Tutti, Pt 3

Tutti, adj: All together, usually used in an orchestral or choral score when the orchestra or all of the voices come in at the same time.

"What did you think of that last one?"

Taichi's question went unanswered, so he glanced over his shoulder. Eimi was trailing behind him and the real estate agent in charge of their apartment tour. He frowned and slowed his pace until she was beside him.

"You okay?" When Eimi knocked on his apartment door around 1 PM, Taichi knew at a glance that she was exhausted. Despite his protests, she insisted on going through with the tour. So here they were, trudging through the summer heat to sample Odaiba's apartment complexes.

Eimi corrected her slumped posture and smiled, but there was no way to hide the dullness of her eyes. "I'm tired, but I'll hang in there."

"I wouldn't have scheduled this tour if I knew that Sora and Mimi-chan would ask you to model this morning." Hopefully, Taichi's frustration wasn't too obvious. He wanted Eimi to have fun with their friends, but everyone needed to remember that she was still recovering. And for Eimi, modeling was probably a stressful, depleting task.

The agent, a woman in a skirt suit, paused and turned to them. "Are you alright?"

"We're fine," Eimi replied.

"Okay. The entrance is just around the corner."

Taichi gazed up at the glass apartment complex and grinned. His current unit was nice, but now that they were splitting rent, they could afford something luxurious. Based on the promotional materials the agent had shown him, this complex might be his favorite. With luck, Eimi would like it, too.

The woman led them into the lobby, and the air conditioning shivered across Taichi's skin. Eimi paused, admiring the modern, handsome space. Grinning, Taichi grabbed her wrist and tugged her along.

"Like it?" he murmured.

She gazed at the lobby desk, manned by a woman in a blazer. There was a seating area next to it, a comfortable place to linger. Eimi leaned closer and whispered, "Can we afford this? I've never lived in a complex with a lobby..."

Taichi chuckled and patted her back. "It's technically less than what I pay for my current place, since we're splitting."

Eimi made an uncertain noise as their group entered the lift. The agent explained the amenities and highlights of the complex while Taichi zoned out, anticipating Eimi's reaction to the apartment.

"This is a particularly nice unit," the agent explained as they exited the lift. She led them to a door and worked the lock. "It features maximum views of Tokyo Bay."

Eimi met his eye and cringed. Sounds expensive, Taichi translated. He grinned and shook his head. When was Eimi going to understand that she could afford this stuff now, especially with a roommate?

They stepped inside the unit. Taichi bent to remove his shoes, but paused and smirked at Eimi's quiet, "Oh!" She moved into the apartment, gaze panning from left to right. "Wow..."

Taichi joined her and whistled appreciatively. The large, open living/kitchen/dining area was surrounded by windows facing Tokyo Bay. Afternoon sunlight glinted on the water, turning the surface into a glittering stretch of diamonds. Eimi moved towards the windows like someone in a trance, hands clasped in front of her chest.

"Imagine the sunsets," Taichi teased.

Eimi shook her head. "Why are you selling me on this? That's our agent's job."

Taichi shrugged. "I like this one, sue me. Let's check out the apartment, though, and not just the view."

Eimi snorted and looked up. The windows stretched far overhead, flooding the open space with light. They turned and found an airy, modern kitchen, sleek and updated with new appliances and counters.

Eimi caught his eye and lifted a single brow. "Do you really want to live with me... Or do you just want a ridiculous apartment without upping your rent?"

Laughing, Taichi approached the kitchen. "Come on. Take a look before you tell me I'm ridiculous."

He tugged on her arm. Eimi sighed, but smiled as he led her further into the unit.

XXX

Hours later, Eimi collapsed onto the sofa in Taichi's current apartment. She flopped onto her side and lifted her feet, sprawling over the length of the couch.

Taichi sank onto the armchair nearest her head. "You're really wiped..."

Eimi turned bleary eyes to him. "I'm sorry... I was hoping to see whoever could make it for dinner..."

"No," Taichi replied with gentle firmness. "I'm ordering in. Maybe you should take a nap while we wait for the food?"

Eimi covered her face with both hands. "I just... Want to be normal again."

"You'll get there," Taichi replied, ignoring the twang in his chest. "But only if you listen to what your body is telling you."

"Mm..."

Sensing her melancholy, Taichi turned the subject to food, then placed an order. By the time he was done, Eimi seemed nearly as asleep as awake.

"Maybe you should move to the guest bed," Taichi suggested. Eimi sighed, waved a hand, and hauled herself upright.

"Which apartment did you like best?" she asked. Taichi frowned, displeased by her pushing.

"The one on the Bay. You?"

Eimi managed a wry grin. "I almost hate to say it, but... Same."

Taichi reached over the arm of the sofa and ruffled Eimi's hair. "What is your deal with fancy stuff? You can afford it. I can afford it. If we like it, let's go for it."

Eimi shifted and looked away. "I know... I just... You know my parents struggled financially."

Taichi waved a hand dismissively. "Doesn't mean you should feel bad because of your success."

"You're right... I think we should go for it."

Taichi leaned forward for a better view of her. "Eimi... You do want this, right?"

"Hmm?" Her head tipped to the side. "Yes. I'm really excited. Just..." she yawned and stretched. "Just tired."

Taichi sat back in the chair and tried to prod his brain into gear. He had written Eimi's quietness off as fatigue, but he was beginning to wonder if something else was going on. He considered the possible reasons and chose the newest- and likely most fragile- development. "So... Koushiro's spending the night with his parents, right?"

"Yeah. My day was booked, so he's with them. We're going home tomorrow morning."

Eimi didn't seem bothered by that, so Taichi tried a different approach. "How's it going? Dating him, I mean."

Taichi's attitude towards one of his best friends dating a dear family member bordered on puppy-like excitement. It created a new link in the chain of support and togetherness that he craved for his loved ones. A match like theirs would have been hell for him, personally; too quiet, too calm. But long experience with and love for both of them suggested that they would share a propitious partnership… provided they didn't trip themselves up with excess feelings on Eimi's end and thinking on Koushiro's.

And if that concern necessitated a little friendly meddling from time to time, so be it.

Eimi flinched, a sure sign that he had poked the wound. "Taichi!"

He cocked a brow. "What? You haven't had a boyfriend in years. Of course I wanna know how it's going."

She hesitated, and Taichi tried to wait calmly. Knowing Eimi, she might be working through thoughts and feelings. The pause didn't necessarily signal a problem, but it tugged at Taichi's instincts.

"I think it's going well," she murmured. "But... It's more... complicated? Than I had hoped..."

Privately, Taichi thought he deserved a medal for resisting the urge to groan. If Eimi thought something was complicated, what chance would he have of being able to help? A snowball's chance in hell, probably…

He stood and plopped beside Eimi on the couch, holding an arm out. She didn't move, so he scooted closer and draped the arm over her shoulders, tugging her into him. "Well? Let's hear it."

He felt the spike of tension in her torso. "T-that's okay-"

Taichi spared a moment to calm himself, knowing that Eimi was sensitive to raised voices and pushiness. As gently as he could, he said, "That's not okay. I don't want to pressure you, but... I'm right here. Don't..."

Shit. Taichi was forced to swallow the lump in his throat before continuing. "Don't face things alone again. I don't want things to go back to how they were before. I want things to be better. That's why we're getting this apartment together, right? So that our group will be more connected. So that I'll notice if you're struggling, and you'll notice if I am."

Eimi's chin wobbled in tandem with a wet sniffle. Her expression of teary gratitude seemed overblown, but Taichi knew from long experience that she tended to be too sincere for her own good. "Damn it," he sighed, wiping his eyes. "Don't look at me like that."

Eimi dropped her head on his shoulder. "I'm sorry. Thanks, Taichi."

"Mm." They sat in silence for a while, wandering back towards calm. Finally, Eimi drew a deep breath and lifted her head.

"I really... I love him. And... I've loved him for... a while, now."

Taichi rubbed the back of his neck. "Ah, damn... Yamato mentioned it a while back. He said that you treated Koushiro differently than everyone else at the hospital."

He paused and looked at Eimi, checking her reaction. Her upper teeth gnawed her lower lip, suggesting discomfort, but she didn't seem to be wary. He could probably get away with asking a question... But what was the best one?

"So, uh... How long is a while?"

Her wince suggested that he had landed on something important, something she didn't want to get into. Backtracking was likely the safer option, but... He waited, hoping for the best.

"I don't know," she said at last, sighing. "I figured it out at Yamato's wedding, but... I think it started before then."

Taichi twitched, accidentally pulling Eimi into him. "The wedding? That long ago?"

Eimi cupped her face with her hands. Gently, Taichi pulled one back, revealing a single brown eye. "Hey. It's okay. I'm not here to judge you; I'm here to help."

Slowly, her other hand lowered. She considered his words for a while, then bobbed her head. "I felt guilty about loving Koushiro-kun, since he had a girlfriend. So... I tried to distract and distance myself with the tour. And then..." She smiled, but her wide eyes betrayed how overwhelmed she was. "A lot of things happened."

Taichi snorted. "No kidding."

"None of this is Koushiro-kun's fault, by the way. Or Mimi-chan's. They didn't know."

Just like I didn't know... Taichi hesitated, mulling over a confusing blend of emotions. A part of him wanted to be angry at someone, but... There was no clear target. Even if there were, where would that anger get him?

Nowhere, ass. You know that. "When you're struggling, tell someone. We all want to help."

"Y-yeah," Eimi agreed.

"How's it going now?" If looking back upset him, then it was better to look forward. Besides, that much he might be able to change.

Eimi tried to shift away, but Taichi held her in place. "C'mon. I'm on your side. And Koushiro's."

A snort of laughter bubbled free. "Both sides? Are you playing the field?"

Taichi pushed away memories of siding with Hikari over Takeru so strongly that he hurt both of them. "Both. Yeah."

She glanced up at him, that dreamy focus overflowing from her eyes. For once, Taichi drank it in without discomfort. It had been far too long since he saw her strong and focused enough to employ her emotional x-ray vision.

At last, satisfied with whatever the hell she saw, she settled against his side and sighed. "In some ways, it's going great. I think we're compatible. He seems happy with me, and I know I'm happy with him."

Taichi waited for more, but nothing followed. He grit his teeth and forced a few breaths in from the diaphragm and out through the nose. "But?"

"The problem might be me," Eimi whispered. "After wanting to be with him so much, for so long... I'm scared that I'll ruin it."

A burst of panic kicked up Taichi's pulse. To his knowledge, Eimi's only significant breakup was her parting with Jyou in college. That nearly tore her apart, and Taichi wasn't sure if her response would be milder or stormier now. She was more mature, stronger. But she was also wiser, more cautious with her heart. And if she had handed it over to Koushiro, knowing what could happen to her if something went wrong...

He forced a scoff. "How would you ruin it? Cooking him too many dinners? Doting too much?"

A tiny smile eased the strain on her face. "I think it's... Poor confidence. I keep comparing myself to Mimi-chan..."

Ah, shit. Taichi winced, then quickly switched to a more neutral expression. He didn't require further explanation, and he felt a little neglectful for having failed to see this coming.

"I don't have to tell you that Koushiro's smart," he said. "He's dating you because he knows how awesome you are."

And while he deeply believed those words, discomfort lingered. He was confident in himself and his appearance, and even he wouldn't want to follow one of the planet's top models as a romantic partner. How would Eimi deal with that potential for comparison?

"I just... need to talk to him," Eimi said. "I don't know if he can say anything to make this worry go away... But at least he'll know what I'm thinking."

"Good. As long as you're telling us what's going on, then we can help."

"Yeah…" Whatever else she might have said was displaced by a massive yawn. Taichi snorted as a squeak punctuated her display of fatigue.

He poked her cheek. "Get your ass in bed. You pushed too hard today."

Eimi's responding scowl shifted to thoughtfulness. "You might be right… I'll go to sleep after we eat."

"Hell, I forgot about that." Taichi eased away from Eimi and pulled his phone from his pocket. "It should be here soon."

"You forgot about food?"

Unconsciously, Taichi mirrored her playful smile. "Shut it."

She tsked, smacked his shoulder, and launched into that particular brand of teasing that only a woman who loves her target can provide.

XXX

Koushiro rolled his suitcase off the outdoor elevator at his parents' apartment complex. A black car idled near the curb of the parking lot. The back door opened, and Eimi poked her head out and waved.

Smiling, Koushiro approached the car, and the driver took his bag. Koushiro thanked him and let himself into the back.

"Hey!" Eimi cried. She pressed a kiss to his cheek. "How was your visit with your parents?"

"It was nice." Koushiro fastened his seatbelt, then took a moment to inspect the vehicle. It was something like an SUV mated to a limo. The car wasn't long, but the driver's area was separated from the back by a wall with a small glass window. The passenger area featured two rows of comfortable seats with plenty of leg room.

"This is the same type of vehicle Kaede-san rented for the drive here?"

"Yep," Eimi replied. "We figured you'd want to work both ways."

Koushiro reached forward to lower the tray attached to the dividing wall, revealing power outlets. With a power source, a desk, and wifi, he could work during the lengthy ride home.

"Thank you," he said. "This is much more comfortable than the train, or driving ourselves."

The car started up, and the driver addressed them over a speaker. "Are you ready to leave?"

Eimi pressed a button on her arm rest. "We're ready, thank you."

The car rolled out of the parking lot and into Tokyo traffic. Eimi turned to Koushiro and smiled. "Takeru's been on me recently about taking advantage of services like this, since... Well, since I'm recovering, and I can afford it."

"That's prudent, and I certainly appreciate it." Koushiro lowered his backpack to the open spot between their seats. "How was modeling and apartment hunting? You must be exhausted."

Eimi snuggled into her seat, then lowered the backrest, easing into a less upright position. "I am tired, although I went to bed early last night. Taichi and I chose an apartment, so he's going to start that process."

"That's great! Congratulations." Eimi was a careful, slow-moving sort, so Koushiro was relieved that she had selected an apartment so quickly. He was concerned about the toll that multiple trips to Tokyo might take on her.

"I'll send you their site. I took some pictures, too." Eimi paused, almost wincing. "It's a bit… much, but... Well, it's nice."

"I'm looking forward to seeing it." Koushiro hesitated, unsure how to broach the next topic. Truth be told, he felt awkward and hesitant when Eimi agreed to model with Sora and Mimi. He hoped that, someday, both he and Eimi could be friends with Mimi... But he felt a little raw around her now.

Even so, curiosity drove him to ask, "How was modeling?"

Eimi's smile turned rueful. "Difficult. Tiring. But it was fun, too."

"Oh?" Koushiro could only hope that he didn't look as surprised as he felt.

"Yes. Actually..." Eimi's gaze fell from his eyes to the partition wall. "Um... Sorry to get heavy on you so early, but... While I was at Sora-chan's studio, I realized that there's something I need to talk to you about."

Somehow, Koushiro maintained a calm expression. "Alright. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Eimi sighed. "It's just... while I was modeling with Mimi-chan, I... Really noticed how... No. I always knew how gorgeous she is, but the difference between us was even more obvious while we modeled together."

Koushiro stared at her profile, struggling to make sense of her words. "The difference as models? She's a professional, so she's bound to be more skilled. I'm sure she didn't intend to invite that kind of comparison."

Eimi's head whipped around to face him. Her eyes narrowed, and Koushiro realized that she was scrutinizing him, although he couldn't guess why. "I meant the difference in our appearances."

Clearly, Koushiro was supposed to be seeing something that remained stubbornly invisible. "I, I don't understand. Why would you look the same?"

Her brow crinkled with frustration as pink tinted her cheeks. "She's Japan's top model. I'm… not."

Koushiro blinked. Long experience with his capacity for social blunders told him to consider carefully before speaking. His first thought was to ask why Mimi's career was an issue. Fortuitously, his second thought steered him towards a conclusion that struck with the impact and reverb of a hammer on an anvil.

"You're concerned because Mimi-san is attractive." Somehow, this revelation seemed both obvious and confounding.

"Not concerned, exactly." Eimi shifted her gaze to her passenger window. "I'm... vulnerable. And I can't help wondering if the reason we're going slow is linked to…"

And suddenly, Koushiro's pulse was thunder in his head. "I'm so sorry. I was so focused on my own insecurities that... I failed to see the potential for you to feel insecure."

Eimi reached for him and offered a wobbly smile. His fingers wound between hers, a link providing instant comfort. "When I'm feeling bad, it's my job to tell you. Don't blame yourself for not guessing."

"Thank you. I'm grateful that you told me." Looking away from Eimi's fragile expression almost felt like desertion, but Koushiro had no choice. He needed to focus, to locate the words that might ease a heart so often beset. He sank into his seat and willed a panicking mind into a functional state.

"I understand the difficulty of your position. I've seen that women face extreme pressure to meet beauty standards, and that this expectation can pit them against one another. But still… It never occurred to me that…"

His words came to a halt, and Koushiro turned to Eimi and winced. "I realize this might sound dishonest, but… It took me a long time to notice that Mimi-san is beautiful. It took me a long time to notice that you're beautiful. For me, it's difficult to shift from…"

Eimi stared vacantly at him, likely a mirror of his expression. "A person's appearance is simply how I recognize them. I'm sure I glean subconscious information from the way people present themselves, but… It doesn't occur to me to think of people as being attractive or unattractive. And, apparently, when Mimi-san met me, she found my lack of reaction to her appearance unusual. That played a role in why she contacted me afterward."

Eimi's gaze shifted as her fingertip trailed along her chin. "I do remember you telling me that story. And you don't talk about celebrities being attractive…"

"They likely are, but it doesn't penetrate. And I believe that contributes to my difficulty in separating romantic interest from platonic interest, and in acting on romantic interest when I know it's there. Please, don't think that my asking to move slowly is caused by any deficiency on your part. Rather… The fact that I want to move forward so badly… It's proof of how remarkable you are."

His free hand gripped his knee beneath the tray. Why was it so difficult to say these things? With a tight, uncomfortable expression that clashed with the words, he muttered, "I couldn't have gotten this far if I didn't trust and love you so."

"I, I love you, too."

The rawness of Eimi's tone arrested him, and he risked a glance. She was red-faced, with a smile that seemed more dazed than happy. Fondness for this besotted woman overwhelmed him. Koushiro laughed, an odd, trembling sound, and wiped a stinging eye.

"Yes, I know. I wish I could be as demonstrative as you, but at least let me say… My appreciation for your appearance stems from my feelings for you, but surely, other people see it, too. You have your own beauty: your eyes, your smile, the shape of your body... The sound of your voice. Your mannerisms and expressions."

Eimi's chest expanded and deflated with a slow, deep breath. "Mimi-chan said the same thing. That every woman is beautiful, that we all have something to offer that no one else can. She… really seemed to believe it."

"She does, I'm sure. Mimi-san sees beauty in everyone. She's not the type to change her world view because someone else wants her to, so she's resistant to social conditioning."

Eimi's arms crossed, closing off her posture. Her brow furrowed as she sighed. "She's so admirable… So strong and beautiful. Confident."

Koushiro scrambled for a response, but what could he say? Mimi was all of those things. "You have your own strengths, and I cherish them. After all, you used them to direct me away from self-destructive behavior. I try not to dwell on it, but… Sometimes, I wonder. What would have happened to me if you hadn't intervened that day? And if you hadn't stayed with me, cared for me, and encouraged me so much, for so long?"

Eimi held her hands up, palms out. "Of course I helped you. And you helped me, too. Anyone would help a loved one in need."

"I have several friends," Koushiro said gently. "They're incredible people, as you know. But only one was there for me. Being present, even for loved ones, is difficult- borderline impossible for adults with careers and families. Your treatment of me in a time when you and your loved ones were facing difficulties…"

Somehow, a wry grin surfaced. Koushiro shook his head, not knowing how to make his point understood. "I've told you this before, and I'd be shocked if others haven't. You're a sanctuary, and everyone you've supported through difficult times knows and treasures that. Treasures you."

Her grip on his hand tightened until it hurt. "I, I'm sorry… I know you're trying so hard to explain your perspective, and you're being so kind, but… I need to hear it, point-blank. You're really sure that I'm not… Not a downgrade?"

"Eimi-san, please. Look at me." Seconds ticked by with no response. Finally, a lump slid down Eimi's throat, and she turned to him. The wetness of her eyes, the lost quality of her gaze, were torments to behold. His wrist popped as he returned her punishing grip.

"Don't ever entertain that thought." Koushiro's voice broke, and he was forced to pause. "My outlook is that no person is worth more or less than another, so I'm unequipped to compare any two people. But even so… I hold you in the highest regard."

She nodded, but a downcast air remained. Koushiro searched for more encouragement, hoping against hope that he'd land on something helpful. "I should tell you... I haven't been this happy in a long time."

He swallowed a surprised snort as Eimi's eyes popped open and pink rushed to her cheeks. "O-oh?"

Koushiro leaned on his arm rest, moving closer to her. "Yes. I was worried about my relationship with Mimi-san well before the breakup, but even worse... I was lonely. I rarely visited Odaiba or saw my friends, and all of my work relationships are professional. I don't think I even realized how alone I felt."

Eimi slid closer, mirroring him. "So many people love you," she began.

Koushiro lifted a hand to stop her. Now that Eimi was finally responding, he wanted to maintain his momentum. "I know. You're the one who reminded me. You've also reinforced the importance of balancing work and play, and of caring for myself. Being near you is so..."

He paused, but his expansive vocabulary failed to provide a satisfactory word. Comfortable and pleasant captured the ease of coexisting with her, but didn't begin to convey the emotional aspects. Was there a phrase to describe how it felt to observe Eimi's eyes light up and expression warm when he approached? To know that she would always do her utmost to love and help him?

"There isn't language to describe it," he concluded. "But I can say that I'm happiest when you're near." He was afraid that this response would disappoint, being so vague. Instead, any lingering signs of sadness vanished from Eimi's face, replaced with what might have been the dopiest grin ever observed.

"I really love being with you, too. I know it hasn't always been easy, but living with you has been amazing."

This time, it was Koushiro's turn to be flustered. Thoughts leaped and connected, and he shifted the subject, despite his intentions to remain focused. "Ah, I wondered- I realize that this is asking a lot- Um. I'm hoping to teach a class or two again in September. If I manage to secure a Tuesday/Thursday class schedule, could I..."

Try as he might, Koushiro couldn't complete his request. How could he ask to live with her? It was far too early in their relationship to jump straight to living together, but... Well, they already did. And frankly, he had no desire to stop.

Still, just because he lived with her now to help with medical matters didn't mean that he was welcome to stay indefinitely. "S-sorry," he muttered. "I, I'm out of line."

Eimi's brow furrowed. She turned to face him as much as her seatbelt allowed. "Are you... asking to live with me?"

"N-not permanently!" his propriety interjected. "I, I mean- I'm not suggesting moving in- although, um, I suppose I already have, to an extent?"

The warmth of Eimi's smile quieted his anxiety. "You can stay with me any time. If you'd like, you can have your pick of the guest rooms permanently."

At this point, Koushiro considered using the speaker to ask the driver to turn on the air conditioning. The passenger area was suddenly sweltering. "E-Eimi-san... That's very kind, but I don't want to impose-"

"You're not. It would make me happy. My studio is my private space, but otherwise… My home is your home."

Koushiro made a series of sounds that didn't quite qualify as human speech. Eimi's grin widened. "Ah! Speaking of my studio... You asked for a portrait, right?"

"Um?" That was the best Koushiro could manage. Giggling, Eimi leaned forward, reaching into the large tote bag at her feet.

"Mimi-chan had an assistant drop these off while Taichi and I were apartment hunting." She pulled out a large envelope made of thin cardboard. "You can take your pick."

Koushiro's hand trembled as he accepted the envelope. "E-Eimi-san..."

Her playful expression shifted as her eyes lingered on his face. "It's okay, Koushiro-kun. Relax. I won't pressure you. I want you to do what you want. But... The option's there. That's all."

"T-thank you." Koushiro knew what he wanted. Why refuse proximity to someone who adored him, someone he loved in turn? Still, he couldn't bring himself to say anything more. Instead, he opened the envelope and slid the contents onto his lap.

Eimi smiled at him from a piece of glossy photo paper. Koushiro lifted the top portrait and stared. Like him, Eimi wasn't comfortable in front of a camera, and there didn't seem to be many pictures of her alone. The photos she had offered him previously were group shots, and in all of them, she seemed stiff.

In this picture, her back was draped over the curve of a chaise lounge, a relaxed, decadent pose. She was captured mid-laugh, head thrown back at a playful angle, cheeks flushed, eyes lit with amusement. Koushiro had never seen the red dress she wore, an injustice he hoped to right soon.

He flipped through the stack and found more captures, each as charming as the last. "These are stunning. I've no idea how I'll choose one."

"You can have them. I'll send you the digitals, too. Kaede-san is going to pick one for my next CD cover."

Koushiro nodded. The portraits on the covers of her existing CDs were high quality in terms of lighting, makeup, and wardrobe, but signs of Eimi's discomfort were evident. The woman in these pictures was the one he knew, down to the warmth of her eyes. "These truly are perfect. I'm not sure how to explain, but… You look natural."

"You think I look like this all the time?"

Something in her tone caught Koushiro's attention, so he tore his eyes from the photos to her face. There was shyness there, a hopefulness he didn't understand. "Well, yes. Of course you always look like you, but… I'm afraid neither of us are comfortable in front of a camera." A thought occurred to him, and a portion of his pleasure shifted. "Desmond-san took these, I assume."

Eimi's hand slid beneath his arm rest and closed around his elbow. "Um, yes."

Koushiro smiled, hoping to communicate that he was fine. "He has a way with women." A way that I'll never have. If he were more like Desmond, would Eimi feel so unsure about where she stood with him?

"He's a great photographer. I never really thought about it, but having an engaging personality helps models relax."

"That's true..." Koushiro had watched Desmond slide into conversations with wit and ease, turning strangers into acquaintances in an instant, and into friends soon after.

Eimi kissed his cheek, knocking him out of his melancholy. "Just so you know… I don't want you to be anything but you."

Koushiro exhaled slowly. He had already recognized that Desmond's ability to fit into Mimi's lifestyle when he couldn't made him feel inadequate. Until now, he hadn't noticed that strain leaking into other aspects of his self-esteem. "I suppose we're both feeling a little raw," he admitted. "Whenever you're insecure, please know... You're beautiful. And beloved."

Eimi stared at him for a long moment. Finally, she smiled and eased her hand back into his. "Y-you know… I think we're going to be okay."

Koushiro lifted her hand and briefly pressed it to his lips. "I know we will."

Eimi released a long, gusty sigh, then plopped back against her seat. "Thank you. My head's still spinning, but… I think I feel a lot better."

Thank goodness for that. Koushiro managed a tiny grin. He spared a moment to store the reassurances that had eased Eimi's mind, especially the one that seemed most effective: he was happiest with her.

By the time he picked apart and organized the conversation in his memory, Eimi's eyes were shut, and she was breathing deeply. "Eimi-san?" he murmured. She acknowledged with a soft hmm, but didn't stir. "Do you mind if I work while you rest?"

"Sure. Good luck."

Koushiro slid the photos back into the envelope and placed it in Eimi's tote bag. Then, he rummaged through his backpack for his laptop and charger. With a peaceful, reassured mindset, he eased into his work, pleased with Eimi's nearness.

Author's Notes: Eimi's had similar conversations with other characters (Hikari, Mimi), but… She had to go to the source. I'm so glad they finally hashed it out, geez! It's so easy to build a reality in your head that… Isn't an actual reality! I think they're finally on the same page, now (I sure hope so, anywho!).

Three chapters remain: Nocturne, Resonance, and maybe an Encore. I'm not sure how many updates that translates into, but I'm guessing 3-5. Please look forward to it!

I hope that you're all safe and healthy. Thanks so much for reading! I would love to hear from you.