[Log] Yanagi and Sanada

[ever_yanagi]

Who: Sanada Genichirou and Yanagi Renji
What: Data gathering about Sanada's new sugar daddy
When: Early Dec
Where: Near Rikkai U, back in Kanagawa
Rating: G



Sanada finished packing away his kendo gear and slid on his jacket before picking up his bag to head out. He paused at the doorway as he spotted a familiar and unexpected face. “Renji… I wasn’t expecting you. Were you waiting long?” It wasn’t an unpleasant surprise to see Yanagi waiting for him and it wasn’t even a surprise that Sanada was going to question after knowing his friend for so long. He just didn’t know why Yanagi had sought him out at the university dojo instead of messaging him to meet somewhere. Hopefully everything was okay.

“Hello, Genichirou,” Yanagi greeted, pushing off the wall he had been leaning on. “Did you have a good practice? I was dropping off something at home, so I thought I’d see if you were around.” The last was not completely untrue, as he did have to deposit some souvenirs from his recent holiday at his family home. “Would you like to go somewhere to have a drink or something to eat?”

Sanada nodded at the explanation and shifted the bag on his shoulder so it was more comfortable. “It was good. And you know I could eat,” He said. He could always eat after a good and long practice and Yanagi was well aware of this. “Did you have somewhere in mind?” Maybe Yanagi had a new restaurant in the area he wanted to try and that’s why he was waiting outside the dojo for him.

“How about that yakiniku restaurant you like?” suggested Yanagi. The best way to get Sanada in a good mood was through tasty meat and possibly alcohol. “I actually haven’t had time to eat since breakfast, so something filling might be good.” He started walking in the direction of the restaurant, trusting that Sanada wouldn’t have any objections.

“I never say no to yakiniku. And you should remember to eat. You’re supposed to be forcing better habits on Yukimura. Not picking up his bad ones.” At this rate, Sanada thought he’d have to remind both of his friends to eat on busy days.

“I did remember, I just didn’t have time,” said Yanagi, though it was a poor excuse. “This is also the exception rather than the norm. I assure you I will not let Seiichi miss meals, especially during the competitive season.”

“Good. I have enough people to worry about without adding you to the list,” Sanada said. He then headed down a sidestreet to where all the best places to eat near campus were.

“You’ll get wrinkles if you worry too much, Gen-chan,” Yanagi said, patting Sanada on the back. They made their way into the yakiniku restaurant, Yanagi ordering them both all-you-can-eat and free flow of drinks. He chose a booth in the corner where it was quieter, and helped prop Sanada’s kendo gear against the wall.

“If people didn’t give me a reason to worry, I wouldn’t worry,” Sanada said. When he was sure all of his kendo gear was stored safely and out of the way he picked up the list of available meats and started perusing them to see what he wanted to order to the table first. He supposed he would order a few vegetables, too, just to stop Yanagi from lecturing on the importance of them again.

“You’d find something else, like the state of society, or littering in the streets,” teased Yanagi, craning his neck to look at the menu as well. “Ah, I’d like beef tongue. Also, aren’t you in the sweet honeymoon phase right now? You should be more relaxed.”

Sanada thought littering was an important concern even now but decided not to voice it to Yanagi. He'd only tease. Again. Besides, there was meat to order and cryptic Yanagi talk to decipher. Sanada buzzed over a waiter first, ordering several plates of meat and one lone veggie one and then turned his attention back to his friend. “Honeymoon phase?” He really didn't recall getting married.

“A honeymoon phase is the period right after starting a new job or relationship, where everything is going smoothly,” Yanagi elaborated, before getting a round of beers for them both. “Aren’t things going well with Keigo, for you?”

Sanada frowned a little at Yanagi’s explanation since starting a new job sounded stressful with having to learn everything and everyone and make sure you were doing your best but he supposed he still understood the concept. “Things with Atobe are going well,” He said. He thought of the numerous times he wished he could have messaged Yanagi or Yukimura to ask them for advice while on a date with Atobe but somehow they were still fumbling through things quite well on their own.

“You’re too straightforward,” chuckled Yanagi, shrugging in resignation at Sanada’s obvious mixed feelings regarding his explanation. Though that, he supposed, was part of Sanada’s charm. “You’re still calling him by his family name then? Also, Seiichi and I would have preferred to hear things from you rather than through the grapevine.”

“There’s nothing wrong with being straightforward,” Sanada said. He took a sip of his beer and then started lay out meat on the grill as the waiter delivered the numerous plates. He decided to ignore the fact that Atobe and him were still calling each other by their last names. He was sure it was something that would change in time if they wanted it, too. “And what have you heard through the grapevine?” He didn’t think his friends could still be upset about finding out he and Atobe were dating in a roundabout way. He had explained that he would have told them once he was sure it was actually going to last a while.

“No, there isn’t. That’s why you’re cute, Gen-chan,” Yanagi teased. He also stole the first piece of meat that Sanada had cooked to doneness and ate it. “I’ve heard that you’re very lovey-dovey and have even visited him at work. More importantly, were you too wary of us teasing you to talk to us about it? You used to come to us for nearly everything.”

Sanada muttered under his breath that he was not cute and then made sure to grab a couple pieces of meat for himself before Yanagi could take all the best pieces. “I wouldn’t say we’re lovey-dovey. I just brought him coffee and some pastries one day. He works hard. He deserves a break once and a while,” Sanada said. He didn’t think it was that much different than bringing over snacks or bentos for Yukimura while he was in the middle of art projects. “And are you saying you aren’t going to tease me if I come to you?” Because there were certainly plenty of things he’d like advice on but once he saw his friends in person he always seemed to hesitate.


“Is that not being considerate and lovey-dovey? It’s very sweet that you think of him,” said Yanagi, finally leaving Sanada’s meat alone and starting to grill his own. As the meat was cooking, he set his chopsticks down and looked Sanada in the eye. “Genichirou, if you tell us you’re serious and don’t want to be teased, we’ll be sure to hear you out properly. Even if we like to poke fun at you sometimes, the most important thing is that we want to help you however we can.”

“It’s considerate, but I do the same for Seiichi and you.” And Sanada felt it was normal to do such things for anyone you cared for or considered a friend. It didn’t mean it was lovey-dovey or just reserved for people he was dating. “And I know you’re both amused that I’m dating and it’s Atobe but there are times I could use some advice,” Sanada admitted. He hoped Yanagi was telling the truth when he said he could hold off on the teasing for a bit when it was important.

“Yes, but you’ve known us forever, while you’ve really only gotten that close to Keigo in the past month or so.” Yanagi helpfully topped up Sanada’s glass of beer. “It’s not a bad thing. We’re happy for you. I promise to save the teasing for after your concerns are met. All you have to do is ask.”

Sanada huffed a little at not being promised no teasing, just delayed teasing but decided that was better than nothing. He took another sip of his beer before laying down more meat on the grill. Perhaps he could try working a little harder to open to his friends and get their advice and not just wish about having it in awkward moments. “Atobe’s not nearly as bratty as I remember him being.” Atobe was still ridiculous but Sanada didn’t have the urge to slap him every ten minutes like he did in junior high school.

“You’ve both grown up,” agreed Yanagi, adding some vegetables just so it wasn’t just meat on the grill. Life experience and perspective overall added to how one’s personality came through to others, after all. “He’s also gotten quite handsome, don’t you think?”

Sanada felt his cheeks heating at that comment and busied himself with turning the meat over so he wouldn’t have to look up at his friend. “I would say beautiful… but yes,” He said as he cleared his throat and squirmed a little. He wasn’t used to talking about anyone like this let alone someone he was dating. But it was hard to deny that Atobe was a good looking man.

Yanagi had to hide a smile behind his drink. Sanada being embarrassed was really too adorable. “Indeed. So? What else do you like about him now?” Perhaps if Sanada talked through it he would get better understanding of his own feelings.

“Uhh…” Sanada started off smoothly. It was weird talking about things he liked about Atobe aloud when he could barely think about those things without blushing. Maybe if he started off simple? “He spoils his dog and it’s quite cute,” He said. Not that he was much better when it came to giving into Duke’s puppy dog eyes but he’d never had a dog and it was all still very novel and exciting to him.

“Yes, a man who is kind to animals is undoubtedly very attractive…” Yanagi agreed, though he found it was odd for Sanada to fixate on that first. “What about other things? Personality wise, perhaps? Things he does for you?”

“Well, he seems to enjoy cooking for me. And then I do the dishes,” Sanada said. Though they had cooked together that one time and that had been fun even as they’d kept bumping into each other and had different ideas on how things should be done. It’d been a long time since Sanada had enjoyed making his dinner as much as he’d enjoyed eating it. He couldn’t help but smile at the memory and think he should try to help Atobe cook something again in the near future.

Ah, the domestication of Sanada Genichirou, in just a few short weeks. Yanagi privately thought that it was adorable. “You seem very happy,” he told Sanada. “I’m pleased for you, that you have found someone you like that way. Is there anything you would like advice about?”

It was nice to have Yanagi’s approval. He knew he didn’t need his friends to like who he dated but it was certainly nice that they did. He could sort of see what Yukimura was always going on about whenever Sanada got grumbly about some idiot that Yukimura was dating. Maybe he’d nicer to Yukimura’s next boyfriend… maybe. As for advice… “How soon is too soon when it comes to moving in together?” He asked before dipping some meat in some sauce and eating it.

Privately, Yanagi thought it was a little soon, but considering Sanada’s current housing situation and that they had technically known Atobe since middle school, he didn’t see any harm in it. “You’re both adults,” he said, after a sip of his beer. “If you trust each other and feel comfortable, I don’t see why you shouldn’t move in together whenever you wanted. Perhaps you could start by staying over a few nights a week, to see how you fare in each other’s space.”

Sanada considered that and thought it was fairly sound advice. It was mostly what they had stumbled upon by accident anyway and it seemed to be working so far. “I already have some things over at his place for nights I decide to stay.” It did mean his schedule was a little off the following day but so far it hadn’t been anything he couldn’t work with.

“Oh? Sounds like things are getting serious then,” Yanagi commented. Serious but glacially slow. It was cute but slightly painful to witness. “Do you sleep in a guest room, or do you share a bed?”

“I wouldn’t say that…” Sanada said. Serious felt like it would put pressure on them. They may have their goals for their relationship but they were going to move at their own pace for it. “But we do share a bed. We’ve already done it so it seemed weird to go the guest room after that.” They had both slept well after Atobe’s birthday party and his Halloween event so it would be like taking a step back in their relationship if they suddenly started sleeping apart now.

“If you’re not committed to some extent, then you shouldn’t be moving in,” said Yanagi reasonably. He stole some more of Sanada’s meat, just because his friend was better at grilling them than he was. “And if you are sharing a bed, you should have some discussions about intimacy and sex.”

Sanada frowned as his meat was stolen but diligently laid down more on the grill to replace them. He reluctantly took some of the vegetables just to say he had had some and to stop Yanagi from seeing just how much this conversation was making him blush. “We’ve talked about our uh… goals for the relationship,” Sanada said. And it was still strange to find himself in a relationship and to have goals for it. But he and Atobe were dedicated to getting certain things from this and Sanada felt that was a good thing. And certainly easier to talk about than intimacy and sex.

“You’re not ten years old, it is not a topic that is shameful or embarrassing,” Yanagi chided Sanada matter-of-factly. In his opinion, it was better to have that discussion sooner than later, and then they could turn their focus onto more productive activities. “Well? What are your goals for the relationship?”

“I’m not ashamed,” Sanada said. “And we want to get to know each other more and be comfortable moving in together.” The decision for that had been somewhat accidental but neither one of them had objected to that being in their future. And so far Sanada enjoyed the time he spent in Atobe’s company at his condo and was starting to see how his life would fit in there.

“But you are embarrassed?” Yanagi smiled at his friend in understanding. “It is good that you are communicating on some things at least. I believe you are suited to each other. You have my support.” He raised his glass to toast Sanada, a glint of mischief in his narrowed eyes.

“Therefore, you can come to me with whatever questions you have, or for whatever supplies you need.”

It was nice to have Yanagi’s approval so he picked up his glass and let him toast his relationship before taking a sip. And then nearly choked on it as Yanagi’s other words caught up to him and just what he was implying. He cleared his throat a couple of times and took a couple more cautious sips before being able to talk without sputtering. “It’s new… and it feels like things should be private. But I also want to share things with you and Seiichi and get advice… it’s complicated,” Sanada said. “And you’ve already made sure I’m well stocked for any situation.” It would mean opening the drawer of shame and looking inside of it. But Atobe was probably worth it.

“I understand. It’s a delicate time,” agreed Yanagi, amused at Sanada’s reaction. “Take your time, but not too much time. You shouldn’t avoid or put off important conversations either.” It felt kind of ironic that Yanagi was giving Sanada advice on his serious relationship, considering he himself only really dated for fun and seldom held on to the same person for more than a month. Still, Yanagi felt that Sanada mostly needed encouragement and would mostly figure things out by himself. If all else failed, Yanagi would simply have to pay Atobe a visit.

“We’re not avoiding things or putting them off,” Sanada muttered. They talked quite a bit about various things and even if they found it completely awkward, neither of them seemed to shy away from talking about serious things. If anything, Sanada wondered when they should stop talking and start doing. “I think we both like the pace we’re moving at.”

“Then perhaps the issue is the next step forward from negotiations?” guessed Yanagi. He wondered if Sanada could possibly get any redder. At least, to outsiders, they could pass it off as the alcohol and the heat of the grill. “You’ve always been a man of action, Genichirou. Perhaps you should make the first move.”

“M-me? The first move?” Sanada asked feeling even more flustered. He downed what was in his cup and found it didn’t really help. While a part of him really wanted advice on how to proceed from kissing to anything more, he mostly was sure he would implode if anyone tried to share said advice with him.

Helpfully, Yanagi refilled Sanada’s glass. “Yes. Aren’t you very good at taking the initiative for school and club activities?” said Yanagi. “Perhaps a hand on his thigh, or an arm around his waist when you are both alone. Surely things may proceed from there.”

Sanada snorted. Dating Atobe was not the same as organizing school events or making sure people were training properly in club. Besides, “We’ve already done those things… and kissed. A lot,” Sanada said and then paused as he frowned. “I said that out loud, didn’t I?” He hated how easily his two best friends could get him talking.

“I’m happy you’re telling me,” said Yanagi encouragingly. “Seiichi and I would tell you about all our adventures, but we respect your sensibilities.” Sanada might never recover should he learn what his friends had been up to. “Then, perhaps a hand up his shirt while you are kissing, or other more intimate touching. Slowly, so you can see if he likes it.”

Sanada still felt embarrassed over saying the kissing thing out loud but he was beginning to relax since Yanagi wasn’t teasing him about it. In fact, he found himself nodding along to his advice. He knew that he definitely wanted to touch more of Atobe and be touched by him and he was pretty sure Atobe felt the same way. “Yeah… that seems doable.” He just had to make sure Duke was suitably occupied with something.

After studying Sanada for a while, Yanagi nodded and added, “If it’s the dog, perhaps you can find a sitter, or train him to sleep outside the bedroom.” With a small grin, he reached over and patted Sanada on the shoulder. “Good luck.”

“Did I say the Duke thing out loud?” He asked between bites of meat. Apparently he wasn’t very good at keeping his thoughts to himself today. “And do I need luck?” He thought things were going well. Wasn’t luck for when you expected things to go horribly?

“It’s not difficult to guess,” Yanagi explained. Sanada must be quite distracted to forget Yanagi’s habit of guessing people’s thoughts. “Everyone needs a little luck when it comes to romance. It’s never 100%. Still, it’s plain to see that Keigo is very fond of you, so you may have an easier time of it than you think.”

Sanada nodded and reached for his glass to take another sip, somewhat surprised it was full again, didn’t he drink it all? “He introduced me to his father… As his boyfriend,” Sanada said. That had certainly been a stressful meeting. But Atobe had reassured him that it had gone well and that his father approved of him.

What sort of friend would Yanagi be if he didn’t attentively top up Sanada’s glass? “It went well, I take it. Do you have further misgivings?” Yanagi intended to take advantage of Sanada’s unusual talkativeness as much as possible. “Perhaps you should introduce him to your family as well, if you haven’t already.”

“He told me I should meet Atobe’s mother. And my family have met Atobe… just not as my boyfriend,” Sanada said. He probably should bring him around for dinner and introduce him properly that way like his brother did with his wife when they started dating. “Do you think it will go okay?”

“Which part?” Yanagi smiled behind his glass of beer. “If it’s about Keigo’s mother, I doubt she will find issue with you if his father has approved already. If it’s about your family...have you not seen Keigo turn on the charm?” He sipped his beer. “I have no doubt that your family will support you.” All in all, Atobe was a pretty good catch. Yanagi was quite proud of Sanada for managing that.

Sanada made a face at the thought of Atobe turning the charm on for his family. He found it rather annoying but he guessed his mother and sister-in-law would probably like it. “I guess... And it’s not like they need me to have kids,” Sanada said as he put the last of their meat on the grill. “And Atobe’s certainly more beautiful than the girls Sasuke keeps bringing home.” That he had no doubts on.

Ah, young love. “You should tell him that,” Yanagi suggested. “At any rate, I’m sure it will be fine. Auntie would be relieved that you’re actually dating someone, finally.” He couldn’t help but be a little teasing there at the end.

“I have told him. Not the Sasuke part. But that he’s beautiful,” Sanada said and then gave a big dopey smile when he thought of how Atobe reacted to his words. He’d have to remember to tell Atobe he was beautiful more often. “And you make it sound like I’m ancient.” Sanada didn’t think dating was something he needed to rush into. He wasn’t even 25 yet!

Yanagi surreptitiously took a picture of Sanada’s lovestruck expression with his phone. Yukimura would love that. So would Auntie, actually. He busily started texting the picture.

“You should tell him more often,” he said. “It’s part of showing your appreciation for your partner. And by your age, your brother was already with your sister-in-law, wasn’t he? You can’t blame Auntie for being concerned.”

Sanada missed Yanagi taking the picture completely, still caught up on thinking of how soft and pleased Atobe looked at such simple words. He would definitely tell him more often and gave Yanagi a serious nod before drinking a bit more. “I love my brother… but he’s not exactly the best role model when it comes to family planning.” It worked out because their family could easily support him and his sister-in-law but even at the young age he was when it happened, Sanada knew it was quite the scandal. It would certainly make dating Atobe be less scandalous in comparison.

Having sneakily sent the picture to both Yukimura and Sanada’s venerable mother, Yanagi returned his full attention to Sanada’s words. “Yes, but he had someone he liked, and wasn’t afraid to act on it, even if the way he went about it was less than ideal,” said Yanagi. “You on the other hand, have always been a bit slow about these things. Think of all the poor girls you disappointed in middle and high school.”

“Definitely not ideal,” Sanada said. He started to put the last of their meat on the grill, not quite as coordinated as he was at the start of their meal but managing better than he thought Yanagi would. “And there was tennis, kendo, and classes to concentrate on in high school. There was no time for girls.” No matter how cute and friendly some of them were they were just distractions keeping Sanada from concentrating on what mattered.

“But there’s time for a boy now?” teased Yanagi. “Is that why we’ve been seeing less of you lately?” He supposed it wasn’t all bad or even surprising. Priorities often changed when one obtained a significant other.

“Maybe… but I always have time for friends, especially you and Seiichi. At least when you two aren’t galavanting around the world with tennis.” Sanada gave a wistful sigh. He wished he could join them on all of their trips. But there were classes and kendo. And he guessed there was Atobe and his spoiled dog now, too. He’d just have to do better and make more time for his friends when they were in between tournaments. “I’ll call Seiichi later and make plans.” He’d help him water plants or watch him sketch while he did calligraphy or something. It would be nice.

“He would like that. I feel like we haven’t seen you in ages,” Yanagi said, helpfully refilling Sanada’s glass again. “You should bring Keigo to some of Seiichi’s matches. Then you can flirt all you want while supporting your friend.” He patted Sanada on the back. “Two birds with one stone, hmm?”

“It hasn’t been that long… and I’m no going to flirt in public,” Sanada said somewhat aghast at the thought. Besides, him and Atobe could barely figure out how to flirt in private most days. At least he was pretty sure they were flirting. Sometimes it was hard to tell if they were doing that or just bumbling along through awkward conversation until they decided it was better to just kiss instead of try to talk. “We’re not very good at it,” Sanada admitted though he was talking more towards his cup of beer than to Yanagi.

“You’ll get there once you’re more comfortable with each other,” Yanagi reassured him, though he was hiding a smile. Those two probably flirted more than they were aware of, if awkwardly. Yanagi thought they were getting along wonderfully, and looked forward to watch them interact at social functions in the future. “Still, bring Keigo. He’d be happy to be arm candy.”

Sanada snorted at that. He didn’t know if it would make Atobe angry or have his ego grow even more if they called him arm candy but neither was a good outcome. “Let’s not call him arm candy in person,” Sanada said. It wasn’t worth the risk. “You know, he still plays tennis. So he’d enjoy watching a match.” And Yukimura’s tennis was always amazing to watch so there was no way it wouldn’t be a good time.

“He would love to be shown off, whether you call him arm candy or not,” said Yanagi. Atobe himself probably also enjoyed showing his handsome boyfriend off. “Should we invite him to play doubles sometime? He could play with you, or we could play against him and perhaps the elder Oshitari.”

Sanada gave a loud laugh as he nodded. Yeah, Atobe was definitely the type to like to being shown off. “Alright. I’ll ask if he wants to go to the next match of Yukimura’s I can get to. And I notice he’s not invited to this doubles match.” Which was too bad because he wasn’t sure how he felt about Oshitari since he was always flirting with Atobe. It was weird.

“It wouldn’t be much of a match if Seiichi were to join in,” Yanagi reasoned. He patted Sanada on the back. “Don’t worry about Oshitari flirting. He’ll be too busy watching the both of you flirt.”

“That’s a good point…” Sanada said. He liked playing with and against Yukimura but his skills had grown so much while most of theirs had somewhat stagnated that it really wouldn’t be a fair match. As for Oshitari… Sanada frowned at his beer. “We’re going to be playing tennis. Not flirting… and I’m not worried about Oshitari.” He was more annoyed than worried… though maybe he was a little worried if Yanagi had picked up on it.

Yanagi just shook his head slightly and gave Sanada that familiar look that meant ‘I certainly don’t know who you think you’re fooling, but it’s not me’. “Yes, we’ll be playing tennis,” he said lightly. “I wonder if he’ll be a good doubles partner? Perhaps he’ll agree to play with me.” He wondered what kind of gossip he’d be able to get out of Oshitari.

Sanada frowned at Yanagi not quite understanding the look but pretty sure that his friend was disappointed in him. “It could be interesting to switch up the doubles partners…” He said poking at a bit of onion before deciding to drink more beer instead. Kendo was thirsty work.

“We could try several ways. It would be a good opportunity for everyone to learn more about each others’ friends… and boyfriends,” said Yanagi, eyeing Sanada’s beer guzzling. He was probably two more glasses away from a total knockout. Since Sanada was very heavy and difficult to move when totally unconscious, he thought perhaps they should call it a day soon.

“Boyfriend?” Sanada said, partially testing out the word. He rather liked it. “I have a really beautiful boyfriend.” He gave a wistful sigh and a sappy grin. Yes. He definitely liked saying something like that, even if it was a bit embarrassing.

“Mmhmm,” Yanagi agreed while settling the bill and sending off a few emails on his phone. Sanada seemed like he was past the peak of usefulness for the night. “I’ll make sure your beautiful boyfriend comes to see you tonight, then.” He sent a quick text to Atobe to come collect his boyfriend, then helped Sanada out onto the street to wait.

“Genichirou,” Yanagi said, patting him on the shoulder. “Good job. Keep at it.”