There's a storm coming. His voice was hushed, gentle. There was no hiding it. Or maybe not brooding, but more along the lines of apathetic. Akaashi was close to holding his breath before Bokuto had finally drew his hand back. This might be confusing, but that's immediately what I thought. He quickly got up from the bed and walked off. Bokuto found himself smiling. All he had to do was talk to someone, and in an instant, they would be involved in Bokuto's lively shenanigans once again. The room was dark, apart from the soft orange glow that his lamp gave off. "What's up, guys? Akaashi felt his palm- warm, full, caressing the round of his face. Normally he would have been red with irritation from the sound of such irksome persistence, but the smile that would claim Bokuto's face whenever he agreed to something would make Akaashi forget all about how frustrated he was. But during the other two nights, he surely did make the effort to try and lull himself to sleep, but each time he did, he either found himself stirring awake from a strange dream, or lying wide awake in the middle of the night, half expecting to receive a message from Bokuto. He stood there, hesitant, uninterested, indifferent. Kuroo rubbed his elbow, irate, and sighed in defeat. Akaashi stared at Bokuto, opened his mouth to say something, but found that he couldn't form even one simple word. "Get inside." It had been so long since he'd heard something so loud. His hand trembled harder with each passing second, as if the movement would cause Bokuto to wake up. "This is Kuroo, a close friend of mine. "What if they've already found out? "What? January 19th, 6:40pm. "But why?" Akaashi drew in a breath, but found that he couldn't say anything. "I know you're fond of that movie." Akaashi rose from his seat to enter the room, but instead found Bokuto standing at the door in seconds, his eyes wide with surprise. His frustration slowly faded, and all that was left behind upon his pale face was a look of defeat. ", A laugh escaped Bokuto, the sound curling his lips into a smile. He'd realized just how rude that was, falling asleep so easily in front of a person who's biggest struggle was just that. Again, if he hadn't known any better, Akaashi would have figured that Bokuto was already fast asleep. "I know." If you wanna. "Hey- Akaashi, right? After several seconds, he'd returned to see that Bokuto had changed his position in bed entirely. My friend is." Akaashi sat in bed, laptop in his lap, as his fingers scrolled and typed frantically. He pulled a mock cool expression, but this was cut short as someone else spoke up. i think this is probably one of the saddest . But for what it's worth, my name is Bokuto.". He found it much too difficult to say no to Bokuto, but it had to be done. It's another reason why I didn't want to pay Bokuto any visits." "Do you still think that you are the best?" He did not give Akaashi time to voice his guess as he then moved his finger to point at his eye, then finally at Akaashi. "Would you like for him to send a photo?". He sat at home in bed, with a snug fitting shirt on and his hair an absolute mess. He didn't care. They don't pay much attention to me anyways!". Taking the ball in his hands, Akaashi aimed for the approximate location as to where Bokuto would spike the ball. I guess I can wait that long. But on rare occasions, there were times when he'd have no choice but to watch Bokuto fall apart at the hands of his illness, and he hated it. Because I wasn't, then. His voice was a soft tremor. Not in front of Bokuto. "Yeah, I'm-," He turned his head, "Is there someone in there?" He placed a hand on his broad back and rubbed gently, hoping to comfort him and to be the stronger of the two. His quiet chuckle was louder than Bokuto's wholehearted laugh. "Impressive." He turned around. He sighed his response with a grin. Relaxing his head against the crook of Bokuto's neck, Akaashi blinked wearily and stared off into the distance. That was, until he saw a familiar face. They go back a couple of years.". He would have laughed if he could. Show him a movie or play a game with him that would result in him to calm down quickly. And at such an early damn age, too?" He kept himself against Bokuto and held onto him with what little strength he had left in him. "See, look." Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. On that one hand, three fingers stuck out. He closed his eyes in a slow blink and kept his breathing quiet. Akaashi turned his head slightly, his cheek gently resting on Bokuto's shoulder. Akaashi's eyes widened, his emotions now falling victim to a strange mix of fear and fury. In Another Life LittleLuxray 4.68 768 ratings185 reviews Sleeping didn't come as easy as it used to. It had been three days since Bokuto's passing, and surely enough, sleep did not come to Akaashi as easily as it used to. He ascended the steps to his room, balled his no Bokuto's blanket up into a lump, and dropped it onto his bed along with the scarf. As Akaashi said this, he held out an arm, as if readying himself for some sort of hug. ", Bokuto pulled away to face his smirking friend. But Kuroo insisted." what disease did, bokuto have in another life. Sleeping didn't come as easy as it used to. "I guess I could find some time to talk every so often." Akaashi looked down the hall. Kuroo didn't seem surprised in the slightest. Work Search: "I'll get you back to the hospital by seven in the morning.". "This is Akaashi. He pressed send and watched the phone carefully, waiting for the small ellipses to appear on the lower left side of the screen. Again, thank you! His breathing was heavy, his heart rate quicker than usual; Akaashi could feel his heart pounding in his throat, making it difficult to swallow. "Watch it." ", "When I said that it would be a tough mess for them to clean up" Akaashi sounded genuinely confused. Kuroo's voice was reserved and reluctant. I think the ending is up to interpret, but this is what I thought of. Thank you for stopping by, your interest means everything to me. I loved this. You don't look like shit." He didn't care, nor did he think he would care in the near future. Bokuto blinked slowly. I know a gymnasium we can go to], [Is that too long a wait? Bokuto tucked his hands into the pockets of his hood, his shoulders hunching. Just what kind of guy was he? ", "Well if you've watched it seven times then why not watch it an eighth time? Bokuto's eyes widened. The both of them had sat down long ago, leaving Bokuto and Kuroo to their own business as they wandered about and waved their arms around in their animated way of speaking. I see." They remained speechless in each other's company for several minutes before Bokuto actually spoke up, his voice sounding like nothing more than a mere whisper. Bokuto only complied and stuck his entire arm out instead, watching as each individual snowflake passed around his limb, as if none wanted to touch him. It doesn't make any sense.". Akaashi could still feel the sensation of his wild white and black hair brushing against his cheek whenever he moved, and the warmth that came from him as he held him close. Akaashi heaved a sigh. Swiftly, Akaashi closed the window, having gathered just enough snow off the edge for him to show to Bokuto. That was six days ago. That he wasn't another one of those illusions his mind would create. Kuroo finally left the room after four minutes or so, having forgotten that he was supposed to leave in the first place. Akaashi pulled his arms in close, wrapping the sheets around himself. He sighed. Akaashi pressed play, and a video of Kuroo started to play. At least I'm not the only one now. 2) After Akaashi fell asleep, he somehow transported to an alternate universe where Bokuto is alive. Often times, however, Akaashi would disagree with his parents, unhappy with the suggestions they'd given him. Whenever there's a storm I'll be right here holding you close. Outside, the sky above grew dark as clouds rolled in. He was trying. "I wonder if Bokuto knows about all of this." The sounds of their sneakers squeaking against the gym floor was so memory inducing, it caused Akaashi to take a moment and reminisce on the old days, as if doing so would take him back in time to when he'd play volleyball every single day after school. Those yellow eyes were gleaming. "I know You hate hosp-itals. He watched as Bokuto's chest rose and fell with each breath that kept him alive. Akaashi stepped in and turned his head. He was waiting for Kenma, but Akaashi wondered why he hadn't waited for him in the seat that he was initially sitting in. He couldn't look at his face. It had been the same guy he'd almost bumped into Perhaps he'd remained in the hall and watched as Akaashi had gone from a brisk walk to a sudden stop. "What?" ", "Exactly, because you belong there!" When would he ever use it again? "Are you here every day?". Bokuto stared at Akaashi, his features having gone from disappointed to unaccepting. They asked him questions. Akaashi kept his eyes down. Akaashi stuffed the sheets into his bag. So I'll just say bye for him! i felt sad abt it, im jus really confused at the ending, like was it a dream, hallucination, afterlife,etc? He looked up, gazed at Akaashi past his bleached blonde bangs, and straightened his back in the slightest way possible. And I d-don't want you to See it all h-happen.". It was his best and only way to hide his pain. It was a good idea to have never told them about him after all. I thought you fell asleep.]. Are you feeling better?]. He eyed the blonde one for quite a while. He sat in his room for the majority of the day, and had spent at least six hours awake until he'd picked his phone up in his hands again. At one point in his dream, Akaashi looked out the window. I read 5 sad hq ff cz I'm a broken idiot and the galaxy is endless and in another life hurt me on such a deep level. I can.. B-arely speak. Has he ever done anything bad? That had been the fifth time that month where Akaashi had to tear himself out of another nightmare. Akaashi shifted to the side to give his visitor more room. He blinked sluggishly. He would study them for quite a while until they melted and left behind nothing more than a droplet on his arm. He swore without a filter. Akaashi twisted his lips to the side and decided to bring up something else. "Didn't think you knew that about him. Not great, but alright. Slowly, Akaashi's laugh eased into a chuckle, and as he sat there in his seat, he looked down at Bokuto with placid eyes. His eyes locked onto Bokuto's. He's sick. Bokuto refused to budge. I don't want to read them. "I look Like shit, I know.". Akaashi placed it in between his fingers, and Bokuto retracted his hand to hold the biscuit snack against himself. Akaashi balled his hand into a fist, mentally scolding himself for the present lack of emotion in his voice. Are you checking out?". Bokuto asked aloud, finally pulling his hands from his hood pockets. "How did he look?" Akaashi couldn't find any words to say at that moment. Was he just playing the fool after all? "Um Bokuto? He only looked like a tall, thin, black mass now as he stood near the stairway. Akaashi said his name, and to this, Bokuto stirred awake. Bokuto curled in on himself and pushed his hands into his hood pocket. "That's interesting". He chuckled and rubbed at his face wearily. He commented softly, leaning back in his seat. "Likewise.". "I don't want to." Akaashi frowned and left his phone screen alone to dim and blacken. Hesitating for only a second, he reached his hand out and took the device into his hands. I'll have to watch it again.". i mean, i felt sad sure but I didn't really get the last few parts, like was it a dream, was Akaashi having a hallucination, did he die from a broken heart and that was like a vision of some of his best moments with Bokuto, etc. "How many words are there? "He does. Don't worry about it.". "More like acquaintances. It was cold. Another shudder threatened to rattle him, but he kept himself still, as difficult as that was. Bokuto would've taken an hour. The hand that supported his weight against the windowsill trembled without pause, and his other remained outside, shaking in the cold dead of night. It wasn't like Bokuto to question what he said in such a straightforward fashion. "That weather will only hurt you. Not after this. That's all?" He held it up to his ear and waited for the other line to pick up. Akaashi stared on as his mind searched for words. He probably had a thousand things to say, but he kept them all at bay and instead rolled onto his side, facing away from Akaashi. "He turned twenty only three months ago", Akaashi lowered his head. The smile on Bokuto's lips grew just a little more, signifying that he'd answered yes to Akaashi's question. (Not my story all credits goes to LittleLuxray on ao3) The reflection of ending movie credits could be seen in Akaashi's eyes as they scrolled up along the screen of his laptop. He dreamt of how Bokuto had buried himself into the navy blue blanket to watch the movie that played on the laptop screen, and how he held Bokuto in his arms that night to aid him in his attempt to sleep. "Me too" Bokuto's eyes never left Akaashi. He felt the gentlest of taps against his arm, and he turned his head to meet eyes that were as concerned as they were exhausted. To this, he shifted in closer and allowed his body to relax. ], [You probably fell asleep. In the span of a little over a month, Bokuto had gone from a general one-hundred and fifty pounds to a mere ninety-seven pounds, last time they'd weighed him. He turned his head to get a clear look at Bokuto's face, but instantly wished he hadn't. This would have me to conclude that he had Bipolar 1, or possibly Cyclothymia Disorder, which has brief periods of mania and depression. ", Akaashi clenched his jaw behind a mildly irritated face. "Keep him company from now on. He must have been. I've got time.]. Akaashi swallowed thickly and crossed his hands, rubbing one thumb over the other. There was silence, and then there was a sound. Akaashi didn't know why he had this effect on him, but he did, and that was all that mattered to him. " Is that why you came here? what disease did, bokuto have in another life. I'm not sick, but this place makes me feel like I am." "What would you have chosen to say?". "You don't have to put that." Reading it at 3am didn't help either because I was just crying in front of my phone screen until the sun rose. I was the only one willing to give it to him." He smoothed his thumb over Bokuto's knuckles. Akaashi leaned back in his seat. It was soft. He glanced to the side. "I told you I had my moments every so often.". "How are you feeling, Koutarou?". He seemed to be unfazed by many things, and blatant about others, blurting sentences out that didn't seem to have much thought behind them. "Alright." Because of that fact that this is set in a world where Bokuto and Akaashi haven't met, you get to read their realationship develop, and honsesty it only makes it that much more painful to read. Akaashi was at a loss for words. I never said that I was.". He strode to him quickly, cupping the already melting snow in his hands. I can't eat. He dug his thumb nail into the side of his index finger and returned his gaze to Bokuto. ", "I hope so. "Come on" Akaashi reached a hand out to help Bokuto to his feet. Akaashi managed to say, staring out into the distance. This book was absolutely fantabulous. A small thumb rubbed at the system's screen to remove a smudge. littleluxray's writing style is absolutely amazing and i can see why several people love this. what disease did, bokuto have in another lifekanawha county board of education. With much effort, he sat up to look at Bokuto. So much so that his hands trembled slightly whenever he'd push Akaashi's bangs away. The day was exceptionally cold, but Akaashi was glad to know that the hospital's room provided enough heat to keep Bokuto from freezing over. "My room is this way.". It was then that Bokuto's eyes blinked in realization, and slowly but surely, he moved his lips to answer. Chloe was three years old when she became Chloe Holden, but her adoption didn't scar her, and she's had a great life. My last memory of Koutaro is already with me, and it will die along with me.". [deleted] 2 yr. ago [removed] [Verse 2 . Playing off of this, Akaashi texted for Kuroo to send an image of himself for Bokuto to see. Same old, same old. He squeezed Akaashi, mashing him closer until he could barely breathe. "Ninety-seven pounds, right? Inhaling deeply, Akaashi lingered in place, then sat down in the empty seat next to Kuroo. Kuroo asked with a hushed tone. "Yeah." He felt him move against his head in response, so he continued. Akaashi watched as the screen went to black, and it was then that he placed the phone back on his nightstand, choosing to ignore the message. "You don't need to know." The male across from him did well in hiding the look of offense that almost surfaced upon his face. Even if it's just a little bit." His hands quivered as he dug his nails into his knuckles. Kuroo." He then tossed it to Bokuto once he was close enough. Genres Fan FictionLGBTRomanceBoys LoveAnimeQueerManga 104 pages, ebook Published January 1, 2015 Book details & editions "Of course." Bokuto breathed in deeply, the sound filling the small space around them. He could practically hear the frown in his voice. Akaashi nodded once, and that was all that Bokuto needed to hear before he ran off to retrieve the ball. Akaashi relaxed then, keeping the sleeping act alive. He could only watch as those tears fell at a faster pace, down onto his hospital gown and onto the floor. He reached a hand out and found Bokuto's. My last memory of Bokuto will not be of him sharply dressed, pale, stiff, and stuffed in a casket, surrounded by a countless amount of people who did not care for him at all until the day they heard about his death. The sky was already black. He huffed out a breath and turned around. "They Aren't really there, are they?" His face glowed the quietest shade of red, and he tried to hide it from Akaashi. He tried to hide his grin with his hand, but it was still visible from the gaps between his fingers. For what felt like an eternity, Bokuto typed the words on Akaashi's phone. He pulled and tugged at them restlessly. When Bokuto was like this, Akaashi would normally look away to spare himself the sight of it all. Bokuto followed, his arm still around him. It was the only normal thing to do, considering how he was the one who was suffering from said disease. "So I figured if you left now You Wouldn't have to And it wouldn't h-hurt so much". He zipped his jacket up to shield himself from the harsh winds that came his way and advanced forward. It was small and measly, but there. He didn't know how to deal with him now, so he remained silent. He carried a look on his face that made him seem more sinister than sincere, and his eyes flitted from Kenma to Akaashi, and then back to Kenma. His fingers remained stiff for quite some time as his eyes read the introductory paragraph over and over again. He turned his attention back to the only other in the room. "For a guy who's name is Kuroo, he sure is a colorful one." Akaashi watched Bokuto, listening to every word he said. Akaashi rubbed the back of his neck hastily and closed his eyes. "Hm? Keeping in contact with me wouldn't be a good idea.". "Are you sure you should be going out in the cold like that?". He then turned his attention to Akaashi. "Was he ever fond of them? Akaashi sat in bed and wrapped a sheet around himself. "What's it called?" He answered blatantly. A hand reached up to push through his own messy locks. At one point, he reached a hand up to grab the beanie off of his head, and he aimlessly chucked it to the ground with force. With what little strength he had left, Bokuto beamed. His head was down and his fingers moved swiftly over the buttons on the gaming device that he held in his hands. ], [I would hope so. He held his hand up in a "peace sign", and the video ended with him on screen. "Yeah." He almost didn't want to come today, either. No one likes to find out that someone they care about is sick Much less diagnosed with a disease that can't be cured.". "I can barely keep my eyes open by day, and can barely keep them closed by night." "Hey- hey!" If you love sci-fi shows, then there is one thing you have in common with Netflix.In the plethora of content that it releases every month, the streaming service seems especially invested in the sci-fi genre. "Ha! "It's not like I would've made any noise," Bokuto all but shouted, following after him. Akaashi frowned. Out there, the sickly one trembled like a new born animal, even with the extra jacket that Akaashi had offered him. "What's this?" Akaashi forced a smile. Akaashi remained in his faux sleeping position, feeling that it would take much more of an effort for him to open his eyes and check around than to stay dormant.