This is two stories in one. I couldn't write it in under 500 words so I modified it to include two dedications. One is to Animecherryblossem33, who requested a lighter, slice-of-life story. The other is to Anon 'UrFans' who wanted an Akari X Tsukitachi story. Here's the thing, UrFans: I'm not sure I could write the two as a couple without forcing Akari to be OOC. I think I can imagine Tsukitachi perhaps trying to get into Akari's pants (before Hirato makes his intentions clear). I have difficulty imagining them as a pairing. I'm not saying it's impossible; I'm only saying it takes more skill than I possess. Even so, I wrote about Tsukitachi and Akari going out on a "date" while jealous!Hirato perfects his creepy stalker tendencies. I hope you like it.
On second read, this story seems influenced, once again, by the amazing mizamiko. Credit where it's due: Thanks mizamiko, for permanently altering my head!canon in the very best of ways.
Akari doesn't realize it's a date. Hirato does, and the very thought makes his fingers itch for his cane… or Tsukitachi's throat. Either will suffice.
The recently-promoted Second Captain has more pressing matters to attend than whether or not his colleague is making romantic overtures towards the doctor. Stacks of paperwork monopolize his desk. Airship Two needs new crew. Probably, he should be sharpening his own prowess, both combative and administrative.
Despite all these urgent tasks, he follows Tsukitachi and Akari to a nondescript coffee shop.
Successfully spying on Circus-trained personnel is tantamount to developing professional skills, he reasons. As such, he feels not one whit of guilt, particularly since Tsukitachi has a well-earned reputation for being a heart-breaking lothario whose conquests include men and women ranging from Kuronomei trainees to members of Executive Tower.
Akari is doubtless aware of the redhead's arrant philandering, but the brilliantly incisive idiot seems uncharacteristically oblivious to Tsukitachi's intentions towards him. Hirato isn't; he was present when the other captain conveniently asked an unusually exhausted researcher to coffee.
"Yo, Akari-chan, you look like you're in need of stimulation." Tsukitachi's golden eyes sparkle with mirth.
"Excuse me?" A light brow quirks in warning.
The commander titters, shrugging nervously and recalibrating his former bravado. "Now, now. I only meant coffee. I'm on my way out for some. Care to join?"
"I suppose I could use the energy boost," Akari agrees with a caveat, "but I'll only subject myself to fifteen minutes of your company."
The two brush past Hirato, who's largely nonplussed until he's given cause to be otherwise. His first indication of Tsukitachi's lecherous motives is the fact that he's not been invited—not that he minds. Not really. The second, more infuriating signifier is the red-headed captain's roguish wink as he slinks out the door, hand splayed low on the physician's back.
Such patent disrespect of SSS-ranked officials is unacceptable. Naturally, then, Hirato's charge is to trail them. He settles in a strategically-positioned booth several yards away from his marks. Plum-hued eyes have an unobstructed view, but they'd have to stand to catch any glimpse of the dark figure huddled in the corner of the café.
He's secretly reveling in his own stealthiness when the sight of a gloved hand closing around Akari's wrist nearly unsettles him. To sensei's credit, he remains unmovable as ever: He breaks away from the younger man, body language intimating obvious disinterest.
The next fifteen minutes consist of slow torture for all involved. Tsukitachi endeavors to inch closer to the resisting researcher and Hirato quietly seethes, becoming increasingly aggravated with each elapsed second. Simply observing from afar as the other man leans forward to tuck a strand of strawberry blond hair behind Akari's ear requires immeasurable self-control. Thankfully (for Tsukitachi), the physician has had enough; he stands abruptly and marches off, both supremely discomfited and irritated by such forwardness.
Hirato pursues, leaving a disappointed First Commander to sulk. He makes mental note to clarify the situation for his licentious colleague in the near future, the immediate future in fact. After returning to Research Tower, he ambushes the doctor, grabbing him by the arm and herding him against his door.
Akari yelps in surprise. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" he snaps, pushing at his aggressor futilely. "Let me go."
"What the hell do you think you're doing, Akari-san," Hirato inquires in an unnervingly pleasant tone, "going on dates with Tsukitachi?"
"It wasn't a date," the blond sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"He thought it was."
"You followed us?" Akari's composure disintegrates; long fingers curl viciously into the captain's sides, a ruby gaze narrows, and even his voice trembles with ire. "And if it was a date? I'm well-acquainted with Tsukitachi's predatory tendencies… and yours, might I add. Has it never occurred to your protozoan brain that I'm not some impotent, distressed damsel in need of your protection?"
"Has it never occurred to your supposedly genius brain that you're not the one I'm protecting?" It's just vague enough to frustrate, and Hirato's closed expression divulges nothing.
Before the doctor can solidify the attendant connections, the brunet crushes their lips together. Unbelievably, Akari doesn't struggle. Likely, he's so staggered that the Second Captain's mouth is so inviting and ardent that all thought processes cease. More likely, he's contriving escape. No matter. Hirato will welcome even rejection when the man tastes of everything he's always craved—pique tempered with a trace of sweetness. Like bitter chocolate infused with chili, or the finest rare scotch taken neat. Indulgent. Addictive.
He pulls away with some difficulty, knowing that endless series of questions are flitting about the researcher's psyche. It's amusing to watch him prioritize them. It will be ceaselessly entertaining to watch him make sense of this unexpected intimacy.
"What… exactly… was that?" Akari asks cautiously, scanning his face for answers. Surely a man of SSS caliber can guess, but Hirato knows he won't. Not when the stakes are this high.
If the captain would permit, those stunning opaline irises would disrobe him in every conceivable way, laying bare his own salacious intent, and devastatingly, his intent of a less salacious sort. The blond's deductive faculties are nonpareil, after all, and rarely err. Unfortunately for Research Tower's resident genius, Circus' Second Commander isn't given to betraying himself so cheaply, or ever. "I won't be bested by Tsukitachi," he responds, a smirk twisting his lips and his meaning.
Several minutes pass in pregnant silence. Finally, the physician reacts... precisely as predicted. "Get out!" he growls furiously. "Get out now, you bastard. I hate you!"
Akari is irresistible when incensed, all ruffled feathers, threatening affect, flashing eyes, and alluring, flushed skin. It's almost enough to make Hirato essay another go. He resists and offers a formal bow instead. "My apologies for disturbing you, Akari-san," he deadpans, inciting a homicidal rage in the other man before taking his leave.
The doctor will never voluntarily allow him within striking range again, that much is certain. But the brunet is equally sure that their kiss will linger in the other's recollection—whenever Akari attempts to maintain his distance, he'll do so in response to the feel of their breaths mingling.
Hirato resolves to invoke the memory as often as possible.
So, that's my take on why Hirato's always invading Akari's personal space. Well, that and he loves to tease. It's his screwy way of demonstrating affection.
You know that I constantly worry about characterization and quality (the latter of which has, admittedly, gone straight to shit throughout this series.. but no pity parties, okay?). Let me know if you find mistakes, convoluted prose, and characters that are OOC. I'm always appreciative of the feedback.
This will likely be the last update in a while since I've filled all prompts (go Azii!). Also, I owe updates on another story. One that hasn't been updated in months. Yikes.
That being said, you all should know that you're always welcome to leave requests. I will endeavor to fill them as quickly and as best as I can.
-Azii.