"So, do you promise to love and respect your wife in joy and in sadness, in sickness and in health, in riches and in poverty, for all the days of your life, until death do you apart?"
"Yes", he says, but his mind instantly disagrees.
"No", he thinks. Because this life is too short. It doesn't last forever, but his love for you is unconditional and everlasting. Your days are counted, and you'll both die, that's unavoidable. Your lives will end. That's why he doesn't want to make your love dependent on life.
That's also why, even though he says "Yes" to the priest in front of everyone so that the ceremony can continue , in his mind, he promises "No. I'll never stop loving you, even when I'm 70, wrinkly and ugly, and even when I die, be it today, tomorrow or in 50 years. My love for you is too strong to die with me. It won't die, as long as you live. And when you die, we'll see eachother on the other side, so I can be with you and love you again".
And when he looks at you at the altar after the priest told him to "kiss the bride", with your mascara smudged from crying and that stupid smile he loves so much, he whispers to you, making sure you're the only one who hears it:
"And if death do us apart, I promise to find you in every timeline"
He then holds you by the waist and kisses you, sealing his promise.
REO MIKAGE, RIN ITOSHI, Alexis Ness, MICHAEL KAISER, Karasu Tabito, Bachira Meguru, AKAASHI KEIJI, Sugawara Koshi, ATSUMU MIYA, Bokuto Koutaro, KEIGO TAKAMI (Hawks), SATORU GOJO, Itadori Yuji, Megumi Fushiguro
~ A/N: The idea for this fic randomly apperared in my mind after I read a Instagram comment. I almost cried after reading it š
Masterlist
thinking about kissing kakyoins scars. he's worried you didn't like his face before but now with those long scars across his eyes, covering up the focal point of his face, he's worried you'll never find him attractive. cup his slender face in your hands, kissing the start of kaks scar right to the end. tell him they add character and show how strong and capable he really is. instead of being a reason to hate himself because he was weak or foolish or anything else he thinks he was, it's a reminder he's survived, adapted, and overcame it all. he's your warrior and as you plant a gentle kiss to his eyelid you hope he can believe that
Pairing: Yuji Itadori x Reader
Warnings: none
Summary: my idea of how Yuji is as a partner
Masterlist
bf!Yuji is crushing hard, heās down so bad itās actually pathetic. He fumbles his words in front of you, stutters when he tries to compliment you, and is the first to like any and everything you post. He thinks youāre the funniest person alive and sticks to you like velcro. Heās always asking if you want to hang out or train or anything else he can do to get you in the same room as him. He waits for the absolute perfect opportunity to ask you out, either taking you to some big festival or saving up for months to take you to some fancy restaurant.
bf!Yuji who fakes being totally confident when he asks and then freaks out when you say yes. Heās gasping and asking if you really mean it and then hugging you so tight you almost pass out. Things fall into place quickly after that, you two are a natural fit.
bf!Yuji always keeps you on your toes. He likes for dates to be really special and exciting so he always wants to do something grand. He won't admit it to you, but he knows he's going to die young. He's living on an extended death sentence which means he won't get the long happy life he truly wants with you. He hopes to create as many special and lasting memories with you as he can, hoping that he'll be able to relive them on his death bed and you'll be able to find comfort in them when he's gone.
bf!Yuji does not consider nights in or casual hang outs as dates because they aren't special enough. That doesn't mean he loves those moments any less though, in fact nights in with you are one of his favorite things on earth. The man is glued to you 24/7 so of course heās excited for any chance to cuddle. He needs every part of his body to touch every part of yours, heāll smother you any chance he gets. If you have to get up to pee or anything really heās whining and asking you to stay. He gives you the sad puppy eyes whenever you escape from his arms and pouts until you return to him.
bf!Yuji uses his crazy athletic ability to show off to you any chance he can get. Heās always telling you to watch him do something he's sure you'll find impressive. He'll offer to carry you everywhere you go. He gets butterflies every time you call him strong or tell him how cool he is. If you go to an arcade he will drag you over to every game that involves any amount of athletic ability and make you watch him set a new high score. You always love it, except for the time he broke a machine and got you kicked out.
bf!Yuji is constantly coming up with new pet names for you. They are sometimes sweet but more often over the top and totally ridiculous. Heās constantly changing your name in his phone too, and he spends hours editing pictures of you to make your profile picture. He likes adding all sorts of little stickers and drawing little hearts around your face.
bf!Yuji also loves to post these and add a long caption calling you his little schmoopy schnookums pie while he declares his undying love for you. His over the top gestures are how he shows you that youāre always on his mind. He doesnāt care if anyone else thinks itās embarrassing or cringy, he just cares that you know how much he loves you. He loves you so much that he sometimes feels like he might explode if he doesnāt express it.Ā
bf!Yuji is clingy to the point of annoyance. You do have to remind him that you need space and time alone and while he might not understand (he wants to spend every moment with you), he respects your needs and wants. He wants you to be happy all the time and if that means leaving you alone for a few hours then he will.
bf!Yuji tries his best to let the two of you have quiet moments together too. Even though he is a yapper at heart, he manages to sit for hours without saying a word, sometimes. As time goes on he starts to treasure these moments and find a lot of comfort in just sitting beside you, not talking about anything. Itās enough just knowing you're right there with him.
bf!Yuji is not the kind of person to get insecure. He's more nervous in the begging of your relationship, but once you tell him you love him the first time that flies out the window. You love him and he loves you and to him thatās enough to know things will always work out.
bf!Yuji gets incredibly anxious anytime he has to buy you a gift. Birthdays and holidays are a nightmare for him. He never knows what to get you and will spend hours pacing around countless stores to find the perfect gift. He tries to remind himself that itās the thought that counts and that youāre always happy with what he gets you, but it never settles his nerves. Heāll second guess himself until the moment he hands the gift over. Watching your lips curl up into a big smile as you open it up is what finally makes him relax.
bf!Yuji is never possessive and almost never jealous. The only thing that really makes him jealous is when you go to the movies without him. It doesnāt matter who youāre going with either, he's jealous. He loves the movies and he loves you so of course he loves going to the movies with you. Heāll never admit he's jealous, but heāll definitely pout and tell you how much how much he wanted to see the film. Of course you can see right through him and will always offer to go see it again with him. That always brings him back to his usual chipper self.Ā
bf!Yuji turns into the biggest baby when he gets sick. The common cold is a death sentence as far as he is concerned. The only possible cure is you feeding him soup and rubbing his back. He will beg for snuggles and kisses but dramatically tell you not to come near him so you canāt catch whatever deadly virus he has when you actually try. As soon as heās better though heās expecting you to help him make up for lost time by letting him smother you to his heart's content.Ā
bf!Yuji will do literally anything for you. Heād figure out how to rearrange the planets if that was what you wanted, and he'd do it with a smile. If you need help with anything at all he wants to be your first call. You want to redecorate your room? Call Yuji. You want a late night snack? Call Yuji. You want to rob a bank? Call Yuji. He's the definition of ride or die and he never lets you forget how treasured you are.
-> pairing: miya atsumu, suna rintarou, hinata shoyo x gn!reader | sfw | cw: quick blurbs! | mlistĀ
-> synopsis: youāre the only one who can get your boyfriend to do certain things.Ā
āĖą· MIYA ATSUMU dislikes people cheering while he serves. His infamous topspins and floaters are renowned in the volleyball worldā for good reason. To stake his control over the court, he refuses any distractions, and he silences the crowd with one flick of his wrist. Heās been known to give death glares to anybody, even his own fans, who disobey his command for quiet.Ā
So when you, his newly minted significant other, shatter the careful still Atsumu has crafted by bellowing out his name in an otherwise silent stadium, gasps ripple through the stands.Ā
Atsumuās teammates freeze, interest piqued at how heād react. Sure, youāre dating now, but Atsumuās a very harsh guy. Nobody would put it past him to scold you on the spot. The ball bounces against the court once, twice, and then three times, like a ticking bomb. The crowd shifts uncomfortably, waiting for his anger to explode.
It never comes.Ā
Instead, he serves the ball as normal. Itās an ace. And when itās over, he looks at you with a knowing grin of appreciation instead of his usual glare.Ā
Atsumu hates the shrill sound of cheers when heās about to serve, but heās come to find that if itās yoursā he doesnāt quite mind.Ā
āĖą· SUNA RINTAROU is a generally expressionless guy. Itās gotten him into trouble more times than he can count.
When he sprained his ankle in middle school, he barely winced. When his little sister was born, he yawned. When he landed his first spike as a professional athlete, he hummed.
No matter the scenario, a disinterested look is permanently etched into his features. (The only exception is the upturn of his lips when he sees his friends doing something particularly idiotic.)Ā
Itās not that he doesnāt careā itās just how he is. This is a truth that all those close to Rintarou have come to understand.Ā
This truth is why, when he introduces you to his loved ones for the first time, theyāre stunned. Theyāre shocked when they see the bright red his face burns after you give him a kiss on the cheek. Theyāre floored by the smile that possesses his lips as he steals glances at you from across the room. Theyāre surprised by the look of absolute adoration in his eyes whenever you do really anything.Ā
Rintarouās always been difficult to read, but for you, heās feelings are entirely transparent.Ā Ā
āĖą· HINATA SHOYO always stays late to practice. Being the dedicated player that he is, he will train until his legs shake and his breath gives out. His teammates know never to approach him when heās in his groove; otherwise, heāll find a way to coax them into another round of drills. Heās an immovable force, immune to persuasion, and entirely impossible to convince to slow down.
āLeaving earlyā is not in his vocabulary.Ā
So when, one day, his teammates see him trek into the locker room before the sun has even set, they worry heās gone ill.Ā
But when Shoyo reassures them, with a bright smile, that heās just leaving early to meet with you, the new person heās been seeing, for dinnerā his teammates think heās lost his mind. Their expressions of concern morph into ones of complete disbelief.Ā
What curse have you placed on the rigid player to compel him to act in such an uncharacteristic way? Have you threatened his family? Are you blackmailing him?Ā
The answer is none of the above.Ā
Shoyo doesnāt stay late to practice out of obligation. He does it because he adores what he does. Thereās nowhere else heād rather be than on the court.
But recently, heās come to discover that thereās one place he loves being just a smidge more.Ā
With you.Ā
āa/n: just smth quick i wrote to procrastinate studying! LMAO
shoyo tag: @cherrysurf
Something comfy for today
thinking about Eddie being so eager to kiss you all the time and he just gets a little too excited sometimes a little too rough and you bump into something and he cradles you while you giggle cause he can't stop smiling into his kisses
And sure maybe it's a little awkward and teeth knock against each other and he catches your lip in his teeth a little too hard but it's okay cause you're deliriously happy
And it's not about getting to the sex (not all the time anyways) but he's just so happy to have found a safe place to land and he's enthusiastic that he found someone who wants to kiss him just as much as he wants to kiss you
And this time he's not too much and his feelings aren't too big and he doesn't need to tone it down cause you're his person and he's yours
Okay bye ily
mouse. mouse get the fuck back here. MOUSE DONT LEAVE ME LIKE THIS
he's just so happy to have a safe place to land and this time he's not too much and his feelings aren't too big were daggers straight to my heart you come back here right now before i actually bleed out from needing this man so badly.
no but thats exactly it. eddie has spent so long jumping and toeing that line of either trying to cram himself into this bite-sized shape for the ones around him, and just exploding and pretending he doesn't give a fuck that he will never fit into anyone's cup of tea so he'll just make himself even larger, that when you enter his life he just doesnt know what to do about it.
because he starts with his regular tricks of being so over the top, so unbearable, and all you're doing is laughing and entertaining his antics. even playing along at times. and so he retracts a little, turning back into a quiet boy who will shrivel up until he's invisible or easy to love (whichever comes first). but then that doesn't work - and to be truthful, he doesn't even know what his mind's end goal is here because why is he trying to push you away so desperately? - and he's just at a loss. you want him on the thundering days, where he makes his grey clouds everyone's problem and all his lightning is blinding and sporadic. you want him on the quiet days, where the downpour is no longer a roar but a soft drizzle, a bit more silent and a bit more bearable but still there. and he can't tell if it's a joke - he can't decipher if your kisses amidst his rambles are sincere, if you're actually smiling at his jokes because you like him or you're too polite to break his heart. he can't see through those gentle hands you use to caress back his wild hair to be sure that the softest of touches are really just you, or some strange gloves of care that you're only simply wearing for now.
and then one morning, he wakes up, and you're still there, awake before he is and just watching him with so much love. feather-light fingers taking their time tracing over his tattoo on his chest and arms, not noticing he's awake yet as you smile so serenely at him. you're looking at him in a way that he's never really gotten to experience so vulnerably before - like he isn't a nuisance, isn't a mistake. like the universe has so intentionally dropped him into your palms, and you're so aware of how delicate he can be below the surface. and he just breaks.
"i love you"
he'd blurt it out, the first time he's ever said those words to you. it almost feels like the first time he's said those words, period.
he's said them to wayne, in their own way, both a bit stiff in expressing affection and skirting around those words whenever they can for a simply ruffle of hair or unexpected side hugs. he'd said them to his mom, a young boy with shining eyes despite it all, looking at her like she was the world because she was his world.
and... well. that's it. he can count the number of times he's said those words on one hand, and now he's said them to you, and all he can hope is you handle them with as much care as you've handled him.
he hopes you can feel the weight of his heart pressing down on them.
and he thinks you do, when you startle a little, looking up to his lips where those rough words had just fallen from in a cracking tone, and you take your time in awarding him with a smile that could save lives. cure cancer, cure sadness, cure the end of the world even. every cliche possible.
"yeah?" you'd whisper back, and his heart skips a beat, terrified that the next words you say won't be what he needs to hear so desperately. but they are. because of course they are. you wouldn't have been watching him sleep in that way if they hadn't been on the tip of your tongue, "i love you."
not a crash landing, but a soft-padded decent. a slow fall with a cushion to prevent broken bones and more invisible scars.
he kisses you then the way he was going to kiss you every day going forward: pushing forward recklessly, teeth and noses bumping a little, smiles making it nearly impossible. he kisses you like he's coming home after a long day, because he is.
he's home. no boxes in sight to fit into, no cups that'll overflow from all the fizzling feelings pouring out of his chest. you've got him, and he's got you.
Hey so I really like your writing. Your fics are so inspiring...! Can I pretty please request a fic about Kita catching Reader off guard with a blunt love confession?? š I'd love to see what you come up with!
Aw inspiring?!! That is so sweet!! I love that I am what people were for me when I started writing (about 5 years ago!) so never give up and be proud of any work you make!! I hope you enjoy <333
--
The thing about Kita Shinsuke is that he never does anything without purpose.
He speaks with intention, moves with care, and rarelyāif everālets emotion get the better of him. He is dependable to a fault, calm even in the most chaotic situations, and as predictable as a rising sun. Which is why, when he turns to you one spring afternoon and says, "Iām in love with you," you nearly choke on your drink.
The two of you are sitting beneath the shade of a wide camphor tree near the back of the school, where the grass grows a little taller and the breeze feels like a secret only you two share. The breeze is soft, the air warm and sweet with the scent of new blossoms. Youād come out here to eat lunch togetherāsomething that had become a quiet ritual between you and Kita. No crowds, no noise. Just the two of you, sharing space, swapping stories, occasionally falling into long stretches of silence that never felt awkward. He always brings homemade bento boxes, neatly packed, and you bring snacks or something small to share.
You blink at him, unsure if you heard right. "Sorryāwhat?"
Kita is still looking at you, expression as steady and unreadable as ever. Heās holding a rice ball in one hand, his bento sitting neatly in his lap. "I said Iām in love with you."
Thereās no hesitation. No blush. Just the plain delivery of truthāas if heās pointing out the weather, or commenting on the quality of the rice today.
You nearly drop the bottle of tea in your hand. "Kita," you breathe, searching his face for a trace of humor or a tell that heās messing with you. But heās not. Of course heās not.
Your heart stutters. "You canāt just say things like that out of nowhere, you know."
He tilts his head slightly. "Why not?"
"Becauseā" You flail for a second, grasping for something clever to say, something to make sense of the heat rising to your cheeks. "Because itāsāsurprising."
Kita hums, thoughtfully chewing. "I didnāt think it would be. We spend time together. You bring me pickled plums even when I donāt ask. You save the last piece of tamagoyaki for me, even though itās your favorite. You walk me to the gate every day, even when youāre running late. I thought maybe you felt the same."
You sputter, caught between the instinct to deny and the overwhelming realization that heās right. You do all those things, and more. You always look for him in a crowded room. You always listen when he speaks, no matter how quiet his voice. You think about him in between classes, after practice, before bed. Heās right.
He continues, voice soft but sure. "You donāt have to say anything right now. I just thought it was time I told you."
And with that, he turns his gaze back to the tree branches swaying above you, like he didnāt just tilt your entire world on its axis. He takes another bite of his rice ball, completely composed, like he hadnāt just carved a confession into the air and left it hanging between you.
You sit in stunned silence for a moment longer, the breeze tugging gently at your sleeves. Everything feels quieter now. The breeze, the rustling branches, the distant sound of other students laughing in the courtyardāit all fades into a soft, blurred background. Your fingers tighten slightly around the tea bottle in your lap.
You steal a glance at him. Heās not looking at you. Heās perfectly calm, patient, and somehow that makes your chest ache more than if heād confessed with nervous laughter or flushed cheeks. Thereās no doubt, no need for reassurance. He meant it.
You reach over, plucking a stray leaf from his shoulder. You donāt know whyāit just gives your hands something to do.
"Youāre unbelievable," you mutter, shaking your head.
He glances at you, eyes curious but unbothered. "Is that a good thing?"
You let out a soft laugh, one that feels lighter than it should considering your heart is still racing in your chest. "I donāt even know. You really just said that like you were telling me we had PE next period."
He shrugs. "I meant it. I donāt think it needs to be complicated."
And you know heās right again. Kita doesnāt dress things up. He doesnāt make things harder than they need to be. He doesnāt hide behind games or fear or doubt. He just is.
You look down at your lunch, your appetite forgotten. You canāt stop thinking about the things he said. The way he noticed your little habits. The way he didnāt need you to answer right away. The way he didnāt waver.
When you finally meet his eyes again, thereās a warmth blooming in your chestāslow and full, like sunlight rising through clouds.
"Iām in love with you too, you idiot," you say, and your voice is so quiet, so soft, that you almost expect him to miss it.
But he doesnāt.
Kita Shinsuke turns to you fully then, and for the first time all afternoon, he smiles.
Really, truly smiles.
And just like everything else he does, itās quiet, intentional, and completely disarming.
He reaches for your handānot suddenly, not dramatically, but gently, deliberatelyāand your fingers lace together like they were always meant to. You sit that way for a long time, the afternoon stretching endlessly before you, the breeze curling around your ankles, the scent of spring growing thicker with each passing minute.
Neither of you says much after that. You donāt need to.
Some things are better left to the quiet.
And Kita, as always, knows exactly what silence means.
If you would ever sleep with Suguru Geto, he would be the first to wake up the day after. He would enjoy the view of your sleepy body and he would close his eyes for a moment, only for hearing your breath. Probably he would wrap you tighter against his chest, because he loves the feeling of your warmth on him. He would put his head on your shoulder he'd give some soft kisses on your neck.
He likes giving you kisses while you're sleeping. After breaking away from your neck, he would look at your face before starting to kiss your forehead. He would pass from your forehead to the tip of your nose and finally your lips. He would continue with those action until you wake up, caressing your cheeks too. He likes the way you slightly open your eyes and the way you look at him a bit sleepy, anf most of all he loves when you smile and start passing your hand through his hair.
Geto is just too affectionate to you. He would whisper to your ear «I love you» everytime he would have the opportunity, just to remember you his love for you. Because you are everything for him, the person who still keeps him sane.
ā§Ė ą¼ Falling asleep next to him ft. Tsukishima Kei
ā¢fluff, alcohol consumption (reader is tipsy), written this with post-timeskip Tsukki in mind, your honor they're idiots in love, they want each other bad. anyway, self indulgent short drabble
Tsukishima thinks his heart is going to explode from how close you are to him. The room is silent and you're haf-asleep in his bed, wearing his t-shirt, smelling of his shower products and he almost doesn't mind the sweet, lingering trace of alcohol on your breath.
When you invited him and Yamaguchi to a party that night to celebrate the end of exam season he initially wanted to refuse, but the thought of you going only with his friend, getting hit on by random guys at the club didn't sit right with him. So he tagged along and watched you dance and chat up whoever was willing to spare you the time of day. To say he was irritated would be an understatement but Tsukishima knew better than to comment on your behavior; he knew how easily you sulked and pouted until you got your way. And you always ended up getting your way with himā he liked you that much, though he never found the words to tell you. He had to basically drag you home that night, helping you take off your makeup while you sat on the edge of the bathtub, complaining about your headache. It was Yamaguchi's idea to let you stay the night at their flat considering the state you were in. Tsukishima wanted to point out that you weren't in fact that drunk, just tipsy, but he held his tongue. He couldn't waste an opportunity to keep you by his side just for a little longer. So after you showered and joined him in bed, he was finally faced with the reality of it all.
You're here, pressed up against him, your nose nudging against his jaw as you shift around, trying to find a more comfortable position. He feels warm, too warm, his palms sweaty as he adjusts, rolling on his side to give you more space. His hand comes up to your waist to prevent you from completely rolling over him and the little breathy hum you let out at the touch is a low blow. Tsukishima has always been analytical, trying to make sense of the world through logic and his sharp mind almost never failed him. But what can he do when his brain is basically mush, heart thumping so fast he's afraid you'll hear it if you lay your head on his chest? He tells himself to go to sleep, just close his eyes, take a deep breath and calm down but he can'tā not when you're so close and fit so well against him.
And then you speak, a breathy, barely audible whisper of his name and his resolve crumbles. "Yea?" he says back, pressing his forehead against yours, thumb rubbing circles on your hip.
"d'you have some water? My throat feels dry."
He nods as you cough, slipping out of bed and heading to the kitchen to bring you a glass of water. By the time he returns you're already propped on your arm and he can see you blinking slowly in the soft moonlight.
"Here you go. Drink up." he mumbles, fingers brushing against yours when you take the glass and bring it to your lips, emptying it in a few greedy gulps. "Jesus... slow down, it's all yours." You give him a glare and set the glass down as he joins you under the blanket again.
"I was thirsty ok? Plus my head hurts so bad. Can't you give me some paracetamol?"
"Not when you've still got alcohol in your system, dummy. I'll give you one in the morning." he huffs, slipping his hands into your hair to massage your scalp before you get to complain more.
Kei's thumbs rub against your temples, soothing the dull ache and you finally relax, your protests melting on your tongue as you close your eyes again. "There, better?" he whispers and you nod, cuddling up against his chest. "Yea, thanks Tsukki. You're a saviour."
"A saviour, really?" he teases and you chuckle.
"You know what I mean."
And Tsukishima knowsā at least he hopes he does. Hopes that behind that little sleepy smile and content expression of yours lays a feeling akin to his. But he pushes down those thoughts, leaving them for tomorrow because he's finally starting to fall asleep and as his breath settles and his eyes flutter shut, Tsukishima promises himself that one day he'll get you to sleep by his side every night.
another night where you fight, another night of silence. another night whereĀ miya osamuĀ sleeps with his back to you.
the realization that there is not much more you can do to save your relationship clutches at your chest with an iron grip.
the gravity of it makes you whimper. pressing your lips together, you shakily push yourself up to sit blinking back tears while blindly stepping around for your slippers, willing yourself not to sobānot here, not where he can hear. your toes touch the fluff of them, and you hurry to slip them on. you need to get out of here.
as quiet as possible, you leave your boyfriend in your shared bedroom.
you stumble to the couch and kick off your shoes, blindly searching until your fingers catch the lampshade switch. you yank it to provide some light, rattling as it flings back into place.
you pull your knees to your chest and press your forehead against your kneecaps. a numb part of your brain thinksĀ oh, so this is where this was, when you think of the misery that quieted itself, replaced with a numbness that overtook you during the fight you had with him earlier.
the numbness that made your limbs feel like ice when he clicked off the phone call without even hearing you out.
you wanted to tell him so much, but in the face of his blank gaze and dismissive demeanor, you shut off. you have more fight in you, you know that. but tonight you justĀ couldnāt. couldnāt listen to him tell you that he needed more from youāmore support, more time, moreĀ patience.
youāve given him that, right? your brain runs with thoughts you can't keep up with. you gave him yourself. you have, for months, for years. you did what you could. youāve withstood lonely anniversaries, forgotten birthdays, broken promises. youāve done everything you could.Ā you gave what you could. you gaveĀ everythingĀ you could.
i want you to come home, you wanted to tell him eatlier tonight.Ā come home. youāre never home. i know youāre busy at work and youāre doing what you love butĀ please,Ā āsamu.Ā please.Ā
love me, too.
your body wracks with a sob, the hurt fresh, as if the words that you never got to say wounded your insides instead. you wanted to tell him that, you wanted to beg for it, beg for his time, beg for his attention, beg for him to love you back. but time and time again he just turns and says heās tired, he doesn't want to hear it, andĀ the moment is gone, and now the fear of knowing that leaving things unsaid will destroy you, will destroy him. will destroy both of you.
you huddle closer into yourself and sob, a sharp sound in your ears making your head pound.
ābabe?ā you hear through the ringing in your ears, and suddenly warm hands are on your arms.Ā ābabe, whatās wrong?ā his voice is calm against your turmoil.Ā āare you having a panic attack?ā
āāsamu, iāmāā you shudder and he leaves for a moment, flitting to the kitchen to grab you some water.Ā
ādrink, please,ā he tells you, gently unfurling you to sit. you comply with shaky limbs, taking the water heād given you in your delicate grip. a few sips are enough to calm you down, but the fear is still there.
he gingerly takes the glass and sets it aside. he kneels in front of you, taking your hands and soothingly rubbing his thumbs against your skin. his fingers are hot, almost like a furnace, but when you realize that he's not, he's fine, your hands are freezing, you resist the urge to pull away as he warms your palm.
when he looks up to smile at you, you see the exhaustion on his face, and, instantly, you hate yourself for it. for this.
"i'm sorry," you blurt out, a fresh wave of tears threatening to spill over.
his hand leaves yours and cups your cheek. "for what, baby?"
āi love you so much,Ā osamu,ā you tell him without thinking, voice thick and wet and miserable. you press the palm of the hand he let go of against his cheek, hiccuping when he closes his eyes to lean into your touch.Ā
āi love you, too,ā he says, ready to apologize for the fight, but it's not about that.
not anymore.
you pull away. the confusion and hurt on his face is making everything worse.
āi love youĀ so much,ā you tell him, desperately wishing that he could understand.Ā ābut iāā you sob,Ā ābut,Ā osamu, iĀ canātĀ anymore.ā
osamuĀ presses his lips together, saying nothing. you hear him sniffle, and his fingers come forward to brush at the tears on your cheeks and tuck a lock of hair behind your ear.
āi love you so much,ā you confess.Ā āi would do anything for you. and i have, i have for years. iāve tried my best, butĀ osamu, iām soĀ tired,ā you sob. your voice feels like its giving out but the desperation makes the words claw themselves out of your mouth.Ā āiām so tired, i'm so tired and i'm soĀ lonely, andāandāand i love you so much, but i have nothing left toĀ give.ā
you pull your hands away to hunch over and cry into your palms unable to face him. messily, you wipe at your face and push your hair back. you give him the most apologetic smile you can muster, but you're unable to see his face through your tears.Ā āiām so sorry i canāt give you more,Ā osamu.ā
you hear himĀ sniffle and when you wipe your tears away with the backs of your hands, his eyes are glassy. then he closes his eyes.
the pain that washes over his face is absolutely unbearable. the furrow of his brow and the wrinkle of his chin, the lines by his scowl that you know is him trying his best to keep it together.
when he opens his eyes to look at you, his eyes are no longer glassy.Ā your heart breaks for the pain he refuses to show. āwhatās next?ā
your smile is sad and wet with tears.Ā āi think you know.ā you brush his hair back and cradle his face with your hands.Ā āletās⦠letās do this in the morning, okay?ā
he nods, looking away. he licks his lips and shakes his head, and he turns to face you with a furrowed brow and a little more composure despite his watery gaze. but it doesnāt take long beforeĀ his face crumples and he rushes to hide his face against your legs. his quiet sobs are pained and miserable, his chest shaking as he cries.Ā
you press your face against his hair and cry with him.
ā
the morning greets you kindly, the soft sunlight bathing your room in a sweet glow. itās early, but you canāt keep sleeping.Ā thereās a lot to pack.
your eyes feel hot and swollen, and bones feel heavy beneath your skin, weighing you down from getting up from the bed. still, you fight. you push yourself up to sit and notice that youāre alone. unsurprising, really;Ā osamuĀ has been leaving earlier and coming home later. onigiri miya needs care, needs nurturing, so itāll blossom and grow. you need to stop begrudging him for it.
you finish your morning ablutions in the bathroom and head out to the kitchen, but when you open your bedroom door, the smell of food hits your nose like a smack to the face. your stomach twists when you see a familiar broad backāosamuĀ didnāt leaveāand your fingers turn cold.
the door slides shut behind you and he turns.Ā āgood morninā,āĀ he says quietly, shutting off the stove.
āgood morning,ā you say, walking to your kitchenette. when you see the spread on the table, you gape despite yourself.Ā āosamu. what isāwhat.ā
he flushes, sliding a delicious looking steak unto a plate and setting it alongside the other platesānearly every single plate you own, you noteāand your dining table isĀ burstingĀ with food.Ā ācooked breakfast.ā
āfor how many people?ā you ask, incredulous. āi tried t'remember everythinā you liked,ā he said with a sniff, and your heart crinkles at the edges, because that means something.
āthank you,ā you whisper, and you quietly take a seat while sets aside the dishware he used.Ā
when he finishes, he turns to look at you, leaning on the counter. it takes him a while.Ā āwhen you leave,ā he says,Ā āiām going to try again.ā
you stare at him, confused. you say nothing and wait for him to continue.
āi donāt want you to leave,ā he says, and he rubs his face in frustration.Ā ābut i know iāveāi know iĀ fucked up. i love you, and i never shouldāve hurt you.ā he inhales through his nose.Ā ābut i did, and i canāt change that.
ābut iām not giving up on you. not on us. youāā he clears his throat, and the dark circles beneath his eyes makes your heart feel tight.Ā āiāll⦠if i have to start all over again, iāll do it,ā he whispers, walking closer and taking your chin in his hand, tilting your face up to meet his eyes.Ā āiāll win you back.ā
āosamu,ā you whisper, and his face crumples again.
āi love you too much to let you go,ā he says, voice breaking as he fights back tears.Ā āand i know that makes me a jerk. but iām⦠iĀ love you, so muchāso fucking much, and i hate myself for not making you feel that. forĀ hurtingĀ you.ā
he gets on his knees and tears are streaming down your face.Ā āleave me if you have to,ā he says brokenly.
āif you need space, iāll understand.Ā but please,ā he begs. āpleaseĀ donāt give up on me.āĀ
he does the unthinkable. he curls over and bows, back curved and forehead pressed against the backs of his hands, pressed against the floor.
the horror that overtakes you is beyond words.Ā
you drop to the floor to pull him upright, not letting him do this. he wonāt do this to himself, you wonātĀ letĀ him. not for anyone, not for you. you pull his face against yours and kiss him as hard as you can, crying as you do.
you won't let him do this.
later, you sit on the couch, arms aroundĀ osamuās middle as you lie on his chest.Ā the idea that this could be the last time you held him like this made you want to burst into tears again.
āiāll make it up to you,ā he promises, pushing your hair out of your face, gently guiding your chin up.Ā āplease, just⦠give me another chance.ā
you look up at him, and your eyes meet.
ā
āhey!ā atsumu greets warmly as soon as you enter the restaurant, spreading his arms wide to engulf you in a hug.Ā āitās so good tāsee you!ā
āhi,Ā ātsumu,ā you greet, returning the hug.Ā
he motions for you to sit as he picks up the menu. āknow what you want?ā
you nod, not even bothering to pick up the menu.Ā āhow are you? howās training?ā
āām good! trainingās good. teammates are pretty good, too.ā
"yeah? like who?"
atsumu makes a show of looking at the menu. "oh, i don't you know them."
you roll your eyes at his obvious ploy to get you to start talking. āfine. ask me.ā
atsumu instantly leans in, conspiratorially covering his mouth with the menu and whispering,Ā āhow are you two? itās been over a month now, right?ā
āoi.ā you twist your head to smile up at the newcomer.Ā āstop bothering them,Ā ātsumu.ā
atsumu glares at his twin.Ā āiāmĀ the one who invited āem to lunch!ā
osamuĀ rolls his eyes and lays down a platter of onigiri in front of you. he snatches the menu and smacks his brotherās wandering hands with it before they get to close.Ā āthese areĀ notĀ for you.ā
ābut thatās aĀ lot!" atsumu whines. "canāt i haveĀ any?ā
āno,āĀ osamuĀ says resolutely, then turns to you and gives you the softest smile he can muster, pinning the menu by his side and arm.
"i haven't even ordered yet!" atsumu complains.
osamu ignores him.Ā ālet me know what you think.ā
āokay,ā you say with a smile.Ā
āand let me know if you need to take out anything,ā he continues,Ā āiāll wrap it up for you.ā he leans forward and presses a kiss to your temple.Ā āenjoy.ā
āthank you,Ā āsamu,ā you tell him before he turns to leave.Ā
he smiles back at you and heads back behind the bar.
atsumu has evidently forgotten about ordering, because his eyes shuttle back and forth between you two before nodding considerably.Ā āso i take it things are going well?ā
āyeah,ā you admit, picking up an onigiri.Ā āgoing really well, actually.ā
āyouāve beenā¦ā atsumu searches for the word,Ā āis it still calledĀ ādatingā? you broke up. but⦠entertaining each otherā¦?ā
ādonāt hurt yourself,ā you joke.Ā ābut yeah. letās call it dating. and itās going well, thanks for asking.ā you take a bite of the onigiri.
ādoes he still have a chance?ā atsumu asks, genuine curiosity on his face.
you chew thoughtfully as you look back atĀ osamu, whoās smiling at a customer. you remember that bright morning, when he helped you pack, helped you move into your friendās apartment. when heĀ cooked all that food, and you found it neatly packed away in a thermal bag that had a handwritten note, reminding you to eat well.
you remember the next day, when he showed up at your friendās door, holding flowers and inviting you out to get some ice cream. you remember his messages, his calls, his check ins on you, littered across the days, asking you how you are or if youāre eating or if you need any food.
you could call him if you needed any help, if you needed anything at all.
but reality sets in when you think of how one phone call could be a mistake, it stops you from searching his name each time you pick up the phone.
in your mind, you see his bent form, his begging, his tears. you remember his smiles and his hugs and hisĀ āsee you laterās, his gradually growing list of unbroken promises.Ā you remember the effort, the time heās putting into you, putting aside for you. you remember how hard he tries for you.
it's like everything is new again.
his eyes catch yours and he gives you a small wave, and you wave back, your stomach fluttering.
it's not new, you think. it's better.
you swallow your food. it's delicious.
āyeah,ā you say softly, āhe does.ā
Eddieās bedroom.
The world didnāt end, he graduated and his room is still as messy as ever ā”