Glory

When Koumori's soft skin touched her own she opened her eyes and stiffened as well. She felt her heart beat slow at last and become the irregular pace she was used to whenever her... boyfriend was around he had certain special effects on her for some reason. His warm breath felt just as reassuring as the whispered words but of course Glory couldn't help but feel even more guilt once reminded of what she did. _{"I-I was scared..."} Glory started talking when her head lifted to meet eyes with Koumori. _{"...and what I-I did at the b-beginning... I-I started having nightmares that didn't s-stop!"} She was hysterical and a complete mess by now. _{"J-Just people that were d-dead a-and blaming me for e-everything... f-for letting them die. E-Even Rikuto hated m-me... Even hahaoya (mother) a-and chichioya (father)..."} She lifted a hand to wipe away her tears with the long pink sleeve she had but they wouldn't stop no matter how many times she got rid of them from her cheeks. Her arms lifted and hands touched Koumori's own cheeks when he seemed about to cry which upset Glory. _{"P-Please don't c-cry! I-It's m-my fault isn't it!?"} She felt the most awful she had in a long time.

At the sound of her name she froze still and shut her eyes so tight that it hurt. Sakura growled and backed away from Glory in order to move and protect her owner from the stranger. But that voice sounded very very familiar and she decided to just turn around and see who it was after thinking about it for too long. Her brown eyes widened when she turned but Glory had to lift her head since she was still on her knees. Tears were already formed and trickling down her cheeks which caused her to begin sniffling. _"Koumori..." She whispered and her heart beat picked up especially when she thought of their last time together. Her boyfriend... she nearly forgot what he was to her and felt so much guilt inside that it hurt. She jumped to her feet in the next second and wrapped her arms around him without any hesitation. Sakura was confused and sat there when she realized this person wasn't a stranger at all. _{"...P-Please don't hate me..."} She placed her head against his chest and continued to cry because she couldn't stop the tears from flowing. What would he think of her now? Her body trembled at the thought of him leaving her or maybe having found a different and better girl that actually kept in contact. Her heart beat was now so fast that her breathing could hardly keep up.

Glory had been on floor 8 before. She loved exploring the towns and villages, her favorite had to be Honey Dew Town and all because the name was fun to say. Now she was outside the safe-zones she had come to love and became nervous at the thought of being attacked. She could probably take a threat or two but if a gang were to arrive... Glory decided to think of different things instead. A while ago she messaged Teayre to join her and sent what she hoped was the correct location to her spot. The red-head seemed strong and confident and a bit "spicy" to Glory which were all things she wished she could be one day. Probably not. Out of the nervous feeling in the pit of her stomach she fondled with the leather strap across her chest that held her claymore and shook a little. Teayre was the one to offer meeting her anywhere... Why was she so nervous?

Glory sat on her knees and scratched behind the ears of her best friend and familiar Sakura. The wolf pup made a grunting noise which Glory had come to learn after spending so much time with her meant that Sakura was enjoying the attention. She was in the middle of the High Fields of Crossing and unlike other players, all alone. For a while she decided to leave and retreat to her inn room for days and days just because her sorrow got the best of her. Now she wished with all of her heart that she never did that because she didn't speak to her friends... Not Jevi or Takao or Koumori. All she could think was about how much they would hate her if she tried talking to them. All she could do and does is open her friends list and stare at the names that she isn't brave enough to press a finger to.

"Ohp." Glory skidded to a stop as her face turned red. _{"I-I um... woops..."} She opened up her inventory and offered the red-head 5 materials. _{"A-an extra one... heh. I-I forgot."} She wasn't in a safe-zone... Glory suddenly realized that fact and her hands shook as she squealed quietly. _{"I'm s-so dumb!"} How could she forget something so important? After the heat taking over her face died down she backed up and then turned, frightened. _{"I-I should go now."} She felt her body grow stiff just in front of the door and couldn't move but she managed to push through it anyways.

-5 MATs

Glory had ordered a pretty little bracelet from the Amethyst Boutique and heard from the owner that her order was finished. She skipped giddily all the way to the shop from the teleporter. Her mood hadn't change even as she jumped at the counter excitedly and received the item. Without waiting even a second she equipped it and waved at the red-headed shop owner. _{"Thank you so much!"} Glory left just as happy as she entered.

<Fortune> order picked up

Her face flushed but only temporarily since the shop owner seemed sweet. _{"Thank you!"} She held the slip in her hand and headed for the teleporter.

(was totally half-asleep when i posted that xD thanks though)

_"Eh..." She squealed and scrunched her body up at the sound of the compliment that Koumori gave her. But she felt exactly the same, his words were just perfect. _{"M-My boyfriend."} Glory muttered this under her breath dreamily as Koumori stood up. Her eyes were glossy and she lifted a hand to her lips that felt numb after the last quick one that he gave her. When he became red so did she and all Glory could do was crawl over onto her bed and pull her legs up to her chest along with a pillow to hide her tomato colored face. _"Y-Yeah..." She stared at the porch doors since they were see through to get an idea of what time it was. _{"i-it's getting dark."} After nodding her head and agreeing she opened her inventory to remove the boots and stockings she currently wore. As she moved to lay down she thought of Koumori laying beside her... she had to shake her head to clear her mind and forget all of that. Right now that would be way too much. Glory noticed Koumori looking at her and so she smiled back at him before turning a nearby light off. _{"...Goodnight. I-Is the couch alright?"} She worried that her company... and boyfriend... wouldn't be comfortable. She really did care after all. A boyfriend for herself. Glory wouldn't ever had guessed this would happen at all, especially so suddenly. She wished her friends were here to see so they wouldn't ever be able to tease her again, or maybe even Rikuto... What would he think of everything? Glory knew Koumori was sweet and just perfect for her. All she saw when she closed her eyes was the moment they kissed... _{"Sweet dreams Koumori."}

Glory entered a Blacksmith shop in need of proper armor. She moved towards an attractive looking building and opened the door, smiling softly she ordered from the owner. _{"U-Um... Hi... H-Here's my order..."} A blush covered her cheeks and eyes were focused on her feet rather than the person in front of her.

Name: Providence
ID: 
Item Type: Light Armor
Quality: Perfect
Enhancements: +2 Evasion, +1 Thorns
Description: A light colored cloth mixed with plated armor that creates an equal balance of weight. It meshes with the pants and boots of the owner no matter what the item is. There are ruffles around the neck and it's accented with tiny decorations. This armor will nearly always assist in the accomplishment of winning battles.

She nodded very quickly and couldn't be more sure of anything in her entire life. All she wanted was to be with Koumori... for a long time hopefully... Her mind was literally swarming and her focus was hazy so Glory hardly even noticed when Koumori lifted his hands towards her. The feeling was so intense but she expected this so her heartbeat was more soft than it was quick. She loved the way his eyes looked up close...gorgeous... their noses bumped at first but she relaxed and only smiled at the small accident between them. Her own hands were in her lap and shaking, she wasn't exactly sure what to do with them but Koumori comforted her with his movements. Her mind truly had gone blank since their time together. As if it were instinct her eyelids fluttered shut and body tingled especially when he touched her sides, the odd yet wonderful feeling made her twitch. They must've gotten closer or at least that's what Glory thought as she slowly opened one eye and noticed the distance between their bodies. With the other eye opened she finally felt all her senses come back down from what had to be Heaven. That's exactly what the experience could be described as. Taking one deep breath she tried to make her trembling body still again but that just wasn't working. Finally she lifted a hand and touched the side of Koumori's head, softly touching a piece of his hair before tucking it behind his ear gently. _{"Please... T-That'd be... t-the best gift e-ever. Oh Koumori y-your so funny a-and k-kind..."} She paused and stared at her lap. _{"I-I really w-want to be you're g-g-"} Then her words were stopped as her airways seemed to have been blocked. _{"girlfriend."}

"I-I agree... and i-if it makes you feel better i-i wouldn't tell a soul. I'm sure there's something good for you to tell me... m-maybe." Glory couldn't really tell Jevi if she had nice stories to tell since it wasn't even her own life after all but she did believe that there had to be at least 1 good memory for her guardian angel to talk about in the end. "Of course you're cared about!" Glory reached out and jumped for a side hug that turned into a full one, she wrapped her arms around Jevi and felt warm after doing so. She looked up with a happy and caring grin. "I-I'm glad we met too." After blushing Glory let go feeling like she might've been hanging on for too long even though the embrace felt pretty great. "Y-You gotta have a purpose... w-we all do. Um...where do y-you stay at?" She decided to ask the question since they were already in town and her inn was  nearby.

Koumori was letting go... but she didn't want him to. Not ever. Except before she could pull away as well he reached back for her which wasn't the smartest move since she was already separated from his body they were no longer whole. A quiet squeal stuck in her throat that got out but only made her hiccup as she fell onto the soft blankets of the bed behind them. Where was Koumori? The feeling of weight slamming onto the top of her body answered that question as quickly as she thought it up in her swirling head. She stiffened up and leaned back feeling extremely awkward and possibly the most uncomfortable she's ever been. But then again it was Koumori and she really liked him so things like this should be comfortable. Right? He lifted up and looked at her, he had such pretty eyes that she couldn't probably ever get enough of. Glory tried to speak but instead she hiccuped again before he lowered his head. She wanted badly for Koumori's lips to just touch her's that her heart nearly exploded except he lifted up and didn't do anything at all. A deep sigh escaped from her nose since her mouth was shut closed tight. Glory didn't know how to kiss but if she had to then she would try her best. At least he kissed her on her cheek which filled the yearning her heart urged for. Maybe she wouldn't have been ready? She lifted a hand to the place where he met her skin and held it there, refusing to let go since she never wanted to forget what happened. It was so sweet and tender and soft. And warm. She turned onto her side to look at Koumori and curled up to hold her legs to her chest. _{"I-I...I-t means... wecanbemorethanjustfriends..."} Glory rushed her words but moved a hand to touch Koumori's fist. What was she doing? Being so daring, it just didn't feel right but at the same time was an amazing experience.

With a head against her... her crush's chest Glory could hear the fast paced heart beat coming from the inside. Her heart matched his own in speed but the longer she remained in his arms, the slower her heart pumped which meant her blush must be dying as well. She could get used to moments like this easily and they'd never get old. It felt as if every time she would hug Koumori it'd be just like this first time. Hopefully her wishes came true in the future and she'd also get to hug him at least once a week. How could she go without one after this? The shifting of his head became apparent and Glory tightened the grasp her tiny hands had on the back of his shirt just in case he tried to let go. Except he wasn't and she was glad for that fact or else she would've been disappointed. Koumori read her mind alright and all she could do was hum in response with a slight nod. _"Mmm..." Her mind was blurry so what he said barely registered in her mind. She'd agree to anything right now, so fixated on the way they were so very close and touching sentimentally. All of the awkwardness had definitely passed for now. Afterwards though she knew she'd blush just at the thought of what was taking place.

(sounds good. can't wait to see what you pull out of your sleeve :D always good stuff)

_{"Sounds like a-a pretty name."} She spoke up to add in a kind comment towards his girlfriend even though she'd never met her. Glory did in fact believe the name sounded beautiful and could only imagine how pretty the stranger must be to see. The shop had appeared before them in no time it seemed and had a yarn thread and needle next to a sign that read "Pins and Needles". Inside it was very very large and lavish to a great extent and so astonishing that Glory found herself in awe and having slight jealously over the amazing place. A young adult woman NPC with a quest marker over her head was working at a table when Vasth pointed to her. But Glory was giggling over the silly story he told her to notice the NPC walking over. _{"Ouch. ...Sounds like a fun time."} She joked before turning her head only to meet eyes with the NPC. 

"Hi there! I'm Poppy. How can I help you two?" Her voice was high-pitched and personality seemed like the bubbly type. Glory blushed and took a look at Vasth not knowing exactly what to say.

_{"I-I like it."} She mumbled not exactly sure how to express that she was over-joyed that Koumori had agreed with nearly all of her feelings since the moment they entered her room. She had to be the luckiest girl out there to have such a kind... cute boy holding her hand and claiming to feel the same way she did. The thought of Koumori's looks was something she hadn't spent much time on but he was very attractive to her at the moment you could say. Her brown eyes were practically glued to his but it seemed that the two were locked in a stare that couldn't be broken... not that Glory wanted it to, at least not for a long long time. His movement towards her totally slipped from the mind until the feeling of arms wrapped around her warm body reached her senses. They were extremely close, closer than they had ever been. Glory shut her eyes tight and moved trembling arms out to complete the hug. She jumped up and out of her seat even just to be able to rest her head against Koumori and in the end her whole body because if not she might collapse but it seemed he was holding on with all of his might. _{"W-Why're you apologizing?..."} Her voice was low and shaky but clearly Glory wasn't objecting from receiving a hug.

(yeah um i don't forgive you xD just playing it's okay. can't believe you forgot me but whatever. let's get this show back on the road)

_{"That seems right to me."} Glory thought about the alchemist job and how many possibilities there were so the thought of hair dye especially in such a well thought out game wasn't crazy. Her outburst had been super embarrassing and luckily barely any players were around to see or hear her when it happened. That might never happen again but she wasn't sure if she was okay with that or not. It felt good but wrong and made her feel self-conscious all at the same time. _{"I-If it doesn't b-bother you..."} She ducked her head which was a sign she was resorting to hiding herself due to shyness all over again. _{"Maybe... maybe a-another time... w-we can talk more about o-our lives?"}

(i guess we should end this soon :) i'm always up for another one afterwards. and latest reply ever i know sorry)

Not knowing the answer to his question, Glory shrugged as she didn't understand Vasth was only joking. _{"I-I would guess it's because you're sweet maybe."} She answered while a nod of her head feeling confident of her answer and sure that she would be correct. _"Heh..." Glory choked up with Vasth's explanation of "love" and "falling in love again" since that seemed a little awkward to be discussing with him especially since her new friend seemed so passionate about the feeling along with whoever the girl was. _{"Um... I-I know him because... w-we met when I-I was embarrassed... h-he helped me out."} Ruffling her hair awkwardly Glory fixed the brown strands back in place and shut her eyes tight before opening them again. That day... was full of blushing for sure and she couldn't take thinking about that right now. _{"Er... I-I think that the s-shop."} She pointed to a sign in the far distance with a needle and thread logo. _{"Why don't you.. uh... t-tell me about how you m-met your girlfriend now?"} Of course he was desperate to change the view back to Vasth.

Glory didn't exactly know how she'd lasted this long or how much time she had left without fainting or overheating, something like that because her face was way too hot to handle. It took more than enough of what she had in her heart to be able to say what she said especially without immediately regretting the action. But... soon enough she would see that this was worth it when Koumori expressed the same feelings which relieved Glory more than she even knew herself. She slowly reached for his hand and touched it before pausing for a few moments, waiting what seemed hours to actually be considered holding hands with Koumori. Glory let out a slight squeal of excitement and stared at the hands with happiness. This was surely different than what she was used to and nearly hard to believe but this was happening. _{"D-Do you... um... feel that too?"} She was referring to the shocking feeling in her hand that tingled madly hoping that Koumori felt the same way or the words she said would be awkward.

(another late reply D: sorry!)

_{"Yeah... what do you think I would look cool with though? Pink? Red?"} She stuck her tongue out at Jevi to let the other know she was just joking about the outrageous colors. Glory hummed when Jevi ran a hand through her hair liking the comforting gesture hardly feeling embarrassed around someone who she could trust not to judge her whatsoever. _{"You think? T-Thank you... heh... It never grows."} She laughed aloud for the first time in a long time, this wasn't any giggle or quiet chuckle either. _{"Never, not ever. I think it's been this length since I was 10! All my friends have long dark hair and I just stand out. Silly huh? Nobody in my family even looks like this I-"} Glory put a hand over her mouth and grinned knowing she had started to ramble... but she felt so "okay" around Jevi and honestly felt as if all her traits of insecurities floated away around her guardian angel. Why couldn't she act this way with everyone? Then maybe more people would become her friend.

_"...Eh..." Glory tugged on her brown hair before nodding slowly once her wolf pup stopped growling. She looked up at the girl and once the other sat sat down she would scoot back a little to create distance between the two. _"Um..." Glory tapped her pointer fingers together and stared at the ground like she usually tended to do whenever she felt uncomfortable. Though so far in-game she has had a lot of conversations surprisingly so she at least knew what to say to get things running. _{"W-What's y-your name?"} She spoke quietly in almost a whisper but pulled at least a small grin on her face. Sakura remained curled up in Glory's lap seeming to be either too rude to get up and be a friendly familiar or just as shy as her owner.

_{"Really? I'm glad you're doing so well."} Glory nodded after Vasth finished speaking while her brown eyes glimmered in admiration. She had yet to find... love but being her age that was something she desired and had yet to feel. Well.... kinda. _"Wha-wha?" Glory's eyes widened and they suddenly become dull again as she blushed and twirled a piece of short brown hair. _{"...I-I uh... m-maybe? H-He... can y-you keep secrets?"}

Glory simply trudged alongside Jevi not at all worried about her surroundings or potential monsters in the fields. Right now all Glory had on her mind was the bliss state she happened to be in, which meant the small teenager was completely happy and nothing more... the exact opposite from her attitude from before. She glanced up and Jevi and opened her mouth to say something but found she had nothing to say and returned her gaze to the land before them. _{"I-I wish I could... change my hair color."} Glory decided to suddenly speak since she'd only just realized the unique color of her friend's style. _{"Your's is so cool."}

_"A-Ar-" Glory leaned forward as her eyes widened at the reaction of Koumori choking since she worried he got hurt, only to have her hands met with his which caused her to stiffen immediately. She forgot was she was going to stay but her mouth remained open as she attempted to regain her voice that wouldn't let itself form words. _"...Mmm..." Glory pursed her thin lips together feeling the same way but not knowing how to react. Of course she knew Koumori was special all along it'd just taken this long for her to realize how much she actually liked her new friend.  Darting her eyes back and forth Glory balled her hands up into fists a few moments after Koumori let go since she didn't want to lose that tingly feeling that engulfed her arms only seconds ago. _{"I-I'm ... eh... I-I di-didn't mind..."} Glory replied honestly and folded her hands together in her lap, turning her head shyly to smile while the bright blush on her face matching Koumori's continued to exist and burn. _{"I-I... I feel better now.... I-If y-you.... um..."} She gulped and shut her eyes so tight it almost hurt. _{"everwannaholdhandsagainthenthatwouldbeokayiguess."} In one quick breath Glory got what she wanted to say out successfully without fainting or diving under her bed no matter how much she really wanted to. If she was lucky then Glory wouldn't have to repeat that ever again in her life.

(i see what you did there haha. nicely done i liked it, adds dramatic effects. oh! and nice new avatar :D :D you know i love it)

_{"Of course."} She breathed before holding the cup in her lap while tapping the sides to give herself something to do. The steam from the tea was not the reason she was red faced at all but really... feeling her face burning wasn't as uncomfortable as it seemed before. Funny but comforting to know she was adjusting and felt at least a little bit okay around Koumori in her room of all places. _{"No way."} Glory shook her head quickly and smiled while holding the cup to her face to hopefully stop her from giggling. She wouldn't mind listening to Koumori talk but certainly didn't want to listen to a lecture. _{"I-I wouldn't want to feel like I'm in school anymore."} When it came to the rare joke that Glory manages to get out of her system she doesn't seem as shy as before. _{"...Y-You wouldn't mind. We wouldn't e-even know each other..."} She frowned and set her empty cup on the table after drinking the liquid again. _{"N-Not that I-I'm grateful that we g-got to meet... I-I dunno...."} Glory gripped the edges of her chair and turned her head feeling like she ruined the sweet moment for both of them. How silly of her to say something so dumb.

(why thank you ;D i try at least. here's a reply for you <33 and i won't, just feel a little bad for making you wait sometimes)

_{"Well... not about you but she did mention loving someone... I think Jevi was in a trance just thinking about you. You're definitely the person."} Glory giggled and shrugged not really knowing the answer to that. _{"You're both equally sweet to me. I really like you two."} She curled her pinkie gently before nodding sternly and letting go of Shaya. _{"Now it's official that I have two guardian angels looking after me. That makes me feel safe. I'll watch over you too Shaya and even Jevi, we can make a good team!"}