Piggyback

In the dark regions of her inner world, Annie sat on the rocky ground watching as Asuka ran with Arthur on her back through the forest. She didn't know how to feel about the talk the two had. While she was happy that Arthur was there to talk with her, but at the same time feelings frustration, confusion and disappointment also made their way into her heart.

It was then that she remembered the words Asuka had spoken to her.

"What's best for me? You really expect me to believe that."

Sadness poisoned her expression for only a moment before she closed her eyes and took a deep sigh.

"Well, I guess after everything it makes sense."

She tried to let out a dry laugh, but it wasn't even convincing to her.

~

It took Asuka about twenty minutes to return to the orphanage. It was still early in the morning so lucky for them nobody was up to see Asuka carrying Arthur. Or so they thought.

Still clinging onto the girl, he carefully lowered one leg after the other until he was safely on the ground.

"L-lets not do that again okay," he said with a dazed expression.

Looking at his face and now messy hair, Asuka couldn't help but let out a chuckle.

"Please don't mock me Asuka. Unlike you, I'm not used to moving so fast."

"C'mon. You gotta admit it was pretty fun."

"Yeah, maybe for you. Me? Ordinary speed will do just fine."

They both remained chuckling for a few moments before someone spoke from an open window.

"Well aren't you two getting along lovely?"

Both their backs stiffened hearing the voice. Slowly they turned their necks up to see a blond woman looking down on them with a cheeky grin on her face.

"Oh please don't mind me. Continue. I'd hate to ruin the moment."

"DAMN YOU MARTHA," they thought in unison.

Looking back at each other, both their faces flushed red and they quickly looked away from each other.

"W-well, its still really early. I should head back to bed," Arthur said .

"Y-yeah."

They awkwardly walked back inside. Arthur walked up the stairs to his room while Asuka went into the kitchen to grab a snack. 

Walking down the hall, he ran into Martha who was standing outside of her room. At first he couldn't meet her eyes out of embarrassment, but then he took notice of the soft smile on her face. She then up to him and wrapped her arms around him.

"Thank you Arthur."

Before replying, he returned Martha's embrace.

"I only helped a little. Grandma, Mr. Ichigo and you are the ones who truly know what to say to her."

"Yet if not for you, reaching her would have been much harder."

Pulling away from him, she reached over and rubbed his head.

"Give yourself some credit little brother."

Suddenly, her grip on his head tightened but not enough to cause any pain. A vein poppd on her forehead and fear ran on the boys face.

"Now, where the hell did you go off too so late at night?"

Hearing everything the other two said, a bright smile couldn't help but find a way on her face.

"I really have the best family."