My last day off I dropped off my sewing machine (along with 2 others) since it's con season, and all three machines at the place my friend and I sew at needed maintenance, lol. Kinda need them in working order to make/fix cosplay. OTL
TW: PTSD Flashback, kissing
Posted without proofreading.
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Iruma awoke to discomfort.
It wasn't pain, and it wasn't an unfamiliar feeling, so he shifted awkwardly and stiffly pushed himself up.
Did I really get engaged on live television..?
It felt too fantastical to be pure imagination, so he had to take a moment to stare at the picture of himself, Kuromu, Lindy, and Melie, before shifting his sights over to the trophy they'd won.
I am in so much trouble, aren't I?
Iruma took in a deep breath and sighed before pushing himself out of bed quietly. He carefully made his way to the bathroom so that he could refresh himself for the day in peace, and silently commanded Hermod to Guard.
He'd barely finished brushing his teeth when he heard his bedroom door slam open along with his Grandfather's voice, only for Hermod to growl and snap at his face.
(Sullivan wasn't frightened of the dog, but it was certainly a surprise to have a growling maw in his face instead of his adorably sleepy Grandson.)
At that, the door squeaked closed, and he heard a murmur about him still being in his meanie mode.
Iruma heaved a sigh before shuffling over to wash up for the day while dropping his pajamas messily. He didn't have it in him to be neat like he usually was, because he had other pressing matters to deal with. He turned on the water, sat down, and poured ice cold water over his head, causing himself to gasp and abruptly fall into a flashback.
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Kerori had barely finished eating her breakfast when he huddled close to himself while brusquely running a light mixture of soap and ice water over his arms as it dripped onto his legs. He had to be fast, because bathing in the winter was the worst when he couldn't go to The Family.
His teeth chattered painfully when he couldn't hold in the chill anymore, and his wolf stuck close to shield him from the wind. The snow made things better and worse all at once, since he could build a little bit of a wind buffer for himself, but it helped make everything icier and colder in a different way.
He panted as he rinsed, worrying that maybe this time he'd freeze himself to the point of sickness, and pushed the thought away for survival.
His hair wasn't really dripping so much as it'd frozen from the quick wash he'd run through it.
His fingers were getting stiff and frighteningly purple, so he sparked flames along his digits as he worked.
It was a horrible waste of his energy, but he had to be clean, or the hungrier animals started to bother him.
He trembled uncontrollably from the cold in a fit, before shaking himself, throwing his threadbare towel over his shoulders, and hopping onto Hermod to take him back to his tent. It took the wolf seconds, before they nosed him in through the flap, and crowded around him as he got dressed. He layered only twice, because he didn't have enough changes of clothes this season, and wrapped the damp towel over his head as he shivered into his wolf's hide.
Static traveled across his limbs to aid in warming up, while he held a tiny ball of flame in his palms near his face.
Kerori snapped backwards with a gasp as sweat slipped down her back. She held herself tightly for a moment, feeling her clothes and reacquainting herself with her body and her limbs.
She shivered, as the remnants of freezing to death melted into her bones and released with each breath.
Kerori swallowed thickly, before wiping her face with a sniff. So that's what being cold felt like…
She closed her eyes and buried her face into her hands as she allowed herself to sob brokenly once.
I am in my dorm room at Babyls, I am Crocell Kerori, and I am the victorious Akudol Kuromu.
She took in a deep breath before sighing softly. Slowly, she pulled her hands away from her face, wiped her eyes, and leaned back to stare at the ceiling.
What was that..?
Of all of the things she'd heard about, either through forms of media or word, about the effects of sharing Magic and Mana… she hadn't really caught on to this one.
She could've simply ignored the possibility- to feel so deeply and bond so strongly was rare, but somehow it made a terrific amount of sense when it came to Iruma. He was special in as many ways as he was flawed, and she couldn't help but smile sardonically at the realization that they didn't even need to share a Mark to be so entwined.
She frowned in worry, and she tried to brush against the part of herself that she associated with him, and felt static.
That… couldn't be good. She shifted to her feet unsteadily before padding over to her bedroom. She rummaged through her jewelry until she found the set she was looking for, put on one of the studs on her left, and dressed in her best casual clothes for the day.
Kerori then placed the small box containing the other half of the pair into her pocket, plopped onto her bed, and called her mother.
She would ask questions and explain herself later, for now, all she could request was her Blessings.
Iruma needed her by his side.
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Iruma nearly swallowed his tongue when he came back to the frigid present, and twisted the temperature to lukewarm.
He blinked rapidly as he tried to regain his bearings.
He was fifteen, his wolf had a name, and he had a Home.
He was Fine. He would be Alright. He was Safe.
Iruma closed his eyes tightly while gritting his teeth to reorientate himself, before exhaling heavily.
He pushed the water to a warmer temperature, and finally got to bathing himself as his shivers subsided. Once done, he cleaned up a little after himself, before plopping into the large tub in his bathroom to soak in and melt away the remnants of his trip through Memory Lane.
What just happened..?
He'd been fine, or at least, he'd thought he was fine. Why did dousing himself with ice cold water cause him to white out into Memory now? Was that normal?
Iruma didn't think it was, but he was far from what any being could call normal to begin with.
He slumped deeper into the water and blew bubbles under the surface tiredly while in thought.
Finally, he decided it was time to face the world, and pushed himself out of the tub and into comfortable clothes. He chose black for the day, comfortable pants, and a warm sweater that was soft.
He ran his fingers through his towel dried hair, before running a few products his mother had eased him into adding to his routine to bring out a healthy sheen and strength to his soft strands.
Iruma made sure both of his ears were clean, brushed out his mostly dry tail, and slipped into his house slippers before grabbing his phone.
He noted a message from Kerori and opened it.
I'll be there soon.
Iruma checked when the message was sent and squeaked before rushing down the stairs, past the huddle of surprised adults as well as Alice and Clara, before throwing the front door open.
Kerori stood there in surprise, her hand ready to knock, before he pulled her into himself and hugged her tightly with a silent whine.
Hermod placed themself nearby while eyeing everyone in the house, while Iruma rode out whatever feeling had washed over him.
It was difficult to place- relief that Kerori had come to his place without asking. A thrill of terror that they'd have to explain why he was at the Akudol Games, as well as the nervousness that he might wreck his friendship with his Soulmates.
Kerori hugged him back tightly, before she slowly released him to get a look at his face. She placed her hands on his cheeks as her eyes examined every aspect of his face, before gently asking if he was alright.
He didn't know how to answer her, because he was and wasn't, and he was still so confused and bewildered about a number of things, before closing his eyes as he pressed his face against hers and nuzzled her.
She returned his gentle affection, keeping note of the silent audience they were gathering, before patting his cheek lightly, "Okay."
Iruma pulled back, before pulling her into the house while closing the door behind her, "Oh, uhm. Welcome to my home..?"
Kerori gave him a wobbly smile before snorting good naturedly to herself. "Thank you." She eased off her coat, and he took it to put away as she slid into guest slippers. She met Asmodeus and Clara's eyes and nodded to them in greeting, before she met the eyes of the four adults.
She decided to turn her attention to Hermod in avoidance, and the Wolf was more than happy to come to her and give her an affectionate nuzzle while she rubbed their thick fur.
Kerori's heart swelled in affection for Iruma's protector. They had done everything within their abilities for their person. She buried her face into their muzzle, "You're the bestest boy, aren't you..?"
Hermod gave a wolfish snicker as they pressed into her for more affection, before slowly easing away.
She pulled back, and Hermod melted in a whirl of shadow and static.
Iruma watched her with an unexplainably warm and curious expression, before turning to everyone to speak, "Well, this is my fiance Kuromu, or as most of you know her, Kerori-" His stomach growled loudly, and he flushed deeply as his thoughts derailed. "And uhm...Can I at least have some breakfast before you interrogate me about it?"
Opera snorted as a grin warmed their disposition, "Of course."
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Kerori leaned against her propped arm as she watched Iruma eat. He was a lot slower nowadays, and he ate in a slightly more refined manner.
His ahoge was curled into a heart as he chewed happily, and Kerori could tell simply by the smell of it, that Opera's cooking was wonderful.
She cooked for herself, but the idea of a meal cooked by her mother made her feel a rush of homesickness before brushing it off.
Iruma glanced at her questioningly, and she gave him an awkward smile while she shook her head to not mind it.
He nodded, and returned his focus to his meal while the adults were talking.
Because by the Deities, they were talking.
They were using encrypted speech, so absolutely nothing but a garbled mess reached their young ears. Asmodeus occasionally glared in their direction while eating his own provided breakfast, and Clara had opted for the cute route of singing a silly song while pausing to eat randomly.
Kerori decided to break some of the ice first as she straightened in her seat, "So how long have the three of you been dating?"
Asmodeus nearly dropped his fork while gaping at her flushed, while Clara tilted her head in confusion.
Iruma swallowed before falling into a harsh coughing fit.
Asmodeus glared at her, "Are you making fun of us?"
Kerori raised an eyebrow at him while her eyes begged if he was simply that stupid or not, "No. You've been with Iruma for way longer than I have. I have no intention of pulling your horns apart."
Asmodeus gave her a puzzled expression before slowly easing his shoulders, "I- we… aren't dating?"
Kerori frowned before turning her full attention to Iruma, "What?"
Iruma cleared his throat and took a long sip of his tea before answering with his eyes glued to the table, "Uhm, we've been on a few dates- recently, but uhm. I have no intention of being in a relationship right now."
She squinted at him incredulously, "But you-" She straightened stiffly, before glancing between the three of them questioningly. Clara nodded her head at Iruma's statement like it made total sense, and Kerori flopped back into her seat with an annoyed sigh. "So you're not together."
The three nodded, Iruma notably more embarrassed than the other two, and she scrubbed at her face tiredly, "Iruma, you drive me abso-fucking-lutely crazy."
Iruma snorted into his hand as he tried to hold back a nervous laugh, "I- ah, I'm sorry?"
Kerori rolled her neck and shoulders into a satisfying crack that had been quietly niggling at her nerves, "I really hate you sometimes."
Iruma smiled at her blissfully, "I know. I appreciate it."
Asmodeus gave him a bewildered look, "Iruma-sama, what?"
Iruma looked at his Soulmate, "Azz- Alice, your love is so purely intense with adoration, that it's nice to have someone who sees me as less-than-god."
Asmodeus spluttered as Clara tilted into his view, "But what about me? I love Iruma-chi just as much as AzzAzz!"
Iruma would pat her head if he could, "Clara, it's not that I don't believe you. It's that sometimes you don't draw a line between sibling and lover, and that confuses me a little."
Clara gaped at him before flushing and slowly shrinking into herself. She couldn't help but grumble sulkingly, "You and AzzAzz are not my brothers."
Iruma nodded in understanding, "Okay." It was just the only way she was used to expressing love.
Iruma gave Kerori his full attention as he carefully set aside his empty plate. "I appreciate what you're trying to say." He turned to Asmodeus and Clara, "And that is, is that she isn't going to take me away from you, even if she and I are engaged."
Their eyes widened, before Asmodeus turned to Kerori with a frown, "...Can you explain what led to yesterday's announcement?"
Kalego took that moment to butt in as he leveled them all with a glare, "That's what we would all like to know."
The four teenagers flinched, while Iruma also instinctively slipped out of his chair and moved to stand close to Kerori in one fluid movement.
Kalego was unimpressed, but Opera lifted their hand as they looked between Iruma and Kerori, "I have questions, and I will be the one with priority, here."
Kalego and Shichirou both pulled back, Kalego more displeased than the other, while Sullivan sighed dramatically, "Of course Opera, but…" He squealed as he showed off his home-made poster, "Lookie, look! Isn't my Grandson adorable?!"
Iruma flushed as he flashed his fangs and screeched, "So you did watch the games!"
Sullivan sparkled, "What demon could resist the temptation after being warned so much!?"
Iruma buried his face into his hands and lamented loudly.
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Iruma was red in the face as he leaned tiredly against Kerori in front of the large screen tv that was paused on Irumeanie's face, with Irumi fan-merch around it. He was so tired, and Kerori had been forced to pull some strings with her agency to get some limited edition Irumi merch that Opera and Sullivan had missed due to being ignorant of their Ward becoming an Akudol.
It was a tiny price to pay, all things considered.
Opera turned the television off and settled next to their mates, while Asmodeus and Clara huddled together opposite of them. They were making a rather disjointed circle, but it was easy to look at everyone.
Opera took a short breath, "First, while I have seen the video on your website, how exactly did Iruma come to debut as Irumi?"
Asmodeus and Clara couldn't even answer that, as they'd simply supported Iruma on the matter of helping Kuromu. Neither of them had known that she was their classmate Kerori.
Kerori blushed lightly, "Uhm. I kind of hate how Iruma ends up in the limelight all the time, and he randomly appeared at the most important show of my career, and somehow got lucky enough for a ViP one on one. I uhm. Kind of got overly emotional about it, and caused myself to pass out."
Opera raised an eyebrow before glancing at Iruma. He shrugged helplessly, "I made her mad because I wanted to know how I could avoid standing out like she does."
Opera's face went blank, before they shook their head, "Iruma…"
Iruma flushed as he squeaked, "I'm sorry! It's not as much of a problem now, but I didn't understand anti-detection stuff back then! I didn't realize she was using tools to hide her identity because she's super popular and famous!"
Opera shifted their gaze back to Kerori, and she sighed as she finished her explanation, "My mother had stopped by to stabilize my condition, and when I got backstage, I saw Irumi, Alice, and Clarin on stage, entertaining the audience until I could return to the stage. And… It was when I returned that I made Irumi join me in performing."
Opera nodded slowly in understanding, "And it was after that, that his voice lessons started."
Kerori nodded, "I wasn't about to let his talent go to waste. He just needed formal training."
Opera huffed lightly as they settled back a little. "I see…" They observed the two, before pushing their Magic against the two of them. They both startled and reacted, intertwining in protection, before Iruma pulled their Magic in and settled Kerori's confusion.
Opera pursed their lips, "And what is this about?"
Iruma held tightly onto his mother's Magic, "Her Magic?" Opera nodded. Iruma looked to Kerori helplessly, as he never fully understood why she'd gone so far for him.
Kerori flushed, before fidgeting a little as she replied. "His Magic was… starving! I, uhm, he was brushing my hair, and I tried to clasp onto his Magic like I would my family, when his just… fluttered away weakly? I was shocked, and horrified at the state of it! I honestly wasn't sure how he was still alive, with how cramped and choked his Magic was! So I- I know there was probably a better way, but I freaked out and did the first thing that came to mind! I mean, Iruma always ate so much food! Feeding him my Magic just made sense!"
Opera's eyes widened before they mulled over Kerori's explanation. It… did make sense, especially since they had been convinced at first, that Iruma had no Magic to speak of. Iruma wasn't overly familiar with Magic when he'd arrived, so feeding it to him did actually make sense, instead of trying to have him absorb it through contact.
It was just horribly foolish, with far-reaching consequences.
Opera noted that Shichirou was writing at a swift pace, and rubbed their eyes tiredly, "Alright. So you started feeding him you Magic to open his Mana pathways. I won't bother scolding you and leave it to your own family to do." They sighed before looking pointedly at Iruma, "How far has this gone?"
Iruma tilted his head in confusion, before Kalego interrupted them. "Pup, have you Marked her?"
Iruma flushed as he reeled back, "Wh- No! We- she feeds me her Magic! I uhm, We can feel when the other has a strong emotion, but! We haven't!?"
Kerori was red-faced as she cleared her throat and answered, "We have a pre-Bond."
Kalego glared at her. He gripped his sleeves as he held back all of the things he wanted to rant and rave about.
Opera's voice was soft and smooth, "Do you truly plan to marry Iruma?"
Iruma inhaled sharply, before Kerori met Opera's eyes with unflinching determination, "I do, if you are willing to give us your Blessings."
Opera sagged at this as dread pooled into their stomach, "So you announced it to the whole Netherworld, without consulting His Family First, and expect me to simply accept it?" Their voice is steele at the end, but Kerori withstands their cutting words.
"...I had never entertained the idea, until Gyari proclaimed that she'd force me to retire, and make me hers, first. I said it in a moment of spontaneity, and Harmed my…" She floundered as her voice refused to work for a moment as she bowed in slight shame, "I hurt Iruma's feelings."
"Hahaue." Iruma met his mother's eyes with clarity, "When we left the stage, I demanded that she take responsibility for her words, or break whatever it is that's between us. The thought of losing this… bond with Kerori would have Hurt me irreversibly, but being used as a publicity stunt hurt worse."
Opera took in a deep breath, "And this is your answer."
Iruma nodded, "When we're older and more mature, I'll marry her."
Opera glanced at the two by his side, "And what of them?"
Iruma blinked in confusion before turning to Alice and Clara. The two of them were a depressing huddle of depression, and he couldn't help but feel so confused. They were his Soulmates! The ones he was destined to meet, no matter what Story the Universe had in store for him!
"I'll marry them, too." Alice and Clara looked at him in confused wonder as he spluttered, "Uhm, if they want to!? I mean-!" Iruma hunched into himself as he pointedly stared at his hands and fiddled with his fingers, "I'm still kind of getting used to the culture of the Netherworld… and it wasn't at all normal where I grew up, but! If it's possible, and my partners agree with it, if I'm able to provide for everyone and protect them, then isn't it okay for me to marry the ones I love? Or at least, be in a relationship with them?"
Opera couldn't help but gape at their child. Just having a relationship with their two Kouhai was troubling enough, and wrought with issues. But Iruma-
Sullivan burst out laughing, derailing everyone's thoughts as he covered his mouth and tried to smother his chuckles, "Ah, my dear sweet Iruma. Your Greed certainly has no bounds, does it?"
Iruma turned red as he shrunk into his shoulders and squeaked, "I guess?"
Sullivan turned warm eyes to Iruma's dearest friends, "Well? Are you amicable to the idea Iruma has laid out?"
Clara crossed her arms and stuck her tongue out in thought, while Alice sat stiffly. "...We aren't in a relationship, though. Why does our opinion matter?"
Kalego sighed with a harsh roll of his eyes, "Asmodeus, your feelings for Iruma are the exact reason why I can't find it in myself to, in good conscience, promote you to Rank He (5)." He glared at him, "Is your Bloodline so weak compared to your Flame, that you can't even overcome Iruma's shortcomings?"
Alice blinked at his teacher, offended and confused all at once, until he abruptly recalled his mother's words.
He flushed, and he couldn't help but clutch his chest as he re-evaluated every last drop of his feelings for Iruma in the time that it took to snuff out a candle.
He exhaled tiredly, before meeting his teacher's gaze, "Not at all! Even in this, Iruma's love far surpasses my own!"
Kalego settled back, neither unsatisfied nor satisfied as he glanced towards Shichirou.
Shichirou studied his student, before observing his chosen child, "Your flock is a bit unstable, hatchling."
Iruma tilted his head, before Clara bounced to her feet with a nod, "This is just how Iruma-chi is!" She turned to him with a toothy grin, "He loves lots and lots, though…" She moved into his space with a stern look, "You better tell us who you've got your eyes on, 'cause if we don't like 'em, we'll chase them off!"
Iruma smiled weakly, "And Kerori passes?"
Clara pulled back with a nod as she placed her hands on her hips, "She's never been mean to me, and she worries about me! She's a-okay!"
Iruma rubbed at his neck, before clearing his throat, "So uhm. Along with you three, I finally figured out I'm in love with Ameri-san."
Clara slumped, while Alice hummed thoughtfully, "She is a good pick, Iruma-sama. I approve." Clara glared at him in betrayal, but Alice was undeterred as Kerori raised an eyebrow for clarification. Alice looked at the three before him puzzled, "I thought Ameri's feelings towards Iruma-sama were quite obvious?"
Kalego leveled him flatly, "Perhaps you should explain your Bloodline Ability that you painstakingly ignore, fool."
Alice grimaced stiffly while baring his fangs, "Augh."
Iruma's curiosity was piqued, which was terrible, considering his feline tendencies. He couldn't help but shift over and paw into his lap with wide clear eyes and wonder, "Fire isn't you Bloodline Magic?"
Asmodeus flushed deeply as Iruma puddled into his lap. He tried to look away, but he was too transfixed, "I uhm. No. I'm just talented with Fire. Passion… and Love… you know..?"
Iruma smiled at him innocently, "Oh, yeah, sure. That makes sense. So… uhm, if it isn't some deep dark secret like me being half-human, can you tell me?"
Alice closed his eyes, and through gritted teeth, confessed.
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It was nearing noon when Opera finally, and begrudgingly, gave Kerori their Blessings.
Kerori felt a part of he relax that she slowly realized was both herself and Iruma both.
He was worried..?
Kerori shook herself a little, before she moved to bend down on one knee before him, just as she had the day before. She took one of his hands while the other held a small box as she met his eyes. "When we are older, and I am capable of treasuring you properly… would you marry me?"
Iruma's eyes became glossy as he flushed. His family, and the ones who mattered to him most were there as witnesses. He had approval. "Yes."
Kerori sighed in relief as she opened the box to reveal the earring hidden inside. "We're too young for rings, so would you take this family heirloom in its place?"
Iruma's eyes widened, "But-"
Kerori deftly moved her hair aside to show off the other half of the set, "We'll match."
Iruma was speechless as he nodded in affirmation while taking the box from her care, "I'll cherish it."
Kerori smiled, "I know you will." She placed a hand gently against his cheek, "Special protective Magics are woven through it, and though separated it may not be as strong, it will still protect you in those times when I can't be near, alright?"
Iruma nodded, and swiftly placed the symbol of their promise into his right ear. He then leaned down and kissed her to seal the deal, while thumbing her half of their pair.
Two clear ice blue roses, forever frozen in bloom, as they reflect various colors within the spectrum of light.
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Please let me know if you enjoyed it. I've had reviews slowly drop off, and it's making me think I'm getting annoying with my story. Fanfiction isn't a product for fast consumption, but a support to the fandom for which it is written (imo). Authors need feedback from their readers to know they're doing alright, because page hits can just be page reloads, and on ao3, you can only leave a single Kudos. On FFnet, I only really have TinkaPrime reviewing, which I am so thankful for their support there as well as here on ao3.
Even if some of my chapters on ao3 seem to have several reviews, my responses also count towards that total, so there aren't actually as many comments as one might think there are if you don't look at what's been posted.
..Anyway. I've just been getting kind of depressed about it. Be safe, and be well.