They were sitting on the couch, taking it easy after dinner. Kunigami was watching a game and Chigiri was reclining against him, legs stretched out on the cushions while he looked at his phone. It was nice, being like this, just comfortable and content in each other's company.

They'd put that bump in the road behind them, knowing it was better to focus on the future. Chigiri had managed it well, he was tougher and more resilient than he sometimes seemed. He's incredible, I'm so lucky he's part of my life again.

He kept stealing glances at Chigiri's nape, right there, just begging to be kissed.

The way he styles his hair so just half of it is visible. I wanna brush it aside and… Stop it.

He turned his attention back to the game, Isagi and Bachira were on fire with their link-up plays.

"Hey, Kunigami," Chigiri said, turning around and sitting up. "Take a look at this…"

He held out his phone, it was the comment section on one of his styling videos. Chigiri pointed to one.

"They say they're from an agency and they wanna meet with me. Do you think it's legit?"

Kunigami pulled out his own phone and searched the name of the agency. They had a pretty good website and plenty of mentions in other articles.

"Looks like it," he confirmed.

"What should I do?"

"Meet them obviously. I told you this could be a winner for you."

"I never really thought anyone would care…"

"Chigiri, half a million hits means people care, and now professionals have noticed that."

"Can I really do this? What if they wanna know about my past…"

"There's nothing to know, Chigiri. You were admitted to hospital for smoke inhalation and you never went to rehab. Don't get in your own way, you have absolutely earned this opportunity."

Chigiri fixed those big magenta eyes on him, hope shining in them. It was an incredible sight after everything they'd been through. He's thinking about a real future. You can do it, Chigiri.

"I guess I'll email them then..."

xxx

Kunigami was running late. They'd stayed up late last night prepping for Chigiri's meeting and somehow he'd slept through his alarm. He was jamming his gear into his bag when he heard Chigiri enter the room.

"Today's the day, huh?"

"Yeah…"

Something about Chigiri's tone made him look up, and it was absolutely worth it.

"Oh, wow. You look amazing!"

"Really?" Chigiri said, twirling a strand of his hair nervously.

"Yeah. You've totally got this."

"I hope so. It would be nice to stop being a freeloader."

"I've told you before none of that matters, I just want you to find something to do that you can enjoy and be proud of."

"I know. Thanks, Kunigami. Whatever happens today, I wouldn't have this chance if it wasn't for you."

"If anything I've said or done has helped you, then I'm glad. I'm sorry, but I'm running late. I've gotta go now." It was true but he didn't want Chigiri to think this wasn't important to him. He has to know he has my support. He quickly stepped closer, squeezing Chigiri's hand and pressing a kiss to his hair. "I won't wish you luck, you don't need it. Go get 'em, Chigiri."

Then he took off double time, to try and make his shift. It wasn't until he was on the train that he stopped to think. Oh crap! I kissed him! I didn't even think! I hope it doesn't mess his chances up…

xxx

Chigiri got off the train and walked the short distance from the station to the agency building. Be confident. You've got this.

This morning he'd been a bundle of nerves, taking hours in front of the mirror, but somehow Kunigami's spontaneous actions had changed that. Knowing he had that unwavering support made something settle in him and Chigiri felt like he could handle anything. He walked into the meeting with confidence. Thank you, Kunigami.

xxx

The first thing he did when he got home was apologise.

"Chigiri! I'm so sorry!"

"Huh?"

"For this morning. I shouldn't have… I hope it didn't mess things up for you."

"No, it's fine. Knowing you've got my back helped a lot."

"That's a relief. How'd it go?"

"Pretty good, I think. They didn't sign me, but I've got a contract for a job, and if it goes well, they'll put me on their books."

"That's amazing!"

"Yeah," Chigiri grinned. "It feels good."

"I'm so happy for you."

"Thanks. So do you wanna go out for dinner? I got an advance. My shout."

"You really wanna spend your first pay check on me?"

"I sure do. Where should we go? Let's get something fancy."

Chigiri ended up deciding on the Ritz, so they put on their best clothes and went.

Kunigami wasn't exactly used to places like this, but he had to admit Chigiri looked like he fit right in. They used to call him a princess, and they were half right. He is like a fairytale prince. Stylish, graceful, beautiful…

They were lucky enough to get a table by the window which meant they had an awesome view of Tokyo Tower all lit up, not that it was the main view Kunigami was concerned with.

Chigiri gazed out across the city lights, tucking a strand of pretty red hair behind his ear, a look of contentment on his face. He's exactly like I hoped he'd be.

Chigiri turned those pretty eyes on him, and smiled.

"What?"

"Oh, nothing," Kunigami said, shaking himself out of it and grabbing a menu.

"It's a great view, huh?" Chigiri said.

"Yeah… What should we eat?" He needed something else to focus on or he was gonna say something dumb.

"You pick. Get as much as you want. Spend all my money," Chigiri smiled.

"How come they paid you up front?"

"It's just part of the fee. It's like a retainer. I'm not allowed to do work for any other agency until this job is complete."

"Be careful, Chigiri."

"I know. I'm not gonna do anything I don't want to do. I've learned that lesson the hard way."

"Okay," Kunigami nodded, wanting Chigiri to know he trusted him. "I'll have the wagyu."

"I'm gonna get the cod. Wakame soup to start?"

"Yeah."

While they ate they chatted, just small talk, but seeing Chigiri smile and laugh was amazing.

They decided to walk for a bit before heading home. Surrounded by the glow of city lights, with a bellyful of good food, a soft breeze on his face and Chigiri beside him, safe and well, Kunigami couldn't remember ever being happy quite like this. I love him so much, I wonder if I should think about telling him. How would I know the time was right?

"Hero, you've gone quiet."

"I have? I guess I was just thinking about stuff."

"Oh yeah? Like what?"

Is that time now?

"You, mostly. How much I love…" No, it's selfish. "…seeing you like this. It makes me really happy that you're doing so good now."

Chigiri smiled.

"I'm still kinda pinching myself. If anyone told me a year ago I'd be here like this, with you, I never could have believed it. I still wonder how I got so damn lucky…"

"I told you before, it's not luck."

"We worked for it, I know."

He's in a good place now. Maybe I should just ask.

"Hey, Chigiri?"

"Yeah?"

"Where do you see yourself going from here? If this all works out."

Chigiri gave him a curious look.

"Are you trying to get rid of me?"

"Absolutely not! I just…" What? He felt himself blushing. "Forget I said anything."

Chigiri laughed and looped his arm through Kunigami's.

"Things are pretty good how they are right now, don't you think?"

He's happy, healthy and we're together. It's enough.

"Yeah, they sure are."