Chapter Four

Love's First Kiss

After hours of searching, the scouts could come up with nothing, and now sat around the table at Rei's, munching absently at the snacks before them. They questioned Mina's parents, but neither of them had seen her leave; in fact they weren't even aware she was missing. Her mother seemed almost apathetic, while the father had gone pale and his eyes looked ridden with guilt. They agreed that if she didn't come home by dark, they would call the police. The girls concluded that if the Negaverse had somehow gotten a hold of her, there would've been word of a ransom by now. As it was, the source behind Mina's disappearance seemed to be entirely human-related. Rei had even consulted the sacred fire, but turned up nothing. She threw some herbs into the flames, lifting up a prayer for her friend's safety. Besides that, the scouts could do little else but wait…and worry.

Things were far more peaceful in a second floor apartment, however, for now the danger had passed. Mina's fever had broken as she slept, for which Andrew was relieved. Now only one challenge remained -how to say goodbye. Over the short time he had known her, she had awakened something deep and powerful within him. He had been questioning whether it was all worth it-the endless late nights, the cramming, and the stress-the whole tediousness of it all. Then she had literally fallen into his life. With one look at her, she had rekindled everything that made him a doctor, a man even. He felt instantly protective over her, the need to keep her from harm. Ever since he broke it off with Rita, he never thought he would feel that again. Now here was this girl, someone who before today he would've passed on the street without a second glance. But as she lay on his couch, looking so peaceful and angelic, he could scarcely breathe. Was she going through as much turmoil as he was? Did she feel the same instant passion whenever they locked eyes? He could never know until he asked her, and that scared him as much as her response would. Half of him wished she would awaken and end his agony, but the other part was content to watch her, awed by the fact he was allowed to breathe the same air she did.

At length, Mina slowly opened her eyes, relieved to find the stifling heat had left her. She lifted her hand over her head and stretched, her body stiff from laying down so long. As she looked around, she suddenly noticed she had a captive audience.

"Oh um I…hi," she stammered, blushing slightly.

Andrew grinned. "Hi yourself. You're looking better."

Her blush deepened as he came closer, placing a hand on her forehead. He nodded with satisfaction.

"Yep, your fever's broken. I think you're going to make a full recovery."

Mina smiled back, but was filled with sudden sadness. She longed so much to stay by Andrew's side, to know more about him and possibly…

There's no way she thought. I seriously just met this guy. He couldn't feel something for me so fast. Besides, I'm bad luck as far as love is concerned. He wouldn't want to be with me anyway.

"Something wrong?" he asked, for he had noticed her suddenly sullen face.

"No, it's nothing," she lied. "I'm just thinking of the trouble I caused. My parents and friends are probably worried sick about me."

It was as though someone had drenched Andrew in cold water. She had a life to go back to, and so did he. With his luck, she probably had an overly jealous boyfriend searching madly through the city for her. And here he was, dreaming of what could be, when in reality it had just been a chance encounter, nothing more nothing less. The two of them talked aimlessly for a few minutes, each waiting for the other to bring it up. But finally, the moment was upon them.

"Well, I think I should be going," she said as she tossed the blanket aside. "I've been an unnecessary houseguest for long enough."

Andrew was quick to reassure her. "It was no trouble, really," he told her. "It…I…it was nice to have some company. I do very little entertaining here, so you were a welcome surprise."

Mina smiled to hide the pain, like she had always done. Truth be told, she wanted nothing more than to stay, to leave her broken past behind and explore whatever she felt for her handsome savior. Maybe she was only kidding herself.

With a sigh, Andrew stood, offering his hand. She took it and rose, slightly unsteady as blood came rushing through her body. His grip on her hand tightened and he stepped closer, offering his support until she regained her balance. Even as the lightheadedness passed, they stood together, nearly embracing. She inhaled his scent, and could smell faint traces of coffee and Ramen noodles. She was so close to him, and it would be so easy to wrap herself in his arms, content never to leave again. But alas, doubt flooded her mind and she stepped away.

"I should go," she mumbled, grabbing her jacket from the back of a chair. He followed her to the door, his own heart beating rapidly. Something had just happened between them, and she was about to walk out the door and out of his life if he didn't say something. But every time he tried to bring up the words that would make her stay, they were caught in the web of doubt and fear. What if she didn't feel the same way?

He opened the door for her, aching and torn. She took her time walking out, but finally turned to face him, mirroring the look on his face exactly. Was this really it?

"Oh here," he said, quickly grabbing the umbrella that sat against the wall. "It's still drizzling out there, and I wouldn't want you to get any worse. This'll at least keep you dry."

Andrew wanted to smack himself. Of course it would keep her dry! Smooth move Andy he cursed himself. Now you've lost her for sure.

"Oh…thank you. For everything I mean. I'm really glad you were there to catch me." She paused. "So, will I see you around? I mean, so I can return it to you?" she asked.

He covered his torment with a smile. "I suppose so," he said. "I work at the arcade so…I guess I'll be around…"

"Ok good," she said, the longing in her heart tainting her reply. "Oh and by the way, I never actually told you my name. It's Mina. Just thought I'd let you know…in case we see each other again…well, see you."

Uncertainly, she turned on her heel and began walking down the hallway. Each step seemed like a step away from something great, something she wanted so badly to have. But maybe this wasn't meant to be. Maybe he didn't feel the same way after all.

When Mina at last faded from sight, Andrew closed the door and leaned up against it, disgusted with himself. He had a million chances to tell her how he was feeling, how just looking at her made him go mad, and he blew every single one of them.

Idiot he thought. She was standing right there, and you still couldn't get the words out. What if I never see her again? I'll be living with this regret for the rest of my life.

At least he finally had her name. Mina. It was simple yet beautiful, and it rolled off his tongue as though he had known it forever. He re-lived every single moment he spent with her, how he hung on her every word. She was shy and reserved, but opened up to him in a way no one else had. She was able to share her heart with him, and he in turn did the same. No one could crack through his shell that easily, except perhaps his best friend Darien. His dark-haired friend could coax him into revealing his darkest secrets, yet this girl didn't even have to try. It just pooled out who she was. He walked by the couch where she had sat mere moments before, her golden hair shining in the light, making the hues of his apartment dull by comparison. He gazed out his front window. It was just drizzling now, the clouds beginning to clear. It would be sunset soon, and it was sure to be a pretty one. He pressed his arm against the glass, torn. If he chased her down, he would have to explain himself or have some kind of excuse. He tossed the idea, not wanting to look silly and awkward, but the very thought of not laying eyes on her again carried more anguish than he was prepared to live with. He threw his hands up in mock surrender. It was now or never. His mind made up, he grabbed his jacket and keys and dashed out the door. After all he thought. What do I have to lose? He grimaced.

Her.

Mina paused at the sidewalk and looked up at the apartment building with longing. She wondered what he was doing now, if he was in as much agony as she was. Would he attempt to clean his disaster of an apartment, or would he be locked at the window, watching her this very minute? One gaze to his balcony found it vacant, so he was probably returning to whatever it was he was doing before she had fallen into his life. She let her mind wander a bit as she continued down the street. What if he had gone after her? She imagined him running up the path, calling her name earnestly. She would turn and smile as he ran, his arms open to embrace her. She would run into those arms and confess her love for him, and he would respond in kind. She sighed, letting the vision fade back into reality. As she walked, the what ifs plagued her. What if she went back, and took a chance for once in her life? After all, love was the only thing she could hold on to, and if nothing else, she believed in that. She clenched the umbrella in her hand. His umbrella. If she didn't at least try, she would never know what could've been. Decidedly she turned back towards the apartment building, and what she saw took her breath away. Andrew, the embodiment of her vision was running towards her, shouting her name. She thought she had never been happier to hear it, especially coming from those lips. For Andrew, Mina had never looked so breathtaking. She stood under a streetlight, umbrella in hand, hair slightly messed and her blue eyes wide.

"Mina!" he yelled, his heart leaping for joy every time her name left his lips. His gut had been right, for her face lit up as soon as she saw him, a beautiful flush brightening her cheeks. The umbrella dropped from her hands and she flung herself into his arms. She clung to him and he to her, their bodies intertwining with one another. He swung her around in sheer joy, her laughter making his heart sing. He finally set her down and looked into her eyes, seeing nothing but love reflecting in them. They spoke not a word, but leaned in to each other for their first kiss. It was long and sensual; everything a kiss should be, yet filled with possibility. He tasted just as she though he would, sweet like butterscotch and sunshine. For him, her lips tasted as sweet as honey and smooth as butter, filling him to overflowing. He could be kissing her forever and lack nothing. The rain had stopped as they kissed, and the sky now filled with gold light, the sunset setting the clouds aflame. In between breaths, he told her he loved her, and as he kissed her cheek, her neck, her temples, he vowed to be hers forever. Mina could only respond with rasping breaths as he assaulted her senses. Nothing on earth made her feel the way he did in that moment, and she vowed never to forget it.

At length the kiss broke, leaving them breathless and flushed. When their racing hearts slowed, Mina looked up at him with new feeling.

"Is this real?" she asked. "I mean, can this really be happening?"

"I'm as bewildered as you," he confessed. "But I wouldn't have it any other way. I am yours and you are mine. It seems it's been that way forever. After a kiss like that, I never want to let you go."

"Me neither," she sighed, leaning up against his chest. They were silent a moment, watching as the sun disappeared and the moon rose. It seemed brighter tonight, and the stars seemed to shine like diamonds. The city lit up before them, streetlights and buildings glowing like jewels.

"I've never seen the city so beautiful," Andrew said. "I guess it's true what they say, everything looks different when you're in love.'
Mina smiled in reply and bent to retrieve the umbrella from where it had fallen.

"I guess I don't have to wait to return this, huh?"

Andrew laughed. "No I guess not. Now that I'm here, I might as well walk you home. I wouldn't want your parents to kill me for bringing their daughter home late." He winked at her and she giggled. They then began walking down the sidewalk arm in arm, reveling in their newly discovered love. Their journey had officially begun, and the universe would never be the same.