“Claire… you look a bit tired?”

Rae has finally decided to comment on it after we made it to the train station. I can’t believe I was reading so late, I normally have better self control than this. Rae has dressed in her preferred hoodie, the one with the Persona logo. It looks well worn, the edges have slight fraying. I suspect it's her favorite with how often she has worn it now, I believe I should be able to mend it if needed. The only thing unusual about her appearance is a small mask covering the lower part of her face. She said she wanted to avoid being recognized. 

“I couldn’t stop reading… they just rescued Falin and then…” Mayhaps if we didn't have to leave so early I could have a few more minutes of sleep. At least this train station is mostly vacant. 

“Oh. Yah. And how far did you make it after that?”

“I needed to know what happened to her… and then it was two in the morning…”

“Oh… yeah? Where did you call it quits?” I swear Rae is vibrating.

“They found Falin again…”

There is a sharp intake from Rae, oh she is excited. “So you saw-”

“Yes I saw Falin… Dragon?”

Rae immediately explodes. “Oh god she looks so fucking cool and hot, it’s such a cool design and when she looks at you, oh god it’s like wow. I’m really gay. And the way Marcille looks at her, she’s so in love with her. You don't just risk your life and delve deep into a dungeon and perform dark magic for anyone. I don’t think she realizes it yet but I think Falin knows, at least instinctual. Maybe? God they are so gay and then when she pulls her shirt apart… uhh… sorry I’m rambling aren’t.. I?” She shies after the outburst, oh goodness she is adorable. 

“No, no no, I think you're right. I didn’t notice it at first but then Manaria made a comment about it, and then it’s really obvious like you said. And they really do feel meant for one another. I think I would have noticed after they shared a bath I think, I really wish she didn’t ruin that for me.”

“Manaria?”

“Yes, my cousin from… well not Sousse, I don’t actually know where she is from. She was with my Mother. She called me last night.”

“Oh her. ” Ah yes, barely a meeting and her disdain is there.

“Did she say something to you? She didn’t try to… seduce you, did she?”

Rae snorts, “Excuse me? Seduce me?”

“Yes!, I don’t know, did she say something weird to you?”

“Wait… what? You're being serious, did something happen… before?”

“Ummm… No?”

“What, no seriously what happened?” Rae is not letting it go.

“It was complicated, we were still trying to figure out our relationship and she made it more complicated. She ultimately helped us I think, but I’m feeling less forgiving about it now.”

“It sounds like there is an ‘and’ in there?” Curses, she is perceptive.

“She was always interested in you back then, for a while. And you never really liked her. But it’s not going to be like that now. We're talking and being honest about our feelings this time.” I'm not letting us go through that again.

“She was into ME? What? How?” Why does she sound so surprised?

“Rae, in case you have forgotten I am also into you. Many people are into you if you haven’t noticed.”

“What? No, no one is into me, I’m… not… cute or sexy-”

“Yes you are, You are very handsome , cute and very sexy .”

Her blush is evident, even with the mask on. “You're just saying that…”

“Because I think so, and so do other people. You even told me Shiko had a crush on you.”

“I… I did? We were kids still, that doesn’t count!”

“You were a teenager, and of course it counts. And if Manaria ever says anything, remember you are mine , understand?”

She gulps, and I can see her shiver. I pull her closer to me, and whisper close to her ear. I love the effect I have on her.

“Do you like that, Rae? When I call you mine , and only mine ?”

She whines, “Claire… we are in public…”

“No one is around, and no one heard you before in case you forgot when you went on about Falin.” I whisper again, and nod to the area around us. There is only one other person here, and they look to have… headphones was it? “No one could hear us, even if I wasn’t whispering.”

She gulps and I place a hand on her waist, a bit of control to turn her more to me.

“Rae, do you like it when I call you mine ?”

She squirms in my hold, “Yes! Of course I do. Of course you know that. Of course you know what a freak I am.”

That… is she upset? I’m doing it again. “Rae, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. Do you not want me to-”

“No, I do like it… I just… I don’t know, I’m just nervous, I’m not used to this and… it catches me off guard, I…”

“Rae it’s okay, you can always tell me no.”

She still looks unsure, “I don’t want to tell you no…”

“But you should, it’s okay. Really.”

I can see a rebuttal try to form, but she shuts it down.

I let her go finally, she is free again, “Is it okay if I say things like that, call you mine?”

“I think so…?”

“How about if I do it only in private.”

“I… okay?” She nods her head slowly. “Private is good… I think.”

“Okay, I will have it my way in private then.”

“That’s what she said.” She looks shocked that she just said that, but I can’t help but grin and laugh. And soon she is joining in. “I can’t believe I said that.”

“Oh, I can.” It’s good to see her relax a little.

There is a chime that plays overheard, an announcement for the incoming train.

“Looks like our train is here Claire, ready to ride your first train.”

“With you , always.”

Rae blushes and groans again. But I can see her smile under the mask.