Chapter Two: Something to Remember

Hitomi blew out a frustrated sigh. Her bangs flew out from the sudden burst of hot air. Sweat streamed down the back of her neck due to all of her efforts. She had watched Ein perform the move flawlessly approximately over a hundred times. Why was she still unable to master the trick? She would replay Ein's exact movements in her head, right down to each muscle flex, but still failed miserably. It was impossible. She took every free moment she received to get the attack down but never noticed any improvement in her work. She opened her eyes and lashed out each step: spinning low kick, two razor fast jabs, lunging punch, an immediate throw, and then…Hitomi paused. Her chest heaved up and down. How did he do it?

"Would you like me to show you how it is done?"

Hitomi gasped as she whipped around. She was shocked to find Ein standing there out of his karate suit and in street clothes. She hadn't heard him enter the dojo, which only contained the two at the moment. The first early rays of dawn shone through a crack where Ein hadn't shut the sliding doors completely. "What are you doing here?" Hitomi was glad Ein was there, truthfully, thinking he left last night for DOA2. She had been so upset she decided on blowing off steam by practicing karate moves in the dojo. Karate was her passion, her one true love. She lived for it every day, breathed in the very art of it. Karate was the one thing that wouldn't fail her in life. Even if she did get frustrated with it from time to time she knew she loved it all the same.

Ein, however, was another story. Hitomi knew she had strong feelings for him. She was positive Ein did just as well. Their very first few days together told Hitomi there was more to their building friendship than she suspected. The two would catch each other staring at the other longingly from time to time. When Ein had participated in her father's gym he always chose her for a partner. Hitomi had guessed it was because she had been the only one he had known at the time. However, Hitomi would find herself constantly blushing in his strong arms, for Ein would purposefully trip her directly his way. She didn't mind, though. She felt safe and secure there. It was as if she was meant to be with him. After classes at the dojo she found herself talking with Ein more and more. She would laugh at his every joke, blush at his subtle touches, and discovered she could really open up to him. He had always been a great listener, which was one of the things she loved most about him. Things had continued like that for quite a while. She caught herself flirting back more than she had intended at times. It had been clear soon enough that they had undeniable feelings for each other.

"I wanted to say goodbye." Ein avoided Hitomi's gaze. It was hard enough for him to actually come here and tell her goodbye. He would probably break if he looked into her eyes. He was afraid what he would see. Joy? Anger? Sorrow? He was afraid of what he would come to. He couldn't bare but feel guilty. A ping of shame crept over him when he thought of shedding at least one tear. He was strong, too strong for tears. He was hopelessly weak when it came to her. She built him up but she could break him down the very same. Hitomi sniffled, "Oh, Ein!" She ran at him and flung her arms around his lean frame, holding him tightly. He responded with a fierce hug, never wanting to let go. Hitomi rested her head on his chest where she was able to hear his heart pound. It was beating fast, just like hers. After what could have been hours, days, or what felt like forever, they pulled away. Hitomi's eyes were gleaming with tears, the first early rays of the sun hitting her tired eyes perfectly. The instant he looked into those sparkling pools of azul he drew a sharp breath. He knew he was going to miss her.

"How could you think that of her?!? She can't even beat me yet, Ein! How on earth could you possibly think you could just take along my daughter?"

Hitomi's father's warning came back to him, fresh in his mind. During that hug, he realized he wanted to take Hitomi with him. To never have to let go of her. To always have her by his side, never to leave him. Leaving her was harder than he had thought.

Ein leaned downward to place a gentle kiss on Hitomi's forehead. She closed her eyes, taking the feel of his lips in: Soft, warm, and slightly wet from his countless lip-licking. Over the past few minutes she noticed him gazing at her very own lips. She couldn't help but grin at the fact that the word "lust" screamed at her. The emotion had played across his face every time he would rest his greedy eyes on her. Hitomi reached out and tugged downward on his leather jacket. Ein's lips parted from her forehead as she got on tip-toe to get level with him. Without hesitation he kissed her full on the mouth, tugging at her bottom lip. Containing his hunger for more, he settled on a sweet, simple kiss. She laced her fingers through his slightly overgrown hair as he gripped her around the waist, resting a hand on the small of her back. He was careful with her, taking precaution, not wanting to be forceful. He would feel terrible leading Hitomi on so much: holding on tight then letting her go for DOA2. Was it not bad enough he was kissing her now when he should have left without a goodbye?

Swaying slightly, Hitomi could feel her lungs burning, unable to hold her breath any longer. Ein sensed her lightly pulling away and their lips parted. A rueful feeling stirred inside him. "Can't you stay a little while longer?" Her voice was barely above a soft whisper, slightly panting. His lips brushed against hers, almost pushing up against them once again. He refrained, however, much to her dismay.

Ein shook his head, suddenly stepping away from Hitomi's grasp on him. She reluctantly let go and immediately realized how hot her cheeks felt. Ein hadn't kissed her on the lips before. He had on the hand, cheek, and forehead many times, yes, but never the lips. She felt as if he avoided her lips on purpose. He loved teasing her, so it didn't surprise her. Out of all the chances he had to actually kiss her it had to be now. They both didn't want to let go but it could not work that way. DOA2 had Ein now, not Hitomi. He shouldn't be
here, Hitomi thought.

"Goodbye, Hitomi." Ein had to leave before he did anything else reckless.

With wet eyes, Hitomi watched Ein head for the sliding doors. His words felt like a dagger to her heart. She knew this had to happen but she never imagined how it would actually feel for him to leave until now. Ein never once looked back at her and she was partially glad. She knew how pathetic she must have looked with tears rolling down her flushed cheeks. You're stronger than that, Hitomi! The fierce words in her head didn't help her, for they spewed out faster and breathing became harder to perform.

A burst of chilly morning air filtered the dojo as Ein slid open the double doors. He paused before stepping outside. His first steps to winning DOA2, Hitomi thought with a tiny smile. As she watched Ein take in his last few moments at the dojo she thought she was hallucinating. Something glistened against his face in the sunlight, flowing down the side of his handsome features. With a final twinkle, a tear dripped off of his chin and splashed onto the white floorboards. With one fluid motion, Ein closed the door and was gone.

"Goodbye, Ein." Hitomi whispered hoarsely. She could hear her voice quaver like an earthquake as it ricocheted around the massive, now empty room. Ein is gone...he's actually gone! She had expected her steady flow of tears to turn into massive sobs but they never came. She sniffled slightly as she wiped at her eyes. He would come back. She knew he would.

Putting two fingers up to her lips, Hitomi lightly caressed them, still tingling from when Ein had pressed his lips to hers. The thought made her smile brighter. Even if Ein didn't come back, she would go out and find him herself. Ein may be lost to his memory but she knew he was not lost to his heart. He may deny his feelings often, but hadn't their kiss explained enough? Hitomi sighed, that boy could be difficult sometimes.

With her eyes still moist around the rims, Hitomi went back to practicing her karate. After all, if she wanted to join the next DOA tournament she had to keep improving. Maybe it would take her mind off of things... The events that had taken place, however, distracted
her from her work. She closed her eyes, remembering every detail. His muscular arms around her waist....tender, warm lips that pulled teasingly on her lower lip....delicious smell that was so tempting and irresistible....

Her eyes shot open as a thought hit her. Remembering Ein's exact words, she blew out a haughty huff.

"Would you like me to show you how it is done?"

He never did teach her his trick.