8: Our own little world

Of all the places she had dreamed of kissing Haru Glory, Rave Master, hero of the world and major beefcake, a small broom closet in the back of Musica's airship was hardly on the top of her list, next to a sun-kissed beach or under a starry sky.

She had just wandered down to the ship's engine room to find Hebi, when suddenly, Haru had grabbed her arm, and pulled her into the conveniently available closet, and shut the door, casting them in near pitch darkness.

She had tried to shout at him, but the second she had opened her lips, he had darted in and pressed his to hers. She had lost focus, her body tingling with sensation, suddenly feeling warmed all over from her kiss. For a while, she wished it would never end.

But she needed to breath, and she still wanted to know what the hell he was doing.

She gently pushed him back, but realized just how cramped the closet was. There was barely any room to move, their legs intertwined with each other as they leaned against the walls, facing each other. Their chests had just an inch of space between them. Despite the darkness, it was easy to see Haru in front of her. Those blue eyes and that silver hair could never be hidden so easily.

He didn't answer her question, "what are we doing in here?" at first. He was just staring at her, a happy little smile on his face, from what she could make out in the gloom. He looked content, something she hadn't really seen him be since the whole incident against the Blue Guardians.

Again, she asked. "Haru, what are we doing in here?"

He smiled. "I just wanted some time alone with you.

She blinked. "In a closet."

"Yes."

"A tiny closet with no room to move."

"Seemed a good place."

"A good place? I can hardly see you!"

"But it's quiet." He took her hand and held it, his thumb gently stroking her knuckles. "We can have some peace without the others disturbing us."

Now that he mentioned it, it was quiet. The usual roar of the ships engines was now reduced to a low whine. The only loud noise she could hear was their breathing.

"It's quiet, sure, but it's not very… practical." She bumped her elbow against the wall.

"I dunno, I think it's pretty…intimate." Haru replied.

That was for sure. The cramped space meant they were very close to each other. It would be no effort for him to move closer, and press his body against hers… touch his toned flesh to her skin..

"What if the others come looking for us?" She asked, suddenly afraid Haru had less than innocent intentions for dragging her in her.

"I doubt they'll look in here. I hope they're not looking anyway. We need a bit of peace from that lot."

"We?" Certainly, she agreed their friends were a noisy bunch, but when did Haru decide they needed some time alone from them? "What do you mean, we?"

"I know how stressed you've been, trying to reform Rave."

Stressed was one word. Tired, frustrated, and reduced to tears were other words to describe that how, even after remember how to use her magic, she still couldn't unite the five Rave pieces into one. She couldn't stand not being able to aid the man how really needed her help.

"You've been trying for three days now Elie. You need a break."

"I need to get those stupid stones united."

"I know, but you won't do it by exhausting yourself."

She frowned at him. "What are you, stupid? Without the full Rave, you won't be able to stop Lucia."

"Lucia can wait. The world can wait."

From the darkness, his arms snaked forward, reaching behind her and folding behind her back. One gentle pull later, and she was pressed into his chest. For a second, she was unsure what to do, wondering what he was thinking of doing. But then that old feeling, of comfort and solidarity came back, the one she always felt whenever she was close to him like this. Before, it had been hugs of comfort, to let her know she was not alone. This time… it seemed he was just trying to make her feel comfortable.

"Don't worry about it." He spoke in a soothing voice, so quiet she could barely hear him. Just forget about everything.. just for today."

"Haru…" Her voice had also gone strangely quiet. As if she was afraid that if she was louder, the quiet of the closet would be shattered, and the door would burst open and the rest of the gang would be peering in.

"This is silly. You don't need to trap me in a closet to make me relax."

"I need to relax too." He sighed, one hand crept up her back to stroke the skin left bare by her tank-top, and then to brush his fingers through her hair. "But I can't, knowing you're all stressed out."

"That's my problem. You don't need to worry about it."

Sometimes your problems are my problems. Sometimes my problems become your problems. Either way…" His eyes pierced the darkness, focusing on her features. "… it hurts me to think something is bothering us."

She loved and hated this feeling in equal measure. It felt wonderful, glorious even, to have someone who cared for her as much as he did. There was never a day she didn't feel loved by him. But she was terribly aware, of how dependant he was of her, and with the threat of Lucia looming, knew he would never cope if she were to die. Times like this, she wished she could just push him away, so he would be safe.

But she never could. She needed him as much as he needed her. It was their curse and their blessing.

"You're worrying again." He spoke. She blinked, unsure how he could tell when the side of her face was now pressed against his chest.

"Now I'm not."

"You are."

"How do you know then, Mr smartarse?" She fumed.

"Your forehead gets little wrinkles, and your eyes don't light up as much."

Her hand felt her forehead. "I do not get wrinkles!"

But lumps on her head or not, he had figured out her thoughts. He was always so in tune with her. She looked up at him, reading those calm blue eyes of his. They watched her with equal measures of concern and adoration, as if he felt extremely lucky to be in here with her, yet afraid she would leave this cosy spot they were in.

Yes, this cramped closet, where no sound could be heard and she was pressed against her Haru… it was definitely very cosy.

"You're right." She spoke softly.

"About the wrinkles?"

She reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck, stood on her toes, and kissed him.

"I should stop stressing… at least, while I'm in here."

"When do you want to leave?"

She winked. "Whenever you like. Take your time."

Taking the hint, he dipped his head down, caressing her neck with his lips. She moaned in bliss.

She understood why he had pulled her in here. It was a small space, with only the room for the two of them. They could make no room for all their troubles and trials waiting outside. In here, in this dark, safe space, all they could focus on was each other.

They would have to come out eventually. She would have to try and reform the Raves again, he would train with his sword again, they would all be getting ready for the final battle soon to come.

But for now, it was just them, body to body, touch to touch. Safe in this little world they had found.

She promised, there and then, when it was all over, they'd come here again. Either in a closet, or somewhere a lot more comfortable.

Whereever it was, she smirked, they would need a bed.