#Mayuri: what? I just went over to tell my man to behave!

[lovelyrots]

Forced Matrimony

Chapter 5 - Tighten the Noose

Rehabilitation | Ch. 1 | Ch. 2 | Ch. 3 | Ch. 4 | Ch. 6

Content Warnings - angst, some fluff (kinda), dehumanizing talk(reader is treated more like a pet than a human), beginnings of Stockholm syndrome

“I told you, I can’t go on those talk shows anymore. I, uh, I recently got a pet rabbit and she’s still settling in…Sato-San, the issue is that she has a routine and she might get sick if that routine is broken.” Izuku lets out a hefty breath of air as his PR manager continues to complain.

Here he was, trying to dodge going on the gossipy talk shows yet again. Why couldn’t his management just let him be like Endeavor and decline every talk show’s requests? The old man almost never went on the damned things until Shoto graduated, and even then it was just to boast. So why can’t Izuku just do his part as a hero and then go home to his lovely Bunny? Why practically force him to do these shows and smile as the hosts ask him stupid questions about his life.

“No! I can’t get a pet sitter, she doesn’t uh do well with strangers. Look, I’ll do the show but this is the last time I do one of these, okay? When is it?” He waits as his manager shuffles some papers around, the sound crackling over his phone’s speaker. “Next Sunday? Alright, just give me some time to try and get her settled but this is the last show I’m doing, okay Sato-San?” He hangs up as soon as the man on the line confirms and sighs.

“Well there go my plans to spoil her. Guess I could leave her some food out since I’ll likely be gone all day.” Gloved hands pull and tug on green curls as he thinks of how to plan out the next Sunday.

“She’s been better behaved since we talked, maybe I can give her back some privileges for just a day.”

Izuku startles when a series of knocks sound on his office door. “Come in!” In walks his new secretary, Maki, with an armful of files. “Here ya go boss! All the files I could locate of purple eyed criminals and folks with the name Shin. Ya need anything else?” Izuku looks down at the forty or something files and shakes his head. “No thank you, why don’t you go ahead and take your lunch? I don’t have anything planned for the rest of the day, right?” Maki thanks him with a grin and leaves the pro with a skip in her step.

“Now to find out who this Shin is.”

Against his better judgment, Shinso was forcing himself to watch the trashy talk show instead of trying to comb over every piece of video he could dig up.

“It’s so nice to see you again Deku!”

“Ah, well thank you for having me again Ayame-San.”

Even with the bright lighting and gloves hiding his hands, Shinso could tell they were clenching every few seconds as the hosts do their introductions.

“It’s been a while since we last saw you, so what’s up? Anything new?”

“Oh, not really. I did get a little bunny though, she’s the sweetest thing.” The audience awes and coos while Shinso has to resist grabbing something with alcohol in it.

“Well isn’t that sweet? So how’s your mentor All Might been enjoying his retirement? After all, passing the torch of being the symbol of peace must take a load off.”

“Okay I need something.” Shinso mutters as he stands while Deku and the host talk, until one question catches Shinso’s attention again.

“Mayuri from Roppongi wants to know if you’ve found your soulmate yet and if not, then would you be willing to show your mark?” Halting his search for that bottle of sake he knows he stored away, Shinso turns around fully and watches how Izuku’s fists start clenching up again. To the average viewer, he looks nervous but to Shinso? He looks irritated and just teetering on the side of anger.

“As a matter of fact, I have. It’s a shame I couldn’t be with her tonight though, we recently moved in together and haven’t quite gotten used to living together yet. Though since we finally found each other, I guess I can at least show you all our mark.” While the hosts and crowd coo and sing Izuku’s praise, Shinso’s too busy looking for the remote to his tv.

“Where the fuck is it? I know I didn’t imagine it.” Letting out a cry of triumph, Shinso rewinds the show until just as Izuku takes off his left glove. Sucking in a sharp breath, Shinso pauses the show and stares unblinking at the black star mark on his left hand. The exact same mark.

“Shit. Holy shit.” Blindly, Shinso gropes for the sake he had managed to find and takes a long gulp while staring at the same mark she had.

“…ake up. Wake up Bunny. There you are.” You blink your eyes open as Izuku coos down at you, petting your hair like some pet. “I’m sorry I’m home so late, but this is the last time I’ll be late coming back home.” You go to open your mouth but snap it shut and just nod.

“Let’s head up to bed, okay?” You’re not given a choice, just the illusion of one, as you’re picked up and carried up the stairs to the…to your bedroom. Izuku must have noticed you shivering and pulled you closer, his body heat slowly seeping into your cold bare body.

“My poor Bunny, you’re freezing. I’ll let you wear something just for tonight, since you’ve been such a sweet girl. Keep being a good Bunny and you’ll get more permanent privileges.”

You want to roll your eyes and scream at him, but your bruises from last time are just about healed so you know it’s best to keep quiet and nod along. Just play along until he drops his guard and you have a chance.

“Just stay right here,” he says as he sets you on the bed, “and I’ll bring you something to wear and an extra blanket.” You have half a mind to move just to spite him but the warmth of the bed and the mountain of pillows and blankets sedates any thoughts of moving. Your body shudders and you let out a quiet sneeze as you curl into the duvet, the cold seeping into your bones.

“Bless you, here put this on.” Warm hands sit you up and help you slip on an oversized hoodie-his, of course- but your body can’t stop shivering even with the heat practically radiating from Izuku and the hoodie blanketing your body. “Are you feeling okay? Need me to get you any medicine?” He asks while bundling you up in a soft blanket. “I-I feel so c-cold and my head k-kinda hurts.” You mumble before sneezing again.

“Shit, I’m sorry baby. I knew I shouldn’t have gone on that damn show. Stay here and get bundled up, I’ll get you some tea and medicine.” He presses a quick kiss to your forehead and rushes out of the room, his footsteps beating down on the floor louder with each second that passes.

You let out a weak cough and fall back against the bed in an attempt to wrap the rest of the blankets around you. You can feel the pounding of your head behind your eyes with each beat of your heart.

What feels like hours passes before you can hear Izuku cursing before the creaking of the bedroom door. “Here’s some warm tea, it’s got lemon and honey to help you. Unfortunately I couldn’t find any medicine, do you think you’ll be fine while I run out and get some?” You open your mouth to answer but you can’t even get out a word before you start coughing. “Nevermind, I’ll be right back baby. Stay here in bed where it’s warm and try and drink your tea, okay?”

You nod and burrow into the blankets again while the sounds of him getting dressed echo in the dark and quiet room.

“Shit, this is all my fault. I should have just refused and stayed home with her, then she wouldn’t be sick.” Izuku mutters as he nears the pharmacy, luckily they were still open. Frantically, he turns his head until he spots where the cold and cough medicine is and tries not to run towards it.

He grabs two bottles and briefly reads all the necessary information before zipping to the checkout but briefly pauses when he spots Shinso checking out, a bag of energy drinks and coffee sitting in front of him. “Thanks for the drinks Granny.” “Oh you’re welcome Shin, not many nice young men like you come by to buy these things. I’d probably stop ordering them if you didn’t come by every other night to buy them!” The old woman at the till laughs until she spots Izuku standing still feet away from the pair.

“Oh my! A visit from my favorite customer and now Deku? I’ll have to visit a shrine to pay thanks for my luck tonight!” Shinso turns to stare at Izuku and the two remain quiet while the old woman continues to chatter on.

[myriadis]

Are You My Forever After? -part 3-

@celxstialclan

Eight years had gone by since the last time Tsukimi gave Takashi a honmei-choco.

As he drove through the streets of Roppongi, Takashi wished Aiko would have never grown into the young woman she was now and remained a little girl forever. At his 36 years of age, he was still the one who kinda babysat her, as well as Tsukimi. Even when both girls were now 20 and could take care of themselves, he still fretted when they were out so late and didn't answer their phones to make sure they were alright. Sometimes Sora teased him saying that he acted like an overprotective father and jealous boyfriend towards Aiko and Tsukimi respectively. But how in the world he wasn't supposed to worry if he had seen them grow so closely?

It wasn't hard to find the girls, since they gave him the address of the nightclub they went. But once he was there, Takashi scowled because he realized that he stood out like a sore thumb among so many young people. Hell, he was still young too but felt so old...

"Takashi, over here!" Aiko waved her hand at her brother to catch his attention. 

Takashi glanced at Tsukimi and Aiko, who were sitting with Shino, Aiko's boyfriend, as well as another man he didn't recognize. Probably he was some guy the girls had just met there. But as soon as Tsukimi saw him, she left her seat and made her way towards him with the enthusiasm he thought she had lost, and Takashi smiled back at her.  

Tsukimi was now like a rose in full bloom, even Snow White was plain in comparison to her. She was bolder but just as charming and outspoken as she had always been. Tsukimi still had a very good friendship with Aiko, and often stopped by at their home to study and exchange clothes, but also to keep an eye on Takashi, whom she still loved dearly. He was so lonely, yet nobody but her seemed to realize it.

Takashi's relationship with Mayuri didn't last long, barely a year. Ironically, she had met her own soulmate and decided her love for him was stronger than the one she had for Takashi. But even after the break-up, Tsukimi kept her distance from him. She actually comforted Takashi and felt sorry for his failed relationship. Back then, Tsukimi had really wanted her beloved to be with someone that could be a better partner for him than herself. But now that she was a woman too, Tsukimi held the hope that Takashi would soon see her as the one who loved him the most.

"How long it's been since you were in a place like this?" she asked him, holding his hand. Hers was soft but very cold "Come on, let's show everyone you're far from being a boring old man." Tsukimi apparently had read his mind, and pulled Takashi towards the dance floor to dance at the rhythm of pop and R&B music.

Although Takashi had never been much into going to nightclubs, preferring more relaxed places like a sports bar, he moved perfectly encompassed to Tsukimi's steps. During that dance, as they held each other's gazes, Takashi was glad to see again in a very long time the gleam of happiness on Tsukimi's eyes. It felt so good to have her this close, that his hand slipped over her shoulders to make her get even closer, but she stumbled and stepped on his foot.

"Sorry, I am getting a little bit tipsy" Tsukimi laughed, leaning on him. "That strawberry daiquiri was stronger than I thought."

"Then that was your last drink tonight, because we're going home." Takashi said, returning to his role as babysitter of the girls.  

Unlike Tsukimi, Aiko didn't protest at all for having to return home earlier than she and Takashi had agreed because Shino was clearly uncomfortable with being there. At least they got to experience how it was like to date in a louder place. On the other hand, Tsukimi kept shooing away the guys that approached her under the excuse that she had already found her soulmate and would only be loyal to him. Of course, sometimes Tsukimi wished Takashi could love her just like Shino loved Aiko. But seeing that he was faring well, and was apparently content with his life gave Tsukimi enough motivation to cope with her unrequited love.

8 years of being close to him, yet he was out of her reach...

As they walked to Takashi's car, Aiko and Shino were ahead of Takashi and Tsukimi, who insisted in walking without support despite being barely able to stand in her two feet on her own. That was until, out of the blue, she ran and jumped over Takashi's back. The unexpected movement almost knocked him over, and he could hear a pair of bones cracking at this.

"Taka-kun, carry me!" Tsukimi asked quite enthusiastically, putting her arms around his neck.

"You're working with monkeys now, big brother?" Aiko cracked while laughing out loud.

"You're too old for that, Tsukimi, and so I am" he sighed, lightly annoyed.

"Don't be a killjoy" Tsukimi rested her head over his shoulder.

"And you act your age." Takashi just couldn't understand why Tsukimi was doing this to both of them.

"Come ooon...." she murmured on his ear and caressed his earlobe with her finger "We both know you enjoy it." this time, Tsukimi didn't sound like she was joking and Takashi blushed slightly. He couldn't deny that feeling her soft chest and her cold skin was starting to turn him on, but Takashi didn't want to admit it.

"...get off me."

Tsukimi pouted, apparently dissatisfied with Takashi's refusal to play along with her shenanigans, but climbed down from his back without more protest. Instead,  she gently held his arm and leaned her head over his shoulder as she closed her eyes.  

"Then if you're not carrying me, may i walk with you like this?" while making this petition, Tsukimi behaved more modestly, but jut as tender. He couldn't say no to her.

Tsukimi earned a lot of teasing at school when her peers found out her possible soulmate was a man much older than herself. Tsukimi herself just knew she wanted to always be by his side, and as she became older, Tsukimi's wish intensified, and flatly demonstrated her attraction to him. Although she was insecure about his lack of name on his wrist. Did that mean Takashi didn't like her back? What was the true meaning behind the branded wrists? Would he someday abandon her again in favor of someone else?

Her grip on his arm tightened. She was very afraid of that happening...

"What's wrong?" Takashi inquired, feeling her clung to him.

"My stomach hurts." she replied, not even looking at him.

Tsukimi wasn't able to keep the act of the cutesy little sister any longer. As Takashi just said, she was already too old for those childish games, but how else she was supposed to remain close to him? She had to do something real quick.

What Tsukimi didn't know was that Takashi was also dealing with very strong and confusing feelings that contradicted his views on the soulmate system. From the moment they met fifteen year ago, Tsukimi occupied a very special place in his heart. Even when she exasperated him sometimes,  Takashi couldn't imagine her not being there, smiling to him and calling him with a warm tone that didn't use with anyone else, or so he believed.

Tsukimi didn't appear to realize either that she was very important to Takashi. He tried for many years to resist the voices of his mind and the urges of his heart compelling him to accept he had been in ove with Tsukimi from the very beginning. It was sick, creepy, unnatural, and shameful to covet for a girl 16 years his junior. But even when he tried to repress those feelings and be with someone more adequate for him, Takashi thought of Tsukimi first thing in the morning, right before falling asleep, and more often than not, he dreamed of her. it was understandable that all this time Takashi wanted to discourage Tsukimi from holding her crush on him.

But as the years went by and Tsukimi became more of a woman, Takashi was confronted with a new feeling: his lust/desire for her. It was now alright and acceptable if he courted Tsukimi, but Takashi felt he couldn't. He spent all their time together rejecting her advances, and regarding her like a sister. and it'd be off-putting if he suddenly changed his treatment o her, perhaps she'd break her promise.

Therefore, Takashi orced himself to act normal while Tsukimi was around. Hopefully, she'd find someone else to love in due time.

After this walk together Takashi and Tsukimi didn't see each other for two weeks because she was too occupied with her part-time job as a model and her fashion studies at Yazawa Geijyutsu Gakuen. But after that, Aiko was able to bring her best friend to her house again, even if it was just to update her on her relationship with Shino.

"And then Moriko licked Shino's  cheek and he had this adorable blush on his face, then he smiled and patted her head. Isn't he sweet?"

"Very much so." Tsukimi said absentmindedly.

“Tsuki, are you even here?” Aiko sighed, mildly irked that her best friend wasn't paying attention to her.  “Sorry, Aiko. It’s just that I can’t take this anymore.” She looked down her wrist and sighed “I love your brother” “I know that.” Aiko sighed too and drank her tea, wondering how long this situation was going to last. Takashi was idling too much and Tsukimi was being indecisive as she had never been in her life. “But I will tell him that for real.” Tsukimi felt her chest was going to burst if she kept silent any longer. But her resolution made Aiko spit her tea.  “Like, right now?!” “Yes! I mean…" Tsukimi's cheeks flushed "I’ve been waiting long enough!” Now she seemed more determined than ever “I am not a little girl but a woman, and I will offer him all of myself if he accepts me as his soulmate!”  "Whoa, well, good luck!“ Sometimes Aiko couldn’t help but to admire Tsukimi’s passionate nature, and this convinced her that Takashi probably needed such a girl to enjoy life more instead of remaining hopelessly single.

Tsukimi decidedly looked for Takashi around the house, and soon found him in the garage. Aiko also decided she didn't want to miss the long-awaited love confession from Tsukimi to her brother. Personally she was very much alright with the idea, knowing Tsukimi’s affection for Takashi was genuine and that she was very loyal, as Aiko herself could attest. Her brother, on the other hand, seemed to be ‘incomplete’, and was at his best whenever Tsukimi was around, no matter how much he tried to deny it. The soulmate mark was a mere hint, but they definitely were meant for each other.

Takashi was waxing his cars and prepping his Mustang when he saw Tsukimi approaching him from behind. He quickly turned around and she froze in the act. Takashi had a especially intense look that made Tsukimi’s heart race, and looked away for a moment. Once again, he had the urge to press himself against her in a tight embrace and claim her lips, but he just clenched his fist.

"What do you want, Tsukimi?” 

“Takashi, will you take me out for some ice cream? Like you used to when I was little.“ Her petition was so simple and her self-conscious expression so cute, that once again, Takashi couldn't say no to her.

 "Sure, is Aiko coming too?” At the mention of her name, a hidden Aiko rolled her eyes and grew increasingly nervous. Why did Takashi have to ruin his own love life like this?! 

The only way out Aiko had was to run back upstairs, accidentally stumbling with some of Takashi’s things, and howl rather pitifully.

“Aaaughh!!!” She then feigned distress and spoke loud enough for Takashi and Tsukimi to hear “Oh no, Moriko is in heat! I must be by her side!"

"Huh? I thought she had been neutered" Takashi mumbled, not quite convinced.

Scratching his head and not minding Aiko’s trouble, Takashi opened the passenger’s seat of his Mustang to let Tsukimi go with him. She had always shown a predilection for the Mustang, and unconsciously he always used that car when he picked Tsukimi and Aiko up when they needed a ride.

As he drove to the ice cream parlor, Takashi recalled fondly the days when he took Aiko and Tsukimi for ice cream after school. Because he wasn't fond of sweets Takashi never bought ice cream for himself, but Tsukimi always shared hers with him.

After he bought her a cone of her favorite flavor: cherry with chocolate fudge flakes, Tsukimi attempted to repeat her childhood habit and offer him some ice cream, but he shook his head to politely decline. Whether she intended to give him an indirect kiss or not, doing that was too much of a temptation, especially after watching her eating it slowly.

Instead of returning home once Tsukimi finished her cone, Takashi drove across the city and took her to the bay with the only purpose of watching the sunset. It wasn't like she had something important to do at the moment, or like her parents were going to ground her for arriving at nightfall. Tsukimi also enjoyed the view and his silent company, leaning her head over his shoulder.  

"It's really beautiful" she murmured and leaned her head over his shoulder.

"Yes..." Takashi didn't even look at her, but Tsukimi perceived a romantic mood in the air, and held his hand.

"Takashi, I have to be honest with you." she pulled apart to look at him "I wasn't in the mood for ice cream. That was an excuse to be alone with you, away from any prying ears."

Unbeknownst to her, Takashi was aware of Tsukimi's intentions yet he kept quiet about it, because he also wanted to be alone with Tsukimi. To confirm He found fulfillment in her sole company. Indeed, being just the two of them was The balm he needed to heal his wounds

"I love you"

The most dreadful word in the world... yet also, the most affectionate one.

Takashi face was red like a tomato, and his mind went blank. For years he had predicted this would happen someday, but that didn't mean he already had a solution. He tried to reassure himself that Tsukimi was joking and instead using him as a practice dummy to confess to another boy instead. But the longing gaze Tsukimi had over him made Takashi realize she was serious and he was the actual recipient of that confession. His lips remained tightly shut while he tried to come up with a reasonable and sensitive answer...

But apparently, Takashi was silent for too long and Tsukimi sighed in resignation. Somehow she had expected this kind of reaction, but deep inside, she hoped he'd accept her feelings and hold her in arms to seal their pact of love. Tsukimi interpreted his prolonged silence as indirect rejection, because he was too nice to outright say he didn't feel the same.

Tsukimi suppressed the tears with mild success, and looked away to pretend she was looking at her watch. At least her suffering finally came to an end. A cab approaching to their left was just what her broken heart needed to make a gracious leave and prevent Takashi from seeing her cry.  

"I gotta go. I have too much homework today."

"I'm giving you a ride, then." he suggested awkwardly.

"No, thanks, I will take a cab. See you, Takashi-niisan." she waved him goodbye and quickly left Takashi behind to get into the taxi and disappear.

It was hard to overcome because Takashi had been and still was her first and only love. But she recalled the wish he expressed five years ago, and Tsukimi made the resolution of attempting to forget about Takashi Kamiya, and keep on living her life to its fullest, removing her search of her soulmate from her list of priorities.

"What's with that band?" Aiko asked as they walked home once Tsukimi ran out of excuses to not stop by the Kamiya’s place. The latter was now wearing a black ribbon on her wrist where her soulmate's name was supposed to be.

"It's a reminder that there are so many boys to pick from, who cares if they're named Reiji or Sōsuke?" Tsukimi replied with a smile. "Actually, today one of my classmates invited me over to a date and I said yes!”

“Wow, didn’t you tell me all the guys at your school were effeminates?” "I didn’t say that! I said that they were too delicate or flamboyant to fit in my tastes. But if I give them a chance, maybe I will have a really good time."

Aiko was a bit confused about Tsukimi’s change of heart. It wasn’t hard to guess that her love confession hadn’t gone as well as she expected, since Takashi returned home alone and deep in thought. It was even more surprising how natural and optimistic Tsukimi behaved, as if she had stopped caring about being Takashi’s partner for life. 

But instead of confronting Tsukimi and Takashi, Aiko resolved to be on the sidelines and wait patiently for the right moment to talk. For the next month, Aiko witnessed Tsukimi date and flirt with one guy after another in quick succession, including Aiko’s classmates, or men they randomly met in the street. She soon filled her smartphone’s memory with pictures and text messages from her conquests, making Aiko wonder if the term “Casanova” could be applied to women. Strangely enough , Tsukimi spoke loudly and grandiosely about her dates when Takashi was around. She was like a teenage girl trying to make her crush jealous and get his attention. 

“I swear, Aiko, Kazuto has the sweetest eyes”

“Yes, you said the same about Fuminori, Mitsuo, Shuichi…” Aiko rolled her eyes and sighed, growing tired of listen to the same story all over again. Who was she trying to fool?

"Well, then he's better looking than all of them together!"

"Huh? Weren't you dating Daisuke?“ Takashi asked, meddling in the conversation.

"I am single, I can get to date as many guys as I want!” She gave him a reproachful look. Takashi understood Tsukimi was still upset and left the girls continue their talk.

Tsukimi snorted when Takashi left the room but once she was alone with Aiko, she sighed. It was true she was angry with Takashi not only because he failed to understand her feelings, but also because her last resort strategy to get over him wasn't working. She hoped that dating a significant amount of men in quick succession was going to make Takashi jealous and distract her, but it was backfiring on her spectacularly. Tsukimi was getting the reputation of being a shameless flirt, Takashi apparently gave a damn about her, and she only had a broken heart.

Tsukimi looked at Aiko as if she wanted to keep the tears from coming out of her eyes. She then clung to her friend as if she was too afraid of letting her go and cried her heart out.

“Why I can’t move on?! He acts like nothing happened between us, it’s not fair!”

“Take it easy, Tsuki” Aiko held her and stroked her head. “You will eventually find a really nice man who will cherish you until the end of time.”

“Who said I am looking for a boyfriend?” Tsukimi inquired as if Aiko had said a cruel joke. "I am okay with dating guys, but I am not willing to fall in love again.” she declared with a sorrowful expression “If I have to go through this pain again, I’d rather not be with anyone else.”

Seeing her friend’s brazen attitude change into a melancholic one made Aiko finally discover something: Tsukimi was unconsciously punishing herself for being stupid to fall in love with a man that didn’t share her sentiment. It was really sad to watch.

…and Takashi, who happened to eavesdrop on them when he brought sliced peaches for them, was quite shocked. He had an epiphany: he loved Tsukimi too. She was too precious to him. He couldn’t bear to be the one who brought upon her so much grief when she only tried to make him feel worthy of being loved. Yet, at the same time, Takashi didn’t think he could say it to Tsukimi or she could end up hating him altogether and accuse him of being a fickle man. 

For three more days, the confession haunted Takashi. He could not think a reason why Tsukimi would love someone like him, someone who didn’t have the same interests as her, someone.. that was too foolish to doubt someone like her could truly want him at all. 

“If I have to go through this pain again, I’d rather not be with anyone else.” Takashi felt remorse when he recalled those words as he drove to work, and was too distraught to notice the car that was coming on his right side. It was too late when a flash of light blinded him, and the next minute, Takashi felt a violent shake and so much pain he couldn’t move, heard alarmed voices, saw the face of Tsukimi saying she loved him and then, it was totally dark.

When Aiko received the news of Takashi's accident, she immediately rushed to tell Tsukimi. At that very moment, Tsukimi felt very apprehensive, as if she could sense Takashi was in danger, it had to be him but hoped she was just paranoid. Nonetheless, when Aiko called and she picked up her phone, Tsukimi felt like she was living a nightmare and rushed to the hospital at once. It took the little calm she had left to not break in tears when the doctors said that Takashi had slipped into a coma, but she did look very distressed. At that very moment, Aiko knew that no matter how hard she tried to forget about her brother, Tsukimi would always love Takashi and only him.

After he was put under careful surveillance for the whole night, the family was allowed to take turns visiting him and looking after him. Tsukimi was the most interested in seeing him open his eyes, and patiently waited while holding his hand. But for a week, there was no change in his condition.

And then, while Tsukimi took a nap next to Takashi after another night of sleepless vigil, his hand twitched and he opened his eyes. While his muscles still ached a bit, he was able to move his head and see the girl who faithfully remained by his side. Takashi knew from that moment onwards, he couldn't let her go. He wanted to have her for himself, hold her close and murmur in her ear how much he loved her. 

Takashi squeezed Tsukimi's hand to wake her up, and once she did, Tsukimi threw herself over him in a hug. She just recalled his delicate state when he groaned in pain, and she frantically called for everyone. Only after the doctor said he was alright and would make a steady recovering, Tsukimi and the Kamiya siblings relaxed just enough to begin making jokes.

"You scared us back then, you know." Sora said, ruffling his hair "But there was someone who panicked more than the three of us together."

"Yeah, Tsuki was so worried about you, that I'm pretty sure she lost a few pounds from all the meals she skipped and sleepless nights taking care of you." Aiko followed along, making Tsukimi blush and want to leave the room, but Haruki held her wrist.

"We know you are a gentleman and want to thank her for it, so we will leave you alone." Haruki pushed Tsukimi closer to Takashi and the siblings gave him a 'don't screw it' look before closing the door after themselves.

It was unusual for Tsukimi to be left speechless as she always had something to say, and Takashi knew it. Probably it wasn't easy to excuse your presence and loving car to someone whom you apparently held a grudge on. Takashi also knew that, and that's why he spoke first.

"I'm actually surprised to see you here, Kimi." he said as kindly as he could. "I honestly believed you didn't want to see me anymore."

"You’re the one I love the most, I told you so!" she promptly said "That’s why I promised I'd always be with you!" her voice trembled and she drew even closer  " I don’t care if you don't love me. Just get better and I will be happy again.“ Tears fell from her eyes "I prefer you to be alive and far from my reach, rather than dead.”

It doesn't have to be like that.“ Takashi reached for her head and kissed her on the lips with a gentle but ardent feelings that stirred both of their hearts. Tsukimi was shocked and she remained still for a few seconds before accepting and reciprocating his kiss. She had been waiting her whole life for this, while Takashi felt his empty existence suddenly was meaningful. "I love you, my beautiful moon." 

"Do you mean it, Takashi?” Tsukimi asked after pulling away.

"You don't have a clue, do you?" he chuckled and cupped her cheek "Everything you do blows me away, just like a typhoon and makes my heart become numb with passion. I can’t fight this anymore."

"Takashi, if you hold yourself back all the time, you will miss a lot of things in this life." Tsukimi put a hand over the one he had on her cheek. "What am I going to do with you?"

After another day of hospital stay, Takashi was discharged on the condition that he remained in bed for at least a month. The whole time Tsukimi stopped by daily after school to help look after him, much to the amusement of his sisters. As much as he disliked not doing anything, Takashi couldn't really complain of having his soulmate close to him.

"Somehow, I always knew you were born to be mine. But I thought you'd be disappointed in me because of my carelessness and my age." he said a month later, while they stargazed in the porch.

"You thought about it too much." Tsukimi had her head over his shoulder and looked at his wrist. Because he didn't have a soulmate mark, Takashi decided to have her name tattooed there. It flattered Tsukimi, it meant he had chosen her as his most beloved person. "I never minded such things as your age. Nobody's perfect dear. Those years of yearning made me stronger, because neither of us was ready for it when we met. Sorry for being so impatient, but will you blame me for my excitement?”

Takashi recalled all the smiles, the laughs, the hand-holding, and the silent moments where Tsukimi did nothing but to wait for him to make up his mind. ‘I am finally here, what are you waiting for? I love you so damn much’, was what her eyes desperately said.  Takashi could tell Tsukimi truly looked forward to hear ‘I love you too’ come from his lips.

“No.” how could he blame her after all they went through? He held her hand, intertwining their fingers and kissed her. He still thought the soulmate system wasn’t reliable, but he did believe Tsukimi and him were meant for each other, and that was enough. “Koishiteru.”