The Power in A Kiss

Giroro stretched in his bed, eyes fluttering open. He turned over to see Yuriri smiling widely at him on the edge of the bed. Raising a tired eyebrow, he stared back at her.

"Yuki? What's wrong? Why are you smiling at me?" he asked groggily.

"You two kissed last night"

Yawning, he didn't hear it at first. "What was that?"

"You and Natsumi, kissed" she exclaimed, raising her arms.

Staring blankly at her, he just turned over, pulling the covers over his shoulders. "That's a funny joke Yuki, keep them up"

"No really! You two kissed! " she replied, crawling on top of the covers to his side.

"Prove it"

"Ask her. Ask Momoka. Ask Fuyuki. Everyone that was there last night"

From behind the covers, he blushed softly, realization setting in. "You're…serious?"

"Yes. "

"That wasn't just a dream?"

"No. "

He sat up, staring at her incredulously, face bright crimson. "WHAT?!"

"She likes you~ " she cooed.

He paused and looked at her in surprise.

"What?"

"Doesn't that mean I win? Shouldn't this be over?"

She frowned. "Not quite yet. She needs to say it. "

"Does she need to say it to the real me though?" she sighed, thinking how different his human self was compared to his real self.

"This is technically the real you..just a different body. Everything you've done has been you, we've just got to hope that she still likes you when she finds out the truth"

"Right… That's how you get them.." he looked down at his necklace, "5 days…I can do this right? I'm so close"

"You are, you really are. She just needs to say it and you've won."

Still staring at his necklace, he couldn't help but smile as he remembered the kiss. He thought about what it would be like if she admitted her feelings, embracing him once more. Yuriri looked up at him, giggling.

"You know, I can still read your mind" she reminded.

Blushing red now, he ducked under the covers to hide from her.

Momoka walked in as Yuriri started laughing at the embarrassed boy.

"Ah, good morning you two" she said happily.

"Good morning" Giroro mumbled from under the sheets.

"Did he remember last night?" she asked, giggling.

"Yup~"

"HUSH" he growled, throwing a pillow at Yuriri.

"Well I'm happy for you, Giroro. Natsumi seemed happy as well" Momoka told him, standing in the doorway.

He refused to get out from under the covers, still blushing red at the thought that Yuriri saw his thoughts along with the fact that him and Natsumi finally kissed.

"If you stay under there, you'll lose another day and you'll lose your life" Yuriri reminded him nonchalantly.

At that, he peeked out from the covers, glaring at her.

"That's a good boy, now come on out, get dressed, and let's get you to school."

He peered over to the clock by his bed and freaked out, realizing how he over slept. Hopping out of bed, he ran to the bathroom to get himself ready for the day. When he was out of the room, Yuriri grabbed the clock and changed the time back to what it actually was, snickering to Momoka.

"I'll be waiting in the dinning room with breakfast" the blue haired girl winked.

"Thank you Momoka, we'll be down shortly"

Right as Momoka left, Giroro ran out from the bathroom, a towel barely covering him as he tries to brush his hair and his teeth. He started running for the closet when Yuriri started laughing.

"You can calm down, you're not late. It's still very early" she chirped behind her hand.

He looked at the clock again to see it was only 5:40am. He could only glare at her as he struggled to keep the towel on and keep his tooth brush and hair brush with him. "Ha ha, very funny."

"For a human, you're not so bad" Yuriri mentioned, winking at him.

His face flushed as he looked down and quickly covered up. "SHUT UP"

"What? I'm sure Natsumi would agree"

He quickly put on his boxers and pants, leaving his towel to dry off his hair. A blush still carved over his cheeks. "Speaking of which…Will I keep this form? Or will I just be able to be me?" he asked, trying to get the topic changed.

"Usually, no, but I'd be willing to work in this one last favor if you'd like. It might benefit you in the long run"

Pulling over a shirt, he stared at his reflection, looking over his body now. "Yeah…I've kind of grown to like being a Pekoponian to be honest…It's not really that different from my Keronian body, at least, anatomically inside, we're the same. "

"I wouldn't know really, whatever you experience as a Keronian, I don't feel even in this form. "

"You'd be dehydrated constantly if you were an actual Keronian, the height difference also is a factor. I enjoy being taller than Natsumi for once…" he admitted, reflecting on the couple of inches taller he was.

"Makes being dominant more easier" she teased.

"What's that supposed to mean!?" he shouted, flustered again.

"Nothing, nothing~"

"You enjoy teasing me too much" he growled, going back to brushing his hair back.

"Me? Of course not. "

"Are you coming to classes today by the way?"

"As far as that school knows, Yuki has transferred due to family issues. I can follow today if you'd like, otherwise, I'll be looking for Karis and the remaining competitors."

"Like the white haired boy?"

"I guess, I honestly don't remember someone like that being a victim, but, then again 20 years is a long time. And you can confirm he doesn't speak?"

"Yes, at least, it seemed that way. Karis was certain he could though "

"Odd…I'll look out for him as well, but I will be around the school if you need me"

"Alight, just don't get into any trouble, I can't save you if you do" he smirked, winking at her.

"Being human sure gives you a new sense of confidence"

"I can't help it, it comes naturally when I'm in this form. I guess I understand how Saburo lives now" he replied, contemplating his confidence.

"Well it works for you, you've got to keep being this confident if you want to get any further with Natsumi"

"Right , I'll remember that. So, breakfast?"

"I could go for something to eat, why not"

Back at the Hinata house, Natsumi was brushing her teeth, staring at her reflection blankly. In her reflection, she saw herself kissing Ren over and over again. She remembered the feeling of excitement, of pleasure, of security, and of sadness at his touch. She couldn't figure out what it was, but it bothered her. Yet, the pleasure of it was drawn on her face as she still walked around dazed by the memory.

"Natsumi, are you done yet? You've been in here for ten minutes now" Fuyuki called, knocking on the door.

"Sorry, I must have gotten tired in there, bathroom is all yours" she replied

Fuyuki eyed his sister carefully, noticing the dazed expression from last night. Smiling, he walked into the bathroom, hoping she got what she wanted.

Natsumi sat in the kitchen, waiting for her toast to pop out. Keroro strolled in cheerfully, hoping up on the table next to her.

"Good morning Natsumi! Did you sleep well after last night~?"

"What? Oh, yeah, I slept fine."

"You don't seem very chipper, did you have another nightmare?"

"Oh no, I'm just a little tired I guess" she replied, forcing a yawn.

"I see~ But you must be a little happy inside from last night~?"

The memory and feeling of the kiss flashed in her mind. " I-I don't know what you're talking about "

"You knooow~ You and Ren~ "

A blush faded onto her cheeks. She was about to hit Keroro away, but stopped herself in the middle, sighing instead.

"Kero? Natsumi? Are you alright?"

"I'm fine…just really tired and…confused"

"Why would you be confused? "

"I don't know…I just…"

"Natsumi, we've got to go or we'll be late!" Fuyuki called from the doorway.

"Coming! Just don't worry about it, alright?" she told Keroro. Grabbing her toast, she ran out the door with her brother.

"Oh this can't be good" Keroro sighed, trotting back to the base.

In class, Giroro could finally sit next to Natsumi since Yuki would no longer be there. Him and Koyuki exchanged worried glances when Natsumi kept her head down on her desk for the whole time.

"Natsumi, are you alright?" Koyuki asked.

"I'm fine, tired"

"Did you have a long night?"

"I guess" she mumbled, blushing slightly.

Giroro stared at her, unsure of what to do or say.

"Alright everyone, let's begin class now" the reacher announced, picking up chalk and beginning to write down their lesson.

Natsumi looked up, holding her book in front of her, still dazed and confused as she kept replaying the kiss.

"I was afraid of this…" Yuki sighed, staring from the window.

Up on the roof of Kissho High, Natsumi sat, eating her lunch by herself, still lost in thought. She didn't eat, merely picked at her food. Yuriri teleported to her side, sitting and sighing.

"Natsumi…"

"Hi Yuriri…"

"You've been very off today"

"I'm just —"

"Tired. I know that's not true Natsumi, you're thinking about last night"

She girl stayed silent, pausing in her assault on her food only to continue moments later.

"Do you regret it?"

"I don't know…"

"I was worried this might happen"

"What do I do, Yuriri?"

"You should act on your feelings"

"But I don't understand my feelings…"

"Why not? What's confusing you?"

" …I don't know if I should say…it's dumb"

"Feelings are not dumb, they are natural and need to be expressed "

"…promise not to tell anyone?"

" I promise"

"I mean it. Not even Ren…" Natsumi looked up, pleading with her.

Yuriri stared at her, understanding very well the trust needed for this. She extended her pinky to the girl. " Humans do this, a pinky promise I believe it's called, to ensure trust?"

The girl smiled, extending her pinky to the little alien. "Thank you…"

"Well?"

"I like Ren..I really do. I think I like him more than I could ever like Saburo ….but I'm also worried about Giroro and what Ren is even doing here…something hasn't been right about all of this…"

she really is figuring this out…better be careful

"I understand the concern, but everything is fine right now"

"Not to me…this doesn't feel right. I feel like I'm…I feel like I'm betraying Giroro in a way….Ren reminds me so much of him…"

"R-really now? It could be because they are each other's guards now"

"No…it's too familiar…it feels like they're the same person…when I'm with Ren, it feels like when I'm with Giroro and vice versa…It's weird and…I don't know how to feel about it…"

Trying to hide the concern and shock on her face, Yuriri started wandering around, staring up at the cloudless sky. "I see…it's a valid reason to be concerned, but do you want to risk your happiness?"

Yuriri paused, looking over to the silent girl. "My happiness…? I'm not sure what would give me happiness right now….after…after Karis was in my dreams…I saw a lot of strange things from Ren and Giroro…he kept telling me that they betrayed me…I can't help but feel like he knows something I don't"

"Karis could be deceiving you, to gain your trust over ours. It's how he plays with his victims" she informed, trying to stray the topic so she doesn't get too curious.

"That might be it…but something still feels off…Yuriri…can you help me decide?"

Surprised, she sat next to the girl again. "Decide? On what?"

"Should I go with my feelings for Ren…or…should I go with my feelings for —"

Just then, the door leading to the roof slammed open. Koyuki jumped out with a tired Ren following after her, panting. "Natsumi! There you are! "

"Koyuki!"

"We'll continue our conversation another time, alright? If you need me, just call me" Yuriri whispered, disappearing.

"I see you found her…" Giroro panted.

"And Ren…were you two worried about me?"

"With everything that's been happening to you, we didn't know what to expect really! So we went looking for you. And now you're safe!" Koyuki explained, hugging her friend.

"Koyuki…" she smiled, embracing her friend. Remembering that Ren was there too, she looked up to see him staring away from the two of them. " Ren? "

"Yeah?" he asked, glancing at her slightly.

"Would you two like to join me for lunch? "

"S-sure"

"Yes! "

Maybe I already know my answer…Natsumi thought to herself as her friends sat down with her.

Classes finally let out and the group of friends left, walking together. Everyone was talking to someone or another and laughing occasionally. Natsumi and Giroro kept their distance from each other, unsure how to go about their relationship after the night before. All the while the white haired boy watched over them from a distance.

"There you are" Yuriri spoke, shocking the boy. His eyes widened as he stared at the blue haired girl.

"I don't recognize you at all…who are you?….So you can't speak? "

He shook his head slowly, still eyeing her.

"why are you helping them?"

He didn't know how to reply, he just shrugged.

"Can you come with me?"

He shook his head, ready to take off running. Yuki quickly blocked his path.

"I won't let you go that easily" she glared, not ready to let her guard down.

Worried, the boy looked into her eyes, knowing he had to make a choice. With no other option, he teleported away, leaving her confused and surprised.

"WHAT?! Where…how…I'll find you again…" she sighed, staring back at the group of teens walking safely.

Keeping himself low, the boy watched even further, sadness filling his eyes. He couldn't be near her, not now. He heard chuckling behind him. Knowing all too well who it was, he could only glare back at the creature.

"Hahahaha…how does it feel, boy?" Karis sneered.

"Aww, you're not going to stay?" Fuyuki whined.

"No, I don't think so. I should probably head back and try to contact Giroro" Ren lied.

"I see…well," he paused, smiling, "I hope you can talk with him, I'd sure like to see him soon. "

Surprised, he looked at the boy.
"I'll relay the message then"

"Thank you, Ren. Oh, you should probably tell my sis that you're leaving"

"Uh, maybe it would be best if I just left, she doesn't seem to want to see me"

"Do it anyway, it might surprise both of you"

"Alright..if you say so"

"Oh, are you ready Ren?" Momoka asked, walking into the room.

"Ready? Are you two leaving?" Natsumi asked.

"Y-yeah, I need to go do something important"

"And I've got a meeting with financial consultants "

"I see, well, I'll see you tomorrow then. Good bye"

"good bye…" he whispered, walking away sadly.

"Till tomorrow! Good night!" Fuyuki waved happily. When they closed the door, he turned to his sister. "you should talk to him"

"W-what? What are you talking about?"

"I might be your younger brother, but it doesn't mean I'm not smart"

"I don't know what to tell him yet" she replied, turning away from him on the couch.

"The truth would be a good start, how you feel?"

Struggling to keep her blush hidden, she hid her face in a pillow. She managed to mutter out, "Idon'tknowhowIfeel."

"Eeh? But last night"

"I know….but I don't know if that was the right thing to do…"

"Well, sleep on it then. If you need me, I'll be in my room studying. Good night sis"

"Good night…" Flopping back over on the couch, she stared up at the ceiling, thinking on her feelings. "I wish you were here to tell me what to do…." she whispered, hugging the pillow to her chest.

A knock at the window startled her momentarily. The familiar blue alien waved at her sweetly, causing her to relax and get up from her couch to let her in.

Fuyuki leaned against his balcony, staring at a rustling tree. He smiled.

"Long time no see, Giroro"

"Hello, Fuyuki" he called out, keeping himself hidden.

"How have you been?"

"Fine, and yourself?"

"I've been good. Would you like to come up here?"

"It might be best if I stay down here"

"Alright. I've been taking care of your cat while you've been gone"

"T-thank you…"

Looking down at his tent, the boy continued, "These past few days sure have been strange without you here, Giroro"

"You still have the rest of my platoon to annoy you"

"But it's not the same, I know my sister feels it too"

" You know I shouldn't be near the house at these times, Fuyuki"

"That hasn't stopped you though, right Ren?"

Surprised, the red frog stared up at Fuyuki who was smiling back at him.

"No one told me, but I figured it out. Only you would treat my sister as nicely as you do. It makes sense. You two are never available at the same time. Why a random human would become your guard. Why you called yourself a soldier, even your belt. It's an obvious hint, at least, after a while"

He paused. Flashing him a smirk, he looked up at the boy. "You're definitely a smart boy, Fuyuki. You'll do great things in your future. "

"Why haven't you just told her?"

"I can't…it's not that simple…"

"I've got some time"

"It's complicated….you have to promise not to tell her."

The boy stuck out his pinky and smiled at him. Sighing, Giroro hopped up onto the balcony and sat back with the boy.

"I see…so you have conflicting feelings" Yuriri sighed.

"Yeah…but you can't tell anyone…it's…weird…they wouldn't look at me the same way…" Natsumi quickly replied, clutching the pillow close to her.

"I doubt it, look at your current life"

"But what about you? You're a keronian, don't you think it's weird?"

"W-well, keronian backgrounds are all different…I'm fairly open minded. But knowing the keronians, yes, it's a little taboo I guess."

"Exactly…Ugh, Why is this so hard…"

"That's the power of a kiss, Natsumi. It brings you conflicting emotions. One might have been incredibly happy, while the other, conflicted. A kiss can destroy or create, you just have to decide what you want yours to accomplish."

"the power of a kiss…" she repeated, touching her lips gently.

"I'll leave you to your thoughts then, good night Natsumi. I hope you make the right choice for you"

"Good night Yuriri…I hope I do too, thank you"

Closing the glass door, Yuriri looked up to the balcony to see Fuyuki and Giroro together. Noticing her gaze, Fuyuki looked down and waved. Waving back, she looked to Giroro who nodded in return.

I see he found out…smart boy

"So you've got 4 days left after this…well you've got my help, Giroro"

"Thank you Fuyuki…for everything"

"Of course, after all, I never really thought Saburo was right for her"

Blushing, the solider looked away, "I wish she thought the same"

"I think she does, she's just stubborn. After all, that's what a kiss does to someone, it changes them"

"A kiss can change someone on this planet?"

"I'd assume it's the same wherever you are, but if you kiss someone, it's a high level of emotion that takes a lot of courage to do. A kiss can ruin something or make something better, it just depends how you handle it. "

"I see…thank you Fuyuki. I think I know what to do now. Oh and Fuyuki"

"Yes Giroro?"

"You might want to take your own advice when it comes to Momoka" he smirked, causing the boy to turn bright red.

"What's that supposed to mean?!"

Laughing lightly, the little frog jumped off the balcony and followed after Yuki. "Good night Fuyuki, see you tomorrow"

"Hey! Don't leave with that!"

"Fuyuki? What are you yelling about?" Natsumi called from downstairs.

"NOTHING! GOOD NIGHT!"