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Chapter Text

Michael Kaiser was a piece of shit. That’s what he believed or that was what he was made to believe. The little kid sneaked through the stores to stea- no to do “work” as his father mentioned. Grabbing Bread, Milk and other necessities. He successfully got out of the store. The local kids would always look at him like he was a piece of shit which he was as Michael thought.

He walked and walked till he reached the house which he called home. His father was asleep, He didn’t know what to do, so he just put the stuff he brought in the broken table, as it was broken by his father when he hid beneath it. He then crawled back to his favourite spot where he would try to unscramble the words in the books. But alas, that boy couldn’t. Then he would drift to sleep until his father woke him up by a raging fist.

Ever since Michael was born, no one wanted him. His mother left him with the man who would beat him up every night in the rage of her betrayal. Today was just another day for Michael. Wake up, do work, get beaten up and then sleep. That was his daily routine. This time his father beat him up and threw him outside the house and locked the door. The little boy stared at the door, deciding whether he should knock or walk away and come back at evening. He just then walked away. His head was bleeding, his legs were hurting, but he just walked till he reached a public tap to wash away his dizziness. He then sat at the park watching the kids with their fathers playing, what a cruel joke.

Soon it started raining, the blonde decided to just take shelter in the nearby shop. He just sat outside the store, not daring to enter as he feared he would just steal again out of instinct. But the rain was harsh, it soaked his clothes, sending shivers to his spine. Then an old lady came by noticing that the poor child ,looking at him with pity. Michael didn’t need that, he decided to stand up and walk away to some other store, till the lady called him

“Kid, come here”

He didn’t, he just froze there, not knowing how to respond because his father only taught him to steal.

“I won’t do anything to you, just come here”

Michael hesitated before approaching her.

“That must have been painful. Here I will do some magic for you”

Then he realized he must have been looking terrible, that this lady had gone crazy to think of using something as magic.

She cleaned the wound in his head. He felt weirdly warm and comforted as the lady applied the medicine.

“Tell me boy, how did you get this bruise?”

“……”

No reply came. He just closed his eyes tight, hoping it would disappear.

“Alright don’t tell me but at least tell me your name”

“...Michael”

When she heard the boy, she smiled with a look of relief in her face.

“That’s a beautiful name like the Archangel who protects everyone. Your parents must have thought really carefully while naming a beautiful kid like you”

The blonde was confused, he asked meekly “what’s an archangel?”

The lady blinked, “oh you don’t know?”

He just nodded

'“Well don’t worry, Archangel is a messenger of God and they protect and guide every little one like you” she smiled at him as she ruffled his hair.

Michael wondered if Archangels are protectors, why haven’t they protected him from his father?

“You look like a first grader, so do you go to school?”

To that, the little boy just shook his head. The old lady remained silent for a while, trying to process, and then she suddenly got up and went inside a room. Was the lady finally going to kick him out? Well he couldn't do anything about it.

She came back with books, the same books which Michael tried to unscramble in his little corner. “So, kid, I will read you some stories for you. Now come here and look at the pictures,” The curiosity got the kid the best. He was always interested in these scribblings, so he decided to listen to the lady. Before he knew, He was asking a dozen of questions to that lady. He asked her about the letters and how you read them. He even asked the meanings of the words. He was eager to learn. She just smiled and answered every little question that boy brought up. As the reading session was over. There was a shine in his eyes, he wanted to ask if he could come again, but the lady asked it herself

“Don’t hesitate to drop by, I will read for you again and explain it to you.”,

to which Michael smiled and thanked her It was almost night now. It was no longer raining. He decided to sneak into the house and sleep. He waved the lady good bye. He was definitely going to drop by that coffee shop again with the books he has in the house. So good night Michael Kaiser.

His routine continued for years. He woke up, did the work, got beaten up and went to sleep. But there was a new addition. He would visit the lady every evening before going home, and he always had a book with him that he wanted to learn. The lady realized that he was actually academically gifted with the way he was always eager to learn and how he grasped the concept faster than any child of his age. She soon started teaching him what they thought at school and Michael never complained but looked at it as a challenge to conquer. He learned how to write and speak formally to others, to which he was grateful for that old lady. She would tell him the stories about the Archangel Michael. Listening to the stories, he was sure that one day an angel would definitely save him from his father. The lady always asked him about his bruises and his ragged clothes, to which Michael would always deny sharing.

But it didn’t last for long. As the lady was shopping, Michael was caught doing his father’s “work”. The lady was horrified when she saw the kid she had been teaching was stealing in stores.

She denied him to enter the cafe ever again.

That day Michael was also beaten up for getting caught as the police called his father due to his young age.

“YOU PIECE OF SHIT YOU CAN’T EVEN DO A THING RIGHT”

That’s right I am a piece of shit.

“FUCK YOU ARE JUST LIKE HER THE SAME LOOKS AND THAT SAME CUNNING PEROSNALITY WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE BETRAYING HUH?!”

He said those venomous words as he choked his own son

“HAH YOU ARE THE WORST AREN’T YOU BEING BORN FROM THAT BITCH HAHHHA DIE ALREADY”

Michael wished he had killed him, he wished to disappear, be gone for good. Cause no one wanted him. Hell, those angels must be thinking the same, that’s why they are not coming to protect him. Michael then thought, who am I kidding..God is probably not real and his angels are definitely just a made up story or else he should have been protected well no one wants a piece of shit Maybe that’s why?

Before he knew it, He was knocked out.

His routine went back to normal, except he didn’t go to that cafe. He never went near that cafe as he was afraid to show his face there. Now he was sitting on the jail’s cold concrete as he was arrested for a framed robbery and knocking out police officers. Not his fault he was simply protecting his treasure. The football who is a piece of shit like him. He decided to buy that on his 12th birthday, and decided to play with it and from then on he saw himself in that ball.

An elderly figure appeared

“Say, would you play football for me? If you do I will free you from here.”

It was a tempting offer and he decided to accept it.

Now he was known as the God chosen Emperor of the field. Part of the New Gen 11.

He was alright until Isagi Yoichi crashed into his kingdom of glasses.

Chapter Text

Kaiser ruled the field after he took in Alexis Ness. He was the perfect experiment subject for him. He wanted to turn him into a really loyal submissive dog for him and him only. During his free time, He would study books or read stories from other genres during this time, psychology became his favourite, which helped him understand how the human mind works. He didn't understand those emotions, so he better memorize or study how they work out. Studying has become his hobby, he would read for hours and hours during his free time or he would be practising.

Alexis Ness, For Kaiser, he is nothing more than a test subject but at times, there are some warm moments, like how Ness looks out for him occasionally and how he is able to laugh along with him. He knows that this is nothing and will end once he escapes Bastard Munchen, but he can't help but feel a strange comfort from Ness, but his mind would never admit, since when he was a creature to feel human? 

He was sitting reading yet another book, till he decided to scroll through his phone. There he saw Isagi Yoichi soaring with his victory against the U-20 Japan. He thought that Isagi Yoichi must be one of those rookies who haven't faced the harsh world yet and someone who needs to be put into despair. To his absolute surprise, he received a call mentioning that they would go to Blue Lock for the Neo Egoist League. At first he inquired what he could get. He isn't just going there to play football with a bunch of rookies, then he got to know about the auction system. This is perfect, he can finally expand his empire. He then agreed to come to whatever this league was supposed to be. 

~🌹~

His first thought when he saw the blue lock's heart was of a clown and that to a little and mediocre one. He can't wait to crush him and see his despair. 

During their practice matches, He decided to tease the little clown

"Well, what is little Yoichi doing here? Mind if I take the ball, mkay?" 

As he said that he stole the ball from Isagi and shot the goal, to which Isagi was furious about 

that's right hate me, show me the despair 

Isagi was about to open his mouth but they were interrupted by Noa and Anri and some other..lady?

The whole team was silent. Not because Noa was there, but the lady who came along with them was a total beauty, golden yellow hair, blue eyes that could rival the blue sky and a face with symmetry. They looked at her in awe. But Michael was tense. He was about to walk away like always, before he could, Noa stopped him

"Everyone meet Ms. Amelia Schulz. She is going to be a representative for Bastard Munchen. Blue lock has decided to make talented actresses like her to be a representative for each team in Neo egoist League. It's just for promotion for the BLTv. So please do get along with Ms Schulz." Anri announced with pleasure 

"Hello young players, as Ms Anri said, I would be joining you all as a representative. I am looking forward to getting along with everyone. Thank you" The lady flashed a smile, the same damn smile that Michael used to watch his father frown over. 

Everyone in the team nodded and welcomed the actress. 

A hurricane of thoughts was there in his kingdom, glasses shattering and trying to stop from breaking further. Does she recognize him? Why is she here? why is she coming back now? Would she apologize for leaving? Does she even remember she had a child? 

His breath hitched. Noa then asked him to go and greet her as he was the star striker of the team. He felt like a kid again who was trying to run away but he still went forward to greet her. 

"Nice to meet you, Ms Schulz" Not mom because was she a mother to him? probably not "I am Michael Kaiser" you must know it since you were the one who gave me the name of a stupid protector. 

She smiled "Oh I do know you, you are the ace of course." And she then pulled him into a hug, "and my son too" 

The boy's mind went blank, how could she call her that.. after all that 

Why is she just recognizing him as her son  

why why why why why why why why why

He wanted to say she is mistaken, but he couldn't, he lost his voice 

He didn't hug her back

He just blankly stared at the space in the field

Everyone was shocked when they heard the word "my son"  but when they looked at them,they could see the uncanny resemblance. Michael Kaiser and Amelia Schulz looked the same, the same eyes,the same golden hair, the same symmetrical face and the same red eyeliner under their eye. 

Michael pulled back when he felt the eyes on him. He just remained silent and nodded so that he doesn't come off as rude. and then he walked away. he couldn't handle the little reunion. He just wanted to be alone now like he always was. 

~🧩~

As Kaiser walked away from the field, Isagi thought what a disrespectful bastard, not even hugging back his mother 

Noa just shook his head in disbelief, but his mother still had a smile in her face, and then she said, "don't worry, we are just in a little bad terms. He is a kid after all"  

It was just not Kaiser acting indifferent, even Ness was a little surprised when he saw that after that he even went outside the field to find Kaiser.

"Oh alright, so that's what was the announcement we wanted to make. I should get going now" Anri waved at them and went to the office 

The German teammates were gossiping among themselves 

"damn, his mother, couldn't even think about it" "yeah lucky for him" "I would have flexed if she was my mom" "that's right but SHE IS AMELIA SCHULZ LIKE THE GREAT AMELIA" "I KNOW RIGHT THE BEAUTY OF GERMANY"

Even Isagi could understand where they were coming from. This lady was gorgeous and Kaiser was equally gorgeous like her. He and his friends just bowed to her as a sign of respect and welcomed her.  

After that, Noa guided her about the dorms and other places in their stratum. 

and now they were talking about the scene among themselves 

"We can see where Kaiser got his looks from"  Hiori was the one to start  "What do you all think?" 

"She seems nice to be"  Yukimiya stated, and everyone nodded. 

"But the way Kaiser ignored her! I could never!" Rachi almost shouted "Yeah!" Igarashi joined him. 

"I agree with you too, she is his mother after all"  

" yeah" 

"Whom do you all think you are talking about?" This wasn't a voice they all expected 

"If you don't have anything better to do, then keep on talking while I take the thorne" Kaiser snickered  

That was enough to silence the whole team. seems like Kaiser is back to normal. 

and they all started to practice again. 

Isagi decided to ignore the whole drama since he is only here for the football. 

~🌹~

Stupid peasants thinking about his family when they could have been improving in football. His shots were more aggressive than before. His iconic smirk not visible anymore. As soon as the practice was over, He ordered Ness not to follow him and rushed to his room. 

Ness wanted to argue but he decided not to. One thing he knew about that Kaiser never went home during his BM academy days so he was surprised when he got to know that his mother was here. and sometimes Kaiser did mention he didn't have a family. This is new for him but he decided not to dig in further. 

Michael was now lying on his bed trying to stop the glasses from breaking. How stupid he was. He was gonna meet her sooner or later but definitely not now. He then went to shower the pain away but it was still stinging like glass shards hit him in his heart. He calmed himself down.

Okay Michael this is not going to affect you. She is not going to hurt you like your father. I will just ignore her. That's what she has been doing so me doing it won't hurt anything.. It's okay, everything is under control. 

He picked up a book and read it. It was calming until he heard a knock on the door.

He went to open but stopped when he saw her.  

"Michael dear, that's not how you treat your mother" She smiled, the very same smile Michael wanted to wipe it off her face.

"why" 

"what do you mean?"

"why are you here now?"

"seems like you don't understand" 

"What is there to understand? I really don't want to talk to you at least now"

"is that so?"

"yes please leave"

"Okay but we need to talk."

"I will come by myself to talk" 

"You have grown into like your father" 

"please leave"

He just closed the door on her face. How dare she compare him to his father. Hell, even his father compared him to her. What am I a comparison for you two to do? He cursed his existence. He didn't want this. He never did. His walls of glasses were shaking. He then just curled up in his bed. Trying to forget everything,Just him and the silence. 

-TBC 

Alright Here's the artwork ^^

Artwork by Winter Tuolis aka Wintsu

Chapter Text

~🌹~ 

After slamming the door, he was just frozen there. As if waiting for her to finally leave as if he was unsure. 

He just couldn't believe it. The person who has been absent in his 19 years of life just suddenly shows up acting like they could play the family. He is just angry. Angry is an understatement, He is furious. 

He entered the shower again as if he is trying to wash it all away. The hot water was dripping from his body. His head was dizzy but he just kept on washing himself with the water and then slowly his hands stroked the tattoo. The very blue rose that he wanted to be. He gripped at those roses, tightening them as if he was trying to destroy something. Something that couldn't leave him alone no matter how much he tried to run away from it. He gasped for air. Laughing at his stupidity. haha so funny.

Michael lay on the bed. He was a kid again staring at the ceiling with a ball in his hands. 

WHERE ARE YOU LITTLE PIECE OF SHIT

DID YOU THINK THAT RUNNING AWAY FROM ME LIKE YOUR MOTHER WILL HELP YOU?

No, He is not here. Why do I have to remember him now? Michael thought I am not afraid of him. I never was. 

I am not afraid

                         I am not weak

                                                   She can't hurt me  

                                                                            He is not here 

                                                                           I SAID I AM NOT FUCKING WEAK TO BE AFRAID OF IT

~🧩~

The next day 

Isagi's day was going on like usual, but something was different. Kaiser wasn't picking on him like he used to. No matter what, Kaiser always made sure to get under Isagi's skin. It's not that Isagi was thinking about it. For him it was just strange. but he got a match to look forward to. 

It was a Practice match. His metavision was something he recently discovered. But he would have no energy by the end of matches now, or sometimes worse he would faint. 

and that's what happened in this match. He fainted yet again because Kaiser's play was getting more aggressive than before, so to keep up with it, he overexhausted himself. 

He couldn't remember who took care of him, but He could hear Noa scolding Kaiser for his play. 

And now he is lying on a bed that he isn't familiar with. It was softer than the normal beds they had in their rooms. Then He heard german voices.

Bitte zwinge mich nicht, Mutter

Michael, wie lange wirst du mich noch ignorieren? 

When Isagi heard the name Michael, he had an idea of where he must be. But what are they talking about? Isagi got up and searched for his translation buds. 

Isagi plugged those in, and as he was about to reach the door. Kaiser opened the door instead. That startled him.

"So you are awake now, you clown?"  Kaiser said with annoyance but it lacked its bite. "whatever, now get out of my room" 

Yep that was Kaiser 

"Yeah yeah whatever I am not even interested to stay in this room of yours"  Isagi frowned "Wait, does that mean you took care of me after I fainted? "

"wow congrats on figuring that out genius."  Kaiser folded his hands, 

"and it was Noa who forced me to do it to build up some friendliness with you, like I am ever gonna be friends with you. Now thank me and get out"

Of course, it was Noa or else why would Kaiser even think of it. Isagi was annoyed by his attitude. 

"Yeah right, Thanks for taking care of me", Isagi rolled his eyes. 

"Michael, that isn't how you are supposed to treat your teammate", A new person joined the conversation. It was Ms Schulz. "I am sorry for my son's rudeness. I hope you recovered, Isagi" 

"uh um. Thanks, Ms Schulz,"  at least his mother was nicer than him. 

To that Kaiser just scowled and looked away. He didn't get the relationship between this Mother and Son duo. Kaiser is always at some sort of edge when his mother is near, like he wants to just go away, maybe it's just Isagi's imagination, because everyone seemed to be normal about it. 

Maybe Isagi is thinking too much about his rival? Probably yes because he wants to defeat it. But he doesn't want to think about this. yet he can't help it and gets kind of interested in it. He walked out the door and as he was walking through the corridors he realized he forgot his translation ear buds case and he can't afford to listen another of Ego's lecture so he turned back to get it. 

"CAN YOU LIKE JUST NOT INTERFERE WITH MY LIFE?" 

Woah is that Kaiser lashing out on his mother? Maybe his teen rebellion phase hasn't ended yet. 

"Michael, just listen to me" 

"NO WHY SHOULD I?"

Dang Kaiser is a difficult child. Isagi made a mental note to never raise his kids as Kaiser in Future. 

"Please at least hear-"

"NO YOU LISTEN TO ME NOW. YOU LEFT ME WITH THAT DRUNKARD EXCUSE OF A FATHER. AND DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHAT HE DID TO ME? WELL OF COURSE FUCKING NOT BUT NOW YOU ARE TELLING ME TO PLAY PRETEND FAMILY HA HA HA VERY FUNNY" 

"Michael, I had my reasons. I wanted to get new opportunities" 

"What kind of an excuse is that? Now just please leave, I am not dealing with this" 

"I know why you are angry dear, just let me know how can I fix it now?"

"Really? that's what you want to say?"

"then how about just be absent in my life like you always were?"

"I am being serious Michael"

"What I am also being serious"

"OH WAIT I GET IT KNOW YOU ARE AFRAID THAT I MIGHT EXPOSE YOU." 

"Michael that's not what it is and we both know that"

"What, that's the absolute truth, don't forget I am your son after all right?"

"I know you are hurt but at least let me fix my mistake"

"HUH? WHAT IS THERE FIX? SO THE GREAT AMELIA SCHULZ NOW WANTS TO BE A SAINT" 

A loud slap was heard. 

"I thought maybe I could handle it with talks, but guess not. You work on beatings, right? Well why I left you because I was disgusted by the piece of filth I gave birth to." 

"so now you are dropping the act. hah come up with something new I am tired of hearing that"

"Michael, I am not gonna ask you again. You are going to act like a Son to me. And that's an Order. Try to defy it and you know what will happen. let's see who the media will believe the most, A great actress or an arrogant brat?" 

"WHAT? YOU WON'T"

"Yes I will"

"Tch,I knew that you were shit but didn't know you were this SHIT mother" 

"I didn't ask for your opinion. Answer Me"

"Do I even have a choice?" 

"glad that you thought so" 

Isagi was sure that he heard something that he wasn't supposed to hear.. 

He was about to speed up but was caught

Shit

"Oh my, Isagi, why are you here?" She smiled 

"I left my translation pods case in Kaiser's room, So I was just coming back to get it. Am I interpreting something?"  Isagi gave his best smile 

"oh no no feel free to take it, I was about to leave anyways" then she walked away 

 Isagi was almost sweating. He thought of leaving but He needed that case. Kaiser was already standing near the door. 

"so you are looking for these?"  He fiddled with the case "here clown" 

"oh thank you"  Isagi was grateful that Kaiser didn't ask.

Then he heard him laugh, like a mockery laugh. 

"you really aren't convincing me that you didn't hear the conversation" 

There it was Michael Kaiser's sharp observation.

"now tell me brat, how much did you hear?" Isagi was sure if his eyes were a weapon he would be fucking dead. 

"hah come inside, I don't want to make it a public news"  Kaiser invited him in, more like ordered him.

How did he land himself in this trouble like this?

He was sitting near the edge of the bed. While Kaiser was on the chair. 

"I won't repeat myself again,"  His voice dripped with venom 

"um"  Isagi now looked straight into his Kaiser's face, then he noticed the marks he never did. He even saw the newest red slap mark but what concerned him more are the bruises near Kaiser's neck. "I-"

Kaiser sighed. " wow cat got your tongue?" 

" I heard from the part when u started to lash out on your mother"

Kaiser blinked "Yoichi if I were you I wouldn't have referred to that woman as my mother" 

Isagi's breath hitched

"I know.." He didn't have any words to say. Sure Kaiser was an arrogant bastard but from what he heard, he is sure something bad must have happened. 

"You know eavesdropping is bad?"

"yeah I am sorry"

Isagi felt small in front of Kaiser.

"I am sorry that you had to go through-"
"HAH? I didn't fucking call you inside for a fucking pity party" Kaiser snapped 

Isagi was lost. He doesn't know shit about how to console people like Kaiser.

"I mean- You didn't deserve that"  

"Yoichi I liked you better when you insulted me because what the fuck is this" 

He was annoyed by his attitude like shut up.

Isagi then said the most sensible thing anyone would say " still, you should reach out for help"

Kaiser laughed again as if it's the funniest joke he had ever heard. 

"very smart Yoichi, hah like anyone would believe me" Kaiser leaned back in his chair."Like I haven't ever tried, but I would still get beat up my father" 

Isagi's train of thoughts stopped when he heard the word beat up. 

"What?"  "you heard it right"

"I- that's unfair"

"well sorry to break down for you, nothing's fair and I don't need your pity"

Isagi just looked down on his knees. gripping it as a life support, and then he blurted out.

"Let me help you Kaiser" 

"Was it a joke?"

"No I am serious like please let me help" 

"what would you do, huh and what is there to gain for you?" 

"i-" Isagi didn't have a answer 

"Do me a favour just forget about this shit, It's between that woman and me"

Isagi just stayed slient. 

"if you are done now, get out and yes, do not spread what you heard" 

Kaiser gestured towards the door. 

"Now get out peacefully before i change my mind" 

Isagi then went out 

Now he doesn't know what to do 

But this is not his business, yet he feels like he should mind that business. 

Chapter Text

Very soon the Ubers match came. The whole team was fired up to win again. 

The Ubers match ended in a 4-2. 2 goals scored by Isagi. 1 goal scored by Kaiser.

and 1 goal shared by Isagi and Kaiser. 

Isagi had won. Kaiser lost.

~🌹~

What a Shitshow.

It was like the whole universe was against him. 

It was night again. The Darkness engulfs him slowly but surely.

He stared at the ceiling. The only other noise in the room was his breathing. 

For some reason, his mother's words repeat.

Let's see who the media will believe the most, A great actress or an arrogant brat?

Well,

Michael isn't a good person, he knows very well who he is.

A piece of shit. 

He asked again, who is he

A piece of shit.

Again, who is he

A piece of shit.

who is?

He is a piece of shit.

who?

Michael is a piece of shit.

?

I am a piece of shit

He stared at the ceiling,following his breaths.

Inhaling and Exhaling.

That clown is going forward, and worst of all he heard that.

Football is the only escape since the ball is a piece of shit like him. 

But did he like it? He had no idea how to answer that.

He huffed a laugh.

How pathetic. 

His mind kept repeating lines that he wished to bury.

word by word with the accurate tone.

Michael wished to disappear.

Maybe being anonymous? but that won't give him an identity. 

Maybe he was thinking more than usual.

Maybe

Maybe 

right? 

He got up, staring at the ceiling is no help. 

He went to wash his face. 

he saw the worst. 

he saw her. 

the same eyes.

the same hair.

the same symmetry of face.

the same nose.

everything, everything is the same to her. 

nothing belonged to him 

it never did. 

He didn't want to see that. He wanted to see himself. 

him. Michael.

Her words echoed again. 

This time Michael punched the frame of the mirror. missing to punch directly at his face's reflection.

the frame broke, the sharp pieces now piercing his skin. 

His eyes csould only see red. 

His hands dripping with blood. 

but his mind was somewhere else. 

I hate you. 

why?

just because i hate you

why?

just because i hate you

why

i hate you

wh-

I SAID I HATE YOU.

why would you hate yourself?

........

I hate you.

He just stared at his hands. 

His mind dizzy. 

He went back inside the bed.

curling up with the blanket. 

not caring about the blood stains. 

It will probably dry soon. no need to worry.

His eyes shut.

He was asleep soon after that. 

dreaming about nothing. 

just sleep. 

Good night Michael. 

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Good morning, Michael.

What are you going to do now? 

Act like the loser you are? 

~🌹~

Kaiser got up. Sitting up, sweating under all the pressure. 

He needs to remind himself that he can’t be Weak.

He can’t return to being the weak kid he used to be.

Fine, if that woman wants to play pretend family, He will.

After all, they will go their own ways after NEL ends.

He will block her and her agency everywhere.

The media can go fuck itself.

Michael Kaiser is here to play football, not entertain many noisy bastards. 

Aren’t you already entertaining people with emperor roleplay?

Shut the fuck up.

~🧩~

Isagi tries to forget everything he heard about Kaiser.

He wasn’t even supposed to hear that.

He groaned into his pillow. 

It was morning.

Last night, he somehow managed to sleep. 

His mind repeated Kaiser like a mantra. 

It probably isn’t any of his business.

Kaiser is nothing to him. 

He is not his friend whom he could rely on.

He is not his rival, who is there to push him.

He is not his lover-

NO, NOT THAT.

All those Hiori’s teasing has gone into his brain.

Kaiser is his enemy.

Who sabotaged his goal in the first practice in BM.

Who continues to hog all his chances to score a goal.

Yet Isagi managed to score more goals than Kaiser. 

Isagi felt better than he had felt so far in Blue Lock at any moment.

He also can’t deny that Kaiser is the reason that he is improving so much. 

What concerned him the most was the red marks on Kaiser’s neck.

Kaiser would wear high-neck clothes now to hide it. 

It’s just that Isagi caught a glimpse of it while Ness was fussing over it while treating it in the infirmary. 

They were now blooming into a rich shade of purple with additional red marks.

What could cause those marks? 

Sure, Kaiser had a bad attitude in general, but he never disrespected a player’s skill. 

He also noticed how Kaiser is quiet outside the field. 

Sometimes he could see him converse with his German teammates in a few words, and then he would dismiss them. 

Kaiser was his own master on what he wanted to do or not.

He never cared what others thought.

One thing that puzzled him was what Kaiser wanted.

Kaiser got an offer from Re Al but he didn’t care for that.

He didn’t care about getting along with his teammates.

What did Kaiser care for?

~🌹~

Nothing

Nothing is working out his way.

But that’s fine because it was never in his way in the first place.

Kaiser forgot how his routine worked.

Oh, right, that dumb speech.

He stood in front of the mirror. 

He looked at himself.

The naked emperor.

The broken glasses reflected his nakedness.

Shards scattered down, oh yeah, the bleeding in his hands,

It must be dried by now.

He looked at his hand. Pieces still piercing through his pale skin, blood still fresh on the cuts, threatening to spill out.

Yep, it’s alright.

He looked into the mirror.

This is me

Kaiser reached for the first aid box. He always kept one for treating his wounds from practice or matches. He didn’t like it when someone touched him, so it’s better to avoid it.

He was out of bandages and safety pins. 

Really? Now of all times.

He needed those the most right now.

He looked at the time, it was 5:30 in the morning.

Yep, he can get away from Ness's questioning.

He washed his hands, wiped them dry and covered himself with a towel to make his way to the infirmary.

Walking through those quiet corridors, Kaiser realised how big the blue lock is.

There were cameras in every corner.

And millions of doors leading to rooms related to football, of course. 

He saw Yoichi playing in one of those fields. Why is he even up this early in the morning?

He ignored him as always and reached the infirmary.

One thing he loved about Japan is how there are human-less services. 

He doesn’t have to explain any shit and get done with it fastly.

Since he is here, he should just dress the wound here.

He learnt this back in the bastard academy days, when he used to get in fights even though he won all of them.

There were always some new scratches on his body. 

The nurses nagged about the scars, and Michael didn’t like it at all.

Michael, being the fast learner he is, learnt about how to treat all sorts of minor wounds like scratches, burns, cuts, etc, from the nurses. He watched them keenly and asked questions when he wanted to. Nurses were confused by his behaviour; nevertheless, they thought him all he needed.

He carefully picked out the shards. 

They were okay? At least they weren’t those big pieces of alcohol bottles. 

It started to bleed, his hands were painted red.

Such a pretty colour it is, isn’t it?

Red is slowly fading in the water, revealing the pits that were newly formed by those fragments.

He didn’t mind those, it was nothing..

He applied the medicine, wrapped the bandage and secured it with the safety pins.

He took some extras to refill his first aid kit.

Kaiser departed the place.

As he was going back to his room, he saw Yoichi again.

This time, they made eye contact.

Their gaze lingered on each other for a while.

Yoichi was about to say something.

Michael disregarded it yet again.

He marched straight to his room without waiting.

Damn Yoichi.  

~🧩~

Isagi jumped off the bed.

He can not worry about a damn German!

He stretched his arms and made his way to the field.

Running, exercising, and stretching, he did all the warm-ups he needed.

Isagi got the ball.

He dribbled his way through the obstacles that were set up by Noa yesterday.

Panting with exhaustion, Isagi thought of how far he had come.

He used to play in a school team, and now he is playing right next to his idol, superstar Noel Noa. 

Even now, he is still in awe when he sees Noel Noa play, and watching it live and in reality, it’s even more amazing.

As he was lost in his thoughts, he saw a glimpse of blonde hair. Is it Kaiser? Wait, it may be some other German teammate. Blonde hair isn't just limited to Kaiser, heh.

He continued kicking the ball into the goal.

This was the thrill that Isagi loved.

Scoring goals, dribbling the ball with no one to annoy him.

It was about time, he gotta go and wake up his friends. Kurona tends to oversleep.

The friends he made in this place are so precious to him, but he knows that it won't last long since Blue Lock is an extremely cruel place where attachments hurt more. 

That's a thing that future Isagi should worry about. For now, he is going to enjoy football with his friends.

He saw Kaiser coming from the Infirmary.

He wore a sleeveless tank top as if he no longer had his guard on.

His bruises on the neck are more visible.

But his eyes lingered on his left hand, which was bandaged and messily secured with safety pins.

Blood spots on it.

The piercing blue eyes were fading in their light.

Those same eyes were hunting in the field the previous day. How could they lose the flame so fast?

Isagi’s heart dropped when he saw him like that.

“ Um Kaiser .”

Before he could say anything, Kaiser dashed away in the opposite direction.

He chased him until Kaiser closed the door.

He wanted to knock on the door and demand answers, but he didn’t have the courage. 

After knowing that, watching this. 

What can he do?

Nothing

~🌹~

Michael ran away.

Like how he always runs away from his battles.

No, Michael doesn’t run away from his battles.

Michael is a strong man who is not mentally weak.

Is he?

Yes.

The whole bastard munchen team was awake by now.

Someone knocked on the door.

Must be Ness. 

It was always Ness. 

The only one who had the time to check on him.

He put on a turtle neck and the jersey since they had a practice.

He opened the door to witness Ness and Yoichi arguing with each other.

Kaiser’s eyes widened at the scene.

They both stopped when they heard the door open. 

Yoichi immediately looked down.

Ness was speechless the moment he saw Kaiser’s hand. 

“Kaiser…What happened to your..hand?”

Kaiser glanced at both of them.

“Um, Fell down the bathroom”

They weren’t convinced.

Yoichi asked, “Then the blood spots?”

“Just hit the edge of the tiles”

His eyes were dead cold towards them, which shut them up from asking further questions.

“So why are you two here, bickering like kids in front of my room?”

“I was here to get you as usual, but Yoichi was here before me,” Ness glared at Yoichi.

So this brat followed me. 

“Maybe he was here to finally acknowledge your superior skills” 

To this, he finally gained a reaction from Yoichi.

“Excuse me, I was only here because I saw him coming out of the infirmary” 

“Why would you care for Kaiser coming out of the infirmary?” Ness raised an eyebrow.

This was a question that Kaiser also wanted to ask.

Why would Yoichi follow him?

And wait in front of his room.

He was silent. 

“Whatever, it’s about time I should go….Meet you later in the field” 

Yoichi spoke and left.

The German blonde expected that. Avoidance.

Nevertheless, he ignored that, but Ness didn’t.

“What is he a coward?” 

“Forget it, Ness, let’s go to practice”

“Alright”

Whatever it is, Kaiser is here to beat Yoichi and get out of Bastard Munchen. 

~🧩~

Isagi was fuming.

Not on the German duo but on himself.

Why did he even bother to wait at the door?

Kaiser didn’t even look at him.

And God damn it, Ness! Why does he have to be noisy?

He was so lost in thought that he bumped into Yukimiya.

“Isagi?”

“Ah, sorry” 

“Where were you?” He asked. 

“Practice field”, Isagi scratched the back of his head.

“Oh, alright, everyone is waiting for you. Let’s go” 

“Yes”

He reached the shared room.

Everyone else was busy with their routine.

Isagi decided to take a bath, there was too much sweat to continue the next practice. 

After a few minutes, the blue lockers were ready to get breakfast.

Energy first. The meals were light for breakfast.

Today, the breakfast consisted of an egg sandwich, a fruit salad and Milk.

They joined the field once they were all done with breakfast.

The only early teammates were Kaiser and Ness.

Kaiser was a little off. 

No, Isagi wasn’t going to think more about Kaiser.

Soon, Noa came, and the matches went on as usual.

In between the 2nd match, Kaiser tripped over the ball and fell flat on his face. 

Ness rushed to Kaiser. Hurriedly, he picked up Kaiser and splashed some water on his face.

Kaiser woke up, His eyes slowly trying to open. 

He muttered something inaudibly. 

“Kaiser, you are being too sloppy. Go to the nurse and consult. Isagi, you take him.”

“But Noa! I can take Kaiser instead of Isagi!” Ness said with frustration.

“Ness, the next drill is for the midfielders of our team. Are you questioning my judgment?” 

“No, Sir”, Ness said meekly.

“Good, Isagi, can I trust you with this?” 

“Yes, Noa” 

Now here he was, his hands over Kaiser’s shoulders. 

Kaiser is leaning on him. 

His hot breath against Isagi’s neck.

“Stupid Kaiser,, He mumbled.

“I heard that Yoichi”, Kaiser grumbled.

“Tch” 

“Don’t tch me, I didn’t ask you to come with me” 

There it was, the question to which he had no logical answer.

“None of your business” 

“It is my business, we are talking about me here”

“Well, I am not the one with a weak body right now, so shouldn’t you shut up for a while and let that body of yours have a little rest?” 

“Wow, you speak too much for your height” 

“You got a problem, Bakaiser?”

“What did you call me? Is that even a word?” 

“B-a-k-a-i-s-e-r and yes it is, it means Idiot Kaiser” 

“It isn’t a word then, you are making up shit here”

“Yes, it is a word”

“No, it’s not”

“Yes, It is” 

“Will you ever learn to stop being a brat?” 

“Only when you stop being an annoying prick”

This was nice..

They reached the infirmary. 

“Stay outside”, Kaiser said in a hoarse voice.

“ No, I am coming inside, I got to give Noa the information” Isagi folded his arms.

“Ugh, suit yourself”, grumbled Kaiser. 

The Nurse first opened Kaiser’s poorly done bandage.

She was shocked to see the fresh scars and some glass pieces still attached to the skin.

She asked, “How much blood did you lose?” 

“I don’t know”, Kaiser blinked.

“How long has it been?” 

“Um, since last night?” 

The nurse pinched the bridge of her nose. 

“Are you feeling dizzy?” 

“Yes?” 

“Well, you lost blood from your body, that’s why you are getting this reaction.”

Kaiser looked puzzled. 

“I washed it last night, so I thought it was okay? And today morning I came here and bandaged it on my own” 

The nurse was now trying to hold back from lashing out at Kaiser.

“Listen here, you got glass shards pierced into your skin and that too really deep. If they are not washed and bandaged right at the moment, a lot of blood is lost. Also, how many hours have you been sleeping?”

“Mostly 3?”

“ I see what the issue is now, you need rest, Michael Kaiser. You are not allowed to practice till tomorrow afternoon.” 

She jotted some points in her notepad. 

Then she looked at Isagi. 

“I know you two don’t get along, but look after him for me, so he doesn’t do anything reckless, okay?” 

“Oh, Okay, Ma’am” 

Isagi has been standing like a kid who came to the doctor’s for the first time. 

Totally focused on Kaiser’s naked hand.

Kaiser rolled his eyes when he heard Isagi.

Then Isagi realised for what.

He agreed to look after Kaiser. 

Him looking after Kaiser is a sick joke.

And yet he agreed to it absent-mindedly. 

“Here are the medicines, take them as instructed, now you two may go. Have some glucose before you go, Kaiser.” 

They both awkwardly walked out of the room.

“Great fucking job Yoichi”

“Oh, shut up, you are being overdramatic” 

“Whatever, just walk with me to the room and hand over the medicines. I don’t want a kid looking after me.” 

“I swear to god I will take those rolling eyes and throw them as far as I can”

“You can try”, he looked down at Yoichi while mocking his height with his hands. 

A vein popped at Isagi’s forehead. “Jerk”

“Whatever helps you sleep at night,” He shrugged. 

Kaiser walked in front of Isagi, yet his body betrayed him.

Isagi caught him from falling. 

“Stupid Oaf” 

“Just shut up, Yoichi”, grumbled Kaiser.

For the final time, Isagi helped Kaiser reach his destination. 

And there was she, his mother, waiting patiently in front of Kaiser’s room. 

Chapter Text

~🌹~

Kaiser saw his mother from afar. 

Her gaze silently followed the hand Isagi wrapped around his waist, then traced his face, raising an eyebrow at the situation.

Kaiser flinched but didn’t let it show.

Weakness shouldn’t be visible 

He shoved Isagi aside.

His eyes were unreadable as he looked at Isagi. 

Isagi’s eyes tried to search for some confirmation from Kaiser, but all he found out was indifference. 

The blues met each other.

Like the sky would kiss the ocean when they finally met.

The sky knew the depth of the ocean, 

But it had to coexist with the ocean.

Fearless, the sky asked.

“Hey Kaiser–”

The moon pulled the tides, 

But the ocean’s gaze was upon the sky,

Until it met the moon, gazing upon it.

“What happened, dear?” 

Kaiser’s mother asked. 

But instead of Kaiser, it was Isagi who spoke.

Bad idea.

Such a BAD FUCKING IDEA.

“Kaiser fainted in the practice, so I am helping him back to his room”

His mother looked at him. 

Expression unreadable.

What are you planning, Mother?

“Oh, Alright. You can go now. I will look after him” 

The ocean gazed up at the sky, 

expecting to follow the moon and let it shine. 

But the sky had other plans.

As the clouds flooded over the moon–

“Um, I can’t do that. Noa and the Nurse told me to look after him, I…I can’t ignore that, heh… I mean, I do appreciate your help, I just uh-”

“Shut up, Yoichi, you can make up some lie”

That earned a glare from Isagi and, of course, from his mother.

Even now, the Ocean was pulled by the control the moon had.

“I am sorry again for my Son’s behaviour. You can look after him. Of course, you can’t take your words back” 

She nodded at both of them and walked away.

Now, it was just Yoichi and Michael. 

~🧩~

WHAT WAS HE THINKING?!

He should know who he was dealing with.

Two passive-aggressive Germans. 

Kaiser sighed at him.

Opening the room.

Stepping inside.

Why isn’t he speaking?

He walked inside, nevertheless.

Standing between the thick line of questioning and ignorance.

Kaiser sat at the edge of the bed, running a hand through his hair.

“Bloody Hell, is Blue Lock filled with idiots like you?” 

“Wha- me?” 

Yoichi didn’t see that coming.

“Of course, you are the only idiot here”, Kaiser huffed.

Isagi’s brows furrowed.

The sky turning into a playful thunder. 

“Oooffff cooouurssseee, the emperor can’t be the idiot here”

“I know your stupid ass is lying”

Isagi had a faint smile.

Like a Tyndall effect in the sky. 

Kaiser spoke calmly, 

“You shouldn’t have spoken, you know”

“I uh- She is your mother ok-”

“It’s funny how you say it like that”

Kaiser chuckled. Inaudible. But it was there.

So unfair.

“Like what? Enlighten me, oh wise emperor” 

“Like she is important to me. You and I both know that very well” 

Isagi opened his mouth, trying to come up with an argument, but he had nothing. Just stood there awkwardly

The ocean was ready to engulf the raindrops, but the sky didn’t understand it.

“I know but-”

“Don’t Yoichi”

Kaiser’s voice cut him off.

No anger. No emotion. Just precision.

Isagi swallowed his words. 

Again, silence.

Kaiser took a deep breath.

“Just give me the medicines and report to Noa.”

This time, Isagi Yoichi didn’t argue. 

The sky floated and observed the ocean, as it always did.

He handed over the medicines.

“Should I bandage it again?”

“No, just go away”

Isagi hated this attitude of his.

Why can’t this jerk just accept his help like others? Oh, Yeahh, he is this damn EMPEROR, so normal humans like ME are not worthy of helping and mending his “royalty”.

The sky hovered over the ocean.

“Move”

He nudged his legs.

“Yoichi-”

“I am just doing my task”

Kaiser gave him a death glare.

To which Isagi, of course, was immune by now.

“Where is the first aid box?” 

“Why?”

“To mend your hand again, genius”

“Ughhh, It’s in the Bathroom. Let me get it”

“No, you sit here”

Kaiser, losing his patience, muttered,

“Do whatever you want”

Isagi walked to the bathroom.

As the waves roared when the sky tried to approach.

Isagi opened the door.

What he saw was…different.

The dept of the Ocean.

Unguarded.

Mirror broken.

Shards cornered.

Blood sticking to it.

Suddenly, he felt a hand around his waist pulling him back. 

Kaiser mumbled 

“Fuck, I forgot to clean”

Isagi’s eyes widened.

“Kai-”

“It’s okay. Nothing happened”

Nothing happened? MY ASS.

He yanked away his hand, ready to storm in.

“Are you serious? There might be glasses on the floor.”

“ Let go of me, Kaiser”

“Seriously, move aside, I will take care of it myself”

The sky thundered.

“ And let you get hurt again-”

“Why do you care?” 

“I-I um–’

‘Exactly, now move aside”

no, nO, NO.

THIS IS WRONG 

What if he loses more blood?

And why does he start questioning?

Fucking hell.

“ You can’t go in there!”

“Yoichi, just let me go”

He grabbed his hand firmly, which he had yanked away before.

“We will get this done sooner if you stop being so fucking  dramatic” Kaiser rolled his eyes.

What did he just say?

Dramatic?

SERIOUSLY.

He is the one who’s hurt.

He is the one who fainted at practice.

“SHUT UP. You are speaking too much for someone who has just been restricted from playing football until tomorrow afternoon” 

“And you? Aren’t you interfering with my business too much?”

“Stop diverting the fucking conversation”

They both stood their ground.

Not backing down.

Eye to eye.

Glaring straight into the blues.

“You do know that this is my room and I can kick you out anytime?”

“I would like you to try with that weak body of yours”

“You don’t know a damn thing about me”

“That doesn’t stop me from worrying about you–”

“Don’t make me laugh out loud, Yoichi. 

It’s high time you went back to your group of friends”

Kaiser’s voice cut like glass.

Isagi clenched at the hem of his shirt.

The sky getting darker.

If he wants to be alone..,

Well,

Let that fucker die alone then.

He turned away.

Not looking back.

“God damn it Kaiser, Do whatever the fuck you want”

He slammed the room’s door behind him and walked forward.

To the team.

To where people didn’t resend care.

~🌹~

The sound echoed.

Of the slammed door and the tremble in Isagi Yoichi’s voice.

Even the silence in the room didn’t help.

What did he expect Kaiser to do?

Dance around his pity? 

Accept it like a good boy?

He didn’t need anyone’s help.

Not from anyone.

And especially Isagi Yoichi with his infuriating concern and worry for others.

Everything came with a price.

Kindness. Concern. Worry.

Even that stupid, worried stare.

Kaiser knew what it meant—

to owe someone.

He had paid in blood.

He was still paying.

And he didn’t want to have a debt of repayment.

Fuck he even let Yoichi out of all people,

To see the mess in the bathroom.

Yoichi went inside.

Saw the shards.

Saw the bloodstain on it.

He saw too much.

Fuck FUCK

He groaned.

Michael went inside the bathroom.

Glasses looking at him like the regrets waiting to eat him up.

His feet pricked with the remaining small pieces.

It was normal.

Good thing that brat didn’t go inside.

He can’t handle another drama of some “take care of yourself” shit.

The ocean thought it would be nice if the sky could stop pretending to touch the waves.

The first aid box sat untouched beside the broken mirror.

He decided to clean the bathroom.

His hand can wait.

It always did.

He stepped out of the room.

He first needed to clear out the floor and take the garbage out himself.

The cleaning department must be nearby.

To reach the cleaning department, he needed to cross the cafeteria.

Preferably without Noa seeing him.

His walking speed increased.

The hallways blurred.

He reached the cleaning department—thankfully empty.

Perfect.

He gathered supplies and headed back.

Made his way to his room.

He opened the mess again.

He dragged those shards into the garbage bag.

The clatter of the shards,

Reminded him of the words.

“Do whatever the fuck you want”

Of course, he would.

He exhaled.

Stupid Yoichi.

He carefully tied the garbage bag.

The mess shouldn’t spill out.

It should remain hidden.

He looked at his left hand.

Maybe he should treat it.

It was aching.

Annoyingly aching.

Michael was used to pain.

It was just another wound in his body.

He sat down.

Maybe he shou-

Stop thinking god damn it.

He should just get done with his work.

The wound can wait.

He stepped out.

Players are crowding the corridors.

Sweaty, loud and annoying.

He pushed through them. Tossed the garbage.

The plan was simple.

Go outside, toss the garbage and get back to the room.

It didn’t involve stares of pity.

There was murmuring between the players.

Meh, whatever.

As he crossed the cafeteria.

He saw Yoichi.

Nodding along with his teammates.

His gaze lingered on him.

Why did that dimwit care?

Truly amusing.

The blues met again.

But the midnight blue broke the contact.

Kaiser was entertained.

Yeah right

Do whatever the fuck you want.

~🧩~

Isagi stormed out of Kaiser’s room.

Damn Bastard.

He walked faster than usual.

Like in a hurry.

To run away from the words he said.

He should have stayed.

Bandaged his arm.

The bathroom.

His fists were clenched in his pockets.

Maybe Kaiser-

Stop.

Kaiser is right.

He doesn’t know him.

And Kaiser didn’t know Isagi.

They were strangers in the first place.

But now—

He didn’t know.

He didn’t care.

And he shouldn’t.

The ocean is deliberately waiting to drown him.

And did Isagi care?. 

God damn it, he did.

Isagi could read anyone.

Fit into the shape they expected him to be.

But he didn’t get Kaiser,

Like a puzzle piece which couldn’t fit in the picture.

.

His expressions, 

He couldn’t help but question them.

The look of concern when he was about to enter the bathroom.

The look of tiredness when he saw his mother.

And finally, 

The look that he never understood.

That damn unreadable experession that Kaiser always had.

It’s itching him from inside.

That look wasn't anger nor indifference.

Something hollow. Like he expected this—

Expected that everything would surely fall apart.

For once, he wished he didn't care.

He could just walk away from it.

But everything was so concerning.

He did say “Do whatever the fuck you want”.

Well, isn't that what he did anyway?

Acting like he carried this damn royalty along him.

He shouldn't think much.

He reached the field.

The rest of the team is ahead

Noa barking orders.

Right, he had to report him.

Let's get this over

Now he was here.

Walking along with his teammates.

Hiori and Kurona are giggling–

“Did you look at that German guy? he looked constipated when Ness aggressively stole the pass!” 

“I know, right? It was so hilarious. I had to turn away to control myself.” 

“Would you guys stop making me feel left out?”  groaned Isagi.

“ Well, you did did” 

“So, how was it babysitting Kaiser?”

“Seriously?” Isagi deadpanned.

“You asked for us to stop you feel left out soo” shrugged Hiori.

“Alright, a 0/10 experience that I wouldn't recommend,” Isagi grumbled under his breath.

Now don't ask anymore”

Hiori and Kurona just laughed at it.

“Yeah, yeah, laugh it off,traitors” 

Then he saw him.

The man of the topic.

Michael fucking Kaiser.

Hands in his pockets.

He looked like he was returning from somewhere.

Their eyes met for a moment.

But Isagi didn't want to think about him.

So he looked away.

Simple and easy.

But why did he look back to see the expression Kaiser was making?

That damn jerk turned away.

But he saw a little smirk on his face.

And Isagi? He didn't like that at all.

Certified Bastard.

That’s what Michael Kaiser is.

Concluded Isagi.

~🌹~

Kaiser saw it.

Every twitch. Every flinch.

Isagi Yoichi was always easy to read..

The way his face tightened and his jaw clenched when he saw him.

Michael saw all of it.

So that Idiot still cares.

Not that he bothers about it.

It just confirms that Isagi will leave like everyone else after his role.

His role?

The role of the rival he has to crush.

He walked to his room like a victor.

His footsteps slowed.

Not because of the pain in his body,

But because of the sight of his so-called mother.

She was there like she had been waiting for ages.

The moonlight reflected in the vast ocean.

It stole the sun’s light, 

But it couldn’t steal the warmth.

Just a Natural Habit.

There was a faint smile on her face as she asked,

“Where were you, Michael?”

He didn’t answer.

Just nodded and opened the door, 

Because that question was never meant to be answered.

She followed him in.

Sat on his bed like she belonged there.

Looked at the first aid box sitting in the corner of the bed.

“Did you bandage your hand?”

“No”

She didn’t say anything.

Just silence filling the room.

Michael sat near the first aid box.

On the opposite side of the room.

Far from her.

He opened the box.

Opened his wound.

He sat there massaging his hand with ointment.

No wince.

No sound.

Just the look of someone used to it.

Michael broke the silence.

“Why are you here?”

“I am your mother”

“And you weren’t in the past?”

Michael couldn’t explain how much the line “I am your mother” irritated him. It made him angry for some reason. Not sure which reason, though.

She ignored the jab like she had ignored him in the past years.

If anyone walked in now,

They’d think they were strangers.

They were just mother and son in blood and nothing else.

Michael continued to ignore his mother’s presence in the room.

Wrapping his hand with practised indifference. 

Tired of it, his mother got up and, without a word, slammed the door behind her as she left the emptiness.

The second door that was slammed in his face today.

Hilarious.