I'll be the rock that will be strong for you.
The one that will hold on to you.
When you feel that rain falling down.
When there's nobody else around.
I'll be…

-Reba McEntire

*`~

Chaa…I swear he was talking to me last night; speaking the sweetest words I've ever heard…Misharei awoke the next morning to find himself wrapped up in Kamatari's arms. The pillow was between them and they were both twisted up in the sheets. The boy smiled to himself. "Itoshii Hito?"

"Mmm…" Kamatari blinked against the sunlight streaming through the small porthole. Was it morning already? He felt as if he'd hardly slept at all. He shrank down, trying to hide away from the sunlight.

"Itoshii, are you awake?" Misha's fingers ran lightly across Kamatari's forehead, brushing back his bangs. I have to go to the bathroom…He squirmed a little, hoping the other man would move. "You have to let go of me."

Finally opening his eyes, Kamatari found himself face to face with Misha. They were only inches apart, nothing between them but the pillow. His arms were around the boy, who was grinning. A very light blush crept across his face. "Gomen, Misha."

"Chaa…It's okay." The boy disentangled himself from his friend's arms, "I'd much rather stay with you, but I can't hold it in."

"Hai; go ahead." He watched lazily as the boy padded out of the room. What was I thinking last night? He rolled over on his back, the pillow clutched to his chest. I'm sure he's pleased. But I don't want…His thoughts trailed off as Misha came bounding back into the room. "About last night…I didn't do anything."

"Chaa; I know. I trust you." The teen sat back on the bed, wrapping his arms around Kamatari, "I love you. Part of love is trust."

The former Juppon Gatana melted into his embrace, returning the hug. How is it that this frail little boy can make me feel so safe and warm? He welcomes me in with every look, every touch. I was a fool to try and fight the love I feel for him…

"I know you're confused." Misha said softly, "I know you aren't sure what you want or need yet." He closed his eyes, holding his beloved close to his heart, "But I'll be with you every step of the way as you find things for yourself."

"Arigato…" The older man tried to gulp back tears, but it wasn't a very effective attempt. His velvety eyes welled with tears and he began to cry. "It means a lot to me…You are…You're my strength when I am weak. I love you…" He sniffled, "I love you so much. I never want to hurt you, but I know I will…"

"Iie…You could never, ever hurt me, Itoshii Hito. Never. My heart is much stronger than every one thinks. I would willingly bear any pain for you if it meant your happiness. I would take away all of the bad things if I could." Kamatari's face was up against his chest and he was crying into the front of Misha's yukata. The boy stroked his friend's hair, burying his face in the soft, feathery tresses. "I love you…I only want you to be happy…"

"I am happy with you, Darling. But there are things which won't go away, things you can't make better for me. I'm pretty messed up, my soul is so ugly." He trembled at the feel of Misha's fingers moving down his back, "And I don't understand why you're doing all of this…"

"I adore you…How many times do I need to say it? When darkness fills your heart and soul, I'll be the light that shines for you." He was also beginning to cry. It's so frustrating, how he doesn't understand… "When you forget how beautiful you are, I'll be the one to remind you. Chaa…you are all I need in life. Please understand this…"

What a mess they were, clinging to one another and crying. Kamatari kept repeating over and over again how much he didn't deserve Misha's love and all of Misha's replies consisted of many "chaas" and protests of how untrue this was.

"I'm not going to leave you ever." Misha finally stated, "And you had better get used to that idea." He flopped back onto the bed, pulling Kamatari down with him. Rolling over on his side, he was nose to nose with the man. "Don't cry, Itoshii, onegai shimasu." He brushed away the tears with the back of his hand, "Hohoemu…"

"You're crying too…" Kamatari sniffled, a trace of a smile on his face. How beautiful he is like this…So pure and natural. I could kiss him…He leaned closer, his hand running lovingly across the boy's damp cheek. "We're hopeless."

"Hopeless in love, maybe…" Misha agreed, batting his eyelashes. He smiled softly, strands of his auburn hair falling into his deep eyes. "Chaa…I have never been without hope."

"My darling dearest one, you are too much." It's now or never…He closed the space between them, his lips meeting those of a surprised Misharei. He wasn't sure what exactly it was which astonished the boy -the endearment or the kiss- but whatever it was it left him speechless.

"Chaa…" He breathed, his face flushed and pink. He lay there for a moment, trying to gain control of himself again. That was amazing…His heart pounded, threatening to burst from happiness. I didn't ask for it. I didn't initiate it. He glanced over at Kamatari, who was looking mighty pleased with himself.

"Are you okay…?" Misharei looked stunned. His eyes were wide, his mouth open. Did I do something wrong? I thought this is what he wanted…Shouldn't he be happy? "Did I do something I shouldn't have?" He brushed back a strand of his companion's hair, their eyes meeting and burning together.

Misha trembled as Kamatari's fingers brushed against his forehead. He was frightened; overwhelmed by the sudden affection of the man he so deeply loved. I never expected…I didn't think he would…I…His mind was a jumble. He burst into fresh tears, clutching the blanket up to his chest.

"My darling…My dearest…Why are you crying?" Kamatari asked softly. He ached to take the boy in his arms, to kiss away all of his sadness. But he wasn't sure what exactly it was causing this sudden outburst and wanted to make sure it wasn't because of him.

My darling…My dearest…The words echoed through his mind and he sobbed harder, scrunching down into a little ball on the bed.

"Whatever I did, I'm sorry…" The older man reached one hand towards his friend, then drew it back. "I love you." He paused, his voice hesitant, "I never wanted to make you cry."

"It's…" The boy hiccupped, "It's not your fault. I was so surprised…I couldn't help it." He rubbed his eyes, a gorgeous smile on his face. "They were happy tears, Itoshii Hito."

A slow smile crossed Kamatari's face. He sat up, laughing, pulling Misha into his lap. "I was afraid you were angry with me. Your moods shift so much. But, my darling dearest one, that was only the beginning of things to come."

"Chaa…" He rested his head on the other's lap, "Are you certain?"

Kamatari leaned over him, brushing back a strand of the boy's loose hair. "I've never been more certain of anything in my life. Last night…while you were asleep I confessed everything. I wasn't brave enough to tell you how much I love you."

"You are very brave, Itoshii. Chaa; you are. To go on with your life after all the heartbreak you endured, that takes much courage. You have opened your soul to me and I am grateful." He reached up, pulling Kamatari down close to him. "Can I tell you a secret?"

"A secret?" Kamatari's velvety eyes held a questioning expression, "Hai. Of course you may."

"I'm terribly in love with you." Misha's voice was a whisper, "And I've been hoping and praying that you would love me back. I've been a dreadful, selfish person."

"You haven't kept that a secret very well, Darling." Kamatari's fingers ran through the boy's hair, a dazzling smile on his face, "I think the whole world can see how much you love me."

"Chaa; I'm horrid at keeping secrets." Misha giggled, "But I wasn't sure if you knew yet."

"How could I not know?" He asked, feigning astonishment. He was leaned over his young friend, holding him in his arms. "I know all of your thoughts and all of your dreams."

"Chaa…As I know yours. You're wishing to kiss me again."

"And you want me to as much as I wish to do it."

"What are we waiting for then, Itoshii?" Misha suddenly pulled Kamatari down on top of him, kissing him firmly. The kiss was eagerly returned, sweet and full of passion. The younger man grinned, not caring at all about the compromising position they were in. This was all he had wanted for the past two years.

"I love you more with every passing second." Kamatari admitted, "I love everything about you, my dearest one. I want to be with you forever." His lips roamed across Misha's forehead, kissing him softly.

"I think that can be arranged…" He tweaked Kamatari's hair, "I don't plan on going anywhere."

A wan smile crossed his face. "Good." His thumb ran across Misha's chin, his fingers running around his lips. He gently kissed the boy once more, then they lay snuggled up together on the bed. "Ai shiteru, Dearest."

"Chaa…" I couldn't be any more happy than this…