Work Text:
Reki doesn’t know if the drops on his hands are from the pouring rain or the tears falling from his face. Maybe if he could just calm down, he could discern the two.
“Reki sweetie, you know I love you. It’s just your father-
“I know mom, it’s okay.”
For some reason, that makes her seem even more miserable. (because no, it’s really not)
“He’ll come around. I’ll talk to him.”
sure. right.
“Maybe find somewhere to stay for a little bit okay? Call Langa?”
Reki’s already picking up his school bag and grabbing his board (the only thing he really needs anyway, besides a decent dad) before practically sprinting out of his house, consumed with an all coursing need to get out of there.
And he’ll call Langa, he will. He knows that Langa will come get him in a heartbeat, offering his home with welcoming open arms. He’s not sure if Langa’s mom knows about them yet, but they’ll deal with that when they get to it. Either way, he knows he’s not completely at a loss, because Langa is the sweetest boyfriend in the world, he’ll understand.
But that’s precisely why he doesn’t call yet, because his voice is still shuttering, left over from the sobs of running away from his home (a place that should only ever be ran towards) and he wants to be able to at least form coherent sentences, because that’s what Langa deserves. And even if all he wants to do is crawl into Langa’s arms and cry, he doesn’t want Langa to see him like this.
He knows Langa would scold him, (softly of course) probably say something like, ‘I want to comfort you’ or ‘I want to be there for you’ in a way very endearingly Langa that Reki almost caves, opening his phone contacts, because hearing that in real life would be so much better than imaginary Langa saying them, but then-
he’ll regret being with you
Reki shuts his phone off.
pull yourself together man
He’s walking around aimlessly because it’s too wet to skate when he recognizes the street lights. He knows this place, all too well really. If he just turns the corner-
It's Sia la luce. Reki checks his phone. It’s past midnight. It’s not supposed to be open, but the lights are on.
which means…
Reki loiters outside for a little bit, weighing his pros and cons. There are definitely more pros, he’d get to wait out the rain, he’d call Langa, he’d get a heat source because fuck man is it cold, and he’d get someone to at least talk to about all of … this… because Kojiro’s a pretty great guy. He’d be understanding, right?
or maybe he won’t be. Maybe he’ll turn you away too. and Reki honestly doesn’t think he could handle that kind of rejection from his friend.
But a past conversation plays in his mind, one including a bowl of ramen and kind eyes telling him “you don’t want to end up alone” which gives him the courage to approach the door.
And it’ll be fine, it’ll be fine, he’ll go in calm and explain his situation, and maybe Kojiro will be angry or something but he doesn’t seem like he would be but he’ll deal with that if it gets there, and he’ll convince him to stay open for a little longer, enough to wait out the rain, enough to work up the courage to call Langa, and- well
He sees the closed sign and opens the door anyway because it’ll be fine, just go in, explain, it’ll be fine, it’ll be fine-
“Sorry man, it’s closing time so- Reki? What the- what the hell?! What happened to you?!”
-and if Reki thought he could go in all composed and put together that was a fucking lie because everything spills out all at once in a flurry of “I’m sorry. I’m sorry, I’m so sorry- fuck- it’s just- I didn’t know where else to go-“ before he’s breaking down at the front of the restaurant.
Kojiro lunges over the counter and is suddenly at his side, saying “Hey, hey it’s okay kid um- here,” handing him a towel and throwing off his apron to rub circles on his back. It’s kind. Kojiro’s kind. He doesn’t know why it makes him cry harder.
He feels himself being led to a table at the side as Kojiro sits him down on one of the chairs before crouching down, offering Reki a plethora of napkins that he takes with less grace than he would’ve liked to.
It takes him a while to calm down. This was not a part of the plan. He’s embarrassed. He wants to take one of the spoons on the table and dig himself a little hole.
But Kojiro is still sitting there, concern clear as day on his face and Reki cringes because he knows the question is coming.
“Reki, what’s wrong?”
you don’t want to end up alone
“It’s alright kid, you can tell me.”
(Can Joe read minds?)
Reki fidgets a bit, eyes glued to tracing the wood patterns of the floor by his shoes. He’s come all this way, he has to say something.
“What if I’m not good enough for him?”
And then, softer this time,
“What if he regrets being with me?”
And it’s vague, but the implication is there.
Joe’s quiet for a moment and when Reki peeks up to look at him, a thoughtful expression crosses his face.
Finally, he says, “is this about Langa?”
Reki gulps. “Yeah.”
“I see.”
And then the silence Reki hates all too much returns. (the same piercing, agonizing quiet his father had given him before curling his nose up in disgust) Maybe he should just forget this, it’s not worth it. Maybe he should just leave-
“I understand what you’re going through Reki.”
oh
well that was unexpected
What do you mean- How. How could you possibly-
“I’ve been through the exact same thing”
“You don’t even know what I’m”-
“Being in love with your best friend?”
Reki freezes.
“I don’t want to out you,” he rushes out quickly and Reki feels tension release from his body that he didn’t even know was there,
“nothing crazy like that, but I want you to know its okay.”
Reki can’t believe it at first, because Kojiro’s actually sitting with him, and talking to him about this in such a gentle, understanding manner so drastically different from the one sided belittling that had happened at his house it’s giving him whiplash.
“I’ve been there, trust me man, I know what it's like.”
He looks up at him, eyes warm and accepting that Reki swears there's a halo for a split second around that green hair.
“For what it’s worth Reki-
-That kid is so in love with you it's almost obnoxious.”
A smile tugs onto Reki’s face. “You really think so?”
“Oh absolutely. It’s like everytime you guys are at S, he makes it his life’s mission to subject everyone to your pda.”
“I don’t think we’re that bad-“
“Don’t even get me started about that one time you stopped coming. He was constantly asking for you. I had to actually restrain Cherry at one point because he wouldn’t stop bombarding Carla with questions.”
Reki can imagine it; the image of Langa harassing the poor little ai skateboard with a constant stream of ‘where is Reki tell me where Reki is.’ It would have been funny to see.
“I haven’t known Langa for too long, but he seems like a quiet kid. The type that prefers to listen instead of speak, you know? But when it comes to you it’s like he never shuts up.”
And despite everything, a smile makes its way onto Reki’s face and he giggles. “That’s not true-“
“Im serious- I swear, if I have to hear ‘wow Reki’s amazing’ in that lovestruck tone of his one more time- I mean he’s not wrong, you are pretty great- but everytime you a race a beef it’s like he’s seconds away from going on a whole ten page monologue about you. I’m gonna have to start bringing earplugs to S.”
That would certainly be a sight to see, the mighty Joe, one of the famed skaters of S wearing earplugs at the track. He’d get heat for it for sure, but it’d really be because he was so sick of Langa’s Reki rambling. He chuckles and Kojiiro smiles back.
“You feeling a little better?”
That's a bit debatable, but he has stopped crying, opting to wipe the remains of his tear tracks on his sleeve. “Yeah, thanks,” but there’s more to that and Kojiiro seems to sense it.
He pauses for a moment.
“You don’t have to tell me what happened.”
Reki bites his lip.
“But know I will listen if you’re ready.”
He hesitates for a moment, because he honestly didn’t think he would get this far. When he had walked into Sia la luce, he expected to be met with exasperation. This was, well, completely the opposite. Kojiro knew. He understood and Reki is more than grateful. And Kojiro would probably say otherwise, but Reki does feel like he owes a little bit of an explanation to why he ended up at the doorsteps of Sia la luce at closing time.
He takes a short breath.
“My dad is in town for a couple weeks.”
He doesn’t say anything, but Reki feels the pressure of a hand on his shoulder in quiet encouragement.
“They got divorced ages ago, but he still comes around every so often to see my sisters. Koyomi- she- it wasn’t her fault. She just accidently let it slip that I was dating someone. He asked what her name was. I said his name was Langa.”
Kojiro lets out a soft, ‘ah.’
“I mean, what was I supposed to do? Lie? About my boyfriend to my own father? Langa’s not some dirty little secret. I’m not ashamed of him-“
“Reki-“
“He started saying shit about how it wasn’t right- that I wasn’t right- and then- he- and then he just started talking about how Langa would regret being with me-“
“Reki-“
“And what if he’s right Joe-“ Reki says between sobs, and fuck, he’s really crying again, throat tight and dry. “I just keep thinking- god, I’m going to mess it up I just know it- because Langa is perfect and wonderful and I’m just, I’ve never even done this before i’ve never had a boyfriend before and how am I supposed to keep him if- my own father doesn’t even want me-“
“Hey hey, Reki, Reki look at me-“ but he can’t hear him. His ears are ringing. It's like something cold and painful is about to erupt out of his chest while cottons being shoved down his throat-
because what if he’s right. Dad’s right. What if Langa finally realizes that he’s wasting his time being with me. What if he finally realizes how amazing and wonderful and perfect he is, what if he decides one day that who he wants next to him is a pretty girl with slender legs and and long nails and pink lips and hands that aren't covered in scars and everything I am absolutely not
-and he feels suffocated and he can’t concentrate because he’s choking on air and he can’t breathe, he can’t breathe-
“Reki, you’re gonna hyperventilate kid you gotta stick with me okay? Breathe in and out ready? In-“
1,2,3,4- He chokes, shuttering.
“That’s okay, that okay, keep going okay ready? In, and out…yeah good job”
And the cotton has lifted a bit but Reki still feels his body all tingly and lightheaded.
“Stay right here, im gonna get you some water.”
Kojiro scurrys to the back for a second, and Reki groans, pulling his hood on even though he knows it won’t shield him from anything.
great. fan-fucking-tastic. This is so uncool.
As quickly as he left, Kojiro returns, the promised water in his hand as he Reki takes it gratefully and chugs.
“Everything you’re feeling is okay. It’s natural. There’s nothing wrong with it. Nothing.
and I know what Langa means to you, because it's the same thing Cherry means to me. I’ll tell you what it’s not gonna always be perfect. Shit will happen, sometimes you guys are going to fight, i mean cmon, you’ve seen me and Cherry-“
Reki chuckles, wiping tears from his eyes.
“But at the end of the day, you love each other. So together, you work it out.” and Kojiro leans over to pat Reki on the head, an action warmly welcomed.
“Don’t listen to him at all okay? He’s wrong. You know that right?”
“Yeah, yeah I know, we’re not close. I don’t care about him. (maybe only a little) it's just…”
“...he’s your dad?”
“Yeah.” tragically. regrettably. unfortunately “He’s my dad.”
“Everything he said was just complete utter bullshit man. I mean, especially that last part.”
Reki cocks his head. huh?
“Langa’s never gonna regret being with you.”
Oh. His face burns as he sips the water-
“I mean dude, he’s like, unapologetically homosexual.”
-and then chokes on it. Kojiro laughs gleefully.
“Imagine Langa with a girl- hah- actually I take that back, imagine Langa with anyone other than you. Utterly ridiculous.”
“I don’t want to imagine that, he’s mine, thank you very much.” Reki says pouting.
“That’s the spirit! Didn’t you guys like- propose marriage already or something-“
“N-no! I mean, maybe? We just said we’d skate together for infinity…”
“Aw, cute~”
“Shut up.”
“So Langas’ your first boyfriend huh?” He asks. “Ever have a girlfriend? Do you like both?”
“I don’t know… maybe? It's not like i’ve had either.”
Kojiro hums. “Well you don’t have to have it all figured out. Maybe you like guys. Maybe you like guys and girls” He wags his thumb at himself a bit sporting a cheeky smile. “Like me.”
“Thats cool.”
“Oh Totally. I get two ponds to fish from haha” and then he quickly adds- “don’t tell Cherry I said that.”
Reki chuckles. “Promise, promise.”
And it's true, he’s really not too sure about these sorts of things. It’s all a little new to him, but one thing for sure is that he likes Langa, so at least he’s narrowed it down to definitely not straight.
“I’ve… never really thought about that kind of stuff before I suppose.”
Kojiro lets out a curious ‘hm?’
“I mean the only thing I ever used to care about was skateboarding you know? I guess I just assumed that I would get married to some girl one day. We settle down, have some kids or whatever, you know, that whole thing. But it’s not like any of it felt right though, it just felt like what I was supposed to do- and then Langa comes along and oh my god seriously Joe- it’s like everything makes sense all of a sudden. Everything that was all vague and muddled became clear- except it’s got a face this time and it’s Langas.
And then I just kept thinking, why? why?! If it was going to be a guy, whatever, but why my best friend? I’ll ruin everything-“
“Ain’t that relatable.”
“-but I know why. because it’s Langa. Only Langa makes me feel this way.”
Reki takes a shuddered breath.
“He’s my everything Joe. I want to be with him forever- and it just hurts that some people...don’t… approve of that.”
“Hey. Those are just assholes alright. No offense, but your dad's kinda shit. Actually, full offense. Sorry.”
“It's alright,” Reki says a little breathlessly, having calmed. “I mean I already knew that, so- I mean my moms great. My sisters too. It’s just- when he’s there at home I…”
“If you don’t feel welcome at home, just know that there are people who love you Reki. Alright? Me, Cherry, Miya, Shadow, Langa, oh man- especially Langa” and Reki chuckles. “all are gonna look out for you, okay?”
“...okay.”
“This is our little skate family. We love each other. You will always be safe here. You and Langa both.”
and they’re words that hit hard; Reki feels like he's about to cry for the fifth time tonight.
“Thanks Joe.”
“Anytime kid.”
Reki sighs, eyes tired and dry, slumping into the seat. He turns his head to the wall clock reading 2:00am and alarm bells start going off in his head. Has it really been two hours?? Is Langa even gonna be awake??
“So away from home it is then. It’s better you’re not around that asshole anyway. For a couple weeks right? What were you planning to do?”
“My mom suggested maybe I call Langa? I was gonna- but I didn’t want to burden….” and he immediately shuts up from the glare Kojiro sends him.
“Reki.”
“Y-yes?”
“Call Langa.”
“...yes sir.”
He swipes open his phone to see Langa’s pretty contact picture next to the word ‘prince’ and a flurry of heart emojis. It's quickly tapped so Kojiro can’t see how embarrassing he is, but the shit eating grin he’s wearing tells Reki it's too late.
It rings twice before Langa picks up; he’s honestly surprised he answered at all.
“Reki? Hello?”
ah fuck
“Hey Langa! Ahah… sorry were you asleep?”
“No.” A lie. Langa’s a shit liar (but it’s endearing.)
what do I say, what do I even say?!
“Ahah… well… you really should be! It’s pretty late-“
“Reki.” Langa’s voice is soft. “Is everything okay?”
After they made up, Langa had gotten increasingly perceptive over small changes in Reki’s mood. It was like he wanted to make sure he never missed anything ever again. Reki appreciates it, he really does only it would be so great if he could just find the right thing to say back-
“Ah… it’s um- well… you see- I’m sort of- uhhhhh”
why am I no good with words when it really counts?
But then Kojiro, honestly bless him, (Reki doesn’t think he’s ever looked up to anyone more in his life) taps him on the shoulder and holds out his hand for Reki to drop the phone into.
“Hey Langa. Yeah it’s Joe.”
Something something… ”Reki’s father,” (which makes his stomach churn) something something…”my restaurant,” and then a very alarmed “what? I’m on my way” before the line clicks off.
“Thank you…”
Joe ruffles his hair.
The speed that Langa gets there is honestly impressive, because the jingle of the bell rings as he bursts through the door just as Joe comes back from getting another glass of water.
He’s frantic, eyes wide dripping from the rain (Impossibly still gorgeous) and he lets out a sigh of relief when they make eye contact.
“Langa… I- oh-“
And he can’t even get out a sentence before Langa is enveloping his body in a tight hug, holding Reki like a lifeline. It’s warm. Langa always feels nice.
Langa releases the hold slightly (much to Reki’s dismay) before his hands are on his face staring him in the eyes. Its close- way too close, are they about to kiss? What is Langa thinking Joe is literally right there-
“Are you okay?” Langa asks.
(There's a little bit of relief because Reki does not think he could handle the embarrassment of kissing Langa right in front of someone else, but also disappointment because dammit kiss me)
He offers a shy smile. “Now that you’re here.” and Langas eyes go tender.
“ahem-“
“Oh. Hi Joe.” Langa says, fucking finally.
Kojiro lets out a loud laugh, clutching his sides. “Hey Langa, thanks for coming to get him.”
“Thanks for looking after him.”
(and Reki’s not sure what it’s like to get a boyfriend approval from his father, but he thinks it’d feel a little something like this.)
They leave quickly, Reki ushering thank yous and apologies from the back of Langa’s moped that Kojiro waves off, telling them to come back soon. Reki wraps his arms around Langa’s waist and lets himself sink into the comfort. Langa hasn’t asked any questions yet, Kojiro probably explained a bit on that phone call, but Reki will tell him later. Just not now. He wants to enjoy this moment.
The ride is short, Langa doesn’t live to far from Sia la luce and he’s helping Reki step off in the driveway when he says “Don’t worry about my mom. She knows about us and said you can stay.”
And Reki freezes, because in all the frenzy of leaving the restaurant, he hadn’t even thought about Langa’s mom.
The thought of being rejected by his boyfriend’s mother sends panic like the one from home shooting through his chest and all he can think is please don’t turn me away too.
But Langa’s grip on his hand is tight, and as they usher through the door, Ms Hasegawa’s eyes tear in a matter of seconds.
“Oh sweetie come here,” and suddenly, she's by his side in an instant, wrapping a blanket around him with hands warm and comforting and accepting that the action alone is enough to break him all over again.
After that is a bit of a blur, because after he finishes crying in his boyfriend's mother’s arms, (what a great first impression) she frets over his wet clothes, telling Langa to get spare pajamas and offering him a towel and a shower, which Reki gladly accepts.
“I can shower with you.” Langa says, impossibly monotone and Reki balks, face catching fire because why the hell would you ask that in front of your mother!!
As predicted, Ms Hasegawa swoops in from the kitchen, saying “Leave Reki alone! Absolutely not! My son, why are you like this!” before swatting him on the arm and Langa actually has the gall to pout.
He does end up showering after him, and Reki sits patiently waiting on Langa’s bed, rubbing his hair with a towel.
“Reki,” startled, he turns to see Langa’s mom standing in the doorway holding a plate and a bundle of blankets.
“H-Hi Ms Hasegawa! Erm- thank you so much for letting me stay, I promise I’ll be out as soon as possible. I’m really sorry for all the trouble- oh and I’m sorry about eariler too- I probably got your blankets wet from being in the rain- I’m not sure exactly when I’ll be able to leave but i swear as soon as-“
“Reki, Reki wait-“ and she’s settling down next to him before gently clasping his hand to steady it. He didn’t even realize it was trembling.
“Please, you have nothing to apologize for. Nothing.”
He feels small.
“I just wanted to say it's nice to finally meet the boy my son talks about so much.” She says smiling and it coaxes one out of him as well.
“Ah…” he feels his face flush. “It’s really nice to meet you too Ms Hasegawa. Langa always says you’re amazing.”
Her smile brightens and she giggles. “You’re as kind as he says you are.” Lightly, she takes his other hand and looks up. She stops hesitantly for a moment before opening her mouth (and Reki braces himself for the worst, a habit he can’t seem to break yet) until she says,
“Reki,
You will always be welcome here, please, stay as long as you need.”
and Reki feels so, so grateful for this woman.
She’s handing him blankets, (many, many blankets) saying something about Langa’s absurd invulnerability to the cold and a plate of fruit before Langa walks in from the shower, eyebrow quirking at the scene of Reki smothered in plush while his mom urges him to try some apples.
It must look ridiculous and for the first time tonight, Reki feels genuine content, letting out a hearty laugh, one straight from the gut, as he wraps himself in the blankets and falls backwards into Langa’s bed.
Ms Hasegawa leaves giggling as Langa shoos her away (although he takes the fruit) and settles in next to Reki, blue eyes all pretty and soft.
“I like your smile.” He says, and Reki melts.
“You can’t just say things like that.” He mumbles, pressing his face into Langa’s chest breathing in. He smells good. Like jasmine.
“No I think I will.” and Reki lets out an incoherent whine as Langa just laughs in response, fingers making their way up to card through Reki’s hair.
“Your mom is really nice.”
“Mm.” He says, eyelashes fluttering. “You’re easy to like.”
pretty…Reki focus
Jeez, how in the world did he ever end up with someone this wonderful? Every single day, Reki is thankful for meeting Langa, thankful for the day his board had scattered out of his arms down that fateful street, because right here in Langa’s arms, he’s never felt more at peace.
“I don’t want to go home ever…”
“Then stay here forever”
Reki laughs. “I can’t do that, you’re mom’s already generous enough as it is”
“Then we’ll go somewhere else. I don’t care. Wherever you want. We can live in Joe’s kitchen.” Langa replies, and he snorts at how serious he sounds.
“That's got to be breaking at least ten health code violations.”
“A small price to pay for our new home.”
“A price Joe would have to pay.”
“Cherry’s rich. He can afford it.” Well, that part’s true.
Reki finds himself a comfortable angle, shifting on his side to move closer to Langa (as if he weren’t close enough already.) Langa’s hands keep a steady rhythm in his hair as his eyelids begin to feel heavy.
“Reki.”
“Hm?”
“I love you.”
(ba-dump, ba-dump, his heart swells)
“I love you too.”
Out of all his uncertainties, that’s one thing he’s sure of.
____________
“Thanks for coming!” Kojiro says as the last two customers trail out the door, flipping the sign from open to closed.
It’s been a few days since Reki had shown up at the doorstep. He hopes he’s alright. There’s S tomorrow, so he can ask then.
Langa had shot him a quick text that night, thanking him for looking after Reki (anytime) before informing him that Reki would be staying at his place for the coming weeks until his dad left town again. Langa’s mom had insisted on it. The entire situation is awful, but at least one of them had an accepting household.
Kojiro sighs, leaning on one of the barstools. There's not much more he can do to help. Really, he’d like to have a few very stern words with Reki’s father (Kaoru would probably suggest violence and it is highly considered,) but more than anything, Reki should know he’s safe. So for now, that’s good enough.
He’s not sure why, but he can’t help but feel some sort of protective dad instinct take over whenever Reki seems to be having an off day. It had happened back at the ramen restaurant too, when he had been seized with the unexplainable urge to find Reki and let him know not to ever end up by himself.
It’s possible that he just sees a bit of himself in Reki; confused, a little scared, entirely in love with his best friend, you know, just some similarities.
(a small part of him points to the fact that a certain insane skater had also driven a wedge in Kaoru and his relationship, so yeah, maybe he was a little biased towards team Reki, but that's all in the past. At least Mr ‘Matador of Love’ seems to have chilled out at this point.)
He’s just glad he was able to help, because Reki had appeared to take his advice to heart when he had showed up back at S with Langa in hand and a sheepish smile.
And apparently, it had been enough for Reki to start relying on Kojiro for other matters, because as much as he wished Reki didn’t have to go through his situation with his family, he was more than happy to lend Reki a shoulder to cry on. If his father was callous enough to shun away his own son for an act as pure as loving someone, fine- whatever, Kojiro would do his best to fill that void.
(No, he’s not giddy about the fact that when he went home that night and told Kaoru about what happened to Reki, Kaoru had said ‘you would be a good father’ before turning in for bed, meaning he, at the very least, had thought about their future together once or twice. He's not giddy about that at all thank you very much-)
They had never talked about that sort of thing before. To be honest, Kojiro was always under the impression that Kaoru had sort of disliked children. At least in high school, he’d never been fond of them, saying they were too loud or too messy. Not that this was a big issue. Sure, if Kojiro let his imagination wander for a bit, he'll entertain fantasies including him and Kaoru married in a nice house, holding hands with blurred faces of adopted children that would call them dad. Maybe he’d teach them how to cook, or maybe they’d take after Kaoru and be more interested in fine arts instead. They would for sure teach them how to skate though, but if Kaoru didn’t want that, it wasn’t a deal breaker or anything. It was just something Kojiro would think about from time to time.
But now, he watches Kaoru scold Langa for being too reckless, sighing exasperatedly before instructing him how to properly care for injuries, all the while actually getting him to listen by saying things like, ‘I’ll tell Reki.’ He watches Kaoru remind Miya about the importance of proper nutrition, fretting over him and sneaking protein bars and other snacks into his hoodie pockets because he knows Miya has a habit of forgetting meals. He watches Kaoru silently reach out to Reki, before Kojiro headed off to work that morning, he had peered over Kaoru’s desk to see him working on a small new piece.
In beautiful, expert, perfect kanji read: “when we love, we are never alone.”
“What’s this?”
“It’s for Reki.” Kaoru had said, tips of his ears flushing before grabbing the work along with his brushes and paperweight, and Kojiro had thought you’d be a good dad too.
Okay, maybe he does feel a little bit giddy that maybe, just maybe, Kaoru would change his mind about the whole future kids thing, but that’s nothing they need to rush towards.
-And then the doorbell clings accompanied by laughter. Joe groans. They’re closed, do people even read the sign?
“Sorry, we’re clos- oh hey its you guys.”
“Hey Joe!” Reki says, one arm wrapped around his skateboard and the other linked with Langa’s. Langa gives Joe a nod before turning back to say something to Reki, eyes soft and fond around the corners. Reki’s laugh echoes throughout the restaurant, and something tells him he won’t be closing on time tonight.
They’re holding hands; Kojiro can’t bring himself to turn them away.
“Sorry-“ Reki says in a flurry of giggles (something Langa looks utterly entranced by) “think you can stay open for one more hour?”
Reki’s already giving him the puppy dog eyes. He’s a lost cause to reason with. Kojiro turns to Langa, only to find his eyes staring back burning with a clear message: ‘please for the love of god just do me a solid don’t ruin this for me.’
They’re both looking pretty disheveled and judging by their boards, probably just went skating. He’s about to scold them on the dangers of streets at midnight (which is ironic, considering it’s far less dangerous than anything at S) when-
”Kaoru, come on! Let’s go home already-“
“What are you, a child? We’re almost at the park. Go faster.”
It had been one in the morning, just as Kojiro’s brain decided any more math equations would lead to a massive hemorrhage, when Kaoru had texted him offering a beef. The rules were simple, loser buys food. (And Kojiro had lost, only by a split second though, he swears!)
Kojiro huffs, pushing off using more force this time to slide up next to him.
“Seriously man, I’ve got that test soon! And if I don’t pass, I’ll have to take those god awful preliminary classes-“
“That’s your fault for not paying attention in class.”
He’s about to say something along the lines of ‘Well I don’t pay attention because your pretty face sits right next to me so it’s technically your fault’ before he bites his tongue to physically restrain himself.
“I do pay attention! I actually studied for once-“
“Oh really”
“Yes excuse you! The least you could grant me is a couple hours of sleep-“
“You lost our beef. You owe me food.” Is all Kaoru says before pushing off ahead. Kojiro groans, but he follows hot on his trails.
“Kaoruuuuuu-“ he whines. “This is so farrrrrr- where are we even going? I'm tired-“
Kojiros not sure exactly how long they were riding (to be fair, time seems to stop while simultaneously managing to go twice as fast when they’re together) but it’s enough for his legs to start getting sore (mental note: work out more) before Kaoru abruptly stops, eyes scanning and then points wordlessly to a burger joint.
Kojiro for one, is speechless. He was pretty sure Kaoru was going to make him pay for that one italian restaurant he liked, or literally anything else more classy and expensive for the sheer purpose of burning a hole in his wallet. At the very least, anything more than some run down burger place in the middle of nowhere. It was certainly not ‘sakurayashiki style.’
He blinks. “We came all this way here to get burgers? You know there's that one place literally minutes from your house right.”
“I want this one.”
“Oh. You ever been here before?”
“No.” Is all Kaoru says before walking in.
“Is it good? Wait- Huh?!”
The worker on shift was probably less than thrilled at their energetic attitude as they hurled playful insults at each other, but they managed to get their food before settling into a table at the back. He’s not even that hungry, and Kojiro amuses himself by flinging fry bits at Kaoru’s mouth every time he tries to take a bite of his burger, laughing hard at the stupid faces he’s making. Kaoru’s calling him names, but he’s laughing too, stealing pickles from Kojiro’s plate.
They’re just about finishing up their food as he says, ‘we should get going’ before Kaoru gets up and comes back with a milkshake.
“I’m still eating.”
“Wow. You must really like this place.”
Kaoru wrinkles his nose. “It’s kinda shit.”
He barks out a laugh, a quiet hope pestering his heart telling him Kaoru's stalling for time.
Kojiro absentmindedly brushes a strand of pink hair away from his lip ring as kaoru grumbles and plops his head onto his shoulder, cheeks puffing as he nibbles on the straw. It’s very cute.
“You know.” He says. Inching just a little bit closer, “If you wanted to spend time with me, you could’ve just asked.”
Kaoru chokes and flushes impossibly red, a shade that’s quickly becoming Kojiro’s favorite color. “Who says I wanted to spend time with you?”
He tilts his head innocently. “Then.. why exactly did you challenge me to a beef at one in the morning?”
“Well- Why did you accept?!”
“Because I like being with you.”
Kaoru goes silent and for a second there, Kojiro thinks that maybe he completely misread their situation. He’s about to apologize when Kaoru sputters, mumbling “you’re a fool” into his neck, leading his whole body to feel warm.
“I don’t mind giving you all my time. You’re free to take it.”
“Absolutely not. I refuse.”
“Rude!”
He's not too sure, he can’t see it that clearly with Kaoru’s head burying itself into his neck in all, but below the flutter of his lashes, there’s a smile.
And then, quietly Kaoru says,
“Well… maybe since it’s you- i’ll reconsider.”
The memory is fresh in his mind like it was just yesterday and as Reki and Langa stare at him, eyes all hopeful and expectant, he can’t help but think about Kaoru and him in school uniforms chasing three am highs with the world at their fingertips.
He gives them a lighthearted, over dramatic sigh before gesturing to the back and the two scramble to the corner booth.
“We’ll have whatever!” Reki yells, burrowing his face into Langa’s chest as Langa laughs delightedly, showering him with quick kisses. How are they so energetic? Just wait till they get older.
Kojiro groans and starts preparing some pizza dough. Apparently, his restaurant has now been dubbed the unofficial meeting place for their little skating circle. Not that he minds it all that much. In fact, it fills him with a little bit of pride that Sia la luce can serve as a safe space for Reki and Langa. They don’t have to hide anything here, not if Kojiro has anything to say about it.
He shoots Kaoru a quick text.
11:58: i’ll be an hour late snowgear kidnapped me╭༼ಥДಥ༽
12:01: ugh kids Kaoru replies (but they both know there’s no malice.)
He turns his gaze back to Reki and Langa, huddled together like the worlds just the two of them. It’s nice to see Reki smiling like his usual self. Their little skating family had felt empty when he disappeared for a bit. They all have a soft spot for him and its hard not to, the guy is sunshine incarnate. But even the sun goes down, so Kojiro’s just glad Langa’s there to pick him back up, and he’ll help where he can too of course. They all will.
But looking at them now, he can’t wrap his head around what Reki possibly has to be worried about, because when Reki throws his head back laughing, Langa’s mouth parts in a little bit of awe, his eyes tracing every movement, every mark, every crevice of Reki in a way Kojiro has to look away because it feels too intimate.
Literally anyone could see it. Langa was utterly, hopelessly, completely gone for Reki.
It’s probably the same look he gives Kaoru, and now second hand embarrassment becomes first hand embarrassment. He’s saved by the ding of the oven.
“Alright you absolute menaces. Here’s one margarita and one meat lovers. And since Langa’s stomach is an empty bottomless pit, Here’s one spaghetti and meatballs, for you lovebirds to share or whatever.”
he laughs at how Langa’s eyes sparkle at that last part, mind probably racing with fantasies that involve him and Reki at opposite ends of a spaghetti noodle, while the latter opts for his face in his hands to hide his embarrassment.
“Alright guys. I’ll be in the back. Just uh- scream if you need something” and he’s about to turn around when he feels a hand tap his arm.
“Wait- Joe.”
“Hm?”
Reki stares, eyes earnest and warm.
“Thank you.”
Kojiro smiles.
“It's on the house.”