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To no one’s surprise, Tenya comes from a loving family set in traditions that he never plans to stop following, as unconventional as they might seem at times.
The Iida family might show love in unorthodox ways in the eyes of outsiders, but among seriousness and diligence and rigid structure, they also favor a very hands-on - mouths-on – kind of approach, one that Tenya has always treasured fondly.
He has given up pieces of himself and received pieces of his loved ones in return. That’s what love is to him, what he was taught to look for – that ultimate gift, that perfect balance. Proof of commitment and devotion, a desire so deep it hungers.
Love has a taste. Sapid and metallic at times, when the feeling overflows so suddenly, and all that’s left to do is indulge, let it drip until his jaws ache. Other times it’s a steaming dish, tangy or creamy or delicate depending on his mood and what ingredients he finds to be available – a matter of thoughtfulness and care, the most intimate way of sharing oneself.
Love is a refined taste, that’s the truth Tenya knows. And tonight, he plans on sharing it – and hopefully himself – with the closest person in his life who still isn’t part of his precious family circle.
Tenya has longed to come forward for a long time now. To confess his truth and beg for understanding, acceptance, and most of all: reciprocation.
His family warned him against it, not mistrusting his judgement but rather fearing an unpleasant outcome for Tenya’s feelings, first and foremost, but also for their family reputation – and rightfully so! – but Tenya has no doubts anymore.
He’s waited long enough.
There is no one Tenya would trust with this big, important secret more than Eijirou.
Sweet, kind, lovely Eijirou. A passionate man who swept Tenya off his feet and continues to do so day after day, with humor and kindness and so much warmth.
Tenya’s love also conveniently happens to be someone with an admirable appreciation for food and a taste for good meat, which fills Tenya with hope. A giddy, almost childish optimism that everything will turn out for the best.
A feeling that has Tenya pacing around his apartment as he waits for Eijirou to arrive. But instead of fretting about – he knows his house is spotless, his clothes have zero wrinkles, and the two dinners he has planned (plan A and plan B) will be ready to take out of the oven soon – Tenya thinks about Eijirou.
He pictures Eijirou’s smile, the feature that struck him first. Big and wide and unapologetic, endearingly so, but also powerful. Dangerous.
Eijirou’s teeth are sharp, evidently – thankfully – made for ripping into flesh, for taking and taking and keeping. Tenya has fantasized about their pointed edges countless times, has watched them tear through food and chew, chew, chew, and swallow. He has pictured his own skin stuck between Eijirou’s strong jaws. A slice of his shin. Tender muscle disappearing down Eijirou’s throat.
Tenya often thinks about the opposite, of course. He has treated himself to special dinners and imagined Eijirou’s strong fingers, his wide shoulders, his ribs on his old, fancy ceramic plate. He has pictured himself between Eijirou’s legs, biting into the meat of his thighs – wet heat in his mouth, between his fingers.
The doorbell rings, popping Tenya’s depraved, safe little bubble.
He undoes his tie at the last second, deciding to forego some formality. He wants Eijirou to be comfortable, to not feel any more pressure than he already feels.
When Tenya opens the door, he’s immediately greeted by Eijirou’s big smile. It’s nervous and unsure, almost shy, but Tenya’s stomach flutters all the same.
Eijirou often tries to make himself smaller, and while the blush on his cheeks and slightly hunched shoulders don’t make him look any less delectable, Tenya wants him whole. Wants him raw.
They have much to talk about, much to show each other, and hopefully, by the end of the night, they’ll have learned what the other tastes like.