Hello and welcome to another installment of LoCG readers!

Funny thing, when I was walking before I went to make the final checks to this chapter. I realized… I FUCKED UP! A annoying continuity error in one of the prior chapters went unnoticed by me and I only know realized it.

Issue is, I'm writing a story way longer than I was thinking it would be. And there are so many characters it gets hard to keep track of them. So when I wrote the scene where Index attacked Stiyl's group, I completely forgot Celt Eislynn was there. Funny really that it's one of the main major OC's I forgot and not one of the less known more obscure canon characters like Silvia or Brunhild.

So I'll likely be replacing that chap once I fix it, Myths and mirrors I think. Anyways enough about dumb continuity mistakes. Lets see those reviews

whwsms:{Indeed these things take time, especially with Touma's level of denial and desire not to see the bad in people.}

5had0wHand:{Kek, might want to check your grammar but that's funny. Touma making notes about how weird shit is in the library.

Hey, she finds it quote

Who knows… maybe she will start… vanishing people

More like… him denying hints because he finds it more probable there's a different reason}

Fencer29:{He tends to look the other way, or in case of flirting unless your Othinus (Being his understander has benifits, and she is the only one he's actively flirted back with). He doesn't seem to think it possible and always finds a more… platonic excuse.

Unfortunately for Hamazura, Index would not be the type to overlook him. Especially considering he's a close friend of Touma's. So yeah it's unlikely even the dark side of her world doesn't have their eyes on him}

Now Remember, constructive criticism is both encouraged and desired. With that out of the way, let this tale of an infinity, commence once more!

Chapter 46

Romance in the Library

Kamijou got back to the dorm as the sun had set. Kanzaki and Index were on the game system again when he got back. It appeared Kanzaki had gotten a better hang on the game and her and Index were having fun. Itsuwa had cooked dinner and they ate, afterwards Kamijou gave Index the gifts he bought her. She excitedly hugged Kamijou, nearly suffocating him.

Index spent the rest of the time before bed reading the books on technology Kamijou gave her. In the meantime Kamijou helped Itsuwa clean up.

A little before bed Kanzaki approached Kamijou.

"I cannot express my gratitude enough for you taking care of Index." She smiled softly at the highschool boy. "When she's with you, It's the happiest I've ever seen her."

Kamijou shrugged as he brushed his hair. "I don't see why, I haven't done anything special or treated her any different." he smiled softly, putting the brush down. "I just want to see her happy like everyone else." Quickly rinsing off his face he turned out the bathroom light. "She's like a younger sister to me, I want to see her happy. And I don't want her hurt." he frowned. "don't tell Tsuchimikado I said that, he and his siscon sergeant brain would take it all wrong."

Kanzaki snorted and rolled her eyes "Trust me, I won't, I have enough trouble with him as is."

Kanzaki went outside shortly after, Itsuwa following.

As Kamijou lay in bed, Index snuggled next to his arm holding it. He thought about what happened throughout the day. 'I'll need to check in on Hamazura later.' he told himself.

It was important he keep tabs on people Index had manipulated. Just in case something happened with them. He couldn't risk them ending up like Misaka almost did.

Eventually however he fell asleep, Index nestling her face on his back.

...

Morning went by pretty uneventfully, Kamijou and Itsuwa cooked breakfast and Kanzaki entertained Index. However as Kamijou exited the bathroom after taking a shower Index was standing in front of the door.

"Touma, Touma!" she said, shifting nervously from side to side in a cute manner. A blush was on her face and she kept glancing to the side fiddling with her fingers. "Can we go on a date, Touma?"

Touma's brain blanked, and he stared for a moment "Huh?" he asked.

Index pouted "I said, can we go on a date Touma?" her face was fairly red as she repeated herself.

Kamijou felt his mind rush as he tried to figure out what she meant. 'Date? Surely she doesn't mean it like that, where's Kanzaki and Itsuwa? I need to figure out what's going on.' He looked from side to side, Kanzaki and Itsuwa were indeed missing.

"Kaori and Itsuwa-san went to give a report to the Anglicans Touma. So I decided it was a good idea to ask you out on a date." Index said smiling, she was clearly nervous but also seemed eager

Kamijou gulped nervously 'Calm down, she likely doesn't actually realize what she said. She probably just means she wants to go somewhere. Nothing romantic, she's not that kind of girl. She wouldn't see me in that way anyways' Once more convincing himself that a girl couldn't like him romantically. Kamijou made a decision 'Well, what harm could it have? I do need to relax and keeping her happy will help keep her from manipulating people.' so he shrugged "Sure, why not.. Where do you want to go? Josephs? Or we could go somewhere expensive."

Index's pout became a frown "Touma! What kind of girl do you think I am?" when Kamijou blinked in confusion Index smiled. "I want to see a movie Touma!"

"Eh?" Kamijou felt his expectations fly out the window as the nun pulled him out the door.

As they made their way towards district 6, Index turned to Kamijou. "Touma, thank you for those books last night." The smile on her face was genuine true happiness. Kamijou felt his heart lighten at that smile as he responded in kind.

"You had trouble with technology so I thought, since I had money that I'd get you something to help you understand it."

Index slowed down so she was walking beside Kamijou. "Hm! It helped me a lot Touma!" she tilted her head. "Technology and science are really Interesting, I'd really like to learn more." she looked at Kamijou expectantly.

Laughing slightly, Kamjou ruffled her head, getting a pout in return. "Alright, I'll buy you something when I can, what kind of textbook do you want?" He asked her, it made his chest feel warm that she had taken an interest in something he had gotten her.

Index put her index finger to her chin in thought. "Hmmm, Komoe mentioned a while back that esper powers are based on something called the uncertainty principle. Um.. I think she referred to Quantum mechanics being the field?" Index tilted her head confused.

Kamijou tried to keep from looking overwhelmed. Index had just said two words that he really feared. Words that had to do with complicated scientific stuff he was hopeless at. Keeping a steady smile Kamijou responded "Alright I'll get you some books on… Quantum theory?... and maybe some other theoretical science textbooks while I'm at it. Maybe I'll finally understand some of the things Komoe teaches me."

Index cheered in excitement as they came up on the movie theater. Entering inside, Kamijou looked at the list of movies available. Before Index pointed at one "Touma Touma! Let's see that one." Seeing her choice Kamijou began to sweat.

"Um.. I..Index-san? Are you sure you don't want to watch something more… pleasant?" he asked only for Index to glare. "Alright Alright! But… you do realize that Nightmare on elm street is a horror movie… right?" Kamijou hoped the revelation of the movie being a horror one would deter Index.

But It didn't, she smiled innocently tilting her head "what about it?"

Sighing in defeat Kamijou relented, he was not gonna be able to sleep tonight. That is for sure, but neither would Index… or so he thought.

It was supposedly a remake of the classic 1984 version rebooting the franchise. Academy City's influence gave the remake a global release and translation. Only a few minutes in and Kamijou was already regretting his decision. Kamijou had already shrieked when he saw the character Dean get his throat slit while sleeping in a restaurant.

When he saw Dean's girlfriend Kris. Get thrown around her bedroom mid air. Before her chest was carved open. Kamijou had jumped in his seat, voice caught.

When the titular knife handed monster Freddy killed the boy Jesse in the prison. by quickly ripping out his heart. Before hanging him upside down in the dreamworld. Kamijou felt himself scoot closer to Index as he shook

Then when the main girl Nancy got attacked in the convenience store. Kamijou had tried to hide his face but failed.

When he saw the main boy Quentin get attacked by Freddy in the dreamworld. After he had accidentally fallen asleep in his secret room, Kamijou had clung to Index.

The entire time Freddy Krouger had chased Nancy in the dreamscape. Kamijou had clutched Index tightly. She seemed oddly pleased by that. But the look she gave him only made him more uncomfortable. She almost seemed to be watering at the mouth.

At the end of the movie when Nancy's mother was murdered by Freddy as he leapt from a mirror. Kamijou had shrieked and hid his face in Index's chest.

In order to distract himself from the horrifying visual of the mother's speared eyes with blood dripping from the knived hands. Kamijou asked himself if Index's breasts had gotten larger.

It… didn't help, as the imagery of the dream pedophilic murderer slitting throats, carving chests, tearing out hearts and piercing skulls stuck in his brain.

Oddly, Index never seemed to be scared. Sure, she'd shriek at jumpscares and shake whenever the characters found themselves dreaming. But it never seemed like genuine fear, she'd overreact and always keep her eyes on Kamijou as if expecting something.

Normally such a movie wouldn't bother Kamijou so much. But it was because he could actually see himself in those exact situations, that it terrified him so much. As they left the cinema Index spoke excitedly about the movie.

"Touma Touma, didn't you think it was cool when, as Freddy chased Nancy, how he altered the landscape? Like when he turned the hallway into a pool of blood! Or when he would change the area from a house to a factory or the preschool?" The nun was oddly enthusiastic for a movie about a dream monster that could kill you in your sleep.

Shaking at the visual Kamijou shouted in retort "Of course not Index! With my luck I'll run into a magician that can actually do that kind of stuff!" tears were in his eyes as he looked at the nun pleadingly.

Index gave an odd look at his panic, her cheeks were a little pink. And her eyes glittered, was she teasing him? Why was she tormenting him like this!? "Hmm dreams have many meanings depending on the religion and story. There are some where dreams are your soul leaving your body. So there could be a spell to allow someone to kill you in your sleep by damaging your soul" Index confirmed his fears while smiling slightly. Causing Kamijou to shriek in horror and hide behind a trash bin.

"I'm never sleeping again! I don't want to get murdered by some pedopheilic magician with oddly specific tastes in glovewear!" Kamijou shouted as he shivered.

Index covered her mouth for a moment, her cheeks now more flushed. She then sighed and walked over to him patting Kamijou's back "If you do that then you'll never wake again remember?" She smiled softly at him "Don't worry Touma, I'll protect you from any such spells" then walking in front of him she spoke. "Besides that Touma! Can we get those books?"

Kamijou paused for a moment and blinked, then remembered what he had promised Index before they watched the movie. "Oh! Right, of course Index, let's do that right now!" he welcomed the opportunity to think of something other than getting massacred in his sleep by a knife handed dream monster.

Entering a book store Index followed Kamijou to the non-fiction section. Finding the books he was looking for Kamijou took them out. Index tugged on his sleeve and showed him a book she found. It had an image of a large black sphere surrounded by a ring of orangish red in deep space along with a few equations along the edge including one read as Rs=2GM over c^2. The title of the book was Special relativity, the effects of mass and speed on spacetime.

"Touma, I want this too" Index said smiling

Kamijou sighed "Alright, I'll need to get you one on General relativity too then."

Index smiled gleefully as Kamijou gave a smile and looked around.

By the time they got to the counter. Kamijou had also picked out books on Non-euclidian geometry, engineering, fusion and subatomic particles. The total cost of the books was an eye popping number that caused Kamijou to feel sick.

As they left Kamijou followed behind Index who was humming happily. She was flipping through one of the book they had bought. The smile on her face and glitter in her eyes showed Kamijou she had taken quite the interest.

"Touma Touma!" Index said "If photons hold every single possible outcome before they are measured or observed. What counts as an observer?"She continued looking through the book humming.

Kamijou made a face as his brow wrinkled in concentration. "Um… I don't know, anything that can hold information I guess?" he shrugged. "It'll likely explain it later once it gives the context."

Index swayed from side to side playfully "So then… Espers can make the subatomic calculations without collapsing the Waveform. And then choose whether or not the cat is alive or dead." She seemed to be talking to herself, having come to some conclusion. "And they can then choose to have the cat in the opposing state. Even after having already observed them in one state."

Kamijou felt himself growing increasingly embarrassed. He didn't know what Index was talking about, but he knew one thing. Index had already surpassed him in a class he had spent months having drilled into his skull.

Looking up at the sky Kamijou felt a tear roll down his cheek. "God… if you exist… why do you hate me so much?" he asked.

"I don't hate you Touma" Kamijou thought he heard Index say. But when he looked at her, she was engrossed in her book.

Well, he didn't care either way he never relied on a god anyways. Index was happy, and he felt at peace. Index may have been altering people's minds. But moments like this reminded him exactly why he cared about her.

And why he needed to stop her.

As they walked Kamijou had a thought, "Hey Index, I know you said you didn't want to go to Joseph's. But how about we go to the dianoid, there's gotta be a few fancy places to eat there you'll enjoy." He would need to visit the ATM but Kamijou felt it would be worth it.

Index looked up from her book on subatomic particles and their properties. And gazed at Kamijou, her eyes glittered in bliss and she nodded rapidly.

Kamijou smiled as she turned back to her book, a large smile adorning her face. "Alright, we'll visit the ATM and then head to the Dianoid okay?" getting a nod from Index who was focused on her book, he changed direction.

Visiting the ATM Kamijou felt his eye twitch at the number. He had been given another massive sum of money. He swore someone was forgetting or misplacing a decimal. At this point, he was sure he wouldn't have to deal with financial issues for most of his life.

Extracting a sizable sum of money and placing it in his wallet. An amount that didn't make a dent on his current balance mind you. Kamijou and Index headed to the dianoid where Kamijou immediately booked him and Index a table at a restaurant on the mid levels. They had around 20 minutes before it was ready. So he decided to head to the lower levels to get himself a more... suitable outfit for a high-class place such as the dianoid.

"Touma, why can I come in with you?" Index pouted when he told her to wait outside the men's clothing store.

Kamijou rolled his eyes "Because Index I'm going to be trying out a few outfits to see which fits me best. I've never had the chance to buy things like this so I need to try a few things out. And that means I need to take off the clothes I'm currently wearing to try out the new ones." he clarified to the nun.

Oddly Index didn't instantly go red and back down. Instead she just flushed a little "I..I don't mind Touma" She said avoiding eye contact. There was an odd look in her eyes as a small bit of drool leaked from her lips. She must have noticed because she wiped her mouth and shook her head. "So, why can't I come in?"

Kamijou felt his face become red "Th-That would be like me entering a lingerie shop with you when you needed new ones Index!" It wasn't exactly true but Kamijou's innocent teenager brain didn't realize the difference.

Index's face became redder but she didn't shout in embarrassment. Instead, muttering something under her breath. Something Kamijou could not hear

"Um… what was that?" he asked Index the nun?

Her eyes darted left and right nervously before she spoke up. "I..I wouldn't mind if it was you… Touma"

Kamijou felt heat fill his face and shook his head "Well this Kamijou-san absolutely would, so no means no!" still red, Kamijou entered the store after making sure Index was sitting on a being outside. She was pouting and her face was red which confused Kamijou. 'Honestly, doesn't she realize how that sounds? What if someone misunderstands her?' he thought as he browsed through the store.

After picking out a few outfits Kamijou went to try them on.

First was a sort of two pieced suit with a white undershirt and black vest. It was completed with a set of black dress pants with a white accent. It was nice but Kamijou decided it wasn't what he felt like wearing. But he would definitely keep it, placing it in the keep pile he tried on another.

Each one was pretty plain yet formal. At one point Kamijou tried on a Black Tuxedo with an ascot tie. Merely seeing himself in the outfit caused boiling hatred and rage for a reason unbeknownst to him. Landing that outfit plainly in the 'return' pile.

He came across a Blue Tuxedo with a Yellow cuffs and collar, It had a purplish white undershirt. With a red and blue tie, and blue dress pants. Putting it on, Kamijou looked in the mirror, It... felt right.

While many would find his dress sense to be the same as a certain two hearted british Alien. For Kamijou, the outfit just… felt like him, like they were the colors he was dyed in.

Nodding to himself Kamijou collected the outfits he had chosen and went to the counter. Paying for the outfits he exited the store wearing his new outfit. Index turned to him and her eyes widened a moment.

Was that recognition? What would Index recognize about the outfit? Kamijou assumed he was imagining it, as the look was gone almost instantly.

"Touma… I wouldn't say this for most people but… It suits you..." Index blushed slightly as she said that.

Kamjou shrugged "It just felt right, you know, saw a similar outfit with reddish-pink and deep green.. Instantly felt disgusted at it." he bit his lip in confusion "I wonder why, same with the Tuxedo It didn't look bad, but I just hated it."

Index giggled "Maybe you thought it made you look like a bad guy" She grasped Kamijou's hand as they headed up to the middle floors.

Kamijou thought for a moment, "Huh yeah that does feel like it, for some reason It reminded me of some bastard who liked green and red." he bit his lip, "who were they?"

Index shrugged, humming "If you can't remember them they aren't important Touma."

"Well not to me at least, so you're right" Kamijou smiled slightly. They reached the middle floors. They had around 5 minutes left so they were gonna wander for a bit.

However Index paused staring at one of the stores. Kamijou looked over and saw what she was staring at.

On display behind glass was a highly expensive but very detailed and expertly designed dollhouse. Index stared at it and seemed to shake slightly, sighing Kamijou shook his head. "Sorry Index even with the amount of money I have now I'd rather not spend it on that."

Index blinked and shook her own head, "S-sorry Touma I didn't mean to imply I wanted it." She turned to Kamijou and for a moment, Kamijou thought there were tears there. "Lets go wait for our table Touma" she smiled softly.

Kamijou nodded and they headed back to the restaurant. But Kamijou couldn't help but want to know why Index looked in pain. What did that dollhouse remind her of, did she do something she regretted? Was she remembering her past? If so, Kamijou wanted her to tell him.

But he wouldn't force her, If Index wanted to tell him she would. So he'd wait to ask her later, instead focusing on what he'd order to eat. They were guided to their seats, the waitress giving an odd smile Kamijou didn't understand.

Index ordered a fancy french dish and Kamijou felt his throat catch at the price. Before he then remembered he was basically rich now. Deciding to spoil himself, Kamijou ordered an expensive beef rip with a unique rub.

"Couples get 50% off for any dishes" the waitress said with a soft smile on her face as she took their orders.

Going red Kamijou frantically waved his hands, Index's flushed face hidden behind her menu. "W-w-we aren't a couple!" he panicked. Sure normally he'd never have passed up 50% off. But he wasn't short on money anymore and he'd feel guilty by lying.

The waitress merely giggled slightly and shook her head. She clearly wasn't convinced "Oh, no of course not, if you change your mind though." she smiled and winked at Kamijou before leaving. Index glared at her from behind her menu growling slightly.

"Change my mind? About what!?" Kamijou was exceedingly nervous about what the waitress was implying. Whatever it was, Index wasn't pleased about it. However she didn't give Kamijou the mercy of an answer. He really hoped this wouldn't create a weird rumor or misunderstanding. Which meant it definitely without a doubt would do just that.

After their meals arrived, Kamijou and Index began to dig in. Kamijou took his time on his ribs, oddly Index did the same with her meal. She was once more spending more time looking at him than her food. And that really felt weird for Kamjou.

"Touma Touma!" Index said to him, catching his attention "want some?" Index asked as she held out her fork which held some of her meal.

Kamijou felt his jaw fall open as he dropped the rip he was about to eat. Index, Never offered her food to Anyone. So Kamijou was understandably shocked to say the least.

No, that was an understatement, Kamijou was utterly appalled. He felt as if the universe was about to end based on that one line.

Index tilted her head as Kamijou was frozen in place. Smiling, she leaned forward. Putting the fork in Kamijou's mouth and closing his jaw, pulling the fork out after. "How does it taste, Touma?"

Kamijou wasn't sure if it was the food, or the fact Index had been the one to give it to him. But either way he felt his eyes water in happiness, nodding he slowly chewed. "It's delicious, thank you Index" he said after swallowing. He took a rib from his plate and handed it to the nun, whose eyes widened.

She smiled brilliantly as she nibbled on the rib "Thank you Touma!" she said after stripping it bare.

It wasn't long after that, when they finished their meal, the waitress came and picked up their empty plates. No matter how hard Kamijou tried to insist he and Index weren't a couple. The waitress just shook her head while handing him back half of his money. Eventually he relented, taking the 50% couples discount.

As they made their way back to Kamijou's dorm with a few bags which held both Kamijou's new outfits. And Index's new books, one of which she was reading. Index seemed distracted, not in a bad way though. She looked happy, not just happy however.

She looked like she had had the best day in her life.

AN: okay… so one interesting thing with this chapter was that… I have never seen any horror movies. So my pal and editor/cowriter/beta Dragonrails sat there and told me. 'You gotta fucking watch it bro before you even think of writing or you are a disgrace to horror fans'… not that exactly but you get the gist.

Glad I listened I really enjoyed ANOES especially with the odd concept of it's titular antagonist. Freddy Kruger… oddly if you noticed. I give Devourer-dex a sort of horror vibe whenever she's around mortals or the cast 'outside' the library. That was purposeful, and I hope you all noticed it to.

Oddly some parallels could be pulled between what Freddy did in that movie to Nancy. And what Index is doing to Touma in this… take that how you will.