New Dawn Chapter: 0110

Tysone's gaze didn't waver.

"Then what, Mai?" His voice was steady. "I've always treated you with kindness, haven't I?"

Mai blinked, taken aback. "Of course, but… you've changed."

Tysone sighed deeply as he sat next to her. Yeah, he definitely needed to sit for this shit. "Mai, I haven't changed. The world around us has." His gaze bore into hers. "Tell me, what's the most important thing to you? Your own comfort? Or the survival of the group?"

The girl opened and closed her mouth. "I..."

"That's right. Our top priority is survival." He continued. "And we're all doing what needs to be done to achieve it. This isn't a vacation, Mai." Tysone leaned back slightly, crossing his legs at the ankles. "If it were, you know, I'd have chosen somewhere tropical, with a nice beach. I kind of miss seeing you in that bunny costume, you know?"

Mai blushed and slapped him on his thigh. "Ty!"

Tysone's lips quirked, a familiar teasing glint in his eyes despite the weariness that clung to him. Mai's slap on his thigh was more frustrated than genuinely angry, her blush a tell-tale sign that, despite everything, some part of their old dynamic still resonated.

"What?" He asked, his voice a low rumble, feigning innocence. "Am I not allowed to have fond memories of a national treasure in a bunny suit? Or are you saying the bunny suit wasn't fond of me?"

Mai pulled her hand back, crossing her arms tightly over her chest. The playful jab didn't quite land, her earlier hurt still too close to the surface.

"That's not funny, Tysone. And you know this isn't about some stupid costume." Her voice was tight, the vibrancy he was used to, dulled.

He sighed, the teasing facade dropping slightly. The weariness in his own eyes deepened. He ran a hand over his face. "Alright, Mai. You're right. It's not about the costume." He leaned back against the headboard of her bed, the movement making the old springs creak. The room was small, utilitarian, a far cry from the lavish lifestyle she'd once known, or even the relative comfort of his own setup. "So, talk to me. What's really going on in that celebrity head of yours?"

She looked away, her gaze fixing on a crack in the plaster of the opposite wall. The sounds of the base outside—distant chatter, the hum of the generator, the ever-present rain—seemed to fade, leaving them in a bubble of strained silence.

"It's just…" Mai began, her voice barely a whisper. "Everything's changing so fast. You, Saeko-san, even Saya-chan… you're all getting stronger. You're out there, fighting those… things. And I'm…" She gestured vaguely around the room. "I'm here. Making sure the ration inventory is correct."

Her attempt at a self-deprecating joke fell flat, a bitter taste lingering in the air.

Tysone watched her, his expression unreadable for a moment. Then, a flicker of understanding softened his features. "You think you're being left behind." It wasn't a question.

Mai bit her lip, nodding almost imperceptibly. "It's not that I'm not grateful for what we have, for being safe. But… I feel like I'm back in that library again, Tysone. Fading. Only this time, it's not the world that can't see me. It's… maybe it feels like you can't see me. Not the way you used to."

The vulnerability in her admission hung heavy. This wasn't the composed actress, nor the sharp-witted girl who could trade barbs with him for hours. This was Mai Sakurajima, stripped down, scared.

He reached out, slowly, and gently took her hand. It was cold. "Hey." His thumb brushed over her knuckles. "Look at me."

Reluctantly, she did. Her blue eyes, usually so clear and piercing, were clouded with unshed tears.

"You think the girl who faced down being invisible to the entire world, who walked into a library in a bunny suit just to prove a point, is going to fade because she's not swinging a sword or punching through concrete?" He gave a small, wry shake of his head. "Mai, your strength was never just about what you could do. It was about who you are."

"..."

He squeezed her hand gently. "Remember when we first met? Properly, I mean. You were a ghost in a bunny suit. And I was just some broke, clueless foreigner trying to figure out what fresh hell I'd landed in." A small, reminiscent smile touched his lips. "You were putting up one hell of a fight, even then. Against something nobody else could even see."

A watery chuckle escaped Mai. "I was also a brat who dragged you into my mess."

And damn, what a mess it was. It felt like a lifetime ago.

"Maybe." He conceded. "But we figured it out, didn't we? You, me, and a whole lot of stubbornness. And those lyrics, Mai?" He tapped his chest lightly. "The ones that bought us this breathing room, that got your voice out there again? That was your magic, taking my scribbles and turning them into something real. You think that's not fighting? You think that's not vital?"

She pulled her hand away, but not unkindly, wiping at the corner of her eye. "That was then, Tysone. This is… this is different. This is about literal monsters."

"And what do you think we're fighting for, if not for a 'then'?" He leaned forward slightly. "For a future where your songs matter more than the caliber of a bullet? Where Saya's genius can build something instead of just strategizing defenses? Where Shizuka-sensei can heal without wondering if her patient will be eaten an hour later?"

He paused, his gaze unwavering. "Your contribution hasn't lessened, Mai. It's just shifted. We need more than fighters. We need hope. We need… normalcy, even a sliver of it. You represent that. Your music, your resilience… that's a different kind of weapon. And it's one I'm damn glad to have on our side."

A wistful smile touched Mai's lips. "You always know what to say, don't you? Even when you're being an insufferable, overconfident yankee."

"Comes with the deluxe package." Tysone said, the teasing glint returning to his eyes, but softer this time. "Look, I get it. It's scary. Everything's uncertain. I'm pushing myself, pushing everyone, because if we stop, if we hesitate, we're dead. That pressure… it makes it hard to see past the immediate threat."

He sighed again, rubbing the back of his head with a frustrated roughness. "Maybe I haven't been… present. For you. For anyone, really, beyond barking orders and planning the next risky move. This whole 'leader' shit? It wasn't in the brochure. Mostly just figuring it out as I go, trying not to get everyone killed. The pressure is seriously crazy, but I've got competent people that believe in me, and I appreciate each and everyone of you, Mai. Even that blockhead, Takashi. Despite all that mess with Shido."

"Takashi is an idiot..." Mai sighed.

"Maybe, but I can't be mad at that idiot, can I? He's had our backs for a while. Shizuka, Saya, Saeko, Rei... and you, of course." Tysone shook his head, trying to reignite the conversation. "What I mean is, we've got to rely on each other now more than ever. Not just because the world has gone to shit, but because that's what friends do. We look out for each other. And if it's strength and power what you feel like you're lacking, then lean on me more, Mai. I'll become the pillar that holds your sky in place."

"..."

She didn't say anything, just looking at him.

He tilted his head.

"God forbid you saying this kind of stuff to other women. I bet you've broken plenty of hearts."

"Are you saying I've broken your heart?" He asked, his lips stretching slightly. He was already in a much better mood after talking to Mai. He had lowkey missed it. That lightheartedness that the two shared in the past. He felt his shoulders relax. "And I don't think that would be the case. Most of these women are pretty tough."

"Of course not. You haven't broken my heart. It'd be pretty pathetic of me to just cry and roll around, not contributing, because my feelings are hurt." She sighed, and leaned her head on his shoulder. "Ty... do you really want me around, though?"

"Yeah. I mean, why not? I like spending time with you. If you don't want to be with me, then I'd respect that. Just... don't distance yourself. If there's a problem, just talk to me. Communication is key."

Mai was silent for a few moments, before she spoke once again. "Okay. Thanks for the pep-talk, I guess."

"You guess?"

"I'm still a bit confused, but I can't mop around all day."

"Good."

They sat there, in companionable silence, until Tysone had an idea. "Hey, listen. Everyone's been down the gutter these days. We could really use a breather, so, I'm thinking we could host a party. We've got plenty of snacks and unhealthy drinks. Maybe a bit of alcohol. And..." He stood up, a devious grin to that handsome face of his. "You could sing for us!" He winked. "I bet that'd lighten everyone's moods. I mean, If it were up to me to provide morale for the group, we'd all probably just shoot ourselves in the head."

"..." She looked at him. "A party?"

"Yes."

"And you want me to sing for everyone?"

"That's correct." Tysone's grin became more prominent. "What's that face, huh?"

"..."

Mai stood up and stared up at him. She smiled.

"Let's do it, then. We're all in dire need for a good night's rest. A bit of music and a bit of alcohol would definitely do us good." She nodded. "I'll get everything ready, then."

"Let's fucking go!"

"Hey, Ty?"

"Yes?"

"Are you...?" She hesitated. "Do you...?"

Her mouth opened and closed. 

He merely blinked, waiting for her to go on.

Mai never did, seemingly giving up with a shake of her head. Tysone frowned.

"Nevermind."

With a haughty, self-deprecating snort, she sat down on him, taking him by surprise. "Carry me." She commanded, trying to sound intimidating, but only coming off as tooth-achingly adorable.

Tysone smiled. "Yes, your majesty."

Author's Note:

If you're enjoying the story and want to read ahead or support my work, you can check out my P@treon at P@treon.com/LordCampione. But don't worry—all chapters will eventually be public. Just being here and reading means the world to me. Thank you for your time and support.