Notes: Set after Mari is released from the hospital and the Lucky Clover group is after Sawada-kun.
She was waiting for him on the swings, slowly gliding back and forth and paying little attention to the busy world around her. It gave him plenty of time to watch her as he walked closer. The way her smile lit up her face, her hair blowing in the breeze and brushing against her pale skin; in his eyes no one could hold a candle to her, not a single soul could compare.
When its current occupant jumped off to go play on the jungle gym he quickly snagged the swing next to her rocking back and forth and waiting for her to notice. The bright smile he received when she finally did was enough to make him melt and he gripped the chain tightly to steady himself. Whenever she looked at him with those eyes even the faint touch of a feather could topple him.
He stood, tucking one strand of his shaggy dark hair behind an ear while reaching out for her hand at the same time flashing his own bright smile. Slipping her smaller hand into his she gave him a squeeze and climbed to her feet, flowered skirt twisting around her ankles as she moved forward causing her stumble and fall against him. Wrapping his arms around her in a protective hug she could feel his chest move as he chuckled warmly.
She moved away reluctantly, the public park wasn't the best place for cuddling after all "Where are we going today?"
"Anywhere you want," he replied, cupping her cheek in his hand before leading her away from the laughing children and worrying mothers.
They spent the afternoon wandering through town with no set destination in mind. Talking and laughing, their constantly clasped hands swinging back in forth every so often. The kind of couple you might spot on the street and stop to look at muttering "Aren't they sweet?" before continuing on your way.
It was growing dark when he dropped her off at home and he didn't want the day to end. He held her close for one last hug, whispered goodnight then pulled away and turned to start the walk back home. That's when she caught his sleeve with one small hand and tugged, causing him to turn around and look back at her flushed but smiling face.
She stood on her tip toes and leaned in, he could smell her perfume so clearly; her voice tickled his ear and caused the hair on his neck to stand up "Arigatou Sawada-kun, I had a wonderful time." Then she leaned in and he stood there transfixed as she closed the distance and he knew his own face was red.
The chilly water hitting his face was not what he expected however and Sawada pushed back the brim of his hat and rubbed at his face. Gone was the warm evening, the promise of a gentle kiss, in its place was the stark and depressing reality that had become his life. Pushing himself up into a standing position Sawada managed to move out of the way of another splash curtsey of a passing car hitting a puddle from the previous night's rain.
He'd had the dream again, the same one he'd always had ever since awakening as an Orphenoch. It was always so real and when he awoke to find that Mari was never there the remaining shreds of his hope slowly slipped away. He stood with a low growl, lowering his cap and shoving his fists in his pockets, now that he was no longer in favor with Smart Brain there wasn't time for mopping about, he had to watch his back, constantly. He would have to wait for the night again to see his dear Mari.