Archive of Our Own

“So, yeah. Seven thirty at that lounge this Saturday! Would you like to come, Reigen-san?” 

Reigen’s attention snapped back to Serizawa at the mention of his name. He had honestly spaced out a little during Serizawa’s spill about school and classes when Reigen asked him how it was going. Whoops. He was saying something about a lounge and Saturday, but what was the pretext to that?

“Uh, sure- which lounge was it again?”

“I don’t remember the name of it. I’ll have to ask Aoi tonight at class. So you’ll go?” Serizawa’s face lit up.

Aoi. Reigen recognized that name, She was a girl from Serizawa’s study group- so this was a group thing with his school friends. Reigen could deal with that.  He had never met these people before, only heard about them from stories Serizawa told. They wouldn’t be alone. He couldn’t tell if he was relieved or disappointed at that. 

“Reigen-san?” Serizawa asked cautiously. Shit . Reigen didn’t realize he hadn’t responded yet.

“Oh-uh-yes! Sorry Serizawa! I will go.” Reigen’s sudden exclamation made Serizawa startle a little. 

“Great, I’ll let them know.” He said with a warm smile. “I’ll let you know more details tomorrow.”

“Sounds good.” Reigen said with a thumbs up before they both returned to working.

Reigen didn’t miss Serizawa’s not so subtle bouncing of his leg behind his desk. He tended to do that when he was nervous or excited, hopefully it was the latter. 

It wasn’t until later that night when Reigen was laying in bed trying to sleep, that it hit him that this was the first time Serizawa had asked him to go out with him and his friends, and so out of the blue at that. Usually it was Reigen doing the asking when it came to the few times they’ve gone out. Why did he decide to ask him now?

Realizing the ceiling wasn’t going to give him any answers, Reigen eventually turned over in bed to close his eyes and go to sleep.

Saturday arrived quickly, and Reigen wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not. Serizawa had given him only a little more information the day after the invite; which was the name of the lounge, who all was coming (which even now Reigen couldn’t tell you their names even if his life depended on it) and the meetup plans. Reigen would meet Serizawa at the train station closest to their apartments and take the train downtown where the lounge was, then meet up with the rest of the group. It was an easy enough plan and should have been until Reigen arrived at the train station at the time they agreed to meet and Serizawa wasn’t there. They still had 15 minutes though.

Five passed and still no Serizawa. Reigen checked his phone to find no messages. He looked around among the crowds of people passing but to no avail. His employee was nowhere to be seen.

Another five minutes passed before Reigen exited out of the emails he was checking so he could call Serizawa, when suddenly he heard his name being called.

“Reigen-san!”

Reigen snapped his head up to see that unmistakable figure of Serizawa making his way through the crowd. Broad shoulders and a head over most everyone, people easily got out of the way of the big man coming through. He uttered “sorry” and “excuse me'' as he waded his way towards Reigen.

“There you are, big guy!” Reigen called out, waving his hand. “I was just about to call you!”

Serizawa was out of breath by the time he reached him. “I'm so sorry for being late. You see I-“ Before he could over explain the situation, Reigen cut him off with a wave and gestured towards the train which was announcing their departure soon.

“Just tell me on the train, we gotta book it.” 

“Ah, yes! Of course!”

After running together across the platform to barely make the train, Reigen and Serizawa finally settled into their seats next to each other.

“Sheesh, we barely made it!” Reigen exclaimed after letting out a huff of breath. 

“I’m sorry again for that, a lot happened and I-“

“Don’t worry about it Serizawa, we made it to the train so that’s all that matters.” Reigen interrupted, waving his hand.

“Yeah, you’re right.”

It went quiet after that as the train finally set off. The cabin was a nice warm temperature in contrast to the cold outside. After standing at the platform for almost 15 minutes waiting for Serizawa, Reigen got chilled, despite having three different layers on. And sitting next to Serizawa, who’s notorious for his body heat, Reigen welcomed the warmth that thawed him out.

With the cozy comfort of the heated cabin, Serizawa’s presence next to him, and the steady sway of the train- Reigen began to feel his eyelids getting heavy. The ride was only twenty minutes so he had enough time for a short nap. After only having his eyes closed for a few minutes, Reigen found himself irritated by an incessant bouncing of his chair. 

“Is there some kid kicking my seat or something? Jeez that’s annoying.” He grumbled while sitting up, beginning to look around to see the culprit, when he realized the culprit was sitting right next to him. Serizawa was looking out the window with a blank expression,his leg bouncing aggressively. Reigen elbowed him gently and Serizawa turned to him, eyebrows raised like Reigen had offended him.

“Be careful there, you might bust a hole through the floor in just a little bit.”

Serizawa stared incredulously at his boss before it registered what he was implying and his leg stopped bouncing. “Oh, was I doing it again?”

“Something on your mind?” Reigen asked.

“I guess I’m just a little nervous. I haven’t been to this place before so I don’t know what it’s gonna be like,” Serizawa admitted. Reigen knew his employee still struggled with going to new, unfamiliar places. Regardless of how much he’d grown and improved with handling his anxiety with public places, there was still that worry that gnawed at his gut at the unknown and unfamiliar. 

Reigen put his hand on Serizawa’s shoulder, “you got this, big guy. If you want out, just signal me and we’ll ditch.” He gave him a toothy grin. Serizawa huffed a laugh and nodded.

“Thanks, Reigen.”

Regien’s smile faltered a little at the casual way he addressed him, dropping the formal “-san” and that warm appreciation in his voice. He let go of Serizawa’s shoulder and cleared his throat, turning back to face the seat in front of him again so he wouldn’t see Serizawa’s expression.

A few moments of silence passed when Reigen suddenly got a waft of the unmistakable scent of cologne, an earthy but mild scent. He sniffed in aggressive short inhales like a dog to try and locate the source when Serizawa shifted and he smelled it again.

“Serizawa!” He exclaimed. Serizawa turned to him.

“Yes?”

“Are you wearing cologne!?” 

Serizawa suddenly looked sheepish and he averted his eyes from Reigen’s. “Yes, is it too much?”

“No! Not at all!” Reigen bit his tongue as he was about to say ‘it smells nice,’ but that would be awkward as hell. “Trying to impress anybody?” He waggled his eyebrows and grinned. Serizawa flushed and sputtered, hands quickly in motion as he spoke.

“No! I just thought that I might try it out tonight because I don’t really have any other chance to wear it.” 

“Mmm hmm, I see, I see.” Reigen rubbed his chin, faking contemplation.

“I’m telling the truth!” 

“Sure~” Reigen dragged out the word, grinning at Serizawa, who looked the equivalent of a kicked puppy. Before Reigen could tease him further, there was an announcement that their stop would be the next one up. The rest of the ride was silent.

The air was frigid once Serizawa and Reigen stepped off the train at their stop. Reigen shivered and pulled the scarf tighter around his neck. They still had a 10 minute walk to the lounge, which he was already dreading. Serizawa seemed to be faring well in his thick jacket, plus his own excessive body heat providing further warmth. Reigen was jealous.

The streets of downtown Seasoning City were bustling, which was to be expected on a Saturday evening. Reigen knew this part of town was notorious amongst the 21 and up crowd because of the vast amount of bars, clubs and restaurants that lined the streets. Serizawa and Reigen had to weave around large groups of people standing outside the clubs waiting to get in. Reigen used his employee as a human shield to make their way towards the lounge, clinging onto the hood of his jacket to keep from getting separated.

“If it’s this crowded on the streets I can’t imagine how it’s gonna be in the bar,” Reigen stated as they stood to wait for the crosswalk light to turn. He took a look at Serizawa’s face for the first time since they began walking, and he looked like he was regretting ever saying yes.

“Hey, if it’s too much, remember what I said.” Reigen nudged him gently.

Serizawa nodded and gave him a wobbly smile. “I appreciate it. I should be okay though.” 

After a little more walking, they finally arrived at the lounge. A bright neon green and white sign above the doorway leading in with the name and logo of the lounge. Lush plants sprawled around the patio, sticking out beyond the doorway. Soft neon green lights lined around the railing, accentuating the color of the leaves surrounding it. With all the greenery it made it seem like the place was stuck in summer. 

“Looks like we’re here early.” Serizawa pointed out as he looked down at his phone. “Do you wanna go ahead and sit down and get out of this cold while we wait for them?” 

“That would be great!!” Reigen shivered violently now that they had stopped walking. He lost the human shield blocking him from the frigid wind earlier.

After showing their IDs to the bouncer and letting the hostess know they had arrived for the reservation (Reigen had no idea there was a reservation. When did he miss that detail?), the pair was led to their table, which was a cozy half circle booth hugging a circular table. The same neon green lights lined the tops of the booth, accentuating the dark green velvet of the plush cushions. A low hanging lamp dimly lit the corner in warm, intimate lighting.

“Wow, this is…nice,” Reigen gawked. Serizawa nodded in agreement. In the back of his mind, Reigen was terrified at the thought of how expensive he knew the drinks were gonna be here. Good thing he was a light-weight.

“Would you like to sit on the inside, Reigen-san?” Reigen spun around to answer Serizawa’s question when his thoughts faltered the moment he laid eyes on the man, or more like his chest.

Reigen knew Serizawa had a nice build, but damn was that fitted turtleneck really accentuating it. Fabric stretched around his broad shoulders and chest, creasing in just the right spots. The bottom of the shirt bunched around his soft stomach where he’d half tucked it into his pants. It was a simple outfit, but dressy for what Serizawa typically wore. Which, outside of his work suit, consisted of baggy shirts and pants. The man liked to be comfortable, which gave Reigen a thought. Was he dressing up for someone? He was wearing cologne as well…

Reigen was really hoping he wasn’t about to witness Serizawa attempting to woo someone. This wasn’t what he’d signed up for. Well, he really didn’t know what he signed up for in the first place because he hadn’t been listening before when Serizawa asked the question and Reigen panicked and agreed to go. He was cursing himself out right now. He realized he hadn’t answered yet and was staring for way too long when Serizawa cleared his throat and raised a concerned eyebrow at him. 

Reigen snapped dramatically and put on the theatrics, startling Serizawa a little. “Aha! That’s what it’s called! Sorry Serizawa, I was just trying to figure out what song was playing. What did you ask?” He had no idea what song was actually playing right now.

Serizawa chuckled a little and was about to ask his question again, when his name was shouted from across the lounge. They both turned to see three people approaching. The man who had just yelled Serizawa’s name was leading and two girls trailed behind him, one sheepishly waving and the other berating the man in front.

“Hey guys!” Serizawa smiled and waved as they walked up.

“Sorry about the yelling.” The girl who was berating the man shot him a glare as she apologized to Serizawa.

“It’s okay, Aoi.” Ah, so this was Aoi. “Oh, i have to introduce you to my boss, Reigen!” Serizawa gestured to the blonde and then his friends, “Reigen-san, this is Aoi, Kaneko, and Ikeda.”

The crowd and Reigen exchanged mutual bows and pleasantries. 

“It’s nice to finally put a face to the name, Reigen-san.” Aoi smiled, “we’ve all heard a lot about you.”

Oh.

“Hope it’s been good things!” What in the world was Serizawa saying about him to his school friends?

“Only that you’re the best boss ever!” Ikeda suddenly butted into their conversation after he and Serizawa finished chatting.

“What about you being a good boss? Did I hear that right?” Serizawa grinned playfully at Reigen as Reigen gawked. That was something. 

“Ouch!” Reigen mocked injury as he held his hand over his heart, leaning back dramatically. “You wound me, Serizawa!” He abruptly straightened up and pointed at Serizawa. “I’m docking your pay now!” Serizawa let out a laugh that made Reigen almost lose his footing. A clear, genuine laugh that warmed him from the inside. He quickly regained composure in a split second and pointed a thumb at himself, exclaiming-

“You won’t find a better boss than me!”

After settling into the booth and ordering drinks, small conversations began to blossom across the table. Kaneko and Ikeda were talking at their half of the table and Aoi and Serizawa were chatting. Serizawa was sitting between her and Reigen, Reigen being at the end.

“Reigen-san!” Aoi called out, leaning forward to talk. “I’m glad you were able to fill in for Handa tonight! You can only reserve booths if you have over five people so since he couldn’t make it, Serizawa suggested inviting you. It’s great you were able to come!”

Handa? Who’s Handa? There was supposed to be another person and Reigen was their replacement? So Serizawa only invited him because they needed another person to get a booth. That information was…

He didn’t want to think too much about it.

“Oh, yes, of course! Glad I was the first one you thought of, Serizawa.” Reigen nudged Serizawa with his elbow.

“You have been wanting to introduce him to us for a while, Seri.” Aoi said with a laugh.

Seri?

“Excuse me.” The server interrupted their conversation as she arrived with a tray of drinks.

“Hell yeah!” Ikeda exclaimed from the other side, pumping his fist.

As the server passed everyone their drinks Reigen eyed Aoi, who was asking Serizawa about his vibrant orange and red drink. Reigen wasn’t sure how he felt about her yet. She seemed nice enough. Cunning though. She was observant and quick to catch on. He could just tell she was smart. 

“Oh, Reigen-san, what did you get? This doesn’t look like your regular.” Serizawa was suddenly speaking very close to him and Reigen flinched.

“I believe it was called The Blues, or something like that. A little cliche of a name if you ask me.” He picked up the ombré blue drink, embellished with a cherry and lemon slices on top. It was a rather pretty drink. The dark navy layering at the bottom reminded him of Serizawa’s work suit.

“It looks good! I just got a tequila sunrise.” He observed the drink in his own hand. His large palm almost completely covered the small glass. Reigen had to look away, quickly taking a look through the straw. It packed a punch, but it was tasty. Absolutely loaded with liquor, burning his throat as he swallowed. 

“How is it?” Serizawa asked, eyeing him before trying his own drink.

Reigen had to suppress a cough. “It’s good. Strong.” His voice was strained and Serizawa smirked like he was about to laugh. 

“Alright then big guy, if you’re gonna make fun of me then why don’t you try it for yourself!”

“I’m not!” Serizawa laughed, holding his hands up in defense. 

“Go on then!” Reigen pushed his drink towards Serizawa.

The man took the drink and examined it before taking a sip, his face lighting up after he swallowed.

“Oh wow this is so good!”

“Yeah, it’s actually really good. Now let me try yours.” Reigen snatched Serizawa’s own drink and took a sip, almost choking after what felt like swallowing nothing but tequila. He quickly shoved the glass back to Serizawa. 

“What, you don’t like it?” Serizawa grinned as he slid Reigen’s drink back to him. 

“That’s just straight tequila!” Reigen complained, grimacing at the burning sensation lingering in the back of his throat.

“It’s not that bad.”

“Says you!!”

“So I guess that means you won't be taking shots with us later tonight?” Aoi suddenly chimed in from next to Serizawa, she leaned closer to him so Reigen could hear, pressing into Serizawa’s shoulder, way closer than what Serizawa typically allowed people.

“Of course I will!” He glared at her as he took a massive gulp from his drink. It didn’t sting as much now since he mixed the drink a little. 

“Good, because Seri here is hard to beat when it comes to shots. He can throw them back like water!” She nudged him with her body and he flushed, looking down at the table.

Reigen looked at them incredulously. “Gee Serizawa, didn’t know you were such a heavy drinker.”

“Ah don’t get the wrong idea, Reigen-san! It’s only once every now and then when we all go to karaoke or something. I promise you I'm not an irresponsible drinker.” Serizawa defended.

“Mmhm, I see.” Reigen nodded and returned to take another sip of his drink. He nudged Serizawa’s knee with his own under the table teasingly, and he saw a smile bloom on the older man’s face.

Neither moved their legs after. Reigen’s heart fluttered. 

“So!” He announced loudly, slamming his glass down on the table. When did he drink almost half the glass? Everyone’s attention turned to him. “Anyone bring any games to play? Can’t go drinking with friends without games, right?”

“Yeah, I actually brought a deck of cards with me!” Ikeda beamed, leaning over to grab his jacket to fish through it. He pulled out a deck of cards and held it up to the group. “Everyone know how to play slapjack?”

“Yeah of course, but how the hell do you turn slapjack into a drinking game?” Reigen asked, taking another sip of his drink.

“Pretty much everyone who doesn’t slap the jack first has to take a shot or drink, and the losers all have to pay for the winner’s next drink and take shots.” Ikeda explained.

“Hm, sounds fun.” Reigen shrugged. He knew this game was gonna get him fucked, because he was almost finished with his first drink and his face was beginning to feel warm. He was trying to pace himself so he didn’t make a fool of himself in front of Serizawa’s friends after meeting them for the first time. He wanted to at least spare Serizawa that embarrassment. 

After flagging the server down and ordering another round of drinks and each a shot. Ikeda gave a refresher on the rules of slapjack while dealing the cards. Reigen had completely finished his drink and his lips were numb. His body was beginning to feel heavy and warm.

“So, what do you think so far?”

Serizawa’s voice pulled Reigen out of his starting battle with a drop of water on the table.

“Think of what?”

“The night, my friends, this whole place. Are you enjoying yourself?”

“Oh,” Reigen started dumbly, still staring blankly at the table. His brain still hadn’t caught up yet. “Yeah, it’s great.”

“Is that a great to everything?” Why was Serizawa so concerned with what he thought? Wasn’t Reigen just a replacement for their other friend so they could get a booth?

“Yes, Serizawa.” He looked at the man next to him for the first time since he'd asked the question, and Reigen immediately wanted to look away. Serizawa was beaming, smile looking more like a barely contained grin. The corners of his eyes scrunched like they did when he was truly smiling, when he was truly happy.

Reigen couldn’t look any longer and sighed dramatically, casting his attention back to the rest of the lounge, scanning for their waiter. “Man, when are those drinks gonna be here? I’m ready for my second one.” 

The drinks arrived after only a few minutes of waiting, and Reigen already wanted a third one after taking a large gulp of the drink he just got. A sweet strawberry flavored drink he couldn't remember the name of. The taste of alcohol wasn’t nearly as prevalent in this one as the last, and he knew he was in danger. 

“God this is good!” Reigen exhaled loudly after taking another long sip from the tiny straw. “Serizawa, what did you get?” He leaned closer to Serizawa to observe his drink and gasped when he recognized exactly what it was. 

“Is that a lemon sour!?” He recognized that plain, fizzy drink embellished with lemon slices anywhere.

“Uh, yeah! Last time we went out and you let me try yours I found I really enjoyed them!” Serizawa looked at the drink in his hand, then at Reigen. 

A warmth blossomed in Reigen’s chest that spread throughout the rest of his body. He wasn’t sure why Serizawa drinking Reigen’s favorite drink made him feel like he was being set on fire, but it did. The warmth now spread to his face, and he felt the need to take off his sweater. 

“You okay, Reigen-san?” Serizawa asked him with concern. “Do you need some water?”

“No, no, I’m fine Serizawa, It’s just too hot in here.” The blonde averted his gaze from Serizawa’s concerned expression. “So!” He clapped his hands together to get everyone’s attention. “When are we gonna get this game started?” 

“Been waiting on you two,” Aoi responded flatly.

“Oh— I’m so sorry!”

“Okay, let's get started then.”

Reigen and Serizawa both spoke at the same time and looked at each other before busting out laughing. It really wasn’t that funny, but Reigen just found the expression on Serizawa’s face unbearably hilarious.

“What’s so funny?” Ikeda asked from across the table, confused at their hysterics over seemingly nothing.

Aoi shrugged before aggressively clearing her throat, catching the attention of the two giggling men next to her. “Let’s get started, I’m ready to win this-“

Reigen scoffed, “oh I’d like to see you try! I’ve got reflexes like a cat!” He pointed at her, his finger wavering. 

She noticed this and raised an unamused eyebrow. “I’m sure.”

The group picked up their deck and Kaneko placed down a card, beginning the game. They went a whole two rounds around the table before a jack was presented, Reigen taking sips of his drink in the meanwhile. Ikeda had the jack and everyone smacked their hands down. It was a mess of hands on top of each other but Reigen felt that familiar large palm on top of his hand under the dog pile. It didn’t last long enough before everyone lifted their hand to see who smacked the card first. 

“Told ya!” Aoi bragged to Reigen, holding the jack up to him.

“Yeah, yeah.” He waved his hand nonchalantly, the motion way too fluid. “It was the first round. Warmup.” Honestly Reigen barely saw it happen because everything seemed to be moving in slow motion. His head felt like it was stuffed with cotton. 

“Excuses won’t win, Reigen-san.” Aoi clicked her tongue as she gathered the small pile into her own.

“Oh you-“

“Okay, you know what that means! Everyone but Aoi has to take a shot!” Ikeda interrupted before Reigen could start an argument. 

“Looks like you might have a challenge, Reigen.” Serizawa bumped his shoulder against Reigen’s own. Oh, did Reigen love a challenge.

After taking a collective shot together, the game resumed. This time there was a much larger gap in between the appearance of the jack. Serizawa had finished off his drink and ordered another one, plus more shots for the table, and Reigen nursed his own drink. The room was definitely spinning now and his face was completely flushed. Each card being set down was a blur, it was becoming more and more difficult to discern which card was which. 

The jack was placed by Kaneko on the table and Reigen felt Serizawa launch forward before he realized what the card even was. His reflexes sent him forward and he smacked aggressively at the table only to be met with soft…and hairy. Oh. He hadn’t been the first to smack the jack, but instead he grabbed Serizawa’s entire hand. Someone’s hand was on top of his own as well but he could only focus on Serizawa’s large, overly warm hand beneath his. 

“Who got it?” Ikeda blurted. Everyone lifted their hands and Reigen reluctantly had to let go. Did Serizawa notice his grip? He took a look at the dark haired man and wow that was a mistake.

Serizawa was grinning triumphantly at his victory. His cheeks were flushed, eyes glassy, almost shimmering as they reflected the neon green lights surrounding them. He looked so loose and carefree, so happy. 

“Serizawa did!” Aoi suddenly had her arm around Serizawa’s shoulders, pulling him closer to her while shaking his body.

The pleasant warmth left Reigen’s body when he was reminded that they weren’t alone. The trance-like feeling had been broken.

“Shots, everyone!” Aoi cheered, lifting up the shot glass. “Except you, Serizawa.” She winked, and Serizawa laughed. 

Reigen wasn’t drunk enough to deal with this. He happily took the next shot.

Aoi and Serizawa continued chatting throughout most of the next round, it felt like the longest time until the next jack made its appearance. Reigen’s movements were becoming more and more sluggish, he was barely able to keep up. Constantly distracted by the deep voice next to him, not talking to him, but somebody else. The cards started to double, his head felt heavy.

Suddenly there was a lot of movement and loud smacking at the table and Reigen jumped before realizing that someone had laid a jack down and he hadn’t been paying attention. 

“It’s me again baby!” Aoi cheered. She gathered the large pile. When had it accumulated that many cards? One or two rounds more of Aoi winning and the game would be over.

“Spaced out there for a minute, Reigen?” Serizawa was speaking to him and he felt so far away. He stared at the man with a blank expression.

“Reigen?”

“Hm?”

“You okay?”

“Oh, yeah! I’m fine, Serizawa!” Reigen’s words were slurred and he dragged out the syllables of Serizawa’s name. “How much longer of this game, I’m getting bored.” He picked up his glass and examined the remnants of the mashed strawberries at the bottom, when had he finished it?

“Oh! I’m sorry you’re bored! Um, I’m sure the next round Aoi will win and we can go to the rooftop to check that out. My legs are getting kinda stiff from just sitting here for too long.” Oh Serizawa, ever so accommodating and pleasing.

“Just us?” Reigen asked, leaning against the man heavily.

“Well, I think everyone was planning on going up there-“

“Well, I’m definitely not winning so I might just head up there already. Here, you can take my cards.” Reigen was already shoving his cards in Serizawa’s hands while the older man fumbled to grab the messy pile.

“Wait, Reigen! It’s only gonna be like five more minutes!” Serizawa shouted as Reigen started scooting out of the bench.

“Nah, I’m gonna go up.” He snatched the coat sitting between him and Serizawa and stood up, wavering aggressively before grabbing the table to catch his balance. He struggled to put on the coat while attempting to stand upright. When the hell did his coat get so big?

“Reigen! Wait a minute!” Serizawa called to Reigen as he stumbled away “You’ve got-“

“I’ll meet ya up there!” Reigen shouted back, waving without looking behind him. He disappeared into the crowds.

“What was that all about?” Aoi asked as Serizawa let out an exasperated sigh,

“He doesn’t hold his alcohol well at all. I think he was just getting antsy and went too long without talking to someone.” Serizawa huffed a laugh. “We can finish the game and go up there afterwards. He’ll be fine.”

The stairs were Reigen’s nemesis as he struggled to make sure his foot landed on the shifting and spinning steps. His footsteps felt heavy and he vaguely registered the loud banging and echoing with each step. Thumping bass became louder the more he ascended, and he could hear the hum of voices and laughter. It sounded a lot more lively up there than on the bottom floor. 

Loud music and frigid air smacked Reigen in the face when he pushed the doors open and stumbled through. The air was so cold it could’ve almost sobered him. The upper floor was packed with people, large groups in every corner and seating areas. A small dance floor was set up near the back, LED lights flashed different colors as people danced drunkenly in front of the DJs booth. Reigen spotted the bar set up on the side and made a beeline for it, there was open seating there. It was a struggle getting through the bodies of people while everything else moved with them.

“Gotta fight your way through to get anywhere up here, huh?” A man leaning up against the bar said to Reigen as he slammed into the counter once he made it through.

“Tell me about it!” He shouted, throwing his hands up. “It’s a lot more lively here than down there.”

“Yeah, it’s always crowded up here.” The man responded while grabbing his drink from the bartender. “Wish you luck, man.” He nodded to Reigen before taking off.

“Would you like anything, sir?” The bartender approached Reigen while wiping a glass.

“What did that guy just get?” Reigen thrusted his thumb backwards and felt like he was about to fall off the stool.

“I believe he got our specialty drink of the night. Would you like to try that out?” 

“Yes.” Reigen didn’t know what the hell was in it, he just wanted to continue feeling this weightless numb high he was on right now. He wasn’t even sure how many drinks he had at this point, his memory of the last ten minutes was extremely fuzzy. At this point he wasn’t even sure why he was up here.

“Do you have a tab open or do you want to start one?” The bartender was talking to him again and it took his brain a second to catch up.

“Uh, Reigen.” He slurred. She smiled and began typing on the iPad in front of her.

“Okay, I have you right here, Reigen-san. I'll put this on the tab.”

Reigen mumbled a thanks and quickly lifted the drink to his lips and took a sip that quickly turned into a gulp that was way too much. He started coughing at the strength and strange flavor. Floral with an almost honey-like warmth.

“It’s strong, isn’t it?”

Reigen spun around, big mistake, and reared back, blinking repeatedly when he saw the man from earlier standing right behind him. “Yeah it hits! Hits like-“ Reigen flailed with one hand, as if it would complete the sentence for him. “You know what I mean?”

The man laughed and went to sit next to the empty stool next to Reigen. “You sure look like you’re having a good time. What are you doing up here drinking alone?”

“I’m with some people, but I got bored.” Reigen took another sip and slammed the glass down. “School people are so boring!”

“Are you with a study group or something?” 

“Not mine. My employee’s.”

“Oh? What are you doing with your employee’s study group?”

“I dunno, he invited me.” Reigen looked at the man with furrowed brows. “What’s with all the questions?”

“Hey! I’m just curious, don’t bite my head off!” He held up his hands defensively and laughed.

After a beat of silence, the man continues. “Okay, okay. Can I get one more question?”

Reigen sighed heavily and threw his head back. “What is it?” Was he actually having fun?

“Are you single?”

Reigen felt his body freeze up. Suddenly the music was way too loud and the air around him felt like it was vibrating. When was the last time someone asked him that? When was the last time someone flirted with him that wasn’t some old woman.

“What, you’re not gonna ask me my name first?” Reigen swallowed his nerves threatening to take him over and instead embraced the alcohol induced boldness.

“Well then,” the man smiled and leaned closer to him, “what’s your name, stranger?”

“My name is-“

“Reigen-san!!”

Over the loud music and fuzzy world they were currently in, Reigen heard his name being shouted by a familiar voice. He snapped his head in the direction that it was being called from, but couldn’t see anything but the sea of bodies. Then, out of the neon haze he saw the tall, broad figure of Serizawa shuffling through tightly packed bodies. That familiar crease in his brow furrowed even deeper with worry as he spotted Reigen.

“There’s my employee,” Reigen said to the man next to him with a goofy grin.

“Reigen-san! We’ve been trying to find you for like fifteen minutes now!” Serizawa started fretting over him as soon as he approached Reigen.

“Serizawa, I’m fine. Why didn’t you just call me?”  Reigen said nonchalantly, staring up at the sweating esper. 

“I did!”

Reigen slid the phone out of his back pocket and sure enough, there were several texts and missed calls from Serizawa. He slid it back in his pocket. “It’s loud up here…hey why aren’t you wearing a coat?”

Serizawa’s shoulders slumped. “Reigen-san, you took my coat with you.” 

“Oh.” Reigen looked down at his torso. He was indeed wearing Serizawa’s blue parka and not his own thinner, black jacket. His face suddenly felt too warm.

“Hey Serizawa, why don’t you stay up here with us and hang out. It’s a lot more lively than down there. I’ll buy your next drink!” Reigen punched Serizawa’s arm clumsily.

“Um,” Serizawa’s brow furrowed further. He looked extremely uncomfortable. “They’re all waiting downstairs for me. I don’t want to be rude.”

Reigen waved his hand and shook his head. “Serizawa, don’t worry about them! We can have a good time up here!” 

Serizawa looked even more upset. “They invited us here and-“ he was cut off by a woman bumping into him.

“Oh, sorry about that. Wow, you’re tall!” She giggled as she looked up at him, her speech slurred. “Did you come here alone, big boy?”

“Reigen-san, please.” Serizawa shuffled away from the drunk woman, his voice pleading. He was obviously getting overwhelmed and wanted to leave the overstimulating atmosphere fast . 

Reigen let out a groan and finished off the last of his drink before standing up, staggering in place. Serizawa reached out to steady him but Reigen swatted him away, mumbling, “I’m fine.” 

He turned to the man flirting with him earlier, and placed a heavy hand on his shoulder. “Hey, trust me. You don’t want to know me.” Reigen pat his shoulder one more time before stumbling towards Serizawa, both him and the man sharing confused glances.

“Let’s go, Seri.” Reigen leaned heavily against Serizawa’s side. “Gonna be honest, I don’t think I can make it down these stairs.”

“I’ve got you.” Serizawa placed a grounding hand on Reigen’s shoulder before leading the way through the drunken crowd. The strong hand was kept on Reigen’s shoulder as they slowly made their way down the stairs. When Reigen would miss a step, Serizawa would quickly steady him with his aura. The blonde would giggle at the warm, electric feeling of the esper’s energy every time it enveloped him. 

Serizawa’s hand on his shoulder, Serizawa’s aura encompassing him, Serizawa’s coat hanging heavy and warm on his shoulders- Reigen was completely surrounded by Serizawa. It was such a pleasant, comfortable feeling that he felt like falling asleep. The buzz in his head and body from the alcohol enhanced the blissful sensation and Reigen felt like he was floating. 

“Serizawa, are you floating me down the stairs with your powers? What if someone sees!” Reigen closed his eyes and leaned backwards.

“We’re already off the stairs, Reigen-san.”

Reigen’s body was stopped from falling back any further by the solid man behind him. He opened his eyes to look up and see Serizawa looking down. 

“And no, I didn’t float you down the stairs.” The deep voice reverberated through Reigen’s skull where it was resting on Serizawa’s broad chest. He felt two hands on his shoulders gently pushing him to stand upright. “Come on, let's get you back to the booth and get you some water.”

When they made their way back to the booth, the group welcomed them back with a loud cheer, obviously tipsy.

“We thought you had gotten kidnapped there for a minute!” Ikeda boomed, slamming his hand on the table and leaning towards Reigen.

“Where was he?” Aoi asked Serizawa.

“Just upstairs at the bar. He was talking to someone.” Serizawa responded. Aoi raised an eyebrow and he shrugged.

“Hey, Serizawa,” Reigen tapped his shoulder and gestured to him to lean closer. Serizawa. Serizawa leaned over and Reigen cupped his hand around Serizawa’s ear and whispered, “Is Aoi the one you were trying to impress tonight?”

Serizawa sputtered, looking mortified at his boss, whose expression was almost comically blank.

“Reigen-san…Aoi and I are friends!” Serizawa whispered back. Reigen was distracted by the feeling of the older man’s breath on his ear when Serizawa continued, “and she has a girlfriend!”

Reigen froze for a few seconds before suddenly bursting into loud laughter, startling Serizawa and grabbing the attention of everyone at the table.

“Uh, is he okay?” Ikeda asked cautiously.

Reigen continued laughing hysterically until he abruptly went quiet, face pale.

“I think I need to throw up.”

“Ah! Let's go to the restroom!!” Serizawa flailed and hurriedly pushed Reigen out of the booth. “We’ll be right back!” He called back to the group as he led his boss to the restroom. 

“What on earth is happening between those two?” Kaneko asked no one in particular.

Luckily, the bathroom was empty and Reigen was able to stumble into a stall and immediately throw up. Serizawa stood in front of the door that Reigen hadn’t latched to make sure no one went to it. He wrung his hands together as he listened to his boss retch and groan miserably.

“Are you okay?” Serizawa asked after a brief silence.

“Mm, I’m-“ Reigen’s sentence was interrupted by more retching and Serizawa cringed.

“Want some water?” His response was a single grunt and Serizawa ran out of the bathroom to ask for a water bottle from the bar. Shortly after, he sprinted back.

“Can I come in?” Serizawa gently pressed his hand to the door of the stall and listened for Reigen’s response, which was a weak “yeah,” and he pushed the door open. 

Reigen looked miserable on the floor, leaned back against the wall, pale as a ghost. He was still wearing Serizawa’s jacket, which Serizawa noted mentally to wash it after tonight.

“Here’s your water.” Reigen reached up and grabbed the bottle from Serizawa and chugged half of it in one go.

“God I wish I had toothpaste with me.” Reigen sounded a lot more legible now, throwing up must have sobered him up some.

“I have some gum in the right pocket of my jacket.” Serizawa saw the realization hit Reigen that he was still wearing Serizawa’s jacket and he cursed.

“Shit, I didn’t realize I was still wearing it. I promise I didn’t puke on it.” Reigen reached into the pocket and pulled out a pack of gum.

“It’s okay.” Serizawa chuckled. Silence filled the space between them. Distant bass thumped and echoed in the restroom. A strange tension blooming. 

“Gah, my head hurts now,” Reigen complained, breaking the silence.

“Did you want to leave?”

“Nah, it’s fine. I just gotta drink some more water.” Reigen took another swig from the bottle and stood up. He swayed slightly on his feet and held his hand out to steady himself. Serizawa immediately stepped forward to grab his forearm to help him keep his balance. They both stared at each other for a few seconds, way too close in the cramped proximity of the stall. 

“Guess I’m still not in the clear, even after throwing up god knows how much yen’s worth of alcohol.” Reigen huffed. 

“Do you wanna go sit somewhere quiet for a bit until your head feels better?” Serizawa offered, releasing Reigen’s arm. Reigen thought for a second before nodding. He knew this was also Serizawa’s way of saying he needed to decompress and get out of the stimulating atmosphere. Reigen was (unfortunately) sobering up and was beginning to realize that, after his whole “if it’s too much, just let me know, I’ll get you out of here” spiel, Reigen just went and left him. God, he was an asshole.

After finding a quieter, less crowded area of the lounge, the two found a couch to sit on and relax. A waitress asked if they wanted more drinks and both vehemently declined asking only for water.

Sitting in silence for a few minutes and enjoying the quieter music and atmosphere, Reigen finally spoke up. “Listen, Serizawa. I didn’t mean to just ditch you like that. I told you I’d help you out if you needed me, and I just-“ Reigen just flapped his hand, sighing.

“Reigen-san, it’s okay. I can take care of myself. I appreciate your concern though” Serizawa gave him a smile.

“I mean, I know that! But still!” Reigen huffed, crossing his arms across his chest. “I should have been there for you.” He mumbled quietly. It seemed like his tongue was still loose from the alcohol. 

“Reigen.” Serizawa’s kind voice came from next to him, then Reigen felt a warm hand on his bicep. “I’m not your student, or a child, you’re not responsible for me. I told you, I can take care of myself.”

Reigen turned his head to look at Serizawa’s intense eyes on him, a tender look on his face. He felt his heart squeeze in his chest, sweat beginning to form on his hairline. He cleared his throat and coughed into his fist, looking away. That alcohol was definitely still affecting him.

“Of course, Serizawa. I know this already. But I have to look out for my employee, as the great boss that I am!” Employee. Boss. Those words felt like tar coming out of his mouth as a description for them. It was too formal, too stiff. They were friends, but even that word felt like lead in his stomach.

 Luckily the thought was interrupted by the waitress returning with their table with waters, which Reigen eagerly gulped down “Man, I bet your friends think I’m a total loser.” He set down the glass and leaned back on the couch.

“It’s okay, I think they think we’re both losers.” Serizawa almost immediately slapped a hand over his mouth and Reigen gawked at him, eyebrows raised as he sat up. “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean for that to sound mean!” 

“How else am I supposed to take that, Serizawa?!” Reigen playfully shoved Serizawa’s shoulder. “Oh, so do you think I’m a loser too, hah?!”

“I never said that!” Serizawa whined as Reigen continuously jostled his shoulder.

“You just did!” 

“I didn’t mean it like that!”

They both began laughing, leaning against each other on the couch. Somehow, instead of having a comfortable foot or so between them on the couch, they had made their way towards each other in the middle. Neither moved as their thighs pressed together when the laughter died down.A beat of silence passed, Serizawa let out one last chuckle before clearing his throat. 

“Reigen, can I ask why you thought I was trying to impress Aoi?” Serizawa’s question sombered Reigen real fast. His face falling for a split second before regaining his signature grin.

“Don’t trust the things a drunk man says, Serizawa.” Reigen quickly deflected the question. He almost forgot he had asked that. He certainly didn’t intend to.

“Did you think I had a crush on her?” Serizawa pressed on, ignoring Reigen’s deflection. 

“I don’t know, Serizawa. I can’t say whether or not you have a crush on someone!” Reigen began to sweat, he wasn’t even sure why it even mattered in the first place. “Who you have a crush on is none of my business. Your private life is your private life. As long as it doesn’t interfere with work, I don’t care.” That’s what Reigen told himself. But the stone forming in his throat with each word told a different story. He braced for the next question from Serizawa, ready to convince them both further that he didn’t care. 

Serizawa leans away. “I think you care more than you say you do.” He launched a cannonball and Reigen wasn’t prepared.

“Geez, Serizawa, I think you’ve had a little bit too much to drink as well.” Reigen laughed and leaned forward to grab his empty glass. Desperately needing something to fidget with to avoid Serizawa’s intensity.

“No, I’m pretty sober.”

Why did Serizawa have to be so damn perceptive? Why couldn’t he just let this go? It didn’t matter. Reigen was drunk and he slipped up. It was as simple as that- an alcohol induced blunder.

“Seriously, I was drunk. I really don’t know why I asked that. It really means nothing. Just let it go.” Reigen was a little more blunt this time, wanting Serizawa to back off. He began to lean away as well. 

Both went quiet, and Reigen pulled out his phone to fiddle with it, ignoring the looming presence next to him. Upbeat music cut through the tension. 

“Do you…consider us friends?” The sudden question almost made Reigen drop his phone. He looked up at the man and was met with an utterly sincere expression. Those warm brown eyes boring holes into Reigen’s own. 

“Well of course I do, Serizawa! Do you?” Reigen set down his phone.

“I consider you my best friend.”

Oh.

Oh fuck.

Reigen’s eyes went wide, staring at the most earnest and sincere man he’s had the pleasure of meeting and creating a bond with. Someone Reigen trusted with his life. Someone who made feelings arise in Reigen that he couldn’t put a name to.

“I-“ Reigen- the one who knew it all and always had something to say back to anything-was at a loss for words. What he wanted to say was ‘I don’t deserve you,’ but his self-depreciation would only ruin the mood. This amazing man considered someone like Reigen his best friend. All he could say back was-

“Me too.”

Serizawa gave him a beaming smile that Reigen could only weakly mirror back. They stayed staring for way too long. Eyes fixed on each other. There was something searching behind Serizawa’s eyes, his intense gaze magnified as he observed Reigen like a star in a telescope. 

Reigen was hyper aware of how close they were now. Wanting to run but unable to move, transfixed on the man in front of him- as if a spell were cast on both of them. Maybe someone in the lounge cursed them. Maybe that would explain why he felt the urge to do something he knew he would regret. Or maybe it was the alcohol still in his system. 

The moment was suddenly shattered when aggressive buzzing erupted between them. Serizawa jumped and Reigen could finally look away as Serizawa scrambled to pull out the phone buzzing in his pocket.

“Hello?” He sounded dazed, almost breathless. “Oh yeah..I’m sorry we went to find a quiet place to sit because Reigen had a headache. We’ll be heading back soon.” Serizawa hums a few times. “Okay, see you.” Serizawa set down the phone on his lap and sighed, “Aoi called and was asking where we went, she got worried. I think they’re ready to head out soon though, Ikeda sounded pretty drunk.” 

“I see. Yeah, we can leave. It’s getting pretty late.” Reigen nodded but neither moved. 

“Reigen?”

“Yes, Serizawa?” Reigen sounded way too eager as he finally looked at Serizawa again. What was he expecting Serizawa to say? 

“Thank you for coming tonight. I hope you enjoyed it.” 

Oh, yeah. Of course he would thank Reigen for coming, he was such an accommodating host. Even though all Reigen did was get drunk and embarrass himself, and probably Serizawa as well. There was no way they were going to invite him again.

“Yeah! It was a good time, Serizawa!” Reigen forced a smile that he knew probably looked more like a grimace. 

That intense, searching look never left Serizawa’s eyes as he focused back on Reigen again. He looked like he wanted to ask a question, but was holding himself back. It almost looked painful. For someone who wore their heart on his sleeve, he sure was hard to read sometimes. 

“We should, uh, probably head over there. I’m sure by now they’re ready to go.” Reigen flipped open his phone to check the time, trying to find something to do with his hands to escape that overbearing gaze. He was met with silence. “Serizawa? You wanna- oof!“ As Reigen turned to get the man’s attention again he was caught in a clumsy embrace. Serizawa’s arms encircled his shoulders in a quick almost flail. Reigen’s head pressed awkwardly against the larger man’s clavicle and god he was warm. The scent of Serizawa’s cologne overwhelmed Reigen’s senses as his nose was pressed against a particularly strong patch, most likely where Serizawa spritzed it before he left. His body was solid but soft- overwhelmingly comfortable. 

The arms squeezed tighter around his shoulders, and Reigen slowly found himself returning the embrace after awkwardly sitting in shock from the sudden action. Reigen’s arms encircled Serizawa’s waist as he turned to better angle their bodies in a more comfortable position. The feeling of holding another person, and being held by them was strange and foreign; especially that person being Reigen’s own coworker. He wasn’t sure why they were hugging, or what brought this on, or why it was going on for so long. 

For as much as they were both in each other’s personal space, intentionally or not, they’d only hugged a few times. It was mostly out of relief from a job gone bad. Typically when Reigen had been in danger, and Serizawa was worried sick until Reigen appeared triumphantly unscathed like the cockroach he was. Serizawa couldn’t contain himself and would grab his boss in a tight hug before Reigen would wheeze out, “I’m okay big guy, don’t worry! Please don’t suffocate me,” Serizawa would release him with a flushed face and apologize. They never lasted long.

Or when Serizawa would have a particularly rough day when everything was just too much and he would become overstimulated and overwhelmed. Reigen would tell him to go to the massage room and they would sit and talk in a quiet and calm environment. And if Serizawa would shed a few tears, and Reigen would calmly place an arm around his coworker’s shoulder for comfort- no one had to know. 

But now was neither relief nor comfort- now was something else entirely. Something neither of them had realized was there until now. Or maybe it had already been there, but had been pushed aside. Shoved to the back like paperwork no one wanted to deal with.

How long had they been holding each other now? They were just sitting there, arms circled around the other as this unknown thing blossomed between them.

Business partners. Coworkers. Friends. 

No. 

None of those were right. 

Serizawa shifted, loosening the embrace, Reigen’s heart jumped to his throat. The space buzzed between them- that familiar warm electricity that Reigen recognized as Serizawa’s aura. Reigen couldn’t tell the difference between the bass thrumming around them, or the thumping of his heartbeat in his ears. Serizawa pulled back and looked down at him. The music kept playing, but Reigen’s heart stopped.

Brown eyes filled with affection captured Reigen and he couldn’t come free. They were way too close, arms still loosely wrapped around the other, but neither made a move to get away. Serizawa’s eyes flicked around to different areas of Reigen’s face. Eyes, lips, eyes, jaw, lips, eyes, lips. They finally focused back on the wide eyes staring up. Reigen wanted to speak so badly. Wanted to ask what was happening. Why was Serizawa staring at him like that? Why were they still holding each other? Why was Serizawa’s hand on his cheek now?

Wait.

Reigen felt a gentle tug on his back, the hand on his face pulling him closer. 

Wait wait wait wait

Reigen didn’t deserve this. He didn’t deserve Serizawa’s touch. Didn’t deserve this moment. Why would Serizawa want to do this with someone like Reigen.  He would only corrupt him. His coworker had to be drunk, and was just good at hiding it. There was no way he would do this sober. No way. 

“Seri-“

His name was cut off when Serizawa closed the remaining space between them and their lips met with a gentle press. Reigen sat frozen as Serizawa’s hand slid from his cheek to his neck. Eyes wide open, Reigen stared at the long lashes fanning over Serizawa’s red cheeks. Serizawa let out an exhale and leaned back after a few moments, face beaming. 

But that quickly fell when he took in Reigen’s shocked expression and he immediately went to fretting. 

“Oh my god, no. I’m so sorry Reigen-san” He jumped back on the couch, distancing himself from his boss. Reigen noticed the fabric of his clothes start to flutter and the cup next to him trembled in its spot. “I’ve never done this before and I thought I was reading this right and- oh my god, please don’t fire me. I’m so sorry, I-“

Reigen grabbed one of the flailing hands and pulled the bigger man towards him, Serizawa clumsily tried to catch himself as he fell towards the blonde. The esper looked confused, eyes frantic as he searched his boss’ expression. 

“Reigen-san?” 

Reigen flashed him a smile and leaned down to capture Serizawa’s lips. The rattling sound next to them intensified and Reigen felt his hair ruffle lightly. Serizawa eagerly returned the kiss after a still moment, correcting his position without breaking their kiss as he pulled Reigen closer. 

He could practically feel the relief pouring out of Serizawa as he relaxed further against Reigen, large hands finding his face again, fingers threading through his coarse hair. It made Reigen shiver, grabbing Serizawa’s shoulders as he angled his head to deepen the kiss, opening his mouth against Serizawa’s, hoping he’d follow his lead. 

Crack!

A loud shatter made Reigen jump and Serizawa immediately started panicking as they looked over and saw water dripping down the side of the table around shards of glass from what was formerly Reigen’s cup. 

“ Shit!! ” Serizawa cursed. 

Reigen stared for a moment, and then laughed. Starting out as a chuckle and then growing into giddy, uncontrollable laughter. People were already staring at Reigen doubling over on the couch and Serizawa desperately trying to wipe up the water and glass shards on the table. They wouldn’t understand what was going on. They wouldn't understand that Reigen was finally realizing what that feeling was. The reason why coworker or friend was never the right words, and that Serizawa felt the same. 

After wrapping the shards of glass in the cloth napkin, Serizawa leaned back on the couch next to Reigen who was still chuckling lightly. They stared at each other for a moment, suppressing smirks before simultaneously busting out into a fit of laughter. They weren’t exactly sure the reason they were laughing, but it just felt right. 

“What just happened?” Serizawa asked as the laughter died down. Reigen leaned against his side.

“You kissed me.”

“And you kissed me back.” 

Reigen shrugged and dropped his head on Serizawa’s broad shoulder. “I guess I did.”

“So,-“

“Let’s talk about it later, when we’re not in a club.” Reigen cut him off with the wave of a hand before the discussion could go any further. His head was still reeling from being kissed by Serizawa- from finding out he actually had feelings for said coworker, and that those feelings were reciprocated. His headache was starting to return and he was ready to get home. 

“Right.” Serizawa relaxed against Reigen for only a moment before his phone began buzzing again. They both jumped and Serizawa went to grab his phone.“Oh shoot, I almost completely forgot.” He slid to answer the call from Aoi, Reigen could hear her shrill voice from the speaker from where his head was still resting on Serizawa’s shoulder. 

“Yes, I’m sorry, we got to talking. I’ll meet you guys out there.” The call ended after that. 

“Guess that’s our cue.” Reigen sighed, still not making an effort to get up. 

“Yeah.” Serizawa made no effort either, sitting idly for the second time that night. 

An invisible force was keeping them glued to the couch. Outside of this space was now an unknown entity, a new thing neither of them knew how to navigate. Outside the room, outside the lounge awaited uncertainty and expectations. A realization of, “oh shit that actually just happened,” weighed heavily over the butterflies of a first kiss. What was going to happen when they both left this place?

Reigen broke the silence first, sitting up and clapping his hands together before exclaiming, “well! That was a fun night! Let’s get going before we end up sitting here for another thirty minutes.” He let out a laugh, not looking back at Serizawa. 

“Yeah,” Serizawa began with a breathy laugh, “let's go.”

The two stood up from the couch and it was like the vacuum-sealed bubble around them collapsed. A million different sounds came crashing in- the collective murmur of a dozen conversations, the repetitive beat of the song playing currently, seemingly louder than before. 

Two grown men standing in front of a velvet green couch, standing close, but not touching. Heads spinning like they’d drunk too much, but the alcohol in their system wasn’t affecting them anymore. Strange tension rising from the warmth that once surrounded them.

Reigen tried to step forward at the same time as Serizawa, and it turned into an awkward stand-still of “I’m sorry. You go first” and awkward chuckles, clumsily dancing around each other. Serizawa had his hand on his neck as he gestured for Reigen to step first, a wobbly smile on his lips. 

“Thanks, big guy.”

Reigen stepped out and Serizawa followed silently. That same sterile distance between the two. It felt like the first week of Serizawa working at Spirits and Such all over again, not like they had just kissed only minutes prior. The switch up was giving Reigen whiplash. 

The awkward, sterile dance continued as they paid for their tab and met up with the rest of the group. 

“Thank you for coming tonight, Reigen-san. It was nice meeting you finally.” Aoi gave him a smile and leaned closer. “Thanks for taking such good care of Serizawa. You mean a lot to him.” 

“Oh, I know.” 

Aoi glanced at Serizawa, who was exchanging farewells with his tipsy friends. She gave Reigen a knowing look, and Reigen shrugged. 

“Alright big boy, we’ll see you again on Monday! I had a good time tonight!” Aoi shouted as she sauntered up to Serizawa and smacked his back playfully. It reminded Reigen so much of himself. 

Finally everyone made their way out of the lounge and split ways. Leaving Serizawa and Reigen alone again, finally outside in the real world. The lounge had almost been a limbo where time and reality didn’t exist. A pleasant in-between, like being half awake during a dream.

Now the wind was cold on their cheeks and the crowds had thinned out, leaving the streets mostly empty. Neon lights flickered and bass bumped in the distance from the multiple clubs lining the streets. It was strangely comforting. But it was too quiet.

“What time is it?” Reigen spoke up first, breaking the silence that had prevailed until now. He could almost hear a popping sound of the bubble between them. Reigen could have sworn he saw Serizawa jump before he pulled out his phone, he watched the cringe form on his face.

“It’s 11:25.” 

“It’s what now?”

Serizawa turned the phone to him and sure enough, he was telling the truth. They still had a little bit of time before the trains stopped.

“Damn, I didn’t realize it was so late.” Reigen huffed, shivering against the cold wind assaulting him. He pulled the jacket around him tighter when he realized for the second time that night that he was still wearing his coworker’s jacket, and Serizawa was only wearing his turtleneck. 

“Oh, Serizawa,” Reigen worked the jacket off of his shoulders and held it out to him. “I didn’t realize I was still wearing it.” He let out an awkward laugh as Serizawa just stared at the coat. 

“Wait, what happened to yours?” Serizawa looked concerned as he noticed Reigen’s aggressive shivering. 

“I think I left it inside. I don’t feel like going back in though.” Reigen thrust the jacket towards Serizawa again. “Here.” 

“Reigen, you’re shivering, just keep it on. I don’t really need it anyways.” 

“Serizawa, it’s your jacket.” 

“Yes, and I’m telling you to keep it on. It’s freezing out here. I know you can’t handle the cold.” Serizawa pushed the coat back. 

Reigen scoffed, brows furrowed as he stared at the jacket outstretched in his hand. His hand was quaking as his entire body shivered, maybe he should go back inside to get his coat after all. Just as the idea popped in his head the jacket suddenly became weightless and floated out of Reigen’s hand. He stared at it, arm still outstretched as it floated up and behind him and settled on his shoulders. 

“Reigen.” Serizawa’s anxious voice snapped Reigen’s attention fully to him. The taller man looked distressed, eyebrows furrowed and hands rubbing at the fabric of his pants. He was silent for a moment, visibly contemplating what to say before he sighed, shoulders dropping. 

“You’re not regretting what happened, are you?” 

Reigen sprang into action like a toy with new batteries as his hands started windmilling, frantically gesturing as he stuttered.

“Of course not, Serizawa! I just am not really sure what happens next. Or even what to do. I didn't expect anything like this to happen tonight, and we still need to talk about it, but my head is still kinda spinning from everything happening at once.”

“I just wanted to make sure everything was okay. When we left the couch it just felt a little uncomfortable.” Serizawa fret. 

“I’m just trying to process everything. It’s been a long night.” Reigen chuckled and then looked up at Serizawa. He looked concerned, brows furrowed and shoulders tight. Reigen knew his anxiety was probably gnawing at his gut right now, because it was for him. A kiss and realization of feelings was not on the list for tonight’s happenings. His mind kept repeating the question of “what next?” And unfortunately for them, the uncertainty hadn’t gone away when they’d stepped outside, it only got worse. Several thoughts were spinning in Reigen’s head and he wasn’t sure how to feel about most of them, but regretting kissing Serizawa wasn’t one of those thoughts.

Serizawa only grew more and more distressed looking as they stood in the silence. Reigen just looked at him for a moment before he stepped closer, coming to stand in front of the man and just look up at him for a few seconds before suddenly grabbing Serizawa’s face to pull it down and kiss him. 

Serizawa didn’t respond for a second out of shock, but that quickly passed and he swiftly wrapped his arms around Reigen, pulling him flush against his body and holding him close as he happily returned the kiss. Warmth blossomed in Reigen’s stomach at how good it felt to be held in Serizawa’s arms. The tentative feeling he’d been sporting was overtaken by butterflies again as he returned the embrace, reveling in the comfort of the taller man’s warmth. With Serizawa holding him like this, the unknown suddenly didn’t seem so daunting. Reigen knew it was a temporary feeling, but he would bask in it while it lasted. 

“I’m glad you came tonight.” Serizawa said again when they broke apart, he looked down at Reigen again with that same intensely affectionate expression. 

Reigen couldn’t look at it for too long, he felt like he would be burned alive. His gaze averted to Serizawa’s lips. He wanted to kiss them again. 

“Yeah, me too.” 

Serizawa smiled and Reigen’s stomach twisted with affection, he felt squirmy again. “We should, uh, probably get going. We need to catch the last train.” 

“Oh, you're right!!” Serizawa jumped and released Reigen to pull his phone back out. “Yeah we should probably run.”

“Good idea.”

The unknown didn’t cease as they ran further away from the lounge, it only followed them as they ran to the train, faces and hands bitter cold by the time they boarded. Winded and exhausted, lungs burning and lips chapped. The cabin yet again provided a comforting warmth that swallowed them whole as they slumped into their seats. For the duration of the train ride Reigen allowed himself to forget about everything and just enjoy the solid body next to him as he leaned against it and closed his eyes, smiling as he finally relaxed.