Wings No More

        Taken aback by the sudden laughter from Kureno, Asa stood there with wide-eyes and bated breath, wondering if he was truly alright and there wasn’t something more going on to cause it, like a breakdown.

        Asa couldn’t expression how relieved she was when he explained to her why his laughter came on and the reason behind his smile. But what made her feel better the most had to be the fact he was smiling, more relaxed and genuine this time around. 

        “I’m just glad to hear you’re alright, I was kind of worried there for a moment. Because you’re nice and no one deserves to feel bad.” Asa smiled. “It does require too much of you, just keep smiling if that’s what you feel like doing. You have a nice smile, by the way.” 

     I'm not nice, he wanted to protest, but he thought it best to keep quiet.  She was a stranger.  He couldn't share these thoughts with anyone.  He was such a hypocrite.  His promise to Akito was no longer sincere.

     Lost in his thoughts, Kureno almost didn't hear her compliment about his smile.  "Um, thank you," he gave her a half-smile before changing the subject.  "This was the place I was telling you about."  It was small but not too busy.

          “ I know know the truth – after ALL these years.”

“What about the weirdo with the beardo?”

“It’s like a hundred birthday parties!”

“I belong to no one.”

“How about a little wager?”

“I miss her so much.”

“By the ancient rules, the wager is set.”

“No retreat.”

“No surrender.”

“He has the gift.”

“You are going to become a proper lady!”

“Father’s do what’s best for their children.”

“Wait, we were supposed to bring gifts?!”

“Don’t forget me!”

“Always play from the heart.”

“Kids these days, with their long hair and no killing stuff.”

“Don’t you love your family?”

“Those are some big shadows we live under, huh?”

“I’m allergic to dying!”

“You picked yourself a feisty one, huh?”

“You two are acting like fools!”

“Wait, me too?”

“Fix this for me, old friend.”

“I may not be the town hero, but I swear, with all my heart, I will never ever stop loving you.”

“Why didn’t you protect her?!”

“It should have been me.”

“What is it with Mexicans and death?”

“Parents and their crazy baby names.”

“Savage.”

“You cheated!”

“You will pay for this!”

“It’s a good day for doom.”

“You misbegotten son of a leper’s donkey!”

“No one’s that big, man!”

“If you can forgive, love can truly live.”

“I hate everybody.”

“Wait, what are you doing?”

“You were going to sacrifice yourself… for me?”

“I thought it might be time to be a true hero.”

“Will you ever forgive me?”

“I do.”

Send a symbol for my Muse’s reaction to yours unintentionally (?):

        Asa wanted to believe him, she didn’t want to think a man she had only met perhaps not even an hour earlier was lying to her about being okay, but then again it only made sense to tell a stranger he was completely fine as to not bother them. 

        Maybe I should just let him think I believe him, that way he doesn’t feel like I’m intruding on his privacy, Asa thought, pressing her lips together in a line.

        Instead of nodding, simply agreeing to what Kureno said, Asa blunted out; “Your smile looks sad. Are you really sure you are?” Asa normally would have been more subtle about it, but apparently subtlety was not in her vocabulary today. Honesty was.     

     Her outburst surprised him, but he could not help but to laugh.  His laugh was genuine as he recalled a certain blonde who had confronted him like this except she had been a bit more aggressive.  Asa seemed more concerned than anything.

     "Oh, I'm sorry.  That was rude, but you just reminded me of someone" he shook his head as he controlled himself.  Clearing his throat, he nodded once more.  "Yes, I am absolutely sure.  I'm fine.  This is just my normal smile.  If it bothers you, I suppose I could frown," he furrowed his eyebrows in a silly manner.  "Ah, no," he rubbed his forehead as his smile became more genuine, "that requires too much of me."