[LOG] Tokugawa Kazuya and Hirakoba Rin

[shortens]

Who: Tokugawa Kazuya and Hirakoba Rin
What: When doesn't Tokugawa suffer?
When: Before Golden Week
Where: A bar somewhere
Rating: PG I GUESS

Hirakoba runs from the station, swearing under his breath as he pauses to send a quick message to Tokugawa. Late. On my way, sorry. He’d explain his lateness when he got there.

Thankfully it’s still cool enough in the evenings to run that he doesn’t worry too much about sweating and turning up gross. Though he does slow down his pace a bit as he approaches the venue so he doesn’t show up completely out of breath and flushed. Nearly there, he sends.

Tokugawa doesn't take long to respond to the text, already seated comfortably at a booth at the corner of the bar. It's fine. There aren't that many people yet, and the band starts in ten minutes.

He arrived not long before he received the text, getting there using his motorcycle. He's already ordered a drink—whiskey with cola, iced—and the glass is seated on a coaster at the centre of the table. Next to it is his key, which has a seal plush keychain, something Hirakoba will remember.

Hirakoba arrives with five minutes to spare and it’s obvious straight away that Tokugawa isn’t waiting outside. So he heads in, spotting the other male quickly and beelines towards him.

“Sorry I’m late,” he says, sliding into the booth next to Tokugawa to give him a hug. He presses his forehead into Tokugawa’s shoulder and exhales loudly. “I had to ditch an annoying date, they didn’t understand that you’re significantly more preferable company.”

And then Hirakoba pauses and laughs softly as he scoots away again. “Sorry, I forgot about the warning.”

By this time, Tokugawa's actually gotten used to the contact and Hirakoba will notice it because the older man's shoulders aren't tense and square, they're mostly relaxed. He also isn't sitting as straight as a pole. "You were on a date?"

Okay - bear with Tokugawa here. He doesn't have much of an expression on his face, but his slightly widened eyes hint he's surprised.

"You left your date to come here. Is that alright?"

He raises an eyebrow slightly at the question and stares a little at the expression on Tokugawa’s face. It always is a little hard to interpret his expressions, but Hirakoba thinks he’s getting a little better every time.

“It’s fine, it was just meant to be coffee. It wasn’t going to amount to anything,” he says dismissively. What’s on the table on the other hand, is much more interesting and Hirakoba smiles as he prods the seal keychain - as expected - on them.

Tokugawa responds with a hum of acknowledgement. So long as the other person understood, then it's fine. He would hate to ruin a relationship, or an onset of it!

He doesn't fail to notice that Rin's gaze is on the table. It's why he leans forward to pick up his keys to put them in his pocket. He dangles the keychain in front of Rin before doing so, though.

"She picked the more formal charm."

Obviously.

Hirakoba laughs at the confirmation that yes, indeed, Tokugawa’s sister had left him with the cute one. “Yes, I can see,” he says, looking highly amused. “I was wondering if you’d picked it for yourself and given her no choice.” He pats Tokugawa on the shoulder and glances at the stage.

“I’m going to run and get a drink,” he says, giving Tokugawa a fond poke on the cheek with a finger. “Don’t ditch me while I’m gone, be a politer date than I am.”

Okay, the poke on the cheek was more foreign than usual. It's why once Hirakoba's gone to order a drink, Tokugawa strokes his cheek a couple of times before shaking his head.

As he waits, he watches the band get ready to perform by doing their soundcheck. Every so often, he looks at Hirakoba, too. Maybe he's just impatient. This was his idea, after all. He'd like this to be a good date meeting, and Hirakoba's the only person between the two of them who would be able to say so.

Hirakoba heads back to the booth, drink in hand and slides in next to Tokugawa again - this side has a better view of the band. And it’s easier to hold a quiet conversation in this position than leaning over the table.

“You know, I was a bit surprised this was the sort of concert you invited me to,” he says, glancing at Tokugawa before looking back at the band. “I half expected to have to sit through opera and pretend I enjoyed it.” He’s done that more often than he’d like to admit.

"I do enjoy opera, but I also enjoy these kinds of shows," Tokugawa says as he leans back with his drink. He also crosses his legs, totally relaxing against the couch. "These help me relax."

Hirakoba shifts to remove his coat before he can properly settle down, sighing a little as he takes a sip of his drink. Yes, definitely preferable to the date from before.

“You continue to surprise me, Tokugawa-kun,” Hirakoba says, smiling a bit as he moves to nudge Tokugawa’s leg with his own. “It’s always nice to know instincts about people not being as uptight as they appear are right.”

Ah, the leg. Ah, the knee. Tokugawa actually stretches that particular leg as he looks at Hirakoba, pretty proud of his progress. In fact, he'll tell him now. "The doctor says that I'm doing better, and that I'm healing rather quickly. I may get more free days than usual soon." It's all said with a smile, too. So what was that about being uptight? Tokugawa's pretty chill sometimes!

Hirakoba pauses at that statement - is that… a hint that Tokugawa wants more outings…? Since they normally are saved just for days off? “Does that mean you’ll be less of a hermit soon?” Hirakoba asks teasingly, taking a sip of his drink. He does pat Tokugawa on the shoulder though, shuffling a little closer to nudge him with his elbow. “Well done though, I know rehab from injuries can be difficult.”

"I'm not a hermit," Tokugawa immediately interjects. He isn't! He… He's just quiet, okay. And right after saying he's not a hermit, he immediately stays silent because the vocalist of the band introduces herself as well as her bandmates. Tokugawa's not into the moment just yet, compared to when they were at the aquarium and he was so dazed by the fish. He's just in a good mood because of how well he's healing and how certain he is that the music they're about to listen to is going to be good.

"Have you heard of them?" He says as the band begins to play their first song. "They were recommended to me by one of my students."

Hirakoba laughs a little - that was the response he’d expected to get to Tokugawa being called a hermit. But he does quieten down, watching the band start playing and he hums a bit in approval. “I haven’t, no.” At least, the music doesn’t sound familiar and Hirakoba tilts his head slightly to keep listening. And then he pauses. “Your students?” he asks, looking at Tokugawa in surprise. “I didn’t realise you were a teacher.”

"I'm not," Tokugawa responds. He flags down a waiter and asks for another drink similar to the one he's about to down. Once that's done, he adds: "I'm a tennis coach here. I teach some children at the sports club near my house every weekend."

And another pause, and his relaxed expression turns serious again.

"It's why I'm not a hermit."

Ah, that makes sense. Although the idea of Tokugawa being surrounded by a swarm of admiring children wielding tennis racquets is a funny enough image that Hirakoba has to bite his tongue to stop himself from smiling too much.

At least until Tokugawa speaks again and Hirakoba has to smother a laugh with his hand. “What a convincing argument,” he says, moving to rest his head on Tokugawa’s shoulder to get into a more comfortable position to watch the band. “Is that why you like hugs so much?” he teases again.

The noise Tokugawa makes as he clears his throat is strained, almost as if he was about to choke. Dammit, Hirakoba. "I don't like hugs. I've just grown used to it," he says in his… usual tsundere manner. Not that his nature has been outed by anybody yet. And hopefully it never comes to that.

Hirakoba smiles, much too smugly as he hears the response from Tokugawa. Of course, that was definitely the reason. “Perhaps you should practise giving them more,” he suggests, twisting around to give Tokugawa a one armed hug, resting his chin on his shoulder with a grin. “I always enjoy giving hugs more than receiving them.”

Tokugawa cranes his neck to look at Hirakoba. He isn't glaring at him or anything, but his expression makes it seem like he's asking what that means.

"Are you asking for a hug?" he finally asks.

Maybe it’s the music thumping in his ears, but Hirakoba’s feeling almost silly. His smile just widens at the question and his arm tightens slightly in his own hug. “Yes, I am,” Hirakoba says. “Or is this too public for you?” They’re tucked in the back corner and he’s sure people are too busy to pay them much attention anyway.

it definitely is too public for him and Tokugawa isn't even sure if he has the guts to hug Hirakoba. He'll definitely try, though, now that it's come to this. (To be fair, this is partly his fault for leading the conversation here.)

"Maybe later," he says as he focuses on the band, but it's not meant to be dismissive. And the music plays on, and Tokugawa listens to them. Hirakoba should do the same.

Hirakoba narrows his eyes slightly - somehow he has a feeling he isn’t going to be getting that hug unless he keeps prodding for it. “Alright, I’ll hold you to that.”

He still takes the opportunity to prod Tokugawa in the stomach as he pulls away to settle down on the seat and listen to the music again. Hirakoba sips his drink and scans around the room. There’s actually a few more people than he thought when he came in.

His good mood is what makes him more talkative and more inquisitive, and so, Tokugawa asks... "So, your date." He pauses there first as he looks at Hirakoba to see how the other might react. "What were they like?"

What… an unexpected question from Tokugawa. “Not as tall as you, in case you’re worried. He was just tall enough,” Hirakoba says with a sideways glance at Tokugawa. He smiles around the rim of his glass and turns to focus on the band again. “They were just someone from one of my classes.” He sighs. “I really should stop dating law students already.”

Tokugawa arches a brow at the statement. Not as tall as him? And in case he's worried? Does he look like some kind of crazy person who takes pride in being as tall as a pole?

"What does height have to do with it?" he asks, and then another concern which probably has more meat to it: "Won't it be awkward that you left him behind, and you'll still see him in school?"

Then again, from the knowledge he knows of Hirakoba, he doesn't seem like the type of guy who has any shame.

Oh. Tokugawa doesn’t know. Well he supposes, Tokugawa doesn’t really seem the sort to go snooping through other comment threads in his spare time. Hirakoba has to bite back a laugh and just waves his hand vaguely. “Nothing nothing, don’t worry about it.”

Hirakoba frowns a little and that’s not something that he’s spent too much time worrying about before. Or actually really considered. “For him, maybe? Some people get very caught up with stuff like that.” His tone makes it pretty clear that he’s definitely not one of them.

A hum of acknowledgement comes from Tokugawa at both statements, not really wanting to argue or anything. Maybe he cares too much about some guy he's never met, but that's probably because he's quick to feel bad for people. He's definitely become less cold towards others since high school, but that doesn't mean he's become so emotive.

Since Hirakoba doesn't seem to mind if his date makes a big deal out of it, then he'll try to not think about it, as well. For someone to make more time for him and ditch someone, it's flattering but at the same time, slightly guilting.

"Did you always want to become a lawyer?" What a philosophical question to ask over drinks, but hey, might as well continue asking and trying to get to know Hirakoba more since the blond likes to talk to him so much. He might also be more talkative now with the whiskey involved.

So many questions tonight already, Hirakoba’s genuinely surprised. His smile become a little brittle though as he takes a few measured sips of his drink and watches the stage. “It wouldn’t have been my first choice for a degree,” he admits and he glances at Tokugawa. “But, what my grandmother wants, she gets. And I wasn’t going to do medicine.”

There’s a note of finality in his voice - Hirakoba doesn’t want to talk about it more. But he perks up much too quickly and turns his attentions to Tokugawa. “What about you? Did you always want to play professionally?”

Oh. Tokugawa feels a bit embarrassed that the spotlight's been turned on him, but that's fine. He doesn't mind sharing his story.

"I've always wanted to play professionally, yes. I've been playing since I was 5-years old and it was my goal to be number one at all times."

He pauses then, not because he has to swallow or drink or anything, but because it's a dream he's always had and he feels rather pumped saying it out loud now.

"It's still my goal."

Hirakoba tilts his head slightly as Tokugawa speaks, it’s kind of nice with how clearly passionate he is about his goal. “How admirable that you’ve stuck to it,” he says, resting his chin on his hand as he looks at Tokugawa.

“What do you want to do when you retire, then? Coach? And build up the next world number one?” He’s teasing a bit, but somehow he thinks that Tokugawa might actually have that as a goal.

Well, Tokugawa already teaches kids how to play tennis now. In a way, he's already a coach! But that's not really something he sees himself doing in the long term.

"Nothing in particular. I want to travel. I also want to do philanthropy," he responds calmly before finishing what's left of his drink. Perhaps it's a bit spoiled of him to do nothing and travel the world and splurge what money he has, but he believe that he's been working hard since day one. Once he retires, that's it.

The band, which was supposed to be the main highlight of today's event, has become background noise to Tokugawa. He's talking too much…

Hirakoba hums a bit in thought and swirls his finger around the condensation rings on the table. “No plans for marriage?” his tone is light and almost joking. “You could have some very tall, handsome children,” he says with a bit of a laugh, gesturing up and down at Tokugawa.

He moves his drink around to start building up a few more condensation rings on the table. “Make sure to let me know when you start playing tennis again,” he says, patting Tokugawa on the shoulder. “I might actually start watching a bit of tennis again.”

"If marriage comes, then it will come," Tokugawa responds rather casually. He even shrugs his shoulders as he responds. It's not something he actively thinks about. Plus, he's still young and has some years ahead. He doesn't even have a significant other to get married to, so there's no point in thinking about it now. It's obvious from how he responds that it's something he's hardly ever considered, though.

As for playing again...

"It really will take some time," he adds. "As much as I want to play tennis right away once my injury's healed, I don't want to overexert my body."

His life has already been shortened thanks to his stupid Black Hole, after all. If he wants to be number one now that there's nobody holding him back, he needs to be at full strength once he starts participating in tournaments again.

He looks down at his knee and swings his lower leg forward and back a couple of times.

"I'm getting better, at least."

He wants another hug, Hirakoba decides and he scoots just a bit closer to cling to Tokugawa again. “You should try a relationship with someone for a bit, they’re a very nice experience.” At least they are for a while, but Hirakoba stops that thought by patting Tokugawa on the chest lightly before going back to hugging.

Hirakoba reaches down to pat Tokugawa on the knee and he just feels rather cheerful right now. “Well, I’m sure I can convince my friend to play you, when you’re ready for a good game of tennis,” he says, tapping on Tokugawa’s thigh along to the beat of the song playing at the moment. “I’d come watch that, it could be interesting.”

"You didn't tell me first," Tokugawa says, looking unamused, but he makes no gesture to stop any of it. He feels like it's a lost cause with this guy!

That's a lot of physical contact all at once. Hirakoba will be able to feel Tokugawa's entire body tense once he's been clung. He only relaxes by a small fraction when Hirakoba's hand reaches his thigh and begins to tap it to a specific rhythm.

"I didn't have time for relationships then, but maybe now..." Tokugawa trails off as he sees a waiter pass by. He flags him down to order another drink and a small plate of potato chips for the two of them as finger food. It'd help to eat a little if he's already on his third glass. Once the waiter's gone, his attention is back on the blond. "A friend from middle school, or someone else?"

“Sorry,” Hirakoba says belatedly, but he’s really not… that sorry actually as he continues hugging. He can feel Tokugawa’s tenseness and he pats him vaguely comfortingly on the leg before he goes back to following the rhythm again.

Hirakoba doesn’t say anything or move as Tokugawa gets more food and drink, smiling a bit as he watches the movement of Tokugawa’s throat in interest. “My friend from middle school,” he says. “Kite Eishirou? He’s on a break from the professional circuit at the moment as well.”

And that’s a rather interesting conversation, but the one Tokugawa cut off before for food is even more interesting, really. “And, since you’ve got more time, you should give them a go. Stop being a heartbreaker with your one time dates.”

It's been years, but Tokugawa at least remembers who Kite is. The U-17 camp definitely made people create lasting impressions—some good, some bad. Kite's also been commenting to his posts, as well, so he knows who he is.

"In a few months, then, maybe the two of us can play," Tokugawa says. Then, he grows quiet. He's not really sure what to say about dating, especially when— no, here comes the alcohol to spill the beans. "I haven't gone on any dates since I got back here. Unless these count." Then he huffs out a "hmph" which is probably the closest thing to Tokugawa laughing.

“I’ll pester him for you, then. And tell him not to abuse your recovering knee as well.” Hirakoba likes to think that with enough threats Kite will listen to him about it.

He watches the side of Tokugawa’s face closely and pats him a bit on the leg in a vaguely sympathetic matter. Maybe if Tokugawa was less of a hermit, he’d have gone on dates… but Hirakoba bites that comment back as he’s surprised into laughter. “Well…” he moves his hand to pat Tokugawa on the cheek. “Considering that on the third date, I’d probably be in bed with whoever… I don’t think they count.” He pulls an almost disappointed expression. “I mean, I would have gotten at least to kissing.”

Another "hmph" comes from Tokugawa's throat, finding Hirakoba's response entertaining. It's true, though, that most people would likely be in bed on the third date, or some people would even be making out instead of having this conversation at a booth while music is playing. Tokugawa just isn't that kind of person. Dating for him is something else. He has a different approach to it.

"Is that how it is with all your dates? By the third, you've already ended up in bed?" He normally wouldn't even talk about sex so openly like this (this isn't even talking about it openly), but the ambiance and his mood is making him more talkative. "I must be a challenge, then."

Whether that's a good thing or a bad thing... well, that's up to Hirakoba.

“Well, some of them don’t even make it to the third date?” Hirakoba says brightly, reaching up now to gently pat at Tokugawa’s hair, combing his fingers through the side. “But yes, the goal of it really is to just have a physical relationship for a bit. And hopefully they don’t get emotionally attached too quickly.”

He laughs at the comment and lets out an exaggerated sigh. “You’re definitely the most challenging, Tokugawa-kun. I can’t even get a hug from you, let alone a kiss and we’re on the third date already.”

To be fair, hugs and kisses are difficult to give for someone as serious as Tokugawa. Plus, it's different in Japan than in Europe. Those people whom he's hung out with while staying in Paris are a lot wilder than Tokugawa, but he was aware that that was their culture. Cheek kisses were normal, doing it in Japan would be weird. Given how physical Hirakoba is, though. . . maybe it's fine.

He arches a brow at Hirakoba's direction.

"Fine," he says declaratively. "Before we part, we will Faire la bise."

Now he's just showing off what he's learned in Paris. And this is him also lowering his guard. He's become more talkative towards Rin, and while he's still a bit uncomfortable with the physical contact, he's at least become friendlier and less of a grouch.

Hirakoba just gives Tokugawa a vaguely amused look at the rather bold decision. “That’s just bumping cheeks, hardly the same.” Although, he will say that it’s rather… bold for Tokugawa to be suggesting it.

He pushes himself up a little bit and moves his face closer to Tokugawa’s. And it’s decidedly weird to lightly rub his cheek more against Tokugawa’s jaw before he pulls away laughing to go back to finishing off his drink. “I’ll give you a kiss on the cheek when we head off. I know how much you enjoyed it last time.”

Hirakoba's words echo in Tokugawa's head that if he was drinking, there's a percentage of him spitting it out. Fortunately, his drink only comes now, along with their plate of salted potato chips. The timing is great, because as soon as he thanks the waiter, he takes his glass and downs about half of it.

The glass goes back on the table with a clank.

"You're ridiculous." It's said with some fondness, at least. He really is getting used to Hirakoba's company. "But the warning is appreciated."

… Well that’s a surprise. Hirakoba blinks as Tokugawa practically inhales his new drink and he looks at the now half empty glass.

How many drinks has Tokugawa had now? He can certainly see the effect on them in Tokugawa’s behaviour now.

“You’re just lucky I have enough self control to hold myself back around you,” Hirakoba says, finishing off his first drink and reaching out to inspect the just delivered chips. They’re handcut and fancy. “Physically, you are my type, I’ll admit that. And I could be all over your lap and climbing you like a tree. Instead you get warnings and everything for hugs and kisses.”

It might be the whiskey or it might be Tokugawa actually getting flustered that gets his face to flush a light sort of pink. Nobody will be able to know at this point because he looks away to make sure that his companion doesn't actually see the surprised face he's making.

He folds his arms and crosses his legs before he sighs, calming himself down by a smidgen. Once he faces Hirakoba again, he looks a lot more like himself—deadpan and unresponsive.

"The warnings were really appreciated, considering you and I decided to meet up after a short online discussion" A beat. "I am getting used to it - the hugs and the touches, but you shouldn't overdo it."

Hirakoba’s distracted by getting another drink and he settles down just in time to see Tokugawa’s stern face again and he sighs a little, resting his chin on his hand.

“I know, it’s a work in progress, getting you used to it all.” He reaches out to pat Tokugawa on the chest, more just to continue to prove that he’s getting used to the warning-less touches now. “And maybe one day I can climb you. After like the fifth date when you’re comfortable enough,” he says teasingly and he does actually hope that Tokugawa can tell it’s a joke.

Tokugawa's able to tell it's a joke, but it doesn't mean he's able to completely accept it as one. He's sent to become a flustered mess again, the pink in his cheeks showing again on his pale face. This is embarrassing, he thinks, and he places his palm on his face to cover just about everything he can.

He lets out a groan before he sets his hand back down on his leg. "Please don't joke like that. It's making me want to drink even more."

Now the blushing is interesting and Hirakoba unashamedly shares a lot. How unexpectedly cute. It kind of make him want to see how far he can push it.

“You’ve had a lot to drink tonight,” he agrees, moving Tokugawa’s glass away from him on the table before he scoots closer again. “I’m about to hug you,” Hirakoba says just a moment before he does so, wrapping his arms around Tokugawa’s waist and resting his chin on his shoulder.

“Your cheeks are turning pink,” he says, more as a casual observation than anything. “May I please kiss one?”

Hirakoba's free to try and test his luck. Tokugawa's a lot nicer than he lets on and has a lot more patience than what his cold demeanour entails. Growing up has made him loosen up a little which is why he doesn't have a stick up his ass anymore. He smiles now, he shakes hands with people, he talks to people and engages in friendships and dates and other kinds of things.

He doesn't move from his seat, but his eyes move to look at Hirakoba's once he's hugged. For once, he doesn't tense up, but he does grumble a little.

"If you do it now, then you've lost your chance at a kiss once we part."

Oh. Looks like it's only one cheek kiss for the night. At least that's something.

Hirakoba gently pats Tokugawa’s cheek, considering his words. Tokugawa’s actually being quite good about this, and he’s impressed that he’s somewhat playing along with the slowly increasing amounts of physical contact.

“Well… I suppose it just means that I might have to up my plans for what I do when we part for the night,” he says, moving his hand to pat at Tokugawa’s hair again. “I mean, I’d just planned a kiss on the cheek, but if I do that now, I just might to… kiss somewhere else? I don’t know.” He shrugs and settles down into his hug again.

With all the hair touching tonight, Tokugawa wonders if his hair still looks good. But the thought quickly passes when Hirakoba speaks, as if taunting him. He can't even figure out if this is another joke or something else. Then again, with the music being weird (he's tipsy) and while everything else doesn't seem to make sense anymore, being logical is more difficult than it should be.

"I don't give away kisses on the third date," Tokugawa says rather sternly. (That's a lie, though. The date's he's gone in Paris went differently, but again, cultural differences.) "You might have to wait for. . ." He pauses to count with his fingers. In the end, counting becomes difficult. "More dates."

“More dates,” Hirakoba repeats, raising an eyebrow judgementally. What a vague quantifier. He laughs a bit and combs down a few flyaway hairs from Tokugawa’s head and it’s so tempting to just muss it up completely and see what it looks like. But he stops himself, sticking his hand between Tokugawa’s lower thighs so he temptation can’t hit again.

“We’ll have to keep going on dates, then,” he says, as though they’re not in any sort of awkward position. “I’ll eventually get you to give me a hug and a kiss, Tokugawa-kun,” he says, back to teasing a bit. “I won’t be satisfied until you do.”

Tokugawa coughs and clears his throat as he takes Hirakoba by the wrist to slowly lift that hand away and up, making it rest on his leg instead of in between his thighs. He might be tipsy now, but there's still a limit to what he will and won't do.

"It wouldn't be good if you came into a date expecting it," he says. "But it's probably better to think about this one than the future ones." He pause again to look at Hirakoba. There's a hint of concern in his look but he still looks as deadpan as ever. "Are you enjoying?"

He means the band. Is Hirakoba enjoying the band...

Well, at least his hand isn’t pushed away entirely and Hirakoba taps out a beat on Tokugawa’s thigh again, showing he is at least listening a little bit to the music being played.

“I wouldn’t ever expect it on a date with you,” Hirakoba says quite honestly. After all, he’s still surprised each time he manages to push Tokugawa’s physical contact limits just a little bit further. Hugging seems quite normal now.

He blinks at the question and frowns. “Enjoying…?” With the given context though, he supposes he can make a guess? “Enjoying hugging and kissing you?” That seems a bit of a strange question, but he does acknowledge that Tokugawa’s not entirely himself right now with the alcohol. “I wouldn’t want to keep doing it if I didn’t enjoy it.”

"I meant the music," Tokugawa finally clarifies. He should have done so sooner, but speaking properly and coherently is slowly becoming a challenge. He's become rather thirsty though, so he makes a move to take his glass from the table to drink. As he leans forward, he adds "It's only been hugging so far."

Hirakoba sits back a little from the hug as Tokugawa moves and he focuses again on the music - yes, yes he does sort of likes this music, even if he hasn’t been listening to it much this time. “It’s nice, I’d come back to listen to them again.”

His second drink finally arrives and Hirakoba perks up at it. He might have to drink it quickly though, at least to stop Tokugawa from having another drink as well. “I did give you a kiss on the cheek at the aquarium,” Hirakoba reminds him, latching back onto Tokugawa for a continuation of his hug the moment he can.

Ah yes, the infamous aquarium kiss. (No, it's not infamous at all, but it does have a lasting impact on Tokugawa.)

Once again, once he's reached for his glass, he drinks all of it in one go and slams it back on the table. He should probably order another. (This is what it's like to hang out with someone who acts like a tsundere sometimes.)

"I'm glad you're enjoying, then," he says after clearing his throat, very determined not to let more of his personality slip through. But as soon as he leans back and relaxes in his seat, he sighs. "It would be a shame if this wasn't enjoyable for you, given that I was the one who picked the venue this time."

Hirakoba goes back to playing with Tokugawa’s hair, still resting his chin on his shoulder and looking up awkwardly as he did so. “No it’s very enjoyable, don’t worry,” he confirms, patting Tokugawa on the cheek again.

It seems they’re starting to wrap up the performance anyway soon and Hirakoba is almost… sad about it? Although he’s pretty sure Tokugawa shouldn’t drink more. “It’s been so nice that I’d even trust you to pick the spot for our next date,” he says and he brushes Tokugawa’s hair back from his face. “Or are we taking it in turns and I need to pick?”

Tokugawa's head tilts to face Hirakoba when the other fixes his hair. The question actually makes him think of a next place already when they go out again, but he draws a blank. What might be fun for him may not be the same as what would be fun for Hirakoba, and he wouldn't want to disappoint somebody who wants to spend time with him.

"Do you have a place in mind already? Because if you don't, then we may as well just see who asks the other out first."

“You might get too shy to ask me out again, I don’t know if I’m willing to risk that,” Hirakoba says teasingly. Although he likes to think that Tokugawa might actually enjoy his company to an extent now, that… he might later come up with an idea?

“I mean, I’m a little curious to see where you live,” he says, trying to tuck some of Tokugawa’s hair behind his ears. Not quite long enough. “See where you spend your hermit days. And it’s only fair, you’ve seen my place.”

"My house?" Tokugawa actually looks surprised, because he's never really considered inviting anybody to his house. It's not a mess or anything, but there are way too many people there that it could get embarrassing for him. Who knows what stories his parents or the maids would tell his guests if he ever had any?

Then again, Hirakoba does make a good point. He's seen the other's home. . .

"I suppose," he finally says. "Maybe after one of my therapy sessions, you can accompany me home for dinner."

He also makes no effort to argue that he isn't a hermit. He did end up not contacting anybody for almost a month because he lost his phone and couldn't be assed to get a new one for a while.

Oh good, Tokugawa’s actually receptive to the idea. Hirakoba grins and pats Tokugawa one last time on the hair before he pulls away to go back to his drink. “That sounds like a nice, peaceful night.”

He really is curious, to see if Tokugawa presents himself differently at home than he does in public, or if his choice of decorations hints at… anything. “I will warn you though, I get a bit nosey. You might have to hold me back if I get inappropriate.”

"You're not allowed to snoop around," Tokugawa immediately says, as if already prepared to say it before Hirakoba could even respond.

As for how he acts at home, though, it's not much different. He's a bit more polite to his sister and to his parents, but that's about it. Hirakoba will just have to see for himself if he visits. In his head, he wonders if he should send his parents away for dinner or something just to lessen the possibility of embarrassing stories being told.

“You can supervise while I snoop around, just a little,” he says, giving Tokugawa his best smile, trying to wheedle out a little bit of an agreement from him. It’s not like he’s going to be rummaging through Tokugawa’s wardrobe or anything, he just… wants to look at what’s on display already. And it’s Tokugawa’s fault if something embarrassing is out on display.

He makes himself take larger than really desirable swallows of his drink, clearing his throat a little as he puts his glass down. “Besides, I promise that if you let me snoop a little, you can poke around my apartment as much as you want. I won’t even stop you from looking under my bed.”

... Is Tokugawa weak to the smile? Probably, because he sighs and concedes, placing a hand on his face before running his palm through his hair to fix it some.

"Fine. There really isn't much to see, though." Unless Hirakoba is interested in seeing trophies and plaques and the like. Tokugawa does have a bunch of snowboards, as well, but he doubts that's. . . something interesting to look at. All in all, he's a pretty boring guy who has tennis, honour, and his face going for him. "And I'm not sure I want to know what's under your bed."

More dildos?

That was easier than he’d thought it would be. Hirakoba’s actually quite surprised and he’s going to now hold Tokugawa to that agreement. “You never know, there might be just little interesting things lying around that you don’t think too much of.” After all, he sees them every day, they’re easy to ignore.

Hirakoba bites back a laugh and he leans in a little to lower his voice and whisper conspiratorially into Tokugawa’s ear. “The exciting things are actually all kept in my bedside tables,” he says, laughing softly. “Maybe you shouldn’t check those out, unless you want to blush again.”

"I've never blushed while with you."

Tokugawa lets those words sink in for quite some time before he realises that they could backfire on him. He takes them back.

"Besides, I'm sure I can handle whatever it is by your bedside."

“Really? I’ll have to try harder, then.” Perhaps the little pink flush from before doesn’t properly count… after all, alcohol had been involved, it wasn’t entirely fair. Hirakoba’s always up for a challenge though…. at least ones that seem to have the potential for rather rewarding results.

“Can you, now?” Hirakoba asks with a raised eyebrow. “You’re rather confident.” He drains his glass and sighs as he puts it down on the table. He definitely drank that too fast. “If you need any of it explained while you snoop, you have to let me know.”

Maybe Tokugawa is rather confident, but that's because he has some pride. He might be a martyr most of the time, but he's also somebody who enjoys competition and thrives in it.

"I'm sure you don't have to explain anything," he says with what seems like a smirk on his face. It's very rare for Tokugawa to smile or show positive emotions through his facial features, but here he is. As he says that, the band finishes their last song and introduces each member again before saying good night. There's likely another band lined up, but this was the band that Tokugawa wanted Hirakoba to watch and listen to.

Not that there was much watching and listening, anyway. But at least it sounds like Hirakoba is having a good time. And despite the strange outcome of their conversation, Tokugawa doesn't seem to mind and he's enjoying himself, as well.

"Are you still ordering a drink?" They can stay longer or go home, it doesn't really matter, but he intends to pay for both of what they ordered since he was the one who invited the other to go out tonight.

Hirakoba raises his eyebrows at Tokugawa’s rather bold statement - so unexpected! - and he stares rather evenly at the man. “Of course, I forget, you’re a one-date heartbreaker,” Hirakoba says with a smile. He pats Tokugawa on the cheek fondly. “I look forward to witnessing your expertise, then.”

He glances up at the band that’s starting to pack up and he suddenly becomes aware of how much quieter it is without the music. Not that he’s noticed too much… “I’m done for the night I think,” he says. “Do you want me to go pay now?”

"That's not— It's not— ..." No, it's probably best not to say anything about that first statement. . . Tokugawa moves on and tries to ignore what was just said about him.

"It's fine, you don't have to." As Tokugawa says it, he calls for a nearby waiter's attention and asks for the cheque. There are some people who would still offer to pay after being told that they don't have to, and he quietly hopes that he won't have to wrestle with Hirakoba over who pays what.

Ah, Tokugawa is one of those annoying gentlemen that Hirakoba just wants to slap the money on the counter before they can. Somehow he has a feeling just telling Tokugawa to let him pay isn’t going to do anything so Hirakoba sighs and holds out his hand to Tokugawa. “Pass me your wallet, please, darling.” So he could just shove it up his shirt or something so he could pay with his own money.

"My wallet? Why?" He's not about to give his wallet to Hirakoba if he gets an explanation, though. He does pull it out of his back pocket, at least, but that's all he does so he can be ready to get his card out when the waiter comes back.

It doesn’t take much, to reach out and snatch Tokugawa’s wallet out of his hand. And Hirakoba quickly sticks it up his shirt, rather confident that Tokugawa’s hands aren’t about to follow, given his general lack of initiating physical contact. “No reason, thank you,” he says with his best attempt at an innocent smile.

And all too conveniently the cheque came and Hirakoba opens up his wallet. “You’re so kind, Thank you for letting me pay.”

Hirakoba gets an immediate and icy glare when his wallet his snatched out of his hand. That was supposed to be his way of saying thanks for coming and all that, but now he can't even do that anymore. No wonder Zaizen calls him Satan. It makes sense now.

Instead of saying anything sarcastic, he holds out his hand again, his expression less taciturn now. He won't fight back. Just give him back his wallet.

"Thanks for coming here. I really hope you enjoyed the night."

Hirakoba really isn’t bothered by the glare, just smiling straight back at it. The moment the waiter’s gone though, Hirakoba takes the wallet out from under his clothes to hand back. And he pats Tokugawa on the arm in thanks.

“I did, it was a lovely date,” he says. “Even if there’s no kissing.” Hirakoba pokes at the water on the table and glances down to where he knows Tokugawa’s motorbike keys are with a long pause following. “…How are you getting home?”

Driving is definitely out the window. Tokugawa can't risk another injury, or even death. He would rather die playing tennis than die on the streets.

He takes the keys on the table and pockets them before getting up, pocketing both his hands. As soon as he's up, though, his balance decides to make a mess out of him and he takes a quick step backwards so he doesn't stumble.

"I'll take a cab and just get my bike tomorrow. Hopefully it won't be stolen. How are you going home?"

Hirakoba grabs Tokugawa easily enough, actually surprised at the momentary loss of balance. “I’ll probably just train home. I haven’t drunk too much.” It’d been a surprisingly light night actually, and Hirakoba’s steps are even enough as he heads out for the door, still holding onto Tokugawa’s arm.

“Are you going to be okay to give them your address and get home safely?” It’s surprising to him actually, to be concerned about Tokugawa getting home okay. Normally he really doesn’t care. “Or should I start pouting now and drag you back to my place?”

"I'm fine," Tokugawa immediately says, but he doesn't pry his arm away from Hirakoba. He just lost his balance for a second. "It was just my knee." Which... is a lie since he isn't even wincing in pain or anything. He definitely thinks he's fine, though.

"Maybe a glass of water and I can go. I don't want to impose."

Hirakoba narrows his eyes at Tokugawa, glancing down at his knee briefly and then back up to his face. “Maybe we should taxi to my place, then,” he says, keeping his hand on Tokugawa’s arm as they head out the door to the street.

“It doesn’t really bother me too much,” Hirakoba says cheerfully, hailing down a taxi. “It just means that I can poke around your house a little bit more.”

Well, if Hirakoba won't leave him be, then that's fine. As they walk out, he gazes down at the shorter man with him and whispers a soft "thanks" in gratitude. He can't even say anything about the poking around his house because of it, anymore. He appreciates the kindness a lot.

By the time they get in to the cab, Tokugawa leans back and rests his head on the side of the window. He isn't going to pass out just yet, but he does want to rest and let the alcohol sink into his system for now. It sucks a lot that he's injured and he can't play, especially when he only has a few years left in his career. It's adding to his broodiness and it's mostly the reason why he drinks as much as he can.

Hirakoba gives the taxi driver his address and settles back into his seat. He glances at Tokugawa with a bit of a frown - he looks more moody than usual. Hirakoba tsks and reaches across to take a hold of Tokugawa’s hand, giving it a squeeze and holding it between them for the rest of the taxi ride.

It doesn’t take that long for them to reach Ebisu and Hirakoba leans forward to pay before nudging Tokugawa out the car door. “Are you going to just go to sleep?” he asks, leading the way up.

Once they're out the cab, he pockets his hands again. He did appreciate the warmth of Hirakoba's hand during the cab ride, though.

"Why, are you going to start a pillow fight?"

It's a valid question!

“You’d lose, there’s no point in humiliating you just to prove it,” Hirakoba says with a smile as he unlocks the door to his apartment gestures or Tokugawa to go inside.

“I’m probably going to stay up and do a little bit of work,” he explains, going to fetch some water for Tokugawa and switch on some lights. “But you can go sleep in my bed, I don’t mind.”

Tokugawa enters and shrugs off his jacket, but he doesn't place it anywhere, finding that a bit too imposing. And he's already imposing enough as it is, even though it's his second time sleeping over.

"You don't know that. I could be good at pillow fights," Tokugawa says. He does have a pretty good serve and a good swing. He's never really participated in one before, though, and hopefully he won't have to.

At the suggestion that he sleeps in Rin's bed, he looks a bit startled, but he merely tilts his head to the side. "I'll take you on that offer, although I can still stay up if you wanted somebody to talk to."

“No, I definitely know I’d beat you,” Hirakoba says. He actually doesn’t know that much, but he’s also pretty sure that Tokugawa… isn’t the pillow fighting sort. Whereas Hirakoba at least has been in a few, and he’s not exactly above cheating, at least in those.

He tosses Tokugawa a water bottle. “It won’t take me that long, you just go to bed and I’ll join you later.” Oh, he should still claim that kiss on the cheek though, before he shoos Tokugawa off to bed. Hirakoba loops his arms around Tokugawa’s neck and pulls him down a bit to press a soft kiss more to the corner of his mouth than his cheek, but it’s close enough, he supposes. “Thanks again for tonight, darling, you’re always amusing to hang out with.”

It doesn't register to Tokugawa that the two of them will end up sleeping next to each other, but even if it did, he wouldn't really care because he firmly believes that the bed would be a lot better to sleep on. He catches the water bottle but before he's able to open it, he's pulled downwards and is kissed.

The only reaction he manages to make is a short and soft "ah" before he stands up properly and turns around to hide his face. That was not a cheek kiss, but he's not about to argue regarding it from someone who's letting him sleep on his bed.

"... You're welcome. I could say the same to you."

With that, he opens the bottle of water and drinks as much as he can as he heads towards the bedroom. He doesn't inspect Hirakoba's bedside, respecting the other's privacy, but he does dump his wallet and the key to his bike on the table.

He really does have all the intentions to do some university work, but it’s hard to concentrate after the night out. And it doesn’t take long for Hirakoba to give up.

Hirakoba does at least have the decency to change into some soft pants to sleep in during his nighttime routine, since he has a very strong suspicion that grumpy, hungover morning Tokugawa won’t appreciate nudity. He finally turns off all the lights and makes his way to his bed, climbing over Tokugawa to tuck himself in.

“Goodnight, Tokugawa-kun,” he says out loud.

And really, he does have every intention on staying on his own side of the bed, but he knows himself well enough that he’ll probably end up cuddling close to the other warm body in his bed. Oh well, he’ll deal with that in the morning.

Hirakoba will actually find that Tokugawa tosses and turns in his sleep a lot. It's not because of nightmares or bad dreams or anything, it's just how he is. By morning, he's likely to be facing the ceiling than the wall and have an arm outstretched. And by 5:30 am, he's already awake (with a minor headache). When he sees Hirakoba next to him by his arm, he figures that he shouldn't move just yet. After all, he body wakes him up at times when people shouldn't even be awake yet. Somehow, with all the hugging and clinging from last night and the past weeks they've met, he doesn't feel uncomfortable.

He drifts back to sleep and wakes up again about an hour or so later. It's when he finally decides to move, slowly sliding his arm from under Hirakoba to not wake him up.

Hirakoba grumbles loudly when he feels the nice warm body next to him start to move and he latches on. “No,” he says, or at least tries to, but hair’s in his mouth and he just compensates by snuggling his face into Tokugawa’s side.

It’s then that he realises there’s clothes instead of bare skin against his face and he pats experimentally a bit lower before he stills and realises who it is. And why they’re in his bed with clothes on. Oh.

“Fuck. Good morning,” he says belatedly, moving his hand very pointedly back up.

Tokugawa doesn't curse nor bristle (too hungover to do so) and actually takes all the patting with little reaction. It might come off as he's actually waiting for Hirakoba to realise who he's next to without any hints, but Tokugawa is just too pained to move.

"Were you expecting somebody else," he says, totally deadpan. It doesn't even sound like a question.

It’s a bit easier now to prop himself up and look properly at Tokugawa and Hirakoba grimaces at the question. “Well, I don’t normally let people in my bed with clothes on,” Hirakoba says, reaching out to try and fix up Tokugawa’s mussed bed hair.

“I was just a bit confused for a bit there,” he admits. “You know, you’re very similar physically to people, and then I thought maybe it was just a shirt…” and he’s babbling now and Hirakoba scrunches up his face to try and wake himself up more. “I need coffee.”

With his arm free, he pushes himself up as well and slides his lower half away from the bed so he can sit up. Instead of getting up, though, he opens the bottle of water that he left on Hirakoba's bedside and drinks the rest of it.

He merely gives a hum of acknowledgement at the explanation, not really asking for an apology, nor expecting it. Instead, he decides to change the topic, to probably what's more important. "I just need to go to the bathroom and I'll be out of your hair."

It would be so easy to just flop back onto the bed and go back to sleep. But he’ll probably sleep too long and miss class at that point and Hirakoba sighs loudly at that thought.

“Yeah, alright,” Hirakoba makes himself get out of bed, stretching as he heads for the door. Waking up wearing pants is extremely odd, he decides and he doesn’t like them. “Do you want a towel or anything? Painkillers? Do I get a hug before you leave as payment for letting you stay over?”

Once Tokugawa is up, he stretches a little and pats his knee a couple of times to make sure it's fine. Realising that it is and that it's probably just his head that's hurting, he looks over to Hirakoba. "I could use a towel. I can take a painkiller once I get home."

As for the last question, he says nothing about it, but he does huff out a chortle as the corners of his lips curve upwards into a small smile.

Hirakoba catches the little smile at the very last moment, and it makes him smile a bit too. Well, at least he knows Tokugawa isn’t going to grump at him if he hugs him again this morning.

He heads off to make a coffee and grab a clean towel for Tokugawa. “You’ll have to message me when you get back home safely,” Hirakoba says when he returns, tossing the towel at Tokugawa. “Do you remember where you parked your bike?”

"I remember. I'll be fine."

Tokugawa goes to freshen up and use the loo once he gets the towel from Hirakoba. His hair's actually a mess and it's gotten longer since he arrived in Japan. He should probably get a haircut soon, or maybe he can grow it a bit longer and sport a ponytail.

... Nah.

Once he's out, he picks up his jacket from where he left it behind and puts it on so he's ready to leave. Then, he turns to look at Hirakoba expectantly.

"Aren't you going to claim that hug?"

Hirakoba inhales his coffee as he waits, sighing a little in appreciation as he starts to wake up a bit more. He pokes his head out of the kitchen when he hears Tokugawa emerging and he blinks in surprise at the question.

What.

“Only if you hug me back this time,” Hirakoba says, half joking. He puts his coffee cup down and heads over. And he hugs Tokugawa quite happily, pressing his face into his shoulder.

Unfortunately for Hirakoba, the hug isn't what he expected it to be. Tokugawa does wrap his arms around him, but the killer is that he even pats Hirakoba's back once. He might enjoy being hugged, but it doesn't mean he's good and an expert at giving them.

"Thanks for letting me stay over," he says as he lets go.

That… is such a bad attempt at giving a hug. But the fact that is happens in the first place surprises Hirakoba a lot and he just laughs as he gives Tokugawa a proper hug for a few more seconds.

“No worries. Let me know when you have therapy and I’ll figure out what night works for me for me.” He pats Tokugawa on the arm lightly before he leans up to give him another kiss on the cheek. “That was for the terrible hug and for staying over.”

It truly was a terrible hug but it's the best he can give to someone he's not crying on or to someone who isn't crying. They'll get there eventually—to actual good hugs, not the crying part. The kiss, however, is something he reacts to with a groan.

"I'm not sure if that was a reward or a punishment."

Nevertheless, he doesn't want to stay too long and impose even further. Plus, he's getting hungry and he needs to go home. With a wave of a hand, he turns towards the door so he can have his exit.