A Promise Kept
Disclaimer: The lyrics below are not of my own. It is called "Oh My Love" by John Lennon.
Chapter 4 – Two Become One
"Oh my love for the first time in my life
My eyes are wide open
Oh my lover for the first time in my life
My eyes can see
I see the wind, oh I see the trees
Everything is clear in my heart
I see the clouds, oh I see the sky
Everything is clear in our world
Oh my love for the first time in my life
My mind is wide open
oh my lover for the first time in my life
My mind can feel
I feel sorrow, oh I feel dreams
Everything is clear in my heart
Everything is clear in our world
I feel life, oh I feel love"
For a moment, we just stand there, taking each other in. Not wanting to be the third wheel, Setsuna stands up.
"I'll leave you two alone," she declares, walking out of the kitchen and out the front door. We hear it click shut, yet we continue to look wordlessly into each other's eyes; your loving ones bearing into my own tormented ones.
"So when did you come in?" I ask sheepishly, trying to recover my casualness.
"Oh, Haruka!" You cry and rush to envelop me in your arms. "Please, let me in. Stop hiding yourself from me!" You gaze up at me with such tender, tearful eyes. Immediately, I return your warm embrace.
"I'm sorry, Michiru," I say to you, my eyes dark with guilt. "I've always wanted to tell you everything, but something just keeps me back. I can't help it. I'm sorry I've caused you such pain. Forgive me"
"I never once blamed you. I knew that if I was patient enough, you would one day open yourself fully to me. But somehow, I always knew what you were thinking. I could feel it every time when we touch. You are a part of me." Your voice is shaky with emotion. I hold you even more tightly.
"I know, Michiru, I know. It's just that I've always feared that I wouldn't be good enough for you. That you'd one day leave me. I didn't want you to see my weaknesses. Hiding my true feelings was the only way I knew to cope," I confess painfully, releasing my repressed emotions into your soft, sweet-smelling hair.
"I know. I understand you. I always have," you tell me lovingly, pulling away to look up at me. "It's your weaknesses that I also cherish. They complete you. Don't be ashamed of them. I'm not." Your deep eyes give me such strength. In that moment, all my doubts fade from its existence.
"I promise you, Michiru, from now on no more secrets," I pledge, and for the first time I am able to free the hidden feelings that have been trapped in my heart for the longest time.
"I love you," I whisper huskily, full of deep emotion. Your beautiful eyes brighten and your angelic face lightens at the sound of those three small words.
"I love you too," you whisper back, releasing your tears. Instinctively, I reach up and wipe them away. I will give you reason to smile again. From now on, your tears will only be tears of happiness. With the great sky as my witness, this is my oath to you. And hugging you close once more, we cling together as one for what seems like an eternity.
To be continued...