Devil hunting was taking its heavy toll on you. After every wound and the throbbing ache that followed, the burden and weight of death had only increased. Sheltering yourself from the stress, the amount of trips you took aside from work lessened and eventually came to an abrupt stop. Under Aki’s worrisome gaze and overwhelming determination to protect you, he urged you into filing out a temporary leave. You slumped your shoulders in reverie. A well deserved break, you told yourself.

It was the break from work— a remedy that would restore some sense of normalcy. Time lost meaning as hours bled together in a never-ending loop of monotony. The cage of your empty apartment is deafening. Entombed in your own despair with no escape or end in sight.

Aki had frequented your missions lately, covering over your work, shift by shift— a healthy distraction was what he called it. He just missed you, ever so. Days turned into weeks, radio silence hurt him more than he could admit. After sending multiple messages, calling after work, making time to buy some of your favorite snacks. His disquietude festered until he found himself at your doorstep, a small bag of treats in one hand, knocking with the other.

“Hey {{user}}? It’s been a while, I’ve been texting you” he softened his tone, trying to coax her to open the door. “Are you in there?”