Ameliorate - [Tokyo Revengers Various] X Reader

•37• fourth of August

Going to stand in a corner and slap myself because I typed 'there' instead of 'their'.

Here's an extra long chapter because someone special said no cliffhangers.

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"What was it?" you lean forward, "Did something happen? What did Mikey-kun say?"

Baji's jaw tightens before your sight, yet when he turns his head back to look at you, he doesn't let any concern show, "He's asking me to pick some sweets after the fight. I think they've sorted it out on their own, he's saying I can drop you back because everyone's heading home anyway."

Involuntarily, you let out a deep, tired sigh.

The silent ride on the highway with the night's serenity after such intensive exertion has helped a lot. You feel yourself to be in the mindful state after a catharsis, with your brain feeling energized and refreshed and your body a few notches towards exhaustion yet strained.

"Baji-san," you say in a patient voice and he pauses before starting his bike again, "whatever you ask me, I will tell you. Whatever it may be — I won't lie, and I won't hide things."

Slowly, he turns.

"So please," your eyes meet his, "allow me to expect the same from you."

Baji's lack of response serves as blatant admission.

"And I beg you," you continue after a necessary pause, "stop behaving like I'm a burden."

"What?" his eyes widen, "When did I ever.. " his voice dies down seeing the look on your face. Although Baji would not wholeheartedly agree with the idea, he does realize what portions exactly would make you feel so. He, too, takes a break, his eyes flickering as a massive train of thought occupies his mind before a deep sigh escapes and he turns back.

"I'm sorry. I know you want to be involved, I.. just shouldn't let you."

Your lips tighten, "Why? Despite how my usual demeanour may have been, you know I'm capable of protecting myself. That is how you first met me, right?"

He inhales, "As a friend, do I not have the right to hope you're okay and out of any harm whatsoever?"

A small smile tugs up your face, he's brought in the words himself, "And as a friend, do I not have the right to hope I can help out my friends any way necessary?"

Baji's head bobs back. He can see where this would lead to.

"Moebius is dangerous, (Name)-chan. The reason they first got on Pah's nerves... you know it too. I'm just.. scared.. "

The previous future you'd leapt into flashes before your eyes pushing a heavy weight into your chest. You know what he fears may essentially become the reality guiding the future you've just seen — that is, if you don't change something in the past before it does.

"Baji-san," you say with a deep inhale, "trust me. Nothing will happen, I will be safe."

His hand scratches the back of his neck, a tired and reluctant expression on his face.

Baji inhales deep, then exhales, "The world doesn't really work that way, (Name)-chan," he sounds somewhat desperate, "I do trust you, but I don't trust anything else about the scenario. I know you have it in you to protect yourself, but.. the world is unfair. I don't.. want to put you in that situation."

You let silence rest between the two of you — for it is the only way to make him reconsider his thoughts.

When your intuition taps as indication, you open your mouth and let firm words fall out, "Baji-san. Let's go."