Hello! Here's the second and final chapter in my new "Lost Melody" arc, thanks for reading!

Disclaimer: RahXephon and its characters are the property of their respective owners. This piece is not for profitable purposes.

Chapter 40: Winter – Part II

"The first thing you should try is to straighten, Kamina-kun."

"All right," I answer before lifting myself so that I am more steady.

She then lets go of both of my hands and quickly moves so that she is on my left side. Her right hand takes hold of my left and she smiles at me, which I return.

"When you're skating, you need to shift your weight from one leg to the other when you're moving."

I nod my head yes in understanding.

"Here, I'll show you the kind of motion you should be making to propel yourself."

She demonstrates the movements and then looks to me.

Having watched carefully, I try my best to mimic her movements.

"That's great!"

I blush again and say, "Thanks, Mishima."

"Here, let's try moving forward, ok?"

"Sure."

We move slowly, and I find myself gripping her hand tighter for support as I wobble.

"Sorry about…" I begin, before losing my balance.

So as not to bring her down with me, I quickly let go of her hand as I fall to the ground.

She stops and bends down, appearing concerned.

In an anxious tone, she says, "Are you all right?"

"Yeah, I think I'm fine, it wasn't too bad."

Her anxiety fades and she reaches out her hands towards me.

I take hold of them, and she helps me stand.

After clasping our hands together, we start off once more.

It takes time – and a couple more falls – but I find myself grasping the method, much to Mishima's delight.

We continue like this for a while, but, curious, I say to Mishima, "How long have you known how to skate, Mishima?"

"Hmm, my parents first took me when I was about 4. I was scared at first that I might fall through the ice. But, then I saw my parents, and I realized I wanted to try. I haven't skated too much, but I try to go a few times each year before the winter ends."

"I see. Can you do any of the tricks?"

She laughs quietly, and says, "No, I'm not good. The only things I can do are skate backwards and figure eights."

"I'd like to see that, if you don't mind of course."

She appears embarrassed, but says, "Sure, I can."

She carefully removes her hand from mine and I watch as she sets off, and I am awestruck as I watch her graceful movements.

She comes back soon, her face flushed.

"That was amazing, Mishima."

She looks surprised, and says, "Reallly, Kamina-kun?"

I shake my head yes and smile.

"I – I'm glad you think so."

We hold hands again, and skate for a while longer.

I notice Mishima seeming to be tired, and I'm pretty exhausted myself, so I say to her, "Would you like to keep going, Mishima?"

She thinks for a moment before responding, "I'm actually a little tired. Stopping would be fine with me, how about you Kamina-kun?"

"Yeah, I think so, too."

We step off the ice and return to the bench to place our shoes back on. After we return the skates, we walk hand in hand through the park. She surprises me at one point when she stops. I look, and only see a small snow covered hill.

"Mishima?" I say, concerned.

She is silent at first, but then looks to me blushing, confusing me.

"It's really silly of me, but – would you like to make snow angels, Kamina-kun?"

Now comprehending her behavior, I smile and say, "Sure, Mishima."

We turn around, and, on the count of three, fall backwards into the snow.

Mishima giggles as she makes her angel, and I look to her, glad to see her so happy. We finish and stand. Mishima leans her head on my shoulder and takes hold of my arm again.

She lifts her head slightly and says, "I like that, how our angels are next to each other, like how I always want to be by your side."

She pulls away slightly and I take her in my arms and slowly stroke her hair.

"It's what I want most, too, Mishima," I say before separating and kissing her.

We stand silently for a few moments before Mishima hugs me once more and grasps my hand.

I look ahead, and see a snack stand.

I say to Mishima, "Would you like some hot chocolate, Mishima?"

She shakes her head yes vigorously and says, "Sure, Kamina-kun!"

We quicken our steps until we are standing before the person at the booth. I order, but Mishima insists on paying. We take the hot chocolates and sit on another bench.

"Ah, so warm," Mishima says.

I nod my head in agreement before taking a sip.

She drinks and says, "Delicious, don't you think, Kamina-kun?"

"Definitely," I answer.

My right hand is resting on the seat of the bench, and Mishima covers it with her left, which feels nice. We silently drink together, and I enjoy the calm and peaceful silence.

We finish, and noting the time, I walk Mishima home, waving to her as she enters her home. On my way back home, the snow begins to fall once more, and I smile.