The night was dark, somber, and quiet. It was a cold winter’s night—the weather calm and tranquil. The hour had passed midnight long ago, as Yusaku lay in bed fast asleep. Inside of his bedroom he was wrapped up in a burrito of blankets, hugging himself close for warmth and comfort. Beside him lay a familiar figure, his hair scrunched up as he lay next to his companion as he slept. Though he need not sleep himself, he rested his eyes next to his partner, enjoying the still presence of his company.
It was a picture of harmony, and maybe even a little bit romantic.
As the quiet night continued on, the two slept soundly next to each other—the only sound to be heard their still breaths. Their still breaths that made a light echo in the room as the night continued on with no qualms or worries.
At least, until Yusaku made a sudden movement.
He began to toss and turn in his position a little bit, furrowing his brow as he did so. Not long after, small whimpers began to replace his steady breathing, which awoke the one sleeping next to him.
“Mmm… Yusaku?” Ai mumbled, rubbing his eyes as any would surely do had they been awoken by a sudden sound.
Yusaku gave no response however, only continuing to toss and turn and groan in his sleep.
This, of course, worried Ai a little bit. He had known Yusaku to have nightmares sometimes as long as they had known each other. Though the horrors had calmed down a little since the beginning of their partnership, they do still happen from time to time. The last time Yusaku had a nightmare though, Ai made the mistake of trying to wake him, which didn’t end well.
He awoke in a panic, sweating profusely and shaking like a child with a fever. It took quite some time to calm him down after that affair, so… needless to say, Ai wasn’t about to do that again.
However, this does make it the first time Ai has seen him like this since he had gained a human-like body of his own—the SOLtiS. The first night since their unexpected reunion…
What should I do? Ai wonders, quietly bringing himself to sit up next to his companion. He didn’t want to wake him in case something bad may happen once more.. but he couldn’t very well just let him continue to be in such pain all by himself either.
“Yusaku.” Ai begins to say. He very hesitantly, but gently, lays one of his hands on Yusaku’s side, bringing himself closer. He squeezes the area he’s holding, frowning.
“I’m right here when you wake up,” He whispers reassuringly, his head spinning with thoughts of what Yusaku could possibly be having nightmares of.
Though he never talked about them with Ai personally, it wasn’t hard to guess what those nightmares consisted of—those turbulent times of his very own creation and the beginning of Yusaku’s suffering.
How many nightmares did you have while I was gone, I wonder…?
Furrowing his brows once more, Yusaku let out a gasp as his eyes finally flickered open.
Slowly stumbling up from his sleeping position, Yusaku looks at Ai with a sheepish expression.
“Ai?” His eyes are misty as he rubs away the dampness from them.
Ai has a look of relief splash across his whole face. He’s not completely panicked this time… Thank god .
“Yusaku!” Ai exclaims, wrapping his arms around him for just a brief moment. “Are you alright?” He asks, lightly gripping Yusaku’s shoulders with his hands.
“I’m fine,” Yusaku answers, lightly squeezing one of Ai’s hands. “You don’t need to worry about me. This is normal.” He reassures his partner.
Ai frowns. “Just because it’s normal doesn’t mean I’m not going to worry! You looked like you were in so much pain…” He trails off, his eyes averting Yusaku’s gaze and his hands lessening their grip on his shoulders.
Yusaku hesitates, fumbling with what words he can piece together. He tries to be as gentle as he can be, but it’s still a work in progress.
“You’re right.” He starts. What would help to ease Ai's worries though…? Maybe if Ai knew more about what his nightmare was about he would worry less.
“Do you… want to know?” Yusaku asks hesitantly.
“Hm?” Ai questions. “You mean, your nightmare…?”
“Yes.” Yusaku answers, his face sincere and serious. “Would knowing what it was about help you to feel more at ease?”
Ai ponders the thought. Would knowing his nightmares truly help? Would knowing the intricate dealings of such trauma help Ai to feel more at ease? To worry about his partner any less? Or would knowing such harrowing details make him worry even more? And would talking about it even be good for Yusaku? Would reliving such traumatic events truly be okay for him? Though Yusaku feigned differently, Ai did sometimes worry he put others' desires before his own.
No, Ai didn't need to know the contents of Yusaku's nightmares to feel 'better'. He only needed to know what he could do to help him.
“No, I don’t need to know Yusaku,” Ai says, Yusaku’s eyes slightly widening at the response. “I would only worry more, I think. But Yusaku…” Ai begins, his eyes intent on his focus on Yusaku's beautiful emerald eyes. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
“What do you mean?” Yusaku asks, bewildered. “You can’t control dreams, can you?”
“Yusaku…” Ai attempts not to laugh. “I mean is there any way I can comfort you?”
Yusaku slowly nods after a time of brief quiet. Ai wants to help… of course he does. He has a habit of caring more than he lets on, but… Yusaku ponders to himself. Maybe I can ask for some…. comfort.
Though he admitted to not needing—or even wanting—to know, Yusaku was relieved nonetheless that he didn't have to share with his partner the contents of his nightmare. He really didn't want to relive any kind of reality where he was unable to save Ai. He'd had so many nightmares about it—about not being able to save him; not being able to find him—and the thought drove Yusaku mad. He simply could not imagine his life without Ai any longer. He meant too much to him to ever lose that bond ever again.
Honestly all Yusaku wanted was for Ai to never disappear again. No more theatrics. I don’t want to feel like I’ll lose you ever again, Ai.
“Ai,” Yusaku says, his face even more stern than before. “Could you… hold me?” He asks awkwardly, warmth spreading to his cheeks.
Ai smiled softly, briefly bringing a hand to squeeze one of Yusaku’s now rosy cheeks. “Well, that’s easy,” he teased. “I can hold you whenever you want Yusaku-chan.”
Yusaku scoffs, swatting away Ai’s hand. “Hey, don’t do that.”
Ai chuckles. “Sorry. I ruined the moment.” He clears his throat, trying to bring the seriousness of the situation back. “Thank you for letting me help you, Yusaku.”
Ai then begins to slowly wrap his arms around Yusaku’s chest from the back, clinging as close to him as possible. He lays his chin on his shoulder, breathing in the scent of his skin as he brings his body as close to his as possible.
Yusaku sighs, the flush in his cheeks still apparent. He places a hand on one of Ai’s hands that is gripping his chest so tightly and squeezes. “Just promise me you won’t ever leave like that again.”
“I promise.” Ai hums, placing a kiss on the back of Yusaku’s neck.
Yusaku smiles gently, closing his eyes as he focuses on Ai's soft touch. The thought he begins to have is so embarrassing but he wants to be honest with himself and with Ai—his trusted partner.
“Can we… sleep like this?” Yusaku asks, his cheeks becoming even more warm and tender.
Ai giggles, kissing the small of Yusaku's neck. Yusaku is so cute when he is so honest, and seeing him right now allow himself to be so vulnerable made Ai's stomach flutter. “Of course! Let's get back to sleep, partner.”
With that, Ai shuffled back slightly, briefly letting go of Yusaku and flopping down. He opens his arms just in time for Yusaku to squirm his way awkwardly into them, nuzzling into his chest.
“I love you, Ai,” Yusaku breathes into his skin. He hadn't felt this relaxed in god knows how long. Ai was such a wonderful comfort. “Thank you.”
Ai couldn't stop himself from grinning silly. He lifts Yusaku's face by the chin and brings him closer to his face. “I love you too,” he echoes, leaning in closer to give Yusaku yet another firm kiss—but this time on the lips.
“Mmm,” Yusaku sighs, leaning into the kiss even further as he closes his eyes, swiftly drifting off to slumber with ease.
Ai squeezes his partner even tighter, his face now nestled into the top of Yusaku's hair. “I'll always be here for you.”
“I -
my body -
was not meant for her love.”
A voice echoes through a computer screen at high volume, while the static buzzing of a monitor bounces around a small, barely lit room.
Ai sits with a slouched back in complete silence—his eyes completely fixated on the computer screen; his feet dangling loosely under a squeaky chair.
He continues reading, a quiet click echoing through the room every time he presses down on the mouse to keep going forward. He takes a moment to scratch the back of his neck which is covered by his freshly moisturised hair that's been tied into a loose ponytail.
Normally Roboppi is home and keeping the boy company (and similarly up to no good!) Today though, he was helping Kusanagi with cleaning up the café while Yusaku was in school, leaving Ai all by himself in Yusaku's apartment.
“For the first time in my life, I liked my name.”
Ai shifts in his seat, his chair letting out a resounding squeak. He couldn't stop himself from reading every single line that came through the monitor. His eyes scarcely blinked—though that wasn't something he really needed to do anyway.
“You’re not a boy.”
“You’re an abomination.”
Ai sighs heavily, removing himself from his chair—its squeaks spreading through the room. He quickly walks over to the nearby bed, flopping down on its navy blue covers with a loud thud . His hair scrunches up beneath him, small tufts sticking out in random places.
Would people think that about me, I wonder? An abomination... Ai begins to think as he shifts his body to lay on his side.
My body isn't normal either.
Before he continues down that line of thinking, Ai hastily shakes his head.
He can't think about this!
“No!” he exclaims loudly. “I'm not going to think about this!”
Maybe I should… take a rest.
Shifting a little bit, it doesn't take Ai very long to move into a more comfortable position to ready himself for rest. He was already comfortably laying down in bed so all he had to do was rest his eyes really. Easy! Now he just has to banish the dark thoughts plaguing his dark little mind so he can begin to rest.
Thankfully, he is able to fall into rest within minutes, doing what he can to banish the thoughts away with his feelings for Yusaku. Think gay thoughts! Not stupid ones!
Don't think about how your body is closer to a demon than that of a human.
“Ai! I'm home.”
Yusaku announces as he opens the door to his apartment, stumbling in and setting his school bag on the floor. He walks inside, ready to begin investigating what his partner has been up to in his absence.
“You wanted to come with me to pick up Roboppi, didn't you?”
Much different than a usual day, the apartment remains still and quiet the more and more Yusaku walks. Normally Ai would have heard his footsteps and been ready to greet him—in his own, roundabout way—but Yusaku heard absolutely nothing.
“Ai?” Yusaku questions loudly, calling out to him.
He rounds the corner of the hallway and finally sees his partner, who is passed out on their mattress.
He sighs in relief, walking over slowly so as to not wake him too suddenly.
“Ai,” Yusaku says his name once more, hoping it probes him awake.
It, however, does not, and Yusaku only notices upon finally reaching the bed that his companion is shaking. His lips are quivering as he shivers in his position—hugging his sides in some kind of attempt to keep warm.
Why was he so cold? It wasn't a particularly cold March day today—if anything it was milder than usual. Did he somehow manage to make himself cold? But from what? Cold water? He isn't using a blanket but—
Before Yusaku can finish his line of thinking, Ai lets out a loud gasp, suddenly rising from the bed into a sitting position. His breathing is erratic as he gasps once more, holding the sides of his body much like he did while he was resting.
He doesn't even notice Yusaku standing next to him.
“Ai!” Yusaku starts, rushing to Ai's side upon seeing his startled composition. “What's wrong? Are you hurt?”
It takes Ai a few moments to fully take in Yusaku's presence, but when he does he manages to quiet his breathing for a moment.
“Yusaku…” Ai trails off, his hands moving from his sides to rest on his thighs. He bites his lower lip. “I'm fine! It's just… uh….” he sputters, his eyes avoiding Yusaku.
“I think… I just had a nightmare,” he confesses.
“A nightmare?” Yusaku questions. “I thought A.I. weren't capable of dreaming.”
Ai continues to keep his gaze on the blankets beneath him. “I thought so too, but… I don't think I can explain what else I just experienced.” He clumsily adjusts part of his bangs that had shuffled up on his forehead, but they continue to obscure his eyes.
Yusaku sits down next to him in bed, gently brushing his bangs off of his face. “Did something happen? What are you so afraid of?”
“I…” Ai begins, trying to formulate his thoughts correctly.
“The last thing I remember is playing a game and was—I started thinking some stupid things so I decided to get some rest.” Ai explains. his gaze still unmoving.
“What kind of things? Are you alright?” Yusaku questions, placing one of his hands gently into one of Ai's.
“I…” Ai fidgets, trying to find the right words to answer Yusaku's questions. “I don't know if I'm alright.” Ai whispers, nervously squeezing Yusaku's hand that is holding his own.
Yusaku returns with a gentle squeeze of his own. “You can talk to me about anything, Ai.”
Ai knew he could always rely on Yusaku to be there for him—their mutual worries often overlapping in vulnerable moments like this. The worries Ai had tried to expel—the ones that caused him to take a rest in the first place—had only caused him further distress. How could he begin to explain these nagging feelings to his beloved Yusaku?
“Yusaku, I need to ask you something.” Ai states, his hands slightly shaking.
“You can ask me anything, Ai. What is it?” Yusaku says reassuringly. What could it be that has Ai so shaken up?
“Is my body… normal?” Ai asks, his voice cracking.
The question takes Yusaku aback a bit, but he is determined to answer to the best of his ability. He wasn't always the best with his words, but he wanted to calm Ai down as much as he possibly could. Ai seems to really need that reassurance right now.
“Ai is Ai,” is what Yusaku decides to start with. A simple statement he'd said not too long ago to his beloved partner.
“What I mean is… your body is normal because it is yours.”
A brief pause wracks Yusaku's brain as he tries to come up with the words for what exactly he is feeling.
“So… yes, your body is normal. But even if it wasn't—”
“No! I have to be normal.” Ai interrupts, squeezing Yusaku's hand a bit too tight in desperation. “I have to have a body that is capable of loving you, Yusaku!” He pleads, locking eyes with his partner in fierce disposition.
“What are you talking about…?” Yusaku asks, confused. “It doesn't matter if your body is normal or not, I will continue to love you regardless of anything.”
“But,” Ai pleads desperately, but finds himself interrupted this time.
“Stop thinking like this! What's gotten into you?” Yusaku asks, a quiet rage building in his voice.
Ai only chuckles nervously, twirling small tufts of his hair. “Sorry Yusaku. I just…” He trails off, his gaze dropping to the wooden floor as he wraps a small strand of his hair around his index finger.
“I want to love you in every single way possible. I can't do that if my body isn't normal, can I?” Ai squeaks, his eyes glossing over.
“Ai…” Yusaku responds, his eyes widening and his heart pounding. He sighs, trying to gather his thoughts in a way that will be gentle enough on his partner.
“Even if there are ways that make our love different—even if there are things we can't do together, I promise you we will create new ways to love each other instead.”
Yusaku knows Ai will try to interject his reply, so he continues on before Ai can get a word in.
“Your body is more than capable of loving me. You already do so in so many different ways,” Yusaku states, cupping Ai's cheek in one of his hands.
“Ai,” Yusaku continues. “You gave me the utmost of comfort last night. Is that not enough?
“Yusaku…” Ai begins to sniffle, his nose running.
“Did I really do that much for you?” He asks, his golden eyes growing more and more misty.
Yusaku smiles, lightly brushing away some of Ai's trickling tears. “Of course you did. I've… never had the kind of comfort you've given me, Ai.”
Ai smiles, bringing one of his hands to dry his eyes. He laughs awkwardly as his cheeks heat up. “I'm so glad I can give you comfort Yusaku… but,” Ai stops, holding the hand Yusaku still has pressed to his cheek.
He looks down, dejected. “What if—”
Yusaku interrupts him once again. “Ai, stop. Be quiet.”
Ai droops his shoulders, holding onto Yusaku's hand even tighter. “Sorry. I'm just—” Ai sighs, still looking dejected. “I'm just so scared of losing you again. I lived it thousands of times… no, millions upon billions of times!” He begs, his eyes beginning to moisten once again. Those simulations weren't just data to Ai—they were reality. And while Yusaku had pledged never to let those awful situations come to light… Ai couldn't handle it. He couldn't handle all of the memories of seeing Yusaku die because of him. They never stopped plaguing him, and Ai never stopped seeing Yusaku’s lifeless body every single day in his memories.
Yusaku attempts to wipe away Ai's tears with his own shaking fingers.
“Ai…” Yusaku trails off, his own eyes beginning to well with tears. He leans down to give Ai a heartfelt kiss on the lips, his hand caressing Ai's cheek while wrapping him in a tight hug.
“I'm never going to leave you. I promise,” Yusaku says upon releasing his partner from their embrace, drying his eyes.
“I won't let any of those simulations come to pass!” He yells, sniffling.
The absence of Yusaku's touch leaves Ai with a yearning he can't contain. He reaches out for him, embracing Yusaku in a hug so tight that he can feel his warm, erratic breath against his neck. It makes him blush.
Ai tries to muffle out some kind of reply but he can't bring himself to say anything. All he can think about is that horrid reality where Yusaku doesn't love him like this. A reality where Yusaku thinks his body is disgusting and in no way suitable for love. In a time where Ai isn't seen as someone with real emotions and real feelings—but only a disgusting monster that shouldn't exist. A demon that should be incapable of feeling love. In a world where his existence only brings ruin to the one he cherishes more than anything else… where he is just an A.I. abomination that should be eradicated.
He squeezes Yusaku tighter, both of his hands grasping him so tightly, as if at any moment Yusaku would disappear.
Yusaku feels a bit shocked by the rush of affection—surprised at just how tightly he's being held onto. Though he somehow managed to stop himself from getting too emotional, he could feel Ai's own emotions spilling out from his touch. Yusaku closes his eyes, resting his chin in the crook of Ai's neck, and breathes heavily. The comforting touch of his partner feels just as soothing as the night before… He places his hands on Ai's chest, feeling him slowly breathe in and out. He can feel him shaking, and so brushes his lips against the side of Ai’s neck.
Ai is taken aback slightly, but hums happily at the love he is being shown. He brings Yusaku down on top of him, still grasping him so tightly as he tenderly kisses his forehead.
He still can't really string words together, but there are some feelings he'll always have the right words for.
“I love you, Yusaku.”
No one else in the world has ever been able to quiet Ai quite like his beloved Yusaku. All of his worries seem like pale imitations of his anguish with Yusaku at his side, protecting him and loving him. Loving him in a way no one else ever has or ever will—their love, their connection—it is beyond special to Ai. He can't make sense of it, and he prefers it that way. An unspeakable love that changed the course of both of their lives so drastically.
Yusaku smiles, closing his eyes as he feels his body connecting with Ai's so intimately.
“I love you too, Ai,” he repeats, feeling Ai's warm breath steady.
The two lay together in tandem; so closely together that Yusaku had completely forgotten—
“Wait! Roboppi! I need to pick up Roboppi!”
The hour was late—approaching midnight—and the night sky was lit by a sea of stars. A cool breeze blew throughout the town, enough to send chills down the spines of any caught outside during its course. The moon itself shone down on Den City with a stunning brilliance, its light shimmering down carelessly into the open windows of many homes.
Many homes, and many businesses—including Café Nagi.
“Where could Yusaku be…?” Kusanagi questions aloud, pacing back and forth with his arms crossed and his brow furrowed.
“It’s not like him to just forget… Did something happen?”
As if to answer his question, a loud series of knocks and bangs are heard from the rear of the vehicle. The little boy who had been cowering in the corner suddenly perks up, rushing to open the hatch.
Upon lifting said hatch, the boy is greeted by two familiar faces.
“ Aniki! Master…!” The boy greets them, his tiny fists hurtling towards their targets. How dare you leave me here for so long…!
“Ah! Roboppi!” Ai exclaims, blocking the incoming fists with the palms of his hands. “Oi, stop with the violence!” He whines, continuing to approach the boy. “We didn’t mean to be so late…”
Yusaku approaches the boy as well, similarly defending himself. “I’m sorry for being so late, Roboppi… Can you forgive me?” He asks, sincerity obvious in his voice.
Roboppi stops momentarily to let out a huff huff , placing his hands firmly on his hips.
“Maybe, since you’re so apologetic… but you have to promise to make it up to me!” He huffs once more. “Pinky promise!” He pouts, raising one of his pinky fingers in the air.
Ai and Yusaku both sigh. Yusaku leans down to Roboppi’s level and raises his pinky finger as well. He interlocks his with Roboppi’s to solemnly swear he will make his absence up to the boy.
Kusanagi hands Ai Roboppi’s puffy jacket as Yusaku continues to sue for peace. “What can I do to make it up to you? Maybe we can go get some ice cream or—”
“No!!” Roboppi exclaims. “I wanna go to the amusement park…!” He demands, standing on his tippy toes. “All day!”
Yusaku smiles, squeezing their pinky fingers together even tighter. “Well, I have a day off of school in a couple of days, we can go then if you like.”
“Yay!” Roboppi jumps in exhilaration. “That’s a promise!” He states, his face and tone deftly serious.
Yusaku nods while releasing his grip on Roboppi’s finger as Ai slips his jacket on. He does the zipper up with a quick zip! and holds out his hand.
“We promise,” Ai swears as Roboppi takes a hold of his hand and squeezes it excitedly.
“Yay…! A whole day at the amusement park!”
Bzzt. Bzzt.
The sun shines in from the nearby window, its bright and shining rays now resting on the bottom of Yusaku’s bed—just below his feet.
Yusaku groans, rolling over to check to see what his phone was vibrating so much for.
Oh! It was a text from Takeru!
hey sorry this is so early and so sudden! but im going to be in town for the day :) are you free? im on my way to your house right now
Despite his sleep being interrupted so suddenly, Yusaku couldn’t stop himself from smiling. It had been so long since he had been able to see Takeru and it was just like him to basically invite himself over.
Ai and I are taking Roboppi to the amusement park today. Would you like to join us?
Click! And the message was sent. It didn’t take long for a reply to come through.
id love to! ill be there in like an hour
Yusaku smiles once again and lays back down in bed. He shuffles closer to his sleeping partner who is oh so cozy in their shared bed.
“ Takeru is coming in an hour.” He sighs. I’m so sleepy though…
Ai makes nary a peep as he feels Yusaku’s body wrap around his so carelessly, and smiles. Warmth rushes to his cold cheeks as he snuggles up even closer to his partner, kissing his nose. Yusaku sniffles at the touch, but remains still nonetheless. He falls asleep so easily.
Ai grins real big as he nuzzles Yusaku from his comfortable position in bed, and falls into a peaceful rest.
Knock. Kn ock. K nock.
Yusaku is startled awake by the sudden tap tap tapping at his door. He rubs his eyes that are full of sleeping dust, and rises from bed. He groans, stretching his arms high above his head. When he lets them down, he sighs, staring at his sleeping partner. He must have some kind of noise cancelling software not to hear this knocking…
The knocking continues, getting louder and louder until a voice is heard from behind the door.
“Yusaku! It’s me!” Takeru’s whines, his sullen voice floating into the empty apartment.
Yusaku chuckles, a small smile appearing on his sleepy face. He notices Ai fidgeting and moaning groggily as he sits up, parts of his hair sticking up from his ponytail. Yusaku nods to Ai before he marches forth to the entrance of his apartment to open the door for his beloved friend.
He opens the door, and upon seeing his friend, a warm, gentle smile forms on his lips.
“I’m sorry Takeru.” He apologizes. “Ai and I fell asleep…”
Takeru sighs, hands on his hips. “Well, are we going to the amusement park or taking a nap!?” He teases, his smile playful.
Yusaku laughs shyly, rubbing the back of his head. “It’s… really good to see you Takeru.” He says sheepishly.
Takeru flashes Yusaku a big teeth-y smile. “It’s good to see you too! Sorry for just showing up so unexpectedly…” He trails off, fingers twirling a small tuft of his fluffy hair.
Footsteps can be heard approaching from behind Yusaku as Ai walks steadily towards the two friends. He lazily wraps his arms around Yusaku’s waist and rests his head on his shoulder.
“Ai!” Takeru exclaims, seeing him approach slowly from behind.
Ai smiles big, flashing Takeru a peace sign before wrapping his arms back around his groggy partner.
“Yo!” He says donned in his staple ensemble, cape swaying.
“Shall we?” Ai asks, eyeing both parties.
“Shouldn’t you do something about your hair?” Yusaku questions, eyebrows raised.
“Ehhhhh?” Ai responds defensively. “Says the guy with even messier hair!”
Yusaku gasps in offense before he hastily tries to fix his bedhead—after wiggling free of Ai’s grasp at least. Ai chuckles, grabbing a brush out of his pocket and uses it to fix his hair after taking it out of its ponytail. He fixes Yusaku’s too but very begrudgingly because Yusaku was so mean about it!
Takeru giggles, his glasses sliding down his face. He pushes them up and glances at Ai. “Let’s go already! I can’t wait to see Roboppi too!”
Ai grins. “We’re picking him up from Café Nagi, so be sure to have your Kusanagi greetings ready!”
The greetings at Café Nagi were nothing short of emotional with Kusanagi expressing how much he missed Takeru, as well as relaying to him how much Yusaku missed him too. He was always talking about how much he missed Takeru on his work days, and who could blame him? The two were inseparable for quite some time after all.
Though he was embarrassed by his friends tattling, Yusaku was happy to know how much he was missed by his friend. Ai tried to get in on the fun but was interrupted at every opportunity. Phooey.
After a good enough visit, the three made their way to the amusement park with Roboppi, who was gleefully jumping up and down during the entire walk to the park.
After getting their tickets, they all followed Roboppi into the park and towards one of the first roller coasters in the area.
“Roller coaster!!” He exclaims, tugging on Yusaku’s sleeve. “You’ll sit next to me, won’t you Master?” He asks, sparkles in his eyes.
Yusaku wasn’t normally a big fan of thrill rides like roller coasters, but he knew how much it would mean to Roboppi if they went together.
“Of course.” Yusaku answers, a smile on his face. “Anything you want today is yours, Roboppi.”
Roboppi giggles, grabbing Yusaku’s hand and dragging him towards the line that was forming for the roller coaster. Ai and Takeru went after them to get in on the excitement too. The four waited—Roboppi rather impatiently—as the line grew shorter. When it was finally their time to get on the ride, Yusaku was showing signs that he was nervous—fidgeting and his brow slightly sweating.
“There’s no need to be so nervous Yusaku.” Takeru says in an attempt to comfort his friend. He places a hand of his shoulder. “It may seem scary at first, but once it starts you’ll have a blast!”
Yusaku laughs, anxiety high. Anything for Roboppi…! “Thanks Takeru. My nerves are just getting the better of me.”
Takeru smiles, removing his hand, as the four of them pile into the roller coaster with a small crowd of other people that were in line with them.
And what Takeru said was true! Though Yusaku’s nerves tried to get the best of him, he enjoyed the ride—though he will admit he was holding onto Roboppi’s hand a little too tight. Maybe.
…He also might have gotten a bit sick.
The rest of the day at the park goes by just as well, with both Takeru and Ai helping to calm Yusaku’s nerves when he was panicking about some thrill rides, as well as helping him get to a washroom when he felt the need to get sick. There was a lot of getting sick, but at least Roboppi didn’t seem to notice it was because of the rides and assumed his Master was just a little ill today. They ate expensive amusement park food—Roboppi was especially fond of the cotton candy that was the same colour as him!—and enjoyed each other’s company. Yusaku even got himself to eventually enjoy some park food. He was rather fond of the funnel cake they sold and didn’t want to miss out on the chance to have any.
As dusk approached, Ai decided to make a suggestion for their last moments at the park.
“Why don’t we go on the ferris wheel for our last ride?”
Takeru was the first to respond, his eyes looking melancholic. “I’d really like that. Is that okay Roboppi?”
Roboppi nods, a rainbow coloured lollipop locked between his lips. “Yeah, I’ve never been on a ferris wheel before!” The boy takes off in the direction of their next ride excitedly, not showing any loss of excitement that the day was coming to an end at all.
Yusaku is relieved he doesn’t have to brave any more roller coasters and sighs happily . He was so tired of being sick.
Perhaps because it is the end of the day, there isn’t any line to wait for when the four arrive at the ferris wheel. They all pile into a passenger car with ease, sitting still —well, except for Roboppi who is so excited he can’t contain himself—as the ride slowly begins to start.
Ai clears his throat, getting the attention of everyone in the car.
“There’s... something I wanted to talk about.” He says nervously, his eyes forlorn.
Yusaku and Takeru both look at him with concern as Roboppi looks at him confused.
“Aniki? What’s wrong?” Roboppi asks.
“I’ve... been avoiding this place for a long time.” Ai fidgets, attempting to gather some of his nerves. “The last time I was here—”
“—was when we came here. With Flame.” Takeru interjects, seeming to know where Ai’s train of thought was going. “Is that why you wanted to come here?”
“Yeah...” Ai trails off, his gaze fixed on the floor of the passenger car. There was a long silence before Takeru broke it.
“I miss him.” Takeru states, looking out of the car and into the desolate dusk sky. “I only wish I could have—”
“No, Takeru.” Ai interrupts before Takeru can finish his sentence because he knows exactly where Takeru is going—he’s going to apologize for not being able to save him, for not being able to do anything to save Flame or any of the other ignis. It wasn’t that Ai didn’t want to hear about Takeru’s regrets per say, but it just wasn’t where he wanted this conversation to go. This isn’t about his sadness or his regret. This isn’t about what it was back then—back when he was fighting against all of them to save the world from the brink of destruction because of his very existence. No... this is different.
“There’s nothing we could have done differently. And even if there was there’s no point in dwelling on it. I... just want to remember him here. Today.” Ai lifts his gaze from the floor to look at Takeru—whose eyes had begun to mist. “I miss him too, but I think he would want us to focus on better things instead of never letting go of our regret.”
Takeru is taken aback by Ai’s string of thoughts, but nods. He’s right, Flame wouldn’t want him to continue to live in regret, even if it was out of care for him. He would want Takeru to live vibrantly, focusing on what matters most in the moment. And what matters most in this moment is the four of them.
...This all goes a little above Roboppi’s head but he is more than willing to listen to every one of his Aniki’s words as he kicks his feet while eating his lollipop. Anything Aniki had to say he was happy to listen to, even if it wasn’t happy, even if it was sad or wasn’t something he could understand. He knew that there was a lot he didn’t understand, and that was okay! Ai has so many others that love and cherish and adore him—though no one does it quite like Roboppi. He is the best at it.
“What is it you want to say then, Ai?” Yusaku asks curiously. “What do you want to remember?”
“I want to remember him as he was... but also as he could have been.” Ai responds solemnly.
“He was like a teacher to me.” Takeru says, a smile forming on his glossy lips. “He was always teaching me new ways not just to duel but to be myself. He helped me remember who I was when I had lost myself.”
“Flame always brought out the best in us.” Ai responds, his smile kind and gentle. “I’m glad that part of him lives on in you too, Takeru.”
Takeru smiles. He likes that wording. He likes how his friend can live on in the people that live now and remember him fondly. It’s such a nice sentiment, and he knows the turmoil Ai put himself through to get to such a place.
“But... he was also so bossy!” Takeru adds. “He always had to say things in the most pompous way.”
This made Ai giggle. Flame did have quite the ego when he was sure of himself.
“I wonder...” Yusaku begins. “What do you think he would have looked like in SolTIS form...?”
The question made both Ai and Takeru ponder, and they both had opinions on it. They exchanged ideas back and forth until they decided on a look that would have fit Flame the most.
“Long red and black hair styled like Takeru’s used to be... I can definitely see that.” Ai comments, his thumb on his chin.
“You mean how Takeru’s hair used to be slicked back? I wonder how much hair gel that look would warrant.” Yusaku reflects, his gaze bouncing between Takeru and Ai. They both had such similar yet differing opinions as to how Flame would look, but they both agreed on the hair somehow.
“He wouldn’t wear such a flashy outfit like Ai. He’d wear something more casual.” Takeru asserts, glaring at Ai who simply retorted back with the opposite. That there was absolutely no doubt he would have donned a similar outfit! He would have tried to outshine Ai in his own outfit just to spite him.
Both Yusaku and Roboppi didn’t have very solid opinions on the matter, so they simply enjoyed the banter between the two. It didn’t seem like they were going to come to any agreement aside to how his hair would look, no matter how much time passed, but...
Well, speaking of time—
The sun had finally set on the town, and it was a beautiful view from atop the ferris wheel. Takeru and Ai were too busy arguing to really enjoy it at all though—they were still bantering back and forth even as they had to exit the ride! Yusaku and Roboppi had a hard time enjoying anything with all the bickering going on, but...
“Flame meant a lot to you, didn’t he Aniki?” Roboppi asks suddenly, snapping both Takeru and Ai away from their bickering competition.
Ai smiles. “Yeah, he did. I’m sorry you never really got a chance to know him Roboppi.”
Roboppi shakes his head. “But Aniki... you came back, didn’t you? Isn’t there a chance Flame could to o ?”
The question stopped all three of the boys in their tracks. While it was true Yusaku had managed to find Ai after he had disappeared, they had heard nothing from any other ignis for quite some time. And they knew if there was any noise they would hear about it, thanks to Ryoken.
Could it be though...? Could they truly have hope? Or was that all just a pipe dream?
“Maybe... we’ll just have to find that out ourselves someday.” Takeru responds, looking at Ai. It’s not like Ai hadn’t thought like that before—of how if Yusaku had found him in the network, then maybe they could find the others too. But they were lost in a different way than Ai was... maybe it was a fleeting dream to have, but it’s one that Ai had kept alive for quite some time now. Maybe they could look back on this moment with Flame by their side someday.
“I think Ryoken will let us know if we need to worry,” Ai confesses, shaking his head. “And there’s someone staying at his place tonight isn’t there?” Ai questions, his gaze turning to Takeru as everyone else’s does as well.
“U-Uh...” Takeru stammers, blood rushing to his cheeks. “I told you to keep that between us until I was ready—”
Ai chuckles at the blushing mess that Takeru has become . He knew Takeru wouldn’t be able to say anything unless he was prompted, so Ai just decided to take the initiative instead.
Ai whispers to Yusaku and Roboppi, “He told me when we were on one of the roller coasters.”
“W-Well!” Takeru says, visibly embarrassed. “Yeah, I’m staying at Ryoken’s place tonight, it’s no big deal! It’s not like we’ve been in contact for months because I wanted to know if Flame was alive and— um—”
His face turns entirely red. He sighs.
“Okaaaay, I’m staying at his place because we’re dating! I wanted to tell you myself but I wasn’t sure how to go about it!”
Both Ai and Roboppi chuckle while Yusaku also sighs. Takeru, do you really think you were keeping it from us...? You always get so flustered when talking about Ryoken...
“Well, that leaves that question as easy to answer,” Ai states, winking at Takeru who is still overcome with embarrassment. “We’ll know right away if something happens in the network with the ignis.”
Takeru sighs, resigning himself to being the group embarrassment for the rest of the night. “Yeah yeah, I’ll let you guys know if anything happens! Now can we please leave so I can hide my face?”
Yusaku chuckles. He’s feeling a little devious—no doubt thanks to Ai’s influence. “Are you going to hide your face in Ryoken’s arms, Takeru?”
“Yusaku—” Takeru seethes. “Ai has been influencing you too much!!”
Despite his rage, Takeru finds himself able to laugh amongst his friends as they continue to walk back to the entrance of the amusement park and continue on to their various destinations—Roboppi, Ai, and Yusaku to their humble apartment, and Takeru to Ryoken’s arms.
Yusaku’s apartment was a lot more quiet than usual ; a lot more empty than it usually was. The night sky had opened to allow a fervent rainfall to fall over the town — t he three boys were lucky to have made it home before the torrential downpour grabbed them all on their walk home. But the sound of rain now was peaceful; tranquil... A perfect way to end a perfect day.
Making their way to the bedroom, Ai, Yusaku, and Roboppi all wa l ked at a slow pace. It had been such a long and busy day! — especially for Yusaku — god was he ever happy to be home and not on a roller coaster. He hadn’t ever been sick that many times before and he was so glad it was over. It was worth it to make Roboppi smile, but...
Never again. I will never go on a roller coaster ever again.
Yusaku is the first to f lop on his bed — Ai and Roboppi not long afterwards — their heads all positioned together as they all lay clumsily together on such a small bed.
“You know Yusaku... maybe we should save some money for a bigger bed,” Ai jokes, trying to position himself more comfortably, but ultimately failing.
“We don’t all sleep on here, you know —” Yusaku comments, but is interrupted by Roboppi before he can complete his sentence.
“ I don’t care how big or small our beds are... I’m just so happy we’re all together!”
The comment makes both Ai and Yusaku smile. He’s right after all, even if neither of them will admit it out loud. Life may be unpredictable, and it may be hard to continue on without some friends that aren’t around anymore, but at least the three of them have each other.
The two of them both nod, their cheeks warming and their hearts full. They can hear the soft murmurs of Roboppi’s tired groans as he shuffles himself higher onto the bed and closer to the two of them. Ai and Yusaku exchange soft, tender looks at each other before closing their eyes as each of them grabs one of Roboppi’s small hands—squeezing them gently. It isn’t long until the three of them fall asleep together—holding hands and resting peacefully in each other’s presence.
It’s Yusaku, though, that can’t seem to bring himself to sleep. The tender feelings in his heart swell at the situation he’s found himself in — at the life he’s found himself so happy with. His parents — they were very wonderful, loving people — they simply didn’t know how to deal with the trauma Yusaku had suffered, and Yusaku didn’t know how they could help him either. But now, in this tender moment, Yusaku finally felt a connection he hadn’t felt since the day he was taken — he felt like part of a family.
The feelings welling inside of him began to make his stomach churn and his heart race, that he couldn’t stop himself from smiling. His precious family and his beloved friends that somehow found their way into Yusaku’s life — he couldn’t be happier with his riches. S pending the day with Takeru, Ai, and Roboppi—friends, precious friends that Yusaku has finally come to embrace—though he is clumsy about his affection, he is learning how to be a friend, how to love and be loved, and it's the only happiness Yusaku has known in so many years.
It makes all of his senses tingle that he can't help but to keep smiling until his mouth hurts.