*Um…this chapter is really short, sorry about that. I promise this will be my last extremely short chapter. I tried to extend it, but nothing really worked. This song is too perfect for Ascot and Umi, so I didn't want to change it. After this though the chapters will be getting longer, so hope you enjoy!*

Chapter Four: Beauty Queen

Tears stung his eyes as he galloped through a field near the castle. The mare he was on was breathing heavily, but she had a lot still in her. He was trying to free himself, but he was thinking of her again.

His light brown hair fell from the constraints of his hat, and as they picked up speed, the garment was lost in the wind. The green and white coat he wore began to show its weight as he grew more weary of the ride and pulled back, letting the horse slow to a trot, and finally to a walk. There was no freedom anymore, lost in the labyrinth his mind created for him.

As they walked down the hill and descended into a field of blue and yellow wildflowers his green eyes widened. Lying amongst the flowers was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.

The Magic Knight of Water sat up and looked around. She smiled at him as if she had been there forever, as if she had never left. She stood and walked over to him as he dismounted and dropped the reins. He knew the horse wouldn't go anywhere, and at the moment he didn't care.

"U-umi? He managed to stutter, and she smiled a smile that was as warm as the sun in summer.

"Hey Ascot," she said casually, and he stared even more.

She's a Beauty Queen

She was wearing her casual armor, her boots came halfway up her thighs and had a sapphire at the top, and her skirt was the same as she wore to her school. Her armor was over her navy blue coat and was only covering one shoulder; she wasn't planning on being attacked. Her white gloves supported the ovum gem and protected her hands, and her hair was held in the normal headband. She didn't seem to have changed at all, despite the year and a half they had been apart.

My sweet bean bag in the street

He offered a hand, and she stared at it for a long time, considering. His heart clenched, and he begged with his eyes for her to take the hand he offered. And he realized that maybe he wasn't just offering a hand, and she felt that. She felt that he was offering so much more than a hand; he was offering a future. She was hesitant, and it scared him. What was she hesitant about? He thought that she felt the same. But a year and a half was a long time all the same…

Take it

She smiled at him and took the hand that he offered, and he let out a sigh deep inside. He smiled back, and helped her onto the horse as they galloped off back to the palace, the horse now having her fill of grass.

Down out to the laundry scene.

He slipped his hands around her waist to reach the reins, and she leaned back into him. He melted when he felt her warmth against his chest and wanted to shout in happiness.

How had this come about? He had stumbled upon her in a field and now, suddenly, with almost two years between them they were together, at long last. All his waiting had been worth it even for this one moment, this single moment of bliss. He smiled happily as she laughed in glee with the ride the mare provided.

Don't know why she's in my hand

Her happiness was contagious and soon he found himself laughing out as well, and she turned and smiled back at him. She touched his face, and the horse slowed, sensing abnormal movement.

When the horse stopped Ascot let the reins go slack, and he reached out for her, suddenly he had confidence.

She obviously wanted this; she didn't pull away. He was ready for anything as he pressed his lips gently against hers. The fact that she didn't cry but simply melted into the kiss gave him more courage, and he slipped his hands around her body, pushing her closer than she was.

Her gasp was of surprise, not fear, and he caressed her face gently, reassuring her and him.

Can't figure what it is

His eyes slowly opened, and they began to swim because he realized it had all been a dream. His world came tumbling down upon itself, because she wasn't here and she never had been.

*"Ascot, do you have a thing for Umi?" Caldina jested when Umi walked down the stairs on one of their regular visits. She smiled warmly and pretended not to hear the question, but he knew she was listening.

"No of course not!" he protested, and she looked down. He watched as she looked back up and smiled, a smile of relief or pain?*

He forced himself downstairs and into their questioning eyes.

"Ascot, you okay?" Caldina asked softly when she saw yet another morning where his face was pale, and tear streaks lined his cheeks.

"Yeah…fine…."

But I lie again…

*I want to end this happily, but I'm not sure how to do that exactly. I think I might either do something like I normally do, or I might just write two different endings. Hahaha, now that would be confusing. Um…maybe not. Well I'll think about, anyone have any ideas? Next chapter belongs to Fuu! Ja!*