Chapter 38
New Years eve.
It was almost over.
Today was the last day Amai would be this creature, the last time he will be slithering about to get around, the last time he will have to step foot into the house. Yet, as strange as it was, a part of him… didn't want it to end. He was outside enjoying the sunrise when he felt a presence approach. "Thinking?"
It was Melee as he came to sit next to him, yet offered him a hot cup of tea. He took it graciously. "It's done as of today. There was one thing I have yet to do to ensure Snek and I are even, but Garou won't allow it." He explained.
"Garou is not going to bite you." Melee sighed. "He already told me, just because you did it to Snek, doesn't mean Garou does it to you, not to mention, that wouldn't be pleasant for either one of you."
"I want to clear the slate between Snek and I, what I did… was unforgivable. I was a monster and was willing to kill him to satisfy a simple need of mine that I refused to tend to. I was a fool." Amai paused before he turned to her. "I understand now… I know why I couldn't win your heart, and I completely accept it." He said.
She appeared curious, so he explained that during his time at the house, he observed how she and Garou reacted to each other, how they interacted and got along. He never anticipated Garou on being such a gentleman. Even when there were times she told him to leave her alone, he did so without question or hesitation. Never did he force himself upon her or she do that to him. "I have never seen such love between two souls like that before. I never offered such a thing to you. I truly was wrapped up in myself and my career."
Melee sighed. "I did think about it too… back before I met Garou… I did like you at one point." She confessed. Amai was stunned, but she went on to explain. "It was why I worked so hard for you. But, I never got the attention you gave your fans. Nor a thank you for what I did. I realized then that no matter what happened, I would never be first for anything you do. I wouldn't be your first choice, I wouldn't be your first priority… I wouldn't be first in your heart."
He looked away, ashamed to say the least. "Look on the bright side." She said. "You have learned from this, and I think you may see things a little differently now. If you do, great, this wasn't all for nothing. If you hadn't learned a thing… I would have felt sorry for you. Imagine the great Amai Mask, given an opportunity to change, but never seized it. That would have been a real shame." She stood to go back into the house, but he gently grabbed hold of her hand.
"Melee… thank you." He said. "Thank you for all you did for me, and all you have done for me. I would like to speak with Garou when he has a chance, I have a favor to ask of him…"
#
11:40pm
He lingered outside.
Amai wore his jacket Alley made for him as he took in the night sky, twenty minutes left until midnight. He wasn't alone. He stepped out of the house and came up beside him. Snek stared into the night sky and offered a small glass of champagne to Amai. "Thanks."
"Not like we're going to be up pass midnight anyways." He raised his glass. "To a new year, and new beginnings." Amai nodded and toasted Snek. The two drank and continued to stare up.
"I feel so insignificant…"
"Billions of stars, millions of miles away… yeah…" sighed Snek. "So, what's the first thing you are going to do when you turn back?"
"Shower." Amai said.
"I did that too the moment I changed back, that and a nice thick steak dinner."
"That does sound good."
Snek took a seat on the ground, he looked down at his legs and toyed with his feet. "You know… I thought I really missed these. But in reality I think I was looking for a way of hating myself. I know with legs I can't do nearly half of my strikes in the biting snake fist technique. I can't jump…"
"Who said you couldn't. I did so with ease!"
"You got to remember Amai, despite how you look now. You maybe as long as I was, but I was double your weight."
"I don't see how that is possible, I think I ate far more than you have."
Snek laughed. "Perhaps, but you got a better metabolic rate than me. Then again I never saw you strangle your prey. Maybe I just had more muscle mass than you. Anyway, I thought I missed being human, some aspects I do. But, then there are some that I just don't give a damn about."
"Such as?" Amai questioned.
"Underwear for one!" The two snickered at the notion. Snek then continued to name off other things. "Having to change clothing, do laundry, eat three square meals a day, watch what I eat, trying to keep an eye out for danger so I don't get killed. Granted, I could still be killed in my serpent form. But at least I could take a hit!"
Amai smiled and nodded. "I don't miss the commitments, the obligations to appear, the constant go, go, go of the world… I got to sit back and appreciate it. I got to enjoy my time to myself. I do miss my fans though, and they miss me greatly."
"No shit, I've seen the hero association page where they are have a digital candle vigil until you become human again. Sort of creepy."
He nodded. Just then, Snek's watch went off. "Two minutes." He said and sighed. "You ready?"
"Yes, perhaps we should go inside…"
"Nah, out here is fine, let's not ruin their New Year celebrations." They sat in silence to each other as the time ticked away. Soon, it was in its final moments.
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"HAPPY NEW YEAR!" the house erupted.
Snek and Amai however passed out…