anakiddwrites

Of all days, why should it have been precisely today?

[Includes headcanon/theories about Mayoi's relation with Shinkai cult and how they deal with it.]




I wrote it as a birthday for my friend! <3
 

If only Mayoi hadn't checked the newspaper today. 

Of all days, why should it have been precisely today?

He could just have waited to see the ranking sales together with Aira later at lessons, but intense curiosity washed over him like the devil’s temptation and he happily grabbed a newspaper in the cafeteria’s entrance, heart racing in anticipation to see how good Vermillion had ranked in its debut week. They had worked so hard and their bond had strengthened, it had to be a blast, right?

However, in the first flip of pages he was confronted with something that made his heart drop, along with those hopeful idol dreams.

The newspaper slipped from his weak hands with an unnoticeable thump amidst the loud noises of the busy cafe. At that moment, no one could imagine the silent distress piercing the heart of Mayoi Ayase nor suspect his world had been violated by the impact of a devastating meteor. 

And he had no means or rights to ask for help even if he wanted to. 

Turning on his shoes and walking away in fast steps was his only way out, leaving behind those printed pages flapping on the floor like the devil running from the Bible. 

But he knew very well there was nothing sacred about the business man depicted on that unimportant short note about investors returning to Japan from Brazil for a conference regarding mineral water sources. Something so trivial and disconnected from their world that even Ibara Saegusa barely would pay attention to, probably. It was worth questioning why it was even reported in the first place.

Not if you were Mayoi Ayase, though. 

Mayoi Ayase knew very well the implications of that information released to the public and his body couldn’t stop shaking in fear. He found himself crawling among the bushes in a distant corner of Ensemble Square gardens, his mind tortured by static noise announcing renewed tragedies.

It was a matter of time. 

They’re coming back. 

They’re here. They’re coming for you. They’re coming for us .

“IIIIIIIIIRRRRRC?????”

A sudden splash of water on his face interrupted the spiral within and forced him to focus on the real world again, spilling a waterfall of apologies on instinct before anything.

“HhhhhhhHGGGGG!! I’m sssssorryyy,,,...., sorry, sooooorryy,,,,!!! I’mthewoooooorst sorrrrryyyyforbeingalive…! … I… I… Ah…?”

Covering his head in fear and prostrating on the floor among sobbing pleas, he flinched when a hand touched his hair, but instead of any punishment his shaken body was met with gentle headpats. 

Nostalgic headpats. 

“Good “child”, good “child”… ~ ♪”

And a nostalgic humming voice.

“It’s “ok” to be “alive”... “Mayoi”. ~ ♪ Breathe “in”… breathe “out”… you are “not” a “fish”.”

It was impossible to fight the soothing effects of that tune and soft touches untangling the wires of his troubled mind like it was the most natural thing for Kanata to do. In a few moments the frightening storm turned into a calm breeze, allowing Mayoi to breathe peacefully. 

Nothing less than expected from a God, after all.

“Shi… Shi… Shinkai…sama… ah…” Mayoi mumbled timidly, still staring at the ground and self-conscious about that appellation slipping from his lips. 

He avoided saying it in front of others to not risk any curious questions, but old habits die hard, especially regarding a relationship like the one they shared. Calling it “complicated” was an understatement, even more in the current state of their affairs.

“Hmmmm? Ah…  “Ma-yo-i”. ~ ♪ Ehe ~” Kanata’s smile brightened up as if nothing of that mattered, scooping Mayoi in his arms without warning despite the expected scared protests from him.

“HHHWAAAAAAH?!?!?!? SSSHINNNNNKAISAMMMAAAAAAAAA??”  

Mayoi wiggled like an anxious worm, crying and whining in disbelief at the sudden approach. Kanata’s figure was the complete opposite, humming carefree and bouncing slightly to the sides while bride-carrying the flustered kouhai.

“Be not “afraid”... let us “puka puka ~” together… “maaaaaaa~yoooooi”... ~ ♪”

In a few moments, Mayoi’s vision spun around and his body was embraced by the fountain’s cold water, clothes and shoes on. A second wave soaked his hair and face when Kanata joined him in the unusual bath. Breathing heavily and wiping some water from his wide eyes, Mayoi didn't even have time to scream and register what had happened, looking around to find Kanata’s unbothered expression smiling at him.

“It’s a “great” day to “puka puka”... ~ I’m “happy” you “joined” me… ~” 

Even if Mayoi didn’t exactly have a choice on that, Kanata’s expression was irresistibly adorable with his wet cheeks slightly blushing, shining as much as his bright pupils. Mayoi couldn’t help but look down, self-conscious again about sitting so close to the former God.

“.... I…. Im,,,,, nnnot w-worthy,,,,, Shi… Shi… S-Shinkaisama….,,,,,” Mayoi could only mumble timidly, his fragile heart pounding with heavy mixed feelings. 

Bathing together under the blue sky with no one else around was nostalgic for sure, but there were too many implications to feel totally at ease. Good times, bad times and everything in between would be harder to pick apart than harvesting pearls inside seashells, with the risk of crushing delicate and barely put-together treasures into dust. It was just natural they would silently agree on not touching such a path ever again, reflected on the silence shared in the calm waters.

At least, no outside forces would impose on them and control their choices in any way again... for now.

“... A “nostalgic” wave is “coming” back.”

Kanata broke the silence in a solemn tone, looking up to the clouds without a smile and bringing an instant shiver down Mayoi's spine. He should have known Kanata wasn’t ignorant about that , if anything he would know a thousand better than a lowlife like him.

Mayoi couldn't fight the growing feeling of suffocation due the change of atmosphere paired with overthinking and old fears resurfacing, but his spirit was spared from sinking thanks to a strong hand suddenly holding his own underwater. Kanata was smiling again, sliding closer enough for their shoulders to touch and gazing at Mayoi with all the kindness in the world.

He couldn’t look away from those alluring eyes, powering through any darkness trying to drag him down.

“... We aren’t “gods” or “sacrifices” anymore… but we can “support” each other as “humans”... isn’t that “wonderful”... “mayoi”... ~ ♪”

The soothing words came along with Mayoi realizing a familiar scent surrounding their soaked bodies. For once, only sweet memories of innocent hand holding, childish laughs and warm hugs blessed the moment.

“Let us just… “puka puka” for a “while”… and “enjoy” the “water” ~”

Mayoi nodded softly, allowing his head to rest against Kanata’s shoulders and closing eyes, immersed in the fluttering comfort of the water. For now, that was enough.