Chapter 7
The next morning, Samus woke up, as she looked around. She stirred awake, feeling the tiredness. She felt the pain and the essence of emotional exhaustion as well. Samus sniffled.
Robin smiled a kind smile as she came in. "Hi, honey". Robin said, gently with softness. "It's so good to see you".
"Thank you". Samus said, as she looked up at Robin. "How do you feel today?". Robin asked, kindly. "I feel ok". Samus said. "It is kind of hard, waking up….but I'm doing alright".
"I know it". "I had a hard time sleeping yesterday, too". "Sleeping is something we love doing, but it's tough to do when you haven't rested in a while". "The doctor's office is a busy place anymore". "There's a lot of ins and outs with it". Robin said, kindly.
"There are". Samus said. "Luckily, I have some things to do today, I don't have to go in until later". Robin said, gently.
"That's nice". Samus said. "Wonderful". Robin said, kindly. Robin smiled a gentle smile as she folded some clothes.
"Ryu is just in the other room, he was waiting for you to wake up for a while". Robin said, kindly. "I'm sure". Samus said. Robin smiled a kind smile as she led Samus outside to see Ryu. Ryu was in his bed, in his pajamas as he read the paper. "Hey, sweet pea". Ryu said, kindly with gentleness. "I'm so happy to see you". "Eskimo kisses, and nuzzles". Ryu said with gentleness. Samus laughed as she felt Ryu's nuzzles, while he kissed her nose. "Love you, sweet pea". Ryu said kindly with softness. "How are you, this morning?".
"I'm ok". Samus said. "I'm feeling kind of better….I'm not coughing anymore, but I am tired…immensely".
"I'm a lil bit tired, too". Ryu said, kindly with a gentle, soft, hum to his sonorous, suave voice. "I've been tired for quite a bit, but everything should be cool". "I might go smoke a cigarette soon to get my strength up". Ryu craned his neck a bit, leaning over the pillow to see Samus. "I feel really tired as of now". "Like I could fall asleep any second now". Ryu chuckled, as he stroked Samus's face with a gentle hand. "You still kind of stuffed up, baby?". Ryu asked, gently with soft smoothness, and calm to his voice. "I am". Samus said. "I thought you might be". Ryu said, kindly with softness. "You're sniffling a bit, still".
"Mm, come on the other side of me, princess". Ryu said, kindly with softness. "I want to see your beautiful face". "That, and I want to see you smile, and laugh". "Your laugh is so pretty".
"Thank you". Samus said. "I'm doing well with it….perhaps". "It's not that bad".
"Come see me…give me some company, sweet pea". "We're both a lil under the weather". "Help me get better, help me get through it?". Ryu asked, gently with softness. "Please…?". Ryu had a puppy's look in his eyes, as he blew up his lips. He looked to be an innocently foolish character with an expression that was true only to Modern anime.
"Ok, perhaps". Samus said as she glanced at Ryu. Ryu smiled a kind smile, as he smoothed a place close to the foot of the bed. There was nothing vulgar or bad. It was just two cousins, in the same sick bed. Just as a Disclaimer.
"You look so beautiful, kiddo". "Your eye is clearing up, too". Ryu said, gently with softness as he stroked Samus's face while she drank from her sippy cup.
"Thank you". Samus said. "So, how've you been, emotionally?". "You been ok?". Ryu asked, kindly and softly. "I've been fine". Samus said. "I'm still kind of sad all of the time….and I kind of…I kind of don't want to face anything".
"Why's that?". Ryu asked, kindly with gentle softness as he set his head on his hands, sprawled and relaxed. "You're usually so happy about things, and you're confident about seeing certain things".
"What's troubling you, sweet pea?". Ryu asked, kindly with softness. His hand crumpled the silk sheets, a bit, as a soft creak was heard. "I don't know". Samus said. "I honestly don't know".
"What's been upsetting you, recently?". "What makes you upset, and depressed?". "What usually comes to mind when you become upset?". Ryu asked, softly with a rasp to his deep voice that blended in well with his nasal stuffiness. "I guess…kind of….being cold…I don't know…I feel like I'm not good enough, or strong enough". "I feel like no one cares about me, anymore". "Like I'm nothing to them". "I kind of don't want to do it anymore". "I don't want to talk to anyone". "I try, and try, and no one cares". Samus said. "I'm not good enough…I'm not enough".
"Do you feel as if no one loves you, or that people wished you didn't exist?". Ryu asked, gently with softness. "I guess". Samus said. "Sometimes we think that way when we're depressed". "When something plagues us, and we're not used to it, we tend to become so depressed, we're becoming harmful enough to destroy ourselves". "I don't want to see you destroy yourself, and go through pain, Samus". Ryu said, softly with gentleness. "I want happiness for you, and peace…I want us to have fun together because we've reunited". "I don't want you to become someone you, yourself don't even recognize". "I want you to be at peace with who you are, and accepting of those who love you".
"I know why you're depressed, and why you're sad, as of now". "It's because you lost your parents at an early age…and you lost your home, all of everyone you knew because someone was being harmful". "You were traumatized at a young age, and from then on, you were never loved, or appreciated by those who raised you….you've been an orphan ever since". Ryu said, kindly in a soft whisper. "I know it's hard to hear, but it is the truth". "That perhaps is why you're experiencing these symptoms". "You're crying out for love". "You are needing love so badly that it's beginning to affect you emotionally".
"It is?". Samus asked. "It is, and that's why you've been feeling this way". Ryu said, softly with gentleness. "Maybe and perhaps that's why you've had dark, intrusive thoughts". "We can't escape our thoughts, sometimes". "But what I'm sure of, that I know, is that I will do everything I can to help you through it, and help you become happy again". "I'm here not only as a cousin, or as family, but as your guardian angel that will protect you, love you unconditionally, and give you everything, and never leave your side". "We have a special bond…a bond created by God that will transcend time, and reality". "We are together because God planned it". "Our love transcends that of reality, and time". "Our love is forever". "I will never leave your side, because you are my everything". Ryu said, kindly with softness. "Ok…thank you". Samus said. "Please don't be sad…be happy that we're together…and that we have one another to rely on, and grow with". "Let me treat you…because you deserve it…because you deserve love". Ryu said, kindly in a whisper. Samus nodded.
"It's ok, sweet pea". "I'm always right beside you….no matter what". Ryu whispered, gently. "Thank you". Samus said. Ryu stroked Samus's cheek, gently as he nuzzled her. "I love you". Ryu whispered, kindly as he nuzzled Samus, kindly. Samus felt comfortable as she felt kisses from Ryu. She only sniffled when she felt sad. "Don't be sad…be happy". "Don't you dare laugh". Ryu joked, as he had a silly accent. "Don't do it…don't do it…or I'll tickle you". Ryu chuckled as he nuzzled Samus while she laughed. "Gorilla will tickle you…Gorilla's coming to tickle you, coochie". Ryu joked, laughing. Samus and Ryu shared a laugh, while Ryu made a farting noise from his mouth on Samus's stomach. Samus laughed, as she saw Ryu make another funny noise.
Samus and Ryu laughed, as Ryu nuzzled Samus. "Gorilla loves his baby…until the end of time". Ryu said, kindly, kissing Samus's nose. "I love you, too, Gorilla". Samus said, as she drank from her sippy cup.
"Lay down for a bit…relax, and allow me to massage your belly". Ryu said, kindly with softness. "Remember I massaged your belly when you were just a 4 month old baby?". "I used to massage your belly, and burp you…I'd tickle your legs with the baby brush". "You were such a cute baby". "You loved me so much". "That, and you loved your yogurt". "Yogurt with cheerios".
"I remember". Samus said. "That was nice".
"It was nice…for as long as I had you". Ryu said, kindly with gentleness. "Ready, kiddo?". Ryu massaged Samus's stomach, as she drank her milk. "Shh, there we are, there it is, yeah, yeah, nice". Ryu whispered, gently as he massaged Samus's stomach. "Sentimental Gentle wind, blowin through my life again". "Sentimental Lady, far and wide". "All of the things that I've said about a woman, come rushing by in my head when I'm with you, 14 joys, and a will to be merry, all of the things they say are very sentimental gentle wind". "Blowing through my life again". "Sentimental lady, far and wide". Ryu sang, gently with softness, with a loving, nourishing quality as he massaged Samus's stomach, singing softly and kindly to her….much like a mother to her baby, when the baby was soothed, and rocked to sleep.
The memory of Ryu, at 13 years old, rocking a baby Samus to sleep in the rocking chair in her nursery came to call. The clarity, the emotional fervor, and the love came to Samus, as she felt the gentle hand of her older cousin. Samus's breathing slowed, as she felt a warm feeling come through her…a soft, gentle feeling. It was the feeling of love, of nourishment, and of patrilineal warmth. She knew she had family with her, and that everything was alright now. Samus felt soothed, as Ryu massaged her stomach. Though Ryu didn't have quite as close of a singsong voice as Rodney Aran, (Samus's father), he still did sing to her, and he massaged her stomach.
"Love you". Ryu whispered, gently as he finished massaging Samus's stomach, now stroking her cheeks, and humming softly to her. Samus felt relaxed, calm, and nourished. The calmest thoughts, the deepest crevices of hope, altruism, and love, as well as understanding, came to her as she laid down, seeing the hope, and love that flourished in, when she was with her cousin. Samus felt nourished. Samus felt loved, hopeful, and inspired as she laid, being caressed by Ryu's gentle touch. Ryu, in consequence, felt inspired by Samus's gentle nature, and calm disposition. He had noticed that Samus's anxiety, Samus's nervousness had disappeared. Samus was calm now….and indubitably so, she was appreciating the nurturing, the stimulation, and the love she was being given….by a blood relative. Even if he was looking to be a Shaman King, he was her cousin. Even so, he was hers….and she was nurtured by him…perchance, after a later childhood of being treated coldly.
Ryu stroked Samus's face, gently as he kissed her cheek in gentleness. He noticed the love, the cuddling, and the reciprocation he received when he stroked her cheek, and kissed her. Ryu knew he was reunited with family…and perchance, they were together for the rest of time…never to be separated again.
Samus fell asleep, as she curled up in a pile of blankets beside Ryu. she was curled up in a circle, in her blanket pile, as Ryu snored on his side. Sniffling, and using up the tissues, they coughed, and blew noses, and for the most part, slept the entire day. Sleep was the epitome.
Samus woke up, glancing around, as she noticed the sunset was coming to its lowest peak. Though and again, she was hopped up on so many decongestants, she didn't remember if she ate dinner or lunch. Samus stirred in her sleep, as the T.V. went on, broadcasting its news channel. Samus felt lonely as she stirred awake, feeling numb. As she came back to clarity, she swung her legs over the bed, getting out of bed. She walked outside, seeing a trail of smoke coming from the porch. Even so, she didn't notice that Ryu was no longer in bed. Samus snuck outside, seeing Ryu as he smoked his cigarette. "Hey, baby girl". Ryu said, gently with softness. "Good to see you". "You look like you've had some sleep". Ryu tapped ash from his cigarette as he smiled a kind smile. "I love seeing you, sweet pea". Ryu said, kindly. Ryu was shirtless with his muscular 12-pack chest showing. "You slept for a long time…I'll bet you just woke up". Ryu said, kindly with gentleness.
"You ok, sweet pea?". "You look upset". Ryu said, kindly as he blew some cigarette smoke out. "No, I'm ok…I don't know…I guess I'm ok". Samus said, as she sniffled, fighting back tears. "Tell daddy what happened". "Why are we sad this evening?". Ryu said, gently with kindness. He prompted Samus, kindly. "I don't know…". Samus said, as she sniffled. "Mm, you just woke up, sweet pea". "After sleeping for a few hours". Ryu said, kindly with softness. He smiled a kind smile. "Come see me…come sit with me, I'll make it easy". Ryu said, gently with kindness. "It's ok, Samus".
Samus sniffled, as she saw Ryu put aside his cigarette, opening his arms for Samus. Samus came to him, climbing into his arms. "There we go, sweet pea". "I'm so happy to have you". "There there, shh, just relax, just be at peace, everything is ok". Ryu said, gently with kind softness. He rubbed Samus's back, as he nestled her in his arms, leaning back on the porch chaise. "You were just a bit confused, because you slept for a while". "I slept for a while, too". Ryu said, kindly with softness. "We both slept for a long time….that's what emotional exhaustion does to someone". Ryu tickled Samus's cheeks, gently. He winked at Samus, even though he was shirtless. "You ok now, sweet pea?". Ryu asked, kindly with softness. "I am". Samus replied. "I thought you might be". "You're someone who's so strong, and fervent". Ryu said, gently with softness. He yawned as he took a sip of wine. "I love that about you, the most". Ryu smiled a gentle smile. Samus nodded. "Why are you drinking wine?". Samus asked, innocently. "Mm, this is a Merlough". "I made it for my throat, because it was doin its thing". "I love wine on a night like tonight". "It is so amazing to have". Ryu said, kindly.
"One day, you might be into it". Ryu said, gently. "One day". Samus said. "What was a good thing about today that you liked, Samus?". Ryu asked, gently. "I liked… kind of…being sung to, and being talked to". Samus said. "I don't know….it's been a long time since I've been with at least someone from the family".
"Yes, it has been a long time, hasn't it?". Ryu said, kindly. "You've been through a lot". "You've been through wars, you've been through different things, you've seen a lot". "I'm impressed, but I know you've been through so much". "You deserve just a little bit of peace".
"I guess". Samus said. "But I kind of….I kind of did a lot….and that's just the thing". "I've done so much, that I didn't know how to find the rest of my family".
"You did find us….and we appreciate seeing you". "You're someone we love seeing, and one day, you and I were bound to find one another". "We just were meant to be". "Even from the very beginning, when you came to me as a baby". "We both have had a special bond". Ryu said, kindly. He stroked Samus's cheeks, kindly. "And because we have met by chance, you and I will never separate". "The Lord has bound us to be together for a long time". "That said, we will never grow apart". Ryu said, gently with softness. "That is true". Samus said.
"How is your little baby?". Samus asked. "My second cousin?".
"He's doing well…he just learned to roll over, he's crawling now…but he was so excited to see you the other day". "He wanted hugs, and kisses". "He just wanted Samus". "He laughs and giggles when I mention your name, and he always waits by the door to see if you're coming to him". Ryu said, kindly. "He loves you, deeply". "And he is happy you're his cousin, as well".
"I'm happy he's my cousin". Samus said. "I guess…he is going to be a great kid".
"He will…and he has someone, that he knows is going to be an amazing mentor to him". "Someone that will hold a special bond with him….exactly like the bond you and I have". Ryu said, gently with kindness, and a softness to his voice. He stroked Samus's face, gently. "That is nice…and I hope that my bond is good with him, too". "I want to be someone he can rely on, and look to for strength". "I don't just want him to see the Bounty Hunter, or the warrior". "I feel like….that's all anybody sees anymore". "I want him to see the family member that has endured tragedy, and has come back with more strength, and more wisdom because of it". "I want him to see our family legacy, as well as the tragedies, and the losses we've experienced, and come back from it with grace, tenacity, and wisdom". "I want him to appreciate the family, and see what true strength is, and what real love is". Samus said. "Being a hero means appreciating what others have been through, working on oneself, and being nurtured by family, through any means necessary". "Family has always been the most important thing to me".
"Family has been important to me, too". "I love the family that we create through our love, strength, and wisdom". "As well as forgiveness". "When we forgive what happened to us, we learn to love a little more". Ryu said, gently. "Do you forgive what happened to you early on?". "Have you forgiven Ridley?".
"I have, actually". Samus said. "I forgave him a while back…and I've learned to accept that everyone has trauma". "I know that what happened to me, is only something that has happened". "I'm going to live my life the way I want to, now".
"You should…and you should know that everyone cares about you". "You are loved, Samus". "You are appreciated". "There are those who have seen you beyond the bounty hunting". "They see you as an amazing friend, lovely girl, and a wonderful companion". "I see you as the amazing person, and the precious human being that you were, from the beginning". Ryu said, softly with gentleness. "Joco sees you as a wonderful friend, a precious human being, and a lovely girl that has such beauty and wisdom…that expands beyond bounty hunting". "He sees you as someone that, like he, has endured, and been through it". "He sees you as his soulmate".
"He loves you, deeply". "And he wants to build an amazing future with you that transcends friendship". Ryu said, kindly with softness. "He is in love with you, and wants to be your boyfriend…a lover of yours".
"I know….he's told me, already". Samus mentioned. "I love him, too". "But we won't kiss, or make out, or anything". "We'll just hold hands, and walk through the hallways….through the different restaurants, as we get something to eat".
"Why won't you kiss?". Ryu asked, gently with a softened cuddly, light, altruism to his voice. Ryu tickled Samus's cheek lightly with his thumb. "because….I don't know….I'm kind of scared to". Samus said. "I'm scared to kiss because…I don't know what that might lead to". "If it'll lead to him touching me in places where I feel uncomfortable".
"You're not at that age yet, where that might happen, trust me". Ryu said, kindly with gentleness. "Besides, all you have to do to avoid that kind of thing, is just talk to him". "Express your needs and concerns, and tell him how you feel". "Let him know that you're not ready for that yet". "But communication in friendships, and in a relationship is so important". "Robin and I communicate all of the time". "It's the majority of our marriage…and our friendship". "We talk about everything". "She always lets me know if something is too much, and I let her know how I can help, or what I'm ready and able to do". "You are so much more powerful than you know". "You both have a voice, and you both should share it to the best of your ability". "Your voice is so powerful, and so wonderful". "You both can do amazing things with your relationship".
"I think, once you're ready, once you're in the mindset to feel that kind of power, and that kind of intimacy, you'll feel like you can express something in the way of a kiss". "But it does take time…and thought". "Only do what you're comfortable with….and don't force yourself to do anything". "Go with the natural feeling of it". "Relationships occur naturally, and gradually". "They don't occur by force, at all". "Be who you want to be".
"Know that there are hundreds of people who appreciate you beyond Bounty Hunting". "They know you to be a precious human being, who has done things, even ordinary things, to show bravery and skill". "Getting help for the sadness you felt, receiving help for things that have been traumatic for you…such as losing mommy and daddy, speaking up about how you felt, and what bothered you, that shows true bravery". "You are a brave person…who knows a lot, and has done a lot". "I'm so proud of you….I will always be proud of you….because you have given me everything". "You've given the world everything…even as a member of the Aran family". "We love you, immensely". Ryu said, gently with softness. "You, can do anything…and you have". "Together, we can do anything….because we are indefatigable". "We can be anything". "My love…and my best friend". Ryu tickled Samus's cheek, gently. Samus smiled as she felt the comfort, and the joy of Ryu's tickles on her cheek. Samus and Ryu smiled, as Ryu kept her close. Their laughter was close enough to the cuddles, and nuzzles.
Samus laid her head against Ryu's chest, feeling the hair on his chest, and the muscles on his chest. She felt the up and down patterns of his breathing, strained by smoking and cigarettes. "Yep, you are tired, sweet pea". Ryu said, kindly with softness. "I noticed you were tired, from the look on your face".
"I'm fine for now, but, it has been kind of hard". Samus said. "I have a hard time staying awake".
"I've had a hard time staying up, as well". "Which is why I need a cigarette to stay awake". "But hey…cigarettes are alright, too, I guess". Ryu said, gently as he yawned. "Wine helps me fall asleep, a lot". "I could pass out with a whole bottle". "But, I like the classy stuff". Ryu said, softly with gentleness. "I like a nice Merlough to fall asleep to". "Or a Riesling, glass".
"We should get you to drink some wine". "You'd be so into it". Ryu said, kindly with gentleness. "But I like seeing you with some almond milk… and me with my wine". "We pair well that way, huh?". Ryu said, with suave softness to his kind voice. "I guess". Samus said. "Kiddo, it's alright…we'll go to bed, soon". "Try to hang in there for at least another second". Ryu said, softly with kindness. "You might be hungry, so we have to eat something tomorrow…ok?". "We have to wake up, and eat some lunch, or breakfast". Ryu tickled Samus's cheeks, kindly.
"Ok". Samus said. Ryu kissed both of Samus's cheeks, kindly. "Love you, darling". "You're my best friend…and my amazing love". Ryu said, kindly with gentleness. "I am so in awe of you".
"Thank you…I'm really happy, too". "You're my best friend, too". Samus said. Ryu nuzzled Samus as he rubbed her back, in a comforting manner. "Baby, you're falling asleep". "Let's get you to bed, ok?". Ryu said, gently with kindness. "We're both still kind of sick…want to spend the night in my room?".
"Sure". Samus said, as she looked up at him, while feeling a kiss on her cheek. "Let's go to bed, lambie pie". Ryu said, kindly with softness. Samus nodded, as she was picked up, and carried in a strong Ryu's arms. She laid her head against his chest. "Remember when I used to call you lambie pie, when you were just a couple months old?". "You used to have a blanket you carried around with a lamb on it". Ryu said, softly with gentleness. "I remember lambie pie a lot". "You were my lil lambie pie". Ryu boop'ed Samus's nose, as she laughed. "Mm, want some milky?". "Your sippy cup is almost empty". Ryu said, gently with softness. "Ok". Samus said, as she looked up at Ryu. Ryu went to the fridge, as he and Samus looked inside.
Robin came outside, tiptoeing. "Hey, babe". Robin said, in a whispery, gentle voice as she came to Ryu. "hey". Ryu replied, as he and Robin shared a kiss on the lips. "I just put Sasuke down, he is asleep in his crib, is everything still….y'know….down and out?". Robin whispered, gently. "Yeah, we're still sick". "I've been feelin' crappy all day". "Samus will sleep in my room with me, on the sofa bed, we'll have a good night". "She's got her milk, and her blankets, she'll sleep ok". Ryu whispered, gently in reply. "That sounds good…I might sleep in Sasuke's room on the sofa as well". "Maybe by tomorrow, everything will be back to normal….but…I miss you". Robin whispered. "Hey, I miss you, too". "I might come in and see you, at one point of the night, eh?". Ryu whispered, giggling.
"As nice as that sounds….maybe we should play it safe, and just keep a safe, social distance". Robin whispered, gently. "I'll see you tomorrow in the morning, babe". "You and Samus should try to remember to take those antibiotics".
"We will". Ryu whispered, gently. He and Robin shared a whispery giggle, as they kissed one another on the lips, gently. "Goodnight". "Love you, babe". Robin whispered, gently. "Goodnight…love you, too, babe". Ryu whispered, with kindness. He and Robin shared another kiss, as they headed into their bedrooms.
"Goodnight, Samus". "baby…I'll see you in the morning…love you". Robin whispered, kindly. "Goodnight, Robin". "I love you, too". Samus said, whispering, as Robin planted 3 kisses on Samus's forehead, and cheeks. One on the forehead, and one on each cheek.
Samus and Ryu went into Ryu's room, as Ryu set Samus down. "Drink some milk before bed". "That way, we're nourished, and healthy, lambie pie". Ryu whispered, gently. "Ok". Samus said. Ryu stroked Samus's cheeks, gently as she laid down, closing her eyes. "Goodnight, sweet pea". "Love you so much". Ryu whispered, as he held Samus for a few minutes, hugging her gently. "Goodnight". Samus said. "See you tomorrow". "Love you, too". Samus tiredly straggled, as she closed her eyes. She and Ryu cuddled, as she drank her almond milk. Samus felt something she hadn't felt in years since she had been in her Power suit. It was the feeling of safety. She felt safe with Ryu…she felt comforted with him by her side. With him, she felt the patrilineal bonds of family. Family was something amazing. As Samus cuddled, and readied herself to sleep, she fell into the realm of dreams, and of essences. She was in a good place….and she was about to have another fantastic day the next day. Sleep was in her future, however. And boy, did she take advantage of it. She was in a lovely place….now and forever. Goodnight, and here's to another great, calm workday. Ciao for now!