[ He's nervous in ways that are hard to explain. It's not that he hasn't been nervous before. Usually he's only nervous before competition, interviews, meetings - things like that. He's never been nervous in his personal life. He wasn't with Isabella, even when he proposed to her.
It's like - excited nervous, if he were to put words on it. He pats his pocket to make sure the main event is in place and glances around the entrance of the house and the kitchen, where he still has a few things finishing up for the other.
The cake was a single-tier cake, chocolate through and through. It was sitting neatly on the counter - Happy Birthday Makoto written by him. For dinner - he made green curry with rice and picked up some meat buns at a nearby bakery. It's not too much, he thinks, but he's never really sure what crosses a line.
He tried to do...not as much as he'd normally do.
Besides, he thinks doing his typical level of extra plus proposing might be...too much? He's trying, at least. He listened. He doesn't think the other has an idea that he's doing this - he hopes not, at least. He had gotten the rings from that shop over a month ago and tucked them away.
When Makoto gets to the kitchen, he'll find JJ stirring the curry, making sure it doesn't burn as it simmers. ]
[While Makoto wasn't exactly super surprised at the smell of dinner and cake in the house, it was his birthday, after all, he was a little curious at why JJ was acting different than his usual excitable energy. He was still energetic and excitable, don't get him wrong, but he could tell there was something else behind it. He wasn't sure what. But he figured JJ would tell him eventually.
Besides, if he knew part of it was JJ being unsure if this was too much, he would have told him from the get-go that it wasn't. Dinner and a birthday cake was just the right amount for Makoto. While he didn't mind having a party or anything like that, he preferred that with his friends and most of them weren't here. So, he was happy with just this much.
So, to try and perhaps calm JJ just a little bit, Makoto padded over to the stove and slipped his arms around JJ's middle, resting his chin on a broad shoulder.]
[ He's so good to him. JJ sometimes considers that he doesn't deserve Makoto. Mostly when he's alone because that's the only time that if his feelings show - it won't bother anyone else. Those periodic doubts were nothing next to the overwhelming confidence that he felt the rest of the time in this relationship. Makoto knows him well. He knows JJ's different types of smiles, his energy, the way he expresses himself. Makoto has used their months together and JJ doesn't mind one bit. You don't take time to learn someone like that if you don't love them.
He was always going to be better at that part than JJ was. And that was okay to him. It was one of the many things he loved about the other. He had rehearsed the proposal in his head a few times, and each time it was different. So, JJ settled on - saying what he feels at the time he did it.
He didn't want it to sound rehearsed. And when Makoto's arms settled around him, JJ relaxed into the other, put on an easy and pleased smile, and tilted his head towards him. ]
Of course! [ A small hum ] I'd do this every day if you asked! I'd do more, even. As much as you want!
[ It was part of how JJ showed he cared. Then he said: ]
[Makoto was pretty sure JJ didn't realize that he was good to him as well. Having someone to counterbalance his own lower energy levels, handle his sometimes ornery attitude and exasperation, it was a nice. He wasn't exactly like Nagisa, but it was close but it was a way that complimented Makoto.
He laughed quietly and pressed his lips to JJ's neck.]
I might have to take you up on that. But I'd also like to keep learning too.
[He likely would never be as good as JJ, but he liked being able to try and take over in the kitchen if only to give JJ a break.
He blushed and smiled against JJ's neck. His stomach fluttered at those words.]
Love you too. is it almost done? Do you want any help?
[ It's so easy for him to be happy around Makoto. It's so easy for him to be himself around Makoto. There's no stage and performances and he can be fully himself. The smiles come naturally, his voice is easy going. There's none of the high-strung stress that settles in him when he's working sometimes. ]
I want you to learn, too. Not because I am asking you to cook for me or something.
[ But because Makoto wants to learn. He wants to know. And JJ wants to always know Makoto feels accomplished in that front. He knows hot great it feels to finally get good at something. He's gone through that here times before. He stirs the curry gently, tilting his head carefully so not to nudge Makoto away. ]
It's almost done. I'd never ask you to help today. This is all me.
[ Just the way he wanted it to be. Food was, he had learned since they had started living together, a great way to express how he cares about someone. He was usually taken care of at home - with limited time, strict dietary needs, and people managing his life nonstop, it was nice to do this for someone else. He never really got it, just expected it, but now he sees the appeal of giving someone else something they really like to eat. ]
Like --
[ He turns off the burner. ]
Give it a moment to not scorch your tongue and it's all set.
I know. But I'd like to cook for you some time. Maybe for your birthday so you don't go baking yourself a cake next time.
[A gentle tease followed by a quiet laugh. The curry smelled nice and he was eager to try it. He knew it would be good, JJ rarely messed up once he learned a recipe. But it was also always a little different every time. For all he knew, JJ never changed anything but it still tasted different somehow. And Makoto liked that about JJ's cooking.]
I'm not that desperate for food.
[He said with a laugh, finally pulling back (reluctantly) to help at least get the plates to set them out to serve the curry on.]
[ Although, getting something made by this man before him? It would be the best. He'd love it more than something he made himself - that much he's sure of. He moved to start gathering some serving spoons for the rice and curry, as well as utensils for them to use to eat. He starts to move things to the table so they can sit and eat, talk, and he can sort out when he's going to make his move exactly.
Soon.
He wants to do it soon. Now even. But he thinks he'll let Makoto eat least eat before diving into potentially hard questions. ]
Yeah, but it does smell delicious, so I wouldn't blame you.
[JJ just loved to cook so of course he wouldn't mind making himself a cake. But he hoped that wouldn't be the case at his next birthday, that Makoto could make something decent for him. He really wanted to.]
So modest.
[Another laugh as he sat down once they were finished. Not that JJ wasn't telling the truth, it did smell good. Like, really good. He learned very fast how to make green curry and make it well. So, Makoto was excited to eat some.
This was a very nice birthday already. He had gotten well wishes and a few gifts already earlier, but dinner with his boyfriend was probably going to be his favorite part of today.]
[ There was sarcasm that he didn't pick up, of course. Because that's just the nature of JJ being who he is sometimes. It's okay, he didn't necessarily need to get it. Once everything - including Makoto - was placed, he sat down across from him and they could start serving them. ]
Of course!
[ He doesn't seem too bothered by the idea. ]
I love cooking for you. And not just because you always appreciate it so much.
[ Although the praise and appreciation surely didn't hurt. ]
So have as much as you as you want. I won't stop you. After dinner I can give you my gift!
[Makoto laughed again as JJ missed the sarcasm. But that was okay because JJ was already doing so much for him today so he eased off the teasing again to smile.]
You're spoiling me. You really didn't need to give me a gift, just the dinner for two is enough!
[But that didn't mean he wasn't curious and it almost made him want to eat faster just to get to it. He couldn't do that though, not when JJ's cooking was always meant to be savored. He was always admittedly jealous that JJ could cook so well, but it also meant that much more when JJ tried his own cooking and either liked it or gently gave him pointers to improve.]
Just don't let me eat too much, I'll want to nap afterwards.
[Not that it stopped him from taking a big bite of the green curry and humming softly as it tasted just right. Not many liked green curry among his friends, so it was always a treat to have it. Especially when it was made so well!]
[ He blinks. JJ wanted to do so much more than this, but Makoto didn't want him to go overboard, so he didn't. He's sure that the ring itself is going to be more than enough of a surprise for the other. He started digging into the food. It was delicious, of course. JJ liked just about all food, but even better when shared with Makoto. ]
It's going to be just enough. And not too much. Curry tastes good with leftovers, and you still have a cake.
[Makoto laughed. Well, he thought it was spoiling, but he also just liked to give JJ a hard time. His boyfriend could be a bit much and they both knew it. But he never really minded. It was another day that ended with Y for Makoto.
He scrunched his nose at JJ due to the spoonful of food in his mouth to answer that smirk. Not that he doubted JJ wouldn't do what he said. Eating too much really was the worst sometimes.
No regrets though.]
You have any plans for tomorrow? I have it off. Maybe take a trip to Amegahara?
[ He swallows a bite of food as he considers the answer to Makoto's question. The convenient thing about having this conversation when eating is that he took the time to think about it before speaking. He sometimes had a habit of just saying whatever he wanted to at the time, and was glad he didn't. ]
Hm -
[ He shakes his head. ]
No plans. Let's go to Amegahara. We can make a nice trip of it.
[ If all goes well here, it'd be a nice way to celebrate, too. ]
[Not that Makoto is any the wiser about any extra plans today, he is all for the fact that he was having a nice dinner with JJ and cake would be soon. It was all his favorites and it was more than enough for him. Not that he was going to dislike what JJ was planning.]
You know, I haven't been there in awhile. It reminds me a lot of home, so I'd definitely like to see more of it. Let's go.
[His smile was bright then, genuinely happy for further plans now.]
We should bring something back for Sousuke and Rin, too.
[ You know what - a well made plan was what he had, but it just felt so right now. He supposed he could just follow impulse. He could do what felt right - right now. And it did feel right. He shuffled his hand into his pocket and pulled out the small ring box with an orca outline on top. Inside are two rings, one for him, one for Makoto, that he had obtained while here.
He wanted them to both have one, so they both could say they were engaged. He settles it onto his lap.
He's not nervous. There's no hint of nerves in his words when he speaks. Of course, JJ rarely gets nervous around Makoto. Why would this be different? ]
We can make a celebration of it maybe --
[ He shifts, placing the box on the table between them, and he pulls it open to reveal the fairly simple rings. ]
Because Makoto, I want to know if you'll marry me.
[It legit took Makoto a hot second to realize just what JJ was doing. The spoon was still in his mouth, cheeks puffed slightly with food. He blinked as he looked at the ring in the box, his mind struggling to comprehend for a moment.
He pulled the spoon from his mouth.]
...youβre proposing?
[It was slightly muffled because food but no less clear. He made it a point to quickly chew and swallow, washing the rest with his drink.
[ Oh - no. Wait! Did Makoto misunderstand. Oh, shit. Oops. He looks earnest. Determined. And maybe the timing was much worse than he thought it would be. It just seemed -- well, it's fine. He's asked. It's good now. He shifts, moving to kneel down beside Makoto's chair, box in hand with the rings. ]
At least by the time JJ was down on one knee with the box that Makoto had swallowed the food and taken a big gulp of his drink so he could answer clearer too. He smiled brightly, trying very hard not to let his emotions overwhelm him because holy shit JJ is proposing to him.]
Yes. Yes!
[Was this too soon? They had been dating less than a year but it... it felt right? He slid out of his chair to kneel down in front of JJ and swiftly wrapped his arms around his husband to be, holding tightly.]
[ JJ blushed happily and wrapped his arms around Makoto. He's happy, he's so happy because it felt so right. It's not like he's never proposed before but Makoto is special. Makoto is his. And Makoto's the one he wants and has wanted go forward for god knows how long. He leaned in to place a kiss on Makoto's lips, quick and easy, he stays close, though, when he speaks. ]
I got us matching rings. I'm glad it was worthwhile. I still wasn't sure. Just hoped so, but --
I'll tell everyone I know and don't. I'll shout it everywhere.
[ And not just because it's right to tell people he knows, and not because he wants to stake some sort of claim in the other. It's because he's happy. It's because Makoto said yes even when he's sure there's reasons to say no in a place like this. ]
Tell anyone and everyone you want, Makoto. And -- I would never. I want you to have something perfect. It's important to me for us to have something we can be proud to wear forever.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
babygotbackstroke) wrote2016-08-21 08:51 am
dated 11/17 ( action )
It's like - excited nervous, if he were to put words on it. He pats his pocket to make sure the main event is in place and glances around the entrance of the house and the kitchen, where he still has a few things finishing up for the other.
The cake was a single-tier cake, chocolate through and through. It was sitting neatly on the counter - Happy Birthday Makoto written by him. For dinner - he made green curry with rice and picked up some meat buns at a nearby bakery. It's not too much, he thinks, but he's never really sure what crosses a line.
He tried to do...not as much as he'd normally do.
Besides, he thinks doing his typical level of extra plus proposing might be...too much? He's trying, at least. He listened. He doesn't think the other has an idea that he's doing this - he hopes not, at least. He had gotten the rings from that shop over a month ago and tucked them away.
When Makoto gets to the kitchen, he'll find JJ stirring the curry, making sure it doesn't burn as it simmers. ]
It's almost ready.
[ A pleased hum. ]
no subject
Besides, if he knew part of it was JJ being unsure if this was too much, he would have told him from the get-go that it wasn't. Dinner and a birthday cake was just the right amount for Makoto. While he didn't mind having a party or anything like that, he preferred that with his friends and most of them weren't here. So, he was happy with just this much.
So, to try and perhaps calm JJ just a little bit, Makoto padded over to the stove and slipped his arms around JJ's middle, resting his chin on a broad shoulder.]
Smells good. Thank you.
no subject
He was always going to be better at that part than JJ was. And that was okay to him. It was one of the many things he loved about the other. He had rehearsed the proposal in his head a few times, and each time it was different. So, JJ settled on - saying what he feels at the time he did it.
He didn't want it to sound rehearsed. And when Makoto's arms settled around him, JJ relaxed into the other, put on an easy and pleased smile, and tilted his head towards him. ]
Of course! [ A small hum ] I'd do this every day if you asked! I'd do more, even. As much as you want!
[ It was part of how JJ showed he cared. Then he said: ]
Because I lo~ve you.
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He laughed quietly and pressed his lips to JJ's neck.]
I might have to take you up on that. But I'd also like to keep learning too.
[He likely would never be as good as JJ, but he liked being able to try and take over in the kitchen if only to give JJ a break.
He blushed and smiled against JJ's neck. His stomach fluttered at those words.]
Love you too. is it almost done? Do you want any help?
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I want you to learn, too. Not because I am asking you to cook for me or something.
[ But because Makoto wants to learn. He wants to know. And JJ wants to always know Makoto feels accomplished in that front. He knows hot great it feels to finally get good at something. He's gone through that here times before. He stirs the curry gently, tilting his head carefully so not to nudge Makoto away. ]
It's almost done. I'd never ask you to help today. This is all me.
[ Just the way he wanted it to be. Food was, he had learned since they had started living together, a great way to express how he cares about someone. He was usually taken care of at home - with limited time, strict dietary needs, and people managing his life nonstop, it was nice to do this for someone else. He never really got it, just expected it, but now he sees the appeal of giving someone else something they really like to eat. ]
Like --
[ He turns off the burner. ]
Give it a moment to not scorch your tongue and it's all set.
no subject
[A gentle tease followed by a quiet laugh. The curry smelled nice and he was eager to try it. He knew it would be good, JJ rarely messed up once he learned a recipe. But it was also always a little different every time. For all he knew, JJ never changed anything but it still tasted different somehow. And Makoto liked that about JJ's cooking.]
I'm not that desperate for food.
[He said with a laugh, finally pulling back (reluctantly) to help at least get the plates to set them out to serve the curry on.]
no subject
[ Although, getting something made by this man before him? It would be the best. He'd love it more than something he made himself - that much he's sure of. He moved to start gathering some serving spoons for the rice and curry, as well as utensils for them to use to eat. He starts to move things to the table so they can sit and eat, talk, and he can sort out when he's going to make his move exactly.
Soon.
He wants to do it soon. Now even. But he thinks he'll let Makoto eat least eat before diving into potentially hard questions. ]
Yeah, but it does smell delicious, so I wouldn't blame you.
no subject
[JJ just loved to cook so of course he wouldn't mind making himself a cake. But he hoped that wouldn't be the case at his next birthday, that Makoto could make something decent for him. He really wanted to.]
So modest.
[Another laugh as he sat down once they were finished. Not that JJ wasn't telling the truth, it did smell good. Like, really good. He learned very fast how to make green curry and make it well. So, Makoto was excited to eat some.
This was a very nice birthday already. He had gotten well wishes and a few gifts already earlier, but dinner with his boyfriend was probably going to be his favorite part of today.]
Thank you, JJ. For doing this.
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[ There was sarcasm that he didn't pick up, of course. Because that's just the nature of JJ being who he is sometimes. It's okay, he didn't necessarily need to get it. Once everything - including Makoto - was placed, he sat down across from him and they could start serving them. ]
Of course!
[ He doesn't seem too bothered by the idea. ]
I love cooking for you. And not just because you always appreciate it so much.
[ Although the praise and appreciation surely didn't hurt. ]
So have as much as you as you want. I won't stop you. After dinner I can give you my gift!
[ It's the most important part. ]
no subject
You're spoiling me. You really didn't need to give me a gift, just the dinner for two is enough!
[But that didn't mean he wasn't curious and it almost made him want to eat faster just to get to it. He couldn't do that though, not when JJ's cooking was always meant to be savored. He was always admittedly jealous that JJ could cook so well, but it also meant that much more when JJ tried his own cooking and either liked it or gently gave him pointers to improve.]
Just don't let me eat too much, I'll want to nap afterwards.
[Not that it stopped him from taking a big bite of the green curry and humming softly as it tasted just right. Not many liked green curry among his friends, so it was always a treat to have it. Especially when it was made so well!]
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[ He blinks. JJ wanted to do so much more than this, but Makoto didn't want him to go overboard, so he didn't. He's sure that the ring itself is going to be more than enough of a surprise for the other. He started digging into the food. It was delicious, of course. JJ liked just about all food, but even better when shared with Makoto. ]
It's going to be just enough. And not too much. Curry tastes good with leftovers, and you still have a cake.
[ A small smirk. ]
I'll be sure to cut you off, then.
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He scrunched his nose at JJ due to the spoonful of food in his mouth to answer that smirk. Not that he doubted JJ wouldn't do what he said. Eating too much really was the worst sometimes.
No regrets though.]
You have any plans for tomorrow? I have it off. Maybe take a trip to Amegahara?
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Hm -
[ He shakes his head. ]
No plans. Let's go to Amegahara. We can make a nice trip of it.
[ If all goes well here, it'd be a nice way to celebrate, too. ]
no subject
You know, I haven't been there in awhile. It reminds me a lot of home, so I'd definitely like to see more of it. Let's go.
[His smile was bright then, genuinely happy for further plans now.]
We should bring something back for Sousuke and Rin, too.
no subject
He wanted them to both have one, so they both could say they were engaged. He settles it onto his lap.
He's not nervous. There's no hint of nerves in his words when he speaks. Of course, JJ rarely gets nervous around Makoto. Why would this be different? ]
We can make a celebration of it maybe --
[ He shifts, placing the box on the table between them, and he pulls it open to reveal the fairly simple rings. ]
Because Makoto, I want to know if you'll marry me.
no subject
[It legit took Makoto a hot second to realize just what JJ was doing. The spoon was still in his mouth, cheeks puffed slightly with food. He blinked as he looked at the ring in the box, his mind struggling to comprehend for a moment.
He pulled the spoon from his mouth.]
...youβre proposing?
[It was slightly muffled because food but no less clear. He made it a point to quickly chew and swallow, washing the rest with his drink.
Did he really hear right?]
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That's exactly what I'm doing.
[ Is this -- better? ]
Will you marry me?
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[Eh? Ehhh?!
Makoto had realized it originally, he just couldn't believe it and was still processing. But of course, in true JJ fashion, his poor boyfriend (fiancΓ©?) took his reaction the wrong way and decided to make it much clearer. Bless him.
At least by the time JJ was down on one knee with the box that Makoto had swallowed the food and taken a big gulp of his drink so he could answer clearer too. He smiled brightly, trying very hard not to let his emotions overwhelm him because holy shit JJ is proposing to him.]
Yes. Yes!
[Was this too soon? They had been dating less than a year but it... it felt right? He slid out of his chair to kneel down in front of JJ and swiftly wrapped his arms around his husband to be, holding tightly.]
Yes.
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I got us matching rings. I'm glad it was worthwhile. I still wasn't sure. Just hoped so, but --
[ Okay, another kiss. ]
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The rings are great, JJ. You couldβve pulled them out of a cracker jack box, to be honest. Just the conceptβ!
[He kissed again. It was just. Amazing. He was so happy.]
We have to tell Sousuke and Rin. And you need to tell your friends too!
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[ And not just because it's right to tell people he knows, and not because he wants to stake some sort of claim in the other. It's because he's happy. It's because Makoto said yes even when he's sure there's reasons to say no in a place like this. ]
Tell anyone and everyone you want, Makoto. And -- I would never. I want you to have something perfect. It's important to me for us to have something we can be proud to wear forever.
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JJ... [It was only with slight admonishment that he said this.] I don't need perfect. I have you.
[Nonetheless, he reached up to the table to grab the ring box, taking the ring out so he could put it on.]
But I'll definitely be proud to wear this too.
no subject
You're a sap. But I'm glad it works for you. It's yours forever now.