#reference tbt

[ Now this is more like it. ]

The familiar teal glow of the Transistor illuminates the area surrounding the pair, and though he can’t express himself physically, there’s a brighter shine to him than there has been in ages. He’s whole again-- well, as whole as he was before they arrived here, and Red feels more than happy that she no longer has to carry around a slab of wood anymore.

[ Hello, world! I’m back! ] the excited voice from the broadsword rings loud, as Red clasps her hand around its hilt; hoisting it up above her shoulders. It feels almost heavier now, but familiar; the way it should have been all this time. [ I feel all shiny and new, Red. I kinda want to go show off to all of our friends. They haven’t seen me like this yet! ]

A silent laugh echoes through Red’s shoulders as she shakes her head, feeling herself smile for the first time in days. While she was more than happy to do that, wouldn’t it be better for them to go see their friends in style?

[ Okay, yeah, we have to take the bike. Just.. do me a favour, alright? Don’t crash it this time. ]

if u make an alya il make a nino

Susie hadn't spent a single night in her apartment since she came to this world. She might go there to eat, to stash the gifts she got from the people here.. but she was never there longer than that.

It didn't feel like home. It couldn't feel like home, even if she got to know the other people living there. Something inside of her.. just couldn't accept that was the place she was supposed to stay. Even if it was fine. Even though there was a roof over her head, a place for her to sleep, even if she was "safe"..

It wasn't the room Ralsei made for her. It wasn't even the couch in Kris's living room. It was a shadow of something she wasn't allowed to have, haunting her the first and only time she tried to close her eyes in that bed. A constant reminder, no matter how many times she tried to shove it down.

It wasn't hers.

She was alone.

But as she stared at the phone in her hand, reading the message from the Stars over, and over again..

.. suddenly, she wasn't any more.

Ralsei wasn't here. It wasn't actually the same, and if he ever did show up.. Susie knew they'd make something work. But for now..

This was everything she could have ever wanted.

Suddenly, it felt like Susie's knees gave out; squatting over the grass beneath her feet as she wrapped her arms around her knees. She squeezed them with everything she had, her shoulders trembling, the shakiest, quietest breath leaving her snout..

.. before she smiled to herself.

".. heh.. haha.."

"What the hell am I doing..? I better head home."

"Hell yeah!! One step closer to being unstoppable again! Now I just gotta add some sick flames to this skateboard, maybe some spikes around the sides.."

"Well, well.."

The magic felt almost unusual, foreign, yet it was conjured without issue; Watanuki's magic circle fading from around his feet just as a small dog suddenly appeared before him. He smiled at the creature, picking it up into his arms, and giving it a gentle, yet hearty pat on the head.

"Hello, old friend. It's been a while, hasn't it?" Though the creature made no sound, it eagerly tilted its head into Watanuki's hand; seemingly enjoying the affection. "You'll be surprised to know that I can leave the shop in this world-- I am not bound to one place. However.."

There's only a slight increase in the magic that flows through him, but it's one that Watanuki takes great notice to; gazing down at his hand as he rotated his wrist, gently pulling his fingers into his palm.

It would be a lie to say he was completely satisfied.. but he did feel a greater sense of ease settle into him, closing his eyes for a moment of quiet contemplation.

"This should help me continue your work, even if only somewhat.."