[As a type that generally avoids crowds and dislikes breeding germ breeding grounds, he makes it a point to remain home when he can. That he agreed to a date beyond the walls of his home was telling, even if Ushijima had no idea about it. A dinner date isn't exactly Sakusa's favorite (who knows who could be spitting in their food), but he wasn't about to refute Ushijima's offer. It's only a small part that didn't want to hurt Ushijima's feelings, a larger part knew that Ushijima wouldn't take offense if Sakusa said anything. No, the reason for Sakusa agreeing to this date is more calculated than that: this date has to be outside so that everybody can see they belong to each other. He doesn't need their validation, but it'd be nice if gossip magazines could stop prying into their romantic lives and suggesting that Sakusa is flirting with some up-and-coming model-actress or (worse) Atsumu.
And so, determined to make the best of this opportunity, Sakusa may have or may have not spent the better part of the day stressing over every little detail. He spends the better part of the day researching date night outfits and mixing and matching every single item of clothing in his closet, dismissing every ensemble. Most of his looks are too casual, and he doesn't want to wear the stuffy suit he wears to PR events, even if his intentions are a bit along the same lines. Eventually he settles on a black-on-black combination of his favorite button-up, a wool jacket, and cloth mask he only wears on special occasions. He even bothers to wear a belt and tie to make the outfit look more elevated, small details that he wouldn't pay any mind to if this were a date with anybody else. There's also a surprise beneath his shirt as Sakusa flattens his button-up and smirks to himself in front of the mirror, but Ushijima will just have to discover that later.
Sakusa had spent every second leading up to the date researching the Dos and Do Nots of dating, finding that most of the advice is vague, unhelpful, or doesn't apply to him, considering he and Ushijima are both men. That's why it's a bit of a shock when he arrives and instantly sees Ushijima sporting a dramatic bouquet of roses. It's exactly like the dating advice he read, both flattering and unnecessary. Sakusa winces as he approaches, shoulders squared as if braced for a fight. He's not the type that likes people noticing him and right now, everybody is staring. Suddenly he's having doubts in his plan. Can he really go through with this?]
Wakatoshi. You look nice.
[That part is true. If they weren't in public, Sakusa might tug him by the collar and climb into his lap, mind suddenly addled with crazy thoughts like cradling Ushijima's face in his hands and the desire to mess up that perfect coif. He's looking forward to peeling off every layer later, though he's extremely appreciative of the look in front of him.
But there's no ignoring the elephant in the room, and Sakusa turns his attention to the flowers with a squint. After a tense moment that's only suitable for stand offs, Sakusa accepts them gingerly. For the plan, of course. He holds them like a torch, making the flowers look more awkward than when Ushijima was holding them purposefully.]
Flowers again. [He looks at them, pinchfaced.] They're bigger than last time.
[He doesn't bother saying thanks, because really he's not sure if he's thankful for them. But he is thankful for Ushijima's effort, and that warrants reward. He tugs at Ushijima's sweater shyly before deciding to be bold. It lasts only a moment, pulling down his mask, pecking Ushijima on the cheek, and pulling his mask up again. Even if his intention is to make their relationship public, anybody watching might have missed it if they blinked.]
I can see you tried hard to please me. Let's go.
[As they make their way into the restaurant, Sakusa comes to the conclusion that he's used to being watched, but not like this. He doesn't really care about spectators when he plays volleyball anyway, too focused on himself, the ball, and the team on the other side of the net. The attention right now is entirely different, so Sakusa really has to push himself to relax, shoulders still stiff. Both to show off and seek refuse, he slips his free hand in the bent crook of Ushijima's arm, just barely leaning into him.
Whether Sakusa likes it or not, he's in the thick of it now. If he had it his way, it'd just be him and Wakatoshi. Nevertheless, he's trying his best since he can clearly tell Ushijima gave it his all. The restaurant is spotless and spread out, providing enough privacy to each table that Sakusa loosens up a bit. If he leans closer to Ushijima in the process, well there's no helping that.
They're discreetly ushered to their table, and the host is paid well enough not to make a comment on the clients or their flowers. Sakusa does the honors of holding out Ushijima's chair, carefully using a pocket hanky so he doesn't have to touch it directly, and then takes the seat across from Ushijima. Sakusa wouldn't choose to eat out, but if he has to, he could do a lot worse than this place. He wonders, for a moment, if it was difficult to find a place that would make Sakusa feel comfortable and appreciates Ushijima all the more for it. A quick glance at the menu and his eyebrows shoot up.]
This place is expensive. Places like this usually serve really small portions... Was it hard to get a reservation?
no subject
And so, determined to make the best of this opportunity, Sakusa may have or may have not spent the better part of the day stressing over every little detail. He spends the better part of the day researching date night outfits and mixing and matching every single item of clothing in his closet, dismissing every ensemble. Most of his looks are too casual, and he doesn't want to wear the stuffy suit he wears to PR events, even if his intentions are a bit along the same lines. Eventually he settles on a black-on-black combination of his favorite button-up, a wool jacket, and cloth mask he only wears on special occasions. He even bothers to wear a belt and tie to make the outfit look more elevated, small details that he wouldn't pay any mind to if this were a date with anybody else. There's also a surprise beneath his shirt as Sakusa flattens his button-up and smirks to himself in front of the mirror, but Ushijima will just have to discover that later.
Sakusa had spent every second leading up to the date researching the Dos and Do Nots of dating, finding that most of the advice is vague, unhelpful, or doesn't apply to him, considering he and Ushijima are both men. That's why it's a bit of a shock when he arrives and instantly sees Ushijima sporting a dramatic bouquet of roses. It's exactly like the dating advice he read, both flattering and unnecessary. Sakusa winces as he approaches, shoulders squared as if braced for a fight. He's not the type that likes people noticing him and right now, everybody is staring. Suddenly he's having doubts in his plan. Can he really go through with this?]
Wakatoshi. You look nice.
[That part is true. If they weren't in public, Sakusa might tug him by the collar and climb into his lap, mind suddenly addled with crazy thoughts like cradling Ushijima's face in his hands and the desire to mess up that perfect coif. He's looking forward to peeling off every layer later, though he's extremely appreciative of the look in front of him.
But there's no ignoring the elephant in the room, and Sakusa turns his attention to the flowers with a squint. After a tense moment that's only suitable for stand offs, Sakusa accepts them gingerly. For the plan, of course. He holds them like a torch, making the flowers look more awkward than when Ushijima was holding them purposefully.]
Flowers again. [He looks at them, pinchfaced.] They're bigger than last time.
[He doesn't bother saying thanks, because really he's not sure if he's thankful for them. But he is thankful for Ushijima's effort, and that warrants reward. He tugs at Ushijima's sweater shyly before deciding to be bold. It lasts only a moment, pulling down his mask, pecking Ushijima on the cheek, and pulling his mask up again. Even if his intention is to make their relationship public, anybody watching might have missed it if they blinked.]
I can see you tried hard to please me. Let's go.
[As they make their way into the restaurant, Sakusa comes to the conclusion that he's used to being watched, but not like this. He doesn't really care about spectators when he plays volleyball anyway, too focused on himself, the ball, and the team on the other side of the net. The attention right now is entirely different, so Sakusa really has to push himself to relax, shoulders still stiff. Both to show off and seek refuse, he slips his free hand in the bent crook of Ushijima's arm, just barely leaning into him.
Whether Sakusa likes it or not, he's in the thick of it now. If he had it his way, it'd just be him and Wakatoshi. Nevertheless, he's trying his best since he can clearly tell Ushijima gave it his all. The restaurant is spotless and spread out, providing enough privacy to each table that Sakusa loosens up a bit. If he leans closer to Ushijima in the process, well there's no helping that.
They're discreetly ushered to their table, and the host is paid well enough not to make a comment on the clients or their flowers. Sakusa does the honors of holding out Ushijima's chair, carefully using a pocket hanky so he doesn't have to touch it directly, and then takes the seat across from Ushijima. Sakusa wouldn't choose to eat out, but if he has to, he could do a lot worse than this place. He wonders, for a moment, if it was difficult to find a place that would make Sakusa feel comfortable and appreciates Ushijima all the more for it. A quick glance at the menu and his eyebrows shoot up.]
This place is expensive. Places like this usually serve really small portions... Was it hard to get a reservation?