#also wearing a mask also helps keep the pollen away from your face holes | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

yatorihell · 3 years

Text

In The Darkness Chapter 74 - A Summer Wedding

Noragami x Harry Potter AU

Words: 2,384

Summary: The day of Kofuku and Daikoku’s wedding arrives.

Also available on Yatorihell AO3

The morning of the wedding broke bright and early with a crisp chill.

The Burrow was a bundle of activity. The marquee was slowly coming to life outside with tables and chairs, food and flowers, and guests and caterers. In the distance, the band was tuning their violins in off-pitch screeches that sounded like a banshee, mixed with the shouted instructions of the poor souls left in charge.

Yato sat in the kitchen – which was in no better state than when they had arrived a few days ago – eating breakfast. He was already dressed in the same suit he wore to the Yule Ball but had decided to eat before running around making final adjustments.

Kofuku and Daikoku were in separate rooms upstairs getting ready, barred from seeing each other. Kazuma had offered to help coordinate keeping them away from each other until the ceremony, whereas Hiyori and Bishamon were getting ready. Yukine kept barrelling past the kitchen window with armfuls of flowers, and Yato could see the pollen had already made its way onto his grey vest.

Yato shook his head and looked back at his cereal. He scooped up the biggest mouthful he could manage and brought the spoon to his mouth.

“Can you zip me up?”

Yato jumped at the sudden yet quiet voice from the kitchen doorway. Hiyori stood with her back facing him, the undone dress zipper exposing her back, partially obscured by her dark hair.

Yato froze with the spoon halfway in his mouth, staring at much more of Hiyori than he had ever seen. Silence defeated the room, save for the ticking of the clock which announced that it was half-past ten.

Hiyori turned her head to the side but not quite enough for her to see his stunned face. “Yato?”

Yato’s mind stuttered back to life. Quickly dropping his breakfast, he stood up, “Uh, s-sure…”

He crossed the room to Hiyori, stopping short with hesitation as he looked at the zipper and hair which would be caught in it if he didn't move it.

“Your hair…” Yato began, reaching out to gently brush it over her shoulders.

Hiyori beat him to it. Her slight shoulders raised as her fingers curled into tangles of mahogany hair, - orange-scented, Yato noticed – sweeping it away from his tentative outstretched hand which he snatched back as if touched by fire. He averted his gaze, embarrassment clear on his face which he was thankful that Hiyori didn't see. Somehow, she seemed completely unfazed by the situation.

Get a grip, Yato said to himself, it's just a zip.

Yato gently grasped the zip and gave it a tentative tug upwards to no avail. He felt his face go red as he pinched the dress’s fabric at the small of Hiyori’s back and gave the zipper another tug, finding it slide upwards more easily.

Yato slowly glided the zip upwards, watching the fabric hide the bareness of her back from view. Oddly he could feel the heat radiating from her despite the cool morning air, and without thinking, his fingers trailed against the curve of her shoulder blade. She flinched in surprise, the unexpected coolness of Yato’s fingers tracing – perhaps by accident, perhaps not – against her warm skin.

Turning around, Hiyori dropped her hair and looked questionably at Yato, who answered with a puzzled expression when he noticed her rosy cheeks.

“Are you ok? You feel very warm...” Yato’s concern overtook his actions as he suddenly touched Hiyori’s cheek.

“Are you done making eyes, or are you going to help?”

Yato and Hiyori jumped apart. Yukine stood at the open backdoor with a clutch of red roses in his fists, looking massively pissed off and hot as Yato shifted uncomfortably. He didn’t know how long Yukine had been standing there, but from his interruption, it could’ve only been a few seconds.

“Y-yeah, I’m coming,” Yato flustered. He wiped his sweaty palms down his vest and looked at Hiyori for a brief second. “See you at the wedding.”

Yukine huffed and stormed away in a flurry of petals, leaving Yato to follow in his wake. He looked back and saw Hiyori, arms folded, watching him from the doorway with a smile.

There was a quiet smattering of talk around Yato as he pulled at his tie, feeling the heat get to him after a morning of rushing around. But from how everything looked and Daikoku’s nervous face, it was worth it.

The marquee was adorned with ivy and bouquets of roses. The chairs had been covered with gauzy white fabric that rustled in the breeze that swept in from the open flap of the tent’s door. Yukine sat beside him, and Hiyori was only a seat away next to Bishamon and Kazuma who had snagged front row seats beside them.

Suddenly, the band had begun its slow, romantic tune. All eyes turned to the door.

Kofuku slowly walked down the red-carpeted aisle and there was a soft coo from the audience. She held a bouquet of red roses and baby’s breath in her hands, tied together with a ribbon that matched the one in her short updo. Her wedding dress was traditional and white, shot through with gold beading on the bodice that caught in the glimpses of sunlight that shone behind her. The veil fell around her shoulders and blended into the heavy train of her dress, but it did nothing to extinguish the brightness of her smile.

As she passed Yato could see Daigo following behind her, careful to avoid stepping on the back of the dress, as he carried a red pillow with two gold rings resting on top. If anyone had been paying attention to Daikoku during the entrance, they would’ve seen him wipe at his eyes.

There were a few sniffs as Kofuku and Daikoku read their vows to each other and placed rings on their fingers, but the room broke into whoops and cheers when Daikoku swooped Kofuku into a low dip and kissed her.

After the meal and the toasts and the tears, the reception was in full swing. The chairs had been rearranged around tables and pushed to the back of the marquee to make way for a grassy dancefloor that would be bare by morning. Lamps flickered around the canopy's support beams and tea lights decorated the clothed tables along with the single-stem rose centerpieces.

Familiar faces passed Yato by as he stood by at the side of the dancefloor, watching the party move on into the late evening as the sun set and replaced the summer sky with a blanket of stars. He couldn’t help but feel Professor Tenjin’s presence was a gaping hole in the party, remembering that he too had received an invitation. The remnants of his Order of the Phoenix were mixed in with unknown relatives from Daikoku’s and Kofuku’s families, making small talk with crystal glasses of champagne in their hands.

Yukine was at the buffet table, his plate laden high with sausage rolls mixed with spoonfuls of trifle. Bishamon and Kazuma were on the dancefloor, dancing to one of the classics the band had struck up a tune for. He noticed they had coordinated their outfits – a navy dress that swayed around Bishamon’s ankles, and a navy suit with a black tie for Kazuma.

Unexpectedly, Yato caught sight of two familiar figures crossing the dancefloor; Madame Kinuha, the headmistress of Beauxbatons, and High Master Okuninushi of Durmstrang.

Yato puzzled at why they would be here until he saw them approach the bride and groom. They greeted each other like old friends, and Okuninushi’s booming voice was haltered to a low rumble as they spoke. Yato would’ve edged closer, but the clearing dancefloor would make it too obvious to eavesdrop.

Okuninushi gripped Daikoku’s forearm, uttering a few words that Yato couldn’t read. Madame Kinuha kissed Kofuku on each cheek with a paused nod. Just as quickly they dissolved back into the crowd, hugging the edge of the dancefloor.

Yato dragged his eyes away and scanned the crowd. Now he could recognise a few students he didn’t know from Hogwarts. Nana, the dark-haired girl from Durmstrang who fought him in the Triwizard Tournament, and the boy she had saved from the Great Lake in the second challenge…

And Manabu.

Yato felt a conflict of emotions. Whilst he was doing nothing but exist, a stab of jealous still pierced Yato. He remembered how Manabu had asked him if Hiyori was single, then asked her to the Yule Ball – she rejected him, but still. He stroked his tie against his shirt and tucked it neatly into his vest, eyes seeking Hiyori out in the crowd instinctively.

Yato caught sight of Hiyori on the other side of the dance floor. Her eyes had gone soft watching Kofuku and Daikoku have their first dance, a contented smile playing on her lips as she watched the bride and groom encircled in each other’s arms.

He could now see the dress she was wearing, which had escaped his attention that morning as he had tried to stop himself from imploding at her request for help with her zip. She wore a sweetheart dress which was masked by a film of white mesh which made up her bodice, matched by small white heels. Small scarlet and snow-white flowers decorated her waist, as well as small glittery flowery marks printed on the red skirt of her dress. Her hair was now ornamented by a small braid tucked over her left ear whilst the rest remained loose around her shoulders. The only thing that didn’t match her ensemble was the black clutch bag he had seen in her suitcase.

Yato skirted the edge of the dancefloor, moving between partygoers who had a bit too much to drink until he came up behind Hiyori. He stood slightly behind her for a moment, watching the newlywed's couple twirl on the dancefloor full of smiles and laughter as Daigo tottered out to join them.

Smiling gently, Yato’s eyes flickered to Hiyori. The sight of her back made his heart hammer slightly, remembering the incident that morning in extreme detail. Flushed, he quickly pushed the memory from his mind and stepped to her side.

“Y-you look nice,” Yato said, scratching the back of his head nervously.

Hiyori turned her head, looking up directly into his eyes as if slightly caught off-guard. She gave him a relaxed smile, and the thumping of Yato’s heart grew quicker.

“Thanks,” Hiyori replied.

She took a step back for a moment, resting back on her heel with her hands clasped in front of her as she looked Yato up and down. Yato stood tensed, taken aback by the sudden interest.

“You don’t look so bad yourself,” Hiyori said playfully, a shy smile on her face as a fresh stain of red crept onto Yato’s cheeks.

"Wanna dance?"

The question was so casual that neither felt embarrassed when Hiyori accepted nor when they stepped to join the other couples who found their way to the dancefloor as the band played a love ballad.

Their hands found each other naturally, clasping each other's and resting on waists and shoulders. Yato set a steady rhythm similar to the pairs dancing around them, his gaze relaxed as he smiled at Hiyori who was stealing another glance at the bridal couple.

Daikoku and Kofuku were still encircled in each other's arms, Daigo having been led away for the couple to share the intimate moment. Daikoku had bowed his head lower to Kofuku's ear, smiling as he whispered something to her which made her look into his eyes in pure adoration.

Yato watched her face, and a smile pulled at his lips when she looked back and caught him staring at her. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Yukine watching them, but he paid him no attention.

Tonight, he wanted to dance and forget his worries.

A warning cry rose from outside, and in the time it took to blink, a ball of light struck through the marquee's canopy, stopping short a few feet above the dancefloor. Daikoku pulled Kofuku away in his arms, shielding her from the orb. The guests cleared the dancefloor and stared at the light. It spun slowly, iridescent and swirling like a contained cloud.

“The Ministry has fallen,” a voice rasped.

Yato felt Hiyori’s hand tense on his shoulder. Whispery ghosts of witches and wizards fleeing from an unknown source emanated from the orb before vanishing into thin trails of smoke.

“The Minister of Magic is dead. They are coming… They are coming…”

The voice faded out, familiar but not in a sense that would fill Yato with instant dread, but the orb pulsed with silvery light, its warning message heeded.

The wedding descended into chaos.

“They're coming!” A scream rose from the crowd.

All around them the wedding guests began to disapparate in plumes of smoke and throw themselves towards the door. The lamps that surrounded the canopy shattered their holdings and burst into flames that began to lick and take hold of the marquee.

Yato stumbled back with Hiyori, steering her so he stood between her and the growing fireballs around them. As they pushed their way across the dance floor, Yato saw Daikoku push Kofuku towards the door with the other guests, Daigo in her arms, and drew his wand.

Cloaked and masked figures appeared within the crowd and red and green sparks flew through the air, bursting against the flames, tables, and flowers. Then he saw Professor Tsuyu, Okuninushi, and Daikoku, their wands raised.

“Protego!” The cry echoed through half a dozen voices that threw themselves into the battle, the Order and witch alike fighting back at the invading Deatheaters.

“Yukine!” Hiyori shouted as she and Yato were buffered by terrified guests, seeking him out in the storming crowd. Yato gripped her hand to make sure they weren’t separated as a streak of light whizzed over their heads.

“YUKINE!”

And then Yukine was there, bolting over chairs with his wand arm held over his head. He caught hold of Hiyori’s hand, and Yato felt a pull against his body. Sight and sound were lost as darkness pressed in upon them. All they could feel was Hiyori’s hands as they apparated from the Burrow.

#noragami #Noragami spoilers #yatori #yato #hiyori #yukine #kazubisha #daifuku #daikoku #kofuku #kazuma #bishamon #in the darkness #hp #harry potter au

10 notes · View notes

sak-a · 7 years

Text

Pollen Warning (Akira Kurusu x Reader)

Word Count: ~7,400

An anon requested a hanahaki AU fic! Definition is under the cut for those who don’t know it. You can choose your own ending; there’s only three, but I hope you enjoy.

I also didn’t know what warnings to tag so please let me know!

Hanahaki Byou / Disease: A fictional illness that originates from a manga called “Hanahaki Otome”, alternatively known as “The Girl Who Spits Flowers” by Naoko Matsuda.

People who hold unrequited love have flowers suddenly grow inside their heart and lungs. The victim starts coughing / throwing up petals and over time, full blossoms and thorns. It’s noted to be painful and eventually suffocates and kills the victim, although the time it takes depends on the intensity of their feelings.

It may be cured if their love is requited, or the flowers are surgically removed. However, the surgery also takes their ability to have any feelings towards their crush.

* * *

Petals flew from your mouth like confetti as you coughed, almost as if to congratulate you. Instead of bright bits of paper fluttering down, however, you saw red streaks against delicate white fibers, the vibrant color all too eerily similar to blood under the dim bathroom lights. Had it not been in the middle of the night, you would have screamed. After all, how else were you supposed to react to that? What comes to your thoughts first isn’t what to do about your infected body nor how long you have left, but Akira’s gentle expression from this morning.

It wasn’t supposed to be any different from the norm; you hung out with him, having a good time and enjoying your day off from school. He invited you to Inokashira Park for a change of pace from the bustling streets. The weather was perfect, the bugs stayed away, and it felt like you two were the only people on Earth. No one was around to interrupt as you walked side by side without a care in the world, exchanging stories and laughing at his terrible jokes.

Nothing particularly special happened as far as you could remember. So why was it that when he looked over and smiled so warmly at you, that you forgot to breathe and thought, “I want to be with you forever”?

As if you were being punished by some cruel deity watching you struggle to come up with an answer, another round of petals shoot out, decorating the sink. As you try to clear your throat, you give in, unable to deny it any longer.

You like Akira.

No, “like” doesn’t even begin describe the weight of your emotions. It’s love. Pathetic, considering how hard you tried to protect your heart. A pitiful sound escapes you, a weak laughter as your whole body slumps and your hold your head in your hands. It’s like you haven’t learned anything from the people who hurt you. Friends and family coming and going, taking and taking, never looking back to see what they did to you. How many holes and bruises they left for you to quietly patch up, all by yourself. And now Akira’s about to take what’s left, your very life and remaining feelings, despite all your efforts to keep anyone else from becoming too dear to you.

Maybe you were bound to fall for him from the moment you met? Like fate or destiny, or whatever people liked to call it.

As hot tears start to pool in your hands, all you can think about now are Akira’s kind words, his gentle voice, the time you’ve spent together. On cue, more petals come along with stomach acid. It’d be one thing if you were actually vomiting, but the sickly sweet taste of the petals make you feel even worse. If you sleep now then maybe you can at least have some temporary peace of mind until sunrise.

When you woke up, you remember that medical masks were common this time of the year with how often people got sick, so it wouldn’t be odd if you started wearing one. What’s odd is how you never noticed how many people wore one as you rode your train to school: the old, the young, and most of all, your fellow peers. Some wearing the uniform from your school, others from another, all looking rather downcast.

How many also have the disease known as “love” growing inside them?

You bite your lower lip and turn your eyes to the ground as you arrive at Aoyama-Itchome and slowly walk towards Shujin Academy, intrusive thoughts starting to gather.

Surgery’s out of the question no matter how you look at it. Neither you or your family could ever hope to afford it, and it seems the price only rises every minute. So how about the alternative cure? Confession and reciprocation. Just thinking that would be possible makes your heart ache and pull at your chest, reminding you of your competition. Akira hung out with so many people, he’s bound to have his eye on someone already. No matter how you try to look at it, there’s nothing you have to even compare to them.

Even if you were the only other person on Earth, what would he ever like about you?

You’re not even a quarter of the way through your day or up the stairs as you feel that twisting sensation again, as if something was squeezing your heart to wring it of your life. If Akira didn’t love you back, then how much longer must you suffer until you finally die? What’s it going to feel like, regurgitating flowers and thorns until you can’t breathe anymore? What will you look like as they sprout from your mouth, covering your rib cage and insides like weeds, forcing their way up until finally--

Imagining the violent scene makes you dizzy on top of your growing anxiety, and you don’t even realize that you’re falling until your back hits something. By the time you snapped out of it, you’re suddenly looking up at the rumored criminal. His hands find their way to your shoulders and help you back on your feet as you involuntarily hold your breath.

“Are you alright?”

Although you just talked to him yesterday, your knees are knocking against each other and your fingers are trembling as you pull your school bag’s straps. Is it because you’ve become aware about how you feel towards him? Or because of how quick you are to notice the intensity of his stare, full of concern as he waits for your answer? Perhaps it’s due to how loud you can hear the blood rushing through your ears, not just from almost falling head-first down the stairs. Whatever the reason, you feel another coughing fit coming and hold your hand over your mouth, the mask trapping and hiding the petals.

“Did you catch a cold?” He tries to get a look at your face but you instinctively avoid him. “Hey, are you gonna be okay?” Swallowing down the repulsive taste that coated your mouth, you manage a stiff nod and reassure him, but he still seems skeptical. “You didn’t get sick from going out with me yesterday, did you?” ... It’d be a lie if you said no. It’s just allergies, you insist; a common, believable excuse. Akira’s furrowed brows relax somewhat as he leans back and adjusts his glasses.

“If you say so...” The boy shoves his hands into his pockets and walks you to your classroom. You never paid attention to how close he was before, and even though he’s not in your personal space you can feel that useless thing drumming away in your chest. What would it feel like to hold his hand? To have his arm around your shoulders, if you dared to take it further? To be closer by his side and bask in the warmth his body had to share? It’s not the first time you’ve wondered about it, albeit this time not as platonically.

Your body shakes without warning and you cough. Akira already has his hand on your back, keeping you from falling as your knees buckle. “You shouldn’t be at school.” He’s right, but what else can you do? Even if you stayed cooped up at home, you’re turning into a flower bed regardless of what you do. Upon your insistence, he sighs and pets your head. “Promise me you won’t push yourself at least?” With a reluctant nod, you wish he could have petted you for at least half an hour more as you watch him leave for his classroom, waving before the door slides closed behind him.

You’re unfortunately stuck taking big whiffs of the petals’ aromatic fragrance, the damn things starting to itch against your mouth. Maybe you have an allergy after all. The teacher drones on with the lesson as you rest your chin against your hand and try to take notes, but find yourself absentmindedly doodling little flowers along the edge of the page. It somehow didn’t fully sink in before that you’re going to die, and there’s a strange sense of comfort overpowering the dread one would expect to feel.

No one can hurt you again and you won’t have to feel the pain of Akira rejecting you. Now, people may argue that suffocating is far worse, but while physical pain eventually stops and wounds heal, there’s no telling how long it would take to recover from being told “I don’t love you”.

It’s scary to think about. You’ve been betrayed, lied to, and thrown away several before; compared to getting scratches and cuts (and sometimes hand sanitizer seeping into them), it didn’t come close to that feeling of something tearing through and ripping your soul apart. Akira broke through the walls you built around yourself, ever the patient and understanding man he was, and he’s one swing away from breaking your fragile glass heart into thousands of tiny pieces.

Yes, having your feelings crushed is worse. Your mouth presses into a thin line. It takes everything you have to keep yourself from crying as bile slowly floods your mouth, bringing along even more petals this time. You have to hold it together, you can’t break down in the middle of class. When you’re alone you can let it all out. Just suffer a little while longer and the day will be over soon.

Please, please, please, just don’t cry, you beg yourself.

When the lunch bell rings, the pressure in your head eases up as you make a beeline to the bathroom. After making sure no one was around, you clean and wash your mask and mouth out. While the smell of the bathroom isn’t any better it’s refreshing compared to the lingering, perfume-like scent that’s stained to you. As you fix your appearance and put your mask back on, your phone vibrates. When you check, the notification ribbon sliding across your screen indicates it’s from Akira.

How are you doing? Need me to grab you some medicine? Please don’t hesitate to let me know if you need anything.

A warm, fuzzy sensation spreads through you from your fingertips as a smile comes to your face. Yet again you insist you’re fine. Akira’s the type to go the extra mile for anyone despite what everyone thinks of him.

That’s right. Anyone. It doesn’t mean he’s giving you special treatment, you’re just a friend to him.

Your warmth quickly fades and you hold your hand over your chest, like that’s supposed to stop anything else from spewing out your mouth.

That’s good. Wanna meet up for lunch?

Even if you didn’t already have your fill of flowers, your appetite’s gone and it’s best that you don’t. With a heavy heart, you decline and press your forehead against the screen, closing your eyes as the cold surface relieves some of your headache.

When you’re back home and curled up in your bed, it’s only when your alarm goes off the next morning that you realize you hadn’t eaten anything yesterday. Some flowers are apparently edible so maybe they were ironically keeping you sustained. Then again you’re still puking them up so your stomach should be empty. As much as the smell of breakfast wafting into your room tempts you, it’d be difficult to explain to your family why you garnished your food with petals. You can’t worry them.

The ringing in your ears remain even as you shut off the alarm and roll over, limbs hanging off the edge. Why does your body feel so heavy and hot? You hear someone calling you to come eat but close your eyes as you slide onto the floor like sludge when you try to get up. Has the floor always been so nice to lay on?

One blink and you find yourself back in your sheets, staring at the ceiling. The bright blue light cast on your walls had turned orange. Did you pass out? You’re pretty sure you smelled eggs when you first woke up, not... whatever that was. Your bedroom door opens and you’re expecting it to be one of your family members as you force yourself to sit up.

“Oh, good, you’re awake.”

... Well he’s not a part of your family registry. Did you marry Akira in your sleep or something? The onslaught of ideas for your wedding flusters you and you would have gone back to bed if the sight of him wearing a frilly pink gingham apron wasn’t amazing in its own way and you had to keep both hands over your mouth to prevent more plant parts from flying everywhere. The fact that Akira’s wearing your parent’s apron doesn’t faze him. If anything, he walks in with confidence, and you take note that he’s wearing his uniform. He’s carrying a tray with a covered bowl. You’ve already got an idea of its contents.

“Would you like to see these interesting messages I received during class?” He puts it on a nearby surface and sits on the edge of your bed, pulling out his phone and holding it in front of your face. You can barely make out what you were trying to say from the mish-mash of texts until at the very bottom.

I;’mksicvk Hlepj

How embarrassing. “Whoa there, don’t pass out on me again.” You think his hand’s on your arm as heat rushes to your forehead and an annoying ache pulses through. “Color’s all gone from your face,” you hear him mumble to himself as he helps prop your back against a stack of pillows. “How are you doing?” Halfway through your automatic response you glanced up and met his eyes, his piercing greyish-brown eyes making you hold your tongue, and you can’t lie to him. He lets out a sigh and runs a hand through his hair. “Well, would you like some food now?”

Akira tilts his head, his messy locks framing the playful gleam in his eyes. “Or a bath?” He puts a finger to his lips and looks at you as if he’s sharing a secret. “Or... me?”

The mattress is already shaking from your laughter between coughs and he laughs along with you. Oh, if only you had the guts to tell him.

Oh, if only you had the guts to tell him.

Akira’s clearly suspicious when you stopped laughing immediately and doesn’t miss you visibly gulping. There was a larger clump of petals this time that nearly got stuck, and what felt like a leaf or two. His eyebrow raises but he chooses not to comment, instead taking the lid off the bowl he set down earlier. Steam gently rises from pure white porridge and your appetite’s back with a vengeance to the point where you had to grab your stomach to prevent it from collapsing on itself. “Your family was kind enough to lend me the kitchen and fridge. Eat up, okay?”

You practically shoveled it down in minutes, not caring how hot it was. Akira made it for you and god, you never knew he could cook ambrosia. Your spoon hits the bottom of the dish all too soon and it’s gone. Such is the fate of food. When you express your gratitude and compliments he stretches his arms and pushes his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “Really? That makes me quite happy, then. I didn’t think you’d enjoy it that much.”

And there it is again. That smile of his.

Judging by the shape, it feels like full buds are coming up this time. The soft fibers tickle the roof of your mouth and you nearly let one escape but thankfully your stubbornness and determination keep them out of Akira’s sight. However, there’s no way he can miss how many times you keep putting your hands over your mouth as if you’re about to hurl any second. “Are you alright? You ate way too fast.”

You’re fine. You’re fine. You have to be.

Akira’s lips purse and you feel guilt creeping up your spine as he he stares down the top of your head.

“Hey, is there anything you need to get off your chest?” His question catches you off guard. More like out of your chest, you think while his eyes probe you for answers. Of course, he notices the way you clasp your hands together nervously in your lap and how your gaze drops to nothing in particular, only to avoid his. In the corner of your vision you can see his desperation as he gently bites his lower lip like he’s the one in pain. Your heart throws itself against your rib cage. You want to quell the obvious stress embedded in his face. Throw your arms around him, pull his arms around you.

You want to tell him you love him.

“You have people who care about you,” he gently reminds, speaking softly. “We can’t help you if we don’t know what’s going on.”

But he can’t possibly feel the same way. He’s only going to hurt you. He’ll crush your affections with those gentle hands of his.

“I’m your friend, aren’t I? It’s alright to ask for help. You can talk to me if you need to.”

And he’ll kill you with them too.

“Are you even listening to me...?”

At some point, all you could hear was white noise and see static. Yesterday’s images and thoughts play like they’re on a film reel. How would your body look once those flowers freed themselves? Little blossoms reaching towards the sun as your flesh decays. How much is it going to hurt? How long will it be? Can it be worse than hearing Akira tell you how he really feels about you?

It can’t be. Just guessing what words he’d use make your chest twist tightly.

“Hey!”

You flinch; that’s the first time you’ve ever heard him raise his voice. “Sorry, I--”

A deep sigh. “It’s getting pretty late, so I’d better leave before my guardian gets mad. Sorry for prying so much.” He takes the bowl and tray, getting up from the bed and pushing the door open with his foot. He pauses in the doorway before looking over his shoulder. “Get well soon and rest up, alright?” He forces a smile that even you could tell is strained. “I’ll let your family know how you’re doing on my way out.”

You don’t get a chance to respond before the door quietly closes.

And you miss him already.

In an attempt to ignore your clingy, needy side, you heed his advice and wrap your blanket around yourself. You can hear him still, through the walls, followed by footsteps and a door swinging. After that, all you can do is squeeze your eyes shut until you fall asleep again.

This time, you wake up early. Not by choice of course, but you can’t help that your body’s built to rudely wake you up at the crack of dawn to keep you from choking to death in your sleep. Bolting to the bathroom, you’re hunched over the toilet and successfully cleared a total of two petals from your throat, but nothing more. Swallowing doesn’t help either. Luckily that’s where hands and stomach acid come in, as unpleasant as it is. It starts to hurt this time, though, and the tormenting shocks are enough to make anyone stop. Your fingers are getting sweaty and panic seizes your body but you have to do this.

And voilà, you’ve pulled three, four, five flowers with full stems out. This time, the petals actually have blood on them. It’s a few minutes after realizing that fact that you taste it too.

Why has your hanahaki already gotten this far after just two days? It’s supposed to take at least a week to get this bad! Would it regress if you stopped seeing Akira? No, that’s not even possible, he’d only persist if you started avoiding him. Wait, more importantly, hanahaki can’t turn back at all. So that means it’ll only get worse even faster? In your haste to clean up your mess, your anxieties only multiply until your head pounds with frustration.

You can’t go on like this. Maybe surgery would be better after all?

But would it be worth trading all your feelings away for it to stop?

Trading away Akira?

Even though you keep telling yourself there’s no way it’s mutual, that it won’t happen, that it could never happen, you still don’t find the idea of having the love blossoming inside you forcibly removed. In a way, your suffering is proof that despite being torn into so many times by others, Akira’s the one person who hasn’t betrayed you.

You really don’t want that taken from you.

There’s not really any other options for you, you contemplate as you make your way to the train station. You knew that from the start, didn’t you? It’s just so comical, how much unnecessary agony you’ve gone through to put off the inevitable. Or is it hilarious because it’s only been two days and you can’t even tolerate that much? So much for all that bravado about outlasting physical pain.

Pathetic.

It may just be you, but you smell more flowers in the air on the train, packed with more students than usual. As you stand by the doors watching the city zip by, you know you have to make a decision eventually. Whether you stay at home or go to school, Akira will come to you. If only hanahaki didn’t exist, then you could be happy about him fussing over you. Even then, it’d only because he was worried. He’s such a kind person, after all.

And there he is by the school gate. His friends flock to him and a disgusting sort of longing touches you like a drop of water and ripples out. Even if he’s got a criminal record, he attracts so many to him. If only you could join them and be near him, but would he even notice you among the others? The bespectacled boy meets your eyes when you walk by and waves. You’re thankful your mask hides your crooked smile as you wave back and continue into the building, head down.

The day is drawn out far too long for your liking. Has it always felt like that? Even as you space out, your eyes are drawn to the little flowers outside the window.

You’ll be joining them soon.

When the last bell finally rings, you receive a text from Akira almost instantly.

Hey, stranger. Would you be able to meet me at the courtyard today? I’d like to talk.

That saves you the trouble of finding him later. It’s not like you were going to do anything else today, anyway.

I’ll be waiting.

Your grip tightens around your phone. Your feet refuse to move no matter how many times you scream at them in your head. The fear of impending rejection bites your ankles, keeping you rooted. But it’s not like time, the world, or the hanahaki will wait for you to get your shit together. You force yourself to march down there.

The courtyard is weirdly absent of the usual traffic of students today, although there are still a few lingering around. It’s not hard to find Akira standing under a tree, taking shelter from the harsh sunlight. When you take a step out from the covered walkways, you can practically feel those damn flowers poking at you from the inside. They can’t wait to bask in its light with you. The thought only hinders you for a few seconds before you lift your head and meet him. Might as well make your choice today while the weather’s nice, regardless of the pollen in the air.

“Hi, there,” he greets nonchalantly, but his eyes give him away. Akira’s holding himself back from starting an interrogation. You can’t blame him, you’d be just as distressed if a friend was acting the way you were. You say hello back and hold a hand over your chest, hoping that you don’t cough while you ask him what he wanted to talk about.

He plays with his bangs as he searches for his words. “Could you... take your mask off?” Your entire body stiffens. He takes his hands out of his pockets and reaches out to your school bag. “Flower petals sure do get everywhere, don’t they?” He holds up a dried white petal, slightly yellowed from time, but all its veins still visible and its red streaks all the more striking under the light. “You... have hanahaki, don’t you?”

You gulp.

“At first I thought it was some kind of perfume, but...” He lets the breeze take the expired bit of plant away and watches it twirl in the wind before returning his attention to you. “Take your mask off, would you? It’ll be easier if you start coughing up more.” At first you think he’s taking it rather calmly until you see his hands curl up into fists. Is he that frustrated?

You fulfill his request, seeing as how you don’t need to hide it anymore. He comfortably slips his hands back into his pockets and shifts his weight to one leg. “Who did you fall in love with?”

Why does he have to be so to the point and blunt about everything? You’re about to ask if you really have to answer that, but stop. You told yourself you’d decide today. He did you a favor of bringing it up, so it’s time to stop running in circles. If you’re about to spiral into nothing but despair, you may as well floor it and arrive at your destination faster.

Get it over with, already.

After letting a few moments of silence pass to steady your breathing, you open your mouth and...

>> Confess. >> Confess, but... >> Don’t do it.

#Persona 5 #P5 #Akira Kurusu #akira kurusu x reader #akira x reader #P5 MC #P5MC #Pego #Chair Kun #Joker #fanfic #fanfiction #request #hanahaki au #This one is my longest and probably my worst oops #Mainly because it's basically my autobiography RIP #Sorry for the wait @ anon who requested! I had a hard time with this one ;;#Fam I'll be honest here I rushed near the end because I was running out of gas and I just wanted to be done aaaaaaa

320 notes · View notes

topyaps · 5 years

Link

During my daily commute, I see so many people donning a mask to keep the evil called pollution away. The surprising thing is that most of them use such masks which are available for Rs 10 or Rs 20. Are they bad? Maybe not bad but they are absolutely worthless against the rising pollution. They are mere pieces of clothes without any resistance to pollutants. From dust to harmful gases, we are exposed to a range of pollutants that causes several health issues. If you are really serious about keeping yourself and your loved ones safe, then we have crafted a list of best anti pollution masks in India for you.

1. Dettol Siti Shield Carbon Activated Air-Pollution Mask

Dettol is a well-known name in every household. Certainly, that evokes some confidence when it’s about selecting the best anti pollution masks in India. As for this product, it has 5-layer filtration for protection again PM 2.5 particles. It also offers 99% filtration for bacteria. The additional activated carbon acts as a shield for your lungs and protects it from certain airborne contaminants. One of the issues with the anti-pollution masks is that it puts some constraint on breathing. However, this mask boasts of having smart valves that help in comfortable breathing. This innovatively designed product is perfect for children too. Available in a pack of 5, the disposable masks can give you continuous protection for up to 8 hours.

₹ 495

Buy Now

2. Bodyguard Reusable Anti-Pollution Face Mask with Activated Carbon

Let’s start by deciphering the layers of this mask. There are 6 layers used in this product to stop the ever-increasing pollution from affecting your health. The first layer is made of cotton fabric that stops heavy dust particles. The second layer protects you from VOL, hazardous gases, and smog as it has activated carbon. The third and fourth layers are specially designed to stops the pollutant particles. As for the fifth layer, it gets rid of the unwanted moisture and also provides fresh air. The sixth one is the innermost layer and made of high-quality cotton which makes it soft and ensures comfort.

The specialty of this mask lies in the fact that it has breather valves attached. Made with plastic and silicon rubber, it helps in easy breathing. Alongside the valve, this product is also washable. Just with hot water and careful cleaning, it can be used again. With up to 99% efficiency, this mask claims to be useful for both adults and children.

₹ 475

Buy Now

3. Jonty Neoprene PM 2.5 N95 Anti Pollution Activated Carbon Dust Face Mask with Breathing Valve

Except for the blissful places close to nature, most cities and towns in India are plagued by pollution. In some places like Delhi and Mumbai, the issue is so grave that it hampers the health of the citizens. Hence, the search for the best anti pollution masks in India is always on. Naturally, I am also one who is in search for the products providing maximum protection. So, does this product fit the bill? Let’s check out.

This mask claims to shield you from a wide range of pollutants. Some of them are dirt, pollen, allergens, particulates, and fumes. It also protects you from dust allergies, industrial emissions, and PM 2.5. The adjustable Velcro strap ensures that it can be used without worrying about size. Other than the carbon filter for clean breathing, it also has ventilation holes for easy wearing. The mask is washable and the filters replaceable. Does it fit your requirements?

₹ 549

Buy Now

4. Meded Breathe Pure Breathe Healthy Anti Pollution Face Mask

High-quality fabric spread across 4-layers is a specialty of this mask besides having a replaceable N90 filter. Why is the filter important? It provides effective protection against the urban air pollution that creates numerous health issues ranging from minor to severe. It offers a comfortable fit as it comes with an adjustable nose bridge bar. The ear loop keeps it wrapped tightly around your face. The mask comes with two filters and the rest can be purchased separately. On an average, one filter is good to use for about 3 months.

₹ 396

Buy Now

5. Prana Air 3 Fan Speed 6 Hours Battery 6 Layer Air Purification Motion Mask

With a very sleek design, this purification mask is more apt for people who are staying in heavily polluted areas like Delhi. It has a 6-layer filtration process that’s quite impressive and removes almost 100% pollutants from the air you are inhaling. The strap is made of such material that is skin-friendly. Alongside, the built-in fan helps in easy and comfortable breathing. Not only for the daily commute, but it can also be used while running or working out.

Taking a look at the layers, the first one has a green filter that effectively stops the big particles. Then there are 2 layers of activated carbons to protect you from harmful gases. Then there is a white filter that is used for stopping particles larger than 0.10 microns. The two final layers are of HEPA that stops all PM 2.5 and PM1 particles.

The features list for this product continues a bit longer as it also has rechargeable batteries for the fan fitted in the mask. The battery can run almost up to 6 hours before it needs a recharge. And, if you are worried about the sound it would make then don’t be! The motor operating the fan is ultra-quiet. This lightweight item certainly comes with a steep price tag. However, it also promises pristine purified air with the use of proper technologies and sleek design.

₹ 3490

Buy Now

6. Nosk Invisible, Washable & Reusable Pollution Mask

Wearing mask is almost inevitable due to the rising level of the pollution. However, there are times when we just don’t want to cover half of our face. If you have a similar feeling, this product type might prove to be your preferred choice. How? Well, it is almost invisible to detect. The special invisible designing is all about inserting filters inside your nose and fastening it with help of clips. It gives you the freedom to talk, work, eat and walk freely without the constraint of covering your face.

The three micro filters help in blocking the harmful particles like PM10, PM2.5 & PM1. It also offers protection against smoke, allergy, bacteria, virus, and dust. Each pack is capable of blocking the pollutants for about 100 hours. This item is, however, designed for teenagers and adults. Backed by international certifications from FDA (USA), Kitech (Korea), and CE (Europe), this product suits the need of those who want protection from pollution without covering their face.

₹ 399

Buy Now

7. 3M 3M-6200 Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator

In my search for the best anti pollution masks in India, I came across this product that looks almost like a gear used in sci-fi movies. Jokes apart, this mask works along with organic vapor gas cartridge to provide you with protection from pollutants. However, you have to buy the cartridges separately as they are not included in the pack. Made of lightweight elastomeric material you can wear it for long hours without being uncomfortable. Attached with a head harness, the mask stays in place without causing any trouble. With lower breathing resistance it offers protection against gases, vapors, and particulates. It is reusable but the filters need to be changed occasionally. Is it a good buy? That’s for you to decide.

₹ 1021

Buy Now

8. Jonty Green Print Neoprene PM 2.5 N95 Anti Pollution Activated Carbon Dust Face Mask with Breathing Valve

This mask has 5 layers and each blocks certain pollutants so you can inhale air that is almost free from pollution. With special emphasis on ventilation process, it offers very less breathing resistance. It is washable and also the valves are replaceable. It gives you about 98% protection against dust, chemicals, smoke, and particles. Adjustable in size, this mask is lightweight and comfortable to wear. Not only for daily use but it can be used during a bike ride.

₹ 649

Buy Now

9. Banale Powerful Portable Carbon Filter Anti-Polution Mask

What kind of protection does this mask provide? The activated carbon filter is capable of resisting pm 2.5, pm 10, dust, pollen, and bacteria efficiently. Easy fit and comfortable to wear, this mask also has a very pleasing design. With multiple color options, it also takes care of the requirement of those who are fashion conscious. It has replaceable filters and each works for about 2 months. Be it for daily use or riding, this mask can prove to be a good companion.

₹ 2500

Buy Now

10. Nanoclean Global Nasofilters

This specially designed anti-pollution mask is capable of filtering out about 95% of the pollutants. It perfectly and effortlessly fits without causing any kind of discomfort. Besides dust and pollens, it is also effective in filtering out the bacteria from the air you are inhaling. Safe to use, you can wear it up to 12 hours continuously. Nearly invisible from a distance, it doesn’t offer any kind of breathing resistance. There are multiple sizes available for easy use. Applied or fitted directly to the outer part of the nose, this item is not reusable. However, being disposable adds on to the aspect of proper hygiene.

₹ 110

Buy Now

These were the best anti pollution masks in India that make an honest approach towards providing total protection from pollution. Each is equipped with various features and works differently. So, which one are you picking?

The post 10 Best Anti Pollution Masks In India That Can Offer Complete Protection appeared first on TopYaps.

via TopYaps

#IFTTT #TopYaps

0 notes