--Chapter XIII--

Disclaimers: I don't own Xiaolin Showdown. Though there are times that I wish that I did.

A/N: Once again, I know I've let you guys down… you probably thought I was dead for these past months, and here I am, resurrected again… Well, I wasn't dead literally, just killed by all the schoolwork (which is practically the same thing, but in this case, I think I survived…) I'm having my exams… Anyway, as a compensation for the missed chapters, I am going to finish it all tonight.

"Now you guys better shut up because she's home, and she'll know that we're talking about her. So keep your voices down." Raimundo said, crossing his arms.

He, Omi and Clay had just made it into Raimundo's room when they heard Kimiko's footsteps.

"Yeah, we know. We're not stupid." Clay said. "So what's your plan for her to like you, huh, Raimundo?"

Raimundo shrugged. "I've done a lot already. I danced with her, gave her a gift, been there for her when she needed to talk to me, let her cry on my shoulder after that irresponsible jerk Ashmond made her miserable, and I kissed her."

Kimiko's footsteps died away, and Raimundo heard the door close.

"The coast is clear," Clay announced.

"Okay, guys… I need some time to reflect on everything… would you excuse me?" Raimundo asked.

"Sure. We'll talk to you later, Raimundo," Omi said. He and Clay got up and walked out of his room.

Raimundo knew it was time to face the music, to face his feelings on his whole relationship with Kimiko. In short, everything.

The words rushed into him like a tornado. What if she didn't love me? What if her heart truly belongs to Ashmond? The question rang anxiously in his mind, as he strove to find an answer.

His mind went blank. But the answer was so simple, wasn't it? If Kimiko was really in love with Ashmond, seeing the way that she acted while Ben was courting her… then I would just have to give her up. Isn't that the right answer? When you really love someone, you'd give her up, knowing that it will make her happy, even if it will destroy you. And that's how it's meant to be…

He recounted all his moments with Kimiko, and realized that there were evidences pointing out that perhaps she really loved Ben.

But the kiss! Clay could be right. She wouldn't kiss back if she didn't like me, right? He felt so confused. But then why did she come back only now, and not telling Raimundo if she and Ben were over? Some things just didn't add up.

Maybe she loves me only as a friend. In any case, I can't stay here any longer… I can't face her, whether she is still with Ben or not.

Deep inside his mind, he knew what he had to do. He took a spare bag, and packed all his belongings.

Kimiko paused as she typed that last sentence in her computer journal. She sighed contentedly, looking ahead to what her relationship with Raimundo might become. She felt the same chills she felt as she was dancing with him… and when she kissed him… She knew this was the right decision. She never felt more sure of anything before in her life.

Just then, an irritating beep broke the silence. Kimiko jumped up, and saw that Lucy had i-med her.

LucyFriedman787: Kimiko, I tried calling Ben. He loves you… he really loves you.

Kimiko08: Well… I really don't care. It's none of my business anymore.

LucyFriedman787: No, Kimiko, hear me out. It's different. I can see his sincerity, in his very eyes. And I don't see that when he looks at me… Kimiko, you are so lucky.

Kimiko08: So what do you want me to do about that?

LucyFriedman787: Just meet with him one last time. He wants you to meet him at the café.

Kimiko08: I don't really know if I should.

LucyFriedman787: Trust me on this, Kimiko. I know you won't regret it.

Kimiko08: Okay then… if you say so… I trust you, Lucy.

LucyFriedman787: Okay, Kimiko. He's waiting for you now. Go!

Kimiko787 signed out.

The café was as silent as it always had been, except for the music playing softly in the background. Ben was waiting quietly on a dusty table, not drinking anything. He knew that he couldn't let anything distract him now. If Lucy succeeded in convincing Kimiko to come, then everything would be fine.

But the thing was, he didn't know how long he should wait. However, he knew that he had to wait this out because he deserved it. Plus, he needed to wait for her. When was she going to come?

Ben wasn't a patient guy in reality. He knew that he wasn't, and in the past, that hadn't been much of a problem. He had all the girls he needed.

Kimiko provoked his thoughts. He saw his mistakes, and how wrong he was for playing girls.

He sighed. He looked up when the bell at the door signaled the entrance of a customer.

He sighed once more, with an air of relief. Kimiko was finally here… Don't blow it, Ben. He thought. This is your last chance.

Kimiko saw Ben at once and headed straight for him. She felt the anticipation stirring her nerves, and making her conscious of every move she made. This was going to be hard.

She determined that she wouldn't show how intimidated she felt. She needed to remain cool and strong. She heightened her resolve as she sat on the seat across him.

"Hi Kimiko. I think you know why I am here."

"Well yes. Lucy said you needed to talk to me… so here I am. So what do you want to tell me?"

There was an awkward moment of silence. Kimiko thought that he wasn't going to say anything, when he suddenly reached for her hands in a grip that she knew she couldn't escape from.

There were tears streaming down his face, and as Lucy had verified, she saw the sincerity in his eyes. The blue eyes she used to love and made her fall for him so badly…

In a slightly inaudible whisper, he said the words, "I love you Kimiko… please stay with me. I can't say anything more that will make you stay with me. I know I should try… but there are no words that can do that. What I feel for you is so much more unexplainable than I realized. You've taught me so much by coming into my life…"

Kimiko was speechless. It was a touching speech, and it drove a guilty arrow straight into her heart. She knew his heart was breaking, deep inside him. She felt the tremor in his touch. She gently pried his hands off hers, and touched her palms on his wrists.

"Listen, Ben… I'm sorry to say this, but I can't… I can't stay with you."

A/N: Gonna cut it there as a cliffhanger, but it will all be finished in the next chapter, I promise.