[Sadako Gotoh]

Maybe it was just in her mind, but Sadako could have sworn her work days were becoming longer and longer. Whether it was at Ouros or in her office in UAU, there was always something to do, never a dull moment. Sometimes she only had a few minutes to eat her lunch before her next counseling session. Not that she minded, well, the fact that she was so busy just meant that she was also needed. All those UA students, lost or in need of guidance like she had been once. She was glad she was here to make a difference. Even so, she wouldn't mind having to work just a little bit less. The only thing that made it worthwhile aside from the feeling of self-fulfillment the job gave her, was her friends. Namely Iphigenia and Felix. If Sadako didn't have them, she would have gone crazy long ago.

No, maybe she had already gone a little crazy. She smiled as she buried her face in her hand and put her pen down. She couldn't stop thinking of Felix. It didn't matter the time, or the occasion. She always found herself thinking about the silliest little things. What was Felix doing right now? Was he enjoying a healthy lunch or did he get cheap takeout like her? How did he look in the mornings before he headed out for work? Still as dreamy as back then? Trick question, of course he did. She had never gotten over him. Over how she could have left him in America. She couldn't count how many times she had wished she had stayed. To even be able to see him all these years later and work with him and get along with him, it was more than she deserved. He was too kind for someone like her.

Still, she found herself being hopelessly lovestruck, thinking about him 24/7 like she was a teenager having her first crush. It was embarrassing, but her heart was the warmest it had felt in years, and she had to admit, she liked that feeling.

Clocking out for the day, Sadako slipped her bag over her shoulder and locked up the office as she walked towards the UA parking lot. She was going to Felix's day today to learn to cook some Italian food. Something she had looked forward to all day. As she walked out the gate, she sent Felix another quick test to let him know she was done for the day. She didn't care if she had to wait ten minutes or an hour, either way she would hang out in the parking lot until he showed up.

Felix

[Felix]

[attr="class","AudenContain"]

[attr="class","AudenHidden"]that very special dish

[attr="class","AudenBody"]

Felix

Ah man, he was so nervous. Even if it had been his idea to help her learn to make Italian food, it felt weird that he was inviting her over to the house. "You're overreacting too much, Lix." Auden crossed his arms, looking at his older brother and being utterly surprised that he was worse than him when it came to love. "It's Sadako, you know, the girl you've been in love with for yea-" Before he could finish, Felix placed his hand over his mouth. "I get it, just..." With cheeks red, he'd sigh and grab his keys and phone. "You're going out right?" Raising an eyebrow expectantly at Auden, the younger Verchetty rolled his eyes and nodded. "Yeah, go ahead and bang her or whatever, gross." The thought made Auden visibly shiver in front of Felix, before he would shrug him a goodbye and leave the house.

Looking down to his phone, he'd look to see that Sadako was ready for him. Adjusting his dress shirt and tie, he'd head out the door after his brother. Hopping onto his motorcycle, he made sure that he had an extra helmet before heading back to the campus. He'd pull up pretty quickly as he didn't live far away for the sake of both Auden and him, and look around for Sadako. Seeing her, he'd give a little nod before moving the bike closer for her. "Saddy! Here." Offering her a helmet, a big goofy smile could be seen under his. "Get on and hold me tightly!"

Notes

⥋ Auden || Black dress shirt, blue tie. Dark blue jeans. Red motorcycle helmet.

Felix

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[Sadako Gotoh]

She was moments away from texting her little sister Rin for advice. How embarrassing was that?? How the tables had turned.. Sadako had only ever been in love with one person and his name was Felix. She was capable of finding others attractive, sure, but even in all the years they were apart her heart never beat like that for someone else, almost as if she had put a lock on it. Knowing that it could only belong to him. She was foolish, naive, maybe immature? Any other woman her age would have moved on by now, wouldn’t they? So why was she so desperately clinging onto her attachment to him..

She smiled when she noticed him, pushing a strand of hair behind her ear as she ran up to meet him. “Hi Feli!” The fact that he still called her Saddy made her heart beat faster. There was something about the way he said it, as if hearing his voice say it made her feel like she mattered and was someone special in a sea of endless stars. “So adventurous! ~” she cooed, smiling right back as she put the helmet on. They were older than when they first met in America, but all the things she loved about him were still reflected in his eyes. He wasn’t just the same old Felix, he was somehow more handsome, more stunning and breathtaking than ever before. Hopping onto the bike she slipped her arms around his waist. “Lead the way, Felix!”

Felix

[Felix]

[attr="class","AudenContain"]

[attr="class","AudenHidden"]that very special dish

[attr="class","AudenBody"]

Felix

This was going to be interesting. He wanted to do his best to impress her as much as he could, and he thought that a good way to do that would be to show her the foods that he liked to make, or how to make foods in a more "Italian" way. Would that be easy to do given that he was going to be super nervous and high-strung? Probably not, but he was determined to do something to get closer to her.

In all the years that they had been apart, he could only think of her. Everything that they had experienced together felt like magic when he thought back to it, and he hoped that now that they were adults that he could re-kindle the love that he still had for her. Felix doubted that everything would work out perfectly, but he was sure that he was going to be someone that Sadako would rely on, no matter what.

"Am I?" He'd give a coy little wink, not meaning anything by it, but feeling as if just looking at her was making his heart flutter. Feeling her arms around him, he cleared his throat and tried to use that as a way to recenter his focus to driving. He'd so so well, and make sure not to go too fast or to go around corners too quickly so that she felt safe with him. One of the things that he would hate the most was to scare her, or to do something that would make her feel as if she shouldn't be around him as much. Above all, he wanted to be someone that she could love, no matter what.

He'd stay mostly silent on their ride as he knew that trying to have a deep conversation would result in either hair or bugs to get into his mouth, as his helmet only covered his head and didn't have a visor like Sadako's. Getting to his house, he'd park it in his garage and park it. With the engine turning off, he would look back to Sadako to check if she was okay. "How was that? Was it at least a bit enjoyable?" At the very least, having her close again had been for him.

Notes

⥋ Auden || Black dress shirt, blue tie. Dark blue jeans. Red motorcycle helmet.

Felix Sadako Gotoh

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[Sadako Gotoh]

''As always!'' She snickered, already feeling energized just by being by his side. Felix had that kind of air about him, as if he always brought out the best in her just by looking her way. As they took off, Sadako did notice how he was driving carefully, something she silently appreciated. Did he remember that she was a bit of a cautious person? It was funny, how little things changed between them and yet, here they were, several years older than when they first met. Her, still as hopelessly lovestruck as ever. Would it be too weird of her to pop the question tonight? Would she come across as desperate? She was the one that decided to end things and go home after all...

''A bit?'' She asked, pulling her own helmet off and taking a nice gulp of fresh air. ''That was fantastic! I can't remember the last time I've been on a motorcycle, I just commute everywhere these days. The last time was probably...'' She thought back to America and felt a faint blush coming on. ''W-Well a long time ago!'' She grinned, secretly hoping she would get the opportunity to hug him again later. ''So, this is your place? You're living big! If it's as nice inside as it looks outside, I'm glad we went to your place and not my little crammed apartment.'' She looked down at the helmet for a moment, before handing it to him. ''Uh, where do I put this? Just on your bike? Do we bring them inside?'' She smiled, holding the helmet up.

Felix

[Felix]

[attr="class","AudenContain"]

[attr="class","AudenHidden"]that very special dish

[attr="class","AudenBody"]

Felix

Felix wanted to make sure that she felt safe above all else. She was his number one besides Auden, so her comfortability around him and with him was something he always had to keep in mind. Was she going to notice all those things that he did for her? Perhaps not, but it didn't matter as long as he was aware of it and did his best for her.

"Back in America?" He'd smile at the memory, knowing that they used to go on bike rides quite a lot when he lived there. "We used to go everywhere, didn't we." A blush came on his face too, but he tried not to pull attention to it. Thinking back to those times, it was hard to look at her without wanting to think back to when they were younger; the whole world was their oyster.

"Yeah, Auden and I live here together. It's close to the school for us both." A pause, before he would would adjust this clothing from the ride. "...He isn't going to be back for a bit, he has a shoot in Okinawa." He'd grab the helmet and place it on a hook in the garage. "Thanks." He'd do the same with his own, before ushering her into the main area. With swift movements, he would immediately take off his shoes before going into the kitchen and pouring them both a glass of water. "I got everything I think we need for the recipe... Did you want to start right away?" With his fingers gently wrapping around the base of each glass, he'd place it on his island table, motioning for her to sit there.

Notes

⥋ Auden || Black dress shirt, blue tie. Dark blue jeans.

Felix Sadako Gotoh

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[Sadako Gotoh]

''Right.. Back then. Yeah, we did.'' She smiled shyly, looked down at the ground as she brushed a strand of hair back behind her ear. She was normally so composed in her every day life. Whether she was on patrol as a hero or counseling for UAU, she always tried to be a kind, yet composed person. It had worked well so far, but every time she was around Felix, something felt different, like she suddenly felt a lot more vulnerable, obsessing over every little thing. How was he doing? Did he sleep okay? Was he eating healthy, or skipping out and buying cheap instant ramen like her? It was embarrassing how much space he occupied in her mind. Would he find it creepy if she told him? Maybe it would make him angry, she was the one that left America after all.

He looked cute like that, reminiscing... Wait, was she staring?? ''Oh- you do?'' She blinked her eyes, swiftly trying to recover. ''I see he's as busy as ever, doing well too I presume? Otherwise he'd probably stop by my office more often.'' She teased with a little grin. To be honest she was relieved she didn't see Auden that much, not because she didn't want to speak to him, but because she only wanted the best for Felix's brother. Not seeing the student counselor surely meant Auden was doing just fine, right? She followed Felix, taking off her shoes as well before entering. ''Thank you.'' She looked at the glass and took a seat. ''We could. Are you hungry? I'm fine either way.'' She picked up her glass and took a sip. They could be talking about literally nothing for hours and she would still be having the best time of her life. Seeing him doing well, being invited home like this, it was more than she ever deserved for how she broke things off. The fact that she got to see him smile so often, at work or outside, meant the whole world to her. She was going to think back to this moment, sitting at his island table with a glass of water each over and over again later that night. It was easily the highlight of her week, if not month! ''It's a nice place you've got here. Lucked out on the location too.'' She looked around, taking in all the details of their interior. Which decorative touches where Auden's and which were Felix's? Did they have similar styles, or did they put their mark on the house in their own way?

Felix

[Felix]

[attr="class","AudenContain"]

[attr="class","AudenHidden"]that very special dish

[attr="class","AudenBody"]

Felix

The air definitely felt different after that remark. It was hard to think back to how things used to be, and thinking about what could have been. Felix and Sadako were very different now, but even in the years that they hadn't need around one another, Felix hadn't felt the same about anyone but her.

"I think he's managing. It's safer for him now, being around me. Back in America he had nothing, but I think he can safely make a name for himself without having to tie it to what he used to be." Auden can grow up normally now, even though he was past the age that most would say you're growing up at. "He's got a lot going for him here, so I don't have to worry as much." He was still a protective older brother, but there wasn't much that he could do now that Auden was an adult and frankly much stronger than him in certain aspects.

"I am a bit hungry, so I guess it's as good of a time as ever to start." By the time he finished, he was sure that they'd both be hungry anyways. He'd set out all the ingredients, both from what he had just gotten as well as what was already in his fridge and cabinets. "Oh, yeah. Auden helped with the down payment of it, since he's making more than me right now. It's good for us both though." Auden was hardly ever home since he also had a dorm and a place to stay at his agency, but it was nice that they had a mutual spot if needed with one another.

With a satisfied sigh, Felix would begin preparing a pot of water, adding a hint of salt into the water. "This may take a while to make, so feel free to walk around or do anything you need to." The house was big enough to explore, and for the time being Felix was just going to be preparing the food. Grabbing up a red jar, a strong aroma of tomatoes and spices would seep into the air; it was homemade tomato sauce that he'd made in bulk a few weeks ago. "Do you want to taste it?" Felix would offer her a spoon and the jar so that she could get a hint of what was to come for the dinner. If she did taste it, a savory tomato taste would dance on her tongue; spices that perhaps she could not give the name to, along with a familiar citrusy taste and a dash of cinnamon could be things that she mentioned. "It's a recipe Auden and I came up with. Though it's not fully traditional, it gives it a unique flavor I think."

Notes

⥋ Auden || Black dress shirt, blue tie. Dark blue jeans.

Felix Sadako Gotoh

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[Sadako Gotoh]

''Yeah, I'd say he's made quite the name for himself.'' It was honestly impressive. Many pros couldn't hope to emulate half the success Auden had in marketing himself and his brand. ''Let's get started then!'' She beamed, excited to have Felix's home cooking. ''I see! That's family working together.'' That was a funny thought, although she didn't doubt her younger sister's talents, Sadako couldn't imagine what it would be like to have Rin earning more than her when Rin was still just a hero student. ''Is that so?'' She looked at the water as he added salt. ''In that case, do you mind if I stick by you?'' She leaned against the counter, blushing faintly. Would 'I like to watch you work' sound too creepy?

''That smells so good.'' She mused, not letting the aroma of the tomatoes and spices get past her. ''I can?'' She smiled, taking the spoon before grabbing a spoonful, putting her palm under the spoon as she slipped it into her mouth to make sure she didn't spill anything. All at once a symphony of flavors hit her tongue, it was just the sauce, but she was almost tempted to ask for another bite. ''It's delicious! Did you use cinnamon?'' She was mesmerized by everything he did, everything he stood for. Felix could do no wrong in her eyes and every minute she spent with him, the more attractive he became. His cooking, his driving, the way he smiled and carried himself at work and the way he cared about his family. Felix was perfect. The only question was, could she stop her heart from beating out of control, or was she falling madly in love with him again? No, she had never stopped loving him. All those years since then had taught her that. Several people had approached her about wanting to date, but her heart was already full, shaped just for him and him only. ''You're pros! What will it take for you to share your secrets with me?'' She nudged into him playfully.

Felix

[Felix]

[attr="class","AudenContain"]

[attr="class","AudenHidden"]that very special dish

[attr="class","AudenBody"]

Felix

She wanted to stick by him? He'd rub the back of his neck as she spoke it out, his eyes darting to the side. Even though he wanted that, he felt as if he was so bland that it would be pretty boring to just watch him cook. To himself, he was a hardened man that hid behind the guise of being gentle and caring; even with that, he had no desire to be the person he was before.

"You can stay if you'd like, though it's mostly going to be me concentrating." He cared a lot about his craft, so he probably wouldn't pay her as much mind as she assumed he would. He'd get to work with heating up the water as she tried the sauce, only looking back to give a firm nod. "Yeah, that one was Auden's idea." Cinnamon in a tomato sauce really wasn't what he wanted to do, but it did give it a unique flavor unlike anything else.

Moving to start to heat up his pan, Felix would lean against the counter and look back to Sadako. What would it take? "I guess being family?" He'd say absentmindedly, shrugging his shoulders as if it was common knowledge. A few seconds passed before he realized what he said, to which he just stared blankly back at her. Redness grew on his cheeks. "I... I mean it's a family recipe so I'd only give it out if we got married!" Oh god, you're making it worse! He'd make an exasperated sound, holding up his finger as if he had a point to make, before just closing his mouth in defeat. Without another word, he'd just turn and stir the emptiness of his pan.

Notes

⥋ Auden || Black dress shirt, blue tie. Dark blue jeans.

Felix Sadako Gotoh

[googlefont=Merienda][newclass=.AudenContain] width:500px; background-color:#3e3e3e; margin:10px; position:relative; [/newclass][newclass=".AudenHidden"]opacity:1;-webkit-transition-duration:.5s;transition-duration:.5s;-moz-transition-duration:.5s;[/newclass][newclass=".AudenHidden span"]opacity:0;position:absolute;top:105px;left:40px;font-size: 30px; font-family: 'Merienda', cursive; color: #6da7e9;text-align:center;width:400px;padding:5px;border:2px solid #6da7e9;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-transition-duration:.5s;transition-duration:.5s;-moz-transition-duration:.5s;[/newclass][newclass=".AudenHidden:hover img"]filter: grayscale(100%);-webkit-filter: grayscale(100%);-moz-filter: grayscale(100%);-webkit-transition-duration:.5s;transition-duration:.5s;-moz-transition-duration:.5s;[/newclass][newclass=".AudenHidden:hover span"]opacity:1;-webkit-transition-duration:.5s;transition-duration:.5s;-moz-transition-duration:.5s;[/newclass][newclass=.AudenBody] padding:25px 25px 25px 25px; [/newclass][newclass=.AudenBody h1] margin:0px 0px; height:35px; display:flex; align-items:center; justify-content:center; font-size: 30px; font-family: 'Merienda', cursive; color: #6da7e9;[/newclass][newclass=.AudenBody h1:before] content:''; height:1px; flex-grow:1; margin-right:10px; background-color: #6da7e9;[/newclass][newclass=.AudenBody h1:after] content:''; height:1px; flex-grow:1; margin-left:10px; background-color: #6da7e9;[/newclass][newclass=.AudenBody h2]font:15px Georgia; text-transform:uppercase; text-align:center;[/newclass][newclass=.AudenBody h2 a]color: #6da7e9!important;[/newclass][newclass=.AudenBody div] padding:25px; font: 11px Georgia; color:#c5c5c5; text-align:justify; [/newclass][newclass=.AudenBody div b]color:#6da7e9;[/newclass][newclass=.AudenBody div a]color:#6da7e9;font: 11px Georgia;[/newclass]

[Sadako Gotoh]

''I don't mind.'' There was nowhere else she wanted to be than by his side. ''You look cute while you're concentrating.'' She smiled. She wasn't here to steal away his attention at all, it was the simple act of being by his side that made her happy. To see him work away at his own thing, that they could be in the same room together and it wasn't special at all. The mundanity of living together that came with love, that was what she wanted, even if it was just for a fraction of a second. ''I would've never thought of doing something like that. ~''

What he said next gave her pause. Being family? Her face started to gradually turn more and more red as the few seconds of silence allowed her to process his answer too. ''R-Right!'' She chuckled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear as she glanced down at the floor. ''You have to protect your secret family recipe, I get it!'' Her heart beat faster as she actually imagined it. Married to Felix, to be able to love him again freely and with all her heart. Becoming Sadako Verchetty? She could only dream! And dream she did. Without missing a beat, she continued after he went back to stirring the pan. ''So it's a confirmed date, then? Since I already know a little bit about your recipe, it would be dangerous to let a stranger like me go with such treasured secrets.'' She teased, winking at him if he looked back at her.

Felix

[Felix]

[attr="class","AudenContain"]

[attr="class","AudenHidden"]that very special dish

[attr="class","AudenBody"]

Felix

"I... You think so?" He'd rub the back of his neck as he started to feel a bit self-conscious about it. Felix was just being himself, or so he thought. He forgot a bit that he was a different person around Sadako, and he wasn't as calm and collected as he would have liked when she was around him. Something about their past and who they had become was so hard to resist; even after all this time, she felt familiar.

"It is very secret yes! Only Auden and I know it, since we made it!" He'd joke it off, trying to not make it obvious what he had just said without realizing it. Of course it had to be a secret- well really it didn't matter at all. Felix would share it would her either way because she already felt like family. In those moments before she spoke again, it make him think as to why he didn't just make her family.

As if she read his mind, he'd stare to Sadako in disbelief. "I guess so." He'd lower his wooden spoon that he was holding to stare at her. "If you want that, that is." Shit, what was he even saying? Of course he wanted her as his wife; she'd been the only person that he had ever considered. "S-Since you know it now, I guess it's a confirmed date." God, how cheesy was this? He was so glad that Auden wasn't here as he knew that his brother would bully him so much for how he was acting.

Notes

⥋ Auden || Black dress shirt, blue tie. Dark blue jeans.

Felix Sadako Gotoh

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[Sadako Gotoh]

''I do.'' She reaffirmed with a smile, before getting a little self-conscious. ''Is that.. weird?'' Her smile turned apologetic. She was picking up vibes that he definitely didn't hate her, maybe he even liked her back, but she couldn't be sure that he liked her in the same way she liked him and the last thing she wanted to come across as was creepy or overstepping boundaries. They weren't only friends after all, they were also coworkers. If she really messed up with him, it wouldn't just haunt their private lives, but their working lives too.

''I-If I want?'' Her face immediately turned red as she tried to hide behind her hands. She hadn't expected to be out-teased like that, but that was just the person Felix was. He could make her heart sing like no one else and the most amazing part was how effortlessly he did it, like existence was just better all thanks to him being around. He didn't even have to do anything special, just the fact that he was here, and that he was who he was, was enough to make their little sunny spot of Japan that much brighter. He was the brightest star in the night sky and she couldn't stop stargazing, mesmerized by his beauty and his benevolence. ''I do- I mean yes! It's a confirmed date.'' She chuckled. They were both so cheesy, but it was working out so far. ''I would like to get to know you a little better.'' She walked a little closer, smiling up at him.

Felix

[Felix]

[attr="class","AudenContain"]

[attr="class","AudenHidden"]that very special dish

[attr="class","AudenBody"]

Felix

"It isn't weird, no." He would reconfirm with her. Felix wanted to rekindle their past romance, which made him jump at the opportunity to do so whenever he could. There was a large amount of time in his life that he felt that he would never find that happiness that he sought, but now that Sadako was right there- he couldn't stop himself from wanting and reaching for more.

At her wanting to have it be a date, there was a tenseness that went away in the air around them. Yeah, it was mutual, and for now that's all they needed. A mutual needing to see the differences that they now had, as well as slowly wanting to go back to how things were beforehand. "I would as well." Felix would clean the ingredients for his pasta, taking his time to let them soak before dumping the water and repeating. "Tell me a bit about yourself, then. I'd love to know all about you." It was as if they were at a bar, and he was trying to pick her up; they knew their old selves, but now it was a learning curve to discover this new version of the women he loved.

Notes

⥋ Auden || Black dress shirt, blue tie. Dark blue jeans.

Felix Sadako Gotoh

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[Sadako Gotoh]

She felt reassured that she wasn't weird. Maybe she was too desperate? Wanted him too much? Was there even such a thing as being too desperate? Well, maybe if it scared him away, but it didn't seem like she was scaring him away. If anything, she had been invited over for dinner and they were hitting it off just like old times. ''Then I stand by what I said.'' There was a little air of smugness to her voice, like she genuinely found him cute all the time, which she had and did. She had to be honest, ever since they first became colleagues she had been sneaking glances at him. Maybe it was unprofessional, but her heart was only swayed by him, and when it had been so cold for years it was a little overwhelming when he first walked back into her life.

She wore her emotions on her sleeves and when he said he wanted to get to know her too, her whole face probably lit up. This was a conversation she had dreamed about, but now it was actually happening. ''About me?'' She chuckled, tapping her index finger softly against her chin. ''Hmm, what don't you know already?'' Even the first time they dated, she had shared everything with him. Was there anything she could think of? New hobbies? Fun stories? ''Well, as you know I'm a student guidance counselor at UAU now. Have been for a few years.'' She started out pretty mundane, stalling for time to think of other things. Then her mind went to a dark place. The worst day of her life, when she tore his heart to pieces. It was probably all to noticeable as her smile dropped too. Could she really go on a date with him without clearing the bad energy that haunted their past?

''I.. Um. What you might not know is that I regret everything.'' She suddenly felt so much smaller, finding the courage to look back at him as she completely ruined the good mood, and she knew she did, but this was weighing on her mind. ''I'm really sorry for what I did to you on that day. I'm sorry for leaving America. I've thought about it every day since and..'' She almost choked on her words a bit, but stuck it through. ''Yeah. I'm sorry, Felix.''

Felix