All of the days stress was worth it for this moment. While it wasn’t the ideal idea for the day he had in mind for Beat’s birthday, he knew that by the end when they were back together, it’d have been worth it. He’d taken advantage of the fact Beat still had orders to work on for the bakery and took the chance under the guise of ‘im finishing your birthday present’. While skateboarding and the eccentric piece of jewelry were cool, it wasn’t something that bonded them together exactly.
Any piece of jewelry could easily be made and Neku was interested in doing that in the future for him for a possible anniversary gift (or more sentimental event); he had another idea and Mr.H had agreed (graciously) to help him with it. With the cafe master's help, he was able to put a spin on making curry for Beat. Something that was done in a way that Beat would genuinely enjoy. It was more sentimental. It was something personal for both of them because, while Beat would deny it, he needed more personal moments that he could remember in the future. He’d spent the last several hours in Wildkat learning how to make curry bread from Mr.H. Something savory that Beat would be able to enjoy with him as his partner.
Looking at Beat from behind, he walked up to him steadily and brought his arms around him; sliding his arms through the sleeves of his shirt to feel his arms against his partner's torso. He did this sometimes to help ground them when they weren't in public. This was reserved just for them alone at home. He pressed his face into Beat’s shoulder and took in a deep breath, exhaling deeply as all the tension he’d carried till now melted away. There was no need to be tense anymore. ❝ Sorry for being gone so long.I hope that the orders weren't too much without me today. ❞ He speaks warm as he started to press his forehead into the other's shoulder for a moment so he could rest his eyes.
This was the place he wanted to be all day. Forget the jobs and UG obligations. If Neku truly had a choice in how he wanted to spend his day without worrying about anything, it would have been spent right here with Beat doing anything so long as they were together. This was what he'd fought for so long for. It was the most peace with a person he'd experienced with the person who understood him the most. This was his person. Neku's mouth was pressed against the Beat's shoulder; kissing it before he asks, ❝ Are you hungry? I made something for you. ❞
Beat had had a good day, he thought. Presents from people both expected and unexpected. He’d spent the day at work, waving to people as they came in and making small talk when he had time. The only thing that sucked was that Neku wasn’t around. But, Beat was fine with that. He'd learned that Neku was sort of like a cat. When he was cuddly, he’d put himself into Beat’s space. And when Neku wanted space…
Well, Beat was willing to give it to him. He figured that he’d be seeing his partner soon enough anyway.
When it was time to clean up the shop, Beat does it quickly. He works early in the morning, so his shop usually closes up around the late afternoon. Idly, he texts Neku to ask how he’s doing before letting him know that he’s on his way home.
He’s greeted by a particularly delicious smell when he gets back, his eyebrows raising in surprise. Curiosity grips him and he walks toward the kitchen. Though, he’s waylaid by Neku while he’s making his way over there. Normally, someone touching him from behind would have startled him… but not with Neku. Somehow, moments before their skin met, Beat always knew that it was him.
That, however, didn't make Beat's cheeks less pink when he felt those hands snake into his shirt and brush against his skin. His arms raise instinctively to give Neku space before he settles down again, exhaling softly. His body warms where Neku touches, and he relaxes back against his partner. He wonders if Neku can feel how his heart speeds up when he does this. He wonders if Neku means to wrap himself around Beat's heart.
Beat reaches up to place his hand over Neku’s arms, a warm smile forming. "Wasn’t nothing I couldn’t handle, yo.”
Beat turns his head to glance at Neku over his shoulder, but all he can really see is that mass of orange hair. His smile grows fonder when he tells him that he’d cooked for him.
"Oh yeah?" He's a bit excited, actually. It wasn't very often that other people made him food. Admittedly, after spending all morning at the bakery, he sometimes wanted to take a breather when it came to cooking. Especially now that he was getting older.
"You're gonna need to let me go if you want me to taste it, yo." Beat teases him, wishing that he could give him a kiss on the head. But, no this was fine, actually. Because Beat has suddenly become inspired. "Oh, wait. No, I got a better idea. I got you right where I want you right now, so you can stay there."
Beat's lowers his arms again to hold Neku's arms in place and starts to slowly shuffle over to the stove, one step at a time. Beat expects this will feel super awkward for Neku, being pinned against his back and forced to walk. He's hoping to hear Neku laugh. He's hoping that Neku tries to wiggle a bit.
Maybe it's a bit juvenile, but Beat doesn't care. He's had enough of watching Neku carry the world on his back. He'll always be there to help him put it down. To actually live the life they'd spent so long fighting for.
