Formed by Fire

"I'll Be Gentle With You"

There we stand, a triangle of different emotions, needs and wishes. Dre's are clear: he caught me feeling "cozy" with his rival. He's hurt but under the layer of showcased anger I sense anxiety. He is afraid I'd end our beginning relationship because I started having feelings for Akio. If I wasn't stuck in a serious predicament with assassins chasing after me, I would laugh like a loony. When did I get caught in such a drama? A few days ago, my life was calm and serene, the only exciting thing was playing with the guys in a band.

Now I have two boys fighting over me. This is unbelievable. If I told my friend Amelie about it, she would laugh her butt off and call a mental institution to get me. What exactly happened within a few weeks? Did I become Kendall Jenner over night without knowing?

"Once and for all", Dre stares at me, "will you be my girlfriend, Kimiko Callaghan?" I watch him, feeling flustered and really confused. Why does he want a confirmation? In front of Akio? But then it hits me like a train. He wants a clear decision of me. Clear to him and clear to Akio, an outspoken decision, that leaves no more space for doubts. I see the slight uncertainty in his features, he tries so hard to hide. I wonder, how a tough guy like Dre, who doesn't want to depend on others, shows this weakness for a girl. I am amazed and a little bit flattered. My heartbeat accelerates at that thought. Perhaps I am girlier than I thought? Shaking my head inwardly about myself, I turn to the other guy in this room. Akio watches me silently. No words spoken. No "leave him, take me", no "I would be better for you". Nothing. He only waits. I sigh.

"I AM YOUR girlfriend, Dre, nothing changed?" His stiff body language relaxes instantly. Only in a blink of an eye I see relieve wash over him. "You let yourself be ruled by your insecurity." Dre grinds his jaw. "Easy said. How would you react, if you saw me smiling and having the time of my life with another girl? Would you feel safe and comfortable? Would you believe that I only see her as a friend?"

"No, but I don't have your reputation, do I Dre?", I shoot out with an edge in my voice. Dre watches me speechless for a moment then huffs frustrated. "Yes, Mister de Rocha, aka retired playboy?? I must live with your promiscious past too, and let me tell you, that's not easy." My train of thoughts is interrupted by a cough. "Uhm, guys, I think you should mend your differences without me as a witness", Akio mumbles. "Yeah, good point..." Dre mutters. For sure, he doesn't like what came out of my mouth. Akio walks up to me. My heart hurts for him. He looks resigned and sad. He knew, how my decision would be. But hearing it decidedly is painful.

Dre gives us a little privacy by turning bis back to us and walking to the big window. I appreciate it. I know, the next words Akio and I exchange, will define our future relation.

"Listen Kimmy, we still can be friends." His eyes search mine. "I really like you and am mature enough not to mourn your loss. I never had you, so I didn't lose what never was mine. But you are a wonderful person and I want to help with your safety situation. Do you believe, we can be honest friends?"

I smile with all my heart. "Mochiron (without a doubt), Akio, sure we can. I would be honoured to be your friend." We hug each other. For one small moment I KNOW, that you can be happy with more than one person. It's a matter of choice. And I chose Dre. I hug this boy tight before I let him go forever to be friends with him. Over Akio's shoulder my eyes find Dre's who turned around from the window to watch us. I see no jealousy, no underlining anger...only understanding and devotion. Yes, I chose Dre.

Akio releases me from his arms. "So, I'll leave you two alone. Your grandmother said, the cook made roast with baked potatoes", he smirks but instantly turns serious again. "We must talk about safety measures. Let's see, what the others have in mind." He throws a last glance at Dre and leaves. I am agitated. This whole miserable day was suffocating. Two strong arms embrace me, and I am engulfed in Dre's smell I learned to love. He is warm and firm. I want to cuddle with him, lose myself in his warm and safe embrace. All the other thoughts, the fear, I put them in the back of my mind, let them linger there, only for a few hours. Dre kisses my head, holding me. Then he leans a little bit back to see my face. "I am sorry, how I treated you today, so sorry. It's hardly excusable." He takes a deep breath. His green eyes never leaving mine. "You were right, I was an insecure idiot." He kisses my cheeks. "When I heard Akio speak with you...even I thought, he would have been the better choice", his low voice whispers.

Dre's eyes scan my face, searching for something. "Why didn't you choose him, Kimmy? Akio is a good guy." I touch his face, stroking his cheekbones lovingly. Akio has his own demons, I am sure. Nobody with his family history is untouched by destiny and pain. But I keep my thoughts to myself.

"That's easy, Dre." I rise to stand on my toes, but my head only reaches his collarbone. I kiss him tenderly on his jaw, hearing him take a sharp intake of breath. "Because I am starting to fall for you, and nothing will change that not even your own stupidity." I fall back on my feet, seeing the wonder in Dre's eyes. I smirk. "But don't worry, I'll be gentle with you..." Dre laughs humorously, and I think, I've never heard a more beautiful sound.

Awe...

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