It began like the unwanted pain of sleep paralysis, like a weight bearing heavy on my chest. I tried to lift the sinking feeling with my useless arms, to kick it away with my numb legs. My breathing slowed to long deep breaths, then it slowed to a stop. I don't remember the bindings, nor the unearthly branches hanging us against our will. Only these feelings of lifeless sleep as we lost to Infinite Tsukuyomi.
I dreamed of my father with that bothered scowl on his face, looking hard down at my mother yet taking her verbal beating anyways. I dreamed of my teacher with his partner and their child, noting the way they looked at each other. What I recognized in both couples was love, and in my dream I recognized my own.
"Marrying someone looks too troublesome. I'll just give up," I told her. She agreed, then she looked at me and smiled. And with that, I recognized her love for me.
Author's note: I'm releasing two chapters at once this first time around. Hope you enjoy!