Heaven's Crime (gxg) ✓

twenty-seven. raincheck

                      "I should be expecting a call from Okami soon."

                       The sidewalk is flooded with bustling people. The savory scent of smoke and sizzling meat swirls through the air. In the grey light of midday, with cloudy skies and the perfume of rain, I should probably forget about what just happened.

                        For some reason, I can't.

                        "What was that?" I ask, as she leads me through the crowded street.

                        "What?"

                        "That―her. Skullcrusher."

                        There is a faint twist to Veah's mouth. "Her name is Sakura. We've been friends for years."

                        "No, not that. Her kissing you."

                        Oh, my God. I sound like a jealous girlfriend. 

                         "Actually, never mind," I say, stomping ahead of her. Rain flecks my cheeks. "I don't care."

                         But Veah catches my hand, and she pulls me around.

                         Her eyes are searing as she asks, "Do you have a problem with it? Because if you have a problem with it, you should say something. You should tell me."

                         "And what?" I scoff, tasting rain. "You'll just stop kissing other girls for me?"

                         I expect her to laugh, maybe―to grin.

                         She doesn't.

                         She says, "All you have to do is say the word, Kaya, and I'll stop kissing other girls for you."

                         "You―why would you do that?" 

                         The rain coats her face in a glossy sheen. "Isn't it obvious?"

                         "No!" I snap. "I've never really had time for relationships. I don't know what I'm doing. I don't even know if you like me."

                          I move to turn around, to keep walking, but―

                          Her hand reaches out, cupping one side of my face.

                          And I lean into her, that touch. Almost unconsciously.

                          "I like you," she whispers, her eyes wide, her pupils encircled by lightning that matches the sky above. "Okay?"

                           She likes me. She likes me?

                           "Okay," I whisper, and I suddenly want her to know. "I―"

                           A thought, unbidden, jumps to mind.

                           I had a sex dream about you. 

                           I can't speak, can't breathe, much less tell her what I want to―

                           She takes my sudden silence for an answer, and she draws back slightly. Something darkens her gaze, and she smiles, even as it feels like there is a canyon growing between us. Is that . . . is that disappointment?