Chapter 10
Talking together
« Thailand, huh ? » said Pai, amused.
Retasu nodded, blushing slightly.
« Yes, I´m going there next summer. It´s a special program for the oceanography students, like me. We´re going to go diving on the cost and study underwater landscapes.
« You sound really excited.
« I am ! I´ve been waiting for this opportunity for ages. This program has only recently been applied in Japan.
« And how long will it last ?
« About two months, I think. It´ll be great. »
She cleared her throat and added shyly :
« It would be nice if you could come too. You know... just... I would be pleased. »
Pai gave her an affectionate look.
« I´ve always liked the ocean, he revealed. It makes me think of you. »
Retasu blushed even more and smiled, delighted by his comment.
The two of them were sitting in her kitchen, in front of the table. They were eating breakfast – a quite late breakfast, considering it was ten o´clock in the morning. But they had spent a lot of time talking together last night.
It had been wonderful. Sharing memories... telling each other what they had been doing... Retasu had rarely felt so pleased to talk to someone. It was the same for him. They could understand each other so well.
When, finally, last night, she went to sleep, he´d stayed with her, embracing her protectively while she was sleeping. It had been a long, peaceful, amazing night.
This morning, Pai had discovered that hot chocolate was pretty good, despite his doubts.
« And how is the ocean on your planet ? she asked.
« Pretty much like yours. There is more lands than water, actually. And the water isn´t salty. However, I have to admit there are way more species of aquatic plants and animals in Earth´s seas. I was impressed when I saw it.
« The underwater world is so beautiful... sometimes, I feel more secure in the sea than on earth. »
Pai smiled, sipping his chocolate.
« Of course. Aren´t you a finless porpoise after all ?
« I´m glad it´s the animal DNA I received, Retasu admitted. I think it´s the one that suits me best. Even though I didn´t know how to swim at first. »
His eyes widened.
« Really ? You couldn´t swim ?
« Ano... I never really learnt how to do it, she saif with an embarassed giggle. That´s why I didn´t feel very secure in the group at the beginning.
« And now you can swim ?
« Thanks to Mew Aqua. You... you remember maybe that it allowed me to change into a mermaid ? »
He remembered.
It wasn´t a very good memory.
« I beg of you ! I... I only want to save him ! »
He put his cup down.
Retasu frowned, seeing his mood wasn´t as good as a few moments before.
« Pai ? Are you okay ?
« I´m fine, he reassured her. I´m just a bit tired...
« Oh... you can go rest if you want. I...
« Don´t worry. »
He laid his hand on hers, and she slightly shivered.
« It´s just that the trip has been long. We didn´t make it easily. »
Retasu stood up, a bit surprised.
« We ? You... »
Then she realized what he meant and smiled.
« Kisshu and Taruto ? They´re with you ?
« Of course, Pai chuckled. Taruto couldn´t stand living without his monkey Mew mew. Purin. He kept talking about her every day. It was a bit annoying, actually.
« It´s really great ! she laughed. Purin has missed him a lot ! She was so sad after he left. She´s gonna be delighted.
« So will he !
« How about Kisshu ? Has he got over Ichigo ? »
Pai cleared his throat. His face clouded over.
« As a matter of fact, no. Not at all. »
His voice had a sad tone. Retasu, curious, got closer and took his hand.
« You look worried. Is it that serious ? »
The tall alien sighed.
« Worse. He´s dying. »
Retasu gave a start.
« What ? Are you serious ?
« Absolutely. You should see him. He´s exhausted, mentally and physically. All these years he´s been longing for her. He rejected everyone : his parents, as well as Taruto and I.
« Oh my God » she whispered.
I can´t believe... love can do that to people. Kisshu...
« We believe that if he can talk to Ichigo, he´ll be able to feel better », Pai added.
Retasu didn´t answer. A concerned look appeared on her face.
Oh no...
No, that wasn´t a good idea...
« Retasu ? »
He had noticed she wasn´t agreeing.
The young woman shook her head.
« Pai... I have to tell you something.
« What is it ?
« Ichigo is engaged. She´s engaged to Masaya. They are getting married in two days now. »
Pai just looked at all. He remained silent.
Then he lowered his head and let out a heavy sigh.
« Oh no...
« You kinda forgot Masaya, didn´t you ? she understood.
« Yes. I have to admit... yes. It was a stupid mistake. »
He stood up.
« A terrible mistake. Kisshu won´t take this well. Really not. »
He´s afraid, Retasu thought, and concerned. He´s worried for Kisshu.
She gave him a compassionate smile and embraced him to comfort him. He had a grateful look and returned the hug.
