Nanao looked down at her phone as she jogged up to Emma's house. She sent her five text messages all afternoon asking her if she was okay, but Emma never texted her back, so she decided to go check up on her.
She knocked on the door, and a few seconds later, it opened to reveal Draken, who nonchalantly leaned against the doorframe, looking down at her.
"Oh hey, it's you," he smiled.
"Yep! It's me again. Is Emma feeling better?" Nanao asked as she gripped onto her shoulder bag.
Draken just hummed, shrugging his shoulders, "Eh, she's still pretty down. She's been crying in her room all day. Mikey and I tried to get her to come out, but she hasn't." He shook his head, "You wanna come in? Maybe you could help her get up?" He asked, looking down at Nanao.
She smiled, nodding as she followed him inside. She took off her shoes and followed him to Emma's room.
"Hey Kenchin, who was at the door?" Mikey's voice rang out from the hallway.
"It's Nanao. Wanted to check up on Emma." Draken called out.
Nanao heard the steps coming down from above her as Mikey made his way down the hall. When he reached the living room, he stopped and smiled at her, "Hey Princess!"
She smiled as he walked over to her. His arms wrapped around her waist. She giggled as she hugged him back.
Draken looked between the two of them, crossing his arms, as he gave Mikey a sly grin, "Princess?"
Mikey looked away, blushing a little as he let go of Nanao. He rubbed the back of his neck nervously, looking away from the two of them.
Draken snickered and rolled his eyes, "Well, Princess is here to check up on Emma."
Mikey sadly smiled at her as he nodded his head, taking her to Emma's room, "I hope you can help her. Kenchin and I have been trying to help her all day, but she just ignores us. I just want her to smile at least once today." He sighed as he stood in front of Emma's door. "So hopefully, you can do that!" He added with a smile.
Nanao nodded, "I'll do my best."
She turned around, opening the door. Emma's bed was made up with her blanket pulled tight in a bundle around her body. The only thing that was visible was blonde locks peeking out from underneath the blanket. Her face was buried in it and not moving. Nanao slowly crept closer, sitting on the edge of the bed, watching her closely. Carefully lifting the blanket off her face. Seeing Emma's red cheeks, puffy eyes, tear-stained nose, a slight frown tugging at her lips, and slight sniffles escaping from her.
"Emma?" Nanao carefully spoke.
Emma blinked up at her tears rolling down her cheeks, sniffling again before shakily speaking, "Nanao, you're here?"
Nanao nodded her head smiling softly down at her as she wrapped an arm under her, lifting her up. Emma buried her face into Nanao's chest as she wrapped her own arms around Nanao's neck, squeezing tightly.
"Hey, Emma," Nanao smiled at her. Her hand ran through Emma's hair as she brought her up to her ear. "Shh, it's okay."
Emma started crying again. Holding on tighter and burying herself more into Nanao. Sobbing uncontrollably. "The dreams are back, and I keep replaying what happened," she hiccuped, gripping tightly.
Nanao gently placed her head on top of Emma's, adjusting them so that her back was against the wall with Emma in her lap, gently running her fingers through her hair.
"And it feels so real every time I wake up," she whispered, clawing at her legs, "I know it's just a dream, but they feel so real."
Nanao just nodded her head softly as she gently but firmly removed Emma's hands from her legs. She took her wrists in her hand, holding one lightly and the other one on her side as she used her free one to rub Emma's back soothingly and humming quietly.
Emma kept sobbing, holding on tightly, shaking violently, and her eyes flicking everywhere, "It doesn't even matter if I wake up because when I go back to sleep, they're still there." Emma's breathing became heavy as she continued sobbing.
Nanao moved one of her hands to wipe away some stray tears that fell from Emma's eyes. Looking at Emma's red puffy eyes and tear-stained cheeks. "It doesn't matter whether I'm awake or asleep. I'm haunted by it. By them. They're always there. Every time I close my eyes, there they are," Emma shuddered.
She had finally let go of her death grip on Nanao's arms. Instead, she now clutched onto her shirt, pulling it tightly against her shaking body as her breathing grew deeper. Her whole body started shaking. She was hyperventilating. Breathing heavily. Trying so hard to keep breathing.
Nanao took her hands once more, holding them away from her body, "Okay, Emma, I'm going to need you to start grounding yourself," Nanao stated calmly, waiting for Emma's breathing to calm down a little before speaking to her again.
"Breathe in for 4. Breathe out for 7. Breathe in for 5. Breathe out for 8." After Emma stopped hyperventilating, Nanao spoke again.
"Alright. Now, tell me five things you can see."
Emma nodded as she started to look around, "Your feet, my blanket, my bookshelf, my window, and my hands," she listed, hiccuping in between each item.
She looked up at Nanao, who gave her a comforting smile, "Now, tell me four things you can feel."
"My blanket, your hands, my pillow, and my clothes," Emma continued listing out different objects and sensations. Tears still flowing from her eyes.
"Good job Emma," Nanao encouraged her. She was glad that Emma was slowly relaxing. At least she was doing something, "Okay, good job, now let's list three things you can hear." Nanao held Emma's hand in her lap, listening to her breathing as she thought about what she wanted to say.
"You, me, and the fan."
Nanao smiled gently down at her, "Two things you can smell."
Emma focused on the scent in her nose, "Your shampoo and the detergent from my clothes."
Nanao ran her fingers through Emma's hair, "Last one, what can you taste?" Nanao squeezed Emma's hand gently.
Emma swallowed, "My spit."
Nanao nodded. She was proud of Emma. She was able to calm herself down enough to use her coping skills.
"That's very good, Emma. You did well," Nanao praised her.
Emma sniffled and closed her eyes, leaning her head against the woman's chest.
"Thank you," Emma mumbled tiredly. She didn't want to talk right now. She just wanted to relax. Nanao smiled as she continued stroking Emma's hair, rocking side to side, gently rubbing circles on her back.
They stayed like this for a while, just enjoying each other's company. Finally, Emma broke the silence, "Do you think I can see Mikey? I know he's worried about me. Both him and Draken." Emma lifted her head, looking at Nanao.
Nanao nodded. She knew how much Mikey cared about his sister and how worried he would be if he didn't know she was alright. "Yes, you can, Emma. But instead of them coming in here, why don't we get up and sit with them in the living room."
Emma nodded as Nanao helped her get up. The boys looked over and smiled as they saw Nanao slowly lead Emma into the living room with her.
"Hey, guys," Nanao greeted softly, "Do you mind if we come sit with you two?"
Mikey smiled widely at her as he took his feet off the sofa allowing room for Emma to sit down, "Of course!"
Nanao smiled as she slowly passed Emma over to Mikey, who placed her on the couch next to him. Mikey immediately wrapped both arms around her as he hugged her, placing a soft kiss on her forehead.
"You doing better?" He asked her.
Emma smiled slightly at him as she leaned into his embrace. His hug was warm and safe. "Yeah...thank you," she murmured, "Sorry I got all upset earlier. I just..."
"It's alright, Em," Mikey smiled at her as she looked up at him. "Don't worry about it," He told her, ruffling her hair softly, "I'm just glad you're feeling better."
Emma just smiled at him, closing her eyes and leaning further into his embrace. Nanao walked over and sat down on the floor next to Draken.
Draken reached out, touching her shoulder in comfort. "Thank you," he whispered to her.
"No problem," Nanao replied with a small smile.
"You have done so good with her," Draken praised, smiling at her. She smiled back at him as he reached out, wrapping an arm around her, pulling her into a half hug as she leaned into him.
She rested her head comfortably into his hold. Mikey looked up from Emma, smiling over at Nanao.
"How long are you going to stay?" He asked.
Nanao shrugged her shoulders, "As long as you all want me to."
Mikey gave her a toothy grin, "Then I guess you're never leaving Princess!"
Emma laughed brightly as Draken chuckled along with her. Nanao shook her head fondly at them. She then looked down at Emma, still snuggled into Mikey's embrace, and smiled softly as he gently ran a finger through Emma's hair.
She felt so much love watching them together. Knowing that they loved each other as much as any brother and sister should. She was happy to know both Draken and Mikey would be there to help Emma.
Draken looked at Mikey, and while he was comforting Emma, Draken could see him steal glances at the older woman. Draken had known Mikey for years now to know that he's never looked at someone the way he was looking at her. It was a look between respect and adoration. He smirked at the thought of Mikey actually having a crush on someone. The stupid nickname and blushing now made more sense. And for someone like Nanao, no less. Someone older and taller than him. Most people would find that unattractive, but of course not Mikey. He was sure going to tease him about it later once they were alone.
He chuckled, knowing Mikey had no chance with her. She was definitely out of his league, no doubt about it. But if he knew Mikey and he did know Mikey, he would get what he wanted. He always does. Mikey loved challenges. He never backs down, and Nanao was definitely going to be a challenge.
"Hey, Mikey," Draken called out, snapping Mikey out of his gaze.
Mikey immediately turned his attention to him and smiled brightly at him, "What's up, Kenchin?"
"It's pretty late, and I bet Nanao's hungry. Why don't you two go grab something to eat. I'll watch over Emma. Just pick us up something on your way back."
Mikey sat there confused for a moment and then smiled when Draken gave him a look. A look filled with encouragement and support before he understood the sudden request.
"Good idea."
Mikey sat Emma up as he switched seats, with Draken letting him sit with her as he walked over and held his hand down to Nanao to pull herself up.
"Let's go get some dinner, Princess," he gave her a toothy grin.
"Sounds like a plan." Nanao grinned happily at him as she let him lift her up.
Nanao walked over to Emma pushing her hair out of her face. "Will you be okay if I head out?"
She asked Emma quietly.
Emma nodded her head, "Yeah. Thank you, Nanao."
Nanao smiled at her gently, giving her a quick hug, "Anytime, sweetie."
Nanao stepped back, nodding towards Mikey, signaling that she was ready to leave as she picked up her bag and threw it over her shoulder. She went to walk out the door but then stopped as she reached into her purse and pulled out a small pill bottle handing it to Draken,
"These are my calm down pills. Give her one if needed no more than three a day," she instructed.
Draken nodded his head, taking it and putting it in his pocket before waving her and Mikey off. Nanao waved back before making her exit running next to Mikey as he led them off.
Nanao smiled as she stood on the pegs on Mikey's bike, gripping his shoulders as he sat in front of her, riding them around. She smiled as the wind knocked her hair around and her flannel lifting off her back, her smile never leaving her lips.
"Where are we going?" She asked, leaning forward a bit to see Mikey's face, his eyes glued on where they were headed, and a smile tugged at his mouth.
"To the food truck alley," Mikey replied, turning to look at Nanao with his hands resting gently on the handlebars so he could look behind him and smile.
"Okay, let's go," she smiled as she let him continue riding the bike.
They rode down the alley for several minutes before coming upon the row of trucks all selling different types of food. Mikey stopped his bike in front of the trucks and hopped off, letting Nanao do the same. He walked to stand between each truck, looking over it one by one, until finding what he wanted. He looked behind Nanao to see she was still standing behind him, waiting to see what he would pick.
After some thought, Mikey finally made up his mind, turned towards Nanao, took her hand into his own, and led her to the food truck, both of them being greeted by the smell of cooking meat, spices, and fresh vegetables. The smell made their stomachs growl, and they both smiled before Mikey looked at Nanao as if asking for permission. She nodded and squeezed his hand as a sign of approval.
They looked up to one of the workers, and Mikey let go of Nanao, making his way over. Mikey came up to the worker, who turned and smiled.
"What can I get you two today?" The man asked, giving Mikey a wide grin.
"Could we get some dorayaki, a yakisoba, and..." he looked over at Nanao, "What every she wants." He smiled and leaned against the truck.
"Can I just have some dango?" Nanao asked the man as she pulled out her wallet, but before she could pay him, Mikey quickly pushed her hand out of the way and gave the man his money instead.
The worker shook his head, smiling, and put their order in a paper bag before handing it back. Mikey thanked him and grabbed the bag with ease, retaking hold of Nanao's hand, pulling her away from the truck, walking away to find somewhere to sit. Mikey led her outside the alley and took her down to the river sitting her down on the grass.
"Here you go," Mikey placed the bag down beside her placing himself next to her.
"Thanks," she replied before opening the bag. "You know you didn't have to pay, right?" She smiled as she pulled her dango out of the bag.
"Yeah, well, I felt like paying." Mikey smiled back, grabbing his food, Nanao followed suit, and they began eating, sitting next to each other. The only sound that could be heard in the area was the soft rustling of the grass beneath them.
"Well, thank you," Nanao told him after swallowing her bite.
Mikey grinned, "Just know that you won't be paying or anything when we're out together."
Nanao smiled as she turned over to him and playfully poked his nose, "You're such a gentleman."
Mikey blushed and looked away shyly. Nanao smiled and laughed lightly. Mikey laughed back as he finished up his food. As he glanced at Nanao, he noticed that her eyes were closed, enjoying herself. She seemed peaceful, as if nothing was going on around her. He was glad she was relaxed. She seemed to need this moment of peace and quiet. He was beyond grateful that she had been around for Emma, but he also knew that while she didn't show it, taking care of Emma was emotionally and mentally exhausting, to say the least.
"Hey, Nanao?" He called softly. She hummed and opened her eyes, glancing at Mikey questioningly. "Thanks for helping Emma again today."
She smiled at him, a warm feeling spread in her heart, "Any time." Nanao lifted her knees up to her chest, watching the ripples flow through the water as Mikey laid down next to her.
They fell into an easy silence as they just enjoyed each other's company and simply watched as the sunlight started to disappear. Nanao turned to say something, but as she looked down, she saw Mikey peacefully napping next to her. She stared in awe and couldn't help but giggle lightly, not wanting to wake him up. After calming herself down, she quietly reached and gently ran her fingers through his hair, allowing him to finish his nap.
She couldn't help but grow fond of the boy next to her. It was nice being around someone who didn't look for a fight wherever they went or yelled at her whenever she did something they didn't like and only thought about themselves. It was nice to want to purposely be around someone, even if it was some 16-year-old boy. She smirked to herself. He was a sweet kid, but god, if it didn't sound so weird, that she was 18 hanging out with some high schooler. She should be out at some bar with her friends or getting ready to go to a club. But here she was, sitting peacefully by the river, eating dango with a small teenage boy. She shook her head as she looked up at the sky, her finger still running through his hair.
After a few more minutes, Mikey shifted slightly and groaned lightly. He opened his eyes sleepily and turned to face Nanao. He blinked slowly before looking up at her and smiled.
"I think that's enough napping," Nanao chuckled as she pulled her hand out of his hair.
Mikey frowned slightly as she moved her arm away and stood up. He sat up and rubbed at his eyes as Nanao did the same.
"Sorry," Mikey muttered as he got to his feet, stretching out his arms above his head and yawning.
Nanao rose and shrugged, "No worries. I had nowhere to go."
She smiled at Mikey as he made a silly noise stretching his arms out once again as if trying to stretch his body out. Nanao giggled a bit at his childish behavior and shook her head.
"I should probably head back now," She told him as she pointed in the direction of her home.
Mikey nodded in understanding. "Do you want me to walk you home?"
Nanao raised an eyebrow, shaking her head. "No, it's fine, it's not that late out yet, and it's not that far from here." She told him. "Thank you, Mikey."
Mikey smiled as he reached out and gently lowered her slightly. "Okay. Promise you'll be careful?" He whispered into her ear.
Nanao nodded and smiled and wrapped him into a hug which he returned. "I will," she smirked as she playfully poked his nose.
"See ya," she laughed before releasing him from her grasp, giving him a two-finger salute, and headed towards home.