Chapter Text
“No, that's not–” Atsushi pinches the bridge of his nose. “That’s not what I was asking Ma’am.”
He stares across the counter. Old, weathered eyes meet his own. The same lady who served him and Akutagawa only days ago – Komaki, he learned her name was. - was giving him a tough time.
“Sweet boy, very polite that Ryuunosuke is. Never causes an ounce of trouble around here.” She responds back, almost like a robot. Mafia owned was right, she was not willing to give away any information.
“Yes, yes. He’s very nice, you’ve said, I know. I only want to know if there's anything he gets in here usually? Like any specific dessert? Cake?” Atsushi grips the counter, he was desperate. He hadn't heard from or seen Akutagawa for three days, not since he witnessed Akutagawa’s face twist from bliss to terror.
The first day, Atsushi contemplated his life decisions. He had kissed Akutagawa, immediately after a confession of…
Atsushi wasn't sure.
“Your life is precious to me.”
He was happy to hear the words in the moment, all their actions leading up to that point seemed to click into place. Then they had kissed, solidifying the feelings that had been inhabiting his body far longer than he originally predicted.
The second day, he considered pestering Dazai for Akutagawa’s phone number; he knew his senior had it. He’d once offered it to Atsushi, which at the time he'd refused with the excuse that he didn't need another way of Akutagawa contacting him, detailing all the ways he dreams for his demise.
Curse his past self, he’d kill for one of those texts now.
And so, the rest of the second day he spent wallowing, wondering how something so sweet turned so sour.
Today was the third day. The day he vowed to put a plan into action, the first step being here in the mafia owned cafe situated next door to that very same convenience store they’d picked out iced teas.
Atsushi had drunk both after Akutagawa left them. If the asshole was going to rush out without explanation and forget them, then he'd help himself at least.
After downing the apple and cinnamon and sipping on the peach earl gray he sulked. Akutagawa would've liked that one for sure so he picked up another before ending up here.
“Cake?” Komaki looks almost confused. “Well, I suppose he's grabbed a slice once or twice.” She moves behind the deli case, leaning down to peer inside. “I believe he’s asked for matcha cheesecake before…”
“That'll do! I’ll take it.” Atsushi sags, emotionally alleviated after the ordeal.
Komaki returns with a slice dusted in matcha powder, she boxes it up neatly as Atsushi reaches into his pocket. “How much do I owe you?”
“This is for Ryuunosuke-kun?” She asks, to which Atsushi nods. “On the house.”
“But–” Atsushi tries but Komaki only smiles and shakes her head, handing over the small brown paper bag.
Atsushi takes it and smiles at the generosity. “Thank you!” He waves behind him, heading for the exit.
“Come again soon Atsushi-kun!” She calls back from behind the counter and Atsushi turns back puzzled.
“Komaki-san, you know my name?” He asks, half out the door.
Komaki laughs then. “Anyone who knows Ryuunosuke-kun, knows you tiger boy.”
Ah, well I guess they do.
Akutagawa was right, only twenty minutes by train from Yokohama station would get you to the Kanazawa ward. Brown paper bag in hand, he finds himself walking the same streets he did that night, all those weeks ago after a late job. A pure coincidence that he’d come face to face with Akutagawa here before, or so he thought at the time.
The sky had darkened on his train ride over, stars littered the sky like a connecting puzzle and the street lamps illuminated the concrete. Dry this time, he notes. Although he doesn't expect to be on his back in an alleyway any time soon.
“Akutagawa!” He shouts at the top of his lungs. If he didn’t know where Akutagawa lived, he would seek him out himself.
Did he look oddly insane? Perhaps, but love will do that to a man.
His legs carry him at a fast pace, letting his voice travel throughout every nook and cranny. Akutagawa was going to hear him, even if it did cost him his voice and reputation.
He keeps shouting, even four streets in and still no sign. He wasn't exhausted, no the tiger wouldn't allow that so soon.
On the sixth street he finally starts panting. He takes a small breather, bent over and palms against his knees as he catches his breath. “Akutagawa!” He yells again.
“Are you usually this exuberant so late into the evening, weretiger?” A voice calls from above, Atsushi turns immediately at the all telling voice and tone. “Or would you rather ‘rumbustious’?”
“Akutagawa…” Atsushi stares in astonishment, voice far quieter now. Akutagawa leans out from an open window to a house with a tall gate on the front. He's pretty, Atsushi realizes. Always pretty.
“Yes, that is my name. It seems the entire neighborhood is aware of that now too.” He muses. He doesn't seem angry at least. His eyes are not on Atsushi’s, rather behind him where the twitching of curtains and flickering of lights are present. “You’d better come up. The code is zero five, zero five.”
With that the window is shut and curtains are drawn. Atsushi takes a breath, approaching the gate he does see some sort of electronic lock. He punches in the same numbers Akutagawa stated before. It flashes green and there's a clicking noise. Atsushi presumes that means it's unlocked. He pushes the latch and it opens effortlessly.
He ensures that it closes behind him as he heads down the narrow path toward the back of the building. There's a staircase that wraps around that leads to only one door. On the wall there's a wooden plate engraved with ‘Akutagawa’.
He knocks three times, despite Akutagawa only moments ago inviting him up.
“Who is it?” The same voice calls from behind the door.
Atsushi groans, “Don’t be an ass, just let me in.”
“Hm…” The voice ponders. “I don't know, seeing you humiliate yourself like that was rather amusing.”
“Akutagawa–” Atsushi starts to growl, just as the door clicks and opens. A hand reaches out and hauls him inside.
“If anyone tells my sister that you've been here, I am not going to hear the end of it.” Atsushi is pushed back against the door, causing it to shut behind him. Akutagawa holds him there for a moment before releasing him and stepping back, arms crossed.
Atsushi only takes in some brief information of his surroundings, considering Akutagawa is in front of him and wearing a gorgeous dark, maroon lace blouse and a pair of what seemed like black leggings. It’s as if he expected Atsushi’s arrival, though from his incessant yelling of his name, maybe he did.
The apartment though itself wasn't tiny, not exactly large either but enough to house at least two or three people comfortably.
“Gin? Shit– I didn't bring them–” Atsushi frets. He knew they lived alongside Akutagawa, how could he forget to bring them an offering too?
“They’re not home, haven't been for days.” Akutagawa turns. He heads backwards, past the open kitchen and into the lounge area, he sits on the couch and motions for Atsushi to join.
He does so, bringing the now crumpled paper bag along with him. It's a little pathetic looking now and Akutagawa eyes it like he thinks so too.
How embarrassing.
He holds it out nonetheless, along with the bottled tea he re-bought. “I got you this from that mafia owned cafe. Komaki-san said you may have ordered it before.” Akutagawa takes it, opening it quietly. Once he takes out the box Atsushi continues. "I wanted to say sorry, for the other day– If I overstepped any boundaries or I don't know–” His face flushes, “Maybe I wasn't a good kisser or–”
“Shut up, weretiger.” Akutagawa cuts him off, the usual malice behind the tone absent. He opens the box to find the slice still almost perfectly intact inside. “Matcha latte cheesecake.” He comments, “I usually pick this up for Gin. It's usually devoured before I get to try a bite.”
He places the box and bottle on the low table in front of him. “Do not apologize.” He starts. Atsushi wishes to interrupt and it seems Akutagawa catches on because he holds up a finger to silence him.
He coughs a few times, low and chesty. He taps his sternum twice with his fist which seems to help.
“You don't do that so much anymore–” Atsushi pushes, a hidden question behind his concern.
Akutagawa clears his throat. “I’m getting to that, patience if you will.”
Atsushi nods.
“I apologize that my sudden exit the other day troubled you. I got in my own head and convinced myself of things that were deeply distressing.” He adjusts himself on the couch, a little less guarded.
“Weretiger, for some unknown reason our fates are tied. Wrapping and twisting around each other which have proven unbreakable. My lung disease– is marginally better, or as my doctor put it ‘miraculously healed.’”
Atsushi beams at the news. “Akutagawa that’s– that's amazing! But how–”
“I already reminded you of patience, did I not?” Akutagawa sighs, the tips of his ears now red. “You recall when I was vampirised that I drank your blood?”
How could he forget?
“Your blood regenerated my lungs. Not quite a full heal, but I attend weekly appointments at the pharmacy, they provide me with medicine that keeps it from escalating. Your blood saved me, Atsushi."
The rate at which Atsushi’s heart races at the news of this information is borderline worrying. “Akutagawa I–”
“No, there's yet more humiliating details for me to share.” Akutagawa massages his temple, a sign of annoyance Atsushi had noted - or at least when he wanted to show his annoyance.
“That's not all your blood did to me. I– hm. Perhaps it's better if I just show you.” Akutagawa stands from the couch and Atsushi’s eyes follow, uncertain. “Do not laugh.”
Rashomon ripples red from the shoulders of his blouse, zipping out at amazing speed and wrapping around his body.
Tenma Tengai. Atsushi remembers, he’s seen this form countless times now. Although, what he doesn't expect are the black lines that form, emerging from the skin next to his ear and running toward the center of his cheek. They look almost tattoo-like, but as Atsushi stands and gets closer he notices they’re slightly fuzzy.
“Tiger stripes…” He whispers, reaching out to brush his fingertips over them.
“They only form when using a defensive move such as Tenma Tengai or Spacial Distortion.” He leans into the touch slightly, savoring it.
“I’ve been informed that the ability within the blood, it's a sign of… protection. It may fade overtime, it could be permanent, they are unsure.” Akutagawa looks away, into the mirror placed on the wall.
“I despised them at first. Hated how my body needed the blood of the weretiger to make itself functional. The tiger protecting me, it was absurd. Just another thing for you to dangle over my head like the victor you are.”
Atsushi frowns, face forming into a small pout. Akutagawa turns to look at him, he huffs almost fondly, cupping Atsushi’s cheek as Rashomon dissipates, stripes upon his face fading slowly.
“I quickly came to realize how much stronger they made me and scorn turned to admiration. I happened to like the markings, almost as much as I liked you.”
“You like me?” Atsushi whispered, so hushed as if someone might overhear. His heart rattles in the cage of his ribs.
“Mm. Do go on and tell me how awful my taste is–” Atsushi smacks his shoulder lightly and Akutagawa laughs, lighter than Atsushi ever expected him to.
Atsushi finds himself laughing too. “Can I kiss you without you freaking out and running away?”
A response doesn’t come in words. Akutagawa pulls him forward and their lips meet for a second time, gentle and exploring to begin with but Atsushi is less of an explorer and more an adventurer. His tongue swipes against Akutagawa’s lower lip, seeking entrance. They part immediately and he allows his tongue to slip past thin lips.
Pale hands are clenched tightly in the front of his sweater, tightening by the second as Atsushi probes around the older's mouth, licking across teeth and the smooth surface of the roof. Akutagawa shivers and Atsushi takes note before pushing him back.
He falls back, seated onto the couch and Atsushi wastes no time in climbing atop and straddling his thighs. It’s welcomed, as Akutagawa drags him forward, both hands cupping the base of his head as they crash back together.
“You make me so angry.” Atsushi whispers against chapped lips, he takes the lower between his teeth, tugging on it roughly. An arm retreats to loop around his waist as Akutagawa draws him closer with a whine as Atsushi finally relents.
“If striking anger in you gets me this reaction then I’ll strive to do it more often.” Akutagawa's grip tightens, pulling Atsushi against his torso.
Atsushi huffs, warm air tickling against Akutagawa’s top lip. “Running off after saying something so meaningful.” He complains before kissing Akutagawa again, he can't help himself when he's so inviting.
Akutagawa laughs at his impatience, wide and toothy and Atsushi finds his lips making contact with teeth. He pulls back then admiring the view of Akutagawa’s face lit up, he knew it wasn't a common occurrence and he wouldn't miss out on it for the world.
“So pretty. I hate you so much.” Atsushi finally dips, kissing softly along his jaw.
So much for admiration.
A hand cups his throat with a squeeze, not quite enough to choke - next time. - but with force to crane it backwards as he trails rougher, wet kisses down the side. He spots the evidence of their last session as he trails lower.
Faded yellow-green marks litter his lower neck. He kisses over them, a tribute of sorts for the first time Akutagawa allowed his mouth to grace him.
“I beg to differ.” Akutagawa whispers as Atsushi's fingers move to the buttons of his blouse, “Do not tear it.” He warns, causing a snort from Atsushi.
He obeys, unbuttoning it slowly as Akutagawa unexpectedly begins to pull up the hem of his sweater, he assists half way through his task of popping buttons. He pulls the sweater over his head and throws to the floor before returning shaky hands to rounded buttons.
Akutagawa’s mouth is on his chest now and it's difficult to concentrate, let alone see. It seems his struggle is noticed as Akutagawa’s hands join his just as he mouths over a pert nipple. Then Akutagawa bites over it, indenting the skin surrounding and flushing it red as Atsushi tenses. His hips roll involuntarily as a broken moan falls from his lips.
“Payback.” Akutagawa proclaims, his blouse open now as he leans back against the couch cushions. He pulls the fabric away from his right shoulder and it takes all of Atsushi's restraint not to surge in.
A dark purple bruise, clearly caused by teeth, wraps over the skin. “You’re quite lucky I’m not one for shoulderless garments, I would've had quite the problem.”
Atsushi thumbs over it carefully. The points where his canines sunk almost deep enough to draw blood grab his attention. Those areas are much more prominent, a deep indigo that looks incredibly painful.
His immediate response is to apologize, he opens his mouth and shifts his gaze back to the bearer's face.
A dusting of red lines his cheeks, Atsushi closes his mouth again.
Mine.
He can't help but surge in again, stealing the air from Akutagawa’s - freshly rejuvenated - lungs. He reciprocates, spreading his legs wider so as Atsushi rolls against him, the friction is exquisite.
This goes on for a few minutes, there are times Akutagawa’s lips are inseparable from his, a mixture of tongue and teeth that makes Atsushi's head reel. Others Atsushi is panting against him with a drive that Akutagawa can only describe as need.
The rough grind of their hips only enhances as they become sloppier and less co-ordinated, encouraged as Akutagawa’s nails press into the flesh above his hip, harsh enough to bruise crescents.
Atsushi grips his face, forcing his lips apart, he gathers saliva onto the tip of his tongue and spits directly into Akutagawa’s awaiting mouth.
“Swallow.”
He does.
“Good boy.”
He watches as Akutagawa flushes deeper, blood rushing to the apples of his cheeks. “Do you have to be so repugnant?”
“You like it.” Atsushi taunts in return. Akutagawa’s eyes flash with something like realization, his grip loosening on Atsushi’s waist.
“I don't wish to ruin the couch.” Akutagawa mumbles. Oh, how Atsushi wishes he would say things straight for once.
Atsushi bores his eyes into him expectantly and Akutagawa groans.
“If we are going to have sex, I’d rather it be in the confines of my own bedroom.”
Atsushi pecks his lips, “Mm, well done.” He sneers and Akutagawa pushes him off.
He lands in a heap beside him on the couch and by the time he recovers Akutagawa is up and across the room.
“Fast! You must be excited.” Atsushi jeers, holding back a giggle. He knows he's being an ass but he's enjoying how reactive Akutagawa is.
A pillow flies across the room, he narrowly dodges as Rashomon flies out and wraps around his wrist. Akutagawa is already out of view as she drags him in the same direction.
He’s yanked through his second door of the day, Rashomon pushing it closed behind him. He rubs at his wrist to circulate the blood back through it.
Akutagawa’s back is to him as he rummages through his bedside drawer.
“Fuck.” Atsushi realizes as he approaches. “I didn't bring any–”
Akutagawa turns, bashfully holding a small bottle that Atsushi immediately identifies as lubricant.
Well, that solved that.
“Wait, why do you have…?”
“Weretiger, I’d rather not divulge the ins and outs as to how I’ve acquired lube after never needing it before three days ago.” Akutagawa grits. “Come to your own conclusions.”
He pushes the bottle into Atsushi’s hands. Then pushes him back onto the bed, Atsushi readjusts himself so his legs don't hang off the edge.
Akutagawa crawls up next to him, swinging one of his legs over Atsushi’s body and straddling his thighs. He runs a hand over the scars that wrap around the right hand side of Atsushi’s waist.
Atsushi allows him, watching the cogs turn as he caresses with cautious fingertips. “Rashomon?” He asks in a quiet voice, he sounds unsure of himself as if he doesn't quite believe it but needs the confirmation.
Atsushi shakes his head, “Orphanage. You’re the first one to see them– Well, actually Lucy has too but–’
“Lucy?” Akutagawa interjects, brow formed into a furrow.
“Yeah, the red-head who works in the cafe below the agency.” He goes to continue but finds Akutagawa’s expression less than amused. “Oh. Oh! No– not like that. I’ll explain another time, I’ve only ever done stuff like this with you, only ever wanted to– with you…”
Akutagawa thinks it over, “Very well.” He responds, although he doesn’t look so convinced.
Atsushi pulls him down, “Come here, kiss me.” He murmurs and Akutagawa complies.
Soft and sweet, their lips move in tandem as Atsushi works his hand around his waist and up his back, beneath the lightweight blouse that still hangs from his shoulders, a reassuring move to quell the insecurity emitting from the other
“I guess I didn’t get to tell you how I feel yet, did I?” Atsushi hums lightly, he watches how Akutagawa chews his inner lip, he'd probably never heard words like this directed at him before.
He reaches out, tucking strands behind ears that can’t quite hold so much hair. It falls back and Atsushi can't help but allow such a soft thing to fall between his fingers as he tucks it back again.
“I feel like I’ve harbored these feelings for far longer than I can imagine.” Atsushi starts. He opens his mouth to continue but Akutagawa interrupts.
“Weretiger, as romantic as it is for you to be confessing your feelings for me, we are both as hard as a rock and I will not wait any longer.”
Atsushi pauses, they make eye contact and a chuckle emerges from his throat. He reaches for the button that keeps Akutagawa’s pants shut and pops in. “Right, right. Well excuse me for being a gentleman.”
“There's nothing chivalrous about you,” Akutagawa sneers. There's a shuffle as he works himself out of the rest of his clothing, “You’re a menace and foul-mouthed; Although, perhaps that's what draws me to you.”
Atsushi giggles as he works himself free of his own clothing, with additional help from Akutagawa. He kicks his shorts and underwear off the edge of the bed, Akutagawa takes his cock in hand, stroking slow and languid. “Maybe you do have bad taste,” Atsushi hisses at the contact, “not as horrific as mine though.”
Akutagawa shakes his head, amused and rubs his palm over the tip, smearing the fluid that had gathered there. He lifts his palm to his lips, licking once and Atsushi’s dick twitches against his lower stomach. Traitor.
“What do you want, Atsushi?” Akutagawa asks. Rolling forward and brushing their cocks against each other. Atsushi's eyes squeeze closed, because the skin to skin contact is unreal. So much so he considers a repeat of the first time they hooked up in that alley.
“I want to prep you, turn around for me.” Atsushi murmurs before he distracts himself from his goal. Akutagawa abides.
He positions himself on all fours as Atsushi works lube onto his fingers, warming the solution before wiping the excess against a firm ass cheek. He brushes his index finger over the muscle with a hum of satisfaction as it flutters at the touch, he doesn't have the patience to play games tonight though so he begins to work his finger inside.
What he doesn't expect, is when it slides in effortlessly. Akutagawa releases a breathy gasp and begins to already push back against the single digit.
Atsushi raises an eyebrow as he pumps his finger lazily. “You’re already fairly loose.”
He hears a growl from across the bed. “Stop commenting weretiger. Make your own assumptions.”
Atsushi huffs, pushing in a second finger which gives a little more resistance but not as it should. “That’s cute…” Atsushi purrs.
“It is not. You’ve tainted me –fuck.” Akutagawa’s fingers disappear into the sheets as he pushes back, fucking himself against the duality of Atsushi’s fingers.
“Tainted or not, you were thinking of me.” He presses the pads of his fingers firmer against his inner walls, pulling Akutagawa into a short grind against the base of his fingers. “You want this?”
“Yes.” Akutagawa breathes like a beg and Atsushi immediately removes his fingers, he doesn't need to be told twice.
He wastes no time in coating his dick with the excess lube and pulling Akutagawa’s ass closer. Gripping his own cock at the base he slides the tip between the cheeks and Akutagawa looks over his shoulder, looking slightly put out.
“I’ll turn you around in a minute, I just don’t wanna rush this. Or hurt you.” He slides the tip over his hole again, causing Akutagawa’s entire upper body to shudder. “And I know you might not take your own safety into consideration.” Atsushi accuses, drawing a scoff from the man above him.
“Just get on with it.” Akutagawa grumbles, facing away again and Atsushi smiles in return.
Akutagawa is on his knees as Atsushi grabs a hip in one hand and his cock in the other so as he works the head past the rim, they both have a share in control. Atsushi grabs a cheek, spreading him wider and relieving the pressure as Akutagawa stills above him.
“Okay?” Atsushi checks in and Akutagawa nods, sinking a little lower. “Akutagawa–” he hisses because the pressure around his cock is soul crushing and Akutagawa is warm. “I need you to talk to me.”
“I’m fine.” Akutagawa affirms, as he speaks, Atsushi can tell he’s making an effort to breathe deeply. “It stings as expected, but it's manageable.”
That’s enough for Atsushi to let it go, especially when he's watching himself disappear inside Akutagawa ever so slowly.
This is “trust”.
“You look so good. So pretty, taking me so well…” He praises, cupping the other cheek and spreading him wider. If Akutagawa was going through this for him, he’d sure as hell make it as easy as possible for him.
“Fuck. –ah.” Akutagawa whimpers softly, almost fully sheathed.
“That’s it.” Atsushi coos, rubbing circles into his upper hip and supporting his weight. One of Akutagawa’s hands flies back, clasping against Atsushi’s tightly. “Almost there.”
He bottoms out and Akutagawa stills, taking a deep breath through his nose. Atsushi continues to massage his hips, “How do you feel?”
“Full.” He glances over his shoulder again, “You’re a monster.”
Atsushi laughs, squeezing his rear and grinding up softly into him, “You feel so fucking good.”
Akutagawa’s breath shakes as he rolls back experimentally, “Atsushi- please.”
“I know, I know.” Atsushi assures, “Turn around, show me that pretty face.”
Then Akutagawa is up and off Atsushi’s cock, facing him before impaling himself again with a groan in record time.
Atsushi rests his palms against milky thighs, the red blouse still clinging to Akutagawa’s shoulders as he starts to work himself into a slow grind. “Pretty boy.” Atsushi whispers, his tone far too fond.
“Not–” Akutagawa’s eyes close, allowing his head to tilt backward, mouth agape, “I’m not.”
Atsushi takes the opportunity to sit up, mouthing and kissing at his throat. “Beautiful. Gorgeous.” Arms slip around his thin waist, holding him there tightly as Akutagawa’s grinds become sloppier the more desperate he grows. “Stunning… fuck– Ryuu… ethereal…”
He starts to grind upwards, picking up the slack that Akutagawa can’t keep anymore. He’s a mess above him, whining and panting as he chases the heat that's inevitably forming behind his navel. “Again.” He pants, almost demanding. “Say that again.”
Atsushi smiles, tightening his grip and rolling Akutagawa beneath him, he slips out slightly but with minimal fuss he’s inside again and thrusting as ankles clamp around his lower back.
“Ryuu.” He kisses his jaw, his cheeks. “Ryuunosuke. Ryuu-” He sucks below his ear, taking the lobe between his teeth and tugging. “Ryuu… Ryuu… Pretty Ryuu-”
The familiar warmth of his impending orgasm is building deep within his groin, sweat clings to his forehead as he presses it against Akutagawa’s own.
He kisses him tender, far sweeter than the sounds coming from their lower halves and Akutagawa smiles against his lips.
Atsushi can only smile back as Akutagawa begs again, “More. Atsushi- please…” He claws at Atsushi’s back in despair and it's only certain if the tiger didn't heal so fast, the markings would be there for days. “I think I’m close– god, please…”
Atsushi knows he is too, he can feel him clenching and squeezing around him so he reaches between them, stroking his cock.
It only takes a few tugs and he’s painting their stomach’s between them, his body shakes as broken moans muffle against the junction of Atsushi's neck and shoulder. The nails on his back dig deeper, scratching and scraping up his shoulder blades and down his spine.
Atsushi wouldn't be surprised if he started to bleed. No matter, if it's by Akutagawa’s hand, it’s quite welcome.
He comes too, relishing in the soft whimpers falling from Akutagawa’s mouth, he fills him deep, face buried into the crook of Akutagawa’s very marked up neck. He kisses the area softly as his hips steady to a stop.
They remain like that for a while, panting and holding each other tightly, until Atsushi finally slips out, soft. He's still mouthing at his neck lazily, nuzzling his nose into the blooming bruises. He hears Akutagawa huff gently just above his ear.
“Did you really have to spit into my mouth?” He muses and Atsushi groans, embarrassed.
“Stop it.” He whines. “I don't know what came over me.”
He pulls back, his longer piece of hair falling into his line of sight which Akutagawa delicately tucks back diligently.
“Still pretty.” Atsushi whispers, he kisses his cheek softly, then his nose, then finally his very swollen, bruised lips. “And mine.”
He rolls off the other man, overly aware of the copious amounts of bodily fluid connecting them but also he didn’t want to continue crushing him.
Akutagawa grimaces, staring down at the stained blouse he still insisted on wearing.
“Remind me to stop wearing expensive clothing in your presence.”
“You can wear mine?”
“Don't be so foolish. I wouldn't be seen dead in those scraps.” Akutagawa objected. “Speaking of which, we can get you something more sustainable.”
“We?”
“Mm. We.” Akutagawa turns on his side, facing Atsushi who wraps an arm around his waist, drawing him nearer.
“Can I tell you how much I like you now?” Atsushi asks, head leaning back against the pillow to get a better view of Akutagawa’s face.
Akutagawa hums, hooking a leg over Atsushi’s hip.
“Well... You kickstart something in me that is so… human.” He whispers. “And for the longest time I felt so far from that.”
Akuatagwa caresses his cheek softly as he listens.
“I hated you for a while, hated how strong you were and how you used that to your advantage whilst calling yourself weak, it was crazy to me." He takes Akutagawa's hand, kissing his palm.
"But then I grew to understand how similar we are, our pasts, our presents, even our futures are looking similar and similar by the day. I saw a man who was so desperate to be noticed, loved even. Then we made that promise, that you kept despite being under the influence of mind-control and–” Atsushi’s brow furrows.
“Then you saved me and when you smiled–” He laughs, pushing the heels of his palms against his eyes to stop the inevitable flow of tears.
“When you smiled, I should’ve known my heart was doomed there and then. Fuck, you are so gorgeous even in death.” He sobs, laughter alongside it. “You’re a heartbreaker, Akutagawa Ryuunosuke.”
He clears his throat as Akutagawa listens quietly. “Love is such a human feeling and when I close my eyes at night, your silhouette is all I see in the darkness."
Atsushi wipes his eyes "I can’t lose you again, this is the closest thing I’ve had to an ‘everything’.”
“Pretty words from a regular foul mouth.” Akutagawa murmurs, wetness clinging to his eyes with tears he refuses to let fall.
Atsushi laughs, pressing his forehead against Akutagawa's. He kisses him, firm and full. When they part his eyes fall on the scar wrapped around Akutagawa's throat. He dips down and kisses it gently, earning a huff from above.
Their eyes meet again, sunset brightening the coal of the others. Noses brush, nudging against each other in a manner that can only be described as infatuation.
He kisses him again and again.
And again.