Disclaimer: I do not own Ouran or any characters.
Things remained calm on the Trickster, at least on the surface, as they moved through District 8 and District 9 without any complications. It was only upon arriving in District 10 that issues arose.
The ship shuttered and chugged. Worried, Grandma Hitachiin ran to the controls, "Wonderful, we're running out of fuel."
One of the Red-Headed Devils pulled down a star chart while the other began checking the levels of the other supplies on board. "We can stop at the third planet here," he said, pointing at the chart. "It's got a high population, we can easily blend in." "That's good," the other Red-Headed Devil added. "We're almost out of protein packs."
Takashi, who had just walked in and overheard the situation, walked over to join the conversation, "We'll need to find a way to contact Bossanova about Yoshian's programming too."
"That's a good idea," Grandma Hitachiin said, trying to gain control of the situation and the mission. "Why don't you go work that out with Kimika?"
Conveniently enough, Kimika chose just that moment to enter the bridge, "Work–work what out with me-" she stuttered for a moment before regain composure her cheeks a bit pink.
Grandma Hitachiin gave Kimika a once over, an appraising look in her eyes, "Oh, Takashi can explain. Now, why don't you two get out of here? I need to plan our shore excursion with my brainless grandsons."
"Uh-I" Kimika floundered as Grandma Hitachiin forcibly pushed the pair of them out of the bridge. Alone again, they stared at one another at a loss. "About last night..." Kimika began.
Takashi stopped her from continuing by placing one strong finger silently on her lips. "Shhh…" he murmured. They stared at each other for a moment before he smiled. Then he took her hand in his and began leading her down the corridor, away from the bridge.
When they were in the deserted mess hall, Takashi turned to her smiling and Kimika spoke first, "Takashi, I don't want what happened between us last night to change our friendship."
A fleeting shadow of hurt moved through Takashi's eyes, an instant later the hurt was followed by understanding. Before Kimika knew what was happening she was in his arms, being kissed senseless. When they came up for air he whispered, "But I do." Before she could even process what he had said they were kissing again.
Panting through swollen lips, "I'm sorry, I just wasn't sure..."
"Don't apologize," Takashi said simply as he reclaimed her lips.
Kimika pulled away for a final time, her hair tousled guiltily. "If we don't stop now, we're either going to get caught or take this too fast." Kimika remarked logically.
Takashi stepped back, putting Kimika out of reach, and took a deep breath, obviously trying to compose himself. "Yes, of course. Let's go figure out how to contact Bossanova." He spun on his heel and headed back out of the mess hall.
Kimika followed, half jogging to match his gait. "There should be a public communication terminal in the settlement, don't you think?"
"Of course, but the government watches them and all of us are wanted or supposed to be dead." Takashi said as he led her into the ship's lounge.
Kimika pressed her hands to her temples awaiting divine intervention, when Grandma Hitachiin spoke over the overhead system. "Hope you two enjoyed your 'alone time' we're approaching the settlement." A light bulb went off in Kimika's head. "She's the answer, Takashi!" She pointed excitedly towards the ceiling, "Grandma Hitachiin is neither wanted nor dead!"
"Of course I'm not dead!" Grandma Hitachiin harrumphed, "And I am so wanted, I can think up at least a dozen men that want to marry me."
"That's not what they meant and you know it you old bat!" One of the Red-Headed Devils interjected by splicing into the intercom system.
Before anyone else could respond the lighting in the ship turned red as they began to enter the atmosphere. Kimika and Takashi scrambled into nearby chairs and fastened their seatbelts as the intercom system went silent.
The landing was smooth enough, and when the others entered, they were still squabbling about Grandma Hitachiin's 'sexual appeal' and it took a bit of convincing before they were already to disembark.
Grandma Hitachiin headed off to the public communication terminal with instructions and a few key phrases that Bossanova would recognize. The Red-Headed Devils went to go purchase more fuel and a few spare ship parts. So Takashi and Kimika were left alone to go find protein packs and other foodstuffs.
They walked along casually, peering at shop windows. While Kimika was leaning over looking at a couple of food items, Takashi came up and wrapped his arms around her shoulders squeezing lightly. It was nearly surreal, being there with Takashi.
Those few hours passed as if she was in a dream. She hadn't felt so happy since her mother passed away. But still, under the dream lay a doubt, a fear that was extremely realistic. Was he with her because he liked her? Or because she looked like her mother?
Insecurity was painted on her features, plainly enough that Takashi could read it, but not so obvious that anyone could tell, she was her mother's and her father's daughter. Either way, Takashi stopped her grabbing her chin to make her look him in the eye. "What's bothering you?"
Kimika stared into his kind eyes, trying to find the strength to confront her fears. Ultimately though, her fears won out. "I'm just worried that we might not clear your name. What if Grandma Hitachiin gets caught?"
He pulled her to his side giving her a comforting squeeze, "Don't worry. Whatever happens, I'll protect you, I swear I will."
It took Kimika only a second to give into his hug. They simply stood there and drew strength from each other. They only broke apart when Grandma Hitachiin's voice rang over their headsets: "I got what we need."
"I guess that's our cue to leave." Kimika smiled stepping out of Takashi's grasp.
Takashi merely nodded as he picked up the bags of foodstuffs they'd bought and began to lead the way back to the Trickster.
Kimika fell back as he was distracted by the rambunctiousness of the others. What if Takashi only had feelings for her because he was trying to recreate her mother? He'd said he'd protect her but was that his past trying to ensure a future? She wasn't entirely sure she could handle playing second to her deceased mother's memory. Takashi stopped and looked back at her. "Coming!" She jogged to reach him, subtly taking his outstretched hand. She wanted to say she was strong enough to push him away if need be but the truth was, she was falling head over heels for Takashi.
Author's Note: Well, there's another piece. We'd like to thank cjnicole and MayContainRandomness for being our only reviewers. Oh, as for nicluvly's comment below: You can also find the link on my profile.
Thoughts from the Other Author: Kimika is just full of angst, aint she? Speaking of angst, if you're interested, I'm moding a writing contest community at Livejournal, we'd love to have more contestant PM me for more info. (What does that have to do with angst or this story, absolutely nothing my friend, absolutely nothing.)
Enjoy! Read! Review!