Ch. 28 - Way Too Long Coming

The first thing Saiki did when he finally woke up was curse god for giving him parents as annoying as his. Before he had even opened his eyes their thoughts came flooding into his brain at the forefront of the hundreds of other voices beginning to blend together as one. It must have been one of their anniversaries coming up because they were both filled with anxiety over what to get each other. As per every other year of his life.

He supposed it was at least nice that every now and then a stray thought of how he was doing and when he would wake up would mix in with their gift ideas.

The second thing that he did when he woke up was run every check and test that he could think of on the new antenna that were left on top of his bedside table. This was a tricky thing to do as without antenna at all he had to try and be extremely careful with his powers. With even the tiniest incorrect movement of his wrist he could tear down the walls of their house with just the wind that swept up because of the movement. As soon as he was sure that they were in fact just normal antennas, he levitated them above his head and shoved them into their place as quickly as he could. Sighing in relief when he felt the control he should have over his body flood back to him.

The third thing that he did when he woke up was wonder why he was back to having such little control over his body without antenna when he went a whole day without them while trying to save Teruhashi.

That thought didn't last long though as there wasn't really an answer, and he spotted a note in Teruhashi's handwriting also left on his bedside table, atop a small black, empty, jewelry box. Scanning though the note quickly gave him the knowledge that Aiura had dropped off the new, normal, antenna along with another heartfelt apology to the two of them. Saiki found that unsurprising, he had been hearing the guilt swarming her thoughts from the moment she had shown up to help him at the school, but it was nice to read anyway. She also mentioned that during the two days he had slept (wow that was a record) everyone of his friends, barring Toritsuka, stopped by to check in on how he was doing. Teruhashi would have liked to stay until he woke up, but Makoto had been adamant that she return home at a decent time. Considering how much she had worried him when she arrived home after the day from hell, she didn't want to cause him any more stress.

After reading the note, Saiki figured there was only one other thing he should do. Even though it was going to be the most annoying of all.

He sighed, trying to mentally prepare himself and then picked up his phone and facetimed his brother.

"Kusuo!" Kusuke's face appeared on screen after only two rings, almost as if he had been waiting expectantly for his brother to call. Even with the late hour. "How was your nap little brother?"

"Don't play nice," Saiki spoke aloud, his voice sounding at last as if he had been speaking this way his entire life.

Kusuke looked delighted at the sound, "Look at you! Using your words like a big strong boy!"

"You're the worst," Saiki sighed, raising his free hand to pinch the bridge of his nose. He could already feel a headache forming. "Why did you make me new antennas?"

"Isn't that obvious?" Kusuke laughed, "You're my baby bro! Who would I be if I didn't make sure you were taken care of?"

"A genius level sociopath."

"Well that's just hurtful. After all, I did make those new antennas just the way you prefer them."

"Exactly. That's why I'm demanding to know what your reason for that is."

Kusuke paused, glancing at something in his lab as if it was suddenly hard to meet his brother's inquiring gaze. Perhaps he was wondering if it was worth it to tell the truth or not? Not because he was ashamed, embarrassed, or trying to protect someone. No, that would never be the case. He was mostly wondering how much Kusuo would get worked up if he just refused to tell him. The angry gaze behind green glass would be an extra treat for him after the last few days...

But then again... "I guess you did win the game a few days ago. I suppose I can avoid torturing you for at least another day or so."

"Gee, thanks."

Kusuke grinned at him again, "Your little fortune teller friend messaged me. I have to say, Kusuo, she really is quite the little spit fire. Not to mention her abilities! She really would be a much better match for you than that boring -"

"Not what I was asking for, Kusuke."

"Fine, fine!" Kusuke sighed, "She called and threatened me with all kinds of creative violence. As well as threatening to go to the authorities and tell them everything I did. Obviously I told her that would incriminate her as well, and with my money and resources I wasn't the slightest bit worried, but..." He tapped his chin with a thoughtful smile, "Then she brought up something very interesting. So!" He smiled back at the camera again, "I did what she asked me to and sent them your way priority one! Happy now?"

"Happier..." Saiki glared at his brother, "What was the interesting thing she brought up?"

"Hmm... I'd rather not say actually."

"You realize Aiura will just tell me when I ask her right?" Saiki rolled his eyes, "What is with the secrecy?"

Kusuke pursed his lips, clearly upset. "She brought up that even with all my money and resources, if she revealed to the press that the victim of my crime was Kokomi Teruhashi none of that would matter. I'd be incarcerated without bail, and my chances of ever beating you would be gone faster than I could say offu."

Saiki snorted, a smile gracing his face at last with the offended look his brother was giving him. He felt pride swell within him, both for his superpowered girlfriend and his clever friend. "I guess my girlfriend isn't quite so boring then, is she?"

Then he hung up, ignoring the angry spluttering of his brother on the other line.

Now that he was less distracted the voices of his parents came unbidden to his brain once more.

"I'm not sure how but if I could arrange for 100 birds to fly by at just the right time I could then give Papa 100 kisses, or 100 sweets, or maybe 100 love coupons!"

... Ok well, Saiki frowned to himself at his mother's thoughts, I know it's not the 100th chapter of this story. Right? He pulled up Divine Intervention on fanfiction on his phone quickly to check. Nope, this is only Chapter 28. What the hell kind of anniversary are they celebrating?

"I should probably go check on Ku again soon. After so much sleeping he's going to be so hungry! Maybe I'll let him order from 100 different take out menus! Oh no wait, I think I'm still in anniversary mode."

Saiki smiled. His parents might be dumb, but maybe they weren't the worst parents a guy could have.

Teruhashi was lying in bed trying to read.

A feat that was proving to be very difficult when she had a pesky older brother bothering her every other minute. First it was offering to rub her pain relief cream onto her shoulders and ribs for her, then it had been to spoon feed her supper. She half expected him to show up at the door with his blanket and pillow and demanding that she let him sleep in her room so he could keep an eye on her injuries through the night. Her eyes drifted from her book to her door, double checking to make sure it was locked.

To make her bad night even worse she still didn't even know if Saiki had woken up yet. Aiura had texted her that it should be any minute now several hours ago, but the time she had to be home by had been coming up fast. The last thing she had needed was her brother storming through the Saiki's door and dragging her back, so she had gone home. The worry continued to eat at her from the inside out as she waited and waited for an update.

As if knowing exactly how much she needed news, her phone finally dinged from her bedside. Discarding the book immediately, she lunged for her phone to check and see who it was from.

Saiki - Are you still awake?

"He's awake!" The worry in her gut finally lessened and Teruhashi felt her lips twitching up into a smile as she responded.

Teruhashi - No, I'm still up. How are you feeling?

Instead of getting a reply a blue light flashed in her room and then Saiki was there. Laying next to her in her bed, flipping absentmindedly through the book she had discarded there, in what was now his spot. What are you studying this late for? Are you that behind in class? He smiled at her teasingly, his new antenna standing out proudly at the top of his head.

She wouldn't have been able to fight the smile even if she wanted to, "I wasn't studying! I was distracting myself!" She elbowed him, rolling over so she was on her side facing him. "Someone very important to me wasn't feeling so great."

Strange, Saiki sent the book flying off and into her book bag with his mind before rolling over to mirror her position, I can't imagine anyone being important to you.

"You're such an ass," Teruhashi snorted before looking him over a bit more seriously, "You sure you're ok now?"

Saiki nodded, I'm ok. The new antenna are normal, my powers are reeled back in where I prefer them to be. I really truly am, He reached forward and pushed some of the hair out of her face, Ok. And I'm sorry that I worried you so much.

"Don't apologize," Teruhashi thought to him firmly, though her eyes were fluttering closed happily when Saiki's fingers caressed her cheek. "I am always going to worry about you."

Oh? Saiki smirked at her, Am I that troubling?

She swatted at his chest, giggling, "No, but are an ass."

I take offense to that this time around.

"Uh huh, Teruhashi rolled her eyes at him, though the gesture was moot considering the big smile still gracing her face. "Sure you do."

They lay there like that for a little while after that. Saiki stroking up and down her arm and the two of them just enjoying each other's company. It was so relaxing, so soothing after the last few days, that it didn't take long for Teruhashi to begin feeling like she might fall asleep.

You're exhausted, Saiki whispered into her mind when her eyes started drifting shut, I should go home so you can sleep.

"No wait!" Teruhashi reached out and grabbed onto his shirt, holding him in place. "I don't want you to go. Not yet, stay a little bit longer," She whispered, moving closer so she could rest her forehead against his chest and listen to his heart beating.

Saiki wrapped an arm around her, For a little while. Though he seemed perfectly content exactly where he was.

"Are you worried about school?" Teruhashi wasn't sure how great some of their friends that were now in the know were going to be at keeping his secret.

Worried? No. Annoyed at the extra amount of thoughts that are going to be sent directly at me every single class? Saiki hummed, pretending to think about it. Yes. My brain is going to be my new phone number and I won't be able to tell Kaido that I just didn't get his message.

Teruhashi snorted into his shirt, "But you like it when I talk to you during class."

I like everything you do much more than when they do it. Case in point this cuddle. I really don't want to be doing this with, say, Nendou.

She giggled, "What a cute couple the two of you would make."

Saiki's fingers pressed into her side lightly, a warning threat of her most ticklish spot. Don't even picture it.

They quieted again, enjoying the peace.

A growing nervousness was beginning to take over Teruhashi though. She bit her lip, pulling away slightly so she could look her boyfriend in the eyes. Sensing the growing anxiety in her thoughts, Saiki furrowed his brow at her. Is something wrong? Are you worried about school tomorrow?

"No, not if you're not. I just," She took a deep breath, emptying out her brain as she did so. She should really not be this nervous. "Kusuo Saiki, I love you."

The words breezed out of her in a whisper but she knew that Saiki heard her. His eyes were already doing that thing she loved so much where they softened, as if she was the cutest thing in the world.

The amount that you've begun thinking is suddenly making it very hard for me to respond.

Teruhashi rolled her eyes, fighting a smile, "No it's not."

Saiki smiled at her. "Kokomi Teruhashi," Her heart stilled when his lips moved and the soft timber of his voice hit her ears instead of her brain. "I love you, too."

She felt a tear slide down her cheek, but Saiki wiped it away. The joy burning inside the two of them felt so full and magnetic. Pulling them forward to share the softest and most romantic kiss that they had had since getting together. Everything was quite literally perfect.

"I'm going to start calling you Kusuo now, I hope you know that."

That does seem fitting, Kokomi...