CHAPTER 7: To Break Up or Not To Break Up

Everyone noticed that something was wrong. Even Pasha gave them odd looks as she and Himeno would hang out together a lot more now. Neither Hayate or Himeno would look at each other if they happened to pass in the halls and tried very hard not to have to speak to the other. Kei, too, was getting the cold shoulder, but if she saw him she at least acknowledged he was there. The only people who seemed happy with this arrangement were Erelah and the Topaz Prince. Erelah was openly joyous about it, and even more ecstatic when Himeno actually talked to him civily about sharing a training session with their two groups. Hayate, as captain, vetoed that idea quickly. And then disappeared for the rest of the day when Himeno went to watch the European team practice.

The rest of the knights were treated just fine. Himeno wasn't mad at them. She still laughed at Blaise's jokes, gave Shin hugs and kisses (these doubled if Hayate happened to be around) and played with Mannen and Hajime as if nothing had happened. Feryn she was nice to as well, but he was unusually quiet and less flirty with her. It seemed he was very upset by the fractioning of their team.

Sete, Blaise, Feryn, Kei and Hayate were all sitting in Hayate's room. Himeno had Hoti and Jikan guarding her, so they could have a little time to theirselves. Which Blaise decided to use to call an emergency meeting. The younger knights and Himeno had picked just that time (Coincidence?) to play loudly under Hayate's window. He'd slammed them close, shaking the glass panes threateningly and taken his seat again, looking worse than hell.

"Make this fast, I'm busy," he bit out sharply.

"Yeah, busy skulkin' like that Gollum fella in Lord of The Rings," Blaise muttered.

"Say it louder if you're going to say it at all!"

Blaise decided that wouldn't be very good for his health and moved on. "Right-o. Look, it's been a week since the last attack. We've all been tailing our suspects with no results, though I think we can knock Jikan off. He's under the Prince's orders to keep her alive."

"What are you talking about?" Hayate asked dully.

"When Himeno was hurt and you went mental for a few days, we decided to take a little action, draw up a list of suspects and tail them around secretly."

"And you did all this without my go ahead or telling me?" He was getting very close to being furious.

Blaise rolled his eyes. "Mate, you were more useless than fake dog shit! We could have told you some crazed alien overlord was comin' to suck yer brains out through a straw and you would have sat there brooding like you are now!"

Hayate's frown deepened. "I'm not brooding," he muttered.

"Whatever. The point is, we're still trying to keep Himeno alive, right? So, we're back to square one. How the bloody hell do you catch someone when you don't know what he looks like?"

"Maybe we're thinking too narrow on this," Sete said into the silence that followed. "Maybe it's not a knight. It could be another Pretear AND a knight. Tasia, for instance, wouldn't take too kindly to Himeno being the White Pretear. Or Alaya who would do it because she was ordered to by Erelah."

"That is a valid point," Feryn conceded. "I can tackle that angle. I can be very pursuasive with the ladies."

"Finally, a task worthy of you," Sete joked. Blaise and Kei (surprisingly) smiled at it.

"Now, I'm not trying to pry here," Blaise began carefully. "But we do need some answers from you guys though. Firstly, what happened to the Knight of Sound?"

Hayate and Kei looked at each other for a long time. Hayate made a sound of disgust and looked away. "A while back, you heard about how our leafe was out of control?" Kei began, taking the reins from Hayate. When Blaise nodded, he continued. "Well, it was because it had nothing to do, nothing to fight. So, we had to have a source of evil for it to focus on or we were all dead. And we just happened to have two Pretears at the time, one of whom used to be the Princess of Disaster."

Sete guessed where the story was going and groaned, shaking her head.

"Takako and Sasame were planning a secret wedding. Sasame was reluctant at first to go along with the plan until Goh's death. Then, he was given the task of turning Takako back. I was supposed to be one of the knights at the Tree of Fenril in case Himeno couldn't become the White Pretear again and seal it like we'd thought. Hayate was the other. We were prepared to give ourselves to this cause, so don't think we did all the scheming and then sat back to wait. But, my leafe turned on me and I was blinded, thus made useless. We didn't have time to formulate a new plan for sealing Takako before the wedding day so we went with it. Sasame ditched her at the alter, lured her to the Tree of Fenril and gave his life to sealing her. Hayate and Himeno were in Leafenia that night. Hayate's job was to keep her distracted until Takako was the Princess of Disaster again."

Blaise covered his eyes. "Bloody hell! Lemme guess, make out with her so she doesn't notice? No wonder she wants your balls on a plate!"

"That was really attractive, Blaise," Sete commented dryly.

"It's the bloody truth, woman! You even so much as breath his name, Himeno goes all scary-mad on your ass! Took out Tasia the other day for some snide comment."

Hayate looked up at that. "Is she okay?"

Blaise shrugged, giving him an odd look. "Tasia's fine. Had the nastiest split lip I've ever seen though!"

"Not Tasia. Himeno."

"Oh. Oh!" Blaise started laughing. "I was gonna say, you replaced Himeno with that crazed bitch? No, Himeno was fine. Pulled her off before Tasia could even take a swing. Otoshi wasn't there to challenge us, thank God." Hayate looked momentarily relieved.

"Anyway," Kei continued, glaring at everyone until they were silent. "Himeno became the White Pretear and we were all saved. The reason we didn't tell her is because we all knew she would be very upset over the inevitable. Some things can't be helped, like Takako being our nemesis. Himeno is still naive enough to think that a bandaid can fix every little pain."

"You are wrong about that," Feryn said sharply. His blue eyes were getting a very set, angry gleam to them. "Himeno is not as naive as you think, and it is a shame that you do not see this. She is a very strong woman who does not need to be babied along as you have done. You should have told her the truth. She would have been upset at losing two friends, not over the inevitable. As a gentleman, I should challenge you both to a duel for harming such a sweet person!"

Everyone stared at him like he'd suddenly burped flames. It was Blaise who shook his head, blinking. "Must need a drink, the Frenchman's makin' sense," he muttered.

"He's right," Hayate said softly.

"Now I REALLY need a drink," Blaise exclaimed.

Hayate was staring at the table top, but some of the dark brooding had left his face. "We should have trusted her to do what was necessary. We didn't. We let her down. Sasame knew this, that's why he wrote the note to her. We lied to her, Kei."

Kei didn't answer that, but everyone could tell he was now almost as upset as Hayate. Sete rubbed his arm gently, a concerned look on her face. "It's not that bad, you guys," she said. "As a woman, I can tell you there is one very easy way out of this. Admit you were wrong and apologize. Grovel even. That's all she's looking for, I can pretty much guarantee it. And then never, NEVER keep her out of the loop again. What you two did is something Erelah would do. You used her as a weapon, a tool. And that is why she's mad. I'm sure she knows you thought you were protecting her, but as Feryn said, she can take care of herself, and when she can't she turns to you guys. Just make sure you do it quickly. There's a rumor going around that the Topaz Prince is going to ask her to remain at court. And in her current mood, she just might agree to it."

Kei nodded absently. "You're right, Sete. I'll do it today."

The Knight of Healing nodded, smiling. "Good, because I'd hate to have to rack you in front of everyone," she teased.

"You're just trying to get in my pants."

For some reason, her cheeks flamed up and there was no caustic remark sent back.

Feryn and Blaise looked at each other with raised brows. Could it really be true? The Knight of Healing and the Knight of Light?

Kei sighed and stood up. "Blaise, how about that drink? I'm going to need one before facing the dragon."

Blaise was out of his chair and heading for the door before Kei could even move. "That's the best bloody idea I've heard all day! Feryn. Sete, Hayate?"

Sete and Feryn agreed, but Hayate stayed where he was. He knew Himeno well enough to know that she wasn't going to take just a simple apology from him. It had to be something more. But what?

Himeno laughed despite the agony in her heart. Shin squealed and went running from their pet polarpix (named Po Po by Hajime), tripping over his shoe laces and sprawling to the ground, still laughing when Po Po caught him and started mewing.

Pasha laughed as well, glancing up from painting her own toenails a brilliant magenta color. She'd already gotten Himeno's and had offered jokingly to get the two guards behind her. Jikan had laughed, claiming magenta wasn't his shade of pink. Hoti had given her a startled look and ignored her. "Hakim is the same way," she commented, watching the knight in question tackle Mannen to the ground, shouting something about being King of the Hill. Mannen growled and flung his opponent off of him.

"Yeah, it's nice they can play together," Himeno mused, hugging her knees. She glanced over her shoulder at the two guards. "Do you guys wanna sit down?"

Jikan smiled and shook his head, eyes constantly moving over the scenery. "Thanks, but how would it look of your bodyguards were slacking off?" he asked. His voice...she loved hearing him speak. His voice was almost as gorgeous as he was. She knew Pasha felt the same way when her friend's cheeks turned a lovely cherry color.

"Himeno, can I ask you a question?" Pasha asked softly, now grabbing Himeno's hand and working on her short nails.

"Sure!"

"I am afraid you will not like it, but I have heard some things. You and Hayate...are you broken up?"

Himeno's stomach rolled. She should have guessed that was the question. And for some reason it made her heart ache even more. The thought of losing him hurt worse than what he'd done. Why? She had every right to hate him, to tell him to leave her alone. Sighing, she said, "I don't know. We never actually said we were. But at the same time, we're not even talking to each other. I don't know why he's mad at me! I wasn't the one to lie!"

"Maybe he's not mad. Maybe he is only very sorry he lied. I am sure he would not have lied without good reason," Pasha offered up.

"Maybe," Himeno acknowledged.

"Perhaps he was only trying to protect your feelings. How would you have reacted had they told you everything?"

Sighing, Himeno gave her the other hand and said, "I'd be really upset. And I don't think I could have preted or anything for a long time."

Pasha shrugged. "Anyone with eyes can tell you two are in love. I do not think he saw what he did as harmful or deceiving. Hayate trusts you with his life everytime you pret with him. You cannot pret with someone if you do not trust them. He wanted to protect you. And that to me is very sweet and romantic."

Himeno was silent as she spoke. What she said...it made sense. Hayate DID have to trust her when they preted because if she failed, he was the one who got hurt. And it would be just like him to want to keep her safe. She sighed again. "I doubt he'd want to talk to me right now," she muttered. "I was pretty mean."

"Any woman in her right mind would have been," Pasha offered up. "Given the magnitude of your discovery, even a man would have been upset. And probably thrown punches, so be happy you showed restraint."

She smiled at that, shaking her hands to help the nail polish dry faster. Pasha screwed the cap back on and looked up. "Kei is coming over," she said. She picked up her make-up box and waved. "I will see you later, Himeno! Hakim, lunch will be ready soon."

"Okay," Hakim hollered back before Hajime jumped him from behind, wrestling him to the ground.

Himeno stood up, brushing the dirt and grass from her hands onto her jeans and waited for Kei. The Knight of Light stood in front of her, not looking her in the eye. "Himeno, I'm sorry," he said softly after a long pause. "It was wrong not to have told you from the start. I...that is we...all felt it was better you didn't. None of us like to see you upset and-," He didn't get a chance to finish because she was hugging him. Slowly, he hugged her back, confused.

"I know, Kei. You guys wouldn't want to hurt me. I'm sorry I was so angry," she said.

"No, don't be sorry! We had it coming. It was pretty shitty of us to do that."

Himeno smiled and stepped back. "Friends?"

Kei smiled. "I'm insulted you would have to ask," he answered.

Himeno laughed and sat down again, Kei sitting next to her. The two guards remained silent behind them. "Good timing, Kei. Mannen's getting his ass kicked."

"Oh, joy! I was wondering what all the shouting was outside. Disturbing the peace for a good cause, I say," Kei answered drolly.

Shin ran up to them then, Po Po right behind him and Tyipi on his shoulder. "Himeno, are you and Kei friends again?" he asked shyly.

Himeno smiled and nodded.

"And are you and Hayate and Kei all friends again?"

She looked away from the Knight of Plants. "Not yet, Shin. We will be, though, don't worry."

Shin beamed and ran away again, screaming when Po Po fluttered behind him.

Kei leaned back, closing his eyes when the sun hit him. "You know, I've never seen Hayate this depressed in my life. He hasn't left his room for more than meals or being summoned by the Topaz Prince. And I think he's worn that same t-shirt the entire time, too. It's disgusting!"

Himeno smiled at that. Hayate was a compulsive cleaner by nature. "Is he really...do you think maybe he won't...?"

Kei scoffed at the idea. "He's just angry at himself. And scared. No, wait, scratch that. I think he's terrified."

"Of me?"

"Of losing you. He's too scared to talk to you because he's afraid the next words out of your mouth are going to be, 'Let's break up'. And that's why he's avoided you like the plague. He's fighting a battle he only suspects is coming. Is it?" He glanced over at her.

Himeno tucked her knees to her chest, wrapping her arms around them. Was it? Was she going to break up with him? What he and Kei had done was lousy, true, but their intentions were only the best. Was she really mad at him for lying? Or was she mad because she knew they were right, that she would have tried to stop it from happening? The second one brought up a trace of anger, but it also gave her the answer she was looking for. "No, it's not. I guess I'm more mad at myself than at the two of you. You guys were right, I would have tried to stop it. Hell, I DID try and talk Takako out of it!" She sighed heavily. "Just promise me something, Kei?"

"Right now, you could ask for my right hand and I'd give it to you no questions asked," he answered.

Smiling again, she said, "Just tell me these things, okay? Yeah, I'll be upset about it, but I'll get over it eventually."

Kei smiled and nodded. "Deal. Hayate's in his room, by the way. I would suggest that you two wait outside the door. It could get very mushy," he called over his shoulder to the two guards.

Jikan grimaced. "A good plan. Looks like we're moving, Hoti"

"Brilliant," Hoti muttered. They both followed Himeno inside.

Himeno could barely breath, her heart pounding. What if he wouldn't listen to her? What if he didn't care anymore? So many what-ifs, so few answers. The two guards walked silently behind her as she turned the corner to their wing. She bumped into someone, jumping back. "Oh, excuse- Hayate?"

Hayate quickly took a few steps back. Kei wasn't kidding. He DID look terrible, like he hadn't slept in ages and had allergies to boot. His eyes were all red and looked a little puffy, and it was obvious he hadn't shaved in a day or so. "Go ahead," he mumbled, stepping aside for her to pass. He stood there, waiting patiently and looking so miserable it made her heart almost shatter. She had done this to him? Just a few harsh words on her part had brought down one of the strongest knights in Leafenia. She knew there were a few people who would be overjoyed at that thought. And a few more who might exploit that and challenge him, knowing he was weakened. Understanding slammed into her like a semi truck into a deer. Hayate had strength...because of her! She was his reason for fighting, for living even. It was that thought that made her go to him, cupping his face in her hands. He winced at her touch but didn't pull away.

Himeno stood on tiptoe and kissed him gently. He pulled back then, eyes wide. "Himeno..." She smiled and kissed him again, felt his arms go slowly around her waist. She had almost convinced herself she didn't need him, that she could get over the thrill of being in his arms. But she knew now that wouldn't ever happen. If anything, being away from him was the most horrible thing in the world. It had left her empty and aching inside, and that emptiness was starting to fade the longer he held her, kissing her long and slow.

"Ah...ahem," Hoti said, clearing his throat.

"Come on, I think she's safe for now," Jikan answered when the Knight of Snow was ignored.

They continued to kiss, Hayate whispering apologies in between them. Thin tears ran down his cheeks and Himeno kissed them away. "It's okay," she whispered. "I've already forgiven you, dummy."

He stopped kissing her for a second, giving her a puzzled look through the tears. "Did...did you just call me a dummy?"

Himeno laughed and threw her arms around his neck. "Yep, I did! But you're my dummy, okay?"

"Thanks...I guess. I've missed you, Himeno. And I am so sorry."

"Stop apologizing. Kei did enough groveling for the both of you" She drew back, taking his hand. She knew for certain now how she felt about him. And that there was no one else for her. Himeno tugged on his arm, walking over to the door to his room. Yes, she knew now.

Hayate followed her, confused. "Himeno, what...?"

She opened the door and pulled him in, shutting it behind her.

Hoti sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "That was something I never thought I'd see! Hayate screwed up over a girl."

Jikan smiled, but it didn't reach his emerald green eyes. Like his mothers eyes. "Yes, it's something I hope never to see again."

Hoti laughed at that. He continued walking even when Jikan stopped in the middle of the hall. Turning, he frowned. "Jikan? Something wrong?"

Smiling, he held his hand out. A bow and a quiver of arrows appeared out of no where. "No, everything is just as it should be."

"Jikan, NO!" It was the last thing Hoti said before the arrow exploded through his neck.

Jikan knelt, checking for a pulse. He smiled when he realized there was none to be found. And now, the final touch to throw suspicion away from him...He took another of his own arrows and, taking a deep breath and holding it, jammed it into his shoulder hard, a scream leaking out through his gritted teeth at the pain. He waited a moment, catching his breath and watching his blood roll down his own arm before he called for help.

Himeno tripped over her shoes as she kicked them off, still engrossed with kissing Hayate senseless. In fact, she was so engrossed in it she didn't realize they were at the bed until she fell over it, landing on her back and pulling him down on top of her. "Ow," she squeezed out when the sudden weight of him knocked the air from her lungs.

"Are you alright?" he asked, quickly sitting back up. His hand was on her hip, and had been on it's way to her ass when they'd fallen.

She nodded, reaching behind him and pulling his hair free. Her hand circled his neck and pulled him down again, practically eating his lips right off. He made a small surprised sound but didn't stop. He didn't even protest this time when she tugged his shirt free of his jeans, helping her get it up and off. Oh...holy...crap! Himeno blushed when she realized she was staring at him, but she couldn't help it. She ran her hands up his warm skin and behind his back. He had to use lotion or something because his skin was so soft. She'd ask him later and tease him for it if he did. But right now...right now it was nice. It was perfect.

"God, Himeno..." Hayate closed his eyes tightly, as if trying to remember something important. Like breathing. "I...I don't think this is fair. To either of us. We should-,"

"I want to," she whispered, feeling the silk of his hair brush across her arm. She smiled at the shock on his face and kissed him very lightly. "I'm ready."

It was like she'd just told him he was going to live after a serious injury. Hayate's shoulders relaxed and he let out the breath he'd been holding. Meeting her eyes, he said, "Okay."