Pucca: Funny Love (Garu x Pucca Fanfiction)

Chapter 2: Return of the Key

Pucca's POV

   As my hood fell, I felt exposed. I felt as though the silk that sheltered me from needing to face him again was gone.

   His hair was thicker, slightly longer than before. His eyes seemed darker, his pale skin glistened in the setting sunlight.

   He took a step forward, opening my eyes to how much taller he'd gotten. I took a step back. It wasn't him that scared me, it was him not being the same boy I once knew that terrified me.

   Garu's eyes widen when I take a step back, his eyes seeming to soften. My eyes sadden. Did I hurt his feelings?

   I take step forward and the Earth seems to react as I hear a deep grumble escape the ground. A large snowball is suddenly heading our way.

   Before I can react, I'm shoved to the side and feel myself being crushed into the snow, a weight on top of me.

   I feel a strong hold on my waist and my vision seems darker for some reason. My eyes flutter open and my face flushes.

   The strong hold on my waist is Garu's hand and the darkening of my vision was him on top of me. It takes a moment to realize he has no intention of moving.

   The old me would take this chance to kiss him, and a part of me wants to. Still, I hold back in fear I might scare him off.

   I clear my throat nervously and he snaps out of whatever trance he was in. His face flushed, he kneels next to me.

   I look away nervously, standing up. I take a few steps forward, turning to face him. I notice he's still on his knees, eyeing me observantly.

   I wave for him to follow and he stands, slowly walking over to me obediently.

   We walk in silence, neither of us willing to speak anyway. After the awkward walk, we finally get to my house.

   I sense a change of aura. Turning to face Garu, I notice he's confused. I realize he's never seen my house before.

The house is hidden deep in the bamboo forest. I started living here two years ago when my uncles bought it for me, a gift in celebration of completing my training.

I point out the sign in front of the house, it reads "Residence of the Silent Defender'.

Garu nods and I open the door for us both to go inside. As soon as I go inside, a certain black feline jumps on me.

I giggle as the kitty licks my hand. I pick up the kitty and hold it out to Garu. His brows furrow and he looks to me with soft eyes and a questioning expression.

I nod and the kitty jumps on Garu. Mio licks him all over and Garu hugs him tight.

My heart melts at the beautiful reunion. I took Mio in when Garu left. My uncles had him during my training, him and—

Just as I'm thinking of her, Yani walks over to me and rubs her head against my leg, purring softly. I pick her up, smiling.

Mio seems to forget Garu when he spots my pink cat, running off, Yani close behind.

A sigh escapes my lips. My smile softens and I look to Garu, who I notice has been staring all this time.

I motion for him to follow me and we go to the living room. He sits in front of the table, on his knees, and continues to look at me as I walk to my stove.

I put some tea to boil and sit in front of him. We start to make hand motions for communication. I rise on my knees a little, making a gesture that he's taller now.

He chuckles and makes a gesture that I just stayed short. I pout, cheeks flushing at the embarrassing truth. He lets out a soft laugh which only reddens my cheeks more.

I make a gesture that suggests I'm much stronger now and he nods. He tilts his head to the side and my brows furrow.

He makes a small punch motion with his fists then shrugs in a questioning manner. I realize he's asking who taught me.

I stand up and motion to a picture that has all the villagers of Sooga. It hangs on my wall as decoration. Garu stands and walks over to me. I point to Master Chang.

Garu nods and leans in to get a closer look at the picture. Accidental or not, he's now towering over me. I blush.

He notices this and steps closer until I hit the wall. I shut my eyes tight nervously, waiting for whatever it is he intends to do.

Not seeing anything happening, I open my eyes to see him holding up a leaf, pointing to my hair. He must've removed it.

I cover my face with my hands, shocked and embarrassed. What did you think he was doing, Pucca? Kissing you? Geez.

I hear a whistle go off, indicating the tea is done. I gently push Garu back a little and rush to the stove, turning it off. I get out two cups and put everything on a tray.

As I'm about to take the tray, Garu takes it from me and puts it on the table for us. I smile and receive one in return.

He serves us both tea and we drink in silence. It's no longer awkward or anxious like the walk here. It's peaceful.

As we drink our tea, the same question wanders back into my mind; Do I still love him? Maybe the question I should be asking is if he ever really loved me.

It's not until Garu takes my cup that I realize we've finished all the tea. He takes the tray and goes into the kitchen. As he starts washing everything, I continue to most likely overthink.

Garu is back and I'm really glad he is, yet for some reason I feel unsatisfied. I built up his return to be this great thing in my head, now I can't help but feel underwhelmed.

Have my feelings faded? No, I still get all flustered around him. Still, I can't seem to shake this hollow feeling in my chest.

I trained for him. I looked after Mio for him. I missed him. I love him. I know that for sure. However, looking at him now, I feel our relationship may not be the same as it was before.

Despite whatever happens, I knew my heart had finally been unlocked again. It's a bit frightening, but it's ok. That is, because the key to my heart has come home.