#but then they end up making out in Fushimi's big office chair

[ridiasfangirlings]

Secretary Kim AU where Fushimi is the heir to a rich business and his secretary is Misaki, who, after 9 years of working under Fushimi, has managed to become something of a successful professional careerman. Yata is hypercompetent, but one day tenders his resignation, causing Fushimi to go haywire. (Bonus if, in his shock, he proposes to Misaki to get him to stay XD)

I haven't seen this so I'll just go by the basic premise you gave here ^^ So say Yata has been working under Fushimi for a long time and it's not even so much that he's hypercompetent but rather he knows Fushimi better than anyone and can adapt to Fushimi's way of doing things. Like Fushimi himself is extremely competent and people are usually amazed that he even has a secretary, even though he's the head of this rich business he reluctantly inherited from his mom Fushimi handles almost everything about the day to day business, he balances budgets and places supply orders and does payroll and pretty much does the work of like ten underlings all by himself. Yata meanwhile is surprising to people when they first meet him because he's kinda loud and brash, his suits are always messy and he never wears a tie and he doesn't seem to have a very good head for memorization. He isn't very good with math either and there's all this stuff that Fushimi does that people would expect him to farm out to his secretary so it's weird to most people that Fushimi's secretary is less competent than he is.

What they don't realize is that Fushimi is in fact a trash fire of a person and Yata is the only thing keeping him from fainting at his desk in a three day old suit while drinking his eighth can of black coffee. Yata's the one who makes sure Fushimi leaves the office on time and goes home, makes sure he sleeps once he goes home and doesn't try to work more, makes sure he eats a healthy breakfast and a good energizing lunch and a proper dinner (Yata's even gotten him to eat a vegetables once or twice), makes sure his clothes get cleaned and his dishes washed, that he takes breaks every now and again, makes phone calls for him to set appointments with the doctor or the dentist and then makes sure he actually attends those appointments, stays home when he's sick, everything like that Yata handles. Yata's been in Fushimi's employ since right before Fushimi took over the company, like say Kisa hired him to be her son's assistant. Yata was in desperate need of a job to help out his family and at first he hated his employer, thinking Fushimi was just some spoiled rich kid, but he quickly realized that Fushimi was in fact kinda miserable but also really cool and no one else seemed to realize this but him. Soon Yata found himself just taking care of Fushimi all the time because otherwise no one else would, not even Fushimi himself, and by the time Fushimi took over the company Yata was pretty much firmly entrenched as his right hand.

So then one day Fushimi's working and Yata comes in looking all uncomfortable. Fushimi clicks his tongue and asks what the problem is and Yata just takes this deep breath and hands Fushimi a letter, saying that he's resigning his position. Fushimi is just shocked and assumes that Yata's joking, Yata says he isn't, he has to quit. I think Fushimi's initial reaction would be to tell Yata fine go ahead and mock him for being useless and an idiot who Fushimi doesn't need anyway, because Fushimi's actually super hurt that this person he cared for and trusted is just throwing him away like this. Yata's been hanging around Fushimi long enough to know a defense mechanism when he sees it though so he's like well let me explain first and Fushimi's all why should I even listen to the words of a traitor. Yata's like you don't get it I'm not abandoning you or anything Saruhiko and Fushimi just snaps back without even thinking 'if that's the case, then just marry me.' Yata's like '...eh?' and Fushimi immediately clicks his tongue and tries to act like he didn't just say that but now Yata's like wait did you really feel that way about me and Fushimi's denying it but also blushing and claiming that he doesn't need stupid Misaki to marry him go marry someone else if you want to and Yata's like you’re the one who brought up marriage stupid monkey don't test me I'll marry you right now if I have to (and it all turns out to be a giant misunderstanding where Yata was in love with Fushimi too but worried that he was like holding Fushimi back by doing all this stuff for him so he decided to resign but he really didn't want to and now that he knows Fushimi likes him back it's a different situation entirely).

[amisbro]

Camus: Good evening Joshua

Joshua: Good evening Your Excellency. I trust that yo are ready for Tuesday when the big event starts and we see whom will be worthy of attaining your services this time are you not?

Camus: I am and I am looking forward to seeing who will win it. Its a shame you will not be in the event but I understand why with your schedule

Joshua: Well thank you...I have a feeling though this wasn't the only reason you popped on by on this Monday

Camus: You're correct *holds up a pair of women's heels* These were left in our room. I know you don't wear these so should I assume its our rather androgynous friend in Yukari?

Joshua: You know...I never thought of him in that way before...I guess I should have since...well give me a second first

(Joshua gets up from his chair and takes the heels from Camus before walking out of his office door and making a decision only he could make in a situation like this)

Joshua: Mishakuji-Kun *Holds up the heels* I believe I have something that belongs to you!

*5 minutes later*

Yukari: I apologize for that Joshua and Camus. I was rushing to get changed from a mission and well...yeah! I do apologize for that and I will try to make sure it never happens again

Camus: Its alright it was an honest mistake. I was wondering why they were in there and I forgot that you do work for them "undercover" as it were. Just TRY to remember next time to at the very least leave a note for Joshua so he knows what is going on otherwise we run into this situation

Yukari: Understood sir. I can tell you that in the time since the two of you have been away Eiji has been helping out Fushimi with the paperwork and also they picked Nagi's brain for a strat on taking out JUNGLE for this past mission. It was his idea actually to have me dress that way actually

Joshua: Nagi...suggested that you crossdress for a mission? What else has this child been doing?

Yukari: Oh it worked out wonderfully Curtis-kun! He also suggested that Seri and I go out shopping for the clothes and that was a lot of fun too! In a way even Lieutenant Awashima wished you could have been there but I told her that wasn't going to be a good idea if for the only reason that I know you think I look good in anything

Joshua: *raises hand* GUILTY! Dress or a Tux you have turned many a head whenever we go out and I have to curse myself that my sword has to be left at the entrance. I swear you outdo yourself everytime

Yukari: True...but when you have to keep up with the Count of the Silk Palace that tends to be expected

Joshua: *Looks at Camus* You two been having fashion competitions since I've been away?

Camus: ...Kind of. What's been happening is for some reason certain members of HEAVENS have wanted to see who was the better dresser between Yukari and I since they know of the "unique" situation you have and the running joke is that the loser has to pay for the Winner's date. Well we never have to worry about that cos its always a tie!

Joshua: ...HOW?!

Yukari: Nagi stays out of judging and it always ends up a 3-3 tie

Joshua: Does Nagi stay out because he wants to be impartial or cos he knows he might have helped in picking out one of your outfits?

Yukari: Kind of both. He does help a little so he disqualifies himself but he also wants to remain impartial and he thinks if he voted he could be swayed in some way. We mutually respected this decision

Joshua: Ahh I see...know what sucks? Since I've been busy the past two Birthdays for myself I haven't been able to spend time with you on it...gonna see if I can get off this year though. To make up for that though I do need to spend some quality time with Boss Man and I hope you understand that Yukari.

Yukari: I do and I hope Camus will allow you to come see me on your birthday. 37 is it? I am somewhat shocked

Joshua: No kidding...here I thought you were the older one in the relationship. Well Gents I would love to chat some more but Camus needs to get ready for his big event and Yukari do me a favor and keep Sukuna out of trouble with Anna...don't need him getting her upset and then he becomes a charred kid you know?

Yukari: Agreed and I told him to mind himself around her...I also told him if I ever bring him around Camus that he has to behave himself and he has promised to do so. Camus good Luck with your event and Joshua its been wonderful talking to you...and I'll take these with me too *holds up the heels that Joshua had earlier*

Joshua: *laughs* Very good Yukari and Boss Man have fun this week! Take care you two!

Both: Good Night Joshua!

[its-love-u-asshole]

Shaking in My Skull [Ch. 7]

Pairing: Fushimi Saruhiko/Yata Misaki

Rating: T

Summary: Stuck on the plane between life and death, Saruhiko makes the decision to risk everything, forced to find faith in himself and the headstrong Yata Misaki as they both face unimaginable demons.

FFF I’m sorry it took forever to update this lmao I went through a really severe writing block, but it felt so great to get back to this, thanks for your patience <3 This story has one or two chapters left at most, so I’m very excited for what’s to come! Enjoy! Big thanks to @emeraldwaves​ for reading this over!

Ao3 Version

I also made an 8tracks for this fic if anyone is interested ^^ 

"What could you give up?"

It was a simple question, one Saruhiko had never pondered before. Sure, there would be times on rainy days or nights when Domyoji or Hidaka would feel extra introspective, maybe after seeing a weird movie, and similar questions would fly around the office.

What's worse, failing or never trying?

Is there something holding you back right now?

Are you happy?

He'd always viewed them as somewhat pointless. Why dwell on the answer to a question if the situation never arose? Why worry about if you are happy, when you could just work on trying to be? That's what Seri had said, and it made sense. Saruhiko never indulged any of them with his own answers, simply nodded along to whatever she or Akiyama said.

It was better that way. Looking back, he couldn't say if he avoided the questions simply because he deemed them worthless, or because he didn't want to face the answers.

But now, he didn't have a choice. He was posed the question, and given the solution, like some backwards exam. Except it wasn't multiple choice, there weren't alternatives. Only one outcome, one way out, and he had to go with it.

He wanted to throw up, wanted to go back to the ghost of his father and bone graveyards, anywhere else but here.

When they'd first stepped through the door, he'd felt like something was off, could feel his mind being picked apart even within his own skull, like something was searching for the soft spots, and again there was that voice, those eyes, this place...

The door had disappeared behind them. Gone. No going back. As if he needed that reminder anymore. He scanned the room, tapping Misaki on the shoulder, so as to make sure he was still there.

It was strange how much the room resembled a shack of some sorts, comfortable, but oddly out of place. There was a torn up couch and a table in the middle, poorly masquerading as a humble living space, surrounded by darkness and the cold cave rock.

A shattered illusion, essentially. Nothing about the space felt easy, though it did give the impression of multiple...people...occupying it.

As Saruhiko's eyes grazed over the tattered blankets and documents with various signatures, he couldn't help but be surprised. He'd assumed Munakata and Mikoto were the only human-like figures down here, but that had been a mistake it seemed, confirmed upon meeting Douhan. He just didn't know how many he expected, how many other deities he'd be forced to meet.

And then, standing in front of them had been another, and those pale eyes were like spikes through his soul. Looking into them....that had been Saruhiko's first error.

The man was seated, strapped to a wheelchair of some sorts, confined but smiling regardless, his eyes searching in a way that was so different. Different from Munakata's calculating gaze, or Douhan's commanding one. It was if those eyes were trying to pull something out of them, and Saruhiko didn't like it at all. But a force of some kind kept him rooted to the spot, forced to let the exchange of information, or whatever it was, flow seamlessly between them until the moment was over. It was like a snap, like when a computer would overheat at work and click off. Instantaneous, leaving a slight hum in its wake.

The man let his shaggy hair fall in front of one eye as he finally blinked, and Saruhiko felt Misaki jolt at the same time he did, the spell ending for both of them as their muscles tensed.

They were waiting for...well he didn't know, did he? This was a trial, but the common format of the previous ones was apparently out the window. They had to wait for instructions, and the knowledge of that was making him more anxious than walking into immediate peril did.

Misaki inched closer to him out of discomfort, letting their shoulders brush, and Saruhiko exhaled from the slight solace he got from it.

Misaki is here with me, and I'm with him. It's fine.

Except it hadn't been.

--

"While wasting time isn't an issue for you, I think we should move this along, yes?" The man spoke, the words slow and smooth as he tilted his head forward. Yata wouldn't call his demeanor kind or inviting in any sense, but it was purposeful, respectful. Yata spared a glance at Saruhiko, whose face was set in an odd grimace, like he wasn't sure what to make of the man either. They stepped forward hesitantly, not really believing the simple room with its bound occupant and lack of danger.

This was the last trial so...what the hell?

"I'll congratulate you, but I'm sure you've been hearing that a lot. Still, it’s admirable you've made it this far, you two must be really special. Impressing Ambition herself is difficult," he continued, looking away fondly to a framed picture. Yata followed the gaze, noting Douhan sitting primly on the floor in front of the man, along with three others who smiled happily.

He wanted to ask, but decided it didn't matter. He could tell enough from the picture, styled very much like a typical family photo, and he decided the guy in front of them couldn't be too evil, if not seriously strange.

Everyone had the things they loved, and it made Yata feel weirdly jealous, that he wasn't with his own family, back to life with Saruhiko, hands dirtied with paint instead of blood.

Soon though. Soon he would be.

"Impressing me will be a challenge too," he said with a smile, wide eyes flashing in excitement when Saruhiko glared. “I am the deity of Change, but you may call me Hisui Nagare. That’s what I used to be called, but don’t worry, it’s not important for you to know.” His lips quirked a little more, barely noticeable. “It’s not a memory test you’ll be given after all.”

In the past, Yata might’ve jumped on the scraps of information offered, given into any spiel this magical being had, but Yata wasn't having it with the riddles or verbal games anymore. He was tired of waiting. He was curious sure, they could sit there for hours while Nagare told them who he was, what this place was, but what was the point? Yata only had one thing he wanted, and he wanted to be back home.

"We don't care what it is, we'll do it!" Yata didn't so much as flinch when Nagare's eyes snapped to his own. "Bring it on!"

For as much as Yata had been afraid throughout the journey, he was proud he'd never lost his determination, his pride in himself, no matter how many times it faltered. Now was no exception. He was damn exhausted and desperate, but he wouldn't kneel, he'd face whatever came at him head on until he couldn't stand anymore, and then he'd crawl.

He felt Saruhiko relax next to him a little at the words, and Yata took the opportunity to squeeze his hand, their interlocked fingers rough from effort.

He hoped Saruhiko hadn't lost anything either, in fact, Yata could only think he had gained. Saruhiko was still Saruhiko, and so much more.

Funny, Yata thought. He didn't know how time worked in the afterlife, but he had only known Saruhiko for the duration of their journey, and yet he felt like they had a bond that could never be severed.

Nagare sized them up for but a moment, his eyes focusing on their linked hands as his restraints tightened around him. Maybe one day, far in the future, Yata would remember to ask who he was, how he'd gotten there. But for now...

"You heard him, what's the trial?" Saruhiko's thumb rubbed the back of Yata's palm, silently searching for ground.

"Yes, very well. Let's proceed." Nagare nodded, stiff and quick, eyes closing as a serene smile bloomed on his face. "It won't take long, well, depending on you that is. It's not so much a trial as a question you see."

At that, Yata's brow furrowed in confusion. That was it?

"And since you seem so eager," Nagare said, inclining his head towards Yata. "Why don't you start. Someone so passionate..."

It didn't sound like an insult, but Yata couldn't help but glare anyways. Nothing that came out of Nagare's mouth sounded good or bad either way, but it was laced with something he couldn't pinpoint. "A question? Whatever! No problem!"

Really, he should've known by now never to expect the best, but he had an image to uphold, even in death.

"Hm, so you say. It's more like a few questions, a survey if you will." Nagare moved his chair forward, closing the gap between them, and Yata took the chance to glance at Saruhiko, finding some small security in those blue eyes. The taller nodded, and it was all Yata needed to know he had the other's complete faith. He turned back to Nagare, and the seated man took it as his cue. "Alright. Yata Misaki, age twenty, born on July 20th, and died on the evening of August 14th on the Shizume bridge. Cause of death: drowning after being run off the road by a stray vehicle. Hobbies include skateboarding, video games, and painting. Then there is a list of relatives and friends who play important roles in your life, along with some trivial history. That is the basic summary of your life, found in your file."

Yata hardly registered the last part. He felt his body jolt, and he heard the sound of a car horn blare in his ears, the distinct screech of metal against metal ringing throughout his thoughts, a flash of red, the smell of burning rubber...

He was late again, he had stayed too long at the bar with his friends, and now he was going to have to deal with the crowds around his apartment complex.

"Ugh, maybe I should've let one of the guys come with me," Yata mumbled to himself as he made it to the halfway point on the bridge. If it got too dark, he'd surely get lost, he never did get used to this short cut. Traffic was already pretty heavy, the aggressive rush hour taking its toll on impatient cars as they cut each other off and honked loudly. Yata should've just stayed at the bar for the night. Kusanagi wouldn't have minded...

Yata hadn't wanted to impose though. He knew the bartender was stressed about his wedding, and probably wanted to go home to his fiance, not stay worrying over Yata locking up the bar. Fuck, they had the rehearsal dinner tomorrow too...Yata hated wearing suits, and Kusanagi's wife was way too pretty for him to not make an idiot of himself around. On top of it, she was bringing her friends and family too, even more reason for Yata to feel awkward.

"Ughhh," he groaned again, really wishing he hadn't stayed out as late as he had. Now he wouldn't get to bed until late, and tomorrow was sure to be hectic and filled with planning...

Maybe--

A loud horn broke his thoughts, and Yata glanced over to the traffic at his side, barely having time to gasp as a car stupidly switched lanes at the wrong time and at a way too aggressive speed for the current congestion, colliding with the red convertible next to it and sending it careening to the side of the bridge.

Right towards him. Yata jumped, landing on the car’s hood and roughly sliding into the windshield, knocking the air right out of him. His vision blanked, and the last thing he was able to comprehend was the car lurching forward, and the feeling of falling.

Yata tensed, and suddenly it was like he couldn't breathe. It was like he wanted to cough, heave maybe, and it was only Saruhiko's hand on his that kept him in reality.

White. That was what had happened next. He saw white, and the blue of Saruhiko's eyes.

Fuck...

He remembered. Not in its entirety, but he knew it was the truth.

I drowned. I was walking home, there was an accident. I fell...

"Holy shit..."

"I know it might be a shock," Nagare stated, sensing the distress Yata was no doubt emanating.

I'm so stupid. I knew I shouldn't have gone that way so late. I could've avoided everything. All of this...

"I figured it was something like that," Saruhiko voiced, expression softening when he caught Yata's watery eyes.

"H-huh?"

Saruhiko looked about as pathetic as Yata felt, and for whatever reason, the urge to quell his worries seemed to relieve Yata of some of his own anguish. Saruhiko reached out, grabbing Yata's other hand and facing him completely. "Before you woke up...you were coughing really bad, gasping for air...I'm...sorry."

The apology sounded awkward, but Yata knew it was genuine, and it was that alone that already had his mind wafting through the cloud of disappointment in his mind.

It didn't matter that he’d died, if he hadn't, if he had somehow avoided it, he wouldn't have been able to help Saruhiko make it back. He wouldn't have met Saruhiko at all, the taller had died before him, a complete stranger. Somehow the thought was worse than the idea of facing Saruhiko's grieving friends by himself the next day due to the cancelled dinner, so in a strange way, he was grateful. The journey was awful, but they'd made it, and now Yata knew Saruhiko better than he could've hoped, and never wanted to be without him.

"It's okay, it wasn't your fault anyways..." Yata mumbled, pushing down his urge to wrap Saruhiko up in a hug. "I'm here now, with you, and we'll be back soon, together." Yata turned back to Nagare, shaking off the last of his shock. He could worry about it later, much later. "Right after these questions yeah? So let's have it!"

"Well put," Nagare said with a nod. "As I said, that was a summary of your life, but you and I both know humans are much more complex than that. Your thoughts and desires are powerful, and your resolve has proved powerful throughout this whole journey. You've grown and changed, and if you are granted life again, you will change even more." Nagare back up a bit, eyeing the photo on the mantle once more before turning back to Yata. "But, what I'm interested in is the now. I want to know what has to change."

What?

"That being said, Yata Misaki, what are you looking forward to when you get your life back?"

Yata stuttered, and well, he couldn't help it. What kind of stupid question was that? "U-uh..."

"When you started this journey, what was driving you?"

"W-well...my friends and family obviously, I want to get back and see them an--"

"Was that really the most important thing at the start? When you thought of what you'd left behind, you were angry, or so I was told. Why?"

Yata all but growled. Who was this guy to tell him what he valued? Of course his friends were important to him, not to mention his family, and there was...

“I was going to be a great artist you know…was gonna give all the other snobs a run for their money…”

"Oh." Yata froze, not really meaning to voice the realization aloud, if it could even be called that. He swallowed, trying to shrug it off, but something in his stomach told him he'd found the right answer.

But so what? Yeah he loved his art, he wanted to share it and make it into a career, it wasn't abnormal. Lots of people cared about their job...

Yeah, but it was all you cared about, it was the first thing on your mind.

His stomach twisted, and he shook his head despite himself. He knew Saruhiko was looking at him in concern, but he didn't have the heart to look back. All these fears, repressed or new, he didn't know, came rushing up. He was selfish, simple minded....

“I had my first gallery showing next week..."

Right. What a joke.

The worst part was, he couldn't find himself regretting those words from before. It mattered to him, it would always matter to him.

"My art," he whispered feebly. Yeah, his art was a big part of him, it was supposed to change his life, secure his future no matter how hard he had to struggle for it. Now he just felt like he was kidding himself, putting his skills up on a pedestal in his heart when most people would consider it trivial. Yata frowned at the floor, mouth softly opening, unable to find words. Nagare didn't see any issue with continuing regardless.

"Yes, you care very much about it right? There were quite a few pieces of your work in your file, one of my companions actually complimented you. Youth isn't...the easiest to please either." Nagare let his neutral expression fall for but a moment before it was back again, but Yata didn't dwell on it. He was still a little too overcome with everything, he couldn't shake the guilt, didn't even feel proud of the compliment like usual. "It's a form of self-expression, art, and it obviously was a very integral part of your daily life."

"Um...not really, well..." Yeah it was. "I guess it doesn't sound like much to most people..."

Certainly not enough to be someone's first concern upon fucking dying.

But it had been his everything, his drive and passion, he was never happier than when he was sketching or painting, and the facts remained true. So why...

"There's no reason to feel guilty," Nagare supplied in his same, steady tone. It wasn't meant as a comfort, more like he was stating a fact. "It's human nature to indulge in things you value, if you didn't have any passions or interests, it would be more troublesome for me to ask my questions. It's normal. Now..."

Normal.

He knew he wasn't a failure, at least he tried to believe it most of the time. He was good at what he did, he wanted to be even better, how was that different from any other job? Of course it had been on his mind, it was part of his life and future.

Maybe he wasn't as selfish as he thought. And as for the people in his life...

"Tell me, what is it about art that you love?" Nagare, whether he meant to or not, seemed to spark Yata's findings.

"It's a challenge." His voice was still shaky, but as the words flowed, he felt the guilt dissolving, his insecurities leaving him as a grin formed. "It takes effort and time, and sometimes you fail, but when you succeed and finish a piece of work it's the fucking best feeling in the world. It makes me feel proud of myself, but mostly..."

He remembered the late nights where he stayed up, the truthful and encouraging critiques of his friends, the first sketchbook his mom bought him when he was little, and a plethora of good memories where his sketched lines and mixed paints intertwined with his life and the people in it.

"It's an extension of me, and what I'm feeling, and when I'm having fun with my friends or thinking about my mom, it comes out in my work! It's all important to me, and art lets me share that, and when I can, I know all the people who support me are happy too." And that's more than enough.

It's all important, it'll always be important.

"Good.” Nagare’s voice was small then, but something about it made Yata tense. “Now, could you give it up?"

Yata felt as if his words were completely disregarded with the singular statement, and he choked on his reply, because surely there had to be something more. "W-what?"

Nagare blinked, eyes lowering slightly from their usually wide appearance, patient if nothing else. "That is your question, that is your test. Will you give it up? Upon leaving the afterlife, your knowledge of art, the skills learned and acquired, gone. If you desire to return more than anything else, you will be able to let it go."

Give it up.

Hours of sketching, of shitty part time hours working for supplies, pictures and portraits of his life. Gone. Given up.

As if it was so easy to strip away what made Yata whole.

He didn't know if he moved or not, his brain stalling at the words, but he felt Saruhiko jolt next to him, equally stunned, but still being able to comprehend it. Yata couldn't blame him, it wasn't as if he'd just been asked to throw away a big part of himself, but Yata couldn't help but be slightly envious of the clarity.

Was this some kind of joke? All that...for what? Give it up? How could he? What was even the point of having him remember all the great things about his work, about how it influenced him?

Because it's fucked up that's why, this whole place.

Yata wanted to be as angry as he should be, but his face muscles trembled, and he bit his lip hard to block the show of hurt. Nagare stood there all the while as he processed, not cruel or conniving, just...like he was going through the motions. Maybe that made it even worse, because Nagare wasn't giving him anything to yell at, no 'you're pathetic' or 'bet you thought this was easy.' So, it came naturally to him, his next words, as small and helpless as they sounded. "Why?"

Nagare tilted his head, much like the parrot from before. "It's simple really. Not only is it endurance, because after all, it shows how willing you are to complete the journey. However, for me it's telling in other ways." His greyish eyes moved towards the wall, where the portrait sat along with other old, unidentifiable artifacts, much like those in Douhan's area. "Life tends to not go as planned, it's why you're here in the first place. Dreams have to be abandoned at times, connections severed, relationships lost."

Yata's first instinct was to snap back about not fighting hard enough for things, that giving up was a choice people made without trying, but he knew better now. It wasn't always the case, it couldn't be helped at times, and he had no right to judge.

But this wasn't like that. He had a choice, he had made it. He'd sacrificed everything to make it back to his life so he could pursue his passion, not have it taken away.

The response was there, burning on his tongue, but he held it.

"I know it must appear useless and unfair, but you must understand, I believe the sign of someone truly worthy of making it past this point of the journey is someone who is able to leave things behind no matter how painful. They are the ones who are not afraid to move forward and find new ways to enjoy their life, and search for the fulfillment they lost. They embrace change. That's what makes you worthy, if you can give me a yes to that one question."

The tears spilled somewhere in the middle of that, he stopped caring, stopped functioning really.

Saruhiko growled next to him. "What's the use in that? You'll just take it away anyways!" His grip was a vice on Yata's hand, but it trembled from fear, Yata could hear it lacing his voice.

Right, Saruhiko would lose something too. It made him cry harder.

"No, I wouldn't allow it. Your response has to be truly honest, you have to mean it. And believe me, I will know if you don't." Nagare bowed his head. "When you reach hell, you will find out whether or not your response was enough."

Saruhiko snapped again. "What the--"

"Saru..." Yata tried, but his voice was scratchy. He had to do this himself, it was his question. His gut twisted at the reminder. "Let me, p-please."

It made Saruhiko back off, but he stayed rooted to his side, and Yata couldn't be more grateful. We'll get through anything together. Isn't that what he'd always said? If he returned to life after hitting the reset button on his art, well, he'd have Saruhiko, he'd have his family and friends.

His inspiration.

"H-hey," Yata began, clearing his throat and wincing at the noise. "If I say yes, can I never make art again?"

"No, as I said, the skills and effort you've put into it will be cleared, but if you so choose, you are free to take up the challenge of learning again and restore it," Nagare answered immediately, a barely there smile joining the words. It must've been the response he was looking for. "After all, such traits are valued."

Yata would have all he needed, the drive, and the things he loved to influence his creativity. It would be hard, but he wouldn't lose anything if wanted it.

And he really wanted it.

"Do you think you're capable of it? Remember, you have to mean it."

I always say what I mean.

"Yes," Yata answered without hesitation, because that part of himself he knew all too well. If he put his mind to it, no matter how long it took, he would be an artist again. If it was meant to be, he could do it. There would be no point in doubting himself anymore, not after this.

Nagare's smile stretched a bit farther, and Yata's nerves tingled as he made the final decision.

"So then, will you give it up?" Do you want your life back?

Saruhiko's breathing faltered beside him, and Yata fixed the taller with a stern gaze, because yes, he was sure about this, before tilting his chin up at Nagare.

I can embrace change too.

"Yes."

--

It wasn't like Saruhiko didn't know Misaki was amazing, in fact, he'd come to the logical realization long ago, perhaps before he decided to actually admit it to himself. Back when Misaki was simply an overly determined stranger with too bright eyes and a voice begging Saruhiko to help him, to get their lives back.

“We could get our lives back!”

“What’s scarier than death?”

“C’mon! Don’t you have anyone you miss? Or that misses you?”

Saruhiko had picked apart the genuine words, but he'd caved in the end hadn't he? Did he regret it? He couldn't find it in himself to, and it was such a stark contrast to what he would expect from himself. It wasn't cowardly or negative, and he was as shocked as he was terrified at the admission. How easy it had been, falling into the redhead's pace, adopting his goals. Now Saruhiko knew how powerful the other truly was, how convincing and passionate. It was obvious from the beginning, how Saruhiko really never stood a chance. He thought that maybe, just maybe, his old self would've been angry about that. Would've been repulsed, pushed the other away because truthfully, he didn't understand people like Misaki. He'd never be someone like Misaki. Not fully.

But he had changed a lot, not only from the journey, but before as well. His younger self and the adult Saruhiko, were very different, only connected by the threads of trauma permanently woven into him.

And now...

He may not have gained the unbridled enthusiasm and spirit Misaki had, he never would, those parts of him had long been cut off, stomped into the ground along with his childhood. But he had his resolve, he had his desires, his skills, and the goals which had spawned from Misaki were now purely his.

But in this case...

What could you give up?

The doubt was still there. Yes Misaki was amazing, and he showed it even more so now, being able to give up something which Saruhiko meant the world to him. Difficulty aside, he'd done it.

Dread pooled in Saruhiko's stomach, and he didn't know why. Part of him figured it was the unknown variable. He always hated those. Nagare would pick out something from his life he deemed important to Saruhiko, but the taller really didn't know what.

But no, he knew that wasn't all of it. It wasn't so much that Misaki's bravery made Saruhiko feel like a coward, though it definitely did that too...he wasn't sure if when in Misaki's place, he'd be able to do the same. But it was more because he couldn't distinguish what he coveted so dearly. Could he really say he was super passionate about anything? Saruhiko had been so indifferent all his life, and it wasn't until he'd found a purposeful job and slowly let his friends into his life that things changed. He liked his job, he was good at it, but he wouldn't call it a passion. He didn't love it.

His life was relatively simple and boring. Peaceful, but by no means special, and he liked it that way. He didn't need much, he'd been through enough when he was younger. Having a routine, a place to keep him warm, and a close knit group of people who he trusted, it was all he felt the need for.

Saruhiko watched as Misaki dried his tears clumsily with his free hand, refusing to break the connection between them with his other, and the dread was intensified.

What if this wouldn't work on him? What if he held them back, because there was nothing special about him to lose?

"You're incorrect Fushimi-san." Nagare's voice sliced through his thoughts, calm as ever, and Misaki's amber eyes flashed up to meet Saruhiko's own in confusion. It weirdly stung, which wasn't common with Misaki. Looking at Misaki always calmed him considerably, but now it made the dread pool tenfold and Saruhiko turned away like he'd been slapped.

He snarled at Nagare, damn him. Of course he was aware of the telepathic abilities of these deities, but he didn't get their scope and he certainly couldn't detect them in his head, and it made him feel overly exposed in the worst way. More than that, having Misaki aware of his inner turmoil was the last thing he wanted. So, he'd do what came naturally. He'd deny.

He never got the chance.

"Shut--"

"You're wrong Fushimi-san," Nagare pressed on, holding his head high in observation. Saruhiko tried to loosen his grip on Misaki's hand, but the redhead wasn't allowing it.

"Saru...what is he--"

"I don't need your all knowing wisdom," Saruhiko growled. "Stay out of my--"

"You care about many things, just more subtle. You're standing next to one, for example," Nagare said, gesturing to their joined hands, and Saruhiko instinctively stepped closer to Misaki, bumping into him unexpectedly when the redhead did the same. The dread was surged with fear, because as unbelievable as it was, part of his resolve was getting Misaki out of there, getting them back home and being alive and together. No, he wouldn't give that up.

Nagare nodded in placation. "But that's not what I'm after. I seek something from your life, remember? What you valued most, at the start of it all, and what has endured."

Saruhiko's eyes narrowed. "Enlighten me."

A nod, that's all that prepared him. "As I said, you care about many things, and it all makes up large parts of you. You care about your work in the sense that any work you do is done impressively well and to the best of your ability--"

Hours of sitting at his desk, sifting through files and code flashed through his mind, as do memories of him as a child, researching and researching about whatever piqued his interest at the time. From the science in textbooks or a rubik’s cube, from staying up to make seating charts for Seri's wedding to finishing work reports and video game quests, he worked through everything, drowsiness a secondary concern.

"Mediocre is hardly in your vocabulary, and when it is, you do what it takes to white it out. You care about being better than those that wronged and betrayed you, right down to physical appearance."

He saw years of self-destruction and doubt, of molding himself into an image he could hate, so he wouldn't ever make the mistake of believing he could be something more. He remembered when he stopped, when his reflection started being him, and only him.

"Don't think your glasses request did not go unnoticed. But above all, and regardless of whether you know it yourself, you have immense adoration for those you've allowed into your life."

Saruhiko stops his own mind there, because going further was far too dangerous. It doesn't take a genius to know what Nagare was implying, and he's no idiot, but exposing the truth is more than he's willing to do. As if he could keep it hidden, unharmed, from someone who no doubt knew everything there was to know.

Even still, he pushed down memories of bickering and laughter, of heels clicking and the smell of stuffy offices, because part of him knew what Nagare meant.

He remained quiet for far too long, and he could tell Misaki was fighting with himself to not intervene like he so obviously wanted to. Ask Saruhiko what was wrong and pull the answers out himself with fierce purpose. But he didn't, because he had done this on his own hadn't he? So Saruhiko should too.

How he loathed it now, facing things alone.

"Would all that be correct to assume?" Nagare's question was hardly one at all, said with a slight lilt that hinted he already knew the answer, the greenish-gray of his eyes glistening in a way that did nothing to quell Saruhiko's anger. He wasn't a fan of people assuming things about him, much less when they were completely correct.

He directed what he thought was a scathing glare, and he guessed he succeeded, from how Misaki jumped back next to him, hand stuttering in its grip. Nagare was unfazed as ever, form relaxing oddly in his chair. Patient, waiting.

Expectant.

The worst part was, Saruhiko couldn't give himself the satisfaction of shattering those expectations. His tongue felt heavy in his mouth, dry like sandpaper as he hissed the words out, or he tried at least. It sounded more akin to the voice of a scared child. "Yes."

"What are you willing to give up then? Or, more specifically..."

The feeling bubbled up, dread, knowing. It twisted his gut. It was as he thought. He couldn't push down the memories, Nagare knew they were there.

Saruhiko's breathing stumbled regardless; a memory slipped through.

"Fushimi-san, I have to say, you're being difficult." Fuse's irritable voice cut through the silence of the office. They were working overtime, because the rest of the group had caught some sort of stomach bug after going out the previous night. They could've simply left the work for them for later, but...

Saruhiko almost blanched at the blunt admission, but caught himself. Ah, so it was going to be like this. It wasn't uncommon for Fuse to be annoyingly honest about sensitive issues, but well, Saruhiko had been more than okay with the quiet. "Oh, how so?" He resisted the urge to glare. It wasn't like he much cared about the answer. In fact, he was impressed he'd actually replied. "You can leave if you want, I told you I had work to finish. I don't need your help."

"Right," Fuse mumbled, loudly throwing a stack of finished reports into a sorting bin. "We both know neither you nor I were behind on work. You stayed to help everyone else, so they didn't have things to do when they--"

"Any work that gets done helps overall efficiency, which makes my life less of a headache." Saruhiko cut in, not bothering to hide a scowl this time. There was something he hated about the conversation, regardless of if he chose to pinpoint it, and he'd rather sweep it away and into the silent void as soon as possible. Sure, he could say he and Fuse got along better now than in his first days at the company, but at the moment, he was managing to get on Saruhiko's tired and coffee deprived nerves.

He ignored any of the actual reasoning for Fuse's statement. It wasn't important, shouldn't be. The usual pattern between them told Saruhiko that there was nothing more to say. Saruhiko would make a final remark that left no desire for retort, and Fuse would sigh or grumble, and then...nothing.

So he wasn't exactly expecting it when the other went on.

"You know, you don't have to try so hard to act like you don't care, or that you don't need help. We'd all...we'd help you, if you asked. Probably even if you didn't, which isn't fair, so get rid of the habit already." Another pile, tossed violently in the bin, a stark contrast to the other's level tone.

There they were again, baseless assumptions. He wished he could shut them all down in one go. He was never certain about the assumptions he made about himself, so how dare anyone else have the audacity to make them with no hesitation.

Saruhiko snapped at him, that cruel smile threatening to curl up. He guessed it hadn't gone away yet, wondered if it ever would. "Right, I'm sure."

There was hardly a pause there, like he expected, because a pause would follow the pattern. He would push away, people would back off.

Lately, the pattern was becoming less and less dependable, based on the people who surrounded him. Fuse straightened to his full height, that same annoyed glint in his eyes as he grabbed another stack of paperwork defiantly, because he obviously refused to leave.

"Why do you think I'm here with you?"

The memory wasn't fresh. It was from years back, when Saruhiko had barely been adjusting to his new life, new opportunities and outlooks. He still held parts and tendencies of his old self, still isolated himself and refused to accept words of comfort and weakness.

It wasn't a special moment on its face, he'd been exhausted, irritable. Yet he'd subjected himself to working, and Fuse hadn't hesitated to tag along. Saruhiko knew now it was a gesture of care, and maybe that was the point. Maybe the moment wasn't pivotal, but he obviously cherished it, clung to it deep in his mind because it was essential to...

To what? His growth? The bonds he'd formed?

God there it was again. Admitting it always made his palms sweat.

Bonds, such unstable, fleeting things. In most cases. And yes, maybe his case wasn't normal, when it came to his inner circle, but it wasn't just that and he knew it. The memory reminded him...

"We'd help you, if you asked."

Ah, it was that. The reminder that he had support, whether he deserved it at the time or otherwise. He'd cultivated that, in some unknown way, his loud, overly nosy support system, and as a result, he could hardly think of a memory in the past few years where they weren't involved in some shape or form.

It settled something comfortable inside him, or maybe just reinforced the fact that it was there, the warmth, one which didn't burn or make his skin prickle anxiously.

Saruhiko looked back at Nagare, the strange coolness of the cave seeping in his bones, and he finally considered how this might be the hardest trial yet. His question wasn't something he'd be able to answer correctly, for once in his life. Nagare seemed to realize them too, Saruhiko's own internal realizations, his head bowing before his last effort.

"If you had to return to your life, only to find the people in it no longer remembered you, could you?" A question, that was the trial, but Saruhiko knew his would have many hidden questions, things laced underneath way more complex than a simple rewriting of time, of his bonds. He couldn't answer any of them the right way, like Misaki had. Determined, and sure, confident of his survival. "Can you make the effort to cultivate those relationships from scratch?"

No. A resounding no. Was it not fucking obvious? Saruhiko wanted to snap at him, but his strength drained instantly, the surging of self doubt and loss was too much, he couldn't do anything.

Did these people not know who he was? How much of a distant reality it would be, for him to do any of that? They seemed to know everything else. It had taken Saruhiko his entire life to accept those bonds and connections he'd made, he'd tried to destroy and crack them more times than he could count. He was distant and reserved, any effort made on his companions' part to get closer to him had completely depended on their own kindness and resolve, none of his. It was purely selfish really, how he'd taken his spot among them all, only giving in and seeing their value when all the hard work had been done, his walls chipped away slowly by each interaction and tender moment. He didn't deserve it, not the first time, so why would he be able to earn it a second? He wasn't so naive as to believe it was possible.

On top of it all, he was bad at connecting, he'd been told several times how unpleasant he was. And though he'd surely return to life a changed person, with new insights and more control, there was no guarantee he could erase what had been ingrained in him completely. Certainly not enough to reach out and put the things he cared about back together. He would have Misaki...and yeah, that in itself was more than he could ask for, and he wanted it so bad, but...

He couldn't leave those fragments of himself behind with people, with Seri and the guys, knowing they had no idea what they'd been to him. It was worse than if they simply passed away; nothing about this grieving process would be natural.

How hilarious, he thought with a rueful smile. All this to get back to them, and I lose them no matter what.

No.

No.

That was the answer.

But what was he supposed to say? Certainly not what he knew deep down. Because if he didn't try to deny his feelings, he wouldn't even get the chance to try to overcome them. The journey would end for him, right then and there, after everything he'd gone through.

Misaki would leave without him. All his connections, truly gone.

Misaki's hand touched his neck, like he was trying to ground Saruhiko as best he could, in support of an answer Saruhiko could not bring himself to utter. He met the touch anyways, though he felt sick, and curled his long fingers around the warm palm, never wanting to let it go.

"Saru..." Misaki's voice was the most patient he'd ever heard it, to disappoint the person behind such an understanding tone...he probably couldn't do that either, not after finding out what they meant to each other.

He wanted to be with Misaki, he wouldn't lose that. Saruhiko looked down at the redhead, eyes undoubtedly clouded with fear he had no desire to acknowledge further. Misaki held it, didn't comment on it other than another gentle squeeze to Saruhiko's hand and neck, and Saruhiko could've buried himself in his arms for eternity, away from all this.

But it wasn't an option.

Saruhiko wouldn't break his gaze on the shorter's face, even as Nagare asked again.

"Fushimi-san, could you give those connections up?"

A spark of sadness flashed in Misaki's eyes, but it was much too late for that.

"Yes."

Misaki smiled at him, encouraging, a silent 'you can do this, it won't be so bad.' Saruhiko couldn't mirror it.

"A good choice, Fushimi-san."

"Right."

And all the while, the voice in his head continued. No, no, no.

[ridiasfangirlings]

What if the Red and Blue clans exchanged kings. Reisi as King of the Red Clan and Mikoto as King of the Blue Clan for one week.^^

I just imagine Munakata walking into Homra probably wearing like some kind of awful leather jacket and being all 'Yolo, fellow barbarians' XD Maybe Kokujouji makes them do this as some kind of learning experience, like maybe you two wouldn't fight as much and cause massive property damage if you walked in each other's shoes for a week. Kusanagi and Awashima are rightfully horrified by this idea but Munakata is intrigued and Mikoto's like whatever fine and so it's decided that they'll switch clans for a single week. Munakata is very interested in seeing how a clan like Homra might function with someone competent in charge (which he makes certain to say right in front of Kusanagi, who twitches slightly and almost breaks the glass he's cleaning). He decides that he must 'blend in with the locals' and so he lets his hair be slightly more ruffled than usual, finds himself a leather jacket and has Doumyouji print him out a helpful list of all the latest slang used among the wilder youth. The Homra alphabet are fairly certain that Munakata doesn't actually know what most of it means, as he greets everyone with 'yolo' and suggests they all go out and do some yeeting amongst the populace. Kusanagi has to explain that Homra doesn't do any paperwork and that Munakata should just relax, Munakata says he is relaxing as he sits there straight and proper in his chair at the bar slowly drinking his drink and basically looking extremely out of place.

The Homra guys are in general not very pleased at having to answer to the Blue King all week, Yata's pretty loudly declaring that Mikoto-san is way better when Munakata smiles serenely and says that Suoh agreed to this and he hopes that they will get along well 'Garasu-kun.' Yata is pretty sure he's being mocked but Munakata's so polite about it that he can't actually pinpoint how he's being mocked and it's pissing him off. Kusanagi just hopes his bar can make it until the end of the week, though he doesn't realize the true danger of the switch until Totsuka shows up asking if anyone wants to help him with his new hobby, creating scale versions of Mt. Fuji out of mashed potatoes. Munakata has immediate interest and soon he and Totsuka are discussing possible clan bonding activities for the week, Kusanagi feels like somehow they've just created a monster.

Meanwhile over at Scepter 4 Mikoto is asleep on Fushimi's desk and Akiyama is trying to keep Fushimi from stabbing the Red King because that would probably be bad (more from a diplomacy standpoint than an actual moral one as Akiyama is not in fact opposed to Fushimi stabbing the Red King, since the first thing Mikoto said when Akiyama politely greeted him that morning was 'Who's this shorty?'). Fushimi is really not happy about this change and not shy about saying so, complaining about why do they have to deal with this irritating person and it's not like Mikoto's going to actually do anything King-like while he's here, it's like they were forced to adopt a lion and can't get rid of him. At some point they manage to run him out of the office by briefly using him as a table to stack documents on, Mikoto eventually gets up and yawns and sends everything flying. Fushimi irritably tells him to go sleep somewhere else and Mikoto just shrugs and lights a cigarette, Akiyama coughs pointedly and points at the 'no smoking' sign on the wall and Mikoto just keeps smoking anyway.

Eventually he gets bored of scaring Munakata's minions and decides to check out Munakata's office, probably finding whatever puzzle Munakata was working on and burning an important piece just for fun (also the puzzle seems to have been of a blown up picture of Fushimi's face so that was kinda creepy). He looks around the office for a while, thinking this is just the kind of place a stuffy guy like Munakata would work in, and then settles himself in the big plush chair for a nice long nap. This time he's awoken by a pointed cough, Mikoto opens one eye and there's Awashima staring down at him and informing him in no uncertain terms that as acting Blue King he is expected to handle the duties that come with that title. Mikoto's all 'eh?' as Awashima sets a giant stack of documents down in front of him, informing him that these all require a signature. Mikoto tries to get out of it by saying she should have Munakata do them when he gets back and Awashima says there is no time for that, and she'll wait while he does it. Mikoto kinda wants to burn her but he's also getting this familiar feeling, like what he's felt before when he accidentally singed the bar and Kusanagi made him clean it up, and he finally sighs and starts writing, thinking that this is definitely a pain.

[ridiasfangirlings]

Say. Intern!Misaki and Saru have to teach Misaki how to work or something ~ Saru always mock at him Everyday Until they realize that they have feelings to each other And they end up confession in the storage room or in front of their workmate Of course Misaru ! I like this position

A nice workplace romance, where Fushimi mocks and teases Yata every day because that's flirting in Fushimi's world. Like say Yata works for a temp agency and he's constantly being sent to work in different offices and jobs, it's hard to keep up but usually the pay at least is pretty good and he can pick up most things just fine. One day though he's sent for a long term job at Scepter 4 Systems, where he's told he needs to do all this computer stuff that is like completely over Yata's head. He sits there as company head Munakata explains his duties and Yata's eyes are just like slowly turning into confused swirlies, he's never heard half these words and it doesn't help that this guy talks so formally. Munakata can see that Yata's getting a bit overwhelmed and tells him not to worry, as Munakata has paired him with the most competent member of his staff in order to make sure Yata is able to keep up with the heavy workflow.

Yata thinks well maybe this won't be so bad then, if he's being paired with the best they have surely that person will understand that Yata's new at this kind of stuff and have patience. All his hopes are dashed when he's brought over to a nerd in glasses sitting at the messiest desk Yata's ever seen, there are empty coffee cans and Caloriemate wrappers everywhere and the guy is typing super fast, eyes fixed on the screen. When Munakata informs Fushimi that he has brought the new recruit for Fushimi to work with Fushimi turns around in his chair and clicks his tongue, irritably asking why he has to get saddled with an idiot newbie. Yata's like hey who are you calling an idiot before catching himself, expecting Munakata to say something about him being unprofessional. Munakata however only smiles and says he is counting on Fushimi and he hopes they work well together, leaving the two of them alone together to get started.

Fushimi immediately turns away and tells Yata not to bother him, Yata's like didn't your boss just say you were supposed to help me you jerk. Fushimi clicks his tongue again and says he doesn't have time to deal with Yata, Yata's like too bad this is part of your job isn't it. Fushimi's irritated that Yata has a point and he's like fine, do this math for me. Yata looks at the paper Fushimi gave him and is just like 'um...', Fushimi gets this twisted smile as he's like oh, is that too much for you....Misaki? Yata realizes too late that he has a nametag on with his full name and he snaps at Fushimi not to call him that, Fushimi says Yata's his junior and so he can call Yata whatever he likes. Yata's like 'oh yeah is that so...Saruhiko,' reading Fushimi's name tag, and Fushimi says he doesn't need a shrimp like Yata using his first name. Munakata walks by as they're arguing and notes that they seem to be getting along quite well already.

So for the next few weeks the two of them are paired together almost constantly and they really hate each other except they don't. Yata starts to realize that even though Fushimi's a jerk he really is amazingly skilled and Yata can't help but be kinda impressed, especially when he learns that Fushimi's actually even younger than Yata is (Yata makes sure to bring this up as much as possible, usually whenever Fushimi calls him short). Yata also learns that Fushimi is great at work but shit at taking care of himself and it's up to Yata to drag Fushimi away from his computer in order to do things like go out for a healthy lunch or leave at a decent time. Yata for his part doesn't learn much of the difficult stuff but turns out to be helpful in other ways, like as it happens S4 is a gaming company and Fushimi is making a skateboarding game which Yata ends up being a model for. Yata also does a lot of the menial tasks that no one else thinks about, he's soon running around the whole building delivering paperwork and messages and supplies and even Fushimi grudgingly admits that maybe Yata's surprisingly reliable kinda.

Of course Yata's time at the company is still supposed to be temporary and as it gets closer to his final work day he notices that Fushimi's being even more of a jerk than usual, like Yata had started to think they'd become friends but now Fushimi's being distant again. Fushimi denies it and says he doesn't care about Yata, Yata doesn't believe him and is worried that once he leaves Fushimi will go back into old unhealthy habits. They finally have this big fight in front of all their colleagues, Fushimi telling Yata that he's useless and Fushimi doesn't need him, so it doesn't matter to Fushimi if Yata leaves and never comes back. Yata yells back that even if he's not working here anymore it doesn't mean he'd just forget about Fushimi entirely and he ends up blurting out that he has a crush on Fushimi and Fushimi's too much of a dumbass to realize it. Fushimi snipes back that he's liked Yata since Yata started and it's only because Misaki is an idiot that he couldn't help liking him. Suddenly Yata's slamming him back against the copy machine as they start making out, meanwhile the rest of Scepter 4's employees are standing around watching like 'so can we make some copies now or...?'

[ridiasfangirlings]

Awwww! The ask about MikoRei parents and tiny SaruMi was adorable! I require more! How does arranging a second play date go? Or later on the kids get to go to each others "houses" (aka Bar Homra and Scepter 4) and everyone gets distracted by the two adorable small children whirlwinding around while their exhausted and sparkling guardians trail behind.

Mikoto probably doesn’t even want to go to the trouble of setting up another play date (plus that sparkly guy annoyed him somehow) but once they get back from the park all tiny Yata will talk about is his new best friend Saruhiko who he’s known for all of two hours. Kusanagi raises an eyebrow and wonders if Yata made a new friend and Totsuka ruffles Yata’s hair and notes that he’s all excited huh. Then Yata adds that Mikoto got the number for Saruhiko’s dad and they can play more, Kusanagi’s surprised that Mikoto actually bothered to do that much and guesses (correctly) that the other kid’s dad must have been pretty pushy about it. It clearly makes Yata happy though and Yata won’t stop asking when Saru’s coming to visit so soon Mikoto has no choice but to invite Fushimi to the bar for a play date. Totsuka and Kusanagi would probably be all amused by this too, like Totsuka wonders what kind of games Yata would like to play with his new friend and Kusanagi asks if there’s anything good Yata wants him to make for them to eat and Yata is just a little ball of energy, so excited that soon he gets to see Saruhiko again.

Munakata and Fushimi show up at the appointed time, imagine tiny shy Fushimi kinda hiding behind Munakata and staring at all these new people but then Yata comes running down the stairs at super speed yelling him name and clearly just thrilled and Fushimi’s immediately like there next to him. The two kids are super cute together, Totsuka can’t resist filming as Yata drags Fushimi around the whole bar showing him everything and then pulls him upstairs so he can see Yata’s awesome room. Kusanagi tries to make small talk with Munakata and mixes him a drink, he figures out pretty quickly why Mikoto found this guy a little tiring. Totsuka on the other hand hits it off way too well with Munakata, especially when he starts suggesting spots for future playdates and even though half of them are ridiculous Munakata pulls out a notebook and starts writing them down. At some point Kusanagi goes to make the kids lunch and Totsuka follows the kids upstairs to film more heartwarming home movies, leaving Munakata sitting beside Mikoto who’s all laid out on the couch smoking because he’s clearly not getting a nap today. Munakata finds it interesting that Mikoto lives in a bar and wonders how suitable it is for children, Mikoto thinks Munakata needs to shut up. Munakata’s totally pleasant and smiling though, even as he pulls out his own cigarette for Mikoto to light as long as the kids are upstairs and out of secondhand smoke range.

After this of course Yata has to visit Fushimi, Munakata feels it would be rude not to invite Yata over to spend time with Fushimi after they were invited to the bar and everything. Of course Munakata’s almost never home and he always takes Fushimi with him to work, which is how Mikoto and Yata end up at Scepter 4. Yata’s all wide-eyed and amazed because he thinks Fushimi lives in a palace, Fushimi’s a little shy as he murmurs that it’s just where Munakata works. Yata wants to see everything and Fushimi gets to give him a tour, they probably run into a few alphabet boys who think it’s totally adorable that Saruhiko-kun made a new friend. Kamo makes them lunch and Doumyouji probably lets them borrow his comic books and Yata can’t believe that Saruhiko has so many cool big brothers (the alphabet boys hear that and get warm and fuzzy feelings because Fushimi’s never called them ‘big brother’ before and you know they would all kinda want him to). Meanwhile Munakata is trying to do work while Mikoto falls asleep on his floor, his couch, his office chair and eventually his desk, in that order. Munakata probably complains about Suoh having to accompany his much more well behaved child and Mikoto smirks like aren’t you the one always lecturing me on being a good parent. Meanwhile Awashima stops in to deliver a report and thinks it’s nice that Captain got to have a playdate for once.

[ridiasfangirlings]

How about a one-shot , where Saruhiko faints one day in scepter 4 and signs of a dangerous disease had shown up * choose any disease u want * because it was a serious thing he was taken to hospital, worried atmosphere ~~

Fushimi comes down with Mysterious Anime Disease, that killer ofcountless anime characters. Oh, or say it turns out he has problemswith his internal organs like Niki and everyone gets even moreconcerned when they learn that’s how his dad died. Like maybeFushimi’s been overworking himself as usual, there’s some big Straincase going on and Fushimi refuses to take a break, totally focused onhis task. Everyone is a little worried for him to the point Awashimahas ordered him twice to go back to his room and rest and each timehe just drags his laptop into the library and starts working again.Finally Munakata himself has to come out of his office and tellFushimi to take a break for a few hours, ordering Akiyama and Benzaito accompany Fushimi to his dorm to make certain he goes there (whilealso confiscating his laptop and PDA). Fushimi clicks his tongue,arguing that he needs to finish the case and that the best way to besure things are done correctly is to do it himself, Munakata gentlypoints out that he is not doubting Fushimi’s abilities, however hefeels they will be able to manage for a few hours while Fushimi getssome well-deserved rest. Fushimi stands, about to argue again, whensuddenly the room starts spinning and he staggers a little. Munakatatakes a step forward and that’s when Fushimi collapses, everyoneimmediately jumps out their chairs in worry as Munakata sweepsFushimi up into his arms and carefully lowers him to the floor. Allattempts at waking Fushimi are in vain and his breathing seemserratic to the point Munakata decides that rather than just send himto the infirmary he has Awashima call for an ambulance to takeFushimi to the hospital instead.

So Fushimi is taken to the hospital still unconscious and as many ofthe squad as can be spared come with him, like the Strain situationis still going on so the entire alphabet squad can’t come. Awashimais put in charge of the mission while Munakata waits at the hospitalwith a couple alphabet boys, waiting to hear Fushimi’s condition. Inthe meantime Awashima contacts Munakata to let him know that thesituation has been resolved and the rest of them are on their way tothe hospital. Shortly after this the doctor comes out and Munakatawalks over to speak with him (Munakata probably had himself listed asFushimi’s medical contact at some point, since when Fushimi joined hewas a minor and it’s not like Kisa cares if he ends up in hospital).While they’re talking Awashima and the others arrive and Munakatawalks over to tell them that it seems Fushimi is showing signs ofsuffering like various diseases of the internal organs, likely due toneglecting his own health. Everyone is super concerned, Munakata getsleave for them to go into Fushimi’s room and everyone gathers aroundpoor unconscious Fushimi holding his hands and smoothing his hair andworrying over him. Hidaka gets a little emotional, upset that theyhaven’t been able to do more to get Fushimi to relax and take care ofhimself and feeling just totally helpless that there’s nothing theycan do for him. Awashima quietly asks Munakata if they know how muchmore time Fushimi has and Munakata just shakes his head, quietlystroking Fushimi’s hand as he says they must do what they can for himin the time they have, using whatever means necessary to save Fushimiif possible. (Oh oh imagine he could be saved through organtransplant and maybe some things can use living donors so thealphabet boys and Munakata and Awashima and everyone are allscrambling to volunteer and Fushimi is so confused, having resignedhimself to dying like his dad and yet here are all the people wholove him trying so hard to save him and make him better.)

[ridiasfangirlings]

If Fushimi could sculpt, what would he create?

Big shapeless lumps of clay XD On the one hand I can see Fushimienjoying sculpting because it would give him something to focus on,like when he’s interested in something Fushimi tends to put hisentire attention on it to the detriment of everything else and Icould totally see him starting to work on a sculpture and juststanding there for hours molding clay, trying to get it perfect andif anyone comes to bring him food or get him to go get some actualsleep Fushimi doesn’t even realize that they’re in the room. On theother I tend to think he’s not very good at artistic pursuits,Fushimi’s always struck me as someone who is more analytical thanartistic and doesn’t care for hobbies that don’t have a ‘right’answer (like even coding for example, when you get the code to workthe way you want it to that’s the correct answer and means it’s beendone right, art there’s a whole range of right answers because evenif the thing you’re making doesn’t look true to life there’s thequestion of was that what you were going for is it abstract and it’sstill all in the eye of the beholder at the end of the day). I feellike if someone gave him some clay and told him to sculpt he wouldn’thave any idea what to make, he’d just stand there staring at it andthen maybe eventually make something random like a sculpture of theoffice supplies someone left sitting in the corner because he can’tthink of anything else. I feel like if Fushimi was trying to sculptjust to pass the time he’d either end up making whatever it is helays eyes on first (like if someone left their uniform hanging over achair and his eye is drawn to it that’s what he makes) or he’d makereally abstract things, like a bunch of geometric shapes meshedtogether or something that looks like a puzzle almost, like somethingthat he can mentally plot out in his mind and then when he’s done hethinks it looks stupid and doesn’t understand why Munakata insists ontaking his sculptures and displaying them in his office.