We arrived at the festival still arm in arm. There were lots of people around and the afternoon sun was rather hot. We walked in silence as we scanned the shops. I didn't see anything that was really interesting, so I just followed Takumi's lead. We slowly made it down a long line of booths that sold knick knacks and food as well as game booths with small prizes. We took our time as we silently enjoyed each others company.

As we neared the end of the row, we kept walking into a garden surrounding a small pond. I saw a bench and sat down; Takumi following after me. We were alone in this place and it was very peaceful. I took the opportunity to say, "Thank you for bringing me to the festival. I am having a very nice time."

"You are welcome Misa-chan. I am glad you came with me. I honestly thought you would make an excuse not to join me."

"Well, you bought me a yukata to wear for it, so I would have felt bad turning you down."

"Is that the only reason you came?"

"No, but it was a large factor."

"What is the rest of the reason you came with me then Misa-chan?"

"I wanted to ask you something."

"Alright, you have my attention, so ask away."

"What is wrong with you?"

"Well, as you tell me all the time, I am a perverted outer space alien. But you already knew that."

"Be serious for once. What is wrong with you physically? Why did your doctor do more testing?"

"Is that what has been worrying my Misa-chan so much? I told you that it is just precaution. He just wanted to check some things. It is nothing serious."

"But you didn't tell me what he was checking. For all I know, he could have found out that you have an incurable disease and you might be living your last few days in this world."

"Oh Misa, don't be silly. I wouldn't leave you like that."

Takumi had put his arm around my shoulder. This revelation had caused my cheeks to burn and so I turned my face away. I did not want him to see my blush because he would just make fun of me. He shifted his arm off my shoulder and in seconds he was kneeling in front of me. I looked back to him and he smiled with an ever so gentle look in his eye.

"Misaki, if there was ever a reason for me to be worried about my health, I would tell you. Being a perverted alien, (I laughed at this) I know when to joke and when to be serious. Besides, I want to be with Misa-chan forever."

At his last remark, I flicked him on the forehead. He lost his balance and fell backwards into a sitting position. He smiled up at me and winked. He really was an alien, but at least his issues aren't life threatening. I sighed with relief.

"Don't be an idiot saying such things. You never know what tomorrow will bring, so how can you speak about forever?"

The sun had started to sink behind the horizon and the last few rays of golden light began to leave the sky. Purple hues were replacing daylight with the coolness of the evening. Takumi stood up and brushed himself off. Walking toward the water, I heard him mumble something indecipherable and so I stood up and walked up beside him. His gaze was scanning the pond, but his eyes were far away. He was looking at something that could be seen only by him.

"Takumi, is something the matter?"

He smiled as he looked down at me and said, "No nothing at all. I was just thinking about something."

"What were you thinking, if you don't mind me asking?"

"If I tell you..."

"If you tell me?"

"Well, are you sure you want to know?"

"I do. I want to know what you are thinking."

"Okay, I was thinking... I love you."

I couldn't help but gasp at what I had just heard. Love me? He doesn't really know me enough to love me. I mean, love me? I pick on him, say mean things and call him an alien. And he loves me? I didn't know what to say or if I could even speak. I was spared the decision when he spoke again.

"Misaki, I know what is going through your mind. You are wondering why I think I love you. The thing is, I don't just think, I know I do. I love everything about you, even when you are mad at me."

"But, love? How can you love me when we are still so young?"

"Age is only a number. I don't care if you are 18, 40 or 90, I will still love you."

"Don't say things with such certainty. You may find someone tomorrow who you can love more than me."

"Never."

Takumi took my hand and placed it on his heart. He looked at me with those dazzling emerald eyes that showed so much emotion. It was washing away any doubt in my mind. The night had taken over and in the dim light of the festival, I could see Takumi shift closer. As he leaned toward me, my heart began to race. He brushed his lips to mine ever so slightly. My hand was still on his chest, covering is heart, and I could feel it jump. As if they were completely separated from my body, my arms moved to circle Takumi's neck.

I stood up on my toes and kissed him back, feather light as he had done before. I didn't let myself get embarrassed, and instead chose to be bold. I touched my lips to his again, but this time, I laced my fingers through his hair and pulled him closer. The night sky lit up with fireworks as the festival began to come to an end.

But my mind began to signal a new beginning. Takumi had side stepped my inquisition once again. However, in this moment, I was so happy to be with him that I let the madness leave my mind. "Takumi, let's go home. I am tired and I have some thinking to do."

"As you wish my princess."

"Thank you... alien."

Oh Takumi, how amazing a guy you are. So, what do you think will happen tomorrow? Leave some reviews and let me know how you think the story is shaping up. Only a few more days left until Takumi goes back to the doctor for his original visit! Thank you for everyone who has reviewed. I love seeing all of them!