ilovewillem

[ilovewillem]

Whumptober day 31- Asking for help

“Satoru.” Suguru stood in the shadow of Satoru’s bedroom door cast.

“Suguru?” Satoru rubbed his eyes and sat up. “It’s late, something happen?”

Suguru stayed quiet for a short moment, wondering what he should do. Every task was a burden, something that would have to be done again and again until his death.

“Suguru?” Satoru pushed the covers off of himself and sat up. “Come here?” He turned off his infinity the second the bed dipped under Suguru’s weight and threw his arms around him.

“I’m a mess.” Suguru sighed, burying his face in Satoru’s bare shoulder. His skin was soft, so smooth and pale that it looked like it had never been touched. “I haven’t been sleeping.”

“I can tell.” Satoru stroked the side of Suguru’s face. “But, why?”

“Every time I do I-“ Suguru shook his head. “It’s stupid.

“No.” Satoru squeezed Suguru’s hand. “Talk to me.”

”I always dream of you dying, Satoru.” Suguru bit his lip. “Please, help me.”

”Tell me what I can do to help. Anything, I’ll do anything at all.” Satoru’s grip on his friend tightened.

Suguru rubbed his eyes and licked his lips, “Can you help me shower?”

A hot blush flashed across Satoru’s face for a split second before he agreed, “I’d do anything for you. I will. Go get your clothes, we can use my shower.”

Satoru heated the water as Suguru got his pajamas. He got out his nicest soaps and hair care before stripping down into his underwear and waiting on the closed toilet.

“Suguru.” He smiled when his friend came back, helping him unbutton and looking away as he took off his undergarments. “The waters ready.”

They stepped in together, the warm water drenching them both. Satoru massaged shampoo into Suguru’s hair, holding him close as if he were afraid he’d slip away. He held the dark-haired boy's hands as he rinsed the soap off his body.

“Satoru.” Suguru leaned in, their bareness more vulnerable than anything physical. “Thank you.”

“I would do anything for you,” Satoru whispered, meaning it more than anything else he had ever said.

[ilovewillem]

Whumptober day 30- Recovery

“A massage?” Yuta frowned, trying to make sure he had interpreted the correct sign.

‘Yup.’ Toge assured him. ‘You’re too stiff, you’ll break something. Lay down.’

“You really don’t need to do that.” Yuta scratched the back of his neck.

‘I want to. Lay on your stomach.’ Toge kissed right under Yuta’s jaw, knowing that the other could never resist him after being loved there.

“Fine.” Yuta pouted and lay on his stomach, hugging a pillow and closing his eyes.

“Mustard leaf.” Toge smiled as he sat on Yuta’s legs, stretching like a cat.

“You’re so warm.” Yuta yawned and nuzzled into the pillow. “I’m glad you’re here.”

Toge kneaded Yuta’s shoulders with the heel of his palms. He knew his lover's body better than anyone else, he had memorized every spot that made him moan or smile.

“It wasn’t a bad mission.” Yuta looked so soft with his lips slightly pursed and face slack. He could’ve passed for someone so much younger.

“Hm?” Toge worked his thumbs into Yuta’s muscles, pressing expertly into the divots and dips in the skin.

“Yeah. It was pretty easy. Super low-grade.” Yuta sighed. “Gojo’s been sending me on a bunch of grade 4 ones, trying to keep me safe. I know he’s trying to keep me safe, but he’s doing too much.”

Toge flipped Yuta over and kissed his nose, ‘I’d do the same.’

“I would, too.” Yuta laughed as Toge began to massage the front of his thighs. “Oh, that’s nice.”

‘I know.’ Toge signed. ‘I know.’

“I love you.” Yuta reached out for Toge’s hands. “So, so much.”

“I love you.” Toge took Yuta’s hands and pressed them down. ‘Relax.’

“You’re making me sleepy.” Yuta blinked repeatedly.

‘No sleeping.’ Toge roughed up Yuta’s hair to keep him awake, ‘I’ve missed you. Talk now, sleep later.’

“Oh, alright.” Yuta propped his head up to admire Toge. “You’re so pretty.”

Toge leaned down to kiss Yuta, smiling against his cheek. The tension in the dark-haired boys muscles had dissipated, leaving him barely awake, yet very happy.

[ilovewillem]

Whumptober day 28- Denial

Mari’s body was cold by the time Hero pulled it down.

“Wake up.” He shook his head, tears leaking onto Mari’s face. “Mari? This isn’t funny.”

“Hero,” Kel sobbed from behind him. “Hero, stop.”

“Get mom.” Hero demanded as he started chest compressions. He was so dizzy that he couldn’t recognize his surroundings or who was talking to him. His breathing was uneven, coming out in short spouts and stopping before he had the chance to feel it.

“Mari, please.” His vision was fading, a cold chill setting in. “Wake up.”

“Hero.” Someone called. He knew the voice belonged to someone younger than him, but he didn’t know who it was. “She’s gone.”

“Stop.” Hero gasped, beginning mouth-to-mouth. He was sick, so sick. The world was turning as he sat, attempting to hold onto the grass so he didn’t fall. His nose was bleeding, leaking into the dirt. Someone’s arms closed around his torso, pulling him back. All the fight had drained out of him.

“Hero.” Kel carried his brother inside, dragging him by the arm. “Hero.”

“No.” Hero shook his head, neck limp as he slumped onto the couch.

He woke up in the same spot where he had fainted, sobbing as his prayers that it was all a bad dream went unanswered.

“She can’t be gone.” He shook his head as Kel ran to him, cradling his cheeks in his palms. “No.”

“I’m so sorry.” Kel’s shoulders shook as he apologized again and again, repeating the words.

“She can’t. She wouldn’t do that.” Hero laughed darkly, wiping his tears and smiling weakly. “She wouldn’t.”

[ilovewillem]

Whumptober day 27- Voiceless

Warm water poured into a cup, an equal amount of lemon and honey. Warm blankets and animated movies. Hot soup and plenty of kisses. That was Toge’s ideal solution to getting sick.

Yuta had fussed over him for hours, making him take medicine and drink more water than his stomach could handle. His experiences with hospitals made him determined to never let his boyfriend get so sick he’d have to stay anywhere overnight.

Truth be told, Toge wasn’t in too much pain. His voice was gone and his limbs ached, but he felt fine. The gentle crashing of thunder and the rain singing outside his window crafted a calming symphony. A perfect environment for sleep. That is if Yuta would stop talking.

“Do you feel any better?” The dark-haired sorcerer stressed. “Are you hungry? Do you need anything?”

Toge reached up and pressed a finger against Yuta’s lips, smiling faintly. He shook his head and spread his arms, holding his lover close.

“I’m gonna get sick.” Yuta pouted, but he didn’t dare move. Toge tried to push himself off, but Yuta tightened his arms and shoved his face into the crook of Toge’s neck. There was no way either of them were leaving the bed anytime soon.

[ilovewillem]

Whumptober day 26- Nightmares

Toge didn’t realize Yuta hadn’t been sleeping until he woke up. His boyfriend’s big, buggish eyes were peering up at him, highlighted by dark bags. Too tired to start signing, Toge lightly scratched at Yuta’s scalp, humming softly and smiling. Yuta was impossibly soft in Toge’s arms, all warm and smooth skin. 

“What happened?” Toge signed once he was awake enough to move his hands. 

“I had a bad dream.” Yuta sniffled and bit his lip, calming himself before continuing to speak. “It was… worse than they usually are.”

‘Do you want to talk about it?’ Toge sat up and leaned against the bedframe, smiling lovingly at his lover.

“I don’t know.” Yuta shook his head. “I’m not sure if it would help. It was really rough.”

‘Remember what Shoko said? About how getting it out of your head might help.’ Toge braided the longer bits of Yuta’s hair. 

“It’s hard to explain.” He grabbed a pillow and held it to his chest, weighing the pros and cons of attempting to put what he had seen into words.

‘I’m here to listen.’ Toge promised.

“Okay. Don’t laugh. Please, don’t laugh.” Yuta begged.

‘I would never.’ Toge kissed in between Yuta’s eyes.

“In the dream, I woke up, but I wasn’t in my body. I was Gojo, but still myself inside.” Yuta’s eyes started to water, and Toge worried he was about to cry. He sneezed instead. “Gojo was gone, and I had to fight Sukana. I couldn’t find you anywhere. I think Megumi was there, I’m not sure.”

Toge wrapped his arms tighter around Yuta, keeping careful track of his heartbeat and breathing.

“I don’t know.” Yuta groaned. “I just wanted Gojo back; I just wanted to see him again.”

Toge nodded and began to rock back and forth, kissing and sniffing Yuta’s hair.

“It just felt so real. I woke up and wasn’t sure if it was a dream, so I called Gojo.” Yuta cursed himself and rubbed his eyes. “I woke him up in the middle of the night, I feel horrible. He wanted to come over, but it was too dark out. He wants to check in with me later.”

“Yuta,” Inumaki whispered his voice always a soothing balm for any of Yuta’s emotional wounds. “You are so incredibly loved by everyone around you.” 

“I’m tired.” Yuta yawned. “I couldn’t go back to sleep. Gojo’s probably going to come over in a few hours.”

‘Do you think you can go back to sleep on your own?’ Toge wondered.

“No, not at all.” Yuta had tried for hours but ended up staring mindlessly up at the ceiling. 

“Yuta.” Toge kisses Yuta’s dry lips, pressing carefully into him. “Sleep.”

[ilovewillem]

Whumptober day 25- Surgery

“I don’t know why I feel like this.” Yuta’s leg bounced uncontrollably in the back seat, biting his lips. “I mean, I’ve faced curses. This shouldn’t scare me.”

‘This is different,’ Toge signed, leaning into Yuta. ‘It’s okay to be afraid, but you really don’t need to be. You’ll be asleep the whole time.’

“That part scares me the most.” Yuta shook. “What if I don’t wake up?”

Toge rolled his eyes. ‘I’ve had the same surgery. So has Gojo, so has Kugisaki, the first year. I didn’t get put out, but Kugisaki did. She said she didn’t even remember falling asleep.’

“You’re right.” Yuta sighed as they walked inside, nodding as if trying to reassure himself.

They sat in the waiting room with Toge humming softly.

‘You’ll be just fine,’ Toge signed, kissing his boyfriend’s forehead. ‘It won’t hurt.’

“I know, I know it won’t hurt. I’m just really nervous.” Yuta gripped his boyfriend’s arm, not wanting him to leave.

‘It’s a wisdom tooth removal. It’s barely even a surgery.’ Toge smiled softly, laughing compassionately to soothe Yuta’s fear.

“You’ll be here when I wake up?” Yuta knew the answer, but he needed confirmation.

‘Of course. Gojo’s going to get us ice cream.’ Toge saw the dentist come in and squeezed Yuta’s arm. ‘I’ll be back before you know it.’

Yuta took deep breaths and reminded himself over and over again that he had gone through so much worse than a routine dental surgery. He had never been comfortable in any kind of medical setting, so Gojo voted for him to be sedated.

“Count down from 10, alright?” The dentist's voice was caring, and soft. Yuta couldn’t nod, but he tilted his head in agreement.

10, 9, 8, 7…. He was out like a light.

He woke up to a bright light shining straight into his eyes.

“Ugh…” he grumbled, brain fuzzy and cheeks numb. He could barely remember where he was before Toge was laughing over him.

“He still needs to sleep it off.” Yuta could hear the doctor's voice in the distance. “Give him some over-the-counter painkillers when he wakes up and make sure he drinks water.”

He didn’t hear Toge’s response, but he feel himself be lifted into the passengers seat of the car before he fell asleep once more. The anxiety that had previously clutched him made him laugh. It was almost embarrassing how little it hurt, despite the soreness he knew was coming. Teetering on the edge of consciousness, Yuta smiled as wide as the cotton in his mouth allowed him to.

[ilovewillem]

Whumptober day 24- Radiation Poison

Serizawa had never been so afraid. He’d been scared, sure. Nervous? Constantly. But bone-deep, cold, painful fear wasn’t something he’d experienced since Reigen had taken him under his wing. He woke up in his hospital and he could tell something was wrong. Before he even felt the pain, it began to hurt. Something was different on a deep, chemical level.

“Reigen?” He called out for comfort. “Reigen?” His arms wouldn’t move when he tried to rub his eyes. Looking down, he saw that his arms and legs were covered by thick gauze, clean and white.

“Sir!” A nurse stepped in and pressed a button next to his bed. “Do you remember what happened?”

Serizawa shook his head, biting his trembling bottom lip.

“You were crushed under a building. Luckily, you have no broken bones. Unfortunately, you were near a nuclear power plant. The radiation causes a great deal of burns all over your body. I’m going to call a doctor in to check on you.” Serizawa couldn’t talk. He didn’t even open his mouth. All he could do was nod slowly.

The doctor spoke clearly, enunciating each word as if he didn’t think Serizawa could understand.

“Someone wants to see you.” The doctor said after he was finished with his spiel.

Serizawa perked up, wincing at the pain in his eyes, “Who?”

“A man named,” he checked a scribbled name on his hand,” Reigen Arataka.”

“Can you send him in?” Serizawa rubbed his nose, sniffling.

“Of course.” The doctor left, leaving Serizawa to lay back and hug a pillow against his chest with his aching arms.

Reigen came in quickly, his feet skipping across the linoleum floor.

“Hi.” Serizawa smiled softly.

Reigen pulled up a chair, “Hey, hey.” He folded his hands anxiously. “Does it hurt?”

“Not really.” Serizawa shrugged. “I think I’m on painkillers.”

“How do you feel?” Reigen asked.

“Fine,” Serizawa replied.

“No, emotionally.” Reigen laughed at himself, scratching the back of his neck.

Serizawa stayed silent for a while, tearing his dry lips with his teeth.

“Seri?” Reigen’s eyes softened.

“I’m…” Serizawa couldn’t decide if he wanted to tell the truth.

“You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.” Reigen backed off, coughing to break the awkward silence.

“I don’t know,” Serizawa answered after a few moments. “But I think I’m better with you here.”

[ilovewillem]

Whumptober day 23 alt prompt- Survivors Guilt

Eren’s funeral was a small, intimate arrangement. For once in his life, Armin was at a complete loss for words. He sat through Mikasa’s eulogy, unable to process anything she was saying. He hadn’t felt alive since he’d seen Eren’s decapitated head in Mikasa’s arms.

He went back to his room immediately after the service and refused to come out. His head rested on a pillow that was far too hard as he thought about everything and nothing at the same time. No words or actions were understandable, his brain had become a clump of muscle crammed into a skull that was too tight.

Armin thought that Eren would be there once it was all over. He imagined the three of them, Eren, Mikasa, and himself, somewhere far away from that place. He thought they’d live near the ocean, the three of them home safe.

“Armin?” Jean knocked on the door. “You in there.”

Armin could barely talk, his voice thick and quiet, “Yes.”

“Can I come in?” Jean asked, leaning against the wall.

“Fine,” Armin whispered.

“Hey.” Jean smiled softly and sat next to Armin on the bed. “You feeling okay?”

Armin couldn’t respond, his bottom lip trembling as he shook his head.

“I know.” The taller attempted to comfort him, rubbing his back.

“No, you don’t.” Armin sobbed, his shoulders trembling up and down. “You don’t get it. You never knew him like I did.” The blond pressed his face into the pillow and sobbed, trying to push away the wishes that it had been him instead.

“I’m sorry.” Jean lay next to Armin, cradling his face in his palms. “I know it hurts.”

“I don’t understand.” Armin shook his head. “This wasn’t the plan, this was never the plan.”

“I know, I know. I thought they told you.” Jean rubbed in between his eyes and sighed.

“I wish it was me.” Armin curled in on himself and hiccuped out weak sobs, covering his mouth as he gasped.

“No, no.” Jean gripped Armin’s bicep, “You can’t say that.”

“He was so much stronger than me.” Armin shook his head. “I don’t get it.”

“Just because he’s not alive doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to be,” Jean assured him. “You’re here now.”

“I wish I wasn’t.” Armin bit his lip.

“Shh.” Jean pulled Armin’s bottom lip out, not allowing him to bleed.

“I wish he was here.” Armin closed his eyes.

“I know. I know you do.” Jean could never truly understand the extent of his friend's pain, but he could stand by his side until it subsided.

[ilovewillem]

Whumptober day 22- Bleeding Through Bandages

Armin was too tired to take care of himself. The titans had wiped every ounce of energy from his body, leaving him an empty shell of a body. He was pale, laid out on his cot. His golden locks were crusted to the side of his face, his cheeks flushed light pink. A thin sheen of sweat covered his arms.

The bandages Mikasa had quickly wrapped around his ribs were too loose. The bleeding never stopped, only slowing and crusting into the blanket on top of him. He shivered, coughing weakly. His body was quickly failing him without allowing him the freedom of death.

“Armin?” Eren walked in, his hair still wet from a shower that was more of a rinse than anything else.

The blond could only moan miserably, not willing to open his eyes.

“Jeez, ‘Min.” Eren kneeled next to his friend, placing a careful hand on his shoulder. “You’re bleeding everywhere.”

Armin couldn’t bring himself to respond. He was toeing the line between consciousness and the deepest sleep he would ever have.

“Sit up, c’mon. Sit up.” Eren insisted.

“Can’t.” Armin groaned, unable to do as much as move his arms.

“I’ve got you.” Eren carried Armin off the cot and leaned him against the wall.

“What are you doing?” Armin whined.

“I’m taking your shirt off.” Eren carefully peeled the bloodstained shirt from his friend's torso and hissed. He gently unraveled the bandages and wiped the thick, red liquid away.

Armin complained, crying, but unable to wipe away his tears.

“Is it too tight?” Eren asked.

Armin shook his head, the movement barely there.

Armin was asleep by the time Eren was done, finally free of pain. Eren laid him in a different cot, one not stained with blood, and watched over him.

[ilovewillem]

Whumptober day 20 alt prompt- Shivering

As the days got shorter and the leaves died and fell off the trees, Serizawa found that none of his jackets were warm enough. He wasn’t used to being outside so often, to going from place to place every day.

“You look cold.” Reigen sneezed. “You alright?”

“Huh?” Serizawa perked up. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

“Let’s get you inside.” Reigen put his hand on Serizawa’s back, pushing him forward.

Reigen was far too cheap to pay for heating at Spirits and Such, so he was bundled in countless layers of fabric. If Serizawa were to be fully honest, he would admit that he couldn’t afford a new coat. He was barely flying under the radar of his landlord. When he went out with Reigen, he stressed over the prices and bought the cheapest, smallest dishes on the menu. He would go home and chew on beef jerky until his stomach stopped hurting.

Despite his situation, he couldn’t ask his mother for money. She wasn’t rich, and she had done more than enough for him. The last thing he’d ever want to do was make her worry about him more than she already did.

“Still cold?” Reigen asked.

Serizawa shook his head, “I’m fine.”

“You’re pale.” The younger put his hands on Serizawa’s hips and spun him around. “Oi. This is why. Your jacket is covered in holes. How old is this thing?”

Serizawa shrugged. “Maybe 10 or 15 years? I don’t know.”

“Take it off,” Reigen demanded.

“What?” Serizawa paled. “Why?”

“I’ll fix it.” Reigen pulled a small sewing kit out of his desk and threaded a needle.

“Oh.” Serizawa blushed and shed his coat, hoping that his boss wouldn’t mind that his suit jacket was stained. He hadn’t saved up enough money to go to the dry cleaners. “Thanks.”

“Anytime.” Reigen held the needle between his teeth as he positioned the cloth at the right angle to fix it.

Serizawa sat awkwardly on the couch, scratched the back of his neck, and blushed.

“Hey.” Reigen cleared his throat as he sewed. “Do you want to stay over with me tonight?”

“Um.” Serizawa gulped. It sounded great to not have to return to his cold apartment and shake until he fell asleep, but he was a little worried.

“I’ll make dinner.” The blond hummed.

“Sure.” The older blushed, hoping that Reigen would believe it was just from the cold.

[ilovewillem]

Whumptober day 20- Emotional Angst

Yuta could barely stand after his mission. His exhaustion was so overwhelming, so painful that the only thing he could do was stand at the entrance of Jujutsu Tech and hope someone would catch him before he fell.

His prayers were answered by one Yuji Itadori. The younger saw him through the window and knew immediately that something was wrong. The dark-haired boy's body was waving dangerously from side to side, giving the impression that he was seconds away from plummeting into the concrete.

Yuji ran outside and supported Yuta, dragging him into the common area and wiping the grime from his face.

“Yuta? Yuta? Are you alright?” Yuji pressed a palm against Yuta’s warm cheek, cursing quietly when he felt how hot it was.

“Where’s Gojo?” Yuta slurred, eyes shut and lips barely moving.

“He’s on a mission right now, he should be back tomorrow.” Yuji wiped the drool off the side of Yuta’s mouth with his shirt and winced with concern.

“Oh.” Yuta frowned. “Where’s Toge?”

“He’s also on a mission, but he should be back soon. God, you’re pale.” Yuji worried over the other as he grew less and less stable.

A rough sob escaped Yuta’s throat as he began to cry. His shoulders shook as Yuji embraced him and sat them both on the couch. The older boy's frustrated sobs shook Yuji. He had always imagined his senpai as some kind of stone-cold soldier. He had heard from all of the teachers and second years how much of a softie Yuta was, but he had never seen it himself.

“What’s wrong?” Yuji whispered.

“I’m so tired.” Yuta hiccuped. “I thought they’d be here when I got back.” He hyperventilated, shaking back and forth as Yuji squeezed him tighter. “I’m so scared all the time. I can’t breathe when I’m not in the same room as everyone I care about.”

Yuji knew that Yuta’s PTSD from the final fight with Sukana had left him under the constant care of Shoko and Gojo for months. This was his first mission since then, and it didn’t go as well as everyone had hoped.

“I need to tell Gojo about this, okay?” Yuji asked. “He told me to tell him if anything happens with you.”

“Okay.” Yuta’s bottom lip trembled as he held back louder sobs. “I miss them.”

“I know, I know.” Yuji hummed to Yuta as he typed out a message to Gojo. The pink-haired boy put his phone down when he was done and wrapped his arms around Yuta. He was relieved that Yuta allowed him to hold him like this. There were days following that final battle when Yuta darted away from Yuji, even showing violence a few times. His mind was so scrambled that he was placed under 24-hour care.

“You’re safe with me,” Yuji promised. “Toge will be back soon. Gojo’s probably scrambling to get back, you know better than anyone how protective he is of you.”

“I’m sorry.” Yuta pressed his face into Yuji’s shoulder as he slowly calmed down.

“You have nothing to apologize for. You’re dealing with everything as best you can. I remember when I came back from a mission and Megumi and Kujisaki weren’t there. I felt so, so alone.” Yuji played with Yuta’s hair. “But they came back, and it was all okay.”

As if on cue, Toge threw open the doors and made a beeline for his boyfriend. He cuddled into Yuta and smiled, praising him quietly in riceball as he cooed to him in sign language.

The affection overwhelmed Yuta in the best way possible, causing the constant need to fight or flee to disappear. It was replaced with the immediate need to sleep. He was out like a light, passed out before he could respond to Toge.

A fourth joined their party after Yuji and Toge had fallen asleep. Gojo sat next to them, leaning against the couch and smiling as he kept a close eye on them.

[ilovewillem]

Whumptober day 19 alt prompt- Finding Old Messages

Mari’s handwriting was swooping, curling softly, and perfectly legible. It added a certain flare to all of her recipes and notes, something that couldn’t be replicated by anyone else. She loved leaving papers around, little scraps that read ‘You found me’ or ‘I love you’. They were everywhere.

After her death, her mother went on a frantic rampage. She tore up every corner of the house in search of these little messages, not stopping until she was sure each one was gone.

Hero’s family didn’t know what to do. Their eldest was catatonic and there was nothing his little brother could do. They had to force him to eat and take his medication, but it didn’t do anything. The backs of his legs were littered with bed sores, and his eyes were rarely open. There were a few days when Kel couldn’t be sure he was still alive.

The rare occasions when he left his room never went well. The first time he came downstairs was to alert his family that he had been burning with fever for the past 2 weeks.

He was rushed to the hospital, but not before one of Mari’s old notes caught his eye. His breath caught in his throat at the familiar handwriting. All words left him as he collapsed, reverting into the semi-vegetative state he had been stuck in since his girlfriend’s death. The bit of energy he had drained out of him, left him empty.

What would’ve been a quick stop at a walk-in clinic turned into a rush to the hospital. He was a lot sicker than he had let on.

Doctors fussed over him for hours, running countless tests to figure out what was wrong. They came to the conclusion that he was dangerously dehydrated and lacking critical nutrients in his blood. Kel paled at the diagnosis. He didn’t know what it meant, but he didn’t want to lose his brother. He dreaded what would’ve happened if Hero never came down to ask for help.

When he got home, Kel found the note that had set Hero off. He stared at it, lost in thought for a few moments. There were too many options. Did he toss it? If he did, was that a slight to Mari’s memory? Did he leave it there? He decided to pick it up and leave it in his desk drawer.

If his brother got better, when his brother got better, he’d decide on a more permanent solution.

[ilovewillem]

Whumptober day 18- Revenge

Kazutora was out of jail and Mikey was out to get him. He had stayed up late most nights fantasizing about how he’d get back at the boy who took his brother's life. He would make him wish he had never left jail before never being able to wish away. An eye for an eye, a life for a life.

“Mikey?” Draken’s low voice snapped him out of his slight trance.

“What’s up?” Mikey brushed some of his hair out of his face and looked up to meet the other's eyes.

“You were thinking for once. What’s that about?” Draken asked.

“Oh, nothing.” Mikey shook his head and clenched his fist. There were so many ways he could take the kid out. Takemitchy had told him that Kazutora went to the same school as him. Kazutora had talked to Takemitchy, his Takemitchy. Was Shinichiro not enough?

Draken squinted at his phone. “Emma wants me to meet her at this cafe. Wanna come?”

“Nah, I’ve got plans.” Mikey didn’t elaborate. Draken sensed that something was wrong, but trusted that it wasn’t anything to worry about.

“Alright.” Draken shrugged and collected his things. “See you soon.”

“Yeah, you too.” Mikey looked up at the clock. Kazutora should be in school. He knew that dismissal would start soon, and catching him on the way out would be the perfect time.

Armed with only his fists, Mikey hopped on his bike and made his way to the school. It was only a short ride, leaving him plenty of time to park and prepare for what was to come. Mikey had never been to juvie, but he knew what went down in there. He was prepared for whatever tactics or muscles Kazutora picked up in there.

After training vigorously for so many years, Mikey would be angry if Kazutora didn’t put up a good fight. He hid behind the wall that students leaned against while they waited for classes to start. What would Shinichiro say? Would he be glad his brother was avenging him, or would he beg him to let go? Mikey found that it was better not to think about the details.

Mikey had never killed anyone before, but the thought had crossed his mind. He was far from an innocent boy, but he had never gone that far. For his brother, it was worth it. All the grief Kazutora had caused would not go unpunished.

He wouldn’t be hard to spot in a crowd. His unusual hair color would draw Mikey to him, a beacon to pull him to his fate. Takemitchy stepped out first, distracting Mikey for just a moment. The blonds constantly watery blue eyes immediately darted to Mikey, the other always unable to hide from him.

“Mikey!” Takemichi galloped over to him, smiling wide. “What are you doing there?”

Mikey froze for a second, unable to find anger within him to direct toward Takemitchy.

“I’m here to take you home.” Mikey lied, biting his tongue.

“Really?” Takemitchy beamed. “Why?”

“I didn’t have anything else to do.” Mikey shrugged, watching Kazutora leave out of the corner of his eye.

“Thanks.” Takemitchy rubbed his eyes.

“Hm.” Mikey got on his bike. “Hop up.”

“Awesome.” Takemitchy sat behind Mikey, wrapping his arms around him and resting his cheek against his back.

Mikey would have another chance someday. For now, he had something more important to do.

[ilovewillem]

Whumptober day 17- Nowhere else to go

Ushijima had insanely specific sleeping conditions. The entirety of Japan's men's National Volleyball team knew this, but none of them thought to prepare anything for the Olympics. Excitement was the bane of forward thinking.

“Can’t you just stay with that one kid you went to school with?” Bokuto was fresh-faced and happier than he had ever been before. His fiance, Akaashi, sat by his side and read. “The redhead. I can’t remember his name. I heard he lives here now.”

Kuroo cringed. “Ah, bro, they’ve kinda got some history.”

“What kind of history?” Bokuto cocked his head and sunk into Akaashi, resting his head on his shoulder.

“They’re exes,” Kuroo whispered no-so-quietly.

“Oh, shoot.” Bokuto covered his mouth. “I’m so sorry, Ushibro.”

“It’s alright.” Ushijima looked down and remembered what it had been like to live with Tendou. The redhead had kept their room clean for him, he only bought sheets and blankets in fabrics Ushijima could handle. Ushijima couldn’t help but wonder if Tendou’s home in Paris had the same accommodations.

“It may be worth a chance.” Ushijima signed.

“Ushijima.” Kuroo groaned, rubbing his forehead. “That’s not something that people do.”

“Don’t you want me to be in my best shape during our games?” Ushijima asked.

Kuroo bit his lip and shrugged. “At least the guy doesn’t seem violent.” He shook his head and let out a warm breath. “Do whatever you want, just make sure you’re back by 6 tomorrow or Iwaizumi’ll kick your ass.”

“Understood.” Ushijima bowed and packed an overnight bag. Tendou’s apartment wasn’t too far, only a 10-minute bus ride and a five-minute walk until he was standing in front of his exes door, hand raised to knock.

Tendou opened the door before he got the chance. “What are you doing here?” His buzz cut from the last time Ushijima had seen him had grown out, leaving a soft covering of red hair that fell to just above his ears.

“Hello, Satori. I’ve missed you.” Ushijima kneeled to pull something out of his bag. A bouquet of crushed roses that had barely survived the plane ride.

“What are these?” Tendou held the stems gingerly between two fingers before realizing that all the thorns had been carefully removed.

“Flowers. For you. Two-toned roses were your favorite, if I recall correctly.” Ushijima stood up.

“Fine, just come inside.” Tendou left the flowers on the counter before slouching on the couch. “What do you want?”

“I will be playing in the Olympics this year. I would like you to come watch. I would also like to stay with you.” At least he was clear with his intentions.

“You want to stay here? With me?” Tendou couldn’t believe the audacity. “Why?”

“I can’t sleep in the Olympic village. Last time I was here you-“ Ushijima was cut off.

“You want to stay with me?” Tendou could barely stop the raising of his voice.

“Yes. There’s no place I’d rather be and I have nowhere else to go.”

“Jesus Christ you-“ Tendou growled. “I can’t believe you.”

“Please?” Ushijima wasn’t a beggar, but he’d ask politely.

“You’re crazy. I’ll set up the air mattress, you sleep in my bed. I never changed the sheets.” Tendou folded. He was weak when it came to Ushijima, as he always had been. “But just until you leave. Once the Olympics is over, I never want to hear from you again.” Tendou’s chest ached.

“What if I win?” Ushijima had the balls to ask.

“Excuse me?” Tendou scoffed.

“If I win, will you let me take you out on a date?” Ushijima deadpanned.

Ushijima was going to win. There was no doubt in Tendou’s mind that Ushijima was the best volleyball player in the world.

Tendou signed and held back a smile. “Deal.”

[ilovewillem]

fuck literary gatekeeping, read whatever you want.

[ilovewillem]

Whumptober day 16- Necrosis

“What do you mean it’s infected?” Takemichi screamed, pale and red at the same time. His face became

an odd portrait of clashing colors.

“I think I’m gonna actually throw up.” Chifuyu redid the bandages before squeezing his eyes closed to stop himself from hurling.

“What do I do?” Takemichi shrieked, not daring to look down at his leg.

“We need to get you to the hospital right now. Can you walk?” Chifuyu stood up and reached down to his friend.

“Yeah.” Takemichi rose, wincing. “What are they gonna do at the hospital?”

“I dunno.” Chifuyu shrugged. “Hopefully cut that shit off.”

“Cut my leg off?” Takemichi gasped, cringing away.

“No!” Chifuyu coughed. “No, just the dead skin.”

“Is it gonna hurt?” The pissblond chewed his bottom lip as his friend dragged him out of the house.

“How the hell should I know?” Chifuyu scoffed as soon as they got to the bus stop. “Sit down.”

“I didn’t do anything to infect it, I wrapped it the second I got home!” Takemichi defended himself, running his fingers through his hair.

“Did you wash it?” Chifuyu rolled his eyes, already knowing the answer.

“I was tired!” Takemichi squeaked, limping onto the bus. “And it hurt, I didn’t wanna irritate it.”

“You have got to be the stupidest person I’ve ever met.” Chifuyu facepalmed as he helped Takemichi into a seat, glaring at the boy with a broken leg who was about to ask to sit there.

“Someone else usually does it for me.” Takemichi blushed.

“You’ve seen it done enough times, you should be able to handle your own wounds.” Chifuyu scolded.

“I don’t do it as well as you or Mitsuya,” Takemichi argued.

“God. You’re useless.” Chifuyu helped Takemichi into the emergency room and pretended he was his brother. He made up a whole story about how their parents were on an overseas trip and they were home alone for the week. The doctors bought it, and Takemichi was quickly brought in for surgery.

Chifuyu gave Takemichi the silent treatment on the bus ride home, disappointed in his lack of critical thinking. He only spoke to announce that he was staying the night to make sure nothing went wrong.

“Thank you.” Takemichi fiddled with the bandages around his leg, causing Chifuyu to swat his hand away.

“You need to take better care of yourself.” Chifuyu sighed, folding his arms.

“I know:” Takemichi smiled softly. “But I have you. I don’t have to worry about too much.”

“You’re horrible.” Chifuyu laid an arm across Takemichi’s shoulder, a smirk hidden somewhere in his face.

[ilovewillem]

Whumptober day 15- Childhood Trauma

Ever since Yuta got back from Africa, Toge insisted on taking him on a real date every week. He argued that they only counted if they left campus, leading him to drag his boyfriend around town. 

“You really don’t have to do all this,” Yuta said while looking the happiest Toge had ever seen him. 

‘Nonsense.’ Toge signed, kissing his love’s cheek. ‘You need more sun, anyway. So pale.’

Yuta laughed, throwing his head back and smiling wide. Toge stopped breathing for a minute. The sun shined on Yuta in a way that made him look like an angel. His face was outlined in gold, gilding him like the precious thing he was. 

“You have to let me pay at least once.” Yuta pouted. “You know Gojo gives me enough.”

‘Your dad would kill me if he knew you spent any money on someone else. He wants you loaded.’ Toge complained. 

“He’s not my-“ Yuta sighed and looked away, soft cheeks flushed pink. 

‘So pretty.’ Toge pulled Yuta into him, kissing him slowly. 

“Not as pretty as you.” Yuta hummed in contentment, a low noise in his throat. 

Yuta’s foot hit a stone, sending it skidding across the sidewalk. While he was distracted for less than a minute, a car skidded off the street and stopped only inches away from the pair.

Toge laughed at the situation, scared for a moment before realizing they were both safe. The driver pulled out and left with no one hurt and no damage done. Toge kept walking for a few more feet before realizing his boyfriend wasn’t behind him.

“Yuta?” He turned around to see the taller man pale, his breathing fast and shallow. “Yuta!” Toge ran to him and touched his face, getting on the tips of his toes to meet his eyes. “Look at me.” He hated to use his cursed speech on Yuta, but he knew without trying that the other wouldn’t respond to sigh.

Yuta looked down at him, bottom lip trembling. 

‘What’s wrong?’ Toge signed, softly brushing his fingers through his hair. ‘Talk to me.’

“Rika.” Yuta stuttered, his entire body shaking, unable to stand still. He rocked back and forth, his fingers twitching and curling in on themselves. 

‘She’s not here.’ Toge intertwined their fingers and pulled them both over a bench, sitting Yuta down and kneeling in front of him. ‘Talk to me.’

Yuta curled in on himself, beginning to sob. Fat tears rolled down his cheeks as he gasped for air, his hands raking across his head. It had been ages since Toge had heard Yuta cry like that, but it wasn’t the first time. He stood up and hugged Yuta close to his chest, the other boy’s ear close enough to hear his heartbeat. He hummed, hoping the noise would calm the other. Words weren’t an option, but he didn’t feel like physical touch was enough. He wanted to overwhelm Yuta’s senses. He wanted the other boy to feel him, to hear him, to know he was undeniably there.

“She was so alive, and then she just-“ Yuta wailed into Toge, embracing him and trying to get as close as possible.

“Mhm?” Toge replied, trying to get him to keep talking.

“The car just came so fast, I was distracting her. She was dead, she was dead, but I wouldn’t let her rest.” Yuta rambled.

“Hey.” Toge pulled away and shook his head, wiping Yuta’s tears so he could see. ‘Don’t blame yourself. We’re past this. You know it wasn’t your fault.’

“But just now, we could’ve-“ Toge wouldn’t let Yuta finish.

‘We would’ve been fine.’ He kissed the other’s tear-stained cheeks and smiled against his lips. ‘We’re safe.’

“Yeah.” Yuta cleaned his face on his shirt. “I’m sorry.” Toge shook his head, not allowing the other to apologize. ‘Do you want to go back to my dorm? I have ice cream in the freezer.’

Yuta nodded, “That sounds nice.”

The pair waited a few minutes for Yuta to fully calm down, not moving until the taller had stopped shaking. Toge refused to let go of Yuta’s hand until they were back at the school, only disconnecting to open the door for the other.

Yuta finally smiled, something so blinding and bright that Toge couldn’t see for a second. ‘So pretty,’ he signed. 

Yuta hopped into Toge’s bed and bundled up, covered by so many blankets that he was nearly invisible. Toge crawled in next to him, joining him in his little fort.

‘You’re safe.’ Toge signed before shoving his hands under Yuta and smiling.

“Yeah.” Yuta closed his eyes. “We’re safe.”