She (TakashiMorinozukaxOC)

Chapter 23: Acceptance

He was outside of the dojo, waiting in the garden for her, when the judo lesson let out. Her hair was slightly mussed from its braid, and her necklaces tangled in a mess between themselves. She looked a bit tired, like she hadn't slept well. Still, she talked happily with Shiro as they parted ways at the front door, a bow being the parting in their conversation. 

However she looked, she didn't cease to make him still in his space. Every time he saw her he felt like he'd have to learn to breathe again. The air had finally warmed up from that morning. When she saw him, she noticed the awkward tick in his eyebrow, and the letters in his hand-- the black insignia from the Tokyo University of the Arts. 

Her heart jumped a few beats, and she stepped forward and eventually found herself on the garden level with him. 

"Are those for me?" she asked with a smile, and he heard hope and fear and anxiety fluttered in her tone of voice. 

If only she had been in the room with him just moments ago-- asking his parents for their permission to date her. 

But if she wasn't able to stay in Japan, what would be the point? 

She'd have to leave in a short three months. He'd never stand a chance with her overseas at that point and if--

"You alright, Takashi?" 

He nodded, "Yeah," he handed her the letters. 

They felt heavy in her hands. "Well," she trailed, "want to... go to the roof and open these bad boys?" 

There'd be a chance, he told himself. 

His hand found hers, "Yeah." 

They had to wait until sunset, after the Morinozukas had their dinner and Jenni had finished her evening workout. Then, as his parents were preparing for bed and his brother was playing a round of video games, she tip toed over to his side of the house. This time, when she emerged in his room, he didn't have to shove her into a closet. 

Well, he might of if Satoshi or his parents came to his room. After all, he'd surely be punished if his parents found him sneaking their house guest into his bedroom in the middle of the night. 

Pome grumbled a little and yipped at the guest, and Takashi shushed him. Jenni leaned down to pet the creature happily. After he had received his scratches behind his ears, Pome retreated back to the bed. 

She pulled the letters out of her back pocket, folded and creased, "Shall we?" 

He took her hand, leading her over to the window. As they had done twice before, he went up first, only reaching down to pull her up when she was ready. Once on the roof, she adjusted her glasses on her face and stared down at the three letters in her hands. 

She wore contact usually, and it was odd to see her in glasses so close. She looked even cuter in them than she did through her window. 

"Okay," she said, "I have to be candid before I open these," she leaned into him and adjusted her butt on the rooftop. It was oddly comfortable, even more so with him there with her, "I've loved Japan so much. The school, the people I've met. Honey, Haruhi, you," she smiled, "even the Host Club." 

"I didn't think I'd ever feel at home anywhere ever again after--" she paused, taking a deep breath, before she asked suddenly, "Do you pray?" 

He shook his head. 

"Me neither," she giggled, "but," she clasped his hand tightly, "do you think we could try?" 

He nodded, "Yeah," he said, "that's fine." 

He watched as she stared up at the stars, breathed deeply and with shakes wracking her body, "Dear... Whoever is out there," he wanted to chuckle with her, but felt like that would ruin her moment, "Please let me have this, please," she begged, "I've always wanted to have a home again and I think I've found it so please, let me stay."