Chapter 7 - Endearment

Revised on 1/4/12.

Once again, I found myself in that constantly moving alternate dimension.

"Retasu-san, do you know what this is?"

"Mew Aqua."

"Yes, Mew Aqua. It's a natural resource of Earth."

"Shirogane-san, if it's a natural resource, than why did you call it Mew Aqua, as if it belongs to us?"

"Well, that doesn't really matter. What does matter is that we need these to fight against the aliens. The other mews are out looking for more Mew Aqua right now."

"Ummm… Why did you want me here then? Shouldn't I be out helping them?"

"Retasu-san… no… Mew Retasu… I am leaving this drop of Mew Aqua with you."

"With me?"

"Yes. I trust you with it."

"But, why me?"

"Out of all the other Mews, I know that you are the most responsible one, and the one who cares about the planet the most."

"But… what all can it exactly do…?"

"We don't really know what the limits of its capabilities are, but… well… you saw the video of the bird that we revived with a single drop."

"I understand. You can trust me. I will protect this with my life."

"Thank you, Retasu-san."

Kisshu's eyes were wide as he saw the small bottle that I dangled in front of him. Clearly, he knew what 'Mew Aqua' was.

"Where did you get that?" He asked, awestruck. Taruto looked equally surprised, his mouth gaping open. Pai stood there with his arms crossed, not looking particularly interested – a strong contrast to the attitude of his comrades.

"It was given to me by Shirogane Ryou." I said, a small swell of pride sweeping through me. "He said that out of all the Mews, he trusts me the most."

"Good girl." Pai said rather unexpectedly, a small smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "You seem to know exactly what we need." I blushed at this, wondering if the others noticed the small innuendo.

"Well," Kisshu began, floating back down to the surface. "You've done a very good job, Iruka-chan. Now, hand it over." He began to reach for the Mew Aqua, but Pai grabbed Kisshu's arm, looking at him scornfully.

"First of all Kisshu, stop using those stupid nicknames," Pai growled, causing Kisshu to frown. "Second of all, the other Mews and Shirogane will loose their trust in her if the 'Mew Aqua' vanishes without a trace." Kisshu pulled his arm away, glaring at Pai. "We need them to trust Retasu." Pai finished, crossing his arms once again.

"Fine then. Don't blame me when she loses it." Kisshu growled spitefully before he teleported away. Pai turned his gaze to Taruto who was levitating above us, staring at me with an expression that indicated that he hadn't recovered from his astonishment. After a few moments, Taruto noticed that Pai was staring at him.

"Hey, don't look at me!" Taruto said, raising his hands defensively before he too teleported away. After the two others left, Pai turned to me, offering his hand. I smiled slightly and placed my hand in his. We teleported then, taking us back into my room. As soon as our feet were on solid ground, he leaned down to kiss me, his hands on my shoulders. He kissed me for a few moments, and as he pulled away, I couldn't help but let a question slip between my lips.

"Do Kisshu and Taruto know about us?" I asked as he kissed me along my jawbone.

"Not unless you told them." He replied in a whisper as he began to unbutton my sweater. I blushed, pushing him away.

"What are you doing, Pai-san?" I asked, holding my sweater closed. He stood up straight, looking slightly confused.

"What's wrong?" He asked, putting his left hand on his hip.

"I'm not sure that I'm ready to do that yet." I said nervously as he looked down, nodding.

"I see," He began, crossing his arms again. "Well, it can't be helped. I'll wait until you're ready." I was grateful for his respect of my decision, but I couldn't help but notice that disappointment flickered across his face as his spoke. I felt like I owed him some sort of explanation, although, in retrospect, perhaps I didn't.

"I don't mind kissing you for now, but… I guess that I'm just worried that you'll leave me…" I said, looking down at my feet as I buttoned up my sweater again. When I looked up, I jumped back slightly, because his face was inches from mine, and he looked very serious.

"I'll never leave you." He whispered, brushing my hair out of my face. "As foolish as it is for me to be with you, it would be even more foolish to not be with you." I felt myself tearing up as he spoke, not because of sadness, but because of how happy those words made me.

"I love you." I whispered as I wrapped my arms around him. He whispered something that I couldn't hear as he returned my embrace, but I can guess what he said.

When I arrived at work the next day, Shirogane greeted me with a slight smile and a nod. I probably blushed a little bit. I went through my shift as happy as could be, picturing both Pai's face, and Shirogane's. When I was done with work, Shirogane met me at the door.

"Is the Mew Aqua safe?" He whispered in my ear. I smiled and placed my hand where it rested on my neck, underneath my clothes.

"As safe as it could possibly be." I said, closing my eyes. He smirked, putting his hands in his pockets.

"I'm glad," He said. "I knew that I could trust you."

"Of course you can." I said before walking away, my school bag in tow.

I should have seen it. I should have known.