Twice a Day

Chapter 14: Goemon's Gift

How long had it been? You weren't sure, and while it initially hurt to look back, in time you appreciated it for what it was, brief or not.

The seasons had cycled, and the wind was picking up the way it always did this time of year. You'd slept in, that particular day, as the thunderstorm the night before soothed you into an immovable lull. Your grandpa was coming over for dinner, the 17th time you'd seen him since returning his clock. While nothing to sneeze at, it's monetary value was surpassed by how your grandfather really did seem to appreciate his own grandfather's clock. And don't worry, you'd both exchanged plenty of jokes about grandfather clocks.

It had to be around noon, now. You pulled yourself out of bed, stretching your arms with a groan of effort, and trodded into your kitchen. Of course, you hadn't bothered to brush your hair just for breakfast, but you wanted it out of your way. All of your ties and ribbons were in the bathroom, though.

You looked at the sash tied in a bow, set over the door and hanging limply on a nail. It just felt right to put it somewhere where nothing bad would happen to it, but it would be easy to access. Proven correct, you pulled it down and spun it around your hair, tying it back. You mixed together some muffins... Out of a box. But hey, as long as they were good, you didn't mind.

In all honesty, you didn't mind a lot right now. Life was calm again, but that hadn't bothered you before, and didn't bother you now. Peaceful meant no problems, for the time being. Peaceful meant easy.

However...

You couldn't help wondering what life would have been like if you'd gone with them. With him, specifically. Not just anybody got in with a group of thieves, you imagined, but could you have made it with practice? Effort? Each member contributed something. What could you contribute, what could you offer?

Not anything new, you decided. It was for the best. If they needed you, they'd know where to find you. And Goemon... Goemon DID say he'd come back, one day. You sighed, stuffing the plastic cups into the tray, adjusting them so they'd be ready for the pour of batter.

There was a knock at the door.

You set down the cups, still lost in thought. You hadn't considered it might be obvious who was at the door, and took your time, walking the length of the kitchen casually before unlocking it.

"Hell--"

"I hate to bother, but I think you may have something of mine."

Your eyes widened, the apples of your cheeks strained in the biggest smile you'd ever displayed. Goemon kept his promise. You both fell to each other in sync, wrapping your arms around him tight and close. You would have been worried you were crushing him if he wasn't also holding onto you with such fervor.

"What are you doing here?" You pulled back to look at him, and really take in his face. He hadn't changed at all, and you assumed you hadn't either.

"I have a surprise for you."

"It was a good one," you smiled, starting to lean back before he pushed you away lightly.

"No, another one."

"I think whatever it is still won't be as good as the first."

He smiled, shaking his head softly. "Perhaps not. But I would still like to give it to you." He held out a small gift bag, covered in hearts. Had he saved this since Valentine's or something?

You tore out the paper, letting it fall around you to the floor. Inside, you produced a little black box, probably the size you'd find a necklace in. "I hope you paid for this," you joked.

Goemon's eyes darted aside. "The... Bag, was paid for."

You were about to inform him you weren't sure how smart it was to wear stolen, likely priceless, jewelry outside, until you actually opened it. In the little box was a foam cushion supporting a single, small golden gear.

"You said your family's clock was broken. I asked Lupin to find out what was missing. He told me, the morning we were in the hotel, and so I..."

You felt your heart melt. Enveloping him in another hug, you gave him a kiss. "You came all the way back for this?"

"And to see you."

You laughed, eyes watery already. "I'm glad you had two things in mind because..."

Goemon quirked an eyebrow at you as your laughter grew. Your eyes sparkled with humor, joy, and the relief that you got to see him again.

"Goemon, my grandfather fixed that clock three weeks after you left."

He looked like someone had spit water all over his face, completely at a loss for words. His baffled expression only served to make you laugh/weep more, and you felt like you couldn't let go of him if you wanted to.

Eventually, his shock let up to a dismissing smile. Did the unintentional mishap with the gear really matter, when you were here? You weren't bothered, and neither was he. He hadn't even gotten to relax yet since he came inside. His feet were slightly sore from walking, his shoulders hung heavy from a poor night's sleep, and the wind had set his hair all over his face. It wasn't a great day, up until right now. Up until he'd seen this little house, knocked on the door, and gotten to kiss you again.

"Would you like to sit on the porch?" you asked.

That was your idea of a reunion? It was a little strange to Goemon. It was so casual, so simple. You were acting as if he had only been gone a week. And yet... He kind of liked the openness of it, the genuineness. A simple question for a simple day, even if it was special.

"If you'd join me."

You grinned, taking his hand. "You don't have to ask me twice."

--Author's Note: AND THERE WE GO!! This one was so much fun to write, and I loved all the feedback it received! Thank you all for being patient through the trials and tribulations of this, and stay tuned for my next story! ... Whatever that may be.--