referees: (saso 2015)
SASO Referees ([personal profile] referees) wrote in [community profile] sportsanime2015-05-30 08:51 pm
Entry tags:

Bonus Round 1: Quotes

Bonus Round 1: Quotes



SASO 2015 is over, but this round is perpetually open to new fills (no new prompts).

PLAY BALL! For this round, we'd like you to take inspiration from songs, sayings, poems, and other kinds of famous words.

Because this is our first full round, please read this post carefully before proceeding!

This round ends at 7PM on June 13 EDT. Countdown Timer.


RULES
  • Submit prompts by commenting to this post with a quote attributed to a specific person or character, along with any ship/ot3/etc. from one of our nominated fandoms.
    • Example: "Hi-ho, Kermit the Frog here!" -Kermit the Frog
    • The quote can come from anywhere. Famous people, poetry, songs, books, movies, your neighbor, etc.
    • Your prompt MUST include some kind of relationship. (This is not the sports anime gen olympics.) Platonic relationships are indicated by an "&" between the names (e.g., Yachi & Kiyoko). Non-platonic relationships use "/" (e.g., Yachi/Kiyoko). Please don't say "Any pairing," either!
  • Fill prompts by replying to the prompt with your quote-inspired fanwork.
  • Remember to follow the general bonus round rules, outlined here.
  • You cannot fill your team's prompts or your own prompts.


FORMAT
Bonus round shenanigans all happen in the comments below. Brand-new works only, please.

Required Work Minimums:
  • 400 words (prose)
  • 400px by 400px (art)
  • 14 lines (poetry)
There is no max work cap.

Format your comment in one of the following ways:

If PROMPTING: If FILLING: If FILLING as a TEAM GRANDSTAND participant:
PROMPT: TEAM [YOUR SHIP]
  • Replace [YOUR SHIP] with the name of the team you belong to, including Grandstand or Sports Teams
  • Place the prompt's relationship in the first bolded line of the comment. Including the canon isn't required, but it's nice.
  • Visual example
FILL: TEAM [YOUR SHIP], [RATING]
  • Replace [YOUR SHIP] with the name of the team you belong to
  • Replace RATING with the rating of your fill (G - E)
  • Place applicable major content tags and word count before your fill (when applicable)
  • NSFW FILLS: Post written/text fills directly to the round with clear tags. Please link to art/visual fills. You can include a small safe-for-work preview if you'd like.
  • To place an image in your comment, use this code: <img src="LINK TO YOUR IMAGE" />
  • Visual example
FILL: TEAM GRANDSTAND, [RATING]
  • Replace RATING with the rating of your fill, G - E, as explained in the rules

  • Place applicable major content tags and word count before the fill, where applicable

  • NSFW FILLS: Post written/text fills directly to the round with clear tags. Please link to art/visual fills. You can include a small safe-for-work preview if you'd like.

  • To place an image in your comment, use this code: <img src="LINK TO YOUR IMAGE" />

  • Visual example


Posts not using this format will be understood to be unofficial discussion posts, regardless of what they contain. They, like all comments in this community, are subject to the code of conduct.



SCORING
These numbers apply to your team as a whole, not each individual teammate. Make as many prompts/fills as you want!

For prompts: 5 points each (maximum of 50 prompt points per team per round)

For fills:

First 3 fills by any member of your team: 20 points each
Fills 4-10: 10 points each
Fills 11-20: 5 points each
Fills 21+: 2 points each

All scored content must be created new for this round.



Etc.
If you're hunting through the prompts looking for what to fill, a good trick is to view top-level comments only.

Have a question? Check The FAQ first. If you still need help, feel free to contact the mods. Happy fanworking!

uwu_anon: (Default)

PROMPT: TEAM GRANDSTAND

[personal profile] uwu_anon 2015-06-07 03:53 am (UTC)(link)
Naruko/Kinjou , yowamushi pedal

“The bottom line is that we never fall for the person we're supposed to.”
― Jodi Picoult, My Sister's Keeper

im so sweaty over what is probably the ship with the least fans ever why am i this way
decato: (Default)

Re: Prompt: Team Sawamura Daichi/Sugawara Koushi

[personal profile] decato 2015-06-07 03:56 am (UTC)(link)
EYESHIELD PROMPT. I JUST. FUCKKKKK I WANT TO WRITE THIS NOW
putsch: ([jojo] lipstick lovin')

Re: FILL: TEAM FUKUTOMI JUICHI/KINJOU SHINGO, G

[personal profile] putsch 2015-06-07 03:59 am (UTC)(link)
NOW THIS IS THE CONTENT I CAME HERE TO SEE HELL YEAH HELL YEAH
swiftling: eyeshield 21 (hiruma)

[personal profile] swiftling 2015-06-07 04:00 am (UTC)(link)
ROLLS OUT RED CARPET FOR YOU
potclean: (Default)

PROMPT: TEAM HAIBA LEV/YAKU MORISUKE

[personal profile] potclean 2015-06-07 04:02 am (UTC)(link)
Peco/Smile (Ping Pong: The Animation)

The cure for anything is salt water - tears, sweat, or the sea. (Isak Dinesen)
putsch: ([donyatsu] IS THIS REAL LIFE)

Re: PROMPT: Team Nishinoya Yuu/Tanaka Ryuunosuke

[personal profile] putsch 2015-06-07 04:05 am (UTC)(link)
I JUST SUCKED IN MY BREATH SO HARD I THINK I SLIT MY THROAT
kougamira: (Default)

FILL: TEAM NISHINOYA YUU/TANAKA RYUUNOSUKE, RATING EXPLICIT

[personal profile] kougamira 2015-06-07 04:06 am (UTC)(link)
Sexual Content, 1155

Asahi’s morning starts quiet and warm, sunlight filtering in through the blinds. There’s a warm, steady breath ghosting along his neck and he blushes even through his sleepy haze. He buries further into the bare chest of the man whose arms are wrapped comfortably around his hips. Asahi ghosts his fingertips along his spine. His lips quirk into a sleepy smile, sneaking one cold foot between his lover’s calves.

The man inhales sharply at the sudden temperature change and Asahi can’t hold back his giggles.

“Cold.” His voice rumbles through his chest, deep and rough with sleep.

“Good morning, Takanobu.” Asahi presses several quick kisses on Aone’s chest before snuggling back in.

“G’morning.” Aone lets out a pleased sound that, if Asahi did not know any better, is reminiscent of a cat’s purr. “Your feet are cold…”

Asahi opts for no answer as Aone sleepily cards his fingers through Asahi’s hair. Aone hums and Asahi’s body tingles with every move Aone makes. “Mm...and you’re so warm…”

Aone leans down a little, pressing his lips on Asahi’s chin, trailing slow kisses along his jaw. Asahi giggles, sliding his arms over Aone’s broad shoulders. Aone’s pure size has always been a source of wonder for Asahi. It’s no secret to Asahi and his team that Azumane Asahi is a big guy.

...Aone Takanobu is just bigger.

It’s not something he’s used to, being smaller than someone else. So when he wraps his arms around Aone’s shoulders and is completely encompassed in the larger man’s warmth and embrace, his skin feels all tingly and he’s left a little breathless. He feels loved and - best of all - safe. Asahi turns his face upward, capturing Aone’s lips with a kiss.

Asahi makes a noise when Aone tilts his head a little, shifting the angle and the kiss into something heated and a little more desperate. “Feels so good…” he mumbles against Aone’s mouth, hands traversing the wide, naked expanse of Aone’s chest.

Asahi’s lips part with his inhale when Aone tugs gently at his hair. Aone’s thigh slides between Asahi’s and he grinds his hardening length into the firm muscle. Aone’s chest thrums at Asahi’s motions, tongue languidly caressing Asahi’s. Aone’s hands are hot on his body and it’s a wonder that Asahi’s body isn’t overtaken by shivers.

Aone’s hands find their place around Asahi’s waist, pulling the man impossibly closer. He fingers the top band of Asahi’s trunks, deftly sneaking underneath it. The smooth movement of Asahi’s hips stutter sharply under Aone’s palms. Aone makes quick work of Asahi’s underwear, quickly grasping Asahi’s cock once his trunks are thrown off into some random corner.

“How does that feel?” Aone watches with undisguised wonder as Asahi gasps, one hand tightening its hold on Aone’s bicep as he bites the fist formed by his free hand. Asahi nods quickly, incoherent.

Aone hums, thumb sliding Asahi’s leaking slit. “Haaaaah- T-Taka- I- a-ah!” Aone slides his tongue against the beating pulse in Asahi’s neck, taking care to nibble along his lover’s collarbone. Aone, himself, is hard in his own briefs, only getting harder at every sound Asahi makes. “P-Please- Taka- please! Oh!”

Aone kisses down Asahi’s chest, hands gliding along Asahi’s thighs. “Patience…” Aone mutters, laving Asahi’s nipple with his tongue, when Asahi accidentally digs his fingernails into Aone’s shoulders.

Aone ventures lower, taking a moment to dip his tongue into Asahi’s belly button before continuing. Asahi groans audibly when Aone completely bypasses his dick, going directly for his shaking thighs. “T-Taka- p-please..” Aone brings his hands under Asahi’s knees.

He turns Asahi onto his back, pushing his thighs open by his knees. “Wh-What’re you d-doing…” Aone doesn’t reply, pressing a kiss to the base of Asahi’s cock and swiping his balls quickly with his tongue instead. “A-Ah! G-God-!”

“Mmm…” Asahi’s fingers sink into Aone’s hair the moment Aone’s tongue meets his opening. The man’s back arches under Aone’s careful ministrations. Aone circles Asahi’s rosebud, Asahi writhing against Aone’s grip. He feels Asahi loosen under the flat of his tongue.

“T-Taka- p-please- j-just! A-Ah!” Aone quickly enters Asahi with two of his fingers.

“Tight…” Aone crawls up Asahi’s body, eyes never leaving Asahi’s. He reaches over into their night table, digging around for a bottle of lube. “Got it…” His fingers grasp the bottle, bringing it out with a smirk on his lips.

“K-Keep looking a-ah! D-Don’t st-stop looking a-at me like th-that..” Asahi’s flush increases at his own request. Aone pops the lid of the bottle open, clumsily spreading the liquid over his hands and on his length.

“Never.” Aone drops a kiss on the junction of Asahi’s neck and shoulder. “I’ll never stop.”

“Haah-I-! T-Taka, p-please- stick it- put it in-! A-Ahn..f-fuck me!” Aone can’t hide his smile at Asahi’s uncharacteristic vulgarity, but this side of Asahi is one that only Aone has seen. His lover looks up at him dazedly, but the hunger in his eyes is undeniable.

Aone pulls his fingers from Asahi, the thick head of his cock popping easily into Asahi’s pliant opening. Aone squeezes his eyes shut momentarily as he exhales at the feel of how tight Asahi is. “Bear with me a little, Asa..”

Asahi nods as Aone brings his knees to his chest. “A-Ah! Taka!” Aone presses forwards, sinking further into Asahi’s heat. “Taka!” Asahi’s eyes nearly roll to the back of his head. He’s lewdly spread open and essentially bent in half. “S-So th-thick..!”

Aone’s thrusts are slow and nearly languid, stealing the air from Asahi’s lungs. The angle he’s thrusting into Asahi is brushing places that leave Asahi thrashing and murmuring Aone’s name like a prayer. Aone is wordless above him, but not soundless as he grunts and groans by Asahi’s ear.

Asahi’s toes curl as the intensity, but not the speed, of Aone’s thrusts increases. Aone swivels his hips just so, hitting even more pleasurable and intimate places inside Asahi. “T-Taka- I-I’m cl-cl- n-no! I’m-I’m here, T-Taka-!”

He comes apart with a moan muffled into Aone’s shoulder. “A-Ah g-god! A-Asa- y-you’re squeezing m-me so t-tight!” Aone nearly stops his thrusts, but Asahi clamps his thighs around Aone’s hips, heels digging into Aone’s ass.

“I-In me,” Asahi gasps, “I want to feel you in me.”

Aone presses his forehead to Asahi’s when he cums, looking right into his lover’s eyes. Asahi looks back, well-sexed and so beautiful. His moans are long and loud and the sun just hits Aone just right.

Aone finishes with a sigh, gently rolling off of Asahi to lie on his side to face the former Karasuno Ace. He strokes a thumb along Asahi’s cheekbone, a warm smile on his mouth.

“I’m the luckiest man alive.” Aone cocks his head into the pillow. “To wake up to you like this every morning.”

The most brilliant grin warms Aone’s visage before he brings Asahi back in for a kiss that feels like ‘I love you’.
tailcoat: (Default)

Re: FILL: TEAM SAWAMURA DAICHI/SUGAWARA KOUSHI, G

[personal profile] tailcoat 2015-06-07 04:22 am (UTC)(link)
UGH MY HEART.

That third-to-last sentence, though, oh my god it's so poignant and great for them. Wonderful job. <3
tailcoat: (Default)

Re: FILL: TEAM AOYAGI HAJIME/TESHIMA JUNTA, T

[personal profile] tailcoat 2015-06-07 04:28 am (UTC)(link)
AHHHHHHHHHH oh my god this is so perfect.

That tense build-up, so sure that it's going to lead to character death, and then it breaks and Oikawa is just so Oikawa and Iwaizumi is perfect, and all the perfect rpg elements.

It's such a perfect mix and you got everyone so right. WELL DONE <3 <3
potclean: (pic#9176354)

FILL: TEAM HAIBA LEV/YAKU MORISUKE, G

[personal profile] potclean 2015-06-07 05:48 am (UTC)(link)
NO MAJOR CONTENT WARNINGS APPLY. 616 words.

(So, what did you like about him?)

A pause. A breath.

He asks this as simply as he can, dropping the volleyball he has in his hand, choosing instead to look into the other boy’s eyes. He can’t decipher anything; no single spark or streak flashes in the other boy's deep brown eyes. Oikawa has always been perceptive but here’s a person he can’t figure out; he can’t unravel the insecurities and doubts and fears of the boy with the passive scowl, the turnip head, the boy named Kindaichi Yuutarou. Kindaichi’s eyes say nothing but his lips turn in a jagged, cruel angle and he laughs, short, bitter, curt.

(That’s a weird way of asking, Oikawa. You’re the first person that’s asked it that way.)

Oikawa doesn’t know how to interpret Kindaichi’s laugh: should he laugh along? Should he drop the subject? Should he continue talking? A hundred different responses whirl through his head and he bites his lip unconsciously. This is the first time he hasn't been able to formulate a response.

(Why’d you ask though, Oikawa?)

Kindaichi looks up at him and Oikawa struggles through his response; he’s always quick with his mouth, always poised with the right words at the tips of his lips, but now—

(If you’re worried about me going easy on Kageyama in the semi-final match because of some weird complex or attachment or whatever, don’t worry. That’s not going to happen.)

Oikawa blinks and Kindaichi drops a ball to the ground, but it's more than just gravity; there's quiet force in the way it drops that somehow helps Oikawa feel his mouth move again. He gets it now. Oikawa picks up the ball from the ground and rolls it around in his hands. There's a window open nearby and a cold breeze wafts over both of them. Kindaichi's eyes have a bit of fire in them and Oikawa smiles.

(That's good to hear. That's not the only thing I was worried about—)

(You don't have to worry.)

Kindaichi states this again, words tight and sure and Oikawa just stands there, a bit overwhelmed. He's never seen someone so vehemently against Kageyama Tobio, but he supposes that as a whole, he is the same way too. They both don't believe or quite frankly, understand the concept of Kageyama Tobio; he is someone better left misunderstood, left alone in both of their respective pasts. They're in a different point in time now.

(I chose to follow you. So did Kunimi. I never had a choice in following Kageyama. Neither did Kunimi.) Another bitter laugh, but softer. (The universe decided to put me with him, but I decided to team up with you. I didn't know a single damn thing about Kageyama and I still don't. It's better if I don't know. I don't want to question everything you and I and this team have done together.)

Kindaichi stops and clenches his hands, like he's almost unsure about his own feelings. Oikawa doesn't make eye contact. He doesn't need to.

(Good. I was just worried about you and him and—)

Oikawa waves his hands a bit uselessly, unsure of how to explain everything he's feeling, about himself and Kindaichi and Kunimi and everything that started with the proverbial King of the Court, Kageyama Tobio. He looks up, apologetically, and Kindaichi smiles, no trace of the permanent scowl on his face.

(You didn't need to worry, but thanks. Thanks for asking. And we'll be fine in this next match, no matter what. You don't need to worry about that either.)

(We're a team and that means we chose each other.)


Author's Note: I've always been super intrigued and in love with all things related to Kageyama and Kindaichi and Oikawa and Kunimi and this prompt was great! Their respective relationships and views on each other are always so fun to extrapolate and think about too. I haven't written a while so hopefully this is good!


dynamite: (Default)

Re: PROMPT: TEAM HAIBA LEV/YAKU MORISUKE

[personal profile] dynamite 2015-06-07 06:37 am (UTC)(link)
This is so beautiful, I wish I had even the smallest confidence I could do it justice. ;A;
necessarian: (Default)

Re: FILL: TEAM GRANDSTAND [G]

[personal profile] necessarian 2015-06-07 07:58 am (UTC)(link)
i just read this twice in a row i feel like i'm going to burst this is so perfect
necessarian: (Default)

Re: FILL: Team Nishinoya Yuu/Tanaka Ryuunosuke, Rated: G

[personal profile] necessarian 2015-06-07 08:06 am (UTC)(link)
I HAVE LEFT THIS EARTHLY PLANE GOODBYE LAURA IT WAS NICE KNOWING YOU
alphahelix: (Default)

Re: FILL: TEAM GRANDSTAND [G]

[personal profile] alphahelix 2015-06-07 08:10 am (UTC)(link)
AHHHH I LOVE THIS!!!!!! I HAD TO CLICK OUT OF THE TAB WHEN FUTAKUCHI GOT EMBARRASSED, IT WAS TOO CUTE FOR MY HEART A;SLKFDJFLDJFKDDKKSFDL

Their characterizations are brilliant!!! I love how Futakuchi's phone has a record of all the things he values. I love that you showed him as flippant but caring, because it's easy to dismiss him as a troublesome brat or lose his voice when trying to focus on his more serious side. And your Ennoshita is so perfect!!!!! Idk why but I can totally picture him being up at ungodly hours and perpetually flustering Futakuchi with his mildness. "Ennoshita Chikara, perpetually sleepy-eyed wonder and stealth sassmaster" WHAT A PERFECT DESCRIPTION!!!!!
and "He wonders if a phone camera could properly capture how the light, golden in the way only sunsets can ever be, illuminates the smile on Ennoshita’s face..." THIS PARAGRAPH!!!!! IM SCREAMING INTO MY HANDS AT HOW MUCH FUTAKUCHI LIKES ENNOSHITA!!!! THIS KILLS ME!!!!!!!!!

I'm... I'm so sorry for this mess, you wrote such a wonderful fill and I just... Thank you so much ; A ;
alphahelix: (Default)

Re: FILL: TEAM KUROO TETSUROU/OIKAWA TOORU, M

[personal profile] alphahelix 2015-06-07 08:30 am (UTC)(link)
oh my god I'm burning!! Thank you so much for filling this!!!
cinderellaboy: (Default)

PROMPT: TEAM YOWAMUSHI PEDAL

[personal profile] cinderellaboy 2015-06-07 09:12 am (UTC)(link)
tanaka saeko / tsukishima akiteru (hq!!)

cinderellaboy: (Default)

Re: FILL: TEAM HAIBA LEV/YAKU MORISUKE, G

[personal profile] cinderellaboy 2015-06-07 09:18 am (UTC)(link)
OH GOSH I LOVE THIIIS!! ;;U;; ♥ oikawa having trouble deciphering kindaichi and kindaichi's quiet determination and certainty aaahhh!! PRECIOUS BABIES.

Oikawa blinks and Kindaichi drops a ball to the ground, but it's more than just gravity i love this line so much, how it's just an understated movement and yet also the turning point of the fic & oikawa's analysis. (the understated nature of the entire fic is gold though, honestly. GOLD.)

omg i love how neither of them understand kageyama and don't care to, but kindaichi is utterly certain about oikawa, and how kindaichi speaks for kunimi too tbh i love both of them so i'm glad you mentioned him sCREAMS INTO BLANKETS EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS WAS PERFECT THANK YOU FOR WRITING IT!!!!
cinderellaboy: (Default)

Re: FILL: TEAM HAIBA LEV/YAKU MORISUKE, G

[personal profile] cinderellaboy 2015-06-07 09:20 am (UTC)(link)
( omg ps. welcome back to the writing world YOU AREN'T THE SLIGHTEST BIT RUSTY AT ALL OH MY GOD?? I'M SO HAPPY YOU LIKED THE PROMPT BECAUSE YES. THIS WAS GOOD. SO GOOD. *///U///* ♥ /rolls about )
nobetterpicture: (Default)

Re: FILL: Team Nishinoya Yuu/Tanaka Ryuunosuke, G

[personal profile] nobetterpicture 2015-06-07 09:42 am (UTC)(link)
Tsukki is the Most Beautiful Moon, holy shit
nobetterpicture: (Default)

Re: Prompt: Team Haikyuu!!

[personal profile] nobetterpicture 2015-06-07 09:50 am (UTC)(link)
aro always goes so hard
nobetterpicture: (Default)

Re: FILL: TEAM AOYAGI HAJIME/TESHIMA JUNTA, G

[personal profile] nobetterpicture 2015-06-07 10:01 am (UTC)(link)
how do you make it hurt so good?

Re: FILL: TEAM AOYAGI HAJIME/TESHIMA JUNTA, T

[personal profile] manatou 2015-06-07 10:25 am (UTC)(link)
Hello!! OMG please don't apologise, thank you sooooooo much for filling out my prompt again. I was hoping somebody would, and this certainly wasn't something I'd have expected which is a pleasant surprise, because boy do I enjoy terminal illness/death topics in fics (oops). It's also wonderful to see a Manatou fic from Toudou's perspective and I love what you've done here. You're so good at writing dialogue! Thanks again ♥

PROMPT: TEAM MANAMI SANGAKU/TOUDOU JINPACHI

[personal profile] manatou 2015-06-07 10:50 am (UTC)(link)
Makoto/Haruka (Free!) OR Fukutomi/Arakita OR Manami/Toudou (Yowamushi Pedal)

"I burned so long so quiet you must have wondered if I loved you back. I did, I did, I do." - Annelyse Gelman, Everyone I Love is a Stranger to Someone
hapaxlegomenon: (Default)

Re: FILL: TEAM AOYAGI HAJIME/TESHIMA JUNTA, G

[personal profile] hapaxlegomenon 2015-06-07 12:22 pm (UTC)(link)
'Cause sometimes love don't feel like it should

sorry but you handed me that one
nobetterpicture: (Default)

FILL: TEAM AOYAGI HAJIME/TESHIMA JUNTA, G

[personal profile] nobetterpicture 2015-06-07 01:30 pm (UTC)(link)
No major warnings 1264 words

So this become red string/soulmate!AU that takes places during a random war...but it was the best way I could think of filling the prompt without killing one of them hahaa ;____; As a T2 team member, I couldn't off one of them THAT easily...




Sometimes, being connected to someone by the red string of fate is the heaviest burden a person can carry.

Those who carry it, however, are considered the lucky ones. They have a soulmate, someone that they can only connect to, that will always understand them. Someone that will always be there for them.

But, separate the two for a long time…

All you get is pain.

-

“Do... you really have to go?”

The smile on Teshima’s face makes the ache in Aoyagi’s heart double.

“I’ve already answered that question nine times, Aoyagi...Let’s not make it into the double digits.”

His answer is supposed to make them both smile, maybe laugh, but the situation is too serious. The group of soldiers waiting for the curly haired strategist are starting to grumble outside of Aoyagi’s tent.

Their time is up.

“Captain Teshima, sir- I don’t mean to intrude, but we need to get moving before the sun’s up.”

Aoyagi quickly memorizes the way that Teshima rolls his eyes.

“Get me my horse and I’ll be ready when you get back.” There’s a rumble of agreement and the area around the tent is silent again.

Teshima takes the moment to carefully straddle Aoyagi’s bandaged legs, staying above them and leaning in to rest their foreheads together. Their fingers tangle together naturally as they share the same breath for...who knows how long. This war has already been long enough and, like Aoyagi’s legs, there has been enough injuries as well.

Aoyagi takes the moment to count the eyelashes on each of Teshima’s eyes, the few freckles across his nose that the long days riding in the sun have created, and the tiny wrinkles at the corners of his eyes. He doesn’t know the next time that he’ll be able to see them...if he’ll ever see them again.

His eyes close at the softest kiss. It’s not the kiss that he’s expecting, but definitely the kiss they both need. Not a goodbye kiss, not a lingering kiss, just...something simple. Short and sweet and plain. A normal kiss.

When he opens his eyes again, he can see the red string wrapped and twined around their fingers. It’s knotted and thicker than ever and Aoyagi is already hating the thought of seeing it bare, seeing the string stretched out and thin.

The first time he tells Teshima about the string coming out of his heart and winding around and down his right arm, the other laughs at him, saying that he can’t see anything. But after their first kiss, the string is visible to both of them. Teshima immediately apologizes, half shock and half awe, as he gently touches his own string, the bright red curling down his left arm and through his fingers until it connects right to Aoyagi’s own.

And that’s how it’s been ever since.

Well, until now.

“Captain Teshima? Sir? It’s time.”

They say nothing and Aoyagi twists the knots in an attempt to keep Teshima here and away from the battle. Something just feels off about this, but he knows he can’t stop Teshima from leaving. Aoyagi feels Teshima smile into his cheek and then he’s moving away, taking all the warmth and hope away with him.

“Hey, don’t look so sad.” Their hands are the last things connected and Teshima squeezes them. “If you get lost, I’ll always have a way to find you. And I will find you, no matter what it takes.”

He tugs on the strings and it brings a tiny smile out of Aoyagi. “And if somehow I disappear, I know that you’ll do the same thing. You’re just as stubborn as I am. But regardless of that, we’re connected and no one can beat what fate has given us. If you can’t believe in me, then believe in that.”

“Junta-”

“Believe in us. Okay?”

One more squeeze of their hands and then Teshima’s really gone, tent flap falling behind him. But all Aoyagi sees is the way that the red knots have already started to unravel, the extra string falling and following the invisible footprints that Teshima left.

-

One month goes by and the only news they have is that Teshima’s group reached the front line.

As the nurses rewrap his legs, Aoyagi watches as the number of knots remaining on his left hand go from twenty to nineteen. Still, he tries to keep hoping for the best.

-

Two months later, Aoyagi’s legs are all healed and he’s allowed back on a horse.

Then, he counts only eight knots left on his hand.

-

Four total months after Teshima’s left and it’s night time. But the moonlight is bright enough for Aoyagi to see.

It starts as a gentle tug. And, as slow as it happens, the last knot unfurls and for the first time since he met Teshima Junta, the red string is freed from his fingers.

Aoyagi lifts his right arm, face blank as the string slides down his arm, moving further into the darkness where Teshima is, moving further away from his own heart. Eventually, there is no more slack and the string tugs at his heart.

It tugs hard.

The next one comes hard enough that Aoyagi feels like his heart is about to be ripped from his chest. The one following it, he stands up, hoping it would lessen the pain, but instead he stumbles and falls face first into the dirt.

The tugging continues, each pull more painful than the last, and all Aoyagi can do is curl up in confusion and hope that the pain will eventually lessen. He knows that this can mean nothing good, especially in relation to Teshima, but if he couldn’t think or move through the pain, there would be nothing for him to do to help.

By the time the sun rises, Aoyagi is finally sitting up, using deep breaths to help with each movement. It’s then one of their scout comes riding into their camp, shouting the bad news.

“THE FRONT HAS BEEN TAKEN! CAPTAIN TESHIMA AND GENERAL KINJOU HAVE BEEN CAPTURED. WE NEED RESERVES NOW!”

Captured. Captured?

Teshima has been captured?

Then- The pain-

Teshima must be in trouble. Aoyagi takes another deep breath, finally standing on shaky legs. He looks around at the rest of the camp, how everyone is in a panic, and immediately he knows what he’s going to do.

He’s going to save Teshima. If he goes with the reserves, he’ll be nothing but trouble with the pain he’s experiencing. But if he goes alone, the only burden he would be is to himself.

You’re just as stubborn as I am.

It takes Aoyagi an hour to get his horse and the supplies that he’ll need for the ride. He steals a map from the scout, giving him an idea of where Teshima might have been captured.

But mostly, Aoyagi just follows the red string.

He collects the length once again, throwing it around his wrist and arm and shoulders. He pulls and piles the excess for the exact moment that he’ll see Teshima again. Because he will see Teshima again.

And when he does, Aoyagi can tie them together with a knot that can’t be broken.

With a knot that keeps them side by side, forever.