable than before. Now pushed away from his home base, he was left with his front cold. His hands, which nearly touched the wall he faced, were left open to be nipped by the cold.
“Well, g’nite”
“Goodnight.”
Unable to see the others’ embarrassment with their backs turned, they laid alone in dead silence with the ringing whisper of the snow falling outside.
Neither of them dared to move, so they tried to fall asleep the way they were. They admittedly weren’t very comfortable. The heat they could feel through the layers of blankets made them feel colder in the places they couldn’t. Eventually, Kiryu’s leg grew unhappy with the position it was in, so he moved it up gently, hoping it wouldn’t be detected, when he felt his bare foot brush up against something fleshy.
“Eeeheek!” Majima yelped, startling Kiryu.
“What?!” Kiryu said.
“You’re feet, they’re like fuckin' icicles!” Majima replied with disdain as he felt the cold shock on leg. “Ever hear of socks, man?”
Kiryu sighed, his foot had slipped out from under his blanket and under Majima’s.
“This ain’t working.” Majima sighed. “I’m no warmer than I was a minute ago.”
“Neither am I… In fact, I feel colder.” Kiryu replied.
The two were at an impasse now. They were as close as they thought they could be, and now it was starting to get awkward... They both laid quiet again.
The gears in Majima’s head tried to turn. Every second that passed felt like an hour, the cold extending every small breath and subtle movement of their bodies into an eternity of this strange limbo they found themselves in. Majima started to feel his thoughts creep back into that cold apartment. He could almost smell the musty air from the river just thinking about it. He started to feel trapped again, the freezing air threatening to swallow up his extremities and leave him lifeless. Then, he noticed that his calf was slightly warmer than the rest of him. It hadn't occurred to him until then. Neither of them had realized that Kiryu never moved his foot away from where it had originally assaulted Majima with its glacial touch. He suddenly found himself with a solution.
“Hey, I got another idea.”
“What is it this time?” Kiryu hesitantly asked.
“Get over here an’ snuggle with me…”
“Wh-What?!” Kiryu gasped.
“You heard me! Spoonin’! We could do it like they did in the old days, like in the mountains, or whatever…”
Kiryu was certain that Majima had gone off the deep end, or rather, the deeper end. Hypothermia had to be kicking in for sure, he’d really lost it. That is what Kiryu would believe if he himself wasn’t going crazy from the cold. But even if they were near the brink of death, there was no way they could do that. It’s one thing for men to sleep with their backs touching, but cuddling? No, there was no way.
It wasn’t that Kiryu didn’t think closeness was wrong, but this was Majima, his decades long rival. This is the man known for being off the rails, who’s held knives to his neck and thrown more punches is his direction than either of them could hope to count. He was known for being the most fearsome yakuza in all Tojo history, let alone Kamurocho, doing whatever he pleased and planting his enemies in the dirt in the process. And now he’s asking him to huddle for warmth. He’s known this man for years, and never thought of holding him in any other way than a headlock. But there was something about how he asked. It was genuine and embarrassed, just a friend asking for help. They may not have ever said they cared for each other in a socially acceptable way, but it was undeniable that the bond they forged was strong. Majima trusted Kiryu enough to ask him this, after all. It wouldn’t be wrong if it’s for a friend, right?
“Ugh...” Kiryu finally said. “Majima, I-“
“We don’t hafta’ talk about it ever again! We get some sleep, we wake up, an’ we treat it like it never happened.” He hurriedly rationalized.
“And you mean that... you’ll never bring it up? Not even to egg me into a fight?”
“I promise.” Majima said. “Cross my heart, hope ta’ die .”
As unhinged as Majima was, he’d never break a promise.
“Okay, fine... just for the night.” Kiryu said.
“Heh, now we’re talkin’.”
Without much thought, Kiryu shifted over to face Majima’s back, letting his blanket fall off him as he slipped under Majima’s. With some hesitancy, he wrapped his arms around Majima, with one arm over his shoulder and the other draping over his waist. Kiryu braced his arms, gingerly pulling Majima close. This took Majima by surprise, who did not expect it.
“W-wait a sec!” he said, already firmly held to Kiryu’s chest, and thoroughly flustered. Kiryu had taken him off guard, something he never lets happen. He was locked into the arms of his rival, and he was no match for his embrace. And it was warm, so warm.
“Geez, why do I get to be the lil’ spoon?” Majima said, sheepishly.
“Hate to break it to you, nii-san, but between the both of us, you have the better frame for it.” Kiryu answered matter-of-factly.
“Sneakin’ up on me, huh?” Majima said. “That’s not like you, y’know.”
“Heh, this isn’t like either of us.” Kiryu wasn’t sure what came over him. Maybe he wanted to get the hard part over with. There was no sugar coating how unusual this felt. Now in position, he was over himself. It wasn’t so bad.
Kiryu felt Majima rattle in his arms, and began to understand. He really was freezing. There almost wasn’t much heat for him to share—he felt bad for taking some of his. It was like holding a neglected puppy that was out all night in the rain. Kiryu pulled him just a little closer, until he could feel his whole back against his breast.
Majima let Kiryu pull him closer. He felt a wash of red paint his face. Kiryu must have taken pity on him for shivering so much to do that. But he didn't want to dwell on that. He finally began to warm up. Warmth traveled all along his hannya painted back. He fit like a glove, with his whole body against Kiryu’s, from shoulders, to stomach, to thighs, to knees, and to, Well… best focus on the warmth instead.
“Yer really… warm.” Majima whispered.
For a moment, Kiryu forgot who he was holding. Maybe a stranger that smelled like an expensive cologne with notes of floral and citrus. The insulation was worth all the embarrassment in the world. With them so close, Kiryu couldn’t help but appreciate the physical side of Majima. He was slim, but still well built with muscles gained through years of hard work. He was sleek, like a sexy sports car made for high speed and stylish movements. It was no wonder he was such a good fighter. His wide upper body held his beating heart, which beat like it did in battle. His muscles were tense, but slowly began to melt like a pad of hot butter on a stove. His seemingly never-ending shivering started to waver, until it stopped.
“And you’re… getting warmer”
Majima couldn’t remember the last time he had been treated with such physical kindness, if ever. The bliss was all too unfathomable. With the texture of the soft yukata and the cradling futon, all while being compressed in the impossibly kind arms of this man was a strange paradise he wasn’t sure he deserved. No matter how tough life got for him, Kiryu always had a hand to lend or a shoulder to lean on, always willing to do more for others than for himself. That quality was something Majima could never wrap his head around. He never thought he was very worthy of that patience and kindness, but here he was.
Kiryu’s breath began to slow, and soon his chest began rumble with gentle snores, which reverberated into Majima, until it was all he felt. His eye closed. He could hear the sweet snow falling outside in a gentle murmur. The room was no longer bitter. He took a deep breath in, and it was the lightest he’d had in a long time. With that breath, though, came out a tranquil sound as his tensions melted, which came out louder (and a little more relaxed) than he was expecting.
“What was that?” Kiryu softly asked.
“N-nothing! Go back ta’ sleep!” Majima demanded.
Kiryu let out an affirmative, “Hhm.” He closed his eyes again, with a soft smile absent-mindedly creeping over his cheeks.
In no time, morning came. The pale light shone in through the window on the two, both still tightly held together. The light hit their eyes, and wakefulness began to take them. Kiryu woke up first and noticed the grown man in his arms. How could he had forgotten about the grown man in his arms? He held still, noticing Majima was still snoozing.
A few seconds later, Majima began to groan awake, blinking his eye open. The tiny yellow room filled his flat vision. He felt like he had just woken up from a pleasant dream but couldn’t remember it. He felt refreshed, and ready to be a menace. But he wanted to stay where he was for a bit longer, even with the dull pain in his reddened fists bothering him for his attention. He felt Kiryu shift away from him, and his back felt empty.
“Come on, let’s get up.” Kiryu ordered.
Wanting to stay, Majima didn't move, “Awww c’mon… come back to bed, dear.” He jived with a dumb grin on his face.
“Hey, you said we’d never talk about this again.” Kiryu said solemnly, now sitting up.
“Cool it, I’m playin’ witcha.” Majima continued. He felt his face, making sure his eyepatch was firmly in its proper place, before looking to Kiryu. “Hey, Kiryu-chan.”
“Yes, Majima-san?”
“Thanks, I… appreciate ya” Majima said begrudgingly. “I’ll leave it there.”
Kiryu looked into Majima’s eye. It usually looked crazy, but this time it was calm, almost happy, accompanied by the slightest smile. Kiryu smiled back, “heh, don’t mention it.”
“Ahh! Anyway, I’m starvin’! Goro needs some breaky. Let’s get up, we still got that mission to get to.”
“Yeah…” Kiryu replied, “Let’s go, nii-san.”
End.