Chapter Text
Shigeo lightly tapped his foot as he leaned on the windowsill. He still had half an hour until he was set to head out. As he stared at the sky, he cursed his excitement for causing him to wake up early. Every other day, he would get too excited to sleep or too restless to wait until later in the day. His thin spade tail idly flicked back and forth.
“Brother?”
With how small Shigeo’s wings are, it’s obvious he couldn’t exactly get off the ground much. Despite that, the sudden voice made him leap far higher than those small bat wings could ever take him.
“Oh uh, sorry to startle you,” Ritsu said with his brother now facing him, gripping his shirt.
“It’s okay, Ritsu, I was just lost in thought, that's all,” Shigeo responded with his usual small smile, his face covered in a bit of sweat, though.
“As usual.” In the past months, something changed in his brother. You’d have to be blind and deaf to miss it. While he had even more moments where he’d be stuck in his head, Shigeo just seemed way brighter. Which was good, not saying it isn’t, but why? It seemed to happen overnight.
“Okay, well uh, Reigen said he needed you,” Ritsu said, his own thin tail flicking at the name.
“Oh, did he release a bunch of souls again?” Shigeo asked, his smile dropping and flattening back into his usual straight-lined mouth.
With a groan plus eye roll combo, Ritsu nodded, “Yup. He always thinks he’s qualified to summon alone and then it goes wrong. He can’t even ask for help without actually asking for help! It’s honestly quite impressive, I hate to admit.”
“Um, since you were there, why didn’t you help him?”
“I thought he could deal with it a little longer.”
“Ritsu…”
“He’ll be fine! He always is, anyway cmon, it’ll give us all something to do for the rest of the day.”
“The whole day?” Shigeo stiffened a bit. Hopefully not. He had plans, plans he was waiting all day for. He would wrap this up quickly. “Accidentally,” of course.
Shigeo had already drifted wordlessly by, his mind made up. Ritsu finished blinking and had to turn heel to catch up. The brothers wandered down the huge halls of the palace, the turns and doorways being second nature to them. Because of this, they could peacefully chat with their strides, that being until high-pitched yelping shattered their nice conversation. Shigeo ran down the hall, taking swift glances at every doorway until he ran past one with gleaming lights pouring out. Almost tripping on his stop, he turned around as Ritsu got to the door and let out a sigh before opening it.
The sight was both worrying and comical, worrying to Shigeo’s wide eyes and comical to Ritsu’s bored face. There were around 10 souls. All blurry, cloudy, human-esque bodies that were flying around the room in a whirlwind, every once in a while attempting to attack a small structure of tables that were arranged as a fort-type structure. One of them managed to use the force of its wind to knock the one on top over. Along with that fall came the rise of two tall, curved horns that peered over. The head they were attached to was revealed when he became aware of the two boys standing by the door.
“Mob! Thank goodness, after your brother ditched me, I thought I was a goner…B-because if I used all my power I’d be in a way worse state than these guys would!” He practically yelled the last part, but it didn’t help give him the confidence boost he needed right now, though.
Ritsu gave another eye roll, his tail flicking around faster than before. Shigeo just stepped forward and stuck out his hand. As a red aura started to gather around him, his horns and wings started to run a ruby color as his hair began to float. None of the other demons reacted when cracks appeared in the ground of the study. A red vortex opens up with black electricity buzzing around the entrance. A few books floated out of their shelves, but only the souls began to be sucked down into the summoned abyss. The small shrieks slowly faded away as the void immediately began to close upon finishing the task, the floor closing up completely. Shigeo took steps forward over where the abyss had closed to approach Reigen’s small fortress.
“Master, I thought we agreed that you wouldn’t try to mess with souls when we’re not here,” Shigeo said simply as he loomed over the sideways table to peer at his master sitting on the floor.
“Aha Mob! You see, the only way to get better is to practice, right?” The demon said as he quickly stood up, spreading his bat wings and waving his hands around. “While I know I need to practice not letting out TOO much power, you also need to practice with um..surprises!”
“Is that so? It kind of seems like you keep summoning them to annoy us.” Ritsu said, more annoyed that it didn’t garner a reaction from the bigger demon.
While it's true Reigen can’t control souls like the Kageyamas could, he took advantage of the fact that there were a ton of ways to summon them. Although messing with souls could get you in a heap of trouble, if he wanted to keep his position at the mansion, he had to get help from the teens while also still trying to prove he could control spirits. But already being close to demons who could control souls put him in a way better position than most.
“You did well, Mob! Thanks for that, I owe ya one.” Reigen declared, patting his student on the back between the wings.
Ritsu was good at math, so he could easily add how many “ones” Reigen had promised up to now. It was now at 33, if you count Reigen helping Shigeo down from the roof when he had flown them up there to show off the one thing he could currently do that Mob couldn’t. Well, two things: the social skills of what people assume demons were made for, and the ability to fly, but that came with all adult demons. Or did that cancel out as well?
“Y’know, Ritsu,” Reigen loudly said, popping Ritsu out of his head, “You could learn a thing or two from Mob. If anyone came to me about you, I’d just be forced to include 'difficult to work with' on your letter of rec.”
“Like I’d want you vouching for me.”
Shigeo continued to watch their banter, hoping they wouldn’t ask him to take sides. Ritsu worried that his brother would also get into trouble for messing with souls, even if he had a knack for it more than others. And Reigen really did want to help his student, but it just so happened the man also needed help quite a lot. But as Ritsu pondered before, Shigeo was asking Reigen a lot more socializing questions lately, even though he swore he hadn’t seen Shigeo interact with anyone new.
Shigeo continued to shift as the teen and teacher argued, now seeming as if they were about to keep going until one of them became bored. Shigeo surely had. He looked at the clock in Reigen’s disheveled office, and his face paled a bit as he saw how close it was to the next hour. He couldn’t be late. He’d been waiting all day for this.
“Um…”
Both heads turned to look at the black-haired bowl cut that now faced the ground. Shigeo accidentally started speaking out of his desire to be on time.
“That…exorcism made me really tired…so I’m just going to take a nap and…study for a while. Yeah. You might not want to distract me for a while.” Man, he was a terrible liar. His voice shook, and his eyes looked all over the place as he spoke. But it seemed like he was trying to speak his mind for once, which is something both could respect.
“Oh, yeah, sounds good, brother. I’ll come get you for dinner.” Ritsu said with a nice smile.
“Yeah, rest up, kiddo. We have a big one tomorrow, so you’re gonna wanna rest up good!” Reigen said with one of his classic smiles and thumbs up.
Shigeo quickly said “thank you” and “see you later” before turning around just in time to hear their argument start up again, with Ritsu accusing Reigen of making his brother so tired, and then led back up to where they were. Shigeo swore they did it for fun at this point; they wouldn’t stand around bickering with someone they actually hated for as long as they did. Like Shigeo, Ritsu saw Reigen as part of the family, not as a supportive, mischievous older brother like Shigeo, but more like a loud, always-around-for-no-reason, stupid-idea uncle. But you can’t help but feel a connection with family.
Shigeo was glad he would get tomorrow with them, but right now, his plans were the only thing on his mind. Despite not helping, he still flapped his small wings to boost his little runs forward, as it was quite tiring. Once in his room, he shut the doors as quickly as he could and locked them. First, he took some breaths in and out to calm down so he could focus on his energy. Once steadying his breathing, he marched towards the middle of his room and began to focus his energy. He first used his powers to drop the blinds over his windows and to mark an area on the floor. His horns and wings shifted from black to red for the second time that day, the rift in front of him opening as his hair began to float. A portal similar to the one he used to banish the souls away formed, but this one had a much brighter end than the dark abyss Shigeo had opened before. He began to take a step forward once the portal steadied, until he stilled and quickly looked around his room. He tried his best to focus on keeping the portal steady as he pulled his pillow up to reveal a small pouch. He swiped it and ran towards the portal again and walked through. As the foot behind him lifted off of solid flooring, his front foot landed on soft grass that his shoes sank into. He softly smiled and took a deep breath as he breathed in the upper world.
Blissfully walking over hills of grass, he came upon the familiar pair of bushes that filled him with excitement. Sure, he could just make a portal for exactly the area the meeting spot was, but he enjoyed his walks through the lively nature that would burn to a crisp if they absorbed a small whiff of his homeworld.
Pushing through the bushes, he now stood in a shady spot against a large bundle of trees that created the perfect, shaded hideaway spot. He’s shocked he still got there earlier than the other. Usually, this was the case, though, as Shigeo only needed to make an instant portal and a short, brisk walk to the area. The other had to travel all the way from his home downwards, and while quicker than expected, it was still quite a long way. But clearly, he had gotten there a little later than usual since he barely had to wait long until the sun seemed to shine brighter.
After squinting a bit, Shigeo’s eyes could finally see the small trail of light trickling down the sky, as if a bit of the sun itself had fallen. The streaks now trickled together, twining together to form a shape as large as himself before bursting into small beams as a person shed the light that had formed his skin. Bits of light dusted through the air as two large wings unfolded, so bright white it was hard to see against the sun if it weren’t for the large shadow it cast underneath the feathers. Flapping lazily as the being floated down, one foot at a time, he landed as gracefully as he arrived. Giving a final flap of the wings, the person then swung their head up, the blonde strands shining against the sun as the rest of them did. He truly shone in every way.
Shigeo didn’t begin to greet him until he knew he was done with his semi-exaggerated landing. Shigeo could only tell it was done when the blonde tossed his hair over his shoulder the way you would see in movies. He added in a wink and smile combo where, if it were anyone but Shigeo, they would be a stuttering mess on the ground.
“Hi, Hanazawa.” Shigeo simply said, his face giving a small smile and little bits of blush under his eyes.
Hanazawa sighed, both admiring the sight of his favorite person and feeling sadness that his ultimate heartstopper didn’t seem to work on Shigeo. “Why hello, Kageyama.”
They both headed towards each other, taking in the other’s favorite features and smiling with small shines in their eyes. Hanazawa, of course, not being able to resist, reached a hand up to Shigeo’s face, stroking his cheek a bit before leaning up to peck his forehead.
When he drew back to put his hands behind his back, Shigeo was left with a similar face to before, but with subtle additions of blush and being a bit jittery. Teru gave one of his pearly chuckles.
“Haha! Seems like someone's excited! I'm assuming you didn't forget your stuff then?” The blond asked, intrigued, now swaying forward and back.
“I didn't. Did you remember yours?”
Another hair flip, “Of course I did.” Then another dazzling smile.
Teruki Hanazawa couldn't name a single bad thing about himself; then again, no one else really could either. Handsome, gentleman, talented at anything he put his mind to, and also blessed with powers the other angels are jealous of, he could control so easily, an angel who actually lived up to the title quite well. While not what Shigeo fully expected with an angel, anyone could agree that Teru fit the role exceptionally well. Except for the fact that he was absolutely enamored with a demon, which may or may not falter his status.
Shigeo shifted his feet a little more, scratching his head a little around one of his horns. “So uh, did you want to-”
“I’ll go first!” Teru exclaimed, making a small gust of wind with his wings as he leapt closer to Shigeo. “Okay, close your eyes…Stick out your hands.”
Shigeo did as he was told, his same smile plastered on his face, foot tapping in anticipation. Teru’s graceful hands brushing Shigeo’s knuckles, the angel’s clinginess causing him to squeeze the demon’s hands as he watched his face. He’s known him long enough to know when he’s excited, but especially around Teru, he seemed more expressive in general. After a moment more, Shigeo finally felt some added weight on his palms.
“Alright, open them!”
Shigeo opened his eyes to see a piece of fabric, tied at the top with a ribbon. His curious eyes studied it, admiring the unknown fabrics from a world outside of reach for even his powers.
Blue eyes looking up and down between Shigeo and the bag, Teru started to get a little impatient. “You know you can untie the top right? There’s stuff inside.”
“Oh! Right, sorry.” Shigeo said, shaking himself out of it, and quickly began untying the top. His tail was flying around happily, unbeknownst to him.
The corners of the fabric fell onto his hands, revealing a small pile of crystal-looking clusters.
Shigeo’s eyes went a bit wide, shining in his dark eyes. He scanned the objects and admired how they would shine in the sunlight when he’d turn them around. Similar to the person who gave them to him.
“What are they? What do they do?” Shigeo said with soft curiosity.
“They’re like candies. They were an easy item to transport. I’m just not sure how much I can bring down, but this was a good starter. Maybe I can spoil you every time we meet.” The blonde explained as he subtly tried to milk as many flustered expressions out of Shigeo as he could.
“Oh, no. You don’t have to do that, really. I mean, these are kind of like what I-”
“Sht! No spoilers! Also, I was only joking, hah…” Teru interrupted as he shot a finger at Shigeo’s lips. Trying to get away from his claim, Teru was (somewhat) good at hiding his obsession. Shigeo didn’t have to know about the small drawer full of trinkets Teru collected that reminded him of the demon.
“Oh, right, sorry. Do you want me to try one?” Shigeo asked as he picked up one of them.
“Go ahead! Tell me what you think.”
Shigeo popped one into his mouth, crunching it up with his sharper teeth. His pupils widened, and the crystals melted in his mouth.
“They’re cold.” He said as he licked his lips.
“Oh ahaha, yeah that’s how they’re made! It gets pretty chilly up there, so y’know…gotta take advantage of it right?” Teru stuttered, gesturing to his pale blue sweater, one of the rare times he couldn’t read Shigeo’s face all too well. “Do you…like them?”
Shigeo slowly gained back his smile as he took another and tossed it into his mouth.
As he chewed, he turned back to Teru with a smile and blushing cheeks that moved as he chewed his treat. He gave a simple nod towards Teru, to which he got a bright grin in return. Shigeo continued eating his small stack of candies as Teru explained how it's made, where he got it, and how he could bring more anytime since it’s usually given as a gift from admirers. Shigeo tensed up suddenly. He knew everyone adored Teru, but the fact that he felt like another fan begging for Teru’s attention was something he didn’t like to think about too much. They’ve talked about this before, Teru saying he’d drop everything just to be by the demon’s side, and surprisingly, no one knows Teru as well as Shigeo does. It’s an obvious obsession to anyone but the receiver, apparently.
As Shigeo swallowed the last candy, he played with the fabric it came in; it was a comforting baby blue. As they sat there under their usual tree, Teru began to tap his knees and whistle, giving subtle glances at Shigeo’s satisfied expression. He always had to remember the hard way that hints wouldn’t work with Shigeo, and with a sigh, decided to just flat out say it, as he usually had to learn.
“Y’know,” Shigeo suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder, pulling him to the angel’s side, “You can keep that if you want, another keepsake.”
“Oh wow, thank you,” Shigeo said, eyes shimmering at the simple slab of fabric.
“Of course, of course. You know me…love being generous. And…giving things…meant for certain people.” Teru inched as he drew Shigeo closer with his arm. Shigeo’s face, now almost nose to nose with Teru’s, looked up with a puzzled look. His pupils shifted around for a moment until they shrank with realization.
“Oh…OH! Yeah, here.” Shigeo said as he exchanged the spot in his pocket with the fabric for his pouch. Teru finally moved his hand off of Shigeo’s shoulder to hold out both hands. He watched as Shigeo put down a nice, worn, black pouch with a drawstring at the top. The angel’s bright eyes shone even more. A gift! For him! From Kageyama! Could he ask for anything more?
Shigeo pulled his legs to his chest as Teru excitedly untied the top and opened the bag, pouring its contents out into his palm. Small slabs of orange were a surprise, another being that they warmed up his hands at the touch. It looked like cracked pieces of stained glass.
“Oh my…what are these Kageyama?” Teru asked curiously, as he held one up and admired the rays of light through it.
“Well, um…Like I almost spoiled earlier, they’re treats from where I’m from.” Shigeo explained as he felt his heart flutter at how entranced the blonde appeared to be. “I thought it would be an easy thing for you to enjoy, and as you said, in case you wanted to take some back. And…they’re pretty…like you.”
“How thoughtful!” Teru exclaimed, for once grateful for his limited way of travel if it was able to make Shigeo think about him. Teru turned to look at him, eyes shimmering happily with a smile of such intense, genuine happiness.“Thank you, Kageyama.”
The flustered reaction, Teru finally got it. Shigeo’s whole body jumped, and he scratched his forehead as he stared at the grass. Failing to hide his wobbly mouth and red face. “It’s no problem…”
With a smirk and a satisfied sigh, Teru slid the small pieces back into the bag as he placed it on the ground. He was not going to waste this precious moment he’s worked towards every single time they’ve met before. Shigeo suddenly felt hands on his cheeks, guiding his head upwards, where he was met with an eager smile as Teru began to cover his face in small pecks. Pulling back with a gleeful grin, it was quickly wiped off his face with the sight of a fully red-faced Shigeo. Now he really did look like what he assumed demons would.
He mumbled something through his wobbly lips.
“Sorry, what was that?” Teru asked, keeping his hands on the glowing face.
“I…I said…w-why don’t you try one…”
“Oh yeah! Sure!” Teru exclaimed as he released Shugeo’s face to grab the bag, not noticing how Shigeo flopped over like a rag doll when let go.
Teru pinched one of the slabs and held it up to his face again before putting a corner in his mouth. It kind of tasted like overcooked caramel somehow; it tasted burnt in an appetizing way. While Teru couldn’t honestly say he loved it, he would still finish them all. Once Shigeo recovered and sat up, his hair still ruffled from the fall, Teru had finished putting the whole small slab in his mouth. As Teru began to let the slab melt into sugary liquid in his mouth, his eyes soon widened as his throat began to itch.
Shigeo tilted his head as the strangled face of the angel began to hack and cough.
“Are you…okay?” Shigeo asked as he held his hands out, as Teru tried to stay still.
“Y-...yes! J-j-JUST…wron…g…PIPE!” Teru hacked out, trying to sit up straight and give one of his signature smiles. Which instead looked like he was a creature trying to work a human face for the first time. Even for the amazing golden boy, this task was impossible. His hands quickly went to his throat as he fully stopped trying to hold back and had a coughing fit with his other hand on the ground. Shigeo now held Teru’s back and tried to hoist him back upright.
The treat was supposed to melt in your mouth and coat the inside, leaving a sweet taste and a stronger mouth. It tasted decent and was also fairly healthy for demons (key words: for demons), plus it looked pretty. But perhaps healthy for a species that can handle heat, didn’t know that the candy now coated an angel’s mouth with a hot, charred presence that, to make matters worse, was also sticky.
There were now tears glazing his blue eyes as Teru continued to cough violently.
“Oh my gosh…I’m so sorry! It tastes like any other candy to me, and I thought you’d like it and-”
A trembling hand was put in front of him as Teru was taking the loudest, most painful breaths he’s ever heard a being take before. With the hand still being held out, Teru pushed himself upwards and shook his head around. After a final wipe of the face and brush of his hair, he turned towards Shigeo with his red face slowly cooling down.
“Are you alright..? Again, I’m so sorry I didn’t know it would do th-”
“Kageyama, it's fine! Nothing I can’t handle!” Teru assured him, his voice still husky and eyes a bit watery, but he seemed like his regular self at least. “You didn’t know, it’s fi…”
His voice trailed as he hit his throat, feeling a clog. He kept trying to push it down, but in a short moment it came up and out came…a puff of glittery, orange, smoke. It sparkled away as quickly as it came.
Teru’s eyes were still wide; he couldn’t tell how to feel until he slowly turned to look at Shigeo, who wore a similar expression.
“Ah! Don't worry! Now, I’m sure I’m fine…Kageyama?”
Teru suddenly became worried as Shigeo’s mouth began to twitch. A whole barrage of comforting reassurances was locked and loaded to spill out of his mouth before getting cut off with the most beautiful noise he’s ever heard.
The sharper teeth shone in the sun as the demon began laughing with an open mouth. It was still soft as his usual speech, but so acute and filled to the brim with happiness and amusement. His arms were crossed over his stomach as he gripped his sides. After a moment of pure adoration of the sight, Teru began to give his own silky chuckles as well, before gathering into gleaming laughs alongside Shigeo’s. A perfect harmony of happiness swirls in the wind between the two. Teru didn’t close his eyes for a second; he didn’t even blink. He couldn’t miss a moment of the masterpiece in front of him.
Teru made Shigeo smile, made him laugh! He had done it! Indirectly, but still!
This was the best day of Teru’s life.
When the laughter calmed down with a deep breath from both, Shigeo had finally turned to look at Teru, who didn’t have to move at all. The tops of Shigeo’s eyes glimmered with crimson at the top, blending beautifully with the dark eyes that were usually presented. It was like a marble rolling through the sun from a windowsill. Teru’s eyes were usually very expressive, but it was a whole ocean now, light and joy swimming in it.
“Will eating another make you laugh some more?” Teru asked, breaking the silence with his inner thoughts.
“Mmm, I dunno. The beginning part wasn’t too enjoyable.” Shigeo replied, his face suddenly turning into a serious look of contemplation.
“I’m kidding, I know it was the surprise of it all. Do you not breathe out smoke when you eat it?”
“Oh no, maybe it happens when we digest it. Smoke doesn’t really bother our insides too much.”
“Huh. Cool.”
“Although I am really sorry. I didn’t know it would hurt you.”
“It didn’t hurt me, Kageyama! I’ve had throat aches worse than that after our first fight!” Teru said as he sat up, “Which also wasn’t your fault, by the way.” He added on quickly.
A sigh of relief from the demon, “If you say so.”
“I do.”
Another win to tally down, as the angel had gotten a soft chuckle out of Shigeo.
“I’ll eat the rest of them then. Or give them to master. He likes sweet snacks,” said Shigeo as he reached for the bag. That was quickly pulled back when they were swiped away faster than he could blink.
“No! I’ll keep them.” Teru responded sternly as he cradled the bag while delicately tying the top back up. “Maybe I’ll eat them, maybe I’ll keep them for decor, who knows? So many possibilities.”
“I mean, with how cold it is, I guess they wouldn’t melt,” Shigeo said with a hand to his chin, his tail moving up from its limp form against the grass. “But what if they don’t last at all up there?”
“I guess we’ll find out,” Teru said happily, excited that he didn’t have to part with his gift(s). (He counted the pouch as a second gift.)
Shigeo returned a small smile and leaned on his knees. “So, what else do you like to eat there?”
The rest of the few hours were filled with the two discussing what the foods from their worlds were like, just having to do their best to picture what a food they never known existed would look like. Wondering if certain ones would survive the trip to Earth, although Shigeo knew he could probably bring whatever he wanted, he didn’t want to risk something actually damaging Teru’s mouth.
It seemed like they had just set foot on the grass when the sky turned orange.
And while the view is beautiful for the two of them, it also fills them with slow-approaching sadness. Teru could only travel with light when the sun was out. With such a long journey to “up above,” it’s wise not to wait until the sun just starts to dip under, not wasting a single ray.
When Teru had finished his sentence, a moment of silence remained with them. Shigeo rose to his feet to look at the sun, so blinding at this hour that you couldn’t even really see where it was positioned. He then felt a hand wrap around his fingers.
Giving his eyes a break from the bright light, he turned to look at his partner, who was staring off with the most unenthusiastic look he’s seen him wear all day.
“Are you okay, Teru?” Shigeo asked.
“Yeah.” Teru didn’t move his face with his response, “Just…I hate not being able to see you so much.”
Shigeo let out a solemn hum, “Me too, it's nice having you around. And I like the surface too. But it’s okay…I’ll see you soon, it just feels like a while."
Teru gave a sad smile and turned to look at him. “Yeah. You’re just such great company.”
Shigeo gave a blushy smile as he watched Teru’s hair blow in the slow winds. Streaks shifting colors with the harsh light.
With both boys having school and a semi-busy social life, they couldn’t afford to meet every day or at certain times. But at least they had now. And the hours they get to spend together. For two whole worlds apart, it was a miracle they could even see each other so much in the first place.
Shigeo looked back at the sun briefly before his eyes widened.
“Teru it-”
“Yeah, yeah, I know.” Teru sighed, his eyes still heavy. He grabbed Shigeo’s other hand. “See you next time?”
“Of course.” Shigeo smiled; even his small curved lips caused a flutter in the blonde’s wings.
As the angel felt Shigeo’s grip loosening, he quickly intervened.
“Aren’t you…forgetting something?” Teru asked patiently as he swung their arms.
“Forget…oh!” Shigeo quickly approached Teru and planted a kiss on his cheek. In which he let go to grab Shigeo's face and give his own peck.
“Always so eager to leave, huh?”
“You know that’s not true.”
A light chuckle. “I know.”
Feeling like his hands were weighed down, Teru slowly drew away and took a few steps back. Trying to flash a smile, but couldn’t completely hide his grief.
“Thanks for the gifts, Kageyama!”
With a swift wave and a blown kiss, he spread his beautiful wings and burst off the ground. He maneuvered his hands a bit to gather some light, assisted by the halo of sun rays forming over his head. As the light consumed him, Teru was able to slip a quick wink in time before disappearing in a flash of light, flying back into the sky like a comet.
Shigeo stood there for a few more moments as he usually did, waiting until the small ray finally disappeared from his vision. He didn’t even get to say thank you back. He sat down on the grass, feeling the blades under his warm palms. He followed his schedule of watching the sun set and breathing in the late air. He let the blue fabric he got fly as a little flag between his fingers. He didn’t hate his home, but everyone needs a change of pace. With a huff, he got up and readied himself to go back.
Opening the portal, in a few seconds, he would be in an entirely new plane; it gets kind of weird to feel the change on your skin. He wondered if Teru felt the same way about his travels.
His room was dark; he opened the blinds, which didn’t make too huge a difference when he raised his hand to open them. Shigeo flopped on his bed, his feet hanging off the side. He wordlessly took the fabric out and had every finger on his hand hold it. With an unnoticeable blush on his cheeks, he got lost in his head again. For who knows how long, he floated around in his mind, thinking, wondering, until just like earlier, his brother interrupted him.
Shigeo slowly dragged himself out of both his head and bed to answer the knocks and calls behind the door.
“Hey brother, you were locked up in there for a while again…you alright? You didn't even open the door when I came to check on you.” Ritsu asked when he saw his brother through the crack of the door.
“Oh, sorry, I was…really focused…and fell asleep at my desk.” He hated lying, but telling the truth was out of the question as of now.
A thoughtful hum from Ritsu, his tail swishing around, “You work so hard, brother, I'm sure it'll result in better grades this time!”
Shigeo felt guilty knowing his grades had tanked more than usual because of how much of his day he had “stuff” going on. And they probably weren't gonna change anytime soon.
“Well,” Ritsu began again, “Dinner's ready, if you wanna walk with me.”
“Yeah, sounds good,” the elder brother responded with a small smile. “What are we having?”
They began to walk down the hall, the blue fabric lying idly on Shigeo’s bed.