Dimensional Balance (CPU Candidates x Writer) (DISCONTINUED)

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     Yesterday's encounter with Dad was really nerve racking for me. So much so that I could barely get any sleep last night. I'm exhausted today. Even just keeping my eyes open was a bit difficult. I'm not sure if the girls noticed it or not though. I wasn't really paying attention to the game the girls were playing but both Nepgear and I eventually noticed that we were out of snacks. These girls really eat more than I thought.

-"Hey Cole, could you help me get more snacks from the kitchen?" Nepgear said.

-"Sure." I said.

     I stood up to help Nepgear and, as usual, Ram sprung onto my back as soon as I took the first step. However, I felt myself topple over this time! 

-"Ram!" I said in panic.

     I quickly turned and grabbed Ram in my arms before we hit the ground, taking her weight on top of me when we landed. I looked down at Ram to check for injuries, major or minor.

-"Ugh, sorry Ram. You alright?" I asked.

     She slowly opened her eyes. Looks like she was expecting to hit the ground. Once she realized that she had landed on me, I saw a smile form on her face.

-"Yeah, I'm okay. Thanks, Cole!" Ram said, wrapping her arms around me again.

     Uni poked her head from over the couch.

-"Cole, how about you? Are you okay? You've been strange ever since this morning." Uni asked.

-"Didn't realize you cared so much, Uni." I said, teasingly.

-"H-hey! Shut up! You fell, so I'm just checking to see if you broke anything!" Uni said, slightly embarrassed.

-"Are you talking about my bones or anything in the room?" 

     Looks like Uni finally realized that her words could've still meant that she cared about me. Eventually, I stood up and followed Nepgear to the kitchen. Although, while I was helping, I noticed her taking glances at me. She seemed worried.

-"Hey Cole, can I ask you something?" Nepgear asked.

-"Of course, anything." I said.

-"Are you...tired of us?" Nepgear asked solemnly.

-"Huh? What brought on this all of a sudden?" I asked.

-"Well...ever since you spoke with your Dad, you haven't seemed like yourself. And you look exhausted. I hope we're not a burden for you." Nepgear said.

     I could feel the worry in her voice and I could even feel it in Ram on my back. I had to give them some sort of solace. I approached and gently put my right hand on her shoulder.

-"Nepgear, you girls aren't a burden. Never have been, never will be. Even if I have to put up with some fatigue, it's worth it if I get to ensure your safety. That's what I'm here for, right? I'm not gonna let you think that I'm doing this involuntarily. Besides...just being here, hanging out with you guys all day, it's fun. Really fun. In fact, these past weeks have probably been the best of my life. So don't think for a moment that I'm not enjoying my time here, because I am. And that's because of you girls." I said, releasing my hand.

     I remembered that there was still a third person here.

-"That goes for you too, Ram." I said.

     I felt Ram's grip get slightly tighter and her head rest against my back.

-"Thank you...Cole." Nepgear said, her eyes getting slightly watery. 

     I quickly wiped her eyes, making sure to be careful not to accidentally poke her eye.

-"Hey, I've got an idea!" Ram said, excitedly.