It was a warmer morning than usual, making it the perfect time to visit your usual spot on the rooftop. Whether it was for five minutes or an hour, it had become a routine for you whenever you didn't have morning operations.

Today was a little different.

Despite the conflicting emotions that pleaded your heart to turn around and walk the other way, you decided to enter the SF living room. The SF living room where many warm memories resided, where everyone would gather together and experience a safe normalcy. You opened the door.

"Empty..." you sighed.

You could fill this lonely, cold room with your imagination. Let's see... The rich smell of coffee would waft through the room thanks to Elias making his usual caffeine fix. You bet Caleb would be playing video games on the TV, dragging Amias along with him. Cecil would be behind them on the couch, trashing Caleb's skills in a playful banter.

What else––oh! Sara would be cheering the boys on whilst doing some online window shopping on her phone. Lyle would be meal prepping in the kitchen with Elias, or he would've just gotten back from training. Jade would be invested in the game Caleb and Amias are playing, asking questions about the mechanics. And Finn...

He would watch over everyone with a fond smile.

You walked into the room and approached the bulletin board that everyone decorated. Polaroid pictures curated over the past year were on it, a mesh of different aesthetics; messy, but they worked in a unique harmony. There were even a few photos that featured your apparition companions. You remembered when you first formally introduced them to everyone.

"So..." Sara looked at the apparition children, then at Alastor, then Mochi. "You adopted four kids and a dog?"

Alastor groaned. "I'm eighteen."

Jade's eyes were sparkling at Mochi. You felt bad she couldn't pet the apparition.

"My special ability lets me bring apparitions into my book," you said. "Don't ask me how it works. It's complicated."

"That is certainly unique," Elias mumbled. "Working with apparitions as an exorcist."

Caleb threw an arm over your shoulder. "Miss support is special, after all. Which is why she is my favourite~"

The twins nodded. "Yeah! Big sister is super special."

"Oh?" Caleb laughed. "You two know what's up."

You couldn't help but chuckle a little at the memory of your apparition friends.

Apparitions... Shen.

"I love you... I love you so much; I love you to where it is wonderfully unbearable."

Shen's words left a lasting impression, yet you felt as if they'd melt like delicate snowflakes under the sun. Something fragile and destined to disappear. Though his words conveyed his affections towards you, you still understood aspects of his sentiments.

You loved this world.

Anomalous helped you get through the lonely days of university, helped you push through your writer's block, rekindled your love for storytelling, and gave you a means of escapism. You loved watching the characters grow, and you felt inspired to do the same. You'd laugh with them, cry with them, experience their pain and joys.

You really loved the world of Anomalous.

"Oh, didn't think someone else would be here as well."

You turned around and saw Cecil enter the room.

"What brings you here?"

"Reminiscing. We have a lovely collection of photos." Cecil hummed. "And I also remembered there was some unfinished alcohol..."

"Drinking this early in the morning?"

Cecil opened one of the cabinet doors. "Hey, I've been good these days."

"... Can I join?"

Judging from the slight pause in Cecil's actions, he didn't expect that question from you.

"Finally fell for my charms?" Cecil smiled. "I'll give you a spoiler. The answer is yes to your confession."

You rolled your eyes and helped Cecil set up the drinks. You two sat on the table near the bulletin board. Cecil's bartender habits must've slipped into his actions because he naturally poured the alcohol with a certain professional grace.

You downed the glass in one go and got to witness the sight of a very surprised Cecil.

"... Do you want the whole bottle?"

"Nah, don't feel like getting tipsy right now. Just needed that burn," you said. "Anyway, did you come to put another photo on the bulletin board?"

Cecil smiled. "Look at our little mind reader here. I've wanted to hang up this specific photo for a while now; however... Well, you can see for yourself."

Cecil slid over a polaroid whilst he took a sip of his drink. You examined it. Ah, you recognised this. A fond smile appeared on your face before you could register it. A sleepover with the entire SF in this very living room. Caleb brought those galaxy projectors with him so the room was filled with pretty stars and colours.

Everyone was having fun.

Finn was in the picture. In the centre as well. The sleepover was supposed to celebrate his birthday, after all.

"If only things weren't so complicated, but then again life would be dull without it." Though Cecil's tone was playful, it was different from usual.

You remained silent. Finn... you want to protect your family. You'll stop everything if that is accomplished, right?

Cecil shot you a confused look when you stood up. You walked over to the bulletin board and stuck the photo Cecil brought on to the board.

"Maybe they don't have to be so complicated. Despite everything, everything here is still genuine, I don't see an issue putting this up."

"Oh?" Cecil Laughed. "I might've fallen for you there, (Y/n)."

"Feel free to tell me how the ground feels."

You folded your arms and took a step back. You were in a good amount of the photos. All these pictures... When you leave this world...

What would happen to your face in them?

... Shit.

That bitter loneliness pestered your heart again. However––however, you...

You'd rather shoulder this lonely feeling than see a future where your friends couldn't smile. And, even though cruel, you should at least be glad that both your friends and yourself would forget each other once you left.

You nodded to yourself. I've gained a little more resolve.

"You look deep in thought," Cecil commented. "... You will let me in on your ambition, right?"

Cecil's voice caught you off guard. You looked back at him.

Unbeknownst to you, under his smooth smile and steady tone, Cecil was incredibly anxious. That distant look in your eyes, your calm words and peaceful demeanour––it all made him anxious.

"Yeah," you responded, a thin smile on your lips. "I'll be counting on everyone to help me."

That wasn't the answer Cecil wanted. He knew your ambition was great. In fact, it was likely grand to where he couldn't comprehend it.

"Don't leave me out of the fun, okay? You've got a lot going on. Take care of yourself––or you can let me do it." He winked. "Free of charge."

Cecil could only utter these cowardly words—words his younger self would have laughed at in disappointment. You were someone Cecil liked a lot, cherished. You helped his ambitions grow, you never doubted his abilities, and you were a kind individual. You were someone who always desired something greater, a trait he admired. However, this time, it scared him.

You laughed at Cecil's words. "I'll keep it in mind––oh, I just got notified for an operation. I'll see you later."

Cecil's dazed state made him too slow to call out to you. You exited the room with a wave and Cecil was left alone.

"Ah..."

He felt like he had lost you.

₊˚⊹⋆₊˚⊹⋆

You massaged your right shoulder as you stepped into the library of the AEI building. Long day of work. Apparitions have been growing stronger and operations are becoming more frequent. There was no way they all originated from within the city. Most of them had come from outside and managed to bypass the two AEI secondary buildings stationed at opposite ends of the city.

You had to rely on Alastor's abilities more often than you'd like. Mochi helped you a lot when it came to taking care of the citizens whilst you were preoccupied. The children were a massive help, but you could tell they were reaching their limit. Plus, SF members rarely worked together unless it was a big operation. You were assigned to three operations in one day where you worked with another SF member.

Every passing day was a reminder of the city's dire state.

"A good book will fix me," you mumbled.

You browsed the selection of books and familiar titles caught your eye. What you didn't expect was to bump into a certain gold-eyed exorcist.

"(Y/n)!" Amias' face lit up. "Did you eat? Are you tired from operations? I can make something for you. Oh! Would you like a massage?"

The guy was sparkling. You swore he was.

"Yes, I did eat. I'm pretty tired, but I shouldn't have any night operations. No need to make anything for me. I just had dinner with my previous support team. Hold your thought on that massage. I might need it."

Yeah, you've gotten pretty used to Amias fretting over every aspect of your wellbeing.

"Okay, feel free to let me take over any operations you have."

If you denied it, Amias would show a cute frown and protest. The best way to respond was to just nod and smile.

"What are you planning to read?" you asked.

"Sara recommended a novel to me. It should be... Here."

Amias showed you the book and you immediately recognised it.

"Do you know this?" Amias asked. "You always seem to know every book."

...

It was smut.

"I do. I recommend it. In fact, you should read it right now. On the same table as me." You grabbed a random book from the shelf without even glancing at its cover. "I already got my read."

"That sounds good!"

Sweet poor Amias was so oblivious to your intentions.

You jumped into the sofa and Amias laughed in amusement, telling you to be careful. As you opened the book, you basked in the library's peaceful ambiance. Silence, good company, and a good book. However, you weren't actually reading. Your main objective was to gauge Amias' reactions. Amias' expression was intense and focused. Was it because you recommended the book as well? He always held your opinion in such high regard.

Hm? His eyes grew a little wide.

You held your book up closer to your face as if that would somehow hide the fact that you were spying on Amias. Luckily, he was too focused on the novel to notice your stare. Amias fluttered his eyes and you noticed his gaze flickering back and forth on a certain line, as if he was frantically re-reading it.

Oh, this was so good.

He paused. Then his cheeks were flushed in a pink blush.

You held back a snicker. I feel bad. Anyways, let's tease him.

"What's wrong, Amias?"

The poor boy jumped at the sound of your voice.

"U-uhm." Amias cleared his throat. "Nothing, don't worry. How is your book?"

"A slow start, but a pretty cool concept," you spoke at rapid speed. "How about you?"

Amias looked like he mentally cursed at the fact that you directed the conversation back to him.

"Th-the characters are really charming! We get very intimate––I mean. We get to know them personally! We explore a lot of their character."

"Mhm, I bet they also explore each other's bodies."

Amias looked at you with wide eyes.

"... (Y/n)." He pouted. "You're teasing me."

You giggled. "Sorry. Are you mad?"

Amias huffed and closed the book, but it was more adorable than intimidating. You wanted to pinch his cheeks so badly.

"You know I can never get mad at you. Do you read books like this?"

"Oh yeah, all the time. Even during our weekly reading sessions."

"Really? But you have such a straight face."

"It comes with experience," you said. Maybe a little too proudly. "You like to read romances, right? I never asked, but what's your favourite trope?"

Amias was a little sheepish. "It sounds cliche, but I like love at first sight. Knowing that someone is your soulmate through an instinctive feeling... It reminded me of how I felt when I first saw you."

You were about to yap Amias' ear off about how love at first sight could totally be a valid trope if done right (along with providing fifty media examples) however, his last words caught you off guard.

"You thought I was your soulmate?"

"Sort of." Amias chuckled. "Do you remember our first meeting?"

How could you not? It was an operation that involved the vengeful apparition––Alastor. You were inexperienced and your resolve was weak. On the cold floor, you laid there, wondering if your second life was going to end, wondering if you were going to die with your heart filled with regrets. Those heavy emotions were more painful than your injuries.

Then Amias appeared. Your first ever meeting with the protagonist of Anomalous.

To be honest, you would've cried in relief if Amias hadn't initiated a conversation. Someone who you last saw with dull and exhausted eyes, and hands stained with blood––yet, in that moment, he looked so innocent, naive.

"I remember," you replied.

"It was strange. I had never met you prior, but I felt safe around you. It was like we had known each other for a long time." Amias smiled. "I liked you the moment we first met."

... And to think you even considered the possibility of killing Amias if you couldn't stop his massacre at the end of the story. A kind person who was put in an unfortunate position, a protagonist forced to shoulder this city's burden.

Your throat felt dry. "I..."

I want to protect Amias.

"I'm surprised you thought of me like that considering how I was all beaten up." You strained a laugh. "If anything, you made me feel safe. I'm sure an apparition would have possessed me eventually if you didn't show up."

The damned reset button. Whatever the other entity was, you despised it for enforcing control onto Amias. What he went through would drive anyone over the edge. The system wanted to give Amias control because this city was going to collapse soon. Meaning, if you could resolve everything with your sacrifice, there was no need for that control. If you played your role as an author, everyone could live safely and happily.

This game had given you a lot, so you suppose this was a suitable form of saying thanks.

"You've saved me countless times after that, more times than you could imagine." Amias smiled fondly, his expression as gentle as the light touch of a cloud. "That's why I want to protect you. I'd do anything. As long as you're here... I'll be okay."

Amias' voice trailed off to a desperate whisper. His words seemed harmless on the surface, sweet even, but knowing his attachment towards you made you worry. Amias was dependent on you. Too dependent. Though, you'd be a hypocrite to criticise him when you had used that very loyalty to make sure he didn't use the reset button.

It's fine. His memories of me are going to be wiped once I leave.

But you were worried about what would happen during the time you're still here. You've been exposed to countless media, you're not oblivious to what could happen when someone became too attached to another. You hoped Amias hadn't done anything, even though you could not imagine him to do anything to harm others.

"Amias," you said. "How far would you go to protect me?"

"Anything." Amias replied. "There's no limit when it comes to you."

"Even hurting others?"

You hoped your casual delivery mitigated any accusatory undertones in your words. Amias froze and remained silent. Oh. You didn't expect this reaction.

Amias wasn't the kind to lie, especially towards you. So he chose silence.

"Amias?"

"Ah..." He looked conflicted. "I promise I didn't directly hurt anyone! But uhm... I..."

You felt your heart drop. Was this because of you? Should you have tapered down your influence on Amias? Not reveal too much about what you knew of his abilities? Figured out ways you could have gotten the others to help him?

"Who was it?" you asked.

"..."

"Amias." Your tone was a little more stern, to which Amias flinched at. "Who was it?"

He avoided your gaze. "Brynn."

Not your favourite person considering her attitude towards you, but she wasn't an outright villain. Hell, even if she was, you didn't want Amias hurting others for you.

"Tell me what happened."

Amias winced at your words. He looked like a puppy who got kicked. Even so, he told you everything; from the apparition attack to him watching the ceiling collapse onto Brynn. During his explanation, he was anxiously assessing your expression, searching for any sign of anger.

You listened closely and did your best to keep a neutral face.

"She was going to get in your way." Amias reasoned. "She said horrible things about you without any remorse, it was inevitable that she would do even worse things."

You didn't respond, still processing what Amias had just told you. Your silence made him panic. Amias left his seat and drew closer to you before kneeling down. Glancing up, he smiled tentatively.

"(Y/n), you have to understand," he pleaded. "It was for your sake. You already have so many things to worry about. It was the best move. Besides, Brynn is still alive and there are no life threatening injuries. It's alright."

You didn't respond again. Amias was reassuring Brynn was alive for your sake, but behind those innocuous gold eyes, you had a feeling Amias wouldn't feel remorse if Brynn had sustained worse injuries.

"(Y/n)?" Amias' voice trembled. "Please say something. Are you mad at me? I won't do it again, okay? I promise––"

"Amias."

A relieved smile graced his lips. Amias looked ready to lay his life down for you. "Yes?"

"This isn't about me," you whispered. "I don't want your hands to be stained with blood. I don't want you to hurt others because you feel like you have to for me."

Knowing about Amias' massacre––seeing the exhaustion etched into his face, and how ill-suited the colour red was on his skin––that was the last thing you wanted.

"When you make such a pained expression, I don't know what to do." Amias gently held your hand. "(Y/n), you don't need to worry about me. I'm at my happiest when I do things for you. You take on everything by yourself. I... I know I said you didn't have to tell me everything, but..."

Amias held your hand to his cheek, nuzzling into it with a comforted smile on his lips. However, his eyebrows were knitted together in worry. What left his lips was a quiet, shaky whisper.

"I feel so anxious. I don't know much about your situation, so you can slip away at any moment. It scares me so much."

Ah, that made sense. It was easy to let one's thoughts go out of hand if they lacked answers to soothe their worries. Amias' loyalty towards you made him an understanding and patient person, but it also made him a lot more sensitive to anything related to you.

"Feel free to use me however you like. If you're happy, I am too. Remember that, okay?" Amias smiled and you swore there was something... different in his eyes. "... The only thing I won't compromise on is my place by your side."



A/n: ... wild.

Anyways, mc slowly getting more resolve in her leaving this word! I wonder what would be the final straw?? In fact, how would she even leave or save the city??? Mmm, questions. Cecil interaction was fun to write. Missed my flirtatious man.