'Two weeks until finals, and then winter break. I'm nearly done.' Emi. The girl who prided herself on keeping a low profile. Sitting in the middle of the pack, never one to be the first, nor the last of anything. Content with a simple and quiet life.
Although, the buzz that her brother generated was not helping. Countless times she had been approached, not only by girls; but by other students, boys, and teachers.
"Your brother is so handsome." "Does your brother have a girlfriend?" "I heard your brother is a ranker. What rank is he?" The list goes on...
She gave vague answers in hopes to deter this behaviour. However, that only fuelled the fire more. The mysterious danger man that everyone wanted a piece of.
"EMI!!!!"
'Oh no.' The familiar energetic voice of Mayu came from behind her. Turning to face the girl, she was surprised to find both Mayu and Yui bounding towards her at Mach speed.
"Uhh... Hey guys." She said sheepishly, hoping they weren't going to ask about her brother.
"Me and Yui were talking about having a study session for finals, you want in?!" Mayu asked excitedly.
"Uh... I don't know-" Emi was suddenly grabbed from both sides by her friends.
"Great! We can have it at your place!" Mayu and Yui spoke simultaneously, dragging Emi away with glee. Their eyes held the hidden agenda that their words did not.
'They want to see Eren...'
"Um... I don't think anyone else is home... We could go to the local library or something." Emi suggested.
She says, seeing straight through the plans of her friends and their true intentions. Although, she was happy that her friends wanted to hang out with her, and study. She wasn't one to study in a group.
"That's alright. We can study without distractions at your home. I think it will be a lot more productive." Yui smiled, her eyes looking away, a faint blush on the cheeks.
'Why do you look so embarrassed?'
Emi relented, opening the door to her apartment. The smell of baked shortbread filled the home, the sounds of kitchen utensils at work could be heard.
"Looks like Eren is home." Emi sighed, not looking forward to the awkwardness that was to follow.
"Emi... Welcome home. Oh, and you brought some friends with you?" Eren poked out of the kitchen. His white hair pulled back into a bun and a pink apron adorned around his torso, as underneath we wore no shirt. The scars on display for her friends to see; a sight to behold for two young women who had little to no experience with the male body.
'He's hot.' The girls thought in unison.
"I-I'm Yui..."
"Mayu." Both bowed in respect. "Thank you for welcoming us to your home."
"Thank you for being friends with my dear sister. I have afternoon tea ready would you like some?" Eren responded, stepping into the kitchen once more.
The study group followed Eren, entering the living room and kitchen. It's simple design and warm atmosphere made the two visitors feel comfortable and at ease. Pictures of a young Eren and Emi hung on the walls, alongside photos of their father, mother, and other family members.
"I've made melting moments. A recipe from our Australian homeland." Presenting a tray of sandwiched shortbreads and cream. Along with piping hot tea.
"Actually... There from New Zealand-"
"Thank you Eren!" Both Yui and Mayu exclaimed excitedly, cutting Emi off before she could correct their culinary history. Each one taking the biscuits and devouring them. Finding the taste to be delicious.
'He can cook too!" The girls thought again.
"Oh, Yui, was it? You have a little something..." A napkin to the side of her lips. Eren's gentle touch sent a shiver of excitement down the girl's spine. "There you go."
"T-Thank you... Eren."
'His kind and caring!'
The effect he had on the girls was lost on Eren. He simply was being friendly. Yet to Yui and Mayu, their faces turned red, their minds racing with lewd thoughts and desires.
All the while, poor Emi was left to the wayside as she watched her brother charm her friends. An awkward atmosphere filled the room as the girls tried to contain themselves.
"Are you two going to help my sister study?" Eren asked, wiping down the counter and placing a kettle of water on the stove.
"Uhhh, of course!" The girls exclaimed in unison, getting back to the books they had brought with them.
"Well believe it or not I would have been a teacher in another life. So, if you girls need some help-"
"Ahhhh! We don't need your help Eren." Emi cut her brother off, flustered and embarrassed.
"The school work is easy and we've already got everything covered. Please, don't interrupt our studies." She continued, pulling the girls away to her bedroom. Leaving a confused Eren alone.
"Oh well. As long as that girl continues to smile, that is all that matters to me." Eren said, taking a seat on the couch, and flicking through the channels of the tv.
Emi's friends were a nice bunch. They clearly cared for each other and were supportive of one another. It reminded Eren of himself and Kyo and Haruto when they were young. The days before death and sorrow tore them apart.
*Bzzt* *Bzzt*
His phone lit up, a familiar name flashing across the screen. Baelor.
~
Eren.
Please come to the guildhall as soon as possible.
Regards Baelor
~
"He needs to work on these texts."
*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*
"Hey Emi. I'm going out for a little bit. Are Yui and-"
Both girls rushed from the bedroom, with eager expressions. Eyes full of hope and wonder. Clearly, they were hoping to go where Eren was headed.
"Yes. We are still here, Eren!"
"I see... Well. I was going to come back with fried chicken for dinner. Did you two care to join-"
"YES!" The girls cheered, their faces lighting up. "We would love to stay for dinner!"
Emi groaned in exasperation, shaking her head. She knew what the real reason for her friends wanting to stay was, but she had no choice in the matter.
"Very well. Emi, please be on your best behaviour, and don't forget to study."
'I know... I'm not a child.' She sighed.
"Bye-bye Mr. Heart! We'll see you later!"
***
It was a cold day, the warmth of the sun barely visible from behind the clouds. Winter was upon them, and the streets were only just coming alive once more. After the fall of the crimson bandits; people found themselves free to enjoy a walk through the city. Unafraid of thugs and low-lives.
Stores began opening once more, people felt safe leaving their homes. The presence of a shadow; brought peace, instead of fear.
His bike pulled into the HQ, quickly making his way up the elevators to Baelor's office.
There, as he entered the office of Baelor, Masa from the golden tigers stood at Baelor's desk.
Smug superiority smothered stupidity along his maw.
"Say it, say it." The juvenile vice leader whispered to the elven master. An audible sigh was let out by the elf as the situation was beyond repair.
"Masa Tashima, Vice leader of the Golden Tigers, you are one of the strongest and smartest rankers within this country." A satisfied smile stretched across Masa's face.
"Sir. Please you got what you wanted." The girl beside Masa pleaded, black hair tied in a neat braid, quite a small thing that was dwarfed by the arrogance of the vice-president. Her face as red as a beet from embarrassment.
"...Fine. Today Baelor I win. I'm the strongest, and that's a fact. Now, let's get out of this dump."
With that the pair left, although not without a strange glance from the girl to the Reaper. Eyes meeting, but only for a split second before Masa dragged her away. A feeling of perverse familiarity in the air.
"Eren, forgive that display... Please have a seat." Baelor sighed, shaking its head. The elf looked worn down, tired.
"What was that about?" Eren took a seat in front of Baelor,
"The regulators of the guilds of Japan have begun to notice our lack of administrator class personnel. And as such, I was forced to belay any inquires as to the fact. I paid the golden tigers a substantial amount to 'distract' them for the time being. An unfortunate side effect was Masa's ego. I am sorry for that display." Baelor apologized, taking a sip of tea.
"Oh, well he can't always be the loser can he. Why did you call me?" Eren asked, getting straight to the point.
"That thumbstick that has become most troubling... We have found the origin. The order of light, or rather people of high standing within the Order."
"Is that a cult of some kind?"
"No, the ones touched by the gates power. Sight beyond sight? Do you not remember Endo Toyotomi? The prophet, the one who ordered your death?"
'Endo Toyotomi?' Eren knew the name. But not his face nor voice. The man that sent him and Kyo to his death was but a shadow in the fog of memories.
"I... Don't know the man."
"That's... An issue for another time. Right now; with this information, I would suggest to stay on your toes. The order is capable of great many things; and as such as that won't hesitate to strike at vital points. So, long as the drive remains within our ranks, they will hunt us." Baelor spoke; eyes filled with concern as to the why Eren lacked any memories of his demise.
"I understand." Eren stood up, bowing to the elf, and making for the door. "Thank you for your time."
'Although you could have texted me that...' He thought, turning the door handle and leaving.
As he descended back down to the garage, a stranger awaited a few meters from the exit. The same girl that was with Masa; leaning against a wall, typing something into her phone.
When the lift doors opened, she looked up. Eyes meeting again, this time with more intent.
She approached Eren. A stern look on her face. "You, what's your name?" She demanded.
"Um... Eren Heart." He answered, feeling slightly intimidated by the small girl. Although, her scent of vanilla was rather pleasant. Like what his mother used to wear.
"Mmmmmm. My name is Kaori, head administrator of the golden tigers. I want to go on a date with you. My intentions are to get to know each other better. With my ultimate goal of marriage and having many children together. Here is my number, I will be at Shibuya station this Saturday at 11am. I will see you there." She handed over a business card with her phone number on it. And left without another word.
'What...?' He thought, confused by the encounter.
'I guess that's an odd way to say hello.' Eren shrugged, pocketing the card. It was a pleasant surprise. It had been far too long since the last time Eren went on a date.
Although, that girl. Was the same one with Masa from the dark auction. The one that seemed to stare into the soul of the reaper.
And she has already assumed that Eren would fall that madly in love they will have kids?
This Saturday should make for an interesting day.