“⠀it’s only going to take as long as you make it to be. i could’ve stayed and fought, but this ring wouldn’t be on my finger if i did.⠀”

right hand gently holding left hand and ring finger.

“⠀never been more happy and at peace in my life. i wish you can experience this soon.⠀”

“⠀that only sounds like you’re taking a short break than a retirement.⠀”

left hand raising to rub her forehead.

“⠀whatever. it’s better than nothing, i just hope you realize that retiring is better than a break. like, don’t you want what i have?⠀”

“⠀yes, but, these should be your last. there shouldn’t be anymore, and you can’t be everyone’s savior or trump card forever. they have to be able to do this without you.⠀”

another sigh from her.

“⠀your happy ending is waiting for you. i got mine because i drove myself there, i didn’t delay it.⠀”

“⠀out situations are different because i was able to gain what i can’t risk. you haven’t gotten that chance, you did, but you rejected it to stay in the fight.⠀”

her left hand placing itself on her hip.

“⠀i understand why you want to stay, but you deserve this break. i’m sure riku would agree.⠀”

“⠀yes . . . i feel that way too sometimes. my friends are still out there fighting alongside you, and the rest. i don’t want them hurt but . . . i have too much to abandon.⠀”

looking down to her side.

“⠀but you’ve already done so much. you’re doing too much now.⠀”

“⠀you’re only delaying your retirement. do you have a problem with living peacefully? are you too used to the sound, action, and near death experiences?⠀”

a small sigh.

“⠀why delay your break? your happy ending doesn’t avoid you, it cannot move, you simply have to move towards it, not away.⠀”

“⠀you wouldn’t be letting anyone down if you wished to take your well deserved break. they can’t criticize you for that.⠀”

rubbing her left hand behind her back.

“⠀i read a few people’s minds when i was around, i know one who could tell you that it’d be wise to retire while you still can. ⠀“

“⠀i don’t think they really need you, maybe as a moral support but not to fight. i know some of my friends are still active but i’ve stopped.⠀”

clearing her throat while putting her hands behind her back.

“⠀there are others to fight instead. just as strong as you, you don’t have to stay.⠀”

staring at him, unfazed by his outburst.

“⠀all you did is prove me right.⠀”

pausing for a moment. reflecting on past events.

“⠀you’ve retired, why haven’t you gotten your happy ending? you’re looping back to these outbursts and frustration, instead of settling down.⠀”

“⠀i don’t think i have anything important to do right now, and you’re still doing it. you’re not letting yourself open up, you’re beginning the process of bagging things.⠀”

“⠀you’ve exploded back to back before. you’re still holding things in, this could be a simple vent, no yelling involved. if you let it be. ⠀”