Work Text:
00:07
It was another nightmare, Harumasa knows it is. He's not a monster.. not yet at least. Why do they look at him like he is?!
Looking down, his hands weren't human. What belonged to him was a crystallized body and the blade of a thanatos. No way it happened, there's just no reason!
Then again, since when did such an illness like Ether Aptitude Regression Syndrome show such mercy to abide by reason?
Cameras flashing made it all too much. A scene replayed in his mind a thousand times over still hurt the same.
Eventually, he snapped up from his bed and out of the sick life bound to be his future. Harumasa's body as a whole hurt, settling into a vague pain that feels too normal for him.
All there was to do was grumble and check the time. It doesn't take a genius to guess that is was the dead of night based off the moon that oversees everything including the frustration of a sick man with an insane brain and an aching body begging for it all to stop hurting. Even so, he'd confirm the time with his phone.
As much as it pisses him off about how it accurately gives the time, he needs it. Harumasa lives knowing that each passing day only closes in on his life's deadline. Trailing over the hour then the date, he realizes it's his birthday, golden eyes wincing at the reminder.
Already? I thought I had more time.. his thoughts ran on. "Dammit.." he muttered under his breath. Not like it'd matter if he yelled, nobody is with him except for the snowball of a cat, Kedama.
Speaking of her, she basically read his mind, climbing up close on his bed. Purring ever so softly, the noise brings him comfort. When he dies, he'll have someone. Whether it happens in a hollow or at home- though the former is the only way he'd want it, someone will be there, right?
At the ungodly hour, he pushes himself out of bed and to the mirror. "Harumasa~" it cooed in his head. "You're final years are approaching, how does that make you feel?"
Awfully scared, he wanted to admit yet keeps to himself. Talking to a mirror will only force everyone around him to also reconsider his mental health, which he can barely stand the physical care.
Before the made-up taunting went further, he walked away lest he see the reflection of what his mind imagines. Obviously, it won't be him.
Rubbing his face in the sink, he instantly bolted back to his bed. Rarely does it help, yet how would it hurt to try getting a decent hour of sleep?
Maybe a lot, maybe not at all. Whichever sounds more favorable for him, the man will believe.
I have to believe.. I can't lose anymore..
07:16
Regardless of how many times his phone has vibrated, Harumasa woke up on his own terms, completely tuning out the alarm. Costed him a good fifteen minutes that he'll definitely need to arrive on time.
"Kedama, Asaboo, try not to murder each other while I'm gone, 'kay?" Neither seemed to want to obey, but that's a problem for future him when he comes back to the apartment wrecked treated by savages.
Right before he exited, he took his meds and left for the fresh morning air.. and work. Ew. By the time he arrived at the building, he was half an hour late, meaning the fifteen minutes lost still wouldn't have mattered. ..Excluding the fact he took a detour and bought everyone's favorite snacks within the same store.
Ready as ever to enter the office, he actually seemed glad that he was about to be on the clock. Everyone knows by the end of a shift there's a ninety or so percent chance of him leaving for home looking like a ghost.
"Ohh~ anyone here?" Eyes scanning the room with the only life being plants. "Deputy Chief?" his smile upon entering faltered realizing the one person always ready to get on him was just not present.
Pouty, he slung the bag of goodies under his desk, the intimidating stack of paper already making him fear for his life. Filling this silence with more silence is probably scarier, so he got a pen moving, scouring his brain to remember what one paper wants to hear versus another.
[...]
"Nagi.. does he seriously not see us?" Soukaku whispered low. They all hid instantly when his head turning ever so slightly. His senses are sharp alright.
Unfortunately, nobody in that room could explain why they were hiding. Yeah, the plan is to surprise their dearest Executive Officer without causing him a shock that stole his breath for a good minute like last time. Their approach was too sudden and random in the one place that Harumasa clearly displayed as the one most peaceful building he could let his guard down in.
"This is training," Miyabi said ever so flatly. Loud enough to actually catch the birthday boy's attention.
His vision swam briefly when he shot up at unreasonable speeds for a task like that. "Chief Miyabi? Am I crazy or are you hiding from me?" Though he sounds like he's talking to himself at the moment, he was already looking for the source of the voice until-
"I've got him. Yanagi-"
"GYAHH!" Harumasa's scream threw Miyabi off guard as he wrangled free and faced the three hiding behind the wall. A shock not as bad as last time, but his heart is racing and a few coughs escaped even after such a small scare. Man, was everything catching up to him.
His head whipped back and was met with Soukaku tackling him into a gentle hug, making sure his lungs weren't squeezed into pieces. "Happy birthday, Harumasamasa!!" Behind her was a speechless Yanagi and a Miyabi that sends shivers down his spine by just staring at him without indicating any intent within her ruby eyes.
Breaking the deadlock, Harumasa pointed his finger dramatically already halfway into faking a wounded heart. "Deputy Chief.. I'm afraid this stunt is causing my lungs to scream louder than I can. I'm.. not going to be working from the stress you on me." Hand on his heart and another pressed to his head, the theatrics look quite stupid for a grown man.
By the millisecond Soukaku let go, he slumped over his desk without a word.
"Asaba.." Yanagi mumbled.
Meanwhile, Harumasa was spiraling inside. Over such a simple thing, not even as shocking as last year, his lungs were working overtime just to get through it. He hated the feeling of something beyond his control. Hitting twenty-six sounds closer to a mere dream with each day.
They're not fools, but they're clueless as to how they'd approach him next. Accidentally fumbling the surprise cost them his mood. Not that he'd actually be mad at them. He cherishes his team and holds them so close, maybe closer than himself.
Miyabi walked up to his desk without hesitation. "Harumasa, I apologize," she said, unable to think of what to say next. "My training regiment went poorly leaving you hurt."
"..."
"..."
"Oh, whatever," he sighed out. "I'm not mad, or upset by any means. ..I'm just surprised once again. Don't stress your pretty face, Chief Miyabi." For what it's worth, her ears perked up by a fraction, which proves her joy skyrocketed tenfold.
Unknown Number
Lighter here.
I'm Boss's boyfriend.
Oh yeah, Asaba mentioned a Lighter before. Sons of Calydon, if I remember correctly. Seriously- 'Boss'?
Tsukishiro Yanagi
Excuse me, Mr. Lighter, but how do you have my number?
Lighter
He gave me his phone.
Also, Lighter is just fine.
Yanagi didn't feel that baffled because of everyone she works with, it would be Harumasa to accidentally make important numbers public so carelessly. It's his boyfriend, so she's not even upset. A man that accepts her colleague flaws and everything is a good man.
Lighter
I just want to know how the princess is doing. If you do know, what time does he leave work?
Tsukishiro Yanagi
Asaba isn't doing the best. In an attempt to figure out how we'd go about celebrating his birthday, our Chief accidentally took him by surprise this resulting in a small coughing fit.
Despite the accident, he's not mad.
Lighter
He just loves you ladies a lot.
Tsukishiro Yanagi
We've already set up the actual plan for his birthday. After the small party, I can have him clock out early.
This way, he's all yours.
Lighter
You sure about that?
Well, thanks.
I've been needing more time with him.
Tsukishiro Yanagi
I'll find another way to excuse him later.
Lighter
He's in good hands.
Once Yanagi finally left the chat, Miyabi and Soukaku were already parading Harumasa. The party started without her, but she slid in, taking the cake from the fridge and walking up to the three.
Yeah, this is great for the four. All of them together, celebrating the special day and the strength one has to power through every last day.
12:09
"Deputy Chief.. are you actually letting me leave early without a scolding? You know my poor body won't handle another surprise being extra work thrown at me," Harumasa quietly complained while managing to seemingly be seconds away from crocodile tears. Personally, he'd never do full-blown crocodile tears.
Yanagi, with a straight face of nothing beyond what was in front of her, didn't reply. To the best of her abilities, taking a small chunk or two from her colleague's stack of papers on top of her taller stack might help. Though.. she's not quite happy with that. Seeing him light up the next day when he notices it being noticeably smaller is worth it.
People from different sections stared as the two left. If anything is a real problem, needing two members from that holy land of a team must make it serious.
Until just one left. Harumasa waved Yanagi a short goodbye and turned a one-eighty. From inside the building you could see the officer radiating joy.
Lighter leaned up against his motorcycle, face turning into a smirk when his princess arrived. "You want it fast or slow?"
"Within the law's speed limits, ya know? I'm the last person to be seen breaking the law."
To that, Lighter scoffed, "You'd probably go over the speed limits so that you can annoy any officer that you see."
It was actually wild to be accused of that to Harumasa. Again, for the umpteenth time, he played hurt while holding his boyfriend close.
Their ride was slow as they could be without someone absolutely losing it from their car. Slow enough one arm wrapped around would keep him safe, but why would he not want to be in a full hug?
Midday traffic didn't feel like a real thing in New Eridu, but evening traffic definitely was. What matters is that in the middle of the day, they're allowed to go this slow. Cars overtake them, whatever. Some jackass had the nerve to brake check Lighter. From the moment Harumasa, a literal officer, started waving to the guy, the driver sped up so fast it was hilarious. Peaceful the rest of the drive by the way.
12:57
Harumasa got the keys and welcomed Lighter into the apartment before stepping in himself. It's not an extraordinary or necessarily huge apartment, expensive? Oh yeah. Everything is.
Coming down and making a dip in the bed, Harumasa was so ready to clock out of the day, like he escaped his work at the time he was expecting to. Though he does need to take more medicine at this time.
"Hey, Princess," Lighter whispered, shaking him gently, "What do you take right now?"
"Oh right," he murmured into the blanket. Resisting the urge to just curl up in bed, the guy stood up, turned to the kitchen and walked to the top cabinet, completely forgetting about his own boyfriend right then and there.
Trailing with the small hurt from being ignored, said boyfriend plopped his head onto Harumasa's shoulder, watching him drink the thing that smelled repulsively bitter. So long as it had everything needed to live, does it matter how it smells? Trying to picture what he is tasting makes the taller one gag mentally as sweets are clearly superior. All while the other enjoys the bitter foods mankind offers.
They walked together to the bed, Kedama intentionally taking a whole side of the bed. She's not the biggest fan of Lighter. Taking her dad- I mean- owner's attention.
Asaboo actually loves him. "Eh-nah! Wh-nah eh-nah! Eh nah-nah! (Master! Master's friend! The couch is free!)" Gesturing to the freshly vacuumed couch, 'Master's friend' (kinda hurt by that name), hoisted Harumasa up enough to set the down at once, leaving the princess's head on his lap.
Secretly, Asaboo already had the camera nearby and snatched a photo.. or two.. plus five more. Hey, that's merely a secret though.
They didn't need to chat. Both fell asleep, one less comfortable than the other. Kinda evened out considering one is in his work clothes while another sitting with his head against nothing.
14:21
Lighter woke up first. Judging the scene, Asaboo tried getting a blanket over Harumasa but failed because his spares are in who knows where meaning a location too high up for bangboo. Only other option was the one Kedama firmly sat on. She wasn't sitting on a pillow; therefore, it was the closest item possible.
The pillow wasn't even under or on anyone. Snatching it from the ground with the little movement he has, Lighter finally motioned himself off the couch and slotted something truly soft because no, nobody is sleeping on sweatpants over a pillow.
Looking back.. damn was he cute. Black strands of hair falling by his eyes, the golden shine beneath those shut eyelids replaced by perfect eyelashes. Lips parted ever so slightly and all he wanted to do was kiss them. Man, even the fact his tie is partially loose now is making him cuter.
Focus.. damn- Lucy was right. I'm so in love with him. That's not even bad.
Right now, he had who knows how long to prepare the rest of Harumasa's birthday. There's the food, the gift- ugh- all the girls from the Sons of Calydon told him he needed to give it in a 'special' way. Like that was any helpful?!
Someone far from a dating professional is Lighter. This is the first and only man that he'll go head over heels for. They've talked about the future, but it always finds a way to hurt his partner. Of course, he knows why.
[...]
??:??
"Hey, Lighter," Harumasa said almost too low, "when I'm gone, will you take care of my pet cat? Her name is Kedama."
Taken back to a time in which their relationship was as fresh as the morning sun. One of their first dates as official boyfriend and boyfriend. At Port Elpis, of course.
Lighter, stunned by the question, didn't know how to really answer. Before accepting- because of course the one with a life of a ticking time bomb didn't dream of love- for obvious reasons- uh- Harumasa has warned him of the danger in loving him. EARS explained with every last detail. Lingering weight still laid on his chest even after the man accepted his uncontrollable flaw.
"I don't want to imagine you gone," he then admitted. "Had it ever come to it, I'd have you killed gently."
His boyfriend chuckled. It was short, but his eyes gazed off to the distant sea. "I don't want to imagine it either. Rather, I don't imagine it at all. I'm looking to what the moment has to offer. Well.. if I did.. there wouldn't be a lot to imagine considering my time and all.." Hearing it from him, it was an attempt to lighten up the conversation. Didn't work.
Deep down, Lighter wanted a reason he could say in full truth that he'd make it past twenty-six, then twenty-seven, soon thirty and beyond.
There wasn't any truth like that.
Asaba Harumasa, bound to death in a matter of a few years most likely, is the man he loves above all. The one he'd give all for just to know he'll make it to a hundred, like he promised to one oni.
If only he had 'all'.
15:38
Harumasa is an ethereal again. Lights flashing and people whispering, it all boiled down to one man.
"Isn't the guy that just turned from Section 6?"
"Monster! Everyone, run!"
"Stay away!!"
"Live now[...]"
"It's hideous!"
"Leave it to Section 6 to provide beasts."
No.. no.. no no no..
From the bottom of his core, he screamed with no words. It's not him, he's not an ethereal, Harumasa swears by it! Nobody will listen to him because nobody can.
"You're terrible," a voice called out. He knew it. The light rasp and the one he grew to love so much.. it was Lighter.
Lighter.. I'm terrible to him? Why.. I..
"You made me love a monster."
"Why didn't you stay longer?"
"Did you not even try to fight?"
"You broke my heart."
"You're more worthless than those I fought underground."
...
15:45
A sharp, terrified scream came from the main room. Without hesitation, Lighter rushed in, ready to fight an intruder.
Instead of an intruder, lo and behold, Harumasa breathing way too hard and barely making any actual air cone through his lungs. Another nightmare, but Lighter didn't know that.
"Princess?! Harumasa, talk to me." What was he even thinking? The poor guy can't even look at him.
Golden eyes darting all across the room met in the center, pained breaths hitching the moment he saw who was in front of him. "NO! PLEASE!" His cries broke the other's heart.
Kedama and Asaboo both made their own version of uncomfortable noises, not ever knowing how to help Harumasa.
In the heat of the moment, all Harumasa sees is a man he cherishes getting too close to an ethereal, a monster, him. Tears spilled as he realized the danger he causes. His ethereal self could slice up a random person in a heartbeat. It's too terrifying to want to deal with now.
"[...] breathe. Harumasa." Same voice from the dream but it felt.. real. "I'm not working with much, but please.."
It's real.
Ethereal him isn't.
Eyes focused, he's seeing the pair behind the sunglasses. Sunglasses he loves but aren't there anymore. A pair full of concern, not fear in a hollow.
They're in his apartment. Living, breathing, in his apartment on his couch. His body is his.
Slowly, his hyperventilating went away. Lighter met his red rimmed gaze and calmed down as well. Once their eyes met directly, he rubbed circles on his back until everything was over.
"..'m sorry," Harumasa mumbled apologetically in a barely audible kind of low, even when there's nothing to apologize for.
Voice hesitant, Lighter asked, "What was that?" It's the kind of question you don't want answered.
Asaboo, knowing, said, "Eh-nah nah. Nah eh-ne nah.. (Nightmare I think. He always has them in his sleep.)"
"..He's right. You were in it, Lighter. Saw me as an ethereal and everything.."
Silence lasted a while as Kedama broke it with a few purrs. Neither knew how to continue anymore.
Maybe Lighter needed to do something random. The girls say silence makes it too awkward. Apparently they were too right. Something random breaks it.
Resolved, the man lifted Harumasa bridal style and to the kitchen. There was a few dishes laid out that was enough for the both of them and just enough leftovers to not make any be forced down one's throat in order to not spoil it.
"I was practicing cooking all of this at once with the help of everyone back in Blazewood. It's a bit cold now, but you're my first priority." Side from the taste testing that never happened because none of them are fans of bitter melon, something that Harumasa treats like a seasoning that enhances every dish. Not even Asaboo likes bitter batteries.
The food made the dimmed golden light revert to its original state and glow maybe tenfold. "Aww Lighter, you know me too well!"
Anything to leave the nightmares and pain. Both want it and both know they'll face it soon, not now, soon. Harumasa is always an advocate for the present.
Commonly disliked bitterness entered his taste buds like he's getting a free sample to heaven. "Oh.. oh yeah, you nailed this. My heart is content with just one bite."
Their conversation lasted for hours, talking long after they're full. One topic being the Sons of Calydon, then Section 6, then trash people mainly from other sections. Food sat cold for a long while before finally entering the fridge. Asaboo wanted his grilled cheese-flavored batteries and Kedama got a refill personally from Harumasa.
Wise
If you're free the day after your birthday, me and Belle can definitely do something with you!
Lighter claimed all your time.
Still, happy birthday, Harumasa!
By the time he sees this, it'll probably be some awkward time on the day after his birthday.
21:01
Last round of medicine and pills for the day. Once again, Lighter mentally took note of what his partner had laid out on the counter once again, though he did question the bottle on the nightstand from earlier.
Fingers subconsciously interlaced in one another, they got on the bed together without a white furball taking it all up. She's come to terms that the occasional visitor was indeed a kind-hearted man worth her dad's love. Especially after his repeated nightmare came back to haunt once again.
"..Thank you, Lighter. Ya know? For choosing me despite everything." Harumasa is honestly still baffled someone can love him knowing his conditions. Being with his team, the managers, Lighter and his group, he's been shown so much love that leaves him in disbelief.
Arm hung over the smaller frame, Lighter quietly said, "I'd do it in every lifetime, every world, every given chance, I'll say yes. We all care, Princess."
"I guess this 'Princess' is clocking out for the day. I'm exhausted," he mumbled into his lover's neck.
"One thing."
Gesturing Harumasa to sit up, he complied and was met with small yet meaningful, deliberate kisses tracing over his neck. All the scars replaced with the sensation of his partner's love. By the time it ended, it left him blushing a deep red rivaling the crimson scarf Lighter wears with honor.
Two taps on the shoulder and Harumasa slowly turns his head back. Lighter pulled a present from thin air, handing it to the recipient. "Happy birthday, Princess. I don't think you've heard it enough. Open now or tomorrow morning. Actually- any time I can witness it."
"I'll do it now," he announced loud enough to get Asaboo's attention but not the sleeping cat.
Delicate and slow, Harumasa took the ribbon and let it fall with the tiniest tug. Arguably more satisfying was the top's clean slide off the box, Lighter overseeing his expression over his shoulder.
Inside was a brand new camera. The exact model Harumasa looked to in awe. Some social media kid blew up its popularity and then it became too hard to snag. FOMO or whatever. Guaranteed at least eighty percent of the people buying it are just rich people that can't even hold it properly.
"How did you-"
"Sorry, Princess, that's my secret," Lighter said with a shrug. For a brief second, he played pouty.
"Ah, whatever! Let's take a picture!"
Asaboo and Lighter were together near the bed and Harumasa took one from afar. Two seconds later he got Lighter in some weird hug, positioning each other so that the camera could fit all three that time.
His joy was all anyone would ever need to make it through the day. Screw whatever time they expect him to have, they have now. They'll cross the bridge when they don't have now in the distant future.
23:46
Lighter had one arm crushed by Harumasa's weight, probably going to lose circulation by tomorrow, another laying above that leaves him loosely hugging him. On the other hand, he's just curled into the taller guy, content with life.
There's not a day Lighter regrets falling in love with a 'short-term' relationship. It'll stay with him forever to his grave and past that.
It's because they love each other undoubtedly.