Story: Mind the Gap (French version available : "Intervalles")

Date: 13 March 2022

Beta: None

Fandom: The World End With You

Disclaimer: No, I do not own TWEWY and do not make money with this story

Summary: Choosing to not erase himself and the whole city has consequences that Joshua would have loved to not deal with. But, well, that was his choice and he will stick to it. Especially considering he doesn't quite want to see Shibuya, Sanae, Neku and the others definitely erased anymore. Saving his precious things with half his powers binded and an interdiction of meddling, thanks to the Angels, is going to be tough but he has all faith in himself. Mostly.

Trigger du chapitre: mention of attempted suicide


Enjoy your Reading !


"And Kariya? He's powerful enough. He might even molt... if he lets his wings do it." Joshua offered cheerlessly.

"But that's just it, he doesn't let himself be. If you try to force him as a Conductor, the UG will be destroyed in the space of a Game."

"A feat considering it took me four." Joshua scoffed and Sanae gave him a pained look. Hu. Maybe still a little too early to laugh about it.

"And 777 - he's not especially powerful but he's well liked by the rest of the Reapers and has a good head on his shoulders."

"He still hasn't recovered from his resurrection and he's too nice. All the players would be recommended for a second life with him." Joshua contradicts him, "And Coco Atarashi and Eriol Hiragi are in transfer into other districts, I can't call them back like that."

"Then I guess you have no choice... Unless you want to resurrect Minamimoto? His soul still lingers on the side of Shibuya Hikari." At Joshua's disdainful snort, Sanae quickly dropped the subject. "Well, considering his strength you still have a few weeks to decide anyway... Otherwise, with all the other Officers-Reaper having been wiped out, and six of the seven remaining Lieutenant-Reaper having been rejected, if you don't want to promote a Wall-Reaper then that leaves only..."

"Uzuki Yashiro." Joshua completed before massaging his temple in a typically human gesture. It had been a long time since Sanae had seen him do this, and he was strangely pleased. "The thing is, she's not so bad... Keen to do well, ambitious, her results and reports are excellent but..."

"She's very young." Sanae agreed. "Only two years of service as a Reaper. That in itself is quite exceptional. To go from being a Player to a Wall-Reaper to a Officers-Reaper in just two short years, that's rarely happened before. What's more, Kariya was once a Conductor and he's quite attached to the little one. He doesn't want the title and responsibility but he has the skills and he's loyal, I'm sure he'll help her." The Producer reassured him.

"I'm counting on it." Joshua dropped onto the couch, his Composer form flowing out of him like water, leaving only a human teenager in its place. "Anyway, this is temporary, pending the judgment of the higher planes there's not much else I can do. But I would recommend Kariya as the next Composer if they condemn me. He won't be my problem when I'm erased."

"Josh." Sanae immediately scolded before freezing, forbidden. It was a habit to stop the younger man when he got a little too negative but... well, he knew perfectly well that if he stopped Joshua from destroying Shibuya, he would be the one to die instead. And he had done it anyway. He had no right to give him any more thoughts. Sanae took a deep breath to calm himself, Joshua said nothing. "You're not going to be erased. The cleansing of Shibuya was sanctioned by the Higher Planes and even though your play with Megumi and Neku was unorthodox it wasn't strictly forbidden. Rather than erasing you, you know that our Tuners greatly preferred that you ascend."

"No thanks." Joshua replied disgustedly, and Hanekoma wasn't surprised: Kariya wasn't the only one who shunned promotions. They remained quiet for a second, both lost in thought before Joshua suddenly said, "I understand why you did that, you know. I probably would have done the same thing if our places had been switched but..."

Joshua fell silent, not seeming to be able to articulate what he wanted to say and Sanae smiled sadly. "You don't have to forgive me Josh, I can't even forgive myself."

"No, wait." Josh stopped him with a hard voice before puckering his lips into a frustrated pout. "I know you had other ways to stop me if you really wanted to. Yet you specifically chose one that gave me leeway and would also self-destruct whether I succeeded or not. You wanted to go with me, didn't you?"

Hanekoma hesitated. He didn't want an excuse for his actions, but he couldn't lie to him either. Finally a tiny nod answered Joshua. But the boy didn't need the confirmation. It had been years, before the events of the last few weeks, that Joshua had favored his composing form, and Sanae had learned to listen to his Vibe, deciphering it for the tiny increases in tempo that showed his excitement or the short, high notes that expressed his surprise. But seeing him like this, with his adolescent appearance and his face completely visible, it was as if his emotions were written directly on his skin. And now he was completely serious, almost grave. It was strange to see him like that.

"Like you said, I'm not risking much. But you..."

"But I will be judged for my actions as I deserve." Sanae replied firmly but gently, finally daring to put a hand on Joshua's shoulder. "I've lived a very long and interesting life. I wouldn't have said no to going the extra mile, but I don't regret what I've done. I'm only glad you were able to take a third path. And I am infinitely grateful to Neku for showing you the way. He was able to help you, as well as Shibuya, when I didn't make it and that's the only thing I care about."

"But they'll take you away from me." Joshua whispered.

"Josh, hey, Josh, it's gonna be okay, all right? Even if it is, you don't need me anymore, you have other people with you. Just... promise me you won't interfere. You're not in danger, but you're not exactly safe either, they shouldn't see you as an accomplice. Who would protect Shibuya and the kids? Promise me."

But Joshua made no promises. Taking Sanae's hand in his, he held it tightly against his shoulder as if to make sure Sanae was still there. Joshua knew full well that he was selfish and wanted to have everything to himself. His city, his Reapers, his Proxies, his friends and his Producer.

And he would do anything to keep it that way.


Hope you liked it ! Go see the other Big Bang fics, you won't regret it ;)
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