Work Text:
Starweaving
It was the last time.
It would all end today.
"You know you've been sighing over there for a few minutes now." Tamaki's eyes slid back into focus as he overlooked the ocean on the balcony and looked to his left, it was the sun god Mirio: Tamaki's best friend. The fact that he was here meant that it was almost time. Tamaki managed to produce a nervous smile before facing forward again, leaning against the smooth marble parapet, allowing himself to daze off. There was a warm, gentle breeze in the air, a sure sign of the god Tenya's current mood.
He had been waiting in Mirio's home, a large and lavish abode made of stone on a cliff overlooking the sea, somewhere the sun always shined. Tamaki himself never knew the reason why Mirio chose to live in the human world and he had never asked, but he understood the beauty of it. Humans were curious little creatures with remarkably short life spans.
Tamaki found them so fragile.
He glanced up at the sky and grimaced, it was sunset and soon it would be his turn to bring darkness to the world, a task that never ceased to wear on his already frayed nerves.
"This is the last time you'll be doing this, no? Fumikage has woken and will take over and you can relax." The sun god came to stand next to Tamaki on the balcony, his natural warmness doing nothing to resolve Tamaki's tumbling stomach.
Tamaki frowned, "relax? Is that what you think will happen?" Relaxing was the furthest thing from his mind. It was true, he no longer was expected to pull the curtain of night and blanket the earth with it, but he still had another, very large job to do. Fumikage's return isn't exactly my main reason for dozing off.
Mirio laughed and slapped Tamaki's back jovially, producing a glare from the paler god. Tamaki may have once in his childhood bent under Mirio's strength, but those days were long gone. "As usual, your sense of humor is spot on! I'm sure you're glad to be able to leave this job after all this time. You'll be back on your underground doom and gloom by midnight!"
Tamaki's eyes flickered back out to the view. "It hasn't really been all that long Mirio, we're immortal." The blonde merely shrugged and smiled nonetheless. "But you're right, I'll be glad to return home."
"Ah yes, the Underworld, charming place, really. I can see why you didn't leave for three thousand years. And why you made me go out of my way on the flipside to come and visit you." Although the tone was teasing, Tamaki still punched Mirio's arm for the disrespect. Mirio insisted on visiting, claiming that Tamaki's home was the most peaceful.
For all its misconceptions, the Underworld was not a terrible place. It was a land where all tired souls could finally find the peace they yearned for alive. Escorting those souls was a peaceful and beautiful process, one that Tamaki was glad to be part of. His main job was such an intimate affair, so encompassing to humans who did not understand it. Everything that passed through his gates was known to him, and more often than not, those were kind people who were merely confused, but relieved to be allowed to rest.
Being in charge of the Underworld was a busy job after all, and he loathed to be far from his home in the first place. It wasn't often that he left his palace in general, but this was a request from their leader, All Might. Fumikage, the god of the night had disappeared thirty years ago, without a clue or sense of direction to anyone. In the meantime, Tamaki had taken on the task of bringing and maintaining balance to the world while other gods searched for the missing god. Fumikage returned two years ago, unconscious, assured by their healer that he would one day wake up, Tamaki knew the time he was to burden this would end one day and he would return home.
And the day finally came, but Tamaki wasn't happy.
"Fumikage is ready, isn't he?" Tamaki anxiously asked Mirio, avoiding his gaze, hoping he wouldn't see the desperation in his eyes. Mirio wasn't allowed to know the true reasons for his hesitations, there were some things that Tamaki preferred to keep close to his heart, some things that he didn't share, not even to Mirio. "I just wanted to double check, the sky needs to darken gradually and if Fumikage isn't feeling up to it...the night could be er, the reason the humans die."
Tamaki cringed as he ended off, that wasn't quite the direction he wanted to take.
"So you're asking if Fumikage, the god of the night, is feeling 'up' to his job?"
"Well, he could have forgotten?"
"I don't think that's something you forget how to do."
"It has been thirty years."
"Tamaki, is there a particular reason why you're stalling?" Tamaki's eyes widened. So, he knows something is up. Tamaki wouldn't insult Mirio by playing dumb, they had grown up together after all, give or take a century. However, he still couldn't just go on and say it, because then it would become real and Tamaki didn't think he could take it.
Still, he shriveled under any scrutiny, uncomfortable with confrontation. "Um, maybe I'm not ready to go back? What if Midnight likes her spot?" After his call to All Might, Tamaki had left Midnight, the goddess of judgement in control of his beloved home. She was a trusted friend and as an older goddess, with more wisdom, and more importantly, she did not covet the Underworld. She was truly a natural when it came to reining in the more unruly souls.
Mirio threw him a disbelieving look, "Midnight hates doing your job. She thinks its gloomy and she would probably much rather deal out terrible consequences for you to sort through, because heaven knows, you like paperwork." Tamaki nodded absently, his gaze looking back out over the sea, the sun getting lower and lower, any moment now, he would have to leave. "More than that, you love your job."
Though he knew this, his eyes couldn't help but be pulled to that sea.
"Does it have something to do with why you keep looking at the ocean?" Tamaki felt his heart drop, how could he have given himself away? Tamaki was so cautious with his feelings and he thought to allow himself this last night. Of course his friend knew better.
"What does that have to do with anything?" There was nothing he could do to hide the defensiveness in this voice. He immediately regretted snapping at his friend, Mirio was just trying to help him. Tamaki absently rubbed at the banister, hoping the cool stone would somehow relax his spiked nerves.
Mirio gave him a knowing look. "You should talk to her."
Tamaki mumbled under his breath and shook his head rapidly. "I don't know what you're talking about." He gulped nervously.
"Have you ever spoken to her in the four thousand years I've known you?" It's only been three thousand, nine hundred, and seventy one days.
"Mirio, I'd love to continue this at a later time, but I have a job to do." His heart pounding, not accustomed to being assertive or that blunt. In all honesty, Tamaki was becoming increasingly agitated as the sun set lower. Even though the whole ordeal was more for ceremonial purposes, as the Earth would continue its cycle of night and day, as long as someone 'restarted' the cycle once every 24 hours.
Holding his hands out in front of him, Mirio smiled brightly. "Yeah for sure! Don't let me get in the way, see you when you get back." He turned away from the balcony and went indoors. Tamaki made sure he was alone before letting out a deep breath he had been holding in. Mirio was right, as usual, but Tamaki just couldn't bear it right now. Besides, he had a job to do.
For the last time.
Turning day into night was a gradual process and vice versa. It took time, patience, and care: things that Tamaki naturally excelled in. It was the entire reason why he was entrusted to be the substitute for Fumikage.
It was a peaceful ceremony, a small dance. Normally, the thought of dancing would have Tamaki fainting but there was something about the tradition that eased his nerves. As he finished the dance, the darkness of night began to creep in, painting the sky in shades of blues and blacks. Stars glittered the dark sky, shining brighter than usual.
"I think this is the prettiest one you've ever done." He flushed reactively, she had come earlier tonight.
His nervous eyes slowly traveled to the rock she sat on. Her long blue hair dipped into the waters around her, her bright eyes looked up at the night, the stars reflected in them. She had her arms wrapped around her knees, the long train of the dress she wore floated on top of the water.
Nejire fixed her piercing gaze on Tamaki, a smile growing on her face. He gulped when she laughed lightly. "You know, most people would say thank you when complimented." She was teasing. She always teased him.
The tips of his ears felt hot as he shook his head, the words refusing to leave his mouth. He was always like this around her. In the whole thirty years, he hadn't so much as stuttered a sentence to her.
Nejire took it all in stride. She talked enough for the two of them. Not tonight though. Tamaki tilted his head to look at her better, she seemed distant tonight. As if she had something on her mind. Silence fell between them and it remained for what seemed like an eternity.
Nejire's bent over, her hand traced patterns on the water's surface, little whirlpools formed where her fingers drew. "You never talk to me." His eyes popped and more than anything he wanted to reach out, to tell her that he wanted to, he just didn't know how. "I don't mind though, you're quiet. I like that about you."
His heart was going to stop soon. It had to. Tamaki's lips wobbled, his tongue felt heavy and glued to the roof of his mouth. The goddess smiled gently, encouraging. Tamaki felt even more the fool when nothing came out.
Why? Why was it that he couldn't speak to her? He never wanted anything more desperately.
Tamaki had never been envious of another's duty. In that moment however, he felt the tightening in his chest and a sense of forlorn. This was the last time he would gaze upon her beautiful blue eyes, hear her laughter. Soon, he would return to the Underworld, back to his beloved home.
It made him terribly sad.
"This is the last time isn't it?" Nejire sighed wistfully. "I knew it was coming. Fumikage had to wake up eventually. You probably miss home don't you?" Tamaki nodded. "I figured as much. I get anxious if I'm away from the sea for too long."
His head drooped slightly, he could be mistaken, but Nejire sounded just as sad as he felt. It wasn't for long, because she quickly smiled. "No sense in being sad! It was fun while it lasted, wasn't it?" She moved, her legs dropping in the water and Nejire started walking towards Tamaki, her delicate feet dipping slightly as she walked on the water.
She's approaching me. What do I do? Nejire is getting closer.
"You know, I wish you had said something after all this time." She stood in front of him, her eyes peered up at his red face. "But I'm kind of glad you didn't." Tamaki furrowed his eyebrows, what was she talking about now? Nejire was difficult to follow most of the time, her thoughts spread out and much too rapid for anyone to comprehend.
"Do you know why?" Tamaki shook his head, Nejire always asked a million questions but this one felt heavier. "Because it would have made things so much harder." Tamaki was even more confused now. He looked down at Nejire, surprised to find her face a little flushed.
She pressed her lips against his before he could ponder the meaning behind her words. Tamaki's eyes widened in shock, frozen as the sea goddess pressed her lips harder, a waterfall of emotion behind the kiss.
It didn't take long for Tamaki to react, his own lips hesitantly moving against hers, his hands hovered in the air, unsure of where to place them. Nejire helped by wrapping her arms around his neck as she pulled him closer, not wanting a single inch between them. Tamaki cautiously placed his hands on her hips, as to not scare her off, hoping she wouldn't tear away in disgust.
This is what he was missing. This entire time he had thought his feelings were one-sided, that there was no way Nejire, the beautiful fairy of the sea would could ever return his infatuation. Still, he hated how their kiss felt like a goodbye.
Too soon, she pulled away, her eyelids low and a wide smile on her face. "I've wanted to do that for almost thirty years." Her hand reached up to hold his face and Tamaki instantly nuzzled into it. She stared at him with those big eyes as if she were trying to memorize his every detail. Nejire dropped her hand and looked down. She let out a sigh and turned away from him. "That backfired a little. I made things much harder."
She waved her hand in the air, her back still turned to him. "I'm going to leave now Tamaki. I really, truly enjoyed being around you. Thank you." Tamaki watched as Nejire began to descend into the sea, his heart mourning for him to do something, anything.
Make her stay.
"I love you!" The words slipped out of him before he knew what he was doing. He didn't feel mortified, especially when Nejire stopped her descend.
She slowly turned around, Tamaki kicked himself when he saw the tears trailing down her cheeks. "What?"
He blushed but maintained their eye contact. "It's true. I've been in love with you all this time."
Nejire giggled but came closer. "You just had to go and make things one thousand times harder, didn't you?" Her arms wrapped around his neck again, and Tamaki was more than happy to resume their previous positions. Her lips ghosted over his, "I love you too," and pressed forward to meet his.
Mirio rubbed his eyes when Tamaki had yet to come back. It was early morning, early enough that the sun had not yet risen. The blond let out a loud yawn and popped his back. One glance at the clock told him that Tamaki was later than usual.
He would have thought Tamaki wanted to get here as fast as possible in order to get home. Mirio shrugged, maybe Tamaki got lost. He'd go out to look for him after he had breakfast. After all, breakfast was the most important meal of the day and he needed his energy. Mirio nodded with determination, he would have a breakfast fit for a god and then look for his lost friend.
Naturally, he reached for his lucky bowl and poured himself some Lucky Charms. Then again once he finished that bowl. "Man," he said, patting his stomach. "Humans really know how to eat. Remind me to thank Shiozaki for giving humans grain."
"Now, where did Tamaki go?"
Mirio headed to the beach, his friend loved going down there. He knew Tamaki would never admit it, but Mirio was certain the goddess who ruled there had something to do with it. Tamaki had been mooning over her for years. Not that Mirio could blame him, Nejre was gorgeous but a lot to handle. He was sure his friend had the tenacity to keep up with her.
If only Tamaki wasn't so afraid of his own shadow.
Mirio shook his head, Tamaki needed a miracle. The sun god walked further down, his feet meeting the cool sand. It was quiet and empty. Mirio frowned, now he was starting to get worried.
It wasn't for long. He heard giggles and Mirio whipped his head to the direction of the noise. His eyes widened and he was glad he didn't take his breakfast to go or he would have dropped it. Tamaki was walking on the sand in Mirio's direction, which was great, yay he's alive! What was shocking was Nejire was next to him, hand in hand and looking very disheveled.
They got closer and Nejre waved when she saw him. Mirio waved back awkwardly and trotted to where the couple stood. Tamaki's ears were bright red to match his cheeks but he looked more content and more relaxed than he had ever.
Nejire was the opposite. She normally was very easy going but now she avoided Mirio's eyes, her hair a tangled mess, a red flush colored her neck and chest, going further under her clothes. Mirio took in Tamaki's calm aura and Nejire's hastily tied dress. His eyes darted between the two before a wide smile took his face and he let out a deep laugh.
"Tamaki you dog!" The dark haired god scowled in embarrassment.
Tamaki looked at Nejire, his eyes soft and it threw Mirio off to see that much love behind them. "I'll see you tonight okay?" She smiled and pulled Tamaki in for a deep kiss. It was really uncomfortable to watch. Something told Mirio she purposely drew it out to disgust him. Jokes on her, I couldn't be happier!
Well after it was considered appropriate, Nejire finally pulled away, breathing heavy. "Love you." She said cheerfully before walking into the ocean, disappearing instantly.
"Me too." Mirio heard Tamaki whisper.
"Please tell me you talked to her." If what Mirio thought happened, happened and Tamaki didn't say a word? Well, he was going to beat him.
"Of course I did!" Tamaki stuttered. There's the nervous god I know and love.
"Are you sure," Mirio teased, "cause you don't need to talk to do that, you know."
"Mirio!"