Lost Reaper | Akame ga Kill! × RWBY

VI | The First Step (Part I)

A deep sigh escaped his lips.

Currently sitting himself on the balcony, just outside the ballroom, Akira starred up into the night sky. The visage of the moon reflected off his icy blue eyes, watching the sight of the cracked and shattered moon slowly moving through the dark painted canvas above.

"Can't sleep?" A soft voice spoke up.

He turned his head behind him, seeing that familiar blonde-haired girl walk up to him. Those shining blue eyes of hers sparkled, a small, but faint blush coming to his face before it receded and looked back to the dark visage in front of him. Another sigh left his lips as he wiped his face of what seemed to be sweat, resting his hands back onto the stone railing below him.

"What gave it away? Aside from the fact that I've been sitting here since they told us to go to sleep."

Corey chuckled softly, "Well, you were always a night owl from what I can remember. It took Chief and Akame to get you to sleep sometimes."

He couldn't help but laugh as well, "Yeah, you're right."

By now, she had walked up to the railing and swung her legs over it to sit next to him. Their shoulders inches apart, both their bangs moving with the subtle breeze, along with Cornelia's long hair. The blonde beauty took another glance at him, seeing that Akira was fixated on the cracked moon above. However, upon looking into his eyes, she easily caught sight of the sadness hidden behind those usually stoic eyes of his.

She then looked down at her own hand. Slowly, she began to move it closer to his. But as soon as she grazed their hands, her palms brushing the top of his hand, they both recoiled. Akira looked to the blonde girl, who had looked away, presumably with a small red hue of her own. He took a deep breath before he swung his legs around and hopped off the railing, leaning against it.

"So? I assume you came here to ask me something?" He shoved his hands into his pockets.

"H-Huh? O-Oh!" Corey was caught off guard by the sudden question. "W-Well, yes, I did, but... It can wait for another time. You seem to have a lot on your mind."

"That doesn't seem like you. The Corey I know would pester me on what was wrong. You were considered the 'big sister' of our group." He then gained a teasing grin, "Then again, it was always a wish of yours to be doted on every once and while, right?"

The red hue on her face grew even more, "Sh-Shut up! People can change in time, alright!? Besides, it was always hard enough to get things out of you!"

"Heh. Yeah, that's true. I was a pain in the ass regarding talking about my feelings and thoughts." Akira then yawned. "Anyway, I'm gonna head back in. We'll be waking up early tomorrow, so it'll be best if we get some sleep in."

"I think I'll... Stay up a bit longer..."

"You sure?"

"Yeah... I've got a lot on my mind, too, so I'll be taking a page out of your book."

"Just don't stay up too late. It won't do you any good for tomorrow if you're tired."

She laughed. "You were always one to go around, worrying for us like that."

He stopped for a moment. A soft smile couldn't help but come to his lips, but he didn't show her.

"I was made number two for a reason. It's my job to worry about us."

The black-haired teen then disappeared inside. Cornelia stared at him, watching his fading visage disappearing into the darkness of the ballroom. She couldn't help but think as she turned back to the night sky.