Hope ~Yato x Reader AU~

Chapter 30: Storm Clouds

"Oh, shit. You're right," I gasp, massaging my temples. "Crap. I forgot all about that."

I almost want to kick myself. I can't believe I forgot about that ceremony. How could I? This ceremony will be determining parts of who I am; whether or not I'm simply a human or a demigod. But despite how important this will be, I merely brushed it out of my head. And now I don't know what to do.

"Crap. I can't believe that I forgot," I huff, running my fingers through my hair. I bring my stare up to Yato's. "I'm so sorry Yato. I can't believe I forgot about this."

He shrugs nonchalantly, "If ya forgot, ya forgot. Not like there's not another full moon next month."

True. He has a point. There's a full moon monthly. However, I really want to know the answer. I want to know what I am. It may be foolish, but I need to know this. Am I crazy? Am I insane? Or am I something that isn't completely of this world? I'm curious and I want to know.

"True," I sigh. "Still, I was looking forward to finally getting answers."

Yukine glimpses between me and his master, his brow furrowing with confusion. "Wait, why can't you just do both?"

"You dummy, there's no way she can do both," Yato snorts.

"Why not?" Yukine questions. He directs his attention solely to me. "You said you need to be there by eight, right?"

I shrug, "Yeah. Why?"

He places his index finger to his lips as an expression of deep thought masks his face. Both Yato and I just stare and watch the young regalia, both anticipating what he'll suggest.

"Let's see, it'll most likely end around eleven or midnight, but I doubt you'll be required to stay the whole time," Yukine mumbles. He continues to think when he meets my stare. "Why don't you just go for a few hours and leave at around eleven? That way you can...see your parents if you want and do the Blood Root Ceremony still."

To be honest, it's not a bad idea. If anything, it's a pretty good one. Participating in both isn't outrageous and I'd still, one way or another, get my answers. In the end, that's all I can really ask for.

"Wouldn't you be spreading yourself thin with that?" Yato abruptly interjects, grasping my attention.

He is still seated next to Yukine, his arms crossed firmly over his chest as his eyes remain closed. His features are sporting a sense of seriousness, but why? Just not that long ago he was bickering with Yukine like they did when I first met them. He appeared somewhat like the Yato I know. So, where did that Yato go?

"Yato, what are you talking about?" Yukine asks sharply.

Yato opens hid eyes, bringing them to me as he continues, "Well? Wouldn't that be a little too much? That award ceremony is bound to be exhausting."

I play with my fingers before shrugging, "Maybe if I was an introvert, but crowds don't bother me. If anything, I should be nice and energized after it. So, I should still be able to do both."

Something flashes across his eyes. I'm not sure what it is, but I see it. I see it as clear as day. It lasts for merely a moment, but it was there. And how I wish I could decode it.

"What the hell Yato? What are you getting at?" Yukine presses, staring at his master.

I sit and watch, observing the god before me. He appears tense, his shoulders held at a stiff posture as his fingers tighten against his arms. He's feeling something. He's feeling some kind of way. What that way is, is beyond me. I can't read nor dissect his thoughts. All I know is that something is flashing through his mind. Something that tugs at my heart.

"Nothing," he finally sighs. "I'm just making sure she's up for both."

"Well, ya heard what she said," Yukine chimes, turning to me. "Right, Y/N?"

I blink to bring myself back to reality and try to smile, "Yeah. Yeah, I'm totally up for it. I can handle it."

Yato observes me, ignoring Yukine as he continues on with his own words. Honestly, I block out the regalia as well. I can't even hear a word he's saying. All I can do is keep my focus trained on those oceanic eyes of Yato's. I've seen them so many times. However, instead of being those lively jewels of the sea that are filled with sunshine, I see something else.

Storm clouds. I see storm clouds.

**Ello lovelies! I know, another short chapter. I apologize that things are anticlimactic right now and that this book will run longer, but I promise it will pick up. Just bear with me lol. Anywho, thank you so, so, SOOOO much for everything! Y'all are awesome sauce! Wuv yous!! <3**

-Noel Ross