GOOD LIFE(!)

      Taxed lids had been engaged in a losing battle, valiantly struggling to remain open despite the heaviness that continued to force them downwards. So unreasonably exhausted, it was truly miraculous that consciousness had remained for this long. Sheer effort and a stubborn will were all that allowed the fatigued soldier to persist, but the inevitable could only be delayed for so long. It was impossible to avoid the consequences of needlessly pushing herself, although this did not mean she wouldn’t try for as long as humanely possible.

      This senseless disregard of her well-being had gone without disturbance for an unforeseen amount of time, so much so that it was wholly expected to be ordered back to her quarters at any given moment. What was surprising was for a different sort of interruption to occur, the woman just barely managing to stop herself from jumping at the sudden light pressure that was applied to the bare skin of a shoulder. Slowed thought processes understood the purpose a few passing moments after the introduction had been given, but clarity was not what she received.

      ❝Ka..gerou?❞

      Unintended was the befuddled murmur, the open display of surprised recognition even more incidental. Startled, a fragmented memory of another overlapped with the image of the man, the undeniable resemblance in appearances much too jarring. It sent her mind reeling, scrambling to comprehend, determining if the roused memories could be trusted as real or if this was but a delirious fabrication of her sleep-deprived functions.

      As it was, she disguised the confusion and the weariness by mustering forth a genial smile in response to the upfront introduction. ❝It’s a .. pleasure to meet you, as well. Both of you, that is.❞ Even as steeped in doubt as she was, it did not do away with an amicable disposition, the pleasantness directed towards them genuine. ❝And don’t worry about ranks. We’re all fighting for the same thing, regardless of a title we’ve been given. What’s important is that we all get along.❞ 

      Inclining her head a fraction, a soft look befell the child. ❝Right, Marie?❞

For the sixty years he had been apart from her person, he hadn’t forgotten the kindness that she displayed. It was very different from those he’s encountered before, with or without his past life’s memories. Still, the difference between kindness from a fresh face and the nostalgic kindness of her own was potent. It stirred a great happiness in his heart, one he wasn’t able to ignore quite so simply– after all, with each word she spoke he could feel an anxiety take hold of him, his emotions begging to burst forth to display the gratefulness he had for being reborn into such a disastrous world. Or perhaps not so bad, with her here.

“That is true! I agree wholeheartedly, Alisa.”

Instead, Kagerou opted to throw the same kindness she’d shown him back at her and find another excuse to be around her. Even if she didn’t remember him (which didn’t surprise him, as he didn’t have memory of her until he reincarnated), he had knowledge of the sort of person she was and desired to bask in her personality once more. However, he had to come up with a plan quick– while Marie was engaging childish handshakes with Alisa the same as her father would do, he was staring her down. In actuality, his odd behavior helped with one thing, and it was to notice that his company seemed exhausted.

“Are you tired?” Was voiced with the tone slightly heightened than normal. Immediately, he calmed himself down to not sound too happy about her predicament. “I shall make you something to wake you up! After all, you wish to be at your best game, correct? A little coffee, especially the ones I create, will do just so! Trust me.” He patted his hand against his chest a few times, a prideful grin plastered upon his face. That was good enough. It also gave him a chance to talk to her privately if she accepted the offer.

      Exhibiting aspects of her personality that often remained obscured beneath layers of decorum and geniality, to be privy to this display of the self was a right reserved for those that comfort was found in. Such a position of importance had been acquired by the male, an abashed expression crossing features, self-consciousness flaring up in a transient manner, at the realization.  ❝It’s no such thing — ! It’s just that … I don’t have to worry when I’m with you. While I shouldn’t be so pushy all the time, I at least know that I can be natural around you — but I’d rather we didn’t focus on this right now.❞

      The reason being that it would cause feelings to be discussed, emotions that were still not fully recognized and would only serve to cause confliction. It had the answer to the query to be latched on, lips forming an ‘o’ shape; it revealed more than words could about the obvious astonishment at the rather impressive gap. It was truly of little consequence, age disregarded in the world that was her own as it no longer held significance in the grand scheme of things. The musing about the other self, the same man yet undeniable different, was what was actually disconcerting.

      For the original to return would this one have to die?

      It was an unpleasant thought, an unbearable one that had heart drop into the pit of her stomach. She couldn’t afford to linger on it at the moment, she would be overcome by sickening memories of crunching bone and gushing blood, absolutely ruining any possibility of the day being one worth remembering. For that did she force herself to cease, to store away negativity in order to indulge in the liberation that came with being alongside the male.

      ❝You’ve waited long enough, but I’m afraid I can’t just give it to you. At least, not until you close your eyes. Ah, first  — ❞Digits reached upwards, gently removing the mask that concealed the indigo hues so rarely viewed. An almost impish smile curled lips, tone an amused trill.  ❝Just to make sure you don’t peak.❞

Upon the warmth of her hand to his, gently did he grasp it in attempt to figure out what it was before view. “Feels like paper-- may I take a peek? Let’s see what this is..” Opening an eyelid to view the object, head tilted at the material before he lifted it up to his sight to better examine it. Curling it to show the rest of it, he was surprised to see what the present truly was. “A map?” Well, it was something he thought Hive City didn’t even have. It explored areas all over the world, from ones he’s seen to others he wished to visit before the city engulfed all his plans when he arrived. “It’s not a Hive City one? I haven’t seen this sort in a year! Ah, I almost forgot maps appeared as this. It’s a big one.”

Azure widened completely, the grin on his face overbearing. He was astounded, more than anything, and he ignored the grief that threatened to overwhelm him. He wasn’t allowed to be a traveler anymore, and he wasn’t able to assist those back home. But, for now, he found his new purpose, and his new adventures. For now, he could relax with her awaiting his response. Holding the map to his side in order to ignore those responsibilities, the distance between the two was already far from great, and he only enclosed it more. Positioning his hand behind her neck and taking a grip of some strands of hair, he pressed his forehead against hers.

      ❝Ohhhh, no. Don’t even think about trying to take charge. I’m not having any of that today; you get to see what it’s like to be in the back seat for once.❞ If not for intertwined fingers preventing the action would hands have been positioned upon hips, determination flaring within the depths of her eyes. ❝I know it’s not what you’re used to, but it won’t hurt you to trust someone else to lead the way. This is new for me too, you know.❞Granting support for her comrades having been preferred, the role reversal was a shared experience, one particularly favorable for this celebratory date.

      Intentions specifically laid out in order to no longer be misinterpreted or for misplaced beliefs to hinder the agenda for the evening, the grip upon the other’s hand was maintained as purposefully did she walk in front of the other in a blatantly authoritative manner. A glance over the shoulder dared the male to object, as unlikely as it was that he would after that forceful method of achieving the control she desired.

He wouldn’t exactly allow her to have control, but playing with it was fine. He was curious about the gift, after all, and resisting her would only prolong it. “Ohoho, but I’m not used to seeing you like this. Is this the present? Spicing up our birthdays, I see, I see!” Following her with his own comments, the sudden question about his age made him walk a bit slower. Only a tad, and barely noticeable. ”Me? Twenty-one years old! The original would be twenty-six years old today. Quite the gap. Perhaps he’ll return to take his rightful place eventually? For that, I feel like you should know.” 

The tone of his voice at the mention of the true owner of this life came about a bit bitter, disconnected from the fact that it was now his own life. While he enjoyed his life very much so, his last life would replace him, for that, in his memories he gained, he was sure of. But not now, and she didn’t need to concern herself over it if he told her. In the very least, he hoped that his last incarnation would remember what he did during his time here. He’d be extremely confused if he didn’t. And he wouldn’t get to enjoy the sight of his significant other’s teasing.

     A stupefied state remained intact without any foreseen trace of dispersing, the male having entered akin to a whirlwind that could not be halted. Mouth could only move uselessly, futile by all means as in rapid succession had a murmured explanation been supplied before she’d been carefully lifted into the cradle of the other’s arms, spirited away from the confines of the glaringly white room and assaulted by a refreshing gust of fresh air as the man had jumped from the sill of the window.

     Accustomed to falls from such heights, it did not instill fear, but rather it was rejuvenating after the extended time within the hospital, an airy smile gracing lips during the descent. It was upon the landing, the gentle placement upon solid ground, that cerulean hues settled upon the proffered bag with unconcealed curiosity, a light within their depths that had not been present since the bestial transformation. Chancing a glance inside, it only served to deepen the befuddlement, but that was to be expected.

     ❝So all this is part of how you intend to celebrate my birthday?❞ A rhetorical inquiry as the male had already provided confirmation, it was rather astonishing that not only had the other remembered the date of her birth, but would resort to drastic measures to ensure it could be properly enjoyed. ❝Thank you .. you don’t have to go so far for me, but .. thank you.❞Sincere gratitude for allowing her to feel important, cherished, rather than remain dredged in self-loathing as she’d been thus far, digits curled in the material of the bag that’d been handed over.

“To a hots spring! It recently opened up. It’s good for healing!” With a hand extended out and information being given, the true purpose behind it revealed in a casual fashion. Indeed, he didn’t exactly plan out the celebrations because of his own busy schedule that he’d been planning for weeks, but he had knowledge she’d appreciate it. Her simple outlook in life was surely a strong suit of hers, he knew. Lending his hand for her to take, he led the way.

The area that was visited was none other than the hots spring that was currently made and run by a resident of Hive City. Waiting in line for the towels and keys for the lockers of the hots spring, an explanation was placed before her. “While we’ll be separated by a wall, you’ll be able to relax. But there is combined bathing, if you’re curious. This is not just all, do not fret. I have one more place to show you once you clean off the smell of the hospital!”

      It’d proven challenging to obtain time alone with the significant other, new responsibilities willingly amassing on the many that had existed beforehand. There was understanding, the selfless goals of the individual being the very same as the one pursued as a God Arc bearer, and it honestly warmed the soldier’s heart that the success of the endeavor was an actual possibility. Still, this did not diminish the childish jealous that arose, a small helping of loneliness caused by the unintentional neglect that had visage most often displaying an unmanageable frown.

      This day in particular could this separation of sorts no longer continue, a day meant for celebration and pampering that wouldn’t take place if she’d refrained from purposeful intervention. As it couldn’t be permitted to let the man’s birthday simply pass without mention, the woman had located the one in question within the recently acquired Sector 06. In conversation with an unrecognizable individual, a hasty apology was uttered before a hold upon the older’s wrist was secured and used to usher him away from those who could surely survive for a brief period without his leadership.

Doing the same, he lifted her hand up to his mouth, kissing it quickly and keeping the same hand in the air. It was an energetic gesture, one to display affection back towards her in his own exaggerated fashion, although not to be taken in absolute seriousness. Tilting his head at the sudden mention of his birthday, the question was one more asking as to why she would wish to celebrate it than that it was truly his birthday and he had forgotten. “Ah? My birthday?"

Of course, it was a relief to spend a day in nonchalant fun when his life began to become one he still had to adjust to. Especially when it was with his significant other, who he, regrettably, hasn’t been spending time with in the least. While he saw her in the mornings, at times, she was sleeping when he left for his own business. Thus, a day with her was best for the both of them. “What are we waiting for? If we are celebrating my birthday, we should figure out something to do! Perhaps a sector we haven’t visited, or baking a cake?” Accustomed to taking the lead in situations due to his own style of doing whatever he wishes, it only intensified since the new position he took up.

There was still hope though, she just knew it. She just needed to keep holding onto it as long as she could. It was for that reason she had yet to shed a tear; she was brave enough to handle this, she could make it through.

Rosy eyes then laid upon a familiar figure, causing optics to widen at the sight of the being. Certain tweaks had adjusted to not grasp the person at first glance, but the more she observed, she realized who it was. Was that? It had to be- her inner guts were telling her so. But why was it that he looked different? 

Nevertheless, she noticed who he was despite the changes made. The person whom she felt a connection to that didn’t need for words to describe it- the one who also cherished and understood her in return.

“Karuta?” Was questioned for a brief moment, before steps came closer to her, Kagerou immediately adjusting himself to the situation by placing a grin upon his face. He was surprised his fiancee had no questions on it, and if she didn’t ponder on his new appearance, than certainly his old SS wouldn’t. Or, at least, no one for him to worry about. Going behind her and wrapping his arms and cape around her shoulders while leaning his head on her’s, he began to speak.