Ai no Nagareboshi

Sequel to the songfic "Lullaby"

.. .. ..

Morning. At least, I figured it had to be; the sunlight was bright and blinding as it spilled into the room from the cracks left inbetween the blinds, landing directly on my face causing me to shift in my spot in bed.

Last night…I'm sure I dreamt that. I know I dreamt that. I had to have dreamt that. That wasn't real! That never happened! I never kissed her. I never kissed her with such passion and energy…and she never kissed me back with the same emotions. Right? It had to have been some sort of vivid dream brought on to myself from eating pork rinds after midnight. Sure, there we go.

I glanced over at the clock on my nightstand and cursed under my breath. If I waited any longer, Taiki would storm in and rant about how I'm making them late for class, and how I have to keep up with appearances. I kept thinking how I'd actually rather sit here and ponder over reality and fantasy. It felt like that would really help me out better in the long run.

Quiet honestly, I never could see how going to school is going to help us find the Princess. I don't. Granted, I get the background story and I understand why, it does make sense if you take a step back and think about it, but days like today I don't see a point. I don't want to do it. Yaten doesn't either.

And there I go, unable to let a thought go by without mentioning Yaten or thinking about her.

I tumbled out of bed and opened the door, stumbling before making my way to the bathroom. The other two are already awake, I can hear their faint whispers from the kitchen and things being moved around. They were probably setting up for breakfast. I like being the last one awake sometimes – of course, not when I get hit with a pillow until I agree to get up.

I locked the door behind me and looked up into the mirror only to realize…I wasn't dreaming. My hair was messed up worse than usual and I could feel, and now see, chap stick on my lips. Strawberry. I don't use chap stick. Oh my God it was real. I kissed her. I…

Splashing water on my face, I got all senses back to normal. I couldn't let this take over my thoughts and have it come out, especially not in front of Taiki. I had to be suave. I was now getting to realize and admit the fact that we kissed last night. Actually... Looking back, I enjoyed it. Really enjoyed it. Don't know why. I thought the only people I could ever be happy with in that sense was Odango... Our Princess is something different all together. I never thought that, of all people, Yaten would be the one I'd kiss when I couldn't sleep. But now, come to think of it. I'm kind of happy.

Brushed my hair, now that's the original Seiya Kou shine, brushed my teeth, all the usual. I made my way back to my room, and got changed before making my way to the others in the kitchen. Taiki was by the fridge, pulling some juice out, Yaten was at the table, poking his food with a fork. I sat down and watched, silently, wondering why he wasn't eating, although I had a fairly good idea.

"Yaten? Are you okay?"

He looked up, but wouldn't make eye contact with me.

"Yeah, I'm fine, Seiya."

"Are you sure? You seem kind of…quiet."

"Just...tired. I'm fine."

I nodded, not believing him whatsoever. Was he having second thoughts about last night? Was he questioning why I… Why he found me kissing... I shook my head. Get those thoughts out. It's all in my head. He's probably just embarrassed. I am too, he's not the only one.

"It's about time you got down here," Taiki mumbled, putting the plate of hot food in front of me. I pull my eyelid down, taking a fork. Pancakes. Not bad. I look up to see if Yaten started eating yet. He didn't. Is it normal for me to be getting worried? I turned my head to see Taiki step into the living room with the phone. Well, well, well. Now's my chance.

"Yaten.. About last night.."

"Don't think twice about it. I'm fine. I kissed you back, didn't I?"

"Y-yes. You did... But you seem quiet… Pensive."

He shrugged, just now starting to rapidly eat the pancakes. Oh. An attempt to not answer me. I know you better than that, Yaten. "You know I know you're trying not to answer my questions. But I need to know. Did you... I mean..."

"Like it?" he asked inbetween chews.

I blushed, nodding. He took a sip of water, actually making eye contact with me for the first time all morning. I was glad about that.

"I didn't mind it."

Sigh of relief. He didn't mind it. Whew.

"...Neither did I."

"Yeah. I figured that when I opened my eyes and saw you kissing me like I was your Odango."

Ouch. That hurt. I took a sip of my water, eyes darting to the side. Now I became the one not making eye contact with him. He seemed to notice, because he chuckled.

"Would you like me to be?"

I almost choked on my water. I never got the chance to reply, because Taiki came back into the room. Now, what the hell could THAT mean?

Yaten smiled, taking a sip of water. What was up with that smile? Why am I smiling at that smile? What is going on…this isn't me. I can't have these thoughts or desires and yet there was truly no fighting them. Taiki would often tell me I love too easily, that I'm too full of emotion, and I'd say some sort of witty retort in response, grinning wildly. Now I can kind of see what trouble those traits can get me into. Yaten! Quit confusing me! School is going to be hell if he keeps doing this. If he keeps going at it I'm going to wind up pulling him into a closet, making him revert back and kissing her till the bell rings. I am that pathetic. But that seems like a plan.

.. .. ..

End of part one.