Can we Make It?

-30-

I was becoming slightly uncomfortable because of the way Shuichi was holding me. I wanted to shift around to find a more comfortable position, but I didn't dare move because Shuichi was getting the sleep he needed.

"Hey Kokichi?" Maki asked not even looking back at me. I gave her a nod and she continued. "I need your help with another mission we are going to go on with the others...I think it would be best if I tell you—and then you bring it up with Shuichi later if you think he can handle it."

Her words came into my ears and it took me a moment to realize what she had said. 'Another mission...? Why does she need me?' I thought to myself biting my lip a bit to try to come to terms with it.

"I think that would be best...he needs rest whether he will admit that or not." I moved slightly to place my hand on his arm letting my fingers softly dust across his bare skin. "So what's the mission?" I wanted to know exactly what she was up to...or well what the group was up to.

"The mission is not one for the faint of heart. There is a group going around that has been taking in females and doing unspeakable things to them...Kirumi brought one of these girls back to the base a few days ago...and it's not looking good." She whispered. "Unspeakable things?" I thought out loud before my thoughts interrupted me.

How old are the girls? Why are they doing it to them? Why are they doing these things at all? How long has this been going on? I felt my heart ache for the girls. I had heard of some terrible groups of people from Shuichi because he ended up getting cases like that...and was plagued with nightmares of them for weeks.

"I can tell by your troubled expression that you have an idea of what they are doing...and why we must put a stop to it." I felt determined for the first time in a while. I felt determined to save these girls who have so much life ahead of them...regardless of the current situation.

"I understand. I will talk to Shuichi about this in the morning." I felt Shuichi move a bit and I felt my heart skip a beat. Like a hiccup that was uncalled for and almost made one cry out just because the sudden action caused them fright. "Good." Was all she said before the ride was silent for the rest of the duration.

I couldn't even stop my thoughts at that moment. It hurt my head and my heart to hear about this new mission...it would be dangerous and I could be taken from Shuichi. That isn't even what hurts the most. How could these people be doing all of these horrible things to other human beings?

Sure I know how some people think and why they may do such cruel things...but even in this situation...I don't even want to think about what their own motives could be. I think that will always scare me more than the initial action.

Shuichi would know that more than anyone. This is one of the reasons I stay away from more slasher movies, because what scares me most is what my mind does to me to make me understand what the killer must be thinking. It's a curse in my eyes. It always has a way of making tasks more difficult.

I couldn't even process my thoughts and walk back into the base. The only thing on my mind was Shuichi. Was I going to tell him that he could come with me...or will I tell him I will be leaving for some time. But I do believe that would cause him to worry even more.

If he came to me and told me that...I know I would be suspicious and would do anything to get him to tell me what he was doing while he was away. So to avoid that, it's better to be honest...but I will make it clear that I don't want him going. Not that this matters if he doesn't want me going alone...

"Kokichi, are you doing alright?" Maki asked as she helped me walk Shuichi back to our room. He was still fast asleep which ended up surprising me. Shuichi being the light sleeper he is--he can wake up just from hearing a light switch flip off, or the faintest creak in the floor, or even a sound from two houses over. It's scary how aware he is when he is awake as well as when he is asleep.

"Yes, sorry I zoned out again." I silently scolded myself as I moved to grab Shuichi's legs to get him into bed. Maki held onto his shoulders so we could lift him onto the bed. He reached out for me soon after Maki moved out of the room to let us sleep.

Maki didn't end up leaving right away. This is why I stopped tucking Shuichi into bed and let my eyes slowly connect with hers. "Make sure you tell him," Was all she said before she closed the door. It shut with a small click, but that click was just enough to cause Shuichi to wake up.

He jumped a bit as he moved into a sitting position. "Kokichi!" He gasped while his eyes welled up with tears. The sight broke my heart. I let my hands lead my body over to his so I could embrace him. He felt colder than I expected him to feel. At that moment I realized that Shuichi needed me more than I first realized.

Not that I didn't believe he could produce enough body heat to keep himself warm, it was more because of how vulnerable he seemed. He was crying at the fear of me not being there when he woke up...he was shivering even though he was under blankets. He needs me in more ways than I realize. God Kokichi...don't be an asshole. If you are going to go on the mission with Maki and the others, take your fiance with you.

I know you don't want him to be hurt, but I promise it will hurt him way more if you never end up coming back. A sigh left my lips as I turned to face Shuichi. He was still in tears but his eyes were now closing a bit.

"Oh, Shuichi..." I whispered, kissing each of his tears away. He smiled a bit and sniffled as he took in a shaky breath. "It's okay now, I'm here now." His eyes softened as he let them close again.

I'm glad he calmed down so he can get some rest. These last few months have been rough on him...well on both of us. I should get some sleep as well. I know my body needs it even if I don't want to acknowledge it...I need to get sleep just the same as anyone else.

So now we can rest after all this time.

-Here is the next part! Getting back into this story finally! I apologize for taking so long...I wanted to re-read the whole story and write out some ideas for what I wanted to do next before I ended up doing anything! Thank you for reading!-

-SK-