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Not all were fond of Kiyoomi. Everyone knows him as Death, living up to his name being with him means being with the coldest being known to man. Metaphorically and literally. The nature of his work also adds a lot of resentment to him as a being. Maybe it was how his little visits always end up with him taking something special from families, lovers and friends. The nature of his work includes randomly picking good and bad souls. But no mistake he didn’t mean to take them. He was just an employee and he has to follow certain rules in order to keep the world of living and non-living balanced. He was only doing what was ordered for him to do. That’s all there is to it
whenever he would come to pick up people they would either curse or beg him for more time. That they aren’t ready yet. Humans have been always greedy. Alive, they always want more money despite having more than they need. It was always “i need more money”. Dead, they need more time.
a few months ago Kiyoomi met a man named Kuroo Tetsuro. A young and promising CEO sporting a very chic tailor-fitted suit and in perfect health by the time Kiyoomi had to take him. Kuroo had everything set for him, but he wanted more. The man was intelligent together with his charms he was able to con not only his rivals but also his colleagues off their money. He was already well off but now he was living like a king. And a king can never reign without enemies lurking in the disguise of his trusted advisors. The said lurking advisor took form in the identity of Kozume Kenma and now Kuroo was in front of Kiyoomi begging Death to bring him back that he needs justice, that he needs Kenma behind bars for putting 2 bullets in his head. A week before Kiyoomi had to take a bus full of children after they were caught in crossfire between the police and armed robbers. Kiyoomi only gave Kuroo a cold gaze he has no time to feel pity for a conman.
Kiyoomi never felt sympathy for humans. To him their emotions are shallow, insincere and fleeting. Yet excessively strong.
He met a little girl, Saeko , who repeatedly begged kiyoomi to bring her back to the comfort of his brother’s arms. Reasoning she’s all her brother has. Kiyoomi tried to comfort her by telling her that afterlife can give her more comfort than she ever had while she was alive. Yet the girl only wanted her brother kicking and punching air as kiyoomi drags her to the gate of afterlife.
Kiyoomi would meet people once or twice. It’s those souls that would be in his reach but he can never grasp on time before life takes them back. These are the moments where Kiyoomi would be amazed at how life operates. And by the time it is really they turn to go to the end, they’d give Kiyoomi a smile as if he was their old friend. And sometimes Kiyoomi hates taking them to the afterlife. Since they give him a fleeting sense of what it feels to be greeted by a familiar face.
One of them is a young combat medic named Ennoshita Chikara who got caught in an explosion while trying to give first aid to another injured soldier and was thrown in the air only to be impaled on blasted tree trunk when Kiyoomi first met him the man was crying at Kiyoomi’s feet
“Please take me back. I need more time please” The medic cried. Kiyoomi thought it was just the regular selfish greed of humans but Chikara was different.
“A lot of men are still out there. Hanging on to their lives. At least let me give my route to my senior officer- no at least let them find me so they can get my map.... those men... If no one can find them. They are going to die” Chikara pleaded leaving Kiyoomi in shock. A human begging for more time just for the sake of another? And even before Kiyoomi was able to come back to his senses. Chikara’s body was found by another combat medic and was taken to a casualty clearing section. Earning a small smile from Chikara as his soul vanishes in front of kiyoomi and back to his body. Decades later they meet again only this time Chikara came back as an old man smiling sweetly at Kiyoomi
“Took you long enough” Chikara teased and Kiyoomi could only chuckle as he guide the old man to the afterlife
After Chikara there are several souls that Kiyoomi took an interest in but somehow he cannot forget this certain soul
Miya Atsumu
The first time they met, Atsumu was just born. But was born a month earlier than expected. Kiyoomi could only look at the baby with pity. Atsumu’s twin Osamu seems healthier but had small difficulties breathing on his own while Atsumu had to use a ventilator to breathe. He’s been sickly and somehow was not able to put on even just a bit of weight in contrast to his twin. But nevertheless the baby still clung on to life and refused to let it go. Kiyoomi could never forget how Atsumu’s eyes shined as his soul slowly drift away from kiyoomi and back to life. From then on Kiyoomi decided he’ll definitely watch Atsumu.
The second time they met. Atsumu had it coming for him. The boy had just became a teenager who has a loose mouth that he made too many enemies both inside and outside his school, blood spilling from his head down to his eyes making him see reddish spots and later on making him pass out as the older kids from another school continues to hit him with their bats. This particular sight isn’t new to Kiyoomi but it still surprised him that kids nowadays are already capable of such actions. But what was more surprising for Kiyoomi is how relaxed Atsumu was taking it.
“They sure can’t take criticism huh” Atsumu chuckled as he watched his lifeless body now being kicked by several students
“You seemed awfully relaxed” Kiyoomi said as he watches the facial expressions of the young soul beside him
“Samu said i would get trouble cause of my mouth. Guess he’s right” Atsumu chuckled once again as his expression changed from being relaxed to a more regretful one.
“I’d definitely miss my ma and samu. I also wanted to be a professional volleyball player but i guess i could try on my next life” He sighed turning his back from his body
Kiyoomi could only hum as he starts to walk beside Atsumu. He can’t tell if there really is a next life after this one since he’d never been there himself. He would only deliver souls, letting them pass the gates of afterlife and would never see them again.
“So... you got a name?” Atsumu asked
Kiyoomi stopped in his tracks. No one had asked him for his name and only few knows but looking at the boy Kiyoomi figured it was alright since the boy is going to the afterlife anyway
“Kiyoomi”
Atsumu flashed a bright smile “You do look like an Omi”
“I’m Atsumu but samu calls me Tsumu” the boy grinned
“Nice to meet you”
“So what are you?” Atsumu curiously asked
“What do you think?”
“An Angel?” Atsumu asked titling his head to the side making Kiyoomi snort for a bit
“You’re too pretty for a demon” Atsumu followed making Kiyoomi laugh
“I am neither. I am someone who guides souls to the Afterlife” Kiyoomi finally explained earning a confused eyebrow lift from Atsumu
“I thought Death was supposed to be wearing black robes with hoods. Not oversized hoodies and skinny jeans?” Atsumu inquired and Kiyoomi could only laugh even more. Failing to notice that Osamu together with their coach found Atsumu’s body and before he knew it Atsumu was being dragged away from Kiyoomi after being revived and Atsumu escaping Kiyoomi’s clutches once again
Third time Kiyoomi met Atsumu it was after Atsumu got hit by a truck while he was out delivering for his part time job. His body all twisted in a way Kiyoomi didn’t expect a human body can ever do.
“Omi!” Atsumu greeted making Kiyoomi raise an eyebrow
“It’s Kiyoomi not omi. And we’re you blind or you’re just an idiot for not noticing the red light?” Kiyoomi huffed and Atsumu just laughed at him
“I did try to stop but the brakes on that bicycle doesn’t really bite that much than it did before. I see you got rid of the skinny jeans. By the way should we go now?” Atsumu explained as he rub his nape
“Huh?”
“i mean last time. I got away, won’t you get in trouble if a soul slip passed you?”
“No. I don’t get in trouble for that” Kiyoomi said as he felt weird
“You know most souls beg me to give them more time”
Atsumu just pouted “Bunch of pissbabies. When it’s time to go. You gotta go”
“Weird philosophy in life but ok”
“huh why is that weird?” But kiyoomi only shrugged
“Well, everyone around me knows what they want to do and at some point i know i did too. I also know I'm not good enough for it and i can’t shake the feeling that I don't have what it takes and what if i fail to pursue it, and ultimately miss my chance and end up living a miserable life”
And before Kiyoomi can even say another word Atsumu was dragged back once again to his body and Life was looking at him sheepishly
“I know you like him” Oikawa also known as life teased making kiyoomi think
Was that the case? Is that why Atsumu kept slipping from his fingers ?
“But that’s impossible I don’t and i’m not supposed to feel any emotions” Kiyoomi uttered more like to himself than uttering it to Oikawa
“Loosen up geez. I’m only joking” Oikawa said as he walks away still grinning at Kiyoomi
Life is a bitch. Literally
The fourth time they met was short or rather Kiyoomi was there to get someone else. Atsumu is already twenty three and was travelling with his mom and twin when the gas pipes under the street suddenly exploded. Some cars flew to the building and one of those were Atsumu’s. Kiyoomi briefly made eye contact with Atsumu and at that short time he saw how soft Atsumu looked at him before finally passing out. This made Kiyoomi chest clench and if he didn’t know any better he’d think he is starting to feel something for the reckless boy. But Kiyoomi brushed it off and went back to work failing to notice who he went to guide to the afterlife (It really didn’t matter for him to know)
The fifth time Atsumu met Kiyoomi was a year after his accident. Atsumu was in the tub submerged and drunk. His soul sitting on the floor beside his body
“Fuck you. Fuck you for taking Samu. Fuck you for taking my Ma” Atsumu said in a cold and controlled tone. But it made Kiyoomi feel like he was punched in the gut
“I’m sorry, i was just doing my job” Kiyoomi said feeling weird that he apologized
“Fuck your shitty job” Atsumu snarled at him with the very same tone
“you should’ve taken me too. Fuck you for that” Atsumu said resigning to his sitting position
Kiyoomi wanted to say that he was here for that but he couldn’t find it in him to prioritize his job at the moment. Instead he sat down beside Atsumu and started stroking the back of the man’s head
“The fuck you doing?” Atsunu said but made no attempts on stopping Kiyoomi. Once he felt the faux blonde calmed down Atsumu opened up to Kiyoomi how waking up in the hospital alone and learning your whole family is dead. How the world continued to move forward while he’s stuck in their house alone. The restaurant they worked so hard over the years had to close because he wasn’t as good as Osamu in terms of cooking. His legs were badly beaten due to his previous series of accidents making him retire from volleyball completely. He tried to start over by going into college however without his support system everything felt heavier. Partying all night and passing out in someone’s coach doesn’t cut it anymore.
“Nothing beats being with your family you know?” Atsumu sniffled. Kiyoomi in return said he has no memories of his past life. All he can remember was his name and the moment he became Death. And for whatever reason they both sat there in silence, Kiyoomi waiting patiently for Atsumu to feel better hoping he’ll be at peace by the time they start heading to the afterlife.
But Kiyoomi was startled when he hears Oikawa’s soft yaho by the door, behind him came Atsumu’s friend also his twin’s ex boyfriend Suna Rintarou who immediately called for help as Oikawa gave Atsumu’s soul a slight push back to his body
“I understand you like him. But i can’t cover for you thrice” Oikawa said in a serious tone as he walked away passing through Suna Rintarou who is already pulling Atsumu out of the tub
The next time they meet Kiyoomi knew it was the last. It was one of those unforeseen moments when someone decides that they just want out. Kiyoomi hated it not because of how he is basically dragged by an invisible force to an unknown location but how empty and tired the soul he will be guiding would be.
But this is Atsumu after 9 months of his last attempt and again it wasn’t the usual case.
After guiding an old soul to the afterlife Kiyoomi found himself having a whiplash when he was dragged to this certain road only to watch Atsumu’s speeding car crashed onto the road railing that leads to rocky cliff,
Atsumu ‘s soul appeared and was standing at the edge of the cliff silently watching the car tumble and flip against the rocks before it begins to sink into the ocean
“Can’t get rid of me this time” Atsumu smiled and Kiyoomi could only shake his head
“I could never understand what goes inside your head” Kiyoomi finally revealed. Which is true every encounter with Atsumu is so mundane but at the same time unique. Atsumu stood up to meet him with a smile on his face so bright Kiyoomi forgot it was nighttime
“Finally i can go with you anywhere” Atsumu said and if he had a tail Kiyoomi could see it wagging wildly
“The only place you’re going is to the afterlife and after that I'll be off somewhere to retrieve another soul” Kiyoomi said as they walk down the road only to realize Atsumu had already stopped walking
“What? Why can’t I go with you?” Atsumu inquired with his eyes looking like he’s gonna cry anytime soon.
“I am Death, I only guide souls to the afterlife” Atsumu looked so crestfallen. He thought it was like those Kdrama where grim reapers are like a corporation transferring souls in their fancy suits and was also the reason why Atsumu was wearing his best suit when he drove off that cliff
“Can’t you make an exception or like make me your co-worker but on a different branch or something?” Kiyoomi could only give him a soft stare. It’s part of his skill kit but he never used it but when it comes to Atsumu he unconsciously use it allowing him to hear Atsumu’s thoughts about his "Kdrama" reference
“No Atsumu. Becoming Death is a lonely and thankless job. I don’t want to move on knowing I left you with such a horrible job” Kiyoomi said both surprising him and Atsumu
“But I did that so I could be with you” Atsumu finally revealed looking at the spot where the car was sinking earlier and earning a wide eye look from Kiyoomi
“I’m sorry. Did you leave any clues to your friend? If they could get to your body on time, you could probably survive” Kiyoomi said looking around for any sign of Oikawa but to his dismay the only time he wanted to see the guy was the only time he wasn’t there
“No. I haven’t talked to them for a week” Atsumu said remembering how he planned his death for a week only all of it go down in vain.
“Can’t you just go to the afterlife with me?”
“Not unless someone will swap places with me”
“how? Do you even offer them the suggestion? Where do they apply? ” Atsumu frantically asked when he started to see what it seems like a door
“They have to show interest first. Without me initiating it”
“is that how you got this job?” Atsumu asked and Kiyoomi shrugged
“I can only remember my name but how i became like this is something I have no recollection of”
“Then... When i get reincarnated i’ll meet you again I’ll reincarnate and die again and again!” Atsumu desperately exclaimed light now back in his eyes but Kiyoomi could only shook his head
“Reincarnation isn’t real or at least I believe it isn’t since I never guided a soul twice after they passed the doors of afterlife. And the last one you said is a shitty idea” Kiyoomi said and Atsumu became crestfallen once again.
“So this is goodbye” Atsumu said in a sad low voice and Kiyoomi only held Atsumu’s hand and squeezed it
After that Kiyoomi quietly escorted Atsumu to the afterlife. And just before Atsumu could enter the afterlife Kiyoomi started to walk away when he felt someone grabbed his face. When he came to be he realized Atsumu had his head lock in place and their lips against each other.
Kiyoomi should’ve stopped Atsumu but he didn’t and kissed Atsumu back allowing himself to run his hand up and down Atsumu’s back when he felt the man start to cry. When they hear someone cough behind Kiyoomi the two immediately broke away from each other and Kiyoomi could only stare at Atsumu who now has a smile so sad Kiyoomi felt a small ache in his chest
“I’ve always thought you’re pretty. Would’ve been a shame if I couldn’t do that if I can’t see you again” Atsumu said
“I’ll wait for you Kiyoomi!” Atsumu waved and smiled happily. The same bright smile that Kiyoomi had a hard time removing in his thoughts for months
Kiyoomi touched his lips, they were hot and a bit swollen but it cannot be compared to the warmth he feels inside him when he realized they were kissing and the ache in his chest when the door closed and Atsumu cannot be seen anymore
But his thoughts were put into a halt when he suddenly realized the series of light slap on his shoulder and the continuous squealing beside him
“Kiyoomi has a boyfie” Oikawa said as he squeal beside Kiyoomi. Only to earn a glare from the man but it was an empty glare and kiyoomi couldn’t help but smile for a bit
Oikawa must’ve seen the shift in his smile and the man could only give him a pat on the back before finally delivering new lives back to the human realm
After Atsumu’s death, Kiyoomi guided countless of souls to the afterlife but no one could catch his attention like Atsumu did. No one shined like Atsumu did. Oikawa resigned and Kiyoomi couldn’t hide the fact that he would miss the guy but didn’t bother to tell Oikawa this in fear that the man would think otherwise about resigning. He was then replaced by Hinata Shouyo. And like Oikawa, Hinata was loud but bearable cause the kid had a bright smile that reminded Kiyoomi of Atsumu.
But Atsumu’s smile was brighter. For Kiyoomi that is
And after what it seem like an eternity, he met a boy named Kageyama Tobioo who showed interest on Kiyoomi’s profession and when Kiyoomi offered the boy his job their roles reversed right away meaning Kageyama Tobio truly had the quintessence of death in the core of his soul. Hence Kageyama is now Death and Kiyoomi is now a soul on his way to the afterlife.
Kiyoomi expected the afterlife to be bright but he didn’t expect it was because of a person.
Kiyoomi couldn’t believe his eyes. His smile was as bright as it was the last time he saw the man
“Omi omi!” Atsumu called and Kiyoomi couldn’t help but smile
“It’s Kiyoomi but for you Omi omi it is” Kiyoomi said finally pulling Atsumu in a tight hug
“You really waited” Kiyoomi said hugging Atsumu tighter and the man could only laugh
“One thousand, three hundred fifteen years, twelve months and twenty one days” Atsumu said as he returns Kiyoomi’s hug
“You were counting?”
“Oikawa too” Atsumu said giggling as he points Oikawa from a distance earning a small wave from his ex co-worker
Kiyoomi only laughed as he broke away from Atsumu only to caress the man’s face
“I love you so much” Kiyoomi said abruptly earning a gasp from Atsumu and himself
“WHY ARE YOU SURPRISED TOO? THAT CAME OUT OF YOUR MOUTH” Oikawa said maintaining his distance. And the lovers could only laugh
“ I love you too” Atsumu said and pulling Kiyoomi once again for a kiss
“So that’s it? No courting stage?” Oikawa said stomping away
“Don’t mind him” Atsumu said in between their kisses
“of course I won’t. I have forever with me to court you” Kiyoomi said pulling Atsumu for another kiss
Kiyoomi liked that thought. He and Atsumu together forever