Author's note: (Sorry I keep repeating myself.) Please keep in mind that this is the beginning of a different kind of relationship for Domon and Rain, so the affection between them is almost out of control-LOL! You know that time when you're with the person you think is made for you, and you find yourself thinking that the person can do nothing wrong. Don't worry - they come down to earth eventually; especially during my sequel to this, "Partners Now in Marriage". Thanks for putting up with my author's notes!
Chapter 5: Saette Wants Her Back
After the sweet kiss at the table in the Japanese Restaurant, Domon backed away from Rain while she gazed very lovingly at him with her big, blue eyes. She had never before imagined him feeding her and then better yet, kissing the evidence away. The sweet woman couldn't help but wonder if the man knew what he was doing to her? She couldn't believe the urge she had to jump over the small table between them so that she could throw her arms around him. By the look in his eyes and that old, cocky grin that he was now giving her, she knew that he was becoming very confident with his new, sweet actions. Because her emotions seemed to be running wild, she felt she could almost laugh out loud as she recalled how reserved he had once been with her. Now this night, he had been the complete opposite and quite good at it. He had let his guard down, relaxed and revealed a hidden, soft side that was only for her, and that only she could bring out of him. He himself hadn't known that this side was buried deep within him. Rain had always wondered how he would be in a relationship, and now she knew that he was even better than she had dreamed he could be. Though she had still caught him blushing at times this night, it was impossible to miss how brave he was becoming at letting his eyes openly admire her. She also couldn't deny that she loved how he was always touching her in some way. Just holding her hand alone seemed to be enough to make her melt.
As the King of Hearts stared back at Rain, he thought back to when he had first seen her after his ten years of training with Master Asia. Her kindness and beauty had literally taken his breath away while he hadn't shown it. Though he hadn't experimented with women, if the circumstances would have been different, and he hadn't had such sadness and anger in him, he would have played with the thought of persuing his childhood friend. After he found out that she was going to be his partner, he didn't dare admit to anyone that he was pleased that they would be together almost constantly. Being with her would be the one good thing about being forced to be a Gundam fighter. Now in the present, he regretted that he had taken her for granted at times, and now planned to treat her like she deserved. Seeing the unmistakable passion in her eyes for him as he looked at her across that small table, he knew he was quite possibly the luckiest man. It took all of his strength not to destroy the table between them so he could pull her close to him. However, though they had shared many deep kisses in a short time, he was determined to respect Rain by controlling his craving for her.
"Sai Saici!" George exclaimed just before helping the young fighter off the ground where he had fallen and hit his head. "Can you hear me?"
"I'm okay," Sai mumbled as he felt the spot on the back of his head that was causing him some pain.
Chibodee laughed at the dizzy look on Sai Saici's face and said, "Domon's actions towards Rain are really getting to ya, huh?"
"Oh, please," George said looking at Chibodee accusingly. "You all but drooled on the window while studying those two in the restaurant."
"You should talk," the Neo-American fighter said feeling as if he had been made fun of. Since George too had been watching the Neo-Japan team very closely, the boxer said, "I'm sure you learned something from watching them, and now you plan to try it out on Miss Marie Louise."
"That's enough," Argo said calmly but in a way that made them stop and listen. "Saette is still out front and Domon and Rain seem to be getting ready to leave."
Once again, the Shuffles all looked into the restaurant and watched as Domon walked behind Rain holding her jacket in both of his hands.
George was quite pleased as he said, "I never thought I would see the day that Domon Kasshu would act like such a gentleman. It seems that my good manners may have rubbed off on him."
Meanwhile, Rain slid one of her arms into the jacket, and Domon slowly lifted it on to her shoulder. She then turned her head to the other side giving him a thankful smile as she slid her other arm into the jacket.
Domon took his time lifting the jacket onto that shoulder, letting his fingers slowly glide over her slender arm. With his eyes never leaving her, he then slowly walked to the front of her. About to reach his hand down to retrieve his cloak, he realized that Rain's hand had beaten him to it.
As Rain gave him a playful smile, he stood still and gave her one back. She then slowly walked around to his back letting her eyes enjoy his build. With both of her hands, she lifted his cloak and placed it over his broad shoulders. Leaving one hand on his right shoulder, she took her time walking around to the front of him letting that hand slide to meet her other hand to fasten the red garment closed. After it was secure, she looked up into Domon's dark eyes, lifted her hand and brushed his hair out of his face. As his hair fell right back to where it had been, he wondered if she knew what she was doing to him.
Watching wide-eyed, Chibodee couldn't help but speak his thoughts out loud. "You know undressing each other is one thing, but those two make even dressing each other...sexy."
"Catch him!" George exclaimed as Sai Saici lost his balance once again after seeing Domon and Rain's behavior with each other.
Argo easily caught the very young fighter and shook him just enough to pull him out of his dream world. "Snap out of it, Sai Saici," he demanded as calmly as he could.
Becoming very worried, the Knight said, "Argo. They are leaving the restaurant, and Saette is not making a point to hide his presence."
The young couple walked out of the restaurant with their hands linked, still not knowing that they had an audience.
"Rain," someone called making the Neo-Japan team stop walking and turn their heads to the voice.
Totally surprised since she hadn't expected to see this man, Rain said, "Saette?"
Domon's face turned cold as he stared at the man walking towards them. He hadn't thought of Saette at all for a long time and now the Neo-Japan fighter felt almost sick at the thought that Rain might feel something for her ex once again. A picture of her and Saette together, which was found in Saette's Mingaret Gundam, ran through Domon's mind. Even then he had been jealous of the thought of her with the man because it had been very apparent that she cared for him.
"Let's go kick his butt," Chibodee said coldly as he started to roll up his sleeves.
Sai was still wobbling around a bit, but even George felt himself becoming upset. "He should not intrude on Domon's territory," George said ready to pound Saette himself.
"Wait," Argo said letting go of Sai Saici and grabbing an arm of both Chibodee and George. "Let's see if the fighters can handle this without losing their heads."
"Look," Chibodee said wanting to assist the King of Hearts. "When I first heard about Saette, I was told that he was a nice guy, but right now I don't care. All I know is that he was once a Gundam fighter, so I'm sure he has a temper; especially if he wants something that he can't have."
"You mean Rain," Sai Saici said wanting to give Saette a piece of his mind as well but he was still a tad dizzy.
Not about to release Chibodee from his hold, Argo said, "If a fight arises, we will help Domon, but until then...we stay put."
George let out a breath as if giving in and said, "Yes. I now find myself agreeing with you, Argo. After all, they are adults."
"Fine," Chibodee said shaking his head in disappointment as he pulled out of Argo's hold.
Argo spoke his words of wisdom once again by saying, "Domon and Rain should have faith in each other and not let Saette get to them."
Saette soon stood in front of Rain with a questioning look on his face. The King of Hearts felt himself wanting to smash Saette's face in because of the way he was looking at her. However, when Domon turned to look at Rain, he thought that she was looking back at her ex in the same way. After being so happy just seconds earlier, Domon now felt a stinging pain in his heart as he vividly remembered how Rain had begged him not to hurt Saette during their Gundam fight.
Just before Domon could turn away from Rain, she unexpectedly turned to him and locked her very expressive eyes with his. She squeezed his hand tightly to assure him that he was the one that she wanted and immediately she could see the tension that was on his face start to slightly ease away. She guessed that he had remembered when she had pleaded with him not to hurt Saette, and she wondered if Domon had started to think that she wanted Saette back.
"Rain," Saette said with a smile not acknowledging Domon standing there holding her hand, "You're still beautiful."
Rain couldn't be mean to the man since she had been close to him at one time. "Saette, I'm glad that the doctors were able to help you."
Because of the tight grip Rain had on Domon's hand, he silently ordered himself to stay calm as he stared back at Saette.
As if feeling Domon's intense stare, Saette turned his face to the King of Hearts and it was clear that neither of the men were pleased to see each other. Saette then faced Rain again and acted very unaffected by the other man's cold stare as he said, "Can I please speak to you...alone?"
Rain thought that she could have heard a pin drop as Saette waited for her answer. She was relieved that Domon didn't offer her and Saette the time alone, because she didn't want the King of Hearts to leave her side. "I don't think it would be a good idea," she said squeezing Domon's hand yet again, ensuring him to stay.
Saette guessed that Domon was the reason why Rain thought it wasn't a good idea so he said in a disappointed voice, "Rain, you need to know that I swore back in the hospital that I would find you after I was rid of the DG cells."
Rain couldn't help but feel badly as she said, "Oh, Saette. I'm sorry."
Looking hurt, her ex said, "I asked you before if this guy was your boyfriend or husband, and you said you just worked with him."
Not liking being spoken of as if he wasn't there, Domon said in a very familiar, cold voice, "This guy as you call me...and Rain are together now in more ways than one."
Rain turned to Domon and gently placed her hand on his chest as if to calm him down before she turned back to Saette. Domon let out a breath and did as she wished by not getting into a conflict with her ex.
"Saette, it's true," Rain said softly. "I am committed to Domon and actually...I have been for a long time now." Seeing that Saette was a bit confused, Rain thought she owed him an explanation of why she had said that she and Domon just worked together. "You see, I did have some feelings for Domon back when you asked me about him, but I didn't think he felt the same."
Domon turned to Rain with a stunned look on his face. Back then he had no idea that she had started to care for him as more than a friend - before their time in the Guyana Highlands.
"So you never did intend to come back to me?" Saette asked with such sadness in his eyes.
Though Rain felt very sorry for her ex, he wasn't the one that she dearly loved. "Saette, I thought you would realize that there was no chance for us when I left the hospital as Domon's partner."
The King of Hearts remained quiet studying Saette's disappointment, and he couldn't help but wonder if Saette was going to give up so easily. Breaking his silence, Domon said calmly, "You apparently knew we were here because you've been following us, right?"
Saette looked back at Domon; the sadness on his face turning to anger as he said in a cold, yet calm voice, "Yes. I'll admit that I have been following you two since the fair."
Keeping his patience even though he didn't like being spied on, Domon said calmly, "Then I'm sure you saw that Rain and I are...quite close now. Did you think that she would just run back to you?"
"If her father wouldn't have called her to go home, and then ask her to be your partner, she would be with me now," Saette said just as calm and so very certain.
Though Rain's heart began to hurt at hearing her father's name after just losing him, she felt what her ex was saying wasn't fair to Domon. "Saette, please," she said not wanting Domon to believe things that weren't correct.
"But it's true, Rain," Saette said convinced that he was right as he looked at her with unwavering eyes. "Wasn't what we had love?"
Domon was very tempted to physically make Saette shut up because of not wanting to hear anymore. It would have been quite interesting for him to see how far he could throw Saette, but Rain's words stopped him before he could attempt to do so.
"Saette I'm sorry, but you're incorrect," she said feeling sadly for him.
"What do you mean, Rain? Weren't we great together?" Saette asked with pleading eyes as if he hadn't witnessed the closeness between Domon and Rain that night.
Though not moving, Domon couldn't help but wonder just how mad Rain would become if he laid Saette out with one strong punch.
"I know you still have love in your heart for me," Saette said confidently in a soft voice as he began to lift his hand to Rain's face.
The King of Heart's eyes widened, and he felt as if he was about to lose it from the rage building inside. However, before he could even make a move, Rain lifted her hand and gently stopped Saette's from touching her. "Saette again, I'm sorry. But, because of Domon, I know now that you and I weren't actually...in love."
Saette stared back at Rain wondering why the man in the red cloak seemed to be so important to her.
With tears in her eyes, she said, "I do love you, Saette." She then turned her face to Domon's and looked deeply into his eyes. "But I never did love you the way I love this man."
There was such honesty in Rain's teary eyes that Domon felt so truly fortunate as all of his anger towards Saette slipped away.
Saette decided to take a different approach before totally giving up. "Rain. That day that you didn't meet me at our meeting place because of your father's call, I was going to ask you to marry me. I was so sure that you were going to say yes."
Rain turned back to Saette; feeling badly for what she was about to say, but Domon's feelings meant a great deal more to her than her ex's. "Saette, I wouldn't have agreed to marry you," she said softly. "You're a wonderful man, but when Domon was gone training, he was always in the back of my mind because we had been so close when we were younger. I could have never married anyone without waiting for him to come home to see how we were with each other when we were older. When my father called with the news about Dr. Kasshu and said Domon was home, it's true that I would have liked to have said good-bye to you, but even more I desperately wanted to see Domon to be there for him."
"Oh, Rain," Domon whispered softly, staring at her as if she had been speaking to only him.
Rain turned her face to Domon's to see his eyes full of love for her. Once again she knew with all of her heart that he was the one that she was meant to be with.
Saette finally saw what the Neo-Japan team meant to each other since he couldn't remember a time when Rain looked that way at him. In that instant, he knew that the two people in front of him were truly in love with each other. Also, Rain's happiness did mean a lot to him, and he finally saw that she had that with the King of Hearts.
"Man, what's going on?" Sai Saici asked; his dizziness now completely gone.
"There will be no fight," Argo said proudly as he watched Domon and Rain staring into each other's eyes.
Stomping his feet, Sai said, "I wanted to see Bro knock Saette's lights out."
"Well if he won't do it, I'll do it," Chibodee said cracking his knuckles.
George looked at Chibodee as if he was foolish, and said with a grin, "There is no need for a fight because it seems that no one will ever come between Domon and Rain."
Remembering Saette, Domon turned to him and said very seriously, "You told me once before to take care of Rain, and I will for the rest of my life."
Saette felt such a loss for not being able to get Rain back. He stared at Domon and realized that the King of Hearts really was a compassionate man. After all, he had spared Saette's life during their Gundam fight. Domon was also a man who wasn't going to let a treasure like Rain ever go. Knowing it was truly over with the woman before him, Saette turned to her and said, "Good-bye, Rain."
"Good-bye, Saette," she said softly knowing that that part of her life was over.
Domon and Rain then watched as Saette left them. Turning to Domon, Rain put her hand on the side of his face and said, "We need to talk."
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What is this talk that Rain wants to have with Domon? Also, I hope that you enjoyed this chapter. I only changed it a million times after watching the one and only episode with Saette over and over.
As always, thanks for the reviews on the chapter before the one above: Goldangel2, Spork Goddess, Ryan, Jakar101, Domon and Rain, Hawk Sage, Soaker 87, Shadow Tigress, Jess Angel, Black Joker Lady, Chaos Bringer 1, Neosun 7 & GoldenGirl2002.
Thanks for reading! Jen