Disclaimer: This delightful manga, from the magazine Nakayoshi, was created by Akitaka Mika with art by the wonderfully talented Yui Ayumi. I can't thank her enough for the hours I've struggeled over the hiragana! ^_^;; Ah well.
All Alone
Tabibito's mind was reeling as he closed the door. What had just happened? He backed up against the door and pressed his hands to his face, trying hard to slow his labored breathing. In his mind he could see Tina, crouched on the floor...waiting, trusting him totally. He felt the memory of the metal key, smooth, slightly cooler than his body temperature. He heard again her soft, barely audible gasp as he slowly began to turn it. He had been afraid of hurting her...carefully, gently, twisting her key. And almost immediately the scene replayed itself in his mind, and then again.
His body had reacted to the contact with sweaty palms. Lowering his hands from his face, he studied them before looking toward the spot where she had knelt. He could hear her yet, her soft voice asking him to go slowly, thanking him as he helped her to rise. She had almost ran from the house, her cheeks a glowing, pink flush. She must be having a similar reaction, he guessed. But why? It wasn’t the first time he had wound her up. He remembered that first time and thought that it was different this time.
This time they had been alone. This time he had known what to do.
It had taken him by surprise that he so readily offered to take care of her. And her eyes, as she nodded her acceptance, were expectant. Again he felt the smooth metal…
With a growl he pushed off the door, rushed to the dresser and snatched up the mirror that stood there. He studied his image, looking for the change that must be so obvious.
The face that stared back at him was the same as the one he woken up with, and it was still a mystery to him.
But not to Tina.
He smiled at his reflection and set the mirror down. Not to Tina. She accepted him, regardless of his past, regardless of his future. Her present was enough and her life plans projected no further than coming tomorrow to bring him apples. Warmth raced through his body at the thought of her return, and he smiled again.
Returning to the living room Tabibito lowered himself onto the place on the floor where Tina had knelt. Closing his eyes he allowed his hand to rise and mimic the turning of her key, reliving the moment with a smile on his lips.
