Chapter Text
Yuma was still a little shocked over everything that had happened the past few weeks. It had been an adjustment for him, getting all his memories back and learning his old ways of discarding emotions wouldn’t work anymore after the events of Kanai Ward. However he didn’t mind because not only had he learned how important cooperation with others was, but he’d also gained something so precious he’d never throw it away.
While he struggled to understand the emotion ‘love’, he couldn’t deny that being with Desuhiko Thunderbolt really had improved his life. Sure he’d resigned from being Number One of the WDO, but he still planned on working hard to make everyone happy, and with Desuhiko by his side he knew he’d achieve it someday. And in turn, he’d help support Desuhiko’s own dream of being a superstar detective.
Yes he still got lost in his own head sometimes, but Desuhiko always brought him back to reality when he needed him to.
Such as now.
Yuma was spacing out once again, thinking about all the different cases he wanted to help solve, when he suddenly felt a light prod against his arm. He blinked before turning to Desuhiko, his elbow nudging him softly.
“We’re here, my man.” Desuhiko smiled warmly as he lowered his arm.
Almost as if to accentuate his point, a high pitched ding rang out to signal that the lift they were in had reached its destination. The doors to Makoto’s penthouse opened moments later.
‘Oh right. We’re here to get Makoto-san’s report on how Kanai Ward has been in our absence.’ Yuma mused.
As the doors opened fully, Yuma instinctively took Desuhiko’s hand as the duo walked into the large room. After a few steps a familiar voice greeted them.
“Ah, welcome. I hope your journey was a pleasant one!”
Yuma smiled as he was greeted by an identical face, only Makoto’s grin had a hint of mischief on it. Yuma gave a small bow, “It was, thank you. Although I had some issues on the train, but that was more thanks to what happened before than the train itself.”
Desuhiko was quick however as he suddenly gave Yuma a tight hug, “He was so brave though! He just closed his eyes and used the calming techniques I gave him! Next thing we knew we had arrived, no issues!”
Yuma couldn’t stop his tiny blush as he raised one hand and placed it over Desuhiko’s crossed arms, “Thank you. I appreciate your assistance.”
“Pff! Come on, no need to be so formal with me. I told you you can let loose. Be casual, my man!” Desuhiko chuckled before releasing him so they could continue with their meeting.
Yuma however noticed something. Makoto was oddly quiet as he looked at the two. It was only there for a second but Yuma still was confused. Makoto however just clapped to get them all focused, “I see, well I’ll see if I can update the interiors of the Amaterasu Express at a later date to try to help with that. But for now I believe we have business to attend to.”
He gestured for all of them to sit on the nearby sofa so they could be comfortable for what was going to be a long discussion. Desuhiko was quick to leap over and make himself at home while Yuma went to sit respectfully. Makoto however went for a happy medium as he dramatically crossed his legs on the seat opposite the two detectives.
Desuhiko still looked around, “Wow, you fixed this place up pretty quickly. I thought Halara and I had done a much stronger number on the joint when you locked us in here.”
“Yes well, thankfully all the damage was reversed in a couple of days. By the way, I hope you enjoyed yourself when you helped yourself to my wine collection.” Makoto chastised with a tiny smile.
Desuhiko flushed, “H-how did you know it was me and not the others?”
“Please. I’d taken Yuma, your precious man, away from you. With how clingy you are, I knew you’d hit my booze.” Makoto chuckled softly.
Desuhiko just huffed as Yuma cleared his throat, “Anyway, let’s not dwell on our past actions. Tell me, how has the city been in our absence, Makoto-san?”
And Makoto smiled as he started to list off all the improvements that had happened in his fine city.
Desuhiko did try to listen to Makoto’s report as best he could, but he was rather distracted. Why? Because Makoto was acting a little strange. Or well, stranger than normal.
To a general observer it wouldn’t have probably crossed some people’s minds, however Desuhiko was a master at reading people’s facial expressions so he picked up on it instantly.
First, the CEO wouldn’t look him directly in the eyes. Whenever their gazes did catch each other, Makoto would just quickly turn back to Yuma or look somewhere else like his nails. Desuhiko originally thought it was just guilt from when he had locked him in the penthouse when he faced off against his original, but the more it happened, Desuhiko just got a bigger nagging feeling.
Desuhiko continued to observe but also couldn’t help but look at his partner as well. Yuma was doing so well with embracing his emotions after all and Desuhiko really was so proud of him. Sure he still needed some help occasionally, but Desuhiko was always there to offer a hand for Yuma to hold. Yes it was still a surprise to him that he was dating probably the smartest man in the world, but Desuhiko didn’t feel inferior at all. After all, Desuhiko was a social butterfly, he helped Yuma with what he found difficult.
Desuhiko just beamed as he took Yuma’s hand into his own. Yuma jolted but soon smiled back, “What’s up Desuhiko-kun?”
“Nothing.” The disguise detective sang out, “Just felt like holding your hand.”
Yuma’s cheeks lightly flushed but he just redirected his attention and continued his chat with Makoto.
But Desuhiko then caught Makoto’s gaze. Desuhiko couldn’t help but note that the homunculus was looking at their hands as a faint expression went across his features. It was only for a second but Desuhiko knew that expression well.
It was the same face Yuma gave him when he flirted with girls.
Yuma’s jealous face.
And that was when Desuhiko realised something, ’Wait, he’s jealous of me and Yuma holding hands?’
Makoto seemed to catch his eyes and once again, Desuhiko picked up on Makoto’s microexpression. A tiny embarrassed look before Makoto looked away and just smiled, “My my, should I give you two some privacy? Holding hands, how scandalous, and not even to use coalescence. I didn’t realise my original had become so dirty minded.”
Yuma tried to remain professional, but Desuhiko couldn’t contain his giggles as Yuma’s face slowly turned red, “Makoto-san, please. It’s not like he’s snogging my face.”
“I mean, I can if you want~?” Desuhiko smirked as he leaned closer. He wasn’t actually going to do it of course, but it was fun to see his boyfriend get embarrassed.
“No, that won’t be necessary!” Yuma uttered as he placed his free hand between his and Desuhiko's faces, trying to retain the air of professionalism, but the way his voice rose in pitch was undeniable. Instead Desuhiko just kissed his palm.
“I’ll be good, we can always have fun later after all.” Desuhiko smiled.
But Desuhiko also took a quick glance at Makoto as well. Once again, he saw that tiny expression of jealousy before Makoto smiled, putting on his metaphorical mask (as he no longer used his actual mask), “Well now, I won’t keep you two long then. Let’s wrap this up for now.”
And Desuhiko just held Yuma’s hand as he just mused to himself, ‘I’m not making it up, but these expressions are so similar. Sure my man and Makoto share a face, so their expressions are similar by default, but they’re not exactly the same as they still are separate individuals. Still, this is so similar to how Yuma was before when he had a crush on… hold on.’
Desuhiko slowly connected the dots then, ‘Sure he could be just jealous of our relationship, but could it be more? Does… does Makoto have a crush on me?’
Desuhiko didn’t betray his thoughts however by expressing them on his face. Instead he simply closed his eyes, ‘As soon as we’re out of here, I need to present my findings to my man and ask what we should do.’
Thankfully the meeting didn’t continue much longer. Yuma and Makoto wrapped up as Makoko soon stood up, “Alrighty then. I’ll let you two get on with your day. Enjoy yourselves!”
Yuma swiftly stood up and bowed again, “Thank you, we’re heading back tomorrow, but hopefully we can meet again soon. Stay safe, Makoto-san!”
Makoto just chuckled at that. Desuhiko however just gave Makoto a two finger salute and a wink, “Catch you later, big shot CEO.”
Makoto tried to roll his eyes, but Desuhiko swore he saw a faint pink blush on his cheeks as well. That pretty much confirmed his theory as he soon headed to the door, taking Yuma's hand once more. As the lift doors shut, Desuhiko was quiet.
This didn’t go unnoticed by Yuma of course. Yuma tilted his head in curiosity and Desuhiko just lifted one finger up to signal to wait. After all, he didn't know if Makoto was listening and didn’t want to embarrass the CEO by having him overhear their following conversation.
Once outside however, Desuhiko turned to Yuma, “I have a theory.”
Yuma looked confused before Desuhiko continued, “Did you notice something strange about Makoto today?”
Yuma put his free hand to his chin, “Well, I did notice he wasn’t looking you in the eyes. Probably still feels guilty about locking you in the penthouse.”
Desuhiko shook his head, “That was my first guess too, but no.”
Yuma looked perplexed as Desuhiko explained, “When we held hands, he looked jealous. I thought maybe he was jealous of our relationship, however when I winked at him before we left I swear I saw him blush.”
Yuma looked a little apprehensive but Desuhiko just shook his head, “Look, I know I say any girl that looks at me has a crush on me, but I swear I saw him blush for like a second. I know your expressions Yuma, and while they’re a little different, that look was so similar to your own. So I do think Makoto Kagutsuchi has a crush on me.”
As they continued to walk to the hotel, Yuma was a little quiet but nodded, “I hate to say it but now that I think about it, Makoto-san seemed like he was trying to act like his normal, cheerful self, but there were cracks.”
Desuhiko nodded in agreement, “The question is what do we do with this information.”
“What do you mean?” Yuma asked.
Desuhiko folded his arms as they reached the hotel entrance, “Well, I for one want to talk to him about it. I’m flattered really, but I don’t want things to be weird between us, so I should probably let him down easily.”
Yuma was silent for a second before he closed his eyes, “Who says you have to do that?”
Desuhiko’s head whipped around like a shot at that comment, “I’m sorry, what?”
Yuma however just opened his eyes again and gave Desuhiko a sincere smile, “Do you have to turn him down?”
“Again, huh?” Desuhiko asked, his face turning red, “Are you suggesting I date him?! Yuma, my man, that’s cheating! I’m dating you! What are you saying?”
“I’m not saying that. I’m suggesting we both date him.” Yuma stated so matter of factly as he pressed the lift button.
Desuhiko’s brain just stopped working then as he blue screened. Yuma couldn’t stop his chuckle as he helped Desuhiko into the hotel lift. Desuhiko however just seemed to squeak for a bit until he finally got his voice to work, “Wait wait wait! You want to bring Makoto, your clone, into our relationship?! Am I hearing you right?!”
Yuma just chuckled softly, “I must admit, I am curious about Makoto-san myself. He’s the only person who can match my intellect after all. And if Makoto-san has a crush on you, I am interested in at least exploring the idea of us being a throuple. Everything being consensual of course and having boundaries discussed before we go into anything. If it doesn’t work out we can part on good terms. You can’t deny you’re not curious.”
Desuhiko somehow went even more red, “No! I mean, of course I fucking am, but come on, that’s just my fantasies! Like Makoto would even agree to that!”
“Desuhiko-kun, you do know me and Makoto-san share a brain, right? So I can say with about eighty percent confidence that he probably wouldn’t mind. But still, we need to talk about this with him.” Yuma countered, using his flawless logic.
Desuhiko honestly couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Yes his brain was trying to go to the gutter part of his mind with this, but he forced himself to remain focused as he nodded, “O-okay, but know that if you’re wrong you’re dealing with the repercussions of this.”
“I will take full responsibility. I promise.” Yuma nodded as he opened his and Desuhiko’s hotel room. Once inside Yuma just smiled warmly, “For now, let it leave your mind. I don’t know about you but I’m pretty tired.”
Desuhiko nodded as he let out a yawn, “Yeah, no kidding.”
As the two men got themselves sorted for bed and got into their pjs, Yuma soon got under the covers of their queen sized bed. As he got in, he put his arms over the top of the sheets, laying there as stiff as a board. Desuhiko could stop his snort, “My man, you can relax.”
Yuma just looked at him, his face perfectly neutral, “... I am relaxing. This is how I relax.”
Again, Desuhiko just let out a laugh, “Okay, that’s the Number One side of your brain because I know from experience that that’s not how you relax. I know we haven’t seen each other in a while as I’ve had assignments, but come on.”
Yuma just continued to gaze as Desuhiko got under the covers and quickly pulled Yuma towards him. Yuma was still pretty rigid but Desuhiko just nuzzled into his hair, “Breathe, come on darling~”
Desuhiko calling him that got the genius to blush as he turned towards him and softly wrapped his arms around him to return the embrace, “S-sorry. I guess some habits are pretty hard coded.”
The blond just giggled as he gave Yuma’s forehead a soft kiss, “I know, don’t feel bad, okay? I’m here now, right? Just let yourself relax. Listen to my heart if you need to, that always helped before didn't it?”
Yuma smiled as he did just that, a small familiar smile covering his face. Desuhiko seemed happy as he saw more of that amnesiac trainee come through. Desuhiko just softly hummed and within a few minutes, Yuma was asleep softly. Desuhiko cuddled him more as he shut his eyes and soon fell asleep himself.
The next day, the couple decided that the first thing they would do was go back to Makoto’s home. Yes it was unexpected and would immediately put the CEO on edge, but they needed to have this conversation and not let it fester for how many weeks it would be until all three of them had free time again. Which, being as two of them were working detectives and one was the leader of a mega corporation, it would be once in a blue moon when that would happen.
As the lift went up, Yuma and Desuhiko held hands once more, although Desuhiko’s hand was extra sweaty than normal. Yuma didn’t mind however as he rubbed little circles into the back of his hand with his thumb.
As the door opened, a very confused Makoto greeted them, “Well hello! This is certainly a surprise, I thought you had a train to catch? Did you need something else?”
Yuma just smiled, “We postponed it until tomorrow.”
Makoto raised a brow as he invited them in, “I see, any reason why? Can’t get enough of my fine city? Well I can’t fault you there.”
Yuma however just looked at Desuhiko who nodded as he walked over to Makoto, “We need to talk about something.”
Makoto seemed to jolt slightly before he laughed, “If this is about what happened when I locked you in here, I already said I was sorry. Look, Yuma turned up as well, I say it all worked out in the end, so what on earth could we possibly talk about?”
Desuhiko however stopped in front of Makoto. The homunculus looked so confused as Desuhiko let out a breath, “I know you like me.”
Makoto's eyes went wide for a second before laughing again. A clear deflection of course. Makoto patted his shoulder as he walked past, “Now now, no need for silly jokes. I know I'm a pretty silly guy, but that's nothing to joke about. Honestly Yuma, what have you put your boyfriend up to?”
However Desuhiko turned as he looked at Makoto again, “Listen to me… I'm interested.”
It was then that Makoto whipped his head around. He almost blushed again before pure fury went across his face, “Okay, how dare you! I knew you were an idiot but what the fuck are you doing!? What, you want to cheat on Yuma?! Not on my watch! I won't let you treat my original like that!”
“Nah, I'm fine with it. I gave him my blessing.” Yuma uttered as he went to the kitchen to make himself some coffee, using Makoto's fancy coffee maker.
Makoto meanwhile just froze. The rage dissipated but all that was left was pure utter confusion. Desuhiko couldn't help but let out a small snicker at the expression as Yuma poured his drink and took a sip.
While Yuma was enjoying Makoto being put on the spot, the detective just smiled as he tried to move the conversation along, “Okay, in all seriousness, me and Desuhiko-kun talked about it yesterday after we left here. We knew you were acting strange and put the dots together. You tried to hide it, but you forget Desuhiko-kun is a master of expressions, especially my expressions.”
He came over and offered Makoto another cup of coffee he prepared, “So we discussed it, and if you're willing, we wouldn't mind if you wanted to join our relationship. If you're comfortable with that, that is? All three of us together, no cheating whatsoever.”
Makoto’s eyes didn't even move as he just carefully took the mug and took a sip. His expression was frozen. Desuhiko waved his hand in front of his face and muttered softly, “Did we… break him?”
Yuma however just took another sip as he put a hand on Desuhiko's hip, acting so confident that it was giving the disguise detective whiplash, “Give him a moment.”
Makoto took a few more sips before he closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose, “Okay, thanks for the coffee, but what the hell did you just drop on me!?”
Yuma laughed, “I can say it again if you like?”
“No no… I'm good.” Makoto sighed as he gestured for the duo to follow as he just collapsed on the sofa, soon turning his attention back to Desuhiko, “First of all, I'm annoyed you worked it out. I thought I was being slick.”
“Ha!” Desuhiko laughed as he sat down as well, laying on the sofa on his side, “Really? Because I caught it immediately! Guess I'm just too familiar with my man's expressions so you already were at a disadvantage.”
Makoto huffed but Desuhiko just smiled, “What can I say, I have a way of attracting cute, purple eyed geniuses.”
Both Yuma and Makoto snorted the same way as they rolled their eyes. The second Makoto noticed his reaction however he started to blush and just hid his face behind his coffee mug as he took another gulp.
Yuma sat next to Desuhiko as the two smiled at each other before looking at Makoto with expectant eyes.
Desuhiko spoke first, “If this is overwhelming, we get it. We just wanted to talk in person. If you need more time to think this over that's fine too! Completely serious here!”
Makoto however put his mug down as he crossed his legs, “... So you guys aren't pulling my leg. You're both serious.”
Yuma and Desuhiko nodded as Desuhiko sat up, “Completely. I know I'm a degenerate, but I wouldn't play around with someone's heart like this.”
Makoto nodded as he let out a sigh, “Well, let me ask a few questions first. How will this work? I mean, look at our jobs. Not exactly a good balance when it comes to maintaining a good relationship.”
Yuma nodded, “I have thought about that. Me and Desuhiko-kun make it work after all, so we'll make sure to visit Kanai Ward often. I'm basically freelance now so I make my own schedule. And Desuhiko-kun keeps me updated via texts on my personal phone, so I'm sure we can set up a message group and make sure to set up time.”
Makoto nodded and put a hand to his chin, “Okay, then what about boundaries. I'm not really ready to jump into cuddling and kissing immediately you know.”
“T-that’s totally fine!” Desuhiko called out, “We don't expect you to just jump into bed with us… even if I would love that.”
Yuma flashed Desuhiko a glare, but Desuhiko chuckled, “I'm joking! What I mean is that we can go at your pace. If you just want to hold hands we can do that. If I try to go too fast you can just tell me to stop and I'll back off immediately. And you can ask for kisses if you see me and Yuma kiss and want one too.”
Yuma nodded, “I can assure you that Desuhiko-kun is very respectful of boundaries. He may not look it with how he acts-”
“Hey!”
“-but he really is very careful making sure he never does anything that upsets me. Often checking if I'm okay.” Yuma smiled before his eyes fell, “Well, he needs to work on flirting with random women but he's getting better.”
Desuhiko went to argue again but he stopped and nodded, “Yeah… my superstar aura is hard to control.”
Both Yuma and Makoto just looked unimpressed but Makoto nodded, “Well, if you're both okay with it, then I suppose I don't mind. Just as long as you respect my boundaries. Me and Yuma may share a brain, but I am still my own person. Our lives have differed greatly after all.”
Makoto's face went dark for a second before he shook his head, “Alright. I can accept this arrangement. Especially if it means I don't have to hide my crush on that idiot anymore.”
“Hey! Am I getting a new boyfriend, or is this ‘Insult Desuhiko Day’!? I have feelings too, you know.” Desuhiko yelled out before calming down.
Makoto still chuckled, “It's just how I show my affection. Anyway, for now I request you give me some space so I can process this. Desuhiko-kun, you can get my number off Yuma.”
Desuhiko's eyes lit up as he stood up, “Alright! Can I get a hug before we go?”
Makoto paused and hummed, “... I'll give you a handshake.”
Desuhiko just shot his hand out, “Sounds good.”
It was a little awkward but Makoto gave Desuhiko a firm handshake, followed by Yuma before he waved his hand, “Alright now. Go spend your extra day having fun. I'll speak to you both later. Travel safe.”
Yuma and Desuhiko smiled as they headed to the lift, Desuhiko giving Makoto a wink as the door closed. Desuhiko loved the little annoyed pout he got from the CEO.
He then grinned at Yuma, “I think that went well.”
The second the two were gone Makoto let out a sigh. He put a hand to his head as he grumbled slightly, ‘What have I gotten myself into?’
Was Makoto happy? Of course he was. He didn't have to put a lid on his emotions about Desuhiko (and Yuma to a certain extent too) anymore, but this just opened another can of worms in Makoto's head.
After all there was one thing that differed between him and his two new boyfriends.
He was a perfect Homunculus.
He was immortal and would outlive them.
There would come a day both of them would die, and Makoto wasn't sure he'd be able to handle that. Yes, that was still hopefully decades away, but still, Makoto was someone who always thought about the future.
So Makoto just balled his hands into fists, digging his nails into his palms, ‘I can't get too close. I can't be too emotionally vulnerable with them. I can indulge for a bit, but I will eventually get over this crush and then break things off. Just enough for my hormones to be satisfied before we can all move on with our lives.’
He then let out another sigh as he looked at the clock, ‘Right, I should get to that meeting.’
As Makoto left however, he still couldn't stop the tiny smile coating his lips. Despite everything, he was happy. He could indulge in this happiness for a little while.