Disclaimer: I do not own the Kamisama Hajimemashita/Kiss series or any of the amazing characters featured thus far. But do you have to rub salt in the wound?

Chapter 4: Gender Swap

A/N: This chapter was meant to be just a bit of fun, but it ended more serious than I'd have liked… I'll point out that Tomoe and Mizuki are already female names. What was Julietta thinking? Anyway, next to a name that has been "translated" to the opposite gender, I'll mention who they are so you don't get confused.

Tomoe flicked her long sliver hair out of her face as she threw a book at Mizuki.

'Tomoe, that's so mean,' her green eyes sparkled with mirth, 'I'm telling Naoki.' (A/N: Nanami).

Tomoe shrugged in a way that said can't be helped. 'It was an accident. I needed a stretch so I went to throw something and you were in the way.'

Mizuki rolled her eyes and continued to drink sake.

'That's so unladylike of you. You should be working, not drinking,' and with that, Tomoe threw another book at her.

'How unfortunate. I accidentally dropped a book and it landed on your head.'

Mizuki smiled. 'That's OK, Tomoe. I know since your last master abandoned you, you've been a lot clumsier.' With a gentle laugh, Mizuki went back to drinking, pretending not to notice as Tomoe attempted to throw another book at him.

'Tomoe, Mizuki!'

'Yes, Naoki-chan?' Mizuki sprang up.

'I'm going to Kei's house later. We're going to be playing games with Amias.' (A/N: Kei is a unisex name and Amias is Ami).

'I see,' Tomoe deadpanned.

'…'

An awkward silence began to circulate around the group.

'Or I can cancel?'

'Yes, Naoki-chan!' Mizuki burst excitedly, 'please do!'

With a gentle, if nervous laugh, Naoki nodded.

'Tomoe, do you mind if I speak to you alone…?'

The two of them stood on the porch with the wind blowing silky strands of both Naoki's and Tomoe's hair until they merged into one. Naoki's heart began to beat quicker beneath his shirt. With a glance, he could tell from Tomoe's cool expression that he was the only one feeling this.

Suddenly, Tomoe turned to him.

'Naoki, are you… falling in love with me?'

Naoki's heart stopped.

'Katie (A/N: Kurama) told me that humans are susceptible to this at your age.'

She gave an airy laugh.

'Then again, it was Katie – '

'So what if I am?'

'Eh?'

'If I fell in love with you… what would you say?'

Tomoe shook her head briskly. 'Don't be silly, Naoki. Just say you were influenced by that idiot.'

Naoki shook his head. 'I really like you, Tomoe.' His eyes became blurred, he wanted to cry. He was being rejected. It felt as though a gap had grown in his stomach.

'Don't be ridiculous.'

Naoki lay on the futon in his room gloomily. He had never felt so pathetic, so vulnerable. Tomoe was so completely unfazed, it made his heart ache even more. He wanted the ground to swallow him. He wanted… he wanted the impossible.

He wanted Tomoe to return his love.

He wanted to be a successful God.

He wanted to be the best he could, but with a hole in his heart, how could he?

'Naoki? Naoki, can I come in?' a gentle voice called from behind the screen door.

'Yeah,' Naoki muttered throatily as Mizuki slowly entered. Her silver hair flowed to her shoulders as she rubbed her green eyes.

Mizuki kneeled next to Naoki.

'I didn't mean to overhear, but… You confessed to Tomoe?'

Instead of bothering to hide it, Naoki nodded.

Mizuki sighed quietly and began stroking soothing circles on his back.

'If it hurts so much…'

Naoki looked up to see Mizuki's emerald eyes extremely close to him.

Suddenly, she leapt up.

'Argh! I can't do this! It's not fair to take advantage of Tomoe's absence!'

'Huh? Mizuki, what do you mean?'

Suddenly, a hesitant smile began to creep over her features.

'I'm gonna win this fair and square! So… Tomoe had better keep his eyes open,' and with that, Mizuki left the room again.

Feeling even more confused than before, Naoki lay his head down, hoping to overcome his sorrow over the rejection.

How long he slept, he didn't know, it could have been hours or mere minutes. One thing he did remember was his vivid dream.

Naoki appeared to be standing on the porch where he'd confessed to Tomoe. She was there, standing, oblivious to his presence. Her porcelain face was angled at the full moon.

With a jolt, Naoki realised his was the day where she'd drink with the former goddess, Mikage.

Tomoe slowly took a sip of sake before speaking.

'Mikage.'

Naoki's heart flopped when he saw the pained expression on his loved-one's expression.

'Mikage. This is the day we'd drink together. You hadn't forgotten, had you?'

Without waiting for a reply from anyone or anything, she continued.

'I don't know why you left. I thought I'd hold it against you, but now how can I? You must have heard me. You sent me Naoki, didn't you?

I'd like to say he was useless,' a smile tugged at her lips, 'but he isn't. I'd also like to say he is a terrible and careless god. He's not those either,' a deep sigh consumed her.

'I think I like him Mikage. But how can we be together when it is a taboo? For him to lose his god-ship… What then?' Suddenly, her calm voice took on an edge, 'especially if that damn crow took the job.'

Naoki's heart melted. He reached for Tomoe, wanting to caress her hair, to place his arms around her. Why couldn't he move?

What kind of torturous dream was this?

As Naoki helplessly reached through the air, he realised he wasn't getting anywhere. He was moving like a stone through water. Suddenly, it was as though bubbles began to swarm around him, he thrashed furiously, the current pushing him away from Tomoe.

With a last desperate thrust, Naoki forced his way through the bubbles, and wrapped his arms tightly around Tomoe.

'Don't you dare think I'm leaving you,' he whispered.

Tomoe closed her eyes as the longing sensation in her gut eased. She was where she belonged.

They drifted off through the waves.

Most importantly, they were together.