Work Text:
The day had been long and dull, just the way Megumi preferred it.
It had been a typical groundhog day at first, flowing in autopilot through the motions of checkups and administering shots to various pets throughout the day. Today’s work was mostly with dogs, which he couldn’t help but secretly cheer about, his heart already aching at the reminder of his two pups alone in the apartment.
Regardless of his affinity for his career, the feeling of cozying up in bed with his precious pets would far surpass anything else. The comforting warmth from his two dogs still felt fresh on his fingertips, despite how the clock was steadily ticking away past noon. Only a few more hours now and he’d be back home, tucked underneath the safety of his bedsheets and dead to the world; just the way he liked it.
Though the day was nearly over, and as the checklist of patients grew shorter with each passing hour, Megumi’s nerves began to ease.
All that was left was a couple of routine checkups, simple and easy tasks, ones that were practically second nature to him by this point. It would be a breeze, maybe slightly boring at worst. He could manage this, the rest of the afternoon off was practically within his grasp by this point.
It’d been close to closing time when the incident occurred: the old faulty microwave in the break room overheating and triggering the fire alarm. Megumi had been in the process of finishing up his last few shots for the day when the sudden blare of noise nearly made him drop his needle, eyes wide and concerned as the puppy in his arms started to squirm nervously.
The entire office was sent into a fit of chaos, each of his coworkers fighting to disconnect the alarms; which unfortunately had already sent an automatic message to the Tokyo Fire Department. Just his luck.
By the time the entirety of Tokyo’s firefighters had arrived on the scene, Megumi’s mood had quickly soured. A permanent frown settled across his face while he waited impatiently for the issue to be sorted out, standing in line with the others and huffing bitterly. The fact that the rest of his co-workers seemed to be unbothered, only gossiping amongst themselves about one of the younger firefighters only served to worsen his gloomy mood.
It was too loud, to put it lightly. A rush of noise and chaos for what was only a mere electrical shortage. To say it was unwarranted was easily an understatement, both the fire department as well as his co-workers treating the situation like a deadly disaster. Restlessness overtook him faster than expected, his foot tapping impatiently against the floor while the scene continued to drag out.
The entire ordeal seemed to last hours, where the firefighters thoroughly inspected the charred remains of what was left of their pathetic microwave and attempted to make polite small talk. Megumi was especially frustrated when one of his female co-workers seemed to blatantly flirt with one of the chattier, pink haired firefighters. They were talking closely, the firefighter inspecting a ‘burn’ (which was only a small circle of pink around her tiny wrist) while his co-worker winced in pain.
She wasn’t a great actress, for what it was worth, her lips curled up into a barely concealed smile while tan fingers caressed the poor excuse of a wound. It was a brazen attempt at flirting, direct and cliche in a way that left Megumi mournfully rolling his eyes. As though the entire microwave situation wasn’t bad enough, now he was forced to spend his after work hours witnessing a painfully awkward and one sided display of courting.
Even the soft sound of her laugh ground at his nerves like lemon applied to a fresh wound, acidic and burning, a sore thorn in his side. It was overdramatic, too enthusiastic and obnoxious, as if she were hanging on to each and every word that left the firefighter’s lips.
His teeth ground together almost painfully hard. He knew whatever the pink haired man was saying couldn’t be funny enough to warrant such incessant and obnoxious cackling.
The firefighter was equally as bad, so stupid and hopelessly oblivious to the advances that it left his blood boiling. It was inappropriate to be acting in such a way, insisting on treating one of the nurses who was visibly clearly unharmed and forcing the rest of them to witness their childish banter.
Everything about their interaction was so scripted and overdramatic, a complete waste of the firefighters genuine hours and manpower. Of course he wasn’t jealous or overthinking anything, it was simply just a total throwaway of resources that led to his obvious irritation and frustration towards his colleagues.
Listening to someone this dense, who seemed to almost be acting willingly ignorant to the overly flirtatious comments, it was additionally infuriating. Couldn’t the firefighter spare them all the misfortune of wasting another hour at the office by finally accepting or rejecting her advances?
Although he would often consider himself a nonchalant and collected person, the mask of tranquility was beginning to slip. The scowl on his face was likely beginning to grow noticeable, despite Megumi’s disregard for it in his momentary fit of frustration.
Working hours had come and gone by long ago, and brought a whirlwind of resentful emotions with it as they passed. What had started out as a seemingly manageable and regular day turned into an afternoon spent practically trapped within the office over an issue resolved hours prior.
Needless to say, he was exhausted. A headache had formed from the moment the firefighters arrived, and unfortunately had yet to fade. Megumi’s social battery felt drained, badly overstimulated and deteriorated due to the number of people crammed into their modest little office space. Even the thought of his beloved dogs barely managed to lift his spirits by this point, shoulders slumped while the constant chatter seemed to fade into background noise.
Inevitably, when the investigation was wrapped up (not that there was much to wrap up in the first place), he was more than eager to put the entire mess behind him and head off for the night. Naively, he led himself to believe that the excitement and disorder of today would be the last he’d hear of it; but of course that was far from the truth.
“Do you think he has a girlfriend? Maybe we should go down to the firehouse and bring him a thank you gift!”
“Of course he has a girlfriend, did you see how handsome he is? Besides, he wouldn’t even touch your hand, that means he’s definitely seeing someone!”
“I bet he’s dating a model. God, when am I going to get that lucky?”
Much to Megumi’s dismay, the pink haired firefighter had seemingly captured every heart in the office since yesterday. He could vaguely remember even their secretary gushing over him with one of his co-workers this morning, calling him such a gentleman and wishing that her son was just as well mannered and earnest.
It was ridiculous, and by the time his break had rolled around Megumi couldn’t hide the fact that he was practically seething with anger.
To hear people being so selfish, even going out of the way to mindlessly joke about triggering the fire alarm for a second time to capture his attention; it returned his annoyance to say the least. Although most of the girls within the office had seemingly accepted the fact the firefighter likely had a girlfriend, they were completely content to continue relishing him in unwanted affection and attention.
For the second day in a row, Megumi sulked through his daily tasks; lost deep in his thoughts and oblivious to the world around him. Far too many times in the day he skipped steps or performed them incorrectly entirely, his mind utterly swept away with fluffy pink hair and a smile bright enough to rival the sun.
Even the brief walk home was miserable, dark and gloomy, soft traces of raindrops brushing over his dark hair as he followed the normal route back to his apartment.
All he wanted was for things to return to normal, for the buzz around the office to die down and the firefighter to become long forgotten by his fellow employees. Though most importantly, he wanted to hurry up and return home to the familiar comfort of his pets.
Taking the steps two at a time, Megumi was quick to fish a set of brightly colored keys out of his jacket pocket and finally turn the lock to enter the familiar quiet of his apartment.
The subtle sound of paws against the well worn carpet greeted him and he couldn’t hide his smile from forming as both of his dogs fought to meet him first.
“Hello.” He murmured softly, crouching down to their level and stroking a hand over their chins, making sure both of them were equally pampered before he rose back to his feet.
“Megumi, are you home?” A familiar voice called from the depths of the dark apartment, bright and excited as if to subconsciously beckon him further in. Both of the dogs were yipping happily at his feet, the barely there trace of dewdrops shining against their fur now that Megumi was looking closer. Clearly they had just been brought back from a long walk, courtesy of the familiar voice that called out once again after his short beat of silence.
“Baby, you coming?”
“Yeah, one second.” Megumi eventually found his voice, toeing off his shoes lazily and setting them neatly aside before he shrugged off his jacket. Almost hesitantly, he made his way towards the kitchen, trying desperately to hide the urge to smile as he entered the room.
Yuuji was humming quietly, swaying his hips to the music playing in the background as he cooked, and he turned slightly on his heel to face Megumi; smiling fondly while he motioned for his boyfriend to come closer.
“Here, you have to taste it! I don’t think I put enough ginger in for you.” Everything about the look on Yuuji’s face was so hopelessly authentic and doting, his eyes so full of love and his smile bright and unwavering. The sight of Yuuji wearing one of his shirts, judging from how tight it was around the chest, made Megumi’s heart skip a beat and his face flush with color. Idiot. Even in the short amount of time he’d been away, it was obvious that he’d been missed.
“I’m sure it tastes fine, Yuuji.” He dismissed with the wave of his hand, trying to ignore the fall of Yuuji’s face at his passive response and the worry that clouded his eyes. Of course he’d come to know that Megumi was typically quiet and indifferent when something was wrong; after several incidents when he’d come home subdued and practically mute from having to put down one of the poor puppies at work.
“Megumi.” Yuuji immediately gushed, voice crestfallen and concerned as he took a step closer and reached for his boyfriend. “What’s wrong? Did something happen today?” Their hands laced together as if it were merely second nature, and Megumi didn’t have the heart to try pulling away for a second time.
“Nothing, it’s nothing.” The lie was obvious, not well hidden or well disguised either. So Megumi simply hung his head defeatedly, unwilling to meet Yuuji’s gaze that was sure to fill him with thick and suffocating guilt.
Deep down he knew it wasn’t his boyfriend's fault that he was desirable by others. Yuuji was always the model student, friend, and lover; the token golden boy who was a shining example of someone who could do no wrong. To see that displayed so blatantly, that he was too good, too pure for someone as nihilistic and secluded as Megumi; it hurt.
Yuuji deserved the person who his co-workers had described, a model girlfriend who was outgoing and generous. Someone who could compete alongside him to share the spotlight and match his excitable demeanor.
“Gumi… please, tell me?” His boyfriend asked weakly, tilting his head and giving Megumi such a pitiful, pleading expression that left his chest aching. The fingers laced around his own squeezed gently, Yuuji’s thumb rubbing against the curve of his finger.
“They were talking about you at work.” Megumi confessed, his resolve utterly broken with all of Yuuji’s affection and warmth surrounding him.
“What?” Now Yuuji’s face had gone from concerned to clueless in a matter of seconds, his brows furrowed and his mouth set in an adorable pout. “Why? Did I do something wrong?”
God, he could be so hopeless sometimes. It was beyond Megumi how Yuuji was so oblivious to his effect on people with his sincerity and his kindness.
“No, of course not.” Resisting the urge to scowl or scoff at his boyfriend, he shook his head quietly instead. “It’s the opposite, if anything.”
Although Megumi didn’t want to bluntly state or confess any of his conflicting feelings, it was apparent that Yuuji was totally lost. He was staring plainly, patiently awaiting any type of elaboration like a helpless puppy until Yuuji finally asked; “What’s that mean?”
There was a long pause between them, their hands still clasped together firmly while Megumi bit his lip and stared at the carpet.
“The girls at my work were talking about you.” Megumi mumbled, feeling his cheeks tinge pink at the ultimate confession that was inescapably drawn out of him.
Yuuji continued to look at him for a moment, eyes wide until they seemed to glaze over with a swift wash of realization. Then the pout on his lip turned upwards, cracking into a smile and within seconds his laughter had filled the room.
“Ah, I see.” Yuuji was grinning wolfishly now, and Megumi couldn’t help but feel affronted at how smug he looked; clearly amused and entertained by what had been troubling his boyfriend all day long. “So that’s what’s wrong?”
The display of Yuuji’s lighthearted laughter in the face of what had been Megumi’s greatest adversary for the last few days was conflicting, to put it lightly. He was initially torn between kissing his boyfriend or smacking him across the head.
“Yes.” He answered shortly, going back to scowling in Yuuji’s arms while his boyfriend pulled him in close. Yuuji’s arms wrapped around him now, trapping him firmly against his broad chest and surrounding him with the warm scent of pine tree cologne.
“Megumi.” His boyfriend still looked giddy, giggly and obviously humored by the display of jealousy. “You don’t need to be worried!”
“I’m not worried.” Megumi protested plainly, trying to wring himself out of Yuuji’s iron grip and glaring at him. “I just don’t like it.”
“Don’t like what?” The question came naturally, optimistic outlook unwavering even in the face of the glum attitude.
“Them talking about you. It’s annoying.” Even as the words slipped from his tongue they felt bitter and resentful, a clear display of his envy. “Saying your girlfriend must be beautiful and whatever. It’s stupid.”
“Well you’re not a girl, but I’d still say you’re pretty beautiful.” Yuuji added thoughtfully, leaning back slightly from the embrace to poke Megumi on the cheek.
That remark proved enough for Megumi to finally pull away, eyes downcast and saddened.
“That girl was flirting with you, you know.”
What had been a lighthearted, sweet atmosphere quickly began to fade away, the sound of the music Yuuji had playing felt far away behind his ears; as if it had trickled off into the distance.
“Huh? Who?” His boyfriend looked unsure again, trying to reach out once more to clasp their hands back together. “You mean yesterday?”
“When she was showing you her hand, which was completely fine by the way.” Megumi scoffed, rolling his eyes as the visual reappeared in his mind; where Yuuji dutifully listened to her explanation although she’d been seated three rooms over when the microwave had started smoking. Sometimes, he was too kind for his own good.
“Mhm? Is that right?” Their fingers brushed together briefly, before Yuuji firmly took hold of his hand and brought it to his face as if to inspect it.
“Yes.” Voice flat and expression blank, Megumi only watched intently as his boyfriend pressed a quick kiss to his wrist. “What the hell are you doing?”
“Well, now I gotta check on your hands too!” The answer was so sincere and doting, with no hint of judgment or ridicule in his tone as Yuuji held his hand gently. His calloused fingers swept across Megumi’s forearm, turning it and checking for any signs of visible scrapes.
By the time he’d finished, Megumi’s smile had stuck for the first time that day. Letting the innocent and pure gesture persuade his rotten mood into lightening.
“You’re an idiot.” He huffed, face tinged pink and a bout of laughter slipping out when Yuuji tugged him into another tight embrace.
“I know, but I’m pretty lucky to be your idiot, huh?”
Returning to work the following day had gone better than expected, and Megumi’s mindset had been brightened after a sweet and intimate night spent together with his partner.
He could feel himself getting back into the rhythm, responding positively to co-workers and reacting correctly to all the cues he was given. Everything about today was right, the saddle of jealousy fell far off of his shoulders and set firmly behind him with Yuuji’s reassurance.
That was until the fire alarm rang abruptly.
It was just as he’d remembered, sharp and startling, and Megumi felt a sick sense of déjà vu wash over him as the needle in his hands once again nearly slipped from his grasp.
Watching his colleagues rush to contact the Tokyo Fire Department was all too familiar, almost eerily so. Everything was the same, each reaction and little statement, even the damn microwave shorting out and filling the whole room with a thick cloud of smoke. For a moment, he was frozen, overwhelmed with conflicting emotions and trying to calm the rush of anxiety that spiked in his chest.
All Megumi could do was watch in astonishment as the red and blue lights of the fire trucks pulled up alongside the building, nearly an exact replica of two days prior. He waited amongst his coworkers as they fought to retell the same lame story: that the microwave was busted and their frantic call was actually accidental.
Continuing to stare dumbly, despite catching a glimpse of pink hair in his peripheral vision, Megumi watched the firefighters laugh off their rehashed apologies with a smile and a wave of their hands.
“Megumi!”
The call of his name was sudden, and Megumi would be embarrassed to admit that his stomach was fluttering nervously at the sound of Yuuji’s voice. His boyfriend was approaching him quickly, ignoring the protests of his colleagues who were weakly trying to insist that they needed to leave.
With all eyes focused on them, whispers from his co-workers flickering weakly in the background and questioning glances from Yuuji’s friends alike, Megumi could only stare. It was as though he were Icarus, gazing into the sun with a burning and unwavering fascination, captivated with the overwhelming warmth of his boyfriend rushing towards him.
“Hi.” Yuuji hummed nonchalantly, ignoring the confused faces surrounding them and instead leaning in to press a short, sweet peck to Megumi’s lips. “What do you want for dinner tonight?”
His knees felt weak and his heart was swollen up in his chest, warm and fuzzy and about to burst, though he fought (and lost pitifully) to keep a straight face. Regardless of the years they spent together, of all the intimate or embarrassing moments shared, Yuuji never failed to leave him breathless.
At times, Megumi often felt like a shy teenager around him; overwhelmed with the jittery nerves of a first time crush whenever his boyfriend was near. It was almost embarrassing how fast his heart began to beat with the close proximity, his cheeks warm and shining with unequivocal fondness for his warmhearted partner.
“Something spicy… with ginger. Whatever you want.” Megumi replied in almost a hushed whisper, like it was a secret between the two of them, letting himself melt and lean forwards into Yuuji’s radiating heat. To keep himself apart in his presence was seemingly impossible, their bodies drawn together to fit in a chaste but comfortable embrace.
The blatant display of affection was likely one he’d come to regret later, bound to be taunted over it during harmless office teasing, though he couldn’t convince himself to care. His boyfriend felt safe, his strong arms carefully resting against Megumi’s lower back and mindful not to touch too low; despite knowing how tempted he’d be to do so.
“Alright, baby. I’ll see you later at home, kay? Love you.” Everything about Yuuji was simply so earnest, genuine and eager to please, even down to his smallest actions. It made him smile despite himself, ignoring the fluttering nerves in his stomach following the stares of his colleagues.
“Love you too.” Voice low and content, grin hidden in the curve of his boyfriend’s shoulder, Megumi’s fingers wrapped tightly around the fabric of Yuuji’s uniform. It made letting go nearly impossible, yet the two of them parted silently, eyes still locked and hands still lingering.
The whole scene was raw and real, likely the most emotion anyone from his workplace had seen from him even in the many years he’d worked there. Almost as if he’d been unmasked, Megumi’s guise and carefully crafted persona of a stoic employee had crumbled to pieces within Yuuji’s careful fingers.
“Bye Gumi!” Cheerful as expected, Yuuji turned on his heel to head back towards the flashing lights of the firetruck outside; still flickering weakly outside the window.
“Yuuji.” Deadpan and monotone, Megumi stepped the slightest bit closer before hesitating. “Be careful.”
It was clear from his boyfriend's expression that he was surprised by the sudden surge of affection, especially in somewhere so public. Then slowly his smile crept back, blinding and bright, an image that Megumi wanted to capture and savor forever.
“For you? Always.” Yuuji answered without missing a beat, winking and waving off all of his boyfriend’s worries in a single heartfelt gesture. “Later, baby!”
Watching the beloved flash of pink hair disappear around the corner and out the door of the clinic, Megumi continued smiling; hands still tingling from where they’d been tightly clinging to his uniform. Calming himself down from the high, from the giddy feeling that had wriggled its way up and inflated in his chest, felt impossible regardless of who was watching.
Imagining his peers seeing him like this, hopelessly dopey and lovestruck at the mere sight of his handsome boyfriend, it was sure to shatter his infamous persona. The bland, careful and professional persona that he spent years reinforcing all vanished with the sight of that smile; too bright and piercing like sparing a glance at the setting sun. Yet despite all that, the looks, the stares, the attention that he so deeply loathed, Megumi couldn’t bring himself to worry.
Yuuji’s touch was a soothing balm against his skin, an instant medicine and a silent promise that everything would be alright. No matter what people thought about their relationship, that the two of them were too different or too opposite for their love to flourish, it did. They would forever return to one another; to a warm apartment filled with love and music, the one place that truly ever felt like a safe haven from his restless thoughts.
Megumi had never felt more in love, honestly and truthfully.
The sound of his co-workers mumbling amongst each other, likely gossiping about Megumi’s love life, went completely unnoticed. All he could focus on was the growing tenderness in his chest, longing for the hours to pass so he could return to the cozy apartment full of puppies and pink hair.