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shingansoul · 2 years ago

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Memories Treasured Like Juuru (Kiramager fic)

Summary: A collection of moments within the CARAT HQ between Juuru and the other kiramagers bonding and getting close one on one time with their little red leader.

To read on AO3, follow the link below or click the read more to read it here:

It wasn’t as if the others didn’t use and enjoy the couch and small living space set aside for them at CARAT, but compared to Juuru it was the difference between a breakroom and one’s own home.

Anytime outside of school hours and in the late evening, if any of the other kiramager’s happened by the area, Juuru could almost always be found there; smooshed into the corner of the couch drawing with fervor in his sketchbook, working on his homework sat on the floor at the table, or even taking a nap here or there when he was too exhausted between school and fighting with the others. He made himself quite comfortable there, and was a welcome addition to the routine, none alone in their lives overall.

He was an awkward but kind kid, so small in many ways yet he seemed so utterly radiant at times with his excitement for even the simplest of things. He was both soft spoken and shy, yet when he had something to say his small gentle voice seemed to overtake everything else through sheer will and passion, as if he was using everything he had to imprint his words into whomever he deemed needed to hear them. Due to how he could be out on the field, they sometimes forgot in the spare moments of calm and casual company that he tended to be fairly quiet and was content to simply exist quietly next to the others as they did their own thing.

The crystalia siblings seemed the best at getting him to speak up, with Mabushiina’s gentle coaxing and warm laughter and then Takemichi’s innate older brother quality that invited their young leader to feel almost compelled to show him what he had made and tell him about his day whenever they found downtime together. It was cute really, like a small child showing their parents a new toy or sharing something they saw at school that day. It was almost exactly that actually, but nobody quite wanted to open up that line of thought as to why he wouldn’t then just go home and show his actual parents these things.

For every “Kiramaking!”, there was equally a day of a quiet little red boy sitting in the back or the corner out of the way happily just existing among the conversation and bustle of the other kiramagers. At this point, they’d be more likely to notice his absence than his presence with how regular a fixture he had become once he settled into the team. There were times though for each of them that they held above others as special moments with Juuru, their own little moments in time just for them getting to know and see their kiramai red’s attention directed just on or for them. And it was those moments they would hold most fondly.

Mabushiina was definitely the first to earn Juuru’s comfort, after all she was the one who scouted Juuru herself as well as having been the most interested in getting to see the person he was on his own terms and not just in comparison to his teammates. In the first few weeks after he was recruited, he would only stay at CARAT’s HQ if there was need for the team to be there all at once, but if the others were at work and he had time between school and their work, he started showing up here and there on his own.

“I’m back..,” he offered quietly one day, entering the room and looking around a bit nervously as if checking to see if he truly was the first one there. Mabushiina was quick to approach him, excitedly offering a smile and taking his hand in hers to pull him further in as if he would bolt if left too long.

“Welcome back, Juuru-san!” Her voice chimed with the soft sound of almost bell-like laughter Crystallians made as she was so giddy to see him. He had ducked his head but offered a smile in return, unsure what to do with the attention but not pushing away either.

“Since there’s no alerts right now, and the others aren’t here yet, is it okay if i just draw here? For a bit?” He sounded hopeful, and she nodded with gusto, releasing his hand and motioning to the parlor area and ghosting her free hand over Juuru’s shoulder as if to nudge him along.

“Of course! Like I said before, think of CARAT as another home whenever you need it! May I watch?”

He moved to place his things on the couch next to him and once he had gotten his art supplies out set on the table, he looked up at her and nodded with a smile. With permission acquired, she came over and sat down next to him, content to simply watch his imagination go across the page beside her. Today it seemed, his current muse was Sena, drawing her in charging forward like she always did in her Kiramai uniform. However, as he went, she noticed he had changed the extended collar of the uniform into flowing wings behind her and even adding smaller wings to her shoes as well.

It took her a few moments to place it before she exclaimed, “Like Hermes!”

He paused, tilting his head in confusion at her, and he seemed to stare at his own drawing trying to find something he was missing despite being the creator if it to begin with. She placed her hands against her cheeks, as if to hide a growing flush and she rushed out an apology.

“Ah, I am sorry! I shouldn’t have tried to guess your idea. Um-I just thought…well, Hermes is one of your world’s gods from myths and legends, and he had these winged shoes to help him fly and travel incredibly fast to be able to deliver messages for the other gods. If i remember correctly, that is..” She glanced at him, expecting some kind of admonishment or discomfort with being interrupted, but instead she found Juuru's eyes seeming to sparkle with interest and excitement. He hummed softly once she was done explaining, and she saw him move to continue working on his piece with renewed fervor.

“I think that’s a good idea…Sena-san is kinda like that too I think, except instead of messages she delivers justice and…um…and wakuwaku!”

He smiled wide, his teeth pushing past his lips and he giggled to himself. His laugh was infectious and Mabushiina also joined in, clapping her hands and nodding in agreement. They sat there for almost an hour or so before anyone else started trickling in as various work and club schedules ran out and released the other Kiramagers from obligations of daily life. And though it wasn't long, the two made the best of it spending the rest of their time trying to place the other rangers into myths and legends of their own to match the initial artwork of Sena. It was before they became legends of their own right of course, but even so early and on earth, the kiramagers were already seen as legendary figures of incredible power, at least to Juuru.

Shiguru was an odd and eccentric man, in his own way, a mix of naturally very big gestures and a stoic “cool” facade overtop that he had developed through his career and the two often blended together for an inconsistent kind of personality. Talking with him would either garner the most humorous and silly of topics treated with utter sincerity, or with all the seriousness one could muster he would deadpan give his best attempt at jokes and the tone across both could be anywhere in between. He would whine and cry when forced into things he didn't like, yet if for the sake of looking cool, he could in an instant walk off immeasurable pain with a noble word or two to ease the worries of those around him. He had overly specific preferences and interests that did not often match the version of himself he put out most often, but if you got him talking he could go on for hours despite being a man of more action than words.

All that said, Juuru and he had ended up mastering the art of companionable silence as they could both be so deeply absorbed in their respective work, yet the presence of the other would always be felt and missed if gone. Many a day, Shiguru found himself reciting lines and testing deliveries for his various roles on the couch or at the side table, and Juuru would either be working on homework or curled around his sketchbook in a flurry just a few feet away. Today was no different.

Shiguru had made it first, without shooting that day he had taken the opportunity instead to do some research for his next role as it was an adaptation of a story he wasn’t quite familiar with. He made himself comfortable on the couch and aside from pausing for basic needs, he had been there the majority of the morning and early afternoon. So engrossed in his reading, he didn’t notice the gentle call of Juuru’s arrival (a now bright if not still quiet “I’m back!” that had been encouraged by Mabushiina that seemed to stick with him no matter who was present to hear now.). In fact, he didn't notice Juuru’s entering the room or his space until the teen suddenly sat himself on the floor between the couch and the table, bumping his shoulder blade against Shiguru’s crossed legs.

He blinked in silent surprise, glancing down and out of assumed courtesy, he moved his legs a bit to the side so as not to bump into the boy and returned to his research. A few moments went by before the lack of any sounds really caught his attention; he wasn't expecting conversation but where was the sound of shuffled paper or clacking pencils that came with Juuru’s company? He tried to not be obvious in looking the other over, and after a few moments he noticed that Juuru kept awkwardly looking between Shiguru’s legs and the space they were once in, and he had remained half seated half curled in his mid settling he had apparently been interrupted in. Now curious and a bit amused, Shiguru feigned a natural adjusting in his seat and moved his legs back where they were, he wanted to test a theory.

He was quickly proven right, to his furthered amusement as only then did Juuru almost right away finish getting his homework supplies out and move to more comfortably sit, resting his own legs against the front of the couch and his back against Shiguru’s legs. Juuru was far from averse to touch but he didn't often go out of his way like this to get it, and the thought that he wanted to seek out Shiguru’s presence like this in that way made his chest feel warm. The older man was not one to forthright speak affections or praise too often, either it came off too vulnerable or he didn't think it necessary. But this…was doable, comfortable even.

And so they stayed there for the next few hours, not commenting on the arrangement and only talking really when Juuru would on occasion shyly ask the older man for help with his literature homework (it just so happened Juuru’s class was also studying the story he was to play out in his next role). And when the story took a sad turn and Shiguru, despite himself, couldn't help the sniffles and tears beading his eyes, the boy huffed a soft laugh and patted Shiguru’s knee as a sign of comfort. It was nice, and Shiguru was happy to know he was just as wanted company for his leader as some of the younger more sociable members of their team. And if this small gesture was Juuru taking the lead, Shiguru was by no means one to turn down a role to fulfill to go along with it.

When Takemichi had made his wonder entrance to the team, he couldn’t shake the youngest of them no matter how hard he tried. If he fought, the other fought with him. If he went treasure hunting, more often than not Juuru would show up with his small tactical shovel (where did he even get such a thing?) full of a need to help even if he didn't know how or why. When Takemichi finally divulged his secret reason for all his desperate treasure hunting, Juuru had looked pained both for him and at keeping the secret but he still tried his best (even if his best at lying was quite frankly a bit pathetic). Now that they were on regular even terms though, no secrets and no walls, Takemichi was glad Juuru never gave up because he wouldn’t ever want to lose him now that he had him as one of his team members and little extended family.

Now that said however, there was a difference between not wanting to lose his friend and his friend taking up residence unconscious in his lap; He had only closed his eyes a minute, he was sure, not even a nap at all just resting his eyes! And yet one moment it was just him on the couch with his siblings talking about various plans around the signal table, and the next he was blinking his eyes open in alertness with a sudden weight draped across his thighs.

“Hahaha, oi! Juuru? Juuru!” He awkwardly reached down, lightly shaking the boy’s shoulder: no dice. He shook a little harder, but that only earned him a soft grunt and his new resident curling his legs up further in against his chest but otherwise no change. Takemichi huffed, looking across the room to his brother almost pleadingly.

“Oi, Muryo, little help here? Kid’s out cold and I have places to be.”

His younger brother laughed and smiled fondly looking his way, and he made a noncommittal wave of his hand. “Nii-nii, I’m sure it can wait if you were comfortable taking a nap of your own just a moment ago. Besides, you didn't see him walk in, he was dead on his feet; he could really use a wonder nap I think honestly.”

Takemichi made a face that was definitely not a pout, but looking down at the sleeping teen once more broke his resolve and he sighed dramatically. He muttered just loud enough to be heard, “fine, fine, wonder nap it is then.” And with that, he accepted his fate and tried his best to get comfortable. He grabbed one of the various leftover scripts from some of Shiguru’s past works just to give him something to focus on and let himself sink into the words as his new charge slept on.

He got almost a quarter of the way in before getting a bit bored and letting his gaze wander down to his leader, practically motionless aside his chest rising and falling and the occasional scratch at his cheek or arm in his sleep. He didn't really snore at all so much as his breathing got a bit louder; the kid was a mouth breather in his sleep and the air passing his slightly crooked teeth made a bit of a sound, not quite a whistle but enough to say there was something there. He looked up and over to his siblings quickly, checking to make sure they were engrossed in their business and not staring at him, before looking down again.

He often did have the time to get a good look at Juuru if he wanted to sure, but to be honest he was usually pretty distracted or rushing off to the next treasure hunt to take the time to really look the boy-leader over. He didn't think on it too often, but this close and feeling the weight of the other on him, he thought once more on just how small their leader was. Such small shoulders and thin arms were carrying quite a lot, and more than once they had seen this small body cave against their enemies even if his heart never wavered or gave up. That kiramentality of his really did push him beyond what anyone could ever expect, it took a step ahead a lot of his qualities that didn't quite make him a typical leader at all. He was tenacious though, that was for sure, even if he was a bit skittish outside of when the need arose.

Not putting much thought to it, Takemichi ran his fingers through the boy's hair once, not with intent so much as just something to do with his hand. He kept repeating the movement over and over as he tipped his head to rest on the back of the couch and just let his thoughts wander a bit in boredom. Another 5-10 minutes went by, he couldn't quite be sure, but then a soft grumble could be heard from Juuru as he slowly pushed himself up on his arms, still on the goggled man’s lap to his minor annoyance.

“Hey buddy, how’d you sleep?” Takemichi teased, flashing him a reassuring wonder smile. Juuru tiredly rubbed at his face, clearly not fully awake yet as he moved not to pull himself up, but rather to simply roll over now facing the back of the couch and burying his forehead against the older man’s hip.

“ ‘m cold…” he mumbled out, and as if to accentuate his statement, a small shudder went through his frame.

Takemichi hummed in a tone that said, “Ah, is that so” and he glanced around, fumbling with the throw pillow to his right before he found the folded up throw blanket they tucked behind it. He shook it out to unfold it, and with a small flourish he threw it over top of the boy, making sure it covered up to his shoulders. In response, Juuru hummed softly in contentment grabbing at the blanket’s edge as if to hold it in place. As if Takemichi would dare or let anyone else for that matter.

“Enjoy your wonder nap, kiddo. I’ll wake you if we need you.” Takemichi offered softly, not really expecting the other to be awake enough anymore, if he ever was, to take it in. He returned his left hand to the boy's hair, boredly carding his hand through it with a bit more purpose hoping his charge found it at least somewhat pleasant. After a solid minute or two, Takemichi faintly heard Juuru mumble out a reply, and were it not for the words being spoken he might have missed it.

“....thank you, nii-nii….”

Takemichi’s jaw dropped in shock, but before he could retort anything Juuru was once more out cold in an instant. He looked up in exaggerated shock and appal at his siblings, the telltales of badly hidden laughter bleeding through across the rooms as Mabushiina’s chimelike laugh filtered through the air and Muryo’s hand covering his mouth was more than suspect to be hiding a smile and laughter.

Takemichi groaned, dramatically flopping his head back.

“Great, it’s spreading like an infection. Fine, Nii-nii it is because I guess I don't have a choice in anything anymore!”

Through the theatrics, he couldn't quite fight the edges of his mouth curling in a smile despite himself. A big brother again huh? Yeah, he could do that just fine.

Due to her youthful and excitable personality and small stature, Sena often was confused as being closer to Juuru’s age than the college student she really was. Even some of her team members were surprised to find that out as admittedly before Juuru, she wasn't the closest to the others quite yet. She was the first of the rangers to respect him as leader though, as his own passion and words spoke to her and she wanted to return that with dedication and understanding of her own too. That didn’t stop with just being a more proactive member of the team though or even just at being his friend, such as in moments his age and awkward personality were brought to the forefront of attention.

He had been leaning over the small vanity table when she entered, her practice moved to the morning and so with no other classes, she had come in quite early and it showed she wasn't expected when she saw Juuru startle a bit. She didn't take it personally, at this point she had learned that outside of being a ranger Juuru was actually a bit awkward and skittish even if he didn't mean to be, so she pushed on ahead and walked over to lean over his shoulder.

“Hey, Juuru-kun! What’cha up to?” She leaned her head to look at his face a bit better from this angle, her ponytail swishing to the side with the moment. He laughed a bit nervously, holding up a couple of bandaids.

“Trying to put these on….I don’t think the mirror is actually helping though.” She held out her hand wordlessly and with a sigh of defeat, he passed them over before sitting obediently in the chair and looking up at her. She hummed as she moved, easily placing the bandaids against the raised skin of the not quite cuts on the bottom of his jaw and chin. It wasn't bleeding, the skin hadn't broken, but it was inflamed and raised in a similar way to cat scratches. Once she was finished, she politely took a seat on a nearby stool that didn't sit too much higher than the vanity table chair and she looked at Juuru with a softer look, full of concern.

“Juuru-kun, can I ask what happened? That seems like a bit of an odd place to get hurt.”

He laughed awkwardly and scratched at his arm as he replied, not even attempting to look her in the face.

“Waka-san, he’s in my class, was trying to take my sketchbook while I was drawing. I didn't really notice he was there or moving anything until he suddenly snatched it, and the metal spirals on the top hit me and scratched my face a bit. Hehe, kinda silly that kiramai red can fight yodenheim soldiers, but gets hit by his own sketchbook…” he laughed nervously, looking up at Sena through his bangs for what seemed almost like approval.

Sena crossed her arms, and sternly huffed and turned her nose up at the aforementioned classmate despite him not being there.

“He sounds like a jerk to me! Did he even apologize? And what’s it his business to just take your things?” She looked at Juuru expectantly, and when she got a nervous shrug she stood up and started pacing, trying to physically walk out her temper flaring on her friends behalf.

It made more than good sense unfortunately that Juuru had bullies, he didn't exactly show his kiramaking attitude in his everyday with others, she’d had enough almost entirely silent days in CARAT to know that. But even so, what was the big deal with him just wanting to draw? He wasn't bothering anyone, yet everyone seemed to want to bother him? Admittedly, aside her childhood friend being a very specific exception, she didn't really ever get bullied much especially given her outgoing personality and her sports career making her tip closer to popularity if anything. But she knew how highschool could be, and how for as many good kids there were like Juuru, there were always bullies and jerks that thrived off making the former kids miserable.

She paced around the room for a good minute or two before it clicked that the boy she had gotten so worked up in honor of hadn’t added anything since she stood up, which made her stop and turn to check just to instantly feel guilty. Juuru had taken to just quietly sitting in the chair she had left him in, looking at the floor and holding his arms around his middle. She had made a big deal out of something he was already probably worried about if not upset by, she had steamrolled him into letting her have it out for his problem. She right away moved to sit on the edge of the seat the boy was sat in, garnering his attention to at least look up at her.

“Juuru-kun, I’m sorry. How about we do this differently.” She held her hand out to him, palm side up and she smiled at him. “Why don’t you tell me about the things you drew today, did you see or imagine anything exciting?”

He smiled at her then, meeting her eyes as he placed his hand into hers. He nodded with a soft hum, straightening up a bit before beginning to regale her all about his drawings of classmates and of all the amazing beasts and machines their partners turned into and possible new powers they could try out. She let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding, happy to see him loosen up around her. Juuru being bullied to the level of being hurt was important, but blowing it up further didn't change the fact Juuru wasn't the type to be able to deal with it himself so telling him it was a problem was unfair to him. And as much as she wanted to have Juuru point out all the kids at school who hurt him or made him feel upset, he couldn't so she wouldn't, and she didn't want to be another person making Juuru uncomfortable and sad. Especially not here, where he was supposed to be able to relax and feel at home with the team. She would not cross the almost “sacred” boundaries that CARAT HQ offered, not after all the smiles and laughs that Juuru being there and everyone else had brought her after her own rough days in this place.

Sayo wasn’t the eldest of the kiramagers, far from it with Takemichi with them and his unique life he’s led, but due to her profession and the maturity she gave off, it seemed she struggled the most with finding equal footing with their little red ranger. It wasn’t that she looked down on him in any way so much as he placed her up above himself instead. It was something she noticed a few months into knowing each other that he did with all the other kiramagers, if not people in general but for her it was especially poignant since they didn't have much middle ground between them to meet at. She served as more a mother figure than a friend, which she didn't mind as he was a child, but she wanted him to be able to be more comfortable around her when it was just them outside of treating his wounds after missions.

She had found herself in one of those times; it was just them at CARAT again and thus thoughts of how to reach out were in mind as she sat at the vanity table, applying her regular makeup now that she was off work at the hospital. Juuru could be found sitting on the floor, foregoing the couch to simply kneel at the coffee table and stare at his sketchbook. She glanced at him every so often through the mirror as she got ready, noticing what appeared to be an art block of some sort as he kept frowning and didn't make any move to actually put pencil to paper. After a bit of this, he took to laying his head on the table in visible frustration, taking to simply watching her through the mirror instead. She chuckled, and between product applications he seemed to take his chance and called out.

“Sayo-san?”

“Yes, Juuru-kun?”

A pause before he pressed on. “Why do you not put on makeup before you get here?”

“I can’t wear it during surgery, there’s a chance of contamination as makeup tends to flake and dust off a residue as you both apply and wear it throughout the day. But once I'm here, I can wear whatever I like so I like to put it on here along with getting into the uniform.”

He made a soft sound of intrigue and went back to watching. However, this time he was much quicker to broach another question.

“Sayo-san?”

She chuckled softly in amusement. “Yes, Juuru-kun?”

“Is putting on makeup fun?”

She paused, an idea forming in her mind. She turned in her seat to properly face Juuru now, giving and now garnering mutual full attention. “Would you like to try it? I have all sorts of colors and different kinds with me, I keep my whole makeup bag here.”

In response he made a face of excitement followed by a quick frown and shake of the head. She waited and he shook his head again, crossing his arms in what seemed confusion.

“I don’t want it on my face, I don't like when things touch my face or I can't wipe them off. But I want to try putting it on.”

Ah, a simple solution then that worked for more than one problem.

“Would you like to try putting makeup on me? You can do any style or colors you want, just be sure not to waste anything. I’d love to see what you can come up with.”

He immediately perked up again, nodding with enthusiasm as all but scrambled up to his feet to approach her. She laughed outright this time, taking out her makeup wipes to clean off the unfinished look she had started so he would have a “clean canvas.” Once she was sure her face was makeup free and another wipe down for good measure, she brought her makeup bag down with her to the floor so she would be at Juuru’s eye level.

“Are you sure?”

She nodded and offered a smile.

“I would only offer if I was sure.”

He nodded again and gave her a rather serious look that almost sent her into laughter from how intense Juuru was proving to be over this, but she was glad he was enthusiastic and that she could offer this. He asked her what all the products in the bag were for and how to apply them, and after he felt sure he knew his toolset, he went to work. He tried his best to be gentle as he tipped her face here and there for better angles and his brushstrokes were quite relaxing if she were to be honest. He made her promise not to keep track of the colors since he wanted to surprise her with something, and so unless needed for something she kept her eyes closed. She didn't dislike putting on her own makeup, but it was much more relaxing getting to just have it done for her she would admit.

She relaxed into it, almost nodding off towards the end before his sudden loud cheer of “Aaaaand done!” jolted her fully awake. He stood up with ease, and as she tried to rise to follow she found her legs had fallen asleep. She laughed as he scrambled forward to grab her so she didn't fall and he helped her walk the few steps back to the chair. Once she was seated, he stood behind her a good amount, quietly but very intensely staring at her to gauge her reaction. She was pleasantly surprised to see his choices when she looked at herself properly.

He had gone for a very bright shade of pink for the eyeshadow, a shade she wasn't too aware she owned in honesty and he had added a bit of silver glitter to the corner of her eyes. For the rest, he had mostly just went through her usual routine for foundation, contour, and the like, foregoing mascara since he was nervous he might hurt her or smear it. He had also gone for a glossy bright pink lip gloss as well, using a purple tinted brown lip liner that made it pop even more against her skin. It was much more attention grabbing than what she would normally go for, but it was quite cute she would say.

She glanced back at him and saw he was nervously fiddling with his hands, so she spun around in her chair and reached out, taking his hands in hers. He bashfully met her gaze, looking at her for approval.

“Is it okay?’

“It’s very lovely, Juuru-kun. You did a good job!”

He beamed at the praise, smiling wide.

“I couldn't really draw today, I felt stuck with my art and nothing felt right. But you gave me a different kind of art to try and it was challenging and fun, so I feel refreshed with my other art too! I got to learn about the art you do every day, thank you!”

‘What a good boy I have,’ she thought to herself with a hint of pride. She would wear this with pride for the rest of the day, and she even found herself excited to gauge reactions for when the others arrived later on. Maybe being a mother figure was just as good after all.

He was angry, not at his opponents or his teammates, but at himself in all honesty. That tournament should have been an easy team win, all he had to do was bring out the best in his team since everyone was playing to their best and it should have been a sure-win. But he hadn't done that, he had made a bad call, told his mid-laner to play jungler today so he could try a different position himself, and it had cost them. He was supposed to be a surprise to the opponents, only surprise there was that he thought it would work. He growled in aggravation, stalking his way down the hall to the door leading into the main room they all met in at CARAT. He thought maybe he could take some time to himself, cool off before anyone else got there so he didn't take it out on anyone just because he was upset. When he opened the door however, he could hear the muffled sounds of a video being played quietly from within; so much for peace and solitude.

He ran his fingers through his hair roughly, as if the smoothing motion would smooth out his temper. He looked around the table and saw nobody, not even Hakataminami-san was here due to the weekend schedule so he was only there if needed with any incidents in town. He scanned the room to find Juuru seated on the couch, a laptop in his lap and headphones in his ears. It wasn't too often that Juuru took to the internet for something to do, especially here at CARAT so it caught his attention well enough. Out of curiosity, he walked over, moving to stand aside the table to get a side glance at the screen, and what he saw instantly brought his temper back to boiling. He moved in quickly to slap the space bar, pausing the archived stream Juuru had pulled up.

“Just shut it off, nothing good happened today, who sent you that tournament stream anyway?” His tone was curt, trying not to make it a confrontation but also his frustration being brought back at Juuru just sitting there watching his failure just hours after it happened made his blood boil.

Juuru blinked in surprise, taking a moment to glance up to meet Tametomo’s expectant gaze and he offered a small smile.

“Tametomo-kun! Welcome back, how did it go?”

“Don’t rub it in, damn it! You just saw, didn't you? I screwed everyone up out there because I wanted to play around.” Tametomo shot back, growling in frustration afterwards and shaking his head at his own failures once again.

“....Um, i dont ...i dont really know much about video games, and i really don't know a lot about competitive games like that one. It was kinda hard to follow, actually…I'm sorry it didn't go well, but i'm sure next time you-”

“If you don't get it, why bother watching it? And you should at least be able to tell if i'm losing, didn't you see me make an ass of myself? I yelled like an idiot out there.”

“You yell for a lot of reasons though! And since i didn't understand the game, i didn't know what kind of yelling it was. Sometimes you yell when you’re happy, or embarrassed, or worried, or when you’re sad or-”

Tametomo held up his hands, shaking them back and forth. “Yeah yeah, okay I scream and yell constantly, whatever. That still doesn't explain why you’d want to watch my tournament stream.”

“I like seeing you play, it’s how you sparkle so I wanted to watch Tametomo-kun.” Juuru offered weakly, sounding almost a bit miffed why Tametomo would ask such a question. The kiramager in question quirked an eyebrow, “haaah??”

He stared Juuru down, waiting for anything else to explain himself or some kind of reaction, but Juuru just kept offering a shy smile and his gaze locked on in attention. Tametomo sighed, resting a hand on his hip and he dragged his other one down his face in exasperation.

“Alright, sure. Why not just come to the tournaments then? I can get you tickets for free, and then there’s announcers to explain stuff and I can explain stuff if you want to see it so bad. Wouldn't that be easier?”

Juuru shook his head at that, looking down at his lap and fiddling with his shirt sleeve. When he answered after a few moments, his voice was quiet as if embarrassed or trying to hide something.

“ ‘s too loud and the lights are too bright…”

Tametomo stilled, putting two and two together and sighing, heat leaving him a bit. Of course Juuru wasn't trying to rub in his defeat and of course he did not avoid coming to support him on purpose, he just got too overstimulated actually showing up.

“Look, Juuru-”

The boy in question piped up again, a bit insistent, “I thought you would notice I was watching the way you do when you do solo streams and people send comments…Or I thought maybe someone else would hop in and explain stuff, but that…didn't happen..so…”

Tametomo raised his free hand to stop the other, sighing as he roughly let himself drop to the couch next to Juuru. He leaned forward and rewound the stream archive to the beginning, and hit play.

“Tametomo-kun?’

“I’ll explain it for you, so let’s just watch it. Maybe watching it back will show me how to do better next time anyway. And for the record, I guess for future tournaments if you want…i guess i can explain stuff then too.”

Juuru glanced at him in pleasant surprise, his expression open as he took in the offer before smiling a wide toothy grin and nodding.

“Okay!”

Coming to the CARAT HQ had helped him cool off a bit after all. Huh.

#kiramager #super sentai #kiramager fanfic #atsuta juuru

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