CHAPTER 40: THE ROSE

Repairs though, not only to the clone's home, were soon under way. Mewtwo intended to make sure things were okay with his female friend, perhaps to the point where she would not depart again. Though he would not express it in words, it would be the second to most horrible thing in the world to him, if she did. The worst was her demise, her destruction…the idea made him desire to follow suit in the event that such a thing occurred.

Neva, to his relief, even after the apartment had been re-erected, made no move to go off on her own again any time soon. She seemed…somewhat distant though, towards him at times. Very quiet, shy almost. He could not begin to ponder why! However, the idea of asking, risking getting into another argument that might drive her away, kept him from prying into it.

However, amends had to be made. He didn't know how though, to apologize. It was something completely unfamiliar to him! It was not pride, as one would expect though, that stopped him. It was the fact that he was waiting, somewhat ridiculously, for the right moment to say sorry. The idea of blandly coming out and saying those words out of nowhere did not appeal to him…and Neva had yet to speak words of regret as well. He would wait…for now.

Neva herself though, was unaware of this. She spent long hours at a time, struggling with herself, to find a way to tell Mewtwo of her heartfelt emotions. He…he had told her he'd never wanted a mate though. And that in itself, scared her, put her off. Because now, once she really thought about it, did it seem clear to her that she didn't want rejection. She wanted to be able to love him, and receive that same love in return. But Mewtwo…the clone didn't seem interested in her in that way. He'd made no signs as such. Despite how she sometimes tried, she couldn't get up the courage to say the three little words to free herself from secrecy. She later cursed at herself for being such a coward, but nothing changed…

One day Mewtwo deeply surprised her though. He summoned her up to the building rooftop, amongst the early spring grasses and buds. A few piles of melting snow lay here and there, and looking around she saw they were very alone. The Spearow family had gone south for the winter, to return any day now. And the other creatures were still in hibernation. She silently walked towards Mewtwo, whom stood gazing out upon the city, the evening sky a mix of red and various pinks, a rosy tint upon the region. As Neva stopped, standing behind him, expectantly, he smiled, turning towards her. It was then that Neva saw the wrapped bundle under his arm.

(Here, this is for you. Call it a late Christmas present if you will.) He said, handing her the gift into her outstretched paws.

Neva slowly unwrapped the present, feeling a bit of uncertainty lace through her, wondering what it was that Mewtwo could possibly be giving her. She knew him to be the scientific type, having spoken to him about various theories at times. He also had a tendency for books though. Perhaps that was what he was giving her? As the paper fell away though, she felt her eyes grow wide, quickly looking up at him in surprise. Mewtwo merely smiled, a twinkle in his usually diamond hard eyes.

(It's beautiful…where did you get it?) Neva asked in an awed tone. Mewtwo chuckled, (I didn't buy that Neva. I made it for you!)

Neva held up the gift in her paws, echoing the latter statement in a hushed voice.

She then blinked, gazing at him in uncertainty, (But-but I don't have anything for you! How can I take this when I haven't given you a gift?)

Mewtwo took her by the shoulders, giving her a sentimental answer to that, which shocked her, (You company is all I could have ever wanted…)

For a moment, the two simply stared at each other in silence, the chilled air of crisp spring not reaching them in the warm atmosphere that had suddenly formed around them. Mewtwo was uncertain, gazing at her, if it was the pink tint of the evening, or a blush that crossed her delicate face, at his words. But the way she didn't even smile made his grin fade. He suddenly felt worried. Did she…not want it?

(Don't you like it?) Mewtwo asked, wanting full honesty from her. She shouldn't feel obligated to say yes, just to avoid hurting his feelings… But true, he would be deeply disappointed if she didn't…he spent so long making it…

The bright smile that suddenly lit her face, filled him with relief, (I love it.) As she began to make use of it, Mewtwo gently took it from her, (Let me...)

He then carefully pulled the handmade shawl over her head, backing away to admire the way it fit her. The silvery white, thick, soft string intertwined around one another, creating an affect as though it had been made in a factory. The blossoming crimson roses upon its pattern, along with the blood red petals, gave it a unique contrast to any others he'd seen. It hung over her shoulders lightly, and seeing her slowly turn with a joyous expression on her face, he could see the triangular shape the material was on each side, upon her back on front. It seemed to make her curved chest more pronounced, the colors matching her form. But what he found most attractive, was the way it brought out her beautiful ruby eyes...

He smiled as she ceased her spinning, announcing quietly, (It suits you…)

She smiled up at him, an unknown, but warm emotion shining through her eyes, (Thank you…)

He sighed inwardly, watching her as she passed him, gazing at the sunset more fully. He gently came up to her, curling his arms around her from behind, though kept his paws firmly away from any taboo areas. Neva seemed to be all right with the closeness, relaxing. To Mewtwo, she seemed terribly soft…a flicker of flame erupted in his chest and stomach.

Ignoring that though, he pressed the side of his face against hers, breathing a small sigh of content. She was his angel…and even though the thought surprised him, he knew it to be true. She had been only a positive presence in his life, a bit troublesome at times, but brilliant all the same. They might have had their disagreements, their fights, but things seemed to be okay, even after them. She was someone whom he could easily speak to…perhaps because they were the same. Both clones, Mewtwos; both with harsh pasts…and both having hard to reach hearts. All the same, he dearly enjoyed their time together…perhaps more than he would with any other creature in the world… So much that when she was gone, he couldn't bear to live…and only when she returned, watching over him, could he begin to find his way.

It went further than simple physical desire, caring, when concerning her. He did not know when, he did not know how…but it had happened. He, Mewtwo, someone who'd thought it to be pointless, appalling, had fallen in love. And now, nothing could change that. Much to Neva's shock, he gave her a kiss on the cheek, this realization leaving no other option.

After a few more moments he reluctantly released her though, wanting to tell her, but unable to murmur the words. Besides, what right did he have, to give her the burden of his heart? While she had shown some signs of caring for him in such a way, in return, he could not be certain… And the idea of being refused made him ache inside… He could not bear it. The strong, almost invincible clone of Mew could not bear to have his heart shattered. No…he would stay silent…until by some miracle, he was sure that Neva would return his feelings. Until that moment, if it ever came, he would keep these things to himself.

Seeing Neva give him a confused look, he gazed out at the nearly vanished sun, going into thoughts that are more philosophical, (You are very much like the roses upon your shawl, Neva... Beautiful, quiet, heartwarming…but like the thorns you hold so much pain, from your past, and are able to deal out that agony if you wish. I sometimes don't know what to make of you…)

Neva had no ready response to this, but answered anyway, (…I wouldn't hurt you. That's the last thing that I would want.)

He smiled at those words, (Am I glad to hear it.)

She copied the facial gesture, (…Hey…since when have you been so philosophical?)

He raised an eyebrow at her, (Oh? Have I honestly not shown that side of me to you? How odd…many of my friends would argue that I cannot cease questioning the universe in such ways, making metaphors. Does it bother you?) He asked, chuckling briefly.

Neva shook her head, (Not at all…it's quite appealing actually.) His eyes glittered at that, (That's a good thing then…)

Giving the sky one last glance he sighed, crossing back over to the door into his home. Then, realizing that he was still missing something, he turned back to Neva, seeing her arms curled around herself happily, looking at the western horizon. Seeing his gaze, she turned her head towards him, waiting for him to say something.

(By the way…my gift to you, is also my way of apologizing. I should not have yelled at you, all those months ago. You were right…I shouldn't have hidden my past from you…you had every right, to know. For those things, I am truly sorry.) He said meaningfully, quietly.

Neva gazed up at the silvery stars beginning to appear in the sky, (…It's all right…it's forgiven. I dearly hope I can atone though, for fighting with you…and leaving. I know that hurt you…) She responded to this, gazing at him after a moment.

He nodded slowly, (It did… But…I also forgive you for it. You were understandably upset… Today, I just simply…wanted to make amends.)

Neva blinked, looking back up at the darkening sky, (I see…)

Mewtwo wasn't sure of the emotions in her voice. He could not decipher them, hardly hearing the two words themselves, since she'd spoken them so softly. Neva, however, knew what she was feeling. She was happy, that things had been settled between them, about the fight. But had that been the reason Mewtwo had given her, made her, the gorgeous shawl she now wore? The idea somewhat saddened her…for she wished to think it a sign of affection…of caring. But perhaps it was simply both…and Mewtwo's words of compliment comforted her.

Silently though, Mewtwo went inside, leaving her to the spring night. One matter had not been solved in the beautiful evening, which would have been perfect to be revealed then. Love…but both beings were afraid to confess, the risk of having a broken heart too dangerous to them. But soon perhaps, that would change…perhaps…