I was pretty excited to work on this request. Even though it's not explicitly said in this one-shot, autistic Giyuu and autistic Obanai is one of my favorite headcanons. I know overstimulation can be different for everyone, depending on the person, but this is purely based on my personal experiences with dealing with this type of thing. Hope you guys enjoy!
Requested by Kyomi_Uchimaki on Wattpad
Genre: Hurt/Comfort, Song fic (kinda)
Plot: Giyuu gets overwhelmed at his first college party. Thankfully, he meets someone who understands the feeling
Song Used: Levitating by Dua Lipa
Modern College AU!
Panic at the Disco
Why did I agree to this? I know damn well this isn't my type of thing. Giyuu thought as he walked through campus. The cool night air blew through his hair and he wrapped his arms around himself with a slight shiver. I should be back in my dorm, under some blankets, and studying. Or at least trying to, anyway.
One of the frats was hosting a party and the entirety of Kimetsu University was invited. Giyuu's roommate, Kyojuro, had insisted on him coming. He thought it would be a good way for Giyuu to branch out and make some friends.
But Giyuu's gut was telling him this was wrong. His subconscious was telling him to turn around now before something bad happens. Giyuu shoved the thoughts away. He agreed to do this, so he should stick to his word. Besides, maybe he was just being paranoid. Maybe he'll end up liking the party more than he's expecting.
Finally, he arrived at a peaceful looking frat house, with the exception of the loud music coming from inside. He figured this was the place, but he pulled out his phone and double checked the note he had saved to make sure. It was, so why did it look so dark? He was expecting it to be all lit up. Was this some kind of joke? Giyuu walked up to the door. When he got closer, he felt soft vibrations of the loud music. Getting a closer look at the windows, he realized they were blacked out. Giyuu slowly pushed the door open and was immediately greeted by every color of the rainbow flashing across the room. The music was suddenly even louder, startling him. The room was crowded with college students dancing and drinking. Giyuu quickly hurried inside and shut the door behind him. He took a moment to take in the scene before him as he curled in on himself. Maybe this really was a mistake.
"Ah, Tomioka! You made it!" Kyojuro suddenly shouted, running up to him.
"Oh. Hey, Rengouku," Giyuu said.
"What was that?!" Kyojuro shouted, struggling to hear between the music and his already bad hearing.
"I said 'Hey, Rengouku'!" Giyuu replied, raising his voice.
"Oh! Well, 'hey' to you, too!" Kyojuro replied.
Giyuu nodded and looked back at the crowded room. "So this is what a party looks like," he said, making sure to keep his voice raised.
"Yep! Wanna hit the dance floor?!"
"Not really," Giyuu replied without hesitation.
"Okay! Let's get food instead!"
"I'm not hungry."
"A drink?!"
Giyuu shook his head.
Kyojuro was about to suggest something else when Tengen and his girlfriends came running up. "There you are, Rengouku! You gotta come see this, two of the freshmen are fighting!"
"It's a badass fight! You can't miss it!" Makio enthusiastically chimed in.
Before Kyojuro could protest and explain he was here for Giyuu, he got whisked away. "Sorry!" he managed to shout to Giyuu before disappearing into the crowd.
Giyuu tried to go after them, but he lost track of them in an instant. Sighing in defeat, he walked off, hoping to find a room in the frat house that was nice and quiet.
So far, he wasn't having any luck. Everything was so loud and bright and crowded. He found himself bumping into people as he worked his way from room to room and even in the halls. He would apologize, but it would go unheard over the loudness of the environment. He could feel his hearing getting more and more sensitive. He felt like he could hear everything.
The loud music.
A crowd singing along.
Every side conversation.
People cheering.
People yelling.
Glasses clinking as toasts were made.
Splashes of spilled alcohol followed by more yelling.
It was too much.
Giyuu clapped his hands over his ears, hoping to muffle it all, but it didn't really do much. He was nervous enough as it was coming here, but these conditions were making it worse. He could feel his chest tightening and his brain starting to shut down. He needed some peace now.
Eventually he found a room upstairs that was dark and empty. He rushed inside, closing the door behind him, and curled up in the corner. He could still hear the noise downstairs, but it was quieter this time. He brought his knees to his chest and buried his face in them, bringing his hands to his ears to tune out the noise entirely.
This was such a mistake. I never should have agreed. I never should have come here. Why did I agree? Why am I even like this? This is supposed to be fun, right? How do people find this fun?! Too loud, too many people. I want to go back to the dorm, but I don't think I can go through that mob again!
Giyuu could feel that tightness in his chest getting worse, making it hard to breathe. He tried to ground himself and focus on the fact that he was now somewhere quiet and without people, but it was no use. Tears formed in his eyes and slipped down his face from how pathetic he felt. He just wanted to get out of here.
"Rough night, huh?"
Giyuu lowered his hands and looked up to see another guy across the room from him, leaning against the wall. He was in the shadows, so Giyuu couldn't make out his features. So much for this room being empty.
Ew, social interaction. This is the LAST thing I need. Giyuu thought with a scowl.
"I haven't seen you around here before. Is this your first time?"
Giyuu opened his mouth to respond, but his vocal chords failed him. Damn it. He closed his mouth and just nodded instead.
"I had a feeling," the other guy said, stepping out of the shadows and into the moonlight filtering through the window. He was shorter than Giyuu, had choppy black hair that went down to his shoulders, pale skin that seemed to light up in the moonlight, and a paper mask covering the lower half of his face. He was dressed in a black and white striped shirt and black sweatpants. A black bag was slung over one of his shoulders. His most fascinating feature was his eyes. One was a bright golden color while the other was deep teal. They were beautiful, yet a little intimidating.
He's pretty. Giyuu thought to himself with a slight blush. He shifted nervously and averted eye contact.
The other man took a seat on the bed. "The people of this frat host these stupid things every month. I only come because my friends come. But the first time I came to one of these, I had the same reaction you're having."
Giyuu's brow furrowed in confusion. Why is he telling me this? Then he realized he was breathing okay again and the tears had stopped. He just … provided a distraction. Something to focus on so I can ground myself. Giyuu realized.
"I wouldn't give up on these just yet," the other guy continued.
Giyuu shot him a glare. What the hell?
The other guy took notice of his glare and couldn't help but smirk a little under his mask in amusement. "Believe me, I wanted to never attend one of these again after my first. But my friends persuaded me to give it another chance. They told me it won't be as bad since I knew what to expect."
Giyuu's look softened as he thought about it. This other guy was right. He had gone in with an already nervous mindset because he didn't know what to expect, making it super easy for him to get overwhelmed. Maybe if he went back downstairs to leave, he'd be able to face the crowd and noise easier now that he knew what was waiting for him. He can properly prepare himself.
"My name is Obanai, by the way. Obanai Iguro," the other guy said.
Giyuu nodded, uncurling himself so he could sit more properly.
Obanai pursed his lips, unsure of what else he should say. He didn't know why he felt the need to help this stranger, yet here he was. He supposed it was because the newcomer reminded him so much of himself. Obanai recalled how he wished there was a way for his first party to be easier. For someone to understand how he was feeling. He probably just didn't want to see someone else struggle with the same thing. Besides, he'd be lying if he said he didn't find the new guy fairly attractive, despite his current condition.
This guy hasn't said a word since he showed up. Obanai noted. Should I ask about it? Or would that be pushing it? Hmm … I can still figure out what he needs, words or no words. "Feeling any better?"
Giyuu nodded. He opened his mouth, ready to try speaking again. "Thank you," he managed to croak out. His vocal chords resisted a bit, but he could manage.
Obanai blinked in surprise. So he can talk. "Don't mention it."
"Giyuu Tomioka," Giyuu added on, realizing he could now introduce himself in return.
"Pardon?"
"I'm Giyuu Tomioka."
"Nice to meet you, Tomioka."
"Nice to meet you, too, Iguro."
"Do you want to get the hell out of here?" Obanai offered.
"Please," Giyuu said. He nervously looked at the door, knowing what was awaiting him.
Obanai thought about the parties he's attended in the past. He wondered if Giyuu has the same struggles he has. "What is it you don't like about them?" he asked.
"It's loud," Giyuu simply replied. "And crowded."
Just as I suspected. Obanai reached into his bag and pulled out a pair of headphones. "Here," he said, handing them to Giyuu. "I have the same problems. But it seems like you're going to need these more than I do."
Giyuu's eyes widened at the gesture. "Thank you," he said, accepting the headphones and slipping them on. Immediately, everything sounded quieter. It was perfect.
"Ready?"
Giyuu hesitantly nodded.
Obanai opened the door and the party sounded louder. But the headphones still made it sound like a manageable volume. The main thing Giyuu could hear was the music, but that was okay. As long as all the other sounds weren't too much, then he'd be okay.
Once downstairs, Obanai led Giyuu through the crowd. Giyuu felt uncomfortable, squeezing past so many people, but he had to make it through. Focus on Iguro. He knows what he's doing. he told himself.
Giyuu did exactly that. He kept his eyes glued on him so he could keep up with him. As for the noise surrounding them, he only focused on the music and tried to tune out everything else. Most of the songs weren't really his taste, but they were at least something to help keep himself from getting overstimulated again.
Right when they got to a part of the frat that wasn't as crowded, a song Giyuu actually liked started playing, which got his attention. He froze for a moment and looked back towards the DJ booth.
Obanai took notice of this. "Wait … you like this song, too?!"
Giyuu turned back around. "Yes!" he confirmed.
Finally, something to help lighten their spirits. The two started dancing and singing along, everyone and everything around them seeming to no longer matter.
If you wanna run away with me
I know a galaxy
And I can take you for a ride
Giyuu felt his stomach flutter. When he thought about it, that kind of sounded like the situation he was just in, wanting to get away from here with Obanai's help.
I had a premonition
That we fell into a rhythm
Where the music don't stop for life
Glitter in the sky
Glitter in my eyes
Shining just the way I like
Giyuu blushed, immediately recollecting the way Obanai's eyes lit up in the moonlight.
If you're feeling like you need a little bit of company
You met me at the perfect time
By now, Obanai had also fully let the lyrics settle in. He and Giyuu froze for a split second, locking eyes. Smiles took over their faces. This was the first time Giyuu smiled all night. Seeing Obanai's eyes curve into a smile made him feel warm inside. He couldn't quite explain why, though.
You want me
I want you, baby
My sugarboo
I'm levitating
The Milky Way
We're renegading
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!
I got you
Moonlight
You're my
Starlight
I need you
All night
Come on, dance with me
I'm levitating
You
Moonlight
You're my
Starlight
I need you
All night
Come on, dance with me
I'm levitating
And dance together, they did. Giyuu found himself mesmerized by Obanai's dance moves. The shorter of the two didn't really have any rhythm, but his movements were smooth and looked elegant. Meanwhile, Obanai was impressed by Giyuu's moves, which were flowy, yet right on beat.
I believe that you're for me
I feel it in our energy
I see us written in the stars
We can go wherever
So let's do it now or never, baby
Nothing's ever, ever too far
Glitter in the sky
Glitter in our eyes
Shining just the way we are
I feel like we're forever
Every time we get together
But whatever, let's get lost on Mars
Giyuu had to try not to falter at that. He supposed he and Obanai did match each other's energy pretty well. But he knew he needed to get to know him better in order to see if he agreed with the rest of that verse.
You want me
I want you baby
My sugarboo
I'm levitating
The Milky Way
We're renegading
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!
I got you
Moonlight
You're my
Starlight
I need you
All night
Come on, dance with me
I'm levitating
You
Moonlight
You're my
Starlight
I need you
All night
Come on, dance with me
I'm levitating
Whoo!
You can fly away with me tonight
You can fly away with me tonight
Baby, let me take you for a ride
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!
I'm levitating (Whoo!)
You can fly away with me tonight
You can fly away with me tonight
Baby, let me take you for a ride
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah! (Whoo!)
Maybe it was the music talking, or the relief or finally having a good time tonight. Or maybe it was the gratitude Giyuu felt for Obanai. Whatever the reason, the two linked hands and danced together. Obanai tried his best to follow Giyuu's moves, struggling a little, but Giyuu could tell the effort was there.
My love is like a rocket, watch it blast off
And I'm feeling so electric, dance my arse off
And even if I wanted to, I can't stop
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!
My love is like a rocket, watch it blast off
And I'm feeling so electric, dance my arse off
And even if I wanted to, I can't stop
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!
You want me
I want you, baby
My sugarboo
I'm levitating
The Milky Way
We're renegading
Obanai felt his face heat up when Giyuu initiated a twirl. The twirl turned into them circling each other, hands still connected. Obanai never thought he'd be in a situation like this, dancing with someone he just met, but he couldn't complain. He was enjoying it more than he thought he would.
I got you
Moonlight
You're my
Starlight
I need you
All night (all night)
Come on, dance with me
I'm levitating (Whoo!)
You can fly away with me tonight
You can fly away with me tonight
Baby, let me take you for a ride
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!
I'm levitating (Whoo!)
You can fly away with me tonight
You can fly away with me tonight
Baby, let me take you for a ride
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!
I got you
Moonlight
You're my
Starlight (you are my starlight)
I need you
All night
Come on, dance with me (Come on, dance with me, baby)
Im levitating
You
Moonlight
You're my
Starlight (You're the moonlight)
I need you
All night
Come on, dance with me
I'm levitating
The pair's dance ended with them in close proximity to each other. The two blushed and stepped away as the next song started playing.
"Ah, um," Giyuu awkwardly started. "That was fun," he said with a small smile.
Obanai found himself smiling in return. His smile's pretty cute- wait, what the hell? Where did that come from? "Yeah, it was," he said, shaking the thought away. Then he cleared his throat. "Do you still want to head out, or-"
His question was interrupted when two people ran up to him.
"There you are, Iguro!" one of them, a pink haired woman with bright green eyes exclaimed.
"Haven't seen you enjoy yourself like that in a while," the other, a man with white hair and purple eyes, lightly teased.
"Kanroji, Shinazugawa!" Obanai gasped.
The two noticed Giyuu, who immediately put his signature monotone look back on.
"Who's this?" the woman asked.
"Oh, this is-"
Once again, he was interrupted.
"Tomioka! There you are!"
"Rengouku!" Giyuu called out as Kyojuro caught up with them.
"I am so sorry about Uzui! I explained the situation to him, so he let me go, but then I couldn't find you anywhere! Are you all right?!" Kyojuro explained, shouting over the music and the side conversations from the crowd.
"Yes, I'm fine," Giyuu assured. "Thanks to Iguro, here."
"Can we find somewhere quieter to talk?" Obanai asked, gesturing around them.
The others nodded in agreement and the five of them left the area. They made their way outside to the front lawn and things immediately felt quieter. Giyuu even felt comfortable taking the headphones off and giving them back to Obanai.
"So I see you guys have finally met my roommate, Tomioka!" Kyojuro said.
"You know them?" Giyuu asked.
"I do! In fact, I was hoping to introduce you to them tonight! Glad to see that worked out!" Kyojuro explained.
"I'm Mitsuri Kanroji!" the woman enthusiastically introduced herself.
"And I'm Sanemi Shinazugawa," the man added on.
"Giyuu Tomioka," Giyuu said.
"How did you and Iguro meet?" Kyojuro asked.
"I was taking my break when he suddenly rushed into the room. I could tell he needed help, so I decided to lend him a hand," Obanai explained.
"This ended up being more than I thought it was going to be," Giyuu admitted, feeling a little embarrassed.
"Jeez, no wonder you and Iguro get along so well," Sanemi noted.
Mitsuri nodded in agreement and the two shared knowing looks. They knew Obanai wouldn't help just anyone, so this had to have been a special case.
"I'm really sorry, Tomioka!" Kyojuro apologized again. "I should have realized how this type of environment would have affected you!"
"It's okay, really. It all worked out in the end," Giyuu said.
"Maybe we should go do something more laid back!" Kyojuro suggested.
"Maybe another time. I think I've had enough excitement for one night," Giyuu declined.
"Right!"
"You guys enjoy the party. I'm gonna head back to the dorms," Giyuu said. Then he turned to Kyojuro. "Thank you for inviting me, Rengouku. Despite what happened, there was something good that came out of it." He flicked a quick glance over at Obanai as he said this. "Hopefully next time will be more fun."
"So you're willing to give it another chance?!" Kyojuro asked, perking up.
Giyuu nodded. "If you guys will be there, too, I think I'll be okay."
"Hell yeah we will!" Sanemi confirmed.
"We'll see you next time for sure, Tomioka!" Mitsuri assured.
"I would like that," Obanai told him. "Have a good night."
"I will. Thank you again for your help," Giyuu said, smiling a little at him.
Obanai smiled in return.
They didn't notice the others exchanging looks. It wasn't often they saw the two smile. They hardly ever did. That was definitely going to be worth discussing later.
As Giyuu bid his good-byes, Kyojuro suggested he exchange numbers with Obanai, Mitsuri, and Sanemi. So he did just that, and left. The remaining four went back inside to enjoy the rest of the party.
But for the remainder of the night, all Obanai and Giyuu could think about was each other.
He was so kind. It was nice to meet someone there that understood what I was going through. And he was fun to hang out with, even if it was for a bit. Next time, I'll make sure I'll be able to hang out with him longer. And maybe I can hang out with him outside of the parties. Giyuu thought to himself as he walked home, the smile not leaving his lips.
I'm still not entirely sure what made me want to help him, but I'm glad I did. It was nice having someone a bit more on the mellow side to hang out with. Someone who also struggles with parties as much as I do. I'm definitely curious about you, Tomioka. I can't wait to get to know you more. Obanai thought as his friends led him back onto the dance floor.
Both men ended the night with the same thought. This could be the start of something.
And that concludes another one-shot! I would also like to take this as an opportunity to say I have a separate ObaGiyuu story in the works. It's called "So This Is Love" and it's a Cinderella AU. I'm really looking forward to writing that along side these one-shots, so if you're enjoying this, feel free to go check that out as well.
As always, be sure to R&R, have a great day/night, and stay safe!