To keep that smile there
I’m 5 episodes now into Stars Align and it has touched me so deeply. This anime is truly such a gem.
Warnings: Some spoilers for Stars Align, gets pretty angsty (angst to fluff more specifically), mentions of child abuse. Also this fic contains tickling so if that’s not your thing feel free to not read.
Summery: After Toma goes to Makis house to defend him from his abusive dad (who comes often to take money from him and his mom), Makis still shaken up about it. What can Toma do to help him take his mind of things for a little while?
“Thank you for being there.” Maki said, barely a whisper as he bit back a whimper. He gripped Toma in a tight hug as if he was a life line, and tears beaded his eyes. After having to deal with his abusive dad by himself, what with him continuously coming over to raid their money, Maki couldn’t truly express just how relieved he was to finally have someone there for him.
“Any time Maki. You weren’t kidding. That guy is seriously garbage. I can’t imagine what it’s been like for you, having to go through that by yourself all this time.”
They then went to Makis bedroom. Toma thought it would help calm Maki down if they went to a more comfortable room. He figured he should stay anyway, just a little longer. He wanted to make absolutely sure the guy was going to be ok before leaving him.
They sat on the bed together. Maki didn’t say it out loud because he didn’t want to ruin the comfortable silence, but just Toma being there helped him feel better.
Toma felt he needed to help take Makis mind off what had just happened. But what could he do? He fortunately saw some manga on his desk.
“I like your collection.” He commented with a smile, nodding to the desk where they stood. Maki looked at the books, “O-oh yeah thanks. I took some summer jobs to save up so I can buy some.”
They continued their sit in silence for a bit longer. Toma glanced at Maki. There was still so much fear etched on his face.
Toma wished he could do something to help him feel better. But what?
“Hey Katsuragi…” Toma began, he landed a gentle poke to his side. He was just trying to be playful, hoping that this would lighten the mood more.
But he didn’t expect Maki to squeak and flinch away. Toma froze in shock for a second. Had he hurt him? Was he uncomfortable with being touched after all he went through with his dad?
But he didn’t see fear on his face anymore. Wait, was that a smile? Suddenly a small grin grew on his face as realization clicked into place.
“Katsuragi, are you ticklish?”
“I… n-no I’m not!” Maki quickly told him, although he immediately clamped his arms to his side at the question.
On one hand, Toma wondered if now was the best time for something like this, given what had just happened not too long ago. But when he remembered wanting to take his mind off his dad, he realized this might be the best method to do so.
“Ok then…” They went quiet for a moment, until….
“GOTCHA!!!” Toma cried, lightly pushing him back to the bed and latching onto Makis sides, digging in gently.
Maki yelped and immediately bursted into giggles, gripping onto his wrists weakly.
“H-hehehey nohohot fahahair!!!” Maki cried through his giggles. Toma had to admit he was a little surprised to hear that his laugh was so child like, considering that he usually acted so much more mature than most kids their age.
“Didn’t you know the rules? When a persons ticklishness is found out, you have to tickle them!”
“Thahahats nohohot a thihihng HAHahaha nohohot thehehere!!!!” The giggles turned into laughter as Toma went under his shirt and began kneading into the soft of his belly. Maki squealed, trying to curl up to protect himself. But it was hardly any use.
“Oh Cmon Katsuragi, I know you can laugh harder than that!” Toma encouraged jokingly, going further up to his ribs.
“HAHAHAHA NOHOHOHO WAHAHAHAIT!!!!!” Makis giggles then exploded into actual laughter.
“Bad spot?” Toma teased, making extra care to dig into the grooves between his ribs.
“YEHEHEHES STOHOHOHOP!!!” This time, tears of joy beaded Makis eyes.
Toma then stopped to let Maki breathe.
“Sorry about that Maki. You ok?” He asked with an apologetic smile.
“Y-yehehes I’m fihihne…” Maki hugged his arms around his ribs, which still tingled from the tickle attack.
He then finally caught his breath and sat up. “Wow you really are super ticklish Katsuragi.” Toma teased poking his ribs lightly, “How did we not realize this sooner?”
“Sh-shuhut uhuhp…” Maki giggled, pushing at his offending hand. He then landed a soft punch to Tomas arm.
Toma looked and saw the bright smile on his face.
Much better. He thought to himself. Now he just had to make sure that smile continued to exist on Maki Katsuragis face. And he would make sure to protect it at all costs.