(GS3) Field: Forest

[Hope]

Neu had been on numerous dates before in her time, but no one has ever really interested her enough for her to actually enjoy the time spent together. More or less, she would just go through the motions and play along. Each time, it would just be someone new, and the guy would come and go. No one had ever interested her enough to ever actually have her respond to them in a genuine manner. Actually, it was more that she was never really allowed to actually react and interact with other guys all that much. Growing up, her life was basically Vanguard. She wasn't allowed to learn of relationships in general. No friends either, since even family distanced themselves from her to ensure that all her time was spend on Vanguard. Her ability to sweep men off her feet was all part of getting what her family wanted out of people, it was all just game to her and she hadn't felt much at all, especially since she saw her body as more of a tool to be used for her parent's benefit over anything else.

"I can tell you actually meant that, haha... idiot." She leaned over to him and placed her head on his shoulder, tightening her grasp on his hand, but still keeping it soft. He definitely was in a league above all other men, but she still wasn't sure how she felt about him. She decided to press on and keep playing along, still unsure of her feelings. Most of the time and its nothing, and all she does is a bunch empty flirting for some self-gain, but maybe this time it was different. He made her heart pound, and she felt relaxed near him, it was something new. She placed her other hand on his chest, sliding it across as her head continued to relax on his shoulder.

"I guess I can keep playing along to fit the mood, this is a date after all isn't it?" She moved her head closer to his, her lips near his cheeks."I'm feeling comfortable like this... how do you feel? Is it good? Too much for you?"

[OverDrive]

Tsubasa was always a calm individual but it would be a lie to say that this woman did not make his heart race. He was surprised and happy by her touch and the moves she was displaying towards him. Tsubasa never really grew attached to other women in general, most of the time he would be asked out on dates and would never really do much as his feelings...were not there for the other person, but this was not the case with Neu. She is the one woman who actually made Tsubasa's feelings spin like a cyclone, nevertheless he decided that if she's ready to go to the next level then he will as well.

Slowly he turned his face towards her, gazing into her eyes, giving off a look of genuine desire and care. With his hold on her hand still soft yet more passionate, he places his free hand gently on her waist pulling her slowly towards him, with their lips getting closer and closer until he sealed it with a gentle kiss, nothing too deep just to leave her wanting more as he pulled away slowly still making sure that the kiss carried his emotions towards her.

"Oh I'm comfortable, the question is...are you?" he said, releasing the hold on her waist as he used his now free hand to run the back of his fingers on her cheeks. "..No one can describe how beautiful you look this evening..Neu Edelweiss."

[Hope]

It was standard for guys to usually do this in response, the would play along even more so and move like a cornered rat to the go-to move in attempt to one-up her play. Neu was always taken in by the fairy tales, where the kiss would be the most meaningful part of most of them, the kiss as an act of "true love." She one day wishes to actually have one, but until then, this one goes among the kisses which she has received that had no meaning. It was foolish to think that a kiss like that would make her flinch even a bit. The duration could be as long as it can be, as numerous as can be given, but unless she actually felt any emotional value behind it flowing between both her and her partner, the effort was meaningless. Its dumb for anyone to think that they could pull a move like that as part of a tease, since the concept of teasing and playing around after all was the act of showing intent to give, but never giving at all. It just reminded her of the amount of gross people her parents tried to sell her to for their own gain. She personally didn't mind the lustful part of the game of love, but there had to be a mutual feeling of romance first, a good control of pace, things could move too quickly. She knew she was beautiful, she's been told numerous times by now, the point has been made.

"I'm fine, and uh... thanks." She took his hands and removed them from her body, placing them both down as she turned and looked at the menu, a look of disappointment was all over her expression and actions. "Maybe it was just a false alarm..." she thought to herself. She looked through the menu as she called the waiter, as she made her order, moving her chair away a little.  "Alright I made my order." Neu sighed and leaned back on her chair, fixing her hair as she relaxed.

[OverDrive]

Tsubasa felt somewhat saddened In himself at her reaction, he realized that his actions could have been misinterpreted even though his motives were genuine. With a sigh of regret he pulls his menu and begins to read the menu thinking of his order, regardless of how clouded his mind was at that point.

He finally places the menu on the side as he finishes his order, later placing his hand on hers, not as a tease but rather as an act of sincerity, as he utters these few words, "I'm sorry..."

He is then surprised by a grab of his shoulders from the back by a familiar face, it was Fei.

"Well well what do we have hear, last I checked you were not so jumpy around girls Tsubasa." said Fei.
"Very funny Fei...what are you doing here anyway?"
"Hey that's no way to talk to your friend, or is Tsubaka really the right way to say your name?" he said,  with a devilish smile on his face.
"....Exactly how long have you been here...?" asked Tsubasa.
"Long enough my friend, long enough...besides how could I miss the birthday of my best friend?"
".....He serious?" thought Tsubasa. "...How could he possibly remember?"
"Plus I brought the best gift ever, come on out young man!"

A look of disbelief dawned upon Tsubasa's face, Fei knew full well that Tsubasa did not feel ready to face this person, yet he blatantly disregarded that and brought him now of all times.

"Ha...Haruto..." he mumbled, with a look of astonishment on his face.

[Hope]

Despite his apologies she felt that it had gone to a point where it couldn't be really taken back. "If you just wanted me around for how I looked, should've just said so... I know I don't have much of a personality... not my fault I grew up only knowing Vanguard so I would've let you do whatever you want cause I get it..." She turned away as she responded, looking out the restaurant's window, entrancing herself with its beautiful night view of the forest, hoping that the theory of relativity would take over and the time would pass as she offered her perception of time to a blank emptiness run by her train of thought.

A sudden surprise came to her when another person entered the scene, Tsubasa's friend. It caught her attention for a few moments, but she turned away again, disinterested. That was until she heard that it was his birthday today. Neu held birthdays highly and with a special importance, its what reminded her that she was still a person as she grew. They wouldn't be parties or really anything that was remotely close to a celebration, but she appreciated being reminded of her human-ness and that she was born and everything. She hadn't been using her power to keep her info straight and in-check when it came to Tsubasa so she had completely rolled over knowing about his birthday. She was still was quite irked with how quickly he tried to make things move, plus the disappointment that he was just the same as everyone else was also plaguing her mind, but it was his birthday, so she thought about maybe giving him another chance, to stop with the cold shoulder and at the very least. Tsubasa seemed to be surprised as his brother entered into the restaurant as well. Neu still didn't understand family much yet so may as well just go with the flow.

To be so troubled during birthday was unacceptable though and it was partially her fault so turned over to him and poked him a few times on the shoulder and waited for him to turn to her before smiling and saying, "Happy Birthday!" She then turned over to both his friend and brother, "Hello, Fei and Haruto, my name is Neu. Please, join us. Lets celebrate his birthday! Happy birthday Tsubasa!" She happily invited them,

[OverDrive]

The four took their seat at the table, but no matter how cheerful the three seemed Tsubasa was still disheartened by the situation he was placed in. The guilt from his past immediately weighed itself on him at that very moment, after only a few seconds of some chatting Tsubasa stands from his chair and says,"I need to be excused..." as he makes his way to a nearby window and begins to stare into the night sky, fighting the emotions appearing on his face.

Sensing trouble Fei stood up from his chair apologized to Neu and went over to talk with Tsubasa.
"...What's it gonna take exactly?"
"......................"
"Even on your birthday you can't forgive yourself enough to look at your brother!"
".....You know damn well why I can't do it...you were there." he said.
"..I don't understand..why can't you finally get it? What happened, happened neither you nor your brother should be feeling pain from that day..."
"....You have no idea what it's like.." he said, fighting back the tears.
"...I'm basically doing the same thing all over again...the context may be different but I'm still pushing people away...even the one girl I fell in love with thinks that I love her for the wrong reasons."
"...Maybe if you stopped hiding your emotions and putting up a front then you can make things right, that was the reason you left your house that night..you were afraid to own up to your mistakes nor open up to those closest to you, and as a result you were not there...What's done is done stop placing barriers on you from who you really are." he said, placing his hand on Tsubasa's shoulder.

At that moment the two did not realize that Haruto had made his way to find himself standing behind Tsubasa, with a large smile on his face., it was clear that he heard what they were saying from his seat at the table.
"..Aniki..if you want me to leave I will...I just want you to be happy on your birthday.." said Haruto, as he began to walk away.
Fei looked at Tsubasa's look of disbelief at what his brother said, " ....come on Tsubasa say something..." he thought.

12 years ago Tsubasa left his home after getting into an argument with his parents, he wanted some fresh air for the night before returning. He was struggling to open up and admit his wrongdoings but thanks to some encouragement from his friend Ray that night he eventually chooses to go back but only to witness a tragic even unfold before his eyes, his house burning in flames. Him and and Ray ran into the inferno of the house trying to find his parents or his brother, but they only were able to find Haruto somewhat asleep in his bed while Tsubasa's parents were already too far from saving. Even before they could get out the house began to crumble above their heads, so Ray chose to let himself die for the sake of saving Tsubasa and Haruto's lives, help took way too long to arrive as a result Tsubasa lost both his friend and his parents, now with his brother's actions he was able to see something horrifying.  At that moment Tsubasa immediately saw the same scene that he witnessed back when he was 8 yrs old, the same burning house that took the life of his family while he stood on the outside unable to do much but watch his own life go up in flames, if not for his old friend Ray's sacrifice that night neither Tsubasa nor Haruto would be alive. This time if he does not do anything he would be losing his brother, as if Haruto is walking towards that burning building.

".........................Haruto! Don't go you're all that keeps me alive in this world!" shouted Tsubasa, as tears began to run down his face.
"....Aniki!!" replied Haruto, turning around, with tears dripping from his eyes as well.
"Haruto!" he shouts as he runs to embrace his younger brother after so long, "..I'm not deserving of that title Haruto...but I promise I'll do my best to make it up to you..."
"...Happy Birthday, my brother..." said Haruto as he nodded to what his brother said, while they are both in each other's arms.

[Hope]

This Fei person certainly seemed like a cup large cup noodle of wisdom and everything in between. He can certainly pop out with the right thing to say and seemingly be all that, given some hot water. Tsubasa's friends were interesting to say the least. Neu sat back on her chair, playing with her spoon and fork as she chimed in on the conversations happening around her. The bit about brotherly love got to her. More or less, it at least touched her heart and taught her a thing or two about the value of family. After all, the only time that she ever has cried in years was because of her parents just a year ago. "Are tears as much of a sign of love as kiss given the right time?" she asked herself. Tsubasa and his brother seemed to be on good terms now, she was glad, learning a thing or two from both of them just by observing. They both seemed less flat with each other's company. In a way they completed one another, could this be what made family something great as well? In a way Tsubasa's glow was restored upon mending his relationship with his brother. Neu rubbed her eyes for a moment to make sure that she wasn't seeing things, but he really was glowing in her eyes.

"He... loves me?" she thought to herself, looking down at the table, "I should just... ask him later... I know he does... but why?"

The food had arrived after some time, Neu wasn't really able to do much, still struggling to barley walk, so she watched Haruto and Tsubasa from where she was. Of course, she actually whispered a special order to a waiter to bring over a cake for Tsubasa. It was still his birthday and Neu valued birthdays far too much to keep it as a festival of tears, even though they were joyful ones.

She sang,

"Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday dear Tsubasaaa,
Happy Birthday to you! Yay!" She smiled and clapped moving around a little from where she sat as waiter lighted the candles.

"Make a wish! Make a wish! Quickly!!" Neu gave a cheerful gesture acting like a child and asking for him to come over and blow out the candle.

[OverDrive]

That moment may have have to be the happiest moment for Tsubasa in his life, surrounded by those he cared about and those who cared for him in return. This time was special for not only did he have Fei his childhood friend celebrating his birthday with him but he also had Neu and his brother. As the three sang for him on this special day Tsubasa began to look around the table, it seemed strange but he started to see his friends, all of the people he's met and bonded with until now, singing along. It felt as if he had finally returned home...or at least was pressing forward with his path, because among his friends he could see his parents standing among them as well...

After hearing Neu's cheering he smiled and blew the candles out,"..I wish we could all remember this moment...because I won't forget it ever,...thank you all of you...." he said, realizing that after 12 years this was his first ever proper birthday celebration ever since that time, as the people that he saw vanished and he could only see those in front of him right now.

He noticed Neu somewhat struggling to walk or stand regardless of how excited she was, so he stepped off of his chair took her by the hand and helped her to her seat, "..Try not to strain yourself..and I appreciate what you're doing" he said.

[[R.T] SpiderHunterMD]

In the depth of the forest, the sound of Amon's voice could be heard. His ebony black suit hid him in the darkness under the tree's. He was doing his usual training in his usual spot.It was a shaded place due to the tree leaves that were about him. It was also a cool location due to the lack of sunlight that pieced the cover of leaves and branches His platinum blonde hair was slightly drenched in sweat, his tie was removed and lying on the ground. [I must be as swift as a coursing river] He delivers a spinning back kick to the punch-bag hung up on the tree in front of him. [with the force of a Great Typhoon] This time he punched the bag with his left hand. [With all the strength of a raging fire] Finally delivering a combination of strikes on the bag.

Amon sat on the ground disappointed. "Still not... strong enough" he spoke with exhaustion. Amon had a punching bag set up here in the forest's depths, hoping that no-one would find it, to this date no one had located this spot. He used it to train in his own strength and release his body's tension built up from his anger and rage. Amon removed his suit's blazer, placing it folded up onto the ground next to his tie, undoing his shirt's top button, he took several deep breaths before continuing his previous routine.

[Hope]

"Alright, thanks. Just be happy and I can relax."

Neu sat back down and started with a few appetizers, going into the main course. She tried to strike up conversation with both Haruto and Fei to learn more about Tsubasa. While Haruto didn't remember much as he was still four around the time things started to go for the worse, and had nothing but good things to say about his brother, Neu realized that she would have to rely on Fei in order to get to the real embarrassing boyhood memories of her suitor. His two companions, his best friend and little brother were both a blast. Neu wished that she had people like this. She turned over to Tsubasa to have a glimpse at him and something seemed different yet again. A Vanguard which valued others and wanted to help them, could this be the reason? Never in her life has she ever had such figures whom have welcomed her with open arms. Fei and Haruto would tease her, pushing her closely to Tsubasa, figuratively and mentally. She would start blushing and waving her hand and swaying her head back and forth. "No its not like that!" Though what was running through her mind was the following:


I always think of him as just a plain and average guy...
Maybe he is but?...
I don't know, when I met him I kind of just looked down on him as a cliche wannabe hero.
Then when we fought, he said cliche wannabe hero things...
Eventually he got to me and showed me something I could have never dreamed to imagine in a game of Vanguard.
Then he visited me like every other guy who had a crush on me... typical. It was kind of annoying at first, but I was thankful to him so I let it slide.
But then he took me out on dates and stuff and made me react in ways I could have never dreamed to imagine.
A year later I feel like I've forgotten my feelings, its been so long.
He then acts as if it hasn't been, trying to move right onto the touchy part of a relationship.
Its gross.. really gross... people think they could keep doing that to me... before sweeping me off my feet.
But then his friend is cool, his brother is great.
He's taught me the value of family in ways that I could have never dreamed to imagine.
Somehow it was something about him, he always presents himself as the common guy... then he just...

Sweeps me off my feet.


She turned to Tsubasa after dinner, smiling from having a blast with the conversations with Fei and Haruto. Her hand felt warm, her face felt warm, and she was just amazed all over. Fei and Haruto were so welcoming, she felt the grand feeling of being a human wrap around her. Neu tapped Tsubasa on the shoulder, her face blushing intensely and waited for him to turn around, "H-hey... can... we go talk somewhere alone..." She smiled to the two on the other side of the table, "Haha... sorry guys, gotta borrow him for a bit."

[OverDrive]

Now that the food had arrived the four began eating and chatting with one another, the conversations seemed to be enjoyable to Neu, but beyond that Tsubasa was personally happy by this situation since he got to talk to his brother more directly. He was extremely satisfied with how things turned out as of now he finally got to celebrate a birthday with the people he wanted to be around even if most of them were standing around him in his hopes and dreams, though the ones that mattered a lot him were by his side at that point. The other situation that he found interesting was how Neu was being uncomfortable when Fei would tease her regarding her and Tsubasa.

After the meals were over, Neu turned to Tsubasa with a look of happiness that brought a certain level of joy to Tsubasa upon seeing that, and asked if they could talk in private.

"..Sure.." he said, Tsubasa got up from his chair and helped take her aside in order to see what she wants to talk about, to which he asked, "..So what's up?"

[Hope]

She walked over with him, over the edge of the restaurant to where the moon shone down through the windows. Her skin glowed under the bluish dark sky, the dim light bouncing off of her dress, making it shine and dance. She looked up at him, her eyes curious and dying to ask a question. She could forgive him for what he did, because maybe now she desired it. Neu could stand well so she leaned over to him and planted her head on his chest turning her head to the side and putting her arms around his body for support before she spoke.

"You said that you loved me... I want to know why... why....? I've had so many people tell me they did, but all of them just wanted me for my parent's money or just wanted to just have me around to play around with. When you say you love me... why?... why?" Her voice was commanding yet trembling.

[NeoBuster]

Neo left Hana's house and headed home. Neo was happy to get his paycheck and decided to cut through the forest as a shortcut to get home. Just then he saw someone training under some trees. Neo decided to walk over to the stranger to strike up a conversation.

"Working hard there I see" Neo said to the stranger

"But why are you training at a place like this?" Neo asked

[OverDrive]

Tsubasa was completely surprised when Neu approached him the way she did, placing her head upon his chest and embracing him. It was clear that she managed to hear his words to Fei about her, as she asked him the reason behind his love for her. This question truly came to Tsubasa as a shock, he was never one to describe his feelings but in a situation like this he did not want to disappoint especially since he really has fallen for her...

"..It'll be hard to explain but i'll do my best.." he said, taking a deep breath and slightly embracing her as well. "..Neu.., you're the person who helped me change and move on with my life, you've helped me reconnect with my heart and helped me become a man just by being yourself..you see..nobody has ever made me feel the way you make me feel. Every time I think about you and what you stand for, it gives me more strength to carry on with my life,..it makes me happy to be alive, knowing that you've come into my life..with all of that.....All I know is that I want to be with you, and I hope that you, too, want to always to be with me, because...I love you."

These words came out of Tsubasa's mouth with great difficulty he was not one to be in touch with his feelings enough to be able to describe them to someone, especially if that person mean't as much to him as Neu did. He could feel his heart racing with every word he spoke hoping that his feelings were conveyed properly, how he only loved her because of who she is and not for any selfish reason that any other person was after if he fell for her.

[[R.T] SpiderHunterMD]

Amon heard a voice, a familiar one, a sound from the past. He paused from his training to get a decent look at the person whom had spoke to him. There was no doubt in his mind of who this person was none other than Neo, the child whom had little confidence in the Narukami clan. Amon remembered this man, especially since he had defeated him with his own hands. He decided to respond to him, despite the boy being unable to recognise him.

"What I do here, is none of your concern... Neo, leave whilst you still have the chance to walk away!" Amon threaten Neo, not to scare him away, but to humour himself at his reaction to such a sentence. Not only that, but he was certain the boy would remember him soon enough if he kept talking to him