Violet-chan's Awakening

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Sumire grinned fondly as she read Asuma's text: "Keep Violet-chan close! Remember what we agreed?"

"Of course, Senpai. She'll always sit front row! You don't forget your job either!" She texted back as she recalled their walk to the station that morning..

. . . . .

Asuma and Sumire walked to the bus station, hand in hand. It was a comfortable silence, not counting her absentminded humming. He simpered to himself at the cheerful theme she seemed to have no idea she was composing. I love this girl so much.

Suddenly she came to a halt with a gasp. She rummaged through her purse.

Please tell me I didn't lose it already! I put it in here, right? I'm fairly certain that's right. Sumire, you dumb screw-up, where is it? Drat, I wish it wasn't so dark and I could see better..! Her fingers located something plush. She sighed in relief. There she is.

"You ok?" inquired Asuma with a friendly snicker.

"Yep, Senpai. All good." She smiled sweetly.

They continued their way to the station.

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"You know, I'm not sure I know which princess she is, to be honest," confessed Asuma, hoping not to offend.

"Please don't feel bad, Senpai," she said reassuringly, "As I said, she isn't especially well-known. Her name is Suzume."

"Huh. Even her name is kinda close to yours," he mused.

"Huh? Oh yes, I suppose so," she agreed.

Asuma let out a long sigh, then said, "I'm REALLY going to miss seeing you around, Sumire.."

She pursed her lips. "I'll definitely miss passing you in the halls of Shujin.."

"And rowing the river in Inokashira," He added, "..And lounging at the Jazz Jin Club.."

"And spectating the sea lions and dolphins in Shinagawa.. And playing darts and billiards at Penguin Sniper.."

"And I'll miss bringing you Leblanc coffee on the mornings we'd ride the subway to school together; not to mention getting to come by and see you practice on days I could afford the time.."

At that, Sumire looked at the ground, fighting her facial muscles which wanted to twist in pain, "You know I'll miss that, Charming."

Asuma walked alongside her, contemplating some sort of solution. Surely there was something they could do to lessen the pain of separation..

.

"Eureka!" He cheered, a little louder than intended.

Sumire glanced up at him in alarm, exhaling a nervous laugh, "I take it you came up with some sort of idea, Senpai?"

"You still have that extra doll, right? May I see it?" He asked with a comical amount of enthusiasm.

She giggled for a moment at the absurdity of his request. To think my senpai would beg to hold a toy doll! Hmm.. I'm both surprised and intrigued. I wonder what his idea is. She scoured her purse for the doll, then held it up in victory. Handing it over to him, she teased, "Well, Charming, I guess I'm learning more about you every day.."

"You know it," Asuma winked with a smirk and slightly reddened face, examining the toy a bit as he talked, "No, I believe I've thought of something that might help us when we get lonely from not being together.. At least, I hope it's a good idea.. One you'll like.." He paused, doubting himself.

"Oh, come on, you can tell me," she said with a kiss to his cheek, "You have great ideas! What are you thinking?"

"Well.. Just please don't laugh, 'cause it might just be dumb, but.." He took a deep breath and looked at her.. He looked back to the doll, "So maybe you can keep this and think of me. Like, you can bring it with you to practice, and put it on your desk as you study - that kind of thing. And I'll be vicariously there with you, wherever you want to go.. And you could even send me pictures of the two of you, so I'll know what we're up to... Maybe.. Maybe we could kindof stay better together that way."

He shifted his eyes back to Sumire to try and determine how she felt about his idea. To his disappointment, it was difficult to tell. Her face was hard to read at the moment, especially since it was still dark outside. Frankly, saying all that out loud made him realize how dumb and ridiculous and pathetic it sounded. "Uh, yeah.. But, um.. Oh, just dismiss it, it was a lame thought. Forget I said anything." He quickly handed back the toy and rubbed his neck anxiously. He was now very grateful for the darkness of the morning, since he was sure his facial complexion was currently that of a fire truck.

Her mind was racing with gleeful ideas and emotions at his suggestion. However, she kept coming back to how fascinatingly odd it was to see Asuma so unsure of himself. His disposition was usually either totally at ease or contagiously passionate. It was rare to see him so awkwardly vulnerable. He's so cute! I guess this is how he must feel when he jests me..

Suddenly she realized she had been leaving him in suspense.

"Oh no, Charming, I think it's a lovely idea!" She beamed and gave him a warm hug, full of gratitude. "I have a brilliant boyfriend! Prepare yourself for tons of silly pictures! Oh, hey! What should we name her?"

Asuma let it a huge sigh of relief and smiled, "Hmm.. What would be most fitting..?"

They examined the doll more closely, trying to get a sense for what name would work best. It was a plush pirate, complete with a captain's hat, airy trousers, and a rugged, multi-tailed coat.. A coat very similar to a certain Phantom Thief..

"How about.. 'Violet-chan'?" he offered, "It fits pretty perfectly, I'd say.. She basically has your coat, even your rapier! Oh look, the gun is similar, as well!"

"Charming, I absolutely LOVE it. That's perfect!" She jumped in excitement and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"Haha! It's settled then!" He grinned widely, "Treat her well, Violet-chan."

"Leave it to me," answered Sumire, voicing the doll. Her giggle turned to a gasp, "But what about you, Senpai?"

"Ehh, I'll be ok," he assured her unconvincingly.

"No. Wait." Sumire said with gravitas, breaking their walk. She reached back in her purse and brought out Suzume. "You take her, Charming."

"No, but this is special! It represents so much for you.."

"Now it also represents me, to you. I insist you take it." She paused. She was holding Suzume against Asuma's chest and looking deep in his eyes. "And I too want pictures from you. That way, we'll stay together, even from far apart."

He brushed her cheek with his knuckles affectionately, then brought her in for the sweet and simple kiss of a boy in love. "I'll keep eyes on her," he winked. "For real, thank you. I'll treasure it till we meet again, my champion. Hey, I'll take her (and you) through a tour of my hometown when I get back! There isn't much there, but.."

"That sounds excellent. I can't wait to see!"

They continued on to the station, hand in hand: Asuma, Sumire, Suzume, and Violet-chan.