A/N: Wow, this turned out to be way more intense than I thought it would be. I was supposed to be working on Reloaded, but then this idea popped into my head. This may remain a one-shot or turn into a multi-chapter story depending on the reviews.
Disclaimer: I own nothing, Mai HiME and Persona 3 do not belong to me. The only thing I claim is mine is this fanfiction. Any similarities to other stories are pure coincidence.
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Winter
"Winter must be cold for those with no warm memories"
I never thought that this would happen. Never before in my dreams did I think that this would be possible. To have her now in my arms, it was like I'd died and gone to heaven.
Her body was cold and I nuzzled closer towards her hoping to provide the little warmth that I could. She shivered once more and grasped my arm around her waist and weakly pulled me in towards her.
All I could do was stare and hold her closer.
Why was the happiest moment in my life also my worst?
After so long, she had finally told me those three words that had put me in shock. Everything was perfect in that one moment. I was shocked beyond thought and my body was rigid. I thought that I could die happy in that one moment.
I never should have thought that.
I cursed her.
This was all my fault.
If I hadn't been standing there she never would have had to shove me out of the way.
I could have died happy. But no, she had to take my place.
--
It was night time. The sky was pitch black besides the few stars that sparkled on and off. She had called me out, telling me that she had finally come to a decision.
I walked as calmly as I could to our meeting place. We were going to Fuuka Square. It was one of the busiest places at this time of year. I was filled with trepidation at what her response may be. But, I had hope. The square was beautifully decorated at this time of year and it was a popular destination for lovers.
Sure I was anxious and sweating like I was in a sauna despite the piercing wind battering my body. But, that one light at the end of the tunnel kept me going. I'd been walking for so long through it, and this was the moment of truth.
Was I going to see light or a dead end? Only time would tell.
It took a few minutes but I finally arrived. I was a bit earlier than our appointed time, but it couldn't be helped. Ever since she called me and set up this "date" I'd been in a daze. I couldn't do anything right and my mind was in a constant rush. It got colder as I waited on a wooden bench in front of the massive tree in the middle of the square. Colorful lights decorated the place and couples snuggling with one another walked back and forth in front of me. How lucky of them, to be with their loved ones on this holiday.
I was jealous of course, but perhaps in a few moments I would be able to indulge in the same things as those many couples. I smiled at this thought.
I started rubbing my hands together to evoke some warmth, I really should have worn a thicker coat. I looked down at my arms and noticed the droplets of white hitting me. It had started snowing. I scoffed, it was sort of clichéd.
A white Christmas.
But, in all those happy stories, a white Christmas was a good thing. I grinned at the thought. It had to be a sign from up above.
I breathed into my palms providing what little warmth I could. It was then that I noticed her presence. Yes, her presence. I could always tell when she was around. So I chanced a glance up. My sixth sense for her didn't fail me as I saw her hurrying towards me.
God, she was beautiful.
She was sculpted in such a way that she could have been an angel.
Is that why you took her from me God?
--
She apologized for being late. I smiled brightly at her; I would have waited until my body shriveled away to nothingness for her.
She stretched out her hand to pull me up from my spot, I gladly obliged. We began walking down the sidewalk. It was friendly chatter at the moment. Occasionally we'd stop by a few stores and browse some of the wares. I was anxious, but happy nevertheless.
We walked side by side, hands almost touching but not.
That was until she suddenly grasped my hand. I gasped but I was ecstatic. I glanced towards her only to be graced with a light flush on her face.
I smiled and pulled her into my arms. I felt her shiver in my embrace. Worried, I tried to release my hold. I was stopped when her arms wrapped around me. Then she shyly whispered those words that stopped my heart, only to cause it to beat a million times faster.
I love you.
--
We had stopped walking then, and stood rooted to that one spot on the sidewalk while people passed us by. They remained oblivious to the drama that was unfolding right in front of their eyes.
I held her a bit away from my arms to stare into her eyes, those eyes that sparkled like jewels even without light. She had taken on an extremely red shade by now and had turned her head away from me. I chuckled and removed a hand from her waist to place a finger under her chin – forcing her to face me. I stared into that lovely face and moved in to place my kiss on those pink lips.
I saw her eyes widen in shock and I gave her a small grin. I thought she was astonished at my action.
I've never been more wrong in my entire life.
--
Everything happened in a blur. One moment I was going to kiss the love of my life and the next I was being shoved away.
I stumbled into the snow laden streets and quickly picked myself only to scream at the sight before me. Her limp body lay on the hood of a car that had crashed into the railings we had been by a second before.
I rushed to her side, picking her body from the metal, and held her close to me.
All around me I heard peoples' cries and sirens in the distance. I heard the groans of the man in the car as he crashed against the steering wheel once the airbag deflated. The stench of alcohol surrounded the area.
But none of that mattered. To me, she was the only thing I needed to pay attention to at the moment.
I held her closer to me as I felt something wet soak into my clothing. I refused to think about what it might be.
I felt her hand blindly grasping around and I grabbed it and held it against my cheek.
"Don't cry."
She had started to wipe away the tears that trickled down my face. I hadn't even noticed it. She gave me a weak smile and tried to sit up. She groaned in despair and my brain began registering what was truly happening.
"Please, kiss me."
It was all I heard among the tumult. I leaned down to grant her request as I kissed those beautiful and soft lips. It was very sweet, yet salty by the taint of tears. I realized that the both of us were crying now.
I moved a hand to chase away the tears while she nuzzled into my palm. She whispered her last three words to me and her eyes began closing slowly. I cried out in pain. I desperately held her closer to me trying to warm the rapidly freezing body.
I whispered sweet words to her half hoping that she would respond at the mention of her favorite condiment or the offer of new lingerie as a gift if only she would open her eyes.
The sirens got louder and a crowd had formed around us by now. I felt arms trying to take her from me and I screamed. I screamed at them and God.
Why was he doing this to me?
Why would he be so cruel as to present me with such a goddess and then rip her away from my arms?
A blanket was wrapped around me as her limp body was finally tugged away from me.
Winter, it's the season of death.
--
Ah, this is like my first ever angst and tragedy story. Would you believe me if I told you that this had started out as a fluffy story, but it morphed into something else within the fourth sentence.
This is meant to be a one-shot but who knows, depending on the reviews, I might extend the story. I do have some ideas for possible plot lines. So tell me how it is and I might decide to add more.