Fading fast
Ace x Yuu - can be interpreted as romantic or platonic.
TW; Senstive themes about mental health
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Weird
That's what I thought as I walked beside the raccoon, that guy… what was his name again? Juice? Anyway, something like that, and the person without magic. Like, now that we were going to the mine to get the stone because of the fight with the raccoon, I realized that this person was not only very quiet, but also seemed to have only one expression: that of someone tired of the world.
- Hey, you! - I called to this person, who turned to look at me as if doubting I was talking to them.
- What do you want? - They replied impatiently.
Wow, what a grump!
- Your face is always pathetic, as— Ouch! - I started the sentence smiling to provoke them, but I soon felt a pinch from this Juice guy.
What a jerk, this Juice!
Weird
That's what I thought when, months later, I saw Yuu walking that slowly while Grim, Deuce, and I walked way ahead. It wasn't normal; sure, Yuu was never fast, but walking at that snail's pace was too much, right? They could keep up with us; they literally did when they got here!
- Walk faster, Henchman! - Grim shouted, loud enough to make sure Yuu heard.
But they didn't even seem to hear. They were almost lost in their own thoughts. Soon, Deuce went to them, and I followed along with Grim.
- What happened? - he asked, now looking worried.
- Dude, you, the king of slowpokes, noticing something? Really, it must be pretty obvious. - I decided to joke around to lighten the mood, but I don't think it worked very well, considering the look Deuce gave me and the fact that Yuu didn't seem any happier.
That's something... They don't seem happy about anything either.
- I'm just not sleeping very well. Don't worry about it.
They spoke with their usual listlessness, but I felt like something was really wrong, something that definitely couldn't be explained by just "I'm sleeping badly." That undead-like expression was definitely one I didn't want to see on their face.
Weird
That's what I thought when, after Malleus's Overblot, we were going to class together—me, Grim, Deuce, and Yuu—and I said something silly. For the first time, Yuu actually laughed.
They've been behaving very strangely by their standards. Probably because we're finally close to finding a way to get them back home.
- So, Riddle invited you to the unbirthday party again. Want to go? - I said almost jokingly; they always refused. At first, they'd go, but after a while they just… didn't want to anymore.
- …Okay, I'll go. But I can't promise to stay until the end, okay?
You could see the shock on Grim and Deuce's faces at the answer. After all, it had been a long time since they'd been to the party with us.
That gave me a feeling of joy in my chest, although I tried to hide how happy the news made me.
No. What am I saying? I just thought it was cool. I'm not happy, no.
Weird
That's what I thought at the party, when I saw them talking in a way that wasn't as apathetic as usual. Sure, they still seemed apathetic, but less so.
They were taking pictures of me, Deuce, Cater, Riddle… of everyone with the ghost camera. Even of some random people we'd never spoken to in our lives.
While they were taking a picture of Carter, they went behind the table where I was eating some mini-hamburgers that someone had ordered for the party. Then they stole one and ate it.
—You cheeky bastard, those were mine! — I said in a tone of feigned indignation. Sure, it’s unpleasant when my burgers get stolen. But it was Yuu teasing me, so it’s okay.
— Who cares if one of them disappears? You have plenty there.
They replied, pointing with their chin at the burgers.
— Well, I do care!
Yuu gave a very discreet smile before they disappeared.
Wow… what a weird feeling.
I know all this will end when they go back home. It’s a bittersweet feeling: I want them to be able to come back, because that’s what would make them happy, but I’d also love for them to stay with us in Twisted Wonderland.
Weird
That’s what I thought a few weeks later, when…
Ah, forget about it.
I was going to class with Deuce and Grim when we saw a poster about something I'm sure Yuu would lov—
Ah…
I always thought my farewell to Yuu would be in front of whatever Crowley found to send they back home. I never imagined it would be in front of a coffin, because they decided they needed to leave—even if it wasn't to their world.
Now I was lying in bed, looking at the photos they took. More specifically, the ones of me and Deuce, where we were making silly gestures and playing around.
I really wish this would come back. That Yuu would open the door now and call us to help solve another big problem.
Tears were falling before I even realized it. It was such devastating pain that even breathing was difficult; at times, I felt like I was choking.
In the end… I think I really care. This time, not about the hamburgers. I just wanted them to steal another one.
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Sorry if It’s OOC, thank you for reading! In case it wasn't clear: yes, Yuu committed suicide in the end.
