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A Different Woman
"MIEKO."
Nanami managed to say breathlessly, after having been hugging the girl for a solid minute. He held her closely to him, a strong arm firmly wrapped around her waist, his other hand holding her head into his shoulder. He held onto her, as if letting go meant losing her all over again.
"Nanami." She half laughed, breathlessly as well from him constricting her oxygen, she tried to loosen his grip which just made him hug her tighter, in fear.
"No. Just another minute." Nanami demanded of the girl. He rested his head in a way that all he could smell was her shampoo, her perfume, her lotion, all he could smell was her.
"O-okay, but I can't breathe." Mieko said, making the man loosen his grip slightly, but still able to hold her dearly.
When his grip loosened, he felt Mieko's hands sliding up his back to his shoulders to which he made a soft groan of delight at the movement. He stayed embracing her until he was satisfied, but even when he pulled away from her, he grabbed her face gently, cupping her cheeks in both his hands to take a long look at her.
He stared at her face, watching as her eyes rapidly glanced between looking between him due to awkwardness of the eye contact and copying his scanning of adoration. He loved the way her eyes glistened, the way her purple irises seemed more vibrant. He loved the way her skin looked clear and felt soft to the touch. He loved the way her makeup slightly changed but still held the essence of her old style. He loved she had her hair dyed a dark, misty blue. But mostly, he fell in love with how healthy and happy she looked, as she wore a gentle smile while letting Nanami so closely examine her face.
"You look so happy and healthy." He stated out loud as soon as the thought crossed his mind, with a huge smile as he came to terms with how he adored her new, refreshed look.
"I don't know about happy, but... content, yes." Mieko slightly nodded, her lips still curved upwards.
In the moment Nanami didn't think about anything, other than Mieko. Everything else, everything planned had just faded away. With her face still held on his hands, he closed his eyes and gently placed a soft kiss on her cheek. He lingered his lips upon her skin, refusing to let go of her. Her familiarity felt warm and inviting, he never wanted to lose the feeling ever again— or Mieko herself. He felt Mieko's hand touch his own to pull them away from her face, he opened his eyes to glance at her hand, seeing she no longer wore gloves— showcasing all the scars and burns her cursed energy inflicted upon her as well as the fact her wedding rings were gone.
"Sorry, I'm starting to sweat." Mieko giggly explained why she moved Nanami's hands away from her face.
"It's just so much of a relief to see you... I really... really never expected you back." Nanami said, still staring in awe at the woman.
