Hi, everyone!  Here's my latest chapter, thanks for reading.

dfourthhorseman:  Thanks for your review, I'm glad that you like the story.  Before I started writing, I was considering whether I should do both points of view or just one person's.  In the end, I decided I'd rather focus solely on Ayato because I was impressed by the fact that, despite Maya's efforts, Ayato refused to fully forget his love for Haruka.  Additionally, I think that this way exposes the reader more to Ayato's uncertainty and fears about Haruka's feelings.  However, there is the possibility that I could write a companion piece covering the same events from Haruka's point of view (after I finish this one).  That would depend on readers' opinions and my own time constraints.  Thanks very much for your input in this matter!

Also, I'll try my best to make my chapters longer.  I think that this one is longer than previous ones.  Hope you enjoy the remainder of the story!

Disclaimer: RahXephon and its characters are the property of their respectful owners, this piece is not for profitable purposes.

Chapter 6: Mamoru's Mischief

I grab my briefcase and my umbrella as I exit my house.  I quickly open my umbrella, and walk along trying to avoid the rain puddles already accumulating on the sidewalk. My thoughts wander to Mishima, specifically our "date."  I feel guilty about having gone along with Mamoru's deception, but Mishima seemed to be having a good time, so I guess there was nothing wrong with what I did, at least I think so…

"Hi, Kamina-kun!" Asahina greets me as I make my way to the train platform.  I wave and smile at her and Mamoru.  Under the shelter of the platform, I shut my umbrella and walk over to join them.  I notice they both seem in good moods, I'm guessing that meant Saturday's events went well for them, too.

We board the train and I look at the window as it moves along.  I found out on the first day of class that Mishima actually uses the same train, so, fortunately, I get to see her to and from school as well.  We arrive at her station, and I see her move quickly to our car.  She steps in and smiles.

"Good morning, Kamina-kun!"

"Oh, good morning, Mishima.  Did you have a nice Sunday?"

"Yep, how about you?"

"Mine was fine."  I had realized as I was walking to the train station that, as far as I knew, Mishima was not in any clubs.  So, I decided to mention that, and maybe encourage her to join my own…

 By the way, Mishima, were you planning on joining a club?"

"Hmm, I don't know…"
"What do you like to do?"

"Well, I do enjoy playing the piano."

"Really?"

"Do you, too, Kamina-kun?"

"Well, no, I'm just an artist."

She moves closer and taps my on the shoulder.
"Not JUST, you're great!"

I smile at her, happy that she enjoys my artwork. She smiles back at me, and this encourages me to bring up the topic.

"Mishima, if you're interested, you could join the club I'm in."

"The Art Club?"

"Actually, it's a combination club of art and music."
"Really?  Sounds interesting."

"Yeah, a lot of people wanted to join both groups, so they sort of combined them into one.  They have separate rooms, but people can choose which one they go to each day, and we do things together like going to museums or concerts."

"That sounds like a lot of fun, Kamina-kun, I think I will join!"

I notice Mamoru looking at us, and turn my head to face him.

"Hmm, are you two conspiring over there, heh, heh."

"Mamoru!  We were just discussing club activities."

"Is that so?  Mishima, I bet Ayato asked you to join his club!"

"Mamoru!" 

"Well, yes, but it sounds like a lot of fun."

Asahina, who had been listening to the voice mail on her cell phone, suddenly looks at the three of us.

"What sounds like fun?"

"Hiroko, we were just discussing the Art and Music Club."

"Is that so? Torigai and I are in the Tennis Club, we've both been playing since grade school."

"That sounds nice, Hiroko, I'm sure you're both very good."

"Well, we're still learning." 

"Speak for yourself, Hiroko!"

"Why, you!"

Ah, as usual, Mamoru and Asahina are fighting. 

"Mamoru, Asahina, that's enough.  Our stop is coming up soon."

"All right." They say in unison.

The train arrives and we get off and head towards school.

I'm dying of boredom, how much longer until lunch!  I stare aimlessly outside, smiling as I look at the flower garden.  I look back at Mishima and notice that's where she's been looking as well. 

Finally, lunch!  This time, I'm going to make sure she's with us.

"Mishima?"

"Yes?"

"Would you like to eat with us today?"
"Yeah, Haruka, it would be fun!"

"Yeah, Mishima."

"Sure, sounds fun."

After some bickering between Asahina and Mamoru, we decide to eat our lunch out on the rooftop.  The two of them are walking in front of us, and Mishima and I are trailing.  Her attention seems to be all over the place as she looks out the windows, at the floor, and at Asahina and Mamoru, everywhere, that is, but at me.  Looks like I'm responsible for making the first move.

"Uh, Mishima?"

Startled, she looks at me momentarily, but then quickly looks at the floor again.

"Uh, yes, Kamina-kun?"

"How's your family doing?"

"Fine."  Her answer seemed rather curt, I wonder if she's angry with me, though this doesn't seem to be the time or place to ask.

"Is that so…"  The silence returns between us, making me uneasy.  We finally reach the rooftop and walk out and lean up against the fence.

"So, Ayato, aren't you going to thank me now?"

Oh, great, why did he have to bring that up?

"What are you talking about, Torigai?"

"Oh, nothing, heh, heh."

"I knew it, I knew it!  You had it all planned, Torigai, the separation thing at the theater!  Kamina-kun, I can't believe you went along with it, I expect better from you!"

Asahina looks at me with a hurt expression and the guilt I was experiencing earlier comes back threefold.

"Ah, Asahina, you don't understand, I…"

"Hmpf!"

Oh, no, what is Mishima going to think?

"Kamina-kun?"

Uh, oh.

"Uh, yes, Mishima?"

"Is that true?"

"It was Mamoru's idea, honest!  He said he wanted to sit alone with Asahina, and…"

"I see, I understand."

"But, there's more, Mishima, I…"  But, what can I say?  I don't think I can tell her the truth, what if she doesn't feel the same way, she might get angry or, or, well, I don't know. 

"Kamina-kun, don't worry about it, really."

I'm such a fool, I can't overcome my fear of rejection…

Upset, I eat my lunch silently, and I notice that Mishima seems to be doing the same.

"Kamina-kun?"

"Uh, oh, yes, Asahina?" She's looking at me with a worried expression, and strangely, Mamoru is giving me an annoyed one.

"Is something wrong, you've been really quiet, and I'm, I'm worried." 

Mamoru seems really angry now.

"Hiroko, Ayato's always quiet, what are you talking about!  He's fine! As I was saying…"

"Are you really all right, Kamina-kun?" 

Mamoru now seems to be furious, this doesn't look good.

"No, no, Asahina, I'm fine, really. I'm just thinking about the math test that's coming up, and, and I'm reviewing the formulas in my head. Please, finish your lunch, don't worry!"

I hurriedly look up and give her a goofy grin, and some of her worry seems to have dissipated, but not completely.

"See, Hiroko, just like I said, Ayato's fine." 

I look at Mishima for a moment to see her reaction, but she is eating her food quietly and without any expression on her face.  I sense that Asahina is watching us, so I look back at her and smile. Her face seems more worried than before, but she turns around anyway and resumes her conversation with Mamoru.

Mishima and I spend the rest of the time eating silently. The lunch break ends, and we return just as quietly.

"Mishima?"

"Yes, Kamina-kun?"

"There's club today, that is, if you're interested…"

She looks down at her desk, but then looks up again, with what appears to be a forced smile.

"Sure, I think it will be fun."
"Yeah…"

Next Chapter

The Art and Music Club