I had so much fun writing this chapter! I don't know what it is about sad and pained stories that I like writing so much. If you don't believe me then go read the end of "Nero: Origins".

This story is based heavily on the song "Stay". I am obsessed with this song right now and had it on repeat. I usually go for heavy rock, but this song is stuck in my head!

Anyways, a big thanks to Jimli and SirenaLoreley for reviewing. It means the world to me when I get positive feedback. I'm happy if I can make you laugh, or in this case cry mwahaha! Okay enough of that, enjoy!

Not really sure how to feel about it.

Kyrie sat wearily on her bed. The plush covers beneath her did little to actually 'comfort' her.

The golden-haired girl was still dressed in her green nightgown. The morning sun had risen barely over the horizon and was setting ablaze the town outside her window.

Outside, people were waking up and starting their day- going to work, running errands, and such. The beginning of a day was like a rebirthing; everything was fresh and hopeful.

She had felt that way before.

By this time Kyrie had usually prepared herself breakfast, fixed herself to a presentable state, and engulfed herself in the day's activities.

It had gotten harder though. She began to take longer getting out of bed; lying there thinking, she would stare at the ceiling fan slowly rotating. Cocooning herself in the covers allowed her to stay wrapped in warmth just a little longer.

It had taken all of her strength this morning just to uncover herself and swing her legs to touch the cool floor below. It took all of her strength to turn her gaze from the wooden floor to gaze out the window and see the sun.

Sometimes she would wake up in a cold sweat and want nothing more than to call his name and feel his embrace. It had been so long since she had touched his warm body, or felt his tight hug.

Slowly she arose from the bed. Every morning seemed to age her beyond her years. It took so much to feel energized and alive again.

Idly she walked to the bathroom and looked in the mirror. Her face was paler; everything about her was less vibrant than before. Her once lush and glistening hair was now just a shell of its former glory. She looked away from the mirror.

Kyrie ran a hot bath allowing the steam to fill the room completely. The water gushed from the faucet, inviting her cold and frail body into its encirclement.

She threw aside her clothes and steadily lowered herself into the warm depths. The heat immediately began to almost melt some of her pain away. Her knotted muscles loosen and she gave her shoulders a subtle roll.

Once she was submerged she slowly drew her knees and rested her chin on them. Her eyes rested on the water swirling around her huddle form. The steam continued to rise from the water, opening her pores.

"Nero…." His name passed almost inaudibly over her quivering lips.

So many thoughts filled her. It sent her mind around and around trying to figure everything out. They had gone from being the best of friends, and….then they were more. One day it had all changed though. It could drive a person mad trying to piece it all together.

Before she could stop it hot wet tears began to flow down her face.

She wasn't really sure how to feel about it. There were reasons for everything that had happened. They had both tried, tried so hard that it hurt.

Kyrie had been the loving doting girlfriend who cooked and cleaned. She always wore a smile whenever she was in his presence. Even when things were tough, like when she thought of her parents or Credo… Nobody would have ever known she was sad.

Nero had tried too. He praised her, cared for her, and listened patiently when she talked- about anything and everything. He smiled too. Life was hard, but they had been there for each other through it all.

She leaned her body on the side of the tub and allowed her forehead to rest on her crossed arms. The tears didn't stop; they never seemed to stop anymore. She was so drained that even crying tired her worn frame.

She still held on though. There was a hole inside of her that needed to be filled. Every time someone left they took a piece of her with them. How much more could she lose of herself?

Just when it all seemed to overflow, she reigned it back in.

Nero left for a reason. The 'love' wasn't there anymore… Why wasn't it there? Her feelings seemed to betray her. She would always love Nero, but there was more to it than that.

They had both felt it. The time they spent together was out of habit instead of want. The silences they shared were more and more- it was painful instead of comfortable to sit through. It all seemed so rehearsed and uninvolved.

Neither had wanted to voice what was happening and deal with the issue. They couldn't go on like that forever. He had been the first to stir the water and say something.

Kyrie sipped her tea delicately as she glanced at Nero. He was reading the paper across from her in the small breakfast nook where they had shared countless meals together. As usual the deafening silence was present.

Nero shuffled in his seat for a moment then looked up from his news.

"I think I'm going to go on a trip," said Nero as he searched for Kyrie's gaze. When he found it he neither smiled nor looked away.

"Oh, where are you going," she questioned feeling her stomach tighten.

"I'm going to pay that demon hunter Dante a visit."

"…When will you be back?" Before he answered she dropped her gaze from his and stared at her mug. She already knew.

"I'm not sure when I'll be back Kyrie. There are some things that I need to take care of."

She nodded in reply. A moment passed before her forehead creased in tension. She made no protest, for she knew that this was going to happen soon- she had felt it for some time. A cowardly feeling swept over her; she hadn't had the strength to voice it before he had.

"Do you need help packing your things," the young woman asked.

Nero was taken aback for a moment. He didn't say how long he would be away, but she had already known that it wouldn't be a brief visit.

"Yeah, I would like that a lot…" his voice trailed off. He folded the paper in front of him and stood up to leave. He bit his lip as he silently left the room.

Kyrie didn't look up as he left the room, only listened for the fading footsteps. Her eyes began to sting and her breath hitched in her tight throat. She knew it was coming but it still hurt so badly…

'I want you to stay'.

She knew it was time to leave the bath when her tears were warmer than the water.

After pulling the plug she stepped from the bath and reached for her bathrobe. The sound of gurgling water in the drain filled the room. She swiped her palm across the mirror to reveal her reflection once more.

Her cheeks had a slight flush giving her a more vibrant appearance. She sniffled a few more times before rubbing her soft sleeve over her puffy eyes. Whether she liked it or not she needed to get ready for the day.

The copper-haired girl dressed in a simple and modest dress before apply her minimal face makeup. She wore a simple look: mascara, a hint of blush, and a pink tinted lip balm. She had always felt that natural beauty was more of her style.

She exited the bathroom and shut the door closed behind her.

After eating a light breakfast she picked up a few things around the house; she never let it get anything more than slightly untidy.

She had plans that day to stop by the orphanage and visit with the kids a little. Afterwards she would probably go to the café in town and read a while- one of her favorite things to do. Busying herself really helped keep her mind from straying too far throughout the day.

Knowing that there were people out there would await her visits and enjoyed her company made it a little easier to carry on.

She slipped on her flats and took a deep breath. Before leaving she opened her eyes wider and plastered on a warm smile; if not for herself then for everyone surrounding her.

Kyrie held her chin up high and proceeded out into the city of Fortuna.