Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Fai had faced betrayal before. Backstabbing colleagues and a vindictive uncle. He knew the feeling of someone only wanting to take advantage of you and then degrade you when you were no longer useful. But the last person he expected it from was the man betrothed to him. He didn't want to believe that he would be so cruel to him, knowing what few boundaries he expressed aloud.

And yet, when a good friend told him to go home immediately - don't say anything just go and that he wouldn't like what he found - he went home in a hurry and his blood ran cold at the evidence of his fiance in the act. He probably never heard him open the door.

Fai was immediately thankful for one thing. He had recently made an appointment to put his house in both their names, really start the blending of assets. He could cancel that now. 

He stood motionless as the shock turned to rage and the white hot rage turned to decisive action. He texted his friend: bring me a new lock.

While Fai waited, he found his partner's phone in his discarded pants. He considered looking for more evidence and decided that would only hurt him more. So he located factory reset instead and let the phone empty itself.

His hands shook some as he saw the startup screen and he put the phone back in the pocket he pulled it from.

Breathe, he reminded himself. Even as he heard giggling like two lovebirds. And the distinct feeling that the other person wasn't the side piece. That he was just being used and deceived to enrich them at his own detriment.

He could be grateful he learned of this before they tied themselves but it didn't lessen the ache he felt that he had trusted someone so intimately only for them to stab him broadside.

He was also thankful Kujaku was built like a bouncer and as creative as an improv actor because it was already going to be messy but having him backing him up really helped as the cheaters barely grabbed their clothes as they fled outside and onto the lawn. A simplified feat by Kujaku pretending he was entering to save their lives, yelling that the monoxide alarm went off and for everyone to get out.

It was so effective that they didn't immediately register Fai shutting and locking the door behind them. He would box up his things when the ache wasn't so immediate. For now, he wanted to wash the sheets and remove any other evidence of them using his home.

It was hours later he made his way to Four Clovers, a favorite drinking place of his. Maybe if he got drunk, he wouldn't have to think about the day's events.

Chapter Text

The light against his eyes was painful, and the ache in his head said massive hangover. And the ringtone that woke him up said massive asshole. He moved to grab the offending device and answer the call. Mostly to tell him off.

“You've got a lot of nerve calling me after what you pulled!”

He pulled up all the waterworks and apologies in an effort to get Fai to take him back, and Fai just let him, pulling the phone from his ear so that his soulless pleading didn't worsen his hangover.

“Well-” Fai started before his phone was pulled from his hand and he suddenly realized there was someone else in the room and on the bed.

“-you can shut your lying trap and never bother him again. You had your chance to be a good partner and you blew it. Come around here and I'll have your lyin’, cheatin’ dick cut from your balls.”

With that, he hung up the phone and let it fall to the floor. Red eyes looked up from a messy pile of black hair and the hand that stole the phone gently encouraged him to return to the bed. “Go back to sleep. When it's ten, I'll make you some eggs.”

Fai stayed sitting and turned more to face this person. Casually laying atop the bed was someone he didn't recall meeting. Lazing in what amounted to some floral print shirt and slacks was …well, eye candy. A tall drink of water. Just some strange and handsome guy who apparently knew that call was his ex calling.

“Do I-?” He wasn't sure what question he was trying to ask. Maybe he just hoped he hadn't immediately gotten out of a bad situation and found the most convenient, hot - please be single - guy at the bar and slept with him. Although the idea they both had sex when they had clothes on and the man was just laying on top of the covers did put a large X for Doubt on that thought.

Red eyes softly closed as the hand gestured vaguely. “You got piss drunk and spent most the night trying to turn your drinks into the dead sea, then spent til 4 in the mornin’ puking out your day's contents before you passed out. Easier to make sure you didn’ choke to death by staying next t’ you.”

Well, that was a relief. This man just happened to see him at his lowest point and took pity on him. Nothing more complicated.

“Anyway, you look like you got a hangover, no surprise really. You'll feel better if you can get some more sleep.”

“What about you?” Fai asked.

“Hmn?”

“You look like you haven't slept.”

“Too much of a light sleeper. Caldina knows me so she bribes me with a bottle off the top shelf for giving up a night's sleep.”

“The expensive stuff?”

He snorted as he moved to sit up himself, and oh, as he expected that was a tall drink. “Hardly- top shelf is Japanese spirits. They're, what … 12, 18 bucks tops if I wanted to buy a bottle from the store? It's more the principle of the matter.”

“The principle?”

“Mm. There's times Caldina has real concern about a patron makin’ it home and bein’ safe, so she has a short list of folks that she trusts to look after em and she offers light compensation. Some want a pitcher of beer credit and some are three mixed drinks with fresh fruit expensive to call up. I just happened to already be there last night, and at least while drunk, you were comfortable with me.”

“Comfortable?” Oh no! Just how much of a fool did he make of himself in front of him?

“You kept assuming I was some friend named Juju while spilling all about your ex and how ‘Juju had been right all along about him’. Oh and .. you should really change your passwords. Your ex sounded like the type to write them down.”

Oh. Well, him being drunk and assuming he was with his friend was probably one of the better outcomes. He could see how he made that mistake in the dim light of Four Clovers, drunk. Sobered up and with the splinter of morning light hitting the man’s face, he couldn't see mixing the two up. Although their physical statures were similar, it was like comparing a grapefruit and pomegranate to another. 

“Anyway, if you're not gonna sleep some more, I'll go see if I have a bottle or two of coconut water. It helps.”

“That would be great, thank you, although … I never caught your name.”

“Ah, right… Everyone just calls me Kurogane.”

Kurogane. Now why did that sound vaguely familiar? Maybe he just overheard Caldina say it? He wasn't sure, he was sure that trying to think on the matter brought back the remnants of the early hour nausea.

Kurogane moved off the bed and headed out of the room. Fai took the moment to get up and close the curtains the rest of the way, except … something caught his eye. He winced as he moved the curtains further open and the morning light resounded loudly in his head. But looking out that larger opening, he was sure he was a few flights up. Wait. Was he in a hotel room?

He closed the curtains and went to the attached bathroom and… that definitely looked like the sample size cleaning products hotels had with extra plush towels and a frosted style shower. What kind of connections did Caldina have that meant she could rent him a hotel room and have some handsome guy look after him for less than 20 bucks?

Wait … didn't the man say he'd make him eggs? He went from being in a bedroom to he was most likely in a hotel, and Kurogane could cook here? Did he work here or something? Was there a fancy kitchenette that did more than microwave?

Yup. Letting his thoughts spiral was bad. Mostly painful as the hangover had not backed off. He held the sink to resteady himself until he could walk back to the bed and sat down on the corner.

Kurogane came back with a blue bottle. “Here,” he offered. 

“Thanks,” Fai said as he took the bottle and twisted the cap. Even if the man had proven trustworthy so far, it was nice he left the bottle sealed. No sign of any tampering. Plus the drink was sweet and cold. “Coconut water, huh?”

“Has electrolytes and stuff - and since you had a pina colada last night, didn't need to worry about any coconut allergies.”

Attentive. Which was more than he could say for himself while trying to drown his feelings. 

“You've been really considerate…”

“Comes with my job.”

“And that is?” he asked curiously. Mostly to know a little more about him.

“My parents own hotels. I'm what is called … the problem-fixer. Problems crop up and I'm the one called in to deal with them. I have full discretion on handling matters once a problem gets my attention.”

“Is that why Caldina trusts you so much?” 

“Not really, it's much simpler than that.”

“Wha- even simpler?”

“Well you know Four Clovers caters more towards … not straight, yes?”

“Yeah…”

“Well, Caldina calls me a diamond. Not entirely sure what she means by that, but she says that's the big why.”

Wait. A diamond? As in, an ace of diamonds? The guy who listened to the laments of his betrayed and broken heart and took care of him all night and morning was someone who couldn’t even have the thought of sleeping with someone unless he loved that person? He wasn't sure what kind of humor karma had, but he was pretty sure karma thought this was hilarious.

Would it be asking the universe too much to find someone like him, available when he was ready to try again? The guy already showed several qualities he really admired, and he felt he deserved someone who could give their whole heart. After only a few hours freshly broken up, he wasn't there yet - any relationship would feel like it was just him hopping into a rebound. Still...

“Will you let me buy you lunch or something later … as, as a thank you?”

“Sure … know any family owned type place? They usually have good food.”

Chapter Text

When Kurogane had said his parents owed hotels, Fai had a loose idea in his head. The casualness gave the impression of only a few that aimed to give their guests a pleasant and relaxing stay. It wasn’t until after the hangover had begun to ease up and they headed down the elevator to the main floor that he caught notice of a glass placard that featured the name of the place. Taira Inn.

Apparently Kurogane was adept at the art of downplaying just how impressive his family was on top of everything. Taira was an internationally recognized name, a close partner with Piffle Princess Products, and even their discount hotels maintained a 4 star rating.

“Taira, huh?”

He shrugged. “Family believes in providing quality services. Doesn't matter what name we use. As a result, if there is a problem with the service, we will make it right. But if the problem is the customer, well, you can't fix stupid and there is no tolerance for mistreatment of our staff.”

Fai thought that sounded very similar to Kurogane. As they stepped off the elevator, Kurogane led the way towards the dining area until the concierge waved at them.

“Kurogane.”

“Yeah, Masayoshi?”

“Your mother is on the line.”

There was a pause. “..tell me it's a 4-13.”

Masayoshi shook his head.

He sighed, “Would you mind showing Fai here the way to the dining hall. Under Room 56.”

Masayoshi nodded and typed some information into the computer as Kurogane turned towards Fai, “Grab whatever you want to eat. I'll check on you soon as I'm done here. It'll … likely be a minute.” 

“Right, then I'll see you in there,” Fai said as Masayoshi moved from behind the desk to lead Fai while Kurogane picked up the phone receiver and without a glance pressed a button. 

“Ohayō,” he greeted her.

Fai walked away with Masayoshi and softly asked, “Why did he want you to say it was a 4-13?”

“A 4-13 means work for him.” Masayoshi spared a look back as Kurogane leaned against the desk, phone tucked against his shoulder as he waved dismissively about something she said, before he looked forward, “Before anything else, she is his mother.”

Masayoshi led Fai down a hallway, around a corner and to a room with opened double doors. “Enjoy your breakfast, Fai.”

“Thanks,” he said with a smile.

Masayoshi tipped his head before he headed back to resume his concierge duties while Fai stepped inside the room and marveled at the different varieties available. There was the on-the-fly ready prepackaged foods and even more options for those with a few minutes to eat. There was even a lady standing at the ready to make custom egg-related orders.

Fai decided he'd wait on eggs since Kurogane had offered and he felt it rude to not give him the chance to follow through. So he found coffee and watched as a child used a machine and… pancakes were cooked and fell out onto an awaiting plate. An automatic pancake maker? Oh! He has got to try this!

Carrying his cup of coffee, he moved towards the machine and saw it had three selections. Buttermilk. Blueberry. Flavor of the Week. And an information placard just below it announced that the flavor was Spiced Apple.

When was the last time he had fancy pancakes? He put a plate at the one end and selected the weekly flavor, and watched two pancakes cook perfectly inside the maker before being conveyored out onto his plate. The machine then did a quick self clean and was ready for the next order.

Nearby were several toppings for such sweet breakfast items. He looked at the different fruits and syrups and toppings before ultimately adding whipped cream and scooping chocolate chips on top and calling them decorated. A fork was next and then he found a seat at one of the open tables.

He slowly savored them that it wasn't until a nearby chair was moved away from the table that he looked further past his plate. Kurogane took up residence in the chair and had what appeared to be a brewing cup of tea.

“Those any good?”

Fai nodded as he swallowed the bite. “Did you want any?”

Kurogane gently dismissed that, “Can't eat em, but they always smell good.”

“You can't?” There were way too many options to try narrowing down why without more details.

“Not unless you wanna see me in the same miserable shape you were in earlier.”

Most likely an allergen or severe intolerance then.

“That's a shame. Are there any you can eat?”

“Mn. Place near my home makes em in a way I can eat em.”

“That's good. At least you can have some,” Fai said, a bit relieved. He knew he'd want to cry if he walked by a bakery and couldn't eat any of it.

“Mn. Anyway - how you like your eggs? Expect your friend should be calling in a few minutes.”

“Wai- you're expecting a friend of mine to call?”

“Mm, the real Juju called last night to check on you. Said something about thinking you'd just banana sundae a tub of ice cream and play sad music until you fell asleep,” Kurogane commented.

“I mean I can't say he didn't have good reason to guess that. Did he say more?”

“Said if he wasn't the only adult at a kids’ slumber party, he woulda come got you. Told him where you'd be and he could call to check on you once it was 10.”

He recalled Kurogane said something about making eggs after 10, too. “Why ten?” 

“Meant you'd hopefully gotten some sleep. Asides, from 10 to noon, the kitchen stops making fresh continental breakfast to start prep for lunch - only special orders go through - so it's the one window of time where I can cook food myself without getting in the way. Would give you two a couple minutes of relative privacy to chat.”

Fai wasn't sure if this was simply normal behavior for Kurogane when he looked after a guest for Caldina - or even how often that happened - but each detail he saw made him feel well looked after. Like a good friend might. 

“You're really very kind, aren't you?”

“Hah? Not really…I'm just rather plain.”

“Plain?” Fai raised a brow at that.

“Yknow, ordinary, uhm just commonly decent.”

“Pretty sure you're more than ‘just commonly’.”

“Possibly,” Kurogane relented before a ringtone caught his attention. “That should be him. Eggs?”

“Ah, right… anything but runny. However you like them.”

Kurogane made an acknowledging grunt before he stood up and excused himself into the kitchen. Fai answered the phone and was relieved that it was indeed Kujaku.

“You doing alright, Fai?”

“Better than yesterday. Kurogane has been nothing but gentlemanly towards me. Almost makes me believe chivalry isn't dead.”

“Isn't that my job?” Kujaku teased.

“Oh no~ you make me believe anyone can overcome a bad situation especially when they have good company … And also that you were unfairly deprived of the starring role of Goblin King.”

Kujaku let out a laugh at the comparison, “You're right. I would have made an excellent Goblin King. Still, do you need anything?”

“Before, you said I looked too often through rose-tinted glasses. Do you think I'm looking through those glasses now?”

Even over the phone, he could hear the gentle drawing of cards. Enough he knew he was doing a simple reading.

Reverse Magician. Death. The Fool. “Looks like you put them away.”

“What else did it say?”

“Finish closing the door, so you may open the new door.”

“Ah, right. Even Kurogane mentioned I had some unfinished business to attend to.”

“And Fai?”

“Yes?”

There was a pause as Kujaku looked at the future card. “The Fool is wonderful to be. Just take care that you don't pick up those same rosy glasses again.”

“Thanks, Juju.”