Naegami One-shots 'Cause I'm Bored 2.0

Please Help Me.

A cute picture if you get sad ^

TW for mentions/references to self-harm.  (This story does not make any images and/or visuals of self-harm, it simply talks about it.)

Byakuya wasn't easily startled at all, very few things surprised him.  So, when he flinched and whimpered in pain when Makoto grabbed his wrist, it was very clear that something was off.  Makoto tried not to assume the worst, since he would like to believe that Byakuya wasn't capable of doing something as brutal as mutilating himself.  Though, it was difficult to think of any other reasons as to why he would randomly become so jumpy.  He decided, after long consideration, he would try and bring up the topic with Byakuya.

    "Hey, Byakuya...?  Can we talk?"  Makoto tugged on Byakuya's sleeve, pulling him down onto their expensive cloud couch.  "I couldn't help but notice that you've been... more alert lately.  Are you hiding something from me?"  Byakuya immediately jumped off the couch and walked away, completely removing himself from the conversation.

    "No, Byakuya!  This is important!  Please talk to me."  Byakuya quickly turned his body, his sharp glare on Makoto.  "I don't know what you think I'm hiding from you, but whatever it is, you're mistaken." 

He clearly knew what was going on and probably assumed it was just a matter of time before Makoto picked up on it.  He couldn't say he was surprised; he knew Makoto would catch him eventually, but he was still very frustrated.  He figured that there was no other way to express his frustration besides through anger.

"Unless you have something actually productive and correct to speak to me about, I suggest you leave me to my work."  Byakuya then continued back to his room, wrapping his arms around himself, as if it would protect him. 

Makoto huffed in anger, unsure of what to do.  He tried to understand that Byakuya must be going through something difficult and stressful, but that was no excuse to speak to him that way.  Of course, Makoto had never been through a situation in which he felt he had to hurt himself to get out of it, so it was hard to empathize with Byakuya. 

As much as he wanted to simply leave him alone, he couldn't stand the thought that Byakuya's state might worsen because of his absence. 

He made his way to their room, approaching quietly to make sure he doesn't startle him.  He called his name before gently pushing the door open.  "Please...  Let's figure this out together."  He peeked into the room to find Byakuya sitting on their bed.  He had his head in his hands, crying softly. 

"Byakuya..."  Makoto sat down next to him and placed a comforting hand on his back.  "We don't have to discuss it right now, but we should talk."  Byakuya nodded slowly, not lifting his head from his hands.

Makoto massaged Byakuya's head gently, trying to be as calm as possible. 

"Byakuya, I know what's going on, and I know I can't just ask you to stop.  So, please, if you feel like you need to do this, can you come talk to me first?  I promise I won't get mad or freak out on you, I just want to help." 

Byakuya brought his head up and turned towards Makoto.  "...Thank you."  He smiled lightly before bringing Makoto into his arms. 

"I love you, Byakuya.  Please let me know if you're struggling."  Makoto rubbed Byakuya's back and kissed his cheek. 

Byakuya still struggled to trust Makoto, since he was fearful that Makoto may be angry or act crazy towards the situation, but he tried his best to speak out.  Makoto was patient and supportive of him.  He would always be cautious of what he said and did, just to be extra careful not to hurt him. 

EXTRA:

Trigger warning for self-harm scarring.

    A few months later

    "Makoto, may I speak to you?"  Byakuya got into bed next to Makoto, who was reading.  "Sure, what's up?"  Byakuya sighed quietly, as if it was hard for him to say.  "I'm clean."  Makoto cocked his head to the side, obviously confused.

"Yes, we just took a shower together?  We're both clean."  Byakuya chuckled before lifting his sleeve up to his elbow.  All that showed were a few light scars.  Makoto stared silently, smiling.

"Pretty, isn't it?"  Byakuya smiled up at Makoto.  "It's been two weeks."  Makoto gasped and wrapped his arms around Byakuya's neck, kissing his head repeatedly.  "I'm so proud of you, that's amazing!"

Byakuya laughed softly, trying not to tear up.

"Thank you, Makoto.  I love you."

I am a little fearful about posting this, just in case it were to trigger someone.  If any of you feel like I should take it down, or correct something in it, please let me know!  I love all your feedback.
-TogamiTime ❤️