7: Not ordinary at all

[scaresplants]

[If you go into the forest today, Vatheonites, you might see a very strange sight.

Sitting on a bench in the forest is one Anthony J. Crowley, though he doesn't remember his name and would probably tell you his name was Crawly if you asked, because that's the only name he remembers. And on his back are two beautiful black wings, perfectly groomed. His sunglasses are perched on the top of his head, and his eyebrows are furrowed, as if he's trying to think of something.]

[He turns on the SFC laying next to him.] ...Yeah. I don't like this at all. Not one bit. Just when I thought that I was just an ordinary guy, and then everyone needs to ruin my day and tell me I'm Fallen...whatever that is. That's just peachy.

[He really does look worried.] I don't know why...I thought I was a good person, really. But why can't I remember who I really am- what I really am? I remember some things, and then I forget them all over again.

I know I'm a snake, somehow, because that could explain the hissing and the eyes...but whoever heard of a snake in human clothing? I don't get it.

[And he buries his head in his hands.] I just want to remember...

Comments

[libraria.livejournal.com]

I... I think it was an accident. I don't think you meant to - I know you didn't do anything bad. You're not bad like that, Crowley-san.

[ She smiles at him. ]

We wouldn't be friends if you were evil, right?

[scaresplants.livejournal.com]

Hmmm. Maybe.

[That cheers him up a bit.]

Well, if what you say is true, I was an angel once, so I can't be that bad.

[libraria.livejournal.com]

Exactly! You're a good person, Crowley-san, no matter what you are.

[ She's still holding his hand and, with a jolt, she realises it; her fingers twitch and she slowly pulls it away. ]

[scaresplants.livejournal.com]

[He looks in surprise at her and takes her hand again.]

Is-is something wrong?

[libraria.livejournal.com]

[ Her eyes widen and she flushes, looking down at the grass under their feet. Unconciously, she wraps her fingers around his again. ]

No, o-of course not!

[scaresplants.livejournal.com]

You're blushing, though. It's all right, you can tell me.

[libraria.livejournal.com]

I am? [ Of course she is. When it's Crowley she's always blushing. ] Well, I-I just... I like you! We're friends, a-and I'm always blushing, s-so...

[scaresplants.livejournal.com]

[He laughs- a laugh that seems like the ringing of gentle bells. There's hardly a trace of demonic influence in it.]

You're a shy one, aren't you? Don't get embarrassed, it's all right.

[libraria.livejournal.com]

[ Nodoka stares at him for such a long moment. Is this better? Is... Is this Crowley, a man with a laugh that's soft and carefree, better than the Crowley she had come to adore? The girl pauses for a moment; she didn't know how long the curse would last, but bringing him back to his demonic side wouldn't do him any good. Perhaps forgetting would be better for him, for now. ]

... I-I'll try. [ And then she stands, tugging her hand free reluctantly. ] Maybe... Maybe you should try going to your house! It could help you feel better, Crowley-san.

[scaresplants.livejournal.com]

Okay. Erm...do you mind telling me where my house is? I've sort of forgotten.

[libraria.livejournal.com]

Oh! Oh, I-I'm sorry, um... [ She looks quite upset - not because of him but because of herself. Of course he won't remember. ] Would you like me to show you?

[scaresplants.livejournal.com]

Oh, yes, that would be great.

[And he beams at her. Man, who could look at this guy and say he was a demon? Really.]

[libraria.livejournal.com]

[ She nods and turns, motioning to the way with a small smile. ]

It's this way, n-not too far.

[scaresplants.livejournal.com]

Okay. Lead the way.

[libraria.livejournal.com]

[ And so she does. She tries to keep a few steps ahead of him - not because she doesn't want to walk with him (because she does, so badly) but she knows what she would take advantage of the situation. To walk holding Crowley's hand pretending... It was too tempting. ]

[scaresplants.livejournal.com]

[And he follows, smiling. He had a friend. This is such a happy feeling, having somebody who cared about him.]

[libraria.livejournal.com]

[ When they eventually reach his door Nodoka pauses, pressing her hand against the wood. Slowly, she turned and smiled at him. ]

You should have the keys, Crowley-san!

[scaresplants.livejournal.com]

I should? Oh,okay.

[He digs in his pockets and finds them, then unlocks the door. This room is strange and alien to him.]

You sure this is my room?

[libraria.livejournal.com]

[ Nodoka moves inside, holding the door open a little before she stands in the open doorway. ]

Yes, it's yours! Um, l-look! You grow plants and flowers - isn't that lovely?

[scaresplants.livejournal.com]

I-I do?

[He stares at them for a moment, before looking around his room.]

I don't have much in here, do I?

[libraria.livejournal.com]

I... I don't think you need that much, Crowley-san.

[ She looks a little uncomfortable; what can she say? Even she doesn't know why Crowley's home is so sparse. ]

It suits you!

[scaresplants.livejournal.com]

I guess I don't. Huh.

[And he wanders over to he bed, when he spots Nodoka's handkercheif hanging on a hook on a wall. He takes it and turns over in his hands, suddenly feeling a pang of happiness flit through him.]

...Is the snake supposed to be me? [He's reffering to the pattern knitted on the corner.]

[libraria.livejournal.com]

[ Nodoka moves forward, letting the door close behind her as she traces his steps. When her eyes flicker over the handkercheif she smiles. ]

Yes. I made you it a while ago - I-I'm surprised you kept it for so long!

[ More than that, she looks touched beyond words. ]

[scaresplants.livejournal.com]

Heh. Looks like you are quite the crafts girl.

[And he just wanders over to her and pauses, before lifting a hand and placing it on her head gently.]

Thanks. I really wish I could remember all you did for me...it doesn't feel right, not knowing...

[libraria.livejournal.com]

Oh, n-no, not really! It was... It was just special, so it had to look nice!

[ She watches him and then, when his hand touches her, blushes and smiles gently; even when he couldn't remember anything he was still so wonderful. ]

It's okay! You'll remember soon a-and everything will go back to normal!