Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Why did she agree to this.

Maple asked Sally to help get some materials with her, which she agreed to in a heartbeat.

She likely should have let the shielder explain that the resources were on the 6th floor. She loved Maple, and anything to do with her, but absolutely could not stand ghosts. The mere thought made her freeze.

Despite her apprehensions, she continued on, though Maple could tell something was wrong.

"Sally, you really don't have to do this if you don't want to."

"Don't worry! I'm fine!"

The two carried on, but Sally slowly worked her fingers to grasp Maple's. She didn't see it as romantic, but felt it was comforting to feel the warmth of her closest friend.

Even through her apprehensions, she was able to help her Maple collect resources. Eventually, they got all they needed.

"That's that! Alright, we could go now."

"Good grief. I don't wanna stay a minute longer than I have to."

"Thanks for doing this with me, even though you hate ghosts."

"Anything for you."

Maple blushed a bit, and as Sally realized what she said, so did she.

However, as they went to leave, a still moving arm from a previously slain enemy ended up grabbing at Sally's leg.

"AHH!"

The girl, in terror, ran as fast as she could, her mind not caring particularly as to where, and she ended up deep in the forest.

Well that's not good.

Maple was much slower than her friend was, and she had run quite far.

With little time to waste, she started searching, asking if anyone had seen her, and following her footsteps.

"Machine God!"

With this ability, she could move much faster than she had before.

Knowing that, she expedited her search.

Eventually, she found her friend, sitting the forest, trying not to be noticed by the monsters.

"Sally!"

The swashbuckler turned towards Maple. She was nearly in tears.

"Hey, I'm here now, everything will be okay."

Maple sat beside her friend, meaning to comfort her.

At that moment, some distant monster's call rang through the air, and Sally leapt into her friend's arms, grabbing her tightly

"I'm scared."

"You don't need to worry anymore, I'll protect you."

"Please, don't ever leave my side."

"I won't. Let's get out of here."

The shielder stood up, and began to walk to the exit to the next floor.

Only once they made it out, did Sally let herself breathe.

"Hey, Maple."

"Yea?"

"I'm...sorry."

"What for?"

"For running off, and making you have to look for me, when you could have been doing something else."

"It's no trouble, really, I'm just glad you feel safe. Thanks for deciding to do that with me, even with that in mind."

"I'm such a scaredy-cat, aren't I?"

"It's quite endearing."

With that, the two logged off.

As Risa sat in her room, she parsed through her friend's words.

"Wait, endearing?"

The girl turned red from embarrassment, even though nobody was there with her.

"Does she...no, we're just friends, right?"

Despite how she tried to push it aside, it remained at the forefront of her mind. No matter what she went and did, she could only think about Kaede's words.

Eventually, she worked up the nerve to ask her, and called the girl.

"Hey Kaede, I wanted to know about something."

"Sure, what is it?"

"Do you like me?"

"...Yea..."

Though she couldn't see her on the other end of the line, Risa knew the girl looked just as embarrassed as she had been.

"Maybe we could do something later, together."

"Sure, just as long as it isn't a haunted house."

Maple teased, "No promises!"

"...Really?"

"Kidding! I wouldn't do that to you for that little reason. Though you can be cute when you're scared."

"Aww..."

Chapter Text

Iz read off the request on the message, "This order here requests a set of short swords, one pink, the other blue."

"Strange request, but one we can fulfill, right?"

"Yeah, we could each work on one, but first let's set some measurements for us to work around.

"That makes sense.*

With their measurements set, they each got to work on a blade.

Each of the girls tinted the metal they used for the blade, to ensure the customer got what they wanted. However, save the standard measurements, the two's design ideas varied heavily.

Iz's typical style was more utilitarian, forging a sword that did as expected, cut well, and was easy to use. Her handle was a leather grip, and the guard was a piece of iron stock half an inch thick, with a bend at the edge.

Kasumi meanwhile, though still forging a longsword, embellished it how she could. A handle made of silk, and a golden guard with a gem embedded into it. Though she took her time to do this, she ensured the blade itself was still well crafted. After all, what good is a fancy blade if nobody wants to use it?

Once the two got done with their blades, they reconvened, to make sure the other's blade hadn't gotten too out of hand.

Each one made some touchups to the other's sword, with Kasumi adding some embellishments to Iz's blade, and Iz refined some of the issues she saw in the less experienced craftswoman's sword.

Eventually, the two determined the blades were both exemplary, and prepared them to deliver.

Their customer's guild was a decent trek, but not something the two couldn't manage. Eventually, they reached it, and knocked on the door.

"Hello there! Welcome to my guild!"

"Good afternoon! I'm Iz, and this is Kasumi, I believe you are Mia, correct?"

"That would be me! What brings you out here?"

"We have your blades here, built to your requests."

"Awesome! I can't wait to check them out!"

The trio went inside, and the girl laid her eyes on the weapons for the first time.

"Wow! They look amazing! How long did it take you to make these?"

"I'm glad you like them, but really, it wasn't too big of a deal for me and Kaz."

"Alright, well I should likely get you your payment, and a bit extra for coming all the way out here to deliver them."

"Really, there's no need."

"Even still, you went through the trouble to get out here, so I'm gonna pay you some more."

"Alright, thanks."

Iz and Kasumi sat in a cafe on the second floor. After the long trek, the two were exhausted, and just wanted to relax for the rest of the day.

Kasumi sighed, "It's so peaceful, isn't it?"

"It is, just watching the players go by, without a care in the world."

"I'm really glad we're dating. I wasn't sure you would accept."

"I honestly had a similar feeling for a while, but I just couldn't find the time to tell you."

"Same old Iz, always working herself to the bone."

"Yeah, I really need some time off, don't I?"

"How about we meet up this weekend, in real life?"

Iz's smile grew wider,

"I would love to."

Chapter Text

"I wonder what this library holds?"

The boy pondered in curiosity as he entered the grandiose building in front of him.

The inside of the building was just as ornate as the outside, with columns of marble and trim of gold.

The books that surrounded him were nearly pristine, despite their supposed age. He could sit and read here for years.

Unfortunately, he did not have that time, as he was here to solve a puzzle that he had heard about. Despite people's attempts to solve it, they simply had no idea where to begin.

That was of course, only figuratively, for the puzzle centered around only a single part of the room.

At the center, stood a grand piano. Much like the rest of the library, it was detailed in it's design, and trimmed in gold.

The piano seemingly played itself, not needing anybody to press it's keys. Where the stool to sit down and play it should have been, stood a lectern that was currently empty.

After some minor thought, as well as looking around, Kanade deduced that the solution to the puzzle would be to place the sheet music the piano was currently playing on the lectern. After he looked around, he found a book labeled with and containing the song he was looking for.

"Ahh, Beethoven's Symphony No. 8, not as commonly used as his 5th. Must be the developers trying to act smart and refined."

When the boy placed the book on the lectern, sure enough, he began to hear a mechanism spring to life. The platform the piano sat upon began to slide out of the way, and a secret passage opened up. Without hesitation, Kanade descended the stairs that had become accessible.

Once he reached the bottom, he was entered a cave nearly as large as the library he had just been in. The cave had little to no floor, save for a bridge that led to a circular platform.

Upon that platform, he saw a small set of keys, though unlike the last instrument, did not play itself. Curious, Kanade pressed down on one of the keys, and heard the note reverberate through the entire cave loudly. Though he hadn't noticed it yet, when he looked at the wall past the keys, he saw it was made of rounded cylinders, that may or may not have been hollow. 

The mage pieced two and two together.

"The entire back wall of this cave... is a pipe organ."

As he understood this, a massive sign came down from the ceiling. The text on it read :

"The titan's hands, given no will"

"The titan's legs, frozen still,"

"The titan's mind, in deep slumber,"

"But song it hears, will wake it's thunder."

The notes on the side walls of the cave began to light up, revealing a tune that needed to be played. Without any other real option, Kanade sat down, and played it aloud.

While the last note still rang through the cave, a strong rumbling came from the pit below. A hand extended from the darkness, and soon the other had as well. Eventually, the rest of the body appeared from the depths. The figure was mechanical in nature, held together by gears and joints as opposed to magic.

While trying to fight him head-on remained a possibility, Kanade wanted to see if a different approach could be taken. With that, he stayed seated at the keys, and tried playing the peaceful tune he heard above on a different instrument. The slow pace forced by the pipe organ turned the melody from its original upbeat and fast paced into a more somber melody.

The titan was eased by the sounds, and rather than attack the mage, lifted it's arm to help him cross the gap to the side of the cave the pipe organ was built into. With the massive being's help, he was able to safely cross.

On the other side, he entered a much smaller room with a single altar. Upon interacting with it, he gained a new ability, as well as a large amount of gold.

New Ability: Melody

Upon activation, attacks made on time with the battle music will be have an additive critical damage multiplier of +10% per consecutive on-time attack.

Effect stacks infinitely, but only lasts for 5 seconds without attacking. Effect given to allies within 10m of the caster.

"Awesome, can't wait to see how Maple breaks the game with this one..."

Chapter Text

"The game will begin on the whistle, ready?"

As the piercing sound filled the air, Kaede and Risa's class swiftly set themselves into motion. They were playing a game of basketball that day, and despite how little was on the line, both sides were eager to win.

Unfortunately for the two, they had been placed on opposite teams. They didn't mind too badly, as they both found the friendly competition enjoyable.

The two classes played on, scoring and blocking at a rapid speed.

Around halfway into the class period, one of the classmates on Risa's team tried to pass the ball to one of their teammates. However, Kaede decided to go to block it, and mistimed when she should have jumped.

In doing so, the ball hit her square in the face.

She fell to the floor, unconscious

"Kaede!"

"Would someone mind taking Miss Honjou to the nurse's office?"

"Sure, I'll stay with her there, the teams would be unbalanced anyways if I came back."

"Thank you Miss Shiramine."

Risa picked up her friend, and left the gymnasium.

The girl sat impatiently, waiting for her friend to wake up. She was told Kaede did not have a concussion, and would wake up within the hour. Luckily for the two, their PE class was the last class of the day.

As she worried, Risa saw her friend's eyes open again.

"Risa..?"

"Kaede! Thank goodness you're alright!"

"Not really...still got quite the headache from that fall..."

The girl stood up to go and get the change of clothes that were on the table across from her, but stumbled and nearly fell again. Thankfully, Risa was able to catch her.

"Easy! I'll go get them for you."

"Thanks.."

Risa got the girl her clothes, and stepped outside the curtain enveloping the area around Kaede's bed to give the girl some privacy.

Once she got changed, she still wasn't entirely stable on her feet, so Risa helped support her as they walked to the train they took home. 

On the train, Kaede simply rested her head against Risa's shoulder, which she felt eased the pain of her headache just a bit.

After they got off the train, they continued their walk home, and Risa headed over to the Honjou household.

She was greeted by Kaede's mother.

"Good afternoon Risa! How was everything today?"

"It was alright, but..."

"Oh dear, what happened to her?"

Kaede spoke up, "I accidentally got hit by a basketball, I should be fine, but my head really hurts right now. Luckily I have nothing I need to get done for tomorrow."

"Well that's good, I'll go see if I can find something to ease the pain. In the meantime, why don't you get some rest. As for you Risa, thanks for making sure she got home safely, but you should likely be headed home now too, shouldn't you?"

"I really want to stay to make sure she's okay. I don't have anything I need to do either."

"Are your parents fine with this?"

"I called them after getting Kaede to the nurse's office, they said it was okay, and I have a spare change of night clothes in my bag."

"Alright then."

Kaede's mom and Risa made sure her friend got a proper amount of rest, with Risa taking care of her while dinner was being made.

The three ate, and while she tried to be strong, Kaede hadn't really felt much better.

As the two went to get some sleep, Kaede ended up dragging Risa into her bed.

"I'm sorry..."

"Sorry for what?"

"Making you have to stay here and deal with this..."

"Don't be too hard on yourself, it wasn't your fault, and frankly, I'm glad I was able to help in any way I could."

""I guess I'll have to pay it back someday..."

"No need, that's what friends are for, right?"

"Simply friends?"

"Unless something more was an option."

"Sure, I'd like that."

Risa blushed, but was not adverse to the idea.

For now, Kaede held Risa in her arms, and didn't let go till her headache subsided the morning after.

Chapter Text

Maple was sitting down, at a table outside her guild hall.

She wasn't planning for a next adventure, not yet anyway. For now, she was simply enjoying the calm atmosphere, and drinking a cup of tea.

Unfortunately, though she did not seek an adventure at the time, it decided it sought her, and sent a messenger in the form of Sally, her girlfriend.

"Hey Maple! I heard about a dungeon with some really nice rewards, you wanna come with?"

"Well I...Sure..."

"Thanks!"

The two headed off on their quest with haste.

At the dungeon, they fought some unique monsters, and found valuable rewards. Ultimately, while Maple was slightly annoyed she was dragged away from her tea, the outcome was worthwhile. That, and how could she say no to Sally?

After the two completed the dungeon, Sally went off to do what she wanted, while Maple went back to her tea.

Not five minutes after she sat down, Iz had a task for her.

"Excuse me Maple, I hope you don't mind me asking, I need some materials to upgrade some armor for Mai and Yui. Could you please get them for me?

"Don't you usually have Kasumi doing that? Not to be rude, just wondering."

"It's fine, but she's currently at work."

"Alright then, I'll go get them."

"Alright! Here's a list."

The materials she needed to get weren't hard to find, or only dropped by a certain enemy, simply common materials that were needed in large quantities.

Eventually, the shielder got what Iz needed, and returned.

"Should this be good enough!"

"Awesome! That will do just fine!"

"I'm glad."

However, before she even reached the table, she heard someone from her guild call out to her.

"Hey there Maple! Could you help me out with something?"

Over and over, against her wishes, she seemed to constantly be dragged on one quest or another. Whether somebody needed materials, or needed a tank on their team, or to use syrup as a mode of transport, or any other reason, she would pulled away from her peace.

It got to the point where, despite her pleas, she was being passed between guild members who were actively on quests, seemingly unaware of her growing annoyance at her plan for the day being derailed several times over.

Things came to a head in a small clearing. Maple was helping Chrome with a quest nearby, when Kanade showed up to ask if she could help solve a puzzle, followed by Kasumi, who needed her Loving Sacrifice skill for a dungeon, and ending with Sally wanting to show her a new area she found.

"You should have her."

"No, please, you may need her more."

"You can go show her that, you're her girlfriend."

"That shouldn't be the defining factor."

"We should let Maple decide."

"Sure, Maple, what do you want to do?"

The four others waited in anticipation of her answer. However, the game at that point has stopped being fun, due to her being constantly taken from what she wanted to do, but couldn't.

"CAN'T ALL OF YOU JUST GO DO SOMETHING YOURSELVES?"

The guild members were startled at her tone of voice. They hadn't heard her sound so angered before.

"I'm sorry, but I just really wanted to relax for a while today, and it feels like people are constantly pulling me away for something. Please, go do what you want for now, but don't drag me into it."

Maple started the admittedly slow walk back to the guild hall.

Once she returned, she sat back down and tried to enjoy her tea, but was still on edge. Waiting for someone or something to come up and derail her plans.

Eventually, someone came up to her. Sally.

"Hey, Maple."

"Yes?"

"On behalf of the rest of the guild, we're sorry. You had your own plans you wanted to follow, and we didn't consider your wishes when asking to bring you along."

"That's okay, but please don't just drag me off on adventures whenever you want to. I have things I want to do just like you guys."

"Yeah.."

Chapter Text

Date: February 14th.

The streets of NWO's various in-game towns were lined with flower petals, and the storefronts were decorated with various shades of red.

As the minor festivities began, Iz and Kasumi decided to walk around town.

"It looks so wonderful, I can't wait to see what everyone planned for today."

"Me too! I hope the developers made something exciting!"

"I wonder what our guildmates are doing?"

"Maple and Sally said they had something planned for today, Kanade said he likely wasn't going to log on, and as for Chrome and the twins, I have no idea."

"Ohh..what did our guild leader plan to do?"

"She didn't say exactly, but if it's Maple we're talking about, it's gonna be something intriguing."

Despite the occasion, the Kingdom of the Flame Emperor's business went on mostly as usual, with one major difference.

Aoi and Mei were also nowhere to be found. In their stead, Markus was managing guild operations.

Instead, the two were in their apartment, doing what they wanted to do, together. Whether it was cooking, playing other games, or trying to take their relationship to new heights, it was safe to say NWO was the last thing on their mind.

As for Kaede and Risa, the former was preparing to visit her friend in a few minutes, and go with her to the nearby city.

She got herself dressed for the occasion. Nicer than usual clothing, a jacket to keep herself warm in the winter cold, a scarf, and gloves.

As well as this, she made sure she grabbed something she bought prior to the occasion.

A box of chocolates, arranged in the shape of a heart.

Over the weeks leading up to the day, she had grappled with the things she was feeling, and whether or not to make them known to her friend. Eventually, she had decided to go for it, and see if she had a chance.

She finished checking everything over, and headed off.

Iz and Kasumi were intrigued by the other NWO players.

While some simply saw the festivities as a way to get exclusive items, others embraced the themes of the holiday, and decided to ask others out, or even propose.

As for the two of them, they were already in a relationship, but this didn't keep them from wanting to learn about how other people went about their own.

Kaede and Risa walked around town for a while, enjoying the atmosphere the winter snow created.

The taller girl noticed that whenever she got close, her friend seemed to become flustered. She wondered why that was the case, but paid it little mind. For the time being, they would just take in the experience they were having together.

The two decided to have dinner together. While the place they went to wasn't anywhere fancy, they still felt the meal was nice, even if it was only to spend time with each other.

By the time they left, it was nearing nighttime. Their parents trusted them to stay safe, so they didn't have to worry about getting home at a certain time.

"The city's beautiful at night."

"It sure is."

The two continued on their way, letting their intuition guide them.

Eventually, they came across a park. The main section of the park was an incredibly large cherry blossom tree on a small island connected by three bridges to the entrance.

As they crossed one of these bridges, Risa said something that made Kaede's heart race.

"I'm glad we decided to do this today, I really enjoyed our time together."

Kaede's mind decided this was when she should ask.

"I enjoyed this too...and was wondering if..."

Midway through her sentence, the shorter girl presented the box.

"...We could do this more often?"

"Are you...?"

"Risa, I've had some time to think things over, wondering about the time we've shared over the past couple years. Though sometimes we fought, we couldn't stay away from each other forever, and our bonds strengthened every time we came back together.

I don't really know what I want from my life. My future, my dreams, or my aspirations. All I know is, I want you there with me when I achieve them.

With that in mind, I realized something I hadn't fully accepted before. I love you, more than anyone else I have ever met, and I was wondering... If you love me. Risa, would you be my girlfriend?"

The taller girl was flattered by the words Kaede had said, soon giving her a simple answer.

She raised the girl's chin, and kissed her. While in reality it was over in under a minute, to them, it felt as if the moment would last forever.

"Yes Kaede, I do love you, and would be happy to be your girlfriend."

The two started their way home, fingers interlaced.

Once the day had passed, things returned close to normal, but the day to day actions of the guild had a different feel to them.

While the less-romantically involved members continued like little had changed, the others didn't follow suit.

Iz and Kasumi seemed closer, not by much, but still by a noticeable margin. The two had been in a relationship beforehand, and the holiday had merely strengthened the bond they already forged.

As for Maple and Sally, the other guildmates noticed they were missing for large stretches of time, and wondered where they went off to.

However, Kanade had been exploring the woods near the guild hall on the second floor, and came across an unexpected sight.

Their almighty guild leader, and the fearsome swashbuckler they got to know well, were having a picnic.

The two were sat side by side, eating together,  looking to a waterfall in front of them.

When Kanade assumed they had seen all there was to see, Sally gave Maple a peck on the cheek, which made the shielder blush.

Kanade decided to swiftly take their leave after that.

"Those two love each other dearly, but they don't have to tell us till they're ready to."

Chapter Text

"Oh wow! Everything's so pretty!"

"Yeah."

"What are we waiting for? Let's go!"

"Right!"

The two girls headed into the snow outside,

They played around in the snow, made a snowman, snow angels, and even had a snowball fight.

Though, Kaede noticed something felt off.

Risa.

Despite what they were doing, her girlfriend seemed quite down. But why, she couldn't understand.

Eventually, the questions she wanted to ask would come up.

Kaede suggested something that seed to make the girl feel much worse.

"Hey, Risa! What if we caught snowflakes on our tongue?"

"No..."

"Wait...why?"

"I'm just..It'll probably sound dumb to you wouldn't it?"

"Let's sit down, Risa."

The two cleared off a nearby bench, and took a seat.

"Risa, if something's bothering you, I want to know. I'm your girlfriend, and when you seem down, I get worried. No matter how dumb you think the reason is, I'm here to listen. Please, tell me what's got you feeling this way."

"If you're willing to hear, then I guess I will.

I remember playing in the snow when we were younger, not a care in the world, just us and the world around. Simpler times.

Those are some of the happiest memories I have, second only to when you asked me out. Not a care in the world. No future to think about, no jobs, nothing but the fun we had.

I worry I'll never be able to feel that happy again. There's too much I need to think about. Would my time be better spent somewhere else? If so, what?"

Kaede replied in kind.

"You're not the only one with those fears.

I've felt a similar way for a while now. Whenever I want to do something enjoyable, I have to push away the thoughts in my head telling me how much of a waste it is.

Even still, while our future is important, spending every waking moment dwelling on it all the time isn't healthy for you. There's only so much you can do to influence it. At some point, you can only see how things happen."

The taller girl held Kaede closely.

"I'm still scared at what it brings."

"Me too, but it's going to come regardless of what you do, so you can enjoy the ride there, and when it comes, we can face it together."

The two sat awhile, holding each other close.

Eventually, the two calmed themselves down, and stood up.

"Thanks, Kaede."

"Anytime."

"Now, let's catch snowflakes on our tongues."

Chapter Text

Iz was calmly humming to herself as she hammered away at a piece of metal late into the night. She knew she should likely go to sleep, but the build had to be done the day after.

As she got the final touches done, she saw someone enter the guild hall.

"That's strange, most everybody should be asleep by now, who could that be?"

As the person walked down the stairs, Iz got a good look at their face.

"Kanade? What are you doing up so late?"

"I could ask the same for you."

"A blade that needs to be done by tomorrow, and you?"

"I always do this."

Iz started to get concerned for the boy's health.

"How often do you sleep?"

"Almost not at all."

"Why exactly?"

"I just don't feel a need to."

"Is something going on? It's fine if you don't want to tell me."

Kanade sat himself down.

"I feel like me complaining is going to sound pretentious, or lazy. Especially compared to how much I know you and the others work in your real lives.

My schoolwork has been coming at me faster than before, and there were some fires in my extended family's structure I ended up having to put out. Between it all I just haven't been able to do so without feeling like something was going to drag me from it."

The crafter took a seat at the table as well.

"Kanade, frankly I'm not sure if I work more than you right now, but that doesn't matter. You don't need to compare your accomplishments to other people to justify the time you spend for yourself.

Your struggles are your own, and no matter how much someone else may be struggling, it doesn't take away from the problems you face.

Not every moment needs to be spent doing something that helps others, sometimes just being able to make yourself a bit better is enough."

The mage's face betrayed a faint smile.

"Thanks, Iz."

With that, he logged off, as did the crafter.

And for the first time in what felt like millennia, Kanade got some well-needed rest.

Chapter Text

Calm.

That was all that Risa felt in the current moment.

She and Kaede were lying down on a couch, a blanket covering them both. On the table nearby, were two mugs of hot chocolate, and a plate of cookies. The fireplace was going strong, and some unknown holiday movie was playing on the TV. Neither had chosen it, but it just ended up playing on, as neither felt the want to get up and turn it off.

Kaede had fallen asleep, and was talking to herself.

"...I love you Risa..."

Risa was slightly surprised, but accepted.

She gave the girl a peck on the cheek.

"I love you too."

As sleep began to take hold, she wondered about what this meant.

Perhaps she would make sure Kaede was conscious the next time she said it.

For now, the two fell asleep, and enjoyed each other's company.

Chapter Text

Kaede woke up feeling well rested.

She saw one of the cookies on the table had been eaten, and one of the hot chocolate mugs was put away. The TV had been turned off, but the fire remained strong. Despite the long time between when she fell asleep and woke up, the hot chocolate mug still on the table was still warm, and had been refilled.

Most noticeably, Risa was no longer beside her.

Somewhat confused, she got up and went to look for her.

"Yawn~ Risa, where did you go?"

She wasn't worried for her friend's safety, after all this was her house. She just wanted to spend some more time with her. Clutching her mug, she looked around.

She found Risa sitting on the porch, watching the snow fall.

"Hey Risa..."

"Hey Kaede, hope you rested well."

"Yeah, did you refill this?"

"Mhm."

"Thanks."

"Of course."

Kaede took a seat next to the other girl.

As they sat, the shorter girl noticed something that she hadn't up to that point.

Her right cheek was slightly moist.

Going through the possible scenarios in her head, she only saw one that could have happened. 

And so she asked.

"Risa...am I just your friend? Or do you see me as something else?"

The taller girl clammed up when presented with the question.

"She does, doesn't she?"

"It's fine! You don't have to answer that! Sorry for springing it on you!"

Risa's face was still quite red, but eventually she was able to squeak out an answer.

"Y...Yes..."

Despite Kaede asking, she had no idea how to respond to the answer she was given. Her own mind has been pacing about just trying to process it.

Eventually, after what felt like centuries to the two, she was able to reply.

"I...I love you too."

While both were unsure of many things, they both knew the answers they were given were sincere.

The details of the future were uncertain, other than wanting to face it with each other.

As for the present, Kaede leaned on Risa's shoulder, and the two watched as the snow fell.

Chapter Text

Maple, Sally, and the rest of Maple Tree were out fighting in a valentines themed event. The group had Maple there to protect them, but really didnt need it as they defended themselves.

However, from the last enemy in the area, an arrow was fired at the shielder, enchanted with a special status effect. The arrow hit it's mark with pinpoint accuracy, just as it's origin was cut down.

"You okay Maple?"

"Yeah, I'm good."

[Status Effect: Heartstopper]

On Hit: Make target feel romantic connection with player they have spent the most time in contact with. Lasts for 2 ingame days, but can be ended sooner if the feelings are reciprocated. This status does not show up for the target, or anyone else, unless they have an INT stat of over 50. Status increases in intensity over 2 day period.

Target: Maple

Target of Connection: Sally

The group pressed onward.

1 Hour In...

After they returned to the guild hall, the group ended up discussing some simple topics.

Maple couldn't remember, she was too busy looking at Sally's every detail.

Her eyes, her skin, her smile. Those features she saw numerous times became things she loved so much more.

Eventually, Sally noticed her staring, and looked away while blushing.

10 Hours In...

Sally had started to creep into Maple's thoughts, even when the girl in question was off doing something else. Even when Maple was in a fight, her train of thougjt immediately started at "What would Sally want me to do?"

While the person that was at the center of their affection was someone she had known for a long time, the feelings themselves were unfamiliar, or at least their intensity.

20 Hours In...

Kanade was relaxing at the guild hall, playing a singleplayer board game, when Maple ran in.

She seemed anxious about something, but he didn't know what.

"Hey, Maple, are you doing okay?"

She wouldn't respond, she looked like she was overwhelmed, but what of was a mystery to Kanade.

The mage walked up to her slowly, and had her sit down.

"Just try to focus on Sou."

Maple still looked panicked, but her eyes slowly shifted their attention the small creature on his shoulder.

"Good, now take some deep breaths, okay?"

Kanade felt the weight of Maple's breathing on his shoulder. Eventually, the shielder calmed enough that Kanade felt she could talk.

"Feeling better?"

"Yeah...Thanks."

As she spoke, Kanade noticed something on Maple's statuses.

"Huh, whats Heartstopper?"

"I don't see anything..."

"Some status effects have a stat requirement to see them, this one's is INT."

"What are you implying?"

"Nothing!"

Kanade read out the description to Maple.

"Alright, but who is it targeting right now?"

"It says that the connection is being made between you and Sally...:

"Well,  that would explain the thing's I've been feeling for the past day. What should I do about it?"

Kanade leaned in and whispered.

"My honest suggestion? Take the oppurtunity given by the status effect and see if you have a shot with her."

"You mean..."

"You two seem incredibly close, even without the status."

"Well I guess that makes sense. Outside this game...Sally's really the only friend I have. But what if she rejects me, and I ruin the friendship we have? Or worse yet, she accepts, and I wake up without the effecf and dont reciprocate? Or-"

"Hey, hey, just try to stay calm."

Maple took a few more breaths.

"You two have been really close, im sure that even if nothing comes of it, asking her out wouldn't damage your friendship."

"Okay, thank you, and could you please not-"

"Don't worry, I wont tell anyone what happened, but if you feel overwhelmed about anything, I'm here."

30 Hours In...

No matter what Maple distracted herself with, she couldn't think of anything other than Sally.

She tried to write in a journal? She ended up with a 5 page essay about Sally's every detail.

She tried to draw? The paper ended up with a drawing of Sally so faithful it could distract Fredrica, from memory.

Music? "What would Sally like listening to?"

Shopping? "How would this look on Sally?"

Quests? "Maybe Sally could use these."

The only respite Maple knew was that in another 18 hours, the effect would go away.

But she also knew it would only intensify till then. Who knows? Maybe she would forget how to breathe, the brain not sparing any part of it to not focus on Sally.

She needed an answer.

48 Hours In...

"Maple, thanks for help with the quest, but what are we stopped on this beach for?"

"I wanted to tell you something."

Maple began to blush. This was it. For the past 5 hours, she prepared for this.

"What is it?"

"I LOVE YOU! MORE THAN JUST BEING MY BEST FRIEND! MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE!"

Partway through, the status effect ended, but Maple kept the momentum going. This was how she truly felt.

"Everything about you, I love so much. I can't choose what I want to describe because it would feel like I'm not giving the other parts the justice they deserve.

We've spent so much time together, growing closer, and that closeness led to something blossoming deep within me, before coming up to the surface now."

Risa was taken aback, and began turning red.

"I-I'm sorry. I shouln't have said this should I? Thats okay, I-"

Maple's focus was taken by Sally moving, and even if it hadn't, she wouldn't be able to get the words out regardless.

Because Sally  had pulled her into a deep, passionate kiss.

Eventually, she pulled away.

"Well, one of us had to say it at some point, didn't we?"

"You mean, you feel the same?"

"Yes, I do."

"I love you, Risa."

"I love you too, Kaede."

Chapter Text

Fuma's sleep was more draining than if she were to stay up all night. She knew. She tested.

Every time she went to close her eyes, inevitably, she would open them again. Whether it was an eldritch being, something more realistic, or even Sally just taking her time with their average duel for some sadistic pleasure she knew she didnt have, something terrified her.

Worse for her still, she lived alone. Nobody there to talk to, to tell her everything would be okay. She would just have to try and go to sleep again.

Nobody to ask for help, nobody to talk to, nobody to listen.

Sally was walking along a field in the fourth floor, enjoying the scenery. 

Suddenly, she came across Fredrica, noticing her staff first. She raised her guard, expecting a fight.

However, as she saw the rest of her, she knew there was no way she would try to duel her.

The girl was a wreck. The once proud sorcerer she fought time and time again, seemingly wandering aimlessly, disheveled as much as she was distracted.

Suddenly, she spoke.

"O-oh! Hey Sally, lets duel."

"Not today."

"Why not?"

"You really aren't in much condition to fight, it just wouldn't feel right."

"Whaddya mean? I'm fi-"

Before she could finish the sentence, she colapsed of exhaustion.

Sally waited beside her as she rested, wanting to talk once she woke up.

As she watched, she noticed that the girl was restless, even while asleep, muttering to herself.

She decided to intervene, shaking her awake.

The girl woke with a jolt, breathing heavily.

"Wa-Huh? Sally? What were you doing?"

"I woke you up. Were you having a nightmare?"

"N-No! Besides, why does it matter to you if I was?"

"You might be my rival, but you're still someone with their own problems, and I want to help in any way I can."

Fredrica wanted to act tough. Her problems should be hers alone.

But she couldn't bear it. Not on her own.

Maybe Sally could help.

Tears rolled down Fredrica's face.

"Every night. Every damn night. I don't understand it. Why? I can't sleep, can't rest, can't talk to anyone about it. Holy Sword wouldn't help, Payne and Drag are as emotionally inteligent as a sledgehammer, and Dred isnt somewhere I can reach most of the time."

"I'm sorry, I-"

"I just don't know how long I can take it. My body doesn't want to go on without it, but trying to rest is hellish."

"Fredrica..."

"Nevermind, sorry I brought it up. You don't need to bother with my problems."

"Its okay, I want to help you."

"How?"

"I don't know, maybe meeting up and talking further could help."

"Sounds like a plan."

"Maybe I could bring Maple along, she's said before she had similar experiences."

"That could be helpful."

The two exchanged information, and logged out.

A few hours later, Fuma heard a knock on her door. She opened it, and saw two girls about her age.

"Hello."

"Hey, I'm Risa Shiramine, and this is Kaede Honjou."

"Wow, you two really look like your avatars. Especially Maple. Lets head inside."

"Nice place you live in. How many other people stay here?"

"I...live alone."

"Really? How do you pay for this?"

"Parents as rich as they are distant."

"Dang."

The three headed to a living room past the entrance, and sat down.

"So, Risa said you were having nightmares?"

"Every time I try to sleep. Its always something."

"I've had that happen before. Weeks of nights spent restless, drained of energy."

"Exactly so."

"I found solace in friends, and family. I'm glad you talked to Risa, maybe we can help you, just as she did me."

"Thanks, would you two mind staying, for at least a little while?"

"We already planned for having to stay the night. Sure."

"Thank you."

Later that night, the three were asleep in Fuma's room, when yet again a nightmare came to her mind.

She wouldn't remember what it was about later on, but she knew that her physical actions caught the attention of one of the other two.

Her body was held in a warm embrace, and her mind felt the sensation.

She knew everything was going to be okay.

Chapter Text

Kaede was up past when she should have been. She couldn't sleep.

Deciding that she would rather spend the energy she couldn't rid herself of, she put a coat on over her night clothes, and stepped out the door.

Unbeknownst to her, Risa, her childhood friend, went through similar thoughts.

Both of them had a place in mind, and both were walking there right then.

When the two first met, they spent a summer making themselves a treehouse. The tree it was built on was sturdy, and the structure itself followed suit.

It was spacious, but empty, as their childhood selves didn't put much thought into what should fill it. Apart from a blanket and some pillows, as well as some board games, the treehouse was basically empty.

Risa showed up first, only by about a minute. She walked around inside and tried not to bump her head on shorter parts of it while looking for a small light they added in.

As she went to turn it on, Maple made her way up silently.

When the light shone through the structure, the two saw each other's faces for the first time that night.

"Oh! I'm sorry! I didn't expect to see you here!"

"Me neither. Sorry."

The wind decided to pick up.

"Its kinda cold, do we sti have that blanket somewhere?"

"I think so, it was pretty big as well, we should both likely fit.

"Alright."

They found the blanket, and covered themselves with it for warmth.

"So, you couldn't sleep either?"

"Nope."

"Why did you decide to come here?"

"I guess...it just felt somewhere comforting, where I only have happy memories from my childhood. What about you?"

"Same reason here."

"I'm glad, you decided to show up."

"Why so?"

"If I had been here alone, I probably would have lost that feeling I was talking about, seeing it not as the place I remember, but rather the solidarity I might have felt.

But you, here...with me...brings me back to those days."

Kaede felt herself getting flustered.

"I...guess I would have felt a similar experience."

The wind picked up, and a few of the looser boards on the roof of the treehouse were pulled off. However, the wind died down shortly afterward.

Rather than any danger, the empty space where the removed boards once were gave them a clear view of the starry sky.

"It's so...pretty..."

"Agreed."

"I just feel like a kid again."

"Yeah..."

"Hey, I'm glad we got to share this moment."

"Me too."

"There's something I've been meaning to say to you."

"What is it?"

"I love you, more than anything else."

"Are you asking me to be..."

"Yeah."

Risa kept her calm, and gave kaede a quick kiss on the cheek.

"I would be delighted to."

"Can we...stay here for the rest of the night?"

"Sounds like a plan."

Chapter Text

The chime of a clock in the Maple Tree guild hall signalled the passing of the midnight hour.

However, said chime was drowned out by the banging of hammer to anvil, as Iz forged away.

The crafter's eyes pleaded for rest, but the rest of her mind and body would not let up untill this piece was finished, but after that it would go to the next, then the next, untill not a single scrap of metal  was left unforged.

However, all this hammering kept somebody else up.

Her girlfriend, Kasumi.

The swordswoman calmly walked down the stairs of the hall untill she reached Iz's crafting stations.

Hearing the faint noise between hammer strikes, Iz paused her swinging.

"Oh, hey Kaz, what's up?"

"You are, and because of that, so am I."

"Oh, shoot, was I keeping you awake? I'm sorry, I can pause this untill you get some rest-"

"While I appreciate the offer, thats not what I wanted to say..."

"I have other tasks I can get done that are quieter, I still have some weapons to sketch out."

"Dear, I love you, but you need to know when to rest."

"When? Not till it's done! I still have some juice in the tan-"

As she spoke, she collapsed face first onto the counter in front of her.

"She's out cold..."

Kasumi pulled a chair up behind her, and sat her down. She wrapped the crafter in a blanket, and put a pillow under her head. Giving her a kiss on the cheek, Iz, well off within her dreams, showed a happy smile.

"Sweet dreams, Iz."

Kasumi headed back to her guild hall room, hoping to get some well deserved rest.

Chapter Text

"I can't believe we all made it!"

Kaede saw everybody arrive at the designated campsite. Her, Risa, Iz, Kasumi, Chrome, Mai, Yui, Payne, Fredrica, Dred, Kanade, Drag, Mii, Misery, Markus, and Shin.

Everyone got their tents set up, and some of then such as Chrome and Mii decided to start on their food.

Maple Tree had themselves 4 tents. Iz and Kasumi, Chrome and Kanade, Mai and Yui, and of course, Maple and Sally.

Flame Emperors and Holy Sword on the other hand, had two each. Mii and Misery, Markus and Shin, Payne and Dred, and Drag and Fredrica.

"Im surprised everyone could show."

"Me too."

Maple tree had a meal together, takoyaki. The group ate and discussed the rest of their time together.

"What were we gonna do after this?"

"It's gonna be night soon, so likely just gaze into the night sky."

"Sounds fun."

"Alright."

The groups continued to eat and intermingle with each other. Through this the information about the relationships between Risa and Kaede, Mii and Misery, and Iz and Kasumi were known to the other groups.

Soon, night fell above the campground.

The three guilds looked up to the sky, and as they sat, a colorful shimmer of light formed across it.

"How pretty."

"Agreed."

"We never get this many stars in the city."

"Its certainly new."

Iz and Kasumi looked up above.

"That's amazing."

"Once in a lifetime view."

"As opposed to the one next to me?"

"I guess so."

"Whatever we do, we'll do it together."

"Right."

Mii and Misery were relaxed.

"For the first time in a while, it feels like I have nothing at all to do."

"How does that feel to you?"

"It feels...peaceful."

"Glad to know, cause you wont keep that feeling for long."

""I guess so."

"At least, not when I'm around."

"Aoi!"

"Sorry Mei!"

Risa and Kaede rested on each other's shoulders. 

"Yknow, it feels like just yesterday I was the clumsy girl running around a video game just trying to get by. Now look how far we've come."

"A guild, alliances, friends, and...each other."

"I love you Risa."

"I love you too, Kaede."

The two looked towards the stars, and the future, together.

Chapter Text

"Oh wow, floor 4 is amazing. I wonder what else it has in store... 

Wait, is that Mii?"

Misery looked at the mage, but before she walked up to her, she saw the girl change to a disguise that hid her identity.

"Huh, where could she be going that she needs that? Better put one on myself, just to be safe."

Misery changed her appearance as well, and followed behind her leader.

"Alright, we're headed into...

A cat cafe?"

Sure enough, fluffy cat-like creatures were all around the area, and each of them had been given an inventory slot of cat treats to feed them.

"Dawww~, they're so cute!"

Mii began to play around with the cats in the establishment. Soon enough, Misery decided to as well. It turned out to be incredibly relaxing.

After a while, Misery decided to reveal herself, knowing that her empress was not in danger.

"Hey, Mii."

"Huh? Her? Where?"

"I know that's you."

"What? Who are you?"

Misery switched back to her normal outfit, minus her cap, as it got in the way.

"Ohh... Misery."

Mii tried hiding behind a cat.

"Hey, is everything okay?"

"Yeah, I guess it's time someone knew."

"Knew what?"

"I'm...not actually all that socially confident."

"Really?"

"Yeah, really."

"You seem like you have that down though."

"It's mostly an act. I try to be confident for the guild, but I can't keep that up long."

"And you go here to rest?"

"Similar places, more or less."

"Do you...like playing as the Flame Empress?"

"I...I do, but sometimes its draining. That persona is built on confidence and leadership, but I don't really have those, do I?"

"What do you mean?"

"I never expected the guild to become so widespread. Management, strategy, leading troops into battle, I have no experience with that. I should never have gotten this position. I-"

Before Mii continued any further, Misery wrapped her arms around the girl.

"Please, stop degrading yourself. You worked for this, built it up, and strengthened it.You've done it before, and can do it further. If things get too much for you to handle, just know that I will be here to comfort you. Just because you aren't entirely confidence doesn't make me want to follow you any less."

Mii hugged Misery, slowly starting to cry.

"Even though you know who I am, you're still so loyal. Why?"

Misery looked the girl in the eyes as she replied.

"Because, you are my empress, and I am your healer. And I will follow you to the ends of the earth, if it means being able to protect you."

Chapter Text

"Well done everybody!"

"What will you do now Mii?"

"I'm gonna go meet someone for dinner."

"Huh, same."

"Alright, see you tomorrow!"

Mii logged off, got dressed, and rode the train to the heart of her city. She headed to a restraunt that, while not fancy, was quaint.

"Hey there."

"Oh, hello, I'm Mei."

"Aoi."

"Nice to meet you."

The two headed inside.

As they ate, their interests came up in conversation.

"What do you do?"

"Oh, I play some video games."

"Which ones?"

"Right now, New World Online."

"Same! What class do you play?:

"Mage."

"Healer."

"Wait a minute, it can't be..."

"Are you in a guild?"

"Yeah."

"Which one?"

"Flame Emperors?"

"Hang on, Misery?"

"Mii?"

"Yeah! I'm sorry, this must be awkward right? I should go-"

Aoi grabbed Mei's hand.

"Please don't leave."

"But this probably isnt what you were hoping for right? Of your dinner, or your leader."

"I really enjoyed our time together tonight. I was hoping we could set something up like this again."

"You mean..."

"I'm glad I got to know the real you, Mii."

Mei sat back down and rested her head on Aoi's shoulder.

"Me too."

Chapter Text

Risa was trekking through the woods outside her house. She was saddened by an event that happened earlier that month, and tried putting her mind to different things.

Kaede Honjou found dead at 17.

It had been a random accident. Not a planned attempt, just random occurrence.

On her path, she ran into somebody sitting on a bench, enjoying the ambiance.

"Morning!"

"Hmm, oh, good morning. You shall do."

"What?"

Risa grew tense at the man's words.

"I will do, for what?"

"Ah, apolgies. Let me show you."

And the girl's world turned upside down.

Suddenly, the forest, the path, and the trees all crumbled away into nothing, leaving a blank white void, and an island the two stood upon.

"What...what did you do?"

"Right now? Nothing. I can do much more however."

"Who are you?"

"I go by many names, God, Allah, but I prefer myself to be called...Creator."

"Okay...Well bring back the world! My world!"

"I'm not done yet. But they will be brought back eventually."

"What do you plan to do to me first.?"

"I want for you to join me."

"Fat chance! You just killed everybody in the world! Like I would ever join someone who does that!"

"They will be fine."

"Even if you are who you claim to be, that still makes you cruel!"

"Hm? How so?"

"You decide how the world works! You willingly chose to do nothing of the violence and pain that goes on!"

"Cruelty, benevolence, simply two sides of the same coin. Some will suffer the first so others can reap the second.

Though I control the world, the actions of every human being on earth are far too taxing to keep track of.

Man has two primary desires, to keep what he has, and to take what he thinks he deserves, and there will always be those that would be fine to take from what others have in order to add to themselves, no matter how much of a utopia I craft.

My word may shape the world, but it is you who decides how to live in it."

"Well...what are your terms?"

"I ask for you to take on my role in crafting the world as seen fit. No strings attatched. All you cannot do is kill me. You will live forever."

"Why give someone else all this power? Why me?"

"To tell the truth, it's boring being stuck manging everything. I spend all my time crafting the world, I have no time to live in it. I believe you to be kind enough and smart enough to improve the world from what it is now."

"Anything else?"

"Yes. My powers go beyond just what you see im the physical world."

On the man's phone, he pulled up a news article about the late Kaede.

"Wait...are you saying that you could..."

"Yes. I could. I know the glances you stole, I know the words you thought about her. She too would be immortal, and the hymns of your love song would ring out through all eternity."

Hearing those words broke Risa down to tears.

She tried to live in a world without Kaede, but she knew she wouldn't be able to. She may have decided to follow her in sooner rather than later.

"Please! Yes! I accept! Make me your successor! I will not dissapoint you! Let me be with her again!"

"I knew you would accept."

As the girl cried her heart out, a figure was crafted out of threads of light, and when Risa looked up, she saw her.

A short, happy girl, with black hair in a bob-cut, and brown eyes that Risa could get lost in for millenia.

"Hey Risa."

"K-Kaede?"

"It's me."

Risa stood up and hugged the girl.

"You're back. You're back. You're back. You're-"

"Please don't cry. Are you sad?"

"No Kaede. I've never been happier."

"I wonder what we will do, now that we're together again?"

The world they knew began to form itself around them yet again.

"Whatever you want, Kaede. I'm fine with whatever you want to do."

Creator stood to the side of Risa.

"Well. I wish you two the best. I will be off, on whatever adventures I come across."

"Safe travels. And again, thank you."

"However you decide to hold up your end of the bargain, I hope it to be interesting!"

And soon, he left, meaning the two were stood looking at one another in the clearing. 

Two immortal girls, to play out their love story.

"Well, Risa. Where should we go?"

"Lead the way."

Chapter Text

"Hey! Maple! Come check this out!"

"What is it Sally?"

Maple headed into the first floor starting town.

Once she arrived, she saw a colorful display. Flags of all sorts. Things she did not know the meaning of.

"What's going on?"

"It's a pride parade."

"Woah, I've never been."

"Lets take a look around."

The two walked around town, and Sally gave Maple a basic idea of what things meant.

"Ok...so each of the flags represents somebody's identity?"

"Yeah."

"Cool! Should we meet up in a bit after walking around?"

"Sure!"

The two went seperate directions, each going to some stands that were set up to sell stuff.

Eventually, the two met back up after having shopped around.

"So, what did you get Sally?"

"Some hair dye."

Sally applied the dye, and her hair turned from its usual brown to a mixture of blue, purple, and pink.

"Cool! What do those colors represent?"

"Bisexuality...liking men and women."

"Neat."

"Did you get anything?"

"No, just some snacks."

"Oh."

Later, back at the guild hall, Maple was in her room, staying there and not leaving.

Sally wanted to know why.

Pressing her ear up to the door, she heard the girl talking to herself.

"They dont need to know I bought this, I can just keep it to myself."

Sally was confused, and knocked on the door.

"Aah! Come in!"

Sally slowly opened the door to Maple's guild room, and closed the door behind her.

"Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, its fine."

"Alright, its just, you havent left for several hours. I was worried."

"T-thank you. And, I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"I-I wasnt being completely honest with you earlier."

"About what?"

"I did buy something at the parade."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"Well, Maple, what did you get?"

"Its...well...promise not to tell anybody?"

"I promise it will stay between us."

"Okay."

Maple equipped a flag, draping it around her back, the colors spanning an ostentatious orange to a vibrant violet, split by a white line.

"Maple, the colors on that mean-"

"I...I know what they mean Sally..."

"You're saying you-"

"I-i've known that I like girls for a long time now...but it just seemed like others thought it would be wierd.

I guess I just thought nobody would accept who I was if I said anything. Playing up the other aspects of Maple to fit in better.

You were always more open with liking girls and boys, but I thought you may have just been going through something that would pass. I was hoping I was too.

But now, I see that it was more normal than I thought.

I-i couldn't be happier.

So...yeah. I'm lesbian."

Sally took a few moments to process her words.

Then, she gave Maple as big of a hug as she could.

"Maple, who you chose to love makes no difference whatsoever to me. No matter what, you're still Kaede Honjou. And nothing will make me care for you any less."

"I-i guess so."

"When did you realize you liked girls anyway?"

"I can say with absolute certainty that it was 9 years ago to the day."

"How so?"

"Because that was when I met you."

Sally began to chuckle.

"What's so funny?"

"I had the exact same day in mind."

"Y-you mean?!"

"Its like we were meant for each other."

"Just took a long time to see it."

A few days later...

*DING DONG!*

"Kaede! The package you ordered arrived!"

"C-coming!"

Kaede rushed to the front door.

"One package for Kaede Honjou."

"Yup, that's me!"

"Sign here."

"Okie dokie!"

With a penstroke, the package was delivered.

"What did you order anyway?"

"Its a surprise!"

At the time, Risa was staying over.

Risa was intrigued by the package in Kaede's hands.

"So, what did you order?"

Kaede got the box open, and they looked inside.

"You...bought a real one?"

"Yep, thought about doing so after buying the ingame one."

"Nice."

Kaede found a nice spot on her wall to hang it from, and did so.

"How does it look?"

"Great! The flag is set up nicely as well!"

"What do you...aww, how sweet."

"Love you."

"Love you too."

Kaede gave Risa a kiss on her cheek. Her mother arrived to see what the fuss was about.

"Ohh my daughter, growing up so fast, now she has a girlfriend."

"Mom!"

"The flag looks great sweetie."

"Thanks."

Kaede's mom hugged the two.

"Take good care of each other, wont you now?"

"We will."

Chapter Text

"For this assignment, you will be working in pairs. You may choose who you work with."

Risa and Kaede looked at each other, excited.

Risa moved over to Kaede's desk.

"I can't wait to work together!"

"Me too! This project will go great!"

The task was simple, a structure able to withstand a miniature earthquake.

They were provided a mechanism to test it, as well as parameters on minimum and maximum dimensions.

The two brainstormed in Kaede's garage.

"It should be about this big..."

"Maybe we could try..."

"That may work!"

They built a few designs, some fared better than others.

The design they settled for had supports at the bottom that allowed the building to be shifted without causing high structural tension. This made the building move, rather than bend.

As they worked to refine their structure, they began to work later and later.

Eventually, Kaede found Risa at a workbench in the garage, fast asleep.

She picked her up, brought her over to the couch, covered her in a blanket, put a pillow under her head, and set her down to sleep.

Kaede worked a few more hours before going to join her.

"No matter how the project turns out... just spending time with the person I care for the most. It will be worth it."

Risa woke up beside Kaede.

"Aah! I fell asleep! We have to attach a few more joints before tu-"

"Relax, Risa. It's saturday. The project is due on monday."

"O-oh. Right. We have the weekend. Wait, did you bring me over?"

"Yea, you slept here."

"T-thanks. I can't imagine how painful sleeping at that workbench is.

"Lets eat breakfast, then we'll finish up."

"Okay."

The day had arrived.

The day their structures would be tested.

Risa and Kaede were up.

"Setting strength to 1."

The building held easily.

"2... 3... 4..."

It stayed strong.

"5... 6... 7..."

Still standing tall.

"8... 9..."

It still held.

"10."

The building kept itself going.

"Risa Shiramine and Kaede Honjou, well done."

Once school ended the two went back to Kaede's house to celebrate.

"We did it!"

"Yay!"

In their excitement, they instinctively grabbed each others' hands.

Kaede felt embarassed, and her face showed it.

"I-is something wrong?"

"No! No. Just... I really enjoyed spending so much time with you."

"Me to."

"More than... just as your friend."

Risa saw where the conversation was headed, and she blushed. Kaede leaned against Risa's shoulder.

"Same... I wouldn't mind..."

"Would you... date me?"

Risa gave Kaede a kiss on the cheek.

"That sounds great."

Chapter Text

"Risa! Come on!"

"Coming!"

Kaede called out to her friend, as they travelled home.

However, the two came across a tent, similar to that of a carnival.

"That's... new..."

"Yeah. Wanna check it out?"

"Okay."

Upon entering the tent, the two saw numerous crystal shards, floating around.

"What is all this?"

Upon closer inspection, each shard seemed to be showing... them... doing things they could not recall.

"Hey Kaede, did we ever do this project?"

"No, what about going to a pride parade?"

"Never been, what about..."

"Okay, so clearly these are us, but we've never done any of these things."

"Hmm... what if... they were alternate timeines where we did those.

"Maybe, a bit far fetched, but could work."

"My brain hurts from thinking about it. Lets take one or two and head home."

"Sounds good."

However, the shards refused to leave the tent.

"Dang."

"Lets go."

"Yea."

As the two walked, Kaede asked about something she noticed.

"Hey, Risa?"

"Yeah?"

"In...almost all those shards, I saw something similar."

"What is it?"

"How we treated each other, it was more than just that of friends."

"Come to think of it... yeah."

"Now I want to know. Risa, do you like me romantically?"

The other girl blushed.

"Y-yeah. I do."

"Me to."

"Well... that's good.:

Back in the tent, as the conversation finished, small bits of red dust began to coalesce into one mass.

Another shard had been formed.

Chapter Text

Risa and Kaede were sleeping over at the latter's house. The two had been dating for a month or two at the time.

"Good night Risa."

"Good night Kaede."

The two went to sleep.

A few hours later, Risa woke to the sounds of footsteps.

"Huh?"

She was nervous, but walked out of the room slowly.

"I-is anyone there?"

The footsteps grew louder, and soon she saw a shadowy figure hunched over.

"Who are you?"

She shone her phone flashlight.

It was her girlfriend, Kaede, stumbling around in her sleep.

"Kaede! You scared me half to death!"

"Huwhh..."

"Cmon, lets get back to bed."

"Mwnh...wwkay..."

Risa guided Kaede back to her room.

Once they returned, Risa laid Kaede down in her bed.

"Okay, don't go wandering around alright?"

"Mnh...okiee..."

As Risa went to go to her bed, she felt a hand grab at her arm.

"steyy...pwease..."

"You want me to sleep with you?"

"Mnhm..."

"...well...okay..."

Risa got under the covers with Kaede.

"Good night cutie."

"Gwdhnyte..."

Risa kissed Kaede on the cheek and fell asleep.

Kaede opened her eyes, taking one last look at her girlfriend.

"Not nearly as cute as you are. Goodnight."

The silence of the night laid uninterupted, for the two were lost in their dreams.

Chapter Text

Risa and Kaede were in class, talking to each other about random topics.

Eventually, favorite things came to mind.

"Well then, Risa, what is exactly your favorite flower?

"I personally like roses the best. What they symbolize is beautiful."

"I like daffodils best, the color is nice."

Eventually the teacher walked in, and class resumed.

As the two split off while walking home, the shorter girl was lost in thought.

"Sigh...Risa is so cool, and pretty, and smart...

I like her a lot...

But she just sees me as a friend, right?

I shouldn't tell, we're good right where we are."

She would've taken her feelings to the grave.

But fate decided to toy with her that day, and she began to cough.

She coughed all the way home, and all through the night. She couldn't sleep.

However, that was not the worst of it. The strangest part was that she coughed up rose petals.

As she lay awake in bed, she wanted to find out more.

Boogle Search: help im coghing flowrs

Showing search results for: Help im coughing flowers.

1,204 Articles found

Kaede opened the first link.

Wackypedia:

Article: Hanahaki Syndrome

Hanahaki Syndrome is a disease that is caused by unrequited feelings of romantic love.

Symptoms: Coughing up flowers, Trouble breathing. Fatal if prolonged.

The flowers coughed by the victim correspond to those most liked by the object of affection.

Cures: Two known cures exist for Hanahaki Syndrome

Surgical  Removal:

The flowers can safely be extracted from the body via surgical procedure. However, as shown in clinical trials, doing so removes all feelings of love and companionship felt by the victim for their object of affection.

Reciprocation of Feelings:

If the object of affection reciprocates the feelings felt by the victim, and the victim is knowledgeable about this, then the flowers inside the victim's lungs will wither, and safely be removed from the body through the respiratory system.

"I don't want to lose her... I have to tell her."

"I will tell her."

After school the next day, Kaede took Risa aside.

"Hey, Risa, could I ask you something? In private."

"Sure."

Heading to a more secluded area of the school, Kaede began to speak.

"Do you like me?"

"Of course!"

"No, as in...romantically?"

"Huh? Well I-"

However, as she began to speak, Risa began to cough.

"Risa! Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, just-"

The girl coughed for a few minutes. However, she eventually stopped.

On the ground in front of her was a daffodil.

"Risa, you caught..."

"Mhm..."

The girl seemed ashamed, embarassed to reveal the information.

"Its where-"

"I know what it is..."

"Really? Why so?"

Kaede made a few coughs, and in her hand was a rose petal.

"You caught it too?"

"Yeah..."

"So you.."

"I do Risa. I do."

"Me too."

The two sat behind their school building, and decided to share their first kiss.

"I feel like I can finally breathe again. Knowing your answer."

"Same here."

"I love you."

"I love you too."

And as the flowers they were host to died out, a love blossomed in their hearts to take their place.

Chapter Text

While relaxing in his apartment, someone knocked at Leo's door.

"Coming!"

When he opened it up, he saw his long time friend.

Seira.

The girl was a wreck. Messy hair, tearry eyes. Hell, it was even raining outside.

"Come in."

The girl had a duffelbag at each side, ome with her clothes, the other with her painting supplies and other belongings.

"You should get cleaned up first. Then, if you want to, we can talk."

Seira took a quick shower and changed her clothes. Afterwards, she headed to the living room.

Leo was there, waiting. She sat down on the couch next to them.

"If I had to guess, things didnt go well with your parents."

She shook her head.

"They kicked you out of the house?"

She nodded, deciding to speak.

"Maybe I should go back to Meji... my parents... Toya... maybe they would like me again..."

"Seira, would you feel happy about hiding who you feel like you are?"

She thought, before shaking her head.

"Then being with them wont be what makes you happy. You'll find new friends, ones that accept you as Seira."

"I... dont have anywhere to live... I dont have anything anymore."

"You have me... You can stay here, as long as you need."

Leo hugged Seira, trying to reassure her everything would work out fine.

Despite her doubts, she tried to believe it.

Chapter Text

Sally logged on to NWO, ready to do some adventuring.

However, in her guild room, on the nightstand was a giftbox.

In the giftbox were some sweets and treats that she enjoyed.

"How nice..but who would send those?"

Once she cleared a few dungeons, she decided to grab a snack in-game.

However, as she left the dungeon she was in, a package fell from the sky.

In it, was a bento box, with all her favorite food.

"Mmm...that looks good, but who keeps sending these?"

After she ate, Sally decided to walk around town.

At one of the shops she went to, she noticed a stuffed toy, and decided it would look great in her guild room.

"Hello, how much for this?"

"That was already paid for by somebody else, they said to give it to you when you arrived."

"When?"

"Yep."

"Hmm...well, thank you."

"Come back soon!"

"So...yeah, that's how my day went."

Sally was talking to Iz, about everything that occured.

"Sounds to me like someone really likes you."

"Same here, but who?"

"Well...who are you closest to in this guild?"

"Hmm...of course!"

"Gonna go talk to them?"

"Yep."

Risa called her friend.

"Hey Risa..."

"Hey there Kaede...I wanna ask you something."

"What is it?"

"Were you the one getting me all those things ingame today?"

"... yeah... I was..."

"Why so?"

"Because you're my friend?"

"Just that?"

"No..."

"Do you... like me?"

"Mhm..."

"Guess I'll have to return the favor."

"So does that mean..."

"I like you too."

Chapter Text

"It's snowing out! Lets go Risa!"

"Yeah!"

The two were in winterwear and out the door in under five minutes.

Risa and Kaede found a tall hill, perfect to sled down. They had some fun going down the hill together, before deciding to have a race.

"Who do you think will make it to the bottom first?"

"Lets find out!"

"Three... Two... One..."

The two started down the hill.

The two were side by side the entire way, right up until the end. Kaede got herself a small boost of speed at the bottom of the hill.

"Whee!... Uh oh."

However, she ended up losing control of the sled, and tumbled through the snow.

"Kaede!"

"Ow..."

"You alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine, wanna go again?"

"Not after that. Lets go get something to drink."

The two found themselves at a cafe, warming up, and enjoying some hot chocolate.

"Sorry for crashing back there..."

"It's fine, I'm just glad I got to spend time with you."

Kaede blushed in response.

"Me... Me too."

The two rested on each other's shoulders, watching the snow fall outside.

Chapter Text

Risa and Kaede were watching a movie at the former's house, trying to relax.

The two had a blanket over themselves, and ate some popcorn. The night so far had been uneventful. Risa's parents were working late, so it was just the two of them.

However, as they relaxed, a drop of water hit the ground outside.

Then another.

And another.

Eventually, the two took notice of the rain.

"It's pouring hard, isnt it?"

"Seems so."

"Guess this is a sleepover then?"

"I guess."

While Kaede had planned to walk home after they finished up, those had been uprooted.

"I'm still in my outside clothes though."

"I've got some extra clothes you could wear."

"R-really?"

"Yeah, sure."

Kaede went over and changed.

Around halfway through the movie, just as they had begun to relax again, something else happened outside.

A flash of light, only for a split second. Neither one saw it. However, the sound that came after it filled the room.

*BOOM*

Kaede tensed up, she wasn't entirely sure where the sound came from.

*BOOM*

Now Kaede was certain. The girl hid under the blanket.

"Kaede?"

Risa looked under the blanket. Kaede was curled up, and on the verge of tears.

"Hey..."

Kaede looked up at her, before hiding herself away again.

"It's okay... You're gonna be okay."

Risa reached out a hand, but rather than hold it, Kaede hugged her friend tightly. Risa held her gently.

"It's okay, you're safe with me."

The thunder continued, and as it did, Risa continued to reassure her friend.

"Everything's gonna be okay."

Chapter Text

Kaede started the day cheery enough, she knew what day it was. It was her birthday, and she hoped someone remembered.

"Bye mom! I'm heading out for school!"

"Love you dear! Be safe!"

She felt like there was a slight perkiness to her voice as she left.

Her classes flew by in her eyes, she couldn't really focus on them.

"Maybe Risa planned something! She surely know's about today!"

Kaede went to go meet her friend.

"Hey! Risa!"

"Oh, hey Kaede!"

The shorter girl walked up to the taller one,.

Kaede asked inquisitively, "Any plans for today?"

"Huh? Oh, I have some math work to do."

"Anything else?"

"Right! History, thanks for reminding me."

Kaede's expression drained with every answer she got.

"She's not lying, and she's not hiding anything...

She surely couldn't have...

Did she genuinely forget?"

"Anything important today?"

"Not that I recall."

This turned Kaede's mood into a dour one.

"O-oh, okay. See you later then."

Kaede walked off from Risa.

"Wait, Kaede-"

But the girl's mind already tuned out her friend, walking solemnly back home.

Risa sat on a bench at a nearby park. She was worried about Kaede.

"Why did she seem so down after I said that? There must be something I'm missing...

Wait... what day is it?

Oh dear...

It's today?

I completely forgot!"

Once Risa put the puzzle pieces together, she felt terrible.

"I forgot about her birthday..."

Risa ran off to a store.

Kaede found her way back to her house.

"I'm home!"

"How was today sweetie?"

"Great."

She couldn't hide the dissapointment in her voice.

"Is everything alright?"

"Yeah... yeah."

"Okay then..."

Kaede headed up to her room. She shut the door, covered herself in her blankets, and tried not to cry.

"How dumb was I? To assume that people would remember. Not even my own mother did."

She didn't try very hard.

Risa ran as fast as she could to Kaede's house, and knocked on the door.

"Hello! Oh, Risa!"

"Hey there Ms. Honjou. Is Kaede home?"

"She's in her room right now. I feel like something's bothering her."

"It's something I did, or rather, didn't do."

Risa walked over to Kaede's bedroom door, present in hand. With a deep breath, she knocked.

"...who is it?"

"It's me, Risa."

"...come in."

Risa opened the door.

Risa walked into the room, and saw Kaede curled up on her bed, looking away from her.

"Hey... I brought you a present..."

"Thanks. Just set it on the dresser, I'll open it later."

Risa did as asked. After that, she closed the door.

"Hey, do you want to talk?"

"...sure."

"I'm not going to lie to you, I genuinely forgot. I'm sorry."

"It's not just a lack of a present I was sad over."

As Kaede spoke, tears fell from her eyes.

"I just thought... 'Surely she would care enough to remember. We've been friends for years.' You didn't even know it was today..."

Risa grabbed the box, and gave the girl a hug.

"You should open your present now."

"Okay..."

Kaede opened the box. Inside was a heart shaped locket on a necklace. The locket opened to reveal a picture of the two girls.

"Risa, what is this?"

"It's a locket, something to remind you, even if I make a mistake every now and then, that I care."

Kaede nearly began to cry again.

"It...  looks nice."

"I'm glad you like it."

"Thanks, Risa."

"Just remember that, even if I make mistakes, I love you."

Kaede smiled.

"I love you too."

Chapter Text

"Good morning everyone! I hope you all brought your gifts!"

The rest of Maple Tree nodded in agreement.

"Then lets place them under the tree, and opem them up!"

Everyone had their gifts under the tree, and had drawn numbers for the order.

"First is Iz!"

Iz went to the tree and found the gift adressed to her. 

Opening it, she found a new set of hammers. She was happy, but knew she would likely go back to hers in a week. However, she added the new set into the vanity slot of her first to get the best of both worlds.

Next up was Kanade, he got a few new spellbooks.

After that was Mai, a plush toy. Same with Yui.

Next was Chrome, a new helmet.

Then Kasumi, a new outfit.

Finally, the last two. Maple and Sally. 

The two of them got their gifts simoultaneously.

With anticipation, they both opened them.

Inside, each had half a heart shaped pendant, Sally's saying Risa, while Maple's said Kaede.

Both girls blushed.

"Excuse us, we need to leave."

Their avatars disappeared.

The two ran towards each others' houses. However, they met in the middle.

"Risa."

"Kaede."

The two simply looked at each other, not another word being said. They took a seat on a bench.

"The two pendants go together, don't they?"

"Just like us."

"Hehe, I guess so."

"How did you know what I would get?"

"You couldnt really keep quiet, and I guess we know each other well."

"That we do."

The two shared a nervous, but tender kiss under the falling snow.

Chapter Text

"Happy Birthday Risa!"

Kaede presented a present to her friend at the end of their classes.

"You remembered!"

Risa accepted the box she was gifted, and saved it to open later.

The two walked their normal route home.

"So, what did you plan for today? A party?"

"No, I didn't really plan anything."

"Really? Nothing?"

"Nah."

Kaede thought for a second, and came up with an idea.

"How about a birthday dinner? Just the two of us, then you can open your gift. My treat."

Risa blushed slightly at the thought.

"S-sure."

"I'll meet you at your house at 4!"

Kaede ran ahead home, and Risa was stuck realizing what she just agreed to.

Sure enough, at 4 PM, Risa heard a knock on the door.

"Ah, Kaede, come in!"

Risa's mother ushered the girl inside.

"Do you know where Risa is?"

"Right here Kaede!"

Kaede looked at the girl, she looked stunning. Risa went through the same thought process.

"We... we should probably get going now..."

"Yeah..."

Risa's mother teased them, "Have fun on your date you two!"

Both of the girls blushed at the remark.

The two of them found their way to a resturant they both enjoyed, and got seated.

The food itself, while great, wasn't what either one focused on.

Risa's mom's words made the situation clear to them. This was a date, it was how people who were in a relationship spent time together.

The two paid for their meal, and went to walk around the city during the evening.

Seated at a park bench, the two relaxed.

"You should probably open your gift now."

Risa nodded, and meticulously unwrapped the box.

Inside, she saw a pocket watch, in the shape of a heart, with one face of the inside being a picture of the two during their dinner in NWO.

Risa's mind couldn't bear to leave the question unanswered.

"It's nice, thank you. But I have one question."

"What is it?"

"Do you like me? As in, how my mom jokes that you do?"

Kaede blushed at Risa's  bluntness. 

"Y...yeah...I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that..."

"Kaede..."

Risa went and held the other girl's hand.

"That's the greatest gift I could have gotten. Because... I like you too."

The two girls moved closer together, resting on one another as they sat.

Chapter Text

Kaede stood on a platform overlooking a large crowd "Alright! Lets get this party started!"

The three major guilds raised their drinks in excitement.

"To the new year!"

The three guilds echoed her, "To the new year!"

"Misuka~~ I wuv you......"

Izumi was leaning on her girlfriend's chest. The crafter was an incredible lightweight, compared to the swordswoman.

"I love you too, but you can't be getting this drunk yet."

"Why nottttt?"

"I'd much rather you not throw up in my car."

Iz got pouty, "Fine..."

Mizuka gave her a kiss on the cheek.

Aoi and Mei were resting on a bench nearby.

"I can't believe it's been a year already."

"Me neither."

"Thank you, for staying by my side. I'm glad I got to meet you."

Aoi grasped the girl's hands reassuringly.

"Like I've said before, you're my empress, I'm your healer, and I will go to the ends of the earth to protect you."

Tears formed in Mei's eyes.

"I know, and I'm forever grateful."

Meanwhile, Kansei kept himself close to his boyfriend.

The detective got worried, "You okay?"

"P-people... too many..."

"That's okay, let's find someplace quieter."

"Yeah...lets..."

The two walked off to a more secluded area.

"S-sorry..."

"It's alright, I know the feeling."

The trapsetter hugged his boyfriend tighter.

"Thanks..."

"Anytime."

Seira and Leo also found themselves on a park bench, looking at the stars.

"They sure are pretty."

The painter nodded.

Suddenly, Leo chuckled slightly, confusing Seira. She looked at him with a questioning expression.

"Just can't believe how much can change in a year."

The girl nodded, albeit still unsure.

"I mean, just look at you. A year ago, unsure of who you were. Now, you're more confident in yourself than ever."

Leo grabbed his friend's shoulder.

"I'm proud of you."

Seira smiled, and she hugged the boy.

"Thanks."

Maya was excitedly waiting for the year to end, "I can't believe we've all been together for so long!"

Yue echoed her sentiment, "Me neither!"

Kuro couldn't disagree, "Who knows what will happen next."

The twins perked up, "We can't wait!"

Fuma found Kaito relaxing under the shade of a tree.

"Ugh... a few glasses in and apparently i'm the best thing since sliced bread to these guys... how do you deal with it?

"They usually back off once they realize they're hitting on a boy."

"Man, I wish I had that ability, now the girls on the other hand..."

"That one I can't help you with."

"Dangit."

"Best of luck though."

"Thanks..."

Kakeru was seated at a table, with Tsuki laying on his lap.

"Man! Why wont the year end already! Cmon, cmon, cmon!"

"Dude, you're drunk."

"Am I? Dang, how am I supposed to get home then?"

"...I'll drive you, we'll pick up your car tomorrow."

"Yay!"

The leader of the strongest guild in the game was surprisingly terrible at holding his liquor.

Shin and Takuma were sat at another table, neither having a drop of alcohol.

"Not drinking?"

"Nah, most likely have to drive our leader home."

"Fuma for me."

"Why can't they just get their dates to bring em?"

"They're busy getting just as hammered."

"Fair point."

Risa and Kaede stood under the night sky. Midnight neared, and the two looked to the horizon.

"A whole year huh?"

"Seems to be. How you feeling?"

Kaede took her girlfriend's hand.

"Never better."

10...

"Wanna know the best part of the year for me?

9...

"Sure, what was it?"

8...

"It was..."

7...

"....when you first told me you loved me."

6...

"Funny,"

5...

"I would have said the same thing."

4...

"Lets make next year great!"

3...

"Happy new year, Risa"

2...

"Happy new year, Kaede."

1...

The two drew close.