tabularasa_rp | (open) bet you thought you'd seen the last of me

[After her first experience with the gym, Haru figured it wouldn't hurt to try again. She knew she wasn't physically strong compared to most people here but she had to try. After all, she really wanted to try and lift 40 pounds over her head!

That and exercise was a good way to deal with stress right? Between dealing with the realization her leader and friend(?) was gone, she didn't know what to think. For the first couple of days, she wondered if everything was going to be okay. It was difficult not knowing what happened to them. For all she knew, this world could have transported them into another world or somewhere even more dangerous. It was nerve wrecking as she started to lose sleep wondering what happened.

Even so, she couldn't allow herself to cry. She just couldn't because that's not the right thing to do. She had to be strong and move forward. Even if it was only Ann, Kasumi, and her. It was what Ren would have wanted. They just had to keep the team together no matter what.

Before she entered, she heard some light jabbing. It seems she wasn't going to be alone today. However, just as she entered into the room, she gave a loud gasp. Dropping her bag on the floor, she just stared at him]

R-Ren-kun? [She wasn't seeing things, was she? Suddenly, whatever tears she was holding back came down. How silly of her. To cry in front of him when she should be happy! With that, she gave a small sniffle before wiping away her tears.] Is...Is that really you?

(A few months back, Ren has made Ann cry. He still feels terrible about it, watching his friend sob over his incapacity to open up. How he hadn't told her about the horrors he withstood in the interrogation room, how he lets things stirr inside him without a single sound to his friends.

This time, though, it was different. He hadn't chosen to leave, nor did he choose to stay. It just happened as abruptly as the first time, and he's here, dealing with it. His first places to search were the girls' apartments, but none of them were home.

Without a cellphone, all he could do was to walk and search - it was just when he found himself in need to stay here for a while and recenter. When he hears the sweet voice, he pauses immediately, turning to see yet another pair of tearing eyes because of him.

Ren comes closer, holding her hands because he doesn't dare to hug when he's this sweaty.)

It's me. I'm sorry for disappearing, Haru...

[Haru wasn't sure if what she was seeing was him. Now that she had heard what this place does to people, it made her question everything. Here, she was hoping to find some respite for herself and her friends but it didn't seem to be the case.

As she looked at him and her hands, she wasn't sure if this was a product of her imagination or was it an illusion of this world. She didn't know what this world would do to her but she couldn't help but continue to cry.]

N-No, you shouldn't apologize, I'm glad you're safe! I was so worried you might have gone to another world or if you or Akechi-kun might gone somewhere dangerous...!

[Who knows what the void could have done to the both of them. It was a relief to know at least one of them was here safe and sound]

(All Ren can do is to gently place her hand on top of their both, using his spare one to wipe some of the tears on her face.

He does need to apologize for making her cry and worry like that, when it's pouring out and all he can do is explain. Ren doesn't waver his gaze, nodding to his words as to punctuate them.)

Akechi is in our apartment. We went home, though I'm not sure why.

[It was then she realized how awkward this situation was. Even though she was crying, she couldn't help but laugh. Here Ren was as he was covered in sweat as if everything was okay.

She couldn't help but shake her head at everything.]

But the both of you are safe, that's more important! [And on that note?] If you went back home, then please do tell me what was the last thing you remember before arriving here?

(A thumb gently wipes the tear rolling on her cheek. He doesn't care that much that he's shirtless, sweaty and still running on adrenaline from all the punching.

All these things poofed from his mind when he sees her crying.)

I was on the train home.

Then does that mean...?

[While she heard what happened from Kasumi, it was another to confirm her worries. However, with so many different worlds out there, she still wasn't sure]

We defeated Dr. Maruki?

We did.

(And there's a proud smirk on his face - one that just confirms that it was never a question in his mind whether they'd be able to or not. He just knew it.)

[In return, Haru's face just lit up]

Then it is true, we truly did defeat him! How exciting! [However, there the realization hit her. Slowly, the smile on her face disappeared before a small frown appeared]

I suppose it means father is truly gone... [She mumbled to herself. While she knew this would happen, there was a small part of her that wished it wasn't true.]

(His face followed this rollercoaster of emotions - from excitement to sorrow, a frown taking place at the last stage as he gently caresses her hands.)

I'm sorry, Haru-chan.

[With that, she shook her head]

No, it's okay, Ren-kun. I knew what the consequences were and I am grateful to have spent the time that I did with him. It's just...

[She mumbled to herself. As she looked down to the ground, she struggled to find the words of what she was going to say next.]

It reminds me of how he could have been.

(He knows. That's the path that they chose, after all. To not dwell in any 'what if's, real or otherwise, and to face reality as is. It's only natural that Haru would like to have her father around, like he should have been if it weren't for... Akechi.

Ren's sweat has mostly evaporated at this point, and there's no magic word he can say that will make it all better. All he can do is open an arm, offering a hug to the girl if she so wishes.)

[Haru wasn't going to say no to that. Instead, she just giggled before wrapping her arms around him. She didn't care if he was sweaty or not, she would gladly welcome any hug.]

It's okay, Ren-kun, I know I'll get manage. The same goes for you and Akechi-kun too. I'm just glad the both of you are able to find some happiness here despite everything.

(The relief he felt upon hearing the giggle quickly disappeared, giving space for a frozen feeling that ran through his spine.)

I was going to tell you. I just didn't know how.

[Before Haru could say anything, she gave him a warm smile]

Ren-kun, if you were wondering how I would react, you didn't need to fear. I'm just glad the both of you are able to be happy here.

You have every right to hate it.

(And yet, she doesn't.)

I was worried.

You shouldn't be, I'm just glad Akechi-kun has found some peace with you.

[That being said? She took a deep breath in. This was it, she had to him what she told Akechi a while back. It was different telling it to him compared to Ren but she just had to.]

I know he killed my father and hurt countless of others. However, that doesn't stop him from having a chance at happiness. [A pause] Especially when we do not know what will become of him later.

He's been good.

(And it's true. Akechi has been trying to be the best person he can, and Ren witnesses it each and every passing day.)

And...?

[She raised an eyebrow. There was a part of her that felt a little guilty how she couldn't forgive Akechi for what he done. However...] You are okay with that, Ren-kun?

I am. I can't ask that of you.

(He gestured towards the bench. That would make things more comfortable, at least.)

He is trying to be better. I see it every day. I know it doesn't justify or excuse, I am not looking for that.

(Dear Lord, he's so nervous. Not only he doesn't like to talk this much, but it's unusual to talk about Akechi in the subject matter. Even so, his face remains calm, to inspire confidence.)

I see change. Thank you for understanding.

Edited 2020-12-24 00:28 (UTC)

[As Haru sat by the bench, she gave him a worried look. She wanted his opinion more than anyone else on this matter. While she might have said her peace with Akechi, it was another when it came to Ren. He was a dear friend of hers, she didn't want to break her friendship with him.]

It's not a problem. I was more worried what your reaction was all things considered. [Pause] I know this reality might not be ideal but if it is the closest where you two are happy? Then I can't argue against it.

(Even if she hated it, if it were up to him, nothing would break their friendship. It seems like Haru sees it the same way, since she's here telling him that all she wants is for them to find happiness in one another. He can't help but to give her a warm, albeit small, thankful smile.)

I'm happier than you can imagine. I can't thank you enough.

It's not a problem at all! I'm glad that you are!

[She said before getting off a bench and extending a hand out to him]

Now shall we get going? I have been curious about using the weights lately and I could use your assistance if you don't mind.

(Ren takes her hand, her much tinier in comparison, and off they go to practice something new.

Not that he's an expert by any means.

The conversation allowed some weight to be lifted from his shoulders, in all honesty, and time and time again Haru manages to show just how good her heart is. He's happy, and somehow, proud of her at the same time.

Once more, he mentally thanks her mentally, and now they can move on.)

(open) bet you thought you'd seen the last of me

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P5R spoilers from here on out!

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aaaand wrap?