Twenty-First Gesture:

getting to her

He felt the wind blow past him and his hair, he need not guess, would have been in every bit disheveled. But somehow, his eyes remained forward, his direction intact. He had his teeth clenched, unconsciously wounding his lower lip in the process. The pain and the taste of his blood seared through his senses, though the only thing that registered on his mind was how strikingly well they heightened the distress he felt within.

In his grasp was his phone, as he made his way towards the hospital.

The words seemed vague, he recalled. It was such a simple phone call – ordinary and monotonous. At least, that's what he expected of it – that's why he didn't consider any possibility to receive such news at a seemingly usual hour.

'It's Miss Clyne…something happened to her.'

And that's also the sole reason why he braved the streets, without his car, wallet, or anything at all but his phone on hand – leaving all his belongings behind. His mind was blank, he couldn't think much as the only thing that mattered was reaching the said destination.

He was worried…and it showed.

The hospital wasn't far off from where he was prior to the call. Aside from the almost hits by cars and a few bumps courtesy of both the cemented edges of the corner walls and the oblivious passers-by, he managed to make it through to the front doors in no time. Once inside, he made his way towards the information desk, at once asking for her whereabouts. His appearance may have startled the woman behind the desk, nonetheless, she immediately attended to his need. When the room number was given to him, as before, he ran towards it, not bothering to use the elevator and instead headed towards the stairs.

Standing before the very door, he barged his way in, manners and all forgotten, only to find her lying within its halls unconsciously.

He observed her carefully, scanning her figure. It was as though he was examining her, at the same time, careful not to disturb her peace. His eyes darted lower and there it was - that lining of bandage that wrapped around her ankle towards her foot.

He then sat himself on the seat next to her bed. From the looks of it, it wasn't really a life-threatening injury. He actually mentally blamed himself for rushing to conclusions. He had to admit that it was him who hung up first after the name of the hospital was mentioned. He didn't inquire further as all he knew and thought of then was to simply get to her – wherever she may be. He stroked her hair gently as he controlled his breathing – to somewhat pacify his still racing heart.

Right behind him, he heard the door knob click as the image of her manager came in view. It appeared he was out to buy some food, as evidenced by the plastic bag he then carried with him. He had his glasses on, the reason why Kira couldn't quite make anything of his expression.

However, what he was certain was his own. And it showed every inch of displease and disappointment.

Standing up, he faced her manager. His name he still didn't know of and he didn't plan on knowing either.

"Care to explain what happened to my fiancée?"

He only knew one thing: this man before him was at fault.

The said man then glanced at her as he faced him once more. His tone was straightforward and unnerved.

"She was rehearsing, and she slipped. The treatment given was…as you can see."

"What were you thinking? You should've kept a good eye on her. It's your responsibility." he didn't intend to raise his voice, but he couldn't help but doing so, seeing as how things turned out. And the seemingly mocking response he got only made it worse.

He then removed his glasses, fixing his eyes on Kira. If he read it correctly, it would appear that the brunette was blaming him for what happened to her. And that – that was simply unacceptable.

"Mister Yamato, you may be her fiancé, but you have no right to question my job…much less, remind me of how to do it. I appreciate the concern, but things like this are inevitable. It's not as though this is the first time she experienced anything of this nature. Just be thankful that you were informed of it, she initially requested that you be left in the dark about it for the mean time. Seeing your reaction, I now know why."

"What did you say?" he could feel his nerves bursting and his heart starting to race again. "How did you think I should have reacted then? Thankful? She got hurt!"

How blatant should he be to shove it on this man's face?

It was at that moment that her eyes started to open. Their voices were too loud, and somehow, she knew to whom they belonged to. She felt his presence in the room. Kira's. She was sure of it. She initially thought she was dreaming, the warmth that graced her skin earlier seemed familiar but now, seeing his turned back on her, she knew it was all real.

And, was he in the middle of an argument with her…manager?

"Kira?" she called out, as she sat herself on the bed. Quickly turning around, he faced her, obviously still flaring up with the expression he wore. But upon settling his eyes on hers, he immediately calmed down, sitting himself beside her once more.

She then looked past him, towards her manager, who by then had his glasses back on.

"I'm sorry for causing you trouble." She started.

"I don't think you should apologize to him. It's because of him that you…that's why…" he couldn't bring himself to continue as he felt a reassuring hand on his cheek.

"Kira, he wasn't present during my rehearsals. I insisted that he stay out of it and simply focus on other affairs. It isn't his fault. So please, do not blame him. If there is anyone to blame, it should be me."

He did not speak further as she continued what she was saying earlier. After which, her manager then left the room as silently as he entered it.

By themselves, he stared back at her, concern evident in his orbs.

"I'm all right. This…this will heal in time and pretty soon, I'll be able to walk properly again." She assured.

She felt it was only her who was speaking as all he did was nod. Yet it was still there, though he would smile faintly every now and then, it couldn't mask that trace of worry on his features. And she knew this very well. At that moment, she knew he was blaming himself for it all. He simply can't, and would not, blame her for it even if it was glaringly hers to begin with.

"Tell me what you're thinking."

But she remained calm and vigilant.

"I…" he hesitated as he straightened his then slouched back, his hand holding hers firmly, caressing it.

"…I feel relieved. Glad even that nothing too serious happened to you. But then again, I feel…responsible."

And she knew, he didn't have to say anything further. As his eyes darted towards her ring, a small smile graced his lips. She trailed hers in the same direction and found herself settle her vision on the said object. Sighing, she lifted his chin up a bit, so that she may clearly see his face.

They were close – too close for either one's comfort.

"Think of it this way, at least with this injury, I'll have an excuse to stay at home with you and the others. I wouldn't be able to legally do my duties in this condition which meant, we'll have more time for each other."

He couldn't tell he was convinced, but she did have a point. Every star has a contract and every contract must be upheld. But with what happened to her, perhaps something good can come out of it after all.

Her lips couldn't have appeared more tempting than at that moment, as he leaned further 'til he tasted them with his – his own personal way of showing his irrevocable consent. It was a chaste kiss and after a mere second, after relishing the same taste of stain from the cut on his lower lip, he slowly pulled away.

At the end of it all, he concluded, tomorrow may be better…and perhaps, this small wound by then would have healed.

end

A/N: The reason why I didn't put in the "complete" status was that I didn't see this story being completed in its technical sense. This is a series of one-shots, and I intend to keep it that way. Also, many thanks to my favorite author, at the same time a very good and close friend, Morijun. Talking to her was bliss, and this came of it.