Something Like Love (xxxHolic)

Chapter 11 - Realization

Watanuki was running, and running, and running. "What am I running away from?" He thought. "Why am I running?"

There are multiple things that one can run away from. Fear, fights, worries, sickness, emotions... feelings.

Suddenly, Watanuki stopped running. Feelings? What feelings? Feelings for who?

"For Domeki, of course."

Watanuki opened his eyes once more and saw a shadow of a figure standing in front of him.

"Who are you?"

"You'll find out soon. I've come to help you."

"Help me with what?"

"Find out what you are blocking, hiding, keeping secure." The shadow walked to Watanuki and sat down beside him. "Okay, now let's start. Who makes you the angriest?"

"Domeki."

"Who tells you to do things that you don't exactly want to do?" The voice chuckled.

"Domeki, of course. Every time."

"Who has told you that they cared for you?"

"Domeki, and Himawari."

"Who was your first kiss?" The voice faltered for a second.

"...Domeki."

"Who was the person that was there for you even though they weren't at first?"

"Domeki." Watanuki's voice started to waver, full of emotion.

"Who recently laid their feelings out to you?

"D... Domeki."

"Who makes your heart beat faster when they're around?"

"Dome... ki."

"Who are you in love with?"

Watanuki didn't answer. He couldn't see anything, with his eyes fill with tears. His mind flashed back to all of those times Domeki was so kind to him, so gentle so loving and caring. Watanuki wanted to feel that warmth once again. So much that his heart started to beat faster, aching, crying out.

"Let me rephrase this: Who do you want to see right now?"

"Domeki..." Watanuki's hands started shaking. He wiped his tears and stood up, along with the shadow. "I want to see Domeki."

"That's the correct answer." The shadow started to take form, revealing Watanuki's face. His right eye was gold and his hair slightly longer. This Watanuki was wearing one of Yuuko's kimonos, holding a pipe in one of his hands.

"Who... are you...?"

"One day, you will find out. At that time, you will have an answer. But my job is just helping you find out your feelings to Domeki." The Watanuki smiled. "It's nostalgic, talking to you like this. But I can't say anything more. Open your eyes Kimihiro. The number one person you want to see, but still hate at the same time will be there." This Watanuki chuckled a bit, his face getting a little sad.

"Now, open your eyes."

Watanuki slowly opened his eyes he took a deep breath as he tried sitting up. He frowned when he felt a heavy weight on his waist and looked down. His heart jumped when he saw Domeki sitting next to the futon, sleeping.

Watanuki slowly reached out his hand to touch Domeki's hair. As he felt the first few strands, a huge wave of relief washed over him. He sighed and ran his hand lightly through Domeki's hair. When Domeki didn't wake up, Watanuki smacked his head. Domeki jumped and quickly sat up, seeing Watanuki.