.hack//SIGN Fan Fiction / .hack//LIMINALITY Fan Fiction / .hack//Legend Of Twilight Bracelet Fan Fiction ❯ Episode Three: .hack//Liberty ❯ Happy Rebirthday ( Chapter 12 )

Chapter Twelve- Happy Rebirthday- The Real World

 

“Surprise!” Everyone shouted. Jeremie laughed. Everyone was in the dining room.

“It's a little too late for that.” Everyone was there. Well, except for Aura, of course. Sora sat by himself, occasionally saying `Kusanagi'. Jeremie laughed at him. He hadn't taken the movie very well, apparently. Helba sat in a corner, alone, sipping her tea, wearing a black cloak that disguised her face, figure, and anything else physical about her. Jeremie walked over to her.

“So, we finally meet.” He said to her. She merely laughed.

“I guess so.” She took another sip of her tea. Jeremie sat down next to her.

“You don't seem to be the social one.” He said.

“Being a professional hacker isn't exactly a social job.”

“Good point. But still, you aren't currently AT your job. You are here on your own free will.”

“Yes, but I can't let loose. People here respect me.” Jeremie laughed. “I didn't realize I was being funny.” Helba said, her honeyed voice angry.

“People respect me. I've been through hell. Yet, I still have fun, and people respect me.” He paused to drink a little of his drink. “It's part of being human. You have to do some things that are fun, if only to you, at least.”

“My job is fun.” Helba said. “I have been saving The World for years now, assisting everyone here. But,” she said, “there are other things.” She leaned over. “I'll tell you, privately.”

“Follow me.” He bowed out of the room, Helba in tow. They entered the library. They sat on a couch together. “Well?” Helba laughed.

“I like to dance in the rain. I also like to play with my cat. Very independent.”

“Sounds familiar.” Jeremie said.

“Very funny. However, nowadays, I am enjoying doing karaoke.” Jeremie laughed.

“You go to bars and do it?” Helba nodded. “Awesome.” He laughed. He stood. Helba grabbed his arm.

“I want to show you what I look like.”
“You're running a high risk doing that.” Jeremie warned.

“I trust you. However, you can't tell anyone who or what I look like.” Jeremie nodded. Helba pulled her hood down.

 

Emily looked for Jeremie.

“Where could he be?” Jeremie walked back in with Helba. “Ah. There he is.” Ryo looked at Helba. He winked. Helba made a small gesture with her hand, signaling that she had seen him. She looked at Jeremie.

“I have one last request. Allow me to see your wounds.” Jeremie nodded. He pulled his shirt up, revealing his stomach. Helba ran her hand softly over his skin, around the wounds. “You're pretty strong.” She said.

“Watch it.” Jeremie murmured. “It's tender.” Helba laughed.

“Sorry.” She put her hand on the bottom of his shirt and pulled it down. “Thanks. You've given me the determination to continue on.” She pulled her hood back enough to give him a kiss on the cheek. “Happy Rebirthday, little boy.” She said as she put an item into his pocket. She walked back to her corner and took a sip of her tea. Jeremie laughed.

“There is a mysterious person if there ever was one.” He said softly. Ryo walked to the middle of the room.

“It's time for gifts for the two. If everyone would follow me to the next room, please.” He opened the door to the game room. Everyone ushered in like the obedient dothackers they were.

Okay, so there was chaos in that feat. Ryo groaned.

“WHY again did I agree to this?” BT walked over to him.

“So we could see each other again.” She gave him a kiss. “When are you going to let me move in?” She asked. Jeremie was struck by how pretty she was. She said she used to be a model, but it never clicked in his mind that she meant a MODEL. He laughed.

“Move? In? You? Old man, are you crushing on BT?” Ryo laughed sheepishly.

“So we went on a few dates. We enjoy each other's company. As for your question, it's whenever you want. I would love to have you around, especially to help with a few items of business.” He said, cryptically. Jeremie rolled his eyes.

“Um, Ryo, you didn't tell me that there were GIFTS involved.” Jeremie said, Emily long gone. Helba still sat in her corner.

“Surprise?” Ryo said. Jeremie groaned.

“I hope they didn't spend TOO much.” He said. Helba laughed.

“Selfless selfish boy.” She said.

“What's that supposed to mean?” Jeremie asked, slightly irked.

“Simple. You want the gifts, but you feel bad for wanting them. Correct?” Jeremie gaped.

“How did you-“ Helba laughed.

“I'm not exactly a fool.” She said. She stood and looked at Ryo. “I know it may be rude, but I must leave. I must monitor events back home. You understand.” Ryo nodded.

“Very well. Thanks for coming.” He said. Helba motioned Jeremie over.

“Use it well.” Was all she said. She gave him one last kiss before she walked out of the room. Jeremie looked at her departing figure. BT laughed.

“Looks like Helba has a crush.”

“No, she just wants to help.”

“Then why doesn't she kiss everyone here?” Ryo asked. Jeremie groaned.

“Just don't tell Emily.”

 

The gifts were nice; Jeremie had to admit, if not a bit lavish. He received clothing, movies, some wine, knick-knacks, and other more `adult' items that they had to hide from Sora and Mirelle. Emily got the typical girl items; clothes, clothes, shoes, clothes, makeup, clothes, bath lotions, and clothes. She was ecstatic. After that they all took out the cake. Jeremie laughed. It was the same group picture that he had in his room. They all sang Happy Birthday, and ate cake, hamburgers, and snacks. Jeremie took a sip of his red wine. He was glad, for sure, but he knew that this joy would soon end. Soon they would all have to leave, and he would have to go save The World. But, when he expressed this to Balmung, he only got one thing in reply to the subject.

“But, for now, enjoy the blooming of Cherry Blossoms.” Jeremie was unsure of how Sakura trees played in this, but he got the point. Be happy, because soon hell would break loose. He sat down with BT to eat. He noticed that she took off the lettuce on her burger.

“I take it you don't like lettuce.” He said.

“No. There's a story behind that and my name, you see-“ Ryo interrupted.

“Okay, it's time for a little Karaoke. And, you two,” he pointed to Emily and Jeremie, “had better do at least one duet. I heard from Mai and Junichiro that they cried after both of them sang.” Jeremie laughed.

“Tokuoka cry? Inconceivable.” The two got up.

“Sen No Kotoba?” Jeremie asked.

“Melodies of Life.” Emily said.

“That one'll make me cry.”

“The other one will make ME cry.” Emily argued. Jeremie laughed.

“Fine. We'll do Happiness?” Emily nodded. “But later. Much later.” Sora got up and selected a track.

“Why do I PK?” He asked before the music started. “CAUSE I CAN CAN CAN CAN CAN CAN!” Everyone burst out laughing at that. Sora bowed. Jeremie laughed. It was going to be a crazy night.