glorifies | ♚ inbox.

[It probably comes out of nowhere, sometime in the evening. Her dance lesson is done for the day, and really she should be headed home to stretch more and relax--she's been overworking herself with lessons lately and honestly could use it, but she...

She can't relax.

It started off simple enough--She couldn't find Kokichi one day, which, that wasn't really anything new. Sometimes Kokichi just didn't want to be found, and if he didn't, he wouldn't be. That's just how it worked. But... Then it became more than a couple days. There was no trace, and Kaito and Shuichi seemed gone too and at first she told herself not to panic. She'd disappeared for a little while too, after all, but she'd come back.

Only... They didn't. More days passed. Still no sign and her anxiety began to feel light a noose tightening over her heart. She'd thrown herself headfirst into her lessons and practices and rehearsals, even if she wasn't needed that day. She hadn't wanted to think of the implications of it all. She'd barely even spoken to Akashi, distracted as she was, until it all seemed to come to a head, a force that pushed her to seek him out and make sure--

Make sure...

Well.

The voice to his mind is rather urgent] Akashi-kun? Are you there? Rather, are you home?

[ Akashi is better now and he isn't a vampire—thank god for that. He's back to the daily grind which he finds repulsive—still having to work with the librarians the bad mouthed Miu—after all, it doesn't take a lot for Akashi to consider someone or something terrible—and it's not something he likes. Getting home at the end of the day is something he looks forward to, because he gets to read on his own and play chess on his own. If he's lucky, Miu will be free the same time as he is and they'll do something together.

He hasn't been that lucky these past days what with Miu being busy with her schedule, which is fine. Akashi's learning and managing, especially because he doesn't want to come off as overly clingy to the person he cares about most in this world. So tonight, he's just in bed reading a book.

When he lets a telepathic message get through and he hears Miu's voice like that, he gets up right away and open the door. It made him think that she's outside if she sounded so worried, so he had to check if she was outside his apartment right away.

And, well, if she wasn't, then she'll get a response. I am. What's the matter? ]

[As it is, she is right outside, looking startled by the suddenly opened door. Her hand is raised in preparation to knock, but it's clear she'd been hesitant on it. She'd been too worried that if she did, he wouldn't answer.]

Oh.

[A noise of relief. Her hand drops to her side and she just looks at him, wide-eyed and uncertain, like she hadn't expected it'd get this far and now that it has, had no preparation for beyond it.

She looks over him slowly, confirming he's real, before she suddenly moves forward to throw her arms around his waist and press her face against his chest.]

Sorry-- Sorry, it's nothing to worry about, really everything's fine-- [She says that but her actions sure make it seem otherwise] I just... I just needed to see you.

[ Needless to say, he has no idea what's going on, but his arms wrap around Miu as well, both as a greeting and as a means to comfort her. He doesn't need to be a genius to know something is wrong with her, and perhaps, it has something to do with work? He doesn't know. He hasn't spoken to her in a few days (which is regretful, really, but it can't be helped) and he doesn't know what her current state of mind is.

He tries to cheer her up, though. With a soft squeeze, he responds. ]

I had thought you didn't want to see me anymore. It's only been a few days but I missed you a lot. I'm glad to see you, Hinasaki-san.

[He’s warm and solid, and when he wraps his arms around her it’s like a defensive wall goes up to shield her from the outside world. If she closes her eyes, she can pretend like the rest of the world doesn’t exist.

Akashi’s words are both, somehow, comforting and terrifying all at once. She quickly shakes her head.] No, it’s not that— [Or Maybe it sort of is. She wanted to see him but she didn’t want to see him.]

I’m glad you’re here. I’m really, really glad. [She sounds on the verge of tears and takes a breath] Can we go inside...?

Of course.

[ He lets go of her and tries to pry from her own hold so he can hold her hand. His soft smile doesn't disappear, very considerate of how she looks right now. She probably needs him to be the one to look like he has it all put-together, right? ]

Can I get you anything? A cup of tea, or something to eat? [ It's what he says as he gently leads her inside, not letting go of her at all. It's a polite offer just in case she does want anything, but he leads her to the couch nonetheless so she can sit down and try and get ahold of her bearings. ]

[She hesitates for just a moment before she lets him go enough so they can wander inside, letting him lead her to the couch.] No, thank you. Not right now. [She can remember her manners though, and give shis hand a light squeeze in gratitude. At least one of them has their life together.

How did she get this lucky, she wonders, looking at him like he’s some knight in shining armor, some mix of gratitude and love and awe. She didn’t want to lose this, and that thought has her faltering again, looking down and away. Akashi is waiting for her reasoning, she knows, but she’s not sure what to say to him.

At length she drops her gaze to their hands and swallows hard.] Ouma-kun... He’s— .... he’s gone.

[ Akashi's connection to Ouma isn't as strong as Miu's to the one who's left, but the news still gives him pause as he sits them both down. ]

I'm sorry to hear that.

[ He is, he really is. The lights around them becoming a bit dimmer shows proof of that. Ouma wasn't as kind to Akashi, though, but they did have some good times. It's tough to lose a friend, and Akashi knows this feeling all too well. Perhaps Miu's a bit more used to it, though... ]

Is that why you've been quiet?

[She glances at him and then away again, loooking a bit ashamed. “Quiet” was definitely one way to put it. She nods] I thought... I disappeared too for a couple days; I’d gone back home for a bit and I thought, maybe... [She shakes her head] Momota-san and Saihara-san are gone too. And Ouma-kun doesn’t have anything to return to—

[Her breath hitches a little at that and she squeezes his hands again. She swallows hard again] ...None of them have come back. So I... I think they’re really... [Really gone]

[ He knows about Ouma, at least, and that makes things all the more upsetting. Right now, it's probably best not to say anything, though, and let the silence linger for some time. Reality is biting both of them in the ass and trying to cheer each other up seems like a useless thing.

It's obvious that Miu went here both for comfort and relief. She wanted to check if Akashi disappeared too, didn't she? At least, Akashi's most certainly thinking that now.

He closes his eyes for a few seconds as he takes in a deep breath. ]

I'm sorry. I didn't even know that Ouma had disappeared. [ He repeats it, because what else is he going to say? Sweet words will amount to nothing. His tone is soft, at least, as well as regretful. ] Have you checked the Wall of Names?

[Miu nods and closes her eyes, bowing her head low.] Akashi-kun, I...

[She doesn't know what to say. Well, no, she knows what she wants to say, she just doesn't think it's the right thing to say. Probably. It's not a good decision, but what if it is? If she breaks up with him and leaves, when one of them inevitably disappears, wouldn't it be easier on the one left behind? But on the other hand... On the other hand, she wants to be selfish.]

...I'm... scared... Haha. [The laugh is humorless and her shoulders shake.] I don't want to lose you. I don't want to let you go, but I keep thinking it'd be better if I do. This hurts...

[ Wait, what? Akashi has to mentally rewind to make sure what he heard was right, but Akashi never makes mistakes anyway. It's right. He heard her correctly. And while he's not completely sure what it means to be let go of, fear strikes him and shakes his core. ]

What? [ There's panic in his voice but he still mostly looks calm. He lets go of her hand and he shifts in his seat to look at her properly. ] Hinasaki-san, I—

[ He doesn't know what this means and this is his first relationship so he has no idea what to do... is she really going to let him go???? ]

[She looks up quickly and it's really the look on his face, the feelings she could feel from him before he let her go, that firmly cements the plan in her mind. She smiles a little despite herself, huffing out a humorless laugh; she turns to face him better and sit up on her knees, taking his face in her hands and pressing a kiss to his mouth. It's brief and quick, but hopefully gets the point across as she rests their foreheads together afterwards.]

...I told you before, didn't I? I'm really selfish. It's much easier to deal with loss when you don't have anything to lose. But I... I couldn't let you go if I tried. I'm sorry for worrying you. I don't want to leave you.

My head's all over the place...

[ He's supposed to feel comforted but it doesn't make things better right away. Akashi's heart is racing, because he doesn't feel fear all that often, but when it does, it's there for some time. He may have recovered from his sickness, but it doesn't mean that he's fine from the trauma of seeing both his parents here even if it was just an illusion.

His mother telling him he's failure still hurts up to now, even if it's not true. When that happened, he thought that all he had was Miu, and for a moment just now, he felt that he really was going to lose her.

His shoulders are still tense when he looks at her as she holds him. ]

I'm not sure what to say. [ He really doesn't. His chest feels weird right now and his hands are shaking, so he balls them into fists. ]

... Please don't go, Hinasaki-san.

[ She already apologised but he can't help but ask this of her when the possibility of her leaving actually showed itself. He's never ever thought about it, but now, that it's brought itself on the table... well, it really can't be helped. ]

[Suddenly this closeness doesn't feel like it's nearly enough. She moves then, sliding into his lap, facing him an sliding her arms around his neck, and holds onto him, pressing a kiss to his forehead and then his hair. Comforting him to comfort herself.]

I won't. [She doesn't want to leave. Doesn't want him to leave. But she hadn't wanted Kokichi to leave either, and that lack of agency and voice shakes her.] I don't want to lose you.

[If he ever left... No, she doesn't want to think about it now. She doesn't want to face that possibility, even as she tells herself too that ignoring it won't do her any good either.

She closes her eyes.] Ouma-kun was... like family to me. When I realized he wasn't coming back, I... I thought, 'I'll be all alone again.' I completely panicked and wanted to isolate myself completely, so I wouldn't have to be hurt anymore...

[ One might call Miu's words or herself selfish, but Akashi doesn't even consider it. He thinks she's perfect even after hearing those words. What he also doesn't even consider is the fact that this kind of closeness and attachment isn't just for someone he likes. It's true that he's admitted his feelings for her that he likes her and wants to "cross over" with her, but it hasn't yet occurred to him that it's love. It still hasn't up to now, but it is.

It's basic instinct that makes his arms move and wrap themselves around Miu once again - both to balance her and both to hold her. He even pulls her close so he can feel her properly, and she'll notice how quick is pulses are. He's comforted, though, but that doesn't mean his fear's gone just yet. And it probably will be there for a while. Worry and anxiety don't exactly leave right away, after all. ]

I'm sorry. [ He says it again, this time with more meaning to it. He sympathises and empathises with the pain of losing someone, even if it's not death. Or perhaps it is, given that Ouma has nothing to go back to. And this time, it's he who kisses her. It's a reminder of what he told her at the Flower Festival. ] I'm sorry about Ouma, I truly am.

I promised you, though, that I wouldn't make you feel alone, didn't I? I swore to you... So if there's anything I can do. . .

Ah... [Miu pauses, remembering now. He had promised her such a thing, hadn't he?] That's right, you did. I remember now.

[Miu knows enough about tv shows and movies and common romance tropes to be aware that this is the kind of situation that usually leads to something a lot heavier than just cuddling on the couch. She breathes out slowly, tilting her head for another soft kiss]

This is enough. For right now... This is fine. I just need to know you're here. I want to-- I mean, can I... Can I stay here tonight? [He'd said he didn't want her to leave, but she just needs to make sure the extent of that]

Please stay for as long as you'd like.

[ Finally, some words that actually come naturally. These are the words that feel so easy to say, compared to "please don't leave" and "I'm sorry". ]

If it's more comfortable, you can borrow one of my shirts to sleep in.

[She laughs a little under her breath] That's a dangerous thing to say, Akashi-kun. What if I never want to leave again?

[One of his shirts would probably be big enough on her to practically be a nightgown...] That means having to get up though. [She doesn't wanna!! Her tone is light though, mostly joking in her attempts to lighten the situation some]

[ As if Miu wasn't close enough to him, he pulls her closer to squeeze her while she's still in his arms. Leaning forward to touch their foreheads together, he smiles at her. ]

Then don't. [ It's said softly, almost like a whisper. Part of it humouring her, part of it almost like a command, actually. ] Don't leave.

And we'll stay here for as long as you'd like.

Ever? [She laughs again, rubbing her nose playfully against his, smiling despite the circumstances.]

I knew coming here was a good idea. Akashi-kun-- [A pause. Her voice lowers to a whisper] Seijuro. [His first name now, no honorifics or anything and the intimacy of it makes her shiver.]

Seijuro... [Her heart pounds, but the threat of losing him without warning spurs her on and despite her nervousness she takes a breath and continues] I love you.

[ Akashi lets out a puff of amused laughter at the "Ever?" ]

We still have to cross over together, don't we?

[ He actually means every word, and he says it not just because they're beautiful words. This world is magical and he's learned some Dunamis. If he exerts more effort into learning magic, he can find a way--at least, that's what he believes.

One arm remains wrapped around her, but the other moves to cup her cheek so he can properly kiss her. Compared to the quick kiss that she gave him earlier, Akashi's kiss to her is deep and full of emotion, but it's not a lengthy kiss or anything.

When he pulls away, he can't help but kiss her again, a short and sweet one this time. The lights around them begin to change to warmer colours, even dimming more until it's just the light from Akashi's crystal (which he keeps hidden under his shirt) that's glowing a bright Piphron-y blue. ]

I love you, too. [ A beat. ] Miu-san.

[ He's never said those three words before. ]

Oh. [She breathes out, closing her eyes as she returns the kiss, more passionate than before as her happiness and love mixes with Akashi's. Little sparkles pop around the room like mini-fireworks.

Embarrassing. But she doesn't mind, smiling widely.] You called me by name too. I love you, I love you-- Haha. I could say it over and over again.

[Her hand reaches up to place over his hand, pulling it away so she can link their fingers together.] ...Do you mean it? About crossing over with me.

I never say things I don't mean, Hinasaki-san. [ A pause, then he laughs. Even this other self seems pleased. ] Sorry, I'm not used this yet...

Take your time. [she smiles lightly, rubbing her thumb over his hand where they're joined.]

...Where I'm from, there's a ritual called yuukon, or 'ghost marriage.' Originally it was used for a... slightly darker reason, but the main purpose still stands. It's about tying two souls together so they can be together in the afterlife.

maes vague hand motions about the date idk like a week after kokichi's disappeared

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject