Snug

[Leo]

"Mnmmnnh..." Leo mumbled, pulling his legs up as he curled, deep in his sleep. His black shoulder-length hair straggled everywhere on the bench he's sleeping on, and although he looks like a homeless man sleeping on the bench littered at the sides of the Quekkori Village main path, Leo seems to be absolutely peaceful napping there.

It's probably an hour passed noon, and what's more it's peak hour, where everyone went out to get themselves lunch. That's why the main road of the village is rather packed with people rushing to their favored destinations. All the noise didn't seemed to disturb the sleeping artist at all, though.

Every day, Leo had already settled at least half an hour specially for himself to take his daily afternoon nap, and him being a rather odd individual, he'd nap anywhere. Sometimes on a random roof, sometimes in the middle of the road, sometimes in a boat carrying him off the river-course, but mostly just anywhere he can lean his head down.

"The cows are smiling..." he maundered in his sleep, smiling a bit by a dream probably, and just snuggled in his makeshift blanket that is his scarf comfortably.

[Open]

[Deleted]

Tap, Tap, Tap, Tap. The sounds of Mitsuko's dainty shoes made a tapping noise as she walked into Quekkori Village. She had heard about this village before from all of the locations that Jean had listed in his file. As a bounty hunter it was Jean's job to keep track of all the places that existed in this domain. As she read Jean's report about Quekkori Village the angel got so intrigued to visit it, but she never got a chance to, until now that is.

As she walked she looked at all the scenearies and the animals that were there. It was a beautiful little country town, especially in winter. Even the villagers were nice too, they had even offered her free samples of some of their products that they made with their own two hands, and out of respect and kindness she accepted their offer. Mitsuko even took a few pictures with them, since she was another new visitor to the village, and just touring the place, and when you are touring a place that you have never been to before well you take pictures.

Soon after Mitsuko continued on her tour, but at the corner of her eye she saw a young man sleeping on a bench. and thinking it was a homeless person, she went over to him and took out some money from her tote bag and put it in his "blanket" namely his scarf. As she got a closer look at the man's face she saw that this man was no one other than her friend Leo.

A year has passed since she helped nursed him back to health, and what made her so happy was the fact that he looked as healthy as can be. The last time she saw him was at the saloon on Duo's birthday, however it has been a year since she actually had some time to really sit down and chat with Leo alone. And here he was asleep. She didn't want to wake him as he looked so peaceful the way he was but she couldn't help it. Wanting to spend some time with her friend she called out to him.

"Leo....~ Leo~ excuse me sleepy head~ It's me Mitsuko~"

[Leo]

"Numu numu...but they're..cavity imps.." Leo mumbled in his sleep, shifting his shoulders a bit when someone tries to call into his subconscious mind. After a few twitches here and there, one of his eyelids finally fluttered open slightly.

"Mmn..?" The sleep from his eyes hasn't quite disappeared yet, but the young man pulls up his hand to rub that off. He then pushed himself up to sit on the bench, yawning slightly and stretching his arms. "That was a refreshing nap.." He commented with a sleepy smile to Mitsuko.

Leo shifted to the side a bit, to give Mitsuko room if she wants to sit down, and at the same time pulling off his blanket and folded it neatly back into his scarf. The artist then pulls out his hand-made gizmo that looks like a normal comb at first, until he brushes his hair and a bit of water actually squirts out of it, so it'd be easier for Leo to smooth his wild sleep-induced hair.

After that's done, he turned to look at the angel with a blink of his eyes. "It's certainly nice to see you again on this lovely afternoon, Mitsuko. What are you up to in these parts?" Strange how Leo can look so sleep-deprived one minute and then back into his normal state the next moment.

[Deleted]

She giggled and sat down next to Leo, and gave him a smile. She knew the feeling as well in waking up from a nice nap, unfortunately she didn't have a chance to have a nap in so long, there was lots going on in her life so she was almost always on the move, namely from job to job. She had recently became a registered nurse as well so during a lot of the time she was busy treating sick people.

"Hello Leo. Sorry if I was disturbing you from your nap, but when you want to spend time with someone you can't help but to wake them up. Hahaha. Actually the reason I came to these parts was to do a little bit of touring. I mean I haven't checked this place out yet. So I got curious when I took a look at my adoptive father's Jean's location files. Considering that he's a the head of the bounty hunters... he has this file of all the locations that exist in this domain. So as I read about this village I got so intrigued to visit it. But I never got a chance to, until now that is."

[Leo]

Leo was placing back his beret-styled hat back on his head as he listened to Mitsuko speaking, "Oh, it's no trouble at all. I need to nap for an hour, and it has been an hour." These short naps on the afternoon greatly increases the thinking pattern of a person, and that's a proved fact, so Leo practices to rest his brain for an hour during the highest peak of the sun.

"Touring? In Ianne?" That sounded strange, because Ianne is a one of the most-visited country, since it's the host of the famous Diabolic Domain school, and also a gateway to reach Evnae, another famous country. "Huh. Seems like a lot's been going on with you, bounty hunters as adoptive fathers and all..." The artist turned his head slightly to look at her, even her face looks a bit different...with a stronger resolve, it seems.

"Hm. How is life treating you so far?" Since fate had decided for them to meet, Leo thought it would be nice to get a scoop of whatever's been happening to Mitsuko here. He's gone a long way too since he first arrived in this place, so exchanging stories might be nice.

[Deleted]

"Lots of things actually! It seems to me that you would like to hear about them, hahaha I don't mind sharing updates with a good friend. Well within the beginning of the year... I started to continue my studies in nursing. It has been a life long dream of mine to continue to help people who are unwell, and make them realize that there is hope in every situation that we come across. I was once very sick... Even to the point where... I felt like I was going to die, so much so I made a list of things that I wanted to do before I ended up passing on. Thankfully I didn't die... I made it because of all the love and support from the doctors that treated me."

"That made me realize even more what I wanted to do, and that was return the favor, the favor of healing. But things happened and I wasn't able to pursue my dream... Professionally, until recently. I also.... recovered from being an amnesiac. I don't think I mentioned this to you Leo but when I was 16 years old, I fell, and hit my head. Because of the impact, I lost my memories. Even the memory of my best friend. My very first friend, before I even went to school. But eventually we reunited and everything fell into place.. Like a chain link. I remembered everything about him, and who he is to me."

Mitsuko paused for a second, and then remembered that Leo was an artist like herself, and she knew each artist had a different style in paint, and drawing, and she wanted to make another gift for Zero's room.

"Can you do me a favor if it's not too much trouble Leo. You are an artist like me and I bet you see beauty everywhere you travel to. I.."

The angel blushed a little bit since she was going to ask Leo to draw a picture of Zero, in his style.

"Can you come over to the bounty hunter HQ sometime and secretly draw a picture of my best friend for me in your style? It's a present for him. Not for any occasion in particular but... You see he is very important to me... I want someone else to capture what I truly see in Zero... a hero. But in a different style. I hope this isn't too much to ask of you Leo."

The angel smiled still pink in her cheeks.

[Leo]

Leo let out a weak and faint smile since the angel complied of his request to fill him up with whatever that has happened to her. He nodded in accordance of her news, firstly of her success in continuing her nursing studies. The artist politely congratulated her on that.

"Mmn. I understand that near-death feeling.. Being prone to harm and sickness, the clinic is like my second home. I'm glad what you experienced inspired you to study nursing, we both know how that sort of career can both save and impact many lives," Leo shrugged his shoulders. Actually, he found many of his clients that required his ability of invention and innovation inside a hospital.

Mitsuko's second news startled Leo slightly, amnesia is something that he's not quite familiar with. So the black-haired artist listened intently with a nod every once in a while to show that he understands her flow of story, and smiled at her ending. "That's...very lucky. Not many people can regain back their memory in a case of amnesia.."

Leo was trying to remember who is it that told him of that fact, but then the angel pulled back his attention to her by requesting something of him. "Hmn? A favour..?" He blinked at her curiously, then noted the slight colour on her cheeks. He found this to be peculiar, but he waited until she responded.

"Bounty hunter headquarters? ..That's in Veyyard, right?" His blue eyes traveled upwards to try and remember when was the last time he was in Veyyard, the only place he managed to visit while he stopped by there is the Iron-Maw. And almost how his head decapitated by a band of bandits. Leo shivered at the memory.

"For you, Mitsuko, certainly." Despite his shivering. "I might have a bit of a trouble reaching there..." Since his name is on top of the blacklist of a group of assassins who resides in Veyyard, "..But sure. I'd like to see this boy, whose name brings out a blush in your cheeks."

Plus, he did owed Mitsuko for saving him last time.

[Deleted]

"hahahahahaha! He does make me blush because I'm happy. I get so happy when I talk about him. I share his and my story with people. Almost everyone I have come across ever since I got my memory back, I... mention Zero once or twice.I think sometimes I drive people insane because it's Zero this or Zero that... But if you have been through with losing the memory of the one that impacted your life so much... You can't help but share that joyous feeling with others."

"Leo... I.. Feel like calling you Lee as a nickname. That is if you don't mind. And yes Veyyard is where the bounty hunter's headquarters is located... Though perhaps we should pick a day of when you want to stop by, that way I can come get you. I'm sorry I don't know of any shortcuts to get to the bounty hunter's office in the safest way possible. I don't mind bringing you there myself."

She paused wondering to herself what would happen if she didn't gain back her memories when she met Zero, for the first time in 10 years. She could just imagine how heartbroken he would have been. But thankfully she remembered and it didn't go towards the worst case scenario.

"I see you have changed as well. I feel some really strong warm feelings coming from you. Did you meet someone special too?"

[Leo]

'I wonder if I could ever feel that,' Leo sighed to himself while looking at how simply happy Mitsuko looked, and this is her just talking of her friend. The artist can't really remember when he himself had been that happy...or maybe he never has. Most of his lifetime was spent either being bullied half to death or being trapped inside a forgotten labyrinth alone.

There really isn't a moment when Leo felt truly 'happy', he concluded.

"It's beautiful. Your happiness. You must really treasure this friend of yours very much," he complimented. All Leo could do is to capture that feeling and relive it with a stroke of his hand, creating a painting of some sort that emits the same emotion. Unfortunately, he can't capture it for himself, happiness is never within his grasp internally.

Leo blinked in surprise of the given nickname and almost let out a singular chuckle at that, "Heh.. I don't mind. The name Leonard could pretty much be broken down to any namecall." And that goes in capital letters for bad ones too, thanks to the bullying. When Mitsuko offered to accompany him to Veyyard, the artist couldn't help breathe out a sigh of relief.

"That would be lovely. I don't have any plans...erm, well actually I'm running away from my plans...eheh. So any day when you're free from your whirlwind of jobs, we could go stalk your friend." Really, he's been chased by people wanting him to paint something or create a gizmo for them in masses, so Leo very much like to escape from things that could drag his creativity flow down.

"Hmn?" Leo turned to the angel in surprise of her question, "Have I?" Changed, huh? That doesn't happen often with the ever boring Leo. "Since you asked, yes. I did met someone." Unconsciously, his hand traveled up all the way behind his neck, partly scratching it, partly smoothing his shoulder-length hair.

"She has...saved my life more than a couple of times. I'm not sure how it happened, but we developed quite a sturdy friendship.." A few images of Rayl entered his mind subconsciously as he recalled bits and pieces of their awkward adventures. "Heh. She asked me to get myself a mood ring, which is why I'm here. A client of mine loves to collect these things, so she gave me this free of charge.."

Leo pulled out his left hand, extending his long fingers to show Mitsuko a simple ring on his middle finger. A lone gem shimmered with a peculiar colour there on the ring, and Leo's eyes widened at it. "Wait.....what?"

It's glowing red.

"...This never happened before."

[Deleted]

"That's absolutely wonderful. I'm glad to hear that you bonded with someone who is now dear to you. Have you heard this saying Lee? You don't realize how precious someone is to you until you lose them? That is actually what happened to me and Zero physically. When we were separated... It felt like my whole world came crashing down around me... But that is when I realized even more that Zero wasn't just a friend. HE is a best friend. I need him in my life. I want him to stay."

"Like your friend that saved you Zero saved me. in more ways than one."

Mitsuko stayed quite with a serene look to her face as Leo explained the significance of the mood rings.

"Mood rings.. Hey think of it like friendship rings that symbolize your friendship with the one that you hold dear to you. I have a ring too but its not a mood ring. See? My ring is a butterfly with the word engraved best on it... and Zero's is an eagle ring that has the word engraved friend on it. Notice how these two creatures on our rings has wings? Wings are a symbol of being free..."

" Zero and I both set each other free from everything that bothers us."

Mitsuko looked at Leo's mood ring.

"Red? Hahaha doesn't that mean love? Do you have feelings of love for your friend as well?"

[Leo]

Leo could only offer a small smile to her at her saying and nodded understandably. He can relate to that, and so are the majority of the population here. He can pretty much tell if someone has lost somebody precious to them just by staring at them. It's probably his artistic senses that made it possible for him to detect these things.

"Friendship...rings?" Leo repeated questionably, that was probably the first he heard of it. He glanced at the ring that decorated Mitsuko's finger and blinked at it with a pause. "Doesn't that...equal to engagement rings?" He asked bluntly.

"Of course the purpose of the ring is a bit different, but it represents the same thing; being together." Leo spoke of his view with a smile, then once again question the angel, "Are you sure your feelings for him are that of friendship only?"

He chuckled lightly and then sighed with a smile, "Ah. No, the colour red of this ring means excitement. I must have gotten carried off talking like this, my apologies." His blue eyes stared down at the ring on his finger, watching it calmly, "I'm just surprised that I'm able to feel something."

[Deleted]

"Depending on the circumstance between the two people then yes friendship rings could equal a promise to the other that they will marry each other, and they are committed to each other. I have feelings of love for Zero, so much so we established a spiritual marriage.

Which means a strong emotional connection between a man and woman, but without romantic love. That love I feel for Zero isn't romantic... but it is love regardless. I don't see why I should deny it you know Lee? I haven't experienced love in so long... As in someone protecting me from as much pain as possible. For making sure that I am safe... to make sure that I am okay..."

"All of these things are a result of love. Love is such a delicate thing whether it be romantic or not it's still delicate. It can be easily be broken if you don't nurture it. It won't end though. Because my love for him is endless. It will protect him, it will help him rise to the greatest challenges, it will heal him but most importantly it will remind him I am with him. Just like our friendship. It is an unbreakable bond. Like this ring for example... A ring is a full circle.. and it never breaks. It just stays in a perfect circle no matter how you spin it."

"And hahaha don't apologize its natural to be excited in catching up with someone... and everyone can feel what's in their heart. You just have to pay attention."

Mitsuko smiled at him.

"I have a strong feeling that this person changed you, and made you realize certain things about yourself you wouldn't have come to known without someone being that source of encouragement. It's like Zero and I. I taught him many things. And he has taught me things. From that we grow. If you and your friend care for each other deeply past the friendship.. I am sure your love will be pure happiness."

[Leo]

Leo politely stayed silent and occasionally nodded as he hears out Mitsuko's explanation, but then again, he's Leo. The ever-curious question-driven thinker. "Um..excuse me, if I may ask you something?" He apologized for interrupting her first before bringing forth his question, "If you have...spiritually married this young man..then why not just...technically get married?"

Leo scratched the nape of his neck a bit, while trying to word out his thoughts neatly into a hopefully clear statement, "When you two have such a deep chemistry and compatibility, then what do you got to lose?" His questions sounds so direct and blunt, but the artist doesn't mean to discomfort anyone, he just likes to take things straight-forwardly.

"Really. Love is a confusing subject. Sometimes, when you spent most of your life alone and lacking love, you often misinterpret your feeling of love to someone. In most cases, you regard him as your true friend, but you actually truly love him MORE than as a friend. This is based on true facts," Leo nodded at her gently with a smile. He doesn't mean to push her, but just by this short chat they have about this boy named Zero, the artisan can tell pretty much just how much she cares about the boy.

"My apologies for rambling. I'm not an expert in this particular topic, but I do know, that timing is of great importance." He doesn't normally enjoy chats, usually he's the one listening, but two-way communication can be lovely occasionally.

At least Mitsuko knows when she loves someone, that sort of understanding is what Leo lacks, he realized this. So while Mitsuko is ahead, he wishes to at least help her in what he knows. When it's his turn to reflect on his own feelings, Leo darted his attention downwards with a small smile.

"I have yet to understand myself and my own feelings. Perhaps that person DID changed me," Leo then let out a faint chuckle, "Somehow, I find it that the more we open up, the more awkward it gets."

[Deleted]

"Thank you so much for explaining and sharing your knowledge about love and relationships. I never knew that love could be misinterpreted when a person lacks love because of being alone for so long.. That is true Leo. Thank you for making me realize this,. Now it is my turn to help you."

She smiled at him and placed a hand on his shoulder gently.

"Is this your first time in being touched by someone who understands you? From the way you speak of this person, it seems that you and her have a bond developing so much so that it surprises you, and maybe even leave you at a loss for words. People react differently when they start having a chemistry, and opening up to the other. While Zero and I do have embarrassing moments, we let each other know how much we need the other.

"Whenever I tell him how badly I have been treated or if he sees me in any danger... His little trigger in his brain will set off, and he'd defend me. No one can stop him from his anger except when I hug him. I really do appreciate what he does for me."

"Lee eventually you and this young woman will become closer. No matter how awkward it may seem right now as you two open up, eventually you both will become comfortable. Open communication is so important in order to keep a relationship alive as well as love, trust and honesty."

[Leo]

Leo was a bit startled by the sudden thanking by the angel that he immediately responds with, "Ah! No no, no thanks necessary. Please." He bowed his head slightly towards Mitsuko respectfully, inwardly thanking his mother for stressing on politeness rather than confrontation in delivering his opinions.

At Mitsuko's turn on presenting her ideas, Leo listened attentively with full attention. "Understanding..?" The last person who had touched him deeply is his mother. But then she got beaten to death by the tax collectors, so since then Leo had subconsciously began to close up from the world. He doesn't let anybody else to touch his heart.

Still, the angel has a point. This sort of thing does surprised him, to the point that he can't think straight. And being born a thinker, that's a very pressing matter. "Hmm...." Out of habit, Leo puts his hand around the lower part of his face, possibly trying to comprehend Mitsuko's words of wisdom.

"So communication is important.." He mumbled under his palm, eyes gazing sideways when his chain of thoughts was interrupted with a problem. Immediately, he turned to look at the angel in puzzlement, "But then what should I do if both of us are not very good in conveying feelings? ..Nor talking about it." It's like there's a slab of wall preventing them to connect, more so.

Now that he realized it, he and Rayl are never the talkative type, but rather began to connect through silent easily-missed gestures. They never talked, but just through each others hidden motions, they connect. There's no slab of wall in between them, or rather there is but it's holographic.

"I think I get it now. Thank you very much, Mitsuko."