The small figure waddled forward, trudging through the vibrant grass and bloomed florals before finding a small area where the plant-life wasn't as overwhelming. He plopped down, grinning toothily at us as he snorted quietly, making a small pugo sounds.

"Hawk..?" Ellie asked, staring down at the small pig in amazement.

"You're alive?!" Basshole asked incredulously, kneeling down and staring wide-eyed at the miniature pig. Meli had kneeled down as well, while Ellie was only bending over.

"Yeah," Hawk said, "Seems like it."

There was a moment of silence. Everyone seemed to be absorbing the fact that the pig who had saved our asses was still alive. The Captain of the Order or Scraps Disposal was still here. I smiled widely, a feeling of euphoria encompassing me. Hawk's back!

"Yaaaaay!" Diane cheered, laughing and breaking the silence and starting the celebration.

Basshole threw the small pig into the air, making him screech as he soared upward. "Master's alive! I can't believe it! This is like a dream~"

Hawk flashed a thumbs up (well, more like a hooves up? I dunno- pig physics or something), and Meli chuckled. "You rash swine."

Beside me, Ellie grabbed onto the captain, shoving his face into her chest. All of his injuries quickly healed, and I smirked. She could've just touched him with her hand or something.

I hummed to myself, smiling contently. Everything worked out.

I couldn't stop myself from glancing to the side, and I found myself staring at the Fox Sin before I could stop. My mood faltered slightly.

Well, almost everything.

King Bartra allowed us to take some time to recoup and heal. After two days, Elizabeth had healed almost completely- and every Holy Knight that has been injured had been tended to and was in mint condition. Citizens and Holy Knights has already begun the rebuilding of the kingdom, and Diane was helping out too. Oh, and she was small now. Merlin made her these make-me-small pills or something, so now she was the size of a regular person. Somehow, still taller than me, though. All-in-all, everything was pretty good. There was going to be a festival in honor of our victory and everything, too.

So, why, I hear you asking, in the distant, unknown land of Readerville, was I sitting alone in my room, crying my eyes out?

Why was I not celebrating the festival and helping to rebuild kingdom?

Why was I not rejoicing and savoring our victory?

Since I'm sure you're curious, I'll give you a run-down of what had happened on the third day of our 'vacation'.

I had come into contact with a Holy Knight- or at least, I think they were one. I don't know how they could've had such a power without the title. They weren't anything special, as far as I could tell, but they were... weird, for lack of a better term. I couldn't tell if they were a guy or a girl- as they always had this large, foreboding cloak on. It was black as night, and covered all of their features. All I could see was their mouth, which was dry and all cut up. They started following me around everywhere- and had been doing so almost all of the second day after King Bartra had let us roam. They just followed me around, sulking behind corners and into alleyways in an attempt to keep out of sight- but I always managed to catch a glimpse of them, or heard them mumbling to themself nearby. When I finally asked them about it, they tapped my forehead, quite dramatically, then hurried away. They didn't say anything, only murmured quietly, once again, before running off and disappearing.

At first, nothing was different. But that changed really fast.

At first, I brushed it off as a weird encounter. But then, two more figures started following me. I was very irritated by that point, so I went off into a secluded area, and they followed faithfully behind. Once they were somewhere I could access them, I removed their cloaks- which were identical to that of the first person's. They were just... shapeless blobs. It was strange- their figures were only a large mass of a writhing, pale white... thing. As soon as I saw them, they changed shape, one condensing and the other extending upward. They made the form of a short girl, who had (h/c) hair like mine, only slightly lighter, and green eyes. She was wearing a plain black dress, which hugged her body until her mid-torso, where it went out into a simple, flowing skirt. The other was a tall man, wearing crimson leather that matched his eyes. His skin was pale, complimenting his light blue, and unnaturally spiky, hair.

So I fell on my ass, obviously. I was surprised and absolutely terrified. To see the both of them made me immediately shut down- my brain running a mile a minute and my body unable to move, save for its vigorous shaking of terror. All I remember was the crushing weight of unhappiness that settled in my chest when I saw the both of them- and together, no less! All they did was stare down at me, until an agonizing minute passed, and they spoke in tandem.

"Hello, (y/n)," Ban and Amelia had said, their voices melding together as they stared down at me. They were oddly chipper. That's all I really remember about their voices... They were so happy. "We've been assigned to you by our master and have taken the shape of your biggest regrets. We request you get comfortable- as we are beginning tests now."

I was terrified, naturally. Terrified, absolutely despondent upon seeing the both of them together, and scared. Truly and completely scared.

To cut it short, they both locked me in a magical prison that I was too weak (in the moment, because of my stupid feelings) to break out of. They made me relive every painstaking memory that involved the both of them- basically mentally torturing me to the point of physical exhaustion.

I had to watch Ban attack the captain and I over and over again. I had to watch Amelia get taken away from me over and over again. I had to feel her presence ripped out of my core over and over again. I had to remember every insult Ban had thrown my way over and over again. I had to see every moment that I hated myself for over... and over... and over again.

Then I ran back to the Boar Hat- and here we are. Nobody was here, so I just broke down. I could barely make it up the stairs before I collapsed onto the ground, sobbing into the oversized T-shirt I had been walking around in on the fourth day of rebuilding (wearing sexy clothes is great and all, but sometimes we all need a break). For you math wizzes- yes, I had endured that excruciating pain for an entire day. 24 hours of pure, unadulterated mental abuse for no identifiable reason.

How long has it been, an hour? Maybe two? Gah, I don't know...

Every time I think I'm calming down or getting my bearings, I see Amelia and Ban again. Towering over me and smiling maliciously- their grins much to wide and their enjoyment much to obvious. Then I start crying again, harder and louder than before. Thankfully, the window to the room was shut, as I wouldn't have been able to close it myself. The door was left slightly ajar, and the only sounds were the sounds of my despair, echoing through the usually chipper Boar Hat.

I hate this.... I hate me.

Why did I always get so emotional? Yeah, I'm fucked beyond repair, but so is everyone else! And they're fine! They're not crying because they can't handle the deaths of everyone they cared about. They're not sobbing until their voice gives out, then sobbing some more, because of their Sin. They're not hating themselves for losing the one person they held a little hope for.

So why am I?

Why am I the only one who can't handle the crushing weight of what I've done?

Why am I the only one who is truly the embodiment of their Sin?

"What's wrong with me..?" I hiccuped, wiping away the aggressive amount of snot and tears on the drenched neckline of my shirt. The only part that was dry was the bottom half. Even the leggings I was wearing were damp from the tears that had escaped the vicious attacks of my hands and the shirt that had rubbed my cheeks raw. My hair was awry and my eyes were surely bloodshot, my face bright red and the rest of my body pale and shaking. I wouldn't be surprised if I had lost a few pounds from this session.

"Why can't I keep it together?" I sobbed to myself, "What the fuck is wrong with m-"

"(Y/N)?" The voice was quiet, but it made my entire body shut down once again. I whirled around, seeing a tall figure- wearing crimson that matched his eyes. With pale skin that complimented his unnaturally spiky, light blue hair.

"Nonononono!" I pleaded hoarsely, scrambling away and covering my face as my sobs came back full force, and started to wrack through my body without mercy. I pressed my back up against the wall across from the door. "Please just leave me alone..! No more..." my voice trailed off, only coming out as a hoarse whimper, "Please... no more..."

"Fuck," I heard Ban curse quietly- god why was I calling him the asshole before? I'm the asshole here... He cautiously closed the door behind him, making the room nearly pitch black. I heard the floor creak as he took a single step forward. "(Y/N)... what's-"

"Please, just stop," I whimpered, wanting the replica of the Fox Sin to leave. Why now? Had it just been listening to me cry, waiting for the perfect time to strike again? "I get it, okay! I know I'm a dick... all my misfortune is my fault... all the people I've lost- it's all me..! I'm responsible for my own undoing!" I looked up at the replacement, tears streaming down my cheeks and snot leaking from my nose. My face was scrunched up in pain as I stared at it. It looked almost like the real him- confused and sorrowful as it looked down at me. "Are you happy? Are you fucking happy?! You made me break down, big deal! I'll kick your sorry ass-"

"(Y/N)... stop it," he mumbled, all of the sudden on top of me. I was in his lap, my body annoyingly small compared to his. His chin was atop my head, his arm wrapped securely around my body and his legs crossed so that they were protectively hugging mine. He chuckled breathily, "God, I'm an asshole..."

I breathed shakily, my face pressed into his chest. My eyes were wide and my body was still shaking, my hands involuntarily grasping his jacket. "Wait... is it really... you?"

"Of course, idiot," he chuckled, making me whimper. Why does he always know how to make me feel better with a few words..? Ha... what an asshole... "Who else would it be?"

"B-Ban... oh god..." and then the tears came again, sobs wracking my whole body and tearing me open. The short moment of happiness upon realizing I was safe diminished completely. I couldn't handle it anymore. Fuck the world. Right now it's me and him. "The-There was this Knight, a-and he touched me... and then you and A-Amelia... oh, god, Amelia... it was you and her, and y-you guys made me," I choked, scrunching my face up and burying it further into his chest. My voice broke. "Fuck, you made me..."

"Hey, chill the hell out," he mumbled, hugging me tighter. "Whoever the fuck that was, they aren't here, got it? And if they were, they'd be dead before I can say 'I'm sorry.'"

"Please don't apologize," I whimpered, my voice hoarse from the crying. "I should apologize. I made you get with me... I was so selfish... you're in love with E-Elai-aine," my voice cracked upon saying her name, "n-not me, and I get that. J-Just don't apologize."

"(Y/N), I'm sorry," he said without hesitation, and I continued to cry. "I don't know what's up with me- but I think if I somehow find Elaine, this will all be cleared up."

Ban, please... please stop... you're not helping.

Ban hesitated before continuing- he couldn't help it. He couldn't tell you what his true intentions were, because then you'd get your hopes up. His entire body caved in on itself at the thought of hurting you again.

I need to tell Elaine how I feel about you and know that it's okay with her- it'll feel like betrayal otherwise. But then we can be together, okay? So stop crying, goddamnit.

The words only echoed in his head. What if, upon seeing Elaine again, he remembers why he fell in love with her? That she is his woman. What would he do then? It was horrifying, and it made his heart wrench, to imagine your face upon seeing him with Elaine. Complete and utter heartbreak- once again, from the same person.

How could he do that to you?

He was very aware that he was the Sin of Greed- but never would he stoop to the level of hurting you, with the knowledge that he could've from the beginning.

"I'll figure it out," Ban continued, not missing a beat. His thoughts raced, but his voice came out soothing and calm- his primary goal at the moment being to calm you down. He hated seeing you cry, and it was a sight he saw much to often. Far too much for his liking. "Don't worry, okay? I've got this. There are... things I have to do before we can smooth all this bullshit out, but it'll work out it the end. It always does. Right, shortstack?"

You snorted, sniffing quietly. You still gripped shakily onto his jacket, almost as though he was your lifeline. You clung onto him, craving the warmth and comfort that he brought when his arms were around you. You shifted slightly in place, but stayed in place. Tears still fell, and your heart remained aching and fractured, but somehow, after hearing his uninspiring words, you felt better. Almost as thought you knew there was some sort of underlying motive on Ban's part- but not a bad one. It felt... good. It was nice. Really nice.

"Tree Legs, you idiot," you mumbled, smiling a small smile into his chest, pulling him closer to you. Ban smirked, hearing the grin in your voice, and feeling internally elated upon hearing his nickname once again. It felt as though it had been forever since you had teased him for being so tall, and he firing back about your shortness. "This isn't time to be using your stupid nicknames..."

"That's a bit hypocritical, sweetcheeks," Ban hummed, cheeks tinging a slight pink at his usage of the nickname. Yours, in comparison, flared up like a wildfire, making your already bright red cheeks burn bright. "But if it means I get to talk to you again... I'll take it."

There was a pause between the two of you, the only sounds heard being the occasional noises from outside seeping through the window, as well as your small sniffles, or the shift of your hand when you wiped away a stray tear. Ban's breathing was in sync with yours, and he couldn't help but cherish this moment with you.

He hated himself for acting so cold toward you. It was almost as though his emotions about Elaine had been amplified by an outside force, and he couldn't even think about you. After an hour or two, though, he realized what had happened, and was absolutely horrified with himself. After you had been so vulnerable with him, and he had told you his feelings for you- he had done that? He couldn't even imagine what you were feeling...

"Hey, Ban," Your voice broke through his thoughts, and he immediately turned his attention back to you. Never again would he abandon your feelings for his own, selfish ones.

"Mm," he hummed to show he was listening.

"Do you..." you trailed off, immediately regretting starting this question. Really like Elaine more than me? You had to come up with something quick- you couldn't ask something of that nature. Not now, at least. What kinda jealous-stalker question is that? Not a good one. "...think I could sleep with you tonight?"

Ban's eyes widened, and your cheeks burned.

Seriously? Your groaned internally, I mean, I want to, but that's all I could come up with?

"Not to be creepy or anything," you said quickly, your voice still hoarse, but the embarrassment evident. "I just... the last time it helped... and I'm tired from all the crying... and what happened yesterday... so I figured I'd ask..." You groaned, gently knocking your head against his chest in embarrassment. "Ugh, never mind... ignore me..."

"Sure, midge," Ban said. "I'd like that."

Your entire body felt weightless upon hearing those words (despite the horrendous nickname), and your chest swelled with happiness. You thought, Ban may not like me in the way I like him, but... this is a start. Just show him that you care, (y/n). He'll figure it out eventually...! I hope...

"Thanks," you mumbled, hugging him closer to you and adding quietly. "... h-handsome..."

Now it was Ban's turn to blush, his cheeks erupting in a crimson that matched his eyes and outfit. You couldn't see it, and you were sure that you had just monumentally embarrassed yourself, but Ban's heart fluttered at the compliment.

"You're so perfect..." Ban mumbled, not thinking as it spilled from his lips.

"What'd you say?" You asked quietly, not removing yourself from the cocoon of his embrace.

"Lets go get a drink," he coughed, "It'll help you calm down... and stuff..."

You giggled quietly, thinking excitedly to yourself. This is a perfect opportunity! You wormed your way out of the shell his body had formed, looking up at him through a space between his arms. You smiled, face bright red with an obvious blush.

"Why can't I stay here with you?"

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