A/N: This is one of the re-writes I talked about in my profile, with the previous title Fools Rush In. I tried to sharpen it up, worked on the flow and all that stuff, and then I decided to change the title. Honestly, this was supposed to be more on the romantic-comedy side but I ended up on the whole melodramatic story and thus, I came to a realization that the title is not really appropriate for the story. The new title is kind of a give away though.

Anyway, a little bit warning to those who did read the old crappy version of this story, I did change quite a little bit, teeny-weeny changes that are significant to the story, so you may find things are not exactly the same. It helps smoothen the plot on the edges.

Actually that is a lie. I changed a lot. I deleted some chapters, and then merged a few into one. I read the previous ones and it was seriously, pardon my French, shitty. This is almost a new story with a few scenes from the old one. That story's (old one) going to be deleted soon, after I've written up on par on how far the story has gotten.

P.S I f you have time, visit my profile and answer a useless poll. ^_-


Something Borrowed

Preface

Body Language

"Sometimes, it's not the butterflies that tell you you're in love but the pain."


Pregnant silence occupied the vast room—our room, while I observed her in detail. Her long tresses were tied in a messy yet appealing bun. Her dress hugged her body in every flattering way. I smiled inwardly when I noticed a faint bruise on the crook of her neck. A proof of the time we spent last night and well into the early morning. She moved from our bed and disappeared in our ensuite where our shared walk-in closet was located. Only a few seconds later that she came out, carrying an armful of clothes. I watched with a heavy heart as she packed her clothes, almost filling the suitcase up to the brim in an instant.

For some, the situation may seem a rip off break up scene in one of her favourite late night movies. The woman packed all the clothes she can gather in a hurry as uncontrollable tears dropped from her worn-out eyes, while the lover futilely tried to stop the mostly inevitable break up, but as luck would have it, he would successfully convince the woman to stay by his side. They live happily ever after, the end.

But the scene that was unfolding in front of me was not the case. Neither one of us was crying, not tangibly anyway, nor did I try to stop her. Still, it was with sorrow that I tried to sit still. Firmly closing my eyes, I tried to shut all the uninvited feelings that were starting to pile and surface from inside me. Only then did I open my eyes when I felt her piercing gaze at me. My eyes met hers in an instant, filled with concern as I realized that she had noticed my body language. I failed to remember when I had started to fidget and twiddle the white gold band that proudly hugged my ring finger. On more than one occasion that I found myself twisting the ring whenever she was away. It wasn't until now that I realized that it was my subconscious way of assuring my self. Guaranteeing that what we had is real. A remembrance of our vows and commitment to each other. It was after all, a palpable symbol of love per se.

The deafening silence only seemed to get louder. We were both afraid to say our good-byes, but we knew, I knew, that it would happen no matter how much we prolong this. With a deep sigh, I finally stood up from my position to sit down beside her. I always liked, no, loved being near her. She made me feel things I absolutely adore. Her control over my emotions was overwhelming. She could be the reason of my bliss, and even my grief. She could clear my thoughts and yet she could be the reason of the turmoil boiling inside of me. Love was just like that. It was a set that came with two things. We couldn't just have one or the other. It was a package deal. Love could be so sweet yet it could be the most painful feeling you'd ever feel.

She smiled warmly at me as soon as I sat besides her, offering my help. Her engaging giggles broke the awkward silence as she watched me struggled, folding her clothes sloppily. My heart predictably sank deeper when I caught a glimpse of our almost empty walk-in closet. A closet that was once full of her warm coloured clothes and shoes.

She may have noticed my longing gazes as she reached up for my face. I closed my eyes when she started to caress my cheeks gently and lovingly. I placed my hand over her hand, peering through half-lidded eyes as I inched closer to her until I could feel her breath. I gently cupped her cheeks and pressed my lips into her own succulent pair. The kiss lingered for a while until a knock on the door snapped us from our daze.

"I'm sorry." She apologized before placing another haste kiss on my lips. It was quick but full of emotions—love, regret, passion, sorrow. "I think I should just stay after all. Besides she—"

"It's fine." I interrupted her, and I tried to smile to reassure her. "We can just figure it out later." Her gaze softened when she may have noticed my smile didn't reach my eyes. "You should hurry, the driver's waiting for you." I stood up and grabbed one of her suitcases, urging her to move. I cut my eyes to the bedside clock. We only had two hours before her departure.

And I didn't want her to leave. I just want to keep the princess locked up in her tower. But I knew that that status quo was to be disrupted. Besides, the knight in shining armour always comes to rescue the princess. And that was not my role. Not anymore.

"Take care of yourself." A smile graced her lips while I tucked a few strands of her long hair behind her ear. "I don't want to be worrying about your cute butt when I am thousands of miles away from you." She teased to lighten the mood that started to build up from the moment we woke up.

"I'm going to be fine." I replied convincingly, escorting her out of our home. I watched as the driver took her suitcase from my hand and load it in the trunk of a black sedan car. The car that was waiting in front of us, ready to take my love away from me. Far, far away.

I hated that car. It was repulsive.

She was about to get inside the detested car when she stopped midway. Her eyes bore into mine, eyes that were filled to the brim with unexplainable emotions. "Be sure to get some sleep and take a breather. You tend to forget about your well-being whenever you work." She chided lightly before she automatically fixed my collar. Warm hands held my face. Her haunting eyes searched my very own. It was as if she was searching through my soul. And it was.

I closed my eyes, preventing my emotions to slip out of me. I gently leaned my forehead down against her, savouring the small moments before parting.

"I'm going to miss you." She whispered, her voice slightly quivered.

"Me too."

"I love you, Ritsu. I really do." I felt her trembling lips pressed against mine for a short kiss.

"I love you too." I replied, capturing her lips for one more time. This time, the kiss had been longer than the last. It had such a bold bittersweet taste. "You should not make him wait any longer." I stated as soon as we broke apart, nodding my head to the driver who was patiently waiting for her beside the black car, minding his own business.

"Yes, you're right." She slowly stepped back away from me. Our intertwined hands sluggishly let go of one another.

I watched through my weary eyes as she sat on the back passenger seat of the car. She looked at me one last time, beaming an encouraging smile. A smile that promised another chance. I fought the tears that threatened to fall when I saw her mouthed the words "I love you."

I wanted to run up to her, and take her out of that damned car. There were still a lot of things that I wanted to say, but it was as if my own body was rebelling against me. I stood rooted on the rough concrete, my eyes never left the car until it zoomed into the corner, out of my sight, out of my reach.

I didn't want her to leave.

It was there and then that I had the uncontrollable urge to go back in time. To experience all the memories I had with her all over again. I would give everything, anything, just to get back to those times. Times were she was with me.

I love her and I would contentedly wait for the time where we can both say we're still in love.