Visiting Hours [Demi/Ai]

[Demi]

She raised a brow as he explained the picture. His first day of school, huh? SO it was much more simple and benign than what she had originally thought. She smiled slightly, despite the fact that young Ai seemed so upset in the picture. "Yeah? How did you get your name anyway? Ai is a pretty feminine name. I wouldn't say it's never used for males, but... as I'm sure you've noticed, it's pretty rare." She'd wondered about his name many times, but she'd never really had the right timing to ask about it, and now seemed the perfect chance.

"Was it your mother or your father that named you?" She added the question curiously. She had a feeling his name had a good meaning, other than love, of course. A good, beautiful meaning.

She stepped away from the picture, over toward Ai, seeing the guitar. It made her smile a bit, even though he hadn't played anything quite yet. She felt a little bad for interrupting his thoughts, though, it seemed... seeing as he had looked about ready to play something when she glanced at him after asking about the picture. Perhaps he was going to sing her a song? That'd be cheesy... but Ai was a very cheesy guy, she'd noticed... she liked that part of him.

[Ai]

"Ah, yeah, pretty uncommon, isn't it?" Ai smiled a little. Having an unusual name was a bit troublesome as he grew up because kids can sometimes be mean, but his name didn't bother him at all now. He liked that it was unique and liked its meaning at the same time. Her question as to where it came from was sort of expected, since he got it a lot. Sometimes he bothered answering and sometimes not, because it was personal and maybe a bit embarrassing too. Despite Ai rusting people relatively fast, he didn't tell it to just anyone.

"Actually, uh... you know how parents sometimes give the baby a nickname before he/she is born? Mine just happened to be 'Ai'. Even after they knew I was a boy and even after I was born, my mom couldn't bring herself to call me differently. So I remained Ai." The boy didn't mind being interrupted and didn't mind questions. He just wanted to talk to Demi... and truly hoped she'd share more about herself. The guitar could wait.

Ai placed his guitar down for now and sat on the bed, patting the space next to him for Demi to join. "I want to hear stories about you too... like how you spent your childhood, what it was like in the States..." He finally said. "I want to know more about you." Sometimes, Ai felt like he barely knew anything about her life before Seiyo. Sure, he'd met her family, but there seemed to be some stuff that she was trying to hide. Like when she got upset at him for looking at her childhood picture.

[Demi]

"Mm." She nodded in reply. Definitely uncommon... but she'd always thought it just... fit him... so she'd never really questioned it much... not enough to ask about it until now, anyway. When he asked about nicknames, she nodded. "That's a really cute way of ending up with a name..." she smiled. "And I think it fits you, so..." She added. Nicknames, huh. She'd had nicknames, too, as a kid... though most of them didn't stick too terribly long. Her grandmother put a stop to the nicknames when Demi moved to Japan, saying they were making her seem too youthful, too cutesy... she needed to be adult like, after all... she was engaged. But, despite this, her parents still called her little nicknames whenever she saw them... they didn't care.

The thought of that made her smile, but she was pulled from her reverie as Ai sat down and patted the bed, too. Shifting, she moved to sit next to him, pulling one leg up partially onto the bed as she turned toward him. "Really?" She blinked... thinking a bit. "Okay... uhm...." She thought for a few moments. "The States...? Where I lived, a city called San Francisco, it was really pretty." She smiled slightly. "The people were really diverse... and the food was, too. There were times when my parents had the same day off from work and we'd pack up a lunch and go on a picnic. Those were some of my favorite times..." She flushed a bit, admitting that. Clearing her throat, she shook her head. "Sorry I kind of went off on a tangent there-- you should talk more about you." She waved her hand. She was always wanting to learn about Ai. "You grew up here in West Otonoki, right? What was it like?" She'd always wondered what it would be like to live in one place your whole life.

[Ai]

"Ah, I guess." He chuckled slightly. "I don't mind my name. It was a bit tough growing up with it but... now I like it." It seemed like no matter in what phase of his life he was, there would always be something unusual about him, be it his name, appearance or the fact that he had a guardian character. Ai stood out and while that sometimes played against him, given the aspirations he had, it was probably not a bad thing at all. Rock stars were supposed to, you know, be different. And Ai liked that kind of different.

Ai shifted closer to her so that their shoulder touched. Even if they were already pretty close, the silver haired craved yet more closure."Oh, San Francisco! That sounds cool though..." His eyes widened in awe. He'd only heard of that city in movies. It must have been exciting for Demi to have seen so many places while he'd been stuck in West Oto all his life. "What it was like? Well, I can probably describe it as... warm, comfortable, happy... it was only just the three of us. We were pretty much the only family each other had. I was happy but... now I don't know. Sometimes I feel like I want to break free from this... to go and see other places, but at the same time, this thought makes me feel guilty."

Realizing that he was probably speaking unnecessary things, Ai shook his head and smiled. " I... it doesn't matter for me if you trail off. Just tell me about whatever you like... what makes you happy or sad... or about your memories. I want to hear it all." He was her boyfriend after all, so naturally, Ai wanted her to be able to open up more. He did give her time, because it always seemed to him that she needed it, but him always being the one sharing stuff made Ai feel just a little lonely.

[Demi]

"I like it, too." She replied with a smile. She felt their shoulders touch and didn't mind that much... enjoying it for the simplicity and the comfort it brought. "San Fran was... it was nice." She nodded a bit. When he spoke about West Otonoki though, she chuckled softly. "Yeah? Maybe we can go travelling after school...?" She suggested. "I can show you San Francisco... like the Golden Gate Bridge. And the food- the food is really good there." Whoops there she goes, off on another tangent.

She quieted for a moment as he mentioned that, then smiled a bit. "It's not that... I don't want to tell you things?" She started, fiddling with her clothing a little bit. "And it's not that I don't think you want to hear about me...?" She added, chewing on her bottom lip. "It's more... I'm not used to talking about myself? And so it's kind of new and weird for someone to want to hear about me. My grandmother used to tell me that I should be seen, not heard."

Pushing a bit of hair out of her face, she nudged him with her shoulder a bit. "I'm sorry, it must be kind of frustrating for you." She knew that it wasn't exactly easy being with her sometimes... she was so self-conscious, so... molded into what her grandmother wanted her to be... it was just hard for her to break out of her shell sometimes. Though, it was much easier to break out of when she was around Ai, that much was for sure.

"You know..." she started, glancing over to him. "If you really want to know more about me, I could break out the albums some time." That wasn't something she offered very often, to be honest. The albums she had, few though they were, were very precious to her. "They're at my parents' house... but now that they're going to be closer, I could show you some."

[Ai]

"Oh? Really? That'd be so cool!" He grinned enthusiastically at the thought of the travelling together. It was such a nice idea, but will they have time for it? What if anything happened to his mom while he was away? As much as Ai wanted to break free of all this, his conscience probably wouldn't let him.It was nice to dream of it, however. While he was stuck here, hoping of one day being able to see the world with Demi and eventually leaving West Oto to focus on his career... those dreams kept him alive and gave him strength.

"I know, I know..." The silver-haired caressed her shoulder lightly. He trusted her feelings and didn't doubt she might want to share things, but the fact that her grandmother's influence affected her so badly to the point of her holding back all the things she should be able to say to others made him both angry and sad. His justice senses were tingling. "I just, hope we can eventually work through this. It makes me sad that someone as wonderful as you was told to hold back. Your voice matters, and to me more than anyone."

Ai leaned over to give her a gentle peck on the forehead. He knew being with him wouldn't be too easy either. His concept of personal space was pretty limited and some people didn't take his over friendliness well. The fact that Demi wanted to be with him despite that was really important to Ai. "I don't want to force you so, take your time. I'll be here whenever you're ready to talk." Again, he was trying to give her time. Patience might not be his biggest virtue, but he was trying his best for her.

[Demi]

Demi hoped that one day, Ai would be able to freely go places with her... and that he wouldn't have to worry about everything and take everything onto his shoulders. She knew he did already... and sometimes, she did the same... but the nice thing about being in a relationship is now they could share their worries and won't have to bear them alone.

Her cheeks turned a few shades of pink and then red as he told her that her voice mattered. She was about to do something, but then he kissed her on the forehead. Her eyes closed momentarily and she smiled, drawing in a slow breath and letting it out comfortably. She felt so much more calm now.

She shifted a bit, then caught his lips against hers, giving him a soft smooch. "Thank you. I'll tell you more about myself when I think about things... okay?" Since she knew he wanted to hear about her, she'd have to consciously make an effort to tell him things, but she could do it... she knew she could.

"Is there anything in particular you want to know about me maybe?" She offered, basically telling him that she'd answer whatever question it was.

[Ai]

True, they could now share their worries and that was just a small part of why Ai was so grateful for Demi. When she caught his lips, Ai was a teensy bit surprised, but enjoyed it, nevertheless. " Alright.. that means a lot to me." Ai smiled, leaning in again but this time, for a longer kiss. He knew she meant it when she said she'd try and he appreciated that. The boy knew that for Demi, sharing her life wasn't the easiest thing.

Upon being asked if he wanted to know something in particular, Ai didn't really know what to answer. Sure, most of the time there were questions popping up inside his mind, but ironically, his mind was blank now. He only saw her in front of him and couldn't think of something else. "Hmm... did you have a hard time adjusting to Japan after you moved in? Were you able to make friends?"

[Demi]

She smiled softly, nodding, but oh, another kiss... this one longer. She clung to him slightly until it broke, then she flushed and chewed on her bottom lip happily... unable to fight the smile that ended up on her lips.

Once he figured out a question to ask, she blinked. "Umm..." She thought about it a moment. "It was definitely an adjustment...? I mean, I had to go from living with my parents to living with my grandmother... and she's not quite as nice as them, as you've discovered." She thought about it a moment. "I didn't really have any friends until I came to Seiyo. I had a couple of acquaintances but... not really any friends. I wasn't allowed to associate with 'common people' as my grandmother put it. And people noticed that? They thought I was stuck up because I couldn't talk to them... so instead they made me feel bad. I mean, don't get me wrong, I completely understand. A new kid who doesn't want to talk to others? Never smiles? It's weird, right? But I couldn't make friends or it would be bad..." She brushed some hair out of her face.

"I feel like half the time I talk about my past, it's all just... complaints. I have happy times, too, I just... have a lot of bad ones, I guess. You don't think I'm self-centered, do you?" Her brows knit a bit. And there it is, the reason why she rarely talked about herself.... part of it anyway.

[Ai]

Ai didn't quite understand why she had to live with her grandmother instead of her parents, but would that be okay to ask? Her grandmother indeed wasn't nice and from the sound of it, she made Demi's life much more difficult than it should have been. All of this could have been avoided if she didn't live with her in the first place. " But why is it that you couldn't live with your parents in the first place? I just... hearing what you had to go through because of her makes me sad. You... should be allowed to make friends with whomever you want. You should be able to marry whomever you want. Having your life written out for you just like that is..."

Ai's ramble came to a stop when he realized he wasn't making things any better. With a sigh, he spoke again, this time on a calmer tone. "Sorry, I just, wish I could help you." But standing up to someone as influential as her grandmother would definitely mean the end of him. Maybe he was exaggerating in his thoughts, but Ai knew from experience that dealing with rich people brought along nothing good. And yet, if it was for Demi, Ai would still do it.

"But it's fine now, right? You're starting to make friends... and you have me. Don't stop being yourself because someone else tells you to. I love you for who you are... and I bet your friends do the same. If your grandmother gets angry, then I'll give her a piece of my mind." Ai no longer wanted to lose to people like Demi's grandmother. This time, for sure, he'll be able to do something for the one he loved.

With a small smile, the silver haired brought his hand to her cheek and caressed it lightly. "Self-centered? When you've helped me out so many times, even back when we barely met? No way. Give yourself a little more credit. You're a wonderful person." With a smile, Ai kissed the space between her knit brows in an attempt to relieve her tension.

[Demi]

Demi glanced to Ai, understanding why he'd be confused... why he'd ask such a question. "Well- it was part of the deal. Grandmother would fly us out to Japan, give my parents good jobs within the company, and I would stay with grandmother." She explained. "If I moved back home to my parents' or went against my grandmother's wishes, my parents could lose their jobs." She frowned a bit. "Now it's a little bit different... my dad found a different job, not working for my grandma's company... and my mom, well, she's grandmother's daughter, so... it's a little different to fire her." She explained.

"I understand... and thank you for wanting to help." She reached over, wrapping her arms around him and giving him a squeeze. "I appreciate you so much..." she murmured, giving him another squeeze, grounding herself a little via him.

"Things are getting better, yes." She nodded. "I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have my friends or you..." She pulled away finally, looking to him. "I..." She paused, then smiled a bit. "Please don't give her a piece of your mind... I don't want you to end up hurt..."

When his hand moved to her cheek, she rested against it, enjoying the feeling. Her eyes looked to Ai, though. "Pff- well I'm glad I don't come off as self centered..." The tension melted away at the soft kiss to her brow. "You are, too, you know-" She pointed out. "Incredibly stubborn when it comes to things you believe in... and extremely loyal... helpful... wonderful..." Feelings welled up inside of her, she felt like she was bursting at the seams with how she felt about Ai. It was like everything felt so much more... real around him. Colors were brighter, she felt happier, and she always wanted to be near him.

[Ai]

Ai nodded a bit at her explanation. But then again, why did they have to move to Japan? And who made the deal in the first place? No matter how much he tried, Ai couldn't see Demi's parents 'selling' her to such a monstruos woman just for the sake of getting good jobs in Japan. It seemed like they loved her a lot. "Didn't you like it in the US then?" But then again, if she never moved here, they would never have met and that would have been bad, for him at least. "So, you think you can move with your parents then? Since they're coming here?"

But then, she wrapped her arms around him, making the boy smile gently. With one arm around her waist, Ai stroked her head idly as he spoke. "But I don't want you to get hurt either..." She was one of the most important people to him, so Ai wanted to protect her. Albeit, he felt useless against her rich and powerful family. But one day, assuming that he'd become successful with his music, maybe he'll actually be able to do something for her... pull her away from all this. If she still wanted to stick with him by then.

All those words made him blush slightly. They were some of the most heartwarming things someone had ever told him... that he was appreciated, that she didn't want him to be hurt. But was he really stubborn? Well, he was, now that he thought about it. "I love you, always." He whispered, still hugging her. Demi's arms were so warm and comforting. Those arms always brought him strength when he was feeling down.

[Demi]

She frowned a bit, shaking her head. "I mean- sometimes I loved it there? But I was bullied a lot in school... I was pretty heavyset and I was just a big kid in general... taller than a lot of boys. I hit my growth spurt fairly early on... so. All of the name calling and everything... I hated it. I thought I'd have a better life in Japan. So I begged my mom and dad to let us move out here." She admitted. "And- well- I'd like to. I'm sure they wouldn't mind."

She felt so comfortable as his arm slid around her securely. When his hand stroked along her hair, she smiled softly. She leaned against him, resting her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes. "I can handle myself with her..." she reassured him, smiling a bit. "There's not too much she can do to me... trust me."

When he whispered those sweet words... she shifted a bit, turning more into him, burying her face into his chest. A very soft, muffled string of words came from her, but they were too muffled to understand or make out what she'd said. Knowing it was too muffled, she pulled away slightly and said very very softly to his chest, "I love you, too."

[Ai]

"Ah..." Ai couldn't help but grow sad at the thought that his girlfriend had been bullied. Kids there must have been pretty judgemental... but yet again, he, too was bullied a little because of his girly name... but not enough to make him want to move countries. "While I can't change the past... I'll make sure you're happy from now on." Although it was, perhaps, a big promise to make, Ai meant every word of it and would make sure he kept it.

There wasn't much her grandmother could do to her, but she still did seem to have a lot of influence, including choosing a future husband for her. Like, was that even a thing anymore? Wasn't it something of the past? Yes, Ai was pretty bothered about her fiance, but mostly because he wanted a chance. He might have one in her heart, but realistically? He'd better work hard and make sure to become somebody her family could approve of.

At first, her muffled words were too silent for him to hear, so he was about to ask her to say them again, but... she said them before he could ask. And he froze. While he knew Demi loved him even without her saying it, this was different. His heart started beating so fast, and as she stood against his chest, she'd be able to hear it. His cheeks felt like they were burning too. Hearing those words from her for the first time was... really special.

His hand reached out, holding he chin up so he could see her face. She was so beautiful to him... both inside and out. As his strong feelings took over, Ai leaned in for a kiss.

[Demi]

That was a big promise to make... and honestly, deep in her heart, she hoped it was true. "I'll make sure you're happy, too..." she replied. She'd try her best... and damn it, she wanted to help him, too. She didn't want him to only support her... relationships should be balanced, she knew that.

As far as her "fiance" went, she knew she wouldn't marry him. She didn't care if it was arranged... she knew he didn't want to marry her either. Yes, it messed with things with their families... power struggles and all that crap... but she didn't really care. Even if she wasn't with Ai forever... she'd never marry that asshole jerk she was supposedly betrothed to.

She felt him freeze, and froze as well. His heart beating faster, speeding up, reassured her that she said the right words at the right time. She chewed on her bottom lip a bit, suddenly nervous... was it really the right time? Maybe she could take them back. "I-" she started, but he tilted her chin up. She looked surprised for once, and more than a little bit nervous... but when he kissed her, those feelings whooshed away and she couldn't believe she'd been so worried. She immediately returned the kiss, leaning into it slightly, hands on his arms sliding up to wrap around his neck.