"Are you sure this isn't a nightmare? And that we won't just wake up?
"Yes".
Because dreamers always wake up and leave their monsters behind."
― Alexandra Bracken, In The Afterlight
Chapter 15
Mr. Togami led them all outside the hotel where a limo was already waiting for them. The driver exited the vehicle and opened the door for them.
Byakuya frowned. "Where's Hideki?"
His father waved a hand. "I gave him the rest of the night off, you remember Claude right?"
Claude adjusted his glasses and did a slight bow. "It's a pleasure to see you again my lord." He turned towards Naegi and his smile widened just a bit. "Ms. Naegi, always a pleasure."
Naegi snickered and curtsied. "I see your hair grew back."
Clause straightened and ran a hand through his dark brown hair. "Yes." He drawled. "After cutting out the parts that had gum on them, it grew back quite nicely."
Hinata looked back and forth between them, a smile starting to form on his lips. "Gum?"
Clause turned his brown eyes at him. "Yes, when Ms. Naegi was twelve she had the bright idea to hide her gum in my hair so she wouldn't get in trouble with her parents."
The others turned to her and Naegi frowned. "You said you'd help me hide them!"
Clause raised an eyebrow. "Yes, but not on my hair." Everyone laughed at that and Naegi just crossed her arms and pouted. "Now, if you'll all step inside, we'll be on our way."
One by one they all stepped inside and took a seat. Mr. Togami pulled Naegi to his side and took out his phone before he snapped a photo of them both. Seated on his other side, Byakuya frowned at his father. "What are you doing?"
Mr. Togami typed a quick message on his phone before he pressed send. "You'll see."
A few seconds later Naegi's phone started ringing. Confused, Naegi took it out and glanced at the caller ID. She raised an eyebrow. "It's my dad." She pushed the talk button and pressed it on her ear before her fathers loud voice made her drop her phone in surprise.
"MAKOTO! WHY DON'T YOU TAKE PICTURES WITH ME? THAT'S NOT FAIR!"
Everyone stared wide-eyed. Mr. Togami chuckled and Naegi picked up her phone. "Daddy, calm down. Yes, I'll take plenty of pictures with you when I go visit. Yes yes, I promise. Okay daddy I have to go." Naegi hung up and turned towards Byakuyas father. "Daddy says you're mean."
Everyone face-palmed and Mr. Togami merely chuckled. At the front Clause informed them that they've be reaching their destination soon. Seconds later they all exited the vehicle and Clause was driving away.
Mr. Togami spread his arms wide. "Welcome to Sapori Unici! I hope you all like Italian." They all nodded and followed after him.
Once inside, a waitress came up to them and smiled. "Mr. Togami it's nice to see you again. Your usual table?"
"Yes, Margaret. The usual."
"Very well." She picked up a few menus and led them to a table in the corner by the window. "Here you are. And here are your menus. I'll be back in a few minutes when you're ready to order." She bowed and left.
Everyone opened their menus and gaped. Hinata gulped. "Holy crap. These prices are ridiculous."
Naegi bit her lip. "Mr. Togami-"
"Call me father." He interrupted her. Byakuya groaned.
Naegi's eye twitched. "Mr. Togami, this is all very expensive. Are you sure?"
Mr. Togami frowned. "Yes, it's all right. Its not often I get to spoil my son and his friends."
Hinata smiled widened. "Well, if you insist." Chiaki elbowed him. Mr. Togami looked at them in amusement.
Margaret came a few minutes later and once they'd placed their orders, Mr. Togami laced his hands together and leaned on the table. "Now then, tell me about yourselves."
Chiaki cleared her throat and began. "My name is Chiaki and I am the Ultimate Gamer. This is Hinata and Komaeda, both of them share the title of The Ultimate Lucky Student."
Mr. Togamis eyebrows lifted and he looked at them in interest. "Really now. That's fascinating. I trust my son has been on his best behavior?"
Hinata scratched his head. "Well, he's kind of moody sometimes but he's alright." This time Komaeda elbowed him in the ribs. Byakuya glowered in his direction and scoffed.
Chiaki tapped her chin. "He can be a brat sometimes."
"I'm not moody and I'm not a brat," the heir declared.
Hinata raised an eyebrow at him. "Sure you're not." He said sarcastically.
Mr. Togami let out an amused chuckle. "Oh I like you. You remind me of Makoto over here. Always speaks her mind, just like her father." He glanced at Komaeda. "What about you, what do you think of my son?"
Komaeda jumped and glanced at Byakuya. The heir raised an eyebrow. "He can be very kind when he wants to be. I'm honored to just be in his presence."
Mr. Togami smiled. It was made his face look young. "I am glad to know that there are people who can truly see him for what he is. He's very shy you know."
"Father." Byakuya warned.
Mr. Togami winked at him. "Isn't he adorable?"
Naegi grinned. "He certainly is. Isn't that right snuff muffin?"
Togami gave her a smirk. "Not as adorable as you snuggle butt."
Hinata snorted. Mr. Togami raised his eyebrows in amusement. He looked like he was going to say something when Margaret arrived with their food and drinks. "Enjoy your meal."
Hinata took a bite of his food and let out a moan. "Oh my god. I could die happily right now."
The others nodded in agreement and dug into their food.
Mr. Togami glanced at his son and his friends as they enthusiastically chewed their food. Hinata snagged one of Naegi's meatballs and Naegi threw an angry glare at him before she ratted him out to Chiaki. The Ultimate Gamer chided him and looking like a scolded child, Hinata muttered an apology. On his right side, Komaeda kept looking at his son's pasta until the ladder sighed and pushed his plate in his direction. Komaeda's face turned scarlet, but he grabbed his fork and took some of the pasta before offering some of his own food to his son. Byakuya scoffed but took one of his meatballs anyway.
Osamu Togami closed his eyes and smiled. His son had found some good friends. He was glad.
Once they had all finished with their meals, Mr. Togami had insisted they all stay the night since it was getting late. They were too tired and too full to argue so they all climbed inside the limo and drove to the Togami mansion.
After an hour-long drive, Clause passed through the giants gates surrounding the place and drove up the curved brick driveway to the mansion. Everyone besides the two Togamis' and Naegi stared at the impossibly huge mansion with wide eyes. They knew the Togami family was rich but they hadn't guessed their pockets were so deep.
They were still gawking at the beautiful mansion when Clause opened the door for them.
One by one they exited the car and looked around in wonder.
"It's huge." Hinata said awestruck. Komaeda and Chiaki nodded their consent as they turned in a circle to take in the whole mansion.
Mr. Togami sauntered up to them and looked at his home proudly. "It has fifteen bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a game-room, a gym, indoor and outdoor pools, two movie theaters, a separate music room, a ballroom, three libraries and a bar upstairs for us adults."
"Wow." Hinata said. "What? No helicopter landing pad?" he said sarcastically.
"There's one outback." Byakuya replied smoothly; Hinata couldn't tell if he was joking or not.
It was a very nice house indeed. There were security guards scattered around the place, some keeping their eyes on them as they made their way up to the mansion. As soon as they opened the door, a slew of scurrying maids came to greet them at the front door.
"Welcome home masters." They all said in unison as they bowed lightly.
Mr. Togami walked up to them. "Ladies, prepare some rooms for my guests. They'll be spending the night, and try to dig out some clothes for them all as well." The maids nodded and hurried of to do their tasks. He turned toward his son and hid a yawn with his hand. "Now then, if you'll all excuse me, I'm off to bed. I have an early meeting tomorrow; Byakuya make sure you show them their rooms. It was a pleasure meeting you all, you're all more than welcome here anytime."
And with that the blonde haired billionaire turned on his heel and trotted inside before he disappeared upstairs.
Byakuya turned to his friends and motioned for them to follow him. As the heir led them upstairs, the others were admiring the mansion. There were expensive furniture around what they assumed was the living room; flowers in vases decorated the desks and tables. As they made their way upstairs, they turned to a long hallway with picture frames adorning the walls. As they walked further in, they began to see doors that they assumed were going to be their rooms for the night.
"Just pick a room, we'll all be across each other. There should already be a set of clothes for each of you. I assume you all want a bath?"
They nodded.
"Then we'll have to go to the big baths in the first floor. They're like mini hot springs, just make sure you take the clothes the maids prepared with you."
Naegi sank lower into the water, his eyes closing slowly as she let out a low appreciative groan as the heat soothed the soreness that invaded her feet. She really hated wearing heels; they always made her feet hurt afterwards.
Chiaki had left a few minutes ago claiming that she was tired and wanted to sleep. Naegi had mumbled a small good night to her before she was left alone in the giant pool. A sweet scent tickled her nose, and her head twisted to search for its host.
Naegi moved across the pool and picked up the small bottle of shampoo before she started rubbing it in her head. She got out of the water and headed to where the showerheads were at the front before she turned the knob and went under it to wash the shampoo away.
A surprised yelp made her pause her ministrations before she turned to where the sound had come from.
Naegi let out a massive sigh before she grabbed a sponge and after lathering it with soap, started washing her body. "We really need to stop meeting like this Hinata."
Hinata turned and accusatory finger at her while his other hand gripped the small towel around his waist. "Are you doing this on purpose?!"
Naegi snorted. "Yeah right."
"Stop that! Put some clothes on damn it!" A glance in his direction confirmed that he was blushing. Naegi snickered.
"Why don't you make yourself useful and wash my back for me?"
Hinata spluttered and shook his head furiously. The grip on his towel slackened until the towel landed on the floor. He didn't even notice. Naegi glanced down at his package briefly before her eyes met his again.
"You should really cover yourself." She pointed downward and Hinata hastily put the towel around his waist again. Naegi turned on the other showerheads and soon enough, the room was covered in steam. "There." Naegi said. "Now can you wash my back? You shouldn't be able to see much."
Hinata glanced at the room, then the door, before settling on her. He squinted and sighed. "Fine, but only this once. And if you ever tell Togami I'll probably end up dead."
Naegi snickered and took a seat at one of the stools. And just because she was so nice, she grabbed a towel and covered the front of her while Hinata sat behind her on another stool. She handed him the sponge and Hinata began lathering her back with the soap.
"You know you're like my big brother right? That's why it doesn't really bother me as much." Naegi explained.
"Yeah yeah. I just wanted my first time seeing a naked girl to be someone else you know." Hinata mumbled.
Naegi nodded in understanding. "Someone like Chiaki right? Sorry."
Hinata sighed. "It's okay, it was an accident anyway so there's nothing we could have done. It's a good thing I see you more as a little sister."
Naegi grinned and making sure the towel still covered her front, turned around.
Hinata arched an eyebrow. "My turn?"
Naegi nodded and Hinata turned around as Naegi repeated the same motions he'd done for her before she grabbed the shampoo and poured a generous amount in her hands. Hinata slightly bent his head and let out a small laugh as Naegi began to rub his head. That seemed to soften the awkwardness of the situation and Hinata relaxed his tense muscles.
He wondered if this is what it felt like to have siblings. His parents had not wanted any more children, and no matter how much he'd begged them that he wanted a little brother or sister to play with they had refused to have any more children.
Hinata glanced at Naegi and thought of all the times they'd tease each other and couldn't help but think that he had a sister in her. They both think alike; sometimes they even finish each other's sentences. It's kind of cool, but he's pretty sure it annoys Togami.
Sometimes he's awed by her-Naegi is really really pretty after all. Beautiful even. He didn't blame Togami for falling for her, but he's pretty sure the heir fell in love with her personality.
"Hey." He said, tilting his head in her direction. He made sure to keep his eyes on her face.
"What is it?"
"Are you happy?" he mumbled. "With Togami I mean. He's good to you?"
Naegi paused and looked at him. A few wet strands were stuck to her face; she gave him a small smile. "Yes. I'm very happy. Sometimes I think he's too good for me you know?"
Hinata snorted. "If anything, you're to good for him. If he ever hurt you, I'd have to kick his ass you know. But I'm glad you're happy, you deserve all the happiness in the world."
Naegi looked at him in amazement before she placed her forehead on his back. Hinata jumped and tried to turn his head in her direction. "What is it?" he stuttered.
Naegi slightly shook her head, and Hinata could practically feel the smile she was likely adorning on his back. "I'm just…really glad you're my friend Hinata. Thank you." She hesitated. "Big bro."
Hinata let out a small chuckle. "I'm glad you're my friend too Sissy. Now let's get out of here before we have a hugging session and further embarrass ourselves."
Naegi laughed and stepped into one of the showerheads while Hinata walked to another showerhead that was farthest from Naegi.
Naegi got out first and gave a little wave before disappearing into the hall. Hinata looked after her for a minute before he shook his head and exited the baths. He really was lucky he thought.
Komaeda still remembered the day his world turned to shit. He remembered the sickening collision of metal on metal as the plane he and his parents were on hit another plane that had been taken off course. The weather had turned bad and their pilot was looking for a place to land when the other plane crashed into them. It was already in flames due to it being struck by the thunderstorm as it struck them head on. He remembered being tossed into the ceilings on his way back from the restroom.
He could still hear his mother screaming his name as pain took over his senses. There was fire and pain in his lungs and he couldn't breathe. He felt like he was dying. The plane began to fall and he could faintly feel his father drag him back to his seat and put the seat belt on him before he put the mask on his face.
"Breathe," his father kept telling him. "Just breathe."
His mother held his hand as she told him she loved him before the rest of what she wanted to say was drowned out by the screams of the other passengers.
The roof of the plane suddenly disappeared, taking his father and other passengers with him. Komaeda remembered screaming his name. Remembered his mother crying and screaming at the sudden loss.
Komaeda couldn't breathe. He was having a panic attack he realized. A briefcase slammed into his temple and blood began to pour from the wound. Pain was everywhere.
There was a thunderous crash as the right side of the plane as it suddenly began to peel off. He turned his head to peer at his mother. His mother was gone. Only flame and sky greeted him and Komaeda began to cry. He was going to die he realized.
Most of the passengers were gone. Swept away and thrown into the sky. The plane was still falling.
There was another crash and Komaeda screamed.
He was suddenly cold and freezing and it was everywhere. He couldn't breathe.
The water rushed through the remaining broken windows. Komaeda opened his mouth in a soundless scream, but only water rushed in.
His lungs seized and he began to cough.
Everything hurt.
He was cold.
He was bleeding.
He was going to die.
His instincts finally kicked in, and he hurriedly unfastened the seatbelt and began to kick his legs as he began to swim.
He could smell oil.
He had to get out.
He willed his legs to move faster, kick faster.
He had to get out.
Then he felt it.
The back of the plane blew up and the shockwave sent him through one of the empty windows and into the open water.
Everything became distorted.
He could vaguely feel himself floating.
He was so tired.
His whole body was throbbing in pain and he was so cold.
He closed his eyes as exhaustion took over and he succumbed to the darkness.
Someone was yelling and he could faintly hear other voices as they neared.
He wanted them to stop. Didn't they know how tired he was?
The yelling became louder and he struggled to open his eyes. There was a light shining on him and Komaeda blinked and turned his head away.
He hissed at the motion.
Hands were suddenly on him and they began to drag him. His weak protests were ignored.
He finally managed to open his eyes to see a man towering over him.
"We've got a survivor over here!"
Exhaustion took over and once again and his world went dark.
Komaeda sat up in bed, a cold sweat running down his back. He gripped a pillow over his chest and tried to steady his breathing. He hadn't realized he was shaking until a warm hand was placed on his shoulder. Komaeda jerked away and nearly screamed until he recognized Naegi looking at him with concern.
"Are you okay? You were having a nightmare."
Komaeda shook his head and gripped the pillow tighter. Naegi leaned forward and saw that there were tears streaming down his cheeks. She leaned forward and placed her hand on his forehead before smoothing back his hair.
Komaeda focused on her hand and tried to calm his breathing. Naegi brushed his tears away and Komaeda leaned into the touch. "Do you want to talk about it?" he shook his head.
Naegi frowned and reached for his hand before she began tugging him out the door.
"Naegi? Where are we going?" he hated how small his voice sounded.
"The kitchen." His friend answered back. Komaeda let himself be led through the huge house before they made it to a big kitchen. Naegi backtracked and made him sit on the couch in the living room before she made her way to the kitchen.
Komaeda hugged his knees to his chest and tried to stop the shaking still wrecking his body. After a few minutes Naegi came out with two mugs and placed one on his shaking hands before she took a seat next to him on the coach cross-legged.
"Drink. It'll help." Naegi ordered.
Komaeda took a small sip of whatever she gave him and blinked in surprise. "Hot chocolate?"
"It helps. Whenever I had a bad dream, my mother always made me hot chocolate and sat with me until I calmed down." She took a sip of her own drink before she turned to him. "See? You're hands have stopped shaking."
Komaeda looked at his hands in surprise and realized she was right. His hands had stopped shaking. "Do you want to talk about it?" Naegi asked him again.
Komaeda hesitated. "I wouldn't want to trouble you with my problems."
Naegi pinched his cheek and Komaeda let out a small yelp. "Trouble me as much as you want. I'm here for you."
Komaeda bit his lip and began to tell her about his dream. About the plane crash, about what happened to his parents, how he'd been the only survivor and how lonely his life had been since.
Naegi listened to it all in silence and Komaeda felt some of the tension he always carried with him ease as he spilled his guts to her. Talking about it did help he realized. Perhaps all he'd needed was to talk it over with someone after all.
Once he'd finished talking, his voice felt hoarse from overuse but he was feeling better. He took another sip of his hot chocolate as Naegi leaned on his shoulder. "Do you know what might have triggered it?" she asked him.
Komaeda thought about it before he realized what date it was. "The crash." He whispered as his eyes widened. "It was today, and I forgot about it." Shame and guilt flooded his veins.
Naegi leaned back to peer at his face. "It's okay Komaeda. We'll visit their graves together and we'll both apologize. It's going to be okay."
Komaeda relaxed and he let out a sigh. "You don't mind coming with me?"
Naegi shook her head and gave him a small smile. "I don't mind at all. It's time I introduced myself to your parents anyway."
Komaeda smiled and leaned his head on her shoulder. "Thank you Naegi." His voice cracked and Naegi chose to ignore it as she ruffled his hair.
"Think you can go back to sleep?"
Komaeda hesitated and shook his head. "Sorry, you must be tired. You can go back to sleep Naegi, I'll be fine." He gave her a small smile.
Naegi got up and took a seat on the piano. Komaeda hadn't even realized there was a piano there. "If it's all right with you, I'll stay. I'm sure I can make you fall asleep pretty easily though."
Naegi placed her fingers over the keys and began to play. Komaeda leaned back on the couch and watched as Naegi's fingers glided gracefully over the keys, the gentlest pressure applied to each one making a beautiful sound.
"I wish I could do that." Komaeda said quietly, mesmerized.
"I could teach you if you want. Togami could as well."
Komaeda nodded absentmindedly. Naegi changes when she plays. It's like music opens another side to her. Her eyes seem to sparkle, her body relaxes, and her expression becomes softer.
Soon enough, Hinata, Chiaki and Togami made their way into the living room and looked at them in surprise.
"He had a nightmare." Naegi explained.
The others nodded in understanding before Hinata and Chiaki took a seat next to Komaeda who scooted to the edge to make more room. Togami came back with three mugs and a pitcher before he filled them with hot chocolate and passed them around.
Chiaki and Hinata mumbled their thanks before settling back on the couch with Komaeda. Togami refilled Naegi and Komaeda's cups before he settled himself on the couch with the others and watched as Naegi began to play another song.
"By the way, we're all going with Komaeda to visit his parents' grave tomorrow." Naegi said from her seat. The others nodded their consent and Togami ruffled Komaeda's hair.
Komaeda looked at the people around him and couldn't help but think about how lucky he was. He'd been alone for a very long time since his parents had died and no one had wanted him around. Weird and creepy were some of the nicer things that he'd been called over the years.
And just when he thought he'd always be alone even in high school, Naegi Makoto walked into his life. And with her came Togami, Hinata and Chiaki. They never looked at him in disgust, they always listened to his opinions and they'd even stood up for him on occasions.
As his eyes began to close, he looked at the friends surrounding him and couldn't help but smile as he drifted off to sleep.
There were no nightmares this time.
And waiting for him in his dreams were the best friends he'd ever made reaching for his hand as they took him into the light. He was finally home.
