[ who tf did he give his number to. is this the cute omega he's been helping... did he actually text him?? ]
That's me
That's me
[ He's had enough of Akira weaseling out of taking payments. It's only right that the beta is compensated for his time. If it's a particularly severe heat for Minato, it can last up to an entire week, seven whole days where Akira could have been elsewhere or earning money through a proper client.
It's why Minato is, admittedly, a little relieved that Akira capitulates to being treated to a meal. His initial proposal was grabbing a cup of coffee with him, only for Akira to point out that he could simply brew the drinks himself. So here they are instead seated side-by-side, the omega watching as colorful little plates topped with sushi roll on by. ]
Eat as much as you want.
[ He means it, too. Even if Akira's appetite ended up catching him off guard, he'd ultimately figure something out. For now, Minato lifts his cup of tea to his lips, taking a small sip of the warm liquid. He makes no moves to reach over for his first piece of sushi. Instead, he waits for Akira to try the first bite. That's only polite, considering how Akira's the guest between the two of them.
He hopes it's good. Admittedly, Minato's never visited this restaurant before. Sushi's a rare treat for him, and considering how he typically dined alone, he'd much rather prefer throwing together miscellaneous ingredients or grabbing a more affordable bite. Maybe that much is obvious as soon as Akira saw the state of his barebones apartment and the side of town that he lived in. ]
It's why Minato is, admittedly, a little relieved that Akira capitulates to being treated to a meal. His initial proposal was grabbing a cup of coffee with him, only for Akira to point out that he could simply brew the drinks himself. So here they are instead seated side-by-side, the omega watching as colorful little plates topped with sushi roll on by. ]
Eat as much as you want.
[ He means it, too. Even if Akira's appetite ended up catching him off guard, he'd ultimately figure something out. For now, Minato lifts his cup of tea to his lips, taking a small sip of the warm liquid. He makes no moves to reach over for his first piece of sushi. Instead, he waits for Akira to try the first bite. That's only polite, considering how Akira's the guest between the two of them.
He hopes it's good. Admittedly, Minato's never visited this restaurant before. Sushi's a rare treat for him, and considering how he typically dined alone, he'd much rather prefer throwing together miscellaneous ingredients or grabbing a more affordable bite. Maybe that much is obvious as soon as Akira saw the state of his barebones apartment and the side of town that he lived in. ]
pov: your not-bf ghosts you so you show up at his door instead bc you know where he lives now
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
rehabilitations
2025-08-02 09:43 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He always knows when his heat is about to kick in; he knows as soon as he starts feeling feverish he needs to decide whether he'll ride it out alone, or whether he needs to rush to one of the love hotels in town.
After spending all of his prior cycles with Akira, Minato had nearly forgotten how dreadful it could be to experience one alone. And after spending one too many of them trembling in bed on his own, he'd dragged himself to nearest establishment when he felt that familiar fever setting in.
He gets partway to Akira's workplace before realizing, no, he'd better go to the other one down the street from his apartment, the one he'd used to frequent before he started visiting the nicer one across town. He spends his next few heats there. As unsatisfactory as they are, the presence of an alpha shortens and controls the heats effectively enough. And while he hates the intense scents of unfamiliar alphas clinging to him, that hotel lacked betas on staff. There was no need for them to work there, not when they could easily find work at a nicer establishment.
It's been less than a week since Minato's heat finished. The mark on the side of his neck is still fresh, joining the haphazard collage of faded mating bites and newer marks from his more recent heats. He's still wrapped in the scent of his prior partner even as he stands at his door, hand resting upon the door knob. He recognizes the smell from behind it, can tell who it is knocking on its surface without looking through the peephole.
Something twists within his chest as his fingers curl around the doorknob. It's the exact person he didn't want to see. And yet, he knows if he doesn't open the door, Akira will come back tomorrow, the next day, and the day after that, and the day after that as well. So he finally pushes it open, standing in the doorway to meet Akira's gaze, schooling his features into an impassive look. ]
...what are you doing here?
[ An absurd question, considering how Minato already knows the answer. ]
After spending all of his prior cycles with Akira, Minato had nearly forgotten how dreadful it could be to experience one alone. And after spending one too many of them trembling in bed on his own, he'd dragged himself to nearest establishment when he felt that familiar fever setting in.
He gets partway to Akira's workplace before realizing, no, he'd better go to the other one down the street from his apartment, the one he'd used to frequent before he started visiting the nicer one across town. He spends his next few heats there. As unsatisfactory as they are, the presence of an alpha shortens and controls the heats effectively enough. And while he hates the intense scents of unfamiliar alphas clinging to him, that hotel lacked betas on staff. There was no need for them to work there, not when they could easily find work at a nicer establishment.
It's been less than a week since Minato's heat finished. The mark on the side of his neck is still fresh, joining the haphazard collage of faded mating bites and newer marks from his more recent heats. He's still wrapped in the scent of his prior partner even as he stands at his door, hand resting upon the door knob. He recognizes the smell from behind it, can tell who it is knocking on its surface without looking through the peephole.
Something twists within his chest as his fingers curl around the doorknob. It's the exact person he didn't want to see. And yet, he knows if he doesn't open the door, Akira will come back tomorrow, the next day, and the day after that, and the day after that as well. So he finally pushes it open, standing in the doorway to meet Akira's gaze, schooling his features into an impassive look. ]
...what are you doing here?
[ An absurd question, considering how Minato already knows the answer. ]
[ akira didn't have a strong opinion about the aquarium and he never had the opportunity to go in between his part-time jobs and studying. but now that he's not cramming for classes anymore, he has a little more time on his hands... enough that he doesn't immediately try to give the free tickets to the aquarium away when the parent of one of his clients he was tutoring gave them to him as a thank you. minato had insisted the sushi date was compensation, so akira technically didn't need to invite him out in return. he might not even want to go, but akira decided to ask anyway on the off chance that he would.
he just didn't expect minato to be so excited for it. not that anyone can tell that minato's excited just by looking at him, but akira's spent enough time with him now to see the signs, no matter how subtle they are. ]
There's the jellyfish exhibit over here. [ he shows minato the map of the aquarium, pointing at one fork in the hallway they're in. ] And that way is the shark exhibit. Which one do you want to see first?
he just didn't expect minato to be so excited for it. not that anyone can tell that minato's excited just by looking at him, but akira's spent enough time with him now to see the signs, no matter how subtle they are. ]
There's the jellyfish exhibit over here. [ he shows minato the map of the aquarium, pointing at one fork in the hallway they're in. ] And that way is the shark exhibit. Which one do you want to see first?
[ Minato's never actually visited the aquarium before. He's been aware of its existence ever since he moved to the area, but never quite had the chance to stop by. So his eyes lit up upon receiving Akira's invite, the small spark in those slate-blue eyes the only sign of his interest.
He's always been fond of the sea, of watching fish float on by. They remind him of his hometown along the shore, far away as it is nowadays.
He leans over a bit to the side to get a better look at the map, shoulder bumping gently against Akira's. Jellyfish or sharks? The answer is obvious: ]
Sharks.
[ His camera hangs around his neck, flash dutifully removed to avoid disturbing the aquatic life. It's a digital one today, though looks practically identical to the film camera Akira's probably spotted on his shelf.
Minato smiles a bit before wandering off a little ahead, glancing over his shoulder at Akira. ]
They're more fun to watch.
He's always been fond of the sea, of watching fish float on by. They remind him of his hometown along the shore, far away as it is nowadays.
He leans over a bit to the side to get a better look at the map, shoulder bumping gently against Akira's. Jellyfish or sharks? The answer is obvious: ]
Sharks.
[ His camera hangs around his neck, flash dutifully removed to avoid disturbing the aquatic life. It's a digital one today, though looks practically identical to the film camera Akira's probably spotted on his shelf.
Minato smiles a bit before wandering off a little ahead, glancing over his shoulder at Akira. ]
They're more fun to watch.
[ He must be dreaming. The warm arm slung over his waist must be be a trick of his mind, and the scent of Akira that fills his nose must be a figment of his imagination.
None of that disappears though, even as Minato feels himself teetering in and out of consciousness, barely half awake as he blinks blearily while stifling a yawn. That's right -- this is no dream. It truly is Akira curled around him, nose tucked against his neck and draped along his bare back. It means the faint smell of sex that still lingered within the air was real, that everything transpiring last night had been reality after all.
Minato pushes a long sigh from his lungs, feeling himself melting back into the sheets. It was all undeniably real. He'd been too exhausted to gather his belongings and slink back home, but maybe a part of him deep down truly wanted to stay after all. Maybe that part was real too.
He pushes it out of mind, shifting to settle a little closer against Akira's chest, feeling the curve of his companion's thigh against his backside. Getting changed seemed pointless after they were too worn out to get up again, but now that means Minato can feel Akira half-hard against him. And because Akira's probably exhausted from last night, he stays put, allowing the beta to continue resting and avoiding unintentionally waking him up. ]
None of that disappears though, even as Minato feels himself teetering in and out of consciousness, barely half awake as he blinks blearily while stifling a yawn. That's right -- this is no dream. It truly is Akira curled around him, nose tucked against his neck and draped along his bare back. It means the faint smell of sex that still lingered within the air was real, that everything transpiring last night had been reality after all.
Minato pushes a long sigh from his lungs, feeling himself melting back into the sheets. It was all undeniably real. He'd been too exhausted to gather his belongings and slink back home, but maybe a part of him deep down truly wanted to stay after all. Maybe that part was real too.
He pushes it out of mind, shifting to settle a little closer against Akira's chest, feeling the curve of his companion's thigh against his backside. Getting changed seemed pointless after they were too worn out to get up again, but now that means Minato can feel Akira half-hard against him. And because Akira's probably exhausted from last night, he stays put, allowing the beta to continue resting and avoiding unintentionally waking him up. ]
[ akira originally hadn't intended to invite minato over to his place, nor did he intend to have minato stay the night either. the weather had taken a poor turn after their date (was it a date? he still doesn't really know), and since they were close to his apartment, akira offered to have minato come up to wait out the storm. they tried to watch a movie but minato ended up in his lap halfway through it, and akira, in a moment of weakness, tried to kiss him.
minato turned away at the last second, an unreadable expression on his face, yet he didn't move away. he remained where he was, still perched on his lap, and akira learned how strange it is to feel both heartache and hope at the same time—a dangerous combination to be sure: hope is the worst thing to give because it means he may still have a chance, no matter how slim it is. and akira, who had spent his whole life creating and chasing opportunities when no one would give him any—he takes what he can get.
but now, as minato shifts in his arms and presses back against his chest, akira stirs briefly, the arm over minato's waist tightening its hold. he takes a deep breath and is greeted with minato's scent, nuzzling into sleep-warmed skin with a soft sound of contentment. he's slow to wake, the gauzy film of slumber still clinging to his consciousness, but his body moves on instinct: pulling minato closer and pressing a kiss to his bare shoulder, his hips rutting against the curve of his backside. ]
minato turned away at the last second, an unreadable expression on his face, yet he didn't move away. he remained where he was, still perched on his lap, and akira learned how strange it is to feel both heartache and hope at the same time—a dangerous combination to be sure: hope is the worst thing to give because it means he may still have a chance, no matter how slim it is. and akira, who had spent his whole life creating and chasing opportunities when no one would give him any—he takes what he can get.
but now, as minato shifts in his arms and presses back against his chest, akira stirs briefly, the arm over minato's waist tightening its hold. he takes a deep breath and is greeted with minato's scent, nuzzling into sleep-warmed skin with a soft sound of contentment. he's slow to wake, the gauzy film of slumber still clinging to his consciousness, but his body moves on instinct: pulling minato closer and pressing a kiss to his bare shoulder, his hips rutting against the curve of his backside. ]
[ akira has taken a wide variety of jobs since he moved out after high school—retail, cleaning, and the love hotel—but modeling wasn't something he'd dabbled in yet. well, sort of modeling; he's not entirely sure if it counts if it's just his hands. but minato asked, and akira has a strange affliction of being unable to say no to him, coupled with his curiosity at being able to watch minato work up close, his decision was already made the moment the question was asked.
he doesn't know too much about leather, but even he can recognize the quality of it as he pulls the gloves on. the leather is buttery-smooth, the color a deep, rich red, and they slide easily over his fingers to end just below his wrist. akira had initially assumed that most of minato's clients were local establishments or mainly bookstores, but neither is he surprised that higher end clothing brands would start reaching out to him, given his experience. it also means he has to make sure he does his part as well since minato has asked for his help, which, up until recently, was a typically rare occurrence.
akira flexes his hands, testing the give of the material before looking over at minato. ]
So where do you want me?
he doesn't know too much about leather, but even he can recognize the quality of it as he pulls the gloves on. the leather is buttery-smooth, the color a deep, rich red, and they slide easily over his fingers to end just below his wrist. akira had initially assumed that most of minato's clients were local establishments or mainly bookstores, but neither is he surprised that higher end clothing brands would start reaching out to him, given his experience. it also means he has to make sure he does his part as well since minato has asked for his help, which, up until recently, was a typically rare occurrence.
akira flexes his hands, testing the give of the material before looking over at minato. ]
So where do you want me?
Edited 2025-08-20 20:34 (UTC)
[ The studio's mostly bare, save for a leather couch the shade of mahogany and a white column, just tall enough for Akira to prop an elbow onto it and lean his chin against the palm of his hand. Across from them is a camera sitting on a tripod, something that Minato arranged right before he'd put the finishing touches on a couple extra lights, positioning them to capture adequate lighting around the set's future centerpiece. ]
Over there.
[ He nods in the direction of the couch. ]
Sit there and lean on the armrest. If you put your hands on top of it, I can position them for you.
[ Akira has nice hands: slender fingers perfect for having the ruby leather wrapped around them. In truth, it's one of the first things Minato noticed about him. He'd secretly spent some time during their first dinner together watching Akira out of the corner of his eye, observing his pretty fingers grasping at his chopsticks.
Minato heads over to the couch and pats the armrest. ]
...oh. The client sent the gloves as a complimentary pair. So you can keep them, if you'd like.
[ It's not like they'd fit him anyways. ]
Over there.
[ He nods in the direction of the couch. ]
Sit there and lean on the armrest. If you put your hands on top of it, I can position them for you.
[ Akira has nice hands: slender fingers perfect for having the ruby leather wrapped around them. In truth, it's one of the first things Minato noticed about him. He'd secretly spent some time during their first dinner together watching Akira out of the corner of his eye, observing his pretty fingers grasping at his chopsticks.
Minato heads over to the couch and pats the armrest. ]
...oh. The client sent the gloves as a complimentary pair. So you can keep them, if you'd like.
[ It's not like they'd fit him anyways. ]
pov u fucked around and found out during alarm fusion
rehabilitations
2025-09-09 03:20 am (UTC)(link)
[ sometimes fusions just... don't come out the way they're supposed to.
it's a gamble to initiate a fusion during an alarm—caroline and justine have warned him of such in no uncertain terms each time, and while they're usually a mixed bag after the first one, he's made it work for him in the end. he'd thought that this one would be the same: if the fusion succeeds in the way he wanted, he'd get messiah and finally obtain a persona with better healing. if it doesn't, he'd hopefully get something new for the compendium. not too much risk if he was prepared for the unexpected right at the onset.
... except nothing could really prepare him for it when the light fades and instead of a persona, it's a boy sleeping on the ground.
caroline and justine can't seem to understand it themselves, and they promptly kick both of them out of the velvet room before akira can attempt to get any answers. for once, he's glad that they're in mementos instead of a palace, but it still doesn't explain the boy's appearance or what to do with him. in the end, it's decided that akira should take him to leblanc and they can hopefully figure out his identity the next day.
taking a sleeping person through the trains isn't exactly ideal and he's loathe to wake the boy up in mementos or shibuya's scramble crossing. thankfully, the cab's driver that makoto calls for them doesn't ask, dropping them right over at leblanc and peeling off without another word. as akira adjusts his hold beneath the boy's thighs, he finally feels him stir, shifting against his back. ]
Morning. [ he tries to keep his tone even to mitigate the chance of startling him, but given that he's carrying him on his back (the boy feels awfully light), there's really not much else he can do. ] Do you feel all right enough to stand?
it's a gamble to initiate a fusion during an alarm—caroline and justine have warned him of such in no uncertain terms each time, and while they're usually a mixed bag after the first one, he's made it work for him in the end. he'd thought that this one would be the same: if the fusion succeeds in the way he wanted, he'd get messiah and finally obtain a persona with better healing. if it doesn't, he'd hopefully get something new for the compendium. not too much risk if he was prepared for the unexpected right at the onset.
... except nothing could really prepare him for it when the light fades and instead of a persona, it's a boy sleeping on the ground.
caroline and justine can't seem to understand it themselves, and they promptly kick both of them out of the velvet room before akira can attempt to get any answers. for once, he's glad that they're in mementos instead of a palace, but it still doesn't explain the boy's appearance or what to do with him. in the end, it's decided that akira should take him to leblanc and they can hopefully figure out his identity the next day.
taking a sleeping person through the trains isn't exactly ideal and he's loathe to wake the boy up in mementos or shibuya's scramble crossing. thankfully, the cab's driver that makoto calls for them doesn't ask, dropping them right over at leblanc and peeling off without another word. as akira adjusts his hold beneath the boy's thighs, he finally feels him stir, shifting against his back. ]
Morning. [ he tries to keep his tone even to mitigate the chance of startling him, but given that he's carrying him on his back (the boy feels awfully light), there's really not much else he can do. ] Do you feel all right enough to stand?
Edited 2025-09-09 11:06 (UTC)
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DL6_-pwz7Lp/?igsh=aHp6aGN0Y283dDVq
rehabilitations
2025-09-10 08:40 am (UTC)(link)
the model au without actually being a model au
[ On its face, it'll make for an odd set of photos, but nevertheless it's one that steadily rises to the top of Minato's request box. A group of Akira's fans even donated the exact wedding dress they wanted to see: all lace and floral with a skirt that stopped right at Akira's thighs.
It began with an offhand comment, mere light-hearted banter from Akira, that perhaps they should take full advantage of such a generous gift -- why not use it in a faux consummation of a union that never occurred? And that's precisely how Minato found himself flat on his back, toes curling in the sheets with Akira riding him all dressed in white.
Had Minato's eyes been opened instead of screwed shut with pleasure, he'd be able to appreciate how the skirt's lacy hem rested against Akira's firm thighs, how the lace trim at the front offered a full view of his chest rising and falling with every breath. Instead, his mind is seized by the way Akira clenches around his cock with every fluid roll of his hips. ]
This isn't -- aren't you supposed to be the demure bride?
[ Because there's nothing pure and demure about how hard Akira's riding him. ]
It began with an offhand comment, mere light-hearted banter from Akira, that perhaps they should take full advantage of such a generous gift -- why not use it in a faux consummation of a union that never occurred? And that's precisely how Minato found himself flat on his back, toes curling in the sheets with Akira riding him all dressed in white.
Had Minato's eyes been opened instead of screwed shut with pleasure, he'd be able to appreciate how the skirt's lacy hem rested against Akira's firm thighs, how the lace trim at the front offered a full view of his chest rising and falling with every breath. Instead, his mind is seized by the way Akira clenches around his cock with every fluid roll of his hips. ]
This isn't -- aren't you supposed to be the demure bride?
[ Because there's nothing pure and demure about how hard Akira's riding him. ]
me staring at the comment count that's now over 400
rehabilitations
- 2025-10-24 10:30 (UTC) - Expand[ After a week of cleaning and reorganizing Akira's cluttered home, Minato's finally begun to feel as if progress is being made. He can actually see the shelves now that everything's tidy and in its own spot, and the polished surface of Akira's work bench is finally visible too.
There's no rhyme or reason to any of Akira's trinkets. No two are alike, to the point where Minato's left wondering whether the wizard even acquired all the items strewn about for himself. Some of them look fairly rare, whereas others were more or less little figures folded from paper. Minato's found a spot for every single one of them, giving them a little place to call home no matter their monetary value.
He's almost done for the day and settles down in a chair near the hearth. There, he can catch his breath and readjust the apron Ken found for him. It's irritating being unable to exert himself as much as he'd like, but he'd pushed himself too far on day one and needed Ken and Morgana's combined efforts to get him to bed. The last thing he wants is a repeat of that embarrassing incident.
Minato exhales, his breath caught partway in his throat and morphing into an ugly cough. It rattles his chest as he feels his lungs desperately trying to expel something from them: small, pink petals clinging to his palm as his hand falls away from his lips.
He takes a deep breath to calm the ache in his chest before shoving the petals into the apron's pocket. Could be worse, he thinks. The cough and the flower petals that often follow are more annoying than anything else.
...in any event, he'll have to remember to toss those out when Ken and Akira aren't looking. ]
There's no rhyme or reason to any of Akira's trinkets. No two are alike, to the point where Minato's left wondering whether the wizard even acquired all the items strewn about for himself. Some of them look fairly rare, whereas others were more or less little figures folded from paper. Minato's found a spot for every single one of them, giving them a little place to call home no matter their monetary value.
He's almost done for the day and settles down in a chair near the hearth. There, he can catch his breath and readjust the apron Ken found for him. It's irritating being unable to exert himself as much as he'd like, but he'd pushed himself too far on day one and needed Ken and Morgana's combined efforts to get him to bed. The last thing he wants is a repeat of that embarrassing incident.
Minato exhales, his breath caught partway in his throat and morphing into an ugly cough. It rattles his chest as he feels his lungs desperately trying to expel something from them: small, pink petals clinging to his palm as his hand falls away from his lips.
He takes a deep breath to calm the ache in his chest before shoving the petals into the apron's pocket. Could be worse, he thinks. The cough and the flower petals that often follow are more annoying than anything else.
...in any event, he'll have to remember to toss those out when Ken and Akira aren't looking. ]
[ with the recent change in seasons, something has been going around the office. akira didn't think much of it at first aside from needing to do more work to make up for his coworkers' absence, but maybe the late nights have finally caught up to him. he manages to make it through most of the week before eventually succumbing to what he initially thought was just a stuffy nose, but turned into a bad cold on friday morning. he sleeps through minato's three alarms—a rare feat in itself—and by the time minato actually nudges him awake, akira almost sneezes in his face.
it's mostly a blur after that. minato pushes him back under the covers and takes his phone, telling him to rest while taking morgana with him. akira doesn't have it in him to protest and immediately goes back to sleep, not waking up once as minato gets ready to go in. it's only until later around lunchtime that he wakes to morgana patting at his cheek with his paw, alerting him to the sound of the key turning in the lock.
he squints at the bedside clock; it's too early for minato to be home... unless he took a half day? as he moves to get out of bed, another loud sneeze promptly sends him back down with a soft groan, burying his face in his pillow afterwards. ]
it's mostly a blur after that. minato pushes him back under the covers and takes his phone, telling him to rest while taking morgana with him. akira doesn't have it in him to protest and immediately goes back to sleep, not waking up once as minato gets ready to go in. it's only until later around lunchtime that he wakes to morgana patting at his cheek with his paw, alerting him to the sound of the key turning in the lock.
he squints at the bedside clock; it's too early for minato to be home... unless he took a half day? as he moves to get out of bed, another loud sneeze promptly sends him back down with a soft groan, burying his face in his pillow afterwards. ]
Edited 2025-10-16 02:34 (UTC)
[ What Minato will never disclose to Akira is this: he may as well take a half day considering how challenging it's been to concentrate at work. Over and over his mind drifted towards Akira, unable to shake off wondering whether Akira's awake again, whether he'd found the full kettle sitting atop the stovetop and the mug and teabag on their kitchen table.
Koromaru's the first to greet him at the door, nudging his damp nose against his knee before turning his attention on the plastic bag of congee containers clutched in Minato's hand. "Not for you, sorry," Minato tells him before heading straight for the kitchen, leaving that bag on the table before making his way towards the bedroom.
He knocks twice before pushing the door open and peering inside. ]
You're awake?
[ Minato slips inside, still clad in workwear as he takes a seat on the edge of the bed. He offers Akira a small smile to hide his concern, even if Akira's still got his face buried in his pillow. ]
I brought food. Have some, even if you're not hungry.
Koromaru's the first to greet him at the door, nudging his damp nose against his knee before turning his attention on the plastic bag of congee containers clutched in Minato's hand. "Not for you, sorry," Minato tells him before heading straight for the kitchen, leaving that bag on the table before making his way towards the bedroom.
He knocks twice before pushing the door open and peering inside. ]
You're awake?
[ Minato slips inside, still clad in workwear as he takes a seat on the edge of the bed. He offers Akira a small smile to hide his concern, even if Akira's still got his face buried in his pillow. ]
I brought food. Have some, even if you're not hungry.
not u being like we have non-smut threads and now this
rehabilitations
- 2025-10-16 11:00 (UTC) - Expand[ Akira's been busy lately. That's why, Minato assumes, his food supply's dropped dangerously low. He'd tried rationing out what was left, waiting for the demon lord to announce he had time to head to the surface.
But there's only one loaf of bread left. He'll be out of food in a few hours. While there wasn't a day and night cycle in hell, Minato's learned to measure time based on when he started to feel hungry. It's how he knows that Akira's been in a meeting for several hours with his officers crowded around a table.
Minato lingers behind the door, weighing the potential consequences of interrupting Akira's meeting. The demon's never raised his voice at him, nor has he ever been unkind. There's no need for trepidation, and yet, he finds his hand trembling a bit as he knocks on the door. He's under Akira's protection, and Akira's expressed that he'd like Minato to reach out if he ever needed anything. But it's difficult to buck the fact that a mortal is about to interrupt an entire council of underworld powers.
He knocks twice before pushing open the door, peering inside as his gaze sweeps over the assembled guests. It's easy to spot Akira: he's seated in the most ornate chair, one that fits his title. ]
Akira?
[ Whoops. Should he be addressing Akira by his official title? Too late now. ]
...can we get more food soon?
But there's only one loaf of bread left. He'll be out of food in a few hours. While there wasn't a day and night cycle in hell, Minato's learned to measure time based on when he started to feel hungry. It's how he knows that Akira's been in a meeting for several hours with his officers crowded around a table.
Minato lingers behind the door, weighing the potential consequences of interrupting Akira's meeting. The demon's never raised his voice at him, nor has he ever been unkind. There's no need for trepidation, and yet, he finds his hand trembling a bit as he knocks on the door. He's under Akira's protection, and Akira's expressed that he'd like Minato to reach out if he ever needed anything. But it's difficult to buck the fact that a mortal is about to interrupt an entire council of underworld powers.
He knocks twice before pushing open the door, peering inside as his gaze sweeps over the assembled guests. It's easy to spot Akira: he's seated in the most ornate chair, one that fits his title. ]
Akira?
[ Whoops. Should he be addressing Akira by his official title? Too late now. ]
...can we get more food soon?
[ when akira was looking for an interesting way to pay tuition fees in his last year of undergrad, he wasn't really expecting all of this.
he'd met makoto at todai: she was a police liaison and akira’s first case as a private student detective had crossed her wires. how he went from solving a stalking case to investigating a sex trafficking network masquerading as an underground fight club is honestly beyond him, but life had a curious way of snowballing in unexpected directions.
getting tangled with the hashiba clan was also unexpected, but iwai's soft spot for rebellious boys who cared too much worked in his favor. akira's undercover work got them the information needed for the police to raid the fight club and put an end to the kinokami clan once and for all, with the hashiba set to clean up kabukicho in the aftermath—two birds, one stone. pulling minato out of his shady contract deal with tanaka was a very nice cherry on top of it all; iwai needed a new employee to fill in at the air soft shop anyway once the new legislative session starts and all of akira's days would be spent at the diet.
now that they're a little over three months in, he thinks they're making progress, at least. the line of minato's shoulders has loosened in increments, and he looks less like he's perpetually two seconds away from knocking akira on his ass when he so much as breathes in his direction. valid, honestly, given akira's penchant for teasing and pushing his buttons. actually, he almost seems like he looks forward to akira showing up at the air soft shop just before closing time to help with break down when he's able to, which is a very dangerous observation in and of itself, but one that akira can't help but notice every time.
and all of that definitely doesn't help now, as he opens the door to his apartment and waves minato in. ]
Do you want anything to drink? [ he asks, shedding his suit jacket and tie while stepping out of his shoes. ] Water? Coffee?
[ it's past nine at night but he may as well offer anyway. it's not minato's first time coming over to his place for a massage to ease the aches and pains of his old injuries, but akira is always keenly aware of his presence in his space as if it is his first time. ]
he'd met makoto at todai: she was a police liaison and akira’s first case as a private student detective had crossed her wires. how he went from solving a stalking case to investigating a sex trafficking network masquerading as an underground fight club is honestly beyond him, but life had a curious way of snowballing in unexpected directions.
getting tangled with the hashiba clan was also unexpected, but iwai's soft spot for rebellious boys who cared too much worked in his favor. akira's undercover work got them the information needed for the police to raid the fight club and put an end to the kinokami clan once and for all, with the hashiba set to clean up kabukicho in the aftermath—two birds, one stone. pulling minato out of his shady contract deal with tanaka was a very nice cherry on top of it all; iwai needed a new employee to fill in at the air soft shop anyway once the new legislative session starts and all of akira's days would be spent at the diet.
now that they're a little over three months in, he thinks they're making progress, at least. the line of minato's shoulders has loosened in increments, and he looks less like he's perpetually two seconds away from knocking akira on his ass when he so much as breathes in his direction. valid, honestly, given akira's penchant for teasing and pushing his buttons. actually, he almost seems like he looks forward to akira showing up at the air soft shop just before closing time to help with break down when he's able to, which is a very dangerous observation in and of itself, but one that akira can't help but notice every time.
and all of that definitely doesn't help now, as he opens the door to his apartment and waves minato in. ]
Do you want anything to drink? [ he asks, shedding his suit jacket and tie while stepping out of his shoes. ] Water? Coffee?
[ it's past nine at night but he may as well offer anyway. it's not minato's first time coming over to his place for a massage to ease the aches and pains of his old injuries, but akira is always keenly aware of his presence in his space as if it is his first time. ]
Edited 2025-10-22 09:31 (UTC)
[ Life is much quieter these days. Minato's still not quite used to it even with his fourth month of freedom just around the corner. Fairy tale endings and happily ever afters were meant for good boys and girls, the sorts that hadn't turned to illegal fight rings as their main source of income. It barely counted as such in Minato's eyes though, given how anything he earned back then went straight into Tanaka's pocket.
It's strange not having to wander with his head down to keep a low profile. Authorities aside, there'd always been the risk of a disgruntled opponent catching him unawares, employing underhanded tactics to boost their future chances of success. These days, he makes the uneventful walk from his studio apartment to Iwai's shop, filling the hours with matching customers to their desired model guns and taking stock of the business' inventory.
It's honest work. It's good work. Maybe it'll feel right even for someone like him someday. But when the skies are gray and the smell of rain lingers in the air, his body aches as a reminder of his old life: a formerly dislocated shoulder that was forced too roughly back into place, a fractured leg that Takemi's limited resources could only do so much for him, a torn muscle in his side all stiff with scar tissue. These are the things reminding him that his current life is no dream.
Akira caught him at the tail end of his shift standing with most of his weight supported by his right leg. It's a dead giveaway that the fluctuating air pressure has been unforgiving lately, or maybe it was the fact that he'd bristled a bit when Akira started some light conversation, not in the mood for idle smalltalk given the throb in his shoulder. He'd insisted everything was fine, unused to sharing any signs of physical weakness -- yet another old habit from his former work.
Luckily for Minato, Akira's patient, even insists that he come over so that Akira can tend to him. He doesn't know where or how Akira learned how to soothe aches with his hands alone, but whoever taught him did so incredibly well. The first time Akira managed to cajole him into helping, Minato could hardly believe how limber he felt the next day.
And so he's returned here, carefully slipping his own shoes off to avoid further aggravating any sore spots. ]
Just water.
[ He nudges the shoes aside with his toe. There's a small frown on his face, not yet prepared to meet Akira's gaze. ]
...sorry for snapping at you earlier. You probably had a long day too.
It's strange not having to wander with his head down to keep a low profile. Authorities aside, there'd always been the risk of a disgruntled opponent catching him unawares, employing underhanded tactics to boost their future chances of success. These days, he makes the uneventful walk from his studio apartment to Iwai's shop, filling the hours with matching customers to their desired model guns and taking stock of the business' inventory.
It's honest work. It's good work. Maybe it'll feel right even for someone like him someday. But when the skies are gray and the smell of rain lingers in the air, his body aches as a reminder of his old life: a formerly dislocated shoulder that was forced too roughly back into place, a fractured leg that Takemi's limited resources could only do so much for him, a torn muscle in his side all stiff with scar tissue. These are the things reminding him that his current life is no dream.
Akira caught him at the tail end of his shift standing with most of his weight supported by his right leg. It's a dead giveaway that the fluctuating air pressure has been unforgiving lately, or maybe it was the fact that he'd bristled a bit when Akira started some light conversation, not in the mood for idle smalltalk given the throb in his shoulder. He'd insisted everything was fine, unused to sharing any signs of physical weakness -- yet another old habit from his former work.
Luckily for Minato, Akira's patient, even insists that he come over so that Akira can tend to him. He doesn't know where or how Akira learned how to soothe aches with his hands alone, but whoever taught him did so incredibly well. The first time Akira managed to cajole him into helping, Minato could hardly believe how limber he felt the next day.
And so he's returned here, carefully slipping his own shoes off to avoid further aggravating any sore spots. ]
Just water.
[ He nudges the shoes aside with his toe. There's a small frown on his face, not yet prepared to meet Akira's gaze. ]
...sorry for snapping at you earlier. You probably had a long day too.
stares at this catchall.... are u sure u can't believe it
rehabilitations
- 2025-10-23 22:17 (UTC) - Expand[ It's only after entering the changing room where his costume awaits does Minato realize why Yukari all but pleaded for him to take the show's guest slot for her. ]
I'm not really sure what's behind the appeal...
[ He knows Yukari gave enough of an advance notice for the show to switch around its script. There'd been plenty of time for the showrunners to decide on a new outfit. And yet, it appears they'd decided to keep the risqué bunny outfit, even going as far as to ensure it fit him properly.
Minato stands before the full-body mirror, canting his head a bit to rub the tip of one velvet ear between a thumb and index finger. The sleeveless and strapless body suit, complete with a white tail, hugs his lithe figure, even properly clinging to his flat chest. A pair of black tights and heels accompany the costume along with a faux collar, bowtie, and crisp sleeve cuffs. Even Minato finds himself impressed by the costume department's attention to detail. ]
It doesn't really fit my image, but maybe that's the point?
[ He turns away from the mirror to face Akira, letting go of the rabbit ear to place a hand on one slightly cocked hip. ]
How do I look?
[ It's just the two of them here, the rest of Minato's security detail gathering in the studio. By now, Akira's had his current position long enough for the rest to occasionally trust him as Minato's sole source of protection. It's for that very reason Akira's role oftentimes shifts from bodyguard to personal assistant, and thus, is blessed with being the first person to lay eyes on Minato wearing the bunny costume. ]
I'm not really sure what's behind the appeal...
[ He knows Yukari gave enough of an advance notice for the show to switch around its script. There'd been plenty of time for the showrunners to decide on a new outfit. And yet, it appears they'd decided to keep the risqué bunny outfit, even going as far as to ensure it fit him properly.
Minato stands before the full-body mirror, canting his head a bit to rub the tip of one velvet ear between a thumb and index finger. The sleeveless and strapless body suit, complete with a white tail, hugs his lithe figure, even properly clinging to his flat chest. A pair of black tights and heels accompany the costume along with a faux collar, bowtie, and crisp sleeve cuffs. Even Minato finds himself impressed by the costume department's attention to detail. ]
It doesn't really fit my image, but maybe that's the point?
[ He turns away from the mirror to face Akira, letting go of the rabbit ear to place a hand on one slightly cocked hip. ]
How do I look?
[ It's just the two of them here, the rest of Minato's security detail gathering in the studio. By now, Akira's had his current position long enough for the rest to occasionally trust him as Minato's sole source of protection. It's for that very reason Akira's role oftentimes shifts from bodyguard to personal assistant, and thus, is blessed with being the first person to lay eyes on Minato wearing the bunny costume. ]
[ the first time akira had spent the night with minato, it was surprisingly tame. he'd asked minato to play the koto while he sat across from him, sipping from the bottle of fine sake the pleasure house typically reserves for their higher class clients, and then thanked him with a sizable tip and a kiss to the back of his hand once their time was up. he didn't touch minato at all aside from that, seemingly content to just sit and watch him play, and it was the same the second time he requested minato again two weeks later. he watched minato play until he finished his sake, and left with another large tip and a kiss to his hand. it wasn't until a month had passed before akira showed up at the pleasure house again.
but this third time is different. instead of sitting across from minato, akira sat directly behind him to watch, sitting close enough that minato's back was flush to his chest. he didn't ask minato to play another after he finished his first song, leaning in to nuzzle against the bare skin of minato's nape, pressing kisses just above the fabric of his kimono. minato had turned his head to look at him over his shoulder, and akira took the opportunity to kiss him instead. ]
You're very good, [ he says between kisses, slipping his hand into the gap of minato's kimono to palm over his knee to his thigh. ] How long have you been playing?
but this third time is different. instead of sitting across from minato, akira sat directly behind him to watch, sitting close enough that minato's back was flush to his chest. he didn't ask minato to play another after he finished his first song, leaning in to nuzzle against the bare skin of minato's nape, pressing kisses just above the fabric of his kimono. minato had turned his head to look at him over his shoulder, and akira took the opportunity to kiss him instead. ]
You're very good, [ he says between kisses, slipping his hand into the gap of minato's kimono to palm over his knee to his thigh. ] How long have you been playing?
Edited 2025-11-30 11:23 (UTC)
[ Only now, during their third meeting, does "Makoto" turn to truly look at Akira. Perhaps it was in part out of habit; the men he'd entertained in the past expected an aloof courtesan, distant in mannerism with a colder demeanor. It suits his purposes, explaining away his reticence and general disinterest in entertaining clients with his body outside of his lips.
But today Makoto looks back, gaze lifting to meet the young lordling's eyes as his fingers hover above the koto's strings. The kiss is unexpected, but he parts his lips anyways to permit his client's indulgence. It's a convenient excuse for silence, even if the pleasure house's manager warned Yoshida's protege in advance of this particular courtesan's refusal to say anything aloud.
Makoto's half-lidded eyes lower to his knee, tracking the movement of Akira's hand beneath his silver and blue kimono. How inconvenient, he thinks, that his client hasn't indulged in a bit of sake tonight. It would aid in tonight's task, something extra to blunt Akira's senses and his coordination. But even without plying him with a bit of alcohol, it shouldn't be too difficult.
Akinari Kamiki did not deserve to die. His days were numbered even without having his throat slit in his bed, given the severity of his declining physical condition.
It is only right that Yoshida Toranosuke suffers the same pain experienced by Kamiki's mother.
Makoto pauses in his playing, one hand lifting from the koto's strings to gently rest a hand over Akira's. He kisses him back with a little bit of teeth, a warning not to let that palm roam anywhere else. He hadn't paid the appropriate fee to explore him with his hands; in truth, a little higher and Akira's fingertips would brush against the tip of a knife's sheath. ]
But today Makoto looks back, gaze lifting to meet the young lordling's eyes as his fingers hover above the koto's strings. The kiss is unexpected, but he parts his lips anyways to permit his client's indulgence. It's a convenient excuse for silence, even if the pleasure house's manager warned Yoshida's protege in advance of this particular courtesan's refusal to say anything aloud.
Makoto's half-lidded eyes lower to his knee, tracking the movement of Akira's hand beneath his silver and blue kimono. How inconvenient, he thinks, that his client hasn't indulged in a bit of sake tonight. It would aid in tonight's task, something extra to blunt Akira's senses and his coordination. But even without plying him with a bit of alcohol, it shouldn't be too difficult.
Akinari Kamiki did not deserve to die. His days were numbered even without having his throat slit in his bed, given the severity of his declining physical condition.
It is only right that Yoshida Toranosuke suffers the same pain experienced by Kamiki's mother.
Makoto pauses in his playing, one hand lifting from the koto's strings to gently rest a hand over Akira's. He kisses him back with a little bit of teeth, a warning not to let that palm roam anywhere else. He hadn't paid the appropriate fee to explore him with his hands; in truth, a little higher and Akira's fingertips would brush against the tip of a knife's sheath. ]
[ they've been playing for so long that akira didn't notice the time until he happened to glance at the clock on the wall across from them, realizing they've gone way past dinner time. him and minato are the only ones left in the studio, and before they end up playing for the rest of the night, akira calls for a break to order take out. the song is almost done at this point, he just needs to work out the bridge and it'll be ready for the others to play. with minato's help, he's confident that this will help get the band's name out there with their next performance.
akira would have never expected futaba's recommendation of a stand-in keyboardist to become a staple in their band and in akira's life, but he's far from complaining about it. most of the band's songs were written by him with input from ryuji and futaba, but minato clicks with him in a way he's never been able to with anyone else. he notices things that akira has never considered, providing a different perspective and depth of sound that akira wouldn't have been able to achieve on his own; unsurprising, given how talented minato already is.
and maybe this is unsurprising too, as he sits on the piano bench with minato in his lap, his now boyfriend's slender fingers covering his. it's an easy song with a simple melody, one that akira has already picked up on but pretends he hasn't yet, watching their fingers move in tandem as minato guides him over the right keys. with his attention split, he misses the last key, the discordant sound lingering in the air. ]
One more time?
akira would have never expected futaba's recommendation of a stand-in keyboardist to become a staple in their band and in akira's life, but he's far from complaining about it. most of the band's songs were written by him with input from ryuji and futaba, but minato clicks with him in a way he's never been able to with anyone else. he notices things that akira has never considered, providing a different perspective and depth of sound that akira wouldn't have been able to achieve on his own; unsurprising, given how talented minato already is.
and maybe this is unsurprising too, as he sits on the piano bench with minato in his lap, his now boyfriend's slender fingers covering his. it's an easy song with a simple melody, one that akira has already picked up on but pretends he hasn't yet, watching their fingers move in tandem as minato guides him over the right keys. with his attention split, he misses the last key, the discordant sound lingering in the air. ]
One more time?
[ Minato hadn't known what to expect when he saw Futaba's message that night, only that something urgent had come up for her and so she was practically prostrating herself before him, groveling and asking if he'd cover a gig for her. Except, that "one time" cameo become another collaboration with her band, then another, and another.
Now, he's sitting at the piano in the group's lead guitarist's lap, carefully guiding his his fingers along the keys. He gently presses down one finger at a time, moving Akira's hands up and down the keyboard. And it's because his fingers rest over Akira's that he feels the guitarist's fingertip slip from the correct one. ]
What happened? You were doing so well before.
[ It's a simple tune with a classic chord progression, one that's been recycled across the ages ever since the time of Johann Pachelbel. Minato's fifth finger stretches out a bit to hook itself over Akira's, guiding it back to the proper note. Once it's arrived there, his finger slides back over the top, pressing down until the note rings true. ]
I can feel you pressing the keys even before I show you the right notes. You've already picked up on it the song, haven't you?
Now, he's sitting at the piano in the group's lead guitarist's lap, carefully guiding his his fingers along the keys. He gently presses down one finger at a time, moving Akira's hands up and down the keyboard. And it's because his fingers rest over Akira's that he feels the guitarist's fingertip slip from the correct one. ]
What happened? You were doing so well before.
[ It's a simple tune with a classic chord progression, one that's been recycled across the ages ever since the time of Johann Pachelbel. Minato's fifth finger stretches out a bit to hook itself over Akira's, guiding it back to the proper note. Once it's arrived there, his finger slides back over the top, pressing down until the note rings true. ]
I can feel you pressing the keys even before I show you the right notes. You've already picked up on it the song, haven't you?
Edited 2025-12-18 01:04 (UTC)
[ There's gentle mindfulness in the way Minato drapes Akira's soft tail across his palm. He eyes the unruly fur with a pensive air, smoothing his other hand over it. Instead of lifting it to his lips to meet his bent head halfway, he hesitates.
This is broaching new territory given how Minato's never groomed anyone else in the past. He'd never had the opportunity, always designated as his owners' sole pet. But it always felt nice whenever Mitsuko ran a brush over his own tail or used its bristles to smooth out the fur on his ears, so he assumes it'll feel just as soothing to have his tongue taming all of Akira's tangles.
Finally, Minato dips his head to lap a few inches from the tip of the other cat's tail, running his tongue all the way down its top to the very end, repeating the motion a couple more times. It's then that realizes Akira's tail's gone tense in his hand, compelling Minato to lower it from his lips while murmuring an apology. ]
I'm sorry. Am I doing it wrong?
[ He's groomed his own tail from time to time, but doing it for someone else is quite different. ]
This is broaching new territory given how Minato's never groomed anyone else in the past. He'd never had the opportunity, always designated as his owners' sole pet. But it always felt nice whenever Mitsuko ran a brush over his own tail or used its bristles to smooth out the fur on his ears, so he assumes it'll feel just as soothing to have his tongue taming all of Akira's tangles.
Finally, Minato dips his head to lap a few inches from the tip of the other cat's tail, running his tongue all the way down its top to the very end, repeating the motion a couple more times. It's then that realizes Akira's tail's gone tense in his hand, compelling Minato to lower it from his lips while murmuring an apology. ]
I'm sorry. Am I doing it wrong?
[ He's groomed his own tail from time to time, but doing it for someone else is quite different. ]
[ like many things that involve ryuji, it starts with a dare, and because akira can never back down from a challenge, there was really no other choice.
a part of him wonders if the number is legit. he didn't think phone sex lines were still popular these days, but trends tend to come and go too quickly for him to keep up with anyway; for all he knows, this is the new alternative to dating apps. if the number turns out to be fake, then he'll hang up and move on, and get a free beef bowl out of it courtesy of ryuji. simple and easy.
he isn't sure what he was expecting, but the call connects after the second ring and an automated voice greets him, prompting him to provide a name. akira reaches for the first thing he thinks of (because contrary to popular belief, he's reckless but not completely stupid)— ]
Amamiya Ren.
a part of him wonders if the number is legit. he didn't think phone sex lines were still popular these days, but trends tend to come and go too quickly for him to keep up with anyway; for all he knows, this is the new alternative to dating apps. if the number turns out to be fake, then he'll hang up and move on, and get a free beef bowl out of it courtesy of ryuji. simple and easy.
he isn't sure what he was expecting, but the call connects after the second ring and an automated voice greets him, prompting him to provide a name. akira reaches for the first thing he thinks of (because contrary to popular belief, he's reckless but not completely stupid)— ]
Amamiya Ren.
Edited 2026-02-10 15:00 (UTC)
[ Akira can be found at Sojiro's ice rink at eight in the morning, practicing for three hours. Once the clock strikes eleven, he takes a break for lunch, before spending the early afternoon doing some lighter exercises.
That routine continued, even after Kotone's sudden passing. Even after Minato's abrupt retirement, Akira kept showing up at the ice rink to practice.
For that reason, Minato knows that's where he'll find Akira today.
There's a blue insulated cooler at his side where he sits outside the rink in a gray coat, hands folded quietly as he watches Akira glide across the ice. Music blares from the speakers as he spins in time with it. Must be a new short program he's debuting despite the Olympics being just around the corner, he thinks, all while mildly surprised that Mitsuru would let him do so. Then again, she was a bolder skater in her youth, taking risks that always paid off when it came to scoring.
Akira hasn't looked in his direction once. Too absorbed in his program, which is precisely the way it should be. Minato's content to watch quietly, feeling the familiar chill of the ice rink biting at his fingers. Despite the cold, there's something oddly comforting about all of it, as if Kotone were sitting right next to him cheering Akira on.
...and then there's Akira, under-rotating on a jump and falling right on the ice. ]
That routine continued, even after Kotone's sudden passing. Even after Minato's abrupt retirement, Akira kept showing up at the ice rink to practice.
For that reason, Minato knows that's where he'll find Akira today.
There's a blue insulated cooler at his side where he sits outside the rink in a gray coat, hands folded quietly as he watches Akira glide across the ice. Music blares from the speakers as he spins in time with it. Must be a new short program he's debuting despite the Olympics being just around the corner, he thinks, all while mildly surprised that Mitsuru would let him do so. Then again, she was a bolder skater in her youth, taking risks that always paid off when it came to scoring.
Akira hasn't looked in his direction once. Too absorbed in his program, which is precisely the way it should be. Minato's content to watch quietly, feeling the familiar chill of the ice rink biting at his fingers. Despite the cold, there's something oddly comforting about all of it, as if Kotone were sitting right next to him cheering Akira on.
...and then there's Akira, under-rotating on a jump and falling right on the ice. ]
pov: you make your olympic and relationship debut on international television
rehabilitations
- 2026-02-20 00:23 (UTC) - Expand
Page 1 of 2