Chapter Text
Everything was quiet for once.
The silence and the peace I felt around me was a nice change for once. I enjoyed how this felt and I never wanted this moment of calm to end. Knowing my circumstances I knew that this wasn’t going to last long so I might as well enjoy it while I have it. The day was going to start soon whether I wanted it to or not. Exhaling deeply I grabbed my baby blue blanket from my feet throwing it over my shoulder. It’s my safety net as I wrap it around me while it provides me with the extra comfort that I needed before a long day ahead of me.
While I laid there I listened for the sound of movement in the rest of the apartment but couldn’t hear anything for now. That’s good, at least that won’t be an issue for me. Closing my eyes I knew that now’s the time for me to get any extra rest that I need as well as mentally prepare myself for the unknown. It didn’t help the fact that I heard the sound of footsteps after a few minutes but I couldn’t tell what direction they were headed in.
Sighing I knew this was ending when and it didn’t last long until…
BAM! BAM! BAM!
A solid knock came from the other side of the door making me almost jump out of my skin and launch myself to the floor for how sudden it was. It instantly put my nerves on edge as the only person that would knock like that from my roommates would be Mirio. He’s not a bad guy and I don’t blame him for being loud at times but he isn’t always thinking of how I’m going to feel based on what he’s doing. I’ve been reactive of him since the first time we met each other. I took a deep breath to collect myself.
"Tamaki? Are you awake?"
"Yeah, I'm up."
"Awesome! Sorry for waking you up so suddenly." He paused, "I came to tell you that Nejire and I wanted to talk with you when you wake up and are ready. We’ll be in the kitchen waiting for you."
The urge to lay in bed all day was high but Mirio has a point about me getting ready for the day and meeting Nejire and him in the kitchen when I’m done. What gets me now is the fact that they need to talk to me about something and I wondered what that was now that it’s been mentioned. It’s time to get myself together and get my day started. Luckily for me getting ready was easy due to the fact I didn’t own a lot of things and lived a minimal life. The only thing I needed to do now was to get out of bed, go to the closet and put one of my hoodies on before joining my friends. I didn’t want to keep them waiting for long so I sat up stretching my arms into the air.
I had everything that I needed like a roof over my head and a warm place to sleep at night. I focused on the doorless closet from the bed that I hardly fit on, throwing my blanket off me. This is how I lived my life and I wouldn’t have asked for anything more. This is my home and I’m not about to give it up for anything else and there’s no way I’m changing anything about my life anytime soon.
Mirio took a deep breath. “Take your time to get ready, we’re in no rush.”
“I’ll be out to meet with you guys shortly. It won’t take me that long.”
“Okay! I’ll see you in the kitchen when you’re finished.” Mirio said in a chipper but loud voice. “I can’t wait to see you!”
Mirio’s footsteps faded to nothing as he walked away from my bedroom. I thought about Mirio, Nejire and I as we’ve been living together for years now. The respect and trust built over the years was strong and grows stronger by the minute. It made me feel better knowing that I have loving and kind connections when I need it. I hardly knew anybody else who lived around us. There’s only a few people besides Mirio and Nejire that I knew but that was barely anything compared to what I knew of them. I swung my legs off the bed, putting my feet to the cold floor heading over to the closet.
I stood in front of the closet looking at the few hoodies that hung in there. I reached for my favorite of them all, it’s plain yellow with a light blue sun printed on the front of it. Mirio and Nejire gave it to me a few days after the first time that we met. This hoodie is my favorite as it filled me with positive energy when I wore it even in the darkest of moments. Slipping it over my head I took in the cozy warmth that it provided me. I’m glad I have something to cover me and to keep me comfortable outside of my blanket.
However, on another note I didn’t like having to wear a hood over my head when we’re not at home but it’s something I’m required to do if I want to remain unfound by the public. Everyone around this area are not big fans of elves and there’s nothing that I can do to change that. It was always hard for me to do this knowing I’m the only known elf in the area by just Mirio and Nejire. Nobody else was to know but them. It’s the middle of fall and it’ll start to get easier to wear it from here on out. I made sure that everything was in place and that my hood wasn’t rolled up and was on my head on the ends. My shoulders relaxed once everything was in the place that I wanted.
Opening the bedroom door it creaked loudly as the sound echoed around the room. I’d gotten used to that noise with time. The hallway is long and dark besides the light that came from the kitchen at the end of it. Keeping near the wall I edged my way toward the light hearing Mirio humming a tune to himself from there. Poking my head around the corner as Mirio is on the far side of the room with his back to me with something in his hands that’s red and black. I wonder what he’s looking at.
As I stepped into the kitchen Mirio turned to me with a smile on his face that complemented his long blonde hair. His deep blue sapphire like eyes focused on me as he put the paper down on the counter. Coming over to me I saw him wearing tan cargo shorts and a red polo top, casual wear compared to what I’m used to. It didn’t look terrible on him and must be more comfortable than the suits he often wears. I don’t blame him for wanting something different.
Mirio placed a hand on my shoulder, chuckling. “There you are Tamaki! How’d you sleep?”
“I guess I slept okay. It could’ve been better.” I paused. “What about you?”
“I slept like a baby! It was wonderful!” Mirio’s smile widened, pausing for a moment. “I know we didn’t tell you about what I want to share with you but Nejire and I were planning to take you somewhere special today as a surprise. It’ll be such a grand adventure for the three of us! It’s been so long since we did something fun!” He tilts his head. “Do you want me to tell you about it now or do you want to wait till we get there?”
I tilted my head at the mention of a surprise. “A little heads up would’ve been nice but you can share some about it.”
Mirio patted my shoulder roughly. “That sounds good to me! A total surprise would’ve been better but knowing you that would send your anxiety through the roof. I thought that this would be a good change of pace from our normal routines. Trust me! Where we’re going is awesome and it’ll blow your mind!”
I froze in place at the mention of change lowering my voice. “What’s so exciting about changing your normal routines? I like them and being here at home.”
Mirio shrugged before speaking loudly. “It’s nothing dangerous and nothing will hurt you there.” His grin widened. “We’re going to the Hero Festival! It’s being held in the center of town at The Square this year and we can walk to it!”
“What’s the Hero Festival?”
“It’s a festival about heroes and celebrating the years of service that they’ve provided us for years. There’s food, games and shopping from so many places and booths from what I’ve come across so far. There’s going to be events like a parade too! It’s opening day today! This is new to all of us but I’m sure that we’ll all find something we enjoy while we’re there today.”
“That sounds fun I guess? I’m not sure about this. What if something bad happens while we’re out?” I looked around the room seeing that one of us wasn’t there. “Where’s Nejire? Isn’t she going to be joining us?”
“Yes she is! She’ll be here in—”
Nejire’s voice rang through the apartment. “I’m in the living room! I’ll join you guys in a moment, I need to grab something quick before we go.” She giggles to herself. “I won’t be but a moment till I’m with you guys and am ready to go!”
With her sharp voice it caused me to jump. Rounding the corner and entering the kitchen she stepped into the room smiling. I did not realize how close she was standing next to me until I turned to look at the living room. She was less than a foot away from me, I flinched and cringed, not used to anyone being in my personal space so much. Despite not expecting her to be right there I managed to relax my body after a minute of collecting myself. I didn’t step away from her but she also didn’t get any closer so it’s fine.
When I got a better look at her I noticed that she’s wearing her long lavender colored hair back into a large ponytail for once. It wasn’t like her to do that but I liked being able to see her face more clearly than it normally was when it was down. Nejire was wearing a dark blue shoulderless crop top and a long but wavy teal skirt to go with it. On her arm hung a small white purse that seemed to be breaking at the seams from constant use.
There’s no warning when she pulls me in for a tight hug out of nowhere. Freezing I put an arm around her falling into the hug. I liked hugs but only from the people I know and trust. From behind Mirio wrapped his large arms around us both squeezing firmly pulling us into his open embrace. This was the layer of safety that I loved and needed to keep me from crashing and burning. We held the hug for a few short minutes before Nejire wiggled her way out of Mirio’s grip. She strided over to the front door grabbing her tan sandals before slipping them onto her feet. She looked over her shoulder at us when she finished lacing them up.
“Are you two ready to go? I know I am!”
Mirio bent down grabbing my old sneakers from the rack. “I’m more than ready!” He held my shoes out to me. “Are you ready for today’s big adventure ahead of us Tamaki?”
I took my shoes sitting on the nearby bench to put them on. “I guess I’m ready as I’ll ever be.”
It still sent a shock through my body that I didn’t exactly know what we’re heading into. On the other hand, having fun is something that doesn’t always happen between the three of us and this might be a good chance to get out and have some fresh air. Maybe it’ll be worth giving it a chance and I’d have to try if I want to make them happy that I’m having to come with them. I did wonder how today would go at the Hero Festival and hoped that it would turn out like Mirio is putting it out to be. The good feeling vanished when I remembered that I had to go out into the public and keep my ears hidden. What might happen to us while we’re there? I frowned looking toward the front door.
The unknown outside of the apartment was terrifying for me. It made my stomach tie into a knot, having to hide myself again. There’s no doubt that it was going to be strange once we stepped out the door. Maybe it’s because I’m indoors for most of the time? Who knows if that’s the reason why I’m scared to go out or if it’s something else. I should be happy at the change of pace but I’m not. I didn’t realize it until I saw a hand wave in front of my face as Mirio’s figure came into view. Coming back into attention I run my hand through my hair. The frown on his face didn’t help as I didn’t like to see him hurt by anything.
Mirio spoke silently. “Are you okay Tamaki? You zoned out and didn’t respond. Both Nejire and I are worried about you.”
Looking from Mirio to Nejire my heart sank as she put both her hands together holding them up to her chest. The fact that she’s balling up in front of me made me feel bad as I didn’t want to have them suffering through my mixed emotions. I rose from the bench once my shoes were on taking a step toward the door. Mirio placed a hand on my shoulder before I could get too far. I stopped keeping my gaze low but averted it in his direction. Silence filled the room before I responded to him.
“Sorry about that guys. I’ve been having a lot going on in my mind lately. But going out for the Hero Festival sent it over the top.” I sigh loudly. “Who knows what to expect or what might happen to us while we’re out.”
Smiling Mirio rubbed my shoulder before pulling his hand away. “I know it’s hard for you to go outside and be hidden from everyone all the time but we want to keep you as safe as we can and that’s how it has to go right now.” He nods. “I believe in you and that you can do what you put your mind to.”
“But what if something does go wrong? What’re we going to do about it if something does happen? There’s no way we’ll be able to get out of it.”
“I know you’ll be fine while we’re out. You’re with us and we’re here to help you through these times.” Nejire chimed in with a returning smile. “Plus, outside of us nobody else knows that you’re an elf. I don’t see there being anything for you to worry so much about.”
“How can you two be sure of that? Last time we were out I nearly got discovered but luckily I didn’t. I don’t want to go through that again.”
“I’m positive that nothing wrong will go on today, I promise you that.” Nejire says as she runs her hands through her ponytail.
“Tamaki, I’m excited to show you what this event is all about and we can’t do it without you but you can’t stay here. I don’t think that would be fair to any of us.”
“It sounds fair to me.” I close my eyes exhaling. “But if that’s what we must do then I guess I’ll have to step in where I can.”
Mirio raised his voice. “Then let’s go! What are we doing sitting here when we could be having a blast as friends?”
“I’m still going to be unsure of what’s to come no matter what we do. I want you to be aware of that.” We stepped toward the door. “Will it be busy where we’re going?”
“There’s a chance that it’ll be busy but you’ll be fine.” Nejire said, interjecting me.
There wasn’t a choice for me to stay here and I had to go out with Mirio and Nejire. It’s a small chance that I might like it but that’s hard to say at this point. It’s worth the shot if it makes them happy right? I didn’t know how long we’d be out for but I felt deep down that it was going to be most of today. That would be determined by what we end up doing in the end of this all. Swallowing, I kept my chin up the best that I could even if it didn't last for long.
Mirio opened the door as we stood at the top of it. We happened to be put in an upper floor apartment and that made it hard in cases but easier in others. It mostly stayed harder for the most part. Starting our descent, Nejire was the first to make it all the way to the bottom first as if she just floated there. My hands trembled at how steep these steps are and that I had to be careful or I’d go over the railing face first into the hard cement.
Making it down a few steps, Mirio filed in behind me reaching closer to me. Grabbing my hood I froze where I stood as he threw it over my head quickly. I teetered for a moment but luckily I was able to regain my stability. I touched my head and had to admit that was a close call and if Mirio wasn’t there to cover me up I don’t know where I’d be. I took a deep breath to center myself before going down a few more steps.
I spoke quietly. “Thanks Mirio, I almost forgot about that.”
“You’re welcome! It’s not normal of you to forget to put your hood on before we leave home. I thought I’d help you out but I didn’t expect you to almost go tumbling down the steps. Sorry about that.”
“It’s okay, I didn’t fall but I wasn’t expecting you to react so fast.”
Mirio rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah, that’s my fault for not telling you before I put your hood on for you.”
I led the way down the rest of the steps. My heart continued to race as we made it to solid ground at the bottom of the incline. Exhaling loudly I lean on the nearby wall for a moment, I needed to collect myself a little bit before we continued forward. Mirio stood next to me looking over at Nejire, frozen stiff watching us standing there as she popped around the corner to check on us. A loud gasp came from her but no words followed after. She placed a hand to her chest speed walking over to us, her eyes wide.
“Tamaki! Are you okay? I saw you almost fall and I wasn’t sure what to do about that.” She looks at the empty streets beyond the apartment building. “We should get going before it gets too late in the day. I would hate to miss out on the opening of the event.”
We began walking but in total silence causing a shiver to run up my spine. Leaves in the trees above us waved as a few of them fell on the ground in front of us. I bent down to grab a large brown leaf that landed in front of me. The fresh air and the trees around us is the best part about going outside if nothing else. I looked forward to it when I had the chance for it but I’d been inside for so long I forgot how nice it was out here especially at this time of year. Running my fingertips over the leaf’s rough surface I heard the crunching sound that came with it. A wonderful form of life this was before it fell.
Looking ahead I noticed that Mirio and Nejire began to slow down as the sounds ahead of us, voices of people came toward us. It was loud and I wanted to cover my ears as I knew I wouldn’t be able to without exposing myself. It only grew louder as we went as people littered the area. The kids I could see were bouncing around as the parents and other couple groups of people chatted with each other competing on who could be the loudest. I’m not sure how much I’ll be able to handle but I’ve gotta try to keep myself together. I dropped the leaf coming to a stop seeing the large banner hung up on the booth in front of us. My jaw dropped at the sight of so much going on all in one small area.
Mirio held his arm out displaying the craziness before us. “We’ve finally arrived at the Hero Festival! I hope you enjoy your time here Tamaki!”