[ good thing they'd weaseled his birthday out of him earlier, isn't it?
They've grown accustomed to his narrow apartment, left their mark on it by now, too, in the bulky CRT television, the closet with twice as many clothes, the curtains on the window, the comfier, bigger (but only slightly) bed; in the end, they're perfectly satisfied with all of it. There's only one thing they have a problem with: it is unbelievably hard to keep anything hidden from him, even if he only has one eye. Which means they've had to do a little more sneaking about than they'd like.
Fortunately, he works all day, and Mizuki hasn't quite hammered out the details on their job situation yet. In the morning, they kiss him on the cheek and send him off like usual (disgustingly domestic, frankly), and if one didn't know better, one might think they'd forgotten entirely. A thought that will be proven wrong in the evening when he walks through the door to be met immediately with the sound of a party popper being pulled and a cheer from Mizuki. Who, for the record, is wearing a party hat. ]
Happy birthday, Goro-kun~!
[ there's even a little cake on the table (which they've moved out of the corner slightly) - chocolate and just about big enough for two people. They've got a big smile on their face, seeming gently amused. ]
[ majima has ignored his birthday for long enough that it doesn't really register when he wakes up in the morning. after all, ever since that fateful night back in '85 had taken saejima away from him, who'd been close enough to him to have learned when it was? with mizuki's greeting being the same as usual, he's lulled even further into a false sense of security. he appreciates it, of course, as he reciprocates their gesture with his routine of touching their foreheads together before promising to be home on time—but it doesn't strike him as anything being out of the ordinary.
every time he comes back to the apartment after a day's work, he's always surprised by how bright and filled the cramped room is, how much like a home it now feels, how mizuki is always there to complete the ensemble and welcome him back (there are still some nights where he wakes up in a cold sweat, thinking everything had just been a dream because of course this life is too good to be real, until he feels mizuki's heartbeat from their body nestled beside his, and he's able to lie back down and wrap his arms around them as he drifts back into a peaceful slumber).
the shock on his face today, though, is a little more noticeable—when the popper is fired, it triggers majima's danger sense and he immediately drops his shoulders to shift into a fighting stance. he actually almost lashes out without thinking (because like hell some random fuckface waiting to ambush him in his own house is going to be what finally kills him when so many worse things have failed), but his fist stops just short of mizuki's face when recognition hits him like a truck. the expression on his face cycles through a variety of emotions in a matter of seconds—horrified, distraught, apologetic, bewildered—before it finally settles on stunned silence as he finally realizes what the hell is going on. ]
[ Oh, man. On second thought, they should have considered this being his reaction - they've slept with him enough to know how the ghosts in his head keep him up at night, and they're sure they stay with him during the day, too. It was careless. Next time, they'll do better.
That said. If his fist had actually connected, they definitely would have given him a piece of their mind, too. Mizuki's there, staring with wide-eyed bewilderment at his knuckles (to their credit, they didn't flinch) before gently lifting a hand up and putting it on top of his, lowering it slowly. ]
That wasn't exactly the reaction I was hoping for, [ they comment, dryly, but still smiling. ] You really didn't remember, did you?
[ it's impressive how mizuki's touch almost instantaneously calms him down—he, the fierce dog who'd just recently broken free of his chains. he allows them to lower his fist without any resistance, closing his hand around theirs instead of into itself to keep himself grounded. that they can still smile like that after he'd almost punched them... god. they're so damn special. ]
I told ya as much, didn't I? Never really had much reason to ever be celebratin'.
[ ... but he drops it there, because he knows he shouldn't be gloomy today, of all days. with his free hand, he scratches his cheek a little sheepishly as his eye scans the room (lingering perhaps a little longer than expected when he sees the hat, because god, of course they would). ]
... Ya really put all this together for me?
[ yeah, it's a meager assortment of decorations and treats at a glance, but for someone who's never gotten anything like this before, period? it means the world. ]
[ Mizuki has balls of steel! Unfounded ones, perhaps, considering they're not exactly fit to take on a yakuza in a fight -- but they make up for their lack of physical prowess in confidence. Confidence that he wouldn't actually hit them, at least not on purpose. They look a little smug when he drops his hand, their eyes teasing him for his violent reaction (and subsequent awkwardness.) ]
Uwah, that's depressing. How long will it take me to break you out of that way of thinking, I wonder?
[ They lift their free hand to their hat and give it a tug, and -- it turns out they were wearing two hats stacked on top of each other, and now they're plunking down one on his head, too. ]
Of course I did. I'm pretty grateful you were born, you know.
[ and they don't think they need to go into detail for him to understand. ]
[ and in response to both the hat being shoved onto him and that last sappy comment, majima pauses, then begins to laugh almost uncontrollably. not in a disparaging or mocking way, though; no, this is genuine, heartfelt, grateful laughter, to the point where a tear or two starts to well up in the corner of his good eye.
once he's able to calm himself a little, he starts wiping the tears from his face. then, he slings an arm around mizuki and draws them close—it's the same arm he'd almost punched them with. the dissonance may be strange, but hey. that's just the majima experience, and mizuki signed up knowing full well what to expect, for the most part. ]
God... hah... ya better not have gotten me a present, too. This is already too much. Haha... I'll kick yer ass for real if ya did.
[ It's not strange in the least. They know better than most that his hands are as suited to gentle touches as they are to violence. His laughter drags on enough to the point they're about to elbow him in the gut (playfully) before he pulls them in, but it's not out of irritation - no, it's incredibly good to hear him laugh like this, and that's the root of the problem, really, because it makes even their heart skip a beat to see him so happy because of something they did. Mizuki hides it skillfully, of course, as always. They tuck their head under his jaw - as much as they can with a pointy party hat on, so, really, it's more like a nuzzle. ]
Am I not enough of a present for you? [ they purr teasingly - then laugh a little, pulling back. ] Just kidding. What kind of birthday wouldn't have presents? I'll have you know, Goro-kun, you're a very hard person to buy a gift for, so I expect some compassion.
[ as they speak, they separate from him enough to reach their hand under the table, retrieving what must be the present - a new steel baseball bat with a purple ribbon wrapped around it, which they offer to him with a look of quiet amusement. They've tacitly disapproved of all the street fights he gets into, and that's not changing now. But if he has to fight, then they'd rather have him at least be equipped for it. And they know what he likes. ]
[ he takes the bat with a look of pure awe on his face, holding it delicately like it's the greatest gift he's ever received. (it kind of is, aside from mizuki themself, even if they were just joking when they made that comment.) he's more than aware of the small space of the apartment, so he doesn't go wild with it, but a few light and casual test swings are all he needs to be pleased. somehow finding a free spot for it on the small table, he puts the bat down and faces mizuki again, smiling so wide it's kind of hurting his face. ]
I fuckin' love ya, ya know that?
[ he knows they do, but come on, this is SO MUCH. this time, when he steps toward them and draws them back in, he does so by placing his hand on their butt and giving a cheek a firm squeeze, while also pressing a quick kiss to their lips. ]
Found somethin' better suited for yer ass than kickin'.
[ yeah, this was a good idea. They're pleased that he likes their dumb present and silly party - less pleased that he tries swinging the bat around in their closet of an apartment, but he doesn't break anything, so they'll let it slide - and they're more pleased than anything that he seems actually happy. He's got a lot of demons. Mizuki does, too, but theirs are small-time compared to his, and they know it. This time last year, he said he was getting tortured in some basement hellhole. The fact that they can get a reaction this honest and happy out of him is a miracle, frankly, and they can't help feeling happy, too.
They've been depending on him for a lot of things since they got here. It's the least they can do. They smile into the kiss, giving him a devilish look for getting handsy already when he pulls back. ]
Hold that thought. You've still got your cake! I've been thinking about that cake all day, you know.
[ Mizuki has a sweet tooth... although they do punctuate the second "cake" by returning fire and giving his ass a pinch before slipping out of his arms to grab a knife from the kitchen corner. Kind of weakens their reprimand. Why are they both like this ]
[ mizuki's pinch gets a pleased sigh out of majima, who gladly lets them wander off to do their thing. it's been such a long, long time since he's been this happy... he honestly didn't think he still had the ability, after all he's been through. yet again, mizuki has given him so much, and he doesn't know how he'll ever be able to thank them enough.
so he'll go ahead and default to teasing them, jutting his bottom lip in an extremely exaggerated pout. ]
C'mon, don't harsh my fun like that! What's that sayin'... "you can have yer cake an' eat it too"?
[ that isn't quite right, now is it... but he digresses. he's not about to let mizuki's thoughtfulness go to waste. plus, that cake does look pretty good, and what's a proper birthday celebration without one? he goes ahead and takes a seat on one side of the tiny table, pulling his lighter—the one emblazoned with indulgence's symbol—and flicking it open and closed with a smile as he waits for them to rejoin him. ]
[ HMM... close enough. They'll let him get away with it. Mizuki returns (from the whole, like, three feet away) with two plates and a knife, and once they've set that down, they respond to his comment by sticking a single candle smack dab into the middle of the cake. ]
Just one. You're so old that the cake couldn't fit all the candles I'd need.
[ they're basically the same age but that's not stopping them from the obligatory "you're old" joke. Mizuki is a dad inside. He's got the lighter, so they wait for him to go ahead and do the honors. ]
Yuki-kun didn't say anything to you? I was sure she'd remember, too.
Shut up—ya coulda gotten me a "2" an' a "5" candle, then we coulda reused 'em once September rolled around! Ya go an' get me a sweet-ass bat, a cute lil' cake, an' ya even throw in a couple of cheesy party favors, but ya skimp out on the candles? Shame on ya, Mizucchi. 5 outta 6.
[ momjima and dadzuki real... but his mock hissyfit aside, he goes ahead and lights the candle with a chuckle. he's stopped from immediately blowing it out when he hears mizuki's comment, though, and he turns to them with a very confused look. ]
Haw? How would she've known? Ain't like I ever told anyone other than you.
First of all, you reuse birthday candles? I don't know what to say about that, Goro-kun. Frankly, I didn't even know that was possible.
[ this is advanced thriftiness!! Mizuki is both impressed and bewildered.
They're less surprised than they'd like to be at hearing that Majima's never even told his birthday to her. Depressing - but considering even Mizuki had to prod him to get it out of him, they're not sure what they were expecting. ]
I see... So it's my job to tell everyone. Got it. I'll get started on that first thing tomorrow.
[ no mercy!! Enough of that, though. ]
Make a wish. You've only got one candle, so I'm sure it will come true.
Hey, if the wick ain't fully burnt away, it's still good! I may not look it, but I make an effort to recycle—waste not, want not, an' all that shit.
[ it's an admirable philosophy, sure, but maybe not to the levels that majima apparently goes to... either way, he ignores their good-natured threat of revealing his birthday to take a pensive turn when they comment on the well-known birthday tradition. slowly, his smile softens into a thin, straight line. ]
Ya know, if gettin' wishes granted really was that easy, we prolly never woulda answered the gods' calls when they reached out to us, which means you an' me never woulda met... so in a weird, fucky, roundabout way, maybe it's fine if it doesn't. [ with that ridiculously-worded-but-still-strangely-insightful comment, he closes his eye and blows out the candle. a second or two later, he cracks it back open, and gives them a familiar cheeky smile. ] Still real cute of ya to say somethin' like that, though.
[ huh... majima cares about recycling. You learn something new every day. They laugh a little at his passionate self-defense (a laugh dangerously close to a giggle, frankly), but they stop giving him a hard time over it, clapping with their usual energetic enthusiasm when he blows out the candle. Better save it so he can apparently hold on to it. They're going to tease him about this forever. ]
You're overthinking it. If we didn't all believe our wishes could come true like that, then we wouldn't have met. It just takes a little work, that's all. Things worked out so well for me that I've converted to the side of wish-believing, actually.
[ commenting cheerfully as they work, they cut the little cake neatly in half, setting one piece on a plate and holding it out to Majima. Birthday boy first. (It's chocolate, for the record. Mizuki wouldn't skimp.) ]
[ the grin on his face never disappears—in fact, it only grows when they shower him in both praise and teases, and he really would like nothing more than to take them into his arms and show them exactly how much he appreciates them for doing all this for him.
but he's a patient man (kind of), and knows he'll get as much in due time. plus, this cake isn't going to eat itself. so, as he accepts the slice that mizuki cuts him and stuffs a forkful into his mouth, he playfully looks over at them and asks (yes, with his mouth full, because he's a slob like that), ]
[ gently reaching over to take hold of his jaw and admonishingly shut his mouth for him while they respond. Admire their restraint in continuing to talk instead of eating cake. Unlike Majima, they have manners!! ]
Let's see... Air conditioning?
[ they're joking... but also kind of not joking because it gets fucking hot in this crummy apartment. Still, that's a luxury, and they're doing their best not to be too high maintenance here while they find their footing. He's already done a ton for them. (And if they knew he was thinking the same thing in reverse, they'd laugh. What a pair, the two of them.) Mizuki quirks an eyebrow, waiting for his response (and for him to finish chewing, preferably.) ]
[ when they force his mouth closed, he puffs out his cheeks at them, because he's a goddamn Petulant Child on the inside. that's about it, though, because he doesn't feel like getting scolded any more on his birthday. pbbtpbpth. (he doesn't actually do that, though. that's gross, even for him.)
once his mouth is free of cake, he's about to poke another piece onto his fork... but he stops upon hearing mizuki's reply. ]
... Damn, that's actually a pretty good one. Make me a promise, ya better wish for that on your birthday.
[ to accentuate his point, he points his fork at them before scooping up more of that chocolaty goodness. ]
But nah, trick question—ya ain't supposed to reveal any wish ya make to someone else, or else it ain't comin' true! An' I love the hell outta ya, Mizucchi, but I ain't riskin' it. No way.
[ THEN he puts the cake in his mouth once he's said his piece. hmph!!! ]
[ ugh. he's cute. No way in hell should a one-eyed yakuza be this cute - they have thought this many times, and it still holds true now. The smile on their face softens fondly at his pout (they can't help it), and they gently pat his cheek before letting go of him so he can finish chewing - and so they can start.
The cake is good. All cake is good. Mizuki has never had cake they don't like. They look pretty damn happy to be eating it - almost enough that one might think they're not listening to him. They are, though, considering they reply. ]
I should have known you were going to say that. For not celebrating your birthday much, you sure take them seriously. Well... If you'd asked me that, I would have said the same thing, so I can't complain too much. [ still!! After a moment, they wink. ] Heh. I bet your wish involved me.
Hey, I didn't celebrate 'em much before, but I get the feelin' havin' you around means that's gonna change real fast.
[ how they haven't gotten used to it yet, he'll never know. but ugh... they think he's cute? they're cute!! his chest is big and full of LOVE for mizuki... but he is also just as playful as they are, and he gives them a sly smile. ]
My lips are sealed. Ya ain't gettin' me to spill anything, no matter how much ya try to charm it outta me.
[ they just give a triumphant look in response to that. He's damn right, that's going to change. They've decided they like spoiling him - his reactions are too cute to resist. Besides, he deserves it. Yakuza or not, he's a good guy. ]
Really? That's a shame. I'm in really generous mood tonight, too.
[ pushing some hair over one shoulder innocently. ]
Oh, that's right. Speaking of Yuki-kun... I had an idea earlier. Why don't you let me help out at your club, Goro-kun? My regular skillset is about 200 years too early for this job market, but bartending always pays the bills. I was looking at other bars, too, but... well, yours would be the best fit for me, I think.
[ MIZUKI DON'T TEASE HIM LIKE THIS . . . at the very least, he's momentarily distracted by their offer, frowning heavily. ]
Are ya kiddin' me? If ya start workin' at Club Sunshine, the girls'll never stop gossipin', an' they're already bad enough as it is, 'specially Ai-chan!
[ because yeah, it hadn't taken the hostesses (and youda, to the surprise of literally no one) long to start needling him about mizuki, especially once they'd found out he and they were an item. how their lame majima-san managed to woo the stunning mizuki-san, they'll never know... the memory alone has him groaning in exasperation. ]
[ as ever, they have no mercy for him; they rest an elbow on the table, setting their chin in their hand and grinning widely. He's completely right, of course. Even a newcomer like Mizuki can tell they probably grilled him within an inch of his life over them. They're all terribly fond of him there, after all. It was a little reassuring to know they weren't the only one smitten with this weird one-eyed thug. ]
Goro-kun, you wouldn't throw me to the wolves of Sotenbori just to protect your dignity, right? [ an innocent look that lasts all of 2 seconds. ] Besides, all that gossip is exactly why I need to be there.
[ stop... leave him and his weirdo work family alone... he shakes his head, knowing this is a losing battle. when his fists aren't involved, most tend to be. ]
You're gonna need to explain that one to me, 'cause I ain't followin'.
[ they chuckle knowingly as they swallow another bite of cake. ]
I've got to show off a little. If they're going to gossip, anyway, it'd be fun to make them jealous once in a while flirting with their beloved manager-san.
[ Mizuki's not worried about him cheating on them or anything. They mean exactly what they say. All those women might be crushing on him, but he belongs to them, and they're all too happy to make that known. ]
Teasing cute girls like that is a lot of fun... Almost as much fun as teasing you.
[ that one almost gets him to actually sputter out the bite he's just taken. luckily, nothing escapes his mouth but a whine, accompanied by a flushing of his cheeks. ]
Wh-what the—are ya really puttin' me on the same level as the girls?! [ yes, and this is exactly why,,, ] C'mon, Mizucchi... ya got 364 other days of the year to roast me. Can't ya give me a break on my damn birthday?
It's not roasting! It's sweet talk! Come on. I'm saying you're charming! That's why I need to make sure I'm keeping up with the competition, you know.
[ also, no, they won't give him a break, even on his birthday. A smile, their eyes thinning. ]
I've never been making fun of you when I call you cute, anyway. I really believe it. You're very cute. [ he probably doesn't like to hear it, but it's true. And it's probably a good thing for him, too, because that most likely accounts for a decent portion of Mizuki's attraction to him. For his sake, though, they become a bit more earnest. ] And you're handsome, funny, and a good guy. So I'm a little jealous of all the beautiful women who get to spend all that time with you.
[ mizuki wtf don't call his daughter squad "beautiful women"... that aside, he sighs again, but cracks a crooked smile at their following comments. they have to know by now that a big chunk of his annoyance, like a lot of things he does, is largely exaggerated; he realizes they like to tease him because they love him, and quite frankly, he wouldn't have it any other way.
with most of his share of the cake spoken for (he's left a slice and a half for later, which, knowing their sweet tooth, is really tempting fate), he scoots over from his side of the table to be beside them. ]
Whaddaya mean, competition? I told ya already, didn't I—I only got an eye for you. [ he presses his knuckles into their shoulder softly, then rests that arm around them while loosely waving the other around as he speaks. ] Sure, the girls get to see me all the time when we're on the clock, but ya gotta remember that you're the only one who gets the real Goro at the end of the day. That don't come easy, ya know.
[ what kind of dad doesn't think his adult daughters are beautiful women!! smh!!
he's absolutely tempting fate because Mizuki is not above the level of little shittery that stealing leftovers involves. They chuckle when he sidles up to them, a low and contented sound, and lean into his side. Yes, they know he's exaggerating. Still, within that exaggeration is a grain of the truth, they're sure; they're not above making it clear to him once in a while that their feelings are actually serious, either. It can't hurt. And it is his birthday. ]
I know. But I'm greedy. [ in the end, it's that simple. ] Well, just keep it in mind. I'm really thinking about it.
[ he teases right back, but that answer is so on brand for them that he can't help but laugh fondly... if the two of them are already like this in the short time that they've known each other, what in the world does the future hold for them?
(a ring, maybe...? good lord. they really do have him wrapped around their finger, but even he has to agree that that's jumping way too far ahead way too fast...) ]
But to answer your question... I dunno. Prepare myself for the inevitable increase in ojisan jokes? [ joking aside, he softens up a little as he rubs the back of his neck almost sheepishly. ] I mean, considerin' I didn't even realize what day it was 'til ya almost gave me a heart attack, I wasn't really expectin' to do anythin' special tonight.
Ooh, don't say that. I'll be reaching ojisan age in a few months, too. Soon we'll be hanging out in shogi parlors together.
[ they bump him teasingly, unable to help going along with his dumb jokes, as usual. The two of them get along too well, really. If Mizuki knew that the idea of marriage was already floating through his head, they'd be mortified -- mostly because it sounds perfectly reasonable for the future. They did sign up for this for the long haul...
They aren't thinking about it, though. ]
No expectations, huh? In other words, it's on me to find ways to spoil you? I didn't even specify "tonight."
Hey, shogi ain't just a geezer game! I'll have ya know that I can play a pretty solid game myself—just ask that old guy who's always hangin' out at the outdoor mall on the other side of the city.
[ somewhere in the back of his mind, he realizes he hasn't told mizuki about his being sotenbori's local good samaritan... there's still a lot of things he hasn't told them about his life before meeting them, actually. it isn't because he's hiding anything from them—how the hell is he supposed to explain shit like how he beat up a giant mutant 12-year-old to stop him from stealing other people's pants?!
instead of linger on that, he chooses to engage in one of his other somewhat frustrating habits: avoiding answering by talking around it and hoping they can just drop the subject and move on, because he's already getting embarrassed by the way they say they spoil him. gross.........!! ]
An' c'mon, ain't like addin' a year's gonna mean any drastic changes for me. Plus, do I look like the kinda guy who spends a whole lotta time thinkin' about the future? I got enough shit to keep up with now, thanks.
[ they could comment that his defending himself by saying he's really good at shoji because he plays with some old guy at the mall only makes him sound more like an old man, but they'll give him a break. It's a little harder to run with this teasing when they're only a few months younger than him. (Despite appearances.) Plus, once again, it's part of his cute side. Maybe he hasn't explained everything he gets up to around Sotenbori to them in detail, or in person, but they've heard some stories, and if even half of them are true, he's doing a lot more than just playing shogi with strangers - he's a regular guardian angel around these parts. ]
Hmmm... I feel like you said something really incriminating just now. [ spoken in a "i'm going to use that line to bully you later" sort of way. Mizuki leans back on their free hand, looking faintly entertained. ] Fair enough, though. There must be a lot to keep track of - you're already tired from your long day, and then you get accosted as soon as you walk in the door, and now you're so tired you don't even notice me trying to hit on you. Poor Goro-kun.
[ he gives them a long-suffering sigh as he leans over to rest his head on their shoulder. one day... one day he'll make it through a day with his dignity perfectly intact. he wants so desperately to believe so, even if he knows in his heart of hearts that it'll never come. is it so bad, though, when it ensures that mizuki will stay by his side?
nah, it isn't.
but he feels enough time has passed—they've both had enough opportunity to enjoy their cake—for them to be okay with him tilting his head up and nibble at their earlobe before breathing out, ]
[ Is he wrong? They can't rightly say he's wrong... Him dating them is basically giving them carte blanche to tease him, as far as they're concerned. His reactions are funny and occasionally cute - and when they're not, it's because he's firing back, which they're more than okay with. They breathe out a little laugh when they feel his teeth, gently pressing their hand against his chest. ]
I like your optimism. [ amused. ] Is it too cliche to say something like "your other present is me?"
[ that nibble turns into a kiss along mizuki's jaw, and he leans into their touch extremely unsubtlely. ]
Nah. Was actually kinda hopin' you'd say it, though. [ meanwhile, his own hands wander to the buttons of their shirt, a glint in his eye. ] Does that mean I can unwrap ya?
You're tired from running around all day, aren't you? Goro-kun.
[ he leans into their touch, which only makes the push of their hand firmer and more insistent; they twist where they're sitting, moving away from his kiss only to face him a little more properly, meeting his eye with a cool, unwavering gaze and a smirk. ]
[ he raises an eyebrow as he otherwise mirrors their impish expression, but their insistence successfully gets him to lean back on his hands. he wants to see where they plan on going with this... ]
Haw? I know I was just yakkin' on about how I don't really care for 'em, but last I checked, that ain't how birthdays work.
Hmmm... This metaphor is falling apart really fast.
[ this is why they didn't start with this. Majima, you're ruining their cool lines. There's a pause as Mizuki deliberates on whether this is good enough or not, elegant fingers resting daintily against his chest. ]
Maybe I should be more direct. It is your birthday, so I'll treat you a little nicer. [ they drum their nails against his shirt. ] Lay back for me.
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birthday!!!
They've grown accustomed to his narrow apartment, left their mark on it by now, too, in the bulky CRT television, the closet with twice as many clothes, the curtains on the window, the comfier, bigger (but only slightly) bed; in the end, they're perfectly satisfied with all of it. There's only one thing they have a problem with: it is unbelievably hard to keep anything hidden from him, even if he only has one eye. Which means they've had to do a little more sneaking about than they'd like.
Fortunately, he works all day, and Mizuki hasn't quite hammered out the details on their job situation yet. In the morning, they kiss him on the cheek and send him off like usual (disgustingly domestic, frankly), and if one didn't know better, one might think they'd forgotten entirely. A thought that will be proven wrong in the evening when he walks through the door to be met immediately with the sound of a party popper being pulled and a cheer from Mizuki. Who, for the record, is wearing a party hat. ]
Happy birthday, Goro-kun~!
[ there's even a little cake on the table (which they've moved out of the corner slightly) - chocolate and just about big enough for two people. They've got a big smile on their face, seeming gently amused. ]
OTANJOUBI OMEDEGOUSAN!!!!
every time he comes back to the apartment after a day's work, he's always surprised by how bright and filled the cramped room is, how much like a home it now feels, how mizuki is always there to complete the ensemble and welcome him back (there are still some nights where he wakes up in a cold sweat, thinking everything had just been a dream because of course this life is too good to be real, until he feels mizuki's heartbeat from their body nestled beside his, and he's able to lie back down and wrap his arms around them as he drifts back into a peaceful slumber).
the shock on his face today, though, is a little more noticeable—when the popper is fired, it triggers majima's danger sense and he immediately drops his shoulders to shift into a fighting stance. he actually almost lashes out without thinking (because like hell some random fuckface waiting to ambush him in his own house is going to be what finally kills him when so many worse things have failed), but his fist stops just short of mizuki's face when recognition hits him like a truck. the expression on his face cycles through a variety of emotions in a matter of seconds—horrified, distraught, apologetic, bewildered—before it finally settles on stunned silence as he finally realizes what the hell is going on. ]
. . . Ah. Shit. That is today, ain't it?
omedegousan is TOO FAR
That said. If his fist had actually connected, they definitely would have given him a piece of their mind, too. Mizuki's there, staring with wide-eyed bewilderment at his knuckles (to their credit, they didn't flinch) before gently lifting a hand up and putting it on top of his, lowering it slowly. ]
That wasn't exactly the reaction I was hoping for, [ they comment, dryly, but still smiling. ] You really didn't remember, did you?
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I told ya as much, didn't I? Never really had much reason to ever be celebratin'.
[ ... but he drops it there, because he knows he shouldn't be gloomy today, of all days. with his free hand, he scratches his cheek a little sheepishly as his eye scans the room (lingering perhaps a little longer than expected when he sees the hat, because god, of course they would). ]
... Ya really put all this together for me?
[ yeah, it's a meager assortment of decorations and treats at a glance, but for someone who's never gotten anything like this before, period? it means the world. ]
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Uwah, that's depressing. How long will it take me to break you out of that way of thinking, I wonder?
[ They lift their free hand to their hat and give it a tug, and -- it turns out they were wearing two hats stacked on top of each other, and now they're plunking down one on his head, too. ]
Of course I did. I'm pretty grateful you were born, you know.
[ and they don't think they need to go into detail for him to understand. ]
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[ and in response to both the hat being shoved onto him and that last sappy comment, majima pauses, then begins to laugh almost uncontrollably. not in a disparaging or mocking way, though; no, this is genuine, heartfelt, grateful laughter, to the point where a tear or two starts to well up in the corner of his good eye.
once he's able to calm himself a little, he starts wiping the tears from his face. then, he slings an arm around mizuki and draws them close—it's the same arm he'd almost punched them with. the dissonance may be strange, but hey. that's just the majima experience, and mizuki signed up knowing full well what to expect, for the most part. ]
God... hah... ya better not have gotten me a present, too. This is already too much. Haha... I'll kick yer ass for real if ya did.
[ leave him alone, this is how he copes. ]
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Am I not enough of a present for you? [ they purr teasingly - then laugh a little, pulling back. ] Just kidding. What kind of birthday wouldn't have presents? I'll have you know, Goro-kun, you're a very hard person to buy a gift for, so I expect some compassion.
[ as they speak, they separate from him enough to reach their hand under the table, retrieving what must be the present - a new steel baseball bat with a purple ribbon wrapped around it, which they offer to him with a look of quiet amusement. They've tacitly disapproved of all the street fights he gets into, and that's not changing now. But if he has to fight, then they'd rather have him at least be equipped for it. And they know what he likes. ]
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[ he takes the bat with a look of pure awe on his face, holding it delicately like it's the greatest gift he's ever received. (it kind of is, aside from mizuki themself, even if they were just joking when they made that comment.) he's more than aware of the small space of the apartment, so he doesn't go wild with it, but a few light and casual test swings are all he needs to be pleased. somehow finding a free spot for it on the small table, he puts the bat down and faces mizuki again, smiling so wide it's kind of hurting his face. ]
I fuckin' love ya, ya know that?
[ he knows they do, but come on, this is SO MUCH. this time, when he steps toward them and draws them back in, he does so by placing his hand on their butt and giving a cheek a firm squeeze, while also pressing a quick kiss to their lips. ]
Found somethin' better suited for yer ass than kickin'.
[ majima!!!!!!!!!!!! ]
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They've been depending on him for a lot of things since they got here. It's the least they can do. They smile into the kiss, giving him a devilish look for getting handsy already when he pulls back. ]
Hold that thought. You've still got your cake! I've been thinking about that cake all day, you know.
[ Mizuki has a sweet tooth... although they do punctuate the second "cake" by returning fire and giving his ass a pinch before slipping out of his arms to grab a knife from the kitchen corner. Kind of weakens their reprimand. Why are they both like this ]
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so he'll go ahead and default to teasing them, jutting his bottom lip in an extremely exaggerated pout. ]
C'mon, don't harsh my fun like that! What's that sayin'... "you can have yer cake an' eat it too"?
[ that isn't quite right, now is it... but he digresses. he's not about to let mizuki's thoughtfulness go to waste. plus, that cake does look pretty good, and what's a proper birthday celebration without one? he goes ahead and takes a seat on one side of the tiny table, pulling his lighter—the one emblazoned with indulgence's symbol—and flicking it open and closed with a smile as he waits for them to rejoin him. ]
Ya got any candles for the birthday boy?
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Just one. You're so old that the cake couldn't fit all the candles I'd need.
[ they're basically the same age but that's not stopping them from the obligatory "you're old" joke. Mizuki is a dad inside. He's got the lighter, so they wait for him to go ahead and do the honors. ]
Yuki-kun didn't say anything to you? I was sure she'd remember, too.
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[ momjima and dadzuki real... but his mock hissyfit aside, he goes ahead and lights the candle with a chuckle. he's stopped from immediately blowing it out when he hears mizuki's comment, though, and he turns to them with a very confused look. ]
Haw? How would she've known? Ain't like I ever told anyone other than you.
[ connect the dots, majima... ]
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First of all, you reuse birthday candles? I don't know what to say about that, Goro-kun. Frankly, I didn't even know that was possible.
[ this is advanced thriftiness!! Mizuki is both impressed and bewildered.
They're less surprised than they'd like to be at hearing that Majima's never even told his birthday to her. Depressing - but considering even Mizuki had to prod him to get it out of him, they're not sure what they were expecting. ]
I see... So it's my job to tell everyone. Got it. I'll get started on that first thing tomorrow.
[ no mercy!! Enough of that, though. ]
Make a wish. You've only got one candle, so I'm sure it will come true.
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[ it's an admirable philosophy, sure, but maybe not to the levels that majima apparently goes to... either way, he ignores their good-natured threat of revealing his birthday to take a pensive turn when they comment on the well-known birthday tradition. slowly, his smile softens into a thin, straight line. ]
Ya know, if gettin' wishes granted really was that easy, we prolly never woulda answered the gods' calls when they reached out to us, which means you an' me never woulda met... so in a weird, fucky, roundabout way, maybe it's fine if it doesn't. [ with that ridiculously-worded-but-still-strangely-insightful comment, he closes his eye and blows out the candle. a second or two later, he cracks it back open, and gives them a familiar cheeky smile. ] Still real cute of ya to say somethin' like that, though.
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You're overthinking it. If we didn't all believe our wishes could come true like that, then we wouldn't have met. It just takes a little work, that's all. Things worked out so well for me that I've converted to the side of wish-believing, actually.
[ commenting cheerfully as they work, they cut the little cake neatly in half, setting one piece on a plate and holding it out to Majima. Birthday boy first. (It's chocolate, for the record. Mizuki wouldn't skimp.) ]
Wish-granting, too.
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but he's a patient man (kind of), and knows he'll get as much in due time. plus, this cake isn't going to eat itself. so, as he accepts the slice that mizuki cuts him and stuffs a forkful into his mouth, he playfully looks over at them and asks (yes, with his mouth full, because he's a slob like that), ]
Wanna guess what mine was?
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Let's see... Air conditioning?
[ they're joking... but also kind of not joking because it gets fucking hot in this crummy apartment. Still, that's a luxury, and they're doing their best not to be too high maintenance here while they find their footing. He's already done a ton for them. (And if they knew he was thinking the same thing in reverse, they'd laugh. What a pair, the two of them.) Mizuki quirks an eyebrow, waiting for his response (and for him to finish chewing, preferably.) ]
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once his mouth is free of cake, he's about to poke another piece onto his fork... but he stops upon hearing mizuki's reply. ]
... Damn, that's actually a pretty good one. Make me a promise, ya better wish for that on your birthday.
[ to accentuate his point, he points his fork at them before scooping up more of that chocolaty goodness. ]
But nah, trick question—ya ain't supposed to reveal any wish ya make to someone else, or else it ain't comin' true! An' I love the hell outta ya, Mizucchi, but I ain't riskin' it. No way.
[ THEN he puts the cake in his mouth once he's said his piece. hmph!!! ]
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The cake is good. All cake is good. Mizuki has never had cake they don't like. They look pretty damn happy to be eating it - almost enough that one might think they're not listening to him. They are, though, considering they reply. ]
I should have known you were going to say that. For not celebrating your birthday much, you sure take them seriously. Well... If you'd asked me that, I would have said the same thing, so I can't complain too much. [ still!! After a moment, they wink. ] Heh. I bet your wish involved me.
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[ how they haven't gotten used to it yet, he'll never know. but ugh... they think he's cute? they're cute!! his chest is big and full of LOVE for mizuki... but he is also just as playful as they are, and he gives them a sly smile. ]
My lips are sealed. Ya ain't gettin' me to spill anything, no matter how much ya try to charm it outta me.
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Really? That's a shame. I'm in really generous mood tonight, too.
[ pushing some hair over one shoulder innocently. ]
Oh, that's right. Speaking of Yuki-kun... I had an idea earlier. Why don't you let me help out at your club, Goro-kun? My regular skillset is about 200 years too early for this job market, but bartending always pays the bills. I was looking at other bars, too, but... well, yours would be the best fit for me, I think.
[ for a variety of reasons. ]
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Are ya kiddin' me? If ya start workin' at Club Sunshine, the girls'll never stop gossipin', an' they're already bad enough as it is, 'specially Ai-chan!
[ because yeah, it hadn't taken the hostesses (and youda, to the surprise of literally no one) long to start needling him about mizuki, especially once they'd found out he and they were an item. how their lame majima-san managed to woo the stunning mizuki-san, they'll never know... the memory alone has him groaning in exasperation. ]
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[ as ever, they have no mercy for him; they rest an elbow on the table, setting their chin in their hand and grinning widely. He's completely right, of course. Even a newcomer like Mizuki can tell they probably grilled him within an inch of his life over them. They're all terribly fond of him there, after all. It was a little reassuring to know they weren't the only one smitten with this weird one-eyed thug. ]
Goro-kun, you wouldn't throw me to the wolves of Sotenbori just to protect your dignity, right? [ an innocent look that lasts all of 2 seconds. ] Besides, all that gossip is exactly why I need to be there.
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You're gonna need to explain that one to me, 'cause I ain't followin'.
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I've got to show off a little. If they're going to gossip, anyway, it'd be fun to make them jealous once in a while flirting with their beloved manager-san.
[ Mizuki's not worried about him cheating on them or anything. They mean exactly what they say. All those women might be crushing on him, but he belongs to them, and they're all too happy to make that known. ]
Teasing cute girls like that is a lot of fun... Almost as much fun as teasing you.
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Wh-what the—are ya really puttin' me on the same level as the girls?! [ yes, and this is exactly why,,, ] C'mon, Mizucchi... ya got 364 other days of the year to roast me. Can't ya give me a break on my damn birthday?
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[ also, no, they won't give him a break, even on his birthday. A smile, their eyes thinning. ]
I've never been making fun of you when I call you cute, anyway. I really believe it. You're very cute. [ he probably doesn't like to hear it, but it's true. And it's probably a good thing for him, too, because that most likely accounts for a decent portion of Mizuki's attraction to him. For his sake, though, they become a bit more earnest. ] And you're handsome, funny, and a good guy. So I'm a little jealous of all the beautiful women who get to spend all that time with you.
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with most of his share of the cake spoken for (he's left a slice and a half for later, which, knowing their sweet tooth, is really tempting fate), he scoots over from his side of the table to be beside them. ]
Whaddaya mean, competition? I told ya already, didn't I—I only got an eye for you. [ he presses his knuckles into their shoulder softly, then rests that arm around them while loosely waving the other around as he speaks. ] Sure, the girls get to see me all the time when we're on the clock, but ya gotta remember that you're the only one who gets the real Goro at the end of the day. That don't come easy, ya know.
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he's absolutely tempting fate because Mizuki is not above the level of little shittery that stealing leftovers involves. They chuckle when he sidles up to them, a low and contented sound, and lean into his side. Yes, they know he's exaggerating. Still, within that exaggeration is a grain of the truth, they're sure; they're not above making it clear to him once in a while that their feelings are actually serious, either. It can't hurt. And it is his birthday. ]
I know. But I'm greedy. [ in the end, it's that simple. ] Well, just keep it in mind. I'm really thinking about it.
[ they'll let him off the hook... for now. ]
So? What are you going to do now that you're 25?
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Ya think I don't know that by now?
[ he teases right back, but that answer is so on brand for them that he can't help but laugh fondly... if the two of them are already like this in the short time that they've known each other, what in the world does the future hold for them?
(a ring, maybe...? good lord. they really do have him wrapped around their finger, but even he has to agree that that's jumping way too far ahead way too fast...) ]
But to answer your question... I dunno. Prepare myself for the inevitable increase in ojisan jokes? [ joking aside, he softens up a little as he rubs the back of his neck almost sheepishly. ] I mean, considerin' I didn't even realize what day it was 'til ya almost gave me a heart attack, I wasn't really expectin' to do anythin' special tonight.
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[ they bump him teasingly, unable to help going along with his dumb jokes, as usual. The two of them get along too well, really. If Mizuki knew that the idea of marriage was already floating through his head, they'd be mortified -- mostly because it sounds perfectly reasonable for the future. They did sign up for this for the long haul...
They aren't thinking about it, though. ]
No expectations, huh? In other words, it's on me to find ways to spoil you? I didn't even specify "tonight."
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[ somewhere in the back of his mind, he realizes he hasn't told mizuki about his being sotenbori's local good samaritan... there's still a lot of things he hasn't told them about his life before meeting them, actually. it isn't because he's hiding anything from them—how the hell is he supposed to explain shit like how he beat up a giant mutant 12-year-old to stop him from stealing other people's pants?!
instead of linger on that, he chooses to engage in one of his other somewhat frustrating habits: avoiding answering by talking around it and hoping they can just drop the subject and move on, because he's already getting embarrassed by the way they say they spoil him. gross.........!! ]
An' c'mon, ain't like addin' a year's gonna mean any drastic changes for me. Plus, do I look like the kinda guy who spends a whole lotta time thinkin' about the future? I got enough shit to keep up with now, thanks.
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Hmmm... I feel like you said something really incriminating just now. [ spoken in a "i'm going to use that line to bully you later" sort of way. Mizuki leans back on their free hand, looking faintly entertained. ] Fair enough, though. There must be a lot to keep track of - you're already tired from your long day, and then you get accosted as soon as you walk in the door, and now you're so tired you don't even notice me trying to hit on you. Poor Goro-kun.
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nah, it isn't.
but he feels enough time has passed—they've both had enough opportunity to enjoy their cake—for them to be okay with him tilting his head up and nibble at their earlobe before breathing out, ]
Oi. I always assume yer hittin' on me, Mizucchi.
[ clearly he isn't too tired. ]
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I like your optimism. [ amused. ] Is it too cliche to say something like "your other present is me?"
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Nah. Was actually kinda hopin' you'd say it, though. [ meanwhile, his own hands wander to the buttons of their shirt, a glint in his eye. ] Does that mean I can unwrap ya?
[angelic music plays as i rise from the dead]
[ he leans into their touch, which only makes the push of their hand firmer and more insistent; they twist where they're sitting, moving away from his kiss only to face him a little more properly, meeting his eye with a cool, unwavering gaze and a smirk. ]
I think you should relax. I'd rather unwrap you.
raises hands in prayer and jubilation
Haw? I know I was just yakkin' on about how I don't really care for 'em, but last I checked, that ain't how birthdays work.
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[ this is why they didn't start with this. Majima, you're ruining their cool lines. There's a pause as Mizuki deliberates on whether this is good enough or not, elegant fingers resting daintily against his chest. ]
Maybe I should be more direct. It is your birthday, so I'll treat you a little nicer. [ they drum their nails against his shirt. ] Lay back for me.