It was getting harder and harder to not act on his feelings. There were times when he wanted to hold Chigiri's hand, or kiss him, or even climb into bed with him at the end of the day, but Chigiri had so many new things going on in his life that he didn't need anything else thrown into the mix right now. And besides that, he'd said himself that he was content with how things were going.

Chigiri smiled up at him, beautiful, kissable, shining. I want him…

"Kunigami, come to Ginza with me."

"Are you sure? That's not really my scene."

When he's like this, I don't know how much longer I can hold back.

"Please?"

But he's impossible to refuse.

"Alright."

In Ginza, it seemed like Chigiri had a destination in mind. Kunigami followed him, always pleased to see Chigiri happy and motivated. We've overcome so much to get here.

On a street corner Chigiri stopped and smiled, joy sparkling in his eyes. It was never lost on Kunigami how precious of a thing that was. He's so beautiful.

"Check it out," Chigiri said, pointing up.

Kunigami did as instructed, and was met with an incredible sight. It was Chigiri, on a billboard, red hair flowing. It was exactly what he'd wanted for Chigiri.

"Pretty cool, huh?" Chigiri smirked. It was beyond cool and Kunigami was so thrilled that he pulled Chigiri into a tight hug. It only took him a second to remember himself and he knew he should let go, but… I don't want to. Apart from being happy for him, I love how he feels in my arms.

He turned his head a little, nose and lips brushing Chigiri's neck. He smells so good…

"Kunigami?"

"Hmm..?"

"I guess this means you like it, huh?"

The uncertain tone in Chigiri's voice had him stepping back. They were in public after all.

"Sorry. I just…" What? How the hell did he finish that sentence when all he wanted was to hold on forever? It's not about you. "Chigiri, it's everything I wanted for you. I knew you had so much more to offer the world."

"It's just a shampoo ad."

"No, it's proof of the long, hard battle you've fought and won. I'm so proud of you."

"Well," Chigiri said, cheeks reddening. "I couldn't have done any of it without you, Hero…"

With that colour in his cheeks, tucking a strand of vibrant red hair behind his ear, Chigiri really was the most beautiful thing Kunigami had ever seen. I love him so much. But is it okay to want him for myself?

He was fighting an inner battle over whether or not to throw caution to the wind and hug Chigiri again, at the risk of never being able to let go, when Chigiri grabbed his hand.

"Let's go home and you can follow through on those thoughts…" Chigiri decided, obviously having seen Kunigami's feelings all over his face.

He was kinda embarrassed, but more than that his heart was pounding with anticipation all the way home. Were they really going to cross this line? Was it the right thing to do?

The train ride took forever with Chigiri pressed close in the crowded carriage, and Kunigami's mind raced, all the arguments for and against following through on this bouncing around in his head. There was no question that he wanted Chigiri, but he didn't know if that was enough to risk Chigiri's wellbeing. Really, it wasn't, except that what if Chigiri wanted it too? What if, Chigiri being with him was another step towards a brighter future for him? Is that too egotistical?

Finally Chigiri led them inside the apartment and turned to him.

I still don't know…

The air was thick between them as Chigiri stared at him, neither of them brave enough to make the first move. It wasn't a matter of wanting each other, or if it was, it was only the issue of wanting each other too much, it was just that if they crossed this line they couldn't uncross it, and Kunigami would never forgive himself if it messed things up for Chigiri, or if it made him someone Chigiri couldn't always count on.

The tension was building and they couldn't stand here staring at each other forever, something was gonna have to give.

I always thought when I fell in love for real I'd just know it was right, but it's not that simple.

It was Chigiri who broke the silence.

"Hero, what are you waiting for?"

It was a valid question. What was he waiting for? What would he need to know this was okay? In the end, all he really needed was to know that Chigiri was gonna be alright.

Chigiri stepped closer.

"If you're waiting for me, to know I'm okay, it just got plastered all across Tokyo on billboards. How much louder can I say it?"

That was true, so Kunigami gathered Chigiri into his arms and kissed him.

Chigiri didn't melt into it like Kunigami realised he'd half been expecting him to. Instead, he pushed back, kissing hard, and feeling that strength and determination flipped a switch in Kunigami that he'd been keeping under lock and key until now. Suddenly it was okay, Chigiri wasn't a fragile thing that needed protecting, and he couldn't get enough of him. As he held Chigiri close, squeezing him tight, every hidden desire was bubbling to the surface.

He moved his mouth to Chigiri's neck, sucking the soft skin there, gripping his nape, then pushing his fingers up into Chigiri's hair.

Chigiri twisted around, so his back was pressed against Kunigami's front, allowing him to brush Chigiri's hair aside the way he'd always wanted to. The sight of his nape made his desire burn hotter and he leaned down, pressing his lips to that perfect skin. He slid his hand under Chigiri's shirt, gliding it over his smooth skin until he reached a nipple, dragging his fingertip over the sensitive bud. Chigiri gasped and pushed back against him, butt rubbing against his groin, sending a clear message. He ran his other hand down to Chigiri's crotch, pressing there and finding him hard.

"Ah, ha, ha," Chigiri panted, twisting his head so their mouths could meet again.

Every movement and sound and touch was turning him on more, so that he felt like he was losing his mind. I can't get enough of him…

He rolled his hips and was about to start ripping Chigiri's clothes off when the harsh sound of his phone ringing cut through the haze. He tried to leave it, but couldn't.

"No…" he groaned, his mind suddenly in two places at once, unable to ignore what could potentially be a request for help. However good this thing between them felt right now, nothing came before his duty to others. Chigiri knew him well enough to know that.

"Answer it…" Chigiri panted, letting him off the hook.

"It might be the station…" he said apologetically. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and saw Yuuko's name. Thinking it could be about Reina, he answered.

"Hey, sis…"

"Hi, Rensuke. …is this a bad time?" she checked, and he realised he was out of breath.

"No, ah, I just finished a work out."

Chigiri was looking at him, trying not to laugh.

"I need to head up north again. Are you and Chigiri okay to have Reina? I can drop her off soon."

It was always like this, sudden, because Yuuko never knew when her mother-in-law would need her. Kotone helped out a lot, but it wasn't always possible with her studies, and their parents were too far away up in Akita. He knew the situation was tough on Yuuko, and she wanted to do a good job for her husband until he returned to Japan, so he agreed like always, glad to be able to help his sister whenever and however he could.

"Sure, that's fine, we'll be here. See you soon."

"Thanks, Rensuke. I know I can always count on you."

"Of course. Any time."

He hung up, not needing to explain because Chigiri had understood the gist of the conversation.

Chigiri stepped forward and dropped his forehead against Kunigami's shoulder.

"That kinda puts a dampener on things…"

"Yeah…" Kunigami agreed, folding his arms around Chigiri to hold him close, needing it for a minute so he could convince himself this wasn't all some sort of wonderful dream. "I'm sorry."

"It's fine," Chigiri said. "As long as you promise we can pick up where we left off when we get a chance."

Chigiri looked up at him, gorgeous with his lips flushed and extra pouty from kissing. He framed that pretty face in his hands and ran his thumb along the plush curve.

"I promise…" Then he leaned down and caught Chigiri's mouth in a kiss, softer and slower this time, savouring the emotion that swelled in him as well as the pleasantness of the soft, wet warmth. He was actually grateful to Yuuko, they'd been rushing things, and now they would have a chance to do it right after waiting all this time.

He was grateful to Chigiri too, for understanding that his family was important, and not holding it against him. That they were close enough for Chigiri to really get that, and that Chigiri could wait, was just another reason to fall even more in love with him.

He looked into Chigiri's eyes.

"Thank you…"

Chigiri got it, and gave him a soft smile.

"I better go to the konbini," Chigiri said. "We're out of shokupan. It's Reina's favourite."

Kunigami smiled, warmed because Chigiri knew that, and gave him one more kiss before he left.

xxx

Yuuko and Reina were already there by the time he got back with the shopping. Reina ran to him excitedly.

"Oji Chigiri, Oji Chigiri! We saw your face! It was huge!"

"Oh, you saw the billboards huh?"

"Yeah! Your hair looked so cool! How'd you make it swoosh like that?"

"They have big fans in the studio so it's like wind."

"Cool! I'm gonna tell all my friends at school that you're my ojisan!"

"Oh yeah?" he smiled, catching Kunigami's eye and the soft look on his face because Reina was saying she was proud of him too.

Yuuko said goodbye, and then it was just the three of them.

"Oji, can we go to the park?"

"Let's have lunch first," Kunigami said.

The three of them sat at the table and ate katsu sando.

"Hey Reina," Chigiri said. "What do you want to do when you grow up?"

"I'm gonna be a firefighter like Oji. In a big truck with sirens and put out fires and save people."

"That sounds amazing. I'll bet Oji would like that."

He looked at Kunigami and they shared a smile.

"It's an important job. I think you'd be great at it, Reina."

She grinned at the praise.

"When you were little Oji Chigiri, what did you want to be?"

He hadn't expected the question to get turned around on him, and for a second it jarred him. He shared a look with Kunigami, both of them thinking the same thing, that dreams often didn't come true, but Reina was just a curious kid, and really now that things were working out, he didn't feel bitter about it like he had.

"I thought I might play soccer."

"Why didn't you?" she wondered, munching on her sando.

He thought about fibbing, just saying he liked his hair better, but Reina had always been honest with him so he returned the favour.

"I hurt my knee and I couldn't run fast anymore."

She thought about it for a minute.

"The big pictures are better," she decided. "They're really cool and everyone can see how pretty your hair is."

"Thanks, Reina."

"What about you, Oji?"

"What I wanted to be when I was a kid, huh? I guess when I was your age I wanted to be a superhero."

"Really?" she laughed. "They're not real!"

"I guess not."

"That's not true," Chigiri said. "Think about it, Reina. What do superheros do?"

"They fight baddies and save people."

"Right. So imagine if a building was on fire and someone went through the flames to rescue someone and carry them out of the danger. Would that person be a superhero?"

"Do they have a costume?"

"Kinda. They have a uniform and special gear to help them."

"Then I guess so..."

"Well that's what your ojisan did for me. I was stuck in a burning building and he saved me even though it was very dangerous. I wouldn't be here now if he hadn't rescued me."

"Really, Oji?"

"Yeah."

"That's amazing! One day I wanna save my husband too!"

"What do you mean husband?" Kunigami asked curiously.

"Like you saved Oji Chigiri. He's your husband."

Kunigami smiled.

"But we're not married."

"Yes, you are. You live together and you love each other. I wish my papa lived with us, then my mama would be happy like you and Oji Chigiri are."

That made Kunigami frown.

"Is your mama unhappy?"

"Sometimes she looks at pictures of Papa and looks sad. I do too. But Mama said he has to work overseas so he can do his best. Do you think he'll come home soon?"

Chigiri had never met Reina's father and didn't know much about him, so he left that one to Kunigami.

"He's working really hard, Reina. So he can come home as quick as he can to you and your mama."

"But when?"

"Next year. But it's nearly Christmas, so it'll be next year before you know it."

"Christmas?" she said with wide eyes. "Do you think Santa will bring me a present?"

"Did you write him a letter?"

"No!"

"Then you better write one today. We can post it on our way to the park."

Kunigami helped Reina with that while Chigiri cleaned up the dishes and checked Reina's bag for some warm clothes for her. It was cold out, but not freezing, so half an hour or so in the park from some fresh air wouldn't hurt.

When the letter was done, they grabbed the soccer ball and headed out.

Reina held Kunigami's hand and chatted excitedly to him about Christmas while they walked. Chigiri hung back a little, just so he could watch them.

It went without saying that Kunigami was handsome, but there was something so attractive about him when he was talking to Reina, that had Chigiri turning into a pile of mush. He's big and strong but that gentle side of him…

Once the letter was on it's way to the North Pole, Reina turned to him.

"Is Reo gonna come play too?" she asked.

Beyond texting him to check in the following morning and make sure he was okay, Chigiri hadn't been in touch with Reo. Unfortunately Reo had been right, things had gotten weird between them, and Chigiri figured it was better to stay away if he couldn't give Reo what he'd asked for. Plus, he didn't want any doubt sowing itself in Kunigami's mind, so he'd made a choice and prioritised the person he cared about most.

"No, he's working today."

"But the teams won't be even."

"I think me and you against Oji will be okay."

"Okay…"

At the park they kicked the ball around for a bit, but the wind picked up and it got colder so they headed home. Reina was getting tired, so Kunigami carried her. They called in at the supermarket to grab some groceries on the way too.

After dinner he sat with Kunigami on the couch like always to watch TV, and Reina sat at the kotatsu drawing.

She presented her picture which was clearly them, Chigiri's long red hair a give away, and there were love-hearts floating all around them.

"Okay," Kunigami said, the slightest hint of pink in his cheeks as he scooped her up. "Bedtime for you, kiddo."

They set up her futon beside the bed and Chigiri moved his to the living room because there wasn't space for all of them in the bedroom.

At first when Chigiri moved in, he had taken the bed and Kunigami the futon, but once he'd started to feel better, Chigiri had insisted they switch. It wasn't right to kick Kunigami out of his own bed indefinitely. They shared the bedroom because Kunigami's place only had the one.

Laying by himself in the living room was lonely, he'd gotten so used to Kunigami being right beside him. Really, it all felt pretty silly now. Why hadn't they been sharing already?

He got up and went to the bedroom. Reina had conked out immediately, but he was pretty sure Kunigami would still be awake.

"Kunigami?" he whispered.

"Yeah?"

"Can I?"

Kunigami nodded, and Chigiri slipped under the sheets with him. They didn't need to talk about it, just finding the right position, Kunigami spooning him. It wasn't the first time they'd shared, but it was the first time like this.

"You're worried, huh?" Chigiri said softly. "About Yuuko…"

"Yeah," Kunigami admitted. "I feel bad because I didn't notice anything was wrong."

"Maybe it's not as bad as Reina says…"

"I dunno, kids are pretty tuned into this kind of stuff. I'll talk to Yuuko when she gets back."

That really was the best they could do for now.

"You're right," Chigiri said with a soft smile, gently playing with Kunigami's hand just because he could. "Reina had us figured out in five seconds flat. That drawing, and when she said I was your husband…" It was funny and sweet and amazing all at once.

"It's a nice idea…" Kunigami allowed, causing Chigiri's heart to skip a beat, but they couldn't get carried away now so he turned the conversation in a safer direction.

"Where is Reina's father?"

"Australia. He works for a real estate company. He's on a two year contract which he's halfway through."

"Doesn't he ever come home to visit?"

"He hasn't so far."

That had to be tough on everyone.

"So what about we go to him? I've never travelled anywhere. Have you?"

"You seriously wanna take Reina to Australia?"

"Why not? We could go when she's on break. Yuuko and Kotone could come too. Everyone needs a vacation, right? The tickets aren't that expensive, and if I get another couple of gigs like the last one, I'll have plenty of cash."

"You're gonna pay for us all?"

"It feels like the least I can do after everything you've done for me. And Reina would love it. We could go to the beach and visit the outback. I'll bet she'd love to see kangaroos and koalas."

Kunigami pulled him in tighter and buried his face in Chigiri's hair, warm breath tickling his nape.

"Everything is so much better with you here…."

He hadn't expected that declaration, but he knew what Kunigami meant. It was easier to face everything knowing they had each other there.

"It's been a long day, huh?"

"Yeah. A lot happened..."

They'd finally taken their relationship to the next level, admitting that their feelings went beyond friendship, though of course that was the foundation and still an important part of what they meant to each other. And that meant they could take their time and enjoy every new thing without stressing. Knowing that, Chigiri closed his eyes, content enough for now.

"Goodnight, Hero."

"Goodnight, Chigiri."

xxx

The following morning Chigiri woke up alone. He was a little annoyed until he walked into the kitchen and saw Kunigami and Reina at the bench, Reina standing on a chair to reach, the two of them working together on something. They were wearing matching aprons and he immediately pulled out his phone to capture the cute moment.

The sound of the shutter alerted them both, and Reina turned around with wide eyes.

"Don't look, Oji Chigiri!"

"Okay…"

He shared a look with Kunigami that said he should just go along with it. Reina looked up at Kunigami.

"Can I give it to him now?"

"Sure," Kunigami agreed, lifting her down. She went to her drawing paper stash and pulled a piece out, then presented it to him.

"Happy Birthday, Oji Chigiri!"

It was a handmade birthday card he realised. He hadn't even thought about the date, but she was right, he was turning twenty-three today.

"Thanks, Reina."

She'd drawn the three of them playing soccer, and he was glad the game he'd loved had a new association for him now.

Kunigami came over and wrapped an arm around his shoulders, pulling him in, pressing a quick kiss to his mouth.

"Happy Birthday, Chigiri."

"Thanks," he said, the moment feeling surreal. "I don't even remember the last time I celebrated one."

"Then we better make this a good one."

They had warm karinto manju for breakfast because it was his favourite.

"What do you want to do today, Oji Chigiri? Oji said you can pick because it's your day."

He thought for a minute. It had to be something indoors because of the weather. Something warm and cosy…

"Let's go to a cat cafe," he decided, thinking Reina would probably enjoy that too.

"Yeah!" she agreed. "I love kitties!"

"Me too," he told her, pleased they had another thing in common.

"Sounds like a plan," Kunigami agreed. "Let me finish up here and we can go."

While Kunigami did that, Chigiri and Reina huddled together over his phone, searching for the purrfect place.

"Look at this one!" she said, pointing to a place that was decorated like a fairytale forest. He checked the location and it wasn't too far away.

"Looks good," he told her, making a reservation for the three of them.

xxx

Chigiri and Reina had decided on a cafe that was only two stations away.

It was hard to believe Chigiri and Reina had only known each other a few months, they got along so well. Kunigami loved watching them together, the way Chigiri treated her like an equal, not a little kid. I think it's a bond they both need.

As soon as they stepped inside the cafe both Reina and Chigiri's faces lit up. Kunigami loved seeing their smiles. The one on Chigiri's face was unlike any Kunigami had seen before, it made him seem younger, like all the bad things were gone for now. Coming here was a good idea.

There were cats of all shapes and colours. Reina went for the first cat that approached her, a pretty white and tortoiseshell one with green eyes, but Chigiri spotted a black one and made a beeline for it. As much as Kunigami wanted to watch Chigiri, he thought he better stick with Reina to make sure she didn't get scratched or anything.

Being a kid, Reina's attention soon shifted and she decided to go see what Chigiri was doing. They found him sitting on the floor with the black cat settled in his lap.

"That one likes you," Reina said delightedly.

"Yeah, I like it too," Chigiri said with a smile, stroking it's sleek black fur.

Kunigami himself wasn't particularly fond of cats, his only real experience with them was the trouble they caused by getting stuck in trees, but he did appreciate what it was like to have someone with pretty hair curled warmly against you to touch.

He smiled to himself and stuck his hand in his pocket so temptation didn't get the better of him.

"I want to play with one," Reina decided, finding a wand with a feather on the end. She wiggled it around, catching the attention of a little silver tabby, laughing when the cat pounced on the toy. She spent ten minutes or so playing with her new friend, all the while Chigiri sat with the black cat, softly stroking it's fur.

Kunigami settled down beside him.

"Am I gonna need the jaws to get that cat away from you?" he joked.

Chigiri smiled.

"There's just something so soothing about it."

"Yeah…" Kunigami agreed, giving in and running a hand over Chigiri's head. Chigiri gave him a soft smile and Kunigami wanted to kiss him, but he resisted because they were in public.

The grey cat Reina was playing with decided it had had enough and ran off, so Kunigami got up to go with her and find another. That was when a staff member announced there were some kittens ready for a short playtime if anyone was interested. Of course Reina was, so he helped her into the little pen with the kittens.

"Be gentle, Reina. They're only small."

She nodded and sat still while the kittens explored around her, sometimes jumping onto her lap and making her giggle. One of the staff members offered her a little ginger kitten to hold and she cradled it close, being very careful with it.

"I want a kitten. Can I, Oji?"

"I don't think your mama has time now."

"Then you get one."

"I'm not home enough and Chigiri's schedule is too variable." She started to pout. "But we can visit the cafe whenever you come over. I'm sure Oji Chigiri would like that too."

"Okay."

It wasn't a bad idea though. He looked over at Chigiri who was still smitten with the black cat. Not now, but maybe next year, a kitten might be the perfect birthday gift for him.

When their time was up, he managed to tear both of them away from the cats, needing only to squeeze Chigiri's hand tight to get him to follow.

At home Kunigami made them all some tea and they sat at the kotatsu, legs tucked under the cosy blanket to drink it, Reina and Chigiri still talking about how cute the cats had been. He also brought the cake he and Reina had made for Chigiri. The decorations were a little wonky, but it was the thought that counted and Reina had put a lot of effort into it.

"Oh wow," Chigiri said. "Is this what you guys were doing this morning?"

"Yes!" Reina grinned. "We wanted to make a surprise for you!"

"It's amazing. I love it. Thank you both."

With Chigiri's fondness for sweet things in mind, they'd covered it in cream and strawberries.

Reina ended up with cream all over her face, and even Chigiri got some on the corner of his mouth. The idea of licking it off crossed Kunigami's mind, but he settled for wiping it away with his thumb, locking eyes with Chigiri as he licked his thumb clean.

"Gross, Oji!" Reina declared.

"I don't think you can talk," he joked with her, grabbing a napkin and wiping the mess off her face.

It turned out Yuuko had to stay away another night, but Kunigami was back on shift tomorrow and Reina had school, so Kotone came to pick her up.

"It's Oji Chigiri's birthday! I gave him a card and Oji gave him a kiss and we went to a cat cafe and made a cake!"

Reina's announcement had them sporting matching blushes.

"Oh really…" Kotone said, giving them both amused looks. "That sounds nice. Happy Birthday, Chigiri."

xxx

It was late in the day by the time Chigiri checked his socials, deciding to have a quick look when Reina left. The message he found, he wasn't expecting at all. Kunigami sensed his shock.

"Chigiri? What is it? What's wrong?"

I can't believe it…

"It's Miho. My sister. She sent me a DM…"

He held out the phone to Kunigami.

Happy Birthday, Hyoma. It seems like you're doing better now. Miho.

"I don't know what to say to her…"

"How do you feel about it?"

He couldn't stop the tears that formed in his eyes.

"I don't know, I just… I never thought it would happen."

"But you're glad it did?"

He bit his lip and nodded, while Kunigami pulled him into a tight hug.

"Then tell her that. She wouldn't have reached out if she didn't want you in her life again."

For a while he started at his phone, trying to decided how to respond, but the more he thought about it, the more he realised he didn't know anything about her, and he couldn't presume she'd want to see him. Since he'd left home, she would have graduated university. She might have a job or a husband now. Maybe even a child. They'd been pretty close when they were kids, but with his selfishness and weakness, he'd pushed everyone away. And as for Miho, he hadn't even said goodbye to her because she'd been at class the day he got kicked out. I guess it was the billboards, I didn't even think about how suddenly being forced to look at me would feel for my family.

"You don't have to reply now," Kunigami said. "Think about it if you want. I'm sure she understands this won't be easy for either of you."

"Yeah," he agreed. "That's a good idea." He didn't want to say the wrong thing because he replied in the heat of the moment.

They went to bed early because Kunigami had to work the following day. They didn't discuss it, just climbed into the bed together, and settled like they had the previous night, Kunigami's arms around him.

"Hey listen, I know I promised, but I think it's been a big couple of days and we should just wait a little bit. If that's okay?"

"Yeah," Chigiri agreed. Miho was still on his mind and he didn't want to give Kunigami less than his full attention.

Kunigami squeezed him tight and buried his face in Chigiri's hair.

"This is pretty great though, right..."

"Uh-huh," he agreed, snuggling in, savouring the feeling of Kunigami's warmth and strength wrapped around him.