Hello, I've decided to make it longer than 2 chapters, will likely be 3.
Robert: Thanks for your review, hope you like the rest of it, too.
Disclaimer: RahXephon and its characters are the property of their respective owners. This piece is not for profitable purposes.
Chapter 2: A Walk Together
He looks at me with the calm smile that I am accustomed to and says, "Sure, that sounds fine with me."
I grin broadly, and find it difficult to resist reaching out my hand to him to hold, like I had done so many times. Instead, I force myself to place them behind my back and then follow him as he exits my room. As he waits in the hallway, I go to Megumi's room.
Standing before the closed door, I say, "Megumi, Ayato-kun and I are going grocery shopping, we'll be back later."
I hear movement inside and then the door opens. She looks out at me and at him and then back at me.
"Ok, Onee-chan, have a safe trip."
"Thanks," I answer.
She then closes the door as I start to walk away.
I approach him and say, "Shall we be going, Ayato-kun?"
He nods his head slightly yes and answers, "Ok."
We walk together outside as we make our way to the marketplace.
I steal a glance at her, and remain watching as I notice her attention elsewhere. I was happily surprised when she asked me to join her, there aren't too many chances for me to spend time alone with her. She turns her face to me, and, blushing as I realize she may have noticed me staring, I quickly move my face so that I'm looking to the other side.
"Ayato-kun?"
Still embarrassed, I look back at her and say, "Yes, Haruka-san?"
She fidgets for a moment and then glances in front of her as she quietly says, "Are – are you happy here, or – do you wish you could go back to Tokyo?"
I move in front of her and grin as I say, "Haruka-san has forgotten what I said, this is where I belong. My feelings haven't changed."
She smiles, and, unless I am mistaken, I think I may see her eyes tear slightly as she says, "I – I hadn't forgotten, I just…"
She trails off, and gives no indication that she will continue to speak, so I move back so that I am walking beside her. I am surprised by her comment, is it possible that she was concerned I may try to go back? Not wanting to be overly confident, I decide not too read too much into it.
I am at first worried that I may have let my true emotions surface too much, but, I look at him, and am relieved when I note that his expression is not pensive, but placid. As much as I want to tell him the truth, I am afraid, so afraid of what may be the outcome. After all, the age difference between us is so great now. When we first met again in Tokyo Jupiter, he said that he 'isn't interested in older women.' Although he knows me better now, even if I were to be honest with him, he may not believe me, his opinion may remain the same, or worse…
"Haruka-san?"
Jilted from my thoughts, I turn to him and say, "Yes, Ayato-kun?"
"Do you like working for TERRA?"
Surprised by his question, I nod my head yes but also ask, "I'm curious why you're asking that."
He turns his face away and says, "I've – I've just noticed that you're always working so hard."
"I think it's important to try my best, and TERRA was a great opportunity for me."
"You like the type of work you're able to do there?"
No, it's because of TERRA that I can see you again…
Knowing I can't say what I'm really thinking, I instead nod my head yes.
Silence between us returns once more, and I try to think of something to speak about.
But, before I think of what to say, she turns her face to me and says, "Ayato-kun, before you came here, did you know what you were going to do after you finished high school?"
I shake my head yes and say, "The day I met you, I was on my way to take a practice entrance exam for college."
Sounding curious, she responds, "What were you planning to study?"
"I've always wanted to be an artist, and I've been fortunate, because my mother has been supportive. But, even the way things are, I haven't given up on my goal. Even if I'm not taking classes, I can still try to improve."
She smiles and says, "It can be difficult, working for your dream, but you should always keep trying and never lose hope."
I nod my head yes in response. I look around and, to my surprise, I realize that we're already in front of the store at which we usually shop.
Haruka-san clasps her hands together and says, "Ah, wonderful, it's still open!"
I smile and laugh slightly while she turns her face towards me and grins as she says, "Let's go!"
