DISCLAIMER: I do not own Prétear or any of the characters in the following story.

"Sasame…" Takako's plea was silent as she nodded towards Mawata.

"I know…"

Everyone could only stare as Sasame walked towards her. Hayate shifted, but Himeno held tight onto his hand. He looked at her. Her eyes pleaded with him: She needs this Hayate. Himeno felt him relax and smiled in thanks.

The Knights and Takako moved a little further to give Sasame some space.

Mawata seemed to be rooted to her spot. Her eyes were empty, and Sasame almost flinched from the waves of heartache she exuded.

"Sasame…"

"Mawata-chan" his smooth voice washed over her and she nearly fell apart. "I wanted you to know…I'm truly sorry for my actions; for acting the way I have, and for causing you so much grief. I know there really are no words to excuse me but…if I could undo everything…" His eyes reflected his regret.

"I wouldn't want you to." Her smile was sad. "It would mean you would have never managed to get to Takako. You would have never been happy…"

"Mawata…"

She smiled again, though it didn't reach her eyes.

"I wanted you to be happy Sasame. I still do. Please, be happy and thank you for everything. Be happy…with Takako" The words almost killed her but she wouldn't cry. She wouldn't!

Sasame's own eyes were misted over.

"Thank you."

She smiled again.

"Goodbye, Sasame." She started to walk off.

Takako walked over to Sasame and held his hand. He looked at her and she understood what had just happened: Mawata had forgiven him…but would he forgive himself? He half-smiled…Someday…perhaps, but for now, it was all he could hope for.

Mawata walked faster heading towards the woods.

Her heart was pounding, her feet ached and her breath was ragged. She stopped, unable to stand up anymore and collapsed near a linden tree.

The warm ground scratched her knees; the smooth bark supported her fingers.

Tears started running down her face; each a scalding memory of her dolor.

She had said all those things to Sasame, but had she meant them? Did she hate Takako?

Thoughts swirled in her head; her heart contracted painfully. She had truly loved Sasame after all.

The tears kept falling, as though to make up for all the times she hadn't cried. Her heart was finally free to pour itself out.

Sobs wrecked her body, and yet she made no sound. Tears spilled noiselessly, incessantly, drawing her deeper into her sorrow.

"Mawata-san"

A warm voice was calling her, but she didn't want to go. She wanted to be alone; to cry till she had nothing left to give; to drown in her own tears, in her own silence.

Arms wrapped around her and she found herself tucked neatly against a warm chest.

It was so nice, but her mind felt fuzzy and she couldn't for the life of her understand who was holding her. She didn't care: they were comforting.

Strong arms laced behind her back, making her feel secure. She was enveloped in a tender heat, and she never wanted it to disappear.

Tears continued to trickle, but her heart was soothed. The sobs began to subside; still she didn't want to move, to break the spell that had been woven.

She opened her eyes slowly and was surprised to see a very worried looking Go gazing at her.

"Go…why…"

He blushed profusely and let go of her.

"Uhh…that was really um…presumptuous of me…"

"Well, yes…I suppose….but thank you." Her voice was soft and almost hollow.

"Mawata-san…you are a very kind and understanding person, but you never seem to spare any compassion for yourself." His voice was ardent.

"Go…"

"Mawata-san…would you at least allow yourself to receive some compassion? Please?"

"Go…?"

"Please. You don't have to go through this alone. You're not alone. You are very loved. You are very loved." His eyes were downcast.

"I know how wonderful you are, and really it's very arrogant to say this, but…I love you Mawata-san."

The words echoed in her head raising voices to scream of his lies. He couldn't! Not her.

"I love you Mawata-san." He spoke again.

"Go." Her voice was cold and he almost cringed.

"How many times do I have to tell you to stop calling me Mawata-san!" She smiled

He looked at her incredulously.

"Mawata will suffice" she whispered softly, leaning up and kissing him on the cheek.

"Very well…I love you…Mawata."

Author's note: Dear Reader,

Firstly I will apologise for any OOC-ness (personally I think there's a lot of it). I haven't seen Prétear in the longest time, so I can't remember many of the characters' traits. Anyway, this story was born of a vivid imagination, a lazy morning and a very random cold and wet afternoon, so do mind the archaic expressions that are splattered here and there, throughout the piece.

It's an idea that just appeared in my head and I thought it'd be good once put on paper- this is debatable. So, anyways, this is for all you wonderful readers and reviewers. Thank you always for all your encouragement, support and kindness. I was very blessed with all of you. To all my readers who don't review…thank you for at least reading my story…if you liked it let me know ;)

Thank you very much once more for everything.

Azaleea