An Aside: Love and Marriage

[formerhikikomori]

Serizawa's fingers trembled as they hovered over his cell phone screen. He bit his lower lip as growing perspiration gathered at either temple. He swallowed, hard enough that he almost felt like he was choking, then pressed the pads of his fingers against the screen.

Have any of you been married before?

His fingers moved nimbly across the screen when he finally built up the resolve to type the words out, but now, his fingers hovered over the Send button just as they had hovered over the screen for a full minute a few moments before.

This time, he punched his pad down before he had the chance to regret it. The message went out to the Claw group chat. Desperate to not think about it any further, he shoved his phone deep into his pocket and went back to working on his homework.

Comments

[mp_multilocation]

Shimazaki's response was immediate. Oh, yeah.

[formerhikikomori]

Despite his insistence that he was going to ignore his phone for the time being, Serizawa's hand was on his phone in a flash. His eyes scrambled over Serizawa's short response. His heart stopped. That was more than a surprise to Serizawa. It was a shock.

You were?

[minegishitoshiki]

Minegishi rolled their eyes at the thread. Not just at Serizawa, but at Shimazaki's response as well.

Don't mess with him they typed back in a text directly to Shimazaki. Then:

He's going to believe it

[mp_multilocation]

OK I lied. Sorry. Even over text the lack of remorse was obvious. And even if he'd calmed down, he wasn't one to pass up an opportunity to tease their resident gentle giant.

Hatori responded with a meme that, even with image to text to voice assistance, Shimazaki didn't understand the meaning of whatsoever.

You have more long-term relationship experience than any of us. You know that, right? We should all be asking you for advice.

[clawpatrol]

Speak for yourself Shima Sho texted back.

[mp_multilocation]

By all means, grace us with your wisdom.

[clawpatrol]

What's going on Seri?

[formerhikikomori]

Serizawa swallowed.

I'm thinking of proposing he typed out, hesitantly.

Then, just like before, he slammed his thumb on the Send button before he could regret typing it.

[mp_npc]

Hatori sent along an image of a boar with a mushroom cloud exploding from it's head.

YOU ARE GOING TO PROPOSE? Shibata's reply came. THAT IS AMAZING SERIZAWA. CONGRATULATIONS

[mp_multilocation]

Well, well, well!

[formerhikikomori]

Thank you!

[clawpatrol]

Really? With that guy?

[mp_multilocation]

Ignore the brat. We’re happy for you, Serizawa-kun. Send.

Do you know how you’re going to do it?

[formerhikikomori]

No, I was hoping all of you could help

[mp_multilocation]

Shimazaki thought. From what he knew about Reigen he was a very different person than a certain florist he was closest to so rushing to any suggestions was impossible. Still, even if Serizawa wasn’t his kohai anymore he still felt inclined to look out for him.

Have you talked about it yet?

[formerhikikomori]

Serizawa swallowed.

Should I?

[mp_multilocation]

I would. Send.

Take it from me. Send.

Surprises don’t always go over well. Send.

[minegishitoshiki]

Not everyone likes surprises Send.

That doesn't mean Reigen isn't one of them Send.

[clawpatrol]

You should let me surprise him so we can find out if he likes them

[mp_npc]

You want nice reservations somewhere? I can get you into Matsukawa, easy. Hatori sent.

Do you want me to be on standby in case Sho ambushes Reigen in his office? Shimazaki followed up.

SERIZAWA ANYONE WOULD BE VERY LUCKY TO HAVE YOU. NEVER FORGET THAT. Shibata finished off the text barrage.

[formerhikikomori]

Serizawa felt so overwhelmed by the amount of messages he was getting. He wasn't expecting so many at once.

[clawpatrol]

I wasn't thinking an ambush Sho replied.

But now maybe I should do that. Send.

[minegishitoshiki]

Minegishi would have raised a brow if they had one to spare.

How are you able to get him into Matsukawa? Send.

I'll provide the flowers. Send.

Do you know which one are his favorites? Send.

[mp_npc]

I have my ways. Hatori replied before quickly adding, Perfectly legitimate ones!

[mp_multilocation]

Are you that bored with Ritsu-kun studying abroad, kid?