Raiden & Izaya [Prologue]
After some time, Raiden found himself in the gym. He wasn't usually the sort of person to work out, his training regime consisted of more traditional sumo exercises, but he was curious to see what was in this room. After some searching, he heard the sound of shuffling coming from the closet in the room.
Approaching the closet with caution, Raiden spoke out loud.
"Hello? Is somebody in there?"
He didn't want to end up getting into a deadly situation, especially not when he was in a place like this.
Izaya nearly did a full forward roll as the voice made them sit up stupidly fast in surprise. Their stomach lurched and they nearly gagged at the momentary pain. Heck. Someone was here! What should they do?! "....U-Um....yes?" Came the obviously post-crying session voice from inside. Izaya wiped their eyes red trying to get rid of any tears.
Raiden heard the familiar voice coming from the closet and approached it slowly, not wanting to scare the other.
"It's alright, it's just me. May I open the door?" Raiden's voice had a tinge of concern to it. He could tell that Izaya had been crying. He hoped that the other was alright.
Oh! Raiden. Izaya nodded before realising, of course, that Raiden couldn't see them. "Y-yeah, o-of course!" They tried to sound happy but hooo boy was it forced.
Raiden opened the door and gazed at Izaya. Oh yes, it looked like they had been crying all right. Raiden felt sorry for them. "Are you okay, Izaya? Do you want to talk?" He spoke in a gentle manner as he crouched beside the other.
"I, um, w-well, I-" they babbled, avoiding eye contact, "I d-don't want to be a burden on you too, Raiden-san..."
Raiden gave them a warm smile and shook his head. "You will not be a burden to me, Izaya-san. Besides, it is better to talk about your worries than let them stay inside you. Please, tell me what is wrong."
Well, here goes nothing. Izaya exhaled, "I....Okay. I'm, um, I'm convinced that everyone...well, that I'm-" Inhale. Exhale, "That I'm just a burden on everyone. I know I'm a coward. I....Whenever I try to be brave I just m-make things worse. And all- all I do is make t-trouble for everyone, just like I b-burdened Leon-!" Tears could hardly wait to roll down Izaya's cheeks again, putting their previous effort to shame. "I-I'm sorry.." they apologised while they wiped their eyes again.
Raiden listened as the other spoke, his mouth in a neutral expression. He felt for Izaya - there was nothing worse than feeling like you were a burden on someone else.
As Izaya began to cry, Raiden gently began patting their back. "You have nothing to be sorry about. Izaya, the situation we are in is a frightening one. The fact that you feel scared is only natural, but believe me when I say you are braver than you think you are."
He gazed at them with his bright green eyes, his smile growing as he talked.
"You are not a burden either. You haven't started any fights or caused trouble on purpose. All you have done is made the room brighter just by being in it." Raiden gave them a warm smile as he remember how Izaya was in the anteroom while they were playing games. "Your compassion and kindness towards others is anything but a burden. We need more people like you Izaya, and not just in this terrible place."
He wrapped his arm around Izaya and pulled them into kind of a side hug.
Izaya really, truly, didn't know how to react; they'd genuinely never been in this position. Having someone so sweet tell you such wonderful things, it was so new to Izaya that they couldn't even offer a response for a moment. The back patting and the pull into a side hug were also very new but absolutely welcome. Raiden's so nice, I don't want to become another burden to them too....but....
Thinking it over, Izaya finally wrapped their shaky arms around Raiden in turn, "Th-thank you, Raiden-san....! We-! We need m-more people li-like you too-!" they began crying out loud again, apologising in between sobs for getting Raiden's shoulder wet with their tears.
Raiden wrapped his arms around Izaya and pulled them into a warm hug. He didn't care about the tears soaking his clothes, he just wanted to make sure that the other was alright. "You don't need to apologise, it is quite alright Izaya-san..."
His smile grew even more when Izaya said those kind words to him. It felt nice to know that. Raiden just continued to hold Izaya close, letting them cry all of their tears out.
"Maybe we can work together to make this place more peaceful..." he said softly.
"....Yeah....I....I'd l-like that." They let out a shaky, sob-soaked laugh. Just being held and letting everything out felt strangely wonderful. And their theory about Raiden was 100% confirmed.
They really are just as cuddly, if not cuddlier, than a teddy bear.
"......Raiden? C-Can I ask you so-something?"
Raiden smiled again and chuckled along with Izaya. Raiden was happy that he was helping out with hugs! He didn't get to hug other people too often. It wasn't really what sumos did to each other in the stable. So when he was able to, he gave really good hugs.
"Of course, you can ask me anything Izaya-san."
"Do...Um....Do you think we'll all be alright? I mean....Eth-...Ethel is....." Just remembering the way everything unfolded during her death made them want to burst into tears again, "I keep....I keep thinking, I won't-!" they took a moment to breathe. Raiden could probably feel Izaya shaking even more, "I....that I won't m-make it if...if someone decides to-!" they couldn't even finish the sentence.
Raiden thought for a moment. He genuinely wasn't sure what was going to happen to them. After Ethel's horrific death, he was almost certain that this wasn't going to end well. At least one person out of everyone here would be willing to kill to get out, whether he liked the idea of that or not.
He felt Izaya beginning to shake and he held the other closer. Raiden hushed them gently and gave them a reassuring smile. "Nothing is going to happen to you Izaya-san, I promise I will be here to protect you."
He gazed down at the floor, a serious expression on his round face. "Even if someone thinks about doing the unthinkable, I will make sure nobody gets hurt. I can stop them. I won't let anyone else end up like poor Ethel-san."
In any other circumstance, Izaya would probably have written such a declaration off as just an attempt to make them forget about the living nightmare they were in. But this was Raiden. And the way he spoke, and the tone he took, made Izaya honestly want to believe him. It even, dare they think it, want to be stronger so they could help him. Izaya let out a tiny sound somewhere between a sigh and an exhalation, "I....I really think you can do it, Raiden-san."
Izaya let Raiden go for a second so they could wipe their eyes a little, looking back into those frankly enchanting green eyes with their own mismatched orbs of rich hazel and cloudy blue, "I...I know I'm scared. And I'm not that strong. Everything terrifies me whether it has a right to or not. But....but no matter what, I don't want to let you down. I don't- I don't want the others to have to keep worrying about me l-like I'm a wounded kitten!" They took Raiden's hand in their own tiny hands, completely dedicated to what they were saying, "I-! I w-want to be someone you're proud to call your friend-!"
Raiden's serious expression softened into his familiar warm smile as Izaya said that little hopeful sentence to him. He hoped he could do it, he really did. Considering the type of people he was dealing with here though, he did have his doubts, but Izaya was helping to make him feel more confident. Raiden was so happy he had them for support.
He gazed into the other's eyes as he spoke.
"You are no going to let anyone down, Izaya-san, especially not me. No matter what you do." Raiden was a little taken aback when Izaya held his hand. It wasn't a gesture he was familiar with, or used to. It felt nice though, so he let the other hold his hand. Raiden couldn't help but beam when Izaya told him how they wanted to make him proud. The sumo took his free hand and gently petted Izaya on their head.
"I am already more than proud to call you my friend." Raiden said in a gentle tone. "And nothing is going to change that."
Izaya couldn't look away from those eyes; gosh, they're mesmerised. They felt so much stronger already just knowing they had Raiden's support. Naturally, with their constant anxiety, Izaya already knew they'd eventually spiral and likely think themselves responsible for burdoning Raiden with their meltdowns, but for now, Izaya truly did want to get better.
"Th-Thank you, Raiden-san-! Your s-support is the best thing I co- I could hope for-!"
Izaya realised they were still holding Raiden's hand and gently let go, "Ah, um," Their cheeks flushed bright pink, "I-I-! S-Sorry, I didn't mean to- Um-! I um-!" They're babbling again. However, the flush in their cheeks only got more noticable as Raiden pet their hair. At this rate, they're going to get addicted to head pats. They did calm down a bit though with said pats.
Raiden could tell that Izaya was the type of person who would probably have a mental breakdown or two, and he didn't mind that! In fact, he was even starting to think of ways that he could help them control their anxiety. Perhaps through meditation? That always helped with him!
"Any time, my friend! I'll always be here for you!"
Raiden chuckled softly when the other let go of his hand. He was blushing a little bit too - he wasn't exactly used to this sort of contact. "Oh, it is okay! You do not need to apologise." He continued to pet the other's hair - it was quite soft and spiky. He could tell that Izaya was calming down through them, so that was a good sign. After a while, he brought his hand down and smiled at Izaya.
"Alright then, should we head out of here, or do you wish to stay inside here a little longer? What would you like to do?"
Raiden you're so blessed, I love you. HEaring Raiden call Izaya 'friend' outright had the fluffy blonde mess ready to cry again. At least this time, however, it'd be tears of joy. Friend! They had a new friend!! Verbally confirmed and stated!!!
"Friend....!" Izaya uttered it so sweetly, as if paletting the word for the first time. Sure, they had a few close online friends, some of whom they'd met for a day or so at most, but wow!! A new friend! One who's here, who's real, and tangible! Â And they gave good hair pets.
"Ah, I'm glad you didn't um, that I wasn't being too rude-!"
When posed with the question of what next, Izaya looked conflicted. They didn't really know what they wanted to do. They did know one thing however,
"I....I don't mind but....c-can...can I stick with you for a while? I'd feel a lot better not being alone- Ah! Sorry, that's me being selfish again-!"
This whole interaction is so blessed oml. Izaya probably didn't know, but Raiden had a habit of calling everyone friend. However, in this case Raiden truely meant it! He definitely felt closer to Izaya than anyone else trapped here, except for maybe Takeshi.
Raiden smiled warmly and nodded. He was pleased to see the that the other was so happy. It really was nice to make new friends! Raiden's only other friends were the other sumos back at the sumo stable. While they were all lovely people, he was thrilled to be making new friends outside of sumo wrestling.
"Not at all. I appreciate it, actually."
Raiden smiled and nodded at their request to stay together. "That is perfectly fine with me, Izaya-san. You are not being selfish at all. I could use some company, especially from such a good friend like you. Tell me though, do you wish to stay here or travel somewhere else?"
"Mmmm....I...We shouldn't s-stay here. It's well..." They looked around at all the supplies and the very tight, very personal small space, "...r-rather cramped. Ehe..."
They nervously got to their feet, even offering Raiden a hand up, "Let's go have fun, right?" They asked, a flushed smile showing as a testiment to how hardy they were trying already to be the best friend they could be.
Raiden chuckled softly, his rumbling voice echoing in the small space. "Indeed, perhaps we could step outside and find somewhere else to go?"
Raiden smiled back at Izaya and took their hand. As he did, he carefully stood up, not wanting to bring the other down accidentally. "Have fun? That sounds like a good idea! Is there anywhere you want to go in particular?"
Raiden's idea of fun was going to the kitchen and cooking or finding somewhere quiet to meditate. He wondered what Izaya enjoyed doing.
Izaya nodded, "Hmm, w-well, for fun I usually go online or um, I look at stars and stuff, but I guess-"
Their stomach grumbled pretty loudly. It hit them immediately,
"Ah, I never even got to eat my crepe-!" Izaya you haven't eaten in too long, eat smth!!!
Raiden gave Izaya a warm smile. "Well perhaps we can go and check the kitchen to see if there are any crepes left! I did make some chankonabe with Liz-San before, so there is plenty of that left on the stove if you want some."
Raiden has no problem with getting something to eat again. As part of his regular schedule, he was eating pretty much throughout the day.
"Chakonabe? I've never tasted that..." Just the mere mention of food made Izaya's stomach rumble again. They very quickly agreed, "I'd love some! D-Do you mind getting food too though? I can hold off eating if you'd um, if you'd rather do something else, Raiden-san!"
"It's quite a delicious dish. I made both a vegetarian and regular version of the meal as well, since Liz-san is a vegetarian."
Raiden nodded, another chuckle escaping his lips. "I'm always happy to get more food, Izaya-san. Now then, let's go together!"
Izaya smiled brightly at the chuckle. Oh gosh, that's so cute! Â They followed after Raiden, "Yeah! Together!"
They're positively beaming! Food and a friend to eat with, this is the best!
Raiden made his way to the kitchen with Izaya by his side. Once they entered, Raiden went over to his big pots of chankonabe. "Ah, Izaya-san! Would you like the regular chankonabe, or the vegetarian one?"
Izaya followed Raiden, anticipating the food awaiting them. Laying eyes on the chankonabe for the first time, they already began fighting the urge to salavate, "Oh, I'll h-have the regular, if that's okay!" They're pretty much doing the anime, starry-eyed 'wooow!!' expression.
Raiden chuckled and scooped up a big hearty bowl of chankonabe for Izaya. It was filled with all sorts of delicious ingredients, including chicken, fish, beef, daikon, carrot, leek and bok choy.
Still smiling at Izaya, he handed them the bowl. "I hope you enjoy it!" With that, he got himself another bowl of the stew. He was more than eager to have another helping of it.
Izaya eagerly recieved the bowl, thanking Raiden as they stared into the mixure. The smell alone was intoxicating, "It smells soooo good~!" They grabbed some utensils, handing some to Raiden too, "I can't believe you made this! I mean, it's l-like magic!"
Raiden beamed. "I'm glad you think so! It's my own special recipe, it's taken me many months to perfect it."
He thanked Izaya for the utensils and was about to chow down when he stopped himself. "Should we go to the dining room?"
"Oh, y-yeah, we probably should!" Izaya felt pretty stupid for not suggesting it sooner. They let Raiden go first and followed after, sitting at whichever table Raiden picked, "So, um, do you usually make all your food?"
Raiden sat down at a table, placing his bowl in front of himself. "Yes, I do. I usually cook for all of the other sumos at my stable too. I suppose I've become the assigned chef." He chuckled. "It probably helps that I have experience when it comes to cooking."
Izaya listened while giving the food a taste- Oh wow, it's good! "This tastes great!" They commented, then continued, "I guess um, you've been cooking for a while then? Did you ever w-wanna um, like, be a chef or anything?"
Raiden smiled happily. "I'm glad you like it! There is plenty more left if you want seconds or thirds later."
He nodded, eating a few mouthfuls of the stew before continuing. "Yes, I've been cooking since I was a child. My parents both own a restaurant a few hours out of Tokyo. When I retire from sumo wrestling in the future I wish to open up my own restaurant too. That way, I can share my chankonabe recipe with everyone!"
"That's such a wonderful idea!" Izaya ate another mouthful then continued, "My grandma tried to teach me how to cook once, but I ended up ruining her best bowl. Who knew rice was so hard to make?" Â It sounded like they should be joking, but their tone definitely didn't say they were joking. Izaya piped up, "Is it just you and your parents, Raiden-san?"
Raiden chuckled. "Well, if you ever wish to help me cook, you're more than welcome to Izaya-San." He was concerned about the others lack of cooking skills. Perhaps he could teach them a thing or two?
Raiden nodded. "Yes, well, it was. I moved out a few years ago and I live in a sumo stable now. The other sumos are like my brothers and the stable master is like a second father to me."
"Ah, I'd love to, but I just seem to be um, good at ruining things really. Unless- uh. Unless they're exploding." They tried to laugh but it just sounded like they were making fun of their own misery, "It must be really nice to-to have people like that in your life. I always wanted a brother or sister."
Raiden gave Izaya a kind smile. "I'm certain you will to a fantastic job. I will be there to help you if need be. What is your favorite food? Perhaps we could make that together."
Raiden nodded. "I have to say, I was the same. I'm an only child. My brothers at the sumo stable are just as close as real brothers to me. It is really nice to have them around."
"I.....Thanks, Raiden-san. That m-makes me really happy." They smiled warmly, "I guess mooncakes are my all time favourite, but um, I dunno how to make them." They admitted.
"I wish I had friends so close. I mean, outside of here I don't really have anyone I can meet. Well, offline I mean..." They lamented, forcing a smile, "Ah but that's um, it's depressing so! Um, have you always wanted to be a suma wrestler, Raiden-san?"
Raiden nodded again. "I do not know how to make those, but I will try my hardest to make them with you if that is what you wish!"
He hummed softly at the others words. "Well, you have plenty of friends in here now, Izaya-san, including me."
When asked about being a sumo wrestler, Raiden smiled. "Ever since I was a child I've wanted to be a sumo wrestler. I used to go to matches with my father and I would watch it whenever it came on TV. I've also been in sumo wrestling clubs since elementary school. What about you, Izaya-san? When did you start making fireworks?"
"Friends..." The mere sentiment alone was such good comfort. They listened interestedly as Raiden talked about their childhood love of sumo wrestling, "That's so sweet!" Izaya fluffed their hair up for a second in thought, "Well, mom's a scientist so she used to help me study when I was really little, but her um, she works as a physicist for a Japanese Research lab, and d-dad is a watercolour artist, so I h-had to get into chemistry all on my own." Their face lit up a little, "Grandma was really supportive, especially when I was confused about what I wanted to be when I was older. She's the one who gave me the idea to look into making fireworks."
Izaya said something in Chinese, then translated, "Shoot for the stars, if you miss, you'll land on the Moon! Grandma always used to say that too. I guess that's why I like space so much?" They looked to Raiden shyly, "Ah, sorry, I got carried away! Um, I guess what I'm saying is, I started making fireworks when I was 14. Mom would supervise me til I made them to uh, perfection. In her words.."
Raiden listened as Izaya explained how they got into making fireworks. He was happy to hear that they had so much support in their life! "It's always good having such supportive family members. If it wasn't for my parents taking me to sumo wrestling matches as a child, I would never have become the person I am today."
He smiled as Izaya explained that Chinese saying. "That's a good motto to live by. You have to try your hardest in everything you do, even if you end up somewhere you didn't expect to be."
He shook his head. "It's quite alright, Izaya-san. I would love to see your fireworks someday. I love fireworks! I used to watch them at night during the summer festivals in my hometown. It brings back a lot of happy memories for me..."
His smile grew as he remembered those fun festivals he used to attend with his friends and parents. He hoped once this was all over, he would be able to attend one again.
Glad that Raiden wasn't put off by all their blabbering, Izaya gave him a smile, "You like festivals then? What kind are your favourite, Raiden-san?"
Raiden nodded in agreement. "I do, my favourite are the summer festivals. We have one in my hometown every year, but I also enjoy the Mitami Matsuri festival in Tokyo. The lanterns looks so beautiful glowing at night. There's plenty of food and performances too."
He tilted his head towards Izaya. "What about you? Do you have a favourite type of festival?"
"That sounds lovely! I haven't been to any festivals besides the ones back home really. My fireworks go worldwide but um, I don't." Izaya looked a little sad that they couldn't see their fireworks overseas or even travel, but they knew what they were like; heights terrify them, they're scared of planes and boats. Ironically.
"I think my favourite festival is simply The Spring Festival. I mean, I get to see my fireworks AND pig out on mooncakes." They could drool just thinking about mooncakes, "I remember one year, me and Dad both made so many Paper-Cuts for decoration, we had to give a bunch away. They wouldn't fit around the house..." Izaya sighed.
Raiden sighed softly, rubbing the back of his neck with his large hand. "...no, I suppose I'm not okay."
He gazed down at his feet, hanging his head in shame. "...they have my brother, and...I don't know what I'm going to do..." Tears began forming in the sumo's eyes and he tried to hide his face from the other.
Oh no! Izaya had almost forgotten about the photos from all the bathroom drama. Their expression fell, momentarily flashing with worry themselves as they remembered their grandmother, but right now? They needed to be there for Raiden.
"Raiden-san...I...I'm sorry. I w- I wish I could say everything will, um b-be okay, but I know....I know it's not." They gently put a hand on Raiden's shoulder to softly get him to turn back to them. If he did make eye contact with Izaya, he'd see that yeah, they're definitely scared too, but they're trying. They're trying.
"But....But your bro-other wouldn't want you to give up hope. He...I don't....I don't know your brother, b-but....but I bet if he were here, he'd be telling you the s-same thing my Grandma would be telling me; it's okay to n-not know what to do, as long as you do something."
Izaya broke eye contact for a second, deep in thought, then looked back to Raiden, "Raiden-san, you're strong. A-And kind. And wise too. N-no matter what you do to help, I kn-know it'll make your brother proud, n-no matter what happens...."
Raiden felt foolish. He had turned away from Izaya to hide his face. What sort of person did that make him? Not wanting to seem like a terrible friend, Raiden turned and faced Izaya. He had tears in his eyes that he was desperately trying to hold back.
Izaya was right, his brother wouldn't want him to give up like this. He would want him to keep going on, like they had done at the sumo stables together years ago. Hearing those kind words of encouragement from the fireworks maker made him smile, even when tears were falling down his cheeks.
"Thank you, Izaya-San. I...I needed to hear that. I'm certain your grandmother would be so proud of you too. Not just for not giving up hope, but for being such a kind friend."
With that, Raiden approached them and gave them a warm hug. Hopefully Izaya didn't mind, he just really needed a hug right now.
Seeing Raiden cry made Izaya's heart ache; Raiden's such a good person, he didn't deserve to have to be stuck here on a floating deathtrap. He should be home surrounded by his friends and family! The injustice of it made Izaya wish they had the power to send him home with just sheer willpower alone!
But right now Raiden needed a hug, and Izaya was more than happy to give him one. Returning the hug did momentarily remind Izaya that they needed to pick up their hoodie, wherever they wound up throwing it, but cheering Raiden up took precident right now.
"Thank you too, Raiden-san. I feel stronger when I'm around you." They admitted, thankful the hug was obscuring the blush they wouldn't need a mirror to tell was flush on their cheeks. "You give me the co-courage to be the best friend I can be.."
Raiden felt better having that hug. Sure, he was probably not supposed to show this sort of affection out in public as part of his keeping face business, but he'd already started crying so that was completely out the window right now. Besides, he felt comfortable showing emotions around Izaya.
He smiled happily when Izaya said they felt stronger around him. That made him feel good knowing he was having that affect on them. Even if he could help just one person, it would make this all worthwhile.
"I'm so glad I can give you that courage, Izaya-san." Raiden said softly, holding the other closer.
It felt...good to hold Izaya. He almost didn't want to let go. It was a strange feeling, one he wasn't entirely used to, but he liked it so it must be okay. Right?
Luckily for Raiden, Izaya wasn't exactly keen to stop the hug either. They felt a sense of safety in Raiden's arms, and in a way, being held by him made them feel almost at home. Knowing that they'd helped Raiden, even a little, made them feel legitimately happy; of course, they knew probably nothing they could do would make up for the feeling of actually being acknowledged and cared about that Raiden gave them, but Izaya would try their damnedest to repay that kindness.
They smiled, almost audibly, their voice soft, "I'm glad you're glad~!" They sounded almost playful. Not in the sense that they were messing with Raiden, lord no, but in the sense that they felt so at ease with him, even their stutter stopped surfacing as often.
Gosh, the hug felt so nice. Hugging Raiden was even better than they'd remembered from the gym closet. Perhaps because this time they were feeling better. They just hoped Raiden was enjoying the hug as much as they were...
Hooray, they were both enjoying the hug! Raiden just felt happy that Izaya seemed to be enjoying it as much as he was. If only he knew that was what Izaya was thinking! Raiden would have immediately told Izaya that just their presence was more than enough repayment.
Hearing Izaya sound so playful made Raiden chuckle. He'd notice the other had stopped stuttering too. He was happy that they felt so comfortable around him. Without thinking, Raiden brought his hand up and ran it through Izaya's hair. Oh, what was he doing? He'd just meant to pet their head lightly!
"Ah, I apologise!" He said, bringing his hand down quickly and blushing a little.
Perhaps this was too much. He was already showing more affection than he should be in a public place! Raiden let go of the other and stepped away slightly, clasping his hands together.
If Izaya  knew that, they'd probably be a blushing mess. Like they were right now; hair pats were great but when Raiden ran his hand through their hair, their face lit up like a christmas tree. Man, this must be why cats like petting so much, it's so nice!
Of course, they were a little worried as Raiden withdrew, had they done something wrong?! Aaah. Izaya shook their head, "Oh, n-no!! You don't have to worry, I um, I liked it!" Their own cheeks were looking pretty rosey too. Izaya tried to hide a flustered smile, playing with the tied sleeves of their jumpsuit around their waist, but alas, it was obvious they had really enjoyed the contact, "You...You give great hugs, Raiden-san."
Raiden felt a little relieved knowing that Izaya hadn't minded the head stroking. He thought he might have overstepped a boundary there! He noticed the firework maker's face seemed to be rather flushed too. Were they okay? Was it really warm in the room they were in?
When he was told he gave great hugs, Raiden felt his face redden even more. These two are so damn blushy it's adorable! He rubbed the back of his head with one of his big hands and gave the other a warm smile.
"Ah...thank you, Izaya-san. I'm glad you think so. I...if you ever need a hug, I will always be here to give you one."
"W-Wow, thank you, Raiden-san!!" They were so happy, they didn't even know what to do with themselves. Gosh they're so cute, aaaAAA. They shyly looked to the floor, and then the stalls, where they realised their hoodie had landed-....in one of the open toilets. Well, that was definitely going in the wash.
Izaya, however, didn't go to get it just yet. They felt rooted to the spot, like they didn't want to leave their close proximity to Raiden. Oh gosh that warm smile! It made them feel....a lot of things. For the most part, Izaya's cheeks flushed even pinker.
"S-So um, h-how do you feel?- AH! I -! I mean! Um! About um, things?!?" Damnit. They'd gone and flustered themselves.
Raiden continued to beam at the fireworks maker. It was so wonderful seeing them so happy! It lifted his own spirits up immediately. He noticed Izaya was glancing around the place. "Oh, are you looking for something?" Raiden asked. He wanted to help out in any way he could!
When asked how he felt, Raiden's smile fell slightly. "Well, I suppose I could be better...although it's nice to know that there are so many good people here." His smile returned again.
Despite this horrific situation, he felt better knowing there were good people here. For every Petra, there was at least 2 or 3 kind-hearted individuals.
"O-Oh, um, I just realised I threw my hoodie um...into the toilet." They admitted, sheepishly, but a lot more forthcoming than usual, Â "Looks like I'm gonna be going with uh, with the guns on show til I can clean it..."
Oh no, Raiden's smile fell- Wait, there it is! Thank goodness. Izaya nodded, sharing that sentiment with a warm smile, "It really is. It's almost weird to think I've never been around this many people who wanna um, mostly be friends with me. And I'm really glad you're one of those friends, Raiden-san.."
They gave Raiden a sweet smile, "No matter what happens, I'm just so happy I have you here." They blushed, "Y-Y'know, for moral support, I mean-"
