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Parties were Izuru’s least favorite situations. One would think a reunion between classes of
Ultimates
would be at least somewhat entertaining, but it was about as cliche as parties could get, and only served to give him a headache.
A worse headache than he had had, anyways.
“All these Ultimates,” began a voice from beside him that wasn’t there before. “All these Ultimates, and still the best work they can do is something out of one of Fukawa’s romance novels?”
A quick sideglance revealed his new…
companion
to be one Byakuya Togami, the Ultimate Affluent Progeny. Izuru made no move to respond to the man, instead waiting for him to continue his monologue and saving himself the extra brainpower.
“I mean this lackluster performance could only be matched perhaps by–” Togami hesitated, intimately aware that one wrong move could surely mean his doom. Kamukura’s partner was not to be belittled in his presence. (Or at all, but what Kamukura didn’t know wouldn’t hurt anybody). “--By the likes of elementary-aged children. I mean, do we not have an Ultimate Host around here?”
Izuru continued to sit in silence, staring dully at the partygoers. His head felt filled with cotton and sludge, and every minute he had to hear the pretentious voice of a Togami was another minute he grew closer to Hell.
If he wasn’t already in it.
He allowed Togami to continue his petty ramblings for a great deal longer.
Where was Makoto?
It had felt like hours since he last saw his fellow Hope, and Makoto knew he didn’t like parties. How cruel of them to leave him here for so long, forcing him to listen to the preaching of this–
“Izuru?”
It was like a chorus of angels, heavenly feathers caressing his mind. He looked up, eyes covered nearly entirely by his hair.
Makoto was back, holding a cup of water, head tilted and lips pursed in a show of loving concern.
Evidently, Togami finally learned to understand when he was not wanted, as he shuffled away the minute Makoto spoke.
“You took ages,” Izuru rasped quietly. “What kind of cruel game is it you’re playing, leaving me all alone like that? Forcing me to listen to
Togami
of all people?”
Makoto giggled softly, and Izuru felt his lips twitching upwards at the sound. His partner’s gaze quickly grew concerned once more, however, and he stepped closer.
“I wasn’t gone for very long, though, Izu. It was five minutes max because Asahina wanted to say hello. Are you alright, dear?”
“I don’t like parties, Makoto.”
The other rolled his eyes. “Well I
know
that, Izuru, but this is a big reaction for you. Ah, why don’t we–” Makoto reached down with his free hand to grab one of Izuru’s own, gently tugging on it to get him to stand up.
“Where are we going?” The taller mumbled as he let himself be guided by Makoto’s comfortably chilled hand.
“Someplace quiet.”
Someplace quiet ended up being a storage room the opposite direction of the party. Makoto had sat him down, before sitting down himself, handing Izuru the cup he had still held in his grasp.
“Talk to me, Izuru. What’s going on?"
“I’m fine. I told you, I don’t like parties.”
“Your hands are clammy and your face is paler than usual. For someone with the capabilities of being the Ultimate Liar, you sure aren’t good at lying right now.”
They guided the cup to Izuru’s mouth, having him drink the cool water. Izuru sighed, allowing his head to be pulled to Makoto’s jacket-covered chest, breathing deeply.
The other gently carded their hands through his long locks, palms grazing his scalp and forehead.
“You’re warm, dear. You could have told me if you were sick. I wouldn’t have made you come if I had known!”
Sick? Izuru didn’t know…
“I can’t get sick, I’m the Ultimate Ultimate.”
“Oh, yeah? Well, the Ultimate Ultimate seems to have a pretty nasty fever right now. A mother’s tricks never lie, and the hand thermometer tells me you’re too warm for comfort!”
He was feeling pretty comfortable right where he was at the moment, thank you very much.
“You and your strange tricks,” Izuru mumbled, eyes drifting shut.
“My tricks always work and you know it!” Makoto huffed, good-naturedly.
Izuru managed a low hum in response, to which Makoto pat his cheek.
“C’mon, let’s get you out of this place before you start taking a much-needed nap, please? I love you and all, but you’re much too tall for me to carry you out of here myself, and I don’t think you’d be too thrilled to have any of the others see you.
Izuru grunted, sitting up. It would have to do, for now. Makoto was right, he should wait.
But that didn’t mean he would enjoy it.
“I told you going to this party was a bad idea.”