It looks fine! [ his reassurance comes a little too quick, paired with a booming, dissonant voice in their intimate setting. ] It's good. Shortcake's good. And-- this is... thanks.
[ maybe he really was overthinking, after all. the sweet, and admittedly very endearing expression on sougo's face wash away most of his worries. and finally revealing a small, weirdly meek smile of his own, he nods towards the candles. ]
Do I make a wish, now? Are you gonna eat it with me?
[Candle wax melting all over the cake he worked so hard on is decidedly unappealing, but rushing Tamaki to think of a wish isn't ideal either... They can go to the kitchen afterwards, so it's probably best to blow the candles out right here. Which means...
Hold on, give him just a moment to take a deep breath and sing with a little less modesty then he's been displaying up until now. Tamaki deserves it.]
[ knowing how meticulous sougo is, he fully expected to have to take the cake over to their dining area, neatly set it down, think of a wish, then blow the candles... there definitely wasn't any time available for all of that, so tamaki himself was ready to rush himself to it-- however, his mind halts to a blank the very moment sougo begins to sing.
ah.
it's had been exciting and emotional to celebrate his birthday for a couple of years now-- but for the first time, for some reason, tamaki's eyes well up at the sound of his partner's voice singing only for him, and as a few tears threaten to fall down his cheeks, his arm quickly reach up to wipe them away. ]
[Oh no... Oh no. All of the signs may have pointed to this happening, but it still manages to catch Sougo surprisingly off guard - though it's only clear from his suddenly panicked expression as he reaches out to hurriedly take the cake, singing smoothly up until the last note.
As much as he'd like to reach up and brush those sudden tears away, there's nowhere to set the cake down, so he simply holds it up to allow Tamaki to blow the candles out.]
[ it'd be too rude to just stand there being a baby after all the effort that was put into this. Making a great effort to recompose himself, he rubs his face roughly one more time and looks down towards the cake, taking a deep breath and finally making his wish. ]
I want a lifetime supply of pudding at my door.
[ ready to blow at the candles, he leans in-- but stops in his tracks right before doing so, pointedly avoiding sougo's gaze. ]
...and I want Sou-chan to forgive me. For being a jerk.
[How very like Tamaki to wish for pudding... Sougo is hard-pressed to mention that saying his wish out loud means that it won't come true (not to mention that receiving a lifetime supply at once would present an endless list of problems. But then Tamaki continues on, blindingly sincere as always, and Sougo's expression softens considerably.]
Well, I can only grant one of those wishes... But it's easy to do. I forgive you.
[Spelling it out clearly is the best way to ensure that his words aren't misconstrued!]
It's your birthday, so isn't it fine to wish for something a little more selfish? But hurry - blow out the candles before they burn out on their own.
[ overcome with relief, the tension in tamaki's shoulders releases as he lets out a sigh. ] That's good. I'm glad. [ they can touch on whatever had gone between them later. for now, it was time for celebration! clarifying that there's nothing else that he could wish for right now would prolong the wait longer as well, so he follows the suggestion of blowing out the candles, standing up straight and pulling the blanket out of his head once the flames are out.
Time to eat-- wait. ]
Hey, Sou-chan. This doesn't have any spice in it, does it?
[Just as always, the first of the month brings Sanguis along with it, so the fluffy ears poking out from Tamaki's hair don't come as a surprise. Sougo's awfully tempted to reach up and brush his hair down - it's sticking up everywhere, but since he's holding the cake, he couldn't even if he wanted to.
Now that the candles are out, he turns to lead them to the kitchen, setting the cake down on the kitchen table alongside the plates, silverware, and glasses that he'd placed there earlier.]
Of course not. I wouldn't put spice in a cake for you.
[But the fact that he's cutting and serving two slices makes it clear that he's going to eat some too... even if Tamaki's slice is much larger.]
I tasted it along the way, but be honest and tell me what you think. I followed the recipe to the letter, but I haven't made a cake like this before.
[ don't blame him if tamaki doubts that statement juuuust the slightest bit. he's glad that he'd be so considerate not to do it, but it's better safe than sorry when it comes to how unpredictable sougo could be. that small doubt doesn't stop him from following along though, marveling at the decorations as he sits at the table. ]
You really worked hard on all this.
[ it's not a jab at his tendency to take things way too passionately. well, maybe a little, but he's grateful nonetheless, and doesn't even bother to wait for a second after the slice is served before scooping up a big bite and shoving it into his mouth to give it a "taste." ]
I did what I could. I was worried that you'd come out of your room and spoil the surprise.
[Sougo may not thrive on praise the same way that Tamaki does, but hearing Tamaki's opinion truly is vital to him. It's hard to not take compliments to heart when the person giving them doesn't know how to be anything but completely and utterly genuine.
Also, he's going to let Tamaki off the hook with his manners... At least for today.]
Fufu. I'm glad to hear it. The strawberries are delicious, aren't they? I made it pretty sweet, so I may not be able to finish my entire slice, but you can have as much as you want.
That's okay, I can finish your slice too. [ and the rest of the cake in one sitting, for that matter. ]
I really didn't notice.I even thought you weren't home since--
[ well, time to stuff another giant chunk into his mouth to avoid talking. he's had enough proof that his insecurities are nothing but just that, there's nothing to worry about! he'll repeat that to himself as a little mantra while he enjoys the gift sougo worked so hard on making for him. right now, the fact that they're together is all that matters.
and so, to thank him, he extends his hand over to sougo's head, giving it a single pat, then resting it there while leaning some of his weight on it. ]
I tried to keep to myself so you wouldn't suspect anything...
[Maybe, just maybe, he's been a little more busy this month working on a certain present for a certain someone. It's probably best not to get into it, though... Anything that could create tension is better off avoided when they're supposed to be celebrating.
But just as he glances down to take a forkful of cake, Tamaki's hand settles on his head, and a fond smile rises to Sougo's lips.]
You're welcome. It may not be that exciting to celebrate with just the two of us, but today should be about you from start to finish.
[ leaning forward to get a glimpse of sougo's face brings a wave of delight to tamaki's chest. it's almost inevitable to mirror that expression while pulling back to cut himself another slice of cake, making sure he doesn't mess up the decorations too much. ]
I don't get why you'd say that. Celebrating with Sou-chan makes me happy. It's not like I don't miss everyone else, but, you know... just the two of us is perfect already. I'm happy you're here with me.
["Just the two of us is perfect already"... How honest. How genuine. How... embarrassingly wonderful to hear.
Sougo's pale skin doesn't do him any favours when it comes to the faint flush that colours his cheeks, but it's simply not worth it to hide his gratitude.]
When you say things like that, I feel like I'm the one being celebrated. [Shouldn't he be the one saying things to make Tamaki smile?] I'm happy you're here with me too. I don't know what I'd do without you.
[Grinning, he takes one of the strawberries from his slice of cake and offers the fork out to Tamaki, gesturing toward his plate.]
Here. The strawberries are perfect, so it would be a waste not to eat them all.
That's because you're worthy of being celebrated too, but...I guess that just means I have to beat you and make a better surprise next month.
[ to sougo's gratitude, he can only grin in return, his attention immediately raptured by the strawberry held out towards him. now, he could be mature about it, he's an adult now, no funny business-- and yet... mentions of it being his day, and deserving to be celebrated morph that expression into something mischievous, and instead of offering his plate, he scoots closer. ]
[Coming up with a better surprise than this alone wouldn't be terribly difficult, but Sougo isn't about to reveal that this isn't the end of what he has planned. Instead, he only smiles and hums thoughtfully at the statement...
But than Tamaki just has to take things one step further than Sougo expected (which, really, he should have seen coming from a mile away), and he only falters briefly before leaning in just a little and trying to shove down any signs of embarrassment.]
Even without any cameras rolling?
[After all, it's not like they haven't done this before - feeding one another for fanservice is a staple in the idol industry, and even though they're far from Re:vale's level, MEZZO" has had their fair share of "say ahhhh~n" moments to make their fans melt into the floor.
Tamaki may enjoy being spoiled, but it's immediately clear that he's hoping to fluster Sougo, and birthday or not, he'd rather not appear that vulnerable when he's already feeling awfully nervous about what's to come. So it's time to take some inspiration from a certain pair of senior idols... and scoot in a little closer with a slightly coy smile.]
[ hook, line, and sinker. no matter how hard sougo tries to shield it, tamaki just knows that he managed to stir him up, even if just a little. he'll call it an act of silent revenge for the times he's had to sulk over him these past few months. not that they were many. just a few. barely any.
still, he won't prod too much at it. it's much more fun to string him along and watch him get so serious. ]
That's mean, you want to spoil me even when we're not working, right?
[ definitely not uncharted territory here, being intimate for their audience is a game they've learned how to play from the best-- plus, they've been fairly intimate on their own since they've arrived here, crossing boundaries wasn't a problem...however, being romantic was an entirely different set of issues.
and this. this was definitely romantic, wasn't it?
shit, now he's the one who's nervous.
swallowing at nothing, his eyes immediately try to look anywhere that isn't sougo-- all of that goes up in flames, though, his partner is far too magnetic when he pulls this act. it's unfair and frustrating how tamaki lways goes back to him, the glint in his eyes, the slight curve of his lips, his lips, his--god, not again. why can't he ever win!? ]
[Spoiling Tamaki is one thing, and teasing him just this little bit is another. If Sougo had more time to think this through instead of making a split second decision, he surely would have been able to pull off the act a little better. If all goes well, it should be enough to fluster Tamaki at least a little... but the exaggerated reaction he's waiting for doesn't come.
Instead he's met with this shyness - this sweet, soft, genuine shyness that instantly makes his heart skip a beat, and once again, he's fallen victim to something that Tamaki definitely didn't intend.
Swallowing thickly, he struggles to maintain his expression for a few more seconds, knowing that the heat slowly rising to his cheeks isn't working in his favour. Still, Tamaki's own embarrassment allows him a bit of leeway, and he forcibly shoves down as much of his true feelings as possible as he reaches out to gingerly put the strawberry in Tamaki's mouth.]
[ a short moment that may as well have lasted decades- the deed was easy, play along, eat the strawberry, move on. it's really impressive just how little of his brain he uses when they play this game, and how each and every time he never learns the only lesson to learn from all this: tamaki was far too weak when it came to sougo.
still, only quitters back down. sure, his palms are a little sweaty, and sure, his senses began to feel more and more heightened by the minute, with no help coming from his tendency to hyper fixate on anything that is sougo. none of that meant that he'd miss this chance. when sougo feeds him, he leans in again just in the slightest, slowly opening his mouth to welcome the treat- while he'd normally just take a huge bite and make a performance out of his delight, their tension results in something still quite new. ]
[Win? Since when was this a competition?! Tamaki's lack of flourish as he closes his lips around the fork makes it near impossible to follow up with any other sort of smooth line or gesture, and unable to shelve all of the nervousness swelling in his chest, all Sougo can do is gently pull the fork back and desperately hope that this rising tension between them doesn't become the next topic of conversation.]
Just for today.
[Glancing down at his own half-eaten slice of cake isn't much of a distraction, so he takes another small forkful for himself, meticulous and rather obviously drawn out to give himself time to think. But after a few moments pass, he suddenly suddenly seals his resolve, setting the fork down and looking up to Tamaki with the most collected expression he can manage (which, in truth, is still laced with nervousness and only accentuated by his mild flush).]
Tamaki-kun. This isn't... the only thing I have planned.
[ thank god that's over. there was no way he could've kept that act much longer... it's no wonder sougo's the smart one of the unit, knowing exactly how to diffuse bombs left and right.
turning back to his own plate, energetic devouring slows down to idle nibbling, coupled with a slow swing of his tail. the cake's good, really good. maybe he can persuade sougo into making some for him more often. being spoiled like this only once a year isn't nearly enough for how attention starved tamaki is for the remaining 364 days.
the clinking of the fork against the other's plate calls his attention, and he looks over to find sougo making what could only be described as that face.
man, what did he do now? is he going to get punished for teasing him? was it not over? ]
Uh... R-really? Look, Sou-chan. Don't get mad, okay? I'll let you win, really!
Mad? No, I'm not upset at all. This is something different.
[It figures that trying to put up a front would only muddle what he's trying to get across, and barely furrowing his brows, his weak facade fades into what can't be called anything but quiet nervousness.]
A cake alone isn't much of a present, so I... I have something else for you.
[ PHEW. the last thing he needed was another storm brewing on his birthday, of all days. this was a much more pleasant outcome. exciting, even. to see sougo so flustered over it too, well... this was bound to be good. was it more sweets? a new game? clothes? he really didn't have to go so far, but tamaki wasn't about to turn any of that down! ]
It's fine, I really liked the cake. What did you get me, though? Is it wrapped?
No, it isn't something that can be wrapped. But if you follow me, I can show you.
[Proper and meticulous as Sougo may be, he's hardly about to insist that they clean up and put their dishes away before doing anything else. Instead, he simply stands up and pushes his chair in, gesturing for Tamaki to follow him to his room.
Of course, given that he's been planning this all along, everything's been set up properly: Both computer monitors at his workstation are open to the mixing programs that Tamaki is likely very familiar with by now, and the waveforms and multiple tracks make it clear that Sougo's been hard at work composing something. The main difference from usual is that he's swiveled his chair and set up his keyboard to face away from the programs... to face Tamaki, who Sougo guides toward the side of his bed.]
[ so it's not something that can be wrapped... what is it, then? the more the plot thickens, the more question marks that pop around tamaki's head. curious, he follows sougo's instructions-- only eyeing the dirty dishes through the corner of his eyes. so it was something so important that even someone like sougo would neglect chores for... hm.
he was familiar with sougo's room, no matter how much he preferred his own-- mixing work and personal spaces just wasn't his jam, but knowing his workaholic partner, a discussion on those differences would just end up being way too long and pointless. however, he catches on to the small differences, and although it's a bit of a slow process, it all finally clicks once he's sitting in bed, looking up at sougo in awe. ]
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[ maybe he really was overthinking, after all. the sweet, and admittedly very endearing expression on sougo's face wash away most of his worries. and finally revealing a small, weirdly meek smile of his own, he nods towards the candles. ]
Do I make a wish, now? Are you gonna eat it with me?
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[Candle wax melting all over the cake he worked so hard on is decidedly unappealing, but rushing Tamaki to think of a wish isn't ideal either... They can go to the kitchen afterwards, so it's probably best to blow the candles out right here. Which means...
Hold on, give him just a moment to take a deep breath and sing with a little less modesty then he's been displaying up until now. Tamaki deserves it.]
Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you~ ♪
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ah.
it's had been exciting and emotional to celebrate his birthday for a couple of years now-- but for the first time, for some reason, tamaki's eyes well up at the sound of his partner's voice singing only for him, and as a few tears threaten to fall down his cheeks, his arm quickly reach up to wipe them away. ]
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As much as he'd like to reach up and brush those sudden tears away, there's nowhere to set the cake down, so he simply holds it up to allow Tamaki to blow the candles out.]
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I want a lifetime supply of pudding at my door.
[ ready to blow at the candles, he leans in-- but stops in his tracks right before doing so, pointedly avoiding sougo's gaze. ]
...and I want Sou-chan to forgive me. For being a jerk.
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Well, I can only grant one of those wishes... But it's easy to do. I forgive you.
[Spelling it out clearly is the best way to ensure that his words aren't misconstrued!]
It's your birthday, so isn't it fine to wish for something a little more selfish? But hurry - blow out the candles before they burn out on their own.
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Time to eat-- wait. ]
Hey, Sou-chan. This doesn't have any spice in it, does it?
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Now that the candles are out, he turns to lead them to the kitchen, setting the cake down on the kitchen table alongside the plates, silverware, and glasses that he'd placed there earlier.]
Of course not. I wouldn't put spice in a cake for you.
[But the fact that he's cutting and serving two slices makes it clear that he's going to eat some too... even if Tamaki's slice is much larger.]
I tasted it along the way, but be honest and tell me what you think. I followed the recipe to the letter, but I haven't made a cake like this before.
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You really worked hard on all this.
[ it's not a jab at his tendency to take things way too passionately. well, maybe a little, but he's grateful nonetheless, and doesn't even bother to wait for a second after the slice is served before scooping up a big bite and shoving it into his mouth to give it a "taste." ]
...Mggh! Fhou-chawn, dif if weawwy good!
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[Sougo may not thrive on praise the same way that Tamaki does, but hearing Tamaki's opinion truly is vital to him. It's hard to not take compliments to heart when the person giving them doesn't know how to be anything but completely and utterly genuine.
Also, he's going to let Tamaki off the hook with his manners... At least for today.]
Fufu. I'm glad to hear it. The strawberries are delicious, aren't they? I made it pretty sweet, so I may not be able to finish my entire slice, but you can have as much as you want.
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I really didn't notice.I even thought you weren't home since--
[ well, time to stuff another giant chunk into his mouth to avoid talking. he's had enough proof that his insecurities are nothing but just that, there's nothing to worry about! he'll repeat that to himself as a little mantra while he enjoys the gift sougo worked so hard on making for him. right now, the fact that they're together is all that matters.
and so, to thank him, he extends his hand over to sougo's head, giving it a single pat, then resting it there while leaning some of his weight on it. ]
It's the best. Thanks.
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[Maybe, just maybe, he's been a little more busy this month working on a certain present for a certain someone. It's probably best not to get into it, though... Anything that could create tension is better off avoided when they're supposed to be celebrating.
But just as he glances down to take a forkful of cake, Tamaki's hand settles on his head, and a fond smile rises to Sougo's lips.]
You're welcome. It may not be that exciting to celebrate with just the two of us, but today should be about you from start to finish.
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[ leaning forward to get a glimpse of sougo's face brings a wave of delight to tamaki's chest. it's almost inevitable to mirror that expression while pulling back to cut himself another slice of cake, making sure he doesn't mess up the decorations too much. ]
I don't get why you'd say that. Celebrating with Sou-chan makes me happy. It's not like I don't miss everyone else, but, you know... just the two of us is perfect already. I'm happy you're here with me.
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Sougo's pale skin doesn't do him any favours when it comes to the faint flush that colours his cheeks, but it's simply not worth it to hide his gratitude.]
When you say things like that, I feel like I'm the one being celebrated. [Shouldn't he be the one saying things to make Tamaki smile?] I'm happy you're here with me too. I don't know what I'd do without you.
[Grinning, he takes one of the strawberries from his slice of cake and offers the fork out to Tamaki, gesturing toward his plate.]
Here. The strawberries are perfect, so it would be a waste not to eat them all.
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[ to sougo's gratitude, he can only grin in return, his attention immediately raptured by the strawberry held out towards him. now, he could be mature about it, he's an adult now, no funny business-- and yet... mentions of it being his day, and deserving to be celebrated morph that expression into something mischievous, and instead of offering his plate, he scoots closer. ]
My day, right? Feed me, then.
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But than Tamaki just has to take things one step further than Sougo expected (which, really, he should have seen coming from a mile away), and he only falters briefly before leaning in just a little and trying to shove down any signs of embarrassment.]
Even without any cameras rolling?
[After all, it's not like they haven't done this before - feeding one another for fanservice is a staple in the idol industry, and even though they're far from Re:vale's level, MEZZO" has had their fair share of "say ahhhh~n" moments to make their fans melt into the floor.
Tamaki may enjoy being spoiled, but it's immediately clear that he's hoping to fluster Sougo, and birthday or not, he'd rather not appear that vulnerable when he's already feeling awfully nervous about what's to come. So it's time to take some inspiration from a certain pair of senior idols... and scoot in a little closer with a slightly coy smile.]
Tamaki-kun... "Ahhh~n."
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still, he won't prod too much at it. it's much more fun to string him along and watch him get so serious. ]
That's mean, you want to spoil me even when we're not working, right?
[ definitely not uncharted territory here, being intimate for their audience is a game they've learned how to play from the best-- plus, they've been fairly intimate on their own since they've arrived here, crossing boundaries wasn't a problem...however, being romantic was an entirely different set of issues.
and this. this was definitely romantic, wasn't it?
shit, now he's the one who's nervous.
swallowing at nothing, his eyes immediately try to look anywhere that isn't sougo-- all of that goes up in flames, though, his partner is far too magnetic when he pulls this act. it's unfair and frustrating how tamaki lways goes back to him, the glint in his eyes, the slight curve of his lips, his lips, his--god, not again. why can't he ever win!? ]
A... ah... n.... .. .
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Instead he's met with this shyness - this sweet, soft, genuine shyness that instantly makes his heart skip a beat, and once again, he's fallen victim to something that Tamaki definitely didn't intend.
Swallowing thickly, he struggles to maintain his expression for a few more seconds, knowing that the heat slowly rising to his cheeks isn't working in his favour. Still, Tamaki's own embarrassment allows him a bit of leeway, and he forcibly shoves down as much of his true feelings as possible as he reaches out to gingerly put the strawberry in Tamaki's mouth.]
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still, only quitters back down. sure, his palms are a little sweaty, and sure, his senses began to feel more and more heightened by the minute, with no help coming from his tendency to hyper fixate on anything that is sougo. none of that meant that he'd miss this chance. when sougo feeds him, he leans in again just in the slightest, slowly opening his mouth to welcome the treat- while he'd normally just take a huge bite and make a performance out of his delight, their tension results in something still quite new. ]
I win.
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Just for today.
[Glancing down at his own half-eaten slice of cake isn't much of a distraction, so he takes another small forkful for himself, meticulous and rather obviously drawn out to give himself time to think. But after a few moments pass, he suddenly suddenly seals his resolve, setting the fork down and looking up to Tamaki with the most collected expression he can manage (which, in truth, is still laced with nervousness and only accentuated by his mild flush).]
Tamaki-kun. This isn't... the only thing I have planned.
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turning back to his own plate, energetic devouring slows down to idle nibbling, coupled with a slow swing of his tail. the cake's good, really good. maybe he can persuade sougo into making some for him more often. being spoiled like this only once a year isn't nearly enough for how attention starved tamaki is for the remaining 364 days.
the clinking of the fork against the other's plate calls his attention, and he looks over to find sougo making what could only be described as that face.
man, what did he do now? is he going to get punished for teasing him? was it not over? ]
Uh... R-really? Look, Sou-chan. Don't get mad, okay? I'll let you win, really!
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[It figures that trying to put up a front would only muddle what he's trying to get across, and barely furrowing his brows, his weak facade fades into what can't be called anything but quiet nervousness.]
A cake alone isn't much of a present, so I... I have something else for you.
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[ PHEW. the last thing he needed was another storm brewing on his birthday, of all days. this was a much more pleasant outcome. exciting, even. to see sougo so flustered over it too, well... this was bound to be good. was it more sweets? a new game? clothes? he really didn't have to go so far, but tamaki wasn't about to turn any of that down! ]
It's fine, I really liked the cake. What did you get me, though? Is it wrapped?
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[Proper and meticulous as Sougo may be, he's hardly about to insist that they clean up and put their dishes away before doing anything else. Instead, he simply stands up and pushes his chair in, gesturing for Tamaki to follow him to his room.
Of course, given that he's been planning this all along, everything's been set up properly: Both computer monitors at his workstation are open to the mixing programs that Tamaki is likely very familiar with by now, and the waveforms and multiple tracks make it clear that Sougo's been hard at work composing something. The main difference from usual is that he's swiveled his chair and set up his keyboard to face away from the programs... to face Tamaki, who Sougo guides toward the side of his bed.]
Here... Have a seat. [Surprise?]
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[ so it's not something that can be wrapped... what is it, then? the more the plot thickens, the more question marks that pop around tamaki's head. curious, he follows sougo's instructions-- only eyeing the dirty dishes through the corner of his eyes. so it was something so important that even someone like sougo would neglect chores for... hm.
he was familiar with sougo's room, no matter how much he preferred his own-- mixing work and personal spaces just wasn't his jam, but knowing his workaholic partner, a discussion on those differences would just end up being way too long and pointless. however, he catches on to the small differences, and although it's a bit of a slow process, it all finally clicks once he's sitting in bed, looking up at sougo in awe. ]
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