"Oh, come on! You're hugging her!? I was gonna wait until the end of the reunion to surprise you all, but there's no fucking way, man!"
To his credit, Makoto is just as surprised to actually be here as the class is to see him.
Coming to the class reunion had been an impulse decision, mostly. He hadn't really thought it through. He'd simply thought about how much he'd missed everyone and decided this was an opportunity he was in no way willing to miss out on. Now that he's here, however, his knees feel shaky. Everyone's staring at him, and even Nagisa looks taken aback.
('A stranger,' he thinks. 'That's what you are to them right now.')
"H… huh!?" Kanzaki exclaims. "What's going on? Is this a part of the surprise?"
"A-ah... no! I don't think so, at least-" Okuda replies, exchanging a baffled glance with Takebayashi. "...Right?"
"Definitely not," Takebayashi clarifies. "I have no idea what this is."
"Is this one of your students, Nagisa?" Isogai asks. "...It's gotta be, right?"
"I know him!" Sugino says. "That's the boy you've had over at your house."
"Wait… me too!" Muramatsu adds on. "...Makoto, right? You've been paying for his ramen!"
"Hey!"
"Hey!"
"Wait!"
"I know him too!"
A murmur breaks out across the classroom as they discuss where or where not they've seen Makoto before. Before he can open his mouth to clarify, however, Nagisa makes a mad dash across the room and asks him, "Makoto! What are you doing?"
His voice is a hiss. There's a tenseness to the way he stands.
"What do you think I'm doing?" Makoto whispers back. "It's time! I've got to tell them!"
Nagisa's eyes widen. He holds his hands up, rapidly shaking his head.
"Makoto," he reiterates. "I already told you I can't do that. It's too much to explain to them, especially on the spot. I thought you understood that."
"I do!" Makoto says. "...And that's why I'm not asking you to do this. I don't need you to tell them, Nagisa. I'm ready to do this on my own." He shifts slightly. "...I understand that this is scary for you. And that's why I can't ask you to do this. I know you're scared of them judging you. But you don't need to take part in any of this. I know what to say. I've been thinking it over for weeks."
"What?" Nagisa asks. "So you're just going to get up there in front of them and-"
"Yes!" Makoto interrupts. "...I'm tired of waiting. I know there's a chance of me getting rejected… of them not believing me, but I'm tired of waiting for my opportunity to come around. You might never be ready for this. And that's alright. But I am… so please… let me have this. Have faith in me. You can pretend you don't agree with me… you can act like you don't believe me, too, if it comes to that. But more than anything I just want the chance to try."
"Please, Nagisa," he says. "...You've got to understand how isolating it is to keep an open secret like this. I know this must be humiliating for you… but I'm desperate. I'll never know where I really belong 'til I know whether I still fit in with these people or not. I want to know who I am. I need this chance. "
He looks up at Nagisa with pleading eyes. Nagisa hesitates… this uncertain, unsettled expression on his face. Makoto reaches out to take one of his hands… close to tears as he admits:
"And I know you know I need it too."
He's so… so close to finally getting some answers. Or at the very least closure. He's come this far. He can't pass up on this opportunity now. And he can't wait another minute. He's spent the past year telling himself he's not enough. And more than anything he just wants to know if the E-Class will think the same thing. Or if maybe… maybe…
They'll think he's good just as he is.
But before any of that, he needs Nagisa to believe in him, too.
Nagisa's expression seems to falter. He's unsure… then guilty… then resolute. Quietly, he stands up straight.
"There's no guarantee this conversation will end well," he whispers.
"There was no guarantee it ever would," Makoto replies. "...Time isn't going to change the result. They're hurting in the same way you were hurting. So please… let me try to ease that."
Finally… Nagisa sighs, then nods.
"I'm not going to kick you out," he admits. "If this is really what you think is for the best then I'm not going to stop you. And… I'm not not going to back you up. That's what a coward would do. I'd never leave you fighting alone like that. Please… just promise me you'll be careful, Makoto. A lot is on the line here."
Makoto gives him his own resolute nod.
"Don't worry," he says. "I will."
Finally, Nagisa turns back to the class. He raises his voice to speak up over the commotion.
"Okay everyone!" he says. "I've figured out what's going on here. I'm sorry for the confusion. This certainly took me by surprise, too." He frowns. "Indeed this is a student of mine: Makoto Himura. I'm sure a few of you have met him before… he's a great kid. But it seems he was planning something as we were planning our reunion and he has something he'd like to tell you if you'd be willing to hear him out. I know this is unprecedented, but..." his voice falters. "...I believe what he has to way is worth listening to."
The E-Class exchanges quiet murmurs. Nevertheless, they must sense the conviction behind Nagisa's voice… because they start to sit down.
"Well… if it's important, I guess," Muramatsu says. "Though I'm still not sure what this really has to do with the reunion."
"Do you think he's in danger?" Hazama whispers. "...Maybe he's in some sort of screwed up situation and he knew we'd be able to give him advice."
"How does anyone know anything about us, though…?" Teraska whispers back.
"A guest speaker?" Isogai asks. "Well… I guess that comes as a bit of a surprise, but... sure!"
Everyone takes a seat. Even Ritsu! A sense of unease washes over the room as they stare down Makoto, however. And unsure… he stares back. This is a lot more intimidating than he'd expected it to be. Not only is every eye in the room on him, but some of them look close to strangers. Chiba's grown his hair out. Justice is, like, way taller. And who's that person in the back? Oh god! Does he not even remember all of their names?
...They've experienced so much without him.
Suddenly he almost wishes it were Nagisa giving this speech… backing him up. That would certainly be a lot easier. The more he thinks about it, however, the more he's certain he wouldn't wish this anxiety on anyone.
'You're the one who really wanted this,' he reminds himself. 'If you want them back in your lives then this is the last obstacle. You're gonna have to fight for it.'
"Uh… hi," he says, giving an awkward wave. "I'm Makoto Himura. I'm thirteen years old and I… I…-" his voice wavers. "I'm really happy to be here right now. I have a story to tell you. Or… uh… maybe it's more of a fact? I'm not entirely certain, but I… I…-" he hesitates. "...I really hope you'll all hear me out."
"All my life I've felt I never really fit in. And not in just… in just like an outcast way. More like... there was a piece of me missing. That I was forgetting something super important. And that I… I didn't belong where I was." He pauses. "It bothered me for a super long time. But one day… everything changed!"
"You see… I heard of Nagisa's school. At first I thought I was just excited to go there because of all the assassination stuff and because of how nice he seemed, but when I first stepped in the classroom I knew it had to be something more than that. I knew I… I knew I recognized this place. And… I knew I recognized him. I saw him and it was like I was looking at an old friend!"
"Suddenly those pieces of me that were missing all this time… it's like they came back! Slowly, of course… but… uh… pretty surely."
Desperately, he wants to stop. He wants to gauge their reactions. But he can't. He won't slow down. He knows if he does he'll never manage to get another word out!
"I started to dream about this place. And more importantly I… I…" he pauses. "...I started to dream about you guys."
He clenches his fist… stares at the ground.
"The following stuff is… kind of obscure. And… I don't remember everything. I'm still trying to find all my pieces. But… I believe that those dreams… that those hunches I've been getting for the past year… for my entire life… that they mean something. And… I wanted to see you guys. I promise everything I'm about to share isn't stuff Nagisa told me. It came from… it came from me alone. And while you don't have to believe me. I believe that… I believe that…-"
"...I'm Korosensei, reborn. And that I've been looking for you all this time."
Instantly… there's a quiet murmur. And chaos begins to break out across the room. But before they can shout at him - deny him - demand explanation, Makoto continues in a tense voice.
"Hazama was afraid of the dark until she was seven years old."
And abruptly… everyone quiets. They stare, baffled… as if wondering what that means.
"She was," he says. "She told me when we were on… vacation? I can't quite remember. It was that place with… place with the cave. I ended up getting freaked out because of how spooky she was, and she told me that to make me feel better. I remember thinking that… that it was really funny. Because she was so in tune with the darkness, you know?"
He gives an awkward laugh. Still, the silence remains. And as his gaze drifts to meet Hazama's, her expression is indecipherable.
(Is he… is he wrong? 'No,' he thinks. He's right. He has to be. All he has to do is continue on. All he has to do is continue on.)
"You," he continues, pointing at a man in the back of the room with silver hair and uncertain eyes. "I don't… I don't quite remember your name. And I'm sorry for that. It's nothing personal. It's just… just… like I said: I'm still trying to put the pieces together. But I do remember that… that I cared about you. And I remember that… that you loved to draw. More than anything."
"You were super good at it. I still remember the way you'd doodle me absentmindedly because I had such a doofy, easy to draw face. And I still remember the way that… that sometimes Bitch-Sensei would get jealous. Because 'why couldn't you draw her, too!?'"
He gives another awkward laugh. And to his surprise… the man laughs back. He doesn't speak, but the atmosphere in the room seems to lighten ever lightly.
"Y… you," Makoto says, turning and pointing a dramatic finger. "Kanzaki, right? That's your name?"
The woman startles slightly, but nods. "A… ah…- yes!" She squeaks, looking rather put on the spot.
"You were… you were really nice and popular. Just about every boy in the class had a crush on you. But what I still remember most about you is the time I came to your house to check on you… see if you needed any help with your homework… and found you playing this really hard video game. You said that you could only get a few of the achievements in multiplayer and asked if I'd like to help. Despite myself, I did. I was really bad at it, but we spent the whole evening playing, even though I was supposed to be grading term papers!"
Slowly… Kanzaki blinks. Her mouth falls open slightly.
"I… guess I do remember that," she admits.
And with that… the classroom begins to grow mystified. While every eye remains on him... Makoto's breath starts to steady. And as he continues onwards, he swears it's with something closer to confidence.
"Hara," he says. "You were… you were best friends with… that guy," he does an awkward point. "Yoshiya, right?"
"Er- Yoshida, actually."
"Yoshida! That's it!" Makoto exclaims… and it just seems to click. "You were best friends since you were real little! And that's why you approached me one day telling me you were worried about him. You were concerned about his choice in friends and whether or not they'd be a good influence on him. But I told you to just try and have some faith in him. That Terasaka and the gang were good eggs. And by the end of the year… whad'ya know? You were friends with them too!"
Yoshida shoots Hara an embarrassed look.
"Were you seriously worried about somethin' like that?"
"Well… maybe a little," Hara admits. "But that was a really long time ago."
"Now that you mention it…" Terasaka says. "I do seem to recall her always staring daggers at me!"
"And so that really did happen!"
The volume in the room increases. But Makoto doesn't slow down. Not yet. In fact… he's just getting started!
"Hayami!" he says. "You tried to seem so cool and aloof, but you actually had a soft spot for stray kittens! You snuck one into class smuggled in your pocket and thought no-one would notice! But I did!" He turns. "Maehara! We gave your ex laxatives! Takebayashi! Your favorite anime was Darling In The Franxx! Fuwa! You dreamed about writing a sequel to Naruto before the actual sequel even existed!'"
"Damn right I did!" Fuwa huffs. "And I still think my ideas would have been better than what they actually went with!"
"Ughhh… don't even remind me," Takebayashi murmurs. "And I thought I had taste?"
"In hindsight I feel really bad about that," Maehara admits with a laugh.
"W-well-!" Hayami sputters. "I wasn't going to leave her out there in the rain!"
Yes! Yes! They remember it, too!
The memories come flooding back. He's caught up in moments he'd thought he'd forgotten entirely, and for the first time in a long time they're all good! He remembers the sound of laughter… smiling faces… an unbreakable bond! And before he even knows it he remembers the names he thought he'd forgotten! That's Mimura! Yada! Kurahashi! Okano! Okajima!
"Your favorite indie film was Clay Pigeons! You just wanted people to shut up about your boobs! Once you snuck Animal Crossing into class, and you had a secret stash of wrestling DVDs! Is it just me, or did you have a whole camera roll full of pictures of rabbits you refused to show anyone just because it didn't fit in with your seedy reputation!?"
"Gah!" Okajima yelps, covering his face with his hands. "I guess I could have made a Playboy bunny joke, but there's a point where that gets weird!"
"How do you know about that!?" Another voice cries.
Because he knows! He knows everything!
Isogai's favorite cheap snack was blueberry yogurt! Even though Sugino's favorite sport was baseball, his favorite Wii Sport was bowling! Once Megu approached Korosensei and offered to give him swimming lessons, and another time Kimura tried to handcuff him! Okuda was scared of Karasuma at first! Nakamura had a mouth like a sailor! Muramatsu was a firm believer in the fact that more ramen recipes should utilize croutons! They all had facets that made them unique!
And he… he can remember so much of it!
He knows they're not all grand things. He knows some of them are things he could have looked up or things that Nagisa could have told him. ...But Terasaka having a secret fear of heights and refusing to fly with Korosensei just on principle? ...Chiba being embarrassed by his piercing eyes and confiding that in Korosensei only secretly? Those are things only he could know. And the students know that. They know for sure as Makoto tells them about the long nights spent with only he and Ritsu in the building… and the way Itona's whole body would quake sometimes when it remembered what it had been through... how Korosensei would hold them tight and promise that it was going to be okay. ' No matter what…' it was going to be okay.
"Kayano," he says. "You forgave me even though I took everything from you. And I still remember how relieved I was when I found out you were going to be alright. Karma… you were scared to trust me… and ultimately you had to take a leap of faith. I'm proud of how much you put yourself out there. And Nagisa…" he pauses. "...Nagisa…-"
He knows he doesn't have to say anything. Nagisa already more than believes him. But having said something about everyone else in the class he knows he has to share an anecdote about Nagisa as well. He wouldn't be standing here right now if not for Nagisa. But where to even begin? To sum up the teacher that's changed his life and the student, that in many ways, felt like the world giving him a second chance?
...Does he say something about the strife Nagisa faced? Surely that's something only between them. Does he say something about self sacrificial behavior, or mothers with sharp tongues? Or does he say something about assassins? About childish dreams, and a desperate desire to take control of your life? What about grief? Perhaps he should say something about grief... about a boy wailing into the night as he's forced to say goodbye to the one thing that ever believed in him, and about the wound that hasn't quite healed sixteen years later.
He closes his eyes and thinks it over. He can feel every eye on him, but for a moment that doesn't matter. He's said all he can to the others. He has to believe that's enough to prove himself to them. But how… how to prove himself to Nagisa?
(How to prove to him that everything they went through was worth it?)
A phantom pain percies Makoto's chest. And abruptly he's back in that field outside behind the school. Nagisa is crying… curled up on his chest, and despite himself... Korosensei smiles. He's ready to go away now. And where perhaps a few months ago Makoto would have been scared… scared to say goodbye to the person Korosensei was, he thinks he's finally ready, too, to greet that moment as his beginning now.
"...Thank you. And I'm sorry… for everything."
Nagisa startles… looks at Makoto, confused. But Makoto continues on, saying: "Honestly… I… put a lot more on your shoulders than I ever should have at your age. I should have helped you with your mom, and I shouldn't have put the burden of killing me on you alone. It's more than clear you're still living with that guilt fifteen years later. But all the same… even knowing that you've been so kind to me. Even though I failed you… even though I traumatized you just as much as I helped you, you've never been anything less than nice to me."
"You've been supportive… and smart… and brave. And you've done everything in your power to keep me safe. I'm really thankful that even though I honestly wasn't the best guardian to you… you were always the best guardian you could be to me anyways. You've helped me come to terms with not only who I am, but… but where I want to go in life... the kind of person I want to be!"
"I… hope you can finally forgive yourself for everything that happened. I hope all of you can." Slowly… he turns towards the E-Class. He absentmindedly wonders if what he'd said is offensive… if it's insulting Korosensei somehow. But all the same, he hopes they can make out the sincerity behind his voice. "None of what happened was your fault. And I hope that even if it's late… even if I'm different, knowing that I'm here now… that I'm happy can manage to ease some of your grief."
"I don't know if I've said enough to convince you. Like I said: there are a lot of things I still don't know. But… I do know two things for certain. And those are that I love you all, and that I'm more proud of you than anything. I hope that can be enough."
And quaking… half-hopeful and half-petrified Makoto looks out over the class… then, blinking back tears, he does the only thing left he knows how to.
Give them the most honest, wide smile he can possibly muster.
There's a quiet shuffling… the scrape of chairs against hardwood. Still… even as several people stand, no-one speaks. They simply exchange quiet glances… look down towards their hands or reflect on their own memories.
Finally, Megu speaks.
"Nagisa… have you known about this?"
"I- ah-" Nagisa sputters, scratching at his shoulder. "...Yes. I have. He told me months ago. But I guess I was just afraid that… that… you wouldn't believe me. That you'd take it out on him or believe I was making light of Korosensei's memory."
He sounds ashamed. Although more ashamed to admit that to his classmates or Makoto Makoto's not certain.
"And… he approached you with all of this. You didn't tell any of him that?"
"Of course!" Nagisa says. "You think I knew about some of that stuff? Hara staging an intervention for Yoshida? Okajima's secret rabbit collection? There's no way."
"And so… you believe him?" Megu continues.
Nagisa hesitates, but nods. Shoulders falling, he says "Of course. Listen to him, guys. Don't you?"
The E-Class looks at each other for a long moment… hesitates.
"I do, if it means anything," Karma pipes up. "I know I'm not exactly the most reputable guy in this class, but I had a 4.0 grade average for a reason. I'm smart. Just look at him, you guys. Don't you recognize that smile?"
Okuda sounds downright overwhelmed as she speaks. Covering her mouth with her hands she sputters. "I… I…-"
"I… never told anyone but him or Hayami how I felt about my eyes," Chiba whispers.
"I… never let anyone else know what I was going through," Itona whimpers right after.
"It's not like I…" Hazama is struggling for breath. "...I never talked about that sort of stuff."
Tears are beginning to trail down cheeks. Still… no-one steps forward. Instead… in shock… disbelief… the class looks around. It… it can't be, can it?
"Ritsu," Takebayashi asks. "You're… the smartest one here. What do you think?"
"I've… spent the past year getting to know Makoto," Ritsu admits. "And at this point… I believe I've gathered enough evidence to come to a conclusion. 80% of the information he shared is not recorded on the web. Another 40% of it is information even I wasn't aware of. I can say it without a doubt, you guys: that's our Sensei."
"After all… I'm not just running on facts. I'm running on emotion, too. And think about it. Do you really think there's anyone else out there who could say 'I love you' with so much certainty?"
And all at once… without a doubt, they have their answer.
"SENSEI!"
They're on him in an instant... pushing past one another and making a mad dash just to reach his side. They knock him to the ground with the force of their hug, but Makoto doesn't complain. Instead… laughing so hard he cries… he hugs back whoever he can reach and says, voice quivering, "Yeah. It's really me. I'm home."
Everyone fights to talk over each other. 'What happened!?' 'When did you realize!?' 'Why didn't you say something sooner!?' but Makoto can hardly get a word in. Instead… blubbering incoherently he sniffles "One thing at a time. One thing at a time. Calm down. I'm happy to see you too."
Some of the E-Class laughs… but most of them cry. Weeping, quite literally, they hold him close and tell them they're so, so thankful. Burying his face in whoever's chest he can find, Makoto reassures them he's thankful, too.
"I… I don't know what happened, really!" he admits, shaking his head. "I mean… I know how I got it figured out, but not how I was born or whatever, y'know?" He gives an awkward laugh. "Like I said I've - uh - known I was weird forever… but it's only this year I got it figured out. That's why I - uh... it took so long to say something. I was still trying to get a lot figured out for myself."
The crying intensifies. Sobbing and sniffling the E-Class dissolves into utter hysterics. Admittedly Makoto feels bad listening to them. Had he really left them alone to grieve for so long?
Back when he first told Nagisa who he had been, he hadn't gotten why Nagisa was crying. After all… he was still there, wasn't he? And so why did it matter? But now… having had time to reflect on it… and having had time to grieve Aguri, Makoto knows what the E-Class is going through. They've gone a very, very long time without closure. He'd cry, too, if he were in their shoes!
"It's okay," he repeats time and time again. "Sensei's here. You don't have anything to worry about. Sensei's here."
Nagisa doesn't cry this time. In fact… he may be the only one who isn't. Instead… he simply smiles, crouching down and giving Makoto a reassuring look.
'See?' he seems to say. 'I knew you could do it.'
Terasaka reaches out to grab him. Wrenching him to the side he puts him in a chokehold, and demands "Did you seriously know about this!? That the octopus was back!?"
"Well, yes-" Nagisa admits. "But-"
"Why didn't you tell us sooner!?"
"I was scared!" Nagisa replies. "I know it's a pretty flimsy excuse, but-"
"Damn right it is!"
"I didn't have any evidence! It's not like I knew you'd believe me!" He sighs, turning his head towards the rest of his classmates. "I'm sorry, guys. I really am. I just didn't want you to think I was making light of Korosensei's legacy… I know how much he did for all of you."
"And so you thought it was right to deprive us?"
"No! I just didn't want you to think I was a crazy person!"
Makoto decides it's about time to step in. Raising a hand, he says. "Nagisa… does have a point, guys. At the beginning of the year I didn't even remember a third of the stuff I just told you. If we came to you then… then there's a chance you would have thought we were making everything up. He couldn't risk that. And you know you couldn't if you were in his shoes, either."
He frowns.
"The thing I'm most proud of from back then is the bonds I managed to help you create. The last thing I'd want to do is end up destroying those just because I didn't know how to wait until I was ready. Don't… don't fight over me. Just be happy I'm here now."
Slowly… the tension in the room dissipates. Although still irritated, Terasaka lets go of Nagisa.
"Ugh," he says. "Why do you always have to be so right? You're, like… twelve. You should not be giving me interpersonal guidance."
Carefully, Nagisa pulls away. Eyebrows knit, he says "...You're not mad at me, then?"
"I am mad at you. Don't get me wrong." Terasaka admits. "But… the kid's right when he says I probably wouldn't have gone about it any differently if I were in your shoes. As much as it sucks that you left us in the dark…" he drifts off. "I also get why that would've been intimidating."
"Just make sure not to keep any more secrets from us in the future, okay!?" Rio tacks on. "We don't care how crazy you think it sounds. Whatever it is… I'm sure we'll have faith in you. After all…" she snorts. "We have already been through some of the craziest shit on the planet together, haven't we?"
"I guess you're right," Nagisa says, giving a sheepish nod. "...We have. Turns out when you've already dealt with a Mach 20 murder-octopus you can believe in just about anything."
"Ex- actly," Rio replies, slinging her arm around his shoulder and pulling him in for a hair ruffle. "So give us some credit in the future, okay!?"
"Don't worry," Nagisa says. "...I will."
Makoto smiles. Even as Nagisa and co make amends their eyes never once drift from him. It's more than clear he's the focus of the moment, even amidst personal reconciliation. Which he supposes means it's the best time to ask the other thing he's been wondering about.
"Do you guys mind if I… if I stay the night with you? I know it's weird… and it's definitely unprecedented... you don't gotta invite me to any future reunions… but… I'd like to catch up with you guys. For old time's sake."
"Do you even have to ask!?" Maehara says. "Of course you can stay!"
"I just- I wanted to make sure!" Makoto replies. "I wouldn't want to overstep any boundaries or make anyone sad." Still sniffling some himself, he turns to the rest of the class. "Would you really all be okay with that?"
"Makoto," Nagisa says. "We'd be more than happy to have you."
Needless to say, not a single person objects.
It's a long moment before anyone stands, but when they do the first to take the initiative is Isogai. Getting awkwardly to his feet he begins to patrol the classroom and scoop up the bottles of beer.
"I figured I should… take care of these," he sheepishly admits.
"Oh God! Don't draw attention to them!" Kurahashi shouts. "Now he's going to-"
"YOU GUYS HAVE BEEN DRINKING!?"
"Oh god!" Kurahashi murmurs, covering her face with her hands.
"Responsibly!" Okuda yelps. "We've been drinking responsibly. You know we'd never behave recklessly, Sens-"
"NO FAIR! I WANT SOME!"
"...Hhhhhuh?"
"You heard me!" Makoto repeats "If you're having a fun party I want in on it! I've never gotten to try anything like that before! Pretty please!?"
Okuda blinks. "You mean… you're not mad at us?"
"And this is the same guy who told us we'd die if we so much as dared to enter the same vicinity as someone smoking weed?"
The class's confusion is palpable. Nagisa gives a laugh.
"You guys aren't the only ones who have changed over the past sixteen years, you know." He smiles brightly. "That said, however…"
His disposition suddenly goes dark.
"I'm still not letting you have alcohol in my classroom."
Try as Makoto may to fight it's no use. Even flailing and shrieking he can't elbow past Nagisa. He's hardly given time to dwell on it, however; because as the class decides to forgo the debauchery this reunion they all stand... and never once do they motion to leave Makoto's side.
Everyone has something they want to tell him about… an accomplishment or a funny story. And as they speak… ask him a thousand questions and try to make him laugh, Makoto soon forgets about the alcohol. Needless to say he wants to hear everything they have to share.
Chiba and Hayami run a construction company now. Kurahashi's done incredible work in preserving endangered species. Fuwa's published a manga, and Sugino's somewhat of a rising star. When asked, Rio shares that she trots the globe, and Hazama admits that she helps out at the local library. Takebayashi has a cat. Terasaka has three dogs. And it turns out that Maehara and Isogai have a baby of all things ! Makoto throws his hands in the air and squeals in delight the moment he finds out about that one.
"You have got to let me meet her sometime!" he begs. "I mean… I'm- like- practically a grandpa now! I can hardly believe it!" He's not sure whether to laugh or to cry. "You guys are all grown up!"
"Damn right we are," Maehara says with a grin. "Don't worry. We'll make sure to set up a playdate sometime soon."
"Does- does anyone else have kids?" Makoto asks, looking around eagerly. "Or- or what about - who else is married!? I want to know exactly who got hitched with who! Because it turns out all my guesses from back then were, like, super off! "
"Eh. Not all," Sugino says, shooting a glance towards Kanzaki.
"Isogai and I dated a while back during high school before I realized I was not about that," Megu ever-so-helpfully adds on. "You had some hunches. It was just… mostofthem that were wrong."
"Well," Makoto admits, lounging back. "You know what they say: being a teacher is all about learning from your mistakes! In the future I'll try to make some more educated guesses."
...That, and remember that 90% of his students are. Like. Gay people.
Yada tells him about the nice woman she's dating and Hara tells him about a guy she's been eying at work. Itona and Terasaka tell him about their surprise relationship and about how they hadn't particularly seen it coming, either. Rio slings her arms around Okuda, blowing a mock kiss, and Chiba quietly leans on Hayami's shoulder, admitting that they have kids, too.
"Wait! What!? Kids!? Plural!?" Makoto demands, pushing past everyone else. "You have got to show me! Please!? Pretty please!? Pics! Now!"
Chiba startles at the sudden movement but nods. Pulling out his phone he thumbs through the camera roll before handing it over to Makoto. Makoto clutches at the phone… zooming in on the family photo to get a better look at his newfound 'grandkids.'
The youngest appears to be two or three with lengthy black hair just like Chiba's and Hayami's bright green eyes. He clings to Hayami's shoulder, cradled carefully as he turns his head away from the camera.
Next to him stands an older sister… maybe five or six and clutching her father's pant leg. She's got the same black hair, albeit with reddish-pink eyes and a tiny smile. She looks nice, if a little shy.
Finally there's their eldest. Ten or eleven and with a mop of shaggy orange hair he proudly holds up a bunny. Makoto can't discern his eye color, seeing as how his face is obscured by his bangs, but he looks like he's having a damn good time.
"You didn't tell me you guys had a rabbit!" Makoto declares, before swiftly remembering there are more important things to be focusing on. "What are their names?" he asks. "Your kids!? They're so cute! They look just like you!"
"The eldest is Kaori," Hayami says, pointing. "Then there's Chikako and Kishi. They're eleven, five, and two respectively."
"Ohhhhhh!" Makoto squeals. "You have also got to let me meet them sometime! I bet they're so sweet!" He bounces back over to Maehara and Isogai, practically ripping the phone from Isogai's hands. "You guys show me pics, too, alright!? I wanna see Naoko! Please! Please! I'm so excited!"
"Okay! Okay-!" Isogai reassures. "Just give me one moment. Don't worry… I'm as excited as you are." He smiles and laughs before turning the phone Makoto's way. Makoto lets out another delighted squeal as he catches sight of a literal, actual baby.
"Oh my god!" he says. "She's so small! I can hardly believe it!" He covers his face with his hands. "She's so cuuuuuuteeeeee." He starts to wiggle. "Does anyone else have pics!? They don't have to be of kids! Okuda! Nakamura! Show me your wedding photos! Hara! Let me see the hot dude at your job! Sugino! Are your games on Youtube!?"
He can't stop moving. He's just… he's so happy! He can hardly believe it! His kids are all grown up! They've started families… pursued careers! Met people they loved and changed the world! He can't think of a single person he's not proud of!
He knew they could do it, of course… but being able to be here to see it for himself… he's so overwhelmed it might just bring him to tears!
For the first time in a long time Makoto is happy to feel Korosensei's presence. It comes with no strings attached… no sadness sown. The seeds he planted really have grown into something wonderful. And while it's an overwhelming feeling… he doesn't think he'd trade it for the world.
He tells them he wants to be involved in all of it. As they shower him in photos and memories he promises he'll be there in the future. He says he wants to see the kids and that he wants to come to Suginos games… that he wants to learn all about Kurahashi's work and for Rio to tell him what England is like! There's so much he's missed, after all! But he doesn't intend to waste another moment! He'll be there, he swears! And he is going to love it.
Needless to say the class is flattered. But it turns out they don't just want to tell him about their lives… they want to hear about his, too!
"How have things been!?"
"Well… pretty good!" Makoto admits. "Like I said I just started remembering stuff pretty recently, but-"
"That doesn't matter!" Okano interjects. "Tell us about everything else. How have you been?"
"Yeah! It's not like you should have to focus on just back then," Ritsu adds on. "How's life? Do you have any hobbies?"
"Oh! Oh!" Fuwa exclaims. "And what about friends!? Have you met anyone nice?"
"No-one better be picking on you," Terasaka says, pulling up his sleeve. "I'll whoop their fucken' ass."
"Ah- ah! No! Don't worry!" Nagisa yelps. "His classmates have been wonderful!"
"I'm sure he knows that," Karma says, smacking Terasaka upside the head. "Still… I can't blame him for wanting to know that the little guy is thriving." He smiles. "I might already know the answer, but… why don't you share with the class? How have you been?"
Makoto is… genuinely taken aback. But looking at all of their kind smiles... he knows they genuinely want to hear about him, and he feels his heart soar! Because they are not just looking at Korosensei right now. Really and truly, they can see him.
"I've been… I've been great! I'm almost done my first year of Junior High and I've had a really awesome time! My classmates are super nice and Nagisa is the best teacher I could have possibly asked for. He helps me with all the subjects I'm not good at and helps me find ways to be even better at the ones that I am! I feel like I've learned a whole lot."
"When I'm not… when I'm not studying for school I really like playing video games! My friend Kiyoshi lets me come over to his house and try all his stuff. I like that and exploring. Y'know… wandering the city! Looking for anything cool I can find! Once I found a stray kitten! Her name is Miss Nao! She's one of my very best friends!"
"But not as much as... not as much as - ohmygod! I need to tell you about my human friends!" He grins. "They! Are! The best! I really really like everyone in my class but there are two I'm ride or die for. There's Kiyoshi, who I'm sure you all already know… he's Karasuma's kid… and Fumiko! Fumiko Hisakawa! She is super rich… but she's not mean or entitled or anything. She's actually really funny and sweet!"
"I love them both so much. Kiyoshi is always willing to help me go through with whatever dumb plan I come up with, and Fumiko helps me keep my head on my shoulders. They're both super nice to me, and I like to think I help them feel confident, too. It feels like… it feels like they really, really love me for who I am, even when I'm being silly or annoying, and I'm really thankful for that. Even if we stumble sometimes… I know we'll always be there for each other, and I wouldn't trade them for the world."
"You guys should… you guys should meet them sometime!" he says. "I mean… I guess you've already met Kiyoshi and all, but… Fumiko! I bet she'd really love to meet you. After all, she is…" He freezes up. "Wait! I almost forgot to share the most important part!"
He throws his hands in the air and laughs. "Aguri! She's Aguri, guys! Aguri's back, too!"
Muramatsu does a double take. "Wait! Seriously!?"
Okuda covers her mouth with her hands. "Oh my god!"
"Does Kayano know about this!?"
"Yeah, seriously!" Makoto replies. "And of course she does . I wouldn't leave her in the dark on that." He pauses. "And… neither would her sister. But…" he drifts off. "Fumiko is so much more than just that. She is… she is seriously the best, guys. She's not just everything that made Aguri awesome. She's also… she's also… something entirely her own. And I am so happy for her. She's… everything I could have wished for for Aguri and more."
"I bet she'll be so happy to see you guys! And just as proud as I am, too!" he drifts off. "In hindsight… maybe I should have tried to convince her to sneak in with me. She just doesn't like breaking the rules. Either way, though, she's the best. And I bet you'll be super happy when you see her, too! She's finally thriving, guys!"
Kayano nods and smiles.
"Seconded," she says. "She's… doing better than ever. I'm really proud of her."
"Oh man," Yoshida says. "I'm weirdly relieved. I'd be… like… a little wigged out if you were here but not her."
"Yeah," Kanzaki admits. "I'd feel really bad for Kayano."
"And for you, too, Sensei," Kurahashi adds on. "...It seems like you really missed her. I'm happy you can be together again."
"Yeah!" Okajima says. "And finally do all the weird nasty stuff you missed out on! About time you got your girl back."
"Okajima!" Okano hisses.
"What!?" Okajima asks. "You know I'm right! Korosensei was a freak! And do you hear how he's talking about her? Sounds like someone's in loooooveee."
"W-what!? Ew! No I'm not!" Makoto yelps. "Not that… Fumiko isn't ew! But I just- I talk about all my friends that way! It's not anything like that!" He covers his face and whimpers.
"Okay, okay," Okajima says with a shit eating grin. "Whatever you say. You know I'm just screwing with you."
"I'm not," Rio says. "Do you realize what sort of ammunition you just gave us, Okajima? After a whole year of being 'paired up...' spied on and treated like some sort of low-budget romcom… we can get our revenge! It's our turn to be voyeuristic and gossipy! The time has come!"
"EEP-!"
"Oh, come on, Nakamura, " Megu says with a laugh. "You know you're just looking for an excuse to tease him."
"It's not as if I don't have a point."
"Well… now that you say it…" Okano muses. "You kind of do. Maybe it is time for us to be petty."
"Guys! Come on! I know you're better than this! Guys!"
But it's too late. Makoto can already spot a mischievous grin creeping up the faces of half the class. He's scooting backwards, murmuring quiet rebuttals, when Fuwa leans across a desk and pulls him in for a noogie.
"C'mere!" she says. "No escape now!"
"Waaah!" Makoto cries, wiggling. "I bite, you know! Like, I very much hope you know I bite!"
"I'd like to see you try!"
Takebayashi chuckles and pushes his glasses up his nose. "You can't seriously tell me you didn't know this was what you were in for. We wouldn't be the E-Class if we didn't give you hell, after all… would we?"
"Noooo!" Makoto admits, his voice a wail. "But I guess I was hoping you'd! Like! Matured!"
"Matured?" Takebayashi repeats, stifling a snicker. "With this class?" He gives a wicked grin. "No way."
Eventually Nagisa manages to get them off of him. Reminding them that he's still very much a kid and that two wrongs don't make a right he tells them to stop teasing Makoto. He knows it's all in good fun, and he's sure Makoto knows, too. But they can't torment him too much, now can they?
'No,' The class finally agrees. Not when they're so happy to finally see him back.
And so with a few final cries of 'welcome back, octoperv' and 'just promise to tell us more about her sometime, loverboy,' they drop it. Makoto returns to his seat and shoots his beloved students a grumpy look. They're all smiling at him, though. And so despite his bright red cheeks he laughs a little, too.
"...Yukimura-sensei," Kimura repeats, finally letting that sink in. "Oh man."
"Yeah. Kinda nuts, isn't it?" Muramatsu asks, glancing towards Nagisa. "This girl in your class, too?"
Nagisa nods.
"Yeah, actually." He smiles. "Coincidences I guess, huh?"
"Don't go and tell me Kiyoshi's got some secret past life too," Rio jokes. "I'd just about lose my mind."
"No! No!" Makoto squeals, shaking his head. "Of course not!" He laughs. "...I'd lose my mind too. But he doesn't." He drifts off. "And even if he did… it's not like it would matter. I like Kiyoshi for who he is. And I'm sure we can all agree that Kiyoshi is enough."
"Yeah," the class seems to say all at once. "...Kiyoshi's enough."
Makoto's glad he doesn't have to tell them. Not only is it just not his place... but he's pretty sure it wouldn't matter. The E-Class is Kiyoshi's family just as much as it's his. Which is to say… a very good family.
They listen to everything he has to say. It turns out that they're just as interested in hearing about his life as he is about theirs. They want to hear all about his dumb shenanigans with Fumiko and Kiyoshi… about his favorite subjects in school and about which ones he'd really rather never look at again. They think his stories are funny! They think he's sweet! And most importantly: they never once seem annoyed that he's there.
In fact… if anything, they're delighted to host him! They let him take part in all of their games… fill in the gaps when he doesn't quite remember something… and reminisce with him gladly! When they start to get sleeping bags out they argue over who will get to give theirs to him, even when he insists he's really fine with sleeping on the floor. They cry… they laugh… they share stories and feelings! And for a minute it feels like a moment hasn't passed since that last March 13th at all.
He's not sure whose idea it is, but eventually someone suggests two truths and a lie. Says it'd maybe be a good way to let him in on some of what happened while he was gone and to have a good time. Makoto is more than down. And when their stories aren't making him laugh they leave him in awe.
"Well… let me think," Hazama says, stroking her chin. "I've… written a novel… I've made a brief TV appearance… and I've been bitten by a tarantula. Which do you think is the lie?"
"The tarantula! Definitely the tarantula!" Makoto insists. "I mean there's no way you'd survive that sort of thing."
"Any other guesses?" Hazama asks, letting out a dark laugh.
"Don't tell me I'm wrong!" Makoto yelps. "Oh God. Oh Jesus. Oh fuck."
"Don't flip your lid," Hazama says. "They're not actually nearly as dangerous to humans as people think they are. I didn't even have to go to the hospital." She holds up an outstretched hand, pointing to a spot on the back of her palm. "It's the TV appearance thing that's a lie. Do you seriously think I'm social enough for that?" Her lip curls. "I much prefer to have my privacy."
"I… suppose that makes sense," Makoto admits. "I just really didn't wanna think about you getting hurt!"
"Oh man," Rio says. "Then this next one is really gonna give you a heart attack. Two truths and a lie: I know four languages, I've been bungee jumping, and I've broke both arms. Whaddya think?"
"I think that two of those are very bad things, Nakamura!"
"Seriously!? Coming from the guy who took us paragliding!?"
"With! My! Supervision! Bwaahhhhhhhhhh! Don't tell me the broken arms are connected to the bungee jumping thing!"
"Nah," Rio says. "Bar fights. England is a wild fucking place." She grins. "You're right, though, that the language thing is a lie. I actually know five."
Makoto would almost be proud. That is… if she hadn't just told him she'd broken her arms in a bar fight!
"What is wrong with you!?"
"Oh, you know," Rio says, laughing. "The usual."
Others are careful to share good news to lighten the load. Terasaka volunteered at an animal shelter for a while back in high school, honeymooned in the Bahamas, and in fact did not once break a table over his head with sheer force. Okano is working on getting into the olympics, once won 20,000 yen in a scratch off, and has not learned how to drive a motorboat, much to Makoto's disappointment.
"I've got one that won't come as a letdown," Karma jokes, ignoring Makoto's insistence that Okano's wasn't a letdown in the first place. "Two truths and a lie: I'm a kind and amiable person... I'm a successful politician with a glowing resume... and I'm strong and love to fuck."
"KARMA!" Okano hisses, throwing her hands in the air.
"What!? It's true!"
"I-" Kayano covers her face with her hands. "There is a thirteen year old here! Why can't you behave yourself for ten fucking seconds!?"
"Okay. Okay. Fine," Karma says. "I'm strong and I like to hug. Is that better? Which do you think is the lie."
"Well…" Makoto knows that Karma's a politician. And he also knows Karma has two husbands that love to hug him. That means…
"The kind and amicable thing," Mimura says.
"Yeah. For sure," Sugino adds on.
"Karma is, like, the worst person I know."
"Really guys!?" Karma asks. "Such little credit!? I for one think I am a great person. So much less annoying than I was in middle school… not to mention-"
"What is it, then!? Yoshida asks. "You are a politician, and something tells me you're not just going to come out here and say you're not strong and don't like to fuck."
"That where you'd be wrong, Yoshida…" Karma muses, letting the silence hang in the air for a long moment. "I'm not a politician. I'm a bureaucrat." He taps his forehead. "There's a big difference."
"Jesus fucking christ."
"Semantics, really?"
"I think I'm going to beat his ass."
The truth that surprises him the most, however, comes from Nagisa. They've been playing for maybe an hour and it rolls around to his turn when he turns to his spouses and whispers something. Karma cocks an eyebrow, surprised… but Kayano nods. And as Nagisa leans away he clasps his hands, confident.
"Okay. Two truths and a lie, guys," he says. "I've been keeping a stray cat in my house for the past six months, I almost got my ears pierced a few years back and only backed out at the last minute, and my family is finally ready to have a baby."
Makoto squints. Well… he knows about the stray cat thing for sure. And he can definitely believe the ear-piercing thing… Nagisa's got a bit of an unconventional sense of fashion. But…
Wait! Whatdoeshemean 'BABY!?'
"Baby thing. Baby thing for sure," Megu says. "I know your family's put it out there that you don't feel capable of… wait." She shifts slightly, studying Nagisa's unwavering expression. "Unless you mean…-?"
"He has to mean-" Sugino says. "I know Nagisa! I know what the lie is there. He'd never even consider getting something femini- are you having a baby, dude!?"
"Uh… yeah!" Nagisa sheepishly admits. "Well… the family is, I mean," Nagisa sheepishly admits. "I know it was probably a little bit dumb to announce during a game of two truths and a lie, but… we've been doing a lot of thinking lately, and I was really excited to bring it up… and...-" he gives a nervous shrug. "What do you think?"
"Oh my God, dude!"
"Holy shit!"
"Congratulations!"
Maehara slings an arm around Nagisa. "I knew you'd come around!" he says with a laugh. "I saw how enamored you were with Naoko. It was only a matter of time before you-"
Maehara doesn't get to finish. Makoto barrels into Nagisa's side, practically knocking the two of them over.
"Why didn't you tell me!?" he cries.
"Well-! I-! Ah-!" Nagisa sputters. "It was a very recent decision and-"
"I'm going to be a big brother!" Makoto interrupts, trembling with excitement. He squeezes Nagisa as tight as he can before leaping to his feet and jumping around in circles. "That! Or like! A grandpa! Maybe an uncle? I don't know! My relationship with your family is really weird!" He shakes his head and squeals. " How soon are they coming!? Is Kayano pregnant yet!? Do you have a name!? Please tell me you have a name!"
He can hardly contain himself. Pumping his arms and laughing Makoto congratulates Nagisa again and again and again. At first Nagisa seems embarrassed… but before he can even speak the rest of the class piles on… bombarding him with their own questions.
"Hey! He's got a point! What is their name?"
"Do you know the gender?"
"Have you started preparing a nursery?"
Kayano and Karma step up to help explain the situation. Yes, Nagisa is right. Yes, they're having a baby. No, Kayano is not pregnant yet. And so no, they don't know the gender. But they are starting to get things prepared around the house. They're still trying to decide on a name… this was a recent decision, but they have a few ideas at the very least. This is a big milestone for them, and so they hope everyone's excited. They know they are!
"Of course we're excited, guys!" Sugino replies. "You're going to be parents! That's awesome!"
"And such a long time coming," Kurahashi admits.
"I really hope that means good things for your family!" Kanzaki adds on. "You'll do a great job… I just know it. So don't worry, okay?"
"I'll… try not to," Nagisa says. "I may be a chronic worrier, but… yeah. I'm actually feeling pretty good about this, too."
Everyone makes sure to congratulate Makoto as well. Needless to say Nagisa and co come first, but when a guy's on cloud nine… well… he's on cloud nine! They tell him they're sure he'll make a great uncle-brother-grandpa, and that they're glad he could make his triumphant return in time to see something like this. Makoto, in turn, tells Nagisa that he'll do his very best, alright? He'll be a role model! Someone this baby can look up to!
Nagisa smiles and laughs.
"Yeah," he says. "...I know you will."
Eventually the conversation topic drifts back to the reunion. Slapping Nagisa on the back… reminding Karma not to tease his kid too much, the class then moves on. They find new topics and go back to playing two truths and a lie. But as they do, Makoto's mind doesn't wander. He stays by Nagisa's side… squirms excitedly and holds Kayano's hand as he whispers 'congratulations' again and again and again.
With that thought still in his mind… he starts to drift off. The class says he should get some sleep… that it's late for him, but Makoto refuses. He's a big kid! Like them! And he can stay up as late as he wants to! But even so… his eyes start to water, and he lets out a big yawn as he listens to Kimura tell a story about his job. Smiling… thinking, again, that he's pretty proud of them, he lets sleep take him. And he swears he can hear them laughing at him as he does.
He only reawakes a few hours later… noting now that he seems to have been tucked into a sleeping bag and carefully moved from his spot on Nagisa's shoulder. He stretches slightly… yawns and takes in the warmth. And as he rolls back over to go back to sleep… too tired to possibly fight, he smiles yet again. Because even now… in the middle of the night, the E-Class continues to laugh.
Sharing stories… playing truth or dare or whatever it is they dare to do now, he hears a cacophony of laughter. And Makoto is satisfied. Because… he's happy he got this chance to see how far they've come. He's happy they still love each other. And most importantly… surprisingly, and strangely enough...
...Makoto's happy they still love him.
By the end of the night Makoto no longer feels weird or othered. In fact… he knows this is where he belongs. Not just in this world… but in the one he found as Makoto, as well. He's allowed to have both. And his students won't resent him for being different. In fact… they'll take care of him just how he is. Because no matter what he'll always be one of them. And the E-Class does not give up on one another.
...He can't believe how long it took him to realize that one, simple truth.
umiko and Kiyoshi, too, have strange evenings. Fumiko spends the dawn of her deathdate playing piano, and Kiyoshi spends the anniversary of his greatest mistake by his parents' side. Still… both of them are satisfied. Fumiko doesn't live in fear, and as his dad sits down next to him… asking him what he'd like to do tonight, Kiyoshi smiles. He picks out his favorite movie… hugs his mom and tells her he's thankful she's here to see it with him.
Somewhere across the city Fumiko laughs... screws up a note and has it in her to find that funny. Gakushuu laughs, too... lets her know that it's no big deal and that she can try again whenever she's ready. She cracks her knuckles… plays beautifully… and when she's done leans on his side. She tells him she's thankful. That it was rare for her to ever get to learn this way before.
He tells her he's thankful, too.
A very long time ago this night wasn't like this. On March 13th 2014 Korosensei tore apart bodies and minds. On March 13th 2014 an innocent woman died and a monster took that as a means to seek revenge. On March 13th 2015 that monster attacked innocents… made Korosensei spend the last few hours of his life much like his worst. On March 13th 2015 a beam shined bright overhead… a barrier signaled destruction, and a beast flew through it, but even that couldn't save Korosensei. And on March 13th 2015 cries rang out across the night as the E-Class was forced to face their fears and say goodbye to the one good thing they ever had.
On March 13th 2015 they didn't know if they could make it. If they'd ever be okay again. And they didn't know on March 13th 2016, either! 2017! 2018! Even as they moved on with their lives it was never a certainty… because looking up at that crescent moon it hurt no matter how much time passed. But they lived anyway... thrived! Did their very damn best to do what would have made Korosensei proud. And even despite hurt… despite hopelessness they did! They fucking did it!
Every March 13th up until now Kiyoshi's been scared… Kiyoshi's been angry. Every March 13th up until now Fumiko's been sad… Fumiko's been lonely. And every March 13th up until now Makoto's been a little empty… a little uncertain. But not today. Not this March 13th. Because where on March 13th 2014 and 2015 people died and people killed and people suffered...
...On March 13th 2031 Kiyoshi loves. On March 13th 2031 Fumiko flourishes. And on March 13th 2031, despite everything, Makoto lives.
(They don't have anything to fear)