Hey all! Happy Friday! It seems to be graduation season in my home country so to those of you who have graduated congratulations! And a late/early congratulations to all others who maybe aren't this month! Anyways! Here is chapter 25. I hope you enjoy it! Also, please read my notes at the end! I have a favor to ask of my readers!
I'd like to think my beta reader heichousheadphones (). I know they post really nice fanart so if you have some free time give it a lookies.
Without further ado, chapter 26!
The Garden
Tadashi's head spun when he awoke the next day. His body felt heavy, as if every one of his limbs had large weights tied to them making it difficult for him to move. He found the act of being awake to be a struggle in itself and he was oddly aware of his own pounding heart beat. He drifted in and out of this odd state for what felt like hours before he found the will to try and move.
As Tadashi came to he found himself to be tangled and buried under a mess of blankets and sheets. He lethargically struggled to pushed the sheets away, taking several minutes to free himself. Once freed from the bedding, Tadashi mustered up all the energy he had to sit up. The act took the poor man several tries before he was able to semi-prop himself into a sitting position using the headboard as support. His head spun as he looked around the room. The air was warm, slightly humid and from the way the sun shone through the window he expected it to already be past noon.
Just as that thought past his mind, his stomach growled loudly as if to confirm it. Tadashi rested a gentle hand upon his belly as he became aware of how dry his throat was. He was none too surprised to find a glass of water on the table beside the bed. Feeling slightly more awake, Tadashi awkwardly wiggled his way over to the side of the bed. His arms and hands shook uncontrollably as he reached for the glass. Droplets of water spilled into his lap and on the bed as he struggled to bring the cup to his lips. He took a long gulp from the glass and finishing off the water in seconds.
His body practically screamed with joy as the water settled in his stomach. It brought with it a bit more awareness as Tadashi's mind began to clear. He recalled how Atsumu had nearly killed him with the kiss on the lips from last night. A shiver ran down Tadashi's spine as his fingers ghosted across his lips. If Atsumu tried something like that again today, Tadashi didn't know if he'd be able to live through it. Something told Tadashi he had been dangerously close to losing his soul last night.
As if on cue the door burst open to reveal a very pleased Atsumu. The demon fox proudly sauntered into his room followed by his less enthusiastic brother. Tadashi merely glanced at the two choosing not to react. He was far too tired to deal with Atsumu so soon after waking up.
"Good morning my sweet little treat," Atsumu purred as he placed a plate of eggs, bacon and toast into Tadashi's lap. "Eat up!"
Tadashi's stomach both churned and sung with joy apon sight of the food. It was an odd feeling that Tadashi did not like. Without glancing up at the fox, Tadashi picked up a strip of bacon and nibbled away.
"See, Osamu, I told you it's still alive," Atsumu laughed as he pointed a thumb at Tadashi. Tadashi didn't bother to look up from his plate of food.
"I'm pretty sure you almost killed it last night," Osamu sighed as he studied the slow moving Tadashi. "If you are going to suck that much life energy out of it, then also eat its soul along with it. It was expensive."
"I can do whatever I want with my human," Atsumu sassed as he gave Tadashi's hair a ruffle. Tadashi silently carried on eating.
Osamu studied Tadashi once more. Tadashi's stiffened slightly as he tried to ignore the demon. "It looks horrible, Atsumu," Osamu grumbled as Tadashi finished up the last of his breakfast. "You have been feeding and watering it regularly every day, haven't you?"
"Of course I have! I feed it three times a day and it had access to water all day long," Atsumu replied, his tone short as he looked to his brother. "I even make sure to wash it regularly."
"And you take it out for fresh air and exercise?" Osamu hummed as he shot his brother a small smirk.
Atsumu faltered for a moment, annoyed that his brother got the upper hand. "Well, that's what we are going to do today," Atsumu said clearing this throat. "I didn't want to overwhelm the human his first few days here," he added as he patted Tadashi on the back a bit too hard.
"Right, just make sure you're careful not to kill it," Osamu said with a small smile. "Humans really are fragile you know."
Tadashi felt his stomach do another odd flip. He hated it when the two talked about him like this. They knew Tadashi could speak and understand every word they said. A part of Tadashi grew with frustration every time they spoke about him so blatantly but he equally knew there was very little he could do to stand up to the demons. They'd just toss him around or suck his energy until he passed out. Tadashi was too exhausted to deal with that today.
"Now, Osamu, if you'll excuse us, but my human and I have to get ready for our walk," Atsumu mockingly huffed as he pushed his brother out the door. Dread welled up in Tadashi's stomach at the idea of Atsumu taking him on a walk.
"Whatever you say, brother," Osamu sighed as he strode out of the room with little fuss.
Tadashi felt a shiver run through his body as Atsumu turned to look at him. The fox demon has a smirk that unsettled Tadashi. His bushy tail swayed as he strode over to the bed as if he were closing in one his pray. Tadashi unconsciously scooted towards the far end of the bed. He hated it when Atsumu look at him like that.
"Are you ready for a walk?" Atsumu purred as he sat upon the bed. His sharp eyes studied Tadashi's every move.
Tadashi wanted nothing more then to tell the demon to leave him alone. That he didn't want to go on a walk but he found himself far too scared and tried to deal with the consequences if he were to say that. Tadashi nodded his head as Atsumu shifted impatiently.
"What was that, my Snack? I couldn't hear you," Atsumu growled with a smirk, is pointed ears twitching ever to slightly.
"I-I'm ready to go w-whenever," Tadashi quietly replied. He knew better then to not answer the demon.
"Good boy," Atsumu hummed as he gently stroked Tadashi's head. Tadashi couldn't help but flinch but he dare not pull away.
Tadashi struggled to follow after Atsumu as the demon lead him down the halls of the castle. His body was still recovering from last night and he had not really had much of a chance to walk since being a merman so he stumbled every few steps as Atsumu dragged him down the hall. A small jeweled collar decorated Tadashi's neck and from it hung a chain leash that Atsumu used to lead Tadashi down the hall.
"Don't fall behind, my Treat," Atsumu sang as he gave Tadashi's leash a swift tug.
Tadashi stumbled trying to keep up with Atsumu's swift pace. His vision blurred for a moment as he came up beside the demon. With each step his surroundings blurred out of sight as he fought the looming need to pass out. His mind was so clouded that he didn't take notice when Atsumu stopped walked. The leash stopped short pulling Tadashi back into Atsumu. If the demon had not been behind him, Tadashi would have fallen to the floor.
"Good afternoon, Aran," Atsumu purred a happy greeting.
Tadashi blinked as his vision cleared. He shifted uncomfortably as he found the dark skinned fox demon from the party standing in front of them. Tadashi hadn't seen any other demon beside Atsumu, Osamu and a few worker demons since the party. He could not recall if this particular demon had been scary or not.
"Hello, Atsumu," Aran greeting calmly. His dark eyes studied Tadashi in concern. "I see the human is still… alive?" he stated in an almost question.
"Why, yes it is," Atsumu grinned as he felt compelled to hold Tadashi close. "We are going on a walk so that we can get some fresh air."
"A walk?" Aran hummed as if he could not believe what he was seeing. He studied Atsumu and Tadashi for a long moment. His eyes carried concern as he observed Tadashi fighting the need to pass out. "It doesn't look so good, Atsumu."
"It just had a rough night last night. It's fine," Atsumu cooly replied as he tightened his hold on Tadashi. Tadashi could not help but look to Aran as if to argue with Atsumu's statement.
With a small frown Aran studied Tadashi with sympathy. "Hasn't your mother ever told you it's rude to play with your food?" he commented after a moments silence.
"What are you trying to say?" Atsumu pouted in reply.
"It's rude to your pray to play with it like this," Aran said in a much more serious tone. "If you're going to eat it then do so. Keeping it alive like this is just torture."
Tadashi felt another shiver run down his spine. He didn't want to die but he also didn't want this to be the rest of his life. He hated being forced to live in these conditions. Being fed off of every day and waking up feeling tired and sick. Part of him did agree with Aran. If Atsumu ultimately planned on eating his soul he wished the demon would just get it over with.
"Well now," Atsumu hummed with a mocking grin. "When did you become so human friendly, Aran."
"I'm just saying that what you are going to this human is unfair," Aran grumbled as he frowned in disapproval.
"What does it matter to you how I treat my possessions," Atsumu shrugged.
"If all you are going to do is-" Aran began sternly.
"It's body and soul belong to me, Aran," Atsumu cut in before the other could finish. "It's mine to do with as I see fit," he carried on, his tone full or warning. "I don't need to hear this from you!"
Aran calmly studied the two in silence. His eyes lingered on Tadashi a moment longer before he shook his head in disapproval. "Whatever you say," he said with a sigh.
"We'll be on our way than," Atsumu hummed as he pushed past Aran, dragging Tadashi behind. Tadashi stumbled to keep up but could not help but looked to Aran as if to beg the demon for his help. To Tadashi's dismay Aran did not look back.
Atsumu lead Tadashi out into a rather beautiful garden. There were several ponds filled with large orange fish Tadashi had never seen before. Beautiful bushes with large fire-red and bright orange roses decorated the path ways. Hug sunflowers grew up above the bushed and large red maple trees reached high into the sky. The bright summer sun shone down on them.
Tadashi had forgotten how wonderful it felt to be outside. The fresh afternoon summer breeze that blew past them help wake him up. A warmth he had not felt since arriving at this place hugged him as he slowly followed behind Atsumu.
"It's beautiful isn't it, this garden," Atsumu hummed as they passed by a small pond with a waterfall.
"I've never been to a place like this before," Tadashi replied without realizing he had done so.
"No gardens where you came from?" Atsumu chuckled as he picked a large beautiful rose and placed it into Tadashi's hair.
"We have gardens but none with these sort of plants," Tadashi said thoughtfully.
"I've yet to venture to any villages on the other side of the mountain," Atsumu sighed as he adjusted the rose to sit better in Tadashi's hair. "Once I go I'll be sure to say hello to all your friends and family," he chuckled, enjoying the discomfort Tadashi showed.
"It's quite a boring place," Tadashi lied in hope to detract the demon from going after his loved ones.
"Is that so?" Atsumu hummed. "Than why do I always catch you looking out over those mountains?" he questioned, almost chuckling as Tadashi frowned.
"I don't know what you talking about," Tadashi quietly replied, not daring to look Atsumu in the eye.
Atsumu could not hold back a chuckle as he led Tadashi to a small bench shaded by a large maple tree. He pushed the man to sit before taking a seat himself. He wrapped a strong arm around Tadashi's waist, pulling him in close. He placed his nose upon Tadashi's neck, sniffing it deeply. Tadashi shivered as he failed to hold back a small whimper.
"I hope this walk is helping you feel better," Atsumu whispered as he guided Tadashi by the chin to look up at him. Atsumu's eyes looked hungry only causing Tadashi to shiver once more.
"It's nice out," Tadashi whimpered in a shaky voice, too sacred not to answer the demon when being addressed.
"I'm happy to hear that, my sweet snack," Atsumu replied with a smile. "I'd very much like to have a meal similar to last night's," he smirked as his eyes shot to Tadashi's lips.
Tadashi's voice failed him as he shook under the intense gaze. He didn't think the demon would feed of off him so soon. Tadashi feared he would not be able to handle another feeding like last night's. Tadashi gasped as Atsumu leaned in closer to his lips.
"I wonder if you taste any different after getting some fresh air," Atsumu whispered, his lips hovering over Tadashi's.
Tadashi gasped as he shut his eyes, waiting for the inevitable kiss. Despising the feel of his energy rushing out of his body. Fearing that he may not wake up this time around.
A breathy chuckle left Atsumu's mouth as he pulled back from Tadashi. He gently caressed Tadashi's freckled cheek as his chuckle grew. He tilted Tadashi's chin yet again so that the human would be looking at him.
Tadashi, confused, cracked an eye open to see the fox demon looking down upon him with a mocking smirk. A moment of frustration over took Tadashi. Without thinking, Tadashi pulled his face from the demon's hand. "Why are you doing this to me?" Tadashi growled in a whisper.
Atsumu merely hummed light heartedly in reply as if he did not understand what Tadashi meant.
"Why are you playing with me like this?" Tadashi's voice grew louder and louder as he spoke. His body moving on it's own he grabbed Atsumu by the color and looked the demon right in the eyes. "Why won't you just kill me!?" he practically shouted in desperation. Tears of frustration welled up in Tadashi's eyes.
Atsumu looked down at Tadashi in mild shock. He hesitated for a moment as he searched the desperate human. Another breathy chuckle left his lips as he watched the tears overflow from Tadashi's eyes.
"I guess I just don't feel like it quite yet," Atsumu replied with a small smirk and lazy shrug.
Tadashi's gaze fell as the demons words sunk in. His arms and shoulders shook with frustration. Hot tears ran down his cheeks. He had no control over what happened to himself. He hated Atsumu. He hated how helpless he was to the demon. He hated having lost control of his own life.
"Are you tired?" Atsumu purred as he gently stroked Tadashi head. "Should we head back?"
Tadashi breath hitched as he released a small sob. He didn't bother replying to Atsumu as he scooted away from the demon only to have Atsumu use the leash to pull him back over. Tadashi had never felt so helpless and trapped in all his life.
The rest of the events in the garden passed by Tadashi like a blur. Atsumu had taken him further into the garden but Tadashi zoned out everything Atsumu had said and shown him. His body and mind felt numb. He just wanted his time here with these demons to be over.
Once their walk was over Tadashi spent the rest of the day alone in Atsumu's room. He sat with his back to the headboard and this head resting on his bent knees as he looked out the window. On the side table sat an empty bowl of rice porridge that he had just finished. The only light in the room came from the side table lamp that Tadashi had dimmed so as to see out the window better.
The moon reflected in Tadashi's eyes as he allowed himself to get lost in a daydream for the last few moments of his alone time. He knew Atsumu would return soon and upon doing so would suck more energy from Tadashi leaving him unconscious for the rest of the night. The bright moon always reminded Tadashi of Tsukki. He hadn't dared thought of his love while in the company of Atsumu but when he was alone he allowed himself to fall into the most comforting of daydreams. These lonely daydreams were really the only thing Tadashi had left.
He longed to be with the merprince once more. To be far far away from this place back in the sea. To hold Tsukki and be held by him. To feel his warmth and love. To feel safe and cared for. To hear Tsukki's voice and taste his lips. Tadashi's fingers ghosted his own lips as he recalled the one kiss he had shared with Tsukki.
"Tsukki," Tadashi whispered quietly as he recalled how tenderly Tsukki had kissed him.
Tadashi's thought were interrupted by the click of the doorknob. He immediately shook all thought of his love from his mind, not wanting Atsumu to catch him in the act. He released a sigh as he readied himself for Atsumu's company. He lifted his chin from his knees as he turned to look towards the door. He expected Atsumu to already be halfway towards him but found that it had not been Atsumu at the door at all. Tadashi's body went numb in a very different way from before upon seeing his new visitor. In fact he was so shocked that he couldn't even speak let alone react.
There we go! Chapter 25 is done. This means we are 5 chapters away from the end! With 5 chapters left what is going to happen!? Who is at the door? Will Tsukki make it in time to save Yama? Will our two boys be able to hold each other once again? There is only one way to find out and that is to stay tuned.
I should be getting Chapter 26 up next weekend as always. There should not be any delays. I am very excited for you all to read the end chapters! I am sad this will be coming to a close soon but I do have a 2nd season in works and another new tsukkyama fic in works. More about it later!
I would like to thank you all so much for coming this far in this fic. Thank you all so much for the review, comments, bookmarks, Kudos and follows. It fills me with such joy when I see that people are at least mildly enjoying this fic. I'm no professional writer I'm just happy to see other engaged by these ideas I guess.
Please do leave a review/comment! I would just love to hear from you. Your thoughts, what you liked, what you don't like, also love to hear reactions! It's always great to see how you are all feeling after reading a chapter. So don't be afraid, I am a nice person and am unable to bite you through the internet… I mean I do not bite! That is what I meant to say! I don't bite!
MY FAVORE! Speaking of reviews I am working on a Tsukkiyama Pokemon AU. Who in here likes pokemon? Please tell me I am not the only one! I am currently working on the story outline and I would really love to hear from you all about what sort of pokemon you think our Haikyuu boys (and girls) would have on their team of 6 pokemon? I am open to all pokemon from all generation but no legendaries or mythical pokemon. Megaevolutions are a yes! Picking teams for so many characters is actually a lot harder than it seems so I could really use the help. Like I really need it because I got everyone to about four pokemon each and just can't decide. Leave a comment about who you think our Haikyuu boys and girls would have on their team and maybe I will use those pokemon. No promises thought :P. You can also send me a message on tumblr ( pastaprincess) about who you think should be on the teams. The good news is I have most of the plot flushed out I just need to decide on their pokemon.
Well, that is all for now! See you next chapter.