Title: It's Because of You

Genre: Romance/Angst

Characters/Pairings: Mion/Keiichi

Rating/Warnings: K (no warnings)

Summary: Set on the night of Watanagashi, one year after the events from the final episode. Dealing with Mion's feelings and thoughts on a very special person.

It's been a year since we defeated the curse. A year since we finally assured peace in this small village, our only sanctuary on this rotten Earth. One whole damn year, and still it seems to me as if the time has simply stopped. Those clock hands keep moving rapidly day after day, month after month, but I just can't see it; it feels like nothing is real anymore.

Don't think I haven't waited patiently, because I truly have; possibly much longer than an average person could take. I've waited, putting all my hope in this clean, fresh start, finding happiness in my friends' accomplishments and joy, always laughing and smiling with them. But as I sit here by the dark river, releasing the petite, soft cotton of hope into it, I can't help but to wonder – when will it be my turn to experience the same?

I let out a deep sigh, letting the warm summer wind caress my hair. The air smells of sweet dust, gold, and cotton candy, and it's ringing with the faint childish giggles. Opening my eyes and glancing at the other side of the river, I notice Shion and Satoshi, holding each other in tender embrace. I've told myself a hundred times not to be jealous; after all, they too fought a long, tiring path to finally gain the fortune they're able to enjoy today. Still, whenever I see them together like that, so joyful and content, I can't help but to feel a cold, invisible veil tightening its grip around my fragile heart.

Shion, my only sister and my dearest friend, she has always been the one whom I could rely on to heal whatever pain or hardship was piercing my heart. I could never count the endless nights I spent sobbing on her shoulders, with her whispering comforts in my ear and wiping my tears away. She tells me to raise my head, to walk proudly and fearlessly through the day. But oh, my dear sister, I'm not as brave or strong as you are, I could never be. I may be abrupt at words and skilled in sports, but when it comes to the actual, real emotions, that's one entirely different thing. The legs that could've run miles and hands that have climbed endless trees and rocks suddenly become paralyzed, and the tongue which once spoke so firmly instantly ties in a knot.

And I just can't believe he never noticed it; all the small blushing when our hands incidentally touched or my obvious nervousness once our eyes locked. Maybe it's my fault; after all, I was the one who's always treated him as a friend and quickly dismissed any innocent thought or hint of becoming something more. But I only did that out of fear of losing him, of scaring him away, for the horror of living without him by my side is more terrifying to me than any ancient curse, angry gods, or malicious demons.

Even so, I realize I just can't be living like this anymore. My body and soul are exhausted and my heart is slowly eating itself up - day by day, month by month. This 'old man' stopped being that a long time ago; there are only desperate, weak remains of a young girl now, dying away at the years of her full blossom.

"Mion? Ah, there you are!"

I quickly wipe the tears and turn around at the cheerful melody of a familiar voice echoing in my ears. I force a fake smile, but of course, he doesn't notice - he never does.

"Hey, why are you still here?" he asks innocently, slowly approaching, "come on, let's go back and play with-"

He suddenly pauses unsurely as he stares at me, probably noticing my eyes are red from crying. I instinctively avert my gaze and rub them.

"Wait - are you crying?" he questions clumsily, probably feeling baffled, "is it... because of me? Something I've said?"

I smirk and barely suppress my laughter – the irony of the question was just too great. Shaking my head, I turn to him and smile reassuringly. "Of course not, don't worry", I answer, "it's only the wind dust; I'll be fine."

He immediately smiles in relief and nods, patting me on the shoulder. "Oh, okay", he says, already heading back, "we'll wait for you then, but don't take too long – there's a penalty game!"

I give a weak smile and watch him disappear among the colorful crowd and the bright festival lights. As he turns his back at me, I immediately wipe the fake, sickening smile off my face and close my eyes. I take a few deep breaths, in effort to calm my heart down, but a sole tear still escapes my eye. It is soon followed by more crying and heavy sobbing as I fall to the ground, covering my face and shaking in despair.

Idiot. It's always been because of you.