~Eden~

After hearing about Opal, he and Hinata had instantly teleported into her room. What he found shocked him. Densetsu was now face-down on the bed. Not only this, but... He couldn't believe it.

'What the fuck? Is he crying?'

“Get away from here you asshole love-birds."

With a sigh, he approached the seemingly-egotistical kitsune, sitting upon the edge of the bed. He motioned for Hinata to join him. She obliged him, and without a single word, he shared a nod of silent understanding with her.

He grasped Densetsu's hand, Hinata the other.

Although he attempted to growl, the kitsune only managed to sob the word, “O-Opal..."

He knew it.

He knew Hinata knew it.

“I told Katrina to keep an eye on her..," Eden spoke, pulling Densetsu into an embrace. He patted his back, only to be shoved away.

Hinata had taken over, grasping Densetsu's body with all her might. He attempted to pull away, only for her to place her hand on his cheek as she spoke the words, “Why didn't you tell me, you big oaf?"

This clearly struck a freshly-damaged portion of Densetsu's psyche, as it triggered a further breakdown from him. However, this was also somewhat of a good thing. Perhaps this kitsune was far from as cold-hearted and narcissistic as the facade he put on.

“I-I wish that's what she would have said..."

Heaving a sigh, Eden contacted Katrina.

Patting the Kitsune's head, Eden spoke, “She isn't leaving. Who knows, maybe she'll even come around and accept your feelings for her."

Nodding, Densetsu raised his head to meet him, drying his eyes with his arm. He then released a groan. It was clear that he knew the proverbial masquerade was more than over.

“I guess I can't hide it from you two anymore, can I?" Densetsu chucked to his face, an ironic smile on his muzzle. He then placed his hand upon his head, “Dammit, and here I thought I could keep going with the bull-crap until I knew you better."

Rolling his eyes, Eden nodded to Hinata. She returned the gesture. With this, they both wrapped their arms around Densetsu as Eden spoke the words, “Group hug! The next one includes your girl Opal!"

"Dammit, you two! Really?"

At Densetsu's words, a knowing grin formed on Hinata's muzzle as she spoke, “Come on, you big-hearted oaf! Stop fighting and surrender to it!"

“Okay, okay!" Densetsu chuckled, pulling at Eden's shirt, forcing each of them to fall upon the sheets in a heap, “Anyway... the whole 'Time-Freeze' thing has a two-week minimum. How about we plan on a few more team get-togethers once Opal gets back? Y'know... since we barely know each other?"

As he and Hinata released the kitsune, Eden grinned, “Fair enough."

12:52 PM, September 17, 2002

Dear journal... seven days ago I found out Densetsu has put up a Jerkass Facade this entire time. ...Also, Hinata, fuck you for showing me that damn TV Tropes website. Now I'm starting to apply it to real life because of my damn over-active imagination.

I spent about five days getting to know Densetsu. He's cool. He's grown on me so much that I kind of see him like a little... er... big brother? How old is he in human years? Ugh, never mind.

On the subject of Densetsu, he's going to have a big character judgement when Opal comes back tomorrow. And for everyone watching - for the sake of your own sanity, do NOT visit that Dark Web video site “Furry Friendships". It's basically the Furry Force by CollegeHumor on roids. Also, fuck Densetsu for showing me that damn rip-off character “Slain-Basin". He's worse than the character he's based on ever was with the damn fourth wall breaks and references. I'm still trying to wean off copying that one. THIS IS WHY I DON'T WATCH TELEVISION.