#hallofmirrors

I watched as Rem slowly faded from view. I remembered the kiss, too. It was like no one else was there. Then, just mere moments ago, we were in our own world as we confessed, as I fought to make the choice between the devil world and the human one

Yet, now all that was left was silence. Sweet, uncomfortable, awkward silence. Lindo and I walked home beneath a fiery sky of oranges, reds, and purples. The sun was beginning to set now, and I fought to come to grips with the hollow, aching space in my chest where Rem had once been

Rem.

His name echoed hollowly through every thought and every memory. He'd been my protector before Lindo got back from London. He came to my rescue each and every time. Gradually, I grew to love him.

Sure, he was hot, but it was more than that. After his icy facade melted, I grew to love his fervor in protecting me. He seemed so confident in his power, so sure of his place in the world. I, on the other hand, was not.

"Ritsuka, what do you want for dinner?"

Lindo's voice broke through my thoughts, and I was jolted back to reality once again. We were home now, and Lindo was already rummaging through the fridge and cupboards in the kitchen of our new apartment.

"Whatever you feel like making's fine," I called as I walked down the hall to my room.

I needed some time to think, to process the past few months. Had it only been just three months since this craziness began? Did my entire life unravel before me in three, short months?

Azuna. My dear Azuna. She was gone. I didn't care if she'd become my friend simply to protect the Grimoire. That didn't matter any more. What's the damn point if I couldn't even bring her back from the dead?

I jumped as I felt a hand on my shoulder.

"Lindo, is that you?"

"Sorry for startling you. I called and called, but you didn't come out. So, I got worried. Are you OK?"

"Yes. I was just … I need to think about some things."

"What things? Can I help?"

"No. I need to do this alone. Lindo, you've done so much for me already. I just need to do this one on my own."

"I'm sorry if I … Just forget everything I said earlier … about being in … It's nothing . I must've …"