I do not own Mushoku Tensei, only the characters Asher, Ruby, and Paula.

Asher's Perspective:

After going out a lot of things stayed the same, but at the same time there were alot of new changes as well. As expected everyone in the family was having fun teasing the two of us, especially my mother, who joked about how her grandbabies will be cute little dwarven children she can carry around. I had to remind her that it's too soon to talk about children with me and Julie since we're still just testing the waters. Other than that, the rest of the family were all generally supportive. I still kept busy with my studies, while Julie kept hard at work in the store. Finding the right tools for customers, her regular maintenance of all the store equipment, everything it means to be good at your job. While I was honing my new sword techniques, she was helping lily with her development in mechanized puppets.

Before dating I was really bad at dealing with all that romantic stuff, but after spending more time with Julie, I think I've gotten the hang of it. Sometimes we go a little too far, and end up having bouts where both of us continue teasing each other into self assured mutual oblivion, but there's something really enjoyable about it. I feel closer to her each time.

More and more, I became addicted to Julie's scent, her touch, her voice, her entire being. Sometimes, during practice, I would find myself in a daze. I would be thinking about her. Small little gestures she would make like brushing some dust off my shoulder, or the way she would say "welcome back" brighter than usual each time I showed up to the shop, kept finding their way into my thoughts. There would be occasions where I would also hold long conversations with her in my head. I would be mulling over small problems here, and there, or clarifying random concepts with her. Whenever I had a problem, it was a big help having her to turn to.

I was so used to being alone for so long, but now it was hard to think about a future without her in my life.

"I feel so lucky to have her. There's probably millions of people in this world, and out of all of them she picked me. Out of the thousands of people who live in this city, or the hundreds of folks who enter that store through those glass doors, I'm the only person who gets to call her mine..."

"Hey Asher… Asher? Hello? Anybody in there?" I was brought back to reality with a familiar voice. My sister, Ruby, was standing next to me under the shade of a great oak.

"Huh? What… What were you saying?"

" Lara-nee. You were supposed to meet her earlier weren't you? Tsk tsk tsk. Don't tell me you skimped out on purpose?"

"What!? No I would never…" I looked around me, and realized the shadows were much longer than what earlier hours would suggest. "Oh wow, is it that late already? I- ah geez. I really screwed up. I was thinking too much"

"Oh? About what?"

"Huh? Oh no, umm… I was just… I was just lost in thought about, well… I guess I was thinking about Julie for so long that I lost track of time."

"sigh* Usually nagging isn't my thing, but knowing you, I think you want to hear this. I know you're having fun with your new girlfriend, but remember not to neglect the other things you want to do. I'm sure Lara-nee doesn't mind too much, but I know you've become a real stickler with yourself about not keeping people waiting."

"Rrrr.. yeahh... You're right. I'll go apologize to big sis when I see her. Umm.. thanks for reminding me." I began walking off from the training grounds, and started my way back to the school, but I was cut off again.

"By the way… I was putting it off, but I think it's something important to say. You haven't been visiting Paula as much, and... I don't know… I guess she misses you. I guess that's all I wanted to say. See you later."

Paula…

Dealing with Paula's issues was something very important, but because of all the training I've been doing to catch up to everyone's expectations I guess I had forgotten that.

Actually, I had this thought for the past 5 years... Besides all that has happened on my end with my growth, it's terrible seeing Paula's descent in hers.

I don't know what happened or how it started, but for a long time, she's been shutting herself out from the outside world. She's already 7. She should be outside, playing with children her age. She shouldn't be stuck at home like a caged creature. But now, whenever she meets someone new, she immediately becomes nervous, and after some time, she screams wildly and runs away. Whenever we get her to tell us what's wrong, all she could say was…

"It's too loud. I don't want it. Make it stop. Make them leave"

No one knows what to do, not even the first doctor from before could help. He diagnosed her as mentaly unstable.

They've made some progress in certain areas, but in others… We just don't know.

When she said that, Ruby went back to the house. Probably to her room.

Personality wise she hasn't changed much. Well, she's "nicer" to me I guess. She doesn't insult me about how I run my life, and lately, I haven't been lecturing about her life either. She started doing morning jogs every day. I guess she's starting to realize my advice on how it's good to build up endurance. The same happened to me too, I've been trying to relax on my training like she advised me to. She said, "you know, you should slow it down once in a while. If you move too fast, you might end up missing some very important steps. If you skip a step you can never truly improve."

I guess being together can be good for us. As expected of twins, even though we don't agree on everything.

Now, body wise…

People, especially some of the guys from my school, would say her body is like a blessing, but she doesn't see it that way. Still though, I guess I can admit it. She looks a bit like mom in her younger years, beautiful and charming. She's been a bit annoyed lately though. She's been getting a lot of confessions from students around school. She keeps saying it's a hassle being called out each time for a confession, or having people trying to follow her around. Also… with the, cough, physical development she's been gaining, I've been hearing her complain about back pain. I still remember the rant she made a few weeks ago."These damn chests, what's the point of having them, this is the only thing I wish I hadn't inherited from mom."

Well, that's genetics for you.

I was out of breath by the time I reached Lara's cluttered room. It wasn't night yet, but It was nearing there.

"Lara-nee I'm here. I'm really sorry for arriving so late. I uhh.. didn't mean to keep you waiting for so long. "

"Nnn" She gave me a simple nod of acknowledgement as she looked up from her scroll.

"And after all the effort you put into making that summoner scroll. I'll be sure to reflect on my mistakes."

See looked at me for a bit again, and let out a small Sigh that came out like a small puff.

"It's ok I don't really mind." She held out the scroll lazily in front of her waiting for me to seize it. However, as I reached out, she pulled back. "But, I guess you do deserve a bit of punishment. Next time, if you're late, be sure to bring some snacks with you." She gave a small satisfied look, and then handed me the scroll.

"Ok sis. I'll be sure to bring back some baked goods from that store you, and Ruby love." I pocketed the magic parchment in my pack, it would be really useful for later adventures if I ever got too hurt, and didn't have any magic left for healing. "Thanks again sis, be sure to call on me when you need help with anything." After saying that, I was ready to leave the room.

"Hey, what's the rush? Not gonna have a chat with your big sister?"

I stopped in my tracks and looked back at my sister. "Eh? W-well, what is it that you want to talk about."

"Well, you and Julie. How are things?" She said bluntly.

Well, that was pretty out of the blue. But, it's not like it was a bad thing. "Oh um… it's going pretty well I say. It's been really fun, you know."

"Not really, I don't usually care about those things." She said very blankly.

Wow… harsh. I can see why I don't really talk to her that much. It's mostly Ruby's thing.

"I'll get to the point, have you guys done the deed."

There it is, without any hesitation, she said it point blank.

That's Lara-nee for you.

"W-what the hell kind of questions is that?! That's none of your business!" I could feel my cheeks burning up. I was ready for Ars-nii to talk to me about that, but not Lara.

"So you have done it… wow, you sure work fast. As expected of a Greyrat son."

"N-No of course not! We haven't even kissed ye-" I fell right into her trap. She said that on purpose knowing I would say the truth inorder to fix the misunderstanding. "-et… That's not fair Lara-nee. You guys are always tricking me into saying things I don't mean, and revealing things I didn't want to say. You're all too cruel…. sigh*" I shook my head in resignation "And I'm too naive. I keep falling for the same traps each time."

"Well, at least now you're noticing it, but I still would have found out either way. It seems my little brother is just too easy to read. I think Ruby would phrase it like this.. Even when you want to keep your emotions hidden, you can't stop them from poking their heads out for us to see, or I guess dad would say you have no poker face, you just wear your heart on your sleeve."

"Mnnnn….I have really mixed feelings about that. On one hand thanks for telling me sis, but on the other… Am I really that easy to read?"

"Like an open book"

I looked at Leo, for some support, but although he couldn't speak I could sense he too was agreeing with Lara-nee. "Auuggghhh. Alright I'll try to work on that too then""

"By the way aren't you forgetting something" I looked at her confused.

"Forgetting what?"

"No nevermind. I'm sure it will come to you eventually."

"Uhh… ok then." That was strange. What was with the cryptic words. It must just be another prank she wanted to pull* I thought.

"All right. I think that's enough talking. It's getting dark. The sun will be gone in an hour or two. You should head home now, or go take care of any other things you wanna do."

"Oh alright." I thanked Lara-nee again, and went on my way to the laboratory door. I waved at my sister one more time before closing the door and leaving.

"I wonder if Julie is still at the workshop." I could feel my heartbeat going steady fast. Just saying her name brings me such excitement.

I hope she's there.

Lara's Perspective:

"Huh… I guess he must've forgotten."

Thinking how much he's always looked up to him. I thought he would keep that promise close to heart, but now, a certain dwarf has made her home there instead.

"Well… it's probably for the best. The way he was obsessing over it a long time ago... this is a chance for him to live free, and true."

I suddenly felt an itch on my neck and began to scratch, "or something like that."

I walked over to my work desk and opened a drawer. I pulled out a piece of folded paper and unfolded it. In it was a sketch of me holding Ruby, and Sieg holding Asher in his arms. It was on their tenth birthday. On our way back home, where the surprise party was being held, we passed by a sketch artist, and wishing to capture that moment, Asher wanted a picture drawn of us four together.

Asher was pretty happy when he got it. He always brought it with him wherever he went. Well… until he left it three years ago in my lab. It seems like he hasn't noticed, but that's probably okay.

"Sorry Sieg, guess he won't be going to see you after all. It's better this way, I'm sure you'll understand." I put the sketch back into the drawer, and went to bed.

"All this waiting has made me tired. Time for a good old nap."