"Entwined in Darkness and Light"

Part 1

I lay motionless, my body curled up in a tight ball, underneath Hange's shirt. The warmth of his skin and the gentle hum of his breathing were the only things that brought me a sense of calm in this chaotic world. I was enveloped in darkness, my bandaged eyes protected from the harsh lights that threatened to pierce through the fabric of my existence. My disfigured face, a testament to the abuse I suffered at the hands of my father, was hidden behind a mask, a barrier that kept the world at bay. But to Hange, my beloved boyfriend, I was unmasked, and he saw the real me, the broken and vulnerable soul that I was. As I rested, my artificial placenta, attached to my feeding tube, beeped softly, a reminder of my premature birth and the fragile state of my health. My mind was a jumble of thoughts, a mix of fragmented memories and primal fears. I was a baby trapped in a teenager's body, my autism spectrum disorder rendering me hypersensitive to every sound, every touch, every sensation. The world was a maelstrom of stimuli, and I was powerless to navigate its complexities. Hange, my dragon emperor, my yakuza prince, and captain of the football team, was my safe haven. He was the only one who understood me, who accepted me for who I was. His gentle fingers brushed against my hair, and I felt a surge of comfort, my anxiety easing in his presence. I loved him, and he loved me, and in his arms, I was home. But the memories of my past lingered, a constant reminder of the pain and abandonment I had suffered. My father, who had left me when I was just a baby, had left an indelible mark on my psyche. I had severe separation anxiety, and the thought of being alone, even for a moment, sent shivers down my spine. That was why I clung to Hange, why I stayed hidden underneath his shirt, where it was safe and warm. As I drifted off into a fitful sleep, I felt Hange's chest rise and fall with each breath. His heartbeat was my lullaby, a soothing melody that calmed my frazzled nerves. I was safe, I was loved, and in this moment, everything was right with the world. But as the darkness receded, and the light of a new day crept in, I felt a growing sense of unease. What would the day bring? Would I be able to face it, or would I retreat further into my shell, hiding from the world? Only time would tell, but for now, I was content to stay hidden, wrapped in the warmth and love of Hange's presence. The sound of footsteps echoed outside, and I tensed, my heart racing. Hange's voice, low and soothing, calmed me down. "Good morning, my love," he whispered, his breath tickling my ear. "It's time to get up, we have a big day ahead of us." I hesitated, unsure if I was ready to face the world. But with Hange by my side, I knew I could face anything. I slowly emerged from my hiding place, my eyes still hidden behind their bandages, my mask firmly in place. Hange's eyes met mine, and I felt a jolt of love and acceptance. He took my hand, and I knew that as long as he was with me, I could face whatever the day had in store.