Sofatropefestbingo2021 - Tumblr Posts

my bingo card!

i just realized i forgot to post about this here but i decided to join the @seasons-of-anime-exchange​ this year and i got my bingo card a while ago! i’ve already started working on some drafts (will post next), it’s most likely that i will be writing about jujutsu kaisen for all the prompts (hehe) and ratings will vary

i don’t think there’s an actual tag for this event??? so i’ll just let you all know that on the blog i will be using the tag sofatropefestbingo2021

thank you mods for your hard work!! 

a sukufemita coming soon - to be nsfw

it was going to be a soft sukuna x cisfem itadori story but then it got really horny and pain/pleasure OOPS. will be posted on ao3 soon? here’s part of the draft so far

Update: Now complete!!

Tumblr - Ao3

Yuuji's pain tolerance isn't the worst (SukuIta Twins, nsfw)

Of Pain and Pleasure

Read on Ao3

Yuuji’s pain tolerance isn’t the worst

She supposes she has Sukuna and all the people he’s pissed off to thank for this. She knows she can handle any stray punches and kicks, the few that connect and draw some blood, even a crack of bone. She’s had a broken nose once after she saw some kids from another school gang up on her brother. She’d ran into the fight and had even taken down a few guys before she’d gotten distracted, a well aimed punch breaking her nose. Sukuna had been all smirks and grins but when he saw her stop to touch her face, surprise and slight pain pinching her features… she’d never been more afraid…or aroused

Yuuji doesn’t need anyone to protect her but the way Sukuna yelled and charged at everyone near her, nearly killed the guy who dared hurt her, made her giddy. The way he dragged her away after seeing nobody move from the dirty pavement, only for him to tuck them both away into an empty alley, push her against the wall, trap her to his more muscled body and kiss her face, lick the blood, mutter threats he’d already fulfilled, only made her ache. She could feel the arousal making her clench her walls, eager for the reward pressing insistently into her mound

She’d been wearing her school uniform so it was easy work for Sukuna to part her legs, pull her panties aside, and thrust his fingers into her leaking cunt. She wasn’t sure if the dizziness she’d felt was from the pain or the pleasure, her hands already at his pants, pulling, guiding, and they’d fucked there, not able to wait until they got home. She remembers the adrenaline still running through both of them as she marked his neck and he pounded into her, his fingers gripping her thighs enough to bruise, and they did, she’d seen the marks later, felt them for days

They’d gotten home eventually, she’s not sure, but she thinks she passed out

----

Sukuna got into the habit of flicking her nose as it healed, touching the aches where a few hits met their mark. She’d hiss and yell at him, tried to flick his hand away, but he’d only grabbed her face in a vice, Nobody else is allowed to mark you. If you don’t like it then don’t let them hurt you again

He must have sensed her lust because he made some excuse about going to take her to the nurses office to the teacher, and then he’d pulled her away to the old building, to one of the bathrooms that was hardly used. She remembers a senpai that said it was rumoured to be haunted, that nobody ever came by for that reason, but if someone did want to wander and test their courage, well, classes were back in session, the lunch bell having already rang while Sukuna had led her away

She hadn’t even waited for him to turn around when she dropped to her knees. He only smirked while leaning against the door, someone’s really feeling it today, desperate for big brother’s cock today?

Yes yes yes

Someone might hear us, don’t you want to move further inside?

But she’d already been undoing his belt, pulling at his button, and when she finally had what she wanted in sight, she nearly moaned, probably sighed. He was only half hard, but she knew how to fix that, pulled him into her mouth, stroked him and sucked until she couldn’t fit him all inside, until she had to stroke the base and could feel her spit dribble down her chin, the same way she felt her underwear get wet with how aroused she was

Fuck, you really are feeling it today, Sukuna groaned and tangled his fingers into her long hair, Ready for more? I’m going to fuck that pretty little mouth of yours

She’d moaned long at that, had pulled off to take a breath and then let him do as he pleased, let Sukuna push so far into her mouth she could feel his pubes brush against her mouth, the head of his dick touch the back of her throat. She’s sure she gagged a few times but he kept going and she only clutched at his pants, delirious from the pain and the pleasure. Oh god how she loved this

She wanted him to come in her mouth but even in times like this, Sukuna liked to think about her. He pulled off slowly, his eyes following the way her spit and his precum connected them and then, with enough distance, severed the connection. She licked her lips, making a show of swallowing but Sukuna had other plans. He rubbed himself along her face, the bandages on her nose and she flinched slightly before sticking out her tongue to lick at his passing shaft

He guided himself back towards her lips, slowly, the tip pressing in slightly into her waiting mouth, only to pop off and messily glide along her cheek

She was soaking and so close, just a single touch was sure to have her coming

He pulled her up, pushing her further into the bathroom, kissing her neck, wrapping his arms around her waist so there was no space between them, she could feel him between her heated thighs as they moved and he whispered between kisses, Fuck, you’re so beautiful, taking my cock like a good little slut, I bet you want more, right?

Yes yes more please

A particularly nasty bite pushed her across the edge and she felt herself come, her hands clutching at the arm he had across her body, her voice unfiltered as she cried out his name. Her thighs clenching and she could hear the little breath he let out near her ear, she loosened up her legs and could feel how Sukuna rubbed up against her clothed lips, smearing her arousal along his tip, pressing but not penetrating. She whined at his teasing

He only chuckled into her ear, patience

He rubbed her stomach softly as he positioned her against a sink. It was small, only enough for her to hold on but she could see why he chose this particular sink – the mirrors. There was the typical sized one in front of the sink and the one to the right, the full length mirror. He was watching her from the front as he pulled her shirt from her skirt, unbuttoned it so slowly, his fingers teasing across her skin, her nipples hard and hairs alight as he pulled it off her shoulders. He was aware enough to leave it against the next sink, to not let it get dirty. She bent forward, opening her legs some more, knowing he was at his limit as well, but Sukuna just touched her softly, unclasped her bra. That didn’t get the same treatment as her top

She could feel his lips along her back and she looked up into the mirror, saw the bit of blood staining her bandage and she wasn’t sure if it happened when he grabbed her face during lunch or fucked her mouth just a moment ago

He pulled her underwear off and it piled by her ankles, soaked through. She moaned as he circled around with his tip and she tried to move her hips back against him, to get him inside but he kept pulling back right when she could feel him pass her lips, Sukuna! Stop playing, I need you to –

He pushed right in to the hilt and didn’t stop. She gasped at the feeling, could feel herself having trouble keeping her breathing in check and she was this close to ripping that bandage off her face, would have probably attempted to if Sukuna wasn’t pounding into her, forcing her to keep a tight hold on the sink

Ah yeah baby just like that, tighten up for big brother, fuck, yeah just like that

Her head was bowed, the slight thumping noise that it made as it hit the mirror joining the sounds of her gasping, moans, Sukuna’s grunts and curses, the wet glide of him thrusting into her. Her chest was also bumping against the faucet handles, the cold surface only a light reprieve from her heated body. She could feel another orgasm coming, was clenching tighter, her legs loosing strength, when Sukuna stopped. She nearly sobbed, whined his name, begged him to continue, tried to get him to move by tightening up but he only slipped out, his breathing labored

His hands loosened on her hips (bruises, she was sure to have more again) and then moved up her stomach towards her breasts

Not like that Yuuji, I need you upright, I need you to watch me fuck you, I want you to see what a mess you are, so pretty

He held them in his hands gently and pulled her upright, turned her toward the full length mirror. Her face was a mess, the blood having stained more of the bandage, but not enough to be worrisome. Her hair was sticking up thanks to the sweat she’d worked up, her face red. He moved her hair to her left shoulder and kissed her softly, teased along her arm and she was afraid he’d let her come while empty again. He took her hand in his and placed it against the mirror’s surface and she realized how her fingers had trouble flattening, her grip so tight on the sink they’d locked up. Sukuna soothed them and she closed her eyes, enjoyed the sensation of his skin on hers

Ready?

Mhm

He entered her again, gave a few slow thrusts before picking up the pace. She watched how concentrated he was behind her, how he bit his lips, couldn’t help but notice how her breasts jumped at every thrust, the visible clenching of her abdomen. She wanted to take off the skirt, wanted to see Sukuna’s every thrust, but didn’t want him to leave again. She gave a needy whine and Sukuna must have realized what she wanted because, with clumsy but deft fingers, he pulled her skirt up, pushed it to the side, into her waistline, and she could see her needy sex, could see the strain in his legs as he pushed deeper, his thrusts coming harder and she pushed slightly against the mirror to keep upright

She could feel herself on the precipice again and she tried to keep looking just like Sukuna wanted, but the pleasure was too much and soon she was bent over again, gasping. Sukuna didn’t complain this time, his thrusts getting erratic as well, his breathing louder. They were both so close

S-Sukuna, inside, come inside, d-don’t fucking, ah, don’t leave me empty, come please

She knew what she was asking for was dangerous, knew he hadn’t used a condom this time, but she was so desperate, wanted to feel him fill her up, to feel the warmth of his cock as she came, she wanted to clench around his girth. She wanted to milk him dry. She came with a cry, nearly a wail, her organism hitting so hard she was sure she lost consciousness for a second, nearly drowning out the sound of Sukuna right behind her, yelling out yes baby fuck Yuuji so tight before coming with a groan

His hips stuttered and she could feel his come, warm, and making everything filthier. He kept thrusting shallowly, sensitive from his own organism but wanting to chase the pleasure for as long as he could. She winced at her own oversensitivity but didn’t tell him to stop

Then he stilled, slumping into her back, his arm going around her waist again, helping keep them both upright, the mirror fogging up where they both lay their heads

She couldn’t help the quiet laugh that escaped her, I think I know why this place is haunted

----

Cleanup was a bitch

Sukuna was thorough with his mouth and had enough sense to be careful around her clit. It seemed he also had enough sense to bring a pack of wipes with him but had decided not to use them in lieu of having a taste first. He also used his undershirt, which wasn’t in the best conditions (all things considered), as a cloth to wipe down their perspiration. Her underwear was a lost cause and she felt uncomfortable with how damp it was after she’d run it through the faucet and the blow drier, but she’d rather that then go around without panties

Sukuna was also vehemently opposed and at least they agreed on something

They eventually made it to the nurses office where the nurse cleaned up her face, the dark shadows under her eyes doing nothing to conceal how she looked back and forth between the two

You shouldn’t keep pestering her wound or it won’t heal correctly, then we’ll have a Yuuji with a scar on her face

Sukuna only feigned indifference, yeah yeah

And of course he didn’t listen and of course Yuuji indulged him, indulged herself, and Nobara only shook her head at the light scar left across her nose

----

OMAKE

Yuuji gave up on trying to cover up her neck with makeup soon after Sukuna gave her her first hickey. Nobara had quickly picked up on the “loss of virginity” glow and even Megumi had noticed, staring for an extra second before meeting her embarrassed stare. That felt like ages ago. Her sex life wasn’t a secret with her friends although her partner was. Both Sukuna and her knew what they were doing wasn’t exactly right or legal, but they lived on their own so keeping it on the low was…surprisingly easy

She supposed her family situation and the fact that they were twins made their closeness easier to explain, made it believable to others

So when she asked Nobara for some pills the next day she didn’t even bat an eye before giving her the little bottle Yuuji had been banking on to keep things in order. She made a face after taking it, disliking the nausea the pill usually came with but hating the idea of an unplanned pregnancy

“You don’t usually need these, get too exciting last night,” Nobara teased while she reapplied her makeup. They were in the bathroom close to homeroom

Yuuji hadn’t yet mastered how to keep from blushing so her face instantly flooded with blood, “A little.” She turned on the water and made a futile attempt to cool down by placating her hair

Nobara only watched her from the side, an amused hum leaving her lips, “Has Sukuna seen that already?”

Yuuji glanced at her neck, “Yeah, it’s fine.” More than fine really, the way he’d pretty much cuddled into her neck last night, kissed her gently

“Really? He’s been in such a bad mood over your nose, I thought for sure he’d be all pissy over this too,” she started to put her things into her bag as the bell rang, “But I guess he can’t talk, he’s always covered in hickeys too, must be tough having such a stud as a brother. Does he ever bring anyone home?”

Yuuji made a face of disgust at Nobara, “Hell no, and if he did they’d both be eating pavement.”

Nobara only laughed as they walked out, “Oh I’d pay to see that! I bet you’re the only person he’d let beat him up.”

----

A/N:

I was planning to write some soft nsfw but it turned into this filth, enjoy it! Also, this is my first time writing vaginal sex so hopefully it's not too cringe 😬😬 This is the first work I've officially written for the Seasons of Anime Trope Fest Bingo (although it’s been in my drafts for a bit longer)

The prompt is genderswap

This was also originally going to be able Yuuji's period but uhhhh it became a different kind of pain pleasure story (period story HERE)

Been thinking about female Yuuji a lot recentlly

And then I started thinking about SukuIta that work at a cafe on different shifts and Yuuji is so cute and friendly she gets hit on often and Sukuna 1) hears about it but also 2) gets hit on when customers think she's him from behind the counter (they see pink and think Yuuji!!) And OF COURSE Sukuna gets upset but he doesn't really do anything at first, he's like whatever, Yuuji is his but then he hears that some people are getting bolder, touching Yuuji's hand when they get their drinks, asking for her number, requesting her specifically to get their stuff, it's busiest when she's there, so he starts staking his claim

To be written?!?! For the trope Fest Bingo, I'm pretty sure cafe AU is somewhere?! Oh man ideas

He was in his second year of university when he met Reigen (ReiMob, same age AU)

One Semester

Read on Ao3

Mob wouldn't really describe himself as insecure. Or at least not anymore.

He remembers his middle school years and how he'd always stutter and choke on his thoughts and words, especially anything regarding his childhood sweetheart Tsubomi. But there were many events in his short esper life that had helped him grow and before he knew it, he'd graduated high school and finally started university, and all of those insecurities had stayed in his past. Of course, that didn't mean he wasn't insecure sometimes even as an adult. Sometimes, when his new friends would invite him out, he'd stand in front of his bedroom mirror and ponder what to wear, unsure if he should put more effort into his looks. At other times, when, as Ekubo so kindly assured him he was being hit on he'd feel a flush on his face, confused as to why this could be true, and he'd once more trip over his words, but it was nothing compared to how he felt now

He was in his second year of university when he met Reigen

Normally, their classes wouldn't overlap since Reigen was a senior and in the business department, and Mob was still taking beginner classes as an undecided major, but they'd somehow picked the same elective course, and, Reigen with his affability, had pretty much charmed everyone. Especially Mob

So much that during their first month of classes together, Mob was sure he'd never been more embarrassed. His being an esper wasn't exactly a secret and he'd never particularly enjoyed showing off, especially after Tsubomi had lost interest in his powers, so he had kind of panicked when he'd lost a bit of control and made all the desks in the room float. Not even Ekubo's voice had been able to penetrate the haze he'd apparently been in. It was Reigen's exclamation that had brought him back to Earth, and with him, the desks as well, all of them falling with roaring thuds. Luckily nobody had been hurt, but Mob had been so sick, he'd missed the rest of his classes and even decided to skip the next day

He remembers Ritsu at his door trying to coax him out

Ekubo was the one who managed to get Mob back to class, that business kid, the one you like, he wants to see you

He really didn't want to, but he was also curious. His heart was racing, not just from the nervousness of seeing the guy he was currently crushing on (he remembers Ekubo's shocked face when Mob blushed during their introduction on their first day. He'd gone over to him and nearly screamed, Are you serious?! This one?!), but from the uncertainty of their conversation. What did Reigen want to tell him? Why did he want to see him? Was he mad? Upset? He was in business, Mob wasn't sure what career path, but perhaps he...Mob felt something get stuck in his throat...wanted to s-sue him? Damages? He vaguely remembers something similar happening when he was younger

Trying to figure out the reason was tougher than a test question with the "all or none of the above" option. Ekubo just picked his nose, claiming he didn't know either. He'd just heard the kid asking about Mob, but no he didn't seem upset

Mob had somehow sat through his classes, all of them, even as he felt a penetrating gaze at his back. After his classes, he'd walked to the quad and sat at a bench by the library entrance, waiting

"Mob!" he heard his name called out and when he looked up, there he was

Mob hadn't known Reigen for long, but the few times he'd seen him, Reigen was always wearing a suit. He'd never understood adults who wore them. They seemed constricting and stuffy, but the way Reigen looked in his suits somehow fit. The suits also made him look a bit older, more precise, and when he spoke, it seemed to give him more authority. People always listened to him, enraptured, not just by his voice but his body language, the flow of his hands, his confident stare

By then, perhaps because it was near the end of the day, the sun was nearly setting, Reigen had changed. He wasn't wearing a suit. Instead, he wore a white t-shirt and some grey sweatpants, a pair of sneakers on his feet. His hair was also slightly messy and Mob wasn't sure which Reigen he liked best, this one that looked softer and his rightful age, or the suited and more mature one

He barely registered Ekubo's, ugh, I'm heading home

"Hey," Reigen greeted him and Mob only nodded, then reminded himself that this was his chance to properly speak with him!

"H-Hi," he stuttered and felt his cheeks flush. Reigen only grinned

"I'm glad you came back to class. I thought maybe you'd drop the course. You seemed kind of...well, not okay that day when you left." There was an unspoken question in the air and Mob felt his body heat up remembering what happened. He swallowed the lump in his throat

"I'm o-okay," he assured, "I don't normally..." he made vague movements with his hands, "I was just d-distracted. It won't..." he took a deep breath to calm himself, "It won't happen again."

Reigen seemed to deflate a bit, "Wait, seriously? But that was so cool!"

Mob felt his heart skip a beat but he stayed firm, "I could have hurt someone."

Reigen frowned slightly, not upset, more so thoughtfully. He angled his hips for a moment, his hand on his chin, and then straightened out with a smile, "Hey, I know! Why don't you practice your powers with me!"

Mob could feel this was a bad idea, but the way Reigen's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm and knowing that they'd be interacting more if he said yes...

"O-okay," was his mumbled reply

----

After that, the two of them saw each other more frequently "to train" Mob's esper powers. He actually had stopped using his powers in middle school, preferring to hone his body and mind (or at least attempt to), which is probably why he struggled with some of the tasks Reigen gave him. Or perhaps it was because it was Reigen talking to him, smiling at him, touching his arm, throwing his arm around his shoulder, taking him out to eat, that had Mob at his limits. But if anything good came out of this, and Mob could list a few things, it was that Mob got used to Reigen. He still felt himself get nervous around the confident man, but at least he could speak without stuttering

The activities that Reigen came up with were usually childish and easy (like the time Reigen had Mob levitate some desks while he played loud music and sang along. He remembers Ekubo screaming about his ears and ok, Mob had to admit that Reigen couldn't hold a tune but he'd found it cute so while his ears did hurt for a bit, it was worth it. Or the time Reigen tried to tickle him while he concentrated on making water bubbles, except he wasn't ticklish. Mob would have counted this as a victory but then Ekubo went ahead and loudly exclaimed, careful, he's going to put his hands into your pants and Reigen's hands were a bit close to the edge of his pants and his concentration completely unbalanced and the water bubbles splashed them both. Ekubo couldn't stop laughing at how red Mob had gotten), so instead of training, Mob would often feel like they were just...hanging out

Ekubo would just roll his eyes, Shigeo, sometimes I wonder how you're twenty, you're so naive

He didn't really understand what Ekubo was trying to tell him but he knew these feelings for Reigen weren't "naive" or at least not always. He remembered the time Reigen, so perceptive, had noticed that Mob often "spaced out". Reigen had been slurping on some noodles, the broth getting all over his face and some, Mob noticed, sprinkling onto the table they sat at. "Not sure what's going on, but it's like, you're going to think I'm crazy, but it seems like you're listening to someone talk to you."

And Mob had confessed that that was exactly what he'd been doing. Reigen nearly choked from the excitement on his face, "Ghosts are real?! Can I talk to him?"

Ekubo hadn't liked the idea. For some reason, he'd never particularly liked Reigen and Mob had yet to figure out why, If he can't see me, he can't see me. Probably doesn't have even a spark of power. Mob had relayed the message and Reigen had just shrugged. He'd seemed nonchalant about the topic, but Mob, after spending so many evenings with him, had noticed the slight droop of his frame

After eating, the two decided to walk back to the dorms, but right before parting, Mob had taken Reigen's hand. Reigen had just looked at him curiously and Mob hoped and prayed his hands wouldn't suddenly start sweating too much, "I have an idea."

Mob pushed some of his own power into Reigen. He wasn't sure if it would work, but it was because of his own power that Ritsu's had manifested. Perhaps Ekubo was right and Reigen didn't have any abilities, but perhaps he did. Or perhaps he could temporarily share his own, just a tiny bit

Reigen's eyes grew wide as he felt Mob's esper powers flow into him and he couldn't help the grin and exclamation that escaped his lips, "He's a green blob! Can I touch him?"

Without waiting for a response or releasing Mob's hand, Reigen reached out towards Ekubo, who was Not Amused, "Hey! Hands off kid!" he floated behind Mob, "Shigeo, keep him away or I'll possess him!"

"Shigeo?" Reigen tilted his head, "He calls you by your first name?"

Mob felt his hand warm at the sound of his name coming from Reigen. He knew Reigen wasn't technically calling him but just hearing his name coming from his crush...he felt the butterflies again. Butterflies that quickly turned into a burning sensation as he imagined Reigen calling him Shigeo in a different context. He pulled his hand away and wiped them on his pants, having felt them start to sweat and become clammy. His face was red, he could feel it, but could also feel Ekubo's stare, Reigen's stare...it was too much and he excused himself. It was late, he had to go to bed, they had class the next morning

----

Sharing his power with Reigen was experimental. He hadn't ever done that before and he wasn't sure what the consequences would be. In the end, Reigen develops the ability to see Ekubo without Mob's help. There aren't any other spirits in the area so they can't really test out if perhaps Reigen can see or sense others. They decide that can be an experiment for another day. Instead, Reigen tries to befriend Ekubo, which doesn't exactly turn out well, but the two of them are civil. Mob is glad since Ekubo is his friend and Reigen, well, he likes Reigen

They become busier with school work as the semester starts coming to an end. All the teachers have surely conspired and Mob has too many final projects to go out with Reigen like they used to. This also means Reigen is busier since he's also taking his business core classes.

On the night of their last class, Reigen sends him a text, meet me at the quad

Mob checks the time, it's almost midnight, but he doesn't hesitate to put on a hoodie, slip on the closest pair of jeans, and head out. The moon is bright as he walks the block to the quad and a few people walk past him, taking a night stroll or heading home after a night of last-minute submissions. He doesn't pay much attention to them and when he finally reaches the quad, he sees a figure sitting on the ground, looking up at the sky. Reigen is wearing a sweatshirt and sweatpants. There's a curious design on the shirt that reminds Mob of Ekubo and he wonders if maybe Reigen bought it because of that. He smiles

"Reigen," he calls out, announcing his presence. Reigen leans back, tilting his head and smiles, patting the space beside him. Mob sits down, listens to the night creatures and the sound of the few cars passing by the school, the engines quiet and almost soothing. A few voices reach them but they are far enough away where the words don't register. It's a peaceful night

There is a sense of dread building in Mob's stomach. They only really started to hang out when they started taking this class, when Mob showed his powers, and while he now had Reigen's contact information, a part of him wondered if this was the end. Maybe Reigen wouldn't want to hang out with him anymore.

Mob wasn't usually this pessimistic but Ekubo had been kind enough to remind him that Reigen, if anything, was only interested in his powers, And you already showed him all you can do. He's probably gotten bored. For a moment, Mob wishes he had used his powers when he was younger, done what Ritsu and Ekubo had told him, but it's a thought that comes and goes. The use of his powers was something he has always been firm about and while these last few weeks have been fun and nothing has happened, Ritsu is the prime example that something can always go bad

After a while, Reigen finally speaks and Mob thinks that maybe there's sadness in his voice, "Today was the last day of classes, submissions too. Gah! I can't believe they didn't give us until the weekend, grades aren't even due until a few weeks from now."

"They do have to grade everything," he commented, not especially caring about the topic. If he had more time, there really wouldn't have been much of a difference

Reigen lets himself fall onto the ground, "I doubt they actually grade everything. There's too much!"

He's not expecting an answer and Mob doesn't really know what to say so they end up in silence again but only for a moment. Reigen turns to him, "Lay down next to me."

Mob feels himself grow warm under his sweater but does as Reigen says. They both lie on the grass and he knows and feels how close their hands are to touching. Ekubo had decided not to join them and he's glad for that. He's sure he would comment on how Mob is blushing, how loud his heart is beating, how his fingers twitch in anticipation, hoping there will be an excuse, anything, for them to close the distance (but of course, he can't really think of anything, the last time they held hands was because Reigen started running and didn't want to leave Mob behind, before that it was to check and see if Mob had started bleeding after falling, before that to forcefully hand him his payment for the ramen they had after classes, and before that-)

Reigen holds his hand. His hand is clammy and warm and soft, Is he nervous too? His heart is in his throat and ears and maybe even on his palm and he wonders if Reigen can feel it beating so quickly

"Hey Mob," he says softly, he's turned to look at Mob

Mob does the same, "Yes?" And he just stares at Mob for a moment and seems to nod to himself

"I, I don't usually eavesdrop you know," he started, "but I saw you with Ekubo the other day. I heard him saying...I heard him say I only hang out with you because of your powers." Mob feels Reigen squeeze his hand tighter, "So I decided not to see you this past week. I mean, I was also busy with school work and you were too but I was thinking too and I wanted to tell you something."

Mob can't look away and he nods, letting Reigen know he's listening, that he can continue.

Reigen takes a deep breath, "I like you!"

It's so sudden and loud that Mob freezes in place, his pulse skyrocketing, the confession echoing in his mind and he's confused as to how they went from talking about Ekubo and his powers, to suddenly being confessed to. Reigen looks down at their hands and just smiles, moves his fingers away and Mob doesn't want that. He feels like he can breathe again and he nervously grabs Reigen's retreating hand.

It's his turn now, "I-I like you!...too."

It's quiet for a moment and then Reigen laughs, his body relaxes, and he threads their fingers together, "I'm so glad! I'm so happy, can you feel it?" He's moved their hands onto his chest and Mob can feel how fast his heart is beating. Exactly like his

"Mine too," he confesses.

Reigen grins at him, leaves their hands on his chest but rearranges them so that it's more comfortable, "This is the best day," he all but whispers. Mob only catches it because he can't look away

"You know, the first time I saw you, I thought you were so cool," Reigen confesses, "Well, you're still cool but you're also really cute."

Mob feels like he's burning up again, "The time with the desks?"

Reigen turns to him, a bit of a blush on his face, and Mob is fascinated. Reigen doesn't really blush, not even when he gets nervous (not that he gets nervous often, he's very confident and knowledgeable), "Well, about that...actually, this is going to sound kind of weird but...that wasn't the first time I saw you..."

And now Mob is confused because he's pretty sure he would remember someone like Reigen

"You went to Salt Middle School, right?" he doesn't wait for Mob to answer but Mob nods, "Well, I have a friend who went there, and I went to see him. There was some event going on, I just remember a marathon, but he was faking being sick and kind of left me alone. I know, what kind of friend does that, right? Well, I was just walking around and I somehow ended up watching everyone run and then I saw you. Your knee was bleeding but you had this really determined look in your eyes, I think I heard someone say you eventually passed out but I really thought you were cool. That same friend mentioned you got into this university and I thought maybe we could be friends. Well, that was before I actually saw you."

He's grins at Mob, "After I saw you I knew I wanted to date you."

"D-Date?" Mob croaks out but then he pauses, that's the logical next step, right? If they both like each other then...

"Are we boyfriends now?" he asks quietly.

Reigen sits up and turns to Mob, "That's what I forgot! Yes! Do you want to be my boyfriend Shigeo Kageyama?"

Mob smiles. He sits up too, "Yes."

----

OMAKE (One year later)

Reigen finishes up the tidying and turns to Mob who is setting up the "counter" where he will mainly be taking payments. They don't have a lot in terms of starting capital so everything they've bought or scrounged up are the bare essentials. Reigen starts, "You know, you don't have to stop going to school. You could help part-time. I don't want your scary brother to think I stole you away or something."

Mob can't help but let out a small laugh at the almost accurate accusation, "It's okay, I talked to him about it, and my family too. I didn't really know what I wanted to continue studying so this works out." He'd finally finished up his electives, leaving him no wiggle room for classes. His counselor had scheduled a meeting with him and pretty much said that if he didn't have a career path in mind, it was best to just take a break. School was expensive and Mob's grades had never been great. He'd taken a break and in that time Reigen had finished his own degree

Ekubo comes in through the window, "Shigeo, you sure you want to be part of this shady business? Spirits and Such Consultations? Sounds like a con-gig to me."

Reigen claps loudly, "Not conning people! We're really going to help some people out. Mob can exorcise spirits and if there aren't any spirits involved, we just find a solution to what's bothering them. Here are some fliers." He hands a stack to Mob and then looks at Ekubo, "Well, I guess you can't pass these around. That's fine."

Ekubo sighs, "I wouldn't even if I had a body. Shigeo, we're going to get shut down."

"Not all businesses are successful the first time! We just have to be flexible, right Mob?"

Mob nods, and pulls Reigen into a back hug. He's sure everything will work out. Reigen is passionate and hardworking, and Mob is willing to match that dedication with his own love.

There's a knock on the door and they all scramble, even Ekubo.

"Our first customer!" "I can't believe someone actually came in here!" "I'll get some tea started!"

Reigen calls out that the door is unlocked and three kids come inside. They're all wearing the same uniform, a baseball one Reigen notes, and they look so different in personality it's almost jarring, but a customer is a customer. He gestures towards the "sitting area" and as they all settle down, he begins...

"Welcome to Spirits and Such Consultation, what can we do for you guys?"

One of them looks like he's already fallen asleep and the smallest looks over to the brown-haired kid and nudges his leg.

"Well, you see..."

---

A/N:

OMG it's been AGES since I last wrote in this fandom!!

I hope you guys enjoyed and that I wasn’t too rusty...!

Some notes + I like to play around with ages but this is the first time I've done a same age AU + GOD I hope they're not TOO ooc (but they probably are *cries*) + I originally had this other idea with ghosts but then this one won out

“I thought you were feeling sick, this will only make it worse, just go to sleep.” But she doesn’t want to sleep (SukuIta Twins, nsfw)

Period Pains

Read on Ao3

If anyone were to ask Yuuji if she had a high pain tolerance she would roll her eyes and respond with a resounding Duh, having a delinquent brother who doesn’t give two cents about her getting punched in the face means she’s built up a tolerance. Not that she gets punched in the face all that often but it has happened once or twice, well, maybe twice or thrice

Which is why she doesn’t understand why she always feels like crying when her period comes around. It’s not even that painful and yet she always has trouble keeping straight at the worst of moments and one time she couldn’t even get out of bed

She’s on her third day, which means she’s not bleeding as much but that’s probably only because her body is busy tearing away at her insides for stuff to expel. She pulls up her underwear, flushes the toilet, and cleans up before slowly heading to the bed where Sukuna is laying, his tattooed skin on display, his lips turned down into a frown

It’s a slow process but she lays next to him and rests her head on his chest, wincing and curling into herself at intervals before semi-relaxing. Sukuna just runs his fingers along her back until the sharp pains recede

That’s how it usually is. The pains come and go but even when they go, there’s a soreness that stays

She runs her hands up Sukuna’s chest then back down towards his stomach, going further down and slower after each swipe. On the third stroke, her fingers brush one of his nipples and then goes down, touches the top of his waistband, rubs at the little hairs, pulls teasingly. She circles around his stomach before descending once more, this time touching his (she’s happy to note) half-erect dick

Sukuna grabs her hand and places it up on his pec. She can hear the worry in his voice, “I thought you were feeling sick, this will only make it worse, just go to sleep.”

But she doesn’t want to sleep. There’s a hollowness she feels, a need to feel him closer, as close as they can be and she whispers into his chest, “I want to have sex.”

She winces a bit but pulls her leg over his, straddling his leg, all while pressing kisses to any patch of skin she can reach without actually hovering over him. She’s too tired for that, she wants him and his weight over her. She bites around his nipple before taking it into her mouth, her teeth scraping it, her hips slowly thrusting against his leg, the quiet sound of the bed moving and her pad rustling lulling her. She leaves his nipple to move upward, makes sure to drag her lips and mouths at his collarbone, biting and sucking

He finally lets go of her hand and trembles at her attention, sighs escaping his lips. He pulls her leg up higher, turns slightly into her, and rubs against her thigh. Yuuji feels her nipples tighten in arousal but she’s not entirely sure if the dampness she feels between her thighs is her getting wet or her bleeding. Perhaps it’s a bit of both

He moves his face to bury into her neck, placing a soft kiss onto her skin, “Are you sure?”

She doesn’t say anything, just nods, and guides Sukuna’s hand to pull off her underwear. She briefly worries about staining the sheets but the thought disappears when Sukuna lays her on her back and places his body over hers, his weight a welcome comfort. She places her arms around his neck, needing to feel close, to hug him. He’s nestled between her legs and she feels a burn at her center, “Kiss me.”

Sukuna complies, his lips tender on hers, chaste even, until she whines for something deeper. She closes her eyes, enjoying the feeling of his breath, his tongue, his lips in her mouth, but also trying to focus. The pain is returning and suddenly she feels like pushing Sukuna away, of closing her legs and just crawling into a ball under the covers. She feels like crying. She resists the urge but breaks their contact, needing to breathe, to swallow the feeling away

She moves to take Sukuna in hand, pumps him a few times, feels the dampness on her hand, moans at the feeling of his desire. She loves pleasuring him, loves the things he can do to her. He pulls away from her embrace but not before kissing her cheek. He’s even more impressive sitting up and she watches, entranced, as he puts on a condom. When he moves his hands towards her core she stops him, shaking her head, “No, just put it in, it’s okay.”

He watches her carefully and she can tell he knows she’s not okay. She smiles, “Please.”

He frowns but complies. He lines up at her entrance, both his hands holding her hips softly but firmly, and she swallows, unconsciously holding her breath. He’s only touched her folds, parted them by millimeters she’s sure, when she feels the discomfort. She whines and can no longer keep a smile. Sukuna stops, watching her closely and she takes in a deep breath, wincing, “Please, don’t stop.” Her voice has gone tearful

He moves slowly into her, lets her breath, brushes her hips with tenderness he only shows in moments like this, and by the time he’s fully inside, she’s crying. She’s surprised and grateful he’s still erect

They don’t move for what feels like an eternity. An eternity where Sukuna moves closer, cleans off her tears, whispers into her ear to breath, to take her time, it’s okay, let’s take it slow, how are you feeling? You’re so beautiful, do you want another kiss?

She makes a noise and he’s kissing her again

Her legs feel like lead and the discomfort is in her throat again, but she doesn’t want to stop. He’s filled her just right and as he slowly moves into her again and again, she feels the hollowness leave her

----

OMAKE

Yuuji opens her eyes slowly, slightly disoriented. She’s not sure how or when she went back to sleep but she’s on her side again, her underwear back on, and, she notices, the sheets changed. She looks down at the body she is holding, Sukuna’s head nestled into her chest, his arms loosely around her waist. She smiles, tightening her hold slightly, and whispers, “I love you.”

Sukuna grunts and mumbles, “G’da sleep ‘ji.”

----

A/N:

do you guys remember my other story "of pain and pleasure"? yes well, this is where that one sprouted from! this was the idea i had originally and it finally got written, it's very different to what i usually write so uhm, enjoy? let me know what you think?

p.s. i didn't really think about the setting since that wasn't my priority for this but i did imagine the two of them aged up and living together

Gift for aliquoten: Tsukishima closes his eyes and falls into a restless slumber (sofa’21)

Restless

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Tsukishima can’t sleep. Actually, he hasn’t been able to sleep well for the past few days, but this is the first time he’s opened his eyes to see him sleeping. The reason behind his insomnia. The room is dark, they always close the blinds every night, but it’s slowly approaching sunrise and some of those lights are starting to peek into their room.

Hinata is lying completely still next to him. It’s so different from the excitable and human version he (and everyone) sees during the waking hours.

Since Hinata doesn’t usually have to sleep, it’s rare for Tsukishima to see him in this state. After all, why would vampires need to sleep? He can see Hinata rolling his eyes at him, Everyone needs to rest every now and then, even people like me! He remembers Hinata’s stories of how he used to have a younger sister and they’d both end up sharing a futon sometimes, their limbs sprawled all over the bedding but also spilling out onto the hardwood floors of their traditional Japanese home. Their mother would find them snoring loudly in the mornings, their bellies uncovered, I don’t really remember what it felt like, to sleep like that, but sometimes I remember feeling happy you know? So I miss it. I can’t really snore anymore since I don’t need to breathe

No, he doesn’t. Instead, Hinata’s slumber is still, dark, and Tsukishima would usually panic if he woke up to someone so still and cold sleeping next to him, but this is somehow a comfort to him. He knows anything can easily wake up Hinata but his hand moves before he can think and he places it into Hinata’s, holding the lifeless limb

Hinata doesn’t move so he’s either truly dead to the world or he’s humoring Tsukishima

Tsukishima closes his eyes and falls into a restless slumber.

---

They have been living together for five years. Tsukishima doesn’t believe in forever. He knows that things change for one reason or another, but he feels like this could be it and it scares him that Hinata will just stare at him in silence when he talks about something longer. Or that his answers will carry some uncertainty. He’ll still be exuberant, but his eyes will shift, his hands will randomly start to play with something as a distraction, and Tsukishima wonders if maybe he’s the only one that wants forever

But Hinata truly has forever. He’s changed his life numerous times. Forever to him means a timed life, I haven’t lived everywhere in Japan yet but I’ve visited every place I can find, you know, to see if maybe it can be my next home. One time I went to America! It was so different!! But I came back. Maybe it can be my next home one day but I like it here

Tsukishima has only considered and embraced forever because Hinata is by his side

He doesn’t want to move from town to town and start a new life, change his name on occasion, leave loved ones behind, but he does want to keep holding Hinata’s hand. He wants them to keep going on those expensive trips where Hinata tells him some obscure tale about the inns that only someone who had been around hundreds of years ago would know. He wants to scold Hinata about walking around the house or outside with his hair wet, even though he knows nothing will come of it, because that’s what couples do. And as sullen as he’ll look in many of the photographs that have accumulated in their little apartment, Tsukishima also wants more of that

He wants to always be able to see Hinata’s smile at its brightest.

---

Hinata says he doesn’t live in the same place twice, but I made an exception for this place. I actually went to school here once, a long long time ago! I’m glad I came back

Tsukishima is glad too. He knows they started off on the wrong foot, mostly because Tsukishima is a jerk, he admits it, knows it, and is rather proud of it. He doesn’t like to give everyone his time and being nice to everyone is just exhausting. Perhaps there was some resentment in his way of thinking a few years ago, but he’s since then disentangled those threads and now he keeps up his attitude because it’s such an easier way to live

Being with Hinata has mellowed him out in some people’s eyes at least. Yamaguchi is still his best friend and they have the same sense of humor often, but if Tsukishima ever says the wrong thing, he knows Hinata will call him out. He doesn’t usually listen if the person he’s pissing off is Kageyama and he’s come to terms with the fact that there’s some jealousy in his blood regarding that

One of the reasons Hinata doesn’t like to come back to the same place more than once is because of people like Kageyama. They’re sitting on the couch when Hinata tells him, You shouldn’t be so mean to Kageyama, he’s not a bad guy. Tsukishima had only made an annoyed grunt. You know, this is a secret but…I used to know someone from Kageyama’s family when I lived here the first time. It actually scared me the first time I saw him, they look almost identical. Maybe that’s why we’re so competitive

Tsukishima wonders if this means anything. Hinata tells him that he’d been best friends with the other Kageyama and he speaks fondly of him. He wonders if that one knew of Hinata’s secret, if he would have also desired forever with Hinata, or if he’d known and decided to stay here. So many things could be different

He asks about his own ancestors. Hinata looks at him, No Tsukishima’s of your family in my life until you, that’s why I’m so happy I came back

Tsukishima agrees.

---

The first time Hinata drinks directly from Tsukishima happens when they first start living together. Hinata likes to hold his hand and Tsukishima doesn’t mind, he enjoys the way Hinata’s fingers will roam his skin, how his eyes will look so intently at the veins there. Tsukishima doesn’t know much about vampires, aside from the usual pop culture stereotypes, but he tells Hinata one day, if he wants to, that he doesn’t mind letting him drink from his neck

He imagines it would be painful, but if it’s for Hinata, he doesn’t mind. And there’s a sense of possession that he likes in the act.

Hinata had sat on his lap at the offer, kissed him slowly, so tenderly, on the lips. Drowned him in kisses, on his cheeks, his forehead, and then moved so slowly onto his neck. Tsukishima had gripped those small hips, prepared himself, but Hinata had only kissed him, gone so far as to leave a hickey. He’d seen how he’d stared at the blood coming to the surface, licked his lips. But he’d continued kissing, pulled his arm to his lips, kissed his wrist, up, up, up

And that’s where he felt the pinprick of teeth

Hinata had drank as carefully as he kissed, making sure to keep Tsukishima’s discomfort at a minimum. He’d asked about it when they were in the bath, Oh that, well, what if I hurt you? I’ve known vampires that have accidentally killed people like that. And doctors always take blood from the arm so that seemed safest to me

It makes Tsukishima curious about other things.

At that point, he’d known that sunlight didn’t truly affect vampires like it did in movies. Hinata didn’t turn into ash, otherwise, he wouldn’t have survived as long as he did. And he doesn’t start to look otherworldly…or at least not in a vampiric sense. It does make him dizzy to stay out for too long and one time he’d passed out. Tsukishima remembers they’d been having a team reunion and everyone had panicked when Hinata just lay still in the park.

Sugawara had already snapped open his phone to call for an ambulance and Yachi (who had been the closest to Hinata) had nearly fainted as she yelled out that Hinata wasn’t breathing. Tsukishima had just grabbed Hinata, and he was glad he kept a semi-regular workout routine because otherwise picking up his limb boyfriend would have been nearly impossible, and told the others he just needed to cool off indoors for a moment, I’ll be right back

He’d managed to help wake Hinata with a bit of blood and after that, everyone decided that the next time they met, being outdoors for too long would be a bad idea

As for the garlic, that was one of the earliest examples that proved “deadly vampire items” were not exactly accurate.

But Tsukishima wondered, what about turning others? He was afraid to ask. What if that wasn’t true either? Or, he felt a churning in his gut every time he thought about this, what if Hinata didn’t want Tsukishima in his life for that long?

---

Tsukishima’s sleep is restless so when Hinata starts to move his fingers along his arm, he feels it and he’s instantly awake. But he doesn’t open his eyes. He keeps his eyes closed and enjoys the feeling of Hinata’s cold touch. Tsukishima is still holding onto one of Hinata’s hands and when he feels Hinata move closer, he knows that Hinata has noticed he’s awake. Tsukishima opens his eyes to see Hinata only inches away from him. He’s smiling and they kiss good morning

“How did you sleep?” Hinata asks quietly. He’s so quiet that Tsukishima wonders if maybe he imagined it.

Tsukishima’s body feels tired. He wants to stretch and see if anything pops, if it will help him relax. His body is too tense. But he also doesn’t want to move away from Hinata so instead, he says, “Okay.”

Hinata is watching him and Tsukishima knows he can see the lies. Hinata moves up to touch the bags under his eyes, touches his pale skin, and caresses his damp hair. He only notices it now

Tsukishima closes his eyes again for a moment.

Hinata has been here too long.

Hinata has been here for ten years and people are starting to comment on his appearance more and more. It’s not entirely strange for someone in their supposed late twenties to still look young, but soon it will be apparent that something isn’t right. And soon Tsukishima will start to look older than the boy who has been stuck at twenty-five for hundreds of years. It will be obvious, so Hinata had started the process

Tsukishima had seen some of the photographs and decorations disappear from where they belonged. He’d seen Hinata’s usual messy clothes in their shared closet become neater. Some clothes folded and packed too meticulously. He’d been home for a few weeks too. He’s sure Hinata has quit his job

Hinata has also stopped asking for food. Hinata doesn’t have to eat and his body doesn’t reject the food (as long as he takes care and has enough blood circulating in his system, Hinata functions as a normal human would), but he’s always loved sharing meals with Tsukishima. Now he’s only seen Hinata snack on a few things.

It has also been a week since he last fed from Tsukishima.

He wonders if this is Hinata’s way of slowly removing himself from Tsukishima’s life. He wonders how Hinata even managed to get inside so deeply.

Tsukishima wonders if this is Hinata’s answer to the many times he’s implied he wants forever with him.

He feels Hinata shift in bed again and then he’s being hugged, Hinata’s small hands rubbing his back. He’s half laying atop Hinata and he wants to tell him to get away, but if this is what he’ll be left with, he wants it all. He grips Hinata tightly and they both lie there as the birds sing outside and the sun finishes its ascent.

Hinata clears his throat and Tsukishima realizes that lying like this, he can’t see Hinata’s face, his eyes, and from how wobbly he speaks, his tears, “Kei, it’s time you know.”

Tsukishima doesn’t say anything, let’s Hinata continue.

“I’ve never stayed this long you know,” he’s not trying to hide the fact he’s crying, “Ten years is a lot in my time. People grow and change a lot in that time, but…but I like it here. I like the kids at the school, they’ve been practicing so hard for their next match, and I like to see K-Kageyama huff and even smile when we beat his team.” Hinata’s hand stops rubbing Tsukishima’s back, opting to just stay in place

“And whenever we can meet up with the team. Yachi also called me the other day. She’s having twins, did you know that?”

He did. Yamaguchi had been so happy and scared that he’d called Tsukishima as soon as he’d heard the news.

“But you know why I didn’t leave?” they shift again and Tsukishima feels a messy kiss on his forehead. He moves to kiss Hinata and is surprised and glad at the desperation they both share at that moment. Tsukishima is breathless when they finally part and Hinata is looking at him like he also wants forever with him, “It’s because you’re here. I don’t want to leave. I don’t want to leave you. Ever.”

Hinata cries into him and Tsukishima wants the same thing, but neither of them knows how to make this come true. Hinata has rarely encountered any other vampires and he doesn’t remember how he came to be in this state. He just remembers…being.

Tsukishima isn’t the type for mushy talk but he grabs Hinata’s face and finally lets his feelings flow, “We can find a way. And if we can’t, ” he swallows the lump in his throat, because that is always a possibility, and if ten years have passed by so quickly, he’s afraid of how fast the rest of his life will go, “If we can’t…then let’s just enjoy what we have. Together.”

He kisses Hinata, “You don’t have to go alone this time. Be selfish. Ask me to go with you.”

---

When they finally manage to get out of bed, the apartment starts to become cold. Decorations are taken off the walls, the refrigerator, the shelves. When Hinata moves, he tries not to take anything with him. It helps alleviate the pain of leaving people behind, but this time Tsukishima is coming with him.

They don’t have to start from zero

---

A/N:

OMG this story was TORTURE

I actually had a few ideas when it came to these two but then I was sleeping (restlessly) and randomly thought, what if Hinata were a vampire?? And since there was recently that TsukkiHina or Tsukishima magic week (or something) and my giftee's likes included some fantasy elements I was like why not? And of course, DA ANGST, which my giftee also listed

Watch me cry over what I wrote

Also, I usually like writing OMAKE in the end notes, please let me know if that's something you guys would like. I kind of didn't automatically do it this time because uhm, I was too busy crying so (esp aliquoten) if you want a little something extra, lmk, I kind of already have something in mind

I hope you all enjoyed~

Gift for Daiyanerd: Miyuki Kazuya. Always cool and collected. Has a great side profile. Good at baseball. Well, no, great is the correct word. (sofa’21)

Moratorium

Read on Ao3

ONE

Miyuki Kazuya

Always cool and collected. Has a great side profile. Good at baseball. Well, no, great is the correct word. Even when he sometimes messes up some of the smaller plays. Reliable. Daring. Funny. Charming. Has probably had a dozen girlfriends, or maybe not. Nobody has been able to get any concrete answer on that one question, but he's definitely a lady's man, his fan club primarily consisting of girls and women that claim they would leave their current lives just to marry him if he so much as hinted interest. Or at least that's what many of the magazines, both sports and gossip ones say about him

Not to be too full of himself, but Kazuya thinks that much of what they say has some foundation. Yeah, people like Yoichi and Jun know better but he has to agree that his catching skills are unparalleled. He might also really like sending magazine covers with blown up images of his smiling (smirking) face to Yoichi just to get a scathing reply or an angry call. His only response is his lady killer (annoying) laugh

He knows he's always being watched by someone, but it completely slips his mind that anything could go wrong on that day

The headlines are brutal and he's gotten many messages and calls from his friends. He hasn't really answered because, well, he hasn't been able to. But he knows what they're saying. He's laying at the hospital with bandages covering most of his torso. He has a sense of deja vu, having been in a similar position when he'd been in high school, but this is much, much worse. Something happened and everyone is scrambling to find out what

Everyone except Rei, who has been detained. The tabloids are lapping this up like it's the sip of water they've finally been allowed after being stuck in a desert for months. Except that they're ruining the lives of the people Kazuya loves the most

He sees different news channels trying to get interviews from the few people that make up his friends. They want to know about Rei from high school. They've dug up her whole life's story and put it on full blast. They want to know about Kazuya, as if they haven't already told all there is to say, invented and created his whole career. They talk about how Rei pretty much scouted him from a very young age. The same women that claim they would do anything for Kazuya have turned razer sharp, claiming that "they knew it all along" and that Rei "had it coming"

They all twist the information for entertainment and Kazuya closes his eyes, disgusted at what they say about her.

There had been an accident. His car had been hit and he knows he needed surgery. Later they found out it was all a setup and he went from being one of the richest people and baseball players in Japan to having nothing. His career may as well be over. It will take too long for him to recover. Games won't wait.

Kazuya throws the remote in his hand and wants to tell them all its lies. He knows Rei would never do something like this. She's smart. It doesn't make sense. As much as Rei will follow a gut instinct, especially if it's about recruiting potential, it's always based on logic. There is no logic here.

His name flashes on multiple headlines and all he wants to scream is no, I didn't she say she stole my money!

The machines connected to his body have been beeping for a while now and finally, nurses and doctors run in. They try to get him to calm down but all he can do is repeat It wasn't her! It wasn't her! Rei would never! Tell them to stop!

Soon he feels drowsy and he realizes he's been sedated.

Before he closes his eyes he sees a picture of Rei next to the news anchor. Her hair is down, her eyes look haunted, but her posture is proud. She's not in her usual suit. Instead, she's wearing that dreaded green top, almost drowning her, making her pale skin paler. She doesn't look right. It's not the Rei he knows. The Rei he owes everything to.

He feels the tears burn his eyes.

----

TWO.

It takes a little over a year for things to "settle" down, but once the storm is over, everything is ruined.

Kazuya still manages to get his face blown up on magazine covers, but this time it's for a different reason. He's now considered a victim and he hates the images of him being wheeled out of the hospital. Of the tabloids somehow getting a shot of his bloodshot eyes, his pale skin, and his hunched shoulders. He wishes his attorney had allowed Kazuya to do something, but everything was too precarious, we have to be careful. Careful of what? He can no longer play baseball. He was already pushing the age of acceptability, only being allowed to continue contracts because he was so good, was still quick, was dedicated in mind, body, and soul to the game. But now he was injured, would be in rehab, and nobody knew if he'd still be able to move as great as before. Nobody would take that risk

Rei is finally released, but her life is ruined too. Hers is worse than Kazuya's will ever be. Not just because she's the supposed mastermind of the accident and subsequent disappearance of his capital, but because she's a woman. It's made him sick how she's been torn apart and left behind. She had already been forcefully (through great results) making her own space at the table. This was just the excuse to make her disappear. Nobody wanted a criminal as their associate. The label was tarnished and it would take time to rebuild their name. "Apologies" had been passed around, but nobody would take the risk of allowing her space again

Nobody thought to ask her side of the story, to reach out and help. She was alone. Nobody could legally take what she's rightfully earned, but they can pile fines upon fines. She is "free to go" but they have severely limited what she can do.

It only makes sense that she finally retires. Kazuya goes to see her with the Seidou team. He breaks when he finally sees what they've done to her, all in "his name", to "protect him". Rei is strong, logical, smart, but she can't help but allow herself to show a bit of emotion at that moment. She wipes away at Kazuya's face, "There's nothing left for me here and there's no use crying. The only way to go now is forward."

Chris recommends that Kazuya go to the same rehab facility he went to in America.

Kazuya doesn't want to leave. It feels like admitting defeat, like running away, like he's abandoning his friends.

Yoichi grits his teeth, tells Kazuya he wants to punch him for being so stupid, "But hitting an injured person isn't my style, even though it's YOU."

There is little progress on his health, both physical and mental, and then Yoichi, who has been singlehandedly taking care of him whenever he has a moment to spare, nearly begs him, "Kazuya, please. Go. Don't let this defeat you. I don't want to admit it but I miss seeing that stupidly smug look on your face. Remember what Rei said. You have to keep moving forward!"

He can't help but laugh one night when he can't sleep, Yoichi's words and his concerned face plaguing his mind. He can't believe he almost let this defeat him. He can't believe he was down enough to force his best friend to make such a face, to make him cry for his sake. He feels like he's let everyone down, especially Rei.

He calls Chris a few days later.

Before leaving, he logs into his Twitter account, which, like any other media source, he's been avoiding for the past year. Someone has obviously logged in and cleared his notifications and as his last stand, no first, because even now "they have to be careful", Kazuya quote RTs an article he hasn't even read, but he doesn't need to. He chooses it because it has one of those headlines. He presses send and logs out.

I NEVER said she stole my money.

----

THREE.

It's two years when he finally comes back to Japan. His rehab had ended months ago but there was a part of him that had been afraid to come back. He's sure Yoichi had sensed it, which is why he'd pretty much dragged him back.

He remembers the conversation they had. It had been really late in Japan, he's sure that Yoichi was on the verge of passing out, could hear every yawn he tried to hide, but he wouldn't let Kazuya hang up, "I'm not hanging up until you agree."

Kazuya sighs, "There's nothing for me to do out there anyway. Here, I've been helping at the hospital."

"But you don't even like that kind of stuff! I bet you're bored out of your mind," Yoichi countered, and Kazuya has to admit that he's not exactly wrong. He misses the excitement from the diamond, feeling the burn on his thighs as he squats behind the batter, signaling different plays to his catchers, the feel of the ball as it lands perfectly in his gloved palm, the roar of the crowd as they once more strikeout another enemy batter. But he can't have any of that. This year Kazuya turns 30 and he has become stiff. He can't move as dexterously as before.

He hears some shuffling on the other end, as if Yoichi is changing positions on his bed, "Look. Not many people know this but...this is actually my last year playing."

Kazuya freezes at that. He knows Yoichi is still keeping up with his own records, has won his team countless matches for his boldness, knows they would never want to let him go. He briefly fears that maybe an injury is involved but shakes his head. No, Yoichi would tell him if that's the case, so then, "Why?"

"That's why I called and I need you to come back," there's another pause, not long, "I'm getting married."

Kazuya blanks out for a moment and then stops what he's doing altogether (he turns off the stove, he'd been making breakfast but this is more important. Besides, he had almost been done), "Married? Did you kidnap some poor girl? I haven't even heard of you dating."

"KAZUYA," he hears Yoichi yell, "I didn't kidnap anyone! And that's because my PR team has been making sure to keep things tightly sealed, and I guess we also haven't been able to see each other much too." That last part is mumbled but Kazuya catches it anyway.

Kazuya hums, still disbelieving, but only slightly. He knows Yoichi wouldn't kid about something like this so if he says he's getting married, he's getting married, "Congratulations then. Not sure how someone found you husband material, but they do say there's a type for everyone. How'd you meet her?"

"You are such a dick," Yoichi hisses, "How are we still even friends?"

Kazuya sometimes wonders the same thing. Yoichi has been with him at his best and worst and has never given up on him. He laughs, "My great personality?"

Yoichi snorts right before laughing, "Yeah right. Anyway, so I met this guy-"

"A husband?" Kazuya cuts him off, genuinely curious, but also can't help but tease, "You hid it so well with all those magazines. I'm sure nobody suspected. No wonder your team is doing such a great job at hiding this."

Yoichi yells into the phone, "Let me finish asshole! No! It's not a guy, her name is Wakana! And she's the childhood friend of this guy I met!"

Kazuya makes a tsk noise, "Yoichi, did you steal her from this guy? Are you a homewrecker?"

Instead of getting mad, Yoichi snorts, "As if. Can you believe Wakana was actually in love with Sawamoron for years and he didn't realize."

Kazuya adds, "So you seduced her?" before Yoichi can continue with the story.

"No? I mean, I'm not sure," but they both know that Yoichi probably couldn't seduce anyone even if he tried. Charmed, yes, but outright seduce? And a girl he liked? Very unlikely, "But she'd been tired of waiting and so I met her after she'd confessed and he rejected her."

"Hmm," Kazuya interrupts again, "So you took advantage when she was down. That makes more sense. She was probably so down about being rejected she would have said yes to anyone. Sadly that someone was you."

Yoichi is flabbergasted, "Take advantage?! MIYUKI, that's not- I'd never - just let me finish!"

Kazuya laughs, "Ok, ok. So how did you meet her? I won't interrupt again."

Just like that, Yoichi calms down and Kazuya notes the happiness in his voice as he laughs, not at Kazuya, but at something, the memory perhaps, and Kazuya is slightly jealous. He's not sure at what or who.

"So this kid, Sawamura, we were going to meet up at the park. He had something to tell me, but then I see him running after this girl, yelling about money or something. So I cut her off-"

Kazuya can't help but laugh, "Y-Yoichi, did you, did you attack the poor girl?"

"Didn't you say you weren't going to interrupt?!" Yoichi screeches, but he starts laughing a bit too, "And no, I didn't attack her but, well..."

There's a groan on the other end and Kazuya can imagine his best friend blushing to the tips of his ears, "I pulled her by the arm and she was surprised, but then she did something and next thing I know I'm on the ground, looking up at her and Sawamura is laughing like he's seen the most hilarious thing ever!"

He wonders if that kid was laughing as hard as he is now. He feels the tears tickling his eyes, his cheeks hurt, and he feels the force of his laugh pulling on his stomach, "I already like the girl. What happened next?"

Yoichi lets him laugh but his voice is annoyed, not at him he notes, but at what happens next, "So Sawamoron comes up finally and he knows the girl and I'm confused and just got thrown to the ground by a girl that doesn't even reach my chin, and I ask him why he was yelling about a thief, because that's what he was doing."

More shifting on Yoichi's end, "And you know what he said to me?"

"What?"

"He goes "I never said she stole my money!" so I knock him over the head because yeah, he's right, he was YELLING IT. Everyone in the goddamn park heard it! Made him buy me dinner and everything."

Kazuya feels a lump in his throat but pushes it aside, he turns the stove on again to finish preparing his breakfast, "I guess for Wakana I can go back. When's the wedding? And will I be your best man?"

----

FOUR.

Kazuya hasn't even been home a month when Yoichi walks into his apartment with their old Seidou team. Everyone seems to be there, even the first years like Ryo's little brother and Furuya. There really isn't anything Kazuya can do but move aside so that everyone can come inside. At the end of the group, right after the first years enter, he spots someone he doesn't know. A kid with unruly brown hair, brown eyes, and tanned skin who looks slightly nervous. His posture is too stiff but he's also looking around curiously.

Yoichi notices Kazuya looking at him and comes over for introductions. He pulls the kid into a side hug, "Kazuya, this is Sawamura, Wakana's friend."

Kazuya looks him over. He's heard a few things about him from Yoichi, "So this is Sawamoron?" he teases. He can't help the lift of his lips as the kid splutters in indignation.

A high pitched, "Kuramochi-senpai! You can't call me that anymore, we're practically family now!"

Yoichi howls, slapping the kid on the back, "You're always going to be a moron Sawamura, hyahaha!"

Sawamura grits his teeth for a second before standing up straight, stretching out his hand towards Kazuya, "Good afternoon, It's a pleasure to meet you! My name is Sawamura Eijun! Thank you for inviting me!!"

Kazuya looks at the outstretched hand for a moment before he doubles over laughing. Sawamura let's out another unidentified sound before yelling, "That's so rude Miyuki Kazuya!!" but he hasn't dropped his arm.

Kazuya takes a breath, isn't surprised he knows his name (briefly wonders if he knows who he is), right before taking that tanned hand into his own. Sawamura's hold is firm, if a bit sweaty, nerves probably, "Well, as you so clearly let my neighbors know, my name is Miyuki Kazuya." He pauses, "And I didn't invite you."

Sawamura pales slightly, looks over to Yoichi who just makes a rude noise, "Really Kazuya? You have to be a dick right off the bat?"

Kazuya only smiles brightly, finally letting go of the kid's hand, looks around his house, and says, "Actually, I didn't invite any of you over. Why are you all here?"

The others have already settled into his kitchen and, he peers through the doorway, there are bottles of coke and beer and the smell of oily pizza in the air. Jun has already made himself at home on his couch, a paper plate with a pizza on it. He's halfway into that slice and Kazuya doesn't know why Jun didn't just take an extra slice or two with him before settling down. Ryo and Haruichi are putting things in his fridge. He realizes now how empty his fridge must have been. He had been meaning to go grocery shopping but he supposes he hadn't had the energy to go. Kanemaru is clearing up some of the boxes he had yet to unbox, reading the labels Chris had helped him write, and arranging them accordingly.

He knows that many of these guys are still part of the leagues, wonders how they managed to take a moment to raid his home (notices a few faces are missing, like Yuki but he would have been REALLY surprised if they'd managed to get him to come over). He remembers how they'd made it a routine to visit him when they were at Seidou, knowing he could get lost in strategizing and numbers quickly. He feels a penetrating gaze and turns to see the new kid watching him intently. Kazuya can't help the grin that grows on his face and it's finally starting to feel like home.

He motions the two in, "Well, you may as well come in. Everyone is already inside. Feel free to raid my fridge and make a mess in my new kitchen."

Yoichi laughs, pulling Sawamura inside with him. The kid still looks slightly off-balance, but he sits next to the first years like he belongs and he wonders why this picture looks so right.

Yoichi dives in for the last slice of pepperoni pizza just as Sawamura is about to reach for it and then loudly exclaims, "Hey Kazuya, wanna hear something funny?"

Kazuya has already grabbed his own plate and he wonders how he missed all of these pizza boxes when they first came inside. He grabs one with sausage and mushroom, "Hm?"

"So while we were getting the pizza, we sent Sawamura to go get the drinks, right?"

Sawamura, who had just taken a drink from his can of soda, instantly spits it out and Kazuya is both intrigued and disgusted as he sees the drink mixed with spit cover his table, "Kuramochi-senpai, don't!"

He sees Kanemaru chuckling and Jun roars from the living room. Apparently, there were many witnesses to this apparently funny story. Haruichi pats Sawamura's back softly while the kid's face glows red. Kazuya is momentarily worried he might faint but then curiosity wins out, "Oh?"

Yoichi and he share a look, "Get this, we all gave him our share, right? So he goes in and comes back all mad, saying we didn't give him the right amount, but then, but then," It seems the rest of it is too funny for Yoichi to continue because he starts laughing and he notices Sawamura cover his face. He mumbles something but Kazuya doesn't catch it.

Ryo helps him out. He's also amused, a smirk on his face, "The girl stole his change."

Sawamura uncovers his face and yells, "I never said she stole my money!"

There's a moment of silence before...

Jun. He'd come back into the kitchen to get more pizza, "Who else could it have been? Had to be the girl at the counter, or did you just give up your money?"

Kuramochi, "Easy prey, how you're even a teacher is beyond me."

Kanemaru, "Wait. So it wasn't the cashier?"

Even Kazuya can't help but ask, laughter tickling his words, "Emphasis on "she"?"

Sawamura seems to realize his error and covers his face again. He's mumbling again but instead of being annoyed by the bad habit, Kazuya thinks it's almost cute.

"Haruichi?" Ryo questions and Sawamura uncovers his face to yell, "Onii-san! That's not fair! Haruichi you can't tell, you promised!"

Haruichi is looking back and forth between them, "Well..."

Then Furuya explains all, "He was flirting with the delivery guy."

It somehow gets even louder inside his house and Kazuya can't believe he thought of not returning. It's true that his baseball career is over, but this is where his family is at. This is where his life is truly at. He laughs until the tears in his eyes fall.

They spend hours getting him up to speed on gossip.

----

FIVE.

Even though he's only known Sawamura for a few days, maybe weeks, he's the one that keeps Kazuya company the most. And there's a big reason for that named Kuramochi Yoichi. Even though, or perhaps because, it's nearing the end of his contract, Yoichi gets busier. There are some rumors as to why he's finally leaving baseball, but just like he'd told Kazuya, everything is still under wraps. There are no incriminating photos and no face to put to those rumors jealous girls spread online. Kazuya wonders how things will turn out once Yoichi fesses up but until then, Sawamura becomes his shadow

One, he's not bound to such a strenuous schedule (Yoichi told him Sawamura is the grade school teacher at one of the local schools not far from Kazuya's new place. His new house is conveniently placed so close because it will soon be Kazuya's new workplace and they just happen to be on break now), and second...well, Kazuya's not sure. Yoichi didn't want to tell him. Not exactly

He remembers the last time he actually met up with his best friend.

Yoichi had invited him over for dinner and Sawamura had come up somehow (Kazuya comes to realize that Sawamura comes up in their lives very often). Yoichi had been contemplative. They'd just finished watching a movie and were just sitting there in the dark, the credits rolling.

"You know. If Sawamura had actually been interested in Wakana...I don't think I'd have ever had a chance with her. There's just something about him...he's so..." Yoichi makes vague hand movements, "you know?"

Kazuya laughs and wonders if this is what best men have to deal with with their to-be grooms. Jitters, he's heard them called, but he was sure this feeling was supposed to happen days before the wedding, not so far ahead when there wasn't even a date finalized, "Already second-guessing the married life?"

Yoichi doesn't even take the bait. He just sighs and leans back on the couch, "No, I'm serious. There's just something about Sawamura, he's so honest and hardworking. I can see why Wakana liked him."

"Careful, or I might start to think you actually want to marry Sawamura instead."

Yoichi kicks him halfheartedly, "Dumbass."

Their feet are still touching and Yoichi nudges him, "He's a good kid you know."

Kazuya leans out to grab his drink from the low table, takes a sip, "He does seem like it. Although he's a bit..." He tries to find the right word. Dense? Airheaded? No..."innocent?"

Yoichi laughs, "Yes! The stories I could tell you."

It gets quiet and Kazuya enjoys it. It's been years since the two of them have done something like this.

Yoichi breaks the silence again, "You know...Rei actually tried scouting him."

Kazuya takes another swig of his drink, deep, and tries to wash away the feelings of guilt. He hasn't spoken to Rei since the incident. Hasn't really asked about her although he knows she's ok, thanks to Chris

But he's curious now. If Rei had been interested in him then he was undoubtedly good talent, "What happened?"

Yoichi scoffs, "The idiot turned her down! Said he didn't need any fancy schools to play baseball."

Kazuya can't help the snort he lets out into his drink. He hasn't known Sawamura long but he can somehow imagine the face he'd make, how loud he would yell that statement with conviction, "Too bad." He's sure Sawamura could have been someone if he'd come to Seidou and he somehow feels cheated of something

"What position?"

"Pitcher, a southpaw, nasty throw," Yoichi grips his cup tightly. He looks over at him, "He's not a professional but he does still play."

It's a subtle nudge that Kazuya ignores.

Which is probably why he finds Sawamura so often on his doorstep.

Today he's managed to wrangle Kazuya out of his house, but only because it's work-related. The summer heat isn't terrible today so the two decide to walk and even though it's not that far, Kazuya finds himself lightly perspiring. Perhaps he's let himself go more than he thought, and he begins planning a timetable to get his fitness in a better state. Meanwhile, Sawamura is all smiles

"Hurry up Miyuki Kazuya!" He's already at the side door, opening it with his staff key, and Kazuya wonders if they should even be here. There are hardly any cars parked outside and the school is obviously void of children. Classes don't start until next week

"You don't have to call me by my full name," Kazuya tells him as he enters the building. Sawamura slides past him after closing the door, making sure it locks properly, "You can call me Miyuki-senpai."

"What?!" Sawamura's voice echoes in the hallway, "Why should I call you that?!"

"Because you're younger," he pats Sawamura's head and grins, "And smaller."

He slaps his hand away, a blush on his face, "I'm not small! And you're not even that much taller!!"

He stands closer to Kazuya and points at the few centimeters difference between them. Kazuya pushes him back, "Miyuki-senpai."

Sawamura just rolls his eyes and continues walking, "You really do have a terrible personality Miyuki Kazuya!"

Kazuya just laughs, "Thanks!"

"Not a compliment!" Sawamura yells and then points to the rooms in the hall they're in, "I'm usually here with the kids. Since the school isn't that big you'll probably get kids as young as eight and as old as thirteen in your class too, since you're the only gym teacher until Kuramochi-senpai gets married."

Kazuya nods, "Ok, Sawamura...sensei."

Kazuya notes how easy it is to rile up Sawamura. How his face will quickly turn red and his lips will form pouts or grimaces, his body reacting so honestly so quickly. Now he brings up his hands to cover his ears as he yells, "Don't call me that!!"

"Then stop calling me by my full name, it's weird."

"MIYUKI KA-"

Kazuya somehow manages to raise his voice enough to speak over Sawamura, "So Sawamura-sensei, where do the kids go out to play? Sensei?"

Sawamura looks like he's about to burst and goes off yelling. Miyuki follows him, laughing, their voices echoing in tandem

They end up outside behind the school somewhere. Even though it's small, Kazuya is impressed by how well maintained it is. There is a small playground to the side, which has been recently repainted, signs marking the walls and tape clearly discouraging anyone from touching. The mats at the bottom look worn but not in bad shape. Then there is a track that circles what looks like enough field to be a neighborhood. Most of it is empty and Sawamura's talking about how sometimes the kids will go out there and play soccer or volleyball or really whatever sports they need that requires a lot of space. The only place that looks like it truly has a defined purpose is the baseball field.

He feels excited and scared at the same time, wants to run to home plate, to feel the dirt path against his feet, crouch, and take in the view. But he also thinks this is a bad idea. Maybe he shouldn't have come here, shouldn't have accepted the job. He knows why they want him, why they're willing to wait a year for Yoichi to come and teach. He's not sure if he can take the pressure

"Miyuki-senpai," he turns to Sawamura, who is pouting.

He's not sure why he feels himself calm down, perhaps it's because he'll take any distraction, even if it's loud Sawamura, or maybe it's because Sawamura looks ridiculous with his cheeks puffed out and his eyebrows scrunched up between his eyes. Kazuya smiles. It hurts a bit to do so, "Is this all just for the little gremlins? Lucky them, I didn't have something so big at my disposal when I was at school."

Sawamura suddenly inflates as he grins, "Yeah me neither! I'm from the countryside from a school even smaller than this! Wakana and I had to go to the other side of town with our friends if we wanted to play baseball. That's sort of what it's like here too. We share with some of the other schools and really anyone is welcome to come here as long as the kids aren't out playing."

"Wakana, huh," Kazuya notes. He hasn't actually met the bride-to-be yet, "Is she in the habit of taking people's money?"

Sawamura looks confused and perhaps a bit upset, "What?"

Kazuya only smirks, "I heard how Yoichi met her."

Understanding fills his eyes and he groans, "I keep telling Kuramochi-senpai not to tell that story! It's all lies! Lies! Come on, let's go to the gym, your to-be base."

They head back inside and Kazuya feels the smile that spreads on his face is lighter, amused. It's relaxing being with Sawamura, "So what, she wasn't stealing your money?"

"No!" Sawamura defends, "I never said she stole my money! It was all a misunderstanding!!"

"So what? She was just borrowing it?" Kazuya pushes and can't help but laugh as Sawamura goes red.

"I-It, my, NO! She just grabbed my wallet!! But she wasn't stealing it!"

----

SIX.

Kazuya hasn't been teaching for long when it's time to prepare for Sports Day and he forgets how tiring it can be. Sawamura is ecstatic the whole week leading up to the moment all the kids are let loose to run and play, and he's not sure how the flow of energy works, who feeds off who, but everyone seems to be ready to burst with enthusiasm by then. Kazuya feels like he's the only one who is burnt out. He's not usually used to so much happening, at least not like this

The school asks him to give an encouraging speech before the event begins, which Sawamura jealously admits had been his job the last two years, but he grins all the same. He encourages him to do his best, just like he does to the children and Kazuya isn't sure if he should be offended or glad when he feels the flat of Sawamura's palm on his back.

By then, Yoichi has finally wrapped things up with his team. He still has a few more interviews scheduled, but he's essentially removed himself (as much as he can) from the public eye. He's announced he's going to get married and has been asked many times about his to-be wife, but just like Kazuya, everyone is kept in the dark. On the few nights Yoichi manages to call him, to check up on him, Kazuya teases that maybe this is the most elaborate plan he's ever seen, that maybe this Wakana girl doesn't even exist

Yoichi just laughs, "What? Is The Great Miyuki Kazuya actually curious?"

Kazuya scoffs, "Of course not, and don't call me that. I can't get Sawamura to stop, I don't want you doing the same. It's so weird."

They talk until they're both ready to pass out but Yoichi tells him he'll be there and that he'll bring Wakana too. There's something strange with the way he says this but it's late, they've both been up for too long, and Kazuya doesn't remember the unease the next day

He doesn't remember until Sports Day, right before it happens.

It's usually a big event with parents and friends and the neighborhood coming by to see all their children perform at their best. This school is slightly different because of its size. It isn't just their kids (as Sawamura likes to say and Kazuya, reluctantly, has started to call his students), but a few students from two or three of the neighboring smaller schools. He's never seen the field so packed with kids. There are also a lot of cameras and flashing and suddenly Kazuya feels uncomfortably warm. This year it's not only locals that are here. He can see various news channels documenting the event and there are probably other labels walking around, trying to figure out what the next scoop will be. Or perhaps they've already been hinting at it but Kazuya has been avoiding all the gossip. He briefly wonders if they're here for him and while this might be slightly true, he's sure they're more likely to be here to catch a glimpse of Yoichi and Wakana

He decides to stick with Sawamura for most of the day.

Sawamura seems to be oblivious to all the attention, focusing on the kids, high-fiving everyone who is going to race, yelling encouragements as they pass him by, and yelling out happily as the kids make the baskets and reach the finish lines. Kazuya tries to show his support as well and Sawamura drags him from one event to the next. The parents love him as much as the children do. He briefly wonders if Sawamura will have any voice left for the next day

It's around the time the kids finally get their break for lunch (and that Sawamura pulls him over to an empty patch of grass so that they can finally rest as well, how Kazuya was able to crouch for hours on end before is almost a mystery to him now, he really HAS let himself go) that he starts to hear them

"I didn't say she stole MY money. Did you really not know?" "Is she REALLY here? "The NERVE of her." "We should tell the principal to kick her out. Where is she?"

Everything starts to go quiet as Kazuya looks around. There are too many people around, but he manages to find her by the fence behind the diamond. She's looking right at him and Kazuya feels himself stop breathing for a moment. He isn't sure what he was expecting but she looks exactly like she did three years ago, except somehow better. Her hair is up in her typical bun, she's wearing a pink button-up with her trademark pencil skirt. There's a small coat hanging off her arm, which is the only sign he has that she plans to stay for the whole of the day's events.

He gets up, ignores Sawamura's confused, "Miyuki-senpai?" and goes to meet her.

He remembers how Yoichi had sounded over the phone the other day and realizes that when he said her, he hadn't meant Wakana, he had meant Rei. She's smiling at him and once they're close enough, she says, "Miyuki Kazuya, it's been a long time, hasn't it?"

"Rei," he all but whispers and he notices people are looking, the cameras are pointing in their direction and he smiles. He's so happy and relieved to see her. He wonders why he hadn't tried contacting her before, where the guilt and fear have gone. He thanks Yoichi, will thank him later as well, for always doing things like this for him, I'm the worst friend, aren't I? He can already see Yoichi's annoyed face as he threatens to punch him if he says anything so stupid again. He laughs, "It's been way too long. I'm sorry."

He finally has the chance to really apologize for everything, to offer his support, to ask how she's been doing, and he marvels at how Seidou is truly a family. His old teammates haven't just been trying to get him to move forward, they have also been helping Rei regain a semblance of her old life.

When they part, it turns into a game. They both know how things will go so they are bold, they grin, and take each other's hands in a firm shake.

"I'm sure I'll be seeing you on the field in the future." It's not a question.

"Of course." It's a promise.

At the end of the day, Sawamura and he are the last to leave the school since Sawamura offered to stay and clean up (and with him Kazuya). The sun is already on the verge of setting and Kazuya can't wait to take a bath and then crawl into bed. He doesn't want to wake up until a week from now.

As they're walking home (or really walking to his house because even now, he's never really asked where Sawamura lives, he imagines not far), Kazuya notices how quiet Sawamura is. He bumps his side with his shoulder, "Lost your voice with all that yelling?"

Sawamura looks over at him and shakes his head. Kazuya is momentarily mesmerized by this side of Sawamura. Quiet, almost shy. He's not pouting or angry, his features calm, slightly sharp on his handsome face. The remaining rays of the sun make his eyes look slightly gold and Kazuya wonders why he's suddenly noticing these things, "What's wrong then?"

The temperature had dropped enough that they were now comfortably wearing jerseys. Sawamura mumbles into the collar of his jersey and Kazuya is annoyed, but only slightly. It's that bad habit of Sawamura's and he wonders if he could tease those mumbled words out of him, is about to do that when Sawamura stops walking, closes his eyes, and yells out, "Do you like Miss Rei?!"

Kazuya is left speechless. At least that answers his other teasing question. Sawamura is as loud as always, "What?"

Sawamura opens his eyes, he's blushing and he can't seem to look him in the eye, "Well, there were those rumors...and then today...I mean, she's really pretty and just..." He goes quiet.

There's a lot here he wants to clear up, but he figures he should start with Sawamura's question, "No. At least, not really."

There's a question in those golden-brown eyes and Kazuya continues to explain, "I'm sure everyone on the baseball team liked her at one point. We were all teenagers and she's a really attractive woman, but that's it. Rei...she scouted me, believed that I could go far, pushed me, pretty much built my whole career. She's not really like my mom, not really an older sister...but yeah, like family."

They're both surprised by how honest he's been, which leads him to his own question, "Rumors? So you knew who I was. Is that why you called me by my full name?"

Sawamura looks embarrassed, "Yeah. I, I was curious about Seidou. I bet Kuramochi-senpai already told you about Rei and her coming to scout me?"

Kazuya nods.

They start walking again, "Well, I started seeing your name come up a lot. I always had trouble with my own catchers, I wasn't very good, sometimes my throws would go wild. I guess. I mean, they felt right, but Wakana, she was my main catcher, it was hard for her to catch them. Anyway, I started following your career. And just, well, then that happened and the rumors..."

They're quiet for a moment. Kazuya thinking back to how Yoichi had called Sawamura's pitch a nasty throw, the way Rei had pointed out Sawamura's staring while they talked and how Kazuya should catch for him, "When I saw him pitch, I knew you two would make a great battery. I knew you would be what could push him to greater heights, and that he would influence you too. All of Seidou. He has the heart of an Ace."

He's curious.

"Do you regret it?"

It's been a few minutes but Sawamura follows his question, turns to him, conviction in his burning eyes, "Never!"

----

SEVEN.

Kazuya finally gets to meet Wakana on his birthday. Yoichi tells him they're going out to celebrate at a fancy restaurant and he's not allowed to say no. Since he is the best man at their future wedding, he supposes it would be rude to not meet the bride-to-be so he pulls out one of his old suits, is relieved it still fits, and decides that's enough effort needed on his part. He also decides to forgo the tie and leaves the first two buttons undone. It's classy.

He's not surprised to see Sawamura also at the restaurant, and he's also not surprised to see him sporting a loud outfit. He's also wearing a suit but his shirt is a bright blue with baseball patterns, he's pulled up the suit jacket sleeves to his elbows (which, might he add, does not match his pants, but it somehow works), and he's actually wearing a tie. There's a girl trying to tame his hair but she soon gives up when Sawamura spots him and calls out, "Miyuki Kazu-mmyaa."

"Eijun!" the girl chides him, "We told you to be quiet!"

She's covering his mouth and let's go once he settles down. He rubs his hand through the back of his hair, ruining whatever work the girl must have done, "Sorry."

The girl shakes her head and turns to him, "So you're the famous Miyuki Kazuya, in the flesh."

Kazuya smiles, "And you must be the infamous money stealing Wakana."

They shake hands and Wakana laughs, "The one and only."

Yoichi comes up behind him, "Good, you're here. I thought I was going to have to send someone to drag you out of bed."

They're escorted to the back where they can dine in private. Yoichi walks in the back with him and Kazuya watches the way Sawamura's body faces Wakana even when they're walking. The way she pushes and holds his arm, laughs at what he says. The way that Sawamura lets her choose where she wants to sit and then makes space so that the table decorations aren't in her way. He sits across from her.

Yoichi whispers at him, "See what I mean?"

Kazuya doesn't need to see them interact to know why Wakana once liked Sawamura, but it definitely solidifies their closeness.

Wakana is very pretty. She has short hair that is slightly tinged with red, natural, she mentions when she sees him looking at her, "I get asked a lot." Apparently, it's a color she inherited from her great grandmother

She's as small as Yoichi claimed her to be, which makes her look tiny with her current company. She's wearing a simple and modest blue dress that matches perfectly with the ties Sawamura and Yoichi are wearing. She's just as honest as Sawamura is, and Kazuya wonders if all the people in his life are like that. It's refreshing. He instantly likes her and knows that Yoichi will be happy. It makes him happy too.

They're waiting on their food when Sawamura tells Yoichi that "Miyuki Kazuya" called Wakana a thief. Yoichi puts down his glass of wine, sending his best friend a glare, "I should have known you wouldn't behave!"

Sawamura is quick to respond, "It's all your fault Kuramochi-senpai! You keep telling that stupid story!!"

"The only thing stupid about that story is YOU Bakamura!!"

They look like children snapping at each other across the table and Wakana is just laughing. She turns to Kazuya, "Did he tell you what actually happened?"

Kazuya nods, "Sort of. Something about borrowing a wallet."

Wakana smiles, "Something like that, yes."

"See! I told you I never said she stole my money!!" Sawamura gets up suddenly but nobody notices the waiter coming with trays until the sound of plates falling to the ground and shattering are heard. But the worst part is probably the cake that Sawamura tries to save. Part of it lands on his hands, some of it on the table, but a big portion of it (thanks to Sawamura's interference), is now all over Wakana's dress. Everyone holds their breath, the waiter looks horrified.

Kazuya knows he shouldn't but he snickers and that seems to bring everything back to life. Wakana laughs and tells the waiter it's ok, she pats his hand reassuringly, "But can we get another cake? We'll pay for both of course."

The man is so relieved, he smiles and nods, and says he'll be right back to clean up, that he can also ask someone to help her out. Sawamura looks constipated and ridiculous standing there with chunks of cake in his hands.

"This is so coming out of your wallet Sawamoron!!" Yoichi cries out as he grabs chunks of cake from Wakana's lap and throws it on the table, "And YOU, I can't believe you did that!"

Kazuya only smirks, looks over at Wakana, and says, "Welcome to the family."

It seems like Wakana isn't just depleting Sawamura's accounts, but also stealing hearts.

----

OMAKE (months later)

It's the wedding night when Sawamura decides to crash at Kazuya's house. They're both exhausted and since they're both going to the same place the next morning, Kazuya doesn't make a fuss. When they make it home, they fight about who will take a shower first and Kazuya wins because, ultimately, this is his house so of course he has dibs. Sawamura pouts as he heads to the living room, ok, ok, just go you evil tanuki bastard.

When Kazuya comes out in a white t-shirt and boxers, he finds Sawamura already passed out on the couch, his arm and leg fallen off the side. He notices that he at least had the sense to take off his suit jacket and shirt. He's only wearing his undershirt and his pants have risen up his shins. Everything else is thrown against the back of the couch and his keys, cellphone, camera, and wallet, are all on the table. He's snoring lightly, his breath coming out more like little sighs, and there's a bit of drool where gravity has decided to do its job.

He's about to wake up Sawamura when he remembers something Wakana told him the first time they met. Right before they left the restaurant, she had pulled him aside, telling the other two NOT to come closer, Next time you get the chance, look inside his wallet. I promise it'll be worth it, and don't worry, he won't mind. He yells a lot but that's all there is.

The wallet is right there and Kazuya wishes it had landed the other way. At least like that, it wouldn't feel like he was snooping. No, he wouldn't. He doesn't really understand why Wakana wants him to look inside, but it's not really any of his business. He shakes his head and walks towards the couch. Before he can even reach forward, Sawamura shifts and mumbles a sleepy, "Kazuya."

Kazuya freezes at the stupid smile on Sawamura's face. He feels his face heat up and he's not sure why. He briefly glances at the wallet again, then moves to shake Sawamura's shoulders.

It takes a moment, a testament to how tired Sawamura is, before his brown eyes open and he sleepily mumbles, "Miyuki Kazuya?"

Kazuya hesitates for a moment. He doesn't have extra bedding and he knows sleeping on the couch is uncomfortable. They were going to share the bed, just like he always does whenever Yoichi visits, but suddenly he wonders if maybe this isn't a good idea. He tells Sawamura it's his turn to shower and nearly drags him to the bathroom. He stands outside just to make sure he doesn't pass out inside and somehow Sawamura looks even more drowsy than before. His skin is red from the heat of the water and they head to the bedroom.

Sawamura is out before his head hits the pillow. Kazuya arranges him on the bed properly and covers him with the blanket.

He finds it hard to sleep, the sound of his name coming from Sawamura's sleepy lips echoing in his head.

---

A/N:

I scoured Reddit for some inspiration and found this interesting prompt: "I never said she stole my money has 7 different meanings based on which word is emphasized." I sort of followed the prompt? LOL

things to note: 1. I just googled "prisoner clothes in japan" and green outfits came up, hence why Rei is dressed in a "green top" 2. I don't actually know how legal proceedings go in japan, if it would take longer or less (but this is fanfic so let's not question it) 3. Again, I don't know how long rehabs take but I'm not aiming for accuracy 4. If it wasn't obvious, Sawamura wasn't in the original Seidou team in this fic (lol) 5. Sports day apparently apparently happens around October (and again, Idk much about it)

I don't think I've ever written anything "complete" for this fandom but I hope you all enjoyed, especially you daiyanerd ^^

p.s. This got out of hand omg it's so long and hardly anything happens i hope you guys don't mind Orz Also, I kind of want to write more for this, maybe Sawamura's side of some of the events, maybe just a continuation, idk....