Sasaki pays for his bouquet of flowers: white carnations, daffodils, and daisies. They're bright. They'd easily add some cheerful element to Tsukiyama's room. He smiles at the florist as he passes over the money.
The woman wishes him a nice day on his way out.
Sasaki hums to himself on the walk to :re. It's a bright day. The sky is clear, only a few fluffy clouds at the horizon. The flower shop isn't too far away. It's the one he's been frequenting lately. Tsukiyama had once brought him flowers; Sasaki would return the gesture.
He tends to visit earlier on Tsukiyama's days off.
The cafe is busy as usual. After a quick scan, Sasaki notices almost everyone is simply drinking coffee. It's a full house of ghouls. Touka notices him. She smiles at the couple she had just gotten orders from. Those guys, Sasaki notes, are human. They stare at him, thinking that he is here for Touka. They whisper excitedly.
"Kamishiro's upstairs," she says, passing him a key to the back.
Sasaki smiles. "Thank you."
The man and woman – both so plain, their faces wouldn't be remembered later – both continue their gossip on who this Kamishiro might be. He guesses they aren't regulars.
Tsukiyama is a very popular waiter.
His latte art is also very cute.
He unlocks the door to the back of the cafe, locking it from the inside. Yomo also had a key. Also, it would be bad if one of those humans wandered in and discovered human organs inside of one of the refrigerators.
Matsumae is seated at one of the chairs, back to him.
"Hello Mister Sasaki," she says. "Care to have a chat?"
He's suddenly cold all over. Matsumae is frightening. Frighteningly protective of Tsukiyama. Well, that's understandable, really, thinks Sasaki. Tsukiyama now refuses to use his kagune for combat purposes. Without a word, Sasaki seats himself across from her, gently placing the bouquet onto the table.
"It's nice to see you care about Shuu." Her eyes stray to the flowers, examining them. "The language of flowers is a beautiful one, but do you not think you are coming on a bit strong?"
"He used to bring me flowers all the time," Sasaki says. His eyes seem to twinkle as he remembers those days. The memories, though not pleasant at the time, are treasured. "Flowers that meant stronger declarations."
Matsumae smiles wryly. "I don't doubt it. But please consider Shuu's feelings in this. He's still upset and grieving. He needs time to adjust. Time and nourishment."
"I agree," says Sasaki. Matsumae is surprisingly easy to talk to. "He needs to eat more. He doesn't have much in his apartment."
"I am aware. It is unfortunate, of course. I wish for him to enjoy himself a little more. Shuu is being very charitable, but he must care for himself too." Matsumae sighs softly. "The holidays are right around the corner. I plan on getting Shuu a few shirts and sweaters."
Sasaki has never heard her talk so much before.
He's growing fond of her.
"I want to buy him a few books," he says. "I have an idea of which titles to buy... Maybe a bookmark or two." He's seen Tsukiyama leave books open around the house to keep them open to their place. Sometimes, he'd leave coupons or receipts in the books as makeshift bookmarks. Tsukiyama really doesn't like folding the edge of the pages to mark the spot.
"Sounds cute," she says. Lowering her voice almost conspiratorially, Matsumae says,"He really likes cats."
Sasaki nods. Maybe he'd want to go to a cat cafe someday?
"He's in his room again," Matsumae says. She returns her attention to the book in front of her. A used one. It must be one of Tsukiyama's. "Thank you for speaking with me."
Sasaki almost rushes up the stairs. Tsukiyama spends most of his free time in his apartment, however small the place might be. There is no television or computer to entertain him. Tsukiyama only has his books. He does spend a lot of time napping. He doesn't get much sleep at night.
He knocks, once, twice. Sasaki knew what to do. Tsukiyama could use some fresh air, couldn't he? And Sasaki knew of a cat cafe- one he had taken Saiko and Tooru to the other day.
Hopefully, it would be a good day.
...Nobody answers.
Sasaki tries the handle, finding it unlocked once again. This really isn't safe, he thinks. Tsukiyama is not on the futon this time. The bathroom door is closed. "Tsukiyama? Are you home?"
There's a muffed noise of surprise that comes from the bathroom. A click. Tsukiyama locked that door.
Sasaki kicks his shoes off, placing them next to Tsukiyama's own. "I brought you flowers," he calls out. "I'll put them in a vase." Tsukiyama really only has one vase. It sits in the middle of his kitchen table, last week's bouquet of flowers still inside.
Sasaki picks up the old ones and puts them in the trash. They were dead, despite the clean water. Sasaki replaces them with the new bouquet.
"Hello Mister Sasaki," says Tsukiyama. His hair is dripping wet. He wears a nightgown, which clings to his long legs. His feet are bare. His collarbones are showing. "I'm sorry. You're here early." He isn't ashamed of his state. Tsukiyama holds a purple towel in both hands.
Still, Sasaki's cheeks flush red. "Hello Tsukiyama." He moves, gesturing to the flowers. "I put them in the vase."
Tsukiyama nods. He stares at the arrangement. "Thank you very much," he says. He places the towel on top of his head and pats his hair. "They are very pretty."
So are you.
Sasaki takes a deep breath. "Tsukiyama, would you like to go for a walk later on?" Tsukiyama needs time to dry and brush his hair and to dress and to eat something. "It's very nice outside."
Tsukiyama's eyes widen. "W-what for? Where would you want to go Mister Sasaki?" He fidgets. "Of course, I'd also have to ask Matsumae."
"A walk," Sasaki says. "Fresh air would be good for you. And we can stop for coffee. I know this one cat cafe near :re."
Tsukiyama can't help but smile. "Are you suggesting I visit a competitor?" he says.
"Wh-what? Oh... Oh! I didn't even realize." Bad plan. Bad plan!
"That was a joke," says Tsukiyama. He looks concerned, eyebrows raised and smile gone. "I am sorry for causing you distress, Mister Sasaki." He bows his head, continuing to dry his hair. A bead of water drips down his neck and underneath his nightgown. "I would love to go with you, as long Matsumae is okay with it."
Sasaki relaxes, taking a deep breath. "You really had me going," he says.
"Would you like some coffee?" offers Tsukiyama, always polite. "It will be a while before I'm ready. Make yourself comfortable."
Sasaki makes his way back to the kitchen, ignoring Tsukiyama's retreating form. Sasaki is absolutely certain that his face is entirely red. Tsukiyama had elected to ignore it, thinking it was simply due to a breeze. Though Sasaki said the weather was nice, it is still autumn.
There's just enough coffee left in the pot for one cup.
Sasaki pours it into a mug. That mug, pale blue but otherwise plain, is quickly becoming 'Sasaki's mug.' Tsukiyama leaves it out if he thinks Sasaki will come over. Sasaki's never seen him use the mug either.
He nurses it in the kitchen, finding a small book open next to the coffee machine. A risky location for a book that looked almost new.
A book of poetry.
Old haikus, to be specific. Sasaki reads a few, sipping at the lukewarm coffee.
"A fan of Basho?" asks Tsukiyama.
"Not particularly," says Sasaki. "I didn't know you were either. When did you buy this book?" Some notes have been scribbled on the margins. Some lines of poems have been highlighted. If anything, it looks like Tsukiyama is studying.
"It was a gift," Tsukiyama says. "It came with the notes. Must have been from a student. Why? Do you want a copy?" He's dried himself and dressed up. He wears plain, black jeans, ones that hug his wide hips. His sweater is turquoise... and fuzzy.
"I'm fine," says Sasaki. "Just curious."
"One of my regulars thought I would like it," says Tsukiyama. "Humans are strange." He pauses, remembering that Sasaki is at least partly human. "N-not that that's a bad thing," he adds.
"You do read your books while on break," says Sasaki.
"Yes... well, I don't know what else I should do."
"Whoever they were, it was nice of them to give you something. Do you like the haikus?" asks Sasaki. When he was Kaneki, he remembered reading collections upon collections of poetry. Now, he's more interested in prose.
"Yes. They're very uplifting," says Tsukiyama. He reaches up, twirling a strand of his hair. "Have you finished your coffee?"
Sasaki gulps down the remnants.
Tsukiyama takes away the mug. He washes it in the sink. He's efficient at cleaning now. When he had first got his job at :re, he would often drop a plate or cup or something. Those had been stressful days for everyone, especially for Tsukiyama. And Yomo, who had to find replacements for the broken plates and cups.
"You didn't have to do that," says Sasaki. He's capable of cleaning dishes too.
"You are the guest," Tsukiyama says simply.
"Okay," says Sasaki.
Tsukiyama's brows furrow. Sasaki has given up too quickly.
"Then, please, Tsukiyama, allow me to treat you," says Sasaki. "I'll pay for time and drinks at the cat cafe." He smiles encouragingly, despite the sad look Tsukiyama gives him.
"T-that's too much," says Tsukiyama. "All I did was wash your mug..."
"Please," Sasaki bows his head. "I've drank enough coffee to owe you this much. Don't worry about my finances, Tsukiyama. My pay is pretty high."
Tsukiyama's mouth twitches. He sighs. "Very well... as long as Matsumae permits it."
Sasaki grins, smile crooked and teeth showing. "I'll go ask her now."
"I'm surprised she said yes," Tsukiyama admits. He's bundled up. But his jacket is thin and he still shivers. His hat and his scarf are knit. His nose is all red. But still, he looks amused at the prospect of going to a cat cafe.
Sasaki laughs. "She's fiercely protective," he says.
There aren't too many people around. Those who are walk speedily past the two. Sasaki leads.
"That's a good thing," Sasaki says.
He opens the door to the cafe and holds it for Tsukiyama.
"Thank you," says Tsukiyama, letting himself in. He unbuttons his jacket, shrugging it off his shoulders. It's nice and warm inside. Several cats laze around the cafe. Two other tables at the cafe are taken.
The receptionist brightens up once she sees the two.
"Hello Mister Sasaki," she gushes. She wears thick rimmed glasses and a sweater. "Back again? Oh! You brought another friend. It's nice to meet you, Mister..."
Tsukiyama smiles softly, without displaying any of his perfect teeth. He's a little unnerved by the attention. "Kamishiro," he says.
"Well, welcome to our establishment, Mister Kamishiro," she says. Her name tag reads 'Hana.' She grins goofily. "How can I help you two?"
"One hour of time," says Sasaki. "And two plain cups of coffee. I'll be paying."
She smiles. "Okay! Take a seat anywhere."
Tsukiyama's already found himself a friendly cat. He kneels in front of a chatty black cat, petting the moving feline. The black cat winds itself around Tsukiyama, rubbing itself around his legs. "Aren't you pretty?" says Tsukiyama, tickling underneath its chin. He talks to it in a high-pitch voice, unable to stop smiling.
Sasaki laughs, kneeling next to Tsukiyama.
The cat meows, but otherwise doesn't pay him any mind. There's a collar with a bell around its neck. With every step it takes, the bell rings.
"Its name is Jasper," Sasaki says.
The cat looks at him and meows loudly. The cat is quickly pacified by Tsukiyama's hands.
"Your coffee is here," the waitress says, placing it on a nearby table.
"Thank you," Sasaki and Tsukiyama say at the same time.
Sasaki seats himself, taking a sip of the coffee. Whoever did the latte art here certainly had fun with it. Both cups of coffee have little foam kitties. He's tempted to take a picture and send it to Saiko. She loves these. Maybe he'd bring her to :re during one of Tsukiyama's shifts someday.
Tsukiyama gives up on petting Jasper and sits across from Haise. He sips his coffee. "It's very strong," he says in approval. The cat wanders over to his ankles and leaps into Tsukiyama's lap. "Oh!"
"Jasper really likes you, huh?"
Tsukiyama pats the cat's head. It settles on his lap, purring loudly. "I think he's just really friendly," Tsukiyama's says.
Sasaki thinks it's all really cute. Tsukiyama looks truly happy. He's glad to have the chance to make Tsukiyama happy.
But that happiness won't last forever, he thinks darkly. Once Tsukiyama finds out that everyone he knows has hidden Kanae's death... he'll never forgive them.
The hour passes quickly.
Sasaki finishes his cup of coffee and gestures for the bill. A small tabby cat had taken an interest in him, padding quietly in circles around him. She's seeking attention. Sasaki pats the top of the cat's head. The cat clambers into his lap and kneads his belly through his shirt.
Tsukiyama laughs. "That cat really likes you," he teases. Jasper has not left his side.
Sasaki can't help but laugh. "I'm not bread," he tells the cat.
The cat continues kneading Sasaki.
Tsukiyama laughs again, clasping a hand over his mouth. "Sorry," he says, in between fits of laughter.
Hana, the receptionist, rushes to their table with the bill in her hands. "That's Banana," she says. "She... does that a lot. Banana's young. Maybe she think you'll give her milk."
Tsukiyama laughs again, accidentally snorting. "I knew Miss Saiko called you 'maman' but now a cat as well? A beautiful family, Mister Sasaki."
Sasaki sticks out his tongue at Tsukiyama. He fishes out his wallet and pays. Banana doesn't want him to leave, but Hana picks her up.
"Have a nice day," she says when they leave.
"You too," the duo echo.