Second Reality: Surge of Power

Chapter XVIII An unmade confession

Ren and Rosa were making their way through the fair with the plush pug under Rosa's arm. Just a few minutes ago Ginna was accompanying them, but she came up with an excuse to leave them alone.

Ren was keeping a respectable distance, as he would've phrased it, but in reality, he was scared of the potential awkwardness their hands touching would cause. Sometimes Rosa looked at him to confirm he was still by her side and shimmied a bit closer when he didn't notice.

"We've had some time to think about our situation..." Rosa broke the silence. Ren had about a second to anticipate how this sentence would continue and it was the most agonizing second of his life yet. Situation? What is she talking about? Did I do something bad?" He thought to himself ever nervously.
"Gaining these powers... Fighting Mantis, then the help from Hook's group. It feels so odd to be in the second reality with you guys." She said with a glint of tears in her eyes.

"Yeah, it is unreal. I cannot imagine going through this alone. You must've been lonely." Ren said innocently, but the deep sadness he saw in Rosa's eyes made his heart skip a beat.

"Yes... I felt so alone..." She said with a single tear rolling down her face. Ren stopped walking and looked at her for a second. Rosa was always a soft person but to get this emotional over something that felt trivial confused Ren a bit.
I shouldn't question her feelings. I don't know how it was... Ren took a deep breath, stepped closer to Rosa, and took her into his arms. Here goes nothing.

"But now we are here Rosa! Everything will be alright." Ren talked over her shoulder looking in the distance seriously. His heart almost jumped out of his chest as he held her close.

Rosa was surprised by the comforting touch of Ren, but as that surprise faded, she returned the squeeze and took in the scent of Ren.

Just a few minutes before...

Ken was making his way through a crowd of people pushing men twice his size away. "Get the hell outta my way!" He noticed Luna standing in front of him holding the plushie. "Hey Luna!" Ken approached his friend excitedly. "Guess what I've got for us!" Ken showed her the two tickets he got.

"Tickets to the show?" Luna raised her eyebrows surprised.

"Yes! It's tomorrow afternoon!"

"I cannot come. I'll be needed for the investigation in the forest tomorrow. Watch might have a good power for searching but my eyes could help too." Luna hesitantly declined, but then had a realization. "But this would be a good opportunity to do what we talked about!" She let a cheeky smile creep onto her face.

Ken after realizing what she was talking about blushed surprised. "You think? The circus might not be her thing."

"Just do it man! Ask her out! Don't be a pushover like Ren!" Luna nudged her friend on the shoulder.

"You're right! I'll look for her and make the first move!" Ken put on an excited smile and left Luna there.

"But don't do anything stupid or reckless! I had enough of chasing you!" She shouted after him, but she quickly had to turn around as she heard approaching footsteps. Iiwa was standing behind her with her arms crossed.

"This would've been a good time to tell him about us." She said to Luna leaning on her.

"I know... but it's not like he's my dad or something, I shouldn't have to announce you to anyone."

"I like the sound of that! And what was that about asking her out? Who's the girl?" Iiwa looked at her curiously.

"That's a secret." Luna averted her gaze from Iiwa.