Let the Reason be Love

Author's notes:

Here goes! The part one of the story! Hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own Suikoden! Konami does! *hugs Riou's portrait* (i love the hero!!! ^__^)

=================================================== Part One:

Sweet Attraction

===================================================

[note: Three years after Alec's death. The acting mayor now is Teresa. *Finished drooling over Lord Riou! hehe*]

Tense as she is, Teresa remained calm and relaxed as she made her way at the streets of Greenhill to meet the person... the person who will serve as her guardian.

She thought to herself, "I wonder what kind of guy he'll be? Funny? Approachable? Grumpy?"

She let out a sigh. She was being accompanied by her father's right hand man, Gin. Gin was supposed to be the next mayor of Greenhill but the citizens demanded and the other officials for her to be the next mayor. She told the citizens that she might not be as strong and as firm as what they were hoping for but at least, she'll try to bring out the best in herself. To serve the citizens of Greenhill with heart and mind... that's her father's last wish before he died from his long-term illness.

"Are you ok, Lady Teresa?" asked the 58-year old Gin.

She smiled in return and said, "Yeah, I'm fine... I was just thinking about something..."

"You've been thinking too much lately, Lady Teresa... I know it's hard for someone so young as you are to have this too much responsibilities but please... please lead us... we, the citizens of Greenhill are always by your side to give you the support and obedience you need... Please be strong Lady Teresa... We know that we can count on you..."

"Oh Mr. Gin... don't make me cry in the middle of the street..."

They both laughed. Suddenly they sensed someone coming and they believe that it was already the young lady's bodyguard.

Teresa somehow felt odd for some reason. Her heart began to beat fast and a sweatdrop fell down her forehead. She reached out for her handkerchief on the pouch of her skirt but found out that it wasn't there.

~What the--? I could swear I had it earlier! I must've dropped it somewhere....

She was thinking about her lost handkerchief that she didn't notice that someone was already in front of her.

"I assume that you're Lady Teresa, acting mayor of Greenhill..."

She looked up and faced the man whom she suspected to be her bodyguard.

"Yes... you're right. I am Teresa Wisemail, acting mayor of Greenhill..."

For her, the man was definitely mysterious... yet, he seems distant and... casual. Too casual.

"Welcome to Greenhill City, Lord Shin. I am Gin, right hand man of the former mayor, Alec Wisemail." Gin said and extended his right arm.

Shin formally reached the old man's arm and bowed slightly.

"Well, I guess I should let you two talk for a while. Excuse me but I have certain matters to work out... Please excuse me, Lady Teresa..." Gin said and walked away.

Teresa looked back at Shin and asked, "Shall I show you around Greenhill, Lord Shin?"

"It's an honor to have a highly-respectable lady to show me around, Lady Teresa..."

"No, the pleasure is mine..."

*** Shin can't help but to admire the young lady that was beside him at the moment. She was really sincere in every action she does and in every word she speaks. Odd, but he finds the young lady's company somewhat... amusing.

"This is the New Leaf Academy... Students from all over the world come here to study. It's one of Greenhill's prides... Huh? Lord Shin?" she turned to the tall man beside her and gave him a questioning (actually, a worried) look.

Shin didn't notice that he had been staring at the young lady for too long already.

"Lord Shin? Is everything alright?" Teresa asked in a worried tone.

It was as if he was awaken by cold water and placed his forehead on his palm.

"Yeah... I'm fine..." he answered just to reassure her.

"Well... I think we should call it a day. You must be tired walking around and all..."

"Will that be alright? I mean... won't that be rude?" he asked with a bit of anxiety.

"Of course not! You should take a quick rest. You won't believe me if I say how weary you look right now..."

Shin smirked. It was his way of saying 'thanks' in front of a lady. Teresa kind of understood it and they finally head back. On the way, Teresa thought,

~Is it just me or is it that Shin is kinda...uhmmm.... well... if you look closely... he's... kind of... uhmmm... good-looking...?
*** She was inside her room again. It was almost supper. The fact that she was wearing her satin night gown that goes above her knees still sent chill through her skin as the cold night breeze entered her room. She shivered a little and went towards the window when she caught glance of a still figure outside.

"Is that?"

Yellow cloth bundled on top of his head... Yeah it's enough evidence already. It's Shin.

She decided to go down to him. She took her robe and wore it and headed downstairs. When she reached the front door, she hesitated to disturb the man and went to the kitchen and prepared a glass of brewed coffee instead.

She was about to take a sip when she remembered...

"....It's cold out there..."

*** Shin was outside cleaning his precious sword, Tarantula. It meant a lot to him. Tarantula had saved his life a hundred times already from humans and monsters. He had depended on it. So much.

~I hope that Tarantula will still give me the power... the power to protect Lady Teresa. To keep her unharmed and safe. To keep bad things such as injuries and accidents away from her...

A shocking realization strucked him that made his eyes flew open. Why doesn't he want anything and anyone to hurt Lady Teresa? Surely it IS his job. That's why he has to. But that reason is just not that satisfying for him... was that reason inadequate? Are there any other more reasons? If so... what?

"Lord Shin?" a voice came from his back.

He looked back and saw her. He noticed the cup she was holding not to mention the night gown that brought some hot fluid ran through his face.

"Lord Shin—"

"Please... drop the 'Lord' when you call me. It's verbose."

"Okay... Shin, you'll catch cold if you stay out here. Please come inside."

"I do not want to disturb a lady's private sleep..."

"It's not like that. I don't mind..."

"............"

She handed him the cup of coffee. Shin gave her a confused look.

"At least have this to warm your body. It's unhealthy for you to have nothing but coldness inside yourself. Well then, I'll go inside now."

".........."

She began to walk away when she said, "I hope to make your acquaintance, Shin. Rest well."

As the young lady walked away, Shin looked at the cup of coffee.

"Something to warm, eh?"

[end of part one]

A/N: Kawaiiii!!! Sorry to put that part. That *extra* short night gown thingy... ^_^ Sorry! I just can't help it! Ha ha ha! Reviews please! I really need your suggestions about this. Thanks!