#redheaddetective

“Boo!”

Sayo had waited in complete silence until she heard the door open, which meant that Battler had more than likely returned. When it did open she didn’t hesitate to pop up from her crouched position, a pumpkin head mask held against her face.

It didn’t stay there long as she slowly lowered it, a sheepish grin on her face as she peered up at her boyfriend. “So, did I scare you?”

@redheaddetective continued from here.

“Aha, we are alright.” He reassures, as it was a lot easier to keep his voice calm over the phone, than his smile strong right now. He could still hear Kurogane pace back and forth by the road, and starts walking longer into the forest. “I don’t have much time to talk now, I finally talked Kuro into bringing the evidence we found back to the dojo and look at it before doing more. Going out alone this late was a bad idea.” He lies, as he knew Kurogane was plotting on probably shooting someone in the face right now. 

“We found a hidden room with stuff left by Kuro’s dad, a letter and all of his research. But for tonight I don’t think we can think much more, so I have talked him into getting some food and sleep now, and then we will look into it tomorrow when we wake up. We will probably try to borrow your brain a little again.” Even if by that time, they had either solved this, guessed wrong, or they were dead.

Class had wrapped up early for Sayo, so she had some spare time on her hands. Normally she would remain on campus for a little longer, talk to the few people she could consider friends, but today she had a plan.

Thanks to the early dismissal she was able to make it back to the apartment before Battler. This would give her a chance to set things up before he could return. Pillows and blankets are tugged from their respective places and thrown into the middle of the living room; and interesting sight considering how neat she often was. 

“Hm...”

Not quite satisfied yet, Sayo begins to pull some chairs into the room to aid her. Before long she has successfully constructed a blanket fort, complete with pillow padding inside. It’s a bit of a simple idea, but it’s honestly been a while since her and Battler could relax with something as innocent as this.

It’s the day before Halloween and she still doesn’t have a costume. Sayo knew that Battler was doing Jack Skellington, and for a brief moment she considered Sally -- but she didn’t think she’d make for a particularly good rag doll. Even the idea of pulling out Beatrice or Kanon came to mind, though it hadn’t been a serious thought. Not only did it defeat the purpose because those two were part of her, but Ange probably wouldn’t be too happy to see the witch.

She looks up when she hears the door open, and a smile is quick to tug at her lips when she spots Battler.

It was one of those quiet nights where no one said much. Battler had been busy these past few days and so Sayo had taken it upon herself to put Ange to bed. It was still a little early, but the smaller girl didn’t seem too against it. She probably had a hunch that Sayo was going to try to get Battler to take a break from whatever had been occupying him so much recently. Sayo just hoped that she’d be successful.

Once Ange is in bed Sayo makes her way to the bedroom, where she taps gently at the door before pushing it open to poke her head in. “Battler...?”

The pleased blonde looks over his handiwork, as he had set up the Meta club room to be a giant bedroom for the day. He had gotten a lot of mats from the gym, and some blankets and covers he had bought the day before. Now there was a giant bed in the middle of the room, that would room everyone he had invited for the last night of his life as a bachelor, as he was going to get married in some hours! A squeal as he does his best to keep from skipping. He was getting married! To his Kuro-tama! He was the happiest man in the world!

He had started rolling happy over the blankets when his mind returned to the matter at hand, and he hurries to set out the food he had brought. He had bought lots of candy, and lots of chips. He had even made some dips himself to put his own homemade feel to the party. 

Since it was so late he decided against making any dinner, and he had banned all alcohol since Ange and Tomoyo was coming over as well. They might watch some movies, and he had even prepared some game for them, so there was no way they would get bored at all. 

This would be his last time entertaining guests as a free man! Next time it would be to entertain guests in his and Kuro’s home! So he would have to make it a good wild night! With lots of gossip and fun stories! Maybe they could tell some ghost stories as well? As long as it wasn’t too scary! 

Quickly he sets up some pillows around the edge of the giant bed, and nothing but pride in his face as he looks over the room. Yes, this would be a fun night! Now he just had to wait for the guests!

The words hurt--and not because Battler intended them to. Everything that he had to say was so warm and kind--words that were foreign to her until recently. Sayo had never had such luxuries growing up, but now...

“Thank you, Battler...”

Everything he has to say is sincere, and that’s what touches her the most. She has viewed herself as unworthy for so long, but here Battler is showing her otherwise. She has a right to love and be loved just like anyone else, even if such an idea felt impossible once upon a time.

And despite everything, despite all that’s transpired, he’s still here.