Alte Liebe Rostet Nicht

Alone

That... Was not something Izumi had expected anytime soon if at all. It had turned things around fairly quickly. The air had gotten heavy from one moment to the next, both him and Ann going all silent out of literal nowhere. It was the purest form of awkward silence and the tension was rising yet again. For the rest of the afternoon things had not been going smoothly between them. They were unusually silent, even making Patch uncomfortable when he was still sticking around for the rest of the afternoon. However, when Kuma–Kun knocked at that door the cat quickly hopped into his arms and clenched tightly onto him. The two left just as quickly which meant that it was just him and Ann now. It didn't go smoothly, of course it didn't. It was just one inconvenience after the other with them and it was starting to get to Izumi. Maybe this was a big mistake after all... He should back out as soon as he could, this was just causing more trouble and made his head hurt. He didn't need that right now, nor did he ever need it technically. But it had all started ever since he heard that name again. It has been a good decade since he heard it the last time. ' Izuzu '.

It hit hard when he had heard it again, right out of Ann's mouth. He was so close to asking where that name even came from and yet their shocked face said it all. And he hated it. He hated himself at that point. He couldn't believe it. How did he not notice? Especially since it was so obvious! They had Patch with them! Sure, Patch could have gone anywhere, but it should've been his next best hint!

Actually, there was one time where it had crossed his mind, one of the few times where he decided to take a trip down memory lane and recall one of the many games he and the girl played alongside Patch. Next thing he knew was that he got woken up by Ann who had been very annoyed at him by the time, just wanting him to get out. And personally he didn't want to be close to them for that long either back then as it was the time where the two had still been out for each other's blood. However, he couldn't help himself but took a closer look at their face yet dismissed it fairly quickly. He decided that it was just his imagination. Shortly after he left and had not thought about it ever since. Oh what a fool he was. Because this girl... 'She' is right there. The tomboy in person... Except she changed... A lot. It was as if Ann did a complete turn around in those years apart and while he never expected the little kid to stay the same, a change like this was unthinkable to him. Where did her carefree, cheerful attitude go? That was his main question. Because it didn't add up, at least not to him. Ann seemed a little too distant, a loner if you will. Sure, they talk to Kuma–Kun but that's about it, really. All they do is work as far as he knew and at points they were quite pathetic. Ugh... Nothing like that girl who just dived heads in carelessly and talked to anyone she came across. Or maybe he was far off. But he knew one thing... This had been a sudden turn of events. To him, the tomboy and Ann are not alike! Not even close!

And yet... That's her. He had to accept it. That was her all along.

Needless to say, his mind was occupied with this for some time. It took a bit until he was even willing to open his mouth and ask. However, there was either no response or just a cold one. The sudden attitude shift had even Izumi a little in disbelief. He was used to Ann dismissing him quickly yet this time it felt different. Maybe it was partially a result of the two going through a lot recently and he somewhat, maybe, sort of, possibly, got a tiny bit attached to them. Just a tiny bit, nothing else. It was not much more than that. And them being that little girl didn't sway him in his opinion! ... Alright, maybe a bit, but it wasn't much in the end. Yeah. That was one reason. He fully believed that it was the only one for some time.

However, a few more responses like these made Izumi somewhat uneasy. In the end this feeling was different. It was weird for a different reason yet he was also unaware for a good few hours. His chest felt heavy and he was ashamed looking at Ann. Even now when she was typing on her laptop like a madwoman, not losing a word. The fake glasses were on once more and got adjusted here and there, despite there being no need whatsoever. It was annoying yet oddly enough... He felt like he was the one to blame. It was strange, he hated that feeling. Was it... Guilt?

Ugh, would it even make sense? Both didn't know about the other, nor the connection. If the box had not dropped none of this would even happen now. Besides, what was he to blame for? Leaving them alone and not showing up? As if they cared to begin with! It was nothing like that! They had forgotten! And yet... He hated to say it but this was... Probably... Related.

Ah no! That is once more avoiding it! He had to fully admit it to himself first! Ugh, is stuff like this so hard? Well, for Izumi it was. Admitting to him being at fault for something like this... It was hard, it would not escape his lips. But of course it wouldn't if he didn't admit it to himself first! If he didn't admit to being at fault yet again... This time it was leaving Ann all to herself, leaving her without a warning. Was it that? This was confusing... But he wouldn't find peace if he didn't... It's worth a shot, right? Hah, fine... Here goes nothing... Or that guilt might hunt him all his life. That didn't mean it was easier. He just managed to work things out with Patch. If he can do that, then he can work things out with Ann too.

Deep breath.. And onwards!

"Ahem... Ann? Can I tell you something?" He began, trying to keep his cool. They didn't respond however, too busy typing. Talk about annoying...

"Hey, Ann! I have to say something!" No response either.

"Ann! Earth to Ann!" Again nothing. What's with this girl?

"Hey, can you listen for one moment!?" He suddenly became louder which made their finger movements suddenly freeze on the keyboard, though not seeming to look away from the screen.

"What?" They asked, staring ever so coldly. Yeah, they were angry over something. But no backing out now. Not like he intended to do so to begin with.

"I... Ahem... I am... I..." He stuttered a few times. This was harder than first thought, even now. It was like his own pride didn't allow for it to come out. But he had to. Even if he was going to cause a scene, he had to go through with this. "I... I'm sorry."

This seemed to have gotten their attention, finally, making them look away from the screen and coming to face the male. Izumi knew how stupid he had to look right now, trying not to grimace or break out like he had done days ago. It was already embarrassing enough to know that Ann had seen him at his lowest. He wouldn't want that to happen another time.

"Sorry?" they repeated, a little confused.

"Yeah, for... Back then."

"Back—"

"Ugh, when we were kids! Geez. Can't you catch on!?" He interrupted, not seeming to have any patience. He knew he wasn't in the position to have such a tone but he wanted to get this over with "Listen, I know I suddenly disappeared and all. But I can explain. Well, I don't think it even means much to you but whatever."

With each word Ann's eyes went wider, him almost believing the pupils would shoot right out. But he continued, he had to finish this properly.

"Mama caught me at the time."

"Did she?" Ann's voice asked, becoming softer than before.

"Yeah. She had her reasons so I guess I can't exactly blame her. Ugh... Couldn't even say anything back then... In any case, I—"

"Don't be." They interrupted all of a sudden, their voice at the brink of cracking yet seeming to hold it in. He didn't expect to hear that however, leaving him speechless for a moment. And when looking at them... Once more the expressions changed, as if they were... In pain? Yet even then they just tried to cover it up, as if truly unfazed. Though at this moment they were some lousy actress, anyone could tell. "I... am used to it. This is normal."

"Used to it?" He was a little hesitant yet he wanted to hear it. Maybe it was obvious in one way or another but... Maybe he wanted confirmation of some kind. 'Used to it'... Do they mean—

"Being left alone. They all leave me eventually..."