Sooooooo sorry this chapter took so long. I've been going through a hard week or two. Thanks for reading, this is the last chapter! I wish you all a happy holiday! G'night San Francisco!!! *looks around at all the readers staring at her* Heh heh. -_-;;



Ch. 6: I Promise

IZ copyright JV



For almost an hour, Nihon sobbed into Anata uncontrollably. Kad had sat down on the bed as well to rest and watched silently. He fiddled with the cast on his arm absently; scratching at it and picking at it for no apparent reason. Anata spoke with him quietly from time to time and Nihon would quiet slightly when they did out of pure respect for Anata.

Finally, he began to calm down and stopped sobbing. He whimpered softly, tears slipping down his face and onto Anata's dress. She patted his back as he quieted and stroked his antennae gently, "Shh, it's okay," she coaxed, "It's okay."

He reached up to his face and wiped his eyes, still whimpering. Anata helped him wipe his tears with her one hand and smiled gently. He looked up to her, his eyes still teary, and whispered softly. Anata touched his face tenderly, "Speak up, Nihon," she commanded gently.

He gulped and took a shaky, almost raspy breath, "I'm sorry," he managed weakly. Kad raised his eyes and looked over to Nihon with a small smile. Anata patted Nihon's face gently and motioned for Kad to leave.

The older man stood and walked around the bed. He touched Nihon's shoulder as he passed and whispered, "You're forgiven," and he left.

Nihon rubbed his face and nodded slightly, turning back to Anata. She looked in his eyes a moment, and helped to wipe his face, "You're a lucky boy, Nihon," she commented, "You have lots of people who care about you enough to forgive you."

Nihon lowered his eyes again and turned around with his back to her. She understood immediately and began running her fingers over his antennae to straiten them, "Think Kad meant it?" he whispered.

"Yes, I do," She answered surely, "Don't dwell on it, Ni. Things will get better; I promise." Nihon almost purred at her touch as she continued to stroke him.

"You love me?" he quirked, glancing back at her.

Anata paused a moment, "Just because I'm not your girlfriend, doesn't mean I don't love you," she replied, "Don't doubt me, Nihon. I care a lot about you! Everyone does. That's because you're our friend."

Nihon looked back at his feet a moment as his mind processed this information, "Really?"

"Really, truly!"

He scratched his head at the idea, then suddenly smiled and nodded quickly, "And everyone knows I don't really mean it!" he exclaimed, "So I have friends!"

"Lots of them," she added with a smile, "And I'm the best, right?"

Nihon grinned and looked at her, "Best friends, forever!" he thrust a hand out to her happily, "Promise me."

Anata looked at his hand silently a moment, "Just promise you'll try harder to control your anger."

"I will, I will!"

"Well, okay then," and she shook his hand.



And 'dat would be the end! Thanks for reading!!!