An Age Old Promise

VII

~Reinhard's P.O.V~
A new year came and my first party since I woke up was a fun one. Natalie's friends are a curious one as well and all four of them have unique dynamics with each other. When the four of them showed the modern parts of the city, I didn't realize how much I've missed but I enjoyed it. The activities I took part helped me understand how adolescents spend their time with friends, at least in this era. It's nice that It's nice that I'm also included as a part of the group and Natalie showed me her skill in musical instrument.

I also see her as a pleasant roommate and I found that Natalie really likes music. She has many CDs – if I remember correctly – and vinyls. Her collection are mostly modern music and Oriental artists just thirty to forty years after my death. I have to admit that it's impressive. I sometimes wish I have my violin so I can play along. I found the track Natalie recently purchased and I might have an idea with it.

While my roommate went to work, I stayed and did the housework. Usually some rooms would have papers and/or stationery scattered around and I had found my uniform was cleaned. Natalie and I did an exchange that I would tell her about my medals if she told me about the Reichsführer's journal that I found. I remember her flustered look before giving up and told me about the journal. Her affection was almost the same as the Administrator to me and thankfully, Natalie let me read it.

I just finished making dinner and it was nice. I'm starting to get used to it. We often bicker on which dish to make. She prefers easy-to-cook meals while I rather have something with class. Natalie kept saying that I'm still used with my old self. The door was opened and I heard Natalie calling out, "I'm back, Ray!" sounds that she's also getting used to it. "Welcome back." I greeted back.

"Smells nice! Can't wait to dig in." I told her to get herself cleaned first and Natalie replied, "Yes, Obergruppenführer..." she often exasperated my old title but I know she is just teasing. I waited her to finish while setting up the table and I put the bouquet she gave as a centerpiece. I searched the symbolism and apparently both pink and striped carnations symbolize refusal and always in memory while the white tulips mean forgiveness. She does have a point.

"Oh! I have an idea!" I saw Natalie grabbing her phone and went to the living room. Apparently, she was setting it up to the speaker. I watched and she was scrolling something. "Got it!" seems that she found it and I heard piano playing. "What do you think?" Natalie excitedly looked at me. "It sets the perfect mood, doesn't it?". "It does." I sighed a smile. Both of us sat down and had dinner.

I asked how it tasted and she said that it was great. "You're a better cook than I am, Ray." Natalie complimented but I told her it was nothing. "Really? A man of your status being modest?" and she threw a taunting smirk at me. "Then can't I?" I threw back a smirk at her and we continued eating. It really does taste nice and the music matched the mood.

"Also, thank you for cleaning my uniform." I thanked her, changing the topic. "You're welcome!" Natalie replied. "It was a nice side activity." And smiled. She teased that it would be the perfect Halloween costume if I fully wear it. "Or there will be a possibility that someone might recognize me and more problems for you to have." I threw a counter point. "Yeah... I guess you're right."

~Natalie's P.O.V~
Ray got me again as usual! Why do I feel this is like a reverse? Ray was still confused how or why his uniform was intact when he came back. I only replied that it was a fun laundry day and washing it by hand was a challenge to maintain the original structure. "One thing's for sure is that I can't wear it!" that thing is almost twice my size. "If people are okay with you around... I guess you can still wear it proudly...". "Hey." Ray snapped me back.

"How about you tell me why you gave the Reichsführer that journal." He changed the topic. "R-right..." I cleared my throat. "W-well, it was actually my idea since Wolf would always keep track of his day..." I explained and added that Darky had appointed him as an employee without my consent. "I take that you and your sister had an argument?". "She begged and since I also promised to help, I said okay." I explained though I was very reluctant back then.

"So, yeah! Darky and I wanted to do something nice for Wolf and we're glad that he appreciated it." I smiled. Ray then told me about Wolf's entry when we went to Munich and he understood about my favorite bouquet. I told him it was a collective idea and again, something nice to give. "It was a wonderful trip." I smiled to myself.

Ray then teased if I'll ever take him on a trip. "Ah, you're making me to spoil the fun." I lightly blushed. "Go on..." he was really making me. I sighed in defeat and revealed that I did make a plan to visit the shop. "And yes, I also planned to visit Wolf as well along the way." I added. Ray asked if I already picked the date but I haven't actually.

"How long are you going to visit then?" Ray asked again. "We'll probably stay for the night back home or maybe until the next afternoon after driving from Berlin..." I counted that Ray and I would be in Germany for at least almost three days. He then suggested if both of us can go this Friday or on the next week. I have a suspicion that Ray has been looking over my schedule again.

"You know... it's not a bad idea." And I told him that I have to make sure I can free my time for it first. Ray nodded in approval and we finished dinner. Both of us washed the dishes and Ray changed the topic, "From the entries I read, the three of you sounds very close." He wanted to know about Darky and I with Wolf. "My sister was the first one to be okay with him." I clarified. "But not you?". "Not quite." I shook my head.

I told him that I didn't trust Wolf and I was a bit hostile towards him but I reluctantly helped because I preemptively promised Darky. "Then what made you changed your mind?" Ray asked. "That trip to Munich." I sighed a smile. "I tried to hold it but I finally opened up and like Mika said, I do like 'walking artifact'." I flashed a teasing smirk and Ray laughed. Oh, and we finished washing the dishes.

"So that's what you mean by 'will work again'..." Ray nodded at himself and teased that what if it didn't work. "Hmm... I think you would've killed me at the get-go or tortured me." I shared my guess and Ray laughed again. He's such a sweet guy. I guess I have to arrange my schedule and I did promise Darky to visit her. Can't wait to see my sister and Klaus' surprised faces.

A.N : I'm back again! And I'm still alive as usual. There's nothing much I want to say in this note aside from that the next chapter will be like a nod from the first book. Still hate it that both books were deleted. Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter and I'll see you in the next one! RD out!! Boi!!!