Magic Knight Rayearth Fan Fiction ❯ Maybe This Time ❯ Chapter Three - Reconnassaince of Feelings ( Chapter 3 )

Previously On Chapter Two…

 

He was stunned, dumbfounded. Was she crying; for him? Without another thought, he had his hand run over her smooth hair, hushing her sobs, which he caught himself doing as well.

 

“Hush, don't cry my dear Water Knight.” Umi quickly pulled away, fuming with furrowed eyebrows, and tear stained cheeks. “Water Knight… that's all I am to you, am I?” She exclaimed, pacing backwards from him and started to dissolve in the darkness of the hallway.

 

“You're not… I swear.” He muttered, until she was gone.

 

`Damn Clef, what did you do now?' A deep heavy sigh echoed, and a loud thud, from fists being banged against the marble rest.

 

“You're more than that. I love you…”

 

Umi heard him, still somewhere in the near the balcony within the dark hallway. She heard him, loud and clear; and she was relieved; “And I love you…” she said softly, loud enough for him to hear.

 

---

 

[Maybe This Time]

Chapter 3: Reconnaissance of Feelings

 

“It's the same old feeling back again

It's the one that they had way back when

They were too young to know when love is real

But somehow, some things

Never change

And even time hasn't cooled the flame

It's burnin' even brighter than it did before

It got another chance

And if they take it

 

-Maybe This Time, Michael Murphy”

 

---

 

Clef sharply turned to search the voice with much anticipation; the words were soft, yet filled with pain and agony. He knew he'd never know why, but it was there- delivered by her, herself. The episode of his heartache was so fast paced, and now he was facing another.

 

…It's the same old feeling back again…

 

`She loves me…' he sighed in relief; longing azure eyes darting in the pool of darkness before him.

 

Were her ears deceiving her? He said he loves her- and she confessed her affections just as quickly. `He, no- it can't be…' the lonely Magic Knight of the Waters doubted his words; so wrapped in the moment, her feet betraying her will, as if glued to the floor.

 

“Umi, please… talk to me,” the broken Mage was nearly faltering. Why had she been hiding in the dark for so long when he was there in the light- waiting for her with arms wide open? The surrounding became hazy in his eyes, the mixed sensations pulling him in blurs and black and white. He was unaware that he himself had merged in the darkness- hands groping for warmth, searching for her. Umi however stayed silent. Stubbornly refusing touch, nevertheless, hoping that he'd find her and envelope her in his warm, tight embrace. She tried not to breathe, hot tears streaming from her pained eyes.

 

She stifled a soft sob, covering her mouth quickly and descended down the floor, holding herself tight. “S-stop… Don't come any closer, please!” Umi waved her hands in front, swatting blindly in the dark hall. Clef, persistent and yearning unlike before, followed the cry tainted voice, his hands grasping for anything that is from her.

 

…It's the one that they had way back when…

 

“My love,” he whispered, as his hands found her delicate hand in the air, swatting him away mercilessly. “Don't call me that!” she shrieked, pushing him away, hugging her knees close to herself. “You're lying, you don't love me. There's no way you could or would… just, no…”

 

He gently shook his head opposing her claims, grasping for whatever hold he could put on her. “I do, Umi…” he hugged her, hushing her tears away with soft chaste kisses all over her tear stained face. “I would not lie to you, never.” Clef smiled, and she seemed to have pierced through it, even in the blind darkness.

 

Umi dithered from hugging him back, with shaking hands, she reached for his face, cupping both cheeks gently; her eyes widened in surprise despite the tears that kept flowing constantly. “You're crying, but why?” she asked in her most innocent voice, now, sobbing more audibly.

 

“Hush Umi; stop weeping, please, I don't deserve those tears…”

 

This didn't stop her though, as more sobs escaped her now swollen lips, which she had been biting to keep her moans at bay. His heart crushed, knowing how hard she was going through now. Umi, his most beloved Umi. Clef smiled inwardly, placing one gentle kiss on her forehead before he carried her back to the patio, eyes locked on the precious young lady in his arms.

 

Umi held him tight around his neck, burying her face in his layers of robes, crying her heart out. The Mage couldn't help but worry as he sat her down on the railing again; him standing before her, whilst she held on to him, as if her life depended on him.

 

…They were too young to know when love is real…

 

“Oh Clef, I'm so sorry!” she raised her head from his shoulder; eyes pitiful and filled with tears. “Last night, I didn't know… I was so confused, it wasn't; I was-” reality struck her painfully, she was so wrong to leave without telling him her love. She had been to blind to see that, but now she does- and she's not a child anymore, she's a woman.

 

With a swipe of his finger on her lips, he smiled, now cupping her seamless face. “You don't have to. If anything, it was my fault. For not telling you…” Umi, whose words got caught up in her breath, listened to him like an audience listening to a beautiful orchestra piece. All she could muster was a nod, wiping her tears away.

 

…But somehow, some things- never change…

 

“It's getting late…” Clef scooped her from her seat, cradling her in his strong arms. “You should go to bed; it's been a long night for you.” He started to walk back in the hall, with Umi in his arms, clinging onto him, with a piercing pair of blue eyes gazing at him. “What's wrong?” He asked.

 

Umi only responded with a frown and pouted lips. He laughed softly, nuzzling her gently, asking her with the look on his eyes. They remained staring at each other for a few seconds, before Umi began to say: “We just got together, now you're sending me back to my room…” she looked away for a moment and down the floor, “it's just not fair.”

 

“Who says I'm bringing you to your room?” He grinned down at her, as he hoisted her up, so he was holding her vertically. “W-what do you mean?” Umi's eyes loomed in surprise and wonder, now looking down at him; his face nuzzling gently on her chest, as he lead her to the lower level of the Castle. Umi flailed and tried to push herself away from him, but failed miserably as he readjusted her closer. All the while, he had the rare mischievous grin on his lips as she looked at him. Over and over she pried him to answer her, but he contentedly smiled at her and carried on.

 

“Clef, you're acting strange…” Umi stopped from breaking away from his hold, and eased up on his arms; she beamed quizzically at him, her head resting gently against the soft locks of his own. “We're almost there.” Clef met her beautiful eyes and nodded.

 

…And even time hasn't cooled the flame…

 

Umi made no more attempts of asking him any further, instead, she held him closer and began nuzzling his head. He smelled divine and wonderful, taking a whiff of his alluring scent. Fingers started to play with a few strands of hair from the back of his head; Umi, busying herself unconsciously, as if in a trance, she had began to place soft, chaste kisses on his forehead, cheek and chin. The Mage didn't bother to complain, liking every moment of her gesture engaged on him. He loved being her point of attention and affection as well. This is the best day of his life, if not, the greatest- but he knew there would be more to come, and he hoped for them to come true; prayed for it even. He's never seen her like this- she was in a different light back then; tear filled eyes and accusation. She was miserable. Umi blamed herself for Emeraud's death and Cephiro's near destruction. The brave, opinionated and cocky Water Knight; who would've thought she had cried herself to sleep every night, and that he had to comfort her during those times? There was always a façade of strength in her, that she had used to deceive her friends and enemies- but behind that concealment, was a frail, unspoken and shy girl. Clef had seen her at her worst. He wondered why she confided to him, but was glad in its entire, entirety. Perhaps, this was the reason he slowly yet surely fell for her. Her mask of encouragement was her best assets; and she was selfless for that matter. He understood all that, and he knew she was aware of that too. If she had broken down in front of the others, then the stigma would've been contagious, and by now, Cephiro would not have existed still.

 

“Thank you,” Clef kissed her nose gently, and whizzed away from her stare. Umi opened her mouth to speak, but he stopped walking and sighed happily. “We're here.” He let go of her, and gently laid her feet on the floor. The Magic Knight turned to look at the place he deprived of her knowledge `till now. As she spun to take a look, her eyes went wide like dinner plates; a beautiful sight surprised her eyes, and she was well out of words, rendering her speechless and awestruck.

 

“Clef I…” she smiled broadly at him, skidding away as she tapped the clear blue waters of an indoor lagoon underneath the Castle. “It's so beautiful- I never knew…” Fascinated and amazed, she was filled with overwhelming happiness; she could not help but jump at him and kiss his cheeks mercilessly out of sheer joy.

 

With a smile and a small movement of his hand, he prodded her cheeks and leaned his forehead against her. “I'm glad you like it.” He grinned, still being showered by kisses.

 

“Like it?” Umi stepped back and leaped excitedly towards the water. “I love it! Clef, I haven't seen anything like this. I'm so enthralled; I think I'm going to combust!” He laughed at her statement, walking slowly to stand beside her. “Well, you better not. `Cause we're just starting…” A kiss flew to her lips swiftly, but he moved away just as well. With a wave of his hand, his staff came in to view, and held it firmly on his grasp. Umi hushed and watched him carefully, eagerly waiting for the forthcoming surprise.

 

With one, two, three taps of his staff, Umi's night gown glowed; she had no time to ask, and just gasped in surprise, as her clothes changed into a beautiful cerulean Lolita dress. Clef held her hand and turned her gently, the dress sweeping beautifully in the air, and she nodded approvingly. “You've outdone yourself.” Umi bowed into a curtsey, holding one end of the dress, a foot drawn to the back with the bow. The Mage bowed in a gentleman-like gesture. Before him was the most beautiful woman in all of Cephiro, and he enjoyed every moment he laid his eyes on her, as she examined the intricate designs of the pearl headdress he magically put on her.

 

“May I?” Clef offered his hand to her, smiling; Umi, nodding in response.

 

He took her hand and held it gently, bending down slowly as he kissed the top. Umi's face flushed; her cheeks having a tint of pink and red, complimenting the creamy tone of her skin. Clef stood before her with soft, loving eyes looking at her. She couldn't stop her blush from intensifying, so she looked away and held his hand tightly. He understood the motion, so he gently drew his fingers to her chin, having her to look at him. Umi was hesitant at first, but was met with a pair of azure eyes filled with passion. She felt her heart skip a beat; unknowingly staring in his eyes, a smile pursing on her soft, delicate lips.

 

…It's burnin' even brighter than it did before…

 

“I love you.” They chorused together, and if by cue, a soft melody began to play in the background. Umi curiously searched for the source of the music, but it struck her that it might be Clef's doing. `Did he plan this?' She wondered in thought, and without much ado, she locked her eyes back to his, pulling closer to him.

 

“Yes Clef, I'd love to dance with you.” They chuckled at the same time and finding themselves doing it more as the time passed.

 

“We should stop doing that, y'know?” Clef jested; Umi played along.

 

Umi titled her head, “Do what?” She insisted on doing the ploy, both their feet sliding and gliding on the sleek marble floor. “Unconsciously doing or saying the same things at the same time, we might weird out the others.” Clef went on, both of them dancing a waltz.

 

Then silence loomed between them; bodies close together strutting to a melody of passion made to fit the moment. His eyes wandered on her face, picturing every bit of detail he sees on his mind. He wanted her image etched on his memory for all eternity; her eyes, her nose, her lips- all of it. On the other end, Umi had herself immersed in his alluring feats. The way he looked at her; his eyes softly landed on her eyes, her lips- `His lips…' the image lingered in her, tranquilly imaging how it would be like to kiss his luscious lips. For a girl, she knew it was uncanny to think of it, but she can't help herself. She was just a love struck person, in the arms of the one she loves- how could she not have thoughts like that?

 

…It got another chance…

 

Clef saw her eyes lingered on his lips, and it made him smile. He seized on his pace, now pulling her closer to him, which she made no protest to, as he did. Umi drew her eyes back to his; arms swinging to his back, as he inched forward. He held her tight, slowly swaying her to lean downwards, his body hovering over hers. The Water Knight had seen so many scenes like this in the movies, and she knew what was coming next. Her chest heaved in deep breaths, and he felt the tension of her body grow, and the throbbing on her chest pounding against his own brooding heart. The music soon began to play a soft, mellow tone- Clef's eyes searching Umi's, asking for permission. Umi didn't need to answer, but instead, raised her chin upright so her face was level to his.

 

…And if they take it…

 

“Are you sure you won't regret this?” his hot breath coursed to her neck, as he moved the last minute there, trailing passionate kisses to her collar bone and stopped there.

 

Umi was so caught up in the fray of the sensation, and only mustered a yes in a moaning, groaning tone. He smiled to himself, moving back to meet her helpless gaze. It was a rare sight to see the Water Knight so helpless, and she looked cute during times like this- however, now was slightly different. With a peck on her lips, he pulled her back up, his hands combing through the soft, silky strands of blue hair. Umi smiled contentedly, brushing away a few stray strands blocking his eyes.

 

“You like seeing like this, don't you?” Umi asked, referring to herself and her feeble situation. “I do.” He replied simply, and both smiled.

 

---

 

The next day, Umi woke up late and missed breakfast. She sat down, her back on her soft, cushy pillow. The butterfly sensation never left her stomach, and missing breakfast made it worse. She sighed, as she pulled out a headdress made of white gold and peals from her pillow. Her fingers traced the designs, and found some clamps that attach the dangling parts on the main piece. Her eyes grew in delight, as the clamps unfastened and left the piece without hassle. All was left was the array of pearls, arranged in size to look like a headband. There were small diamonds lining them, and they looked beautiful. She giggled, noting how thoughtful Clef is.

 

Umi got out of bed and prepared herself to meet the others, knowing that by now, they're all gathered in the lounge. Then an image crossed her mind-

 

“Ascot…”

 

Her heart tore in two uneven pieces. What was she thinking? Cuddling with Clef the rest of the evening while the other was having a hard him crying about a lover whom he never had? Umi's heart faltered, feeling sorry and guilty. But, what was done was done. She shook the thought away, though cold as it seems, it was for everyone's good. Though, she too was crumbling for other reasons, and she's just pacifying herself, to keep up with the love she always wanted. Turning away from Clef would be the biggest mistake in her life; and even if she does, at least, she was able to spend time with him. Umi smiled sadly, as she faced the mirror, now changed in proper clothes to meet her friends. Then her thoughts wandered back to Tokyo, and she grimaced; her heart soaring aloof with sadness.

 

---

 

“Where's Umi?” Presea asked the two present Magic Knights, and smiled indifferently. “She's in her room, asleep.”

 

The blacksmith nodded to Hikaru and took a sip from her tea. Fuu looked a little worried, and she seemed to be having a hard time masking it, so Caldina asked away.

 

“Umi, she's been acting strange…” The Wind Knight sighed deeply, turning to Hikaru who very much well knows what her friend was going at. “Yeah; she's been like that since she got home from her Grandparents…” Hikaru furrowed her brows and sighed as Fuu did.

 

The others, including Clef wondered in thought. `Umi, have you any worries..?' he asked, but his thoughts would never fly to her; nor she would answer his question, as he knows her enough to vision a fake smile plastered on her face to say she's fine. He sighed, as the door opened and in came Umi.

 

“Bon jour..!” Umi started to Hikaru and Fuu, sitting between them; she, cuddling Hikaru hilariously. “Eh- Umi, you seem… happy…” The Fire Knight stuttered, but only met a yawning Umi hugging her knees.

 

Caldina laughed, as she wrapped her arms around Lafarga, who was now having a hard time talking to Lantis with Caldina choking his arm in her grasp. “Umi, something good happened?” she asked the half awake Knight, who took a bite of cookie.

 

Umi chewed and swallowed her cookie first, before answering; “Good?” she smiled. “I suppose.” She giggled, recalling last night.

 

---

 

…And with a swift movement of arm, he held her up and gazed at her. She smiled, as he spun around, and everything whirled around them. The two of them began to laugh softly, as the cold marble floor became water. They looked down and noticed that they were in fact, now in the waters of the lagoon. Clef liked it, and Umi seemed to like it as much as he did. As she struggled to free herself of his hold, but Clef held her tighter, yet she tried her best to break free, and soon after, they fell on the water; Umi dangles slightly over his body, the water soaking their clothes a little.

 

“Why, you look so cute down there.” Umi stifled a laugh from the image of the most powerful Mage in all of Cephiro all washed up in water, with his hair catching a few droplets on their fall.

 

Clef shook his head, “No, you look way cuter up there.” He held her by the waist and held her closer, meeting her at eye level. Umi's breath ran from her, as Clef moved her into a deep, passionate kiss.

 

Umi's vision began to blur, being suspended in time as Clef urged on for her to give in. It didn't take her long to interpret the notion; having herself to reciprocate the kiss, her lips moving softly along his. He seemed to smile at this, his arms pulling her closer to deter the proximity between them. She could feel the cold, wet cloth pressed on his body, but also felt the warmth in it. Her hands moved along his back, caressing him to and fro and on the back of his head. He too, was busy with his hands, clutching and grabbing on the small of her back; her head and his moving opposite each other, as the kiss went to another level, now their tongues gliding together- both of them warped in a frenzy of deep hot kisses; their moans being stifled in asphyxiation, echoing the lagoon's dome. Passion began to grow between them more and more; both having no constraints of the consequences they might face after this. At that time, nothing mattered- just him and her. Clef, pulling her down closer to him; merging together as water cooled the insatiable heat emanating from the two lovers. Both grasping and clutching each other, hands wandering to explore their bodies, letting the moment to be savored memorably in this romantic frenzy.

 

---

 

With everyone's attention away from Umi, she was able to bring her mind back to that memory, but she snapped out when she heard a familiar laugh resonating softly. She turned her head up, finding a giggly Clef seated across her.

 

`Darn it Clef, stop reading my thoughts!' her face was flushed and furious, glaring at him angrily.

 

He looked away to dissolve any suspicions of their friends about Umi's distasteful glare at him, and kept their conversation, or argument in telepath; `Oh, but there's no hiding it from me. I was there, and I was that guy you were straddling and kissing.' Clef's eyes darted back to Umi for a short while, giving her a mocking glare, and Umi gave up; knowing Clef, he'd just come up with another remark that might stir her up and shout everything aloud and shed the secret unkindly. She wasn't about to tell anyone yet.

 

The Water Knight sighed and buried her face in Fuu's arm, holding her playfully. It was foreign to their Cephran friends to see Umi's cuddly side; but Hikaru and Fuu had been with her for so long, they were used to it. Fuu smiled and Hikaru, and nodded; Umi was doing better now.

 

Umi remained silent, and ate half of the cookies on the platter, as she and Clef kept talking silently in their minds. It was only to Umi's knowledge about Clef's unknown repertoire of attitude; he wasn't stuck up, some have seen it- mostly it happens when Umi annoys him and he hits her with the over-sized staff he always carries around. But it doesn't happen now, ever since the war, they rarely argue like that. Probably the brewing love for each other had made that die out.

 

`Ah, thinking about me again, are we?' Clef began, and Umi tried the hardest to block him somehow, but he kept on talking and talking. `I guess he just missed talking this much after seven hundred and what years of being a stuck up old man…' she mentally said that aloud to tick him off, and triumphed.

 

`I'm not a stuck up old man!'

 

---

 

To Be Continued…

 

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Authors Note: A bit shorter than the first few, but all is good (I hope).

 

Please keep on reviewing to give me inspiration, I beg you! Heheh, I am but a poor, fan-fic writer. I don't make money out of this, so the only satisfaction I could get from doing this is for you to review my work. Please…

 

-Glittering Eyes-

 

Anyways, I hope you like this chapter like the first few. I love Clemi, hurray! Oh, if you think they had sex in the lagoon, no. I'm trying my hardest to keep this at Teen Rate. And forgive me for the terseness of the conversations; I intend it to be like that, since the first few chapters are kinda awkward in spirit. Thanks!