The grandfather clock at the Five-Star Inn's main hall read 7 AM, and it ticked as usual. Tiara sat in her favorite chair in the dining hall, and drank her cup of Chamomile. Her little furry companion helped herself to some blueberry muffin, and freshly squeezed orange juice.
"Cui! Cui!" Cui said.
Cui ate as Tiara watched Eryn go about her morning routine. As usual, Eryn made her way towards the kitchen in a zombie-state; she somehow bumped into nothing along the way.
Tiara awaited to hear Eryn's partner make some crude statement or ask what's for breakfast; yet, he never arrived nor did his voice echo throughout the inn.
It was unsettling.
It was routine that he'd always come down with a different remark about waking up early 'being a pain'. His creative ways to describe his displeasure with mornings became one of the highlights of her morning. It wasn't his displeasure that she enjoyed, but the rarity of meeting someone who wasn't a morning bird and how they dealt with it. That aside, if she ever told him how she secretly enjoyed his unique comments there's a chance he'd stop making comments. Or perhaps he'd force the comments. A natural distaste is tolerable than a forced distaste if that makes sense.
Eryn finally came back with a large bowl of cereal with another plate of food.
"You certainly have a healthy appetite as usual," Tiara said.
"Gotta keep my strength up," Eryn said with a spoonful of cereal in her mouth, "we still have a lot of ground to cover with all the areas Lola's been telling us that might have Fairies."
"Yes, I'm well-aware," Tiara surveyed the hall around them, and still no sign of him, "have you seen Fang by any chance?"
"Hm? I think he's still in his bed," Eryn recalled, "I let him sleep in, and I know the others went to check out the other areas, but we didn't go with them. I know Hailey and Galdo went to check Bui Valley while Pippin and Sherman went to investigate the Zawaza Plains ."
Tiara swished her tea, a wrinkle appearing on her forehead.
"That's rather odd, Pippin, and especially Sherman wouldn't let Fang take a day off."
"Who knows, at least it meant I didn't have to wake up so early like the others did," Eryn said.
"I'm going to go check up on him," Tiara said.
She set her Chamomile down, and pushed her chair in as one does. Tiara passed Eryn who set her spoon down for a moment.
"...Hey, Tiara."
"Yes?"
"You're not still hung up about what happened yesterday, are you? Fang said it himself, he didn't care."
"I am most certainly not hung up about that. I'm simply going to pay Fang a quick visit is all."
"Cya."
With that, Tiara went to Fang's room and Eryn went back to her meal. In the midst of her meal, Eyrn turned to Cui, "she definitely likes him, right?"
"Cui, cui!"
*Earlier that morning*
It was sometime after 6 AM, Eryn wasn't a morning person, much like her partner, but even she needed to wake up for the sake of finding other Fairies. She checked the other rooms with no sign of Sherman or the others.
Did they leave without us? Did we oversleep that bad? She thought.
Finally she made her way to Fang's room. On the bed, she saw Fang asleep.
"C'mon Fang, wakey-wakey!" Eryn said, and poked Fang's face, "Sherman and Pippin already left!"
"...uhgg…" Fang groaned and waved his arm lazily, ".. ."
Eryn got a closer inspection on his face; it was flush and sweaty.
"Woah, what's with the blushing?" Eryn took a step back, "You weren't dreaming about something weird, were you?"
"Shaddup " Fang said, his throat dry, "...little tired."
"Are you sick?"
"I'm not!" Fang got up on his bed, already exhausted from that task, and laying back down, "I need more sleep."
"You look sick to me," Eryn said, "Do you need anything? It's my duty as your partner to make sure you get better!"
"Nothing, just let me get some rest will ya? I'll be fine in no time."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, now lemme sleep."
"Well... if you say so. Get some rest," with that, Eryn left Fang alone to rest. She left one note beside him then went to go brush her teeth followed by breakfast, still sleepy.
…
It had been at least half an hour since that encounter, and the knocking of his door awoke him. Fang only saw a blurry figure, guessed it was Eryn then went back to sleep. Of course, it wasn't Eryn, but Tiara.
Tiara inspected Fang's current state. His face was flushed. Beside him was a paper sloppily written, "I will sneeze at you." Underneath that was a comment, "Beware Sneeze-zilla!"
She placed her hand on his forehead. It was hotter than she expected.
"T-this is a fever!" Tiara said.
"Cui! Cui!" Cui said.
Tiara turned and saw that Cui had finished its meal.
"Ughhh…" Fang groaned, his eyes still shut, "Tira? What'dya want?
"Cui!"
"Fang, did you drink any medicine? You're clearly sick with a fever."
"I'm fine, just need a bit more sleep," Fang said stubbornly.
Tiara groaned. There's no use in arguing right now, he needs medicine. Our magic only heals physical wounds, status like poisons and even static but there's nothing about fevers and flus.
"...I'll go get you some medicine," Tiara said calmly.
Fang murmured something. Tiara returned to the main hall of the inn. Eryn had finished her meal.
"What's up Tiara?" Eryn asked.
"It's Fang," Tiara said.
"What did he do this time?" Eryn asked.
"No, he's just sick. However I believe I am responsible for him ending up like that."
"He's not sick, he'd need medicine then," Eryn said, "Also what do you mean by 'responsible for him ending up like that'?"
"You knew he was like that? And you didn't give him any medicine!? When someone is sick, they need medicine to get better!" her temper was shorter than she thought, "It's common sense!"
"How was I supposed to know? Fairies don't get sick, and Fang told me that sleeping is all he needed! Just how did he get sick anyway? He went out last night and came back just fine."
Eryn paused.
"Fang didn't tell me any details besides 'getting some fresh air', but that present must've gotten to him, right?" Eryn guessed, then stared into Tiara's eyes, practically scanning her soul, "I'm guessing something must've happened between you two? I can't give advice if I don't know the situation."
She does have a point, giving advice without knowing the entire situation seems a bit careless. Tiara thought.
"Well…"
[Last Night : Katticus Ice Cave]
Tiara felt her skin crawl, goosebumps and body stiffened with every minute passing. It hadn't been that long since she was inside the cave, but every passing minute and numbness added more regret.
"Where did I drop?" Tiara scanned the frozen floor beneath her.
"Cui cui!" Cui said.
A monster crept from behind and cried, "ROAR!"
Tiara prepared to dodge, but the monster was defeated before she could react. Her unexpected ally was Fang, but without Eryn by his side. It was a regular sword in his hand. He sneezed.
"FANG? Why are you here? I thought you were back at the inn."
"Just take my jacket already and let's hurry up and find what you need. If I knew we were going here, I would've brought an extra jacket. Or at least those fur coats Lola sold us."
"But if I take your jacket, and you come along with me, then you'll catch a cold."
"No way, I've never gotten sick in my life. Healthy is my middle name!"
"But-"
"Just take it!" Fang threw it at Tiara, annoyed. Or so it seemed.
She stared at it for a moment, and her hands felt warmer already. Without much protest, she sported Fang's jacket, "...if you say so."
They investigated deeper in the cave. Their footsteps and distant echoes of monsters filled the air. Tiara could see her own breath as she exhaled. She expected Fang to complain about the cold, but he didn't.
"I read somewhere that a man's body temperature is much higher than a woman's body temperature because of the difference in muscle mass," Tiara said.
"..."
There wasn't any reason to beat around the bush with Fang, so why did she try now?
"Fang, did Sherman tell you to follow me?"
"I don't take orders from anyone, especially not him. What I want to know is why didn't you bring a jacket?"
"I assumed I had dropped it near the entrance, but perhaps it was deeper than expected."
"Just what is this thing you dropped?"
"A birthday present. A bracelet. There's only one like it in the world."
"Sounds expensive. Is it Cui's birthday present?"
"If it was Cui's, then why would I bring her to help find HER birthday present that I misplaced?"
"Cui!"
"Fine, if it's not Cui's, then who's it for?"
"…it's for Sherman," Tiara said.
She studied his face as she said it. He looked oddly calm given how he didn't like doing things that benefitted Sherman it seemed.
"Oh…" Fang said, "Let's just find this bracelet and get out already."
Tiara guessed Fang seemed off, but she couldn't figure out why? Maybe she was overanalyzing machismo and the odd rivalry he had with Sherman.
Tiara finished the narration of the events from last night. Eryn's eye twitched. Eryn's eye never twitched before.
"That's all? I was worried it was something serious. I'm sure he's just jealous. He'll get over it I think. So what's your plan?"
"I certainly won't apologize about the present for starters if he ever brings it up. However, I will bring him medicine. It's the least I can do," Tiara said.
"What should I do in the meantime?" Eryn asked.
"Watch over Fang, see if anything changes."
"Since Fang is sick, that'd explain why Sherman and Pippin didn't make Fang go with them earlier," Eryn said, "Aside from that, I'll watch over Fang like a snake on a mouse."
"Not the most reassuring analogy, but it'll do."
With that said, the two split up.
Tiara went to the medicine cabinets, however any medicine about flus, colds, and fevers weren't available. The innkeeper, Mrs. Five-Star, had walked in with some groceries in a paper bag.
"Good morning, Tiara, is there a problem?" Mrs. Five-Star asked, "You have a worried look about you."
"The medicine to help with Fang isn't missing. I'm positive he has a fever."
"Oh, your boyfri-"
"He is NOT my boyfriend," Tiara said unamused, "putting that misunderstanding aside, where is all the medicine?"
"We ran out earlier so I ordered some more. It should be arriving today,"
"That's good to hear."
"Though it seems something must have happened with the caravan," Mrs. Five sighed, and placed her hand over her cheek, "I hope those bandits aren't the cause."
"Bandits stealing medicine?"
"It might be bandits, could be the weather, who knows?"
"I'll check the other stores and the local pharmacy if they have any medicine that can help Fang."
"Good luck dear, I'll keep an eye on Fang for ya."
"With all due respect, I have Eryn watching him, so you can go attend your other duties."
"If you insist, Tiara, I'll prepare some chicken soup to help him get some strength."
With that, Tiara brought Cui while searching stores for medicine and asking the townsfolk for any news about the caravan.
Two hours had passed before she knew it and no luck or medicine was in her possession. The sun moved, and the weather was rather pleasant.
"I can't believe none of the stores had the medicine we needed," Tiara sighed.
"Cui cui!"
"I know Cui, SOMEONE has to have medicine–wait, maybe Lola has medicine, she sells pretty much everything."
And so she quickly made her way towards Lola's usual spot in the center of town. Alas, Lola wasn't at her usual spot either.
"Of all the times Lola has been here, now she decides to not be here," Tiara groaned, "I need to sit down and think."
Tiara went to a nearby bench in the park. The bench was near a bridge that arched over a waterway. The serene area was oddly nostalgic.
Why?
She hadn't been to this spot more than a few times, though it had a nice view of the passing water under the bridge and a good view of the park where children would play, while adults, and elderly would socialize and network.
"Hey," Tiara realized why the spot felt nostalgic, "this is where I helped Fang against some ruffians the other day."
"Cui?"
"Oh right, you were with Eryn at the time."
"Cui cui?"
"While preparing to buy some supplies I saw Fang picking a fight with some ruffians who were also picking a fight with him. I had no choice but to assist him. They didn't know what hit them until it was too late," Tiara laughed, "Fang went on how he 'had it under control' but is ironic when he's the last one to talk about having control."
"Cui."
"Afterwards we spent the remainder of the day together as he held my luggage and once evening arrived, then we had a lovely dinner at a nearby restaurant."
Tiara smiled at the memory.
"Cui cui!" Cui said.
"Well Fang said he knew a place nearby, and I was curious enough to go along with his plan. It was just a hot dog stand, so we walked around the park while eating hot dogs. It was a rather delightful experience for what it's worth."
"Cui."
"Yes, I had to pay for the hot dog, very astute observation, Cui."
Tiara felt the cool wind past by. Similar to the day she just described.
"Cui."
"It's not that special, I just happen to remember this particular event from this particular spot. If I forgot that day happened then who knows what else I'd forget. It may sound dramatic, but memories like these are precious to me. I wouldn't want to forget even a single one."
"Cui!"
"I most certainly don't have such… feelings for Fang!" Tiara said, and raised Cui over her head, "I'm focused on world peace, and given how he's sick, I'm trying to help him as I'd do the same for Eryn, Sherman, Harley, Bahus, and even Pippin."
"Wait, what about Sherman's partner?"
"Ryushin… can't get sick, he's… way too healthy for that. And a mechanical being of some sort."
"Cui."
"I just hope Eryn is taking care of him right now," Tiara sighed.
"I bet you could spoon feed Fang and he wouldn't fight it with his fever."
"That's a weird thing to suggest…Cui?"
"Cui?"
Tiara and Cui turned left. It was Lola sitting beside them on the bench.
"When did you-"
"Just before you reminisced about your past date with Fang."
"It wasn't a date, we simply," Tiara found herself unsure how to describe that day exactly, she wouldn't describe it as negative, but she needed a way to where it wasn't a date.
"Simply what?"
"Platonic. Look, Lola, do you have anything that can help someone with a cold or fever? Any medicine? The stores and inn don't have any right now. Fang's caught with a fever."
"Speaking of medicine, I heard a group of bandits captured all the supplies."
"They did?!"
"Cui cui!"
"Yep, there's a lot of important supplies there too."
"Where are they currently?"
"By Sol Plains, or that's where they were last seen according to my informant."
"I see, in that case, I have some business to attend to and bandits to defeat."
"Oh, I'm coming with."
"Why would you do such a thing, Lola?"
"Some of my goods are there. Also, given you're a decently strong fencer. I think things should go smoothly."
"It might get dangerous."
"I can handle myself," Lola raised a bicep and smiled.
"Well, if you say so."
"You're lucky I decided to come along, who knows how long you'd go on about Fang."
"It's platonic!"
"I bet Fang would think he's the luckiest guy in the world if he found out you have a crush on him."
"You better not say a word to him."
"I will for a price. Hey, slow down! I was joking!"
And so Lola, Tiara, and Cui made their way to Sol Plains.
Back at Fang's Room, Eryn kept a watchful eye as she said she would. Fang has been mumbling a name, Tiara's name. He tossed and turned.
"Fang, " Eryn shook Fang, "wake up."
"Ugh…"
"Fang!"
"Stop shouting, it's giving me a headache," Fang groaned, "any louder and it might become two headaches."
"How can you have two headaches with only one head? I'm sorry, it's just, well you were talking in your sleep. Is everything okay with Tiara?"
"Y-yeah, why?"
"You mumbled Tiara's name a few times."
Eryn stared at Fang seriously, "I think you could have an actual shot with Tiara if you tried."
"Oh please, as if I care about her."
Eryn glared. Even in Fang's messy state, he knew she saw through him. It was one of the things that made their partnership special, knowing when to call bullcrap and when they needed honesty. Fang got up, moving the wet towel over his head. His senses were fuzzy and his body felt like he had been in the hot springs for too long.
"Okay, I care a little. Maybe after I help you get your memories back and this fairy business if out of the way, I can...give it a shot."
"Give what a shot?"
"Give this d-dating stuff with Tiara a shot. Even if she wants to save the world, I, I don't mind too much doing it with her."
"There, was that so hard being honest with your feelings?"
"No…just wish I didn't hafa admit while I'm like this," Fang sneezed.
*Knock Knock*
Eryn stood up, "I'll get it."
Eryn opened the door, and there stood Sherman.
"Hello Eryn, how's Fang?"
"Oh , hey Sherman. I'd stay away from Fang right now, he's a little sick," Eryn said, "I wouldn't get too close to him, he'll probably sneeze on you."
Sherman peered past Eryn and saw Fang putting up a macho front.
"That suit looks awfully clean, be a shame if some flying snot got on it," Fang said.
"I'm well aware," Sherman said, not sure how to react to that statement and/or threat, "my immune system is much stronger, no need to worry about me."
"That's Sherman for ya," Eryn said, "where are the others?"
"In the living room. If you don't mind, Eryn, I would like to have a private conversation with Fang."
"Got it," Eryn said and left the room.
With Eryn gone, Sherman loomed above Fang. Fang's earlier sneeze comment had no effect on Sherman.
Sherman sighed, "how did a warrior of your caliber fall so easily to a mere fever."
"S-shut up. It's Tiara's fault for not wearing a jacket," He was seriously considering sneezing on him.
"And whose fault was for giving Tiara your jacket?"
"...mine."
"At least Tiara isn't sick. Better you than her I suppose."
Fang coughed and sneezed, not bothering to respond to Sherman's jabs.
"Still, it surprises me how you displayed a moment of chivalry and gentlemanly honor. There's hope for you yet," Sherman chuckled.
"Lay off Sherman. I can be gentlemanly whenever I want."
Sherman laughed, "There's the Fang I know."
"How did things go back at Zawaza Plains?"
"Nothing, just more monsters than usual. Though, Pippin managed to anger the boss of the area while trying to rehabilitate some bandits, so we had our hands rather full."
"Nothing new for Pippin."
Fang sneezed, barely missing Sherman. Sherman handed him a handkerchief.
"Under normal circumstances, I'd scold you for your lack of well-being, but given the prerequisite to why you are sick, I will let this incident slide. I am still puzzled about why you did it."
"You of all people should know why."
The conversation paused.
"Fang, I have a question, and it'll be blunt."
"What? I'm sick and can't think straight."
"What are your thoughts about Tiara?"
"...Why do you care? What I think shouldn't affect how you treat her, or how she treats you."
"...so you don't think nor care about Tiara?"
"Are you listening? I do care about her, even when she's bossy, uptight and annoying."
"Have you viewed her in a… romantic light?"
"Too late, I had this chat with Eryn before you walked in. Besides, she's too busy saving the world, dream of hers. Even if she wasn't trying to do that, she has other goals in mind."
"What are her other goals if you mind answering?"
"Try asking her yourself, they're her goals, not mine."
"So do you know her other goals?"
"Maybe I do, maybe I actually don't."
Sherman sighed with frustration, "how's this; what if her goal after saving the world is go travelling like a certain someone? Would you accompany her if she asked?"
"You sound as if you wouldn't be the one to travel with her."
"If she were to ask, I might have to decline due to other duties and promises I made. My fate isn't necessarily sealed, but yours is a mystery."
"Look, if she so happens to want my 6-Star company, then who am I to deny her such company."
"6-stars out of 10-stars?"
"No, 6-stars out of 5-stars."
"My, my, your thoughts are more laid out than I assumed," Sherman said, "especially when Tiara's involved. Wouldn't her goal compromise yours?"
"I can be a gentleman who makes compromises when the time calls."
"I wonder if you know what 'compromise' even means with how often you've forcefully changed fate."
Fang was about to hurl the snot filled handkerchief at Sherman. Sherman eased his hands, signaling for peace. Knocking continued, and this time it was the others, checking on Fang.
"Fang, still fighting? I know a tale that will kick that immune system into overdrive!" Pippin said.
"Fannnng, are you alright buddy!?" Galdo asked.
"Tea? I know tea that might work." Souji said.
"You can't have tea without a bit of honey," Marrissa said.
"It seems you won't be lonely anytime soon," Sherman said.
"Let me sleep!"
…
Afternoon turned to evening. Tiara returned, with plenty of medicine in a paper bag. She gave the other medicine to Mrs. Five-Star. Afterwards Tiara went to Fang's room. Sherman and the others were in the main room brainstorming their next plan of attack. She passed them quietly. Sherman gave her a nod of reassurance. By Fang's door, she heard Eryn's voice. She couldn't make heads or tails of what she was saying. She tapped the door.
It opened. Fang still looked sick, but much better than the morning and Eryn had a book on her lap. Both stared at her.
"I'm not interrupting, by any chance?" Tiara asked.
"Cui," Cui said.
"Not really, Eryn was trying to be a voice actor," Fang said.
"I think my voice is pretty iconic!" Eryn said.
"All the characters had the same voice, one is slightly more nasally or husky," Fang said.
"Should you really be keeping Fang awake with storytelling?" Tiara asked.
"I heard kids need bedtime stories to fall asleep, it was Sherman who told me," Eryn said.
"That's true, but…"
"I'm an adult, Eryn," Fang yawned, "what's in the bag? Is it food? Please be food!"
"It's medicine for your fever, Fang," Tiara said, "I'm a bit surprised you're even up with a fever like that."
"All I need is sleep. I had a quick nap before everyone came back and started bugging me."
"Yeah, what he said."
"Present tense, is, which also means you know you're still sick. Just take the medicine, drink some water, then go straight to sleep," Tiara instructed.
"Oh, how about you spoon feed him? It's what Sherman and I did for him during dinner."
Tiara's eye twitched.
"Sherman spoon fed Fang. Our Sherman?"
"It was pretty funny," Eryn laughed.
"For you, yeah."
"It's not everyday Sherman is willing to spoon feed someone," Eryn said, "want me to finish the story of the little merchants?"
"No, I've heard it over a dozen times. I just want to sleep in peace, so go to sleep in your room or something."
"Fine, but when I get sick, you better spoon feed me as gentlemanly as Sherman did to you," Eyrn said, "enjoy the yucky medicine."
Eryn left the chair and to the exit of the room, "have fun lovebirds."
"Lovebirds?!" Tiara and Fang spoke in unified shock.
"You two are even in unison, that's cute. I'll give you two some privacy."
"Very funny," Fang said, unamused.
Eryn slowly shut the door. Her eye was seen through the crack.
*Click.*
The two stared at the spoon in Tiara's hand and the fever medicine in the other. She carefully poured onto the silver cutlery.
"Just open wide," her cheeks had a faint blush, "here comes the…uh….caravan."
"Wait, you're serious about this– "
The spoonful of medicine entered his mouth. He swallowed the medicine.
"Uh, it's bitter."
"It's bitter, yes, but it's good for you."
Tiara cleaned the spoon as Fang drank a glass of water. He set the glass down after chugging it down. Tiara sat on the chair where Eryn was.
"Thanks, the after taste is still kinda there, but I think I needed it."
"No problem Fang. Medicine always helps against flus and fevers."
She made herself comfortable on the chair beside Fang. She fidgeted a bit. Her knees were together and hands folded on top of them.
"You're not gonna tell me a bedtime–"
"No! I… wanted to talk. There's nothing wrong with wanting a late night talk."
"It's not that late," Fang said, "so whaddya want anyway, you were the one that told me to sleep after the medicine."
Fang yawned and stretched again. It was rare seeing Fang without his usual red outfit.
"You, Fang. I wanted to know what was your plan after collecting the Fairys with us."
"You already know, after I help Eryn with her memories, I was… gonna head off on my own. Hey, don't scowl at me like that."
After everything's said and done, everybody will probably go their separate ways, it's only natural. United by a cause, but divided by other priorities once the main goal has been fulfilled. I can handle a journey by myself with Cui, but a little more company wouldn't hurt. His company wouldn't hurt.
"If you're off on your own, who knows what kind of troubles you will even get into? I have a suggestion, no – a proposition that even you can't refuse! After the Fairies have been collected, you'll accompany me in my travels."
She eyed his reaction. Even with his fever, he paid attention, actually listening.
"My spending habits are more controlled than yours," Tiara continued, "and if there should be any ruffians that want a brawl, I'll be there with you."
Fang laughed. That's not a reaction she was hoping for.
"And where's Sherman in all this?"
Right, his weird rivalry with Sherman.
"What's Sherman have to do with this? When I'm with Sherman I feel like I have to put up a front, although I know that's not the case, I still put one up– but with you, I can be myself in any situation, no front, just me for who I am."
"So after everything that's happened, you'd still want me to keep you company? My crude, rude self?"
"Yes, more than anything, but you're more than just a brute, you have your moments of kindness and lead in your own Fang-way," Tiara said, "you get things done where only you're capable of getting it done."
Fang tried to hide his smile, it wasn't often people complimented him like this.
"I want to… you know, spend more time together, even after the journey's over. To see more sides if you."
Fang looked at his hands. Then to Tiara who waited patiently for his response.
"Consider yourself lucky that I…just so happen to feel the same. Despite you being annoying, bossy, and uptight all the time, I wouldn't be able to think of a life now without you sticking around."
"To think you know the right words to say to a fair maiden, I'm touched, alright, everything's settled for the future. We'll stay together even after! It's a promise, one that I won't let you break!"
She brought her hand out, and extended her pinky. He followed suite.
The two pinky swore. His hand was sweaty, calloused, and warm. Her hand was a bit smaller than his and slightly colder from nervousness.
"Good, now get some rest, Fang."
"Right, right, don't let the bed bug bites," Fang readjusted his pillow.
"I most certainly won't let them do such a thing," Tiara said.
Tiara left the room. Excitement coursed throughout her body. She found Eryn in the living room reading to Cui.
"How'd it go?"
"Of course he'd say yes, why was I so worried? It's Fang, of course, so I'd be worried, he can be so unpredictable sometimes."
"Cui!"
"Well, everything worked out, or settled at least," Eryn said, "you were worried for nothing: a stand up, high maintenance, ambitious girl like you has surprisingly good chemistry for a guy like Fang."
"That's true, however the bond I share with Fang is nothing like yours, the partnership is deep, deeper than…"
"The bottom of a cup filled with soy sauce and shrimp tempura?"
"Sure, that."
Eryn laughed.
"Fang and I are partners, but not like that. It's plebnotic. Er…"
"Platonic."
"Right! That aide, if you go back fast enough, I bet you could get a smooch from him. Really seal the deal."
"Eryn you were on a roll, but I should smack you for suggesting such a thing. I should check up on him, just in case."
Tiara went back to Fang's room. The lamp was dim, and she could see Fang sleeping. With the lighting, Fang seemed so peaceful, even with a bit of drool running down his lip. She reached into her pocket.
"To an exciting future, Fang," she whispered.
She placed it beside his pillow. She brought herself close to his forehead, inches away from a light peck.
No, he's asleep and sick. That crosses boundaries. Perhaps when he's… in a better condition and is actually awake to enjoy such a reward. She thought.
In a blink of an eye, evening shifted to morning and the main character has recovered from his fever.
Fang woke up. His body felt well-rested, which made sense given he spent yesterday in bed. He recalled the conversation with Eryn and Tiara.
"I really promised to stick by her, huh. That's a promise I'll keep. Hmm? What's this?"
There was a strange accessory by his pillow.
He picked it up. He examined the glimmer it had against the sunlight–a necklace. Its quality reminded him of Sherman's bracelet Tiara had given him. It was the style, not the material that reminded him of Tiara.
"Tiara's really something. It's not even my birthday. I'll take it anyway though."
After getting up and getting ready for the day, it still felt like a chore. He made his usual comment, even if he felt energized.
The others had already left to gather more information about possible Fairies. Sherman went to the library for clues, Galdo went to old sources where his company got information, and Pippin went somewhere only Souji knew where. Though, Souji wouldn't spill Pippin's secrets that easily.
Fang saw Eryn and Cui enjoying a hearty breakfast and Tiara reading the newspaper, "Tiara, let's get some food, I'll pay this time."
"Cui?"
"Make sure he has his wallet this time, Tiara," Eyrn said.
"Knock it off, I've never even seen you with a wallet," Fang said.
"Fairy pockets suck, no room."
Even with the banter, Tiara saw the gentle sky blue-eyes most people never noticed.
"That sounds lovely," Tiara said, "I'll need a few minutes to get ready though."
"Sweet."
A few minutes later the two left the inn and headed towards town for breakfast.
Ultimately, the events today would just become another memory for those who could remember, but while it lasted it remained a sweet and cherished memory.
At that moment, the two headed out together for a nice meal where Fang did remember to bring his wallet this time and the two would eventually hold hands while relaxing at the bench: near the park where kids play, adults socialize, and elderly relax and with a nice view of the park for them to enjoy.
Author's Notes:
5th October 2021
I've found it hard to continue writing, unsure if the next piece will have the quality I expect from myself. Sometimes, you just have to start typing or writing, then things get easier. It's a lesson you forget after learning so many different styles or consider so many different factors to even make the story have a sense of plot.
24th August 2022
Took a looong break from this one, but I'm glad I procrastinated on schoolwork to finish this. There I admit it.
There were a lot of different ways I considered doing this piece, like not actually having Fang be the one sick! I thought Galdo getting sick would make the most sense given how he's eccentric and careless. Or mix it up with having the late characters or antagonists be the ones to do it, like Appolonius, or a side character like Emily. Though it had been such a long time since I played all the routes, I stayed with the most doable option with Fang. From what I recall, I enjoyed the twists and alternate timelines in the game. I would recommend it, even if it's a bit of a grindy dungeon crawler.
I think this one is one of the better pieces I've written. That's all I have to say, so yeah. Until next time!
Wow Waldo, Signing Out.