Amphibians & Reptiles [TsukiYama]

#5: small things

Ever since he was little, Tadashi appreciated the small things. He didn't fit in with the kids his age growing up. They often picked on him and made him feel less than. So, he had no choice but to love the tiny aspects of life.

It's a normal morning in the office for the couple. Tadashi isn't doing much but thinking and observing Squirtle. "Am I weird to you, Tsuki?" He asks as he sits in his office chair. Kei furrows his eyebrows as he types on their home computer, "I don't like stupid questions, Tadashi." The blonde pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose and continued working.

"There aren't stupid questions, Kei! Only stupid answers," the engineer quotes something he remembers from a random article he read.

"Okay then, no, Tadashi. You aren't weird to me." It feels like the hundredth time Kei's had to say that to his boyfriend. He knows Tadashi only asks those kinds of questions when he's overthinking things.

Tadashi thinks for a moment before responding, "you're always answering my questions, even though you say the same thing every time."
Kei clicks buttons on his screen to save his work. He turns his chair around so he can face Tadashi, "just making sure what I'm saying is clear. Now, I have to get ready for volleyball practice."

Tadashi stands up immediately, "I need to get started on lunch! You'll be hungry when you come back." He speed-walks to the kitchen and starts preparing food for his boyfriend. He's been doing it for a long time, mostly because seeing Kei still playing volleyball makes him so happy. "I also have to make food for Charmander! Ah-and Squirtle needs his crickets."

"Tadashi," Kei appears out of nowhere. He's holding a hair tie, and the other man knows what that means. Tadashi turns around and lets his boyfriend tie his hair into a small ponytail. "You've been growing it out," Kei continues.
The brunette's eyes brighten, and he plays with a loose strand of hair, "You noticed?"

Kei tilts his head, "why wouldn't I notice?"

"Oh, well, it's just something so small. I always thought I would look better with longer hair." Tadashi's cheeks burn horribly, and he just smiles at the ground. He stops playing with his hair and tucks the strand behind his ear.

"Well, you were right. As long as you're happy with it, I'll love it as well."

"Thank you, Tsuki. I appreciate it." Tadashi looks up at his lover with soft eyes, and leans in to kiss him. It's short, but tender and affectionate. If Tsukishima didn't have to get ready for practice so soon, Tadashi might've kept him there longer. But, he still cherishes the little kisses they share.

Tadashi often feels small, weak, and vulnerable. Luckily for him, Kei can appreciate and love the tiniest things in life as well.