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[He does get perfect grades actually. Well, perfect to his mom, not to the teachers. Anyway, it's close enough to perfect for him to feel Smug For No Reason™
But first? His arms - held out so high above his head. PICK HIM UP.]
I can't do math if I'm not in the air. That's how it works.
But first? His arms - held out so high above his head. PICK HIM UP.]
I can't do math if I'm not in the air. That's how it works.
I see, I see! That is how it works!
[ That's flawless logic, actually!
And Haruaki is nothing if not indulgent, so he scoops Akechi up under his arms right away, hoisting him easily up in the air over his head. Weird amount of strength for a willowy dork. ]
What's six times four?
[ That's flawless logic, actually!
And Haruaki is nothing if not indulgent, so he scoops Akechi up under his arms right away, hoisting him easily up in the air over his head. Weird amount of strength for a willowy dork. ]
What's six times four?
[This guy's a FEATHERMAN. This power is only held by a few people - his mother, and this guy, and the random person outside of the baths he clutches to in the dead of night.
Anyway, he throws up his arms in childish delight and proclaims with all the confidence of a politician-]
Ten!
[Wait. He pulls down his fingers. Shuts his eyes. Math is occurring - he's in the air. Earth, Wind, Fire, Water - with the power of these four elements combined-]
No - wait. It's different. It's-
[He's working OVERTIME HERE.]
Twenty four!
Anyway, he throws up his arms in childish delight and proclaims with all the confidence of a politician-]
Ten!
[Wait. He pulls down his fingers. Shuts his eyes. Math is occurring - he's in the air. Earth, Wind, Fire, Water - with the power of these four elements combined-]
No - wait. It's different. It's-
[He's working OVERTIME HERE.]
Twenty four!
[ Honestly? Haruaki's ready to tell him ten is correct. Why break his little heart?
BUT THEN– ]
It's twenty-four!!
[ HE COULDN'T BE MORE PROUD AND EXCITED IF HE TRIED!!! He lowers Akechi enough to be able to hug him ferociously. ]
How did you know that? Are you a genius? Maybe you are ready for high school!
BUT THEN– ]
It's twenty-four!!
[ HE COULDN'T BE MORE PROUD AND EXCITED IF HE TRIED!!! He lowers Akechi enough to be able to hug him ferociously. ]
How did you know that? Are you a genius? Maybe you are ready for high school!
[His little arms loop around Haruaki's neck - oh, he's so happy!!!! He is A GENIUS. He is READY for HIGH SCHOOL.
Akechi smooshes his cheek against his babysitter's face. The leech is attached. Good luck leaving this house without this human sized growth.]
I am - I am! I'll tell my mom and you can take me and I'll even make a bento for us.
Akechi smooshes his cheek against his babysitter's face. The leech is attached. Good luck leaving this house without this human sized growth.]
I am - I am! I'll tell my mom and you can take me and I'll even make a bento for us.
[ On a place like Hyakki Academy Island, there's no shortage of scenic spots to simply enjoy the view when you have the chance. Beautiful testaments to nature, to history, places practically built to experience something profound and life-changing.
But today, two men are simply in the nurse's office of the school. Somewhere they've both been countless times before, and will be in countless times again after this. Perhaps having the same conflict, even. ]
If you're so sure you're fine, taking your temperature shouldn't be a problem~
[ Sitting on the edge of the bed with one leg slung over the other all casual probably isn't the most professional of bedside manner to have, but it's Akira's. And he isn't about to leave until he knows exactly why students practically shoved Haruaki into his office this afternoon. ]
But today, two men are simply in the nurse's office of the school. Somewhere they've both been countless times before, and will be in countless times again after this. Perhaps having the same conflict, even. ]
If you're so sure you're fine, taking your temperature shouldn't be a problem~
[ Sitting on the edge of the bed with one leg slung over the other all casual probably isn't the most professional of bedside manner to have, but it's Akira's. And he isn't about to leave until he knows exactly why students practically shoved Haruaki into his office this afternoon. ]
[ Haruaki's heart could break from the betrayal of his beloved students finding out his deepest (no it's not) darkest (it's really not) secret and deciding they'd rather make it worse than take pity on him.
Your case might be terminal, Hijita had shouted as Mujina helped to wrestle him through the door to the nurse's office. This is for your own good!
Akisame even meowed at him as he called out for their sensei to thank them later...
Has anyone ever been as bullied as Haruaki? Ever???
He grimaces at Akira, tries once more to wriggle away and make his escape. ]
I don't want to waste your time! Who knows how long we have before the school explodes and you have to deal with those injuries?
[ He's attempting to slither right off the bed.
Surely this time he'll manage to outrun the dodomeki! ]
Your case might be terminal, Hijita had shouted as Mujina helped to wrestle him through the door to the nurse's office. This is for your own good!
Akisame even meowed at him as he called out for their sensei to thank them later...
Has anyone ever been as bullied as Haruaki? Ever???
He grimaces at Akira, tries once more to wriggle away and make his escape. ]
I don't want to waste your time! Who knows how long we have before the school explodes and you have to deal with those injuries?
[ He's attempting to slither right off the bed.
Surely this time he'll manage to outrun the dodomeki! ]
[ Up-up-up, none of that today.
The easiest spot to grab is Haruaki's front, so don't mind while Akira gets a nice, thick handful of shirt collar to start yanking the man back upright. ]
If the school explodes we need all personnel well and able to assist. That includes you, Abe-sensei~
The easiest spot to grab is Haruaki's front, so don't mind while Akira gets a nice, thick handful of shirt collar to start yanking the man back upright. ]
If the school explodes we need all personnel well and able to assist. That includes you, Abe-sensei~
[ There's a loud, choked off gweh! sound as he's yanked back up, and then Haruaki's laughing, high and nervous, hands coming up in front of him to try to wave this concern off. ]
I-it's really okay, Takahashi-sensei! Does it look like there's anything wrong with me? Aren't I the picture of good health!?
[ He's pale as a sheet and his soul looks ready to exit his body for the nth time.
And then, as if he already knows that won't work– ]
Eh? What's that? Do you hear the bell ringing? I have to get to class!
I-it's really okay, Takahashi-sensei! Does it look like there's anything wrong with me? Aren't I the picture of good health!?
[ He's pale as a sheet and his soul looks ready to exit his body for the nth time.
And then, as if he already knows that won't work– ]
Eh? What's that? Do you hear the bell ringing? I have to get to class!
Then I'll make this niiice and quick.
[ Thank goodness the beds are up against the wall, 'cause that provides the perfect place to pin Haruaki's back to.
Akira has to work quick to properly cage him in, though. Haruaki's fast and slippery, so nothing short of an iron hold at his collar and a forceful hand at the wall by his head (is this what the kids call 'kabedon'?) will do.
Slowly, steadily, so as not to spook after all of that, he leans in closer. ]
Now, be a good boy and stay still for me. Alright~?
[ Thank goodness the beds are up against the wall, 'cause that provides the perfect place to pin Haruaki's back to.
Akira has to work quick to properly cage him in, though. Haruaki's fast and slippery, so nothing short of an iron hold at his collar and a forceful hand at the wall by his head (is this what the kids call 'kabedon'?) will do.
Slowly, steadily, so as not to spook after all of that, he leans in closer. ]
Now, be a good boy and stay still for me. Alright~?
[ Honestly, it's a fifty-fifty chance whether Haruaki will go from wriggling to flailing and thrashing until he's able to escape through pure chaos alone–
Or if he'll go stock still, huge red eyes shot wide open and locked on Akira's.
He's effectively trapped, and Akira might be intentionally slowing his movements so as not to scare him, but it doesn't stop his heart from pounding so loudly in his chest that his ribs rattle.
It's a side effect of the conversation from the hall, good old fashioned boy's talk that led to him getting punted into the nurse's office. His tragically unkissed circumstances are fresh in his mind when normally they barely even feature; that's why he's thinking of it, surely, with Akira leaning in this close.
What was he even saying before...?
Temperature, right?
Well. Haruaki prepares to have a thermometer popped into his mouth, then. ]
A-alright.
Or if he'll go stock still, huge red eyes shot wide open and locked on Akira's.
He's effectively trapped, and Akira might be intentionally slowing his movements so as not to scare him, but it doesn't stop his heart from pounding so loudly in his chest that his ribs rattle.
It's a side effect of the conversation from the hall, good old fashioned boy's talk that led to him getting punted into the nurse's office. His tragically unkissed circumstances are fresh in his mind when normally they barely even feature; that's why he's thinking of it, surely, with Akira leaning in this close.
What was he even saying before...?
Temperature, right?
Well. Haruaki prepares to have a thermometer popped into his mouth, then. ]
A-alright.
Good, good.
[ No matter what comes before or after, in moments of stillness, it's impossible to forget who he's speaking to.
He doubted it at first, why wouldn't he? That man was strong, capable, wise, if a little charmingly goofy at times. Haruaki here...well. He hadn't seemed anything but charming when they first met.
But the longer Akira paid attention, the more he couldn't help but notice, especially in the way he handled those around him. That light shining off in the distance of the train tunnel had been the final nail in the coffin, the reason for him to see even more, and more, and more, and more.
There's no doubt in his mind that the most important man in his life is beneath his hands right now, close enough to count every wrinkle in bright red stromata.
And the effects that's having on him gives him the belated realization that his own ability to compare their temperatures might be skewed.
It's fine. This is all fine. Like he said, just a quick check and treatment if necessary, and he can usher Haruaki back out the door where he no doubt wants to be. Where he should be, to guide yet more lives that need him along their paths.
Still slow and steady, eyes unknowingly half-lidded in their brief contemplation, Akira rests his forehead against Haruaki's. Silent. ]
[ No matter what comes before or after, in moments of stillness, it's impossible to forget who he's speaking to.
He doubted it at first, why wouldn't he? That man was strong, capable, wise, if a little charmingly goofy at times. Haruaki here...well. He hadn't seemed anything but charming when they first met.
But the longer Akira paid attention, the more he couldn't help but notice, especially in the way he handled those around him. That light shining off in the distance of the train tunnel had been the final nail in the coffin, the reason for him to see even more, and more, and more, and more.
There's no doubt in his mind that the most important man in his life is beneath his hands right now, close enough to count every wrinkle in bright red stromata.
And the effects that's having on him gives him the belated realization that his own ability to compare their temperatures might be skewed.
It's fine. This is all fine. Like he said, just a quick check and treatment if necessary, and he can usher Haruaki back out the door where he no doubt wants to be. Where he should be, to guide yet more lives that need him along their paths.
Still slow and steady, eyes unknowingly half-lidded in their brief contemplation, Akira rests his forehead against Haruaki's. Silent. ]
[ Neither of them move an inch. Haruaki barely even breathes.
It's... strange, isn't it? Even in past visits when he's been a compliant patient, it hasn't gone like this. Akira's usually all too happy to examine as much of him as possible, and Haruaki's all too eager to leave – a potent combination that leaves little time for idle rest.
It doesn't occur to Haruaki that the touch of their foreheads might serve any purpose at all. There's only one logical conclusion to him. ]
Are you tired, Takahashi-sensei?
[ There's still the slightest edge of unease to his voice, never fully comfortable around the good doctor no matter how docile he might seem in the moment – but for the most part, his tone is soft, understanding. More serious than Akira's probably used to seeing, too. The sort of quality his voice might take on if he were talking to one of his students if they seemed particularly down. ]
You work really hard, you know. It would make sense if you were.
It's... strange, isn't it? Even in past visits when he's been a compliant patient, it hasn't gone like this. Akira's usually all too happy to examine as much of him as possible, and Haruaki's all too eager to leave – a potent combination that leaves little time for idle rest.
It doesn't occur to Haruaki that the touch of their foreheads might serve any purpose at all. There's only one logical conclusion to him. ]
Are you tired, Takahashi-sensei?
[ There's still the slightest edge of unease to his voice, never fully comfortable around the good doctor no matter how docile he might seem in the moment – but for the most part, his tone is soft, understanding. More serious than Akira's probably used to seeing, too. The sort of quality his voice might take on if he were talking to one of his students if they seemed particularly down. ]
You work really hard, you know. It would make sense if you were.
[ Oh, no. No no no no, not that voice. Not that face. Hearing it again so close, so clear, Haruaki's long fingers are suddenly snaking through the gaps in Akira's ribcage, taking a firm hold on his heart and squeezing.
He's thought about this before. Idle daydreaming about being so close during those times he has a moment to let his mind rest and go blank for just a moment.
It feels a lot like that right now.
Maybe he is tired. Maybe that's why it all melds together, daydream and reality, and his eyes are sliding shut to gently, so gently, close the distance between their lips. ]
He's thought about this before. Idle daydreaming about being so close during those times he has a moment to let his mind rest and go blank for just a moment.
It feels a lot like that right now.
Maybe he is tired. Maybe that's why it all melds together, daydream and reality, and his eyes are sliding shut to gently, so gently, close the distance between their lips. ]
[ Maybe there's a youkai that eavesdrops on your conversations with your students where your deepest (still no) darkest (come on, man) secret comes to light and then crafts an illusion around it. Maybe that's what's happening here, and he'll have to embark on an adventure around the school to stop it from preying on his students and the rest of the staff, spinning their secret regrets and desires into scenarios that fade away into a fine mist as soon as they're dispelled.
Maybe. Haruaki has no way of knowing. He encyclopedia lays on the little table beside the bed, out of reach. He's boxed in, shirt collar still held fast in one of Akira's fists with a strength that doesn't match how tenderly he brushes their lips together in–
A kiss.
Haruaki's eyes are still wide open, staring at Akira's close-up face as he's kissed. It's probably a very poor kiss on his part, considering he can't do anything but let his lips part in dumb surprise and then stay frozen there, not even returning the gesture.
Lest Akira read that for a lack of interest, though, there are surely subtle physical cues he can pick up on, most Haruaki isn't even aware of. His breath coming shorter, the flush rising high up in his cheeks, the pace of his heart going rabbit fast, the clench of both of his fists into the scratchy bedsheets. Put together, it all telegraphs the one thing that fuels Haruaki most: desire.
But in the moment, all he can do is blink rapidly, a soft questioning noise rising up in his throat. ]
Maybe. Haruaki has no way of knowing. He encyclopedia lays on the little table beside the bed, out of reach. He's boxed in, shirt collar still held fast in one of Akira's fists with a strength that doesn't match how tenderly he brushes their lips together in–
A kiss.
Haruaki's eyes are still wide open, staring at Akira's close-up face as he's kissed. It's probably a very poor kiss on his part, considering he can't do anything but let his lips part in dumb surprise and then stay frozen there, not even returning the gesture.
Lest Akira read that for a lack of interest, though, there are surely subtle physical cues he can pick up on, most Haruaki isn't even aware of. His breath coming shorter, the flush rising high up in his cheeks, the pace of his heart going rabbit fast, the clench of both of his fists into the scratchy bedsheets. Put together, it all telegraphs the one thing that fuels Haruaki most: desire.
But in the moment, all he can do is blink rapidly, a soft questioning noise rising up in his throat. ]
[ Desire.
Once he's back in his right mind, Akira might wish he'd felt fear, disgust, something that would have knocked him out of it and made him pull away. Maybe he would've been able to control himself then.
But desire meets desire like flint meets steel, and Akira is lost.
The hand previously caging them in moves to cup Haruaki's cheek, much more gentle even than its counterpart still holding on as if someone or something is going to take him away. Not that anyone would dare, not here, and would have an even harder time dethatching them once the tip of Akira's tongue traces those open lips hungrily before sneaking between them. ]
Once he's back in his right mind, Akira might wish he'd felt fear, disgust, something that would have knocked him out of it and made him pull away. Maybe he would've been able to control himself then.
But desire meets desire like flint meets steel, and Akira is lost.
The hand previously caging them in moves to cup Haruaki's cheek, much more gentle even than its counterpart still holding on as if someone or something is going to take him away. Not that anyone would dare, not here, and would have an even harder time dethatching them once the tip of Akira's tongue traces those open lips hungrily before sneaking between them. ]
[ T-T-TONGUE IN HIS MOUTH!?
That soft questioning noise turns into a yelp, high and squeaky and undignified. Akira can enjoy a few precious seconds of exploring a warm, inviting mouth with his tongue before Haruaki jolts into action, both hands going to his shoulders. He doesn't shove Akira off, just wraps his fingers firmly around them as he tries to wrench his head back.
Which... there isn't much room for, given he's pressed up against the wall. The resultant flailing chaos means that more than likely, all his blushing and stammering through his words will only serve to knock together noses, lips and teeth. ]
Takahashi-sensei! Y-you can't do that during someone's first kiss!!
[ OOPS. ♥ ]
That soft questioning noise turns into a yelp, high and squeaky and undignified. Akira can enjoy a few precious seconds of exploring a warm, inviting mouth with his tongue before Haruaki jolts into action, both hands going to his shoulders. He doesn't shove Akira off, just wraps his fingers firmly around them as he tries to wrench his head back.
Which... there isn't much room for, given he's pressed up against the wall. The resultant flailing chaos means that more than likely, all his blushing and stammering through his words will only serve to knock together noses, lips and teeth. ]
Takahashi-sensei! Y-you can't do that during someone's first kiss!!
[ OOPS. ♥ ]
[ He's locked into those precious few seconds, so much so that it is indeed difficult to pry him away far enough to be able to form coherent words again. Haruaki manages, because of course he does, and Akira's left a feverish, confused fool with his tongue lolling out of his mouth as it so often does while his eyes beg Haruaki for an answer.
Which he gets, and then needs a few moments to register what he's heard.
Blink. Blink blink. ]
...First kiss?
[ He heard that, right? His hearing's still excellent?? ]
Which he gets, and then needs a few moments to register what he's heard.
Blink. Blink blink. ]
...First kiss?
[ He heard that, right? His hearing's still excellent?? ]
[ He heard right! And he's about to hear a whole lot more!
The words just come spilling out, far too loud for how close they still are. ]
That's right! Now you know why the students pushed me in here! They found out that I hadn't had my first kiss, and they said I might have some kind of disease! But I'm not diseased! I just have an off-putting personality and, until recently, an inability to make friends, much less go on dates!!
The words just come spilling out, far too loud for how close they still are. ]
That's right! Now you know why the students pushed me in here! They found out that I hadn't had my first kiss, and they said I might have some kind of disease! But I'm not diseased! I just have an off-putting personality and, until recently, an inability to make friends, much less go on dates!!
[ Just a second, seems like the implications of all that hadn't actually sunk in.
He was Haruaki's first kiss. He, Takahashi Akira, was Abe Haruaki's first kiss.
...Is his face only turning redder now? ]
I see! That's an interesting prank to pull on someone, especially a teacher. You really have a rambunctious class, don't you, Abe-sensei?
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