#(( *paps the lad* it's okay... here's a boyfrien dfjkdjkdjg ))

[not-bcring]

Though it was particularly normal for Nicky to be scarce come time for the Frozen Four, the star hockey player near killing himself with the overwhelming need to skate drills and suicides, practice his puck handling, and meticulously go over every part of his playbook with a fine toothed comb, he somehow managed to disappear somewhere in the mid afternoon. The rink, his room, the cafeteria, they were all void of the large man, and only Kichiro and maybe Fuyuhiko would be able to know exactly where he was.

Hiding under the covers in the smaller man's room, it was the only place Nicky felt safe, which perhaps was odd given the amount of dead things he was currently surrounded by, the rink and his room reminding him too much of expectations, and the cafeteria being far too noisy to even think about fueling his already haggard body. It was rather easy to see that he was shaking, given the size of the lump he made under the blankets, Nick not even reacting when he heard the door open and close where his back was too it. //the pressure gets to him sometimes 😔

-  ✩   「 @from-across-the-stars 」   ✩  

「 ☆ 」   It’s odd being an Ultimate… Most people have the assumption that it’s an inherent trait rather than a skill. That people were born to do whatever specific thing they’re acclaimed for. Which is true for some. Kichiro has heard about Ultimates who succeed as effortlessly as breathing. As if it’s impossible for them to fail even if they tried. A purpose imbedded deep within the very fiber of who they are. It’s impressive to say the least. Frightening, to say the most. Kichiro can just imagine how terrifying it must be for those cursed with such stringent reason. To feel as if you were created for a singular task… Far too many Ultimates wonder what’s left of them if that task is taken away.

Sometimes, Kichiro does wonder if they would be considered one of those unlucky people. Taxidermy is not without its obstacles and they definitely didn’t start out inherently knowing how to do it. Yet, it never felt like learning a skill. More like learning the steps needed to make what they already felt they could. True, they’ve gotten better with time and practice. It’s only natural. But Kichiro can’t recall making anything they’d consider shoddy work. So, does it really count as working towards something if the struggle isn’t apparent? When their hands move with unearned certainty, are their creations the fruits of their labor… or merely them breathing?

Kichiro supposes it doesn’t matter how much they deserve the opportunities they’ve been given. Only that they make the most of it… and remember that they are still MORE than it.

Stepping into their room, food precariously balanced in their arms, door is closed with a soft click as if not to startle the lump under their blanket. Setting the sustenance down onto their desk, scooting over the pieces of their newest project, concerned gaze turns to their boyfriend’s shaking form. It hadn’t been hard to guess where Nicky was taking refuge. Kichiro had tried to prepare themselves for whatever could be waiting for them. As much as they wished it was them reading into things too much, Nicky hadn’t seemed to be doing too great lately. It still hurts though, seeing him like this.

Sitting down beside the boyfriend-sized lump, they rest a hand atop it, quietly saying,  ❝  Hey, hon…  ❞  Not wanting to intrude on Nicky’s hiding place unless wanted, Kichiro drapes their body across Nicky’s back as if they’re a weighted blanket giving him a hug. A bit unorthodox, but they don’t question their instincts. Not when it comes to Nicky, anyway.  ❝  I brought food in case you were hungry. I made sure it was something that could sit out for a while, so you can take as long as you need.  ❞  Making Nicky feel rushed isn’t going to help anything.

Breathing calm as their words, Kichiro manages to radiate an aura of calm despite their internal worry. Glancing where they guess Nicky’s head should be, they ask,  ❝  … Can I join you under the blanket?  ❞     「 ☆ 」