Chapter Text
It was Jin’s idea. Or rather, it was Tohma’s idea, but he let Jin believe it was his. That was the thing about Jin Kamurai: he thrived on being in control, on dictating the flow of every situation. And Tohma? Tohma was more than happy to let him have it, especially when it worked out exactly the way he wanted.
Regardless of who claimed credit, one thing was certain: it was Tohma’s birthday, and he knew exactly how he wanted to spend it—wrapped in the arms of his two favorite Darkwick captains.
The room was warm, lit by the soft glow of golden candlelight and the occasional flicker of frost-blue from one of Jin’s extravagant decorations. Leave it to the heir of the Kamurai family to go all out for what he believed to be his own brilliant scheme. But Tohma had subtly pulled the strings, ensuring this night would be everything he wanted, without Jin even realizing it.
Alan Mido, ever composed and quietly watchful, had agreed with little more than a raised brow and a shrug when Jin had proposed the evening. Tohma knew Alan didn’t need an excuse to show up. He was always there, steady as stone, whenever Tohma called on him.
Jin, on the other hand, had burst into the Frostheim common room like a snowstorm, announcing his so-called grand plan with all the flair of a royal proclamation. “We’re celebrating properly tonight, Ishibashi,” Jin had declared, draping an arm over Tohma’s shoulders like he was bestowing a blessing. “You’re welcome.”
Tohma had smiled, soft and secret, as Jin prattled on about the menu, the drinks, and whatever ridiculous show he’d orchestrated to mark the occasion. Tohma didn’t need the fuss—not really. The presence of Jin and Alan was all he wanted, though he wasn’t about to tell Jin that outright. Where would the fun be in that?
The evening started off simple enough, with the three of them dining alongside the other Frostheim ghouls. Kaito and Luca filled the room with chatter, their energy an odd but welcome contrast to the usual tension Frostheim carried. Tohma found himself smiling as he listened to Kaito stumble through an animated story, tripping over his own words as Luca chimed in to help him out. The camaraderie was genuine, the kind of warmth that was rare in a place like Darkwick.
Still, as the evening wore on, Tohma’s attention drifted, his gaze flitting between Alan and Jin. Alan sat at the far end of the table, quiet and composed as always, but his sharp eyes lingered on Tohma now and then, like he was silently checking in. Jin, on the other hand, dominated the conversation, laughing and throwing in sarcastic quips that left Kaito flustered and Luca grinning.
Tohma thought that might be the end of it, just a pleasant dinner with good company, and he’d have been content with that. But, of course, Jin had other plans.
“Well, this has been lovely,” Jin said, standing abruptly and cutting off Kaito mid-sentence. “But I’ve got something better in mind for the birthday boy.” He glanced down at Tohma with that trademark smirk, full of self-assured charm. “You, me, and Mido—my room. Drinks are on me. Don’t keep me waiting.”
Tohma blinked, feigning surprise, “Wait, you’re… inviting Alan, too?”
“Obviously,” Jin said, waving a hand like it was the most natural thing in the world. “It’s not a real party unless we’re all there. Besides, the rest of these brats can entertain themselves.”
Alan raised an eyebrow from across the table, the faintest hint of amusement tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Do I get a say in this?”
“Not really,” Jin shot back, already heading for the door. “Tohma’s the birthday boy, and I’m being generous. You wouldn’t want to spoil his fun, would you?”
Tohma couldn’t help the small laugh that bubbled up. He hadn’t expected Jin to go out of his way to include Alan, but it was a welcome surprise. For all his arrogance, Jin could be surprisingly thoughtful when he put his mind to it—though he’d never admit it, of course.
“Coming, Tohma?” Jin called over his shoulder, pausing at the doorway.
Tohma stood, glancing at Alan, who rose with a quiet sigh of acceptance. “Lead the way, Kamurai,” Tohma said, a soft smile curving his lips. Maybe Jin’s idea—or rather, Tohma’s idea that Jin had claimed—would turn out even better than he’d hoped.