LOG: Byodoin and Mizuki

[byodoin]

Who: Byodoin and Mizuki
When: the 27th?
Where: Byodoin’s room
What: Mizuki reviews Byodoin’s video for his kid. It is cute.



Someone had to save Byodoin from himself (and his kid from Byodoin’s intimidating bulk), so Mizuki knocked on his boyfriend(!)’s door as promised.

“Byodoin-san, it’s Mizuki,” said Mizuki into the intercom.

Byodoin answered the door personally, clearly freshly shaved and out of the shower and in just pajama bottoms and a hastily thrown on T-shirt (no need to scandalize his boyfriend, after all). "Hey, thanks for coming on such short notice."

It was clear that the only one to suffer from the short notice was Byodoin, trying to look good for Mizuki, but that didn't matter.

"Have a seat and I'll pull up the video for you... don't laugh at it, okay?"

“Oh, were you getting ready for sleep?” asked Mizuki apologetically, noticing Byodoin’s dress. Another Christmas gift idea- supima cotton pjs! “We can make this quick then! I can’t promise not to laugh, though.” He winked.

"It's fine. A visit from you will make sure I have sweet dreams." Byodoin winked at Mizuki in return, moving to pull up the video. "So please, stay as long as you'd like."

He hit play, launching into an amateurly edited video of a slightly stiff Byodoin listening to Sanada's advice and talking to the camera like he was actually conversing with his child, before launching into reading the book to his son and Kintarou. Which he did complete with silly voices.

That part had taken sooo many cuts, but he thought the final one had been pretty good. And Kin-chan being enthusiastic and excited about the book helped too.

The video then moved into him saying goodbye to Kichiro for the month. He cut the video off before Mizuki could see him getting teary eyed as he told the kid he was loved.

"See? Not bad, right? I put a hell of a lot more work into it than last month."

Mizuki rolled his eyes at Byodoin’s usual sappy antics before settling down to watch the video. It was very crudely put together, but he doubted a small child would notice. Tooyama, as always, was delightful, while Byodoin’s clumsy efforts were quite endearing.

“How cute,” Mizuki commented, chuckling. He did aww at the ending, though.

Byodoin looked rather pleased with the praise. If Mizuki liked it, surely it would win him points with his child!

"Sanada's advice helped a lot. I had no idea he was so good with kids." Byodoin shrugged. "I'll have to start working on a good video for next month too... having Kin-chan assist me might be a regular thing. I think he'll be easier for the kid to relate to than me."

And even if the kid was watching the videos for Kintarou, he'd still be getting acquainted with Byodoin.

“I’ve heard he has a small army of nephews and nieces,” said Mizuki, tapping his chin with a finger. “Tooyama-kun is very personable and recognisable as a space hero, so yes, that might work.” He looked questioningly at Byodoin. “If you don’t mind, I can make a few edits..?”

"The brat is pretty famous, isn't he?" Byodoin nodded in response to Mizuki’s question and moved to give Mizuki access to his computer. "By all means. You have a better eye for details than I do."

He sat back to let Mizuki do his work, curious to see what he had in mind.

“To be honest, I only know the basics, but..” Mizuki tapped around, adjusting the brightness and adding little effects like sparks and starbursts to accent the story. “Most children like little accents like these. You could probably ask someone like Marui-san or Zaizen-san if you want more polished videos, maybe for a birthday or some other special event..”

Byodoin nodded his head, just impressed by Mizuki’s work. He hadn't known you could even do those things. "Yeah, I'll definitely have to talk to one of them about better editing."

He paused, a little hesitant for a second. "Since you're here, would you like to see the video of Kichiro I got this month?"

Since apparently the kid wasn't off limits to discuss with Mizuki and all. He'd been a bit worried that he would freak Mizuki out forever.

Mizuki preened a little, pleased with himself for a job well done. “Sure?” he agreed readily. While he had mixed feelings about dating a man with a kid, it really wasn’t Byodoin or the kid’s fault. Mizuki didn’t mind children at all, used to his sisters’ loveable little rascals.

And so Byodoin started the video of the amazingly cute and sweet little boy playing with his toys, explaining in childish babbling what each one was to a smiling Duke while a mildly annoyed but quite pretty dark haired woman looked on in the background.

Byodoin’s kid seemed positively angelic. "I'm not sure how I made such a cute kid, honestly. It's pretty surprising."

“Oh, how darling,” Mizuki cooed. Other than the blond hair, it was hard to see how this little angel could be related to Byodoin. Or maybe the hairiness made it hard to tell. He noticed the tall man in the video, which didn’t seem like the … ex-husband? “Is that a friend of yours?”

"My best friend, Duke. I'd trust that man with my life, so I have him helping with the situation back home." Byodoin explained, looking rather pleased just thinking of his friend. Man, he missed that guy. "I figured if anyone will make sure the kid knows I want him in my life it would be Duke... he's also going to be handling some legal shit for me now. That woman is nuts."

“I’m glad you have someone you can rely on,” Mizuki said sincerely. Literally worlds away from his son! How worried Byodoin must be. He blinked a little at the comment about Byodoin’s ex, who he’d surmised was unpleasant and calculating, but not exactly ‘nuts’. “What is the lady up to now?”

"Oh, you'll get a kick out of this one." Byodoin began. "She sent me a choice of two bits of paperwork to sign. A custody agreement that is definitely unfavorable to me... or a marriage license. For the good of the kid, apparently."

Definitely insane in his opinion. That was a shitty reason to get married.

"So I guess now I'm getting my lawyers involved to get a better custody agreement than what she's offering... I mean, it doesn't matter much now, but I want time with the kid when I'm off this rock."

“How shameless,” Mizuki exclaimed. From their other conversations on Byodoin’s journal, Mizuki had gathered that this lady was very conscious of her image… Clearly this was a shrewd woman trying to keep up appearances by forcing her child’s other parent into marriage. “I’m glad you’re getting help!”

She certainly was obsessed with her image, and Byodoin was having none of it. That wasn't his problem.

"Yeah, Duke will make sure I get a favorable arrangement when I'm off this rock. For now I just want monthly videos and for Duke and my family to have access to the kid, though." Byodoin didn't think those were unreasonable requests. All he wanted was to build a good relationship with his child.

He moved to grab a bottle of water from his mini fridge, glancing at Mizuki. "Are you thirsty? I can put on a pot of tea if you'd like."

“You’d better have someone check online to make sure she’s not running a smear campaign or something,” Mizuki warned, already halfway into the role of nagging, bossy boyfriend. “That could really hurt your chances.”

He shook his head at Byodoin’s offer. “Thank you, but it’s a bit late for tea! I try not to eat or drink this close to bedtime!”

Mizuki had a good point. Byodoin made a mental note to have Duke on the lookout for that kind of smear campaign. Well, at least he personally wouldn't have to deal with that crap.

"It is getting a little late, isn't it? I suppose soon I'll have to let you go for the evening." Byodoin seemed suitably unhappy with the prospect of it. "We'll have to be sure to get together in the daytime next time, so I can get enough time with you."

Mizuki patted Byodoin’s arm a little awkwardly. “Beauty sleep is important!” he consoled Byodoin. “You’re busy enough as it is. We’ll do something your next off day?” Perhaps they could play table tennis in the rec room or watch a movie.

"That would be nice." Byodoin agreed, not about to turn down the promise of a future date. "Just let me know what you want to do and I'll be there."

He took a sip of his water, reluctant to say goodbye just yet but knowing it was getting late. "Thanks again for stopping by to help with the video... it means a lot to me."

“We can play some table tennis or billiards in the rec room,” said Mizuki, smiling. “And you’re very welcome. I can see you care a lot for your son, so of course I’ll help. There's a lot on your plate!”

"Playing a game sounds good... I'll warn you though, I have a competitive streak." Byodoin winked at Mizuki. "And yeah... there is a lot on my plate. But I don't want you to feel like you have to be involved in the whole kid thing if you don't want to be. You're not obligated just because we're dating."

“I’ll have you know I’m really good!” said Mizuki, before looking at Byodoin seriously. “Byodoin-san, I know I must seem very high maintenance and difficult– no don’t deny it, I know that’s what people always say about me! But! I am taking this relationship very seriously, and that means accepting that you have a child, and supporting you in your desire to provide for this child.” He looked a little embarrassed, tugging at a lock of his hair. “So it’s like that. I’m not feeling obligated or anything.”

Byodoin blinked, caught off guard by that confession. He didn't dislike it, though. In fact he was rather touched. He reached a hand out to gently touch Mizuki’s cheek, stroking it a little. "You know, I really feel the need to kiss you after hearing you say something like that to me."

But he was ASKING. Points for him, right!?

Predictably, Mizuki blushed bright red. “What a flimsy excuse,” he groused half-heartedly, looking anywhere but at Byodoin. “But I suppose you may.”

Byodoin would have argued that it was in fact an excellent reason to kiss Mizuki, but time spent arguing was time spent not kissing, so instead he leaned in and really kissed his boyfriend. Like a real kiss, and not the little peck he'd given him before. This one lasted several seconds and had real lip contact and was full up of all the fuzzy feelings Byodoin was having for Mizuki. There may even have been a little tongue.

Byodoin then pulled back, fully prepared for Mizuki to be utterly scandalized but not regretting a thing. "Oh, and one more thing... we're dating, so you can call me Houou. Byodoin is too awkward."

Mizuki should have known! Byodoin was exactly the kind of person who would push the envelope. “You’re terrible!” he complained, flailing and smacking Byodoin’s arm ineffectually. He was so red he was almost purple– not a particularly good look for him.

Mizuki was pouting a little when his brain caught up to Byodoin’s words. “Wait, I thought you didn’t like the name Houou?”

Byodoin thought it was an extremely good look for Mizuki, honestly. He was adorable. "Oh, you didn't like it? Please, tell me exactly the part you didn't like so I can be sure not to do it again."

He paused when Mizuki finally caught up to his request though, and shrugged. "It's a silly name, but it's my name, so you're on the short list of people allowed to use it." Right up there with his family members. And maybe Duke if he ever felt like it? It was a short list. "It's because I'm serious about you."

Mizuki decided to ignore this horrible man’s horrible teasing!

“If you’re sure.. Houou-san,” he said a bit doubtfully, trying out the words. It sounded a bit odd, to be honest, but ‘Byodoin’ was an awkward name, too. “You can call me Hajime, of course.

"Hajime..." Byodoin tested the name on his tongue thoughtfully before smiling. "Not a bad name. I can't just keep referring to you as 'safety' all the time, anyway. Not if we're a couple."

He kissed poor Mizuki again, sweeter this time. "I'm really falling for you, Hajime."

These lines were really daytime soap levels of cliche, but Mizuki found himself blushing anyway. Kissing wasn’t so bad either, though Byodoin’s stubble was still very scratchy!

“Well, yes,” he cleared his throat a little, flattered despite himself. Obviously, Mizuki was a catch and Byodoin clearly had little choice but to fall in love with him! “Thank you?”

Byodoin laughed a little at that reaction, before carefully pulling Mizuki into his arms to hold him. Just a little closeness wouldn't hurt.

"...It's a little scary. I've never actually let myself go this far for someone before, so excuse me if I get a little clingy." He confessed. It was easier to confess when he didn’t have to look Mizuki in the eye, honestly. "I'm just looking for reassurance from you."

Trapped in a literal bear hug, all Mizuki could do was pat Byodoin comfortingly on the back. “For what it’s worth, I’m here for you,” he said, touched by Byodoin’s sincerity. “I’ve not really been in very many serious relationships either, so we’ll work it out together!”

Byodoin let Mizuki go fairly quickly, not about to hold him too long against his will. He was considerate!

"Yeah, we can figure it out together." He cleared his throat, having had enough of the real sappy shit. "Anyway, it's only getting later... do you have to get going?"

“Yes, actually, I do have an early morning inspection,” Mizuki said, offering Byodoin a smile. “But we’ll have a date soon, yes?”

"Yes, we will. I look forward fo experiencing your skill at table tennis." Byodoin teased, walking Mizuki to the door to see him off like a hood boyfriend. "...Sleep well. And good luck at your inspection tomorrow."

“I’ll leave you in the dust,” Mizuki quipped, then tiptoed to kiss Byodoin on the cheek, because he had indeed been a good boyfriend. “Good night!” he added, and scuttled away quickly before Byodoin could take advantage of the situation.