To the Hot Springs! – Tsuji (PSF #18)
PSF Ficography | H&F Flash Ficography
Genre: Fluff, slice of life, romance
Prompt: “Did you plan for this to happen?” (@flufftober) / Fall Bucket List: Drive-in movie with all the blankets (@slumberpartybingo Fall Flash)
Word Count: 3,170
Pairing: Reader x Tsuji
World: High&Low
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You wiped off the counter with a hum, listening to the music that was playing softly from the jukebox in the corner. When the bell above the door chimed, you looked up to greet the customer only for a bright smile to come to your lips.
Tsuji smiled at you as he approached the counter, settling down on the stool. “Afternoon, love.”
Shibaman sat beside him, sending you a nod of acknowledgment before picking up a menu.
“Good afternoon,” you replied, reaching across the counter to press a kiss to his lips. He followed you when you started to pull back, making you chuckle. “The usual?”
“Please.”
“Need a minute, Shiba?”
He glanced up from the menu and nodded. “Yes, please.”
“What do you want to drink?”
“Coke.”
“Got it.” You grabbed a slice of apple pie for your boyfriend and two cokes for both of them.
“Thank you, love,” smiled Tsuji, taking the fork you offered. He had been on the fence about trying out an American diner and the food it offered, but that was thrown out the window when you got a job there. He wanted to support you and, to his surprise, the food was quite good.
Your eyes scanned his face and knuckles before returning to the task of wiping down the counter. “I’m surprised you managed to make it here without getting into a fight.”
“You have no faith in us,” he pouted. “We don’t go looking for fights, they just find us.”
“Uh-huh, sure,” you smirked. “Everyone wants a piece of you, hm?”
His lips twitched up but he chose not to reply out of respect for his best friend sitting next to him, something the tall boy was grateful for.
Shibaman pushed the menu toward you, tapping on one of the pictures. “Is the chicken bake good?”
“Very,” you nodded. “The chicken is breaded with parmesan and garlic herbs. It’s one of my favorite dishes.”
“I’ll try that, then.”
“Okay! Do you want anything else, baby?”
Tsuji hummed as he chewed his pie, glancing at the menu. “I’ll take the same thing since it’s your favorite.”
You chuckled at his reasoning, scribbling the order onto your pad before ripping out the paper. “Josh, got a new order for ya!”
Josh appeared in front of the window to the kitchen, grinning as he took the slip of paper. “Coming right up!”
Josh was the owner’s son who had been tasked with running the place when his dad was out of town. Technically, he could have hired someone to work the grill but he adored making the food for his customers. People seemed to enjoy it, as well, so there were no issues.
His dad moved to Japan five years ago so his wife could be closer to her family. He always dreamed of opening up his own diner and he was sure bringing a diner specializing in American food would be a great idea. It certainly wasn’t as successful as he had been hoping, but he got just enough business to get by, though it probably helped that his wife and second son also had jobs.
Tsuji finished his pie, crossing his arms on the counter and watching as you worked. “Are you free this weekend?”
You paused, going over your schedule in your head. “I work Friday and Sunday but Saturday is free. Why?”
The two boys exchanged a look which you missed since you were brewing fresh coffee.
“Shibaman and I wanted to go to the hot springs. Can you get the weekend off and take us?”
You smiled at him. “Yeah, sure. It sounds fu – ow!” You hissed in pain when hot coffee poured onto your hand because you hadn’t been paying attention.
Tsuji didn’t hesitate to jump over the counter, gently taking your wrist and pulling you over to the sink to run cold water over it. “You need to be more careful, love,” he scolded you softly, brow furrowed in worry.
Seeing him like this filled you with warmth. “Now you know how I feel every time you come back injured.”
He knew you had him there so he pouted, pushing your shoulder lightly with his own. “Does it hurt?”
“Only a little.” You tugged your hand from the water to inspect it. The skin was darkening but it didn’t look too bad. “I heal quickly, don’t worry.”
“Order up!”
You pushed your boyfriend toward the break in the counter. “You’re not supposed to be back here, shoo.”
“Don’t you shoo me,” he pouted, reluctantly returning to his seat.
You set their food in front of them, sending Tsuji a look when you noticed his boot print on the counter. He gave you an innocent look before shrugging, acting as if he had no idea how it got there. You just shook your head, grabbing a rag so you could clean it off.
The bell above the door chimed and you looked up with a smile but it quickly fell when you realized who had just entered.
“Howdy, darlin’,” Kaminari tipped his cowboy hat at you before settling down at the counter, eyeing the two boys sitting a couple of seats down. For some reason, he believed himself to be a modern-day cowboy, descended from some famous gunslinger who had come to Japan to start a new life.
He was also in love with you, constantly flirting and attempting to shower you with gifts that you politely refused each time. He knew you had a boyfriend but he didn’t care.
“The usual?” You forced a smile, trying to keep your annoyance hidden by a cheery tone. He didn’t seem to notice, though Tsuji certainly did.
“That’s right, darlin’,” he grinned, eyes sparkling. “Ya know me too well.”
‘Kind of hard not to when you come in here every day and order the exact same thing,’ you thought, scribbling the order onto the notepad before handing it over to Josh. You poured the fresh coffee into a cup, careful not to burn yourself again, before handing it over to him. He liked it black, ‘like the souls of his enemies,’ he would always say.
Whatever the hell that meant.
When you set the cup down, he noticed how red your skin was and he grabbed your wrist with a frown. “What happened, darlin’?”
Your eyes fell to Tsuji, worried that he might start a fight. He was glaring at Kaminari’s hand, gripping the fork so tightly that you worried it might bend. As badly as he wanted to beat this guy into oblivion for having the nerve to touch you, he knew this job was important to you and he didn’t want to be the reason you got fired.
“Let go,” you ordered firmly, attempting to pull free from his grip.
His frown deepened and he reluctantly released his grip before leaning forward, his voice lowered. “Was it them delinquents that did it, darlin’? I can take care of em for ya.”
Tsuji scoffed, turning his attention back to his food.
Before Kaminari could speak, you replied, “I wasn’t paying attention and burnt myself. No big deal.”
“Ya gotta be more careful, darlin’. A pretty thing like you shouldn’t be marred with scars or burns.”
You rolled your eyes at him, the comment annoying you more than it should have. Probably just because it was him who said it.
Shibaman raised his empty glass. “Can I get a refill?”
You smiled at him, thankful for the distraction. “Of course!”
Kaminari scoffed. “Ya could say please, boy.”
Shibaman quirked a brow at him but said nothing, finishing off the last of his chicken. You set the refilled drink down, grabbing Kaminari’s plate when Josh set it down on the kitchen window.
“Thank ya, darlin’.” He tipped his hat. “Ya know, you should consider hirin’ a security guard for this place.” His eyes flickered to the duo. “To keep the ramble out and keep ya safe.”
“I’m perfectly capable of protecting myself, thanks.” You held back a scowl, heading over to the register when an elderly couple approached. It sat diagonally from where Tsuji was sitting.
“Ya say that, but Sword district ain’t a place for people like you.”
You handed the woman her change, feeling your eye twitch despite the smile on your face. You had no intention of engaging with him or his stupid comments.
“I mean, look at ya. You’re so pretty, darlin’. You don’t look like a fighter.” Kaminari shook his head, stuffing his mouth with fries. That didn’t stop him from speaking, though. “Ya look weak and people will take advantage of that. I’m currently available, ya know. You should tell Josh to hire me so I can keep ya safe.”
‘Not a chance in hell,’ you thought, sending him a blank look. “Sorry, we’re not hiring.”
“Shouldn’t ya ask Josh that?” He quirked a brow, glancing toward the kitchen window. “No offense darlin’, but you shouldn’t be making those decisions.”
You offered him a mocking smile. “It came from Josh himself.”
He didn’t seem to believe you, glancing at the kitchen again but Josh was nowhere to be seen.
Tsuji shifted when his phone started to vibrate in his pocket. It was a new message from Todoroki, informing him that a group of guys were looking for them and headed his way. He clicked his tongue in annoyance as he stood up, pulling his wallet from his pocket.
You didn’t even have to ask, choosing instead to offer him a smile. “Be careful.”
“Always,” he smiled back, resting his hand against the side of your neck to pull you closer. You knew what he was doing and didn’t hesitate to meet him halfway, his lips claiming yours.
You tilted your head to the side, running your tongue along his bottom lip as your fingers played with the front of his jacket. Shibaman looked away, nose wrinkled in disgust. Kaminari was staring at you in shock, his fork falling from his fingers and clattering to the counter.
Tsuji nipped at your lip, giving it a tug as he pulled away. “Call me if you need me, love.”
“I will. See ya, Shiba.”
The taller male offered you a smile as he headed for the door, Tsuji right behind him. You couldn’t fight the grin that took over your lips as you placed the cash into the register. Kaminari could only stare at you as you grabbed their plates, taking them into the kitchen so they could be watched.
Josh was squatting down by the door, hiding beneath the window. When he saw you, he whispered, “Is he gone yet?”
“No,” you scowled, carefully setting the dishes in the sink. “Can’t we add a ‘no fake cowboys’ rule?”
“He thinks he’s a real cowboy so the sign wouldn’t apply to him.”
“‘No cowboys allowed,’ then.”
“That’s exclusionary. Dad would never go for that.”
“It’s just one person, I think the business will survive.”
Josh just sighed, leaning back against the wall. “Come get me when he leaves.”
“Sure, boss.” You sighed as well, forcing yourself to go back out into the dining room. To your relief, Kaminari was gone, a wad of cash sitting behind his half-eaten food. With a shrug, you dropped the cash into the register before taking his plate into the back, letting Josh know that it was safe.
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You pulled up in front of Tsuji’s apartment building, tapping the steering wheel in time with the beat of the song playing softly through the car. You sent him a quick text letting him know you had arrived. He said he would be right out so you preoccupied yourself by scrolling through social media, smiling at cute cat pics and memes.
Tsuji tugged open the passenger door, leaning down to look at you. “Pop the trunk.”
You quirked a brow at him, glancing at the large duffel bag around his shoulder and the suitcase in his hand. “Babe, we’re only going to be there two days. Isn’t that a bit excessive?”
“Nope,” he grinned, standing up and heading toward the back of the car. You shook your head, opening it for him so he could put the bags in. He settled himself into the seat beside you, pecking your cheek. “Let’s go.”
“What about Shibaman? Where is he?”
“Didn’t I tell you?”
“No?”
“He ate something bad last night so he didn’t want to come.” He said it nonchalantly, focusing his attention on the radio rather than you in case you realized something was up.
“Poor Shibaman, I hope he feels better soon,” you frowned, putting the car into drive and pulling away from the curb. You felt bad for him, but part of you was happy about the development. It had been a long while since you were able to properly spend time alone with your boyfriend.
Tsuji connected his phone to the radio, bringing up the Spotify Playlist he had made for the trip, mixing songs that both of you liked. The first song was one of your favorites, bringing a smile to your lips.
You couldn’t sing well, but that didn’t stop you from belting out the lyrics as if your life depended on it. Tsuji laughed at your enthusiasm before singing along with you.
It took the entire day to reach the hot springs, night beginning to fall as you pulled into the parking lot. You parked the car and frowned, glancing around at the empty lot.
“Are you sure they’re open?”
He sent you an innocent look, opening his door. “They should be. I’ll check.”
You hummed, eyes following him as he approached the doors, giving them a tug. They were locked, the lights inside turned off. He jogged back to the car with a frown.
“They’re closed.”
“Didn’t you check to make sure they would be open?”
“…no?”
You sighed, crossing your arms atop the steering wheel. “What do we do now?”
Tsuji pretended to check his phone. “There’s a motel a few miles down the road.”
“We don’t have much of a choice, do we?” You put the car into drive and pulled out of the parking lot, following Tsuji’s directions without a second thought.
“Pull in here,” he pointed toward a dirt path on the right side of the road.
“Are you sure?” you glanced at him with a frown before looking at the road. Tall trees lined either side of it, nearly bare as their orange leaves covered the ground. “This looks sus as hell, Tsu.”
“You don’t trust me?” he pouted at you, amusement dancing in his beautiful brown eyes.
“I trust you, I just don’t trust Google maps.” Still, you did as he told you, turning down the path. It stretched on for about five minutes before opening up into a large clearing, trees surrounding it like a barrier.
Rather than a motel as you had been expecting, it was a drive-in movie theater. A large screen sat at the back of the clearing, a ticket booth sitting at the end of the path and connected to the room where the projector was set up. No one was there so you assumed it was also closed.
“I think you got your directions wrong, babe.”
“I didn’t,” he smiled at you. “Go park the car in front of the screen.”
Your brow furrowed in confusion as you did as he asked. “Tsuji, what -“
“I’ll be right back,” he promised, hopping out of the car and jogging over to the projector room, disappearing inside. An image appeared on the screen and your eyes widened with joy as the Nightmare Before Christmas started to play.
Tsuji appeared at your door, reaching in through the window to press the trunk button before disappearing behind the vehicle. You got out and followed him, watching as he pulled out about a dozen blankets from his bags.
You put your hands on your hip, sending him an accusing look. “Did you plan for this to happen, Tsuji?”
He sent you an innocent look, but the wide grin on his face gave him away. “I don’t know what you mean, love.”
“You knew the sauna would be closed and Shibaman isn’t actually sick, is he?”
“Fine, you caught me.” He closed the distance, hands finding your hips. “I just wanted to surprise you for our anniversary.”
“Our…” you paled, shoulders tensing.
“Oi, don’t tell me you forgot,” he pouted. It wasn’t annoyance or sadness dancing in his eyes, though, it was amusement. You never even remembered your own birthday so he had honestly expected this.
“Baby, I am so sorry! I’ve been working so much lately that I completely forgot! Oh my god, I’m terrible, I’m so so -“
He cut you off with his lips, cupping your face. When he pulled back, he rested his forehead against your own, voice soft. “It’s okay, love, I forgive you. I know how hard you’ve been working, that’s why I wanted to prepare this for you.”
“Thank you so much, Tsuji. God, I love you so much!” You threw your arms around his neck and he chuckled, squeezing you tightly.
“If you love me, help me carry the blankets.”
As if to reinforce his choice, the cold autumn wind picked up, bringing goosebumps to your exposed flesh. Both of you grabbed a pile before he led you to the hood of the car. You watched as he set up a makeshift bed atop the hood with his pile before disappearing back into the car to fiddle with the radio.
The movie started to play through your speakers and he turned it up so you could hear it outside of the car, opening the windows to assist with this. You carefully climbed up onto the hood, nose wrinkling when you felt the metal shift beneath you.
Tsuji joined you, leaning back against the windshield before pulling you against him. Most of the blankets you had been holding were used to support his back, acting as a pillow, while the thickest blanket was used to cover both of you.
You hummed, arms wrapped around his slim waist as you inhaled his scent. He had started using a pumpkin spice-scented cologne because he knew you loved the smell. “How did you manage all this? It couldn’t have been cheap.”
He hummed, running his hand up and down your back. “Shibaman’s aunt is dating the owner. It took a lot of bribing but they finally agreed to let me have the place for the night.”
You chuckled, sending him a grin. “You’re unbelievable.”
“And you love it,” he grinned back.
“I really do,” you agreed, leaning up to claim his lips before shifting so you could see the screen. “Did you bring any snacks?”
“…”
“Oh my god, Tsu, you forgot the snacks, didn’t you?”
Tsuji scowled at the screen, a light dusting of pink on his cheeks. “Damn it, I knew I was forgetting something.”
You just laughed, patting his stomach comfortingly.
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