Chapter Two: Together Again

That voice, Hikaru thought, letting herself relax. She turned to her left just enough for her nose to be touching Kyoya's cheek. Closing her eyes, she sighed, "Kyoya…" She shifted so that her lips brushed against his. "You're back…"

Kyoya fought the urge to satisfy his desire. But she was so sweet, so beautiful, so close, so tempting. He pulled away just before Hikaru was able to kiss him, and he shook his head.

Stupid! he scolded himself inwardly. Don't think like that! I just saw her with Ginga! What am I going to do about that?

He walked over to stand in front of her and met her gaze with a cold blue stare. She was looking up at him in relief, even admiration. She squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, as if she couldn't believe what she saw. Hikaru slumped against the bench with a dreamy sigh. "You're back," she murmured again.

Kyoya narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms. "I wasn't gone long. A week or two, maybe," he replied crossly.

Hikaru didn't respond, just kept gazing up with wide eyes as if she expected him to continue.

Frowning, Kyoya spoke again. "So what was that with Ginga, then, huh?" he demanded.

Pain seemed to glimmer in her violet eyes for a moment before she lowered her gaze to look at the ground. "Oh…" she whispered. "You saw that."

An awkward silence seemed to stretch on for ages. Then, Kyoya knelt down and reached for Hikaru's face with a hand. He could tell he startled her by the sudden tenderness. He touched her cheek carefully, his eyes sad. As he spoke, his voice lost its intimidation and cracked with pain.

"You forgot me," he whispered.

"N-No!" Hikaru choked out.

Kyoya leaned in closer, grabbing both of her shoulders and holding them firmly so she couldn't try to get away from him. "Did you think I wouldn't come back for you, Hikaru?" His voice was almost a whimper. Mixed emotions were flowing through him: jealousy of Ginga, sadness that Hikaru had moved on, fury at seeing the two kissing. And as he realized how concerned and confused she was, he even felt regret.

Before Hikaru could respond, he moved away and sat down on the other end of the bench. How could he have even thought of treating her so bad? There she sat, only a few feet away, so innocent, so oblivious to his cruel intentions. Originally, he had wanted to hurt her the way she'd hurt him by being with Ginga.

Much easier said than done, he thought to himself, I would never be able to forgive myself if I caused her grief.

"I-I wasn't sure."

He jumped at the sound of her soft, hesitant voice. He didn't turn to face her as she spoke, but he listened intently.

"You didn't even bother to tell me where you went," she continued. She sounded close to tears. "I…didn't know if it was a hint. I thought maybe you just didn't like me….anymore."

I guess she did have a reason. I didn't tell her what was going on. I could have at least done that much.

Quiet again.

Kyoya lifted his gaze toward the sky. The sun was setting, turning the sky brilliant shades of gold and pink. The leaves rustled with the breeze and peaceful birdsong filled the air.

Set the mood, Kyoya thought with a brief smile.

He turned to look at Hikaru when she sighed heavily. She was facing the other way, her ice blue hair fluttering in the wind. She looked uncertain, tense, as if she couldn't decide on something.

I wonder what's going through her mind right now, Kyoya wondered, a smile spreading across his expressionless face. Is she thinking about me, or maybe Ginga?

Then, suddenly, she rose to her feet. Without a word, she hesitantly took a step forward.

Aw, don't leave, he willed her, but she began to walk away. No! Hm…I may not want to hurt her but I still have business with Ginga. Maybe, just maybe, she'll help me out with that.

He leaped up from where he sat, snatching one of her wrists and whirling her around so she was facing him. She looked startled as he took her other hand and pulled her close. He smiled as she began to blush.

"I want you to stay with me for a little while," he whispered.

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(:Mizune