What a fearless attitude. That will serve you well in this reality.
[Lol.]
As for the worst experience, I'll admit it's difficult to rattle me given my career. Humanity's darkest corners and the vile criminals that thrive there tend to be worse than anything this world can conjure up.
That's okay, I have other things I want to do here so I can't teach all day either! We'll just do a couple hours of one on one tutoring sessions sometimes, how about that? And I'll give you homework, of course!!!
I need to go to the library and see what books they have...
What does Akechi-kun like to read the most? Romance novels? Mysteries? Manga?
That's acceptable. I look forward to our first lesson.
As for your question - I'm well read in many genres. There's no need to cater to my specific tastes. If you take on other students, it might be difficult for them to keep up.
Though I do enjoy classics and philosophy. Hegel is who I was most fascinated by prior to my arrival here.
If you need help finding or navigating the library, I'm happy to assist. It can be overwhelming.
[ Haruaki's sleep schedule is more reliable to plan around than the rising and setting of the sun itself.
He goes to bed every evening at 10 pm, 'when good kids go to sleep', and wakes up exactly seven hours later at 5 am. Akira's advised that eight hours is the sweet spot for most humans, but the routine is so thoroughly ingrained it's not likely to change even in a strange new reality.
Meanwhile, Haruaki has never caught Akira sleeping. He's awake when Haruaki goes to bed, awake when he gets up, when he leaves for errands, when he gets home from errands...Akira seems tired every now and then, sure, but it's never clear when he actually gets any kind of rest.
Like now, for instance. It's a little after 5 in the morning and Akira's at his coffee table in the living room, nose deep in a book and dog (mostly) out like a light on his lap. When Haruaki comes out of his new bedroom, Akira of course looks up from his book with a smile as energetic as ever. ]
Of course he has. Very little escapes his watchful eye, whether people realize it or not, and he has much less to watch in this world than he did back home. Other people are becoming important to him, of course, but... of course Akira will always be a special case, being his only person from home. And he's the person Haruaki sees most often by a long shot besides. It's impossible not to be observant of his behaviors, his habits, his patterns.
And the one pattern Haruaki hasn't managed to pin down at all is when the hell he sleeps.
Haruaki scrubs at his eyes as he emerges into the living room, trying to rub away that last bit of grogginess that clings before he's had breakfast and tea, his words coming through a yawn: ]
Good morning, Takahashi-sensei~
[ He'd say good morning to Hana too, but like all creatures with good sense at five in the morning, she's snoozing away. Haruaki smiles at her, then turns his attention back to Akira, eyes going wide. ]
You didn't sleep at all? Again? It was like that yesterday morning, and the day before that, and the day before that...
[ Seeing no danger, he'll just go right into rattling things off. ]
I had help with the more clerical side of things back home, but here I have to run all of the numbers--how much of certain supplies we have, how much we use in a day, that sort of thing. I also keep detailed records on every patient, as you know, and what concerns they come to me with just in case there turns out to be something special I need to work with them on, or if there's another odd epidemic on the rise. That's become a much more involved process with new species from new worlds with their own sets of rules to take into consideration.
I'll stay up with you every single night and tell you to go to bed every two minutes, so you can't get any work done and I'll start suffering from sleep deprivation. I wonder what will happen to me!
Oniisan, you don't have spiritual energy reserves like I do! Not to mention with how used to your sleeping rhythm your body is, it'll get to you so much faster!
[ Ope, Hana's officially awake now. What's wrong, what are papas talking about so early in the morning? ]
[ This...this devious, dastardly, underhanded snake of a man...!
In the next few seconds he tries his hardest to come up with something, anything to strike back with, but...well. Maybe lack of sleep really is taking its toll.
Haruaki isn't going to gloat about his victory, though.
(Not right now. Not in front of Akira. He is absolutely going to gloat privately to someone else.)
No, instead he only reaches across the table and pats Akira's hand soothingly. ]
I know why you push yourself so hard, Akira-kun, but you have to start taking better care of yourself, too. If I was doing what you're doing, you'd tell me the same thing. Right?
[ Determination melts away into appreciation. Akira really is going to give it a shot. Maybe it'll fail, and (what he considers to be) falling behind on his work will stress him out too much for a regular bedtime to be a sustainable thing, but at least he'll try. ]
[ Well, perhaps unsurprisingly, Haruaki could not make it to midnight.
He couldn't even make it to 10:15.
But! He did set no less than twenty alarms on his phone to ensure that at midnight, he's staggering out of his room to find Akira, even if he's half-asleep to do it. ]
Akira-kun... Bedtime, or– [ BIG YAWN. ] Or else...
[ As much as he really does intend to honor his word, by 10 Akira's already back into the normal routine of keeping quiet with his work in his bedroom/study. He always gets so drawn into what he's doing that the hours fly by, and before he knows it...
Ah, right. Bedtime.
He can't keep a fond smile off his face when he peeks his head out the door, Haruaki consistently adorable when he's all sleepy in his jammies. It feels almost like a treat to motivate him further. ]
I hear you, I hear you. I'll wrap everything up, so get yourself back to bed, alright?
[ He is dead on his feet! And only getting deader! Which is why he slumps against the doorframe to watch Akira tidy up, making himself as comfortable as he can be without being horizontal, and then...
His eyes feel so heavy...
Is his chin drooping down toward his chest as he nods off? Maybe so. ]
[ It's a good thing he turns around when he does. It almost looks like Haruaki's about to topple over, and Akira can't help but hurry over to his side with steadying hands at his arms to try and keep the man upright. ]
You're right about that. Come on, it's bedtime for you too.
[ Gently, without Haruaki needing to shift his weight too much, Akira will start nudging them both out of the doorway towards the other's bedroom. He can take a minute to tuck his dear oniisan in before he keeps his promise. ]
[ How is he doing that while so very eepy tired....................
Well, no way around it. Akira will spin and scoot as gently as he can towards his bed instead, having to step backwards until his legs hit the edge and he can take a seat on the mattress to look up at Haruaki. ]
Unfortunately, that brief burst of energy needed to see his plan through served its purpose, and now it's fading fast. Haruaki scrubs at his eyes as he nods down at Akira. ]
Yes. I really will stand here 'til you fall asleep!
[ It is a genuine threat, but it's probably hard to take seriously when he's swaying where he stands. ]
You will not. [ Said with a quiet laugh. Haruaki may try, but at best will end up sleeping on Akira's floor and at worst hit his head on something on the way down.
And he hasn't done the necessary inventory for everything he'd need for impromptu brain surgery, so...
A flash of inspiration, and a very rare moment in his life of hesitation.
It's the road of least resistance, really, and it doesn't have to be anything more than that. If it's really so awful, so unwanted, they can make plans to avoid it come tomorrow morning and there won't be any hard feelings. Only rested minds with a newfound sense of determination to make this whole arrangement work.
So. That's that.
He hasn't any oni strength anymore, but he does have the strength of a healthy, fit man. All of which goes into yoinking Haruaki forward and onto the bed with him. ]
[ It's hardly difficult: Haruaki is tall and willowy, and he goes down easily when he's taken off guard. And the very last thing he's expecting is for Akira to pull him down onto his bed, but–
That's where he ends up.
It takes a few moments of dazed, groggy blinking before his mind fully registers what just happened to his body, and then he looks over at Akira, wide-eyed. ]
Of course... [ It's like the world's dimmest lightbulb just flickered to life behind his eyes. ] Of course! Why didn't I think of that! The best way to make sure you get some sleep is to have a sleepover!
[ Well, don't mind him flopping down onto the bed and immediately making himself cozy, then. ]
[ There's still a chance for things to go wrong come morning, but...
No need to look a gift horse in the mouth while he's in danger of losing his covers. He probably won't fall asleep for some time, but putting in the effort of trying is half the battle so he'll make himself just as comfy cozy sliding into bed proper. ]
[ His head is on a soft pillow, and his body is covered by warm blankets. It takes a valiant effort for Haruaki to keep his eyes just barely half-open, the heaviness of sleep already sinking into his voice. ]
I've never slept in bed with someone before, but I cuddle Marshmallow sometimes, so... I guess I'm used to it!
[ Maybe he is just a little tired, not having slept since their morning talk, or maybe it's the mischief in his blood looking for a way to get out. Whichever excuse he decides to stick with in the end, it doesn't change what he does next.
Which is, turning to wrap his arms around Haruaki, pulling him close like a stuffed animal. ]
[ He squeaks like a chew toy as he's pulled in. For a long moment, he only lets himself be held tight, arms trapped at his sides and face squished into the crook of Akira's shoulder.
It really is nothing like being piled on by mandragoras for a midday nap. Being held by another person, especially one as important to him as Akira...
Haruaki would never call himself a lonely person, not outright. But it's only within recent months that he's made the first friends of his life, and he's been without them here. It's only because of Akira that he hasn't found himself back in a familiar isolation – friendly with many, but set apart by a distance he's never quite understood or been able to bridge. If asked before, he would have said it didn't bother him, but having what he does now, he knows he never wants to have to return to it.
Slowly, he wriggles one of his arms free so he can bring it up, rest his hand against Akira's bicep wrapped around him. Haruaki relies on him for a lot more than he thinks the man is aware. It's difficult not to feel like he's drowning in his own gratitude, suddenly.
He doesn't have the energy to give voice to all his thoughts, though. So he only shifts to rest more comfortably in Akira's arms and gives one of them a little squeeze. ]
If you try to sneak out of bed and keep working, I'll have to get even more underhanded next time.
The satisfaction of doing something mischievous is snuffed the instant Haruaki relaxes into his hold, replaced by hyperawareness of his own very, very present heartbeat.
There are no gods here, at least he doesn't think so, and he's never been in the habit of praying to them for obvious reasons. But if anything out there is looking down on Akira favorably tonight, they won't let the thing break right through his ribcage and tattle on him as it's threatening to.
Sleep. He needs to focus on sleeping, getting a relaxed rhythm to his breathing that'll calm him down so his impulses won't pull him yet further forward.
The way his fingers lock behind Haruaki's back wouldn't help if he realized he was doing it. ]
That kind of makes me want to see what you come up with, you know.
I'm sure it'll happen eventually. So you don't need to tempt fate on purpose!
[ Frankly, he's underutilizing his scheming tactics here in this world, but– well, one thing at a time. There will be opportunities. Haruaki's sure of that.
As he nestles down yet again to try to achieve maximum comfiness, he winds up yanking the other arm free from Akira's grip as well. It has nowhere to go, though, so he ends up draping it around Akira's back in kind, palm pressing warm against his spine. ]
The best part of sleepovers is staying up late talking, huh? But we really should sleep...
Only one? When I already have a hundred and counting?
[ Said half-teasing, half-serious. Because of course once his mind started with this trail of dominos it won't stop, not even for new bedtime rules.
Still, though, narrowing it down to just one, eesh. He shifts just a little, getting more comfortable as he considers his many options...and how safe he wants to be with them. ]
The students. Everyone at the school, I guess, but...
[ Haruaki goes quiet, his breath deep and even enough that Akira could be forgiven for thinking he trailed off and drifted away to sleep, but eventually that thought does finish. ]
When you're a teacher, you only get a short amount of time with your students. I hope I'm in their lives for a long time, of course! But we're only guaranteed one year together. So even though I know they're safe without me right now... I still miss spending that time with them.
[ It's a simple statement of fact, but one said with fondness all the same. The other teachers at the academy are good as well, of course, the Principal doesn't select his staff without reason. But Haruaki always goes the extra mile, goes an extra continent if he can help it, and he usually can; even just as the schoolchildren's GP he's noticed a change in them from it.
A change for the better. ]
I don't think there are better hands for them to be in than your own, Abe-sensei. Both as an outside observer and as a parent.
[ There's no hiding the pleased smile that quirks Haruaki's lips, nor the almost shy flush that stains his cheeks. It's dark in the room, but if anyone could see it, it would be Akira. ]
That means a lot to me, Akira-kun. Thank you.
[ If he dwells on it, he'll probably get too emotional, especially with how tired he is– and besides... ]
Hey. [ The hand at Akira's back pats a couple times, gentle. ] I get to ask you my question now, right?
[ Akira isn't the only one with a hundred questions. Haruaki only has more now than he did when he first arrived. It's strange, isn't it? One would think that living with someone would dispel mysteries, not create them.
Perhaps it's just because he sees so many more sides of Akira now than he did before.
He searches the dim outlines of the slopes and planes of Akira's face through the darkness, considers it for as long as they can bear to let the quiet settle over them, then makes his decision. ]
What do you want for yourself, more than anything? [ Another pat to Akira's back, as if stopping him from answering right away. ] There are two rules! You can't say knowledge, and it does have to be for yourself. Not something you can turn around and use for other people.
[ Haruaki smiles at him, eyes impossibly bright. ]
[ His chest gently rumbles against Haruaki's in a laugh, smile clear in his voice. ]
You keep adding rules! But alright, alright, let's see...
[ That sure fits the bill for a deep sleepover question. What he wants for himself, more than anything, besides knowledge...? It isn't something he's thought about very often, considering knowledge is what he most wants at any given time. What he uses that knowledge for--to help as many people as he can--is against the rules as well, so he's left to chew on that question for quite a while.
His fingers, still laced behind Haruaki's back, idly fidget with themselves as he considers. What else does he use that knowledge for... ]
I want...
Hm.
...I want to connect to people.
[ His voice is quiet, contemplative, as if he's still piecing the thoughts together as he speaks. ]
It feels as though most other people are able to understand each other in ways I'm not sure I've experienced. Even after all this time, after everything I've learned, something important is still missing and I'm not any closer to figuring out what it is.
[ Haruaki lets Akira slowly puzzle through those developing ideas for as long as he needs, waits a few heavy heartbeats after he finishes speaking to be sure he's done.
It's impossible to resist the urge to bring a hand up and lay it over the top of Akira's head, rubbing his hair gently from side to side. ]
You've always achieved everything you set your mind to, right? I don't see why this is any different. It might take a long time, but you'll find what you're missing, and then I think everything will click.
[ That petting motion stills, but Haruaki doesn't move his hand away, limbs heavy with exhaustion. When was the last time he stayed up this late? If they do this every night, his robotic schedule might actually have to adjust... ]
[ His eyes can't help but flutter closed at the feeling of Haruaki's hand in his hair. Such a simple, childish joy, and yet it's one he won't hesitate to accept. Especially not now, when his inhibitions are slowly, steadily being washed away by the promise of sleep. ]
If I'm really allowed to be selfish in this hypothetical...I want you there when I find it.
[ He nestles in just a little closer. ]
That's what I want more than anything.
IT WAS PROBABLY OBVIOUS BUT I FORGOR TO MENTION WE CAN WRAP ON YRS
Between the two of us, there's no way we can fail.
[ Akira is growing still and heavy against him, and Haruaki's powerless to fight the way it seeps into his system too. His eyes finally close fully, hand in Akira's hair relaxing, but it doesn't drop away. ]
We should do this tomorrow night, too. The questions, and... [ Oh, BIG yawn. ] And the sleep...
[ He has, generously, thirty seconds of consciousness left in him. ]
Edited (i was banking it and realized... i forgor to say.... i dum) 2025-07-21 08:10 (UTC)
Akechi thinks highly enough of him to recommend him as a teacher to strangers!? Hold on, he needs to bawl inconsolably for a few minutes before responding. ]
Hi!!! ヽ(・∀・)ﾉ
Akechi-kun sent you to the right guy! My name is Haruaki Abe, you can call me Abe-sensei if you want~
[There comes from behind Haruaki the sound of tiny hiccups, little chirping whimpers, and sniffling. Mii-kun tugs at his own sleeves, looking around under bushes and behind benches, but never upward at the tall buildings lining the Stellari streets. He's too lost! And so, the tears pick up until he's sobbing. He has nothing to hug, so he has to hug himself, watery eyes still scanning. He can only see people's shins as they move past in big crowds.]
[ The sound of a child wailing has always been guaranteed to get Haruaki's attention, do-gooder that he is, but now more so than ever – he can hardly turn a corner in town without running into a dreamer who's been transformed, and now is no exception.
He whirls around to offer his help before he's even laid eyes on the child, but as soon as he does– ]
Huh?
[ He freezes, blinking rapidly, cowlick curling into the shape of a question mark. ]
The boy with the talisman...?
[ The memory would be hazier if not for that day he got trapped in the department store fire. It returns to him now in bright, blazing color – a boy as lost as he is now, clutching a stuffed tanuki... ]
Mii-kun! [ Haruaki stumbles through the crowd to crouch down in front of him at once, plainly shocked. ] Why are you here, Mii-kun!?
HIS QUESTION MARK COWLICK SLDFJSDF I HATE HIM SO MUCH
[Mii-kun gasps when Haruaki gasps, almost startled by it. At the mention of Mametarou, the little boy's face falls into a deep frown. After that, he starts to look panicked.]
[Mii-kun immediately climbs into Haruaki's arms. It's clear the man has a plan, and a man with a plan is definitely better than a man without one. Kyoto-san knows exactly where to find Mametarou.]
Where is he?! Where'd he go?!
swiftly enters and approves my own rewards for this
[ With a secure hold on little Mii-kun, they're off to the races!!!
Literally. Haruaki sprints as fast as his legs can carry him in the direction of the crystal in Stellari, visualizing a tanuki plush in a sailor uniform to make his legs pump faster. ]
He's... right... here!!
[ They skid to a stop in front of the crystal, and without setting Mii-kun down, Haruaki barks out: ]
I wish Mii-kun had Mametarou back!!
[ POOF.
ONE (1) MAMETAROU PLUSH ACQUIRED.
And it lands right in Mii-kun's waiting arms, to boot. ]
[First of all, woah. They are running super fast right now. Mii-kun giggles and clings, holding on tight, tight, tight before they skid to a sudden stop.]
Uwoah-oah! [Mii-kun dramatically bobbles back and forth. Haruaki barks his wish, and suddenly--
[Mii-kun gasps!]
Mametarou!!!
[He squeezes the plushie close to him, burying his face in the soft fur. His tears start to well up again, this time thick with relief.]
Y-you found him! [No...] You made a wish? That's all?
You got shocked... ah! That means you were older before!
[ Wait– ]
That means you were already here!
[ How could that be? Mii-kun is from his world, and with how many of them are here, surely one of them would have a connection to him and have already mentioned his presence by now. Unless he just got here? How unlucky would that be...
The gears are turning almost faster than Haruaki's brain can keep up. He squeezes Mii-kun and Mametarou tight in his arms, swaying a little where they stand in front of the crystal as he thinks, thinks, thinks. ]
Mii-kun, Mii-kun, Mii-kun... I never told you, that's a cute nickname! What's it short for?
[ Even the air around them seems to still as Haruaki stops swaying and turns his eyes on Mii-kun–
No.
On Sano. ]
Sano-kun?
[ He stares for a moment longer before it jolts into him like a static shock – those blue eyes! And if he imagines Mii-kun older, with less baby fat on his face... ]
Is it really you? You gave me that talisman, and then... you saved me during the fire, both of you did...
[ The shock of this revelation is swiftly settling into a warm, radiant sort of knowing safety. Haruaki cradles Mii-kun– Sano– in his arms, voice quieting as he hums and nods. ]
I was. But you saved me, and you helped me save a little zashiki-warashi. Your talisman did that, Sano-kun.
[Sano is quiet for a moment, little brain struggling to process the severity of the scenario. He finds himself tearing up as he tilts his head back and forth, searching Haruaki for burns. His little fingers take to fiddling with the man's tie.]
It really worked? [Through the tears, there's a tiny smile, then a tiny giggle.] Hehe. It worked!
[ Haruaki can't help himself. He sees tears filling Mii-kun's eyes, and his own grow bright and damp in turn. He doesn't start actively crying, but the threat is there.
No, he's too happy. A grin breaks out over his face to hear that little giggle – has he ever heard Sano giggle? – and then he's hugging the boy tight, Mametarou squished between them. ]
[ With how fast Haruaki's running, it takes less than a minute for him to get all the way across Stellari to the Amphitheater, and he doesn't break pace at all as he rockets through the crowd, right up to the front of the stage–
Where he leaps up, throwing himself bodily onto the platform and rolling until he can pop up like a prize gymnast, arms stretched overhead with pride. ]
Pick me! Pick me! Somebody bid on me!!!!!
[ The crowd...
Is perplexed.
Did anyone even want him to go up there?
No, but he's always kind of doing his own thing, isn't he? That's part of Haruaki's charm...
Many murmurs, but no shouts of astronomical amounts of cords. Or... any amount of cords at all. ]
[ When suddenly, the voice of a man never so sure of anything in his life rings out from the crowd, ]
800!!
[ The crowd...
Is still perplexed.
As is the auctioneer, who looks back and forth between Haruaki and the crowd as if they honestly have no idea what to do. There's paperwork for this kind of thing, can they even accept the cords?
An idea hits them after a few more moments of murmuring but otherwise no bidding, lightly tapping the gavel on their podium, "Sold for 800?" ]
[ It doesn't even take a second for him to be up and climbing onto the stage, surrounded by curious murmurs asking if he's allowed to do that. Is he? Who knows! Nobody here! Not even him! ]
Even if I have to dose this whole crowd, you'll be nothing but safe and sound under my watch!
[ Dose? Huh?? Well, whatever this is it's...kind of sweet? Maybe? A few people are timidly clapping as Haruaki gets oh so chivalrously hoisted up into the 'mysterious suitor's arms. ]
[ Akira lifts him like he's light as a feather, even without his full strength returned to him. Haruaki flings his arms around his neck, kicks his legs happily in the air as he looks back out over the crowd. ]
Careful! He totally means it!
[ Murmurs ripple through the crowd – wait, I saw some art of Doctor Takahashi and Haruaki, and he was giving him a shot in it... and then they... – but Haruaki pays them no mind, focused back on Akira. ]
Well? Where are you whisking me off to for our date, Akira-kuuuuun?
[Haruaki takes him to the blue-sanded beach in Visium. Sano doesn't necessarily go to the ocean often like he used to, but he's always enjoyed it. It's too late to swim or build things with sand, so they're just walking. It doesn't really feel like a date. It's just Seimei...]
You're happy with this? [He doesn't sound doubtful, just...conscientious.]
[Sano nods, eyes forward at first, almost as if he were afraid of looking up and seeing different stars. Sure enough, when his eyes reach the sky, he finds no familiar constellations. It unsettles his heart, makes his lips pull down, but to deny they're beautiful would just be a lie.
[ Haruaki nods, looking sidelong at Sano with a smile. ]
I don't like being away from all of my students, and Miki-sensei and Hatanaka-sensei... but there are things in this world we'd probably never get to experience in our own.
[ A little nudge now, shoulder sloping down to meet shoulder. ]
[ Haruaki waits a few moments. They walk down the coast in silence, blue sand crunching beneath their shoes, unfamiliar stars twinkling overhead.
He feels such a profound gratitude for this whole world. Even when it's scary, even when it's dangerous– he's already gotten so much more here than he ever could have dreamed of back home, and now he can share that with Sano, too. ]
Without all that weird stuff going on with people's ages a little while ago... I may have never learned that you were the little Mii-kun that gave me that talisman and saved my life.
[The bafflement only increases, becomes something soft, almost cautious, or maybe even fearful, somehow... Sano stares at his teacher, his friend, a man he'd do anything to save - anytime, every time.
[He is so often a failure. He is someone who has caused unimaginable pain and suffering, whose guilt rules him in ways few, if any, could ever understand. He still sees visions of the people he's hurt, blood on the walls.
[He worries he'll fail. Every time, he worries he'll fail.
[He isn't good enough. Strong enough, but unable to control it. He wants to be like Haruaki, to solve things with peace, to not rely on anger and frustration, the ever-present threat of an explosion...
[It makes his face crumple for just a minute, and he has to look away, glaring at the sand, breath arrested in his lungs.]
You kept it all those years...I didn't think...I'd...
[He didn't think it would save him. He didn't think it would matter the way it does...]
[ Haruaki takes one big step to get a pace ahead of Sano and then turns, stopping right in front of him, reaching out to hold him by the shoulders. His hands squeeze, warm and reassuring, because Sano doesn't have to speak all those dark troubles in his heart – Haruaki knows them just from a glance.
If there's one person in the world who doesn't make Sano feel like a harbinger of miserable, chaotic destruction, let it be him. ]
You've been watching over me for much longer than either of us knew. Thank you, Sano-kun.
[He's taken by the shoulders, steadied, cared for. He told Haruaki once that being with him makes his worries feel stupid, and he'd said so with joy in his heart, so rarely felt. He feels vulnerable and young, unable to control the expression on his face, warm guilt. He shakes his head a bit.]
[ Haruaki can never hide a single thing he feels. When the surprise washes over him, it's visible – his eyes go almost comically wide, cowlick curling into a question mark atop his head. ]
You did? Wait! You really did?
[ ... ]
Is that why you were so kind to me right away...?
THE FUCKING QUESTION MARK I SINCERELY HOPE HE SUFFERS AND DIES
[Sano just barely shakes his head, the smallest smile warming on his lips. That guilty, burdened look starts to fade as he recalls his teacher, hiding under the podium on his first day.]
No. You were afraid. I knew you didn't have to be.
It felt familiar, though... [Don't worry. We're not going to eat you.]
[ And then those gentle, glittering tears burst forth like geysers as he wraps both arms around his treasured student, his cherished friend, and clings for dear life. ]
Sano-kuuuuuuuuuuuun!!! I want us to protect each other forever!!!!!!!
[Those slowly pooling, glistening tears have just enough time to pull at Sano's heartstrings before Haruaki's sobbing, stuck to him like a starfish. Sano places a hand on Haruaki's head, trying to pry him off.]
[ And in response to that, Haruaki only clings tighter, practically lifts Sano off the ground from the force with which he begins to sway both of them back and forth. ]
Forever and ever and ever! Even after you graduate! Even when I'm Old and Gray-aki and I'm ready to shuffle off this mortal coil and go to the great sailor uniform in the sky!!!!
[ How is it possible to cry so hard yet be so, so very happy? Haruaki laughs through his theatrical tears, hugs Sano tighter beneath the stars, begins to spin him around. Sorry, but this spiral isn't ending. He may never let go. ]
[It only makes sense to go Christmas shopping together. Oda's never met Takahashi-sensei, and Haruaki...apparently needs some sort of insight on Akechi that he doesn't already have? Oda's really not the person to ask, but he likes spending time with Haruaki, so he agrees to come along. They meet in the marketplace in Stellari. Oda approaches with his hands in his pockets.]
I recognized the name right away. I've never met the guy, though. You'll have better advice than anyone.
[Oda has not yet considered that there's a non-zero chance Haruaki will tell him to buy Takahashi a sailor uniform. He has also not considered that this may be Haruaki's intentions for Akechi.]
[It's a good idea. Oda loves books, may have defaulted to that option regardless of who he drew, so to know that it would land with Takahashi is encouraging.]
[ There's a little curio shop that has a few books in the front window, and he leads Odasaku that way, peering inside. ]
He's an expert in... um, pretty much every medical field, I guess! So maybe not that? But anything else... especially if it's strange or magical, or something he couldn't learn about back home, he'll love it.
[To be an expert in every medical field is certainly an accomplishment, and Oda looks passably impressed. Into the curio shop they go, immediately met with a bookshelf full of strange topics. Oda scans the spines, spotting everything from "Hatching & Raising Dragons" to "Flora of the Dream Garden". He's spoiled for choice.]
[ Nnnnnnot the one about hatching and raising dragons. Their house is already a little crowded with the two of them, Hana and part-time Marshmallow. If Akira learned how to get a little dragon, he probably would.
He plucks the other book instead, flipping through it curiously. ]
When I first got here, he was trying to make medicine out of the plants in the garden. Something like this might help with that!
[ ... ]
I guess it's kinda hard to get him something that he won't use for his work in some way...
[ When Haruaki wakes up on Christmas and looks outside... there is a mysterious paper bag!!
Inside... there is a school uniform.
Actually no. Not quite. It looks like a school uniform, but it's like the top and the skirt are sown together to be one piece? Anyways, there's a note with it. ]
Mr. Haruaki!!! Merry Christmas!!! I tried asking for help on sewing a school uniform, but they ended up making it as a one piece! I considered cutting it in half, but then I think you'd cry, so I'm giving it to you like this for you to do what you want! A one of a kind school uniform that no other school has. It's awesome, kind of like Sailor Moon! Power of love!! And! Peace!!!
[Haruaki's gift comes in the form of a simple red envelope, tucked between a pair of warm Christmas-themed mittens, and containing an origami folded into the shape of a sailor uniform. If Haruaki unfolds it, a simple note is written inside the origami paper.
'1 from the Specials Page once we're back home. And I did drink all of it. >:P
-Merry Christmas'
He didn't, but he also doesn't like to be told what to do, so he's going to be contrarian (and keep the good booze till there's a nice reason to break into it) just because.]
[ Akira was almost too eager to bother with wrapping but he still managed, nice ribbons over nice paper for a box small enough to be for some kind of jewelry. But instead what's inside is...
Well. Something obviously handmade. The stitching is phenomenal, everything hemmed and lined with care, but pattern pieces--if there were any--seem to have been a little mismatched, making the whole thing off center. But it should still work as it's intended: a sailor uniform the perfect size for any of the plush dolls Haru collected from the recent fan event.
And a promise to try again. He's got more, after all, and singling one out wouldn't be fair to the others or to Haruaki. ]
[Packed in a plain green box with a red ribbon is a seifuku. The sewing is, charitably, rough and amateurish, and clearly some vague guesses were made as to the outfit's measurements, but it is, unmistakably, a sailor uniform.
The main feature of the gift, though, is the little speaker stitched into the collar. There's a button on it which, when pushed, plays a prerecorded voice that greets Haruaki and tells him the time.
A note is attached: Technically it doesn't actually think or talk for itself, but thought you might get a kick out of it anyway.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
text - un: akechi
I hope you're acclimating well to this world. I know it can be a taxing affair to adjust to it.
Of course, if you need any assistance or have questions, I'm happy to help
YOU WERE FIRST <3
His first text message from a new... soon to be friend!! ]
Hi Akechi-kun!
It's not that taxing, weird stuff happens to me all the time...
And I have nice people like you helping me out ദ്ദി ( ᵔ ᗜ ᵔ ) Life is great!!!
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's good you're able to take it in stride and adapt. Let's hope that attitude remains during the worst this world has to offer.
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But what's the worst thing you've seen, Akechi-kun?
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[Lol.]
As for the worst experience, I'll admit it's difficult to rattle me given my career. Humanity's darkest corners and the vile criminals that thrive there tend to be worse than anything this world can conjure up.
Though I suppose the kaiju were a bit unnerving.
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I haven't seen any since last year and it was a short lived affair.
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At least you guys have a good doctor here when things get dangerous, though!!!
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Of course, there are clinics open to Dreamers as well. They've been vital during chaotic events.
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The way you're endorsing him is rather...unique.
I've spoken to him on a couple occasions and it was pleasant enough. He seems competent.
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[ No it's not. ]
I have another question for you, Akechi-kun! If you're not too busy, I mean... ( 〃．．)
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Of course - ask whatever you wish.
oh thank god i remembered
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I didn't attend school often and teachers sent me assignments and lectures to finish on my own. My work obligations require as much.
Still, despite that all this I'm at the top of the nation for practice exams. My education is vital and important to me.
I often worry I'm losing my edge being in a place with no formal system.
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But I get it... I'm worried that if I stop exercising my teacher muscles, I'll be weaker when I get back to my students.
Do you want me to teach you sometimes?
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It can only serve to benefit us both.
The course material you teach and what's in my own world - even if it's different, I still wish to educate myself on such topics.
I would appreciate the opportunity to learn from you, Abe-sensei.
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I need to go to the library and see what books they have...
What does Akechi-kun like to read the most? Romance novels? Mysteries? Manga?
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As for your question - I'm well read in many genres. There's no need to cater to my specific tastes. If you take on other students, it might be difficult for them to keep up.
Though I do enjoy classics and philosophy. Hegel is who I was most fascinated by prior to my arrival here.
If you need help finding or navigating the library, I'm happy to assist. It can be overwhelming.
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Though in saying that-
I won't deny that I would enjoy a challenge. It's been far too long since I felt it from a classroom.
Regardless of the level you settle on, please hold me to the highest standard and don't hold back on grading.
hehe we can wrap.....
Haha, maybe after this world you can come give lessons to my class on how to be good students... (￣▽￣*)ゞ
WRAPPED <3 i want to die
[ It won't happen. ♥ Get bullied by your asshole students king. ]
hey so, gray first actually
He goes to bed every evening at 10 pm, 'when good kids go to sleep', and wakes up exactly seven hours later at 5 am. Akira's advised that eight hours is the sweet spot for most humans, but the routine is so thoroughly ingrained it's not likely to change even in a strange new reality.
Meanwhile, Haruaki has never caught Akira sleeping. He's awake when Haruaki goes to bed, awake when he gets up, when he leaves for errands, when he gets home from errands...Akira seems tired every now and then, sure, but it's never clear when he actually gets any kind of rest.
Like now, for instance. It's a little after 5 in the morning and Akira's at his coffee table in the living room, nose deep in a book and dog (mostly) out like a light on his lap. When Haruaki comes out of his new bedroom, Akira of course looks up from his book with a smile as energetic as ever. ]
Ah, good morning Abe-sensei.
GRAY FIRST GRAY FOREVER
Of course he has. Very little escapes his watchful eye, whether people realize it or not, and he has much less to watch in this world than he did back home. Other people are becoming important to him, of course, but... of course Akira will always be a special case, being his only person from home. And he's the person Haruaki sees most often by a long shot besides. It's impossible not to be observant of his behaviors, his habits, his patterns.
And the one pattern Haruaki hasn't managed to pin down at all is when the hell he sleeps.
Haruaki scrubs at his eyes as he emerges into the living room, trying to rub away that last bit of grogginess that clings before he's had breakfast and tea, his words coming through a yawn: ]
Good morning, Takahashi-sensei~
[ He'd say good morning to Hana too, but like all creatures with good sense at five in the morning, she's snoozing away. Haruaki smiles at her, then turns his attention back to Akira, eyes going wide. ]
You didn't sleep at all? Again? It was like that yesterday morning, and the day before that, and the day before that...
GRAY UNTIL THE END OF TIME.......
[ He glances up towards the ceiling, thinking back. ]
Ah, suppose I didn't. I get a little caught up in work, you know?
[ Said with a smile, as if he's being accused of skipping one cheeky night's worth of sleep and not...many. So many.
But he isn't denying it, either. ]
POUNCES ON THIS. LET'S GO
What work were you caught up in tonight?
[ If he's gearing up for a little lecture – and he might be! – there's no sign of it. Only good natured curiosity.
However.
This is a test. ]
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
[ Seeing no danger, he'll just go right into rattling things off. ]
I had help with the more clerical side of things back home, but here I have to run all of the numbers--how much of certain supplies we have, how much we use in a day, that sort of thing. I also keep detailed records on every patient, as you know, and what concerns they come to me with just in case there turns out to be something special I need to work with them on, or if there's another odd epidemic on the rise. That's become a much more involved process with new species from new worlds with their own sets of rules to take into consideration.
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He'd never tell Akira not to be as dedicated to his work as he is, especially not in a place like this that needs him, but at the same time... ]
There is a lot to do... Have you tried asking anyone for help?
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[ A pause. ]
I think?
[ Another pause, bringing a hand up to his chin as he keeps on thinking, perhaps a little slower than usual. ]
I know I've told people there are positions...
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[ The exasperation is fond, at least.
Haruaki folds his hands down on the table, sits up straighter. ]
Do you want to make a deal with me?
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[ And then he points straight at Akira. ]
If! If you promise to pause work at midnight each night and go to bed.
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[ Oops, that stirs Hana a bit. He'll give her some gentle pets, lowering his volume. ]
Oniisan, that's so early.
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[ Wait a minute. ]
When you aren't caught up in work, what time do you go to sleep?
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And then.
Simply turns his head away. Still smiling. ]
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You didn't finish your sentence, Akira-kun~
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[ Still not looking. ]
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Dunno.
FREAK. STOP
Haruaki won't lose this battle. ]
If you can stick to midnight for a couple weeks, then we can bump it up to 2 AM. Okay?
(｡•̀ᴗ-)✧
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[ He loves teaching the days of the week! They can do that, if Akira wants! ]
By the way, if you don't agree, I have a plan B.
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[ Should he be afraid? He's already afraid, but. ]
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[ Ope, Hana's officially awake now. What's wrong, what are papas talking about so early in the morning? ]
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[ Shrug! ]
Oh well! So, do we have a deal?
[ Sorry, Hana. Papas are Talking. ]
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In the next few seconds he tries his hardest to come up with something, anything to strike back with, but...well. Maybe lack of sleep really is taking its toll.
With a sigh, he slumps. ]
Fine. Fine, alright, we have a deal.
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Haruaki isn't going to gloat about his victory, though.
(Not right now. Not in front of Akira. He is absolutely going to gloat privately to someone else.)
No, instead he only reaches across the table and pats Akira's hand soothingly. ]
I know why you push yourself so hard, Akira-kun, but you have to start taking better care of yourself, too. If I was doing what you're doing, you'd tell me the same thing. Right?
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[ Said softly, knowing he's already been defeated, but still stubborn regardless. ]
But...I know. I know you're right, and you mean well with it, so I can't even be upset with you.
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You can be upset with me, as long as you give our deal a fair chance!
[ One more pat, and then he pulls back, stretching his arms high overhead with an enormous yawn before settling back down and grinning wide. ]
And I'll be awake to make sure you do. So I'll see you for bedtime tonight!
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I'm going to try! But if I fail, I'm going to set a bunch of alarms so I wake up and drag you to bed!!!
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I've seen you sleepy! If you can stay upright long enough to get me there it'll be an honest miracle.
Not that I'll be fighting you, mind. I make good on my promises.
closes eyes. we can wrap OR you can trust me to do smth sick. your choice
That's true, you always do.
[ Haruaki holds out his hand to shake. ]
Then it's settled.
are you kidding i trust you with my life
It's settled. I'll see you at bedtime, oniisan.
deepest sigh of my entire life. okayyyy let's go.mp3
He couldn't even make it to 10:15.
But! He did set no less than twenty alarms on his phone to ensure that at midnight, he's staggering out of his room to find Akira, even if he's half-asleep to do it. ]
Akira-kun... Bedtime, or– [ BIG YAWN. ] Or else...
oooooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHH
Ah, right. Bedtime.
He can't keep a fond smile off his face when he peeks his head out the door, Haruaki consistently adorable when he's all sleepy in his jammies. It feels almost like a treat to motivate him further. ]
I hear you, I hear you. I'll wrap everything up, so get yourself back to bed, alright?
i'm dead today but NOT FOR THIS
Haruaki doesn't budge from where he stands in the doorway. ]
No, I'll wait for you.
SPOILING ME.....
[ See? He's even going back in to start tidying up his desk.
...Or. Tidying it up for the night. Akira never really does 'tidy' on his own. ]
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His eyes feel so heavy...
Is his chin drooping down toward his chest as he nods off? Maybe so. ]
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Oniisan? Oniisan...?
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It's past the time good kids go to bed... Come on, let's go...
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[ Gently, without Haruaki needing to shift his weight too much, Akira will start nudging them both out of the doorway towards the other's bedroom. He can take a minute to tuck his dear oniisan in before he keeps his promise. ]
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Wrong move, actually!
Haruaki digs his heels in. ]
Nooooo, no no no... No, I'm not going back to sleep until I see your head hit the pillow and your eyes close! I have to make sure!
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Well, no way around it. Akira will spin and scoot as gently as he can towards his bed instead, having to step backwards until his legs hit the edge and he can take a seat on the mattress to look up at Haruaki. ]
More like this?
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Unfortunately, that brief burst of energy needed to see his plan through served its purpose, and now it's fading fast. Haruaki scrubs at his eyes as he nods down at Akira. ]
Yes. I really will stand here 'til you fall asleep!
[ It is a genuine threat, but it's probably hard to take seriously when he's swaying where he stands. ]
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And he hasn't done the necessary inventory for everything he'd need for impromptu brain surgery, so...
A flash of inspiration, and a very rare moment in his life of hesitation.
It's the road of least resistance, really, and it doesn't have to be anything more than that. If it's really so awful, so unwanted, they can make plans to avoid it come tomorrow morning and there won't be any hard feelings. Only rested minds with a newfound sense of determination to make this whole arrangement work.
So. That's that.
He hasn't any oni strength anymore, but he does have the strength of a healthy, fit man. All of which goes into yoinking Haruaki forward and onto the bed with him. ]
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That's where he ends up.
It takes a few moments of dazed, groggy blinking before his mind fully registers what just happened to his body, and then he looks over at Akira, wide-eyed. ]
Of course... [ It's like the world's dimmest lightbulb just flickered to life behind his eyes. ] Of course! Why didn't I think of that! The best way to make sure you get some sleep is to have a sleepover!
[ Well, don't mind him flopping down onto the bed and immediately making himself cozy, then. ]
You're a genius, Akira-kun.
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You really think so?
[ There's still a chance for things to go wrong come morning, but...
No need to look a gift horse in the mouth while he's in danger of losing his covers. He probably won't fall asleep for some time, but putting in the effort of trying is half the battle so he'll make himself just as comfy cozy sliding into bed proper. ]
Just to warn you, I'm a cuddler~
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[ His head is on a soft pillow, and his body is covered by warm blankets. It takes a valiant effort for Haruaki to keep his eyes just barely half-open, the heaviness of sleep already sinking into his voice. ]
I've never slept in bed with someone before, but I cuddle Marshmallow sometimes, so... I guess I'm used to it!
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[ Maybe he is just a little tired, not having slept since their morning talk, or maybe it's the mischief in his blood looking for a way to get out. Whichever excuse he decides to stick with in the end, it doesn't change what he does next.
Which is, turning to wrap his arms around Haruaki, pulling him close like a stuffed animal. ]
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It really is nothing like being piled on by mandragoras for a midday nap. Being held by another person, especially one as important to him as Akira...
Haruaki would never call himself a lonely person, not outright. But it's only within recent months that he's made the first friends of his life, and he's been without them here. It's only because of Akira that he hasn't found himself back in a familiar isolation – friendly with many, but set apart by a distance he's never quite understood or been able to bridge. If asked before, he would have said it didn't bother him, but having what he does now, he knows he never wants to have to return to it.
Slowly, he wriggles one of his arms free so he can bring it up, rest his hand against Akira's bicep wrapped around him. Haruaki relies on him for a lot more than he thinks the man is aware. It's difficult not to feel like he's drowning in his own gratitude, suddenly.
He doesn't have the energy to give voice to all his thoughts, though. So he only shifts to rest more comfortably in Akira's arms and gives one of them a little squeeze. ]
If you try to sneak out of bed and keep working, I'll have to get even more underhanded next time.
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The satisfaction of doing something mischievous is snuffed the instant Haruaki relaxes into his hold, replaced by hyperawareness of his own very, very present heartbeat.
There are no gods here, at least he doesn't think so, and he's never been in the habit of praying to them for obvious reasons. But if anything out there is looking down on Akira favorably tonight, they won't let the thing break right through his ribcage and tattle on him as it's threatening to.
Sleep. He needs to focus on sleeping, getting a relaxed rhythm to his breathing that'll calm him down so his impulses won't pull him yet further forward.
The way his fingers lock behind Haruaki's back wouldn't help if he realized he was doing it. ]
That kind of makes me want to see what you come up with, you know.
[ Quiet, calm, casual. Everything is fine. ]
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[ Aren't you curious about me? ]
I'm sure it'll happen eventually. So you don't need to tempt fate on purpose!
[ Frankly, he's underutilizing his scheming tactics here in this world, but– well, one thing at a time. There will be opportunities. Haruaki's sure of that.
As he nestles down yet again to try to achieve maximum comfiness, he winds up yanking the other arm free from Akira's grip as well. It has nowhere to go, though, so he ends up draping it around Akira's back in kind, palm pressing warm against his spine. ]
The best part of sleepovers is staying up late talking, huh? But we really should sleep...
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Inhale for four. Hold for seven. Out for eight. ]
We should. Even if I could come up with a thousand questions to ask now that we're here.
[ His heart may not make it through the night, but so long as Haruaki can fall back asleep and rest comfortably in his arms it'll be worthwhile. ]
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[ He stifles a long, long yawn, eyes drooping shut where his face is hidden away. ]
What kind of questions? Ah! How about this, we can each only ask one, then we sleep!
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[ Said half-teasing, half-serious. Because of course once his mind started with this trail of dominos it won't stop, not even for new bedtime rules.
Still, though, narrowing it down to just one, eesh. He shifts just a little, getting more comfortable as he considers his many options...and how safe he wants to be with them. ]
...What do you miss most about home?
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But he can wish for those.
There are things he can't wish for. ]
The students. Everyone at the school, I guess, but...
[ Haruaki goes quiet, his breath deep and even enough that Akira could be forgiven for thinking he trailed off and drifted away to sleep, but eventually that thought does finish. ]
When you're a teacher, you only get a short amount of time with your students. I hope I'm in their lives for a long time, of course! But we're only guaranteed one year together. So even though I know they're safe without me right now... I still miss spending that time with them.
okay NOW i nap
[ It's a simple statement of fact, but one said with fondness all the same. The other teachers at the academy are good as well, of course, the Principal doesn't select his staff without reason. But Haruaki always goes the extra mile, goes an extra continent if he can help it, and he usually can; even just as the schoolchildren's GP he's noticed a change in them from it.
A change for the better. ]
I don't think there are better hands for them to be in than your own, Abe-sensei. Both as an outside observer and as a parent.
utterly exploding about it tbh
That means a lot to me, Akira-kun. Thank you.
[ If he dwells on it, he'll probably get too emotional, especially with how tired he is– and besides... ]
Hey. [ The hand at Akira's back pats a couple times, gentle. ] I get to ask you my question now, right?
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Leave it to Haruaki of all people to make that contradiction work, he supposes. ]
Mhmm. Aaaaanything you want, all yours to know.
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Perhaps it's just because he sees so many more sides of Akira now than he did before.
He searches the dim outlines of the slopes and planes of Akira's face through the darkness, considers it for as long as they can bear to let the quiet settle over them, then makes his decision. ]
What do you want for yourself, more than anything? [ Another pat to Akira's back, as if stopping him from answering right away. ] There are two rules! You can't say knowledge, and it does have to be for yourself. Not something you can turn around and use for other people.
[ Haruaki smiles at him, eyes impossibly bright. ]
Okay, go!
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You keep adding rules! But alright, alright, let's see...
[ That sure fits the bill for a deep sleepover question. What he wants for himself, more than anything, besides knowledge...? It isn't something he's thought about very often, considering knowledge is what he most wants at any given time. What he uses that knowledge for--to help as many people as he can--is against the rules as well, so he's left to chew on that question for quite a while.
His fingers, still laced behind Haruaki's back, idly fidget with themselves as he considers. What else does he use that knowledge for... ]
I want...
Hm.
...I want to connect to people.
[ His voice is quiet, contemplative, as if he's still piecing the thoughts together as he speaks. ]
It feels as though most other people are able to understand each other in ways I'm not sure I've experienced. Even after all this time, after everything I've learned, something important is still missing and I'm not any closer to figuring out what it is.
But I want to.
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It's impossible to resist the urge to bring a hand up and lay it over the top of Akira's head, rubbing his hair gently from side to side. ]
You've always achieved everything you set your mind to, right? I don't see why this is any different. It might take a long time, but you'll find what you're missing, and then I think everything will click.
[ That petting motion stills, but Haruaki doesn't move his hand away, limbs heavy with exhaustion. When was the last time he stayed up this late? If they do this every night, his robotic schedule might actually have to adjust... ]
I want to help you find it.
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If I'm really allowed to be selfish in this hypothetical...I want you there when I find it.
[ He nestles in just a little closer. ]
That's what I want more than anything.
IT WAS PROBABLY OBVIOUS BUT I FORGOR TO MENTION WE CAN WRAP ON YRS
[ Simple as that. ]
Between the two of us, there's no way we can fail.
[ Akira is growing still and heavy against him, and Haruaki's powerless to fight the way it seeps into his system too. His eyes finally close fully, hand in Akira's hair relaxing, but it doesn't drop away. ]
We should do this tomorrow night, too. The questions, and... [ Oh, BIG yawn. ] And the sleep...
[ He has, generously, thirty seconds of consciousness left in him. ]
voice-to-text un: belmont
Totally out of the blue and as casual and haphazard as this might seem, someone told me to contact you.
Akechi, I think his name was? Said you were a teacher and that you might be able to help me?
CLOSING MY EYES WHAT DID AKECHI DO NOW
Akechi thinks highly enough of him to recommend him as a teacher to strangers!? Hold on, he needs to bawl inconsolably for a few minutes before responding. ]
Hi!!! ヽ(・∀・)ﾉ
Akechi-kun sent you to the right guy! My name is Haruaki Abe, you can call me Abe-sensei if you want~
What do you need help with?
LOL nothing bad!! I promise!
Hi. I have no idea what those letters are... You somehow managed to make your 'A' turn upside down? Okay, I think this might be way out of my league.
Abe-sensei? Sure, he called you Abe-san, but whatever, Abe-sensei, it is, I'm Trevor, and I need your help with my language skills.
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Someone's been teaching me to read and write but I want to be able to do it better.
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forever late and forever sorry! D:
( action ) it's the age event
Nii-- [BIG breath.] NII-SAAAAAAAAAAAAN!!!
beep beep here comes the local idiot
He whirls around to offer his help before he's even laid eyes on the child, but as soon as he does– ]
Huh?
[ He freezes, blinking rapidly, cowlick curling into the shape of a question mark. ]
The boy with the talisman...?
[ The memory would be hazier if not for that day he got trapped in the department store fire. It returns to him now in bright, blazing color – a boy as lost as he is now, clutching a stuffed tanuki... ]
Mii-kun! [ Haruaki stumbles through the crowd to crouch down in front of him at once, plainly shocked. ] Why are you here, Mii-kun!?
HIS QUESTION MARK COWLICK SLDFJSDF I HATE HIM SO MUCH
It's you! You're here!
[He's here, so it's all going to be okay now, just like it was last time!]
Where are your friends? Those guys? Where are we? Too?
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[ Wait.
It's not just Miki and Hatanaka (and... Mouse-sensei) who are missing.
There's another friend absent from their little reunion, round and plush and fuzzy...
Haruaki gasps! ]
Where's Mametarou? Did you lose him again? Oh, no!!
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You're right! You're right! Mametarou's gone!
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He has a plan.
Haruaki holds out his arms at once. ]
I know exactly where we can find him! Can I carry you there, Mii-kun?
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Where is he?! Where'd he go?!
swiftly enters and approves my own rewards for this
Literally. Haruaki sprints as fast as his legs can carry him in the direction of the crystal in Stellari, visualizing a tanuki plush in a sailor uniform to make his legs pump faster. ]
He's... right... here!!
[ They skid to a stop in front of the crystal, and without setting Mii-kun down, Haruaki barks out: ]
I wish Mii-kun had Mametarou back!!
[ POOF.
ONE (1) MAMETAROU PLUSH ACQUIRED.
And it lands right in Mii-kun's waiting arms, to boot. ]
HEHE YAY!!! YAY!!!
Uwoah-oah! [Mii-kun dramatically bobbles back and forth. Haruaki barks his wish, and suddenly--
[Mii-kun gasps!]
Mametarou!!!
[He squeezes the plushie close to him, burying his face in the soft fur. His tears start to well up again, this time thick with relief.]
Y-you found him! [No...] You made a wish? That's all?
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[ Haruaki stares down at Mii-kun in his arms, no less delighted to see the child, but now also... perplexed. ]
Because you must have just gotten here, Mii-kun! Right? You woke up in a strange garden?
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Nu-uh. I got shocked! [His outline wiggles with the memory of electricity.] And then I was here!
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[ Wait– ]
That means you were already here!
[ How could that be? Mii-kun is from his world, and with how many of them are here, surely one of them would have a connection to him and have already mentioned his presence by now. Unless he just got here? How unlucky would that be...
The gears are turning almost faster than Haruaki's brain can keep up. He squeezes Mii-kun and Mametarou tight in his arms, swaying a little where they stand in front of the crystal as he thinks, thinks, thinks. ]
Mii-kun, Mii-kun, Mii-kun... I never told you, that's a cute nickname! What's it short for?
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It's short for my name! Mikoto Sano!
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No.
On Sano. ]
Sano-kun?
[ He stares for a moment longer before it jolts into him like a static shock – those blue eyes! And if he imagines Mii-kun older, with less baby fat on his face... ]
Is it really you? You gave me that talisman, and then... you saved me during the fire, both of you did...
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You were in a fire...?
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I was. But you saved me, and you helped me save a little zashiki-warashi. Your talisman did that, Sano-kun.
oh this is sick
It really worked? [Through the tears, there's a tiny smile, then a tiny giggle.] Hehe. It worked!
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No, he's too happy. A grin breaks out over his face to hear that little giggle – has he ever heard Sano giggle? – and then he's hugging the boy tight, Mametarou squished between them. ]
It worked. You're my hero, Sano-kun!
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You're...my hero! You saved Mametarou! Uh...
What's your name? Again?
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He never told any of them. They called him Nagano.
A soft sob escapes right alongside a laugh as Haruaki grins even wider, tears spilling over onto Mii-kun's pudgy little hands. ]
Abe Haruaki. But...
[ Sano calls him Seimei. ]
You can call me Seimei. Mii-kun.
early november
SCREAMING.
What is it, what is it?
[ Is it more little nui-sized sailor uniforms to dress up the plush dreamers and students he's been collecting?
No, because he buys their stock out every single day. ♥ ]
:3c >:3c
Sano-san!
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Is he still up there!? I have to go protect Sano-kun!!!!!!
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Huh??????
You bought Sano-kun...... for me????????????
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You like spending time with him, right? Now you have a whole evening together.
1/many i hate him
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You're the only person I want to go on dates with!!!
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done. jesus christ
i love him more than life itself
Oniisan
Help
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DON'T TELL HIM YOU WON HIM FOR ME
DON'T TELL HIM I'M TAKING HIM ON A DATE
IF YOU ALREADY TOLD HIM THEN TELL HIM IT WAS A LIE!!!!!!!
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[ ✔ Read. ]
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KI
RA
KUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUN
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icb i don't have a sheep-aki icon
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He says he'll do it!!
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Just like that?
Why does this feel like a trap....???
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Akira-kun...
This was really sweet of you. What made you want to do it?
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And I'm glad it worked! ♡
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It's not going to be a date date, though. You know that, right????
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1/2
You know, like...
Like a real date!!!
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Akira-kun...
What do YOU think dates are?
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Yamazaki-kun and I went on dates all the time. Hatanaka-kun joined me on a few as well!
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Did Izuna-kun say those were dates?
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You aren't totally wrong about dates, Akira-kun, but they're also supposed to be with people you feel romantic toward!!!
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Exclusively?
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If you go on dates with your friends, you're just hanging out!
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That explains a lot more than just the past ten minutes.
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But now you know!
And now you know why it's totally inappropriate for me to date Sano-kun!!!
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Should I take it back after all? You both were quite upset at the initial idea.
1/2
He and I will just hang out. A friend date!!!
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Any excuse to take you somewhere and spoil you is a good one.
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i want to shove both of them in a locker
Here I come, Akira-kun! Think about what you want to do on our date!!!
don’t akira would like it
closes eyes. here comes stupid
Where he leaps up, throwing himself bodily onto the platform and rolling until he can pop up like a prize gymnast, arms stretched overhead with pride. ]
Pick me! Pick me! Somebody bid on me!!!!!
[ The crowd...
Is perplexed.
Did anyone even want him to go up there?
No, but he's always kind of doing his own thing, isn't he? That's part of Haruaki's charm...
Many murmurs, but no shouts of astronomical amounts of cords. Or... any amount of cords at all. ]
S-seriously, please, somebody bid on me...
here comes a very special boy
800!!
[ The crowd...
Is still perplexed.
As is the auctioneer, who looks back and forth between Haruaki and the crowd as if they honestly have no idea what to do. There's paperwork for this kind of thing, can they even accept the cords?
An idea hits them after a few more moments of murmuring but otherwise no bidding, lightly tapping the gavel on their podium, "Sold for 800?" ]
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[ Haruaki rushes to the edge of the stage, throws his arms open wide. ]
Come sweep me off my feet, mysterious suitor! But watch out, the whole crowd is going to get totally jealous...
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Even if I have to dose this whole crowd, you'll be nothing but safe and sound under my watch!
[ Dose? Huh?? Well, whatever this is it's...kind of sweet? Maybe? A few people are timidly clapping as Haruaki gets oh so chivalrously hoisted up into the 'mysterious suitor's arms. ]
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Careful! He totally means it!
[ Murmurs ripple through the crowd – wait, I saw some art of Doctor Takahashi and Haruaki, and he was giving him a shot in it... and then they... – but Haruaki pays them no mind, focused back on Akira. ]
Well? Where are you whisking me off to for our date, Akira-kuuuuun?
( action ) re: date auction
You're happy with this? [He doesn't sound doubtful, just...conscientious.]
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Yeah! The stars are totally different here than they are back home, have you noticed? It's fun to look at them.
[ And he knows Sano has a little bit of a fascination with the stars, so... everyone wins! ]
You're okay with it too, right?
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[Still...]
It's weird, isn't it?
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It is... I guess it really is proof we're in a totally different world. Even though all kinds of weird stuff happens to us, I never expected that!
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The sand is blue. Nothing's the same at all.
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Don't you think it's beautiful? At least a little bit?
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[Sano can't deny that. There are a lot of beautiful things in this place, but it lacks what's most important.
[Not entirely, though. Sano watches Haruaki as they walk.]
Do you like it here?
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I don't like being away from all of my students, and Miki-sensei and Hatanaka-sensei... but there are things in this world we'd probably never get to experience in our own.
[ A little nudge now, shoulder sloping down to meet shoulder. ]
Can you think of an example?
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Is this a lesson?
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[ He just can't help himself. ]
I can give you an example first, if you want!
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[ Haruaki waits a few moments. They walk down the coast in silence, blue sand crunching beneath their shoes, unfamiliar stars twinkling overhead.
He feels such a profound gratitude for this whole world. Even when it's scary, even when it's dangerous– he's already gotten so much more here than he ever could have dreamed of back home, and now he can share that with Sano, too. ]
Without all that weird stuff going on with people's ages a little while ago... I may have never learned that you were the little Mii-kun that gave me that talisman and saved my life.
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Saved your life...
What do you mean by that?
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That fire at the department store. Remember? Mii-kun was the one who guided that little zashiki-warashi and I to safety.
I never told you, because... well, because I didn't know it was you!
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[He is so often a failure. He is someone who has caused unimaginable pain and suffering, whose guilt rules him in ways few, if any, could ever understand. He still sees visions of the people he's hurt, blood on the walls.
[He worries he'll fail. Every time, he worries he'll fail.
[He isn't good enough. Strong enough, but unable to control it. He wants to be like Haruaki, to solve things with peace, to not rely on anger and frustration, the ever-present threat of an explosion...
[It makes his face crumple for just a minute, and he has to look away, glaring at the sand, breath arrested in his lungs.]
You kept it all those years...I didn't think...I'd...
[He didn't think it would save him. He didn't think it would matter the way it does...]
Haru-- Eh...
Seimei...geez...
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[ Haruaki takes one big step to get a pace ahead of Sano and then turns, stopping right in front of him, reaching out to hold him by the shoulders. His hands squeeze, warm and reassuring, because Sano doesn't have to speak all those dark troubles in his heart – Haruaki knows them just from a glance.
If there's one person in the world who doesn't make Sano feel like a harbinger of miserable, chaotic destruction, let it be him. ]
You've been watching over me for much longer than either of us knew. Thank you, Sano-kun.
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I did know. Not about the fire, but...
I knew. As soon as I saw you again.
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You did? Wait! You really did?
[ ... ]
Is that why you were so kind to me right away...?
THE FUCKING QUESTION MARK I SINCERELY HOPE HE SUFFERS AND DIES
No. You were afraid. I knew you didn't have to be.
It felt familiar, though... [Don't worry. We're not going to eat you.]
I realized pretty quick.
get ready to hope for that even harder 1/2
Beneath the light of that glorious moon and all those unfamiliar stars, the tears that begin to pool in Haruaki's eyes glisten brighter than usual. ]
S... Sano-kun...
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Sano-kuuuuuuuuuuuun!!! I want us to protect each other forever!!!!!!!
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Shut up. We will, stupid.
[He's laughing.]
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Forever and ever and ever! Even after you graduate! Even when I'm Old and Gray-aki and I'm ready to shuffle off this mortal coil and go to the great sailor uniform in the sky!!!!
1/2
2/2
I said we will!
[Mercifully, Sano doesn't think about what comes after "forever and ever and ever".]
You don't have to worry about that, okay? I promise.
CRIES DO WE WANNA WRAP???
I promise, too! I'll promise it a million times!
(action) christmas shopping
Yo.
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O~ da~ sa~ kuuuuu!!!
[ Have two men ever been more mismatched in terms of energy levels? It's fantastic. ]
I still can't believe you drew Akira-kun! How lucky could we get, huh?
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I recognized the name right away. I've never met the guy, though. You'll have better advice than anyone.
[Oda has not yet considered that there's a non-zero chance Haruaki will tell him to buy Takahashi a sailor uniform. He has also not considered that this may be Haruaki's intentions for Akechi.]
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[ He tucks his hands into the pocket of his track jacket, nods his head in the direction of a row of shops and begins walking, happy as a clam. ]
I don't want you to spend too much money, though... some of his tastes are pretty luxurious...
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[ Way too rich for Haruaki's blood... ]
But Akira-kun also loves to learn about anything he can. He'll read any book you put in front of him. Maybe we should start there?
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Any particular topics?
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[ There's a little curio shop that has a few books in the front window, and he leads Odasaku that way, peering inside. ]
He's an expert in... um, pretty much every medical field, I guess! So maybe not that? But anything else... especially if it's strange or magical, or something he couldn't learn about back home, he'll love it.
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Is anything jumping out at you?
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He plucks the other book instead, flipping through it curiously. ]
When I first got here, he was trying to make medicine out of the plants in the garden. Something like this might help with that!
[ ... ]
I guess it's kinda hard to get him something that he won't use for his work in some way...
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[Nothing wrong with 'em. Oda picks up the book. This gift-buying shit is easy.]
You mentioned wanting help with Akechi's gift too. I'm not sure how much I can really tell you, though...
12/25 drop off
Inside... there is a school uniform.
Actually no. Not quite. It looks like a school uniform, but it's like the top and the skirt are sown together to be one piece? Anyways, there's a note with it. ]
Mr. Haruaki!!! Merry Christmas!!! I tried asking for help on sewing a school uniform, but they ended up making it as a one piece! I considered cutting it in half, but then I think you'd cry, so I'm giving it to you like this for you to do what you want! A one of a kind school uniform that no other school has. It's awesome, kind of like Sailor Moon! Power of love!! And! Peace!!!
-Flat
Christmas Present!
'1 from the Specials Page once we're back home. And I did drink all of it. >:P
-Merry Christmas'
He didn't, but he also doesn't like to be told what to do, so he's going to be contrarian (and keep the good booze till there's a nice reason to break into it) just because.]
12/25 🎁
Well. Something obviously handmade. The stitching is phenomenal, everything hemmed and lined with care, but pattern pieces--if there were any--seem to have been a little mismatched, making the whole thing off center. But it should still work as it's intended: a sailor uniform the perfect size for any of the plush dolls Haru collected from the recent fan event.
And a promise to try again. He's got more, after all, and singling one out wouldn't be fair to the others or to Haruaki. ]
secret santa
The main feature of the gift, though, is the little speaker stitched into the collar. There's a button on it which, when pushed, plays a prerecorded voice that greets Haruaki and tells him the time.
A note is attached: Technically it doesn't actually think or talk for itself, but thought you might get a kick out of it anyway.]