By Your Side - Aki

Her dad had taken the news better than she expected. Sure, he had some minor freak outs but over all, he had taken it well.

Even better, Ryo hadn’t left her side at all. Not until her dad had left and he went to call Mukai, to book in a meeting about what to do about the Rika situation.

And that gave her a good opportunity to make her own call.

“How are you doing?” Kumi’s voice was louder than the, lingering, fever liked. “Are they taking care of you?”

“Do you mind the softer voice, Kumi? I feel a lot better but I still have a mild fever and a headache.” Aki rubbed her templates. Headaches weren’t new, but that didn’t make them pleasant.

“I’m sorry.” That was better. “How did your dad react to Ryo? I didn’t have time to warn him.”

“They actually seemed to get along great. At least by the time I woke up.” She chuckled at the idea. Her ex had met her dad no more than five times, and they did not get along. But Ryo and him had acted really close, for some reason. “Speaking of dad. I told him. He’ll help but I’m still not sure how.”

“I told you he’d help!” She could almost hear Kumi putting a hand over her mouth. “Sorry.”

“I’ll also have to bother you a bit.” Aki’s body tensed up at the thought of why she had called. “We talked about it and we think it might be a good idea to get everyone on the same page.”

Kumi was quiet for a little while. “With everyone, you mean Hi—Mukai too, don’t you?” She sighed. “I’m okay, Aki. I can handle seeing him.” Kumi did not seem okay, and Aki hated that. “I’ll come by tomorrow and he can just show up whenever he want.”

“Kumi,” Aki started. “You don’t have to.”

“Thank you, Aki. I know you don’t want me to get hurt, but I do in fact need to be there. I can’t let you lose the guy now when he met your dad and everything.” She let out a small chuckle. “I love you. Now get that fever away before I come over tomorrow.”

Aki slumped back down on the pillow, on the couch. Ryo’s pillow. After having him so close all day, going into her own room felt lonely. She knew they would have to talk about it eventually, but she hoped it wouldn’t be now.

“How did it go?” Speaking of the devil. He looked out from his room. “Is the fever getting worse again? You should get some more sleep.” He was already by her side again.

“I feel like I’ve already slept way too much. Besides, it feels weird now.” She curled up her legs against her stomach. Maybe it actually was better to talk about it now. To get it over with.

“What feels weird? Do you want me to take you to the hospital?” His hand was soft against her forehead.

“No, I mean…” Maybe it was a bad idea. “I would feel lonely.”

“Oh.” He chuckled. “You know, I did mean it when I said that I’ll stay by your side for as long as you want me to.” He scratched that spot at the back of his neck again.

“But you just met me?” She wanted to trust his words, but unlike her, he barely knew her. She, on the other hand, had seen his dreams for years.

“To be fair, I’ve met you countless times during travel.” He laughed and pulled her closer to him. “And sure, we never spoke during those times, and I can’t see the future. But you make me feel things I can’t really explain. I have never felt less lonely than when I am with you.” He stroke her hair and turned her face towards him. “Aki, if you’d let me, I’ll be by your side until the world ends.”

“Did he really mean that? Heat rose to her face. “Will you mind me holding your hand and curling up against you? Even without… you know?”

She had loved her ex—at the time—but he had never been comfortable with those innocent intimacies. Sex, yes, but never in other ways. Especially not in public. According to him, holding hands was for kids and losers.

“Actually, I might sometimes.” Ryo formed a smug smile. “Sometimes I might want to be the one doing the curling up against you. Or be the little spoon.” He lightly kissed her forehead. “But now I also want to punch the people who made you think there’s even a small possibility that I would mind such things.”

“You mean the lost hero can be clingy?” she teased. He didn’t like that title very much, he had made that clear.

“Okay. I might hold back cuddles if you call me that.” He pouted, but still gripped her tighter. “Are you sure you want to put up with me?”

What was he talking about? She pulled away a little, just enough to look him in the eyes. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

His smile was pained. “Because I’ve already caused you so much trouble and pain with my nightmares. And I can be kind of a mess.”

She couldn’t help but smile at him. “I’ve seen the nightmares. You have every reason to be a mess.” She kissed the tip of his nose. Anything more serious still seemed to scary. “Besides, who says you’re the only one being a mess? I think we’ll get even.”

He laughed. It was amazing how much his smile warmed her from the inside.

It still felt unreal. He wanted her. She didn’t have to hold back the feelings that had started to form since they met. She didn’t have to hide the way his presence affected her.

Could it really be true? Did he really want to be with her? Would he really stay by her side until the world ends?