743Soft, golden light filtered in through grand curtains embroidered with intricate Norse designs, casting a warm glow over the spacious room. Shin stirred, feeling the unfamiliar luxury beneath him—a silken bedspread that seemed to wrap him in warmth as he woke. Opening his eyes, he took in the high-arched ceiling above, adorned with murals depicting tales of old Asgard. The sheer size and splendor of the room, with marble pillars stretching up to the decorated ceiling and walls lined with gilded artwork, made it clear he was somewhere far removed from his usual world.
As his senses returned, memories of the previous night came flooding back—vivid, visceral, and filled with a kind of warmth he hadn't expected. A soft smile tugged at his lips. Moments from the night played in his mind like scenes from a dream: the feel of her touch, the warmth of her laughter, and the way her eyes sparkled with both mischief and affection as they shared a night of connection and understanding. He hadn't expected it, nor had he known that Freya, the goddess of love, beauty, and war, would be as complex and captivating as the legends said.
He turned his head and saw her lying beside him, deep in peaceful sleep. Freya's face was softened by the gentle morning light, her hair spilling over the pillow like streams of sunlight. Her features were striking—sharp yet delicate, radiating a timeless elegance that seemed to flow effortlessly from her. The sheets draped loosely around her, accentuating the gentle curves of her figure beneath, her bare shoulders and collarbone catching the light, casting subtle shadows on her skin.
A sense of warmth and satisfaction stirred within him as he took in the sight. Freya's allure was undeniable—there was a natural beauty to her that seemed both regal and untamed, as if she carried the force of a goddess even in her most vulnerable moments. It was clear that her reputation as the goddess of love and beauty was well earned. She lay at ease, her chest rising and falling in a gentle rhythm, her lips parted slightly in a serene expression. The room was silent save for the soft sound of her breathing, a delicate reminder of the intimacy they had shared.
Shin's mind drifted back to fragments of the night. The connection between them had felt effortless, a blend of humor, warmth, and chemistry that only deepened as the evening wore on. He could still feel the memory of her touch, the intensity of her gaze, and the moments where laughter gave way to something deeper, more consuming. Her presence had been magnetic, a mix of passion and confidence, and he realized how unexpectedly their bond had formed amidst the chaos of Asgard's conflicts.
Sighing softly, Shin lay back, feeling the weight of the night settle over him like a comforting blanket. His life was so often filled with battles and responsibilities that these rare moments of peace felt like stolen treasures. The morning sun continued to warm the room, and as he watched Freya, he felt a sense of gratitude—grateful for this unexpected connection, and the possibility that perhaps, in this world filled with gods and legends, he might find a place of his own.
For now, he simply watched her sleep, savoring the calm of this quiet morning.
As the memories lingered, Shin let out a slow breath, stretching his arms and feeling the pleasant ache in his muscles, a reminder of the intensity of the previous night. Rising from the bed, he made his way to the balcony, completely unabashed in his bare state. The cool marble underfoot and the morning breeze washing over him were invigorating, filling him with a sense of clarity.
He pushed open the balcony doors, stepping into the soft Asgardian morning light. The view was nothing short of breathtaking. From his vantage point, he could see the vast expanse of Asgard stretching to the horizon, its towering spires catching the morning sun, gleaming against the rich blue sky. The golden rooftops, the intricate architecture, and the majestic landscape were like something out of myth. Below, the city was beginning to stir, the faint sounds of daily life floating up to him as a gentle reminder of Asgard's heartbeat.
As he leaned against the balcony rail, taking in the vastness of it all, a soft voice broke the silence behind him.
"Good morning," Freya murmured, her voice still tinged with the warmth of sleep.
He glanced over his shoulder, smiling at the sight of Freya as she sat up in bed, her silver hair spilling over her shoulders, framing her face in shimmering waves that caught the morning light. With her bare skin illuminated softly by the sunlight, she seemed almost ethereal, like a vision from a dream. Freya's features were regal and captivating, her gaze both powerful and gentle, and her posture radiated confidence—unapologetically comfortable in her own skin.
Her upper body was bared to him, her fragile collarbone trailing down onto the soft peaks of her shoulders and the sinful swell of her breasts. Her skin shimmered with an intoxicating glow, smooth as silk, drawing attention to the scandalous contours of her body without a hint of modesty. Freya was beauty and desire personified, a goddess in all her tempting allure, and Shin found himself entranced by the raw strength and sensuality she radiated. Her casual pose oozed sex appeal, the sultry elegance of a woman who knew the power she wielded and held it with an effortless charm.
Shin watched as her supple curves danced beneath the light, his eyes tracing the mesmerizing landscape of exposed skin. Each dip and curve stoked his desire, his gaze lingering at the swell of her breasts. His heart hammered against his chest like a frantic drum beat - an undeniable testament to his craving for this ethereal beauty.
Freya's body was a tapestry of seduction - every inch of her screamed temptation. The light cast a perfect silhouette highlighting her provocative figure that screamed erotic potency. The captivating sight had Shin wrapped around her little finger - completely bewitched by this goddess. Her relaxed demeanor was dangerously seductive - exuding an aura that screamed sexiness and strength; she boldly carried herself like one who knew their alluring power.
"Fuck," Shin swore under his breath, he couldn't peel away his eyes from her dazzling form. He wanted to trace his fingers over every inch of her enticing figure.
She met his gaze with a mischievous smile, clearly noticing the attention he was giving her. "I must say, last night's festivities were quite… delightful," she murmured, her voice rich with playful satisfaction.
Shin smirked, leaning casually against the railing as he took in her words. "Yes, the finale of the celebration was definitely my favorite part." He shot her a wink, his tone teasing but with an undertone of genuine warmth.
Freya's smile grew as she rose, taking her time. She wrapped the sheet loosely around herself and moved to join him on the balcony, the early light highlighting the natural elegance she carried so effortlessly. Standing beside him, she looked out over the expanse of Asgard, her gaze thoughtful.
"It's rare to see someone take everything in so calmly," she remarked, glancing sideways at him. "Most would be intimidated, standing in the halls of gods, yet you… you seem to fit here, as if this world were made for you."
Shin chuckled softly, running a hand through his hair. "I wouldn't go that far. But…" He paused, choosing his words carefully. "It does feel strange, like I belong here in a way I didn't expect. Maybe it's just… nice to feel a part of something this grand."
Freya nodded, her gaze softening as she looked at him. "Asgard has a way of revealing the true nature of people. Perhaps it's just reflecting what you've always had inside you, Shin."
They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, taking in the morning together. There was something undeniably surreal about it—a moment shared not in battle or turmoil, but in quiet companionship. It felt natural, as if they'd known each other far longer than they truly had.
Freya's expression turned playful again as she shifted her gaze back to him. "You know, it's rare that I spend such time in the company of someone who doesn't flinch at the idea of a goddess's attention."
Shin glanced back at her, a grin tugging at his lips. "Well, if last night taught me anything, it's that gods and mortals aren't so different after all." He raised an eyebrow in mock seriousness. "Though I'll admit, a goddess of love, beauty, and war has her… unique charms."
Freya laughed softly, her voice warm and genuine, her eyes twinkling with something deeper. She paused, letting her gaze drift over the sprawling cityscape of Asgard stretched out before them. "You know," she began, a touch of nostalgia in her voice, "I've lived in these quarters for centuries. I've looked out over this view countless times… and yet, I think this is the first time I've really stopped to enjoy it. To share a moment like this with someone." She turned to him, her expression softer, almost vulnerable. "The gods are so caught up in the grand affairs of the realms, in wars and alliances, that we forget what it means to simply live… to savor a quiet morning with someone who sees us beyond the titles and legends."
Shin's grin softened as he listened, the sincerity in her words settling over him. He found himself thinking about his own feelings, how natural and comfortable this moment felt. There was something about being with Freya that felt grounding, as though they both had found a place where they didn't need to prove anything. Perhaps it was her godhood, this aura of wisdom and experience she carried, or maybe it was the simple joy of seeing her this open, unguarded.
A smile touched his face as he recalled their first meeting—how fierce she had been, almost intimidating in her strength and confidence. She had felt like a force of nature, a figure from myth who seemed untouchable. And yet, here she was, a powerful goddess sharing her vulnerability with him. He wondered briefly if Urd's warnings about Freya still held weight or if, somehow, he had managed to bridge whatever gap had made her a potential threat before. Right now, there was nothing but understanding between them, and it felt like he'd crossed a boundary that few, if any, had ever passed.
They stood there for a while longer, side by side, watching the sun rise higher over Asgard, its light casting a soft glow over the city below. It was a peace Shin rarely experienced, a stark contrast to the chaotic battles and relentless training that usually defined his days. But here, with Freya, there was a sense of balance—a grounding presence that he hadn't realized he needed until this very moment.
Finally, he broke the silence, his tone lighter. "So… breakfast?"
Freya chuckled, reaching out to brush a stray lock of hair from his face. "We could eat," she replied, her fingers lingering gently against his cheek, "but for once, I think I'd rather just enjoy this view." She smiled, her expression both playful and genuine. "To take a break from the godly affairs… and share an intimate moment with someone I care for."
Shin looked her in the eyes, his gaze warm but mischievous. "You're right," he said smoothly, the hint of a smirk playing at his lips. "It's a stunning view."
His gaze lingered, taking in her easy grace, the way her hair caught the morning light, and the calm confidence she wore so naturally. There was a timeless beauty in her, but it was the rare softness and honesty in this moment that drew him in most of all.
For a moment, they simply stood together, caught in the quiet connection between them. It was a morning that needed no words—a perfect harmony between two people from vastly different worlds, each finding something unexpected and precious in the other.
After a while, Shin reluctantly tore his gaze from the view and stepped back inside, moving over to the bedside table where he'd left his belongings. He picked up his phone, feeling the familiar weight of reality creeping back in. The peace of the morning lingered, but the glowing screen soon revealed that life outside Asgard had not been so tranquil.
As he unlocked the phone, his eyes widened, scrolling through a series of unread messages. Texts from Issei, Rias, and Sirzechs appeared, each one carrying a sense of urgency that immediately set him on edge. He scanned through the messages, piecing together fragments of the events that had unfolded overnight. While he had been locked in battle here in Asgard, Kokabiel, a fallen angel leader, had attacked Kuoh Academy, embroiling his brother and their friends in a deadly confrontation. Shin's fingers tightened around the phone, his jaw clenching slightly.
Despite his choice to distance himself from the main storyline of this world, he couldn't deny how intertwined he'd become with it. This wasn't just a story to him anymore; it was his world now, and those caught in its events were people he cared deeply about. He had tried to stay apart, to avoid becoming entangled in the fates he once only read about, but the reality was clear—he was as much a part of this place as anyone else.
He typed out a quick message, shooting a text to Rias and Issei. "I'll be there soon. Sirzechs wants to meet first, so I'll be arriving in Kuoh with him." Hitting send, he set his phone down, his mind still turning over everything he'd read. The weight of the situation settled over him, yet it felt different now. He wasn't approaching this out of obligation or mere curiosity but out of a genuine sense of belonging and responsibility.
Freya, who had been watching him with quiet curiosity, picked up on his change in demeanor. "What's happened?" she asked, her voice soft but serious.
Shin turned to her, meeting her gaze. "While we were fighting here, the Biblical pantheon was dealing with its own battle. Kokabiel, one of the Fallen Angel Leaders attacked Kuoh Academy… my brother and friends were caught in the middle."
Freya's eyes widened, shock flashing across her face. "Kokabiel attacked Kuoh? That's dangerous enough to reignite the Great War! What could he possibly have been thinking?"
Shin shook his head, exhaling slowly. "I don't know, but it sounds like a mess. Sirzechs and the other faction leaders are calling a meeting tomorrow. I need to be there… there's a lot to prepare for." He met Freya's gaze again, his eyes firm. "As much as I'd love to stay here, I have to go back."
She nodded, her expression turning resolute as she absorbed the weight of the news. "I understand. Duty calls, after all," she replied, though there was a hint of reluctance in her tone. "I'll let Odin, Thor, and Asia know of your departure. They'll want to be informed." Her lips quirked into a small smile as she added, "But when you return, Shin… I expect another celebration. Last night shouldn't be a one-time occurrence."
Shin chuckled, though there was a certain determination in his eyes. "Trust me, I wouldn't dream of it." He took a step closer, lowering his voice as he continued, "And next time, I'll make sure it's an event worthy of a goddess."
Freya's gaze softened, her playful smile holding a touch of melancholy. "Take care of yourself, Shin. The realm you've chosen to be a part of is no less dangerous than any pantheon. Just remember that you don't face it alone."
For a moment, he felt the weight of her words, sensing the unspoken promise in her tone. This world was dangerous, but he wasn't fighting in it without allies, without people who cared. He nodded, his expression more solemn. "I'll keep that in mind."
With a final glance back at her, Shin turned, heading toward the exit. Before teleporting away, he caught her eyes one last time, the connection between them grounding him. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he'd face them with the confidence that this world had become more than a stage—it was home, a place with ties and bonds he intended to protect.
(Scene Break)
A flash of red lightning illuminated the quiet, polished space of Sirzechs' office as Shin teleported directly into the center of the room. The moment his feet touched the ground, he instinctively ducked, narrowly dodging a powerful punch that swept over his head, releasing a wave of destructive energy. The blast struck the wall behind him, instantly reducing it to rubble, leaving a gaping hole that exposed the morning sky beyond.
"Dammit, Shin!" Sirzechs roared, eyes wide in both fury and surprise. He hadn't expected anyone to teleport into his office unannounced—let alone someone with power on Shin's level. Shin caught Sirzechs' fist with ease, his grip firm but calm, as he turned to face the furious leader of the Underworld with a wry smile.
"Good to see you too," Shin replied, his tone lighthearted despite the tension in the room.
Sirzechs' gaze flickered, still in shock as he took in the scene. The office doors burst open as several figures rushed in, weapons drawn and energy crackling in the air. Grayfia, Sirzechs' ever-loyal maid and wife, was the first to enter, followed closely by Souji Okita, the Gremory family's skilled swordsman, and Beowulf, the powerful wolf-man bodyguard. Each of them stood at the ready, prepared for an intruder—only to freeze in surprise at the sight of Shin standing casually with Sirzechs' fist in hand.
Grayfia's eyebrows raised as she took in the unexpected visitor, her calm demeanor giving way to a flicker of irritation. "Shin…" she began, her tone as sharp as a blade. "Where are your clothes?"
Shin glanced down, only now realizing the oversight. He hadn't put on anything before teleporting, having left Freya's quarters as he was. He chuckled, unfazed. "Huh. Guess I forgot to put some on before coming here." With a casual snap of his fingers, he summoned an outfit onto his body—a dark shirt and jeans materializing instantly. With another quick flick, he reversed the damage to the wall, restoring it as though the destructive blast had never happened.
Sirzechs shook his head, visibly exasperated. "How many times do I have to tell you not to teleport directly into my office, Shin?" he demanded, though there was a faint hint of amusement beneath his irritation. His gaze lingered on Shin, scrutinizing him with an intensity that hinted at something more. "And… how did you become so strong?"
Shin grinned, rubbing the back of his head as though it were no big deal. "Yeah, I guess a Satan-level entity popping in unannounced could be a bit of a problem. Maybe I didn't think that one through." His casual tone seemed to disarm the tension in the room, even as Grayfia, Okita, and Beowulf exchanged wary glances.
Grayfia's expression softened just slightly, though her disapproval remained evident. "Perhaps in the future, you could consider a less… dramatic entrance?"
Shin shrugged, his grin never faltering. "Noted. I'll try to remember that."
With the immediate threat gone, Okita and Beowulf nodded respectfully before excusing themselves from the room, leaving only Sirzechs, Grayfia, and Shin standing amidst the lingering traces of magical energy. Sirzechs stepped back, folding his arms as he eyed Shin, still processing the sudden influx of power radiating from him.
"Shin, this level of strength… I didn't expect you to be capable of holding back one of my punches." Sirzechs' expression softened from one of frustration to one of genuine curiosity and concern. "What happened?"
Shin's smirk widened, a hint of pride slipping through. "To be honest, it was unexpected for me too. Just… one thing led to another, and here we are." He gestured vaguely, as if that explained everything. "I'd say we could spar if you really want to see what's changed, but I thought we had more pressing matters at hand?"
Sirzechs sighed, visibly relieved that Shin's newfound strength hadn't come with any sinister motives. "Fair enough." He gestured to the chairs in front of his desk. "Take a seat, then. Let's discuss what's going on."
As Shin settled into the chair across from Sirzechs, Grayfia's gaze lingered on him, her expression a mixture of curiosity and faint amusement. The faintest hint of a smile tugged at her lips, as if she found his nonchalance more amusing than she let on.
"Well," she remarked as she moved to stand beside Sirzechs' desk, her tone as dry as ever, "at least you're dressed now."
Shin chuckled, leaning back in his chair with an easy grin. "Small victories, right?"
Grayfia's lips curved in the faintest of smiles, though her demeanor remained perfectly composed. She gave a respectful nod to Sirzechs. "If you'll excuse me, Sirzechs, I'll leave you two to discuss matters privately." Her gaze briefly flicked back to Shin, a hint of curiosity lingering in her eyes. Without another word, she turned and exited the office with her usual quiet elegance, closing the doors softly behind her.
As the door clicked shut, Sirzechs shook his head, though a faint smile had finally found its way to his face. "It's good to see you're in high spirits, Shin," he said, his voice carrying a warmth that softened the tension between them. The leader of the Underworld had a calm, measured tone, but Shin could sense the underlying respect in his words—a tone usually reserved for those who had proven themselves in unexpected ways.
"But make no mistake," Sirzechs continued, his expression turning serious. "With Kokabiel's attack, things are about to get serious. We have much to discuss."
Shin's smile faded, and he leaned forward, his attention fully on Sirzechs. The atmosphere shifted, and the earlier humor dissolved as they prepared to confront the true reason for his arrival.
Shin nodded, his grin fading as he focused on the matter at hand. The energy in the room shifted, the lightheartedness giving way to the gravity of the situation. The unexpected display of strength had been a momentary distraction, but now it was time to face the real reason he'd come.
Sirzechs leaned back in his chair, folding his hands thoughtfully. "I'm sure you've gathered some of the details from Issei and Rias, but I want to make sure you understand the full picture," he began. "Last night, Kokabiel, one of the leaders of the Fallen Angels, launched a surprise attack on Kuoh Academy. His intention was clear—to reignite the flames of the Great War."
Shin's jaw tightened, his mind racing as he processed the implications. "So, he was trying to shatter the peace treaty between the three factions?"
Sirzechs nodded, his eyes darkening. "Exactly. Kokabiel's actions weren't just an attack; they were a declaration of his intent to destroy the delicate balance we've worked so hard to maintain. If things had gone as he planned, we'd be facing open conflict between the Fallen Angels, the Angels, and the Devils."
"Bold move," Shin muttered, a hint of disbelief slipping into his voice. "But… how did it end? I mean, obviously, things didn't go his way if I'm hearing about it now instead of seeing Kuoh up in flames."
Sirzechs's expression softened slightly, a hint of pride flickering in his eyes. "You can thank your brother for that." At Shin's surprised look, he continued, "Issei was able to stop Kokabiel, capturing him before things escalated further. It was… unexpected, to say the least."
Shin's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Issei managed to take down Kokabiel? Already?"
Sirzechs nodded, a faint smile of admiration tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Yes, apparently so. Your words to him had quite the effect. You told him he needed to be strong if he wanted to protect those he cared about. It seems he took that to heart." He paused, letting that sink in before adding, "Your brother has come a long way, Shin. You've had a bigger impact on him than you realize."
Shin leaned back, processing this revelation. He couldn't help but feel a swell of pride for his brother, who was proving to be more capable with each passing challenge. "Good for him," Shin murmured, a small, satisfied smile crossing his face. "He's starting to live up to his potential."
After a brief pause, Shin's expression turned thoughtful. "But if everything's under control now, why did you need me to come here?"
Sirzechs's smile faded, replaced by a look of grim determination. "While Kokabiel has been dealt with, the ramifications of his actions still remain. The three factions have decided to use this opportunity to take things a step further. Rather than just repairing the peace treaty, they're proposing something stronger… an alliance."
Shin's eyes widened slightly, though he quickly masked his surprise with a smirk. "An alliance between Devils, Angels, and Fallen Angels? Now that's a twist. Devils and Angels shacking up… who would've thought?"
Sirzechs chuckled, though his tone remained serious. "If this alliance goes through, it would elevate the three factions to a position of unmatched influence among the pantheons. It's no small undertaking, but with Kokabiel's actions fresh in everyone's minds, there's an opportunity here to finally put centuries of conflict behind us."
Shin let out a low whistle, feigning shock he didn't entirely feel. "So, if the three factions unite, that would put them at the top of… well, everything. If they could actually make it work."
Sirzechs nodded. "That's the idea. And it's why we called you here—you're going to be a crucial part of this alliance."
Shin raised an eyebrow, leaning forward with a look of genuine curiosity. "Me? What makes me so important to all of this?"
Sirzechs's gaze was steady as he explained, "You might not realize it, Shin, but you've been making waves across every pantheon. Your actions, your strength, your influence… word has spread. Leaders of different realms are taking notice, and many are calling you the 'ultimate weapon.'"
A smirk tugged at the corner of Shin's mouth. "So you want me to make a show of strength, show everyone that this alliance has a powerhouse on its side?" He crossed his arms thoughtfully. "And since I'm technically in Rias' peerage, there's no reason for the other two factions to object to me being there."
"Precisely," Sirzechs replied, his eyes glinting with approval. "You're quick to understand, Shin. But there's more. We don't intend to stop at the Biblical pantheon. This alliance is only the beginning. The goal is to establish a lasting peace across all pantheons, a unification that would end wars and pointless deaths for good."
Shin's expression shifted slightly, a faint spark of respect flickering in his gaze. "Ambitious, I'll give you that. But just so we're clear," he continued, his tone turning serious, "you're not my handler, Sirzechs. I'm not some weapon you can parade around to impress the other gods. I'll be there, but only because Azazel and Michael are involved, and I want to make my own connections. Don't get the wrong idea."
Sirzechs's smile grew, his tone calm but firm. "Trust me, I don't have any illusions about controlling you, Shin. If anything, I'm well aware that no one could put you on a leash—not with the rate at which you're growing." He leaned back, crossing his arms with a smirk of his own. "But I trust you'll do what's necessary, in your own way."
A brief silence settled over them, the weight of the conversation hanging in the air. Shin's expression softened, a faint smile curving his lips. "Good. I'll show up, make an impression, and do what I need to. But let's keep the 'ultimate weapon' title to a minimum. Makes me sound like a bit of a show-off."
Sirzechs chuckled, relaxing slightly as the tension eased. "Fair enough. Though I think you'll find that you're the only one who sees it that way."
The two shared a knowing look, a mutual understanding passing between them. This alliance represented more than just peace—it was a potential turning point for their world, and Shin's role was going to be far more significant than he'd anticipated.
"Is that all?" Shin asked, his tone casual but respectful.
Sirzechs nodded. "For now, yes. Take some time to get settled. Tomorrow's meeting will determine a lot of things, but I know you'll handle it well."
Shin stood, nodding in acknowledgment. "I'll be ready." With a final glance at Sirzechs, he headed for the door, preparing himself for what lay ahead.
(Scene Break)
Shin wandered through the quiet corridors of the Gremory mansion, lost in thought, his mind still processing the intense discussion with Sirzechs. Yet, as he made his way through the halls, a subtle pull—a familiar, steady energy—caught his attention. Grayfia. Her presence was unmistakable, steady and calm, like an anchor within the house. Shin felt drawn to it, to her, and before he knew it, he was tracing her magical signature through the winding hallways.
He stopped in front of a set of frosted glass doors leading out to a balcony that overlooked the Gremory gardens. Through the misted glass, he could make out Grayfia's silhouette seated outside, perfectly still. She sat in quiet solitude, her figure silhouetted against the pale morning light. With her back turned to him, he could only see the slight dip of her shoulders and her bowed head.
Knocking gently, Shin cracked the door open, just enough to step outside. "Pardon the intrusion," he said quietly, slipping onto the balcony.
But as the door closed behind him, the scene before him made him stop in his tracks. Grayfia, usually composed and unreadable, was sitting with her head lowered, a tissue in hand, her shoulders faintly trembling. Tears clung to her eyelashes, catching in the morning light before falling silently down her cheeks. She looked up at him, her eyes rimmed red, startled at his presence, but she made no effort to conceal her face. There was a rawness to her that he had never seen before—a vulnerability she was usually so careful to hide.
"Oh…" he murmured, his voice softening as he took in the sight of her. His usual bravado slipped away, replaced by something deeper and more instinctive. He averted his gaze, giving her a moment of privacy even as he remained present. "I didn't realize you were… I didn't mean to intrude on a personal moment." The words felt inadequate, but he meant them.
Grayfia turned her gaze back to the garden, a hint of defensiveness flickering across her face. She took a shaky breath, dabbing at her eyes with the tissue, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's… fine, Shin. You couldn't have known."
For a moment, he hesitated. The right thing to do, he thought, would be to leave her in peace, to let her handle whatever was causing her such pain on her own terms. He knew she valued her privacy, especially when it came to anything personal. But something in him wouldn't let him leave. He had seen a glimmer of her pain, and it struck a chord in him that he couldn't ignore.
Quietly, he walked over to a chair beside hers and sat down, allowing the silence between them to stretch out without pressure. He folded his hands in his lap, leaning forward slightly, his voice gentle. "You don't have to tell me anything if you don't want to," he said, his tone honest and unassuming. "But if you need someone to listen… you might be surprised. I'm not half-bad at it."
Grayfia remained silent, her eyes fixed on the garden below, but her tense shoulders softened ever so slightly. She seemed to consider his words, the unspoken offer hanging in the air between them. Her hands gripped the edge of the chair tightly, her knuckles pale, as though she were holding onto her last defense. For a moment, Shin thought she might simply nod, thank him, and ask him to leave. But instead, she took a trembling breath, and her voice, soft and almost broken, drifted through the still air.
"Shin… as you may know, devils are immune to most diseases. We don't suffer from mortal afflictions like colds or viruses, not even the plagues that strike down others," she began, her voice laced with a strange, distant sadness. She seemed to struggle with each word, as though speaking were an effort in itself. "But immunity doesn't mean we're safe from every… affliction."
Shin stayed silent, his expression open and understanding. He watched her carefully, sensing the difficulty in her words, feeling the invisible weight pressing on her as she continued.
"Nine years ago," Grayfia whispered, her gaze distant, "I gave birth to a son. A beautiful, precious child." Her voice faltered, her hands trembling slightly. "But he… he was born with a condition. A condition so rare that our world barely knows of it." She swallowed, her voice cracking as she forced herself to say the words. "Anencephaly. It's… a condition where a child is born without parts of their brain or skull."
The words hung in the air, heavy and heart-wrenching, and Shin felt a surge of sorrow for her, the weight of her pain palpable in the silence. He could see her shoulders tense, the way her grip on the tissue tightened as she recalled the memories, as if they were playing before her eyes.
"We… we didn't know," she continued, her voice a hollow whisper. "Our society… they don't check for these things, it's… it's almost unheard of. I had no idea until he was born." She drew a shuddering breath, and Shin noticed how her usually serene face had crumbled, revealing the deep ache she'd kept hidden. "He lived for twelve minutes. Just… twelve minutes."
Her words were barely audible now, as if she were afraid that saying them out loud might break something fragile inside her. "I held him," she said softly, her gaze far away, as if she could see that moment in her mind. "I held him, I named him, I memorized every little detail of his face… and then he was gone."
She fell silent, her head bowed, her shoulders shaking as she clutched the tissue in her hands. The pain radiating from her was a raw, open wound that she had kept hidden beneath her usual stoic exterior, and Shin could feel the depth of her suffering as if it were his own. He watched her, sensing that whatever weighed on her heart had built over time, pressing down until this moment when she could no longer hold it in.
Slowly, he scooted his chair closer to hers, reaching out and gently placing his hand atop hers. Grayfia flinched at the touch, her eyes widening slightly, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she looked down at their hands, the warmth of his touch seeming to ground her in a way words never could. For a moment, her eyes closed, as if she were bracing herself, and then, with a voice barely above a whisper, she spoke.
"Today… today would have been his ninth birthday," she murmured, her voice soft but carrying the weight of years of suppressed grief. "Milicas. That's the name I gave him." Her voice trembled as she spoke his name, a name she rarely said aloud, a name that held an entire world of memories in twelve short minutes.
She swallowed, her gaze distant as she continued. "Every year, it feels… the same, but different. The days pass, and I think I've found some semblance of peace, but then this day arrives, and… it's as if everything comes crashing back. I imagine what he would have been like. How he might have laughed. How he would've grown. I think of all the things I never got to share with him, all the moments that should have been."
Her shoulders shook as she drew in a shaky breath, her voice thick with the tears she'd held back for so long. "Today should have been filled with his laughter, with celebration. But all I have are memories of… those twelve short minutes. Just twelve minutes, Shin, and then he was gone."
Her words hung in the air, the raw honesty of her pain settling between them. For the first time, Shin truly understood the depth of what she'd lost, and why today, in particular, the weight of that grief seemed too heavy to bear.
"I'm… incredibly sorry, Grayfia," he murmured, his voice filled with quiet empathy. "I can't imagine what that must feel like. Losing a child… I don't think there's any greater pain." He paused, his gaze distant as memories surfaced. "But I do know what it's like to lose someone you love more than life itself. The pain doesn't go away. It never does. But… you find a way to live with it."
Grayfia's eyes lifted to meet his, her gaze searching his face, as if she were trying to understand the man sitting beside her. There was a depth in her expression, a mixture of sorrow and tentative gratitude. For the first time, she looked at him not with the detached respect she usually held but with genuine recognition, as though seeing him truly for the first time.
After a moment, her voice softened, hesitant yet sincere. "You… understand, don't you? I didn't realize you'd… lost someone." She paused, then added quietly, "Would you… tell me who?"
A bitter, wistful smile crossed Shin's face. He shifted slightly, pulling down the collar of his shirt to reveal a small tattoo of a purple lily inked over his heart. "It would only confuse you if I told you the whole story, but, her name was Lily," he said, his voice thick with an old, familiar grief. "She was… everything to me. My anchor. She was always there, always strong. But… she struggled, too. She had her own battles, and I watched her fight them, watched her try to hold on." His voice faltered slightly as he continued, "In the end… the sadness was too much for her. She… she couldn't keep going. She lost the battle."
Grayfia's hand shifted beneath his, turning so that she could rest her hand atop his, her touch gentle but steady. Her eyes softened as she looked at him, and he could see the unspoken understanding in her gaze. "Then… I suppose you do understand," she murmured, her voice quiet yet filled with an unbreakable strength. "It's… terrible, to know this kind of pain. I wish… neither of us did."
A silence stretched between them, but it was no longer empty or painful. There was a shared understanding, an unspoken connection that ran deeper than words. It was as though, in that moment, they had both laid down the weight they carried, even if only briefly, to be seen by one another.
Then, unexpectedly, a soft laugh escaped Grayfia's lips, a sound that broke the silence like a gentle breeze. Shin looked at her, raising an eyebrow in surprise, but her laughter continued, quiet but genuine.
When she finally stopped, she wiped at her eyes, a faint smile on her lips. "I'm sorry," she said, her voice carrying a hint of embarrassment. "It's just… you."
"Me?" Shin asked, confusion and amusement mingling in his tone.
Grayfia nodded, her gaze lingering on him with a faint smile. "Yes, you. You're such an… insufferable idiot sometimes. And yet here you are, somehow both an arrogant child and someone I feel strangely… comfortable around." She shook her head, chuckling softly. "It doesn't make any sense."
Shin chuckled, his hand coming to rest on her shoulder, his touch gentle. "I can't explain it either," he admitted, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Maybe it's because no matter how hard I try, I can't hide how much life has beaten me down. People seem to pick up on it, one way or another."
Grayfia's gaze softened as she looked at him, a new light of understanding and, perhaps, a touch of admiration glinting in her eyes. Beneath the bravado, beneath the humor and arrogance, she saw a kindness and gentleness she hadn't expected. It was… refreshing. And, though she hated to admit it to herself, it was attractive. A warmth settled in her chest, mingling with guilt, but she quickly pushed the feeling aside.
Oblivious to her internal struggle, Shin gave her hand a final, comforting squeeze before letting go. "Hang in there, Grayfia," he said softly. "And if you ever need another sit-down cry session, you know where to find me. People like us… we have to stick together."
With that, he rose from his chair, offering her a final, reassuring smile before heading back inside. As he disappeared into the hallway, Grayfia remained on the balcony, his words echoing in her mind as she sat alone, her heart both heavier and lighter for what had been shared.
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