Behind the Glass (Komahina AU)

Chapter Seventeen: Submerged

Hajime looked at Chiaki with worry. That's where she saw the purple veins on his face and body.

"Oh my goodness..." Chiaki gasped, mouth covering her hand. "What has happened to you?"

Nagito looked away as Gundham gave her the short version of the events. Sonia stood by her husband, grasping his shoulder as Chiaki remained still with emotionless eyes. When the story was over, she walked over to Hajime. Percy let his grip go of the merman and she held him up.

"Hajime. You have to go back to the city with me this minute." She explained. "You are of Noble blood. I understand that you will not be able to return to the surface, but your duties are very important to our survival."

Nagito watched it unfold before his eyes. This woman, who had he only met a week ago, was talking to Hajime like she knew him. /'Noble blood? Returning to the surface? Why does she know so much?'/ He thought as his fists clenched up.

"Nagito..." Hajime called out as he tried to stand up. "I have to...go...with Chiaki."

"Why? Who is she really?"

Chiaki cleared her throat. "I'll explain everything. I know Hajime all of my life. We are the same: merpeople who long to explore the surface. I am the Queen of my kingdom, and Hajime is my friend."

Everyone was at shock. Gundham kneeled down while Sonia bowed down in respect. Chiaki smiled weakly at their reactions, but returned to normal when she continued. "I understand that you are in love with him, Nagito. I sensed it the first I saw you. There is nobody that he would trust more than you."

Nagito knelt down to Hajime. "Why didn't you say something?"

"I didn't want to..." The merman replied. "If I went with her, I...could never come back the surface. All of the power that I have as a Noble...is nothing than my love for you. So...I asked Her Majesty to lie to everyone. It was better than to risk everything with the truth."

They looked into each other's eyes, touching foreheads. Nagito wasn't mad, just concerned. He had his own secrets that he was afraid to tell. If he was in that position with Mikan, he would do it in a heartbeat. To protect the leader of their entire species...was indeed noble. Gently touching his cheek, Nagito tried not to hurt him as he grazed near the veins.

"Five days...I don't want you to live the rest of your life in five days." Nagito said. "I want them as long as you are with me."

"Nagito?" He gasped. "What are you saying?"

"Go. Go with your queen!"

"But...I lied to you."

"I will forgive you, but I need you to get better." He said. "I'll find a way to you, but you go now."

Hajime kissed Nagito fully on the lips. It was short, but all of their emotions were shared through those few seconds. Afterwards, Chiaki and Hajime were led out to a back door of the aquarium by Gundham. Outside they were near the coastline where the bright blue ocean waves drenched the golden sand.

"This is the safest way to get out." The animal tamer explained. "It could be possible that Junko and her lackeys are still at the docks, and I don't want to her the benefit of the doubt."

"Thank you, Mr. Tanaka." Chiaki said, kissing Gundham's cheek and hugging Sonia. "You have been wonderful. I look forward to my next visit."

She helped Hajime up and out as they walked towards the sea. Hajime tried to hold back his tears, but when they managed to dive under, he began to sob his heart out. Nagito watched from the doorframe, being brave for the both of them. It was heart wrenching, but he had to have hope on his side. 'I will see you again, Hajime. I promise.'
————————————————————————
————————————————————————
Meanwhile, in the middle of the night, Mikan was called into Junko's quarters. She kept her head down as she entered the office. Junko was sitting down with her legs resting on her desk while her sister was standing beside her. The captain held her vial containing the tear in her hand.

"May I...help you?" Mikan asked timidly.

"Mikan...as you may know, our mission was a success." Junko replied. "However, I have decided to go on this last part alone."

"Oh...I see." Mikan said.

"While I am away, the crew will be dismissed here for a 'vacation' of sorts. Mukuro will be heading out to collect something and I'll need you to accompany her."

"Junko!" Mukuro groaned. "I don't need to be babysitting anyone. I can take care of myself."

"Don't you dare disrespect me!" The captain hissed as she laid a blade on her sister's neck. "You don't wanna end up on the wrong side of me, do you?"

"Ah, Captain!" Mikan interrupted. "I'll help out! P-please just let her go...I don't think I can handle any more-"

Junko smiled at Mikan, and returned to normal. "Thank you, first mate! I look forward to seeing you both soon!"

Later, Mikan was leaving the ship to stay at the nearby motel when Mukuro caught her by the arm.

"Why the hell did you do that?" She asked. "You could have just left me to die."

"I have seen enough bloodshed to last me a lifetime." Mikan replies, not looking at the girl. "As long as I am still alive, the very least I can do is prevent one more meaningless death."

She pulled her arm back and walked off the ramp. Mukuro just watched, both enraged, get grateful before returning to her post. Mikan hid her face to recover from blushing. She couldn't believe she allowed herself to become infatuated. It was distressing to say the least.

'I wish that Nagito was here to give me some advice...but I doubt he trusts me anymore...' She thought as she opened the door to the motel.
————————————————————————
To Be Continued...