Cure Narrative 48: Wake Me Up

Season: Kirakira Precure a la Mode

Characters: Ciel K. Rio K.

Summary: Why do we always leave the simplest things unsaid?

(Ciel's POV)

I had never felt such joy in my entire life.

Pikario, my dear little brother, you finally found your way back to me. After we were separated in Paris, after you were manipulated by Noir, and after your slumber which had lasted for far too long.

We didn't have time to talk back then, we were busy with the battle against Grave. But as we returned home together for the first time in months, I fell to my knees, tears overflowing, weaving into rivers of elation.

You knelt down beside me and asked me if something was wrong. I uttered not so much as a word while I embraced you, feeling your warmth once again.

Words of love and forgiveness were spoken. Gestures of affection and comfort were made. Tears of both the happiness and grief in our memories fell, dripping onto each other's shoulders.

You kissed my forehead and wished me "sweet dreams" before I slept. But you being here with me was already the sweetest dream I could've hoped for.

.

Yet I had a terrible nightmare that night.

I dreamt that I woke up, but you didn't.

No matter how many times I called to you in my nightmare, you wouldn't react, you wouldn't move, you wouldn't open your eyes.

When I actually woke up, I was drenched with cold sweat.

Hesitantly, I flew to you, tranquilly slumbering (yet again), free from the tiniest grain of woe. I took a deep breath.

"Bonjour-kira!" I crashed right into your middle with my entire weight.

"Argh!" you woke up instantly with a painful groan.

And I smiled.

Thank goodness...!

It was silly of me, worrying about nothing.

And yet I continued.

Every single morning.

Every single morning, I felt the need to make sure you wake up properly with my own two eyes.

And every single night, relentless nightmares plagued me again and again. It was a vicious cycle of paranoia that I dared not speak of to anyone.

Tonight as well, I woke myself up from my nightmare with a scream.

Panting, I decided that I wanted some water, so I changed to human form and walked to my room door.

"Oh," I saw you standing outside, your hand on the knob of my door as well.

"Something wrong?" I asked, instantly burying the evident fear in my voice.

"I should be asking you that!" you exclaimed, "I heard you scream, is everything alright?"

"Oh. Yes. It's just a silly nightmare, I'm fine now."

"You sure?"

"Oui!"

You seemed dubious, but you relented, "Fine. I'll go grab you a glass of warm water."

"Merci, Pikario!"

As expected from my twin brother, you saw through me completely. I slouched onto my pillow in defeat.

I'm such a failure of a sister.

(Rio's POV)

You are so easy to read.

While I admit that you were quite annoying, coming to wake me up every morning when I could've settled with a cheap alarm clock, I understood why you did it.

I could only begin to imagine how devastated you were when I laid dormant on Lumiere's altar.

I understood that you had to see me open up my eyes every day in order to feel calm, as well as the fact that your fear probably wouldn't subside any time soon.

I was well-aware that you treasured me to such extent.

And I was also well-aware about your nightmares.

Tonight, for sure.

Every single morning, I tried to laugh with you after your "Bonjour-kira!".

And every single night, your shaken voice reached my ears. I had my hand on your doorknob.

But every night, I retreated without a word, giving myself countless excuses not to reciprocate the care you showered me through secrets you thought I didn't know.

Tonight. For sure!

It was a simple task. A few sentences alone would soothe your mind. I just have to say them.

I handed you the glass of water. You drank it, and bid me goodnight. I left, wasting the opportunity handed to me on a silver platter.

I failed once again, even though it was something only I was capable of.

I failed to wake you up from this nightmare tonight as well.

I failed at telling you that you were my beloved sister and I would never, ever leave your side again.

I'm such a failure of a brother.

End of Chapter 48