A/N: Three years later, an update appears!

x.

It's an anxious contentment, Shinobu thinks as he towel-dries his hair. They're in completely uncharted territory now and he never knows what Miyagi is thinking, what his own attitude and behaviour should be. Neglecting to tell Miyagi about his birthday was an unconscious decision. Shinobu doesn't want to impose. No matter how much he wants Miyagi to look at him, it will be his own hard work and not obligation that wins him the other man's affections.

Yet when Miyagi said "happy birthday", all Shinobu's protests were consumed by an overwhelming happiness. He can still feel the heat creeping up into his cheeks; the lingering sensation of Miyagi trailing kisses across his jaw line. And when Miyagi touched him, it was slow and gentle – everything he'd ever wanted.

Perhaps it's too simple. But being able to lie curled against Miyagi's body, to feel Miyagi's fingers threading warmly through his hair … that's all Shinobu needs to be happy.

There's a clatter from the kitchen. Shinobu lets the towel fall around his shoulders, biting his lip. Anxiety comes rushing back all too quickly as he steps out of the washroom and into the main area of Miyagi's apartment. But any fear quickly recedes. The sushi Miyagi insisted on ordering is spread over the kitchen table, colourful candles sticking out from the centers at odd angles. Shinobu feels his eyes widen as he tries to bite back the shocked "wha-?" that escapes as he draws closer.

Miyagi starts. He's bent over the one tray, lighter in hand. When he catches sight of Shinobu, he rises awkwardly and scratches at the back of his head. "Ah, Shinobu-chin, already done washing?"

Miyagi isn't meeting his eyes. Shinobu stands staring at the candles, confused and overwhelmed. "Miyagi, what is-?"

"A-ahaha," Miyagi starts, waving his hands wildly. "It's your birthday right? So you should have candles." There's a long pause, and Miyagi shuffles his feet. "Maybe it was a bit too much."

Shinobu opens his mouth, closes it, opens it again and then settles on shaking his head. "N-no. Miyagi. It's." Before he knows it he's crying, tears slipping out before he can say any more. Miyagi quietly hands him a tissue. Then he just stands close and keeps a comforting hand on Shinobu's shoulder until the tears subside.

"Thank you," Shinobu whispers when he can speak again.

Miyagi gives his shoulder a squeeze and smiles. "Let's eat."