Chapter 4: The Truth Comes Out

"Um, I ... I'm sorry." Gau didn't know what to say. He realized now that those pictures were private. Whether she really felt that way or it might've been a common fantasy was her business. However, if she really loved or even had a crush on him, it would be nice if he knew about it.

"You're looking in my private sketchbook. I didn't say you could look in that. Actually, it wasn't even in sight for you to look at. What are you doing searching around MY room? You have NO right!" Relm said, furiously.

"Relm, I'm sorry. It was sticking out under your pillow. I was curious so I looked at it. Now I know I shouldn't have. All that stuff is your business, not mine. I just want to tell you, I like the way you draw me," Gau got up and walked towards the door.

"You stupid jerk! How could you?! If it was under my pillow, don't you think I didn't want anyone seeing it?!" Relm shouted.

"I didn't think -" Gau said, getting cut off.

"That's just it, you didn't think. You nev-" Relm shouted getting cut off with a kiss.

The kiss lasted only a few seconds, but Gau found it to be another wonderful kiss.

They separated and stood in silence for a few minutes before Gau spoke. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that..." Gau said, apologetically.

"What'd you do that for?" Relm asked.

"To be honest, it's been something that I've wanted to do for awhile. Ever since we stopped practicing, I've missed the feel of your lips on mine. Remember my birthday party and how you noticed that I wasn't happy?" Gau asked.

"Yeah," Relm answered.

"Well, during my stay on the Veldt, I was thinking a lot about you. I was depressed when I woke up on my birthday. It was a day that made me feel old. It didn't help when I thought about your argument with Strago that I overheard. It really hurt when I heard you say that we would never be anything more than friends," Gau explained.

"I'm sorry if that hurt you. I didn't know what else to say to him. I especially didn't want him to try to keep you away from me," Relm told Gau.

"I see. Well, that's what was wrong with me at the party. I was lonely, it seemed. I wanted to kiss you, hold you. I wanted to have you. In my eyes, you're perfect," Gau said, smiling.

"No, I'm not," Relm blushed. "I had no idea you felt that way. I'm just a mean, bitchy person who -"

Gau cut her off with another kiss. "Who is soft and fragile on the inside, yet still beautiful on the outside," Gau finished. He knew her inside and out. He knew about the pain she suffered, the hurt she still has inside, the number of pieces her heart is in, and the beauty of her body on the outside. Even though she has a tough shell on the outside, it wasn't entirely hard. Otherwise, she would fall apart whenever she cracked a smile.

"Gau," Relm said, blushing again. "You know me too well. I guess that's what happens when people spend a lot of time together."

Relm took the initiative of kissing Gau on the lips. It was a soft, yet passionate kiss that lasted nearly a minute.

"There's still the problem of Strago. He's not gonna like it when he finds out about this," Relm said, remembering Strago's words.

"Who says that he's gotta know?" Gau grinned.

"You're bad!" Relm laughed, hitting him in the shoulder. "But, he's gonna find out sometime, either by accident or someone telling him."

"We'll have to be sneaky, that's all."

"Well, when my birthday comes in about five months, it won't matter then. I can move in with you. We can tell Strago as an unexpected birthday surprise, even if it's not his birthday. If he accepts us, well fine. If not, we'll still have each other."

Gau smiled at Relm. She was just as much devious as he was. He liked that idea. Well, he preferred it if Strago accepted them being a couple, but living with Relm seemed like a really good idea. Her warm body next to his. He could hardly wait.

With the future in mind, Gau motioned Relm to sit down on the bed. Gau sat down and Relm sat beside him after she put away her sketchbook so they could cuddle. Gau gave Relm an occasional kiss as did Relm to Gau. Eventually they lid down and fell asleep in each other's arms.

Their private time alone was interrupted by the slamming of the door and Strago's yelling announcement that he was home. The two sat straight up in Relm's small bed. Gau immediately knew that he had to leave before Strago came upstairs. Relm looked at Gau with sad eyes. "I know. I don't want to leave either. But, I'll be back tomorrow," Gau said smiling. They shared a quick kiss as they heard Strago's feet on the stairs. After another quick smile, Gau slipped out the window. Relm watched him just to make sure he was alright.

"Hi, Relm. Gau gone home?" Strago asked, looking around the room for any sign of him.

"Yep. Went home not too long after you left. He was kinda tired anyway. I am too now. Actually, I was already asleep. I fell asleep when I was thinking about my future. I'll get ready for bed and go back to sleep again," Relm explained.

"What are you planning?" Strago asked, curiously.

"I'm not entirely sure yet. It all depends on how things turn out in the next few months."

"I guess so," Strago said as he left the room humming an old Magi Knights tune.

The next five months passed pretty easily. Both Relm and Gau spent a lot of time together, getting closer with every day. Slowly they became more intimate, but they both agreed that they wouldn't go too far until they were married. That would be some years down the road yet.

They were careful not to let Strago get too suspicious about their relationship, at least not until it was time to let him know. They acted no different than before when they were out in public. They had to be careful just in case Strago had set up spies all around watching them for a slipup. They had secret locations where they could meet though. No one knew where they were and fortunately no one ever bothered to follow them. There, they could kiss, cuddle, or whatever without being interrupted by anyone.

The scenery was absolutely beautiful with a waterfall that led into a crystal clear lake. Along the riverbank and around the lake were several patches of various types of flowers. In one corner of the lake there was a small hot spring. The spring water ran into the lake, making the water warm and especially relaxing to sit in. Surrounding the whole place was a small forest of trees. It was a sight that was out of people's eyes.

When Strago wasn't home, they'd usually stay at Relm's house as they would have no interruptions there until Strago got home. On most days, it'd be more comfortable in Relm's room anyway as many days during the summer were rainy anyway.