"Gueeesssss whoooo?"
Lieutenant Tomoya Kido didn't recognize the sleepy, lethargic voice that followed those two words, but he recognized the hands covering his eyes and the chest pressing into his back.
"Um... is it Rui-san...and whoever it is with you now?"
"Nooo," the voice was pouty now, the pressure on his back increasing.
"...Come on, now. Only you would do this to me. Ever."
"You love it," another voice spoke, the pressure disappearing, allowing him to turn around.
It was indeed St. Louis, along with a younger (looking) girl who looked like she was about to fall asleep at any given moment.
"...Heh. I was right, after all. It was you, Rui-san."
"Geez, Kido-kun, stop calling me like your friends. You can pronounce my name," St. Louis crossed her arms under her breasts and huffed while the girl beside her looked on. Or maybe not. Her eyes were half closed.
"I know. But I prefer to annoy you, Rui-san," he smirked.
"Tch," St. Louis turned her head away, only for her partner to tug at her skirt.
"Hey, Louis, can Laffey go now? Sleepy..."
"Oh, yes. I'm sorry, Laffey, dear. Thanks for helping!" St. Louis sent the girl off with a pat on the head.
"Nn...Don't go overboard..." Laffey said as she shuffled away, wobbling but not quite falling over.
"I can't believe you roped an innocent girl into your antics. That's a new low, Rui-san," Kido remarked when Laffey was out of sight, grimacing in mock disgust.
"What are you saying?" St. Louis put up an innocent act, her index finger pressed against her lips. "I promised her something she liked, so it's not a problem at all."
"Ah. And what was that, exactly?"
"Her favorite drink."
She laughed, and Kido had no doubt it was for the look he had on his face. He had a feeling said drink wouldn't be as innocent as it seemed. Even if Laffey was a KANSEN, imagining a young-looking girl chugging down a bottle of liquor was still quite a disturbing sight.
Less disturbing was finding out that St. Louis was there. He wouldn't lie; it was nice to see an old friend.
"...Right. Anyway...so, actually, I'm surprised to see you here. Getting stationed in New York, too, huh?"
"Hehe, what can I say? This is where the party is," she laughed. "The biggest gathering of navies in one place. Isn't that the reason you were transferred here, Kido-kun?"
"Well, the JMSDF wanted in, so here I am. I'm sure you've met our KANSENs already. Some were from Yokosuka, too. You'd remember them. Mikasa-dono in particular. Remember when you used to tease her for being helpless with computers? She never really got over it."
"Ah, granny. I miss her, hehe. I can't wait to see them at the party," St. Louis said. "You heard about it, right? A grand party to mark the establishment of this alliance. It will be fun!"
He didn't, in fact, hear anything about that. His superiors were notoriously stingy with information. But St. Louis was no liar despite her penchant for teasing and the occasional pranks. Besides, what benefit would it be to lie about that?
"...Sounds great. I don't know anything about it, though."
Her mirth went away in a poof as her lips parted, and her eyes blinked slowly.
"You don't? You're not pulling my leg, are you?"
He laughed despite knowing it wouldn't help disprove the accusation.
"Well, I'm just a lieutenant. You KANSENS might have gotten an invitation, but the only officers we'll see are probably above captain level. Like your boss. And mine."
"Mhm," she sighed. "You're right. I should've known. Sorry."
"...Why do you look so down? That's not like you, Louis."
She took a step closer and held him in place before he could, on instinct, take a step back. Her lips drew close to his ear, and he could smell the scent of lavender.
"Dummy."
He shivered from the warm air touching his ear and the sensation of her hair tickling his cheek.
"Excuse me?!"
She stepped back, now sporting a smile that, for a moment, seemed genuinely apologetic. Not for long, as the smile widened and took on a familiar mischievousness.
"Nothing," she said before clapping and pressing her palms together. "...Can I ask for a favor? Once-in-a-lifetime favor?"
"Once-in-a-lifetime favor number...?"
"Nine thousand, six hundred and fifty-three."
"And counting."
"And counting, yes."
"...Sure. Shoot."
"Not here. Let's talk about it over coffee. Come on."
I have work. I'm on duty. I can't leave.
...
I could use some break time.
He spared her the excuses and simply nodded.
"All right."
The coffee shop in the base offered a nice view of the sea and the distant skyline, but Kido was occupied with wondering what exactly St. Louis had in mind. They were always harmless and reasonable, so he wasn't worried. Curious, yes, but not worried.
"So, what is it you wanted, Louis?"
St. Louis sipped her latte with a contented hum before dropping the bomb.
"A date."
That was it. She said it as plainly as the weather forecast. He almost sprayed her with the mouthful of his own latte, but he swallowed and coughed instead.
She didn't laugh and waited for him to calm down before elaborating.
"Well, the party's out of the question for you, so, instead, we could just hit the Big Apple. Come see me whenever you are free, and..."
She leaned over the table, smiling—not the usual playful smirk, but an innocent smile, and her eyes shone.
"Ask me out, Kido-kun."
The cup nearly slipped from his grasp, and he put it down before it spilled on the table. He looked at her face. No sign of joking. No hidden laughter in her eyes.
Seeing St. Louis being dead serious about something was uncommon enough. Now, it was just downright unnerving.
"You're serious."
"Mhm," she nodded and went back to drinking her latte.
"You're asking me out on a date. With you."
"Mhm," she nodded again.
"...You are not sick, are you?"
"Haaah, you really are a dummy. I'm fine. Just...want a nice little date, is all."
"Are you alright with me?"
So he ended up sprouting that cliched question. St. Louis didn't seem to mind.
"Yes, I'm alright with you."
The assurance didn't assuage the confusion any, but he figured the only way to find the answers was to just...do it. Prolonging the mystery would just drive him nuts, and she didn't deserve to be treated with so much suspicion.
"...I'd love to take you out on a date. Is Saturday fine?"
"Saturday's perfect," St. Louis answered with a wide smile. Her eyes lit up again, and he almost forgot everything that led to this moment. "I can't wait!"
Maybe it would be worth the while, after all.
Lieutenant Tomoya Kido knew it wouldn't be just a regular date.
It was a date with St. Louis.
He couldn't help it. She was just...too damn stunning. The kind that drew stares and whispers.
And jealous looks directed at him, no less. He was used to it ever since they got acquainted at Yokosuka and, for some reason, grew closer. He could understand the sentiment. Such a bombshell—who wouldn't want to get in her good graces?
He wasn't even trying. He was just being his usual self. And they, somehow, hit it off.
Today, he was just being his usual self again. He didn't put too much thought on what to wear—simply the best he could find among his meager wardrobe.
As if she understood, she was also just dressed casually, though the outfit was still more flattering than his own. The sleeveless turtleneck sweater accentuated her slender yet curvaceous form, just like the denim pants hugging her hips.
As a man, he wouldn't deny her physical appeal. Yet, he found himself drawn more to the look on her face than her body.
She was just happy, he supposed. The smile, the bright eyes, the slight blush, and the excited giggle every time they looked at each other.
That was the reason why his gaze had not wandered too far down.
Their first stop, as she requested, was Macy's Herald Square. A true fashionista paradise, she had called it.
He was no stranger to department stores, having accompanied her on shopping trips to the likes of Saikaya back then, but the sheer scope of this one was on a whole new level, and for a moment, he was afraid of getting lost.
But as he found out, she wasn't there to browse.
"I had a dress made for the party, you see. You will be the first to see me wearing it. Ah, I can't wait."
With a wink and a giggle, she left him to his thoughts and went to get her order.
She had promised it would leave him breathless as she led him to the dressing room and told him to wait.
She took her time, and it was fine. Putting on a dress specially made for you would always be a big deal.
The door finally creaked open, and she peeked from the crack.
"Hey, Kido-kun. Close your eyes. I want it to be a surprise."
He chuckled.
Her gleaming eyes screamed anticipation. It was impossible to say no.
"All right."
"Mhm. Thanks!"
He heard the sound of the door swinging fully open and footsteps approaching. The clicking of heels against the marble floor stopped just in front of him.
"Ah, ah, don't look yet. Wait till I say so."
"Mmhm."
"...Okay. Here goes. Open your eyes."
Daring had always been her style, and the sequined dress was a testament. It was sleeveless and backless, revealing her shoulders and a lot of her toned back and a generous length of her legs.
Risque yet elegant, he could tell the dress was made to her size and just for her. Showing just enough to arouse the imagination without revealing too much.
Suddenly, the fact that he wouldn't be at the dance party became an actual disappointment. He would've liked to see her walk into the venue in this dress.
He would've also liked to have been the one to escort her, but there was nothing to be done.
Then again, he was lucky enough to be the first man to see her in that dress. That was more than enough.
"Hehe, you're blushing. Well? What do you think?"
"...Wow."
She smiled, the sequins catching the light and reflecting it, making her glow like an angel.
"Wow?"
"Yeah. Wow. You look great, Louis. Seriously."
"Million bucks, eh? You're so sweet, Kido-kun."
"Just telling the truth," he shrugged. "You will be the star of the night, I'm sure. Eyes will be on you."
St. Louis heaved a sigh, but the smile remained.
"They don't matter."
Heavy was the proclamation and her gaze, and he felt his heart thumping. This was no joke.
"...I'm sorry. I can't be there for you."
"Mm. You're here with me right now. That's more than enough. Now, let me change, and we can go somewhere else. You can even join me in the changing room if you'd like~"
He coughed and averted his eyes.
"I, um...I'll be waiting out here."
"Hehe, thought so."
She closed the door behind her. He could hear her merry humming.
...
That was the moment he realized just how much she meant to him.
It wasn't love at first sight. No. Their first meeting had been a little awkward, at least on his part. He was just another naval officer, and she was a KANSEN, a superweapon with the consciousness of a young woman.
But there was this nagging feeling the Japanese called 'Koi no Yokan'—the sense of imminent love.
There was a possibility that his heart would be stolen.
He didn't put too much thought on the matter. One way or another, they became friends, and that was enough. No need to complicate things. She didn't seem to be the type to be serious about relationships, either.
That was enough.
And then it wasn't.
Enough Manhattan for the day. They, in her own words, could save the rest for the future.
Future.
It had a nice ring to it, even if it was only wishful thinking.
But he decided not to think too much about it today. It was still early afternoon. He had plenty of time with her.
Kicking up sand in Coney Island like kids, he was reminded of the times when they used to hang out by the sea at Yokosuka.
"Do you know what would make this better, Kido-kun?"
"Hmm. Race you down the boardwalk?"
"Oooh, yes. Last one down buys ice cream."
"Oh, you're on."
They sprinted down the boardwalk to the bemusement of the crowd, and he found himself enjoying the breeze and the sight of her running beside him, giggling as they ran.
Those long legs weren't just for show.
He didn't even mind losing.
"Hehe, strawberry. My favorite!"
"Don't rub it in, Louis."
"Hehe, thanks for the treat."
"You're welcome."
He watched her lick the cold treat, savoring the flavor, and his own was quickly melting. A bit of it smudged her nose.
"Oh, wait, there's a little...there."
His thumb gently brushed the tip, and the skin beneath was smooth.
"Ah, um, sorry. I should've asked—"
"No, it's fine," she interrupted and smiled, her face flushed. "It's fine."
He wasn't sure whether it was the summer heat, the sun, or the way her eyes looked into his, but his face was feeling a little hot.
Even more so when she scooted a little closer, and their shoulders touched. She took the last bite and licked the remaining strawberry flavor off her lips, and the soft laugh that followed tickled his ear.
"Thanks for the treat again, Kido-kun."
"...Um...no...problem. You're welcome."
"So," she began, "where to next?"
"Well, since we're already acting like kids, there's the amusement park..."
"Deno's Wonder Wheel? Hmm. Sounds great! Let's go."
She pulled him along by the hand, and it was the perfect chance to lace his fingers between hers.
She didn't object.
They saved the Wonder Wheel for the last ride of the day, and he couldn't be more glad. He wouldn't have wanted to miss the sunset against the skyline. Pedestrian, sure, but the sight was no less beautiful, especially when the city was aglow, and the sky was dyed red.
Across him, the glow of the sky reflected in her eyes, and she sighed.
"You know," she crossed her legs, "this is the perfect end to the day."
Yes, it was as perfect as it could get.
"Yeah. It's a lovely day," he said.
"We should do this more often, no?"
"Definitely."
All the other places they could visit and all the other things they could do—that was a matter for another time.
They will have plenty of those, won't they?
...Won't they?
The question was left unanswered as the Wonder Wheel began its descent.
One last stop in Bay Ridge waterfront. The bench overlooking the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge was empty, and it was a perfect place to spend the last moments of the day together.
She was close, enough that their shoulders were touching and their heads were inches apart. Her perfume was still fragrant even after hours of wandering.
"...I had a wonderful day, Kido-kun. Really. Thank you."
"No problem. I'm glad you enjoyed it."
"You had fun too, right?"
"I did. Thank you for a great time, Louis."
"Heehee. It's always my pleasure."
A long, comfortable silence, with the distant noise of the bridge traffic and the rustle of leaves being carried by the cool evening breeze.
"You know," he broke the silence, "it's been a while since we had a talk like this."
"Two years. Time flies, doesn't it?"
"It sure does."
Pursing her lips, St. Louis playfully bumped her head against his shoulder.
"Beats keeping in touch with just e-mails, this. Right, Kido-kun?"
He gave a dry chuckle and returned the favor.
"Definitely. Much more personal, isn't it? And no risk of misinterpretation, either."
"With all those emoticons I sent, how could you misinterpret them?"
"I didn't. I was just pointing it out. Besides, emoticons can't convey tone."
"True, true. But now that you're here, you can't possibly misinterpret this, can you?"
The sensation on his cheek was soft and warm, and the scent of her perfume filled his senses. Pleasing yet not overpowering.
She didn't linger long and pulled away, though her forehead was still resting against his cheek.
"...No," he breathed, almost wheezing, "I can't."
"Good," she giggled. "So...what are you gonna do?"
Now that he knew?
He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he cupped her face, brushed a lock of her hair aside, and placed a chaste kiss on her forehead.
She let out a small gasp.
"That. I did that," he whispered. "Listen. I know what I feel. I'm not afraid to admit it. I...think I know yours. But there are still things we need to figure out. Like, our future. I want you to think it through, and so should I. So, will you give me time, Louis?"
Her smile was gentle and a little sad.
"Of course, silly. I'm not going anywhere. You've got time. Lots and lots of time."
"Okay. Then, for now..."
He took her hands in his, and her fingers felt a little cold.
"Until then, I'm here for you. If there's anything you need. I'm here. If you just want to hang out. I'm here. If you want to talk. I'm here. If you just want company. I'm here. Whatever you need. Whatever the reason. Just call me. Okay?"
She laughed a little.
"Don't take too long, or I could fall for someone else."
"Yeah, right. But if you actually do, I'll support you. I'm not gonna hold it against you."
"I'm not letting anyone get their paws on me, silly. I'll be waiting. Promise."
"I will."
The promise was sealed with a handshake and a kiss on her knuckles.
"...You're really not the same guy from two years ago, are you?"
"What do you mean?"
"Back then, you'd never been so forward."
"And you would never kiss me on the cheek."
"Ah. True. Well, a lot can happen in two years."
"And a lot more will happen in the future. That's why we need to think it through."
She nodded.
"Then, we're off. See you soon, Kido-kun."
"Sure. Have a safe trip, Louis."
One more kiss on the cheek.
And then she was gone.
The breeze felt a little colder than before, but the warmth in his chest stayed.
He'd never thought he'd be actually at the party. Not as a guest, anyway.
He was picked to be part of the security detail for the night. Nothing fancy, just patrolling the perimeter with other officers and, of course, in uniform. There was that one KANSEN, too, a rather suspicious fellow called Ark Royal, who apparently volunteered for the job, and in a nice dress at that.
He caught a glimpse of her among the crowd, and their eyes met for a fleeting moment.
The brief surprise made way for a warm smile and a wink, and the look seemed to say, "Good to see you."
But that was all he could tell before he returned to patrolling.
It wasn't exactly an exciting job. The venue, St. Regis New York, was big but not enough to get lost. He and his fellow officers kept the perimeter secure and made sure nobody unauthorized tried to sneak in or keep unwanted problems from coming in.
Other than that, there wasn't much else to do.
The others started small talks to pass the time, and he didn't mind indulging, even if the chatter was mostly about the latest sports or something else that wasn't his expertise.
If he wasn't chatting, he was thinking again.
He had a lot on his mind.
St. Louis, certainly, and the talk they had last week.
The Japanese were here to stay, so he was told, and that would mean he could have the time and chance to explore what they had.
What he had.
What they would have.
The mere thought made him excited and scared at the same time.
So it was pretty much clear they were attracted to each other, but how far would this attraction take them? How serious would they become?
Frivolous as she could sometimes be, St. Louis was serious about her feelings.
That was something worth thinking about.
A relationship with a KANSEN wasn't unheard of, but it wasn't commonplace, either. Sometimes, where these mighty women fit in the chain of command became a little unclear.
Given that many were probably courting her inside, he supposed that the brass would make an exception for influential officers who wanted to fraternize.
But he was just a nobody. A low-ranking officer.
And there was the fact that she was from a different side, and that would further complicate things.
...
This is unfair.
For her and for himself.
They could never go back to the way they were, now that they both knew what they felt, but going further seemed...problematic, to say the least.
But he wouldn't be able to tell her this when the time comes. Not to her face. He wouldn't want to hurt her and crush her hopes just because he couldn't deal with it.
There must be a better way to explain the situation.
Maybe the only way was to come clean.
And then what?
The only outcome he could think of was the complete severance of any sort of relationship between them.
And just thinking about it hurt.
What was the point of this whole thing?
The whole trip, the whole walk through the city, the talk they had—if the end result was the same, why bother?
Why didn't he just turn her down back then and there? Why didn't he just leave her behind when she was still just his friend?
He felt so alone. Nobody knew what they had. Nobody would understand.
Why did it have to be like this?
He stopped his thoughts for a while and focused on his job.
It was easier to distract himself from his own feelings.
"Kid."
The sympathetic pat on his shoulder snapped him out of his reverie.
"Mi-Mikasa-dono?"
The KANSEN smiled at him, her elegant kimono catching the lights. What she was doing outside the ballroom was beyond him. But Mikasa, as far as he knew, could do anything she wanted. She was probably the only KANSEN to be universally respected among the JMSDF, and not only because she was far older than any of them. She had the air of a worldly-wise, noble lady—and a kind grandmother. The latter impression was something nobody would ever dare bring up in her presence, though.
"Young'un," she spoke, scrutinizing. "You're looking glum. Something on your mind?"
He sighed. Back in Yokosuka, his peers had always turned to her when they were troubled by something. Perhaps now it was his turn.
"Sorry. Just thinking. About the future. The past."
"Mm-hmm. That's a good start. Do tell me, young'un."
He looked around.
"...Maybe we could talk somewhere private."
"Of course. Follow me."
She led him away, her geta clicking against the floor.
There were many balconies in the hotel. Most were closed, but the ones on the upper floors were open for the guests. They found an empty one and stepped out.
The breeze was cool and comforting. The night sky was clear and full of stars. The city lights, too, were beautiful.
But the sight was wasted on him.
"Now then," Mikasa began. "What seems to be the matter?"
"...You see, Mi-Mikasa-dono. Um, I have this acquaintance. A...friend."
"Rui-chan, eh?"
Right, of course she would know. Nothing went past her.
"Y-yes, her. I just realized...how much I cared for her."
"Mm-hmm."
"But there are a lot of...complications. It's not...I mean, it's not like we couldn't work it out. But...I don't want to get her in trouble. She's not like me. She doesn't deserve it."
"I see."
"I mean...we're part of different fleets. I'm just a lieutenant, and she's...well, she's her. Even if she's willing, the brass will definitely not be happy."
Mikasa remained silent.
"I could never give her what she deserves. We're from different worlds, so to speak. She deserves much, much better. But I can't tell her that to her face. Not after all we've been through."
He heaved another sigh.
"And so I'm here. Trying to think it through. But it doesn't make sense, does it?"
Mikasa didn't say a word.
"I mean, maybe the best way is to come clean. Tell her that it won't work. But I'm not sure she'd take it well. And...and...just thinking that it won't work...it hurts. But I know it's true. There's no future for us. It'll just hurt both of us. So I should end it here, shouldn't I? Tell her I don't want to be with her."
The silence dragged on, and the sound of Mikasa's foot against the floor was his only indication that she was still listening.
"And after that, we could never even be friends anymore. She'll hate me for saying all those things and...and...I can't blame her."
A deep breath, a long pause, and then,
"What do you want to do, young'un?"
"What do I want? Well...to be honest...I want to be with her."
"Then that's your answer."
He blinked.
"But—!"
"Yes, I know. But do you want to hear an old story?"
"...I guess."
"You are not the first to be in such a situation. Not the first to have doubts. Not the first to be afraid of what the future may hold. Do you think I never once have felt what you're feeling now? Many, many years ago, there was a young man. A soldier, just like you. He was a sergeant, a handsome lad, and very kind. He was in the Imperial Army, and the army and the navy got along as well as you could imagine. And so, our paths crossed."
He listened intently, for if Mikasa had something that personal to share, then it would be the height of rudeness to not hear it.
"...We wanted to be together. We would do anything for each other. But, as you said, we were from different worlds. There were many who disapproved, and we had to hide it, and we did."
She paused, her voice cracking slightly. He had never seen her so emotional before, and it was unnerving, but at the same time, made her words all the more impactful.
"...But we're happy. Until we're not. There were...things beyond our control. It happened so fast, and then he was gone. Forever. And I couldn't do anything. All I had was the pain, the loneliness, and the regrets. But if I could do it all over, I'd choose him all the same. You see, young'un, the pain, the loneliness, the regret—that will happen anyway, whether you're with her or not. At least if you're together, you'll have some wonderful memories. Make it count, and be happy."
"Mi-Mikasa-dono."
She put a finger to his lips.
"...It's all up to you. But..."
Mikasa leaned closer, her eyes soft but intense. Her voice dropped to a whisper, one that felt almost conspiratorial
"...worst comes to pass, come find me, and let me talk to our dear superiors. I cannot promise you anything, but I'll try. I've got a few good connections, you know."
"Mikasa-dono...why all this trouble? For me? A mere lieutenant?"
She chuckled.
"I've been in the navy long enough to know the kind of man you are. And you remind me of him. Can't I be sentimental for a little bit? You just happen to be in the same situation. That's all."
She straightened and smiled at him.
"Now then, if you have your mind set, I can offer one last help."
"Eh?"
"...Get her out of that party, of course. Just stay put and let this old lady handle everything. Now, are you gonna do it?"
"...Yes."
The answer appeared to satisfy Mikasa, for she gave an approving smile.
"Well, that's it, then. Don't worry about your patrol."
"O-okay. Thank you, Mi-Mikasa-dono. Thank you!"
He couldn't bow any lower, but he tried anyway.
When he looked up, the KANSEN was already gone.
The wind picked up a little.
And so he waited. And waited.
Until he heard footsteps coming his way.
"Kido-kun."
There was, in all likelihood, no one in the world who could make his heart jump with a single utterance of his name like she could.
The dress was as glorious as he remembered, if not more, under the moonlight.
Yet, it still paled in comparison to her own countenance. How did she even manage to be so radiant was beyond him.
"You're here," she breathed.
"I am. Somehow, I was told to be here, so I am. Sorry, did Mikasa-dono drag you out?"
"She did, but I'm not complaining."
As soon as she was within reach, his hand was on her shoulder.
"Come here."
She leaned closer, allowing herself to be held and wrapped in his arms.
"Mm. Much better than being with all those guys back there. All they did was gawk or try to pick me up with empty talks."
He would've chuckled if she weren't trembling—and it wasn't the cold.
"What's wrong?"
"...And I hate it."
Venom was not something he'd associate with her, but now it was dripping in her every word.
"They don't know a thing. Not a thing. But they still try. I hate it. It's not like I was trying to make myself available or something. I didn't do anything to lead them on. And yet they just...try. All the time."
All he could do was hold her closer, stroke that immaculate hair, and listen.
"...Commander has done his best to keep them at bay, but they're relentless. And he can't do much since he's not in a position to tell them off."
"I'm...sorry. This must've been hard for you."
"But when Mikasa-san told me to get out, I did. And when she said you were here, I didn't think twice. Because..."
He could feel her arms tightening around him like he could vanish at any moment.
"You're the only one I want to see."
His breath caught, and the world came to a stop.
"...I've always wanted to see you...I really am. I want to be with you. I want you to be with me. That's all I want, Kido-kun."
Again, she'd made it clear.
And he, once again, had a decision to make.
It had been made already, hadn't it?
"I know, Louis. And I've been thinking about it since that night. It...wasn't easy. I was afraid. That things would end badly for us. For you. But..."
He cupped her face, seeing right into those big, beautiful eyes, the blue expanse reflecting the stars above.
"... Now...I can say it with confidence."
He pulled her closer, pressing their foreheads together. It was one of the best feelings in the world. To be this close to her.
"I want to be with you. Even if it means going through all those difficulties. I have promised to be there for you, and that's exactly what I'm gonna do. I won't ever leave your side, no matter what happens. We'll work this out. Together. I promise. Because... I love you, Louis."
Those were the three most important words and the hardest to say.
Yet, somehow, they were also the easiest.
Because he had never spoken truer words in his life.
"Oh, Kido-kun."
She pressed closer, burying her face into his shoulder.
"I...I..."
"I know. You don't have to say it."
"No. I do."
He could feel her grip tightening and hear the shakiness of her breathing.
"I...love you, Kido-kun. I've never loved anyone before, and I think...I'm really lucky that of all the people who could've welcomed me to Yokosuka, it was you. That for those two years, we became so close. And now, now that we're...we're here, I just...can't stop thinking about it. About you. I want us to be together. Yes, we'll go through difficult times. And, well, we have to think about it. But that's all the more reason for us to be together, don't you think? So that we have each other's back, and...and..."
He smiled as Louis spilled all the thoughts she'd kept in her head for who knows how long, as well as the emotions she had been suppressing.
"And no matter what, we'll have each other."
"Y-yes. We'll have each other."
It didn't feel real. He had never expected to be in this kind of situation, much less with her. But now, the possibilities seemed limitless. He felt braver but not to the point of foolhardiness. They will cross the Rubicon soon, and from then on, it would likely be a checkered life for them.
But so long as he had her, he wouldn't have it any other way.
She was always worth it.
"Say, Louis..."
"Mm?"
"Are you cold?"
She had been shivering, and the dress, though pretty, didn't look exactly warm.
"A little. But...you know what could warm me up?"
She pulled back and took his hands, drawing him in.
"Let's dance."
"Here?"
"Why not? The music's a little faint, but just follow your heart."
"I thought we were doing that already."
"Kido-kun!"
They laughed, and he obliged, letting her take the lead.
The music was indeed faint, but they, as she suggested, followed their hearts.
Every turn, every spin, every step was accompanied by a smile and a laugh.
And when the song faded away, she didn't let go.
"We're still dancing," she whispered.
"Of course."
And so they were.
Only following their hearts.
Like they always had and would, no matter what.
