#puzzledmemories (Rua)

[universestreasures]

@puzzledmemories Sent:

"Happy birthday, Yusei!!" Rua was all but jumping up and down in excitement. "Ever since I got you your present, it's been so hard to wait to give it to you. But it was worth it because now you can open it on your birthday!" He held out a present that was, of course, very poorly wrapped. Inside was an all new set of tools, including anything Rua could think of that would help Yusei maintain his D-Wheel. "And if there's anything missing, let me know and I'll get it for you, too!"

"Thank you, Rua." He smiles at the kid. It seems like the young boy was more excited today than Yusei was. Birthdays were never something he went out of his way to celebrate. At least, not since he left Martha's as a teen. Seeing Rua so happy and presenting him with what he could see as a gift he wrapped himself brought a sense of nostalgia to those simple times of his youth. It was a feeling he didn't expect to feel today, but one he appreciated all the same.

Gloved hands gently unwrapped the boy's present, sapphire hues glancing upon the new pristine tool kit. Truth be told, he had all of these tools already, though not as nice as these. It was a gift he didn't necessarily need to have since his current lineup of tools worked just fine, but he could see the thought behind the gesture, and that meant more to him than the item itself. The thought was what always mattered most to Yusei.

He moves one hand to gently ruffle the green locks of the youth, looking down at him with a beaming smile that reached the corner of his lips.

"These are great! I appreciate you taking the time to get me a gift. You're always so thoughtful, Rua. Say, why don't I teach you how to use some of these? If you want a runner of your own someday, you'll need to learn to use a wide variety of tools."

[universestreasures]

"Sounds good. If you rest up and take some medicine, you'll be better in no time I'm sure." She is sure to emphasize both conditions needed for recovery, since she has a feeling he isn't going to like the taste of the cough syrup once she gives to him. Not even she liked how it tasted. So, she is pretty sure he will hate it.

That was something to think about for later. For now, she needed to focus on getting his tea. And thus the Signer journeys over to the kitchen, gathering all the ingredients to make a simple honey, lemon, and ginger tea she learned how to make from one of their house staff who comes in on occasion. Not only was it great for colds and would help keep him hydrated, but it was something Ruka was sure he'd actually like and drink. Which, considering his current state of health, was of key importance.

"Rua? I'm back with your tea!" The girl smiles after she returns to his room, now holding a tray with his tea that was in one of his Jack Atlas mugs. She then places the tray to the side, grabbing the mug with one hand as the other is used to try and help him sit up. "It's very hot, so drink it slowly. I even put some extra honey in there for you too so it tastes better and will help soothe your throat."

It was hard for Rua to turn off his instinct to worry about Ruka. Even as her health improved over time, it was hard for him to stop. He was used to Ruka needing the extra care, but that had never bothered him. She deserved it.

That didn't mean he wasn't happy to see her get better enough to go out more often. Being able to go to school and make friends was awesome! He was just worried about Ruka pushing herself too hard. Now, he didn't want her to overexert herself for his sake, either.

"I'll help out again when I can." Rua couldn't make Ruka do everything on her own for too long. "But you're right, our friends can help if we need it... I'll rest for now."

Almost on cue, Rua broke off into a coughing fit. Yeah, he probably needed something for his cough. Once he could talk again, he told her, "Tea sounds really good right now..."

[dragonqucst]

@puzzledmemories happy birthday rua! here's your own dragon! her name is windrider!

[legendarymumus]

what’s this? @puzzledmemories is being gifted more eggs! and they’re hatching!

congratulations rua! you’re now the proud owner of a dratini!

“draaa?”

congratulations yusaku! you’re now the proud owner of a sprigatito!

“purrrrr!”

congratulations yuri! you’re now the proud owner of a…oh…um…

“…���.”

[universestreasures]

@puzzledmemories Sent:

"Hey, Ruka!" Rua was holding a badly wrapped, round present in his hands. "I thought really hard about what to get you, because you deserve the best present ever! But I figured out what to do, and I found someone who makes their own plushies, and, well, anyway..." He got out as many words as he could in one breath before finally pausing to catch his breath. Once he felt he could talk again, he grinned. "Happy birthday to the best sister ever!" Inside the present was a round, custom-made plushie of Kuribon. Kuribon was big, soft, and the perfect size for hugging. The plushie also had an outline of Ruka's Signer mark stitched in the back, recreated to the best of Rua's memory when he ordered the commission.

Ruka wasn't one who thought too much about her birthday. Honestly, Rua was more into it than she was. Growing up she never had anyone really but him to share it with, and aside from the exchange of gifts and cake, it wasn't really that different than any other day in her eyes. Honestly, if it wasn't so obviously labeled on her calendar, then she could have honestly forgotten.

So, when her twin calls for her, holding yet another gift with non-impressive wrapping, Ruka stares at it for a moment before taking it and giving him a smile. She appreciated all the effort he put into this day, a day that was as much his special day as it was hers. The younger twin then takes the package, slowly opening it to reveal a plushie of her most dear monster friend, Kuribon.

"Rua..." She breaks the silence after staring at the plush in her hands, Ruka moving it to not only feel how soft it was, but to take in every detail. This included her signer mark along with Kuribon's ribbon, all captured perfectly. It felt really as if she was holding her friend, something she desperately wished she could do here since they reunited back in the Spirit World.

She then moves to put the plush to the side for a moment, staring at her brother for a moment before moving forward to pull him in for a hug. Her arms grip around him tightly, not wanting to let him go. And, unexpectedly, small tears from in her eyes, tears of happiness and joy at his thoughtful and heartfelt gift.

"Thank you...Thank you so much...And...Happy Birthday to you, the best brother I could ask for!"

[universestreasures]

Thank goodness his stubborn streak seemingly has ended for the time being as he finally settled back into bed. Ruka certainly understands where such a thing comes from. It's because Rua cares, cares a lot, for her with more heart than anyone she has ever met, even outmatching that of their parents. He doesn't want her to be left uncared for at any time, no doubt due to her history of medical difficulties.

Ruka's health certainly has improved, mentally and physically, since meeting Yusei and the rest of the Signers to the point where she could even go to school normally. Was it because of their special bond? It certainly could have been a factor, yes. The younger twin likes to think it was because she finally started to have the courage to go out of their house and do things, a courage the elder twin has had all along that continued to inspire her each and every day.

"I can take care of myself just fine until you're better, Rua. While I certainly will miss your help, especially with the dishes, I'm not the one who is sick right now." She adds that comment to ensure her brother doesn't feel like his efforts are not appreciated, even if they are not always needed. "And if there is something I can't handle, you know I have Yusei and the others on speed dial. Just try to not worry about me so much and focus on resting."

A tall order to be sure, but one she is sure he could do as long as she did everything she could to prevent his worry from escalating. "I can go make you some tea if you want. Will definitly help with your cough."

Rua let his sister tuck him in. He couldn't resist the warmth of his blankets, even as he tried to resist resting. The air was just too cold to deal with.

Usually, Rua was the one who had to be strong for both himself and Ruka. Ruka was usually the one who got sick and Rua was the hero who helped her feel better! Rua had learned the hard way how important Ruka was to him, after all.

Ruka was right, though. Rua couldn't stop tears from falling down his face at the fact that he was human. He could pretend all he wanted, especially for Ruka, but he wasn't really a superhero. There was nothing he could do for her like this.

There was one thing Ruka was wrong about: she was the strong one, not Rua. Ruka was the one with cool powers and who could duel really well. All Rua could do was try to help...

"I guess... I can let you take care of me this time." Rua paused to cough. "But if you're taking care of me, who is gonna make sure you're okay?"

[universestreasures]

Of course, Rua was going to be stubborn about this...As long as she can remember, her brother hated being sick, more than the average person. One would think that reason was because he couldn't do the things he wanted to do, like dueling or hanging out with his friends. While that probably was part of it, the main reason was what he felt he had to reiterate: that he had to be the one to take care of her. Always.

This 'superhero' or 'knightly' notion of his was something that, while sweet and she appreciated, wasn't something she wanted him to feel like needed to be a constant. They were twins, siblings as close as can be. They should be taking care of each other, not just one always caring for the other. That's why Ruka is putting her foot down tonight to ensure he rests, even if she'll be forced to deal with his stubbornness.

"Rua, you're....you're strong. Stronger than anyone I know, but...you're still only a human. So, when you get sick, you need to rest and let your body heal." Her tone is firm but lacks the usual sass she sometimes throws at him when he's like this, the younger of the two trying to gently tuck him back under the covers again. "You've taken care of me all the times I got sick. You've always been at my side. Now it's my turn to do the same for you, okay?"

@universestreasures asked: “I’m not trying to baby you. It’s called taking care of my brother.” (Ruka to Rua!

Hurt/Comfort Starters (always accepting!!)

Rua tried with little success to push his sister away. He didn't have the strength to really push anyone away right now. "You're are babying me. I shouldn't need help, I..."

He coughed. His body felt like it was on fire. His throat hurt to talk or swallow. Even his usual constant stream of energy was gone. He was definitely sick. He wasn't allowed to be sick, though! Not when his sister depended on him!

His arm fell to his side. Rua looked towards the floor and forced himself not to cry.

"I'm the one that's supposed to take care of you..."