Part III: Chapter 4

Though she had found her answer, it was still a few days before she finally told Kiku. Part of the reason was because they were almost always with other friends at school and rarely alone together. But she also knew it was mostly because she was nervous. It would only take a few words and there wasn't really a fear of rejection- Kiku had already take that leap- yet the thought of confessing what she'd known all along was somehow frightening.

Finally she worked up the courage to call him. She chewed her bottom lip as she picked absently at lint clinging to her bed covers. The phone rang only a few times before he picked up.

"Hello?" He sounded a little breathless, a hint of nervousness in his quiet voice. She wondered if he'd been waiting for her to call.

"Hey." She hoped she sounded more confident than she felt, but suddenly her throat was dry. How was this supposed to work? She'd never really had to voice her feelings like this before. Her Watcher had always simply understood and those close to her took whatever she did into stride and adjusted themselves to her. There had never really been any need for her to explain herself to others.

"Sorry it's kind of late." She glanced at the clock resting on her nightstand. It was only eight in the evening.

"That's alright."

"So, um… I've been thinking about what you said that night and I know I probably should've replied sooner since things have been kind of awkward since then." Her thoughts drifted and all of the things she'd planned to say began to tumble out of order. "I was pretty starstruck when we first met, you know. I tried really hard to play it low because I thought love at first sight was kind of ridiculous and honestly you seemed hard to approach so I acted as friendly and casual as I could around you. Your confession caught me by surprise though, so that's why I reacted the way I did, but now I realize that my feelings have been the same from day one."

She paused for breath as the rush of words faltered to an uncertain halt. She really wished she had just sent a text message. There was a soft flutter of static, but the other end of the line was silent. She waited expectantly, hoping he would silently understand what she really meant like he usually did.

Instead there was a confused, "Oh."

She gripped the bed covers in frustration. Why did he have to choose just this moment to be such a guy? "I like you too, stupid."

There wasn't a response for a few seconds that seemed to drag on for minutes. "Ah... I'm sorry I never really thought about what to say if you actually said yes."

Despite her exasperation, she couldn't help but smile. "Maybe you could start by asking me out?"

She heard a muffled cough and she could practically feel his embarrassment through the small speaker. "So... Are you free this Saturday, Mei?"

"As far as I know." The smile faded a little and she added. "But there's someone I'd like you to meet first."

Mei and Kiku walked among the solemn slabs of gray. The sun was out and the sight was rather peaceful with pockets of life blooming optimistically at the foot of the tombstones. She'd been there on several occasions, but there had always been a heavy weight on her heart, a storm cloud of emotions. This was the first time that she felt nothing more than a melancholy calm as she made her way carefully along the memorized path. Kiku hadn't said a word since they pulled up at the quaint white countryside church, but his warm hand gently gripped hers.

They stood in front of a fairly new stone. The grooves were cut firmly into the hard surface, not yet worn by fading memories. It was too quiet all of a sudden. It settled thickly over them and seemed to weigh on the blue forget-me-nots so that they trembled.

Mei was startled out of her daze when Kiku crouched down in front of the stone to lay down the white lilies he'd brought along. His voice dissipated the silence, halting at first, but flowing calmly as he continued.

"Hello, Mr. Wang. Mei has told me a lot about you." Mei finally lowered herself beside him. "I get the impression that you were a very loving, protective father and it wouldn't be right for me to date your daughter in your absence."

Mei's throat closed up. She remembered that morning conversation years ago when her father had sternly told her that any boys would have to go through him before she could date them. She remembered thinking of her Watcher. She thought he would've been alright with Kiku Honda too.

"So I've come to ask for your blessing. I promise to take care of Mei and love her in the way I know you would've expected me too." Kiku squeezed her hand. Clearing her throat Mei spoke up quietly.

"Hey, Papa," she faltered, unsure of what to say. "We all miss you a lot. Mama is doing better now though. And so am I." She paused, glancing sideways at Kiku. "You would've liked Kiku. You two are similar in many ways, I think."

They lingered for a little while longer. She knew her father wasn't there anymore, but there was something comforting about simply being near his resting place. Eventually she rose, wincing at the tingling in her feet from crouching for so long.

"Are you alright?" Kiku looked up in concern and she nodded. As they walked back up the hill, he asked tentatively. "Do you really think your father would've liked me?"

Mei couldn't help but laugh a little. "I don't think there's any parent in the world who wouldn't like you. Besides," she gave him a playful look, "I'm sure he'll let you know if you do something out of line. Maybe zap you from heaven." She poked him teasingly in the side and he made a face.

"That is not very reassuring." She laughed again, linking her arm through his. She still felt an echo of melancholy in her heart for the ones she'd lost. But as long as she kept her memories of them, she would carry a bit of them with her everywhere she went.

A cool breeze brushed against her cheek and she smiled. The rest of her life awaited her and who knew what amazing things God had planned for her. One thing was for certain though: she would never be alone.

A/N: Ah, sorry for the sudden change in tone in the story; I wrote the graveyard scene a couple months ago and the phone call thing yesterday sooo ^^; And here we draw near to the end of The Watcher:) Thank you so much to those of you who have favorited, followed, and reviewed this story! I can't tell you how much it means to me!

There might be some changes in the previous chapter as well as a snippet (giving some insight on their developing relationship) added somewhere in Part III so be on the look out for that if you're interested:) I will also be posting the Epilogue soon (which will bring everything together and hopefully give answers to remaining questions ^^)