Another day, another orbit - For Hitachiin

[saltinourstars]

Hey

getting lunch with Yamaguchi

If there's time before "The thing I'm not supposed to know about"


Because that's the deal. Around every September 27th, Kei sets aside his laser perception. Ignoring the extra packages, Kaoru's workroom staying locked. Never mind Yamaguchi visiting. It's the middle of Senior year and his school's in Kyoto. 

It's the price of having a birthday. And a party-obsessed Fiancé.

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[fragrant_hitachiin]

👍
Yamaguchi has his orders. Enjoy!

The first year they were dating, Kaoru would have insisted on paying for this lunch; now he knows better, knows Kei better, and knows that his wealth isn't why Kei likes him at all. That's why, all these years later, he's comfortable stocking up on big box store decorations for Kei's birthday party- nevermind the fact that the party is being held in the event space of the natural history museum.

He's been at the museum since that morning, setting up the space, awaiting the catering delivery, and coordinating with the museum staff. Another thing he's learned being with Kei: it's more rewarding doing something for him when it involves actually doing something.

As he surveys the space, with its kitschy, over the top, childish dinosaur birthday party decorations contrasted against formal architecture and a stately, prim vibe, Kaoru grins. Kei will love this, he's sure.

"Kaoru!" Hikaru calls, drawing him out of his thoughts. "The cardboard cut outs are here!"

Back to work.

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Lunch is good, some new onigiri place. Yamaguchi points out the name as they enter.

"Ah - Miya! Not like the Miya Twins, you think?"

"Sure," Kei drolls. "Top players retire early and open diners all the time. Much more exciting than volleyball."

[fragrant_hitachiin]

(Somewhere in Osaka, Miya Osamu buries a sneeze into his shoulder to avoid contaminating his kitchen, and hopes he isn't getting sick.)

Kaoru steps away from his handiwork and finally allows himself to take a breath as he surveys the space. The event hall, with its ornate moldings and trims, has an added splash of color from bright balloons, streamers, ornaments, and an enormous dinosaur pinata. The table coverings are plastic, branded with the logo for the Jurassic Park films and the dinos from the same movie; the tableware, paper cups and plates, also match. Life-sized cardboard cutouts of dinosaurs are set up for fun photo opportunities, along with a devilishly handsome Jeff Goldblum cutout that Kaoru hopes will make Kei laugh. It looks like every five year old boy's dream party, taken to extremes.

It's exactly what Kaoru had envisioned, and he takes pride in a job well done. The party still needs to go off as planned, of course, but Kaoru knows the goal here is for Kei to enjoy himself. As long as he accomplishes that, he'll be pleased.

He sends Yamaguchi a text confirming that they're ready, as some of Kei's friends start arriving; members of his university team, and those Kei knows from high school who could make it out to Tokyo. The former Ouran Host Club is there too, of course, as they'd been recruited to help Kaoru put this all together. Guests are milling out, laughing, making conversation, even starting on the snacks and appetizers, while they wait for the birthday boy's arrival.

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"So? Why the History Museum?"

Yamaguchi shrugs. Trying to hold back a grin. "Sorry, Tsukki, I promised!"

"Traitor."

That just gets a laugh. Yamaguchi's spent more birthdays with Kei than almost anyone else. He knows this dance.

They enter through a side entrance. Greeted by a faint buzz of chatter. The noise bounces through marble ceilings and columns, obscuring any direction. At last a security guard points the way.

"There better not be singing," Kei grumbles.

"Suck it up. Come on!"

[fragrant_hitachiin]

The singing will come later, when there's cake. For now, the party waits for its guest of honor, with Kaoru out in the hall listening for anyone coming by the event space. He hears Yamaguchi before he sees them, but it's enough heads up to kill the music and get everyone on the same page. When Tsukishima and Yamaguchi enter, it's to a uproarious, "Surprise!"

The party itself isn't a surprise, sure, but the guest list might be. Plenty of old faces who want to see Tsukishima, congratulate him on both his birthday and engagement, and catch up on old times. But they will all have to wait behind Kaoru, who is first to run up to Kei and throw his arms around him, because irony be damned he will hug his fiancé on his birthday.

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"Oof!"

There's time for a proper squeeze. Because while a fuss isn't necessary, Kei appreciates hard work. This sort of thing matters to Kaoru. Plus - Museum. Possibly Kei's favorite place in Tokyo.

"Oy, Rich Boy, you get him all the time! Let other people have a turn!"

Kei starts at a familiar hyena-grin and messy hair.

"Kuroo?!?"

[fragrant_hitachiin]

"Hey hey hey, Tsukki!" A second voice adds, coming up behind Kuroo. "Long time no see!"

Bokuto has no shame about throwing an arm around Tsukishima's shoulder, even with Kaoru right there, and Kaoru decides to let things be and takes a step away to make room for Tsukishima's old friends. He smiles pleasantly at Kuroo even though a possessive urge threatens to take over him.

Though, if he touches Tsukishima's arm in such a manner that it flashes his engagement ring, who could blame him?

"He's all yours. But I'll need him back in one piece a bit later, for another surprise."

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"I'm hurt! As if we would damage our precious Tsukki!"

Kuroo's protest would be more believable if he wasn't joining Bokuto's hug/headlock. Grunting, Kei finally manages to push them off. Fixes his hair.

"Don't you ever get tired of that?"

Which is as close to 'Thanks for coming' as the assholes are going to get.

[fragrant_hitachiin]

"How can we get tired of it when you never visit us, Tsukki?" Bokuto argues, whining more than a little as he's shoved away. Only for another laugh to join the fray, this one a lot less obnoxious than the others.

"Well, he wouldn't be Tsukishima if he took your harassment quietly," Daichi chimes in, approaching his former underclassman for a big bear hug.

Kaoru chuckles to himself as he steps aside to make room for more of the old Karasuno team who have come down from Sendai for the party. But he's still close enough in case the birthday boy needs a rescue.

[saltinourstars]

Daichi's rescue is welcome, but temporary as Kei ducks Hinata next. Nice. Instincts still on-point.

"Of course Bokuto wouldn't show up without his Mini-Me," he mock-sighs to Kaoru. Absolutely within hearing range of the whole group. But by Kei's standards, that's affection. No one had to come. It's the middle of a weekday. Some of them have professional games to play later.

[fragrant_hitachiin]

Hinata is somewhat indignant, but also somewhat flattered, to be refer to as "Bokuto's Mini-Me," and it's clear that the good mood is winning out. Kaoru simply watches, soaking in the jovial atmosphere and allowing all of Kei's friends to get their turn greeting him. Once everyone has had a piece of the birthday boy, Kaoru claps his hands together to their attention.

"Alright! Everyone can help themselves to food from these tables, feel free to take as much as you like. But remember to leave room for dessert!"

'Food' seems to be an activation phrase for some of their guests, who rush over to get their share. Kaoru laughs, but he anticipated as much, so there is no worry.

"I guess it's a good thing you don't have much of an appetite normally, because we'll probably be the last to eat, huh?"