Omake 26: Family Beckons (C)

"I'm sorry, brother. It… I couldn't stop her. I couldn't stop myself." – Unknown (Reluctant Hero)

"Dad?"

I paused from reading my newspaper, noticing that Nora was standing right in front of me while I enjoyed some rest by the couch.

"Yes, sweetie?"

"I know this is sudden but… can you tell me more about Auntie?"

I blinked. "You mean… Summer? Or maybe Willow-"

"I mean Auntie Mary."

My throat suddenly felt dry at that interjection, the suddenness of the question leaving me fairly perplexed.

"Any particular reason?"

Nora shrugged. "I just wanted to know more about her. You said that I'm quite similar to her so… was she a badass?"

"Yep," I replied curtly and without hesitation. "One of the greatests and, trust me when I say this, she would probably love to tell those herself if she had the chance."

"I know but… what if she was so sad she changed? After all, you weren't around."

"Ah, my little worrywart," I hummed as I set the paper to the side and calmly pulled her in a hug as she sat on my lap. "Your daddy didn't change because of that sadness, but that's because I remember of the fond times with them more than just that they are no longer there with me."

"Are you… not that sad anymore, dad?"

"I'm not. I still get sad while thinking about it but I've long learned to live with my own circumstances. And I have a couple of responsibilities, one of which is currently worrying for me and her name starts with 'N'."

A giggle left her lips as Nora enjoyed the embrace. She nuzzled her forehead on my mouth, forcing me to land a little peck there while we stood like this, in that quiet state of peace for a while.

"I know that. I just wanted to know what you got about her. I know there is more and that you're holding it from me. Please~?"

I sighed. "Only if you promise to help me with cleaning the dishes for lunch and dinner."

"Deal," Nora replied without hesitation, actually surprising me with her forwardness. "Now, spill the beans about Auntie. Do you have any funny stories about you and her?"

"A couple," I admitted and soon we were engaging in a discussion about it.

The conversation was fairly lengthy as there was much to say, to remember and to fondly think about as most of my life was there, with… them. I didn't put much thought into actually remembering those old days, having long grown accustomed to my life here in Remnant, but it wouldn't be a lie to say that I missed those days. To be around my ever-so loud and bossy little sister as she tried her best to appear tough in front of me.

I knew for a fact she was tough already, but she always wanted to show off to me, to let me see she was the toughest little sister around. It was adorable, and I enjoyed the reactions she would get when I told her that. She was plain cute, there was nothing to be doubtful about in that recollection. But as I look back at these days… I couldn't help but painfully wonder how they were doing.

Mom was definitely distraught for my departure, while dad would be too numb to conceptualize a verbal response. While I argued many times how my sister was a tough nut when it came to all kinds of stuff in life, I still couldn't deny she would be terribly shocked and saddened by my sudden case of going missing. I could see her sit by my bed, with her knees raised up so she could hug her legs and… sob at my departure.

I felt at fault for it no matter how many times I was told I wasn't given a choice to stay. I didn't choose this life, I knew that, but I knew that I would take a painful decision if I was given the chance of going back… and they knew about it. Because they wouldn't understand- they wouldn't know what happened while I had been there. They would question my thoughts, my choice, my motivation and… then hate me for 'ditching' them like that.

It was one of those thoughts that really worried me. What were the chances of them knowing and then going through that process? Sure, mom was understanding but… but she would be heart-broken by it. I would break her if she learned of this decision. I would be the one hurting her. It was something so horrifying and unfair that I could barely linger about it with my thoughts.

Once the conversation with Nora ended with her going out to buy some groceries before lunch, I felt somewhat baffled by my fortitude. The growing pain of that narration lessened by the good memories… but once it was over, I was alone and I felt the tears coming.

I didn't ask for them, I didn't feel 'sad enough' to cry. It just happened. Something unpleasant had me in such a pitiful state. I was about to just retreat in the bathroom to find a way to cover up the aftermath, but I was stopped by someone that had noticed my state of distraught. In a strange development, I found myself on the bed, a little toddler on my chest while Sienna lay by my side, her left cheek on my shoulder as we both enjoyed some rest together.

"You're my dear husband. I know that you need this."

Her words are so true and yet so daunting. It made my heart clench in curious pain and… relief. I closed my eyes to find some peace but… what I got was something slightly more unsettling.

A bloodied hug, sorrowful sobbing upon my chest, a tired gaze on my face, a line of red trailing down my chin, weakness growing from within… joy dulled by pain at that closure… My… Omega?