Warmth/Blanket Challenges: Persona 4: Fic: Warm Hands, Warm Heart

[moon_blitz]

Title: Warm Hands, Warm Heart
Fandom: Persona 4
Pairing: Yuu/Kanji
Rating: G
Word Count: 995
Summary: Yuu and Kanji hang out on a cold winter's day.

Warm Hands, Warm Heart

Yuu had invited Kanji over to hang out after school, and the two were now relaxing in the living room. He brought their tea over to the kotatsu as Kanji flipped through the TV channels, finally settling on one that showed music videos. “I guess we’ll be seeing Rise’s videos soon,” the younger student said, cupping his hands around the tea mug.

“Yeah, she’ll be leaving around the same time I do.”

“Sucks that you gotta leave,” Kanji muttered, hunching his shoulders and glaring at the tea.

Yuu smiled, sipping his own tea. “I’ll come back to visit, you know. And Tokyo isn’t that far away – you can always come see me.”

Kanji’s head whipped up, eyes wide. “R-Really, Senpai? I can come visit you?!”

“Of course! I’d love to show you around the big city.” Kanji grinned at that, then frowned and looked away.

“But the cost and stuff...”

Yuu rolled his eyes, sighing fondly. “Train tickets go on sale pretty often, and you can stay with me.” He knew money was tight, but Kanji could definitely afford a short trip. “Or you could always bike there...”

“Hell no!”

They laughed, then Yuu added, “There’s lots of part time jobs around. The pay isn’t great sometimes, but it’ll add up over time.”

“You worked a bunch of jobs, right Senpai? Which was your favourite?”

Yuu took a minute to think the question over. “I liked all of them, really. The daycare centre and tutoring jobs were fun, but I wouldn’t recommend them if you’re not good with kids.” Kanji grimaced and shook his head. “I got to meet a bunch of interesting people working at Shiroku Pub. That’s right across the street from you, and all you have to do is wash dishes.”

“Grunt work, huh? I can do that, easy!” Yuu nodded and chuckled at the declaration. He had really enjoyed working at the hospital, but it hadn’t been the same since Sayako had left.

“Shiroku-obaasan would be happy to have you. For extra money, you can fold envelopes at home.”

Kanji raised an eyebrow. “She lets you call her that? Lucky you.”

Yuu shifted, burrowing deeper under the kotatsu’s blanket. “It slipped out one time, and while she scolded me for calling her that, she said I could do it if no customers were around.”

“Heh, she’d ban me from the shop if I tried that.” Kanji smiled and took a long drink of tea. “I remember you coming to school with a whole bunch of paper cuts a few times. Was that the envelope job?”

“Yeah. I was terrible at it when I first started.” He held out his hand, showing him the smooth skin. “Luckily, I’m a fast learner.” Kanji grunted softly, gaze focused on Yuu’s hand. He reached out tentatively, then froze, eyes flicking up to Yuu’s. Yuu nodded and extended his hand further. Kanji took his hand slowly, callused fingers running over smooth ones, then pulled his hand closer, leaning over to examine his palm.

“Reading my fortune?” Yuu teased gently.

“Shut it,” was the growled response. Yuu curled his fingers up slightly to brush against Kanji’s, directing his attention towards the TV as a new music video came on. He didn’t recognize the artist’s name, but the slow song certainly fit the mood. He watched the video and sipped his tea as Kanji continued to explore his hand, eventually turning it over to look at the other side. Finally, his kohai gently set it on the table, his own hand resting on top of it. Kanji’s hand was warm, and Yuu smiled to himself, enjoying the contact.

The front door opened and Kanji snatched his hand away, Yuu sliding his back to curl his fingers around his tea mug.

“I’m home!” Nanako called, and he twisted around to smile at his cousin as she entered the room. “Hi bio bro, Kanji-san!” she said, beaming at them before setting the bags she carried on the counter.

“Hey Nanako-chan. Running some errands?” Kanji asked, sounding almost normal.

“Yep! Dad asked me to pick up a few things from Junes. Oh! He has to work late, so we can order something for supper later.”

She busied herself putting away the stuff, so he glanced over at Kanji. “You want anything in particular?”

“Nah, I’m good with whatever.” His cheeks were still flushed, but he met Yuu’s gaze before flicking it towards the stairs. He nodded, understanding what his friend was asking, and got to his feet.

“We’re going to hang out in my room. Call me if you need anything.”

“Ok!” Nanako smiled at them before turning back to the cupboards, so Yuu led the way upstairs and into his decidedly cooler room. He caught Kanji’s shiver as he closed the door, and crossed the room to grab his futon blanket before sitting on the couch beside Kanji.

“I-I’m fine, Senpai...” Kani protested weakly as he tossed the blanket over both of their shoulders, but he wiggled deeper into the blanket when Yuu gave him a disbelieving look.

“Want to watch something? Chie lent me one of her kung fu movies, and I’m part-way through the first season of Guy McVer.”

“Heh, Guy McVer works for me! I used to watch that show all the time as a kid.” Kanji grinned, clearly excited about watching an old favourite, so Yuu left the comfort of the blanket to put on the show. Kanji moved closer as he settled back in, their knees pressing against each other. They stayed like that for a while, then Yuu slowly leaned over to rest his head on Kanji’s shoulder. Kanji drew in a sharp breath, then his arm was sliding around Yuu’s waist, pulling him closer.

“Hey Senpai?”

“Yeah?”

“Can I come over again next week?”

“Sure.”

Kanji hummed softly in pleasure and Yuu smiled, snuggling closer to him. This was a lovely way to spend a late winter evening.