Red eyes looked in the mirror once again before looking back down at the bag in his hands. He flipped through it to make sure it was the correct one, trying to avoid looking at the full length mirror on the other side of the room. He slid the book in the bag, grabbing a folder from his place on the floor and doing the same to it. He could see his reflection out of his peripheral vision, mocking him, sneering at him, telling him how weak he was at everything he did. He could hear the disappointment from his father, the sadness from his mother for not being there for him. He could hear laughter from his peers and the worst he could hear was the teasing from his team.
Plugging his ears, he pulled himself into a ball and looked at the mirror. The reflection was looking at him with knowing eyes. It knew his weakness, knew his past, present and even his future. Looking into his own red eyes, he could hear his worst fears bubbling into the surface. Things he had tried to bury down so that he looked stronger to those around him. He refused to let anyone in, and he tried to convince himself that it was for their own good that they stay away, but he knew he was just trying to protect himself.
"Maybe you should kill yourself."
The voice rang deep in Akashi's head, and it caused him to jump and look back at his reflection. Cold eyes met his own wide ones. He dropped the bag in his hand and walked over to the mirror.
"Who are you?"
His clone laughed slightly and gave him a coy grin. "I'm the stronger version of you."
"What are you talking about?"
"Seijuro! I will not tolerate tardiness! " A deeper voice called from downstairs, the voice sounding faint through his door. Akashi turned to look and make sure the wooden barrier still existed before turning back and looking at his reflection, jumping as the previous man was replaced with his own scared self. He looked himself over for a moment before grabbing his bag, slipping the forgotten folder inside and making his way to his door. He looked behind him one last time, swearing he saw himself wave from the mirror as he stepped out.
Quick tapping steps came through the house as Akashi made his way down to where his father was sitting at the table. He set his bag down in the hallway, not in the mood to get scolded by the older man. He walked in and took his seat across from his father, his own food already sitting on the table. His stomach growled, warning him that the food wouldn't settle right, but he took a bite anyways, glancing up at his father who was watching him expectantly.
"How is your morning, Father?"
"Seijuro, I saw your school report on the table…"
His father paused and Akashi held his breath at what was next to come. He was the top of the class, what more could his father want. He knew better than to expect a praise, but something inside of him wondered if that's what he was going to get.
"Don't be stupid"
The voice in his head mocked him as he waited for his father to speak again.
"An Heir to the Akashi name will not only be able to keep those scores, but will be able to lead. Do not lose your practice match, even if it is just a game. I don't want your actions to ruin this family."
Akashi bit his lip carefully and finished his food, dismissing himself and standing up, turning to grab his bag from the hallway.
"Do not be worried, Father. I will not tarnish the family name." He assured as he started towards the car outside. He looked at the driver and nodded, walking past the car and making his way towards the school, the man getting in the car and following him, as per the request of his young master.
"We are absolute."
"Quiet. Not another word from you." The redhead muttered as Teiko middle school came into view. With a deep breath, he built up his wall and made himself ready for another exhausting day.
A/N:
Hey guys, this is a requested fic from Loggrapes. I hope it meets your expectations.
This is kind of an into chapter just to give everyone a feel. It'll get longer with each chapter I go. I'm planning on this to be a couple of chapters long, but my updating schedule is all messed up right now. I hope you enjoy and keep your eyes peeled for another update.
Also, I've been posting stories on AO3, so if you want to look on my profile, I've got my username on there. Come check me out!
Reviews are loved 3
Thanks
~Crys