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Notes and Disclaimers: The following is an original work by me, freely using the creative genius of Tachiwaka Megumi, to whom I am indebted. The characters of Saint Tail, Asuka Jr., et al are owned by Kodansha and TMS.
This story is my favorite of the one shot deals and I never get tired of reading it. I sincerely hope you enjoy it half as much as I do. May we all find a love like Asuka Jr. and Meimi.
Creation Myth
Hanging up the phone Meimi turned to the pile of books she had collected. She heaved a sigh and picking them up went in search of a table. Her mother had understood her need to stay late at the library, even if Meimi was unhappy with the thought. The only bright light in the problem was the library was open late tonight. She walked slowly though the stacks glancing about for a quiet spot. The library was practically empty and she felt conspicuous as she angled towards the relative privacy of the back of the building. She was lost in thoughts of flowers and snow when a strange sound reached her ears. That she had heard it before immediately sprang to mind, but what it was she couldn’t quite place. Rounding a corner she located the source of the noise and smiled at the sight. Asuka Jr. sat, softly snoring, at a table with piles of books around him like castle walls. Carefully she placed her pile amid his and settled in a chair, being careful to not make to much noise. Once in place she rearranged the books so that anyone coming around the corner would not see him so easily. There was no reason for them to both get thrown out she mused. Besides, it made her happy to think she was protecting him, even if it was only from the librarians.
Opening a book she turned to the index, pulled a pile of blank cards from her bag and began taking notes. It was fitting that he should be here for the report she was working on as it was he who had introduced the story to her. It was a branch of the creation myth regarding snow and how it became white. She searched for differences in the basic story, made notes of variations and became so immersed in the story she didn’t notice that time was passing rapidly. The soft snoring across from her faded from her mind, and from her hearing. After a time she rose, stretched and went in search of water. After several long drinks she got a fresh cup, filled it, and placed it near the sleeping young man at the table. Opening another book she began looking for parallel myths, and once again lost herself.
Asuka Jr. opened his eyes and sleepily looked around himself, getting his bearings. That he was still in the library was his first thought, and that Haneoka Meimi was asleep across the table from him was the next. She sat with her arms crossed on an open book, her face, softly wrapped in a blanket of sleep, turned towards him. He smiled and pushed some books towards the edge of the table to block her from casual view and returned to his report. After several minutes he found he was unconsciously watching the sleeping girl. Her skin, he noticed, had a warm, rosy look. Her lips were slightly parted and her breath stirred wisps of hair that lay across her cheek. She was the picture of innocence. He suddenly became aware of the fact that he felt very comfortable, sitting there with her. He looked down at the book she lay on to find pictures of snowdrops displayed there. He remembered their conversation about the flowers and was able to conclude her report was on that topic. Picking up her cards he saw she had gotten a lot done and with that thought let her sleep while he returned to his own work.
When the librarian came over to tell them it was closing time he quickly motioned that he would wake her and the librarian smiled and moved on. Asuka Jr. silently rose and knelt next to her. He hated to disturb her, but happy he could wake her gently. He reached up and pulled an errant strand of hair from her face.
"Haneoka," he whispered. She made a soft, contented sound and her eyes fluttered open. She looked at him and a smile spread across her lips, but then she seemed to recall herself and sat up in alarm.
"Did I…?" she began, looking around wildly.
He laid a hand on her shoulder, "Don’t worry, everything’s fine," he said reassuringly. "You fell asleep, that’s all. It’s closing time, my father will be waiting outside. Can I offer you a ride home?"
Meimi smiled her acceptance and began putting her books in order. Asuka Jr. did the same, picking up her pile as well as his own and carrying them to the charge desk. When they reached the desk he turned to her, took her card and presented it to the librarian, sorting his books from hers. Meimi watched all of this with a happy air. He was always so polite, so correct. She wondered about his free time. Did he let himself relax? Or was this politeness so much a part of him that there was no down time? She thought of his temper, and her smile grew. He definitely embarrassed easily she concluded. Asuka Jr. stowed his books, scooped hers up and carried them to the door. Meimi silently followed.
Once in the night air Asuka Jr. turned to her, a broad grin on his face, "Did you find me asleep? I don’t remember you joining me."
Her eyes shone in delight, "Yes," she said leaning towards him, "and you were snoring."
He snorted in mock indignation, "I don’t snore," he announced with a chuckle. She laughed too and together they sat down on a bench to await his father.
"Is your report on the creation myth I was tell you about?" he asked placing her books on his side away from her so they sat close together.
She nodded, "It was such a nice story I wanted to learn more about it."
"The snowdrop’s were very kind," he agreed nodding.
"That’s not the story I meant," she whispered.
He sat forward, "Hmm?"
Meimi shook her head, "Nothing. What’s your report about?"
He didn’t seem to hear the question. He was looking at the cars awaiting the few patrons coming from the library, he did not finding his father’s car among them.
"Excuse me, I’ll be right back," he mumbled, reaching into his pocket for a phone card. Meimi watched him go, feeling suddenly very alone. It was not, however, in her nature to be unhappy for long so she cheered herself with the thought of his return.
"Are you alone?"
The voice came from her side and she turned in alarm to see an older man leering at her from the bushes. She looked back towards the library but couldn’t see Asuka Jr. anywhere.
"No," she said, hastily standing to collect her books, "I’m not." Meimi felt fear beginning to swell within her as he slowly looked her over, a sickening grin on his face.
With an arrogant tone he asked, "Is he your boyfriend?"
"Yes I am!" was the angry response. Meimi turned to the voice, weak with relief. "Asuka Jr." she whispered. He easily vaulted over the bench they had been sitting on; his hand reaching for the Mayor’s badge, his body a shield before her. "Move on," he commanded bringing the badge into the light. Meimi heard only the rustle of bushes, but knew his arrival had taken care of the problem. He turned towards her and she could see he was pale in the lamplight.
"Are you alright?" he asked quickly, a hand out to support her if needed.
She nodded mutely, "Are you?" He didn’t answer but grabbed her hand and began to lead her away from the bushes, towards the more lighted path. His stride bespoke his temperament and she skipped quickly along, trying to keep up with him. When they reached the library doors he turned towards her.
"I’m sorry, my father was called away and will not be coming. I’m sorry, I thought I could…"
"I don’t mind," she quickly said with a smile, hoping to relieve his discomfort, "I had planned on walking home."
"I’ll walk you," he said firmly, "that guy might not have gone far."
Meimi thanked him and together they began walking towards her house. Meimi was silent, reliving his admission of a relationship. She knew he had said it on the spur of the moment, but it had made her happy none the less. That the incident had shaken him was evident, but that it had puzzled her.
"I’m sorry about what happened," he said after a few minutes.
She hugged her books to her chest, "Please don’t worry, I’m fine, but you…"
"I felt," he interrupted her, coming to a sudden stop, "I felt that if something had happened to you…" words failed him. He stood silently for a moment, his eyes downcast, and then shrugged as if to signal he had nothing more to say.
Meimi moved in front of him, looking up into his eyes, "I’m fine, thanks to you,’ she whispered reassuringly, moving a step closer to him. He didn’t meet her eyes so she reached her hand towards him. Asuka Jr. caught it and clasped it to his chest, "Haneoka," he murmured. She gasped in surprise and pleasure. "I meant it," he continued softly, "When I said I was your boyfriend, I meant it. I mean," he faltered, "I want to be…I would like to be your boyfriend."
Meimi felt her knees turn to rubber as her internal organs plummeted through her body. She blushed, dropping her eyes. Asuka Jr. took a step towards her, closing the narrow gap between them. His hand rose to cup her chin and gently lift her face to his. Meimi saw the desire in his eyes and could only hope her own longing was as evident.
"I would like very much…" he whispered as his eyes closed and he pressed his lips to hers.
Meimi knew then that there were no words that could ever describe being kissed by the object of your desire. A warmth she had never known filled her body and a missing piece of her soul fell into place. As he pulled away she could see the fear of rejection on his face so she did the only thing she could think of to reassure him. Rising onto her toes she kissed him back. His arms went around her, steadying her, supporting her, and Meimi felt her world beginning anew.