Gentlemen Finish First

The sun had finally started to rise again as the orange light pierced through the deep blue sea and dark blue sky.

It's a brand new day and we're on the road again.

Perci and I were having a peaceful walk together as we held hands without a damn care in the world.

Every zombie that stood in our way, we were easily able to crush.

The empty lifeless streets of the city had become a perfect place for the two of us to be alone.

"This thing is a little uncomfortable…."

I said this while holding a muzzle in my mouth.

"I'm sure you'll get used to it."

"I'm surprised we were even able to find something like this!"

"Pfft." Perci covered his mouth.

"You think I look funny, don't you?"

"I think it looks cute…"

"Seriously…Why are you like this?" I blushed.

We continued to walk around silently, when a random thought suddenly popped out of my head.

"Perci….there's something I'd like to ask you."

"Ori….what is it?"

"Are we actually officially dating?"

"I guess so? Are there supposed to be some procedures or standards before engaging in a relationship?"

"Well, we've only confessed to each other….We don't even have a proper label yet!"

"But, when I said that I wanted to be your knight in shining armor, wasn't that enough?" Perci held his chin.

"Hmm, you have a point. I guess that counts. So we can say that we're girlfriend and boyfriend?"

"Yeah, I don't think it's supposed to be any more complicated…."

"I might just be overthinking it…"

I hugged Perci and nudged my face on him.

"Ah….my apocalypse boyfriend. You're the best one out of all of them!"

"But we haven't even spent a week in this relationship…"

"Come on…I already know you're the best! Can you think of someone from my exes who's better?"

"Nope."

"You know, I really thought I would never have a boyfriend ever again. Since I used to hate men so much."

"Well, life isn't constant. Humans change. You can't expect them to have the same thoughts and feelings forever."

"So it's possible that your perspective of me will change then? Does that mean you could stop loving me at any point in time?"

I looked into his eyes.

"As a gentleman, I would never give up on true love. Even if I lose my passion for you, even if I lose my intimacy with you, I will always stay committed to my duty, which is to be with you forever."

"What are you going to do when you meet prettier girls than me?"

"That's simple. I'll help them out if they need help. It's the gentleman's code."

"Hmm…I feel a little skeptical…"

"Ori. It's not just pretty women anyway. I'll help out anyone who needs it. Doesn't matter if they're ugly or pretty. Whether they're a girl, boy or whatever gender they could be, if they need saving, then I'll always be happy to help."

"T-That's a good answer. I can't argue with that. You really are the coolest guy ever!"

I hugged him even tighter.

"Ori…that really hurts…"

I forgot that I was way stronger than I used to be.

"Ah..sorry!"

I'm such a lucky girl…..

"Perci, I have a request for you."

"Anything for you, Ori."

I placed my fingers together before I could tell him.

"Well, you see…Um…could you-"

"WOOOOHOOOO!"

The sound of bikers could be heard along with the obnoxious laughters of men.

Way to ruin a moment.

Why the hell is Ryder and his gang here?

The bikers surrounded us in a circle.

"Well, well, well. If it isn't Ferdie and Ori!" Ryder said.

"It's Perci. The fact that you can't get it right shows how inconsiderate you can be," Perci said.

"How the hell are you still alive?! And how did you get new bikes?" I said.

"Because we're gangsters, that's why," Ryder smiled.

The bikers cheered and revved up their engines.

I can't believe these idiots are still alive…

"So, what are you going to do now? There's no chance for you to escape!" Ryder said. "It's game over for real now! No one's going to save you!"

"Are you sure about that?" Perci said.

"Heh? You really think you can take on all of us, Perci? Don't lie to yourself!"

The bikers laughed and pointed at Perci.

"Well, I don't know about me, but I think she can," he pointed at me.

I walked towards Ryder while closing my fists.

"Ha? Ori? She's going to fight instead? Don't be ridiculous, hahahaha!"

"Don't underestimate me, you idiot."

"Yeah right, shut up b–Wait! W-What happened to your eyes!"

"Can you guys just…..FUCK OFF???!!!!!"

I punched Ryder right in the face, causing him to fly a good distance away.

"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! MOMMMMY!"

I dusted my hands off and looked at the bikers.

They were all looking at me in fear.

"Who else is going to fight me?" I asked.

None of them answered…..

"Well, can you please leave? You're ruining my moment with Perci. It's pissing me off."

I gave them a devilish smile.

"Unless you all want to die."

"EEEEEEEEK! We're sorry!"

The bikers fled the scene and picked up Ryder along the way..

"They're finally gone…" I sighed.

"Oh cool, free bike," Perci said.

He rode on top of Ryder's motorcycle and tapped the back of the seat.

"I'll call this one, Gringolet," Perci smiled.

I stared into Perci's face as he inspected the bike.

Ah….he's so handsome….I guess this is the appeal of a biker boy…

"What are you waiting for, Ori? Come on over."

I happily skipped towards him and hopped on the motorcycle.

Perci stepped on the gas and we rode away.

Ah…I feel like a princess riding on a horse with her prince charming….

"Ori. Wasn't there something you wanted to tell me?"

"O-Oh, yeah. Right."

I cleared my throat.

"Ehem. Can you call me milady, just this once?"

"Huh? I thought you don't like being called that.."

"I wouldn't mind it right now…"

"All right, milady."

I used to be so irritated when he called me that, but now it sounds like music to my ears….

"I love you….Oriane," Perci smiled at me.

I looked away flustering.

"Using my full first name like that…you're such a tease….Percival."

We had finally made it to the bridge leaving Rokaibo Island.

I looked back, knowing that this may very well be the last time I see my hometown.

"I'll miss home," Perci said.

"Well, your house was burnt down, so there isn't really anything to miss," I said.

"Heh. You have a point. But I'll always remember the memories I've had here."

"I'll miss my mom…."

"Well, we have no choice but to move on. There's still plenty of things to do out there."

"Yes, we have a really long way to go, don't we?"

"I think it's going to be a wonderful journey."

"It's time to go see the world together."

This is only the beginning of a new adventure.

An adventure of a lifetime.