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[ Ah! He's squished!!
Haruaki speaks through it, words coming slightly muffled from his mooshed cheeks. ]
I can't wait to tell the uniforms about this...
[ He still looks fairly stunned at Akira, at all of what's transpired. There's something he has to say, but...
The bell rings, and all of the sudden, he's yanked back down to earth.
He smooths Akira's coat down with both hands, reaches up to gently take his wrists and get un-squished. ]
I have class with the first years, so I have to go, but...
[ A beat, and then he leans in quick as a flash, lips pressing against Akira's in a chaste, inelegant kiss.
He did it!! ]
Haruaki speaks through it, words coming slightly muffled from his mooshed cheeks. ]
I can't wait to tell the uniforms about this...
[ He still looks fairly stunned at Akira, at all of what's transpired. There's something he has to say, but...
The bell rings, and all of the sudden, he's yanked back down to earth.
He smooths Akira's coat down with both hands, reaches up to gently take his wrists and get un-squished. ]
I have class with the first years, so I have to go, but...
[ A beat, and then he leans in quick as a flash, lips pressing against Akira's in a chaste, inelegant kiss.
He did it!! ]
Mom says I do. She says it's because I watch Featherman all the time but it's because I'm training to be a hero.
[WAIT. HE'S GOT IT.]
I'll save you from anything scary. I'm learning how to do that. I'll protect you at high school.
[Haruaki even gets a lil. Pap. Against his head. The smallest paps.]
[WAIT. HE'S GOT IT.]
I'll save you from anything scary. I'm learning how to do that. I'll protect you at high school.
[Haruaki even gets a lil. Pap. Against his head. The smallest paps.]
[ Ah! He's kissed!
He both looks and feels like a giddy teenager with the sudden rush of dopamine, all flush and giggles and pure, unadulterated happiness. The school really could explode in a few seconds and he'd still be riding his high for the rest of...the week? Hell, the month, even.
It almost makes up for the fact Haruaki's got to leave. ]
You always know where to find me!
And if you don't, all you have to do is call and I'll come running. I promise!
He both looks and feels like a giddy teenager with the sudden rush of dopamine, all flush and giggles and pure, unadulterated happiness. The school really could explode in a few seconds and he'd still be riding his high for the rest of...the week? Hell, the month, even.
It almost makes up for the fact Haruaki's got to leave. ]
You always know where to find me!
And if you don't, all you have to do is call and I'll come running. I promise!
[ Haruaki doesn't doubt that; he's seen a dodomeki's power up close and personal, after all. Maybe the reason Akira knows so much more about him than he realized is because he's kept eyes on him all throughout the school โ and if he wasn't doing that before, he surely will start to now.
They disentangle and he stands up from the bed, fixes his own shirt, still rumpled from having his collar yanked earlier. There's something...
Haruaki pauses at the door, still closed tight.
There's something.
He whirls around, eyes suddenly ablaze. ]
Takahashi-sensei!!
They disentangle and he stands up from the bed, fixes his own shirt, still rumpled from having his collar yanked earlier. There's something...
Haruaki pauses at the door, still closed tight.
There's something.
He whirls around, eyes suddenly ablaze. ]
Takahashi-sensei!!
[ Everything Akira said about him still rings out in his head. The kiss didn't push it from his mind โ no, it only amplified it, made it mean more. It's not that Haruaki feels like he needs to say something too, he knows Akira didn't say that with any expectations, but...
He wants to.
And all Haruaki can ever do is follow what he wants. ]
You care so much about making sure other people are looked after, it's almost scary! [ Well, a lot of the time it is scary, butโ no, that's not the point. ] And even the most hard-working person I can think of would look lazy next to you! You never give up on taking care of people, even when they try to run away!
[ These... are good points, right? Things Haruaki admires about him? Yes, for better and for worse!
That impassioned fire behind his little speech dies down into a low smolder, and the next words come out far more affectionate because of it. ]
I think people get too intimidated by you to realize you have a big heart, too, but it's right there, isn't it? I didn't have to tell you about that little zashiki-warashi for more than a minute before you offered to take her in. You're really amazing, you know.
[ Just he way he's sitting there, relaxed and assured of himself as ever...
It's not a new observation; Haruaki's thought it since they first met. It's not unique, either โ he thinks this of most men he meets. And he's dead set certain that Akira's heard it many times throughout his life. But none of that means it's less important for him to put it out there plainly: ]
And... you're a really handsome guy.
[ Oh, he'd managed to get that flush under control in preparation for facing his students again, but it comes back full force now.
Perhaps even worse than that, his cowlick takes on the shape of a heart. ]
So, I guess I just wanted to say that I'm glad I got bullied by my students about reaching adulthood without ever having gotten a kiss from anyone, but most of all... I'm glad it was you!
He wants to.
And all Haruaki can ever do is follow what he wants. ]
You care so much about making sure other people are looked after, it's almost scary! [ Well, a lot of the time it is scary, butโ no, that's not the point. ] And even the most hard-working person I can think of would look lazy next to you! You never give up on taking care of people, even when they try to run away!
[ These... are good points, right? Things Haruaki admires about him? Yes, for better and for worse!
That impassioned fire behind his little speech dies down into a low smolder, and the next words come out far more affectionate because of it. ]
I think people get too intimidated by you to realize you have a big heart, too, but it's right there, isn't it? I didn't have to tell you about that little zashiki-warashi for more than a minute before you offered to take her in. You're really amazing, you know.
[ Just he way he's sitting there, relaxed and assured of himself as ever...
It's not a new observation; Haruaki's thought it since they first met. It's not unique, either โ he thinks this of most men he meets. And he's dead set certain that Akira's heard it many times throughout his life. But none of that means it's less important for him to put it out there plainly: ]
And... you're a really handsome guy.
[ Oh, he'd managed to get that flush under control in preparation for facing his students again, but it comes back full force now.
Perhaps even worse than that, his cowlick takes on the shape of a heart. ]
So, I guess I just wanted to say that I'm glad I got bullied by my students about reaching adulthood without ever having gotten a kiss from anyone, but most of all... I'm glad it was you!
[ The fearful shivering is gone in an instant! Is it because of the smallest little healing pap in the whole world, or because Haruaki can't hang onto a single emotion for longer than a minute? Yes. ♥ ]
You want to be a hero? What will your powers be?
You want to be a hero? What will your powers be?
A gun.
[A gun. ♥]
Like all the Feathermen have - all of them. It shoots out - you know, it's strong. All you have to do is pose and say 'We'll tear evil apart and defeat the darkness!' and then-
[IT'S TIME FOR THE THEME SONG.
HE IS SO LOUD. IT'S A GREAT SONG. Haruaki has a front row seat until Akechi finally tapers off the tune with an abrupt-]
Then you shoot.
[A gun. ♥]
Like all the Feathermen have - all of them. It shoots out - you know, it's strong. All you have to do is pose and say 'We'll tear evil apart and defeat the darkness!' and then-
[IT'S TIME FOR THE THEME SONG.
HE IS SO LOUD. IT'S A GREAT SONG. Haruaki has a front row seat until Akechi finally tapers off the tune with an abrupt-]
Then you shoot.
[ We're sorry. You have reached a dodomeki that has been disconnected or is no longer in service. If you feel you have reached this recording in error, please check the dodomeki and try your call again.
Which is to say, at first everything Haruaki says is met with complete silence and a valiant attempt at Akira's face keeping itself at its neutral smile as much as it can. He manages it, too, for most of that time.
Until he tries to speak again. ]
That. That mea-- [ Cough, COUGH, ahem, just a little tickle in his throat. Certainly not something wet rising through his system, not at all. ] Hearing that means a lot, Abe-sensei.
More than you can know.
Which is to say, at first everything Haruaki says is met with complete silence and a valiant attempt at Akira's face keeping itself at its neutral smile as much as it can. He manages it, too, for most of that time.
Until he tries to speak again. ]
That. That mea-- [ Cough, COUGH, ahem, just a little tickle in his throat. Certainly not something wet rising through his system, not at all. ] Hearing that means a lot, Abe-sensei.
More than you can know.
[ โโ ?
Haruaki was ready to zoom out the door after that speech, hurry down to class, butโ
He's never heard Akira's voice sound like that before. The words come out a little tighter, and with a surprisingly heavy weight to them.
He pauses, thenโ
Darts back over to the bed in the blink of an eye, hands on Akira's shoulders as he leans down close to his face. ]
Tell me sometime. Okay? I want to know.
Haruaki was ready to zoom out the door after that speech, hurry down to class, butโ
He's never heard Akira's voice sound like that before. The words come out a little tighter, and with a surprisingly heavy weight to them.
He pauses, thenโ
Darts back over to the bed in the blink of an eye, hands on Akira's shoulders as he leans down close to his face. ]
Tell me sometime. Okay? I want to know.
Edited 2025-04-20 05:21 (UTC)
[Akechi watches Haruaki's face, as if his answer is entirely based on whatever reaction is happening and whatever will get him to high school faster.
He seems distressed. Akechi paps his cheek to comfort him and-]
I think I have to ask my mom. She'll tell me if I'm supposed to.
He seems distressed. Akechi paps his cheek to comfort him and-]
I think I have to ask my mom. She'll tell me if I'm supposed to.
[ Ah.
He really should've expected something like this. Even he's not delusional enough to think he managed to get his words out clean and confident, and Haruaki isn't the type of person to ignore any signs of distress like that.
Which makes it much harder to keep up the already crumbling pretense of being completely fine. Nothing's spilling over just yet but his eyes are noticeably wetter, fighting against the soft pressure of his smile, so, so fond of the man he can't tear his gaze away from. ]
I will. I promise I'll tell you everything down to the smaaaallest little detail.
He really should've expected something like this. Even he's not delusional enough to think he managed to get his words out clean and confident, and Haruaki isn't the type of person to ignore any signs of distress like that.
Which makes it much harder to keep up the already crumbling pretense of being completely fine. Nothing's spilling over just yet but his eyes are noticeably wetter, fighting against the soft pressure of his smile, so, so fond of the man he can't tear his gaze away from. ]
I will. I promise I'll tell you everything down to the smaaaallest little detail.
[ Haruaki sees that bright sheen of unshed tears, and it twists something in his chest that no one else has ever quite managed to touch before. He doesn't know why Akira's so affected exactly, but...
That doesn't change anything. He knew Akira had a soft heart beneath it all, and he'll protect it with all he's got.
And he's got quite a lot.
He squeezes Akira's shoulders, voice quiet. ]
No rush. Tell me when you're ready. I can wait.
[ He ducks in closer, presses his lips to Akira's cheek. It lingers there for a couple seconds before he straightens up, his own cheeks flushing bright. ]
I'll see you after class?
That doesn't change anything. He knew Akira had a soft heart beneath it all, and he'll protect it with all he's got.
And he's got quite a lot.
He squeezes Akira's shoulders, voice quiet. ]
No rush. Tell me when you're ready. I can wait.
[ He ducks in closer, presses his lips to Akira's cheek. It lingers there for a couple seconds before he straightens up, his own cheeks flushing bright. ]
I'll see you after class?
Oh, yeah! Always listen to your mom, she knows best!
[ It's a chipper reminder, and one Haruaki truly believes. His own mom is always right, after all!
He shifts how he's holding Akechi in his arms, balancing against his hip so he can lift a hand and fix his mussed hair. Then Akechi gets a pap on the cheek too, and a reassuring smile. ]
The school I teach at is super haunted, that's all! If you were scared of spirits, I wouldn't want to take you there!
[ It's a chipper reminder, and one Haruaki truly believes. His own mom is always right, after all!
He shifts how he's holding Akechi in his arms, balancing against his hip so he can lift a hand and fix his mussed hair. Then Akechi gets a pap on the cheek too, and a reassuring smile. ]
The school I teach at is super haunted, that's all! If you were scared of spirits, I wouldn't want to take you there!
[ Oh.
Akechi's brave with or without his mom's voice in his ear. For that, he doesn't need to ask.
But he still wants to talk to her. Still misses her. She's at work so he needs to wait for an emergency. This isn't one.
He makes firm, direct eye with Haruaki. Not blinking ONCE. Oh no, he's going to make a point now. ]
I won't be afraid. I'm the bravest kid in my class because I'm training to be a hero. It won't scare me, so you can take me.
Akechi's brave with or without his mom's voice in his ear. For that, he doesn't need to ask.
But he still wants to talk to her. Still misses her. She's at work so he needs to wait for an emergency. This isn't one.
He makes firm, direct eye with Haruaki. Not blinking ONCE. Oh no, he's going to make a point now. ]
I won't be afraid. I'm the bravest kid in my class because I'm training to be a hero. It won't scare me, so you can take me.
[ Ohhh... oh, he's making his point alright, and Haruaki's running out of excuses to not take him. The distance isn't even an issue, what with how easily he can travel from the island to the mainland and back. Whether by the mysterious transport rooms all across the country, or by ittan-momen taxi, he could have Akechi over at Hyakki Academy quicker than either of them would be ready for.
And those huge, serious, endearing eyes are laser focused on his. Haruaki gulps. ]
O-okay... um, well... ah...
[ Think. Think. ]
L-let's make a game out of it, Akechi-kun! If you get perfect grades in school for a month, I'll ask your mama if I can take you on a field trip! That'll be your prize!
And those huge, serious, endearing eyes are laser focused on his. Haruaki gulps. ]
O-okay... um, well... ah...
[ Think. Think. ]
L-let's make a game out of it, Akechi-kun! If you get perfect grades in school for a month, I'll ask your mama if I can take you on a field trip! That'll be your prize!
[ That hand might as well be inside his chest instead, squeezing at his heart, because it would be getting the same exact results.
Akira can't help it, reaches up to place a hand on one of Haruaki's, wants to squeeze it himself and keep them both there but...there is still a world outside them.
So instead, he simply nods. ]
Mm. I'll see you then.
Akira can't help it, reaches up to place a hand on one of Haruaki's, wants to squeeze it himself and keep them both there but...there is still a world outside them.
So instead, he simply nods. ]
Mm. I'll see you then.
[ Oh-
He squirms to free himself of the prison he forced on everyone because he has to study. His mom has his homework!!! But he remembers some stuff he's gotta do!!! He needs paper stat!!!! ]
Okay! Okay! Let's - here, come help me. I need help with my book report.
He squirms to free himself of the prison he forced on everyone because he has to study. His mom has his homework!!! But he remembers some stuff he's gotta do!!! He needs paper stat!!!! ]
Okay! Okay! Let's - here, come help me. I need help with my book report.
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