To Mend a Broken Heart
Chapter 1: The Gift
Its has been a year since the Earth was saved, and Himeno was brought back to life by Hayate's kiss. Since then, most everything has either returned to normal…or better. The children Leafe Knights, Shin and Hajime, have spent a great deal of time with Mawata. While the third youngest Leafe Knight, Mannen, has become somewhat of a personal servant to Mayune (under heavy bribes of toys, video games, etc). Sasame and Takako have made themselves a home in Leafenia, together. As have both Goh and Kei returned to their homes within Leafenia, though for some reason both insists on keeping their jobs on Earth.
Mawata and Sasame have become very close over the last twelve month as she has forgiven his actions. And despite all doubts, Mawata has also gotten close to Takako. Making it an easier feet to welcome the former Princess of Disaster into the Awayuki family as an unofficially adopted daughter, filling up the remain void in Takako's heart. During this time, Goh and Mawata have grown a tight bond, as both are usually spending their time caring and tending to the Leafe Knight children (in one way or another). So much time together would result in such things, after all.
Hayate, the unsaid leader of the Leafe Knights, continues to live in Leafenia as well, while returning to Earth on a daily basic to either work with Kaoru or…
"Hayate!" a cheerful voice called. The dark haired knight could not help but show a smile, as the pink haired girl waves high in the air at him from a short distance cross the garden. He had only just stepped through the portal that separated his home land and the Earth, and there she was. She always seemed to be waiting for him. There were very few occasions when Himeno was not near the fountain when he returned.
Himeno, the Princess Pretear, has continued to practice over the year with the help of all her knights. Though, as time has past it seems she prets more often with the Knight of Wind then all others combined. Hayate would prefer it no other way, while Himeno seems none the wiser of his protective actions…nor feelings.
'Himeno,' thought the Leafe Knight of Wind affectionately, as Himeno ran towards him. How he enjoyed spending time with her, though not all his actions showed it. She was still unaware of the kiss, or his confession of love. Not one has spoken of the events a year ago, especially not the fact that Himeno could have been lost to them forever if not for the miracle of love.
"Hayate, I have a surprise for you!" Himeno exclaimed, as she attached herself to his arm. Hayate was getting used to this action, and if he was to tell the truth…though he visually or verbally would try to retreat from her grip, it warmed him.
"What kind of surprise?" he asked suspiciously, raising a brow as he looked down upon her. Himeno merely giggled, releasing his arm to allow Hayate to walk on his own. The two walked on around the enormous mansion, staying very close to each other's side.
"You do like blueberry pie, don't you?" Himeno asked as they walked into her home.
"Uh…sure." His suspicions were still on this surprise of hers. He was hoping it wasn't a simple pie. "Is that the surprise?"
Himeno giggled "Oh, no. That will come later. Mawata and I made homemade blueberry pie this morning, and I just was hoping you'd try it. I am better at gardening then cooking…but with Mawata's help…" She stopped mid-explanation, as Hayate was crinkling up his nose a bit. "Hey! You haven't even tried it yet, don't be making a face already."
"It better not make me sick," he commented. Himeno looked as if she was going to fume over, but didn't as Hayate gave a faint chuckle. "Don't get so worked up, Tulip Head, I'll try it. You did have Mawata's help, after all."
As the pair entered into the massive kitchen, both were greeted by Mawata, Shin, and Hajime all in unison "Oyaho!" While the children continued to eat their share of pie, Mawata made her way over to give Himeno a hug, bowing to Hayate more formally.
"You would like pie, too, I guess?" Mawata asked, smiling up at the pair.
"Its good!" Hajime managed to mumble out, just after having shoved another fork-full into his mouth. Shin made an 'Mmmhm' with an enthusiastic nod.
"See? They like it." Himeno defended herself, looking up at Hayate as she pointed towards the children. It was evident with the purplish-blue smudges on their cheeks that both had had more then one piece.
"Ok ok. Just cut me a slice, already." Hayate sighs, as if it was a waste of his time. He watched as Himeno went off to cut them both a slice. Himeno spared a playful 'Nah' as she stuck her tongue at him, before joining the children at the counter. Hayate's gaze was brought down to Mawata as the girl cleared her throat quietly, to catch only his attention.
"So..?" the girl inquired, feeling no need to voice the entire question.
"So what?" Hayate returned, raising his brows as if confused, though the faint blush of his cheeks gave him away. Mawata closely imitated one of Himeno's 'You know what I'm talking about' faces. Hayate gave in quietly, turning his eyes away from the green eyes girl. "Not yet." he sighed.
Mawata would have liked to pursue the issue further…encourage him to tell her the truth, but it was not the place. She shock her head lightly before returning to the children Leafe Knights. Both were now done with their pie, and needed to be cleaned.
"Come on you two," Mawata gently coxed, after having taken their dishes away to the sink. "You both make quite the mess."
"You have blueberry all over your cheeks." Hajime squealed at Shin. The little boy giggled, pointing back at Hajime's face.
"You, too." the little boy cooed softly. Mawata could only chuckle at them, as she ushered the messy boys from the kitchen. As the small group exited, Mawata paused to give Hayate a hopeful smile, before disappearing out the doorway. The Knight of Wind sighed at himself, staring off at nothing in particular. His thoughts rambling off in his head now.
'Why can't I just tell her? Just say it, damn it. You had no problem telling her before, when she couldn't hear you.' Hayate argued with himself, unknowingly crinkling his brows together. 'Was it because I thought I lost her? You didn't loose her, though, here she is. Everyday since, she's been right here. Just say it. Himeno, I lo-'
"Hayate?" came a soft voice. Hayate blinked out of his thoughts, turning to where Himeno waited. She watched him curiously, wondering what was causing him to look so distressed then angry. He cursed himself inwardly as he moved over to take a seat. She tilted her head slightly as she pushed a dish towards him "Are you ok?"
"Yea," he answered, picking up a fork. At first he only poked at the pie, making a show of how uncertain he was of it. Himeno huffed next to him, narrowing her eyes a bit.
"Just try it already. Shin and Hajime liked it," she defended, before taking her first bite. Himeno kept a watch on him from the corner of her eye, waiting eagerly for him to try the pie. Purposely taking his time, Hayate cut a piece with the side of his fork, picking it up to seemingly examine the contents upon his for, then putting it into his mouth. At first he appeared to be having trouble merely chewing the pie, before finally swallowing it. He 'Mmm'ed quietly, taking a second bite. Himeno watched his face intently, having stopped eating her own pie as she awaited his comment.
"Not bad, Tulip Head," Hayate smiled. This made Himeno smile with pride, her cheeks lightly flushing as her eyes grew starry.
"You really like it?" She beamed. Hayate nodded, finishing off the pie. Once the two were finished, Himeno went about cleaning up. The smile not leaving her face. Hayate watched as she made quick work of it all. Standing, he joined her as she left the kitchen and began wondering through the hallways.
"Where are we going?" he asked suspiciously, seeing as Himeno was still smiling…but no longer with pride, but as if she knew something. The pink haired girl merely shook her head at him, keeping her mouth shut. Hayate gave a 'hmph' turning his eyes away as if not really interested "Fine."
Himeno lead him back outside, down to the small stream that made its way through the Awayuki gardens, and over the delicate bridge. As they walked, Himeno did her best to keep up the small talk, but soon fell quiet as they were nearing their destination. Hayate watched her from the corner of his eyes, while keeping a strait face. The way she smiled at everything, how the sun highlighted her features, the way the wind rustled through her hair…he was in awe everyday he spent with her. To him, she was the definition of beauty.
'Tell her. Tell her. Tell her!' he repeatedly commanded himself. As Hayate took in a preparing breath to speak, Himeno cut him off with a happy chirp…flaring her arms open in front of herself, showing off what was before them.
"Tadaa!" she half sung. Hayate blinked, turning to face the scene. "This is it, I hope you like it."
They had crossed over the small bridge, and into the forest that surrounded most of Awayuki garden. In front of them was a small clearing, surrounded by many decorated pots of navy-violet flowers. The sun was able to shine down into the clearing nicely through an opening in the trees, highlighting a large canopy-style swing. More then large enough to fit a few people, or just one if they so desired to lay down. Himeno moved over towards the swing, picking up a box that had been laying upon the thick cushion. Hayate followed her partway to the swing, looking the scene over still. The flowers were almost the exact shade of his hair.
'She did all this…?' he thought in awe.
"Here." Himeno was holding up the box for him. The box was about a foot long, but not thick, and tied with a pink ribbon. The knight opened the box carefully, as Himeno looked on hopefully.
"A flower?" he questioned. 'A gift?'
"Hai! It's a new breed. It didn't take me nearly as long as I thought it would." Himeno was still smiling, looking up into his eyes. 'Please like it.' she begged inwardly. "I named it after you, sorta. I call them 'hayantias'…if that's alright with you."
"But, why?" he asked rather blatantly. Himeno was doing her very best not to look hurt.
"Well, today is one year since I became the Pretear," she began, letting her eyes drop away towards the flowers around them. "One year since you and I first pret. I just thought it was something to celebrate." she explained, with as much enthusiasm as she could. Hayate was still registering the scene around him. It was just so much. "Do you like it?" she finally asked, her eyes having found his face again were beginning to show concern….doubt.
"I…" his eyes had fallen to hers again, and he lost his breath. The gift was so special to him, he couldn't find the words to express himself. The uncertainty in her eyes did no better in helping him find his voice. So, without words, he would tell her how grateful he was for not only the gift, but for her herself. In a swift movement Hayate had pulled Himeno to him in a tight embrace. Resting his cheek upon her hair, he remained silent while a voice screams in his head 'Tell her now!'
Himeno was at first caught by surprise by the hug, but it didn't take her long to wrap her own arms around his waist. Lightly snuggling herself against his body, "I'm glad you like it."
The two stayed in each other's arms for a short bit, then swiftly parted once they realized how close they truly were. Both with flushing cheeks turned their eyes away shyly. Hayate cleared his throat audibly before offering a quiet, "Arigato, you really shouldn't have."
"I know," Himeno blushed more, letting her eyes scan the grass, "…but I wanted to." Her eyes moved cautiously back up to his face, only to find herself meeting his gaze. She could not help but retain the heavy blush, as she lost herself in those dark pools 'His eyes are so beautiful.'
"Why don't we…sit down." Hayate finally offered, breaking their silence. Himeno blinked out of her daze, and nodded several times, before following him to the swing. Hayate held the swing still for her to sit first, then sat down beside her…leaving more space between them then either wanted, but neither could build up enough courage to close the gap.
After a long uneasy silence, Himeno remembered a funny occurrence from that morning…involving Mannen and Mayune. She proceeded with the story, and soon the pair were talking casually, again. The afternoon went on smoothly from there, and by evening Hayate saw Himeno to her room for the night before departing back to Leafenia.
"Oyasumi nasai, Hayate." She smiled up at him, standing inside her bedroom doorway. She looked tired, but her eyes still sparkled. Hayate gave a half bow of his head to her.
"Good night, Himeno." he bided 'Sleep well, my princess.'
