The trees sped by in a flurry of green and yellow as Yoru bounded through the forest, hopping over boulders and fallen logs. He just needed to clear his head and get away for a little while. His blood was still boiling and his face hot from the argument with his teacher. She never had and never would understand him.

The Wizard reached a small, quiet clearing and he stopped there, collapsing in the tall grass, panting heavily. He rested an arm over his eyes, blocking out the bright sun as it was moving to the West, "Dammit..."

"She's never liked me," Yoru began, "stupid teacher... How can I learn from her if she doesn't respect me? Maybe... maybe I should just give up. Quit Magic altogether..." suddenly, he sat up, "NO! What am I thinking?! I have to complete My List!"

He then laid back down in the grass, catching his breath, "I guess I'll have to go back eventually..." and opened his tired, red eyes. However, upon looking up, he found Nia standing over him and he squeaked and scooted away. Nia giggled at his reaction, "Was that you mumbling just now?"

"Erm, I..." he started.

"You're so silly, Yoru-kun," she sat next to him in the grass, "What're you doing out here?"

The Wizard grinned, "Isn't that my line?" She responded with another series of giggles that made his heart soar, "I was picking flowers and herbs for mother's potions."

"Oh, potions, right..." his eyes fell as he remembered the argument.

"So," she began, "what are you doing out here mumbling to yourself? Incantations, or-"

He raised an eyebrow, "How do you know about Incantations? Doesn't your mom-"

"Not approve of me learning them? No, she doesn't-" she started.

"But, you do anyway, and-" he said.

"What she doesn't know won't hurt her!" They both said in unison. Yoru laughed along with Nia and traded smiles.

She started again, "How do you-"

"Keep finishing your sentences?" he grinned slyly and she blushed brilliantly, avoiding his eyes but still smiling. Then, her eyes widened and she turned to him, smile gone, "Don't tell mother I've been teaching myself Incantations! She'll kill me!"

Yoru grinned in reassurance, "Don't worry. I won't tell a soul."

Nia sighed in relief, then laid back in the grass. Yoru remained sitting up, playing with some grass absentmindedly, "You know, if you want to learn more... I can help. I can touch -ERM! I can TEACH you!" his face reddened as he caught what he'd just said and he immediately began to feel ashamed for even thinking of such a thing. Luckily, Nia didn't seem to catch his slip-up.

"You'd teach me, Yoru-kun? Really?" she sat back up, inquisitive. He began to feel heated in the face, "Y-yeah... I would."

Nia just grinned widely, "No wonder mother always thought you were troublesome. You always did go against her like that and I'm starting to remember why you and I were such good friends as kids seven years ago."

"I always got you in trouble! I thought you hated that!" Yoru couldn't suppress his smile when he saw her face light up like that. Then, he blushed brightly as she continued, "I liked YOU for that. You were always a sweet boy, just not in mother's eyes. She never trusted any man. She's always called you a Demon Child and constantly says how much she regrets making you her apprentice back then."

His face fell, "Explains a lot."

"But," she went on, "you never meant anyone any harm, Yoru-kun. And, even though mother always thought of you as a trouble maker, I thought you were a curious and free spirit. I envied you and wanted to be around you because of it."

He looked up as she hugged her knees close to her chest, "When you left... I thought I'd never see you again. I'd never felt so sad and empty inside... I missed you so much."

"Nia," Yoru began as she looked up, "You know... I'm here now... I came back."

She smiled and a small tear rolled down her face as her eyes met his finally. She whispered, "That's true. You did come back..."

Yoru felt a lump form in his stomach, then rise up into his throat. He hated to see her cry and it was wrenching him apart inside. He couldn't help himself and used a finger to wipe away the tear from her face, "I'm sorry I left you without saying good-bye. There hasn't been a day that's gone by where I haven't thought of you and regretted leaving so suddenly. I've always wanted to come back... just to see you, if at all. You were always my favori-"

He was suddenly cut off as Nia pulled him in and kissed him softly at first. Then, he shut his eyes, and gave in, clutching her closer and pushing his lips harder against hers. They pulled apart and he felt as if his head was swimming. He could see her face was red as she looked up at him, unsure of what his reaction would be. But, he just smiled and turned scarlet too, chuckling lightly as if excusing the kiss as an accident.

"I... I'm sorry..." she whispered. But, he just sighed, "No... it's okay, Nia-chan." then, he looked away, avoiding her face entirely... not wanting to meet her eyes.

The two sat in silence for a long time. A light breeze blew through the trees and Yoru looked up. The sky was turning pink and stars were starting to spark to life in darker areas. A couple of birds flew overhead and landed in a nest not too far from where they were seated.

"It's getting late, Nia-chan... we should head back to the house." he stood up, still avoiding her eyes, and helped her up too. They made they're way back in silence, his head buzzing.

Nia had kissed him! In truth, this should've excited and elated him. This was something he'd secretly wanted for an incredibly long time. He'd had dreams of her, both innocent and intimate, and had always thought he'd return for her one day. But, now that he'd finally gotten something he'd always wanted, something he'd always thought would make him the happiest man alive, he couldn't help but wonder why he still felt so empty inside...

Fiction: 04/06/09 | Posted By: TheDarkAngel | 0 comments