Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Dare I call my husband at this awful time?

He’s going to worry to death.

I am most definitely the death of him.

My name is Naoto Shirogane. And you are probably wondering why- and how- I’ve landed myself in such a predicament.

I am most certainly not crazy. The year is 2024. I am twenty-nine years of age.

I am certainly not as small as I was ten years ago.

I had a particular habit in high school that involved sneaking into small spaces for a nap. It was a particular habit that I thankfully had not carried on to my adult years.

Until today.

I had the tendency to crawl into my precinct locker to sneak in a nap on the busiest of days. Sometimes I would crawl in there for peace and quiet. To think.

Thankfully I had established a work and life balance- all thanks to my ever-so-dearest husband. He always tended to hound me day-in and day-out about the importance of mental health. That an officer- be it a detective or a rookie cop- will face an early death if overwhelmed so drastically.

He’s of course dramatic, but his heart is in the right place.

I had one of those overwhelming days. It had started off… er, not so great.

I recall waking up in the middle of the night, with a nightmare. I don’t recall what exactly it was, but I couldn’t fall back asleep for awhile. Bearing my courage, I had gotten a glass of water-

I woke up 4 AM. I had to use the restroom.

5 AM. Kanji startled me awake, but I instantly lulled back to sleep as he wrapped his giant, gentle arms around me.

6 AM. My routine had started. I was normally up before Kanji, tending to my daily routine- a shower, which normally lasted twenty minutes-

I fell asleep. He noticed as he was preparing my morning espresso that I had been in there for too long. He had woken me up, muttering something like I look like hell today, which I admit, was undoubtedly true.

7 AM. Work. I normally walked, but he insisted on driving me.

8 AM. I met the coroner on a serial murder case in Okina City. They needed my aid.

9 AM. Back at the precinct. Back at my desk.

10 AM. Here I am… stuck here.

I was too exhausted to the point I was nodding off at my desk. I took a deep breath, stood up from my seat, and footed it toward the locker room. No one was in there. Thank the Gods.

I opened my locker. It wasn’t the same one I normally fell asleep in back when I was in high school, but I assumed it would be fine.

In high school, I was capable of bending into the locker with no issue. I was very- very small.

… But it’s 2024. I gained likely, er- nine kilograms. Of course, my lovely husband is the reason. They always say- as you put on weight as you get older, the happier- er, no. Something along the lines of: if they feed you well, the happier you’ll be?

Not sure exactly what the saying is, but I digress. I crawled into my old locker.

Now, here’s where my plan foiled. Normally when I crawl into the locker, I would leave the door just slightly open that way I could just kick it open as soon as I woke from my short slumber.

It wasn’t that I didn’t close it that landed me in this- er, predicament. No.

I fell asleep.

… I woke up fifteen minutes later to the locker shut. I was so exhausted, I didn’t even hear anyone shut it.

So here I stand, in this locker, in darkness, with only light and my oxygen supply coming from the small vents. I peered through to see if anyone was in there. It was quiet.

Shit.

I tried to reach for my phone, but alas, no elbow room. Thankfully, I have Alexa installed on my mobile device, and attached to my hand is my lovely smart watch. 2024. Technology. Fun.

I tried to fish my phone out of my pocket, but nothing. I sighed, swore to myself, and kicked the inside of the locker with whatever little space I had. With no other choice-

“Alexa.” I heard the familiar bleep through my watch.

“Call Kanji.” it took a good second.

“Calling Kanji.” Yes. We’re getting somewhere!

Now, I am attempting to remain as calm and collected as possible, despite my feet are hurting, and now my back. My watch rang… once… twice…

It answered. I heard a scuffle, before-

“Yeah?” It was always so good to hear his voice.

“Er…” I looked out the vents again. “You were right.”

…

“Eh, what?”

I sighed. This is not one of my prouder moments.

“You were right. I should take more mental health days. I need rest.”

I swore I could hear him grinning ear-to-ear. Of course, that smug I’m right face. I sighed to myself.

“So, you comin’ home?”

…

“That’s… what I’m calling about.”

I swore I heard his braincell perk up. Yes, I said that right.

“Yer not good with mystery, yaknow.”

I wanted to pinch the bridge of my nose.

“... Do you recall how years ago, I used to crawl into my locker for a nap?”

Not sure if he figured out where this was going yet.

“... Yeah.”

…

“... I did it again. And I’m stuck in here.”

I swore I heard a snort- of course, he probably is going to tease me about this too.

“Okay. So whatya gonna do?”

“I was wondering if you could help me with that.” Thankfully even in my unpreparedness, I was prepared. “I put my spare locker key on your key fob. I will need you to come to the precinct, tell the front desk that I am going home sick, and that you need to come to the locker room to grab my belongings.”

In truth I put the spare key on his key fob in the instance I end up in the hospital... or worse. That in those scenarios, say I am injured or deceased, my husband would collect my belongings. Never had I imagined he would use that privilege for my own stupidity.

I heard an unintelligible sound from the other line. “So like… ya think they’ll let me in?”

“I will call them after. I have my watch on me.”

I heard him give a frustrated groan. “Fine. I’ll be there in fifteen.”

“Thank you. I love you.”

“Love ya too, ya dork.” He hung up. So now… fifteen minutes of nothingness. Fifteen minutes of… staring to the small light in front of me.

It would have lasted much shorter had I had elbow room.

…

Except I seemed to have fallen asleep again.

I heard the locker door unlock, startling me awake. I saw large, gentle, grey eyes peering through the vent.

The door opened. I covered my eyes given the sudden light. When I blinked and regained my focus, there my husband was, with a grin. His arms were folded. He had that smile on his face.

“So.”

“So?”

“Are ya gonna say it?”

I knew what he meant, but I fell forward, falling into his arms. I was more than exhausted.

“If you carry me, I’ll kill you in your sleep.”

I couldn’t even say anything further until he picked me up over his shoulder. I was too tired to argue, but not tired enough to not be embarrassed.

“You’re gonna sleep the rest of the day, no exceptions.” His voice was stern, but also caring. I know he means well.

“I will…” I sounded defeated, like a little kid who just had a stern talking to.

“I am gonna make ya a sleepy-ass tea, and yer gonna like it.”

“I know~” my voice trailed and sounded bumpy given his strut. I heard officers talking- likely gossiping about how my dear husband came to literally pick me up.

Then the chief saw on the way out, but I only could hear his voice.

“Nao’s sick. Probably a flu. Can’t move. I’m takin’ ‘em home.”

I wanted to protest, but the chief just sounded fine with it.

Not every day does your lovely husband come to carry you out of the precinct, but when he does, you know you’ve officially signed up for embarrassment.

Thankfully I was too tired to argue or do anything about it… but when it clicked… it clicked hard.

I will not hear the end of this.

Chapter Text

A few weeks ago I decided it'd be cool to ink up some more. I know, Japan hates that shit, but I don't give a fuck. I'm me and everyone can take it or leave it.

I guess that's what Naoto loves about me though. I'm always told, now for thirteen or so years- that I'm endearing for having my own individualistic qualities- whatever that means. My partner's wordy with shit. I kinda love it. It means I'm banned from some places like onsens, but I really don't care. It's more of an issue when we vacay. Back at home if I didn't feel like taking a shower there was always Amagi Inn.

So here this big oaf- called myself- is working on a new warmer for Rise. She kinda needs it- that pregnancy has been rough on her- from getting COVID now twice this year, to bad food poisoning that was grounds for a lawsuit. It ain't been kind to her at this time. So I'm making this really cool knitted pink panda heating pad cover for her.

Who walks through the door- pissed off- is my wonderful partner. When Naoto comes home pissed, all hell breaks loose.

So like every other day of their work day, Naoto has the habit of shedding clothes immediately after work- immediately after coming through the door. It's sorta similar to that Dad on that one American family show- the Goldbergs? I don't mind at all- it's both our home and I kinda love seein’ their body anyways. Not in the way of- geez y'all are weird. No I mean like, they're comforted by me enough and trust me enough to shed that kinda layer. Yaknow?

So like, first it was the pants right at the genkan. But instead of tossing them into the laundry, Naoto slammed them to the basket. The belt buckle hit the plastic, causing a loud CLINK through the hallway. Here I'm looking at my partner, who is now down to the messed up button-up shirt, and boy-shorts underwear that looks kinda cute. Like, even those striped socks I gave ‘em one year just added to the ball of angry that I found to be hella adorable.

The tie was undone. They pulled the silk tie off, slamming it to the wall and growling.

“Hey, hey!” I said calmly, standing up. “What's wrong?”

They huffed. They puffed. They just looked like a small ball of angry. But instead of telling me what was wrong-

They came up to me and bit my fucking arm.

The fucking arm that I JUST had tattoo-ed!!!

Totally NOT demure. Totally NOT mindful.

Here is this short-ass gremlin hanging from my arm by the teeth, and fuck does it hurt.

“THE HELL!” I yelled. Who wouldn't?!

They mumbled something, I couldn't quite make our what they said. But eventually they let go, with a pout on their face.

“The chief is BEYOND IRRITATING!” They yelled.

“Well, that doesn't mean ya gotta bite me first thing when ya walk right through the door!” I held onto my arm, delicately. The pain was awful. Imagine being scratched immediately after you pull the plastic cover off after That first hour. Yeah. Or like, when ya got a sunburn and someone drags their nails across yer skin.

Of course I forgave ‘em as soon as they took a deep breath. They looked down at the damage they did.

“I apologize. I needed to… let it out.”

“By bitin’ me?!” I couldn’t understand. But I understand when I’m pissed, I break shit. Probably Naoto's way of breakin’ shit.

They huffed. They then shrunk. Then, a sigh.

“The chief made me hand over that case. The one with the murder of that businessman in Okina City.”

I recall they said a thing or two about the case. Something about a man was murdered, likely by his wife who wanted to take the life insurance policy out. He was like, a prominent businessman or something.

Not sure why he'd do something like that, but by how pissed she was-

“I'm beyond livid! I am convinced he knows something that he does not want me to know.”

I'm nearly convinced at this point that the chief personally is targeting Naoto. It seems like it's happened quite a few times now. It ain't like they can't do it. I think it's that as soon as they get the truth, the chief has to step in for the credit.

Dojima-san's said something a little similar. We talked about it one night just outta the blue. They were workin’ late at the station and I had somethin’ to bring there. Kinda pisses me off.

So the chief ain't the sneakiest fellow. Think they're bandin’ to do somethin’ about it, but Naoto was just bound to be hella pissed in the meantime. Thinkin’ Dojima's got his eyes set on one last bang before he officially retires. some nights Nao heads to his place and occasionally I come with to make dinner- still fun hangin’ with Nanako on those evenings. Kinda appreciate that she's become our lil’ sis- I'm thinkin’ she'll take the shop at this point since she works there part time now. Better fix my will up now.

Anyways, at this moment, my spouse is feelin’ hella angry, like those cat memes with the little cat that has its back turned or somethin’. What to do… what to do…

“Anythin’ I can do to help?” I asked. Anything. Anything for Naoto. They sighed, which kinda sounded like they really needed to let it out. I saw ‘em deflate a bit. I guess bein’ married to someone who's kinda quiet makes ya pick up on their body language or something like that, and come to find out that Naoto is hella expressive with their gestures.

They nodded, looking down to their striped socks.

“... I just want to forget about work this evening. Just you and me.”

I nodded. I could do that. I gave a small, warm smile and brought ‘em in for a hug. I know Nao always needs one. Especially from a big bear man like me.

“I gotchu.” I held ‘em close. “How ‘bout I just turn the lights low, light that cinnamon candle, and turn on What We do in the Shadows?”

“... pumpkin plug-in, too?”

I smiled. “Pumpkin plug-in, too.”

I saw that frown turn upside down. Naoto loves Fall. They love every scent of fall, every flavor, the weather…

Also Nao has a thing with sensory and scents are their absolute favorite and calming thing. I picked that up real quick. When we had study sessions in high school, Nao came to my place, and the first thing in their mind was, “do you have candles?”

Guess it keeps ‘er mind goin’. I kinda love that.

So I left my spouse to tend to their evening lounge clothes. Every evening after sheddin’ their work clothes like a snake, Naoto instantly puts on the most comfortable shit- an oversized shirt, shorts or pajama pants, and comfy-ass fuzzy socks. I grabbed the cinnamon apple candle from the coffee table. That's where the stash is. Cool thing is I ordered it, and it's still got the underside where we can put our feet under, but it's a little higher to rest on, with the storage in between.

I lit the candle, and grabbed the pumpkin plug in from the table in the genkan. The house instantly started to smell like Fall.

When I came back into the living room, my lovely spouse was already wrapped in a sherpa blanket, with the remote in their hand. They sipped on a glass of water that I left on the table.

“Want me to make some cocoa?” I asked. I knew the answer to that, but wanted to make sure they knew.

Instant nod. God damn it was cute.

Minutes later when I sat down with the cocoa, Naoto instantly snuggled up to me. Fuck I loved that. I love their trust in me. Their faith in me. And knowin’ I got this lil’ detective gremlin by my side, the very person I can make happy is so fuckin’ worthwhile.

The most amazin’ evenings are the ones when Naoto comes home and just lowkey snuggles with me to unwind. I wouldn't trade these for the damn world. I wouldn't trade them for the world. The moment I see ‘em asleep with that small grin on their face, I always feel like I can never go wrong. I do what I can for ‘em, especially when they hit those moments when they're about to crave violence.

Chapter Text

“It will be like one of those prom movies from America!” That woke Kanji from his sleep. Rise was excitedly explaining her new “project,” or after school club that she formed-

The prom committee.

Yasogami did not have a prom committee in place, nor did they have monetary support… until Rise came along. She had a gleam in her eye, her smile stretching from ear-to-ear.

“And I will especially go with Senpai, of course!”

“Ohhh! I want to go with Sensei!” Teddie chimed in, his excitement also apparent. Of course, Rise riled him up and got him instantly on board. Then again, everyone seemed excited in their own aspect- savor the two awkward now-second-years who remained out of the spotlight, hiding at the end of the table.

“The culture festival is going to have a NEW kind of event this year!” The idol exclaimed excitedly.

“Oh! I could bring some food from the inn!” Yukiko was immediately cut off from her other third-year friend. Yosuke retched in response.

“Nah, let's just do a catering. Aiya's will probably have good food if we pay them right!”

“Yes… we,” Chie joked, nudging her ginger friend on the gut. Yosuke stammered in response as she and Yukiko snickered.

“Oh… and better yet-” Rise's excited grin curved to a mischievous one. She turned her gaze to the two who were trying their damnest to stay out of the conversation-

“Everyone's going to have to dress up formally! The theme is… BALLROOM!”

“WHAT?!” Kanji stiffened, slamming his fist onto the table. “You are NOT GONNA MAKE ME!”

“I WILL AND YOU WILL LIKE IT!” Rise slammed her palms back onto the table. “YOU ARE GOING TO COMB YOUR DAMN HAIR, MORONJI!”

“Or Naoto-kun will do it for you~” Yosuke got another elbow to the gut. Chie rotated her melon soda with the other hand, looking as nonchalant as she did when she elbowed her friend.

“Leave them alone.”

“Yeah, sure. Let's leave the two most awkward weirdos of our group to find some way to escape- CHIE-” Yosuke and Chie started to wrestle like a brother-sister duo, broken up by Teddie.

“I bet NAO-CHAN is going to look BEAR-TI-FUL in a long, elegant-”

“Don't think about it,” retorted the detective, before they looked back down to their book. “You will not make me go. And you certainly will not make me wear a dress.”

That caused Rise to chimed in and incoherently argue with Naoto. However, the word “bear-ti-ful” and “Nao-chan” hit Kanji like a freight train. His mind started to wander. His imagination got the best of him, his face molding to a blush.

Before he could be targeted for teasing, Naoto sighed, stood up, grabbed their book, and took off. Then Chie started to scold the three instigators. Kanji's mind went back into focus, looking to his best friend as they made way toward the elevator. While their face remained composed and stoic, there was a certain… discomfort in the backend, something that Kanji learned to pick up in the past year. 

“Good going, you two!” Chie folded her arms. “Like always, have to make Naoto-kun uncomfortable! Someone should go apologize to them.”

“WH-WHY'RE YOU LOOKING AT ME?!” Yosuke and Chie started to bicker, before Rise worriedly made way to the elevator. Kanji sighed, stood up, and followed.

Of course Rise couldn't stop pestering Naoto into dressing more feminine. She consistently pushed… and pushed…

They hid among the trees atop the plain. They needed to cool down. it was just irrational to just continue to argue.

Then the insecurities hit. The pressure to be feminine. The pressure to consistently cater to everyone else, whether it be Rise's demands, the police pressuring Naoto to “show their true colors-”

“Ya gonna keep sitting up there like a koala?” Called a gruff, but also gentle voice. Naoto looked down to the tall- brunette-haired delinquent. He may have changed his hair, his glasses added to his charm, but old habits die hard. His white shirt was slightly unbuttoned, displaying a black flame shirt underneath, and his signature bullet necklace. Kanji adjusted his glasses as he looked up.

“I apologize for running off,” they responded, but seemingly comfortable. “I needed space.”

“Don’t blame ya. But I think someone owes ya an apology.”

He shifted to the side, with a worried idol standing behind, her hands clasped to each other. She had those damn convincing puppy dog eyes.

“I'm sorry Naoto-kun. I just… ugh.” She sighed. “Kashiwagi said that it has to be mandatory. No one can back out if it.” She looked down.

“... also everyone should have a date.”

Naoto's eyes widened. Kanji blushed, standing back. They both yelled it at the same time.

“A DATE?!”

Rise nodded. “I just thought That Kani-kun'd like to see you-”

“NUH-UH.” The former delinquent interrupted, waving his hands in frustration. “DON'T YOU DARE BRING ME INTO THIS! I TRIED TO MAKE SHIT RIGHT JUST NOW AND YER MAKIN’ IT WORSE!”

Meanwhile, Naoto looked confused as to what Rise meant. Surely it was simply due to similar banter from the rest of their friends.

The week following the announcement, everyone received invitation after invitation to being a date for prom. Naoto's locker flooded with more and more letters, much to their chagrin. As soon as they hit homeroom with the lovely Kashiwagi, things became more and more unbearable with the fans.

On a Saturday evening, Naoto opened their shoe locker to find even more letters. Two rows from them, was Kanji, switching out his shoes. He seemed to be nonchalant of the whole thing, or perhaps he was just keeping his cool. They closed the locker door, but not without disposing the many letters in their hand.

"Kanji-kun. I believe everyone is off to their own activities for the rest of the day. Have you made any plans?”

He blushed- as he always did- before shaking his head. “Kinda just need to get somewhere quiet to just… not be around Rise. She's like a damn annoying-ass little sister.”

They began to walk. His response caused more confusion. Naoto looked curious, almost like they missed on other things. Then again, they tried to tune out the prom talk, their eyes and ears strictly To their book.

“Regarding prom?”

“Yeah.” He scratched the back of his head. “I'm just makin’ my suit. But just pissed cos she's on my case about a damn date.”

He of course, started to blush again, his hand shifting to ruffle his hair. He was evidently nervous about something.

“I mean… can't we all, yaknow, just go and enjoy ourselves? N’ with the damn movies, all ya see is people in ballroom shit n’ they wanna like, impress someone they like. Why do I gotta impress someone?”

They blushed at that. Truth was, he was endearing without trying. He didn't need to dress up to look charming. That's what Naoto liked about Kanji- he was a bit of a clumsy goofball, but he wasn't like anyone else.

“Er- may I commission you to potentially… tailor my outfit?” They suddenly blurted. It was unexpected and even without thought. He stiffened, stopping in his tracks. Naoto did the same. They stared at each other, trying to process what was just said.

… “ya mean, like… a dress?”

“No. A suit,” they doubled down. There was no backing out. “I will compensate you, of course.”

“U-um. Y-yeah. S-sure thing.” He scratched the back of his head. He looked even more nervous. “So uh… that means you'll a-ask a chick, right?”

“No.” They didn't elaborate further there. “But I am not attending in a dress. My foot will stay down on that aspect.”

The night of prom, the Investigation Team- including Yu- formed together for photos. Rise looked beyond excited. Teddie jumped in, adding onto the vibe. Rise wrapped her gloved arms around Yu's, with a smile on her face.

“Everyone, come on!” She turned to Beauty and the Beast, who were tending to their own thing-

Kanji was adjusting Naoto's collar, with a blush on his cheeks.

“Are you well, Kanji-kun?” They asked, a blush forming On their own as they felt his large hands wrap around their collar. “I feel wonderful in this suit. You have no reason to question it.”

“F-Fine!” He exclaimed, A little louder than usual. He then patted down on their shoulders. “I-” he sighed, looking down. Their suits looked to have matched, but it was the only kind that Kanji knew how to make.

They nodded, wrapping their hands around his wrists. “I believe you've adjusted enough. I cannot thank you enough for making this.” It wasn't that they wanted him to stop… they just started to feel their stomach flip upside down.

It was an unfamiliar feeling.

Not unwelcome, but… there were people around.

“S-sorry. I just… ya… ya look good.”

Their eyes widened, before Rise angrily stepped in, with a tap of her heels. They acquiesed, making their way into the prom photos.

Chie and Yukiko enjoyed themselves, conversing around punch, their dresses matching- Yukiko's red, Chie's green. Both dresses had a similar dragon design to them. Yosuke and Teddie tried to talk to a few female passerby, with no luck. Rise dragged Yu off, likely to talk his ear off.

Naoto stood Against the wall, sipping their punch. They looked around the gym, feeling ridiculous to have to come to this thing in the first place. Then again, their suit looked and felt nice. The padding was exquisite. They did feel like the nicest-dressed there.

They saw a shadow in their peripheral vision- before turning. Kanji. He held his own cup of punch in his hand.

“Ya doin’ okay?” He asked, leaning to the wall next to them. They looked down, shifting a little closer.

“It feels ridiculous being here.”

“Same.” He took a sip of his punch. He raised his glass “This is kinda good though.”

They scoffed, looking down.

Then an awkward silence. 

…

…

Think it'd be fun to, Idunno, get the hell outta here?” He pointed to the open doors to the field. They raised a brow, before nodding.

The track was well illuminated with the night sky, a dew surrounding the area from an earlier rainfall. Thankfully everyone had already been inside during that time. Kanji made his way to the bleachers, before taking a seat.

“Social things like this ain't my thing,” He said, before leaning back. Bu~ut… I think we got ideas on what to do.”

Naoto blushed as they heard that, taking a seat. But their mind was suddenly proven wrong when he stood up, approaching a baseball bat. He grabbed the nearest baseball.

“Last one to get a home run buys Aiyas!” He announced, before tossing the ball in the air, and hitting it. The ball went out to the mid-track.

“Dunno why they'd leave it all here, but all's the same to me!” He handed Naoto the bat. “I'll pitch!”

“But I've never hit a baseball before!” They shouted as Kanji ran to pick up the ball. He had a grin as he did, making their heart melt.

“Just don't think! Just feel the ball comin’ at ya!” He shouted back. He came up to a certain distance, before jokingly posing a funny, cartoonish baseball pose.

“Alright, Elmer Fudd!” He yelled back. “Three strikes, YER OUT!”

“CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!” Naoto called back, before preparing their grip. If they recalled from Wii Sports, the bat was held a certain way-

Kanji threw the ball- not too fast, but not too slow. Naoto was unprepared, hitting it weakly as if attempting to defend themselves. The ball tossed into the air after a CLINK with the bat, before falling flat to the ground.

“I shoulda let ya know when I was gonna throw it,” Kanji called, before urging them to throw the ball back to him. He smirked, before preparing his throw.

“Alright! Any second!”

Naoto eyed the ball. Feel the ball. They brought themselves back to target practice- it almost felt like they could leverage their previous logic if they just-

Kanji threw the ball. Naoto took a deep breath, eyeing it, before swinging.

The ball nearly hit Kanji in the head, and he dodged by a hair. The ball went straight for the bleachers- hitting one with a loud CLANK!

“DAMN! Guess I'm treating!” Kanji called, before laughing. “Ya almost killed me!”

“Headshot,” Naoto retorted, as they approached. They handed the bat back to Kanji. He smirked, grabbing the bat-

Accidentally touching their hand. They both stiffened, blushing like idiots.

They held onto the bat for a good moment, blushes on their cheeks, their gazes straight toward each other's eyes.

“U-um…” Kanji swallowed. He didn't want to let go.

The bat fell.

“Uh… um…” he scratched the back of his head. “That was… a good hit.”

Naoto blinked a couple times, before looking down.

“... y-yes. Thank you. “

“I-it's the truth,” he added, before he felt his hand intertwine more with hers.

…

“Wanna um… bail? Then I'll treat ya to Aiya's.”

The food was delicious. They certainly did not look forward to the slop at the prom. Of course no one could afford Aiya's, and instead went with a Junes grocery run. Fun.

Naoto savored their kaarage, as Kanji dug into his meat bowl. They just sat in silence, enjoying each other's company.

“The music was too loud,” they noted, as Kanji tried to process what they said. “It hurt my ears. I prefer to not have to relive the events of Kanamin Kitchen.”

“Heh. You n’ I both.” He took a bite of his beef bowl. “Think we're both like… I guess into not bein’ in the crowd. Doin’ our own thing.”

“Marching to the beat of our own drum,” Naoto added, with a grin on their face. Kanji pointed back with a grin of his own.

“Ya get it!” He said excitedly, before taking another bite of his beef bow- The last one.

“Well. That had to have been a million times better than the Junes slop,” he noted. He paid for the meal, before they exited the door.

They made way across the street, back to Tatsumi Textiles.

“Ya wanna come in?” He asked, pointing to the side door. They gave a smile, nodding.

“Of course.”

“Hell yeah!” Kanji opened the residential side, ushering Naoto through. They made way up the stairs. His mother was watching TV, not noticing them.

He slid the door open to his room, which contained the epitome of organized chaos. Knitted projects laid about. Sketches were taped to the walls. Naoto looked around, as Kanji shed his jacket. 

“Honestly, dunno why Rise was so excited. It was kinda a bust,” He noted, removing his tie. “We had way more fun nearly killin’ me and stuffin’ our faces with Aiyas.”

Naoto nodded in agreement. They turned their gaze to the sketches on the wall, rather fascinated by his artistic abilities.

“... did you make these?”

He stiffened, blushing. They then turned to what looked to be sketches of the Investigation Team. When they saw themself…

“i-it’s nothing!” He shifted to stand in front if it, a blush on his cheeks. Naoto shook their head.

“No. It is something. Something fascinating.” Naoto nudged him to the side, before looking at the sketch. Then something caught their eye…

A small heart at the bottom of their chin.

… none of their other friends had that same thing.

…

They blushed.

Their heart rate picked up.

“Kanji-kun… what does the heart represent?” they asked. He stammered, looking away.

“it’s uh… it’s…”

They had already figured the implications- “please. Be honest with me.”

His breathing picked up. He looked down, sighing.

…

“It’s kinda ridiculous,” he sighed, before taking a seat onto his futon. “I like ya. Okay?”

… “like me?”

… “like… yaknow- like take on a date, kiss kinda like ya!”

They stiffened.

…

…

“oh.”

….

“yeah.”

…

…

They looked back to the sketch. Then they looked at him. They bent forward, grabbing his wrists. He looked up in surprise.

“stand.”

He complied, almost aimlessly. They helped him to his feet. They both looked to each other.

“... would you…” they looked back down, to their feet. “would you be willing to be… my prom date?”

He blinked, a blush on his cheeks.

“we kinda escaped priso- I mean- prom…”

They chuckled at that.

“... then would you be willing to be my partner in crime?”

He blinked a couple times.

…

…

They then laughed. They laughed, with blushes on their cheeks.

…

“Yer a detective though.”

“that doesn't mean detectives do not go to prison.”

He started to double over laughing. “Ahaha! I get it!”

They started to laugh again too.

…

…

“I'll do ya one better- would ya wanna be like… my partner?”

…

Naoto blinked, before a smile crept on their face. They calmly grasped his hand, looking to them with a seriousness, but also a warmth in their eyes.

…

They cupped his cheek, beckoning him downward, his forehead pressing to theirs.

…

“I wouldn't have it any other way,” they said softly, nuzzling their nose with his, before sweetly pressing their lips to his.

The rest of the Investigation Team spent the rest of the evening looking for their two friends- until a text came through.

“Naoto got sick. Took em home.”

A lie, of course. But who better than it be the two of them.

Chapter Text

Dressing up for Halloween was not one of Naoto's favorite things. It didn't help that their first year of doing so, Rise insisted on the cat outfit.

The following year, Rise suggested a “knight” which consisted of something that still revealed too much skin. They covered with a skinsuit. 

Then the proposal the following year came about- matching outfits. Chie brought it up, adamant that she and Yukiko would dress up like The Princess Diaries during their final year of high school. Rise jumped aboard the Twilight Train- insisting Yu be Edward-

Until Yosuke whisked him away awkwardly as Jacob.

So obviously Kanji was nervous when the group conveniently paired him and Naoto for the matching costumes. That year, he awkwardly recommended Naoto dress up as a prince- with a tail- while he would cross dress again. They seemed on board and surprised to know they've even won the Halloween contest of Yasogami's Culture Festival their second year. Beauty and the Beast.

… so cutting to 2015, the night of Naoto's first college Halloween party was something they were beyond nervous about. Thankfully not as nervous to have Kanji around. Not by a long shot. 

They adjusted the tie on their shirt, looking up and down again. Thankfully this year it was a bunch of drunkard college students in wild costumes, but theirs was much more subtle. They just needed one of their every day ties, a well-tailored work outfit that Yakushiji arranged to be made, and then… the long trenchcoat.

The beige trenchcoat. They looked themselves up and down in the mirror. Then to the fake dagger on the table.

The dagger was technically representative of the Archangel blade.

“Alright, Hon, I'm heading out!” Called their roommate. Ichiro's voice rose in pitch as he said it, grabbing his keys. “Don't forget to give that Kanji a smooch for me!”

“W-we're just f-friends!” before Naoto could elaborate further, their roommate had already slid the door closed. They sighed. They took a seat at the island. Their pining for their best friend has gone on long enough.

They had to tell him sooner or later.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Stumbling to their feet, Naoto quickly made way and opened it. Kanji stood there awkwardly, with his hair slicked back as it used to be in high school. He still kept the raven color, But it was sprayed a lighter brown for the evening.

“I um…” He scratched the back of his head- “Dean's here. Gonna ya know… figure out what happened to that guy who um, had his heart torn out, or something.”

They chuckled. During the weekends that Kanji came over to hang out, they binged Supernatural. That was what sent them both to decide on their “matching costumes” for the year.

Kanji was Dean Winchester.

Naoto was Castiel.

The walk to the party was silent and awkward. However when they made their way into the bar, it seemed to be full of other college students, enjoying their night away.

“Feel less overwhelmed?” Asked a concerned Kanji, with his hands in his pockets. Naoto gave a nervous nod.

“I do not condone drinking under 21, but… perhaps I should… as Ichiro-san says… loosen up a bit.”

“Yer cop senses are probably tingling, aren't they?” Kanji nudged Naoto's shoulder, causing both of them to blush. He still kept his hands in his pockets and clicked his tongue. "Yer not gonna cause a full blown cop-out, right?"

"The owner is serving alcohol to those under 21. I could... but another day.

he snorted, before turning his head in all sorts of directions for a look. “Lemme guess- Ichiro's probably mouth deep- or er- probably balls deep in a dude already.”

“I'm anticipating he will bring someone home tonight.” Naoto beckoned their friend further into the bar, where loud, overwhelming music heightened their sensory. They groaned, covering their ears.

“Here.” Suddenly they felt a hand awkwardly grab theirs, pulling it from their ear. The other hand stuck something inside- noise canceling buds. They blinked, confused.

“I um… figured it'd help with yer uh… sense-er-hee’.” He gave a sweet smile, making their heart melt.

“Sensory, Kanji-kun. And... thank you.”

“Yep. No problem.” Naoto began to walk toward what looked to be punch. They took a sniff, which caused them to then grimace and turn their head in disgust. Of course. Alcohol.

There obviously was nothing non-alcoholic around. Some party.

They turned to look for Kanji, only to see he was nowhere in sight. With a tad bit of worry, Naoto began to search. They checked the lobby. Nothing. The island area. Nothing.

A hand slipped to their shoulder, causing them to gasp lightly and swap away, only for it to be Kanji.

“H-hey. I ain't kept my sights off ya. Just went to get some water.”

They blinked. “Are you not… imbibing tonight?”

He handed them a bottle of water, with a shake of his head. “If you ain't, I ain't either.”

That caused a smile to creep onto their lips. They accepted the bottle. They took a spot at the back of the bar, not necessarily near the restrooms but in an awkward area somewhere between booths. They both leaned to the wall.

“I do not see Ichiro-san anywhere in this crowd,” noted Naoto. They seemed visibly uneasy. “I… I am not a fan of the noise.”

“Wanna just hit it for the rooftop then?” Kanji pointed toward a stairway, where people came up and down. They nodded frantically.

When they made their way up, The night sky illuminated across the patio furniture. Lights on the building's brick added to the scene, with neon lights surrounding the view. Kanji pointed to an empty patio area, prompting them to make their way over. Naoto took a seat, then a deep breath.

“... thank you.”

The costumed Winchester shook his head. “Why'd ya gotta thank me? Ya looked like ya were gonna pass out in there.”

They gave a concurring nod at that. They then took a sip of their bottled water, looking disappointed. The two sat in awkward silence, taking in the quiet for a good few minutes.

“... am I truly a killjoy?” Naoto finally asked. That prompted Kanji to stir, stammer, and scratch the back of his head.

“... I don’t think so. You’re just… you.”

…

…

“Just me?”

He swallowed, blushing. “I mean, ya just ain’t used to parties like this. And honestly they ain't shit anyways. You’re cool not to go to ‘em for the most part.”

… “Are you sure? If I am truly hindering your fun tonight, you’re welcome to tell me.”

He shook his head- “you ain’t spoilin’my fun! If anything, I’d rather hang with ya a million times over than be in this chimp exhibit!”

Their eyes widened, with a blush.

…

There was more awkward silence for a good minute.

… then Kanji cleared his throat.

“I say let Ichiro do this thing. Let ‘I'm hook up with every guy here. Ya don't need to take advice from him. He’a as much of a diva as Rise.” He smiled, cupping their shoulder. “wanna just go pick up some candy at the store n’ watch a scary movie or two?”

Their eyes lightened at that proposition. It was much better than a party that they’re new to.

They nodded. Promptly.

“Please.”

When they got to Naoto’s college apartment, Kanji poured the bag of candy onto the island. The detective behind him shed their trench coat, moaning in relief. That thing was an inferno of all things heat.

Be blushed at that. “feelin’ better?”

Nod. “much better.” with that, they smiled as they picked their portion of candy. Kanji turned to the TV, idly pulling up Netflix. New horror shows seemed to be on the front menu, causing him to sneer.

“whatya want to drink?” He asked, until he heard the fridge open. Coming up behind him, Naoto dropped a few melon sodas onto the table.

“I believe only the finest is needed for this occassion.”

He broke out in laughter. Naoto’s definition of “finest” wasn't what he expected. He nodded after, taking a seat.

“Welp. Got that solved.”

They took a seat, with a nod. Then a smile. Then a blush.

They fell to the side, plopping against his arm. 

“You truly are a wonderful friend.”

He smiled at that, but also blushed. He then gently wrapped his arm around them, leaning back til his back hit the plush cushion. He yawned.

“ya know I gotchu.”

They nodded. “I know.”

They turned to look to each other for a good minute. It felt like forever.

...

...

He didn't realize what was happening until he felt their hands cup his. He blinked.

His blush grew deeper when he noticed they crept forward.

Their foreheads touched. They nuzzled their nose to his.

“Is this too forward?” Naoto asked. He gulped, feeling their breath brush his lips.

… “not at all.” he cupped their cheek in turn, closing his eyes. He let out a shaky breath.

Ichiro stepped through the door with his evening hook-up, only to hear shuffling against the couch. Inching closer, he spotted his roommate sucking face with their best friend.

Or he supposed boyfriend at this point.

The two of them blinked as they discovered the diva standing behind the couch. There was that mischievous cat-like sneer, almost like Rise’s.

“Knew you two were going to finally get together.”

Kanji rolled his eyes. “Don’t ya have a date?”

Ichiro turned, raising his hand at that. “I ain’t the only one. Just a shame that you two stole the couch from me.”

Chapter Text

It has been 477 0 days since the last incident.

I do not recall when Kanji separated from me in Junes, but I only recall in my core memory that I was looking at options for dinner. With my basket-in-hand, the first thing I grabbed was a fresh salmon. Kanji insisted we diet. It makes sense, overall; we gained a significant amount of weight in 2020, and the past four years have had trouble losing it.

The salmon sounded- and looked- delectable. My eyes turned toward the spices. We had rice at home, so the next thing on the checklist was sesame seeds, white miso, and Sake. We thankfully had everything else at home.

As soon as I picked up the Sake, all eyes turned to me. It was an uncomfortable feeling all considering my- er, baby face as Kanji describes it. I am consistently carded no matter where we go, even if I am not drinking. It’s a blessing and a curse. I held the bottle with a vice grip, feeling judgment on me as I put the item in the basket. Normally I would ask my dear husband to get it instead. Speaking of which, he was nowhere to be found. Being rather… vertically challenged, I couldn't see very far, which caused a search for the dearest Kanji Tatsumi. Normally, my dear husband is easy to spot. He has a rather large build - tall, exceeding 6’3” the last time we had measured, easily weighs normal to an active American man, raven, black hair that is slightly unkempt (I find it charming), and a little bit of stubble on his chin. He wears thick-rimmed glasses, dons a nose ring and multiple earrings, and has a visible scar. He wore a shirt with a unicorn on it, dark cargo pants, and… Crocs.

… Yes. Crocs.

For a little bit of background, Kanji simply no longer cares about his appearance in the way that society cares. I simply call it a conflict of culture- he acts more like an American man than he does a Japanese man. He is not rude, per se- he does remain respectful. It is just that in our youth, he was misjudged. He started to glow as we approached our adult years, deciding that societal conformity is simply ludicrous. Neither of us necessarily conform in our own right- at home, we have our own dynamic that is simply much less complacent to the average Japanese nuclear family.

I am more masculine, while he is more feminine.

I wear clothing that feels right by me, which is moreso masculine in nature.

He wears a mixture of both. He is much more comfortable wearing a unicorn shirt in public than he would have over a decade ago. He paints his nails, while I do not. He is just… simply himself.

I work full time as a detective, having taken Ryotaro Dojima’s position when he retired. Kanji evidently is viewed based on his style by his career- he now owns Tatsumi Textiles. He runs his own social media, which has garnered tourists to help in making us financially comfortable - marketing the shop, buying his products, ordering custom clothing on the side… our lack of conformity, in the end, has simply worked for our benefit. We were not plagued by COVID-19, compared to others. We have flourished by simply being… us.

So of course, TLDR; my husband is very handsome and is normally easy to spot in a crowded Japanese grocery store.

I stepped down the aisle with fabrics and sewing supplies. Oddly, he was not there. Normally he will book it straight for that aisle say he gets lost, and I have to look for him. I fished my phone out of my pocket, and sent a text asking where he was. I suddenly heard the ping on his phone- past the electronics (the normal portal our group of friends used to frequent during those days of diving foot-first into the largest TV)- and toward the toys.

Curiously, I made my way toward that section. Kanji will only go down that aisle if he saw something on the internet- rather it be a funny game he showed me, or if a content creator promoted something he was interested in. As I got closer, I heard a child yelling. Then I heard his cocky tone.

I couldn’t make out what he said. I inched closer to the aisle…

Apparently the child was upset. He was holding an action figure- it looked to be from one of the games our group of friends would play on Discord. What was it… Fortnite?

The child was argumentative, and shouted back, “That’s not what your Mom said last night!”

Kanji rolled his eyes, before saying, “No, but your Dad said-”

“TATSUMI KANJI !” I shouted from the end of the aisle. My knuckles pressed to my hip, my other hand holding the basket. It was a little heavy from holding the sake. Since playing certain games, Kanji and Yosuke-senpai would have the tendency to pick on or bully children who were being mean-spirited to other players. I had not expected that he would in real life, in public.

“N-NAOTO!” he shouted, backing away. He then groaned, almost like a whining child. I cannot lie- I found it rather cute that he sometimes has childish tendencies, but a grown man surpassing six feet making your mother or your father jokes to a small child- likely six to eight, was beyond the line.

The mother (she looked near identical to the child) was looking at a TV from the opposite aisle, so it was no surprise that she was not parenting her child. It was also evident that the child was spoiled.

Regardless, we were in public. I still have a name to myself, despite having stepped away from the spotlight.

“To the checkout. Now.” my voice was stern.

He sighed, admitting defeat. “Yes, my liege.”

The child laughed. He then muttered something incoherent, likely “Haha, you’re whipped” or something of similar nature. Wherever he learned that kind of language, is not my business, but it does make you think just how much of today’s youth is too close to adult material. It did strike a chord, but moreso toward the negligent mother.

As we walked to the checkout, he complained about the child, about how he was looking at a cute squishmallow that Nanako-chan would like. She has the tendency to collect them. Then the child said that he looks like he didn’t have rizz for looking at such a girly thing. Whatever that meant. Kanji is more familiar to gen alpha talk than I.

I of course had to pinch the bridge of my nose. “... You made an awful retort to a small child.”

“That little shit deserved it!” he muttered. “Kid’s gotta be humbled!”

I am not familiar with such slang, but I understood what he meant. As much as I love this man, sometimes he, too, needed to be humbled. Thankfully I’m the one he married.

Chapter Text

Valentine’s Day, 2013. While it was Rise's favorite holiday, it wasn't necessarily the greatest in the account of all her other friends.

The third years conversed as students commingled at the end of the day. Yosuke became victim of their teasing- yet again- as no lingering student had left a gift for him. He took the damage with shame- that year had been much worse without his partner around.

Rise skipped into their homeroom, with her beloved senpai on speaker phone. Yosuke groaned, with a blush on his face.

“Is that why I couldn’t get ahold of you, Partner?” he yelled as Rise cheered happily, making all her friends announce their presence. Nearly immediately, Kanji and Naoto stepped into the homeroom- the former with his arms folded, the latter with her hand on her hip.

“So~ Senpai! If you’d like I would love to take you to dinner tonight!”

“Y-YOU-” Yosuke and Rise started to bicker. Chie and Yukiko gave a look toward each other.

“I’m staying out of this-”

“Yeah, let’s bail.” the Twin Dragons immediately collected their bags. Yukiko gave a bow. Both immediately left the classroom, causing the team to share a cold sweat.

“Ugh, what is it with them being such a package deal?” Yosuke started rubbing his temple. Clearly everyone knew why, but chose to feign ignorance. He turned to Kanji and Naoto.

“Sope, guess we're all still single.” He eyed the two. “We can probably try to charm people for chocolate.”

“Pass,” the blond rolled his eyes. “We got plans tonight.”

“WH-” The ginger was suddenly interrupted by the tiny detective, whose knuckle rested on her hip.

“Puzzle night. Every Thursday is puzzle night.”

Rise heard, jumping with glee. She approached the two of them, her phone still in her hand. Yosuke sighed, taking it from her and turning off speaker to speak with Narukami. The idol's eyes beamed as she held her chin up with her hands.

“Ohhh~? Finally spending Valentines Day together?!” They swore her eyes burst with stars.

Kanji rolled his eyes, turning around with his bag hanging off his shoulder, supported by his hands. “Ya know every Thursday is puzzle night. Naoto just helps me with my homework first then we just do a puzzle. Ain't that bad.”

“It is a wonderful pastime that everyone should come together to do.” Naoto adjusted her cap. “Kanji-kun is exceptional at puzzles. It is imperative to keep his mind sharp.”

“Y-yeah. What she said.” He had a blush to his cheeks as he walked out of the classroom- moreso… speedwalked. She nodded, before turning to make her way out. Rise smiled, until she heard something from Yosuke's mouth, something regarding “dude wh-why ME?!” with curiosity, she started to fight with the ginger for her phone back.

Same song and dance. As soon as they stepped into the residential side of Tatsumi Textiles, Naoto kicked off her shoes, made small talk with Tatsumi-san, and dinner was served. It was a lovely domestic pattern that Naoto had come to love. In a way, she sort of felt like she had a family to come home to on Thursday nights. She didn't mean to make Yakushiji-san feel like less than a father figure to her, or for her grandfather to be seen as distant. They were still as close as before. But… there was something else she couldn't quite put her finger on that made the Tatsumi family feel so much like home to her.

After thanking the mother for the wonderful meal, the two of them traversed up the stairs into his room. That's when the nerves hit her. Her gut started to drop, as did her throat. Her heartbeat quickened. She didn't feel sick, per se, but there was a certain tension in the air.

She didn't have nerves with TV interviews. She never had nerves encountering suspects. Everything felt so suffocating.

They worked on homework uneventfully, and then the puzzle came out. It was a 300 piece of a shrine. There were intricate details that Kanji tried to keep to mind, before undoing the tape at the bottom.

It was that moment when Naoto's nerves really kicked in. She swallowed. She took a deep, anxious breath. She held her bag to her as he prepared to open the puzzle box.

… The entire day, Naoto has done just that. During lunch, she bashfully held her bag to her chest, trying to hug it to keep calm. The anxiety was beyond overwhelming.

However, little did Naoto know was that while they had remained in the freezer overnight, they were still capable of melting.

… which was exactly what happened. Kanji opened the box up, but his face scowled to confusion.

The chocolates were not completely melted, savor the bottom pieces. Those melted directly to the parchment paper. Instead, the top pieces just looked like cookies that lumped together straight out of the oven.

…

“The hell?! Did the puzzle melt?!” It didn't quite register to Kanji that those were certainly not the underside of the puzzle pieces until the smell of decadent chocolate filled his nostrils. He looked even more confused.

“Wait, no! They-” Naoto cut herself off as she poked her head to the box. A pang of sadness rushed through her. The poor blond was still confused, trying to register exactly what happened.

… “is this puzzle supposed to be made out of chocolate?!” His face dusted pink as he asked it out loud. The bluenette who sat the opposite direction buried her face in her hands.

“No…” her voice muffled from her hands. “This was not how it was supposed to go.”

That's when Kanji's face burned red. “Whatya mean by that?!”

“This is all wrong… I am such an imbecile.”

…

“... it wasn't supposed to melt.”

“N-Naoto…? What is this?!”

She tugged the skin on her cheeks as she rubbed her hands downward. She took a deep breath.

“... I may have swapped the puzzle.”

… “Yeah, I got that far.”

… “because it's…” she choked at those next words. His brows furrowed.

“I'm sorry… I just-” sigh. “I thought this would have been… a rather…” she turned away to hide the blush on her face- “fitting way to express how I feel.”

He blinked a couple times. His face still burned, showing near beet red. He gulped. “So uh… did you temper it?” Of course Kanji knows the importance of tempering candies. Naoto groaned.

“... no. I did not.”

“I'm sure it still tastes awesome. Ya got the parchment paper right.” He pulled the top puzzle piece out. It was also coated in edible glitter. “Heh. It's kinda cute.”

She looked at him in surprise. “... cute?”

“Y-yeah. Was it made to actually be like… a real puzzle?”

She blushed at that. “Well, y-yes… and no. I um…” she poked her two index fingers together. “I shaped each piece when it hit room temperature with multiple cutters, then placed it in the freezer overnight.”

“It's cold out, so how the hell did it melt?!” She knew, as she recalled hugging her bag multiple times. She sighed.

“... I'm sorry. I just… I wanted to make this puzzle night… a little more special.”

He's a blushing mess at this point. He scratched the back of his head awkwardly. “Don't be hard on yerself. This is… this is hella cute.”

“She finally had the courage to look to him. “... you don't have to say it to make me feel better.”

“I'm not!” His cheeks burned like an inferno. He swore if he burned anymore skin would peel off. “I… I really like it. It's s-sweet. And uh…” he looked down to the box again. “... this is special. Even if it d-didn't go to plan.”

She crawled next to him, looking at the box in defeat. “I wish this had gone better.”

“Shit's not always gonna go to plan. Ya know that.” He chuckled, lacing his hand to her bicep and rubbing it soothingly. “But… hey. I'm sure they're still amazin’... like you are.”

She stiffened, her face blushing. He, also still burning hot, shifted closer, his arm wrapping around her shoulders.”

… “you still got the actual puzzle?”

She nodded quickly, reaching for her bag to pull it out. It was in a ziplock. “Here.”

He gave a smile. “Wanna devour the box first then knock this puzzle out? We can frame it.”

She gave a blushy smile with a nod. “I'd like that.”

…

They didn't finish the puzzle.

Naoto also forgot that the chocolates in the box were 300 pieces.

Coupled with how good they were, it was unknown just how much chocolate each of them ate (judgment likely fell 70% Kanji, 30% Naoto), but by the time they finished the box- which was exceptionally good- they beached in a cuddle. Neither of them could move. A contented sigh escaped their lips, and it was unknown when they passed out exactly, but the shrine puzzle was left for the following week.

Chapter Text

2016...

All it took was a declaration of “I am moving Back to Inaba!” from Naoto to muster up some bit of courage for Kanji to ask her to move in. Just a few months prior, with the encouragement of his mother (aka her hounding him about the house behind them that had been abandoned for the past four years), Kanji bit the bullet, admitted defeat of an already failing battle, and bought the property. The value solely was in that 279 sq meters of land, which equated to just a small patch of grass and a two-story house that looked to be in decent shape, but needed work.

For months Kanji took it to heart, learning how to be a carpenter. When Naoto started her final term of college, she visited her hometown, finding charm in the fact he was learning to run his own place, find his element.

So Kanji chipped away at his little project while working at his mother's shop, taking odd manual labor jobs, or selling things online. It seemed to work well in his favor, as all those brutal late nights and weekends turned his run-down house into a charming 3 LDK home.

It obviously impressed his friends, but moreso it impressed Naoto. She found it endearing when he'd ask her to hold the flashlight whIle changing out a light, or as he'd converse with her while head-first under the kitchen sink. Granted, it was more of eye candy to her, but seeing him grow as a person in ways she never expected just made her heart skip a beat. She'd steal all the glances that she could. She declared her move as a way to finally get that obvious question she wanted. All in all, it worked in their favor.

Naoto's move was pretty straight forward. All she needed to bring were books and clothing; she ordered a few pieces of furniture to complete her room, and the spare futon was more than enough for her to get the head start in being his roommate. The problem was… however… was the looming feeling that they were being watched from the shadows…

And the occasional drop of the ceramic cups Kanji ordered. They all broke. It pissed him off. He assumed something wasn't level, even going as far as to cough up some hefty yen to have the house re-leveled.

… That didn't stop it. The TV fell and broke. Not that he cared, a Roku TV and a mount would fix the problem.

… Then a toothbrush flew out of the cup as Naoto brushed her teeth. She nearly choked on her own. Then flying shampoo bottles whIle in the shower, causing a more than awkward moment between them, Voices in the middle of the night that sounded like they were coming from downstairs, or in the attic…

Footsteps down the hall, making Kanji fumble out of his bedroom about to throw hands with whatever intruder was in the house…

Then the straw that broke the camel's back. It was a long Saturday and Naoto went to bed early. Awful idea.

She was woken up roughly 11 PM, and Kanji was likely downstairs playing something on his PS4. She recalled the sounds from downstairs and him cheering- He was obviously playing Rocket League with Yosuke and Teddie. The sounds drowned out as she couldn't move in her futon, looking in horror at the apparition near the screen door.

It was a young woman with long hair. She had no face. She wore a white yukata.

Naoto tried to scream- yell, even. Nothing came out of her mouth. It felt like the most daunting nightmare of her entire life, as the apparition came closer. Suddenly, it disappeared when it began to crawl above her, and clumsy footsteps started to pound the stairs, vibrating the floor below her and waking her up.

She jumped out of bed as her body moved again. She swung the screen door open, startling the large man before her as he attempted to slide open the door to his own room.

She was crying. He turned around to face her, not realizing she stumbled to him and wrapped her arms around his waist.

“Jeez, Naoto! Ya look like ya've seen a ghost!”

She didn't say anything… just nuzzled her nose into his chest.

… “... ya okay?”

She nodded from his chest, before backing up and wiping her tears with her sweater. She, of course, tried to recompose herself.

“I apologize,” she said stoically, but with a sniffle. “I had a nightmare.”

His face was already molded with worry, but his expression softened when he witnessed her try to gather her bearings. He put both hands on her shoulders.

“Ya look like shit.”

She nodded. “Perhaps it's the odd happenings here… almost like a poltergeist.”

“Ugh, don't give me that the house is haunted talk.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “It was probably a ghost, right?”

She pursed her lips, nodding. “I believe it was sleep paralysis, now that my emotions have calmed down and I am finally truly thinking of the experience.”

He snorted, sliding his bedroom door open and stepping in. “It happens. Ya did go to bed a bit early.” He grabbed an extra ps4 controller from his dresser, before stepping back out in the hallway. “Ya wanna play something or watch me beat Senpai's ass at Rocket League?”

She followed him downstairs and took a seat on the couch. He took a seat back at his spot, grabbing his headset and confirming he was back. They were waiting for him to start the next match. Naoto still had an uneasy feeling about it all. It was all making too much sense, especially from a standpoint of experiencing paranormal activity. 

She was lost in mind as his attention focused to the game. She still felt the hairs stick up her neck- someone was watching them.

… She gave paranoid looks around the room. Sukuna buzzed in her mind with validation that something was off.

… “Kanji-kun?” She asked, her voice cracking. He quirked a brow, looking from the game to her. His face molded with curiosity.

“... are you certain that nothing feels off to you?”

He looked even more confused. Great.

“M-maybe I'm just… having an adrenaline rush from the nightmare.”

“Shit uh~” he paused the game and let himself lose. She was as confused by this, given he was so competitive minutes prior. “Anythin’ I can do?”

Suddenly, a few games sprawled across the TV stand flew straight off, causing Naoto to shriek. Kanji's eyes widened, followed by a “THE HELL?!”

Then the lights flickered.

Naoto screamed louder, clutching to him like a lifeline. Her grasp was damn strong, one like a toddler's grip. Kanji looked down, blushing when he realized she latched to him.

“Please tell me it's over,” she repeated, her voice near a shrill. She was a complete mess. Shit. How was he supposed to calm her down?

He awkwardly wrapped an arm around her. Then the other wrapped around her. He tightened his squeeze, holding her closer, feeling her rapid heartbeat. It wasn't new, she was a jumping mess all night.

…

She held tighter.

“... Kanji-kun?”

“Figured ya needed me to…” he cleared his throat, “hold ya. Yer such a mess with this shit.”

…

She held even tighter… if that was possible. 

“You're such a good friend.”

He scoffed. “Y-yeah… friend~"

It trailed in his head, and time felt like it stopped. Naoto's brows furrowed as she looked up to him. “...?”

He definitely noticed. Shit she noticed too. He's blushing profusely, his cheeks burning as hot as a kettle. He instantly looked away, stammering.

“I-it's what f-friends are f-for!” Yeah, like that was convincing.

She obviously gave a face. He looked back down to her, his heart pounding, his chest shakingly going in… out… his breathing labored.

“Do you mind if I use your bed tonight?” a forward question. Would he mind?

He closed the screen door to his bedroom. Naoto had settled into one side of the futon, the same side covered in plushies. Kanji gave a sigh. He shed his shirt onto the floor, and began to crawl onto the futon. 

She blushed, obviously the way he crawled in was something that hit the lowest part of her brain. She tried to curb the thought, shaking her head. He got comfortable, putting his phone on the charger, then facing his back to her.

“Night.”

… “g-goodnight, Kanji-kun.”

He tried not to look at her as he laid there… but it was impossible. He tossed and turned, and turned around to the bed to see her snuggled up to the many plushies on the futon. Damn, she was adorable like that.

Her back faced him, but she was a little afraid to fall asleep. She grasped the plushies with a vice grip, still feeling that gnawing feeling that someone was watching. She felt him turn. She probably concerned him with her heavy breathing.

“K-Kanji-kun?”

“Mmyeah?” His voice was tired and raspy. Ugh, his raspy voice even puts a blush to her face!

“... thank you for letting me sleep here.”

He jolted a bit. “Ye-yeah! A-anytime, a-anywhere.” The outburst was louder than usual. He cursed at himself internally- he is always a blushing mess with her.

She scooched back a bit, her back bumping up to his. It was a subtle cue of just spoon me, dammit, but the egg-headed Kanji Tatsumi's yolk wasn't stirring. He just stiffened with a deeper blush.

She turned to face him after a good minute. She then slowly wrapped her arm around his waist, the other idly hanging to the pillow.

“... I'm sorry. I just… I still have that feeling.”

“I-it's fine!” He blurted again. He turned to face her, his face beet red. His voice lowered. “I uh… do ya need me to do anything?”

She didn't hesitate. A blank nod from her was enough to make him turn over with a confused but also nervous expression on his face.

“... please… if you don't mind, could you perhaps-” she showed it with action, grabbing his wrist and propping it to her waist. His breath shook with that surprised gasp out of his lips.

“Y-yeah. Sure!” He scooched closer until his head rested to her collarbone. “Y-you don't mind this?”

“Not at all.” She wanted to chuckle if it weren't for the near petrification. “I apologize. I'm such a mess right now.”

“Don't apologize.” His voice was low when he said it, almost pitiful. “Can ya believe a big man like me's gotta snuggle up to the whole-ass mountain of plushies behind ya every night?”

“Oh~ I find that hard to believe.” She was being sarcastic, but couldn't help but feel allured by it. Then her face softened to embarrassment. “I feel pathetic.”

He quirked a brow, “don't. I've known men who move mountains n’ shit but still gotta sleep with like, white noise or a teddy bear. It ain't that ya gotta fear the dark, but… yaknow, some weird shit does happen in it.”

For as bright as Kanji surely was, he sure was a sage when it came to 1 am thoughts. She buried her nose into his hair, with a blushy smile.

“Your hair smells good.”

“Heh. Thanks.” He blushed too… perhaps if it kept going all that blood oughta go to his face. “You do too.”

“Your hair is soft.” Okay, she was really buttering him up. “and you’re incredibly warm.”

“Nothin’ like that compares to how goddamn amazing ya are-” he stiffened, all that color draining from his face. He really said that. He blurted it out without thought. He really fucked this up, didn't he?

…

“I’m amazing?” her voice cracked a little, definitely bringing out that insecure demeanor she had during those vulnerable times. He idly nodded. He wasn't coming back from this.

“Ya really are. Ya are to me.”

Her breath was becoming a little irregular. Her heartbeat picked up. He felt it as well, which was enough to tell him that shit was about to get weird.

She went quiet, looking down to him, her darkened vision having adjusted by that point. She seemed like she was in disbelief. He coughed up the courage to look up to her, facing her.

She then nuzzled the top of his head, almost like a cat. He supposed things worked out.

Except poor Kanji Tatsumi learned that night that the amazing Naoto Shirogane was a whole ass snuggle bug. She nuzzled her nose to his cheek.

“I’m sorry… your skin is so soft… you’re warm… comfortable.”

“heh, yer acting like I adopted ya from the shelter or something!”

“I can't help it!” she chuckled, her face wet with tears as her forehead pressed to his. “God's, I am such a mess.”

“You’re not!” He chuckled in turn. God she was adorable. “I don't mind it.”

“Out of everyone I assumed you would.”

“I mean, with you I never could.” there was that shared awkward tension and surprise between both of them again. Gee, where was this corny language coming from?

“...” her forehead still pressed to his, And then that realization set in. “Is this rather… forward?”

He furrowed his brows. She literally felt the whirring of the gears in his head. She wanted to laugh. “Are we being a bit… too close?”

His expression said it all. There was that blush again!

“I mean… do ya mind it?” His voice was a little higher-pitched than normal. It was adorable.

… “Not at all.”

He gave a faint smile. “Then I don't either.”

… “Is this what flirting is?” He wanted to laugh. God they were awkward.

“I dunno! I guess?” He let out that little laugh as he said it. The comfort finally set in. She inched her body closer, wrapping her leg above his waist and gave a contented sigh.

“Perhaps we should have more nights like this.” That made him smile.

“Yeah… we should.”

… Until she started to move in her sleep, from kicking to twitching. Then she smacked his neck, sucked his forehead, and drooled all over the pillow.

Not that he minded it. Sleeping Gremlin Noot was too adorable.

The paranormal activity didn't stop, but they learned to live with it. Naoto still had a jump to her, but there were those interesting moments, like asking the ghost to spell on the fridge what was for dinner, or who was in the wrong for this or that. Guess the ghost did have their best interests at heart... savor the sleep paralysis.

Chapter Text

One would say that my indifference to my birthday would be nothing short of appalling. At least, that's how my dare friend Rise-san says it.

I always had little surprises from him each year. The first year we [finally] became exclusive, he made me a knitted cat with a little hat and magnifying glass as an accessory. He brought me chocolates. His bashfulness was beyond endearing. I appreciate him each year we spend together.

One would say the past five years have been a bit of a struggle. When I visit my grandfather at the estate, he’s brought someone new into the picture women who obviously were after his inheritance. His explanation: “I do not have much time, so I am binding that time with pleasures of the flesh, good food, and company.”

I don’t blame him in a way; grandmother was certainly not the kindest to him. I wish him nothing but happiness in his endeavors, however I would like to refrain from meeting what is my potential grandmother should he marry again, knowing full well that she may be not too far ahead of my age range.

That visit today was certainly… something. She explained that she was an attorney, and telling your significant other’s grandchild that you have a fetish for older men is nothing I expected to hear today.

I’m just going to stay out of that business.

At the Inaba Police department, some new hires have made way to the roster. They’re good kids, really, but I prefer to have my cases a little less… technologically interjected. Ugh, I cannot find words to describe it. My new assistant is a nonchalant, dead eyed child whose focus has been his phone over my command. On days at Okina City, on the other hand, I’ve been catcalled, chastised, and condescended given my biological sex and age. I guess I can't have it both ways. In a way I appreciate the younger generation for having boundaries, unlike myself.

I started off young in this field. I have much more experience under my belt than 40 year old Jin whose wife is sleeping with his neighbor. The entire department knows about that, by the way.

My day was alright otherwise, if I must admit. I mostly looked forward to the cute bento my dear husband packed. It gets me through doomscrolling. I could complain all day about the global shenanigans we’re facing at the moment, but no one cannot deny my dear Tatsumi, Kanji is an artist and a cook. Two in one has made him such a precious man who I will burn the world for.

My assistant just sat nonchalantly at his phone as I ate the small rice bear. I opened my phone to… one, two, three, … …

Seventeen instagram reels… from Kanji alone.

Then a good thirty-something from Rise-san. I cannot get through them all! I have cases to solve!

I first sifted through the reels that Kanji had little comments to like: “Ha, this is you,” or “we should do this in the garden!”

Admittedly, it is cute.

My phone alarm went off. Back to work. I was driving for the next hour. We had a run to a small farmtown outside Okina City.

I took the statement of this old, [what-I-thought-was] nice man, remaining as calm and collected as I could. As I inspected his home from what looked to be a break-in, he somehow found it wise to assault an officer, aka pinch me on the rear. Thankfully I had my assistant there recording it. In some ways I found that smart, as long as if kept in confidentiality.

When I finished my workday, I thought the best thing was to get life on and head straight on home. Kanji was likely closing up the [tailoring] business. For context, once he had taken on the responsibility of owner, Kanji took it upon himself to make the textiles shop an official tailoring shop. Not only was fabric their bread and butter, but commissions of outfit making was raking in quite the income.

Kanji also had a large social media presence. He tried out  V-tubing at the peak of the pandemic, which garnered a following. Promoting Tatsumi Textiles had us accruing savings… savings of which I saw had been tapped into as soon as I pulled into my parking space.

43,000 YEN?!

I immediately ran into the house, with my phone in the air. Kanji seemed comfortable with his reading glasses on, sitting at the kitchen island looking down to his phone.

“Did you pull 43,000 yen out of our savings account?!” I didn’t even think to say hello. My face felt hot. Sad to say that I was fuming.

“Calm down, Karlach!” he greeted, his hands in the air. What a way to come home. He had his tablet open, seemingly writing something down.

“Well? Was it you or did someone hack into our account?!”

“Me, obviously!” He gave a huff. “Change yer clothes. Get somethin’ nice n’ fancy on.”

… Where was he going with this?

“Well?” He leaned forward, with one arm pressing to his thigh. “Chop chop! Or y’all miss the surprise I got for ya.”

I gritted my teeth. That was a hefty amount. I was hoping to have enough for our Airbnb next year. He had been dying to see Chappell Roan so I initially was going to book a full vacation to the States to see her.

I stared at him, twitching. He just hummed one of her songs- I think Red Wine Supernova. I sighed, acquiescing. I walked to the bedroom, removing my clothing and looking for something… nice to wear.

Kanji always liked when I wore purples and pinks. I opted for a nice cuffed pink shirt with an intricate lace design. I tucked it into my brown pinstripe trousers. I suppose a light brown jacket would make do with this chilly weather.

I guess I looked like I needed the newspaper and Malboros based on Kanji’s reaction. If our lives could change like so he’d likely be my housewife.

“Heh- lookin’ sharp, Hon.” I couldn’t help but sneer at that. He always knew how to boost my confidence.

I appreciated that he was driving, but didn’t appreciate the long drive. I fell asleep. I suppose I needed that. The sun was just beginning to set. When I came to from my nap, I realized that we were at a coastal town not too far from Inaba.

“Ya awake yet?”

“Mmhm.” I yawned. “Where are we?”

“Yoshiwara.” My jaw dropped.

“We drove ALL the way to Yoshiwara?!”

“Ya don’t have to work tomorrow, so I uh… figured we’d spend the evening here. Surprise?” He looked a little awkward there. I realized by then that he likely thought I was upset.

I sighed.

“I’m just… a little overwhelmed.”

“We can take our time.” He turned off the ignition. Spotify still played on the dashboard. “I was gonna take ya to this restaurant that actually has Hanasaki crab, without goin’ all the way to Hokkaido!”

I furrowed my brows. He really thought this through.

“I… suppose we could bite.”

“Title of your sex tape.” Okay, yes, he knows me so well. I laughed as he got out of the car. He banged on the hood.

“Don’t make me come in there!”

“Title of your sex tape!” I got out of the car and stretched. I was well… kind of excited to try this place. Perhaps it was my hunger.

I ate too much. He really went all out here.

He looked a bit nervous however. He was looking down to his phone, then back to me. I know him better than perhaps anyone else; he was hiding something.

“You have more for me.”

“Ya don’t gotta say it like that.” He scratched the back of his neck. “Wanna go to the beach side?”

Okay…

The beachside was nice. Gorgeous view. The sound of the oceanwaves were to die for.

My husband however was sweating bullets.

“You look nervous.”

He sighed. “Very.”

“I married you. I assumed that alone would curb any nerves that you may have.”

He gave a dry chuckle at that. I can be good at jokes sometimes. “I uh… I may have gotten us an Airbnb for tonight.”

I think he noticed my expression. My brows I guess had furrowed, which gives him that look that he’s terrified of me. He also blushed.

“I may have gotten ya somethin’ big.”

“I could tell by the missing 43,000 yen.”

He blushed a deeper red. “I’m puttin’ it back in. Just… let’s go back, yeah?”

I let him open the door to the coastal beach house. When we stepped in, I came to realize that we didn’t even have anything to change.

He booked it back out the door and down the steps. I was even more confused. I turned around to take in the view. It was gorgeous and traditional, but with the ocean view right out the large windows.

I heard him come back up the steps as I took a seat at the kotatsu. He brought in two duffel bags. Odd. I didn’t see them in the back. He dropped both bags and took a seat across from me. He scratched the back of his head again.

“Ma has the house keys so she’s watchin’ our furchildren for tonight.”

I idly nodded. In all honesty, I had no clue what to say.

“Just figured ya needed a break. So um…” He held his hands out- “This is it. Well, um, there’s more downstairs but you’ll need to um… get yer clothes off for that.”

I chuckled. “Title of your sex tape.”

“God dammit.” We shared a laugh. I stood to my feet, making way to the bedroom. As I began to undress and remove that daunting belt, I heard a ping on my phone. Picking it up, I saw it was from the bank app. 43,000 yen had instantly been reinstated.

I figured I might as well not question it the rest of the night. I just continued taking everything off. I heard his clumsy footsteps, which he gave a small blush. Even all these years of our… relationship, he was beyond adorable blushing like that.

“Come on,” he put his hands in his pockets and walked out. I followed along, grabbing a towel. I followed him down the stairs.

“I am almost assuming that you’re going to murder me.”

“Better.” He gave a dry chuckle as he opened the door. Inside was a private onsen.

“Gonna bask ya first. The meat’s gotta have flavoring.”

I rolled my eyes. “Bad timing. There’s no fat.”

“Why I filled ya up,” he joked, slapping my abdomen. The view was gorgeous I must admit. I had to dive in immediately.

God it was divine. The water was the perfect temperature. I couldn’t help but rift my way to rest onto the rocks and look out to the ocean. I suppose I let my guard down then, as I felt his talented hands knead my shoulders and his thumbs rolling over the tense spots of my neck.

“Hehe, I suppose you’re tenderizing the meat now.”

“Yup. Gonna taste real good. ” He gave a chuckle. Now I was the one blushing.

“Title of your sex tape.” I laughed. I felt a light squeeze on my waist, which caused me to involuntarily jolt. I turned, kicking him-

“HEY! Watch it! I got balls, yaknow!”

“You started it!” I was giggling like a child at that point. He started to laugh too as we roughhoused. Simple moments like those… they were phenomenal.

After we ran out of breath a bit, he wrapped his arms around my back, beneath my arms. He brought me in for one of those gentle kisses he was just so amazing at. My mind reeled at that moment, trying to formulate a response, yet my body couldn’t react. He made me melt by his gentle touches alone.

“Got another-” he murmured to my lips. He broke the kiss, then pressed his lips to my forehead. “Got another surprise upstairs.”

“Mmm…” I felt a little dizzy at the moment, in all honesty. This man caused me vertigo at the sweetest of times.

“You’re giving me too much to do,” I groaned, with a laugh to follow. “How many surprises do you have for me?”

“Just enough.” He stood up and grabbed a towel. He helped me up. It felt like no time had passed in that onsen.

I remained in the towel as I followed him up the steps. He reached in the fridge and pulled something out. I figured it was dessert - he gave me that look if I dared order anything sweet this entire evening.

It was a gorgeous cake with blue icing. It smelled like a lemon cake with meringue. Not my favorite, but I have had a craving for it as of late.

“You’re spoiling me.”

He gave a smile as he slid the cake across the island. “Go on. Try it.”

I did. It was delicious.

Seeing him smile when he’s done something not just sweet, but oh, so amazing like this… it’s one of the very things I look forward to every single day. His smile was always worth a thousand bodies.

We gnawed at the cake like wild cavemen with utensils before we put the rest back in the fridge for tomorrow. He led me to the couch. We were still in our towels.

“Shouldn’t we change?”

He shrugged. “Maybe. But if yer more comfortable in this either way works.

I shrugged back. “Does whatever surprise this evening entail the removal of towels?”

He blushed, looking away. “I-if you wanna, but I figured the rest of the evenin’ can be lowkey. I know ya wanted some relaxing time fer yerself.”

I realized right then and there that he purposely booked it not just to let out steam… he was truly pampering me.

The Roku TV had plenty of options to choose from. There was one show that I was dying to start- I instantly grabbed the remote and turned on Netflix. We were going to finish The Breakthrough even if it killed me.

I fell asleep. I woke up as it ended, yawning and beating myself inside for not staying up through it. Kanji was also asleep. He looked uncomfortable holding me. His towel had become undone. I shook him, but to no avail. He was out cold.

I shrugged, getting up and heading to the kitchen for some water. When I opened the fridge, it looked as if there was perchance a whole bottle of red wine- my favorite - and a little note on it. My curiosity got the best of me. I pulled it out, inspecting the note that was tied in ribbon.

Happy birthday, Nao! Love you from the universe and back! You’re hella fucking amazing and every moment with you feels like I’m that lil robot I keep sending reels on.

I looooooooooooooooooooooooove, I looooooooooooooooooooooooooooove I love I love I love you! <3

- Tatsumi, Kanji

I love this man so. damn. much.

Chapter Text

He tried his darned best to brush her offer off. He tried so damn hard.

Kanji beat himself up internally after Tatsumi.exe crashed. The two of them just remained on standby as Yu gathered other allies to peruse Heaven. Rise remained with the two of them, her Persona supporting the group as they tore through the dungeon. Kanji just couldn’t look Naoto in the eye after she offered to massage his bad shoulder.

Naoto looked a bit… nervous too. He tried to assume she was thinking irrationally. They all were. Nanako was in danger. Of course she would say things that seemed out of the ordinary. That was normal of all of them at the moment.

Kanji didn’t think he was perceptive, but the blush on her cheeks hinted to the fact that she was still lingering on what she offered.

The group disbanded for the night, with Yosuke insisting on walking Yu home. He knew their leader couldn’t sleep. They all knew. Who could blame him- his cousin was in danger after all.

Kanji made it a cadence to walk Rise back to Marukyu Tofu. Sometimes Naoto tagged along, but that night she went in a different direction. That was normal. They all needed to sometimes have a moment with themselves.

When Rise stepped into her grandmother’s shop, Kanji turned down the street toward his home. He winced, rubbing his shoulder. It was still sore. He tried to crack his neck, hoping the kink would loosen his muscle. No luck.

Shit… that made it worse.

He held his other arm as he walked toward his home, but seeing the lights on caused an uneasy feeling. Ma would probably worry if she saw he was in pain. She did appreciate that he hung around with this new crowd, but didn’t appreciate seeing her son hurt. Maybe he needed some alone time. So Kanji put both hands into the pockets of his leather jacket, and booked it toward Samegawa Floodplain. At least if she worried, she knew where to find him.

The ground was frosted from the dropping temperatures. Inaba could be freezing when winter was approaching. Kanji made step-by-step up the hill toward the gazebo. The town could be gorgeous from that view. As he made it a little closer though, he spotted a figure hunched over the bench. With closer inspection, he saw it was Naoto.

He blushed again.

With each step, he closed in a little more to the pondering detective. She seemed to not notice him at first. She just stared into the void, as if lost in thought. When he approached, she finally clicked back to reality, blinking a couple times. She looked up to him.

“Hello, Tatsumi-kun.”

“Hey.” That was about all he could muster from his lips. He gave a heavy, shaking sigh. He turned to look to the town.

“... Need space?”

“Oh… I’m fine.” She scooted down a little more to allow room. Kanji just instead climbed over the seat, planting his rear onto the top of the table, looking to the town.

“It’s far too unsanitary to sit on the top of the table-”

“- Really? That’s what yer gonna worry about?!”

“I-I was just implying-”

He sighed, looking down. With a little restraint, he coughed it up and adjusted, sitting onto the seat. Bad habits die hard after all.

“Sorry.”

“It is only respect to public property, Tatsumi-kun.”

“I didn’t come up here to get lectured.” He fiddled with his knuckles with one hand, brushing his calloused digits over the scrapes he received the other day when they first went through Heaven. He looked to her, seeing that her face remained unchanged- still pondering over something.

“You alright?”

She nodded.

“Ya don’t look it.”

There was an awkward silence for a hot minute… and followed was a sigh. Naoto looked down, trying to keep her poise, her posture straight. She had a bit of a quiver.

“I am simply just lost in thought.”

“Yeah? ‘Bout what?”

…

She remained silent. He sighed.

“‘Tis fine. Ya don’t gotta say.”

… “I’m conflicted with myself. I feel so much remorse, and anger toward the suspect.”

He perked up. “‘Bout Nanako-chan?”

“About everything. I was too conceited… blindsided to all of this.”

He sighed again. “Look, we’re human. None o’ this ain’t yer fault.”

“Double negative, Tatsumi-kun-”

“I mean it ain’t yer fault- at all.” He wanted to groan at her correction- he truly did. “Look, fuck this guy, but we’re gonna get Nanako-chan outta this. Ya can count on me that we will.”

Then that awkward silence again. He didn’t mind in a way- sometimes her company just made him excited to be in the moment. He knew she needed to be away from everything and decompress-

Wait… that was his reason for coming up there too.

“Hey… ya wanted to just… get away from it all, right?”

She sat there for a good minute. Then she nodded. “That is correct.”

“Ya want me to go away while ya… yaknow, try not to think of all of this?”

She shook her head. “Actually… you’re assisting with that.”

“Oh.” He continued to look on to the view. “Cool, I guess.”

… “How is your shoulder?”

He snorted. “Gettin’ better. Nothin’ I can’t handle.”

… “I… see.” She didn’t sound convinced.

“Hey, it’s cool. I can-” He tried to roll his arm a couple times, before suddenly groaning and wincing in pain. That prompted Naoto to stand up and approach, sudden worry befallen to her face. “Ah, shit-”

“You should probably see a specialist about this, Tatsumi-kun!” She grabbed his shoulder as if by instinct, prompting a blush from him and causing him to look away.

“... It’s fine.”

“It’s certainly not.” Her voice was stern, almost like his mother. In a way he recalled Narukami-Senpai even using that same tone on him a couple times. “You do not have to try to walk every injury off as just a small obstacle.”

“I mean, I’m fine usin’ my arm in battle, ain’t a big deal.”

“But it is, Tatsumi-kun.” She sighed. “And at this rate, we cannot falter. Nanako-chan needs us.”

That caused his tough-guy demeanor to falter in itself. His expression changed. She saw it too, her face falling into a blush.

… “Um… ya still up on that… y’know-” he scratched the back of his head using the hand of his good arm- “... that shoulder um… m-massage?”

She blushed again. After a good second, she directed him to adjust on the bench, one leg then creeping on one side as she sat behind him. She removed her gloves, setting them to the table.

“Please take off your jacket.”

He didn’t ask. He complied, unzipping it and shedding it down halfway to his arm. His yellow sweater was enough to work with… but his height to hers…

“Ya need me to sit on the ground?”

“No need.” She adjusted, kneeling onto the bench with one leg. Her fingers then dug into his shoulder, causing a wince and a gasp-

“Ah, shit!”

“That area is really tense,” her voice shifted to a low timbre as she worked the muscle. “I’m alluding it to potential muscle strain, as it feels like your shoulder isn’t dislocating.”

“Y-yeah, cool and all, but ahhhh-” he hissed through clenched teeth as her finger dug into his skin a bit more… then the hard part was done. The pain started to get a little easier…

… Easier… then it started to help. It started to feel relaxing.

“That muscle was rather tense-”

“Y-yeah… i-it was.” He blushed again, nervously scratching the back of his neck. She ensured to pay particular attention to the hardened skin, but there was something oddly mesmerizing about the toning of his shoulder.

“... I am aware that you exercise often. Has this happened before?”

He furrowed his brows. “Like~”

“If you’ve pulled this arm before.”

“O-oh… n-not really. I’ve gotten hurt a few times at the shop while dealin’ with movin’ boxes and shit.” He gave a nervous chuckle. “I mean, I guess I just never paid attention.”

“You should.” His face dropped when she said that. “If you continue to ignore your body, it will come back to haunt you years later. And frankly, we’re far too young to hurt like this.”

“Um… y-yeah. I will.”

“I’ll see you to it.”

“C-cool.” He looked down bashfully. “Th-thanks.”

He of course felt the tension leave his shoulder finally, and it felt… new. Almost like his vessel had been redone or refined. After she let go of his shoulder, he gave it a couple test rolls, quirking his arm up and down before giving a faint grin.

“D-damn… feels like new.” He turned to look at her. “Thanks.”

With that, she had a blushy smile. He assumed it was due to the cold. “I am happy to help.”

“Y-yeah…” He turned back to face her. His smile faded, his face turning to a pondering expression. He saw her expression falter back to that same confused one that he saw when he first came up to the gazebo.

“It’s uh… gettin’ cold. I know yer Gramps probaby has gotta pick ya up since it’s a long walk.” He cleared his throat, looking away. “Yer always cool to come by my place. Maybe some tea, talk with Ma or somethin’. I know she’s kinda Mama Bear to us all right now.”

… “Would now be a good time to take you up on that offer?” She could be so smooth at times without even trying. He blushed again, standing up with a chuckle.

“Y-yeah… kinda was what I was um… proposin’.” He reached his hand out to her. She gladly took it, letting him help her to her feet. She picked up her gloves from off the table, putting them back on and nodding.

“Lead the way.”