Work Text:
He wasn't exactly sure when it started. At one point, it just became normal. Katai had no idea this system of his even existed, and he'd like to keep it that way. It was something he'd created to reassure himself. You see, to him, love was easier with numbers.
So he created this system. A percentage system to be exact. And it was working fine... at first. He started out trying to keep the numbers in the high 90s. Eventually, he decided anything above 80 was still good. Of course, he still wanted it close to 100% as possible.
He made a system of deducting points and adding them. He lost a point for not kissing Katai goodnight. He lost 5 for working late and skipping plans. He also lost 10 for every time they had a petty fight about the dishes or anything. The addition of points was similar.
He would gain one every time he did something nice for Katai. He gained 5 for going on dates and not working late. He gained 10 if everything that day went perfect. Sadly, they were bound to have larger fights. It all started when Kunikida walked through the door bleeding.
Katai had immediately rushed toward him, looking at the stab wound on his shoulder. Quickly, and without speaking, the brunette rushed to get a first-aid kit as Kunikida sat down on the counter. Katai walked back into the room and silently began cleaning and bandaging the wound. Once he was done, the blonde slid off the counter, eyes looking away from his lover. "How many times have I asked you to be careful?" Katai asked, venom lacing his voice.
"I-" But he had no excuse. "Don't. Just don't," he said bluntly, causing Kunikida's to wince. "I've asked you to take more precautions and to think about yourself more while fighting how many times now?" He asked, voice raising. "Katai-" he was cut off quickly. "Shut up! Just shut up!" The brunette yelled, causing the taller to flinch.
"Do you even think about me? About anybody that cares about you?!" He asked, and Kunikida didn't respond. Of course he does. He thinks about Katai more often than he'd like to admit. He's been trying to be more careful ever since the helicopter. Tears are welling in his eyes before he can stop them. The brunette isn't paying attention, just yelling more about how stupid his behavior is.
He closes his eyes tightly, putting his hands over his ears at the same time. It's too loud in here. He can feel every hair on his neck, and it feels like he's going insane. Suddenly, he feels someone gently pulling off his glasses before replacing his hands with their own. He melts into the hold, pulling Katai closer so their chests are touching.
It takes a few minutes before Kunikida finally opens his eyes. The shorter looks worried and a little guilty. He slowly grabs Katai's hands, holding them gently. "I'm sorry," the older blurts out before Kunikida can respond. "I shouldn't have yelled at you," he whispers, looking away, almost ashamed.
"Hey, it's ok," he whispers, frowning as Katai shakes his head. "No, it's not! I shouldn't be so hot-headed all the time!" He says, attempting to pull away, but Kunikida holds him tightly. "You're not hot-headed, sweetheart," he whispers, pulling the shorter into a hug. Katai practically melts, certainly not upset. "84%," he thinks, although not realizing he's said it aloud.
"84?" The brunette asks, looking up slightly. "To make sure you love me enough. I put everything into numbers," he says, unsure how to explain his system. "Doppo, my love," Katai says, pulling him into a tighter hug. He's adores that nickname. Even if it seems so simple, it means the world to him.
"Nothing would ever make me stop loving you, Doppo." And he sounds so sure of it. It almost makes him break again. "Did I do something to make you feel like that?" He asks, and Kunikida shakes his head quickly. "It's just... easier," he whispers, wincing as Katai still looks confused. "Easier how?" He asks quietly, gently resting his hands on the blonde's chest.
"To put everything in numbers. It's easier to see," he says, and Katai is quiet for a little. "Let's go to the couch," he says suddenly, pulling away before the taller could react. He follows the older silently, sitting down next to him on the couch. It's takes a while before either of them talk. "I love you," Katai whispers, and Kunikida looks over at him.
He's slightly shocked when he sees quiet tears falling down the brunette's face. "What's wrong?" He asks immediately, grabbing Katai's hand. "Nothing! I just..." He trailed off, sighing quietly. "I hate that I've made you feel that way," he whispers finally. "Feel what way?" Kunikida asks, gently rubbing the older's knuckles.
"That you have to keep score. That... just because we do things or don't do things makes you feel like I don't love you," he whispers, sniffling softly. "That's not why I do this," he says firmly. "But then why -" Kunikida cuts him off quickly. "Whenever I keep score, it helps me keep track," he says, pulling Katai closer. "This scoring system I have let's me make sure I'm not screwing up," he says, and the brunette shakes his head.
"It doesn't matter, Doppo! It doesn't matter how much you screw up. I love you!" He yells, shaking Kunikida gently. "All I'm saying is -" This time, it was him cut off. "I don't care!" He says firmly. "You do not need to keep score, love," he whispers, cupping the taller's face gently. "Nothing in this world will make me stop loving you," he says, kissing the blonde gently.
"You are everything I've ever wanted, Doppo. Nothing will change that," he says, smiling softly. "I love you too. So much," Kunikida says, kissing Katai again.