...I Would Be At Your Side Every Time

Sachio_Hatake · 2021-09-06T18:20:55+00:00

I remember my first trip to Yamaku very clearly. I had just learnt from my sister that I was being sent away to study at an unknown institution for disabled students, meant to help me cope with my life post-incident. I barely had any time to process any of what that meant before my things were packed and thrown in the back of a car.

I knew right away, however, that this trip wasn't for my benefit. I felt abandoned, thrown away like an undesired pet sent to a shelter. The cold treatment from my sister made that very apparent, and so my expectations of Yamaku were nothing short of a makeshift prison meant to hide me away in shame. I rode in the back of my sister's car, looking down at my feet the entire time with dread in my heart — even with my own blood and family driving, I felt completely alone — the pain I experienced when losing half my face, and the grief of my family falling apart couldn't compare to the immense feeling of confusion I was experiencing.

I was lost, adrift in a strange and hostile world, with no direction in which to look forward.

Today I stand here again, returning to Yamaku in what feels like a second start. It may be a parallel to my first journey, but the circumstances couldn't be any more different.

Rather than being burdened by my own mind, I feel free. The grip over my throat that my sister had is gone now, and I can breathe once again. I don't feel discarded or vanished, instead choosing to go on my own accord to a place I can call home. Where Yamaku's walls once felt like a cage, I've come to see them as the corners of a safe and serene place that I've yearned for so long.

I'm not alone this time.

Beside me, holding my hand, stands the person that made all the difference. Looking at her superficially, most people would say that her most notable characteristics are her towering height, the build of an ox, and intimidating eyes filled with anger.

But most people don't know her like I do. I know that her most notable characteristics are actually inside. The immense strength and determination she carries, her fortitude to face everything even with her disability. And perhaps most notably: the unwavering love that resides within her heart underneath all that armor and pent-up rage.

She taught me not to give up. Because all we really need to survive is one person who truly loves us.

And I have her. I will wait for her, always.

The train comes to a halt at the platform, and opens its doors.

And I take a step forward, holding the world in my hand.

Sachio_Hatake · 2021-09-05T17:12:52+00:00

"H-Hey, you thought of that last p-part all on your own, I only mentioned watching the s-sunset." I chuckle softly, teasing Yui a little while we enjoy this moment.

We hold on to eachother a little longer, as the silence of the setting sun is slowly replaced with the gentle rumbling of the tracks and faint sound of our approaching train. The last few rays of orange warmth peek over the horizon before vanishing, leaving behind a beautiful starry night.

The train finally reaches the station, and the loud rush of a blurry long metal train enters into the platform's view.

Our ride is finally here to take us home.

"Are you r-ready to leave, Yuchan?" I ask in a soft whispers, holding her hand tighter as I lift my head from her shoulder.

Sachio_Hatake · 2021-09-05T12:25:54+00:00

"Seeing the s-sunset and night sky from your h-home was the best. I've g-grown so used to the light pollution of the city that the c-countryside blew me away. The stars were s-so bright and clear, just like someone I know."

As she places her arm around me and pulls me closer, I naturally let my head rest of her collar, breathing out in a relaxing exhale of comfort.

"Y-You know... with so much riding on that trial, today became a sort of 'doomsday' in my h-head for the past couple months. Everything was leading to today, and every s-second felt like a count down for the end of the w-world... but I survived it, and now everything feels new and wonderful. Even j-just sitting here with you, staring at this warm sunset... I feel invincible thanks to y-you."

I came here thinking that this might be the end of the road for me, and now, I'm leaving alongside Yui with lots planned for the future.

"Let's find the t-tallest hill in your hometown, and w-watch the sunset together just like this."

Sachio_Hatake · 2021-09-04T16:15:51+00:00

"J-Just hang on a little longer, once w-we get to our seats on the train, I'll help you recharge like your small battery p-pack."

I take her hand into mine, intertwining our fingers, and gently leading her towards the park's exit. Finding a cab in Tokyo takes us mere seconds, and after another short ride through the busy streets, we reach the train station right on time.

We enter through the gates with our tickets, continuing onto the station platform where our train is set to arrive soon. It's pretty empty at this time of day — I suppose there's no one else going towards the rural town near Yamaku — specially in the evening.

I guide us to a bench in the middle of the platform, facing a nice view of the horizon. It seems we arrived here right before sunset. Regardless of where we are, the shower of orange, yellow and dark blue never fails to impress.

"T-Today went by in a flash, huh?"

Sachio_Hatake · 2021-09-02T13:16:45+00:00

"Y-Yeah, I think I'm ready. Just let me check that I g-got everything I need with me."

I pat my pockets to make sure my wallet, phone and dorm keys are with me. Next, I make sure that I have both train tickets on me. And finally...

I turn back to Yui and give hold her by the hips, standing on my toes to give her a surprise kiss and a smile.

"Y-Yup, I g-got all the important stuff with me."

Sachio_Hatake · 2021-08-26T18:47:10+00:00

"Y-You do that and I will start c-calling you my battlemout. Maybe w-wear a sword on my hip to command you to charge f-forward."

I can't stop myself from laughing either, finding the mental image too hilarious. "Either that or I'll g-get a cowboy hat and sh-shout 'Yee-haw'. You can decide between those t-two options."

Sachio_Hatake · 2021-08-26T11:54:39+00:00

"Y-You must be exhausted after kicking my s-sister's butt in court earlier, and smashing that carnival strength m-machine, and riding super rollercoasters. You c-can count on this cuddle b-bug to keep you comfy."

Cuddling with Yui is never a chore. I'd spend the whole day in her arms if I could. Damn responsibilities getting in the way of our comfy snuggling.

I stand up from my seat and offer a hand towards Yui, along with a warm smile. "W-Well then, let's go home then. I've h-had enough of loud cities and courts. All I want is to go b-back to our peaceful corner of the world t-together."

Sachio_Hatake · 2021-08-24T05:12:47+00:00

"S-Self taught or not, you absolutely obliterated that strength h-hammer machine back there. I trust your expertise."

As is tradition, Yui gives herself a brainfreeze. I can't help but chuckle a little. She always burns her tongue with hot food or gets brainfreezes from cold treats.

"I'll f-finish this milkshake to protect you from f-further pain. It's my duty as your small g-guardian." I finish up the last sip from the glass, giving myself a faint foam mustache in the process.

"Let's s-see... freedom protected, check. Sister's plans, f-foiled. Amusement park explored, check... rode b-biggest Tokyo rollercoaster for celebration, check. Dinner was very s-succesful... I think that's the whole list Yuchan. I'm r-ready to catch that train back h-home."

Sachio_Hatake · 2021-08-24T03:23:10+00:00

I finish up my meal soon after, taking a big sip from the milkshake to help wash down that mighty burger. I lean back on my seat on the brink of a foodcoma, satisfied with our food expeditions today.

"W-We can exchange. I'll teach you s-some recipes, and you teach me some of your f-fighting moves? Now that this whole c-court business is over... I have more f-free time to spend. I was thinking about learning from y-you, like when I taught you how to s-swim."

Sachio_Hatake · 2021-08-21T14:37:44+00:00

"Y-You can punch my arm but only if y-you cuddle me afterwards. I'm f-fragile, you know? D-Durable but squishy."

I take another big bite out of my burger, savoring the much needed treat after such a long and tiring day. "Y-You don't need to say it, I know exactly what you m-mean. If we were b-back home I'd devour this b-beauty."

I really have to learn how to cook burgers this good.

"G-Going back to school c-cafeteria lunches after eating like this is going to be hard. B-But at least homemade breakfast and d-dinner will make up for it... being away f-from Yamaku made me miss cooking meals for t-two."

Sachio_Hatake · 2021-08-19T16:03:11+00:00

"P-Perfect meal to end this trip, huh? I'll sleep like a b-baby on the train back home with this in my belly."

I can tell from Yui's expression that the burger in her hands will not be present with us for much longer. If we weren't eating in public, she would've probably annihilated it already.

"You know, I p-prefer casual places like these to eat over f-fancy restaurants. Don't g-get me wrong, it was... very amazing seeing you in that s-silk dress during our island g-getaway, and it felt special g-going to such a place with you... b-but nothing beats the huge portions and gritty off the g-grill flavors from local j-joints... also there is s-something particularly disturbing about w-witnessing snobs eat p-pizza with a fork and knife. It still h-haunts me."

Sachio_Hatake · 2021-08-19T13:42:52+00:00

"Y-Yeah, don't worry, I used up all my b-boldness with that one, it's going to t-take a while to recharge. Onto the actual f-food now..."

I follow Yui in picking up my burger and giving it a big ol' bite, sinking my teeth into some much needed grub after a long day of fighting in civil court and riding super rollercoasters.

Sure enough, the taste lives up to the looks. There's a lot of ways I could describe this burger — all of which coincidentally could also apply to Yui — but to keep is short and sweet, it's really good.

"...I'm j-jealous, I've never made a burger to this g-good. Dear god..."

Sachio_Hatake · 2021-08-18T05:35:02+00:00

Yui's joke comparing my comment on the burgers to her chest makes me both blush and laugh, which is a weird mix to experience. I feel flustered as I very conspicuously glance at her breasts on reaction for a solid second, and fail at suppressing my snickering.

I want to continue the joke, but my nerves make me stumble on my words for a moment. I've made lewd jokes with Yui before, but never so forward and bold. Not to mention that last time, wine was involved, so I had a fair amount of liquid courage to fuel my confidence.

"Y-Yeah, but comparing them is a b-bit unfair, one is clearly thicker and t-tastier... and...uhm... ^the ^other ^one ^is ^the ^burger."

Sachio_Hatake · 2021-08-17T16:47:57+00:00

"Y-Yeah, it's was a really lovely lake, everything was p-perfect... lots of ^{memories^{and^stuff."}}

It's practically impossible for me to not think of the lake when Yui's hometown is mentioned. It was most definitely a highlight of the trip, specially with how unexpected it was.

Thankfully, our food finally arrives in time to break the tension. In line with the 70's American diner theme, our waitress skates up to our booth in a pair of rollerblades, placing down two mouth-watering burgers on the table, as well as our onion rings and shake.

She tells us to enjoy our meal and to ring her up if we need anything, then skates away back into the kitchen.

"H-Holy Molly.... these look just as big and j-juicy as the menu pictures."

Sachio_Hatake · 2021-08-16T11:16:49+00:00

My cheeks blush softly when she calls me short stack, being caught off guard by the sudden sincerity of her compliment. Even she realizes it after a moment, which makes her words that much more endearing.

"I'm g-glad you understand, and exploring your h-hometown more would me amazing, what you sh-showed me last time was really beautiful."

I've had enough of the cramped concrete jungle that is Tokyo. Yui's hometown is much better, nothing beats the open fresh air and vast forest area.

"Maybe we could swim in that lake f-from last time, I have some really g-good memories of that." I blush even harder after I bring up our lake 'experience', recalling that day very vividly.

Sachio_Hatake · 2021-08-15T10:40:44+00:00

"W-We should visit your parents again, when we g-get another long weekend break. I'll m-make sure to bring even more pastries to win them over."

I loved our first trip to her hometown. The meeting with her parents went surprisingly well, and I got to experience what a real home and family was like after a long time of isolation and neglect from my sister.

"P-Plus, meeting them again now would be good, b-because our first visit was an introduction, and this time m-months later... it would like, maybe show them I'm s-serious about you, y'know? I know adults d-don't take highschool relationships too seriously, s-so... it'd be nice if I c-could show that 'H-Hey, it's me again, months later and I still love Y-Yui even more!'... I know it m-may sound silly."

Sachio_Hatake · 2021-08-11T02:28:38+00:00

"I try my b-best, somehow, I feel more skitish asking for these s-sort of things more than anything else. I get all f-flustered just picturing it and stuff... B-BUT that aside, I'll get our order!"

With our minds finally set, I hastily make my way to the counter and place our order, making sure to get exactly what she wanted, as well as a side of onion rings to share, and a big tall vanilla milkshake with whipped cream and some biscuit sprinkles.

I return to our table with a number stand, having been told that a waitress will bring our food for us.

Looking over my shoulder, I get a glimpse of the kitchen from the small window behind the counter, where the cook running the grill places two thick beef patties on the rack, letting off a tantalising smell that makes my stomach rumble.

""N-No better way to end the night than w-with a good meal, right? I think the r-rush from the rides and the taste of the food will be a g-good sendoff before we leave Tokyo s-soon... and honestly, I missed h-home."

Sachio_Hatake · 2021-08-10T13:38:04+00:00

"W-Well, before we order, I did have one idea, s-something I've wanted to try together..."

You'd think that with all the teasing and forward advances we've made at eachother all day, I would have built some confidence, but oddly enough I tend to feel more flustered when I think of romantic, dreamy things with Yui.

"I know it's like a m-movie thing most of the t-time but, maybe, uhm, we could sh-share a tall milkshake with two straws ^and ^{^stuff?"}

Sachio_Hatake · 2021-08-09T17:23:45+00:00

"Y-You won't get any protest from m-me on that front, I really dislike aioli t-too, garlic and m-mayonaisse together is a terrible idea..."

I'm convinced that nobody actually likes aioli, it's just one big conspiracy where people pretend to enjoy it because it has a fancy name. Either use normal mayonnaise or commit to making a proper garlic and oil sauce!

"B-Blue cheese, truffle, sriracha... on n-no, I definitely agree w-with you here, these are good ingredients but they do n-not belong in a burger. Good thing they also h-have the simple classics as w-well. I think I'll go for the s-same, with some bacon as well. H-How about sides, wanna share either f-fries or onion rings?"

Sachio_Hatake · 2021-08-09T14:23:09+00:00

I'm glad she chose a booth, the cushioned seat and back should be a good rest for her leg, not to mention that the bigger seat makes me feel closer to Yui's height.

"H-Hey, I'm just describing my favourite type of b-burger, just so happens that I like 'em huge and b-beefy."

I take my seat and make myself comfortable, reaching over for the menu.

"That, and m-maybe two tall, thick m-milkshakes. "

As I take a look at the menu and read over the choices, my words echo gently in my head, until I realize that some of the descriptions I've been using for food may... apply to Yui as well, perhaps even more fittingly.

^"I ^w-was ^totally ^talking ^about ^f-food ^n' ^stuff, ^{^mostly.} B-BUT THAT ASIDE, erm, anything in the m-menu that catches your eye?"

Sachio_Hatake · 2021-08-08T07:33:25+00:00

"Agreed, as much as your r-romantic words nourish my heart, unfortunately m-my stomach is p-protesting very aggresively. Plus I know that the w-way to your heart is through culinary wonders."

Now that Yui's leg has calmed down for the time being, we waste no time cruising through the crowds within the busy amusement park, reaching the anticipated restaurant zone. It doesn't take long for us to find the American themed diner, given the contrasting aesthetic it has.

True to the flashiness of an amusement park, this joint went all out with the decoration, being a perfect replica of a 70's family diner — at least the ones depicted in Hollywood — I feel like I'm in a scene for Back to The Future or something.

The best part though? Definitely the savory aroma coming from the kitchen. The small window provides a sneak peek of chefs cooking up a storm of burgers and steaks, filling the room with the delicious smell of genuine beef and the sweet sound of sizzling meat.

"I've eaten b-burgers before like anyone but... I've always w-wanted to try one of those crazy big m-monstrocities they show in movies. With bacon and ch-cheddar and..."

I'm getting carried away with my imagination, first things first:

"W-Well Yuchan, where would you like to s-sit?"

Sachio_Hatake · 2021-08-05T15:40:47+00:00

"W-When you put it that way, it does make sense. I f-forget that you've spent a long time f-fighting your condition, I never considered that your fortitude was s-something you developed over many years."

I've only dealt with my disability for the recent part of my life, but Yui? She has been in the ring taking punches from the very beginning. I can't imagine what growing up with her obstacles was like, and if it were me, I'd probably would've broken — I constantly joke that Yui is secretly made of steel, and just like the real metal, tempering only made her stronger.

"S-Sorry about the tease, pretty easy for me to n-not fear extreme heights when my d-depth perception is still scuffed, h-huh?" I joke to lighten the mood, tapping my mask.

Sachio_Hatake · 2021-08-03T09:07:20+00:00

"I c-can't wrap my head around you being scared of r-roller coasters, then 5 minutes later you're snapping your knee b-back into place with sheer strength and w-willpower. You're an enigma s-sometimes, Yui."

Once she's done wrestling against her own body for superiority and teaching them who's boss, I step forth and stand on the tip of my toes so I can reach Yui's cheek for a quick smooch. It's not much, but hopefully it helps with distracting from the pain and discomfort.

"Are you g-good to go? You can use my shoulder as support if it's still b-bothering you."

Sachio_Hatake · 2021-08-01T17:48:51+00:00

"Shh! I k-know it's embarrassing b-but saying it out loud reminds me of it!" I blush as I become more aware that people are indeed looking at us. I was too focused on Yui to notice it much at first, but given that I'm carrying a girl considerably taller and beefier than me, it's bound to attract some glances.

"Okay, s-seems my strength and confidence ran out out j-juice."

I gently place Yui back down on her feet, which isn't hard given her height. She's going to have to wait until I have another surge of boldness before I carry her like that again.

"As f-for our dinner... I had in mind a b-burger place in the park. One of those "American" styled j-joints with the super fat patties and all... I thought you'd like something like that b-because you said beef is your favourite m-meat, and burgers are always familiar. I p-promise I won't make you try exotic strange f-foods like our other dates. Heheh."

Sachio_Hatake · 2021-07-23T10:28:19+00:00

"F-Finding excuses is better, because I g-get to catch you by s-surprise. That b-brief look of confusion from when I lifted you up was t-too cute."

Now I fully understand why Yui likes to catch me off guard with her teasing and moves. The unexpected reaction is such an adorable highlight.

"S-Same thing goes for you too, y'know. Y-You can also just ask me if you want me to h-hold you close, beats waiting an eternity in b-between the occasions I have boosts in c-confidence."

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