In the few days that followed, everyone seemed to be just as anxious as Shintaro felt. Falte and Abby, usually the ones who kept everyone's courage and hopes in check, were oddly quiet and distant, as if they were in a different timeline as they stared at something none of the others could see. Linda was constantly wrapped in a book, her words trapped in her mouth. Rachel was the one exchanging the most words with anyone else, but even she seemed nervous to leave the home that she and Amy had shared for who knew how long. Moon was oddly tranquil and in the background, making sure to stay out of everyone's way as she sat by the couch and spoke a few quiet words to her sister that no one paid attention to. Ruby was healing quickly, and if she was anxious about being exposed in the woods, she didn't let it show. Zeke, who was also healing fairly well, was as grumpy as he had been when Shintaro had first met him; but Shintaro hadn't gotten to know him enough to understand that his grumpiness was normal - until Zeke's attitude hadn't improved, and Shintaro realized that Zeke was a naturally grumpy man. Amy was constantly busying herself with something - almost nervously, Shintaro noticed - and hadn't cracked a single joke, which was the strangest part of the weekend. Nanami was the only one who seemed to be in her normal spirits, and she was happily talking with Ruby and even warming up to Moon - all the while holding her pink cat that she couldn't be separated from.

Shintaro was lying awake on the living room floor, his arms crossed under his head as he gazed up at the dark ceiling. His mind kept looping in endless circles of caution and worry for his friends, and occasionally it branched off into wariness of his father. Millions of questions were swirling around his head, ones that he didn't have the answers to. 

Could several Darks be on their way here now?

When would they reach the house? 

Would everyone else be ready for it?

Could Shintaro protect all of them? 

How many Darks would there be?

Would they attack to kill, or attack to capture?

If the Darks came, found them gone, and returned empty handed, how long would it take for The Dark Lord to find them?

When they arrived at their destination, what would be their next move? 

How many more attempts at finding Kai would Shintaro be willing to make? 

If Shintaro stalled for any longer, how much damage would his father do? 

When would Shintaro find the courage to battle against Brethren? 

How would Shintaro put him back to where he belonged? 

Was Kai alright, over wherever he was?

Abby, who was beside him, suddenly moved sharply in her sleep, startling Shintaro out of his anxious reverie. Carefully, he rolled onto his side toward his daughter and propped his head up on one arm, resting his elbow on the floor below him to look at Abby.

She was lying on her back outside of the sleeping bag, her arms folded over her stomach and her chin tipped upward a small bit. Shintaro realized that her eyes were open and shining in the dim light as she blinked up at the ceiling. 

Shintaro sat up slowly, turning to face his daughter and folding his legs under him. Abby didn't seem to notice him, and as he reached forward to consult her, a single tear slid down the side of her face.

Worried, Shintaro touched her arm to bring her attention to him. She turned her head slowly toward him, her blue eyes swimming with fear, anxiety, worry, and longing. She broke eye contact and rolled onto her side to sit up completely.

When she had done so, she melted forward into Shintaro's arms, burying her face into his chest and wrapping her arms around his ribs tightly. A little startled, Shintaro hesitated only a moment before pulling her closer, resting his chin on the top of her head and rubbing her back as reassuringly as he could. 

"What's wrong?" Shintaro asked her softly - and though he figured he already knew most of that answer, he wanted to hear it from her before he confirmed it. 

"I'm scared," Abby said into his collarbone, her voice muffled by his shirt. "I'm afraid that we'll get caught or someone will get hurt. I don't want to be scared. I want to be brave for the others, because I know that they look to me when they need encouragement. 

"I- I don't want anyone to get hurt, Dad. I wouldn't know what to do if someone did, and then what if they die because I couldn't take action? What if they need someone to help them, but everyone else is to busy? What if I freeze and they-" She cut herself off with a strangled sob. 

Shintaro lifted his arm and ran his hand through her hair gently. "Take a deep breath, Abby. Even if something like that does happen, I think one of us would always be ready to help out - and that includes you. I've known you to always lend a helping hand, no matter what the situation around you and even if it puts you in danger. That's one of your specialties, Abby. You always know when someone needs you, and you're always there for them. For us. For me. 

"It's not wrong to be afraid," Shintaro said encouragingly, his tone soft and smooth. "It's human nature to be scared, Abby, and it is not something to be ashamed of. In most cases, fear is healthy. It keeps you on your toes, which makes you ready for the unexpected. Whereas, if you have no fear, you are too confident and do not expect danger. Then, when something doesn't go your way, you panic and don't know what to do next. Fear keeps your mind working; and though sometimes people can make rash choices because of fear, the fear you have can be used to your advantage. 

"Don't be ashamed or try to put on a brave face just for others," Shintaro told his daughter with gentle firmness. "It is okay to be scared, and hiding your fear will get you nowhere. You should also try to find courage in the midst of troubling times, because having a mix of courage and fear can be used to your benefit. Find the courage and trust it to lead you through your fear." 

Abby had pulled back halfway and was gazing up at him intently, her blue eyes full of wonder, awe, and renewed happiness. A soft smile was touching her lips as Shintaro finished his speech - and almost immediately after he closed his mouth, she leaned forward and wrapped him in another hug. 

"Thank you, Dad," she whispered into his shirt. "You have no idea how much I needed that." She sniffled emotionally, but Shintaro could tell by the tone of her voice, she was smiling. 

He ran his hand through her hair again, listening to Abby's now even breathing against his chest. He was glad that he'd renewed his daughter's strength when she'd been on the verge of giving into despair. He couldn't bear to see his daughter giving up - just like he had before. 

"Is there anything else that's bothering you?" Shintaro asked her gently, stroking her blond hair delicately. 

Abby was silent for a few moments, but eventually, she sighed through her mouth and clutched Shintaro tighter. "I'm worried for Kai," she said quietly. "I don't know what's going on over where he is, but I'm scared that he's ... not okay." 

Shintaro heaved a sigh, understanding exactly what she was feeling. Though Kai wasn't as close to Shintaro as he was to Abby, Shintaro missed him terribly and often thought of him. "You're boyfriend is a tough kid," he told Abby firmly. "Whatever is going on over there, I'm sure he's alright. And if he isn't now... He will be in time." 

Abby sighed again into his shirt, nuzzling her face deeper against his chest. "You always know what to say to make me feel better." She took a long, even breath and breathed it out as a satisfied sigh. "I love you, Daddy." 

Shintaro sighed through his nose, not bothering to catch himself this time. He was happy that Abby was close to him again. For the past few months, she'd seemed distant, like she'd been angry that he'd given up so quickly and brought this upon them. 

He couldn't blame her if she was angry.

But he was just happy that she seemed to trust him again. 

"I love you, too, Abby," he said softly. 

He ran his hand through her hair again, watching his fingers travel through the silky blond strands.

"Don't worry. We're going to be alright. I promise."

~

YEEGH-

DADDY-DAUGHTER FEELS!!!!

I DON'T THINK I'VE DONE THIS BEFORE?!?!

Yo, this was so freaking fun to write.

It's too adorable. 

Shintaro, come encourage me toooooo...

I need it sometimes tooooo-

Well, thanks for reading, fwens!!

I hope you enjoyed this sweet lil chappy! 

Love y'all!!

P3ac3!!!~~~