Beta Memories One-Shots (Completed)

Beta! Chiaki/Nagito: Better with Time

Chiaki Nanami and Nagito Komaeda were loners. That was the way it was. She chose to live in the path of video games; he chose to live life in books. They chose to be loners with each other.

One winter night, Chiaki was returning home from a cram session at the library. Unlocking the door, she could feel the warmth leave the humble abode and the smell of curry in the air.

"Nagito? I'm home." She announced, taking off her boots while locking the door. She shivered, removing her scarf and coat. "Nagito?"

Entering the living room, she could see her boyfriend asleep on the couch, his book resting on his face. An empty bowl and glass were left on the side table. Chiaki smiled gently as she carefully lifted the book off and got a good look at him. 'He looks so peaceful...'

Quietly, she placed the book on the table while picking up the dishes and heading to the kitchen. As they placed the dirty dishes in the dishwasher, she noticed that there was some curry and rice left over for her. She decided to cook it in the microwave while pouring herself some juice.

She saw Nagito shuffle in, rubbing his tired eyes. He had a baggy T-shirt and pajama pants on and his glasses were on his head.

"Hey, sweetie." Chiaki came over to him and kissed him on the cheek. "Did I wake you?"

He shook his head no with a warm smile on his face. He pointed to the curry pot and used sign language to say 'I have saved you some food.'

"Thank you. I did see that." Chiaki said, hugging him.

Sadly, after a freak automobile accident, he was diagnosed with psychogenic mutism. The trauma led him the inability to speak. He has been seeing a therapist and taking some meds, but he hasn't improved in the slightest.

Chiaki, however, never saw it as an hindrance to their relationship. They always took it one step at a time. Nagito was upset that this was causing a strain, but she always reassured him.

The microwave beeped, indicating the food was done. She took the plate out carefully and placed it on the kitchen table. Sitting down, Nagito joined her while giving a small massage.

"How was your day, Nagito?" Chiaki asked while blowing on her rice to cool it down. "Did you finish that book yet?"

He nodded, signing that he was going to return it the next day and pick up the next one on his summer list.

"I am so proud of you." She congratulated. "Pretty soon, you will be out and about, teaching."

Nagito shrugged. While he was preparing to become a teacher, he had been hesitant about it. Perhaps he had second thoughts?

Later that night, the two of them cuddled up while watching a movie. Chiaki was slowly falling asleep on his shoulder while Nagito watched. He turned off the TV as the end credits began to roll. He quietly lifted her up bridal style and took her to their bedroom.
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The next day was Sunday, so they both decided to stay at home and play some video games. Chaiki was very focused on winning, especially when it comes to Super Smash Brothers. She was playing as Zelda while Nagito chose Captain Falcon. They were rapidly pressing buttons, eyes glued to the screen.

"Damn it!" Chiaki cursed, as Nagito won the battle. She put the controller down and crossed her arms in disappointment. He gave her a look. "At least you could do is let me win one."

He just shrugged as he stood up. He then kissed her on the head and went into the kitchen. They resumed their battles after he returned with some snacks.

This time, Chiaki chose a Mii fighter and Nagito went with Mario. The stage was difficult to keep their characters on without trying to push each other off. They ended up on sudden death and for the first time, she won!

"YES!" She cheered, jumping up and down. "I am so lucky!"

Nagito gave a round of applause for his girlfriend. She curtsied in response, giggling in embarrassment.

"Wanna go one more round?" She asked. He nodded, wanting his revenge. The two of them grabbed their controllers and just before they could start their game, the power shut off.

"AGH!" Chiaki screamed as a flash of lightning lit up the sky. Nagito held her in his arms gently and she snuggled in response.

"You are such a scaredy-cat." She heard Nagito's voice, weak and rough, whisper in her ear.

She gasped and immediately sat on his lap. "Nagito! You can speak!" She grabbed his face and kissed him on the lips. He pulled her close to him to deepen the kiss.

They broke apart and Nagito laughed. "I never thought I would say this, but you saved me."

"Huh? How?" Chiaki looked at him confused.

"You kept believing in me and I was able to break through." He replied, placing his forehead on hers. "I love you, Chiaki."

Tears began to well up in her eyes. "I love you too, Nagito."

They sat in the darkness, watching the thunderstorm roll on by.
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The End.