Hi, I've decided to write another RahXephon fanfiction, this one about Haruka and Itsuki's relationship while they were in college.  In episode 13, Haruka reads a file about Quon and remembers a time with Itsuki that took place in 2019 (they turn 21 in this year), so I've set the story in this year.

I chose the title for this piece based on the fact that Haruka and Itsuki have referred to the one each loves as "my beloved," Haruka on the back of the picture of her and Ayato dated 2011-8-10, and Itsuki when asked who the subject of his painting is.  Enjoy!

This piece will be switching point of view between Haruka and Itsuki.  Sentences in quotes are dialogue, those not are thoughts and observations.

Disclaimer: RahXephon and its characters are the rightful property of their respective owners.  This piece is not for profitable purposes.

My Beloved

Chapter 1: A Meeting

APRIL 2019

I sit at the library desk, my new textbook before me, waiting to be read.  I can tell already that today will be one of the many days like this, where I find it hard to concentrate, my mind always returning to him.  Even though I know better, that doing so will likely make me cry, I take out the picture again.  The back of the picture faces me and, as I have done so many times before, I read it, 'With my beloved Ayato 2011-8-10.'  I turn it over and see the two of us, smiling at the camera.  Days like that were the happiest of my life, and, despite my mother's imploring, I cannot let go of the hope that, someday, Kamina-kun and I will be re-united.  Determined not to cry, I force myself to look at other things to distract my attention, a bookshelf, a computer and – Kamina-kun?  I stand up, surprising the person.  I look more closely at him, and realize that, although his face looks similar to Kamina-kun's, of course, it isn't him.

As I walk to a desk to look over some research, a woman stands up quickly near me.  Wondering why, I look at her, and am surprised by her beauty. 

Wanting to speak with her, I say, "May I help you?"

She looks down and blushes as she says, "No, it's my mistake.  You – look somewhat like a person I used to know."

I step towards her and smile as I bow slightly and say, "I'm Kisaragi Itsuki, it's a pleasure to meet you."

She looks up and smiles and bows as she says, "Hello, I'm Mishima Haruka, I'm sorry about what just happened."

I grin and decide to change the subject.

"I guess we're both dedicated students, Mishima-san, already studying on the first day."

She laughs, "Yes, I guess so."

She points to her right and says, "There's an empty desk here if you'd like to sit down, Kisaragi-kun."

"Thank you," I say as I walk over.

I watch as he sits down, and realize that the picture is still on the table, so I hurriedly place it in a binder, not wanting to be asked any questions about this painful topic.

"Mishima-san, what year are you in?"

"I'm a fourth year student."

"Really?  It's the same with me."

"Are you originally from Nara, Kisaragi-kun?"

"No, I decided to come here for college.  And you?"

Trying my best to remain smiling I say, "I'm originally from Tokyo."

I notice he has a thoughtful expression on his face, but it disappears soon after and his smile returns.

"Mishima-san, I think it's about time for a coffee break, don't you?"

Surprised, I answer, "I just started though."

He grins and says, "All the better, you aren't in the middle of something."

I wait for her answer, glad that she seems better now.  When she told me she was from Tokyo, her voice was strained and her smile did not seem genuine.  She glances at her textbook, seemingly trying to decide what to do. 

She turns to me soon after and says, "All right, I think that's a good idea."

"Sure."

I stand up and wait as she collects her things. 

When she finishes, she says, "I'm ready."

I nod my head and we start walking.

I turn to her and say, "Mishima-san, there's a place in the student center that I usually go to. Would you like to go there, or did you have someplace else in mind?"

She thinks for a moment and answers, "That sounds fine to me, Kisaragi-kun."

We continue walking, and wanting to continue the conversation, I try to decide what to speak of next.

"Are you a coffee or tea drinker, or perhaps, both?"

She looks towards me and says, "Both, actually.  And you?"

"I prefer tea, but I also enjoy coffee."

"I see.  Do you come here often?"

As we enter the center, I say with a grin, "When I want to escape the library," which makes her laugh.

As we walk to the student center, I feel more relaxed than I was in the library.  I haven't met too many new people since I returned, and Kisaragi-kun seems like a nice person.  We walk up to the counter and order, both of us choosing tea. 

I start taking out my wallet when I hear him say, "I'd be happy to pay for this, Mishima-san."  

Surprised, I answer, "Oh, that's not necessary, Kisaragi-kun, but thank you," as I hand the cashier the money.

He smiles in response and then pays for his own.  I choose a table for us near the window, so that we can look out and view the scenery and the people passing by. I lift up my cup as I admire the trees and take a sip.

"Is it to your liking, Mishima-san?"

I lower the cup and turn my head to him as I answer, "It's very good, Kisaragi-kun, I've never been here before, what a good suggestion."

I lean back in my seat, and am startled when my watch begins to beep.  I look at it and realize, I have to pick up Megumi!

I glance at the surprised Kisaragi-kun and say, "I'm sorry, I have to be going, I need to pick up my little sister."

"All right."

I stand up, and, as I turn to go, I look once more at him, and he says, with a grin, "I'll see you in the library then, Mishima-san?"

I smile and respond, "I'm sure we'll both be there."

I then start towards the exit and wave to him as I step out the door.