Just Smile Forever~A Mikaze Ai Fan-Fiction

Ai And Aine

There was a split second that passed as my shocked eyes met his, before I hastily leaned back. The book laid on the floor, completely forgotten, as we stared at each other wordlessly.

I opened my mouth, not sure what I was going to say. But what caused me to close my mouth again wasn't due to the lack of words.

It was because of the way Ai was looking at me.

From the moment I had met him, his face was always devoid of any expression. The rare moments when he would laugh were the ones I cherished as I knew I wouldn't be seeing those expressions often.

But this......

His eyes had suddenly taken on a softer, gentler quality as he stared silently at me. I saw his hand make a slight movement as though to take my hand, but it dropped back to his side after a beat of hesitation.

His lips formed into a soft smile, and a weak sigh escaped from his lips before he finally took my hands. Letting out a soft chuckle, his eyes finally left my face as he stared at my hands, softly tracing my palms with his delicate fingers.

I stared at him wordlessly, afraid that if I spoke, this moment would be shattered. I should've been confused. I should've been embarrassed. But somehow, this all seemed achingly familiar to me.

And I didn't want it to end.

His fingers halted at the edge of my palm, and his eyes found mine again. Giving a warm smile, he slowly shook his head from side to side.

"Wow Akie, you've really changed a lot."

My eyes automatically widened, the shock written clearly on my face. Trembling, I could feel tears prickling at the back of my eyes.

"Aine?"

He didn't say anything, but I knew I was right. There was only ever one person who called me that name.

"Aine, why are...." words failed me once again as he suddenly leaned closer, and stroked my cheek delicately.

"We don't have much time. Akie......I'm sorry. I'm so sorry," Aine whispered softly, his voice sending tingles down my spine.

"Don't be sorry," I shook my head slightly, "you have nothing to be sorry for."

"I have everything to be sorry for," Aine leaned back, sorrow clouding his eyes, "to you, to Reiji....." he let a small smile appear on his face, "but I'm glad that you two are friends now."

"How.....do you know?" I stuttered.

"Visit here," Aine took something out of his pocket, and slipped it into my coat pocket, "and everything will make sense."

"Wait, but aren't you staying?" I desperately asked.

He shook his head, "you know me as Ai. And this is his body."

"But then how-"

Aine put a finger against my lips, "no more questions. I don't have much time left, but I have so much I want to say to you."

"What's the most important?" my voice cracked at the end, as the tears finally gave away.

"I'll always support you like I did when we were children......so be happy, and don't cry," he leaned forward and gently wiped away a tear that was running down my cheek, "I want to see your bright smile again."

I managed a small smile, "Aine.....I missed you."

"And I missed you too. More than you'll ever know," Aine muttered. He sighed again, "I have no more time left."