Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The rain practically pelts their shared umbrella. It's a hard downpour for sure, not the average monsoon storm but he's definitely not the happiest. Thinking about all the humidity that he'll have to suffer through tomorrow... he can already feel himself shiver.

Practice ended an hour ago, but then the rain started and Toya had dragged them to a cafe to eat and they wasted time for it to clear up. Good food, great time with Toya, but he could definitely tell Toya wanted to get home to get back to composing for his task.

He had swiftly paid the bill before his partner could, and they decided to brave the outdoors with one of those cheap umbrellas. 

The nearby shops are still bustling with life, just inside the store instead of outside like usual. A few kids run by them here and there, and every time Toya smiles a little more at the sight. He can't blame him, this town is pretty calming - well, to them at least.

The rain is still banging hard on the umbrella, and it's somewhat distracting him from the fact they're walking home. He wants to shut that damn umbrella closed so it can stop making that stupid sound.

The trees look nice at least, and it's good to get rain because droughts are always shit. It's not... horrid...

He knows Toya likes the sound of the rain too. He knows it calms Toya down, so he's willing to compromise and walk when they could get driven by Ken. His partner's been working hard as of late, so Akito kind of wants to spoil him.

...He doubts this counts as spoiling though.

Toya stops abruptly in front of an alleyway. He points down towards the end, then tilts his head, completely dead face. "...You're asking to go down there? Why, you see somethin'?" He's a little confused.

"No. Don't worry." Toya shakes his head, guiding them down the decorated alley with currently melting paint and destroyed flyers. It still has a nice atmosphere.

Toya closes the umbrella out of nowhere, water immediately splatting on them in an icky way. He tenses immediately, the cold wet on his back feels like someone pinching at his skin. Toya looks up at the gray clouds.

"How about a little more extra practice?" His smile is warm. "I know we just spent 5 hours doing so, but knowing you..."

Knowing him is the exact thing to say in this situation. "Yeah, 'course dude. What songs you thinking ‘bout?" His partner huffs out a sigh of relief, before grinning.

"...With the rain, wouldn't Rain and Petra be perfect?"

Oh my corny. What a shitty reason. The song isn't even about rain.

...He ruffles his partner's already soaked hair, some of his hair sticking to his fingers. "Sure, dude!"

Doesn't matter, he's not gonna say no to Toya over wanting to sing a song. Toya beams anyway - well, as much as he can, - and nods, rushing to grab his already wet phone. Thank god for waterproof devices.

He watches his partner fight for his life to stop the incoming rain from choosing unrelated songs and moving stuff around. Eventually, around 3 minutes into the fight, Toya gets it ready.

"Good work." He half-praises and half-teases. Toya nods proudly, like he just did something incredibly selfless, completely ignoring the teasing part.

Well, as long as his partner's happy...

Toya sounds amazing as usual during this song. His vocals for this always sound like they're ripping straight out of his heart and soul, something that Akito loves more than anything. Genuinely hearing that covered emotion slip out through the song, especially when it's Toya, always makes him want to sing better. 

He does push harder, and then Toya pushes harder, and suddenly they're grinning ear to ear while singing at each other like as if this song is actually a show of their appreciation for each other.

He fucking loves this. His heart thrums, as it always does when they perform together.

By the end, they're grinning idiots, drenched head to toe. His heart still pulsates excitedly in his chest. He can tell Toya's is too, like it always is. This feeling they experience when they perform, it's mutual, it's why they're so good for each other.

He ends up reaching for his partner's hair again, pulling him closer. Toya chuckles, he fucking chuckles, and Akito's mind has never been racing but so empty at the same time before. "You did fucking amazing!" He yells breathlessly, hands still viciously scrubbing against his partner's scalp.

"You did incredibly well, too, Akito." His smile is so familiar it fucking hurts. He's so glad Toya's better now, he's so glad this is common now.

When he pulls away, he's very very conscious of the fact they're both soaked. It's a little uncomfortable, and suddenly he's very aware that 'Hey! Toya has things to do at home for his task!'

"We're going to get soaked if we don't go back now, so-"

"We're already soaked. Speaking of soaked... How about we sing Ifuudoudou too while we're here?"

This man. This incredibly smart, talented man, who he is extraordinarily lucky to have by his side daily. This man is asking him to sing Ifuudoudou in the pouring rain with that as his segway in. He isn't sure if he wants to cackle or crouch in shame that his partner seriously just said that.

"...Sure." And yet, he is still weak to his partner.

When they sing live, in front of an audience, it always feels overwhelmingly hot. Steam comes out from the audience as they flame their fire, flame their ego, help them light themselves up and get even better. They push each other, and the audience helps them too.

But right now, it’s just them pushing each other up. It’s intimate in a way, even if the song they’re currently is a little… inappropriate. Practicing with Toya, singing with Toya, anything with Toya and only Toya. It’s all perfect for him, because that’s his partner.

Performing and singing, it's all good as long as they do it together. He knows they'll always do it well together anyway.

And then, Toya asks to sing Call Boy. He has no complaints there aside from his sopping wet school uniform... Probably because there's no stupid segway into that one..

Singing with his partner is relaxing but also energizing to him. Doing his favourite thing in the world with one of the top important people in his life? Hell yeah. It feels kind of special too, considering they've been doing a lot of group practices as of late, even if this used to be a daily occurrence. 

Well, he's enjoying himself nonetheless. I mean, surely it'll just be one or two more songs after this, then they go home, right?

He was not right. It's been 30 minutes and Toya has just now decided to sing their last song for the day, Hana ni Kaze. He hasn't even sung this one without An and Kohane yet, so he's a little confused but he's assuming he'll just... sing it like it's Yobanashi Deceive and sing all the lyrics. He likes the song anyway..

The song starts and his foot taps along to the beat, making a sad sploosh sound every time. Toya mimics him.

The wind picks up, funnily enough considering the name... Thank god it started now. If Toya had segway'ed into that one too he would've killed someone. He begins to sing, he sings like he had learnt to to surpass Ken.

If it's the last one for today, he might as well let it go out with a big explosion right?

Whenever he sings and shares eye contact with Toya, his heart flares. Whenever they share lyrics, his heart flares. When he puts his all in, his heart flares. His heart is an infinite fire towards this hobby of his, and he wants to share that warmth.

He wants to share the warmth the same Nagi did with her remaining fire. He wants to share his warmth to people, the same way he had to Toya three years ago on Vivid Street, on that small corner.

He's earned to be stood next to his partner. He's earned it, he's surpassed Ken. He deserves to stand side by side with Toya.

But if you had asked Toya, he'd always deserved to be by his side. 

Toya could've thrived without him, would've still succeeded musically. He always had been exceptional at anything related to their shared interest, but his partner always credited him for it. Always credited him as the reason why he was where he was now. And honestly? Knowing that, knowing how Toya thinks of him like that makes him feel special. Makes him feel like that best partner that Toya sees in him.

He wants to show that more than anything right now. He wants those silver eyes on him, as he sings fervently with all his heart. As he heats up their cold, soaked bodies with the flame in his heart alone.

'Look at me, Toya. Watch me.' 

And his partner, like as if he's a mind reader, does. He does watch him, those same silver eyes he wished for looking at him like as if he had invented the concept of music. So full of appreciation and care, covered by miniscule raindrops. That same face he always wears when they perform together.

He pushes harder, he sings with more fervor. Anything , anything to surpass RAD WEEKEND together, to prove himself even more. To reach this dream of his together with Toya, with An, with Kohane, with Mita too. He'll become what his younger self had always wished to become, he'll do it! No backing down!!!

'You see how far I've come, partner? Let's go higher together.'

He never loses his partner's eyes, he never loses that care, that passionate affection. He does gain one thing though.

Toya's part comes in, and he nails it so well that it pushes him too. Toya always, always , does that. The push to become better, to burn brighter together, it's everything he loves about his partner. The same way he's the best partner Toya could ever want, Toya's the best partner he could even dream to have.

His best partner doesn't falter, doesn't hesitate to support him. He'll do his best to be just like that.

They're the best partners for each other in the end, aren't they?

By the end of it, he's exerted himself enough that he wonders how much of the wetness on his face is rain and how much is sweat. He feels a pulsating heat from his heart, slipping into every shaking corner of his body. It’s at least 3 times stronger than at the beginning. The adrenaline rush is strong, and clearly Toya feels the effects too.

Labored breathing, but they're both grinning wildly at each other. The rain is still splashing down, but it's a welcome cold instead of annoying.

"...You.," Toya inhales deeply, "You sang incredibly. You... no, We can surpass RAD WEEKEND with this. Your voice’s range, your expressions, your abilities...."

Yeah, Toya really is the best. "You're one to talk... I.. I wouldn't be able to do that if it wasn't for you, man."

He just gets a kind smile back. The same one his best partner had always given him whenever he would do something good. When he would feel the same way Akito felt towards him. He's so proud of his partner, the same way he's sure Toya is. 

"...We'll probably get a cold." Toya murmurs. "I told you that after the sixth song, partner." His partner chuckles at that.

He picks up the umbrella from where it's sat for the entire 35-ish minutes they've been here. It's just as soaked as they are, and when his partner opens it a waterfall of collected rain water from inside.

He can't help but laugh at that. "...Is it worth even using that anymore, man?"

"Probably not. Let's go home."

'Home' ? Knowing Toya, that could be his literal house or to walk back to Weekend Garage... not like it really matters. He'll follow his partner till the end of the planet, shoulder to shoulder.

When Toya comes home that night, she notices that he's sopping wet. She wants to comment, but as she watches someone walking behind her son who looks like he’s about to burst into laughter, she knows not to speak.

Ginger hair, a black hoodie on top, piercings, and also just as soaked. Probably a friend who got stuck in that strongly pouring rain with her son. She knows Harumichi probably won't be the happiest about this, but based on how happy Toya seems by just walking with this guy (?) by his side, she won't tell his father.

They climb up the stairs while she turns around to grab the cutting board. Maybe she should make a bigger portion tonight for their little secret guest. She can tell when they think they're in the clear though.

"Do you wanna bathe first, Akito?" and "It doesn't matter.." are quietly mumbled from up their white staircase. Akito... is a familiar sounding name. She believes, maybe, it's his partner? Ah, then she should definitely talk to him tomorrow.

If it means her son will take a break from working so hard on composing…

She can ask in the morning when he and her son’s partner (???) are dry and ready for school.

Chapter Text

Toya loves the arcade. And because of that, Akito is not shocked when they're walking through this American mall and see an arcade and his partner immediately snaps his head at him excitedly.

They're supposed to be buying souvenirs right now. They've technically gotten them already, just had dropped the bags off with a very loud and angry An. He's done enough bag carrying already, she can fucking handle it...

"...Yes, we can go.." He unwillingly tells his partner, but with the way Toya immediately takes out their change from previous shopping and drags him towards the entrance, face filled with determination. Once his partner has something in mind, it'll happen. That's his resolve, in a way.

When they walk in, he immediately notices that it's definitely a lot darker than he expected. It's counterbalanced by the extremely bright flashing lights around the machines.

What in the epilepsy have they walked into.

There's a lot less of the same machines unless they're for multiple players or... hey, that's the hoop game Toya's shit at! The games seem kind of lame in his opinion, but there is a section of crane games, so at least he knows where he's going.

There's music blasting. The beats okay, but he isn't entirely sure what the song is about nor how he really feels about it... His partner could probably make something better anyway.

Toya slides the coins into a thing? He isn't exactly sure what it is but a card slips out afterwards. 

His partner doesn't wait to ask. "Over here, you put points into the card to then use at the machine. You can win prizes with the tickets you can get."

"Did you fucking research this? How the hell do you know??"

Toya blinks at him like a deer in the headlights. So he did??? "Technically, I asked my older brother."

"Of course you did." He huffs, but he can't hold back his smile. To give Toya credit, this is technically a vacation so it makes sense to research things to do aside from the music scene. Even if they came for the music scene here in America.

This arcade is filled to the brim with very very loud kids, and the flashing lights and sounds every time someone wins is kind of killing him. The carpet is smushy, in a gross way, and sometimes also sticky? How does one manage that??? There's also a distinct lack of chairs.

At least there's air hockey. He's always wanted to try that...

He'll ask after Toya gets his fun from the claw machines. I mean, he's already speed walking there... Time to catch up.

It feels weird that they aren't directly at the front and huge, honestly. Compared to what they usually do...

"...Dude, does the carpet not feel like shit." He murmurs. Toya nods, looking a little miserable, but his pace doesn't slow. "Don't swear. What if one of the kids know Japanese?"

"Good for them, then."

"Akito." Full glare. "Okay... my bad man..." A huff of satisfaction.

They get to the... whole two claw machines with stuffed animals. Unless Toya wants a new phone for whatever reason..?? There is such a small amount of claw machines that he's a little lost. The plushies aren't even that cute...

His partner is determined anyway. He scans his card on the first white box of doom, and grabs the controls. He catches one of the five prizes immediately, and it just barely doesn't fall back into the pile of stuffed animals. It drops into the shoot and Toya swiftly picks it up, handing it over to Akito.

He's on fucking bag duty again .

Well... if it's for Toya...

They end it off with two more available plays of any game and both of them carrying 12 stuffed animals. Would've been 13, but some child had come up to them, asking if he could grab one. His mom had told him off, he assumes, but Toya still asked him which one he wanted.

It was promptly given to the little boy, and they received lots of thanks from the mom. All that matters to him is that his hands are freer and that Toya is happy.

He sometimes wonders if Toya likes doing this for other children because he never would've experienced it as a kid. If it is for that, he hopes it helps him feel better in some way. Toya deserved to be able to express himself freely like that, so if this helps... Anything is fine with him. His partner deserves that kind of joy.

It's why he's the one to ask for a bag to the poor cashier who blinks twice at them before understanding. It's why he's willing to carry the bags for him, why he's okay to go to some mind-numbing arcade even if it genuinely does make his skin crawl a little.

...Toya would make a good partner, in the other sense.

"You're getting better and better with English, you know?" There's a delight in his partner's voice he refuses to shatter. Even if he knows Toya's majorly wrong.

It's better than last year, definitely not better than this year. "...Thanks partner. You're definitely better though."

"That's because I actually practice." Okay. Wow .

They end up playing air hockey like he wanted to with their remaining points. He demolishes Toya. (Read as: It was a fairly even fight but Akito won.) He learns that day that he adores the sound of the shitty plastic puck colliding with the strikers and the smooth glide. The cool air is pretty nice too.

They then go to the hoops for whatever reason, and his partner still cannot aim to save his life. He misses all his shots but 3 near the end, where his partner enthusiastically whips his head around to point at the point sign. He claps every time, even if he's definitely thinking about training his partner in aim again.

Ah, whatever, still cute. Even if it's caused him a few microphones to the head and spine. And jaw. And leg. And that one time he missed so bad it hit Miku instead.

Doesn't matter anyway, because Toya is having fun. He can see the slight flicker in his smile, the satisfied look in his eyes, the slight crinkle. He hears the happy sigh. All tell-tale signs.

Good.

"Ah... Shiraishi messaged me. We should head back now to drop our stuff off at the hotel before going back to the music scene." Toya pauses right in front of a flappy bird cabinet, seeming a little disappointed. 

He pats his partner's back. "We'll go back if we've got time, let's go." He gets a sigh in return. They walk back to the Vivids while discussing a review of the arcade.

Toya definitely saw it better than he did. He's not shocked, Toya finds the good things in everything he can. Whether it comes from his pure heart or practically existing around the Tenmas, he isn't sure.

He's glad that Toya can, honestly. It gives him a better life than he had in the past, and that's all he wants in the end for his partner.

When they get back to the girls, An's basically got them sprinting back to the hotel. He can audibly hear his partner fighting for his life behind him, accompanied by paper and plastic bags slapping knees. They just have enough time to throw the bags down into their room before running back out. Toya is still suffering.

At least they have fun after. All the stuff with illynis happens, but they still get time for themself after in the hotel.

And by ' themself ' Akito means both him and his partner laying like corpses on one of the two beds. Toya pulls out the book he got himself to manage anxiety before the whole... 13 hour flight, and begins reading through it.

He gets to help solve the mystery whenever his partner shares bits from the book, and every time a chapter is finished he gets a debrief. 

Does he care for mystery books? No, not in the slightest, he doesn't like reading that much. Hell, he's listening to song recommendations they got from Cedric to understand English street music better right now.

Is he kind of locked in to the story right now anyway? Absolutely.

What do you mean the body was found in two places but there's no separation of parts of the body or nun'??? He's gotta know at least that !

Toya had told him a little bit ago that the reason he'd share details when they would be in the same room as he read was because he “wanted to share something he loved too, the same way you had to bring us here.” It was insanely flattering and kind of drove him crazy for a couple of weeks after, but he's happy nonetheless. He'll keep sharing his favourite things and Toya will keep sharing his favourite things and they'll be happy.

Speaking of things they love…

His eyes wander from Toya's face over to the assortment of bags on the floor. And then their suitcases.

How are they gonna fit any of that...?

...

"Toya, how the fuck are we gonna transport the damn plushies?"

His partner blinks once, blinks twice. He looks between the bags, the suitcases and Akito. "...We make them fit?" Well yeah, no shit.

"...I'll try tomorrow." He's not usually lazy but right now, he's focused on his own necessary research to get better for RUSH BEATS and whatever the hell Toya's reading, so he thinks he has a valid excuse.

The longer they're on the bed, the closer they get. It's habitual at this point, they always end up closer than others when nearby. They don't need to touch, they don't need to cuddle, but the physical presence is enough to satisfy them both.

Toya likes to stand behind him, likes to lean in to talk to him. Akito likes to wrap his arm around his shoulders and ruffle his hair. And that's enough for them.

He likes this stupid comfortable thing they have going on.

...The bed's pretty warm, isn't it? He looks back to Toya, who's curled into a ball, book planted close to his face, stern expression and all. Fully immersed. His book is nearly in Akito's hair at this point, but he really doesn't mind.

This kind of relaxation isn't something he'd usually let himself go by with. He likes his passion filled life, he likes the constant fuel to his flame to keep him pushing. His way of life has always been like that, and whenever it wasn't he'd end up the same way he did after RAD BLAST.

But... This is something Toya would like, so he knows that it's good. His brain doesn't criticize his lack of action like it usually does, it enjoys the moment.

Toya really makes him do that a lot, with his strong reflections at every happy moment. He thanks him for being his partner a ton, as if he isn't the second best thing to happen to him behind RAD WEEKEND. He makes him think about everything they've done together, everything done for each other, everything that bothers each other. He doubts he's ever been this aware before.

His partner has really changed him for the better, huh? Even if it isn't just him, - he'll admit An and Kohane have helped alongside the VIRTUAL SINGERS, - Toya has done a lot for him.

He might be just as thankful as Toya. He's known that for a while, but he's never expressed it. It's embarrassing as hell for him, but maybe, just maybe, he will today.

...I'll do it tomorrow.

Toya seemingly has made him lazy too. Great.

Well.. might as well nap then, ahah... He switches to their shared partner playlist, Toya reading his book snuggly next to him. No English songs now, but as blender fades into the classical piano his partner had added for the plane ride, his eyes drift off.

...Toya will just switch beds when he goes to bed, surely!

When he wakes up from his nap, he feels every bone in his body ache, his eyes and mouth dry, and every ounce of sweat on his being. Holy hell was that a good nap! I mean clearly considering he's in a hotel and it's... 2?? It's 2 in the morning?????

Fuck. And he's hungry. Double fuck.

..Hm. Toya's still next to him. The book is now neatly tucked onto the night stand, his bleary vision can barely make out, and his partner is in his pajamas.

......

He'll enjoy the view until the morning.

Toya's shallow breathing is slow and rhythmic. He imagines some type of beat to it, imagines what kind of song it'd be. His partner would definitely be more of a soft melody, but with strong bursts in it. Kind of like the instrumental for Moonlight. 

Maybe he should make a song for Toya right now, even if it's just an instrumental. He's got time to spare... And it's a gesture he can use to share his care for his partner, right? So...

He does it. He does it, it's not fully complete, but it's Toya. It has his partner's warmth, he made sure to add piano and violin samples, there's bird samples since it seems to be Toya's favourite metaphor for himself. It has a heavy beat to it, but a soft undertone, perfectly Toya.

He only realizes that it's been 4 hours when his partner rolls over from his extremely still sleeping position. He groans. "Good... morning... What're you doin........."

"Makin' something. Good morning to you too." He fixes Toya's bed head as he slowly and wobbly gets up. Toya likes his hair orderly, and Akito seemingly can't get his hand ever off his partner's head.

His partner mumbles something incoherent before dragging himself to their bathroom to get ready... completely forgetting his change of clothes. He's not planning to get flashed today, so he throws the clothes in for Toya. He hears a scratchy 'Thank you...' from the bathroom.

10 minutes later, his still tired partner emerges from their shared bathroom. "...When did you wake up?"

Oh. Fuck. "2 in the mornin'... not on purpose, promise." Toya still looks at him disgruntledly. 

"I'm assuming you're hungry?" Clocked. Immediately.

He just nods hesitantly, very unhappy with having to admit that. If An calls him fat one more time he'll stab her to death. "Cool... Get changed, and we'll go." Toya takes a peak at his monitor. "Could I check this in the meanwhile?"

"'Course." It's about him anyway, what's the harm?

All that's important from their morning is that An did call him fat, getting smacked against the head in retaliation, and that he had pancakes from the breakfast menu. Which was.. a little flat and sad, but good nonetheless. He's never fucked with fruit in his pancakes until now, and he has an infinite amount of syrup. Heavenly. And then he got called fat again. And this time Toya defended him.

But anyway, Toya and him decided to pack early in case of another unfortunate nap. They're leaving tomorrow, so while they have time before the Americans will wake up they've decided to pack.

They've also been hit with the realization that they might not be able to return with everything. Toya looks a little dejected at the idea, so he decides to be the best partner in the world and packs it for them! How hard could it be?

He starts by taking everything out. They have two identical suitcases of different colors to fit 12 plushies, whatever Toya bought for himself, Akito's clothes and CDs, and then the actual clothing they brought for the trip. Also Toya's book and Akito's travel kit.

He tries to not get overwhelmed looking at it spread out. Toya pats his back, passing on his sympathy.

He figures it out in the end. Starting with Toya's suitcase, his book and souvenir is in one corner, with all the clothes lazily crammed next to it. Like... a messy pile worth their entire trip squished together. 6 of the plushies line the rest of the suitcase.

His suitcase ends up looking similar, except the corner of goodies is instead his travel kit and CDs, with his jewelry actually separated properly. Next time he has to fix a chain to a necklace he'll set someone on fire. He's still stuffing all the plushies into their suitcase.

As Toya stands behind him, looking at the product of Akito's hard work, he starts to talk. "Akito, the song you were making earlier was about me, wasn't it?"

"Yeah, it was."

A content sigh. "Thank you. It sounds incredible already," he hums a little bit of it, "Like always. You really put care into who I am as a person, I can tell."

His heart melts slightly. God, what a nice guy. It's nowhere near polished but he still loves it fully. It's nowhere near done and Toya is already talking about it like it's a masterpiece made in his honor. He fucking hopes that's how it turns out.

"Course, partner."

An idea crosses his head. 

"Hey, Toya. How 'bout for the flight back, you hug one of the plushies?" He asks, showing off the only one left to put in. His partner blinks at him, seemingly surprised. "...Do you just not want to pack it?"

Oh. "Nah man, just figured it'd be a bit better than 13 hours of... ya know... closing your eyes?" Toya looks between him, the suitcase, and the stuffed animal. Some shitty orange cat. Cheap embroidered eyes, poor fabric... this thing sucks real bad. 

But Toya embraces it. His partner grabs it, gives it a good squish and holds it to his chest. It makes Akito's heart flutter for just a second. "Hm...Sure then. He seems cute."

"Oh, it's a he now?"

His partner nods. "He's a little pathetic but I think that's nice. He'll be good company."

"Oi! I'll be sitting next to you all flight!!" He is not getting replaced by some cheap shot. Toya smirks. Fucking smirks at him. "If you'll be jealous, maybe we should pack him away, then?"

Toya's teasing him. Are we for real. His heart beats faster, getting admittedly a little frustrated. If he says yes, he wins and it's gone but he also is admitting to jealousy. If he says no, he has to deal with that cheap fucker getting more attention than him because Akito personally doesn't like getting his hand crushed by his partner's fearful grip. 

"It's... it's your choice." Gottem!

Toya chuckles, but slips the plushy into the suitcase. "I'll be okay without him. Like you said, you'll be there."

Eugh. His heartrate, cursed by a damn charismatic partner. 

On the flight back, Toya does close his eyes anxiously the whole time. And holds his hand strongly the whole time. He's sure An has taken a few pictures, but maybe that doesn't matter.

He'll be that dumb plushy. He's made of better material anyway.

Chapter Text

The livehouse floor reflects the lighting from the stage lights, and he can already hear the chatter of the people who have come to see them. His teammates are all busy checking to see if the equipment is working and if everyone else is ready to perform.

He fidgets with a box in his pocket, anxiously tapping the rhythm to the song they'll be performing tonight. One more live together, a celebratory party and a nice drive before he can put it to use. He hasn't felt this nervous about performing in quite a while honestly.

It brings him back to their first live together.

He wasn't fully used to performing street music at this point, so there was a subtle tug of anxiety that pulled on his heart when they first went up. People recognized his partner, but not him, but that didn't bother him much.

None of it mattered when he and Akito sang together, trying to do as best as they could.

They weren't that good at this point, at least compared to now, but they had tried their hardest. You could tell they had a goal, something to strive for. It rang out from under their somewhat awkward voices. The audience didn't cheer for them like they do now, but he didn't care. He didn't care about anything bad that they were saying about them. All that mattered is that they'd keep pushing, because he saw how much this meant to Akito, and because he didn't want to let something like this go.

He found something to do to rebel, and he found a good person to do it with. He wasn't going to let that go. They'd keep pushing.

Who would've known that in the end, there were two sounds in his life that meant the world to him. The beautiful sound his father produced that sparked that strong urge to play when he was a kid, and the sound of his and his partner's voices mixing together at the end of the chorus of any song together.

He's glad he didn't let it escape his grasp, because they're at seven years of partnership now.

He had almost lost it all once, he almost lost the most important person in his life at the moment. 

He remembers being miserable everyday. He had lost that escape, practically trapped in his own room. If he went out, his dad would try to encourage him to go back to classical, to return to "what he was meant to do", which led to continuous arguments.

And so he stayed in his room when he could. The piano in the corner haunted him, the walls too blank, too colorless. It wasn't vibrant enough. Life wasn't vibrant anymore, it wasn't vivid like the streets he had grown to love. It wasn't warm, it wasn't like Akito, something he'd grown accustomed to. His mom looked at him with such pity. He wasn't happy for almost all of it, aside from when the Tenmas came to hang out with him.

And then, just as he was going to resign from music forever, because it was what seemed right, Akito came back. Akito ran to keep him. Poured his heart and soul out just for Toya to make the step forward, to realize how much he wanted to stay, how much music really meant to him.

Music has always been his leading force. That beautiful sound made by his father, his partner's singing voice, their teammate's duets. He wouldn't have gotten to hear those more if it weren't for that.

Akito is what kept him afloat for so long, bringing him food when he didn't eat to avoid arguments, standing up for him, making music with him.

He'll never not appreciate Akito for taking him back. For seeing him as his only choice as a partner, for seeing what Toya couldn't see. For pulling him back into this world he loved so much, for introducing him to wonderful people, wonderful feelings and more too.

He remembers when Akito had asked him what he really wanted to do, his answer slipped out before he could even think about it. He wanted to get back together as partners, that he loved performing. It spilt out without thought. He remembers the relief flush through his body as Akito welcomed him back as his partner. He remembers feeling incredibly overwhelmed with emotions, all different ones that sometimes contradicted each other. He remembers being so incredibly happy.

He remembers forming Vivid BAD SQUAD and their first performance as a team later on. They've come far from when they first met. If you had told him when he started street music that it'd become one of the most important and close things to his heart, he probably would've blinked away whatever you'd said, turning to keep running in the streets. Anything to escape his father, to escape his monotonous lifestyle that bothered him daily.

The most unforgettable of all from that day though: He remembers finding SEKAI that day.

They still have the VIRTUAL SINGERS by their side. They're still one of their biggest supporters, they still help out. Len and Rin have become slightly more mature, the SEKAI has grown larger as their feelings spill further out. Their sapling has become a tree.

Their world together will keep changing, but will never break. As a team, as partners, he guarantees it.

Their partnership as a team had truly first blossomed when Akito had worked himself to the bone to attempt to become good enough. To become a partner worthy of being with Toya, with their teammates. It was a pattern from their past. They'd attempt to practice as much as possible to think of themselves as worthy. Both staying out late, singing like it was their only choice.

But it had never gotten to this volume. Singing until his throat gave out, ripping at his entire body to get more and more practice in to prove himself.

All against one man who'd later become their friend. The irony is impressive.

He was scared back then. He was scared about losing Akito because he was refusing to get help. He was refusing to back down on something that was hurting him. In the end, he needed support from them anyway. "Because there's no way we'll be able to surpass RAD WEEKEND without you!" He had told him. He wasn't lying, it was his genuine feelings, but for a second Akito looked at him like he had.

But his partner knows he's rarely ever untruthful. His partner knows him, can tell when he is feeling down, when he isn't honest, when he's over the moon with joy. And so when Akito had finally accepted the help, he felt happier than ever.

His partner had decided that he could do it with their help. He had decided to not face things alone. Toya felt so proud that day. Of Akito, of himself, of the Vivids for helping out so much too. From that day on, their songs were no longer so divided between partners. Cinema was made and sung equally by both partnerships. He still fondly cherishes that song like it was his third love, even if that'd be every song Akito has ever made.

Their camaraderie as a team never stopped growing from there. He got to experience building a tent, getting lost, walking in the forest, making a fire. He even got to experience not completely ruining something while cooking! When he cut that pepper, he felt like he had learnt something completely impassible. He was over the moon with joy.

He could barely control his excitement the night before, and then the night of he still couldn't. He remembers Akito laughing at the fact he kept tossing and turning, eventually holding his hand outside of his own sleeping bag to hold Toya's. He slept somewhat calmly that night, even if he had been rustled awake when his partner had rolled out of bed early to stretch.

He loves learning, whether with his teammates or only with his partner. Getting to experience new things with his teammates is still one of his favourite things. Going to a camp or going to a beach, going somewhere or going nowhere... none of it matters. It's all new, good, experiences. 

He'll be undergo more fresh experiences soon, hopefully. If the night goes right, Akito and him will experience something new, too.

He has a song he's made for tonight especially. His love, affection and wants throughout their time together, wrapped in a song for them to learn together when he's done proposing.

It makes him think of when he made his first song.

Souma had guided him quite a lot, but his motivation was mainly focused on Akito. His partner, the one who said he'd wait for the day Toya would make a song. The memories of trying and trying to make a good beat, following instructions laid out for him and writing the lyrics himself.

He suddenly found himself hooked on making that song. He found himself interested in the ending of making it, and when Azusawa showed interest in learning to make music too, he was incredibly happy. Even if she never did in the end, it felt good to see that he wasn't alone in wanting to help make things. So he put in more work, and eventually a song was produced.

He decided to dedicate it to his partner. The one who'd been with him for almost two years at that point. It seems small compared to now, with a whole five years more, but back then it felt incredible.  And when he finally revealed it to his teammates, he felt nervous for the first time in a while, like he did when he and Akito first performed. When he experienced new experiences.

Every new thing comes with a bit of anxiety, but in the end he thrives in it. Nervousness has become a twinge excitement instead as he grows.

But either way, when his partner had finally heard the song for himself, his reaction to it made Toya want to crush him with love. To share a mutual love, to be together forever. It was on that day, as he called his partner the best partner he could ever have and laid his feelings towards their history out bare, that he realized he loved his partner almost as much as music itself. Not when the original dedication was made, but in that moment when his partner's face wore that strong pride towards him. When he said he was his best partner.

Music that had been his first ever love, music that helped him strum his way through life. Music that helped him practice piano and music that had helped him escape that same piano.

He didn't ask Akito out for a while after. He waited a while, when things were to calm down. He never doubted that their feelings were mutual though. Through small comforts, through Akito's urge to protect him, through the arm that would always find itself leaning on his shoulder. Through the way he sang that song Toya had written for him, filled to the brim with a burning warmth and passion, because it was made for him . He never had to worry because he knew his partner would love him forever. 

He'd never let go of this sweet memory of his. The kind of sweet he can handle, not too much but still present.

The day they lost everything, the days that followed suit, their struggles, their feelings. All a jumbled wreck of emotions, all important nonetheless. The tears Shiraishi wept, the feelings of despair that crushed everyone's confidence, their unwavering will. 

An event. An event two of them hadn't seen was what made them meet, but in that moment they had never felt so unshakeable. An event they wished to surpass, an event they wished to crush. It's all it took for them to stay together forever.

Toya still remembers what he said to motivate them afterwards. He still remembers when Akito took them out to get pasta to boost moral in his own way. He still remembers Shiraishi's struggle to talk to everyone after the fact. He still remembers Azusawa's resolve, that frustration.

That day, he had realized how much everyone had grown. He had seen Azusawa grow from timid to now, he had seen Akito learn confidence in himself, he had seen Shiraishi's love for this city. 

He remembers wondering if everything would turn out okay, but telling himself it would be. Not out of false hope, out of confidence. That same confidence everyone had grown in their group.

They would surpass it. It was his resolve that had hammered in that night.

It's why he agreed to skip school the day after to go to the airport with his group, even if it meant ruining his perfect attendance. 

That night before they went too, he had realized that he had become exactly what Akito had seen in him all this time. He had seen how serious he truly was. He had seen their efforts, their love for their craft, their shared passion. And that night, he had seen that they really truly had become the best for each other, even when he knew that the day that song was shown.

Akito will always be the best for him, in the end.

They practice out of their skulls for months after. All their tasks focus individually on themselves, and yet he finds himself rooting for all of them as much as for himself. 

Akito's endless practices and improvement, the confidence louder than ever. The emotion in his song, his burning passion and fuel. The fire it lit underneath everyone in Vivid Street, firing them up inside. The faith restored to the neighbourhood had pumped everyone around them up, especially when they got a sobbing Mita back. 

He remembers being extremely proud of Akito in that moment. More than he ever has. He still is, honestly.

His partner warmed his heart every time, hit the right spark to get the whole of his being fired up and ready. Akito's always been so incredible. When Shiraishi had whined that she now wanted to sing too, he never felt more understood. 

Even if it wasn't a new experience, it was one he loved with his whole heart. He still does.

And then, he finally faced his problems to produce their song for their event. He remembers him getting sick pretty clearly, remembers the frustration of never being able to get it just right. 

The support from his team helped immensely, and the moment he was able to finally get it after embracing himself and the help he acquired from his dad, it felt like heaven. He felt so accomplished, so ready to go forward. It was a new experience.

And after that, Shiraishi manages to complete her task by complete accident while also overcoming her greatest inner burden. Even if at times she still asks for help about it now, he's still incredibly proud of her. The way she sung, the way it brought everything higher and higher. All incredible. 

Azusawa had sung incredibly too. It was an amazing watch, they even had recruited EVER again. They were only missing Arata, who he knew would come back eventually, even if it meant he wouldn't be there for RAD BLAST.

He remembers when they huddled together to name it. He remembers talking to Souma, knowing that things would turn out alright. They did for him and Akito.

He remembers how hot that night was. The way their event burned into his heart, the way it left a permanent mark in his brain. The steam coming from the crowd's sheer excitement, how he felt on that stage, how the stage lights shined.

How Akito looked on that stage, singing his heart out. He's memorized every second of it, replaying it in his head like a broken tape.

His wild expression, that urge to bring them higher that seeped out and infected his whole being, that lit up spark. The push to help each other, the knowledge they were perfect for each other, the knowledge that they were made for each other.

He loved Akito. No, he loves Akito. 

On that stage, on that night, he never had his heart beat quicker when looking at him. Not from the nervousness, something long forgotten. From his sheer rawness, from that look on his face. The one when he lets go and sings like it'll kill him if he won't, when it feels like his voice alone could tear you out of your body begging for more.

The one that he fell in love with. His second love, behind that of his father's piano.

The moment after, when they were getting ready to sleep while practically being zombies at that point, Akito had kissed him. It felt nice, and he was happy, but he also needed rest. 

From that day on, their partnership was slightly different. More affectionate, more close. They never changed though.

That night burned wildly in his mind. He could recount every second, every face, every octave. He had never felt his heart beat so loud. He wasn't anxious, he never could be after performing for so long. But at that moment, hearing his partner's and teammates' voices? His pulse would've been rapid enough to shake Shibuya.

In a way, they did, just a small portion of it. They had become new legends people sought to surpass, just like they dreamed of doing too.

The cycle continues. Nagi's dream continues. They'll keep it going as long as they can, because that's the impact Nagi's had on them. On the world, on their world. Nagi shook them up so well that it'll lead generations to follow suit.

Nagi, even if I had never met you, I hope for your blessing. I know you never met Akito, but I'm sure you'd hope the best for him too. Your blessing is important as well.

That feels right to think.

And now they follow their dreams for the world.

Their trips to America and other places, the exploration of the music scene... It's all new experiences he cherishes. Getting to explore his first true love with his people is how he loves to live his life. Life is good now, life is vivid and bright at every corner he goes.

Whether it'd be the spray paint of Vivid Street, the flowers on a morning jog with Akito, bright paintings made by Ena hung up on the wall, Akito's green highlights he dyed the moment they got out of school, the Tenmas' success within their own life, or even just the stars in the sky...

They're all so bright to him. He's never been happier.

He and his partner have changed over time too. Akito got more highlights, more accessories, more everything. Toya even caved into getting highlights.

Akito swings around the corner, walking right up to him. His hand automatically slips the small box deeper into his pocket, hiding it away for those green eyes. He'll see them in a couple of hours, Toya believes in his patience.

"Partner, we're going up in 5. You ready?" His partner ruffles his hair. "Mhm. Are you ready?"

Akito chuckles. "When haven't I been?? We're made for this."

Toya can't help but think 'You won't be ready in a few hours,' but he refuses to let it slip. He chooses to focus on how Akito's face shines in this lighting, with the lights from the stage making it look like heaven itself is behind him. He's even got a bit of shimmer to his eyes...

"We are. Do you have makeup on?" He loves it. He loves when Akito dresses up carefreely like this. He loves Akito so much. He has never felt more impatient in his life.

His hair gets ruffled again, but a calloused hand smoothes it over afterwards this time. "'Doesn't matter. Get up, we gotta go now!" Akito rushes ahead, knowing Toya will always be behind him.

He'll never leave his side. Afterall, this is everything he'd wished for and more on that day he realized his love. He's gotten to stand side by side, shoulder to shoulder, with Akito. They've become each other's best partners.

He notices a thumbs up of support from Shiraishi and Azusawa on the other side of the stage. He appreciates the support no matter what, so he's ready to go.

Akito smiles so bright in the stage lights, thinking the thumbs up is for them both. The Vivids play along, but that's not what he's focused on. 

It's beautiful. This life is so beautiful.

He slides that box further into his pocket. Only a few more hours until he gets to keep his best partner forever.

Chapter Text

Toya is used to this deserted hellscape. High wire fences, broken down wooden buildings, the mechanical bits leftover, the sand that floods every place it can. He's been here as long as he can remember. A wasteland. Every building is abandoned and thrashed, scrubbed of any easily accessible food. It had been years ago.

It had been destroyed long ago, turned into a constant threat. If you didn't have the wits, didn't have the courage, didn't have the adrenaline, you wouldn't survive.

Every living person out here has been fighting for most of their life, has felt their world's destructive properties. The sand that thrashes into their eyes, sharp scrap metal that tears through their softened flesh. They'd be lucky if tetanus didn't kick in.

The windmill spins torturously slow behind him. Their only source of energy in this desolate place.

He's seen all types of everything here. He's seen the sheep wander around, desperate for food. He's seen some try to eat the metal scraps left over.

You never learn a sheep's name. Unless you promise to not eat each other forever, to not bear that guilt unless necessary, you are to never speak you name. He had learnt that after he had to watch a sheep cry as her aunt passed. He knew to never gain that guilt.

So he watches. He watches other sheep drag themselves by, and he fights when he needs to. He's learnt more than he'd like through this world, this cursed hell they live in.

One day it'll all sink under. They'll lose food and water. The air will become inhabitable. He has to keep living either way, he refuses to go under.

Dawn approaches. It nears supper time.

He eats what he can. And so, when he sees a singular figure, he knows what he's doing. He knows his next meal, even if he hates the taste. They're just another sheep in this world, just like him.

The windmill doesn't bother him much at this moment, it'll make it an easier take down.

He doesn't need all of it, just a little. It's a simple transaction, he's sure the person feels the same seeing him lurking in the wreckage of their last grocery store. He checks it over and over again daily, hoping for some food. As if they don't live in a form of hell.

A man in a muzzle meanders his way. He seems to have recently eaten, but he still approaches. Thin clothing too. An advantage. He picks one of scrap metals piled up from destroyed shelving. Empty shredded cans stand tall next to it.

He won't lose. He'll make sure of it.

He seems to be noticed, as he watches muscles tense under tight fabrics. A torn sheep image is on his chest, but nothing of the sort seems to imply that he is one.

But, as he's said earlier, they're all sheep. No one wins in a hierarchy here, they can all be put down a leg or two. Depending on how hungry a sheep is. They could be called pigs in that sense. Messy animals that will eat anything. Maybe that's what's up with the muzzle, maybe a little too much of the wrong thing is in his system.

Maybe that's why those green eyes stare at him like he's the prey he's forever been waiting for.

He's not as experienced as most. He refuses to back down though, eyeing who he'll take a bit from tonight.

He pounces on the opportunity the moment the man comes into his proximity. He trips over scrap metal, but Toya refuses to let him get to it. The man underneath him instead tries to swing at his jaw, instead landing it in the throat. He gasps for air for a second, before he goes in to knock the man out, literally anything, to protect himself.

He won't lose. He's told himself that. So what if the man under him is stronger than he expected, he's still a sheep like the rest of them.

The windmill creaks. It covers the sound of two men clashing into shelves, debris flying everywhere. The struggle is immense, Toya does not want to kill him. He cannot say the same for the man under him right now, who's currently trying to grapple him over. The adrenaline rush is nauseating in the heat. His heart thrums in his chest.

Those eyes pierce his. They're haunting.

Toya manages to get a slash at his arm. Perfect. He tries to ignore the shrieks the man under him lets out.

A beautiful voice. A bit used and scratchy, but in these conditions he's not shocked.

"I'll only take a bit." He holds the shrapnel close to the man's neck, muzzle colliding with it whenever his gasps of air get loud enough. "Only enough to eat."

A hand grabs him by the hair, pulling extremely hard. It burns. It burns so hot. "And... And what would that be exactly?! You gonna take the whole fuckin' arm?!? You coward!!" He gets spit on. Doesn't matter.

"Just a small chunk. I can survive without eating much." His throat rasps dryly. He hasn't had water since yesterday. It hurts.

He gets a knock to the ribs by the man under him, it makes him reel, it hurts like hell. He can't back down, for his own survival he can't. This is the curse of everyday life in this hellscape. He still has his weapon but he's being overpowered. The weakest never survive, so why would he?

"I'll spare your life if you drop it." There's a fist in his face, ready to be full on swung into him. He still has his weapon. His heart beats louder than ever. The adrenaline, the heat of the floor beneath them, that creaky windmill. 

He thinks he's going to puke.

Despite his better judgement, he drops the metal to the ground. His mind hazes with the combination of torture he's experiencing to his senses. 

The man above him sighs in relief. "Good. I didn't want to have knocked ya' out." He can only heave out a shaky breath.

Dawn pears in from the corner of his eye. He can hear others wandering about, and he's acutely aware they need to run. Those sharp green eyes seem to notice as well, searching around. "Truce?"

...A truce? In this situation??

And once again, even though this is a risk, he nods and grabs his metal again. They both get up, and observe where the sounds are coming from.

"They're coming from the front entrance." He can deduce it immediately. He's memorized this perfectly, he knows what sounds are wrong and right. The man simply nods, looking in the direction he came from.

Destroyed buildings and sand. It's all they can see in front of them. It's their best hope. "Follow me."

He has no choice. He'll follow this sheep to wherever safety is, just for the moment. Even as he limps from pain he's currently numb to, he follows. Survival first. He has his shrapnel anyway. He'll... he'll just use that to protect himself…

A sandy deserted camp. It's held up by rusty metal that's been covered in mud, dried bark covering up the backside. A shawl covers the floor pathetically, an attempt of making it comfortable he believes. A small makeshift bag sits in the corner.

It's probably better than how he's been living. A faint outline of the windmill is still present.

The man pats the ground. "Sit. I'll patch myself up and you check your ribs." Toya nods. He won't argue, as the adrenaline wears off the rib washes him with waves of pain every couple seconds. Life won't live for much longer where they exist. He rushes through his own examination, determining he'll be fine to survive.

A chunk of something is thrown at him. It smells good. "You were hungry right? Go in. No more jumping me and shit." The muzzle finally comes off as he grabs some water from the bag too. "We're fine now, right?"

"...Where did you get this?" He hasn't seen something cooked in a while now. He's amazed even at the idea of even eating something that isn't sheep, and he can tell it isn't one of them.

"From the fence."

...The fence?

They lock eyes again, and it seems the man understands that he sounds manic. "There's uhh.... there's this fence that way.... Pretty far out actually," he coughs on the dry air, "It's got loads of food and water and shit. Go there every week.  No clue who's delivering it but as long as I'm not dyin', I don't care."

"...I'll have to go someday. Survival is important to me too, so..." It's the last thing he had promised to his saviors. He won't let them down.

A year ago, this sibling duo had helped him. They were extremely moral-boosting for him, guiding him through his way in this curse of a land. They had left one day to save him, he isn't sure why, but all they had left behind was a note telling him to keep living on.

He had been crushed for days on end afterward, praying for any sign of their return. He knew it was futile, unrealistic, to look for them. He had still tried, until he found his permanent residence near the windmill. That creaky, broken to chunk windmill. It reminds him of the older brother's crackled voice after yelling so often. He never truly got to know their names.

He won't betray them. He can't remember their faces, just the blonde hair that remained stained with mud throughout their entire friendship.

"Why's survival important to you? See a lot of depressed people here, a lot less willing to live." The smirk on the man's face is cunning.

A capable man, who clearly isn't horribly intentioned. His reasons for approaching him earlier seem questionable, but he's sure he's got his reasons. Everyone does down here. He could use this alliance, it wouldn't hurt.

"How about your name first?" He smiles for the first time in a year. It feels a bit strange. He gets a shocked sounding chuckle back. "Akito. How 'bout you?" This is rare for them both, it seems.

"Toya is fine." A satisfied smile is shared. They've established a bond by knowing each other's names. It means an official truce, in a sense. They're no longer just sheep, they're Akito and Toya .

Seems good. He rips into the meat, and it's good as ever. Best thing he's had in a while actually. He doesn't care that it's cold, it's cooked. That's all that matters.

Akito grabs a few pieces of wood off the back and puts them on the front as well. Suddenly, their space doesn't feel as open, but more secure. It's just them, them who won't hurt each other without guilt, and the tiny space between each other.

...Hm. It would be a pretty good time to tell stories. He remembers doing that whenever there was bountiful food. When every meal wasn't a final shot at survival.

"Well, Akito. You wanted to know why I want to survive?" He gets a nod back. The mood in their cramped space is right. He's sharing with practically a complete stranger.

Except he isn't a complete stranger. They know each other's names. They're now closer than most, just like that. And even so, it's easier to tell someone who doesn't have a pre-existing expectation about you these kinds of things anyway, right?

He shares his story, the missing friends that pathed his journey. His newfound companion nods along, picking at his own share of meat he took from his bag.

"I can get that. My sister left to go protect us, sayin' shit like "I need to as your big sister". It's stupid, she was never really that good of a sister." He chews down like a carnivorous creature, sharp teeth sinking into the protein. "But, she wanted me to keep on going even if we had hurt each other and stuff. So, here I am now..."

"Hm... I'm sorry for the loss of you sister." He chooses to say. Careful. He has to be careful no matter what.

Akito groans. "Don't say that shit, she could be alive!"

Someone like that girl with her aunt, it seems. He just isn't willing to admit it. He feels pity for him, even if he knows not to show it.

(He understands it more than anything, he truly wants those siblings back. He refuses to acknowledge it, though.)

Time drifts off into shared conversation. It's nothing he's used to, he hasn't talked this much in a while, but it's also relaxing. His jaw hurts from all the movement, but his brain can't stop. The company has never felt this good in this hellhole.

Stories about their lives prior to everything that happened, things they liked to have, things they disliked... 

It feels overwhelmingly bonding. Someone who can remember things like that, just like him. Someone who's more than just a sheep, someone who has a name.

They both hate the code markings that keep them there. "It feels like a cheap trick to make us seem less important." Akito had snarled. "Like we can be purchased, or somethin'. It's gross." He's never felt so understood.

"I've met sheep who've seen it as ' a sign the gods haven't forgotten them '. It's all false hope." He's become detached from this sort of thing.

Akito scoffs. "You're one of those people who calls 'em sheep? Just call them people, jeez.."

"...It makes it easier to bear it when they die." When he looks at his new companion,  his jaw is wide open and he looks mortified. "Fuck... my bad man..."

"It's fine." He looks through the small hole in their shared space, looking outwards towards the hellscape they live in. "We all experience things differently. Someone out there is suffering the same way you and I are comfortable right now."

"...Wouldn't say comfortable..."

Heh. "Compared to most, Akito."

"Fair enough, haha..."

They talk more and more, agreeing on wanting to escape. It's apparently how the fence had been found, where distant tunnels are located. "There are hot pipes too. Know 'bout it 'cuz I had burnt my arm on them once trying to get out. Didn't go too well..."

"Show me the place tomorrow. It could help hasten the process if we plan together." Akito grins at him, it's slightly animalistic.

"Not too shabby of an idea. I'll bring ya." Toya yawns, leading Akito to yawn in suite. "We should probably sleep, amiright?" Toya doesn't really have much more energy to talk, so he shakes his head dizzily. 

They fall asleep practically on top of each other that night. He wouldn't like the idea if this wasn't the first time in forever that he had an actual comfortable surface to sleep on. It's the best rest he's had in a while.

In the morning they set off towards the fence. His companion's muzzle gets slid back on and locked into place while Toya picks up their bag of meat. He doesn't want this to be found, he wants to share it with others under Akito and his jurisdiction. 

The heat haze is blinding, but they keep pushing forward. His shoes are caked in even more mud than usual, usually just a bit dirty since he picks away at the bits of dirt left on his boots. It helps him feel a sense of normalcy from back when things were okay. It doesn't matter either way, but it definitely feels uncomforting to see the windmill vanish from his sight. The first time in a year.

Casual conversation flows in. Their daily lives, their views on sheep who pass by, all types of horror stories. He has a question to ask, though. "Why do you wear the muzzle?" It slips out before he can think about it. He gets a surprised expression back, but it doesn't seem like Akito's upset. Thank goodness.

He watches his companion's hand reach and scratch the back of his sweaty neck. "It's... man... To dumb it down, I bit my sister once when I got hungry and mad and shit. Put it on to not hurt others and shit."

"That's pretty honorable of you."

Akito looks at him like he just said that water was commonplace to find here. "How???"

He can't help but smile. "You not wanting to hurt others in a world like this where we have to hunt each other and beat each other to live is nice. A shows a knowledge of your own ability to control yourself and an active attempt to ameliorate yourself." The heat around them is overbearing, he's sure of it. That's why... Akito looks like that. "At least that's what I think."

"Just shut up and keep walkin'." His companion sighs, tugging the muzzle on tighter. Heh.

That day, he also sees something that isn't the same depressing tones. A long chain-link fence separates them from color filled metal alleyways, but low and behold there are several bags of cooked meat.

"This is it." He hears. His first instinct is to touch the fencing, the first piece of non-rusted metal he's seen in a while.

It's... it's overwhelming. It's calming, it's relaxing to see, but he hasn't seen something like this in so long. Could he have saved that sibling duo if they had found this place? Could he have gotten out long ago?

Akito reaches in to grab the meat rations. It's just barely big enough for his hand, but he manages to squeeze the bags out with a little effort. "Is there a way over?"

"Not without hours of climbing. We'd need materials to keep us safe, some form of rope and at least one person who could actually catch us and we'd be safe." His companion sighs. "It'd take more people than just us, unfortunately."

"...So we have to recruit people?" Hm... He can probably do that. "Yep, just a few of 'em and we're good to go."

"We have a new goal then, don't we?"

From then on, they searched far and wide for more lost sheep. They built up a herd of people, built defenses, build homes . Maybe they could start a new fresh life, with all these people. Maybe then they could stop being sheep and become people, and be filled with life again.

It takes months. 

He and his companion become closer and closer. Afterall, working together for that long is bound to have some sort of closeness. 

People call them 'partners'. It makes him inexplicably happy, and Akito doesn't seem to mind, so he'll use the term. A closeness that they're officially a pair... yeah that sounds nice to him. Either way they technically own partnership over the lands they keep people on, in a way...

He meets with that sheep who had lost her aunt, An. An was her name. He refuses to let her suffer alone for longer, so she follows him and Akito around. She's constantly lost, but he doesn't mind.

They gather supplies to climb the fence once, but it doesn't end up fruitful for them. No sheep died in the process, thankfully, but it's nice anyway.

They also meet a new sheep that day, watching from afar. Overwhelmingly cold and small, but they can tell some things off.

She looks at them with overwhelming power. Her eyes feel unnatural, glossy in a doll like manner. She doesn't look human , despite having every feature of such. Akito and him have agreed to keep an eye on her, who works solo and is only using their provided shelter.

His biggest problem isn't her seemingly strong capabilities, it's how every flocks to her. He doesn't mind not helping out, he doesn't feel jealous. He feels wrong seeing them all come up to her, begging for help with things. She avoids everyone, and yet they yearn for her.

She wants solitude, and yet people don't understand it. It's pitiful.

Especially knowing that An loves her. It hurts his heart to see, but the girl who affected his view of the world unintentionally has become completely smitten with the strongest one.

"Her name's Kohane, you know!" She sighs dreamily. "I feel like she's a good sign for the future... If we have someone that good..."

He doesn't agree. He understands aspiring to become like her, but at the same time...

One night, An admitted to him that she reminded her of her aunt whenever they were in serious situations. He's worried that this admiration of hers will end up destroying An from the inside out.

He can't step forward and act though. Akito has advised him not to, and he'll always listen to his partner.

It doesn't shock him when Kohane leaves, vanishing off towards the fence. It doesn't shock him when they go and look and their meat is gone, clearly taken by the stronger sheep. He isn't shocked either when people lose morale over this.

A love forced onto someone doesn't need to become reciprocated. What Kohane had done was completely correct in that sense. 

But as he watched An weep, being comforted by Akito, he felt a pit in his stomach. The same one he felt that day he watched her sob over her aunt, the same he felt the day that sibling duo had vanished. 

He doesn't want to love, but as he watches Akito console her he feels a twinge at the thought. It's strange.

He wants to help her too, but he can't. He can't explain why but he just can't. He can't bear the feelings, not in the slightest. 

The problem is that the sheep who lose morale run away. A few nights later, as he and Akito shared that same small hut they had months ago and Toya got to rest his head on that burn mark leftover on his partner's arm, they heard shrieks. 

He learnt that night they saw Kohane as a higher being. An was right in the sense that people thought she was their savior, that she'd make things better.

People running out, screaming, begging to be freed. Some ran because they couldn't handle living anymore and wanted to die. Some wanted to escape towards the fence, some prayed to be saved by some other god instead of working themselves. All because one sheep they saw as god abandoned them.

Pathetic. Pathetic sheep begging for help from something that had never wanted them. That was stronger, more resilient. That could push through what they couldn't.

"...We should go before they turn on us." And despite the risk, Akito puts on the muzzle while saying that. He still doesn't want to hurt others.

He grabs their bag, the same one he had been saved with when they met. "Grab the rope so they can't get out."

"...Isn't that a little cruel even for you man?"

...He doesn't want to admit his selfish reasoning. "....I want to escape now. Now or never." He wants out with Akito. They've been preparing for long enough.

"...Let's look for An first. Then we get out together." His ever so kind partner. His heart is definitely attached. Fuck. He nods, immediately rushing out.

They don't end up finding her. He can tell they’re both hiding how much it hurts them, how much it hurts to lose another. Those sheep will become like Akito's sister and that sibling duo. A haunting memory for the rest of their life.

They make a run for the fence. His chest hurts and  he heaves in the dry air painfully into his lungs. He hasn't had to run this much ever, but as Akito pulls him forward, guiding him, he can't stop. He tightens the grip on their rope, never letting go of Akito with his other hand. They will make it out.

They will survive. Like he always said he will.

A running jump up the fence. He launches the rope up as far as he can and is surprised to see it latch onto anything, but it does, and that's all that matters. They can climb and use the rope for support.

"Good luck!" Akito chides before launching upwards.

It takes three new launches of the rope, two hours of climbing and Akito calming him down at least five times before they reach the top. It feels... strange. He feels so close to freedom. His heart is pulsing harder than it's ever had. Whether it's from his immense fear of heights or the excitement of leaving - hell, maybe even of his partner who's here with him side by side...

He's made it.

He hopes those two siblings are proud of him. He hopes that everyone in his life who is gone sees him and celebrates this. With the way Akito holds his hand, he knows there's at least one person who does.

The moon shines over them. He refuses to look down to see where the cloud of hell they've been stuck under ended, lest he be sent into another frozen up panic.

"We've... made progress, Toya." Akito sighs contently. "We can see the moon again. We're going to get out soon."

It feels surreal. After so long, his brain is conditioned to not hope, but now... now as he stares into the moon with his partner... He couldn't wish for more. He wants more, he wants to dream big and keep pushing. A part of his brain irks him not to, but he doesn't care. 

"Yeah. I'm glad I got to do it with you of all people, partner." He speaks his mind.

After all this time spent together, Akito is truly his best choice. His best decision. That truce, learning each other's names, becoming more than just sheep . It's perfect. They're partners, they're meant to be together, right?

"..Me too. You're one of the best things to happen to me, man." His partner sighs contently. He can't help but do the same.

"That's why we're partners, right?"

Akito's laugh is so pretty. It's the first time he's heard it, and he's sure it won't be the last. He wants to hear it daily, and he loops it in his head right now.

He wants to find that best place for them. He needs it now, he's certain.

Akito helps him down after. It's nice and slow, helpful for his trembling and hurting legs. Two hours of climbing after running is hell... Never again.....

But... they've reached the pipe filled halls... Papers cover each inch of wall, littered with spray paint too.  He can practically feel the heat off the pipes, no wonder Akito had burnt himself on them. On closer inspection, the walls are grimy sheets of metal nailed down. It seems to go on endlessly.

"How 'bout a break before we go? There's some chairs over there... we can eat some food while we're at it. Calm ya down." His partner's voice guides him towards the mentioned chairs.

Heaven. He feels heaven when he sits. His poor, poor legs finally gain long awaited and needed rest.  

He hears a soft chuckle come from his side, alongside the sound of the muzzle being dropped. "Seems you've been waitin' for that one, aye?" His partner smiles so nicely. He still can't help but feel slightly patronized by that though.

"...You know how bad I was panicking with the height..." He can't help but groan, taking the meat Akito had taken out of their bag.

"You sure seemed fine when you told me your feelings at the peak of the fence." His voice lulls, a sly smirk on his face. Hm. He takes a bite of the protein, staring Akito down. "You're one to talk, you seemed to have a lot on the mind earlier."

Oh! His partner's face is completely red! How cute. "...Shuddup." And Akito digs in.

They rest for a bit longer, enjoying the silence. No more loud group of people praising Kohane despite her rejection of their love, no more screams as they beg for her return. He wonders if when the sheep come back, they'll do the same again for them.

Akito helps him stretch before they set off again. The hallways feel like an endless hell, but they do find signs of life around the corners. A few cats too... He hasn't seen them in forever, how nice! A small orange one rubs on his leg while two of them cuddle onto his partner, who begrudgingly stops to pet them both.

This... this is already so much better. 

It feels like a moonlight is shining overtop them, something their old land had never gifted them. Just hollow skies filled with gray clouds or endless sand. 

"Akito, what kind of ideal are you looking for?" It's a harmless question that pops into his mind out of nowhere. He isn't even sure what he's looking for himself.

It seems Akito had thought a ton of it though, as he immediately snaps into talking. "I want a town. A really nice, comfy town... Not too many people so everyone knows each other, but not in that 'Everyone has dated' way. Everyone supports each other and stuff kinda' way. I wanna sing with people too, maybe a sunflower field would be nice too!"

"You'd look beautiful in between the sunflowers, partner." It comes out before he can even think. ...Redkito is back. He grins from that nickname alone.

Akito just scoffs. "You're one to talk."

"I was just speaking my mind... Thank you though." It feels nice. Even if loving someone in this world is wrong, connecting you to a possible loss, he can't help but enjoy it.

Are these the feelings An felt towards Kohane? How strange... He understands now.

A few minutes go by of walking again, until they see... a light? A bright light outside the tunnel. Shrubbery overgrows overtop the metal sheets. Arrows point towards it as well in bright white spray paint.

"That seems somewhat suspicious." Akito drawls.

He does agree, but... "Do we have much else of a choice?"

"...Fine." And so his partner goes ahead first, before gasping and full on sprinting. "Akito?? Akito?!?!?" He is immediately worried, running straight after him.

It's.. It's beautiful. He hasn't seen the color green like that in forever, constantly absorbed by the dull yellows and rustic oranges. These greens are similar to those striking eyes he had seen all that time ago, staring him down with malice.

As he catches up to Akito, those same eyes look at him with pure joy. Pure, unfiltered excitement, fully on display. He... he can't wait to start this new life together. Their future together. In a new vibrant place, a place they'd dreamed of together throughout those months. He'll plant those sunflowers if it's the last thing in his life.

One day, they'll find everyone and they'll live happily. They'll find An, they'll find that sibling duo, they'll find Akito's sister. They'll turn this into a place they can laugh together with everyone else, but especially together too.

Chapter Text

Akito is not particularly happy being surrounded by these people all the time. 

Tsukasa is loud and obnoxious, plus he has to hear enough of him after school. Rui keeps trying to add sparklers as a part of their dance practices for some reason. Toya's.. no, actually, Toya's fucking incredible. He has no complaints about Toya.

But anyway, even if he isn't particularly happy with being around these guys, he does like singing with them. They have good voices for the most part, and it could definitely be worse... Like performing with his sister...

...Oh. In the sky above them, there's 'Evil Will Never Flourish'.

Watching him and Tsukasa practice...

Honestly, he agreed that the robot to help them get the remaining Codas would be a good idea, but that long name makes him almost as embarrassed as his group's name. He regrets ever agreeing to work under Tsukasa, but once again, could be worse. Helping sick kids be safe is a good moral anyway...

He stretches his back muscles, before focusing on his legs. They're currently prepping for a small performance at the corner of Vivid Street, like they usually do Sunday mornings. 

"Rui!!!! Where is my bracelet!?!?!" Tsukasa shouts from behind him. Typical. "Seriously!!!! This one was gifted to me by Saki last year!!!" Toya swoops in. "Let me find it for you, Tsukasa-sempai. Just go sit down and relax before we start." It genuinely seems to calm the yapper down. 

"...Yes, thank you Toya."

Jeez, Toya really thinks he's slick doesn't he? He's really just doing what he's always been doing.

Because Toya is a villain. Toya is Zen Koutei, part of Devoted Evil. Akito isn't stupid enough to not realize his partner is a villain, he knows this guy and his motives.

Is it nice to get the help? Yeah, of course. Is he happy that a villain is getting their way? Fuck no. 

Not like he's going to blow his cover right now over his partner being helpful to a sempai he's cared about for a while now. He's also kinda worried Tsukasa will lose his shit over this realization and question his whole life. Sounds like something they'd have to deal with...

Rui comes back with a humongous speaker. Like, he murmured a ' gahdamn ' under his breath when it came out. It's also... covered in stickers of candy. He doesn't know if he wants to ask.

"We have everything we need!" The purple weirdo shouts, lugging that damn speaker with wheels on the back like it's a suitcase. This shit is comical at this point. Tsukasa laughs, like a fucking maniac. "Perfect!! Let us begin!!!!"

Toya goes ahead to take the speaker for him, alongside the microphones they need to attach to the monster speaker. Of course he does.

Well, he, his partner and the weirdo wombo combo go out anyway to perform. He's satisfied either way, performing is all that matters. So, when they get out there and start singing and drawing a crowd, he's fucking ecstatic. He's ready to turn up the heat and make this beat drop real nice, until a loud crash plays out behind the crowd.

Oh. Motherfucker.

It's fucking CBNEL again . Ena can't properly attack him this time at least, she won't get any of that stupid recognition her and her dumbass group want. They throw rose petals all over the crowd, screaming about some evil master plan.

He doesn't miss Toya's slight grin. He also doesn't miss how Tsukasa looks incredibly ready to run out and tackle them. Usually wouldn't support that decision considering it's Tsukasa, but right now? Sounds good to him. He'll yell at Ena for this shit later. Infuriating.

A couple minutes into the chaos, FOW's Justice by Beauty comes in, swaying the crowd to look away as Justice by Fervor starts violently sweeping everything up. Justice by Relaxation also shoos off CBNEL, who run away like a bunch of squirrels.

Cowards.

He makes sure to thank all of FOW for their work, and to get back to performing. From the top. And done without interruption from his stupid sister and her stupid ass villain team. Rui's been quiet aside from thanking FOW, but he doesn't really care. The quieter he is, the more peace of mind he's got.

They hype up the crowd one more time and get back to business. 

"CAN YOU BELIEVE THEY DID THAT????? THAT GROUP OF VILLAINS, INTERRUPTING OUR SHOW!!!" Tsukasa practically shrieks in his ear. He gets the rage but also at the same time, holy fuck.

Minori and Mafuyu look at him with pity. "...Do you think you'll need your stress ball, Shinonome-kun?" He nods back to Mafuyu. 

Fucking hell does he squish that thing. It's a purchase they got for him specifically because he kept getting insanely mad at Tsukasa which is definitely not the best image for a hero group. Minori has specifically gotten one for him that was blue. "Like your partner!" She had said. He knows damn well it was just for her to get something Haruka-colored.

But either way, it's definitely helping right now. Just picture it to be yellow instead... instead of blue.... just... yellow....

"Um.... What even happened??" Minori blinks at them like she's completely lost... Kind of typical. Yet again, she just came back from changing into costume. He isn't too mad at her.

He groans before Tsukasa can spout the same shit again. "We were trying to perform but CBNEL came and snuck up on us. Disrupted us for no damn reason." Both girls, and Miku who just showed up now for whatever reason, let out a quiet "Oh...." before laughing. 

"Oi!! It was actually kind of important, performing is a necessary part of street music!! Hell, Mafuyu, you should know shit about performing!!!"

Mafuyu coughs. "We weren't laughing at you, just amused by your passion!" Minori nods a little too quickly. "Y-yeah!! I just see myself in you, ya know!!! I talk with my oomfs about my passions the same way you do too!!"

"What the fuck is an oomf."

She shrieks, fumbling around. "Stress ball!!!! Give me the stress ball!!!!!!! Or- or use it yourself!!!"

Tsukasa pipes up out of nowhere. "I still cannot believe that CBNEL committed such a petty crime when we were going to perform!!!! How cruel! Especially considering that Toya had put in so much effort into helping us set up!!!"

The irony. He knows damn well Toya was helping for his own villainous scheme. He won't out him though, it's not like his partner is being that evil after all. They're honestly one step away from doing the same thing ZOO Rangers are doing, they just gotta focus more on hoping for better lives for sick kids than for everyone else.

If Toya hadn't been a villain for a while now, he definitely would've recruited him. He cares about Saki too, and Akito knows that's who Tsukasa always had in mind for his dream so....

"Alright, ZOO Rangers!!! Listen up, because Miku has an idea!" Mafuyu somehow manages to sound calm and respectful while being louder than Tsukasa. No clue how she managed it but good on her.

Minori and Tsukasa both stand in attention completely straight, as if it's an army command. ...Okay.

"So! I was thinking, since Tsukasa was talking about doing things to make sick children smile, we could bring them places they wanted to go to!! And, and, and maybe since all of you are athletic we could help some people who can't stand run and fly!!!!!✰" 

Not a horrid idea..! "Sure, why not?" Tsukasa immediately runs up next to her, lifting her arm up in celebration. "ALRIGHTT!!!! We now need to go to the hospital, I'm very close friends with the staff!!! They will certainly give us children if we ask!!!"

"Ah! But we should probably let Mafuyu-sempai do the talking!! You scared some of the kids last time... and I tripped and landed on my face and cried...." Minori crumples a little defeatedly.

He pats her shoulder. "You'll do fine this time, Minori. Believe in yourself." She got teary eyed. Already???!? Miku pops up behind them in that weird way she does... Seriously, she's like a little creature. "See Minori!! We all believe in you!!!"

"Yeah!!!! MINORI WILL MAKE ITTTTTTT!!!!" Tsukasa shouts, contrary to Mafuyu's calm "Mhm!" 

He wonders if Toya is home right now. Maybe they could hang out after he's done helping a bunch of kids out.

"I helped three kids find their way to their parents again!! Those parents will never learn that they have to watch over their kids if they figure that someone will always return them!!" Kyuukei Nasai cheers. They all clap, she truly deserves it!!!

Tanto Otobe nods along. "Good work!! They won't know what hit them..." Kyuukei Nasai laughs mischievously too. 

They're so evil.

"How about you, Zen Koutei?" Koredemo Kiite smiles slightly anxiously. 

He's always been the nervous type about evil, but they all love him anyway. Devoted Evil wouldn't be complete without their anxious Koredemo Kiite who's songs make everyone sleep instantly. He's a perfect addition to their team who wishes to have everyone fall into a sloth-filled paradise... He also had gifted them the ability to become villains, so they refuse to not cherish him. 

"I refused to let any of my team members do anything unassisted. Finding my teammate's bracelet, helping place and setting up our microphones and speaker..." He feels immensely proud of himself. So much evil done in one sitting! "My partner is none the wiser."

It's good that Akito is unaware because he knows he's Orange Eagle from ZOO Rangers.

A valiant reason to join their group, helping sick kids is good. In all honesty, if they were able to share the Codas together to get their wish, he'd let them get theirs first and then put into effect their evil motions so those kids would never have to work.

Hehe... maybe he should hope for that too when he gets his wish. It would be nice to help Akito out too considering he's his partner.

He gets a wave of clapping and celebration for his evil deeds. How delightful! 

They will get their way, no matter the circumstance. Because they're devoted to this goal of theirs and they refuse to not bring it. The world will become paradise, and he refuses to have a weak resolve. Not anymore, not after Akito had fought for him to come back to him. 

He'll make this paradise for the both of them while helping others. It's the perfect plot, and with the rest of Devoted Evil he will take on these challenges...

"Last up, how about you Tanto Otobe?!" Kyuukei Nasai shouts. "Yes! So... I've recently started saving and looking up all my friends' interests in advance so I can tell them before they know, that way they won't have to look anything up ever again!!"

Wow! That is truly evil... "Good work!!!" He says. Toya doesn't think he's ever been prouder of his team. They've truly overdone themselves with all their evilness!!!

"Uhm... Okay, so now that everyone's done sharing..." Koredemo Kitte sighs, looking between all of the group. "How about we go find some kids and hand out stuffed animals? I'm assuming Zen Koutei can get them all..? Only if you want to."

"I'm on it!" He doesn't hesitate. He loves going to the arcade, he'll win as much as he can! Their evil deeds are unstoppable!

He obviously goes to his nearby arcade. He doesn't get out of his clothes, he knows better than to mix villain related matters with fun matters. Even if being evil is fun, it is still serious work.

After a few rounds, he exits with three bags full of little guys, all neatly put into the bag to avoid damage. All he needs to do now is return to their hideout in the mall and...As he rounds the corner past the Rainbow Cream Cafe, he sees Orange Eagle next to a kid in a wheel chair. He's talking to them in a kind tone, one he recognizes from how they interact.

Ignoring the sweetness, he should technically interfere. Well... He does have a present on hand... Several in fact. Surely, gifting this kid would help their goals and would therefore make the trip more meaningful!

"Hey there. I noticed you when I was walking home and figured I could give you one of these!" He opens the bag, showing off the soft stuffed animals. "Would you like one?"

Akito grabs their arm before they can reach in. "Don't trust strangers like that, alright? Some may not be all bad, but taking things like that can be dangerous." Damnit. His partner throws him a smirk. 

"Oh no, I promise there's no issue! I had just gotten way more than I could have wanted and-"

He hears a shriek coming from behind him. A brown haired... Oh, it's Salmon Pink, running at him full speed. "OH NO YOU DON'T!!!!" She swoops the wheel chair out of the way, shouting that the kid doesn't need to worry.

He hears Akito groan. "god, she never fucking calms down...." Then a sigh. "Salmon Pink will take care of you!!!" He shouts.

His partner scoffs his way, green eyes trying to look intimidating. "Now... What do I do with you?" 

"You back off, Akito." He knows better than that, he knows his partner is really not that scary after a while. 

"Oh, I don't know about that, Toya..." Akito smirks back, stretching his back. The tight orange suit shows off his muscles in a way that makes it seem slightly threatening.

Hold on a second. "What did you just call me?"

A blink. Two blinks. Akito's jaw unhinging at the same time as his.

They... They both knew about each other's identities... Akito cackles before he can even start laughing himself. He soon joins after because the irony is immense. Thinking he would know his partner but his partner wouldn't know him...

They can't stop laughing. It's music to his ears honestly, to hear Akito laugh, but the general feeling is heavenly. He fears this moment is making him a useless member of society because of how much he just wants to drop the villainy right now to just... go be next to his partner. Akito beats him to it though, walking up right next to him before hitting him on the shoulder.

"Fuck dude, I thought you didn't know!" Akito wraps his arm around his shoulders, and Toya leans into it because it is literally his partner. "Same here, I thought you were completely unaware."

Akito scoffs. "Well I'm not pickin' a fight with you anymore, if you know it's me then I'm just being a dick for no reason!" He gets his hair ruffled too while Akito pulls his arm off his shoulder, before putting his fist out.

"You can fight me, but it'll only be for fun, okay? The same way we do battle events against each other occasionally." He hits the fist back.

The satisfied smile on Akito's face is everything he needs to see and more. "You bet! Toya, I-"

"Orange Eagle!!! Are you done fighting?!?!?!" He hears Pegasus-Red Man come from down the road.

Akito practically runs away from him. "Yeah!!! He backed off!!" His partner motions one time for him to scram before running off, and he takes it as his sign to leave.

Even if Akito and him are on opposite sides, they'll still keep supporting each other as partners. Their goals don't necessarily need to clash... So maybe he'll tell his group to give those sick kids more things too so that Akito can get his fun in. Akito can be spared from becoming a useless member to society, he thinks. 

That's just because they're partners.

(And if he sends Akito a message later that night asking if their hero and villain fighting should become part of their choreo, no one needs to know aside from them both. After all, they're the only villains and/or heroes in Fantasista Squad... right?)

Chapter Text

Toya likes his job. Organizing books, checking people's books in and out, giving recommendations, data collection and updating databases... Although he usually watches volunteering high schoolers to make sure they're putting in work. It's a good job, even if the pay is a little low.

Watching people take care of a library and come in makes him happy, considering reading has always been a passionate hobby of his. Seeing people who come in to study makes him happy too, as he is a firm believer it leads to success.

So, he doesn't think it's weird when his eyes migrate to a ginger man around his age who has become a frequent visitor to his library. 

He isn't sure what he's studying, but he always brings a notebook, a pencil case that Toya has only ever seen one pencil and 10 highlighters come out of, a laptop, earphones and a portable mouse. He hears a lot of clicking from that corner during the day, but he hasn't experienced a noise complaint yet so the boy is free.

The first week the man had shown up, Toya was initially curious about him because the younger volunteers kept peeping. He somewhat understands why, he's quite handsome. 

His ginger hair is beautifully sun-kissed at the edges and messy in a way that seems still well taken care of, and slightly hidden green and blonde highlights make his hair pop even more. His eyes match those green highlights, and he has a good physique. He seems somewhat diligent too, and around his age. He's not blaming no one.

He is, however, telling the teenage volunteers to not pursue someone his age. That would be insanely uncomfortable for him, alongside completely immoral. 

By the second week, Toya had begun to notice small things as he restocked the poem section. The ginger seemingly can't sit still, tapping his foot and swaying his pencil around rhythmically. He seems to be counting usually in 120 BPM, rarely off time.

He still remembers BPM from when he did classical music almost ritually daily. He wasn't happy back then, not in the slightest, but he still holds deep care and love for the art. He plays the saxophone and guitar now, but a quarter of his playlist is decorated in classical music.

The man also seems to be drawing in the margins small things, like moons and a... logo? He thinks? It's of a fist reaching towards the sky with a fire behind it. Either way, it looks very cool to him.

Week three is when he realizes the boy isn't actually studying. Moreso researching street music, making beats and writing down ideas as they come. Oh, and sometimes playing Papa's Freezeria. That doesn't shock him that much, he sees that pretty often when people procrastinate.

He honestly wants to listen to whatever he's making. It seems interesting enough, and even though he has to tell his teenage volunteers that no, he isn't checking him out, he is considering going over to look. 

He has no actual reason to do so however, so instead he looms around his corner, placing books and using his laptop to update the database near the window sill behind him.

And then week four comes around, and he's been watching this man do the same thing everyday. The only difference in schedule is there is less Papa's Freezeria and more drawing highlighters. They're pretty intricate and well made, and now he's wondering if he's been watching over some poor art student...

One of the teenage volunteers goes up to talk to him, which they shouldn't be but whatever, they're young. That day he finds out the man's name is Akito and he's there because he's been attempting to get better with producing.

And also that his teenage volunteers are insisting they go hang out because "You compose too Aoyagi-san!!"

He hasn't composed in forever now, way more focused on this job. No less would that be out of line for him to do. So what if he's attractive and seems friendly enough, he has no place to step in.

That was a month in. Now, half a year of Akito coming to this library, they're relatively friendly and close. 

He did get to listen to the songs Akito was making, and he gave recommendations to improve it.  Akito stays around longer now too, usually doodling until Toya's done his shift. He isn't sure why the man chooses to do that, but he's not complaining.

They talk often about street music and other genres, until they're revealing parts of their pasts. Toya's... awkward relationship with classical, Akito's experiences trying to perform for the first time. It's nice to be able to share things like that, especially considering they get actual privacy since his volunteers are all convinced that if they don't bother them they'll have an intense romantic moment.

Yeah, right...

"How 'bout I get your number? We can talk outside of your working hours that way." He watches Akito rip out a piece of his notebook and write a number on it. Oh! "Sure."

He takes the paper and types the number into his phone, sending a test text. This has him feeling a somewhat unexpected amount of joy. He can talk to this very kind person outside of the library! Maybe they could hang out in their spare time, it's been a while since he's been able to hang out with his friends because of work...

As he closes the library, Akito waits for him by the door. "Talk to ya tomorrow." He pushes his headphones on and begins jogging in the direction Toya can only assume is home.

...Huh. Well, that's a weird feeling in his chest. He won't ask…

Every week after that, they spend at least one day hanging out outside of the library. Whether it's going to the arcade per Toya's request where they hit as many claw machines as they can or going shopping per Akito's request where he goes home with three new outfits. Sometimes they just sit and chat in a cafe, where he learnt about his friend's reluctant love for sweets.

Akito has begun taking him on runs and teaching him soccer. He's still horrible at soccer, he can't aim to save his life, but he's playing better than he ever has. And playing more than he ever has... 

The running helps though, he's begun to find relaxation in walks. Calm winds, the loud noises around him only sound like white noise when with Akito. It's nice to enjoy something that is actually good for him, especially with company. 

One day though, Akito walks him to a street. "Vivid Street," Akito tells him, "It's the biggest scene for street music in Shibuya. Wanna sing?" His smile is blindingly bright.

"...I can't say no to you." He admits, but Akito just laughs along. "You've got that effect on me too, don't worry. C'mon, let's find a corner to sing at."

Even though it's his first time singing like this, even if he's incredibly out of practice since the last time he sang was for karaoke with his friends almost a year ago now, he tries his hardest. Akito has done quite a bit for him, so he refuses to not return the favor. His friend's voice alone makes his chest light on fire, pushed to do more.

His heart beats fast. Is this something that always happens with street music?

A small crowd has built up when they finish. He hadn't even realized with how absorbed he was. He feels a rough hand tangle in his hair, ruffling it up like crazy. His chest feels so light, but his heart still thrums crazily. "You did amazing!! Holy shit, for a beginner you were fucking amazing!!"

Has he always been this attached to singing? He's never wanted to do it more.

"...Akito, can we keep doing this?" He wants more, he wants to do this all the time now, he wants to sing with him. With the man who makes his heart race, whose voice sets something in him alight. 

Akito smiles at him with complete understanding. He always understands now, they've talked about themselves often enough to know things like this by heart. "Of course, Toya."

They've gone up from at least one day to always at least three of seeing each other after the library. They practice all the time, and eventually move onto singing their own songs. Nine months of knowing each other at this point, it feels like a god-sent gift. 

Akito sometimes helps the teenage volunteers now, which he doesn't appreciate because it's adding flames to the fire to the idea these volunteers have that Akito is his 'overbearingly kind boyfriend'.  

"Ya know, a couple of the volunteers told me you used to compose songs." His friend drawls while kicking the soccer ball. It's an hour later than when they usually separate for the day, so he's not that shocked that his partner is tired.

He is however a little angry at those volunteers. He'll have to tell them off tomorrow...

"I used to, but after the whole classical music thing with my dad blew over I just kind of... stopped?" He honestly isn't sure why he stopped, it was something he did enjoy and helped him bear playing, but now...

Akito kicks the ball up and balances it on his leg in one quick swoop. "You willing to try making something with me?"

He's truly never been able to say no, has he?

It takes them a while, a lot of back and forth of ideas if he's honest, before they get it done. It becomes a year of knowing each other before their song is finished, and it flows beautifully.

A mix of piano and violin with the sharp beats that Akito loves to add. Rhythmic sounds taken from their walks alongside the calm silence of the library. It's nothing like what they usually perform, but it feels like the idea of them as a song. 

That's more than enough for Toya, if he's being honest.

"How 'bout a celebratory drink?" Akito asks, a teasing tone. They both know Toya doesn't drink often, and they both know Akito is shit with his liquor. He slides some of the books off the cart into their respective places on that same window sill Toya had used to get closer to him.

He laughs to himself. "Aren't you supposed to confess your feelings before asking me out on a date, Akito?" 

...Hold on, did he really say that?

"Ohoh? Do you want me to? I can do that right here right now if you want?" His tone is still teasing, but he can definitely hear a bit of nervousness. A rare sight for Akito, honestly. His voice still makes Toya's heart thrum though. Of course it does. 

"Keep singing with me and you won't have to." He has no clue what he's saying, it just pours out from the heart. 

Akito understands though, as he always does. "Sure, partner."

("That's how you two got together??!" One of the volunteers shouts. "You didn't even actually ask each other out!!"

"He understood what I was saying and that's all that matters." He huffs, putting another book away. So many returns today... The volunteer groans, before stomping off. "You're both so stupid!!!"

Akito turns the corner. "Dunno what that's about..." He gets a pillowy soft kiss to his cheek. "I'll see ya after your shift, partner."

"Yeah. See you." His heart races again, all because of Akito.

He really does like his job.)

Chapter Text

Sometimes, Toya feels extremely strongly. There are multiple situations where this is possible, like when he feels particularly proud of their vocals during a practice, or when he visits the Tenmas' house, or when he gets to the end of a good book. But, one of them stands out the most.

When he hears the joy, passion and warmth from Akito's voice. His head and heart burst into this nonsensical beat, thrumming along to his partner's voice like a secondary hidden beat.

It plays with his mind, makes his heart race further and further, makes him do better. Makes him feel better. His partner is truly the light of his life, in a way.

So it doesn't shock him that much when he starts to feel cravings to have his partner in his spare time. Nothing too bad, just wanting his general attention, wanting to feel the soft, warm fabric of Akito's jacket... Maybe even stealing said jacket, who knows?

To be loved by his partner and to love his partner. That's what he wants more than anything.

Akito, despite noticing his unwavering gaze on him, doesn't seem to ever care. Or try to do anything. They're at an after party because of an event, the first they've partaken in properly since RAD BLAST, and Akito and Shiraishi are doing what they do best - interacting with people for them.

Toya certainly isn't complaining. He loves interacting with other people in this wonderful, diverse and inclusive environment for music. He loves music in general, but the idea of talking to so many people in this second has him feeling a little tired. So, he does what anyone with a partner like Akito would.

He watches him. He people watches all the time, but Akito is definitely his favourite subject. Looking at his hair that he knows took a bit in the morning to perfect, his green eyes that are filled with passion as always, his confident smile...

Sometimes he feels a little wrong for watching as closely as he does, but what is he supposed to do when he's there looking that good already? Staring at his favourite person does feel like a good pass time to him...

Some darker lashes scattered around the lighter ones, tiny little blemishes and freckles scattered but fairly invisible to anyone not staring at every pore, a mole on his neck, some extra thin highlights in his hair..

He could name an endless list. He really enjoys doing it.

"Yeah, but if you're looking for the real god of song writing for our team, you gotta talk to him!" Shiraishi yells out, arms springing to pull him closer to the actual circle of people actually talking. Akito sighs, but still slings his arm around Toya's shoulder. It makes his brain melt a little. "You didn't have to pull him in, An. If he doesn't start the conversation, don't force him."

"I'm not forcing him! Right, Toya?" She shrieks back. He just shakes his head no. He doesn't really think of it as forceful anyway. The other performers laugh at their antics.

He spends the next couple minutes explaining their creative process. It's well received, thankfully enough, so he leaves the conversation satisfied.

Ken wraps it up for them, saying he doesn't want to pay for parking. They rush over to the car, thanking the staff and other performers like usual. Three very loud sighs erupt the moment the car doors are shut.

"Good work team!" Shiriaishi cheers, as if everyone else in the car didn't just resign themselves to the comfort of the seats. Azusawa mumbles an agreement, yawning a couple seconds after.

It doesn't take long for Shiraishi to start gushing about Azusawa. It also doesn't take long for Akito to take him to their own little space.

"You did super good today, partner. You were more hyped than usual..." Akito drawls, exhaustion very obvious.

He hums. "I felt kind of pumped up by seeing you today. I'm not sure why."

Akito blinks at him like he just said something super embarrassing. "...I..I'm glad then, partner. As long as it works." His face is red. Toya suppresses the urge to make it redder.

The sky is a beautiful orange outside of the moving car. It sinks into everything around him, the car seat, the window sill of the car, the buildings outside on the other side of the road, through the little cracks of foliage. Into Akito. Into his orange. That forever bright orange. That color that shows Akito's fervent personality, the one that matches him so perfectly.

He sits happily next to Akito for the entire ride back home, both staring at the window. Clearly the exhaustion of practice has hit though, as his partner's eyes flutter drowsily at that sky.

When they finally get to his house, short of Azusawa who was dropped off first, he feels a calming pat on his head from a familiar callous hand. 

(And if on the way out, he hears a tease or two about their relationship from both Shiraishis and he, hypothetically, doesn't say anything to dispel it... the Akito that's dozing off in the window doesn't need to know.)

He can't sleep. He's read through the remaining half of his book tonight, but his brain is still vibrating. He blinks up at his dull ceiling, rustling trees audible and visible from his bed. He's rearranged where his pillow is located, he's taken out Pochacco to hug throughout the night, but he's still not satisfied.

He watches the tree next to his house rattle. There's a strong wind tonight that he's sure he would've loved if his house wasn't permanently cold. It's calming in a way he never thought it would be.

A bird lands on the branch to feed its children. Cute.

...

Oh. A car went by. It's a nice shade of blue from what he can see.

.....

He can hear a plane fly by overhead. He hopes whoever's on there has a safe trip and doesn't suffer from his horrid fear of heights.

........

Before he can pay attention to the squirrel attempting to cross the road, he's decided to put on some classical piano... and if that doesn't work, he'll pull out the ol' reliable - pink noise. He is truly indebted to whoever came up with it, it has saved him during the many, many , nights when his dad would argue with him daily.

He grabs his phone from where it's sat charging, and immediately groans from the flash of light. It is a torture at night but he refuses to change it. A photo taken for his birthday, with his teammates and friends... It's another thing that strongly warms his heart. The celebration of his very own existence. He'll use it to push forward even more in the future.

...Two notifications?

Partner <3
<sent a link>
literally yoy

Akito's awake! At this hour it is honestly shocking to him but... he'll take what he can.

You
Akito, hi.

Partner <3
oh fuck you e awake
hey partner whatcha doing

You

I can't sleep. What are you doing?

Partner <3
im lwk doomsrolling
domacroling
doomscrolling
yeah

...Whatever that means... Just... just talk about the event...

You

How are you? Tonight was awfully exciting.

Partner <3
right??????? you were fucking awesomebut i already told you that tidya lmfaoo

You
That you did. You were amazing as always.

He's glad he never lost this. All of this relationship, this conversation, could've never happened had Toya so much as never gone to tell Ken goodbye.

He realizes they've never properly talked about what happened. They never talked about how they felt back then, how the distance affected them. Really, they've ignored a lot of their feelings to focus on their shared passion.

Huh...

You
Akito, do you remember the month we didn't talk? When I told you that street music was just some stupid noise?

Partner <3
ywah
you told me to grow up over an event that no one had heard about outside of vivid street lol
what abt it

You
Call me.

It takes him one deep breath before he sees that Akito is calling him, his special Fragile piano cover ring tone sounding out. He does realize how tired he is until his head spins moving to sit better for the call, shakily hitting the button to accept.

"Okay, first thing, how'd we get here, partner?" Akito sounds just as tired, but there's a careful tone behind his voice. It's not loud, it's not fiery like usual. It's... calming. It's nice.

He loves when Akito is nice.

"...I ended up thinking about how none of this could've happened if I hadn't come back to tell Ken goodbye." He shifts awkwardly in bed, bringing Pochacco closer. "I then realized we've never talked about our feelings during that time period... I'm really curious."

Did he suffer as much as I did?

His partner seems to consider it for a bit before finally sighing. "I uh... I remember everyday that I'd practice, I'd get mad. I kept going because I wasn't going to give up but... Yeah." He hears a creak familiar to when his partner gets up off his bed. 

"I was also kind of haunted by that punch I gave you. Sure, you were a dick for leaving me like that," Toya hums in agreement, "But you still didn't deserve that . Like, the last thing you should experience for telling me things is to get punched. Plus..." He hears a loud sigh of defeat from Akito's speaker. "Nevermind. Your turn, I'm embarrassed now."

"Embarrassed? How come?" He has a hunch. "Couldn't live without me?" Just a small tease, he doesn't want to overstep the quiet boundaries set for this conversation.

He hears a scoff. "If you asked Ena, yeah. I don't see it though." Ah, so he really couldn't and just doesn't want to admit it. That's relatively sweet of him.

"Now c'mon, your turn. You've got me interested in your little miserable side of the story." He can practically hear his partner's smile through the phone.

Ah... It's not like much interesting really happened to him. "My dad started to fight with me more because I had nowhere to go really. The Tenmas did ask to hang out with me whenever they could, but more often than not I'd be going home to get yelled at and sleep."

"...Were you eating enough? Like, how many meals did you skip." Oh, Akito's turned serious. Serious but caring.

He finds it a little funny that his partner was worried about his eating habits from that time. Sure, Akito had always given him food in those spare times but it wasn't like he'd die without it, he would just have to go to a store instead. "Meals were skipped, cafes were not."

"Good." He can hear more relief out of Akito than he thinks he ever has. Well, aside from that day where his partner had gone to get him back.

Thank goodness for it, truly. Without this, he would never get to experience that heart thrumming music. He would never be able to fuel Akito's burning passion the same way Akito lights his, would never be able to sing with his incredible team who help him do similarly.

He wouldn't be here on this call, wouldn't have ever been at that event tonight. He never would've surpassed RAD WEEKEND, never would've felt the exhilarating feeling of being on that stage pouring his everything into his song. The song that never would've been made had not for this partnership.

'Thank you, Akito.' He can't help but think.

He huffs. "A lot of people came up to me to ask where you were too." He remembers how miserable he felt when they'd ask, unable to muster up the courage to tell them Akito was gone. No matter how much he wanted to go back, he refused to go back. In his mind back then, it was for the better for Akito and him.

"Oh, you too?" He hears a chuckle from his partner.

"Yes, it served as a painful reminder that I had lost the best thing to ever happen to me. My own self-sabotage was destroying me, in a way."

Akito stammers. "...Best thing, huh?"

"We're the best partners for each other Akito, I thought you couldn't see us being with anyone else?" He remembers everything Akito had told him clear as day, the same way Akito can remember everything Toya had said that day too. It's of mutual importance, and it makes Toya's flutter a bit. 

"...That's fair."

They keep talking after that about it. Toya shares his miserable experience with his dad, Akito adds more and more onto his side of the story until it turns into one picture. Akito had basically become quiet enough that people were worried for him, which apparently is just something that happens in their family if they're not Ena? He also had acted similarly to when they first met Arata.

It's a slow 30 minutes before Akito yawns particularly loudly. "I'm assuming that's a sign to finish this up soon?" He can't help but chuckle a little.

"No, no... Instead though, talk about whatever the fuck you've been reading lately." His partner yawns again, and he can hear him shift again. Sounds like a lofty excuse to fall asleep calling each other, but he won't complain.

Well.. if he insists.

When he sleeps that night, he dreams of their marriage. Well... he's done research into this before, it'd be a partnership certificate. Still, a very nice dream if you ignore Shiraishi faceplanting during the dance and apparently the music for their aisle walk being Flyer...

Hm... One day, it'll happen. With less of the weird things, but it'll happen.

(And if he and Akito are closer than usual the next day and his teammates all share questioning looks, who cares? It's not like they should find this too unusual...)