Fast Food Madness: The Epic Return

Namine hummed softly to show that she comprehended Roxas' words. His words surprised her...She had never thought of it that way. But was it possible that Smith really was in her heart? That was a disgusting thought...And a frightening one. She hoped that wasn't the case, but what else could explain her vivid nightmare?

 

Roxas kept his eyes on Namine before looking over to his hand, stroking her cheek once before letting it fall to his lap. "I guess what I mean is that he can only haunt you as long as you are still afraid of him," he explained. And clearly she was. "He's still in here somewhere." He pointed to her heart. "As long as he has a place in there, your memories will only be clearer, and your nightmares will be coming more often." Roxas hated how he sounded like a psychiatrist throughout this, because he just wanted to be Roxas--Namine's boyfriend, and guardian angel. But there wasn't any way he could really protect her from this...

 

Namine opened her eyes partway, looking down at the couch she was sitting on. She felt Roxas' eyes on her, but she couldn't bring herself to look up into them--not yet. "I don't know how to not be afraid," she whispered, feeling the tears reappear. She understood now that Smith had wanted her to admit she was afraid of him. He was her biggest fear, whether she admitted it or not.

 

"I know," Roxas whispered gently, lifting his free hand to push Namine's hair back behind her ear. "...I know." He let his hand linger in her hair for a moment, wishing there was more he could do. It was tearing him up inside that he couldn't say anything to make this better for her.

 

Namine shut her eyes to keep the newly formed tears locked inside. Now that she had confessed her fear of Smith, she wondered what would happen. Would things get worse? She had a feeling that they would, unless she took control of her fear. But like she had told Roxas a few moments ago, she had no clue how to do that.

 

Roxas bit his lip, letting his hand come back to his lap as he squeezed Namine's hand with the other. "I'm sorry, Namine," he said again, deeply meaning it. He really wanted it to be him who was haunted at this moment, because Smith had been out for revenge against him. Not Namine. So why was she the one that had to suffer for that?

 

Namine stayed silent, not knowing what to say. She knew that Roxas felt bad, and he wanted to help, but there wasn't much he could do in this situation. She didn't expect him to make everything better, because that would be unfair to expect that out of him. He was her guardian angel, but he couldn't solve every problem that came her way. She accepted that without holding a grudge--After all, how could she put her loved one in an unreasonable position like that? There was no way she could do that to anyone, let alone Roxas.

 

Roxas glanced down for a second, taking in a breath. "I may not know how I can do anything to help," he started softly, his eyes finding Namine's face again. "But I'm positive that you're gonna get through this." He just had this feeling inside, and that was enough.

 

Namine opened her eyes at Roxas' soft-spoken words, the phrase making her feel a bit better. She tilted her head upward slightly and looked up at Roxas, giving him a weak smile that showed her appreciation. They'd be together, so things would be alright. They had always made it through hardships before, so they would make it through this one as well.

 

Roxas smiled gently when he saw Namine's expression. He would help her the best she could if she needed it, but ultimately, this was a battle she had to fight.

 

Namine held Roxas' gaze for a few moments before she lowered her head, going into the position she had been in before. She didn't want to think too deeply, but at the same time, it was probably necessary. She didn't know what she could do to conquer the fear except be more bold with her living. Don't be paranoid when walking alone on the streets; Don't feel nervous in her own house when nighttime comes. Maybe it was little steps like those that would help.

 

Roxas exhaled softly and leaned back into the couch, taking in the silence. He wasn't sure if it was comfortable or not, but it was still there regardless. He would be with Namine for support, but there wasn't anything he could really do other than that.

 

Namine shut her eyes, a soft breath leaving her. It seemed like it was going to be a process to get rid of her fear, so what would she do until then? The nightmares would probably return, and get worse, if that was possible.

 

Roxas kept his hold on Namine's hand, the boy turning his head toward her a little. He inhaled and then exhaled softly through his nose, closing his eyes not only because he was still tired but because of the problem at hand. He didn't know how many times he had thought this before, but he really did wish he could take Namine's place in this. He hated to see her suffer from something that had been so tragic.

 

Namine bit her lip lightly, lifting her free hand without thought. She lightly set it on the lower part of Roxas' arm, the one that she was leaning her head against. She couldn't say why she did that; She just wanted to feel a bit closer to him than she already was.

 

When Roxas felt the touch, he tightened his grip on Namine's hand. He leaned forward without thought, kissing her lightly on the head as his eyes remained closed. He supposed the gesture was one of comfort, something he would be doing as she conquered the obstacle in her way.

 

Namine exhaled a breath, her eyes staying shut at the gesture. She didn't know how to describe the silence surrounding them. That was just it; It was...silent. Nothing more to it.

 

Roxas pulled back after a few seconds, leaning his head against the back of the couch. However, he still kept it turned toward Namine. "Try and get some more sleep," he suggested softly. "I'll be right here." He added that last bit for more comfort, but he knew he wasn't going to be leaving her. Not now.

 

Namine opened her eyes partway, gazing downward. "I'm not that sleepy," she told him softly. "And besides, I don't think I could fall asleep again that easily." It was hard to say those words, but they were the absolute truth. In times of trouble, she often had a hard time falling asleep unless there was something around that put her mind at ease. Sometimes it was Roxas' simple presence, but other times, it had required more to allow her to fall asleep.

 

"You wanna watch some T.V. then?" Roxas asked, his eyes on her. Maybe it could distract her for a while, and get her mind off Smith. But he should have known she wouldn't be able to fall asleep after that.