Chapter 6

It was a free period in school and Mishima was working on his fan page devoted to the Phantom Thieves. His page was getting far more traction ever since the last heart was stolen. Mishima was almost certain he knew who they were, but it was far better that he did not reveal his info. He wasn't sure why, but he felt that what the Thieves were doing was somehow criminal, and he could see why.

Mishima looked out the window at the cherry blossom trees. So what if that makes them a criminal? They'd done something that no one else could.

Cherry blossom petals fell in the courtyard as he read through the requests. Most people post garbage or petty stuff here: My friend was unkind to me, my mom doesn't care about anything but her job, and my boyfriend cheated on me with my BF. That was not the kind of stuff the Phantom Thieves dealt with. They dealt with criminals, horrible humans, and those that had fallen into destructive habits. Kamoshida might have been an amazing volleyball player, but he cared only for himself. Maybe he wasn't like that a few years ago. Did it matter? Mishima thought not.

His phone vibrated, it was Iwai.

What do you want to do for dinner, boy?

Mishima smiled. Iwai treated him more like a boyfriend than anything else, making him happy.

Sir, would you feel up to cooking something for us?

He could tell Iwai was typing, but it would start and stop at strange intervals.

I suppose. It would be cheaper. I do a good curry. It might mean you staying late. My place is above the airsoft shop. First time I've invited you up. Only doing it because I trust you, boy.

Mishima smiled and felt himself going hard. Maybe he had a praise kink? Another message came in from Iwai.

Stop and pick something up for dessert. It will be our first real date.

What would you like, Sir?

Surprise me.

Mishima wasn't sure what to get, perhaps strawberry crêpes. Did that even go with curry? Now that he thought of it, what did go with curry? Hmm… was this a test? Mishima shook himself. He was overthinking things. He did that too much.

After school, he stopped to get some fresh strawberry crêpes for the two of them. He met Iwai in the airsoft store and helped him with the last of the customers. Once done, Iwai leaned in and spoke in a gravelly voice. "Consider this your heads up that tonight, even if it's not on the table, the phone's out."

He knew what that meant. Mishima nodded and followed the man up to his place. The back stairs were thin and narrow. For some reason, Mishima dwelled on the fact that it would be hard to get furniture and other big items up and down these stairs.

Iwai's place was small and smelled of cigarettes, but somehow suited him. The furniture was plain and was just a studio apartment. Smoke aside, everything was clean and well cared for, except for a few pairs of socks and one pair of boxers thrown near a closet door. Iwai saw where he was looking.

"Does my place pass inspection, boy?"

"U-uh, sorry, Sir. I was j-just looking around.'

"I see that. You didn't answer my question, boy."

Mishima blushed, "I was not doing an inspection. But it is clean. And I can smell the curry cooking too."

"Yes, should be just about ready. Let me get a little rice going. What did you grab for dessert?"

"Crepes."

"What flavor, not chocolate, I hope."

"No, Sir. Strawberry."

"Leave it to a boy to pick a kid's flavor." Iwai let out a low chuckle. "It's fine, boy. I like Strawberries."

"But not chocolate?"

"Nope."

No elaboration, examples, or anything. Classic Iwai. If he wanted you to know something, he would let you know.

"W-what can I do to help you get ready, Sir?"

"Pull out some plates and set the table. Grab me a beer too. None of you, though, Got to set a good example for a growing young boy."

Mishima's grin spread, "He said while lighting a cigarette."

"Boy, you're getting sassy? I think a few smacks across your ass would do you well."

Mishima said nothing. Iwai had threatened to do this in the past. This time, he was hoping he would.

"D-do you want to, Sir?"

"What, spank you?"

"Yes."

"I do… would you be alright with that?"

"Yes, Sir. I-I mean, I would like to try it. I am not sure if I will like it or not, but it might be interesting to try it out."

"We can try. If you don't like it, be honest with me, Mishima. There's no need to impress me. You understand?" Said Iwai, cocking an eyebrow at him.

"Yes, Iwai."

"Hmph. You are a very astute little boy, knowing that I was serious and showing you understood by using my name."

"I learn fast, Sir."

"You sure do. But, I will continue to test your skills."

"While the rice is cooking, can I help in any other way?"

Iwai stopped to think for a second. "Since you offered, you can pick up my socks and underwear. Clothes basket's in the closet." He stopped to stir the rice. "And no sniffing my underwear, boy. You will get a far better smell of it up close."

That got Mishima hard in a rush. He rushed to do as he was bid, feeling happy and smiling the whole time. Dinner was ready soon afterward. Iwai had him sit at the table and filled his plate for him, the way a parent would.

"Thank you, Sir."

"Tell me what you think."

Mishima tried some. It was spicy, but with an underlying sweetness as well.

"It's very good, sir. What's your secret ingredient?"

"Maybe I'll tell you one day. Clean your plate, then you get dessert. Afterward, clean up and do the dishes for us, boy."

They ate together, Iwai going slowly and taking an occasional sip from his beer. Mishima had been given a glass of milk, just like a kid. The two chatted quietly together, the atmosphere feeling very intimate. It felt like a proper date.

"Put the plates out in the sink. I will get dessert."

Mishima did so. The crêpes were good, and the strawberries were just the right blend of sweet and tart. The crêpes were filled with cream. Mishima struggled not to let his mind wander to another cream he might be tasting soon.

"Very good, boy."

"I should be the one saying that, Sir. You made dinner for us, it was incredible. You are a good cook."

" Know a few dishes. But that's about it. Now, boy, wash up everything and put away the leftovers. Then come sit beside me on the couch, and we will watch a show together that I choose. I want you to learn to relax with me."

Mishima did so, hurrying through it while still doing a good job of it. The couch was small, and Iwai was already reclining on it. His boots still on.

"I can help you take those off."

"Thank you, boy. Yes. Then set them beside the door for me."

With that done, Mishima stood beside the couch, not sure what was expected of him.

"Come lay beside me. You can rest your head on my shoulder. I'm bigger than you, so you should be okay."

His cheeks flushed, but Mishima did so, feeling incredibly tense.

"Shh… Relax, Mishima. We won't rush into anything. I can feel how tense you are." He wrapped his arms around his midsection. "I'm not going to do anything today. I can feel how scared you are. I know about your past. Today, just get used to the feel of me. Can you do that for me, Mishima?"

He was too intimidated to say anything more. Instead, he nodded.

"Since you are nervous, I will put on a show and say things to you that only require shakes of the head. Can you do that for me?"

Mishima nodded, doing his best to breathe deeply.

"Good."

Iwai put on some reality show about tattoo artists. This challenge was all about taking a bad tattoo and making it better.

"I don't usually like reality TV, boy, but this and a show about forging blades always amuses me. I am sure you have some shows you like too. Maybe another time I will give you special permission to pick a show for us both. Would you like that?"

Mishima nodded.

Iwai continued to gently touch him and make small talk that put him at his ease. Mishima began to relax. As he did so, he snuggled closer to Iwai.

"You feeling okay, boy?"

"Y-yes. Still a little nervous."

"Don't be afraid. I don't get off on causing pain or scaring guys. Discipline, sure. Pain, not so much."

Mishima had no response to that, nor did Iwai seem to expect one. Before he knew it, his eyes were pulling down. A gentle shake from Iwai brought him awake again.

"Mishima, it's getting late."m

"H-how long

was I asleep?"

"Two episodes."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do that."

Mishima was still resting his head on Iwai's shoulder, their faces close.

"No, it was cute, boy. I loved seeing you relax. But you really should be heading home. It's very late. Will you be okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine."

"I'll walk you there."

"Oh, no, Sir. You don't need to."

"I know I do not need to, but I want to. I care about you, Mishima. And this was our first date. That means you and I are officially dating."

"R-really?"

"Sure does, boy. Is that okay with you?

"Okay, it's perfect!"

"Hmph, still a little boy at heart."

He kissed him deeply, gently running his fingers through Mishima's hair. Then he helped him into his coat, headed out the door, and handed him a ration.

"Since it's kinda become your thing, now, boy."

"It's silly, but it makes me feel close to you."

"Good. I love you, boy."

His heart pounded as he struggled for words. Instead, Mishima leaned in and kissed Iwai, letting that speak for him until he could. Although he initiated it, Mishima took charge immediately, steering him against a wall as his hands roamed over his body.

When done, Mishima was finally able to speak. "I love you too, Sir."

They continued to kiss, and hold hands until Iwai got him to the train station and sent him on his way.