Author's Notes: Double update! Or more like, this fic is officially caught up with the AO3 updates. Since this chapter is going to be less confusing with the next chapter already in, I decided to tack both in.
And mildly important announcement! I have added further notes on tags, ships, and warnings in the first chapter, if ever those are things you should be worry about. The third crossover of this fic is Jujutsu Kaisen, and that shit's pretty dark. (And again, you don't need to know JJK to follow this fic.)
And relatively late announcement... This fic is dedicated to the gentlest dog I have ever known, Putol. I already put up a sincere write-up on that in the AO3 C5 update since C5 + 1 month since publishing this fic is a relatively milestone for mme. So this one is a very abridged version :))
Chapter 5: The Worst Thing To Say Out Loud
Kamakura - Ofuna Kannon Temple
5 years ago
100 yen for elementary children. 300 yen for adults. Ritsu glances back at the laminated bond paper on the payment box before finding his mom, crouched down to adjust his big brother's baseball hat. "Mom, we only count for 200 yen. You handed me an extra 400 yen."
"I got it," says Dad before his mom can react. Ritsu puts the money back onto his dad's outstretched hand and is given the exact amount.
"Mom is so careless. We almost lost 400 yen," says the youngest Kageyama as he slips the money into the box. A hand lays on his shoulder. When Ritsu looks up, the towering figure of his dad holds a small, gentle smile.
"Mom is just a bit tired. You should look out for her."
Ritsu's head turns, looking over his other shoulder, his mom adjusting her bag strap as she rises. "How are you feeling?"
Like Dad, Mom's smile is small. Tucking her hair behind her ear, she answers, "I'm okay, Ritsu. Thank you for asking."
"That's good," says Ritsu, satisfied.
As he takes a running start to go ahead, he halts at the sight of his big brother, still on the spot where Mom left him. His gaze brings the attention of both his parents to him, their smiles disappearing. Ritsu purses his lips for a moment before running toward him. He takes his brother's hand, an act that startles him.
"Hurry. Let's go." Ritsu pulls him along. His brother doesn't resist but is very unsure, almost stumbling in his initial steps. "So hot," he grumbles, prying with his free hand the knitted hat put on by Mom and Dad over his new, rose pink hair, much like his brother's.
KAGEYAMA RITSU
Kamakura - Ofuna Kannon Temple
Present Time
Nii-san still hasn't replied to my mail. He did let me know he had to see Mishima-san, but it's been twenty minutes. I'll cover for him but when my brother isn't around, our parents don't believe a word I say. I suppose years of constantly lying for your brother would do that.
Should I call? No, I'll handle things on this side. There's a reason Nii-san told me. Right now, he must have gathered the courage to confess to Mishima-san. Go for it, brother. I'm rooting for you!
I should send message to send my support, so he doesn't worry about replying anymore… Wait, what if I interrupt him in the middle of a romantic moment?
Hold on, back up a second, Ritsu. I might be misunderstanding this. It doesn't have to be romantic. It's possible he's apologizing for something he said. Nii-san can be careless with his phrasing. Doing it at the start of the year can be a way to show his sincerity.
And then, he'll confess. Nii-san is serious. He's never sent a New Year letter to anyone until Mishima-san. Though, technically, he did write one to Takane-san a long ago, but Nii-san didn't know he had to send it to the post office…
He can do this by himself. I have to deal with Mom, who is not going to be happy he used his powers in the temple.
"Is that from the TV?"
"Looks like it. Do you want to be interviewed?"
"Oh no, my hair's all messy because of the wind."
There's suddenly a bigger problem I have to deal with.
I step back into the into the trees and out of the line of sight of an approaching TV crew. There's two camera rolling that are taking scenery shots, and one reporter that's making small talk with visitors.
This place isn't top in the list for TV stations to film in New Year, but that's not to say it would be strange either. The bodhisatva monument is impressive and the temple is dedicated to one of the most popular goddesses in Japan. Its accessibility (a five minute walk from the station) and a sequestered, forested site is ideal to those looking for a hassle-free trip, which is exactly why this is our choice of temple.
It's simply bad luck that a station decided on this temple this year, at this very time when we are visiting. Or when Nii-san isn't around to know they were coming. So much for that 'excellent luck' from the shrine, huh. Well, this isn't worth panicking over. Going back inside the statue is out of the question. That's how I'll get trapped into appearing in TV. I'll have to pass by them. Keeping my head down should be enough, but the lack of people have backfired what with the reporter moving down the line and gesturing a camera toward every visitor. Right now, they're wrapping up questions with a family of three.
I spot a broad-shouldered high school student loitering by the well. This is my chance. My scarf fully wrapped to cover the bottom half of my face, I tuck my fists into my pockets and walk briskly on the opposite side of the crew. The camera rears its lens my way. I keep walking.
"That's an interesting hair you have. Did you dye it recently?"
"OH. Huh? What are you talking about?"
Better mail Dad about what happened. My steps slow down as the interview continue on from behind and no longer able to bother me.
"OH. You mean this thing on my head? I guess it's okay, but the shade is a little off - you probably can't tell with your amateur eyes. Never mind that though! Why are you asking about my hair in New Year?"
"Ah… Sorry. Then what - "
"You should be asking about that hair instead! It's crazy pink! That makes him European! They have a lot of those pinkheads you don't see in Japan."
He must be talking about an actor or model. Dyeing one's hair to pink is an easy way for celebrities to gain a quick traction. It's clearly not about me. I was behind the guy the entire time, never making eye contact, so how the heck would he know? He'd have to get a close look of me to notice.
"Hmm, it's better to have a close look of him to notice; be right back." Incidentally enough, the loud guy's voice got louder almost as if he were nearing me. "Hey, little bro! Ototo! Wait up!"
There's no one I know who calls me that. I'm not about to run in full speed to get away as if this were some sort of gag manga.
"Don't ignore Onii-chan. Hey, slow down. Hey. Hey. Oh, you slowed down. You don't need to take a potty anymore?"
But suppose this guy is talking to me. Running in a temple will be unsightly (and I'll get scolded by Mom). I don't want to draw unnecessary attention to myself, especially if there's live TV nearby. This sort of harassment deserves a physical retaliation in my opinion, but I can get this high school student seriously injured. It wouldn't be good to cause trouble right at the very start of the year.
"Hey… Don't take this the wrong way but…" Turning my head, I flash my best fake smile. "I'm not supposed to talk to people I don't know. Can you leave me - gah!"
"Gah?" The man blinks, curious as I somehow almost lost my balance out shock.
What's wrong with the reporter? How can they ask about this guy's hair when there's two big lumps on his chin? What are those? What are those supposed to be? Bee stings injuries?
"What's wrong, Ototo? You wondering about this?" He points at the bizarre feature on his chin. Vaguely realizing I may have been rude, I come clean and nod hesitantly. He smiles toothily, pleased and amused. "It's your luck. You've just seen a cleft chin for the first time!"
That…is not a cleft chin. Nii-san and I have watched enough Western documentaries to recognize prominent chins Caucasian people have. But… I look at the chin-balls longer in an attempt to be more objective. It isn't easy. They're not easy to look at. Is it possible? As the younger brother of an incredibly, multi-powered psychic, weird chin-balls shouldn't be the one that shocks me. Maybe it really is a cleft chin.
I should be glad pink hair is the weirdest thing I have going on with my appearance. And with Nii-san too.
"As for me, it's my first time seeing a pinkhead in person! Does everyone have pink hair in Europe?"
I pointedly look away. I don't understand what he's saying but…
"Oh right, you don't talk to people you don't know. The name's Nendou. How about that? Now you know my name." Nendou-san, being a good foot taller than me, squats so his hulking figure isn't shadowing me anymore. "Sorry, hope I didn't make you uncomfortable."
Nendou-san's very prominent cleft chin isn't the only strange thing about him. The reporter was right asking him about his hair, but it is not about the color. He has a thick buzz cut with sharp, unnecessary edges, creating awkward corners. Atop it is a tuft of blond hair that resembles the shaved fur of a matted dog that has been bunched together. His nose is flat and small, his eyebrows uneven. He doesn't have tattoos, piercings or scars, features that make a dangerous delinquent. Given his apology, maybe he's aware of his social awkwardness.
He may be an artist. That will explain the look that is asking to be misunderstood.
"It's fine," I wave it off forgivingly. I don't want to be a person who judges people by appearance. "My name is Ritsu."
Nendou-san is pleased by what he hears. A bit too pleased. I can count the number of his teeth appearing as his mouth creeps into an immense grin.
"Ritsu-chan, that's a cute name…" he says in a low voice. His once dull eyes glint with dark excitement. "Your parents aren't around, are they? That's not good… Actually, I have something I want to show you, but it has to be our special secret. Give me your hand, Ritsu-chan. You'll feel good touching my little - "
I hear his grunt of confusion when my hand grips his arm above the elbow and I pull hard. He stumbles in his ungainly size, my leg easily sliding in his inner thigh. One kick is all it takes to make him lose his footing all together as my body turns, lifting him by my back and throwing him forward.
I've done this throw countless of time, every sensation of the step familiar. But something changed.
I feel the vibrations of Nendou's chuckle on my shoulder. My form was perfect, and yet he was able to resist the throw.
I'm trapped.
"You surprised me there, Ototo," he taunts in amusement. "I never met a kid as excited as you when it comes to my furry friend. Don't be scared." His breathes come heavily, his movements steady and careful. "Slowly… Right here… Hey!"
Amidst the sinking dread is satisfaction. A high-pitched yelp erupts from Nendou, so sharp I would have thought it was from a scampering rodent had I not kicked him on the shin. I can't check to get a good look at his pain. I have to get away from where everyone is.
I'm pretty certain. The sensation I got when I tried to throw him, I have only felt that once and only from a certain, exemplary person - my brother.
Nendou is a psychic.
My feet land squarely at the bottom of the steps. A sharp ache cracks on my right ankle.
"Don't stay here!" I shout at a kid staring from my peripheral vision. My fingers shake as I punch the buttons to call Nii-san. The line rings once. A scream pierces the air. With a surprised gasp, I manage not to let go of my phone as Nendou takes a hold of my wrist and lifts it above my head. Behind him, the kid from a moment ago is running away. Rightfully so with how Nendou looks.
How had he caught up already?
The sickly, saccharine tone Nendou used on me is gone, replaced by a menacing growl. How could I have fallen for his trick? Especially with that face. I'm so gullible! I deserve everything about this, but -
"Sorry about this, Ritsu-chan." I push him away with my free hand, but Nendou is as rooted as a tree. "Normally, I'll be impressed by how fast you were running, but I can't let you keep moving. I'll be sad if you get hurt."
My hand is too far up my head. I can't see my phone. I don't want to scream. I don't want to be weak. But my entire body, frigid in my stomach and lungs, betrays me, screaming at its mightiest to be saved.
"Nii-san, help! Nii-san!"
When Nendou lets go, my legs give in under me. I know I'm safe now. Nii-san has arrived.
I release biggest sigh of relief I ever held. There's still danger though, so I warn Nii-san. Nii-san, be careful. That guy is a psychic.
"Ow, ow, ow!" howls Nendou, his offending hand hoisted up as he did with mine. Except there's nothing touching him. Only the wrinkles in his sleeves show evidence of a force keeping him in the air. A beastly growl resounds in the chambers of my mind. Nii-san's teeth are clenched, and his usual serene eyes, bold and alive like the shine of cutting knives.
Shut up. I don 't even want to hear you scream.
I tilt my head at the strangeness of what I'm hearing.
Nii-san? As I move my legs, I feel a cold wetness in my pocket.
Which rock are you insects skittering out from? Tell me, so I can burn it down to ashes!
Despite my brother's overpowering presence, Nendou is still able to talk. "How did you do that?" he demands.
Nii-san sneers. You're really stupid to be asking questions at a time like this.
"You're the stupid one!" shoots Nendou back, a bead of sweat dripping down his temple. Despite how he sounds, he may actually be aware of the danger he's in. "You think I wouldn't notice?"
Nii-san narrows his eyes.
"Just now, you used Instant Transmission without putting your fingers on your forehead! How did you do that? Even Goku couldn't do that! Is it the slippers?" he continues to yell. "Why are you wearing indoor slippers on the temple? That's very rude!"
Nii-san really is still wearing indoor slippers. His hat is nowhere in sight either. Nendou, with reasoning beyond I can understand, halts in his senseless ramblings for the worst thing to say out loud.
"Wait, never mind that. I need Ritsu-chan to strip down."
I leap forward and throw my arms around Nii-san's waist for all the good that it can do. "Wait, Nii-san! Read my mind, please - "
But it's too late. A psychoshock blasts across the grounds, violent winds ripping through branches with the undiscriminating relentlessness of a typhoon. Though a barrier is keeping not the slightest breeze touch Nii-san and I, I can hear the harsh whistling around us. Before us is a thick smog of dust thrashing chaotically. Then, like a huge vacuum has been turned on, the dust is sucked in, greatly thinning the chestnut veil to reveal two silhouettes. The bigger one sitting down must be Nendou. The other one is harder to see. When I squint, I cannot make anything more than a stuttering shadow. I think I see an iridescent dazzle flashing like a wall protecting the two… That's not Nii-san's power, is it?
"Nendou-san! Is he okay?" I yell over the dust, still pressed against Nii-san's back.
"Uh - yes! Thank you!" It's not Nendou talking. The voice sounds like he's an elementary student like us. "How about you? Can you tell me your name?"
"Don't move!" I warn him, though I can't actually see if he were trying to come closer. "Let's settle this another time!"
"Another time? A-all right! Okay!"
I bury my heels and heaved Nii-san back, who seems to have become rooted on his spot. Surprisingly, Nii-san is displaced easily - too easily that we almost fall down together from his weight and the force I applied. I mumble an apology as I straighten him up. Once we're both steadily standing, I relinquish my tight hold on him. It looks like he's calmed down. I throw a half-smile his way.
"What a way to start the year." Nii-san is looking blankly at me like he's trying to read my mind. Which he is, but I'm not sure what else he's trying to figure out. I'm too exhausted to think, or think about what he's thinking. I catch him reaching to take my hand.
"Oh, not that one." I let him take my other hand. Nii-san looks down at the hand I pulled back. His face is still quiet but somehow, I can see from his face how he's catching up to what really happened. I don't know what to feel about it yet, how all of this tension and commotion is due to a huge misunderstanding.
"We need to take this hamster to the vet," I say with a sigh. It has already peed in my pocket and is still as a statue on my hand. The poor thing. "And then, bring it back home to Nendou."
I'll take care of it, Nii-san's answer is prompt.
I hang my head. "Sorry…" Nii-san puts his hand on my shoulder.
Ritsu. Let 's go home and sleep. Before I change my mind.
To a degree, I can tell there's something different with Nii-san, but I can't put a name to flames that are cold, or to a storm that is calm. Nii-san is Nii-san. I'm sure everything will be fine.