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I don't know...
[He doesn't know. In theory, Haruaki could help by going to the castle, but Oda doesn't think his friend is suited to danger like that. He wouldn't ask it of him. He's not going himself.]
Dolph is half machine, so...the power outages are [Killing him.] affecting him too...
[He doesn't know. In theory, Haruaki could help by going to the castle, but Oda doesn't think his friend is suited to danger like that. He wouldn't ask it of him. He's not going himself.]
Dolph is half machine, so...the power outages are [Killing him.] affecting him too...
Mm... it sounds like Sano-kun and his friend have similar worries.
[ Hurting others, especially without meaning to, and all the fallout that comes from that...
It's all noted. Tucked away in Haruaki's mind and up against his heart. He won't ever betray Douman's confidence by letting either of the boys know that he knows that this happened, but he can use the information he has now to work toward helping them in his own way.
Haruaki sips his tea too, hums a little in approval. It's been a while since he had good tea. Leave it to their Principal. ]
They might need time to feel hurt first, but I'm sure they'll work through it together. Sano-kun isn't the type to let a friend feel bad, even if he feels bad himself.
[ Another sip, and even if Douman still can't meet his eyes, Haruaki offers him a gentle smile. ]
It's never fun giving tough love, huh? But it's up to them to move forward with it. You don't have to feel bad about it, Principal.
[ Hurting others, especially without meaning to, and all the fallout that comes from that...
It's all noted. Tucked away in Haruaki's mind and up against his heart. He won't ever betray Douman's confidence by letting either of the boys know that he knows that this happened, but he can use the information he has now to work toward helping them in his own way.
Haruaki sips his tea too, hums a little in approval. It's been a while since he had good tea. Leave it to their Principal. ]
They might need time to feel hurt first, but I'm sure they'll work through it together. Sano-kun isn't the type to let a friend feel bad, even if he feels bad himself.
[ Another sip, and even if Douman still can't meet his eyes, Haruaki offers him a gentle smile. ]
It's never fun giving tough love, huh? But it's up to them to move forward with it. You don't have to feel bad about it, Principal.
Edited (just fuckin hits comment before i'm actually done i guess) 2026-01-09 03:35 (UTC)
I see...
[ That's hard. That's scary. If this is someone Odasaku cares about enough to live with them, then it must be really terrifying to see them hurting in a way he can't help. ]
We need someone like Takahashi-sensei, but for machines instead of medicine. There has to be someone like that here, right?
[ That's hard. That's scary. If this is someone Odasaku cares about enough to live with them, then it must be really terrifying to see them hurting in a way he can't help. ]
We need someone like Takahashi-sensei, but for machines instead of medicine. There has to be someone like that here, right?
[Douman just nods at that assessment. The tea tastes bland against his tongue, but he is going to blame that on the topic of their conversation rather than his skills.
Having to admit that Haruaki-kun is the way better man to help those boys smarts. But for once this isn't about his ego, and Douman is willing to lower his head for their wellbeing.]
That's what I'm trusting on. But just in case, please look out for them.
[He sighs and sets his cup on the table, meeting Haruaki's eyes. Douman's own look red and exhausted, now that he lets himself relax.]
I support Sano-kun having his love-life and getting to make his own choices, but the situation at hand is too dangerous for him to do it before he graduates.
Having to admit that Haruaki-kun is the way better man to help those boys smarts. But for once this isn't about his ego, and Douman is willing to lower his head for their wellbeing.]
That's what I'm trusting on. But just in case, please look out for them.
[He sighs and sets his cup on the table, meeting Haruaki's eyes. Douman's own look red and exhausted, now that he lets himself relax.]
I support Sano-kun having his love-life and getting to make his own choices, but the situation at hand is too dangerous for him to do it before he graduates.
[Oda shakes his head.]
I don't know. If there was, Dolph would have said something. [Wouldn't he have...?]
I don't know if this can be fixed with technical skills. They're talking about going to the castle. Corrupted magic again.
I don't know. If there was, Dolph would have said something. [Wouldn't he have...?]
I don't know if this can be fixed with technical skills. They're talking about going to the castle. Corrupted magic again.
Odasaku...
[ Haruaki claps a hand over his shoulder, gentle and grounding. ]
You should go be with him. You can leave the rest up to us, okay? [ Not that he's going into the castle, but– well. Maybe? ] Sometimes, the way to help someone is by making sure they aren't alone when they're suffering.
[ Haruaki claps a hand over his shoulder, gentle and grounding. ]
You should go be with him. You can leave the rest up to us, okay? [ Not that he's going into the castle, but– well. Maybe? ] Sometimes, the way to help someone is by making sure they aren't alone when they're suffering.
[Haruaki's words are comforting for how true they are. Oda finds that he needs the comfort - more so than that, that he needs to be with Dolph. He's rarely felt so desperate to be next to someone.
[He clears his throat and nods his head.]
You're right. I should get going.
[He clears his throat and nods his head.]
You're right. I should get going.
[It's so kind. Maybe Oda should be used to kindness by now, but he isn't. It makes him feel uncertain. Would he ask for help even if he needed it?]
Thanks, Abe-sensei.
[He stands up from where they've been sitting, sandwich still in hand.]
I'll see you around.
Thanks, Abe-sensei.
[He stands up from where they've been sitting, sandwich still in hand.]
I'll see you around.
Eh... I thought it was like that at first too– Sano-kun starting to have a love life, I mean!
[ All that flailing and shouting about the mistletoe kiss that Douman expected? Haruaki definitely did that, but Sano was quick to kill it off, because– ]
I don't think he's interested in stuff like that yet, though... It's more like something this world forced him to do. He wasn't happy about it.
[ And that was even before he got smacked in the face with the Takamagahara rule book... poor Sano. Haruaki will definitely look out for him, for both of them. ]
I guess that's the kind of thing we have to worry about here. We aren't really in control of what happens to us!
[ All that flailing and shouting about the mistletoe kiss that Douman expected? Haruaki definitely did that, but Sano was quick to kill it off, because– ]
I don't think he's interested in stuff like that yet, though... It's more like something this world forced him to do. He wasn't happy about it.
[ And that was even before he got smacked in the face with the Takamagahara rule book... poor Sano. Haruaki will definitely look out for him, for both of them. ]
I guess that's the kind of thing we have to worry about here. We aren't really in control of what happens to us!
Don't go shoving all the blame for the decisions you make on a convenient culprit.
[It's not quite fair since Douman himself got smacked with several of what this place has to offer himself already, but he still has to nip that sort of mindset in the bud.]
I guess that it's my fault for spoiling you, Abe-sensei, but actions have consequences. Whether we like it or not.
You aren't doing Sano-kun any favors by making excuses for him.
[It's not quite fair since Douman himself got smacked with several of what this place has to offer himself already, but he still has to nip that sort of mindset in the bud.]
I guess that it's my fault for spoiling you, Abe-sensei, but actions have consequences. Whether we like it or not.
You aren't doing Sano-kun any favors by making excuses for him.
[ Convenient culprits and excuses...
It's not how Haruaki sees it at all, but something tells him this isn't a point worth arguing. Not just yet, when he's still feeling out the machinations of this world, and not when Douman is still feeling the stress of having to come down on Sano and his friend.
He tucks it away for later, just hangs his head and nods for now, a diligent employee taking in the words of his superior, focused on his tea until– ]
Say, Principal...
[ The cup is nearly drained. Haruaki sets it back on the low table, cowlick startle to waggle inquisitively. ]
What about you? [ Wait, wait– ] Aah, I don't mean what about your love life, don't tell me thaaaat!!! I just mean...
[ Well, there's no other way to ask it, is there? It may not be why they're here, but Haruaki's really beginning to think it's the most important thing to do while they are. ]
Are you making friends, too?
It's not how Haruaki sees it at all, but something tells him this isn't a point worth arguing. Not just yet, when he's still feeling out the machinations of this world, and not when Douman is still feeling the stress of having to come down on Sano and his friend.
He tucks it away for later, just hangs his head and nods for now, a diligent employee taking in the words of his superior, focused on his tea until– ]
Say, Principal...
[ The cup is nearly drained. Haruaki sets it back on the low table, cowlick startle to waggle inquisitively. ]
What about you? [ Wait, wait– ] Aah, I don't mean what about your love life, don't tell me thaaaat!!! I just mean...
[ Well, there's no other way to ask it, is there? It may not be why they're here, but Haruaki's really beginning to think it's the most important thing to do while they are. ]
Are you making friends, too?
[Good. He can see the wheels turning inside Haruaki's head, but at least for now it seems like he is going to go along with Douman's wishes. Douman will just have to work even harder on regaining his abilities and keep an eye on Seimei's reincarnation too.]
Yes?
[He has raises his cup to take a sip of his own tea again, but the sudden yelling about his love life has Douman do a spit-take instead.]
Wh-Why are you suddenly talking as if you're my mom!?
Yes?
[He has raises his cup to take a sip of his own tea again, but the sudden yelling about his love life has Douman do a spit-take instead.]
Wh-Why are you suddenly talking as if you're my mom!?
For a friend. Sure. [He sighs and shakes his head. The teacup is being placed down for safety reasons.]
....I'm doing fine, Haruaki-kun. No need to worry about me.
....I'm doing fine, Haruaki-kun. No need to worry about me.
Okaaaay~
[ He... sort of believes it. Douman is self-sufficient to an extreme degree, but not everyone adjusts easily to a world like this; if he wasn't doing okay, Haruaki would completely understand.
To that end, he doesn't really expect it to have much of an effect, but he has to offer it up anyway, sunny and genuine: ]
But if you're ever not doing fine, you can always talk to Abe-sensei!
[ He... sort of believes it. Douman is self-sufficient to an extreme degree, but not everyone adjusts easily to a world like this; if he wasn't doing okay, Haruaki would completely understand.
To that end, he doesn't really expect it to have much of an effect, but he has to offer it up anyway, sunny and genuine: ]
But if you're ever not doing fine, you can always talk to Abe-sensei!
. . . .
[The truth is, Douman is doing anything but fine. This last incident has driven home in painful detail why it's better if he stays away from making any deep bonds. It only hurts him and anybody who gets close to him. But Haruaki-kun doesn't need to know that.
He just smiles and nods his head in a way that makes his hair fall over his eyes.]
I'll keep that in mind. Thank you, Abe-sense.
[As if he could ever drag Seimei's reincarnation into his bad times.]
[The truth is, Douman is doing anything but fine. This last incident has driven home in painful detail why it's better if he stays away from making any deep bonds. It only hurts him and anybody who gets close to him. But Haruaki-kun doesn't need to know that.
He just smiles and nods his head in a way that makes his hair fall over his eyes.]
I'll keep that in mind. Thank you, Abe-sense.
[As if he could ever drag Seimei's reincarnation into his bad times.]
[ An easy thing about the household's transition from roommates to datemates was their bedtime routine. It was a little awkward at first, sure, full of nervous giggling and flushed faces at all the new implications, but Haruaki and Akira are nothing if not adaptable. The morning routine was much the same: Haruaki woke up first, and Akira sleepily trailed after him around an hour later.
Which is why it's strange when Haruaki wakes up to an empty bed.
Empty-empty. Hana isn't in her usual spot at the foot of the bed either. With the chaos of merging realities right outside their door that might be a frightening thing, but what Haruaki would notice isn't the sound of panic--or worse, silence. It's shuffling in the nearby kitchen, the telltale sound of pots and pans colliding while whoever's handling them is trying to be quiet about it. A normal soundscape for a normal morning.
...If the only other person in the house wasn't Akira, who's had the majority of his cooking practice in the months he and Haruaki have spent together. He tries for the sake of learning, but has never made anything more complicated than scrambled eggs for the two of them.
Still, should Haruaki come out and investigate, he'll see the small dining table fully set with a traditional breakfast. At first glance it's easy to see the fish is overdone, and the tamagoyaki is a bit misshapen, but Akira still beams bright and proud when he turns from his spot cleaning up the cooking dishes and notices who's up and awake at his usual time. ]
Ah! There you are! Good morniiiiing! ♡
Which is why it's strange when Haruaki wakes up to an empty bed.
Empty-empty. Hana isn't in her usual spot at the foot of the bed either. With the chaos of merging realities right outside their door that might be a frightening thing, but what Haruaki would notice isn't the sound of panic--or worse, silence. It's shuffling in the nearby kitchen, the telltale sound of pots and pans colliding while whoever's handling them is trying to be quiet about it. A normal soundscape for a normal morning.
...If the only other person in the house wasn't Akira, who's had the majority of his cooking practice in the months he and Haruaki have spent together. He tries for the sake of learning, but has never made anything more complicated than scrambled eggs for the two of them.
Still, should Haruaki come out and investigate, he'll see the small dining table fully set with a traditional breakfast. At first glance it's easy to see the fish is overdone, and the tamagoyaki is a bit misshapen, but Akira still beams bright and proud when he turns from his spot cleaning up the cooking dishes and notices who's up and awake at his usual time. ]
Ah! There you are! Good morniiiiing! ♡
[ It is strange to wake up alone, especially today. It's the first birthday of his entire life that he's spent surrounded by anyone more than just his parents and Ame, and for weeks he's wondered on and off what it will be like. He doesn't want a big party, and he doesn't need any gifts. It would be enough just to be close to the people he loves... well, and if they wanted to wear sailor uniforms for a day, that wouldn't be so bad either...
But as soon as the sound of someone bustling about the kitchen reaches his ears, the strangeness takes on a new meaning, and Haruaki's springing out of bed. There's no grogginess to be seen, as ever. He's bright and bouncy as he makes his way out to see the full spread on the table, both hands coming up to slap over his cheeks, eyes huge and round and sparkling as he gasps and grins. ]
Akira-kuuuun! Good morning, good morning– is this really all for me!?
[ He doesn't care that the food isn't perfect!!!! The gestures is so touching, he could cry!!!!!! He will cry in just a few seconds, in fact!!!! ]
But as soon as the sound of someone bustling about the kitchen reaches his ears, the strangeness takes on a new meaning, and Haruaki's springing out of bed. There's no grogginess to be seen, as ever. He's bright and bouncy as he makes his way out to see the full spread on the table, both hands coming up to slap over his cheeks, eyes huge and round and sparkling as he gasps and grins. ]
Akira-kuuuun! Good morning, good morning– is this really all for me!?
[ He doesn't care that the food isn't perfect!!!! The gestures is so touching, he could cry!!!!!! He will cry in just a few seconds, in fact!!!! ]
Aaaaaall for you! [ Thankfully his hands aren't too busy with cleaning, so he can raise them for proper emphasis when he says, ]
Happy Birthday, Haruaki!!
[ Hana, who'd been loitering in the kitchen, seems to pick up on the energy and gives a whuff as she zooms to Haruaki's side, tail all a-waggin'. We're very happy about papa! ]
Happy Birthday, Haruaki!!
[ Hana, who'd been loitering in the kitchen, seems to pick up on the energy and gives a whuff as she zooms to Haruaki's side, tail all a-waggin'. We're very happy about papa! ]
[ Five, four, three, two... ]
You made me breakfast for my birthday...?
[ One.
Instantly, fat tears begin to well up in Haruaki's eyes and his chin trembles. He should reach down to give Hana her good morning pets, but all he can do his wind his hands in front of his chest in a futile attempt at keeping himself together. He's very audibly holding back a veritable geyser of tears. ]
Th-thank you, Akira-kun, it's... it's the nicest thing a-anyone's ever done for meeeee...
You made me breakfast for my birthday...?
[ One.
Instantly, fat tears begin to well up in Haruaki's eyes and his chin trembles. He should reach down to give Hana her good morning pets, but all he can do his wind his hands in front of his chest in a futile attempt at keeping himself together. He's very audibly holding back a veritable geyser of tears. ]
Th-thank you, Akira-kun, it's... it's the nicest thing a-anyone's ever done for meeeee...
[ Ope, time to immediately leave the sink. His hands might still be a little damp, but that's not gonna stop him from wrapping them around Haruaki without hesitation. ]
It's the very least I could do for you. Were we back home, with all the resources at my disposal, I'd be doing even more and it wouldn't even come close to evening out everything you've done for me.
It's the very least I could do for you. Were we back home, with all the resources at my disposal, I'd be doing even more and it wouldn't even come close to evening out everything you've done for me.
[ The second Akira's arms begin to encircle him, Haruaki flings his own around the good doctor, tugging him in closecloseclose and burying his teary face down against his shoulder. His words come out wet and muffled. ]
Don't say thaaaat... it's not about evening out anything...
[ He knows that's not really what Akira meant, at least not for this– he isn't doing any of this because he thinks he has to repay Haruaki. He's doing it out of the endless, loving goodness of his heart, just because he wants to celebrate today and see Haruaki happy, and– that's worse, actually! That just makes his tears flow faster!
Perhaps concerningly, Haruaki isn't dramatically wailing his way through them. Besides the occasional sniffle, his tears are silent as he squeezes Akira tight. ]
Don't say thaaaat... it's not about evening out anything...
[ He knows that's not really what Akira meant, at least not for this– he isn't doing any of this because he thinks he has to repay Haruaki. He's doing it out of the endless, loving goodness of his heart, just because he wants to celebrate today and see Haruaki happy, and– that's worse, actually! That just makes his tears flow faster!
Perhaps concerningly, Haruaki isn't dramatically wailing his way through them. Besides the occasional sniffle, his tears are silent as he squeezes Akira tight. ]
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