FullMetal*Panic!

Late again.

She was going to be late to class again!

Damn that Sousuke. It was all his fault, one way or another.

Her new alarm clock had worked just fine. Breakfast had gone smoothly. Even the shower came off without a hitch, considering that her wound was still sore and she needed to be careful keeping the bandage dry.

No. The problems started when she tried to find the right outfit to wear.

That damn bandage ruled out some things, but that wasn’t the major issue. Just how should she look? She wanted to catch Sousuke’s eye in a big way, but didn’t want to seem too obvious about it. Of course, with Sousuke, she might be able to wear a sign around her neck that read ‘Kaname wants you to look at her’ and he would still be oblivious.

Moron!

Would too much cleavage scare him away... trip up his otaku tongue... or heat up the hidden passion within him? Was there any hidden passion? There had better be hidden passion!

No, she should worry more about what kind of reaction she would get from the gnat-like cloud of boys she wanted to avoid.

Of course, she had to try it on and see any way.

She couldn’t help if she spent some time fantasizing....

After she had her clothing picked out, she had needed to sort through accessories and jewelry. She had to! It wasn’t as if such things were optional. One thing caught her eye. She had thought that she might have thrown it away years ago. She hadn’t. It was the bracelet that Sousuke had made for her, just before she had been taken captive by A21.

No matter what else she would put on, she’d wear that.

Again, who could fault her for taking a few minutes to reminisce?

If all that wasn’t bad enough, she had to keep thinking about her meeting with Sousuke in the hospital. That certainly had the power to distract her. “You are in the hospital because of me. My mistake.” No. It had been her mistake. Her tripping. What a wonderful accident. That bit of understandable clumsiness ended up working where everything else had failed.

Maybe she should take a page out of Tessa’s book, but make better use of it. There would be all sorts of possibilities if she suddenly developed a tendency to fall against Sousuke with some regularity.

Naturally, she had to daydream about that for a bit, too.

“I apologize, Kaname. I should have checked the room. I assumed, that with Melissa here....” That little ploy did more than anything else to pique Kaname’s curiosity. It had been slid in there with the subtlety of a small stiletto blade under the ribs... she would never have caught on that he was being sly if he hadn’t told her.

Just how sophisticated had he become?

It could be fun finding out.

If he gave her the opportunity.

That big jerk better not play hard to get or anything!

Now that she had decided to pursue him, why should he be allowed any choice in the matter?

“You’re right, I should just take the whole gown off. I think they left my undergarments on underneath.” She chuckled wickedly when she recalled the response she got from Sousuke. He couldn’t be too sophisticated, at least not in certain areas. That’s OK.

People come to college to learn, don’t they?

There appeared to be areas of his education that had been sorely neglected. Kaname Chidori was a kind hearted and generous girl, wasn’t she? In that spirit, she could offer a lonely and confused soldier the guidance he so desperately needed.

More time was frittered away in daydreams.

“I needed to tell you that… ummm…. You didn’t make me feel uncomfortable. I…. ummmm… wanted to spend some time with you again. I…. I….” Well, it may not have been a triumph for the ages, but she had gotten the words out. Of course, with the opportunity sitting right there for him to capitalize on, Sousuke hadn’t said anything in a similar vein in return.

Moron! Idiot! Jerk!

“You have grown more beautiful, Kaname.”

Well. He wasn’t all bad, was he?

That time, those words had been electric. It wasn’t the first time he had said she was beautiful, but the words came out unsolicited this time.

She felt warm just thinking about it again. But, she didn’t want to have him thinking of her as a painted China doll or some holy Madonna on a pedestal.

“I wonder what he might say next,” Kaname asked herself, smiling. Part of her offered a word of caution. She should always keep in mind, this was Sousuke that she was talking about. He was once just as adept at blowing up her hopes, dreams, and wishes, as he was destroying love letters, class rooms, and assorted school property.

Would he open up to her and share his feelings, now that she was no longer in the hospital.? If he didn’t feel like he was in her debt anymore....

“No. Don’t want to think about that! Hmmmpppfff!”

In his own way, he had been somewhat playful after he realized that she didn’t hate him.

“Accordingly, I must inform you of the following decision. I hope you will not judge me harshly. You should realize that the following words will be extremely difficult for me.” Oooooooh. That scoundrel. He really had her going with those words. That was unforgivable. No, it was forgivable, with the right incentives! She would eventually let him know what they were.

Yes, his tongue had loosened considerably alright. She hadn’t seen that one coming. But just when things were getting good, that dratted phone rang again!

“He could have said something just a little bit romantic on the way out. And he could have given me his telephone number, the big stupid head!!!”

It didn’t matter that he had walked in thinking she didn’t care about him and didn’t really want to see him. That moron should have left with an idea of what was in her heart and on her mind.

Well. Did he?

There was good reason to think that he did.

Regardless, he would have to pay.

Somehow.

And then pay again. Until his penance was paid off a number of times.

“Yes. It was good seeing you. Do not feel you need to be a stranger.”

A stranger???

After all of her efforts to corner him and speak to him? Sure, she loved seeing that spark in him. It hinted at a growth and maturity she almost couldn’t comprehend. But it was inexcusable for him to tease her like that!

“You are probably less defective than Tessa….” That one really sealed his fate. Bad move, Mr. ‘I’m such a good soldier and skilled tactician.’

Sousuke Sagara may have won the battle.

Kaname Chidori was determined to win the war.

All she needed was the proper plan of attack. She spent time she didn’t have chasing that train of though.

When Kaname finally got around to checking the time, she cursed.

She would have to run.

Literally.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


It wasn’t actually comfortable to run. Especially since she had chosen her shoes more for their look than for their practicality.

Add to that fact that her shoulder ached, and Kaname had reason to be in a mildly unhappy mood.

As it turned out, she wouldn’t have to run for all that long.

Everywhere she went, people who knew her converged on her, wanting to know how she was feeling. Apparently, someone had seen her being carried away from the scene of the attack in Sousuke’s arms, blood staining the front of her blouse. There had been word that a student had been shot, in addition to the other casualties and architectural damage that was the hot topic of the day.

She thanked her well wishers, resigned to the fact that she would not make it to class on time.

Maybe her teacher would excuse her from the assignment, given the fact that she was in the hospital overnight.

Would she come across Sousuke? Well, he should be in the classes they had together, unless he was caught up with things at the site of the terrorist assault.

That big jerk never called her after he left the hospital. He could have called. No doubt he could find her number if he wanted to.

Didn't he want to call her?

Kaname sighed. She was rollercoastering again. Confident one moment, then doubtful the next.

She needed an answer, one way or another.

"Well… well… well………. Kaname Chidori. Word is that you got shot…..” It was one of the boys from the soccer team.

Wonderful.

The boy she wants to see is nowhere to be found; but, the guys she has no desire to see are always much too easy to find.

She must have done something really bad in another life.

“Only seems fitting………. seeing how many guys have been shot down asking you out on a date!” The guy grinned, looking as if he had accomplished something splendid.

One of his friends walked up and joined in. “I hear they took you to the hospital, though. That can’t be right, can it? Don’t they take bitches to the Veterinary facilities?” he laughed at his joke, slapping hands with his buddy.

Kaname opened her mouth to make an angry reply. She didn’t have the opportunity.

Sousuke walked up along an adjoining walkway. “Pardon me, Miss Chidori. But I would like to have a word with these two… gentlemen….” He put his arms around the shoulders of the two jokers and led them behind a stand of tall shrubs.

A few moments later he walked out again… alone….

“Sousuke… what did you do….” Kaname had her hand at her mouth. She was hiding a smile. She was rather pleased at the turn of events, but thought that it would be irresponsible to encourage Sousuke to behave in a violent fashion.

“Kaname?” Sousuke’s face was clueless in the extreme. Kaname was not fooled.

“Those guys, Sousuke. What did you do to them?” Kaname furrowed her brow.

“I discussed the proper manner of address to use with wounded personnel. It will require additional thought. They decided to sleep on it.” No smile. Not even a smirk. Kaname couldn’t read what Sousuke was feeling.

The big inconsiderate jerk.

He should at least look for appreciation or approval. She was a good looking girl. He was a red-blooded boy. Flirting was required.

Why didn’t he just play by the rules?!

“Oh. I’m happy to hear that.” Kaname gave Souske her best smile. “Are you walking to class now, or do you have to go… you know….” Perfect lead in.

If he’s walking, she can ask to walk with him.

That would be one foot inside the door.

“Class. This bag serves multiple purposes.” Sousuke held up his weapons bag. “Since we are headed in the same direction, I will carry your burden as well.” Souske held out his hand.

Placing the strap of her knapsack over Sousuke’s arm, she let her hand linger on his. She grinned evilly when she saw him swallow, then put on an uninterested expression.

Uh huh.

Nice try, Mister.

Fasten your seat belt.

“Thank you, Sousuke. You are quite the gentleman. Kind. Curteous. Handsome….” Kaname barely kept from laughing when she saw Sousuke blush. “Strong. Considerate. Did I mention handsome?”

“Uh… affirmative….” Sousuke walked slowly, keeping pace with Kaname.

The sun shone down brightly, no longer covered by one of the towering clouds that dotted the striking blue sky.

The tantalizing but fleeting scent of the food shops beyond the tree line drifted on the breeze.

There was the sound of whistling.

It was Kaname.

She had found something to do that she considered more important than the first period class. Looking at Souske with an almost predatory grin, she wondered if he had any inkling of what was in store for him. She looked him up and down, taking in the cut of his clothes… the way he did his hair… his more masculine build…everything.

He had the large bag up over his shoulder.

Her book bag was in one hand.

That left one hand free.

Mmmm Hmmm.

“Sousuke…seeing that I did save your life and all… do you suppose it would be alright if I ask you a favor?” Kaname made her voice sound timid, but not so much so that it would be out of character.

“You may ask, Kaname.” Sousuke smiled.

Kaname narrowed her eyes. So, he was feeling confident enough to make his own joke, was he? She could ask… but that didn’t mean he’d say 'yes'?

Uh huh.

That’s what he thinks.

She would never think of trying to teach him about military things. So, he should be very careful when he wanders into her balliwick.

“Could you hold my hand, Sousuke?” Kaname smirked when she saw Sousuke stumble. There hadn’t been a single crack or divit in the pathway.

“Your hand, Kaname?” Sousuke had that nervous expression she knew so well. Some things never change.

“Yes Sousuke. Thing with five fingers, located at the end of my arm. You’ve seen them before. Have two of your own, don’t you?”

Kaname was having fun.

It was hard to believe that she had almost been killed the day before.

She found it even harder to believe that she had to make so much effort just to get the opportunity to talk with Sousuke.

Now, she just needed to find the right approach and the right words. But, regardless, she would NOT learn to speak otaku.

She had to draw the line somewhere.

“I… yes…. but….” A bead of sweat began forming on Sousuke’s forehead.

That was a 'yes or no' question, Souske.” Kaname’s voice was firm. She was not about to let him slip past this one. She turned to give Sousuke a good view of her contours, while the wind lifted her hair up and gave it a life of its own.

“Uh…”

“Is 'uh' yes or no? Did you understand my question?” That trick ought to work.

“Yes…”

“That was the right answer!” Kaname grabbed Sousuke’s hand. She interlaced her fingers with his.

Such a simple thing. Why did it make her feel so good?

What was Sousuke feeling?

“I meant….”

“Did you mean no, Souske?” Kaname stopped. She put on a wounded expression.

“No. I mean I….” Souske swallowed. “Won’t people think that the two of us were….uh....”

“Seeing each other?” Kaname raised an eyebrow. She wished that she had a picture of Sousuke’s face at that moment.

Kaname smiled, seeing Sousuke’s expression when they passed by a number of students who shared classes with them.

Kaname made it a point to brush up against Sousuke.

She wished that he would put an arm around her.

“Correct.”

“Well, they certainly might Sousuke. Would that be a bad thing?”

Nice and easy, Kaname. Don’t scare him away. Just like with the capture of any wild animal, make them feel like the trap area is safe.

“Uh….” Sousuke swallowed hard. “No, it would not... I don't think...”

“Good. I’m glad that it’s not a bad thing that we’re seeing each other now. It’s about time.” She knew that he meant that ‘people thinking that they were an item’ was not a bad thing.

Did he know that she knew?

It didn’t matter.

A strong gust of wind had a huge swath of leaves taking wing, dancing around the two of them, landing on their heads and shoulders when the wind abruptly gave out.

“But….”

“Are you saying that you don’t want to see me, Souske?” Kaname pouted. She looked away from Sousuke. She started pulling leaves off of her coat.

“You are pleasant to look at, Kaname.” Sousuke’s voice was flat, without a hint of humor. His eyes seemed glued to her.

“That’s NOT what I mean, Sousuke!” She stamped her foot, realizing too late that Sousuke was trying to cover his discomfort with a joke. She had an answer for that, too.

“OK. Are you saying that you DO want to see me, Sousuke?”

“Kaname, won’t you be late for class….” Sousuke looked at his watch and started walking, pulling her behind him.

“SOUSUKE!” Kaname froze. Her voice was carrying far in the morning air. She saw a number of people in the distance turn and look in her direction.

“Kaname?”

“Oooooooooh. You're making this so difficult, do you know that? It might be more fun to have a tooth extracted!” Kaname snapped her mouth shut. She needed to stay in control, now more than ever. The ball was rolling. She needed to advance it towards the goal, not boot it out of bounds.

Sousuke’s tilted his head. “What would, Kaname?”

Kaname just stood there glaring at Sousuke. Then she began to look sheepish. Then she smiled. Was this Sousuke's way of playing? Was it a good sign?

"I've missed you, Sousuke. More than I realized. A lot more than I was willing to admit to myself."

Her confession had just came spilling out.

It had been one thing to admit such things to herself. That was frightening, exciting, or comforting, depending on her mood. Admitting her feelings to Sousuke was almost like a catharsis.

She watched Sousuke’s face go through a whole series of emotions as he looked at her.

Finally, he looked contemplative. Turning, he spent some time watching a rather noisy squirrel in the tree branches above him. He closed his eyes when the breeze caressed his face.

Kaname came close to asking him what he was feeling.

She began to feel a bit worried, even vulnerable. What if he didn’t really want to go out with her, much less talk to her? Was she coming on too strong?

Why didn't he just say something? Anything!

Had she already scared him away and ruined her opportunity?

It didn’t matter how much she wanted them to take a chance on each other again. If he didn’t want the same thing, she didn’t want him to do something just to please her. It had to be something that he wanted too. Really wanted….

“Kaname…..” Sousuke started to speak, his eyes looking open and warm. But he stopped. He sighed. His hand let go of hers and massaged his forehead. Something as still holding him back. It wasn’t to difficult to guess what it was.

Unless….

“Is there someone else, Sousuke?” Kaname decided that she might as well bring her greatest fear to voice. “You have quite a bevy of beauties vying for your attention, after all.” Kaname was proud that she had managed to keep her voice even and strong.

Sousuke bowed his head.

Kaname felt as if her very blood had frozen. Was his reaction a ‘Yes’?

She ducked her head when a strong gust of wind blew around her.

Souske put both of their bags down. He looked at Kaname, opened his mouth, then looked down.

“I see. You don’t have to name names, Sousuke. I just needed to….” Kaname couldn’t help herself. Her voice gave her disappointment away.

“No.” Sousuke spoke quietly, bringing his eyes up to Kaname’s.

“Sousuke?”

“There is no one, Kaname. I… I have felt the need for companionship….. and other things…. often. The girls who congregate around me are very attractive… and their attention is flattering, and frightening…. but….”

“But what, Sousuke?” Kaname swallowed. Should she get her hopes up? Even if he didn’t have anyone else, did he want anyone at all?

Sousuke looked away. He bent over, picked up a pine cone, and threw it far up into the canopy of the trees.

“None of them is as beautiful as you, Kaname.” He picked up a rock and rolled it over in his hand. “None of them were you….”

“Oh. I see,” It was Kaname’s turn to try and find the words she wanted. She held out her hand and took the rock from Sousuke. She threw it at a tree, hitting close to the mark she had aimed for.

She should be feeling like she was on Cloud Nine. Something still nagged at her. He hadn't come out and expressed any enthusiam at all about the idea of getting together with her. She wasn't even certain how he was feeling, simply being able to see her again.

“Could you please just tell me then, Sousuke………. would you like it if we..... if we were a couple?” There it was.

She had put all of her cards on the table.

It almost felt as if her entire life rested on whatever Sousuke might say next.

Sousuke looked up at the vast expanse the sky. His eyes followed the contour of the tall and majestic clouds. He breathed in deeply, then sighed.

“I don’t know if it matters what I want….” Sousuke said. His face looked so sad for a moment, that Kaname wanted to hold him against her and caress him. “I don’t suppose it ever has….”

The young soldier's words bowled Kaname over like a large wave at the beach. For a moment, her feelings tumbled her around more than any wave ever could.

A small voice spoke up inside of her, uninvited. She had contributed to some of that sense of hopelessness.

Right?

“Oh………. Sousuke, it does matter…. YOU matter… at least to me.” Kaname’s voice cracked. She felt as if tears were about to come.

He must be hurting inside again. Maybe she should back away some, respecting his feelings. But, something told her to take things further.

She had to touch part of Sosusuke’s pain.

Maybe she could help somehow.

“You mattered to me before. So much so, that I hurt too much to… to even… be able to….” Her words fizzled out.

“Talk to me….” Sousuke’s eyes were filled with pain long past, as well as a real time doubt.

Kaname blinked, and tears fell. She tried to speak, but had started trembling.

She knew what Sousuke’s unspoken questions were.

If she had done it once, how could he be certain that she wouldn’t do it again? Why take the chance… open up his defenses…. only to have someone he trusted strike him a mortal blow?

Her thoughts thundered with the words she wished she could say.

Please Sousuke. Give me a chance. Just one more chance.

I’ve changed. I understand you now. I understand me.

Please.

“If you don’t think I’m worth taking a chance, Sousuke I….” Kaname stopped, taken aback at the look on Sousuke’s face.

“If there is anyone worth taking a risk for….” Sousuke’s vehemence crested, then died out. He was left looking embarrassed and sheepish.

The young soldier turned away from Kaname. He started walking away, leaving the bags behind him. He placed his arm up on a large oak. Sighing, he set his forehead against the bark.

A group of crows took flight, leaving the branches far above their heads. Their raucous cries carried on for some time, growing ever so distant sounding.

Kaname shivered.

She couldn't even begin to imagine the full set of memories he must have. The small amount of history that he had shared with her was enough to give her nightmares.

She knew what she needed to do, and what she wanted to say.

This wasn’t about what she wanted. She had been falling into that trap again. Trying to respect Sousuke’s space, but needing to say what was on her mind, she took short steps in his direction, stopping, then starting again.

“You don’t need to worry about anything I asked you Souske.” She knelt down in front of him so she could see his face. “None of that matters now. I treated you wrong before, even though I thought I was doing what I needed to do. I can’t promise that I wouldn’t hurt you again. All that really matters is that you know I care.”

Sousuke closed his eyes. His shoulders bunched up, then relaxed. He stood there silently, the breeze catching at the edges of his unzipped jacket.

“Sousuke. More than anything else I want…. I would… I need to ask if you forgive me….” Kaname couldn’t help herself. She started to cry again. She placed her head against the tree too.

Why did the pain she once felt pick now to rise to the surface?

Anyone watching them would have wondered if they were in their right minds.

The silence stretched on, but neither had any idea how long it lasted.

Sousuke eventually stood up... reached over... and pushed Kaname’s windblown hair away from her face. He plucked a small piece of bark out of her hair and handed it to her.

Standing there, he looked so strong to Kaname.

It was an amazing transformation, considering the feelings he had been wrestling with. She parted her lips, hoping he had some crumb of hope to throw her.

More than anything else, she wanted to be able to offer some kind of hope to him.

“You have forgotten what I told you once, Chidori.” His voice was not what Kaname had expected. It caused her to swallow hard and straighten up. "There's no shame in that. I am as guilty as you are. Even more so."

“Sousuke?” Kaname took a step closer to him out of instinct. She wished so much that he would take her up in his arms and crush her against him.

“Didn’t I tell you that when you were with me, I could do anything?” Sousuke's face was very serious, but there was no longer any source of sorrow or doubt.

“Yes….” Kaname took another step. She could hug him. It would be alright, wouldn’t it. No. She had to listen to what he was trying to tell her. In his words, and beyond his words.

“That includes forgiving you.” Sousuke reached out, pulled a colorful leaf off of her coat, and handed it to her.

“Really Sousuke?” Kaname knew that she sounded like an excited school girl. That didn’t matter. Sousuke had said that he would forgive her!

“Affirmative.” It was Sousuke’s turn to take a step closer. "I forgive you, Kaname Chidori."

Kaname found her heart beating faster and faster. For a moment, she felt a bit light-headed. A terrible weight was gone. She hadn't realized just how guilty she had been feeling.

They both stood there staring at each other, not knowing what to do or what to say.

Kaname decided to go for broke.

“So, if you will forgive me Sousuke…. does that mean that you would be willing to see more of me… I mean see me more often….”

Sousuke just stood looking at her, as if seeing something miraculous for the first time, or finding something wonderful that was thought to have been lost forever.

Kaname blushed.

“Yes, Kaname." he nodded his head. "And yes.” Sousuke’s eyes softened.

It was like spotting a rare bird. Kaname drank in the sight while she could.

“Great. But….” Kaname had just figured out what Sousuke’s dual answer meant and blushed.

She was supposed to be making HIM feel embarrassed but eager. Jerk. Moron. Big idiot!

That’s OK.

She could help reinforce the situation.

“So, now that you’ve said that Sousuke, have you burst into flames?” She held her chin up.

“No, Kaname.” He looked at his hands, his feet, everything. Very funny.

“Have you grown a set of horns?” She folded her hands across her chest.

“Not yet.” For some reason, that answer had Kaname blushing.

“Will it force you to resign your position with Mithril, forever walk the world in shame, and wonder if there is any reason left to go on living?” She started tapping her foot.

“Negative.” Sousuke looked at her foot, and then her face. He kept a straight face.

“Good.” Kaname nodded her head forcefully, then rubbed her hands together.

“Why, Kaname?” Sousuke had his clueless expression on again.

"Oh, no reason...." Kaname’s smile lit up her face.

Sousuke kicked at some sticks with his shoe. Looking up at Kaname, he asked in a suddenly uncertain voice “So....... what do we do now?”

“We go to class. What did you think we were going to do? Stay out here on some kind of nature hike? Geez!” She fixed Sousuke’s zipper, then zipped up his coat. She stepped back a moment, then made it a point to straighten out its collar.

“I….”

Kaname smiled and said “We take it one step at a time……… OK....... no sense risking something so special." That's what she said. It wasn'texactly what she was thinking. "Don’t worry………. I won’t take advantage of you……….. unless you want me too………..”

It was Sousuke's turn to get a little red in the face.

Happily, Kaname ran back to the bags, and despite her bad shoulder, lugged them both over to Sousuke.


xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


Without saying more than a pleasantry or two, they both held hands and walked toward the heart of the campus, not feeling any need for more words at the moment.

When they reached the building for Kaname's next class, Sousuke handed her bag back to her. This time, his fingers lingered on hers. He then took out a scrap of paper and a pen, writing down his address and phone number for Kaname.

“I should inform you of one thing,” he said in a confident voice. He stepped back a step, allowing a group of students to enter the building.

“Sousuke?” Kaname smiled, wondering what he was going to say. Was he going to tell her how much he cared about her? He wasn’t going to make some kind of major confession, was he?

“Back there, I knowingly permitted you to manipulate my feelings.” He said it with a straight face. Kaname couldn’t tell if he was being honest or facetious.

She had a pretty good idea.

“Permitted me? Permitted?” Her eyes narrowed. He owed her a confession or some romantic promise. But, she would settle for some spirited banter.

“Yes. This.... one....time.” Sousuke smiled. He looked all too pleased with himself. He had no right to do that. No, that was her job.

“Are you saying I need your permission, Sousuke?”

Sousuke smiled. He didn’t say a word. He didn’t have to.

“Oooooooh…..” Kaname dropped her bag and grabbed hold of Sousuke’s jacket. She gave him a strong shake.

“If you do not hurry inside Kaname, you will miss another class.” Sousuke smiled, looking fondly at Kaname.

Kaname scowled at Sousuke, but couldn’t keep it up. A huge smile lit up her face as well.

She nodded her head.

“I will see you later, then.” Sousuke saluted and began walking off for his building.

“Sousuke!” Kaname sounded somewhat cross. Then her voice softened.

“Don’t I get a kiss or something?” He had made the mistake of agreeing to a relationship. It was her right to ask for whatever she wanted. She owned him.

When the time was right, she would clue him in to that fact.

“One step at a time, Kaname. One step at a time….” Sousuke waved, as he started to walk. He stopped a moment, looked longingly at her face, perhaps wanting the same thing that she did, but not feeling ready.

He continued on his way.

Kaname sighed.

Everything in its own time.

Watching Sousuke walk away, she saw a number of her friends walk up.

“Kaname, we were so worried. Are you OK?” Her friends looked truly concerned about her.

Still watching Sousuke, Kaname said “Yes.”


x x x x x x x x x x x x

A/N: this is NOT the end of the story...