AN: In response to some of you awesome reviewers ^_^

luvanime – I'm learning while writing this fic myself ^_^ I've been doing research on the area around Tokyo and Chofu to figure out where these events could happen and the likes. Musashino is a real town just north of Chofu, and Inokashira Park is a real park sort of between the two towns. Writing this fic has been quite the learning experience, sometimes the time it takes me to get a chapter up is because I was busy researching!

brainy carrot – I can't find the exact site I downloaded a whole bunch from, but I do have a site with the better of the doujins hosted on it. I won't post the link here because of ff's rules on URLs, and I don't want to fight to type it in a way that's understandable as well as postable. Feel free to use any of the contact info in my profile to get a hold of me, and I'd be more than happy to send you the website or the zipped folders themselves.

That goes to anyone who wants to read the FMP hentai doujin I was talking about, as well. ^_^

Aruiteku Together Forever – Chapter Ten

The entrance ceremony had come and gone, their third and final year of high school had officially begun. Classes were getting difficult, so many tests were given to help them prepare for college entrance exams, the days were long, and their free time was dwindling to a fantasy as mock tests were scheduled on Sundays.

Golden Week was, for Sousuke and Kaname, spent lazing about in the apartment. Their classmates were all so busy studying that no one wanted to go anywhere when they finally had time to themselves. Not that the couple minded spending quality alone time together, locked in their room. But all the free time they had just served as a reminder to Kaname that she was not a normal girl, no matter how hard she tried.

They were lying on the bed, the sheets slipped down around their waists. Kaname was tracing circles on Sousuke's chest with her fingertips, her head resting on his shoulder. "Hey, Sousuke?"

"Hm?" it was such a familiar open to conversation with them.

"Do you think our classmates resent me? Us? They're dedicating so much time to study, and here we are," she rested her palm against his chest and sighed heavily. She had been getting the impression that some of her friends weren't really very 'friendly' anymore. Really, only Kyouko, Onodera, and Shinji seemed to talk to them these days. Since hanami, Mizuki had been keeping her distance, and no one else seemed quite inclined to speak with her much anymore.

She had not been elected class representative. That was fine with her, really, she had not wanted the position in the first place last year. But to have gone from the position being all but forced on her by her classmates to not even being nominated this time around was a shock to her. She was really beginning to understand what Sousuke had said, what Hayashimizu had been trying to warn them about.

Try as she might to push it aside, it still hurt.

"Kaname?" he had been trying to get her attention. Now, he shook her carefully, breaking her out of her thoughts. She tilted her head up to him, letting him know she was paying attention again. Sousuke tilted awkwardly to press a kiss to her forehead before laying back. "I was saying that it's hard to tell. They could just be distracted from all their studying, and they're probably feeling frustrated. They don't have time to enjoy themselves, so I would guess that they're easy to offend at the moment. Try not to let it get to you."

"Yeah. You're right, Sousuke," she grinned and rolled on top of him, her hair brushing along his chest. "For once," he placed his hands on her waist and smiled up at her. When she leaned down to press her body against his, he was all too happy to help distract her from her lonely thoughts.

May and June passed by uneventfully, and a couple weeks before summer break began was Tanabata. Kaname brought Sousuke to Hiratsuka to enjoy the festival. She showed him the wish making traditions and told him the story of Orihime and Hikoboshi. After they left the festival, they returned home to celebrate the lover's meeting day in a more private manner.

The next couple of weeks passed by, and towards the end of July the summer vacation began. Kaname had determined that she and Sousuke would not be travelling anywhere this year. No high jackings. No sea jackings. No submarines. No jumping out of airplanes. No military operations.

There would be none of those things as far as she was concerned. Understanding why she was so adamant, all Sousuke did was send the message along that he would not be attending the Tuatha De Danaan's birthday at the end of August. Kaname wanted a normal summer break, and not to fear for her life during it. How could he begrudge her that simple wish?

Kyouko and the others agreed to take some time off during their summer month to enjoy themselves. All the studying was really getting to them, and they needed to wind down. It was agreed that they would visit the amusement park one day, and that they would attend the fireworks festival and Obon together.

It was the first time Sousuke had ever been to an amusement park. As he commented on the safety and wisdom behind roller coaster rides, Kaname smacked him over the head with her purse. She had taken to leaving the harisen behind, since he had been doing so much better, but she regretted that decision for the day.

It had taken a low growl and pinching the sensitive part of his arm between her nails to keep him from using his Glock on one of the firing games. Their friends just watched in amusement. It had been a long time since they had seen Sousuke so irrational and Kaname punish him for it. They had not realized how dull school was without it before.

When Sousuke used a tender hug and kiss to apologize to Kaname, instead of the usual indignant or stammered statements, he had opened them up to merciless teasing. That had done him no favors, as his girlfriend was not the type to enjoy teasing, even if it was in good fun. She shunned him for most of the day, speaking to him only when he did something wrong. He trailed behind like a kicked puppy hoping for even the smallest of treats.

Sousuke got his treat that night.

The next morning, while Sousuke was out jogging, Kaname lay in bed thinking. Things had changed so much in the past year and four months. The intriguing transfer student. The high jacking. Discovering she was something called a 'Whispered.' Ariake. Lady Chapel. Leonard Testerossa. Kowloon. Arastols on the Pacific Chrysalis. Dating Sousuke. Having sex with Sousuke.

She sighed. Since she had started dating Sousuke, the things that made her 'normal' seemed to be fading further and further away. She was a Whispered, he was a mercenary, and their classmates were just high school students. She had a difficult time holding normal conversations with them these days. Sometimes their inability to grasp what she felt were simple concepts irritated her. She knew it shouldn't. She knew that before her talents were awakened, she would be right there with them.

It wasn't their fault she was a genius now. It wasn't hers, either, but she still felt guilty. Things with Sousuke were tense at times because of it as well. Each time she helped him study, she felt frustrated. He was asking less and less, but she saw his grades. It wasn't because he didn't need the help anymore. He was just trying not to bother her anymore. That upset her, too. Why was it so damn difficult for her to help him? Was she really that conceited?

She yanked on her bangs and growled at herself. The way things were going, it wasn't a particularly healthy relationship they were building. They loved each other, she had no doubts of that at all. Sometimes love just wasn't enough. This was one of those times. These days, they had little to say to each other. Their silences were becoming awkward instead of comfortable.

At times, it felt like their relationship was based purely on sex. Certainly it was enjoyable, but they could not keep going like that. She had no idea how to fix the situation though. Kaname felt so childish at that moment. Here she was, complaining to herself about being a genius, no one being able to understand or relate to her, and yet she could not even think of a solution to what sounded like a simple problem in her head. Some good being overly intelligent did her.

She heard Sousuke return and go immediately for the shower. She sighed again. When had he stopped coming by to kiss her awake and ask her to join him? Was he beginning to resent her, the way she knew her classmates were? She growled. Sousuke was not that kind of person. No, knowing him, he was giving her the space he assumed she desired. She had not been the most doting of partners the past couple of months.

Kaname wanted to get out of bed and join him. Her damn pride kept her in bed. If he wanted her there, then he should ask, right? But wasn't that just what she was debating with herself? And really, if she wanted to be with him, why could she not just go to him?

She never got the chance. The water to the shower turned off, and a few minutes later he walked into the bedroom, wrapped in a towel. He glanced over at her, noting that she was awake and watching him. Sousuke dropped the towel into the laundry basket and crawled into bed beside her. He gathered her up in his arms and pressed kisses to her face gently. Almost as though he were afraid she might object, she noticed.

Had she been rejecting him that much? She did not think she was, but of course she would downplay her own actions. Kaname snuggled against him, breathing in his fresh-clean scent. He squeezed her held her close. "Kaname," he breathed her name into her hair. She responded by squirming in his arms, trying to press impossibly tighter against him.

"Sousuke," her voice sounded like a whimper to her. She frowned at herself, at her weakness. He kissed the top of her head and pulled back to look her in the eyes. He smiled softly to her, a look of relief washing across his face. At first, it made no sense to her.

He kissed her on the mouth, a long, lingering kiss, gentle, tender and full of love. He traced her cheekbones with his fingertips, and then tangled his hand in her hair to cup the back of her head. Kaname felt as though she would melt, the flood of emotion was so intense. He pulled back slowly, almost regretfully. She was ashamed to realize there were tears on her face.

"I love you, Kaname," the words caught in his throat, his voice rough and husky. She burrowed her face in his chest and sobbed, clinging onto his shoulders. He stroked her head and back gently, comforting her as best he knew how.

"Why, Sousuke? I've been so bad to you," she choked on her tears which were now streaming down her face with abandon. She hated it and she hated herself at that moment. Why did she have to have so many doubts?

He pressed his lips against her ear and murmured softly, "You haven't, Kaname. You've been working through things. I've been trying to give you the space and time you've needed," he kissed the sharp curve of her jawbone under her ear. "And you have needed it. Are you ready to talk to me about what has been bothering you?" he hugged her tight, his body shaking slightly.

"You're too good for me, Sousuke," she muttered. She really felt that way, just then. She felt so petty. He had been leaving her alone so she could work things through, when she had not even realized she had something to work through. It wasn't until she started missing his company, despite his living with her, that she had figured it out. And of course, she had been getting angry at him for not being attentive enough.

When had he gotten so perceptive, and sensitive to the needs of others? "Nonsense. If anything, I'm the one not good enough," he sighed, his tone indicating he had been thinking just that lately. Kaname felt a wave of guilt crash over her. She really had not been doing right by him. And instead of being upset with her, he got self-deprecating. Instead of confronting her, he had given her space.

"Oh, Sousuke," she wriggled in his arms until she could wrap her own around him. She kissed him, leaning into him, holding onto him tightly. "Oh, Sousuke. Honestly. You're too good to me," she sighed and tucked her head under his chin.

He knew better than to argue with her at this point. She would just clam up. He decided to just hold her, and wait it out to see if she would talk. No good would come with rushing her. Kaname was a contrary being, and if he urged her to talk, she would not, even if she wanted to. Things had to be her idea. Sousuke held back a sigh.

"Do you resent me, Sousuke?" she sounded afraid. Her voice trembled, although he could hear the hard hint to it that indicated she was trying to be strong. No, rather, she was trying not to care.

The question was an odd one. He had no idea what prompted it. "Why would I resent you, Kaname?"

She shifted in his arms, unsure of herself. "Because I'm smarter than you?" she winced. That did not come out at all kind or sensitive. She bit her lip and held back tears of frustration. Frustrated at herself for being so damn weak at a time like this.

"Kaname, why would I resent you for something like that? Do you resent me for being better at combat than you?" she shook her head. "Then why would I resent you for being smart?"

"I don't know. I guess it doesn't make any sense after all. I'm just being irrational," she muttered, "as always."

Sousuke squeezed her close. "Not at all, Kaname. These things are bothering you, it's important that you talk about them," he frowned at his own words, grateful she could not see him. Since when had he been this kind of person? Comforting people and offering encouraging words were not his forte.

He would not admit it to Kaname, but her increasing coldness had been bothering him. He had wanted to confront her about it, but he knew from experience it would get him no where. So, instead, he had called Mao and asked for her advice. He hated bothering her about his personal life, but he was at a loss. She had not seemed too put out, at least, and had offered him what she felt would work best for them.

"Wait it out. Let her think things through. Give her space. Kaname has never been shy with you when you've gotten on her nerves in the past, right? This is more complicated than normal. When she's finally ready, just be there for her. Encourage her. Let her know it's all right. Don't get angry. Don't get confrontational. Make sure she knows you love her no matter what. Let her talk things out, sometimes things make more sense when you've said them to someone, so just listen to her. And most importantly, be sincere. If you can say something you think will make her feel better, and truly mean it, then say it. You're not a man of words, though, everyone knows that. Let your actions do the talking if you're at a loss."

"I hate myself," Sousuke barely heard her. But he did hear. He tightened his grip on her and kissed the top of her head.

"Why?" he left it at that, for now. He could not understand how she could hate herself. She was the most wonderful, smart, beautiful, amazing, confident person he had ever known.

Kaname whimpered and hid her face in his chest. She had not realized she had spoken out loud. "I'm not normal! I just want to be normal! I miss having normal intelligence, normal friends, a normal schedule, normal worries, normal thoughts! Now I'm some sci-fi freak, my boyfriend is a mercenary, the only people that know what I am are all military or the same as me! I don't live a normal high school life because I'm too smart for all that studying, I can't even join my friends because I get frustrated when they don't know the things I know, even though I know I shouldn't know this stuff!

Instead of worrying about things like boys and grades I worry about when the next time I'll be running for my life and freedom is! Instead of thinking about things like my future family, what kind of house I want to have, what kind of job I want to have, how many kids I want and what I want to name them, I'm thinking about things like secret organizations and giant robots! I just want my life back!"

She would have been screaming if she could have put the force into it. Her tears kept her from raising her volume too much, but her voice had raised several octaves and was hoarse. She pounded on his chest in emphasis, quickly losing the strength for that as well. In the end, she lay curled up in his arms, her face pressed against his chest, her entire body shaking as she choked on her sobs.

Sousuke did not know what to do. He held her and stroked her, knowing it had a soothing effect on her, but he did not know what else he could do. He found himself feeling guilty, though he did not know why. It was not his doing that she was the way she was. He was doing his best to preserve her lifestyle, to give her as much normalcy as she could have.

"…my boyfriend is a mercenary,"

He sighed inwardly. He was part of what made her 'abnormal.' Perhaps their being together was not particularly beneficial to her. He knew he felt better, stronger, more sure of himself, knowing she was by his side. But what if she was not feeling that way? What if she was feeling weighed down by him?

"Sousuke?"

"Hm?"

"I'm sorry," she curled her fists tight, not loosening up even when her nails bit into the soft flesh of her palms and drew blood. "I'm so sorry," the time for her pride was long since over. She had finally broken down under the stress of it all. She just hoped Sousuke was not too disgusted with her. "Please don't hate me."

"Kaname," he breathed softly, "I could never hate you."

"Even after I yelled at you, and hit you?"

Sousuke surprised them both when he chuckled. He smiled warmly at her, and stroked her head gently. "Kaname, if I were to hate you for yelling at me and hitting me, we would not be here like this right now," he glanced down to indicate their nudity and closeness.

She blushed. He had a point. She felt foolish now. She fidgeted for a moment then looked down at her hands. She opened and closed them, wincing at the biting pain she had missed earlier. "Sousuke?"

"Hm?"

"Are you disgusted with me? I must seem so foolish and so weak now. I just-"

"Kaname. Up until 16 months ago, you were a normal girl. The fact that you have gone through everything you have with the strength and determination to just keep going is vastly impressive. There are very few people in this world as strong as you are. Since we met, you have constantly surprised me with your fierce spirit in the face of adversity. You are a genuinely amazing person, don't think otherwise for a moment."

Kaname sighed and pulled back, sitting up carefully. She smiled down at him. "Thank you, Sousuke. For everything."

Sousuke returned the smile and rolled onto his side. "It is not a problem." He looked down, and saw the blood, quickly sitting up and yanking on her arms to see her hands. "Kaname!"

She winced and looked down at them, frowning at how bad they looked. Sousuke pulled her off the bed and tugged her into the bathroom. He washed her hands and patched them up with the med kit he kept handy. Then he led her back into the room, laid her down and wrapped himself around her. He knew that they should be starting their day, eating breakfast, finding something to do, but all he wanted at the moment was to hold her close.

That was fine with her.

Sousuke stared at Kaname.

She had shooed him out of the apartment in a yukata and ordered him to wait for her near where the festival was being held. He had met up with Shinji, Onodera, and Kyouko there, and the four teenagers chatted about how their summer vacation had been going. Sousuke was beginning to think that Kyouko was giving him too many suspicious-seeming looks when Kaname's arrival completely derailed his thoughts.

She stood there in a red, pink, and white yukata with Hokusai-style waves printed on it in the lighter shades. She had her hair and make-up done up the way she had when she saved Sousuke from a naked swim the previous fall. The others stared as well, recognizing her as 'the wife,' not as 'Chidori Kaname.'

"Kaname," Sousuke tried not to stammer, though he was blushing furiously just as he had when she had worn her mother's kimono. The others looked between the two in shock, then stared at Kaname for a long time before they could finally see it.

"Uwa, Kana-chan, you're so pretty!" Kyouko exclaimed, staring at her friend in shock.

Kaname smiled and blushed, fidgeting with her bag and glancing down at her feet. Sousuke finally got his bearings back and stepped over to her. He wrapped his arms around her and bent down to kiss her, completely disregarding the fact that they were in public. She was far too beautiful at that moment for him not to go to her. She sighed and leaned into him, letting him hold her up.

He reluctantly pulled away when Onodera cleared his throat noisily. Sousuke frowned, not appreciating the interruption, even though he knew it was probably for the best. Kaname giggled and patted his arm before claiming it. "Well, let's go! There's too much food waiting to be eaten to sit around like this!"

No one dared mention they had been waiting for her in the first place.

They enjoyed wandering the stalls, and Sousuke recalled his lessons from the theme park. Kaname did not get the urge to hit him even once that night, which they all considered a very great improvement from the Sousuke that had first transferred to Jindai. He twitched at the fireworks, bet kept himself in check. He knew what they were, and Kaname had made sure to explain it to him just in case. That did not mean he had to like the sounds of explosions and smell of gunpowder from the show, though.

School had started up again. Kaname was growing increasingly more bored with class. She tapped her pencil on her notebook instead of writing anything down. Her thoughts wandered, though to no where in particular. Mostly, she found herself daydreaming, and thinking to her nights with Sousuke. That was hardly appropriate to think of while at school, but it was the most enjoyable thing in her life at the moment.

Sousuke kept glancing up at Kaname's back in front of him. When she stopped tapping the pencil he spared a look from his note taking. Seeing her rubbing her thighs together made him gulp. Her moving like that could really only mean one thing, and that was not something he wanted to be thinking about at the moment. He really needed to take these notes.

He squeezed his eyes shut and clumsily wrote down what he heard without looking down at the paper. After a few moments, he finally felt composed enough to dare open his eyes. He hastily fixed his notes to be more readable, and noticed in the edges of his vision that Kaname had stopped. He almost breathed a sigh of relief when he heard whispering.

It was her voice, undoubtedly, and he strained to hear what it was she said. "…composite armor, na-nano nano nanocomponent…" Sousuke was about to reach over and shake her from her Whispered state when the teacher heard the mutterings.

"Chidori! I know this material is easy to you, but could you please not interrupt?"

Sousuke reached out anyways, even though everyone's eyes were on them now. Before he could touch her, however, she bashed her head on the desk with a frustrated growl. "I'm so tired of this!"

"Tired of what, Kana-chan?"

Sousuke stepped around his desk and gripped Kaname's shoulders tightly, looking down at her concerned. There was a spot of blood on her forehead where she split the skin and her eyes were glazed over. Not from the injury though. She had begun muttering AS parts and weakness again, only this time, she was loud enough for everyone to hear.

He shook her roughly and shouted in her face. Bleary eyed, she focused on him after some time as her words trailed off. "Sousuke?" there was no time for him to be relieved that she had come back to herself. She stood up on shaky legs, intent on getting closer to him, as she never heard the Whispers when she was in his arms.

Kaname collapsed, barely caught by a shocked Sousuke. The class was in an uproar.

AN: This has nothing to do with my fic, but does have to do with FMP. Visit my profile for information on where to go for my little translation project. I have purchased 3 of the short story novels and will be posting the translations on a livejournal account I made just for posting them. It is all public, so no need to join lj to read or even comment. First story, or at least a piece of it, will hopefully be up by January's end. ^_^v