Chapter Text
Life is funny at times.
It can give you everything you could ever want.
Or it can give you nothing.
Sometimes, if you're really unfortunate, it can take away everything from you.
And leave you with nothing. And maybe even more than that, if you're just that unfortunate.
Ginny knows this all too well. She knows, because she remembers.
She remembers a time when her stomach was never full. A time when her days were full of pain and fear. When a forced smile was all that she had to keep herself alive.
Because it was just that easy to die, under the shackles of those who think themselves far above others. Simply because of their birthright.
It's not fair, and Ginny knows this deep within her heart. It's why she doesn't hesitate to fight back. To risk her life amongst others, for a cause that will take careful planning and time.
For a cause that might very well kill her.
But she's fine with that. Ginny had long since come to terms with her own mortality, within this cruel and beautiful world.
What she cannot accept—what she can't ignore no matter what—is the soul-crushing loneliness within her heart. The way it quickly builds with each passing day, the less and less time that she finds herself spending with Kuma.
It's not his fault.
It's not hers either.
They both have obligations to fulfill. But it still makes her realize just how easy it is for people to go their separate ways. And with it, comes the agonizing realization of how little she has actually changed.
To still be scared of the uncertain future. To fear the regrets that she might die with. To know that she is still as vulnerable as ever, like the child she used to be.
It's why she approaches Bartholomew Kuma, even knowing his answer when she asks him to marry her once more.
“I'm sorry, Ginny.” And when he makes that same, apologetic smile, something inside Ginny breaks.
Because this is the one thing she can't accept.
Not like this.
“Is it because there's something wrong with me?” She can't help it, the way hot tears prick at her eyes. “Is that it?”
Is she not pretty enough?
Does she eat too much?
Maybe she's too aggressive?
“What can I do so you can accept me?” She doesn't even care how pathetic she sounds—because she is pathetic. And she knows it, but she still tries. Because she's so desperate to make one last memory with Kuma, before the distance between them grows even further.
As always, Kuma does his best to console her. He means well, and yet, it only makes Ginny feel even worse.
Then, a sudden thought crosses her mind. A thought that makes her blood run cold. “Do you…Do you not love me? Like I do you?”
Is that what it is?
There's a small pause—just long enough for Ginny to assume the worst.
That she's been forcing her feelings onto someone who doesn't feel the same way as her.
“I'm sorry.” She never meant to be a bother.
But just this once, Kuma reacts first. The way his hands grip her shoulders. A firm, yet gentle touch. So warm, and reassuring…
“Don't say that.” He looks so hurt, so…regretful. “Don't ever think that I…that I don't…!!”
He doesn't mean to get so worked up. And yet…
AND YET.
Plip!
Plip!
The tears won't stop.
Not hers.
Nor his.
Just like that day many years ago, they are still such fragile beings. Easily swayed by such intimate emotions that most others would take for granted.
But not them.
Never them.
“Ginny, I…” Kuma bites his lip. He thinks long and hard, and carefully chooses his next words. “I'm sorry. I never meant to make you feel this way.”
It's the truth, but not the one his heart wishes he would say.
And yet, it's enough for Ginny, because she can feel his sincerity. Can read between the lines of their complex relationship that have led to this very moment.
“Then…one night—just one night!” She doesn't need a ring. All she wants is him.
“Wh-What do you mean by that?!” His reaction is predictable. So cute, and precious…
“You know exactly what I mean!!” She places her hand above his, so much smaller and daintier. She looks at him with such loving eyes, with a dazzling smile that makes his face darken with a blush. “Just me and you, Kumachi.”
Ginny laughs when Kuma flinches at the sudden squeeze she gives his hand. She's surprised that he even felt it, but that's her Kumachi!!
So wonderfully kind…
So precious…
“Hey, you don't have to force yourself.” She presses her cheek against his hand. “Just let me enjoy this moment for a while.”
It's enough for her, to see how little Kuma protests. To know that he is capable of reciprocating her love in this way.
And yet…
And yet…
And yet…
He surprises her yet again, with the way his other hand caresses her face. He looks at her, still flustered by her earlier words. He hesitates, swallowing hard.
He knows the risks. Knows the dangers, but still…
“Okay.” His voice is surprisingly stable, given how bashful he feels. And his mind has never been clearer. “Just one night.”
One night, where words won't be needed at all. Just the two of them, sharing such an intimate moment.
It's a painstakingly slow, and clumsy dance. Made up of deliberate, featherlight touches that, over time, begin to linger. Especially as they reopen old wounds, acknowledging the brands force upon their bodies at such a young age.
It hurts…
It hurts.
It hurts .
There is anger. There is sorrow. There is a myriad of emotions bubbling within Kuma as he thinks back on the many more people he could’ve saved that very day. The people he’s lost, even before then…
It stings, it burns…
And then Ginny kisses him, making his heart skip a beat as he realizes just how fortunate he is to share this moment with her. They’re both alive. So very, very alive…
And free.
Free to cry.
Free to live.
Free to make mistakes.
Neither of them has any experience, so they take their time, however much it takes, to learn the steps to such an intimate act. All the while healing old wounds, with new memories that serve as a soothing salve for the pain. Instinct takes over, guided with mindfulness, to avoid any discomfort.
There is no rush, just actions that speak louder than words. Gentle touches that dry away tears that fall from one's eyes.
Kuma has always been such an emotional being. Always caring more about the needs of others first, before even thinking at all about his own wants or even needs.
But this time, Ginny won't let him escape. She holds on tight throughout the night, her heart lighter than it's ever been. She presses kisses against the hand that caresses her face, paying close attention to the same paw pads that gave her and many others a second chance at life.
She wants this moment to last even longer, to spend more time with Kuma. But she knows better.
Knows better than to take advantage of such a kind soul.
“Kumachi~...” She presses a kiss against his cheek. “I'll wait for you.”
No matter how many years it takes.
“So don’t regret anything, okay?” She smiles at him, laughing when he averts his gaze. What a shy, shy little boy… No matter how much bigger he gets, he’s still that same, little boy that she met all those years ago.
A kind, and courageous little boy that deserves so much more than the utter cruelty of this world.
“I love you.” She can hear how fast his heart is thumping within his chest, the way her words have such an intense effect on him.
He may not say anything to her, but he doesn't have to. The way he carefully brushes the strands of hair out of her face, and presses a soft kiss against her forehead…
Such loving actions say far more than any spoken word. And really, that's enough for Ginny.
She laughs and laughs and laughs. Such a beautiful laugh that puts Kuma at ease…
And then she throws her arms around him and presses her lips against his. Her heart feels like it's going to burst from how fast her heart is beating. It just about matches the intensity of Kuma's heart.
Ba-dump!
Ba-dump!
Ba-dump!
Ba-dump!
It's a pleasant sound, the way it reminds her that they're both alive. Time passes slowly, the moment engraving itself within the depths of their memories. A memory that cannot be forgotten that easily, no matter how brief it may have been.
No one but them will know of this moment, even when Ivankov comments on Ginny's change in attitude. Her Big Bro knows better than to press her, though that doesn't stop the playful teasing here and there.
Dragon suspects something, but he doesn't pry. Even as he witnesses Kuma's slightly bashful behavior around Ginny. She is still as affectionate with him as ever.
Nothing out of the ordinary. Nothing worth noting at the current moment.
Life is certainly funny at times.
It can give you everything you could ever want. It can even give you things that you'd least expect. Things that you never knew you needed, until you're staring right at it as it screams at the top of its lungs.
It cries and cries, quickly making its presence known within the world. A new existence that cannot be ignored. An infant bearing features that are unmistakably a mix of Ginny and Kuma.
Soft, pink hair that curls up at the ends, with violet eyes and tan skin…
Yes, this child is very much theirs.
“How funny…” Ginny can't help but laugh as tears flood her eyes. She laughs and laughs, unable to process the elation and relief that she feels from seeing her own child's skin. So flawless and free of any scars and brands.
There is no pain.
There is no fear.
There is just love and happiness.
Just like that night between her and Kumachi. And nothing can take that away from them.
“Hi Honey…”
Not now, nor ever.