Archive of Our Own ^beta

A little bit later than the estimation time, but everything finally wrapped up today. All Chikage needs to do now is leave this country, go back to his usual hideout, and send his report back to the organization. This time, he is considering taking some leave, something that his past self never did.

He wants to go home. To his whole family. To the people who accept him. To the people he swears to protect.

And especially, to him.

Fuck. He can already hear Hisoka’s annoying comment about his relationship with that person. Chikage sighs fondly, taking one last look at his hotel room. Confirming everything was tidied up with zero trace, Chikage finally left. Hopefully, he will never have to return to this country for this specific job again.

Right, time difference sometimes suck. No matter how used he is to jetlag, with heavy workloads he just completed and almost 32 hours of flight, his body demands to shut down immediately after he hopped out of the taxi in front of the dorm.

Is Chikage being too soft on himself lately? He don’t know, but he know this is a good sign that he begins to care about his own well being.

It’s 3 a.m. right now. Chikage doesn’t expect anyone will wake up at this hour (unless Chigasaki trying to get himself in trouble at work by late-night gaming session on a weekday and getting scolded by The Beauty Police for not taking enough sleep).

“Who is that?”

That deep, cautious voice he missed the most greets him by the time he enters the dorm with a spare key.

Chikage doesn’t expect Guy to be still awake. But hey, Chikage misses him so much that he immediately approaches that person in a hurry.

“I’m back, Guy-san.”

“Ah, it’s you, Utsuki,” The cautious tone disappeared, a smile formed on Guy’s face, “Welcome back, thank you for your hard work.”

Guy opens his arms. With no hesitation, Chikage drowns himself in his embrace.

“I’m home.” Chikage whispers, burying his face in the jasmine scent from Guy’s neck. His arms wrap Guy’s back tight.

For a moment, Chikage helped himself. He needs this hug right now. Guy understands. They keep hugging, in the dark, in the dorm entrance. His past self would never show and accepting affection this intense right after completing his mission, or literally any time.

He’s home. Chikage’s home.

“You must be tired.” Guy gently pats Chikage’s back.

“I can’t deny that.” Chikage chuckles, finally letting go of that warm embrace, “Are you waiting for me?”

“The bar was booked until one hour ago,” Guy answers, lowering his voice so they won’t disturb other members who are still asleep, “Mikage told me you will coming home tonight, so he told me to go home first and he will handle all the cleaning and closing.”

“That Sleepyhead...” Chikage mumbles as they walk towards the living room.

“He did say that you owe him a premium chocolate-coated marshmallow.”

“I knew it,” Chikage chuckles, “Well, I guess he did me a favor this time.”

Because coming home with his lover greeted him before anyone else is truly a moment he didn’t know he longed for.

“I’d definitely take that leave no matter what.”

He wants to spend more time with Guy. It’s like 24 hours a day is not enough.

“Did you say something, Utsuki?”

“Nothing,” Chikage loosened his tie, “I just think I need some time off from work.”

Guy somewhat understands that Chikage didn’t mean the work in the office with Chigasaki. Chikage meant his “other work”. It seems like Chikage still doesn’t want to bring it up to him, so Guy will not ask anything. He will wait until Chikage feels comfortable showing that side of him.

And whatever it is, Guy will accept it wholeheartedly.

“Speaking of which, Yukishiro had some business to do, so he won’t be coming back until evening.”

Guy rubs Chikage’s right cheek with his thumb, right under his glasses. Chikage’s heart skips a beat. This gesture means two things: Guy is being affectionate, and Guy wants something from him, in a good way.

By past experiences, Guy often means both.

“Utsuki, do you want to sleep in my room tonight?”

Ah. Guy missed him, too.

Chikage found himself saying yes.

He also granted the leave he deserves, both from work and "work".