Good title [P]

[Areru]

It wasn’t that I was busy- No, far from it- Or was I? with my current position being sitting on the floor in Kaeor’s apartment with a book in my hands, I did look as if I was doing some productive work, but it would be a lie if I said that I was. Tracing over the pages with my eyes I picked up little information, but at least I looked as if I was doing something. I did have some ideas of what I wanted to learn next as far as techniques went, but I’d need to ask my dad for help- I wanted to up my sansutsomu ability and gain stronger eyes like my brothers had, but it would take a long while until I’d be able to do something like that surely- But becoming better than each person in my family was quite a feat-! Not that I was doubting I’d be able to surpass them, of course. I looked forwards to the day when I could defeat my brother when sparring.

But right now I didn’t really mind all that much- Lazing around the house was easy enough for me and now that days had passed since Kaeor had found out about my problem I had lost a bit of muse to go out and train since then but over the past day or so I found myself simply wanting to resume my place as one of Kumogakure’s upcoming storm specialists- The weather being so important to the village I was sure that as my control over them (as far as combat went) got greater, the more use I’d be able to be for the village itself. But.. Getting up and placing the book down on the seat of the sofa, I’d then walk in to the kitchen and mosey about for a little bit, sticking my nose in each and every tin I could find to try and see if anything nice was around that I could nibble on whilst waiting for Kaeor to make his return from work.

And the time? Around 7pm, the sky having darkened quite notably by now as, apart from the streetlights outside, the sky and houses were coated in an inky black- I’d been told that he’d be home later because of a small meeting in the academy regarding the pupils and parents, so by this time I hadn’t seen him for most of the day, and I was still dressed in my usual red clothing, parading around the kitchen as I so famously did, now deciding that looking at the clock, it would be better for me to start cooking some food for him seeing as he’d be arriving back soon- Surely. Hoping that he wouldn’t get halted any further from returning home I’d then move about the place, and take out various tins and things from compartments, as I began to plan out the meal I was going to cook.

However due to the fact that my cooking skills weren’t exactly top-notch, I decided that pasta and sauce would probably be the safest bet seeing as I was pretty proficient at cooking that and there wasn’t that much that I could mess up. Taking out the pasta and placing it in a saucepan I’d then go to the kettle, fill it with water, and then wait a few further moments until it boiled, before taking it in my hand once more and pouring it over the pasta, setting up the heat, and beginning to cook it. It wouldn’t take too long, so I was hoping that Kaeor himself wouldn’t take too long in coming back to the apartment- I was sure that this meal would be beautiful- Basic, but very beautiful. Walking back and forth as I kept an eye on the cooker, I’d wait for the pasta to cook, placing in some salt to prevent it from sticking to the side of the pan as I was so infamously known for-

”I hope to god this doesn’t stick to the pan this time.”
Speaking to myself, I felt fine doing so since there was no-one here at the moment to listen.

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[Kaeor]

Pooped.

I was entirely pooped once I came home from work. In the past few weeks, several things had happened since Areru told me about her infliction. With the need of more ryo for her and myself in such a small space, my field of expertise had been relocated from an academy professor to a hunter ninja. With my technique physically and mentally, the transition required small effort on my part. I did miss the memories of the frequent kids attaching themselves to my thigh. The throng of 'Mr. Kaeor' faded into something of the past to my ears. But now I found myself spending the majority of the day alone. It wasn't ideal, but then again it brought more money in for Areru and I. This was hopefully only a pit stop in this journey called life. But today I was a bit worn out through a morning investigation that left me searching for clues. It wasn't midday until they linked me to a culprit that protested my evidence. But the more I prodded at him, the more guilty he became as he released certain words to tip me off. It wasn't long before we both were brandishing kunai and against each other's throats.

From the results of me making it home, it was only understandable that I survived the encounter and he didn't. The black flames that I cast over his body to ensure his decomposition still kept a faint scent in my nostrils. "Ugh. I just wanna die." The words weren't exactly serious but it described the state of weariness that I currently was in. I was through my door and into the living room, surprised not to see Areru napping. And it was fortunate too, because I really wanted to relax. Yet the closer I began to get to the couch, the more that I believed the bed was a better fit for me. To my right was the kitchen where Areru stood proudly with her raven colored locks. My feet wanted to go to the bedroom but I hadn't seen Areru all day. It happened more so after the transition of occupations that I grew frequently in a state where I missed her company. I wasn't exactly sure as to the reason, but sadly I didn't let her know of my absolute fondness for her directly.

"Shall I call the firemen?" I soundly assumed, knowing that Areru really didn't go to the kitchen to cook. She was more of a woman that used the microwave and dined on all of my fruit, not that I minded anyway. For her to actual cook me a complete meal, all it really did take for me to ask sincerely and mean it. It was the time between her complying with my wishes and starting to cook that was troublesome since half the time I had to badger her about it. The slow pitter patter of my feet in the kitchen could only be rivaled the sound of the bags that marked the zenith of my eyes. My approach to her was relaxed as she stood sprinkling salt inside of the pan in order to stop what I coined the "Reru Effect" since it happened so frequently when she cooked. If some of the food didn't stick to the pot this time then I'd be fully surprised as I stood behind her until I pressed against the female chef.

"So what do I owe this special occasion for?" My words had came out charmingly and the heat of my breath edged her neck. I was simply too close for her not to hear me. It seemed that I'd have to scrounge around and gather a bit more energy in order to talk with her.

Unless, she decided to come with me to the bedroom... !

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[Areru]

As minutes past the lengthy process that was happening in the kitchen furthered as I had created, from my mind, a substitute for what would hopefully be a kind of garlic bread- Half a baguette each, with homemade garlic butter- Or, butter with a clove or two of garlic mixed in. To be honest, I couldn’t understand why Kaeor didn’t let me cook often because from this creation that I had made, it was easy to say who was truly the culinary genius out of the both of us. If I wasn’t so prone to burning food then surely I’d be the next.. famous cooking celebrity you’d see on the television. As ideas went through my mind, my ideas of a profession having now changed to Cooking TV personality, I’d move around the kitchen like some kind of pixie, my long black hair flowing behind me, as I hoped Kaeor would be home in time for the meal that I was busy preparing for him!

It wouldn’t be too long as the door seemed to release a clicking noise, as the key turned in the lock- He was back! Turning my head swiftly towards the door I’d watch as the silver-haired shinobi made his way in to his apartment, as I, being the responsible cook, would keep my concentration on the food that I was cooking, to assure that I didn’t burn the place down- Last time I’d tried to cook I’d managed to almost set the kitchen on fire, so this time I was taking extra security measures! ”Welcome home!” I’d coo to him in a soft tone, listening to him murmur to himself- I was fully aware of how draining his new route of career was on him, and since he had changed, I was very much more willing to do more things around the house to help him- But not to say that I was ready to go to the sidelines of course, the hell was I disappearing that easily! Watching from the corner of my eye as he’d walk about the place, I’d then turn one of the buttons on the cooker, turning the heat down from the pasta, which by now was almost ready.

Taking out another pan I’d place it on a spare hob on the cooker, dispensing a small tin of ready-made tomato sauce complete with everything in it. Of course simplicity was my talent when it came to cooking, and for me to make my own tomato sauce to eat for this meal was truly something outstanding- Sure I loved the guy but me, chopping onions? That was a sight that I myself would have loved to see happen. ”Hey- Don’t be cheeky. I’m almost done.” Turning the heat up on the hob that I had placed the contents of the jar in, I’d then bend down to the grill, and take out my makeshift garlic breads, picking them off- ”Ow, ow, ow!” under my breath this would be said as I’d pluck them off the tray, my fingers burning at the very touch, although within moments the feeling would be gone, as I placed them on the ashen plates that were on the countertops, one for each.

After this was then done, I’d go on to the next step; Taking out the pasta from the pan, and draining it carefully over the sink using a convenient strainer. Once that was done and all water gone from the pan itself, I’d place the pasta back after having turned all of the hobs off, then going forwards to mix the pasta and the sauce, which wasn’t too hard, and yet it took all of my concentration to do so; I could just about muster some words to Kaeor whilst doing so. ”Special occasion? Is this really so much of a surprise? Kaeor, I cook all the time.” I’d seem almost clueless about what he had meant as he stood closely behind me, my head tilting to the side and swiftly pecking him on the chin before then going about with the rest of the kitchen routine- I wasn’t too sure myself about what he was trying to get at, although the point was I did cook, just.. the outcome.. usually.. wasn’t all that.. eh.. appetizing. This however, looked fantastic! Serving them on plates, I’d grab some knives and forks and then with a fantastic balancing act I’d take out both plates to the table, putting them down, having escaped from his grasp!

”Sit.”
It was almost like.. a command!

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[Kaeor]

"Welcome home!"

That's why I really did fall in love with this girl. She always found a way to light up my day with her ecstatic nature! "Thanks 'Reru." I found myself muttering to her with a forced smile after she briefly gave me that 'welcome home kiss' most males received in relationships. It wasn't forced in that it was fake and didn't try to convey my feelings, but it was forced in a way for her that I didn't want to seem rude to her. I wanted to use my day as an excuse to go lay down. But she had already prepared a dinner feast for me with the expectations that I would eat with her. "Indeed you do Areru. But it isn't always edible, or at least it doesn't look like it." I prodded gently. Of course when she did create something entirely edible without rough texture or a slight singed taste from being overcooked to the fact it bordered burnt, it was amazing! So at the sight of the freshly made pasta that looked extremely delicious and her own command to me, I sat down at the nearest chair.

"So what have you been doing while I've been gone?" I wondered what she could have been doing for the majority of the day. When I left to go to work, she still was sound asleep in bed from where I had left her. I usually found myself giving her a morning shove to let her know I'm leaving or something to break her slumber. But this time I consented to her peaceful siesta and simply just slipped out of the door. I pondered whether or not she would bring up my sneaky exit. She had organized the table perfectly for our dinner. So patiently I'd await her to finish setting things up.

A bed still sounded really good about now...!

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[Areru]

”But it isn't always edible, or at least it doesn't look like it."
”Oh- OH, I see how it is. Remind me to put dog food in your meal next time then.”

What a cheek! First he insists that I don’t do that much cooking.. and then.. then he goes and insults the delicious meals that I mak- no. It would actually be a lie to call them delicious, or at least, the majority of things that I had cooked ended up to be not disgusting but.. unappetizing, which was really just a nicer word to put it. However, whatever food that I was making today seemed to look much nicer than what I’d usually cook, which was surprising. But- Surely this wouldn’t last for long since the next thing that I’d cook for Kaeor would probably turn out disastrous in either the way that it looked, or the way that it tasted. It was either look nice and taste disgusting, or look awful and taste decent, there was no real winning with my food- Except for today, of course! I was pleasantly waiting for everything and Kaeor to get ready so that I could savour a taste of my delicious cooking.

However, as I finished working around the kitchen and fussing around the place, making sure that I’d turned the heat down to make sure that I didn’t burn the whole place down, which was never really a good thing. After that was done I was happy to see that Kaeor had sat down, and, sitting down opposite him, the only thing missing now was a small vase of roses and a tea light or two. But, comfortably sitting on the chair now I’d take up the knife and fork and begin to eat- Of course you never really needed to eat pasta with a knife, but I held it anyhow whilst eating, it was something which I had always done, and I wasn’t really too keen on stopping just so that I could fit in. Practically burying my face in the pasta as the red stained my lips, I’d then turn my attention back to Kaeor, who had asked a question about my own day, which, of course, was much different to how his own had gone.

”Not much- Just running about the village and training a little bit- I want to make my eyes stronger.” of course, should he have been speaking to a person who wasn’t from a special clan, making eyes stronger would surely mean vision in general, for instance, being able to see further or at least a bit better in the dark, however with me, eyesight was something that could be worked on quite powerfully- In order to truly become a worthwhile member of the Sansutsomu family I needed to up my game and strengthen my eye abilities to make sure that I had them to the best that I could- I didn’t really want to turn up to a situation where I’d need them only to find out that my eyes weren’t strong enough to do much work. My father and a few of my brothers had perfected theirs- I was almost in a race to perfect my own before my other brothers attempted to claim victory before me.

And then, in response to his own question, my own answer having been something pretty day-to-day and uninteresting really (In my own mind, although I figured that Kaeor would perhaps take to listening to my routine with a bit more interest than I did myself) I’d go ahead and ask him; ”How was yours? Much more interesting than mine, I’m sure.” I’d say this with some kind of a grin between mouthfuls of pasta, although I fully understood the stress on work that it was placing on him and the means of the work that he was undertaking as a hunter shinobi. It wasn’t exactly a lovely business but someone had to do it, and it was Kaeor who had requested to join the ranks. Every day surely was different, unlike mine, which were slowly but surely becoming more tedious- With him out almost all hours, there was little entertainment to be had.

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[Kaeor]

”Oh- OH, I see how it is. Remind me to put dog food in your meal next time then."

[/right]

"No, I didn't mean it like that!" I felt the need to exclaim so that she really didn't carry out such a threat. There was no way to go back and discard the trail of stupidity I left in my wake. I should've known better and kept my mouth shut about Areru's particular cooking difficulties. Still, it pleased me to hear her bickering words and attempt to defend her achievements in the kitchen. It was respectable! For today she was completely correct when referring to the pasta that she had conjured for dinner. It did look and smell quite savory. "Well I can't complain about today 'Reru! It seems like you really outdid yourself!" The compliment of the night had been tossed out there for my little queen of the kitchen. Gradually she became more knowledgeable of the kitchen trade and elation coursed through my body at her experience.

Eventually we dined together, the taste of the pasta something that I couldn't even predict. It was beyond well made! The silver fork was twisting as the thing noodles began to wrap around it and Areru started to explain her day. It was nothing that I could predict beforehand. She had told me many previous times that she desired to increase the strength of her doujutsu. My understanding of her clan and doujutsu was somewhat vague but I understood her urge to become more powerful - that was all that I needed to understand. Fortunately for myself, my doujutsu didn't really have any tiers. But in comparison to Areru's own, my Byakugan could also be enhanced through training and all of the such. "Really now? What stage is your current doujutsu?" The words would come out as I placed the back of my hand against my mouth. I had barely opened it to speak to her and ask a question since it was full of pasta! And my hand blocked my mouth due to a sense of mannerisms.

"You don't even want to know." I explained, wondering if killing someone was a justifiable topic at the table. "Lots of clue searching, liars, fighting, pretty much the whole nine yards 'Reru!" It was true. I was pretty content with the job in that every person or victim wasn't the same that I was forced to capture. And some even had interesting stories to tell me throughout it all. I shook my head in disappointment at how irksome and annoying my profession could become at times. "Lets just say I caught the bad guy." I'd reply before placing another string of noodle in my mouth, avoiding getting a stain of red sauce on my clothing!


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[Areru]

The praise that he gave about the meal that I cooked for him seemed to light up my eyes as I’d adopt some kind of a proud expression on my face. Of course, in that way I had to say that I was like a child in the way that I was both easily excitable and my expression changed as easily as my emotions did, being a girl and all- But this was only with the people I was comfortable with. With people who I weren’t too fond of or I had no connection to, I usually just kept a calm and stoic figure, but not as much as the mask that Kaeor put on when around others. ”I did- I should make a cookery book or something.” Sometimes I wasn’t sure if the mask was him speaking to me or if it was the other way around, but I loved him, and that was all that mattered, really. Giving him one of my trademark grins I’d then eat another forkful of pasta- It didn’t taste amazing really, but for something that I had cooked myself, it was astounding.

His questioning as far as my eyes went, I’d pause for a few moments- I knew it well, but placing it down to words was something that I wasn’t entirely used to, so the words I spoke were slow, and yet, so careful. ”There are three tiers. I’m at the first- Pretty puny, eh?” I’d say, poking fun at myself. Unlike those who stood tall and never thought ill of themselves, I did like most people have a few things I wasn’t too happy about, and my eyes were one of them- I wasn’t ashamed to have them, no, I was proud more than anything, but to know that there were ways of increasing its power and that I was only at the first level, it was quite embarrassing really, especially seeing as all of my family were at least on the second, the majority of them having perfected their own vision with the third. I was, yet again, the baby.

Yet, although the conversation was directed at me currently, I was glad to hear when he spoke of himself and the day that he had today, which drove the conversation away from myself. It wasn’t as if I was self conscious or anything (Or, perhaps) it was just I much preferred speaking about other people- sometimes. His day did seem full of worry and trouble really, and I myself wasn’t too happy with him going off and risking his life in such a way but I knew- I knew that he could take care of himself in such situations. I was unsure about myself as I was a pretty delicate person, hence my view on joining ANBU had swayed over the last few days since I had revealed to him my weakness, but my trust in Kaeor that he could excel in the ranks of such a profession was sky-high. He would do well, I knew he would.

Fixing my hair with my right hand, I was overdue for a haircut by now and the black strands had started to get in my eyes, and yet I went on to speak whilst doing this, my fork suspended on the edge of the plate. ”I see-” pause. ”Please don’t try and overwork yourself- I don’t want you stressing out because you’ve got so much to do.” I’d tell him, my tone quite concerned- He had been working quite hard over the last few days because of his new job, which was expected since it was early days, but it wasn’t that I didn’t see him as often mostly, it was because I could easily tell on his face that it had been a long day, he looked tired, and I wasn’t all that used to it in the entire period of our relationship. It was a strange sense of tiredness- I couldn’t exactly place my finger on it. ”I’m sure you can’t just phone in and say you’re not going to work but if you ever need anything asked I’ll be more than willing to go speak to Atlas for you, Kaeor. I don’t want you getting sick.” I’d say, once more using the Raikage’s first name, a small grin appearing on my face as I spoke his words, knowing how much Kaeor despised me saying it, almost as if that had been the comic relief.

It wasn’t as if I plunged the conversation in to a scene of awkwardness, no.
I was just concerned about him, that’s all.

Taking a bite in to the garlic bread, my eyes would lay plastered on his own, as if I was trying to read his mind at the current time, anticipating his response before his tongue could speak them.

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[Kaeor]

"Greatness doesn't come overnight for everyone." I commented in reference to her doujutsu. It was pretty astounding to me that she was still on the primary level of her Kekkai Genkai. Most people that he knew around the age of adulthood at least reached the second tier of their progressive doujutsus. It was especially surprising for a woman who told me that she would do a considerable amount of training everyday. I had no way to verify this since I worked but her words were as good as gold to me. "Just keep training. You'll reach the second tier eventually." I urged with a content grin. I really was sure that she'd even grasp the unique and final tier of her Kekkai Genkai. If anything, Areru was one of the strongest willed women that I knew. And that was one of the many reasons I came to love her.

But the last thing that I wanted her to do while I was out and about was worry. Yet she confirmed my fears that she was at least somewhat worried about my health. The fact that she considered going to speak about her concerns to the Raikage about my work wouldn't fly. After all, there were more things that she didn't know of that dug deep into the issue of my fatigue. It was better that way though. "It's fine. I'll be ok Areru - really."

My plate was completely clean of any pasta or garlic bread. I was completely stuffed and sat there with a wide smile on my face. I would try and stay with Areru as long as I could until my body would fall asleep on its own.

___

sorry. shitty post.

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[Areru]

I was aware that greatness didn’t come overnight, but at most times I expected it to- For instance I’d go to sleep one night then wake up the next with the third stage of my sansutsomu dojutsu fully unlocked and ready to go. Of course I doubted that this would ever happen to me, but you can’t help but dream, right? It was better than living my life with no aspirations or hopes whatsoever. Just because one of mine was out of the ordinary didn’t mean that they all were. ”That would be lovely though.” I’d comment on that with one of my usual sly grins as I’d move my knife and fork around the plate, picking up a few pieces of pasta and eating it, then targeting the garlic bread soon thereafter. I was actually quite surprised at how nice it turned out, since usually either the garlic bread would be burnt, or the pasta would be cooked to the extent that it looked like some kind of sea jellyfish- The food was actually.. very nice!

His helpful words about me continuing to train made me nod my head and give him perhaps not a grin but an actual smile. I’d been training but the eyes.. it was something that you needed help with, really- Or I couldn’t get to the next stage without some help surely, and it would require the aid of one of my brothers or my father, but these days I spent so much time at this apartment that there wasn’t all that time to start training for it- Or, I hadn’t thought about training it with my family up until now. With that thought thoroughly embedded in my mind, I’d then take another forkful of pasta, and start planning in my mind- I’d become great, and I’ll get to the third stage quickly- At least, that was my plans of going about things. Placing my knife and fork back down on the plate, I’d have finished eating before Kaeor had- An uncanny talent of mine was that I ate quite quickly- Or it wasn’t really a talent to say the least. More like a quirk?

"It's fine. I'll be ok Areru - really."

At this, I’d simply nod before responding through voice. ”..Are you sure? You look really worn out, Kaeor.” I’d say, having added his name in for extra effect- He didn’t exactly look the picture of health and I of all people knew what that looked like. It was hypocritical for me to say so but for him to be tired by the time he got back home? As an academy teacher he’d have been mildly tired but this work seemed to take more than that out of him- It wasn’t as if his face was drained of colour but he was simply tired, and I understood that, and naturally, I was concerned for him. ”..If you want to go to sleep, go ahead, alright?” I’d tell him as I’d then reach over to his own plate and stack it atop of my own, placing the knives and forks on the top as I prepared them to wash- He looked sapped of any energy that he had, so it was only fair that I go ahead and do the dishes, It wasn’t as if I expected him to do it after a day of work anyhow.

Getting up and walking over to Kaeor, planting a single innocent kiss on his forehead as I’d bend down a little bit, I’d then break the contact for now and move a few meters in front of the table to the sink, near where I placed the dishes- Being so close, I’d still be able to talk to him- The joys of having a dining table in the kitchen didn’t stop having advantages. Turning the warm tap on, I’d wait for the sink itself to fill up with water before I could begin. Squeezing some washing soap in, froth would suddenly erupt from the once clear water that I’d summoned. It didn’t take too long, and once there was a good enough amount of water in there, I’d begin, not caring if I got food on my hands whilst doing it unlike some other girls who I knew- Proudly doing the dishes without rubber gloves, I didn’t really care to say the least. And it wasn’t’ as if getting prune-like hands was going to kill me- I had more important things to think about. Slowly turning my gaze over my shoulder and back towards Kaeor, I’d then, almost with a pause at the start of my words, begin to speak to him again.

”..I’m going to the doctors tomorrow to see what they can do about it.”
I’d tell him, my tone almost a little unsure, but I needed to tell him about these things, as it showed the last time when I had kept a few things out of his reach. Of course, as far as I was concerned, I was unaware of any treatments at the moment, and it having been a week since I was sent that horrible piece of paper, I’d stayed away from the hospital. Now it was time to go back, and see if there was anything that could be done. Usually I’d take things in my stride and take it fine, but the thought of leaving this earth at any given moment without saying my goodbyes was just.. a painful thought.

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[Kaeor]

If I had known my weariness was this recognizable, then I'd have retired to the bedroom much sooner. Areru easily called me out it all and I was in no mood to deny her. She was right anyways.

"Yeah, I think I'm gonna' lay down for a bit."

My feet pushed me away from the table as I scooted back. The dinner she provided for me had been delicious and I was sure this nap would do loads for my energy. Though I was slightly disheartened at the notion of leaving Areru alone, I knew that she didn't mind. I'd place myself in the midst of her company once I awakened anyways. My intentions to retreat were immobilized through her speech alone.

”..I’m going to the doctors tomorrow to see what they can do about it.”

The way her voice faltered made me feel almost as if a shroud of death draper her shoulders. It made my decision even more crucial and if I could hasten time then surely I would. Tomorrow was the day that I rendezvoused with Soratsu and he went into precise detail about how we were going to acquire the money. But my mind returned to the issue at hand with Areru waiting for some sort of response. I already knew of a surgery that was far expensive than any other. It was likely that she would receive the same information tomorrow.

"Alright."

The word was simple.

But the expression that revolved behind it was hopefully captured. A cheerful smile would relay my optimism and faith with her. I was far more than happy that she kept me updated with her individual progress. By choice, I wanted to take these strides with her. But the very next few would be taken without her knowing. I engraved the sight of her into my very mind and thought about the loneliness that would engulf her until I returned. But never would she know these thoughts I brought up as I merely wanted nothing but the best for us. So with the knowledge of this being my last day with her for an uncertain amount of time, my mouth would speak words to bring the thought of illusion to my fatigue.

"Hey Areru, will you lay with me?"

The measure of the words were curt and nude.

[Areru]

It seemed that my intuition had been correct- That he was tired, although I was sure that it was something that he could handle- Surely? Although I had never seen him this tired before I had faith in him not to end up falling asleep during his work or just spontaneously doing so- Myself? I was tired most of the time but I had come accustom to it- Of course you don’t really get used to it but since it was average for me it wasn’t all that suprising to the people that knew me- It was strange, almost different the way he was acting, but I couldn’t exactly place my finger on it. Choosing to let it be rather than perhaps wind him up, I’d nod my head once at what he had to say and keep cleaning the dishes, placing the items one by one on the draining board to make sure that they could dry correctly before placing them back on the shelves- Being Kaeor’s apartment it was like a second home to me, but I was still careful- The stuff here was practically mine, so I didn’t exactly want to be throwing plates around the place, don’t I?

A cheerful smile would relay my optimism and faith with her.

His response to what I had said wasn’t exactly the loudest of answers that I had heard nor was it the longest, but it was short and sweet. If he hadn’t given that warm smile I surely would have thought ill of what he had said, probably thought of it more blunt than anything, really. However as he reassured me with that rarely-seen smile of his (Of course, rarely seen to others, I had seen enough smiles from him by now to last an entire lifetime) I’d give him one back, and watch as he slowly slinked out of the kitchen, my hands continuing to wash the dishes that had been used today. From breakfast bowls to the plates that we had just used I washed them all, and being quite proficient with washing dishes I did it in quite a productive manner, but I wasn’t the fastest- It would take me a few more minutes surely before I could even think of finishing up. It wasn’t as if I had eaten a lot today, I just liked using new plates and cutlery for each meal.

My hands bathed in the now slightly grotty water that I was washing the dishes in- I wasn’t fond of the feeling, but someone had to do it, right? Looking around the place I’d remind myself to tidy the place up a bit before I’d go to sleep- I’d been here for at least a further week or so, so it was almost time to go back to my family, and being the lovely person that I was I didn’t like leaving things in a tip, so I’d probably clean the place for a while tomorrow whilst Kaeor was out working- Yeah, that was probably a good idea. Nodding my head slightly at this plan for tomorrow afternoon, I’d keep washing, the mound of plates and dishes that had once been in the sink now drying and more importantly shining from having been cleaned on the drying board. Taking the plug out of the sink I’d then let the water run down, as I’d grab a towel, gently patting my hands dry. In the middle of doing this, I’d hear a much too similar voice calling-

"Hey Areru, will you lay with me?"

Of course, I couldn’t not follow him- the patter of my feet moving across the tiles I’d then put the towel back and turn my gaze back towards his milky white eyes-”Of course.” Such ones I couldn’t exactly get tired of seeing, nor his silver hair which tumbled gracefully down the sides of his head- Long hair had always suited him- I could never really imagine him with hair any shorter- And if I was to be really selfish, I wouldn’t have asked for him any other way. Giving him a small smile I’d then nod again, a habit I’d developed over the past few months, as I’d soon lead the way in to the bedroom itself after finishing the dishes, unknown if he was going to pursue my form or not. As I was barefoot right now, having spent most of the day in the house, I’d then hop on my side and stretch my form out slightly, my head landing softly against the pillow- We weren’t rich- That was for sure, but everything here was nice. Closing my eyes for a few moments, I’d wait for his presence to grace the room, my long black hair overwhelming the white pillow beneath my head.

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[Kaeor]

There was an understanding between us that didn't require speech. It reflected the sync that exemplified the progress of our relationship from it's more humble beginnings. To my advantage, Areru didn't question my actions or thought. Of course it was better this way, even though I knew once the conclusion of our night rounded up there would be much left unexplained. It wasn't as if my actions were truly deceitful though. After all, she was my purpose for all that I had concocted.

Like a shadow I emulated her every step until I found myself tarring in the bedroom too. With ease she nestled herself onto her side of the bed, farthest away from the entry door. I had considered my side closer just out of pure male logic. If someone was to invade then I was a shield between her and the intruder, was I not?

"I'm gonna be leaving tomorrow on a hunt for another target. It'll require me to be away for a bit."

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I slicky lied, my forked tongue reeling back into my mouth in disappointment of myself. She was an immobile Aphrodite that suffered from wounds internal. But throughout the day I was only able to notice how peppy she was even though her body was gravely tired. There was so much in her that I quietly admired. If my taijutsu rivaled her inner strength, then I felt as if I could be unstoppable. After all, soon it would be the strength of her in memory that I would desire most.

Slowly I felt myself falling beside her but in a way that pushed the hope of slumber away momentarily. My eyes stared at the ceiling, my mind reeling over the time that I had with her now and the upcoming congregation with Sora. I then looked at her though she remained still with her head away from me before I stared back up at the ceiling again.

Even if I lost her in my absence, I'd purge her from all that haunted her whether if she desired it or not.

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[Areru]

As my hands soon rose to run through my inky black hair, I’d but watch as he too would soon move near, sitting parallel to myself as I stared back at his white eyes, as I’d soon come to channel in to what he was saying; He had been away for a few days- One or two in the past, but in the way that he explained this situation that he had found himself in, it sounded as if he’d be gone for longer- Which wasn’t really all that bad when you heard it for the first time but as the moments that passed slowly sunk in, the words A bit soon seemed to have a whole other meaning to it; Just how long was that? A few days? A week? A month? I was happy that he had chosen to tell me beforehand but then again- I trusted him to tell me beforehand, it wasn’t like him to go wandering off. Although he surely wouldn’t have liked to admit, but I had him on a pretty good leash- But now that his work got in the way I had to retract- And there wasn’t’ all that much I could do about it.

”..Oh.”

I weakly tried to hide the fact that I was dishearted by his sudden claim that he was going to leave tomorrow but it surely couldn’t be prevented. Understanding this fully I’d then turn on my side so that I’d face him, my hands in front of me, clasped together near my face as I’d just take in the features of his face, the spiked hair on his head like no other that I had seen in the past. ”Can you give me some kind of timeframe to what a bit is?” I’d ask- I was sure that even he wouldn’t be that sure since; Could you really put a time limit on how long you could be out trying to find someone? He could be out for days on end but as long as he was safe, I wouldn’t mind all that much- But being so far away from him at that time I surely wouldn’t be able to tell whether he would be or not, much to my distaste. I found myself to be blissfully making myself disregard the severity of his work- It was probably for the best, right?

Keeping my eyes fixed on him as he’d look at the ceiling, I was unsure of exactly not how I, but my family would take it- Depending on how long this bit of time would be, surely they would go onwards to judge it, probably saying that he had decided to leave me or something like that- But I ignored them and instead fixed both my idealization and trust in to the silver haired male that now lay next to me- I knew that he would come back alright, I knew it. ”You just make sure that you get back safe, alright? I don’t want you coming back to Kumo in several pieces..” I’d say, stating my concern in a way that wouldn’t seem all that serious, but it was in my nature to make things sound slightly entertaining when I was not under pressure but- Not stressed either, I was just the kind of person that joked around a lot, I guess? Yeah that was it. Nodding my head once as I continued to lay I’d then keep my head resting on the pillow, my eyes still directed towards him.

How long would he be?

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[Kaeor]

”..Oh.”

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The very first disgruntled words that stemmed from her mouth were ones that reflected on the distance that time would keep us apart. It was disheartening to myself to be the bearer of such grave news and lie to her. But somehow I had reasoned long ago that this was necessary in order to prevent her from knowing the truth. My basket of sins would probably reach the brim when all was complete. Once that was all said and done, I'd reveal to her the nature of these secrets that I kept hidden within for so long. I doubt she would want the tainted me, but as long as she received a cure I was completely fine with that outcome. Her following question was a request for me to try and figure out how long I'd be absent. I had never tried to place a time frame on this whole ordeal. To make matters worse, I didn't even know how long I wouldn't be around.

"Two to three weeks up to a month."

I exclaimed staring at the ceiling with a quiet confidence. It was easier to lie without looking at her directly. And by easier I meant hard as fuck. My sins were accumulating every second now as I had just given her a false time. It was my terrible attempt to try and calm her with something that she could actually hold onto while I was gone. It didn't make the uneasiness in the pit of my stomach go away though. The last bit she included made me turn my attention to her, the consequence of death something that I had pushed away though she had caused it to resurface. If I did die then all of this would be for nothing. And even more, her pain would be eternal. But in spite of everything said I would only smile with the next few words, hiding the grim seriousness of what she brewed.

"I'll make it back to you safely. I promise."

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And with that said I would finally give my attention from the ceiling to her.

Oh the rollercoaster going on in my chest wasn't pleasant.
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[Areru]

Perhaps it was because of the fact that he refused to look at me that I took it in perhaps the manner that he wasn’t hoping for me to, but I daren’t show him it- With my gaze now not lingering on him but also on the ceiling that he seemed to be so fixated on, I was unsure whether turning my head towards him would make me seem clingy or whatever else that he was currently thinking right now- Of course I knew that something was wrong, but what was it? Surely if Kaeor wanted to break up with me then he would have said it straight, as from what I knew he wasn’t exactly a person who enjoyed dancing around a point- Or maybe with me he liked to- But I didn’t know, and I’d never know seeing as he seemed to claim that he was going away for a bit, and by the time that he’d be back, I figured that it probably would have all blown over- Maybe. I wasn’t someone who could look in to the future, but I knew it would be alright between us.. Right?

His response to me was something that I didn’t really expect- I’d have thought that he’d only be away for about a week or two at the most, but a month? I would have usually taken it as usual if but a little unhappy that he was going away for such a long period of time, but there was something strange about the way that he was acting- He’d been fine around ten minutes ago but now that he brought up his leave he’d seem to change a little bit, unable to look at me, which was much different to the times in the past where he had told me the fact that he’d be away for a while. With my own gaze now descending back on his silvery hair I’d find my words stuttered at least a little bit; Or my mouth open, but I was unsure of what exactly to say. I’d usually joke about but there was something up. Disregarding this for the moment being however I’d keep my eyes plastered on him for any change of expression, although as he seemed to support my quite serious hope of him not arriving back bruised and bloodied from whatever work he’d be doing, I’d find my eyes meeting with his own.

It wasn’t awkward, no. But it was just hard to choose the words really- In the past these partings had been much more.. like clockwork as so to say. ”That’s an awful long amount of time- He must be pretty strong then, huh?” I’d ask with my tone as it always was; Somewhat.. jokey but at the same time quite serious- He had been out for much less time than this before, so surely if he was going after someone for that amount of time then there was a very large chance that the person they were attempting to kill in question were of very high power and ability- Which of course placed Kaeor himself at risk. I was aware that the profession he had usually placed him in the path of danger but I was unsure of what to make with this. ”Really now- Just make sure you get back.” I’d say- By get back I knew that he understood what I truly meant- He had said he’d return- But I wanted to make sure that he did.

”..I’ll be waiting for you.”

If said in a different way then surely I’d have sounded like some deranged stalker but in this case my tone was if but a little softer than usual, and my sincerity was unconditional. I’d be right here waiting for him by the time that he came back- I’d just have to get a hobby or something like that or pack in some more training or even get a job to take up the hours that I wouldn’t be spending with him. One thing was for sure; the next few weeks would go horribly slow without him. And although I was ready to accept that, I wasn’t ready to accept the idea that he might not be returning from this mission.

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