[ He shakes his head. It wasn't a joke, but it wasn't a cynical remark either. Rather, he seems to be considering something. It's true, his name still has meaning, but it's not the one that it had before. He had accepted this quiet and simple life, and contented himself with working privately with ASUNARO.
He reaches out to place his hand over Komaeda's when it touches his cheek, but it's gone before he can, and so he instead reaches out to pat Komaeda's head. ]
No, nothing of the such... But, hm, I believe that I could be doing more. I've been a bystander for a bit too long. You just made me realize that, Komaeda-kun.
[ That, too, is true. He could dedicate himself to his work more fully. He could do far more to accomplish his goals. He had planned on taking whichever side suited ihm, and he was ever willing to do that, but that didn't preclude giving a hard shove in the direction that he favored.
The phone boots up, and Komaeda will be greeted with a beautiful lock screen indicating a night sky. It shows SWIPE TO UNLOCK, but if Komaeda attempts to do so, he'll find that it bypasses the security measures. It's quite the stroke of luck - Hiyori was ever protective of his data, and he had his own security measures on there to avoid unauthorized access. But technology is fickle and prone to small errors. Upon unlocking it, he'll be greeted by a cat wallpaper from a mobile game. There's only a few apps on the screen - the bare minimum, with the normal texts and phone options.
More concerning might be the notifications that show at the top, which signifies that the phone is on mute - no doubt he had set it and forgotten about it:
> Missed call from UNKNOWN > Missed call from HIRAI EMIRI > Voicemail from HIRAI EMIRI > Missed call from SATOU GASHU > Text Message from HIRAI EMIRI: Stop fooling around with your patients, Hiyori. We need you to come in.
Maybe he should have checked it before turning it off? ]
Edited 2021-11-16 21:23 (UTC)
(deleted comment)
yes so hurry up and stab him preferably in the stomach
[ Hiyori, who is always so put together, flinches at the name Harai. He fixes his smile, but it's a strained smile that grows a little more pained upon seeing the look that Komaeda gives him. He can fill in the blanks. Harai didn't tend to pry into his personal affairs, preferring for their relationship to be strictly business, but she had repeatedly warned him off getting involved with a patient. That, she thought, was a waste of time. They had more important matters to attend to, and at any rate it was completely unethical. She didn't understand his love at all.
He truly hadn't expected it, though. His phone should have been locked tight, but even if it wasn't, there shouldn't have been anything of note. He was religious about clearing out his texts and calls. His contacts list was fairly mundane. He had relatively few apps. The only one of note was Neko Atsume. It was a cute little game that he used to kill time. He even has all of the mementos aside from one. ]
Harai-san, is it? Ahahaha... Yes, she has a bit of a temper herself...
[ But fooling around? That hurts, Komaeda, though he doesn't doubt that any lack of response would be taken as just that. Normally, though, he should have heard it. He kept his phone on in the event that something occurred that needed his immediate attention.
The audio plays clearly:
"Hiyor-san. This is Harai. We need you to come in. You cleared your schedule for the day, correct? I expect you to be in shortly. I hope that you'll have an explanation ready for us, and that it won't once again be that you were playing doctor."
Harai's voice is crisp, serious, and level until the end. The last word is dripping with disgust, and it's not hard to imagine that she was avoiding certain other words for the sake of practicing the bare minimum of politeness.
...
He's going to try and snatch that phone back now. ]
K-Komaeda-kun, you really don't need to go that far!
[ The screen lights up again, though there's no vibration or ringtone, and the name "MICHIRU NAMIDA" displays this time.
[ A voice can be heard on the other side of the line when Komaeda answers it, quiet and clearly relieved.
"Ah, Hiyori-san!? Oh, thank goodness yo-"
It falls abruptly silent around the time that Komaeda kisses him, and it's not hard to imagine that the person on the other side heard. This is a no win situation. That pleading look can't be real, but he suspects that completely ignoring Komaeda would be the same as admitting that he was just there at his convenience. He's torn, especially since a part of him thinks that he might as well just go all the way now that Komaeda has already set the tone.
His cheeks flush as much from the sudden show off affection as the humiliation of letting himself get pulled into such a situation. Hiyori reaches over to cup his patient's face with one hand, the other reaching up to press over the phone. He leans in closer without actually committing to anything, and it's clear that he's torn on how to handle this. Hiyori offers an apologetic look. He's not quite sure what he did to deserve this, but he's hoping he can be forgiven for his transgressions. He doesn't respond quick enough, and the woman on the phone continues,
"Ah... Hiyori-san, are you, um, busy? I can call back..."
Her voice muffled toward the end, like she was covering her mouth. They were all adults, but it was still embarrassing to call into what by all accounts sounded like somebody fooling around with a patient. ]
O-oh, no, I was just finishing up with Komaeda-kun...
[ At least it isn't Harai. But he suspects it will be if he let's the conversation drag on. Please have mercy Komaeda. ]
(deleted comment)
IT'S FINE harai is going to kill him now so we don't have to worry
[ He's normally very punctual, thank you very much, this one just happened to escape his mind after having a patient attempting to bleed out on his examination table. He'd cleared his schedule for the rest of the day upon realizing that it would be a time consuming affair, but he might have neglected to tell his coworkers that he would be with a patient awhile longer. He might have just forgotten those few hours that he blotted out in the middle of the day were for that. He has the sneaking suspicion that both sides off this equation were upset with him for some reason.
But with Komaeda securely on top of him and holding onto him, he can't very retreat any longer. His eyes widen as he seems to realize the situation he's in, and Hiyori wonders if this isn't a bit of revenge disguised as assistance. Just the close contact is enough to make his heart race in his chest and his breath start to quicken.
"H-how soon can you be in? Harai-san is really upset..."
Hiyori bites his lip, squirming beneath Komaeda as he tries not to react too strongly to the combination of his mouth on his neck, the feeling of those delicate fingers brushing up against him as he undoes the buttons of his labcoat with a surprising amount of success.... Ah, a person really should be able to enjoy it completely when they're loved, he thinks, and he wishes he could indulge himself until his heart's content here.
That said, he must have some experience, because despite his twitching and the way that he looks away to try and at least keep from looking directly at what's occurring, he manages to limit his shallow breathing enough to keep it from being heard. He keeps his voice even and level, ]
Can you hold it without me?
[ "Ah, it'd be better if you could come..." ]
I can't help it, it was an emergen--
[ At least, he handles it well until his excuse is cut off by a loud gasp as Komaeda bites down on him. He bites down hard enough to draw blood. He must not mind that level of roughness, though, because that in combination with the pleasure that the chaser brings is enough to draw a low moan from him. He loses control over the pace of his breath after that, and they come out quick and shallow.
"H-Hiyori-san, are you..!?"
That voice is muffled as before, and the person on the other side sounds like they're more embarrassed than he is. It only lasts for a moment though, there's a moment of shuffling before the crisp, serious voice from the voicemail takes over:
"Hiyori." No honorfic. It's the tone of somebody who's had such experience in scolding a person that they've mastered just the right tone to make them recoil.
That gives him the strength to tug the phone away from his ear enough to hit the mute button for a moment, at least. ]
Ahh... Komaeda-kun, have mercy...
(deleted comment)
he did know better and has done this before....... but they still need him so maybe he live
[ It's always like this. This patient was particularly sensitive, prone to taking every little thing and running with it. He made the mistake of forgetting that, but it's hard not to when he can hear Harai demanding an explanation on the other side of the line. Perhaps it was because they'd worked together for some time, or perhaps it was because of the relationship he wanted to maintain, but it es easier for him to slip into something more natural around his coworkers. His attitude there was carefree, bubbly, and direct, and much more natural than the prim and proper role of the doctor he played here. Still, this personality was as much Hiyori as the one he played at ASUNARO. Neither could be called his true self - by now, he's not sure he has one.
But he'd let them start to meld together. He knows better than to allow that to happen. He watches as Komaeda once more tastes his blood, and he wonders if he should try to disapprove of that behavior. But if a patient was dying and refusing treatment, then perhaps even this was a form of palliative care. The initial rush starts to come down, and he can feel the dull throb on his neck. The faculty wouldn't blink, nor would those at ASUNARO once they'd gotten over his transgression, but his other patients needn't know so much about his personal life. They were just set pieces, after all. He breathes out a soft sigh, fingering one of the undone buttons of his labcoat with his free hand while unmuting the phone with the others. ]
Harai-san. I can't finish up my work with you in my ear! See you soon!
[ He ends the call with a pained wince that doesn't quite match the bubbly tone he'd slipped into, because he knows how well that will go over. Even so, it's a choice that he's committed to. He pushes himself up, folding his arms, phone still held in his hand. He doesn't want things to end on such a bitter note. ]
You're upset... Or would disappointed be a better word? I won't ignore that.
(deleted comment)
it's fiiiiiiiiiine asunaro controls the cops too so they technically already have him
[ The desk has the basic items one would expect to see in an office: a desk organizer storage that has a letter holder, a clipboard, a pen holder with a few pens and pencils in it, a closed laptop, a couple of cat paperweights, and a small desk lamp. There's also a candy jar filled with a variety of colorful sweets, an empty coffee mug that hadn't been rinsed out yet (there's a bit of coffee stuck to the bottom, and one can still smell the cream and sugar in it.)
There's also a couple more personalized items. A green crochet bear with blue button eyes and a red scarf leaning against the desk organizer. The pad sits remains on the desk and next to it, the pen he had used, one that's shaped like a pocky stick. They were gifts from his patients - one who wanted to show off their skills, and one who had found his love of sweets amusing (he was a doctor, so he should take care of himself, and other such things.)
He stares at Komaeda for a moment before stepping over and slipping up behind him, wrapping an arm around his waist to tug him back a little even as he leans forward, letting his chin rest on his shoulder. He does slip the phone into Komaeda's hand, though, so he has at least one free if he needs prevent one tragedy or another. There's no real point now. Hiyori's embarrassed himself enough by now. ]
Tell me what's wrong, or I won't be able to leave. I'll have to stay by you, just like this, so I can coax it out of you. I just can't focus on what other people are saying when I'm worried.
(deleted comment)
THEY JUST LITERALLY CONTROL EVERYTHING????? it's crazy idgi
[ Ah, so he did want him to stay after all... He was right, of course, that it would be a problem if he stayed any longer. Hiyori was already no doubt going to be in trouble, and each passing second was more time for his coworkers to get frustrated with him. Still, he doesn't doubt that they could hold the meeting without them; there was rarely anything that they couldn't do while missing one, and in those emergency situations he would be made well aware of its urgency. They likely wanted specific reports from him, but that was nothing that couldn't wait.
He takes his job seriously, but perhaps not as seriously as the other three. Hiyori was always more freewheeling, acting as he pleased, with no particular sense of loyalty to anyone. It was what was entertaining to him, what benefited him as a person, and those at ASUNARO would always benefit from his presence. From the day that he was marked as a participant, he was too important to dispose of before the game.
So he can hold Komaeda a little longer like this, watching him enter in a number that looks vaguely familiar but that he can't pin down. It wasn't an important contact, and so he hadn't memorized their number as he might have others. He'll check it later, ever mindful of calling foreing numbers, but for the moment he watches intently and chooses to hope that it's real. ]
... Yes, of course.
[ He holds him a little tighter even after he gives an affirmative response, nuzzling against his shoulder. He reaches out his free hand to try and take the one not holding the letter, rubbing the back of his hand with his thumb. ]
I mean it, you know. I love you, Komaeda-kun. I love you, and no one else. If you ask me to stay, I will; I won't lie. I'll tell them that I'm staying for you, because you need me here. They can hold the meeting without me.
[ He keeps his voice gentle and reassuring, slipping back into that same patient tone that he always uses. He kisses Komaeda's temple before exhaling softly, because it's so difficult for a person like this to be honest about their needs. That's something he loves about him, but it does make it a touch difficult. ]
I do hope you'll come see me sometime.
[ He takes his hand away, sliding it down Komaeda's arm slowly so his touch lingers as long as possible, and loosens his grip with that. ]
Edited 2021-11-17 22:37 (UTC)
(deleted comment)
SEE THIS IS WHY THEY NEVER HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT NEIGHBORS midori got connections
[ It's as though he's fallen in love with a vampire. The sweet kiss that they share, the moment when he thinks about how soft his lips are, followed by harm bites that draw blood from him. But even that affection is enough to make his head cloud and his thoughts grow unfocused, because it's the only kind of love that Komaeda can give. He sees himself as a vampire, a parasitic creature that can only give himself life by draining those around him. But he can accept that readily - he doesn't mind a little roughness, though he hates the taste of copper, and he can only imagine what a sight he'll look later.
He cringes when his candy jar hits the floor. He would have to discard the contents as well as the jar itself, and that brand had become hard to find lately. It was poor luck, but money can buy any object, and he has that in spades. So it's with that same calm smile that he crouches down next to Komaeda and reaches out to stay Komaeda's hand with his own. ]
It's because I like your shine, Komaeda-kun. It's dim from years of being dampened by others, but it's a beautiful shine all the same. If given the chance, I'm sure it would be as bright and brilliant as any other. That's why I want to help nurture it.
[ It was brilliant for how dim and broken it was, just like his love. He reaches to take the other one now before tilting his head up to indicate for him to stand up. Hiyori doesn't wait more than a few seconds before he starts to push himself off the ground, trying to pull Komaeda up with him.
He softens his tone, trying to make it into something more reassuring, ]
It's alright. They're just things, hm? I'll clean it up later. Now then... You wanted a glass of water, didn't you? Let's take care of that.
[ He hadn't planned on dragging things out much longer, but it is perhaps a touch disappointing all the same. But it wouldn't do to stay in this room, where Komaeda would no doubt find himself fixating solely the scattered remains of the jar. ]
(deleted comment)
somebody needs to call keiji in particular. or alice. alice can kill him.
[ Komaeda, he thinks, would suggest to water a plant that was already drenched while ignoring the one that was withering beside it. He keeps that thought to himself, though, only giving a small shake of his head when he suggests that nothing can be found. He had made his feelings by now, and he can only hope that Komaeda would come to accept that in time. Hinata was on his radar, but for completely different reasons. But he was one of a few, and Hiyori was still deciding which would be the most useful. But those were tools, wrenches and screwdrives, whereas Komaeda was more like a toy - a favorite teddy bear, soft and comforting despite the button eyes being missing and the fur being shoddy from years of abuse. So it is him that he'll continue to watch over.
He gulps down a disgusting amount of blood, and he's certain he's going to be sick from how much he's ingested. He wipes the blood that had started leaking out onto his face off with his sleeve. It's in poor taste, but this jacket was long since ruined. Besides, it was too late for such regrets, and so he focuses on the present. The present is his patient apologizing for something of little consequence. ]
It's nothing I can't replace, Komaeda-kun.
[ Pâtisserie Méert...? He thinks he's heard the name before, but he hadn't had the opportunity to look too deeply into it. He did love sweets of all kinds, but especially the excessively expensive and equally indulgent ones. It wasn't uncommon at all to find him stopping in at famous locations in the area, and cakes and pastries were practically a staple in his house. So, the suggestion adds some warmth to his countenance - he's grateful, really, and he makes a note to take a trip when he's able to. ]
Thank you, Komaeda-kun. I'll make sure to pass that along... Ah, you don't like sweet things, do you?
[ He had offered him a candy once, as he often did with his patients, but had been declined. After locking the door behind them (having grabbed his pad and pen before leaving this time,) he leads Komaeda to a quaint little break room. It's little more than a a makeshift kitchen, a small but cozy area with a pair of tables and a few chairs. There's a fridge and a pair of microwaves, along with with a toaster and a toaster oven. He sets Komaeda down in a chair before going through a cabinet and taking out a pair of glasses, getting water for both of them.
He sets his glass down on the opposite side of the table, but opts not to sit himself. ]
You should have something small, though. You don't want your blood sugar to drop... Hmm, you prefer salty things, right? Let me see what I have.
[ He didn't keep much just generally. He forgot to eat often enough that there was no real need to, not when he was subsisting on a handful of candies and nothing more some days. ]
(deleted comment)
MTTD omg i'm CRYING!! poor alice, gonna crack under the pressure (jk he'd probably be happy to)
[ He manages to keep from wrinkling his nose at the mention of wasabi. He was the opposite of Komaeda in that he loved sweets, but hated spicy things and could only handle salt to a certain point, but this was something he had accepted going into this little affair. His taste buds had been damaged by his disease, but in truth neither of them could be said to have exceptional preferences. He had heard about it from Safalin so often.
He sits down after a moment, sipping at his water as he considers Komaeda's choices. They should have both of those, he thinks. The saltine crackers were a universal staple, and the wasabi was kept for those who had a stronger tolerance for it. He swishes the water in his mouth, trying to rid himself of the metallic taste, before swallowing it down. It does a little to help, but it seems as though it might linger all day, and he has no doubt that it'll be sore and easily agitated for far longer.
He takes another sip as he considers the suggestion, not immediately getting up to procure the aforementioned items. ]
That would be pretty irresponsible, don't you think? I should at least take care of you until you leave.
[ Probably not quite as irresponsible as continuing to blow off his coworkers, but details. ]
Edited 2021-11-18 04:03 (UTC)
(deleted comment)
dear god he really does have junko energy doesn't he? i shudder to think of those two coordinating
[ Hiyori props his elbow up on the table, leaning his chin onto his palm, fingers curled as he watches as Komaeda tries to process the situation that he's in. For a person who had never been loved in any significant capacity, it must be like trying to learn a foreign language. ]
I would, and I imagine that you would refuse me. [ He chuckles, having already played out that exact scenario in his head, ] In that case, I would have to find you a ride home. I have a few people that I would trust to do so, and they're always happy to make a few extra hundred yen to be a chauffeur.
[ Well, that's not quite right. It would be far more expensive than a regular taxi. But there was precious little difference between a few hundred and a few thousand, and he would feel more secure entrusting a person so accident prone to a more reliable individual than a random taxi driver.
His point made, he does slide back out of the chair, stepping over to the cabinet and rifling through it until he finds a box of saltine crackers. He tugs his phone out of his pocket as he starts to step over to the fridge, thumb sliding across the screen. ]
Or perhaps you'd rather I take you back to my apartment? It's much closer, and I do have a spare bedroom. I wouldn't mind being able to monitor you for a little while longer.
[ Really, Hiyori just doesn't care for the idea of leaving him alone in such a fragile condition. ]
Edited 2021-11-18 08:10 (UTC)
(deleted comment)
dear lord now we really can't let that happen, that would be a disaster
[ Hiyori pauses with the phone still illuminated in his phone. He had seemed to be considering whatever message he had written up, but his attention turns to Komaeda when prompted. It's a surprising offer coming from a person who's so careful to keep others at arm's length, and it worries him that such an agreement was being made only due to his repeated arm twisting. That wouldn't do. He considers for a moment.
The comparison to a child unwilling to give up a favorite toy wasn't inaccurate, but he was also a meticulous man who thought of and planned for every single minute detail. It was what allowed him to thrive in every field and in his personal life. He could, then, apply that same amount of care to ASUNARO. But the slight frown that follows, along with the way that he glances back to his phone, seems to indicate that it was as much his nature to care for others as it was to avoid things he didn't want to do, and the faint concentration might suggest that he's looking for some other excuse.
Finding that there is none, and not wanting to waste this opportunity, takes another moment to finish the message on his phone (the way his thumb lingers around where the backspace key would be indicating that he had to delete half of it,) and nods in agreement. Komaeda was quite bright... He suspects that for as much as Harai would reprimand him for needing it, she would state that having someone like him around might do him some good by forcing him to be responsible (even though he was always responsible, he just knew better than anyone where he was and wasn't needed.)
Hiyori was prim and proper and perfect, but it seems that he has his quirks, and one of those quirks is putting off things that he doesn't like. ]
Is that so? Hmm... Are you that worried about me? [ He chuckles, that warm smile returning... Why does he feel like a child being coaxed into something by a parent? ] ... Yes, I think that would be fair. Ahaha, I really shouldn't keep them waiting if I don't truly need to, now should I?
[ Truthfully, half of his agreement is that he can't think of any reason to refuse, and at this point it would come off as simply avoiding something unpleasant if he refused, rather than that just being a nice bonus. How unfortunate. ]
(deleted comment)
being crushed by the weight of retail hell but i'm team househusband sorry
[ Hiyori lets out a small sigh. He was a once in a generation talent, built up by his own efforts alone, and that alone was enough for him to easily grow bored with things. He would pick and choose his interests, slack off when it was neither of interest or value, and dedicate himself fully to all other matters. But Komaeda, he thinks, is a bit young to understand the concept of working two jobs out of passion rather than necessity. It allowed one to pick and choose their efforts as much as anything else. It allowed him to start distinguishing between what was and wasn't important.
Besides, this kind of little power play wasn't uncommon between him and Harai. That was why she would love to have an outsider scolding him so much. Perhaps if he had the capacity to dedicate himself to something better than overblown figureheads he would be more inclined to understand. Alas, that too is something Midori loves, and so he is able to take the criticism in stride. ]
... You're right, Komaeda-kun. I should take these things more seriously. Ahaha... I'm sorry, I should be setting a good example for you, hm?
[ The answer comes out smoothly and naturally, with just the right hint of embarrassment to match the sheepish smile that he offers for being so thoroughly reprimanded by someone younger. There's not a hint of a lie to it, despite the fact that he'd heard the same criticism dozens of times, and would continue to act as he always had.
He tucks the phone away in the pocket of his pants and leans forward to place the pad on the table, scribbling down his information before tearing the page out and setting in in front of Komaeda. He takes the keys out of his other pocket before setting them atop it. It seems to be a different set than the one used to get into his office - this one has a different keychain on it. ]
Do you need anything before I heard out? If not, I'll be going.
[ There is a touch of concern to the look, though. He won't try and delay any longer, but he also doesn't wish to leave any needs unattended - that would always be a part of who he was. ]
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not soon enough
He reaches out to place his hand over Komaeda's when it touches his cheek, but it's gone before he can, and so he instead reaches out to pat Komaeda's head. ]
No, nothing of the such... But, hm, I believe that I could be doing more. I've been a bystander for a bit too long. You just made me realize that, Komaeda-kun.
[ That, too, is true. He could dedicate himself to his work more fully. He could do far more to accomplish his goals. He had planned on taking whichever side suited ihm, and he was ever willing to do that, but that didn't preclude giving a hard shove in the direction that he favored.
The phone boots up, and Komaeda will be greeted with a beautiful lock screen indicating a night sky. It shows SWIPE TO UNLOCK, but if Komaeda attempts to do so, he'll find that it bypasses the security measures. It's quite the stroke of luck - Hiyori was ever protective of his data, and he had his own security measures on there to avoid unauthorized access. But technology is fickle and prone to small errors. Upon unlocking it, he'll be greeted by a cat wallpaper from a mobile game. There's only a few apps on the screen - the bare minimum, with the normal texts and phone options.
More concerning might be the notifications that show at the top, which signifies that the phone is on mute - no doubt he had set it and forgotten about it:
> Missed call from UNKNOWN
> Missed call from HIRAI EMIRI
> Voicemail from HIRAI EMIRI
> Missed call from SATOU GASHU
> Text Message from HIRAI EMIRI: Stop fooling around with your patients, Hiyori. We need you to come in.
Maybe he should have checked it before turning it off? ]
yes so hurry up and stab him preferably in the stomach
He truly hadn't expected it, though. His phone should have been locked tight, but even if it wasn't, there shouldn't have been anything of note. He was religious about clearing out his texts and calls. His contacts list was fairly mundane. He had relatively few apps. The only one of note was Neko Atsume. It was a cute little game that he used to kill time. He even has all of the mementos aside from one. ]
Harai-san, is it? Ahahaha... Yes, she has a bit of a temper herself...
[ But fooling around? That hurts, Komaeda, though he doesn't doubt that any lack of response would be taken as just that. Normally, though, he should have heard it. He kept his phone on in the event that something occurred that needed his immediate attention.
The audio plays clearly:
"Hiyor-san. This is Harai. We need you to come in. You cleared your schedule for the day, correct? I expect you to be in shortly. I hope that you'll have an explanation ready for us, and that it won't once again be that you were playing doctor."
Harai's voice is crisp, serious, and level until the end. The last word is dripping with disgust, and it's not hard to imagine that she was avoiding certain other words for the sake of practicing the bare minimum of politeness.
...
He's going to try and snatch that phone back now. ]
K-Komaeda-kun, you really don't need to go that far!
[ The screen lights up again, though there's no vibration or ringtone, and the name "MICHIRU NAMIDA" displays this time.
Boy, they sure are trying to contact him. ]
they were just meant to be
"Ah, Hiyori-san!? Oh, thank goodness yo-"
It falls abruptly silent around the time that Komaeda kisses him, and it's not hard to imagine that the person on the other side heard. This is a no win situation. That pleading look can't be real, but he suspects that completely ignoring Komaeda would be the same as admitting that he was just there at his convenience. He's torn, especially since a part of him thinks that he might as well just go all the way now that Komaeda has already set the tone.
His cheeks flush as much from the sudden show off affection as the humiliation of letting himself get pulled into such a situation. Hiyori reaches over to cup his patient's face with one hand, the other reaching up to press over the phone. He leans in closer without actually committing to anything, and it's clear that he's torn on how to handle this. Hiyori offers an apologetic look. He's not quite sure what he did to deserve this, but he's hoping he can be forgiven for his transgressions. He doesn't respond quick enough, and the woman on the phone continues,
"Ah... Hiyori-san, are you, um, busy? I can call back..."
Her voice muffled toward the end, like she was covering her mouth. They were all adults, but it was still embarrassing to call into what by all accounts sounded like somebody fooling around with a patient. ]
O-oh, no, I was just finishing up with Komaeda-kun...
[ At least it isn't Harai. But he suspects it will be if he let's the conversation drag on. Please have mercy Komaeda. ]
IT'S FINE harai is going to kill him now so we don't have to worry
But with Komaeda securely on top of him and holding onto him, he can't very retreat any longer. His eyes widen as he seems to realize the situation he's in, and Hiyori wonders if this isn't a bit of revenge disguised as assistance. Just the close contact is enough to make his heart race in his chest and his breath start to quicken.
"H-how soon can you be in? Harai-san is really upset..."
Hiyori bites his lip, squirming beneath Komaeda as he tries not to react too strongly to the combination of his mouth on his neck, the feeling of those delicate fingers brushing up against him as he undoes the buttons of his labcoat with a surprising amount of success.... Ah, a person really should be able to enjoy it completely when they're loved, he thinks, and he wishes he could indulge himself until his heart's content here.
That said, he must have some experience, because despite his twitching and the way that he looks away to try and at least keep from looking directly at what's occurring, he manages to limit his shallow breathing enough to keep it from being heard. He keeps his voice even and level, ]
Can you hold it without me?
[ "Ah, it'd be better if you could come..." ]
I can't help it, it was an emergen--
[ At least, he handles it well until his excuse is cut off by a loud gasp as Komaeda bites down on him. He bites down hard enough to draw blood. He must not mind that level of roughness, though, because that in combination with the pleasure that the chaser brings is enough to draw a low moan from him. He loses control over the pace of his breath after that, and they come out quick and shallow.
"H-Hiyori-san, are you..!?"
That voice is muffled as before, and the person on the other side sounds like they're more embarrassed than he is. It only lasts for a moment though, there's a moment of shuffling before the crisp, serious voice from the voicemail takes over:
"Hiyori." No honorfic. It's the tone of somebody who's had such experience in scolding a person that they've mastered just the right tone to make them recoil.
That gives him the strength to tug the phone away from his ear enough to hit the mute button for a moment, at least. ]
Ahh... Komaeda-kun, have mercy...
he did know better and has done this before....... but they still need him so maybe he live
But he'd let them start to meld together. He knows better than to allow that to happen. He watches as Komaeda once more tastes his blood, and he wonders if he should try to disapprove of that behavior. But if a patient was dying and refusing treatment, then perhaps even this was a form of palliative care. The initial rush starts to come down, and he can feel the dull throb on his neck. The faculty wouldn't blink, nor would those at ASUNARO once they'd gotten over his transgression, but his other patients needn't know so much about his personal life. They were just set pieces, after all. He breathes out a soft sigh, fingering one of the undone buttons of his labcoat with his free hand while unmuting the phone with the others. ]
Harai-san. I can't finish up my work with you in my ear! See you soon!
[ He ends the call with a pained wince that doesn't quite match the bubbly tone he'd slipped into, because he knows how well that will go over. Even so, it's a choice that he's committed to. He pushes himself up, folding his arms, phone still held in his hand. He doesn't want things to end on such a bitter note. ]
You're upset... Or would disappointed be a better word? I won't ignore that.
it's fiiiiiiiiiine asunaro controls the cops too so they technically already have him
There's also a couple more personalized items. A green crochet bear with blue button eyes and a red scarf leaning against the desk organizer. The pad sits remains on the desk and next to it, the pen he had used, one that's shaped like a pocky stick. They were gifts from his patients - one who wanted to show off their skills, and one who had found his love of sweets amusing (he was a doctor, so he should take care of himself, and other such things.)
He stares at Komaeda for a moment before stepping over and slipping up behind him, wrapping an arm around his waist to tug him back a little even as he leans forward, letting his chin rest on his shoulder. He does slip the phone into Komaeda's hand, though, so he has at least one free if he needs prevent one tragedy or another. There's no real point now. Hiyori's embarrassed himself enough by now. ]
Tell me what's wrong, or I won't be able to leave. I'll have to stay by you, just like this, so I can coax it out of you. I just can't focus on what other people are saying when I'm worried.
THEY JUST LITERALLY CONTROL EVERYTHING????? it's crazy idgi
He takes his job seriously, but perhaps not as seriously as the other three. Hiyori was always more freewheeling, acting as he pleased, with no particular sense of loyalty to anyone. It was what was entertaining to him, what benefited him as a person, and those at ASUNARO would always benefit from his presence. From the day that he was marked as a participant, he was too important to dispose of before the game.
So he can hold Komaeda a little longer like this, watching him enter in a number that looks vaguely familiar but that he can't pin down. It wasn't an important contact, and so he hadn't memorized their number as he might have others. He'll check it later, ever mindful of calling foreing numbers, but for the moment he watches intently and chooses to hope that it's real. ]
... Yes, of course.
[ He holds him a little tighter even after he gives an affirmative response, nuzzling against his shoulder. He reaches out his free hand to try and take the one not holding the letter, rubbing the back of his hand with his thumb. ]
I mean it, you know. I love you, Komaeda-kun. I love you, and no one else. If you ask me to stay, I will; I won't lie. I'll tell them that I'm staying for you, because you need me here. They can hold the meeting without me.
[ He keeps his voice gentle and reassuring, slipping back into that same patient tone that he always uses. He kisses Komaeda's temple before exhaling softly, because it's so difficult for a person like this to be honest about their needs. That's something he loves about him, but it does make it a touch difficult. ]
I do hope you'll come see me sometime.
[ He takes his hand away, sliding it down Komaeda's arm slowly so his touch lingers as long as possible, and loosens his grip with that. ]
SEE THIS IS WHY THEY NEVER HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT NEIGHBORS midori got connections
He cringes when his candy jar hits the floor. He would have to discard the contents as well as the jar itself, and that brand had become hard to find lately. It was poor luck, but money can buy any object, and he has that in spades. So it's with that same calm smile that he crouches down next to Komaeda and reaches out to stay Komaeda's hand with his own. ]
It's because I like your shine, Komaeda-kun. It's dim from years of being dampened by others, but it's a beautiful shine all the same. If given the chance, I'm sure it would be as bright and brilliant as any other. That's why I want to help nurture it.
[ It was brilliant for how dim and broken it was, just like his love. He reaches to take the other one now before tilting his head up to indicate for him to stand up. Hiyori doesn't wait more than a few seconds before he starts to push himself off the ground, trying to pull Komaeda up with him.
He softens his tone, trying to make it into something more reassuring, ]
It's alright. They're just things, hm? I'll clean it up later. Now then... You wanted a glass of water, didn't you? Let's take care of that.
[ He hadn't planned on dragging things out much longer, but it is perhaps a touch disappointing all the same. But it wouldn't do to stay in this room, where Komaeda would no doubt find himself fixating solely the scattered remains of the jar. ]
somebody needs to call keiji in particular. or alice. alice can kill him.
He gulps down a disgusting amount of blood, and he's certain he's going to be sick from how much he's ingested. He wipes the blood that had started leaking out onto his face off with his sleeve. It's in poor taste, but this jacket was long since ruined. Besides, it was too late for such regrets, and so he focuses on the present. The present is his patient apologizing for something of little consequence. ]
It's nothing I can't replace, Komaeda-kun.
[ Pâtisserie Méert...? He thinks he's heard the name before, but he hadn't had the opportunity to look too deeply into it. He did love sweets of all kinds, but especially the excessively expensive and equally indulgent ones. It wasn't uncommon at all to find him stopping in at famous locations in the area, and cakes and pastries were practically a staple in his house. So, the suggestion adds some warmth to his countenance - he's grateful, really, and he makes a note to take a trip when he's able to. ]
Thank you, Komaeda-kun. I'll make sure to pass that along... Ah, you don't like sweet things, do you?
[ He had offered him a candy once, as he often did with his patients, but had been declined. After locking the door behind them (having grabbed his pad and pen before leaving this time,) he leads Komaeda to a quaint little break room. It's little more than a a makeshift kitchen, a small but cozy area with a pair of tables and a few chairs. There's a fridge and a pair of microwaves, along with with a toaster and a toaster oven. He sets Komaeda down in a chair before going through a cabinet and taking out a pair of glasses, getting water for both of them.
He sets his glass down on the opposite side of the table, but opts not to sit himself. ]
You should have something small, though. You don't want your blood sugar to drop... Hmm, you prefer salty things, right? Let me see what I have.
[ He didn't keep much just generally. He forgot to eat often enough that there was no real need to, not when he was subsisting on a handful of candies and nothing more some days. ]
MTTD omg i'm CRYING!! poor alice, gonna crack under the pressure (jk he'd probably be happy to)
He sits down after a moment, sipping at his water as he considers Komaeda's choices. They should have both of those, he thinks. The saltine crackers were a universal staple, and the wasabi was kept for those who had a stronger tolerance for it. He swishes the water in his mouth, trying to rid himself of the metallic taste, before swallowing it down. It does a little to help, but it seems as though it might linger all day, and he has no doubt that it'll be sore and easily agitated for far longer.
He takes another sip as he considers the suggestion, not immediately getting up to procure the aforementioned items. ]
That would be pretty irresponsible, don't you think? I should at least take care of you until you leave.
[ Probably not quite as irresponsible as continuing to blow off his coworkers, but details. ]
dear god he really does have junko energy doesn't he? i shudder to think of those two coordinating
Yes. Because I love you, Komaeda-kun.
[ Hiyori props his elbow up on the table, leaning his chin onto his palm, fingers curled as he watches as Komaeda tries to process the situation that he's in. For a person who had never been loved in any significant capacity, it must be like trying to learn a foreign language. ]
I would, and I imagine that you would refuse me. [ He chuckles, having already played out that exact scenario in his head, ] In that case, I would have to find you a ride home. I have a few people that I would trust to do so, and they're always happy to make a few extra hundred yen to be a chauffeur.
[ Well, that's not quite right. It would be far more expensive than a regular taxi. But there was precious little difference between a few hundred and a few thousand, and he would feel more secure entrusting a person so accident prone to a more reliable individual than a random taxi driver.
His point made, he does slide back out of the chair, stepping over to the cabinet and rifling through it until he finds a box of saltine crackers. He tugs his phone out of his pocket as he starts to step over to the fridge, thumb sliding across the screen. ]
Or perhaps you'd rather I take you back to my apartment? It's much closer, and I do have a spare bedroom. I wouldn't mind being able to monitor you for a little while longer.
[ Really, Hiyori just doesn't care for the idea of leaving him alone in such a fragile condition. ]
dear lord now we really can't let that happen, that would be a disaster
The comparison to a child unwilling to give up a favorite toy wasn't inaccurate, but he was also a meticulous man who thought of and planned for every single minute detail. It was what allowed him to thrive in every field and in his personal life. He could, then, apply that same amount of care to ASUNARO. But the slight frown that follows, along with the way that he glances back to his phone, seems to indicate that it was as much his nature to care for others as it was to avoid things he didn't want to do, and the faint concentration might suggest that he's looking for some other excuse.
Finding that there is none, and not wanting to waste this opportunity, takes another moment to finish the message on his phone (the way his thumb lingers around where the backspace key would be indicating that he had to delete half of it,) and nods in agreement. Komaeda was quite bright... He suspects that for as much as Harai would reprimand him for needing it, she would state that having someone like him around might do him some good by forcing him to be responsible (even though he was always responsible, he just knew better than anyone where he was and wasn't needed.)
Hiyori was prim and proper and perfect, but it seems that he has his quirks, and one of those quirks is putting off things that he doesn't like. ]
Is that so? Hmm... Are you that worried about me? [ He chuckles, that warm smile returning... Why does he feel like a child being coaxed into something by a parent? ] ... Yes, I think that would be fair. Ahaha, I really shouldn't keep them waiting if I don't truly need to, now should I?
[ Truthfully, half of his agreement is that he can't think of any reason to refuse, and at this point it would come off as simply avoiding something unpleasant if he refused, rather than that just being a nice bonus. How unfortunate. ]
being crushed by the weight of retail hell but i'm team househusband sorry
Besides, this kind of little power play wasn't uncommon between him and Harai. That was why she would love to have an outsider scolding him so much. Perhaps if he had the capacity to dedicate himself to something better than overblown figureheads he would be more inclined to understand. Alas, that too is something Midori loves, and so he is able to take the criticism in stride. ]
... You're right, Komaeda-kun. I should take these things more seriously. Ahaha... I'm sorry, I should be setting a good example for you, hm?
[ The answer comes out smoothly and naturally, with just the right hint of embarrassment to match the sheepish smile that he offers for being so thoroughly reprimanded by someone younger. There's not a hint of a lie to it, despite the fact that he'd heard the same criticism dozens of times, and would continue to act as he always had.
He tucks the phone away in the pocket of his pants and leans forward to place the pad on the table, scribbling down his information before tearing the page out and setting in in front of Komaeda. He takes the keys out of his other pocket before setting them atop it. It seems to be a different set than the one used to get into his office - this one has a different keychain on it. ]
Do you need anything before I heard out? If not, I'll be going.
[ There is a touch of concern to the look, though. He won't try and delay any longer, but he also doesn't wish to leave any needs unattended - that would always be a part of who he was. ]
he's already mean and hot though????? look at him
idk he's constantly thinkin' bout killing all of komaeda's not-friends i'd say that's mean
NO SEE THIS IS GREAT then he can get new friends who don't hate him and aren't terrible
to be fair he'd at least tell him to be friends w/ ppl who don't hate him