Chapter 15: To Start Over

It was another relatively dull day.

School flew by in a breeze and I was sitting on the bench in a deserted hallway, studying for an upcoming Math exam. For some odd reason, the library was immediately closed after school. Perhaps the librarian was sick. That would be a logical reason. However, that did not stop me from preparing myself for that chapter exam. Why am I studying here and not at home? My house is too chaotic and noisy. Mostly because of Hunter and Dad. Those two need to know when it's appropriate to calm down. I flipped to the next page in the textbook.

A brown strand fell in front of my face and it distracted from taking notes.

Annoyed, I tucked the unruly strand behind my ear and continued to furiously write in pen.

Even though my life was currently depressing, I still continue to keep up my good grades. My love life shouldn't affect my academics. I can't let it do that. Call me a nerd or not, but grades are pretty significant to me. This break up has already impacted me in so many ways. Mentally, emotionally, even physically. Mr. Benihan - my gym teacher - notices how unenthusiastic I play during games after the warm ups. Normally, I'm competitive against my classmates. Nowadays, I don't care if I get pulverised with a dodgeball. It should not cause my grades to go down as well.

Finally finishing, I stuffed everything into my backpack and strolled outside.

A frown appeared on my displeased face.

It was raining outside. Not a light drizzle. The raining cats and dogs type. Looks like I'm going to arrive home drenched from head to toe today. The one day I forget to bring my trusty umbrella and it just had to be today. With my shoulders slouched, I trudged in the pouring water. It feels as if I stepped into the Niagara Falls or something. I hope my textbook doesn't get ruined. My backpack is supposed to be waterproof from within. Let's hope the tag did not lie. To make things even worse, a heavy wind blew against me. My dripping hair whipped back and forth. I even forgot to bring a ponytail holder.

Such an unlucky day today.

Is it Friday the 13th?

Out of the blue, the rain stopped landing on me. I looked up and saw a dome sheltering me from the rain. Blinking multiple times, I pinched myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming. Do water benders from Avatar: The Last Airbender actually exist? So cool! In the distance, I could make out a figure walking closer to me. I squinted, attempting to get a clearer view. It looked like a teenage boy. He was wearing mostly black.

Could it be?...

Takeshi!

His dark blue bangs stood out amongst the wet environment. It is definitely Takeshi Kaito. He was strangely dry. The rain seemed to not make him wet. How can that be? More importantly, what is he doing here? It's way past the school hours. Is he also the one creating this protective waterproof dome above me? I am still waiting for that moment where I'll wake up from this bizarre dream. He took out an umbrella and opened it.

The dome broke and water started penetrating through me once again.

"Here," he held his umbrella above us, "we can share."

If I did not have these cold-resisting powers, I would have been chattering and shivering so badly. I think I would have caught a cold by now. Thank goodness my father is Jack Frost!

"Thank you, Takeshi," I gave a small smile, "what are you doing here?"

"I was studying late at school," he eyed me suspiciously, "how come you are not even remotely cold? Look at yourself. You're dripping from head to toe."

"I'm just not cold," I swiftly changed the topic, "what was that waterproof dome hovering above me awhile ago?"

Takeshi abruptly stopped walking and quietly questioned, "... Can I trust you with my secret?"

"Of course. Nobody else will know," I swore an oath of promise.

He hesitated before saying, "I'm not as normal as you think I am, Thalia. I have these abilities. I can manipulate the element of water."

My jaw dropped open and I exclaimed, "Y-you're the water bender?!"

He laughed and sheepishly replied, "I guess that counts as well..."

Still shocked, I listened to Takeshi explain, "I almost killed my classmate in elementary because these powers," he effortlessly formed a swirling ball of water his free hand, "went out of control. My emotions got the better of me. My anger nearly caused the death of another. I thought of myself as a monster. I separated myself from others because I did not want others to die. Eventually, I blocked myself off from everything... But then, I met you."

His gray eyes focused on me and I felt frozen in his gaze.

The water ball dispersed into a thin cloud of mist.

"You were the one that made me realize that I am a person too. Emotions do not always end in despair. They can actually make you stronger. Sure, they can be a weakness as well. However, everything feels more alive with emotions. So... Thank you for that."

"Um, you're welcome?"

"Sorry."

"Sorry for what-"

He cut me off by embracing me, the umbrella landing on a puddle. The dome was up again, sheltering the two of us from the heavy rain. Takeshi's head was buried into my hair, not seeming to care that it was wet. Gradually, I hugged him back. Without even realizing it, a huge smile graced my facial features. His hold tightened around my waist. Takeshi's familiar scent reached my nose. He smelled good.

I did miss his hugs after all.

"I'm sorry for randomly hugging you like this," he seemed embarrassed, "Broken up couples do not do this."

"We weren't even a real couple to begin with," I lightly laughed.

Takeshi smiled, "You do have a point there."

For some reason, I feel happier around him. He just told me his biggest secret. Should I also reveal mine too? It would be fair to let him know that he wasn't the only gifted human being around these parts. And that Jack Frost is my father. Wait, didn't Mr. Kaito already know my father? Sadly, Takeshi pulled away and the comforting warmth disappeared.

"I have something to confess to you," I stated.

"Me too. But, ladies first."

He has more than one secret? That does make sense. Frankly, it doesn't surprise me that Takeshi has a couple of secrets up his sleeve. That boy is quite mysterious. Might as well do this the most straight forward manner.

"I have healing powers and a built in resistance to anything cold. That is why I was not cold earlier. Yeah... I know it sounds all made up but it is the truth."

"... I wasn't expecting that. That is so cool."

"Really?"

"Yeah. You don't even need winter clothing."

"It is pretty awesome, huh? Anyways, I believe you also wanted to tell me something," I recalled, "Something possibly more shocking than your water abilities."

Stiffly, Takeshi nodded and weakly smiled.

Why is he acting all awkward all of a sudden? Did I somehow offend him with my questioning words? Very strange. Normally, I'm the awkward and out of place teen. Not in this case.

"... After we 'broke up', I realized something. Thalia, I missed you. That's an understatement. Frankly, I missed everything about you. I became terribly lonely without you. If it's not too much, I want to ask. Can we start over? Let's pretend all of these rumors and shit never happened," he grinned brightly.

I could literally feel my cheeks burn hot. Words failed to escape my mouth and I continued staring at Takeshi in absolute disbelief. He m-missed me too? I cannot believe this is happening. This has to be some good dream or something.

"W-what?" I managed to squeak out.

"I apologize if I confused you. Thalia, I care about you. More than you would ever think. So... I ask this one question. Will you be my girlfriend? For real this time? I understand if you don't feel the same way and accept my fate as part of the friend zoned."

Happily, I blurted out, "Yes, I'd love to be, Takeshi!"

The bluenette seemed shocked and sputtered, "R-really?!"

"Yeah, you idiot," I chuckled.

Takeshi snapped out of it and smirked.

"Then you would not mind if I did this?"

"Depends on what you mean hmmm-"

His lips landed right on mine, stopping me from finishing the sentence. If this truly is a dream, don't want to wake up. Driven by instinct, I shut my eyes. My mouth was frozen in surprise, but quickly responded to Takeshi's kiss. Strangely, he tasted like mint dark chocolate. His arms sneakily wrapped around me, pulling my body closer. My hands magically ended up in his hair. I started playing with dark blue locks, enjoying the silky feel.

There goes my first kiss.

It only lasted for approximately five seconds, but felt like an eternity. I pulled away first and gingerly touched my lips. Wow. Who knew Takeshi would make a skilled kisser? I certainly didn't. Impressive for somebody who has zero dating experience. There was an odd fire ablaze in his gray eyes. We were no longer touching each other.

"I hope you enjoyed it," he scratched the back of his head, "since you are gonna receive a lot of kisses from me beyond this point."

"I think I would like that," I interlaced my fingers in his, "let's go back home first, Takeshi."

"That would be a smart idea. I'll walk you home," he smiled the brightest I've ever seen.


A/N: THEY GOT TOGETHER. It's official guys! So much fun writing this chapter, teehee!~ I kept my promise this time. XD However... will they be able to stop Jack Frost and the rest of Guardians? Please do leave a review and tell me your thoughts! Hope y'all have a nice day/night wherever you may be. :)