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Anniversaries were a big deal to Toujou. Usually he would be spending months planning in advance, making lists upon lists of what could be done to celebrate the day. There’s a lot of preparation involved for it to be as extravagant as possible and he loved spoiling his partner with these types of things. But during his time with Tatsumi he has come to the realization that even simple things can be great for a celebration. He didn’t need grandiose expressions of love nor public declarations of affection to commemorate something special with Tatsumi. His boyfriend was content with most modest things in life, not wanting anything too fancy or eye-catching. So when Tatsumi suggested that they bake their own anniversary cake to celebrate their first year together Toujou was all in. They looked online for a cake design they wanted to make, they a wrote a list of what flavors and toppings they wanted to add, and then they went shopping for the ingredients. They had decided on a single tier cake with pastel purple icing, blueberry and strawberry topping, and piped on roses, the roses were there simply because they both wanted to practice making them. The flavor profile was moist chocolate cake with vanilla and caramel filling, all three pairing well with the blueberries and strawberries.
Being with Tatsumi made Toujou appreciate the uncomplicated things in life, finding happiness even in the quiet moments. Baking a cake together wasn’t something new to either of them but baking their first anniversary cake together was new. During the entire process Toujou and Tatsumi were making conversation, remembering the good memories they had, and even cracking jokes here and there. It all felt relaxing and domestic, they both liked spending moments together like this a lot. Toujou watches Tatsumi laugh with flour on his nose and a streak lining across his right cheek, his smile brightened up the whole room and Toujou found himself laughing along, smile just as bright.
A year together, wow, what a journey it has been. Three years ago Toujou never would’ve imagined he’d be in another relationship, much less with a person he’s fallen so deeply in love with and had been suppressing his crush on for two years. Toujou knows things could’ve easily been different. There might be a universe out there where he and Tatsumi never ever get together or much less fall in love. But that’s not in this universe, and for all of the ‘what ifs’ Toujou was immensely happy that he could be with Tatsumi here. He couldn’t imagine life without Tatsumi by his side anymore, it’s impossible.
After they finally filled the cake pan with the chocolate batter they put it in the oven and waited for the cake to bake. They had some free time while the oven did its thing, Tatsumi started cleaning the kitchen. Toujou stood still for a moment, watching his boyfriend move around with practiced ease, a sign of complete relaxation on his form, that he’s so used to Toujou’s presence now to be as unguarded as he could be. And the affection for Tatsumi grew ever larger. Toujou was a lucky man to be partners with Tatsumi. He will never stop declaring that either in his mind or out loud, because it was the truth plain and simple. Then without a word Toujou easily falls into step beside his partner and they start bringing the used utensils and dishware to the sink.
The couple wash the dishes together with Tatsumi cleaning them with soap and sponge while Toujou rinsed and set aside the dishware on the drying rack. Toujou was trying to come up with puns on the spot and basing on Tatsumi’s reaction he would say that the attempts were successful. Tatsumi snorts at another pun that Toujou spun as they finished washing the dishes together, the clean up finally done. Tatsumi takes the hand towel nearby and dries his hands as well as Toujou’s own, carefully drying in between the fingers as well, no fussing, no rush, just a simple act of affection because Tatsumi was thoughtful like that. In the small unassuming things of everyday, there wasn’t a moment where Toujou ever felt left out or forgotten. Tatsumi loved him the loudest in the smallest ways. Remembering this fact, the blond feels the warmth in his chest overwhelm him and he can’t stop himself from crowding Tatsumi onto a counter and capturing those lips into a sweet kiss. There’s a hitch in the older man’s breath, dropping the towel onto the counter, surprised at the sudden action, but he relaxes into the kiss easily, wrapping his arms around Toujou’s shoulders, pulling him closer, accepting him as he is. And that acceptance burns through Toujou’s core, making the flame of love grow larger like a forest fire, spreading quickly and thoroughly.
Holy shit Toujou loves Tatsumi so much he feels like his heart was about to explode with how full of affection it was.
After they separate for air, Toujou bumps their foreheads together and says out loud, “Live with me Tatsumi.”
Tatsumi smiles with a tinge of amusement. “I already said yes before.”
“I’m asking literally this time. Let’s move in together as soon as you’re able.” Toujou pulled back a bit so he could look into Tatsumi’s eyes. The blond rifled through his pocket and pulled out a key with a calico cat keychain. He offers it on an open palm to Tatsumi. “Everything’s set and ready. Our new home is waiting for us to move in. Happy anniversary Tatsumi.”
At the sight of the key Tatsumi’s eyes widen and he stutters for an answer while accepting the key with shaky hands. “I- I thought the paperwork would take one more month?”
They had actually been looking for a house since Toujou asked Tatsumi to live with him months ago. They managed to find a suitable one but to Tatsumi’s knowledge they were still processing the papers, so Toujou handing him the keys to their new house now was a large surprise.
“I worked on it during my free time. The estate agents were kind enough to speed up the process.” Toujou explained with a grin, happy to see that he successfully surprised Tatsumi this time. Because even if Toujou was happy with the simple things that didn’t mean he had to stop doing extravagant things as well. He wanted to love Tatsumi in his own ways too.
Tatsumi was still gaping at the revelation. He looks at the key in his hand and then looks up at Toujou with hopeful eyes. “So this means?”
“Yes, we can move in together.” Toujou cupped Tatsumi’s face and placed a soft kiss on his boyfriend’s cheek. “We can finally have a space to call our own. Just for us.”
Tatsumi felt his eyes dampen at the declaration, he wasn’t always this emotional, but somehow knowing that they now have a house of their own was enough to push him to tears. Happy tears. The lavender haired man clutched the key to his chest and nodded, repeating Toujou’s words.
“Just for us.”
Then Tatsumi grins and pulls Toujou in for a deep kiss, extremely elated by the news.
A place to call their own, what a wonderful first anniversary.