Archive of Our Own

Ren blinks as he hears something from the professor at the front say something about their final exams coming up next week as his classmates all gather their textbooks together. Ah? Ren grunts, gathering up his notes and breathing out as he rises, checking the time on his phone. Oh... class almost went late, huh.

"Hey, Ren." He looks over at the familiar soft voice to see Ceres Fauna approach him as he starts to leave the classroom, with her moving up to walk beside him as they exit. "You doing okay?" she speaks.

"Yeah..." He holds back a yawn, shaking his head slightly. "Just a bit short on sleep..."

"That's no good," speaks Mother Nature. "You need to get at least 8 hours of sleep per night, okay?"

"I would if I could," speaks Ren, as he and Fauna make their way down one of Holo University's many hallways. "But sleep hasn't been coming to me so easily lately..." He sighs. "Maybe it's the coffee. That sure isn't helping."

"Mm... well, it's pretty close to that time again," muses Fauna, glancing over at a nearby clock. "Where our days of studying seem endless while we try our best for our finals..." She laughs softly.

Ren looks over too, feeling his mouth twitch as he catches sight of it. "Yeah."

"But more than that..." The laughter bubbles out of Fauna's voice, though the gentle softness remains. "You miss Kronii, don't you."

He closes his eyes, breathing deeply. "...Yeah. It's already been a couple years since we graduated from Holo High, but... I don't think this feeling's ever gonna go away," he speaks, glancing over to see the embodiment of nature looking pensive. "Something wrong?"

"Oh- no, nothing." Fauna hums lightly. "Hm... okay." She nods to herself. "I like to know that she... well, as the warden of and keeper of time, in a way, she's looking over all of us," she speaks. "So it's nice knowing that much."

Ren nods in turn, exiting out the front entrance; some of his classmates were starting to attend club practice, though he just descends one of the university's staircases on his way down to the train. "Yeah... just wish I could see her again is all."

Fauna bites her lip. "Yeah... it's getting pretty close to her birthday, huh," she muses. "Just a few days..."

"Well, I'll just have to wish her a happy one, from wherever she is now." Ren stops as he sees Baelz dashing straight at him, to leap at him as she draws near. He sidesteps the charge and she lands with a grin. "Geez..." Ren ruffles Baelz's hair with a slight snort. "Little too obvious that time, Baelz."

The embodiment of chaos lets out a happy sound before shrugging off his hand. "Were you guys talking about Kronii?" she speaks.

Fauna nods. "Yep. Her birthday's coming up soon, so..." She blinks. "I wonder if we would be allowed to visit her."

"I doubt it," speaks Ren. "Being warden of time must be its own full-time job. Besides, with exams and all, would we even have the time to see her?" He scratches his head. "Though..." He glances away, up to the sunlit sky. "If it was possible, that would be pretty nice."

Baelz nods slowly, eyes narrowing. "Mm... yeah. Oh!" Her ears perk up. "If you're not busy, do you wanna get something to eat?"

"Sure, sounds good," speaks Ren, and Fauna nods in reply, a short hum coming from her. "You have any place in particular, or...?"

"Yep! Follow me!" Baelz starts at a brisk pace, leaving Ren and Fauna to follow after her. "There's this great ramen place that opened up, and..."

Ren exits the train, now fairly close to his apartment. He sighs, the moon above lighting a path along with all the street lamps. "...Hm?" He blinks as he sees a pink-haired figure underneath one of the lights, seeming to be waiting for someone. Wait... Walking closer, he feels his eyes widen and a smile come to his face. "Finally have time to come visit?" he speaks.

Calli looks at him, a smile coming to her face. "Amidst all the reaping and slaying? Somehow," she speaks. A soft sound comes from her as he wraps his arms around her in a hug, though she does the same after a moment before they separate. "Good to see you."

"Same here," speaks Ren. "I'm surprised though. Didn't think you'd have any free time to hang out, at least this quickly."

She shrugs, following him as he walks up some stairs to his apartment. "Death-sensei said it'd be good to spend some time outside the Underworld, even if it's just for a day or two," she speaks. "I already see Kiara whenever she has to revive, so I thought I'd take the time to see you."

"I'm honoured." Ren enters his apartment and flicks on the lights. "Make yourself at home," he speaks, heading to the kitchen. "Want anything to drink?"

"Some water's fine," speaks the reaper, hands in her pockets as she takes a seat on the sofa. "Mm... this place is pretty good," she muses, looking out the small window. "Not too cramped... fairly good space."

"Don't pay too much either. Got really lucky." Ren hands Calli a cup of water, a "thanks" coming from her as he sits on a small bean bag chair. "So, how you been?"

"Busy," she replies, making him chuckle. "Didn't expect soul collecting to be so time-consuming, on top of continuing my scythe lessons and working on my music whenever I have any free time." She breathes out. "It's good though. I enjoy it."

"In that case it's not so bad, yeah?" speaks Ren, seeing Calli nod in response. "Your music's fire though. I've listened to some of the stuff you've put out. Pretty good studying music, or just when you're out doing whatever. It's great stuff."

"Thanks." Calli sets the cup down, corners of her mouth curving upward. "Anyway, how about you? Any ideas what you wanna go into?"

"...A teacher," replies Ren. "I'm thinking I want to be a high school teacher."

"Why's that?" speaks the reaper, tilting her head.

"Well..." Ren leans back in his chair. "A teacher's one of the most influential figures for kids, second only maybe to parents, and even that can differ. And being able to influence and change the future generations that come after in such a massive way... that's amazing." He breathes out. "And high school students are the ones who are closest to inheriting whatever legacy we leave behind... wouldn't it be something magical to affect them positively?"

"When you put it that way... yeah." Calli hums. "I never really thought of it that way... that is amazing."

Ren nods. "And if I can influence them for the better, then that's good too." He shakes his head slightly. "Though that's still a ways in the future."

Calli chuckles, a smile rising to her face. "Yeah. So, anything else happenin' with you?"

He shakes his head, looking out the nearby window. "Nah. Busy with school and all. Don't really have time for much else."

Calli looks out the same window for a long moment before breathing out. "I really missed talking with you like this," she speaks. "It's always a great time."

"Same here," speaks Ren. "Saying that kinda sounds like you have to go, though."

She sighs, rising from her seat. "Yeah... promised Kiara I'd spend some time with her, so if I don't get going now, I'm not gonna be on time." Calli looks sheepish as both of them approach the entranceway. "Sorry to cut this short."

"Don't be," speaks Ren. "After all, it's not like we won't see each other again, yeah?"

The reaper nods, a smile coming to her face. "Yeah." A laugh comes out. "'Course. Though that might be a few years down the line."

Ren shrugs. "If it is then I just have something to look forward to."

Calli places a hand on the door before pausing. "Oh... do you have something you wanna say to Kronii?" The confusion must have been clear on his face because she quickly continues. "Well, sometimes when I have a moment I visit her and we talk a little... if you want, I can tell her something."

Ren breathes out, glancing elsewhere for a moment before the memory of a tiny dragon plush comes to mind. "...Tell her... I miss her and I hope she's doing okay," he speaks. "And thank her for me. Never did get to do that before she left..." He shakes his head. "Anyway, that's great. Thanks, Calli."

She nods again, opening the door. "Alright, then. Good night, Ren," she speaks. "'Til next time."

"See ya." Ren smiles as she closes the door behind her, footsteps outside telling of her departure. "Hah..." He picks up the two cups and places them in the sink, cleaning them and setting them aside to dry.

He leans against the counter and looks at the small clock he has in the 1-room apartment, watching it tick down for a short time before shaking his head slightly as her face flashes in his mind, a chuckle coming out as she smiles at him.

Ren sighs, pushing himself off the counter as he forces himself from his memories. "...You already know these things without Calli telling you, though," he speaks, heading toward his small washroom to prepare to retire for the night.

"Hey, Ren!" He grunts, shaken from his thoughts as Tsukumo Sana calls out to him. He glances up from his notebooks spread on the small table in the library as she sits beside him. "Are you studying?"

"Yeah." He leans back, standing to stretch briefly. "You seem chipper, though," he speaks. "Something good happen?"

"Something like that," nods Sana, pulling out some of her own notes. "You know how Kronii's birthday is coming this Saturday?"

Ren stops the scribbling of his pen. "Yeah."

"Well, she's gonna have the day off from her duties!" Sana grins. "Yagoo said he'd have Amelia look over it for the day, so she could come and see us."

He blinks, furrowing his brow. "...Is it smart to have a time travelling detective look after time?"

Sana shrugs. "Well, he also has Calli, Gura, Kiara and Ina looking over it with her, so it should be fine," she speaks. "Anyway, this means we get to see Kronii again! Aren't you excited?"

Ren taps the top of his pen against his papers for a moment. "Yeah." He nods. "Her birthday, though... just in three days, more or less... hm."

"Yep!" Sana grins. "Actually, do you mind if we had a celebration at your apartment? The rest of ours don't... really have space."

"Well, my place isn't all that big either," replies Ren, looking down and writing something down in his notes. "Though... I guess it should be more than enough if it's the six of us." He frowns. "Might need to get some stuff though..."

"It's fine! If you don't mind, I can come over and bring some stuff to prepare later today," speaks Sana. "Fauna and I have a few chairs and some other stuff we can bring to help set up and stuff."

"Sure, that works." Ren nods. "Alright..." He shakes his head slightly, breathing out. "...Thanks for telling me about this in advance, Sana."

"No need. After all, it's your place that's the venue," she speaks. "You don't mind, right?" She stops, looking pensive all of a sudden. "Right?"

"Relax," speaks Ren. "It's fine. Should be pretty fun too." He breathes out. "Especially after our finals coming just before it."

Sana laughs briefly. "Yeah... it'll be a good change of pace," she speaks. "Anyway, uh... if you're not busy, do you mind looking over my paper?" She pulls out a few sheets, words written on it. "I think it's okay, but another pair of eyes is always good."

"Yeah, 'course." Ren takes it from her and glances it over, breathing out, before using a pen to point out some segments. "Well, here you missed the pronunciation, which a comma would fix, some capitalization here, and..."

"Whoo! We survived finals!" declares Baelz, raising her glass of soda. "Cheers!"

"Cheers," smiles Fauna, voice more constrained, which Mumei and Sana echo.

"Cheers," speaks Ren, clinking his own glass with the others before they all take a long drink. "Phew..." He shakes his head slightly. "Well, guess tomorrow's already Kronii's birthday," he speaks.

"Mm," speaks Mumei, nodding. "It's already been two years... ooh!" She perks up slightly. "Do you think I should bring some berries or something?"

"That sounds good, Mumei!" speaks Baelz, before looking at him. "We're gathering at your place, right Ren?"

"Uh... that's what Sana said. I don't mind," he replies. "It's not all that big though, so... sorry in advance."

"It's fine," speaks Fauna. "I'm sure it'll be more than enough."

"I promise I won't blow it up or anything!" grins Sana, leaning on the table.

"Please don't," deadpans Ren, finishing his drink. "Hah..."

"Are you okay, Ren?" Mother Nature looks him over, gazing at him with a gentle softness. "...You haven't been sleeping well, have you."

"Nah," he admits. "Just cramming for all these finals... it's rough." And thinking of seeing her again... He feels himself yawn. "Mm... I'll be ready for tomorrow, though, don't worry." Hasn't done my sleep any favors.

"Hm... okay." Fauna nods, though she doesn't look completely satisfied with his response. "Well, since we're finished with finals for now, hopefully all of us can get more sleep," she speaks.

"Yeah..." Mumei's eyes flutter shut briefly before she shakes herself. "That'd be nice."

"Anyway, it's probably for the best that we all come tomorrow morning and prepare for the party and everything," speaks Baelz. "For now though, we drink!"

"...It's not alcohol," speaks Ren, going up to refill his drink. "Please don't say it like that." He feels himself smile as a giggle leaves the rat.

"Do you need any help cleaning up before tomorrow, Ren?" speaks Fauna, voice soft as he glances at him. "If you need it, I can help."

"I'll be fine," he speaks, shaking his head as he returns to his seat. "My place isn't all that big, so I'll just get it done tonight. Don't worry about it."

"Hm..." Mumei sips on her drink, some kind of berry smoothie. "I wonder how Kronii's been... I miss her." Her facial expression darkens into a slight pout as she rests on the table.

"We all do," speaks Sana, ruffling the owl's hair. "Don't worry, Mei Mei! It's only 'til tomorrow. Hang in there!" She pauses for a moment. "I bet Kronii'll be happy to see you give some berries to her!"

"You think so?" speaks Mumei, perking up at the words, dragging herself from the table as Sana gives her an affirmative nod, smiling. "Oh, okay!"

Fauna smiles, giving the embodiment of civilization headpats. "There, there. Like Sana said, we'll have an opportunity to see her tomorrow, Mumei. Just a little longer, 'kay?" she speaks.

"Mm." Baelz finishes her drink and sets it on the table. "Actually, have we got food already? Might have to do that today. And making sure there's enough chairs, and maybe some games, and other stuff too." Her face shifts into one of slight seriousness. "Hm... time to do some shopping, I guess."

"There's enough chairs at least," speaks Fauna. "Sana and I brought some over yesterday, enough for the six of us."

"Okay- then the main thing's gonna be food!" nods Baelz. "I'll go with Mumei to get everything today and bring it to your place later, is that okay, Ren?"

"Sure," he replies. "You want me to come along, or-?"

Baelz shakes her head. "You're already helping a lot by providing the place, so we'll be fine. Besides, this way we can come in and help you clean up too," she speaks. "So it all works out."

He shrugs. "Alright." Ren blinks after a moment. "Actually... Fauna's birthday is coming up too, yeah? Maybe we could kinda celebrate them together?" he speaks. "It'd be nice if Kronii could be here for that too, so..."

Baelz's ears perk up. "Ooh, that's good! Okay, Mumei, you and me better get going now if we wanna get everything for tomorrow!"

"Okay!" Mumei hums as she stands up. "See you guys later," she speaks, following Baelz out of the cafe.

Ren nods to Sana and Fauna, rising up after finishing his drink again. "I'd better get going too," he speaks. "Start early so I might actually get some proper sleep tonight."

"Do you want some help?" speaks Sana. "I'm not busy, so..."

"It's fine," speaks Ren. "It won't take that long. Thanks though." He bows slightly.

"Uuu..." Fauna looks troubled for a moment before she clears up her facial expression. "Mm... okay, if you're sure."

"Yeah. Don't worry 'bout it. 'Sides, Baelz and Mumei'll help me out if I can't handle it." He dips his head. "I'll see you guys later, then."

"Alright. See ya, Ren!" Sana waves at him, as does Fauna, and he waves back before leaving the cafe.

Ren breathes out, seeing the afternoon sun high in the sky. He allows himself a moment to just stand and stare, his mind drifting to deep blue eyes and a laugh to accompany a soft smile. He starts, shaking his head and making his way to the nearest train station.

...Soon, Kronii.

"Phew..." Ren breathes out, leaning on the counter after having sorted out the apartment, particularly sorting garbage bags and all and putting them out to one side. "Messier than I thought..." Not too bad though, since it's also kinda small...

"Okay, looks like we're all done," speaks Mumei, moving to relax on the bean bag chair. "Wait... or is there anything else and I just forgot?"

"Nope, you're fine, Mumei," speaks Baelz, moving to sit on top of the counter beside Ren. "We got the food and everything's clean, chairs all prepared... everything should be good." She nods to herself.

"You guys wanna eat something?" speaks Ren, moving to his stovetop. "I still have some soup I made yesterday, if you want."

"Ooh, yes please," speaks Mumei. "Do you have some rice to go with it?"

"Uh... a little. It is kinda hard now though," speaks Ren, inspecting his rice cooker's contents.

"That's okay. Put the hot soup over it and it'll be good in no time," speaks the embodiment of civilization. "Thank you."

"Me too, then, please," speaks Baelz, nodding to him.

"Sounds good." He sets the pot to boil and sets out three bowls and spoons. "Thanks for helping me with the clean-up, too."

Baelz grins at him. "It'll be messy again tomorrow, and chaos will reign!" She laughs, before shaking her head. "It's fine. You're the one giving up his place for this, so we should help out at least this much."

Ren stirs the soup, shrugging. "Well, thanks again." He blinks as the doorbell rings. "Hm...?" He sets the stove's temperature lower and walks over to the door, opening it slowly. "Hello-" He feels his breath stop as he sees who stands beyond the door.

Kronii smiles, waving at him as he stares at her. "Hi, Ren." She gasps as he moves forward and hugs her, before wrapping her own arms around him, breathing out. "Miss me?" she murmurs.

"Yeah." His voice is quiet. "A lot."

"Who is it?" A gasp rushes from Mumei as she peers outside. "Kronii!" She joins the hug, and he hears Kronii chuckle as she moves an arm to wrap around her, a warm sound of content rising from Mumei in the action.

"Yah!" Somehow, from the top of the doorframe Baelz gently clutches Kronii's head and gives rapid headpats, making the warden bubble up in laughter. "Missed ya, Kronii!"

"Mm," she speaks. "I missed all of you too."

Inside, Kronii settles on the chair while Mumei rests on the bean bag, Baelz on one of the chairs Fauna and Sana had brought, all with hot bowls of soup in front of them. "So, how you been, Kronii?" speaks Mumei.

"I've been fine," she responds. "Looking after time and everything, you know. It was boring a lot of the time though," speaks Kronii, a soft sound leaving her as she ingests some of the soup. "Honestly, not a whole lot to do. Most people don't really mess with time, after all." She hums. "I don't really see a lot of others, though. Calli on a few occasions, Kiara sometimes... lets me think a lot on how perfect I am, though." She smirks.

"I'll bet," speaks Baelz, grinning. "Oh, I should go tell Fauna and Sana! They'll be excited to know you're here. Give me a sec." She pulls out her phone, swiftly tapping on the screen.

Kronii leans back with a sigh. "How about you, Ren?" she speaks, calling back toward the counter. "You okay?"

"I'm fine," he replies, finishing his soup and setting it in the sink. "Busy with school."

Kronii bites her lip, not looking entirely satisfied, though turns to face Mumei as the owl speaks to her.

Ren cleans the bowl, setting to one side to dry, holding onto the counter as a yawn escapes him. "Mm..."

"You okay?" Baelz's voice is quiet as she comes up beside him, placing her own bowl in the sink. "Ah... sorry." She looks guilty. "It'll probably be pretty hard to sleep tonight with Mumei, Kronii and I here." She blinks as her phone lights up. "Ah, Fauna and Sana are gonna come in the morning."

"That's good." He shakes his head. "Anyway, I'll be fine. 'Sides..." Ren glances back at Kronii excitedly conversing with Mumei, smiles on both their faces. "I wouldn't miss spending time with Kronii for the world."

Baelz narrows her eyes, though nods, moving to clean her bowl. "Yeah. Well, you should talk with her. I'm sure she's missed you a lot too," she speaks.

Ren moves over and takes one of the empty extra chair, blinking as he sees Kronii focus on him. "I'm glad to get to see you again," he speaks. "Thought your day off was tomorrow, though?"

"Well, Amelia said she'd take over early," speaks Kronii, closing her eyes. "I admit I was a bit worried... but seeing as Calli and Ina are with her, I trust that they will prevent any large disasters from happening."

"With Calli there, hopefully it'll be okay," speaks Ren, leaning back and blinking a wave of drowsiness away. "Unh..."

"You okay, Ren?" speaks Mumei, glancing at him. "You seem exhausted."

"Just short on sleep," he speaks. "It is what it is."

"Hm... maybe we should sleep for tonight, then?" speaks Kronii, restraining a small yawn of her own. "It is starting to get late. Though..." She frowns. "Aren't Sana and Fauna coming? Hm..."

"I'll be fine. Keep going," he waves her off. "I'll... probably just..." He shakes his head. "Be more in the background though..."

Kronii rises and moves over to him. "...You should sleep," she speaks, voice serious. "Otherwise you'll just fall asleep on us anyway, and that's no good."

He sighs, rising and letting her help him up. "...Oh." Ren looks at Mumei and Baelz. "You guys planning on staying here tonight?"

"Erm..." Mumei frowns. "I dunno... do you have any sleeping accommodations?"

Ren scratches his head. "Other than my bed, I have some spare sheets and a futon," he speaks. "Sleeping on the floor's probably really uncomfortable though."

"Hm... we should come back in the morning," speaks Baelz, taking the empty bowls from Mumei and Kronii. "That's probably best. Don't want to mess up the place and everything too early." She smiles.

"Aw... okay." Mumei nods, wrapping Kronii in a quick hug. "I'll see you in the morning, then, Kronii."

"Yep." The warden of time smiles as she hugs Mumei back. "I'll be waiting."

"See you guys tomorrow then," speaks Baelz, heading out the door. "Don't get too touchy!"

"Sure... see you." Ren rubs his eyes as they shut the door behind them. He walks over and locks it, breathing out and looking back at his friend. "Y'know..." he speaks, leaning against the door. "I can't believe it's already been two years."

"Time waits for no one," speaks Kronii, reaching out and switching off the lights. "Anyway, we should go sleep now." She looks around in the dark, eyes almost illuminated by the moonlight that shines through a still open window. "Want all the energy we can get for tomorrow." She smiles. "It looks like you've prepared something pretty big for me."

"Well, we've missed you a lot," he speaks. "And you're not gonna be here that long, either, so we gotta do something you won't forget, yeah?"

Kronii hums. "I don't think I could forget this if I tried. And it hasn't been started yet."

"Mm." Ren chuckles, walking over to the section of his apartment that was his bedroom. "Anyway, yeah, time to get some sleep. Just gimme me a sec to get the futon and-"

"No need." He doesn't look back as he feels her breath against his neck. "I'll just stay with you tonight. That okay?"

Ren blinks, looking back at her. "Probably not the best... my bed isn't all that big," he speaks. "Don't think we could even lay side-by-side comfortably."

"I'll just have to be on top of you then." Kronii averts her eyes from his, cheeks scarlet which the moonlight from behind her only seems to accentuate. "That works, doesn't it?" She holds her right hand to her left wrist, looking back up at him. "Right?"

He pauses for a moment. "Yeah, it does." Ren feels his eyes widen as a realization comes to him. Ah. Reaching out, he holds her close to him; she allows him to do so without protest. "I missed you," he murmurs.

She clutches onto him. "...I missed you too."

A shifting on his bed and a slight squeak claims sleep from him. Ren opens his eyes to see Kronii sitting on one side of the bed, looking out the nearby window, where the moon shines.

"Ah..." She glances over at him, and moves closer. "Sorry. Did I wake you up?"

"...Maybe?" Ren yawns, sitting upright and looking at his phone quickly. "It's fine though. For the past bit I've been awake at this time, either going to sleep or waking up." He shakes his head. "Don't tell Fauna that though, or she'll get on my case about it."

Kronii hums lightly. "I'll bet." She moves over and leans back, against him. "You should probably try and get some more sleep."

"Probably." He shifts into a more comfortable position. "But I can just sleep later." He ruffles her hair. "Since I'm already up, I'd rather just spend it with you." Ren laughs. "I get to be alone with the birthday girl for a while. Lucky as always, huh?"

Kronii smiles. "Mm. I mean, if I could, I'd do the same." She laughs with him. "Hah... I guess that narcissism of mine isn't something that's ever gonna completely go away," she speaks, a hand finding its way to intertwine with one of his.

"Not like that's a bad thing," replies Ren. "Shows that in some fashion you love yourself, which a lot of us never quite manage to do." Even if you think you're empty inside. He bites his tongue as the memory of that rooftop comes to mind.

"Yeah." Kronii breathes out, her body relaxing. After a short time of silence between them she speaks again. "You know, a part of me still can't believe that I get to see you all again, even if it's just for a day." She purses her lips. "When Yagoo was talking to me about it... 'course I was happy and looking forward to it all.

"But at the same time, I was thinking that it might not be for the best if I did go for it."

Ren tilts his head. "Why's that?"

Kronii inhales deeply before releasing it. "Well... at the end of it, I'd have to leave you guys again. And even just this short glimpse of you, Mumei and Bae... without even seeing Fauna or Sana yet..." Her breathing shudders. "I don't know how I'll be able to say good-bye to you when it's all over."

He hugs her close to his chest. "...That's just the reality of the situation," he speaks. "Besides, any time you get to see anyone, you'll have to say good-bye eventually. With us it's just gonna come sooner than we want."

"You don't say," she murmurs. "I know I'm blessed even to get this chance to see everyone so soon-and a chance even to see you again." She turns in his grasp to face him, looking almost tired. "It was hard enough the first time." Kronii reaches out and touches his cheek, gazing downward. "Am I going to be able to leave?"

Ren presses his forehead against hers. "Mm." They breathe for a time, relaxed in each other's presence. "Don't worry about that now," he speaks. "Actually..." A smile comes to his face. "It's probably more correct to say that with we aren't going to leave you with any time to think about that."

"...But it's still gonna come in the end anyway." Kronii's eyes close and she bites her cheek. "Sorry, I know I shouldn't be thinking of the future, but I just... I'm scared." Her voice is low, and he almost misses it.

"Just earlier, talking with and getting to see Mumei and Bae was the most at peace I've felt in the last two years. And I bet it'll only get stronger when Fauna and Sana show up. I..." Her voice cracks. "Can I go back to that solitary confinement as time's warden?" A self-deprecating smile rises to her face. "Ironic, isn't it. I'm supposed to look over time, but when I do it I'm basically exiled."

Ren breathes out a small sigh. "Wait here." He moves from the bed to a nearby drawer, rifling through the top section's contents before finding a familiar black box. "Here it is." He returns to the bed. "This is for you."

Kronii's eyes grow wide as she opens the box; inside lies a single ring which glints as the moonlight hits it, a simplistic metallic band. "...Wha-what's this for?" she speaks, looking at him.

"Something to remember me by," he speaks. "Or... something like that I guess." Ren scratches his head. "Hopefully, so long as you have this, you can look at it and know that I'm with you, in spirit if nothing else." He holds gently to her wrist as he places the small object onto her ring finger. "Maybe it might be help you feel a little less alone, when you're looking over time again and all."

Kronii inspects the ring, shifting her hand slightly to see it glimmer in the moonlight. "...You give me a lot of things I don't deserve," she speaks. "That dragon plush, your romantic affections, this... what do you see in me, Ren?"

Ren lets a sound come from his throat. "...My childhood friend who I've missed seeing," he speaks. "Someone who deserves a lot more from me then just this." He smiles. "A girl I'm glad I fell in love with."

She hides her face behind her hands, shoulders shaking. "Every time..." Her voice cracks, thick. "Every time you tell me these things when I know I can't stay and make you happy."

He shakes his head, slowly moving her hands away to reveal her intensely flushed face, tears prickling at her eyes; considering her lack of resistance, she does not seem to mind. "You make me happier than you know," he speaks. "Knowing you're comfortable telling me about your worries is more than I can ask for."

Kronii wipes at her eyes, breathing out. "Thank you," she speaks. "Just... thank you."

"No need," he speaks, pulling her close into a hug. "'Sides, we have the rest of the day to spend together with everyone and have fun, yeah? We'll fill today with enough memories to last until next time you can come visit."

She nods, tension slowly leaving her body. "Yeah... geez." Kronii laughs softly. "You always know how to make me feel better, huh? Guess... that's part of why I..." She swallows and clears her throat, a pause coming in her words. "Why I love you so much."

Ren rests his chin atop her head, humming lightly. "I love you too." Neither of them say anything for a moment. "...Happy birthday, Kronii."

"I'm glad I get to spend it with you again," she speaks, a low hum coming from her in turn. "...Do you wanna get married?"

He feels himself jolt at her words. "Uh... I'm not opposed to it, but I don't have, like... the marriage registration form," he speaks, feeling his heart beat swiftly in his chest. "Plus, we'd need to go see your mother, and mine, and..."

Kronii nuzzles closer. "Wanna go in the morning? I'm sure everyone wouldn't mind waiting a little," she speaks.

Ren bites the inside of his cheek. "...Then I guess I'll be selfish and take you as my wife, if you're fine with it." His cheeks feel hot with the words, though he feels a smile come to his face.

"Fine with it?" A chuckle rises from her. "I'd be more than happy to marry you." The smile on her face widens. "Lucky you, yeah?"

He releases a chuckle, leaning in and kissing her. "Lucky me indeed."