A/N: Guuuys, sorry for the delay TT^TT I hope you can forgive me! I know I'm a monster for not posting the continuation of the last chapter soon, taking into account how it ended... But, anyway, I hope you all enjoy this one :3

Chapter 10: Promise

My head was dangling off the edge of the couch, my fingers were tapping on my stomach and my foot was frantically moving. The shopping bags and some books were lying on the coffee table. Staring at the ceiling, I lost count of how many times I sighed and how many times I tried counting to ten to calm me down, only to find that every time would be in vain. I attempted to eat something, to read a book, to sleep, to do some shit that would make me forget. It all failed.

I checked the clock for the umpteenth time, his delay was worrying me too much. Damn, I shouldn't have leave him alone, I knew I would regret. I shut my eyes. Sleep, sleep, sleep... I had to relax. If I couldn't calm my nerves, I would end up breaking something in his house, and I was sure that he wouldn't like it when he returned. Exactly, when. He definitely would return. He was an adult and could take care of himself. I didn't need to worry that much.

However, my body seemed to not understand it. At the same time, a lot of scenes was running through my mind. He could have been defeated. He could have take a beating. He could slip due his clumsiness and end up falling in a trap. I needed to go after him, I had to. But if he come back injured and I am not here to help? God, I am not like that. I'm not used to be that concerned about someone.

I decided to stay at home, even if the wait would kill me inside slowly. I walked towards the window to look for him, but there wasn't even a hint, just darkness. I stood there, waiting for a sign of him until I noticed that I was starting to freeze due to the cold air from outside. It was so cold and he was somewhere outside. I sighed at that thought as I shut the window and leaned back on the wall, leisurely sliding until I was completely sitting on the cold floor, where I covered my face with my knees.

I was beginning to believe that the wait definitely would kill me inside at some point. Why didn't I followed him? Why didn't I stayed with him? Why? Shit, I could feel my nails digging the skin of my legs, but it didn't matter if they bleed or not, I didn't even give myself the trouble to check. But one thing I was sure, I shouldn't have left him. So, I made a promise. A promise that I would never break. I would be beside him whenever he needed, no matter what he may say or do, I would be there for him. I stared at the ceiling and smirked.

"I promise."

That said, I got up and went to the kitchen, checking the clock at every second. I opened the tap to throw some water at my face, Gosh, I really was in need of it. I used my own clothes to dry myself before I get a glass at the cupboard and fill it with more water. Perhaps it would help me to calm down, so I took a long sip.

"Bu" It was very childish, but still made me spit all the water. Wiping my mouth with my sleeve, I turned to see Cora-san laughing at my angry face.

"You are… a shit kid! You scared me!" I shouted very loud.

"Oh, please, your reaction totally worth it."

"Only for you, damn." I was really pissed off, but for another reason, even if I myself wouldn't admit it at that time "Where were you?"

"Taking care of some troublesome guys."

"I already know it. Why it took you so much?"

"I had to ambush them and then take them to navy. Wait, why am I explaining myself to you?"

"Because I care! I was worried about what could happen to you."

"Excuse me?" he started to laugh out loud "I thought I was an adult, I'm sorry."

"Shit, shut up." when I realized, I was already hugging him tight, pressing my head on his chest.

"Oi, were you really worried?" he put his arms around me and stroked my head with one of his hands, making me feel like a child again.

"What do you think?"

"Sorry" his voice became soft "You don't have to worry, I'm a Navy captain and a good fighter." he sighed over my head "Sorry, I didn't know. I'm here now. I'm okay. So please, calm down."

I really didn't want to let him go, however, when I saw blood coming out of his right arm, I pushed him to see what happened. He was a little reluctant when I caught his arm to take a better look, but eventually he gave in, probably because he remembered that I was a doctor.

"It's just a minor injury, one of them had a knife and I didn't see him coming. "

"It's actually small, but I still have to take a look. It may be infected or even worse, if the knife was poisoned. Also, it's better if I bandage it."

"Go ahead."

We both sat at the table after I got the medical kit at the bathroom. I disinfected the cut and did what I could before start bandaging. Luckily, it wasn't poisoned.

"Why didn't you go to Navy's doctor? I bet them have a good one."

"I don't want to disturb him every single time I get hurt, it happens a lot, you know."

"This time wasn't your own fault."

"Still." just after I finished working with the bandages he looked straight into my eyes, making me feel a bit uncomfortable. "Damn, I can't tell If I trust you or not."

"What do you mean?"

"You are always doing things that make me like and trust you, showing me that you are trustworthy."

"But?"

"I don't know if you are faking or not. You are mysterious and seems to be hiding important things."

"I think it doesn't matter what I say, it's up to you to decide."

"I know. But I want you to know that I want to trust you."

"That's enough for me" I went to lie down on the couch "Get some sleep, you look tired."

"Yeah, good night" when he was already upstairs, I closed my eyes. Trust... I wanted him to trust me, but I knew I didn't deserve it. He's right, I was hiding important things. Deep inside, I wanted him to know who I was and everything, so that way we could be completely sincere with each other and I could thank him properly.

However, I had already given up on the idea. It was a crazy idea. It's not something everyone would believe. I would never know if I didn't try, but I'd rather not know to risk everything. I couldn't bear the possibility of losing him again. No, it was better if he continued without knowing anything and doubting me a little. At least I could be near him.

Sorry, Cora-san… was the last thought before I fall asleep.

Answers to the guests:

To Guest: Is it you, Apple Boom? I was confused when I saw "guest" at your review, cause it's so similar to the others... Anyway, I've already seen the episode 706 (cried a lot, yes) and I have to agree, it definately matches hahahaha I loved that episode, I have to admit. It was so sad, but so lovely and touching at the same time, don't you think? Thanks for reviewing :3

To Rika: Well, you are welcome hahahaha I'm really happy to know that o loved it, cause, you know, I love it as well. I enjoy writting it so much, I wish I had more time to do it... And I also know that this chapter was short, I'm sorry, but I'll have some free days ahead, so I THINK I will be updating very soon! (About them, wait, read on and you'll see :3) Thanks for your review!

To Katie Winger: Oh God, a lot of praises, I don't know how to react (I actually blushed when I read your review for the first time hahahaha). Unfortunately, I couldn't post another chapter faster, I'm sorry. But, the good new is that I'll have some free days ahead, so, MAYBE, I'll be updating this story pretty soon :3 Thank you for the review, really!