Chapter Text
To Band a Bird and Collar a Cat
Keigo nearly took the last spike to the face, bringing his hands up just in time to block the ball. The move unfortunately sent it careening off into the empty stands. The referee’s whistle blew, high and shrill as it signalled the point to the other team, scoring them that set. It left both sides with a win, tied for the last set.
Keigo blew out a breath, grinning at the teammate across from him and the newest member to join the Fukuoka Hawks. Fumikage Tokoyami. The kid was fresh off graduation and usually the team wouldn’t add someone so young, but he was proving to be a solid threat. He was a powerhouse in defense and offense. He just wasn’t as fast as Keigo, but who was?
The kid was determined to keep up though.
It left Keigo ecstatic to have a teammate that was ready and willing to try and take him down, to match his pace and take his place. None of his other teammates really tried. They pushed him, sure, but mostly his teammates just followed in his wake.
They were all fine leaving Keigo as their Wing Spiker, as the ace to the Hawks.
Tokoyami though?
The kid started off slow, but Keigo could feel his eyes on him. Could tell the kid was watching his every move over the last couple months and absorbing every technique he could.
Keigo couldn’t wait to see how far this kid was gonna go.
The whistle blew again and the third set started. The teams were broken down between the starters on Keigo’s side, and the newbies on Tokoyami’s. Mera wanted to test the rookies on their progress after they’ve been training with the team for a couple months.
The last time the rookies stood a chance like this against the starters was when Keigo was just joining.
The gym echoed with the call for tosses and responses to receives, the squeak of shoes on the waxed floor, and the slam of the ball as it sailed back and forth over the net in quick rallies. The newbies struggled to keep up, with the starters well and truly warmed up. Even Tokoyami was running out of breath. It wasn’t long before Keigo’s side took the match point in the final set.
Mera, having taken over as head coach when their last coach retired, called them all over. He listed off the points where they needed to improve and what they were going to work on in his usual monotone voice. He looked more exhausted now than he ever did as assistant coach. He dismissed them for a ten minute break, and Keigo was sure the man was going to try and get a quick nap behind the bleachers.
Keigo split off from his teammates and jogged over to his water bottle, taking a second to check his phone. He brightened into a smile when he saw a text from Touya.
From: Touya 🐈⬛
Sent: 7:05
[VIDEO ATTACHED: A white and orange cat sprinting across the house, climbing the couch, sprinting again to climb up the bookcase, leaping off to knock over a picture frame, and then scrambling to the kitchen table]
Your cat is a menace
You would think I gave him cat-cocaine or something
[STICKER: DizzyCat]
To: Touya 🐈⬛
Sent: 10:32
Awww he has zoomies
Give him pets from meeee
[STICKER: BirdPat]
From: Touya 🐈⬛
Sent: 10:33
He’s passed out now. I’m not touching him, lest the beast awaken again.
[STICKER: ScaredCat]
To: Touya 🐈⬛
Sent: 10:33
Haha!
He isnt that bad
[STICKER: PoutyEyesBird]
From: Touya 🐈⬛
Sent: 10:34
Say that to the scratches he left when I was between him and the couch.
He’s almost as bad as you
[STICKER: CatBap]
To: Touya 🐈⬛
Sent: 10:35
Me?!
[STICKER: BirdAghast]
From: Touya 🐈⬛
Sent: 10:36
Yes.
You’re a menace. I look like I lost a fight with a racoon.
[STICKER: CatAnnoyed]
To: Touya 🐈⬛
Sent: 10:37
Ill make it up to you
[Sticker: BirdKisses]
Anway
I gtg
Love ya!!
[STICKER: BirdHeart]
From: Touya 🐈⬛
Sent: 10:37
Love you too
Go hit the ball or something
[STICKER: CatHeart]
Keigo smiled, dropping his phone back in his gym bag. Was it almost a year now that they’ve been dating? It felt like it went by so fast. Of course, it didn’t help that Touya moved in only a few months into their relationship.
Keigo had never been happier. He felt like he floated into the gym every morning after leaving his bed with a goodbye kiss from Touya. He felt like he played better, knowing his boyfriend was in the stands, cheering him on.
His teammates kept giving him shit about it. Saying he was too smitten but Keigo just figured they were jealous they didn’t get loving-wife bentos like he did.
Which, speaking of.
Keigo fished his phone back out of his bag, shooting a message to Rumi.
To: Rumi
Sent: 10:38
Still on for later?
Got 1 hr ish left
[STICKER: BirdTappingWatch]
From: Rumi
Sent: 10:39
Damn fuckin right i am!
Bout time
[STICKER: RabbitThumping]
To: Rumi
Sent: 10:39
[STICKER: BirdEyeroll]
Keigo dropped the phone back in his bag, taking another drink of his water when Tokoyami walked over, he shifted on his feet before meeting Keigo’s gaze.
“What’s up, fledgling?”
Tokoyami scowled minutely, just a slight downturn of his lips. He was less than thrilled with the baby bird nicknames, had even been startled when Keigo first used it, but Keigo couldn’t help himself.
They were the Hawks! And their newest members were their baby birds. He wasn’t calling them eyas at least. Mostly he stuck with hatchling or chick, sometimes chicklet but then he felt like he was calling his cat. Tokoyami had been upgraded to fledgling though.
Tokoyami twisted the black bottle in his hands, showing the skull stickers that decorated the outside. “You were really good out there. We could barely keep up.”
Keigo hooked an arm around Tokoyami’s shoulders. “That’s good! The last rookies? We stomped them, 2-0. Even after spending a couple months against us, they barely got any points. You all held your own. You took a whole set from us.”
Tokoyami flushed under the praise. “Thank you…”
Keigo smiled. “Who knows, with time you might even be able to keep up with me.”
“I don’t think I’ll even be as good as you, Takami-senpai.” Tokoyami looked away, his expression turning stern again.
“Nonsense, we’ll make a hawk outta you yet.” Keigo snorted. The kid was so serious sometimes. He really needed to lighten up. He wondered what Tokoyami did, when he wasn’t here in practice. Keigo hadn’t been able to spend much time with the new teammates. Not when he was racing off after practice to head home, now that he had a reason to go home. Who was he to keep Touya waiting?
Speaking of Touya, the kid actually reminded Keigo a lot of him Not so much physically, even if they both had pale skin. Tokoyami had black hair and brown eyes that looked almost red. He wore a red choker around his neck, the only concession to his looks that he could have in uniform. Keigo had seen him after practice though and he dressed exactly like Touya. All black clothes. Band t-shirts, ripped jeans, combat boots, a collection of rings and bracelets. The whole edgelord look.
Touya would give him crap for thinking that, if he knew. Probably joke about Keigo’s eye-bleeding collection of colors and patterns.
Keigo studied his junior again. “Actually, you remind me more of a raven or a crow.”
“Is that a good thing, Takami-senpai?” Tokoyami fidgeted with the cap on his bottle.
“Absolutely.” Keigo grinned and, oh, that might actually be helpful. “Hey, you wanna help me with something after practice? I need another opinion.”
“Ah, if you believe I can be helpful?” Tokoyami perked up.
“You’re perfect. I need an edgelord and you fit the bill.” Keigo nodded, laughing when Tokoyami’s expression turned serious again.
“Then I will endeavor to be of assistance.” The kid nodded, with all the air of someone ready to go into battle
“Excellent.” Keigo’s grin widened. Two birds, a rabbit, and one stone. They got this.
Mera called over the room, “Huddle up everyone, we’re gonna start again.”
“The mad banquet of darkness begins yet again.” Tokoyami nodded solemnly, shifting out from under Keigo’s arm.
Keigo laughed. “It is eternal. C’mon.” He took another mouthful of water and rushed off to rejoin the group.
He couldn’t wait!
Keigo stood in front of the shop with Rumi on one side and Tokoyami on the other. The store front shined, the items glittering beyond the windows and sparkling in the afternoon sun.
Rumi nudged his shoulder. “Ya ready?”
“Yeah, yeah, of course. It won’t be too hard, will it?” Yet Keigo hesitated to step forward. His chest felt too tight. He wanted to sprout and fly off into the sky and be anywhere but where he was right now.
He was here, at a jewelry store, to find the perfect ring for Touya. For the most important question he could ask him. This was worse than when he finally asked Touya to move in with him. And that was only because half of Touya’s stuff was already at his apartment and Touya’s lease was coming up. It was natural.
This didn’t feel natural. It felt like too much. Was it too much? Was it too soon?
Rumi rolled her eyes. “Wouldn’t know. Honestly expected we would end up here months ago. You had wedding bells ringing out your ears after that first date. C’mon.” She hooked her arm through his, unknowing or uncaring of his predicament, and dragged him inside.
Tokoyami followed with a shake of his head. “And so we enter the revelry in the dark.”
“Welcome.” The clerk smiled, standing in the middle of an array of glass cases. Inside each were rings of every size and shape, topped with gems of every color of the rainbow.
“How can I help you today?” The clerk clasped her hands together.
“This guy’s here to look at the rings.” Rumi dragged him front and center.
“Excellent. We have a wide variety. Are you looking for a gift just because, or for an engagement?” The clerk chose not to comment on Keigo’s forceful arrival, keeping her careful customer service smile in place.
“E-engagement.” Keigo choked out, staring at the rings. There were so many. How was he supposed to choose one? What one would Touya like? Would he even accept it? Maybe this was a bad idea.
“Congratulations.” Her smile turned brighter, more genuine. “Was there a specific type you were looking for, or just hoping something catches your eye?”
Keigo laughed weakly. “That obvious?”
“It’s an important choice. I can certainly help you if you have any ideas. You can also come in and exchange the ring if you find your partner doesn’t quite like your choice.”
Keigo nodded. “Ok, um.” He turns to Tokoyami. “This is where I need your help. You and him have similar tastes.” He gestured vaguely at Tokoyami’s goth attire.
“I see. He too is one with the darkness. I would suggest something black?” Tokoyami’s voice ended with less confidence in his choice. “I do not feel I am adequate for this. This isn’t as simple as I expected.”
“Nonsense, you’re like a mini Touya, if he dyed his hair.” Rumi leaned on Keigo’s shoulders, though she had to stand on her tiptoes to do it. “Think Touya would ever dye his hair black?”
“Oh he did. Shigaraki has pictures of him in his teenage years.” Keigo commented.
“What? Oh my god, I have to ask Fuyumi if she has any of those.” Rumi’s eyes glittered in vicious glee.
Keigo suddenly regretted bringing it up but well, Touya could handle Rumi. They had been getting along better lately. He kind of had no choice when he decided to move in with Keigo and Rumi visiting often.
The double dates with Rumi and Fuyumi probably helped too? Maybe?
Keigo shook his head, attention back on the clerk. “Okay, maybe something black and oh, maybe something with a blue or a red stone.”
“Excelent. Are you looking for something with a wide or thin band?” The clerk promptly tossed more options that left Keigo questioning his decision to do this. She continued on when he looked thoroughly lost. “Thinner bands tend to be more feminine, and also usually have the stone on top, or in a pattern around it. Thicker bands are usually more masculine and will have the stones embedded, though some have them raised.”
“Hmm.” Keigo tilted his head back and forth. “Thicker. He works with his hands, I won’t want the ring catching.”
“A good idea, we have some over here.” She led the group over to a display case. “These bands here are titanium, while these ones here are tungsten. You can see that some of them have cut stones while others are embedded throughout the band.”
The rings varied from band to band, some of them thinner than others, but they were all a centimeter thick at least. Some of them were silver in color while others were black. One had a diamond that stretched across the band, with smaller gemstones circling around it.
Tokoyami pointed out an all black one with a simple silver band on the top and bottom. “Would this be something to his taste?”
“Maybe…” Keigo frowned though. It was a nice ring but it was–
“It’s too plain. He pretends to be all edgy but he likes flashy stuff too. I mean, he’s gotta with you as a boyfriend.” Rumi vetoed the ring.
“Thanks, Rums. Appreciate it.” Keigo sighed, used to it. Rumi loved to rag on his wardrobe, and well, at least that was something she and Touya could bond over.
“You’re welcome. Oh, how ‘bout this one?” She tapped the glass. Under her finger was another all black band, but this one the metal was woven to look as if it was braided, with gemstones sparkling in the “knots”.
Keigo hummed, it was neat. Something a little more decorative. But it also just wasn’t–
“It would catch.” Tokoyami added. “It would need to be something that has a flat surface.”
“Sure, but the flat ones are boring.” Rumi complained.
Keigo left them to it, figuring they would find him again once their tastes lined up. He wandered down the cases. The rings were beautiful, truly. They ran the gamut from sedate to gaudy and back again. Maybe he should have looked up rings online, or gotten ideas from Touya about his ideal engagement ring.
It would’ve been smarter to have some sort of plan, instead of flailing about blinding. Except he wanted it to be a surprise.
Keigo sighed, stopping to lean on one of the cases. His gaze dropped, his eyes landing on a sparkling ring behind the glass.
“That one.”
“I’m home.” Keigo called into the apartment as he pulled off his jacket, hanging it on the coat rack by the door. He kicked off his shoes before walking further inside.
“Welcome home.” Touya tossed over his shoulder, standing at the stove. Touya was stirring something in the pot, standing in a loose shirt that threatened to slip off his shoulder and sweatpants. His white hair glowed under the overhead lights. The cats wailed for treats at his feet.
He never looked more beautiful.
Keigo wanted to go over and drop to a knee and profess his love right at that moment. He wanted Touya to be there forever, welcoming him home. He didn’t even have to be cooking, though that was a bonus. Keigo still managed to burn water. Keigo just wanted to walk into his boyfriend's arms, content in the home that they’ve made for each other and their cats.
Keigo made his way over, wading through the circle of whining cats to wind his arms around Touya’s waist and nuzzle against the back of his neck. He pressed a kiss to the skin.
“You’re not getting any either, the food is almost done.” Touya’s voice rumbled against Keigo’s lips.
“I had to try.”
“Yeah yeah. Go set the table and feed the monsters.”
Keigo pressed another kiss to his neck before letting go. He set the table and scooped the cat food. Both of them immediately left Touya alone to attack their bowls.
The food was done shortly, as Touya had decreed. Keigo savored every bite while he told Touya about his day. Or rather, the first half of his day. He couldn’t exactly tell Touya how he went ring shopping.
Touya picked up his phone and hummed. “It’s almost our anniversary.”
“Yep! Can you believe it’s been a year already?”
Touya set the phone aside, leaning back in the chair. “Feels insane some days that we made it this long. Still, best first date I ever had though.” Touya smiled at him, soft and sweet and–
“Oh!” That was perfect. They could recreate their first date, and then at the end Keigo could propose. It was exactly the moment he needed. He wondered if he could rent out the cafe for the day, maybe they would let him decorate it.
Touya raised an eyebrow. “What?”
“We should go again, for our anniversary.”
“You sure? Don’t want to go anywhere fancy?”
Keigo waved his hand. “No, it’s perfect. We can celebrate a year together where it all started.”
Touya rolled his eyes but smiled fondly. “Sure, why not. Sounds like a great idea.”
Keigo smiled wide and leaned over the table to kiss his boyfriend and hopefully soon to be fiance. “Love you.”
“Love you too.” Touya grabbed him for a deeper kiss before leaving the dishes to Keigo to go shower.
Keigo set to work cleaning up the dishes. They had a sort of arrangement, after all this time. Keigo was terrible at cooking, but he could clean. The least he could do when Touya put up with his training diet and his obsession with chicken.
Once all of the dishes were set on the drying rack to drain, he took his own turn in the shower. When he came back out, Touya was settled on the couch with a book in hand and a cat in his lap. Princess was purring contentedly, while Chicklet was curled in a ball on the other end of the couch.
Keigo walked over to pet his cat. Chicklet chirruped and licked his hand. “What’s this one about?”
“Hm, there’s this woman, and she catches the eye of the dark and mysterious duke that rules over the northern lands. She ends up betrothed to him and stays at his castle, where she ends up having to field political plots and assassination attempts.”
Keigo frowned slightly. The book sounded familiar but he couldn’t quite place it–
“They also fuck like rabbits.”
Keigo coughed, finally remembering the books he had snuck onto the shelf months and months ago. “Right, hm, sounds interesting.”
“Yeah, strange how it ended up on the bookshelf, but it’s been entertaining.” Touya shrugged.
“O-oh?” Keigo leaned against the wall, arms crossed, striving to appear the most casual.
“Yeah, there’s this one scene, here hold on,” Touya flipped to the page before he read it out. “Elizabeth found herself pinned against the wall. Duke Edwards’ hands were curled tight into the front of her bodice. With a single jerk, the fabric split open, freeing her chest from the confines of the corset. She gasped, air rushing into her lungs and the Duke descended, greedily stealing the air back as his mouth pressed against hers. He ravaged her lips, his hands gripping at bared skin–”
“Wow, that’s, hmm.” Keigo flushed, “there’s scenes like that?”
“Oh yeah. Gave me some ideas.” Touya set the book aside and shooed the cat off his lap. Princess grumbled but stalked to the edge of the couch to curl up next to Chicklet.
“Oh?” Keigo flushed deeper as Touya stalked closer to him, like a great hunting cat. He crowded Keigo against the wall.
“Yeah.” He grabbed Keigo by the chin, tilting his head up. Touya’s other hand came to curl into the front of his shirt, tugging him close. Heat swelled in Keigo’s chest and dipped lower.
“I’m afraid I don’t have a bodice you can dramatically tear open.” Keigo tilted his head back further.
Touya grinned, dipping to brush his lips against his jaw and down his throat. “I’m certain we could make do.”
“Then by all means, Duke Todoroki. Take me away.”
Touya laughed. “Very well, Takami. I’ll make you mine.”
Touya grabbed the wrong fucking bottle, again, and sighed heavily. The last couple nights were not going well. He was only fortunate that he moved quickly and that his customers weren’t too upset at his heavy hand.
“Dabi.” Himiko was on her knees on the barstool, leaning heavily on the top. “That’s like, your 5th mistake tonight.”
“Yeah, I fucking know.” He put the bottle away, grabbing the correct one this time.
“Why’re you all distracted?” Himiko sat back to lean on her elbows, propping her chin on her hands. Her cat-like eyes peered into his soul.
Touya paused to consider her a moment. It was a terrible, no good idea, to involve the League, but he didn’t have any ideas and Toga thrived on romance. He sighed and finished off the drink, sliding it over to the patron. He started on Toga’s virgin Bloody Mary. “Keigo and I are coming up on our one year anniversary.”
Himiko squealed, high enough to nearly shatter glass, and Touya flinched. Fuck, this was a bad idea. “Oh my god! It’s been a year?! I can’t believe it!”
“Yeah, me neither.” He poured the tomato juice.
“So what’s the problem? Oh no! Are you and Hawksie having trouble?”
“No, fuck, we’re fine. Everything’s fine. Everything’s great, actually.” Touya could feel the dopey smile on his face and nearly added the vodka out of habit.
Himiko cocked her head to the side. “Then what’s the problem?”
Touya scowled, putting the bottle aside and grabbing the rest of the nonalcoholic ingredients. “Well, I don’t know what to get him.”
Himiko pouted, accepting her drink after Touya dropped the celery stalk in it. She plucked the vegetable out to gnaw on it. “Hmm, well, what does he like?”
Touya rolled his eyes. “That’s the problem. He buys anything he sees. Doesn’t leave me a lot of options.”
“Well, you gotta make it romantic.” Himiko gestured with the celery, pointing at him.
“Make what romantic? Pfft, Dabi doesn’t have a romantic bone in his body.”
Touya rolled his eyes, “Thanks, Twice–”
“Dabi and Hawks have been together for a year!” Himiko cut over Touya, shouting loudly enough he was sure the whole bar could hear it.
“Oh yeah? Damn boy, put a ring on it. Dump his ass.”
Himiko’s eyes widened to saucers, she took a deep breath, and let out a squeal that he was certain doubled as a dog whistle. “Dabi!” She spun to face him, slamming her palms on the bartop. Her glass rattled.
Touya startled. He did not like the look in her eyes.
“That’s it!”
“What? I should dump him?”
“No!” She pouted, “you should propose!”
Touya balked. “You’re insane. We’ve only been together for a year.”
“Yeah, and how quickly did you move in with him?” Himiko rolled her eyes. ”Anyway, I think you should propose. What do you think, Jin?”
“Surprised it took you this long. I’m not! You’re a coward.” Twice threw up his hands to defend himself.
Touya just flipped him off, for both sides of his statement. “Go back to the booth. I got work to get to. Let me know when you have a legitimate idea.”
Himiko gestured sharply with her half eaten celery. “It’s a legit idea! C’mon Jin, let’s go tell the others.” She bites her celery, grabs her drink, and hooks her arm through Twice’s to drag him away.
Touya wanted to bash his head into the wall. He shouldn’t have said anything. Now they were going to be of no help unless he decided to go along with her batshit insane idea.
“They are right. You moved inordinately fast for this relationship.” Kurogiri commented, wiping out a glass.
Touya groaned. “Not you too.”
“You did move in with him months after that first date.”
“Sure, but we were talking well beforehand. Besides, my lease was up and his place was fancy as fuck. It was a no-brainer.” Touya took the next order, starting on a well Long Island.
The bartender hummed, his dark hair swaying with the AC. He didn’t say anything further, but Touya could feel his judgement. He pointedly ignored the other man for the rest of his shift, trying to keep his attention on the drinks.
It would’ve been easier if Magne hadn’t swung by for a pickup and asked about Keigo’s ring size, or if Spinner hadn’t tried to open his big mouth about diamond carats.
“What, lookin’ to propose to your own boyfriend?” Two could play that game, fucker. At least Touya’s comment got Spinner to shut his mouth and go back to doing his own damn job.
Would it even be worth it to propose to Keigo? Sure, they’d been dating for a year, if they count from the first date at the cafe. They did move in together quickly, but like Touya said, it had been out of convenient. They’d recently broken out the L-word over the last couple months, and that was, something.
Touya had only used the word towards his family -well, most his family, his dad could fuck off. He never used it towards the League. He liked them, sure. He was fond of them. They were like his second family, after his brief rebellious stint while his dad was getting his shit together.
So the word was seldom used. It still felt rusty and awkward on his tongue, and yet.
He loved Keigo.
What a thing to say, to know. He loved the man. He loved their life together. He loved coming home to Keigo snuggled up on the couch with their cats, or Keigo coming home to watch him cook.
He loved finding silly little trinkets to surprise Keigo with, or reading a book that Keigo thought he might find entertaining. Even if the book was spicier than he would usually read on his own.
He loved building a home with Keigo.
He… he wanted to spend his life together with him.
He wanted to raise their cats together, and hell, maybe they could adopt or something in the future. He wanted to spend every day with him, and curl up every night in bed with him.
He loved Keigo.
Fucking hell, he wanted to marry Keigo.
Touya finished the clean up and slumped into the booth where the rest of his friends were chattering. “All right, I’m sure you fuckers have been gossiping this whole damn time. Let’s hear it. What do you all got?”
Touya ended up at a fancy jewelry store that looked well outside of his budget. He technically had slightly lower bills, living with Keigo. The man insisted on covering the rent for the penthouse, which was fine by Touya. He was pretty sure his paycheck from the bar wouldn’t even cover his half of the rent. But Touya insisted on paying for their food and some of the other amenities to make it more even.
All to say that he was terrified of getting a ring. How the fuck did people just stroll up and find the perfect jewelry? And he had to find something that perfectly suited Keigo. Maybe he should’ve just brought Keigo. Let him pick out his own ring.
Touya looked at his phone again.
From: Keigo 🐦
Sent: 11:50
Have fun with your sibs!
[STICKER: BirdWithBirds]
To: Keigo 🐦
Sent: 11:53
It’s just lunch.
[STICKER: CatBurger]
From: Keigo 🐦
Sent: 11:53
Still!
Tell them i said hiiiii
Exactly like that
[STICKER: BouncyBird]
To: Keigo 🐦
Sent: 11:54
[STICKER: CatNo]
From: Keigo 🐦
Sent: 11:55
Booooo
[STICKER: GhostBird]
Touya snorted, smiling stupidly at his phone. He couldn’t bring Keigo to buy his own ring, that wouldn’t be fair. He could find something for the man he wanted to spend his life with.
To: Keigo 🐦
Sent: 11:57
Love you
[STICKER: CatBlueHeart]
From: Keigo 🐦
Sent: 11:58
Love you toooooo
[STICKER: BirdGoldHeart]
Touya pocketed his phone, glancing up to find Fuyumi giggling and texting on her phone. Touya snarled. “You better not be texting your girlfriend about this.”
“Too late.” Fuyumi smiled, angelically.
Touya glared. “She better not tell Keigo then. It’s supposed to be a surprise.”
Fuyumi patted him patronizingly on the cheek. “Don’t worry, we’ll keep your secret.”
Natsuo slung an arm around his shoulders. “C’mon, can’t stand out here forever.” He bodily dragged Touya inside, with Fuyumi and Shouto following.
Touya regretted inviting his siblings along, but he was pretty sure he wouldn’t have been able to do this by himself, and there was absolutely no way he was bringing the League. They’d probably end up kicked out of the store.
The clerk at the counter perked up, a bright smile plastered on her face. “Hello, welcome. How can I help you today?”
“We’re helping this guy get an engagement ring for his boyfriend.” Natsuo tugged on his shoulder.
“Oh, congratulations.” Her smile turned a bit more genuine. “Do you know what kind of styles you’re looking for? Or what kind of stone? ”
Touya’s brain stuttered. Styles, stones? There were options? Why were there options? Why didn’t someone just decree that one ring was an engagement ring and make it standard, like one of Shigaraki’s farming sims. “Uh, what?”
“Hm.” The clerk tapped her chin for a moment, “do you know what kind of jewelry he wears?”
“Gold?” Touya definitely should’ve come more prepared. How was he supposed to know what rings he wore when he was always distracted by Keigo’s hands?
“Bro, you gotta be a little more helpful than that.” Natsuo nudged his shoulder.
Touya scowled, thinking about the dates where Keigo dressed up. He did like rings, usually thicker banded, and definitely gold. He seemed to like reds and golds. Was it because it was the same color as his team? They never seemed to have a lot of gems though, nothing that stuck out.
He should’ve looked at Keigo’s rings before he went to buy one. Tch. Well, he didn’t have to pick one today.
He let the clerk know and she studied him for a moment, nodding in consideration. “Very well. We have some over here that might suit.” She led their group to a case that glittered with rings. Each of them had a wider band with gems inlaid, some protruding. Some were diamonds, while others were every shade of the rainbow.
“Do you know if he will need something sturdy to stand up to his job? We have others made of steel, titanium, or tungsten that won’t break.”
Touya hesitated. “He probably won’t be able to wear his ring at the games?” He glanced at Natsuo for confirmation.
“Hm, probably not. Maybe on a necklace, but definitely not on his hands.”
Touya nodded and studied the case again.
“What about this one?” Shouto pointed to one that was so overladen with gemstones that he couldn’t even see the gold of the band.
Touya studied his youngest brother and wondered at the merits of being an only child. “What is wrong with you?”
Shouto raised an eyebrow. “You’re the one who says he always likes to wear flashy stuff. This is flashy.”
Touya scowled. He had a point. It was flashy and gaudy, but, “no, it’s ugly.”
Shouto nodded, internalizing the information and turning to the glass again. He stared with intent at the rings.
“There’s this one.” Fuyumi’s choice was a simple gold band inscribed with delicate twirling lines. It was, fine.
“Boring.”
“So somewhere between Shouto’s and Fuyumi’s, huh? Ok, Goldilocks.” Natuso grinned and Touya flipped him off.
“It’s an engagement ring. It has to be perfect. Sorry for having taste.”
“Yeah yeah. We know.” Natsuo moved to another case. “How ‘bout this one?”
The ring was almost exactly in the middle, much like Natsuo himself. A gold band with intricate carvings and a few stones pressed into the metal.
Touya stared. It was pretty. It should’ve been the exact Goldilocks special, but it wasn’t. “I don’t like it.”
“But would Keigo?” Natsuo raised an eyebrow.
Touya snorted. “His birdbrain would latch onto anything shiny.”
Fuyumi rolled her eyes. “He would like anything you gave to him cause he’s just as in love with you as you are with him.”
Touya waved them both off, ignoring Shouto’s running mumbling about Keigo being a birdbrain because he’s on the Hawks, or he joined the Hawks because he’s a bird.
Touya passed case after case of glittering rings. There were so many options and varieties that Touya felt like he was blinded by it all. He paused, stopping in front of a case near the corner of the door. He tapped his finger against the glass.
“That one.”
Keigo pressed his forehead against the closet door and sighed, hoping one of the outfits would jump out at him and tell him to wear it.
So far he hadn’t been so lucky.
It didn’t help that he was trying to dress up, knowing he would propose today. He’d suggested to Touya that they should dress a bit fancier, not to the nines. Touya would never let it go if Keigo came out in a full suit, but something nice.
Touya raised an eyebrow but shrugged and agreed.
Touya then got dressed without any of the same struggle Keigo had, and was now spending who knows how long messing with his hair in the bathroom.
Keigo was fortunate he had his hairstyle on lock, it was his clothes now that bothered him.
He ended up picking a red button down and slacks, throwing it all on. He touched up his hair, and maybe put on a little bit of makeup when Touya finally left the bathroom.
He met his boyfriend and, fingers crossed, soon to be fiance in the living room.
Touya was sitting on the couch, legs crossed at the ankles and propped up on the coffee table. Princess was desperately trying to climb into his lap but he kept pushing the cat away, “probably to avoid all of her white hair over his black pants.
“You know, it might be a mistake to dress up when we’re going to a cat cafe. We’re about to be covered in so much cat hair…” Keigo trailed off as Touya’s eyes met his.
Touya had something to actually get his hair to slick back slightly away from his face, baring a bit of his forehead. Still a chunk of fringe fell over his eyes, which were lined in eyeliner. The blue popped, making them so bright it was almost like they were lit with a blue flame.
“Sure. But we look fuckin’ hot so.” Touya got up, taking the handful of steps over to lean down and kiss Keigo. “My pretty birdie.”
Keigo flushed and pulled Touya close, kissing him again. His fingers dug into the blue shirt that Touya had chosen. Maybe they should just stay here. They could strip off all these layers and he could propose after. That could work.
Touya bit his lip, mouth smiling against his. “C’mon. We got a date at the cat cafe, let’s go.” He took Keigo’s hand in his, winding their fingers together. Keigo let himself be dragged along.
The trip to the cafe was short, both of them leaning shoulder to shoulder on the train ride and walking hand in hand to the shop.
Keigo laughed as they walked, remembering how hard it had been to get to this date, a year ago. Their conflicting schedules, Touya getting sick, a typhoon raging through Fukuoka, the first cafe being closed. It was a miracle they stuck together long enough to meet. And yet, here they were.
“What’re you laughing at?”
Keigo bumped their shoulders together. “Just what a ride it was, to get to our first date.”
Touya snorted. “It was a mess.”
“Could you imagine if Purrfect Respite was closed today?”
“It better fucking not be. Don’t jinx us.”
Keigo squeezed his hand. “Never.”
Everything was gonna go perfect today, it had to.
The cafe was open, thankfully. It wasn’t their first time being back there, since their first date. They went again, several times. First time was to adopt Chicklet and Princess, and then they would occasionally hit it up. It wasn’t a regular spot, but it had been a little while since they had been back.
Keigo strolled up to the counter. The purple haired teen manning the register - Shinsou, as they eventually learned- had apparently gone to school with Shouto and Tokoyami. How either of them ended up on this side of Japan, he would never know.
Both of them looked up at the board and Keigo grinned, spotting the drawing of their special. Keigo ordered the CatTastic caramel macchiato, pleased to find it again. Touya rolled his eyes but ordered a mocha cookie crumble frappe.
“Aw, not going to order the same thing?”
Touya shrugged, “I don’t even remember what I ordered. The memory is gone, blinded by your jacket.”
“Hey.” Keigo pouted and Touya grinned, sharp and full of teeth. The piercings in his dimples pulled at his skin and Keigo wanted to kiss each one.
“That jacket threatened to make my eyes bleed.”
“I like that jacket.”
“I know. The things I suffer for you.” Touya leaned against him dramatically, stealing a kiss, and swiping his card for payment before Keigo could.
The teen stared at the two of them blankly, sighed, and then turned to make the drinks, passing them over with the most thoroughly done look possible. He retreated to a corner between the counter after with his phone. It looked like it was just him today.
Keigo took his customary photo of the drink, throwing it up on his socials. He almost dropped his phone when he got a message from Rumi, wishing him luck.
Touya picked up his drink, walked over to the table - their table from the first date - and sat. “All good?”
“Aha, yeah.” Keigo followed after him, taking the seat opposite Touya. His boyfriend-maybe-soon-to-be-fiance was leaning back in the chair, sipping at his drink and staring at the shelves of books. A black cat wandered over to sniff at his clothes.
The weight of the ring in his pocket felt enormous. When was he supposed to try and propose? Did he need to wait ‘til closer to the end of the date? Did he just start spouting off the romantic lines that he spent the last week practicing?
Touya’s foot tapped against the tile flooring and he patted the table, getting the cat to jump up for pets. “Think the cats will like you any better this time?”
“O-oh, I don’t know. Maybe?”
“We definitely can’t get anymore. Princess barely tolerates Chicklet.”
Keigo snorted. “Like her dad then, hm?”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Touya leaned forward, eyes narrowed.
“Oh, nothing. She’s just moody and temperamental and doesn’t like when we invite anyone over, but absolutely must make herself known by wailing from the bedroom. Will only allow herself to be pet by specific people and only cuddles with you.”
Touya scowled and reached out, stealing Keigo’s drink.
“Hey! Give it back.”
“Not until you start being nice.” Touya smirked, taking a drink and cringed. “Kei, there’s more sugar than coffee in this. I can feel the cavities forming on my teeth.”
“Then you shouldn’t have stolen it, give it back.” Keigo reached across the table with grabby hands.
“Apologize first.”
“I’m sorry for telling you the truth about yourself.”
Touya barked out a laugh and held the drink out. “Smartass.”
“You love my ass.”
“I do, it’s true.”
Keigo laughed, taking his drink back. “You’re a menace.”
Touya smiled at him, face tinged pink as his eyes crinkled slightly from laughing. He was so damn beautiful. Keigo’s heart pounded in his chest. He could do this, easy peasy.
Keigo set the drink aside and held out his hands. Touya raised an eyebrow, but nudged the cat off the table to set his own cup down and take Keigo’s hands.
“I love you.” Keigo started and then faltered, anxiety prickling up his spine. His hands trembled, even in Touya’s grip.
Touya’s bewildered expression morphed into a soft smile. “I love you too.” Touya’s hands squeezed his.
Keigo took a breath, sending him a smile. “You… You make me feel… human. I guess. I remember, on the first date, how I felt like everyone stuck me on a pedestal. And I was worried that you would too. And you told me all the flaws you found in me.”
Touya cringed. “Ah well–”
“I was grateful. I mean, some of it was mean. But you grounded me. You saw me. Not all the images in the ads and the magazines or the sports star. And, well, you continue to ground me. I mean, you saw my place before you moved in.” Keigo laughed weakly. “You told me it looked like a model home and asked me if I really lived there.”
Keigo looked into blue, blue eyes, a dazzling cobalt that shimmered. He wanted to stare into them forever. He wanted to see them drowsing from sleep and bright in mirth. He wanted to see the wrinkles spread from the corners that came as they aged, together.
“My life before you was training, and matches, and modeling jobs. I barely ate, barely slept. I was rarely even home. I only even started looking for a boyfriend because Rumi hounded me. I thought I could find a perfect someone on a dating app. Instead I found you over months of messages and missed dates.”
Touya’s eyes were wide and shiny as Keigo rounded to his side of the table. He fished the box from his pocket.
Keigo lowered to one knee. “You made me want to change. I want to be home, to see you. To see our cats. To add silly books that you read out loud to embarrass me. I want you to bring me rocks you think my birdbrain needs. I want to come home to home cooked meals and cuddle on the couch watching truly terrible romcoms. I want to come home, to you.”
Keigo opened the box, displaying the ring sat in the satin of the box. It was silver on the edges with a band of gems in the inlay. The stones were shades of glitter blues that glimmered in the light like burning coals. “I love you, Touya. Will you marry me?”
Touya’s eyes darted from the ring, to Keigo’s face, and then back again. He blinked several times before he let out a wet chuckle. “Fucking hell, Keigo.”
Keigo’s heart sank into a pit in his chest. Was it too soon? Did he mess this up? He thought it was perfect.
Touya stood, his chair screeching on the tile and Keigo wanted to cry, tears shimmering over his vision, when suddenly Touya was kneeling too, a box in his hand.
“You beat me to it. Always too damn fast for your own good.”
Keigo blinked several times, seeing a familiar box, yet it was in Touya’s hand. Touya opened the box to show a similar ring. This one was gold on the edge with an inlay of red gems. The stones inside seemed to shift and move, almost like an array of feathers.
Keigo sputtered, choking on a relieved breath and a laugh. “Touya– you. Yes!” He reached for the ring but Touya swatted his hand away.
“Hey now. I gotta give my whole speech too.”
Keigo pouted.
Touya rolled his eyes. “I don’t–” He blew out a breath. “I’m not as good at words as you are. I thought for a long time that I wasn’t worth love. It took a shit ton of therapy to be okay with myself. And even then it was rare that I was anything more than tolerant with myself. You know everything that went down with my dad. It… well, it fucked me up.”
Touya shifted, uneasily. “The first time I realized the bird obsessed workaholic on the phone was a volleyball star, I panicked. What would I have to offer?
“Touya–”
“Shush.” Touya narrowed his eyes and Keigo shut his mouth.
“I didn’t have much, I mean, you saw my creaky shoebox apartment. Sure, I came from money, but that was my parents, not me. It wasn’t through my own merit. I’m just a bartender. But you were so worried about me seeing you as famous that I was potentially ruining what we could’ve had. And I realized that all that stuff that I was worried about, I didn’t care about. You aren’t just a star out of my reach. You’re here, with me.” Touya smiled as a single tear trailed down Keigo’s cheek.
“And together we made a place for the both of us. We filled it with all those obnoxious colors you love, with the cats that brought us together. We made it a home. I look forward now to you coming home, leaving your clothes all over the damn furniture. I want to tease you as you attempt to cook dinner and somehow manage to over and undercook noodles or let the water boil over. I want to watch the worst reality dating shows and eat ice cream on the couch with you.”
Touya reached out to cup Keigo’s cheek. “I want to come home to you, every single day. Maybe it’s only been a year, maybe this is crazy, but you're my silly, pretty bird. I love you, Keigo. Will you marry me?”
Keigo laughed, smiling so wide his cheeks hurt. “Yes, but only if you’ll marry me.”
“That’s a deal.” Touya’s smile was just as big.
They managed to exchange the things, fingers and hands shaking. Keigo barely glanced at the rings before launching himself into Touya’s arms.
Keigo pressed his lips against his fiance’s, sinking into his warmth.
“I love you.”