Work Text:
It all started with an off handed comment from Tsugeura
Overworking is never a good virtue.
So his closest friends decided a trip to the beach was in order. They had all been working hard to keep the streets safe from a rival gang that thought they could take Makochi for themselves.
Obviously that was never going to happen, but the group had an ample amount of skilled fighters. That alone is unusual, and meant Bofurin was all hands on deck.
Each patrol party had to have one exceptional fighter with them at all times. That meant Kiryuu, Tsugeura, Suo, Nirei and Sakura were always busy.
Sakura saw the exhaustion taking its toll on them, so he asked Ume to have another class cover their patrols for the week so they could take a real break.
Of course he agreed, along with giving an ample amount of compliments about how much he had grown as a leader. Sakura left the conversation red as a tomato.
So here they are, all of them in their swimsuits under umbrellas getting ready to jump in the water.
Sakura wouldn’t say he’s scared exactly, but the water does still freak him out. The last time he was at the beach was with the entire class 1-1, and he did his best to avoid swimming.
He still doesn’t know how, and even though his friends won’t make fun of him for it, the thought of admitting weakness recently puts him on edge.
They had been ridiculously over protective since the accident. Every time they get in a fight someone inevitably stays close ‘just in case something happens’.
It’s driving him crazy, and he doesn’t want to give them another reason to freak out about his safety. There is only so much mother henning he can take.
His talk with both Ume and Kotoha opened his eyes to the fact that his accident traumatized more than just him. They saw him close to death on a hospital bed, waiting weeks for him to open his eyes.
He knows that it was hard for them, but if Ume, the one most traumatized by far, can overcome his emotions to let Sakura live his life freely, then his friends can too.
The problem is, Sakura doesn't know how to address it with them. He can't just say get over it already. He won't dismiss their feelings like that. But at this point what else can he do?
He’s tried asking them to stop, but they refuse to listen.
When he went to his brother with his concerns his advice was both helpful and not.
“Acknowledge the hurt by validating their feelings, but also set your boundaries. You’re allowed to have limits on how you're willing to be treated.”
He ended up going down an internet rabbit hole on how to set boundaries. The overall consensus he found was to sit your loved one down to have an honest conversation, and to stand firm on his boundaries.
Unfortunately for him, this is a perfect opportunity to do just that. Besides swimming, that conversation has been keeping him up at night. He can't keep putting it off.
So once they are all settled he clears his throat to get their attention. Instantly all eyes are on him.
“I have something to talk to you guys about.” He starts awkwardly. “And I don't really know how to say it without being too harsh.”
Nirei, ever the supportive friend, immediately responds with, “You can tell us anything Sakura-san.”
Suo, always close behind his fellow vice-captian adds, “No matter what you have to tell us, we’ll listen.” He smiles and grabs his hand. “I know it's hard to express yourself sometimes, so just speak your mind.”
Kiryuu and Tsugeura both nod in agreement.
“Okay,” He starts. “I know that the accident was hard for everyone, not just me. But recently the hovering and protectiveness has been too much.”
He looks down while rubbing the back of his neck.
“I need to set a boundary.” He states firmly. “I’m alright. I did all of the hard work to get back to where I was before the accident, and I think I deserve to be treated like I used to be too. It feels like you don't trust me anymore, and that hurts.”
He raises his head to meet each of their gazes. “I need you guys to stop acting like I’m incapable of taking care of myself.”
They all wear varying degrees of shock. Suo’s expression seemed to be mixed with hurt, and a pang shot through Sakura’s chest.
He never wanted to hurt them with his words. But his feelings were just as important as theirs, and they can't read his mind.
Nirei was the first to break the silence, tears already welling in his eyes.
“Sakura-san, we never wanted you to feel like we don't trust you. It’s just-” He looks down. “We care about you so much, and seeing you hurt was terrible. I know I’m not alone in saying you mean the world to me. So now, when I see you jump into danger I can't help but feel afraid."
“I agree with Nirei, Sakura-chan.” Adds Kiryuu with a downcast expression. “But you're right. It's not fair to you when we get too protective. I know I wouldn't want to be treated like that.”
Tsugeura nods along before adding, “You're our fierce leader, I’ll do my best to respect your boundaries. That’s an important virtue afterall!”
He hesitantly looks over to Suo. When he sees the boy’s expression has smoothed out into his usual smile, something Sakura has learned over time is just a mask to hide his real emotions, he grabs his hand.
That breaks through some of the ice in his expression.
“Haruka-kun. I’m sorry I made you feel that way. I trust you with my life, and I would never doubt your strength.” He pauses to take a deep breath and looks Sakura directly in the eye. “I’ll do my best to stop hovering. You deserve to be treated like we would anyone else.”
Sakura senses that there is more to that then Suo is leading on, and expects they will have a longer conversation later in private, but for now it’s good enough.
He smiles bright at his friends, all of them looking dumbfounded. He doesn't grin like this often, but his heart feels so full he can't help it.
“Thanks guys. I really appreciate all of you.”