Chapter 27
Wednesday, December 21, 2022.
The vacations started four days ago, it's very early this morning and I'm on the beach, cleaning again and again. I'm surprised to see that who knows who has dumped a lot of household goods where I've been cleaning.
When I saw this, I was as discouraged as I was slapped in the face. I wanted to go home and go to bed.
But I took my courage in both hands and carried on. This asshole took me an extra morning, a not inconsiderable delay. I call All Might to warn him of the situation and tell him that the van is full.
After a few minutes of losing my gaze to the ocean, taking advantage of this moment alone to watch the sun rise, I hear All Might arrive.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" he says, coming up beside me.
"Yes, it's the reward after the effort."
"Here, enjoy it, I'm going to see this poisoned gift." He hands me a pain au chocolat and heads for the van.
"Thanks, I was just getting hungry."
"Why is there so much fridge and furniture? Damn, some people have no self-respect!" I can hear All Might getting angry.
Thursday, December 22, 2022.
'It's not like you want to be friends with us...'
'What a creepy kid...'
'Why are you even in this house when you're not part of the family...'
'He should be locked up instead of living with us, why did we agree to have him?'
'We're heading out, bit you'll be fine with just watching the house.'
'Chill out, since I'm never going to invite you again anyways.'
'If you stay like that, all alone, forever...'
I wake up with a jolt, drenched in sweat. I have this kind of nightmare almost every night, but strangely enough, this time was much more intense. Unrecognizable faces of family members, staring at me with glances...
(I feel like throwing up... Is this related to this morning?)
I turn my gaze to the alarm clock to see that it's three in the morning.
"My throat is so dry..."
I get off my futon and slide open my bedroom door. To my right sits Chiyo, on her knees, with a cushion. She's opened the bay windows, taking advantage of the warmer temperature. She wears a white dress embracing her goddess-like curves, her hair reflecting the moonlight. She concentrates on her book, then tucks her hair gracefully behind her ear. She turns a page, then turns her face towards me.
"Ara~ Senji-kun can't sleep either ?"
"I woke up at an odd time, it appears that you're more of an early bird than I am."
"I'm more of a night hawk than an early bird!" She said with a smile, placing a hand on her cheek. "I haven't yet grasped the rhythm of the human body, so I can't sleep well." She stares into space. "However, isn't wonderful how humans can curb their boredom by having a book handy at the time ?"
I peeked into her room, seeing several novels piled up.
(This many books... Chiyo hasn't been sleeping at all...)
"Um, Chiyo-san, would you like to go for a refreshing walk ? Maybe you'll get sleepy if you move your body." I suggest, holding out my hand.
"A walk?" Her face brightens.
Hand in hand, we walk through the narrow streets of Fuyuki, enjoying the calm and lightness of the weather, illuminated by the lights of the moon and stars in the sky.
"Now that I think about it, I've never actually visited Fuyuki! It kind of feels like a grand adventure !" She lead the way, looking around. "The streets of Fuyuki are so small, and the sky is so vast!" She spins around.
"It's dark, so please watch your step."
Something catches my eye and I turn to see a silhouette, but I can't make out its face, which looks like it's been scribbled on. Then, all of a sudden, the face of a member of my family appears on top, disfigured and staring back at me. I turn my head dizzily, which surprises Chiyo.
(This is bad...)
"Um, I think we should take that road instead." I pull her in another direction, wanting to avoid seeing the figure.
"That's fine, but... Senji-kun, what is going on ?"
"Nothing, nothing at all." I can hardly speak.
"I forbid you to lie to me, I can see it's not right. You're pale and trembling with fear. Tell me what's going on."
"I just saw someone I never wanted to see again..."
"Huh? Where?" Chiyo looks around, confused.
"You... Only I can see her."
She puts her hands on my shoulders and leads me where I want to go.
"What do you mean you're the only one who sees her? Are you hallucinating? Do you have a fever?" She touches my forehead.
"No, I'm not sick. I mean..." I touch my belly. "It's the demon in me playing with my nerves. He's making me see things I don't want to see, trying to destroy my morale and sanity at any cost to get out of his prison. This made me extremely irritable at the time. That's one of the reasons why I... didn't get on very well with people my own age... with everyone, in fact."
(Even though I swore no to tell anyone, I feel like I can't hide anything from Chiyo.)
"I don't think I could ever understand humans, I can clearly see how traumatized you were by it, but people only saw the weakness you had, right? But today things have changed, you're so strong, and even if it still happens to you, you're able to avoid the look. That's already something impressive." Chiyo tries to reassure me.
"Strong... I never thought about it like that. It's true that I had to put up with absolutely everything when it started until very recently. But the truth is, nothing has really changed. Worse, it's getting harder and harder, and I know that one day I'll crack and die, taking who knows how many people with me... So calling me strong is..."
Chiyo reaches out and gently caresses my head, with tenderness.
"Wha..."
"You're wrong Senji-kun, you've always lived this alone, haven't you? But today is different, you have Fuji-nee, your friends and me by your side. You'll never be alone again, I promise. And I can tell you, you're strong, many people would have already lost to their nightmares, but not you, and you'll continue to resist them, I'll be sure of that. I'm sure I showed up here because of that strength Senji-kun shows!"
Her face is very close to mine, staring straight into my eyes, full of affection. Taking my face in her hands. I freeze, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks, probably red.
"Say Senji-kun! If the moon sets after it rises, don't you find it fascinating when it rises again? Looking afar, don't you wonder what that mountain's called and where it's located? Don't you find all this exciting?" She releases me and opens her arms to the sky, as free as the air, graceful. "Whenever I was called a "goddess" or a "demon", I couldn't tell whether I was asleep or awake, and I never considered what I wanted to learn about, either. I've spent the last eternity dozing off carefree. However, after I met Senji-kun, every day has been truly exciting!" This smile, even brighter than the sun, creates a warmth inside me that I don't understand, but makes me emotional. "I want to learn about all sorts of stuff, and I want to go further by Senji's side! Each and every day I wonder, "Won't tomorrow come sooner?"" I can't help but remain speechless, her eyes piercing mine, filled with love. "This is a first for me! And it's all because I met Senji-kun! It's so surreal! Even if I can't sleep! It's so magical! Fufu~"
She takes my hands and we turn in circles, seeing her so happy awakens something in me.
My gaze lost on her face, I notice too late that we're approaching a ditch and Chiyo, not noticing, ends up with one foot in the void, falling.
"Chiyo!"
I lunge to catch her, but she's already caught herself with her tentacles, so I fall right on top of her, my face landing on her breasts. She wraps her arms around me and floats back to the sidewalk, remaining silent the whole way.
"Chiyo-san?" I lift my face, wondering why she's so quiet.
"My heart is beating so fast! No one has ever tried to save me before!" She runs her hand over the back of my head, holding me even tighter to her. "wow! It's amazing! Senji-kun is my hero! I'm so happy!"
Suddenly, Chiyo loses her balance and we fall to the grass. Chiyo is right on top of me, my heart beating so fast I feel like I'm panicking.
"Chi... Chiyo-san..."
"Senji, I agreed to play my role as big sister but... I want much more than that. I want to shower you with love and affection, something you're terribly lacking. I see it every day, you seem so detached, so empty inside... I can't stand to see it. So let me guide you, I'll turn your fear into desire, okay? Do you trust me?"
I drink in her words, completely intoxicated by her beauty and charm. How can I say no?
"Chiyo-san, I... I don't know what to do... I..."
"Let me show you."
Her lips come to mine and kiss, the full weight of her body rests on mine, I feel only her and her warmth, her sweet warmth. As if taken by instinct, I reciprocate the kiss, not wanting to stop, then her tongue engulfs and dances with mine. After several all-too-short seconds, Chiyo stands up, a trickle of drool between our mouths. Chiyo's eyes are full of lust.
She raises her eyes to the sky, and a ray of light appears, passing between the leaves of the tree above us, then another, and another...
She stands up and holds out her hand to me.
"Well, the sun's already coming up! Let's take it one step at a time, shall we? When we get home, let's drink some nice warm milk and go to bed."
"Ah... um... sorry but at this hour, I'll be leaving soon, sorry." I can see she's disappointed and I'm sorry, but... "Chiyo, I still don't understand everything that's happening to me or the emotions arising inside me and it all scares me, but I at least want to understand them, so I..." Chiyo stops me, placing her index finger on my lips.
"I know, we'll have plenty of time to discover them together."
Hand in hand, we turn back, forgetting for a moment all our worries but, I can still feel the weight of my past on me, I squeeze Chiyo's hand more, terrified by the conflicts that arise within me.
Saturday, December 24, 2022.
It's Christmas Eve, and all the decorations and illuminations are in full swing. Outside, everyone is finishing up their last shopping and getting ready for tonight. Myself included, accompanied by Fuji-nee, as excited as a child, who follows me and helps me pick up the last few things we need for, as she calls it, a perfect meal.
When I arrive home, I can see that the decorations placed by the girls are also lit. I'm a little afraid to see the power bill, but, even though for me this evening isn't really special, having never really had a Christmas party before, I know how precious this evening is for everyone, so I relax, thinking just of pleasing them and preparing a dish worthy of their expectations.
"We're home!" Fuji-nee announces our return, pushing me to get inside faster.
I can hear everyone bustling around the house, Sakura showing up to help me carry the groceries to the kitchen. I can see that the sliding doors of the dining room have been removed, leaving more space, and the large tables have been taken out, as there are many guests this evening.
"I see you've managed to find your way around." I say, setting down the last of the shopping bags.
"Yes, just like you told us!" Inaho makes an introductory gesture, showing off the dining room in all its glory.
"By the way, why are you closing off part of the dining room Senji-chan?" Haruko asks me.
"Hmmm, no reason, I just think I don't really like being in a room that's too big."
"I see..."
"Geez, Senji, are you really going to be able to cook all this?" Kodama asks me, her mouth watering.
"I hope there's room in your stomach, because tonight I've prepared one hell of a menu for you guys." I say, rolling up my sleeves and pulling on my apron.
"Let me help you Senpai!" Sakura is all over it.
"The same goes for me, you're not going to cook everything by yourself Senji." Haruko joins in.
It's 8pm, and the doorbell rings. Fuji-nee heads in, and when she returns, she's accompanied by the Maken-ki club, Kengo, Uruchi, Azuki, Chacha, Kimi, Furan and Yuuka.
Seeing how busy we are in the kitchen, we say a brief good evening to each other before letting ourselves in again.
A few minutes later, Aki, Gen, Iruka, Minori and Tomika -sensei arrive, invited by Fuji-nee.
Closely followed by Venus members Akaya-sensei, the Finnian sisters, Demitra, Yan and Shiria.
To my great surprise, the members of Occult Research have been invited, Rias, Akeno, Koneko and Yuuto arrive with big smiles and surprised to see me at the stove, especially as the good smell starts to spread throughout the dining room, making everyone more and more impatient.
All that's left is for the dish to cook, so I decide to get some fresh air. I've never had so many people in my house, and I have to admit it's heavy. But I've never experienced such an atmosphere. Everyone's having fun, laughing and messing about.
(That's what we're fighting for, isn't it Kiritsugu? All those people calling us crazy, it's at times like this that they're wrong...)
"Phew, is everything okay Senji?" Chiyo approaches, also looking exhausted.
"Yes I'm getting some fresh air, having my nose in the kitchen for over an hour. And you, how are you, I saw you introduced yourself to everyone."
"It was terrifying, I've never seen so many people all at once! But they're all so nice, you really do have good friends Senji."
"I confess Fuji-nee hadn't told me who was coming, just the number, but indeed it's a nice surprise, I hope you'll enjoy it tonight."
"Coming from you Senji, with Sakura and Haruko's help, it can only be good!"
I hear the doorbell ring. I head for it and signal to Fuji-nee that I'm going in. Sliding open the door, I see Tohsaka and Shiki together.
"Good evening Emiya-kun, thank you for the invitation." Rin seems genuinely happy to be here.
"Hi Senji, it smells really good at your place. What's for dinner tonight?" Shiki asks looking over my shoulder.
"Hey Shiki, it's not just about dinner! We're here to have a good time with each other!" Rin turns to Shiki.
"Yes I know that, but right now the smell of food has invaded my brain, and it's hard to think of anything else."
"Ahhh, sorry about that Senji, even though you know her too."
"Why are you gawking? Is there something wrong?" Shiki asks me.
"Senji! Everything's ready, all that's left is you and... oh hello Shiki and Tohsaka! You're just in time!" Fuji-nee warns us, then heads straight back.
Hearing this, I pull myself together and move aside to let them in.
"Welcome, as you've heard, go and settle in." I close behind and follow them into the dining room, which has never been so lively.
"Oh good evening everyone! Even the teachers are here!" Tohsaka is surprised.
"Hi girls! Settle down! What Senji has prepared is really delicious, especially this!" Minori's mouth is already full.
"Do you mind if I sit next to you, I don't really know everyone here so..." I finally recognize Shiki.
"Of course."
To my great surprise, everyone has mingled, and everyone's having a great time, talking about everything and anything, laughing out loud and serving themselves non-stop.
After several hours and the plates finally empty, Minori-sensei stands up and calls out to everyone, silencing the room.
"Excuse me everyone! I just want to thank Fujimura for inviting us all here on this festive day and most importantly! Thanks to Senji for this wonderful meal, a real chef! With the help of Sakura and Haruko of course!"
Everyone raises their glasses in thanks, followed by a round of applause. Not really knowing how to react in this kind of situation, I simply thanks everyone discreetly, bowing to them.
Then the party started in full swing, and seeing all the smiles and happiness in everyone's eyes, I felt a great sense of satisfaction wash over me. But... brakes prevent me from feeling it fully, and I'm overcome by shivers, like an icy cold running through me. I pour myself a glass of water, but the desire to drink it fades, seeing in the water's reflection faces I'd like to forget, painful memories I'd like to forget.
I feel as if I'm detached from where I am, as if sucked in by a guilt that's gradually closing in on my field of vision. I regain my composure and take a sip of the water. Afraid of ruining the mood if anyone were to notice my distress, I get up and head for the garden. I open a bay window and sit down, my feet dangling over the herber. The air is distinctly colder, revealing my breath in a white veil. My body shivers, but I'm not cold...
(I... I shouldn't be here, with them, enjoying this evening. I don't deserve it...)
"Is everything all right, Senji? You stormed out so it worried me." I turn to see Aki-sensei, looking at me with a genuinely worried expression.
"I... I need some fresh air. You know, I'm not a very sociable person, so having so many people in my house, especially for several hours now, it's a pretty hard rhythm to keep up with." I don't want to give her the real reason, even though I can see from her face that she only half believes me.
She sits beside me and strokes my back. Seeing that she's shivering with cold, I hand her my sweater. At first she refuses, but seeing that the cold is not a problem for me, she accepts it gladly.
"In any case Senji, I'm having an excellent evening, we're having an excellent evening. It was really delicious, if you ever plan to open a restaurant, you'll be rich in no time!"
"I was a bit worried that it wasn't going to suit everyone, but all the better if you liked it."
"And you Senji, you also manage to enjoy the evening? When I glanced your way, you seemed unmoved." Aki-sensei frowns, waiting for an answer from me.
I can't answer her. If I try to lie, she'll see it immediately. And if I tell the truth, she'll probably find me strange and hate me too...
"Senji, I asked you a simple question, didn't I? Why can't you answer me?" Aki-sensei seeks eye contact.
"I... I just can't do it. Seeing you all happy satisfies me. But... I'm not allowed to have this kind of thing... I shouldn't be with all of you... I..."
"What are you talking about, Senji? Those days are over for you! You're no longer under your family's influence!"
"What do you know about it? It's the only thing I got from them... These days will never be over."
"You know, with Minori and Gen, we had a teacher named Takeshi, your uncle. And having read "your mother's" book, he'd given us some extra details that the book omitted or just altered the story to make her pass as a victim. So I don't know the pain you're going through. But the scars inside you, I can see them."
"I see... So, what do you think? The monster that destroyed part of the state of Konoha? The child who destroyed his own family? How do you see me?"
Without warning, she takes me in her arms.
"I'm not going to give you the usual speech, which you've probably already heard over and over again from Fujimura-san, but if seeing us happy satisfies you, then put your nightmares aside. I'm not asking you to forget them, but try to accept them, even if it's just a little, insignificant even, just for tonight, okay? You know, without you, the master of the house, the evening just isn't as good." Aki's face is flushed, I don't know if it's embarrassment or due to the cold, but her smile is sincere.
"Forgetting them is getting harder and harder, so leaving them behind, I don't know how to do it..."
"Listen to us, talk with us, stay with us, you're not alone anymore Senji, remember what we told you. You're all destined for great things, so show your nightmares and the fox demon that you're worth far more than they think you are, okay?"
"Okay, I'll do my best, thanks, Aki-sensei." I release myself from her embrace, then head for my shed.
"Senji?"
"Oh, can you call Chiyo, please, she's probably been waiting for this since the dishes were empty."
"Oh, okay!" Confused, she heads for the dining room.
I enter the shed and open the refrigerator I was able to repair it a few days ago. Inside is a multitude of desserts that I prepared with Chiyo's help this afternoon.
"Oh, that's it! Time for dessert?" Chiyo is very excited.
"Do you also have dessert planned Senji?!" Aki-sensei is even more surprised.
"Obviously, I do things right to the end. So, would you like to give us a hand taking them to the dining room?"
"Ah yes!"
When we arrive in the dining room, arms full of dessert, everyone is stunned.
"But... where do all these treasures come from!?" Kodama can't believe it.
"I prepared them with Chiyo's help this afternoon, while you were out." I explain as we spread the desserts across the entire table.
And the evening goes from strength to strength. Just as I'm thinking of getting back to my seat, Minori-sensei grabs me and forces me to sit between her and Aki-sensei, who has no doubt explained the situation to her.
For several minutes, Minori-sensei and the others talked about silly things and laughed at the top of their lungs, just like everyone else. I turn to Shiki, who seems a little lost, but Rias and the others seem to be taking good care of her, so I'm not worried.
"Oh, it's nearly midnight everyone, get ready!" Fuji-nee raises her glass, far too impatient.
But then it's 11:59pm, everyone's getting ready, and as midnight strikes...
"Merry Christmas!"
Sunday, December 25, 2022.
It's 2 a.m. and everyone is getting ready to leave, dressing warmly for the cold of the night. They all thanked me in their own way, with big smiles, and Shiria took the opportunity to kiss me on the cheek, which upset some of the girls. Then it was the turn of the teachers, who kindly stayed to help us clear the table.
"Thank you again for this Christmas Eve Senji. I hope you were able to enjoy it too." Minori asks, pointing her index finger at my nose.
That's the question I was wondering about, but strangely enough, the answer just came to me.
"Um, I think so, yes, it was nice." I feel a small grin spreading across my face. Which surprises Minori and Aki -sensei.
"Oh look at that! A smile! I've been waiting a long time for one on your face Senji! Nice!" Minori pats my shoulder in satisfaction.
"What are you talking about Minori?" Gen, who had already gone out for smoke, pulls his head in, puzzled.
"Here look at this Gen, I've never seen Aki blush like this. You wouldn't happen to have a crush on Senji, would you? What were you really talking about earlier?" Minori asks, smiling mischievously.
"You..! You're barking up the wrong tree, there's nothing there! Just a healthy student-teacher relationship! On that note, have a great vacation Senji, see you back at school." Aki-sensei storms out, red with shame.
I greet the teachers one last time before returning to the kitchen to wash the dishes. But the weight of tiredness is starting to be felt in earnest, and the girls are barely holding their heads up high.
"Go to bed, girls, I'll take care of this." I tell them, getting ready.
"You're not going to do it all by yourself, are you?" Haruko tries to be persuasive, but I can see she's falling asleep on the spot.
"No! I'll take care of it, so off to bed everyone! Yes, even you Chiyo, come on!" Fuji-nee plays her adult role to perfection when necessary.
There are only two of us left and it's nearly 3am. Fuji-nee and I have finally finished. Then it's her turn to go home.
"Phew... what a day, It did me a lot of good!" Fuji-nee stretched, bracing herself for the cold and the hundred or so yards before she reached home.
"Thank you for your help, without you nothing would have been possible."
"I know, you would have spent this evening like any other, although it's important! Anyway, thanks again for the dinner, it was excellent, you really outdid yourself. Oh dear, I'm getting emotional. Thinking back to the first time you cooked and today..." Her eyes get wet, but she holds back the tears.
"Fuji-nee." I catch her attention. "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas my dear, I love you." We hug, and for the first time in a long time, that warmth that has helped me so many times in the past returns, making me forget the nightmares I'd left in a corner of my head.
Vol. 5 End.
Good evening! Thanks for having this chapter and the end of volume 5. I did my best to end on a wholesome positive. Sorry if it seems a bit rushed here and there, but unfortunately I've had very little time to write this chapter, so I hope you enjoyed it anyway. See you next week!