I See Dead People. . . [ BNHA × OC ]

☙ Epilogue

    Put that down, Cleo.
  
    I scolded the floating spirit as she maneuvered her way through the tables of the restaurant.

    "Ohh, but look at how pretty these are!" She held up the shiny glassware and silverware that reflected everything but the translucent ghost holding it up.

    Once again, I asked Cleo to let go of the delicate utensils, knowing she had a habit of dropping things through her unreliable grip. She frowned and let go, disappointed to not be allowed to touch anything, but it didn't take long for her attention to flip to admire the colorful decorations around us.

    It wasn't every day that I brought the ghosts with me when I went out, but I was in a good mood. I figured that when I agreed to meet some classmates in Tayōna-Toshi, I could let my spirit family tag along. It wasn't like my friends would notice anyway.

    Edison, Cleo, Jack, and I were the first to arrive at the small restaurant in Little Mexico. Jack was shockingly the least to cause a disturbance as he just floated along and made cynical remarks about the living people. Cleo busied herself by growing fascinated with everything around her, "not having seen such beautiful decorations since the tomb" as she put it.

    To my surprise, it was Edison that seemed on the fence about coming along. I couldn't remember the last time he went out with me, but I knew it was a rare occasion.

    He stayed close to me and inched away whenever a living person would walk by as if he could be seen, heard, or felt by them. His hand swept his hovering, yet somehow combed back hair while he talked.

    "Are you sure you want all of us around you while you're here, kid?" He asked.

    Floating up through the table was Jack's intangible form, ready to jump in.

    "Yeah, no offense, but what's the deal with you suddenly wanting us around? You used to hate it when we bothered you around your 'living friends'," he added, emphasizing his point with visual air quotes.

    I wasn't sure how to explain it to them. A lot has happened since my first day, and since then, having my family with me in public didn't bother me as much as it did. I didn't need to look at my family when activating my Quirk to gently tell them the reason behind my change of heart. I took a breath and started to speak in my head.

    I guess I just want to spend time with you all. Marie and I never got to do stuff like this a lot, but if there ever comes a day you guys decide you want to move on, then I want to help you without regrets.

    I looked back up to the three spirits hovering in front of me. As long and as sappy it was, my answer was at the very least honest. Losing Marie hurt like hell, and if spending time with my family while I had the chance would save me from going through the hurt again, then I was willing to.

    Edison and Jack didn't say anything back for a second, and I began to think they probably didn't want to hear that. But next to them was Cleo, holding her fists up to her mouth.

    "Awww, Mordecai, that was beautiful!" She rubbed away the welling tears from her eyes before flying to hug me. I didn't move, but I also didn't swat her away like I normally would. I figured if getting one hug in would keep her from sobbing all day, then it was the price to pay.

    "Okay, pull yourself together, Ce. We're in public, remember that," Jack griped at her. Before Cleo's emotional crying could go on more than either of us could stand, the ones I planned to meet up with finally arrived.

    I looked over to the door as Double waved his arm over to me after spotting the empty seats I left for them. Soon, Snake, Dani, and Rose followed inside until we were all at one table.