heartbreak on your face

V; Can't Help Falling in Love – Ingrid Michaelson

–

He thinks he knows right from the start.

It must have been love.

The moment he saw her for the first time, he knew it was love.

A big toothy grin, amazingly wide eyes, and skin as fair as milk, he remembers those characteristics so clearly. Her hair, cute in pigtails, reminded him of dark chocolate, for some reason. And yet it was richer than that, richer than chocolate and richer than chestnuts, two molten browns that paled in comparison to her.

There's a bounce in her skip as she approaches him, eager to make friends. Why she chose him, he'll never know.

Maybe he just caught her eye. He'd like to believe that.

And her smile stays on her face, bright in excitement.

One hand clings to her Princess and the Frog lunchbox, the other extends, ready for a 'shake.

"Hi there!" Pinkish cheeks blossom into red, like spring turning into summer. Maybe she's a bit nervous. But still. She stays where she is, in front of him, excited to make introductions and find friends along the way. "I'm Momo!"

"I'm… I'm Izuru." He stutters out, managing to do so after a pause. Uncomprehendingly, he stares at her outstretched hand. "Um…"

"Oh." Sadness wrinkles her nose, and Momo blinks quickly in succession. He wants to say something, but… nothing comes out. Her hand lowers to her side. "I guess you don't want to 'shake…"

Flustered, Izuru's cheeks flare, his shyness has muted him completely… so he shakes his head instead.

"Hey, it's okay." She looks bashful, but smiles once more. "I don't like them either; I just thought that guys did. They always shake in the movies."

"…" He nods along with her, and that makes her seem more relaxed.

"I like hugs more." Momo decides to tell him, satisfied with his answer. "I think they're the best things in the world!"

"… hugs?" Cautiously, he echoes that word, and it leaves a strange taste in his mouth. Like cookie dough or something.

"Yeah!" She nods, violet eyes bright. This is something she knows and can talk about with ease. Enthusiasm lights up her face, and he thinks at that moment that she's a star, one that he'd wish on every night. "I'll show you."

And that star falls, narrowing the distance… and he catches her.

Her arms wrap around his back, cheeks resting against his chest. Both of them pretend that he didn't squeak, taken by surprise.

He feels a bit like a penguin.

… and while it's nice, being a penguin, it's also awkward.

"… you're supposed to hug back, you know." Her voice is muffled, but he hears her loud and clear.

"Um…"

"It's easy." And he can feel her smile. "Just put your arms around me. Like I put my arms around you."

"Just that?"

"Just that."

So he does, arms encasing her tiny frame, unintentionally pulling her closer to him.

Oh.

That's better.

"See? Best thing in the world."

She looks up, and he looks down, and it's that moment, right there, with joint smiles and upturned lips that an inescapable bond is built between them.