[Maou Fanfic] Another Chance - Chapter 19: Love
Pairing: Naruse Ryou x Sakita Shiori
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Shiori was able to stop Naruse and Serizawa from killing each other in the last episode. How would life turn out for the three as they face their past mistakes and create new hope for the future. As fate draws the two enemies together again, can they work together to defeat a demon from the past? Can forgiveness be granted and second chances offered?
Genre: Crime, Romance, Hurt/Comfort, Mystery
A/N: What better way to start the new year than by finishing this story?! I just wanted to take the time here to thank all those who have reviewed and supported this story. This is my very first fanfiction and I am so glad that people liked it and even took the time to look at it. I'm sad that it's coming to an end, but excited that I may start a new story. Who knows, I may add an epilogue to Another Chance some time in the future!
So for the last time, please read and review :D
Chapter 19: Love
It has been two hours since Naruse was brought to the hospital in Chiba and rushed into the operating room upon arrival. It was the longest two hours of Shiori’s, as she stared at the OR red light, signalling that the operation was still in process.
This is all my fault, she thought as she continued to sit in the quiet waiting room, knees pulled up to hide her face, encircled by her arms.
If only I had been more careful! If only I did not trust so easily! None of this would have happened! She recited this mantra in her head as tears continued to rush down her hidden face. She flashbacked to the times and memories she spent with Naruse. Each memory tore at her heart and soul in fear that now they would be the only memories she had left with him if he does not make it.
She reminisced to the time when she stood outside waiting for him to watch the fireworks together, but he never showed. The disappointment that she felt at that time was exponential, but when she turned and saw him standing there, all handsome and out of breath, all traces of sadness had instantaneously disappeared. He was apologetic for being late and even thought of buying her sparklers to make it up to her. That was by far the best memory she had with him, and at that point, she had felt happiness that she hadn’t experienced since the death of her parents. Who would have known that that was the last time she would be happy in a long time. After that day, everything went downhill as she finally realized that he was the one who was behind the murders of Serizawa’s friends.
But even after finding out the truth, I never condemned him, never hated him, she thought as she sighed and lifted her head back up to stare at the red light. Please Naruse-san, please be alright. You are so strong, came such a long way to be an even better person! You can’t leave me now!
“Shiori-san,” a soft voice called.
Shiori turned to her right to look at the young detective sitting beside her, exhaustion was evident in his features.
“He’s going to be okay. Naruse-san has always been strong. He’d made it through so much, he’ll make it through this,” he said with a smile.
Shiori smiled a little at the detective’s attempt to make her feel better. “Thank you Serizawa-san.”
Suddenly a male figure stepped into the waiting area, and the pair looked up at the man.
“Well we are currently charging Yamano with the abduction of both Sora-chan and Shiori-chan, the murder of Kasai and Mari-san, the attempted murder of Serizawa and Naruse, two cases of assault on Naruse, and obstruction of justice,” the police chief said seriously. “That guy will never see the light of day again,” he stated proudly.
Serizawa was about to comment when the light to the OR flickered off and Shiori-san let out a squeal. All three rushed to the doors as the doctor and nurses walked out.
The doctor was met with three pairs of expectant and hopeful eyes and the next second, was bombarded with questions about the patient’s condition.
“Please, one question at a time,” he chuckled. “Do not worry, the patient is in a stable condition right now. His life is in no danger.”
A collective sigh could be heard coming from the three friends. “But there is a slight problem,” the doctor added and apprehension flashed in Shiori’s eyes.
“What is it?” her voice quavering.
“Due to the fact that the patient had lost too much blood, we believe that there was a short period of time when his brain was deprived of oxygen. Damage may have occurred but we cannot be certain of the degree of damage until he wakes up,” the doctor stated.
“When is he going to wake up,” Shiori whispered.
“As of right now, we do not know. It can take hours, days, months, and even years. There is a slight chance that he may never wake up, but it is best to keep your spirits and hope up. He needs all his friends now more than ever,” the physician stated again, sympathy shining in his eyes as he watched the young girl start to shake, tears dripping from her eyes.
“Thank you doctor,” the chief stated calmly.
Shiori heard nothing as Serizawa tried to get her attention. There was only one phrase that kept on replaying in her mind, over and over again.
He may never wake up.
~~~~~~~~~~~
It has been exactly two weeks, four days, and five hours ever since Naruse was stabbed. Although his vitals were improving and he looked better every day, there were no signs of him waking up. Every time Shiori asked the doctor about Naruse`s condition, it was always the same answer. When the patient wakes up is up to him, there is not much we can do besides wait.
As a result, Shiori decided to spend all her time with him, talking to him, trying to get him to respond to her. She took time off from the library and only helped out at the café after visiting hours at the hospital. Serizawa and the Chief had asked her numerous times to just stay home and have a day to herself, but she refused.
Some days she would just chat with him about what was happening regarding Yamano’s case or any important news of the outside world, and on other days, she would reminisce about their past shared memories.
“Sora-chan came to visit you yesterday. She and her mom brought you sunflowers and she even left you a drawing. I must say, her talent in art is improving, you have to wake up and see it for yourself,” she told him as she held up the drawing to his face.
“Your sister also sent you lilies, I think she’s worried about you,” Shiori continued as she looked around at the room, full of flowers and get well presents.
“Naruse-san, many people are worried about you and just want you to wake up,” she said, tears welling in her eyes.
She turned to look at the man sleeping soundly on the bed. “Why won’t you wake up?! What can I do to get you to wake up?” she cried as her head fell on top of his chest. She clutched on to his shirt and began to sob, exhaustion and grief overtaking her.
“Don’t you want to see us anymore?!” she questioned. “You’ve come such a long way, mended things with Serizawa-san, became such a great person. Are you just going to give up now?!” she yelled as she held on tighter to her shirt.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Serizawa tiredly walked to his desk after a long day out in the field. So this was how my life was before Yamano, he sighed as he slumped into his chair.
“Serizawa, why are you here so late at night?” the police Chief asked as he walked into the office.
“I was just getting my stuff together and then heading home,” he answered as he looked around the empty office, realizing that everybody else was gone.
“I’m glad that you stayed behind, I have something I would like to discuss with you,” the Chief said somberly.
“What is it?” Serizawa asked, curious at what his boss needed to talk to him about.
“It’s about Naruse-san.”
“Did something happen to him? Is he okay? Did he wake up?” Serizawa asked, suddenly alert.
“No, but I wanted to know your thoughts about what he would be doing after he wakes up,” the Chief asked.
After thinking about it for a few moments, Serizawa realized that nothing came to mind. He doubted Shiori-san will let Naruse return to New York and something told him that he wouldn’t want to take back his job as a defense attorney. “I’ve never thought about it before so I really don’t know,” Serizawa said.
“I was thinking about offering him a position as a prosecutor for the police. He has talent in the area of the law and I hope that this time, he can use that talent to benefit the community,” the Chief said, watching for Serizawa’s reaction.
“I guess that will be good for him,” Serizawa finally said after thinking it over. “Let’s just hope he wakes up soon.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After a while of wailing and sobbing, Shiori’s cries finally started to die down. “Please Naruse-san, please just wake up. I don’t want to lose you again. I don’t think I can take that again,” she whispered as tears continued their way down her face.
Suddenly she felt something light on her head, something running through her hair. She lifted her head up and stared straight into the warm brown eyes she had missed so much.
“Why are you crying Shiori-san?” a soft, rich voice asked.
“Naruse-san?!”
Shiori then threw herself on top of his chest as new tears of joy flooded from her eyes. “You’re awake!” she laughed, for the first time in a long while.
“Ahh!” Naruse cried.
Shiori snapped back to her senses as she heard Naruse cry out in pain. “Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry! Does it still hurt? Are you okay?” she asked as she tried to check his abdominal wound. “Should I call the nurse, or maybe I should just run and get the doctor?” she said frantically.
“I’m fine. It doesn’t really hurt. It’s just the pressure on it stings a little. I was just caught off guard, I’m fine, really,” he laughed softly.
At the sound of his laugh, Shiori froze. It was such an angelic sound, a sound that she’d missed so much, a sound that warmed her to the core. She continued to stare at him, oblivious to the fact that the man was looking at her with worry evident in his features.
“Shiori-san?”
Naruse started to sit up, eyes never leaving Shiori. “Shiori-san?” he asked again, this time lightly touching her cheek with his left hand. “Are you okay?”
At the touch of his warm hand and the worry that was spilling from his voice for her, she was pulled from her trance. “Naruse-san”
She then did something that shocked both Naruse and herself. She flung herself at him again, this time mindful of his wound, and kissed him on the lips. Joy and relief overpowering her rational mind as she let her instincts and heart take over.
“Shiori-san?” Naruse tried to asked.
The sound of her muffled name from his voice snapped her back to reality as she finally realized what she was doing. Her cheeks inflamed in embarrassment as she began to draw back from him.
“I…I…” she started, when his hand came under her chin and drew her back to him. This time, it was Shiori who was surprised. He’s kissing me!!
After a few minutes, the pair finally broke apart. Naruse once again brought his hand to her cheek, lightly caressing it, his warm brown eyes staring intently into hers.
“Thank you Shiori-san. I don’t think I ever told you that in person. You were the one who believed in me, when nobody else, including myself, did. You gave me hope in the darkest of times, and allowed me the honour to be your friend. You so easily gave me your trust, and even when I broke it, you did not give up on me. I don’t think I ever told you how much that meant to me. You are my salvation, you are the sole purpose that I decided to do some good in the end, the reason I tried to become a better person. It was you who made me become the person I am today. If you say that I am a good man, it is because of you. I would not be here without you, you were the light at the end of my dark tunnel, and for that I will be eternally grateful. I am sorry for all the pain and worry that I have brought to you. I can’t promise that I’ll be the best man for you, because God knows that you deserve someone so much better than me, but I will promise that I will try my best to be the best that I can be, just for you. There is nothing that I can ever do to repay you for all that you’ve done for me, but I am willing to start trying now and for the rest of my life,” he said as a gentle smile graced his features and tears started to well in Shiori’s eyes again.
“Shiori-san?” Naruse whispered.
“Yes?” she answered, her voice cracking at all the emotions that were coursing through her at the moment.
“I love you,” he whispered, honesty and adoration shining in his eyes.
Shiori rewarded him with a big smile, as she went to hug him, vowing to never let him go again. “I love you too, Naruse-san.”
~~~~~~~~~~
Previous Chapter HERE
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Shiori was able to stop Naruse and Serizawa from killing each other in the last episode. How would life turn out for the three as they face their past mistakes and create new hope for the future. As fate draws the two enemies together again, can they work together to defeat a demon from the past? Can forgiveness be granted and second chances offered?
Genre: Crime, Romance, Hurt/Comfort, Mystery
A/N: What better way to start the new year than by finishing this story?! I just wanted to take the time here to thank all those who have reviewed and supported this story. This is my very first fanfiction and I am so glad that people liked it and even took the time to look at it. I'm sad that it's coming to an end, but excited that I may start a new story. Who knows, I may add an epilogue to Another Chance some time in the future!
So for the last time, please read and review :D
Chapter 19: Love
It has been two hours since Naruse was brought to the hospital in Chiba and rushed into the operating room upon arrival. It was the longest two hours of Shiori’s, as she stared at the OR red light, signalling that the operation was still in process.
This is all my fault, she thought as she continued to sit in the quiet waiting room, knees pulled up to hide her face, encircled by her arms.
If only I had been more careful! If only I did not trust so easily! None of this would have happened! She recited this mantra in her head as tears continued to rush down her hidden face. She flashbacked to the times and memories she spent with Naruse. Each memory tore at her heart and soul in fear that now they would be the only memories she had left with him if he does not make it.
She reminisced to the time when she stood outside waiting for him to watch the fireworks together, but he never showed. The disappointment that she felt at that time was exponential, but when she turned and saw him standing there, all handsome and out of breath, all traces of sadness had instantaneously disappeared. He was apologetic for being late and even thought of buying her sparklers to make it up to her. That was by far the best memory she had with him, and at that point, she had felt happiness that she hadn’t experienced since the death of her parents. Who would have known that that was the last time she would be happy in a long time. After that day, everything went downhill as she finally realized that he was the one who was behind the murders of Serizawa’s friends.
But even after finding out the truth, I never condemned him, never hated him, she thought as she sighed and lifted her head back up to stare at the red light. Please Naruse-san, please be alright. You are so strong, came such a long way to be an even better person! You can’t leave me now!
“Shiori-san,” a soft voice called.
Shiori turned to her right to look at the young detective sitting beside her, exhaustion was evident in his features.
“He’s going to be okay. Naruse-san has always been strong. He’d made it through so much, he’ll make it through this,” he said with a smile.
Shiori smiled a little at the detective’s attempt to make her feel better. “Thank you Serizawa-san.”
Suddenly a male figure stepped into the waiting area, and the pair looked up at the man.
“Well we are currently charging Yamano with the abduction of both Sora-chan and Shiori-chan, the murder of Kasai and Mari-san, the attempted murder of Serizawa and Naruse, two cases of assault on Naruse, and obstruction of justice,” the police chief said seriously. “That guy will never see the light of day again,” he stated proudly.
Serizawa was about to comment when the light to the OR flickered off and Shiori-san let out a squeal. All three rushed to the doors as the doctor and nurses walked out.
The doctor was met with three pairs of expectant and hopeful eyes and the next second, was bombarded with questions about the patient’s condition.
“Please, one question at a time,” he chuckled. “Do not worry, the patient is in a stable condition right now. His life is in no danger.”
A collective sigh could be heard coming from the three friends. “But there is a slight problem,” the doctor added and apprehension flashed in Shiori’s eyes.
“What is it?” her voice quavering.
“Due to the fact that the patient had lost too much blood, we believe that there was a short period of time when his brain was deprived of oxygen. Damage may have occurred but we cannot be certain of the degree of damage until he wakes up,” the doctor stated.
“When is he going to wake up,” Shiori whispered.
“As of right now, we do not know. It can take hours, days, months, and even years. There is a slight chance that he may never wake up, but it is best to keep your spirits and hope up. He needs all his friends now more than ever,” the physician stated again, sympathy shining in his eyes as he watched the young girl start to shake, tears dripping from her eyes.
“Thank you doctor,” the chief stated calmly.
Shiori heard nothing as Serizawa tried to get her attention. There was only one phrase that kept on replaying in her mind, over and over again.
He may never wake up.
~~~~~~~~~~~
It has been exactly two weeks, four days, and five hours ever since Naruse was stabbed. Although his vitals were improving and he looked better every day, there were no signs of him waking up. Every time Shiori asked the doctor about Naruse`s condition, it was always the same answer. When the patient wakes up is up to him, there is not much we can do besides wait.
As a result, Shiori decided to spend all her time with him, talking to him, trying to get him to respond to her. She took time off from the library and only helped out at the café after visiting hours at the hospital. Serizawa and the Chief had asked her numerous times to just stay home and have a day to herself, but she refused.
Some days she would just chat with him about what was happening regarding Yamano’s case or any important news of the outside world, and on other days, she would reminisce about their past shared memories.
“Sora-chan came to visit you yesterday. She and her mom brought you sunflowers and she even left you a drawing. I must say, her talent in art is improving, you have to wake up and see it for yourself,” she told him as she held up the drawing to his face.
“Your sister also sent you lilies, I think she’s worried about you,” Shiori continued as she looked around at the room, full of flowers and get well presents.
“Naruse-san, many people are worried about you and just want you to wake up,” she said, tears welling in her eyes.
She turned to look at the man sleeping soundly on the bed. “Why won’t you wake up?! What can I do to get you to wake up?” she cried as her head fell on top of his chest. She clutched on to his shirt and began to sob, exhaustion and grief overtaking her.
“Don’t you want to see us anymore?!” she questioned. “You’ve come such a long way, mended things with Serizawa-san, became such a great person. Are you just going to give up now?!” she yelled as she held on tighter to her shirt.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Serizawa tiredly walked to his desk after a long day out in the field. So this was how my life was before Yamano, he sighed as he slumped into his chair.
“Serizawa, why are you here so late at night?” the police Chief asked as he walked into the office.
“I was just getting my stuff together and then heading home,” he answered as he looked around the empty office, realizing that everybody else was gone.
“I’m glad that you stayed behind, I have something I would like to discuss with you,” the Chief said somberly.
“What is it?” Serizawa asked, curious at what his boss needed to talk to him about.
“It’s about Naruse-san.”
“Did something happen to him? Is he okay? Did he wake up?” Serizawa asked, suddenly alert.
“No, but I wanted to know your thoughts about what he would be doing after he wakes up,” the Chief asked.
After thinking about it for a few moments, Serizawa realized that nothing came to mind. He doubted Shiori-san will let Naruse return to New York and something told him that he wouldn’t want to take back his job as a defense attorney. “I’ve never thought about it before so I really don’t know,” Serizawa said.
“I was thinking about offering him a position as a prosecutor for the police. He has talent in the area of the law and I hope that this time, he can use that talent to benefit the community,” the Chief said, watching for Serizawa’s reaction.
“I guess that will be good for him,” Serizawa finally said after thinking it over. “Let’s just hope he wakes up soon.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After a while of wailing and sobbing, Shiori’s cries finally started to die down. “Please Naruse-san, please just wake up. I don’t want to lose you again. I don’t think I can take that again,” she whispered as tears continued their way down her face.
Suddenly she felt something light on her head, something running through her hair. She lifted her head up and stared straight into the warm brown eyes she had missed so much.
“Why are you crying Shiori-san?” a soft, rich voice asked.
“Naruse-san?!”
Shiori then threw herself on top of his chest as new tears of joy flooded from her eyes. “You’re awake!” she laughed, for the first time in a long while.
“Ahh!” Naruse cried.
Shiori snapped back to her senses as she heard Naruse cry out in pain. “Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry! Does it still hurt? Are you okay?” she asked as she tried to check his abdominal wound. “Should I call the nurse, or maybe I should just run and get the doctor?” she said frantically.
“I’m fine. It doesn’t really hurt. It’s just the pressure on it stings a little. I was just caught off guard, I’m fine, really,” he laughed softly.
At the sound of his laugh, Shiori froze. It was such an angelic sound, a sound that she’d missed so much, a sound that warmed her to the core. She continued to stare at him, oblivious to the fact that the man was looking at her with worry evident in his features.
“Shiori-san?”
Naruse started to sit up, eyes never leaving Shiori. “Shiori-san?” he asked again, this time lightly touching her cheek with his left hand. “Are you okay?”
At the touch of his warm hand and the worry that was spilling from his voice for her, she was pulled from her trance. “Naruse-san”
She then did something that shocked both Naruse and herself. She flung herself at him again, this time mindful of his wound, and kissed him on the lips. Joy and relief overpowering her rational mind as she let her instincts and heart take over.
“Shiori-san?” Naruse tried to asked.
The sound of her muffled name from his voice snapped her back to reality as she finally realized what she was doing. Her cheeks inflamed in embarrassment as she began to draw back from him.
“I…I…” she started, when his hand came under her chin and drew her back to him. This time, it was Shiori who was surprised. He’s kissing me!!
After a few minutes, the pair finally broke apart. Naruse once again brought his hand to her cheek, lightly caressing it, his warm brown eyes staring intently into hers.
“Thank you Shiori-san. I don’t think I ever told you that in person. You were the one who believed in me, when nobody else, including myself, did. You gave me hope in the darkest of times, and allowed me the honour to be your friend. You so easily gave me your trust, and even when I broke it, you did not give up on me. I don’t think I ever told you how much that meant to me. You are my salvation, you are the sole purpose that I decided to do some good in the end, the reason I tried to become a better person. It was you who made me become the person I am today. If you say that I am a good man, it is because of you. I would not be here without you, you were the light at the end of my dark tunnel, and for that I will be eternally grateful. I am sorry for all the pain and worry that I have brought to you. I can’t promise that I’ll be the best man for you, because God knows that you deserve someone so much better than me, but I will promise that I will try my best to be the best that I can be, just for you. There is nothing that I can ever do to repay you for all that you’ve done for me, but I am willing to start trying now and for the rest of my life,” he said as a gentle smile graced his features and tears started to well in Shiori’s eyes again.
“Shiori-san?” Naruse whispered.
“Yes?” she answered, her voice cracking at all the emotions that were coursing through her at the moment.
“I love you,” he whispered, honesty and adoration shining in his eyes.
Shiori rewarded him with a big smile, as she went to hug him, vowing to never let him go again. “I love you too, Naruse-san.”
~~~~~~~~~~
Previous Chapter HERE