Syphon's Peace

Chapter 19: One For All

After eating breakfast at a little hole in the wall restaurant that Reina frequented regularly in the past, the two grabbed some groceries for the cabin before heading back, deciding that it was the best way to talk without being overheard. Toshi was his usual self, the perfect gentleman, though he made sure he was touching her in some way at all times, whether it be holding her hand or placing his huge hand across the small of her back. She loved it and often found herself smiling at him, completely lovestruck. But she could tell the coming conversation was a grave one, the tightness around his eyes and the way he would press his lips in a thin line when he thought she wasn't looking giving him away. He was getting upset, winding up tighter and tighter like a spring and Reina knew she needed to do something to help him relax before he tried to tell her anything. It would make it easier for him to talk to her if he was calm.

Once they got back to the cabin he helped her put the groceries away, and she started a kettle of water for tea. He kissed her gently on the forehead before heading upstairs to change into sweatpants, knowing neither of them were going to feel like going out after this conversation. He was about to head back down with a pair of Reina's fuzzy pants and one of his hoodies for her in case she wanted it, when he heard music start blaring over the built in Bluetooth speakers downstairs, and Reina was singing loudly along, her voice containing just the right amount of soul and grit to go along with it.

"I need you baby
More than you'll ever, ever know
What keeps you waiting?
Let's take our time just moving slow

"I'm so lonely, feeling heavy love
You're just so far from where I want you now"

Toshi made his way down the stairs, watching her as she danced around the living room, tidying up as she sang along. She grinned when she caught sight of him, grabbing his hands in hers, pulling him in to dance with her.

"Come on now baby
You speak so soft and low
Come on now baby
You think that I don't know
I need some honey
Come on now, baby

"What if I told you
That there's a fight on every corner
They'll keep you wavering
Until you've reached some modern low
It's not just lazy
it's just something you're never told"

Reina giggled as he spun her around, his own laughs echoing in her ears as that troubled look disappeared. She wanted to pull him out of whatever dark path his mind had taken, even just for a moment.

"It can't be this heavy love
We'll have to wear our fears so everyone
Can see it too

"Come on now baby
You speak so soft and low
Come on now baby
You think that I don't know
I need some honey
Come on now baby

"I need you baby
I love you
Oh"

When the song had finished, she stretched up and planted a kiss on his smiling lips before pulling back and caressing his face in her hand. "There's that handsome smile."

He turned and kissed her palm, feeling calmer now. He hadn't realized just how worked up he was getting, but of course she saw it. It was Reina, after all. Nothing missed her. And he knew he could tell her anything without having to worry about her freaking out. She was one of the most level headed people he knew.

"Thank you, my love." He said before pecking her on the forehead. "I needed that."

She smiled. "I know, I could tell. It doesn't matter what you're about to say, Toshinori, please know that I'm not going anywhere."

He took a shuddering breath but nodded. He knew she was strong and stubborn, but would she be willing to face this evil with him? Risking living through losing him if he failed to bring All for One down?