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

[forethinking]

Who: Ren and YOU!!
What: His return to the Void after his canon update
Where: Everywhere, we know how I roll, I'll probably update this forever
When: OOCLY, around the 10th of December!
Content Warnings: 100% Persona 5 Royal Spoilers will happen BUT I will put it in the comment subject if anything comes up.

Comments

[forethinking]

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.)

[bazooker]

[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.]

[forethinking]

(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.

[bazooker]

[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.

[forethinking]

(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.)

[bazooker]

[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.

[forethinking]

(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.

[bazooker]

[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.

[forethinking]

You have every right to hate it.

(And yet, she doesn't.)

I was worried.

[bazooker]

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.

[forethinking]

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.)

[bazooker]

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?

[forethinking]

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.

[bazooker]

[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.

[forethinking]

(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.

[bazooker]

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.

aaaand wrap?

[forethinking]

(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.)