It’s been a minute hasn’t it?? I’m not dead, I swear haha. I’ve actually been working on a submission for a competition for a couple of weeks and commissions so I haven’t been able to post much. Though that might change next month since I’m thinking on joining Huevember for the first time. I have no idea if I’m actually going to attempt all days or just do a few. Probably gonna end up just doing the few if I’m being honest lmao. This week I worked on some Lost Judgment. Slowly but surely working my way towards the main story, been messing around on the school stories and playing other games (damn gamepass haha I highly recommend Echo Generation btw) so yeah that’s my little update for those wondering. Hope it’s been all good with you guys!
Some personal work before continuing commissions. This is part of a series I’m working on. Yakuza = flowers, Judgment = butterflies. I got the boys lined up for Judgment, but I’m still contemplating for the Yakuza side. Probably end up being the main playable characters in the series to be honest haha. I’d like to do an antagonist version too, but maybe something different since I’m sure I’m gonna be over this after a couple more. XD I’ve also been wanting to work on other characters these days too, so this project will end up being a year thing. Don’t want to burn myself out of it. I’ve been craving to paint Vergil & Nero for some reason haha.
The first date couldn’t be considered a date, really, being more incidental and convenient than anything else. It was just a way to pass some time, Yagami reasoned, feeling an awful like he was coaxing an especially ornery cat out from under the bed, but with a coffee instead of catnip. It wasn’t until Higashi warily eyed their mark settling down at a corner table at Cafe Alps that he conceded and waved his hand at Yagami and told him to surprise him.
“You don’t take many breaks, do you, Yagami,” he sniffed when Yagami brought him a cup of his favorite blend, black.
“How do you figure?”
“You ever try their cappuccinos? Of course you haven’t,” Higashi commented. At this, Yagami half expected him to put the cup down in distaste and to abandon it entirely. To his surprise, Higashi took a slow, indulgent sip.
“You’re still drinking it,” he observed with amusement.
Higashi brought the mug down from his lips and gave Yagami a hard stare.
“Jesus christ, Yagami, I’m not a savage.”
That was probably the closest thing Yagami would get to a thank you, and he found himself quite happy with it.
Between the time he brought over their coffee and their mark had started to pack up their work to move onto their next destination, Yagami learned not only about Higashi’s particular tastes when it came to coffee but also that his appreciation for coffee came from his respect of baristas which stemmed from a general admiration for food workers as a whole which had its roots in his own family which had something to do with— nevermind that, the mark was making a move, he had said, which left Yagami wistfully wondering about the finer details of Higashi’s background as they did their best to casually gather their own bearings before double teaming the suspect a few blocks down the street, bringing an end to their case.
The coffee part was nice, Yagami commented, perhaps a little too hopefully. Higashi barked out a laugh that wasn’t entirely unkind.
“Don’t get your hopes up, Yagami. It’s gonna take more than a coffee… even if Alps has the best dark roast in this shitty town.”
But it wasn’t a ‘no,’ Yagami thought to himself as Higashi dismissed him with a wave. And now he knew what kind of drinks Higashi actually did prefer, if the opportunity ever arose.
—
The second date was closer in nature to what was conventionally considered “a date” by most modern societies, but it was still borne of coincidence and circumstance.
Yagami was sitting on the ledge of the window outside of Yokohama 99’s office when he heard Kaito’s voice from down the block and Higashi’s deferential affection in response. As their voices neared, he mentally counted down the seconds until he’d hear in that one particular tone that always seemed so perfectly tailored for him…in three… two…
“What the… Yagami?!”
Yagami waved back from the second story and finished off his cigarette with an extra long drag as Higashi grumbled and Kaito laughed raucously to the slide of the elevator door.
“Missed you too,” Yagami said breezily as they stepped out.
“Listen, if it wasn’t for Aniki…” Higashi started.
“Ah, I guess I owe Kaito-san a drink then,” Yagami replied as he clapped Kaito’s broad shoulder.
“Gang’s all here!” Sugiura chirped from the office. “Too bad, though.”
“Wha- too bad?” Higashi said. His eyes narrowed as every gaze in the room turned apologetic. “What did I walk into?”
Sugiura laughed.
“It’s not that. Yagami-san just helped us finish up this case, and Tsukumo-kun and I have to meet with Kuwana-san after this,” he explained. “You know, local business.”
“Yeah, and I’ve got a hot date after this,” Kaito said, earning him a skeptical look from everyone else in the room. “What?”
“Anyway, I just wanted to swing by and say hi to Sugiura and Tsukumo before I headed back,” he continued. Unlike his proclamations about his hot date, the apology in his voice was sincere. “Sorry, Higashi. I know you came just to help me out.”
“You’d do the same for me, aniki,” Higashi replied, voice softening to the characteristic meekness that he reserved for Kaito. “It’s nothing, really.”
Yagami seemed awfully interested in his nails for a moment and let Higashi and Kaito do their gooey back and forth thing that they did fairly often, mentally counting down the seconds before their exchange melted into that comfortable silence that it often did, then in…three… two…
“Higashi, how much have you seen of Yokohama?”
Kaito caught on quickly and lit up.
“Oh, that’s an idea, Tak! Why don’t you show Higashi around?”
Higashi spluttered as Sugiura and Tsukumo enthusiastically chimed in with their favorite local spots as suggestions and Kaito affirmed all of them with gusto. Yagami waited until he could feel Higashi’s pointed look in his direction before glancing up and responding with what he hoped looked like a benign smile. The way Higashi’s eyes narrowed in response suggested that his efforts weren’t especially successful.
“Fine, sure, yeah, I’ll do a little sightseeing with Yagami,” he said, eyes firmly positioned on him.
This time, Yagami made no efforts to hide the smugness in his smile.
“It’s a date.”
—
While Yagami hoped to swing by a cafe at some point during their excursion, Higashi did say that it would take more than just a coffee, so he steered him towards the comfort food joint that Sugiura took him to often. Even Tsukumo would leave the office for their cream stew, he reasoned, so that should be endorsement enough. His face warmed at Higashi’s smirk in response.
“And Smile Burger was right there,” Higashi mused as they settled into their booth. “Don’t give me that shit, Yagami. I know how often you go.”
“I… Listen, they were doing a promotion,” Yagami said defensively.
“It’s fine, I get it. Hanae-chan’s cute, and she’s sincere with her work.”
Yagami’s tone turned suspicious.
“First name basis?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know.”
Their conversation settled around Kamurocho and the colorful characters that lived and worked there. Higashi, it turned out, was more acquainted with the neighborhood than all his hours in a dingey basement arcade gave him credit for. Some of it probably came from his time with Matsugane’s family too, Yagami mused, as Higashi told him about the hot tips and gossip he picked up from some of the soapland girls on Pink Street (apparently a great source of intel on rival gangs’ activities and going-ons). Yagami attributed Higashi’s intimate understanding of the city’s pulse to his good character and strong sense of morality despite his criminal affiliation. It made him easy to trust. Probably didn’t hurt that he was easy on the eyes too.
“I’m what?”
Shit, did he say that out loud?
“You know how they are with guys, Higashi,” Yagami said with a concentrated effort to keep his tone casual. “Doesn’t hurt to not look like a creep.”
“You’re not wrong,” Higashi admitted, scrutinizing Yagami all the same. “But it never hurts to buddy up with family men either.”
Yagami felt a tad warmer despite the fact that his soup had long since cooled to a comfortable temperature.
“Thanks, though.”
He ventured a glance at Higashi, who was now attending to his own food (Tsukumo’s house favorite), but not before he saw a pleased curl of his lips.
For whatever reason, the tomato soup tasted even better that evening.
—
Yagami rationalized that Hamakita park was the centerpiece of Yokohama, and that it really wasn’t a trip unless he had gone and at least taken a quick walk around, especially since he was tasked with showing Higashi the city. In case that didn’t work, he had the back-up explanation of taking a walk to digest dinner, you know, for health reasons, and, failing that, the coffee truck that was supposedly really good (Tsukumo, despite vouching for it, did not grace it with his physical presence often enough for it to be a selling point).
Higashi was, to his surprise, rather agreeable about it.
“Yeah, whatever, as long as you don’t force me onto the ferris wheel.”
“There’s a good coffee truck there too.”
Higashi smirked knowingly, remembering their conversation at Cafe Alps.
If Higashi had already known about the park’s popularity as a date spot or had noticed a conspicuous number of couples enjoying it around them, he made no indication of it.
“It’s a little more crowded than usual,” Yagami commented mildly.
“It’s because it’s Valentine’s day,” Higashi replied. The glint in his eye suggested he wanted to add more, most likely to rib at Yagami for his oversight and the pointed connotation of the day, but he cleared his throat instead. “That it over there?”
They walked over to the coffee truck and took a place at the end of a short line. Despite that, the wait was slow as the people ahead of them seemed to be ordering for groups.
“Double dates, most likely,” Yagami commented, hoping to stir conversation.
“Yeah. Must be nice.”
“I can call Sugiura and Tsukumo over if you want.”
Higashi barked out a laugh.
“They’d probably bring that Kuwana guy. Can’t have him crashing, can we? I know how much you hate him.”
Yagami wasn’t sure if he was annoyed or intrigued that Higashi knew of his distaste for Kuwana. He checked the line’s progress and, satisfied with its continued snail’s pace, prodded a little more.
“How do you know about that?”
“Kaito-aniki doesn’t shut up about it. Thinks it’s the funniest shit in the world, like watching two babies slapping each other in a crib.”
Annoyance, then, to contrast the barely restrained laughter in Higashi’s voice.
“He’s a prick.”
“I figured that’s what it was. That or he beat you in a fight,” Higashi grinned. “Anyway, do you know what you want?”
Yagami’s bristling melted in the face of Higashi’s amusement. It was interesting, to see him relaxed like this. His teasing genuine and his insight on Yagami exposing but validating. He wasn’t sure how, but the fact that Higashi just seemed to know felt good.
“I’ll go with the cappuccino this time.”
“Dark chocolate mocha for me.”
Yagami gave Higashi a look, completely missing the opportunity to pay for their drinks, which Higashi shot down anyway with a subtle jerk of his head that all but indicated finality. No use in fighting it.
They got their drinks and decided to walk around since most of the benches were already occupied.
“I thought you liked cappuccinos,” Yagami said reproachfully.
“Most of the people in line were getting the mochas, plus it was advertised as a special for today,” Higashi replied. He gave Yagami a wry look. “You didn’t notice?”
“I was distracted.”
Higashi hummed into his drink.
“Never hurts to try the special,” he said, smiling in satisfaction at the warmth and richness of the mocha. “I know how this sounds coming from me, but try to live a little, Yagami.”
Yagami let his gaze linger on Higashi, studying the softening lines on his face and the almost dreamy look in his eyes as he lost himself in the pleasure of the moment and couldn’t help but wonder what else other than good coffee and a brisk night overlooking a clear ocean view could put him at the kind of ease that bordered on indulgence.
—
The third date hardly resembled the first two, and Yagami grimaced an attempt at a smile as he called it that before sliding down painfully next to Higashi in a mercifully unoccupied alleyway.
The ache on his shoulder dulled slightly as Higashi wheezed out a chuckle devoid of irony.
“You sure know how to charm a guy, Yagami,” he said after a slow exhale. “If you’re calling this a date.”
“Ahh, you had a great time, I can tell,” Yagami laughed. He hissed as a cut on his side throbbed.
There was a beat as the two of them sat on the grimy asphalt, the heaviness of their breathing mingling with the cacophony of Kamurocho at night. Higashi wobbled to his feet first, knees creaking and movements careful and measured. Once he was steady, he reached a hand out towards Yagami.
“Let’s get this shit patched up, yeah?”
It was a laborious shuffle back to Yagami Detective Agency, which was both closer than Charles and guaranteed to have some semblance of medical supplies despite being at the top of a flight of stairs. Neither of them cared to uphold pretense that a normally unassuming obstacle hadn’t completely winded them, and they gasped and wheezed at the top before dragging themselves into the office.
Yagami swallowed the urge to throw himself onto his couch, knowing that it’d probably exacerbate the scrapes on his lower back from a particularly nasty fall. He sat down gingerly and allowed himself the luxury of an especially long exhale as he settled into the worn leather. He really could go for a…
“You can smoke after I take care of your shit,” Higashi said, interrupting his thoughts. He rummaged around the drawer where assorted medical supplies were kept, muttering his disdain at the state of its organization.
Yagami closed his eyes and allowed himself a smile, tipping his head back to rest. He had gotten used to Higashi’s disarmingly sharp intuition, especially when it came to him. It was the non-committal way he assumed it when he was alone with Yagami, as if reading his thoughts was as obvious as the sun in the sky. A part of him wondered if he did that with Kaito or Sugiura or even with some of the Matsugane guys who had been showing up at Charles a little more frequently.
He smirked at the thought of Higashi fixing Tashiro’s collar or handing Kengo a bottle of water with a huff.
“If you’ll get that shit-eating grin off your face and stay still in that position, this’ll go a lot faster,” Higashi said, walking towards him with some bandages and ointment. “I know that cut touched something gross.”
Despite the sting of alcohol, Yagami hummed at the featherlightness of Higashi’s fingers deftly dressing the scrape on his head which at this point has swollen to an unfortunately visible degree.
Scrapping with a group of antsy chinpira might be worth it, he thought, aside from being related to a case. Higashi tapped him to turn over onto his stomach. He pulled his shirt up just enough to bare the shred of skin that was also unfortunately decorated with a nasty scrape and bits of the street. The burn on this one was worse and the feeling of debris being brushed off was especially painful but through gritted teeth and the ginger press of Higashi’s fingers he decided it was definitely worth it, especially if Higashi was going to ghost his fingers up his back to pull his shirt down after.
“That should about do it,” he said after smoothing a last bandaid down on a final wound. Yagami swallowed his disappointment as Higashi pulled his hands back.
“Kiss it better?”
“What, before I even got mine? Didn’t take you to be that selfish, Yagami.”
It wasn’t a no, Yagami thought wryly, the edges of giddiness buzzing in his chest. He scooted obligingly to the side as Higashi sat down next to him. He slid his jacket off and began rolling his sleeve up to inspect a knife cut that had been throbbing steadily on their way over. Yagami’s eyes widened at a dark bloom of blood on Higashi’s upper arm as he hissed at the pain from the extra pressure of the bunched cloth at his elbow.
“I don’t think you sh—“
“Yeah, I know,” Higashi sighed, drawing the sleeve back down. “You know, I usually don’t do this until a few more dates in, but I guess I have to make an exception today.”
He unbuttoned his shirt and shrugged off the side of the wounded arm.
“How bad is it?”
Yagami eyes snapped from Higashi’s bare chest to his arm. The cut was on his tricep, and he wouldn’t be able to dress it properly without either a mirror or another person.
“I think it looks worse than it actually is,” he hummed. “Should probably clean it to be sure, but it doesn’t look too deep, and you were wearing layers too.”
It was quiet as Yagami cleared off the crusted blood around Higashi’s wound, tongue poking out in concentration. Higashi didn’t make a sound as he dabbed gingerly at his cut with a soaked cotton ball, instead tensing his arm in response to the burn. Yagami had to admire his pain threshold, maybe steeled after so many years with the Matsugane family and especially under Hamura’s command. An unpleasant curling in his stomach hoped that it was just knife cuts and bruises that Higashi was used to bearing, and not anything else. Or anything worse.
He pressed a warm hand over the bandages he wrapped around Higashi’s arm, relieved to see it remain pristine even after Higashi flexed experimentally. He glanced at Higashi’s face to read his expression and caught a dribble of blood tracing its way down his smooth forehead.
“You don’t wanna take care of that one too?”
“Hm?”
He brushed a finger gingerly over the wound, marveling at how still Higashi was and that he was letting him.
“Sure. Two for two sounds fair to me.”
“Man, way to ruin the mood.”
Higashi chuckled but sat expectantly, which Yagami took as an invitation. He rummaged around for more cotton pads and bandages.
“Just so we’re clear, this was not how I expected tonight to go,” Yagami said, wiping up a dribble of blood. “But you have to admit, it wasn’t boring.”
There was a pause, and Yagami could feel Higashi deliberating a response.
“Fighting off pissed chinpira isn’t usually my first choice for evening entertainment,” he drily, amusement imbuing his response nonetheless. “You’re not wrong, though.”
“Knew it,” Yagami laughed, crumpling the bandaid wrapper with the blood-stained cotton ball.
“Yeah?” Higashi relaxed, leaning back into the couch, finally. He watched Yagami packing away the supplies, his gaze contemplative.
“What else do you know about me, detective?”
Yagami paused. The expectation to respond was heavy in the air, weighed down by the quiet of the room and the ambient noise of the city outside.
“I know you like coffee,” he ventured slowly. “More than the average person.”
“Not just for the caffeine either, or the taste. I know you appreciate the work that goes into it.”
Higashi’s eyes followed him silently as he made his way around the room to throw away the trash and return his medical supplies to their drawer. It was like being watched by a cat, Yagami thought, but he didn’t especially feel like prey.
“I know who you know on a first name basis in Kamurocho. I know that people like you and trust you.”
He glanced up with a smirk.
“And not just because you’re easy to look at.”
Higashi’s lips remained in their neutral pout, but the smile reached his eyes anyway.
“I know you notice details about people.”
Yagami met his gaze steadily as he circled back around to the couch. He paused.
“I know you notice details about me.”
The couch creaked as he leaned in, one knee brushing the side of Higashi’s thigh.
Higashi’s lips parted with an indulgent sigh. Yagami pressed a light kiss onto them before leaning back in again to chase the fading taste of coffee from hours ago preceded by a faint tang of iron from half an hour ago. When he pulled back, Higashi followed, pressing a kiss to the corner of his lip, the one that was still red and tender from some punk’s glancing blow. Yagami smiled into it, corners of his lips shifting against Higashi’s.
“And I knew eventually you’d kiss me better.”
“Fucking annoying,” Higashi murmured, but his hand curled around Yagami’s to pull him in closer as he did.
I drew this for Judgment Remaster day hehe. HOpe everyone is having fun with theirs!! Or is about to!! Judgment is so good!! I’m super happy more people are able to play it now on PS5, Xbox Series X, and Google Stadia (crickets). ANYWAy. HAVE FUN!!!!
Happy Valentine’s Day, tumblr!!!! I’ve been making my way thru the RGG games and I’m hook line and sinker for Judgment so I made these wallpapers with the boys in a lot of pink and grey and menswear hehehe
Hope your day was full of love and chocolate and sweetness and whatever makes you happy!!!!
