If Only
Summary: Chamiko one-shot AU set in the past. Chase and Kimiko dwell on their past relationship.
(A/N) A quick one-shot for you all, seeing as I wont be able to update my stories for a few weeks. I've got my exams coming up so I really need to focus on them T-T Stars above give me strength. My last exam is on the 7th of December and after that I'm freeeeeeee~* Christmas holidays! Mwahhaha~* I can work on my stories during the holiday :D xx Sorry for the long wait, but I hope this makes it up to yous a wee bit. xx
Inspired by a few things :3 The wonderful Layalimit piece I will follow you. Its one of my favs, and I've been itching since I first saw it to write something about it. xx And it was also inspired by the lovely HappyTheDragonthe last drawing in Down By The River, Kimiko holding the parasol with Chase standing next to her. xx The song 'If Only' from Descendants also inspired it a bit :3 xx
Disclaimer: I do not own Xiaolin Showdown or any of the characters. I can dream though...
She was kneeling by the stream filling a wooden pail with water. Her raven black hair shimmered in the sunlight, gently blowing behind her in the whispering wind. Her kimono matched the colour of the blossom petals fluttering down from the surrounded trees, her long, draping sleeves swaying with every movement.
Chase smiled fondly at the image of the young women, reaching a gloved hand towards The All Seeing Eye. He caressed the edges of the image, imagining what it would be like to rest his hand upon her cheek, the tips of his fingers brushing into her fathomless waves of hair.
If only…
The leather clad hand clenched, pulling away from the image.
She would never allow it. Never allow him to touch her again. To gently pull her into his warm, protective embrace. To take her hand in his and entwine their fingers, allowing him to lead her to a better life, a life with him. Where he could give her everything she needed, everything she wanted. Nothing she could ask for would ever be too much. If she wanted it she would have it. He would give her everything.
But no… she would never allow any of that to happen. He was nothing but a loveless monster in her eyes now. A demon disguised as a man who wanted nothing but to see the world burn.
She wasn't wrong. He wanted to conquer the world, to allow evil to ravage the villages, cities and countryside, plundering the land of all it's sickening goodness and hope. The Xaiolin could only protect the world from The Heylin for so long. Soon they would slip up… and he would be right there to take advantage, finally ridding the world of good forever.
But just because he was evil, didn't mean he didn't have a heart. He did, and it beat solely for her. He would no longer deny the existence of the little speck of goodness within him. It was what allowed him to fall in love her. And should she have him, it would be hers, and hers alone.
"Kimiko! Hurry up with that water, dear!"
Chase glanced back to the image of his beloved. She was looking over her shoulder, seeing her father hollering for her at the village entrance. She rolled her eyes, muttering irritably under her breath as she rose to her feet.
"I'm coming!" Kimiko called back, trying to conceal her annoyance.
She picked up the bucket, groaning as its weight caused the wooden handle to dig into her fingers.
"Why do I always have to be the one to fetch the water," Kimiko muttered aloud to herself.
Chase watched intently as she struggled with her two buckets of water, making her way sluggishly to the village. If he had his way she would never be doing another day of manual labour again. She was too good for such trivial tasks.
Kimiko suddenly stopped, a shiver running down her spine. She looked up, startling Chase as her sky blue orbs seemed to meet his golden pools. She bit her lip, frowning at the sky. He knew she could feel someone watching her, she just wasn't sure who or how. But he knew she certainly had a suspicion.
"Go away," Kimiko mouthed, her hands tightening on the buckets handles.
She looked away from the sky, moving as quickly as she could back to the safety of the village.
Chase frowned, and with a wave of his hand the image on The All Seeing Eye vanished behind a white fog. She may deny having them, but her tiger instincts were well tuned. He scarcely ever got a chance to catch a glimpse of her this All Seeing Eye, the young woman's scenes always swift to alert her to his gaze.
With a sigh Chase rose from his throne, making his way towards the grand entrance of his home, littered with its many pools, waterfall and grand roman style architect. He approached one of the pools, sitting down on the edge. He drew one of his knees up to his chest, his other leg stretched out in front of him. With a sigh he leaned his head back against the stone pillar behind him, his eyes watching the glimmering, crystal clear waters.
If only he could convince her to join him. Despite being a devious and masterful manipulator, he couldn't sway her. Not even when he had spoken the truth of his feelings.
Chase closed his eyes, recalling the first time they had ever met.
He was utterly, and hopelessly… lost. And it was all that blasted General Spicer's fault! How the boy had been elevated to the rank that he was was beyond him. The boy was a moron! A soon to be dead one at that!
Chase tugged on his black steeds reins, the horse neighing irritably as it came to halt. It shook its mane of long, glossy black hair, clicking its tongue at its rider in annoyance. Chase soothed the horse's neck, pulling out a small handful of chopped up carrots and offering it to the horse. The horse nodded it's head, making quick work of the food offering.
"Let's see where that idiot has sent us," Chase muttered, pulling out the crude map that Spicer had drawn them. He held the parchment up at an angle, glancing around the forest as he tried to figure out his location. "I don't think that worm had a clue where The Temple of Kamakura is."
Chase scrunched up the map with an angry snarl, throwing it away. What a useless waste of time!
Just wait till I get my hands on you, Spicer! Chase thought darkly.
"Get away from me!"
Chase blinked, looking around for the source of the distinctively female voice. It sounded like it had came from straight ahead. He paused, listening intently to confirm this. He then heard a scream, accompanied by a ferocious roar of some large beast. Chase clicked his heels into his horse's side, prompting it to dash forward. Why he felt compelled to spur his horse forward, following the distressed cries, he didn't know. Right now though he didn't have time to ponder over it.
With a grunt he and his horse burst through the vast foliage of bushes, branches and plants, and found himself in a small clearing.
That's when he saw her.
Pressed up against a cliff wall was a terrified young women. She was dressed in an elegant yet simply kimono, adorned with white blossoms and petals. Much of the dress had been ruined, the hems and long, draping sleeves slightly torn and covered in mud and leaves. Her long, black hair fell down her shoulders in frizzy waves, twigs and petals entangled within it. Her cheeks were flushed and she looked out of breath, as though she had been running for a great length of time. Though Chase supposed her worn out appearance had something to do with the growling tiger a few feet away, baring its foaming fangs at her.
"Go away, you monster!" The girl yelled, holding out her old, worn out parasol in front of her in a vain attempt to keep the beast away.
The tiger's tail swished behind it, back and forth, its claws digging into the ground as it hunched its back. Chase knew from experience with his own jungle cats that the tiger was readying to pounce. Backed up against the wall with nowhere to run, and looking as though she would collapse from exhaustion, Chase knew the girl stood no chance.
With a bone quaking roar the tiger bolted forward, tearing the ground out from under its feet as it charged towards her. With a scream the girl collapsed to her knees, clenching her eyes shut as she waited for the inevitable. Only... it never came.
There was a loud crash as the tiger was suddenly set flying backwards into a tree, snapping the trunk in half. The tiger let out a painful groan. Unable to get back onto its feet, the tiger fell unconscious.
The girl hesitantly pried open her eyes, finding Chase standing before her. Chase glanced down at her, offering her his hand. Tentatively, the girl reached for it, and with much help from Chase, was able to get back up onto her trembling feet. Chase kept his hands firmly on the girl's upper arms, preventing her from falling over.
"Are you alright, Miss?" Chased asked softly.
The girl nodded, running a shaky hand through her hair. "That tiger's been chasing me through the forest all evening. If you hadn't shown up..." The girl cleared her throat, taking in a deep breath to calm her shuddering heart. "Thank you, Sir."
Chase nodded, accepting her thanks. Although he was no hero, and usually enjoyed watching people suffer, he came to this girl's rescue. He wasn't quite sure why he had. When he had saw her standing there, defenceless and helpless, he had responded purely on instinct. He supposed it was just old habits dying hard, his former Xaiolin self having never allowed anyone to be hurt when he could prevent it. He thought he had gotten rid of that irksome little habit, clearly it was something that would have to be rectified.
"Why are you out here in a forest alone?" Chase asked, titling his head. "That seems rather foolish."
The girl looked at him, her beautiful features contorting into a frown. "Not to be rude, but why I'm out here really isn't any of your concern, Sir."
Chase quirked an eyebrow at her defensive attitude, but said nothing else on the matter. Whatever the reason for her wandering around on her own in a tiger infested forest, with bandits, thieves and criminals running about, really wasn't any of his concern. If she wanted to get killed, then let her.
"Could you umm... let me go?" The girl asked awkwardly.
Chase blinked, realising he was still holding onto her. In fact, his grip seemed to have tightened on her arms as though he didn't want to let her go. He released her, taking a cautious step back.
"Look, I'm sorry if I've came across as rude, especially after you just saved me," The girl said apologetically, her blue orbs locking with his. "I'm still a little shaken. Is there anyway in which I can repay you for your assistance?"
"Actually, you wouldn't happen to know the directions to The Temple of Kamakura?" Chase asked, hoping that since she seemed to be a local that she may know where the temple was. If she did then this whole little diversion wouldn't be such a waste of time.
The girl frowned, looking down at Chase's attire. He supposed she was trying to judge who he was. Villagers tended to be wary around strangers, especially of any seeking out their 'noble' protectors, The Xaiolin. He was glad he had opted for modest attire today; no armour, just plain, black robes, the only decoration being the green dragon design on his left trousers leg, and a short black cape for warmth.
"Are you a monk?" She asked tentatively.
Chase held back a snort.
Quite the opposite actually, he thought with grim amusement.
Having her know that he was really a Heylin Prince on his way to conquer said Xiaolin Temple, however, would make her rather reluctant to tell him the location. He wasn't in the mood for forcing the information out of her when he could easily get it with a little pretence. After all, you attract more flies - or in this case butterflies - with honey rather than vinegar.
Keeping his voice pleasant and polite, he said, "I am. I'm travelling from one of the Xaiolin temples in China. I'm hoping to meet an… old friend of mine. However, it seems I have lost my way. I was hoping to make it to the temple before nightfall."
The girl visibly relaxed a bit. She offered him a pitying smile. "I'm afraid it's more than a two days ride from here."
Evidently Spicer had set him far more off course than he thought. The boy was a dead man when he got his hands on him. Chase's army would only be a day's journey away from the temple by now. All thanks to Spicer's idiotic ways, Chase's entire plans were going up in smoke.
"That is unfortunate," Chase sighed, running a hand irritably through his hair.
There was a sudden roar of thunder, dark clouds shadowing the forest. Rain pelted down, drenching the pair. Of course. Just what he needed. Rain. The fates were certainly on his side today, weren't they?
The girl let out a startled cry, opening up her flimsy parasol. She went on her tippy toes, allowing her to keep Chase under the umbrella as well.
"A little late for that don't you think? Chase smirked, sounding amused.
"I'm trying to be nice," She said with a roll of her eyes, mirth dancing within them. "Look, how about you come back to my village with me. It's nearby and you can stay in my house for the night; as a thank you for saving me. You and your horse can rest up there and then head when you're ready."
Chase looked to the sky. Nightfall was rapidly approaching. Although he preferred the night to the day, his horse did not. And unlike him, it couldn't see very well in the dark. Said horse galloped over, making a neighing sound that sounded as though it agreed with the girls offer. It nuzzled into her, earning a giggle from her.
"I think your horse agrees," she smiled.
"I would be much obliged," Chase conceded. "Which way is your village?"
"It's about an hours journey from here," The girl said. "Oh, I'm sorry, I don't even know your name yet."
Chase mounted his horse, offering the girl his hand. As she took it, he smiled at her. "Chase. And yours?"
"Tohmiko," The raven haired girl smiled, taking his hand and allowing him to pull her onto the horse behind him. She tucked her parasol under her arm as she wrapped her arms tightly around Chase's waist. Chase wouldn't deny he rather enjoyed the feeling. "Tohmiko, Kimiko.
Chase opened his eyes at the feeling of something nudging against his arm. He glanced to the side, finding one of his fallen warriors, a tiger, sitting by his side. Chase reached over, stroking its head.
He never should have saved her that day. If he hadn't then he wouldn't be plagued with such consuming thoughts of her and possibly futures they could have shared. He wouldn't be haunted by dreams of having her by his side, only to wake up and find that she wasn't there lying beside him; she never had been and never would be.
She loathed him with a fiery passion. Hated what he was and what he had done.
But that passionate hatred could have been dealt with. If he had had his way she wouldn't have found out the truth of who he was until he had been assured that she would have remained with him, no matter his sins. It was all that blasted Dashi's fault! That meddlesome monk had stuck his nose in where it wasn't wanted. He had poisoned Kimiko's view of him before he could plant enough suggestions and ideas in her mind to make her more susceptible to evil.
Now her head was filled with fruitless Xiaolin notions of peace and harmony. There was no such thing, and never would be. Yet now she wanted to join the Xiaolin, risking her life fighting for such a folly. Dashi hadn't just destroyed any affection and love that Kimiko had held for him, he had turned her against him, making her his enemy.
Dashi's days were numbered for this. Soon Chase would get even with his dear, old mentor for having ruined the one thing in Chase's life worth cherishing. Kimiko was the one thing he wanted to protect. The one thing he wanted above all else. And now she had been stolen away from him.
How Dashi found out was still a mystery. Though he suspected it was by accident through Kimiko's father, Toshiro.
Toshiro was the leader of the large village in Tokyo that Kimiko lived in. He often housed many travellers who passed through the villages, out of genuine hospitality and a desire to keep up good relations with other villages. Chase was aware that Dashi had been travelling through Japan for some time, and as much as it had pained him, he had made sure to steer clear from Kimiko's village, least Dashi stumble upon them and ruin everything. It was probably during this time that Dashi had came upon Toshiro's hospitality, and the man had let it slip of his daughters new mentor and suitor.
After their first meeting, Chase had been compelled to come back and visit the young women. Over time he eventually began teaching Kimiko martial arts to help her improve her skills - and as an excuse to see her again. It had turned out that the reason she had been in the forest alone the first time they had met, was because she was secretly practising her Kung Fu. Her father had originally not approved of his daughter leaning the arts, but with much persuasion from Chase, the man had relented.
Though Chase highly believed this was a mere ploy to allow himself and Kimiko to spend more time together. The father had clearly been convinced the two were having some courtship, long before it had actually happened. Chase smirked as he remembered his first encounter with Kimiko's father.
"Papa, I'm home!" Kimkio called out as she entered her home, Chase following closely behind.
"Kimiko! Where have you been? It's almost-oh! You have a guest!"
Toshiro was a tiny man, dressed in plain grey yukata robes. He had a small, round head, his cheeks a little chubby. His black hair was short, and greying around the edges. He seemed like quite the jolly soul, a giant grin breaking out into his face when he saw the pair. Though there was a calculative, slyness to his grin that slightly put Chase on edge.
"Kimiko, if you've been running off to see a boy you should have just said!" Toshiro laughed, making his way past a stunned Kimiko and over to Chase. He held out his hand, shaking Chase's vigorously. "It's about time! So I take it you're here to ask permission to wed?"
"Papa!" Kimiko shrieked, absolutely mortified. "It's not like that!"
Chase smirked, enjoying seeing the flustered Kimiko's face flushed so red. She looked rather adorable like that.
"Yes, actually. I was hoping we could be married by the end of the week."
He knew it was cruel to tease, but he was so good at it. It was definitely worth it seeing Kimiko's mouth dropped, her eyes widening. She seemed to have been shocked into a stupor, staring in utter horror at him and her father. She shook her head, unable to form coherent words.
"Brilliant! I shall make the arrangements!" Toshiro grinned, clapping his hands.
That seemed enough to snap Kimiko out of her shell shock. She stormed up to Chase, pointing a finger accusingly at his chest. "He's a guest nothing more!"
"Oh Honey, there's nothing to be shy about-"
"Papa!
"Though Sir, I do expect grand children promptly after the wed-"
"No! No! NO! I am NOT getting married! Let's get that straight! Chase is a guest. A guest! He saved me from getting eaten by a tiger, so I thought I'd offer him shelter for the night," Kimiko said sternly to her father, giving Chase a scowl that told him she greatly regretted the decision. "Got it?"
Toshiro visibly defeated, looking very disappointed.
Chase barely held back a laugh.
Looking back on it now, Chase never would have guessed a year later he would truly ask Toshiro for permission to marry his daughter. Toshiro hadn't believed him the first five times Chase had asked him, thinking it to be another one of Chase's jokes. But when Chase had presented Toshiro with a silver necklace with a jaded dragon amulet as an engagement gift that he planned to give to Kimiko, Toshiro had been convinced.
Chase wondered if she still had it, or if she had thrown it away... just like his heart.
If only things could be different...
If only...
Kimiko dropped the water buckets by the kitchen door, letting out a sigh of relief as her muscles relaxed.
"Thank you, Kimiko," Toshiro smiled, looking up from his paperwork. "I have a surprise waiting for you upstairs."
"You're spoiling me too much, Papa," Kimiko laughed as she left the kitchen and made her way up stairs.
She knew why he was spoiling; he was trying to cheer her up. For the past few weeks she had been depressed as a result of developments between her and her now ex-fiancé. She could still scarcely believe it. Her Chase who had always treated her with nothing but kindness and thoughtfulness, who was romantic and charming... was a Heylin.
She was sure it was his eyes that she had felt on her earlier on when she was by the river. She couldn't be sure, but something told her it had to be.
Kimiko clenched her eyes shut as she closed the sliding door to her room. The thought of Chase caused her heart to throb painfully. She rested her back against the door, trying to fight back the tears stinging at the corner of her eyes. With a growl she wiped them away with her sleeve. No. She wouldn't cry over him. She was stronger than that!
Kimiko shook her head. Everything that happened between her and Chase was in the past. She would get over it, with time.
With a sigh Kimiko turned to her bed, seeing a mountain load of brightly wrapped presents. She giggled. Once again her father had went overboard. She spent the next few hours opening up her gifts, trying on the dozen or so new kimonos that her father had bought for her. She was going to have some major problems fitting all these new clothes into her closet. Perhaps Dashi was right, she was a little too materialistic.
Grabbing hold of a black sash, Kimiko finished off adding the finishing touches to her last outfit. A beautiful, ruby coloured kimono, with fiery butterflies sewn onto it.
Hmm needs one last thing.
Without thinking, Kimiko picked up the nearby parasol sitting by her mirror. It was red like her dress, flowers and butterflies hand painted onto it. Chase had given it to her...
Kimiko lowered the parasol, looking at it through emotionless eyes as the memory played out in her head.
"Wait, don't! Keezies!"
Too late, Chase grabbed onto her wrist, chucking her over his shoulder. Kimiko let out a shriek as she crashed to the grassy ground.
"Have you ever heard of taking it easier on beginners?" Kimiko groaned as she wobbled to her feet. "I'm just starting to properly learn all this and you're going full on master warrior mode on me!"
Chase laughed, "Like it or not this is how I teach. Now, try again."
Kimiko eyes him warily. She knew how this was going to end, and it didn't matter what she did she knew it wasn't going to end well for her. She would charge him, and he would toss her to the side like a ragdoll, or throw her over his shoulder like she was weightless. Regardless of what manner of deflection he chose she still going to go for a mini flying lesson before crashing into the ground again.
This is so not fair, Kimiko thought irritably.
She really didn't know how much more her body or pride could take of this. And she couldn't even say enough was enough for today as Chase had travelled all the way from China to give her this lesson, just as he did every month. It was a sweet gesture. He knew how much she wanted a teacher, and had happily offered his own services. He refused anything in return, insisting that it helped him too as he believed teaching was the only true path to learning.
Apart of her hoped that the real reason was because he wanted to see and spend time with her. But she knew she was just looking too much into it, allowing her wishful heart to run wild.
Well, time to face the inevitable. Hello ground, here I come, Kimiko thought miserably.
Just as she was about to charge him the first drops of rain began to fall. She let out a groan, throwing her arms wide out as the rain got heavier and heavier, drenching her right through.
"Are you kidding me? Why does it always start raining whenever I'm out with you?" Kimiko laughed. "I'm starting to think it's a bad omen."
Chase gave her a funny look, before signalling for her to follow him. She ran over to him, surprised when he took her hand in his, his fingers tightening around her own. She felt her heart speed up, a light blush staining her cheeks. They raced towards the nearby gazebo where they had left their belongings, taking shelter under it.
"Here," Chase said as he picked up his long, black cloak and threw it over her shoulders.
Kimiko snuggled into it, sitting down on the small wooden bench inside the gazebo. She patted the space next to her, and Chase sat beside her. Kimiko quickly took one end of the cape and wrapped it around Chase, allowing both of them to share its warmth.
"Warmer this way," Kimiko explained, trying her best to sound casual and not at all like the jittering box of nerves she felt like.
She wasn't lying. It was warmer with the two of them sharing body heat, and she had felt bad leaving him shivering in the cold while she stayed warm. Besides that, though she wouldn't admit it to Chase, she liked being this close to him.
Chase smirked, but said nothing in return. For a while the two sat in silence, listening to the pitter patter of the rain, and watching as it soaked the garden. It was so peaceful, and they had sat there for so long that Kimiko almost found herself nodding off to sleep. She most likely would have had Chase not abruptly stood up.
"What's wrong?" Kimiko asked, titling her head.
"It's getting quite late. We best get you home before your father thinks we've eloped together again."
"Chase!" Kimiko shrieked in embarrassment.
She gave him a dirty look, wanting ever so much to wipe that evil smirk off his face. Chase laughed, picking up something and hiding it from view. He approached her, a small smile twitching at the corner of his lip. Kimiko didn't care for the mischievous glint in his golden eyes.
"What are you up to?"
"I have something for you."
Chase pulled out a beautiful, intricately decorated, wooden parasol from behind his back. It was bright red, blooming flowers hand painted onto it, small butterflies fluttering around them. She wasn't sure if she remembered right, but wasn't butterflies a Chinese symbol for love?
"To keep you dry, seeing as it's always raining when we're together."
"Thank you," Kimiko smiled, taking the parasol and gazing at it in awe.
She looked back up at Chase and smiled. He seemed happy that she liked her present. As a means of thank you Kimiko leaned forward, placing a kiss on his cheek. Chase looked surprised by her gesture, but quickly recovered. He smiled at her, taking her hand in his before planting a soft kiss of his own on the back of her hand.
With an angry snarl Kimiko threw the parasol across the room. It thwacked into the wall, parts of it breaking into splinters. Kimiko watched the broken fragments fall to the floor. With a sudden jolt she realised what she had done in her fit of anger. Panic burst through her as she darted across the room, falling to her knees where the parasol lay in broken pieces.
"No... what have I done," Kimiko whispered, cradling one of the larger pieces in her hands.
She hadn't meant to break it. She was just so angry and hurt that she had reacted without thinking. Apart of her told her it shouldn't matter. He had given her it, so now it had to mean nothing. Clutching onto the parasol out of sentimentality was dangerous. Just looking at it brought back old feelings that she wanted to rid herself of.
No... I have to get rid of this.
Kimiko sprung to her feet. She got an old box from her closet and tossed what was left of the parasol into it. She swiftly scanned her room, looking for anything that Chase had given her. She found a few martial arts and ti chi books he had given her, along with one of his capes, and a sash. With an angry growl she viciously stuffed them all into the box. She had to get rid of them. Each one carried with it painful memories of her times with Chase, back when she had been blissfully unaware of what he really was.
"That should be everything," Kimiko muttered, glancing around the room one last time.
That's when she spotted the scroll tied shut with a green and golden ribbon. Kimiko approached it slowly. She knew she shouldn't have, but she couldn't resist looking at it one last time. Inside was a breathing taking painting of her and Chase. Chase himself having made it for her.
In it she was wearing a beautiful pink kimono, a small fan in her hand. Chase was behind her, clad in armour, reaching a hand out for her. She had always wondered why he had painted himself wearing armour, it seemed strange a peaceful monk would wear such attire. Chase had insisted it was because he wanted to be her 'knight in shining armour', and 'protector'. But even then she couldn't help but wonder why the armor was so dark and menacing.
Now she knew the real reason. This painting was the most honest thing Chase had ever given her. It was a clue. A glimpse into his real self. The dark, Heylin warrior, surrounded by destruction and darkness. Such a stark comparison to the way he had painted her in her light and life, surrounded by beauty.
Written at the bottom of the painting in Chinese was one line.
I will follow you... to the end of the world.
A single tear dropped down onto the parchment, soaking and discolouring it as it slid down the image. She tightened her grip on it, willing the heart ache to stop. To leave he be for one merciful moment.
This was one of the gifts Chase had given her as in honour of their engagement.
She would never forget how overjoyed he had been at her acceptance.
They were lying on the crisp grass, underneath a cherry tree with their backs propped up against the trunk. Kimiko had her head rested against Chase's shoulder, their joint hands resting on their laps. The trees branches shielded them from the scorching sun, the shadow cast by them offering them a blessed touch of coolness.
"Kimiko," Chase muttered, his voice groggy and slightly slurred.
"Uh huh," Kimiko yawned, snuggling into his side.
"You know, I could get use to waking up beside you," He mumbled.
Kimiko blinked, quickly moving to allow herself to see Chase's face. He was clearly still sleeping, teetering on the edge of waking up. She doubted he even knew what he was saying. So he was a sleep talker?
"Oh really?" Kimiko grinned, dearly looking forward to teasing him for his little slip up.
They may have been courting for nearly a year now, but even still Chase always hid his emotions. He didn't like being too honest about how he really felt, seeing it as a weakness. And annoyingly he was so hard to read, so she could never tell how he really felt. So to hear him speak words of such honesty - in a semi-conscious state though it may be - was something she wouldn't let him live down.
"Mhmmm," he moaned, letting out a soft sigh, leaning his head against hers.
Later on he would completely deny ever saying such a thing. She remembered teasing him relentlessly about it as they walked home, arm in arm, Kimiko's parasol keeping them out of the sun's warm rays.
"I give you my word Chase, you did say it," Kimiko smirked in a sing song voice.
"I didn't."
"Yes, you did."
"Didn't."
"Did."
"Didn't!"
Kimiko came to an abrupt halt, putting her hand firmly on her hip. She quirked an eyebrow at him, giving him an unimpressed glare.
"How would you know if you didn't? You were half asleep. Besides, what's wrong with the idea of waking up next to me every morning?" Kimiko asked, sounding offended. She wasn't really, she was just trying to bait him.
"I never said there was anything wrong with it," Chase retorted, "I just refuse to believe I would say something so…"
"Cheesy?" Kimiko offered.
Chase scowled at her. "I don't say 'cheesy' things."
"If it makes you feel better I thought it was really sweet," Kimiko smiled wickedly, enjoying herself. "You should try being more honest with me, it wouldn't kill you."
"Honest? And what is that exactly?" Chase asked quizzically, frowning as though he had never heard the word.
Kimiko slapped him on the arm, scowling. "Ha, ha. Very funny."
"Alright then, let's try this."
What he did next nearly had her collapsing of shock on the spot. He went down on one knee, reaching up and taking her free hand in his.
What is he doing? Kimiko thought in confusion.
"Tohomiko Kimiko, would you do me the honour of accepting my hand in marriage?"
Did he just?... he didn't... he... no way...
"I love you, and no matter what happens in the future, I never wish to apart from you," Chase said quietly, earnestly.
His eyes starred intently into hers, and Kimiko found herself unable to break away from his piercing gaze.
Through wide eyes Kimiko stared at him in awe, unsure how to respond. She had imagined the scenario of Chase asking her to marry him in her head countless times. She had thought out all the different ways in which she could accept. But now that it was actually happening, here and now, the spotlight on her, she found herself at a loss for words.
"I..." She ducked her head, allowing her curtain of hair to hid her face from view. When she finally did look back up, there were tears in her eyes and a huge smile on her face. "And you say you don't say cheesy things?"
She dropped her parasol, flinging herself into Chase's arms.
"I will."
Chase smiled, lifting her up into the air and spinning her around before pulling her into a breathless hug. They both laughed, resting their foreheads together. Kimko leaned up, placing her lips on Chase's. They shared a passionate kiss which left both of them gasping for air.
Even now she could still feel his lips on hers. His arms wrapping around her from behind. The feel of his lips on her neck. His gentle voice whispering words of affection in her ear.
If only she could forget it all and forget about him!
But truthfully… she didn't want to forget any of her times with him, or him. It was just the pain of betrayal, the pain of being lied to that she wanted to forget. Even though she hated to admit it she still loved Chase. And she treasured every second she had spent with him.
If only he hadn't been evil…
If only...
(A/N) Hope you enjoyed :D Let me know what you think! I love hearing - reading rather lol - your comments and such. xx