Title: "Masumi's Awakening"

Author: Trinity D'Canto

Fandom: GouGou Sentai Boukenger

Pairing: Masumi Inou & Natsuki Mamiya

Rating: PG-13

Warnings: Aside from mentions of the couple in bed, no spoilers here. Takes place before Task 33-34 and assumes an established relationship.

Disclaimer: Natsuki and Masumi don't belong to me. I'm just borrowing them for my own entertainment.

Without a word of warning, Masumi shot up in the bed he now shared with Natsuki, in a full-blown sweat. He shivered, suddenly exposed to the slightly bitter and cold wind that blew through their room by way of an open window.

Masumi groaned. When had it begun to get cold? It still seemed warm most of the time, but he'd seen hints of autumn leaves in some places. Winter was coming, he could feel it in his bones.

And winter wasn't the only thing that was coming. The fast adventurer knew that much. He could sense that something very, very big was about to happen and it could possibly tear him and the woman he'd come to love so much apart.

Sighing deeply, Masumi got up and padded over to the window, shutting it with a soft snap and turning to look at the angel currently occupying his bed.

Natsuki was curled up on her side, bundled beneath the gold and black covers, her black hair going in a million directions as she snoozed, her face at complete peace. She was none the wiser to what was going on within Masumi's brain.

Nothing good ever lasts in your life…you do know that, right? A little voice of doubt whispered in Masumi's ear. What if Natsuki were to regain her lost memories tomorrow? She could forget you and everything that you two have gone through since you found her? Could you handle that, Masumi? Could you still go on if Natsuki were gone? Funny…that voice sounded like Yami no Yaiba.

Get out of my head! Masumi thought, angrily. Natsuki will never leave me! His thoughts suddenly became scared, for the voice of doubt had a point. Natsuki promised she wouldn't leave me…. but what good is that promise if she doesn't remember making it?

Suddenly, like an angel's choir, Natsuki's voice broke into his mind, silencing Yami no Yaiba. Natsuki loves Masumi! She's never leaving Masumi's side.

A tiny smile crossed Masumi's face at the thought of Natsuki's declaration of her love for him and he stole a glance at her. She was smiling in her sleep now as she murmured, "Yes, I'll have more of our wedding cake Masumi…."

He chuckled and brushed some of her hair out of her eyes, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead.

Slowly, he slid into the bed beside her and opened the little drawer on the side table, lifting out a small black velvet box.

Autumn was often a time for change. He could feel the change already, for the leaves were definitely changing and his relationship with Natsuki was about to go one of two ways. He was definitely praying for the good way, because he didn't want the money he'd spent on the engagement ring to go to waste.

Masumi opened the box to look at the gold ring with the black onyx stone in it and his heart warmed. He was definitely ready. Natsuki Mamiya was to be his wife.

He pressed a kiss to her cheek and slipped the ring back into its hiding spot.

Yes, autumn often brought many changes. And for once in Masumi's life, the changes were good ones.