I feel like there’s a lot of pressure to make a good Kanji and Naoto headcanon today.  I had an idea of like, crazy into Valentine’s Day Kanji, but realized that it’s reversed in Japan so that would have to be for White Day?  I guess? 

That, and I thought of something else that might be a tad bit sweeter?  I hope?  Anyhow, Happy day of chocolates and things  :)

Warnings:  Sap, older Kanji and Naoto

***

The front of the shop is an organized mess of pinks, reds, and scattered hearts.  The front window is a collage of puppies, bunny rabbits, and kitties, each one extra fluffy to make Valentine’s Day special.  It’s the busiest time of year for Tatsumi Textiles, Kanji’s knitted and friendly critters extra popular as Yasogami High girls take on the daunting task of deciding between Ruff Ruff, Pinky, or the Gentleman Cat Waffles.  It’s a fine balance of not wanting to give him something too girly, but giving him something that shows your feelings.

Kanji’s glad he doesn’t have to deal with that now.

It’s the day before Valentine’s Day and the shop is flooded with people.  It’s a strange sense of nostalgia seeing the old uniform, he hasn’t needed to wear it for about four years now and has completely immersed himself in sewing the cutest things he can come up with.  His mother walks over to him, all elderly smiles and care, as she puts a gentle hand on his arm, “It’s time, isn’t it?”

Kanji looks at his watch and his eyes widen, “Shit, you’re right!"  After all these years he still can’t control his language or the volume of his voice, "It’s really busy right now though…”

“I can handle the shop, go on.”

“Thanks Ma.”

Kanji ducks away from the counter and heads in back to use the computer.  Once upon a time such things weren’t needed at the shop, but with the popularity of his creations, having internet access has been a godsend.  A couple of clicks is all it takes to boot up the chat window and, right on time, he’s greeted with her smiling face.

“Hey,” he says, not able to stop smiling himself.

“Good afternoon.  I was afraid you would be too busy.”

“Naw, my Ma said she could handle things for a bit.”

“Ah.”

After all these years and he still gets those silly little flutters in his stomach whenever he sees her face.  Naoto Shirogane.  The high school crush that wasn’t supposed to go as far as it did.  He still wonders how the hell they’ve gotten to the point of being classified as a couple, but the smile on her face makes him thankful for it every single day.

“So how’s the case comin’ along?”

Naoto rolls her eyes, “This department is packed with imbeciles,” an old insult, yes, but it still applies to things in her life today, “It is taking much longer than it needs to.”

“Oh… so I guess ya won’t be here tomorrow?”

Naoto frowns, “… I am trying my best, but…”

“It’s cool,” he’s perfected the fine art of controlling the tightness of his voice whenever Naoto’s job prevents her from doing the simple things couples take for granted, “We’ll celebrate later, yeah?”

“I actually sent your gift already,” she says, “It should arrive tomorrow.”

Kanji smiles, “Thanks,” but deep down he’d much rather have her there with him.  It’s rare that they get any sort of holiday together.  He really wants to have a talk with the criminals of the world and ask them to not be assholes around holiday seasons.

“I should probably let you get back out there.  We can talk later, o.k.?”

“Huh?  But my Ma-”

“It is fine, honest.  I love you,” then the screen turns black.

Kanji frowns.  What was that all about just now?

***

Valentine’s Day is full of the last minute shoppers who whine to him about certain animals not being available.  He’s practiced the “Waffles is our most popular item” speech a thousand times, but no matter how well he nails it, it doesn’t stop the frustrations of the female customer. 

It doesn’t help that he isn’t in the greatest of moods to begin with. 

He understands the necessities of being a detective, but it doesn’t stop him from being irritated at the girls who don’t seem to realize how lucky they are about being able to even see their special someones, let alone give them some stuffed kitty cat. 

A knock on the shop door and a cry of “Delivery!” pulls Kanji out of his thoughts.  He’s more than happy to step away from the crowd of girls, one trying to convince the other that Ruff Ruff is a cute dog and that he’ll be just as good as Waffles.

Despite her not being there, it is pretty sweet that she took the time to send him a gift.  It’s probably some random gadget she put together like the watch he wears around his wrist.  When he gets to the door the delivery person hands him a clipboard, “Sign here, please.”

“Sure,” he takes the clipboard and signs it before he hands it back, “So… where’s my package?”

The delivery person removes the cap from their head and smiles up at Kanji, “Right here.”

Kanji realizes, much later, that his reaction was probably terribly embarrassing.  Hugging his girlfriend in front of a shop full of people is one thing, but lifting her in his arms and spinning her around with a cry of “Naoto!” is a bit over the top.  Somehow, she doesn’t seem to mind, laughing and smiling with him as the shop of girls start clapping, letting out cries of how sweet! and oh, so romantic!  

“Come on,” Naoto says once he finally sets her down, “I have a whole day planned.”

“But… the shop-”

“Your mother is watching it.  I have already spoken to her.”

“What?!"  That Kanji Tatsumi temper is starting to flare up again, "She didn’t tell me that at all!”

“That was the point.”

“Still!”

Naoto can’t help herself, a bright smile on her face as she starts laughing, “Kanji!”

“And you!  How dare you not tell me you were surprisin’ me!”

“What kind of sense does that even make?!”

“It-”

“Now now, Kanji,” his mother says, walking over to the two of them, “If you spend the whole time arguing you won’t even get to enjoy the day.”

“… whatever,” he mutters, but it’s hard to miss how happy he looks, “… but… n-next time, tell me about these things!  Both of you!”

Both Naoto and Kanji’s mother nod, speaking at the same time, “Of course,” before exchanging looks with one another.  Kanji pretends like he doesn’t notice and walks out of the shop with Naoto, not letting go of her hand as he – for the first time in a long while – gets to enjoy a holiday with his girlfriend.

***

Notes:  Randomly, Waffles the Cat is a real thing.  He’s the most adorable cat ever.  Fun fact: he belongs to my old college roommate who is super awesome  :)