"Hey, Yuki. What's up?" Muku smiles, catching up to walk beside him as they head back to the dorm from school. "You look happy."
"I do?"
"Yeah," Muku smiles. "Ever since we wrapped the play, you've been in a good mood. Are you relieved it's over?"
"That's not it."
Muku has always been good to him, kind and honest, so he decides it's only fair to be honest in return. "Tenma asked me out. He's planning a date for us."
It only takes Muku a second to get over his shock, then he's smiling again.
"Yuki! That's great! I'm really happy for you."
"Thanks," he accepts because of everyone in the company, Muku is the one who gets him the most, knows the struggles he's faced. Still, it's not a fairytale yet, and now that he has someone to talk to… "But Muku, I swear if he tries taking me to an aquarium, amusement park or arcade I won't set one foot inside the place. Just because he's a gorgeous, famous TV star doesn't mean he gets to cut corners, or worse, be boring. He better do this right."
"I'm sure he will," Muku encourages. "He must really like you if he was brave enough to ask you out."
"You mean because I'm a guy."
"No," Muku says. "I mean because of the way you are with him. He must've thought for sure you'd turn him down but he put himself out there anyway."
"Huh. I hadn't thought about it like that before." Is Tenma serious? Does he really like me that much?
"I hope you guys have fun. And don't be too hard on him, Yuki. I'm sure he's doing his best."
"He better be…" Yuki answers, but inside he's even more excited for their date now. I hope he doesn't screw this up. I want him to give me more reasons to like him.
xxx
Because Yuki doesn't know where they're going, it makes it tough to choose an outfit. Of course he always looks fabulous, but the level of fabulousness he should strive for is hard to gauge.
"Tenma," he demands. "At least tell me what level I should be shooting for here. Are we talking très chic or le plus très chic?"
"Hmm, I'd say you'll want to go with the absolute best look you've got. Something designed and made by you, if possible."
"Why's that?" he asks, dying to know details now.
Tenma gives him what he supposes is meant to be a charming smile.
"Because I want to admire you in it."
xxx
On the day of the date Yuki dresses to kill, choosing a jade one-shouldered satin midi dress with a gathered waist and uneven hem. He designed it with fashion school applications in mind. It reveals enough, without revealing too much, is sexy and classy, saying all the things he doesn't want to express in words. Tenma reacts accordingly, jaw dropping.
"Oh wow, Yuki. You look incredible!"
"I know," he preens. "Whatever you have planned better be worthy."
He expects nervousness but instead Tenma plays it cool.
"I guess you'll have to wait and see," Tenma answers confidently.
"Indeed," Yuki allows, intrigued now, letting Tenma help him into the car. At first he thought Tenma was a pretentious jerk for having a car and a driver, but he has to admit it is nice to have a private space just for them as they travel the busy city streets.
Yuki's mind races with possibilities, Tenma is dressed very stylishly, though it's too early in the evening to compliment him. As they travel towards their mystery destination, Yuki does his best to reserve judgement until he sees for himself what Tenma has planned. Giving him the benefit of the doubt seems only fair after kneeing him that time.
"Are your balls okay?"
"Yuki!"
"What? I just want to make sure I didn't do any permanent damage."
"They're fine."
"That's good. You might need them one day."
Tenma's face turns bright red.
"You really are a guy, aren't you…" Tenma mutters.
Yuki turns a hard look on the other boy, this is a point he needs to make very clear.
"Though I choose to dress the way I do, I'm very much male, yes. If that's a problem for you, or in any way unclear, turn this car around right now."
"What? No. I…" Tenma falters, cheeks burning again. "I just… It's kinda cool, I guess. I like how self-assured you are."
Yuki didn't expect that.
"Oh, well thank you. My only aim is to be true to who I am."
"And you do it like a boss. Thanks for coming with me tonight."
If Tenma keeps this up, Yuki's gonna start blushing too. Damnit.
"So where are we going anyway, hack?" he asks as a distraction.
"You'll see soon," Tenma answers.
They end up in an entertainment district, full of neon lights and wide-eyed tourists. Yuki's expectations drop as Tenma leads him towards an arcade. Damn, and we had such a promising start.
Noticing his hesitation, Tenma turns to him.
"What's wrong?"
Yuki can't hide his disappointment.
"You really brought me to a place like this? I honestly expected more from you."
"Don't judge too quickly," Tenma says with enough confidence that Yuki follows him in.
They walk past all the claw machines and poorly-dressed otakus, to a door at the back of the room. Tenma leads Yuki through, and then up a dark, narrow staircase to another door. Through this one is a beautiful restaurant styled in traditional Japanese decor. It's very refined.
"What's a place like this doing here?" Yuki wonders.
"It's an exclusive restaurant, invite only. It's hidden to ensure privacy, but I brought you here because I think you'll really enjoy the food."
Yuki doesn't ever remember specifically discussing his food preferences with Tenma, but when the food arrives he understands. They serve kaiseki, and each course is a work of art; delicate ingredients beautifully plated.
"This is wonderful," Yuki praises, and Tenma sends a beaming smile his way.
They eat without much time to talk about anything but the food, and after dinner they get back in the car and drive a short way. The next place they stop is an amusement park.
Yuki really doesn't feel like immersing himself in this level of garishness after the lovely meal they just shared. He hesitates at the gate, and again Tenma turns to him.
"Come on," Tenma says, holding out his hand. "You trust me, right?"
Yuki thinks about it for a moment, and the arcade thing had worked out, so he slips his hand into Tenma's, earning himself a smile.
With Tenma's big hand wrapped around his, they pick their way through the crowd. Yuki thinks he's going to look way overdressed for a place like this but as he casts his gaze around he notices other people dressed in high end fashion.
"What's going on?" he wonders aloud, then nearly dies when he spots one of his favourite designers only ten metres away. He comes to an abrupt stop, hand squeezing hard around Tenma's.
"Tenma," he hisses. "There's Kuromiya!"
Tenma gives him a cheeky smile.
"I know."
"What?!"
"Come on. It'll all make sense soon."
Tenma leads him to a booth, where he hands over two tickets, and when they step inside the circus tent it's like stepping into a dream.
There are lights and music and plenty of seats, surrounding a runway. A runway for models. Models who will wear…
"Tenma! This is a fashion show!"
"Uh-huh. It's the hottest ticket in town tonight. Kuromiya's new collection. They decided an amusement park fit the theme of the collection and chose this venue to add to the atmosphere. Should we find our seats?"
Yuki clings to Tenma and expects they'll be hidden up the back somewhere, but it isn't the case. Tenma leads them to the front row!
"Tenma, it's too much! I think I'm going to die!"
"No, you're not," Tenma tells him. "Now pay attention. This is what you said you wanted to do, right? And me having famous parents has gotta be useful sometimes."
They take their seats, Yuki still grasping Tenma's hand, squeezing hard, feeling like he might float away if he doesn't hang on tight.
When the music starts and the stage illuminates, his heart feels like it's going to thump right out of his chest. And he watches in awe as the models strut the runway. The clothes are amazing; extravagant, colourful, bold. There are so many unique pieces he'd love to examine in detail.
After the show, drinks are served and everyone has a chance to mingle. Tenma holds tight to Yuki's hand and leads him purposefully.
"Hello, Kuromiya-san," Tenma greets. "My name is Tenma Sumeragi. My mother wore your showstopper to the Japanese Academy Awards last year. She sends her regards, she's filming abroad at the moment."
"Yes, the fuchsia gown."
"That's right. She loved it so much she wanted to keep it."
"I don't blame her, it is an exquisite piece."
Yuki remembers that dress, it was a masterpiece.
"I loved that dress. The basque waist, the raw hem. It was a bold choice, but added so much flare without overstating it."
Kuromiya looks at him then and his heart nearly stops.
Oh my God, I said that out loud!
"You have a good eye. And who dressed you tonight, if I may be so bold as to ask? I don't recognise the work."
"It's my own design," Yuki confesses.
"Really…" the designer says, eyeing him more critically now. "What's your name?"
"Yuki Rurikawa."
"Rurikawa... I'll remember that."
"That would be an honour, Kuromiya-san," Yuki bows, and then his idol is whisked away by a member of their team.
After the encounter he just kind of stands there in a daze. Did that really just happen? He looks up at Tenma who is smirking at him.
"Told ya it'd be worth dressing up."
"You didn't tell me you know a fashion god!"
Tenma leans in and whispers into his ear.
"I don't. I just acted my ass off. I've never spoken to my mother about them or that dress."
"Tenma!"
"What?" the other boy grins. "You made an impression. They know your name now. I wanted to give you something special."
The sincere and adoring look in Tenma's eyes make something warm bloom in Yuki's chest.
"You've certainly managed that."
"Now come on," Tenma says, grabbing his hand. "We're underage. Technically we shouldn't be in here. Ready to go?"
Yuki looks around the room, it's exactly where he wanted to find himself, he just thought it would be after he graduated fashion school, and worked like crazy to make a name for himself. It's like being inside one of his fantasies, and his idol noticed him! I don't want it to be ruined by getting in trouble.
"Yes," he says. "I don't think anything is going to top that experience."
Tenma gives him another one of those smiles.
"We'll see…"
xxx
He gives Yuki the most charming smile he can muster, and takes his delicate hand again. It isn't soft though, it's calloused from all the sewing he does.
As they walk, Yuki's talking excitedly and Tenma just listens. He likes that he was able to surprise Yuki, knowing that Yuki won't settle for someone mediocre. And nor should he, he's too special to accept anything but the best.
Leaving the park, they walk to the next destination just because Tenma wants to savour the feeling of Yuki beside him, their hands joined together.
He'd had to give the performance of his life tonight. He'd dabbled in these circles with his parents, but never navigated them on his own. Truth be told he was nervous the whole time that he was gonna prove to Yuki exactly just how much of a hack he is, but it all worked out and the awestruck look on Yuki's face makes the risk completely worthwhile.
As for the tickets, he didn't need to tell Yuki that he'd had to get on his knees and beg for front row seats. Impressing Yuki was more than enough reward for his trouble.
The final destination he has planned won't top the fashion show, but he does hope it's enough to keep Yuki enchanted. I want this night to be one he never forgets.
xxx
He'd been too buzzed by the high of meeting his idol to pay any attention to where Tenma was taking him, and now he finds himself in a dark hotel room.
"I don't have any overnight things."
"Muku packed some things for you," Tenma says, holding up a bag.
"That traitor didn't say a word!"
"I asked him not to. Now, what do you think?"
Tenma peels back a curtain behind which is a floor the ceiling window into an aquarium tank. It's full of colourful fish, and admittedly is kind of cool.
"It's acceptable," Yuki allows, turning to take in the rest of the room. It's more stylish than he would expect of a place like this, but the main thing he notices is the large bed.
"One bed? How very presumptuous of you."
Tenma's eyes go wide.
"Oh no, I booked myself an adjoining room. I just thought after the fashion show, the dorm might be a bit of an anticlimax. I wanted to keep the magic alive for you. I'll go to my own room now. Goodnight, Yuki."
"Hey," he says, grabbing Tenma's wrist. "Don't you dare go anywhere."
No one has ever gone to this much effort for me before.
He presses himself to Tenma's chest, seeking connection, but Tenma just stands there.
"This is the part where you put your arms around me."
"I didn't want to without asking."
"Damnit," Yuki says, snuggling in. "Read the room, hack. You did good."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah…"
Tenma's arms fold around him and Yuki breathes out a contented sigh.
"Thank you for tonight. That's the most incredible thing anyone has ever done for me."
"I'm glad you enjoyed it, Yuki. I do worry I've set the bar impossibly high now though."
"No," he smiles up at Tenma. "I have faith in you because I know you have fabulous inspiration."
"Yeah…" Tenma agrees, smiling down at him, curling a finger under his chin. "Yuki?"
"Hmm?"
"Can I kiss you? Just once. To do it properly this time."
"One should be okay. Don't ruin the evening though," he warns. I'd hate for all his good work to come undone now.
Tenma nods and leans down, taking more care this time, gently pressing his mouth to Yuki's. It's certainly different from last time, it's soft and careful, reverent even, and when Tenma draws back Yuki isn't ready for it to end.
"I really should go now…" Tenma breathes. Truth be told, that's the last thing Yuki wants.
"No. I don't want you to. Stay with me." He's looking up into violet eyes, not madly in love or swept off his feet or anything, but he does have a newfound appreciation of this person. He's capable of more thoughtfulness than I believed.
"Yuki…"
He can also see that Tenma's falling for him, but he's not ready for things to go too far yet.
"Don't get any funny ideas though. Using your parents connections to pull some strings once, isn't enough to seduce me."
Tenma blinks, then he's laughing, pulling Yuki into a bear hug.
"I love your sassiness. Muku better have packed super cute pyjamas for you."
"Of course he did," Yuki defends, as he wriggles out of Tenma's grip, cheeks burning. "That's the only kind I own."
Tenma laughs again, charmed, and Yuki turns around to hide his blush. He taps his shoulder to take control again.
"Unzip me. Then I'll prove it to you."
Tenma gets serious again, stepping forward, reaching slowly, savouring a precious moment. Slowly, he pulls the zip down, helping Yuki undress. They are roommates, so it's not like they haven't caught peeks of each other, but deliberately looking is different.
Tenma's fingertips gently brush his skin and Yuki is torn. Part of him wants to pull away and protect his privacy, (and his virtue), but another part of him is curious. It feels good, how much better might it feel if they keep going?
Tenma's hand gently glides over Yuki's bare shoulder and then he presses a soft kiss there.
"Go put those pyjamas on before I can't stop…"
Tenma's right, they aren't ready for more than this, and Yuki would die of embarrassment if he gave in after one date.
xxx
Yuki reappears, and he was right, the pyjamas are cute, they're pale pink with ruffles and a cute little bow. The silky material drapes freely to his thighs, maintaining the androgynous look he pulls off so well.
Yuki's watching him, waiting for a comment.
"Muku chose well."
"I told you cute ones were all I had."
While Yuki was gone he pulled his own pyjamas on, just a plain t-shirt and boxers.
"I see you pulled out all the stops…" Yuki says wryly.
"I didn't think you'd see them."
"Really?"
"Of course not!" he blushes. "I know I screwed up that first time, but I do respect you, Yuki. I honestly just wanted you to have a good time tonight, I wasn't looking for anything from you."
"I'll choose to interpret that as the compliment you intended and not be insulted."
Tenma sighs, Yuki truly is exhausting.
"Goodnight, Yuki."
He goes to leave, but Yuki stops him.
"Hey! Didn't I tell you not to go anywhere?"
Does Yuki mean he wants to share a bed? It's not like they aren't used to sharing a room, but this is different.
"You want me to stay all night?"
"Yes. But just to sleep. I suppose I've gotten used to your snoring."
"I don't snore!"
xxx
Yuki laughs, having gotten the bite he was after. It's true, Tenma doesn't snore, but Yuki has kind of gotten used to him being there.
They each climb in on their own side, leaving a space between them, and really, they basically sleep this close every night anyway, except tonight all one of them has to do is reach out and that space between them will disappear. That knowledge has them both lying dead still. The fish in their tank do have a calming effect though as they slowly swim around, and they both begin to relax.
"I suppose aquariums aren't all that bad," Yuki comments.
"Huh?"
"Or arcades and amusement parks for that matter…"
"What am I missing here?"
He rolls onto his side so he can see Tenma's face, illuminated by the blue glow of the aquarium lights.
"Before our date, I told Muku if you tried taking me to any place like those I'd dump you immediately. Don't worry though," he assures, being bold and stretching his leg out to brush his foot against Tenma's. "You've convinced me of their merits."
Tenma's violet eyes fix on his, suddenly full of determination.
"Yuki?"
"Hmm..?"
"Will you go on another date with me?"
He had a good time tonight, but anyone can fluke one good date, it'll be interesting to see if Tenma is more than a one-trick pony.
"Yes," he decides, secretly thrilled at the idea. "I think I will."