The first time Zero felt Kid's lips on her own, the tenderness and the softness, and the way he had taken control, she knew that there would be struggling. She knew that very moment that he whispered in her ear, "I wouldn't dream of breaking your heart." that he was going to be a problem. And she had the tiniest of ideas that he was going to create a lot of trouble for her.
So often he crossed her mind. The thought of his hands tracing her lips before he kissed her, the feeling of his gentle words in her ears, the sight of his presence making her heart skip a beat. It was all too much.
She finally broke down.
"Why is it that I can never get my mind off of you?" she had to say one day, unable to hold in the tears that were fighting her. They crawled down her cheeks like rivers of unstableness. "Why can't I stop thinking about you?" She fell to her knees, uncontrollable sobs wracking her body, her shoulders slumped forward and her hair falling in her face. "Why are you doing this to me?" she whispered, the fear of showing weakness tearing at her brain, screaming insults and pathetic comments at her entire being.
But the sudden halt of noise in her head caused a small gasp to escape her lips. His strength, his warmth, his soul engulfed her as his arms gingerly pulled her closer. Her eyes wide, her head fell against his chest, her hands reaching up to grip his shirt. She closed her eyes and cried.
"What's happening to me?" her voice was small and hushed. "Why am I feeling like this? What is it about you that makes me feel so... so different?"
He took a deep breath, his chest lifting and falling with the intake of air. "I can't tell you that Zero. It's up to you. It's all up to you."
It's all up to me. But why? Why do I have to make the decision? He's the one that makes me feel like this. He's the one that makes my heart swell up. He's the one that had to be so caring, and attractive, and lovable...
"But I can tell you one thing..." his hands felt like a ghosts as he sweetly stroked her hair. "I love you Zero. I always have and I always will. Whatever your decision is, I'll respect that, and I'll respect you. I just want to be by your side always. I love you Zero," he repeated.
Zero's eyes snapped open.
Love.
Is that what's wrong with me? Am I... in love... with Kid? It makes perfect sense. The beating heart, the shaky hands, the nervousness. It all makes perfect sense. Yes, it's true.
I am in love with Death the Kid.
Ever so slowly, she reached up, lifted her head, and looked him in the eye, the tears drying on her cheeks. She placed her hand on his and sat back.
"Then I've made a decision. Not about you, but about love," Zero said, taking a shaky breath. "Kid, I've decided that love isn't a choice. Love just happens. And..." she gave him a sweet smile and her heart fluttered as his grip tightened on hers. She shrugged. "Love's happening."