Soul Mates

Summary: From the time they meet to the birth of their child and then on. HM: A New Beginning-Rachel/Neil

Chapter Ten - Yellow Heart

It was a pretty spring day as Ninian looked around her farm. Since it was now the first of spring she had just planted a whole bunch of turnips, potatoes, cucumbers, cabbages and some other crops and taken care of her animals. 'I wonder what Neil's doing. I should drop by for a visit…' Ninian looked down at her overalls and wrinkled her nose at how dirty she was. '…Maybe after I wash up and change clothes.'

She ran inside her house, showered, dressed into her cute work clothes that she asked Yuri to make her a while back and ran out the door and all the way to Neil's. She burst through the door and crashed straight into Neil as he was leaving. She let out a startled cry, just as Neil swore in surprise, as she tumbled backwards. Though thanks to Neil's fast reflexes, he grabbed her by her elbows and steadied her. He stepped back just a bit.

"Wah, it's you, Nina?" Neil said then grew concerned at her sudden appearance, "You really surprised me! Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, everything's fine." Ninian laughed nervously.

Neil breathed out a sigh of relief. The way she burst through the door, he really though something bad had happened.

"Good, glad to hear that." He said. "Sorry if I surprised you. I was just about to head out."

"No, it's fine. It's really my fault for my sudden appearance." Ninian said in her soft voice. "So where are you going if you don't mind my asking?"

Neil sighed and suddenly looked slightly upset and worn out. Ninian now looked worried.

"Neil-?"

"I had a little trouble, to tell you the truth." Neil confessed. "I was going to just take a walk and clear my head."

"Oh, I see…" Ninian said, disappointed that she was probably going to have to go back home.

Neil stepped closer to Ninian. He wrapped his arms around her waist and gave her a small hopeful smile, "Do you want to come with me, Nina?"

Ninian brightened up and nodded, "I'll go with you."

Neil smiled, "Let's go." Neil placed a kiss on her forehead and murmured, "I'll take you to a really special spot today." He pulled back and looked down at her.

She smiled up at him, with a blush dusted prettily on her cheeks. Neil stepped back and took her hand in his. They left the house and made their way to the river.

Just as they had stepped on the second bridge Neil leaned down next her ear and watched her shudder as he whispered, "Catch me if you can!"

Then Neil took off running, laughing as Ninian gave a shout of "unfairness" and how he "had a head start" but did her best to follow. Neil ran to the third bridge that lead to the mountain path, but instead of crossing it, he veered to the right and stopped by a small bush by one of the waterfalls.

"Nina, this way. Come on, move it!" Neil called.

Ninian paused by a nearby tree to catch her breath.

"Get up here! It feels great!" Neil laughed.

Ninian sucked in a deep breath and quickly made her way to Neil's side.

"Neil! That wasn't funny! You're too fast…" Ninian complained.

"What? I'm too fast?" Neil asked incredulously and then teased. "Not at all! You're too slow, Nina!"

"That's not fair! You are, too, faster than me and you know that, yet you go ahead and tease me calling me slow." Ninian ranted for a bit more before Neil interrupted her.

He chuckled, "Oh come on. I'm just kidding!" He said. "No need to get all angry."

Ninian huffed. Neil smiled at her before turning toward the waterfall. He had a peaceful look come over him.

"This is my special spot." He said softly. "Take a look."

Ninian turned to look at the waterfall and smile replaced the pout she had worn.

"Oh, wow…" She said in amazement.

"Look at the raging water!" He pointed down off the cliff they stood at. "Really feels great to look at, doesn't it?"

"Yeah, it does." Ninian murmured in agreement.

"When I'm here I can forget everything bad and just relax." Neil explained. "You understand what I mean, right, Nina?"

Ninian smiled serenely, "I understand totally."

Neil turned to face Ninian as she did the same. He smiled gratefully.

"I knew you would!" He said. "That's why we're together, Nina!"

Ninian beamed up at him brightly.

"Something fun did happen the other day, actually!" Neil said excitedly.

"Really? Like what?" Ninian asked.

"Let me tell you about it." Neil said and dove into his story.

…

It was hours later. The two were quiet, listening to the water rushing. The two had sat down, leaning against the bush. Sometime during Neil's story Ninian had been pulled onto his lap and his arms rested around her waist as she leaned her head against his shoulder.

Neil sighed contently. "Phew…"

He looked down at Ninian. She looked so peaceful.

"I feel much better for having talked like this with you." Neil said happily, "I feel so much better!"

"I'm glad, Neil!" Ninian said snuggling closer to Neil.

Neil smiled and tighten his arms around her, "You enjoyed yourself too, did you?"

"Yes, I had a lot of fun today with you!" Ninian said.

"I'm glad to hear it." Neil murmured.

Neil then got quiet and looked thoughtful. Ninian looked up at him.

"What's the matter?" She asked.

Neil looked down at her, "Hey, Nina. You really do understand me pretty well, don't you?"

"Yup, that's right." Ninian answered.

"Thanks for not asking any details." Neil said. "That made me really happy."

"You're welcome, Neil. I knew if you wanted me to know, you would have told me." Ninian said.

Neil looked back at the water with a growing blush, "If I'm worried about anything else, can I come and see you? Your smile really helps to cheer me up."

Ninian smiled softly, "Of course you can, Neil!"

"G-Great, thanks." Neil murmured smiling and after a minute said, "You can come and see me, too. I'll make you laugh."

"Really?" Ninian asked.

Neil nodded and suddenly began tickling her. Ninian shrieked and began giggling and laughing as Neil assaulted her sides and tummy with quick and accurate fingers, finding the most sensitive spots. He finally let up when she cried mercy. Both of them laughed happily. Neil stood up and offered her his hand.

"Shall we head home, anyway?" Neil asked as she took his hand and pulled her up.

"Yeah, it's getting late." Ninian confirmed.

"I'll walk you back to your house." Neil offered, taking her hand.

"Okay, thank you." Ninian accepted.

Neil brushed his free hand across her cheek and leaned in to kiss her on the lips. Ninian kissed him back with as much love as he did to her. Finally they pulled back to breathe and smiled lovingly at each other.

"Let's go, Nina." Neil said.

"Mhm." Ninian hummed dreamily.

They two of them began the walk to Ninian's farm, their arms wrapped around each other tightly with loving smiles on their faces.