Knock Knock

"So have you spoken to Shion since... that day?" Nacina asked suggestively. Her words struck me hard and I bit my lip and shook my head "no" in response. It's hard enough not to miss him without her bringing him up. "That sucks... but his reaction was a total confirmation... He must be busy with college or something. The next time you see him you should confess!" She advised.

"You don't understand... Even if I like him... or if he likes me a little... nothing can come of me confessing." I complained, feeling despondent. He has plenty of reasons to reject me and I can't think of one reason why he'd choose to be with me. I know that being with a human comes with complications...

"Well... it doesn't hurt to try... I doubt he'd stop being your friend if you confess... would you stop being his if he turns you down?" She inquired. I once again replied by shaking my head no. "That's what I thought." She patted my head. "I believe in you... but if you really don't feel like confessing maybe I'll tell him I'm interested instead." She threatened with a wink. I gasped saying,

"Please no! I'll tell him... It might not be during our next meeting but I will!" I hope she wasn't even slightly serious. I have never felt anger towards Nacina until now.

"That's my girl." She replied with a smile. So much pressure! Just in case she was serious, I'll keep my word... even if it kills me.

We waved bye to each other as we split up in front of the school. Today, Will showed up at school. He had a splint and a bandage holding his nose in place, his right eye was bloodshot and swollen and the area he was hit was still very red. I avoided looking at him too much so that I would not give him a reason to speak to me.

That night, I once again was ready for bed, and still no message from Serco. I was giving up on hearing from him today when there was a knock on my window. I'm up 2 stories so I must be hallucinating; I decided to check just in case and Serco was there, hovering outside, his beautiful wings spread wide. I quickly opened my window and aggressively whispered,

"What are you doing?!"

"I wanted to see you." He said, smiling but wincing as though, just, speaking hurt him. I glanced down and noticed a large gash across his torso. I managed to stop myself from screaming and fainting at the sight of the blood.

"Get inside, you're hurt," I said, inviting him into my room. He swiftly did as told and sat down with his back against the wall, in front of the window. "What happened?" I stated while rummaging through my clothes to find the oversized souvenir T-shirt that I bought at a beach stall years ago.

"I was in a fight." He answered curtly. I pressed the shirt against his wound to stop the bleeding. The last time he was hurt like this he healed almost instantly... So why won't he stop bleeding?! Somehow sensing my panic Serco continued, this time with a softer tone "The person I fought was using a poisonous blade... it is a bioweapon made only on Afaria. It weakens my healing abilities." He explained with his breathing slightly uneven. I checked his forehead... I don't know if he has a fever or if he's just usually this hot, so that was pointless.

"Hold the shirt there," I commanded, after he did as told I got up and got a few pillows for his back then quietly snuck downstairs for the first aid kit. I decided to read up on treatments for poison and cuts. The first step is to stop the bleeding and clean the wound. Luckily my room has a bathroom so I don't have to exit anymore to get water. I filled a bottle with warm water and brought soap and a clean washcloth over to Serco... I feel a little awkward since he's shirtless. I hope he's not uncomfortable. "W-why don't you go to a hospital?" I asked while drenching the washcloth and then lathering it with soap.

"I can't go to a human hospital... and if I went to Infaniya I would be gone for quite a while... I felt it was important that... I see you before leaving for so long." I blushed at his word choice... "important". So he couldn't leave without saying bye to me first, huh?

"L-let me see your cut please." I requested shyly. Serco lowered his hand and I gently began cleaning his wound. Luckily it was a very straight gash. according to the stuff I read, that means it'll heal faster. I applied pressure, struggling to keep composure while looking at so much blood, and continued to clean his wound until the bleeding eventually stopped. I then closely examined the cut to be sure nothing had gotten inside before slowly stitching it closed. Serco winced occasionally but never verbally complained, and he looked relieved when I applied the ointment and began wrapping the gauze around him.

"Thank you," Serco whispered softly, leaning his face inches from mine. I blushed and looked down.

"You should still... go back to Infaniya to get treated. I'm not an expert and... I want you to be okay." I instructed. Serco gently cupped my cheeks, urging me to look up at him.

"Okay, I will, but is it... permissible that I stay with you for a little longer?" He requested, in such a sweet voice that I couldn't refuse him. I answered by nodding rapidly and then looking down again, to avoid his gaze, because eye contact was more than my heart can handle right now.

"I don't mind." I decided to add that for clarity.

Serco released my cheeks, reached down, and gently held my hands.

"Thank you again." He whispered. I don't know why but for some reason his voice made me lose all rationale at that second and like a moth lured into the flame, I placed a kiss on his cheek. A second later I realized what I had done and gasped then jerked away. I feel so stupid and ashamed for giving in to my impulses. Even Serco looked shocked, his eyes had grown wide as soon as my lips made contact with his skin. I was about to apologize but then he took that chance to kiss my lips, holding me against him and kissing me over and over; each kiss more passionate than the one before it, leaving me breathless. When they ended Serco smiled at me, it was the widest smile I've ever seen on him. "Sorry... I lost control of myself for a second there." He admitted quietly but his face was gravitating closer as if he was going to begin again.

"N-no... I did... too... it's okay!" I stuttered awkwardly. My heart was racing so much. I never imagined a kiss could feel so intense. I think, maybe, I should pull away before things go too far but his arms are still locked around me, so there's no escape. I also don't want to attempt it.

"Did my actions bother you?" He inquired, tilting his head, pulling my hand up to his lips, and patiently awaiting my answer. It feels so ticklish! and why does he have to smell so nice; it's very distracting.

"... I like you... a lot," I confessed, to reassure him. He chuckled amused, then kissing my wrist.

"That does not answer my question but... hmm oh really? I had no idea." Serco replied in a mocking tone as our eyes met. So apparently, I've been completely obvious. I should have invested more points into my stealth!

"What about me? How do you feel about me!?" I queried, feeling hopeful for once.

"I'm unsure... I merely enjoy kissing people, especially when I do not find them attractive." His answer reeked of sarcasm and I felt him inching closer.

"Don't be a jerk. I want to hear it." I mumbled, brooding a bit.

He sighed, released my hand and looked away from me, his expression turning shy.

"Yes... I like you as well." He admitted with mild reluctance

"...Are you embarrassed?" I teased, feeling proud of myself for affecting him in such a way. I could even feel his body temperature rising steadily.

"Is that a problem?" His reply sounded testy so I kissed his cheek and shook my head.

"No... I find it charming, and I hope you can be comfortable showing me all your feelings from now on." My words inspired him to lock our lips together once again, his tongue gently playing with mine. I could feel myself getting hotter and the butterflies in my stomach were now breaking free; flying throughout my whole body. Before pulling away, Serco lightly bit my lower lip and whispered,

"I should go." He says that yet... he hasn't loosened his hold on my waist at all. I placed my hands on his shoulders and looked into his eyes.

"I wish you could stay." He laid his head on my shoulder and pressed his face against the crook of my neck.

"You should not say things like that... I might be tempted into agreeing." He brushed his lips against me and I blushed and then jerked away because it tickled. When I did this, he let me go without much resistance and laughed at my reaction.

"So... what are we?" I asked, now sitting across from him. I need to understand my position as soon as possible. If I'm merely an earthbound fling... I need to know as soon as possible. He stared at me curiously as he answered,

"Lovers." My face burned hot from the implications. "Do humans kiss those they do not wish to be romantically involved with?" He added curiously, he seemed sincerely confused.

"We-we-well.." I cleared my throat, struggling to control my stutters. "sometimes." I admitted. He tapped his chin thoughtfully.

"That seems strange to me. Then I guess... I should ask you if you want to be my lover. Since your kiss is not considered an affirmative answer." I blushed brightly at him once again using that word.

"I would like to... but you can just call me your girlfriend... instead of a lover?" I asked bashfully, with a slight tremble in my voice. Serco pouted and answered,

"I would, but that would not make you blush as much as me calling you, MY LOVER." He's doing it on purpose?! Does he get some type of enjoyment out of teasing me? "We are together now, Akina, and I do not intend on ever letting you go."