Scenario

This is an Odd Pairing fic. It's inspired by a conversation I had with Jynk on Kaori relationships. She'll know what this is about. ^.^ Anyway, this is just a little oneshot I was rolling around in my head—chapter 2 is coming, I assure you. But high school's been a bit hectic. Heh. Plus, FF.net is pissing me off. Anyway, I don't own SSX Tricky. EA Big does. On to the fic!

~*~*~*~

Mac stood silently, his stricken visage gazing out into the sea.

"So you never loved me." He said gently, and Kaori winced.

"Mac…it's hard to explain…"

"Well you're going to! I don't understand you!" Kaori gazed at him sorrowfully. This was hurting her just as much as him.

"Mac…for a long time I thought you were the one…We were the same age. We bonded well. And we had a lot in common. But I don't feel it, Kenzie-san. I can't lie to you. Not like this." She shut her eyes tightly for a moment, gaining a bit of momentum. Kami-sama knew she'd need it. But she didn't get an opportunity to speak her mind just yet.

"And what of HIM. Is he the reason?" The familiar voice tinged with that unfamiliar bitterness stunned the young girl.

 //Did I really mean this much to him?//

"I…I'd be lying if I said he wasn't part of it…but even if I never met him, it wouldn't have worked."
He couldn't take this. It hurt too much.

"Aren't I good enough!? Am I too poor for you? Not handsome enough? TELL ME!!" He whirled around, and Kaori's heart broke at the tears.

"No Mac. You're wonderful…."

"But?" She sighed.

"But I can't see myself with you forever. And that's what I'm truly searching for."

"I see…" He turned around slowly, facing back into the oceanic sights.

"Kaori?"

"Hai Kenzie-kun?"

"Goo…Good luck."

She smiled, and kissed his cheek chastely.

"Domo arigato." She walked away feeling the burden removed. She stopped at the vista, inhaling deeply. //Well, that's one thing over with.//

Now all she had to do was see him again.

Him…he meant so much to her. His laughter, his smiles, his very soul…they drew her to him. It was totally inexplicable. But even through all their differences, she knew she loved him. Suddenly, she felt strong arms wrap around her from behind.

"Hey there Kaori." He said lowly; warmly, and Kaori felt warmth flush her cheeks.

"Ko..Kon'wa…" He kissed her neck tenderly, evidently having no sense of restraint.

"Did you do it?"

"Hai…I've never seen Mac this sad though koishi….It hurts me." He turned her around, and touched her cheek tenderly.

"I know it hurts Kaori. He's your best friend. But both of you will grow from this. I know it." He smiled at her deeply, and she could feel the pain flying away.

It was love.

Love wasn't about kisses, or hugs, or even desperate glances.

It was about trust, and compassion, and all the little things that look like nothing.

Love was this moment.

Her lover's arms wrapped around her, holding her against his chest, and his breath gently flowed past her neck.

"I love you Kaori…."
And smiling, she replied:

"I love you too…Eddie-kun."

~*~*~*~

Told you it was a weird pairing! But it works on so many levels! I don't know why, but he just seems like a good match. I'm still a die-hard Brodi and Kaori fan…but I felt like something weird. Don't we all sometimes? Anyway, I'd like to dedicate this to Jynk for giving my such an awesome idea, and I hope I did it justice! Chapter 2 will be up by the end of the weekend! That is a promise! I vow to update! And feel free to flame me if I don't!