CHAPTER 10: About Bloody Time!

Himeno propped her head on her hand, staring out the window to the little cafe they were sitting in. Jeez, how long could he talk about himself? Four hours and not ONE THING about any subject other than him. He even told her about the night time routine for keeping his hair untangled! It was soooo boring. On and on and on...Now she knew why Kei found him so annoying!

"And that is the reason I do not drink skim milk any longer," he said, finishing yet another boring, pointless anecdote. He glanced at her still unsipper hot chocolate. "Your drink is not to your approval?"

"No, it's not that..." It was more the fact she could see Suki Hana from here, which brought back memories of a MUCH more pleasant date.

"Now I see. It is not that you are with Hayate, but that you wish to be. And you are unsure of how he feels, oui?"

"Huh?" Himeno sat up, blinking herself out of her little daydream.

"You wish for Hayate to be your...sweetheart?" Feryn asked, a little knowing smile on his face.

"Oh, um, I guess...I don't really know."

He nodded sagely. "It is more than that. You love him. I am sorry then, that I pressed this evening on you."

Himeno smiled, laying her head on her arms. "That's okay. He probably doesn't care that much about me anyway. Otherwise he would have said something by now, right?"

"Non, completely wrong!"

She sat up. "Why?"

Feryn shrugged. "Men are odd, ma cherie. We do not express ourselves as readily as a female."

That was dumb! But still..."You're sure about that?"

Rolling his eyes, he indicated himself with a flick of his fingers. "Which of us is the man again? I would know better than you how we operate, non? And Hayate is one of the more complex when it comes to admitting his feelings."

"So, you guys know each other pretty well?"

Feryn sipped his cappuccino delicately, flicking his hair back. "Oui, we were raised together."

That wasn't something she would have expected. Hayate seemed to hate Feryn. "You knew him when he was younger?"

"Oui. Ma pere killed his. When we were ten."

Himeno's jaw dropped in shock. She'd learned enough French to know what he'd said. "Your dad killed his?"

Feryn nodded and sat back, crossing his leg over the opposite knee. "In a duel. It was not meant to be a la morte, but unfortunately, as with many duels, accidents happen. Ma pere struck his with too much leafe and, BOOM, Hayate's pere was dead."

"That's...that's terrible! No wonder he doesn't like you."

The Knight of Storms shrugged. "It was a mistake, no matter what he claims. The Summer Prince declared it so."

"The Summer Prince?"

"Ah, I forget, you have never been to the High Court! It is ruled by one person, elected by all the team capitaines. At the time of the accident, it was ruled by the Summer Prince."

"Oh. What about his mom?"

Feryn sighed. "His mere disappeared. No one knows where she vanished to. She was a human woman, brought into our world."

"So...she just left and didn't come back? Didn't his dad try to find her?"

"But of course! He searched for her until he died."

Himeno lay her head on her arms again. No wonder he was so serious all the time. His mom up and leaves and then his dad gets killed/murdered in a duel. Her heart ached for him.

"It is now eleven thirty, and I must wash my hair before bed," Feryn said, finishing off his cappuccino and standing up.

"Yeah, great," Himeno said, jumping to her feet. FINALLY OVER!

"Himeno?" Yayoi came over, her newest book hugged to her chest. "I thought that was you! Who is your friend?"

"Hi, Yayoi! This is Feryn," she said brightly. Great, a distraction!

"Hi, Feryn," Yayoi said shyly. She couldn't seem to unglue her eyes from the gorgeous knight.

Feryn took her hand and kissed it, giving her a flirty smile. "Enchante."

"O-oh! You're French? That's just like the hero in this new book I'm reading called-,"

Feryn gasped and grabbed her book from her. "Mon Dieu, c'est impossible! Is this the new book in the Hearts Afire series?"

Yayoi's eyes lit up. "Yes! Do you know it?"

"And with a gentle brush of fingers against the skin of her neck, she became his in a way unlike any before them," he answered in a rich, dreamy voice.

"That's from the second chapter, fourth paragraph of the second book! You memorized it?" Yayoi's eyes were all starry and wide.

"How could I not? The words...que belle! They spoke to my heart."

"Funny, they spoke more to my stomach," Himeno joked, her laughter trailing off when she realized they were ignoring her.

"Mine, too," Yayoi breathed, taking the seat Himeno had vacated. She and Feryn were staring at each other as if the entire world revolved around them.

"A woman who appreciates the finer art of romance? Tres bien! What is your favorite?"

"There's too many to pick from! I especially love Star's Apart," Yayoi said excitedly.

Feryn clutched his chest dramatically. "Another that is beautiful! You have exquisite taste."

"Um, Feryn, are you ready to go?" Himeno cut in. This could go on for hours more!

"Go ahead. Mademoiselle Yayoi and I are discussing books," he waved her away absently.

Himeno waited for a couple more seconds as they dove in to their romance novels. She looked around Garden Square where Feryn had taken her (she thought briefly about the air hockey with Hayate and smiled) before heading to the fountain in the middle of the square. She couldn't go back without Feryn! It would be too embarassing, and Hayate would think she was more pathetic than ever.

Sighing, she sat on the fountain edge and ran her fingers through the cold water. Hayate...she wished he was here. Such a sad past. She closed her eyes, huggin herself. She wanted to hug HIM! Opening her eyes, she stared into the water. And saw Hayate standing over her shoulder.

"Himeno?"

"YAHHHH!" She jumped and almost fell backward into the pool.

Hayate lunged forward and grabbed her wrist, catching her before she went in. "Relax, it's just me!"

"Yeah, and what are you doing here?" she demanded, jumping to her feet. She was standing on the rim of the fountain, which made her a couple inches taller than him.

"I...I was just taking a walk," he answered haughtily, shoving his hands in his coat pocket. "I saw you sitting here and wanted to say hi. Where's your date?" The last was loaded with sarcasm.

Ooo, was that jealousy peeking through? She shrugged, trying to keep from smiling. "He ditched me."

"That's nice- he did WHAT!"

"Yep. For Yayoi."

"For...you're joking with me."

"Uh-uh," she answered, shaking her head. God, he was shocked! "Apparently he likes a good romance novel, too."

Hayate's eyes widened and a slow smile came to his lips. "He does, does he? Feryn likes reading about other people's quivering hearts and wild passionate affairs?"

Himeno laughed at his slight mockery. "Something like that. Anyway, they're off bonding somewhere."

"I see. Do you...do you want to get some coffee? With me?"

"I just came from the cafe. That's where they're getting all mushy."

"Oh."

Himeno bit her lower lip, suddenly very nervous. Taking a deep breath and holding it, she said, "You know, they've only got the ferris wheel for another week. Wanna go?"

Hayate smiled and nodded. "Okay."

The fountain was in the shape of a long narrow rectangle that almost ran the entire length of the square, the ferris wheel (it wasn't very big) rising at one end and the open air theater at the other. Himeno walked on the edge of the pool, arms to either side for balance and Hayate was a step just behind her. "Feryn was telling me a bit about the High Court," she said, right arm waving a little to keep herself out of the cold water.

"Oh?" he asked, hand on her waist to steady her. He was always there for her, she realized, as that touch made her think of all the times in combat he'd been there. It was nice, knowing she could count on him.

"Yeah. He told me you guys elect a ruler?"

"We elect a ruler out of the possible candidates and they rule until they step down or two-thirds of the leaders vote them out."

"Wow, I never knew it was so complex!"

"It's not really. Watch your footing. It's a little wet there."

"Oh, thanks. Okay, so who's ruling now?"

"The Topaz Prince."

"Prince?"

He quickly grabbed her left hand when she was ready to fall in again. "Yes, prince. The only way he can become king is if he marries the..."

Himeno glanced back over her shoulder when he didn't answer. "The, what?"

"Nothing. Why the sudden interest?"

"I'm just trying to understand it. I don't know anything about Leafenia other than you guys have to go back there at least once a week to rejuvenate. So, does this Topaz Prince have a name?"

"Kataru."

"How did he become the Topaz Prince?"

"Water ahead. Kataru took that as his name. He controls the earth, and topaz is a natural earth crystal."

Himeno didn't fully understand, but she didn't press the issue. "Will you ever be nominated?"

"No," he scoffed.

She stopped and turned to look at him. His hand still held hers. "Why not?"

He glanced away at his shoes. "I have my reasons."

Himeno nodded. She pushed a few pieces of hair out of his eyes, smiling a little when they closed and he looked a little confused.

"Himeno..."

She jumped down at the end of the pool and laughed at his surprised face. "Come on, let's get in line already!"

They waited for about fifteen minutes, both of them watching as the ferris wheel circled around and came back down. There was a mother trying to force her two boys on, but they were screaming and holding up the line. Himeno glanced quickly over at Hayate when his hand found hers. She smiled up at him. He really was very nice...when he wanted to be. "So, how's Kei?" She kicked herself mentally for bringing that topic up. Yeah, THAT was one way to set the mood.

Hayate let out a long breath and said, "He's doing fine. Or, rather, as fine as can be expected. He still can't see"

"Oh. Well, he DID douse the place with light. Maybe his body just needs another day to heal up."

"I hope so."

She turned to look at him again. "Are you scared?"

"Of what, the ferris wheel?"

"No, of...of THIS."

"Oh." He didn't elaborate further.

Hugging his arm, she said, "You know, it's okay to be afraid. Just don't let it take over who you are. I was afraid before, when Takako was evil, but now I'm not. I learned that fear's normal, that everyone feels it for some reason or other. It just helps make us stronger."

He was smiling at her, but it wasn't a happy one. "When did you get so smart?"

"Are you implying I'm dumb?"

"I never implied anything."

Himeno scowled and let his arm go, crossing hers over her chest. " I WAS gonna offer to buy your ticket, but now I think I'll just let you get your own."

"Fine."

"Fine!"

They were up to buy their tickets. Himeno reached back for her wallet...only to realize Hayate had already bought her ticket for her. "Hey, I never said you could buy my ticket!"

"You're complaining that I did?" he fired back, handing it to her.

She yanked it from his hand and climbed up the platform after him. A basket came down and they took it, the guy working the platform area locking the bar in place across their laps. She actually hated the ferris wheel. It wasn't the height, it was the fact that she kept thinking the baskets would tip over and fall out. The wheel began to turn, lifting them up higher over Garden Square. She swallowed heavily and forced herself to relax. Why did she have to suggest this?

"Are you not speaking to me?" he asked.

"I never said that," she snapped.

"Okay, okay!"

Silence descended between them. She hated the stupid wind kicked up from the ferris wheel for blowing little pieces of his hair in her direction. It was distracting! After a bit, she turned to him and said, "Besides, if I wasn't speaking to you, I wouldn't have gotten on the stupid ferris wheel with you!"

Was he laughing at her. "Fair enough. But you're mad."

"Am not!"

"Are, too!"

"Who the hell are you to tell me how I feel?"

Now he was laughing at her. And try as she might, she couldn't keep the smile off her face. Or the giggle leaking out. And then, humiliation to end all humiliations, she snorted.

Hayate cracked up, and she realized it was the very first time she'd EVER heard him laugh like that. She had made him that happy. Still smiling, she snuggled in to him when he put his arm around her shoulders. This felt so...right. Them like this, together. With him, she could forget all the awful stuff happening and pretend for a minute it was just the two of them.

"So, wanna play a game?" she asked.

"What game?"

"Well, see, I don't know much about you still." Other than what Feryn had told her, which she WOULD NOT bring up! "So, I'll ask a question first and then you can go."

"How come you get to go first?" he demanded.

"Because it's my game and I said so!"

Making a frustrated sound, he said, "Fine, go ahead."

"Okay. Favorite color?"

"Blue. Yours?"

"Yellow. Favorite food?"

"Lo Mein. Favorite music?"

She tilted her head back to give him a puzzled look. "You don't wanna know my favorite food?"

"I've seen you eat, Himeno. Anything edible is your favorite food. OUCH!"

She was very glad she had bony elbows. "Jerk! That's not true!"

"Fine," he snapped. "What IS your favorite food?"

Great...now she picked the time to draw a blank! "Um..."

"See, you don't know, do you? Or you can't pick from them all!"

"No, no, shut up!" She elbowed him again, but not as hard.

He tried to move away, which then sent their basket rocking.

"Oh, crap, oh, crap! This is why I hate ferris wheels!"

"It was YOUR idea," Hayate exclaimed, sitting very still to keep it from rocking again.

"Well, I didn't actually think you'd want to go on this thing with me," she shouted back.

He was silent for a little bit. Then, very softly, he said, "You didn't?"

"No! Why would you?"

He didn't answer that. His silence spoke volumes to her. She had been wrong the entire time. He didn't like (love) her. He was just trying to be nice.

Himeno sighed, sitting away from him.

"What's wrong?" he asked, and he almost sounded hurt.

"Nothing, just...nothing."

"Himeno, I-,"

"Just don't, Hayate."

Hayate didn't say another word. He couldn't because, all of a sudden he turned her to face him and...

And kissed her. As in, actually KISSED her! It took her a second to register. His mouth. Pressed to hers. HE WAS FRIGGIN KISSING HER! Himeno pushed him back, shocked. Wow...that was better than she'd thought it would be. Not that she thought it would be a bad thing to kiss him, but...WOW!

He took her pushing him back the wrong way. She knew the instant she felt his body go tight and he pulled his arm away from her shoulders, jaw clenched so hard she swore she heard it cracking. "Sorry, I thought that...sorry," he practically bit out.

Himeno turned herself just enough so that she could grab his face and hold him still and kiss him again. It got better and better, she thought to herself. It was like a zing that shot right down her spine and made her shiver. It took him a second before he relaxed, but when he did, arms around her, it was amazing!

Hayate drew back this time, but only a little, fingers brushing her cheek gently, eyes dropping lower to stare at her lips. "You have no idea how long I've been waiting for this," he said softly.

"Really? Then why didn't you kiss me earlier?" she asked. She could barely breath right now, her heart not even bothering to speed up, jus turn into a constant pulse.

"There's always been some distraction, some reason why we can't. And I wasn't sure how you would react."

She laughed. "That's stupid! I'm glad you finally did do it, though."

He smiled, hand cupping her cheek as he brushed his lips across hers again. There was nothing at all shy about this kiss. Himeno moved her shoulder a bit so that she fit into the curve of his arm, hand on his chest. She could feel his heart pounding as hard as hers. It dawned on her then that she finally had the answer to her question; Hayate at least really liked her. That thought made her smile against his mouth and sit back again.

"What?" he asked, a tiny smile tugging at his cheeks.

"Do you like me, Hayate?"

He blinked and then shoved her. "What kind of stupid question is that? I wouldn't kiss someone I didn't like, Tulip-head!"

Himeno glared and shoved him back. "Stop calling me that! And how was I supposed to know? You could just be trying to get in my pants!"

"WHAT?"

"Well, you could be!"

"Now who's the pervert?"

"Are you seriously calling me-mmph!" Hayate shut her up with another kiss. He kissed her until all angry words left and she was pretty much blind to anything around her except for him. His hair was incredibly soft, softer than she would have thought. She couldn't seem to keep her hands out of it.

He drew back, a wicked little smile on his face. "I finally found a way to keep you quiet. Wish I'd thought of it earlier."

"YOU JERK!" This time when she shoved him, he caught her and pulled her in against him. The basket swung out again and Himeno moaned shakily. "I really hate this!"

"It's over now, chicken."

"You're really asking for it now! When this thing stops, start running!"

He laughed and said, "I already beat you once in a race. I can do it again!"

"You cheated, just like with the air hockey," she exploded.

Hayate shrugged. "What you call cheating, I call using my natural talents."

"NATURAL TALENTS! IS THAT WHAT YOU CALL IT!"

"Hey, get off or pay to go on again," the attendant said gruffly.

Without realizing it, they had been stopped for a while and were sitting there arguing. The people above them were glaring angrily. They quickly got off and walked off through the garden area. Hayate caught her hand again and just like that, the argument was over. Neither of them said a word, simply walked together in peace.

The sky was just beginning to turn pink when they went back to the safe house. Before going in, Hayate stopped her, fingertips brushing her cheek. "Himeno, there was still one more thing I wanted to do," he said.

More? There was more? This was better than her birthday and Christmas combined! "Okay," she said around the lump in her throat.

"Himeno, I-,"

He didn't finish his sentence because they were interupted by the door opening.

Himeno gaped, jaw dropped. "Yayoi?"

Yayoi looked up, eyes wide when she realized she'd almost walked right into them. And was she BLUSHING! Her glasses were a little askew and her hair mussed up. So were her clothes for that matter. Oh, no..."H-Himeno! I didn't know...I have to go!" She ran down the walkway and disappeared around the hedges in the yard.

Both Himeno and Hayate stared after her for the longest time. Finally, Hayate said, "You weren't kidding about them bonding, were you?"

"Uh-uh."

"Oh."

"Yeah."

AUTHOR'S NOTE: What, you thought I'd leave this for the very end? HA! Only one more chapter after this and an epiloque, my pretties! And then...Bob (my writing muse who has pretty much chained me to my computer to get these chapters out fast enough) wants me to start the sequel...and here's a little hint: You get to see a LOT more of Leafenia (or, rather, MY version of it) and a surprising new enemy...stay tuned!

I'm really tired now, and my Saiyuki following is beginning to suffer from all this lovey-doviness that is Pretear. The last 2 fics I put out for that were sooo warm and fuzzy...not that it's a bad thing, but Bob REALLY needs to go back into dark mode soon or I'm gonna alienate a few people. Okay, expect the very last official chapter by tomorrow, and the epilogue tomorrow evening OR the following day! And again, thank you so much for all the reviews and emails and all other forms of communications. As well as thank you for reading even if you didn't do any of the following. I just checked my stats...over 300 people have read this! WOW! Thank you, that's a wonderful honor!