#and I think Fushimi always liked Kusanagi best out of all the Homra guys

[ridiasfangirlings]

I know it's a ship that doesn't get much attention so how do you think kusanagi and fushimi started dating and how is there dating live looks like ?

I imagine if they were going to hook up it would be post-ROK, Fushimi’s been coming to the bar more often and Kusanagi takes this as a good opportunity to get to know him again. Kusanagi’s always had a high opinion of Fushimi and while he doesn’t necessarily approve of some of Fushimi’s choices since leaving Homra he’s always wanted to see what kind of person that sullen kid but talented would grow up to be. Now that Fushimi’s reconciled with Yata and become more willing to be on good terms with Homra again of course Kusanagi can’t resist offering him a drink every time he comes into the bar. At first Fushimi only stops in when he’s meeting Yata but eventually he starts coming in on his own and Kusanagi’s always happy to serve him  and have a chat. Fushimi’s hesitant at first, because I think out of all of Homra he’s always respected Kusanagi the most and he’s sort of awkward about everything, that he knows the expectations Kusanagi had for him and that Kusanagi tried to make him feel like he belonged in Homra and all Fushimi did in return was burn everything down. Eventually though he loosens up, Fushimi appreciates being able to talk to an actual mature adult (who isn’t a weirdo) and Kusanagi is always interested in hearing Fushimi’s thoughts on things because he appreciates Fushimi’s level of insight. 

I imagine once they start dating Kusanagi would take it slow, like just starting off maybe with going out for drinks. Kusanagi definitely knows all the bars in the area and he knows which are more quiet and more to Fushimi’s tastes so he’s careful with where he takes Fushimi. Fushimi’s still picky but he’s slowly opening up so Kusanagi tries in his own way to make Fushimi a little more adventurous, I could see him suggesting drinks for Fushimi to try that he knows might be different but still within Fushimi’s tastes. Kusanagi also occasionally takes Fushimi to his own restaurants, so they can have a private table, and Fushimi admits that he’d forgotten how much actual non-Homra business Kusanagi does. Actually on that end I could see them maybe not having a ‘date’ exactly but Fushimi does help Kusanagi with his finances from time to time, like just imagine Kusanagi all harried one day because he can’t get the books to balance and without needing to be asked Fushimi just walks in and starts arranging things. Afterward Kusanagi can’t help but admit that this is one of the reasons why he thought of Fushimi as a successor — and more of a partner, now — because he’s always been aware of just how talented a person Fushimi is. 

[amisbro]

The Road Trip

Fandoms:  K Priject Rating:  G Note:  This fic is the return back to a fandom I hadn’t been back to in a good while and with the “7 Stories” Movies coming up what better way to go back but to get started with the trip back home LET’S GO TO SHIZUME CITY!

Shizume City It was a very quiet day in the city and by quiet JUNGLE/Cathedral weren’t causing nearly the chaos they should have been and the HOMRA bar was getting lively with customers but nowhere near where they could be and Izumo Kusanagi ,The Bartender of HOMRA, knew that well.  He knew there was a spark that was missing and he silently hoped it would come back cos he knew himself that business ,while not down, wasn’t where he would have liked it. At Scepter 4 things were almost in that same vein While the strains were minding their business and not causing havoc the “Youngbloods” were trying to keep themselves occupied with their studies and the Captain and King in Reisi Munakata ,while messing around with his puzzle that he had sitting on his desk, was having a hard time focusing.  Even messing with Fushimi (which could be a fun pastime if done right) wasn’t one of those things that held its appeal when he knew that there was something ELSE that was missing and he needed to see it come back into the city...he and everyone at Scepter 4 knew EXACTLY what they were missing! And THEN there was that gentleman that roamed the city Yukari Mishakuji The former swordsman of JUNGLE ,after turning on them a good while ago, was now employed at a very successful flower shop in the city and for the most part didn’t have to deal with a lot of problems with JUNGLE.  Even after the events of years past now he was pretty much clear of their problems but there was a part of him that wishes he could get back to just erasing those people one by one by one. There was ANOTHER issue with him He missed HIM One common thread that Scepter 4 ,HOMRA and Yukari all had in common was their interactions with a young man that changed all of their lives and it would be a lie if any of them said they DIDN’T miss him because oh did they! The Youngbloods of Scepter 4 missed their mentor HOMRA missed their “secret weapon” on Fridays for the “Kids Day” they started holding when he was there And Yukari...well he missed his man and EVERYONE knew it!  Heck there were times when he would go bug Kuroh at Isana’s place because he missed his man that bad!  This of course annoyed Kuroh so bad that he just told him to leave him alone and “If Joshua loves you like we all know he’ll be back...give him time I hear he’s very busy with his other work as is” and Kuroh was right cos every time he turned on the TV Joshua was working with one of the idol groups he was affiliated with in Tokyo or he was working on his own concerts...but it didn’t mean he would never come back...right? This answer would come soon enough Tokyo in the QN Compound “So you see friends” Joshua started “We have an interesting schedule between now and around May.  We got appearances for HEAVENS coming up and I know QN has at least one concert so there’s that...anything else I’m forgetting?” Joshua asked and Camus was the one to speak up on everyone’s behalf “Curtis-San...when is the last time you went home?” Camus asked and this caught Joshua off guard and had to try to figure out how to answer the question “I-I am home boss.  I was just going over part of our schedule between now and May.” Joshua explained but Camus wasn’t going to give up on the question so he tried another way “Alright...when is the last time you were in the ‘City’?  Surely you miss those people don’t you?” Camus asked and this time Joshua was really caught off guard but he didn’t get angry and just answered as honestly as he could “First off I am going to assume by ‘City’ you mean ‘Shizume’ correct boss?” Joshua asked and Camus nodded before he continued “Very well...I want to say...its been a while.  Do I miss it a little?  Yeah I do but I also am happy to be here with you guys and help you all out you know?” Joshua asked and everyone in the room (the members of QN and HEAVENS collectively) all nodded in agreement.  Camus however knew what had to be done “You know its rare that I TELL you to go do something anymore.  You are pretty much programmed into my routine that I don’t have to tell you anything.  This time however Joshua I am GOING TO TELL YOU that I want you to take an extended vacation.  We have Nanami as a backup so we aren’t going to skip a beat here but I have a strange feeling that there are people back in Shizume that want you to go home to see them.  I also have a feeling one of them is a very talented swordsman that even I won’t mess with!” Camus explained and when Joshua heard this he looked at everyone in the room and decided to ask the question that needed to be asked “Is this how you all feel?” Joshua asked and when everyone nodded he knew what he had to do. “Very well...tomorrow I will go on a bit of a vacation into the City.  Might help with some boredom issues cos I admit wholeheartedly I had dealt with those so I will go cure them and return in time for the concert in May.  Is that a deal?” Joshua asked and everyone nodded but Camus wanted to make something clear so he had to step in. “I know you won’t miss that concert in May and we all look forward to it.  Just don’t go neglecting your friends over there after that.  We appreciate your loyalty here but you are also needed THERE!” Camus exclaimed with extra emphasis on “there” and Joshua knew what that meant.  He was OFF TO THE CITY! The Next Day To say that Joshua had a rough night sleeping after packing was an understatement but it was one of the worst nights he had in a while because he was going back to see a lot of good people and those people kind of felt needed him but he could never outright say it cos he didn’t want his friends there to feel like crap either you know?  As it was when he got up he went and got changed into something a little less formal...even if one of the places he was going to go visit WAS Scepter 4 he didn’t have to get into Uniform for today so he got on a t-shirt and some blue jeans and sneakers and after a breakfast that Kira prepared for him he was out the door to his car to head off to that famous bridge that he has crossed before and he was very happy to start the journey...even if it was a good 3 hours from the QN’s place! When Joshua walked out the door Eiji ran up to him to make sure he had his ID to get into the city and also to get into Scepter 4 when he stopped over.  He knew what security check was like so he made sure he had everything and Joshua showed him just like always that he was prepared for the big trip.  After that Eiji nodded and gave him a big hug before saying his goodbyes and Joshua got in the car and headed off Was the trip a quiet one?  Nah you know Joshua had to have tunes going in the car all the way over and as he was taking the familiar route to the City that he traveled times before his first thought went to Scepter 4 and the boys he helped mentor ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Youngbloods Joshua still remembers the day the boys created those special armbands for their group.  At first Joshua thought it was a little silly but when Akiyama and Enomoto explained how important he was becoming as a teacher to them and they wanted to really become his students he couldn’t help but smile and take them on because of how important an impact he was becoming and he wanted to keep that bond with them.  Even with his absence Domyouji told him in messages that they were keeping with their studies and they were looking forward to if he were to ever come back to the group...boy were they going to be in for a shock! ------------------------------------------------------------- HOMRA After Mikoto’s death and Anna taking over the role of “King” in the Red Clan things started changing and she came up with ideas along with Kusanagi about how to make a bar that ,to be fair was more of a clubhouse, more accessible for the public and they started to redo their image after that.  It wasn’t until Joshua came in though that things really started changing for the better and the energetic gent started to help get a younger crowd to come in and he always enjoyed hanging out with the young ones.  While he always gave Anna the credit for the idea she always looked at Joshua as one that really could carry the idea out.  According to Anna it was JOSH that should have become the new King but Joshua always joked that “I don’t have that kind of power...you are far better than I could ever be” and she always left it alone after that. And THEN there is HIM --------------------------------------------------------- Yukari Mishakuji The incomparable swordsman formerly of JUNGLE.  The man that ,Joshua credited for saving his life and changing his outlook on a lot of things.  If it wasn’t for Yuari there was a chance that Joshua could have physically been fine but mentally been so screwed up that he couldn’t be repaired!  If it wasn’t for encountering each other there are those that think that they wouldn’t be the men they were now and for that they are both grateful and have said as much to people when they asked. --------------------------------------------------------- As Joshua closed in on the bridge he pulled over to the curb and got out of the car to walk up to the entrance of the bridge and after running his hand up and down one of the sides for a few minutes a noticeable smile appeared on his face and as walked back to the car and got in to start the engine he couldn’t help but blast some good jams as he crossed the bridge and made off to his first stop HOMRA When Joshua took the familiar streets and saw familiar faces walking up and down the sidewalks he smiled and waved at each of them before pulling into the alleyway that he always would use for his parking lot! Best part...no one saw him “I FRIGGIN’ TOLD YOU I CAN HIT A KICKFLIP OFF THIS CURB AND I’LL DO IT DANG IT!” Yata yelled at Rikio who just faceplamed “Bruh every time you do that you end up crying for 20 minutes cos you skinned your knee and then Anna has to go get the first aid spray” Rikio explained and Yata just pouted “He’s right you know” When Yata heard this he assumed that it was Kusanagi that was making the statement but he was just diddling on his phone so he looked at the other members who just shrugged and then the voice made another comment “You know...if Saru heard you say the thing about hitting a kickflip he’d thing it was ALL you were gonna hit...but that’s just my opinion” “WHY YOU I SHOULD BASH YOUR SKULL IN WITH THIS BASEBALL BAT!” Yata Screamed before rushing at the person but when the person calmly deflected the bat from him he smirked and turned to Yata whom looked like he had seen a ghost when he realized who it was “CURTIS-SAN...WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!” Misaki asked puzzled and Joshua just smiled before responding “Oh...Let’s just say I was given a vacation from an employer in Tokyo and he ordered me to ‘Return Home’.  Let’s just say I have a lot of those here so I figured this would be the first one I stop at cos I missed you guys and gals!” Joshua excitedly told Yata and Kusanagi was even more surprised when he heard this “Does this mean you will be coming back to help out on the ‘Kids Night’ that we do?  We could really use the help again.” Izumo explained and Joshua happily nodded “Of course my friend and its well known also that YOU my friend have a birthday coming up...we need to properly celebrate that so we shall in due course I promise!  Now listen I don’t like to cut these visits short but I need to go stop at two other places before heading home for the night.  Good to see you all again and we are back in business I promise you that!” Joshua excitedly proclaimed and with that he took his leave but not before nearly getting dogpiled by everyone...until Izumo told them to chill cos if they hurt him they wouldn’t have his help for the upcoming weekend jobs. Next stop:  Scepter 4 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This one was a bit more of a pain in the butt because he needed to make sure he had his Scepter 4 creds but that wasn’t a problem cos of Eiji reminding him to bring his other wallet and he did so he went up to the scanner and and they let his car into the parking lot which was ALWAYS a pain to get into...no seriously getting into the alley he used to park for HOMRA was always blasted easier! ANWAYS Joshua got into the parking lot and put his other wallet away and so that he didn’t get the creds he needed confused and when he walked into the building and saw the famous stairway he was to walk up if you ever wanted to know what a real GIDDY Joshua looked like imagine the Nintendo 64 kid on steroids 10x alright? As Joshua made his way up the stairs and hung that familiar right to the hallway where the HQ was he could hear the most comical argument ever “Come on Andy...we know that God’s S.T.A.R. is legitimately the more superior song of the 3 Triple S songs...the actual sales proved that!” Goto yelled and Andy had to cover his ears his friend was so loud “Okay that might be but there was something about Immortal Inferno that was just A MILLION TIMES BETTER and everyone with a sense of music knows thi!” Andy hollered back “We adding debate to the curriculum...I’m down” Andy and Ren snapped their heads in the direction of the voice they heard and the smile that came on their faces were INSTANT!  THEIR SENPAI WAS HOME! “CURTIS-SENPAI!” They both exclaimed and hugged their teacher and Awashima happened to peak her head out of the Captain’s office to see what all the racket was about and when she saw even she was uncharacteristically happy!  Like she could be happy but it was moments like seeing her “Son” return that made her quite happy “Its a pleasure to see you again Joshua.  I trust that your trip was an enjoyable one?” Awashima asked and Joshua nodded before replying “It was...even if getting into the parking lot is still as convoluted as ever.  I legit get into the HOMRA alleyway easier but I understand why also.” Joshua explained and Seri chuckled because she was remembering here issues with the parking in the area. “Oh its bad...I had to curse security one time cos of the issues with the scanner.  Do you have time to see the Captain or will you be leaving us today?” Seri asked and Joshua had to think for a second before he made his response “Since I am back for the foreseeable future I will come back in a day or two.  For now I have to go see one more party and then head to my home here.  Tell Our esteemed King I’ll be back in a few days or so alright?” Joshua asked and Seri nodded before heading back into the office and Joshua did as he said and made sure to say his goodbyes to his boys before he made his final stop ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yukari’s Flower Shop This place was one that Joshua had stopped at many times before and every time he goes in its always a more exotic place. Alright there is ONE correction we need to make The Flower Shop isn’t REALLY Yukari’s but because he is the one that grows a lot of the different flowers they sell there the owner practically calls the shop his and it helps to keep his mind off of what he had missing in his life.  The one person that could POSSIBLY make him whole! But he didn’t have much longer to wait As the car pulled in front of the shop near the outskirts of the city and Joshua got out all he had to do was stare straight to the back of the store and he saw the gent that saved his life from being mentally crippled! As Joshua walked in he made his way straight to the back and when the swordsman realized who it was the “Oh my God” look on his face appeared and then he ran up to Joshua and just gave him the biggest hug possible!  To say that he missed him bad would be foolishly understated and the sound of muffled sobs that came from Yukari were all that Joshua needed to know how bad he was missed by his boyfriend.  He knew he shouldn’t leave him for these long periods and but at the same time Yukari has been way more than understanding about his other job but he was glad to get to see him again and that was a fact! “C-Curtis-Chan?  Y-You’re back...YOU’RE BACK?!” Yukari yelled and Joshua smiled and nodded before speaking “Yes my dear Yukari.  I’m back and I don’t think I am leaving again for a good while.  I’m here for you and to go work with my boys in Scepter 4 and such.  I missed them and most importantly I definitely missed you and I would be lying if I said that I worried about you while I was gone.  I’ve just been so busy with work that...well you know I’m sure.” Joshua explained and Yukari nodded as he continued to wipe the tears from his eyes but he was so happy he couldn’t stop crying.  Joshua took him to the back to get him cleaned up and then after that the owner let Yukari off early because of “Special Circumstances”.  Yeah this was definitely one and Mishakuji was definitely very happy to hear the news! As Joshua and Yukari walked out of the shop arm and arm together there was one thing Joshua wanted to do: He got out his PDA and issued the following command in it “Road Trip Status:  COMPLETED!” For Joshua this “Road Trip” and the reunion with his friends and loved ones...was the greatest thing he ever pulled off and now he knew one thing Joshua was in fact...HOME!

[scepterofstardust]

sever and mend.

Hi everybody, it’s me again! It’s been so long since I’ve posted any substantial writing, but I’m back for Sarumi Fest because how could I resist the opportunity to write more of Saruhiko and Misaki? I really adore writing them because their dynamic is so interesting, so I was excited to write these prompts for you guys. Anyways, I’ll stop talking, this is for Day 1. Enjoy :)

External: AO3

Saruhiko had never really thought that he would have to watch Misaki from afar.

After all, they spent years attached at the hip. Years of spending more time at Misaki's house than his, and then sleeping in the bottom bunk, only having to walk into the kitchen to see Misaki standing at the stove making dinner. He had taken that for granted, maybe, a little too much. 

It was all gone, now. And yes, it was Saruhiko's fault; he wasn't ignorant to that fact. But he missed it anyhow.

And he wished, with all of his mangled and confused heart, that he could be close to him again. Just for a day, even.

He beat himself up for making that wish, as he leaned against Reisi's car, looking down from the top of the hill. His coat was hardly warm enough for the January weather, and he could hear Misaki's voice in his head, lamenting the fact that he never took care of his health. Saruhiko shook his head and ground his jaw.

He hadn't wanted to come anywhere near this place. But the Blue King, with his dark circles and watery eyes, had looked like he would collapse any second, and so Fushimi had gotten in the car with him. He had been unwilling to go any closer than this, than the top of the graveyard far from the burial site. He could see the funeral procession in the distance, figures in black like a murder of crows against the snow on the ground. He could see Misaki right away, of course. He could tell it was him, shivering in his black coat, head bowed, holding Anna in his arms as they both cried. Saruhiko swallowed against the lump in his throat, and he wanted to be there, he wanted to stand next to Misaki and be able to help him. But he knew he couldn't.

Knew that Misaki would probably shove him away, now. For all that he had done. 

Knew that he had lost that right.

Saruhiko tore his gaze away from Misaki and turned towards the driver's seat as his King got out. Reisi walked around and paused beside Saruhiko.

"Are you sure?" Saruhiko didn't have to clarify what he was asking. He lifted his chin, beckoning Reisi to get on with it. It earned him a thin, amused smile. The Blue King began the long walk towards the burial site, down winding roads and lots of steps. Saruhiko watched him go, noting that the funeral procession was dissipating. He couldn't blame Reisi for not wanting to face them. He certainly would never fault him for it. 

Saruhiko blew out a breath and opened the passenger's side door, unable to stand in the cold anymore. He settled in and closed his eyes to wait.

"I'd make a comment about sleeping on the job," Reisi said when he got into the car, "but we aren't." Saruhiko jolted in his seat, raising his head.

"Sorry," he muttered. He hadn't realized how tired he was. Reisi started the car and glanced in the rearview mirror.

"I didn't say I didn't approve," Reisi amended. "I'm afraid that would be the pot calling the kettle black." Saruhiko didn't bother protesting. He knew how observant the Blue King was. Even when he himself had seen better days, he wouldn't fail to notice Saruhiko stumbling into doors and frequently having lapses in memory. He wasn't an insomniac, rather, he was just worried. He was worried for Misaki, and if he felt like admitting it for Reisi as well, and he'd be lying if he said he didn't dream about the Red King, dream about his hand being engulfed in flame and the pain. Even though he was gone.

He had a lot of demons chasing him, it seemed. But that wasn't anything new.  Reisi pulled away from the curb, staying silent the rest of the drive.

When Saruhiko saw Misaki next, it was spring. He'd been coerced into going to get more coffee and sandwiches for the others, as they were all working late shifts and beyond exhausted from a busy week. He ordered from the scrawled list in his hand and moved out of the way, leaning on the wall to wait. He looked around the small shop, noting its occupants. Lots of students with their laptops and headphones, probably studying. A few adults with their newspapers. His eyes landed on a booth by the window, and his breath hitched. 

Misaki had an empty plate in front of him, his head resting against the wall. He was staring numbly out the window, his headphones in his ears. 

Saruhiko tensed up, an old habit, wanting to run or start a fight. But Misaki didn't see him, of course. He was relieved that he hadn't. Misaki looked peaceful, with the setting sun casting a golden glow across his face and illuminating amber eyes. A half empty soda was at his elbow. It reminded Saruhiko of their middle school days. They used to hang out in cafes just like this one. He found himself wishing that he could just stride over, could just sit down across from Misaki and have a conversation. He wished it could happen just like that. He could imagine Misaki grinning at him, snickering because Saruhiko had been roped into running errands again.

Saruhiko tilted his head, paying closer attention. Misaki looked better than when he had last seen him. Less breakable. Less grief-stricken. More like himself. Saruhiko caught himself smiling, just a little bit. It was good, that Misaki was healing. Even if he couldn't be there.

The girl behind the counter called out his order number, and he sobered, taking it from her and exiting the shop quickly. He went back to Scepter Four headquarters, back to the dark offices, but he remembered the sight of Misaki alone, the spring sun making him a living flame. 

It was summer when Saruhiko walked past the HOMRA bar. He was sweaty, and sticky, and grumpy. He loathed the heat. It made him miserable, and he always felt like he was about to spontaneously melt into a puddle. Hence, the reason why he stayed indoors. 

Usually, he turned to take a detour around the bar, not wanting an awkward encounter with any of its occupants. But he had been too distracted to do so. So he walked fast, head down. He had almost made it when the door flew open behind him, bell jangling. He heard a voice from inside the bar yell something about troublesome kids, and Saruhiko fought a smirk. Kusanagi didn't seem to have changed one bit. He heard footsteps, and a shout of pain.

"Alright, I get it!" Misaki groaned as he stepped outside. "I'm going!" Saruhiko stiffened and picked up his pace.

"Damn right you are!"

"Ah, fuck off," Misaki muttered under his breath. Saruhiko snorted.

"What was that?!" Kusanagi's voice went up another octave, if that was even possible.

"Nothing. Going." There was the flat thud of a skateboard hitting the cement, and Saruhiko ducked his head, praying he wouldn't be seen. He didn't have the energy to put up a front right now.

"Saru?" Misaki called out hesitantly. Saruhiko cursed quietly and turned, head lulling sideways. He allowed his stare to turn icy, a small smirk to play on his mouth.

"Just passing through, Misaki. No need to burn down the whole block just yet." 

Misaki rolled his eyes, and Saruhiko couldn't help noticing how different he looked. Older. Stronger than the uncontrollable wildfire Saruhiko had left behind. But yet, some things hadn't changed. He still wore the same tank top and shorts ensemble as always, still had the same skateboard underneath his foot. Still had the same tousled red hair, headphones around his neck.

"Wasn't planning on it," Misaki retorted, snapping his foot down and grabbing his skateboard, hugging it against his side. "Were you?"

"No, too much paperwork," Saruhiko replied, doing his best to hide his trepidation as Misaki strode up to him, squinting in the sunlight.

"I thought I was imagining things," Misaki admitted. "I've never seen you here."

"I must've taken a wrong turn."

"Must've." Misaki shifted his weight awkwardly.

"You know...you don't have to avoid us like the plague," he said quietly. "You don't have to avoid...me."

"Since when?" Saruhiko questioned incredulously. 

"Since...now." Misaki said, certainty in his eyes.

"And you're had this touching revelation because?" Saruhiko didn't believe what he was hearing. Misaki looked down at his shoes before he met Saruhiko's gaze again.

"I just, um..." The inky haired boy stared at him expectantly. "It's just that, after we lost Mikoto, um..." Misaki sighed, rubbing at his temple. "I've been thinking."

"Oh dear," Saruhiko commented flatly.

"Shut up, Saru, I'm serious."

"As you always are." Saruhiko's smirk was a little more real this time.

"Aish, you're annoying. All I'm saying, is that people aren't around forever, you know." Saruhiko's amused expression dissipated.

Of that, he was very aware.

"No, they're not."

"Right, so..." Misaki trailed off, scratching the back of his neck, and was his face getting red? "So, we lose people and I..." The redhead visibly gulped. "I don't want to lose you, too."

Saruhiko didn't anticipate the sudden stinging behind his eyes, the unbearable tightness in his throat. He tried his best to harden his expression, to hide.

Haven't you already?

"What?" It came out more shocked than he meant it to.

"Look, Saru, just..." Misaki shook his head with a small smile. "Maybe stop in sometime, is all I'm saying. If you want to. Okay?" Saruhiko could do nothing but stare dumbfounded as Misaki walked past him and continued down the street.

 He was frozen in place, and he stood there for several moments, wondering if the heat had caused him to hallucinate.

It took him five minutes to remember where he had been going. It took a week to decide he hadn't imagined it. It took a month before he walked by the bar again, and timidly waved to a little girl with scarlet eyes sitting in the window. It took a vicious fight, his knuckles sliced open and a cut from a blade on his cheekbone, before he opened the door, bell jingling above his head, and sat down wearily across from his best friend. And even as he took the soda Misaki slid across the table, it felt unreal. That he was this close.

That maybe, things were changing.

(Misaki's smile was real enough for him, though. For now.) 

[emeraldwaves]

Title: Don’t Look Down DJ AU Chapter 10 (Read from beginning Here or Here) Pairing: Sarumi Rating: M Word Count:  7,094 AO3 Summary: When Fushimi Saruhiko is dragged to a club by some of his co-workers, he refuses to dance, earning him the attention of the lively, up-and-coming DJ, Yata Misaki. After a heated argument, the boys go their separate ways, never expecting to meet again. Little do they know their first meeting is only the beginning of their now intertwined lives.

Full Fic Under Cut. Thank you to @its-love-u-asshole for betaing!

Regret began to settle into Saruhiko's being a few days later when Doumyouji and the others caught wind of the performance Saruhiko had agreed to do with Misaki. This subsequently meant Munakata had found out as well, and that made Saruhiko feel even worse. So much so, he attempted to avoid Munakata every time he locked eyes with the man in the office.

However, by the afternoon a few days later, there was absolutely no avoiding his boss.

"Oya! Fushimi-kun, I heard you're going to participate in a live performance this weekend. How thrilling!"

Thrilling was one word for it. It certainly felt like something out of a horror movie. Saruhiko clicked his tongue. "Tsk, sure."

"I think it would be wonderful if the office went to hear this song of yours," he grinned, and Saruhiko knew it was a telling grin. One that let him know, Munakata had known everything anyway and he wasn't about to let Saruhiko say no to the entire office coming to see him. He also had to know how much Saruhiko despised the idea of performing live and was silently hoping Misaki would change his mind.

Of course, Misaki had shown no signs of doing such a thing. In fact, it was more the opposite. Misaki wouldn't shut up about how excited he was. He was constantly texting Saruhiko, which wasn't anything out of the ordinary, but every text was related to how excited or nervous he was to perform live. The emotions fluctuated depending on the day, and Misaki was a ball of anxiety whenever he called Saruhiko and left him a multitude of messages.

So far, Saruhiko had been consistently avoiding practice, in hopes that Misaki would maybe forget the whole thing and he could silently slip away into the shadows. It was a foolish thought, since Misaki rarely forgot about anything regarding Saruhiko and music, let alone something he'd been dying to do his whole life.

Saruhiko was stuck it seemed. At the very least, he wasn't going to let the whole damn office come and watch him make a fool of himself on that stage. "No," he said finally. "No one is coming to watch." Just thinking about the performance made him want to throw up.

"It's good for co-workers to support each other's endeavors," Munakata smiled.

"I wouldn't exactly call this my endeavor," Saruhiko grumbled. He assumed there was no way he was going to get around people coming to watch, especially if they already knew about it. It wouldn't be difficult for them all to figure out where and when it was, especially if they were smart enough to ask Misaki.

"But Fushimi-kun, we still would like to support you, whatever it is you do." He doubted any other boss cared as much as Munakata. As annoying as it was he did mean well, and he cared, more than Saruhiko could say about most of the people throughout the course of his life.

"Yeah, yeah," he said, sighing as he rolled his eyes, watching Munakata finally leave him alone. He knew he was probably going to see him, Hidaka, Akiyama and the rest at the performance whether he wanted them there or not.

He was going to have to cave to Misaki and actually start practicing. This performance was a reality and in order to not make a complete fool of himself, he had to start somewhere.

Picking up his phone, he replied to one of the messages he had been avoiding this morning.

[Text Reply] Misaki: Alright, we can practice. I'll stop by after work.

[Text]: GREAT! Where the hell u been? We shoulda started days ago. [Text]: We can show Kamamoto so u can @ least do it 4 some1 b4 the big night

Saruhiko wished Misaki would stop mixing numbers into his words when he texted, and he really wished he would stop referring to it as 'the big night'. It was far too much pressure for Saruhiko to handle. He wasn't a performer.

And that became painfully obvious when he stood in Misaki's living room, frozen as Kamamoto's eyes were on him before the song began. Or well, he thought Kamamoto's eyes were on him, he couldn't tell behind the idiot's damn sunglasses. Him being in the room was more than enough to set off Saruhiko's nerves, even though Kamamoto had presumably heard Saruhiko practicing in Misaki's room simply by proximity. He pursed his lips, opening his mouth, as though he were about to begin, but when the intro ended, he could barely open his mouth.

Misaki had promised him happy memories, but if he couldn't actually make any sound, there weren't going to be any happy memories for the two of them.

"Saruhiko!" Misaki said, slamming his hand down on the button, after it happened for a third time. "What are you doing?"

"I'm sick," he coughed awkwardly, clearly fake. "The sound isn't coming out."

"Bullshit you're sick! What's going on? You've sang for me plenty of times and Kamamoto has heard you a ton of times!" Misaki folded his arms and flopped on the couch next to Kamamoto.

"I told you I'm not a performer," he said.

"Yeah but you also agreed to do this for me!" Misaki jumped up. "I get that you're nervous...but I know how you can sing, I've heard you and I fucking love it! They're all gonna love it too, and even if you fucking hate it, it's barely 5 minutes of your life, it'll be over before you even know it!"

Saruhiko hated that he blushed when Misaki said he loved his singing. It wasn't something he was proud of, or something he wanted to pursue. He wasn't like Misaki, but he did like Misaki, begrudgingly, or less so as of late. If he could make Misaki love something, that was slowly becoming enough to spur him on. He wasn't sure when it had become like that, their relationship, but he didn't hate it.

"And it's not like you're gonna be alone! I'll be there right next to you, or well, behind you, sort of," Misaki said, and Saruhiko hadn't realized the shorter had still been talking.

"Alright, alright. Do it again," he scoffed.

"Right!" Misaki said, standing behind his mixing board as he started up the track again.

This time, Saruhiko sang out, and even behind Kamamoto's sunglasses, he could see his eyes widen. He didn't move much, and Misaki said that was something they'd have to work on, especially since Misaki was often so energetic, but Kamamoto noted the sound was so good, he didn't imagine many people would care if Saruhiko sat like a lump on the edge of the stage as long as he sang like that.

"I didn't expect you to sound like that, even from just hearing you guys through the wall and the recording," Kamamoto noted.

Saruhiko rolled his eyes. "Surprises, I'm full of them apparently." But the person he kept surprising the most was himself.

"See!" Misaki cheered, shutting his laptop. "You're gonna be amazing! Just...move a bit more and you'll be fine!"

More than anything, Saruhiko wanted to believe Misaki was right, just this once.

~~

Misaki had imagined many times what it would be like to actually meet a music producer who was willing to hear him, to give him that one chance he had always assumed he'd needed. And now it had happened and he was going to do a test performance. It didn't feel real.

After he had called Kusanagi to confirm the performance, he woke up every morning and thought about it. Every day he had to remind himself he was in fact going to perform for a real time producer. Mikoto's producer no less.

"Kamamoto. Can you believe tonight...I'm going to do a performance for a real producer!" Misaki cheered.

"I can believe it!" he said, nudging his friend. "C'mon Yata, we've all known how freaking talented you are. It was only a matter of time!"

"I dunno. It still doesn't feel real to me!" he said, glancing at his watch. "Shit!" he cried out, dashing into his room as he dug through the pile of clean clothes on his bed. "I gotta get ready!"

"Uh, Yata," Kamamoto mumbled, peering into his room from the doorway. "You have plenty of time."

"Yeah, but I gotta look perfect!" he said, holding up a shirt.

"Right, I'll get dinner ready." Kamamoto sighed, and left Yata to dig through his clothes.

He wondered what Saruhiko planned on wearing. They had to look professional, but casual, right? What the hell were they supposed to wear? He wasn't any sort of fashion expert, but he also didn't want to look like an idiot.

He blushed thinking about the song once more. The best idea would probably be to go with an outfit that matched their style. Being himself was definitely the best option. The song ran through his mind, Saruhiko's voice ringing in his ears. He couldn't wait for them to hear how amazing Saruhiko was live. If only Saruhiko would believe that. He prayed the idiot would be able to handle it.

Misaki knew he really owed Saruhiko a lot. This was the third or fourth thing he'd convinced Saruhiko to do against his will. "I'll make it up to him, somehow," Misaki muttered under his breath. Briefly, a memory of them making out in the tent flashed through his mind, but he quickly shook the thought away. He couldn't just repay Saruhiko with those kind of favors.

Sighing, he pulled a white hoodie on, smoothing out the flyaway hair which stuck out every which way. He probably was going to wear his beanie like he normally did, and as his heart beat with anticipation, he made his way to the kitchen.

~~

The bar venue was smaller than Misaki expected, but he wasn't upset, in fact, he was relieved. He was used to playing in smaller clubs. The smaller the crowd the easier it would be to get people moving. Bigger crowds were far more intimidating. Though he had to admit, he was surprised Mikoto was playing at a place like this. He knew Kusanagi, Homra's producer owned the place, and it was where the company had gotten it's start, but he was surprised the place wasn't swarming with Mikoto and Totsuka's fans.

"Yata! Good to see you!" Totsuka bounced forward, holding out his hand. "King just got here too! Is your singer here? We're gonna do a quick soundcheck!"

"Not yet," Misaki smiled, staring at Totsuka. He still hadn't gotten over the fact that he was actually going to be an opener for Totsuka and Mikoto, his music heroes.

"That's alright! King and I can go first." Totsuka turned away, waving to the tall, red-haired man who emerged from a backroom. "King! Come say hi."

The man approached slowly, his body swaying back and forth with each casual step he took forward, and Misaki held his breath, watching as the man he'd admired for so long walked closer and closer. He held a cigarette behind his lips, and stopped next to Totsuka. Mikoto was taller than Misaki had realized, it was difficult to gauge that sort of thing when he was just watching someone one a stage.

"Yo. Yata-san, yeah?" he said, pulling the cigarette from between his lips.

"Uh...Y-Yeah! It's such...such an honor to meet you, Mikoto-san!" he said, bowing his head. "I've been a fan of your music for...as long as I can remember!" he yelled.

"Mm," Mikoto smirked, and placed his hand on Misaki's shoulder, giving him a pat. "You're good." And with those few words, he walked with Totsuka to the stage.

Misaki was frozen. Suoh Mikoto had complimented him. Him, and he was going to open for him tonight. His heart was pounding so hard, he thought his chest might explode from the excitement.

"Tsk. Misaki, don't keep your jaw on the floor, it's dirty there."

A familiar voice broke Misaki from his daydream as he turned to face Saruhiko, who was staring at him skeptically. "S-Saruhiko!"

"I think you're drooling," Saruhiko smirked.

"S-Shut up! Do you realize that was Suoh Mikoto! THE Mikoto!" he gasped.

"I realize," Saruhiko replied flatly. He looked annoyed, but then again, when didn't Saruhiko look annoyed. He did, however, look damn good in the outfit he had picked out. Tight jeans and a button up shirt with a unbuttoned gray vest. Misaki pursed his lips, trying to focus on the situation, instead of wanting to kiss Saruhiko.

"Look I get that you don't care, but tonight is a big deal to me!" he snapped, folding his arms.

"I'm here, aren't I?" he muttered, shaking his head. "Let's get ready." Saruhiko brushed by him, heading towards the stage to soundcheck.

Misaki's heart was starting to race. He could guess there probably wouldn't be more than fifty to hundred people in such a small, casual bar, but meeting Mikoto had made him even more nervous. This was Mikoto, Suoh Mikoto. It was his dream to open for such an amazing talent. The man who had inspired him to do this in the first place.

"Misaki? You coming?" Saruhiko asked, bringing Misaki back to the present once again.

"Yeah! Duh! I'm ready. Completely ready!" he said, hopping up onto the small stage. Saruhiko's brow was raised as Misaki walked by him, but the shorter boy chose to ignore him. Saruhiko's attitude problem wasn't going to change Misaki's utter excitement, and it certainly wasn't going to help his nerves. Ignoring it was the far better choice.

Standing behind his laptop, he slipped the headphones over his ears, his head already felt hot, his ears wet with sweat.

"Alright, just do the beginning," Kusanagi called out from next to the stage. "Just a couple lines, we just need to make sure we can hear Fushimi over the music. Fushimi, make sure you sing as loud as you think you can."

Misaki swallowed, he hoped Saruhiko would actually sing out, especially after they had practiced for so long. The music began to swell in his ears, and Saruhiko's cue was about to hit. Of course, there was silence for a moment, Saruhiko coming in late as his sweet voice finally rang out. Misaki's chest deflated, letting out a sigh of relief. There wasn't much of an audience yet, but he hoped Saruhiko would keep his confidence up. He wanted him to come in on time.

"That's great, thanks!" Kusanagi said, waving to them, the song stopping abruptly. "We're going to double check the soundcheck on Mikoto, so hang out in the backroom for thirty or so. We'll call you out when it's time."

"Right," Misaki nodded, stepping off the stage to stand, or pace rather, in the backroom.

"Sit down," Saruhiko grumbled. He'd plopped down onto one of the large red cushion chairs. He folded his legs and arms, looking just as grouchy as he had before.

"I can't!" Misaki said, rubbing his hands through his messy hair. "I'm too nervous! This is Mikoto-san! Mi-ko-to!" he said.

"I know. You've said that. I don't know why it matters so much. You'll be just as good, if not better."

Misaki blushed. Did Saruhiko really think he was better than Mikoto-san? That was ridiculous, there was no way he was. Saruhiko probably just thought that because he didn't know very much about music.

"No way!" he scoffed. "No way will I be better than Mikoto-san!" Misaki jumped up and down a few times, shaking his hair out.

"Fine. You won't be. Can you just sit down?" Saruhiko scoffed. "You're...making me more nervous than I already was."

Misaki froze, and quickly took a seat. He was used to feeling nervous, but Saruhiko was not, and it was imperative that Saruhiko actually sang tonight. "Sorry," he muttered.

The two sat in silence for the remainder of the time, but Misaki kept bouncing his leg up and down quickly, though Saruhiko attempted to stop it by grabbing his thigh every so often, hoping to quell the vibrations.

"We're ready for you!" Kusanagi smiled. "We've got a nice small crowd, so nothing to worry about."

"Right," Misaki nodded, the two boys standing up to make their way to the stage.

"We've got quite the treat for you before King and I do our set," Totsuka smiled. "Introducing the next DJ hit, Yata Misaki and his incredible singer, Fushimi Saruhiko!!" The small crowd clapped, as they walked onto the stage. Misaki was quick to wave, the nervous energy hitting him positively. Kusanagi was right, there was no reason to be nervous, this was his night, best to have fun. Saruhiko kept his gaze forward, as though he could only stare at his goal, the microphone on the stand in front of him.

Standing behind his laptop, Misaki placed the headphones back on his head, though he left one ear open as he picked up the mic on the table in front of him. "Hey everyone!" he smiled. "I'm Yata Misaki and I'm thrilled to be here tonight with Saruhiko for our first live performance of this song. I hope you guys like it!" he smiled. There were a few more claps from the audience, but Misaki didn't wait for them to finish as he turned up the bass on the soundboard.

The familiar tune flowed into his ears, and it was like he forgot where he was. This was their song, his and Saruhiko's, and now they were going to perform it together. That alone was amazing, everything with Mikoto aside, the fact that Saruhiko was actually going to sing live for someone other than him was incredible.

This time, Saruhiko started perfectly on time, the song sounding almost as flawless as it did in the mix track. Misaki smiled, bouncing with the track, his body moving in time with the music. Even Saruhiko seemed to be moving, his hips swaying back and forth, and he even moved his arms a few times, as though he was actually enjoying performing the song. He looked good, damn good. From as far Misaki could tell from behind, Saruhiko's gaze stayed up and out, not looking down once out of fear or nerves.

Misaki couldn't believe it. He'd dreamed about this moment, a time he and Saruhiko would perform live together, and he was opening for Mikoto. It was perfect, the way they moved together on stage, the excitement and passion building within him, like a flame engulfing his every being. And before he could really even take it in, it was over, perfection ringing in the still air.

~~

Saruhiko was shocked sound actually left his lips when the song began. He knew where to sing, he'd done it so many damn times in recording, and in front of Kamamoto and Misaki. It would've been dumb to miss his cue like he had during the soundcheck.

The lights were much brighter now, and though he could make out some of the tables, mostly Saruhiko couldn't see a thing, and the music was so overwhelming, he couldn't bring himself to do anything but sing, and once he did, he realized how much sense it made. His voice belonged in this track. If he hadn't sang, it would've sounded wrong, and empty.

So he sang, loud. His voice didn't sound like his own, his body didn't feel like his own, his hips beginning to sway in time with the music. Behind him, he could feel Misaki's energy pulsating, and he felt him jump up and down a few times. People in the audience were cheering, but Saruhiko could barely hear that, nor did he care. This was something he and Misaki had made together, and they were sharing it together now.

His heart was pounding in his ears, and the rush was incredible, addicting. For a moment, he wondered what it would feel like to do this all the time, for a larger audience, blinded by lights every night. The thought made him a little sick, but it didn't stop him from moving and singing. He didn't hate it, and he hated that he didn't hate it. He despised having a brief moment of understanding why his father had missed this, why his father hated him so much. But mostly, he couldn't stop thinking about Misaki behind him, and he hated how much that affected him and his performance, how excited it made him.

And then it was over, and Saruhiko slowly lowered the mic back onto the stand, his hands trembling. He swallowed, bowing his head toward the now cheering crowd. They were shockingly loud for such a small space, but Saruhiko felt his ears throb from the silence, his ear drums remembering where the music had once been. Misaki ran forward, and hooked his arm around Saruhiko, forcing Saruhiko to bow to the crowd.

"Thank you!" Misaki cheered, waving his hands up and down frantically. "Thank you," he whispered quietly, Saruhiko barely able to hear him, but he knew Misaki was grateful.

The two made their way off the stage and Saruhiko couldn't stop his entire body from shaking.

"Great job boys," Kusanagi said, patting Misaki on the back, as the two headed to the backroom. "Feel free to take a seat at the table in front if you guys want to watch after you've settled down," he smiled, heading towards the stage to introduce Mikoto and Totsuka.

Shutting the door behind them, Saruhiko immediately fell backwards, his back smacking against the door as his lips were met with Misaki's. The shorter was kissing him, his lips trembling against Saruhiko's. "Thank you, Saru, you were amazing!" he yelled, nipping at Saruhiko's lips.

Gripping Misaki's hips, Saruhiko turned him around and pushed him against the door, pressing their lips together once more. He had so much excess energy, and unsure of what to do with it, he took it out on Misaki, kissing him hard. He pressed his tongue into Misaki's panting mouth, pressing their hips tightly together. Misaki moaned, and fought against his tongue, their wet muscles intertwining. Misaki panted, pulling back, his chest heaving.

"D-Damn. We really should...perform more," he said.

Saruhiko rolled his eyes, taking a step back now that he had gathered his thoughts. "Forget it. I said this once was enough."

Frowning, Misaki leaned forward and flicked Saruhiko's shoulder. "C'mon! You're amazing! That was amazing!" he said. "We have to make more songs! Maybe we could get signed and make a whole ALBUM!" Misaki cheered, his flushed face sparkling from joy and sweat.

"Slow down," Saruhiko sighed, wiping his face with a towel. "Why don't you see what Kusanagi says later alright?"

"Fine, fine!" Misaki said, puffing out his cheeks. He tucked his laptop into his bag, and wiped his his brow with his sweatshirt. "But...seriously, Saruhiko, that was...amazing. You were really good. Thanks...I...I really owe you," Misaki mumbled, his face flushing even more from the blush rising to his cheeks.

Saruhiko shook his head. "I'm only as good as you. You made the song, and you can repay me by not asking me to perform again," he snorted. It was a silly lie he was telling himself. He knew he would have a hard time saying no to performing again, especially if Misaki asked him.

"You seemed to be enjoying yourself," Misaki teased, nudging Saruhiko with his shoulder.

"Not likely," Saruhiko grunted, clicking his tongue. "Hey, you're going to miss Mikoto's whole set if you don't hurry," he continued, strategically changing the subject.

"Shit! You're right," he said, grabbing his bag as he rushed out the door to take a seat at the table Kusanagi had set aside for them.

Saruhiko followed, sitting next to Misaki who had proceeded to ignore him completely. He really should've expected that to be the case. Whenever Suoh Mikoto was involved, Misaki was gone, lost to focusing on this supposed musical prodigy. It was so strange to Saruhiko, how much Misaki seemed to idolize the man. He claimed to emulate him, but Mikoto's musical style was so much more boring compared to Misaki, and though it did have passion, it came from a much lazier place. Misaki's music always awoke something within Saruhiko, a kind of dormant energy. Mikoto's music made Saruhiko want to sit and chill out.

But Misaki was always so captured by Mikoto. He hadn't even looked at Saruhiko since they had come out to watch. His eyes were on Mikoto, mouth agape, as though he were watching a king. Saruhiko wondered what it would feel like if Misaki looked at him like that. Overwhelming...probably...

When the set ended, Misaki finally sat back with a sigh. "Man, no one does it as good as Mikoto-san!" he smiled.

The red-haired man bowed with Totsuka, and both of them stepped down off the stage, immediately rushed by a group of fans, all looking to talk to him. Misaki looked a bit disappointed, but sat back with a shrug. "I'll talk to him in a bit," he nodded.

Saruhiko practically jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Turning around, he was both surprised (and not) to see his boss, Munakata Reisi standing behind him.

"Oya! Fushimi-kun, an amazing performance as expected. It was lovely seeing you up there. You were practically a different person!" Saruhiko's face paled, and he immediately glanced around, waiting to be rushed by the others. Munakata let out a soft chuckle, waving his hand back and forth. "No, no, Fushimi-kun. I came alone. Don't worry, I didn't out your location to the others." Munakata placed as finger over his own lips. "It will be our secret. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to say hello to an old friend."

Saruhiko blinked, watching Munakata make his way towards Kusanagi, smiling as they greeted each other. It was an oddly small world, his boss knew Kusanagi, and Mikoto it seemed. But mostly he was surprised Munakata had actually respected his wishes to keep his performance a private affair. It would be nice to go into work and not be swamped by his co-workers, desperate to get information out of him.

The crowd around Mikoto had finally begun to disperse, so Misaki jumped up. "I'm going to go say thank you to Mikoto-san, and tell him how amazing he was! I'll be right back," Misaki smiled, leaving Saruhiko behind at the table. Shrugging, he rest his chin on his palm and watched as Misaki cheerfully greeted Totsuka and Mikoto. There was a huge smile on Totsuka's face, who gave him a hug, and Misaki's face turned so red, Saruhiko was surprised the shorter boy hadn't fallen over.

"Excuse me, do you mind if I join you for a moment?" A man with dark green hair in a wheelchair rolled up next to his table.

"Uh..." Saruhiko began to refuse, trying to make up an excuse that he was tired after the performance but he couldn't think of anything to say.

"Nagare Hisui," he said, his lips curling into a devilish smile as he pulled out a card and placed it on the table, sliding it towards Saruhiko. "I'm a DJ as well."

"Ah..." Saruhiko muttered, picking the card up off of the table. He had heard Nagare's name before, though he hadn't taken the time to listen to his music. Mostly because he didn't care.

"I enjoy working with a variety of singers on different styles of songs," Nagare explained. "I'd really be interested in collaborating with you if you're interested. Your voice is just what I need for a new track I'm working on."

Saruhiko pursed his lips. He really hadn't meant to make anything of this singing thing. He had begrudgingly sang with Misaki once and that was it. He definitely didn't want to sing with anyone else.

"Thanks, but I'm not actually a singer," he said, tucking Nagare's card into his pocket.

"Oh, but you are," Nagare smirked. "You're very talented. I'd love to have you on at least one of my songs."

"Mmm. Like I said, singing isn't really my thing," Saruhiko muttered.

"Still," Nagare replied. "You have my card. Consider it, if you feel like working for a more...professional DJ." He wheeled himself away, leaving Saruhiko to wrinkle his nose as how damn pretentious Nagare seemed. This was exactly why he had no desire to be in this DJ world.

"Saruhiko!" Misaki called out, plopping back down in his seat. "Were you just talking to Nagare Hisui!? I can't believe he was here!" he said.

Saruhiko shrugged. "He liked my singing."

"Yeah because you're amazing! Fuck, that’s so cool!" Misaki said, running his hands down his face. "And guess what, Mikoto-san and Kusanagi want to meet with us tomorrow! Can you believe it?! You gotta come with me!"

Saruhiko rolled his eyes. Actually he could believe it. Their performance tonight had been amazing, even if he refused to admit it out loud. Of course Misaki was asking him to go with him, Saruhiko wasn't sure why he had expected anything else.

"Fine," he said, deciding not to argue with him. It was easier. "If, and only if, you come home with me tonight," he grinned, loving how quickly Misaki's face heated up.

"Yeah..." he muttered, rubbing his arm. "Yeah I could do that."

"Good," Saruhiko replied. He wanted Misaki to look at him, and only him for the rest of the night.

~~

When Misaki awoke the next morning, Saruhiko had already left for work. He had promised Misaki he would come to the meeting on his lunch break, but he still had to go into work to finish up a few computers.

Yawning, Misaki sat up, the blankets sliding down his bare chest. His face flushed, as he thought about the evening before. Saruhiko had thrown him down on the bed, and then he'd been wrapped up in him for the rest of the night. He panted and moaned, his breath filling the hot air, their hips falling back into the rhythm of each other. It was nice, to be connected to Saruhiko in such a physical way, especially after they had been so connected through his music before.

He sighed, flopping back onto the bed with a large smile on his face. Saruhiko was amazing, they were amazing, and their performance had been even more amazing. The best part was, Mikoto and Kusanagi wanted to meet with him again today. He wanted more than anything to sign with Kusanagi, and keep making music. Make actual money, do actual performances...it sounded amazing. Maybe Saruhiko could sing more and quit his job. Though Misaki wasn't sure if that was something Saruhiko really wanted.

He knew he had to stop pressuring Saruhiko into doing these things he didn't want to, but whenever Saruhiko broke free of the chains he put around himself, it was always so damn beautiful. Misaki loved it, hell, he was starting to think he maybe even loved Saruhiko. Covering his eyes, Misaki ran his hands down his face. Glancing at the clock, he decided it would be better to think about this later, since he had to get ready for this damn meeting

Today was the day he hoped his new career would begin. Grabbing his clothes, he decided to leave early to change at his apartment, figuring it would be easier to look semi-decent with his own wardrobe. Plus, he didn't really want to show up in the exact same outfit he had worn the night before.

"Yata! You were amazing last night!" Kamamoto said, almost immediately as Misaki walked through the front door of their apartment.

"Thanks!" he replied, dashing through the living to his own room. "I have a meeting with Mikoto-san and Kusanagi right now!" he called out.

"You do?! Do you think this could be it?!" Kamamoto asked.

"Yeah! I hope so! They loved what we did last night, so keep your fingers crossed for me!" Tossing off his clothes, he jumped in the shower, getting ready, which didn't take long, since Misaki had so much nervous energy. Dashing back by Kamamoto in a new outfit, he waved and practically ran out the door.

He was thankful when he saw Saruhiko standing outside of the main office building where HOMRA Talent was located.

"Saruhiko!" he called out, waving as he ran up next to him.

"I'm surprised you're on time," Saruhiko teased, glancing at his watch. "I was starting to think maybe you were going to be late to your own meeting."

"Hell no! I wouldn't do anything to screw this meeting up!" he smiled, hitting Saruhiko on the arm. "Thanks for coming."

Saruhiko clicked his tongue. "I didn't want to do anything to possibly ruin your chance," he muttered. "Still, I don't want to be a singer, so I'd rather not...sign anything," he clarified.

Misaki let out a small sigh. He should've expected Saruhiko to say something like that, but there was a small part of Misaki which hoped Saruhiko would change his mind and be his permanent singer.

"Right, well, let's go," Misaki said, leading the way inside.

Once they made it to the 7th floor, they were greeted by Totsuka, smiling brightly. "Hey guys! So happy to see you both made it!" Totsuka said. "You were both so fantastic last night! King was so impressed!" he said, leading them down the hall.

"Was he?!" Misaki said, looking so eager. He couldn't believe Totsuka Tatara was actually saying this to him.

"Mhm!" Totsuka nodded. "We have lots to discuss!" Opening the door, he led them into the room with Mikoto and Kusanagi. Misaki swallowed, wanting to pinch himself. He couldn't believe he was actually here, in this moment. His dreams coming true.

"Yata-san, Fushimi-san, please take a seat!" Kusanagi smiled, gesturing for the two to sit down in the chairs in front of them "We're very happy you're both here. You both performed wonderfully last night," he continued, pulling out a few folders.

"As I said before, we have a lot to discuss!" Totsuka smiled.

"Right," Kusanagi chuckled. "We'd love to bring you on as one of our talent, Yata-san," Kusanagi said, pulling a contract out of one of the folders. "With this, you are required to make a twelve track album. It will include the single you have already released, and we would like to offer Fushimi-san the chance to sing any of the songs he wishes with you. We also want to offer you a collaboration with Mikoto and Totsuka. This, we would sell as your second single," Kusanagi explained. "It would boost your popularity and get your name out there, which is exactly what we want. If the album does well, we can talk about a longer contract for more albums, but for now, this is for your first one."

Misaki glanced at the paper, and then back at Kusanagi and Mikoto, and once more to Saruhiko. In front of him was the contract to actually make an album, a real album. His songs would be heard on the radio, maybe he'd even go on a tour! Plus, he would get the chance to collaborate with Mikoto. He was sure he was dreaming now.

"Really?" he said, speaking finally, though his mouth felt dry and his hands felt clammy.

"Yes, really. Are you interested?" Kusanagi said. "Mikoto has already begun the track you are to collaborate on. He's looking for you to add to it, and perhaps Totsuka and Fushimi could duet for it?"

"Of course I'm interested!" Misaki said, leaning forward in his seat.

"Great! We brought a copy of the track for you to hear so far."

Pulling out his phone, Mikoto placed it on the table. "Here," he said quietly, pushing play. It was softer, and slower than music he normally created. It certainly sounded like something Mikoto would make, and it was definitely something he could work with.

"You want me to...add to this?" he asked, and Mikoto nodded. "Shit..." he cursed. "I'd be so honored!" he said, bowing his head to Mikoto, his heart pounding. He couldn't believe Mikoto actually wrote a song with him in mind!

Next to him however, Saruhiko clicked his tongue. He had been oddly quiet this whole time.

"Fushimi-san?" Totsuka said, still smiling. "You've been very silent. Are you interested in singing with me?"

Biting his lip, Misaki turned towards Saruhiko, nervous he already knew the answer.

~~

Saruhiko wasn't really sure what the fuck was going on, but he hated the song that had come from Mikoto's little device. It was boring and slow, and it had none of the heart Misaki's music usually had. Even if Misaki added to the song, there was no way it would be his regular sound.

But of course the idiot looked incredibly excited about it. It was Mikoto-san and how could Misaki possibly say no to him. He was the definition of selling out.

Clicking his tongue, he glared at Totsuka when he asked him to sing with him. He had explicitly told Misaki he wasn't going to be a singer anymore, really he had just come for moral support, though it really hadn't mattered.

"No, I'm not," he said bluntly. "I already told Misaki I wasn't interested in singing anymore, but I'm especially not interested in singing something that sounds nothing like what Misaki normally does." Standing up, he made his way out of the office. He was done, there was no reason for him to be here. Misaki was going to sign the contract, and he could go back to his regular job. Misaki would probably forget about him completely once he was wrapped up in the whirlwind of his new life.

"I'll talk to him!" he heard Misaki call out behind him, but he kept walking towards the elevator. "Saruhiko! Saruhiko what the hell!?!" he yelled, stopping him before Saruhiko could escape onto the elevator.

"What do you mean what the hell?" Saruhiko asked, folding his arms. "I already told you I wasn't interested in singing more, especially not for a shitty song like that."

"But Saruhiko, Mikoto-san..."

"Fuck," Saruhiko snapped, clenching his fists. "I am so damn tired of hearing about 'Mikoto-san', Misaki! You're good on your own! You don't need his fame to carry you, and I get he's your...idol or whatever, but your sound is yours, and it sounds nothing like his, and I'm not going to sit here and watch you suck his music dick, just so you can do some shitty song with your hero! You can sign the contract, and get your music career without me," he scoffed.

Misaki's eyes were wide as he listened to Saruhiko yell at him, he almost felt bad. He knew this was an important moment for Misaki, but he was so tired of being second to Mikoto. He hadn't wanted the attention from Misaki before, but now that he'd had it and lost it, it didn't feel good.

"This is a big deal for me Saruhiko!" Misaki yelled. "I've been waiting to be noticed by someone, anyone, and the fact that it's Mikoto-san is amazing! Yeah I might be good, but I'm never going to get anywhere if I just keep doing what I'm doing! So stop being an ass, and just...come sing with us!"

Frowning, Saruhiko brushed by him, pushing the button on the elevator. "I already told you, you can do whatever the hell you want. I get it, Mikoto-san is amazing, and you're willing to give up everything to do whatever he wants. That song sucks Misaki, and I'm pretty sure you know it. But you don't need me, you've got them. I'm sure Totsuka can handle singing the whole damn thing," he snorted.

"You're invited to sing with us, Saruhiko! It's not like I'm...replacing you!" Misaki yelled.

Stepping into the elevator, Saruhiko rolled his eyes. "Even if I wanted to sing again, I would want to sing your music, not his. Goodbye Misaki," he growled, pushing the button to close the doors to the elevator.

"Fine! Do whatever the hell you want, I'm tired of trying to work with your difficult ass!" Misaki snapped.

Saruhiko was positive Misaki was still talking as the elevator lowered to the floor, but Saruhiko didn't care. Misaki was going to be perfectly happy without him. He'd made it clear he did not need Saruhiko anymore. Misaki had used him to get exactly where he needed to be, and now he could become a carbon copy of Mikoto. The worst part was, Saruhiko had actually fallen for his stupid ass.

Clenching his fists, he reached into the pocket of his jacket and pulled out Nagare Hisui's card. He grabbed his phone and input the number, waiting for the DJ to answer.

~~

Storming back into the office, Misaki bit his lip trying not to cry. He couldn't look like an idiot in front of them. Stupid Saruhiko! Of course he was excited to be signing with an actual agency, and of course he was excited to work with Mikoto! So yeah, maybe he didn't need Saruhiko, but he wanted him. Saruhiko was the best person he had collaborated with, even if he was a stubborn shithead.

"Is everything okay?" Kusanagi asked.

Misaki sighed, shaking his head. "Saruhiko really doesn't want to be a singer."

"Eh," Mikoto shrugged. "He's good, but if he doesn't want to, don't force the guy."

"Yeah..." Misaki said quietly. "I won't."

Totsuka placed a hand on Misaki's shoulder. "It's alright! You'll find other great singers for your music. I'd be happy to collaborate with you, and I'm sure other singers would too!"

Smiling, Misaki nodded. He was a good DJ, and he was about to make an amazing album...anyone would be excited to work with him! "Thanks Totsuka!" he smiled. "You're right, we can...find more singers."

"So you're still interested then?" Kusanagi asked, and Misaki nodded, reaching forward to take one of the pens. He grabbed the contract in front of him.

"I'm honored to be a part of your team," he said, bowing his head as he signed his named on the line.

Even without Saruhiko, Misaki was going to make music, and it was going to be amazing. Or that was what he kept telling himself.

[ridiasfangirlings]

So I've been rewatching and re-reading K stuff (yet again) and there was something that really really irked me the wrong way. When Homra are discussing "the new Blue King" in R:B Yata says "if only those Blues dare to try something with Anna again".....while they are actually the ones hiding the twins (who were involved in Anna's torture from Mizuchi to make her into the new Blue King alongside Shiotsu) from the new Scepter 4 under Reisi, since he wanted to bring them to justice. This is actually soo hypocritical and annoyed me to no end!?! The audacity to make Reisi out to be the bad guy when, let's be honest, he's the one person that always had everyone's best interest in mind and tried to always do the best possible thing for everyone and in every situation, yet the majority of people (both characters from the anime and irl fans) give him so much shit, totally undeserved! The truth is all of Homra should be thanking him for saving them again and again.....the ungratefulness is off the charts! But that line from Yata was the last straw for me!!! So I wanted to ask what are your thoughts on this matter?

I do think Munakata gets some undue shit from Homra’s end of things but most of my irritation on that point is like post-S1 with people blaming him for Mikoto’s death (and annoyance with the narrative itself that tends to paint S4 as in the wrong), I think the hostility makes more sense in the early part of the story. In this specific case, remember that R:B takes place before LSW, so Homra hasn’t helped the Minato twins at this point and their only interaction with S4 was the whole deal with Anna and the Center. That being the case I think it makes perfect sense that Yata would be distrustful, from his point of view these are the guys who did horrible things to Anna and now they have a new head. Yata’s not exactly the deepest thinker so I doubt it really occurs to him that there might be differences in leadership style between the old and new clans, and the idea that the previous S4 were doing what they did at the behest of Mizuchi and Shiotsu felt backed into a corner and that there was no room for argument isn’t something Yata would even consider. To Yata it’s just very simple, the twins were from the Blue clan and they were the ones harming Anna, so now that they have a new King he’s suspicious. 

Similarly at this point it’s not like Munakata’s done anything that should make Yata trust him, in fact at that point he was trying to interfere with a Homra member and Yata’s whole natural tendency to see things as ‘us vs them’ certainly makes this seem like the work of a hostile adversary. I don’t have any issue with Homra and S4’s hostility pre-S1, they’re clearly different groups with different goals, and what Munakata wants is not necessarily more correct than what Mikoto wants — and obviously this changes more with S1, where Munakata gets painted by the show itself as being a bit more villainous, early on at least, even though at that point he really is right and is trying to save Mikoto, and then after when everyone keeps bringing up that he killed Mikoto as if he had any choice. I don’t blame Yata for being on edge about a new Blue King, to him all of Homra’s interactions with the Blues at this point have been bad and why should he show any special deference to Munakata, Munakata isn’t his King and Munakata’s way of Kingship is different than Mikoto’s.

Also as far as Homra hiding the twins goes, LSW actually makes note of this. No one’s super happy about sheltering them, that was Kusanagi’s decision because he’s on good terms with Shiotsu and was doing him a favor. After Akito fights at Homra’s side Yata basically immediately switches to seeing him in a more favorable light because Yata’s the type who sees someone fighting at his side as a sign that they’re comrades now, something Fushimi gets notably irritated by. I feel like could be seen as one of Yata’s good points honestly, he doesn’t hold grudges if it seems like someone’s stopped being his enemy and he’s happy to invite Akito as a comrade. Also on the end of  Character Development, Yata has a lower opinion of the old S4 members who would go to the new King because he can’t imagine ever serving another Red King besides Mikoto and so in the moment he’s more sympathetic to the twins because he thinks this is what he would do if his King was gone, not submit to the new one (and then when confronted by the actual reality of that situation in MK he sees that it isn’t so simple and changes his mind, because Yata has grown up a little). 

[ridiasfangirlings]

anna gets really into idol groups (girl groups specifically) and is trying to learn the choreography to a song but the song is for a group of four and she doesnt have anybody else to dance with her (imagine her trying to ask the homra guys and one after the other refuses her each with a worse excuse than the other) kamamoto is the only one who willingly accepts, while yata and saruhiko get dragged along somehow.

The four are doing a very girly choreo but ana is having fun and that's all that matters (to yata and kamamoto, at least) at some point even saruhiko has a small smile on his face, even tho he isnt really dancing but more like standing and sometimes squatting down to match the others, they are all just laughing and playing around until the door bursts open and mikoto walks in and just stares at the boys while a long awkward silence lasts for a couple of seconds before anna walks to the door and closes it telling mikoto he cant see the dance yet !! they will be showing the whole clan when they are ready !! (and the three are just frozen in their place with a blank expression like: say what?)

Okay but could the other Homra guys really even refuse, who could say no to Anna XD I’m assuming this is pre-betrayal, maybe it’s like shortly after Anna joins the clan. She’s fitting in well but she’s still a little shy and everyone’s really encouraging her to be herself. One day Kamamoto, Yata, and Fushimi walk into the bar as she’s there alone listening to the radio while Kusanagi is working in the back. The group on the radio is singing some girl band school idol-type song and Anna is dancing to it, trying her best to do the choreography that she’s seen before in videos but she’s stumbling a bit. The song ends and Kamamoto claps, so impressed, Anna gives this surprised little gasp because she didn’t realize anyone saw her. She’s all embarrassed and Yata quickly tries to tell her not to be, like no you looked really cool there, I bet everyone would like to see you dance. Kamamoto agrees, he and Yata just being super encouraging as Anna shyly admits that she likes this group and always wanted to dance that way. Yata says they’ll even help her, probably thinking he can like help teaching the choreography, and then Anna’s eyes shine a little as she asks if he’ll be in her ‘group.’ Yata’s all ‘huh?’ but Kamamoto says yes, trying to be helpful, and Anna gets noticeably excited (Fushimi tries to subtly leave the bar and Yata just grabs him by the arm like don’t you even dare).

Some time later the three of them are with Anna in her room, Fushimi’s set up a PDA where they can watch videos and Anna’s trying to get them to help mimic her favorite dances. Fushimi is initially resistant but then Yata starts teasing him like sorry you suck at this so much unlike me, this unlocks Fushimi’s competitive side so now of course he isn’t going to lose to stupid Misaki. Kamamoto is somehow managing to float around like a ballet dancer even though he’s in his winter form. None of them are perfect but Anna’s becoming more relaxed and happy the more they practice, feeling less self conscious and like she’s allowed to have fun and laugh. Her good mood is spreading to everyone else too, even Fushimi can’t be completely dour as they keep messing up the dance and Yata’s adding steps and it’s just a good time.

They all manage a coordinated spin and point at the sky when suddenly there’s the sound of clapping. Yata, Fushimi and Kamamoto all pale a little as they turn to see Mikoto and Totsuka standing in the doorway. Yata tries a mortified ‘M-Mikoto-san…how long…’ as Anna runs happily up to him. She tells him they’re practicing and Mikoto nods like ‘hmm,’ totally expressionless as he pats her head before she tells him he can’t watch the rest until they perform for the whole clan. The other three are quietly processing that ‘wait, whole clan?’ as Mikoto nods and takes his leave, as they’re walking out Totsuka adds that he’ll bring his camera so they can get “the whole performance” on tape. Yata’s all pale as he asks Anna if they’re gonna do this in front of the whole clan and she just looks back at him innocently all “yes, the whole clan.”

[ridiasfangirlings]

Homra-era sarumi. Yata discovers Fushimi self-harms. How does he handle it? Does Fushimi stop or simply do it more secretively?

Poor Yata, I feel like this would be hard for him to know what to do. He knows that Saruhiko has issues and Yata’s always done his best to be there but this is something he’s not used to, like he thought Fushimi was happy in Homra and then finding out he self harms would make Yata super worried. Yata probably isn’t even aware of it for a while, I feel like Fushimi would be very good at hiding something like this. At first when Yata spots the scars Fushimi explains it away as ‘made a mistake with my knives’ and starts wearing long sleeves and Yata doesn’t think twice, after all it must be hard even for Saruhiko to use all those hidden knives without hurting himself and Fushimi wears concealing clothing a lot so he can hide more knives, even at the beach Fushimi not taking off his parka isn’t odd because he’s always like that.

Then one day Yata’s out with the Homra guys and isn’t supposed to be back at the apartment until late, unfortunately it rains so he decides to head back early. He walks into the apartment and greets Saruhiko and then stops dead as he sees Fushimi sitting there on Yata’s bunk taking a knife to his own arms. Yata’s mind just freezes and I could see him immediately thinking possible suicide attempt or something so he’s just throwing himself at Fushimi like wait Saruhiko stop. Fushimi clicks his tongue and calls Yata an idiot, probably more annoyed at being caught than anything. Yata sees all the scars on Fushimi’s arm and he’s confused, like that’s definitely not from normal knife using what’s going on. Fushimi shrugs and tries to sound nonchalant as he says sometimes he just likes to use them on his arms, it’s not a big deal. Yata’s like what the hell it is a big deal, you’re hurting yourself. Fushimi’s teeth clench as he swallows down all the bitter words he wants to say, just gritting out instead that it’s none of Yata’s business.

Yata’s like it is my business, you’re my best friend and you’re hurting yourself. Yata doesn’t really understand this but of course he’s worried, he doesn’t like seeing Fushimi hurt and if there’s something he can do to stop it he wants to. Fushimi says it’s not a big deal but Yata’s adamant, like just tell me what’s wrong and what I can do to help. Fushimi wonders if it bothers Yata so much and Yata’s like of course it does, seeing you hurt hurts me too you know. Yata asks if Fushimi wants to talk or wants Yata to like ask Kusanagi for help and Fushimi immediately snaps at Yata not to tell anyone. Yata still looks concerned so he sighs and says he won’t do it again. Yata looks him right in the eyes and he’s like is that the truth, Fushimi nods and says if it makes Yata upset he won’t do it again. Yata accepts that but it doesn’t really end things, he’s always looking at Fushimi’s sleeves and wondering. He tries to ask to see Fushimi’s arms a couple times and Fushimi shows him, like see no scars, so Yata reluctantly accepts that, but of course what he doesn’t know is Fushimi is absolutely still doing it, he’s just using other parts of his body and doing it more secretively now, thinking he doesn’t need Misaki’s pity (but it’s absolutely on his mind, that ‘seeing you hurt hurts me too,’ that day in the alley when he burns off his Homra tattoo, and there’s a grim sense of satisfaction as he looks at Yata’s horrified expression). 

[ridiasfangirlings]

Domyouji visiting bar Homura with Kamo. He complained that ever since Captain left for "holiday" Fushimi have been working assistant if he want to kill people lol. I think GoRa / 1 of those author said it on Twitter. Kusanagi on the other hand tho felt relief cause that just show how S4 is where Fushimi belong

Imagine Kusanagi being happy Fushimi found a place to belong but I bet he’s also still a bit sore that place didn’t turn out to be Homra, he could use some backup okay. Say post-ROK the S4 alphabet have been stopping by Bar Homra more often now that everyone’s on good terms, Doumyouji in particular is friends with a couple of the Homra guys and comes to visit often. Kusanagi finds out about Munakata’s trip from Awashima and he’s been keeping up with her but he’s only tangentially aware of how Fushimi’s handling things (I imagine Yata’s more the one keeping him up on that one, Yata’s a little worried that Fushimi’s overdoing things again). One day Doumyouji comes into the bar and Kamo’s with him, Kusanagi greets them and notes that they both look pretty tired. Kamo admits that things have been difficult without Captain around and Doumyouji just groans, Fushimi-san is working us all to death. 

Kusanagi chuckles and says Fushimi must be doing his best too, it’s hard on everyone without Munakata around. Doumyouji says Fushimi’s been working as the Lieutenant’s assistant and doing all kinds of solo mission work and no one can keep up with him at all, like is Fushimi-san really a robot. Kamo smiles thinly and says he regrets that none of them have the talent to work alongside Fushimi, they’re taking off what load they can but that person truly is amazing. Kusanagi gets a nostalgic smile as he says Fushimi always was a talented kid. Kamo doesn’t know what they would do without Fushimi to help right now and Doumyouji just groans again, it’s so tiring how does Fushimi-san keep everything running like this. Kusanagi says they should make sure Fushimi’s getting some rest too but he’s still smiling a little, like of course he’s worried about Fushimi overdoing it too but it’s good to see how well Fushimi really does fit in with S4, even with their King missing it’s clear that Fushimi has finally found a place where he belongs.

[ridiasfangirlings]

Your thoughts on Kusanagi and Totsuka about Fushimi? I think I found someone said on tumblr 1 time, that Kusanagi actually doesn't understand Fushimi. He just see his potential. Not that Fushimi actually want to be understand.

I actually agree that Kusanagi didn’t entirely understand Fushimi, though I feel like ‘just seeing his potential’ discounts that Kusanagi really did care for him. I think Kusanagi was probably Fushimi’s ‘favorite’ out of the Homra members, as much as Fushimi can have a favorite, anyway — I think Fushimi does have real actual respect for Kusanagi and considers him basically the one guy in this group who isn’t an idiot. Kusanagi for his part I think did have some idea that Fushimi was having issues and that Fushimi didn’t feel like he was fitting in at Homra, but at the same time I don’t think he realized how deep those feelings went or the best way to handle them. Like in LSW when Munakata makes his obvious play for Fushimi Kusanagi is clearly annoyed and I think afterward in the car when he says ‘I hope you can always stay in Homra’ he really is trying to be sincere and ‘build Fushimi up’ a little, he’s complimenting Fushimi’s abilities. 

But despite that Kusanagi never realizes that this sort of praise doesn’t get through to Fushimi at all and makes Fushimi think that he’s just being pacified, that this isn’t a thing Kusanagi would say to Yata. I think Kusanagi had such high hopes for Fushimi and was so impressed by him that he kinda ignored some of the red flags Fushimi was throwing out, figuring this was a phase Fushimi would grow out of and not really realizing that Fushimi’s whole life has been a phase and that he actually has very deep seated issues that idle praise won’t overcome (in a sense too Kusanagi is much more used to dealing with straightforward people and being the one who has to be subtle, so I wonder if that made him more likely to take Fushimi at face value when he would have done better by searching a little deeper). 

On Totsuka’s end I think he actually comes the closest of anyone in Homra to understanding Fushimi, but at the same time he’s not really interested in being the one to ‘fix’ him (which feels really mean to say but I don’t mean that in the sense that Totsuka doesn’t care for him, only that Totsuka recognizes that he is not the person who can save Fushimi). Totsuka’s way of doing things definitely doesn’t mesh well with Fushimi at all, like in Side Red when he keeps using ‘Saru-kun’ until Fushimi finally tells him to stop — obviously Totsuka was trying to get Fushimi to understand something there, that he can’t just stew silently and should say what he wants to say, but Fushimi doesn’t take it that way at all and just finds it irritating. In DOB we also see a few instances of Totsuka taking the time to go talk with Fushimi but ultimately he doesn’t say anything straightforward to Fushimi or try to get him to stay. I think Totsuka cared about Fushimi and would have liked him to stay in the clan but also saw that Fushimi wasn’t comfortable and that basically, as he says in Side Red, Fushimi “wouldn’t have liked my follow up.” Totsuka is normally the one who handles problem members but with Fushimi he’s aware that really any working intervention needs to come from Yata and that Yata really needs to realize that himself, Totsuka can only nudge them in the right direction.

[ridiasfangirlings]

AU where Fushimi ran away from home and was taken into Homra as a kid (kind of like Anna, being raised by Homra) and all the veterans like Kusanagi and Totsuka sort of see him as a kid brother and are v. protective of him. Maybe in this version he actually gets along w. Homra, or maybe he still never quite fits in. But the point is he eventually meets Yata (at school like canon? when Yata joins the Red clan?) and falls hard. Thus, he winds up with all of Homra gleefully teasing him over his crush ALL THE TIME and he's furious and miserable, while poor Yata gets aggressively shovel-talked by like 50 different people despite the fact that he doesn't even realize Saruhiko likes him.

Anon, have I got a tag for you XD Imagine AU where Fushimi is like de facto adopted into Homra as a kid, which gets him away from Niki and gives him a family that actually cares about him. Maybe he's still a bit hesitant about his place in Homra but for different reasons, like he sometimes wonders if everyone in Homra would treat him the same way if he hadn't been there since he was a kid. He's also probably always trying to act older and be mature, which goes out the window when he develops his first crush and the Homra guys are just so amused, I bet Totsuka would be like all ready to film this important formative moment in their child's life.

Imagine Yata's the first one to join Homra who's Fushimi's age, like Yata joins right out of middle school and is amazed to see there's another guy in Homra the same age as him (though maybe it starts out not so good because Fushimi asks who the 'elementary schooler' is and Yata's like I'm in middle school, Fushimi's like 'Could've fooled me'). Kusanagi thinks it would be good for Fushimi to have some more friends his age so he encourages Yata and Fushimi to get along. Fushimi initially is like why do I have to hang around with a loud idiot while Yata's a little more willing because he knows that Fushimi is important to Mikoto and in that case Yata figures he should get along with Fushimi as well.Yata quickly finds out that Fushimi's pretty amazing in his own right and Fushimi ends up getting sucked into Yata's orbit too, like Fushimi's been praised by the Homra trio but Fushimi always thought of that as like 'of course you have to say those things,' Yata's the first person to just be really wide-eyed sincere 'you're amazing.' Fushimi still thinks Yata's an idiot but he also kinda wants that idiot to smile at him more and talk to him more and just give him lots of attention.

Fushimi doesn't think of it as a crush but it's totally clear to everyone around them that Fushimi's smitten. Totsuka is super excited that their little boy has finally reached the springtime of youth while Kusanagi's like 'well I suppose it had to happen some time, even to Saruhiko' (Mikoto is mercifully silent so he doesn't add to Fushimi's mortification). Plus the alphabet boys who are around at the time have probably known Fushimi since he was a kid too so they're not shy about teasing him for his very obvious crush that Fushimi keeps insisting doesn't exist. Of course they're also very concerned for Fushimi too, this being his first crush and all, and Yata doesn't understand why suddenly people keep telling him that if he hurts Fushimi he's going to get his legs broken (Yata being equally oblivious and all 'why would I hurt Saruhiko, he's my best friend' and the Homra guys are like just friend are you sure, Yata's like yeah what else would he be and the Homra guys are like oh we are going to have to have an intervention for these two idiot kids).

[ridiasfangirlings]

Fushimi Stays in Homra Au with Niki lives Au pre-S1. Say Niki goes ends up finding out where his kid is and decides to visit, ready to tease. For once Fushimi's at the bar with just the alphabet boys. Niki shows up and just laughs, teasing Fushimi and the Homra boys quickly see something is wrong and Fushimi is actually scared. So defend him and punch Niki in the face and afterwards Yata, Mikoto, Izumo, Anna and Totsuka comes back to Fushimi being reluctantly doted on, still a little shooken up

No matter the clan, all alphabet boys enjoy doting on Fushimi XD Homra would probably be a bit more reluctant about it than S4 but I think they would still want to defend him since even if he’s a jerk he’s a member of Homra after all. I also feel like it would be less doting and more general camaraderie that Fushimi rebuffs. Like AU where Niki lives, maybe not even necessarily Fushimi stays in Homra but either this happens before he leaves or he stays a little longer (like one of those AU situations I’ve had before where Fushimi betrays Homra during S1 trying to save Yata from Mikoto’s potential Damocles Down, this way all the Homra alphabet is here including the ones who don’t show up until after he leaves in canon). He still moves in with Yata, sneaking out of the house during a point when Niki isn’t there and he does his best to keep from ever letting Niki know where he’s gone, always a little on edge that one day Niki will show up and destroy everything that’s become important to him.

One day he’s sitting at the bar waiting for Yata to show up, like Yata went out with the Homra trio, Anna and Kamamoto to buy some winter things for Anna and Fushimi wasn’t interested in going along so Kusanagi asked him to watch the bar until someone old enough to serve alcohol can come by and relieve him. Fushimi’s being all gloomy and annoyed about this and it gets even worse when the Homra alphabet show up. Dewa asks if Fushimi wants him to take over the bar and Fushimi just shrugs, trying to ignore all the loud idiots that just walked in. Dewa sighs and goes behind the bar while Fushimi sits in a stool in the corner playing on his PDA.

The door slams open and Fushimi doesn’t even look up as Dewa greets the customer. Suddenly a familiar voice says he heard his monkey was staying here and Fushimi freezes. None of the alphabet boys notice, all probably looking at Fujishima like did you steal a monkey from someone. Niki laughs and is like there you are Saruhiko, Daddy missed you, walking right over to Fushimi. Now that they’re standing together everyone can see the resemblance but the alphabet boys can also feel the tension already, like this definitely doesn’t feel like a happy reunion. Fushimi’s fists are clenched and he’s shaking as he tells Niki to leave, Niki grins as he’s like didn’t you miss me, where’s my hug. 

The alphabet boys can see that there’s something going on here and finally Bandou gets up and asks if there’s a problem. Niki’s all what’s wrong with a father just wanting to see his son. Dewa says Niki’s seen him, so if he doesn’t plan to order he should probably leave. Niki says Saruhiko’s new friends sure are mean and wonders about where his little middle school buddy went, hey are you guys still friends why don’t you let me say hi to him. Fushimi is visibly distraught by that comment and he yells at Niki to just go away. Niki smirks and says sure, he just came to take his little monkey home though. He puts a hand on Fushimi’s shoulder and starts to guide him towards the door, Fushimi’s just totally stiff and biting his lip, like he wants to move but can’t…and that’s when Dewa apologizes to the customer as he reaches over the bar and smacks Niki in the face. 

Niki’s sent reeling a little by that and it’s basically the opening the rest of the alphabet boys need to start kicking Niki’s ass, like he’s not welcome in their bar so he better get out of here now. Fushimi’s just staring at them a little dazed as they shove a nicely bruised Niki out the door, Akagi rubs his fist like ah that was kinda fun as he sorta guides Fushimi back to a stool at the bar and Dewa slides him some water. Fushimi looks at them just completely baffled as he’s like ‘what do you think you’re…’ and Bandou grins as he says Fushimi’s a member of Homra right, no one messes with their people. Yata returns to the bar with everyone else a few minutes later to find Fushimi sitting at the bar with the alphabet boys all around him, talking to him all friendly and making sure he’s drinking all his water and everything while Fushimi sits between them red-faced and a little mortified but also slowly starting to calm down.

[ridiasfangirlings]

Fushimi urged Kusanagi that it's fine to rant or maybe mourning without holding back post ROK? Poor Kusanagi need all the break he can get. He's and adult now anyway, so Kusanagi can be more at ease with Fushimi. Also maybe it would be easier for Kusanagi to talk if it's someone who's in a lil bit similar wavelength you know. Back then, Fushimi mentioned bout Kusuhara to Munakata, and in the conversation Munakata mention smtg bout Fushimi attempt to make him angry, so this thing came in mind

Kusanagi probably thinking he's definitely got a problem when Fushimi's the one giving him advice on how to get in touch with his emotions XD I feel like Fushimi might be a good one to talk to Kusanagi about this though, not just because Fushimi knows a lot about not facing your actual emotions but also I think because Fushimi's someone who cares about Kusanagi but is a bit 'removed' from it all, like it's a little different than Kusanagi spilling his feelings to someone in Homra. Maybe one day Fushimi stops by the bar to meet Yata but it turns out Yata had to cancel and Fushimi missed his message. Fushimi intends to leave but Kusanagi suggests he stick around for a bit and have a drink. Fushimi's a little uncomfortable about it but he says fine and he'll pay for it too, Kusanagi smiles thinly and says he isn't going to charge Fushimi to keep him company. Fushimi says even so, he'd rather pay for the drink. Kusanagi nods and notes how Fushimi's grown, Fushimi shrugs and says maybe. He looks over at the pictures hanging on the wall of the bar and without realizing it he says the bar feels different without Mikoto and Totsuka here. Kusanagi's back stiffens slightly but when he turns to face Fushimi he's smiling again, handing him the drink.

Fushimi stares down at his glass, quietly apologizing for bringing things up he shouldn't. Kusanagi says it's fine, Fushimi didn't say anything wrong. Fushimi's looking at him kinda curiously and finally Fushimi gives this slightly exasperated sigh as he's like you can be mad at them you know. Kusanagi's a little blindsided by that and Fushimi looks down at his drink, somewhat awkward as he says he knows that sometimes there are things you need to say out loud and maybe he's not the best person to be giving this advice but if Kusanagi wants to be angry he should be angry. Kusanagi says he isn't angry and Fushimi wonders why not. Kusanagi looks at him in surprise and Fushimi's actually very serious as he says he would be angry, if he was in Kusanagi's shoes.

Fushimi knows he's not part of Homra anymore and so it's not really his place to say any of this, but if Kusanagi wants to be angry and complain freely without having to worry what those other guys think or having to spare everyone else's feelings or anything like that, Kusanagi can always complain to Fushimi. Kusanagi gives him a slight smile and says it isn't necessary and Fushimi says it might make him feel better. Maybe he makes a comment himself about how annoying Totsuka and Mikoto were, like no wonder those guys ran to an early grave and without even thinking Kusanagi says they weren't the type to be careful and someone else always had to watch out for them and then look how that ended up, with them leaving Kusanagi all alone. As soon as he says it Kusanagi's surprised with himself, like that just slipped out, but Fushimi's smiling slightly as he's like it feels better doesn't it, so if you want to complain about those guys for a bit go ahead and I'll listen, as part of my payment for the drink.

[ridiasfangirlings]

Imagine Ouran hshc au with S4 as hosts cuz they're just beautiful ok. Maybe Saru as Kyoya and Munakata as Tamaki and Homra as their customers. Also imagine if they all have their favorite hosts who do you think would be whose favorite? I kinda like Yata with Saru and maybe Chitose and Doumyoji, Kamamoto and Kamo cuz Kamo's a chef. And of course a lot of sparkly Munakata <33

Somehow it feels weird that Homra would be their best customers though, rather than rivals or something XD Maybe Homra originally tries to be their rivals and like sneak into the host club to learn their secrets but then they end up kinda liking it there. Munakata is of course the sparkly founder of the host club, imagine him with like blue roses and elegant sparkles everywhere, serving tea to his guests and generally giving off this air of beauty that none of his customers can resist (except Mikoto, who is only Munakata's best customer because he enjoys seeing Munakata get caught off guard and annoyed and will keep coming back as much as possible just to irritate him). Fushimi handles the finances and is very ruthless about it, he probably doesn't even want to let Homra in because they could destroy things that will cost money to replace. Oh maybe that's why the Homra guys have to keep coming back, the first time they showed up there was a fight and Yata broke a very expensive vase. Fushimi grins as he tells Yata exactly how much it cost and how many visits Yata will have to make to the host club – paying a fee each time of course – in order to pay that money back. It helps to have repeat customers and their female clientele like watching the S4 hosts entertain the Homra boys so it's basically like the Homra guys are working but not getting paid. Yata can't believe he's being blackmailed by this shitty monkey and just for that he's going to keep coming back and making Fushimi entertain him every time, like ha see if you like that and Fushimi's just like oh no how terrible with this deadpan look because mission accomplished.

For the other Homra guys, I hadn't thought about Kamo and Kamamoto but I could totally see them bonding about cooking and Kamamoto going to Kamo all the time because he makes the best sweets. Chitose and Doumyouji get along a little too well and spend a lot of time chatting, Fushimi always makes sure someone keeps an eye on them so they don't destroy anything. Dewa I could see hanging out with Akiyama, since they're both fairly responsible and can keep an eye on Chitose and Doumyouji together. Fujishima enjoys going to see Benzai the most, they talk about kittens constantly and share cute cat photos on their phones. Eric probably goes with Fuse, they can both complain and make acid comments about other people together and have a weird sort of camaraderie. Bandou I could maybe see with Enomoto, they can complain about how women aren't interested in them and bond over being glasses characters. That would leave Akagi I think with Hidaka, they're both the type who can get along with anybody and maybe they discuss boobs together a lot. Gotou ends up as the favorite host of Totsuka, who enjoys learning about different cursed artifacts every visit and is the only one who can take Gotou's general weirdness absolutely in stride with no issues. Meanwhile Awashima is S4's only female host who mostly tries to keep everything running smoothly and is most often visited by Kusanagi, despite Awashima technically being the host(ess) here Kusanagi always ends up being the one to mix her a drink.

[ridiasfangirlings]

Ok so Yata when we was told he was going to be an older brother took it very seriously (still left like he didn’t belong) and learned everything that a good older ‘should’ do. One thing could be learning how to fix hair so he could help his little sister out whenever she asked snd him being an unexpected master at hair, need this complicated braid done, need this half up do with flowers done, need a trim done,etc. Along with that he’s also pretty skilled at make up (from that one AU). So anytime his sister or Anna need help they always go to him.

Cut to some hair emergency with Seri (like she was on a strain call) and something happens to her hair and she needs to be presentable for a ball or something fancy. There’s no time for her to run to the salon and the Blue alphabet boys are trying to throw suggestions when Fushimi is like… “give me ten minutes” and just walks off. Everyone is super confused and then in walks Fushimi with Yata carrying all his hair equipment he uses to do his little sisters hair. And is like let’s do this. Yata gets to work on doing her hair snd make up. Cutting here or there, curling and twisting, right down till Seri has to leave to get changed and when he’s done you can hardly see any damage and she looks fabulous… XD

Somehow I really like this, imagine Yata showing up holding a curler the way he normally holds his bat XD Like say when he found out his mom was pregnant with a girl he kinda freaked out a little, like he has no idea how to handle a little sister. He wants to be a good big brother though and help his mom out, her hands are already full with Minoru and Yata's determined to show how grown up he is by helping take care of his sister. He tries to think of stuff a big brother should know and decides that well girls have long hair and like makeup right, so he needs to learn about that. Yata turns out to be a pretty quick study with this and maybe he even helps his mom do her hair as practice so he learns quickly. For a while only Fushimi knows Yata's 'secret,' having seen him do Megumi's hair while visiting Yata's house, but then after Anna joins Homra Yata's skills turn out to be unexpectedly valuable. Imagine Totsuka and Kusanagi discussing one day that they need to learn how to do hair or take Anna to a proper hairdresser and Yata just sheepishly raises his hand like 'um, so, about that...'. Kusanagi's impressed that a rough guy like Yata who normally can't even talk to girls is somehow so good with hair and Yata says he helped his sister a lot and he knows it's not like a cool hobby or anything but it comes in handy.

So then one day post-ROK say there's one of those Strain issues where someone has to infiltrate a fancy party and this time it's Awashima again. However at the last minute the intended hairdresser backed out and Scepter 4 is scrambling to finish getting her made up, they need her hair to look fancy so she won't be recognizable. None of the squad know much about doing hair, even Benzai who has a little sister himself only has limited knowledge. Finally Fushimi sighs and he's like 'I'll be right back.' Everyone's wondering what Fushimi's plan is, like maybe Fushimi-san is going to learn how to do hair in ten minutes. They're all even more surprised though when Fushimi finally returns and Yata's tagging along behind him, dragging this bag full of cosmetics and hairdresser equipment. Yata cracks his knuckles like okay where do you guys need me and the squad are all exchanging glances like this was Fushimi-san's plan, how could a person from Homra be helpful in this kind of situation.

Cue everyone staring wide-eyed as Yata proceeds to just work magic on Awashima's hair, like doing all kinds of fancy hair tricks, curling and pinning and brushing it all out. Even Awashima herself almost can't believe it, watching as she gets the best hair appointment of her life from a guy in an oversized sweatshirt and a beanie. Fushimi's just hanging in the back with a small smile, like he was expecting things to go this way and he's not at all worried about how Yata's doing, this is one thing he can trust Misaki to complete perfectly.

[ridiasfangirlings]

What about a scenario where fushimi reads anna a bedtime story :D

Aw, Fushimi being a good big brother. Maybe this is like during the Homra years and Fushimi ends up babysitting Anna for the evening somehow. Like there’s some big Homra mission happening where the whole clan is going to take down some giant gang and they’re expected to be out all evening, even Totsuka is coming (staying away from enemy lines as much as possible) to keep an eye on Mikoto. Anna’s remaining behind though and they need someone to watch her, Anna straightens up and says she can watch herself. Kusanagi agrees that she’s mature but he doesn’t feel right leaving her alone even from just a safety aspect, in case someone decided to try something while she’s alone at the bar. As it happens this is when Fushimi and Yata walk in, Yata fussing over Fushimi a bit because he has a low grade fever and refuses to lie down and rest. Kusanagi asks if Fushimi’s sick and Fushimi brushes it off as just a small cold, Yata’s worried though because Fushimi didn’t eat much this morning and what if he gets dizzy during a fight. Kusanagi gets this smile as he’s like I think I have a solution here.

So that’s how Fushimi gets stuck babysitting Anna for the evening (with Totsuka teasing him lightly about who’s babysitting who). Kusanagi tries to soften the blow telling Fushimi they’re trusting him with this and Fushimi shrugs all sure whatever, watching as Yata gushes over how Mikoto is totally going to show those guys who’s boss around here. Kusanagi puts a hand on his shoulder and tells him to just make sure Anna gets to bed all right and then he can rest in the bar until they get back. Fushimi nods, clicking his tongue, standing there with Anna as everyone else files out of the bar. Once it’s just the two of them Anna stares at him and Fushimi’s like “What?”, Anna just shakes her head and says she’s glad Saruhiko is staying with her. 

It’s already late so Anna goes to take a bath and get into her pajamas, Fushimi figures this shouldn’t be too bad since Anna can largely handle herself. He’s sitting at the bar playing on his PDA when Anna peeks over at him from the stairs. Fushimi asks what the problem is and Anna says that Izumo always reads her a bedtime story. Fushimi clicks his tongue and Anna keeps staring at him, of course Fushimi can’t stand in the face of that so he sighs and is like fine I’m coming. Anna hands him the book Kusanagi was reading, Fushimi doesn’t recognize it but maybe it’s like some common children’s book and Anna smiles a little as she says her parents used to read it to her. Fushimi’s like ‘parents, huh,’ with this little bitter smile because of course he has no idea about this whole ‘loving parents who read to their kids’ thing.

Fushimi starts reading the book and of course his voice is just total monotone, Anna has to stop him and tells him Kusanagi does the voices. Fushimi’s all ‘really.’, not entirely believing that but Anna is looking at him intently and he can’t argue. He sighs and tries again but Fushimi isn’t the best with voices and imagine he keeps adding little asides complaining about how stupid these characters are. Anna listens intently though and at some point Fushimi wonders if she’s patronizing him, Anna shakes her head and says Saruhiko is doing his best. The way she says it just makes Fushimi feel even more annoyed and Anna reaches over and offers to read part of it to him instead. Fushimi says he isn’t a kid and Anna smiles at him, starting to read the book. Fushimi keeps interjecting little annoyed remarks under his breath and Anna nods and responds even as she keeps reading. Several hours later Homra returns and Kusanagi’s concerned when he doesn’t see Fushimi waiting so he goes upstairs to check on Anna. Anna’s asleep with the book in her hands and Fushimi crouched by her bed still, fast asleep with his head on her blankets, and Kusanagi decides with a smile to leave them be for now (and then Totsuka leans over his shoulder and immediately hurries off to get the camera).

[ridiasfangirlings]

I wonder if Yata ever realized that he is the hero of Fushimi?

I feel like this is something that would eventually dawn on Yata at some point post-ROK, that after he's always wanted to be a hero and tried to become someone strong like Mikoto and all that he was already someone else's hero just by being a sweet middle school kid who saw something amazing in his lonely gloomy classmate. Like imagine post-ROK the two of them have reconciled and everything though Yata's still trying to really understand Fushimi properly (which is not easy, after all, and for all Fushimi's promising to say things in a way an idiot can understand I think there's a lot about himself that Fushimi can't really find a way to articulate at all). He knows that Fushimi still gets touchy whenever Yata mentions Mikoto and that he grumbles when Yata talks about Mikoto being the 'hero' who 'saved' Yata from the streets. Yata doesn't really know why it bothers Fushimi so much, especially since one of the reasons Mikoto was his hero is because Mikoto literally saved Saruhiko, Yata's most important person, and yet Fushimi as the person who was saved doesn't seem to care at all.

He's discussing it at some point while at the bar, maybe just venting to Kusanagi a little that he's trying his best but feels kinda inadequate because he can't understand Saruhiko as much as he likes. Akagi speaks up and says that he doesn't really know much about Fushimi, since he joined after Fushimi had already left, but he always thought it was weird that two guys like them were friends and he wonders how they even got together in the first place. Yata can't resist sharing old fond memories so he talks a little about how things were when they were in middle school, maybe not like quite giving away Fushimi's entire past – since that's not really his place to be like let me tell you all about Saruhiko's shitty parents and abusive upbringing – but he does talk about how Saruhiko was alone a lot and didn't have any other friends and used to not even go home so Yata just wanted to make a place where Fushimi could feel safe, like he belonged. Akagi's like 'so you were kinda like his hero, right?' and Yata's like 'well no, not...' and then he trails off and his eyes get wide as he realizes wait a second that actually makes sense.

Yata's meeting Fushimi for drinks after this and he keeps thinking about it, thinking about all the times Fushimi scoffed at Mikoto being a hero and how upset he always seemed to get whenever Yata talked about Mikoto saving 'them both.' As Yata walks into the bar where they're meeting Fushimi immediately notices something's wrong and Yata tries to wave it off a little, like yeah we were talking about something back at Homra and it just made me think a lot. Fushimi clicks his tongue all 'made you think, that's a new one for a bunch of idiots.' Yata glares at him but can't really feel annoyed, ordering his drink and just turning over the idea in his mind, that he was a hero to someone. Fushimi's maybe getting a bit annoyed (and possibly slightly on edge) that Yata's not rising to the usual bait and finally Yata just looks at him plainly and straight out asks it 'Saruhiko...was I a hero to you?'. Fushimi looks surprised and his initial reaction is probably to try and deny it but then he stops, like recalling his own promise to try and say what he actually means more in ways Yata can understand, and instead he hides his face and murmurs '...You were. There was never anyone at all by my side, until Misaki.' Yata suddenly just grabs Fushimi and gives him this fierce hug that makes Fushimi squirm a little and complain that Yata's going to suffocate him and Yata's just like say that kind of thing sooner you idiot.