mysteries | ic; god that was strange to see you again

[Kiraki noticed his slight shift in expression. She picked up her tea to let him speak. Listening carefully to every word. She took a sip and pondered for a brief moment before speaking.]

I mean, I don't know if you should get your hopes up. He's never been too keen on me...

She put her tea cup down, giving him a small smile as she met his eyes.]

But, you seem confident, so I'll believe you. I know it's really important to you that we get along, especially now.

[a slight pink tinge entered her cheeks as she remembered exactly how Kaito had found them. Although it was probably for the best that they had stopped when they did, she was still just a little disappointed.]

But...I'm sure it was a shock. I hope he didn't give you too much of a hard hard time...

[ It's almost odd how strangely normal this is. Sure, the tea shop they're sitting in might just be a front for another part of Section 5, and neither of them might technically be a normal person anymore (as far as the rest of the world is concerned, they're "dead", after all).. it still seems so normal. Sitting in a tea shop with Kiraki, talking as if they're just normal people meeting up with each other, talking about a mutual friend.

It feels oddly comforting after having spent such a long period of time thinking that she was dead. It's something he thought he'd never get back anymore, the opportunity to just sit with her like this and calmly talk. ]

Don't worry about it.

[ Sure, things might still be a little hard and awkward, trying to balance Kaito and Kiraki, trying to make Kaito see that he doesn't have to be afraid he's losing his place in Mamoru's life now that she's there again too. Trying to see if Kaito will be able to put those feelings aside and actually get along with Kiraki - they're friends too, after all, right?

Besides, he doesn't want to think too heavily about the topic now. Not when they've only just been reunited. (Not when only a little while ago they were on the bed, so close-- Mamoru blushes a little at the thought.) ]

Instead.. right now, I'd like to talk about you instead.

[ Reaching out carefully across the table, his hand finds her own, gently grabbing it and holding it. ]

.. You're alright, aren't you? [ Kiraki, who killed because he was threatened. Kiraki, who thought she was being executed over it and didn't have anyone to talk to about it. Kiraki, who spent such a long time by herself in the kind of place that can be oddly lonely at times.

There's no way he can't worry about her - and his thumb brushes back and forth along her skin a little as he stares at her. ]

[She nods acknowledging his reassurance. She trusted that he would have told her if there was a real problem with Kaito. He just never dealt well with change. To such an extreme level that his perception of reality distorted around him.

All she wanted at that moment was for things to be normal. Just the two of them like it used to be. (With maybe a bit more intimacy thrown in here and there.)

She smiled a little, watching his thoughts pass over his face clear as day. He was always so expressive and honest. It was something about him that always helped put her at ease.

[But, she was surprised when he made a move after his statement. She blushed fully when his hands met hers. She didn't expect him to be so bold an affectionate in public. But that was Mamoru after all. He didn't care about what others thought when it came to someone he cared about.]

I...um...
She struggled to find her words for a moment, her fingers clenching up under his hand. She tried to focus on how nice his touch felt. Even of it was just a little, it helped her calm down to collect her thoughts.

[Once again she didn't want him to know that she had been suffering. But she also didn't want to lie to him. ]

I've been...well I...I've been getting along with my Messiah...Murase Umie. She's an extremely skilled hacker and a loyal and kind partner. She's here because...she was a first-generation Cybernetics experiment. And so, she has some...side effects. The connection between her organic brain and cybernetic brain isn't perfect so she's unable to speak. But, I've been learning sign language to understand her.

[She clenched her free hand, looking down at the table. She felt terrible about having even the slightest complaints about Umie. Kiraki had no rights with how much she had suffered. But it was hard, when because of that their relationship ended up feeling imbalanced at some points.]

She came here along with someone named Ariga. Maybe you know him?

[ He doesn't even mind waiting for a moment while she's thinking about how to put things. It's fine, even just sitting here with her quietly feels relaxing. It's like he can slowly take in her presence again, slowly fill the void she had left behind in once more. (Kiraki is oddly cute too when she blushes like that, he thinks, as much as he admires her tough side too.)

The story of her Messiah is more than he could have imagined though. And here he thought something like Ariga's background that he found out with some of Kaito's help was already strange enough, but it's nothing compared to this. Someone who can't even talk, whose brain was messed with like that? Mamoru - being Mamoru - of course instantly feels sorry for Umie despite not even knowing her. And sorry for Kiraki too, in a sense.. it can't be easy to deal with that, especially not when it's her Messiah, the one person she's supposed to rely on.

He only slowly answers by the time she asks him something, although he blinks a little in surprise. ]

Yeah. Kaito is my Messiah, but when we first started out, we were assigned temporary Messiah for our first missions. Ariga was mine. [ He never mentioned anything about a girl, though..

.. but then again, what did Ariga mention? It isn't too surprising that he didn't pipe up about that either. ]

He's not a bad guy, and his fighting skills are really impressive, but.. well, let's just say he's pretty closed off. [ Which is the complete opposite from someone as completely open and honest as Mamoru himself is. It's not too hard to see where the problem might have been.

But if she came along with him.. was she stuck in the same situation as Ariga? Especially if she was an experiment like that, and Ariga was practically raised to be a soldier.. it wouldn't be too different. Mamoru can't help but wonder if they've talked a whole lot since they got into Sakura and Botan instead.

Those thoughts vanish for a moment though when he looks across the table and sees Kiraki's face fall. ]

... does it trouble you?

Umm...

[She began. More guilt rising up in her throat like bile. But, this was Mamoru. He wouldn't judge her for having trouble despite the severity of her partner's situation. He would listen, he would try to help no matter what. She didn't want him to worry over her , but he'd only worry more if he knew that she was hiding things from him.]

Yeah, I got that impression from what Umie's told me but...That seems to be the reason they got along. According to her, she helped her out a lot when they were both in Dai San no Yami. She was sold to them as cargo, and Ariga was supposed to guard her. But, even with everything, he still had trouble seeing her as anything other than human.

[She paused. Trying not to avoid Mamoru's question too much longer.]

It's...hard. But, none of it is her fault. Even though, she keeps telling me that I can rely on her, tell her what's on my mind...I...I just can't.

[Her heart ached just thinking about how much Umie had gone through. The mere thought of even unintentionally adding to her suffering made Kiraki feel almost nauseous.

She took her other hand and covered Mamoru's holding his hand tightly between her own for no other reason than just to reassure herself of his presence. She just feels weak and pathetic despite however she should feel. But, perhaps Mamoru felt similarly. As much as he loved Kaito, the last thing he would ever want to do would be to in any way add to his friend's suffering.]

[ He does understand how hard it'd be. Although Mamoru would never dare to complain about it out loud or even to himself - since he's much more prone to just plainly running himself into the ground over it rather than realising just how much he's doing that to begin with - he gets that the situation is a little like it was with him and Kaito. How it still is with them, honestly, although a little less so. Kaito is his best friend and Mamoru cares for him so deeply, but since he's gone through so much already, he's never wanted to bother Kaito with his own problems in turn. Instead he just kept them to himself, bottling them up while convincing himself every morning that he could deal with it.

.. it wouldn't surprise him if Kiraki did something similar. When she cares for other people, she always cares very, very deeply. Mamoru knows it. The moment she knew about Haruto being bullied, she was already charging ahead to teach those bullies a lesson. No way she'd want to burden her Messiah then.

Even if Kiraki does need to talk about things. Honestly, Mamoru almost feels a little ashamed. She's having so much trouble with saying this much, putting emphasis on what Umie has gone through.. but Kiraki's gone through a lot too. More than him. She shouldn't be the one putting herself in the last place here. ]

It's alright. Don't blame yourself. [ His voice is steady, and he's hoping it's reassuring. ] I know it's hard.. So instead, if you ever need to let something out, you can tell me. I'll listen, no matter what it is.

[ With him she won't have to worry about it, right? Or so Mamoru thinks, anyway. He'll carry her burden too, if it'll help her look a little happier - that thought makes him squeeze back with his hand a little in return. ]

I mean, with everything with Kaito.. I sort of get it. [ So there's no way he'd judge her for saying any of this. ]

[She nods, her lips trembling a little bit as she tries to smile at him. She looks up at him. Meeting his warm gaze. She's still just filled with joy knowing that he is there.

Mamoru never spared a thought for himself, his own suffering not even an after thought. He had suffered incredibly too. She saw him, the months he thought she was dead. She'd leave Botan and find him sometimes in front of her old apartment, alone with no one to comfort him. He walked by the places they used to go to together. Her favorite park, his favorite cafe, the neighborhood where they used to live. All the while she was forced to watch at a distance like a ghost.]

Okay, since you do get it. Also know that I...I think the same about you. I worry that I'll burden you but--
[She shakes her head.] I know, that you won't...I want to be there for you too okay. [She scowls slightly.] I don't like feeling even the slightest bit weak I--
[Her thoughts were a mess and she didn't know what she wanted to say anymore. She took a calming breath, having to play over what Mamoru said in her head. He'd listen, no matter what it is.

It really was ridiculous. She was just suddenly getting so overwhelmed by emotions.

She let out a small giggle, and let herself smile brightly at him. Showing a little of how she felt inside. ]

If I ever hold back Mamoru it's not because I don't trust you, okay? Just remember that.

[ She's smiling so brightly. It's the first time he's really seen her smile like that today, ever since the moment of their reunion.. but it reminds him a lot of the old days. Kiraki's always been the type to smile brightly when he felt really happy, and it makes him feel like some of the burden is falling off his shoulder. She's still okay. All of that didn't break her to no point of return if she can still smile like that - which means Mamoru will still get chances to make her happy, as hard as it might end up being in their sort of situation at times. But it doesn't mean he isn't going to try.

Especially not when wanting to be strong is also very much like her, and he knows it. But it's exactly what makes him want to support her. So she can be that strong without having to run herself into the ground for it. ]

Alright. [ He nods, smiling. ] I'll remember.

[ Not that it means he won't try to make her talk whenever something bothers her all the same, but.. you know. That's how Mamoru works, he just can't leave people alone. ]

You're so strong, Kiraki.

[ For making it this far. For being able to smile like that, even after everything.

It's just-- he's so glad. ]

[She sighed and accepted his praise with a small smirk. Her eyes flicked down to her hands. She had regained some of her composure, so she let her right hand slide off on to the table. She instead moved her hand under his to entwine their fingers properly. Even this small contact sill makes her heart flutter a bit.]

If there's anything else you want to know, just shoot.

[Mamoru had always been so open, so trusting. He would always do his best to speak what was on his mind. (Even during the depth of Kaito's delusion, his face and expression told her how much he had been suffering even if he could not bear to say it out loud). Even so she knew there was things that he would still keep hidden. She also knew that he wouldn't even begin to think about himself until he thought those he cared about were completely taken care of first. ]

[ Anything else he wants to know.. well, where does he even really start? Even though it's only been about half a year or so since they were seperated, it feels like it's been a whole lot longer than that with everything that had been going on in the meantime, with the amount of times he constantly thought about her, when he missed the small interactions between them, like a habit falling out of his routine. It feels like they've been apart for so long, and he doesn't even know everything that's been happening with her ever since..

Then where he he supposed to start with asking things? For a moment he just stays quiet, instead enjoying the simple contact between them of her fingers tangled up with his own. ]

Well, I guess then I'd have to ask how you're doing with them so far.. [ But then his face shifts a little. Since it's like something heavy has dropped off his shoulders, Mamoru's actually able to act a little more like usually, a playful and slightly teasing expression forming on his face. ] But I know you. They probably have to stop you from kicking everyone's ass just a little too hard.

[ It's exaggerated, of course, but.. hey, it's true. He knows Kiraki is strong and tough, but he likes it about her. She's got spunk when it comes to doing the right thing and protecting the people important to her - it's not like he can even blame her for killing her father for his sake when he was such a bad person to begin with. He can understand it. ]

[She certainly doesn't mind his pause either. A small smile lingers on her face as she just looks at their joined hands.
She's a little embarrassed that Mamoru thinks of her that way, but she can't exactly deny it. Her first instinct is usually to punch a problem before trying to think through it or talk it out. She really just had no tolerance for any sort of injustice. ]

Yeah you're not wrong. It took a few missions for me to really get it in my head that being a spy means not attacking a target straight out at the first sign of danger. But, we work well together. There's Kiyomi, our sniper. Seems a bit standoffish at first, but she's really dedicated...Sakari is her messiah. She lived in Europe for almost half her life, can speak a bunch of languages and is really good at disguises and the like.

[It's been hard, but the missions go well and even despite the rules all four of them had become friends with one another. With how confident Mamoru was in her, she was able to see the strength that she had. She had always managed to get though even when her life fell about around her, even when she thought her only support was gone from the world. She had been able to survive without him, but now it felt like she could thrive. Even if he couldn't be constantly by her side like they both wished, he would still be there for her, and she would be there for him.]

And you guys are also getting along together? I've never heard of temporary Messiah or a switch like that. Was there something that happened? Like some big disagreements in the Messiah pairs?

[She wondered. Thinking that Kaito couldn't have dealt well with being separated from Mamoru at the beginning. Being told that he could only associate with one other complete stranger when his life-long best friend was there with him. She worried.]

Ah.. Honestly, I'm not too sure what they were thinking about when they did that either.

[ But Mamoru hadn't bothered to question it, hadn't gone against it. He knew there was nothing he could do about it anyway, and despite the fact that he knew Kaito wouldn't react to it well, he thought it'd be good for his friend to actually be able to try and get along with someone other than him now he finally got out of his isolation. And even though it had a rocky start.. well, in the end, it turned out okay, didn't it? ]

Ariga and I mostly got along fine though. I guess I got upset with him when they were suspicious of him and he didn't want to talk about his background even to me, but it got resolved pretty quickly. [ And with Mamoru being Mamoru.. he hadn't wanted to distrust the other anyway, he wanted to believe that Ariga was innocent and prove that - it's just that it was a little harder without the other wanting to open up. ]

Kaito, though.. Well, you know what he's like.

[ He figures it's probably part of the reason why she asked, aside from his personal business. She knows what Kaito is like, so Kiraki surely knows how he would have reacted to being seperated from Mamoru. ]

He tried asking if he could be Messiah with me instead, but they didn't want to take his requests into account. So he was assigned to Mamiya instead.. he's a pretty kind person, sort of the gentle kind. He's great at playing the violin too.. really, he doesn't belong in a place like this.

[ Mamoru's gaze drops to his cup of tea though as he thinks about the next part, still not letting go of her hand. ]

But Kaito was pretty aggressive towards him. He kept blaming Mamiya for things and got mad at him all the time. They managed to resolve it in the end, and they actually got along pretty well before the pairs got switched around, but.. it took some stuff to get there for them. It was a rough time.

I'm a little surprised honestly...

[She began, also looking down at their hands again.]

But...I suppose that means he's really recovering, huh? I'm glad. I was honestly really worried about him.

[She gave a small smile. Remembering what Kaito was like before she disappeared, it sent chills down her spine. Haruto's death had affected her greatly as it had occurred during one of her absences. She couldn't help but think, that if she had been there, she could have done something to save him. There was a point however when Kiraki just couldn't do it anymore. When indulging Kaito's delusion became too much and she had to stop coming over to eat with them. She figured that Kaito wouldn't miss her. But, Mamoru, he would still come over to her place occasionally. Perhaps when it became too much even for him.]

A violinist? Well, that actually kinda makes sense. Sakari is an artist too. Really beautiful painter. But, she still has skills that make her useful. I imagine this Mamiya is the same.

[Martial arts had once been just a hobby for her. Sure she had to kick the occasional ass(for Haruto's sake usually) But other than that, it was just a great way for her to channel some of her aggression. But, first she was a Narc, then she became a Spy.

She could just imagine how that all went. Mamoru was trusting to a fault. He trusted his superior's decision, he trusted his partner even when there were suspicions against him.]

Well, it seems like Mamiya and I might have something in common then...

[She said with a bitter laugh. But maybe that also meant that Kaito would warm up to her soon enough.(even if he hadn't the years she had known him. She could always hope.)]

[ He won't deny that much about Mamiya, at least. Sure, the contrast in fighting styles between him and Ariga is pretty big, but that's only to be considered when you think of Ariga's background. Hell, Mamoru's sure Ariga is a better fighter than him, and he's actually received training before too since he joined Section 4. But Mamiya saved them from some pretty nasty situations in a way only he could. Everyone's just pulling their weight in their own way with their special skills (although Mamoru would turn up silent if you'd ask him what his own contribution was supposed to be, honestly, other than trying his best).

But what hits him more is the rest of the words that come out of Kiraki's mouth. She was worried about Kaito, cared for him, even though the other's treatment of Kiraki had turned colder and colder until he just ignored her completely by the time he had become deluded enough. He didn't even mention her anymore after she "died". But even so, Kiraki still worried.. it's a lot like her, he thinks. She's always had a big heart. ]

Yeah, he's gotten a lot better. He's had to face a lot of new things ever since he's gotten out of that apartment again, but.. I think it's doing him a lot of good. I'm sure it'll mean he'll accept you sooner or later too.

[ Although it makes him think of something. The first days that Kiraki had stopped coming over, the times she had made it obvious that she didn't agree with just going along with Kaito's delusion. It's those moments that made Mamoru waver even more on his decision to go along with it, but in the end he had stuck with it.

But still.. ]

So.. I guess you were right. Maybe I should have done a little more to push him out there earlier. [ But he had been way too scared of pushing Kaito too far, of breaking him with the knowledge that everything wasn't as happy and perfect as Kaito had made it out to be all by himself. ]

Mamoru,

[She began, leaning towards him a little. ]

You did all that you possibly could for him. I was the coward back then. I ended up ditching you when it became too much for me.

[She looked down, putting her free hand to her forehead. She just couldn't pretend that Haruto was alive, nor for anyone's sake. It just hurt too much. Mamoru was so much stronger than her in that regard.]

Remembering their promise, she continued.]

I did what I could too though. I wasn't able to help Kaito...

Since he wouldn't even acknowledge my existence.

But, I was at least able to help you a little, right?

Until I "died" that is, and left you alone again.

She looked at him a little sheepishly, her grip on his hand having become tight again.]

It's fine, Kaito's doing fine now but...I mean I hope he warms up to me because well...I won't be able to keep this up with you, if he still disapproves.

[She said, her eyes falling to their hands once again. Kaito was too important to him. She couldn't risk putting a strain on their relationship, even if that meant giving him up.]

Don't say that.

[ His voice is a little more tight at that, a little more determined. He knows why she's saying what she's saying - it's not like she wants to leave him behind, but it's more just that she doesn't want to get inbetween everything. But Mamoru can't see this as a situation where he has to pick one or the other. Kaito suffered since he wasn't able to do more for him. Kiraki suffered since she did everything for him. He has to repay them both, and he wants to stay by both of their sides.. the idea of one of them having to abandon their bond with him for the sake of the other feels ridiculous. Unacceptable. He wouldn't be able to live with it, and his grip on her hands tightens a little bit. ]

Don't even think about it.. you won't have to be alone anymore now. I promised that I'd stay by your side as long as I'm alive, no matter what.

[ Even if the situation with Kaito might be awkward at the moment. Even if they're technically not allowed to be lovers. They'll somehow find ways around it - he wants to believe in that more than anything. ]

I'll make sure it turns out alright, so don't even think for a moment about putting yourself aside. Alright?

It's not like I want to leave you or anything...

[She said, stating the obvious. She gave a slight forced chuckle to try and hide the new surge of emotions that threatened to overcome her. Even so a genuine smile lingered on her lips.

At that moment, she started to become more aware of where they were and became a little embarrassed. Mamoru was many wonderful things, but he was also very single-minded when it came to those he cared about. And that resulted in him being oblivious to many things.]

[She pushed her hair behind her ear nervously again, not fully meeting his eyes.]

Hey, how about we...[She nodded towards the door.] Let's go take a walk, get some fresh air. I think there's a nice park nearby.

[She thought that even being this intimate with him so close to headquarters was probably a bad idea. Mamoru wasn't about to leave her alone now that she was back in his life, and she knew that. They just needed to work out the best way to handle this. Sneaking around, being dishonest wasn't that easy for either of them.]

I've already payed for everything here so... [She looked at him and smiled.] So how about it?

[ Mamoru had gotten so caught up in his own thoughts and his fretting about her that he didn't even realise this might not exactly be the best place to talk about that sort of stuff. It'd be easy for just about anyone to overhear them here, while that's the exact opposite of what they want.. Only Kiraki words make him realise as much, and it's exactly because of that realisation that his gaze drops a little, his cheeks faintly coloring in shame.

He's already being terrible about trying to keep it a secret now, and they've only just begun.. He sure must be looking incompetent as hell over here, huh. ]

Y.. yeah, let's go. [ The words come out a little awkwardly, but it's really all just from the realisation of his own stupidity, not because of her. He stands up from his seat so they can leave, and he shoots her a bashful smile. ]

I promised Kaito I'd pick something up on the way back anyway, so it'd be easier to walk around for a bit.

[She released his hand as she stood up with him. Waving and bowing politely to the two shop proprietors, Tsubame and Uba before stepping right to Mamoru's side, smiling gently.]

What'd Kaito ask you for? I at least know the immediate are round here pretty well but...I imagine you do too.
[She said with a nervous rot of grin. While she had know of Saku's existence for quite some time now, she he had simply not known of Kaito and Mamoru being alive there.]

[It would e nearly impossible to keep their relationship a complete secret. Considering how the two of them were complete and utterly open books when in came to their emotions. But it was still some thing thing he could ignore fairly easily. She lifted her hand and pinched his cheek briefly as she star to walk out of the store.]

[ He's about to answer her question, but then he momentarily just gets entirely caught off track by the way she pinches his cheek like that. His jaw drops open for a moment, and his brain has to caught up with what just happened.. but when it does a very faint shade of pink appears on his cheeks, and he only barely remembers in time to turn and bow towards the proprietors.

But the first moment after that he's already chasing after her as she's leaving through the door. ]

Kiraki..!

[ You cheek-pincher you. Especially when he doesn't expect it, geez. Not that it's really unpleasant, but.. well, it just flusters him, okay.

When he catches up with her as they walk outside he slows his pace down again so they can walk side by side, this time hopefully away from scrutinizing gazes. ]

I just promised him some green tea cookies.. I can pick those up no problem. [ Don't mind the way he rubs his cheek a little bit, as if he can still feel the sensation from just now. ] Although.. I can't deny that it's sort of nice to be walking out here.

[ With her especially, sure, but the time they actually have to do this sort of stuff in general has been pretty scarce inbetween all the training and missions. Not to mention that they aren't supposed to be alive - neither of them.

He can't even tell Takano that they're both fine, as tempting as the thought might be. Even if they'd spot him right here out on the streets, they'd have to hurry and hide.. it's a slightly sad thought, Mamoru thinks, considering what a good friend he'd been to them. ]

[She raises her eyebrows at him with a slight grin. He was disgustingly adorable when he got flustered like that. She had once thought that boys weren't supposed to be that cute, but she had long since accepted that it was a part of Mamoru, and also learned that is one of the things she loved most about him. ]

Lucky it's such a nice day huh.

[Her hand twitches a bit towards him, and she fans out the fingers of her hand, trying to hide the slight spasm by using her hand to smooth her hair back. She wanted to hold his hand again. But not out in public like some foreigner couple. It was too much. But she still, looked at him as much as she could as they walked.]

We could stop by the bakery on the way back. [She nodded in the general direction of the aforementioned bakery.]
But...we're in no rush...right? [She said with a lingering glance in his direction]

[ The corners of his lips quirk up into a smile when she says that. ]

Of course we're not.

[ It'll be weird if they spend too much time out together, sure, but he figures a little bit can't hurt.. there's no doubt about it that Sakura and Botan already know about the fact that they knew each other before this, so they must figure they have to catch up first anyway. It buys them a little time, especially since Mamoru really doesn't want to go back yet. Sure, he wants to protect her from being punished for being close to him even though he's not her Messiah whatsoever, but that's just why he's got to find ways to make it a little less noticable. Somehow.

(Or at least make sure that if they're caught, he's the one who gets punished instead of her.) ]

It's way too nice out to rush. Besides.. [ Mamoru pauses for a moment, sucking in a breath of air. ] .. it's a little nostalgic.

[ The two of them walking here like this. It hasn't even been a year, but it still feels like so long ago that the two of them walked side by side like this. Those moments after long days of work when he'd insist on walking with her to her apartment, even though it wasn't even close to the road he needed to take home himself. But he never seemed to care about taking the long way around as long as he could walk and talk with her for a little while more, just like now. ]

I kind of miss it sometimes. Living that simply.

[Kiraki simply watched him a moment as he spoke. As always, simply enthralled by his features as they shifted so vividly along with his words and emotions.

She smiles back in unabashed relief. She wanted nothing more than to relish in the time that they could together.]

Yeah...[she began, trailing off slightly.] I miss it too. [She replied, her mind filling up with her memories of those simple times, walking together, talking together. Even though Mamoru was now standing right in front of her, her and went instinctively to the necklace around her neck. She didn't even remember what the occasion had been, but it was one of her favorite gifts from him.]

I remember, you used to follow me around sometimes like you were my little bodyguard. [She said affectionately,] Even though, I was the one who was in karate... [She laughed a little, looking forward to make sure she didn't run into anything. She continued walking in the direction of the park she liked. It also happened to be an area she was rather familiar with before even joining Section 5.] I wouldn't mind if that didn't change, honestly. [She looked at him with an expression that was one of love. She was so happy that they could have moments like this again. ]

[ There's a part of him that almost looks a little bashful when she puts it that way.. Honestly, it's not like Mamoru doesn't know that she was (and maybe still is, although he's at least gotten a lot more training thanks to joining Section 4 at first and then Sakura) much stronger than him back then. He was aware of it, but at the same time.. it just didn't feel right to make her do the fighting. There was a risk she'd get hurt while doing so, and he never wanted to see her hurt, even when they were still much younger than they are now. ]

It's not going to change. [ He still says that though in the middle of the bashfullness, and at least Mamoru does sound sure about that. No matter how much their circumstances have changed, he still wants to protect her, still wants to make sure nothing bad will happen to her.

Sure, it'll be harder. They're in seperate parts of Section 5, they're not Messiah, but.. he'll find some way, somehow. Since they learned of each other's continued existence just now, surely Sakura and Botan must be planning joint missions in the future. ]

I already promised you I'd be by your side. And.. well, you know I suck at sitting back and just letting stuff happen.

[ Especially when it comes to injustice or people possibly being hurt - let alone the girl he loves. ]

Edited 2015-07-07 14:30 (UTC)

Not that I'd want that to change. You jumping in front of me all the time is just gonna mean that I'll always have your back.

[She wasn't about to let him get hurt protecting her. But that was where this cycle persisted.
They stopped at a intersection, just beyond was the park she had been mentioning.]

Yeah, I suppose you are a man of action. Even if it takes you a little while to catch on to some things.

[She stuck her tongue out at him teasingly. Ignoring the darker possible implications of her statement.

There were reasons that Sakura and Botan were kept separate, and this was just it. Romantic relationships across the divisions could cause problems, but sometimes the varying skills were needed in order for the missions to succeed.

She knew that Mamoru would probably try and take responsibility if they were caught, try and make sure that he alone was punished. But that would not stand. If anyone deserved to be punished it would be her. Because, she had been breaking one of the other Sakura rules long before Mamoru even arrived there.]

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