Every Story is a Love Story
Chapter 3: We're Okay
By the Almighty SporkGoddess
"I can't go to lunch with you today, sorry." I told Elle one morning. A month had passed after my date with Rain, and I had fallen head-over-heels for her. We went out together once a week, and called each other quite often.
"Your Japanese sweetie?" She grinned, and at my nod her grin faded. "Must be getting serious, huh? Did she kiss you?"
"I don't kiss and tell." I teased.
"No fair! You've told me before!" Elle whined.
"She's different, ok?"
"She must be. You've been on cloud nine ever since your date with her, sneaking off to call her and fretting when she doesn't. I think you're infatuated."
"Guilty as charged." I grinned again.
"Infatuation can be good, and it can be bad." She warned.
"Stop being such a pessimist! I really like this girl."
Her expression softened. "Fine, but you have to promise me you won't become her little puppy dog."
"I promise."
Surely enough, I met Rain for lunch. But it wasn't just any lunch – we'd planned a picnic in the park. Cliché, I know, but we both had liked the idea.
We had little small talk as we ate our simple lunch of sandwiches and fruit. After we'd both finished, we put the blanket back in the basket and sat on the grass. Rain moved closer to me, and I put my arm around her shoulders, loving the feel of her body so close to mine. She twisted herself around to face me, and put her lips up to my own. However, unlike the other times she had kissed me, it wasn't brief. Her mouth lingered against my own, and I took the opportunity to kiss her back, cupping her face with my hands. We stayed like this for what seemed forever, but finally were forced to pull apart, and she rested her head against my shoulder.
"Rain?"
"Hmm?"
"Would you… um… be my girlfriend? Officially, that is…"
Those beautiful azure eyes opened in shock. "Wow… You'd think I would have been expecting this, but… yes, of course I will."
I leaned down and kissed her again. "You have no idea how happy that makes me."
Never had I felt this way about anyone, the way that I felt about Rain. Before I met her, relationships were inconveniences; just something you had for an excuse to cuddle up to someone and not be alone. Even with Elle, I hadn't felt this need to be near someone; and now I finally understood what caused people to make up sappy poems. I could understand why Romeo and Juliet had killed themselves, why Othello had been driven to insanity at just the mere thought of someone else touching Desdemona. I felt myself turning into someone more romantic than Cyrano de Bergerac, one of those types that made the lesser-motivated boyfriends feel badly for giving bad gifts on Valentines' Day. I had understood the concept, but never the very essence of love – until I learned the pleasure of having someone as sweet, as perfect as Rain.
The rest of the year passed by like a dream – every day with her was better than the last. She kept insisting that I come home with her once classes were over for the summer, and I finally caved in.
Neo Japan was a very pretty colony – I found myself liking it better than Neo Turkey, at least. Rain took me to her house, and I found myself looking at a short, mustached man with a face not unlike his daughter's.
"I'm Dr. Mikamura. Rain's told me a lot about you." He said, taking me inside. I felt my fists clench at the sight that met me inside – a handsome young man standing in the sitting room. His face brightened up at the sight of my girlfriend.
"Rain!"
"Kyoji!" She smiled broadly, running into his open arms. I felt my eyes narrow.
"Is this the guy I've heard so much about?" He asked, smiling, and she nodded.
"Kyoji, this is Seitt. Seitt, this is Kyoji Kasshu. Our two families are very close."
That thought offered me no comfort, even if he did look a bit older than she did. I gave the most cordial smile I could muster up. He sat down next to Rain, which I found to be a bit presumptuous.
"You've grown so much! I remember when you were a little girl!" He grinned.
"Oh come on, you're only eight years older than me!" She laughed.
"Larger time-span than you'd think! Then again, my brother would have been hard to deal with even if we were the same age."
Her face lit up even more. "Speaking of Domon! I haven't heard from him in years! How is he?"
"Busy, of course. He really adores his mentor. I still have to worry… I think he left home too early."
She frowned. "I do miss him, but I want him to be happy."
"I do, too."
I couldn't think of anything to add to the conversation. Kyoji seemed bad enough, and now they were mentioning this guy who seemed to be even closer to Rain. I just stewed while they kept talking.
"Your boyfriend's quiet, huh?"
Rain seemed to turn a bit red at this, and I shrugged. "Nothing to say, really."
"Hmm." Kyoji glanced at me.
"Kyoji, Seitt's also interested in Gundams. Kyoji's a Gundam scientist," She explained to me.
He smirked. "Well, I wouldn't go that far… yet."
"Stop being so modest… someday you'll design a great Gundam." Rain told him.
"I guess." He smiled at her.
I didn't get a chance to be alone with her until later. We were at her house while her father was away. And then it was hardly a romantic moment.
"Okay, admit it. What's wrong?" She sighed.
"You like Kyoji, huh?" I asked, unable to keep it in any longer.
"Yes… he's like a brother to me."
"You never…?"
Her expression hardened. "What are you implying?"
"You seemed a little…"
"What? He's eight years older than me!"
"So?"
"… So that's why you were so silent." She closed her eyes.
I was unable to respond. She looked annoyed, at the least.
"You said you had a best friend that was a boy. Is that him?"
"No." She snapped. "If you must know, chances are all I'll never see him again. Does that make you feel any better?"
I didn't know what to say. I'd never seen her act like this before, and frankly it was bewildering. I'd never imagined that the soft-spoken Japanese woman who was my girlfriend could use such a harsh tone. It didn't suit her.
"I'm sorry," I said, not daring to look at those eyes that were blazing like fire where it burns blue above the embers.
She sighed. "Just forget it…"
"I'm sorry, Rain…I was just afraid of losing you. Shouldn't that be flattering?" I grinned, trying to make her smile. Or at least stop glaring daggers at me.
She muttered something in Japanese, talking so fast I couldn't translate it.
"What can I do to make it up to you?" I asked, taking her hands with my own.
"Just promise me you won't do it again." She pleaded. I nodded.
Author's Note: I wanted to throw Kyoji in there… I had to make Seitt a bit clingy. I mean, if you look at his personality… *coughs* Anyway, hopefully there will be more soon! ^_^ Please r/r with comments, criticism (be nice though!) and even suggestions!