Ginga, Kyoya and Kenta were enjoying a dinner at Benkei´s Burger restaurant.
Ginga had an exhausting day, spending time with Zero and his friends at the Bey Park. Not that he didnt enjoy it though. They guys were very excited to see him and asked him all kind of questions in order to improve their skills at beyblading. Ginga had been more than eager to teach them, since it had been a very long time ago, someone asked him for advice and training them, sure was somthing, he liked to do. But after spending nearly all day there, he had to admit, that he got tired and all he wanted was a good meal and some rest.
He was happy to see some of his old friends again and to spend time with them. Benkei had preapred a very big and delicious meal, with lots of french fries, roasted beef and a couple of his best deluxe burger. Ginga literally couldnt stop eating. It was a long time since he had a decent meal and didnt have to worry about anything. His friends sure were beyond exuberant to see him again. Of course, they had been shocked, seeing him return after all this time, it was only a common reaction. He figured it was just a strange feeling cleary knowing that everyone around you had thought you had died.
After catching up on the current events, Ginga talked about his long journey home. The version of the story was the same he had told Madoka, he only left out the fact, how much his dreams had been tortuing him. Not being able to remember his brown haired angel of his visions had nearly driven him into madness.
Benkei kept asking questions after questions, as though if Ginga explained it just one more time, it really would have taken place. Kyoya got so annoyed by this, that he promptly told Benkei to shut up and let the poor man speak.
Ginga had laughed at this, content that even though he had been gone for some time, his friends were just as he remembered them. Returning home after an extended absense always broaded the idea that people you once knew had turned into complete strangers. Or maybe because you had been gone so long, you were the stranger one.
Whatever the fact was, Ginga had been a little nervous. Though of course, this hadnt been the majority of his emotions. He had been mainly concerned about Madoka and about that unexplainable relief of finally returning home.
Now sitting at Benkei´s place, Ginga felt better than he had in the past few days. He was located at a great restaurant, eating his favorite meal with his friends, who in fact, were arguing over the fact whether a chocolate dessert or a fruit dessert was the better choice for them. Everything appeared to be back to normal. Or at least to Ginga´s knowledge, it was.
Hey, I hate to break up your argument but I have a question, Ginga interrupted not the least bit regretful. He really had more important things on his mind now, then which dessert his friends were going to choose. He still hadnt look for an appartment or room he could stay in, so that he didnt become a burden for Madoka. He liked staying at her place, but didnt like the idea of taking advantage of her friendship and hospitality.
Do you guys mind helping me, find a place I can stay at? Ginga asked
Eh? why? Benkei asked.
Where have you been staying for the past days anyway?
I was slepping at Madoka´s place...
And you didnt like it there? Kyoya asked grinning now.
No! No. It isnt like that! Ginga blushed. It is just, that I cant overstay my welcome there any longer. I dont want her to think Im taking advantage of her!
I doubt, that she would think that way...? Kenta objected.
I know. She is way too kind to think of it that way. But still, I have my pride, you know?
The guys laughed.
Sure, I will go and help you search for a nice appartment, Kenta suggested. Lets go tomorow together!
Thanks, Kenta.
Speaking of Madoka, why isnt she here? Benkei suddenly wondered.
Oh, she went to the WBBA. She said, that Tsubasa asked her for help, organize the upcoming conference...or something like that, Ginga told them.
Suddenly he remembered another thing, he had been waiting for to ask his friends, since he hadnt have the courage to ask Madoka about.
Eh...there is something I have to know... he said, with a serious tone.
Shoot, Kenta offered, taking a moment to quickly exchange a look with Kyoya.
How has Madoka been? I mean, how has she been since I was gone?
Kenta bit his lips and Benkei´s tempestuous disposition quickly changed to hesitation.
She has been alright I guess... I mean she was absolutely heartbroken when you disappeared. But she had faith, you know? She was the only one of us that refused to give up hope.
Ginga smiled at that.
Has she … well...it is a stupid question, I know, but did she date anyone else while I was gone?
He wondered, almost expecting the worst.
Benkei looked at Kyoya and he furrowed his brows.
Well, I dont know if she told you, but she..., Benkei started, but Kenta stomped on his foot, who in turn, yelped out in pain. He turned to Ginga and folded his hands across the table, smiling at him.
She is getting a new hair sytle, Kenta interrupted, a little too quickly.
Benkei muttered something under his breath and scowled at Kenta.
Why would you go and stomp on my blood foot?
Kenta´s smile turned to a tight grimace.
Muscle spasm, he crisply explained.
Benkei let out a huff of disbelief.
But all I was going to say...
Benkei, you really are clueless, when it comes to certain situations, aren´t you? Kenta dryly observed, overlapping his voice.
Ginga had been silent during this verbal parade and was equally as clueless and confused as Benkei. He wasn´t a total fool. He knew Kenta kept interrupting Benkei because there was something he didnt want him to know. He was confused why his friends tried to keep secrets from him.
She is dating Tsubasa, Kyoya finally told him, sighing. They have been together since nearly 2 years now. Kenta growled at his words.
What? I dont see a point hiding that from him? He will eventually hear about it sooner or later, Kyoya said, with a shrug.
Ginga felt queasy and his chest tightened painfully at Kyoya´s words.
Well, what did you expect, he cursed himself silently. That she wouldnt see anyone, when everyone thought you were dead?
Ginga, are you alright? Kenta asked nervously, everyone noticed him getting pale.
Im okay, Ginga automatically replied, though he didnt feel that way at all. He felt like throwing up.
I should leave now, he added in a monotone voice. He couldnt bear to stay with his friends any longer, pretending he was alright.
Ginga thanked Benkei for the meal and left the restaurant. It had already turned dark outside.
Ginga didnt feel like returning to the B-Pit. He didnt know if he could face Madoka know, his feelings were a total mess. So he decided to go for a walk. He just couldnt help it, but feel so very angry. He was insanely jealous of Tsubasa for taking his girl...well, Madoka had probably been okay with that too. How could she do that to him? All this time, he had been dreaming about seeing her again, holding her in his arms, kissing her ... being with her like they used to be. But now she had Tsubasa.
The very thought of that made Ginga so pissed, that he hardly could breath. Why? Why did that happen to him? If he hadnt been at this explosion seven years ago, he would be the one dating Madoka. If he hadnt lost his memories, she would have been with him instead of Tsubasa . . .
If only he had been home sooner...was there no chance for him anymore?
He was still in love with her! Didnt she have any feelings left for him? Was there nothing left for him to do? He didnt know how easily Madoka got over him, but he knew it would take plenty of time for him to get over her. Ginga had truly fallen in love with her, that summer seven years ago. He couldnt picture himself with anyone else. But now that Madoka was with Tsubasa, it appeared as though this unthinkable future was becoming a reality.
How? How could she? Ginga was not willing to let go of her...not like that. He knew that he probably was acting the wrong way right now, but she had to know about his feelings! Then she could still decide, who she wanted to choose.
Ginga had made up his mind and went back. He was going to talk with Madoka, confess to her, instead of running away. If she still chose to send him away, he would have to accept that.
As he finally arrived at the B-Pit, it was already past eleven p.m. He entered the shop wondering, why Madoka left the front door open. Oh, she must have been waiting for me to return. He suddenly noticed, feeling stupid for making her wait.
He closed the door with the key, behind him and went looking for her. He found her in the living room, resting on the couch. She had fallen asleep, while waiting for him. The laptop was still on and a bunch of papers were spread on the ground next to her. She had fallen asleep, while working, Ginga realized. His anger was instantly replaced with a feeling of sadness. He remembered Madoka falling asleep on her desk before, while she had put all-nighters, repairing beys. The memory of that made him smile sadly. He didnt want to wake her, so he carefully raised her up from the couch, carrying her princess style. She didnt wake up, only mumbled something incomprehensible to herself. Ginga grinned at her. She was looking so incredibly cute. He brought her to her bedroom and gently placed her on the bed.
Then he left her room, closing the door carefully behind him. He leaned his forehead againt her bedroom door and took a deep breath. Ginga felt so confused and sad. His emotions and thoughts were spinning at a high speed. He still couldnt believe, that he lost her... lost her to Tsubasa. That had to be some cruel lie.
The very thought of going to sleep in the guest room made him feel so lonely. How many years, has he longed to have her in his arms? Sleep next to her? Breath in her sweet scent? He couldnt help himself, but feel annoyed. Why did he have to miss this opportunity? Tomorrow was probably the day she would have to send him away...? He was going to look for an appartment anyway. Was it too much asked, to hold her in his arms?
He knew, that this was a very bad idea, but he didnt care. He had made up his mind. He went to the guest room and quickly changed into his pajamas, which contained a pair of black jogging pants without a shirt. He had lost it somewhere and the rest of his shirts were in the washing machine, since he asked Madoka if he could use it. He wasnt feeling cold at all.
Then he returned to her bedroom. He could already imagine, how much she would be pissed with him, the next morning, when she woke up. Chuckling Ginga thought, that it was still worth it.
He silently lay next to her and now her back was resting against his chest. He wrapped one arm around her waist and his other hand, was folded under his head .Ginga was afraid to wake her up, but much to his luck, she was a sound sleeper. She didnt notice him at all. Her head was resting perfectly against his neck and he could feel her chest slowly rise and fall. Ginga took a deep breath and inhaled the scent of her hair. It was a mix of citrus, jasmine and orange shampoo. It was unique. It was hers.
Oh, how much did he miss that scent? Ginga felt thrown back to the times, he was used to hold her like this and smell her intoxicating scent. Damn, if she only knew what she was doing to him! It was literally as if someone had cast a magic spell over him, making him unable to stay away from her . . .
Ginga wasnt sure if he could fall asleep. But after some time, while he listened to her soft breathing next to him, exhaustion won over him and he fell asleep, with a small smile on his lips. It was a long time ago, since he felt so happy before he drifted off to sleep.
Authors note: I know! It has literally been ages -_- Im very very sorry...I didnt plan to leave this fanfic for such a long time... But now Im back! I would never leave a fanfiction without an decent ending! So please be patient with me! I´m really sorry and I hope there are still some readers left, who read and enjoy this story! Well, that is all I have to say! Thank you so much for reading this! Lots of love ;-) :-* :-*