Another long one! But hopefully a fun one :3 I really enjoyed expanding upon Ataru's friends and playing with ways they could have grown and changed! This isn't the first time they've seen one another in passing, but it is the first time since high school they have hung out as a group like this.
I wanted a chapter that focuses on Ataru's friendships. Friends are very important in life, and they can make difficult times less harsh. Sometimes they can also get neglected during a relationship. I didn't want that to happen, since I feel his friendships have been important to him as well. And after everything he's gone through and how far he's come, he deserves an old school hangout with his friends and Lum :3
There are two musical inspirations for this chapter! For the arcade scenes we have Mac Tonight by Saint Pepsi. And for afterward, Lullaby by Yung Logos.
CHAPTER 15: FRIENDS
Beneath a low morning sun Ataru and Lum waited for the rest of their friends to arrive, talking casually near the entrance of Chūōkōen Park. They were soon joined by Inaba and Shinobu, who would have arrived earlier, had the former not gotten himself lost and in need of retrieval. After greeting each other Shinobu questioned Mendō's attendance, prompting Lum to reveal he was inescapably tied up in the interchangeable affairs of family and business. Nobody was surprised. About the only person he managed to find time for was Lum, and even then, it was done exclusively through annoyingly frequent phone calls. Needless to say, Ataru himself didn't mourn the loss.
Some ten minutes later two more raced to join the group, Ryuu and Nagisa, both short-winded after having run a majority of the way there.
"Sorry we're late!" Ryuu panted, bending over to catch her breath while Nagisa huffed similarly beside her. With no small measure of ire, she glared at her partner. "Nagisa couldn't settle on a damn outfit."
"Don't tell them that!" Nagisa cried, embarrassed Ryuu would call him out so callously. Even if what she said was completely true.
"Why not!? I'm not taking the blame for being late!" Ryuu squared up and was ready for an argument when she noticed an arm slip over her shoulder. Before she could react, Ataru pulled her close so he might gaze passionately into her blazing mad eyes.
"Now now, no reason to get upset," he crooned, "I would have gladly waited all morning just to see your lovely face again."
"You saw me last weekend!" Ryuu snarled, winding back her fist for a well-placed punch that sent him careening into the stone wall behind them. Despite Ataru's predictable lewdness, each of them felt a touch of nostalgia in place of their usual disappointment. Except for Lum, whose disapproval was inexhaustible.
"Well he is right about one thing," Shinobu offered with a reflective sigh, "it is good to see you all again. It's been too long since we were able to get together like this." Her sentiment was shared with smiles and other notes of agreement among the five friends who were still standing.
Time had touched each of them uniquely. Shinobu blossomed into a mature and sensible young woman who retained much of her youthful softness. Gentle Inaba had become quite dashing as his features developed – though that maturity didn't translate to his personality, and he was still as innocent and careless as ever. In fact, the biggest change to his appearance involved a switch to casual clothes once Shinobu managed to convince him he didn't need to wear his uniform absolutely everywhere they went. Ryuu, encouraged by Nagisa, had let her hair grow down to her shoulders, keeping it there for the time being as she adjusted slowly to the changes she was determined to make in her appearance. Even her outfits bordered on the feminine, though they still paled in comparison to Nagisa, who hadn't seemed to change much at all in looks or dress, not that he felt there were any issues with his attire. Dresses and skirts, he'd explained to Ryuu, were ideal for freedom of movement.
"Right, it has been a while hasn't it." Ryuu nodded assent, then turned to the mastermind who had gathered them all here. "So, what are we doing today?"
"Glad you asked!" Ataru rose up between her and Shinobu with no signs of injury. "Today we are going to Sugino Kosan!" He declared with great importance to an nonreactive crowd. Only Lum seemed to brighten with recognition at the name.
"I've heard of that place!" Suddenly her smile faded and her brows pinched. "Isn't it just an arcade?"
Ataru sighed exaggeratedly and patted her head as one would an ignorant child.
"Not just any arcade," he corrected haughtily, "It's an arcade with a bar and it has everything you could think of!" This seemed to recover their enthusiasm.
"Does it have Karaoke?" Shinobu asked.
"Yup!" Ataru nodded with a self-satisfied smirk.
"Any fighting games?" Ryuu pressed next.
"Lots." Ataru nodded a second time, his smirk faltering slightly.
"Crane games?" Lum questioned while hanging on his arm. Ataru dropped his grin, the humor leaving his face altogether.
"I said it has everything." Were they not listening?
"Yay!" She cheered, ignoring his unenthused glare and spinning through the air with a gleeful twirl. "I love crane games!"
"What's a crane game?" Inaba asked, prodding Shinobu's shoulder. For the moment she brushed him off, promising quietly to show him everything once they got there.
"If it has all that I'm down." Ryuu gave the idea a thumbs up, enticed by the prospect of drinking and having some fun; activities she rarely got to partake in since starting a business.
"Me too, I never got to do any of these things while I was alive!" Nagisa added, mostly to Ryuu, who met his excitement with a sympathetic smile. Neither of them got to experience much thanks to their overbearing fathers.
"I haven't done karaoke in so long," Shinobu sighed, her eyes misted over with fond memories of bygone years.
"I'm excited to do any of these things!" Inaba cheered in anticipation of his first trip to an arcade with his fiancé and friends.
Lum was still riding high on her own elation, floating beside them yet lost in daydreams of the prizes she was destined to win (naturally that included getting something nice for her husband).
Ataru nodded along silently, well-pleased with himself as the facilitator of their eagerness. He really was quite clever, he mused, certainly worthy of their praise if nothing else.
"Alright then, let's go!"
Onward they ventured toward the shopping district of Senshoo, which over the months had experienced its own boom of modern conveniences. Ataru had been eyeing the building that would become Sugino Kosan since he saw the first advertisements in June, and now that it was open he was all too eager to explore the new arcade with his friends. Together they walked while Ataru acted as a veritable tour guide, pointing out spots he swore had the best tea or best noodles he'd eaten while also lamenting the town's steady gentrification. In this way they disposed of the minutes in short order until at last they'd arrived at the bustling town center, which was quaint and less developed compared to Tomobiki or Rokuyō. From there it wasn't hard to spot the bright yellow sign with its bold neon purple lettering marking their destination.
Beyond the glass doors of Sugino Kosan, a world of flashing lights, myriad sounds, and delicious aromas assaulted their senses, leaving the group momentarily paralyzed with wonder. Once the initial shock subsided and they each sighted their unique vices, it was clear a decision needed to be made. A quick game of Jan Ken Pon, which was handily won by Shinobu, resulted in Karaoke being their first activity of the day. Both Ryuu and Ataru were fine with this, provided they each got a drink beforehand. Meanwhile Shinobu and the others were able to secure an open room (an easier task in the morning) wherein the group would spend the next couple of hours.
During that time a few discoveries were made: Nagisa had a beautiful voice for one - this was highly unexpected! Ryuu was predictably inept at singing and Shinobu, surprising no one, had a natural gift for the art. At Shinobu's behest both Ataru and Inaba duetted a song, which inspired more laughs than admiration. Lum, poor thing, was barely able to get through the intro of her number before mob rule deemed her unfit to sing in public spaces. Earthlings were such delicate creatures, she grouched, it wasn't her fault all their songs were catered to weak voices.
After taxing their vocal chords, the group decided to take it easy and indulge Lum's yearning for crane games. Separately they wandered through rows of cabinets in search of prizes to fit their diverse preferences. Lum, unmatched in her eagerness, zipped through the arcade, sailing over the carpeted floor, eyes sharp for something cute to bring home. Shinobu and Inaba split off with a task in mind: first they'd try a few simple claw games to get him used to the basic principles, then they'd move on to more advanced crane games and UFO catchers. Ryuu found she didn't much care for any of the prizes, choosing instead to focus on games that presented more of a challenge - such as dropping Takoyaki balls through a prize hole. Any winnings would be passed off to Nagisa, who was happily cheering her on from the sidelines. Ataru was drawn to every display featuring scantily clad anime girls in alluring poses, regardless of his familiarity with the franchise, losing himself and nearly all his spending money in a bid to collect one of each. When Lum found him later, her arms filled with squishy plush cats, he was in the midst of trying (and failing) to win a very busty figuring from some show he'd never heard of. Startled - not just because of the cats - Ataru immediately began feeding her lies of ignorance. Lum only scolded him for thinking she was so insecure she'd be jealous of a toy, even going so far as to win it for him with little effort! Then she floated off, presumably to win more cats, leaving her confounded husband speechless.
As is wont to happen in any arcade outing, the group inevitably splintered off to follow their own interests. Ryuu found herself lured by the prospect of fighting games, and within the course of a few matches against strangers to learn the ropes, her newly discovered talent had generated quite a bit of gossip. Before long two crowds gathered; one side captivated by her skill, the other side lined up to challenge her. Nagisa, who couldn't understand the allure of 2D fighting, found his unexpected pleasure from music games instead. Shinobu spent her time guiding Inaba through the arcade, letting him sample a variety of activities. This was a whole new experience for him, and she delighted in watching his novel reactions to everything from traditional arcade games to table-top games like ice hockey. Lum was still engrossed in crane games and was testing her expertise on the three-arm claw games and brain teasing forward drop machines. Ataru, having only half the patience of Lum, had since given up on plastic girls, deciding instead to take advantage of Lum's distraction to try winning over some real ones - which didn't go the way he hoped either.
Eventually the friends convened at the food court, drawn by hunger and the tantalizing smell of hot fried and greasy food. Together they scoured the hanging menus to discuss their options, settling on a large pizza the group could share. Ataru and Ryuu refilled their drinks while the others visited the fountain for soda and punch respectively. Then they converged at one of the few open tables they could find in the bustling food court. And it was here they discovered the highlight of Sugino Kosan; Roller Skating. Just beyond the assemblage of tables and chairs, separated by a dividing wall, was a massive circular rink that spanned the width of the building. Flashing colored lights, bumping music, laughter, and the telltale sound of plastic wheels grinding over a polished wooden floor completed the jovial atmosphere and served to dazzle both Lum and Inaba for different reasons. At once they were leaning against the dividing wall, the multi-colored lights adding a sparkle to their eyes.
"I didn't know we could skate here!" Lum excitedly exclaimed.
"It looks so fun!" Inaba gasped, having never seen a rink before. Shinobu joined them at Inaba's side, and on seeing the wonder in his eyes she couldn't help encouraging his exploration.
"Would you like to give it a try?"
"Can we!?" Inaba turned to Shinobu, hope beaming from his face.
"Of course! Come with me." Taking him by the hand she led Inaba toward the nearby counter to fetch a pair of rental skates.
Lum raced back to their table where Ataru was already finishing his second slice of pizza in the most undignified way possible. Both his hands and face were greasy, and there was a pile of crumpled napkins next to his plate.
"Darling! Come skate with me!" Lum asked in earnest while hovering at his side, tugging his arm. Ataru grimaced around a mouthful of cheese at the sight of her. He couldn't dream of matching her energy, not with a stomach full of heavy, greasy food. Besides, Ataru knew he wasn't great at skating and would rather not make a fool of himself in front of so many witnesses.
"Not interested." Ataru declared with finality, pulling his arm from her grasp. Lum frowned and wilted in place, coming to rest on the ground as though he'd knocked the joy right out of her. Nagisa, moved by her misery, spoke up.
"We'll skate with you Lum." he offered, volunteering Ryuu with an arm wrapped around her shoulder.
"No way," Ryuu argued at once, picking his hand off her shoulder. "Count me out."
"Aw c'mon!" Nagisa whined pitiably as he gently shook Ryuu's arm. "It'll be fun!"
"I don't want to!" Ryuu shouted, pushing him away with both hands.
"Are you sure?" Nagisa begged one last time, his eyes wide and pleading, hands clutched at his chest.
Ataru's arm came from nowhere, snaking around Ryuu's shoulders, whereafter he pulled her into a tight one-sided embrace. Ryuu simmered quietly, debating how much of a scene she wanted to make in such a crowded building.
"She said she's not interested." Ataru reiterated her sentiments sternly, adding with a dismissive wave to the pair, "You two go on ahead, I'll stay here with Ryuu." As if he were doing her some great service by staying behind. Ataru had no issues with Nagisa and Lum doing something by themselves. Not like he'd be making any moves on her.
"Don't say that like I need a babysitter!" Ryuu shoved Ataru with just enough force to send him sliding to the other end of the table where Lum was waiting to deliver a swift, albeit minor, zap for his infraction. Ataru yelped angrily, incensed that she would punish him for simply being a good friend!
"I didn't do anything!" He snarled, to which Lum turned her nose up at him and floated off after Inaba and Shinobu, Nagisa following reluctantly. There was no point arguing with her foolhardy husband, they both knew where his head was at, whether or not he admitted it openly.
Ataru was too annoyed at being bitten on both ends to appreciate Lum's gentle approach and frowned deeply with his arms folded like a petulant child who'd been put in a time-out. Was it not enough that he saw her every weekend? Lum really couldn't allow him to unwind and be his old self with friends he rarely got to spend time with? It was just a little harmless flirting! Not like he meant anything serious by it. Sometimes that woman was beyond unreasonable in his opinion.
For a man who spent his entire career unencumbered by the rules of gravity, having to work within its bounds was daunting. Even with Shinobu's help, Inaba was as competent as a newborn fawn, taking each step with utmost care and zero confidence. Hand in hand they secluded themselves off to the side of the rink with a collection of other inexperienced skaters, primarily parents with young children. Neither Shinobu or Inaba seemed to care, and they were lost in their own little moment, smiling away as she gently encouraged him, imparting lessons he took in with unbounded eagerness.
From the sidelines Ataru snickered, making jocular remarks to Ryuu about Inaba's poor performance, which went in one ear and out the other. Secretly, though, being the object of ridicule was exactly why Ataru chose to sit on the sidelines. The sight of Inaba struggling, albeit happily, only served to cement his decision. Nothing, not even the fuzziness in his head from drinking since morning, could get him out there. Or so he believed.
In short order both Lum and Nagisa became people of interest as they swiftly spun about the Rink. Gravity was hers to manipulate, and what was skating except flying very close to the ground on wheels? Nagisa's abilities were born entirely from his mastery of balance and momentum, skills cultivated in the Sumo ring and from fighting in general. Together they sped over the wooden floor, weaving deftly through crowds of skaters and playfully swooping around one another, testing the limits of their capabilities and making a mockery of Newton's law. Ryuu found herself somewhat impressed by Nagisa's talent for skating while Ataru feigned indifference toward Lum, sneaking only occasional glances when he was sure nobody would notice.
They had just settled into a nice easy rhythm when, from either side, a crowd of men came upon them, loudly expressing their admiration and offering their company for the evening. With unsettling coordination, two of them managed to squeeze between Lum and Nagisa, separating the pair from one another in an effort to weaken any argument they might pose. Ryuu snickered knowingly at the sight, which coaxed a curious glance from Ataru, who choked on his beer once he realized what was going on. The sight of these strange men gathering around Lum filled him with implacable jealousy. Who the hell were these guys to think they could look on his woman with such hunger? He hated the way their eyes roamed over her, like half-starved dogs begging for scraps of her attention.
"H-hey!" Ataru sputtered between coughs. "Lum!" He tried calling out to her, but his voice was lost beneath the pulsing music. Gritting his teeth in a scowl Ataru dashed for the divider just as she was about to pass.
"Getawayfro-" He tried calling her back in the split second she glided by, but Lum was there and gone in a flash, accompanied by a gaggle of slavering morons. Ataru slammed his fist down in frustration. "Dammit!" There was no helping it. Rarely did she ever use her powers against strangers, even less so now that her actions could be tied to her reputation at Go-Time. Lum was just too damn nice for her own good sometimes, and being polite wasn't going to get her anywhere with these losers! That meant he needed to step in before things got out of hand (which, in his opinion, they already had).
Grumbling at his predicament Ataru stormed off to the shoe counter to retrieve a pair of skates. With a huff he planted himself on the bench opposite Ryuu and began the annoyingly arduous process of putting them on.
"I thought you weren't going to skate." Ryuu commented, leaning half over the table to watch. The dynamic cat-and-mouse relationship of Ataru and Lum had always fascinated her.
"That idiot, always putting herself in these situations..." Ataru muttered, refusing to address his one-eighty decision so he could keep the focus where it belonged; on Lum's carelessness. Because, really, it was entirely her fault for being so damn ignorant about her own allure!
"I'm pretty sure Lum can handle herself." Ryuu added dryly. This was Lum after all, an Oni with the powers of flight and electricity at her disposal should she feel the need to use them. And if that weren't enough - "Nagisa is with her anyway." And he could more than make up for Lum's rather comical lack of physical strength. Ryuu knew it was only a matter of time before her partner sent them packing.
"She's not Nagisa's responsibility!" Ataru countered while lacing up one of his skates.
"So she's your responsibility?" Well that certainly didn't reflect his attitude. Then again, his actions rarely matched his dialogue. Which Ryuu found most intriguing about him.
"She's not anyone's responsibility!" Ataru declared angrily as he laced up his second skate. "Lum is an adult, she can take care of herself." Ryuu couldn't help roll her eyes.
"Oh." So he said, and yet there he was, getting ready to go after her and make her problems his problems too.
"She just happens to be a moron. Always smiling at everyone, acting friendly all the time-" And on he whinged while gathering his feet beneath himself, wobbling as he stood and using the table for support.
"Whatever." Shrugging, Ryuu dismissed herself from the entire ordeal. She'd seen this same rigmarole every time they came to her seafood stand and knew there was no point trying to talk to either of them or pull reason from their actions. Oh well, she'd just sit back and watch the show unfold.
In the time it took Ataru to lace up his skates and begin making his way shakily to the rink, hopping tables as he went, Nagisa had already taken control of the situation. Once it became clear this lovely lady was actually a beautiful man, the two shouldering him backed out on their own. From there he twirled around one of the men surrounding Lum, grabbed his hand and gracefully spinning him off into one of the dividers. Having seen what happened, the second guy attempted to grapple with Nagisa, which resulted in him being spun similarly into a nearby wall. Nagisa and Lum shared a good laugh over the situation, and she expressed her gratitude just as they turned the bend for another lap.
By now Ataru had managed to reach the rink itself and was tentatively hovering on the edge of the carpeted cafeteria floor. At the sight of him an exultancy came over Lum that shone through her smile and lent a sparkle to her eyes, and Nagisa noticed her pace quicken. Once he sussed out the reason, he decided it was best to rejoin Ryuu for some cold pizza and quality time, whatever was offered to them. With a parting wave he hopped through the nearest break in the dividing wall, leaving Lum to forge ahead toward her husband.
"Darling!" Lum's cheerful cry caught Ataru's ear and pulled his attention her way. And he was surprised to see she was completely alone now! With the threat gone his anger waned, replaced by overwhelming dread at the predicament he'd put himself in. There was no stopping Lum, not with that look in her eyes. And before he could react, she'd swooped in to spirit him away with her.
Ataru's breath caught in his throat as they flew over the wooden floor at speed, whisking past other skaters, wind rushing through his hair and the world around them reduced to a blur of colors. Instinctively he clung to her, one arm wrapped about her while the other was held stiff and useless at his side. In his panic Ataru hadn't even noticed she had one arm around his waist too. At any given moment he was expecting to fall, and yet they glided along without incident. Some of his fear ebbed away, and Ataru let his grip on her relax a little. This was very different from the last few times they tried skating. Even if they were only going in circles, the music and lights, the wind in his face, sent a thrill through him that tugged the corners of his mouth into a grin.
Then he came to himself.
"Hey," Ataru groused once he noticed her arm, afraid of what others might think to see him hanging on her for support, rather than the other way around. "Don't cling to me so tight."
"Okay!" If that's what he wanted; Lum loosened her grip. Immediately Ataru felt his stability come undone and he began floundering for balance.
"W-wait don't let go!" He commanded desperately, groping for her arm while his eyes remained glued apprehensively to the hard ground whizzing beneath them. Screw public opinion, falling was worse!
Obediently, stifling a laugh, Lum took his hand firmly in hers. For a few tense moments Ataru was focused solely on regaining his composure, though he hadn't missed that small chuckle she let slip through. Once he was secure in his footing he sent an angry glare her way.
"And don't laugh!"
"Sorry Darling." Lum's apology didn't strike Ataru as genuine, not with such an impish smile still playing on her lips. But he let it slide. As it were they seemed to be the envy of quite a few patrons, or at least that's how Ataru took their lingering stares and slackened jaws any time he and Lum whirled past. More than likely they were gaping at her, which was fine by him (as long as they didn't try to touch or talk to her). But by all means, envy him! Look upon him with jealousy! Ataru wasn't one to hide from positive attention, soaking it up like a sponge with a puffed chest and smug grin.
After a few more laps, Lum noticed that everyone else returned to the table, and they were the only two left skating. Ataru figured it was time to head back, and she agreed, satisfied now that she'd gotten to skate with her darling – even after he said he wouldn't. Together, still hand in hand, Lum slowed the pair of them down so they could more easily hop through the nearest gap in the dividing wall. She made the jump with ease, but Ataru, having misjudged how high he needed to step over the divide, tripped and fell gracelessly forward, taking Lum down in the process. He was just barely able to catch himself with his hands so that he was poised over her body, which was stretched out face-down on the carpeted floor.
"Lum," Concern rang in his voice. Ataru reached for her shoulder, afraid she'd gotten hurt when he landed on her. "Are you-?"
Without his help Lum turned round beneath him, laughing heartily at the irony of falling outside the Roller Rink, and looking no worse for wear.
"That was fun!" Joy radiated from her smile and Ataru felt his heart flutter at the sight. She was okay. She was okay, and she was happy. And honestly, so was he. The worry faded from his face, replaced by a warm smile of his own as he reached down to take her hand and lift her up.
"Yeah."
Together they joined the others, and as a group, relived the highlights of their adventures; Ryuu's unprecedented winning streak in Double Dragon; Nagisa's high score in PaRappa; Inaba's first...everything; Lum's haul of plushy cats - and so on. Ataru was happy just listening. He felt like a kid again, reunited with his friends and devoid of all the worries and strife of adulthood. If it were possible to live in this moment he would have in a heartbeat. But he couldn't outrun the obligations of life any more than he could add hours to a day. And, sadly, as Shinobu pointed out, they had exhausted the hours available to them. Her and Inaba, as well as Ryuu and Nagisa (both now too tired for another lengthy walk home), had trains to catch.
Leaving the world of buzzing lights behind, the group filed out into the chilled evening with happiness in their hearts and heads full of memories. They gathered just outside the door, showing off any trinkets they'd won and chatting happily while Lum attempted to stuff her entourage of plush cats into Ataru's backpack - a task that was decidedly harder than she expected.
"I told you to bring a bag." Ataru chided over his shoulder with a scowl just for her.
"I did," she argued back, referring to a small handbag supported only by a thin strap slung across her chest. Hardly fit to even carry a wallet much less four stuffed animals of assorted sizes. Ataru's patience was already waning even before nearly falling on his ass from Lum slamming another cat into his bag, as if brute strength alone could make them all fit. Now he was angry.
"At least let me take it off!" Ataru barked, dropping his shoulders to weave free of the backpack. With force he planted it between them on the ground, which could support such overtop bouts of violence much better than his spine.
Just then Nagisa gasped, drawing the group's attention - minus Lum, who was still furiously cramming cats into Ataru's bag. Their eyes followed the path of his gaze and saw the sun had dipped beneath the western horizon, throwing shades of fire across the lower half of the sky.
"It's so pretty!" Nagisa jogged a few feet to lean against a chain link fence separating them from the banks of a river that flowed through Senshoo. Skeleton trees provided them with an unobstructed view to the somber passing of day into night. Ryuu hesitated, watching him with a strange expression, then followed. Sometimes she envied the softer elements of his personality, resenting him even if she knew he didn't deserve it. In the same breath she couldn't help feeling a sense of kinship with this person who'd endured the same curse of having an eccentric father. There was more to them than that, but in the moment, Ryuu was keenly aware of those feelings in particular. Being blessed with an easygoing personality, Ryuu chose to embrace her own delicate nature and appreciate the simple beauty of a sunset along with him, rather than hold on to any negative feelings.
Very little was needed to draw Inaba forward. He appreciated these small wonders in a very simple way, as anyone else might. It also struck him as a perfect ending to a wonderful day out with friends. Friends he only knew because of Shinobu. Inaba snuck a glance at her while she was watching the sunset, taking note of her small, blissful smile. So many aspects of his life were made better because of her and he could never find an appropriate way to repay Shinobu for accepting him into her world. All he could do was offer her small gestures of his love: the way he gently took her hand and the warm glow in his eyes as they caught her questioning gaze. And all she could do in response was blush under the honesty behind those eyes. Sometimes she wondered if she would ever get used to such devotion. Hand in hand they joined Ryuu and Nagisa in quiet appreciation of the evening sun.
Ataru watched the group over his shoulder. In front of him, Lum had since graduated from the task of fitting everything inside his backpack to fighting with the zipper. Frustrated by how long it was taking Ataru knelt down, pinched the opening of the bag with one hand and forced the zipper shut with the other. It looked ready to pop but weighed no more than before, so slipping it back over his shoulders was easy enough. Still, he leered at Lum when she clung to his arm again, annoyed at the inconvenience he suffered due to her lack of planning. How could she be this old, with a job, and still so absent-minded? Whatever, he hadn't the energy to speculate. Ataru simply took her for how she was and abandoned his agitation. Fighting was rare between them these days and he couldn't summon the will to get into one now. Not after they'd all had such a good time. Ataru wanted to hold onto that sentiment a little longer.
Lum felt the tension leave her husband and melted against him like she usually did, confident he wasn't going to make a fuss. This was how they joined the others in quiet observance of the vanishing sun and residual firelight of day.
Standing there in line with the others, watching a rim of gold highlight the distant outline of a blackened cityscape, memories thronged through Ataru's mind. They were unexpected, and short at first. Just small clips of other sunsets he'd enjoyed in the past. Very few of them didn't involve Lum in some way. And from there he conjured memories only of her, going back through the years from high school to now. Over that time he'd seen many different sides of her. Some good, some not so great. But if nothing else, she was never lacking in ways to surprise him. Ataru could say with absolute certainty that he was never bored. Then another thought plucked at his brain; would any of this have been possible without her? Ataru's face blanked as tangible evidence of the surprise this question evoked. He gave the idea due consideration, and after a bit of thinking decided, yes it was possible.
But it wouldn't have been the same.
Lum pulled him from the daily slog of mindless toil; she added color to his faded days. Most of all she gave him something positive to look toward - a hope, a silver lining, something more than what life as it was already offered. Nobody else could have done what she had for him with such natural ease, because nobody loved him the way she did. Strange though it was, Ataru rarely reflected on her feelings. Not unless he was trying to sooth his ego or allay any fears he had of her leaving. But the truth remained: she loved him, and it was that love which revived his spirit and reminded him who he was. And if not for her, there was no telling what sort of friend he'd be to the others. Probably not a very good one.
Cold air filled the space between them as Lum abruptly departed for some unseen destination above, catching his attention.
"Lum." Ataru's voice followed her up, the confused lilt in his tone a vehicle for the unspoken question; where are you going? In response Lum flipped forward slightly, regarding him from above.
"I want a better look!" Such a simple response failed to match the excitement shining through her face. Nor did it quell his secret desire for her return to his side. Ataru was powerless to stop Lum from fleeing back into the sky, clearing at least the building beside them with no sign of slowing down.
Up she rose, until Lum was abruptly struck by the rays of a dying day that washed her in a gold veneer, reflecting rainbows in the waves of light flashing through her dark, windswept hair. Quickly she shielded her eyes from the sun, adjusting with a few rapid blinks to the blinding radiance of it. And then, slowly but surely, the gleam in her eyes became less severe, and she was able to take in the view below.
What Lum saw laid out before her stole her breath and cemented the wonderment in her smile. From her invisible perch she marveled at the splendor of nature and man combined. What a species they were, to craft such a landscape given the constraints of their technology. The sprawling city sprung up from the coastline like chiseled mountains formed in perfect grids that swept onward, beyond sight. Somber rays of red shot toward the eastern sky, flushing clouds in gold and painting every western facing surface in lurid radiance. Even the shadows weren't without their splendor, sparkling with artificial light reminiscent of a moonless night sky. And behind it all was the sun itself smoldering at the edge of a bowed horizon steeped in orange haze.
Despite the cold air swirling around her, Lum was warm, and not just because of the sun. To spend a day like this with her Darling and the people she'd gotten to know through him, was more than she could have asked for. Everything about her life since September had been like a dream. Although she hoped it wasn't, if only so it never had to end.
Ataru wasn't thinking about the sunset anymore, or anything else for that matter. His eyes were fixed on the woman above; lost in the brilliance of her smile and her sun gloried hair which glittered like diamonds. She glowed the way the moon does when it catches sunlight, unexpectedly reminding him of the first time he realized how truly beautiful she was. Just as surprising was the sting of envy burning away in his chest. If only he could fly again, the way he had when she tried (against his will) fixing the ache in his shoulders. Then he could be up there with her and not just watching from afar. The least she could do was come back down. And she would, if he asked. Ataru knew that. But. She looked so happy up there. It would be cruel to call her away.
"Ataru," Shinobu's voice broke through his trance and brought Ataru abruptly back to himself.
"Huh?" Came his genius reply, mouth slightly gaped and brows pinched in clear confusion. A half-frown twisted its way onto Shinobu's face. It was hard not to be amused by his ability to zone out even when being directly spoken to.
"What time is the train to Tomobiki?" She repeated, as if this wasn't the first time she'd asked.
"Oh!" A light dawned on him and Ataru sifted through his memory of the train schedule to produce an answer. Shinobu compared it with the time on her watch.
"So we have twenty minutes."
Ataru took on a pensive expression before responding.
"Then we should probably get going now." The trip back from where they were would take about as long. Ataru was glad someone had been paying attention. Good old Shinobu, always so reliable.
A reluctant energy passed through the group as they pulled themselves from the fence and gathered their belongings for the return trip. Ataru turned back toward the sky where Lum was hanging blissfully unaware of their plan. And he knew she'd stay that way if he didn't say anything.
"Lum!"
With only that she knew it was time to go, and the resigned disappointment shadowing her face was exactly as painful to see as he suspected it would be. And yet she smiled, bidding the sun one last farewell glance before letting gravity pull her back toward her darling.
Ataru provided no argument when she shouldered him, weaving her arms tightly around his. Smiling, she sought out his eyes, but he refused to concede them. How could he look at her now after everything he'd just seen? Her eyes were hawkish. If she caught a glimpse of him now, she'd know exactly how he felt. And he couldn't risk the potential emotional fallout, especially in the company of their friends. But Lum didn't require his direct attention. She happily laid her cheek against his shoulder regardless, content to float blissfully beside him as they walked.
Beneath the glaring lights of Hashirimawaru Station Ataru and his friends gathered, trading idle chatter while they waited for the evening train to take them home. It wasn't long before they could hear the first signs of it wailing off in the distance, serving as a last call for any goodbyes they hoped to share.
"Thanks for inviting us out, Ataru," Shinobu spoke first, her smile filled with gratitude.
Last time they saw each other she harbored a secret worry that he'd pass from her life for good. The light seemed to have faded from Ataru's eyes, and she wondered if adulthood would change him for the worse. The man standing before her now matched the memories she had of him from their carefree days as students, and she suspected the woman on his arm was part of the reason. Despite their initial rivalry, Shinobu felt she owed Lum a great debt of gratitude that could never be repaid.
"Yeah, who knew an arcade could be so fun." Ryuu was never good at goodbyes, particularly when they were so emotionally charged. Ataru may have been a lecherous cad who grated on her every nerve, but damn it, she liked the guy. She liked all of them. They'd been through a lot together since three of the group stumbled into her father's seaside restaurant (and destroyed it). Much the same as Shinobu, she'd also worried they'd never see each other again after everyone graduated. They all seemed to have their days stolen by new obligations; hell, she was no different, her and Nagisa. So it was nice to know they could all still have fun like they used to and that, despite all this time apart, the bonds they forged remained intact. Inspired by these feelings, Ryuu set her awkwardness aside to spare a genuine grin at her friends.
Ataru was struggling in a unique way. Seeing them go was sad, and truth be told he'd shared the same skepticism they had for a long time. Especially when he started working. Seeing Kosuke, Hokuto and Shinobu reminded him how important his friends were. And yet, even knowing it, nothing had changed until he pulled Lum back into his life. And she, likewise, pulled him out of the rut he'd been stuck in and made him long for something more than the life he thought he wanted. She helped him turn those desires into reality. And in doing so, Ataru found a piece of himself that had been missing. Now, after such a grand day, he knew it was possible to have everything.
There would be more outings like this, of that he was certain.
"I'll forgive your lack of faith." Ataru offered with kingly graciousness before slipping between the two girls, sliding an arm around each of their shoulders. "Maybe next time we can do something a bit more intimate?" He purred, savoring the short interval between shock and punishment.
Working in tandem Ryuu sniped Ataru's shoulder with a series of jabs while Shinobu slammed her palm against his back in quick succession, the pair laughing sarcastically at his suggestion.
"Oh you!" Giving one last shove Shinobu sent him stumbling toward Lum, who opted to dodge rather than catch her foolish husband.
"Why didn't you catch me?" Ataru hollered, picking himself up off the floor.
"Why would I?" Lum's punishing response set off a chorus of laughter from the others, their fatigue at the song-and-dance softened by the knowledge that they'd all be parting ways shortly. Even Ataru's anger was superficial, his sour demeanor cracking as he dusted the dirt from his pants. There was too much joy in him for anything else to take root. If only the day could last a little longer. But, sadly, he knew that no amount of wishing could wind back the clock, nor delay the train, squeaking and creaking, pulling up beside them with a rush of hot air. Ataru's only consolation was the final promise they shared to see each other again.
Alongside Lum he watched them board with a struggling smile, his hand raised in a wave. Between the two, her send-away held much more enthusiasm and she waved at them with both hands, cheering her farewell. From the window their friends returned the gestures until the train hissed and rolled steadily away from the platform, taking them out of sight.
Lum settled thoughtfully beside Ataru, who was still watching the train lights fade with a reflective mist in his eyes.
"I think I'll go home too."
"Why!?" Ataru whirled on Lum so unexpectedly she jolted back. Realizing his mistake, Ataru steadied his voice and regarded her in a calm, dispassionate way. "I mean, It's not like you have a train to catch." But it was too late to hide the clear implications of his reaction; he didn't want her to go. She knew it, and he knew she knew it from the sly smirk on her face.
Still, despite his outburst, Lum shook her head.
"Someone has to make sure Ten goes to bed at a reasonable hour, even if it is Saturday." In her voice were twin notes of reluctance and resolve that forced Ataru's hand. Well then, if she wanted to go so badly he refused to stop her. Because if he tried then she'd know without question he wanted her there, and she'd lord it over him and make everything awkward. His indifference, in Ataru's opinion, was the only thing keeping her wilder desires in check.
"That's true," He added with astute observation, "he is a terrible kid. Who knows what he's up to right now." Ataru dangled the possibility of mischief making in hopes she'd leave quickly so he could go home to brood in his apartment.
"Oh? Don't you want me to stay?" Her voice dipped to a sultry caress he didn't realize she was capable of. Neither was he prepared for the havoc her tone wrought on his body.
"W-when did I ever say that!?" Ataru made a great show of being furious to hide any hints of excitation. It failed miserably to wipe the smile from her face, much less send her off. "Don't give me that look, go home! It's late anyway." Crossing his arms Ataru gave her his back and tried waiting her out in silence.
Oh, but he could still feel her. Lingering. Watching him. Ataru narrowed his eyes and glanced back over his shoulder to check and - yep, sure enough, she was still there, studying him dubiously.
"Shoo." Ataru flicked his fingers at her, brushing her off like the pesky, troublesome fly she was. A risky move, he knew, one he expected to be zapped for. And yet, beyond all reason, she laughed instead.
Ataru dropped his guard and his arms and stared at her, wondering what she found so funny. Wasn't she annoyed? Come to think of it, very little seemed to rile her these days. What was going on with her?
Now, Lum never hid her heartfelt love for Ataru. In fact, she brought it up quite frequently. But she did keep other things from him. Namely, her thoughts on their relationship as a whole. Lum considered herself an active participant in their marriage. She was not the helpless fool everyone seemed to take her for. Whenever someone suggested she leave Ataru she took it as a personal insult, as if she didn't have agency over her own decisions. Safe to say, she'd studied them as a couple with far greater attention than she'd given to any subject, academic or otherwise. And apart from the obvious issue of his obsessive dalliances with any woman that crossed his path, Lum found their relationship was lacking in another important aspect; quality time. Besides her usual gripe that they never went on dates, back then Lum chose to carry the pain caused by this neglect on her own. It had nourished her anger, transforming even small slights into tragedies. But things were different now.
Never in her wildest fantasies did she think that stubborn fool of a husband would change. Until he did. And in doing so, Lum was sent down a path of elation, and also guilt over her lack of faith. From the first time he called her onward she vowed to never again doubt her husband's commitment and love. Under the light of that revelation his obstinance and fussing were just comical. What could she do but laugh as he hissed at her with the false bravado of an incensed stray kitten; starving for connection yet unaccustomed to loving touch. She'd give him this victory, it didn't matter. If she knew her husband well - and she did - he'd be calling her soon enough to plan their next weekend.
"If you say so." Without argument Lum lifted off toward the star-lit sky.
"Huh?" Confusion set in fast. First, Ataru reached out to stop her, only to retract his hand just as quickly. He really didn't think she'd leave! Sure, that might have been what he said but since when did she listen to him? Ataru was rendered powerless by her ability to literally fly away, never mind being pinned between his own feelings of pride and desire. What the hell was he supposed to do now!?
In the middle of his dilemma Lum turned for a parting glance. And in doing so she found herself inescapably drawn to the pathetically confused look on her husband's face. Her heart pulsed with love so deep it sparked visibly through the air around her until her entire body tingled with electricity. Leaving him like this was a crime she refused to be guilty of!
Before Ataru had time to react Lum swooped toward him, so swift and so close he felt the wind pressure shift. And just when he thought they'd collide she stopped, her face next to his, and he was suddenly aware of her lips pressing into his cheek. Heat ran through him, warming the blood in his face while a cold chill prickled the hairs on his skin, and he could swear his pounding heart was going to explode. Lum pulled back just enough to meet his eyes.
"Bye-bye." And then she was off.
Ataru's ego awoke with the ferocity of a lion ready to fight! He snarled and shook his fist at her retreating figure. Lum was just glad he couldn't see her laughing, then he'd really be pissed.
"F-for the hundredth time! Stop doing that!" Ataru bellowed after her despite knowing his demand was unlikely to be received - either out of ignorance or willful disobedience. Whatever the outcome it wouldn't change the situation he was in now. Ataru's body was still reeling from the shock and he struggled against the wild beating of his heart. Who the hell did she think she was, putting him through this roller coaster of emotions!? It was just infuriating!
Turning on his heels, Ataru stormed back across the platform and down the stairs to the sidewalk leading home. He made it maybe a few paces when his momentum died, so he was just standing there with a faraway gaze. A hand came up and gingerly brushed over his cheek where her lips had been seconds ago. His face was still warm, much like the rest of his body. Shit. She really threw him with that stunt. Damn that Lum, he thought, she always knew how to get to him.
Some thirty minutes later, Ataru was attacked by a gang of plush cats which sprang from his backpack, infiltrating his bedroom with an unnecessary amount of cuteness.
"Dammit Lum!" Indeed and truly, nobody got to him the way she did.
I felt it was important for Ataru to realize that he could have reconnected with his friends even without Lum's help, but it wouldn't have been the same. In life sometimes, and in a lot of romance media, there is an idea set up that partners need each other in an unhealthy way, or they begin to rely too heavily on each other for their own happiness. So I wanted Ataru to start addressing the idea that he doesn't necessarily NEED Lum, rather, that he WANTS her in his life because of what she adds to it, because he loves her and enjoys being around her. For a guy like Ataru, who is very insistent on making his own choices, having this realization I felt was important for his character growth since it eliminates any sense of obligation or pressure to have her around, while also forcing him to take decisive action. He can't rely on school or living under one roof to bring them together anymore, he actually has to do something if he wants to see her. The ball is basically in his court.