Y O U ' R E S T I L L H E R E ;
and i'm hopelessly in love with you;
- - - - - - - -
"Why, Jack! It's been a while. How have things been faring for you?"
Carly, to say the least, was startled at how these two attractive men knew each other. She was about to question her curiosity until Jack replied, "Kiryu. I'd like to speak with you in private. Excuse us, Carly."
And then Kiryu gave Carly a friendly wave, reassuring her that things will be fine and they'd be back shortly. Or at least he hoped it'd be the case. Judging by the look Jack sent him, he thought otherwise.
This'll take a lot of explaining.
- - - - - - - -
AN: Alright, quicker update then tons of months right? Haha. Anyway, hopefully this is long enough as my Christmas present for you guys, thank you to everyone who reads&supports&reviews this story! You guys give me motivation to continue on with it. ~~~
There's a small Christmas goodie within the story too, to celebrate the Holiday (which is one of my favorite ones!) so look forward to it. :) It'll probably go on for the next chapter as well.
Oh, and I'd like to give thanks to KandraK for the suggestion of the tower scene! And I feel like I should properly introduce that Elsa Agabo has translated this story into Spanish, I have the link to the fanfic on my profile so check it out if you want to! She's doing a fine job translating, and I'm really honored that she is doing so.
-
-
Now that the world isn't ending, it's love that I'm sending to you. It isn't the love of a hero, and that's why I feel it won't do.
-- Hero by Nickelback
-
-
C H A P T E R F O U R ;
To control this feeling
thissillysillytingofjealously;
A pair of hands clutched onto the railing tightly as his eyes narrowed towards the sun. He was trying to control his anger, this.. this feeling of pure jealously that he was experiencing. Throughout his life, the only feelings of jealously that he has experienced were revolved around Yusei being better than him, and he has gotten over that as he grew older--- perhaps that feeling was replaced by arrogance, which also died down due to his defeat by Yuseis hands as well as meeting sweet, innocent Carly.
Yet, he felt jealously once more. And it wasn't on simple status, card games, or anything of the sort. It was of a simple, simple girl and her closeness to others. Jack didn't realize how possessive he was of her until that cafe encounter, seeing Kiryu flirt with her openly while she herself was unable to catch on that he was wooing her, just falling for the bait with that adorable goddamn adorable facial expression. He had to calm down, he knew that. Jack Atlus did not just lose control of his feelings. He was taught to please the crowd, not to blend in it. Yet, he was finding it rather difficult to do so after what previously happened. He had to let it out. But how?
He thought that coming to this tower, this same spot where he swore to change himself would calm him down. Yet, instead, it only worsened his mood and left him feeling desperate. He felt so lost, so weak like he was when he was a child living at Satellite before meeting Yusei and Crow. He hated himself. Hated himself for nearly breaking down due to some silly girl who stole his heart.
He let out a scream as he then pounded the steel railing, ignoring the way his fist cried out in pain as he struggled to contain his emotions. He thought of happier times, happier thoughts. Times before the Dark signers became personal with him, times where Carly was still herself, typical, caring Carly. The times when she was still in love with him, and how he pushed her away, intent in being cold and harsh to her.
How he was the fool.
He found himself craving for her to have her feelings for him back, just like in those movies with heroes in them. Don't they always get the happy endings? Even if he didn't do the final turn, the final move in that destined duel, he participated and tried his best to help Yusei win. Didn't that make him a hero? Didn't that mean he should get his happy ending? Yet, fate decided to be cruel on him. Carly did come back, if that's even actually Carly--he found himself believing that yes, that IS Carly, just with no emotions but she's the same Carly in a poor attempt to counsel himself-- but with lack of memories towards nearly everything. He hated being patient, he hated waiting for good things to come to him when his whole life has been a roller coaster.
He lost his parents, who used to be the two most important people in his lives. He lost his status as King, what he used to cherish dearly until he got defeated and changed. He lost... her. Lost her to the fields of the Dark signers, lost her to that stupid destined duel. He lost his first love.
A scream of anger escaped his lips as he shut his eyes tight, trying not to think. Thinking only hurts and angers him more, it seemed. He blamed Kiryu for being a complete and utter jackass. He blamed Carly for being so naive, for forgetting she even had feelings for him. What he hated the most was.. his lips formed a stern line as he tried to forget the reason why.
Most importantly, he blamed himself for not being the true hero. Maybe if he was more like Yusei... maybe... just maybe...
'No', He shook his head at the thought, casting it to drift away, 'There's no use in comparisons. No use...'
-
-
-
They were behind the cafe building, next to the dumpster and it reeked of disgusting leftovers. Kiryu honestly didn't want to be catching up with Jack on old times if it revolved battling this scent with his nose, but he didn't voice out his disdain while trying to remain friendly as ever.
"Jack, what must be so private as to make us be well.. here of all places?" There was a strained smile on his lips, his tone for 'here' being extremely sensitive to try to alert Jack that he did NOT want to talk with him at a place like this. And here he thought he'd get used to the smell since that's exactly how Satellite smelled like...
Jack ignored his hint, typical, and let out a small snort. "Don't play dumb with me. You know just as well as I do as to why I'm here." His eyes narrowed at the gray-haired male, the expression on his face stone-hard as he was trying to read Kiryus thoughts. With that stupid look on his face with the even stupider grin, however, his attempt was failing utterly.
"Why, Jack. I may of been your leader once, but that doesn't mean I should know everything does it?" He was stalling on Jacks question, and they both knew it. He didn't feel like answering, while there was a feeling in his gut telling him that he didn't WANT to answer Jack. Quite frankly, to him it was none of his business. Kiryu was a free man, and he was allowed to do what he pleased. Jack, in response, simply sighed.
"Look... I'm not here to argue with you. Just tell me what I want to know." 'Before I snap and tear off your throat.' He wanted to add, but was wiser then that. Unlike Crow, Jack can actually control his anger... somewhat.
Suddenly, as Jack could tell, the atmosphere grew more serious as Kiryus eyes narrowed, standing firmly. "Why do you so badly want to know? Do you want to know how insane I felt while I was a Dark signer? How it felt to fade away into dust, knowing you've died while committing treason? Or, perhaps, you want to know how in the world were we brought back to life, with no recollection of our dark past, the key to the chest being your very own friends words?" Jack was at a loss of words, blankly staring at Kiryu as he most definitely noticed he hit a nerve. "It's not easy, Jack. It's not easy.." He swallowed as he looked away from Jack. 'It's not as easy falling in love with someone whose heart was already claimed.' "...it's just more difficult then you imagine. Yusei had to bring me to... certain places, show me certain things to trigger terrible memories. Trigger memories of myself becoming virtually insane, Jack." He looked towards the floor, "There was a reason why we weren't granted our memories back. The intent was to forget we've been criminals who only the death sentence can help set to justice. To forget the endless trail of nightmares we've gotten as Dark signers. And most importantly... forget how it felt to have that feeling of outright wrath, greed, gluttony, lust... the Seven Deadly Sins, Jack. Does that ring a bell?"
Jack was at a loss of what he was saying. It just seemed like it would require... more for someone to remember whatever happened to them. Kiryu must of been leaving out something, some hint that can help save Carly's old self. However, Yuseis words trailed into Jacks ears. He warned Jack that the chances can be extremely random. Kiryu, unlike Carly, managed to remember them from their times as Team Satisfaction. So, perhaps it was easier for him instead of Carly, who hasn't met Jack that early in his life. He clutched his hand, forming a fist, as he stared at Kiryu who was expressing what happened to him. Even if Kiryu was hiding something, he had to understand that Kiryu didn't want to go down that path again... he figured it was painful to remember everything.
Kiryu, not noticing Jacks hesitation to reply, continued, "Each of us has been fueled with a sin to give us motivation to live, and serve the King of the Underworld. We've already been fueled with that very sin, he just altered it to his liking... made it dark and twisted. Should I give some examples?" At Jacks silent nod, which Kiryu caught, he continued. "First off, you have me. I've been fueled with the sin of Wrath. Angry at Yusei for betraying me, even though in the end run I find out that's been a misunderstanding, but I felt so frustrated at him for getting me caught and locked up in jail. I was going to die there, Jack. Then with a simple offer to stay alive while getting my revenge on Yusei offered, me being in my insane mind, gave me the motivation to serve the King of the Underworld while destroying Yusei in the process." He clicked his tongue, "Ultimately, I failed but failing led me to free the grasp of manipulation."
"I can't speak out for what fueled the others, but I can try when it comes to Carly, since she's the only one out of all of us you care for, right?" He looked up towards Jack by then, "I believe she was fueled.. With lust, if you will. But, I don't think she was fueled with the lust you'd expect to see in the bedroom... yet instead, she lusted for having your love. I guess you can call that greed as well if you want to, yet the King of the Underworld obtained his manipulation of Carly's well-being from the love she had for you, the desire that you'd return it someday-- even though, judging by how badly you care about her, that already happened yet she's oblivious to it." He sighed as he leaned against the wall to the cafe, "Ultimately, I can't say what truly sparked her actions, since you were the one to duel her, were you not?"
Jack knew what Kiryu was saying was true, since she admitted that she wished to be with him forever. She admitted that she was willing to do anything in order to be selfish and have him near her. He wasn't sure if that was the Dark signer Carly or the actual Carly talking, but from what Kiryu said... their Dark signer counterpart was basically themselves, yet corrupted. So her innocent thoughts, corrupted with the King of the Underworld's taint, made her into the Dark signer he dueled. It was enough to make his head hurt. So, he knew what happened to the Dark signers. But, he needed to know why they forgot. Kiryus answer towards that was vague at best, and it seemed as if he was trying to avoid that question.
"Why did you guys forget?" It was a simple question, for which Jack hoped was a simple answer, one more specific then what Kiryu told him.
Kiryu then avoided eye contact with Jack, his face stretched into a frown, "Because we chose to forget. Chose to forget whatever happened, from the events before and after."
-
-
-
What pained him the most was that Carly, from what Kiryu told him, was aware that she forgot about him. It was the harsh reality slapping him in the face. He could remember his reaction to Kiryus words, a full string of furious, confused, yet most importantly hurt words were fired back at him. Kiryu wasn't Carly. Kiryu couldn't say why Carly wanted to forget, he just told him that she chose to. Mixing Crows words to the mix, she was heartbroken. Wouldn't it be casual for her desire to forget the emotion why forgetting who caused it? That was the case, but he remembered confessing his love for her during their duel. He could of sworn that Carly heard it, since she confessed that she was in love with him, yet at the same time he was unsure. From how... hazy, lifeless her eyes were... how battered, destroyed her body was... she must of not been on her right state of mind.
Yet Jack clung onto the hope that she, in fact, was aware that she admitted her feelings and knew that he returned them. Yet, that still didn't explain WHY... why she forgot. He banged the railing towards the tower once more, furious about what just happened and stared towards the sunset in a vain to forget everything. However, there was no luck. He couldn't see Satellite from here, yet he saw something that was even worse for his heart right now--- Carly's brightest smile directed at him. The Ex-King who did not deserve it. The Signer who was always in denial, didn't realize things before they were too late.
He told himself that he would never cry again, when he was a child after the death of his parents. It was even more difficult not to cry when he saw Carly vanish to dust before him. Yet, with all of this information soaked within his mind, the knowledge that she didn't want to remember him clear within his mind, he was finding it difficult to cry in rage. Not depression, even if that was what he was also feeling, yet in frustration.
He wish that someone, anyone, would know the answers to his question. Why she chose to forget. All he could do was ASSUME, and that was not enough. If he asked Carly that question in her current state, all he'd get was a head tilt while confused eyes flashed at him. Of course she wouldn't know the answer now, since she forgot the reason why in the first place. He was close to simply yelling at her, screeching at her as to why she was playing with his heart. But, no, he will not for Jack Atlus was strong.
Jack Atlus hid his feelings from everyone as best as he could.
Jack Atlus his his feelings the best from himself.
-
-
-
There was a thick, cold atmosphere in the air as Jack and Kiryu walked back to meet Carly. Jack was unwilling to look Kiryu straight in the eye, and it seemed as if Kiryu replicated that thought perfectly. Carly was still where she was at before they left, eating her strawberry cake that she ordered while drinking some tea. Noticing that the two returned, yet not knowing the grim looks the two shared, she smiled brightly at them and waved towards them.
"You guys!" She called out towards them, alerting both of them that she was still there while placing a firm cut in the atmosphere, disintegrating it while getting the two men into better spirits. It was either because they saw Carly, or because they didn't want her concerned over them. From Kiryus expression on his face when he saw Carly, it was probably because she was nearby once more.
"We're back!" His mood was once again very optimistic, his grin matching Carlys smile as her cheeks tinted red from the action. Jack grunted in response as he was unable to return her smile, or her wave. He was furious at both her and Kiryu, yet it wasn't their faults in the slightest. It confused him. What confused and frustrated him the most was that while Kiryu was obvious to the feelings Jack held for Carly, he still was overly-friendly --- more like flirting--- with her anyway. Kiryu has been quite the ladies-man in the past when there wasn't card games involved, yet Jack thought Kiryu was better then that. Apparently he was wrong.
"Is everything okay?" This time she looked over to Jack, her smile-- oh gods that radiant smile--directed at him while her glasses hid the shine in her eyes. It was too much for him to take. At a loss of words, he simply nodded as he looked away, not catching the frown that soon replaced her smile. Kiryu, however, did as he walked up to her and ruffled her hair, "Nothing to worry about, dearie." She was about to object before Kiryu cut her off once again, "Just some drama, you know? Don't chicks dig drama?" At his choice of words, the blush on her cheeks failed to disappear as she wished they would, instead remaining firm on her face. "W-Well, yes but.."
He waved her off, "This drama isn't those soppy romance dramas, dear. It's drama..." His eyes narrowed as he looked at her with a frown, her expression on her face dying instantly only to be replaced with confusion, "That isn't 'normal'." She wanted to ask from what he meant by 'not normal', yet she noticed the way that Jack quickly walked away in response, doing a simple wave to notify the two that he was leaving and grew slightly worried. What happened back there that dampened his mood so badly?
-
-
-
He was still staring at the sunset, filled with memories of what happened here the last time he came within his mind, yet he tried to ignore them the best he could. Why couldn't he calm down? Why was he so intent on having his feelings constantly remind him what happened earlier today? Another yell left his mouth as he slammed his fist against the railing again, ignoring the pain that once more sprout from the connection. He needed to take all of this emotion out on something, someone, anything so he can stop feeling so defenseless. So unlike himself. He felt like an alien, someone who was out of his world. How he was feeling was out of his mind. This wasn't normal Jack Atlus behavior, and he was aware of that. Trying to control his feelings wasn't much of a help either, much to his frustration and disdain.
"... Jack?"
It was a simple, soft, quiet voice yet it ringed his ears and caused him to freeze in his spot. He stiffened by the mere voice itself, aware of who it belonged to. No, it was his imagination. If he stood silent long enough, she'd get threatened, her reaction to leave him to his inner turmoil. Yet, the opposite happened. She took a few steps towards his figure, and stood next to him while resting her arms against the railing, her eyes glued towards the sunset. He spared a glance at her and was mildly surprised that she didn't have her goofy glasses on currently. He was about to question her about that, wondering how she could see without them, yet she interrupted him.
"I can see why you came here... I don't know why, but the scenery is very.. comforting. Seeing the sunset from this angle, seeing the waters that splash around the reflection... I really like how soft everything is." She paused as she let out a peaceful sigh, "It helps make you feel at ease."
His stance and eyes softened at her choice of words, those chose of words were the same that Carly told him the last time they were there, the last time before... she became a Dark signer. At first, the main reason why he went here all that time ago was because Satellite wasn't viewable from here, but now he mainly came here because this is the place where he found himself. When he swore he'd redeem himself to his eyes. So, in response to her statement, he simply nodded as he looked towards the railing, his hands still clutching the metal tightly. He felt both angry yet happy that she bothered coming up to check on him, and even with all of his thoughts of angst swarming around his head like a bat cave, he felt more relaxed in her presence.
"How did you find me." It was more of a statement then question, yet Carly ignored the way how he asked it as she shrugged, "It wasn't easy, I tell you! I had to look high and low for you in this city... I got lost tons of times... even my glasses broke while I was looking for you since I tripped over a rock." Typical Carly. He thought, yet he couldn't help but smile softly at her as she took out her glasses and hemmed the glass.
"Let's get that fixed for you." He then turned around and started walking away, ignoring Carlys protests to wait for her to catch up. In response, she jogged up towards him as she fumed, "You know, for a old Co-worker you have terrible social skills." He cringed at her choice of words, yet knew she was right. He silently agreed with her, remembering he told her that they used to work together.
"Hey, Jack. I have a question.." They were walking side-by-side now, Jacks hands in his pockets as he stared ahead, his negative thoughts edging away from his mind as he was standing next to Carlys side. Alerted that she asked him a question, he looked down at her while silently giving her permission to ask. "Between you and Kiryu... what happened back there?" His eyes narrowed at the thought of Kiryu, and he'd rather not respond to the girl then to answer her question. But, by the way her eyes shined in curiosity and the stern line on her lips he figured that she wouldn't back down without a fight, and sighed, closing his eyes. "We were discussing... something about an old friend." His eyelids then fluttered open as he grimly thought that friend they were talking about was her herself, but knew better then to talk about it. Still curious like the cat, she sent him a questioning glance, "Who?"
He shared a quick glance at her, then looked away, "A girl who is no longer with us." She frowned in his response, "Did she die?" He cringed at her question, in a sense Carly's memories did die, so he wouldn't technically be lying to her. He simply nodded as her frown deepened, "I'm sorry for butting it... I-I'm just surprised you know Kiryu." She was playing with a lock of her hair, something Jack noticed she did when she was nervous. He shrugged, "Old friends, I guess." And he cut the conversation there, not wishing to get interrogated any further and allowing Carly some sense of peace.
-
-
-
Her glasses were fixed, yet she was hesitating from putting them on as she bit inside her mouth. They were outside the glasses store, Jack insisting that he pay for the damages since he partially caused them. She, being the caring girl she was, claimed that she didn't have the money to repay him back and stuttered a quiet 'thank you' when he cut her off by saying, 'Consider it as a token of thanks for worrying about me.' And that was the end of that.
Nonetheless, Jack raised an eyebrow at her direction as he was wondering why she was taking so long to put them on. As pretty as her eyes are without them, he was concerned (not that he'd ever admit it out loud) about Carly's eyesight. "Carly?" He slowly said her name, keeping his gaze on her as she randomly jumped, dropping the glasses onto the floor and (thankfully) not breaking them. His gaze then followed back to the glasses on the floor, and sighed while shaking his head. Just as jumpy as always, it seemed.
Nonetheless, he picked them up and placed the glasses on her face himself, keeping his distance while not touching her face to say in friend-terms, no matter how badly he wished to cradle her face in his hands. Blinking her eyelids as her mind was set back to reality, she grew flustered as she saw Jacks face right in front of hers, a stern gaze, falling back onto the floor. Jack sighed, again, as he shook his head, turning around while giving Carly some sense of dignity.
"I-I'm sorry.. it's j-just... I just remembered something..." she paused as she bit her lip once more, "Christmas is coming up, right..?" At this, Jacks head snapped up as he whirled around to have eye contact with her. In all in honesty, he forgotten about that holiday approaching as he had more pressing matters to deal with. (Namely trying to think of a way to bring Carlys memories back) But Christmas...?
"I need to get a present for you as a thanks for paying for my clumsiness... and for Kiryu for paying my lunch..." Jack's eye twitched in response. So it was Kiryu who bought Carly that treat. He really was flirting with the girl, the next time Jack sees him he's going to give him a knuckle sandwich. "Yet... I don't know if I have any family... so..." Her voice trailed off as she frowned, looking at the floor while constantly chewing onto her lip, "....I..."
Jack saw the way she was hesitating and couldn't help but stiffen up; she sounded like she was about to cry. Thinking about it, Carly never spoke to Jack about her family--- not even while they were living together--- so he couldn't help her on that. Placing a firm grip on her shoulder, he gave her a forced smile (even if it looked rather scary then supportive, Carly didn't question on it). "How about... you spend Christmas with me and... Kiryu?" If she was friends with Kiryu, too, then Jack no doubt knew that she'd question him if he could tag along, much to his annoyance. Her eyes brightened up in impulse as she nodded while smiling, "Mm! That'd be great. I should go call Kiryu right now and ask if he'd want some company.. hopefully he's not busy.." Her voice trailed off as she paused, before tilting her head to the side while doing a respectful bow, "I-I'll call you to let you know when we can hang out!" She paused as she gave him a heartfelt smile, which to him was rather painful to his heart, "Thank you... you're very nice... is it okay if I can call you a friend?"
'I'd rather have you call me "Boy"friend...' He thought, before shaking his head to get rid of such thoughts. She was being friendlier, and he knew that this was progress. Even if they haven't tried to get to know each other more, she was making a effort to hang out with him another time, and by the looks of it, soon. He should be grateful to let that chance happen to him yet he wished that they didn't have to be accompanied by Kiryu out of all people. Nonetheless, for now he was content, and he simply nodded at her plan and saw her walk away, perhaps back to her apartment. Jack would have to ask for the address later just in case of anything comes up or such, but now it was too... soon to ask for such a thing.
He sighed, giving her a nod to indicate they were friends as she gleamed up at him, "Great!" He looked down at her as a new thought entered her mind, she should meet Yusei and the others while they're hanging out... be best to introduce her to the gang again, "Is it alright if I bring two other people, Yusei and Crow? Kiryu knows them, so I'm sure he wouldn't mind." She seemed nervous to meet new people that she didn't know, but if Jack and Kiryu knew them... "Sure. I've got to get going, but I'll see you later, okay? Bye!"
She waved then walked away, Jack wondering if he should chase after her and ask her if she wanted to hang out privately sometime, before scowling himself for thinking of such a thought.
He really hated waiting for good things to come to him. He'd rather do it forcefully and be extremely pushy, but he found himself unable to. Maybe it was because it was Carly... the same Carly who wanted to forget that he existed. His hand curled into a fist as he shook his head to get rid of the thought, since thinking of that right now would only anger him even more and make him feel gloomy.
With the way that Carly mentioned Christmas, he noticed himself that he needed to catch up on some Christmas shopping. He needed to get a present for Yusei, probably Aki too, Crow he guessed, the Twins... maybe Kiryu. Then again, Kiryu has annoyed Jack for the past day due to his flirting with Carly, so he wondered if he really should give him a present. Aside from that, Kiryu was a old-time friend of his, so he shouldn't put his nature towards the whole ordeal...
Then there was Mikage. He should give her something small, simple, as a token of appreciation for everything she's done for him this past year. He didn't want her to get any wrong ideas, however, since he barely considered her as a friend. Maybe some jewelry.. girls like jewelry, don't they? He looked around at the stores around him, and figured he should do the shopping while he's outside for once. It was just in a few days, and if he did it any later, he was sure all of the good items will be out of stock and he'd be out of luck in the process.
-
-
-
"K-Kiryu?" It was a quiet, nervous voice that called him when he answered his cellphone the next day. He was surprised to hear that it was Carly. He gave her his phone number, but out of all things he didn't expect her to actually use it so soon... "Yes?" He answered in response, eyeing outside his window while seeing the citylife happen before his very own apartment room.
"Are you busy on Christmas...? I.. have a gift to give you to say thanks, and Jack said the three of us can hang out or something... He also mentioned that he'd invite other people who you know... 'Yusei' and 'Crow' I think their names were..."
"Sure, why not?" He looked down at the innocent bystanders walking by and frowned. He wish he could be just like them, alas that was taken away from him... "Great! I'll call you next time when I get more details from Jack. I-It feels weird asking you since I barely know you... but... I just feel like I should thank you for lunch today, that was very nice of you!"
His lips then curled into a small smile as he touched the window glass, "It's no problem, dearie. Take care of yourself, okay?" He then hung up while banging his fist against the window. He didn't hate her or anything, heavens how can he hate someone like her? But hanging around with her brought memories of their past time as Dark signers, when they were both corrupted with the taint and both were allies, 'friends.'
He remembered the times when she soon got over moping about Jack, instead determined to make him hers due a strange card and some guidance from both himself and Misty. He remembered the times where the two of them worked on their D-wheels together, Kiryu giving Carly tips on how to make hers go faster, look better, the list went on while she scowled at him while telling him she wished to do it her own way.
Despite being Dark signers, and being evil, he couldn't help but look back at the times he spent with the other fondly. When their humanity broke through at times, he remembered joking around with her while telling her to think of all of this as a silly game of chess, and if she won she could go back to her beloved Jack. She playfully hit him at the arm for that comment, yet at the same time he knew she felt comforted that he was there for her. With his hatred of Yusei, and her longing for Jack, both of them were a forced to be reckoned with. He found true friendship at the last place he'd even look at.
And, in the way, he fell in love with her. It was a taboo, falling in love as Dark signers as the only thing you should care about is to complete the King of the Underworld's wishes, yet at the same time he couldn't help his emotions. Maybe it was at his own desperate attempt to cling to some humanity, but being near her was comforting. It must of been some stupid aura that she possessed or something, because quite frankly he wasn't sure how she did something like that.
When he regained his memories, he got many nightmares for the past month. Nightmares of that feeling of anger and nightmares of the Earthbound god's whispers to his ear to obey them. But, at the same time, he had nice dreams about his times with Carly. Even if they treated each other like garbage when they were controlled by the taint, they found friendship. It was strange...
But, to be honest, he was surprised that he saw Carly again today when he decided he wanted to go to the cafe to get some food. She was sitting there, looking at the menu while deciding what to order and he couldn't help but go up to her and flirt with her, remembering that she didn't know him at all so it was okay if he seemed odd to her. To be quite honest, he didn't want her memory to come back.
If her memory came back, so does her feelings for a certain Jack Atlus. And, being the greedy man he is, Kiryu didn't want that to happen.
He sighed as he leaned against the wall. It was going to be a busy week, that's for sure.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of you! I'm aware that I rushed just a tint, but don't worry--- I'm just trying to get Carly wrapped up in the group some.
The next chapter will be more Christmas themed, and it won't be posted until AFTER Christmas itself. Weird, I know, but I do have to enjoy the Christmas spirit you know!
Nonetheless, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. More drama with us having insight on Kiryus thoughts. Will he make Jacks plan backfire? We'll wait and see~