[It's easy to tell when he's said something that has affected Denji.
Like yesterday, when he told him he didn't want to have to carry him again.
The way his eyes widen, pupils dart aside. He's so obvious. It's annoying.
Like when he was younger and would try to lie to cover for Power. What does
he want him to do...?]
...Just do what I tell you to. [Which he does, mostly. He's pretty
obedient which had maybe been an early reason he'd let Denji stick around
him. If he told him to buzz off, he would. He'd always come back later,
though, long enough for Aki to recover from any negative mood he was
having.] You know that saying about what happens when you assume?
How you make an ass out of you and me.
[Said slowly so he gets it. Then Aki reaches over and pushes his tea
toward Denji, across the table toward where his hand has grabbed the empty
glass of soda.]
[This kind of back and forth doesn't feel too unusual. He'd maybe
give the excuse that he's still stressed from yesterday, still a little
shaken up by his closest encounter with a devil. He'd always assumed that
would happen when he was a hunter, not a student. He's never wondered what
would happen if the Gun Devil returned today, or tomorrow. It's always felt
like something he can prepare for, something he'll be ready for in the near
but not immediate future. But now he's not sure. He doesn't know what
tomorrow is going to be like, only what he wants it to be like six months
from now. Suddenly having to think about the next day, the next hour, the
next minute is stressful. Especially when he has two other people's futures
to think about, too.]
[When they're finished eating, Aki making sure Denji didn't leave
any rice in his bowl, he makes his way out to the field, the same place he
goes to run laps and train. It's a broad, open space between town and the
school, just developed enough that it doesn't feel like an overgrown grass
field but quiet enough that it isn't right up against the busier roads. The
two classmates from earlier are already kicking the ball between two goals
along with a few other kids who joined in, so Aki leads Denji over to the
edge of the field while he pulls off his jacket, offering it out to him.
Even though it's a little chilly, they seem to be doing shirts and skins.
One less skin, by his count, so he starts to tug off his top as
well.]
...Oh, yeah. [He raises his head, just remembering.] We can
get taiyaki on the way home. So don't eat all the candy you took.
[ As far as he understands, both his stomach and the matter between them settle after lunch. Although the saying Aki quotes isn't one he knows, Denji doesn't need the smarts of a rocket scientist or a brain surgeon to catch a hint. It's just a hard one to swallow when he knows that sometimes the things Aki tells him aren't always as they seem. But… whatever. Despite his good intentions, assuming the other boy's feelings hasn't done him much favors, only resulting in a series of tongue-lashings so far — in addition to the vague impression that he'll never really get him.
If Aki only wants him to do as he's told, maybe it's fine. Maybe it doesn't matter. ]
Fine. [ From his position on the grassy turf beside the playing field, he holds a hand out to catch the bunched up shirt, but it whips past, the spread of it slapping into his face. Grunting, Denji drags the shirt down, but not before giving it a curious sniff. For being out all day, it still smells pretty clean. ] …He totally did that on purpose.
[ Well, whether Aki did or not isn't something he can contest, with him cutting across to his other teammates, a relatively strong-looking group of boys. The other side about evenly matched, by the look of it. So gross, what a sausage fest…
And yet Denji doesn't look away once throughout the first match, not even to check his phone, his skinny legs folded close to his chest as he watches a midfielder on the shirtless team nimbly pass the ball on to one of the two broad-shouldered boys that'd stopped by their table. At some point, it occurs to him that some of these players are probably a part of their school's soccer team, but it doesn't look like Aki's having too much trouble keeping apace. Which, obviously, he wouldn't — that's his brother we're talking about here. But also he's always been good at this stuff, since way back. His body moving wherever he wants it to, a similar look in his eyes as when he talks about his goals and moving out to Tokyo triggering.
"Hey, I gotta head home," a shirt says, after their team lands the winning score of the match and they break for water. His eyes are pinned to his phone screen, rapidly typing a message to whoever he's talking to. "My sister's headed into labor. So… I guess I'm gonna be an uncle now."
Despite the casual breaking of the news and the boy trying to keep face, trying not to look too excited, there's a clamor of congratulations from his teammates. Some skins playfully taunt him, that he's just making up an excuse to leave on a high note because he's afraid of losing, to which he simply rolls his eyes with a laugh. Shrugging both the jeers and well wishes off, the boy quickly gathers his duffel bag and rushes off with a brief wave. The team captain of the shirts, who Denji recognizes to be the other guy that'd stopped by their table, rubs at the back of his head as he does a recount of his team, pulling a face when he's done.
Then, his eyes land on Denji. "Hey, you, Mini Hayakawa." ]
Uh, me…? [ He looks up from where he'd been digging a power bank from Aki's bag. His phone's about to die from the gaming he did earlier, so…
"Yeah. You wanna play? We're down a man now, if you couldn't tell."
Denji blinks dopily before scanning the area for his brother. ]
I'unno. I mean, maybe? I gotta ask him first… [ Wherever Aki is, he tries to wave him over — or if he isn't nearby, he'll probably just call out to him: ] Nii-san. Your pal's begging me to play with you guys —
[The news that one of them is about to do something as grown up as
become an uncle is surprising to Aki, congratulating the other boy along
with everyone else but falling back from giving any smack talk. He's wiping
some mud off his pants when he thinks he hears his name but raising his
head reveals that it's the other boy talking to Denji, not himself. And
then Denji looks over and repeats the question to him, if he can play, and
without even taking a second to think Aki's answer is immediate: ]
Hell no.
[The other boy looks at him in confusion, though quickly tries to
make light of it. "What, you don't want to lose to your own - " But
Aki interrupts him before he can finish the joke of a question.]
He's not fit for it. He got blood taken today, and... [Attacked the
day before. It's not like many people know about Denji's health issues, nor
is Aki one to share that information with no preamble, but something seems
to click in the other boy who had stopped by their table and he nudges the
first one, giving him a look. They knew they were involved in the situation
yesterday, it seems.] He's going to get worn out too fast. Look,
I'll sit out, if you want to keep it even.
[Clearly that isn't the preferable solution, however, given the dour
look over the other players' faces. Aki doesn't budge, however, even as
another player suggests Denji just be a goalie.] He can't play.
He's too weak.
There really isn't any room for loopholes in such a clear-cut declaration. The team captain guy shares a look with one of his players for a moment, and in seeming to come to a silent consensus, turns back to Denji with a good-natured but helpless smile. Obviously, they aren't interested in stepping into family matters. "What the big bro says, goes. Sorry, Mini, maybe next time. If you see the ball go outta bounds, you can kick it back into the field, if you want." As if to give him the chance to interject, he shoots a short glance Aki's way, accompanied by a quickly said, "That should be fine, right?"
In the same conversation, the boy dismisses Aki's offer to sit out, bumping his shoulder into his brother's with a wicked grin and his chest puffed. Says something about how the rest of the skins need him, seeing as they're on a losing streak so far. Rested and rehydrated, the remaining players begin to mosey back to the field, but before Aki can get too far Denji throws a hand out, tugging at his waistband, expression dark. Downcast. ]
I…
[ I'm mad at you, he could tell him. Use his trump card to get what he wants. But does he have the right to? Aki did only agree to take him if he just sat on the sidelines without pushing himself — and, honestly, it's not the immediate rejection of the idea that has him upset, exactly. Denji sucks on the inside of his cheek, his face twitching and creasing, as he weighs his next words. ]
I wish you wouldn't say that crap. 'bout me being weak.
[Denji's response isn't unexpected, but given the look Aki casts him
in response, it isn't taken too seriously. What, is he going to argue with
him? Even if he ate earlier, there's no way he's back to normal. And even
then, if he was, did he just forget about how close he was to passing out
yesterday, how he stumbled around for the better part of the evening? And
his feet are still a little scratched up from that other night. Seriously,
what is with him, thinking he can argue with this?]
[Then he takes in Denji's expression and feels something cold settle
over his heart, like a snowdrift, a pile dropping onto him from the roof of
a home. He looks like Taiyou, pouting up at him. "I wanna go play with
Nii-chan." All the ways things have and haven't changed, living with a
brother who was too sick most days to even get out of bed. And one of the
few days he did disobey, came following Aki outside, tossed some snow at
his back and laughed at his indignation - how had that ended?]
[He pulls out of his grip, clearly affected by that memory, turning
away all at once. He doesn't want to see that face. Not right now.]
We'll talk when we get home.
[He heads back to the group of boys, accepting the ball kicked his
way and dribbling it toward them. He knows most people think of him as a
little overprotective, maybe a little harsh on both Denji and Power, but he
also knows most people think of them as kids who always end up in trouble.
Kids who always have their noses where they don't belong. Compared to Aki,
his do-good personality, of course he would be the one to scold them and
keep them on the right path. Compared to them, of course Aki would know
what that right path is.]
[Even if the path is sitting on the side of the field, a stray ball
rolling his way once or twice. By the time the game is over, the winter sun
is already getting low in the sky. As they break, the skins finally winning
(though Aki knows it's thanks to having one extra pair of legs running
around), he's exhausted, sweaty and muddy around the ankles. However, as
the group moves back to where Denji was waiting, one of them knocking Aki
in the side for his attempted nutmeg earlier, he doesn't look it. Compared
to the cold, almost upset look he had left Denji with, his mood clearly
improved by the end of the game. He feels - good, honestly. Probably for
the first time since he had that conversation with Denji about going to the
beach.]
[Plopping down in the grass and downing the water someone else
tosses him, he leans back and lets out a tired breath.] Lemme just
sit a minute.
[Whatever he was thinking about Denji's expression, how it had
reminded him so starkly of his brother - his real brother - it's gone now.
Filed away, pushed back into its shallow box.]
[ The moment Aki pulls that face at him, Denji's jaw tightens in annoyance. He badly wants to act out, give him a wedgie in front of all his friends or shove his foot upside his ass crack. It's not that it's wrong to be cautious about his constitution, there isn't anyone more aware than Denji is about how fragile this stupid body is, but the thing is Aki seems so clueless as to how shitty it is, to hear from his own brother that he's too feeble to even stand at a goalpost. All he wants to impress upon him right then is how much of a dick he is, that they're talking right now, aren't they, and apparently that's not enough to get through to him. What makes him think putting it off to later is going to resolve anything between them? Damn it, he's always like this…
That other face he pulls as he turns from him, too, is just like Aki. Denji only sees a flash of it, but he knows when his brother is shuttering him out, closing the blinds on him, some other far off view taking his place. It's probably why the only thing Denji winds up doing balling his fists at his sides and letting him go. They talked about this last night: that Aki can visit the places that he can't reach all he wants, but that, whatever happens, he has to come back.
So fine, Denji will wait this out.
Around the time he accepts there won't be anymore balls for him to throw back into the game, he starts to nod off, his head lolling every so often. Though he tries to endurethe each wave of sleepiness, turn after turn, it isn't long before he's laying on his side, eyes closed, and using his bag as a pillow. His patch of ground is kind of lumpy, the grass blades too itchy, but with the shadows of the nearby buildings and trees beginning to pitch forward, he's fast asleep within minutes.
The nap isn't nearly long enough for him to have any special dreams, but the rest of the world does dull into a blissful blankness. He isn't even aware of the game ending, the players still running high from the adrenaline of a good game, or his brother sitting close by. ]
[Most of the guys have started on the way home, heading out in groups of two or three, dirty from the afternoon of childhood fun. A day that probably won't last in their memory. Aki's, either, he thinks, leaned back in the grass beside Denji's prone form. There's just one other kid left, the one who hadn't known Denji's name back at that restaurant. As he waves off someone, he turns to look at Aki, down at Denji. Seems to be mulling over his question before finally asking - "What's wrong with him?"]
[Aki glances down, like he'll get some kind of answer on Denji's sleeping face. He could just give the same spiel he always gives, to teachers or doctors or anyone in a position of authority. Sickly, a poor constitution. Heart disease. Whatever words he last was given as an answer to what is 'wrong' with Denji. But that exact phrasing bothers him, brings him back to just an hour or so ago. The way Denji had stared at him, clearly miffed, maybe embarrassed, at how Aki had phrased it. Even if it's true, even if Denji is weak, wakes up coughing in the night, can't even do Sports Day most years... Now, hearing it from someone else, he kind of hates it, too. Feels a tinge of regret, guilt, about how he'd so curtly called him that in front of a bunch of kids who don't even know Denji's name. Just know now that he's "weak."]
Nothing's wrong with him. [He doesn't really know this guy, only shares mutual friends, so he doesn't feel bad about speaking to him too bluntly.] You'd be tired, too, after yesterday.
[The other player seems to at least recognize he's stepped in something by asking, shuffling uncomfortably on his feet before finally raising his hand as he heads off, says a brief, Later. Aki watches him go, finally sitting up and crossing his legs. The breeze feels nice, cooling the sweat rolling down his bare back. He reaches out to tug blades of grass out of the ground and sprinkles it on Denji's head. They roll down onto his face, over his nose.]
[ Denji's never been a believable liar, particularly when he's actively trying to be one. But when all it is that you have to do to get away with something is keep your eyes closed… Then, even he can achieve that. The faraway din of bags zipping and friends ribbing each other on the way home manages to nudge at his consciousness, bring the world back to his fingertips during Aki's conversation with the other player. There's movement beneath his eyelids, his lips drilled tight together to avoid barking something out of turn. Gee, how about you mind your own beeswax, dude?
Aki's not nearly as rude as he would be, and yet the next words out of his mouth still makes his throat dry up. His cheeks sore from keeping his mouth set in a line when all he wants to is… is what? Curl his whole body around his older brother's and hide his face into the side of his sweaty hip? He can't do that.
When the grass clumps skim past his nostrils, he involuntarily sniffs, nearly inhaling a blade up his nose. ]
Hrk… [ A single eye blearily squints up at him — tired, but not disgruntled. Turning over, he tries to rub his face into his knee. How about that? ] No, five more minutes. [ And then his eye stubbornly shuts again, apparently not totally bought out by the prospect of food.
This lasts for five seconds, maybe less, of course, before his expression twists, like he's trying to fight back the urge to open his eyes… until he finally gives in. ]
[Aki waits for Denji to settle before reaching out to snag his shirt off the ground, tugging it on over his head. To the question about winning, he shrugs.] It was close. One of those guys faceplanted - did you see it?
[He hadn't realized Denji had fallen asleep until that happened, looking his way and expecting to see him keeled over in a fit of laughter at the other boy's suffering. So he already knows the answer, that he missed that spectale. But the truth is, he doesn't really want to get into who won or lost. It should have been an easy victory but they only won by a single goal. He'd blame the rest of his team, but he knows he was distracted for half the game. And how stupid is that, to be moody over someone else pouting at you? It was like their numbers were equal in the first half.]
[Aki reaches down and brushes a blade of grass from Denji's hair.] You got just as dirty as me, napping on the ground like a kid. [But compared to his tone when he left him an hour ago, he sounds more playful now, less serious. Caring, as he smushes at a speck of dirt that got on his cheek, presses at the line in his face he got from sleeping on that bag.] Come on, let's go home.
[ His head shakes in answer to that question. Ahhh, one of them seriously did something that hysterical and he didn't get to see it…? Hopefully it was the bum from a moment ago. That would have been perfect — wait, never mind, he takes that back. Hopes it wasn't. Because then Denji's bland, whittled expression would turn to one of genuine upset in a snap, and he doesn't have the strength to pull through all that without giving himself a headache. ]
Nuh-uh, you're the kid. The kiddest of all kids.
[ He only saw him play early in the game, but the memory of Aki energetically bounding from one side of the field to the opposite with such focus, like he was having fun, is superimposed into his mind's eye. Reminds him of when they were younger, when he could actually run alongside him and not feel his chest desperately trying to wring the air from his lungs.
Batting Aki's hand away he rubs a palm across his face, not realizing he's smudging it, spreading the mark to his other cheek. As soon as he's finished with that, he takes one look at his palm, a little darker than it was before, presumably from the dirt, and cleans against Aki's own cheek, the contact nothing too aggressive. Almost like a caress by how his fingers curl into his face, sweeping down his jaw. In the background, there are sirens blaring, fast and far. Denji doesn't pay them any mind.
A satisfied humph comes from him once he's pulled away. Aki was already grimy before from the game, but now Denji feels like he's really done his part. ]
'kay, let's go. [ Pushing himself up, he drags his bag over his shoulder with him. ] Wasn't there a place close by?
[Aki's up on his feet as Denji rises and tugs on his shirt as they begin to walk toward the road. He nods to his question, digging out his wallet and checking - he still has a few hundred yen on hand. More than enough for that.]
It's on the way home. [He really does feel kind of good, still. The sirens usually would make him anxious but he barely notices them. Even if that guy had made him feel strange with that question, it's easy to bounce back after you actually get to have some fun. Maybe Denji is right, that he should stop and smell the flowers sometimes, that things like this are worthwhile...?]
[But then he stops on the sidewalk, reaching out to grab Denji by the backpack before he can get too far. He's reading a sign posted on the window of a construction shop, temp work often posted by the door but usually out of his league in terms of how well he can pass as an adult. This, however, is an urgent request for someone to help in a warehouse over the weekend when a large shipment is due to come in. The pay isn't stellar, but better than nothing. Aki tugs the flyer off the window and folds it up, pushing it into his pocket. He'll call the number when they get home.]
[The taiyaki place isn't much further, just a sweets shop he remembers had them last time they went. He wasn't planning to, but now that he might have a job this weekend Aki orders one for himself as well. When he hands Denji's to him, he makes sure to add,] Don't tell Power. She'll throw a fit.
[Yeah. Compared to an hour ago, things already feel a lot better. No weird door talk, no Denji pouting at him, no health trouble with Denji... Just some taiyaki and some extra money after the weekend.]
[ Sirens are normal. Lots of times they're just false alarms, a response to someone elderly who popped a hip getting out of the bath, a stove left on a little longer than intended. There's stress from the event, sure, but they're normal things normal folks can come back from. Even yesterday's circus feels farther away, for all the disorder and tedium that whole thing caused. And the more distance there is from them, the closer it is to being an open-and-shut story they'll hardly remember a year from now.
So much like Aki, he's unbothered. Tries to keep the roll of his eyes at his brother's interest in taking on an odd job to a minimal, but it's hard to completely control his disapproval — it's something he does every time he's got somewhere else to be besides home, and regardless of how much he's sure Aki wants him to grow out of that clinginess, he's not sure he ever will. Because, c'mon, can't he see the extra free time as an opportunity to hang out with him and Power for once?
…Whatever, at least they're having taiyaki. ]
Aw, but rubbing stuff in her face is so funny. And, y'know, the last time we had some, she stole my piece! S'only fair.
[ The red bean filling melts in his mouth, the perfect ratio of sugary paste to fried batter. The outer edges are browner than they really need to be, but he's always liked an extra crunch to his desserts. He considers stopping at about the halfway point, to save the rest for Pochita, but, eh, his body's small, so maybe a third of the sweet is more than enough. After wrapping what's remaining of his taiyaki, he shoves the piece into his pocket.
The train isn't as packed on the way home, the two of them only just missing the after-work rush, meaning they're able to snag seats this time. No one pays any mind to the fact that they're both dusted in dirt and grass stains, maybe because the fragmented sunlight softens their features, making them look younger than they really are, so they can get away with it. Or it could just be that they look exactly their age.
Either way, right before their stop, Denji briefly looks away from the scenery that's kept them company for so many years to glance Aki's way, his gaze bright. ]
We should make sure to have days like this in Tokyo, too, don't ya think?
[Usually when Denji hoards some food, Aki tries to shake him out of it, remind him there's no need to do that, he can get him more later. He's long suspected it to be due to however he grew up before they met, maybe even long before, but whenever he catches sight of it, it's like a thorn in his side reminding him he hasn't solved everything just yet. Such a small act, in his view, is a reminder of the type of home he can still create for all of them.]
[His own food already eaten, Aki watches the evening lights flicker on outside the train when Denji asks that. He wonders what "days like this" mean to Denji - days where they do something important in the morning and then have the rest of the day to laze around and do whatever they want? Days without a timeline, without a schedule? Or days where nothing bad happens? Likely, he means the second one, Aki decides.]
There's a lot more to do in Tokyo, you know... I don't think you'll be able to get bored. [He's never been there. It's just what he has to imagine from the brief period he lived in Hokkaido, prior to being shuffled here.] I bet the food is way better too. No burned taiyaki. [Not that he complained, but seriously, the bottom of his was nearly black. Of course Denji didn't seem to mind.] And we'll have a ton more money. ...A lot more money. [He corrects himself with a frown. Sometimes Denji rubs off on him in the stupidest ways.] It'll be way better than this place.
[When they finally make it home, Aki goes to the shower first, figuring Denji will be busy with Pochita for a bit so he can wash off. He leaves the job notice on the fridge to call in the morning. Even if the day started out stressful, cramped, and nervewracking, even if they nearly yelled at one another in the afternoon... It feels like everything ended just as it should have.]
[ Denji follows him all the way home, a question sticking to the recesses of his mind, looping on and on like an petal-sharp pinwheel in an otherwise dark haze — has this place really been that bad to them? So, alright, the taiyaki's burnt, and sometimes they're low on cash, but still.
We grew up here, he wants to bring up to Aki's back, in defense of the aged shops and neighborhoods they're passing through. The market they got kicked out of because he kept sneaking bites of fruit they hadn't paid for yet. The street corner Power found Meowy yelling out from a sewer grate. When someone asks you where your hometown is, aren't 'cha gonna say it's here?
That's what Denji would say. Not that other place.
But Aki…
Ultimately, he keeps quiet. Lets the question slope down the drain.
At home, Power catches him trying to feed Pochita part of the taiyaki he'd saved from earlier, and immediately raises a fuss until he offers her some of the candy from the clinic. After which, she happily eases up, clearly satisfied with herself. They have warm-up leftovers from this morning's meal for dinner, which only lives on Denji's plate for about five minutes before he's vacuumed it all in, still hungry, despite being treated to a hearty lunch and a carb-heavy dessert. They leave a messy plate (and messy table) out for whenever Aki's done showering. As soon as the bathroom opens up, the two of them are in-and-out in perfect coordination, making their usual rounds and yelling at the other to hurry up.
The night ends with all three of them side-by-side, murmuring their good nights. The same as last night. The same as every night, really, yet it feels like they fall into place much easier this time.
In the morning, Denji sleeps in. There's no school, no place to get to in a mad bolt. Power steps on his head getting to her change of clothes, but after the initial grouching, he's able to fall back asleep. For 10 minutes.
Then, his phone buzzes. ]
Who the hell…?
[ It's not someone messaging him, though, when he pulls his device out from under his pillowcase. It's a news story.
Missing student's belongings found near grisly scene
SAPPORO — Authorities in Sapporo, Hokkaido, are appealing to the public for any potential witnesses to come forward with information regarding a suspicious incident discovered near a residential area in the Toyohira Ward showing signs of a brutal assault.
The scene was reported to the emergency line at 6:25 p.m. A duffel bag and one sneaker presumed to belong to an unnamed student from Togata High School was collected as evidence.
According to Public Safety, connection to the recent devil attack in the Atsubetsu Ward has not been ruled out.
If you, or anyone you know, is aware of details pertaining to this incident, please call our hotline…
Denji shares the brief article to the group chat. ]
[Wading his way through a sea of pallets, Aki feels his phone buzz and ignores it at first. He talked to Denji this morning, and he'd kind of replied. I'll be working until four. I'll be back home after that. You can make lunch for yourself, there's still stuff in the fridge. Look after Power. He told him those four things and Denji kind of mumbled a Yup as he lay in bed and Aki had thought, good enough. He'd expected the job to be tomorrow, not today, but like hell is he going to deny easy money like this. They didn't even ask for his birthday over the phone. He's taken enough odd jobs that this routine isn't unusual. And Denji ate well at dinner, so all should be fine.]
[...Though he did tell him one fifth thing, too. Message me if you need me. But he always says that, and Denji texts him whatever comes to his mind, so it's probably something like that. Nothing huge. He sits down on his heels and lifts up the flap of a package, staring at the shipping label, then begins ripping it open. It's probably nothing.]
[But of course it's never just nothing. Aki hears someone else mention it, looking at their phone, talking to another temp worker. "...bag had Togata High's logo, I heard." "Poor kid's gotta be..."]
[He moves his hand slowly to his pocket, taking in a breath. He's only been gone for an hour. It's nothing. When he stares at the message waiting for him, that it's from Denji, he's a little relieved - really, it's not like he thought either of them were in trouble or anything - but not so much as he reads the article.]
You should know our school's name
[Start with that. Lighten the mood. He re-reads the article, looks at the map as if it would tell him anything other than the shape of their ward. The siren from the previous night blares in his memory, but - No, sirens happen all the time, right? Were they that close to it? What time was it that they went home? Had any of those boys had duffel bags...?]
You two stay home today. Don't take the devil outside, either. I bet Public Safety is all over the place.
[ …is the LINE sticker Denji sends at the admonishment. What's knowing the name of that place going to do for him in life? Aki's graduating, and they're moving to a new school in less than a year, which means a new address, new directions to learn. New people to waltz in and out of his vision, expecting that he remember their names. That's way too many things to memorize. If Power were there to back him up, he'd pick a pointless fight over it.
…But he's not seeing her read receipt yet. Hm…
Rolling out of bed, he crawls toward the door on all fours to slowly peek his head out — and, yep, there she is. Sitting way too close to the TV set, Power doesn't seem to be paying attention to anything besides her favorite weekly cartoon. Ah, fine, he'll kick it alone. ]
but youre outside
[ Well, that's because he's got work and the news only broke just now… He knows that, but it's like second nature to find reasons to huff at Aki. ]
[ Sent from back under the covers again, Denji having returned to bed instead of forage for something to eat in the kitchen. He refreshes the news article, since usually these things get updated as the police and Public Safety release more information, but nothing's changed in the past few minutes.
Connection to the recent devil attack in the Atsubetsu Ward has not been ruled out — that's referencing them, right? ]
so whatcha think about the news?
[ … ]
you think the kid who went missing is one of the dudes you played with?
[He's not outside, actually. He's decidedly inside, in the warehouse-sized back room of this store unpacking boxes of... What even is in these? Aki flips open the box he was unloading before he answered Denji's text. It's full of kitchenware, cutting boards and graters and whatnot. Does this place furnish department stores...?]
There's food in the fridge.
[And he's ready to leave it at that, but then Denji has to ask the question he's doing a very fine job not thinking about. Aki glances over his shoulder at the other people working but they're all a good distance away. No one seems to be paying him any mind.]
I thought they all went home in groups. It would be weird for only one person to get attacked and no one else to say anything.
[...No, he suddenly remembers. That last kid went home by himself, after asking Aki about Denji. But they left not that long after, right? Wouldn't they have heard... Or which direction did he even go in?]
[Ugh, no. This isn't useful. Musing about which of their classmates had been killed isn't a fun game.]
Don't be so morbid. And get out of bed already.
[He can imagine him lazed around in bed sending him these messages right now.]
[ Denji yanks his pilow tight against his face and groans, rolling back-and-forth. He doesn't want to! And how did he know he was still messing around in bed? ESP?! That's a scarier thought than all this devil and missing people stuff combined. Redirect, redirect. ]
yeah i guess. but some of em coulda split off later too right? and there was that one uncle kid who left before everyone else…
[ In addition to the very last boy who spoke with Aki toward the end of the match. Hell, even if the description of items left behind doesn't match, maybe it was even one of his student council buds. Anything could have happened, just like with the boy who didn't make it out of the zombie attack. ]
if its another dude from our school maybe the devils got a special connection or hate for brown-noser lookin guys. you better watch out
anyway look scroll down through the comments in the article. youll see other people think so too
[ Even if peoples' live shouldn't be treated as a game, he has to admit… It's a little fun, to follow all the public interest sensationalizing those kinds of theories. And not just that, people get so popular whenever something bad happens to them. Besides the armchair detective hypotheses being thrown around, there are obviously loads of prayers or people claiming to be students who think they know which of their classmates went missing.
I hope it's not who I think it is, he was so nice.
damn thats crazy I used to sit behind that guy in homeroom last year.. nowheres safe anymore. Rest In Peace
weren't he and ide-kun close? at least they're together now
It's so weird. Names that Denji never knew, suddenly, are spread widely throughout the collective conscious. ]
wouldnt it be cool if regular folks wound up solving the whole thing before the pubic safety guys?
[Aki has very little interest in reading the comments on local news articles but Denji seems... unusually interested in this. Is he scared? Does he think something might happen to Aki? Is that why he so calmly tells him to watch himself?]
[But then, of course, it's just because Denji thinks it would be cool if he was the one who saves the day. If he were the local hero who finds the killer. Or in this case, the devil.]
You aren't a detective. This isn't something you should be trying to solve.
[Big words coming from Mr. "I hate when I can't solve something on my own." But whatever. This is Denji he's talking to, not himself.]
If it's a big enough issue, they'll send in Public Safety departments from larger areas. Like Tokyo or something. There's no way you could find a devil before them.
[Especially since...]
You couldn't kill it, anyway. Not with that jellybean.
[ There is an element of self-satisfaction to this, in feeling at the murky center of a layered story, in reliving that power he felt driving Pochita's head deep past long-rotted arteries and organs and feeling good. Strong, where he never has been.
Yet no one's really talking about them the way they are the people who are missing or dead, which rationally, has to do with nobody knowing the full details of how he and Aki were involved, just that they were.
But it's not fair. ]
if its a big enough issue we could be dead before they do that
[ He's finally dragged himself out of bed, standing by the window to peer out the blinds and, sure enough, there are a few familiar suits making their rounds through the streets. ]
and dont disrespect pochita! call him a jellybadass or super jellybean at least. since without him things wouldve been a lot worse for us two.
[The message is sent right before Denji's second message arrives. Annoyance breaking through - He's sick of hearing Denji imagine their deaths. Though that second message isn't much better on that front.]
It would have been fine without you doing that
Those Public Safety guys showed up right after
[He's getting tense and frustrated so his messages are choppier and more to the point. He can't ever hide his emotion through text. Not that he tries very hard to.]
[ It's not like Denji to get cowed by a few overly direct messages, but it's true that they've been over this before. That he knows Aki's stance on the matter and that talking to Denji about it only seems to make him dig his heels in. Stubborn as a dog who refuses to go on a walk.
Before Denji can get a response in, one that'd likely circuit then through their round of arguing, Power interjects with: rejoice, curs! the omnipotent power comes bearing a great gift despite your yappings interrupting my sacred morning rituals. there will be NO school next week! i have decided it, so it shall be. you are welcome
She declares it as if it's something she came up with herself... ]
woah shes only lying about part of it for once
[ You know, instead of the whole thing.
There's an update to the article now. It isn't with anything regarding the case or the devil attack, but just an announcement that school activities will continue to be paused throughout the following week as Public Safety conducts their investigation. ]
[It's not that it's a horrible thing, of course. Aki is about as big of a fan of school as any other teenager. He only does well as a means for the future. But it's so serious that they'll continue putting school on hold? How bad is this devil?]
Power, go get Denji out of bed already.
[To distract them for a bit, he'll sic her on him for a few minutes. Maybe Denji actually did get out of bed by now, but they'll still squabble for a bit and give him some time to think about this.]
[...Seriously, they're still going to have no school next week? Do they think this devil is targeting high schoolers? But why high schoolers? Or what if it's not even the same devil? He can feel a headache coming on when someone suddenly calls out to him - the manager, asking him to help with some heavy lifting. He looks young and spry, apparently. Thanks, he makes sure to say, though doesn't exactly feel complemented.]
[Sending out a quick text, he shoves his phone in his pocket as he hurries off:]
Maybe we can take that beach trip this week.
[Never has there been a better excuse to split town for a day.]
[ Power moves faster than the typing speed of his thumbs, because the door's being abruptly thrown open and she's shouting out some gibberish that could be modeled after some action cartoon ability that, in her imagination, manifests in explosions and limbs flying and a shower of glorious blood. But in Denji's experience is really just her preamble to headbutting him, then wrestling him into a sleeper's hold until he rapidly taps out.
"And the infidel falls!" she proudly narrates with a sputter of laughter, before imitating the sound effects of a large audience, the one that perpetually resides in her head, hooting and hollering in support of her victory. Denji crawls out of the bedroom, leaving his phone behind, like a stubborn ant inching itself toward the safety of its colony even after a palm has already slammed itself atop it, crumpling all six of its legs.
Power holds her phone up. Sends a photo of the pathetic surrender most befitting an underling of his rank. Let this send a message to that other underling: Power follows no one's orders!
(Ignore the fact that she attacked Denji at Aki's request.)
When she glances at the mention of their day trip in their chat, something she vaguely remembers being told of, her simpering heightens by tenfold. Blowing past all that talk of devilry and crime (because if it isn't her own, she has no interest), Power sends the following:
your overlord has an idea... tis time for a beach excursion!
Didn't Aki just say that...?
as my servants, it will be your natural duty to finally make good on fortifying my castle in the dunes! and present me with many a melon to coat my walls in their delicious red innards as warning to any teespassers. ]
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[It's easy to tell when he's said something that has affected Denji. Like yesterday, when he told him he didn't want to have to carry him again. The way his eyes widen, pupils dart aside. He's so obvious. It's annoying. Like when he was younger and would try to lie to cover for Power. What does he want him to do...?]
...Just do what I tell you to. [Which he does, mostly. He's pretty obedient which had maybe been an early reason he'd let Denji stick around him. If he told him to buzz off, he would. He'd always come back later, though, long enough for Aki to recover from any negative mood he was having.] You know that saying about what happens when you assume? How you make an ass out of you and me.
[Said slowly so he gets it. Then Aki reaches over and pushes his tea toward Denji, across the table toward where his hand has grabbed the empty glass of soda.]
[This kind of back and forth doesn't feel too unusual. He'd maybe give the excuse that he's still stressed from yesterday, still a little shaken up by his closest encounter with a devil. He'd always assumed that would happen when he was a hunter, not a student. He's never wondered what would happen if the Gun Devil returned today, or tomorrow. It's always felt like something he can prepare for, something he'll be ready for in the near but not immediate future. But now he's not sure. He doesn't know what tomorrow is going to be like, only what he wants it to be like six months from now. Suddenly having to think about the next day, the next hour, the next minute is stressful. Especially when he has two other people's futures to think about, too.]
[When they're finished eating, Aki making sure Denji didn't leave any rice in his bowl, he makes his way out to the field, the same place he goes to run laps and train. It's a broad, open space between town and the school, just developed enough that it doesn't feel like an overgrown grass field but quiet enough that it isn't right up against the busier roads. The two classmates from earlier are already kicking the ball between two goals along with a few other kids who joined in, so Aki leads Denji over to the edge of the field while he pulls off his jacket, offering it out to him. Even though it's a little chilly, they seem to be doing shirts and skins. One less skin, by his count, so he starts to tug off his top as well.]
...Oh, yeah. [He raises his head, just remembering.] We can get taiyaki on the way home. So don't eat all the candy you took.
[Then tosses his shirt to him as well.]
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If Aki only wants him to do as he's told, maybe it's fine. Maybe it doesn't matter. ]
Fine. [ From his position on the grassy turf beside the playing field, he holds a hand out to catch the bunched up shirt, but it whips past, the spread of it slapping into his face. Grunting, Denji drags the shirt down, but not before giving it a curious sniff. For being out all day, it still smells pretty clean. ] …He totally did that on purpose.
[ Well, whether Aki did or not isn't something he can contest, with him cutting across to his other teammates, a relatively strong-looking group of boys. The other side about evenly matched, by the look of it. So gross, what a sausage fest…
And yet Denji doesn't look away once throughout the first match, not even to check his phone, his skinny legs folded close to his chest as he watches a midfielder on the shirtless team nimbly pass the ball on to one of the two broad-shouldered boys that'd stopped by their table. At some point, it occurs to him that some of these players are probably a part of their school's soccer team, but it doesn't look like Aki's having too much trouble keeping apace. Which, obviously, he wouldn't — that's his brother we're talking about here. But also he's always been good at this stuff, since way back. His body moving wherever he wants it to, a similar look in his eyes as when he talks about his goals and moving out to Tokyo triggering.
"Hey, I gotta head home," a shirt says, after their team lands the winning score of the match and they break for water. His eyes are pinned to his phone screen, rapidly typing a message to whoever he's talking to. "My sister's headed into labor. So… I guess I'm gonna be an uncle now."
Despite the casual breaking of the news and the boy trying to keep face, trying not to look too excited, there's a clamor of congratulations from his teammates. Some skins playfully taunt him, that he's just making up an excuse to leave on a high note because he's afraid of losing, to which he simply rolls his eyes with a laugh. Shrugging both the jeers and well wishes off, the boy quickly gathers his duffel bag and rushes off with a brief wave. The team captain of the shirts, who Denji recognizes to be the other guy that'd stopped by their table, rubs at the back of his head as he does a recount of his team, pulling a face when he's done.
Then, his eyes land on Denji. "Hey, you, Mini Hayakawa." ]
Uh, me…? [ He looks up from where he'd been digging a power bank from Aki's bag. His phone's about to die from the gaming he did earlier, so…
"Yeah. You wanna play? We're down a man now, if you couldn't tell."
Denji blinks dopily before scanning the area for his brother. ]
I'unno. I mean, maybe? I gotta ask him first… [ Wherever Aki is, he tries to wave him over — or if he isn't nearby, he'll probably just call out to him: ] Nii-san. Your pal's begging me to play with you guys —
[ "I'm not begging you — " ]
Can I?
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[The news that one of them is about to do something as grown up as become an uncle is surprising to Aki, congratulating the other boy along with everyone else but falling back from giving any smack talk. He's wiping some mud off his pants when he thinks he hears his name but raising his head reveals that it's the other boy talking to Denji, not himself. And then Denji looks over and repeats the question to him, if he can play, and without even taking a second to think Aki's answer is immediate: ] Hell no.
[The other boy looks at him in confusion, though quickly tries to make light of it. "What, you don't want to lose to your own - " But Aki interrupts him before he can finish the joke of a question.] He's not fit for it. He got blood taken today, and... [Attacked the day before. It's not like many people know about Denji's health issues, nor is Aki one to share that information with no preamble, but something seems to click in the other boy who had stopped by their table and he nudges the first one, giving him a look. They knew they were involved in the situation yesterday, it seems.] He's going to get worn out too fast. Look, I'll sit out, if you want to keep it even.
[Clearly that isn't the preferable solution, however, given the dour look over the other players' faces. Aki doesn't budge, however, even as another player suggests Denji just be a goalie.] He can't play. He's too weak.
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There really isn't any room for loopholes in such a clear-cut declaration. The team captain guy shares a look with one of his players for a moment, and in seeming to come to a silent consensus, turns back to Denji with a good-natured but helpless smile. Obviously, they aren't interested in stepping into family matters. "What the big bro says, goes. Sorry, Mini, maybe next time. If you see the ball go outta bounds, you can kick it back into the field, if you want." As if to give him the chance to interject, he shoots a short glance Aki's way, accompanied by a quickly said, "That should be fine, right?"
In the same conversation, the boy dismisses Aki's offer to sit out, bumping his shoulder into his brother's with a wicked grin and his chest puffed. Says something about how the rest of the skins need him, seeing as they're on a losing streak so far. Rested and rehydrated, the remaining players begin to mosey back to the field, but before Aki can get too far Denji throws a hand out, tugging at his waistband, expression dark. Downcast. ]
I…
[ I'm mad at you, he could tell him. Use his trump card to get what he wants. But does he have the right to? Aki did only agree to take him if he just sat on the sidelines without pushing himself — and, honestly, it's not the immediate rejection of the idea that has him upset, exactly. Denji sucks on the inside of his cheek, his face twitching and creasing, as he weighs his next words. ]
I wish you wouldn't say that crap. 'bout me being weak.
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[Denji's response isn't unexpected, but given the look Aki casts him in response, it isn't taken too seriously. What, is he going to argue with him? Even if he ate earlier, there's no way he's back to normal. And even then, if he was, did he just forget about how close he was to passing out yesterday, how he stumbled around for the better part of the evening? And his feet are still a little scratched up from that other night. Seriously, what is with him, thinking he can argue with this?]
[Then he takes in Denji's expression and feels something cold settle over his heart, like a snowdrift, a pile dropping onto him from the roof of a home. He looks like Taiyou, pouting up at him. "I wanna go play with Nii-chan." All the ways things have and haven't changed, living with a brother who was too sick most days to even get out of bed. And one of the few days he did disobey, came following Aki outside, tossed some snow at his back and laughed at his indignation - how had that ended?]
[He pulls out of his grip, clearly affected by that memory, turning away all at once. He doesn't want to see that face. Not right now.]
We'll talk when we get home.
[He heads back to the group of boys, accepting the ball kicked his way and dribbling it toward them. He knows most people think of him as a little overprotective, maybe a little harsh on both Denji and Power, but he also knows most people think of them as kids who always end up in trouble. Kids who always have their noses where they don't belong. Compared to Aki, his do-good personality, of course he would be the one to scold them and keep them on the right path. Compared to them, of course Aki would know what that right path is.]
[Even if the path is sitting on the side of the field, a stray ball rolling his way once or twice. By the time the game is over, the winter sun is already getting low in the sky. As they break, the skins finally winning (though Aki knows it's thanks to having one extra pair of legs running around), he's exhausted, sweaty and muddy around the ankles. However, as the group moves back to where Denji was waiting, one of them knocking Aki in the side for his attempted nutmeg earlier, he doesn't look it. Compared to the cold, almost upset look he had left Denji with, his mood clearly improved by the end of the game. He feels - good, honestly. Probably for the first time since he had that conversation with Denji about going to the beach.]
[Plopping down in the grass and downing the water someone else tosses him, he leans back and lets out a tired breath.] Lemme just sit a minute.
[Whatever he was thinking about Denji's expression, how it had reminded him so starkly of his brother - his real brother - it's gone now. Filed away, pushed back into its shallow box.]
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That other face he pulls as he turns from him, too, is just like Aki. Denji only sees a flash of it, but he knows when his brother is shuttering him out, closing the blinds on him, some other far off view taking his place. It's probably why the only thing Denji winds up doing balling his fists at his sides and letting him go. They talked about this last night: that Aki can visit the places that he can't reach all he wants, but that, whatever happens, he has to come back.
So fine, Denji will wait this out.
Around the time he accepts there won't be anymore balls for him to throw back into the game, he starts to nod off, his head lolling every so often. Though he tries to endurethe each wave of sleepiness, turn after turn, it isn't long before he's laying on his side, eyes closed, and using his bag as a pillow. His patch of ground is kind of lumpy, the grass blades too itchy, but with the shadows of the nearby buildings and trees beginning to pitch forward, he's fast asleep within minutes.
The nap isn't nearly long enough for him to have any special dreams, but the rest of the world does dull into a blissful blankness. He isn't even aware of the game ending, the players still running high from the adrenaline of a good game, or his brother sitting close by. ]
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[Most of the guys have started on the way home, heading out in groups of two or three, dirty from the afternoon of childhood fun. A day that probably won't last in their memory. Aki's, either, he thinks, leaned back in the grass beside Denji's prone form. There's just one other kid left, the one who hadn't known Denji's name back at that restaurant. As he waves off someone, he turns to look at Aki, down at Denji. Seems to be mulling over his question before finally asking - "What's wrong with him?"]
[Aki glances down, like he'll get some kind of answer on Denji's sleeping face. He could just give the same spiel he always gives, to teachers or doctors or anyone in a position of authority. Sickly, a poor constitution. Heart disease. Whatever words he last was given as an answer to what is 'wrong' with Denji. But that exact phrasing bothers him, brings him back to just an hour or so ago. The way Denji had stared at him, clearly miffed, maybe embarrassed, at how Aki had phrased it. Even if it's true, even if Denji is weak, wakes up coughing in the night, can't even do Sports Day most years... Now, hearing it from someone else, he kind of hates it, too. Feels a tinge of regret, guilt, about how he'd so curtly called him that in front of a bunch of kids who don't even know Denji's name. Just know now that he's "weak."]
Nothing's wrong with him. [He doesn't really know this guy, only shares mutual friends, so he doesn't feel bad about speaking to him too bluntly.] You'd be tired, too, after yesterday.
[The other player seems to at least recognize he's stepped in something by asking, shuffling uncomfortably on his feet before finally raising his hand as he heads off, says a brief, Later. Aki watches him go, finally sitting up and crossing his legs. The breeze feels nice, cooling the sweat rolling down his bare back. He reaches out to tug blades of grass out of the ground and sprinkles it on Denji's head. They roll down onto his face, over his nose.]
Hey. Let's get taiyaki.
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Aki's not nearly as rude as he would be, and yet the next words out of his mouth still makes his throat dry up. His cheeks sore from keeping his mouth set in a line when all he wants to is… is what? Curl his whole body around his older brother's and hide his face into the side of his sweaty hip? He can't do that.
When the grass clumps skim past his nostrils, he involuntarily sniffs, nearly inhaling a blade up his nose. ]
Hrk… [ A single eye blearily squints up at him — tired, but not disgruntled. Turning over, he tries to rub his face into his knee. How about that? ] No, five more minutes. [ And then his eye stubbornly shuts again, apparently not totally bought out by the prospect of food.
This lasts for five seconds, maybe less, of course, before his expression twists, like he's trying to fight back the urge to open his eyes… until he finally gives in. ]
…So didja win this time?
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[Aki waits for Denji to settle before reaching out to snag his shirt off the ground, tugging it on over his head. To the question about winning, he shrugs.] It was close. One of those guys faceplanted - did you see it?
[He hadn't realized Denji had fallen asleep until that happened, looking his way and expecting to see him keeled over in a fit of laughter at the other boy's suffering. So he already knows the answer, that he missed that spectale. But the truth is, he doesn't really want to get into who won or lost. It should have been an easy victory but they only won by a single goal. He'd blame the rest of his team, but he knows he was distracted for half the game. And how stupid is that, to be moody over someone else pouting at you? It was like their numbers were equal in the first half.]
[Aki reaches down and brushes a blade of grass from Denji's hair.] You got just as dirty as me, napping on the ground like a kid. [But compared to his tone when he left him an hour ago, he sounds more playful now, less serious. Caring, as he smushes at a speck of dirt that got on his cheek, presses at the line in his face he got from sleeping on that bag.] Come on, let's go home.
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Nuh-uh, you're the kid. The kiddest of all kids.
[ He only saw him play early in the game, but the memory of Aki energetically bounding from one side of the field to the opposite with such focus, like he was having fun, is superimposed into his mind's eye. Reminds him of when they were younger, when he could actually run alongside him and not feel his chest desperately trying to wring the air from his lungs.
Batting Aki's hand away he rubs a palm across his face, not realizing he's smudging it, spreading the mark to his other cheek. As soon as he's finished with that, he takes one look at his palm, a little darker than it was before, presumably from the dirt, and cleans against Aki's own cheek, the contact nothing too aggressive. Almost like a caress by how his fingers curl into his face, sweeping down his jaw. In the background, there are sirens blaring, fast and far. Denji doesn't pay them any mind.
A satisfied humph comes from him once he's pulled away. Aki was already grimy before from the game, but now Denji feels like he's really done his part. ]
'kay, let's go. [ Pushing himself up, he drags his bag over his shoulder with him. ] Wasn't there a place close by?
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[Aki's up on his feet as Denji rises and tugs on his shirt as they begin to walk toward the road. He nods to his question, digging out his wallet and checking - he still has a few hundred yen on hand. More than enough for that.]
It's on the way home. [He really does feel kind of good, still. The sirens usually would make him anxious but he barely notices them. Even if that guy had made him feel strange with that question, it's easy to bounce back after you actually get to have some fun. Maybe Denji is right, that he should stop and smell the flowers sometimes, that things like this are worthwhile...?]
[But then he stops on the sidewalk, reaching out to grab Denji by the backpack before he can get too far. He's reading a sign posted on the window of a construction shop, temp work often posted by the door but usually out of his league in terms of how well he can pass as an adult. This, however, is an urgent request for someone to help in a warehouse over the weekend when a large shipment is due to come in. The pay isn't stellar, but better than nothing. Aki tugs the flyer off the window and folds it up, pushing it into his pocket. He'll call the number when they get home.]
[The taiyaki place isn't much further, just a sweets shop he remembers had them last time they went. He wasn't planning to, but now that he might have a job this weekend Aki orders one for himself as well. When he hands Denji's to him, he makes sure to add,] Don't tell Power. She'll throw a fit.
[Yeah. Compared to an hour ago, things already feel a lot better. No weird door talk, no Denji pouting at him, no health trouble with Denji... Just some taiyaki and some extra money after the weekend.]
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So much like Aki, he's unbothered. Tries to keep the roll of his eyes at his brother's interest in taking on an odd job to a minimal, but it's hard to completely control his disapproval — it's something he does every time he's got somewhere else to be besides home, and regardless of how much he's sure Aki wants him to grow out of that clinginess, he's not sure he ever will. Because, c'mon, can't he see the extra free time as an opportunity to hang out with him and Power for once?
…Whatever, at least they're having taiyaki. ]
Aw, but rubbing stuff in her face is so funny. And, y'know, the last time we had some, she stole my piece! S'only fair.
[ The red bean filling melts in his mouth, the perfect ratio of sugary paste to fried batter. The outer edges are browner than they really need to be, but he's always liked an extra crunch to his desserts. He considers stopping at about the halfway point, to save the rest for Pochita, but, eh, his body's small, so maybe a third of the sweet is more than enough. After wrapping what's remaining of his taiyaki, he shoves the piece into his pocket.
The train isn't as packed on the way home, the two of them only just missing the after-work rush, meaning they're able to snag seats this time. No one pays any mind to the fact that they're both dusted in dirt and grass stains, maybe because the fragmented sunlight softens their features, making them look younger than they really are, so they can get away with it. Or it could just be that they look exactly their age.
Either way, right before their stop, Denji briefly looks away from the scenery that's kept them company for so many years to glance Aki's way, his gaze bright. ]
We should make sure to have days like this in Tokyo, too, don't ya think?
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[Usually when Denji hoards some food, Aki tries to shake him out of it, remind him there's no need to do that, he can get him more later. He's long suspected it to be due to however he grew up before they met, maybe even long before, but whenever he catches sight of it, it's like a thorn in his side reminding him he hasn't solved everything just yet. Such a small act, in his view, is a reminder of the type of home he can still create for all of them.]
[His own food already eaten, Aki watches the evening lights flicker on outside the train when Denji asks that. He wonders what "days like this" mean to Denji - days where they do something important in the morning and then have the rest of the day to laze around and do whatever they want? Days without a timeline, without a schedule? Or days where nothing bad happens? Likely, he means the second one, Aki decides.]
There's a lot more to do in Tokyo, you know... I don't think you'll be able to get bored. [He's never been there. It's just what he has to imagine from the brief period he lived in Hokkaido, prior to being shuffled here.] I bet the food is way better too. No burned taiyaki. [Not that he complained, but seriously, the bottom of his was nearly black. Of course Denji didn't seem to mind.] And we'll have a ton more money. ...A lot more money. [He corrects himself with a frown. Sometimes Denji rubs off on him in the stupidest ways.] It'll be way better than this place.
[When they finally make it home, Aki goes to the shower first, figuring Denji will be busy with Pochita for a bit so he can wash off. He leaves the job notice on the fridge to call in the morning. Even if the day started out stressful, cramped, and nervewracking, even if they nearly yelled at one another in the afternoon... It feels like everything ended just as it should have.]
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We grew up here, he wants to bring up to Aki's back, in defense of the aged shops and neighborhoods they're passing through. The market they got kicked out of because he kept sneaking bites of fruit they hadn't paid for yet. The street corner Power found Meowy yelling out from a sewer grate. When someone asks you where your hometown is, aren't 'cha gonna say it's here?
That's what Denji would say. Not that other place.
But Aki…
Ultimately, he keeps quiet. Lets the question slope down the drain.
At home, Power catches him trying to feed Pochita part of the taiyaki he'd saved from earlier, and immediately raises a fuss until he offers her some of the candy from the clinic. After which, she happily eases up, clearly satisfied with herself. They have warm-up leftovers from this morning's meal for dinner, which only lives on Denji's plate for about five minutes before he's vacuumed it all in, still hungry, despite being treated to a hearty lunch and a carb-heavy dessert. They leave a messy plate (and messy table) out for whenever Aki's done showering. As soon as the bathroom opens up, the two of them are in-and-out in perfect coordination, making their usual rounds and yelling at the other to hurry up.
The night ends with all three of them side-by-side, murmuring their good nights. The same as last night. The same as every night, really, yet it feels like they fall into place much easier this time.
In the morning, Denji sleeps in. There's no school, no place to get to in a mad bolt. Power steps on his head getting to her change of clothes, but after the initial grouching, he's able to fall back asleep. For 10 minutes.
Then, his phone buzzes. ]
Who the hell…?
[ It's not someone messaging him, though, when he pulls his device out from under his pillowcase. It's a news story.
Missing student's belongings found near grisly scene
Denji shares the brief article to the group chat. ]
fjmt.tk/bc79d0 dude
we go there dont we
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[Wading his way through a sea of pallets, Aki feels his phone buzz and ignores it at first. He talked to Denji this morning, and he'd kind of replied. I'll be working until four. I'll be back home after that. You can make lunch for yourself, there's still stuff in the fridge. Look after Power. He told him those four things and Denji kind of mumbled a Yup as he lay in bed and Aki had thought, good enough. He'd expected the job to be tomorrow, not today, but like hell is he going to deny easy money like this. They didn't even ask for his birthday over the phone. He's taken enough odd jobs that this routine isn't unusual. And Denji ate well at dinner, so all should be fine.]
[...Though he did tell him one fifth thing, too. Message me if you need me. But he always says that, and Denji texts him whatever comes to his mind, so it's probably something like that. Nothing huge. He sits down on his heels and lifts up the flap of a package, staring at the shipping label, then begins ripping it open. It's probably nothing.]
[But of course it's never just nothing. Aki hears someone else mention it, looking at their phone, talking to another temp worker. "...bag had Togata High's logo, I heard." "Poor kid's gotta be..."]
[He moves his hand slowly to his pocket, taking in a breath. He's only been gone for an hour. It's nothing. When he stares at the message waiting for him, that it's from Denji, he's a little relieved - really, it's not like he thought either of them were in trouble or anything - but not so much as he reads the article.]
You should know our school's name
[Start with that. Lighten the mood. He re-reads the article, looks at the map as if it would tell him anything other than the shape of their ward. The siren from the previous night blares in his memory, but - No, sirens happen all the time, right? Were they that close to it? What time was it that they went home? Had any of those boys had duffel bags...?]
You two stay home today. Don't take the devil outside, either. I bet Public Safety is all over the place.
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[ …is the LINE sticker Denji sends at the admonishment. What's knowing the name of that place going to do for him in life? Aki's graduating, and they're moving to a new school in less than a year, which means a new address, new directions to learn. New people to waltz in and out of his vision, expecting that he remember their names. That's way too many things to memorize. If Power were there to back him up, he'd pick a pointless fight over it.
…But he's not seeing her read receipt yet. Hm…
Rolling out of bed, he crawls toward the door on all fours to slowly peek his head out — and, yep, there she is. Sitting way too close to the TV set, Power doesn't seem to be paying attention to anything besides her favorite weekly cartoon. Ah, fine, he'll kick it alone. ]
but youre outside
[ Well, that's because he's got work and the news only broke just now… He knows that, but it's like second nature to find reasons to huff at Aki. ]
2/2
[ Sent from back under the covers again, Denji having returned to bed instead of forage for something to eat in the kitchen. He refreshes the news article, since usually these things get updated as the police and Public Safety release more information, but nothing's changed in the past few minutes.
Connection to the recent devil attack in the Atsubetsu Ward has not been ruled out — that's referencing them, right? ]
so whatcha think about the news?
[ … ]
you think the kid who went missing is one of the dudes you played with?
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[He's not outside, actually. He's decidedly inside, in the warehouse-sized back room of this store unpacking boxes of... What even is in these? Aki flips open the box he was unloading before he answered Denji's text. It's full of kitchenware, cutting boards and graters and whatnot. Does this place furnish department stores...?]
There's food in the fridge.
[And he's ready to leave it at that, but then Denji has to ask the question he's doing a very fine job not thinking about. Aki glances over his shoulder at the other people working but they're all a good distance away. No one seems to be paying him any mind.]
I thought they all went home in groups. It would be weird for only one person to get attacked and no one else to say anything.
[...No, he suddenly remembers. That last kid went home by himself, after asking Aki about Denji. But they left not that long after, right? Wouldn't they have heard... Or which direction did he even go in?]
[Ugh, no. This isn't useful. Musing about which of their classmates had been killed isn't a fun game.]
Don't be so morbid. And get out of bed already.
[He can imagine him lazed around in bed sending him these messages right now.]
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yeah i guess. but some of em coulda split off later too right? and there was that one uncle kid who left before everyone else…
[ In addition to the very last boy who spoke with Aki toward the end of the match. Hell, even if the description of items left behind doesn't match, maybe it was even one of his student council buds. Anything could have happened, just like with the boy who didn't make it out of the zombie attack. ]
if its another dude from our school maybe the devils got a special connection or hate for brown-noser lookin guys. you better watch out
anyway look scroll down through the comments in the article. youll see other people think so too
[ Even if peoples' live shouldn't be treated as a game, he has to admit… It's a little fun, to follow all the public interest sensationalizing those kinds of theories. And not just that, people get so popular whenever something bad happens to them. Besides the armchair detective hypotheses being thrown around, there are obviously loads of prayers or people claiming to be students who think they know which of their classmates went missing.
I hope it's not who I think it is, he was so nice.
damn thats crazy I used to sit behind that guy in homeroom last year.. nowheres safe anymore. Rest In Peace
weren't he and ide-kun close? at least they're together now
It's so weird. Names that Denji never knew, suddenly, are spread widely throughout the collective conscious. ]
wouldnt it be cool if regular folks wound up solving the whole thing before the pubic safety guys?
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[Aki has very little interest in reading the comments on local news articles but Denji seems... unusually interested in this. Is he scared? Does he think something might happen to Aki? Is that why he so calmly tells him to watch himself?]
[But then, of course, it's just because Denji thinks it would be cool if he was the one who saves the day. If he were the local hero who finds the killer. Or in this case, the devil.]
You aren't a detective. This isn't something you should be trying to solve.
[Big words coming from Mr. "I hate when I can't solve something on my own." But whatever. This is Denji he's talking to, not himself.]
If it's a big enough issue, they'll send in Public Safety departments from larger areas. Like Tokyo or something. There's no way you could find a devil before them.
[Especially since...]
You couldn't kill it, anyway. Not with that jellybean.
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Yet no one's really talking about them the way they are the people who are missing or dead, which rationally, has to do with nobody knowing the full details of how he and Aki were involved, just that they were.
But it's not fair. ]
if its a big enough issue we could be dead before they do that
[ He's finally dragged himself out of bed, standing by the window to peer out the blinds and, sure enough, there are a few familiar suits making their rounds through the streets. ]
and dont disrespect pochita! call him a jellybadass or super jellybean at least. since without him things wouldve been a lot worse for us two.
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Don't say shit like that
[The message is sent right before Denji's second message arrives. Annoyance breaking through - He's sick of hearing Denji imagine their deaths. Though that second message isn't much better on that front.]
It would have been fine without you doing that
Those Public Safety guys showed up right after
[He's getting tense and frustrated so his messages are choppier and more to the point. He can't ever hide his emotion through text. Not that he tries very hard to.]
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Before Denji can get a response in, one that'd likely circuit then through their round of arguing, Power interjects with: rejoice, curs! the omnipotent power comes bearing a great gift despite your yappings interrupting my sacred morning rituals. there will be NO school next week! i have decided it, so it shall be. you are welcome
She declares it as if it's something she came up with herself... ]
woah
shes only lying about part of it for once
[ You know, instead of the whole thing.
There's an update to the article now. It isn't with anything regarding the case or the devil attack, but just an announcement that school activities will continue to be paused throughout the following week as Public Safety conducts their investigation. ]
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[...Seriously? A whole week off of school?]
[It's not that it's a horrible thing, of course. Aki is about as big of a fan of school as any other teenager. He only does well as a means for the future. But it's so serious that they'll continue putting school on hold? How bad is this devil?]
Power, go get Denji out of bed already.
[To distract them for a bit, he'll sic her on him for a few minutes. Maybe Denji actually did get out of bed by now, but they'll still squabble for a bit and give him some time to think about this.]
[...Seriously, they're still going to have no school next week? Do they think this devil is targeting high schoolers? But why high schoolers? Or what if it's not even the same devil? He can feel a headache coming on when someone suddenly calls out to him - the manager, asking him to help with some heavy lifting. He looks young and spry, apparently. Thanks, he makes sure to say, though doesn't exactly feel complemented.]
[Sending out a quick text, he shoves his phone in his pocket as he hurries off:]
Maybe we can take that beach trip this week.
[Never has there been a better excuse to split town for a day.]
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[ Power moves faster than the typing speed of his thumbs, because the door's being abruptly thrown open and she's shouting out some gibberish that could be modeled after some action cartoon ability that, in her imagination, manifests in explosions and limbs flying and a shower of glorious blood. But in Denji's experience is really just her preamble to headbutting him, then wrestling him into a sleeper's hold until he rapidly taps out.
"And the infidel falls!" she proudly narrates with a sputter of laughter, before imitating the sound effects of a large audience,
the one that perpetually resides in her head, hooting and hollering in support of her victory. Denji crawls out of the bedroom, leaving his phone behind, like a stubborn ant inching itself toward the safety of its colony even after a palm has already slammed itself atop it, crumpling all six of its legs.
Power holds her phone up. Sends a photo of the pathetic surrender most befitting an underling of his rank. Let this send a message to that other underling: Power follows no one's orders!
(Ignore the fact that she attacked Denji at Aki's request.)
When she glances at the mention of their day trip in their chat, something she vaguely remembers being told of, her simpering heightens by tenfold. Blowing past all that talk of devilry and crime (because if it isn't her own, she has no interest), Power sends the following:
your overlord has an idea... tis time for a beach excursion!
Didn't Aki just say that...?
as my servants, it will be your natural duty to finally make good on fortifying my castle in the dunes! and present me with many a melon to coat my walls in their delicious red innards as warning to any teespassers. ]
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