#ekuto

[officersnickers]

Smells like teen spirit someone got hurt by the institution but not their faith 🤔

[ladylovelylemons]

I’ve been reading Make the Exorcist Fall in Love, and as a Christian myself, my feelings are mixed. We’ll see where this goes.

Anyway, I wanted to talk about a moment in the first chapter that I think highlights the main character’s character. Mr. Priest rips out his eye because he “looked at a woman lustfully”. This is because of a Bible verse that basically says “If looking at a woman causes you to sin, rip your eye out”. The thing is that Mr. Priest here is largely missing the point. If people were to pluck their eyes out every time they had lustful thoughts, there’d be no more eyes. The point is that it doesn’t matter how hard you try, doesn’t matter how “pure” you are, you will fall to lust, and to every other sin. You can never atone properly. This is more poignant that the person who’s saying this, Jesus Christ, is the one who forgives sin and does our atonement for us.

Anyhow, long ramblings aside, this highlights one of the problems that Mr. Priest has. He’s under the impression that he has to be perfect, without sin. But the thing is that by being human, he’s sinful by nature. His deeds cannot save him. It’s a sort of pride he has that makes him very hard on himself.

[qzaneq]

2024/05/14

Hazbin Hotel｜Husk

Photo by EKUTO

[sinners-of-twerksokyo]

Not-so-Whoops! I sent Ayaya a five minute vid of me furiously jerking off to her~~

art: akure ekuto

"Hehe good boy~ here is a reward~" Aya sent back a video of her flaunting that fat ass of hers, twerking and making clap, this video seems to be 10 minutes long

[palettepainter]

Similar

One of the suggested story requests I got was a more indepth idea on how Higari and Chrome became friends/if they ever became friends. They do become friends, but only after Chrome realises the two might not be so different

If you guys have any story requests send them over to my inbox and I may do them! 

Important note: Chrome is trans male, this story takes place in Middle School before they transition, so for this story they will be referred to as female pronouns. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chrome sat utterly bored at their lunch table, picking at their food with their chopsticks. Head in hand she let out a long sigh, disinterested in trying to start conversation with anybody around her.The school day thus far had been particularly dull, made worse by the fact Ekuto - their only real friend - was off sick.

Chrome let out another long sigh, slumping in their seat. What was the point of lunch if you didn’t have anyone to enjoy it with?? She had been confused when she had approached her and Ecto’s lunch table in the corner of the room to not find the bookworm there. He was always at the table before her. 

She had brushed it off as she took her seat, maybe he had gone to the bathroom, or was on his way there. However it wasn’t until she remembered that yesterday Ekuto had mentioned he hadn’t been feeling the greatest and had even offered Chrome the remains of his lunch - and based on how she didn’t see him at the tables with his classmates, or in the que for food, she could only guess he was off ill

Chrome pushed themselves up from their chair lazily, picked up their saxophone case and bag, and made their way to exit the lunchall. 

When passing a table of girls from her class Chrome quickened her pace, gaze fixated on the floor. Last thing she needed was to be judged under their unwelcome stares or worse, them trying to talk to her. Hurrying out of the lunch hall Chrome’s quickened pace slowed, feeling more at ease. The school grounds were speckled with other students who had already finished their lunches, with the sunny weather to boot many had made themselves comfortable on any space of grass on the grounds. 

With no one to talk to Chrome shuffled awkwardly on her feet, glancing at all the other students socialising or at the large crowds gathered around the basketball court. Why did Ekuto have to get sick??

Chrome turned, walking away from the crowd and making her way down the path along the side of the building, towards a part of the school she visited often, being her general hang out spot before she had met Ekuto. Though she would have openly preferred to spend time with him rather than alone.

Chrome reached the back of the school building, an area which was untouched by the other students, being too dark and dingy that the majority of people didn’t even give the location a second thought. The upperclassmen would sometimes gather in small groups round there, but with how lovely the heat was Chrome guessed that most were out enjoying the weather while it lasted.

Chrome sat down in the shade of the school building, already feeling sweaty in her stupid uniform. 

“I hate the sun.” she grumbled 

She reached for her saxophone case, moving it infront of her while she crossed her legs to be more comfortable - you could only get so comfortable when your mandatory school socks were tickling your legs, but Chrome tried anyway. With ease she clicked open the locks on her case, carefully pulling out the golden instrument inside 

“Lets see..” Chrome zipped open her bag and pulled out her spiral notebook, turning towards the back pages where neat music notes had been composed on the pages in pencil. Chrome adjusted her sitting position once more, balancing the end of her saxophone on her legs, then did a quick glance up and down the building to check for eavesdroppers 

“Hm..Alright then” Chrome traced her finger along the starting line of music, carefully playing the notes - they were hesitant and a little stiff, tumbling out from her instrument instead of flowing like she had pictured in her head. Disappointed but not discouraged Chrome turned again to her notebook to quickly glance to the second line of notes - once again, she played them, only sounding a bit better then the previous ones as Chrome knew how to play those particular notes better.

Chrome continued, each line of notes she played she became more and more relaxed, music truly was her comfort. Shame she didn’t have an audience to share this piece with, she hoped one day she’d have the confidence to show it off. Thinking about it, Chrome felt a bout of nerves crawl up her spine “Ugh” Chrome shook her head, hurriedly picking up her music where she had left off on the sheet 

“No, that doesn’t sound right” Chrome re-read a section of her music, one note sounding out of place. She reached for her school bag to find her pencil case so she could  make a note in the margin on the page- 

But she stopped short when she caught a face staring at her from behind the wall 

“Hey!” she yelled out, embarrassed at being caught

“Uh!-” the face darted back behind the wall and out of sight, but Chrome’s glare didn’t fall “I already saw you” she called out, standing up from her spot against the wall. Chrome waited for the intruder of her peace and quiet to show themselves, icy glare locked onto the wall, her face burned just as furiously from embarrassment. Tired of waiting, irritated she’d been interrupted, and above all flustered Chrome began to edge her way towards the wall, brows gathered like angry thunder heads-

Only to be met with a familiar face that poked out from their hiding spot 

Chrome couldn’t mistake that ginger mess of a mane or that lopsided tie around their neck, looked like it was going to fall off any moment. Chrome blinked steely grey eyes down at the smaller boy who shuffled into view 

“Sorry for interrupting..” he lowered his head, as if to sheepishly appear smaller then he already was. Thankfully, Chrome didn’t look too annoyed - simply staring down at him with an odd look of surprise - before her eyes gradually narrowed “What are you doing here?” 

Higari flinched at the sharpness in her tone, her straightforwardness something he could only dream of having. His hand reached up to nervously toy and tug with a lock of his hair, not realising until it caused bits of his fringe to fall over his face “Uh-” he stuttered, Chrome rose her brow 

“You’re the guy Ekuto’s been hanging around with right?” she asked 

Ekuto had introduced them - well, more accurately Chrome found them hanging out one day, so Ekuto took the chance to encourage introductions between them - but aside from his name and that he was on the support course Chrome really didn’t know anything about him. Especially why he’d be watching her play 

Despite the question not being mean, Higari still felt a wave of nerves was over him, he scuffed his foot on the floor as he shuffled back an inch away from the taller girl “Uh, well..yeah” Higari mumbled, as if nervous to admit the truth. He looked off to the side, not having the courage to hold eye contact-

“Wait” Chrome suddenly broke the silence as her expression went blank. Higari, concerned, looked up to her, he could hear the gears turning in her head as her expression slowly narrowed once again “How did you know I was here?..” she asked 

Higari stopped, he seemed frozen in place like a deer in headlights. Chrome rose a brow - she watched as Higari struggled for words, avoiding eye contact. It was like he was nervous to admit something “”W-Well..” Higari shyly started, hand rubbing his neck “I noticed that Ekuto wasn’t in today, a-at least I think, I saw you sitting alone in the lunch hall and-”

Chrome bristled “You were..spying on me?!”

“W-What?!” Higari wildly waved his hands in obvious panic, eyes widening under his fringe. I mean, he could understand how she got to that conclusion, but she made it sound outright villanious! “N-No no!..Well…uh, I wasn’t spying exactly I just, well..h-happened to see you in the corner and-” Higar felt himself shrink when Chrome’s stare became icy, snorting through her nose like a bull “A-And I swear it wasn’t staring for long! I-I just saw you and then you left the hall so- uh”

“So, you didn’t just spy on me, you also stalked me?” Chrome tone had a sharpness to it that made Higari pull his body back a significant distance from her. “Uh, well, I..I didn’t..uhm” Higari jumped too and from words like a startled rabbit, not knowing what to say to possibly defend himself from her wrath. 

“I-I was just…w-wondering if..uh- wondering it..maybe” Chrome gave him a blank face, brow slowly raising. Higari didn’t know if she was just too angry to talk or if she was pitying him with silence to gather himself. He gulped “M-Maybe we…could…c-could hang..out?”

Chrome’s eyes widened with a blink, her frown dropping, mouth falling into a thin line as the words replayed in her head. Higari waited with bated breath, frozen to the spot even as Chrome turned to him with a suspicious look “...You want to hang out” she repeated “...With me?”

More than enough time passed for Chrome to continue speaking, which meant she must have been waiting for Higari to confirm what she had heard. With a nervous glance to his side Higari gave a tiny nod. Chrome blinked again “..Why would you want to hang out with me?” her suspicion made way for confusion as she tilted her head to the side “Don’t you have any friends in your class??”

Higari visibly flinched “....Not..really” Higari said under his breath, it was a miracle Chrome even heard him. Chrome’s face was painted with more confusion and surprise. Higari pressed on, another sense of panic washing over him and urging him to speak “I- I just thought, well, you’re friends with Ektuo and since he’s not in school today, maybe we could..you know-” Higari gave a nervous smile and, with effort, forced himself to make eye contact “-maybe get to know each other a little better?”

Chrome took a step back, finally giving Higari some space, and huffed “Well…thanks but, I don’t really-” Chrome stopped mid way through her sentence when she caught the sad slump in Higari’s shoulers, he looked utterly defeated. Chrome made a noise of discomfort, struggling between finishing her sentence or rewording it to lessen the blow 

She sighed “....You can hang out with me”

Higari’s face, riddled with surprise and joy, whirled up to Chrome. Chrome had already turned around however and began making her way back towards her music case. She resumed her spot sitting by the wall, then patted the ground besides her encouraging Higari to follow “Well don’t just stand there, you’ll creep me out” Higari stuttered an ‘Uh-‘ before rushing over, afraid if he didn’t he wouldn’t get the chance to again. He sat with his knees tucked to his chest and hands wrapped around his legs, peering through the corner of his eye as Chrome unhurriedly began to pack away her saxophone.

“You’re not going to keep playing?..” Higari piped up shyly, wondering if asking would be rude. Chrome paused for a moment just before she was about to close the lid of her case - she shook her head “I don’t really play my instrument in front of many people outside of class” Not sensing any hostility Higari shuffled round to face her better “And I’m not that good at it yet”

“I thought it sounded pretty good” 

Chrome’s face suddenly burst pink at being reminded that Higrai would have in fact heard her playing if he had been standing at the end of the wall the whole time. “Ngh” she tugged at her hair to try and hide her face, knowing well that the colour in her cheeks stuck out like a sore thumb against her pale skin. “What’s the name?..Uh, of the song I mean, that you were playing”

Chrome shyly peeked at Higari, then just as quickly looked away “Uhm, you don’t have to answer if you don’t wanna..” Higari added, sensing he’d made her uncomfortable 

Chrome hummed, her fingers toying with her hair like it was a stress toy “It’s..uh, it doesn’t have a name” Chrome mumbled, tone thick with nerves “Yet” Chrome fought against herself to sound cool and calm, but her dreaded body language spoke differently. She’d never told anyone before that she wrote her own music - aside from Ekuto, who she told most things too 

“You write your own music?” Chrome mumbled “I..guess so” she admitted with a shrug, foot boredy moving left and right. “It’s nothing spectacular, it’s just a hobby of mine” at least that’s what she thought, her efforts weren’t anywhere near close to what could be considered a song. “I think that’s impressive”

Chrome sat up at once and turned to Higari in surprise “I-I mean-” Higari lifted his hands, clicking the ends of his metal tipped fingers together “I know I couldn’t, not with these clunky fingers..” Chrome continued to stare, she was caught off guard by his honesty. It must have been evident on her face because Higari was soon raising a brow at her “Do you not share your music with other people?” he asked. 

No, cuz I don’t have anyone to share it with. 

Chrome’s silence must have spoken plenty, her body tensed uncomfortably at the question, turning her head to the side to avoid looking at him, as if pretending he wasn’t there. Higari crossed his arms on top of his knees and rested his chin on his right elbow, staring off in the opposite direction to Chrome.

“..I don’t have many friends either..” Higari said

Briefly, Chrome looked at him, then looked away “I have friends..” Chrome tried to weakly argue back, not wanting to admit she was in fact a bit of a loner without Ekuto around, the one she could truly call a friend. Higari hummed back, acknowledged her answer but Chrome had no clue how much he believed it. If she was in Higari’s shoes, she wouldn’t have believed her. 

It was comforting, in a strange way, to know someone else was in the same boat as you. Maybe that’s why Chrome didn’t pretend to ignore Higari’s next question 

“..Do you hang out here often?” 

“Not much anymore” Chrome admitted. “I often hang out with Ekuto at lunch but..” but he wasn’t here, and it made Chrome realise just how lonely she was. How dependent on Ekuto she had become, was it childish? Yeah, maybe a little. Did Chrome still wish Ekuto was at school today? Yes

“Oh..” Higari unfolded his arm and began to trace slow, bored circles with his finger on the ground “I sometimes hang out under the bleachers, it’s nice and shaded there, no one really comes over to bother me” Chrome felt herself frowning and relating to his struggle, the bleachers where often filthy because some of the students at the school could never remember to put their rubbish in the bins, and it always has suspicious cigarette buds laying half mashed into the dirt round back. It wasn’t the type of place Chrome would like to have as a refuge 

Chrome chewed her gum, she felt like she should say something but she didn’t know what (Ekuto had always been better with this stuff). What would she like to hear if Higari wanted to comfort her?? What would Ekuto say?? 

“..Higari-”

BRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGG

The two jumped in unison at the sound of the school bell ripping through the air, signalling the end of lunch and the start of sixth period. Crap, had time been flying that quickly?? After the shock Chrome scrambled to close her music case and shove her notebook into her bag. Her next class was all the way at the front of the school and she didn’t plan on being late. “I gotta go!”

Higari was so quick to stand he almost tripped over his own feet, maybe that’s because the tie job on the laces was not impressive “Me too!” Before rushing off Chrome yelled a quick goodbye over her shoulder, no idea if Higari had heard, he was already ahead of her and rushing off in the opposite direction. She hoped he got to class on time 

//Next day: Lunch Period//

Higari shuffled out of class, somehow managing to not get shoved over by his more boisterous, louder classmates. Even now with the halls mostly empty Higari stuck close to the wall like he was trying to take up as little space as possible while he made his way towards the lunch hall, where it seemed everyone else had already gathered in groups of pairs of more around tables, at tables and in the que for food. 

As usual, the line was long and the tables were all crowded, he’d have to awkwardly sit with people he didn’t know, praying they wouldn’t notice him as he would quietly eat his food. He sighed, and began to slowly trudge his way to the end of the line-

“Higari!” Like usual when his name would be called out, he bristled, turning to the owner who was already a decent way up the line. Chrome leaned out from the line, holding her space with her foot as she waved Higari over. “Over here!”

Higari looked left and right, as if to double check she was talking to him. “Hey” Chrome repeated, voice a little lower now that she had Higari’s attention. “The lines moving, are you coming over here or not?” Higari couldn’t speak, too surprised to think of something to say, so instead he rushed over and shuffled into the space in front of Chrome in the line. Higari’s body was uncomfortably stiff for the entire period the two were standing in line, why had Chrome saved him a spot in line?? Even when the two had reached the end of the line food trays in hand Chrome walked with a calm, unreadable expression, following after Higari towards the tables 

Higari stopped short and took a moment to scope out the area, trying to spot an empty seat or a table that had fewer students swarming it. Realising Higari had stopped, Chrome came to a halt and turned around “..You coming?” 

Higari blinked at her “Huh?”

“To go sit down?” she asked, passing a look towards the lunch tables, she thought that would have been obvious. Higari shrank back, inching away from the social scene “Well..I was just looking for a seat, and..uh” Higari did another quick scan of the lunch hall, disappointed when he again didn’t find any available seats “There aren’t many available-”

Chrome sighed “Don’t be dumb”

Higari blinked again “W-What?”

Chrome began walking again “You can sit with me”

“W-What?!” Higari hurried after her, not wanting to loose her in the crowds as Chrome made her way across the hall to a table at the back - with a quick glance towards the crowd already at the table, Higari spotted a few people sitting with music cases at their feet and another two with PE bags. The two sporty people in particular made Higari anxious, but Chrome continued walking, sitting herself down at the other end of the table. 

“...Well don’t just stand there” Chrome sat, gesturing towards the seat in between opening her water bottle. Higari waited for her to continue, for any kind of explanation for her sudden show of kindness. It didn’t come, Chrome simply began to eat their lunch while they waited for Higari to seat themselves.

Eventually, Higari began to edge his way closer, carefully pulling out his chair and sitting himself down with his tray of food. The two sporty students, which now that Higari was a bit closer looked to be a bit older - might even be upperclassmen - glanced over to them. Even though their stares were not malicious, Higari turned in the opposite direction to try and hide from view 

He was surprised when Chrome shot them a sharp stare back, only looking away when the two unfamiliar guys turned back to their own food.

“...Your foods gonna get cold” Chrome said when Higari stared at her for longer than a minute, shovelling a helping of her casserole into her mouth. Higari, embarrassed, clumsily ate a mouthful of casserole, trying to make sure he didn’t spill any off his plate. Higari still had no idea why Chrome was suddenly being so nice and approachable all of a sudden, was she just pitying him?? Should he just ask?? If she was in a better mood, who knows, she might answer. “...Uh, n-not that I’m ungrateful but” 

Chrome hummed and peered up to him, waiting for him to finish “..Why are you doing all this for me?”

Chrome chewed slowly at her food to collect her thoughts, her brows creasing. She swallowed, looking back up to Higrai as she spoke “”Well..I guess I wanted to say, uh..sorry” she poked at a piece of beef on her plate, moving it about in the gravy “I might have come off a bit more hostile than I meant too..so, sorry about that” Chrome wasn’t one who found apologising easy, Higari seemed to acknowledge that and didn't interrupt her

“And well..I figured since we’re both friends with Ekuto and, since he’s not here, maybe we could just” Chrome made a weird gesture with her hands, before pointing towards them both “Keep each other company till he gets back..”

Higari didn’t emote for a moment, but when he did, the grin he had on his face was so wide and sudden that Chrome was taken a back “You mean you..wanna be friends with me?”

Chrome’s face became hot, and with a snort she looked back down to her food, trying to distract herself. Higari should have connected the dots, why else would she offer for him to sit with her instead of alone?? Higari still continued to smile, and Chrome realised she was going to have to say it. She grumbled “...Yeah” she answered simply

Higari opened his mouth to speak-

“But this doesn’t mean I’m going to play my music for you” Chrome said while pointing her finger at him 

Higari laughed, it was the first time Chrome had heard him make a sound so joyous - but Chrome didn’t mind, the smile on his face looked better than a frown “Okay”

[officersnickers]

🎶SOMEONE GOT HIS HEART BROKEN AND ISN'T OVER IT ~🎶

[officersnickers]

Verge around Dante: 🙄😒😩🤢😈🧙

Verge around Mr.Priest: 😉🫡🙃😱🎳🍞

[qzaneq]

2024/05/14

Hazbin Hotel Angel：EIRI Husk：ZANE

Photo by EKUTO

[palettepainter]

Part of the family

Idk what Ecto’s birth name is so I’m going to have his parents/other characters refer to Ecto as Ekuto. It translates to ecto in Japanese, real creative but I’ll use it as his birth name till we get a cannon one confirmed

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Higari scratched at the collar of his shirt, and then tugged uncomfortably at the waist of his trousers

“I’m really not used to wearing this monkey suit..” he said mostly to himself, looking down at his blazer he’d dusted off from his cupboard. Higari only owned one formal suit, and only ever wore it on rare occasions. Even after spending so many years teaching at UA and attending so many events or interviews, he’d never gotten used to all this fancy shmancy stuff.

“Well you look very handsome in one~” Ecto stood near by in the hotel room comparing bow ties, one hand on his hip and other on his chin. He too was also in a suit, the two both dressed up for a night out at a formal party event. The two had been invited as guests to a charity event by Ecto’s parents, who where two key supports of said event. Really they where attending as undercover security, so obviously they had to fit the part

Higari peered over to his husband, gave him a cheeky glance up and down before walking over. “You don’t look half bad yourself” he said with a lazed smirk, hand snaking it’s way over and around Ecto’s hips. Ecto hummed again him, raising one brow before he lifted up a red bow. “Hm..how about this one?” He asked

Higari shrugged “You know suits better then me, not like I got any clue which bow goes with what dress shirt”

“Oh stop it” Ectoplasm said, kneeling down to help tie the bow in place. With Higari’s altered finger tips it made things like tying bows all the more challenging, thankfully Ecto was skilled in the art and had the bow on Higari in a matter of seconds “You look wonderful!” he straightened out his blazer, and for good measure, nuzzled his nose on Higari’s forehead in the form of a kiss “Besides, it’s only for a few hours. When we get back you can change into something more comfortable”

“Or waddle around naked” Higari suggested, waiting eagerly to see Ecto’s reaction. Knowing it was oh so easy to get Ecto flustered

Ecto hummed, as if pretending to think it over, managing to remain calm before the corner of his mouth crinkled up into a smile “Hm..maybe~” Higari’s trade mark grin spread across his face with a giggle. Ecto tried to keep cool even if the face of his husbands adorable little laugh “But lets save that for after the party. I don’t want you causing mischief”

Higari hummed, humoured, sensing a challenge. Expertly he sauntered his way over and looped his arms around Ecto from behind, pressing his face into the small of Ecto’s back “Hm, are you calling me a bad boy?~”

Ecto turned as best he could to peer down at Higari, his brow cocked in amusement at his antics, struggling to keep a neutral tone despite how flustered he was actually feeling from Higari’s flirting - the sneaky mink “I won’t hesitate to put you in your place if that’s what you’re implying”

Ecto could tell Higari had one of those smiles on his face, but before Higari could say anymore Ecto pried his arms off him. Higari let out a small whine, disappointed the fun was over “However, we do have a charity event to get to” he said while releasing Higari’s hands, pulling on his blazer that he hung on the chair. Higari crossed his arms, hiding a pout behind his fringe “Mn, yeah I guess so..”

“Don’t whine” Ecto said, mocking a tone a mother would use with a child. “..It won’t be that bad” he reassured while looking himself over in the small mirror by the cupboard “They’ll be food and drinks, and all we have to do is mingle and be prepared if something calls for us to step in”

“Mm, yeah I guess” Higari said

He joined Ecto over at the door before the two walked out together into the hall. Higari had been to a few arguably fancy events, the fanciest it ever got at UA where interviews with the press outside UA grounds, or the UA prom for the third years, that was about it. Don’t get him wrong, Higari still preferred a pair of joggers to a suit and bow, but alas he’d signed up for this when he became a teacher at UA. As much as he didn’t like formal events, too crowded for his liking, they had to set a good example for UA

And going to a formal event with Ecto made it bearable.

Upon arriving at the venue the first thing he noticed was how bright everything was, didn’t help his sensitive eye sight. He tried to not let it bother him as he and Ecto stepped out of their car and made their way inside to a large main room where all the guests where gathered. Thank god Ecto was tall, at the very least he could navigate this maze, Higari couldn’t see over the top of all the other guests even if he tried! After checking in with the rest of the security and into the main hall Ecto grabbed for Higari’s hand

“Lets go and wait over at the side” Ecto said, already making his way through the crowd with Higari on his tail towards the side of the room, where the two where somehow able to find an unoccupied table in the sea of people. “Didn’t think it’d be this busy” Higari said while observing the room, he couldn’t help but feel a little weird - being in such a decorated room with all these fancy rich people.

“Me too” Ecto said, returning to the table with two wine glasses. “Regardless, we should try and enjoy ourselves” he handed Higari a glass, which he accepted with a small nod of thanks. He swigged it down in a swift gulp, Ecto blinked, taken a back. “Careful there..” he teased, drinking lightly from his own glass. “Sorry Ecto” Higari said, placing his glass back down onto the table “Big events like this always make me nervous..” he admitted, if it was anyone else other then Ecto he wouldn’t have shared such a personal fear

“It’s alright, just remember it’s only for a few hours. And if nothing goes wrong we may be allowed to leave early”

Higari hummed in reply, one hand tapping on the table while he idly glanced about the room, trying to see if their was anything else in here other then a crowd of bustling people. With his hair brushed aside it made seeing things a bit more easier, which is why it didn’t take him long to recognise an approaching face in the crowd.

“Angel!” Mrs. Kurōn, Ecto’s mother, happily emerged from the crowd and rushed over as quickly as she could towards the table, Ecto already standing from his chair to greet her. “Oh I’m so happy you two could make it!” She said, greeting Ecto with a quick hug before she looked to Higari “It’s so nice to see some familiar family faces! - and Higari, it’s lovely to see you could make it too dear!”

“Evening Mrs. Kurōn” Higari said, waving his hand. Despite having already met Ecto’s parents he was still a little shy around them, maybe it was added nervousness of the fancy party making him feel particular shy, he wasn’t sure.

“Where’s dad?” Ecto asked, looking around to try and identify his other parent “I haven’t see him yet, he’s not with you?”

“Your father is catching up with some old work colleagues” Mrs. Kurōn answered while she straighten out Ecto’s tie, smiling at the dorky spotty pattern he’d chosen. “I doubt he’ll be too long” she said “He’s a social butterfly, I’m sure you’ll bump into him at some point - you remember Mister Zeikin?”

Ecto thought for a moment before his eyes widened with realisation “Yes I remember, didnt dad say he was one of his old team members before you and him married? He came round for dinner a few times”

His mother nodded “Yes he was, he’s the one who helped organise the decorating for this event. Oh! And you remember Megumi? She’s here too!”

“Megumi?..” Ecto repeated, thinking once again before he smiled “I haven’t seen her since..god it must have been at our prom party at UA” he said, my how time flied. Higari looked to and from between them, not understanding who they where talking about but obviously seeing that Ecto must have clearly known of them “Seems like centuries ago doesn’t it? I still have those prom photos laying about somewhere at home” Mrs. Kurōn suddenly gasped, and put a hand on Ecto’s shoulder “Why don’t we go over and see them? You two where good friends back at UA, I’m sure she’d be very surprised to see you again!”

“Hm..well, mum-“ Ecto looked back towards Higari, who sensing Ecto’s worries raised his hand “Don’t worry about me, you can leave me alone for ten minutes” Higari smiled and gestured away “Go mingle, tell Mr. Kurōn I said hi”

“Are you sure?” Ecto repeated, clearly not convinced. “You could always come with us” Higari again simply repeated his gesture “I’ll be fine! I’m a grown man, don’t worry. Sides-“ he shrugged “I don’t her, I wouldn’t know what to say. I’d just be awkward”

“Hm..” Ecto threw a glance over his shoulder to the crowd and then to his mother, who smiled wider. He hummed again “..Well” his worry melted away, a relieved smile coming to his face “Alright then!” He turned around, his mother leading the way “I won’t be long!” He called to Higari just as they got swept up into the crowd. Higari waved goodbye until Ecto and Mrs. Kurōn was out of sight, guess it was just him now.

Thirty minutes passed, and Higari restrained himself from glancing down to his watch again.

“Hm..Ecto’s been gone a while” he said to the empty table, one hand holding his face while the other fiddled with the salad fork. Busying himself with tinkering away at one of his inventions was off the table with the current location he was in, he figured it wouldn’t be very ‘proper’ of him to suddenly start rebuilding a toaster in front of all these guests. Not like he needed to give them a reason to stare. “Maybe I’ll see what there is to eat” he suggested, sliding off his chair as he tried to locate the food table.

These kinds of parties always had the weirdest foods, and always in such small servings, Higari could never wrap his head around it. He’d hoped there’d be something at this food table that would satisfy his hunger until they could back to the hotel room, where he’d already decided he’d order the most greasiest take out junk food if this party food ended up being like all the rest. Reaching the table he was glad he kept his expectations low, as expected all the food was tiny, bowls of expertly prepared salads, a board full to the brim with cheeses, beautiful made sushi pieces, rice cakes - nothing he hadn’t seen before at fancy events.

Thinking it was better then nothing he picked up a plate and two rice cakes “Guess this’ll do” he muttered, and tried to make his way back towards his table...key word being try. Trying to navigate his way back from point B to A was harder then he thought, finding a needle in a hay stack seemed easier then this! With a snort he gave up on his mission, and instead made himself comfy on one of the balconies overlooking the venues garden, which was also lighted and decorated appropriately to match with the main hall.

He picked up a rice cake and munched into it, blinking slowly - god this was boring. At this rate he was starting to wish something would happen that required security to step in, at least that would give him something to do..

“Excuse me?”

Higari hummed, mouth full of rice cake as he turned to the owner of a voice. A fairly sizeable man stood at the entrance back inside the building, his shirt looked just a bit too tight over the skin of his stomach, his eyes looked at Higari with a somewhat studying look. It made Higari feel fidgety. He quickly swallowed his mouthful, trying to discreetly wipe his mouth to get rid of any rice that stuck onto his face “Uh, did you need something?” He asked, turning back up to the man who approached with a hum

“By chance are you..Higari?”

Higari rose a suspicious brow under his hair but tried to keep his suspicion hidden “Yes” he answered. The man stood next to Higari with a look he couldn’t place his finger on, there was something about it he didn’t like. It made a sickly familiar feeling of worry present inside him. His lips where pulled back into a smile, at least, Higari thought it was a smile - despite how it gave him the unfortunate impression that it was forced “Hm, my I didn’t think I’d get to see the man himself..” the man peered down at Higari for a long moment, as though he was a specimen under a microscope, it made Higari shudder

“I’m sorry, but I don’t think I know you..”

“I’m Mister Zeikin” the man seemed to puff out his chest, as if to symbolise his importance or his name was a grand title. Zeikin? That name sounded familiar “Hm..Oh yeah” Higari nodded lightly “Ecto’s m-Uh..Mrs Kurōn told me you where talking with her husband” the man nodded, turning his gaze to the horizon, one hand lightly swirling the wine in his glass. “Hm yes yes, my dear friend Akarui, known to you as Mr Kurōn, mentioned you when his wife and son came over.” He took an unhurried sip of his drink, eyes admiring his glass once he was finished “And I just had to see if his words held true”

Higari still didn’t understand, but the man was soon turning back to look at him before he could remain confused for much longer “Well done, Higari. You truly are a fascinating man” he praised warmly “So very charming from what I hear of, and sweeping Ekuto off his feet. Lucky him indeed”

Higari felt surprisingly flattered at the praise, growing sheepish at this flood of compliments. He awkwardly rubbed at his neck, smiling regardless “...Well, thank you.”

“But of course!” Zeikin pressed “Its astonishingly brave that you can be so open with displaying such affections..” His gaze slowly returned to Higari, his eyes lingering on him, a glint in his eye. “...Well, all things considered”

Higari bristled, though the man was still smiling, Higari felt attacked at the way he’d worded his sentence. His eyes narrowed “..Whats that supposed to mean?” He asked, leaning his head back to peer up at him.

Zeikin took another slow sip from his drink, smooth and slow as though Higari’s suspicion wasn’t noticeable. He had an air of confidence around him, as he turned back down to Higari “My fine fellow I mean no ill will. I’m sure you are a very...adorable lover” he offered politely “I just can’t help but think about the insecurities that come with the role”

“...Insecurities??” Higari blinked, his cheeks heating up “Theres nothing about our relationship that-“

“You’re from country aren’t you?” That cursed smile finally dropped, his tone all of a sudden flat “It leads a man to wonder just how it is Akarui’s son ever settled for..” Higari didn’t like the look he was giving him, regarding him with the same interest someone may give a piece of gum on the sidewalk “..someone so inferior”

“I...” Higari tried to bite back his temper, he’d hate himself if he lost his temper at an event that was so important to Ecto’s parents. He’d never forgive himself. He tried to take a calming breath, tried to think of happy things, but his insecurities - insecurities this man had targeted - they began to mock him, making his anger rise more. “That’s not any of your business sir” Higari tried to say without growling

“Ah, but it is” the man insisted with detached happiness, as though he was talking with a child. Higari stiffened “You see, Akarui and his family are dearly close to me, despite his.. imbecility” he casted a side ways scowl off into the distance “I would simply hate for something to taint their families image. Wouldn’t you agree?” He looked back down to Higari, who remained frozen, not seeming able to move, his legs not responding to his mind telling him to just walk away. Turn around and walk away! But he couldn’t, he felt offended, how dare he even think Ecto would view him that way!

Ecto would never!...r-right?..

“Ecto would never think of me that way” Higari was now furious, and it was becoming increasingly hard to keep his cool

“Oh well of course he wouldn’t” Zeikin held up his hand, trying to appear passive, and fixing Higari with a look that dropped with artificial sympathy “The dear Kurōn family are far too polite to ever show such disbain openly.”

“...I don’t know what you’re talkin’ about” Higari managed to conjure words despite still being paralysed, face hot, eyes shiny. “They wouldn’t-..” he corrected himself “Don’t think of me that way”

“Hm, perhaps” Zeikin nodded, peering skyward, not meeting Higari’s eyes. “Perhaps I am wrong, perhaps my years of knowledge through being their work colleague and associate do not mean a thing at all to you, perhaps the idea they may look at you differently is so foreign to you. You play the role very well, I commend you!” He gestured towards Higari with a titled head “Dressing up in that fancy suit, attending a formal gathering such as this, all for an attempt to fit in with a crowd not meant to house someone of your background. Yet, you try anyway. How very brave of you”

Higari’s throat suddenly felt tight, eyes stinging as tears swelled in the corners “Are you...mocking me?” His voice was shaky, something fragile behind the front he tried to put up.

“Heavens no” he looked offended at Higari’s weak question, scoffing “Conformity happens with everyone, I just find...amusement in your particular case.” He smiled, teeth an all, eyes narrowed cruelly at Higari, who looked timid. “To think you ever thought someone like you would ever be accepted.”

Higari stumbled back a foot, breathing going funny as he desperately tried to think of a response-

“I do hope we aren’t interrupting anything important.”

Higari startled, almost falling over his own feet. Behind him, standing less then three feet away was Akarui, Ectoplasms father. Brows creased like gathering thunder heads, mouth pressed into a thin frown with his arms crossed, not looking impressed. Behind him just off of the balcony, just looking to have caught up, was Ecto and Mrs Kurōn. At the sight of Ecto Higari flinched, curling up and looking away. Akarui’s look softened, concerned, before he fixed the business man across from his with a withering glare.

“I do hope you have a good explanation for this, Zeikin.” His eyes narrowed “For your sake.”

The man looked to do a double take, blinking “Ah, Akarui” his calm facade still held, but it was obvious the man standing behind Higari was not falling for it, cocking a bold brow. “So..wonderful you could join us” he smiled, walking closer. Akarui stepped forward without hesitation to shield Higari from view with his taller stature. Higari glanced up to him in confusion, blinking back tears

“We where simply having a talk amongst men” He assured, but Akarui’s frown only deepened. “It didn’t soundthat way” he stated, not subtly at all. Zeikin looked to him as though he’d been slapped, as Ecto and Mrs Kurōn hurried their way over.

“Higari? Are you okay?” Ecto asked, crouching down slightly to be at eye level with Higari, sensing almost instantly that something was wrong. Higari flinched away when Ecto reached for him, and he felt guilty immediately after. “Higari?..” Ecto said quietly, his hand lowering

Zeikin offered his colleague a grin, one that looked too wide “Whatever are you talking about Akarui?” He glanced down to Higari who Akarui stood in front of, he shot Zeikin a warning glare while Higari tried to hide himself from the mans sight. “It was but a simple conversation, a time for me to air some..thoughts on your..” Zeikin looked to be struggling to find the right words, everyone’s eyes (minus Higari’s) all on him.

“..new acquaintance-“

Slap

Akarui slapped away the others hand that was gesturing to Higari, eyes boring into him with a look that could kill. Zeikin baffled, pulling his hand back to him while fixing Akarui with a scowl. “I will have you know, that acquaintance you are referring to, has a name.” Zeikin opened his mouth to repomand Akarui for daring to hithim, but Akarui beat him to the punch, not giving him time to find his words.

“And he, Higari, happens to be my sons romantic other, and my son in law” he said sternly, loosing patience, what little of it had left for the fat cat before him.

Zeikin looked caught off guard, not expecting that kind of powerful reply from his work partner. He rose an unimpressed brow, fixing him with an equally icy look, Akarui failed to cower even as Zeikin took a step closer. “How very noble of you Akarui. Always playing the role of hero infront of your son aren’t you” he whispered, Akarui growled, a warning. “Can’t help but want to defend those who feel..out of place-“

Ecto had heard clearly what had been said, his mother gasping quietly. Ecto sneered, and leapt to speak-

“Perhaps I am not making myself clear enough.” Akarui stated calmly, closing his eyes “Allow me to say this once. Nicely.”

White, powerful light suddenly burst from Akauri’s eyes, like the birth of a new star. His eyes glowed hot with the heat of the sun, the light pouring from his eyes startling Zeikin, his own scared reflection staring back at him from Akauri’s empty white eyes. “My sons happiness, means everything to me and my wife. If you ever dare to try and intervene with that again, or try to approach Higari again..” he narrowed his eyes, his eyes glowing brighter, making him appear imposing, powerful. Eventually, Zeikin looked away, accepting defeat “You will be answering to me.”

Akarui blinked, and the light vanished, his cold merciless glare remaining as he fixed Zeikin with another deep frown “Do I make myself clear?”

“....Crystal.”

“Good” Akarui said, his tone to the point. “...I think it’d be better if you took your leave Zeikin” Akarui stepped aside and tilted his head over towards the entrance back inside the building.

Zeikin looked stuck, refusing to admit his loss, he straightened his tie and stood up straight - pretending as though his scare mere minutes ago hadn’t happened “Hm..Yes, maybe I will.” He dusted off his arm, acting aloof “Company in the main hall will be far better then wi-“

“No” Mrs Kurōn, who had remained quite until now fixed the man with her own scowl, Ecto doing the same with his arms wrapped around Higari. “We think you should leave” she repeated. Even Higari was taken aback by her sudden shift in tone, not knowing the gentle women could be capable of sounding angry. Zeikin gawked, working his jaw and looking rapidly between the two, waiting for one of them to admit it was a joke.

“...Hurry along” Akarui said, tilting his head again towards the building, not flinching even as Zeikin got dangerously close to his face to glare at him. Akarui remained standing where he was, before Zeikin, with a small snort, hurried off back inside and out of sight

Akarui let out a breath, shoulders slumping.

“Higari are you okay?” Ecto’s hands cupped Higari’s cheeks, noticing how his eyes looked teary, his worry grew ten fold at the sight as his heart plummeted at seeing him so sad “He didn’t try anything did he?” Ecto shook his head “I shouldn’t have left you alone!..”

“N-No no!” Higari waved his hands, taking Ecto’s hands away from his face as he tried to desperately rid the tears that where close to pouring down his cheeks. “I’m- I-I’m fine, he just..don’t worry about it” Ecto didn’t look convinced, nor did his mother, who’s eyes widened when she caught sight of a single tear falling down his face. “Oh honey..” she quickly pulled a tissue out of her small bag and held it out to him, just as Higari sniffled, the dams beginning to break.

“Come on” Ecto gently held Higari’s hand, the feeling of something familiar, something tender and soft helped calm his racing heart beat. He accepted the tissue, drying his eyes, overcome with embarrassment at being seen crying of all things - he’d only ever cried in front of Ecto and his family back in the country. “Let’s head back inside” Ecto stood and began to guide Higari back towards the building “No point in staying out in the cold”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

An hour had passed, Higari was now a little calmer.

He currently sat in the buildings parking lot, having some air, he needed to have a moment to himself to calm down and gather his thoughts. He felt ashamed, feeling to need to walk out of the party to properly calm down. Ecto and his mother had both been understanding aside from their worry, offering to come and keep him company - which he’d politely declined.

And though quite it was around him in the car park, his mind was screaming.

The mans words refused to leave him, and he hated it. He hated how right he was! he hated how out of place he felt just being near a place so fancy and posh, he hated how that small self conscious part of him constantly felt the need to prove his worth when around Ecto’s family, to prove he was more then just some..grungy looking engineer

“Higari?”

Higari pulled his head from his hands and peered up to the side “..Mister Kurōn?” Mr Kurōn walked over to him but kept some space between them for Higari’s sake “I’m sorry, would you mind if I had a word?” He asked, pointing to the space on the edge of the pathway Higari was sitting on. Higari blinked “Uh, sure?” He said

Smiling Mr Kurōn took a place on the floor next to him, arms propped up behind him as he peered up into the sky, as if looking for stars. Higari gave him a sideways glance, before slowly looking away, tensing up, he really hoped he hadn’t come to talk about what had happened

“...How..” Higari nervously cracked his fingers, an old habit he’d developed since he was at UA. He didn’t want to talk about what had happened, but there was one thing he wanted to know “...How much did you hear?..”

“...Enough..”

Higari chewed his gum, all of sudden very interested in the floor as he avoided making eye contact with the older man.

“Higari?” Mr Kurōn was the first to break the silence, finally turning to Higari “May I ask you a..personal question?” He asked, watching Higari’s reaction carefully to make sure he didn’t step on a nerve. Higari turned to him, raising a brow “...Okay?” He said, slightly unsure

Mr Kurōn hummed, looking away again “...I don’t think there’s any way I can put this lightly” he admitted, Higari felt nervous at that. Mr Kurōn turned back to Higari and narrowed his eyes just a tiny bit, trying to read Higari as though he was a book. Higari felt his shoulders tense, after what had happened he’d been put off curious or studying gazes, and probably would be put of them for a while-

“Are you scared of me?”

Higari’s brain buffered, not quite understanding the question at first. Mr Kurōn said nothing, not removing his eyes from Higari as he waited for an answer. “.....Uh, well-“ Higari scratched at his neck “I don’t think- I...I wouldn’t say scared..” Higari admitted quietly, hand moving to tug at some strands of hair “I just..Uh..Well, I wanna make sure I don’t..” Higari’s tone became close to a mumble, yet Mr Kurōn continued to be patient “I just...really don’t want you two to be disappointed, I guess. I mean-..I don’t know the first thing about all...this” he gestured to his suit “I can’t make heads or tails or fancy of cocktails or caviar! A work bench and tools, a construction sight and mapping out underground tunnels, machine parts and dirty oil rags- those things I get!”

Higari had only opened up his worries about Ecto’s parents to Ecto himself, but before he knew was what happening, his worries where spilling from his mouth before he could stop them.

“And when I found you’d sent me an invite to this event too, I was...I didn’t want you to be..” Higari looked ashamed to even finish his sentence, and sheepishly turned his head away from Mr Kurōn to try and hide from his gaze “E-Embarressed by me..what that guy, Uh, Zeikin said. I..I hate to admit it but, most of what he said, ‘bout me being...insecure...most of it, held..some truth”

After he was finished there was a lengthy silence, then Mr Kurōn hummed, Higari tugged harder at his hair “.....Ekuto, he always tells us how happy you make him” he smiled, peering off at nothing before he smiled down at Higari “In school, at UA, I don’t think he had many friends” he said, shrugging “He didn’t really talk about it much with me and his mother, he always assured he had friends but, never wanted them round....Then you came along!” His smile widened, the light seeming to come back to his face “You where the first person from school that seemed to have changed him for the better! He was always so happy when he came back from school each day, after spending it with the mysterious friend he had”

Another pause

“...Do you make Ekuto happy?” He asked, looking to Higari.

Higari wasn’t sure if this was a trick question, so answered with a nervous “I...I like to think I do”

“You think?” Mr Kurōn titled his head “Or you know?”

“....I know” Higari said “...I really want to make Ecto happy, I try to keep him happy!”

Mr Kurōn seemed pleased with that answer “Then why would we want you to be some else?” He asked, leaning forward.

Higari’s eyes widened, his eyes darting up to him to see if what he had said was genuine. Mr Kurōn held nothing but honesty on his face, no trace of a facade or act anywhere, just..a genuine smile

he rose his brow at Higari, as if his thought on the matter should have been obvious.

“..I-I..” Higari tripped over his words, stuttering like a fool “I-I-..I-Uh..T-That’s-“

“You have nothing to prove Higari” Mr Kurōn insisted, saying the words he knew Higari needed to hear - and probably wanted to hear for a long time. He placed his hand on Higari’s shoulder, giving him a friendly shake “You are very easily likeable!”

If Higari’s eyes had been wide before, now they had shot open to the size of plates. Turquoise pupils staring at Mr Kurōn in shock, mouth hung open in a small o shape, causing Mr Kurōn to chuckle a little. Higari’s mouth snapped shut, realising he must have been gawking in his surprise. “Uhm-that’s-“ Higari turned away, feeling embarrassed, praying it wasn’t as obvious as if felt “T-Thank you..”

“You’re welcome”

Me Kurōn stood to his feet, stretching his arms out above his head before they flopped to his side, hands resting in his pockets “Hm..I think I’ve had enough of parties for one evening” He stated, looking down to Higari who craned his neck just to peer up at him. “Why don’t we all go out, get some proper food - my treat!” He said “...It’s the least I could do to make up for what happened. I can assure you, Zeikin will not be hosting business with us any time soon”

He offered out a hand “Come on, let’s not hang around in the cold. Besides-“ he looked back in the direction of the building “Ecto is starting to get worried, I’m sure you know at this point how he can be when worried”

....Higari chuckled, letting Mr Kurōn help pull him to his feet “Yeah” he said with a nod “He can be a bit of a worry wort” he admitted with a laugh, Mr Kurōn joining in lightly.

One meal later and drinks down at a small pub and Higari was feeling more like himself, the way he’d always tense up when Ecto’s parents so much as looked his way vanished entirely, for the whole evening he seemed to forget all about trying to uphold a certain image in front of them. He’d had a drink, he’d ordered what he wanted, he’d taken off his bow and untucked his shirt - and he’d had fun!

He and Ecto returned to the hotel room, and flopped back tiredly onto the hotel bed in sync “Well..” Ecto said, eyes on the ceiling “That was...something” he said. Higari hummed, eyes closed behind his frazzled hair, he’d given up trying to keep it neat once they’d all gone out for food. Shyly, Ecto peered down to his partner, nagging guilt knawing at his consciousness “Higari I...I’m so sorry about what ha-“

He was silenced when Higari had lazily shuffled his way up the bed and smashed a kiss confidently to Ecto’s lips. Half of Ecto’s next words where muffled into the kiss, body jolting on the bed before he kissed back. Higari pulled away, leaving Ecto wide eyed, red faced and panting

“Ecto...” Higari let himself become comfy on top of Ecto’s chest, nuzzling his nose into the crook of his neck as he let out a sigh “I’m fine, really” he said “You don’t have to worry about me all the time..” he reassured, still half sprawled ontop of him while Ecto peered to him “B-But-“

Higari gently pressed a finger to Ecto’s mouth “Shhhh..” he gently shushed him, his eyelids feeling heavy as his body registered how tired he was from the night out “We’re good Ecto, I’m good, you’re parents are good..” he slowly slid off Ecto’s chest, curling up into his side like a puppy, his body unconsciously seeking out Ecto’s warmth “In fact, despite what happened..” Higari smiled up at his boyfriend “...I really enjoyed tonight!”

Ecto blinked, not used to seeing Higari act so soft, but a tender smile soon took its place on his face “...I’m glad” his hand moved to Higari’s hair, sweeping aside his fringe to peer down into Higari’s half lidded sleepy eyes. He pressed another one of his kisses to Higari’s cheek, his heart jumping in his chest at the giggle Higari let out

He pressed another kiss to Higari’s other cheek, Higari let out a snicker.

Ecto pressed one of his kisses to Higari’s nose, Higari bit his lip to try and stifle his laughter.

Ecto then moved to Higari’s neck, where he knew he was terribly sensitive. So when he nuzzled his face into the crook of his neck, Higari let out an honest god squeal from shock - Ecto could hardly contain himself as he chuckled, before counting his nuzzling assault on his small husband who cackled and tried to escape Ecto’s death trap hug “Ectooo!~”

Maybe people like Zeikin would have his opinions, no questions there: but you know what, if Ecto and his parents loved him the way he was

Why should he care anyway??

[palettepainter]

For some hurt/comfort attempt at fluff- Higari getting ready for his wedding, his Ma helping him fix his hair and he quietly asks if she thinks his dad would be happy that he’s getting married.

She wishes he could be there to see it too, so she says of course he would. Then just “he’d probably be the loudest one here, sweetpea. Then give an embarrassing speech at the reception.”

(I couldn’t NOT draw and write something for this! Also did a more older design for Magakure in this drawing)

Higari scowled at the reflection staring back at him. Formal wear had never been his cup of tea, brushing his hair was the same. He’d been having a battle with the hairbrush for the past twenty minutes, and yet his hair continued to mock him, looking even more frizzy then it did before!

He groaned 

“Havin’ trouble?“

Higari turned and peered over his shoulder, where his mother casually leaned against the doorway. “You always had trouble combin’ yer hair..” she looked up the mass of ginger scruff, snickering when Higari blew some out of his face only for it to flop back down again. ”Need a hand?”

Without a word Higari flopped down into his chair and held out the brush to her. Magakure walked over and picked up the brush, before gently combing it through the knots. Higari was quite, letting out a sigh through his nose and leaning back in his chair, almost peering skyward. How long had it been since he’d had his hair combed?? Must have been years back before he even joined UA as a first year

“Suit looks nice“ his mother said, smiling down at him “Hm, finally got to see you in somethin’ smart..“ placing down the brush she picked up a black hair tie from the dresser, expertly tying a small bun at the back of Higari’s head while the rest of his hair rested over his back “All it took was forty years!“

While she chuckled lightly at her own joke, Higari hummed

Magakure rose a brow “You’re awefully quite..” Again, Higari hummed, looking as though he was staring off into space, or in deep thought. Magakure moved to the side to try and see her sons face “”Somethin’ on your mind?”

Higari gave her a quick glance, before shrugging “It’s nothin’ Ma, silly thoughts..”

Magakure hummed, standing back up straight “..I ever tell you yer a horrible liar?” Higari groaned in defeat, he’d expected she’d see through his lie, his mother seemed to have a knack for that sort of thing. “Is it that obvious?” he asked almost shyly

“Yeah“ Magakure nodded sagely “Bout as obvious as the hair on yer head“

Higari groaned louder, leaning forward to rub his hands over his face. Magakure turned to drag over a chair, sitting herself down alongside her son “Higari, it ain’t silly if it’s botherin’ you” she placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, waiting to see if he’d shove her off, before rubbing her thumb up and down “..What’s really on yer mind?”

Higari slowly turned to her, pulling his face from his hands. He opened his mouth to speak, but hesitantly closed it like a fish “Mn..” he rubbed at his neck, a tell tale sign Magakure knew he old did when he was nervous

With Higari offering no answers, she could make only the most obvious assumption: “Ah honey, you always get this before something big..” she shook her head lightly, still rubbing reassuring circles on Higari’s back “Everyone gets nervous on wedding days Higari..I sure did” she admitted “Ain’t no shame in being scared, it’s ludicrous to not be scared!” she emphasized with another shake of her head “If anythin’, I’d be concerned if you weren’t scared for today. It’s a big step for you and Ekuto, no body is ever really prepared for somethin’ so big in life-”

“No Ma..“ Higari interrupted quietly, sitting up. He inhaled, exhaling slowly as he rested his arms on her knees “That’s not what I’m thinkin’ about..“

Magakure blinked, tilting her head slightly, obviously confused. She couldn’t think of anything else that could be weighing her son down on what was supposed to be the happiest day of his life. “Oh..well-” she leaned forward slightly “Then what it is?”

Higari peered to her again, one blue eye visible from under his curtain of ginger hair “You think, uh..” Higari lifted a hand to toy with a piece of his hair, his mother’s eyes narrowed by a fraction - another sign he was nervous. She looked back to his face, waiting for him to finish “You think...It’s silly I know! But..You think” Higari swallowed “..You think dad would uhm..be happy I’m getting married?”

Magakure sucked in a breath, not expecting that question. Higari said nothing more, or looked up at his mother, instead he continued to play with his hair. His shoulders where tense, chewing his gum - the added emotional factor of the wedding with the reminder he was lacking a parent at his own wedding making him inhale a shuddering breath

Magakure was upon him at once, pulling him into a hug “Oh sweetpea..” she soothed

Higari didn’t push away the hug, leaning into his mothers embrace as she wrapped her arms around him in the tightest hug she could give “I just...I-” Higari stumbled over his own words, emotions making his voice tremble “I-I just thought he’d get to..be here!” 

Magakure inhaled, her eyes watery “..That’s just sadly how the world works hun” she said, her grip on Higari getting a little tighter “Some people just stay longer then others do, ain’t fair, turely it aint..But sometimes, there ain’t nothin’ we can do bout it” She inhaled another shaky breath, tears not yet falling but very close too as she pulled away and offered her best smile 

“..You dumb dumb dumb boy” she gently cupped his cheeks, wiping at a stray tear that was half down falling down his cheek “He’d be so gosh-darn proud a you!” she squished his cheeks in an attempt to crack a smile, Higari huffed lightly, corner of his mouth twitched up “Don’t think there was anythin’ you kids could do that would disappoint him, even if you tried”

Higari hummed and then let out a breathy laugh “..Yeah” he admitted “Sounds like dad”

“I’ll say, you kids where let off the hook by him more times then ah can count!“ she squished his cheeks again, drawing a louder chuckle “You know how many times I had to scrub crayon off the walls cuz you lil’ snots had scribbled all over em? Comin’ inside with frogs in yer pockets and dirt in your hair, uprooting my flower bed!“

“I only did that once!“

“Hm“ Magakure smiled, and finally released her sons face “Maybe, but I’m still mad about it“ she said, obviously faking annoyance with how she was still smiling

“Don’t you ever go thinkin’ me or your dad are disappointed in you“ her hand landed on his head, ruffling it playfully, but not too roughly “Heh, he’d probably be the loudest one here, sweetpea. Then give an embarrassing speech at the reception!“

At this Higari snorted a laugh, a real laugh, the sadness finally lifting “Pft, yeah..That also sounds like him”

Magakure closed her eyes with a nod “Mhm” she stood from her chair. “Guess lil old me will have to take on the burden of the task” 

Higari looked to her worrignly over his shoulder, face almost pale. Magakure laughed and waved her hand “Oh relax! I’m only jokin’ Higari”

“No you’re not Ma“ Higari deadpanned

“Hm..Yer right“ Magakure nodded “I ain’t“ When Higari groaned, she ruffled up his hair again, imagining Higari back when he was a wee toddler, toddling about all over the place, tripping over his own two feet and mucking about in the dirt outside, the little scamp. “I promise to spare some of ya reputation~“ she teased, pulling an innocent smile

“You better! Or Midnight won’t shut up for weeks - I get enough teasin’ from Taiho and Chikara!“

“Don’t blame em that you where a silly baby“ she said pinching his cheek

She chuckled when Higari brushed her hand away and then took a step back to be out of cheek grabbing range. He rubbed at his cheek, and then tugged at the tie around his neck, the nerves coming back as quickly as they left “Relax” Magakure said, sensing her sons distress as she straightened up his tie “This is your big day afterall, don’t be spendin’ it all worried over this and that. Let your mother do the worrying”

“You’re worried?“ Higari asked, raising a brow 

“Course I am“ Magakure answered without missing a beat “It’s your weddin’ afterall! You’re grown up, moving on to the next big part of your life“ Magakure went to tug a piece of hair behind Higari’s hair, but then faltered, and pulled her hand away “Seems like only yesterday you where a lil’ sprout, full of energy and causin’ mischief..“ she trailed off, looking down to the ground

Higari’s look softened, and after a moment of silence between the two, Higari reached out, pulling his mum into another hug “How about we both agree to try and not worry?..Too much, anyway”

Magakure didn’t hug back right away, a bit surprised at her son’s action. It didn’t take her long though to wrap her arms back around him, returning the gesture with a small sniffle “Heh, you scamp..you know I hate makin’ promises”

“Yeah..“

“..But, since it is your wedding day“ she pulled away, teary eyed again with a soft glow in her eyes, smiling gently “I’ll..try not to worry sweetpea“

Higari smiled back, behind his fringe his eyes where also watery “Thanks Ma..”

“Yer welcome“

[palettepainter]

Ecto on the phone to his parents: You’re grandparents! Chimu (mother): Oh how wonderful! Honeyhoney! Ekuto’s a father! Akarui in the background: I’M A GRANDPA! Ecto: *chuckles lightly* ~with Higari~ Higari: *working*....*phone buzzes, he picks it up-* Hello- Magakure (mother): HIGARI MAIJIME! Higari:?!- *falls off his stool* AH-FUCK! Magakure: WHATS THIS CHIKARA TELLS ME OF YOU HAVING CHILDREN YOUNG MAN?! YOU MENTIONED NOTHING OF GRANDCHILDREN THE LAST TIME YOU VISITED! WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME-

[palettepainter]

Auntei Komori: Mister Dangan, while I’m sure you and Higari have a perfectly cute relationship, Ekuto will always have a special place in my heart. That is not to say Higari is bad *hums* I find him very amusing~  Uncle Dangan: Hm, yeah, Higari’s always been a bit of a character like that, he’s a clever weasel. *shrugs* Guess you could say yer nephew ain’t entirely pathetic, a bit on the scrawny side but eh, not bad Auntie Komori: *strained smile* Hmhm, my how..polite of you to think so- Uncle Dangan: *smirking* Not everyone can be perfect like my nephews and nieces can they? But don’t worry *teasingly elbows her* Yer nephew comes in a close third place~ After myself of course Auntie Komori;....... Ecto, sweating: *clears throat* Uh- Auntie- Auntei Komori: *hands Ecto her drink* Nephew hold my wine. Ecto: *takes glass and* O-Okay then..