nexusafterdeath | Even if the seasons change a person and I am left behind

Even if the seasons change a person and I am left behind—

[ Today seemed to be another rare time two people in particular could spend time alone, without the eyes of any onlookers. The room itself was set up rather nicely too, with a nice limited selection of alcohol that was undoubtedly pricey. The colors was a beautiful red and there was even a window showing the night sky, which seemed to indicate that there was a place to walk outside, along with other things such as a forest and a water fountain.

As for one of the initial arrivals, well...he wish he could say he was seeing all of this, but he wasn't.

That's because he was in a big box. For some reason he couldn't get it to open for all of his struggles, so it just looked like a box slightly jiggling and moving around.

The gift box looked kind of obscenely large. There was a note on there as well for the addresse:

A gift for Rean Schwarzer—best if used before current expiration date. Rude.

Either way, by the room's magic, the box will not open even if a S-Craft was used on it, but only if Rean should - all other sounds within it were silenced so not even anything he's saying from inside can be heard until it's opened. What a good way to start the evening, right? ]

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[Thankfully for poor Crow, it doesn't take too long for the addressee to show. He's deposited fairly gently on his feet, and he's awake and everything!

It's hard to miss the giant box, so he's definitely making his way over to that, but also taking in the rest of the room as he goes. It really is gorgeous in here today...

But there's really not much time to think about that, not when that box is moving. And even if it weren't, Rean can definitely sense something inside of it, so he's all sorts of on edge.

He's really not sure what to expect, but there's not really another choice, so he'll carefully untie the ribbon and lift the lid...]

[ And there is (1) disgruntled Crow in there who lets out a big sigh that is half-way between relief as well as just kind of irritated. But he manages a smile anyway because who would he be if he didn't try to take something like this in stride? Though that might be dimmed by the sound of something like cloth ripping...because his wrists were also bound, but at least him pulling on it finally make those bindings tear. ]

Well hello there, my knight in shining armor! ♡

And here I was starting to think I was gonna be trapped in a box for the rest of eternity.

...Crow?

[Sorry, give Rean a minute to blink in utter disbelief before he just about throws that lid off.]

What kind of sick joke—? Are you all right?

[And immediately, Rean's reaching a hand into the box to help Crow out, if he needs it.]

[ He'll reach for Rean's hand, and takes it - it's helpful for at least standing up without worrying about tripping over the box or something. Even if that's probably unlikely, he wouldn't be surprised if fate conspired something stupid like that.

Good on Rean to worry about him, though part of him acting like that was to try to make light of it all. ]

...Haha, yeah. Really, you saved me from being in there too long.

[ He's now at least standing on his own two feet. He'll use his free hand to pull off a bow that was also stuck on him. ]

I'd ask what this place's trying to say here, but it's fairly obvious, huh?

I mean, it definitely looks like it could have been worse, but still...

[He sighs, although he's still not letting go of Crow's hand. Crow hasn't let go of his, why should he be first?]

Yeah, it's pretty obvious. Although whoever's behind this place is putting in a lot more work than they have to.

Really... just being able to see you and talk to you at all is a gift enough to me.

[ Crow's definitely not going to be the first person to let go either, so it's fine. They can hold hands like this.

Though, a light laugh does escape him at Rean's words - hardly mocking, and much easily detected as fond. He swears, something simple like that and he feels warm all over, as embarrassing as it is to admit. But, it's nice, and that's preferable to being ... not. ]

...Even if I know you're just bein' honest, you're really such a sap sometimes. In a way better than anything or anyone else can be.

I guess it's just one of the many things that make you who you are. But, obviously that's the way I prefer it.

[ He gives his hand a squeeze. ]

Haha... sorry. You know I can't help it. I just say whatever comes to mind, really.

[Rean smiles at him, offering a gentle squeeze in return.]

But I'm glad you appreciate it, at least.

C'mon. Let's get you out of this box and check this place out. It looks like they actually gave us an outdoors this time.

[ Never stop being a cutie, Rean.

Anyway, he'll take a glance towards the window before directing it right back at Rean. ]

A romantic walk in the moonlight? Sign me up!

[ Though, even as he says that Crow ends up somehow 'tripping' and losing his balance, falling straight into Rean. Which, actually may have been partially planned after all and not by fate's design at all.

Just a little messing around before they head on out. ]

Woah—!

[Rean manages to catch him as he "trips," stumbling back a little but ultimately managing to keep them both upright. He's got upper body strength.

Still, he can't help but chuckle, once they're both stable.]

...C'mon, Crow. Enough of you is leg that you ought to be able to make it out of something like this no problem.

[Seriously. He's like, at least 60% leg.]

[ Already calling him out? He snorted as he leaned back and winked. ]

Maybe. Or suddenly none of that mattered and I couldn't help from swooning right into your arms.

...But anyway, I think I'm about ready for the romantic walk now.

[ He'll further move away so he's out of Rean's arms and they can begin to walk out of this place. A door randomly pops out of nowhere that definitely wasn't there before - kind of like a last minute thought but hey it's there now. ]

...Haha. Can't say I ever pegged you as a swooning maiden. Defying expectations tonight, aren't we?

[But with that and a smile, they're on their way, and... oh. Hello there, door!]

...That did just. Appear, right? It's not just me?

I'm never going to get used to how weirdly convenient this place is when it feels like it...

Got it in one. If I was always so predictable, then that might become a problem.

[ Like that would actually be a problem, but he does like messing around so it's more like an excuse, really. ]

Me neither. Though, there better not be bricks behind the door if I open it.

[ He'll reach forward to open it, and as he does, there's the night air. He's kind of realizing it's been an awfully long while since he's been "outdoors" at night. It didn't really count even in those Mafia games he played.

Just a reminder that this is unnatural, and for a moment he isn't sure what he's feeling, even though he's...honestly grateful the opportunity.

So, the rays of light hit his face from the moon and there's sort of this calm expression on his face that's bordering on kind of solemn, and the only reason he moves is because he doesn't want to be standing in front of Rean's way for long. Or...worry him much. ]

[Unfortunately for Crow, Rean is too perceptive by half when it comes to him. He sees that shift in expression, and for a moment his own face falters.

He's seen a solemn Crow plenty of times by now, but he's never gotten used to it. Every time he sees it, it tugs at his chest uncomfortably. It doesn't seem right. Of course, knowing that at least some of the smiles he remembers were faked...

Knowing that really, he's lucky to be seeing this face at all, considering—

He bites at the inside of his lip for a moment before putting on his own best "everything is fine" face and stepping forward to slip his hand into Crow's, lacing their fingers loosely.]

It's pretty nice out, huh? Kind of fading-into-autumn weather.

[He knows it's a nothing sort of conversation topic. That's exactly what he wants right now, a distraction, and nothing more. Keep it light, bring Crow's attention back to something else.]

[ Rean's always been quite perceptive, hasn't he? Crow should've known better by now, especially since the other has always seemed to have seen right through him. Notice things people would miss or hardly ever pay attention by now.

Either way, he feels the fingers around his, and his own move to give a tight, secure grip. He idly thinks of just how much he likes it when they touch - it's evidence that this is real, at least. ]

Yeah, it is. Definitely the best weather to go out on a date.

[ He turns his head to look at Rean now, smiling a little, before leaning to plant a chaste kiss. Which gives him enough time to easily pull it together - to pretend that everything's fine - and really just bask in the moment, milking this borrowed time for all it's worth. ]

Aren't I a lucky guy? I get to have you all to myself on a beautiful night like this. I'm sure a lot of people would be jealous if they knew.

[When that grip tightens around his own, he returns it, the smile on his face coming more easily to him now.]

Heh... hoping it'll sink in the more you say it? [He lets the teasing drop, though, responding a little more gently, now.] I get it. It's still kind of hard to believe for me, too.

[And then Crow is kissing him, and it's all too easy to just let his eyes slip closed and kiss back, for that fleeting moment of connection they have. His cheeks are flushed pink when his eyelids flutter back open as Crow pulls away, and he can't help but laugh at Crow's little attempt at a compliment.]

I don't know how true that is, but let's say you're right... they'd have been jealous anyway, you know.

It's not like I ever seriously had my eyes on anyone else.

[It's kind of strange. He would have thought something like that would have been harder to say, and yet... here it is, rolling off his tongue so easily.

But for now, even though the rest of what he's been dying to say since the last time they were alone together is right on the tip of his tongue, he leaves it there.

This is borrowed time, after all. He should just make the most of it now. Getting serious like that... right now, all it'll serve to do is remind both of them of what they can't really have.]

[ At that, Crow can't help but allow a laugh to escape him, taking the teasing and everything that comes afterwards good naturedly.

Though...the look on Rean's face is absolutely adorable following that little moment. He almost leans in to steal another kiss just to see if he can make that flush stay for longer, but instead he'll reach with his still free hand to rest against Rean's cheek, caressing it a little. ]

...Damn, you know you've always had a way with words? If you're not careful, maybe you'll even make me blush.

[ It feels like when it was just them it was easier to be honest...to an extent, because Crow is still kind of touch and go with that. But, the fact that it was Rean helped. A lot.

Though, Crow's wanted to say a few certain three little words, he's keeping it to himself for the exact same reason Rean is. And besides, if he ever disappeared and never came back...at least this way the heartbreak wouldn't include such a memory that was bound to just hurt Rean even more than if he had gone without saying as much.

So, he'll finally drop his hand from the other's cheek. ]

Well, we might as well really get moving to see what they've got in store for our little sight-seeing. Totally got distracted there.

[ Which is partially his fault but whyever would he take the blame right away for that...but, he's ready to start moving once he sees Rean's good to go for their lovely stroll. ]

[Rean leans into that touch, a gentle smile playing on his lips.]

Haha. You say that like that wasn't always the goal. I mean, this is you, after all... I think turnabout is fair play.

[But then Crow drops that hand and Rean just sighs softly before squeezing the hand he's still holding.]

You? Distracted? Be still my heart. [With another smile and a slight shake of his head, he seems to be ready to go, tugging on Crow's hand a little to indicate as much.] But, yeah, I'm ready, too. Let's go.

[ He'll let out an a noise of amusement at Rean's words, because really, what else is to say? Besides some kind of silly line that sounds like it was pulled right out of a romance novel.

...That being said, he has some ready for when the time's right. If anything to lighten or sweeten the mood. After all, he's going to give him as much as he can until he can't anymore.

Until Rean has to move on.

Crow has no issue with beginning to lead them around, his pace easy and slow as his eyes fall upon their surroundings - if anything, he brings them closer to the water fountain, which seems to have a few coins glittering beneath the water's surface. ]

...You really think this place went all out for us? Or that maybe we're really not the first ones to see all of this?

[Rean hums softly, thoughtful at the question.]

Who knows, really. On one hand, I wouldn't put it past this place to come up with something just for us, but on the other... it's kind of fun to imagine other people walking through here, thinking the exact same thing.

Either way, it's ours, isn't it? ...For right now, anyway?

[And if Crow's really listening, he'll hear Rean's voice falter a little as his grip tightens.

Because it can end at any moment, and Rean's painfully aware of that. He's doing his best to savor every step, every breath, knowing that it can all be ripped away again in the blink of an eye and not wanting to feel as if he took it for granted.

Even if it'll hurt him that much worse when the inevitable comes, he wants to soak this in for as long as he can. Until he's forced back to cruel reality, to how he can't move on even if he wanted to.]

...hey. Are those coins in the fountain up ahead?

[It's better to just keep talking than to get too far into his own head, in times like these.]

...You're not wrong. It's ours and no one's gonna be able to take it from us.

[ Crow turns his head to face Rean, eyes on him than what's in front of him when he hears that falter in his voice. Some part of him is honestly worried that despite how hard they've been trying to take the best they can out of this situation, that when he does go, Rean will crash hard.

The worry is tempered somewhat by the fact that Rean has his friends, but also knowing the situation the other is in back home makes it just 'somewhat' at the moment. ]

Yeah, there is. Want me to add one to the collection?

[ The question is asked idly, more than anything. Maybe he can make a wish on it or something cliche like that. It's not like he doesn't still have money on him...because he was taken right when he died. ]

[Correctly worried, honestly, but that's not for right now.]

Heh. You actually have one on you? Color me surprised. Here I thought I was going to have to start another loan with you.

[Not that he'd mind, naturally.]

But yeah. I'm going to, anyway. People make wishes on coins, right? Can't hurt to try.

...I think I owe you enough for seven or eight generations at this point, if we're just talking about that interest. I don't want to think about how much I would if I had opened another loan.

[ He supposed if he did, he'd have to say 'sorry' to the Grim Reaper and Aidios for awhile, because that's the real reason he can't cross over yet.

If Crow weren't really dead, the thought would be funnier, he mused. But, hey, them's the breaks, and around this time he takes out one Mira coin to start with. No need to go big here, not that it matters either way. ]

What're you gonna wish for?

Haha. Yeah... sounds about right. [He says it with all the fondness in the world, smiling warmly at Crow.] But I think I can tell you it'd be enough you'd be carrying it over for the next several lifetimes.

[It's a bit of a bittersweet thought. He's already too well aware that this lifetime has already passed, for Crow; that the time they have right now shouldn't even be, but...

The idea of finding him again in a "next life," of doing right by him next time... it's still a nice thought, Rean thinks.

He digs out his wallet and produces a coin before tucking his wallet away again.]

C'mon, don't you know? If you tell someone what you wish for, it'll never come true.

[...That said, he really doesn't know what he wants to wish for, as he steps toward the fountain. Certainly, there are thoughts that cross his mind, but even as he's standing in front of the waters considering wishing on a coin like a child, he can't help but immediately dash them off as unrealistic.

He supposes what he eventually decides on isn't that much better, but still, he closes his eyes.

...Please. Just let me have this for a little bit longer. Don't make me let him go just yet.

And with that, he flips his coin into the water, opening his eyes again to watch it sail in and make a tiny splash.]

Heh, suppose that's true.

[ And yet, Crow can't help but find himself a teensy bit curious about what Rean would have wished for. Would it be for the rest of Class VII? Or for Erebonia to stop constantly shitting itself and other countries in the midst of it? Osborne's unavoidable and inevitable death? Maybe...something about him?

...But really, sometimes a mystery is good to remain just that.

And after all of that, Crow supposed he should actually go ahead with one himself. Though, part of him almost scoffs at the thought of him actually doing it, it was his idea. So, there are a few thoughts but he settles on one.

Make sure Rean is safe and happy with the rest of Class VII—even without me there with him.

Crow flips that coin and it lands right beside Rean's, probably thanks to a lot of luck—or absurdly good coin flipping skills. He also kind of idly wishes he could be by Rean's side selfishly when the other returned home. No...not an idle one—more a strong desire, if anything. ]

There we go. I'm kind of tempted to see if we should make a bet on which of our wishes would come true first. Just like old times.

[Rean laughs a little at the suggestion.

Well, Crow hasn't vanished yet, so Rean's more than likely already won on a technicality. He won't tip his hand that easily, though, so instead he just diverts the subject.]

Haha. So now you're willing to get in further debt with me? How quickly the tide changes~.

[ Funny how that works, but seems to sum up about how his experiences when gambling for fun goes...! ]

You know what they say, there's nothing like a good all or nothing gamble to turn the tide. And hey, don't underestimate my luck here, since it isn't always so bad. Not to mention that If you're not careful, you'll be the one who'll end up owing me something!

[ Going to try to ruffle Rean's hair there for a moment just because he can. ]

[Rean makes half an effort to duck out of the way, but it's really more for wanting to keep up playful appearances than anything. Crow will succeed, because in the end, Rean longs for that contact more than he wants to play chase for any longer than he already has.]

I don't know... after how soundly Angelica beat you with the races at the Summer Festival, you really expect me to believe you've got Lady Luck on your side?

[ Good. Just like old times.

For a moment, it really does feel like hardly anything's changed, especially with them bantering and messing around a little. That being said... ]

...Well, seein' as 'Gelica's out of the picture for now [ Unless somehow she got roped into this. Which is near impossible as far as he's concerned!! ], isn't this just the perfect time for Lady Luck to smile on me?

Haha... or maybe, it's time for her to smile on me. Long time coming, don't you think?

[At least in that small little joke, there's evidence he hasn't completely given up on himself. On happiness.]

Not fair for the seniors to hog all the luck for themselves.

[ ...That's always good.

Crow has his hangups about his situation, but he's passed, so it's Rean who has to face all that weight in Erebonia on top of everything else. So, he's been worried in his own way, even with Class VII there with him. Whenever he sees evidence that Rean will be able to soldier through it all, he's ever the more convinced at the least the other can move on when the time comes.

Even if it'll be hard at first. ]

Maybe it has been. But! If it does happen to shine down on you, how about you share some of that luck with little ol' Crow over here?

After all, I'm sure she'd definitely be rather generous with you~

[ Of course, right as he says that, one of his hands starts to become more translucent—a herald of his rapidly approaching departure. ]

[That little detail doesn't escape Rean's notice, and briefly, Crow will be able to notice Rean's eyes widen and his eyebrows furrow in sorrow. But that moment lasts only briefly before that shock is replaced with a sad smile and an exhausted little huff of laughter.]

...You say that, and yet here I am cursing myself with my own wish on a technicality.

[He doesn't have much time to brood on that, though, and he knows it. So instead, he turns his attention up to Crow, looking in his eyes as if soaking in what little he can.]

...Crow. I...

[He wants to say it. He wants to, but even now the words are caught in his throat. The words are caught, and Crow is slipping away like sand between his fingers.

Rean won't let this place have the last word, not this time. So before Crow can completely escape his grasp, Rean grips his collar and pulls him in for one last kiss, hoping that it can convey the emotions he's too cowardly to truly express.]

[ The idea of Rean attempting to properly lay out his feelings into words doesn't even cross Crow's mind. Probably because he's expecting to maybe just spend more time with Rean on their date before this place carried him away again. Of course, things don't turn out like he expects it to.

But even before that, Rean's expression makes him aware that he's disappearing before he glances to his hand at his side, and then he's looking back at the other, though doing so is more of a sharp actions than anything because of a little surprise. It's good that the other makes his move then because Crow doesn't have any words—

He's allowing himself to fall into the kiss, keeping it passionate as he deepened it, closing his eyes tight, as he fervently hopes that this can't be their last—or won't be.

Like this, it's probably also easy to see and feel as the grey-haired male vanishes slowly into the ether, though the last sight Rean sees of him isn't with his eyes closed, caught in the desperate actions. It's in those last moments that Crow's eyes are now opened, staring straight into the other male's with a smoldering emotion that can't be summed up in mere words.

And when he does get a chance to pull away, there's that same smile from not that long ago, as his eyes soften. Something both sad and happy—bittersweet—as he opens his mouth to say something. Maybe it's a 'see ya', maybe it was him finishing the rest of Rean's for him, but that doesn't matter, seeing as he's gone before the words can reach sound. ]

[And that's it. It's over, at least for now.

It still hurts, of course, but at least this time it hurts less.

Even Rean can't deny what he saw in that brief glance the two of them shared. So, for once, Rean is almost at peace.

Knowing for sure that everything he feels is mutual, even if neither of them could put it to words... it's not enough to truly heal the void Crow left behind in his death, but for now, it's enough.

It's enough, and at least until next time, Rean can fade out of this place with a slight smile on his lips.]

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Even if the seasons change a person and I am left behind—

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things i had thought i responded to for 500 YELLS

wanders back over a solid month later

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