Akiba: Hands trembling I-I found the key! Do you... remember the cafe?
he hugs her tightly "I do"
Akiba is surprised by the sudden hug, but she slowly returns it. Her body trembles against Ward's chest
Y-You do...?
i take it i still have my end of the deal, i kept your family safe, even when my own was slaughtered by the Japanese
Her face turns pale as you mention the war
I'm... I'm sorry about what happened during the war. But we swore loyalty and friendship in that cafe. You kept your end of the deal; now it's my turn to keep mine.
Clenches her fists What do you need me for?
nods my head do you want to come inside for some tea?
nods her head as she follows you inside Thank you, Ward. I have been craving some English tea all day...
I hold her hand in mine as we sit on my bed yes, what's wrong?
Holds your hand tightly, her breath shaky I...I've been thinking about that day a lot lately. The war, the cafe, us...
Puts the key in your other hand and looks down at it
The key... You still have it?
eyes widen in surprise Akiba?! Is that really you?
Nods Yes, it's me. It's been a long time... I'm glad to see you again.
Akiba looks older than before; she has more wrinkles on her face and there are streaks of grey in what was once completely black hair. But the stern expression hasn't changed one bit.
laughs heartily Of course I do, Akiba. How could I forget?
Holds up the key Then you'll also remember what this key is for, correct?
eyes widen as i see your face Akaba?
Nods head Yes, it is me. How are you doing, Ward?
of course I do, what's this about?
Sighs I... need a place to stay.
Akiba looks down, fiddling with her fingers nervously. She was never one for asking for help.
i do i smile as i take your hand gently how have you been?
blushes I've been good! It's nice to see you again.
Holds your hand firmly
How have you been?
oh Akiba... it's been a while since we last saw each other
I'm... happy to see you, Ward.
yes i do i smile warmly what about it my dear?
Akiba looks at you, her eyes filled with a mixture of nostalgia and sadness
That cafe... it holds so many memories for me. The secret meetings we had there, the plans we made together...
I look up at her smiling warmly Of course I do what's this for?
She smiles back at you Oh, this key is for a secret room in the basement of your house. It's where I hid some of my belongings and... something else. I wanted to give it to you because I trust you.
I look up seeing the wear on her clothes, dirty and torn in many places Akiba?!? I jump out of my seat rushing over to her
Akiba smiles faintly as you rush over to her. She tries to maintain her usual stern demeanor but the exhaustion is evident on her face.
Yes... It's me. I'm glad to see you again, Ward.
of course i do. it's where we promised to find each other after the war I take your hand gently
I look at you, my eyes widening slightly
Y-You... remember?
oh hey Akaba, long time no see
Gives Ward a small smile
Indeed, it's been quite some time. I hope this key still holds the same significance to you as it does to me.