[ Because Tsukasa is Tsukasa, he won’t be diving into anyone’s bed just to greet them in their birthday. He did thought the idea of waking up to a birthday greeting to be a sweet gesture though, so he wants to give Leo the same experience. Problem is he didn't take into account that not everyone wakes in the same routine manner as he does. He excitedly peeks into Leo’s room that morning and waits until he wakes up but he just... kept sleeping. Huh. Was he up composing all night again? If that’s the case, then he can’t wake him up because he needs the rest. But then Tsukasa has errands to attend to so it’s not like he can just keep waiting around.
And so, when Leo wakes up he will find that: 1) he’s properly covered with a blanket now because it fell off while he was asleep, 2) his room is cleaned up and his scores all arranged on his desk, and 3) there’s a letter on top of it. ]
Leo-san,
If you are reading this letter, then I am probably gone and have returned back home.
...Fufu, did I scare you? Apologies, it is but a petty revenge for making me wait for you to wake up. And also a punishment for the terrible state of your room. I have something to attend to but I wanted you to receive a greeting as soon as you wake up, hence this letter. I truly wish I can give you a better gift – I cannot compose and arrange a song as you did for my birthday, and I don’t even have the resources to buy you something valuable. However, this is something I remember seeing from a commoner drama I’ve watched back then and thought you might appreciate the novelty of it. Attached is a voucher I have made myself. You can use it to make one request that I shall fulfill to the best of my abilities, no questions asked! Do keep in mind that it’s valid only for today.
Of course there are limitations to this voucher. For example, you are not allowed to leave Knights. Please keep your wish within reasonable means.
Happy birthday, Leo-san. ♪ I am grateful that you were born and that I have met you.
[ Actually, he probably did it this way because he doesn’t want to get all sappy in front of him. Or maybe I'm just dramatic. He’ll return in like, an hour idk. Leo can use the time to think of how he wants to use his gift. ]
[ Cheeky...but please don't joke about returning home, he'd be lonely! He loves everyone here, of course, but Tsukasa gets the most love of all for being one of his precious Knights. Still, a voucher for ~anything~, huh...? One request?
Anyway when Tsukasa returns he's getting tackled ]
[ And he gets tackled indeed, dropping all the little supplies he just got. Most of it are just paper, markers, and different sweets though (truly the basics of living). He makes his usual beleaguered noise, as is the norm when Leo is being Leo. ]
Urk– Why am I being attacked again? Did you hate my gift that much...
[ Super ominous. He'll just give him a look of suspicion, as if trying to read what he's thinking. ]
If you are just planning to rephrase "leaving Knights" in some other convoluted way, then I wouldn't allow that as well.
[ So it's really just the limit, it seems? He isn't really thinking too much about it when he gave that gift, he just thought Leo would ask like "don't nag me today" or something. ]
This line of questioning truly does not inspire confidence in me... yet I should think to take back a gift that was already given would be the height of insolence.
[ Grumble, grumble. ]
...fine, I promise to honor what it is you'll wish for.
Oh, so you're going back on your word~? I see, you're a weak Knight like that. ♪
[ Help the shade... ]
After all, if you were really going to listen to any one demand, wouldn't giving back that crown for a day be acceptable~? You said the only thing I couldn't do was leave Knights?
[ Oh, double pause? His face actually crumples at that. ]
To say such a thing... Is this just a roundabout way of saying you are dissatisfied with my rule? If you have grievances with me, I should hope we can put that aside for now since I just wanted to celebrate your birthday properly.
[ Because you struck him in a weak spot, meanie. :( Anyway, his eternal undoing: always wanting to grant what he promised. ]
The voucher is valid. It would be shameful for a Suou to go back on his word otherwise. [ Being bossed around by seniors isn't anything new anyway... It can't be that bad? ] Leo-san's every order is absolute. For today only, as decreed.
[ I see, you're turning him into a personal maid. He would've complained at this but that's eclipsed by something much more remarkable about this request, namely: ]
Oh? What a pleasant surprise. Leo-san who always forgets to eat a proper meal is asking for one. Well then, this Suou Tsukasa shall gladly grant your wish!
Something tasty... How do you feel about French toast? Admittedly my skills in the kitchen aren't up to par for more complicated dishes, but I can do this much. Ah, but it's your birthday so it has to be extra special! Perhaps whipped cream and some fruit slices... Maybe an ice cream scoop or two... ♪
[ You know he doesn't half-ass anything. The quality of the French toast will still be up in the air, though. Lower your expectations. Anyway, heading to the kitchen, putting on an apron, checking supplies. Sit there and be a good birthday boy. ]
I imagine that's what happens when you stay up too late working. It is not as if we have immediate work to attend to here, so can't you use the time to cultivate a healthier sleeping schedule?
[ See, this is why you should've wished for 'no scolding' instead. ]
[ No, his expectations remain high! He's not gonna be that picky though? Leo will take a seat, crossing his arms to rest his head on them as he watches. ]
Hm....? Why would I wanna do that? I sleep when I'm sleepy! I'm awake when I'm not! Why would you try to go against what nature tells you?
Because we are humans who, unlike other living creatures, can actually go against nature and discipline ourselves to develop better habits?
[ Anyway, progress update: It's... going? He's actually focused on this. Batter made, bread slices dipped, frying... All the while, he looks like the bread is going to fight him. Why's he holding the spatula like he's fencing? ]
...I imagine you would want coffee with this as well?
[ Why DOES he look like he's battling the food. Cute, but silly. Sena and Rittsu always look so at ease when they're cooking, but Suo definitely doesn't find it natural, does he? ]
Ah, well, excuse me. I would assume you'd just be happy by the fact that I tried making it for you to begin with!
[ Tone defensive, mostly. He knows he's bad, but you don't have to say it upfront! Also, another progress update: the toast slices are on the plate now and he's rummaging through their supplies for toppings to garnish it with. Leo did say feed him something tasty, so. ]
Besides, the first few attempts of anything always tend to not come out perfect anyway. Someday, I will get your coffee right and you will eat your words.
Huh~? I was happy! But that doesn't mean you're good at it. ♪ But if you wanna keep trying, I'm fine with that~?
[ He will just keep being honest about the results, though, much like he was honest about Tsukasa's dancing skills way back at the start of the younger idol's tenure in Knights. ]
[ ? Why would Leo be happy if he did badly, he is a bit confused admittedly. Was he not being reprimanded? Anyway, his breakfast is long overdue now because of Tsukasa's yapping. He'll serve it so hurry back to the table.
It's... a lot! Three slices of French toast, a generous dose of whipped cream, a now-melting vanilla ice cream scoop. Some fruits slices, a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Why is there a random tea leaf? (Hush, it's for garnish, chefs do it like this sometimes.) There's clearly effort put in the presentation, at least. ]
Of course it goes without saying that I'll keep trying! But that aside, for now I shall banish my coffee-making blunders from your thoughts with this special birthday breakfast! ♪ Let it be known that I, Tsukasa Suou, have adequately fulfilled your first order of the day.
This is a once-a-yea– no, perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity even! So do savor it to the fullest.
[ It will taste decent, barring a few slightly burnt parts; it should be hard to mess up anyway. Really the only criticism here is why did he put so many things on top of it... Maybe Leo can just separate the toast from everything else if he wants to escape the teeth-rotting stuff. ]
[ Because someone you love doing a nice thing for you is nice! It's not rocket science, Tsukasa. Leo won't lie and say that it was great but he'll appreciate the effort regardless.
Also this is so much. Did Tsukasa make a portion for himself or did he forget that? Leo made himself coffee (black) and Tsukasa tea (overly sweet by his own tastes but probably what Tsukasa drinks when Sena isn't looking). ]
Once in a lifetime~? So you already regret that present, huh? ♪ What a treasonous thing to say today!
[ Sorry, he thinks he has value only if he's doing well. This is why he does better with direct praises. But ooh, Leo made him tea after all! He beams at it, wrapping his hands around the mug to soak in its warmth first. ]
Not at all? I only meant that next time, you won't catch me off guard with your "wishing for more wishes" loophole and thus can't waste your voucher on mundane requests like this. I certainly don't plan to fall for the same trick twice.
[ So there's a next time planned already? And he might have forgotten to make a portion for himself. But this isn't about him! He has tea for now; he can make himself something less elaborate later. ]
[ What a dork. Leo takes a bite of the toast after cutting of a piece with his fork that isn't totally soaked in stuff and spearing some strawberry with it. Why didn't he make his own... ]
Ah, so you can't think of a different present at all~? I see, I see!
[ The shade...
He puts a bigger bite on his fork with some ice cream and then holds it out. ]
[ Well, if he’s going to throw shade like that, Tsukasa’s just going to take it as a challenge? He’ll start planning Leo's next birthday gift as early as now. He won't lose so don't underestimate him?! (what's he fighting here exactly) ]
...what is it? I won't eat your food, you know? That would beat the purpose of serving it to you as part of my gift. Just because I was looking does not mean I want a bite! Rather, I was just observing your reaction closely so I can better gauge if it was to your liking or if any adjustments–
[ Doth protest too much. But then he sees the melting ice cream on the brink of dripping to the table and he can't let food go to waste, surely not! So he ends up taking the bite anyway. That's the only reason? Shut up?
He grumbles at it, as if warning Leo for a scolding that will come after he's done chewing. But eventually, his face relaxes to a smile instead... Why is he so easy when it comes to food. ]
be normal abt this leo i swear
And so, when Leo wakes up he will find that: 1) he’s properly covered with a blanket now because it fell off while he was asleep, 2) his room is cleaned up and his scores all arranged on his desk, and 3) there’s a letter on top of it. ]
[ Actually, he probably did it this way because he doesn’t want to get all sappy in front of him. Or maybe I'm just dramatic. He’ll return in like, an hour idk. Leo can use the time to think of how he wants to use his gift. ]
ignores that - though he hasn't been weird Yet
Anyway when Tsukasa returns he's getting tackled ]
i'm watching him
Urk– Why am I being attacked again? Did you hate my gift that much...
out of love or fear
[ What an ominous fucking question...but also he's just going to keep clinging here. HI. ]
yes
If you are just planning to rephrase "leaving Knights" in some other convoluted way, then I wouldn't allow that as well.
[ So it's really just the limit, it seems? He isn't really thinking too much about it when he gave that gift, he just thought Leo would ask like "don't nag me today" or something. ]
<3
[ He has an Idea. ]
sighs he's too Proper to not fall for these things...
[ Grumble, grumble. ]
...fine, I promise to honor what it is you'll wish for.
help him
[ Wait for it ]
"Leo-san's every order is absolute~!"
[ Idiot king didn't say u couldn't wish for more wishes or loophole like this...bye ]
oh my god i hate him
Obviously you can't wish for more wishes! That just makes a mockery of the entire thing!
[ And so we begin... ]
do you really
[ Help the shade... ]
After all, if you were really going to listen to any one demand, wouldn't giving back that crown for a day be acceptable~? You said the only thing I couldn't do was leave Knights?
answer unclear
To say such a thing... Is this just a roundabout way of saying you are dissatisfied with my rule? If you have grievances with me, I should hope we can put that aside for now since I just wanted to celebrate your birthday properly.
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[ Anyway, he's not taking this response that seriously lmfao. He's said time and again he doesn't want to be the king and that's still true.
He just wants to boss Tsukasa around for a day. ]
Is the voucher good or not, Suo~?
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The voucher is valid. It would be shameful for a Suou to go back on his word otherwise. [ Being bossed around by seniors isn't anything new anyway... It can't be that bad? ] Leo-san's every order is absolute. For today only, as decreed.
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Then~ the first order~! [ Are u ready for this ] Feed me something tasty for breakfast!
[ Wow. Difficult. ]
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Oh? What a pleasant surprise. Leo-san who always forgets to eat a proper meal is asking for one. Well then, this Suou Tsukasa shall gladly grant your wish!
Something tasty... How do you feel about French toast? Admittedly my skills in the kitchen aren't up to par for more complicated dishes, but I can do this much. Ah, but it's your birthday so it has to be extra special! Perhaps whipped cream and some fruit slices... Maybe an ice cream scoop or two... ♪
[ Tsukasa, this is breakfast. ]
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Hm~? Well, I'm hungry right now, so why not! You can make whatever you think fits.
[ He tbh assumed they'd just order something but Tsukasa cooking sounds fun so he won't clarify. ]
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I imagine that's what happens when you stay up too late working. It is not as if we have immediate work to attend to here, so can't you use the time to cultivate a healthier sleeping schedule?
[ See, this is why you should've wished for 'no scolding' instead. ]
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Hm....? Why would I wanna do that? I sleep when I'm sleepy! I'm awake when I'm not! Why would you try to go against what nature tells you?
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Because we are humans who, unlike other living creatures, can actually go against nature and discipline ourselves to develop better habits?
[ Anyway, progress update: It's... going? He's actually focused on this. Batter made, bread slices dipped, frying... All the while, he looks like the bread is going to fight him. Why's he holding the spatula like he's fencing? ]
...I imagine you would want coffee with this as well?
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I can make it.
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Oh, you will? How surprisingly helpful! Please make me tea as well.
[ The voucher doesn't excuse you from receiving orders, too, apparently? ]
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[ Just outright shading the king, here...but Leo slides off his chair to go and heat the water, at least. ]
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[ Tone defensive, mostly. He knows he's bad, but you don't have to say it upfront! Also, another progress update: the toast slices are on the plate now and he's rummaging through their supplies for toppings to garnish it with. Leo did say feed him something tasty, so. ]
Besides, the first few attempts of anything always tend to not come out perfect anyway. Someday, I will get your coffee right and you will eat your words.
[ Was it that serious? ]
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[ He will just keep being honest about the results, though, much like he was honest about Tsukasa's dancing skills way back at the start of the younger idol's tenure in Knights. ]
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It's... a lot! Three slices of French toast, a generous dose of whipped cream, a now-melting vanilla ice cream scoop. Some fruits slices, a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Why is there a random tea leaf? (Hush, it's for garnish, chefs do it like this sometimes.) There's clearly effort put in the presentation, at least. ]
Of course it goes without saying that I'll keep trying! But that aside, for now I shall banish my coffee-making blunders from your thoughts with this special birthday breakfast! ♪ Let it be known that I, Tsukasa Suou, have adequately fulfilled your first order of the day.
This is a once-a-yea– no, perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity even! So do savor it to the fullest.
[ It will taste decent, barring a few slightly burnt parts; it should be hard to mess up anyway. Really the only criticism here is why did he put so many things on top of it... Maybe Leo can just separate the toast from everything else if he wants to escape the teeth-rotting stuff. ]
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Also this is so much. Did Tsukasa make a portion for himself or did he forget that? Leo made himself coffee (black) and Tsukasa tea (overly sweet by his own tastes but probably what Tsukasa drinks when Sena isn't looking). ]
Once in a lifetime~? So you already regret that present, huh? ♪ What a treasonous thing to say today!
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Not at all? I only meant that next time, you won't catch me off guard with your "wishing for more wishes" loophole and thus can't waste your voucher on mundane requests like this. I certainly don't plan to fall for the same trick twice.
[ So there's a next time planned already? And he might have forgotten to make a portion for himself. But this isn't about him! He has tea for now; he can make himself something less elaborate later. ]
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Ah, so you can't think of a different present at all~? I see, I see!
[ The shade...
He puts a bigger bite on his fork with some ice cream and then holds it out. ]
Say "ahhh"!
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...what is it? I won't eat your food, you know? That would beat the purpose of serving it to you as part of my gift. Just because I was looking does not mean I want a bite! Rather, I was just observing your reaction closely so I can better gauge if it was to your liking or if any adjustments–
[ Doth protest too much. But then he sees the melting ice cream on the brink of dripping to the table and he can't let food go to waste, surely not! So he ends up taking the bite anyway. That's the only reason? Shut up?
He grumbles at it, as if warning Leo for a scolding that will come after he's done chewing. But eventually, his face relaxes to a smile instead... Why is he so easy when it comes to food. ]