Fuselage

♡~♡ Chapter 20 ♡~♡

"I'm doing exactly as was asked of me. More even!" Eijirou's eyes widened, a glimmer of hope falling over his face as his hand hit the counter top, making Katsuki pull away. "I took on a second part time job at the airpo... Y-you know." He chuckled, grin fading. "Of course you do-" Eijirou closed his eyes, frowned, turned away. "What do you mea- No! Yeah I understand what you're saying but-"

A deep breath, back still turned he wiped at his face. Slapping hands on his thighs Eijirou turned towards Katsuki.

"Hair color wasn't-" Eijirou rubbed his face, "I mean my appearance wasn't a part of the deal. We'd never disc-" He cleared his throat, coughed. Sniffled.

Sighed as he threw his head back. The voice continued at rapid pace on the other line. Katsuki wished he could do more but didn't know how. How do you comfort someone who you were... you felt... but they had had no clue?

"No, I have nothing else to say. This conversation is over." Carefully, with shaking hands, Eijirou lowered the phone and shut it off.

Katsuki smartly remained silent as Eijirou leaned against the counter, head hanging low, breathing steady and even.

"It, uh." He exhaled. "It was my m...mmm. Aunt." He chuckled breathy. "On the-"

"I-I heard." Katsuki offered, remaining where he was. "You don't have to-"

"They want me to quit." Eijirou's body tensed, fists bunching, shoulders drawing tight. "They want me to dye my hair back and quit my job." He shook his head, barked a laugh. "Both jobs."

"But you mentioned dropping out-"

"If I quit this job I have to drop out of college in America." Eijirou explained, turning toward Katsuki, revealing bloodshot eyes for the first time. He slid to the ground, running his hands through his hair, tangling them in the mess of red. "I'll have to move out of Yagi's house. I'll have to..." A shudder ripped through him. "I'll have to..." Eijirou blinked, sniffled, wiped at the tears that spilled down, cleared his throat. "I'm sorry man. I'm not trying to be- such a fucking baby." He banged his head against the counter. "Fuck! Every ounce of freedom just... Why do I even bother?" Eijirou shook his head, "why bother trying when they just..."

Katsuki moved beside him, sitting, turning away to hide the smile when Eijirou leaned into him. "I'll go up there for you, Ei."

Eijirou laughed, "Yeah yeah."

"I will." Katsuki turned, smile gone, forcing Eijirou to meet his gaze. "I'll fucking burn their mansion down. I'll raise Hell for you. I'll beat the shit out of them. I'll tell them to go fuck off and die, for you-"

"Fuck stop, Kat." Eijirou frowned, pushed off his friend, stood. Paced frantic, small circles. "Don't say things like that."

"Fucking... why?" Katsuki stood too, watching Eijirou's breathing pick up, his movements become jerky, erratic.

"Hey man, bro, homie - I'll fight the most powerful family on the entire mountain for you cuz they made you cry. No biggie." Eijirou mocked. "You're a fucking idiot, is what you are, Katsuki." He held up as Katsuki's phone buzzed, a car horn honked.

"Oh shit." Katsuki laughed dryly. "We're here to get you for... whatever. I don't know, they have plans." Katsuki grabbed his phone, pulled up the screen, feeling Eijirou look over his shoulder as he swept past the image of his cousins.

"Who were they?" Eijirou's voice held an odd tone. "You dating either of them?"

Katsuki bristled, turned at the accusatory tone. "What the fuck is wrong with you?"

"I-" Eijirou's mouth opened and closed, but nothing came out. "I-" His chest trembled as he voice stuttered, "I don't want to be under their control again, Kat." Red eyes swam, bloodshot and vulnerable and beautiful.