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Ever since that night, Takao and Midorima felt even closer than they already had. They would spend more time after practice together, although Takao can’t play, they would stay at each other’s houses for hours doing homework (and maybe some other things ), they would go to the movies or the mall, anything to spend some time together (Who would’ve known Midorima was the romantic type). They were inseparable. With each passing day, they would show little signs of affection. Whether it be sitting closer together at lunch, letting their hands brush the other’s oftenly, or just taking a moment to stare into each other’s eyes for another 5 seconds. These little signs were so painfully noticeable and half the team already suspected their relationship. And they were completely okay with that, hell they’ve been betting on how long the two would get together.
In addition to those sweet, happy moments, there were sad ones as well. Takao’s condition is getting worse and the doctor’s are suspecting that Takao is losing time, and quick. Midorima was the first to know and after the news, he was absolutely furious. Anything could’ve set off his temper.
“Takao, you idiot.”
“You know this isn’t my fault!”
“If you’d been more damn careful this wouldn’t have happened!”
Shouting and tension surrounded them and both were equally regretting those fights. Of course they were nothing more than just verbal arguments, Midorima could never lay an abusing hand upon his Takao. But he was heartbroken, knowing his Takao was in so much pain and struggling to survive.
“I’m sorry Shin-chan. I shouldn’t have yelled.”
Those words tore at Midorima. Every single time after they had an arguement Takao was the one to apologize first. His eyes would soften and he would quietly move over to Midorima and clutch his hand; letting them stay like that and hug him. Then he would pepper kisses all over the green-haired boy’s hands with so much affection — it hurt. Afterwards, Takao would just whisper apologizes over and over again as if he would never speak again.
It broke Midorima’s very soul.
“It shouldn’t be like this,” Midorima would think with such anger and sadness, “he’s the one dying and he’s the one feeling the most regret.”
Takao never minded having to do this. He was never one to hold grudges long, most of the time he made sure those thoughts were pushed out of his mind. He hated that feeling, and towards Midorima, he couldn’t stand it. Over the years, Midorima has proved to be an irritated, walking carrot; and that’s what Takao loved about him. For so long, Midorima was like a guardian. A lighthouse on a dark, stormy night.
He was Takao’s safe, happy haven.
Hell, there were even times that Midorima could’ve been a bitch about something and Takao would feel warm knowing that Midorima could be a giant tsundere, but it just proves how much he cares. At least that’s how Takao interprets it, most people just think that Midorima is a whiny bitch. (It’s the thought that counts.)
Today, it was going to end. The arguing, the anger, the tension, the sadness; they’ll just cuddle for a bit and just mush about how much they love each other. (Midorima will try his best)
“You know that I’m immortal, right?” Takao chuckled, resting his head on the sharp shooter’s shoulder.
Midorima frowned, “That’s not possible. You’re thinking is illogical.”
Takao smiled.
“Wanna know why?” He whispered, just audible for Midorima to hear, “because when I die, I’m going to become a pretty, pretty princess who lives in a castle surrounded by beautiful things.” He would’ve done a little twirl and curtsy if it weren’t for his cursed paralysis.
“That’s… Really stupid.”
“Let a girl dream Shin-chan.”
“Oh my god.”
“Love you too.”
Midorima placed a comforting hand on Takao’s face, and lightly hit his head, “You shouldn’t be talking about death. It’s bad luck.”
“I just seem to be walking bad luck huh?” He pointed to his immobile legs and sighed.
“I think you’re good luck…” The green-haired boy replied with a completely straight face (hahah I’m hilarious, nothing about his face was straight). Takao smiled and hugged Midorima, “Thanks.”
“Remember when you were talking about reincarnation?” Midorima asked.
“Yeah, why?”
“Um, I think I have an actual reply to that. I think it’s stupid.”
Takao stared in disbelief and made a face at Midorima, “You’re just not willing to believe it because you think I might love reincarnation more than you. Don’t worry Shin-chan, I love you more~”
Midorima smiled and slapped Takao’s arm, “No Bakao, it’s because it’s silly. A human soul is very strong and powerful, so how could it fit into something like another animal… Or plant.” Midorima finished the sentence with a sigh, remembering their conversation about Midorima being a carrot and all.
“Well, maybe the animal or plant is so special that it can hold a thousand human souls in it!” Takao lifted his arms and stretched them apart to prove his point; of course, he was smiling broadly. When he put his arms back at his sides he burst out laughing at what he just said. “I sound like a 4 year old huh?”
“You would be… A very cute 4 year old then…” The green-haired boy flushed at his comment and hugged Takao.
“W-what is this? You’re being so kind today Shin-chan…” Tears sprung into his eyes when the thought of his days left to live were slipping away. His life, right now, is an hourglass. His lifespan is the sand. The sand trickles down the funnel at an achingly slow speed making the wait even more excruciating. In this circumstance, it seems as if the sand keeps speeding up.
1 month.
30 days.
720 hours.
Just 720 hours left to spend with his sweet, beloved Midorima. It wasn’t enough. It won’t ever be enough.
“Something is wrong.” Midorima tugged at Takao’s arm forcing him to face the taller boy.
“Nothing’s wrong,” Takao countered scrunching up his eyebrows. Midorima’s heart fluttered a little at the younger boy’s forming pout. His heart did a lot of that lately. For a long time actually. Ever since he and Takao formed their trusting bond through basketball.
“I can tell, you seem troubled,” There was a pause of silence and Midorima continued, “it’s about you dying, isn’t it?”
More silence.
Takao let out a light laugh. “Ding, ding, ding. You’re correct! Want a prize or something?”
“You can’t do anything about it Takao. Don’t carry this burden upon yourself.”
“You don’t understand… I have to. If I don’t I’ll forget and then I’ll have even less time…” Takao looked up sadly into Midorima’s eyes. Midorima never noticed the amount of pain Takao was going through behind that happy smile, and sweet, encouraging words.
“I do understand.” He couldn’t imagine what Takao was going through, but he can guess. “You’re not the only one hurting. I love you Takao, no matter how much of an idiot you can be sometimes.”
“Wow comforting,” Takao muttered.
Midorima placed Takao’s smaller hand in his. They fit together like a puzzle. “Let me finish. Someday, I’m going to come up to you and ask you a very important question. Do you know what that question is?”
“No.”
Midorima was so embarassed already, but Takao was interested. So, there was no turning back now. This was his chance to show Takao how much he loved him.
“I’ll go down on one knee, somewhere nice like a park, and ask you ‘Takao Kazunari, will you marry me?'” He slipped into that position, with Takao’s hand still in his. They stared at each other, Takao smiling and hiccuping from sobbing. Midorima was a blushing mess and he fixed his glasses when he stood up again.
“Of course that won’t happen for another 10 years or so.”
“You know I don’t have that much time-” Takao interjected, but Midorima cut him off with his lips.
“I won’t let that happen,” Midorima whispered against Takao’s lips. They kissed before, but just little, tiny, sweet kisses. Nothing as passionate as this one. You can say it was their first kiss, but it really wasn’t. Kind of confusing.
They lingered there for a moment and Takao pulled away. “Wow, Shin-chan is so romantic. I need to tweet this.” He took out his phone and kissed Midorima again, then taking a picture of them. “Guess. Who’s. Getting. Laid. Winky. Face.” Takao said out each word as he typed and Midorima slapped the raven-haired boy’s arm.
“Shut up. I didn’t even finish. And after we’re married and all those expensive things, we’ll live in a nice apartment and grow up. I’ll be an amazing Doctor and you? You’ll be something equally as amazing. Then we’ll grow old together living in our apartment, sighing at each other’s graying hair. Or whatever it is old couples do. That’s when we’ll decide to pass on. Together, and ascend into heaven as Angels or reincarnate.” Midorima took a deep breath and finished his last sentence to end his little speech.
“So, let’s make a promise. You, try harder to fight that damn disease and I’ll promise to not die before I’m old and covered in wrinkles. Then we can reincarnate to whatever you want to be. But I swear to god, if you say a dancing-carrot-with-glasses I’ll make sure you have the worst luck.”
Takao was speechless. His eyes were still wet and puffy from crying before and more tears dripped out of his eyes at Midorima’s sweet speech.
“Crap, I’m going to have to find some immortal fruit then, won’t I?” He chuckled, blinking to extinguish the small tears at the corner of his eyes. Takao leaned closer to Midorima remembering that night when they lay in bed together staring at each other. Now he had a new reason to, a new reason to look into those endless pools of green. He then slowly closed the gap and muttered two words that made Midorima smile against Takao’s slightly chapped lips. A genuine smile that both haven’t seen in a while.
“I promise.”
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I love how the chapters are slowly getting longer and longer.
Sorry this took a really long time ti finish. I wanted to write so many things and had to actually stop myself from making the chapter over 2000 words again ahah. Hope you like this extremely sappy chapter!
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