#ichiro fluff

“Thank you! Please come and visit again!” You bowed your head as the customers left. A small smile tugged at your lips as you grabbed a rag and wiped down the counter. It was days like this that made your life a little sweeter. Business was running smoothly and the sun was shining. It was shaping up to be a perfect day.

The peacefulness of the moment was disrupted as two siblings you'd recognize from anywhere burst into the store. You chuckled as they sat at the freshly cleaned counter before you and smiled. Before they could say a word, you already started making their usual ice cream order they asked for every time they came to see you.

“And what brings the two of you into my store today?” You asked.

“Jiro confessed to a girl today!” Saburo shouted with a laugh as his brother blushed. 

You gave a small gasp. “Did he? How did it go?”

“He was stuttering the whole time and was as red as a tomato.” He continued, earning a shove from Jiro in the process.

“I was not!”

“Yes, you were!”

"I absolutely was not! Quit making things up!"

"It's not made up if it's the truth!"

“Alright, alright! No fighting! I just got this place cleaned up.” You scold them before handing them their ice cream.

"It really wasn't that bad." Jiro muttered under his breath before eating his ice cream.

"I'm sure it wasn't." You assured him. "Saburo just loves to annoy you, like any good little brother would."

"Thank you!"

You rolled your eyes before straightening up the bulk candy in the glass case you had up front. It was always the same with these two when school break came around. They spent every weekend in your sweets shop, gossiping about everything. But it made sense since your families were very good friends. The four of you grew up together. Until your family moved away for your mother's job, which meant you wouldn't be able to see them again.

"So what are you doing today, Y/n?" Saburo asked, having finished his ice cream. "I mean besides work."

You shrugged. "Nothing, really. Just work and then home."

"So you're not doing anything?" Jiro questioned, less subtle than his brother. "Like you don't have any plans for the rest of the day?"

You slowly shake your head. "No, I don't. Why?"

"Do you want to come to the beach with us later?" Saburo clasped his hands in front of him. "Please?"

"I don't know..."

"Oh c'mon!" Jiro whined. "It'll be fun! It'll be just like old times!"

You didn't want to say it wouldn't be like old times because one of you is missing. Instead, you smiled and said. "We'll see."

"Well I think you should." Saburo replied with a shrug. "You need to get out more and see old friends and remember the good old days."

"What are you talking about?"

"What do you think I'm talking about?"

"I don't-"

“There you are!” That voice. You knew that voice from anywhere.

Looking up, Ichiro stood in the doorway, his usual bright smile plastered on his face. A smile you haven’t seen in years. Despite the time that passed, he still looked the same. The same Ichiro you fell in love with when you were growing up together. You couldn’t believe he was in your store right now. It was as if fate had worked its magic today.

“Oh. Y/n.” If you didn’t know any better, you’d say he sounded awestruck. Which didn’t make any sense. It was just you.

You smiled. “Hi Ichiro.”

“Hey.”

“Nii-chan!” Jiro piped up. “Don't you have something else to say?”

“Something else?” He paused. “Um, how have you been?”

His siblings just groaned but you giggled. “I’ve been well. I own the store now since my parents retired. Oh! That reminds me. Still have a sweet tooth?”

He jolted at your question before smiling and nodding. “Yes, I still do.”

You nodded and grabbed a chocolate bar from the display shelf behind you. “Is this still your favorite?”

Ichiro's eyes sparkled as he took it, his fingertips brushing yours, making you shiver. “Thank you so much! I can’t believe you still remember after all this time!”

“Well, you’re one of the only people I know who likes this chocolate.” You admitted. “But what brings you down to Yokohama? I thought business in Ikebukuro kept you busy?”

“Oh, well, I thought since Jiro and Saburo are on school break, I thought we'd come down to the beach. You know, sort of as a treat for good work in school. And I could step away from work for a little bit."

You smiled as you nodded again. “That's good. I mean, Jiro and Saburo have been visiting my shop for a couple of days now, but it's nice to see you again. And if you need another chocolate bar to help you get through your day, you know where to find me.”

He chuckled. “I’ll keep that in mind, thank you. And thank you for taking care of these two during our vacation. I hope they haven’t been too much of a burden?”

"We've been delightful!" Saburo feigned innocence.

You laughed and shook your head, “They've been no more trouble than usual.”

“That’s good to hear.” He smiled and you felt your heart skip a beat. Even after all this time, he still made you feel like this. Maybe fate really did have a hand in this meeting.

"I think she's blushing." You heard Jiro whisper to Saburo.

You touched your cheek, feeling its warmth. It got even warmer as you heard the two of them snickered at your reaction.

“So is Ichi-nii!” Saburo whispered back.

“Hey!” Ichiro whined, hiding his own red cheeks with his hands which made you laugh. He was still so easily flustered it seemed.

Saburo grinned before elbowing his oldest brother in the side. “Are you two ever going to confess your feelings to each other?”

You gasped. "What are you talking about?"

Ichiro started sputtering, eyes wide and frantic. “AH! It's nothing! Nothing at all!”

Now, you could go on pretending Saburo was just talking nonsense, but you knew you couldn't do that. He was a smart kid, who always knew what he was talking about. But you also couldn't hide your feelings anymore. You never knew when you would get another moment to do so. Taking Ichiro's hands, you looked him deep in his eyes and asked, “Ichiro, do you like me too?”

“I, um,” He paused. “Wait? Did you say "too”?“

You nodded. "Yes! I like you too! I’ve been meaning to tell you since before my family moved down to Yokohama and I never saw you again. Though I suppose there is no time like the present...”

After a brief pause of bewilderment, his face softened into a gentle smile. Moving so that it was now his hands holding onto yours, he gave them a small squeeze and said, “I’ve been meaning to tell you for the longest time too. After you moved away, I realized how much I missed you and how much I loved you. I was just so nervous to tell you. Not only that, but I didn’t want to do it over the phone. I wanted to confess to you in person. I’m so glad I finally got to.”

“Me too.” You mused.

“Yeah! Right in front of us too!” Jiro groaned. “You two are so gross!”

Saburo shrugged. “It could have been worse. At least they’re not kissing!”

You glanced at Ichiro. “I mean, we could.”

“Wha-Y/N!”

Laughing, you gave him a hug instead. “I’m just kidding.”

Upon entering their apartment, the two younger Yamada brothers were greeted with the smell of food. Jiro could feel his mouth water and Saburo closed his eyes and hummed in delight. It seemed their oldest brother was making dinner already. Which was good, as they were both starving.

“It smells amazing, Nii-chan.” Jiro called out, dropping his backpack off at the door.

Both brothers were surprised to see you peak around the corner with a cheerful smile. “I’m happy to hear it, Jiro. Ichiro stepped out for a minute, but he should be back soon. Dinner’s not ready yet, so the two of you have time to get started on your homework.”

“Ah, what?” Jiro whined, which made Saburo laugh.

“You need all the help you can, so you better get to work.”

“HUH? WHAT’S THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN?!”

“HEY!” You pointed the spoon you were cooking at them threateningly. “If you two are just going to cause trouble, you can take it outside. I just cleaned this place.”

Both boys dropped their fists and hung their heads. “We’re sorry.”

“Mhmm.” You tsked under your breath before returning to the stove. “Dinner should be ready to go in about twenty minutes. Ichiro should be back around that time, so let’s see how much you can get done in that time. Whoever gets the most work done will get extra dessert.”

That seemed to satisfy them both as they scrambled to get out their homework and get to work. You kept a chuckle to yourself as you continued cooking. It seemed the bargaining strategies you also used with Ichiro seemed to work with his brothers as well. You’d have to save this information for later so you could exploit the hell out of it.

As the twenty minutes passed by, you’d occasionally have to scold the boys for bickering too loudly, but it went pretty smoothly. Dinner smelled divine and you were ready to dish it out when the door to the apartment opened again.

“Ichi-nii! I got all of my homework done faster than Jiro!” Saburo called out to his oldest brother.

“HEY!” Jiro shot back at him. “I got all of my homework done too!”

“Not as fast as me. That means I’ll get more dessert tonight!”

“LIKE HELL!”

“WANNA PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS?!”

“GUYS!” Ichiro finally shouted over the two of them before sighing. “I’m proud of you both for getting your work done so quickly. But what do you mean extra dessert tonight?”

Saburo pointed to the kitchen, where you were finishing up dinner. “Y/n said.”

You weren’t really paying attention to the brothers behind you, which is why you jumped when you felt Ichiro hug you from behind, placing his head on your shoulder.

“Smells good, babe.”

“Good, I’m glad. If you want to help me serve it, I’ll give you some extra dessert tonight as well.”

He hummed against your shoulder, understanding your double entendre. “You always know exactly what to say. When the boys are in bed tonight, I’ll take that dessert.”

“Get a room, you two!” Jiro groaned.

You felt Ichiro tense against you and you laughed. “Don’t tell me the great Yamada Ichiro is embarrassed about a little playful teasing!”

“Shut up.”

“Alright, alright. Dinner is getting cold. So let’s eat!” 

Pulling away from Ichiro, you handed a plate to Saburo. Ichiro grabbed Jiro’s plate and the four of you ate together at the small kitchen table. Conversation came easy, as you all talked about your days and the new anime that was coming out in less than a month that all three boys were excited to start watching. Jiro was annoyed to see Saburo get his extra dessert, but you managed to sneak him some more when he flashed some pleading eyes. Ichiro winked at you but kept his mouth shut. 

Anyone outside looking in would think the four of you made a perfect family. And it was nights like this that made you believe the same. It really was the perfect night.

After watching some TV with the boys, Ichiro shooed Jiro and Saburo to bed. Of course they complained, but you simply told them that if they stayed, they’d have to watch you and Ichiro snuggle together. That easily got them off to bed without further delay.

When Ichiro was sure they wouldn’t be coming out anytime soon, he hovered over you. “So, about that extra dessert?”

You rolled your eyes. “You’re insatiable.”

“And you promised.”

“I suppose I did.” You pressed a kiss to his lips. “But I gotta say, tonight was the perfect night.”

He hummed against your lips, holding you close. “You’re right. Days like this, I think you’d be the perfect older sister to Jiro and Saburo.”

You chuckled. “Slow down, Ichi. Put a ring on it first and then we can talk about being the older sister to your brothers.”

“I intend to, someday.” He mumbled.

Despite what anyone says, Ichiro was not scared of her. No, never, not in a million years. He was Ichiro Yamada, manager of Odd-Jobs Yamada, a very prominent and respected business. There was no way he was scared of his new employee.

Which is why it confused his brothers to no end to see him practically cowering from her every time she so much as looked in his general direction. Ichiro was never like this, no matter where they were with him. Even amongst criminals and other dangerous people, he was as cool as a cucumber. Yet with her presence so much as in the same room as him, he was jittery and jumpy, as if a ghost were about to pop up out of nowhere and scare him right out of his skin.

“Are you okay, Ichi-nii?” Saburo asked as she was sent out of Ichiro’s office on an errand.

He was straightening up as he frowned. “I’m fine. Why do you ask?”

“You’ve been acting as if something, or rather someone, was out to get you.”

His big brother laughed, though it sounded strained. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’m completely fine. Hey, why don’t the three of us go and get dinner together? We haven’t done that in a while.”

Saburo nodded slowly, unsure of his brother’s odd behavior. “Sure, Ichi-nii…”

“Excellent! Sounds like a great idea!”

Saburo pursed his lips as the two of them grabbed Jiro and headed for the nearest convenience store. The two younger brother’s glanced at each other before staring at Ichiro. He still seemed a little shaken up about the whole interaction with her. And someone had to do something about it.

Of course, that someone was Saburo, as Jiro was too stupid to notice something wrong.

“So, tell me, what’s with you and the new employee?”

At his little brother’s direct question, Ichiro practically choked on his own saliva, then cleared his throat, and adjusted his clothes. It was at that moment that Saburo and Jiro’s suspicions were confirmed. Looking away from them, he answered, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Oh? I see.” Now, Saburo knew he was being mean, but he couldn’t help but tease his brother a little. If it would get him to stop being so weird around her, then he’d do whatever it took. “Because if I didn’t know any better, I would think you were afraid of her.”

“What?” Ichiro blurted out louder than he anticipated. “I am NOT afraid of her! I’m not afraid of anyone! What makes you think I’m afraid of her? Because I most definitely am not.”

“Right.” This time it was Jiro who spoke, letting out a chuckle as he sorted through the items on the shelves, trying to find something to eat and drink. “Because nothing you’ve said or done shows you have a crush on her, Nii-chan.”

“I do not!” He whined.

“Of course, of course.” Jiro assured him. “Nevertheless, she is nice. A real keeper, if you ask me.”

“Yeah she is…” Ichiro trailed off before snapping out of whatever lovesick haze he slipped into, and returning to gathering the food he needed. “I mean, she is nice and she’s been a very big help lately.”

“Mhmmm.” Saburo nodded, a coy smile worming its way onto his lips. “I’m glad you found someone like her.”

“No, no, no. Both of you are not going to be doing this.” Ichiro snapped, glaring accusingly between the two of them. “I’m putting a stop to this right now.”

“What are you stopping?” Saburo asked, feigning innocence, though the devilish twinkle in his eye made him anything but.

Ichiro gestured between his two scheming brothers, already feeling a headache coming on from their shenanigans. “Whatever you two are planning. You both are up to something and I don’t appreciate it. Y/n is a nice girl. You are not going to throw the two of us into some romance out of a light novel.”

“What made you think we were thinking of throwing you two into a romance out of a light novel?” Jiro challenged, crossing his arms over his chest smugly. “Maybe Saburo and I just wanted you to make new friends, that aren’t the two of us.”

Their big brother’s frustration faltered for a bit. “Really?”

“No, we want you two to make out already.” Saburo replied nonchalantly.

Choking on the air, Ichiro coughed out, “WHAT?”

“I mean not while we’re around. That would just be gross.”

“SABURO!”

The littlest brother sighed. “C’mon, Ichi-nii. We know you, or at least I do-”

“OI!”

“-And we know you like wearing your heart on your sleeve. And Y/n just amplifies those feelings by one hundred percent. Just admit you like her and we’ll leave you alone.”

Ichiro looked down at his food that he no longer wanted to eat. He didn’t know if he could admit that he liked Y/n. She was so different from his other crushes. She wasn’t someone throwing herself at him and she was everything he’s ever wanted in a girl. So why was he so nervous around her, unlike his other crushes? He knew she was a certain kind of special, but this was different. Y/n was different.

“Uh, Saburo, I think you broke him.” Jiro muttered.

Shaking his head, he said, “Y/n is different. She’s special. I’ve never met anyone like her and that makes it hard for me to approach her. She’s everything I’ve ever wanted and I’m just scared she’s not as perfect as my mind is subconsciously making her out to be.”

Saburo and Jiro shared a glance with each other. Jiro then asked, “Aren’t you overthinking this a little, Nii-chan?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean Y/n is your employee, but more importantly, she’s just a girl.” Saburo explained. “Just talk to her, get to know her a little better, and see if a relationship is possibly in the cards for the two of you before deciding on never approaching her for the rest of your life. Who knows, she might surprise you and be very approachable.”

He sighed, “I don’t know you guys.”

Someone tapped Ichiro on his shoulder. When he turned around, he could feel his face go pale. There was Y/n, in all her splendor and glory, a soft blush adorning her cheeks and a small note in her hand. Despite her fidgety fingers and the way she shifted her weight from foot to foot, she smiled dazzlingly bright at him.

“They’re right, you know. All you have to do is talk to me, Mr. Yamada. I’ve been told I’m very friendly and charming.” She explained, her glittering smile never disappearing from her face. 

She was like the sun at that very moment, that if he continued staring at her, he’d go blind from her brightness. Nevertheless, he kept her gaze, although words seemed to evade him. What could he say to his crush, especially since his brothers were right there? Any misstep and he’d be tormented for days, not only from his brothers, but from himself as well.

He cleared his throat. “Got it. I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Then, I hope you keep this number in mind as well.” She chirped, handing him the little note in her hand. She then bowed respectively before departing, calling over her shoulder, “I’ll see you later, Mr. Ichiro.”

As soon as she was out of sight and out of hearing range, Jiro and Saburo instantly asked him about the paper. Upon opening it, he saw her number, printed in red gel pen and a message asking him to dinner tomorrow night at eight. As soon as his brothers saw that message, there were wolf whistles and soft teases. But he didn’t pay them any attention.

No, Ichiro was just so happy that he finally got his wish. He finally scored a date with his crush. Quickly he put her number in his contacts before texting her that dinner sounded perfect. His brothers then tried to get some details about the date, but again, he just tuned them out. His heart was beating erratically and his palms were sweating like crazy, but that wasn’t what mattered. What mattered is that he wasn’t afraid anymore.

You smirked as you circled around your boyfriend, your camera in your hand. You had asked him to help your friend model some clothes she made and who asked you to take pictures for her website. Her hope was that her work could be picked up by a major fashion magazine and you were more than happy to help! When she asked if you knew of anyone who would be a perfect model, your first thought was your boyfriend, and she instantly agreed.

In the beginning, Ichiro wasn’t going to be a part of the photoshoot, suggesting that Ramuda or Hifumi would be a better fit for what you  were looking for in a model. But after some serious begging on your part, he finally relented. Of course, you did promise him a month of cuddles while watching anime, no questions asked. However, you worked in a stipulation that he had to be expressly clear about the kind of anime you were watching when you cuddled. You weren't about to go into any of those shows blind.

Now he was standing before you in the first outfit your friend picked out, looking like a whole meal right before your eyes. You started to tsk under your breath. “Goodness graciousness. Ichiro Yamada in a leather jacket and ripped jeans. How scandalous. Do your brothers know you’re out here with your knees exposed like that?”

He scoffed, his arms crossed over his chest. “What they don't know won't kill them."

"You do realize these photos are going on the internet right?"

"You said it was just a fun little photoshoot! No one said anything about the internet!"

You shrugged, a devious smile playing at the corners of your mouth. "You should have known better. Now your brothers are going to see your knees in all their glory."

He groaned. "Would you stop teasing already?”

You gave a short chuckle before nodding, crossing your heart in promise. “Fine, whatever you say. But for what it’s worth, you do look good. In fact, you look almost too good.”

While Ichiro rolled his eyes, a dark blush adorned his cheeks. “If you’re trying to flirt with me, it’s not working.”

“No?” You slightly pouted before taking a step closer. “How about this: pretty boy, you look so good it makes me wonder just how good you would look without your shirt on.”

He started to choke on his own breath and tugged at his collar, his cheeks turning an even darker shade of red. “Shouldn’t you be taking pictures already?”

You sighed. “You’re right, you’re right. Now stand over there and pose.”

Walking over to where you were pointing, he looked at the painted wall behind him. You smiled before answering his unasked question. “My other friend, the one who isn’t the designer, painted that.”

“You’re friends with a lot of artists aren’t you?” He mused.

Nodding you started to snap some candid shots of him. “Yeah, it runs in our circle of friends. That makes you our singer, you know.”

"Gee, happy to help." He rolled his eyes.

You scoffed as you continued snapping pictures. “You’re lucky I love you because you’re kind of dumb.”

“Ouch.” He placed a hand over his chest. “I am hurt.”

Laughing, you moved the camera from your eye and pursed your lips. Ichiro looked at you quizzically, and you explained that it was time to take more professional looking shots, instead of candid ones. As you chewed on your bottom lip, you went through your mental catalog of poses, trying to figure out which one would be good with this outfit.

“Hey, Emiko?" You called out to your fashion designer friend. “Hand me my fish eye lens, please.”

“Isn’t that something you can do in post?” Ichiro asked as she handed you the lens that you attached to your camera.

“Yeah, but I want to see what it looks like now.” You crouched down and started to adjust the settings of your camera as you said, “Now go to that corner and act like you’re having fun.”

And he did just that. At first, his posture was stiff and a bit awkward, which you completely understood. He's never really seen you in photographer mode before. While the two of you have taken a lot of selfies and polaroids together, this was different, more professional. Besides, these pictures were going on your friends website. She needed to make them look good, all though you constantly assured her that it was your job to make the photos look good. Nevertheless, you were determined to get Ichiro to enjoy the session as much as possible. The more you talked to him and cracked jokes, the more he loosened up. 

When you were done with that outfit, Emiko handed him the next one and told him that the next location would be on the white wall a couple feet away. He nodded and started to head for the backroom. However, you decided to tease him just a little bit more, though you swore you wouldn't.

“HEY YOU KNOW YOU CAN CHANGE HERE. THERE’S NO SHAME AND NOTHING TO HIDE.”

Ichiro’s ears turned a bright shade of red as he whipped around to face you. You were laughing your head off as Emiko giggled. He scowled before racing into the backroom to change.

“You’re so mean to him.” Emiko exclaimed when your boyfriend was gone.

Shrugging, you replied. “Yeah but it’s all in good fun. Besides, I’m going to treat him to dinner and a movie marathon after this for all his hard work.”

“I said I’d pay you both!”

“And that money is going towards food!” You shot back with a smile. "But I need to reward my baby double for all of his hard work he's done today.”

"You're so good to him."

You sighed with a teasing smile. "Sometimes I think I'm too good to him."

The door to the backroom opened and Ichiro came out in the next outfit. You had him pose against the white wall, taking lots of pictures in different poses. He seemed a lot more relaxed in front of the camera now, which made you glad he was enjoying himself. You couldn’t wait to surprise him later tonight. However you still had to play one more trick on him.

“Alright now take off your shirt!”