Saito Ishiguro

Age: 17 Class: Height: 5'9'' Disability: Systemic lupus erythematosus Bio: Diagnosed at age 15 after many years in and outside of hospitals, Saito finally received proper treatment for his autoimmune disorder. Always referred to as "that guy who is always slow," Saito never made a lot of friends. His Lupus always seemed to affect his leg joints, making walking difficult. When Saito turned 17, the pain became too much at times and he would collapse in the hallways from overexerting himself during flareups. Refusing to use any apparatus to keep himself upright due to his pride, he gladly accepted when his doctor told him about Yamaku. He now occasionally uses a cane on the worst days, with his knees always troubling him at least slightly. {block:SubmissionsEnabled} Submit {/block:SubmissionsEnabled} Save and Close and remember that you can deny or approve the submissions.

[saitoishiguro]

Friends and obligations (Saito and Hymndi)

[hymndi]

Hymndi looked up at Saito, blinking a couple times. “I don’t know if I am.” He stopped pushing himself forward, the question causing him to think deeply, his brow furrowed as he stared at the ground. “So much has happened since I got here. I don’t even know what I’m doing. I feel like I might be doing something wrong constantly. I never know if what I’m doing is right. I did feel happiness for the first time in quite a while again the other day though.” He sighed, closing his eyes. “I guess I really don’t know if I’m okay. I’m something alright. Maybe I’ll understand emotions some day and I’ll have an actual answer for you.” 

Hymndi nodded once, looking up at Saito for a moment before pushing himself forward again and towards town. They had a long way to go yet, well, for him at least it was a long way. 

[saitoishiguro]

Saito shrugged it off to make Hymndi more comfortable, an attempt to prevent another confrontation like earlier. Looking ahead, he saw the whole landscape down ahead of them. "Uhh, how far is it? This could take a while..." he said, crestfallen, gesturing to his cane. "If I'm going to hold you back, you don't have to wait for me, I know I'm slow..."

As he trailed off, Saito did his best to avoid looking Hymndi in the eyes, ashamed of his inability to keep up.

[whirlwindhappa]

His sudden laughter caught Miki by surprise, but she warmed up to it, giving him a playful hand-on-hips eye roll. “Yeah, yeah. It was an unintentional pun. I just like that fas…western food sometimes. Burger and fry.” Saito’s shell seemed to peel away pretty easily. Then again, she was always good at slipping into casual conversation with guys.

"Often…? Well, yeah, I guess." She thought on it a bit, looking up at the sky.  Mentally debating how much to tell him, how deep to get into it. "I mean, you won’t catch me doing laps every single spare moment like some people…I probably should get out there more, but…then I’d have to cut back on everything else I wanna do, you know? Besides, even splashing around in the pool or a few soccer matches gets your quota in. Exercise is exercise."

[saitoishiguro]

"I guess I see where you're coming from. I used to help my father in his shop, building cabinets and other such things, I guess that's where I got my exercise." Saito recalled long evenings building whatever he fancied, his father always supportive. "With all that time spent indoors, I never really got into exercise." Looking back up at Miki, he grinned. Maybe If I keep up this cheerfulness, Miki will like me. Saito, his own worst enemy, picked apart his own good mood in his head. Looking back towards the road, partially to look for hazards, partially because he could feel the grin slipping off his face, he went silent once more.

[saitoishiguro]

Friends and obligations (Saito and Hymndi)

[saitoishiguro]

Saito, noticing Hymndi’s expression, and how his following smile never really seemed to reach his eyes, immediately cataloged it away mentally for later thinking. Turning back to his work, the iron was ready to work. “Resoldering components never seems to work as well without getting new parts, thankfully you just lost a jumper wire,” he mumbled, mostly to himself, but still audibly. Working quickly and efficiently as his father had taught him, he quickly resoldered the wire, and touched up a few other solder connections that looked like they were poorly done by a machine. “Machines never do it right, always putting too little solder on, or not heating it enough for a proper bond,” he continued. Finishing up, he unplugged his iron, and reassembled the mute, making sure he didn’t miss any screws. “There, should be good as new,” he said, raising his voice and enunciating clearly, handing the mute back.

Standing up, he stretched out carefully, using his chair as support. “Well, shall we go? If we sit around here much longer, I’ll want to get started on painting, I’m dreadfully behind where I wanted to be right now.”

[hymndi]

Hymndi sat in his chair, chewing on the inside of his cheek, waiting patiently. He didn’t know what to do really, nor what to say. It’s not like he had anything really to talk about, and he didn’t know what Saito was talking about at all, so he just sat there in silence. Besides, his own thoughts created enough of a roar inside of his head to make up for the silence between the two. He couldn’t stop replaying the events from earlier, chastising himself for each thing he did wrong and which actions he could have done differently. His anger rose with each passing moment, wanting to scream and lash out again but… He kept his emotions hidden, tucked away in the deep corners of his mind as per usual. It was just how he lived.

Saito’s words broke through Hymndi’s thoughts and his attention snapped up, his emotionless stare meeting the boy’s eyes. He merely nodded and began to head back towards the door. He figured he had to lead the way anyways, and he shouldn’t waste any more of Saito’s time. Then again… Was it rude not to speak back? It was too late now, he was already opening the door to begin leading the two. With a sigh he made a mental log to apologize to Saito later for it. 

[saitoishiguro]

Saito was paying close attention to Hymndi's actions as they headed out of the dorm, the earlier observation making him keenly aware of Hymndi's mannerisms, if only to avoid sparking a fight again.

Leaving the dorm, Saito attempted to watch Hymndi's expression for any more cues as to his thoughts. He seems a little... held back. Like he's trying to keep from being there emotionally. Finding his voice, Saito decided it was time for another shot in the dark. "Are you okay, Hymndi? You seem like you have a lot on your mind."

[saitoishiguro]

A chance meeting (Kimiko and Saito)

[saitoishiguro]

Still fuming, Saito decided he needed space. “Then I will see you this weekend, Kimiko.” he said, trying not to let his anger come through his words, mostly succeeding, as he turned around to go. “And if that picture frame you so studiously avoided bothers you so much, you probably shouldn’t have it on your desk,” he finished, making to leave the room.

[kimiko-misaki]

There was an almost audible snap as Kimiko’s fury roared in to being. She sprang forth, spinning Saito around and slamming her wheelchair against the far wall, quickly following up with her leaning down face to face, a hand gripping his shoulder tightly. Her grip on the notepad she had been using had only tightened, and at this point she slapped down the notepad on to the boys lap. She quickly began scribbling out words to him. “Do not tell me what to do ever again, especially when you have no idea what you are talking about or what sort of boundaries you are crossing. Do you understand me? I most certainly mean what I say here. I do not care what your pathetic excuse is, I will not accept it. Now leave my room.” After giving the male ample time to read the notepad she removed it, releasing her tight grip on the male’s shoulder, then backing up and pointing at the door. Her rage was brimming over the top, yet she was holding herself back from unleashing her full fury on this boy. She did not feel bad for snapping, but she would not apologize. However, she did not expect an apology from this male either. It also didn’t change anything, she would still show up like she said she would during their determined time. It was up to the male on whether or not it would be a good experience, or one he would come to dread. 

[saitoishiguro]

Saito wordlessly exited the room, still fuming. Well, THAT could have gone better. I shouldn't have been so eager to get the last word in. Sighing to himself, Saito slumped his shoulders as he headed back to his room.

Lifting himself out of his wheelchair, he jarred his leg against the bed frame. letting out a moan of pain, he simply laid back on his bed and proceeded to do his same routine before bed every night, counting out his medication, before changing and then off to bed.

I wonder if Kimiko is still going to want to go shopping... was Saito's last thoughts as he dozed off.

[timidmineralogist]

Alone (Vi Nikasu and Saito Ishiguro)

[timidmineralogist]

Vi smiled over to Saito, leaning his head on the boy’s shoulder, looking up to him.  His arms went around Saito’s waist, mimicking Saito’s own hand.  Vi nodded his head at the question, smiling up to Saito, kissing him again.  “Much, thank you.”  Vi made eye contact, his eyes filled with gratitude and happiness.  Vi went back to hugging and leaning on Saito, content to just hug his body and to feel his warmth.

[saitoishiguro]

Saito, enjoying Vi's embrace, sat for awhile and let his mind wander, not particularly focusing on anything, a rarity for him, considering all the stress he'd been under lately. "You know, this is nice, just sitting here. I feel like I would just let the world keep spinning, just to sit here with you." Of course, Saito's thoughts became pensive again, soon enough. He says I'm good enough for him, but am I really? I don't FEEL good enough, even with reassurance. Is who I am really enough, or is he just settling for me because I was there? Saito's expression soured, his own thoughts playing the Devil's Advocate.

[timidmineralogist]

Alone (Vi Nikasu and Saito Ishiguro)

[timidmineralogist]

Vi nodded, feeling Saito grab his hand, giving a smile and squeezing the hand.  He carefully led Saito to his door which he promptly opened for him, letting him go in first.  The room wasn’t covered by much, just a a V for Vendetta poster hanging on the wall.  Most of Vi’s belongings were small things kept on a bookcase.  The largest item was a small chest that sat on the top most self, staring out into the room.

Vi offered Saito the bed, sitting down on it and patting the spot next to him, smiling.  “Sorry if the room is a bit bland, didn’t take many things with me.” 

[saitoishiguro]

Saito deftly lifted himself out of his wheelchair, and after checking that he wasn't covered in dirt from earlier activities, sat down next to Vi. "It's alright, personally I don't have any decorations in my room, I had my dad send mostly stuff for my hobbies." Reaching around Vi's waist, Saito pulled him in closer. "But that's all stuff that isn't important right now. Are you feeling better?" he asked softly, his concern evident on his face. "I don't want you to be like that anymore." he continued, barely audible.

[saitoishiguro]

Friends and obligations (Saito and Hymndi)

[saitoishiguro]

Saito thought about what Hymndi said for a moment. “You know, you don’t have to hold yourself to that, if you don’t want to go into town… Ah, there’s the solder.” Standing up, Saito limped over to his desk and started disassembling the mute.

Carefully organizing screws, Saito removed the circuitboard deftly. inspecting the board, he found the culprit. “Here it is, you must have hit it during the move. This component got a wire broken off.” Saito waited for his iron to heat, leaning back in his chair. “So where are we going in town? Are there any good places to eat? My treat.”

[hymndi]

Hymndi shook his head, trying to bring the right words forth from the labyrinth he called his brain. The words were there and then the labyrinth shifted, taking the words with it. “It’s not that I don’t want to go in to town… And it’s not like.. I feel obligated to go with you.” The words were getting harder and harder to pull forth. He felt like he was casting a line and his thoughts were teasing him, nibbling before swimming away. “I just said that we would, and I don’t want to be the person that backs out of plans.” The words had finally came to him, spewing out suddenly. Whenever any sort of conflict arose, whether it be large or small, it always became more difficult to find what he wanted to say. He didn’t know why, but her certainly wished he could get his thoughts in to words more often. 

Hymndi watched Saito work carefully, examining him from afar. It was difficult for him to get physically close to people. His brow furrowed as he thought about how much of an awkward mess he really was. Oddly enough, the thought caused him to smirk slightly. He was awkward for sure, yet he was somehow getting along well enough with people. Saito spoke and he lost the first few words, not wanting to seem rude, he didn’t ask him to repeat. Hopefully it wasn’t too important. However, the boy’s next words were heard clearly. “Oh. I was thinking about this little cafe. I’ve been there a couple times. It’s pretty good. As for your treat, I’m pretty sure I told you it was mine. I’ve had enough people buy for me anyways.” He looked over at Saito, a blank stare, forgetting to put his fake smile on his face. It wasn’t a big deal, however, for a brief moment, his true emotions were shown. Emptiness, loneliness, depression, confusion, all at once were mixed, but only for a brief moment until he realized something was wrong, a soft practiced smile appearing moments later. He hoped Saito hadn’t caught it. Even if the boy had, he could probably brush it off and play it off to be something else. 

[saitoishiguro]

Saito, noticing Hymndi's expression, and how his following smile never really seemed to reach his eyes, immediately cataloged it away mentally for later thinking. Turning back to his work, the iron was ready to work. "Resoldering components never seems to work as well without getting new parts, thankfully you just lost a jumper wire," he mumbled, mostly to himself, but still audibly. Working quickly and efficiently as his father had taught him, he quickly resoldered the wire, and touched up a few other solder connections that looked like they were poorly done by a machine. "Machines never do it right, always putting too little solder on, or not heating it enough for a proper bond," he continued. Finishing up, he unplugged his iron, and reassembled the mute, making sure he didn't miss any screws. "There, should be good as new," he said, raising his voice and enunciating clearly, handing the mute back.

Standing up, he stretched out carefully, using his chair as support. "Well, shall we go? If we sit around here much longer, I'll want to get started on painting, I'm dreadfully behind where I wanted to be right now."

[saitoishiguro]

A chance meeting (Kimiko and Saito)

[kimiko-misaki]

Saito finally agreed and Kimiko took a few more moments to clean her desk, still leaving the frame where it was, before turning back to face him. She leaned on the desk, folding her arms over her chest, staring at him for a moment before nodding and walking back over to retrieve the notepad. “I will treat you like an equal when you hold yourself as an equal. I am merely treating you like you are acting. As soon as you stop feeling sorry for yourself and begin to hold yourself with a bit more confidence and authority I shall treat you better. Until then, I shall continue treating you the same way.” She showed him the notepad this time, no longer tossing it to him for him to read. She may anger him more with what she said, but that was a risk she was willing to take. He needed to hear what she had to say, and how she truly felt about him. She would try to help him as best as possible, but there were some things he just needed to do on his own. 

[saitoishiguro]

Still fuming, Saito decided he needed space. "Then I will see you this weekend, Kimiko." he said, trying not to let his anger come through his words, mostly succeeding, as he turned around to go. "And if that picture frame you so studiously avoided bothers you so much, you probably shouldn't have it on your desk," he finished, making to leave the room.

[timidmineralogist]

Alone (Vi Nikasu and Saito Ishiguro)

[timidmineralogist]

Vi gave him a quizzical look, his eyes asking why it would be a problem.  “It’s fine, I mean, I’ve only had one boyfriend before so I don’t have a ton of experience.”  Vi gave Saito another smile, putting a hand on his shoulder and squeezing it.

Their trip to the dorms was short, soon arriving as Vi got the door for Saito, heading to the elevator.  He let Saito in first, pressing the button for his floor as the doors closed.

[saitoishiguro]

Mollified for a time, Saito sat and waited patiently for the elevator to ascend to their destination, tension building due to his proximity to this boy that had at once accepted who he was and offered a hope for more. Don'tfuckupdon'rfuckupDon'tfuckup, his mind repeated, becoming almost a mantra.

When the door opened, chiming, Saito started, having been too focused to notice he had been holding his breath. Exhaling, he turned to face Vi. "W-well, shall we?" Saito stuttered, the effort of trying not to appear nervous finally taking its toll on him. Letting his emotions take the better of him, he reached out and grabbed Vi's hand.

[timidmineralogist]

Alone (Vi Nikasu and Saito Ishiguro)

[timidmineralogist]

Vi nodded, slowly helping Saito to his feet and helping him stay up, going over to the wheelchair and helping him once again into the seat.  He leaned in and kissed his cheek, grabbing the back of the chair and turning him around, planning on walking beside him.

"Alright, let’s go."  There was warmth in Vi’s voice, something that hasn’t been in there for years now.

[saitoishiguro]

Pushing himself alongside Vi, Saito's mind began to wander. I guess Vi's more experienced than me with the whole relationship... thing. I mean, he's probably had several boyfriends before, and I don't even know what I am or want. "So..." Saito looked down at his feet, "It's not a problem, that I, y'know, don't know how to do this, right?" Saito was having trouble looking Vi in the face, fearing that this momentary moment of happiness would be all too fleeting.

[timidmineralogist]

Alone (Vi Nikasu and Saito Ishiguro)

[timidmineralogist]

Vi nodded, understanding how awkward it is having little to no experience in relationships.  He gives Saito a hug„ squeezing his hand more.  “Yea, it is.”  Vi gave a smile, one of the most sincere smiles he has ever had. leaning in and giving Saito yet another kiss, just happy to have someone.

There was a gust of chilly wind, it breezing against them as Vi looked to Saito, looking to him.  “Do you….want to come back to my room?  J-just to get out of the cold…”  He seemed embarrassed again, hoping Saito wouldn’t take it the wrong way.

[saitoishiguro]

Vi's smile gave Saito some pause. Seeing that, that makes me happy. Saito smiled, a rarity in recent years.

"You know, that sounds like a good idea, it is getting chilly out here, isn't it. But..." Saito shrugged, "You'll have to help me back into my chair. This isn't the easiest to move in," Saito continued, pointing at his cast. "Right now, though," he moved in for another kiss. "I like that."

[saitoishiguro]

A chance meeting (Kimiko and Saito)

[kimiko-misaki]

Kimiko stared down at the boy, a flare of anger igniting. She took her notepad and began furiously writing. “Okay, I tried to be calm you welp. I am done now. I was attempting to extend a friendly hand for you as you seemed like you needed it, but that no longer is there. I was not pitying you, despite what you believe. Now, one last time you childish pup, what day. And if you reject this you can roll your sorry ass back to your own room. I am done trying to be nice to someone who is thinking only of themself when clearly another human is attempting to extend a friendly hand. Something bad happened to you, I understand, but now you must pull yourself together and stand back up. Laying on the ground feeling sorry for yourself is no way to live life. Do you understand me? Despite how angry I am, I am attempting to help. I would not want to see potential go to waste..” She tossed it again on to his lap, a little more force behind the toss this time, turning away to begin organizing the few things on her desk, ignoring the face down picture frame. Whatever they boy chose, she did not care. She had made her point and she was going to make it obvious she could not be swayed. 

[saitoishiguro]

"Fine then, since you insist, How does next weekend work?" Saito said, acquiescing, but still holding his anger. I'll have to take care of that later. Why did I get so angry? I guess her attitude of handling me like I'm less than her just pissed me off. "I do have one request though. Could you please treat me like an equal, instead of someone you look down on?" Saito held his face expressionless, in case she looked back at him as he said this. This isn't just going to be on her terms. 

[whirlwindhappa]

"Ah, grocery shopping, huh Saito?" Miki responded, keeping pace beside his chair. When he slowed down, she slowed down. As he sped back up, she followed suit. Miki spoke his name as if she’d known it for years, her words more fitting two old friends running into each other than an awkward first encounter. "I’m just…heading into town, really. Thought I might go for a jog, see the buildings and homes. I can’t practice at that track. Loops around, same sights over and over. Then, maybe I’ll grab some coffee at that tea place. Not really sure." She shrugged slightly, the lack of a plan not bothering her in the least. "Maybe I’ll see what they have for fast food, now that you got me thinking on it."

[saitoishiguro]

Saito burst out laughing. "The idea of fast food is hilarious, considering you're on the track team, Miki." Saito continued in between bouts of laughter. "Oh, that's great. I don't really need to shop today, but I figured I might as well, since I'm waiting on a package to keep painting." Saito looked back down at where he was going. "Do you practice often, for track? I haven't been able to run for years..." Saito trailed off.

[saitoishiguro]

Friends and obligations (Saito and Hymndi)

[saitoishiguro]

Saito observed Hymndi for a moment, noticing that he seemed withdrawn. “It’s okay man, make yourself at home. I’ll find the solder, just gimme a few minutes.”

He went back to digging through his closet, the boxes his father sent being completely disorganized. Damn it, dad, Why couldn’t you at least keep everything together?  While he searched, he tried to keep the conversation going. “I… was actually worried you weren’t coming over. I kinda felt like you were angry with me, or something.” Saito trailed off at the end, barely audible in the closet.

[hymndi]

Hymndi looked around the room a bit and shrugged slightly, not moving. He began chewing on the inside of his cheek, an unconscious nervous action, but one that he quickly realized and shook his head, trying to focus on something. However, he couldn’t. Anything he would try to focus on would come in to focus for a moment then begin to fade just as quickly. It seems he would have to face the situation at hand head on. He sighed softly and looked up at the ceiling.

Hymndi’s attention turned to Saito as he began digging through his closet, looking for something. He wasn’t sure what, but that was irrelevant at the moment. Then Saito spoke, he brought up their situation and he looked down at the ground again, biting at his cheek once more. His brow furrowed as he thought of the right words he wanted to say. “I wasn’t mad at you. I was mad at the word. Well… The situation I guess is a better way to say it. It’s complicated. But no, I wasn’t mad at you. Besides, I wasn’t going to back out of plans because of that. That would be low.” His voice was quiet, but he felt like they were the right words to say. He wasn’t lying by any means, so this was right. Right? He was confused, moderately angry at himself, but slightly relieved to get this off of his chest. Hopefully he hadn’t offended Saito somehow. 

[saitoishiguro]

Saito thought about what Hymndi said for a moment. "You know, you don't have to hold yourself to that, if you don't want to go into town... Ah, there's the solder." Standing up, Saito limped over to his desk and started disassembling the mute.

Carefully organizing screws, Saito removed the circuitboard deftly. inspecting the board, he found the culprit. "Here it is, you must have hit it during the move. This component got a wire broken off." Saito waited for his iron to heat, leaning back in his chair. "So where are we going in town? Are there any good places to eat? My treat."

[timidmineralogist]

Alone (Vi Nikasu and Saito Ishiguro)

[timidmineralogist]

It was Vi’s turn to be surprised, feeling Saito kiss back.  He squeezed their hands together, pushing back into Saito as he held the kiss.  Vi’s mind was swimming with thoughts, going from surprise to insane levels of happiness.  H-He likes me back?! 

Vi pulls back, needing a bit of air as he breathed, his face red.  He was at a lose for words, gulping once and forced some out.  “S-Saito, d-do you.  You know.  Do you like guys?”  Obviously the kiss said he didn’t mind but Vi wanted to be sure.  He could have kissed back to make me feel better.

[saitoishiguro]

Saito was taken aback at the sudden question. Didn't I basically just answer that? "Well, to be honest, I don't know if I like girls or guys. I never had the opportunity to figure that out for myself. It's not like I've had friends or people who have wanted to see me, you know, romantically..." 

Trailing off, Saito got back to the matter at hand. "Does it need to be so clean-cut? I like you..." I want to be his friend, to show him that he's worth it. I know he is. "Isn't that enough?"

[timidmineralogist]

Alone (Vi Nikasu and Saito Ishiguro)

[timidmineralogist]

Vi slowly leaned up, their faces close together.  He wasn’t sure what to do, he had no idea what Saito’s preference was, also the fact that they had known each other for such a sort while didn’t help.  Vi mentally thought about what he should do, part of him saying just go for it the other part saying even if Saito did go that way he wouldn’t like him. 

Each side battled for control until Vi just made a choice, he slowly moved the small amount of space left and lightly kissed Saito.  It was only for a second then he backed up, his face red and embarrassed, hoping for the best.  If things did go bad he could always say it was the heat of the moment.

[saitoishiguro]

Saito's mind went blank for a moment, sitting back abruptly, still holding on to Vi's hand. What... was that? Did he just... kiss me? Trying to process this new take on Vi, Saito's face cycled through emotions. Does he like me... or is this just because I'm here? People don't like me. Taking a moment, he looked closely at Vi, an attempt to divine his thinking. He looks embarrassed, maybe he actually does feel that way. Could this be something for me? Is it right for me to have possible happiness here?

Throwing all caution to the wind, Saito pulled Vi in close again and brought the boy's lips to his. If I can make him happy, even for a while, then I'm okay, right? Right?

[timidmineralogist]

Alone (Vi Nikasu and Saito Ishiguro)

[timidmineralogist]

Vi reached up once again to try and touch the stars, the results the same as before, ending up with nothing in his hand.  “Evidence?  Not really.  Just a gut feeling….like I can tell by the way people act towards me.” 

Vi tightened his fist, squeezing tightly, “And it makes me feel so worthless!” He slammed his fist on the ground, crushing grass and a flower.  “Damn it all!  I feel so pathetic!  I can’t even walk to town without getting fatigued!”  Vi opened his hand and closed it again, clutching onto grass as he pulled, yanking out a clump of dirt with it.  “People only talk to me because they feel sorry for me…..  But can you blame them?”

[saitoishiguro]

Taking Vi’s hand, Saito gently pried it open, putting the clump back in the ground with one hand as he remained holding Vi’s hand with the other. “I couldn’t blame people if its true, but other people aren’t you, Vi. They have their own reasons for doing things, and while you could be right, and people may feel sorry for you, I can almost guarantee that not everyone does. Hell, I don’t. I think you’re a guy who kept everything held back too long and now it’s just spilling out because you never let it out.” Looking Vi in the face, Saito continued. “You’re a pretty good guy. At least that’s what I think.”

[timidmineralogist]

Vi felt his hand being opened, the dirt going back into the ground as she looked up to Saito, feeling his warm hand in his.  A blush slowly started to spread across his face as Vi looked up into the boy’s eyes, seemingly getting lost in them.  Vi’s ears were still open and he caught every word, all of them hitting home. 

"I….I…" Vi couldn’t form words, too stunned and too busy looking up at Saito, all of his willpower being used to not plant their lips together.  Vi’s hand squeezed Saito’s, looking up to him as he moved his free hand to prop himself up a bit.  "S-Saito….I…"  He kept going blank, not able to get more than a few words in his mind at a time.

[saitoishiguro]

Hearing Vi stammer, Saito worried that his new friend would burst into tears again, so he pulled him into another embrace. He wanted to protect this fragile boy. "It's okay, Vi. I'm here for you." Hmm, he's warm. I hope this works out for him. Will he hate me, when this is all over, too?