Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Reigen Arataka was, for lack of a better term, bored out of his damn mind.

The day was turning out to be just the same as every other - clients with stiff shoulders and an irrational fear of curses looking for the cheapest solution they could find. He meets with them, discusses the various exorcism courses, provides a massage and some advice, and sends them on their way. If he's lucky, he'll make enough for take-out after the office closes. If he's extra lucky, he can buy a new video game to occupy his free time at home.

It was boring. Unbearably boring.

Reigen took a moment to rub at his tired eyes, then glanced to the time on his laptop. 2:20, he had ten minutes before his next appointment was scheduled to begin, ten minutes with nothing to do but wish he were back at home and asleep in bed. Ten minutes to regret getting out of bed in the first place.

2:21. Nine minutes now.

The client probably wouldn't appreciate it, but he needed to do... something with his hands. He took out a pack of cigarettes, half-empty, and grabbed the lighter from his desk. He wondered what the office must smell like to visitors; he had long grown used to the omnipresent stench of smoke that seemed to permeate his very being, spreading to every surface he touched and every space he occupied. He used to hate adults like him.

2:22.

He flicked open the flimsy dollar store lighter and lit the cigarette between his teeth. When had he started smoking? It feels like so long ago now, he's not sure he can trust his own memory. It was probably some time during high school though, like every bad habit he'd developed. He'd stopped caring so much in high school.

2:23. He took a long drag of the cigarette, held the smoke for a few seconds. Exhale.

When had he decided to start up this whole "psychic" business anyways? He thought it would be something interesting to do. Something fun. Something fulfilling. A childhood idol had inspired him, and he thought he could be happy if he could help people like that man did, all those years ago. Was it working?

2:24. Maybe not.

He could switch things up again, like he had in the past. It wouldn't be too hard to take down the sign outside, throw away the talismans and the salt and start something new. Something fun. Something fulfilling. That's how it always started. This was how it always ended.

2:25.

With each cycle, he was growing more and more disconnected from himself. He had no idea what to do with himself, what he wanted to do with himself, and how to even find the motivation to do... anything. Nothing was fun anymore. Nothing was fulfilling. All he had to look forward to was sleep.

2:26. The cigarette helped to calm his nerves, but not completely.

He slept for the sake of sleeping, because it was something to do, and it was more preferable to being awake. The endless hours he spent alone in that dingy apartment would drive him insane, but he has nothing better to do with that time than throw it away and escape into a restless sleep. Sometimes he had dreams. Luckily for him, they were only rarely nightmares.

2:28. He had almost drifted off. That would have been a fire hazard, and not at all beneficial for his reputation.

He sighed deeply, rubbing the remains of the cigarette into an ashtray beside his desk. He would open a window to air out some of the smoke if it wasn't so cold outside. It was going to rain later in the evening, luckily hours after he would be home, and he hoped the gentle patter of raindrops on his window would help him sleep easier.

2:29. It was no time to be thinking about sleep. Someone was paying for his help, so he had to help them, no matter how tired he was.

Reigen stretched his aching legs, getting some blood flowing back into the underused limbs before standing from his office chair, eyes trained on the door. The client would be walking in at any moment, so he had to be prepared to deliver the finest service he could muster.

He heard footsteps approaching his office. He slipped into that practiced businessman persona, all friendly smiles and confident posture, something much more organized than his true self and far more capable of managing a small business.

2:30. The door opens. Right on time.

So on and so forth, every day for the past six years.

"Niisan... can you please show it to me? Just one more time?"

"Ritsu, it's too dangerous... and mom would be mad if she found out."

"You're not dangerous, niisan! You protected me then. Please, I just want to see it once before I sleep."

"I guess... if it's just water, it can't hurt anyone. Just keep it a secret, okay?"

"I promise! Cross my heart!"

It was dark, and so, so cold. It shouldn't be possible to be so cold with a beating heart, but his must be if there's still blood flowing from the wound on his head. Why is it so cold?

He doesn't even have the energy to shiver anymore. That can't be a good sign.

He's moving, he thinks, but he's obviously not the one doing it. Someone must be carrying him somewhere... yes, that must be it! He must have fallen asleep on the couch again, and his father was carrying him to his bedroom. That's a very reassuring thought, even if the pace is far too quick to be walking up stairs, and this person's breathing is sharp and labored against his chest; but it's the only thought swirling around his muddled brain that makes sense, so it must be true.

He hopes he'll be warmer soon, once he's back in bed and tucked under the covers.

Well, this was certainly a break in routine, if not entirely welcome.

Reigen had finished his work as usual, waved goodbye to his final client of the day, and began preparations to close for the day. It wasn't the normal closing time, but heavy rains were on the horizon, and he wanted to arrive home at least mostly dry, so he decided there'd be no harm in leaving a little early. He was a little miffed that the rain was coming earlier than predicted, but such was the reliability of weather forecasting.

There wasn't much he had to do besides file away some documents and snuff out the few sticks of incense left burning in lieu of actual air fresheners. The thick clouds that loomed overhead blocked out the harsh light of the setting sun, making the nighttime seem much closer than it really was, and Reigen didn't enjoy being in the office at night. It was too... quiet. Somehow, the darkness seems to exaggerate that emptiness into something almost unnatural, so he tries to avoid it if he can.

He had left the building once satisfied with his meager attempts at being organized and looked ahead to the treck home.

The city was something he was familiar with, and something he took for granted. For all the time he spent alone, with only his thoughts and cute dog videos on the internet to keep him company, it was like a breath of fresh air to step out into the streets and witness life progressing all around him. Though he wasn't a fan of larger crowds, just being in the vicinity of other people was enough to put his heart at ease, if only slightly. He was thankful to live in an urban area, where human beings were in abundance, always rushing, always moving, always there.

This evening, though... it felt different. Wrong even, and something deep in his gut told him it wasn't just the weather.

There were few people about at this time of day, especially with rain approaching, but he expected as much. What he hadn't expected was the melancholic mood that saturated the air like humidity, so much that it pressed heavy on his chest and made taking deep breaths difficult. It was odd, considering how often he had walked this same path, that today was any different - every season, every month, no matter the weather, this was the way he walked to and from his workplace. He could walk it backwards and blindfolded, if such a thing were ever required.

Today was different, and he couldn't fathom why, but he still had to get home before the rain, so he carried on as he always did.

In fact, he did such a good job carrying on that he didn't notice when the first few drops of water began hitting his face, so it was a bit of a surprise when the downpour finally began. Cursing, he rose his old leather briefcase over his head for protection and ran the remaining few blocks to his apartment building, leaving him winded and soaked by the time he reached cover. So much for leaving early.

Well, at least it was over now, right? He could step into his little apartment, take a nice, long bath, and settle in with some microwaved dinner and cheesy action movies from the 80s. That sounded nice, right?

Until Reigen reached into his pockets and made the wonderful discovery that his apartment keys were not there. Which meant that the only place they could be was... back at the office. Back... through the rain... at the office.

He really, really did not want to go running around in the rain again, especially now that the sun had begun to set, but he really didn't have a choice if he wanted to get inside without having to deal with management. So, with a heavy heart, he mourned the jacket he draped over his head and rushed back out into the open, thankful at least that the cold water was enough to keep him running.

He survived that perilous journey, somehow, and now stood before the door to his office once again, dripping rainwater onto the welcome mat as he fumbled for his keys - which, thankfully, were on his person and not locked away inside with the apartment keys. The water made everything a little slippery, but in a few seconds he held the metal in a firm enough grip to slide it into the lock and turn.

Except the door was already unlocked.

Reigen paused, annoyance fading away to be replaced with anxiety. He would never, ever leave work without making sure that the front door was locked; that was part of the routine, he always locked the door. What could have possibly possessed him to neglect such an important step? Was it the rain, the cold, the smoke, the fatigue...?

Or something else? Someone else?

His breathing had settled since he stopped running, but it began to race just a bit faster as the possibility surfaced. He couldn't fathom any reason that his psychic business would be a target for a robbery, but then again, the mind of a criminal was something he could never understand. It could even be a client of his own, perhaps unsatisfied with their service and there to enact revenge on him. He shuddered at the thought of shaking hands with a criminal unknowingly.

Heartbeat loud in his ears, Reigen steadied himself, took a few deep, calming breaths, and carefully opened the door. If there really was someone snooping around his office, he could confront them - talking his way out of dangerous situations was a specialty of his, after all. If there was nobody there, then either the place was haunted (which would inevitably be bad for business) or his memory just wasn't as good as it used to be. Somehow, the latter was the scariest thought.

He walked as quietly as possible down the hallway, shifting his weight slowly to avoid making any noise. His ears were strained to pick up even the slightest hint of an intruder, but so far all he could hear was the blood rushing to his head and the ringing that filled the silence around him. He recalled the mood he felt as he left work earlier that day, as he felt it again the closer he got to the main room. It was even stronger in there, like a physical substance that he had to wade through like muddy water, and the air was shockingly cold. He began to believe it really was a spirit that had invaded his workplace until he finally reached the end of the hallway and peered around the corner.

Immediately, he spotted two figures on the opposite end of the room. One seemed to be hovering over the other, which was lying motionless on the old couch against the far wall. Neither made any sound whatsoever; it was like they existed in a different world, a reality that only barely intersected with his, leaving just the imprint of their existence and nothing more. Spirits, he was sure.

They were small spirits. He could handle this.

The bag of salt he kept in his jacket for emergencies was pretty soggy, but it would have to do. He stuffed one hand into the pocket where the substance was hidden and stepped around the corner, putting most of his energy into keeping up a confident appearance. The figures still didn't react to him. He stood for a few moments before he cleared his throat.

It felt like something snapped in the air. Instantly, the leaning figure's head whipped around to face him, now fully aware of his presence. It's eyes were wide, clearly fearful, but they held a sort of defiance that reminded Reigen of a stubborn child.

Actually, now that he could see the figures more clearly, they really did look like... children.

Just... normal kids.

Reigen's stomach dropped, along with the hand he'd held in his jacket. His jaw hung open as he struggled for something to say, but the scene before him was so surreal that he found himself at a loss for words.

The child that stared at him looked quite young, with big, round features and pastel-colored clothing. His sleek black hair was dripping with rainwater, sliding down his chubby cheeks like tears. He was trembling, but his eyes only barely conveyed any emotion, that fear and determination, but it was faint, swirling around in the deep black of his irises, shifting in intensity. He had yet to say a word, but he seemed content to keep it that way.

Then there was... the one lying on the couch.

He was not shivering. He was not moving at all. The only sign that he still lived was the rise and fall of his little chest, but even that was too slow and shallow to be healthy. He looked pale, unnaturally so, and his spiky black hair was wrapped up in gauze.

Gauze. An injury? He was bleeding. Oh God he was bleeding.

Reigen was roughly shaken from his thoughts by a fresh wave of panic. "Kid, what- how did you get in here, and why are you here?" he stuttered, trying to step closer to the odd boy, who raised an arm protectively above the boy on the sofa. "Is he hurt? Do you need me to call an ambulance?" he asked, more collected, trying hard to keep a level head. He had no idea who these kids were, but if they needed help, it was his responsibility as an adult to do everything he could for them.

The boy looked to him, then to the other child, and clenched a hand on his lap. "...You can't call," he mumbled, though he sounded conflicted.

Reigen shook his head. "I don't understand. Are you afraid of doctors?" he tried, crouching down to stand eye-level with him. "It's okay. I know doctors seem kind of scary sometimes, but they want to help you. I'm sure they'd want to help him, too."

The boy's fist clenched tighter, his knuckles turning white. "You can't," he repeated in a whisper, voice cracking. "The bleeding will stop, he'll wake up, he just needs to sleep. I promise we'll leave soon, he just needs to sleep. Please."

Reigen felt his chest tighten at the strain in the kid's words, but this was an urgent situation. "Look, kiddo, I don't mean to scare you but you can't know that for sure. A hospital isn't home, but he'll be a lot safer there. If something bad happens, they'll know what to do. I may be an adult, but I don't know how to take care of people like doctors do. Do you understand?"

His little body curled in on itself, and his trembling only intensified. "I know!" he cried, arms wrapped around himself, "I'm... I'm dangerous, so they'll take me away. That's what mom said... but Ritsu hated the doctors, and he cried when he wasn't with me... but I can't control it, and Ritsu needs help... I don't know what to do..." he trailed off in a fit of shivers, though no tears had fallen yet.

The pit in Reigen's stomach turned sour. "Why would your mom say something like that?" he leaned closer, but the child kept his face hidden. "Why are you out here without your parents? Did you run away?"

Unexpectedly, his body went still and rigid, his voice monotone. "We can't go home. Mom and dad... they're gone now."

"They left you?"

He shook his head.

Reigen really didn't want to upset the poor kid any more, but he had to know what happened if he wanted to do anything about it. "It's okay, you can tell me. I won't hurt you- my name is Reigen Arataka, sorry for not introducing myself. Can you tell me your names? That way we won't be strangers anymore." he gave a friendly smile, even if the boy wasn't looking at him anymore. He waited patiently, but kept an eye on the boy on the couch, prepared to act if his condition became any worse.

After a few moments of consideration, the kid relaxed a bit, looking up at him through thick bangs. "Hello. My name is Shigeo Kageyama. My little brother's name is Ritsu," he said simply, then added, "Sorry for breaking into your office. It was too cold to stay outside."

Reigen, too, relaxed as the boy - Shigeo - opened up to him. "Nice to meet you, Shigeo. I'm not mad, I'd rather have you inside than out in the rain. Actually, I'm impressed you could get in all on your own," his words further brought Shigeo down from his panic, and the mood seemed to lighten. "Now, I know you probably don't want to talk about it, but I want to help you, okay? To do that, I need you to tell me what happened."

Shigeo flinched, gaze lowering to his lap. He played with his fingers absently, keeping his voice low. "I don't know what happened, honest. Mom caught me using my powers, and she got really mad at me, and started yelling. It was really scary," he broke off, hunching his shoulders. "Then everything gets all fuzzy... and I woke up, and mom and dad were... they were..." he tried to finish the sentence, but he couldn't express the last few words, so he just resigned himself to silence.

That was surprisingly... a lot more to take in than he'd initially thought. He had been expecting some form of abuse - when Shigeo had mentioned his mother, he had imagined the woman hurting the younger brother, after which Shigeo had taken him and fled the house. The very thought of a mother harming her children made him livid, but this was something different altogether. Namely...

"You said... 'powers'? Is that, like, a game you play with your brother or something?"

Shigeo perked up, tilting his head to the side in puzzlement, as if what he had just asked was absurd. "No. I meant my psychic powers," he said. "Don't you have them too, Mister Reigen? I saw your sign... you work with ghosts, right?"

If Reigen had been drinking something, he would've done a spit take.

"Wh- whoa, whoa, whoa kid, slow down there," he said, waving his hands rapidly. "I, ah- you're not playing some elaborate prank on me right now, are you?"

Shigeo shook his head firmly. "No, I'm telling the truth. I've always had psychic powers..." he turned to look over his shoulder at his brother, expression strikingly serious for someone so young. "Sometimes I lose control and hurt people... that's why I'm dangerous. Mom didn't want me to use my powers anymore, but it made Ritsu happy, but..." he glanced back at Reigen, "I think I did something bad again."

Reigen brought a hand to his chin, trying to find any deception in Shigeo's words, but all he could see was a little boy, afraid of something he knew as "psychic powers" to the point where he truly believed he was a threat to people around him. It could have been the result of an overactive imagination, but the expression on Shigeo's little face was open and sincere. He didn't know what to make of that information, so he decided it would be more productive to move on. "Okay, so you think you did something bad, huh? That's okay, everyone makes mistakes. Can you tell me what you did? I promise I won't be mad," he reassured Shigeo, holding open palms up in honesty, keeping his tone gentle but firm.

Shigeo's face scrunched up a bit, leaning forward in his chair. "One time, these bullies were picking on us, and they grabbed Ritsu. I tried to stop them, and everything got fuzzy... then everyone was hurt, even Ritsu. He had a... a c-concussion?" he struggled to pronounce the term correctly, but Reigen could see what he meant from the bandages wrapped around the other's head. He wanted to ask questions, but Shigeo was still talking, and he didn't want to interrupt. "Ritsu said it wasn't my fault, but mom said it was. She told me not to use my powers again, and I didn't want to, but then Ritsu wanted to see them. He was lonely in the hospital, so I wanted to make him happy again. That's all I did, I just moved some water around, but mom saw and started yelling, and Ritsu got mad too, and-" he suddenly brought a chubby hand to his mouth, suppressing a whimper. Reigen wanted to reach out, but was afraid he would make the boy uncomfortable. "Mom hit me. That's all I remember. That's it, that's all, but then I woke up and... it happened again. Everyone was hurt. Mom... dad..."

Okay, nevermind about that, he had to do something to comfort this poor kid. He reached a hand out slowly, waiting to gauge a reaction, and when Shigeo did not lean away from him, he brought the hand to rest gently on a quivering shoulder. Shigeo remained stiff, but made no move to pull away from the contact, so he took that as a sign his comfort had been accepted. "Hey, Shigeo, look at me. Just look for a second," he prompted, and the boy's big eyes met his own. "There you go. Now, listen to me - what your mother did was really- it was mean, okay? She shouldn't have done that. No matter what you think you did, you didn't deserve that. Like I said, we all make mistakes."

He didn't look convinced. "I hurt them really bad, though..."

Reigen sighed, squeezing his shoulder slightly. "Really, you're- adults are bigger and stronger than kids, you know? I'm sure whatver happened between you wasn't enough to really hurt them."

Reigen looked into Shigeo's eyes and sucked in a sharp breath. The boy was staring- no, glaring at him, like twin black holes that threatened to devour him on the spot. All at once, that oppressive atmosphere returned full force, and he struggled to take in enough air to clear the black spots from his vision. "No," Shigeo said, voice barely a whisper, "You're wrong. You're wrong, Mister Reigen. I hurt them. They were bleeding, and then they weren't breathing, and then they weren't moving. I tried to help. Dad taught me how to stop bleeding once, just press on a cut until it stops. But it didn't stop."

Reigen felt sweat trickle down the back of his neck as panic planted roots in his gut all over again. Was this little, frail-looking child telling him that he somehow... killed his parents? On accident? With psychic powers?

"Then I saw Ritsu, and he was still breathing," he continued, voice only a little softer. "I didn't know what to do. I was scared. I just took Ritsu on my back and ran out of the house. That's how we got here."

"Wh- you- you ran away- sorry, I just," he took in a deep, shaky breath , the exhale lifting his unkempt bangs from his forehead. "You're saying... your parents are..."

"Dead," the boy finished, with a pang of sadness despite the blunt remark.

"D-dead," he repeated dumbly. "Right. So, your mom was mad, and something happened that you... can't remember?" he asked, and Shigeo nodded in affirmation. "Okay. Okay, you don't know what happened. But then when you came to, they were already hurt?" Another nod. "Why did't you call 119? Do you know how to do that?"

"I did try but... the phone didn't work. I think the power was off," he explained, fidgeting with his hands again. "I tried to do it myself, but the bleeding wouldn't stop..." Reigen looked down to his little hands, and for the first time caught a glimpse of the dried blood that built up under his fingernails. The rain must have washed most of it away.

"All right, well- that was good, to try and call," he still couldn't believe what was happening right in front of him, that a boy and his concussed brother showed up in his office, parents supposedly dead back at home. Dead, were people really dead? He had to do something- he would have to call the police, at least, to pick up the bodies- bodies, God. They would certainly question the children though, but with Shigeo in the state he was in, and Ritsu with a concussion, there was no way they would be forced to testify, right?

Could he guarantee that these kids would be okay? That Shigeo wouldn't be accused of something there was no way he could have done? He even thinks he did it... but they can't do anything without evidence, surely the evidence would prove his innocence.

But what if it didn't? What if... it actually proved-

"Mister Reigen? Um..." Shigeo interrupted the silence in the room. "Are you... mad?"

Reigen quickly shook his head, releasing his grip on the boy's shoulder in case he'd been too rough. "No, no, I'm not mad- I promised I wouldn't get mad, didn't I? I keep my promises," he said.

Shigeo slumped a little. "Oh... you just looked a little mad," he mumbled, Reigen internally cursing himself for losing his cool, even for a short moment.

"I see. Sorry about that - I was just upset that your mom hit you like that. It's not your fault," he explained, though Shigeo still did not relax. Either way... he had to do the right thing if lives were on the line. Time to rip off the band-aid. "Listen, if your parents are, ah- you had the right idea, calling 119. That's the right thing to do, so I'm going to have to do that now," he said, and Shigeo already looked anxious again. "I'll tell the ambulance to go help your parents, and then we should drive your little brother to the hospital, okay? I won't leave you alone, we'll wait together in the lobby. You'll be okay."

Shigeo's face went pale, and his shivering returned, though now he really looked on the verge of tears. He said nothing, only bringing his knees to his chest and wrapping his arms around them and resting his head on top. Reigen had the feeling that Shigeo knew he was right, but he was still terrified of what would happen to him. As if he truly believed he had killed his parents.

"Shigeo. Shigeo, you're very strong, you know that? You did what you could to help your family, and you protected Ritsu like a good big brother would," he said, smile gracing his face as Shigeo peeked at him through wet eyelashes. "I don't know what happened at your house, but neither do you. You don't remember what happened, so you can't say you did it. The police, though, that's their job. They'll look around and tell us what happened, and then you'll see that you're not the one at fault. You're not dangerous. They'll prove it."

Shigeo continued to stare as Reigen's words were processed in his mind. He nodded, softly, tentatively, and Reigen's smile grew even wider. "Good. That's the spirit!" he gave a firm nod of his head, then slipped his cellphone out of his pocket. "I'm going to call 119 now. Do you know your address?"

"Yeah. Ritsu helped me remember it," he replied, more confident now.

"Good, good. Oh, can you check on your brother for me while I make the call? Let me know how he's doing."

Shigeo didn't even say "yes" before all his attention was turned on to his little brother, eyeing him over for any sign of more serious injury or worsening symptoms. He rested a small hand on Ritsu's chest, felt the gentle rise and fall, and he seemed to lose himself in thought.

Reigen, meanwhile, prepared himself for what he was sure would be the most awkward phone call he's ever had to make in his 28 years of life. He dialed 119, worked through the specifics in his head, and hit call.

"Shigeo, what on earth are you doing?! I told you not to use your powers anymore!"

"M-mom- I'm sorry, I just-"

"You just what? You just wanted to risk Ritsu's life again for some stupid party tricks?!"

"No, mommy, don't be mad at niisan! I asked him to do it, it's not his fault!"

"Ritsu, your brother is dangerous. You can't play with his powers anymore, understand?"

"No, I don't! Niisan isn't dangerous, he didn't hurt me! Why won't you believe me?!"

"Ritsu, it's okay..."

"Shigeo, if you can't keep yourself under control when you play together, then maybe you shouldn't play together at all."

"Mom, please, I'm sorry, I won't do it again!"

"I don't want it to be this way either, but you've proven you can't handle it."

"Please, please, I'm sorry, I-"

"Let him go!!"

Slap

Then everything goes fuzzy. He wakes up in a world of red.

Chapter Text

"Hello, 119, what is your emergency?"

"Yes, hello, my name is Reigen Arataka. I'm calling to, ah- well, this is going to sound strange, but I've been told there may be- well, they might be seriously injured, or dead-"

"Is someone injured, sir?"

"Well, yes. At least, I'm pretty sure- you see, these children ended up in my office, and they- one of them told me their parents were hurt."

"Are the children innured at all? Do you know where their parents are?"

"One of the kids is hurt, but not too seriously, I'm taking him to the hospital myself. Ah, right- hang on. Hey, Shigeo, where did you say you lived? ...Okay, got it. Right, so please send an ambulance to the parent's house, we're going to the hospital on our own."

As Reigen finished his phone call with emergency services, he had draped his jacket over the little brother and looked up the number for the local taxi agency. Shigeo continued to hover anxiously beside the couch, bouncing on his heels as he didn't know what to do with himself. Reigen really felt for the poor kid; no child should have to go through that kind of trauma, but he had survived and sought help all on his own, possibly saving his brother's life. Shigeo was strong, no doubt about it. He would be okay.

"All right. I'm going to call us a taxi, since I don't actually have a car of my own," he explained, punching in the telephone number he'd found, not even sure if Shigeo was still listening to him. He hit the call button, and was greeted by the less-than-cheerful voice of a young woman, though he didn't have the time to deal with any attitude. He cut straight to the chase, calling for a taxi and explaining that it was an emergency without giving up too much information. The woman apparently understood the urgency despite her tone, and assured him a car would arrive at his location in less than ten minutes due to the light traffic of a rainy Tuesday night. He thanked her and hung up, sighing in relief as he pocketed his phone.

Shigeo had moved away from his position by the sofa as Reigen had been talking, eyeing the books he kept neatly ordered on a shelf by his desk. His eyes skid across the spines of a plethora of books on various subjects related to Reigen's work and the supernatural, from a guide on the healing properties of stones to quick lessons on Japanese massage therapy techniques. He seemed to be searching for something in particular. Reigen strolled over to the boy, gesturing to the bookshelf with one arm. "Ah, I see you've found my little library of the paranormal arts," he commented, sweeping along the rows of books with a flourish. "Find anything interesting? The supernatural can be quite a fun subject to study, even for someone as young as you."

Shigeo looked up at him over his shoulder. "Do you have any books on psychic powers?" he asked, and Reigen felt the corner's of his mouth twitch. "I don't like to read much, but if it could help me control my powers, I wouldn't mind. Ah, but I might need help with any words I don't know..."

Right. With the psychic powers again. Reigen couldn't wrap his head around it - why was this kid so adamant about having these fantastic abilities that supposedly made him a danger to others? He even mentioned that his brother knew about them, too... and the mother didn't approve of him using them? Was it possible that all of it was just... in his head?

Big black eyes stared up at him expectantly. Still, whatever the case may be, Shigeo had come to him seeking help. Guidance. Advice. This little boy who had been through so much, that had broken into his office specifically because he had advertised himself as a psychic in the first place. "Oh, right! Right, that's- hmm, let me see," he stepped forward, running a finger along the spines of every book as his mind worked out a solution. He wasn't qualified to deal with whatever this kid was suffering from, but to turn him away when he had no one else was too cruel. His finger stopped on the last book. "Weird, I could have sworn I had at least one or two lying around somewhere," he mumbled, loud enough for Shigeo to hear.

"Oh. That's too bad," his head drooped, chin nearly touching his chest as his hopes fell once again. Reigen couldn't stand the sight.

"Bah, who needs a book to teach you about powers?" he exclaimed, causing Shigeo to jump. "I'm Reigen Arataka, the Greatest Psychic of the 21st Century! I could teach you more in an hour than any old book- no, in half an hour!" He shifted down onto one knee, eye level with Shigeo. "If there's anything you want to know, just ask me!"

Shigeo adopted a thoughtful look on his face. "So you're psychic, too?" he asked, a hopeful tone returning to his voice. "Then... how do you control your powers, Mister Reigen? Or... is there any way to get rid of them? That would be okay, I just don't want to hurt people anymore," he looked down at his hands, curling and uncurling his fingers as if he could see something there that Reigen couldn't. It was heartbreaking, watching this little boy who was so sincerely afraid of himself. Though he wanted so badly to help this kid see that his "powers" weren't even real, that there was nothing to be scared of, he had no idea how deeply-rooted that belief ran in Shigeo's mind, and the last thing he wanted to do was make things even worse by digging too deep. For now, he would just have to play along.

"You mean you would be willing to give up a unique part of yourself just because it might end up hurting someone?" he began, and Shigeo shifted uncomfortably where he stood. "Now that would just be a terrible waste of potential. Haven't you considered the possibility that your powers can also be used to help people instead?"

Reigen heard Shigeo's breath hitch, his big eyes blown even wider at the revelation. Reigen smirked. "You see? You didn't even think about it before?" Shigeo just shook his head, now successfully hooked on his every word. He had to make this count. "Sure, psychic powers can be dangerous. Someone with physical strength can hurt, someone who is witty can hurt, someone who is silver-tongued can hurt. All of these things are dangerous if used a certain way, but these talents can also be used to inspire other people. They can be used to change the world around them. Psychic powers are no different, Shigeo - if you use your powers for good, you can change things, too."

Shigeo looked as if he was looking up at the most amazing thing he'd ever witnessed in his short life, and Reigen could only hope that the... admittedly impromptu life lesson was carried across the way he'd intended. From the expression on that little face, though, there must have been something inspiring in there somewhere. Actually, perhaps his speech had been a little too inspiring because this kid looked like he was definitely about to cry. Okay, time to tone it down a notch.

"Hey, those better be happy tears!" he chuckled, taking a chance and ruffling his hair.

Shigeo didn't mind the gesture, but gasped when he realized he was on the verge of tears. He rapidly shook his head back and forth, rubbing at his eyes to wipe away any evidence. "I-I'm not crying!" he stammered, and Reigen actually laughed at that.

"It's okay to cry, I just didn't want to overwhelm you," Reigen said, then took a glance at the time on his wristwatch. "Actually, I think our ride should be here any second now. Let's go get your brother all taken care of, okay?"

"Oh, uh, right!" Shigeo scampered after Reigen as he walked over to the couch and carefully picked Ritsu up in his arms, letting his bandaged head rest comfortably against his chest. The boy was still breathing, thankfully, but he had yet to warm up to a healthy temperature, and his tiny fingers were starting to turn blue at the tips. He wrapped the jacket more securely around Ritsu as he exited the office with Shigeo at his side.

The ride to the hospital was uneventful, but thankfully quiet enough that Reigen could effectively gather his thoughts. The driver had, of course, expressed concern over the bloodied little kid in his arms, and drove possibly a bit over the speed limit in order to get them all to the hospital as fast as possible. The velocity caused Shigeo to sink back into his seat, leaning slightly into Reigen's side, Ritsu's feet resting on his lap.

Shigeo and Ritsu Kageyama. These names had meant nothing to him before that night. He was just a simple 28 year old man, living a simple life in the city. He had no real friends to speak of, no special someone to come home to at the end of every day- he was lonely, but at least he was used to it. Now... he had been suddenly yanked out of his familiar routine, and the lives of two possibly orphaned children were plopped unceremoniously into his inexperienced hands.

Although... according to Shigeo, those parents may have been even worse - any parent that deemed it appropriate to hit their own child had no right to keep them, that was just common sense in Reigen's eyes. Still, if something really had happened to their parents... where would they go? Surely they had to have some other relatives that could take them in. If not, then... would they end up in an orphanage? What if they were separated? What if something even worse happened to them...?

His grip on Ritsu's unconscious body tightened as he considered that the brothers' hardships may not even be over yet. It wasn't fair. It wasn't fair and Reigen was feeling more and more powerless by the second. This was all he could do for them, and he hated it.

While they were under his care, he would do everything he could to help them, even if it wasn't much more than acting as an escort to the hospital.

"Your brother is in good hands, Shigeo. He'll be better in no time, you'll see."

Shigeo sat stiffly in the chair next to his, eyes glued to the small television on the wall at the end of the room. He wasn't really watching so much as he was looking past it. "Mmhmm," he droned, never even blinking.

Reigen sighed, sliding further down in the uncomfortable plastic chair. He would try to offer comfort if hospitals didn't weird him out so much - something about the blank white walls and the smell of disinfectant just made the whole world seem darker. Besides, there was really nothing left for him to say; all they could do now was wait for the doctor to return with news on Ritsu's condition. Who knew how long that could take?

"So..." Reigen attempted to start up a conversation, willing to try anything to lighten the mood. "Are you- you haven't eaten in a while, right? Probably. I can go see what they have in the cafeteria if you want," although he made the offer, he wasn't actually hungry himself - in fact, he was pretty much the exact opposite of hungry. Even in the lobby, that sickeningly sterile smell still filled the air and wiped out his appetite entirely.

Shigeo shook his head, kicking his feet. "No thank you," he said simply, and fell back into his thoughts. Okay, not one for conversation - that's fine, totally fine. Except Reigen would kind of rather bash his head against the wall than have to sit and wait with nothing but his own cynical thoughts to keep him company. See, this is why he liked to sleep so much; he can't think himself into depression if he's unconscious.

"Mister Reigen," Shigeo's soft voice breached the cloud of anxiety floating between them, though his gaze remained distant. "What is a... con-cussion? I remember a doctor explaining it, but it didn't make sense to me."

Reigen hummed. He would have to make sure not to say anything that could scare the poor kid even more. "Well, all right. You see... brains are actually pretty soft, like gelatin. So if you move around too fast or hit your head, sometimes your brain could... bruise? Yeah bruise. A brain bruise," he said. Shigeo pat his own forehead gently, looking contemplative. "Concussions are common, actually, and they're pretty harmless - you may feel dizzy or sick for a while, but bruises heal."

Shigeo opened his mouth to speak, but a loud crashing sound interrupted them.

In an instant, several nurses rushed down the hallway towards the source of the disturbance, while the receptionist urged visitors to remain calm. Shigeo grabbed onto Reigen's sleeve. "It's okay, probably just an angry patient," he reassured. He leaned closer to whisper in his ear. "Adults don't really like it when doctors try to tell them what to do."

Shigeo allowed himself a small smile, though his eyes were trained on the hallway, where a distressed doctor jogged into view. His concerned expression attempted to slip into something more professional as he cleared his throat. "Ah, is there anyone here for Kageyama Ritsu?" he asked, looking over the people still seated in the lobby. Reigen groaned internally.

Shigeo scrambled out of his seat, Reigen following close behind. "Oh, good," the doctor sighed, flashing a tired smile. "Please, could you come with me for a moment?" he gestured down the hallway, where they could still see medical stuff rushing about.

"Is there something wrong?" Reigen questioned as they were led further into the hospital. For Shigeo's sake, he really hoped there wasn't.

The doctor chuckled nervously, though he seemed to have a lighthearted attitude. "Oh, don't worry, it's not like that - actually, it's good news! Ritsu has woken up, and although he's a little dazed he is fully conscious," the man explained, and both Reigen and Shigeo could breathe easier. "Although, being so young, I think waking up surrounded by strangers was pretty frightening. He caused a little bit of a ruckus, but it's nothing to be concerned about. I'm sure seeing his family will really cheer him up!"

Reigen recalled Shigeo's earlier words. He had mentioned that Ritsu didn't particularly like doctors, or being forcefully separated from his brother. His outburst made sense, but the doctor's words still carried a certain weight; Reigen was absolutely a stranger to the younger Kageyama, and he had still received no further details on the conditions of their parents, so he wasn't sure his presence would be very appreciated in this situation. Still, at least Shigeo was here - they seemed very close, likely closer than they were with their parents. Hopefully, Ritsu would be satisfied with his big brother enough to overlook the remaining family's absences.

As they turned the next corner, they were greeted by the sight of relieved nurses, all standing huddled around a single room in particular. The doctor led them towards the door before assuring the nurses they could go back to working elsewhere. "All right, here we are," he said as he joined the duo in front of the room. "Now, Ritsu has just woken from a concussion, so I would ask that you try to keep your voices down. I would also advise that you avoid any stressors that may make him upset - getting too worked up could make him sick or dizzy."

Reigen nodded and gave Shigeo's shoulder another squeeze, a silent question as to whether Shigeo also understood the instructions. The boy gave a single, firm nod, anxious to finally see his little brother awake. The doctor opened the door and allowed the two of them to step inside. "I'll allow you three some privacy," he whispered, "but let the nurses know if you need anything. They can grab me if there's any complications, so don't hesitate to ask, okay?" Reigen thanked the man, who smiled and gave a friendly wave to Shigeo before closing the door.

Shigeo turned, rushing towards the single bed in the room, which was shielded from their perspective by a curtain hanging from the ceiling. As Reigen approached, the sound of a heart monitor steadily beeping replaced the ringing in his ears, and dread flooded his system despite Ritsu being in a stable condition and out of harm's way. This scene was almost painfully familiar.

"Niisan...! You're here!"

A soft, tired voice arose from the lonely hospital bed, and as Reigen rounded the partition, he was greeted with the sight of Shigeo's little brother, awake for the first time since they'd met. "Ritsu, I'm so glad you're okay!" Shigeo stood leaning against the frame of the bed, wrapping his hands around one of Ritsu's. "How are you feeling? I'm sorry you had to be here again, I know you don't like it."

Ritsu shook his head with a small smile. "No, I'm okay. I was just confused when I woke up, but I feel a lot better now," he said, though Reigen wasn't sure the kid was being truthful. He certainly looked a lot better, though that wasn't saying much; his eyes had dark circles beneath them, and his skin, though noticably more alive than earlier, still remained pale and lacked any sign of flushing - the fact that he had an IV hooked to a bag of blood hinted at the reason for the lack of color. His head had been securely wrapped in fresh white gauze, though it didn't look very comfortable with the way he kept trying to scratch at it.

As Shigeo also took in his brother's form, Ritsu finally took notice of his presence. His eyes narrowed slightly. Reigen coughed.

Shigeo jumped a bit, then looked back at Reigen. "Oh! Ritsu, this is Mister Reigen," he said, and Reigen approached the bed with a smile. "He let us stay in his office to get out of the rain. He's very nice, and he's a psychic, too!"

Ah. There it is again. He's going to have to get used to that. Interestingly, Ritsu didn't seem even remotely fazed by the mention of being "psychic" though he did quirk a single brow at the notion that Reigen was also psychic. "I see. Thank you for taking care of my brother, Mister Reigen," he said curtly, bowing his head as much as he could muster with tubes wrapped around his face.

"Oh, it was no problem! Your big brother here is a real sweetheart," he remarked. Shigeo scratched at his cheek, embarrassed by the attention. Ritsu's cold eyes grew softer at the sight. "Anyways, I won't get in your way. You two just focus on catching up, okay?" he moved away from the bed to give the brothers space, opting to sit down in one of the chairs against the wall. He really didn't want to exclude himself from conversation, but he was aware that Ritsu didn't seem too comfortable around him, and those two definitely deserved the chance to talk together after everything that had happened.

Speaking of what had happened... well, he wasn't a part of the conversation, but he really had nothing else to do than listen in. Shigeo had leaned in closer to Ritsu, voice quiet but still just barely audible. "Ritsu... I'm so sorry for what happened. I... I hurt you again, didn't I?"

Ritsu gave his brother a strange look. "Niisan, what are you talking about? You- you were just... showing your powers to me..." he trailed off, uncertain.

Shigeo glanced at Reigen, then returned his focus on his brother. "But mom... Ritsu, don't you remember?"

Ritsu remained silent for a few moments, but ultimately shook his head. "No, I don't think so," he muttered as he clutched his head. "I remember everything else just fine, and I think I remember seeing mom, but then... I really don't know what happened after that. I'm sorry."

Well. That's... going to complicate things. Their parents were possibly dead and neither of them knew exactly what had happened that night. That would at least be the... least-damaging outcome for them in the long term, though it would make finding the culprit all the more difficult.

"No, it's- that's okay, I'm just glad you're feeling better," Shigeo said, brushing a few stray hairs out of Ritsu's face. Ritsu leaned into the touch, but frowned as he heard the beeping of the heart monitor soeed up. Shigeo turned to the machine, eyeing the various numbers and statistics on the screen. "Oh. It's going faster now. Is that your heart? Is there something wrong?"

Ritsu sighed, glaring at the sensor clipped on his finger as if it had betrayed him. "No, there's nothing wrong, niisan," he said, though his heart rate did not slow down.

"Hey," Reigen spoke up, startling the two, "the doctor said that stress isn't good for you. If something's wrong, you should just say what it is."

Ritsu opened his mouth to retort, but thought for a moment and shut it. He looked down to his lap, eyes avoiding the area where the IV was placed in his arm. Shigeo sat patiently, allowing his brother to gather his thoughts into something coherent. "Why... aren't mom and dad here?" he asked slowly, not looking up at either of them. "I think I remember mom getting angry. Was there a fight? Did... are we alone?"

Shigeo froze, color draining from his face as the subject was breached. Of course Ritsu would want to know why his own parents weren't there to see him in the hospital. Not knowing what had happened between their family was clearly causing him stress, but the answer could deteriorate his condition even more. It wasn't the kind of thing a hospitalized child should hear, especially when Reigen wasn't even sure if the parents were dead as Shigeo had claimed. Ritsu waking us as he did had been such good news... but how would they react to the news that their parents might not? How was Reigen supposed to handle this situation?

"Niisan," Ritsu's voice was pleading, increasingly desperate, "please tell me. I need to know what happened, even if it was something bad."

Shigeo looked on the verge of passing out, conflicted on whether he should really tell his brother and risk making him panic. Reigen couldn't let him shoulder that burden all alone; he had to step in and assume responsibility, no matter the consequences. "Shigeo, it's okay," he said, walking back over to the hospital bed, standing on the opposite side. Ritsu gave him another look. "Ritsu. Remember, it's important that you try to stay calm. If I tell you, it could make you upset. Do you really want to know right now?"

Ritsu looked him straight in the eyes and nodded resolutely. He was... surprisingly mature for his age, but he was still just a kid. Shigeo and Ritsu were only little kids, and now Reigen had to tell them that their parents might be dead, as Ritsu sat wrapped in bandages in the hospital... what was the world coming to?

Reigen prepared himself for the weight of the words he was about to say, recalled that nurses remained outside should anything happen, and began to speak.

"Ritsu, I found your brother in my office earlier today. He told me that something had happened, and he had carried you on his back away from your house until he needed to take shelter from the rain," he paused to check on Shigeo before continuing. "He told me that you wanted to see his powers, but that your mom told him not to use them anymore. She found out and got angry and-" he stopped himself, deciding that he should leave out the fact that Shigeo had been hit. "Well, Shigeo doesn't know what happened, either. He just woke up and... Ritsu, your parents might be hurt."

Ritsu sucked in a breath. "Hurt...? How bad? Are- are they in the hospital, too?"

Shigeo ducked his head, trying his hardest not to start shaking again.

"I... don't know. I didn't see for myself, but... it could be bad, Ritsu. Your parents... kid, I'm sorry, but I can't say it any other way. They might be... gone."

Silence draped over them like a weighted blanket, suppressing any noise that resounded in the room. The heart monitor continued to beep at even intervals, but the sound was almost muted somehow, like someone had surrounded it in pillows. Time didn't exist in that moment, just the three of them huddled together in a lone hospital room, separated from the rest of the world, living in a different reality. Ritsu, like Shigeo had earlier, had focused on a point completely past Reigen, though he still looked directly at him, not moving a single muscle. His dark eyes were glassy and unfocused, and it almost looked like he had stopped breathing altogether. Shigeo was hunched in on himself in his seat, bangs completely obscuring his eyes from Reigen's line of sight.

"Dead...?" Ritsu whispered the single word, his voice ringing out like a bomb had been dropped in their little private world, and time suddenly began to move forward again. Ritsu leaned back in his bed, looking up at the ceiling with an eerily blank expression. Reigen waited in tense anticipation, waiting for the moment when he snapped, when the steady rhythm of his heart began to race out of control, when he would have to rush into the hall and call the doctor back in to help because Reigen fucked everything up by telling this poor boy his parents were dead -

But it never happened. Minutes passed and neither of them moved, too afraid to accidentally shatter the strange sort of pseudo-calm that had settled over them. Ritsu spent that time in his head, processing what he had heard. "If they're dead... where will we go?"

If Reigen's old heart had somehow managed to remain intact thus far, it had promptly shattered to pieces at the sound of that little voice, so tired and weak and devoid of any emotion, and so unlike the voice of any other child he'd ever known.

"We can't live on our own. We're too young to work. Will someone have to adopt us?" Ritsu continued to mumble as he considered their future, old enough to understand the likely possibilities but not old enough to know how to handle any of them. He sounded so tired, he looked so much older with those bags under his eyes and it wasn't right it wasn't fair he couldn't let this go on-

"I- I don't know, Ritsu," Shigeo said meekly, squeezing Ritsu's hand in his. "But... I won't leave you, I promise! No matter what, we'll stay together!"

Ritsu smiled at his brother, but the expression was hollow. "I won't leave you, either. Whatever happens, as long as I'm with you, I'll be okay."

This isn't right! This can't be right! I can't watch this, I can't just sit here and watch this and go back to work the next day like nothing happened, just pretend this has nothing to do with me, Shigeo came to me for help how can I just walk away-

"I," Reigen stammered, voice shaking, thoughts and feelings tumbling around in his brain. "I- I mean, well- it's- I-"

Shigeo looked up to him with watery eyes. Ritsu continued to stare up into space. Stop, stop, don't say something you'll regret Arataka.

"What is it, Mister Reigen?" Shigeo asked him, so considerate of him even though his whole world was falling apart around him. You can't do this, Arataka. Don't be selfish. Don't make promises that you can't keep.

"I- well, I was just thinking- I'm not sure, well, I just don't know-" Stop! You're not prepared for this! You'd only make things worse!

"Mister Reigen, are you okay?"

Shigeo's big baby doll eyes, sparkling in amazement as he considered Reigen's advice-

Shigeo leaning into his side as they rode to the hospital-

Shigeo clutching at his sleeve as commotion broke out in the hospital-

"If they're dead... where will we go?"

"Whatever happens, as long as I'm with you, I'll be okay."

"What I mean to say is... if you'd like, the two of you could stay with me."

Shigeo let out a tiny gasp. Ritsu turned away from the ceiling, and his eyes finally focused on him. Now you've done it. You can't take this back, you sentimental idiot.

"What?" both brothers said in unison, though in varying tones; Shigeo sounded incredulous but hopeful, while Ritsu sounded more disbelieving and skeptical. Reigen felt sweat begin to drip down his back.

He had never had kids before, never even considered the possibility with the way his life had been going for the past several years. He was already struggling to make ends meet with his shoddy excuse of a psychic business, and he doubted he would have enough to afford the things that growing children would need. His apartment had two bedrooms, but he'd been using the other as storage and he had no spare mattresses. He was absolutely not equipped to handle raising these boys, and the last thing he wanted was to raise them poorly. If he ended up as a terrible father figure, he could never forgive himself - he still had yet to forgive his own father.

But the two kids that sat in front of him now... he had known Shigeo only for a few hours, Ritsu even less, but they had grown on him in a way Reigen hadn't been expecting. He wanted them to be able to have a happy childhood, for them to someday recover from this terrible incident and come out stronger, healthier.

Even more than that... maybe it was selfish to think such a thing, and Reigen had never been a particularly spiritual man, but it almost seemed like the brothers' appearances in his life was some sort of... sign. He had been reaching a point where he genuinely didn't know what to do with himself, where he was struggling to get through each day just for the chance to retreat into his dreams at night. His life had lost meaning.

"I said if you want, you two can stay with me. I'm serious."

Shigeo and Ritsu Kageyama could be the motivation he'd been looking for. He could have... a purpose. Something to fight for, something to protect, something to love. Something he'd been missing for such a long time.

A single tear slid down Shigeo's cheek. "Y-you really mean it?" he whispered, lip quivering as he held in a sob.

Reigen smiled, and nodded. "Of course I mean it," he said, and the decision was final.

Shigeo pushed himself out of his chair and rounded the bed before practically tackling Reigen with a hug, finally releasing the tears he had been holding back as he buried his face into his shirt. Reigen felt a few welling up in his eyes as well, though he blinked them away as he turned to Ritsu. The younger boy looked from his brother, crying openly with the man who had just offered them a new home, to Reigen, who waited patiently for whatever his response would be.

His heart rate increased. His breathing picked up speed. His eyes threatened to spill over with emotion. "Why...?" he asked simply, voice cracking.

"Because I want to help."

Without warning, tears fell from Ritsu's eyes, which he buried in the palms of his hands as he began to cry silently. Reigen scooted his chair closer to the bed and wrapped an arm around Ritsu's shoulder, who gently leaned into his side.

He would do everything he could for them. He made that vow to himself as he held the two orphaned boys close to him, allowing a handful of his own tears to flow freely. It was going to be hard work, but for their happiness, it would be worth it.

Chapter Text

"All right, here we are!"

Reigen unlocked the door to his apartment and swung it open, motioning for the boy at his side to go in. Shigeo hesitated, staring at the threshold with an unreadable expression before taking his first steps inside what would likely be his new home.

The apartment was relatively small in size, scarcely furnished but surprisingly clean. A single brown couch sat positioned in front of a medium-sized television, a dark wood coffee table between them with a few papers strewn across its surface. At the end of the living space, there was a sliding glass door that led out onto a modest balcony overlooking a courtyard below. As Shigeo stepped out of the entryway, he noticed that the hallway continued to the left, past what he recognized as a kitchen. It was in no way a familiar setting, but it was warm and dry, and he was welcome there, so he didn't find it too difficult to relax.

Reigen paced around his home, organizing and fixing things up to make the place more presentable, though Shigeo didn't think it was necessary. He stood awkwardly by the sofa, taking in his surroundings and trying to find someplace he fit in. Reigen noticed him and put aside the papers he was holding. "You can sit down, you know," he said, gesturing to the couch. "Feel free to turn on the TV or something- geez, what kind of things do kids watch these days?" Reigen looked at him as if expecting him to answer, but at his silence he continued with a shrug. "Anyways, I'll fix us up something to eat. Want anything to drink in the meantime?"

Shigeo's face lit up, though he tried to hide his excitement. "Um, do you have any milk?" he asked, unable to hide the hopeful tone in his voice.

Reigen grinned at the response. "Yep, sure do! I'll be right back," he said, walking out of the room and disappearing into the kitchen. Shigeo leaned back into the cushions, trying to push his restless thoughts to the back of his mind and only partially succeeding.

Doctors at the hospital had evaluated Ritsu's condition and determined that he would at least have to stay over the night to ensure that there weren't any complications. Shigeo had wanted to spend the night alongside his little brother, but it had apparently been against the rules, much to both of their disappointment. Reigen had already agreed to take them in, however, so he would at least have a place to stay.

Reigen... Shigeo was simultaneously awed and bewildered by this man. He was so totally unlike any other adult he'd met before; everything about him, from the way he spoke to the way he moved, was so energetic and full of life. It was honestly a little tiring trying to keep up with the man's various motions and gestures, and there were times where Shigeo had completely zoned out of their conversations by focusing too intently on the way his hands waved about when he talked. Still, though his outward appearance could be intimidating, he had proven to be a compassionate and kind-hearted person, and Shigeo was incredibly grateful for that. He had been willing to take both him and Ritsu into his home despite how much trouble they must have caused him, and he had been so understanding when Shigeo opened up to him about his powers. Maybe Reigen could teach him how to properly control them?

"One glass of delicious 2% milk, coming right up!" Reigen announced cheerily as he exited the kitchen, two beverages in his hands. Shigeo had to mentally stop himself from kicking his legs in joy.

Until Reigen slipped on the carpet and both glasses were sent flying out of his grasp. "Aw man not again, I hate this stupid carpet-!" Reigen shouted, then abruptly stopped, awaiting the sound of cups falling to the floor in trepidation. When nothing happened, his brows furrowed, and he looked up.

Shigeo had managed to catch both of their drinks with his powers, holding them in the air effortlessly as he waited for Reigen to compose himself. Instead, the man only gaped at the display, jaw dropping in genuine shock. Shigeo flinched, allowing the glasses to float gently down onto the coffee table. "I'm sorry," he murmered, afraid he had done something wrong. "I shouldn't have used them."

"Sorry..." Reigen repeated in a whisper, eyes still open wide as he walked over to the living area. He sat down next to Shigeo, stiff as a board, eyes still trained on the beverages as if they could start spontaneously floating again at any second. "Right. Right, you have powers. You said that already, you really meant it. Psychic powers. You saved my carpet with psychic freaking powers."

Shigeo couldn't interpret the mood the man was in; in most cases, he just assumed that he was at fault for whatever reason and apologized, but that didn't seem like the appropriate response. "Um... are you mad?" he opted to ask instead, lowering his head.

"M-mad? What?! Why would I be- that was- okay okay hang on a second," Reigen took in a deep breath, pinching the bridge of his nose as he exhaled. "What I meant to say was no, I am not mad. I also have to ask... can you see spirits?"

That took Shigeo by surprise. He was at least thankful that he hadn't angered his new caretaker so soon in his stay. He nodded in response to the man's question.

"You can see them? Then... can you exorcise them as well?" Reigen continued, some sort of gleam in his eyes that made him curious. He nodded again, and a grin spread across Reigen's face. "Huh. Well, in that case," he stood suddenly, knees nearly knocking into the coffe table, "since I'll still be working by the time you get out of school, how about you come to the office and help me out instead? You'll get first-hand experience in dealing with spirits, and I, the Greatest Psychic of the 21st Century, will teach you how to control those powers of yours. How does that sound?"

At that prospect, Shigeo completely forgot about keeping his legs still, a fresh and powerful wave of hopeful excitement rushing through him. This amazing man - The world's greatest psychic - had just agreed to take him under his wing and help him get a better grip on his powers. For the first time in his short life, he had found someone that could understand him and the unique challenges he faced; just thinking about the things that Reigen could teach him brought a warm, fluttering feeling to his chest. He wouldn't have to be afraid anymore. He wouldn't hurt anyone anymore.

As Reigen stood standing above him, eyeing him quizzically, he realized that he had been sitting in silence for far too long. "Oh, yes! Yes, I would like that," he answered enthusiastically - or as enthusiastically as his monotonous voice could portray.

Reigen clapped his hands together. "Great! Ah, but it'll probably be a few days before we can get started, with Ritsu still in the hospital- sorry to bring that up. School, though- you go to school, don't you? Geez, there's probably gonna be some paperwork to do. Is this too far to walk to your school? Do kids your age even walk to school, because that just doesn't seem safe," Reigen continued to ramble on, clearly just thinking out loud without actually expecting the boy to reply.

Shigeo let the sound of his voice become a low murmering in his mind, reaching out and taking his cup of milk into his hands with a small smile. He felt, in that moment, that everything was going to be okay.

The following day, after dropping Shigeo off at the hospital, Reigen had ventured into the shopping district to buy fresh groceries. Now that he would have two children living in the apartment, he wanted to have at least a few healthier foodstuffs on hand. He had even decided to buy sweets, like cookies and gummies, because damn if those kids didn't deserve something nice after the hell they'd been through.

After what he would deem as a successful shopping trip, he made his way back home, considering the kinds of recipes he could look up online with the ingredients he purchased. He had never been an amazing cook, but he wasn't terrible, just out of practice; he was sure that if he just concentrated, he could whip up some tasty meals for the three of them.

It was with thoughts of hot food and a grumbling stomach that Reigen encountered the group of police officers at his doorstep.

He adopted a neutral expression as he approached, shifting the grocery bags in his hands. "Good afternoon, officers," he greeted with a warm smile. "May I help you with anything? I'd like to get these groceries inside first, if you wouldn't mind."

The police turned to him as he spoke, expressions deathly serious. "Are you Reigen Arataka?" one of them asked.

"Indeed I am. Is there some sort of problem?" he stiffened as his attempt at lighthearted conversation failed, wondering what it was that could have gotten him in trouble with the law. A rueful client was the only likely possibility.

The officers looked to each other, than one of them stepped closer to him. "You contacted authorities last night regarding the potential deaths of two people, correct?" he asked, to which Reigen nodded. "An ambulance was sent to the location along with several officers, including myself. We searched the entire property, but there was no sign of violence or struggle - no blood, no bodies, everything was intact. The front door being left open was the only indication that something was amiss."

Reigen was completely baffled. "What? Nothing? How could there be nothing? Did you find the Kageyamas at least?" he pressed for details, trying to make sense of what he was hearing. Shigeo had been so sure of himself, and kids don't just make up stories about dead parents. He had been terrified, convinced that something terrible had happened and he was the cause. It couldn't have been a lie.

"I'm afraid we have been unable to locate Mr. and Mrs. Kageyama. Their whereabouts are still under investigation," he explained with a heavy voice. "You mentioned that their sons were with you. Where are they now?"

"Well, the youngest is in the hospital - for an earlier injury - and the oldest has been staying with me. They're both at the hospital right now, though," he said, then his expression hardened. "I already talked to them about it, and neither of them remember what happened. They're both in a pretty fragile state, so you really shouldn't interrogate them. They told me everything they can remember, so ask me about it if you have to."

"I'm afraid that's not how it works sir," the officer said, "though we have no intention of causing those boys any unnecessary stress. Since there is no evidence of a murder... it is not our priority to interrogate them. We would like to ask them some questions once they are feeling better, but for the meantime we can pursue other leads," Reigen sighed in relief at that, checking that particular fear off of the list. "If you find any information regarding the Kageyamas, please contact the Seasoning City police department as soon as possible."

"Of course, you have my word," Reigen agreed honestly, bowing as the officers took off down the hall. Once they were out of sight, his shoulders slumped in exhaustion. "What the hell have I gotten myself into...?" he grumbled to himself before finally entering the apartment with his groceries. He was going to make something special for Ritsu's discharge that night.

"I present to you... homemade katsudon, courtesy of the world's greatest psychic, Reigen Arataka!"

"Thank you, Mister Reigen. It smells good," Shigeo complimented with a soft smile.

"I don't see what being psychic has to do with cooking," Ritsu deadpanned, "but thank you. It will be better than hospital food, at least."

Reigen chose to ignore most of what the younger said, grinning from ear to ear as the three of them sat together at his little kitchen table. He had to admit he was a bit surprised with how well the meal turned out, and he was all too happy to share it with the two brothers. It would be their first dinner together and he had been hoping to make a good first impression with the help of some good food.

For the most part, they ate in silence, which Reigen didn't have a problem with. He had plenty of things he wanted to talk about with them, but they had plenty of time to do so. For now, he decided it would be best to let them become familiar with the new setting and take some time to relax.

He had no idea how long the two of them would be staying with him, but he cleaned out the second bedroom and rolled out two futons with plenty of blankets and pillows in lieu of extra mattresses. They had stopped by the Kageyama household earlier that day to pick up things they would need, like clothing, school supplies, toothbrushes, and whatever else the kids wanted to have with them. Shigeo had been reluctant to enter the house, and Ritsu had to hold his hand until they reached the second floor (and Shigeo was sure that any blood that had been there was gone), but eventually they were able to grab the items they needed for their stay.

"So, Ritsu," Reigen addressed, trying to strike up a friendlier conversation, "how are you feeling? You look a lot better than you did yesterday."

Ritsu shrugged, pushing noodles around in his bowl absently. "I'm fine. It's hot in here though," he mumbled, looking around the apartment before focusing back in on his katsudon.

Shigeo tilted his head in confusion. "You think it's hot? It feels fine to me."

Reigen stood from his chair casting an amiable smile in their direction. "I'll just check the temperature real quick. Don't let your food get cold!" he pointed at Ritsu, who glared at him but shoved a few noodles into his mouth anyways. He made his way into the hall where the thermostat was hooked into the wall, squinting to read the numbers displayed on the small screen. 21 degrees celsius; totally average room temperature. He scratched his forehead, wondering then if chills were a side effect of head injuries before he heard a gasp from the kitchen table.

As he turned into the dining area, he was met with a sight equally stunning and terrifying. The dishes that had been placed at the table were now floating precariously in the air, nearly two feet from the surface. Shigeo's mouth was hanging open in shock, and he continually shifted his gaze from the flying food to his brother across from him, who had his head resting in his hands. Reigen stepped forward carefully. "Hey, uh, you guys doing okay here?"

Without warning, the silverware fell from their invisible grip, crashing haphazardly back down on the table. While Shigeo was startled by the commotion, Ritsu visibly jumped at the noise, looking around with wide, fearful eyes. "Wh-what happened? Niisan, is there something wrong?" he stammered, leaning towards the other.

Shigeo tensed in his seat, looking at the mess of food sprawled in front of them. "That... wasn't me," he whispered, unsure. "Ritsu, when your head hurt just now... I think that was you."

"What? What- okay, so apparently both of you have powers, that's fine but- seriously, what did the katsudon ever do to you? It was just sitting there, waiting to be eaten..." Reigen approached the table, lamenting the damage that had been done to his homecooked dinner. It wasn't entirely inedible, but much of the broth had sloshed over the bowl, creating several sticky puddles. Thankfully, it didn't seem like any of the bowls had cracked, though Ritsu's glass of water had toppled over.

Except... there was no water spilling out, because it had all been frozen solid.

Ritsu stared blankly ahead, gripping the bandages still wrapped around his head. "I did this...? Does that mean I finally have powers?" a small smile formed, and quickly grew in size. "I have powers! I have powers just like niisan! Just like you said I would!" he cried out in delight, all the sarcasm and moodiness from minutes ago melting away. Reigen had never seen the boy so genuinely happy, and it was a refreshing sight to see that gloomy face lit up in joy.

Shigeo, however, was not smiling. "Congratulations, Ritsu," he mumbled, and Ritsu didn't pick up on the pain in his voice.

"I have powers just like niisan!"

Just like niisan.

Just like niisan, who tore his family apart.

As Ritsu cheered, Reigen placed a firm hand on Shigeo's shoulder. "Great, great job kid. Looks like I'll be taking in another pupil," he said. "You'll have to train if you want to control those new powers of yours. Seriously, I don't want another katsudon incident in this household, got it?"

Ritsu rolled his eyes, but his grin never left his face; and now, his big brother was smiling too, because he didn't have anything to worry about if the 21st century's greatest psychic was watching over them.

"All right, you two are helping me clean this up."

Three weeks later and there was no sign of either of the Kageyama parents.

Shigeo and Ritsu eventually started going back to school, after Reigen had to explain their situation to the principal. Until their parents returned, he would be acting as their legal guardian, so any documents requiring approval or a signature would be sent to him. He didn't recall having so much paperwork when he was in school.

Ritsu had regular checkups scheduled once a week to monitor his condition; a concussion wouldn't normally be so concerning, they'd explained, but with the amount of blood he'd lost and the recurring headaches and dizzy spells, they wanted to ensure that he was recovering properly. He wasn't able to participate in physical activities at school, which he didn't appear to mind, but other than that he was doing well in school. Shigeo... not so much, but apparently that was normal.

After school was over, the two walked together back to Spirits and Such, where Reigen had prepared a small desk for them to do their work. Shigeo had even exorcised a spirit for one of their clients already. It had been a small spirit, a slimy, black, slug-looking entity, but the client had been very thankful for the work and praised him for a job well done. Ritsu teased his brother for blushing, and they all went out for takoyaki to celebrate.

It was a strange, new experience for all of them, but at least for Reigen, it wasn't a terrible one at all. He hadn't thought about sleep as much in the past several weeks.

Half of the year went by in the same fashion.

Reigen handled the clients suffering from non-spiritual issues while Shigeo would exorcise any actual ghosts, and business had been steadily improving as a result.

Reigen did what he could to "train" Shigeo's powers, which was admittedly little more than offering life advice and telling him to keep exorcising spirits. He seemed pleased with that, though, and he liked being able to help solve people's problems with his abilities, so he rarely complained about much.

Ritsu also began to make use of his powers more frequently, and got the chance to deal with a few spirits himself. He lacked the control that Shigeo had, but he was a fast learner, and watched his brother intently and tried to copy his movements. They made the discovery that Ritsu's sudden sensitivity to heat was actually a sort of side effect of his powers, which seemed to center around ice, leaving his body cold to the touch no matter the temperature around him. Shigeo combated this development by providing his brother with blankets to keep at the office, and he always sat as close as possible to help keep him warm.

Reigen had been down to the police station a few times to check in on the case, but all they ever told him was that the investigation was still ongoing. He tried to avoid the subject around the kids.

A full year had passed since Shigeo and Ritsu had moved into Reigen's apartment.

Nothing much had changed despite the boys growing a year older. Shigeo was not as expressive anymore, which wasn't a problem for Reigen or Ritsu, but the kids at school had started calling him "Mob". Although it was clearly meant as an insult, Shigeo wasn't at all bothered by the nickname, even when Reigen started using it in a joking manner.

Ritsu still maintained a sort of distance between himself and Reigen, perhaps holding onto the thought that their parents would return soon and the routine they had constructed wouldn't last long. He was fine with that, honestly - it was actually fun to pick on him, and even Shigeo found amusement in their silly arguments. The headaches had stopped occurring so frequently, but it was easy to trigger them if he used too much of his power at once, which he was prone to do if nobody was supervising him.

Reigen had found success in his business after so many years of barely scraping by, and it allowed him to pay less attention to work and focus on improving his life. He found joy in cooking, and liked to make strange, obscure recipes he'd find on the internet (which usually just ended up tasting and/or smelling terrible). He even began to take an interest in movies, and would often stop at the local dvd store to pick up whatever looked interesting at least once every two weeks. Movie nights became a sort of tradition, sitting curled up on the couch together with plenty of snacks between them.

They didn't talk about the accident. They knew that if Reigen had anything to tell them, he would. They just had to be patient.

"Wow, niisan, you look so cool in your uniform!"

Shigeo stared at himself in the mirror. "You think so?" he asked, messing with the buttons on his jacket until Reigen slapped his hand away.

"Yes, Mob, you look great! You're an official middle schooler now, isn't that exciting?" he ruffled Shigeo's hair, laughing as he brushed it back down.

"I guess so. I'm not looking forward to algebra, though."

"It'm sure you'll get math eventually," Ritsu said, patting his brother on the shoulder. "I could help you study, if you want."

Shigeo smiled softly and shook his head. "That's okay, you already have enough work to do on your own. I'll be fine."

Reigen slapped Shigeo on the back. "That's the spirit! Go show that algebra who's boss! I'll be cheering for you!"

"Thank you, Reigen. I'll try my best."

Soon after starting middle school, Shigeo developed an odd habit of avoiding mirrors.

When he brushed his hair in the morning, he would avoid the sight of himself reflected back at him, and turned his gaze from any reflective surface to cross his path.

If he ever caught his image in the mirror, he would swiftly turn his head, covering his eyes. Sometimes he would even jump, as if he caught sight of something that surprised him, and it would leave him in a distant mood for the rest of the day. Whenever they asked him about it, he would only shrug or wave them off, and that would be the end of it.

"Niisan, I think I'm going to join student council."

"Really? That's great, Ritsu! You're so smart, I'm sure you'll do well!"

"What about you? Are there any clubs that you're interested in this year?"

"Huh? Oh, not really. I have work after school, so I don't think I'd have time to join a club."

"Oh, I see. That's too bad.

Yet another year passed. Shigeo and Ritsu grew older.

Reigen contemplated his future. He contemplated the choices he'd made.

These kids deserved to grow up with their parents. Their family. If they never came back... what would he do? Would he continue to raise them? Was he capable of such an important task?

He never thought about having children of his own. He hadn't thought of Shigeo and Ritsu as his children, but as he watched them walk off that morning, both dressed in the uniform of Salt Middle School, talking happily with each other, he realized how much he'd missed having a family of his own.

He decided to call his mom that day. He had so much to tell her.

Shigeo stepped out of the bath, feeling much calmer and relaxed than when he'd stepped in.

He enjoyed taking warm baths often - it was incredibly soothing to be able to lay back and feel the water against his skin, allowing his muscles to release their tension and his mind to forget about his daily stresses. He could spend hours just soaking in the tub, though Reigen chastised him when he would end up falling asleep and missing dinner. Still, it was a nice way to wind down after an emotionally exhausting day at school.

As he thought this to himself, he made his way over to the sink, reaching for the hairbrush. While he was distracted, he looked up at the mirror without thinking.

For a brief moment, his face appeared contorted and hazy, morphing his features into something unnatural and unrecognizable. He gasped at the horrific sight, shielding his eyes with his hands, willing the image to go away.

When he dared to look again, everything was perfectly normal. His pale, emotionless countenance stared back at him, and everything was as it should be. Nothing was wrong. He was fine, his face was fine, and he would sit at the table and eat dinner like everything was fine because it was.

He knew what he saw, though. That was one thing he couldn't ignore, no matter how hard he tried. His dreams would remind him if he did.

It had been three years since Mr. and Mrs. Kageyama went missing. Three years since Reigen Arataka took their children under his care.

The case had long since gone cold. Police had stopped looking. Life moved on.

For better or worse.

Chapter Text

Shigeo Kageyama didn't have a lot going for him.

He's 14 years old and in his second year of middle school, and yet his social life remained practically non-existent. As the years went by, he sat back and watched as his classmates grew and developed, falling naturally into their own groups and cliques with like-minded individuals with similar personalities. While he was interested in friendship, it had never been considered a priority in his life, and as such he had decided to wait patiently for the day a new friend would find him. That day had yet to come; he was a nobody, "Mob", someone plain and uninteresting that simply existed in the background, so nobody ever bothered to approach him anymore.

He had heard that one way of finding friends easily was to join a school club, which piqued his interest. He had never been in a club before, but the idea sounded enjoyable in his head; a group of people coming together to engage in some specific activity that they were interested in. As the recruitment period drew nearer, Shigeo had procured a list of all of Salt Middle School's available clubs, eager to view all of the options.

Unfortunately for him, it was at that moment that Shigeo realized that he was... not particularly interested in anything. He had no hobbies, no special knowledge in any one topic, no practical skills to make use of - he was Mob, after all, and it was only fitting that he had nothing to be passionate about.

Well, that wasn't entirely true. There were a handful of things he felt passion for, but he didn't see how he could apply those feelings to his academic life. He loved his family, he loved animals and nature, and he loved soft, warm things. All of those things were important in his life, but when it came to school, they provided him with no real leverage, both in class and engaging with peers.

Oh, and he had his psychic powers too, but they couldn't even help him figure out basic algebra, so what was the point?

He came to the conclusion that school was just a passing phase in his life, so his lack of friends and inability to join a club didn't matter so much. He had his family, and his job, and that's all he needed to live happily.

He had been making good progress on controlling his powers, thanks to Reigen - Master, as he'd taken to calling the man at the office. It took a certain amount if conscious effort, but over time, it became easier to keep them at a safe enough level that even his aura was difficult to detect. Psychic powers were closely linked with emotions - positive emotions were ideal for maintaining a strong grip, while negative emotions provided a boost of strength while subsequently stripping one's control. That was an observation that Ritsu had made, and it had proven to be accurate on several occasions, so Shigeo made an effort to reel his feelings in to avoid any accidents. It was safer that way.

He was thankful that his school life wasn't unbearably stressful, even during testing seasons. While he still struggled to wrap his head around the subject of math, his grades weren't unacceptable, and his teachers were capable and fair. His classmates didn't interact with him much, but he had yet to be subjected to any sort of bullying - there were a few foul-mouthed boys that poked fun at him a few times, but their words didn't bother him. Overall, his life was uneventful, but not bad, and for that he would always be grateful.

Ritsu excelled in school, as he always had. His memory was very impressive and he always finished his work early, allowing him to fly through any subject at the top of his class. His success was admired by both his peers and his teachers, and he was always surrounded by groups of classmates that requested his company - he even had quite a few of the girls in his grade pining after him, something that amazed Shigeo. Still, despite possessing abilities that put him in the center of attention, Ritsu was not interested in socializing with people. He kept to himself, and pushed away anyone that tried to get close to him. It was because of this that Ritsu, like Shigeo, had no friends of his own. Shigeo had asked Ritsu about it before, but he had only said that he preferred things that way, and that people exhausted him. Shigeo could understand that, he had never been one for crowds himself.

Reigen, on the other hand, thrived around other people, and worked hard to help clients with their spiritual problems so they could leave the office with a lighter heart. That was something Shigeo greatly admired about the man, among many other things; he was kind and smart, and always had insightful advice to share with them. He was also loud and erratic, traits that usually made Shigeo uncomfortable, but somehow the man's overwhelming energy was reassuring, and often brought him out of sour moods himself. Shigeo and Ritsu were quiet, withdrawn people, but Reigen brought their household the light and color it needed to properly function.

That being said... Shigeo still felt as if there was something he was missing out on. What was it that brought happiness to the lives of the other kids around him? What was driving them to do their best each and every day? He had heard somewhere before that school years were the best time of a person's life, but he had no idea how that could be true. Sure, adults had to work to make money and support themselves, but he had a job too. Adults, on the other hand, didn't have to spend most of their time at school, which seemed like a wonderful thing in his mind. So what was it that he didn't know about that made school years so special?

That question had been eating away at his thoughts for the past several days, but he had no idea how to address it. He would bring it up with Reigen if he wasn't afraid that he would take it as an insult, like he wasn't satisfied enough with his work that he felt he wanted to do something else instead. He also couldn't ask Ritsu, since the boy spent his time in the student council already, something Shigeo could never even hope to be a part of. With nobody to consult about his worries, he was left to find the answer for himself, and he was honestly a little overwhelmed.

The topic still weighed heavily on his mind as he walked to the Spirits and Such building after school. Ritsu had a student council meeting that day and was unable to walk with him like he usually did, but it did give him plenty of time to think in a peaceful silence. He enjoyed taking walks around the city, even if he didn't do so often, as the familiar sights and sounds grounded him and eased some of his anxiety. If he was lucky, he would come across one of the many stray cats that roamed the alleyways of Seasoning City, and he always made sure to carry leftovers from lunch to feed his furry friends. He slowed his pace as he passed the few alleys he knew the cats frequented, silently hoping that they would come to see him today.

"Why hello there, young man. What has you feeling so down?"

The voice startled Shigeo out of his reverie, body tensing as he turned to face the strange woman that had addressed him. She was dressed in rather plain attire apart from some odd sort of mask that was draped over her head, the decoration nothing more than a simple smiley face. Though he couldn't see her eyes, he had the feeling she was staring at him expectantly. "Um, hello. What do you mean?" he asked dumbly, not exactly sure where the woman got the idea that he was upset.

The woman tilted her head. "You're not smiling!" she exclaimed, like that was an obvious answer. "Someone so young should be happy and full of life, so there must be something wrong if you're not smiling."

"No, I'm fine. I need to go now," he said, trying to walk around the woman, but she held out an arm and blocked his path. He looked up at her in confusion. "Master is expecting me, I have to go to work now. Please let me pass."

She laughed, light and airy, but he was pretty sure he hadn't said anything funny. "Oh, I'm sure your Master can wait, this is much more important!" she said, bringing a hand to her chin in thought. "For someone your age... yes, young love can be a tricky thing."

Shigeo blinked. "No, there's no one that I like."

She hummed to herself, nodding. "Right, I see... family can be difficult to deal with in your teenage years."

Again, he blinked. "No, my family is very nice."

The lady lowered her head. "Of course, of course," she said, trailing off, and Shigeo again made to move around her. "Ah, figuring your life out can be difficult, even for adults."

He stopped mid-step, eyes widening. How did she know...? As he spun around to face her again, she clapped her hands in delight.

"I was right, wasn't I? You are troubled!" she said, sounding proud of herself. "Well, young man, what if I told you that there's a way to find your smile again, even in these dark times?"

Shigeo was impressed, but still not interested. "Sorry, but I really should get to work."

"You won't he alone if you go. There are plenty of people that struggle to find their place in life, and they'd be more than willing to share their advice with you."

Well... he would like to have a few questions answered... and advice from adults certainly couldn't hurt...

He nodded firmly, more sure of himself. "Okay, I'll go."

The woman all but squealed in excitement, grabbing his shoulder. "Wonderful! You've made the right decision!" she declared confidently, then turned on her heel and began to walk further down the street, motioning for him to follow. "It's right this way, it won't take long at all!"

Shigeo had no idea what he could expect, but with the promise of a greater understanding of himself, he followed the stranger's lead.

"I am a member of the religious order (LOL), which was established last month. Ever since I made the decision to join, my life has been full of happiness!"

Shigeo listened to the woman as she spoke, though he had trouble focusing as the moving elevator was upsetting him. He leaned back into the corner, letting the cool metal of the railings seep into his sweaty palms, taking deep breaths as he urged himself not to get sick. The stranger didn't seem to notice his plight, or perhaps just didn't care, as she continued talking.

"Our leader, Dimple-sama, has the wondrous ability to make anyone laugh, no matter how gloomy they had been before! I'm sure you will be able to find your laugh, too, young man," she turned her head slightly, but with the mask on, her gaze was obscured, that eerily fake smile plastered over her true features.

The elevator finally slowed to a stop, but Shigeo's vision began to swim as the shift in speed brought with it a fresh wave of nausea. As the metal doors slid open, he stumbled out into the next room, using the wall for balance. His eyesight began to clear as he realized just how many people were in the room with him - dozens and dozens of people of all ages and sizes, all wearing that same hideous smile mask, stood in a disorderly mass in the large, open room. They were chatting amongst themselves when they spotted him towards the far wall.

In that mass of people, he felt... something. Something indiscernible but strangely familiar, and it both repelled him and drew him in. "Oh, are you a newcomer?" one of the strangers asked as they walked closer to him. Shigeo couldn't find his voice, only able to shake his head. The growing group in front of him, however, had already made up their minds. "You need to get up on stage, then!" they cheered before reaching out and grabbing him by the arm.

Shigeo immediately recoiled, ripping his arm from their grasp and dashing past them, further into the room. With every step he bumped into someone new, and no matter how hard he searched, he could no longer find the exit amongst the sea of strangers. All he could do was run blindly, weaving clumsily between bodies, subconsciously following after that something, glowing a sickly green in the peripherals of his vision.

With a gasp, he emerged at the front of the gathering, having found his way to the stage, where two other people were already lined up. He looked over his shoulder, smiling faces as far as the eye could see, and sighed. If he wanted to get out, he would just have to go along with what they said until he found a chance to slip away. Reluctantly, he pulled himself up onto the wooden platform, making his way to the other "new recruits", who looked just about as excited as he felt.

One of them, a girl about his age, wore the uniform of Salt Middle School, and caught his attention with a small wave. "Hey, you're Mob, aren't you?" she whispered, leaning closer to him. "I'm Mezato Ichi, from your homeroom."

Shigeo was honestly surprised that someone recognized him on sight, let alone a cute girl like her. He bowed his head in greeting. "Hello, it's nice to see you, Mezato. What are you doing in a place like this?"

She smirked, holding up a pink digital camera that was hanging from her neck. "Isn't it obvious? This place just reeks of a good story! That being said, what are you doing here, Mob?"

He was about to answer her when the audience suddenly grew more energetic, drowning out their conversation. "Look, look, it's Dimple-sama! He's here!" they cried, pointing to the right side of the stage.

An older-looking man walked out of the shadows, dressed in a long purple robe embroidered with strange patterns, his own smile mask sporting a pair of bright red dimples. As he surveyed the gathering, the cult members cheering wildly, he felt a sharp chill climb up his spine, his aura slipping from his grip for only a moment as he reacted to something in the air around them. Something definitely wasn't right here, but he couldn't figure out what it was without allowing his aura to scan the area, something he was reluctant to do with so many people around.

The man, Dinple-sama, raised his hand to silence his followers. "Welcome, everyone! Not that we're all warmed up, how about we take off these masks?" he announced, and with a flourish, he whipped the smile mask off of his head, revealing an average countenance lit by a wide smile and two bright red dimples.

The crowd followed, removing their masks to reveal identically cheerful faces, and another chill swept along Shigeo's body as something in the atmosphere shifted. Perhaps the odd feeling had something to do with those creepy masks? That wouldn't be much of a surprise.

As the cultists erupted in joyous laughter, Mezato bumped his shoulder. "This is seriously creepy, huh?" she asked, keeping her voice low. "Why are they laughing? He didn't even say anything funny."

Shigeo shrugged. "I'm not sure. It is a little weird, but they're just laughing. Still," he glanced at Dimple-sama, "I don't think this is something I'd want to join, so I hope I can leave soon. I'm missing work."

With another wave, Dimple-sama once more silenced his followers. "This is a very special day! We have here three new smilemates ready to join in our happiness!" he gestured to the three of them standing on stage with him, and the audience cheered. Mezato stiffened at his side.

"Hey, who said we were joi-"

"Now then, what's with those faces? You'll never be able to live happily if you can't smile," the man interrupted her, grin never faltering. Mezato clenched her hands into fists at her sides, clearly uncomfortable. That wasn't very nice. "That is the core teaching of (LOL)! In order to find true peace in your life, you first need to find your smile!"

"See? It's obvious why you are unhappy. You're not smiling."

Shigeo clenched his jaw subconsciously. He was reminded of his brother then, of all the times Ritsu had asked if he was unhappy. He couldn't understand why he would think that - why wouldn't he be? What gave Ritsu that idea?

Is it because... he never smiled anymore?

He was ripped from his thoughts as, once again, he was grabbed by the arm and guided off of the stage. He fought to hide his discomfort, not wanting to make a scene in front of his classmate, as they were stopped in the front of the audience. "These smile masks will cheer you up in no time! Please, let us help you find your smiles!" Dimple-sama said from the stage before a mask was shoved down onto his head, obscuring his vision. He bit back a yelp, claustrophobia only worsening his growing anxiety, his aura building around his fingertips. He couldn't see, but he felt countless eyes on his back, and the heat that radiated from his body was stifling. He didn't care what was happening here, he wanted out now.

"Lastly, the girl," he heard the cult leader speak, muffled by the fabric surrounding his head. "It looks like you have something to say."

That's right. Mezato! He couldn't just leave her there all by herself!

"Religious order (LOL), established last month?" she asked tentatively, fighting to keep her voice from wavering. "You managed to attract this many followers in just one month? I don't buy it!"

Something shifted, once more causing him to shiver where he stood. The air seemed to thicken with some sort of tension, and with the energy dancing through his limbs, he was able to pinpoint the exact location of the disturbance - the stage. He should have known. "Oh? Who are you exactly, young lady?" Dimple-sama asked, a condescending lilt in his voice as he looked down on Mezato.

"I'm Mezato Ichi of the Salt Mid newspaper club! I'm here to investigate the bad rumor that's circling about this cult!" she introduced herself with a confidence that Shigeo admired.

"Bad rumor? What do you mean?" The more that man spoke, the more menacing he appeared. He definitely wasn't a normal person. Maybe... he wasn't even a person at all? Now that he knew where the disturbance was coming from, he would be able to direct his energy straight to it without risking the safety of others. Carefully, he allowed some of the energy in his hands to leak out, willing it forward, towards the voice of that ominous man with the colorful cheeks.

"The rumor that you're using group hypnosis to brainwash people into following you!"

As his aura drew near, he quickly detected a foreign energy, a shimmering green shrouded in smog, powerful and controlling. It branched out like roots throughout the entire room, touching the hearts of every person in attendance except for himself and Mezato. With a jolt, he called his aura back in and ripped off his mask, a new emotion growing to replace the anxiety he'd walked in with. Mezato was right - Dimple-sama was using his powers to influence the minds of his followers, forcing them to act as he saw fit. It was cruel, it was selfish, it was wrong.

Dimple-sama turned his attention on Shigeo as he flung his smile mask to the ground. "Hm? What is-" he stopped, eyes blown wide as he took in Shigeo's totally blank expression, not even the hint of a smile on his lips.

A low murmur rose around him as the others also took notice, regarding him with honest confusion. "The smile mask didn't work?" someone muttered incredulously behind him, and he turned to face them.

"That's right," he spoke up, struggling to raise his voice, "it didn't work because it was too weak for me. These masks use powers to force you to smile," he looked back at the man on stage, who was now openly glaring at him. "Dimple-sama is using those powers to control all of you."

Mezato rushed to his side in alarm. "Mob, what do you mean? Are you saying he's really using mass hypnosis?!" she asked, looking warily at the abandoned smile mask on the floor at their feet. "I think we should get out of here, this is dangerous!"

"I can't allow that."

Mezato whipped around as Dimple-sama hopped down from the stage, all smiles despite the heated energy that swirled around him. "Why is it that you refuse to smile? Do you want to stay miserable for the rest of your lives? Are you really going to take out your frustrations on these innocent people, who only wish to laugh with each other?"

Shigeo faltered. Although it was technically forced, all he was making those people do was smile... there was no harm being done there.

Mezato shook her head firmly. "What if they don't want to smile? You're forcing them to lie to themselves!"

Then again... maybe he really was clueless.

"Mezato is right. You should let these people go," he said, watching how the man's smile twitched as it grew more forced by the second. No matter how powerful Dimple-sama was, Shigeo was not afraid. He'd dealt with his kind countless times before, after all.

Dimple-sama laughed, loud and rumbling, creating ripples throughout his aura. "What a couple of brats you are. You dare to make threats against me? You have no idea what you're up against."

Shigeo tensed as the body that Dimple had possessed crumpled to the floor, his aura becoming visible as his true spirit form emerged. "Mezato, please stand behind me," Shigeo urged as Dimple formed. She looked at him with worry in her eyes, but complied, gripping the back of his uniform.

"Aww, look at you, trying to be the gentleman," Dimple taunted, leering down at the two of them, crossing large, green arms across his chest. "You think you're so great that you can stand up to me, but you can't even smile properly! Something so basic to human emotion - if you can't even manage that, there must be something wrong with you!"

Shigeo sucked in a breath, something bright and hot filling his lungs like fire, and it burned for every second he held it in. Still, no matter how many thoughts bubbled to the forefront of his mind, not a single word made it all the way to his throat, and he remained frustratingly silent.

The cult members behind them had backed up against the walls of the room, no longer smiling; their faces were blank, eyes empty, as Dimple kept his hold on them simply to keep them all out of his way. A larger group had formed together to block the elevator in the back, their only exit. If they wanted to get out, Shigeo had no choice but to exorcise Dimple. Trying to snap the threads of Dimple's hypnosis could harm those under his command, as easy as it would be to do so. He raised a single hand, concentrating his energy into his palm, but found that he now lacked proper control. His aura quivered as it grew stronger, and he tried not to panic as he scrambled to force it back down.

Dimple observed him carefully, watching his reaction with interest. "Oh, did I make you upset? Ha, don't force yourself for my sake - you'd be lying to yourself, isn't that what you said?"

Flecks of red and white bloomed across the deep blues and purples of his aura, and his vision began to blur. He could feel something deep within him changing, and he knew exactly what it was. There was no mirror this time, but he recognized the way the skin on his face tingled and began to lose feeling.

He didn't want this. Not now, not in front of Mezato, but what could he do? What could he do without his family to ground him?

Mezato leaned into him, acting as support as Shigeo's body swayed uneasily. "H-hey, lay off! What does that say about you, bullying some middle school kid? Don't you have anything better to do?!"

Dimple's face quickly dropped, unamused. "Shut it, girl. I'm a high-level evil spirit, there isn't anything I can't do! I could use these powers to become a God! You little humans are nothing to me - less than nothing!"

"You're wrong!" Mezato shouted back, and Shigeo wondered if she would have charged had she not been holding him upright. This wasn't good, he had to take care of this before-

"I'm tired of this useless arguing. How about I just show you how powerful I am?!" Dimple reared back, aura swirling as he gathered his energy for an attack.

Mezato shook his arm frantically. "Mob, we have to get out of here! Come on, let's-" she was cut off as Dimple lunged towards them, arms outstretched, energy surging in his palms.

Shigeo barely had time to react before he threw up a barrier, just barely blocking the impact. The blow hit him harder than he anticipated, and he gripped at his hair in a panic as his powers began to spiral out of his control. Mezato was shouting again, but he couldn't understand her anymore, her voice sounding warped as if they were speaking underwater. They might have been, with the way Shigeo struggled to suck air into his burning lungs, or maybe that was just the ash clogging his windpipes - ash, burning and biting into his skin, flames lapping at his legs, he's sinking deeper and deeper and this time there's nobody to pull him out, he's drowning-

He opened his mouth to gasp for air and his face shattered like glass.

100% RAGE

He registered nothing but the pulsating energy of the evil spirit in front of him, and every fiber of his being seeked to snuff it out. He moved - he couldn't tell if he walked or if his feet had already left the ground - and Dimple recoiled in shock, a genuinely surprised expression on his ghastly face. "Christ, kid! Did you- are you Awakened?!"

Shigeo did not reply, because he couldn't, even if he wanted to. He did not comprehend Dimple's words. He continued on.

Dimple steeled himself, preparing another attack. "Well, that's just fine. I can still take you out!" he cried, his arm morphing into a curved blade, and he leaped into the air to being it down on Shigeo's skull.

Shigeo didn't even move. He looked up, up into Dimple's eyes, and energy erupted between them like lightning, blasting Dimple out of the air in an instant. Shigeo's hair swirled around him, crackling with electricity, the ground shook beneath him, the air itself bent beneath the sheer weight of his power, and he didn't even have the capacity to be afraid because his entire existence in that moment was a single, concentrated emotion and there wasn't room for anything else.

Dimple fell heavily to the floor, cradling the stump where his arm used to be. "Heh, you weren't messing around, were you?" he chuckled, mostly to himself, as he concentrated his energy into forming a new arm. "That's just fine, I could use a challenge for once!" he opened his mouth wide, aiming directly at the broken boy in his path. A bright light grew larger and larger in his mouth, before suddenly bursting out as a beam of pure energy.

As the beam grew close, Shigeo used that energy to his advantage. He rode it like a current, propelling himself forward with tremendous speed. Before Dimple could even finish his attack, Shigeo had reached him, grabbing onto his face with a single charged hand. "Wh- how did you-!" Dimple raised his arms up, attempting to pull himself free, but as soon as his hands gripped Shigeo's wrist, they burst into a shower of iridescent color and vanished. "What the hell are you?!"

Shigeo did not reply, because he couldn't, even if he wanted to.

He tensed his fingers and squeezed.

Dimple's entire body lit up like fireworks, and with a pop, he was gone.

Mezato watched on from a distance, both intrigued and utterly terrified of the middle school boy that others called "Mob".

"Oi, Mob, you're home late! Why didn't you text me?"

Shigeo avoided Reigen's gaze. "I'm sorry, Reigen... I'll remember to send a text next time." he said, bowing his head in apology.

Reigen frowned as he shoved a burger into his mouth. "Mmm. What were you doing, anyway? I didn't think you were involved in any clubs."

"No, it wasn't a club. I... just took a walk and lost track of time."

Reigen wouldn't buy that, and Shigeo knew it. "Really? You didn't notice when the sun started to set? I didn't think you were that dense," Reigen said through a mouthful of burger, but the intensity was not lost, and Shigeo flinched, sinking back into the seat. Reigen watched him, expression unreadable. "Come on, something happened, right? You know you can tell me anything. I can't help if you keep it to yourself, you know."

Shigeo didn't really want to explain what he had done, but that man really knew how to get through to him. He sighed, brushing his fingers through his hair absently. "Well... there were these people that were part of a cult, or something. I found out that their leader was using hypnosis to control them, and," he paused, unsure of what to say. "The leader was actually an evil spirit, so I exorcised him."

Reigen raised a brow at him. "Really? Huh, an evil spirit forming a cult? I guess that's not unheard of..." he mumbled to himself, taking a sip of his soda. "You said you exorcised it? That's great, Mob! You still should have texted me, but at least you got some experience out of the whole thing."

"Right... experience," Shigeo repeated to himself, and accidentally pulled out a few hairs.

How much experience would it take to keep his powers in check?

What kind of experience had he subjected all of those people to by meddling in something that was none of his business in the first place?

Was he really... helping people this way?

"Kiddo, what's bothering you?" Reigen had put down his food, now looking at him sincerely, open and inviting. It was a look he reserved for moments like these, something that had developed between them after years of living under the same roof. Reigen was truly a kind person...

"I was just... thinking. About who I am, and who I want to be," he said, looking down into his lap as he processed feeling into something communicable with another person.

Reigen nodded sympathetically. "I see. That's okay, you're around that age now where you start becoming more self-aware," he said, which surprised Shigeo to hear - he had assumed that most people just knew who they were supposed to be. "So, what kind of person do you think you are? What kind of person do you want to be?"

Shigeo pondered this for a few moments, thinking back on the things that were important to him, to the things he didn't like to see in himself or others, to the way his brother worked so hard to succeed, to the way Mezato held herself so confidently in the face of someone so much more powerful than herself, to the look on Dimple's face as he was wiped from existence-

"I'm... I don't really know. I have a few interests, but I don't have hobbies like most of the people at school. I guess that kind of stuff doesn't matter to me so much... I really just want to be a good person, that's all."

Reigen's countenance lit up, a sparkle in his eyes as he grinned. "Is that so? Then I'd say you have nothing to worry about! You're already a good person, Mob."

Shigeo felt his chest swell with another emotion, but this time wasn't nearly so painful - it was warm and comforting, like being wrapped in a blanket fresh from the dryer. "R-really? But... what if I do something bad?"

Reigen rested an elbow on his knee, leaning closer to him. "Listen, Mob, nobody is gonna be perfect, okay? You can't put those kind of expectations on yourself, it's unrealistic! Everybody makes mistakes, and good people do bad things - it's how you respond to your actions that determines the kind of person you are. You just have to accept that, and try to be the best person that you can be, flaws and all. You got that?"

Shigeo felt lighter, like an oppressive weight had been lifted from his shoulders, and his anxiety had dissipated completely. "Yes. Thank you, Reigen."

Reigen beamed at him, ruffling his hair affectionately. "Anytime, Mob! Now hurry up and get to bed, you need to be well rested for school tomorrow!"

Shigeo nodded, the corners of his lips turning upwards just slightly. He would be okay.

Chapter Text

Shigeo Kageyama didn't have a lot going for him, but that was all right.

He found happiness in the work he did, using his psychic abilities for good, exorcising spirits that wished harm on the living and freeing innocent people from their control. It was rewarding beyond words to see the relieved smiles of happy clients that left the Spirits and Such office with lighter shoulders and a clearer conscience.

He didn't need any more than that, even if he didn't have any friends.

Or, is this what people would refer to as a "friendship"?

"Mob! Hey, wait for me!"

Shigeo stopped and looked behind him at the voice, not at all surprised to see who it belonged to. Ever since the incident with (LOL), Ichi Mezato had been following him around like a buzzing fly, barely giving him a moment's peace. Not to say that he didn't enjoy her company, but she tended to raise her voice without realizing, and the constant noise where there previously had been none was a little jarring. Still, he didn't wish to upset her when she had so far been kind to him, so he remained politely silent when in her company.

"Hey, are you doing anything for lunch today?" she asked cheerily, as she had every day, knowing fully well that he never did anything for lunch other than eat his off on his own somewhere quiet. He shook his head, and she grinned, falling in step beside him as they continued to walk. "Great, great! So, would you mind if I talked to you about something? I've been meaning to ask for a while now," she explained, turning the left corner when he was used to turning right. He nearly missed a step, spun around, and fell back into place.

"Sure, I don't mind," he answered honestly, glancing up at the classrooms they passed, noting that they were all reserved for various school clubs. The unfamiliar territory made him anxious, but he resisted the urge to play with his hands by shoving them in his pockets.

Mezato looked positively delighted, a gleam in her eye as she suddenly stopped in front of an inconspicuous club room. "Thanks Mob, I promise it won't take too long!" she said as she slid the door open, stepping inside without hesitation.

As Shigeo moved to do the same, he bumped into someone as they exited the room in a hurry. A small, nearly imperceptible shock coursed through his body upon contact, and his eyes shot up to face this strange person.

Somewhere within the room someone groaned. "Geez, Takenaka, you don't have to be so rude! Bumping into potential telepathy club members gives us a bad reputation, you know!" another girl said in exasperation, a voice that Shigeo did not recognize.

The boy in front of him, Takenaka apparently, shot a glare in the girl's general direction. "You already have a bad reputation," he grumbled, then turned his attention to the much shorter boy in the doorway. "Sorry about that. Didn't see you there," he said curtly, then stepped past Shigeo and out into the hallway without another word.

Before he could feel bad about not apologizing himself, he was grabbed by the elbow and tugged into the club room, the door sliding shut behind him. "Don't mind that guy, Mob. He's a bit of a grump," Mezato said to him, patting his shoulder. Shigeo blushed at the contact, stepping back, and Mezato chuckled. "Anyways, I figured this would be a good place to talk about this stuff, being the only paranormal club in all of Salt Mid," she said, turning to the other occupants of the room. "Hey guys, I hope you don't mind if I talk to Mob here for a bit."

The girl that had spoken earlier stood from where she was seated at her table, a pleasant smile on her face. "Not at all, not at all! Welcome to the telepathy club, Mob! Well, what used to be the telepathy club, anyways," she trailed off, expression darkening for less than a second before she perked up again. "My name is Kurata Tome! These guys here are Kijibayashi, Saruta, and Inukawa!" she gestured to the other three boys sitting at the table, who all waved to him as they were introduced. He felt very awkward in front of so many new people, but he offered a small bow to hide his nervousness.

Mezato pulled out a chair for herself and sat down, rummaging through her bag for something. "Come on and take a seat," she said as Shigeo continued to stand by the entrance.

He complied, taking a seat across from the girl as he took out his lunch for the day. Reigen had been determined to provide homecooked lunches for him and Ritsu ever since they returned to school, though he had noticeably improved over time. Shigeo greatly appreciated the gesture, even if the bento wasn't the prettiest, or the portions were sometimes too much for him to finish (he made sure to give the leftovers to his cat friends on his way home). It was something to look forward to, no matter how badly his day had been thus far.

As he brought out his disposable chopsticks, eager to dig in, Mezato whipped out a small notebook and flipped to an empty page, leaning towards him over the table. "So, Mob, about what happened last week," she began, a determined expression on her face.

Shigeo froze, mouth full of rice, a deer caught in the headlights. That was... not something he had anticipated to be brought up again between them, though he should have known something so horrifying would stick with her for a while. The way she presented around him, all smiles and friendly banter, hadn't suggested that the incident had been on her mind.

He swallowed thickly, a few grains sticking to the back of his throat as his mouth went dry. "I, ah... don't know what you mean," he lied, poorly, avoiding her intense gaze. He wished he had more control over his own voice, among other things.

Mezato just smirked, leaning back to allow him some breathing room. "Heheh, you're a terrible liar, Mob. You know I'm talking about what happened with the (LOL) cult," she said, causing Shigeo to sweat. Of course he wouldn't be able to get out of this that easily.

The telepathy club girl - Kurata, that was it - quirked a brow, looking curiously over the top of her gaming system. "Uh, what is this about a cult- wait, (LOL)? What kind of a dumb name is that?"

"I'll tell you about it later," Mezato replied with the wave of a hand, and Kurata huffed before returning to her game. "Seriously, Mob, that was really something! I had no idea you had such amazing psychic powers!"

Shigeo choked as he tried (and failed) to clear his throat. The entire room suddenly fell deathly silent - even the music playing from Kurata's video game had stopped.

Speaking of Kurata, she had a strange look on her face, something Shigeo could only interpret as disbelief. "Huh? Psychic powers? Mezato, what kind of joke is that?" she said in a deadpan tone, clearly not amused.

Mezato turned to her, enthusiastic despite her friend's disinterest. "Oh, you should have seen it! Mob was really incredible, he took down the corrupt leader of that cult all by himself using these insane powers! It was really impressive," she turned back to her companion, sincerity in her eyes. "I didn't expect that from you, so I was really shocked!"

"Psychic powers," Kurata grumbled as Shigeo struggled to push words out of his collapsing windpipes. "If he really has powers like you say he does, why doesn't he just show us now?"

No. No no no no I can't you don't understand it's too dangerous I'm too dangerous I'm too scary

Mezato looked positively ecstatic at the idea, but before she could express her agreement, Shigeo had already stood from the table, grabbing his bento as he hastily made to exit the room. "Wh- wait, Mob, where are you going? Is there something wrong?" he heard Mezato ask from behind him. Though she was surely just disappointed in him, he could have almost convinced himself that it was true concern in her voice. But that couldn't be the case - the only people capable of understanding him were those that he grew up with, and that list had only room for two.

"I'm sorry, I just remembered I have something to do," he mumbled over his shoulder, too guilt-ridden to look his - friend, he can't even call her that - classmate in the eye before exiting the telepathy club room.

She did not follow him as he had followed her. He was alone once more, as it should be, should always be.

Except then... he wasn't.

"Yikes, that was kind of rude, don't you think?"

A voice that made his skin crawl. A voice he never expected to hear again.

Momozou Takenaka didn't have a lot going for him, and that was how he liked it. Anything more was just unnecessary noise.

He had lived the majority of his life avoiding people around him, a swirling vortex of voices and pictures churning around in his head, like a broken record skipping through bits and pieces of various songs, movies, memories - memories that weren't his, had no business invading his space, unwelcome, foreign, alien. There were times where he wasn't sure of who he was anymore, if he was the Momozou he had been the day before, or if he was the manifestation of some stranger's fragmented thoughts in an unfamiliar body. There were days where he fought himself into wakefulness after a long night of vivid dreams, and after spending so long in a different reality, a reality made up of hundreds of realities, his own face appeared strange to him. His hands seemed impossibly large to be natural, his feet looked like something a child sculpted by inexperienced hand, his features didn't line up, lopsided and disfigured and wrong.

It was hard to care about other people when he himself did not feel like a person. Still, his frazzled mind still found the capacity to, annoyingly, care what other people thought of him.

He didn't know what he was thinking; how he got the idea in his head that the telepathy club would be any different was beyond him. Perhaps it wasn't even his idea at all. Regardless, he ended up with the outcome he should have expected in the first place.

Just more proof that he truly was alone.

He couldn't suppress the scowl on his face as he stormed down the halls of Salt Mid, silently praying that he wouldn't encounter anyone on his way out of the building. Who cared about attendance anymore, he wouldn't stay another minute in that place even if he was paid to do so.

Besides, if he missed anything, he could just skim the minds of the smarter students for the answers, right? He didn't even have to try anymore. The answers came to him whether he wanted them to or not.

He had only returned to the club room to grab a few books he'd forgotten on the shelves, but even bumping into that kid wasted precious minutes of his lunch period, and now that it was close to the end, more and more students were trickling back into their classrooms, mingling in the halls like mines; step too close to one and a bomb goes off, his mind flooded with ash and debris, letters and words and numbers jumbled together in a chaotic mess, bringing his brain closer and closer to shutdown. He hoped he wouldn't get a nosebleed before he arrived home - he didn't want to make a stop in the restrooms to clean up, but walking through the city covered in his own blood wasn't ideal either.

He wouldn't be able to just waltz right on through the front doors, he had skipped enough to know that much, so he opted for the exit that lead towards the gymnasium, used commonly enough by the student body that nobody bothered to stop and ask him questions. Not even the student council cared enough to stop him at that point. A lost cause, in their eyes. Maybe they were right.

As he exited the building, a cool breeze hit his skin, and he breathed in deeply. That first gust of fresh air had always worked wonders for him, like he had passed through the gateway of prison and tasted the outdoors for the first time in years. It was addicting, that feeling of giving in to his pounding headaches and leaving everything behind.

He sighed, gathering himself as he prepared to slip off of school grounds and begin the journey home, when he caught the eyes of three boys, chatting amongst themselves as they exited the gym. He recognized their miserable faces immediately, and turned away, walking in long strides past the group, silently praying that they wouldn't-

"Well, speak of the devil! It's our old pal Takenaka!"

One of the boys roughly grabbed him by the shoulder, preventing him from walking any further. He cursed his rotten luck as he faced their sneering, teeth bared like wild animals, though they always failed to intimidate him. They were just another annoyance to him, another group of pesky flies, though unlike most, they refused to leave him alone. "What do you want? I'm kind of busy here," he said, though he clearly wasn't doing anything of importance at that moment. He could feel that awful pounding building up behind his eyes again.

The leader of the bunch laughed in his face, his friends joining in after a few moments, though Momozou didn't see any humor in the situation. "You? Busy? Doin' what?" he brought a hand to his chin, mocking thought. "Oh, I see, I see! The girls are gettin' ready for volleyball practice right now... I bet you're on your way to spy on them with those powers of yours, aren't you? You pervert!" he shrieked, bringing his hand to his chest in an exaggerated motion of pain, as if he had been burned just by making contact with the taller boy. "Have some class! You'll never make any friends with that kind of lifestyle!"

The three of them laughed again, crying "pervert, pervert!" as they pointed and leered. Momozou just rolled his eyes, used to their sorry attempts at making him angry. How these idiots ever managed to find out about his abilities, he couldn't imagine, but they had apparently caught on a while ago and hadn't left him alone since then. They seemed to hold the belief that he actually cared about the lives and secrets of others, using telepathy to spy on unsuspecting peers with some sense of joy. In truth, he couldn't care less about secrets or gossip or scandals or girls - he would give up his powers in a heartbeat if he could, all for just a moment of peace.

"Aren't you just talking about yourself?" Momozou said casually, gesturing to the gymnasium, where the sounds of scuffing sneakers rang out in the otherwise empty corridor. "I know you're not in any sporting clubs. I don't have to read your mind to know you were the ones spying on those girls. Have some class," he threw their words around, it was so easy to bring them down, and turned on his heel. He had already wasted more energy on them than they deserved.

"Hey, who do you think you are?!" the same boy shouted, yanking back on his arm and forcefully turning him back around. "I didn't say I was done talkin' to you! You've got some nerve, accusin' us of somethin' like that! You got no right to talk to us like that, you freak!"

His friends - more like mindless puppets - voiced their agreement, stepping closer into his personal space. Their thoughts screamed at him, baseless insults and projected hate, and they bounced off of Momozou like rubber. Still, his brain absorbed every impact, and with every beat of his heart a wave of pain bloomed across his brow. That pain was moving dangerously low, closer and closer to his nose. He was so, so tired. "Seriously, do we have to do this again? You're going to be late for class," he said, looking expectantly at those old double doors, hoping that someone would walk through and see them, break up this ridiculous spat, set him free.

The statement only seemed to fuel the fire in the boy's eyes. He grabbed the front of Momozou's shirt in a tight fist, aggression flaring. "Shut your damn mouth, freak! You skip class so much that even student council gave up on you! You're gonna end up on the streets where you belong one of these days! Society doesn't need monsters like you!"

A monster, huh? That was a stretch. He almost wished that those words would hurt him, just to feel something for a change. No such luck - unfortunately for him, since the lack of feeling harbored a lack of consequence, allowing him to run his mouth all the way to his grave. "Really? At least I have good grades. You know what society does with perverts like you? Toss 'em in prison. Too bad there won't be any girls to look at behind bars-"

Crack

He should have anticipated that, but he felt so sluggish, his arms heavy and useless at his sides as a fist connects with his cheekbone, knocking him back. The warmth hit him before the pain did, and he knew that if he were to bring a hand to his nose, it would come back red, and he hated the color red. He saw it everywhere, everyday, and he hated it so much, just like he hated the three kids in front of him.

And just like that hideous color, he found himself surrounded, powerless, an unending cycle that was slowly but surely drowning him. He wished he would just choke already.

"What is going on here?"

Just like that, there was no more red. It had mixed with the blue of the wide open sky, a grand and majestic wave of iridescent purple. It washed over him, sharp and biting cold, and like the cool autumn air it calmed his frayed nerves.

His eyes fell upon the source of the violet river and he sucked in a breath. Student... council?

The three delinquents whipped around, but didn't miss a beat. "Hey, finally some help!" the leader said, jabbing a thumb in Momozou's direction. "We caught this guy snooping in the girl's locker room! We confronted him about it, of course, but he turned tail and tried to run! Luckily we managed to hold him here until now."

The other boy, a member of the council that Momozou was surprisingly unfamiliar with, looked between the three boys and Momozou with dark, narrowed eyes. Momozou was almost too exhausted to realize, but his heart rate picked up as he noticed he was unable to hear the newcomer's thoughts at all. It was... a little frightening, if he was being honest. What did this guy think of him? Whose side was he on? Was he seriously about to get busted for skipping school and being a supposed peeping tom?

After several tense moments of silence, the boy focused attention on the group, expression gravely serious. "Why bother with such an obvious lie? I saw you punching this upperclassman just now. He was not trying to run away," he said coolly, tone even and smooth, calm and calculated. He stepped forward, threateningly close, and the three kids stiffened. "Harassing female students and assaulting an upperclassman... those are grounds for serious punishment, you know. I can't imagine what your parents would think of you, knowing what kind of children they had raised. Or..." he took another step, "is the problem that they don't care?"

Ouch.

The bullies, clearly conflicted, glanced to one another nervously. Still, the leader of the bunch tightened his hands into fists once more, shoulders visibly shaking. "You... you think because you're so smart you can go around insultin' other students like that?! I'm not gonna stand here and let you say whatever you want!" the boy cried, raising an arm as he prepared to charge. "You're gonna regret messin' with me!"

The strange boy only shook his head, unmoving in the face of an imminent threat. "You resort to violence so quickly... it's pitiful," he said, mostly to himself. The bully was within arm's reach, and his fist was dangerously close to making contact. Momozou reached out, but there was nothing he could do.

But... there was nothing to be done.

The kid's fist was frozen in mid air, inches from the boy's cheek. His eyes were like daggers, digging mercilessly into the face of his prey, and not a hair on his head had been disturbed.

"Wh-what the hell is this?!" the delinquent was beginning to panic, trying and failing to regain control of his limbs. His friends cowered behind him, too afraid to approach, watching as their leader was rendered defenseless in a matter of seconds. "I can't move! What- how are you doing this?!"

"Shut your mouth. I'm tired of your voice."

With that, the shimmering wave changed direction, slamming into the bulky and sending him flying off to the side, sprawling gracelessly along the overgrown grass lining the pathway. He scrambled to get back on his feet, but before he could regain balance, he was tossed clear to the opposite side, skidding along exposed dirt. His two buddies let out surprised shrieks before dashing away from the scene, clearly terrified of what they had just witnessed.

The remaining boy now struggled to rise back up, knees and elbows scraped to bits, uniform covered in grass stains and mud. Wide eyes looked to his attacker in fear. "Wh... what are you?"

The boy just stared down at him, uncaring and empty. "I suggest you stop now, before you get hurt," he said, a chilling suggestion that he had not even hurt the other yet.

In a heartbeat, the bully jumped up, sprinting as fast as he could away from the two of them, away from the school, too ashamed to even remain on school grounds in his state. Momozou watched him leave, the entire sequence of events like little more than a dream to him. He felt as if he was floating, floating softly on the waves of energy that still radiated outward from that otherworldly kid.

"Hey, are you okay? That's a lot of blood..." a soft voice interrupted his trance, and he jumped involuntarily. That boy was suddenly much closer, eyebrows creased with concern, though he took a step back at Momozou's surprise. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. You should probably wash off in the restroom before you head home."

Momozou processed his words, blinking rapidly. The violet had receded, a gentle curtain that tinted the sky lilac. "You... you're letting me leave? Just like that?" he asked, disbelieving. "Isn't skipping against the rules or something?"

The boy shrugged casually. "I won't tell anyone. You deserve a break today, at the least," his expression dropped, just slightly, as he eyed the disturbed earth around them. "I'm sorry that those delinquents were bothering you. Though I'm sure they'll think twice now before messing with you again."

"R-right..." he breathed, bringing a shaky hand to his still rapidly-beating heart. He wasn't afraid, he told himself, not at all. It was probably just the blood loss, even if it had stopped by then. "What you just did... was that-"

"Don't worry about that. They had it coming," the boy waved him off. "Anyways, you should get to the restroom now if you don't want anyone else to see you. I can't guarantee that the other student council members will be as lenient as I am," he turned, walking back towards the school building.

Without thinking, his arm shot out in front of him, only catching a tiny portion of the boy's sleeve, but it caught his attention. "What is it?" he asked simply, dark eyes unreadable, and Momozou feared that he was testing the guy's patience.

Still, he had to say something now, or he would surely regret it later. "What you did... that was psychic power, wasn't it?" he whispered, breath carried by the fall breeze to the one across from him. The one person he'd ever met that was like him - not exactly, he could never throw people around like that boy had - someone he could talk to, relate to. Open up to. He was so, so tired of building up hopes only to watch as they're crushed to dust in front of him, mistakes piling up behind sleep-deprived eyes, a near constant reminder of the pain that came with loss.

The other's eyes widened, caught off guard by the question. He looked deep into Momozou's eyes, searching for intention, perhaps even hostility, but finding nothing but a careful optimism. "I see. So you know of the existence of espers then?" his tone was less friendly, more guarded, but that was something Momozou understood.

He nodded gripping tighter to the boy's sleeve. "Yes! Yes, I... well, actually, I'm psychic too. N-not like you though, I'm a telepath. That's why those guys were bothering me, they found out about it somehow."

"Telepathy...? I've never met someone with that ability before," he replied, and Momozou breathed a sigh of relief at the sign that the boy believed him. "I can't stand people like them, bullying others for things they can't help," he trailed off, looking past Momozou for a moment before his eyes focused on him again. "In that case... I would like to speak to you again. Not today, of course," Momozou felt the remaining tension leave his body as the other's friendly tone returned, and he even offered a small smile. "My name is Kageyama Ritsu, a first year."

Only a first year and he's in student council...? "Nice to meet you, Kageyama. I'm Takenaka Momozou. I, ah, would like that, too. To talk to you again, I mean. Probably... tomorrow?" he felt awkward, outside of himself, and he made to rub his nose before he remembered the crusted blood that coated the bottom half of his face. "Right, I should definitely do something about that. So, uh... I guess I'll see you later?"

Kageyama Ritsu nodded to him, face so polite and kind despite the terror he had inflicted on three of his peers just minutes before. "Right. I'll see you later, Takenaka," he said with a small bow, before he continued on through the school's double doors and disappeared around the corner.

Just like that, Momozou found himself alone... but not quite. He was bruised and bloodied, dazed and confused, but he left school property that day feeling lighter than he had in ages.

For the first time since he could remember, he looked forward to attending school tomorrow.

Chapter Text

“Yikes, that was kind of rude, don’t you think?”

Shigeo jumped back with a squeak, heart nearly leaping straight up his windpipe. “What-“ he spun around quickly, searching for the owner of that gravelly voice, hoping that it had only been a figment of his imagination and that thing wasn’t actually there.

His aura caught it before his body could. A sickeningly green gas was floating animatedly in the middle of the hallway, sporting two beady eyes and a terribly familiar pair of bright red dimples. Shigeo’s anger and guilt had returned to haunt him.

”Whoa, whoa, calm down kid! It ain’t like that, I ain’t looking for a fight! I just wanna talk, that’s all!” the spirit manifested two tiny arms and waved them frantically in front of itself. “Geez, you really are jumpy, aren’t you? You need to learn to relax.”

Shigeo stared dumbfounded at the thing speaking to him, but his expression quickly turned sour as he caught up to the situation. Without any further hesitation, he raised a single hand in the ghost’s direction, eyes narrowed and sharp as a dagger. “I guess I didn’t exorcise you completely. At least now I can do this properly,” he said, and began to stretch his aura towards the swirling black smog that encircled the spirit-

“Wait, wait, wait! Please, I’m beggin’ you kid, at least hear me out! I said I ain’t looking for trouble!” the ghost backed away defensively, visibly panicked, true to it’s word it made no move to retaliate against him. Still, Shigeo was not at all interested in hearing whatever the thing had to say to him. He was already upset from his conversation with Mezato; he had no compassion for those that used psychic powers to harm innocent people.

Shigeo pulled his powers back in but did not lower his guard. “I don’t care. I don’t want to talk to you. You should leave before you make me angry again,” he threatened, channeling the most intimidating voice he had in him to get his point across.

”S-see, that’s exactly what I’m talkin’ about,” the ghost mumbled, but then perked up, much to Shigeo’s disappointment. “Look, I think the two of us got off on the wrong foot, yeah? You kinda caught me at a bad time. What do you say we start over?” the spirit said, then pointed to himself with a flourish. “My name is Dimple, the high-level spirit! And you are... Shigeo, right? It’s good to see you up and about after that!”

The spirit’s cheerful voice flew in one ear and out the other, but there was one detail that stuck uncomfortably in his brain. “What do you mean? I’m the one that exorcised you,” he said, though he subsequently cursed himself for continuing the conversation with- Dimple? What a silly name for an evil spirit...

Dimple abruptly stopped, brows raised to a comically high position on his not-forehead. “Huh? What are you on about kid? Don’t tell me you don’t remember what happened to you!” he tried to approach, but Shigeo took a step back, and his ghostly hand recoiled. “When I saw you at first, I thought you were a spirit, too! But if that were the case, your face would’ve been all messed up. You are alive, aren’t you?”

Shigeo’s confusion swelled, the slightest bit of anxiety rising in his gut at the notion that he had died - or was supposed to have died. “I don’t understand what you’re talking about,” he mumbled, gaze lowering to the floor as he began to clench and unclench his hands at his sides. Had he done something really bad? Mezato had never implied anything like that... no, this spirit must be lying to him, trying to set him off. Reigen had warned him about tricky spirits before, he should have just exorcised Dimple the moment he became aware of his presence.

”Huh. That’s hard to believe... you’re tellin’ me you’ve never heard of Awakening?” Dimple’s exaggerated features settled into something unnervingly serious, pinpoint eyes that bore holes in Shigeo’s shaking skull, targeting a memory, a feeling, a fear he’d harbored for three years in secret. A face, his face, shattered, smeared, washed away into nothing, a million eyes that weren’t his blooming across that watery void, the sensation of falling into himself as his mind collapsed-

“A-Awakening? Is that... what happened to my face?” Shigeo whispered carefully, afraid to voice that fear any louder or it might return, he might wake up surrounded by the dead with the realization that he’d killed everyone that night, that his companionship with Mezato had been nothing more than a fantasy. Dimple seemed to pick up on this, as his ghastly form flickered and shrunk, voice no harsher than a gentle breeze.

”So you do remember,” he confirmed, and Shigeo nodded once, stiffly. “So you really haven’t heard of Awakening. I had assumed that was common knowledge among you espers, but I guess that’s only true for spirits. Well, I guess I could do you the favor of informing you, you know, as thanks for not exorcising me. Although,” he trailed off, glancing around, “this really isn’t the best place to talk. You know a place where we can have some privacy?”

Shigeo opened his mouth to answer, but hesitated. “We can’t talk now, class will start soon. Can you wait until school is over?” Dimple frowned, but nodded. He turned to walk away and stopped to look over his shoulder to address the spirit. “Don’t do anything bad or I’ll erase you regardless of what you have to say.”

”I get it, I get it!” Dimple grumbled, shrinking away from the boy as he walked back down the hallway towards his classroom.

Shigeo would be unable to focus on schoolwork for the rest of the day, mind overwhelmed with the image of an unfamiliar face reflected back at him.

”What is it like? Being a telepath, I mean.”

Momozou sighed, leaning back against the cool stone wall behind him. Ritsu watched with careful anticipation, afraid to cross a line and scare away his fascinating new companion before they really had the chance to talk. He waited patiently for the boy to collect his thoughts, taking occasional bites of the homecooked lunch sitting in his lap. Looking up, he could appreciate the rolling textures of the clouds above them, so much closer than he ever could be on the ground. The roof of Salt Middle School provided just the kind of peaceful respite from the stress of the world that Ritsu found he so often needed, and so long as the upperclassman proved to be a decent sort of person, he supposed he wouldn’t mind sharing the space.

To his left, Momozou cleared his throat, and he tore his gaze away from the sky. “Honestly?” the boy started, with a voice that betrayed his true feelings on the subject, “It really fucking sucks,” he glanced at Ritsu, gauging his reaction to the swear, but Ritsu made sure to keep his expression neutral. “You would think it would be useful to read people’s minds - and I’m not gonna lie, it has its perks. It’s the fact that I have no control over it that makes it so unbearable.”

”You have no control?” Ritsu asked, head tilted in curiosity. Momozou grunted an affirmation, but didn’t elaborate right away. “You mean... there are times where your telepathy doesn’t work?”

Momozou shook his head. “No, it’s more like... it always works. Whether I want it to or not. I can hear and see everything that goes through the minds of anyone remotely close to me. No filters, no exceptions, no control.”

Ritsu sucked in a breath, brows furrowed. He was genuinely surprised to hear the distaste in the boy’s voice in regard to his telepathy, not to mention the implications of the level of his power. “I... see. That sounds like it can be very confusing.”

A scoff, a sarcastic smile that appeared more like a grimace than anything. “Oh, you have no idea. Half the time I can barely tell my own thoughts apart from the rest,” he says, bitter and hateful, and Ritsu’s hopes lay broken at their feet. He had been excited to talk to this person, hear his story, his unique perspective, but the harsh reality of that kind of power slaps any optimism from his grasp. In fact, that kind of attitude bore a striking resemblance to another esper he knew. That thought didn’t sit well, leaving a strange taste on his tongue. “Being able to read minds has caused a lot more problems than it’s solved. You heard what those guys were saying, right? They somehow found out I had telepathy and they’ve been givin’ me shit for it ever since - and I haven’t even done anything to them! Just the knowledge that I could, I don’t know, spill their dumb little secrets to the world or something just sets them on edge. Like I don’t have anything better to do than go around telling everyone I know that Shintaro from class 3-B steals gum from the convenience store down the street sometimes. Everyone thinks they’re so important...”

Momozou trailed off, catching himself before he could continue any further. He shot a quick glance at Ritsu, who was staring openly with wide eyes. “Ah, s-sorry about that. Got carried away there... I’m sure you didn’t meet me up here just to listen to my tragic backstory,” he chuckled dryly, playing with his bangs as he tried to laugh off the heavy emotions he’d just dumped between them.

Ritsu got the distinct impression that Momozou never had an opportunity to open up about his problems like that before. It made sense then, that the first chance he got, everything just sort of... tumbled out, an avalanche of repressed feelings left to roam free for a few precious minutes. He composed himself, leveling his expression back to one of practiced politeness. “Actually, I was interested in hearing about your life with telepathy. So thank you for being so honest with me,” he said with a small nod, and Momozou’s shoulders relaxed. “Although it is upsetting that you’re being bullied for something you can’t control. I could do something about that, if you’d like.”

”Ha- no, no, really, I think you’ve already taught them a lesson they won’t forget! They haven’t even looked in my direction since then!” Momozou reassured him, waving him off in a slightly frantic motion. Ritsu didn’t understand why the boy suddenly seemed so nervous, but he decided not to comment on it. “So, about that... what are your powers like? You surprised me, tossing that guy around like he was a doll.”

Ritsu pondered that question, chewing his food in silent consideration. “For starters, that was telekinesis. I can pick up and move things around, though the heavier it is, the more energy it takes to manipulate,” he began, Momozou listening intently. “There are a few other abilities I’m capable of... I can control water to some extent, but I’m mostly proficient with ice. I can even lower the temperature and freeze the water molecules in the air around me to create ice.”

As he finished, Momozou’s mouth was agape in wonderment, and he stumbled over his words before he could string together an actual sentence. “That... sounds totally badass. Like something out of a comic book,” he said, completely catching Ritsu off guard. He felt heat pool in his cheeks and quickly turned away. His brother and Reigen had praised his psychic power before, but to receive such compliments from someone he had only just met? It brought a light, fluttery sensation to his chest.

”It’s- I’m not sure it’s that impressive,” Ritsu muttered, though he was unable to hide the soft smile that spread across his face.

Momozou slid down, long legs sticking far from the bench they were seated on. “Wow, I had no idea you could use psychic powers for something like that... I guess that explains why you feel so cold,” he commented, gesturing at vaguely at Ritsu’s body. “There is one thing, though - ever since you showed up, I haven’t heard a single one of your thoughts. Are you doing something to block me out?”

”Oh, really? That’s news to me,” Ritsu answered honestly. “I’m not doing anything consciously to block out your telepathy. It’s probably just my barrier.”

Momozou watched him for several seconds, as if waiting for him to elaborate. When no explanation followed, he frowned. “Wait, what barrier? That’s a psychic thing too, right?”

Oh. Okay. Back it up a second, Ritsu.

”You... don’t have a barrier?” he asked slowly, to which Momozou shook his head. “That’s... surprising. Though I suppose it makes sense... being a telepath, a barrier would only serve to get in your way,” as he spoke, Momozou’s eyes lit up, another change in the boy’s demeanor that Ritsu was not expecting. “Barriers are essentially a layer of energy that surrounds an esper at all times, for protection. Though you could also form a larger, more solid barrier around you if needed.”

”Wait- protection? From what? With your kinda power, people wouldn’t stand a chance against you!”

Ritsu replied automatically, without thinking. “Oh, well for me it’s mostly for protection from evil spirits.”

That turned out to be a mistake, as Momozou’s paled face conveyed.

Ritsu sighed, already feeling overwhelmed. “You... don’t know about evil spirits, do you?”

That time, however, as Momozou shook his head, the clouds in his mind finally parted, and a wonderfully exciting idea was born into Ritsu’s heart.

It was clear that Momozou Takenaka was struggling with his telepathic abilities, and so far he’d had nobody to turn to for support - for guidance - in his times of need. This presented a promising opportunity, for both of them.

Ritsu could be that guidance.

”Takenaka, I think I have an idea.”

As soon as school had ended, Shigeo had all but sprinted out of the classroom, not-so-expertly dodging and weaving his way through the throngs of faceless students crowding the halls of Salt Mid. He clumsily slipped on his sneakers, grabbed his school bag, and exited the front doors. He almost missed the call of Mezato’s voice, but he pushed himself onwards, purposefully ignoring her despite his conscience screaming at him. He was a bad friend, wasn’t he?

True to his word, the spirit Dimple awaited him at the front gates, offering a little wave as he approached. “Yo, Shige! How was the rest of your school day?”

Shigeo walked past him without slowing down. He knew Dimple would follow. “Don’t call me that again or I’ll exorcise you,” he said, and that was more than enough to wipe the smirk from the thing’s face. He almost regretted being so rude. Almost.

“R-right, of course, Shigeo!” Dimple nervously stuttered, dutifully at his side, before clearing his throat and redirecting the conversation. “So, you wanted to know more about Awakening. I’ll tell you everything I know, so pay attention - and take this seriously. I’m not exaggeratin’ when I say Awakening is extremely dangerous for you espers.”

Shigeo lowered his head, trying to hide his mouth from passerby as he walked down the sidewalk. “How is it dangerous? Because it messes up your face?”

Dimple hummed, rubbing at his chin with a tense expression. “Nah, it’s more than that. Although, you are partially right. Most people that Awaken end up with seriously fu- messed up faces.”

”Most...?”

Dimple floated up in front of Shigeo, fully facing him. He extended two small arms towards him. “Until recently, I would have said ‘all’, but you’re livin’ proof that you can survive an Awakening with your mug intact!” he smiled big and wide, and it almost sounded like he meant that as a good thing, though Shigeo couldn’t understand why.

”Awakening is- is it... deadly?” he whispered, nearly afraid to hear the answer.

Dimple’s solemn expression only confirmed his fears. “For the most part, yeah. Usually, espers who Awaken end up missing or dead not long after - and the dead ones are always found with their hands covering their face. It’s freaky stuff. That’s one of the reasons us evil spirits steer clear of your kind - if we’re smart, that is.”

Shigeo could feel his heart racing, throat closing up as he tensed to contain the rising anxiety. “Then... is Awakening dangerous for other people, too? Or just spirits?”

”Hmm... well, it’s technically dangerous for everyone - a rampaging psychic can do a lot of damage, depending on their ability. The ones that are really at risk are actually other espers.”

No, mommy, don’t be mad at niisan! I asked him to do it, it’s not his fault!

”Other- other espers?”

”Yep. See, Awakening is something that only happens to espers - nobody’s really sure how it works, but it’s kind of like a disease. If an esper Awakens, any esper in the area that looks at their face risks Awakening themselves right there on the spot. Like a chain reaction.”

Niisan isn’t dangerous, he didn’t hurt me! Why won’t you believe me?!

”W-wait, you don’t know how it works? So- how do I stop it from happening again?” Shigeo was starting to lose his composure, voice rising in volume as panic surged through his veins. He was absolutely horrified. Thinking back on all of the times when his face didn’t look quite right in his reflection, when he could almost see the spiderweb cracks spreading across the surface of his skin; he thought of it happening to Ritsu, his baby brother’s own face being ripped apart - he thought of being the cause of such agony, and he felt sick to his stomach.

Dimple could provide him no relief. “I’m bein’ honest with you, not even other espers know what really causes Awakening, or why it happens in the first place! Believe me, I’m just as curious as you about what makes you any different.”

Shigeo’s feet carried him forward, faster and faster towards his destination. “Then... do you think another esper might know more?”

Dimple suddenly smirked, patting Shigeo’s shoulder with a ghostly hand. “Ooh, very clever, Shigeo, very clever! That’s why we’re headed towards that aura!”

Shigeo, brought out of his reverie, finally took the chance to take in his surroundings, only to find he had wandered into an unfamiliar part of the city. “No... I didn’t mean to go this way. I’m supposed to be going to work right now,” Shigeo said, already turning around to retrace his steps before Dimple intercepted, holding him back.

”What are you doin’, this is perfect! There’s an esper like you nearby that might know something about Awakening!” he shouted, pointing frantically behind him. “If you keep following their aura, they should be right up ahead!”

Shigeo mulled over his conflicting feelings. On one hand, he really shouldn’t be late for work, and he didn’t know how he felt about bothering a complete stranger over something they might also be clueless about. On the other hand... did he really want to risk another Awakening?

Did he want to risk the lives of his family?

With a deep sigh, Shigeo turned back towards that unknown aura with a newfound confidence. “Okay. I’ll go talk to them.”

Dimple let out a cheer, slapping him on the back. “That’s the spirit, Shige! Never give up hope!”

“I told you not to call me that.”

”S-sorry, it won’t happen again!

”Hey, hey, do you want to go on a date after school?”

Absolutely not. All you ever want to talk about is couple drama.

”Well, I guess I can make some time in my schedule for you. But only because it’s you, Yuki.”

”Oh, really? Yay, that makes me so happy! There’s this new cafe downtown that I’ve been dying to check out!”

At least some coffee might take the edge off of the headache I feel coming on.

”A cafe, huh? Why am I not surprised?”

”Heheh, what can I say? I just think they’re so relaxing!”

Really? I could never relax with that shrill voice of yours ringing in my ears.

”I’ll meet up with you after school then. You can wait for me, can’t you?”

”Of course I can. Just don’t keep me waiting too long, Teru!”

I wouldn’t have even agreed to this if I could help it...

But such is the life of Teruki Hanazawa. I can’t blame these girls for wanting to spend so much time with me, but I can’t say yes to every one. After all, part of the allure is to play hard to get.

It’s an old, familiar song and dance, one I’m well acquainted with after having earned my place at the top of the social hierarchy. In order to maintain my popularity, I have to go on these kinds of dates every so often. It’s not easy being so popular...

But this kind of role is meant for none other than me. The main character deserves a glamorous life.

Chapter Text

The overcast sky was coated in oil, swirling yellows and greens that bathed the street in an unnatural glow. The closer Shigeo came to the unknown esper, the harder it was for him to move forward, their aura flowing through the atmosphere like molasses. He struggled to fill his lungs with air, and the foreboding storm clouds above were not helping the situation; the air he managed to suck in was so humid he was practically drowning.

Dimple flew along beside him, unaffected by the weather, though the shimmering colors around them seemed to make him uneasy. Maybe this esper was especially powerful? He had only ever met one other like him in his life, so he wasn’t exactly experienced with auras that weren’t his own or his brother’s, but Shigeo was beginning to fear that Dimple was sensing some sort of hostility from this mystery person. That would just make talking to them all the more difficult.

He had to admit, for all the uncomfortable crackling and static, the unfamiliar colors dancing through his vision were a welcome sight from the cold, sharp colors of his and Ritsu’s auras. Yellow was certainly not his favorite color, but he did appreciate the certain charm that it carried - bright like the sun, cheery and energetic, happy, excited, electric. It was eye-catching in its intensity, but soft enough that it was almost relaxing to bathe in its glow, like standing beneath the midday sun on a clear spring day. Letting those gentle rays of light wash over him, eyes closed, the grass below him tickling his skin, the smell of morning dew on the freshly blooming flowers...

He understood then what drew him in that direction in the first place. After such a stressful day, he had been in search of such a peaceful feeling.

”Hey, I think this is it, Shigeo,” Dimple spoke up for the first time in a while, and Shigeo pulled his gaze away from the sky to survey the location they were approaching. To his surprise, it appeared to be a middle school, though unlike his own, it seemed to be on the wealthier side. “A private school, eh? So our esper friend is pretty well-off... that could be useful information.”

Shigeo shrugged. “I don’t think it’s that important,” he said, “We’re just here to talk. I don’t want to bother them any more than that.”

”Hey, I’m just sayin’ that havin’ rich friends could come in handy!” Dimple tried to argue his point, but after Mezato, Shigeo wasn’t interested in making another friend. Hurting another innocent person. He was just there for information, and then he would be on his way, likely never to see the other person ever again. “That aside, this person seems pretty powerful. Maybe I should hang back, just in case they don’t take kindly to spirits.”

Shigeo considered that, but ultimately shook his head. “No, it’s okay. I wouldn’t let them do anything to you,” he said, though he knew he’d threatened an exorcism himself several times before. As long as Dimple didn’t cause any more trouble, he didn’t think there’d be much harm in letting him live with how weak he’d become after their first fight. Still, he kept an eye on the swirling green spirit as they stood at the threshold of Black Vinegar Middle School.

It was a large, albeit plain-looking building constructed from dark gray stone, though it still appeared much fancier than Salt Mid, even from the outside. The clouds above were stained a darker shade than the school, a soot-colored sky lending an unsettling presence to the property, though the bustling of bright purple uniforms was almost enough to liven the place up. The crowd was a little overwhelming to sort through, unfocused eyes scanning the strange faces of wealthy kids that he’d never met, would never meet, searching for the single soul amongst them that housed a well of golden oil within them.

Beside him, a feminine voice rang out cheerily, “Oh, there you are, Teru!”

He turned to look at this girl, a tall and beautiful student with long, silky brown hair and soft pink cheeks, as she waved excitedly to a person he could not see.

A person he could not see because they were coated in a shining, yellow light. The sun was shining down on him, and it no longer felt kind to him.

Footsteps approached his direction, and Shigeo fought to keep his breathing even as that heavy aura pressed down on him, making him feel even smaller than he already made himself. The mystery esper was finally in front of him and he couldn’t even bear to meet their eyes.

”Hey, Yuki! I told you I wouldn’t make you wait too long, didn’t I?” a smooth voice came from the esper’s lips, calm, confident, commanding, so many things that Shigeo wasn’t. “Although... who is this? They don’t go to Black Vinegar, by the look of their uniform. A friend of yours?”

Ah, so they had noticed him. Shigeo’s heart leaped in his chest. “What? Oh, I didn’t even see them there,” the girl, Yuki, responded. “I don’t know them. They’re probably here for someone else.”

He had come all the way out here, he has to say something now or he’ll regret it. “Hmm, I see. Anyways, where is this little cafe of yours? Not too far I hope, it looks like it’s about to rain.”

Say something. Say something. Say something, damn it! “Oh, it’s only, like, five minutes from here. I’m sure we’ll beat the rai-“

”Excu-excuse me!” Shigeo squeaked, quivering like a leaf, and he heard the voices cut off abruptly. For better or worse, it seemed he’d caught their attention.

”Huh? What, are you talking to us?” the boy asked, and Shigeo flinched at the clear annoyance in his tone.

”Yes! I’m- I’m sorry, I know you’re busy, but I really need to talk to you! Quickly! Just-just quickly, then you can go, I’m sorry!” Shigeo bowed, though he probably didn’t have to, at the couple before him, still too afraid to look at their faces directly. From his angle, he could only see their legs. The girl’s legs faced the boy, and she whispered something to him. The boy’s legs still remained facing his direction, unwavering and firm, a stark contrast to his own, which might as well have been reduced to jello at that point.

The boy sighed loudly, then took a step forward. “This will only take a minute, Yuki. I’d hate for you to get rained on, so why don’t you head to the cafe without me? Just text me the directions and I’ll meet you there.”

Oh no, he was interrupting a date, wasn’t he? Guilt coiled around his lungs, thorns that dug into his organs if he breathed in too deep. There were stars dancing in his vision.

His eyes were still trained at their feet, but he was positive that the girl was upset. “Oh... well, okay. I trust you. I’ll save us the nicest table, so you better show up!” she huffed, stomping her foot in a motion that was more endearing than it was aggressive.

The boy chuckled at her reaction. “You know I wouldn’t do that to you! Now hurry along, I’ll get this over with quickly.”

Yuki giggled as well before turning around and walking off down the sidewalk, leaving the two boys alone on the grounds of Black Vinegar. Shigeo became acutely aware of the sudden and unfortunate lack of other students in the area, the silence so consuming that his own heartbeat was the only sound to reach his ears.

Luckily, his psychic companion was in possession of adequate social skills and broke the silence with ease. “You have some nerve, stopping me in the middle of a date. For your sake, this had better be worthy of my time,” he warned, resting a hand against a cocked hip, practically radiating attitude. He couldn’t blame him for being upset.

Shigeo took in a deep breath and decided that he owed it to the boy to at least meet his gaze in a proper discussion. He straightened his back, forcing down the urge to curl in and hide away, and carefully raised his eyes to the pair that glared at him.

It was an ocean, he was surprised to discover. He wasn’t lying in a field of damp grass; rather, he was lying against fine, gentle grains of sand, the sun’s golden rays slowly tanning pale skin as the ocean’s waves lapped excitedly at the shore. Crystals made of light were reflected from the water’s surface, swaying in time with the tug and pull of the tide, creating their own secret performance. Shigeo had a strong feeling that it was a privilege to be able to witness such a spectacle in person.

”Well? I don’t have all day. Quit staring at me like a creep and say what you have to so I can be on my way,” the boy snapped at him, a sculpted scowl settling on feminine features. Shigeo didn’t like to judge people by appearances, but the boy looked much like what his idea of a rich and popular middle schooler must be, with that flowing blond hair and piercing blue irises. He felt embarrassingly plain in comparison.

Still, no matter his insecurities, he couldn’t waste this person’s time any more than he already had. “Sorr-sorry, um. It’s just- I don’t know if... um, you’re- you have psychic powers, right?” he stuttered, much to his dismay, as the boy stood and judged his every action. He wasn’t expecting the anger that subsequently washed across his face.

”What? How do you know about that?” he hissed, and Shigeo instantly recoiled, taking a half step backwards in automatic defense, but the boy simply followed him. “Spit it out! How the hell did you know about my powers? Are you another one of Their lackeys?” the boy continued to advance, walking in long strides towards Shigeo, who only backed up even more in response.

”No-no, I just followed your aura, that’s all!” Shigeo weakly attempted to defend himself, but the boy didn’t look convinced. “I have powers, too! I just- I wanted to ask you some- some questions,” he took another step back and hit the cold brick of the school gate, effectively cornered.

The boy quickly closed in on him, standing inches apart from him as he bore down with intense scrutiny. “You? Hah, don’t make me laugh. I can tell just by looking at you that you couldn’t even compare with the power I possess,” he said with the utmost confidence, a prideful gleam in his eyes. “That said, I doubt you’re with Them... there’d be no use for someone as weak as you, even by Their standards.”

Shigeo had no idea what he was talking about, but kept his mouth shut. He was only there to ask about one thing, one thing and he could turn and run and never ever look back. “I- um, do you- there’s something called... Awakening,” he mumbled the word, still hesitant to even say it out loud, but in their proximity the boy easily understood him, if the shift in his demeanor was any indication. “So, what I wanted to ask you was... do you know anything about it?”

The boy’s countenance became deathly serious, though what emotion that conveyed, Shigeo had no clue. He could only hope he hadn’t managed to somehow further his annoyance to a dangerous level. After several tense moments, the boy finally took a step back, and Shigeo let out a breath he hadn’t known he’d been holding. “That’s seriously what this is about? What kind of joke is this?” he grumbled, carding a hand through his bangs absently. “If you want to know so bad, why don’t you just ask your freaky-looking pet?”

Ah, right, Dimple was still there, wasn’t he? At his left, Dimple sneered. “Hah? Who you callin’ a freaky pet, you little twerp?” he shouted indignantly, but immediately retreated behind Shigeo when those sharp blue eyes were directed at him. “H-hey, ease up, I was just joking! Anyways, the kid’s just lookin’ for any info that us spirits might not have. If you don’t, then hey, sorry for botherin’ you, we’ll just be on our way-“

”Oh, you’re not going anywhere.”

Shigeo’s heart skipped a beat, and the iron gates of Black Vinegar Middle School were slammed shut behind them.

”Woah, slow down there, tiger, we ain’t here to start trouble,” Dimple tried to speak up, but the boy shut him down with a raised palm.

”Stay out of my way or I’ll erase you,” he threatened, pointing to the ghost as he glared down at Shigeo. “I’ve got business with you.”

Shigeo looked around frantically, scanning the property for any escape route left available, but the psychic was standing directly in front of him, and he doubted he was agile enough to slip past him. “U-um. If you don’t know anything, that’s okay... you can- you should go see that girl now... she’s waiting for you, right?” he said, but his words didn’t seem to be getting through at all. “Are- you mad? I’m sorr-“

”God, when will you shut up?” the boy spat. “I don’t care about that! This... yes, this is far more important than a little date,” he said, and as he spoke he lunged forward, gripping Shigeo by the collar of his uniform and pinning him against the wall. “I’ve never met another Natural like me... you seem terribly weak, but it’s my responsibility to clear up the hierarchy here.”

Shigeo trembled in his grasp, arms hanging stiffly at his side as he began to panic, frozen on the spot. He had no idea what the boy was talking about, but it definitely didn’t sound like anything good. Static electricity cracked in the air above, the hairs on his neck standing upright, energy pulsing through his veins and pooling in his fingertips as-

Without warning, Shigeo was thrown to the side with tremendous force, landing squarely on his left shoulder as his body hit the dirt and skid to a painful stop. All the air had been knocked clean from his chest, and with every fearful gulp of oxygen, those thorns dug deeper into his torso, a sensation so frightening that he wanted to scream, but hadn’t the breath to do so. He propped himself up on a shaky elbow as the boy sauntered over to his crumpled form. “Well? What are you going to do now? Show me what you’ve got,” he commanded, leering down at him with a proud grin. It made something sick boil in his stomach.

He had to cough several times before he could speak clearly. “You... you can’t use powers against other people. It’s too dangerous,” he pleaded, focusing effort to keep his arm from shaking too visibly, trying to appear stronger than he knew he was - he had to be, he didn’t need to use his powers to protect himself. He wouldn’t.

The boy blinked at him with incredulous eyes, then threw his head back and let out a hearty laugh. “What the hell are you talking about? You really are a pathetic thing!” he continued laughing to himself, the sound like a knife cutting through Shigeo’s conscience, until he composed himself with a flick of his blond locks. “Of course I’m dangerous. That’s just a basic fact - a fact that the commoners need to learn if they want to know their place. Otherwise...” he brought a hand up in front of him, dripping with that slimy yellow aura, “I’ll put them down myself.”

That smirk, that aggressive stance, that blinding energy - in that moment, Shigeo saw only himself staring back at him, but it wasn’t really him, not anymore. He was a vessel, a puppet with a broken face driven by the primal desire to destroy all in his path.

A little boy with bandages wrapped around a bloodied head and tubes trailing from his frail body, a soft smile as he gazed at the crystals floating in his tiny hands, blood trailing from his nose as he pushes himself too far again, and again, and Shigeo has spent three years drowning and he’s just so tired-

Lightning coils around him and lifts him high above the ground, squeezing and ripping and twisting, his limbs contorting at odd angles as the boy watched on mirthfully below. The swift and sudden motion caused his vision to tunnel, cotton stuffing itself in his brain as his senses were overstimulated, nausea churning his gut and burning his throat. He struggled to regain some semblance of control, clawing at the translucent chains that bound him, but his efforts were in vain. He was tossed about like a ragdoll, much to the attacker’s delight, a few small raindrops splashing across bruised skin. In his panicked state, it almost felt like blood splatter-

Before he could finish the thought, he was sent hurtling back down to earth and straight into a pool full of ice-cold water.

If his lungs burned before, now it felt like he was being burned alive. His nose and mouth were flooded with the cold water. His teeth ached and his eyes stung. His neck spasmed as his body reflexively held the oxygen left in his lungs for as long as it could, but he could already feel himself slipping. He was still under the boy’s control and was unable to swim up to the surface no matter how desperately he fought to save himself. He was drowning, he was going to die, he was drowning, being consumed, being washed away into nothingness...

But this time it’s not your fault.

He was yanked out of the pool before his lungs could give out, left in a sodden heap on the muddy field at the esper’s feet. He was shivering violently, teeth clattering as he curled in on himself in an attempt to warm up. His fingers were blue and purple and pink. “Come on now, this is just pitiful,” he goaded, crossing his arms in disapproval. “You must be able to do something. I can’t very well call this a victory if it was never a real fight in the first place. I’ll even let you get a hit in! If you can even manage that much.”

He opened his arms wide and stood there, barrier lowered, as he awaited Shigeo’s next move; but he was much too numb to fight - hell, he could barely stand upright, but he pushed himself to do so despite his loudly protesting limbs. The boy looked on in anticipation, still wearing that cocky look on his face. Still smiling. “You... what is your name?” Shigeo managed to mumble, but found it increasingly difficult to raise his voice any higher than that. His throat was unbearably raw.

The other raised a brow, straightening out a little. “Ah, of course, I never did introduce myself properly. My name is Hanazawa Teruki. Remember it.”

”Hanazawa. My name... is Kageyama Shigeo,” he nearly stumbled over as he spoke, vision flashing for a few seconds before clearing up again. “Hanazawa... why are you doing this...? Why are you fighting me?”

Hanazawa let his arms drop to his sides with an inquisitive look. “Isn’t it obvious? It’s because I can,” he claimed, making grand, sweeping gestures towards himself. “With this power, I’m destined to be the protagonist of this world! It’s my destiny to rise to the top, to rule above the weaker masses of society! It’s those idiotic peasants that refuse to accept their lesser roles, I’m doing them a favor by knocking them down,” he paused, and his smile fell to a scowl. “Then there’s you. You, who has powers that make you special but refuses to use them. Lowering yourself to the level of commoners. The very idea sickens me.”

Shigeo’s hands were blue and purple and pink. It was spreading, creeping steadily up his arms. “You’re not supposed to use psychic powers against other people,” he repeated as firmly as he could muster, coughing as the humid air tickled his sensitive throat. “You could really hurt people... and they can’t do anything to defend themselves from you. That’s not right. It’s not fair.”

Hanazawa quirked a sculpted brow. “What is your point? Can’t you get it through that thick skull of yours that I’m trying to hurt them?” he said it so casually that Shigeo’s chilled blood began to boil. The blue and purple and pink was climbing up his neck. “They won’t learn if they’re not disciplined. The surest way to teach a lesson is through pain.”

Shigeo’s jaw was clenched so tightly that his head was beginning to hurt. He felt his cheeks flush with emotion (When did he let that show? When did he stop trying to keep it in? Why doesn’t he care?). His eyes welled with tears of frustration.

He hated people like that.

He hated them because they reminded him of himself.

(Perhaps, in truth, he only pitied them. The hate was entirely directed at himself.)

His arm surged with a comforting warmth as he rose it up, up, open palm in Hanazawa’s direction. His skin was numb to the rainwater dripping from his uniform. The color was so dull compared to the electric blue of those wide, unblinking eyes.

Shigeo clenched his hand into a fist.

In a split second, the blue and purple and pink shot off from his body and away, sticking to Hanazawa instead, who tried to step to the side and dodge but found he was unable to move. He was coated in neon colors, swirls like candy reflected in the light of Shigeo’s aura. “Ah- so you’re finally fighting back now? You’re just gonna toss aside your morals like that?! Haha, after all that preaching, you’re just the same as me, Kageyama!” he cried with a frenzied glee.

”You’re right,” Shigeo said calmly.

Hanazawa stopped, expression going blank. “Huh?”

”I really am no better than you. I’m terrible. I still hurt people, no matter what I do to avoid it. In the end, causing pain is all I’m good for,” he said, gaze empty and distant. “You’re the same way, aren’t you? You said it yourself: I’m just the same as you.”

Hanazawa’s face fell, something like fear registering on his face for a brief moment before anger resurged. “How dare you say that about me?! I’m special! I’m the protagonist of this world!”

Aren’t you tired of this?

His hand clenched into a fist as he simultaneously lost himself in the waters coursing under his skin. His face was washed away in the rapids.

Teruki’s own face twisted in absolute horror at the sight before him as all of the attitude was wiped away. He squirmed in Kageyama’s psychic hold, desperately trying to break free, to fight back, to look away, but he was rendered powerless. “Let me go! Let-let me go! Please! I’m sorry, I won’t use my powers on anyone ever again, please just let me go!” he screamed, his cries drowned out in the pouring rain, words washed out in the water dripping from Kageyama’s head. His call for help went unanswered.

With a flick of the wrist, Teruki was shot straight up into the sky, mouth agape but unable to utter a single sound as he was just as quickly slammed back down on the ground, a pained shout rising from his throat. Before he could catch his breath, he was whisked away once more, sent flying across the field and directly into one of the walls of the school building with enough force that he broke straight through the stone structure, landing in a trembling heap in the halls of Black Vinegar. He managed to recover in enough time to turn around, but even then he was too slow. Shigeo was right behind him.

”What are you?!” he screeched as he blasted the ghastly form with a clumsy concentration of psychic energy, waiting for his chance to stun Kageyama for long enough to flee. It wasn’t enough. He was sent rocketing backwards through another wall, and another, and another, his strangled cries falling on deaf ears as his barrier was battered to the breaking point.

He tried to stand up and run, to attack, to do anything, but his knees gave out under his weight and he fell to the floor with a soft thud. He had barely expended his powers yet he felt completely drained as if he’d just run a marathon. With each passing second he lost the energy required to even lift a finger. It took everything he had just to keep his eyes open and focused on the terror intent on killing him.

But he deserved it, didn’t he?

You deserve this.

Kageyama had been right. He really was a bad person.

He was right. You’re the same.

He was nothing more than a commoner.

You’re worthless.

A sharp pain bloomed deep in his skull, blurring his vision the closer Shigeo approached him. He felt tears streaming from his eyes and he couldn’t stop them if he wanted to. He felt like he was sinking into the floor. He felt like he was slipping away. Like he was drowning.

He was drowning in that sea of endless eyes.

”Niisan...?”

A voice echoed through the otherwise empty halls of the school, catching both of their attention immediately. Hanazawa did not recognize this voice, but by Kageyama’s reaction, it seemed like he did.

A boy stood behind Kageyama, in one of the many holes that Teruki’s body had created. He was a stranger to him, though his uniform was the same as Kageyama’s, that much he could tell. He was so far that it was hard to tell, but he almost looked like the mirror image of the boy that stood between them.

”Niisan... I’m glad I found you,” he said softly. Brothers... that made sense. The boy didn’t seem too surprised to see Kageyama in the state he was in, which raised questions that Teruki was too tired to figure out. “I know you must be upset, but this isn’t you. You wouldn’t hurt someone like this. I know that.”

Kageyama had entirely forgotten about Teruki at that point, his full attention on his little brother. “Whatever happened, you know I’ll always be there to listen. We can go home and rest, and I could help with your homework. I’m sure Reigen wouldn’t mind taking us out for takoyaki too, if you’re up for it. That’s your favorite, right? Besides milk, of course.”

Okay, Teruki had no idea what that kid was going on about, but it looked like it was working to some extent. Kageyama’s body had begun to slump over, like he was losing the will to stay standing. “It’s okay now. You’re okay. Let’s just get you home now, all right?”

The boy reached out a single, tentative hand in Kageyama’s direction, saying nothing more as he awaited his brother’s response. The anticipation stretched on for what seemed like hours, lying defenseless in that cold little room and drawing closer and closer to unconsciousness with each second that ticked by.

Finally, Kageyama reacted. He took a single step towards his sibling, a shaky hand grasping for the one offered to him, only to fall forward as the energy surging through him finally stilled. The boy rushed to catch him before he hit the floor, gripping him tightly in his lap. They remained in that position for a few minutes before Kageyama came to, stirring slightly in his brother’s arms.

”Ngh... Ri-Ritsu? What... how are you here?” Kageyama muttered weakly, his voice barely audible above the downpour raging outside.

The little brother (Ritsu? Never gonna remember that name) smiled down at him, wiping damp strands of hair from his forehead. “This spirit found me and said you were in danger. I think his name was... Dimple? I don’t know how he knows you, but regardless, I’m happy that I was able to get here in time.”

Oh. When had Dimple slipped away...? “Thank you, Ritsu... I’m sorry. I’m,” Shigeo wavered as the gravity of his actions came back to him at full force, “I’m so sorry...! I-I hurt someone... I did so much damage... I couldn’t control it. I’m so sorry...!” he cried, clutching Ritsu’s shirt as hot tears streamed down his cheeks, dripping onto his already-soaked uniform. Ritsu held him close, rocking side to side in a slow rhythm, something he knew was soothing to his big brother.

Ritsu was so kind and considerate... he healed Shigeo when he was hurting.

When could he finally return the favor?

”Ah... n-no, it’s not you,” Hanazawa unexpectedly spoke up from across the room, startling both brothers out of their little moment. “I’m the one th-that was picking a fight. I pushed you t-to far, so... so I should be the one apologizing, not you,” he said through gritted teeth. It took a lot of effort for him to stand up, something that hurt Shigeo’s heart though Hanazawa had just assured him it wasn’t his fault.

Ritsu shot Hanazawa a dangerous look that Shigeo didn’t pick up on. “See, niisan? Nobody thinks it’s your fault,” he said firmly. Shigeo wasn’t convinced, but he forced a small smile for his brother’s sake.

As Hanazawa hobbled over to them, Ritsu helped him stay balanced on his feet, offering a shoulder to lean on. “Ah, Hanazawa... the school...” he trailed off, surveying the extent of the damage that had been done. Several classrooms were now short one wall as a hole was blasted clean through, ending in what looked to be the home economics room. Several of the windows were broken or cracked, and most of the light fixtures hanging on the ceiling had shattered completely. Along with all of the school equipment that had been damaged... Shigeo couldn’t manage math on a good day, but he was fairly sure it would cost a hefty amount of money to fix it all. Money that their little family of three didn’t have.

Hanazawa shook his head, but quickly decided that wasn’t a good idea and waved his hands instead. “What, this? Don’t worry about it! I said this was my fault after all, so I’ll be the one to clean this up!”

Shigeo’s eyes widened. “What? No, you shouldn’t have to do that all by yourself!”

”You forget that I have powers of my own. I can piece everything back together in no time,” he made an attempt at a hair flip, but most of his bangs were damp with rainwater and sweat and stuck defiantly to his forehead. He ran his fingers through them hurriedly instead.

”Ah... are you sure?” Shigeo still felt terribly guilty about the whole thing, and the thought of leaving Hanazawa to do all of the cleaning up just didn’t feel right. Still, both him and his brother were pretty insistent that he go home.

Of course they wouldn’t want you to use your powers. What if you just made things worse?

”I’m positive! Really, you should listen to little brother and rest up at home!” Hanazawa continued with as friendly a tone as he could muster despite his face being caked with mud and stained with tears.

Shigeo sighed in defeat, leaning further against Ritsu’s side. “Okay... in that case... goodbye, Hanazawa,” he mumbled, unsure what else there was he could say. Maybe nothing more needed to be said. Maybe saying anything else would just do more harm than good.

And he was so, so tired of doing harm.

Ritsu supported his weight effortlessly as they made their way down the crumbling halls of Black Vinegar. Ritsu was quiet as well, which wasn’t at all unusual, but at that point Shigeo wanted nothing more than to hear his family’s voices around him. He wanted to go home and sleep and do homework with Ritsu and go out for takoyaki with Reigen. He wanted to curl up under five blankets at once, surrounded by pillows and stuffed animals. He wanted to be in his bed and comfortable and safe. He wanted to go back to how things used to be.

How things used to be before... before he ruined everything.

A sudden thought occurred to Shigeo and he looked to Ritsu in curiosity. “Oh, Ritsu,” he began, gaining his brother’s attention, “When you saw me... I looked strange, didn’t I?”

Ritsu nodded, not making eye contact. “Yeah, your face looked really strange.”

”Yes, I thought so...” he trailed off for a moment, unsure how to ask the question that was on his mind. “Was it... scary? To see me like that?”

Ritsu hummed to himself, thinking it over. Shigeo’s heart was racing, afraid to hear what his brother had to say about his powers. “Well, of course it was scary to see you so upset.” he said slowly, carefully. It didn’t sound right.

”It’s just... you knew how to handle it.”

Ritsu shot him a puzzled look. “Of course. I learned how to handle it the first time it happened, so I knew what I had to do to calm you down.”

”The...” Shigeo felt that itch in his throat resurface, the thorns once again digging away at his ribcage. “The first time...?”

”Yeah, the... first time...” Ritsu halted in his tracks, stopping both of them in the middle of the hall, eyes gradually widening as he registered what he’d said. “First... time? It... happened before?” he clutched his head, tracing through his available memories and finding nothing. “That’s strange... did I say that? I don’t remember...”

The nausea that had been accumulating all afternoon finally tipped over the edge. Ritsu was kind enough to hold his hair back.

Teruki Hanazawa stood before piles of rubble, accumulated from various objects that had been strewn about the school in their little... psychic altercation. Amongst the assorted piles were bricks and glass broken off of the building itself, as well as a wide range of school supplies ranging from notebooks and pencils to a few knives that had been ripped from their drawers in the home ec room.

Teruki Hanazawa carefully looked over each and every item, appraising its purpose and the extent of damage done until all of the salvageable materials had been gathered.

He leaned back, gazing proudly at the work he had accomplished. Then, after a few silent moments...

”Fuck, I have no idea where any of this goes.”

Chapter Text

Ritsu had a frightful nightmare.

The worst part about it was the fact that he could recall so little of it the following morning. He wasn’t sure why he was so intent on remembering a bad dream, but the ghosts of memories clawed at the back of his mind incessantly. He sought refuge in the normality of his daily routine.

Except his big brother had left for school earlier than him. Reigen had insisted that he at least take some toast with him before he left, but Ritsu doubted that Shigeo would end up eating any of it. He had been feeling unwell since that incident at Black Vinegar Mid.

Great. As if his brother needed another “incident” to hold in his guilty conscience.

He walked to school alone, the chill of early morning the last thing on his mind. He left footprints of frost in his wake, physical evidence of his mental turmoil.

He tried not to think about it during class. He failed.

He tried especially hard not to think about it during lunch. He failed.

He put all his effort into not thinking about it as he walked out of school that afternoon. Takenaka was probably fed up with him by that point.

The boy in question looked down at his companion quizzically after walking for several minutes in tense silence. “Are you sure you’re feeling all right? We don’t have to train today if you’d rather go home and rest. Believe me, I understand.”

Ritsu adamantly shook his head, willing himself to remain composed in the presence of an upperclassman. “No, I’m feeling fine! I appreciate the concern, but it’s nothing to worry about,” he waved placatingly, brushing off the other’s questions. He decided that what they needed then was a change in subject. “How have you been sleeping lately, Takenaka? Have you had any luck producing a mental barrier?”

Takenaka groaned, bringing a hand to his face as he shook his head. “Nope, nothing. No matter how hard I concentrate, I can’t manage to make a barrier. I just end up with a headache.”

Ritsu hummed, nodding to himself. “Well, it’s good to keep trying. Just don't push yourself too hard. The whole point of having a barrier is to help you relax, after all.”

”Yeah, yeah, it’s just frustrating. It’s hard to be patient when I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this for years already,” he sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he looked away, avoiding Ritsu’s gaze. “I don’t know... maybe we could try something else today? To switch things up a bit.”

”Yes, I think that’s a good idea,” Ritsu agreed easily, thankful that Takenaka was being so open with him. It made their training sessions much more productive if Ritsu had an idea how the other was feeling about his progress.

Progress... it was safe to say that neither of them had made much of it, but Ritsu had to remain patient. He was hopeful that their combined persistence would provide results.

They walked to a local park together, a place more suited to joggers than children, with winding nature trails that looped around well-maintained forest and a steadily flowing river. Activity was scarce on a weekday afternoon, only a few couples wandering about lazily, chatting quietly amongst themselves. It was the perfect place to practice undisturbed by prying eyes.

The trail they walked was the furthest from the park’s entrance, and clearly the path traversed the least. It curled around to the left, deeper into the woods. It was peaceful and serene, something that both of them could appreciate.

The only sound between them was the crunching of fallen leaves beneath their feet. The seasons had not yet transitioned to autumn, but the strong winds and heavy rains of the past week had shaken more than a few leaves loose from their branches, decaying prematurely on the forest floor, squished beneath their shoes with every step.

Reigen had begun to scold them for tracking mud into the apartment before he took in their condition. He didn’t pry, and Ritsu was thankful, but some part of him wished he had (Shigeo always seemed more willing to talk to that man than his own brother). They had washed up, changed into clean clothes, and then went to bed. None of them ate the dinner that Reigen had prepared that night. They went out for takoyaki the following evening, and it was almost normal.

He tried to take another step, but Takenaka suddenly grabbed hold of his arm, stopping him in his tracks. Before he could ask, the boy motioned around them. “We’re, uh, here,” he said, releasing Ritsu’s arm. “Sorry, you just kinda got lost in thought for a bit. Didn’t want you to wander off into the woods and end up lost.”

Ritsu felt ashamed, but shook the feeling away quickly. “Ah- thank you. Right. So, training...” he pushed away his personal thoughts, filling the space with the present. It was time to focus. “Perhaps we could try a different approach this time. Controlling your powers instead of blocking them off.”

Takenaka shrugged, sliding his school bag from his shoulder and dropping it next to a nearby tree. “Sure, I guess it can’t hurt when there’s nobody else around to Hear,” he said, taking a seat on the felled tree trunk that had served as their bench.

Ritsu also placed his bag on the ground, sitting next to the other boy, leaning against the tree behind them and taking a moment to relax against the cool, mossy bark. After gathering his thoughts, he leaned forward again to address his companion. “All right. For starters... it might be difficult, but could you try to explain how your telepathy works?”

”Well, like I’ve said, I don’t really know how it works myself,” Takenaka began, slouching in a way that Ritsu imagined couldn’t be healthy. “All I know is that I hear a lot of voices all at once, like they’re talking over each other but they’re all the same volume. Sometimes I even see visions of memories or daydreams.”

”So all of the voices you hear are the same volume? Even if you try to focus on one specifically?”

”Ah... that can be a hit or miss. I guess it depends on how many people are around. If there’s too many voices, it’s hard to focus in on a single one. If I really tried, though, I could probably do it,” Takenaka looked uncomfortable at the mere thought of standing in a crowded room. Ritsu realized it must be how Takenaka experienced life most of the time, with so many others’ thoughts in his head that he couldn’t focus on anything else. It sounded like a miserable way to live. “Actually... it’s kind of creepy how I can’t Hear you at all. I feel weirdly out of my element.”

Ritsu had an idea then. “Well, since there’s nobody else around except me, I could try lowering my barrier to let you practice focusing your energy on a single voice,” he offered, which caused Takenaka to perk up.

”What? I mean, I guess that could work, but is that... okay? Most people would see someone reading their thoughts as an invasion of privacy,” he said lowly, gazing at Ritsu with scrutiny.

Ritsu just raised an eyebrow. “It’s not an invasion if I’m inviting you in, is it?”

Takenaka still did not appear convinced, but after a minute of contemplation his shoulders drooped in resignation. “All right, if you say so. Just try not to think about anything you don’t want me to Hear.”

Ritsu suddenly felt unsure about dropping his barrier. He tried not to let it show, nodding calmly, taking a deep breath as he focused on the layers of energy that surrounded his body. He willed that energy to retract further into himself, taking down his barrier and leaving him feeling uncomfortably exposed. The outside air was much too hot.

”I wouldn’t say it’s hot... definitely humid, though,” Takenaka spoke casually, but Ritsu still jumped slightly. He wasn’t sure what he had been expecting. Takenaka leaned back, smirking at him in amusement, and Ritsu’s face heated with embarrassment. “Heh, don’t worry about it. I’ve gotten way worse reactions than that.”

Ritsu adjusted the collar of his uniform, keeping his eyes low. “R-right, sorry, I’m ready now,” he sighed softly to himself, then sat up straight again. “All right, so you can Hear me, then. That’s good. Can you hear anyone else?”

Takenaka stopped and Listened, looking up to the sky as he concentrated. “Hmm... about a handful of people, but it’s not bad at all. The voices get softer the further away they are, so right now yours is the loudest.”

Ritsu was starting to sweat. The oppressive school uniform he wore wasn’t helping. “Hopefully that will help you concentrate... try focusing in on my voice. See if you can’t block out the others,” he instructed, and Takenaka agreed with a curt nod. It felt a little awkward to stare, so he opted to close his eyes, trying to think of something to... well, think about. Hmm... well... you can still Hear me, right?

”Yes, yes, I can hear you,” Takenaka snorted.

Okay, then... then...

”Geez, just relax! Just think about whatever, I don’t care.”

Okay. Okay, then... are you in any clubs, Takenaka?

”Clubs? Not at the moment, no. Oh, actually - don’t tell anyone, but this is kind of funny - I used to be in the Telepathy Club until recently,” Takenaka easily fell into the conversation, to Ritsu’s relief.

Really? I’m... guessing it didn’t work out?

”Of course. I don’t know what I was thinking. Like anyone with telepathy would go making a public club to advertise their telepathy.”

Yes, that’s... hmm...

”What’s up?”

Ritsu opened his eyes, opting to speak out loud for the moment. “I don’t think I’ve ever asked, but can you also use telepathy to talk to people?”

”I can, but I can’t really control who Hears me. I just end up projecting my voice to everyone in range, which kinda defeats the purpose of talking telepathically,” Takenaka shrugged it off, but Ritsu was intrigued.

”I see... maybe learning to focus your abilities will let you talk to others as well.”

Takenaka mulled over the idea, taking a minute to gaze into the distance, deep in thought. Ultimately, he just nodded, barely moving his head with the motion as he mumbled a soft “Yeah...”

They continued to practice like that, the two of them communicating in their own unique way, chatting about anything and everything that came to Ritsu’s mind. At the end of the day, they had both forgotten the purpose of their meeting, content with the opportunity to get away and have a pleasant conversation with a friend.

Friends... are we friends?

Takenaka was already too far to hear him as he walked into the apartment, greeted by Reigen’s blinding smile and Shigeo’s little wave. All at once, reality returned to him, along with its many troubles.

There were bags under his big brother’s eyes.

Shigeo had a frightful nightmare.

The same nightmare that had been haunting him since that fateful night, but in far more detail.

He saw himself, the ghost of a child, a thousand children, eyes like daggers covered in the blood of his family.

He was running from himself - his selves? - with Ritsu in tow, their little hands linked tightly together, running through an endless, meaningless corridor. Through their fear they ran, ran until their lungs were fit to bursting and their legs could barely move another inch, but the being never grew tired. They never put any distance between it. Running and running and running for all eternity, the two of them in their lonely, never-ending escape.

He awoke drenched in sweat, his skin burning, and for a moment he truly feared he had burned the apartment to ash in his unconscious terror. His throat was scratchy and dry and it hurt so much, and he didn’t even realize he’d been screaming until Reigen and his brother burst into the room, panic on their faces, purple aura flaring to life, but there was no danger (but for Shigeo himself).

He was eternally thankful for Reigen’s kindness. He sat at the edge of his bed, arm wrapped around his shoulders as he calmed himself down and Ritsu went to fetch him a glass of cold milk. He went on and on about how much bad dreams sucked, how he had sleep paralysis as a kid and saw some crazy apparitions in his room and he’d cry and cry in his mother’s arms over the imaginary demons. Shigeo listened in silence, head resting on Reigen’s shoulder, feeling the vibrations of the man’s voice whenever he talked. That confident tone was grounding.

Ritsu arrived with milk in hand, and despite his drowsiness his eyes lit up, and Ritsu smiled as he took the glass eagerly and drank, sighing as the cool liquid eased the burns. Reigen placed a hand on his forehead, mentioned that he felt warm, and assured him he didn’t have to go to school come morning. He felt like he should protest, but he found he didn’t have the energy. Curling up in bed with a cool cloth on his forehead and a book in his hands sounded nice after all he’d been through recently.

After he had finished his milk, they all moved to return to sleep, but Shigeo stopped Ritsu as he was about to walk out of the room. Reigen wished them both goodnight, closing the door behind him as he walked back to his own room.

Ritsu had that soft look in his eyes, the one that said that he would do anything that Shigeo asked of him. It had always been a little unnerving. “Do you need something, niisan?” he asked, polite, walking on eggshells.

Shigeo shook his head softly. “No, I’m fine... I was just wondering,” he began, thinking back to the previous day’s events. “How did you know where to find me?”

”Oh, right, I forgot to mention that,” he said, tone becoming more casual. “It was actually a spirit that told me. It said that you were in trouble and needed help... I’m not sure how it knew you, though.”

Ah, so that was where Dimple had disappeared to. He had nearly forgotten in the fight, but he had noticed the ghost’s absence and silently worried that he had been exorcised in the crossfire.

Why waste your energy worrying about an evil spirit? Scum like him doesn’t deserve to exist.

”I-I see. I don’t think I thanked you for that.”

Ritsu’s smile was softer that time, more genuine. A light in the darkness. “I’m just glad that you’re all right-“ Shigeo suddenly sneezed, sniffling, and Ritsu floated a box of tissues over to him, “Ha, well, besides a little cold. You deserve a day off to get some sleep.”

He blew his nose into a tissue, and Ritsu laughed lightly, making to leave the room again. “Goodnight, Ritsu,” he offered weakly, Ritsu waving to him before shutting the door, and he was alone again.

His head hit his pillow and he was out like a light.

”So you were the one that brought Ritsu.”

He returned to school two days later, with no shortage of homework to catch up on, when he caught sight of that familiar green blob loitering around the entrance to Salt Middle School as he was leaving. Dimple perked up as he approached but still seemed slightly apprehensive. “Yeah, of course I did! I couldn’t just sit around and watch ya get the snot beat outta ya!” he responded, darting around him as if inspecting for any obvious wounds.

“I just didn’t really expect it... how did you know I had a brother? I don’t remember telling you about him.”

Dimple materialized his little arms just to offer up a shrug. “I didn’t really, but I remembered seeing an aura that looked a lot like yours around the school. I figured it was worth a shot, anyways.”

Shigeo hummed quietly, rounding the corner around the school to begin the walk to work when something bright and warm caught his eye. Something shiny and slick and yellow.

”O-oi, isn’t that-“ Dimple began, recognizing the other boy immediately, a tense pressure forming in the air around them.

Teruki Hanazawa saw them approach and looked up, grinning wide, bursting with confidence. “Kageyama, there you are! I was hoping to bump into you here!” he called out, friendly, not a hint of malice in his cheery voice.

Dimple gripped the fabric of his uniform. “What is he doing here? Is he seriously still lookin’ for a fight?!”

Shigeo stared at Hanazawa for a few seconds before brushing Dimple away gently. “It’s okay. He doesn’t seem angry like he was that day,” he assured the anxious spirit before approaching the boy, hoping he was making the right decision.

Hanazawa’s shoulders relaxed just the slightest, a nearly imperceptible movement as Shigeo did not outright reject his company. “How are you doing? Do you mind if I walk with you for a while? Don’t worry, I just want to talk.”

Don’t trust him. He’s a bad person.

”Sure. I don’t mind,” he agreed, and continued walking down the path he walked almost every day. Hanazawa easily fell into step at his side. Dimple hovered on his other side, sending suspicious looks toward the incredibly powerful blond esper in their company.

There was nothing said between them for a few minutes, and Shigeo assumed that the other boy must be taking the time to gather his words, something he had to do often on his own, so he waited patiently. The sky was partly cloudy, his favorite weather, not too hot but not uncomfortably cold either. He could spend hours staring up at the sky, just content to watch the clouds float on by.

Hanazawa sighed, catching his attention. “I should really apologize, huh? Approaching you after what I did... I can’t blame you if you’re uncomfortable around me,” he said softly, looking straight ahead. “I don’t even know what to say. I just felt like I had to make things right, but I’m not even sure how to do that. Or if it’s even possible at all.”

Before Shigeo could reply, Hanazawa turned to him, deep blue eyes full of determination. “Please, Kageyama, please tell me if there’s anything I can do to make things right! I did terrible things to you, to so many people, and I need to know if it’s possible for me to make amends!” his hands were clenched into fists, open and honest and pleading, asking Shigeo to instruct him on ways to redeem himself, and Shigeo was stunned into silence.

The sudden shift in personality nearly left him with whiplash, unable to get his thoughts straight when put on the spot so unexpectedly. He chanced a quick glance at Dimple, who returned it with a look that suggested he was just as lost as Shigeo was. He really had to say something, Hanazawa was looking more and more defeated with every second his pleading was met with nothing but blank stares.

He recalled a not-so-distant memory. A memory of a little boy, lost and afraid, and the generosity of the man that took him in and gave him guidance. The man that continued to inspire him.

He saw himself then, desperate eyes staring back at him, asking him “how do I fix my mistakes?”

He had received an answer, three years ago. He knew what to say.

”Become a good person. That’s all.”

Chapter Text

“Become a good person, that’s all.”

Hanazawa stared blankly at him for a solid minute, gears silently turning in that blond head of his, trying to make sense of the advice he’d just been given. After a few more seconds, his face scrunched up, brows drawn together. “I don’t get it,” he said.

Shigeo blinked a few times, unprepared for that kind of reaction. It had made so much sense to him, years ago, when Reigen had told him the same thing, but now that he attempted to put it in his own words, he was finding himself equally lost. “Ah... well, it’s kind of like... a good person is... you just- you just do your best, and uh, be kind to people?” he stuttered terribly as he tried to elaborate, face beginning to flush as he became increasingly flustered. Man, and Reigen had sounded so cool when he said it... he had envisioned himself looking just as confident saying it to Hanazawa, maybe even impressing him, but he had gone and messed it all up.

Dimple rolled his eyes as Hanazawa pondered his words. “So, being kind to people... that would include not using powers against anyone, I’d assume?” he questioned, to which Shigeo nodded. “You see, I’ve been thinking a lot about myself since our, ah, encounter... and you’re right. You’re definitely right. Even with all my power, I’m nothing more than a commoner. I want to take your advice and try to live a more humble life from now on,” Hanazawa talked on casually, but with a softer tone than Shigeo had come to expect from him. He was much harder to read than most people, but Shigeo figured that Hanazawa was genuinely trying to make a sincere effort. It brought a sense of pride to bubble in his chest.

”A humble life, huh... yeah, that’d probably be for the best,” Dimple spoke up, but flinched as Hanazawa looked his way.

”Oh, right, that reminds me!” Hanazawa spoke again, once again full of cheer. “The real reason I wanted to talk to you was to answer your questions. I figured I owed you that much, at least.”

Shigeo blinked, mind drawing a blank. Dimple picked up on his forgetfulness and nudged his arm. “I think he’s talkin’ about the Awakening thing.”

Oh. Right. That was kind of the whole reason he had sought Hanazawa out in the first place. “Ah. Y-yes, I- that would be nice, thank you,” he stammered, embarrassed that he had managed to forget something so important.

Hanazawa, however, waved away his concern with a gentle shake of the head, smile a bit softer now, a bit more genuine. “I’ll tell you everything that I know, but I can’t guarantee it won’t be anything you haven’t heard already.”

”That’s fine! Any help is appreciated.”

Hanazawa nodded. “Are you available now? There’s a cute little cafe nearby that we could sit and chat.”

Before Shigeo could agree, his typical everyday routine caught up to him. “Actually, I’m working today, and I’ve been missing a lot lately... I wouldn’t want to make Master upset by being late again,” he admitted, shoulders drooping as his previous excitement began to fade.

”Master?” Hanazawa repeated under his breath, appearing mildly confused by the title.

”Yes, my Master. He’s an esper, like us, and he teaches me ways to control my powers. And pays me. Sometimes...” he trailed off as Hanazawa’s bright blue eyes somehow seemed to transition a shade brighter at the word “esper”.

”A powerful esper? Really?!” he was awfully enthusiastic all of a sudden, all but bouncing on his heels. “Yes, that makes perfect sense! Someone as amazing as you would have to be studying under someone equally as impressive,” he spoke rapidly, almost too fast for Shigeo to comprehend, before grabbing his shoulders and shaking him. “Then that’s perfect! I’ll accompany you to work, then! I’d like to meet this Master of yours as well.”

Shigeo flinched from the unexpected contact, but hearing the hopeful tone in the other’s voice in regards to his Master made his chest swell with a familiar feeling. “That- um, okay! I’m sure Master would like to meet you, too!” he agreed, the slightest hint of a smile betraying his emotions, but at the moment he found that he didn’t care as much as he usually did (and probably should).

Hanazawa was beaming, but quickly composed himself once more, releasing his hold on Shigeo and slipping a nonchalant mask onto his face. “Should we get going, then?” he asked coolly, a sparkle remaining in his deep blue eyes.

Dimple huffed and rolled his eyes, but otherwise followed along without further complaint.

A voice, deep down within his heart, reminded him of what he was allowing to happen again. He was granting these people access to his emotion, his personality, his friendship, and friendship had proved to be a dangerous thing.

Hanazawa is an esper, not like Mezato. He has the power to protect himself.

You already proved you could beat him down, if you wanted to.

He could only hope that the other boy had learned his lesson. If something happened, Hanazawa would run away.

Run away from the monster he called a friend.

Reigen didn’t bother to look up as the door to the Spirits and Such office swung open, just sent a quick “Hey, Mob,” in the general direction of the entryway before returning his attention to his computer screen with a serious expression.

”Hello, Master,” Shigeo replied evenly as he entered the main office area, otherwise moving silently across the space, careful not to disturb the man’s work. “I brought someone with me today. I hope you don’t mind...”

Reigen’s face went blank as he glanced over at the front door to find said guest standing there, surveying the office space with rapt interest. Hanazawa’s gaze settled on Reigen where he was seated at his desk. “It’s very nice to meet you, Kageyama’s Master! My name is Teruki Hanazawa, a fellow psychic!” he enthusiastically introduced himself, walking further in to stand at Shigeo’s side.

Reigen raised a brow at the two of them. “Well, this is definitely unexpected. Another psychic? Mob, you should have told me about your friend sooner!” he lightly chided, but with a growing grin on his lips as he spoke. “Hanazawa, it’s nice to meet you, too. I’m sure you must have heard about me already- after all, I am the Reigen Arataka, the 21st Century’s Greatest Psychic!” he cried, standing swiftly from his seat, chest puffed out and nose held high.

Hanazawa watched his every movement intently. The two of them seemed to be getting along well already, and Shigeo released a small breath in relief as he observed their interactions. Dimple, on the other hand, had soured since he’d first laid eyes on Reigen. “Is this seriously your Master, Shigeo?” he mumbled, voice nearly inaudible over the other’s animated chatter.

”Yes, this is Master Reigen,” he confirmed. “Is something wrong?”

Dimple’s spectral face was twisted in a scowl, yet he still replied “Nah, it’s nothing important.” Shigeo just nodded, deciding not to press the spirit if he didn’t feel like talking. Maybe he was just... hungry? Spirits ate... other spirits, right? That was a little cruel, in his eyes, but if Dimple needed something to eat, then-

“Kageyama?” Hanazawa stepped into his vision. “That’s your desk over there, right? Let’s get settled in so we can talk.”

Shigeo’s eyes fell to the floor, embarrassed that he had let his mind wander so far off topic in front of (his friend) Hanazawa. He couldn’t even bring himself to respond, he just began walking over to his desk, though Hanazawa fortunately didn’t say anything more about, walking beside him to the other side of the room. Before he sat down himself, he grabbed one of the folding chairs they kept beside the cabinets and set it out for Hanazawa.

His desk was plain and relatively clean, largely in thanks to Ritsu, who insisted that his brother have an organized work space. He appreciated the sentiment, despite there not really being much to organize. He set his school bag beside his chair as Hanazawa took his seat, and Reigen had already returned to whatever he’d been doing before their arrival. He suddenly felt tense.

”So, how much do your really know about Awakening?” Dimple kicked off the conversation first, much to Shigeo’s relief. “Us spirits only get the basics. Enough to know to stay the hell away from Awakened espers.”

Hanazawa nodded with a hum, bringing a hand to his chin in contemplation. “Yes, it’s not a good idea to get close to someone that has Awakened... so I guess you do know that much,” he concluded, directed at Shigeo. “I’ll let you ask the questions. It’d be easier than sitting here listening to me tell you things you already know.”

”Yes. Okay...” Shigeo mumbled, feeling himself begin to sweat with all the attention on him. He rapidly dug up what little details he could recall, matching them with the concerns he still carried, but the words all ended up jumbled on his tongue. “So- okay. Um. I guess... do you have any idea what makes it happen?”

”Hmm... well, unfortunately, there’s no definitive answer for that at this point. Only theories,” he said, confirming what Dimple had told him earlier. “I do know that powerful espers are at a higher risk, though. Maybe it’s just something that happens if you can’t control your powers,” he shrugged, somehow still casual despite the seriousness of the topic. “I don’t think I have anything to worry about, in that case. Or you, for that matter.”

”What? But I- I hurt you because I lost control...” Shigeo still remembered the event, along with the overwhelming guilt it made him feel afterwards.

Hanazawa didn’t seem bothered by it anymore, but Shigeo couldn’t be too sure. “That’s exactly my point,” the other began, pointing to Shigeo. “What happened to you that day... I’ve never seen it before myself, but the way your face changed, it looked like you Awakened. Which should be impossible, considering you’re fine now.”

There it was again. Just as Dimple had suggested, Hanazawa also believed that he had gone through an Awakening and miraculously survived. The idea made his heart race. He was terrified of confronting that fragmented image of himself, of giving it a name. He just wanted it to stop.

Hanazawa continued, unaware of his dilemma. “I’m not sure how, but it’s likely that you somehow survived an Awakening. Which means... if anyone could explain its cause, it would be you, Kageyama.”

”Eh? Me?”

Hanazawa looked to him expectantly. Such an intense expression set him even further on edge. “That’s right. Kageyama, did you feel anything strange before it happened? Anything at all?”

Shigeo struggled to recall the events leading up to the incident, had been struggling since he got home that night, but as he thought back to their fight, his mind made an unexpected connection. “Ah! That’s right, it was the same before, too!”

Hanazawa’s brows furrowed in confusion. “Before...? What do you mean?”

Shigeo looked up at Dimple. “When we fought that time, it was the same kind of feeling,” he tried to explain, but his point wasn’t getting across. “It was... um... it’s hard to explain. I just don’t like it when people use psychic powers against others... when it happens, it makes me really upset. Then, um... things start to feel strange. I just feel so angry, and I can’t calm down. That’s when it happens. I feel like I’m falling, and then... my face...” he stops himself, feeling chills threatening to shake him to his core at the mere thought of going through all of that again. He’s really not himself when it happens...

Is he?

Are you?

Hanazawa was taken aback, mouth open slightly in stunned silence. Dimple was in much the same situation. After a few seconds, Hanazawa coughed, regaining his composure. “S-so you’re saying... you think you were Awakened because... you were too angry? And this has happened twice now?”

Shigeo shrugged. “I’m not sure. But that’s the only thing I can think of that was different. Other than-“

Another connection was made.

He was wrong. It happened before then, too. It’s happened three times.

The first time, he had been angry, too, but for a different reason.

”Kageyama...? Hey, are you okay? You went pale all of a sudden,” Hanazawa reached out to him in concern, but he flinched away from his touch, and his hand stilled in the air before he retracted it again, looking mildly hurt at the rejection. “That’s okay. Don’t force yourself to talk about it if you don’t want to. I only want to help ease your mind, not make you feel even worse.”

Hanazawa was being so patient with him... though he couldn’t find his voice, Shigeo hoped the boy knew the gesture was appreciated. He wrapped his arms around his stomach, easing the nausea to dissipate as he willed his fearful mind to settle. “So... I have to do better. I can’t slip up like this again. It’s too dangerous.”

”Ah... don’t be so hard on yourself. Stressing about it won’t make things any better. Though, I do have to ask... I understand why you would be upset with the way I behaved, but is there any specific reason why using powers against others makes you so mad?”

Shigeo turned to see Reigen, his shoulders hunched as he typed away at some unknown document. “Because it’s bad to hurt people, but people without powers can’t even defend themselves from them. It’s cruel, it’s just not fair. There’s no reason for that violence. That’s why I hate it.” That’s why I hate those kinds of people.

”Damn, Shigeo, that was pretty passionate coming from you,” Dimple said in a teasing manner, but still put another inch of distance between them. “You can be sure I learned my lesson!”

”Did you now...” Hanazawa grumbled under his breath, glaring at the spirit. “Anyways, that’s totally understandable! You’re totally right, Kageyama, I’m so glad that I see that now!” his smile returned as he addressed Shigeo. Though Hanazawa sounded sincere, he still felt guilty their confrontation had ended like it did. It went against everything Shigeo stood for, after all.

He had to try harder. He had to strengthen his resolve. He had to start living by his own words.

He wouldn’t use his powers on anyone. He had no sympathy for those that did - and refused to change.

People could change. Hanazawa and Dimple were proof. He could change.

You’ll find out, sooner or later. Your efforts are in vain.

Takenaka wasn’t at school that day. The previous day, an upperclassman had punched him in the face.

He’s told him it wasn’t a big deal. He was used to it, used to the pain. He smiled, and it was broken. Wrong. He didn’t have to be a telepath to know it had been a lie.

It made his chest ache with an indescribable sorrow. Innocent people didn’t deserve to suffer like that.

A flash, a body sent flying through the air.

The delinquent’s older brother had decided to get some kind of payback for him. As if Takenaka had started the fight. As if he’d even fought back at all.

It was him that fought back. “Fight me instead,” he’d said, and raised his palm.

Another flash, a spray of blood. It wasn’t too bad. Not enough to warrant stitches, probably. Maybe he would take a few days off to recover. To make up for all the days Takenaka had missed, head beaten from the inside out, bombarded with others’ thoughts, thoughts that screamed that he was a monster. It just wasn’t fair.

He was crying. How pathetic. He couldn’t even commit to what he’d started.

He could stop now. He’d gotten his point across. Their family wouldn’t be bothering Takenaka any more after this, he was sure.

But he’d had a stressful day, and he wanted to get it all out of his system before work.

He thought of his brother’s tired eyes. Flash.

He thought of Reigen’s voice, soft, reassuring. Flash.

He thought of the day they met, the first fight, how blood poured from Takenaka’s nose, how he just stood there and took it because he was just too exhausted to fight back-

A crack. Oops. He’d gotten too carried away. The older boy’s screaming was making his ears ring. How annoying.

”Shut up. Shut the fuck up,” he said, ice cold, fists trembling. He didn’t understand what had gotten into him. He wasn’t usually so careless, so emotional, but he really, really didn’t care, and it only scared him a little bit.

“Y-you’re a monster,” the boy whimpered, cradling his right arm to his chest protectively. It was disgusting. All the blood and tears and mucus was disgusting, he felt sick to his stomach, he felt light-headed, he wanted to laugh.

He decided not to. Instead, he turned and walked away. The boy could find his way out of the forest on his own. He had a job to get to. Reigen wouldn’t pay him as much if he showed up late.

”I’m just a normal person. You’re the monster.”

He’s not sure why he said that. The forest was far behind him already. He was alone. Nobody was around to judge him anymore.

He walked the route to the Spirits and Such office in a daze, his ears ringing all the way there. Still, he managed to arrive on time. He sighed as he pushed open the door and stepped inside, the familiar scent of office supplies and incense greeting him.

That, and a shock.

He jumped, twisting around for the bare metal he must’ve touched on accident, but he found nothing. It was a peculiar sensation, as if he’d just made contact with a charged wire, but he could see no electrical appliances near him that could have caused it. With a final puzzled glance around the entryway, he brushed himself off and entered the office.

”Good afternoon, Ritsu! Right on time, as usual,” Reigen greeted him as he walked into view with a big grin, leaning back in his chair. “Oh, you won’t believe this! Mob brought a friend with him today! Isn’t that great?” he leaned closer to Ritsu, looking genuinely excited.

The news certainly came as a pleasant surprise. “A friend? Really?” he asked incredulously, approaching his desk. Upon surveying the room, the two of them were its only occupants at the moment.

Reigen gave a firm nod. “I know, I was shocked, too! I don’t recognize the kid, he seems awful nice, though. From a different school, I think. Maybe you’d know him?”

A different school? Now that was odd. Shigeo barely interacted with his own peers, let alone students from other schools. He frowned, trying to recall any names of mutual acquaintances he might know of that didn’t attend Salt Mid, but his mind was drawing a blank.

Before he could ask more about them, he felt another shock, causing the muscles in his back to tense uncomfortably. He suppressed a yelp as he spun around on instinct, starting to get frustrated. “What the hell was-“ he started to say, but was interrupted as two figures emerged from the hall and entered the room.

His brother was one of them, he noted immediately. The dark circles that hung below his eyes weren’t so pronounced today, something he was happy to see. That happiness was short lived, however, as he recognized the second figure to enter the scene, surrounded by a bubble of pulsing energy, bright and active and electric. That explained the strange shocks he’d been receiving since entering the office.

Shigeo’s face lit up imperceptibly as his eyes fell on his little brother. “Oh, hello, Ritsu! Did you have a good day?” he asked, but paused as he recalled his companion’s presence. “You remember Hanazawa, don’t you? From Black Vinegar?”

”Y-yes, I do remember,” he said, his good friend Stress making its comeback.

Luckily, Hanazawa looked to be just as tense as he was, shoulders stiff and square as he stood under Ritsu’s harsh gaze. “Ah- haha, little brother! It’s so good to see you again!” he began awkwardly, a sorry attempt at friendly interaction.

Reigen made a noise behind him as he stood from his chair. “Oh, so you do know each other, then? How have I not been introduced to Teruki sooner? You two should invite him over sometime!”

The suggestion made Ritsu want to cringe, but he masked his distaste with a change in subject. “We have a client showing up in half an hour, right? Shouldn’t we review the details for their case?”

Shigeo deflated, and Ritsu instantly felt guilty for ruining his brother’s good mood. “Oh, I guess we should get ready,” he muttered in a soft voice, looking down at the floor. Such a sad sight almost moved Ritsu enough to take it back. Almost. But witnessing the same deflation in Hanazawa was too satisfying.

”It’s okay, Kageyama! I had to get going soon myself,” he said, already moving off towards the front door. “It was nice talking to you! We should hang out again sometime!”

”Yes! Definitely!” Reigen chimed in, even going so far as to see the boy off at the door. “You’re welcome to come back anytime! You could even come along on exorcism jobs, if you want!”

Ritsu rolled his eyes. This is a level of kiss-ass that was usually reserved only for their most wealthy and influential clients. In his eyes, Hanazawa had done nothing to deserve such flattery. “See you~!” the blond called back in a sing-song voice as he waved goodbye and stepped out, Reigen closing the door behind him. Finally, Ritsu could relax.

Reigen turned back to the two of them. “Well, that was fun, huh?” he asked, the question mostly directed at Shigeo, who nodded in agreement. “Now let’s get set up for that next client, shall we?”

Ritsu placed his bag by Shigeo’s, picking up the folding chair that had likely been set out for Hanazawa and tucking it back in its place by the cabinet.

He couldn’t really blame the man for being so excited. Ritsu wanted to be excited for his brother, too, but he didn’t trust that Hanazawa kid in the slightest after what he’d done. Shigeo might be a forgiving person, but Ritsu wasn’t willing to let go of a grudge so easily. People could be overwhelmingly cruel.

He knew from experience. Innocent people always end up getting hurt. He wouldn’t discourage his brother from interacting with people - he had no desire to hold that kind of control over his life - but he would make sure to keep an eye on his so-called “friend” in future interactions. It wouldn’t happen a second time.

”Ritsu, could you help me with some of my homework later? There’s a lot...” Shigeo quietly asked him, still ashamed to ask despite Ritsu reassuring him so many times that he enjoyed helping him.

”Of course. We can do our homework together.”

No matter how many friends he had, Ritsu would always be there for his big brother. He could do that much, at least.

Chapter Text

Takenaka wasn’t at school the next day, either. Ritsu was starting to worry.

Being part of the student council, it wasn’t hard to convince Tokugawa to allow him to personally deliver Takenaka’s missing homework assignments. He had raised a brow in curiosity when asked, but it was easy to toss out a half-truth - he was concerned about the schoolwork Takenaka had been missing and wanted to check up on his upperclassman. It made him appear more responsible, at least.

He was, of course, concerned about his friend, but it had little to do with late homework.

Throughout all of their past conversations, Takenaka had given no indication that he was still being harassed by classmates, or that the prospect was still bothering him. He had been hoping the fight he’d walked in on at their first meeting had been an exception, an anomaly, something his interference had put an end to.

Had that kid really hurt Takenaka so badly that he couldn’t come into school? Or perhaps he simply didn’t want to? Had they said something that made Takenaka upset?

Or maybe he was just thinking about it all too much. That tended to happen a lot.

The address he’d been given wasn’t hard to find. In fact, it was an apartment complex he recognized from his trips further into the city on family shopping trips. The implications of Takenaka’s experience living so close to heavily populated areas wasn’t very reassuring, but he tried to keep his thoughts on the positive side as he tracked down the correct apartment number.

There wasn’t anyone else around, and the silence that Ritsu typically found comfort in was beginning to grate on his nerves. As he stood before Takenaka’s apartment door, he strained to listen in, but could hear no voices coming from inside. Taking a deep breath, he knocked a few times, and waited.

At first, there was no response, and Ritsu quickly began to panic, heart already racing inside his ribcage, but his fears were put to rest as shuffling became audible from somewhere within the apartment, approaching the front door in heavy steps.

Ritsu took a step back as the door opened, Takenaka’s tired face appearing on the other side. He had an irritated expression all ready for whoever had disturbed him, but it dropped the moment he saw that it was only Ritsu. “Oh. I wasn’t expecting you here, Kageyama,” he greeted bluntly, rubbing exhaustion from his eyes.

Ritsu offered a small bow. “I’m sorry to intrude. I brought your schoolwork for you,” he explained, holding up the aforementioned documents for Takenaka to take.

”Right, uh- oh man, you didn’t have to do that- shit, do you wanna... come in, or something?” Takenaka stammered as he took the schoolwork with clumsy hands, gesturing inside the apartment uncertainly.

Ritsu was about to decline out of instinct, but he realized it would be the perfect opportunity to check up on his friend’s condition. He forcefully shoved his practiced politeness aside for the occasion. “If you wouldn’t mind, that would be nice,” he said, with a smile that felt a little too fake to be comfortable.

Takenaka didn’t notice, as his reply apparently caught him off guard. “Oh, really? Okay, sure, that’s fine,” he said after a moment, pulling open the door the rest of the way and stepping to the side to allow Ritsu entry. “Just, I don’t know, chill in the living room while I go... make myself look more presentable,” he finished with a grumble, flicking the bangs out of his face in distaste.

Takenaka had already retreated further into the apartment before Ritsu could respond. He lingered in the entryway awkwardly for a few seconds before carefully shuffling out of his shoes and entering what he assumed was the living room. The apartment was relatively small, a little on the cramped side, but they made do with the space they had. From what Ritsu had gathered, Takenaka lived only with his mother; while it appeared small to Ritsu, he supposed he was used to living in a family-sized home. For someone as reclusive as Takenaka, the little space might actually bring him comfort.

As he surveyed the new environment, Takenaka returned to the living room, messily patting down his hair in places, though Ritsu didn’t think it was necessary. “Sorry about that. Anyways, you want... anything? Something to drink, or...” he trailed off with a sigh, shoulders sagging. “As you can probably tell, we don’t get visitors often.”

”No, you’re fine,” Ritsu tried to assure him. “I’m the one that dropped in so unexpectedly. I just-“ he stopped himself from finishing the sentence, re-wording in his mind, not wanting to appear invasive. “I don’t mean to intrude. I just wanted to make sure you were doing okay.”

Takenaka blinked owlishly at him for a few seconds before shaking his head. “Still can’t read that mind of yours, I forgot,” he mumbled. “I’m fine. Just taking a few days off. I’ll probably be back tomorrow.”

As much as Ritsu wanted to press the issue, the last thing he wanted was to make Takenaka angry with him. He felt torn, worried for his friend yet understanding in his insistence that he was fine. “I... I see,” he said slowly. “Then... I shouldn’t keep you any longer than I have already,” he said as he walked back towards the front entrance, unwilling to look Takenaka in the eyes as he prepared to leave again. “If you ever need anything, though... I’m always willing to help.”

Before he could step back into his shoes, Takenaka spoke up. “Wait, Kageyama,” he called in a strained voice, arms tensed at his sides. “...come and sit for a little while, okay?”

Ritsu turned apprehensively, already afraid he had done something wrong, but Takenaka didn’t appear upset with him. Instead, he simply moved back into the living room, taking a seat on the couch without another word. Ritsu hesitated for a second before following, trying to avoid fiddling nervously with the hem of his school jacket as he did so. As he took a seat beside Takenaka, he noticed something sitting on the coffee table that he hadn’t noticed before.

It was a small picture frame, worn through the years it spent protecting the photograph that was displayed within. A little Takenaka stood in the center with a wide, toothy grin, each arm outstretched to the figures that stood beside him, a man and woman that bore a striking resemblance to him. All three figures were sporting big smiles, holding onto each other tightly, the sun shining down and reflecting the speckles of pure gold hidden in their irises. They looked like a beautiful family.

Takenaka chuckled beside him as he caught onto what Ritsu was staring at. “Heh, I had so much energy back then,” he recounted with a soft expression. “I would drag my poor parents around with me everywhere. We went to the zoo a lot - there used to be a zoo, where we lived - and I’d always dash straight through the crowds to see my favorite animals. My mom nearly had a heart attack every time she’d lose sight of me. Dad, though... he’d just laugh, take her hand, and guide her right to me. He always knew exactly where I was. I knew where they were, too. I could recognize their voices above the rest, no matter how many there were.”

”So, even back then...?”

Takenaka nodded. “Yeah, I’ve had telepathy since I was really young. It didn’t bother me so much back then though, because I just assumed that’s what life was like. I assumed everyone else experienced life the same way I did. So I didn’t bother hiding it.”

The atmosphere began to shift. The sun seemed to shine a little dimmer. “I didn’t understand why people started avoiding me, or calling me ‘creepy’ or ‘weird’. Then I got a bit older, and I started to get it - that I was different. That I should keep those things to myself. I got a lot... quieter. More withdrawn. My parents noticed, but they couldn’t do anything to help.”

Ritsu’s chest was heavy, sympathy and past experiences mingling together, yet he too didn’t know how to help.

”I think... I think my dad was like me. My mom doesn’t talk about him much, but I think I got my powers from him. So I think that’s why, one day, he just... left.”

Ritsu’s eyes widened. “He left...? Just like that?”

Takenaka leaned back, sinking into the couch. “Yeah. He probably felt guilty, like it was his fault that I was struggling. Like... he hurt me, somehow. Couldn’t bear to look at me anymore. So he left.”

Ritsu couldn’t even begin to formulate a response. What could he say that wouldn’t sound totally fake? Offer an apology? He’s probably heard that a thousand times already.

He decided to offer up something of equal value. An experience of his own.

”I... I can’t say I understand exactly, but... my parents weren’t too thrilled with- well, with my brother’s powers. It wasn’t so much a guilt thing as it was... that they didn’t like his powers. They thought he was dangerous, and didn’t want him to be around me,” he said, laughing dryly. “I developed my own powers, in the end. I wonder if they would’ve hated me for it, too.”

Takenaka raised a brow. “What, you don’t live with them anymore?”

”N-no, we... live with an adoptive guardian of sorts. He’s... all right. Accepting of our powers, at least.”

Takenaka hummed in response and closed his eyes, leaning his head back against the cushions. While uncertainty still hung low over his head, the air didn’t feel so oppressive now, just awkward, not knowing where the conversation would end up, if anywhere. The calm was welcome, the peace of silence in Takenaka’s company never failed to soothe him. He was even starting to feel drowsy himself.

”Thanks for, uh, listening to me I guess,” Takenaka muttered, voice betraying his own exhaustion. “Just get too caught up in my own head sometimes, you know how it is.”

He did. He really did.

”I can wish and hope for a second chance, another life where I’m normal and don’t have dozens of voices screaming in my head at all times, where my family is still happy and together, but it won’t do me any good. Just a waste of energy at this point. This is what I’ve got, just gotta make the most of it.”

Ritsu hoped he was misinterpreting the meaning in his words. “Are you saying you don’t want to try controlling your powers anymore?” he asked tentatively, painfully aware of how selfish he must sound.

Takenaka sat upright with a start, waving his hands. “No, that’s not it! If there’s a way I can control my powers, you bet your ass I’m gonna find it!” he clarified, putting Ritsu’s mind at ease. “I don’t- gah, I don’t know what I’m saying. I-I know I shouldn’t- I act like- like I don’t care what people think, and I shouldn’t, I’ve lived this way for most of my life, I should be used to it but... but God, I-I just- I hate people. Hate them! Why can’t they just leave me alone? I don’t want anything to do with them or their petty secrets, I just want to live my fucking life! It’s difficult enough as it is without people beating me up just for existing! I-“ Takenaka’s voice cut off, his throat constricting, wavering, “I don’t get it. I never asked to be born this way. My dad didn’t ask for me to suffer like he did. Now it’s at the point where I’m getting in fights every other day, I’m feeling feint from all the blood pouring out of my nose, I’m more distant from my mom than I’ve ever been, and I have to resort to getting help from an underclassman because I can’t even get my miserable life together on my own!”

His words hurt, a knife slicing away at his lungs, digging between his ribs, all collateral damage as the weapon wasn’t even aimed at him. “I- Takenaka, I-“ he stammered, mind blank with pain, indignant anger, emotions that were both his and not his.

Takenaka looked at him, gasped, and buried his face in his hands. “Ohhhh God that- that was so embarrassing I didn’t mean to go off like that, I-I don’t- I didn’t mean that I don’t appreciate you!” he dug the heels of his palms i to his eyes a little too roughly, and Ritsu winced. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I was feeling better for a while, but now I’m even worse. I’m overwhelmed, every little thing just gets to me. Heh, now that you’ve seen what an ugly wreck I am you probably want nothing to do with me.”

“That’s not true,” Ritsu said confidently, though his voice came out softer than he’d meant it to. “Actually, you’re a lot like my brother. He keeps his feelings hidden, but I know he gets overwhelmed sometimes. It happens; I don’t think any less of you, don’t worry.”

Takenaka took in a deep breath before raising his head again. God, his eyes... he looks so tired. “That’s a relief. Haven’t scared away my lunch partner just yet,” he said with a lopsided smile. Ritsu couldn’t help but mirror the expression, a light, fluttery feeling bubbling up from the fresh wounds in his chest, already healing. “Thanks for coming over, and for staying to listen to me rant. Less so for the homework, but I get you’re just doing your job, Mr. Student Council.”

”I could help you with your homework, if you want.”

Takenaka grimaced. “Eh, I’m gonna have to pass. Still have some dignity as an upperclassman.”

“Suit yourself,” Ritsu chuckled, glad to see Takenaka acting like his usual self again. He was thankful that he’d decided to come in person. “Should I expect you at school tomorrow, then?”

”Yeah. I think I’m okay now. I should be there, hopefully with a stack of finished homework.”

”You better hope so, or Tokugawa will be coming after you.”

”Hah, I can imagine!”

They chatted back and forth for a little while longer, until Ritsu could no longer ignore the text messages blowing up his phone. He was late to show up for work. Still, he left with a lighter conscience, and something to look forward to the next day. By the way his cheeks were aching by the time he arrived at Spirits and Such, he must have been smiling the whole walk there.

”All right, spill the beans! What has gotten into you two lately?” Reigen suddenly questioned them that night after dinner in the kitchen as they cleaned up their plates.

Shigeo and Ritsu looked at each other, neither sure what to say. A lot had been happening, most of which Reigen would not be too happy to hear. “What do you mean?” Ritsu asked.

Reigen dropped the plates he’d been scrubbing into the sink with a sigh. “You know exactly what I mean, don’t play dumb!” he turned to the both of them, arms crossed. “You two have both been missing work without explanation! How do you expect to train your psychic powers if you never show up to practice?”

”Sorry, Reigen. I’ll try not to lose track of time again,” Shigeo said, looking away. He didn’t like to make Reigen angry, but he wasn’t sure what to say to make things any better. If he really knew what had happened, he would probably be furious.

“I don’t see why it’s such a big deal. We don’t train so much as we sit around waiting for clients to show up for a massage,” Ritsu muttered under his breath.

Reigen narrowed his eyes at him. “Now what kind of attitude is that? Practice makes perfect, you know! Not to mention you get to watch a Master at work up close! Precious few have such an opportunity, you know! You should be thankful!”

”Thankful?” Ritsu said darkly, glaring daggers up at Reigen. Shigeo was sensing hostility, but he didn’t understand why Ritsu was so upset with Reigen.

He stepped over to his little brother, tugging at his sleeve. “Ritsu?” he asked. Ritsu hadn’t looked like he was in a bad mood when he’d come into work that day - in fact, his cheeks had been dusted with pink, and there were fading laugh lines on his cheeks. Whatever Ritsu had been occupied with, he had been thankful that it was probably a good thing. There should be no reason for Ritsu to be acting so aggressively.

Ritsu huffed, turning his head. “Sorry, niisan. I’m fine,” he said, walking back over to the counter to the stack of dry plates, putting them away in their respective drawers in silence.

Reigen watched his back for a moment and sighed, running fingers through his bangs. “Just try to be a little more punctual, all right?” he said, to which Ritsu did not reply. “Anyways. Mob, how has that, uh... Hanazawa kid been? Did you hang out again today?”

Shigeo released held breath at the change in subject, tension dissipating. “No, his school is a little far to walk to. I have his number on my phone, though.”

Reigen grinned at him, shooting him a thumbs up. “Nice! It’s important to keep in touch with friends, especially if you can’t physically meet up with them!” he said, ruffling Shigeo’s hair as he walked past and out of the kitchen. Shigeo sent a furtive glance to Ritsu before following. “Oh, that reminds me, how the heck did you two meet? Him being an esper- no, no, let me guess!” he suddenly shouted, hands to his temples, a look of deep concentration on his face. “You must have been drawn to him by your psychic connection! Yes, all psychics share a deep connection to each other, you know. Just like spirits are drawn to dark, spooky places, psychics are drawn to the energy other psychics give off!” Reigen stated matter-of-factly, eyes practically sparkling. “Good job following those psychic instincts of yours, Mob! You even got a friend out of it!”

A cabinet drawer slammed shut, and Ritsu stomped out of the kitchen and into his room. Shigeo stared in the direction he’d gone, distress taking hold of him, but he didn’t know whether to check on him or give him space.

Reigen sighed and shook his head. “What’s his problem?” he asked, looking down at Shigeo, who shrugged. “Besides the blatant disrespect, I can’t blame him for being a little moody. I definitely had my fair share of tantrums when I was his age. Puberty isn’t easy for anyone.”

Shigeo nodded slowly, barely processing that information. Ritsu had been there for him that day at Black Vinegar, a reassuring presence, something he took great comfort in. It made him feel ashamed of his measly ability to act as the older brother, since it was Ritsu that usually suffered to help him with his own problems. He wanted to be a pillar for his baby brother to lean on when he needed to, but he doubted his ability to even do that much. Sure, he was always willing to listen if Ritsu needed to talk to someone, but he had little to offer in terms of assistance. Reigen was much better at that - he seemed to have advice for every situation, and he was the one Shigeo went to with his own worries. For whatever reason, that didn’t seem to be the case for Ritsu.

In fact, ever since they’d been living with Reigen, Ritsu had kept a certain distance between himself and the man. When conversing at the dinner table every night, or discussing the school day at work, it was Shigeo that he focused attention on, usually only nodding in response to whatever Reigen had to say. “Are you sure you didn’t do something to make Ritsu upset?”

Reigen spluttered, hand flying to his chest in feigned offence. “Buh-what, me? I didn’t do anything! I’m tellin’ you Mob, I have no idea why he’s so grumpy!”

Shigeo cracked a small smile at Reigen’s dramatic reaction. “Don’t worry, I believe you.”

Reigen leaned in close, eyes narrowed in suspicion. “Was that a joke, you little scamp?”

”I don’t know what you mean,” he shrugged.

”All right, looks like Mister Wise Guy doesn’t want any milk before bed today!” Reigen declared defiantly.

”That’s not a funny joke.”

He was serious about his milk.

As Reigen chuckled nervously, wiping the sweat from his brow, Shigeo considered what he should do with a clearer mind and decided that his brother would come to him if he wanted help with anything. Ritsu was possibly the smartest person he knew; he was sure that he could solve any problem if he put his mind to it. Shigeo would be there for support, but he wouldn’t press the issue.

He had faith in his little brother.

What is wrong with me? Why am I so pissed off?

Ritsu paced back and forth in his room, seething with an unidentifiable rage. Blood was rushing behind his ears and his fingers twitched, itching to grab hold of something and cause some kind of damage, anything to relieve some of the stress his body was feeling. He resisted the overwhelming urge to rip his own hair out, but there was little else he could do with his hands that wouldn’t result in the destruction of his belongings.

He couldn’t understand the logic behind his emotions (could logic be applied to something as abstract as emotion?) and not knowing was almost as infuriating as the emotion itself. He honestly hadn’t meant to snap at Reigen, he really hadn’t, and deep down he felt awful for causing such an embarrassing scene in front of his brother, but just the sound of his voice had brought something hot and bitter to sit in his stomach. He wanted to scream at the man; not even scream words at him, just scream. He wanted to scream in general.

”What’s got you so worked up?”

The sudden voice startled him, and he yelped as he whipped around to its source. A spirit was floating around in his room, totally casual, like he owned the damn place. “What- you’re that spirit from before,” Ritsu recalled the memory of a similarly ugly green spirit alerting him to his brother’s situation with Hanazawa. He hadn’t actually expected to see it again.

It looked pleased that he remembered their meeting. “That’s right! I’m Dimple, Shigeo’s friend!” it declared, spinning around.

Ritsu didn’t have time to entertain some evil spirit. “That’s nice. Get out of my room before I exorcise you.”

Dimple jolted back, flickering in panic. “Whoa, hang on, hang on! I just wanted to help you out!” it cried in its defense, creating a larger distance between them. “You’re clearly stressed, right? Why not just use your powers to let it out? Too much built-up stress is bad, especially for you espers.”

Ritsu laughed, though there was no humor behind it. “Tell me something I don’t know,” he bit back, turning away to look out the window in his room. “If you know of some wide open space in this city where I can let my powers out safely, feel free to let me know. Otherwise, I don’t care what you have to say.”

”Ah, ah, ah, that’s not what I’m talkin’ about, Ricchan!”

Ritsu slowly turned his head towards Dimple. “What the hell did you just call me?”

Dimple ignored him. “You used your powers to relieve some stress just yesterday, didn’t you?”

Ritsu opened his mouth to reply, but stopped short as Dimple’s words caught up to him. “What- how do you even know about that?”

”Kid, you have any idea how spirits work? We’re fine-tuned to detect psychic energy, especially ones we’re familiar with. I felt an energy spike in the area, and I recognized that icy aura of yours right away. It’s obvious you were fighting; not only that, you were fighting against someone that didn’t have any powers of their own.”

Ritsu drew back, highly uncomfortable with the fact that some spirit had deduced so much about him from his aura alone. He was half tempted to just exorcise the damn thing, nip a problem in the bud, but part of him was curious what he had to say. He remained silent, allowing Dimple to continue.

”That’s what I’m talking about. Stress relief. Why keep holding yourself back? It’s not like any normal person would stand a chance against you.”

”You- it’s-“ Ritsu spluttered, trying to justify himself. He grew quiet as he began to realize he couldn’t think of a good reason to hold back.

Why did he suppress himself? He wasn’t the one at fault. All he had done was defend himself and his friend, who he knew to be innocent, from ruthless bullies. Technically, that was just self-defense... right?

Not to mention... if he didn’t bear some sense into bad people, who would? Who could but him, who never had to worry about losing. Who would fight back against the unnecessary violence that innocent people faced at the hands of ignorant people? If he had the power, power that he was sure many people would likely kill to have, wasn’t it his responsibility to use it?

You’re forgetting the biggest reason: you enjoy feeling powerful. You find solace in the pain of others. You dare think of yourself higher than the bullies you condemn?

”You still with me, Ricchan?”

You’re awful.

”Don’t call me that.”

Your brother would be so disappointed in you.

”But you know what? You’re right. They’re the ones that decided to pick a fight.”

You’re a bad person.

”See? I’m just here to help you out, Ri-Ritsu! I’m Shigeo’s friend, after all, so it makes sense I would be your friend, too!”

His earlier anger had completely dissipated. He felt calm, collected, relaxed even. It was unexpectedly therapeutic, allowing himself that release. He felt lighter for it, stronger, like nothing could touch him now.

He felt... free.

Ritsu stayed up late that night, too restless to sleep.

He got up at some point to fetch a glass of water.

He caught his reflection in the glass. It looked strange, fragmented, fuzzy, but as he focused on it again, everything was normal.

He shrugged, chugging the water and leaving the glass in the sink as he went back to his room.

Chapter Text

He felt sick in the morning. It was an odd sensation, static in his brain, helium behind his eyes, buzzing in his ears. He was giddy, he wanted to laugh as he said good morning to his big brother, but he couldn’t go through the motions. He shrugged and went to the restroom instead.

He brushed his teeth, didn’t bother with his hair, and then paused for a moment. His gaze was fixed on his image in the mirror. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t keep his eyes focused, his reflection blurring and twisting as his muscles refused to cooperate with him. He looked down at his hands - normal, familiar, in-focus - and back at his reflection. Wrong, wrong, all wrong. Was he really swaying that much, or was it only his mirror image? He frowned. The distortion was starting to give him a headache.

He squeezed his eyes shut, pressure building in his temples. As the wave of pain subsided, he opened his eyes to a crack, cutting across his reflection on the glass surface, slicing across his forehead. He raised a few fingers to brush along his hairline, tracing the crack’s path. They came to rest on an old scar, barely visibly beneath his bangs. The broken glass cut right across. Opening an old wound.

A sharp inhale of breath through clenched teeth. He instantly flipped off the light switch and backed out of the bathroom and into the hall. His eyes were still unfocused; he shook back and forth, pounded his head to bring his vision back to normal.

He still felt like laughing. Maybe he really was starting to come down with something.

At breakfast, he managed to hold an average conversation with his brother. Shigeo said he had slept fine that night, but Ritsu wasn’t so sure he believed him. The dark circles beneath his eyes looked about the same, if not the slightest bit lighter. Hopefully that was a good sign.

He was careful to avoid Reigen’s eye. He was in a relatively good mood, and he didn’t want to soil it by falling into a quarrel with the man for the second day in a row. He finished his meal, thanked Reigen for the food, washed his dishes, and left the apartment in a flurry of motion. He was moving autonomously, following a learned routine, his body doing all the work as his mind drifted further and further from the rest of him.

”Good morning, Ritsu! Off to school, huh?”

Without even looking up to confirm, he already knew it was Dimple that had spoken to him. “Are you still here? Don’t you have something better to do?” he said bluntly, not in the mood to converse with the spirit.

Dimple floated down closer to him, hovering above his left shoulder. “What’s with you? Get into another fight with that guy?”

Ritsu sighed deeply, rubbing at his eyes. “No, I’m perfectly fine. You should go bother someone else.”

”What’s with this cold treatment? After the great advice I gave you last night, this is how you repay me?” Dimple whined, guttural voice grating on Ritsu’s nerves. “I just wanted to hang out with you today, buddy! Maybe see those psychic powers of yours at work?” he added with a hopeful lilt, leaning in closer.

”You’re awfully interested in seeing me use my powers, aren’t you? What do you want from me?”

Dimple jolted, somehow sweating even in spectral form. “What- Ritsu, what are you talking about? I’m just happy you’re finally lettin’ loose a bit! Expressing yourself! You know, your brother could learn from you!”

”Don’t bring my brother into this. He has enough stress in his life as it is.”

Dimple drew back in resignation. “All right, all right. All I’m sayin is he wouldn’t be so stressed if he just, you know- let out his emotions every once in a while! No harm in that, right?”

”You don’t know much at all about my brother, do you?”

”Do you?”

Ritsu brushed a delicate finger against that old scar again, wincing as another wave of pain bloomed beneath his touch. “...Not as much as I’d like to.”

The pair spent the remaining walk to Salt Middle School in silence. Soon after passing the front gate, Ritsu noticed that the spirit was no longer at his side. He preferred to stay hidden, it seemed. Well, whatever. He didn’t want that freaky snot ball hanging over his shoulder all day anyway.

He found his good mood again as he ran into Takenaka in the main hallway before classes started. He was still a little too pale, but otherwise appeared much better off than he did yesterday. Ritsu’s shoulders sagged in relief at the sight of that sleepy, lopsided grin.

”Sorry again about... you know, dumping all that shit on you yesterday. I hope you weren’t worried about me or anything,” Takenaka began as they sat beside each other on the roof at lunch later that day. Ritsu hadn’t even gotten the chance to take a bite before his appetite was washed away.

”Are you still apologizing for that?”

”Well, yeah!” Takenaka said, mouth full of food. He chewed a bit more before swallowing. “It’s embarrassing, getting so emotional like that... I can’t believe I said those things in front of you. All because some douchebag punched me in the face...”

”So... that really was what upset you?” Ritsu asked slowly, placing his unopened bento on the bench beside him.

”N-no- it was more like- it was just the tipping point, I think. I was already having a bad week as it was.”

Ritsu considered what he should say, now that he knew so much about what Takenaka had been feeling. He felt like he was stuck, wanting to comfort his friend but without the power to actually do anything to help.

The power to help...

You can’t ease his pain, but perhaps you could prevent it from happening again.

”Has anyone else been bothering you lately? Like those three guys that were harassing you that first time?”

Takenaka turned to him, startled. “Wh- uh, no? I mean, not really.”

“Is that the truth?”

Takenaka groaned, setting his lunch down as well. “See, you are worrying about me,” his expression softened as he met Ritsu’s gaze. “I appreciate that you care so much. Really, I do. But I don’t want to see you getting into any trouble on my behalf.”

”But it’s not fair!” Ritsu blurted out before he could reel in his indignant anger. He blushed at the whine in his voice, ashamed to let such a childish outburst slip in front of Takenaka. “What I meant to say was - it’s not fair for you to be bullied over something you can’t control. It- it’s clearly affecting you, no matter how much you deny it. People like that... don’t they deserve to be punished?”

“Punished?” Takenaka asked, raising a brow. “I think you tossing them around with your powers was punishment enough. Besides the older brother punching me the other day, they haven’t bothered me since then.”

”They haven’t? That’s... good to hear.”

That misplaced, restless feeling had yet to fade since that morning. He wanted to protest, to dig deeper. He wanted to pick a fight.

But who could he fight, if Takenaka wasn’t having any problems?

”Heh, I know that face. That’s your ‘thinking too much’ face,” Takenaka said, playfully flicking his forehead, Ritsu swatting his hand away with a yelp. “I don’t have to be a telepath to know you’re probably overthinking things.”

Ritsu frowned, brushing his bangs back over his face. “That reminds me... you said you’d like to keep training, right? Any idea what you would like to focus on next?”

”What, are you all out of ideas already?”

”I just want to get your opinion, that’s all.”

Takenaka crossed his arms, a scowl settling on his features. “Damn, I don’t know. The whole ‘creating my own barrier’ thing hasn’t been working out; the only thing that’s worked was focusing in on your thoughts, but I can’t exactly do that in my own apartment while I’m trying to sleep.”

”You can’t focus on anyone else? What about your mom?”

Takenaka opened his mouth to answer and froze. His eyes widened slightly, and he changed course with a short cough. “W-well, the thing is- it’s not that I think my mom is annoying or anything, I love her, but- your mind is, or, your thoughts- you’re just easier to listen to for some reason? Like, you’re funny and nice and... different. I think focusing only calms me down because it’s... you.”

Ritsu blinked several times, Takenaka’s words tumbling around in his head, processing and re-processing, but not fully absorbing. He had no response to give. Takenaka was looking at him anxiously, awkwardly fiddling with the buttons on his uniform, tips of his ears tinted red. It all felt so far away, so... unreal. How could anything he’d said have been real? What- wait what did he just say?

A handful of rusty gears kicked into motion, a lightbulb flickered to life.

...He still didn’t know how to respond.

“O-oh. I, um.”

Takenaka groaned, smothering his face in his hands. “Great, two embarrassing things said in two days. I think that’s a new record- God, just forget I said that.”

...You find me comforting?

”Wh-“ Takenaka squeaked, surprised by the unexpected yet very familiar voice in his head. You- you’re not gonna forget about that, are you?

Ritsu chuckled, shaking his head. Sorry. I can’t forget such a sweet compliment like that.

Takenaka resumed groaning, even louder this time.

As much as Ritsu was trying to laugh it off, the statement left his heart racing a mile a minute, and he could feel his face heating up despite his best efforts. He really couldn’t get it out of his mind, and it wasn’t doing anything good for his composure. Unbidden, his cursed mind conjured an image of a restless Takenaka, trying and failing to utilize their practiced techniques to get a good night’s rest, eventually recalling the calm he felt when focusing on Ritsu’s thoughts, Ritsu’s voice the last thing on his mind as he finally fell asleep...

...Oh God no. Oh fucking Christ no. His barrier had been down that whole time.

Any blood that had rushed to color Ritsu’s face just as quickly drained away as his reality dawned on him. He had gotten so used to remaining unconcerned around his telepathic friend that he had never gotten into the habit of regulating his thoughts around Takenaka. He had made the grave mistake of lowering his barrier in a dangerously vulnerable moment, and he was surely about to pay the price.

Dread pooled in his gut as he swiftly raised his barrier again, too afraid to look Takenaka in the eye. For a minute he just sat deathly still, gripping the edge of the bench so hard that his knuckles went white, barely even breathing as he awaited whatever response was to come.

“...Hey, Kageyama?” Takenaka’s voice was soft, even, betraying no obvious emotion. Ritsu looked up stiffly, choosing to look at some point just slightly to the right of his head to avoid his direct gaze. Takenaka sighed. “Haha, I think we’re even now. That was pretty embarrassing, you big sap.”

Ritsu quickly ducked back down, turning away to hide his messy red face, ashamed to have exposed such a personal thought to an upperclassman, let alone someone he considered to be a friend. “I’m so sorry! I don’t know why I- I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable-“

”Actually, I thought it was kind of cute. You know, in a dorky kind of way,” Takenaka teased, poking Ritsu’s cheek affectionately. He laughed as Ritsu lightly shoved his hand away. “In all seriousness, though, I do, um. Appreciate your company. More than... other people, at least. I would- would like to... to spend m-more time with you. Like... besides training stuff and school. Like maybe- maybe a sleepover would be cool? If you’d want to, I mean.”

Tentatively, Ritsu peeked through his bangs, up at Takenaka’s face, which bore a wavering smile and hint of insecurity in his golden brown eyes. In that moment, another thought appeared, yet again unbidden, but this time thoroughly protected behind Ritsu’s shimmering violet aura. You’re the cute one, asshole...

It occurred to him then that maybe, just maybe, the reason his heart beat so quickly when Takenaka smiled at him, or the reason he felt so comfortable when they spent time together, or the reason the earlier image of Takenaka finding peace in his voice had filled him with a deep happiness... was because, somewhere along the way, his feelings had developed into something other than friendship.

The realization was both wonderful and terrifying, and something he had precious little experience with, so for the time being, he decided to keep it to himself.

”S-sure. That sounds like fun.”

Spending more time with Takenaka, even if only in a friendly light, sounded perfect.

Reality seemed to drift further and further away as the days went by.

Only three days had passed. It felt simultaneously like an eternity and a minuscule amount of time. His interactions with anyone or anything else were a blur, a smear, another face replacing his own for a split second before passing on, existing no more. Washed away in a sea of purple waves.

The only solid land within that ocean was at Takenaka’s side. He stood alone on an island, held aloft in a bubble of familiarity, his weathered and sleep-deprived face blooming in light blues and greens in the inky purple void. Time spent with him was normal, it was real. He always went to work in a pleasant mood, floating idly along on the ripples of teal that Takenaka’s presence had left. Even Reigen’s incessant nagging and his brother’s concerned side glances could bring him down.

That is why it should have surprised him, how quickly his mood turned sour. Then again, his fingers had been uncomfortably itchy for nearly a week. A light coating of frost, blue-tinted fingernails. Restless energy with no outlet, yet Takenaka was no longer experiencing harassment.

Who was to say how long that would last, though? Bullying in Salt Middle School was still very much alive and well; how long would it take for new bullies to take their place, to hurt Takenaka again? He couldn’t let that happen.

You have the power to stop it from happening. Have you forgotten?

No, he hasn’t.

Then what’s stopping you? You already tossed your inhibitions aside. You are free.

I am free, he thought to himself, as he cornered a group of delinquents in an alleyway not too far from the school. That odd, giddy feeling was returning to him, a smile on his face as he addressed them. “You’ve been causing trouble for many students lately,” he simply stated, matter-of-factly, glancing casually between the group. Their faces didn’t stand out to him; just eyes and noses and lips and teeth, already being swept up by the purple water, swirling, stretching, shrinking, drowning.

Their frantic cries startled him out of the trance he’d unknowingly fallen into. His aura, bitingly cold and painfully sharp, was wrapped around each of the boys, holding them about a foot into the air, just barely constricting, just enough to avoid cutting off any circulation. Had he done that? He didn’t recall guiding his aura to do such a thing. His head tilted to the side, pondering this strange development, constricting tighter, just a little. Frost coating their fingertips, blue-tinted fingernails. Some were shouting at him, some begging to be released, some merely trembling in wide-eyed terror. He didn’t know their names, but he doubted they bothered to learn the names of their own victims themselves.

One of them spat some obscenity at him. In response, he sent the lot of them into the brick wall behind them.

He began to fade out again, and only then did he begin to wonder if maybe there was something wrong with him. In any other circumstance, he would be rightly concerned about these lapses in memory, or the looseness of his aura, or the way he sometimes began to wonder if he was himself anymore and not just some lost entity invading a stranger’s body.

Also, he was fairly sure the voice he’d been hearing in his head was not his own, though it definitely spoke in his voice.

What do you mean? Of course I’m you, and you are me. We are one and the same.

There was motion in front of him, most of which he could barely process. The wind whipped around him, so cold he wasn’t sure where the glimmering of his aura ended and the glint of ice in the air began, moisture frozen in his proximity. The delinquents were being slammed into walls, into the ground, into each other, all unable to move in his vice-like grasp, pale and shaking as the chill threatened to freeze them solid. He briefly wondered at what temperature blood would freeze, if at all.

“Kageyama?!”

An island came into view, blue and green lapping at the shoreline, and there he stood, all alone. Thank goodness he was there to save him from drowning.

Except... Takenaka looked upset. Extremely upset.

In a panic, Ritsu’s aura retreated, the bodies of the delinquents dropping unceremoniously to the cracked pavement below. All at once his senses returned to him, and the reality of his actions became apparent as he took the moment to survey the damage he’d done.

The alleyway was littered in cracks and dents, spiderwebs in concrete, some pooled with blood. Trash cans were knocked over, their contents strewn nearly to the street beyond. The boys he’d attacked lie motionless at his feet, some completely unconscious, others immobilized by pain, possibly a few merely too afraid to move in fear he may lash out at them again.

And there, behind him, was Takenaka, a deeply haunted look in his eyes. “What- what the actual hell are you doing?! And- why?!” Takenaka screamed at him, voice cracking, full of a sadness so profound that it physically hurt Ritsu to hear it.

”They’re bullies. They hurt people. So... they deserve it,” he said, now acutely aware of how calm and controlled his voice was despite the situation.

Takenaka looked as though he’d been physically hit, reeling back in disbelief. “What- God, Kageyama, how could you do something like this? This is- how is this any different than being a bully? You’re hurting people that have no chance to defend themselves!”

”I-I just wanted to protect you!” Ritsu cried in his defense, tears brimming in his eyes, that impersonating voice in his head now taunting him, look at what you’ve done, you’re sick, you’re a terrible person, your only friend will hate you now.

“M-me? You did this for- no, no, this wasn’t me, this had nothing to do with me!” Takenaka pointed at him accusingly, “You’re just using me as an excuse to justify your own desire to hurt people!”

”My...” his voice caught in his throat, and the tears fell, washing him away. “That’s not true... I don’t want to hurt people. I... I want to stop people from hurting. People like you, and- and... my brother... my brother...”

He was being ripped apart, torn away from the safety of dry land, from his one solace in the torrent of his powers. His aura shook erratically around him, solidifying, liquefying, slicing his skin, his blood mixing with his tears and freezing.

“Ritsu...?”

His brother. He was there, standing alongside Takenaka and Hanazawa, confused and afraid, reaching out to him.

Reaching out to him as their mother pulled them apart. Reaching out to him as his face was pulled apart.

Ritsu couldn’t breathe, overwhelmed with an all-encompassing fear. He couldn’t stand so many eyes on him, seeing him for what he was, seeing his flaws laid out so hideously in front of them.

They all hate you now. They all fear you now. They’ll all leave you now. All alone, all alone, all alone.

Before he knew what he was doing, he had taken off into a full sprint, bolting past the beaten bodies in the alley, away from prying eyes, deeper into the briny depths. He could hear them shouting, many people shouting, calling his name, but it only scared him more.

He ran blindly down side streets and empty neighborhoods, unfamiliar territory. He kept running until his lungs were burning into his ribcage and his legs were red and raw, and could no longer support his weight. He collapsed onto his knees, heaving labored breaths, gasping and sobbing all at once.

He had no idea where he had ended up. A quick scan around him suggested he had somehow managed to run into some crumbling, derelict warehouse, not another soul in sight. It was cold and dark, misty gray light filtering in through holes in the metal roof above. Had he really made it all the way to the industrial sector of the city? He didn’t see how that was possible, considering it would have taken at least a fifteen minute drive from the school to reach the skeletal remains of abandoned factories that marked the beginning of the industrial zone.

Silently, Ritsu pushed himself up to his feet, only to shuffle over to a pile of rotted wooden crates, sitting himself on them and scooting back against the wall, bringing his knees up to his chest. He did his best to hide himself in the shadows, folding himself into the corner as best as he could manage. He felt unbelievably small, like a lost child, hiding from the monsters that lie in wait in the dark to ambush him, drag him away to some awful place where no one would ever find him.

No one would ever find him. He would be alone.

...He was so, so afraid of being alone. More than anything else in the world, that was what he feared the most.

He was afraid of being powerless to stop the ones he loved from leaving his life, being taken away by forces beyond his control. He was afraid of his brother being swallowed whole by his own powers, just like they had swallowed their parents.

He had loved his parents. He was mad at them, he could never forgive them, but God he missed them so much it hurt, he couldn’t look Shigeo in the eyes without seeing his father’s, he couldn’t look at his reflection in the mirror without seeing his mother’s face, haunting him, wanting to be found. He knew, deep down, he was the only one that saw what had happened to them, the only one that could lay their memory to rest, but that secret had been locked away long ago, out of his grasp. Trying to find it again resulted in terrible headaches, a splitting pain like lightning across his skull, a crack in the mirror.

He had been so excited to have powers of his own, three years ago. He was so relieved. He finally had the power to change his fate. But it was becoming increasingly obvious that he still had no control at all, and no amount of power could change that. No amount of ice could shield him from the dark when it was inside him all along.

He wept quietly, all alone, as icicles formed on metal beams above him, and darkness blotted out the sunlight.

”Kageyama? Kageyama?!”

”Shit, where the hell did he go? He just turned a corner and vanished!”

”What happened to you, Ritsu? Why did you run away?”

”I have no idea, kid. I can’t even sense his aura anymore.”

”Oh, shut up! This is all your fault, you ugly little fart! Kageyama, I told you this guy couldn’t be trusted!”

”Ugly little fart?! Watch your mouth, you damn brat!”

”Could you keep your voices down? I’m trying to do something here,” Takenaka said to the obnoxious blond kid, deep blue eyes instantly threatening to drill a hole straight through his forehead. “Calm down. I’m a telepath, so even if we can’t sense his aura anymore, I might be able to Hear him. That means you have to shut up.”

”Shut up?” the kid growled, but was stopped in his tracks by the shorter boy next to him who grabbed onto his sleeve.

”He’s right, Hanazawa. Let him try to help. Um...” he trailed off, turning to Takenaka. “I don’t know your name. I think I recognize you, though.”

“It’s Takenaka Momozou. I’m a second-year at Salt Mid, like you,” he greeted dryly, too emotionally drained for anything more. “You must be Kageyama’s brother.”

The duller, quieter boy nodded. “Ritsu is my little brother. I’m Kageyama Shigeo. And this,” he said, tilting his head toward the blond, “is Hanazawa-“

”Teruki! Hanazawa Teruki,” Hanazawa finished, a complete 180 from his aggressive demeanor just a minute prior, all toothy smiles and charisma. “How do you know little brother? I didn’t think he had any friends.”

Takenaka bristled at Hanazawa’s casual drag of his friend, moreso by the apparent lack of any reaction from the older brother. “That’s not important. We’re friends, that’s all you need to know. Now can you please stop talking so I can track him down?”

“Not important? That’s awfully suspicious,” Hanazawa grumbled, but otherwise complied, but not without making it very obvious just how displeased he was with him. Not that it mattered to Takenaka.

The only thing that mattered now was finding Ritsu, making sure he was okay, and maybe punching the dumb out of him if necessary.

Time to put his training to use and focus on Ritsu’s voice.

Chapter Text

“So? Any luck with little brother?”

Momozou scrunched his brows as he shook his head, already feeling a headache coming on. “Nope... I just can’t reach out far enough,” he said in frustration, rubbing his knuckles against tensed temples, wincing as small waves of pain radiated from the places he applied pressure. “I’d be able to focus in on him if I at least felt his aura, but he’s not near enough for me to pick up on anything. I don’t know how he put so much distance between us so fast...”

”Maybe I could scout around the city?” Dimple suggested. “I’m not stuck to the ground like you guys, and I know what Ritsu’s aura looks like.”

”Ha, are you kidding me? It could take days for a single evil spirit to search the entire city!” Teru brought a hand to his chin. “Our best bet is to figure out his general location using telepathy, and then split up to search the area.”

The shorter boy, Shigeo, appeared distressed, shuffling in place and glancing anxiously between the group. “What’s wrong?” Momozou asked, once again reminded of the fact that he can’t read the minds of espers with heir barriers up.

Shigeo flinched, then looked down, unsure of himself. “N-no, it’s nothing,” he mumbled, just barely above a whisper.

“What is it, Kageyama? Are you worried?” Hanazawa asked in a surprisingly soft tone of voice, the most pleasant he’d been since their meeting. “We’ll find little brother in no time, I’m sure. He’s probably off brooding somewhere - hell, he might just go home on his own!”

”I don’t know,” Shigeo said doubtfully. “I’ve never seen him like this before. I think something’s wrong, but I don’t know if there’s anything I can do about it,” he stopped, and then gasped, eyes blowing wide open with great alarm. “Hanazawa, what if- you don’t think he’s...”

Both Dimple and Hanazawa seemed to reach a realization at the same time, their expressions falling grim, the sudden weight in the air only furthering Momozou’s confusion. Then, Hanazawa whipped around to point at Dimple, aura fluttering at his fingertips, whips waiting to be unleashed. “Is that what you wanted? Were you trying to get little brother to Awaken- is that why you told him it was okay to use his powers to beat people up, you little shit?!” he screamed, positively furious, bursts of pink and orange exploding like fireworks, electricity causing his blond hair to stand on end.

Dimple shrunk back, frantic and panicked. “No, no, you’ve got the wrong idea! I didn’t know he was so close to- I just said he should get some stress outta his system!” he cried, shaking under Hanazawa’s ice-cold glare.

Shigeo’s expression also darkened somewhat. “Dimple...” he said lowly, approaching the quivering spirit. “Were you trying to use my brother for his powers? I thought you said you were done doing bad things.”

His eyes alone were enough to send a harsh chill down Momozou’s spine as he observed the conflict play out. He had no idea what they were talking about, but he was almost afraid to speak up in that moment. He certainly didn’t want their animosity directed at him.

If Dimple had been intimidated before, he was absolutely terrified when faced with Shigeo’s hostility. “Shi-Shigeo, buddy, you’ve gotta believe me! I... all right, so maybe I was trying to build him up, make him stronger- I admit it, I manipulated him! But I didn’t wanna push the kid to Awaken! Honest, I didn’t wanna do that to him! To you!”

Hanazawa growled through clenched teeth, reaching a charged palm out to the spirit, but Shigeo held him back. He seemed to be in deep thought, but his eyes never strayed from Dimple, keeping him pinned to the spot. “...I want to believe you can change. I don’t forgive you for trying to hurt my brother. But...” his gaze shifted to Hanazawa, who watched him in puzzlement, “you were honest. I don’t think you wanted this to happen, either. We can talk about this after we find Ritsu, but for now, I just want you to help us find him.”

Hanazawa began to protest, but Shigeo just shook his head, releasing Hanazawa’s sleeve and stepping back. Dimple somehow sighed in relief despite not having lungs. “R-right, yeah, I will.”

With the argument seemingly resolved, Momozou was finally given a chance to speak up. “Okay, what the hell are you guys talking about? I’m so confused...” he gestured both arms at Dimple. “This is... really an evil spirit? What do you mean he told Ritsu to beat people up? What the hell is Awakening?”

”Ugh, we’re wasting time just standing around here chit-chatting! The longer we wait, the harder it’s going to be to find little brother!” Hanazawa groaned, ignoring his questions. “Kageyama, why don’t we help Takenaka here with his telepathy? Do you think you could use some of our energy to expand the range of your powers?”

Momozou paused to consider the idea. “I guess it’s worth a shot... I don’t really know how I would do that, though.”

Hanazawa shrugged. “Hey, don’t ask me. Like you said, it’s worth a shot,” he said, then gently nudged Shigeo to get his attention. “Hey, what do you think? Could you do something like that?”

”I-I think so...” he looked at Momozou apprehensively. “I’m a little scared that I might hurt you, though... my powers can be dangerous.”

Momozou opened his mouth, mild fear finding root in his stomach at the implications of that statement. “I’m sure it’ll be fine...” he trailed off, unsure what else he could say. If there was a chance that they could find Ritsu quickly, he would try anything, but he had only learned the specifics of psychic powers through Ritsu’s experiences with his own. From their aura alone, he could tell that the espers before him were unique, different than Ritsu and likely with their own strengths and weaknesses. Though Hanazawa’s aura was more active and apparent, the fact that he could barely pick up anything from Shigeo was possibly even more concerning. Still, this was Ritsu’s older brother - he trusted that the boy only wanted to find his sibling, and didn’t mean any harm, should harm come to him or anyone else. “Okay, let’s do this, then.”

Hanazawa and Shigeo both nodded, and walked over to stand closer to him, forming a sort of triangle between the three of them. Dimple kept a safe distance from them, but to his credit did not take the opportunity to run away, merely watching them in tense silence. Momozou felt his heart rate pick up speed, the pressure on his shoulders mounting, no idea if their plan would even succeed. What if something awful had already happened to Ritsu? What if he was in trouble and needed their help? What if he had hopped a train out of the city already?

No, no, he wouldn’t go that far. He had to keep a level head, he had to stay calm. He had to believe Ritsu would be found safe and sound.

”Okay, are you ready?” Hanazawa asked, and Momozou nodded with a gulp. “All right. Kageyama, try to focus your energy on Takenaka. Just send your aura over to him.”

Shigeo took in a deep breath, slowly releasing it as he closed his eyes and concentrated on his powers. Hanazawa did the same, shoulders tense but hands relaxed at his sides. Momozou didn’t feel any difference at first, but without warning he was suddenly assaulted with two new, very loud voices, the inner thoughts of the espers near him that had lowered their barriers for him. “Stop, stop!” he cried, hands flying up to cover his ears, overwhelmed by the raw emotion he’d been saturated in.

Shigeo stopped immediately, on him in an instant. “A-are you okay? Did that hurt?” he asked, hovering around him but too afraid to actually touch him.

Momozou brushed him off with a crooked smile. “Uh, no, the problem is your thoughts. They’re... really loud. I know you’re worried about Ritsu, but for me to be able to find him, I need you to keep your mind blank.”

Shigeo’s mouth made a little “o” shape, and then his expression became completely stoic, like he had pressed some sort of reset button on his emotions. Momozou might have laughed if the situation weren’t so serious.

”Right. Let’s try that again,” Hanazawa said, then resumed his previous position, Shigeo following.

Momozou sighed, preparing himself for interference despite their best efforts. He could still hear faint buzzings of anxiety from Shigeo, but otherwise he was doing a good job of keeping his thoughts quiet, Hanazawa as well. With the reduction of noise, he was able to focus outside of himself, trying with all his might to expand, envisioning a dome spreading outward from him, pushing it further and further. As his range increased, so too did the voices, so many voices, more than he had ever heard at one time. He could handle it, he told himself over and over, keep pushing out, push aside those useless thoughts to find the ones that mattered, words painted violet and dripping in sorrow.

His heart was beating so fast that he could almost hear it above the voices themselves; or was that a heartbeat at all? He couldn’t tell anymore. He was struggling to remain grounded, his mind threatening to drift away from him. He could faintly feel his body swaying as he fought to stay standing as his senses were assaulted from the inside out.

Hanazawa, or he thought it was Hanazawa, grabbed onto his shoulder, holding him steady. He was saying something, maybe, but he couldn’t hear over the sea of noise he had been suspended above.

Then, somewhere in the waves, in the calm between foam green and sapphire blue, a dark, dim speckle of shimmering violet.

He dove in.

He felt odd, weightless, translucent, weaving through sound waves like tall grass, fields of wheat, towering oak trees and misty skies. He felt calm, he felt afraid, he felt sad, he felt angry, all at once and not at all, pushing blank faces aside, gray and featureless and unimportant to him. Only one color mattered. There was only one color he wanted to see.

He chased after it, that wispy purple flame, a light in the dark or a will-o-wisp leading him to the point of no return. He had to hope he would see a familiar face at the end of the road. The fields of grain would part, and there he would be. Ritsu, his only friend.

His only friend. His only friend. The only meaningful soul in the deep blue sea.

He was getting so close, he could feel it, feel the chill and the sharp, bitter wind whipping against his face. Trying to make him turn away. Ritsu was trying to isolate himself here, run away from the world, but Momozou wouldn’t have it.

(Perhaps that was selfish, to drag him back, kicking and screaming, all for the chance to see him smile again?)

He stepped out of the field, into a vast expanse of emptiness, a void where the misty sky and the charcoal black earth met at a never-ending horizon. There were shapes, fragments of reality, rusted metal walls and pieces of machinery, freely floating in the places they occupied in the real world. Ritsu was there, somewhere. He walked on, awed and disturbed by the surrealness of the environment. It was silent, so silent that he couldn’t hear himself breathe, but couldn’t find it in himself to panic. Occasionally the decrepit metal would shift, settle, creaking of metal grating on sensitive ears, paranoid and on high alert.

Round a corner, and there’s a building. A full building, run-down but intact, dark violet light streaming from within through holes in the rooftop. His emotions surged, hopeful and happy and so very relieved, as he raced toward the old warehouse and threw open the iron doors.

Inside, a gasp. He looked up, and there he was - Ritsu, purple, shimmering lilac, a look of surprise. “Takenaka-?” he whispered, and then everything was gone. He was being pulled away.

”Takenaka? Oi, telepathy guy! Wake up!”

Momozou gasped, eyes wide as saucers as he fell back into place, entire body jolting as if he’d been shocked. Almost instantly he was assaulted once more, but instead of sound, it was color. So much color, yellow and pink and green and blue swirling like a storm above him, nearly blocking off the rest of the world beyond. It was eerily beautiful, and he couldn’t help but stare at it, transfixed by the silently churning waves.

”Takenaka! Snap out of it!” Hanazawa shouted to him, shaking him by the shoulders for good measure. The movement made him painfully aware of the searing ache in his skull and he winced through clenched teeth, reaching up a shaky hand to feel his forehead, damp with sweat.

”I saw him...” he groaned, attempting to sit up from the place he had apparently collapsed. His head protested aggressively, and he had no choice but to lay back down, only to find the surface beneath his head was not cold and rough. A quick glance upwards revealed Shigeo’s worried face looking down on him; apparently Shigeo had let Momozou’s head rest on his lap. He was in too much pain to feel embarrassed. “What happened? Did I pass out or something?”

”I think it was more like astral projection,” Dimple chimed in, hovering next to Shigeo. “Anyways, you collapsed and weren’t respondin’ to us for a while. Scared us half to death! You better have some good news for us!”

”Right, I- I saw him. I...” he collected his disjointed thoughts, molding them together into something more solid. “I saw him! He was... it was like- empty. Well, not empty, just- not many voices there. His was the only one. And there were buildings, or parts of buildings- metal, like rusty metal? And machinery too. I saw the building, uh, he’s hiding in a building, like a... what do you call it. A warehouse? Yeah, that’s what it looked like. It was full of boxes and crates and stuff...” he trailed off, strength leaving him the longer he forced himself to speak. “Sorry, it’s hard to talk right now.”

Shigeo shook his head with a gentle smile. “No, it’s okay. That’s a new clue! You did really well,” he said, voice so soft and even that Momozou could feel himself relaxing already.

Hanazawa hummed, tilting his head slightly. “A warehouse, huh? Then my first guess would be the old industrial district,” he concluded with a small grin, proud of his little deduction. “That could have gone better, but it got the job done! With some practice, you could do this kind of thing all the time! Without all of the, you know... blood.”

A quick swipe beneath his nose confirmed that yes, the bottom half of his face was covered in blood, as well as his neck and the front of his jacket. At least he knew how to get blood stains out of clothing...

Bracing himself, he attempted to sit upright again. With Shigeo supporting his back, he was able to fight through the pounding in his head, which began to subside as he reached a comfortable seating position. “That’s kind of far, isn’t it? How long do you think it would take to get there?”

”From here, I’d say... about fifteen minutes by train? Though I’m not even sure if trains go out that way anymore,” he said, then lit up as he turned to Shigeo. “Kageyama! Could you use your telekinesis to get us there quickly?”

Shigeo shook his head. “Sorry... I don’t like to use telekinesis on myself. It makes me sick.”

”Ah. So... hm.”

”I’ll take the train with Shigeo. You two get going with blondie’s powers. We’ll meet you there,” Dimple said, firm and resolute.

Hanazawa looked conflicted about leaving his friend behind. “Are you sure you’re all right with that, Kageyama?”

Shigeo thought it over for a moment and nodded. “Just find my brother safely. That’s what’s most important.”

”Okay... then you two better get moving now.”

Shigeo looked Momozou over to make sure he was able to support himself. Momozou gave a weak smile and a wave, which seemed enough to reassure him. With Dimple at his side, he stood and ran out of the alleyway, back towards the main roads.

Hanazawa let out a long, drawn-out sigh. “Little brother’s gonna owe us for all this trouble,” he grumbled under his breath, standing and offering a hand to Momozou. “You’re able to stand now, yeah?”

”I think so...” he said, taking the offered assistance, grunting as he pushed his weight up off of the ground. Once he was on his feet, Hanazawa slowly let him go; he stumbled a bit, but righted himself easily enough, dark corners of his vision receding. “I’m good. So... how is this going to work, exactly?”

”I don’t know. Never done this with two people at a time before,” he said with a nonchalant smirk. “Just hang on to me and try not to let go. I’m not stopping if you get sick, so you’d better not barf on me or I’m dropping you.”

Momozou rolled his eyes, but complied, awkwardly gripping onto Teru’s arm. “When are you-“

He never got a chance to finish that sentence before they were off, moving so quickly that the shapes below blended into colorful blobs, there and gone before he could blink. He screwed his eyes shut and held tight to Hanazawa, silently praying that he wouldn’t fall.

Just before the motion was about to make him sick, everything came to a halt. “Okay, we’re here,” Hanazawa announced proudly.

Momozou cracked his eyes open a fraction to confirm that, yes, they had indeed arrived at the derelict industrial zone of Seasoning City. The sun was setting, deep shadows crawling across the unkempt grounds, a shade that reminded him of their purpose for being there.

”You can... let go of me now.”

”Oh, haha, right,” he immediately released the arm he’d been practically fused to, wiping sweaty palms on his pants as Hanazawa brushed himself off. Clearing his throat, he scanned the immediate area. “He’s probably further in. Maybe we should split up to cover more ground.”

”Sounds good to me,” Teru mumbled, eyeing him as he passive-aggressively smoothed out his now-sweaty sleeve. “I’ll take the right, you go left,” he said, and promptly walked off on his own without another word.

Momozou would have internally complained about Hanazawa’s behavior on any other day, but now wasn’t the time for that. He walked off to the left, as quickly as his legs could carry him with the dull ache still pounding away in his skull. He wanted to run, break into a sprint and call out to Ritsu, but he didn’t know if his body could take it, not to mention how Ritsu would react to being found. If he heard Momozou approaching, he might try to make a run for it again. As restless as he was, he had to approach the situation carefully.

Then, a flash of violet, off to his right. Traces of an aura, wispy like the mist of the sky had been, a trail for him to follow. He wondered if he had really grown since their training sessions; had he gotten better at seeing and feeling auras, or was it only Ritsu’s that he was attuned to? He supposed that it didn’t matter in the moment.

He rounded a corner - the same corner? - and there it was, that warehouse, just as it had been in Momozou’s mind. He couldn’t help himself; he picked up speed, heart skipping a few beats, anxious to find Ritsu and make sure that he was all right. He grabbed hold of the large iron doors and pulled them open, exposing the interior to the light.

”You... really did come here.”

The sound of Ritsu’s voice was so reassuring that he could cry, but instead he was running over to the hunched form of his friend, who was curled up in the corner of the room on top of several rotting wood crates. He didn’t say a word, just crawled up onto the boxes and pulled Ritsu into an embrace. He was cold, but at least that was normal for Ritsu, and he could feel his heart beating against his own chest, rhythmic and comforting beyond words. He felt tears pricking at the corners of his eyes, but he held them back. “Of course I did, you idiot! I was fucking worried about you! We all were!”

Ritsu didn’t reciprocate the hug, but leaned into him, resting against Momozou’s chest. Being so close for the first time, he realized just how fragile Ritsu felt, thin wrists hanging limply beside him, breath thin and soft against his neck. He pulled Ritsu away slightly to get a better look at him and gasped at what he saw.

”Ritsu- you’re covered in cuts! God, there’s blood all over your clothes- what the hell happened to you? I-“ he stopped himself from bringing up the fight. “How did you get hurt? You didn’t- do this to yourself, did you?”

Fortunately, Ritsu shook his head. “It was... my aura, I think. Ice, or glass maybe... knives...” he trailed off, and Momozou noticed how glazed over his eyes were. “I thought that I would drown if I didn’t move, so I ran away. I’m sorry...”

Ritsu was definitely acting strange, but Momozou couldn’t figure out what was causing it. Could it be the Awakening thing the others had been talking about? Damn it, he didn’t know what that meant! He might have to call Hanazawa over to help-

There was someone there with them. Someone he did not recognize.

He whirled around to face the intruder, wrapping his arms around Ritsu defensively. Ritsu poked his eyes over his shoulder to observe the stranger, but made no indication as to whether he knew them or not. He would assume not.

They stood at the entrance to the warehouse, merely a silhouette against the setting sun, and- ah, that was why he had failed to sense this person approaching, they were an esper. An esper of the color of sunsets, orange and pink and red, like a watercolor painting, blending together in a dark blue sky, and the sun at the center of it all, two balls of burning, bright teal.

”Who the hell are you?” Momozou spoke first, fully prepared to take Ritsu and run if they were looking for trouble.

The stranger observed them silently for a few seconds before stepping inside, closing the doors behind them with their powers. With the glaring light blocked off, he was able to make out more of the person’s features. They were short, probably around their age if not a bit younger, with pale skin and a head of bright orange hair. Their eyes, so bright they were practically glowing, drew attention to the freckles that bloomed along their cheekbones, their nose, their forehead - everywhere, really. By physical appearance alone, they weren't what Momozou would consider a threat, but...

That expression... he had never seen such an unreadable look before. They gave off an air of danger which made Momozou wary of their casual appearance.

”I said who the hell are you?” he asked again, louder and more commanding. They stopped walking forward, but their expression barely changed. He could feel those eyes boring holes directly into his soul. One of the few times his telepathy would actually be of use to him and he can’t even use it...

They looked from him to Ritsu, tilting their head. “Who am I? Gee, I dunno,” they said with a nonchalant shrug. “It doesn’t really matter. I’m here because you,” they said, pointing directly to Ritsu, “need to calm your shit down. You’re gonna Awaken soon if you don’t get a handle on your powers.”

Momozou felt his dread return in full force at the mention of that term again. “What- what do you mean? What is ‘Awakening’? And how do you know anything about him?”

They chuckled, crossing their arms behind their head casually. “Calm down, dude, I’m just trying to help you out. Haven’t you ever heard not to look a gift horse in the mouth?” they smirked, then almost instantly reverted to a deathly serious expression. “Just listen to what I have to say. Awakening - it’s something that happens to espers that lose control of their powers. They’re consumed by psychic energy, and their consciousness is lost, taken over by spirits and emotion. Their bodies go on a psychic rampage, destroying everything in sight until they burn out. What’s worse, any other psychics nearby could be Awakened just by looking at their face,” they said, pointing to their own face for emphasis. “I’ve been watching you for a while now, since I noticed some weird things happening with your aura. Just to make sure nothin’ bad happened. That’s why I’m here now - to make sure nothin’ happens.”

Momozou’s mouth was agape, horrified at the information he’d just received. Sure, they could have been messing with him, but Shigeo, Hanazawa, and Dimple had all been very concerned about Awakening and the possibility of it happening to Ritsu. At the moment, it looked like they were telling the truth, though Momozou didn’t have his own powers to rely on to confirm anything.

He squinted at them in suspicion, drawing Ritsu closer. “How do we know we can trust you? What do you get out of this?”

“Pfff- what, do I need a reason to warn someone that they’re about to die? Like I said, I’m just trying to avoid something terrible happening,” they said, laughing at him. “You’re an awfully suspicious guy, huh? Can’t say I blame ya, but in this case, it’s in your best interest to believe me.”

”I’m about to die?” Ritsu spoke quietly, voice slightly muffled in Momozou’s shoulder.

They appeared to understand what he’d said and nodded affirmatively. “Yep. That’s what happens when you Awaken - lose yourself, go on crazy rampage, die. There’s no comin’ back from that. So it’s pretty important that you maybe not let that happen, right?”

”Lose yourself...” Ritsu repeated to himself, staring off into the distance. He was still out of it, which wasn’t doing anything to ease Momozou’s worry.

He looked back to the stranger. “So what do we do?”

They looked up, humming as they rocked back on the heels of their feet. “Well, nobody knows what causes Awakening to happen, but there are theories. Since psychic powers can be closely linked to emotion, I’d say your best bet would be to... chill. Like, stop beating up kids in alleyways and maybe go to therapy or something. I don’t know, just talk to someone?”

Momozou blinked. “Wh... you don’t know? You came here to warn us about Awakening but you have no idea how to actually stop it?”

They grinned, teeth glinting in the light of their aura. “You got it! It’s a shitty situation, huh? Not even Claw could figure out how to stop it-“

New colors appeared in his peripheral vision, approaching quickly. He recognized the distinctive colors of Hanazawa’s and Shigeo’s auras, likely on their way to their location after picking up on Ritsu’s aura as he had.

”Welp, I guess I should get going. Don’t forget about what I said! You’ll regret it if you do.”

Momozou looked back to the stranger, only to find empty air where they had once stood. “Wh- wait! Where did they go?!” he scanned the room from top to bottom, but they were nowhere in sight. Either they were very fast, or they somehow had the power of teleportation, but one thing was for certain: they were no longer in the building.

He sighed, loosening his hold on Ritsu enough to let him breathe a little easier. “Your brother and that blond guy are coming. Are you... okay?”

Ritsu looked up at him, and his chest fluttered as their eyes met. There were such pure emotions visible in those deep eyes, and Momozou almost felt overwhelmed at the sight of Ritsu being so vulnerable in front of him. The fact that Ritsu trusted him enough to show him his inner feelings willingly... he was simultaneously touched and concerned.

Still, Ritsu nodded, and even gave him a small smile. “I’ll be okay,” he said. He sounded sure of himself. Tired, but sure.

The doors to the warehouse were flung open once more, and in entered Shigeo, Hanazawa, and Dimple, loyal as promised. Shigeo’s eyes lit up as they fell on his little brother, and he raced over to the corner of the room to join them. Momozou pulled away, giving Shigeo the space to hug his brother as well. “Ritsu! Are you okay? I was worried...” Shigeo said, pulling Ritsu close and petting his hair in a comforting motion.

This time, Ritsu hugged back, loosely draping his arms around his brother. “I’m sorry for running away like that. I didn’t mean to make you worry about me.”

”Yikes, you look like crap,” Hanazawa commented, sympathetic as ever.

Ritsu pulled away, looking himself over. “Ah, yeah, I got a few cuts here and there, but nothing deep. I’ll be okay.”

”Geez kid, your own aura cut you up like that? I’m-“ Dimple paused, then lowered his gaze to the floor. “Look, I’m real sorry about- you know, manipulatin’ you like that. Sure, maybe this would’ve happened anyway, but I definitely didn’t help anything. So, uh... I don’t know if I can make it up to ya, but I really am sorry.”

Ritsu considered Dimple for a moment. “I... uh, I forgive you? I wasn’t really upset with you in the first place, but thanks for apologizing?”

”Lucky you,” Hanazawa sneered at Dimple.

”Oh! Oh, Reigen-!” Shigeo suddenly recalled, digging in his pockets for something. He pulled out a basic flip phone, swiftly flipping it open. “Ah, I have a lot of missed calls... he doesn’t know what happened. Should we- tell him...?”

Momozou had heard of Reigen before from Ritsu’s tales of him, but he wasn’t quite sure what their relationship was like. Sometimes it seemed like Ritsu didn’t like his guardian, but other times his snide comments came off as light-hearted jokes more than anything malicious. Regardless, Ritsu didn’t seem the type to easily open up about those kind of experiences, even with the people close to him.

After several minutes of contemplation, Ritsu released a breath. “I think... we should. He deserves to know.”

Shigeo smiled and nodded eagerly, apparently pleased with that decision. Hopefully this Reigen person was an open-minded sort, or the brothers were going to have a long night ahead of them.

With the sun nearly set behind the fossils of industry, the group left the warehouse behind, preparing for the journey to their respective homes.

After bidding farewell to Hanazawa, Dimple mentioning something about finding something to eat, Momozou was left alone with the Kageyama brothers. He felt a little awkward walking beside them, Ritsu supported by his brother’s shoulder, unsure of what to say after everything that had happened. Maybe it was best not to say anything at all - he was sure they were all tired after the day’s events. There would be time to talk tomorrow.

As they reached the intersection at which Momozou would have to part ways with the brothers, Ritsu lightly pulled his sleeve.

”Um. You said before... we should have a sleepover sometime,” he began, looking up at him tentatively. “So I was wondering... I know it’s short notice, but... would you be able to- want to- spend the night? With us? Tonight?”

”What- really? But... I thought you wanted to talk to Reigen? I wouldn’t want to get in the way-“

”You wouldn’t! I just...” he looked to his brother, then back at him. “You’re... comforting.”

Ah. Of course. He needed a comforting presence right now. He could do that. He could be comforting. Probably. He’d try, at least.

”Sure, I guess. My place is nearby, could I just grab some clothes and stuff first?”

”Yeah. We’ll meet you there,” Ritsu said with a soft smile. Momozou had to turn away to hide the growing blush on his cheeks.

”There you are! Where have you two been? Why didn’t you answer any of my calls? I’ll have you know we had a very important client meeting-“

”Sorry, sorry,” Ritsu mumbled as he sat down on the couch, Shigeo sticking close to his side as he sat himself. “We didn’t mean to ignore your calls. Some... stuff happened.”

Reigen crossed his arms impatiently. “Stuff, huh? No, I know what you mean, that darn ‘stuff’, always getting in the way of life!” he said sarcastically. “Just please tell me you’re not off, like, doing drugs or someth- OH MY GOD you’re not doing drugs, are you? I thought I told you already, say no to drugs!”

”Reigen,” Shigeo said, unexpectedly firm. “Ritsu wants to tell you what happened. Please give him a chance to explain.”

Reigen fell quiet, caught off guard by Shigeo’s serious tone. “Well... all right,” he said warily, walking around the coffee table to take a seat at Ritsu’s other side. “I’m all ears. Tell me what’s been going on, kiddo.”

Ritsu took in a deep breathe, releasing in a shaky exhale. He looked over to Shigeo for encouragement, who rested a hand on his shoulder, a weight to hold him down. He turned to Reigen, who watched him inquisitively, patiently awaiting his explanation. Now was the time. If he wanted to feel better...

If he wanted to avoid Awakening... he had to be honest.

With a heavy heart, he began his story.

When Momozou arrived at Ritsu’s apartment, he was a little apprehensive to knock. Ritsu could be in the middle of an important conversation, and the last thing he wanted was to interrupt. However, he felt awkward milling around outside the door, afraid that other tenants might walk by and think he was up to something. Steeling himself, he decided to knock a few times, softly but loud enough to be heard. He took a step back and waited, looking up and down the corridor.

About a minute later, the door opened, and Shigeo greeted him with a small nod. “Hello, Takenaka. Ritsu and Reigen are talking right now, but you can come inside,” he said, stepping aside for him to enter.

He nodded silently, trying to avoid making too much noise as he stepped inside and slipped off his shoes. He looked to Shigeo for direction, but he didn’t seem to notice, walking past him further into the apartment. He had no choice but to follow and hope he didn’t mess everything up.

In the living room, an emotional sight greeted him. Ritsu was curled up against Reigen, who was holding him in a warm embrace, rocking side to side gently. He could tell from the way Ritsu’s shoulders shook that he was crying, though his face was buried in Reigen’s jacket. Reigen was rubbing circles on Ritsu’s back, slow and soothing. “You’re not a bad person,” he thought he heard the man say, “You’re not a bad person.”

“Takenaka?”

Shigeo appeared next to him, pulling him away, towards a hallway to the left. Sending one last glance to the duo on the couch, he followed the older brother down the hall and into a bedroom that he assumed belonged to Ritsu. “You can put your things in here,” he said, gesturing to the floor. “I’m sorry. This must be kind of weird...”

”No, it’s fine,” he said, sliding his backpack off of his shoulder and dropping it on the floor next to a small wooden desk. “Ritsu is my friend, and I want to support him. I’m glad he’s opening up about his feelings.”

”Yeah, me too,” Shigeo agreed. “Ritsu doesn’t like to talk about himself much. Actually, I’m surprised that he has such a close friend. He doesn’t usually spend time with people.”

”Heh, I’d expect as much. He’s kind of a grump,” he joked, but Shigeo didn’t laugh. He coughed. “Ah, anyway. Thanks for your hospitality. I’ll just, uh, unpack and... wait for them to be done.”

Shigeo only nodded again, turning to leave the room. Before he did, he looked over his shoulder. “Ritsu really likes you. I can tell. I’m glad he has a friend like you,” he said, and smiled, and left.

Momozou groaned, plopping down onto the carpet below, running his hands over his face.

Did he always blush that much? Or... was it only with Ritsu?

Well. That was a problem for another day.

Chapter Text

They hadn’t been sleeping so much as... quietly lying next to each other for several hours. Ritsu, it seemed, just wasn’t willing to fall asleep, for whatever reason. That was fine with Momozou, since it turned out he was far too anxious to fall asleep himself. He could practically feel the nightmares lapping at the edges of his consciousness, just waiting for the chance to drown out everything else and leave him stranded.

Not to mention the fact that Ritsu’s usual cool violet aura was practically nonexistent, and though he still knew precious little about the technicalities of psychic powers, he felt that was some kind of cause for concern. Maybe. It would be a little much to lay a hand on his chest just to feel his heart beating, right? Maybe he could get away with just holding his hand... ah, if only Ritsu weren’t so naturally cold, he could be comforted by the heat of his body alone.

He wasn’t exactly sure why he needed comforted. Everything was strangely quiet, such a stark contrast to his earlier escapade through the city. If he tried to wrap his head around what had happened to him as he’d tracked Ritsu down, his anxiety only worsened, everything became brighter, his vision grew blurry... it wasn’t a fun time. He’d revisit that little incident another time, maybe.

At some point, he’d realized Ritsu’s barrier wasn’t up, his thoughts were just mostly white noise. Again, a little concerning, but at least he wasn’t drowning in anxiety alongside Momozou.

Except... he was getting progressively uncomfortable lying stiff as a board in Ritsu’s bed without saying anything to the guy for like three hours. Also Ritsu kept it really cold in his room and he kind of wanted to ask for an extra blanket.

”H-hey, Ritsu... you still awake?” he asked softly, just barely above a whisper. He already knew the answer of course, but he didn’t want to force him into conversation if he wasn’t feeling up to it.

The space between them was still for another minute before Ritsu responded. “...So it’s Ritsu now?”

Momozou blinked slowly, trying to understand what the boy was getting at. It dawned on him that Ritsu had never actually given him permission to use his first name, he had just assumed... “Oh. Sorry. Do you... not like that?”

”That’s not what I mean. I was just surprised,” Ritsu said. “I don’t mind. Actually... could I call you Momozou?”

Hearing Ritsu say his first name made his heart flutter, a hint of heat rising to his cheeks. “S-sure! Yeah, that’s- cool,” he chuckled nervously, thankful that the darkness of night was hiding his blush.

Ritsu didn’t react at all. Even as Momozou was watching him, he made no indication that he was going to turn his way, or even so much as look at him. It seemed like he was just staring up at the ceiling, or perhaps somewhere beyond that. It was a vacancy that Momozou had never seen in Ritsu’s eyes before.

”Are you okay?” he asked sincerely, rolling onto his side to directly face Ritsu. “You’ve been awake this whole time. Not tired?”

”I... don’t know,” Ritsu said slowly. “I’m not sure what I feel right now. It’s strange, like... I’m not really here. Just- floating, somewhere. I don’t feel like... me,” to his surprise, Ritsu actually turned to face him as well. His eyes were unfocused, his skin pale - he definitely looked like he could use some sleep. “That guy... said that I could die. From- Awakening. Is that what this is? Is that why I feel this way?”

Ritsu was lost. Momozou could see it, could hear it in the broken tone of his voice, feel the water lapping at his heels. He was drifting away, lost at sea, color draining out and diluted in the water, gone. His eyes were steel gray, a cloudy sky, not a hint of sunlight to be found.

It hurt Momozou’s heart so terribly - he couldn’t let his friend disappear.

Before he could think about it, Momozou wrapped his arms around Ritsu and brought him just a bit closer, not wanting to smother him, just hold him there, keep him from sinking and further. His skin was cold to the touch, but he was relieved to find a trace of warmth beneath the surface, proof of life.

Ritsu didn’t even protest, letting himself be pulled in, closer to the shore. He tensed slightly under Momozou’s touch, but gradually began to relax into the embrace. Momozou wanted to hold him closer, to run his fingers through his dark hair, but the last thing he wanted was to overstep boundaries and make Ritsu uncomfortable.

”That’s not going to happen. That was just- he was just some random kid! You’ve never met him before, right?” he asked Ritsu, who shook his head. “So he doesn’t know you, either. Probably just some neighborhood kid playing a prank on us or something.”

”I don’t know... I think he was an esper, at least,” Ritsu mumbled, muffled in a pillow. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I don’t know why- I don’t really understand what I did wrong. They were bullies. Bad people. If I didn’t do something about them, who would? If I hadn’t stepped in that day we met, would those guys have just given up and left you alone?”

Momozou stiffened, expression grim. He could actually understand where Ritsu was coming from, but he knew such an outlook wasn’t healthy; he just didn’t know how to convey that to Ritsu without making him feel worse about himself. “It’s not that bullies don’t deserve to be punished for hurting people - believe me, I’m with you on that - but the fact is it... wasn’t a fair fight. People without psychic powers have no chance against someone that does. It wasn’t the fact that they were bullies, but the fact that you fought them knowing they couldn’t fight back.”

Ritsu pulled away from him, eyebrows pulled together in defensive anger, the most emotion he had expressed for hours. “But that’s exactly what they did! Assholes intentionally go after people that are weak, that have no friends, people they know can’t fight back! Those three guys went after you because they knew you wouldn’t risk getting in a fight. People walk all over my brother all the time because they know he’s too nice to say no. I’m sick of seeing it over and over, I’m sick of these kids getting away with it while their victims continue to suffer! If I can do something about it... how can I just sit back and choose not to?”

”I... I had no idea you felt this way,” Momozou muttered, staring deep into Ritsu’s swirling eyes. A turmoil of hatred and sorrow stared back at him, so obvious that he couldn’t imagine having overlooked it before. Ritsu had been hurting long before they had met, and Momozou had never even noticed... “I’m sorry, Ritsu. But... this isn’t about bullies anymore. This is about you. Did beating up those guys in that alley make you feel any better?”

Ritsu sucked in a sharp breath, indignant flush distilling into a splotchy pale complexion. What Momozou said had gotten through to him, and it was obvious from his pained expression that it hurt. “I saw what you looked like. Frankly, I almost didn’t recognize you.”

”W-what?”

”It’s hard to describe... you looked kind of fuzzy, like blurred around the edges. And your aura was all over the place and flashing with bright colors. The purple was almost black. It didn’t look like you. Didn’t feel like you, either.”

Ritsu sank down into the bed, completely devastated by Momozou’s description. “That sounds scary,” he whispered in a wavering voice, gripping the sheets so hard that his hands were trembling. His barrier was still down, but Momozou could hear no words, only feelings; a deep pit of despair, a hollow in his lungs, quicksand clinging to his legs, pulling him beneath the ocean’s surface, deeper and deeper.

Instinctively, Momozou closed the distance between them, holding Ritsu close against him, wrapping his arms securely around him, burying his face into the crook of his neck. “You’re not scary. I was scared for you! I didn’t know what was happening, or if I could even do anything to help, and- and I shouldn’t have said those things, I was just confused and upset, I- I just didn’t want to lose you.”

Momozou...? he heard whispered in Ritsu’s mind, felt the rapid beating of his heart, and Momozou’s own chest was so full of an emotion he’d never felt before, something he couldn’t put a name to in the moment other than a deep fondness, a longing to be closer, to hold Ritsu in his arms and never let go.

For a while, he was afraid he had further upset Ritsu, or even made him cry, but eventually Ritsu relaxed in his embrace with a long sigh. Tension bled out from him, the black sludge infecting his aura pulled back, just a bit more, and that beautiful amethyst sheen returned, sunlight reflecting off of calm waters. Momozou was so relieved he could have cried himself.

Except then Ritsu actually hugged him back; his arms rested gently on top of Momozou’s, and ever so slightly, he pulled him closer, keeping them together. His head rested snugly beneath Momozou’s chin.

”I’m sorry for making you worry about me,” Ritsu said softly, “I... I didn’t know you... cared for me so much.”

Momozou was sure that his entire face was beet red at that point. “Y-yeah, I mean- yeah, I... um. I do. C-care about you. A lot. So... don’t do stuff like that anymore, okay?”

Ritsu chuckled, and Momozou was on the verge of melting into a puddle right then and there. “Okay. I promise. Or I’ll try, at least,” he said. “And... and...” he trailed off, and before Momozou could ask what he was trying to say, Ritsu finished in his mind, I really like you. A lot.

Momozou’s eyes were blown wide open at the revelation; Ritsu said nothing more, silently anticipating his response. He was genuinely shocked to hear Ritsu say such a thing, telepathically or otherwise. He never could have imagined that Ritsu actually... felt the same way.

He actually teared up this time, though he staunchly refused to let even a single tear fall, in case Ritsu would notice he was crying. Well, I guess I’m in luck then, because I really like you, too. You big dork.

Ritsu pulled back just enough to look up at him, and Momozou’s breath hitched at the sight of his face, blushing and embarrassed and happy all at once. “Y-you’re the dork...” Ritsu grumbled half-heartedly. Momozou laughed, which only caused Ritsu to blush even more, once again hiding his face in Momozou’s shirt.

It was such a stark contrast to how Ritsu was behaving even an hour earlier that he couldn’t fully believe what was happening. Ritsu had seemed so depressed, almost hopeless, and he was sure those feelings wouldn’t leave him easily, but it was a start, at least. Now that he knew even a little more about what Ritsu was going through, maybe this time he could prevent what happened earlier from ever happening again. He was no therapist - he wasn’t sure Ritsu even wanted a therapist - but he would try his best to make Ritsu happy. No matter what challenges they faced together.

As he finally, mercifully, drifted off to sleep, Ritsu curled up securely in his arms, he had totally forgotten his earlier anxieties. He was able to sleep better that night than he had in years.

Ritsu was in a good mood that morning. It still didn’t mean he was feeling up to talking any more about his emotions. No, he’d had just about enough of emotions. He’d like to return those, if possible.

Except he was stuck in his room with four other people. Well, three if he didn’t count an evil spirit as a person.

Shigeo and Hanazawa seemed anxious to talk about something, but so far nobody had said a word, and it was starting to get on his nerves. “What is it? I’m not in the mood for this,” he said bluntly, crossing his arms and leaning back against the wall. “Either spit it out or leave.”

”Ritsu...” Shigeo faltered at the tone of his voice, but didn’t seem intent on leaving. He looked over at Hanazawa, who nodded firmly. “We just... want to make sure you’re okay.”

”I told you already, I’m fine,” he nearly whined, frustration bubbling in his chest. His patience was wearing dangerously thin.

”We can’t be sure of that, little brother,” Hanazawa jumped in, looking down on him like a stern parent, chastising his childish behavior. All that succeeded in was making him want to punch Hanazawa in his smug little face. “There’s something you need to know about psychic powers - something called Awakening.”

Both Ritsu and Momozou perked up at the phrase. “Awakening again? You guys mentioned that before. You and...” he trailed off, likely choosing not to mention the strange kid that confronted them in the warehouse. “So, what is it? Why is it dangerous?”

”It’s something that happens to espers that let their powers get out of hand,” Dimple explained grimly. “Nobody really knows why it happens, or how, but if it happens to you, it’s pretty much a death sentence. You completely lose yourself and go on a rampage. Scary shit.”

”We were afraid... that might happen,” Shigeo finished. “I-it didn’t though! So... you’re okay now!”

”I don’t know... how can we tell for sure that he’s safe? Damn, there’s got to be some kind of- research, studies, someone has to have looked into this further! I wonder if...” Hanazawa hummed, shaking his head. “Regardless, you’ve got to be careful from now on, got it? Use your powers responsibly!”

”You’re one to talk,” Ritsu grumbled under his breath.

”He’ll be fine,” Momozou said affirmatively, resting a hand on his shoulder. The corners of Ritsu’s lips twitched, too stubborn to smile but finding it very hard to resist.

”I... I wouldn’t let that happen again,” Shigeo said softly, lowering his head.

”What? Niisan, it’s not your fault,” Ritsu sighed, pushing himself off the wall to approach his brother. “I will be okay. Please try not to worry about me, okay? And don’t blame yourself anymore.”

”B-but...” Shigeo began to protest, but Ritsu wouldn’t hear it.

”Now go on and get out of my room, everyone,” he announced, motioning the group toward the door. Before Momozou could leave, he grabbed him by the sleeve, holding him back. “Except Momozou,” he said quietly, and Momozou grinned at him as the door closed, leaving them alone once more.

”Ooh, he wanted telepathy kid to stay in his room!” Hanazawa cooed, elbowing him lightly in the side. “Hey Kageyama, are they dating? Do you know?”

Shigeo blushed, strongly shaking his head. “No! I mean, I don’t know! I don’t think Ritsu is interested in dating. He always turns down girls’ confessions at school...”

”Uh, yeah, because he’s- nevermind- hey, you!” Hanazawa shouted at Dimple, who had been floating a safe distance away from them the whole time. “Don’t go anywhere, I need you for something. I’ve got an idea...”

”An idea? What is it, Hanazawa?”

”I was thinking... this definitely has to be a well-known phenomenon for people familiar with the paranormal,” he began, crossing the hall into Shigeo’s bedroom, leaning against his dresser as he thought up his plan. “There has to be some kind of research out there, something that could give us more information on what Awakening really is. If we could do a bit of digging, find some good places to investigate, we could find some useful clues, don’t you think?”

”Is that safe? Maybe you should just give up on this and keep your distance,” Dimple said doubtfully.

”If we don’t understand Awakening, we won’t know how to actually prevent it from happening again. Understanding is key.”

”Where would we even start?” Shigeo asked, overwhelmed with the prospect of trying to track down such secretive knowledge. “You guys are the only espers I know... I’ve never met anyone else that knew a whole lot about supernatural stuff.”

”Oh, you don’t have to worry about that!” Hanazawa declared, standing tall and smiling confidently. “I’ll be the one looking into possible leads. Dimple is going to help me-“ he turned an icy glare on the spirit, who flinched back, “by gathering intel from other spirits and tracking down any sources of energy he finds. You got that, Dimple?”

”Y-yeah, sure, whatever,” Dimple replied, flickering uneasily.

”O-okay... and what do we do if you find something?”

”We go and check it out, of course!”

Shigeo’s jaw dropped, disbelief flooding his system. “What? How would we do that? What if it’s too far away, we- we have school, and- wouldn’t that be trespassing?”

Hanazawa let out a loud sigh. “Kageyama, you really do worry too much. Just trust me, okay? Besides, it will probably be a while until we get our first lead. Just relax and let me handle things!”

Shigeo still didn’t know how to feel about Hanazawa’s proposal, but he sure sounded like he knew what he was doing. Either way, he’d feel better with Hanazawa taking the lead than trying to think of something on his own. “Okay... I’ll trust you.”

Hanazawa’s smile softened to something friendlier, and the sight made Shigeo feel more at ease. It was good to see how Hanazawa had changed since they had met; he truly did trust the boy had been working to improve himself, and if Hanazawa said he knew what to do, Shigeo would believe him.

All he had to do was wait.

He had another strange dream that night.

He saw his reflection, and it was normal. The face he was so used to seeing reflected back at him every day. His face was recognizable.

The scenery behind him, however, wasn’t.

Many images cycled before him, most of which were dark, dreary, likely abandoned. A forest, a school, a hospital, an old manor - unfamiliar places, places that made no sense to him. Why was he seeing these things? What did it mean?

He turned around, but saw only the bathroom. Turning back, he was not greeted with his own image anymore.

There was something else in his place. Something blurred along the edges, an error in existence, a faceless being. He had never been so terrified in his life; he couldn’t move, couldn’t so much as scream, silent tears pouring down his face.

When he woke up in the morning, it was still there. He could see it every time he closed his eyes. The image was burned into his eyes.