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Chapter Text

The door to the Velvet Room opened as the group filed out. Naoya watched as a couple snowflakes snuck past the door and dissolved into nothing upon entering the room that doesn’t exactly exist. At least not in the traditional sense. Even through his bland St. Hermelin uniform he could feel the aching chill of the Snow Queen’s rule. He should follow the others but something prevented him. He quickly looked down, scared that he was somehow glued to the floor via more icy magic. But as he looked, he saw nothing. Just his black shoes shining in the dull blue light. And he couldn’t tell if he was comforted or scared by that fact. He stayed frozen in place from his own fears and weakness.

The boy grunted, trying everything in his power to will himself to exit with Mark and everyone else. But he just couldn’t. He could almost feel the residents of the room staring at him weirdly as he struggled against his own body. He felt like his heart and mind were turning into lead. The frozen hellscape their school had turned into… the whole disaster being more or less his fault. All because he got too curious about those stupid rumors about a cursed mask. Now not only were his friends stuck inside a frigid peril, but Ms. Saeko and a number of his peers as well. God… who was he to think he was any sort of symbol of justice? He took in a sharp breath and willed his entire soul to just move! Everyone else was waiting on him. Their leader. They really didn’t have time to burn like this. But there was nothing. He could faintly hear Belladonna and Nameless’s song fizzle out as they sort of stood and watched uncomfortably. Dammit… this was so humiliating.

Naoya was so stuck in his own head that he didn’t even hear the door open to let someone else inside. Mark blinked, somewhat surprised to see his best friend in the same spot he saw him last. Outside the door he convinced Yukino, Ayase, and Nanjo to let him go in and get their leader back out with his head in the game. But it seemed like that was going to be a little more difficult than he first thought. But it was nothing a little encouragement couldn’t fix, he was sure of it.

He watched as the other jolted suddenly in response to his friend’s arm on his shoulder. Mark tilted his head curiously and Naoya breathed a sigh of relief. “Sorry… I was just about to- head out. I got distracted.”

“Distracted?” His friend echoed.

The Emperor among them was forced to look away. He could feel his heart beating in his chest and leaping into his throat. They were… so close. Did Mark know? Had he come here to torment him? Say he was disgusted by the emotions he felt towards him? They were best friends. Nothing more. When he didn’t answer, Mark frowned.

“Look, I know you’re scared. A lot of people are counting on us to restore the school and all that. But you gotta think about yourself from time to time too.” He watched Naoya’s face twist in confusion before continuing. “What I mean is, you can’t get anything done if you don’t first look after yourself. You’ll just burn out. Then you’ll be left with nothing. Make sense?” He nodded, though he still didn’t fully understand what Mark was trying to get at. And said boy just laughed in response, as if he could read his mind. “Okay, okay, one step at a time. First thing’s first.” He turned his head to gaze at Igor, who seemed to be watching the two with great interest and intrigue. “You mind if we use your chair for a sec? Somethin’ tells me that my man here needs it.”

The master of the strange dreamlike room nodded knowingly before standing up and gesturing for them to sit, even if there was only room for one. Naturally, Mark let Naoya sit down, finally breaking him from his spell of petrified stillness. The chair was comfortable, the cushions just squishy enough but striking the balance of not being too soft. He guessed it had to be if Igor was going to sit in it effectively all day every day. Time probably didn’t work the same way here, but still. The Chariot on the other hand just crouched down beside Naoya and gazed up at him. “How’s that? It’s better, right?” He nodded in agreement.

Satisfied with his answer, Mark lifted one of his hands and took one of his leader’s to intertwine their fingers together. That made him instantly jump again and look away. Thinking he was uncomfortable with the gesture, he took his hand back and sat backward on his knees. “Sorry… I guess I just don’t know how to comfort you. I should’ve asked before I touched you again.”

Naoya felt his cheeks burn and his chest go tight. “It’s fine! It’s… fine. I know you’re just trying to help. And I appreciate it. It’s just-“ It hurts? Scares him? Makes him ache for a different reality? All of it was true. “I don’t know,” was what he finally settled on. Mark liked Maki. It wasn’t exactly difficult to tell. Not only that but they were both guys. It shouldn’t happen. It couldn’t happen. The trouble was, Naoya couldn’t think about girls quite the same way. Of course, not from a lack of effort. Oh how hard he tried to fix himself. But his heart always pushed back twice as hard. And even then, he had never been so enchanted by someone like he had with the artist in front of him. He wanted to protect that smile. Protect it from the unfortunate fate that’s befallen himself.

“Naoya?”

“Yeah…?”

“You’re um… how do I say this?” Mark laughed when the other looked back at him confused yet again. “You’re blushin’ quite a lot. And I know it’s not the cold. It’s pretty modest in here, all things considered.”

“Oh no…” Naoya felt as if his hammering heart suddenly made a dead stop. His nerves came alight with electric fear. God, he cracked the code! Now he’s going to yell at him. Or call him disgusting. He wished now more than anything that Kazuya was here instead of himself. That he wasn’t the one to die on that fateful day. Maybe he wouldn’t be as much of a spaz as he was now. “Look, Mark- I’m-“

Before he could finish, Mark sat up a little straighter. “Hey, woah it’s- it’s okay. It’s okay. I’m not gonna like… out you or anything. If that is what’s happening? I really don’t know how to deal with any of this. But you’re my friend. That’s not gonna change any time soon. So just take a breath. I’m here for you and you only.”

Naoya looked down at him like a deer stuck in headlights. He stayed quiet. He could understand what the other was saying, but it made no sense. He felt his skin begin to crawl, like there were suddenly bugs underneath his skin. He felt utterly disgusted. But not at Mark. Never could it be at Mark. It was all directed at himself. Part of him wanted to run away as fast as he could into the ice covered school, past Nanjo and the others. Away from it all. But he was still stuck like he was before. And the other part of Naoya just wanted to live in this dream for a little bit longer. He took a slow breath and pitifully nodded along with Mark’s words. He was so lucky to have a friend like him, even if he felt like he didn’t deserve it. Lifting a hand upward, he fidgeted with his earring a little anxiously.

Mark could only watch helplessly as his friend retreated further into himself. He realized then that he had a choice to make. One that could potentially change things between them forever. It was his own turn for his chest to go tight and his heart to quicken its beating. He had to choose his next words wisely. He took a deep and slow breath, but deliberate. He then scooted over so he was sitting in front of Naoya, rather than beside him. He reached up and this time asked, learning from last time.

“Is it good if I touch you again?”

Naoya nervously nodded before looking away.

“Sweet.”
He took both of the boy’s hands into his own and just gazed up at him. Under his insecurity and hate towards himself, he saw a flicker of something else. That, despite always being surrounded by friends, he felt lost and alone. Mark could’ve high fived himself right there for being so perceptive for once. But he stopped himself. Now was hardly the time for that. He then simply stood up, the action capturing the Emperor’s attention again. He looked up, but for once, somehow, he didn’t feel afraid. It was now or never.

“Mark? What are you—“

The words instantly died in his throat as he felt a soft pressure suddenly against his lips. Naoya’s eyes were blown wide with the shock. Mark was kissing him. He was *actually* kissing *him.* A guy! What the hell!? Was this some kind of prank? Were the others going to burst through the door to point and laugh? He felt his stomach churn as his eyes flickered toward the door to the Velvet Room. Nothing. They weren’t coming. No one was. Belladonna, Nameless, Igor… they all faded into the background of his attention as his eyes finally fluttered shut. He squeezed Mark’s hands just a little bit tighter before they split.

After it was all said and done, the two boys kind of just stared at each other for a long moment. Nothing that happens in the Velvet Room is a mistake. Igor says everything here happens for a reason. And that went doubly so for what just transpired. And they both knew that fact all too well. They just couldn’t believe that actually happened. Naoya because holy shit his crush actually just kissed him. Mark because he actually managed to grow a pair and did it. They just sat momentarily in the warm glow of their feelings. But it was short lived as Naoya thought of something. Or rather: someone.

“Maki… you like Maki. I didn’t… you felt like you had to kiss me didn’t you? You-“

Mark cut him off with a momentary squeeze of his hands. “Can’t a guy like multiple people? I’ve… um… been looking at you this way for a while. But I didn’t think you’d actually like me back so I kinda just buried it.”

“Hah, guess that makes two of us.”

Then they both chuckled. Naoya finally found the strength within him to get up and move. He stood up, able to stand on his own two feet once again. The lead feeling in his blood ebbed away. Now he could only feel as if he was walking on air.

“So what now?”

Mark smiled and let go of only one of his hands. The other stayed interlocked with his… friend wasn’t exactly the right word anymore, was it?

“It’s up to you. But I want to try this. See where it leads us, yeah?”

Naoya nodded and they both made their way towards the door together. “Sounds good to me. No complaints here.”

Mark’s smile only widened. In a way only a Chariot’s could. He opened the door for them to walk out together. As he did, they were suddenly met with that all too familiar cold in the form of a sharp gust. He didn’t miss the way the other shivered suddenly in response. No more words were exchanged as he slipped his bright yellow hat off of his head and plopped it on Naoya’s inside. When he just looked at him confused, Mark could only offer a wide smile and a thumbs up. The quieter of the two gave a smaller smile of his own and playfully rolled his eyes. But the way he pulled it snug onto his own head with his free hand was unmistakable.

This was the start of something new. And sure, it was going to be scary at first. But something about it just felt right. Especially as they both saw a golden butterfly flutter across their view before rounding a corner out of sight.

Ayase’s whip lashed against the ice as the last demon fell and crumbled to dust. She looked up to see Naoya helping Mark up after he was knocked down in combat. They’ve been acting super close with each other as of late. Of course she didn’t mind. Not *really.* It was just strange. She turned around to address the other two in their team.

“Hey! Those two are acting awfully weird with each other, wouldn’t you say?”

Nanjo looked between Ayase and the two boys she was referring to. He put away his rifle and pushed up his glasses with his thumb. “Glad to see it wasn’t just my imagination. They’ve been like that ever since we left the Velvet Room that last time.”

Yukino placed her razor blade in her pocket and stepped forward to converse with the other two. “Naoya is even wearing Mark’s hat still… I wonder what happened in there.” She thought about it for another moment before just shrugging. “Well, if they can still fight, then I don’t think we should push it for now. We have more important matters.” She watched as the other two exchanged glances before nodding with agreement. And with that, they went on their way.

Chapter Text

The sun filtered in from the nearby window. It was warm, cloaking the boy’s skin in a comforting heat. But something about it felt… wrong. Even so, he relished in it, hoping it was just a nice dream. A brief respite from all the pain and death he was constantly surrounded by. But eventually, Tatsuya’s eyes had to drift open. Blearily, he looked around. ‘I guess I dozed off,’ he thought to himself. But that didn’t quite feel right. He was in his normal classroom at Seven Sisters. Everyone, including himself, was wearing their uniform. Everything was normal, so why was there a pit in his stomach? His eyes then flitted toward the window, not really paying attention to the lecture. The sky was a deep sapphire with minimal cloud cover.

As the sleepiness faded the realization hit him like a lead pipe to the stomach. He wasn’t supposed to be here. He was on the “Other Side.” Panic quickly began to rise in his stomach although his outward appearance didn’t really change all that much. It was… just a dream. It had to be. On reflex, he raised his hand, asking to be excused to the restroom. Tatsuya couldn’t have shuffled out of the classroom faster if he tried. His home, his Sumaru City, they’d all fallen into disaster when the world stopped turning. His city was all he had left while it floated unnaturally above everything else. His heart pounded in his chest as he practically flew down the hallway. He was so focused on his own thing that he accidentally bumped into another student walking the opposite way. She gasped as Tatsuya stumbled backward unceremoniously. “Sorry I—“ but the girl cut him off excitedly.

“Suou-kun! I’m glad I ran into you! I’m going to be throwing a party this weekend while my parents are out of town. I really hope you can come by!” Before he could respond, she was already pushing a homemade flyer for the event into his hands. It was a strange sensation, actually being regarded as somewhat “popular” in this world. He’s always just been kind of a loner doing his own thing. Heck, he didn’t even know this girl’s name. But not wanting to make a scene and get away as soon as possible, he nodded and folded the flyer up to put in his jacket pocket. “Thanks. I’ll try to come by if I don’t have any homework.” That answer seemed to satisfy the girl, thank goodness. And quickly she was already walking towards where she needed to be once again. “Thank you! I have to get to class now! See you there hopefully!” And then she was gone.

Tatsuya huffed and stuffed his hands in his pant pockets. But he abruptly stilled when he felt the familiar sensation of a cool metal object in one of them. He already had a pretty good idea what it was, but he felt compelled to bring it out to inspect anyway. He was met with the familiar silver lighter that he always carried on the Other Side. At least he could be relieved by the fact that everything he did in this world still in fact happened. The Tatsuya of This Side got this lighter from Jun before crash landing on that coast while he was still inhabiting his body. Thank goodness he kept it, or he wasn’t sure what he’d do. Before receiving it again, he felt naked and vulnerable without it. Slowly, he traced his thumb over the engravings on the front. “What’s most important can’t be seen with one’s eyes.” He’s lost count of how many times he’s read that same quote while tracing the slight indentations in the metal.

He then flicked it open, watching as the small fire flickered to life in his palm. As the flame danced, he couldn’t help but think of Jun. The boy that he’d loved and lost across time and space. Tatsuya knew in his heart that this was the right thing. He could be happy and safe in this world, even if he didn’t remember Maya or any of the others. But selfishly he’d give anything just to hold him in his arms one last time. He never quite felt at home anywhere, but his presence was different. It suddenly felt okay to let loose and just be. He was allowed to breathe. Allowed to just be a kid. Because he was still just a kid. Only eighteen years old, forced into these circumstances against his will, and forced to bear the sins and punishments of his own selfishness. But it hardly matters now. What’s done is done, and he can’t go back.

Softly, Tatsuya shut the lighter like it’d break if he closed it too fast and stuffed it back into his pocket. He then made his way further down the hallways to the bathroom. He quickly made sure no one was watching before slipping inside. If a teacher caught him loitering, he knew he’d be in for an earful. And frankly, he wasn’t in the mood for that right now. He made his way towards the sinks and turned one of them on to douse his face with cold water. Perhaps that would wrench him out of his slumber. As nice as this would was, he couldn’t stay here. This wasn’t his world to escape to. When the first splash didn’t work, he tried another, and then another. “Come on… come on! Wake up! Please wake up!” He pleaded with himself while staring at his now drenched face in the mirror streaked with half-assed cleaning jobs and fingerprints. But nothing worked. He still remained firmly planted on this side, as if a metaphysical anchor was holding him hostage here. At least the water sort of felt nice.

Feeling defeated, Tatsuya grabbed some paper towels and wiped himself dry of the water and whatever breakdown that was. He felt his cheeks glow a little red with the rising shame that came with his pleading to the forces that ruled over this world. He just thanked whatever being was playing a cruel joke on him that they didn’t also put someone else in the bathroom with him. After he collected himself he just meekly walked back out. For a moment, he considered going back to the class he was just in. But he’d probably get chewed out in front of everyone for taking so long. He couldn’t take anything else today so he turned around and went the opposite way. Tatsuya dodged and weaved through the almost empty halls past students and faculty alike just to get by unnoticed. He didn’t know where he was going to go, all he knew was that he just had to get out.

Before he knew it, he was outside with the trees rustling gently in the breeze and the student bike racks. He quietly looked around to make sure the coast was clear then stepped out and gently pressed the door behind him shut. If he got caught, he was *really* going to get chewed out now. That wasn’t an option. He quickly ran over to his motorcycle and clambered on it. Tatsuya nearly dropped his helmet while retrieving it but he managed to catch it and put it on without incident. And then… he was off. Away from Sevens, away from everything. Inwardly, he apologized to the “him” from this world for cutting class like this, even if he knew that he couldn’t hear him. But he just needed to feel the wind. It always felt like he was soaring even when he was drowning underneath everything. Now more so than ever.

He sort of just aimlessly rode the roads, making sure to stay away from both his school and his brother’s work. The only thing worse than getting chewed out by one of his teachers was getting chewed out by Katsuya. Thankfully for him though, there weren’t that many people around today. The air in Sumaru was warm thanks to the bright sunshine. Even if this wasn’t his home, it felt nice. Like he was welcomed by the bright star he held some sort of kinship with. Eventually, Tatsuya came to a stop in a nearby mall and pulled his bike into one of the parking spaces. He still wasn’t exactly sure where he was going, but something still urged him to stop here. With nothing better to do he listened to that gut instinct and wandered inside after removing his helmet again.

His breath was slow along with his stride as he mindlessly walked by each store. Nothing really caught his eye though… it was all pretty dull all things considered. Now that rumors had no more power they were all just normal stores once more. As he thought about it, he stopped and looked behind himself. That’s when he felt it; that ache in his heart. Naturally, he saw no one behind him. Neither Jun nor Maya, Lisa or Eikichi. It had never really hit him until now just how much he missed them, missed leading them. Their trials and tribulations in battle were utterly terrifying but at least they were together. He looked forward again to be met with nothing once more. Absent were Katsuya, Baofu, and Ulala, the ones he had once followed like a shadow before ultimately joining them. Tatsuya was all alone. He knew that this was how it should be. Even so, it didn’t make it hurt any less.

He lost track of when he started walking again. Next thing he knew, he was just moving. It was like his legs just developed a mind of their own. And honestly? He didn’t really find himself caring all that much. That was until he suddenly halted. His gaze focused on something peeking through a shallow hallway off to the side. A blue door. It gleamed with a dull blue light only he could see. Tatsuya felt attracted to the familiar warmth of such a sight. His feet moved on their own once again. He was like a moth to a flame, perhaps not fully lucid as he placed a hand over the knob. After a moment’s hesitation, he pushed the door open to the Velvet Room.

He was greeted by Belladonna’s aria and the soft ultramarine walls as well as Igor’s friendly face. Tatsuya said nothing as he walked along one of the walls and ran his hand across it as he did. Once he met a completely arbitrary point, he pressed his back to the wall and slowly slid down to the floor and shut his eyes. All he wanted was for fate to just swallow him whole. He felt like a small child again as he tucked his knees into his chest and held them there. The loneliness, while manageable before, suddenly became soul crushing. Everything was just too much. For once, he just wanted to be able to be a normal kid. But he gave up that right long ago.

He had lost track of how long he was there. Was it a couple minutes? A couple hours? What did it matter anyway? A dark haze took over Tatsuya’s mind and everything just felt suddenly dull and meaningless. He somehow couldn’t go back home, but he knew he also couldn’t stay here in this world. The only place for him was the one room that lay in between. It was the only home for the anomaly.

Outside the room, a golden butterfly flapped its wings, shedding scales of glimmering gold. Each wingbeat was a sign, a sign beckoning another boy closer. Even if he didn’t know it yet.

Tatsuya was taken out of the gloom attempting to drag him past the point of no return. All by a gentle presence on his knee. His body instantly tensed as he looked up. He was… talking. Jun? “Tacchi? Tacchi! You’re- you’re awake!” He slowly blinked, unsure if now he was finally dreaming or not. He just watched as Jun’s expression softened. “Please don’t scare me like that! I thought you were hurt. What’s going on? You… look as if you’ve just attended a funeral. Please, talk to me, Tacchi.”

This wasn’t real. He didn’t remember. He couldn’t remember. None of this made sense. Even so, he reached out and cupped the delicate face of Fortune. Even if this wasn’t real, perhaps he could still indulge for a little while. “Jun I… I’m okay.” He forced a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. It read more as bittersweet rather than happy. “How did you even find this… place…?” He trailed off as he noticed Jun’s attention was elsewhere. His face looked a little paler. Had he just seen a ghost? No, that wasn’t it. His gaze was focused on his hand?

Oh.
Jun tentatively took the hand that grabbed him into his own hold. He traced his thin fingers over the dark marking etched across his skin. A scar from a malevolent god, so he never forgot the mistake he made. It was honestly kind of badass. Tatsuya thought he’d probably like it as a tattoo or something of the sort. But considering its origin, he couldn’t help but despise it and feel ashamed. “When on earth did you get a tattoo? I don’t dislike it-! It’s just… well-“

Tatsuya couldn’t help but chuckle and shake his head. “It’s a long story. I’ll explain later.” With that non-explanation he tried to break his arm free of Jun’s hold. But it seemed he wasn’t done. He pushed up his lover’s sleeve and continued to go over it as it snaked up his strong arm. The touch, somehow, made him feel less ashamed of it. But he wasn’t done. “I think it’s beautiful. Just like all the rest of you. I can tell by your face, you’re ashamed. But you shouldn’t be. You’re doing everything you can. And I’m proud of you… So please don’t just wallow here.” He leaned in and gave Tatsuya the smallest peck on the cheek.

He didn’t understand what exactly was happening. He looked at Jun as if he had grown a second head. There was an elephant in the room, but how did he address it? Tatsuya vaguely waved his arms, as if that would solve the issue. Reluctantly, he broke out of his hold and pressed himself further against the wall. “How did you remember? You’re not supposed to! This world… you can’t- I don’t want you to—“ He was silenced by Jun gingerly pressing his thumb against his lips and a soft “Shhhh.” He smiled. Everything about him was so sweet, like the bright summery nectar of a honeysuckle. He remembered the times where they had a small chance to breathe together. Sleep didn’t come naturally to the older of the two. So Jun would bring his head onto his own lap and play with his hair while reciting facts about flowers and horoscopes. All until Tatsuya fell asleep.

As if he knew what he was thinking of, Jun moved to do just that. He settled next to Tatsuya against the deep blue of the dreamlike room before gesturing for him to lie down. Tatsuya faltered slightly, looking back at the attendants, at Igor for reassurance. But they didn’t seem to be paying attention. It was just the two of them somehow. And so, he took the offer. He laid down upon his lover’s lap and gazed up at him. That seemed to satisfy him as he began explaining things from his point of view.

“I sort of fell asleep in class. I really try not to do that! And now that I think about it, I never have before.” So that was the same… whatever was happening was no accident then. Tatsuya made a mental note of that but simply let Jun continue without calling any attention to it. Said boy began running his cool fingers through his reddish brown hair, bright and soft. Even under the odd light of the Velvet Room, each strand shone like a shimmering bronze. He seemed to be prepping his hair for something specific. But that just as easily could be his imagination. He couldn’t think too hard about it, because he really wanted to hear what Jun had to say.

“Anyway, when I woke up, I looked out the window. My eyes were drawn to a golden butterfly on the edge outside. It looked as if it was made of light itself. Then all at once, it all came back to me. Of you, what we went through, and Big Sis.” Tatsuya nodded thoughtfully, urging him to keep going. “Then I realized who the butterfly was. Thankfully, the bell decided to ring at that very moment. I couldn’t have gathered my things faster if I tried I think and I ran outside to catch up with Philemon. But when I went to where he was, he was gone. Then… I don’t know, I was sort of just drawn here? It was like a gut instinct. And I’m glad I did. Tacchi, I missed you so much.” The two of them both chuckled quietly before interlocking both of their hands together. Everything seemed stable, at least for the time being. Maybe it was going to be okay? Tatsuya was hesitant to be so hopeful. He didn’t know exactly what all this could mean, but it meant he could be with Jun, so he was happy.

Jun dug in his pocket after he finished, making Tatsuya’s eyebrows raise slightly. Before he knew it, the one he was currently using as a pillow was pulling a flower from one of his pockets. He made sure that the petals were full and open before placing it in Tatsuya’s hair. With it being so close to his face, he was able to pick up a faint mixture of a sweet and spicy scent coming from the bright yellow bulb. It was like he’d stepped into a warm summer’s day. Jun quickly explained. “I happened to have that on me when I woke up. I don’t know why, but I’d like to think that the “Jun” I was before somehow knew this was going to happen. Even if it doesn’t make the most sense. But what I just put in your hair is a daffodil. They often represent rebirth and new beginnings. Almost seems like fate, no? A fresh start for the both of us where daylight is warm and kind. To those in Victorian England, they say daffodils represent respect. I don’t think you need me to tell you how much I respect you.” “I feel the same,” Tatsuya added, which made Jun smile just that littlest bit brighter. “Then the Greeks said that it means self love.” His hands drifted down to the black scar given to his sweet love by Nyarlathotep and began idly tracing it again. “I know how you look at yourself. You could definitely use some self love I think. It’s okay to be a little bit selfish. Sometimes you have to be. You can’t do everything alone. I know I can’t force you, but at least consider asking me for help every now and again?”

Tatsuya laughed again and nodded. “I’ll think about it.” That answer was clearly good enough for Jun. With his free hand he lifted a hand to touch the flower. It was lush and healthy feeling, even to his own inexperience. “When you put all of it that way, it really does feel like fate, if something like that even exists. Either way, thank you. I’ll cherish this until it wilts if I can. Then after it’s almost dead, maybe you could show me how to do that flower pressing thing again so we don’t lose it.”

At that, Jun’s eyes lit up like the night sky. “Oh my gosh I love that idea!” In a juxtaposition, the Sun winked back. “Then it’s a date.” They both hummed quietly in unison, setting the plan in stone. Even if this all faded away again by tomorrow and the universe corrected itself, they hoped to still honor it. But all that was in the future. They are here now. And nobody could take that away from them. Not even Nyarlathotep. The love between them was ironclad. Tatsuya shifted and shut his eyes within Jun’s embrace. But as he did, a long neglected piece of paper drifted out of his pocket and onto the floor. Jun got to it before he could and unfolded it. Tatsuya felt the judgment of the entire Greek Pantheon on him at once as Jun’s eyes flitted over the contents of the flyer.

“A house party, huh? I didn’t take you for the party animal type, Tacchi~” Tatsuya sat up and rolled his eyes a little more forcefully. He quickly plucked the thing out of his grasp and tossed it haphazardly to the side. But he used the new leverage to quickly steal a kiss from his lips; a kiss that they both giggled into. They were just giggling messes today. It was strange how some people could drastically change while with someone they loved. Tatsuya normally hardly laughed at all. Even when they were kids. But with Jun? All bets were off.

Soon, the two parted. “Some classmate I didn’t know was handing them out. Really wanted me of all people to go. I was kind of occupied with-“ he gestured outward generally “-all of this. So I just took it to make her happy.”

“Maybe we should go! I need to show some of those Sevens losers a thing or two about “Cuss High.”

Tatsuya playfully nudged his chest. “Careful now. That’s still my school. Maybe I have to knock you down a peg or two myself.”

The two’s expressions narrowed on each other like they were about to brawl right here right now. That was until Jun was the first to crack, launching into a fit of laughter that was quickly followed by Tatsuya’s quieter chuckling. Jun hugged his partner tight and placed his head against his own chest, that way he could listen to his heartbeat. The gentle and constant thrum always helped soothe the easily stressed Tatsuya when situations called for it. The two basked in the warm feelings. Finally, they could push aside the clashing of two timelines while things were simple. Maybe, just maybe, they could simply be kids again after all.

It wasn’t long before their energy fizzled out and they both crashed exactly how they were, entangled in each other’s arms. Belladonna halted her song shortly after and strode over to pick up the two boys. She smiled and brought them over to the cushioned couch in the center of the room. Nameless met her there and draped a blanket over the two of them after she sat them down. And right there they would stay in the safety of the room until they awoke once more.

Chapter Text

A deep breath in; a deep breath out. Standing by the wall, Katsuya gently placed his head against it. He felt the cool surface from behind his head. It brought him little comfort, but at least it gave his neck a little break for a moment. He carried most of his stresses in his neck and shoulders, after all. He watched Maya skitter around the Velvet Room to talk with some of the attendants. She even pressed a couple keys on Nameless’s piano happily, interrupting the usual aria that always flooded the room. It made him crack a small smile over the darkness that filled his heart. He could hear the hum of their conversations, and probably could listen to exactly what they were saying but he didn’t.

His gaze instead shifted up and to the side to look at the ceiling of the place. He watched the oscillating lights mindlessly and thought back. What brought him to this point? Where did it all go wrong?

It was Tatsuya first.

Katsuya awoke with a start. He sat straight up in bed and fumbled for his glasses. He quickly retrieved them and looked at the clock. It was 2:00 in the morning. His gaze then quickly shot to the door leading to the rest of the house. There was the sound of rushed rustling outside. Was there an intruder!? He didn’t have time to think about it. He reached under his bed and unlocked the safe that sat under it. From within it he quickly grabbed his gun. Naturally, he hoped he wouldn’t have to fire it. But it was nice to have nonetheless. He took in a deep breath to stabilize himself and darted out of his bedroom to where he assumed the intruder was by the noise. All while still in his pajamas.

But as soon as he saw the figure he stilled. He immediately lowered his firearm and blinked incredulously. “Tatsuya? You scared me! Just what do you think you’re doing!? It’s 2 in the morning on a school night.” His younger brother only stopped what he was doing for a moment before continuing. He finished putting on his red jacket and grunted. “None of your business. I have to go.” He grabbed a blank silver zippo lighter from the table next to him and shoved it in his pocket before heading toward the door.

“Like hell you are!” Katsuya moved faster thanks to his instinct as a police officer. He put his own body in front of the door, preventing escape. After that, his gaze softened. “Please… just tell me what’s going on. You’re- you’re not usually like this. I can try to help. All you have to do is talk.” He didn’t miss the way the boy’s gaze flickered to the neglected gun still in his hand. “Oh. Sorry… I thought you were someone who might’ve broken in.” Tatsuya didn’t seem amused, even after he placed it in the pocket of his pajama pants.

He took a step backward then another one. Katsuya opened his mouth to speak. But no words came. They were stolen from him the second the other turned right on his heel to bolt toward the back door. Katsuya was fast, but not enough as Tatsuya yanked the door open and ran out into the backyard, tripping the house alarm at the same time. He gave chase, trying to keep up with his precious younger brother. He’s never done anything like this before. He got out just in time to watch him jump the fence. Katsuya was still a little sluggish from exhaustion but he wasn’t going to give up that easily.

He turned the other way to get to the fence gate. But that was too long. He’d hop on his motorcycle and ride off. He had to climb the fence into the front yard. Steeling his nerves, he ran up to the slatted wooden wall and tried to scale it to the best of his ability. But he was much slower. Since when did Tatsuya learn how to do that with ease!? But his body was forced to still once he heard the unmistakable roar of the motorcycle as it backed out and flew down the street. It wasn’t until the sound disappeared into the early morning air that Katsuya let go of the fence and fell backwards into the grass of their backyard.

A chill suddenly swarmed his body, accompanied by the most intense sadness of his life. The dark of those early hours enveloped and consumed him. And then the fear settled in. Where was Tatsuya going!? Would he be back!? A dark part of his mind doubted that…

He looked up to see their parents running out into the yard, them both being a mess of blankets and robes as the alarm began to blare in the background. He locked eyes with his mother. And for the first time in a long time, he felt like a lost little kid. A deep shame settled into his gut. He promised to always protect Tatsuya. And now look how that ended up. He didn’t know whether to apologize, comfort her, or run to her crying.

That was the night his Sun disappeared from his sky.

Katsuya breathed slowly as he came back to the present. He didn’t think he’d forget his mother’s face at that moment for as long as he lives. How panicked and confused she seemed. Until they made eye contact. It was like his own eyes told the whole story. He had to watch her face contort into abject horror. Just thinking about his made awful shivers run up his spine all over again.

That could all be bad enough… but he was also relieved of active duty not long after he awakened to Helios. It was as if his life was a line of carefully placed dominos. Only for the wheels of fate to suddenly turn and begin to knock down everything he’s built up to this point. His lungs felt tight as the reality of everything suddenly dawned on him. He was beginning to drown under the weight of it all. He didn’t realize it himself, but his hands were shaking.

‘Some big brother I am…’ he thought as he fished in his pocket for his wallet and opened it. Inside was a small picture. The edges were beginning to yellow with age. It was of him and Tatsuya and their parents on the beach all together. Back when both brothers were little. Tatsuya had the biggest grin on his face, proudly showing off several lost teeth and he held a shovel in the air triumphantly as they all stood behind a sandcastle they all made together. It was one of his favorite memories of the two of them. Gingerly, he traced Tatsuya’s little form with his index finger, trying to remember what protectively holding his hand felt like. ‘I’ll find you again and bring you home. I promise.’

All he did was blink. And when his eyes opened again, he was suddenly met with Maya crowding his vision. Katsuya stiffened and quickly stuffed his wallet back in his pocket. “Ms. Amano, are you-“ but she was swift to cut him off before he could even finish his statement.

“C’mon! Cut it with that. It’s just ‘Maya’ to you, remember?” Katsuya did. But it was just second nature for him to address people respectfully like that. He just nodded, as that was all he could do as she continued on. “It’s okay! But we’re friends. And friends get first name privileges!” She was always so bubbly and hopeful. It was a welcome change from his dark thoughts from just moments ago. Katsuya found himself smiling, if somewhat meekly, without even really realizing it.

When he finally found a moment to interject, he did. “So… *Maya.*” He forced himself to say the name she preferred, even if it felt a little strange on his tongue. “Was there something you needed? I’m happy to provide assistance where I can.”

In an instant, Maya remembered what she came over here for. Her eyes twinkled as she grabbed one of Katsuya’s hands without warning. “There was something I wanted to show you! Move faster! I already had Igor pull up a chair!”

“A chair!?” Katsuya’s eyes widened as he was abruptly dragged across the Velvet Room by his arm. “Ms—“ He cleared his throat. “Maya, what on earth are you doing!?” He felt shame bubble up in his chest the moment he realized that her touching him made his cheeks go red. He could only hope that his glasses covered up enough of it for her not to notice.

Before he knew it, he was already being shoved (not too hard more so excitedly) into a chair. Once he was seated, Maya stepped backwards with a huge grin on her face. She was definitely planning something. She was standing a little bit in front of Nameless, his piano, and Belladonna. The two attendants exchanged knowing glances before just smiling. It was pretty clear that whatever Maya had in mind, that they were both in on it. That actually calmed Katsuya down somewhat. Because if the both of them thought it was a good idea, then it couldn’t be *too* bad, right?

Maya cleared her throat before looking to the side and idly fiddling with her sleeves. Her own blush of embarrassment rose to her cheeks suddenly. Definitely not like her to get as easily embarrassed like that. “So… um…” She looked around, anywhere but at Katsuya. It was then he realized that the music wasn’t playing, allowing the reporter’s words to carry much more. That must be contributing to her sudden nerves, he deduced. He smiled softly, much wider than earlier, hoping that would somehow help her out.

And it seemed like it worked. Maya must have caught it out of the corner of her eye. She took a deep breath and pumped her fists to psyche herself up. “Right! I’ve noticed that you’ve been really stressed out lately. None of us can blame you, really. But we also don’t know how to help you. That’s when I decided! I started practicing a little with Nameless and Belladonna here on the side. All so I could… sing you a song that might help you out. I just want to see your smile again.”

She watched, unsure of herself as Katsuya put a hand over his heart. “Maya… that’s incredible. Even though we’ve been dealing with fighting back these rumors… you still found time to do all of this for me?” He felt a pressure grow in the back of his throat, a telltale sign that he was about to cry. But he couldn’t, so he pushed it back. “Whatever it is, I’m sure that I’ll love it. So please don’t be scared, alright?”

She nodded and turned around, some of that excitement from earlier returning to her. “Okay! It’s go time, guys!” The attendants nodded and Belladonna took a step to the side so both she and Maya could sing into her microphone. She put a gentle hand on the small of Maya’s back. “Just breathe, honey. Alright? Just like I showed you.” She took a couple deep breaths in response then gave a thumbs up to both her and Nameless, who took it as a sign to turn around to his piano and put his fingers across the keys. He took a breath of his own before pushing down and beginning their song.

Suddenly, the Velvet Room came alive with another song. And for once it wasn’t Belladonna’s soulful aria or Nameless’s passionate melodies. But it was another thing entirely. And it was unquestionably Maya Amano. As she opened her mouth to sing, all the fear in her body was completely erased and she laid out her passion for Katsuya and for life out on full display. It took no time at all for her to get in the proper headspace. Every note was sung with passion and perfect harmony with Belladonna. It was a song about never giving up, only elevated by the technical skill of Nameless and his own passion for his craft. The deep blues casted across the walls almost seemed to dance with the trio.

Needless to say, Katsuya was instantly enthralled from the first note. He completely forgot about his tense neck, or his tight muscles. All there was… was just he and Maya. Something, far away yet closer than ever seemed to intertwine in harmony with her.

In the sea of souls, two hands met each other. Maia reached out for Helios, and he responded in kind. Trusting completely in one another, they danced along to their shared song. When their hands connected, it was as if they were two parts of the same whole, with no meaningful difference between them. They danced together in the endless realm of light. No matter what form they may take on, nothing could ever part them. The red string of fate brought them together, strong as titanium. There was no past… no future… just the two of their hearts beating as one here and now.

Katsuya didn’t realize he had zoned out until Maya finished. He could feel his heart thundering in his chest, like it was trying to escape from his ribcage. And his hands felt hot like the flames he can command in battle. When he looked up at her, their eyes met; and stars seemed to dance behind each of their gaze. He suddenly stood up from his chair, the force of the action almost knocking it over completely. He himself didn’t know what he was doing, but instinct told him to run at Maya. Don’t stop until he reaches her and hug her as hard as he could. And that’s exactly what he did. He hugged her like he would never see her again in this lifetime.

“Ms Amamo… I-“

“Maya,” she corrected, causing Katsuya to just laugh.

“Maya. I have no words. That was utterly extraordinary. How did you even learn to sing like that!?”

Maya looked back at Belladonna who gave her a sweet smile. “I had a pretty good teacher.”

“I’ll say.”

The two looked back at each other again and just sort of stared. They blinked. Once, then twice. Something strange now hung in the air between the both of them. Something… new. Thanks to their close quarters, they could feel the other’s heart hammering in their chest. Katsuya noticed things he hadn’t before. How Maya’s eyes flickered under the light of the room like rolling moonlit waves. She seemed to fully encapsulate the essence of moonlight, befitting the arcana she’d been assigned by fate. Her pale skin like the gentle beaches along the shore. She was like an angel. Katsuya loosened his hold on her slightly, like she was made of a fragile porcelain.

He cleared his throat, body suddenly feeling tight and his cheeks hot. “Is it bad that I really want to kiss you right now? If that makes you uncomfortable I—“

But he never got to finish his statement as Maya suddenly slammed her lips into his. He immediately jolted but didn’t dare pull away. Instead, he gently raised his hands to cup her face. And they both held that pose until they naturally let one another go. Katsuya looked down awkwardly and just sort of blushed. And honestly? He couldn’t be happier.

Maya showed off one of her signature goofy grins and took the other’s hand. And without warning, the two were off once again. Out of the Velvet Room and on another adventure. But now there was something new. It didn’t need to be said, a relationship starting to blossom between them. They had transcended the friendship they had before, all because of one simple act of kindness. Sometimes, it’s the littlest things that can push you to keep going.