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.
Phone Booth, Park "A"
It was amazing. With only the glass of the phone booth between us she stood with her back to me, leaning on the door. My hand came up, smearing the moisture on the glass, sharpening only the colors outside; I couldn’t see her well at all. I could feel I was panting, I could feel my whole body longing to touch her. It was like my heart had swollen to fill my chest, leaving very little room for my lungs. She was in her costume of course, with the snow falling all around us, and she didn’t even look cold. I could make out her bare shoulders, looking soft and pink in the street light, and I couldn’t tear my eyes away. My heart was pounding like an anvil, and I could hear my blood rushing in my ears. She was so close, and she came to me! To ME! Had I told her? Now, with her so near, I couldn’t remember. I could remember anything! Did I tell her I was in love with her? Did I tell her that if I didn’t take her in my arms…
"Hello?"
Her voice! The phone receiver in my hand was hot, and my fingers had such a grip on it that at first it hurt to move. My hand came up to my ear, but it was like the hand belonged to someone else. I looked at it blankly.
"Hello" I croaked out. How stupid did that sound, I wondered.
"I’m sorry," she began softly, hesitantly. "I’m sorry, I broke my promise. I won’t do it again."
All the air in my lungs was suddenly gone, like someone kicked me in the chest. I somehow managed, "Okay."
"So..."
"So?" I echoed stupidly. How I wanted the moment to go on, and yet I could think of nothing to say to keep her here. My eyes were locked on her, and her whole body looked ridged. Could it be that she too, but no, what was I thinking?
"So," she repeated, and the sound of a struggle was evident in her voice. My heart soared at the sound! "So, I’m going!" and with a flick of her ponytail she was running away.
I yanked open the door, calling to her, saying the same thing I said to her every time, whether aloud or not. "Until I catch you, don’t get caught by anyone else!"
Her reply of yes was said with the sound of a smile.
"It’s a promise! It’s decided, all right?" I felt myself becoming desperate again.
I saw her pause and turn. She was close enough for me to see her smile, and nod, "Yes."
I almost sat down with relief. Everything relaxed, and my mind raced away. Images of her filled my head. I saw her that first night, when I had gone to the jeweler's house, that night I had challenged her. I had come so close to catching her! But I’m probably fooling myself. I can still feel her weight when she fell on me, her foot caught by the cord. She hadn’t lingered in my arms that time. Not like that time in the museum. I held her then, and she didn’t move a muscle. She was so like a bird, soft and fragile, but she fit in my arms perfectly. How I had longed for that moment to last! I could feel her breath on my neck, as I held her, no, crushed her to me. She was so real, and I was so…so…afraid. I’ve relived that moment countless times, and every time it becomes so much more. I wonder if she will ever feel for me the way that I feel for her?