Reject [chapter twenty-five] (Japan x Reader)

Reject [chapter twenty-five]

"This is for your own good, ___-san. It is far too dangerous for you to live in this world. If I return you to your masters, they can take you home and-"

Kiku stopped in his tracks. He froze and loosened his grip on you, letting your body slip gently from his embrace. You fell to your knees, partly in shock which stopped the tears from streaming, as well.

"W-What is going on…?" he stuttered, clearly confused.

Relief whooshed over you as you realised the Dream Catcher had left his body. "A-Are you okay, K-Kiku-sensei?"

He nodded slowly. "I…think so…what happened?"

Suddenly you gasped as your Mr. Darcy stood a behind Kiku. "Oh, you're here! Thank goodness, I was starting to panic after what happened in the bedroom with you and Kiku-sensei-"

"N-Nani!?" Kiku exclaimed, looking horrified.

"I don't know what happened though, I couldn't see. I only heard noises-"

"What kind of…n-noises?"

"You tried to tie me up, Kiku. Now, kindly hand ___ over to me or I'm afraid I'll have to put you to sleep for a little while."

"Under no circumstances am I handing her back to you. Those monsters only managed to find us because you are here. Your relationship with ___-san has increased since, thus practically handing her to them on a plate."

"I simply care for her, Kiku…when you are that close to someone it becomes difficult to restrain yourself. I cannot bear the thought of never being able to see her again."

"So you are willing to risk her human life for your own selfishness?"

"I'll think of a way around it. I-I have to…"

"___-san, please stand up," Kiku asked you, holding out his hand for support.

You obeyed, taking his hand and pulling yourself up. "P-Please don't fight!"

"We're not fighting, love," Mr. Darcy told you, making your heart skip a beat. "Kiku, please let ___ go. A Dream Catcher is possessing you, but if you let her come with me I can get rid of it."

"I am not being possessed; the monster is gone because of my feelings towards ___-san. The strength and responsibility to be her guardian shone through the darkness. I care for her as much as you and I believe it shows; I would not have been able to overcome how I felt whilst that thing was inside of me unless a really strong feeling or spell brought my mind back to reality."

"…You wouldn't have said all that if there was one inside of you now, either," Mr. Darcy said, looking quite relieved.

Kiku gave your hand an unintentional squeeze; his other one was clenched in a tight ball. "And what of you? How can we be sure you are not possessed yourself?"

"You're just going to have to trust me."

Kiku narrowed his eyes; it reminded you of Yao. "…What do we do now?"

"This haven is no longer safe. You must leave with ___ and I will take care of the remaining Dream Catchers."

After returning to the apartment you shared with Kiku, Mr. Darcy, Alfred and Matthew, Kiku helped you pack all of your belongings and took you to the airport so you could return to Tokyo together on an earlier flight. Everyone else was to stay for the rest of the week if they so wished; after all, they were only in danger as long as you were there. A silent tear rolled down your cheek at the thought.

"___-san…?" Kiku murmured; he appeared to have been watching you.

"Yes, Kiku-sensei?" you replied, unaware of the tear.

"…" he made a noise, but was unable to say a word.

"I'm so sorry…I've become such a burden to everyone…"

"Please do not think that way."

"I can't help it!"

"Well let me tell you this: I do not believe I am the only one, but I am glad your previous guardian gave you this life. Would you like to know why?"

You nodded, incapable of thinking of a reason.

"Because I have made a friend; one that I intend on keeping."

Heat rapidly found its way to your cheeks as a genuine smile crept upon your lips. "Thank you, Kiku-sensei…and, um…well, I…I feel the same way. I suppose I should call you Kiku-chan from now on, then…"

The colour of Kiku's cheeks changed to match yours at your comment and he was unable to meet your eyes. "H-Hai. You are right. ___-chan always sounded better in my head..."