AN: The correct chapter 88 has been uploaded. Sorry for noticing your messages so late
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"I change my mind. Let's follow the old man's plan: maybe find a girl's school too."
"Igor…"
Shuri helplessly chuckled, especially when she saw her husband nod in approval.
"You two are too difficult."
She gave up and threw the matter into the future. If her daughter ever found a wonderful man, she feared what would become of them when these two guardians clashed with him.
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|DxD|- Chapter 89- A Normal Life
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Dreams were a fascinating concept, a ladder that gave rise to new realities. It could be the most hurtful of nightmares to the most heartwarming moments. And sometimes, dreams could be a ladder to escape, to climb and see… live, a world of what could've been.
"Igor. Stop day-dreaming over there and bring me that socket."
A small garage welcomed the morning sun onto grey floors caked with dry black oil. Five cars sat atop hydraulic lifts with one raised high up. A clutter of tools sat atop shelves and tables lining the walls, each having seen years of use.
It was an old garage run by an imposing man in his late thirties. He appeared simple with only a large beanie and faded overalls, but his eyes held a heaviness like a block of steel, especially as they fell on his son.
"Igor."
One word, and a young Igor finally responded.
"Sorry, father."
He scurried forward with faded clothes and boots. He walked underneath the car and handed his father the tool.
"Good lad. Now go get me a torch because I can't see shit in here."
"Valour!"
A soft voice called with reprimand. One of the windows revealed a large backyard with a beautiful orchard. Standing right next to those windows was a fair woman in a sundress. But in place of her serene smile was a heavy frown.
"Don't swear with Igor around."
"Oh Sera…"
Valour sighed and continued working on the car.
"Igor's thirteen. He's heard more cuss words than I've had years of life."
"That doesn't change anything, Valour. It's not right to swear in front of a child."
"A child?"
Valour paused and looked at his wife in surprise. He pointed at Igor who was an unfortunate bystander.
"Him? Have you seen our son? When people come to the shop, they think he's seventeen."
Puberty was perhaps extra kind to Igor. His growth spurt had shot very suddenly, placing him in league with high scholars years his senior.
"That's because you keep working him, Val."
"He's a man."
Valour shrugged her off and went back to working.
"Unlike those with Eden between their legs, a man has to work to earn his food.
"Valour!"
Seraphine was flushed red with embarrassment. How could her husband say such a vulgar thing outdoors?
"What?"
Valour glanced at his wife and smirked.
"I'm not wrong, am I?"
Valour nudged his boy with an elbow and a teasing grin.
"Tell her, Igor."
"Go fetch your father's torch."
Seraphine interrupted forcefully and Igor listened.
"Yes, mother."
He took his reprieve and bounded away. He dared not involve himself in a lover's spat. He turned back at them and smiled wryly at the scene. His father was bold and unrestrained. His job as a mechanic earned him a repertoire of bold speech and a scruffy beard.
His mother was a dazzling flower with a great sense of propriety. She was refined and noble, a complete antithesis to his father. He could never understand how they came together, but they had him, which was very weird to think about.
[I regret learning about sex.]
He shivered and turned around. Knowing what his tool could be used for made him look at girls very differently.
"Ah?"
Igor stopped before the shelves. A stream of memories came in, memories of the real world. It was like curtains being drawn open to his room.
This world was a dream he'd willingly submerged himself in. It was an ocean and his memories were left on the surface, but all things had to come to an end.
His hand lingered on the torch, then lowered to his side. He could always come back here again.
"Sorry, mother, father."
He whispered beneath his breath and closed his eyes. He didn't wish to see the world fade.
"It'll take me a bit longer to bring that torch."
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|DxD|
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Igor slowly opened his eyes to a dark room. The moon was faintly visible beyond the gap in the curtains. It was past midnight, far too early to have woken up. But upstairs, Akeno had woken up. It was her unsteady energy fluctuations that pulled him from that dream.
She opened the door to her room with so much force it echoed, then ran down the stairs. Igor pushed away his blankets and sat up with his back against the headboard. He could guess where she was going.
Moments later, thumps neared his room and the door burst open. Akeno was there with heavy breaths, her eyes wet with tears and quivering lips. She said nothing and ran towards the bed, and Igor welcomed her into his open arms.
She scurried into his lap and hugged his waist. She choked through her words, her little heart beating like a siren.
"I…I…I t-thought you were…"
"Sshh. I'm still here, Akeno."
He hugged her tightly and slowly lay down. He pulled her closer and placed his hand on her back.
"Go to sleep, Akeno. I'll still be here when you wake up."
"M-Mn…"
She nodded against his chest and Igor pulled the blankets over them. There was no annoyance: only love. For as much as Akeno missed him, he missed her as well, because she was his precious little sister. For her, he'd move the world…without a shadow of a doubt.
Chapter 89
END