"Ah!"
Elise recoiled in fear when she saw my brother.
His form was the same as the shadow that had just assaulted her and her dad.
Stupid! So stupid! Why hadn't I told her yet!?
I caught Elise from behind and quickly reassured her.
"It's not him, that's James, my brother! That's why I texted you that I'd been rough with him during the interrogation!"
Elise looked back and forth between James and me in fear, taking panicked breaths, but seeing the calming look in my eyes, she slowly regained her composure.
Thank god I had sent her that text message.
Willow and Ken still looked at her with a bit of shock, and also pity after seeing what she had endured.
But James's eyes were the most shocked of all. That his appearance had caused such terror. And what it meant.
That the shadow that looked like his father and him had caused that reaction. What that shadow really did to her.
But James quickly readjusted himself, and once he saw Elise had regained her composure, he put forward his charming self for introductions.
"My apologies for scaring you. My name is James Marwood, and you must be Elise. I've heard a lot of positive things about you, and when Jack told me he had a girlfriend, I wasn't really sure what to expect. But I immediately see your person is so stunning that you've far surpassed even my most positive expectations. I can see my brother is a very lucky man to have you in his life, and I hope you and he will continue giving each other the appreciation you both deserve."
…Elise took in my brother for a moment… while casting a quick glance at Willow in between, who looked amused by James's polish.
Oh… she's… well Elise was scarily sharp after all.
But she nevertheless offered a hand, despite her… moral reservations.
"I'm Elise, Jack's girlfriend. And I have no doubt we both appreciate each other very much, thank you. And you don't have to apologize for frightening me, it's not your fault at all. We got off on the wrong foot, but I hope we both get along nevertheless. It's nice to meet you," she said with a subtle undertone as she extended her hand to James, which he immediately shook.
"Likewise. And I'm sure we'll get along fine, but since you're still looking at me a bit warily, I think that Jack should first apologize to you for not informing you properly about my appearance," James said, giving me a glare at the end while remaining oblivious.
"You're right, sorry Elise. But James, a lot happened when I arrived here, so I hadn't gotten around to it. And, brother, the reason she's looking at you like that is because her playboy radar has gone off."
James stiffened completely, eyes wide, and Elise looked back aghast at me.
Spot on. Ah… I probably had that mischievous smile again.
Ken looked shocked, but realization quickly dawned on him. He knew Elise well too, after all.
And Willow…
She failed to hold it in.
"Pfft HAHAHAHA playboy radar hahaha that's hahaha that's so funny haha oh that's spot on hahaha good eye Elise haha oh my stomach haha its haha it's really not your day today James hahaha you can't catch a break from your little brother, and now even his girlfriend too hahaha!"
…She kept on laughing… was it that funny? And James's smile had turned a bit wry.
…Well that's what he gets for all that fooling around back home.
…Oh no… the whole room was staring again. Now I started to feel embarrassed too, like Elise, who was turning a bit red.
…Was she embarrassed? Why did she keep staring between Willow and James then?
And now she was slowly zoning in on Willow?
Was… was she angry?
"Th-that's not funny! Why are you laughing! You're dating, right!?"
Willow took a look at her face, and almost burst out laughing again. Luckily for all our ears, she managed to hold it in and respond seriously.
"Hahaha oh you're so adorable. Dating you said? Well I guess you could call it that. I've tamed him quite well after all. He's been loyal. In fact, you might even call me the playgirl."
"What!?"
Elise's head pivoted to James.
"Well, she did invite one of her friends once."
Head back to Willow, completely mind-blown.
"Wh-why!? Explain!"
"Oh I just wanted to have some fun while I still could. She was very cute and James's gaze kept lingering, so we both enjoyed ourselves."
"What!? Why!? How could you just!? If you love each other, shouldn't you keep strengthening, building, and choosing your bond over and over o you keep falling more and more in love!?"
"…Pfft! Oh hahaha oh you really are so… Well you don't have to worry about Jack, he's as pure a soul as you, perhaps even more so. But for me… I come from an important family, so catching feelings for anyone isn't really in the cards for me. Though I do care about James. I'm having a lot of fun with him while I still can. And also, well I'm not as pretty as you, so I do have to throw a starving dog a bone sometimes, although I do enjoy that too. Oh wait, I can clone myself now! I come as a package deal of six! That turns the odds in my favor! We have to try that next, James!"
…I think I need to get my ears checked. Ken too, from the looks of it.
But well, I only have a few hours of dating experience, what do I know about relationships? That seems to also be Ken's mentality in regarding yet another shocking revelation from Willow.
And the way that Willow and James are smirking at each other now, it seems to be working out for them. And well… Willow said she couldn't catch feelings, but she obviously cares about my brother. She didn't need to call it love yet, but I could see she wouldn't trade my brother with someone else that easily. And James… well he's obviously different around her. And after he's free of my father, I'm sure his true feelings regarding her will resolve themselves.
So… well… it seems that Elise, completely frozen and still staring at Willow, was the only one who had yet to accept this heresy.
She was still staring angrily at her, and… slowly… determined? What… what was going through her head?
…Ken seemed to notice too, and I saw him… brace himself?
And then, once she figured out what she wanted to say, Elise opened her mouth.
"Willow, you probably won't believe it coming from me, but I think you're beautiful."
…Her head snapped back to Elise, eyes wide, but the barrage continued.
"You're so fit, and your face is so clean, even your hair has a nice sheen. You take care of yourself so well. And your clothes are so stylish—"
"W-wait a min—"
"And you're a black belt! That's so cool! You must have trained really hard for it!"
"Ye-yeah, but—"
"And you're so funny and witty! And your laugh is really nice! You're fun to be around! And you're so kind, you're even willing to train me!"
"I… thanks, but—"
"And you're willing to help Jack and us despite all the danger! You're so brave and strong! I… I really look up to you! You're amazing!"
"…"
"SO YOU!" she said loudly, now at James.
"YOU BETTER START TREATING HER LIKE SHE'S AMAZING TOO! OTHERWISE, GO FIND SOME BIMBO'S TO PLAY AROUND WITH, SO THAT WILLOW CAN FIND SOMEONE AS AMAZING AS HER TO TREAT HER RIGHT!"
…The whole hospital was silent.
And James… he was definitely caught off guard.
But Elise wasn't the only one who caught him off guard. No, we men were all not staring at Elise.
Willow was blushing.
She made Willow blush…
I… nobody could believe it.
Willow herself couldn't either. She… she was stroking her cheek scar in a trance, completely stunned.
Eventually, Elise's incinerating gaze suddenly registered to my brother, and he addressed my pissed off girlfriend, completely thrown off.
"Um, well I do think Willow is amazing. But, uh, well, I… I'm definitely trying to treat her right."
"Oh yeah!? Well promise her then, right now!"
"Alright, alright. Um… Willow… I'll try to treat you right, okay?"
"NOT TRY!"
"…I'll treat you right."
"Good! You better! And…"
Pivot to Willow again, who had barely managed to recompose herself.
"You better not sell yourself short for him! Or anyone! Understand!?"
"…Well… James has been treating me—"
"U-N-D-E-R-S-T-A-N-D!?"
"…Yes."
"Good!"
Elise was satisfied. She was shining with purity. She didn't even seem to care or notice anymore that everyone was staring.
And we were all… at a loss for words.
…Gods, I really loved her.
…Willow was the first to recalibrate herself somewhat, and then looked at me.
"She's… she's really something."
"Yeah…" I said, looking at Elise, with all the love I could muster.
She caught my emotions, and turned to look at me, with a loving smile on her face.
…I wanted to kiss her. Was now—
"But I don't understand. If you can compliment me that much, why not yourself?"
Heaven froze over. Elise and I were both petrified.
We both turned our head toward Willow, who was looking at Elise confused.
She wasn't even teasing. She really couldn't comprehend. She genuinely wanted to know.
Something Elise couldn't even answer herself.
"I… it's different. I was just born this way. I…"
"You know that's not true."
"It's true. You… don't understand."
"Tell us then."
"I… I can't…"
"Tell Jack then."
"…"
…I put my hand on Elise's shoulder.
She looked up at me.
Weak. Afraid. Lost.
"Can I kiss you again?"
"…Wh… wait!? What!? Why!?"
"Because I love you and want to."
…That got her blushing. So cute.
"L-later, okay!? I… wait! Back then, you just kissed me out of nowhere! I almost had a heart attack! You can't just—"
"I know. So let's have a redo later, okay?"
"Redo! You can't just—"
"Please?"
"I… that's not fair…"
"Please?"
"…Alright… alright… when we're alone…"
I kept smiling… until Elise forgot her embarrassment again.
"Well in my opinion, you don't need a redo. That was your first kiss, right? It couldn't have been better! It literally healed your face! It was like something straight out of a fairy tale!"
…And we were blushing again.
Relentless. Devil Willow was relentless.
…Elise just rested her heated face against me, hiding. Now she was the one lost for words.
Ken was the next to join in.
"I was surprised, you texted that your face was hurt. I'm glad you're healed now, but how was it done?"
…I answered in Elise's place. She needed a moment.
"Her power, though it didn't immediately activate."
"She has a healing power?" James interjected, curious.
"Not really. We discussed it. It's more of a beauty thing, making someone as pretty as they can be. And from what I think it doesn't heal internal wounds, only perceived surface ones that affect your appearance. …As for active wounds, I don't know, like still bleeding cuts or stabs and such. And it only seems to work between Elise and me, and it didn't immediately just now, so I think there needs to also be some emotional resonance involved. That about right?"
…Elise nodded when she was ready to face the group again, agreeing with my deductions.
James was looking curiously between her and me, something that didn't escape Willow's attention.
"What? You want to copy it and make both of us prettier too?"
James wanted to respond, but suddenly sensing Elise's stare I saw him quickly recalculate.
"I find you pretty as you are. I just thought maybe for your scar."
"O-oh… thanks, but you better not. It's been there so long, it's become a… part of me after all."
Willow was once again silently rubbing her cheek scar, up and down the broad diagonal line, at a loss words. Seems like James was a quick learner. Teacher Elise had a look of approval.
But Willow had a complicated expression. There definitely was a story with lots of complicated emotions behind that scar. One she wasn't going to share now. James, noticing her reaction, continued the conversation, addressing both me and Elise.
"I think you should try exploring that healing side more, even if it's only you, it will still be a massive boon if it's strong."
"…Well you need to see the wound, but it's strong. Her face… well it was really injured, and you can see the results. Even her jaw realigned and her teeth regenerated."
I gave Willow a look, and she nodded in confirmation. When James saw that, he continued.
"Teeth regenerated?"
"Yes."
James glanced at my broken hand.
"Yeah, I had the same thought if William can't heal it. Though I don't want to take the risk without exploring if it's feasible first."
"…Like building it up with tests?"
"Yeah, maybe a bleeding cut first and then a pinky or some—"
"J-Jack?"
Elise called my name. She looked at me with worry and disbelief?
"What?"
"You… your hand. You… you don't mean…"
"…Amputation."
"ABSOLUTELY NOT! HOW CAN YOU EVEN… you… I… we… we'll… WE'LL TALK ABOUT THIS LATER!"
…What? Why was she… huh?
I looked around at Ken and Willow, both aghast. Only James seemed composed, but also looked at Elise with understanding. Once he saw the confusion in my eyes, he instantly gave me a reassured smile.
"Better to listen to her and give her this one, Jack."
I looked between an angry Elise and… an approving James.
"…Fine. Sorry, Elise. I… well… don't understand, but I'll trust you."
…Oh no, now she looked sad. Why? I didn't understand…
I looked around again. James also looked a bit sad suddenly. Ken was somehow horrified.
I only saw Willow making quick calculations, and when our eyes met, she spoke.
"You two really had a fucked up childhood."
…Can't deny that, but what does that have to do with…
I saw James look away suddenly, conflicted.
"Elise just doesn't want you to hurt yourself, and take care of you," Willow said with care in her tone.
I looked down at Elise, and she fiercely nodded.
"…I can't avoid harm or avoid doing what I have to do, even if I don't like it. Please understand."
She started looking angry and hurt at the same time.
"You don't understand! There… there are other ways! If your first thought is to do that and you don't even consider alternatives, then how do you even know that it is the best way!?"
"…It is the best way. If an amputation heals it, then I have to do it instead of walking around with the disadvantage of a broken hand."
"Oh yeah! Well I don't agree! How about all of you!?"
Elise looked at the rest of the group, and my eyes followed. Both Ken and Willow shook their heads at me.
And James… he looked at me with an even sadder look in his eyes, and shook his head too.
"Even you? You had the same thought."
He gave me a wry smile.
"Yeah, but considering something is different from doing it. …You better listen to that girlfriend of yours, she's good for you."
"See!" Elise looked back at me, fierce.
"…Alright then. I… don't agree… but alright."
"If you have any thoughts about harming yourself, come talk to us first! …Please… promise me…"
"I… alright… I promise."
"Thank you… thank you…"
I could visibly see a great weight lift from Elise. I… but it would have healed me if it worked. I didn't understand.
But if she's really that distraught about it… I'll… discuss things like this first in the future… if I can.
"You really have your work cut out for you, Elise. You better take care of him until such stupid thoughts can't even enter his head anymore," Willow started again with a teasing smile that Elise didn't notice.
"Yeah… I definitely will," Elise responded while looking at me, her determination renewed.
"Maybe it's good if his hand stays broken, you can immediately start with satisfying all his wants and needs."
"We-well, I will, but I'd rather dad heal it."
"Like feeding, dressing, showering him, and—"
"Wait, stop! Stop there!"
"Why? I'm sure Jack wants you to, right?"
"…If it comes to that, I'd rather have your help, of course."
"Huh!? What!? H-Huh!?"
She stared at me, shocked, turning completely crimson. Was… was she that embarrassed by it? Maybe… I should ask her first then before putting her on the spot.
"Um, I actually wanted to bring you along when I'm examined. I probably need to undress, and your power can heal my bruises at the same time. Is that… are you comfortable with that?"
"I… I… yeah, sure, but…"
Elise looked at Willow, and she was looking at me with a mix of astonishment and pity. James and Ken too, somehow?
"You really have your work cut out for you," she said to Elise.
"You see now why I couldn't believe he got one. Although, now I understand why you thought they were a good fit," James added, at the end pivoting to Ken.
"Yeah. But this is… is it because he was homeschooled?" He asked back.
"That's… it's been two years, so I thought…"
"What did you think?" Willow asked, urging James on.
"…No. Better let them figure it out themselves."
"…Ah, I see. Well you heard him, Elise."
"…I… not yet… I'm still not…"
Elise was stammering. Everyone was looking at us in pity. And I was really confused…
But before I could say more, an announcement interrupted all of our thoughts.
It was my turn to get examined.
After regaining our composure, Elise and I said our goodbyes to the rest, who would stay here for now until we knew more.
We quickly got through my examination, and afterwards we discovered what state William and I were in.
It wasn't good.