I hope everyone is enjoying this like I am. This is a sweet ride.

Enjoy.

~~~~~

(FN) was teleported home and under Reine's orders to shower off, eat, and relax. As he looked around his bedroom he noticed fresh sheets on his bed with a note on it. He shook his head as he saw the bright white piece of paper.

Rest

"Yeah, sure." He shook his head. (FN) removed the earpiece and placed it under his pillow. "As if. I shower after I eat. How about I treat myself after heartbreak and much concern?"

From his bedroom he checked the hallway. Left, right, and moved his way to the front door. Though as he opened it, a surprise he should have expected. He didn't expect to see Reine right there. 

"Did you really think you would disappear that easily?" She asked. 

"Uhhh, well-" He was stumped. She got him really good. Reine walked in and glared at the young man.

"Look, I'm not going to lecture you because there is so much going on. Shin is checking in with Kotori and then the two at the hospital. Tohka and Yoshino are on the ship as well. I'll let you out to go grab something to eat and give yourself some air. I trust you. Please don't disregard that."

(FN) nodded to her. "Thank you. Thank you for understanding."

"And I'm sorry. You know there will be more spirits. But, I understand where you're coming from. I'll keep you cheered up. You're cared about. Try some miso soup to start and go from there. Check your bank card."

"I have a-" (FN) took out his wallet and saw a red card in there. "Seriously?" He gasped.

"You realize if you and Shido have Tohka with you this is crucial. That aside treat yourself to a meal. Go for a walk if you must. And tomorrow I know she won't be there. After that we will see how Kotori is. She misses you of course."

"Will do. I'll be back and then we can go."

"Don't be too late."

"Will do." With that (FN) walked out and was on his own for a while. Wondering what he should do to pass the time until nightfall. The the tea shop, a food truck, or maybe the diner casually. But the first thing was what every troubled boy did in anime. Hit the ramen stand. 

As (FN) walked in and grabbed a stool the chef with a black hat saw the look on his face. "Oh yeah. I know that face. What'll it be kid? I'll throw an extra egg or two in there."

(FN) nodded. "The party bowl with pork slices."

"Just a moment." The chef got right to it. It was empty at the moment. Probably because it was a little early before the big rush. In a gif he got a hot bowl up and out. Pork slices and all. Dolloped up all nice with double egg. "Enjoy." The chef nodded and turned around to clean up. 

The boy looked over on his left and right. Empty seats. Wishing these were filled by some his friends. Not just Kurumi, but his brother, sisters, and the spirits too. He in some ways felt selfish about it. He ate and was having a great meal. Although something told him that this wouldn't be his last time here. That he was trying the place out before everyone came around full circle. And Tohka would probably slam the bowl contest. Massive concern. (Hey Hinata did it. Why not?)

When he was done eating and paid he decided to continue to get some air and head for a walk through the city. Not to the mountains, but around the city just for a walk. A big enough walk to loop him all the way around to the house. It wasn't chilly or going to be cold in the night which made it much easier. It was just the matter of keeping himself occupied. Kurumi was most likely in hiding again and Kotori was said to be safe via Reine. All was well as he was told. He didn't necessarily buy it, though was positive and hopeful. 

As he walked he had many things to clear his head. Vent his own thoughts. Maybe I don't see her again. But all that matters right now is if everyone is okay. I feel stupid and just selfish. She (Kotori) mad at me? At Shido? And with more spirits coming there will only be more trouble. Like the island class trip. I'll probably be keeping Tohka occupied as Origami tries to woo Shido. What else is new. Haha. Even so. 

As he lifted up his head and looked forward he realized that he had less than an hour of sunlight left. Up ahead was an alleyway. He flinched and had his guard up as he walked past it. Last time he saw one there was blood spattered all over. Sighing in relief as he walked passed it. Looking over his shoulder and seeing that as under normal circumstances, no one is there. 

"I wish." Shaking his head and continuing his walk over. 

A figure had half of her upper body appear out of the wall from the alley. "My. Sorry Baby. If it was a different universe."

< I really wanted to just give him a hug and say I was sorry. Looking back on it that is. But I inflicted so much pain. He was only a teenager. I'm only a little older than him physically. Actuality I know I might be too old for him. But seeing his face. Seeing that sad remark. Even though there was nothing going on besides that one date, I never forgot that face. Those curious looking eyes. Yeah, normal. Unlike myself. >

After that debacle (FN) decided to go straight home. There was more to tackle on the day. Such as seeing his little sister. His own mindset wouldn't be overnight. And today his sister needed him. As soon as it was starting to become dusk he ran home. Having the urge to give her a hug and give her his best. See how she's doing. 

When he got home there was no one in the living room. Or the kitchen. No sight of Reine, Shido, or Kotori. So he decided to head back to his room. With just an idea of him finding something. Which he was right. Seeing pink hair, black ribbons, and in casual cute clothes.

She looked up with a smile at him. "I missed you."

"Come here." He opened up his arms.

"Big brother." Her guard up front dropped. She hugged him tightly and started to tear up. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry I almost killed your crush. I'm sorry I lost control and almost really hurt Shido. I don't want to lose control or hurt people. I don't know why I'm like this. I don't know how or why Shido has abilities and why it makes sense for you to have them."

"Wait, hold on-" It makes sense? What is that all about? "Kotori? What is it I'm not getting?"

"I don't remember how I became a flame spirit. Nor do I remember everything else." She giggled slightly. "In the sense kind of feel like Mana. But I remember Shido sealed me. And if I'm human with a special something, and Shido can seal spirit power, it makes sense that you can. Maybe that could another reason why a certain someone spent time with you."

He shushed her gently. "Hey now. It's okay."

"No its not. I don't want to lose what I have. I don't want to hurt anyone else. I love you. I love Shido too. I just hope on a date he can help me."

"Well it would be better if he did. I know how you feel about him. Look I get it. It's fine. I just want you to be alright. That's all I ask. I'll take care of Tohka and Yoshino. It's fine. All I want is for you to get better."

"I'm trying. But the same goes you."

He squeezed her harder. "I need you more than I need her or someone else."

"Thank you Onii-chan. I love you."

I believe in you Shido. Please save my sister. Love her madly. I know she will act moody and madly, but you love her too. Hopefully next time I got you besides just helping the girls next time around. Kurumi or whoever. I know there are other spirits out there. And I know I have do better. Hopefully that one girl comes back. But until then I can't wait.

< The funny thing is when he told me about that I thought he was fooling himself. But he had more courage than he looked. And him being more determined made him look extra delicious. It is quite the interesting twist. Watching him grow as a man the entire time. I have to admit. Under the different circumstances, I would have given into him if he worked for it. Which he would. >

~~~~~

Oh really Kurumi?

-Rel