#zzz Asaba

[wormdevourer]

thinking about modern clingy harumasa who never wants to let go of you…

when you wake up in the morning, he’s already there by your side, holding you close with his arms wrapped tightly around you. his black choker’s been discarded onto the floor, a clear sign of the security and safety he feels with you. it warms your heart to know that he can be so vulnerable and genuine around you. harumasa’s nose is nuzzled against your soft hair, his little snores sounding right in your ear. how cute~

during every meal, he’s either snuggled up in your lap, or holding you in his lap. his arms drape lazily but possessively around your waist, keeping you close at all times. he chats with you animatedly, rambling on and on about how much he loooooves holding you, and how he loves you so. what a sweetheart~

at work, your desk is right beside his at the section 6 office. he constantly leans on you, lazing around with his head in your lap or slacking off with his arms around you. he’s just so clingy, but it’s absolutely adorable. he just loves you so much~

and, of course, when nighttime arrives, he snuggles into bed with you and spoons you as his little spoon, his arms keeping you as close as possible. he constantly gives you little kisses across your shoulders, neck, and face (his favorite~), mumbling about how much he loves you after each kiss. he’s just so kind…so sweet and so loving…~

(can you guys tell that i love this man,,)

[delzinrowe]

I'm not a monster... I'm not...

[tinum]

Could I request Harumasa with an artist lover who loves making him their muse?

You are a piece of work - Muse!Harumasu x Reader

Notes: Okay... first off, sorry for any errors. SECOND, I don't know if id did this ask the justice it deserves LOL i did this format instead of bullet points since i suck at those. If you enjoyed this, feel free to send in a request PLEASE PLEASE PLE

Everything Harumasa did was beautiful. No matter what it was, it always captivated you, sparking an inspiration like no other.

He was slumped back in his chair, his head resting on the top of the backrest. His clothes were wrinkled, and his tie was undone. Something about the sight brought humanity to the office's everyday dull look. It was a beautiful contrast, a breath of life in a place where nature did not dare to thrive.

You couldn't help but lift your pen and begin to sketch. Drawing Harumasa came naturally. A few strokes and glances turned into your head glued to the page in a flow state. Too caught up in your art, you didn't even notice him stirring.

"Oh, what's this?" He spoke, now looming over your shoulder, a teasing smirk on his face.

"It's you." You respond simply. Your art was not something you were embarrassed about. You feel no shame for drawing that which you find beautiful.

"Hm..? But you've drawn me like that so many times." A quick pout forms on his face before being replaced with a smirk.

He swiveled your chair away from your desk, replacing your view of the desk with his. "How about this? I'll get my bow and pose for you."

You raise an eyebrow, "but I'm not done with my other piece yet."

"Oh, c'mon, it's a win-win! I get to do a super cool pose, and you get more time to look." He wiggles his eyebrows.

You couldn't help but scoff out a laugh. A tempting offer as it was, you could never have it in your heart to abandon your work. "I don't draw you just for an excuse to look at you."

He practically deflates. The archer pose he had taken, now weak from your words. "Huh? Then why do you draw me?"

"It's not just to ogle at you," you said, getting up from your seat and walking towards him. "I draw you because you deserve to be captured." Your hand stroked his cheek tenderly, starkly contrasting the silly conversation just moments ago.

"Well…" He shrugs his shoulders, a deep flush on his face. "That's a good enough answer for me!" He walks back to his chair with a genuine smile and a newfound pep in his step. "Make sure to draw me super cool!"

You shake your head, smiling; it seems he forgot the sketch was already started. "You're already super cool."

"Woah! slow your roll! My heart can only handle so much!"

[bellowbear]

"I want to live."

You will live Harumasa ... (because if you die, the fans gonna burn Hoyo office 🙃 jk lol)

[lesbosparrow]

He's so silly

[77pink-prin-cess77]

HARUBELLE CANON I SWEAR I'M NOT CRAZY GUYS HOYO TOLD ME PLEASE BELIEVE ME HARUBELLE IS CANON!!!

[khys-treasure-box]

AN: Still brainrotting hard, so here's even more Harumasa. I swear, I am working on a non-Harumasa related post though! This one just came to me as I woke up and I needed to write it down before I inevitably forgot it.

CW: Just Harumasa angst. If you like him then this will just make you sad, I fear. The thought literally made me sad when it came to me, and I'm just choosing to inflict it upon all of you too. :(

So, hear me out here, Harumasa is okay with the life he has now. I mean, that's obvious, isn't it? However, I think that sometimes, when his mind wanders off, he thinks about what his life could be like if he wasn't sick; all the things he could be doing if he was just a normal guy.

He could certainly do his job with a lot less worry, although he guesses he wouldn't be able to get sick leave so easily anymore, but he wouldn't be taking such a big risk every time he goes into a Hollow or comes into contact with ether in any way. Hell, maybe if he was just a normal guy, he'd have a more normal job. It's kinda weird for him to imagine himself just having a mundane desk job or something, but maybe if he hadn't ever been sick, that's where he'd be.

Outside of work, maybe he'd go out a bit more? What kinds of fun hobbies could he have had? Maybe he could've still gotten into archery regardless, but at the same time, maybe he would've ended up liking some other sport more? Who knows, maybe in another life he would've been a pro... skater, maybe? Something else fun like that? Hell, who knows, maybe he would've somehow gotten into something really slow and methodical like crochet instead of some super intense hobby. There's really so many possibilities it's almost paralyzing.

I also think that, somewhere deep down, although he'd never acknowledge it, Harumasa's mind does linger a lot on what it'd be like to have a family. Of course, for him, something like that is impossible, and if not impossible then it'd certainly be dangerous, but it doesn't stop him. He just can't help but think about what it'd be like being someone's life partner, being a dad and watching his kid grow up, growing old with someone... but that's all nothing more than a childish fantasy for someone who may not be among the living anymore within the next few years.

In short, I do believe he probably, whether he wants or likes to, thinks about who he could be without his illness a lot and I do think it really messes with him sometimes. :(

In extra short, this man really needs and absolutely deserves the world; and a hug, a big hug.

[starguardianniom]

When the arrow strikes twice

My first fic ever I am no writer at all but I needed to write a lil something about Harumasa and some angst after he survives his agent story, set after he defeated Kirishima and before he goes back to work, first time he wakes up fully in the hospital. Lots of angst because well, our boy didn't expect to be alive and freak out quite a bit about it because there's just no way. You can all thank @cozywithbooks who was persuasive talking me to write it.

..............................................................................................................................

Harumasa slowly woke up, feeling extremely weak, he knew he was still alive somehow. How? What? Huh?

He opened his eyes to see his doctor standing next to him, looking relieved to see him awake. "Welcome back to the land of livings, mister Asaba." His doctor said warmly.

Harumasa just stared at him in utter confusion and shock. "What?" He asked.

"You gave us quite the scare and we were sure you weren't gonna survive but you miraculously pulled through." His doctor gently explained. "You still need to stay a few more days for more check-ups but so far you are recovering extremely well, it's a true miracle, sir." The excited glint in the doctor's eyes showed Harumasa that he was very happy with his condition.

Yet all Harumasa could feel at the moment was pure dread, terror and shock. "WHAT? HOW? I WAS SUPPOSED TO DIE HOW AM I STILL ALIVE????!!!!" Screamed the poor boy who was on the verge of a full blown panic attack.

"Calm down now, Harumasa. I know it's a lot to take in but I can assure you that you are doing well for now. I can't explain how you managed to survive though, it's also a mystery to us. You slowly got better just when we were out of options, your recovery is a real miracle that can't be explained by medicine as of yet, we are still waiting for your results." His doctor calmly said.

"There are no miracles for me. My illness was getting worse. I was losing my senses. I even injected myself with the perfected drug of my master which should have finished the job completely. So don't tell me that I'm fine. I should be dead twice over actually. What's next, my illness is gone?" Harumasa ranted, getting more and more agitated over the situation.

He didn't understand. He was supposed to be dead. The drug should have offed him off. He remembered collapsing with the proxy vainly trying to get him stay conscious, but it was his final mission. Yet here he was, in the hospital with his doctor.

The whole thing felt surreal to him about as much as ethereals walking outside of the Hollows. It didn't make any sense. He felt like reality had changed to a whole new set of laws of logic, and him being alive after what he went through was pratically defying all logic. His brain was trying hard and failing to do all the gymnastic needed to comprehend any of it.

He felt himself feeling sick with dread, wondering if it was a sick joke and if his condition somehow went a whole new direction never seen before.

The stress of the last week, plus him still breathing afterwhat, was eating him alive. His stomach was a twisted knot, he felt sweaty all over and he was trying to control his breathing, as he started to breathe a bit louder than usual as panic was slowly setting in over the whole mess.

"Rest assured, you are doing ok for now. We are all pleasantly surprised at how well you are doing currently. Sadly you still have your illness, but it is for now extremely stable. Actually, it is the most stable it has ever been for you so far." His doctor continued, while passing him down a glass of water to try to calm him down.

Harumasa took the cup with shaky hands. "So now what? Did my illness mutated into something new that we haven't seen before or something? You're not gonna tell me that the drug and the illness cancelled each other to make something new. Like fighting fire with fire. Does it changes my condition. Am I even more at risk now?" Harumasa shrieked.

"Well, uh, not as far as we can tell. B-but, we are monitoring you very closely. Y-you do need to calm down, your body endured a lot of stress, you need to rest." His doctor stammered.

"CALM DOWN???" Harumasa screamed. "I had the most stressful week of my life, I learned my former master who I had tried to catch for years became an ethereal rendering all my efforts of my life so far to nothing, I had to put him down, then I had to catch a criminal while slowly dying from my illness, while also trying to save a bunch of kids with the same condition as me from the criminal who was going to kill them all, and then inject myself with the drug the criminal wanted just to be sure it would not be used ever which should have ended my life, do not tell me to calm down, I will throttle you" Harumasa threatened.

"I understand Harumasa, but you are still weak from your illness you need to rest to recover." The Doctor was looking at him sympathically.

Harumasa really wanted to strangle him, but he felt exhausted, being angry and confused tired him out. Instead he asked for the next things that came to mind. "So what now? Did my illness change stuff for me? Do I need to change pills? Do I need to take more pills? What do I tell my pharmacist? Will I get new symptoms? Oh man if I start getting seizures I'll never be able to go back to work I'll have to retire please tell me I won't get new symptoms or need to change prescriptions." Harumasa swiftly rambled, getting more angsty at each question.

"So far yes it has changed, for the better for now. It is very stable so you are doing ok. Based on our observations you won't need to change pills or get more. We also don't think that you'll have new symptoms, on the contrary we feel you might experience them less often. You have to understand, your recovery is pratically a miracle of god, you came here with half your right side having corruption signs over you, your right eye was blue, and yet that all went away fast and you managed to wake up a bit before losing consciousness again, but it is extraordinary." The doctor spoke, clearly still in awe of witnessing the whole event happening.

Harumasa wasn't as enthusiastic. His thoughts were in all directions, trying to make sense of any of it. He had long lost hope of some miracle humbly getting send his way. Everything the doctor said just made him more confused and scared. Miracles happens to other people, not people like him, and expecially not him. Everytime it seemed to go his way, life would snatch it away. Like his master. Like his life.

And yet.

Here he was. Still breathing. Still alive. He didn't feel a headache coming over, his eyes didn't sting, his lungs were pain free, his hands weren't shaking, he didn't feel lightheaded or nauseous. Yes, minus the exhaustion, he hadn't felt that good in maybe never before in his life. His body was fine for now.

His mental breakdown was slowly going away too, but one thing at the time.

Feeling sleep creeping up on him, he felt like joking a little to calm himself: "So this is what Hell looks like, my life at the hospital, I am surprised though, I thought Hell would have been me stuck at work doing overtime for eternity." Harumasa lightly laughed.

"Now now, Harumasa, you are truly alive, and this isn't the afterlife. Now sleep for a while, you need it." His doctor fondly told him, chuckling at himself hearing his patient joking like usual.

Yes, he would be fine.

..............................................................................................................................

So, how was it? I had this idea because to me it only makes sense that Harumasa would be beyond confused and scared when waking up at the hospital instead of being dead. So he gets a mental breakdown for a little bit before calming down. Which is why we're here. The title kind of reference when Harumasa injects himself with the drug, his target is to stop the drug from being in anyone's hands, and getting healed from it a bit is a bonus, so he strikes twice without meaning to as if he shot 2 targets with one arrow when he was just hoping to hit one target. I hope you guys liked it. ^^

Again my first fic be nice please.

[astroshadowdeviant]

Can someone please explain to me what the heck is going on here? Any time I try to search for an explanation I just keep getting standard build and team guides explaining his kit and no mention of this little oddity whatsoever- like I would at least like to know if this is some weird but deliberate exception for Harumasa and if so what that exception specifically is or if this is some kind of glitch that's not supposed to happen.

[missrosiesworld]

A New Year's Embrace

Warning: This story features an original character (Astraea Lunaris) in a romantic pairing with Harumasa from Zenless Zone Zero. If you’re not a fan of OC x Canon pairings, this story may not be for you. Please read with an open mind and enjoy! 💫

The apartment was steeped in a quiet warmth, the kind that only winter evenings could bring. Outside, snow fell steadily, blanketing New Eridu in a pristine white hush. The glow of streetlights reflected off the icy ground, painting the city in soft hues of silver and gold. From the wide windows in the kitchen, Astraea could see faint plumes of smoke rising from chimneys and the occasional silhouette of someone hurrying home through the cold. The world outside looked almost ethereal, as if touched by some celestial magic.

Inside, the atmosphere was a stark but welcome contrast. The small fireplace crackled softly, its golden light flickering across the walls and casting long, dancing shadows. The scent of spiced cider wafted through the air, mingling with the faint, smoky aroma of the firewood. The apartment felt like a world of its own—cozy, intimate, and untouched by the chaos that usually swirled through New Eridu’s streets.

Harumasa was sprawled on the couch, his lean frame draped across the cushions in a picture of nonchalance. One arm rested lazily on the backrest, while the other cradled a half-filled glass of wine that he swirled idly. His tie hung discarded over the armrest, and the top few buttons of his crisp white shirt were undone, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of his collarbone. He looked completely at ease, though the faint, ever-present smirk curling at the corners of his lips betrayed him. Harumasa wasn’t just lounging—he was waiting, his golden eyes gleaming with the promise of mischief.

“You’re staring,” he said, his tone light and teasing as he brought the glass of wine to his lips, his golden eyes fixed on her.

Astraea, standing by the kitchen counter, glanced up from the platter of snacks she was arranging. Her radiant presence was a sharp contrast to the wintry scene outside. She wore a deep sapphire-blue sweater, soft and oversized, with a plunging V-neck that revealed the delicate line of her collarbone and just a hint of the smooth tan skin beneath. The long sleeves brushed against her hands, the relaxed fit giving her an effortlessly cozy appearance. The rich color made her starlit pupils gleam, their faint iridescent glow catching the firelight like scattered constellations.

Her silver-blue hair was swept into a loose braid, a few strands escaping to frame her face in soft waves that shimmered in the warm light. A pair of fitted black leggings hugged her legs, accentuating her graceful frame, and her feet were wrapped in thick, fluffy socks

“You’re imagining things,” she replied, arching an eyebrow as a faint smile tugged at her lips. She didn’t look away, letting the comfortable heat of his gaze wash over her.

“Am I?” he drawled as he lowered the glass. His eyes never left hers, the warm gold of his gaze now smoldering in the flickering light. “Because if I had a Denny for every time you got lost in my dazzling looks—”

“You’d have exactly zero Dennies,” she interrupted smoothly, her voice cutting through his teasing with practiced ease. Picking up the platter, she began walking toward the couch, the soft sound of her steps filling the space between them. “Your overconfidence is showing again, Harumasa.”

His grin widened, lazy and unrepentant, as he straightened slightly and patted the cushion beside him in an exaggerated gesture of invitation. The firelight flickered across his face, highlighting the sharp curve of his smirk and the teasing glint in his golden eyes.

“Overconfidence?” he repeated, his tone a mockery of shock as he leaned back against the couch, one arm draping across the backrest. “It’s not overconfidence—it’s part of my charm. And admit it,” he added, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial murmur as his gaze locked onto hers, “you love it.”

Astraea rolled her eyes, though the fondness in her expression was unmistakable as she set the platter down on the coffee table. The careful arrangement of slices of fresh fruit, assorted crackers, and small cubes of cheese showed her thoughtful touch, each piece meticulously placed as though she were creating a small, edible masterpiece. The soft glow of the firelight danced across the glossy fruit and the edges of the golden crackers, making the humble offering feel somehow luxurious.

She settled onto the couch beside Harumasa, tucking her legs beneath her as she leaned into the cozy warmth of the fire. The deep V-neck of her sapphire-blue sweater dipped slightly as she adjusted herself, the movement catching Harumasa’s eye for a moment before he leaned back with an air of exaggerated nonchalance.

“I tolerate it,” she said at last, her voice carrying a teasing lilt, though the affection beneath was impossible to miss.

Harumasa chuckled, his golden eyes glinting as he regarded her with a look that was both amused and content. “Whatever you need to tell yourself,” he replied smoothly, reaching for a piece of fruit from the platter. He popped it into his mouth, savoring it with a satisfied hum as though it were the most decadent thing he’d ever tasted.

The television played softly in the background, the countdown to midnight ticking away in a corner of the screen. Astraea glanced at it briefly, noting there were still about twenty minutes left before the fireworks would begin. The city outside was still for now, its usual hum muted beneath the snowfall, but Astraea knew the quiet wouldn’t last. Soon, the night sky would explode in a kaleidoscope of colors, the celebrations bursting forth with the energy of a city that never truly slept.

“So,” Harumasa began, his voice cutting through the comfortable quiet like the crackle of the fire, “what’s the deal with New Year’s resolutions, anyway? You make one, and then you spend the rest of the year breaking it.”

He leaned back with a relaxed air, his golden eyes glinting with mischief as he popped another piece of fruit into his mouth. The firelight danced across his features, casting flickering shadows that softened his usual sharpness. There was something inherently easy about him in this moment—something Astraea found both infuriating and endearing.

Astraea turned her head to look at him, one eyebrow arching in amusement and challenge. The glow from the fire reflected faintly in her iridescent pupils, their shimmering starlight hue catching his attention briefly before she spoke. “Not if you’re serious about it,” she countered, her tone carrying an effortless confidence as she nudged him lightly with her elbow. “Do you even have a resolution?”

Harumasa feigned a thoughtful expression, tapping his chin with exaggerated deliberation before placing a hand dramatically over his heart. “Of course, I have one,” he said, his voice dripping with mock indignation. “I resolve to stay just as charming and irresistible as I’ve always been.”

Astraea let out a laugh, warm and genuine, her shoulders shaking slightly as she leaned back against the couch. Her silver-blue hair, still loosely braided, shimmered faintly in the light, and her expression softened with an affection she didn’t bother to hide. “Wow,” she said, her voice laced with playful disbelief as she shook her head. “Aim high, why don’t you?”

“I prefer to think of it as maintaining perfection,” he replied smoothly, his grin widening as he leaned closer to her. The teasing curve of his lips was highlighted by the firelight, the sharp edges of his smirk softened just enough to be disarming. “Fine,” he said, his tone shifting to a mock-seriousness that made her laugh again. “What’s yours, then?”

For a moment, Astraea didn’t answer. Her gaze drifted toward the sliding doors, where the snowfall outside had intensified, each flake catching the golden glow of the city lights as they tumbled through the darkened sky. The faint hum of the city beyond was muted, leaving the room steeped in a tranquil stillness punctuated only by the soft crackle of the fire and the rhythmic ticking of the countdown clock on the television.

Her expression shifted, the teasing light in her eyes giving way to something softer, more contemplative. “I resolve to make the most of every moment,” she said finally, her voice quiet but steady. “To spend more time with the people I care about.”

Harumasa’s smirk faded, the teasing light in his golden eyes giving way to uncharacteristic sincerity. His gaze softened, steady and unguarded as it rested on hers, mirroring the quiet earnestness she’d shown. Without breaking eye contact, he reached for her hand, his fingers brushing hers before lacing them together with deliberate care. The warmth of his touch was steady and grounding, a silent assurance that spoke louder than any words he could have offered.

“Not bad,” he murmured, his voice low and quiet, as though he were afraid to disturb the moment. His gaze held hers, the flickering light of the fire casting shadows across his face. “Guess I’ll have to stick around to make sure you follow through.”

Astraea smiled at that, her own hand tightening slightly around his. “I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she replied, her voice barely more than a whisper, the words carrying a weight that needed no further explanation.

As the clock ticked closer to midnight, a soft stillness settled over the room, broken only by the rhythmic crackle of the fire. Astraea shifted, sitting up slightly, her starlit pupils glimmering faintly as they caught the warm glow of the flames. Her gaze wandered toward the sliding doors, where the snow-covered streets of New Eridu stretched out in quiet tranquility. The world outside seemed suspended in time, cloaked in a serene silence that felt almost otherworldly.

Harumasa leaned back on the couch, his golden eyes resting on her with a quiet fondness. He was no stranger to the warmth that bloomed in his chest whenever he looked at her—he’d felt it countless times before, and it was as familiar to him now as the sound of her laugh or the way she always claimed the fluffiest socks as her own. Yet, it still managed to catch him off guard, a gentle ache of affection that he’d stopped trying to fight long ago.

Without a word, Astraea rose from the couch, the soft padding of her fuzzy socks—both a pale cream that perfectly complemented her sapphire-blue sweater—barely making a sound against the wooden floor. Her sweater swayed gently with her movements, the loose V-neckline hinting at the elegant line of her collarbone. The cozy, oversized fabric seemed to envelop her, a striking contrast to the ethereal glow of her starlit pupils and the graceful confidence in her stride.

She stopped in front of the sliding doors, her hands resting lightly on the cool glass. The city beyond was quiet, the snow reflecting the faint glow of streetlights and giving the darkened streets an almost magical sheen. Astraea gazed out at the serene scene, her breath fogging the glass slightly as she leaned closer, her expression thoughtful and serene.

Harumasa stood after her without hesitation, the creak of the floorboards marking his approach. He slid his hands into his pockets as he stopped just behind her, his gaze briefly catching her reflection in the glass. There was something grounding in moments like this—seeing her surrounded by the world she seemed so effortlessly connected to and knowing she chose to share it with him.

“You know,” he began softly, his voice cutting through the quiet but carrying no urgency, “I didn’t really do this kind of stuff before. Celebrating. It always felt… pointless.”

Astraea turned her head slightly, her brows knitting together as she studied him. Her gaze searched his face, the vulnerability in his tone drawing her full attention. “What changed?” she asked softly.

His golden eyes met hers, steady and unflinching, though a hint of something raw flickered beneath the surface. “You,” he said simply, the weight of the word hanging between them like the spark before a firework. “You made it feel like it matters. Like I matter.”

Her breath hitched at the honesty in his voice. She reached up without hesitation, her fingers brushing gently against his cheek before her hand settled there, cradling his face. Her thumb traced a soft line along his cheekbone, the tender gesture grounding both of them. “You do matter, Harumasa,” she said, her voice low and filled with quiet conviction. “To me. More than you know.”

He leaned into her touch, his eyes closing briefly as he let her words sink in. When he opened them again, a small, genuine smile played on his lips, the kind of smile that rarely broke through his usual smirking façade. “Guess I’ve got a resolution after all,” he murmured.

Astraea tilted her head, her lips curving slightly as she asked, “Oh? What’s that?”

“To keep making you happy,” he replied, his voice soft but steady, a quiet promise carried in the words. “And to stop pretending like this isn’t the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

Her heart clenched, her hand slipping from his cheek to rest lightly against his chest. The sincerity in his tone was almost overwhelming, and for a moment, she was speechless. Before she could find the words to respond, the clock on the television struck midnight, and the first burst of fireworks lit up the sky.

The cascade of colors reflected in the glass before them, illuminating the room in bursts of red, gold, and blue. The sound of the fireworks echoed through the night, but neither of them moved. Harumasa leaned forward, his forehead pressing lightly against hers, their shared breath fogging the window slightly.

“Happy New Year, Astraea,” he whispered, his voice barely audible over the celebrations outside.

She smiled, her starlit pupils shimmering as her lips curved. “Happy New Year, Harumasa,” she replied, her voice warm and filled with quiet sincerity.

He didn’t wait any longer. The moment hung suspended, like the stars above, as he leaned in, closing the distance between them. When his lips met hers, it was slow and deliberate, carrying the weight of everything he couldn’t put into words. The warmth of the kiss spread like a flame, chasing away the cold of the snowy night outside.

Harumasa’s hand slid gently to her waist, his fingers brushing against the soft fabric of her sweater before settling there with a firm but tender hold. With a quiet intensity, he guided her backward, turning her until her back met the cool surface of the sliding glass door. The contrast between the icy glass and the warmth radiating from him sent a shiver through her, but she didn’t pull away. Instead, she let herself be drawn closer, her body melting into his as though they were two pieces of a puzzle fitting perfectly together.

His hand at her waist tightened slightly, anchoring her in place, while his other hand moved to cradle her face. His thumb brushed lightly along her jawline, the tender gesture a stark contrast to the intensity of the kiss. Astraea’s fingers curled into the fabric of his shirt, gripping it tightly as if to anchor herself to him, her heart pounding against her ribcage in a rhythm that matched his.

The cool glass at her back and the warmth of his body pressing against hers created a perfect dichotomy, grounding her in the moment while the world around them blurred into insignificance. The crackle of the fire and the faint echoes of distant fireworks dissolved into the background, leaving only the sound of their mingled breaths and the rapid beats of their hearts.

When they finally broke apart, their foreheads rested together, their breaths mingling in the small, heated space between them. Astraea’s starlit pupils shimmered, reflecting the faint glow of the fogged glass behind her. The firelight from the room flickered over their faces, illuminating the lingering flush on her cheeks and the slightly uneven rise and fall of Harumasa’s chest.

“So,” she said after a moment, her voice soft and laced with warmth, “do you think you’ll keep that resolution?”

Harumasa chuckled, the sound low and rough as he leaned back just enough to meet her gaze fully. His golden eyes held a steady certainty as his fingers moved, sliding into her silver-blue hair. He began undoing her braid, letting the shimmering strands fall free past her shoulders. “I don’t break promises,” he murmured, his hand brushing through her now-loose hair with deliberate tenderness. “Especially not to you.”

Before she could respond, he leaned in again, his lips capturing hers in a kiss that was no longer slow and measured but hungry and desperate, as though he couldn’t stand the thought of any space between them. His hand moved from her hair to her waist, gripping her firmly as he pressed her back against the glass with a renewed intensity.

Astraea responded in kind, her arms looping around his neck as her fingers tangled in his hair. The kiss deepened, their shared breaths coming faster, each moment charged with an electric intensity that seemed to reverberate through the room. When Harumasa’s hands slid to her thighs, lifting her effortlessly, she instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist. The movement brought them impossibly closer, her body molding to his as he supported her easily, his grip secure and grounding.

The soft pads of her fingers brushed against his scalp, her touch sending a shiver through him as he tightened his hold on her. His hands rested firmly on her bottom, steadying her as he turned from the window. Their lips never broke contact as he carried her toward the couch, each step deliberate, his focus entirely on her. The fire crackled softly in the background, its warm glow bathing them in a golden light.

When he reached the couch, he lowered them both with careful ease, their kisses unbroken and their movements fluid. Astraea’s breath hitched as his lips trailed along her jawline, his name spilling from her lips in a breathless murmur. He responded in kind, her name a quiet prayer against her skin, his tone raw with affection and need.

The world outside faded entirely as they lost themselves in each other, the gentle hum of their whispered words and the soft sounds of their shared passion filling the room. Gasps, quiet laughter, and murmured declarations of love wove together, creating a symphony that was entirely their own. The night stretched out ahead of them, each moment more intimate and meaningful than the last, until the fire burned low, casting faint embers that danced in the hearth, and the city outside stirred with the first whispers of dawn. Wrapped in each other’s arms, the world around them felt distant, the only reality that mattered found in the warmth of their shared embrace.

Harumasa traced lazy circles on Astraea’s back, her head resting against his chest, her breath soft and even. His golden eyes, half-lidded but still watchful, caught the faint glow of her starlit pupils as she tilted her head up to meet his gaze.

“Happy New Year,” she whispered, her voice tender, as though the words themselves carried a quiet promise.

“Happy New Year,” he murmured back, leaning down to press a lingering kiss to her temple. “And here’s to all the ones we’ll spend together.”

[tinum]

Longing from the Office - Harumasa x Reader

Summary: Section 6 play wingman for a struggling harumasa Warnings: So much sighing and sitting in chairs, probable abuse of as, maybe ooc, errors Word Count: 2.1k Notes: I'm trying to improve my writing guys so sorry if its bad but also not sorry. Drop a request or don't.. its fine...

Harumasa's longing for you manifested in many ways. Some of which were more embarrassing than he liked to admit. You hardly seemed to notice though, even if he was practically attached to your hip like a puppy.

"I'm going on my lunch now, Tsukishiro." You call out, pushing your chair out and putting on the coat hanging off the back. Despite not even scratching the surface of your work, your eyes are already stained, and you feel the throb of a headache coming on. A break is definitely in order.

"Alright—" She was swiftly cut off by a voice chiming in.

"Yeah, we'll be going on break now, Tsukishiro!" Her eyebrows raise at the man, who was, just moments ago, sleeping.

"Oh? I hope you realize your nap has been cutting into your break time." Her face was serious, but on the inside, she almost wanted to laugh at how obvious he was being. It's something she noticed for a while now, how he glances at you from time to time when you are doing paperwork, completely unaware. The way he perks up when he hears your name in conversation.

"I was just resting my eyes." 

"So you admit you were taking a break?" 

He scratches the back of his neck. "Aha… no?"

She sighs, pinching the space between her brows, "If you're going to take a break now, all of your paperwork better be turned in by the end of the day."

"Whoa, really? Thanks, Tsukishiro! You won't regret this!"

She totally would, but she would regret it more if she didn't allow him to go. Watching him make a fool of himself while you were blind was torture. She'd rather lose a few hours of sleep completing his paperwork than watch another moment.

"Ah, Asaba, we're going on break at the same time? What a funny coincidence."

She physically facepalms, causing both your heads to snap her way. "Ahem… my apologies, there was a… bug. Don't mind me."

"Yeah, pretty crazy. I mean, what are the chances, right?" 

"It's almost like it was fate…" His heart practically skips a beat when you look at him and let out a giggle. "Well, just a silly thought! I'll be going now. Have fun on your break!"

He could only get out the start of his sentence before you promptly turned away, rushing towards the exit. Once you are gone, he lets out the loudest whine of his life. His upbeat posture deflates as he stares at the exit, jaw open. He only closes it when he hears the click of heels walking towards him.

"That was rather painful to watch." Yanagi places an awkward hand on his shoulder as some sort of means to comfort him.

"If you cringed by just watching it, imagine how I feel. I mean, seriously! How much more obvious do I have to get?"

Normally, Yanagi would not concern herself with her colleagues' personal lives, but the sight of his obvious pining and your obliviousness was giving her early wrinkles. "I find myself wondering the same thing." 

Harumasa groans, running his hand down his face in frustration. He turns to Yanagi, places both of his hands on her shoulders, and shakes her lightly. "You see it too? C'mon, you gotta help me!"

She squints her eyes, looking at him, and Harumasa shakes her more, letting out a crybaby 'Pleaseee.' She had already planned on helping him. Otherwise, she would not have walked up to him, but she can't lie; it was sort of fun seeing him fumble so much. Perhaps you were rubbing off on her.

"First of all, stop shaking me." He drops his hand faster than she's ever seen him move when overtime is on the line. "I'll help you—"

"Thank you, Tsukishiro! Seriously, you're the-"

"I wasn't finished," she clears her throat. "I'll help you, but you have to promise me a full week of your undivided attention. In other words, no slacking and no naps."

He deflates, letting out another loud groan. "I should have known it wouldn't be that easy…" His chair rolls backward as he slumps down, throwing his arm over his eyes. "It's hopeless… I'm going to die all alone."

She rolls her eyes. "Fine, you're lucky I'm feeling generous I'll cut it to three workdays."

He immediately brightens up, his posture straight, and he bats his eyelashes at Yanagi. "Really? You'd do that for little old me?"

"No. I'm doing it for Soukaku. She also wonders when you would finally confess."

"Oh… well, what's the plan?"

She immediately zeroes in. Harumasa follows suit, with a serious look on their face. Yanagi slams a piece of paper on his desk.

"Here's what I was thinking."

-----

When you return from lunch, you are greeted with an unusually focused Harumasa and no Yanagi in sight. You sigh as you walk towards your desk; the piles of papers seem never-ending. Unfortunately, the only way out is through.

A few minutes into the first page, you hear Harumasa let out a loud sigh. "This is sooo hard." He whines. You look up at him to see him already staring at you. "You gotta help me with this! I just can't seem to remember!"

"What do you need help with?"

"I cannot, for the life of me, remember what… time! Our last hollow investigation began.."

"It began at-"

"No! I mean, can you write it for me?" he coughs out. "I suddenly feel really sick." 

"I suppose if you are not feeling well… bring it here."

He scoots out of his chair, walking slowly with an exaggerated stagger. "Ah, I feel really dizzy. Can I rest on your shoulder?" He doesn't wait for an answer, rolling the chair from the empty desk next to you.

Your eyes widen. "Dizzy? Should I call in the doctor?" He places his hand on top of yours, stopping you from picking up your phone.

"No, no, I'll be fine." His head hesitantly creeps down, teetering on whether he should commit or not. Ultimately, he does. "I just need a moment."

"Oh…" A quick blush rose to your face as you grabbed the paper, which was… blank.

"Asaba, you—" 

You turn to look at him, expecting to be met with the view of his hair. Instead, you are greeted by his face, which is inches apart from yours.

"Yes?"

"You must be super sick! You gave me the wrong paper!" You fuss, pressing a hand to his forehead. "I'll inform Tsukishiro!"

"No, there's no need," he sighed. "I'm feeling better now." He gets up, walking back to his desk, head hanging low.

"Asaba…" you call out, tone a bit more serious. He turns around to face you, a hopeful look in his eyes. "You forgot your paper." 

"Right."

-----

"That didn't work?" Yanagi asked, her eyes wide.

"No! They just wanted to call you!"

"Hm… Well, they seemed worried; that's a start."

"I guess.." He slumps.

"Perhaps you should take a more direct approach. How about asking them on a date?"

"I practically did yesterday! Sharing a break with someone is a sacred thing, y'know!"

Suddenly, a cheerful voice chimes in, a bit muffled from a full mouth. "Why don't you give them candy!"

He looked at the Soukaku and then at Yanagi, who was deep in thought, muttering under her breath.  "Yes, that could work." Yanagi finally says, pushing up her glasses. "Why don't you give them a gift?"

"That's perfect! You guys are so smart; what would I do without you?" 

-----

The following day, you are greeted with a bundle of violets on your desk. It was certainly a strange gift. There was no note, just the flowers wrapped in heart-shaped plastic. You look around the room, noticing it was empty.

Maybe a fan left these? It wouldn't be surprising, considering they sometimes stand outside the building waiting to catch a glimpse of Section 6, but if it was from a fan, how could you know if it was for you? They definitely would not know which desk belongs to whom unless they were in the building. 

You shiver, throwing the flowers in a nearby bin. Then you grab your phone and call Yanagi. Not today, stalker.

What you didn't know is that Harumasa was watching in the nearby printer room. A card in his hands.

-----

"And then they threw them away! Right in front of me!"

"Hm, that is troubling…"

"I'm beginning to think they just don't like me."

"Cheer up, Harumasa!" Soukaku smiles, hugging him. Yanagi stood in front of the desk, her eyebrows furrowed.

"I don't know what to do anymore." He exhales, standing up.

"Have you tried telling them directly?" Everyone snaps their heads to the source of the voice and is met with a pair of dark ears.

Harumasa's head drops back down, defeated. Walking to the door in an exaggerated slowness.. "Nah, I think this is it. I can take a hint."

-----

"Asaba likes you." You sputter on the water you had been drinking, causing your shirt to get wet.

"Miyabi!" You nervously laugh, drying your shirt with napkins from a nearby table. "I'm sorry, what did you say?"

"Asaba likes you."

"Oh! Well, I like him too." Walking back towards your desk, you smile. . "Speaking of which, where is he? I haven't seen him or the others at all today." 

"No. Asaba likes you as more than a friend." She stops right in front of your chair, and you have to look up at her for the first time.

"Me too! He's pretty much my best friend!" Turning away from her, you gather a few papers left on your desk. "Miyabi, I have to go run these to another department. If the others come back, let them know that's why."

Miyabi watches as you walk by, letting out a sigh of her own. She know knows why Yanagi and Harumasa had been sighing at you these past three days. This was more difficult than she expected. Usually, a simple approach does the trick; less is more, after all.

"Well, that's it. I'm officially done." The other three members walk out from around the corner, a crushing look on their faces. He falls back on his chair and Miyabi is surprised it hasn't collapsed by how many times he has done that. "I'm sorry, Tsukishiro, but I'm gonna have to break our deal to sleep my sorrows away."

Soukaku speaks in a tearful tone. "Harumasa…" 

"It's okay, Soukaku.. Sometimes things just don't work out how we want them to."

She grips his hand and jumps up with determination. "No! You can't—" She pauses, tears welling in her eyes.

"Miyabi, have you seen the other pa-" You stopped in your tracks. Everyone was surrounding Harumasa's desk, sullen looks on their faces. 

"You can't give up your crush on—" She manages to get your name out before a hand on her mouth silences her.

All four of the members stare at you with shocked expressions. No one dares to speak up or move, too worried they might scare you off.

You stumble over your own tongue, a deep blush rising to your face. "Asaba has a crush on me?" and before Harumasa has the chance to ruin things for himself, the three other members speak up.

"Yes!" Their tone was almost annoyed. After all these attempts this is what it took? They aren't one to smoke but they'd be lying if they said they didn't need a cigarette right about now.

"Harumasa, is this true?"

He lets out a deep breath, "It is." Alright, here it comes; he's going to be rejected and—

"I like you too!" 

"WHAT?" You had to be kidding him. This whole time, he was trying to get your attention with gifts and outrageous gestures, and all it took was for you to overhear a conversation? He's pretty sure you just triggered a heart attack. Maybe he should retire, yeah.. that's what he'll do

"I like you too, Harumasa. I have for a while now."

"No way! You turned down all my advances!"

"You didn't make any advances?"

"Yes, I did!"

"No?"

"Yes? Remember that time I asked to go on break after you did?"

"I thought that was just a coincidence."

"What about the flowers?"

"You didn't leave me any flowers."

"I left violets on your desk, and you just threw them away!"

"I thought they were from one of those creepy fans."

"Miyabi literally told you how I felt!"

"How was I supposed to know she meant it romantically?"

Harumasa resisted the urge to tackle you. You were seriously spiking his blood pressure with your absurd reasoning. How could someone be so incredibly smart and dumb at the same time? He's not sure the gods could even answer that.

"You're so lucky you're you. I'd be running for the hills if it was anyone else."

"Does that mean you guys are dating now?" Soukaku asks, not a single thought behind her eyes.

You look at Harumasa, and for the first time, he knows what he must do. "Let's try this again. I have liked you forever, and now I know you do, so… can we date? Pretty please?" He asks that question with such enthusiasm that you're sure if he had a tail it would be wagging

"Of course, silly! All you had to do was ask!" Something clicks in Harumasa once he hears you say that.

Oh. You sly dog. You knew this whole time, didn't you?

[bellowbear]

['Cause I've felt the joy of running through the wind']

Don't worry Harumasa, even if you can't feel it, your anemo counterpart *cough* Hat guy *cough* will help you feel it ^^

[lesbosparrow]

Some baby Haramusa pics to make your day worse :)

[reddblight]

New chapter of Cat & the Canary out!

Missed a couple weeks bc i got real sick and then real busy lol (wish me luck finding job that isnt a fuckin pyramid scheme). But we back with the boys. Enjoy some fluff and filler :3

Harumasa was having a bad day today. Was that new? No. Did that help? Also no.

Ya see, Seth had scheduled their apartment tour for today. It’d been a week and a day since their after work coffee meeting. He had tried to set up a few more meetings since then in the name of ‘getting to know each other better’ but Harumasa really hadn’t been in the mood. He’d been busy at work, Yanagi had him doing a bunch of stupid paperwork that had been due yesterday (Friday grind, what's to love), not to mention packing his apartment up after work. His landlord was being a dick about certain appliances that Harumasa had bought, claiming they were his and he was fuckin sick of it all.

Speaking of being sick, the busy week had him dealing with pain flare ups, which is why Yanagi had him on desk duty to begin with. It was just one big ball of ‘fuck you Harumasa’ this week. And now he had to tour apartments on a Saturday at 11am.

Seth, of course, seemed energetic. He’d practically been vibrating with nerves as they met outside the door that would lead into the apartment complex. He’d never done this before and his tail was flicking and curling with anxiety as his ears stood straight up. The thiren looked like he was about to sweat through the button up he was wearing as he rolled up the sleeves and undid the top button.

Harumasa had done this enough not to care about the impression of clothes, plus a tight shirt on his chest right now sounded like hell. He was in a hoodie about 2 sizes too big and a pair of joggers.

“I just- you know what to ask right? Because I studied what to talk about but I don’t really know what a lot of it means and-“ Seth basically cut himself off with a little yelp as his foot hit a small step in front of the entrance and he nearly tripped over. He balanced himself by immediately shooting his arms out perpendicular to his body and flailing for a minute. If it wouldn’t hurt him to do so, Harumasa would’ve laughed at his expense.

He settled for a small sigh and put a hand on Seth’s shoulder, meeting anxious lilac eyes with his own tired golden ones. “Yeah dude, I know what to ask. Not my first rodeo. Also there aren’t any wrong questions. I can see the gears in your head turning, so stop stressing. If you don’t know what it means just ask for clarification.” God knows Harumasa was in no mood to explain shit today, so it’d have to be the landlord’s problem.

At that Harumasa buzzed into the small lobby, just barely holding the glass door for Seth behind him. It was a small room with a tiled floor and a large area rug in the middle of the room. There were a few potted plants in the corners of the room and a front desk with a young woman sitting behind it. The walls were wood paneled, only interrupted by the elevator door, the stairwell, and a door behind the small desk.

“How can I help you?” Asked the woman behind the desk. She seemed short, hard to tell sitting down. She has mousey brown hair and glasses. Looked nice enough at a glance.

Harumasa directly leaned onto the desk with his elbows and met her eyes, which now seemed a bit surprised at his comfortability. Dang, guess full leaning onto the desk would maybe be a weird move. Whatever, too tired to care. “We’ve got an appointment with the landlord to tour two apartments today.”

Seth, seemingly aghast at Harumasa’s overly-casual approach sputtered, waving to get the woman’s attention before she was completely appalled by Harumasa. “My name is Seth Lowell, I set up the appointment. Please forgive my friend, he slept poorly last night.”

Seth didn’t know that what he’d said was true, but it seemed to assuage the woman all the same. She turned to her computer and began typing. Seth was sort of pulling on Harumasa’s hoodie, trying to stand him upright again. He was beginning to succeed honestly. Harumasa felt like a scruffed kitten.

The woman turned back to them with a smile, “I do see your appointment! I’ll go grab Mister Yoshi for you.” She gets up and walks into the back room, closing the door behind her.

Seth whips around on Harumasa now, wearing a frustrated scowl but with a concerned tilt to his eyebrows. “Dude?? The heck? Are you actually that tired today? Are you feeling under the weather? We could’ve rescheduled if you are.”

Harumasa scowls back at Seth, “I’m fine, I’m fine. Just slept poorly last night, like you said. I’m not gonna like, throw away our chances of moving in here or whatever. Just wanted to lean on something.” He pouted as Seth gave him a sympathetic look.

They waited about 4 minutes, an awkward silence sitting between the two of them as Seth let Harumasa lean on him. Harumasa begrudgingly thought to himself that the muscular shoulder was actually not the worst head rest he’d ever had, though he could maybe do without Seth’s tail flicking at his ankle before seemingly remembering he was there and moving away over and over again.

Were they close enough friends for this? Is now the right time to be thinking about that? Does Harumasa want to let himself literally lean on this dude? Wasn’t the point of this not letting Seth know he was sickly? ‘Fuckin hell, Harumasa you are a loser and a failure.’

After their wait the short woman and an older man hunched over a cane made their way out of the back room. If the two of them happened to see Harumasa quickly lean off of a blushing Seth, well that was none of their business.

“Ah, you must be Seth, thank you for coming.” The older man started with a fond smile. “My name is Yoshiki, but most people just call me Mr. Yoshi.” He was short with age, wearing a presentable sweater over a button down and some well loved slacks.

Seth walked to the man, a hand extended and met in a handshake between the two. “Hello Mr. Yoshi, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for this opportunity.” He gestured to Harumasa after breaking the handshake, “And this is Asaba Harumasa, he’s going to be my roommate if or when we move in here.”

Harumasa spared the old man a polite wave and a tired smile. He was like, one of those old people you look at walking down the street sometimes and think to yourself ‘aw, a cute grandpa’. Contrasted of course with the ‘why aren’t you dead instead of legislating my life’ genre of old person. He looked nice. That's what Harumasa was trying to explain to himself in a weirdly drawn out way. Tired brain.

“How do ya do?” He asked the little old landlord. Having lost Seth as his support beam he was kind of awkwardly leaning into his own hip and crossing his feet.

“Oh, I’m well. Thank you for asking, young man.” Mr. Yoshi said with a smile in response. “Now why don’t we get this shindig started! Follow me boys, I’m sure you’re more than capable of using the stairs, but these old knees can’t quite cut it anymore so we’ll be taking the elevator.” Harumasa internally sighed in relief. Honestly he had a feeling that Seth was more of a ‘take the stairs’ kinda guy and he really didn’t feel like putting himself through potentially 5 flights of that shit today.

The boys followed Yoshi into the elevator after a moment of waiting for the door. It wasn’t much to write home about, standard elevator. Little small, 5 people might’ve been cramped, but 3 was a good number. “Now boys,” Mr. Yoshi started, “We’ll start on the 5th floor apartment and work our way back down to the 2nd floor apartment.” The older gentleman pushed the 5 button and the elevator doors shut. “What made you think about 6th street for your new living arrangements if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Oh, no mind at all!” Seth seemed content to chat with the landlord on both of their behalfs which was nice. “We both need a new space, though I guess that part’s obvious.” The thiren trailed off with a slightly nervous chuckle before picking back up. “And we also happen to have some friends in the neighborhood, so we’re familiar with the area. It's a lovely neighborhood.”

Yoshi looked up at Seth, his eyebrows raising in what could’ve been excitement or curiosity. “Oh I’m glad you like the area. I’ve been here for quite a while and it’s always wonderful to see the younger people being invested in the community. We have had an influx of younger people in the past few years as well, it’s been nice. Do you mind if I ask who in the area you know?”

“We’re both good friends of the managers of Random Play just across the way.” Seth was listening contentedly to the older man, nodding when appropriate and smiling when needed. Had it been anyone else Harumasa might’ve assumed they were just entertaining the man, but he was pretty sure Seth was actually enjoying the small talk. At least the old guy seemed friendly. Probably too soon to really tell, but Harumasa didn’t wanna deal with another stuck up prick for a landlord, just too much fuckin effort arguing over the little shit.

“Oh! Belle and Wise, good ones those two.” Mr. Yoshi’s smile widened at the mention of the two part time proxies. “They always help me find the right film for an occasion, and they uploaded some of my old home CDs into files. Now I always have a copy of my daughter’s growing up videos with me. You two must be trustworthy if those two like you.” The old man waggled a finger at them conspiratorially, like they were in on a joke. Hearing about the proxies helping around the community was nice though. Good to know they really do just help anyone they can.

“Oh that reminds me, what do you folks do for work?” Pretty standard question for this kinda thing. He probably just wants to double check that they’re able to pay the rent, and if they’ll fit into the community nicely.

“I work for H.A.N.D.” Harumasa would put him at ease by bringing up that he worked for a government agency. Landlords loved that shit. Steady income, and a connection to law enforcement could be useful to have around. That's why his last landlord moved him in anyway. “I’m actually a part of H.S.O.’s Section 6 team.”

“And I’m a Public Security officer.” Seth added. Smiling down at the old man. Right about then they readed the 5th floor and started moving out of the elevator and towards the apartment.

“Oh well that is very good! It would be very nice to have two strong reputable young men move in. I can see why you chose this building too, we’re right near the Metro station. Strong and smart.” Yoshi chuckled to himself as they came to the door of apartment 5E and he looked through a small key ring on his belt.

After a moment the three of them entered a rather nice looking apartment. The door led into a moderately sized living/dining area. The floor was wood tiling and the furniture mostly neutral toned greys and browns, but it looked nice. There was a couch, tv, and coffee table set up on the far end of the room in front of them, and a dining set. It had a vaguely modernist feel to it, which wasn’t really Harumasa’s vibe, but whatever. Directly to their right was a kitchen area with all the amenities and a floating island with a sink & dishwasher.

As they walked further in, Harumasa could hear Seth and Yoshi chatting a bit as the older gentleman gave his sales pitch. Harumasa was more interested in seeing the space for himself. He wandered a bit, taking a look at the furniture, the corners of the room, checking the inside of the oven, fridge, & dishwasher in case mold was hiding somewhere. Seemed pretty spotless.

“-and here to the left of the door is the wash closet, it has the washing machine and drier. Further in here are the bedrooms and bathrooms.” Harumasa rejoined the little tour now, noting that Seth was taking notes in that pocket journal of his, tail flicking in concentration, ears perked up. “On the right side here, in this small hallway is the smaller bedroom and bathroom-“

Yoshi continued on about the space as Harumasa took it in. To his left was a bedroom, the bed in the middle took up most of the space. Looked like a full size mattress. There was a closet space and a bedside table, but not much other than that. The floor of the bedroom was carpeted. The bathroom on his right looked pretty standard if a touch cramped. Again he walked into the bathroom, just checking for any mold or discrepancies. Seemed all clear to him.

Yoshi took them across to the other side of the apartment where they saw the master bedroom, which had an ensuite bathroom, and finally to see the small balcony at the back of the apartment near the couch. He stepped outside to answer a phone call from his wife and let the boys look over the space more. Harumasa didn’t really see any issues with the place. He knew from his previous discussions with Seth that this was the more expensive of the two they were looking at. It was within their estimated budget, but pushing a bit close to the top. The space was nice though.

Harumasa was leaning on the floating counter in the kitchen looking over some paperwork that Yoshi had in his pocket about the apartment when Seth walked up and leaned next to him. “So what do you think?” Harumasa looked up to meet Seth’s eyes, he still seemed a bit nervous, but it looked like talking with Mr. Yoshi had helped assuage his anxiety a good bit. It was clear that he cared about what Harumasa thought though.

“The space is nice,” Harumasa started, resting his chin on one hand. “No mold or anything, very well kept. Based on the level of cleanliness I'd assume the other apartment will be kept to a similar standard. He hasn’t given us the run-around about anything, and he’s been clear about the amenities and expectations thus far.” Harumasa offered a bit of a shrug.

“Why shrug… you don’t seem convinced. Is something wrong?” Seth leaned in a bit, before stepping back and reeling in. He’s so excitable, it’s kinda funny.

“No no, there's just a lot of space in this apartment. I also don’t love that one bedroom is so much bigger than the other and has an ensuite bathroom. Feels kinda power imbalance-y. Also do we really need a balcony? I definitely like this complex, and Mr. Yoshi seems like a good landlord, I’m just interested to see the other space before making any decisions. This apartment is nice, but it's also close to our budget limit. Might be better to see if the lower one is as nice if a little smaller, could end up saving money. Plus if we get this apartment I have to figure out what I’m gonna do with some of my old furniture. Let's just not jump the gun on making a decision.” Harumasa gave a small chuckle before looking back at the paperwork.

“That makes sense.” Harumasa looked up to see Seth smiling with a nod, his tail wagging just slightly. He seemed happy he’d found a good opportunity for the two of them. He met Harumasa’s eyes and blushed a bit before turning to look at the counter space. Probably just embarrassed he was getting stared at. Harumasa internally shrugged with a smirk making its way across his lips.

A few minutes later they were whisked back to the elevator and headed down to floor 2 to see apartment 2B. Seth and Mr. Yoshi continued their small talk, while Harumasa occasionally chimed in. He’d get to know the man better if/when they ended up moving in. He felt a little bad not chatting so much now, but he could give himself a break since he was having a rough pain day. Or he could try anyway, sometimes it still felt like he was just using it as an excuse. It wasn’t, but the dichotomy of the human brain was bullshit and guilt was a bitch.

As they entered 2B Harumasa could immediately tell that this apartment, while smaller, was as he had expected, just as clean as 5E. The overall square footage of this apartment was smaller and it didn’t have all the features that the other apartment had. For one, the living area was pretty much bare. The space immediately in and to the right was the living/dining area. There was a small dining set with two seats, but otherwise there wasn’t much. A tv stand with no tv, and open floor.

Further in was the kitchenette. There was less counter space, but it still had the big amenities, including a smaller dishwasher. Past that was a moderately sized bathroom with tile flooring and a small washing closet at the back of it.

The bedrooms were much more comparable in size in this apartment, one was still slightly smaller, but only slightly. Otherwise the aesthetics were mostly the same between the two apartments. The walls were an eggshell color, the flooring a beige wood tile, and the window drapes were a neutral grey. It was bare bones, but that wasn’t bad. The space definitely had potential.

They’d have to buy a couch, but Harumasa had a TV and coffee table from his old place. He had the extra kitchen amenities, cutlery and plates, etc. other than that bedroom and bathroom stuff was mostly personal purchases anyway.

Seth asked a few questions about the space, neighbors, and pretty much anything else he could think of as they toured the smaller apartment. Harumasa may be biased but he seemed a bit more at ease now. They both seemed more comfortable with this space.

Eventually they both found themselves sitting in the empty space where a couch would probably go had there been one. Harumasa was cleaning back on his extended arms, legs splayed in front of him. He was looking up at the ceiling, making out nonexistent shapes in the smooth paint.

Seth was sat criss-cross opposite from him, leaning forward looking at the documents for this room. Obviously they could’ve sat at the dining table, but queers gonna queer.

Was Seth Queer? Harumasa looked Seth over again. Hmmm… Yeah probably, he could see it. Got that whole twunk thing goin on, not exactly bad looking. Honestly he wasn’t that invested in actually finding out or caring, he was just a little bored and trying to keep himself distracted from his lung pain. God he wished he didn’t feel his lungs, nobody should, it sucked.

“Seeeeth~.” Harumasa broke the silence with a sing-song voice, aiming for nonchalant and not constipated. “I like this apartment. It’s clean, more in our budget, and we already decided we liked the location.”

“I think it could be the place too!” Seth looked up from the paperwork and gave Harumasa a bright grin. He had nice teeth, was that a weird thing to notice? “I can already see it! I didn’t know just seeing the place would be this exciting.”

“I don’t know if I’d go as far as exciting, but it's cool.” Harumasa let himself slide into a laying down position on the floor. “We should probably tell Yoshi we want to make an offer on this one.” The wood tile was cool on the back of his neck, the stiffness of the floor a momentary distraction from the thrumming chest pain.

“Let's do it then!” Harumasa could hear the Thiren’s excitement in his voice before the telltale scramble of Seth getting up. Suddenly Harumasa was being offered a hand. “Come on!”

“Ufffff nooooooo, the floor is so nice though.” Harumasa flopped onto his side, removing the offending hand from his frame of vision.

“Dude if you rent the place you can lay on the floor whenever you want, but we gotta put an offer down first.” Harumasa heard Seth chuckling as he explained what Harumasa already knew. The floor really was comfortable for him right now though. Plus he’s being hilarious obviously.

Then he felt a hand on his ankle and screeched as Seth dragged him through the partially furnished room towards the door, his palms dragging futilely against the floor creating a squeaking sound. Once there Seth crouched down and fully lifted Harumasa to his feet, which woah, talk about manhandling. Though it was nice not to have to get up himself. Perks. Harumasa lightly laughed at his own antics along with Seth, careful not to laugh too hard. Their eyes met and Harumasa had to wonder why he’d written Seth off so quickly in the first place. Well he knew why, but you get it. After a few seconds of eye contact Seth turned red and quickly turned away.

“Come on! Let’s find him!” Seth declared before running down the hallway. Harumasa would not be chasing his sorry ass, but followed nonetheless. What a loser. He couldn’t help but chuckle, even if it hurt.

•••••

After they finished the apartment tour, Seth had to head back to his family’s place for some kind of event or something. Harumasa kinda zoned it out, sue him. Seth was the only Lowell he really tolerated so who cares what the rest were up to.

They had made an official offer to Mr. Yoshi about the apartment and were going to discuss it further soon, but for now Harumasa had the rest of the day free. So he decided to go bother the closest people in the vicinity.

Harumasa strolled his way across the street and into Random Play. The video store had a few perusers, but wasn’t too full yet since school was still in. Heddy and Bangboo 18 were manning the checkout and seemed to be playing tic tac toe. He gave them both a little nod and salute before sauntering to the back room door and hitting it with his signature single knock.

He heard some banter from the other end of the door before stomping footsteps moved closer to the door. He watched smugly as the door swung open, Belle huffing at him. “I swear Harumasa, you are the only bastard I know who’s lazy enough to only knock once.” Her nostrils flared in faux agitation. The look in her eyes gave away that she wasn’t actually frustrated, just playing with him a bit.

Harumasa just smirked and raised his hands in surrender. “What can I say? I’ve got a way of doin things.” He lightly chuckled and slipped past Belle. Looking around the back room he saw a paused thriller flick on the tv and Wise jacked into the HDD with headphones on. Harumasa made himself right at home, laying on the entirety of the couch and getting comfy.

Belle scoffed and closed the door behind him. “You’re ridiculous.” She rolled her eyes and blew an errant strand of dark hair out of her eye. She lifted Harumasa’s legs out of her way and plopped back down on the couch before resuming the movie. “Why are you here again?” She asked, not even looking at him.

“Just finished apartment tours with Seth across the street. Didn’t have other plans, chest hurts, wanted somewhere to lay down. Do you need any more reasons? I could make some up if you do.” Harumasa droned teasingly, watching the movie with Belle now. There were some guys hiking through the woods and they kept hearing something following them. “What’re we watching by the way?” He laid his legs back across Belle’s lap.

“The Port Peak, it’s based on a true event. Bunch of college kids went into the mountains and got butchered by a robotic monster called ‘The Lumberjack’” Belle picked up a smoothie from a side table and took a loud sip before continuing. “How’d the tours go?” She didn’t pry about his chest, the managers were good like that.

“Pretty good actually. Seth was nervous at first, but got into the swing of it. The complex was nice. We made an offer on an apartment.” The guys in the movie were being chased up the mountain now by a strange figure that was darting from tree to tree, never quite getting a good look at it. “Mr. Yoshi might call you asking about us by the way. What’s Wise up to?”

“Oh dope, we’ll let Mr. Yoshi know you’re good people. Wise and Fairy are working a commission with the Cunning Hares. He was too much of a baby about my movie so he put the headphones on. He’ll probably be done soon.” She chortled at her brother’s tendency to dislike anything he thought was scary. Belle offered Harumasa some popcorn from the large bowl she was eating out of, he took one and popped it in his mouth. It was a bit buttery for his taste, but whatever. Too tired to complain and ask Belle to get salt.

“Thaaaaanks” Harumasa dragged out as the first guy in the movie got run through with a chainsaw. He and Belle made simultaneous ‘oo’ sounds. For the next hour the two of them just lounged, watching the movie and waiting for Wise to finish working. They shared some idle chit chat about the movie and apartment stuff, Belle volunteered both her and Wise to help move boxes n’ all that.

Eventually, after they started a second movie, Wise finished his commission and joined them on the couch. Harumasa had to sit up to make room for him, which sucked, but whatever. They’d started something Wise found more palatable, Oh~ Sweetie. It was a romance or something, they were mostly chatting with the movie on in the background.

“So,” Wise started, “I think we’ve been a little out of the loop lately with you. When did you and Seth get all buddy buddy?” He was turned on the couch sitting crisscrossed so he was facing Harumasa, who was slouching low, feet splayed on the coffee table. Wise had an inquisitive look in his eye that Harumasa didn’t love. Oh boy, here we go.

“God, don’t start with the teasing on this one dude. Seth texted me a couple weeks ago because he heard I was looking for a new place and he was too. We met up last week to chat about it and I apologized for being a dick. Since then we’ve just been chatting about apartment stuff and whatever else he rarely texts me about.” Harumasa sighed and looked at Belle, who was giving him a mischievous smile.

“I mean, Seth’s a pretty good looking guy though. Isn't he?” Belle retorted, looking to her brother to tee her up for something undoubtedly horrible.

“He is indeed, sister of mine.” Wise nodded along, hand on his chin smugly. “He’s athletic, pretty fit, and great at looking out for people. Just the kind of guy our poor sickly little gay friend needs.” Uuuuggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh harumasa wanted to barf at this obviously pre planned razzing.

“Please stoooop.” Harumasa whined, pressing his hands to his eyes as the siblings laughed. And lightly poked at him.

“Why? We know he’s your type! Besides, you deserve someone as great as Seth.” Belle egged on. She was smiling and patting at Harumasa’s left shoulder.

“Dude he’s gonna be my roommate! I don’t wanna fuck that up and lose another place to live. Plus you know I don’t date.” Harumasa rolled on his side towards Wise, who was giving him a sympathetic look.

“I still think that's silly. You deserve to be happy, we know you want to date.” Wise leaned over Harumasa, giving him a weird sort of hug.

“You just think that because you’re a huge simp for your boyfriend.” Wise squaked and Belle fell into a deep chortle at her brother’s expense. Wise and Lycaon had been together a while now and the boy was absolutely whipped. “Besides, it wouldn’t be fair for me to date. We’ve been over this.”

At that the room got a bit quieter. Harumasa felt the siblings' hands on his shoulders, but refused to look up at the sad faces he knew they’d be making. It wouldn’t be fair to put someone through that, to make them deal with him…

“Harumasa,” Wise’s low voice took a more serious tone now, clearly a bit upset. “That’s not fair. We don’t know for sure that there's no solution for you. The medicine your master made that saved you, the hospital still has the toxicology report, they might be able to recreate it.” There was an edge of hope there. Harumasa hated it.

“Plus, even if they can’t, you deserve love!” Belle refused to let Harumasa give up on himself even if he knew better. “You can’t just slam the doors on every opportunity when there might be someone who wants to share these years with you regardless!” He heard her slap her own legs in dramatic punctuation.

“We’ve discussed this before. No matter what anyone says, I would be a burden. Can we just drop this please?” He didn’t wanna talk about all this again. He was already so tired. He didn’t come here to argue about stupid bullshit with his friends.

Wise and Belle looked guilty now. They met each other's eyes and came to an understanding. “We’re sorry Harumasa, we didn’t mean to upset you. We just want you to be happy. We won’t bring it up again, but at least think about what we’re saying please?” Belle nodded in agreement with her younger brother.

Harumasa had to sigh, he dragged a hand over his face before responding, “Fiiiine. Fine, I will think about considering it.”

“That’s all we ask.” Belle added. Leaning back into her seat before her stomach grumbled loudly. The girl blushed as the other two boys found themselves distracted from the previous topic of conversation, laughing. Harumasa, laughing only lightly, careful to keep from hurting himself.

“Let’s go to General Chop’s for some dinner.” Wise said after he finished laughing. The trio got up and made their way out of Random play to get some food and sate their stomachs & nerves.

Harumasa didn’t know how he felt about the managers feeling so strongly about his love life, but it was nice that they cared, even if they were annoying bastards. Maybe he’d think about it. Maybe.

[virtualjpg]

day one of four in @aescola event

an edit type you've never/rarely done or a fandom you never/rarely edit

Asaba from ZZZ graphics! Kinda rushed so sorry if it's bad

[c3rtifiedpr3ttyboy]

Zenless fanart - of Asaba Harumasa 🔥🔥🔥