Book 1: Fragments of Crystal (Fairy Tail Fanfic)

Chapter 54

Akira's P. O. V:

When I'd finished telling Mamoru about my time with Dark Star, as well as about why I chose to go with Kaminari the night of my parents' deaths, a calm silence settles over us. Mamoru's arm is still wrapped around me, and his eyes have stayed glued to mine throughout the whole conversation. Mamoru hugs me closer.

Finally, Mamoru says softly, "I'm sorry—about everything you've been through. I still can't believe you did all that for Nanami, Momo and Vivienne, but I'm glad you're back."

"I am, too," I murmur, "and I would do anything to protect my family. Even sacrifice my own freedom for them."

"None of us gave up hope that you're alive, and that you'd return," He whispers, hazel eyes soft. "Not even Karma, and certainly not me. I've always believed that you were still out there. Somewhere."

I feel tears pricking the corners of my eyes again. "Wait," I say, furrowing my brows a little. "You said that not even Karma gave up hope that I was still alive. Did he... actually miss me...?" I raise an eyebrow at the brunette.

He grins back at me, and replies, "Yup. He wouldn't exactly admit it aloud, but we all knew that Karma missed you. He was practically pinning after you. That's why he was so happy when you suddenly showed up here earlier."

I smirk as a devilish glint appears in my eyes, "Oh? Heh. I am so going to hold it over him for the next several months. To think that Karma-kun actually cares about me...!"

Mamoru chuckles slightly as he says, "I don't think you should let him know you know that. You know how he is."

"I know. But I'm still going to tease him about it!"

Mamoru gazes at me, and asks softly, "Akira-chan. Can you sing something? It's been so long, and I miss your voice."

I smile back and nod. "Of course. Then I think we should head back."

"Okay."

"Lying in my bed, I hear the clock tick and think of you
Caught up in circles
Confusion is nothing new
Flashback, warm nights
Almost left behind
Suitcase of memories
Time after
Sometimes you picture me
I'm walking too far ahead
You're calling to me, I can't hear
What you've said
Then you say, "go slow"
And I fall behind
The second hand unwinds
If you're lost you can look and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall, I will catch you, I'll be waiting
Time after time
If you're lost, you can look and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall, I will catch you, I will be waiting
Time after time
After my picture fades and darkness has
Turned to gray
Watching through windows
You're wondering if I'm okay
Secrets stolen from deep inside (deep inside)
And the drum beats out of time
If you're lost you can look and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall I will catch you, I'll be waiting
Time after time
If you're lost, you can look and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall, I will catch you, I will be waiting
Time after time
Time after time
I've got a suitcase of memories that I almost left behind
Time after time
Time, time, time
But you say to go slow but I fall behind
Time after time after time (after time, oh)."

When the last note fades off into the night, I look at Mamoru to see him smiling, a distant look in his eye. "Even though it's been so many years, I've never once forgotten the sound of your voice," He whispers.

I smile at him gently, and squeeze his hand, which he automatically returns. "Come on. Let's go back," I murmur. He nods his head and stands up. Mamoru holds out a hand toward me, which I take appreciatively, and he pulls me to my feet. Together, we start making our way back to Ichigo Inn.