Pain Is a strange concept. Some people would do anything to avoid it while others seek it for Pleasure. Fundamentally though Pain leads to one thing, Fear. Even the people who seek it for Pleasure would start to fear it when they lose control over how and when it's inflicted. People who never fear it are nothing but Psychopaths.
While some people break under immense Pain there are the ones who improve under it. Those are the ones who are able to get strong. Those who endure and adapt.
And Sunny, sunny is one of them. So he had always endured the Pain inflicted on him. Sometimes he might have lost his composure or even Consciousness, but in the end he was always the one getting back Up to his feet, to fight another day. Not for a Noble goal or a World Changing Idea. But to spite them all. His hatred for the world who had nothing but Pain for him in Stock was always burning deep inside His Heart.
But since losing his Memories that Hatred has been replaced by something else. By the feeling of loneliness. Only today that feeling has been replaced too. Today his heart bloomed with Happiness, Relief and nothing but Love.
A love he does not understand, at least for now. But he's ready to do that now, after All those years he is finally able to explore his feelings for the woman in his Arms.
Looking down at Nephis With a calm expression was strange To him. On one hand he loved the Feeling she inflicted on him. On the other hand he didn't know where it came from.
'It's all so Frustrating. How am I supposed to love Her like I clearly do when I don't even know who she is?'
He knew Who Changing Star of the Immortal Flame is of course. A strong and Elusive Princess of War who strikes her Enemies with chilling and calculated Indifference.
But of course he also knew that there were always at least two sides to Person. Hell, he has 7 of those. So in the end there was one thing clear to him.
The fact That he hadn't fallen in love with the Changing Star of the Immortal Flame, but a beautiful Silver Haired Girl named Nephis who, even though she would never admit It, is more than a little autistic. Now that it was clear to him who he had fallen for he would do anything to get those Memories back.
A Plan that would take a lot of Effort to execute while not disobeying his Master's orders. But Sunny is perhaps the most treacherous person in the world, two worlds even. So in the end, he Knew that once again he would be the one left Standing.
While he was just laying there his Incantation In the Dining Area was having a real conversation. His consciousness Drifted away again, at least the part managing his Original body and the one managing his Shadow took over.
"...I'm not a Monster but a…"
Again the Piercing Pain in his head stopped him from sharing specific knowledge about himself with other people. This time he wasn't being punished With the same intensity like he had been earlier when Effie and Kai forced a Memory out of him.
As he stopped talking because of the Pain his hands shot upward covering his eyes. Every input now would worsen the Pain further so he tried to suppress it.
It took him a moment but slowly the Pain disappeared and his Breathing calmed down too. Everyone was still reluctant to speak, waiting for him to say something first.
"I can't Tell you much but…I will find a way."
They didn't expect him to even smile at the end. But knowing just how smart Sunny is, they knew that even though it seemed to be one of his hardest challenges yet, he will face it and come out Victorious. His smile widened at the end though when he looked at them.
"I will need your help though. In the end I can't really Solve this Problem myself. First I will have to bring someone back from the dead, or something that resembles Death. That guy will be able to tell you everything, considering how much he Hates me…he will even be delighted to do so."
They were all looking at him with Questioning Expressions all over their Faces.
"Let me guess, you can't tell Us who that someone is, right?"
Sunny shook His head at Cassie and replied.
"No, but I have a feeling that you know him. Don't guess please otherwise I may break down on the Floor Again. The Mimic can only handle so much in a day. A rampaging Saint is something it shouldn't face too often."
Once Again they all just chuckled. It was strange communicating that way. Cassie Had a feeling who Sunny could mean though. And if she was right there is really no one in 2 worlds who Hates Sunny more.
Upstairs the Mood had turned from Peaceful to a little awkward when Nephis woke up while Sunny was staring at her. Not that she didn't like him eyeing her down with his Beautiful Onyx Eyes, that she was sure she would lose herself in when she starred for long enough.
Silence spread through The Room. His arms still tightly wrapped around her while she waited for something to happen. Just a single word from him that didn't come out frustrated or rejected. Or an indication that her laying in his arms wasn't something he found distasteful.
It took Sunny a moment to find the courage to say something, but when he did, Nephis heart skipped a couple of Beats.
"Nephis…did you know that you are snoring?"
She Had expected him to say anything, but this? The only thing she could find Solace in was his bright Smile. She thought he was joking for a second only to remember that Sunny is not able to lie. So he must be telling the truth. Her face heated up again and Quickly she tried to hide somewhere. Only problem was the tight grip around her so she had no way to go.
Sunny found her Struggle quite amusing and Showed that by laughing at her. Perhaps he Even found it a little cute. As far as he knew she was the Elusive Changing Star. Seeing her huffing And Puffing while trying To break free from his Grip is something he could very well cherish for the rest of his life. After some time Nephis Accepted defeat. Breathing Heavily she gave him a dazed Look and fell down on his chest.
"Is there really nothing else you could have said instead of that I'm snoring? And when did you become so strong? Last time I remember you were a Class below me."
She said embarrassed while her voice was a little muffled by the Sheets. Sunny just shrugged and chuckled.
"I just rose in Class that's it. As for why I told you that you are snoring? It's simply the truth. Of course I could have told you that I love you but I found my second choice just more Funny."
Nephis wanted to sink through the Ground but instead there was nothing but his Chest. So instead she had to bury her face there.
'Definitely better than the Ground.'
She thought while wrapping her arms around him. Her face pressed tightly against his Chest while her heart melted under his Words.
"So you're not gonna treat me like a total stranger again?"
She asked with her eyes closed and her ears listening to his Heartbeat. She was nervous of course but that feeling was completely overwhelmed by love when she could feel his arms pulling her closer to him and a Kiss landed on top of her head.
"No I won't. Although I don't remember our past there's one thing I do remember though. When I was Unconscious you appeared in my mind and I felt nothing but deep love in that moment. Like I have found someone very precious To me again."
Sunny could feel his Chest getting wet. It wasn't sweat, that much he was sure of. But when the first Sob Echoed through the Room he knew what caused it. Or better WHO caused it. Nephis was more than a little overwhelmed by his words. She was sure of her love for him for a while now but never knew exactly how he felt. Now that [Shadow Bond] is gone there was nothing that would hold him back from sharing those feelings though. Or so she thought.
"I'm so glad…you don't understand how much I wanted to hear those words from you in the past 3 Years. I love you too, with all my heart."
She got Up from his chest and looked at him again. Her eyes Focused on his own staring deep into his Soul. She could clearly see the enormous flame of Longing burning inside Of him. When she leaned in though, Sunny didn't respond to her Kiss. Instead he turned away.
"What's wrong? I…thought we…"
She was confused of course. She could clearly see his Flames of Longing and of what nature they are. He wanted her, like she wanted him. So why?
"I'm Sorry but…you see, I'm confused. I know that I love you. My heart and Body is telling me, no, it's practically screaming at me that I love you but… My mind is still in shambles. The problem is that I don't know where this love comes from.
For me it's like having a Reaction without a Reason."
Nephis smile dimmed under his Words. Although she didn't know how it felt. She could very well imagine how it would feel for her to have those overwhelming feelings without knowing the Reason for them. She sat down on his hips and put her hands on his face. While slowly caressing his cheeks she said softly.
"Although I can't say that I know exactly how you feel… I can understand your concern of course. To be honest I kinda expected something like this. I want you to know that there is nothing I wouldn't do for you and if you need time to adjust and figure out your Emotions then I'm here for you to help."
He gave her a small smile before bringing one of his hands to one of hers.
"I thank you for that. It will take me a bit to…adjust. But if it's for you then it should be easy."
Nephis upon hearing his answer laid back down on his body. Her hair again tickled his nose while her hips moved to adjust herself into a comfortable position.
"Ahhh shit…"
Sunny hissed suddenly.
"What's wrong? Have I… hurt you?"
She asked worriedly. When she looked up she found Sunny with his eyes closed taking a Deep breath. His expression not really looking like he was in Pain more like in Discomfort.
"If you keep grinding yourself on me like that, I might lose my mind. Like I said, my body is reacting to yours really strongly."
She was confused for a second before she could feel something pressing against her Stomach. Hard and Pulsating would be the best way to describe it at that Moment. She didn't Know what it was and tried to take a look when she was stopped by Sunny. His hand tugged up her Chin, not hard enough that it would hurt but firm enough so she would realize that it's better to follow his lead here.
"Is that…your…you know?"
She asked hesitantly. She didn't really have to ask. She was not entirely helpless when it came to human Anatomy after all. On the contrary, she is quite knowledgeable about it. Just…not experienced with this type of thing.
Sunny had a complicated expression on his face. Not really nervous, but more like he was embarrassed.
"Yes…it is. Like I said…strong reaction. Ahhhh, it's frustrating really."
"It's…OK. I don't dislike that reaction from you at all. In reality I have hoped for this for a while now. Years…if I'm being honest. But since you're not ready I'm not gonna press you with anything. We have waited for years to get to this point so what is a bit more time, right?"
He chuckled and gave her a quick nod before bringing his arm up making room for her to lay down.
"Thanks, I appreciate it. Now could you get off me because although I like your touch it's getting uncomfortable when something down there is trying to break free all the time."
Her face deeply blushed again when she did So as quickly as possible. She pretended she hadn't seen anything when she removed herself from him but she couldn't help but to think about one thing.
'It's bigger than in my dreams. Will that…even work?'
Shortly she found herself beside him with an arm wrapped Around her shoulder and the Side of her face leaning against his Chest. For a while none of them Spoke. But soon Nephis broke the Silence.
"You know…this is the first Time we are Like this. In bed… I mean."
"Really? I would have thought that we… to be honest I don't know What I Thought we were before I lost my Memories. All I can think about is how my heart Is racing when I'm near you."
Again Nephis felt like her heart would melt any second. It was hard to control herself when she could Clearly sense his Longing burning like a Sun.
"Sunny?"
"Yes Nephis?"
The question practically burning on her lips she raised her head to look at him again and whispered.
"Do you mind giving me that Kiss from earlier again? This time on my Lips instead of my Head?"
That catched him off guard. The kiss on her head earlier wasn't really intentional. His body just moved at that moment. Just like it was doing right now when he looked at those sweet lips he wanted to explore with his own.
But before their Lips met he stopped. Right in this situation the risk was too high that he couldn't stop once they started. Nephis may be still dressed in her White Summer Dress but Sunny felt like that would change faster than he could see the second their lips met.
Embarrassed, he looked away. Feeling ashamed to reject her again. He wanted nothing else but to do it and felt like that it had been burning on his mind for Years but the strange feeling that he had stopped him from going further.
"I'm sorry, it's just…I can't right now. I need…more time."
Nephis understood him of course. She could clearly see his Longing for her and the mess in his Mind fighting against each Other. For now she was just glad that he feels the same and nothing could take that from her. She Chuckled and playfully cupped up his chin with her nose and whispered into his neck.
"As long as I can be by your side it's fine. No matter how long you need to sort out your feelings I will be waiting for you. We have been waiting for this for a long time now so what is a little more right?"
Sunny could feel his body reacting to hers and Knew that it would get harder resisting her with each second they stayed in bed. So before things really escalated he stood Up and Manifested some Clothes out of Shadows.
"So you Have noticed My plan of tipping the scales so you would finally let your body do what it desperately wants?"
She said amused while also standing up from the bed. Her hands traced down his arms until she met his hands with hers and linked them. He let out a sigh and gave her a smile before he nodded.
"You are a Treacherous Woman, you Know that?"
She Chuckled and laid her head on his shoulder while wrapping her arms around him.
"I had the best teacher in 2 worlds. Back then he was just a Charming boy in front of the Academy gates but now He is a Breathtaking young Man with Raven Black Hair and Onyx eyes. Not only that but he's the Man I fell in Love with all those years ago and was too scared to admit it."
She whispered Into his ear which caused him to Chuckle.
"I can hardly believe that There is something the Elusive Changing Star could learn from an Outskirt Rat like me. But I'm glad that I was of Use."
She just nodded and tried to control herself while being So close To him. Their hearts synced again while the Room was Absolutely Silent. Nephis never had to deal with those feelings but now she was in Heat. Her body Longing for the Man in her arms to throw her onto the bed and do Unspeakable things to her like she had dreamed countless of times.
'I hope he Feels ready for more than just hugging sooner rather than later because my body is screaming at me to throw myself at that man.'
3 years of total Separation have turned Nephis into a desperate and Obsessing Woman, that much was even clear to her now.
"How about I stay here for the Night? It's already getting late and you surely want a little company, right? Of course we don't have to do anything but I really don't wanna sleep alone tonight."
Sunny laughed heartily and pulled her closer.
"Are you perhaps trying to overwhelm me with your love so I just let go of my worries and rip Your clothes from your body?"
Nephis distant herself a little so she could see his face again and asked with a soft voice.
"Perhaps, is it working?"
Sunny pulled her closer and put his forehead against hers before he answered with a soft smile.
"It does, so I will be delighted to have you keep me company here in my Café."
There were multiple reasons for that of course. Not just the fact that Sunny indeed felt a little lonely sometimes but also that they will be able to build their relationship much better that way. Although Sunny has Forgotten, Nephis remembers the time where she lived with him in his house and missed that time.
"Should we go downstairs? The others are surely waiting for us. I don't even know for how long we have been up here."
Nephis asked, still hugging him. A part of her just didn't want to let go of him no matter what. Sunny just chuckled and caressed Her head before Answering with a Kiss on her forehead.
"I think we should. They have run out of Liquor and nearly sobered up already. We have been up here for 4 hours and… 36 minutes already."
Nehpis frowned while looking for a clock. She couldn't see one so of course she was confused by how Sunny knew exactly how long they had been up here.
"How do you know that so precisely? And how do you know that they have run out of Liquor?"
Her voice was more than a little confused before it finally hit her. With awe in her Voice she spat.
"You have been down there with a Clone talking With them while we were up here Crying out hearts out?"
Sunny shrugged and gave her a smirk before opening the Door for Nephis.
"Yes, although I would have loved to give you all of my attention, with my Aspect that will almost never be the Case. I would have to summon all my Shadows back for that. But trust me when I say That you got like…80% of my Attention All for yourself."
Sunny In that moment saw something he was sure never To expect from The Legendary Changing Star. The woman….Pouted.
Mumbling to herself she walked out while pulling Sunny behind her.
"Unbelievable…80% that's….I'm not good at math. How many Clones Is that worth? Considering he must be a Titan it should be….ahhh fuck it, let's just say it was the majority so I should be grateful…I guess."
(The math would be pretty easy actually, I'm just lazy so I made Nephis Bad at math.)
Together hand in hand they walked down to the Dining Room. Hours ago the Whole thing was still in shambles but now that the Mimic has done its work everything is back to normal…well except for the 5 Saints and a Mundane Girl still sitting there.
'My life had been turned upside down after all.'
Glancing at Nephis he couldn't hold back a smile though.
'I'm glad for that.'
"That look on your face tells us everything, you know?"
Jet said with a Chuckle.
"Have you two finally finished up? I hope you use protection, otherwise we have another Effie Crisis in the near future."
Jet continued without giving the boisterous Huntress a Glance. Which was probably for the Better consideration she was not Happy for being dragged into this just because of one tiny little mistake.
Sunny and Nephis showed different reactions of course. Well, both Sunnys did. Jaws hanging wide open with twitching eyes they both just stood there for a Minute and then one more, before finally Kai released them with a Clap.
"Hey! You two. I hope you had your fun but now we need To get back to the Subject."
Without wasting a single second all three started to shout.
"WE HAVEN'T EVEN KISSED YOU DAMN IDIOTS."
Perfectly in sync like the perfect couple they are.