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It was the 20th of December to be exact. The streets were icy and frosted over, it was terribly cold and growing colder by the moment. Only a couple shops were still open but most of them were minutes from closing. The sky was fading to black and only a few people were walking around. Atsushi was strolling down the street with his hands in his pockets and his face buried the fur of his coat. His nose was almost pinkish and his cheeks were rosy. He had just finished an awfully long shift and his bones felt as if they were going to crumble into a million pieces. The air had a musty cigarette smell to it which was revolting. Atsushi had a piercing and irritated look in his eyes. He checked the time on his phone (6:47pm). A couple of young kids ran past him in some sort of hurry. Atsushi scowled at the parents rushing by him trying to catch up with their kids. The sound of a familiar voice appeared, their voice was warm and comforting like sitting in front of an open fire on christmas eve. They seemed to be talking to someone in a bakery as they were leaving. The bakery had warm interior lighting and had a dark green exterior trim with large glass windows with baked goods on display. The voice Atsushi recognised was Akutagawa. Of what Atsushi could tell Akutagawa seemed to be in a good mood despite the weather. Atsushi stood still watching Akutagawa leave the shop, closing the door behind him. Akutagawa didn’t seem to notice him and started walking down the street. Atsushi gritted his teeth and clenched his jaw as he kept on walking. He walked across the street, he was a couple feet behind Akutagawa. His gaze drifted as he caught up with Akutagawa. Akutagawa almost jumped out of his skin when he turned to look at Atsushi.
“Didn’t realise you were here” Akutagawa said, sounding frit.
Atsushi turned to look at him before saying “Don’t worry, I've been following you for the past five minutes” Atsushi told him in a smooth and bland tone.
“How comforting…” Akutagawa said, lowering his non-existent eyebrows. Akutagawa glanced away from him.
“....What do you want anyway?” Akutagawa asked, looking back at him.
“Nothing really, just bored” He replied as he shrugged his shoulders.
“Well I doubt I'll be any interesting,” Akutagawa told him as he rummaged through his bag while walking.
“Fair point, you're pretty boring,” Atsushi told him in a snarky tone.
“That’s not what I meant..” Akutagawa said as he glanced back at him.
“it’s what you said. It's what you said,” He responded with a shrug. Akutagawa pulled something out of his tote bag, it was wrapped in white baking paper. Akutagawa handed it to Atsushi without really looking.
“What’s this?” Atsushi asked, giving him a sharp look. He looked into the bag, a warm gingerbread man with white icing sat in the paper bag.
“If you don’t want it I'll take it back,” Akutagawa told him. Atsushi grunted and put the bag in his coat pocket. Akutagawa smiled to himself.
“You know you’re nowhere as mean as you make yourself out to be,” Akutagawa told him with a warm smile.
“What does that mean?!” Atsushi exclaimed in an irritated tone.
“Well you know,” Akutagawa chuckled.
“No I don’t know, I can be meaner if you would prefer” he replied in an angsty tone.
“it’s not a bad thing, you know,” Akutagawa said with a chuckle.
“Sure it is,” Atsushi scoffed. They both continued to walk with each other as more snow fell to the ground. Their footsteps filled the silence as the night grew colder. The sky continued to grow darker and more stars appeared in the sky. Atsushi buried his face in the cold fur on his coat. He followed Akutagawa for the next 20 minutes until Akutagawa stopped.
“Hm?” atsushi looked around after being zoned out. They stood outside of the ADA dormitories. Atsushi looked at Akutagawa before he began to walk away.
“You can come in, if you want,” Akutagawa told him as Atsushi began walking away.
“Sure” he replied in a tired voice and followed Akutagawa into his dorm. Akutagawa’s dorm was a traditional Japanese style. (Similar to what you see in the show). A christmas tree sat in one corner decorated with colourful lights that weren’t turned on, shiny tinsel and countless colourful ball balls. The dorm smelt of pine and there were few pine needles on the floor around the tree and a cardboard box sat near the tree with a few decorations that hadn’t been hung up.
“You have a christmas tree?” Atsushi asked in a judgemental tone of voice.
“uh yeah why?” Akutagawa said.
“No reason, they’re just kind of a waste of space” he claimed as he sat down on Akutagawa's bed.
“whatever you say” Akutagawa brushed off as Atsushi scowled at him.
“You want anything to drink?” Akutagawa asked as he kneeled down near a switch.
“...yeah sure” Atsushi replied as Akutagawa flicked the Christmas tree lights on. Atsushi’s gaze almost softened as the colourful light bounced off the tinsel and ball balls. The colourful lights filled the dimly lit room with a warm and appealing light that left the corners of the room dark. Akutagawa walked off into the kitchen. He stared at the christmas tree as he buried half of his face into his coat fur that was damp from the ice that had melted. He stared at the christmas tree for a couple moments before Akutagawa walked in carefully carrying two mugs, one was red with a christmas tree and the other was similar but white instead of red. They had been filled with hot cocoa and topped with whipped cream and pink and white mini marshmallows. Akutagawa sat down beside him and passed him a cup. Atsushi continued to stare at the tree, not acknowledging Akutagawa who was sitting close to him.
“I thought you didn’t like christmas trees?” Akutagawa mentioned with a smile and annoying tone of voice.
“I don’t..” Atsushi mumbled into the cold fur of his coat. Akutagawa leaned against him and lightly rested his head on Atsushi’s shoulder. Atsushi’s gaze shifted to him for a moment but he chose to stay silent. It was peaceful between the two of them. The only thing that could be heard was the occasional light flicker or either of them drinking. After a couple of minutes Akutagawa took the cups over to the kitchen sink and began washing them up with warm water. Atsushi pulled his coat off and placed it on the floor before slumping down onto the bed. He stared at the plain white ceiling as he zoned out. Akutagawa walked back into the room and hung his and Atsushi’s coat up on an old wooden coat stand. Akutagawa stared at atsushi for a couple seconds before atsushi turned his head to look at him.
“What?” Atsushi asked in a tired voice.
“Just thinking,” he said in a quiet and soft tone of voice as he sat down beside Atsushi.
“What about?” Atsushi asked with a tired look on his face.
“Nothing really,” Akutagawa told him as he laid down and rested his head on Atsushi’s chest.
“Hm..” Atsushi wrapped one arm around Akutagawa.
Akutagawa took a breath before he asked “Is it weird we’re doing this?” he asked with an unsure look.
“Hm?.. oh yeah no totally” Atsushi said before closing his eyes trying to go to sleep. Akutagawa looked confused for a second before brushing it off. (---) Akutagawa woke up from a warm beam of light pouring through a gap in the bamboo blinds. Atsushi had already woken up and was scrolling through some of his text messages.
“..good morning..” Akutagawa mumbled as he rubbed his eyes.
“Mm you’re finally awake??” Atsushi said in a sarcastic tone as he shifted his gaze to Akutagawa.
“Mmmm, who are you texting?” Akutagawa asked, looking over at Atsushi’s phone.
“Oh.. just Dazai, something about work” Atsushi told him as he turned his phone off and placed it on the ground.
“Mm, well merry christmas were-tiger” Akutagawa said in an almost annoying tone.
“I hate Christmas… you know that, and it’s not even christmas eve yet” Atsushi mentioned in a mildly annoyed tone.
“And? Akutaga said as he sat up from bed.
“Where are you going??” Atsushi asked as he sat up next to Akutagawa.
“I’m getting out of bed,” Akutagawa told him.
“Why?? It’s not like you’re going to work today?” Atsushi asked, his eyes half closed and his tone of voice still sounded tired.
“Well… how do you know I'm not going to work today?” Akutagawa asked in a mildly concerned and bothered voice.
“....” Atsushi stayed silent for a moment, “not the point…” Atsushi muttered. “Anyhow, there’s still no rush to go anywhere” Atsushi added with an almost flirty tone.
“Well I suppose so,” Akutagawa agreed with a sigh, “although I do have a cramp in my leg and I would also like to get up” he added.
“..yeah ok” Atsushi said as he let go of him.
“Thank you” he said as he got up from bed. Akutagawa walked into the kitchen and grabbed a cup of water.
“You’re not just going to lay in bed all day are you?” Akutagawa asked as he stood in the kitchen doorway as he took a sip.
“What’s wrong with that?” Atsushi asked as rolled over in bed.
“Well, for starters this is my dorm and I don't want to leave you here for the rest of the day” he told him with a more serious tone.
“Why not??” Atsushi asked as he sat up.
“Why do you think?” Akutagawa questioned in a bland tone.
“Where do you need to go anyway?” Atsushi asked, tilting his head to the side slightly.
“Outside? I’d rather not spend today moping around in my dorm” Akutagawa told him as he placed his glass on his dresser.
“Fine… can I come with you??” Atsushi asked in a hesitant voice.
“Yeah sure,” Akutagawa said, trying not to smile. Atsushi slowly pulled himself out of bed, still fully dressed from the night before. Akutagawa picked up his phone and started checking any messages. Atsushi pulled his coat off the rack and rubbed his eyes.
“What time is it anyway?” Atsushi asked with a yawn.
“Half past ten i think” Akutagawa said not taking his eyes off his phone. Atsushi threw his coat on as he looked over to Akutagawa who was paying no attention to him. Akutagawa turned his phone off and looked over at Atsushi.
“What?” Akutagawa asked, noticing an almost annoyed look on Atsushi’s face.
“Hm? Nothing, nothing at all” he said, zipping his coat up. Akutagawa carefully pulled his coat from the coat hanger and unlocked his door. He poked his head out of his door.
Atsushi followed Akutagawa outside. The cold air hit his face sending an immediate shiver down his spine. The roads and pavements had frosted over with a small amount of snow laying on the ground. The air smelt fresh, it almost felt nostalgic. Atsushi buried his face in the fur of his coat as he walked beside Akutagawa who almost immediately looked paler and colder outside. The sun shining down on them made it a little warmer but not by much. Yokohama was busy with people bustling around and going off to work.
“Do you want to go get breakfast?” Atsushi asked as he looked over at Akutagawa.
Akutagawa stayed silent for a moment before he answered “...sure” Akutagawa said in a warm tone. They walked for a little while before atsushi noticed a small cafe-like restaurant, it had a wooden sign outside of it with its name on which had been painted with an eye-catching red. There were small windows that you couldn't see into very well and a door with chipped sage green paint pinned open.
“You wanna go in there?” Atsushi asked, looking over at it.
“Hm? Oh yeah sure” Akutagawa said, sounding zoned out. Akutagawa followed Atsushi into the place. It was small but not cramped, the lighting was warm and it all seemed comfortable. It had old wooden floors and the tables were a traditional Japanese style with cushions on the floor as seats and a low wooden table. It didn’t take long for them to get sat down somewhere. They sat across from each other, Akutagawa looked to be enjoying the warmth and a herbal lemon ginger tea that had a strong smell of ginger. Atsushi had a soft look in his eyes as he ate from a small bowl of tea on rice. Atsushi’s gaze shifted from the bowl to Akutatagawa who was taking small sips of tea at a time. He stared at him for a moment before Akutagawa looked at him. Atsushi shuffled his weight.
“Hm?” Akutagawa looked at him with a confused look.
“You know i always thought you were some kinda annoying twink” Atsushi said as he swallowed a mouthful of rice.
“Yeah? What do you mean ‘you thought’?” Akutagawa asked in a teasing tone.
“I thought, You still kind of are but you know” Atsushi mumbled grudgingly.
Akutagawa chuckled and took a sip of tea before saying
“Well i always thought you were some ego-centric dickhead” Akutagawa told him as he took another sip, “You kind of are but you’re also very soft” Akutagawa told him with a small smile as he placed his empty cup down on a coaster.
“I am not soft!” he exclaimed in an almost offended tone.
“You can tell yourself that, it doesn't change that you are,” Akutagawa said in a tone that made it obvious he was taking the piss. Atsushi scowled at him as he changed his sitting position.
“You are very annoying, you know that,” Atsushi said in a frustrated tone that somehow didn’t sound angry or tense, it almost sounded spirited and cordial.
“I know,” Akutagawa said, trying not to smile. Akutagawa picked up the menu browsing what they sold. Atsushi looked at him trying not to stare.
“You know I'm never that hungry in the mornings” he said, placing the menu back down on the table.
“Well we are two very different people” Atsushi said with a chuckle.
“You know I have a feeling you have such a large appetite because you’re a were-tiger, it’d make sense” Akutagawa said.
“You know, that kind of makes sense. I’ve never really thought of it that way” he responded.
“There’s a first time for everything,” Akutagawa said with a smile. Akutagawa stayed silent for a moment. Soon after Atsushi picked up the check and they both left (Time skip -4:32pm-) Despite it being early in the evening the sky was growing darker. Atsushi had an almost tired look on his face. Akutagawa was standing still while texting someone on his phone. Atsushi walked round behind him looking over his shoulder. Akutagawa was quick to notice and turned his phone off.
“what?” Akutagawa asked as he turned his head to look at Akutagawa.
“nothing..” Atsushi mumbled.
“Right, well there’s a small office party going on at the ada” Akutagawa began to say, placing his phone in his pocket “of course you could come, if you promise to behave” Akutagawa finished in an almost flirty tone. Atsushi’s eyes narrowed as he looked at Akutagawa.
“hm… well i can’t promise you anything” Atsushi told him with his head over Akutagawa's shoulder.
“Well then you can’t come with me, can you?” Akutagawa said in a tone that it was smooth yet mildly grating. Atsushi scowled.
“....fine” Atsushi grumbled as he glanced away.
“Let’s go then,” Akutagawa said as he began to walk.
“Now?” Atsushi said as he followed after Akutagawa.
“Yes now, when else?” Akutagawa asked. Atsushi glanced away as he continued to walk with him. It wasn’t long till they had arrived at the agency. Atsushi seemed hesitant as he walked in behind Akutagawa. The receptionist room was empty, however the door to upstairs was wide open. A Christmas tree was well decorated in one of the corners of the room. Akutagawa noticed the almost uneasy look on Atsushi’s face.
“Relax” Akutagawa told him quietly as he walked up the stairs as atsushi followed after.
“I am” Atsushi said in an annoyed tone masking the uneasy feeling that could be heard through his voice. Glanced around the room holding his place while staying behind him of which didn’t do much as Atsushi was taller than him by an inch or two. The office was surprisingly well decorated with warm lighting and Christmas decorations. There was a snack table and a couple glasses of champagne of which fukazawa wouldn’t let ranpo even go near. Oda was stood talking to Kunikida while Ranpo was stood with Poe while Fukazawa was glaring at them. Everyone in the Ada was there including most of the receptionists. Oda noticed Akutagawa and quickly walked over.
“Hey Akutagawa! glad you could make it” Oda said without noticing Atsushi.
“Yeah, it’s nice to see everyone together like this,” Akutagawa responded in a friendly tone. Oda looked at Atsushi who was scowling at him.
“Fukazawa mentioned the white reaper may be coming” Oda said as Akutagawa moved to the side a little.
“Hm, yeah…” Atsushi grumbled quietly.
“Well, it’s good to finally meet you,” Oda said, remaining in a friendly tone.
“..you too,” Atsushi said grudgingly. Oda walked away and back towards Kunikida who had his arms crossed and kept on glancing over at Atsushi.
“You could’ve been a little nicer,” Akutagawa said with a chuckle.
“It’s not that easy with a maths teacher scowling at me” Atsushi grumbled.
“he’ll come around eventually” Akutagawa reassured.
“Lovely..” Atsushi mumbled, he glanced around looking at everyone, they all seemed to be minding their own business and enjoying the night. (<) Kunikida stood with oda with his arms crossed and a sour look on his face.
“Do you know why he is here?” Kunikida asked in a more than harsh tone as he glanced over at Atsushi.
“Fukazawa mentioned he may tag along with Akutagawa” Oda told him in a calmer voice.
“Well why is he with Akutagawa in the first place?” he asked with a scowl.
“...i’m not quite sure but we should leave his personal life alone” Oda said as he took a sip of the drink he was holding.
“It’s a safety risk,” Kunikida mentioned.
“Fukazawa wouldn’t have agreed to it if he didn’t believe it was safe” Oda told him as he glanced over at the two. (>)
“What’s wrong?” Akutagawa asked as he passed Atsushi a glass of chapange.
“Nothing,” Atsushi said quietly as he took a sip and sat down in one of the stray office chairs.
“Is that so?” he asked as he walked behind him and gently rested his arms on Atsushi’s shoulders. “I think you just need to relax a little,” Akutagawa told him with a soothing tone.
“Maybe..” Atsushi muttered as he took another sip.
“Well, I’m going to go see Ranpo.. try not to start anything” he told Atsushi as he patted his shoulder and walked off. Akutagawa approached ranpo who was sitting in a spinning chair while Poe was trying his best to make small talk with Fukazawa.
“Heyy! I saw you come in with the reaper” Ranpo said in a sly voice as they stopped his chair from spinning.
“Yeah… well it’s not much different than you being here with Poe” Akutagawa said with a chuckle as he leaned against one of the desks.
“Me and Poe are completely different from you and Atsushi over there,” Ranpo said while they opened a bag of haribo.
“How’s that?” Akutagawa asked with a playful scoff.
“Me and Poe are friends, last time I checked you two were enemies?" They asked “Or have things changed?” They added with a teasing tone and a chuckle.
“No, not at all.. It’s hard to explain really” Akutagawa told him.
“Sure, that’s where it all starts you know” They said as they threw a gummy in their mouth.
“boo” Atsushi said in a monotone voice as he appeared from behind Akutagawa. Akutagawa jumped as Atsushi spoke and looked over his shoulder at him.
“you couldn’t be on your own for five minutes?” Akutagawa asked Atsushi with a chuckle. Atsushi rolled his eyes and glared at Ranpo who had a sly grin on their face.
“What are you smiling about?” Atsushi asked in an aggressive tone.
“Nothing” they responded, shaking their head with a grin. Atsushi rolled his eyes and Akutagawa gave him a sharp glare. Poe rushed over to Ranpo.
“Hey Ed!” Ranpo exclaimed as Poe approached him.
“Oh hello Ranpo darling” Poe mumbled with a sigh. He was slouched over with his hands on his knees. Poe looked up at Atsushi with a worried look while Atsushi glared down at him. Poe fed Karl a green grape out of a small pack of them in his hand.
“Who's that?” Poe whispered to Ranpo as he looked up at Atsushi.
“Atsushi or ‘the white reaper’” They whispered back.
“Really?!” Poe said a little too loudly.
“I can hear you,” Atsushi said as he placed the champagne glass on a desk. Poe gasped slightly as Ranpo chuckled.
“I know,” Ranpo said, shoving gummy bears in his mouth. Atsushi rolled his eyes as Akutagawa just chuckled. They stayed for another couple of hours, Atsushi had gotten himself into two arguments one with Fukazawa who was rage baiting and one with Kunikida who was just mad. The sky had grown dark by the time they left. There was an icy cold breeze out and most of the shop lights had been turned off. Atsushi and Akutagawa were walking alongside each other, neither of them sure where they were headed. Akutagawa glanced over at him.
“...Can we talk??” Akutagawa asked in a tone Atsushi rarely heard in Akutagawa.
“Yeah, What about?” Atsushi asked as he stood still.
“This..? Everything?” Akutagawa said, shuffling his weight. Atsushi had a confused look as he blankly stared at him.
“What Ranpo said.. earlier, they’re right this isn’t normal… for us especially” He said his voice clearly shaky.
“What are you saying?” Atsushi asked in a harsh tone.
“I.. want to know what’s going on between us?” he asked, regaining a steady tone.
“..nothing, nothing’s going on” He told him.
“Is that really how you feel??” Akutagawa asked in disbelief.
“How else should I feel?” He asked as he glanced away his gaze cold.
“...you’re right” Akutagawa agreed, he looked tired, his nose was a pinkish colour and a cold look washed over him. “I don’t know what i expected from you” Akutagawa mumbled as he turned away. Atsushi stood still in the cold as he watched Akutagawa walk away, he almost felt like he wanted him to turn around. To argue otherwise. Akutagawa faded from Atsushi’s sight. He turned away and began to walk, the night could only grow colder and the day felt like it was growing further away rather than closer. He could only hear his footsteps as he walked down the pavement. The only thing lighting the empty streets were the flickering street lights. His hands and face felt numb as he buried his face into the fur of his coat. He arrived back home, it was a large japanese style home. It was well kept but not by Atsushi. He walked inside, it wasn’t dark and all the lights were on Kyouka was home as he could see her shoes were left at the door.
“Where have you been?” Kyouka asked as she poked her head through the doorway.
Atsushi took his coat off as he mumbled “No where..” He said throwing his coat on a coat hanger.
“What’s wrong??” Kyouka asked with a sound of concern in her voice.
“I'm just tired.. that’s all” Atsushi muttered as he rubbed his eyes. He walked past her into the kitchen as she followed after.
“Is it about Akutagawa” She asked as Atsushi opened a cupboard. Atsushi stopped midway.
“How do you know..?” he asked in a tired tone.
“I saw you two in town earlier today” She told him in a quiet tone.
“Right..” Atsushi grumbled as he poured himself a small glass of brandy.
“You shouldn’t drink when you’re upset..” Kyouka told him
“Well… I'm not upset” Atsushi claimed as he took the bottle and glass and walked past her heading upstairs. He slumped down onto his bed. His room was well kept and clean and traditionally japanese. He stared up at his blank ceiling before sitting up and taking a sip of his drink. (--) A couple days went by and Atsushi and Akutagawa hadn’t spoken nor seen each other. Atsushi had been hoping that he would have received a text from him, but he hadn't and he didn’t believe he was brave enough to do it himself. The night was growing dark once again although it didn’t feel as cold as the past few days had. Only a couple shops were still open and street lights dimly lit the streets. Atsushi picked up on the sound of someone else’s footsteps on the other side of the road. He glanced over as he almost felt his heart sink. Akutagawa was walking down the opposite side of the street, he looked tired and cold. Atsushi stood still for a moment, his stomach felt like it was in knots. Hesitantly he crossed the street with his hands in his pockets and a confident stride despite feeling ill in the stomach. He quickly caught up with Akutagawa.
“Akutagawa” Atsushi said, making Akutagawa jump.
Akutagawa gasped as he said “Were-tiger, hello” He replied quickly.
“You never texted?” Atsushi asked, walking beside him.
“Niether did you” He responded shortly.
“You have me there,” Atsushi said.
“Besides, what would there be to say?” Akutagawa asked, glancing at him.
“Alot,” Atsushi said as he stopped walking. Akutagawa turned around to look at Atsushi.
“Is there? or are you just bored?” Akutagawa asked coldly.
“....I-” Atsushi began to say
“You paused.” Akutagawa interrupted
“i think there is a lot left between us that shouldn't have been left unsaid” Atsushi claimed.
“Is that so?” Akutagawa asked in a tone that clearly read that he didn’t believe him.
“Yes,” Atsushi told him.
“Go on then” Akutagawa said, looking at him.
“I wasn’t sure…” Atsushi mumbled in a quiet tone.
“About what?” Akutagawa asked, softening his tone.
“...how I felt about this…. I'm still not” Atsushi said, his voice shaky." You were right, it wasn’t nothing” he added.
“It should’ve been,” Akutagawa said.
“What?” Atsushi asked as his eyebrows lowered.
“We shouldn’t have been with each other like that” Akutagawa claimed “Even if i was right and it was something it wouldn’t have worked” He added.
“It could’ve.. if we tried” he claimed.
“You are in no place to change your mind,” Akutagawa told him harshly.
“You're right, I don’t but I have” He told him boldly. “So can we please go to your place and talk about this?” Atsushi asked.Akutagawa looked hesitant.
“Sure,” he said, sounding unsure.
“Thank you,” Atsushi said with a sigh. They began to walk only for a minute or two until the reached Akutagawa’s dorm. He walked in behind Akutagawa. His dorm was warm and there were a few candles that overtook the smell of pine off the christmas tree. The tree was still up and was the only light on other than the candles.
“You shouldn’t leave candles on, you know” Atsushi mentioned as Akutagawa took off his coat and hung it on the wooden coat stand.
“I wasn’t gone for long.. it was unlikely that anything would happen.” Akutagawa claimed. Atsushi stared at the lit up tree as he unzipped his coat and hung it up.
“You know how I feel about you? right?” Atsushi asked as he turned to look at Akutagawa.
“How could I? You keep changing your mind,” he told him with a somber look in his eyes.
“I know I do," Atsushi said quietly as he walked closer. “I know.. it’s unfair for me to be doing this,” Atsushi said in a quiet tone.
“But you have to understand.. where i’m coming from” Atsushi said as he put his hands on Akutagawa's waist. A shudder went up Akutagawa’s spine and he wouldn’t meet Atsushi’s gaze. “Will you look at me?” Atsushi asked softly. Akutagawa’s gaze hesitantly met Atsushi’s. Atsushi tightened his arms around Akutagawa’s waist as Akutagawa seemed unsure and hesitant.
“You’re very pretty,” Atsushi told him in a gentle and warm tone.
Akutagawa couldn’t help but smile “thank you” he responded warmly. Atsushi slowly leaned into Akutagawa pressing his lips against his. Akutagawa tensed up for a split second before wrapping his arms around Atsushi’s neck and leaning into the kiss. Atsushi gently laid Akutagawa down onto the bed and moved down to Akutagawa’s neck making him squirm slightly. (Time skip -7:56- Christmas day) Atsushi stared up at the ceiling with a blank and tired expression on his face, Akutagawa was still asleep and had his head resting on Atsushi’s chest. Atsushi’s and Akutagawa’s clothes were in a heap on the floor next to the bed, the Christmas tree lights were still on and the sun was peering through the blinds. Akutagawa began to slowly wake up and groaned as he rubbed his eyes. It took Akutagawa a moment to process their situation. He suddenly sat up with his eyes wide and took a breath in.
“Were-tiger…” Akutagawa mumbled as he glanced down at Atsushi who was still laid down with an eyebrow raised.
“What? You look like you’ve seen a ghost” Atsushi said in a quiet tone with his arms behind his head.
“What do you mean what?!” Akutagawa exclaimed. “oh my god…” he mumbled under his breath as he glanced around.
“oh calm down” Atsushi said with a yawn as he sat.
“No! why should i calm down” Akutagawa shouted as he gathered his clothes that he could reach.
“Oh come on, you're over-reacting,” Atsushi said, rubbing his eyes.
“I’m under-reacting!” Akutagawa exclaimed “I can’t believe this..” he muttered as he threw on his shirt.
“Right… okay slow down, come on,” Atsushi said.
“I could lose my job over this!” Akutagawa said, raising his voice.
“Yeah, so could I,” Atsushi said, shuffling behind Akutagawa. Akutagawa sighed as he buttoned his shirt up as quickly as possible.
“Okay slow down” Atsushi said, grabbing Akutagawa by the waist.
“Get off me” Akutagawa said in a more than aggressive tone.
“Oh come on, not until you calm down a little” Atsushi said, pulling him down. Akutagawa glared up at Atsushi of who had a smug look on his face.
“Fine, I'm calm,” Akutagawa said in a sarcastic undertone.
“Then don’t sound so sarcastic,” Atsushi replied with a chuckle.
“I’m not,” he said in a snarky tone.
“It’s impossible to get through to you, you know?” Atsushi said with a chuckle.
“Right.. let go of me then” Akutagawa said in an aggressive tone.
“You’re so dramatic,” Atsushi said with a sigh as he let go and rolled over.
“Sure,” Akutagawa said as he sat up and kept buttoning his shirt back up.
“Where are you even going?” Atsushi asked as he wrapped his arms around Akutagawa’s waist.
“No where, I'm getting dressed,” Akutagawa told him.
“Why?” Atsushi asked as he lightly kissed Akutagawa’s neck.
“Why not?? Am I not allowed?” Akutagawa asked in a more playful and relaxed tone.
“No.. i just don’t see the point” Atsushi mumbled burying his face into Akutagawa’s neck.
“Of course you don't,” Akutagawa said. Atsushi pulled Akutagawa back to laying down.
“Do you mind?” Akutagawa asked with a slight laugh.
“No” Atsushi mumbled as he gently gave Akutagawa a peck.
“Merry Christmas tiger,” Akutagawa mumbled with a slight smile.
“...Merry Christmas Akutagawa” Atsushi said, kissing him once again.
(Thanks for reading!)