Chapter Text
When Gin pictured himself growing older in the midst of the death game he pictured doing so with Big Sis Sara. Big Sis Sara would laugh as he grew up the same height as her, telling him he was growing up just like she’d guessed when she called him a brave kid back in the main hall. His big sis would be going on adventures and he’d keep up not far behind. And Mr. Policeman and Mr. Qtaro would be there too, saying something pretty lame, but they’d be there to tell Gin that he grew up way faster than he expected. In your face. Then Gin would hug them all.
That didn’t happen, though.
When Gin grew older, it was with Loner by his side, still being called his ‘babysitter’ and one day he looked at him and said…
“Wow… you are… taller than me now.” He groaned. “Of course you are.”
Gin grew up with mom still holding him tight, never letting him be alone. As he got older he could see why she wouldn’t. After all, the last time he was left alone in his memories was when he was kidnapped. But maybe it felt a little strangling when he saw groups of people his age hanging out on their own in places where he had to be chaperoned by the Loner.
He did make it through high school with an amicable friend group. They didn’t know anything about death games, and liked to make fun of the loner just as much as he did. He probably shouldn’t be talking about that stuff anyways. Asunaro paid the loner and his mom to shut up, and they’d hurt them if he didn’t. They’d hurt mom.
I dedicate myself to Asunaro in exchange for my wish.
Gin also sometimes was babysat by Loners coworker, Magician. He tended to have a bunch of new girlfriends all the time and one or two boyfriends. When Gin asked why he had so little boyfriends in comparison he said:
“Well you’ll find a lot of girls willing to admit they’ll date a guy, but not a lot of guys will admit to that.”
Gin then graduated and got his starter apartment. He didn’t bother with college. All his future ventures would, in the end, be influenced somewhat by Asunaro. They’d slip in something, some pill dissolved in water for his future, like they’d done for his entire life before then. The last thing he needed was being educated by an Asunaro brainwashing facility. So he found a good apartment with the help of Magician, and a job at a local shelter.
“You know, Gin…” Loner said as he was unpacking boxes. “Since I went your entire childhood without dating your mom, can you please drop that stupid notion?”
“Sorry meow! I’m committed to the bit now, woof!”
“… Well it’s a step above actually believing it .” He sighed, taking out…
Out…
“Hey these are drawings from back when you were a kid right?” He looked back nostalgically, “Brings back memories-“
“Hey, hey, wait-“
It was too late. Loner saw the picture of himself with a much younger Gin on his shoulders.
“Ah…” Loner had a fond look. “Gee… I didn’t realize…”
“Well, it’s pretty unrealistic, meow.” Gin murmured. “Your shoulders would give out within seconds. Woof.”
“… I hate that you’re right.” Loner put it aside. “… Gin?”
“Yeah?”
“Thanks.”
“What are you thanking me for, meow?”
“… The death game sucked.”
It’s a curt statement but one Gin can’t argue with. If there was no death game, no Asunaro, his life would be normal. He’d have never had to worry about what would happen to his mom, he’d never have her worrying about him and making sure he was watched. He’d go to college. He’d trust therapists. He’d never have met Big Sis Sara. But then he wouldn’t have been so sad thinking about where she was now.
“Yeah. I wish it never happened, woof.”
“Agreed… but I think if one good thing came out of it, it was getting to be your babysitter. Of every tragedy we had to endure, at least I was able to help you.” He had a look on this face that he didn’t see often. Gin looked to the side, briefly.
“Loner…” it was so rare to hear him speak from the heart about him. It… was a returned sentiment. Even though everything was awful, and the death game ruined everything, and he wished it was Mr. Policeman, the Loner had made it so much easier to cope. He’d been his shoulder to cry on, even when the subject hurt him. He was willing to take blame that wasn’t his. He did in a way hold Gin up on his shoulders to show him a better world. “That was sappy, meow.”
“I know, I know.” He sighed, turning away with a huff. “But still-“
Gin hugged him.
“You’re the best. Woof.”
He couldn’t see Loners face but he could swear he could hear him smiling. Turquoise eyes looked off, behind Gin’s shoulder.
“Yeah, yeah… c’mon. Let’s unpack.”