Love Persevering

[Introduction Music]

[Lights Up]

A small sedan wound its way down the curving road to Eastview, New Jersey. The young couple inside is filled with excitement as they make their way to their new home just after their wedding. Sugawara Koushi and Sawamura Daichi have left the confines of the big city for a quiet life.

Koushi took Daichi’s hand in his and lifted it to his lips for a kiss. His eyes flicked to Suga’s warm gray ones and a ghost of a smile appears on the synthezoid’s face. It would be an interesting life to say the least, surrounded by average people who were unaware that their new neighbors had many gifts. One with magic telekinetic and reality-warping abilities and the other a synthetic being with all the knowledge in the world.

But the lovers would have it no other way.

They wanted to create a home, and home they created.

Eastview was picturesque in its structure. Tidy buildings. Parks. A local market and movie theatre. As they drove through the center of town each person they passed gave them a gentle wave, welcoming to the new city. Suga found himself waving back as Daichi slightly ducked his head to hide the odd color of his face. You see, the average person was not orange.

“I should have changed how I looked before we drove in,” Daichi murmured, quickly trying to get out of the center of town.

Suga hummed with sympathy and squeezed his hand. “I doubt anyone noticed.” He knocked against his window. “Tinted windows.” A gleeful grin spread across his face.

Daichi let out a warm laugh with a heartfelt smile. His husband never failed to amuse him, and with Suga at his side he was sure there would be many laughs to come.

“Take the next left,” Suga gently reminded him with a teasing smirk.

An irritated but amused sigh came from Daichi’s lips. “Suga, I have the entire city blueprint in my memory core in fact the whole state—“

“You’re so cute when you’re all worked up.”

If synthezoids could blush Daichi would have, but instead he frowned and shook his head. Begrudgingly he took the next left. “You are incorrigible.”

[Cue Scene Change]

Boarded up windows, an overgrown lawn, and a tilted for sale sign greeted the couple as they rolled up to their new home. It stood out amongst the neatly manicured vibrant green lawn and tidy cookie-cutter homes. A fixer upper one would say, but it was theirs.

“It could use a little work,” Suga noted, sliding out of the car, hazel eyes scanning the abandoned homestead.

Daichi carefully shifted his appearance. Pale vibranium exterior shifted to tanned and healthy flesh with short cropped dark hair. “I think we can manage.” He wrapped an arm around Koushi’s shoulders and pulled him close. “This is our home and we can make it however we like, but quickly so the neighbors don’t see.”

Koushi patted his husband’s arm with a shake of his head. “You worry too much, Dai.” Gray eyes regarded the empty road and sidewalks around them. An impish grin spread across his face. Separating himself from his husband, Koushi slowly raised his arms in front of him, wrists limp and fingers extended. With a steadying breath, he flicked his hands upwards, fingers tracing unclear patterns in the air in front of him. Luminescent sparks followed each fluid moment and hazel eyes flashed silver. The sparks stretched beyond Koushi, entangling themselves in weeds, rotten wood, and broken glass. Their mere touch left everything sparkling and clean, almost reversing time with their presence. With another flick of his wrists the tendrils summoned up an array of flowers and a welcome mat for their porch. Everything was in place. Perfect and lovely for their new home.

Koushi clapped his hands in satisfaction, the silver and white tendrils quickly disappeared. “Well what do you think?”

“Very orderly. I like it.” Daichi pressed a kiss to his husband’s temple.

“Wait until you see what I did with the inside.”

Suitcases were grabbed, the car properly parked in their new drives, and the for sale sign was promptly removed as the couple wandered inside their new abode.

Koushi’s interior decorating was anything but orderly. The colors clashed, furniture was crammed into every corner of the living room, and none of the framed photos matched. A white overstuffed sofa dominated the room but was almost put to shame by the white leather love seat next to it or the white shag throw rug over the hardwood floors. It was bright, garish, and littered with knick knacks on every surface. Regardless of how bright the colors were and how crowded the rooms were, this space was very clearly theirs. Chaotic, but cozy. Mismatched frames lined every wall, filled with pictures of their life together. Their first date getting milkshakes together. Their wedding day with both of them white tuxedos and ruffled shirts. Many of the other frames were filled with their own baby photos and other family portraits.

Daichi paused in front of his own baby photo, cocking his head to the side in momentary confusion. Gears were practically grinding in his mind before he flashed his husband a bright smile. He tapped the glass with a metallic clink. “I was an adorable child.”

Koushi furrowed his brow. Confusion was quickly replaced with a smile. “And an even more handsome adult,” he commented.

Gesturing to the room around him, Koushis whirled around with a grin. “What do you think of the interior?”

“Crowded but perfect for us.”

The couple drew closer together and wrapped their arms around one another.

“Welcome home, sweetie,” Koushi sighed, resting his head on Daichi’s home.

“Welcome home, darling.”

[Cue Audience ‘Aw’]

[fade to black]

[lights up on kitchen]

“Daichi! If you don’t hurry you’ll be late to work!” Koushi busied himself sending plates flying across the kitchen to their designated dark cabinets. The gray apron tied around his waist protected the black and white checkered shirt, expertly tucked into belted light gray shorts.

Footsteps thundered down the carpeted stair, threatening to shake the whole house. Daichi’s fingers fiercely worked at the knot in his tie. Every attempt he made to tie it was fruitless.

“I quite literally know everything there is to know, and yet I can’t tie a tie.” Broad shoulders slouched forward in defeat.

“You just haven’t had enough practice,” Koushi snickered. Pots and pans forgotten he left them floating in the air as his slender fingers expertly maneuvered the black silky fabric into a loose knot. “Now you can tighten it.”

Daichi quickly pecked Koushi’s cheek with a sigh. “What would I do without you?”

“You’d lose your own head.” He swatted his husband’s arm with a laugh.

A frown of disapproval obscured Daichi’s face. Metallic hands cupped his own hips. His hardened exterior quickly turned into a flashing smile.

[Cue Audience Laughter]

“That I would, darling.”

Koushi drifted back to the kitchen island and flipped through the pages of his cookbook, dishes once again zooming through the sky or scrubbing themselves as he did. Soft melody drifted from his lips, low and soft. Neither of the couple could place where the tune was from, only that it reminded them of an old friend.

“If you keep humming that song I might just have to sweep you off your feet,” Daichi murumered.

Koushi leaned into the warm embrace from his husband and closed his eyes. The comforting strength was something he could get used to. Safety and home.

As he stopped humming the tune became more distant, crackling almost as if a record player had begun to play the song on loop. The gentle female voice drifted around them wrapping the couple in sweet musical embrace.

“Then you will definitely be late.”

But that didn’t matter. Not to either of them. What was more important than being with the person you loved. Absolutely nothing. At least not to them as they gently swayed to the crooning voice that rang through their small kitchen. All floating chores are forgotten by Koushi and the pressures of work are alleviated for Daichi by a simple dance. There was nothing but the two of them sharing this quiet moment. And for a moment the whole world stopped.

Slender fingers traced synthetic skin and plating, marking each fiber as his. Koushi’s mind drifted to every private moment. The stolen kisses in the rain. Wandering European streets. Their friends and the--

Dishes clattered to the floor.

Koushi’s extended hand hovered over Daichi’s cheek who leaned into it with a smile.

“Did you get distracted?” He teased.

“I-- yes.” Koushi shook his head. A bewildered expression flashed across his face and the dishes once again took their place in the air.

A warm chuckle rumbled in Daichi’s chest. “Then I best be off.”

“Must you?” He let out a playful exasperated tone.

“Weren’t you just the one who was complaining that I would be late?” Fingers gently dug into Koushi’s side.

He slinked away from Daichi’s grasp with a small squeal. “Out. Out. Go make money.” With a shooing motion, Koushi hopped up on the kitchen counter and resumed cleaning the dishes, flipping through his cookbook.

“Yes, dear.” Laughter was clear in the other man’s voice. “I’ll be back before you know it.”

With one last wave Daichi made his way to the door, shifting his appearance as he did, only pausing to straighten his hat and glance at the calendar. Much to his surprise, today’s date was surrounded by a massive heart.

“Koushi, darling, is today a special day?”

“Not that I can think of,” he called back, quickly writing down the ingredients for a new recipe he hoped to try.

“Well there is a massive heart on the calendar and I don’t remember putting it there.”

“I didn’t either.” With a huff, Koushi hopped off the counter and marched over to the calendar. “Clearly it’s because it’s a very important date.”

“Yes important enough to mark with a heart.”

“One that we should remember because its--”

“Important…”

The two stared long and hard at the date which only seemed to mock them with each passing moment.

Koushi pursed his lips and rubbed his neck in irritation. Marking a date with a heart meant that it was something romantic. Something that they would both want to remember. Well it had to be their anniversary then.

“It’s a very important date, Dai.”

“I can see that I just can’t for the life of me figure out what is.”

Koushi’s expression fell. “If you can’t remember then I’m not going to tell you.” With a slight stomp of the heel he stormed back into the kitchen.

Daichi grimaced with a sigh of exasperation. “I’ll see you when I get home.”

The door to the kitchen slammed shut.

“Bye darling.” With one last sigh Daichi left their home for work.

[fade to black]

[lights up on living room]

Crackling music drifted through the speaker of the radio which was neatly positioned above their fireplace. Koushi could not help but hum along to the slow paced quartet and the low bass as he flipped through this magazine, chin held up in his hand. His feet kicked up in the air as he lay flat on his stomach on their couch. The music swirled about him, drifting in and out of focus.

He let out a small huff and rolled onto his back, thought drifting back to the mysterious heart on their calendar. It had to be their wedding anniversary. There was no other reason for it to be on their calendar and Daichi had forgotten. It was very unlike him but not out of the realm of possibility. Koushi snapped his magazine shut and sat up with a pout.

What was he meant to do if his husband didn’t remember their anniversary? Should he still surprise him with dinner? Set up candles? Wear something sexy?

Glancing down at the cotton black and white checkered polo, Koushi quickly determined that this was not what he wanted to wear on their anniversary. He was sure there was something in his closet that would do it.

As he mentally ran through his closest there was a loud resounding knock on his front door. With a brief flick of his hand the radio shut off. He leaped over his couch and straightened his shirt, flattening out the wrinkles after lounging about all day. Silver hair was quickly rearranged into a presentable style just as another knock came at his door.

“Coming!” There was no telling who it could be. Since arriving in Eastview the couple had kept to themselves, relishing in their alone time and learning to live together in a new space.

Suga, wearing a curious grin, quickly opened the heavy wooden door revealing a tall man with a charming but lazy grin, a somewhat warm sultry gaze, and platinum waves. The man cradled a bottle of wine in his arms and held out a small casserole dish.

“Howdy neighbor,” he drawled with a smirk. “Thought I’d make myself known and welcome you and your to the neighborhood. I’m Adrian, your next door neighbor.” Adrian pushed past Koushi with a grin and strode around as if he owned the place. “Wonderful place you got here. Cozy.”

[cue audience applause]

“Come one in…” He shut the door and watched Adrian with a curious gaze as the other man set his dish and wine on the bar into the kitchen.

[cue audience laughter]

Adrian leaned on his elbows against the counter with an air of comfort surrounding him. “I hope you like a good red. It's a 1947 Pinot from a good local place.” Lips parted in a grin as Adrian worked his fingers through his hair.

“Well thank you, Adrian,” Koushi said slowly. “I’m Koushi—”

“I know,” Adrian chuckled. “The whole town does. A new couple rolls into town and everyone is abuzzing with information.”

Koushi’s brow furrowed. Nerves settled in his stomach. Being new in town was one thing, but with his and Daichi’s unusual nature it was not ideal to be noticed.

The lazy grin never slipped from Adrian’s face. In fact, it turned sympathetic and warm even as he pushed himself off the counter and approached his neighbor. “It can be a bit unsettling moving to a small time everyone all up in everyone else’s business but you’ll learn to love it. I do have to warn you that navigating some of the social events can be a bit of a drag especially when they are dry events.” Adrian grimaced. “If there is no wine you can count me out.” His grimace shifted to a wide grin.

Koushi felt himself smile in response, slowly growing more comfortable around Adrian. His reservations drifted away. After all, they were friendly neighbors.

“Why don’t you have a seat and we can crack open that bottle you brought by.” Koushi motioned for Adrian to sit down as he grabbed two wine glasses from the bar looking into the kitchen.

The two settled on the couch and poured large glasses of wine as they got to know each other. Adrian lamented about his husband, Carl, and their somewhat unconventional marriage.

“He brings in the bacon and I do whatever the hell I want. As long as have some form of meal on the table when he gets home then he’s happy. No complaints here.” Adrian shrugged and took a long sip from his glass. “He minds his business and I mind mine.”

Koushi’s fingers slowly tapped against his glass as he listened to Adrian. “Doesn’t sound like much of a marriage then. Don’t you love each other?”

“Most marriages aren’t founded in love, just convenience.” He sighed and waved his hand around. “But don’t let me leave you jaded. I’m sure your husband is delightful.”

“He is… most of the time.” Koushi set his glass down on the table and tucked his legs underneath him. “Typically he is always on top of things, birthdays, due dates, but today is our wedding anniversary and it completely slipped his mind.”

Adrian tutted in sympathy and patted Koushi’s hand. “Well then you just have to remind him and knock his socks off with an amazing night.”

A small smile appeared on Koushi’s face. “I’m a little nervous, it's our first one and I have no idea what I’m doing.” He let out a nervous chuckle and tugged at the feather pendant around his neck.

Adrian’s eyes flicked down to the necklace before coming back to Koushi’s face. “I can help!” He scrambled to directly face the other man and dramatically held up one finger. “First, you’ll surprise him when he gets home. Put on something sexy that will make steam come out of his ears.” His eyes glinted with mischief. “Second!” A second finger was held up. “Dinner will be light and easy, because you are the main course.”

Koushi grinned and nodded. “Poor Daichi won’t even know what hit him.”

Adrian winked. “That is the whole point.”

[fade to black]

[lights up on Daichi’s office]

Dacihi’s fingers flew across his keyboard at an inhuman rate, piles of reports accumulated seemingly out of nowhere. There was nothing that could stop him, not even his co-workers who watched him in awe. Their own fingers stubbled to a halt. Eyes widened. Jaws dropped. The furious typing drowned out the sound of the ticking clock which threatened to strike three at any moment.

Nothing could stop Daichi from flying through an entire month’s quota of work. Nothing except a firm hand on his shoulder. His fingers stalled as he sputtered in fright.

“Now listen here, Daichi—“ the esteemed Ryūnosuke Heart began, “Kiyoko and I are expecting a good quality dinner tonight. Five courses. No funny business.” He straightened the bowler on his shaved head. “If you and your husband do well, you just might get yourself a promotion.”

Dinner…

His boss was coming over for dinner?

Mr. & Mrs. Heart.

Dark eyes looked to the heavens and said a small prayer of thanks. The heart of their calendar did have an important meaning.

Dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Heart.

Daichi rose from his desk and fiercely shook Ryūnosuke’s hand. “You won’t be disappointed, sir. Everything will be to your liking.”

“It better be. If it’s not, you're out of job.” He slapped Daichi on the back, who let out a huff, before striding toward the exit. “We’ll be at yours at six sharp.”

“Yes, Mr. Heart. We will see you then.”

As Mr Heart disappeared through the door, Daichi scrambled the phone at his desk and quickly dialed his home number. Fingers nervously tapped on his desk waiting for his husband to pick him. The phone seemed to let out a dull ring for ages before it came to a stop.

“Hello?” Koushi’s smooth voice echoed over the line.

Relief flooded Daichi’s body. “Koushi, darling, I am so sorry about this morning.”

There was a brief silence. “It’s alright Dai. Not a big deal.”

“Oh but it is and I think I’ve let us both down.”

Koushi sighed. Daichi swore he could hear the exasperated smile. “We’ll make it work. It’ll be a great night. I promise.”

“Thank you, dear. I am counting on you.”

“I’ll see you when you get home. Love you.”

“Love you too.” Daichi reclined back in his chair with a ridiculous grin on his face.

Tonight was going to be perfect.

[cue audience laughter]

[black out]

[lights up on a darkened living room at the DaiSuga household]

The soft glow of candles shed light on the darkened room while music faintly played from the record player in the corner, a soft jazz tune full of low brass and a crooning male voice. Two wine glasses rest on the table accompanied by a light spread of meats and cheeses. The perfect set up for a wedding anniversary.

But most certainly not for a dinner party.

Daichi and the Heart family pushed their way into the darkened living room, stunned from the lack of light.

“Darling?” Daichi called, scrambling for their light switch.

Mr. Heart grumbled in annoyance. Kiyoko, his wife, patted his arm and tried to settle him down. “Ryu everything will be fine.”

“Did someone order dessert?”

Suddenly, light filled the room revealing Koushi in a beautiful white silk robe that barely skimmed his mid-thigh. He wielded a bouquet of wildflowers in front of his chest as he leaned in a tantalizing position on the bar.

“Kou--” Daichi squeaked.

“Oh dear,” Kiyoko gasped.

Ryū stared ahead with wide eyes and clenched fists.

Horror filled Koushi’s face as he locked eyes with his husband across the room. “Welcome home…”

“Sawamura, what is the meaning of this?” Ryū’s voice crept dangerously close to shouting. Eyes blazed with heat and frustration.

Daichi blinked rapidly, searching for any form of excuse. Gears seemed to work three times faster under the heated gaze of Mr. Heart. “You see… where we are from… it’s custom to have dessert first and to welcome your guests into the home with silk robes.”

“Like a hotel?” Kiyoko stifled a laugh as she nodded for Daichi to keep going.

“A bit more sophisticated than that, Mrs. Heart.” Daichi flashed her a grateful smile and strode across the room to his husband who looked like he was about to evaporate. The synthezoid wrapped an arm around Koushi’s waist and tugged him close. “Dessert will be out soon.” With a firm grasp on his husband he guided them both into the kitchen.

Without another thought, Koushi slammed the window on the bar shut, not caring that their company might question it.

“Who are those people?”

“What are you wearing?” Daichi’s fingers gripped Koushi’s waist as he looked him up and down. His eyes traced Koushi’s exposed clavicle and traveled up his neck to lips turned down in a frown.

“Why are they here?

“What are you wearing?” He let out a soft groan and went weak in the knees.

[Cue Audience Laughter]

“Well it’s our anniversary!”

“Anniversary of what?”

Koushi tugged himself from Daichi’s grasp and crossed his arms. Annoyance flickered across his face. “Well if you don’t know then I’m not going to tell you.”

The synthezoid rubbed his hand over his face and pointed at the closed window to the living room. “That man out there is my boss. Mr. Heart. Mr. and Mrs. Heart the heart on the calendar was--”

“An abbreviation…” Koushi huffed and tossed his flowers on the kitchen island. “You move at the speed of sound and I can make a pen float through the air with my mind. Who needs to abbreviate?” Irritation mixed with disappointment laced his every word.

“Listen darling,” Daichi took Koushi’s hands a kissed his cheek, “the candles, the music, and that-- the stunning outfit, I don’t want to seem unappreciative but--”

“Your boss and his wife are expecting a home cooked meal which I haven't prepared?”

Daichi winced but nodded, pulling his husband into a hug. “But we can definitely revisit this outfit and your romantic plan later. That I promise you.” A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.

The other man rolled his eyes, but smiled anyway. With a snap of his fingers the white silk robe was replaced by a clean cut polo and linen pants with an apron overtop. “I have an idea on how to fix this. Go entertain our guests. I have everything else handled.” Koushi leaned up and captured Daichi’s lips in a sweet but chaste kiss.

“I love you,” he said softly.

“I know. Now go.” Koushi gently pushed his husband away and swatted his rear as he walked away, winking over his shoulder as he did.

[Cue Scene Change]

Koushi opened the back door, letting in Adrian who was swamped with baskets and baskets of food. The taller man flashed Koushi a grin and set everything down on the counter with a sigh.

“Adrian you are a lifesaver. I can’t believe you had all this ready.”

“I wouldn’t be much of a stay-at-home partner if I didn’t have a five course meal for four on hand now, would I?” Adrian leaned rifled through his pocket and pulled out a stack of recipe cards, tossing them on the counter before leaning on the counter. “You sure you don’t need any help? Many hands make light work, and many mouths make good gossip.” His happy grin turned impish.

Koushi shook his head with a snicker. “You’re naughty.”

“Sweetheart you don’t know the half of it. Well all the recipe cards are there. Follow them in the order they’re laid out and everything will be perfect.” Adrian pushed himself from the counter and walked toward the backdoor. “Should I preheat the oven?” He reached toward the dial.

“No!” Koushi pushed Adrian toward the door, who wore a bewildered expression.

“Whatever you say dear! Just don’t cook the chicken for too long or it’ll dry.”

Koushi slammed the door shut behind him.

“Trust me I don’t intend to.” He rolled back his shoulder and tightened his apron. With renewed determination Koushi raised his arms, levitating the ingredients in the air. Kitchen cabinets flew open with a loud crash. Metal bowls, glassware, and dishes soared through the air dancing around the ingredient that whipped around the kitchen in a frenzy. Koushi grimaced. He was certain that all the crashes and bangs could be heard in the living room. Offering up a silent prayer, he glanced at the recipe card and quickly combined the needed ingredients, focusing intently at the raw chicken until it turned a gold brown before his eyes. While his attention was directed at the poultry, the live lobster crawled across the counter trying to make a run toward freedom, but Koushi was quick on his feet and with one directed point the lobster was held in place. One snap turned it into a suitable dish for company. The raspberry filled chocolate cake with a delightful ganache turned out to be the most difficult recipe to master on the fly. Koushi struggled to find the right raspberry to chocolate ratio, and it continuously turned into a mush on the white counter. He frowned and waved his hand dismissing the mess and starting again. With one hand he kept the chicken, lobster, soup, and other sides at a constant heat while trying to master the dessert. He cast a mournful glance at the singular chocolate covered strawberry on the table in the breakfast nook. All his plans for him being the only thing on the menu were abandoned. An irritated flick of his wrist sent the cake flying into the wall.

“Koushi! Is everything alright?”

He chuckled awkwardly and winced. “Yes, everything is under control! Everything will be out soon! Nothing to worry your handsome head about.”

[Cue Audience Laughter]

A long drawn out sigh escaped his lips as he slowly lowered hands and directed all the quickly created dishes to their designated plates. Hopefully zapping everything together using the threads of space and time didn’t dramatically alter the flavor combinations, but there wasn’t any time to worry about that, not with the Hearts waiting for dinner.

Koushi wiped his hands on his apron and tossed it on a wooden chair. Pushing open the window to the living room, he plastered a wide grin on his face, revealing the freshly conjured dishes behind him.

“Dai, if you could help me set the table?”

The tense smile on Daichi’s face softened with warmth when he locked eyes with his husband. “Of course dear.”

Daichi rose from his seat on their couch and quickly helped his husband bring out their dinner, plates, and silverware. Candles were relit and wine was poured as the two couples took their spots around the table.

Kiyoko smiled gratefully at Koushi and complimented his skills in the kitchen. Ryū grunted in agreement, his gruffness melting away under the loving gaze of his wife.

“So how long have the two of you been married?” Kiyoko asked, spearing an asparagus on her fork as she looked between Daichi and Koushi.

The couple locked eyes across the table and sighed simultaneously, their gazes getting misty as they recalled their wedding day. It was—

It was—

Koushi furrowed his brow in confusion. “Well you see it was—”

“It had to have been—” Daichi started, gaze glossy and distant.

“Well dammit you have to know how long you’ve been married.” Ryū slapped his hand on the table. “Answer the question. How long have you been married?”

Koushi gripped his fork tightly. Icy fingers gripped the back of his mind trying to force their way in.

They were married…

They got married…

“Kou?”

“Well when did you get married?” Ryū asked again, becoming more and more insistent, repeating the question over and over again.

There was no answer.

But Ryū went silent.

The room went still.

Kiyoko wore a dazed grin on her face.

A familiar heaviness began to return to Koushi’s body. Ryū held his throat, sputtering, choking. His eyes were wide with fear.

“Oh Ryū stop it.” Kiyoko waved her hand dismissively, staring at her husband intently. “Stop it,” she said again.

Koushi pushed his plate away, unable to fathom what was before him. Daichi watched with a mix of fear and concern as Kiyoko kept repeating herself, each time becoming more frantic. Ryū only agonized more, banging on the table, begging for help, even as he slipped from his chair and fell to the ground, floundering for air.

Daichi and Koushi stared intently at each other.

This wasn’t right.

It didn’t feel right.

“Daichi, help him.”

Daichi sprang from his seat and rushed to Ryū’s side, panic clear on his face even as he used his hand to phase through Ryū’s body to remove the morsel lodged in the man’s airway.Ryū gasped for air, relief flooded his face.

Koushi relaxed in his seat and tightly clutched the front of his shirt.

An airy laughed escaped Kiyoko as Daichi hauled her husband to his feet. Ryū slapped Daichi on the back with a hearty laugh.

“Well, would you look at the time?” Ryū commented, looking down at his watch.

[Cue Audience laughter]

Kiyoko slid out from her seat. “Yes we ought to be going.”

Koushi rose with them and tossed his napkin on the table. A sense of unease settled in his stomach. “Are you sure you’re both feeling alright?”

The Hearts moved toward the door with happy smiles.

“Oh yes dear, we had a lovely time.” Kiyoko took Koushi’s hand and squeezed it before turning to Daichi and doing the same.

“Thank you both for coming,” Koushi replied, following Kiyoko to the door.

“Daichi, you made me proud tonight,” Ryū began, his voice steady and calm, all signs of previous panic gone. “Come Monday morning, I’ll see you in my office and we can talk about that promotion.”

Daichi could barely hold in a giddy laugh as he fiercely shook Ryū’s hand. “Thank you, sir.”

Mr. and Mrs. Heart slipped on their coats, bidding Daichi and Koushi goodbye before wandering out into the night.

[Cue Audience Laughter]

[Cue Audience Applause]

Koushi let out a sigh of relief and slumped against the front door, staring at his husband who promptly dropped his human disguise. “Please never make me do that again,” Koushi groaned, rolling his shoulders as he stumbled to the couch and into Daichi’s arms.

“Never at such short notice again. I promise.” He pressed a kiss to feathery silver hair and held his husband close.

“We don’t have an anniversary, or a song, or wedding rings,” Koushi muttered softly, staring at the bare ring finger on his left hand.

“Well I think we can fix that. Why don’t we make today our wedding anniversary?”

Koushi snorted. “Forever immortalizing me wearing a silk robe in front of your boss?”

“Exactly, and that is an outfit I will never forget.” He squeezed his husband tightly.

“And the song?”

“I think we’ll have to think about that.”

“And the rings?”

“Why don’t you make us some?”

The two held their hands out in front of them. Long thin fingers next to thicker and larger palms. Koushi waved his free hand over their hands. Thin bands slowly materialized on their fingers. The metal of Koushi’s band interweaved together, two different colors that appeared as dark gray and a lighter gray. Daichi’s band was one solid piece with a miniscule gem in the center, glinting in the light.

“I do.” Daichi said, looking toward his husband. “Do you?”

The corners of Koushi’s lips twitched with a smile. “Yes I do.”

The couple interlocked their fingers and leaned closer together.

[Cue Audience ‘awe’]

Daichi brought his lips to Koushi’s, slowly and sweetly kissing the man who had captured his essence. They made no move to retire upstairs as they melted together, giving into the other’s touch, only pulling away for one moment.

“And they lived happily ever after,” Daichi mused.

[Black Out]