brokenreflection:

fireballofinsanity:

He didn’t have to ask; she was up and getting the pan before he was even done with what she’d given him, and set the rest on the table once he was done. Soaked in sauce, it looked like it’d be too sweet, and she had worried he’d hate it. So when he praised her for it, she smilled brightly, a real smile for once, and blushed brighter.

“Have as much as you want. I can make more if it comes to it… Just… If you haven’t eaten in days, don’t eat too fast. It’ll make you sick.” Plopping back into her seat, she moved another helping to his plate, and giggled softly. “I’m glad you like it, though… Aer, you don’t have to leave tomorrow, you know. You could take a job here, we always need more help. And we can give you a permenant home, too… I-I’ll help you with anything you need. Clothes, b-bathing things, food, a-anything…”

Aeron’s eyes softened at the appearance of another plate of food.  He looked up at Seun, not knowing how to properly thank her.  ”You… You are too kind…”  He accepted the extra food, though, eating it carefully as she had instructed.  He was quiet for a moment, while Seun spoke… her final words causing him to take pause and glance her way.

A job… a home even.  How long had it been since he’d had one of those?

“…You would actually want me here?  I’ve wandered for so long… since I was hardly more than a boy… I…” He closed his eyes.  ”As much as the offer tempts me, I don’t know if I can accept.  I… I wouldn’t want to endanger your family, Seun.”

Seun reached out then, covering his hand with hers. Whatever it took, she couldn’t stand the idea of him leaving the next day, never to be seen again… He was already part of her life, and she wasn’t sure she coulod handle going back to her everyday chores without him.

“E-Endanger us? Aeron… Ryu is… Ryu’s a replica of my brother, Riku. Namine is- or was, a nobody. Riku fights the darkness… And I have nightmares about it… You c-couldn’;t endanger us if we’re already e-endangered. We’re magnets for trouble… I’m surprised it’s been s-so long since anything’s happened, actually…”

She gave his hand a gentle squeeze. “And… I don’t w-want you to leave…”

brokenreflection:

fireballofinsanity:

“Mmmm… Since when does she cook dinner?” That was weird, her attention on her love as she stole another brief, gentle kiss. “Namine never cooks, at least, not unless I’m busy… What cha-“

The events of the evening came rushing back to her right then and there, her eyes widdening a fracture. That’s right… She was carrying his child, and he.. He’d mentioned marrying her… “O-Of all people.. You want.. W-want me for your wife?”

Ryu found himself smiling against her lips, brushing her hair softly with his fingers.  ”…Is that such a surprise?” he asked.  ”We… talked about having a life together before, right?  I thought it was a given that…. well, I intended to ask you that eventually.”  He cupped her cheek softly.  ”See, I had it all planned out in my head… I wanted to ask you in the most romantic way possible… when the right moment came.”

He embraced her against him.  ”…I guess I’ll leave it up to you now.  Do you want to be my fiancee… or even my wife… before the child is born?”  Just because he didn’t want to rush… didn’t me he wouldn’t if that was what Seun wanted.

Seun couldn’t bring herself to answer, instead showering him with kisses. Did he expect her to say no? She wanted the romantic proposal, considering Ryu rarely had any sense of romance, but wanted to marry him as soon as they could, too. Not just for the sake of their family, but just because she loved him, and wanted to show the various worlds by making it official, reminding him that she was his and his alone.

“I-I want you, Ryu…” she finally whispered aginst his lips, holding onto him like he might dissapear if she didn’t. “I want you…. If we got married tomorrow or when our baby turns 18, I don’t care… Actually I do but… O-Oh Ryu…!”

brokenreflection:

fireballofinsanity:

After grabbing a book as a guide and leaving her boyfriend’s body with their housemate, Seun had set off. She needed nothing more than the clothes on her back and that book, and a water bottle hanging around her neck. If it didn’t work, she was going to die trying. “See you soon, Ryu…”

It had taken almost all day, but she’d eventually found her way to Hades, somehow. Her water was gone, given to the ferryman in exhange for taking her past the river. Down in the underworld, her pain felt like it was intensified, eating her alive… It slowed her steps, blurred her sight, reminding her that the living didn’t belong there.

Still, she had to get him back… “R-Ryu! Ryu, can you hear me? If anyone can, I’ll gladly trade places with him!” He would’ve killed her himself, had he been with her… She managed a smile at the thought, though it only intensified her pain in the end. “Take me and let him go back to his body… He’s got so much to live for…”

R-Ryu!  Ryu, can you hear me?

…That voice.  It was so familiar.  A chill went down his spine - well, whatever the equivalent of that was for a phantom such as himself.

If anyone can, I’ll gladly trade places with him!

Who… who was that?  His mind was hazy, all that was left was the constant ache of missing…

Take me and let him go back to his body… He’s got so much to live for…

…Seun.  Ryu’s eyes widened slightly.  Seun.  It… couldn’t be.  Had she died too?  That was the last thing he wanted…  But no, she was offering a trade.  And as he stumbled toward that voice, he saw her - with rosy cheeks and red-rimmed eyes… His Seun.  His beloved Seun.  Alive and somehow… here.

“Seun!”  He called moving closer to her.  ”Seun… gods… how are you here…?”

He reached out for her when he was at an arm’s distance… and watched sadly when his hand passed right through her.  That’s right.  He was a phantom still, without a form to hold her with.  ”Seun…”  He shouldn’t have been this dissappointed, really.  But he couldn’t help it.

“…Don’t make a bargain for me, please.  Go back.”

“Someone.. Anyone.. Give him back…!”

She was looking around as she walked, unaware that he could hear her, or even see her. This place was terrifying… But if trading places with him could bring him back to life, she’d learn to love it, dark walls and all.

A familliar voice startled her, and she turned with the book raised to hit whatever dared to come close… Untill she saw those eyes, those lips, that face. “R-Ryu… I-Is it really you? Truly, honestly you?” Her eyes watered again; he couldn’t touch her, a grab for his arm putting her hand right through him. She couldn’t take him back like tha-

He was telling her to go home. Alone.

“N-No… I’m not going without you, Ryu. I-I can’t go on without you… You.. You have to come back with me, or let me take you place! N-Namine needs you… I.. I-I need you… I love you…”

player-sakuraba-neku:

fireballofinsanity:

Something didn’t feel right… She went to stand, but instead slumped back down herself, darkness overtaking her…

By the next morning, Aoi was the first one awake, and had taken to fussing with her phone while she sat beside her partner. If he ever woke up, she’d made up her mind to not talk to him; why bother? It still hurt that he wanted nothing to do to her, and besides, the bear hadn’t even been her fault.  What kind of noise snuck up behind a player while they were on their own? Bears, that’s who!

She smiled for a moment, though it quickly turned into a frown. What were they going to do? Could they survive a week in silence? Or would he like that even more than ditching her at the mural again? Everything would be answered once the spicy tuna roll decided to wake up.

Neku had no idea how long he had been out of it. Last thing he remembered was walking towards the Udagawa mural then…falling to the ground in a heap of sudden black. Now, he was slowly coming to, lifting himself off the wall he was leaned against and blinking at the bright sun. He wasn’t even sure where he was now. All he knew, is that his head pounded.

As Neku reached for his phone that had somehow ended up laying on the ground in front of him, he bumped a shoulder into his partner who sat to his side. He quickly shot a glance over, honestly forgetting all about her in the time he was asleep. However, the touch was enough to jar Neku awake and with it, the thoughts of the day before came rushing back.

They were partners for the week, but he’d told her off and as much as he wanted to get away from her…here they were. Stuck together again for Day 2.

Neku quickly picked himself up off the ground, shoving his phone in his pocket and dusting off his shirt. He glanced around. This was the Scramble Crossing and waking up here only meant on thing.

“…so yesterday’s over.” he said, more to himself than for Aoi to hear.

“Mhm,” she responded, fully refusing to give him too much of her attention. Talking to him was out of the question - Again, why bother? Maybe if she didn’t say anything, one of them would get erased that much faster, and end the game sooner. That was what he wanted, right?

A pig scuttled by; she perked up to find another pair chasing it, and decided to let them have it. Ruining the moment for them would just make Neku more angry, and she was still hurt over the previous day. That, in truth, was why she’d prickle at him like a porcupine for the next five days.

But, this was weird.. How did they not have a mission yet, she wondered, playing a game on her phone. Wasn’t there one? It was still so early in the week…

brokenreflection:

fireballofinsanity:

“More like a big birdy with a big mouth…” She set the plate down before him and smilled, flushing a light pink at the sound of his stomach, as well. How long had he gone without eating? And did she dare ask? “Aer… How long has it been since you ate? And.. Where have you been staying? Most people at least come with an umbrella, but you… You were soaking wet when we met…”

She lowered into a chair beside him, curriosity showing on her face. Ryu had told her to turn it up a notch or two, but she was just worried; what if he hadn’t eaten in days? How could she flirt with someone who needed the food and rest?

Aer shifted slightly, looking at the plate in front of him.  Hunger forced him to eat a few bites before even answering Seun’s question, the already-delicious food tasting far more heavenly than it should have thanks to his hunger and the quality of his usual meals.  He swallowed and gave a light chuckle.  ”If I told you, I have a feeling you’d only fret over me, Seun.  It would seem to be your nature.”  He took another few bites, then realized how rude he must seem and stopped for a moment to look at Seun.

“Ah, yes.  I’m sorry.  I’ve not really been staying anywhere - I wander from place to place.  What you saw me in before is the extent of my possessions.  I make enough munny to get by every now and then by stopping in a town and working for a while.  So I’m a jack of all trades, master of… well, a few, I suppose.”

He hoped that was enough to satisfy her questions, because, really… he needed to eat.  He turned back to his food and continued eating until he’d all-but licked the plate clean.  And even then he probably could’ve eaten more, but he didn’t dare ask.

“You are a wonderful cook, Seun.  I can honestly say that’s the best meal I’ve had in ages.”

He didn’t have to ask; she was up and getting the pan before he was even done with what she’d given him, and set the rest on the table once he was done. Soaked in sauce, it looked like it’d be too sweet, and she had worried he’d hate it. So when he praised her for it, she smilled brightly, a real smile for once, and blushed brighter.

“Have as much as you want. I can make more if it comes to it… Just… If you haven’t eaten in days, don’t eat too fast. It’ll make you sick.” Plopping back into her seat, she moved another helping to his plate, and giggled softly. “I’m glad you like it, though… Aer, you don’t have to leave tomorrow, you know. You could take a job here, we always need more help. And we can give you a permenant home, too… I-I’ll help you with anything you need. Clothes, b-bathing things, food, a-anything…”

brokenreflection:

fireballofinsanity:

“Y-You promised you wouldn’t…”

She felt dead herself. The pain was unbearable, ripping her heart and being to shreds. Had she the courage to, she would’ve willingly joined him, or at least have stayed to help him fight. If she’d just done that, or taken him with her, he’d be alive… Angry, but there would still be that familliar warmth to him, that scent that always calmed her and drove her crazy with love at the same time.

A love she’d never again feel. A familly they’d never be able to start. She wasn’t even sure how to breathe without him, his cold body making it just that much more horrible. He’d died right before her, and she’d been powerless to help him…

It was then that she started to think about where his heart would end up, and Hades slipped into her mind. The one who controlled the dead… She’d read about him in stories, but never truly believed in it until now. Stricken with grief, she tried to recall how to reach the grim reaper, desperate to get his life back. Even if it was all just a set up to get her to think he wasn’t dead… She would do it.

…Still, something held Ryu back.  All his lingering regrets… he had them for a reason.  He… wanted to go back.  As stupid as it was to wish for that, he… wanted to hold Seun again, tell her he loved her, that he was okay…

So he lingered still, unable to move even if it meant being in constant pain.  At least the pain reminded him he still existed.  That he’d… had something to lose, once.

“Seun…  I’m so sorry…  If only I could… hold you one more time…”

After grabbing a book as a guide and leaving her boyfriend’s body with their housemate, Seun had set off. She needed nothing more than the clothes on her back and that book, and a water bottle hanging around her neck. If it didn’t work, she was going to die trying. “See you soon, Ryu…”

It had taken almost all day, but she’d eventually found her way to Hades, somehow. Her water was gone, given to the ferryman in exhange for taking her past the river. Down in the underworld, her pain felt like it was intensified, eating her alive… It slowed her steps, blurred her sight, reminding her that the living didn’t belong there.

Still, she had to get him back… “R-Ryu! Ryu, can you hear me? If anyone can, I’ll gladly trade places with him!” He would’ve killed her himself, had he been with her… She managed a smile at the thought, though it only intensified her pain in the end. “Take me and let him go back to his body… He’s got so much to live for…”

brokenreflection:

fireballofinsanity:

Seun woke nearly an hour later to the feeling of warmth and comfort, a familliar smell hitting her nose. Not of dinner, no… But a uniquely male scent she could easily place to her boyfriend. It had her pulling the blanket closer to take a deeper sniff before she finally opened her eyes, catching sight of Ryu.

“You didn’t see that,” she defended, completely forgetting about the last few hours of the day, including that she was pregnant.

Ryu chuckled a little as she smelled the blanket - did he really smell that good?  But he smiled and nodded his agreement.  ”Fair enough,” he whispered, leaning down to kiss her gently.  ”Hope you’re feeling a little better - Namine said dinner’s ready for whenever you get up.”

“Mmmm… Since when does she cook dinner?” That was weird, her attention on her love as she stole another brief, gentle kiss. “Namine never cooks, at least, not unless I’m busy… What cha-“

The events of the evening came rushing back to her right then and there, her eyes widdening a fracture. That’s right… She was carrying his child, and he.. He’d mentioned marrying her… “O-Of all people.. You want.. W-want me for your wife?”

brokenreflection:

fireballofinsanity:

She had a plate full of food and in her hands by the time he’d wished her luck, so she could only smile in return. Even if it was lust.. No, she wouldn’t regret it if anything happened. Something bad, of course! But not anything good. “Thank you.. And I’m going to remind you of this when Nozomi starts dating, I hope you realize. And I hope she finds the guy with three holes in his head.” With the teasing complete, she stepped out of the kitchen and hummed, a smile on her face as she headed for the dining room.

“Aer? Dinner’s ready! I’m sorry it took so long, but.. I had a little birdy to chat with.”

Aer’s face lit up slightly at the sight of the food - and Seun, though he’d be slow to admit that - and he smiled faintly at her.  ”A little birdy, you say?”  Of course he’d seen Ryu enter the kitchen, but he hadn’t eavesdropped and thus had no clue what had been discussed.

“Ah, well… I don’t mind the wait.  I’ve gone longer without a—” his stomach interrupted him with another growl as the smell of the food got to him, and  he blushed lightly in embarrassment.  ”…meal.  Really.”  Four and a half days was his record, though he’d nearly passed out.  ”That does smell delicious.  Thank you for preparing it, Seun.”  He bowed his head in gratitude.

“More like a big birdy with a big mouth…” She set the plate down before him and smilled, flushing a light pink at the sound of his stomach, as well. How long had he gone without eating? And did she dare ask? “Aer… How long has it been since you ate? And.. WHere have you been staying? Most people at least come with an umbrella, but you… You were soaking wet when we met…”

She lowered into a chair beside him, curriosity showing on her face. Ryu had told her to turn it up a notch or two, but she was just worried; what if he hadn’t eaten in days? How could she flirt with someone who needed the food and rest?

brokenreflection:

fireballofinsanity:

“You hush, you hear me?” She couldn’t even tell him to shut up, like normal… Fear overwrote every last bit of her body, controling her every move and vocabulary. He couldn’t leave… “Namine needs you. She can’t.. Can’t go through life without a knight, remember? And I…”

She choked on air, able to see it wasn’t going to change facts. The words were spilling out like a hot whip, and she couldn’t stop them, but they couldn’t heal his injury, or stop the bleeding. “I love you too… I need you Ryu…! Don’t go!” They still poured out regardless, even long after his eyes had closed.

Tears blurred her vision; he was still breathing. He was just playing a prank on her, right? He wanted to see what she’d do if he died! That’s it! It was even worse: a horrible nightmare! She pulled her hand from his, watching the limp appendage just shift from the movement, and shook his shoulders roughly. “Ryu, w-wake up. It’s not f-f-funny.”

There was no answer, and she shook harder and harder, growing hysterical. “It’s not funny anymore! Stop napping! Wake up! You can’t die! W-who am I gonna tease every morning? Who’d take me on romantic walks around the mansion? There’s so much we hanven’t done yet! Wake! UP!”

Still no answer.

The realization that he wasn’t going to wake up hit her like a ton of bricks. He was gone, and she.. If only she’d helped… The shaaking stopped, and she leaned foward to hug his body and rest her cheek against his shoulder, giving in to the sobs.

“R-Ryu..”

He didn’t hear or see anything Seun did to him after he died - no, indeed, for the longest time there was just the cold and the darkness…

Feeling nothing, seeing nothing… just… nothing.

It was different from before - as he slowly became conscious of himself again, he felt like he was caught in some dark void - could sense other souls around him, but not touch anything.  Why he even returned to consciousness was beyond him for a while, until he remembered.

And then an ache filled his every moment - a phantom pain in his chest.  Seun and Namine… he’d promised both of them he’d never leave them like this.  Promised he’d protect them…

Worse, though, were the promises he’d never gotten a chance to make.  He’d almost been ready to promise himself to Seun, forever.  Ask her to be his bride.  His wife.  Mother to his children, if possible.

The ache grew worse with each facet of the future that might have been  that revealed itself to him.  So many things he’d had planned, so many surprises that should’ve revealed themselves in due time…

It felt like the longest time before a warmth returned to him - and a light appeared in the darkness.  He felt it more than he saw it, wondering what it could possibly be…

“Y-You promised you wouldn’t…”

She felt dead herself. The pain was unbearable, ripping her heart and being to shreds. Had she the courage to, she would’ve willingly joined him, or at least have stayed to help him fight. If she’d just done that, or taken him with her, he’d be alive… Angry, but there would still be that familliar warmth to him, that scent that always calmed her and drove her crazy with love at the same time.

A love she’d never again feel. A familly they’d never be able to start. She wasn’t even sure how to breathe without him, his cold body making it just that much more horrible. He’d died right before her, and she’d been powerless to help him…

It was then that she started to think about where his heart would end up, and Hades slipped into her mind. The one who controlled the dead… She’d read about him in stories, but never truly believed in it until now. Stricken with grief, she tried to recall how to reach the grim reaper, desperate to get his life back. Even if it was all just a set up to get her to think he wasn’t dead… She would do it.

brokenreflection:

fireballofinsanity:

Seun flushed a bright red at both being told to effectivley be ‘sexy’ for Aer and that Ryu approved of the male. Geeze.. Was the day’s point to make her head explode with embarassment? “Ryu. How do we know it’s not just lust? I mean.. What do you want me to do, dance around in tight clothing for him? I don’t know HOW to catch his attention!”

Taking out a knife, she cut into the loaves, mumbling her thanks for taking out the second from the oven.  Silence reigned for a moment more before she sighed and playfully glared at her brother, knowing full well he just wanted the best for her. “If this backfires on me… It’s your fault.”

Ryu chuckled a little at Seun, patting her shoulder one more time.  ”Even if it was just lust… Would you really regret it if something happened?  But… I have a feeling, Seun.”  He didn’t know what else to say besides…  “Good luck.”

Meanwhile, Aeron was sitting at the table quietly, staring off into space.  He was lost in thoughts of his own - somewhere between remembering the past and wondering what would happen in the future.  He felt strange having given so much of his past to a near stranger… It should’ve bothered him, but… Somehow, talking to her had lifted a weight from his chest he’d been carrying for the past decade.

She had a plate full of food and in her hands by the time he’d wished her luck, so she could only smile in return. Even if it was lust.. No, she wouldn’t regret it if anything happened. Something bad, of course! But not anything good. “Thank you.. And I’m going to remind you of this when Nozomi starts dating, I hope you realize. And I hope she finds the guy with three holes in his head.” With the teasing complete, she stepped out of the kitchen and hummed, a smile on her face as she headed for the dining room.

“Aer? Dinner’s ready! I’m sorry it took so long, but.. I had a little birdy to chat with.”