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~Normal POV
“Damn it… had that dream again…”
Akira sighed to himself as he ran a hand through his hair. He glanced at the time on his phone. It was about 2 in the morning. He put it back and went to lay back down.
It was the same nightmare he’d had several times now. A memory of what happened during their last Mementos mission. It wasn’t something one would easily forget, but he hoped with time it might be less of an occurrence.
“Everything ok?”
Momentarily, Akira had forgotten he wasn’t alone. Being wrapped up in your own head will do that sometimes. Especially when you’re tired. He had invited Ann over to spend the night together. He knew Sojiro didn’t mind him having company while the cafe was closed, so it wasn’t a big deal. She just had to get permission on her end first. She was looking at him with concern.
“Just a bad dream…” Akira replied, softly. “I’ll be alright. Just tired.”
Ann frowned. “Aww. What was it about?”
Honestly, he didn’t know if he wanted to tell her. But he also knew she would call his bluff if he tried to say it was nothing important. Even before they started dating, Ann was usually able to tell when something seriously bothered him, despite his usual ability to keep a good poker face.
“...It was about what happened on Christmas Eve…”
Ann’s eyes widened in understanding. “You mean when…?”
“Yeah… that…”
Without another word, Ann wrapped her arm around him, pulling him into a hug. Akira hugged her back tightly. His hand gently running through her soft hair. They stayed like that for who knows how long. Just holding each other quietly. Listening to each other breathe. It helped far more than one might think.
“You know… I used to think that the day I got arrested was the worst moment of my life.” Akira said, quietly. “But watching all of you disappear…”
“...I was scared out of my mind too. Thinking there was even a possibility I’d never see you or anyone else again.”
She then looked up at him, gently cupping his cheek with her hand. “But we’re still here. I’m still here. And it’s never gonna happen again because he’s gone. You saved us.”
He felt the knot in his stomach loosen. He leaned down and kissed her forehead, before gently pressing her back into his chest. Ann smiled and closed her eyes, enjoying how warm and safe she felt in his arms. Nothing in the world felt better than holding each other right now at a moment like this.
“I love you, Ann…”
“I love you too, Akira…”
“I’m so glad I have you.”
“I have you too, remember?”
Akira smiled a little. “Yeah, and I’m not going anywhere either.”
“Heh, I know. Now let’s try to get some sleep. Staying up all night won’t help with anything.”
Ann gave him a soft kiss, and the two settled back in for a good night’s rest.
~The End