Archive of Our Own

‘’You’re going to dig a trench if you keep pacing like that, sweetheart.’’ Iva casually addressed their long-time friend and fellow revolutionary.

It took a moment or two for Kuma to register he had been spoken to, his worried brow unfurrowing to raise in surprise, before his face relaxed into an apologetic smile. ‘’O-oh! Sorry, Iva, I hadn’t realised.’’ He attempted to respond cheerily, finally stopping in his tracks after several minutes of walking in a circle.

‘’Well the rest of us noticed! Everyone outside probably thinks we’re being marched upon with those heavy steps of yours~.’’ Iva teased him back before tapping a finely manicured hand on the surface of the table he was sitting at. ‘’Come sit dooooown~. Take a load off and have a coffee with me, won’t you~?’’

‘’S-Sure, maybe I need that right now…thanks Iva’’ Kuma responded politely though thankfully. Maybe a nice casual chat with an old friend would help ease his troubled mind.

Kuma took a few steps to cross the small kitchen, the scraping of chair legs on tiles cutting the momentary silence as he pulled out a seat to join Iva. The chair was only just about able to hold his weight, but squatters couldn’t be choosers in this abandoned hospital building the Revolutionary Army was temporarily using as a base. The taller members like himself and Iva were thankful enough they could get into most rooms without needing to hunch over, or potentially crack a wall trying to fit through a door.

Iva poured some milk into the coffee they had prepared for their friend, a gentle smile offered alongside the cup they slid across the table to him. Not that it was noticed by said friend. Kuma had clearly sunk back into his worried thoughts, staring down at the smooth surface of the table. He might have been sitting now, but Kuma didn’t look any more relaxed.

‘’She’s going to be fine, you know.’’ Iva suddenly says, casually raising their own cup to take a sip.

Once again Kuma was knocked out of his thoughts. ‘’O-Oh! I um, guess I couldn’t hide what was on my mind as well as I thought, ha ha!’’ he laughed, a little embarrassed at getting caught out.

‘’Sweetie, you were as good at hiding it as you would have been hiding behind a street lamp.’’ The Okama Queen sharply retorted, ‘’Besides, you know Ginny would have your head if she hears of you thinking she wasn’t able to handle herself.’’

Kuma couldn’t help but chuckle at that, even in his worried state. ‘’You’re right, haha! She’d have me on my knees begging for forgiveness!’’

A glint appeared in Iva’s eye. ‘’Well, being on your knees for her would make her happy, I’d say~’’

‘’Iva!’’ Blood rushed to Kuma's face in embarrassment. Having known Iva, and by extension Iva’s friends and associates that frequently helped out in the revolutionary army for quite a while, he’d gotten mostly used to this kind of humour. While not the kind of talk he’d typically hear back home around his church, he usually could laugh along with it.

It was just…different, when it came to Ginny.

Kuma grumbled, a slight pout appearing on his lips. ‘’Time and a place, Iva.’’

‘’Ha ha! I’m sorry Kuma my boy, I couldn’t resist the opportunity, you know me~’’ Iva heartily laughed, that little pout on Kuma's face was so cute paired with the blush, Iva would pinch his cheeks if they didn’t know that’d be step too far. ‘’ But at least I got your worried thoughts onto something else, even for a moment.’’

The pout lasted a moment more with Kuma staring grumpily at Iva. Though eventually it would fall into a weary smile, and a chuckle. He didn’t really have it in him to be genuinely mad or annoyed. He wasn’t that kind of man. Not without good reason.

He sighed, Kuma’s gaze drifting down to his untouched coffee. Even if Iva distracted him for the moment, his tired worried eyes still stared back at him. ‘’No one has…heard back from them yet…’’, he says quietly, as if the sentence was something he was afraid to say out loud.

Even Iva’s charming smile faltered. As optimistic and filled with hope as Iva usually was, those qualities can only go so far when faced with the reality of the world.

A week ago, Ginny and a few volunteer soldiers had been sent on a mission in a neighbouring kingdom to their current location. A small navy base was being set up on request of the local royals, some muscle to protect them when they wanted to push around the downtrodden and struggling townsfolk they ruled over.

The mission was to plant some bombs at the foundations of the building site, destroy whatever they had already built, and make it harder for them to come back and try again. Send a message that greedy and cruel kings and queens shouldn’t ever feel safe.

The site was predictably protected by Marine guards, not anything Ginny and her team hadn’t faced before. If they were quiet enough, they wouldn’t even have to fight them. Sneak in, plant the bomb, sneak out, big boom, go home. Simple.

At least, it should have been.

Risks and hope was what the Revolutionary Army ran on, and this mission was unfortunately one where the risk turned out high.

The bombs had been planted all right, but the squadron had been discovered before detonation. Explosions were heard in the background of a snail call to the HQ, an attempt to distract the marines from focusing on their attackers escape. Ginny was heard yelling over panicked soldiers, sounds of punches and kicks colliding with Marine faces all around her as she fought her way through.

‘’Things didn’t go as planned, but this is nothing!’’ her voice confidently buzzed through the snail, ‘’These assholes are a bunch of greenhorn cadets anyway, we’ll meet you at the rendez-vous point!’’

That was all they had to go off of. The person stationed to receive the call had nothing more to report since then. So now it was a waiting game. A game that Kuma hated.

It took some convincing from Iva to stop him from just launching himself over there. He’d never been there before, if he used his powers he’d just more than likely end up completely lost, or plowing through a random building. No help to anyone and just plain reckless.

So nearly two days later, he’s still waiting and praying for some kind of message that they’re all ok. If Iva hadn’t convinced him to take a break, he’d still be sitting at the table where they kept their transponder snail right now.

‘’Plenty of our soldiers have gotten out of tighter squeezes before!’’ Iva reassured their fellow founding teammember.. ‘’You need to have faith in our friends!’’

Kuma tapped his fingers against the ceramic of the coffee mug, that nervous energy still needing to escape somewhere. ‘’I know…and I do! That squad has been well trained and able to handle anything. But…you never know when our luck runs out and our combat skills aren’t enou-’’

Before Kuma could finish his sentence, he was interrupted by the sound of a loud commotion somewhere in the building. Something like a big gathering of people all moving to one spot, with a noise like…cheering.

It was already enough to bring a spark of hope and joy to the two founding members' hearts. Their happiness and relief was sealed the moment they heard someone running by the lunchroom doors yelling ‘’They’re here, they made it back!’’ to anyone they passed by in the hallway.

‘’Ginny!...’’ Kuma couldn’t have gotten up from the table faster, nearly tripping on a chair leg in the process. He had nearly cleared the room before suddenly remembering he had been in someone's company, and hastily turned on his heel to face them. ‘’S-sorry Iva, thank you for the coffee but I have to-’’

‘’Yes, yes~. I understand dear boy, you have somewhere to be~’’ Iva chuckled, thoroughly endearing, seeing just how eager Kuma was to see his dear friend. ‘’Make sure to tell her I’m glad she’s home safe, won’t you dear?’’

‘’I will!’’ Kuma responded, the giddyness in his voice unmissable as he turned to nearly charge through the kitchen double doors, the quick and heavy thuds of his boots soon disappearing among the hubbub at the end of the hallway.

‘’Sweet boy~...’’ Iva cooed to themselves.

In seconds, Kuma had reached the hospital lobby, where a sizable crowd had gathered around the group of ten or so returning soldiers, with more people gradually coming from the connecting hallways to also welcome their friends' safe return.

With his great height, Kuma could easily scan over the heads of the crowd, concerned to see that a few of the soldiers came back with visible injuries. Cuts, bruises and bandages spotted among them. To be expected after their mission didn’t fully go as planned, he supposed, but they were alive and standing, and happily sharing their brave tale of survival to the eager listeners around them.

He’d be happy to help them with whatever pain management they’d need if requested, something to share the gratefulness he was feeling to get them all back in one piece.

It was of great relief that everyone got back safely, though there was one soldier that Kuma couldn’t hide his particular excitement to see again. Though she was turned away from him at this moment, that pink hair was unmistakable.

Judging by how her fists were raised in a triumphant fighting pose, she was no doubt recounting her daring adventure to those around her. A story that got halted the moment one of her listeners pointed out who had just raced down the hallway in a hurry to see her.

She whipped around, purple eyes sparkling, and smiling wide as she locked eyes with her favorite person.

‘’There’s my Kumachi~!’’ She yelled in glee, arms raised high.

‘’Ginny! I’m so glad you made it back!’’ Kuma returned her excitement, the crowd parting to let the large man approach his long-time companion.

‘’As if there was any doubt I wouldn’t?’’ Ginny confidently smirked. ‘’And I got my whole squad back and the mission was a success!’’. The surrounding people all cheered in agreement.

‘’You’re amazing Ginny!’’ A voice sounded out from somewhere in the gathering. ‘’This is why you’re gonna be a captain someday!’’, yelled another.

‘’Ha ha, and I’d have to agree!’’ Kuma cheerfully responded, the surrounding onlookers hollering a chorus of ‘’Hell yeah!’’ and ‘’Damn right!’’ all around them.

‘’If I didn’t prove myself with this mission, then I might have to-Ah!’’ What had begun as confident bravado, sharply turned into a cry of pain from Ginny. ‘’Ouch, ouch…’’

‘’Ginny!?’’ Instantly concerned at the sound of his friend in pain, Kuma knelt down and offered his friend a hand to steady her, gasps of surprise and worry heard around the room. Only now did he notice a tight bandage wrapped around Ginny's thigh, visible just below her shorts, where Ginny was now clutching to steady the pain. ‘’You got hurt…’’

‘’Heh, they got me with a lucky shot...’’ Ginny, her smile still big and confident, despite also wincing through it. ‘’But I got them back twice as hard!’’ Cheers once again wrung out around the room, the momentary worry subsiding.

‘’I’m sure you did.’’ Kuma’s smile returned, though weary. He’ll never not be worried about Ginny being in such dangerous situations, even if he knew she was pretty good at handling herself. He leaned in closer to Ginny, raising the hand that wasn’t currently being used to support her, to hover just above her leg. ‘’Would you like me to..?’’ He asked, his voice just low enough so only Ginny would hear

She knew full well what he meant without him saying it, he was offering to use his powers to take the pain away. A service he still offered to the old folks back home in the Sorbet Kingdom when they visited once in a while, but also something he would offer to his fellow comrades in arms if needed.

Though it was used sparingly within the Revolutionary Army, once Dragon had been informed how the process really worked. Their leader had put a quick stop to it, much to Ginny's relief. He wasn’t going to have one of his most important men be in a constant state of pain, so it was impressed upon Kuma to only use his powers to heal in emergency cases.

Not that Dragon could ever truly stop Kuma from trying to shoulder others suffering for them, he was too kind and self sacrificing. Besides, Ginny would always be a special case to him.

Ginny batted the hand away from her leg. ‘’Nuh-uh, buster! It’s just a scratch, I can handle it! Can’t have you running to help me for every little thing now can I? How else am I going to show off how tough I am?’’ More cheers of agreement rang out from the crowd.

‘’If you’re sure…’’ Kuma lowered his hand away from her leg, a knot forming in his stomach at the thought of her choosing to stay with the pain when he could most likely easily take it himself. Ginny might be tough, but she literally wasn’t built like him. With his strong and sturdy body, a knife wound to her, would only feel like a paper cut to him, if even that.

‘’Though…’’ Ginny quietly mumbled, ‘’Maybe I could use a rest right about now...’’. She leaned into the large hand that was supporting her, letting out a wide tired yawn. She craned her neck to look up to her long time friend, a soft smile on her face. ‘’Kumachi, you wouldn’t mind helping a brave soldier to her room? Pretty please~?’’

Kuma chuckled, even if she turned down his special kind of help, he was happy that she wanted to rest. ‘’Of course Ginny, it would be my honor to escort you!’’ Without any prompting, Kuma lowered his other hand to Ginny, presenting his palm facing up and laid flat to her. Gingerly as to not aggravate her wound, Ginny then took a seat, where Kuma then slowly and carefully raised her to his shoulder.

The entire process was quick, smooth, and comfortable. It was just an ingrained habit for the two of them now, had been since they were kids. In a practical way, it just made sense for Ginny to ride around on him, his walking stride was much wider than hers, so it was harder to keep up. Plus, it meant she wouldn't have to give her neck a cramp to look at him eye to eye.

Others had joked that Kuma's shoulder should be just considered ‘’Ginny's throne’’ at this point, which she would proudly agree with. Everyone knew, from the Revolutionaries to the townsfolk back home in the Sorbet Kingdom, it wasn’t just for practical reasons however.

It’s because it felt right to be that close, everyone could see it in them. Kuma and Ginny knew this both within themselves and for the other of course. Not that they tried to think too deeply about it. Those kinds of thoughts could end up hurting if left to wander…

Kuma stood up, mindful not to move too fast for Ginny's sake, and turned to head in the direction of where the sleeping quarters were set up. Ginny turned around on her perch, offering an enthusiastic wave and a beaming smile to the rest of the army behind them. ‘’See you all later! Excellent work out there, make sure to tell everyone all the details of how we kicked ass!’’

One last cheer reverberated amongst the walls for their most-likely-future-captain, waving their goodbyes and wishing her well before resuming to general crowd chatter amongst themselves. Kuma himself offered a smile and wave before turning a corner, the noise of the other soldiers gradually phasing out as the two made their way down the connecting hall.

Ginny stretched her arms out high above her head, accompanied by another big yawn. She then leaned against Kuma's head, resting her own atop the soft fabric of his hat, sighing softly as she did so.

‘’You really are tired. I would have thought you’d have marched straight to the lunch room when you got back.’’ Kuma stated, adjusting his hat slightly without disturbing Ginny too much, her leaning against him having pushed it partially over his eyes.

‘’Eeh, I’ll just have a proper fill when we do a celebratory banquet later~’’ Ginny joked, though Kuma knew from experience that she’d still be wolfing down anything she could later, party or not.’’Right now, I think I could just really use a nice nap…’’

She nuzzled her head into his, sighing contently once more as her eyes drifted closed, the motion of his steps rocking her into an even more relaxed state.

‘’No problem Ginny, I’ll have you at your bed in just a minute.’’ Kuma smiled, even if she couldn’t see it from her position. Having her here, safe and ready to rest was a great relief after all the worrying he went through earlier.

‘’Hmm…well…’’ Ginny stirred, taking a quick note that they were alone in the hallway, the echos of the other soldiers being quite the distance away by now. ‘’I was wondering if maybe…you could do me a little favor~?’’ She asked with a hint of a mischievous tone.

‘’Oh?’’ Kuma asked, turning a corner that led to the hall the army had designated the sleeping quarters. ‘’What do you need?’’

‘’Weeeell…’’Ginny started, drawing a circle into the fabric of his shirt. Acting shy in the same way a child would behave when they were about to ask for something they knew they probably shouldn’t. ‘’I was thinking, since it’s been so long since we’ve last done it, maybe we could have a nap together~?’’ Ginny giggled, giddy at the thought of cosying up to him already..

‘’Is that all?’’ Kuma chuckled in return, a smile spreading across his face. ‘’I suppose it’ll have to be in my room though, if that’s ok? I’d probably just end up breaking your bed otherwise’’

‘’Yay!! Lead the way!’’ Ginny cheered, wrapping her arms around his neck in a hug, nuzzling into him even more, further skewing his hat. Not that he minded, he was looking forward to getting comfortable and relaxing with her.

As children they actually shared the same bed for quite a while. It felt safe, reassuring even. That if either of them ever woke up during the night, a horrid dream of painful memories and cruel people shaking them awake, then at least the one other person they could trust was right there to help them get back to sleep.

Eventually as they grew, it made sense that Ginny would have to have a bed of her own. Growing bodies and growing feelings made the intimacy of the set up a little awkward as they matured. Naps together were still just a knock on the door away however, neither ever wanting to lose the comfort they could give each other when needed.

Those moments together were made more sparse after joining with the Revolutionaries. The chance of being called into battle at a moment's notice gave little down time, not to mention that they’d be more often away from each other when sent on different missions.

Which is why when an opportunity like today's arises, it’s best to take it when they could. Ginny needed the recovery time anyway.

Kuma's room wasn’t far away, just another turn down a hallway, the last door on the left. He had insisted that he didn’t require his own room, that he could share one of the shared ward rooms filled with beds with the rest of the revolutionaries. But the other soldiers had said it was a privilege he was owed as a founding member of the army.

Plus, it was another case of practicality. The majority of beds in this hospital were designed for the averaged sized patient. Only a handful were made that were big enough to accommodate people of larger size, especially someone as large as Kuma. So he had to reluctantly agree to taking the private room that had the only bed that could fit him.

Upon reaching the door, he turned the handle and pushed it open, the old rusting hinges of the door creaking as they made their way through. The orange light of dusk bathed through the room from the single window, creating a cozy welcoming atmosphere for a nice shared nap.

The room wasn’t anything fancy, even during its operational days, this hospital wasn’t exactly made with royalty in mind. There was one large wooden bed placed facing out from the wall, adjacent to the window, with a little cabinet and lamp next to it. A chair sat on the opposite side of the bed, Kumas’s travel cloak lay draped over the back. On the opposite wall, more cabinets with an attached sink, most likely for nurses and doctors to keep things sanitary as they cared for their patient.

Kuma raised his hand up to Ginny, palm flat for her once again to take a seat. She did so, giving him a cheerful thank you as he lowered her to the bed, letting her scoot herself onto the mattress. Right away she set to taking off her heavy boots, kicking one off and letting it clatter to the floor, before abruptly stopping at the other.

‘’Kumachi, could you help me with this?’’ Pointing down to the still attached shoe.’’Bending over hurts my leg.’’

‘’I thought you were a tough soldier who could handle the pain~?’’ Kuma teased, pulling off his own boots to tuck them neatly at the bedside.

‘’Hey! I am tough!’’Ginny snapped back. She briefly pouted, before a grin appeared on her face. ‘’It’s just easier to make you do it~. Maybe I like ordering around someone of such high rank.’’

‘’I wouldn’t have guessed~’’ Teasing aside, Kuma did as he was asked and knelt down. He could pull this thing off no problem, but he was conscious of not accidentally causing any discomfort to Ginny with the pulling motion. With two fingers gripping either side of the boot, he slipped his other hand behind Ginny's calf, just below the bandages holding it firmly in place as he tugged.

In just a second, it was off. ‘’There you go!’’ Kuma declared, placing the boot on the ground next to its partner. ‘’Hope I didn’t hurt you.’’

Ginny didn’t respond. Her eyes were fixated on the large hand that still had a firm, yet gentle hold of her leg. The squishy softness of the iconic paw pads that were unique to him, could still be felt even through her stockings. So large that one hand alone could encircle her whole calf.

Her heart fluttered. A faint blush blossomed over her cheeks.

What she would give to feel those hands not just to hold her lovingly as he was doing, but to start to slip, to caress…

‘’Ginny? Are you ok?’’ Kuma asked, now gently lowering that leg to rest against the edge of the bed.

‘’Huh…? Oh! Sorry Kumachi! I must already be dozing off!’’ She quickly responded, now knocked out of her trance.

‘’Haha, we better get comfortable then~’’ Kuma replied, smiling back.

Kuma wasn’t oblivious. He felt a flutter himself when his fingers briefly slid over the soft cotton of her stockings. He had made the motion without thinking, years of being so casual and comfortable together, he’d forgotten what touching her in such a place, and such a way, might encourage.

Both for her and himself. He knew what she was thinking, he was thinking the same thing.

He sighed to himself quietly, now rising up from the floor. If only they lived in a different time, a different place. For now, he was genuinely looking forward to relaxing with her. If they couldn’t share the life they wanted together safely and openly, then at least they could have this.

Kuma made his way to the side of the bed, the mattress creaking as his huge frame climbed onto it. Ginny waited patiently as she watched him maneuver to sit with his legs outstretched towards the foot of the bed, pausing a moment to remove his hat and place it on the nightstand. Finally he lay with his back to the sheets, his curly hair fanning over the pillow as he rested his head into it.

‘’Climb aboard~’’ He gestured to Ginny now that he was settled, patting his chest.

‘’Teehee~’’ Mindful of her injury, she made her way over to his side. The bed might have been only made for one person, but she was small enough on it to move around fairly freely. She crawled onto him, finding her favorite spot to lay when they got cosy like this. Right in the center of his broad chest.

She lay on her front, nuzzling her cheek into him as she settled. ‘’You know what they say about people finding it hard to sleep in a different bed to their own? I never have that problem with you as my mattress Kumachi~’’ Ginny sighed contently, feeling his familiar warmth radiate into her. ‘’As long as you’re there, I never feel far from home!’’

‘’I feel the same about you~.’’ Kuma rested his hands on her back, crossed over each other, holding her snuggly to him. ‘’When I hold you like this, you feel like a beloved teddy bear.’’

Beloved. Ginny blushed. My, they were being very sweet to each other right now. Almost too sweet. If he threw any more cute words like that at her to describe her…well, it could make a poor girl fall in love even more.

That familiar sting came back. The sharp one in her chest whenever things got…too sweet between them. It was her own fault really. She did ask for him to nap with her. With all the expectations that would entail, being alone together, being held close, snuggly nestled in his big, soft, ample bosoms…what did she expect?

On that thought, maybe she could lighten the atmosphere a bit. It’s stuck in her mind now after all.

Ginny stretched her arms out either side of her, only just about matching the broad span of his chest. ‘’Kumachi, do you think your boobies got so big because your heart is so full of love and kindness, it needed the extra space~?’’

Kuma snorted a laugh, his cheeks turning red at the unexpected question. ‘’Hey! You stop that!’’ He moved one of his hands to playfully rustle Ginny's hair with his finger tips, making her snicker mischievously.

She was glad she could joke with him like this. Made the sting a little less harsh.

Being so affectionate, touchy-feely, sharing in each other's warmth and comfort like this when they were alone together. Even when it came to off-colour inside jokes like this,they could easily laugh about it. Almost like they were a couple…

As much as Ginny adored their shared moments like this, that pain in her chest still lingered. The feeling they could be all this and more…but he had his reasons for avoiding that ‘’more’’.

It stung for Kuma too. He too treasured these moments more than anything, but he often felt he had to hold Ginny at arms length. Not because he didn’t want that kind of attention from her, far from it. It was because he wanted it too much.

‘’Beloved’’ was not just a random cute word that came to mind. It’s what Ginny was to him. His worry for her over the last few days wasn’t just concern for a valued friend. Losing Ginny would feel like he lost his soul.

He peaked down at the woman he admired so much. He could feel his heart swell at just the sight of her like this. Her eyes closed with a dreamy, happy expression on her face. Her arms still stretched out, as if she wanted to hold as much of him as she could. Safe, and in his arms.

If only he could hold her every night like this. Go to bed knowing she would always be by his side, promising her that he’ll always be there for her. To protect her and to always…

But he couldn’t. Not when the world was like it is. There was too much work to be done in the Revolutionary Army. Too many other people out there who needed saving, who needed their help. Too much that needed to change before he would ever think of risking Ginny's life in order to be with her…

For now, he can be happy with this. To hold her close to him like this, would be enough. It would have to be.

All had gone quiet between them, a comfortable silence as they both just enjoyed each other's warmth together. Though outwardly relaxed, it did not mean that their minds were rested. Ginny in particular was stirring, this set up just causing her thoughts to wander.

The memory of her disastrous marriage proposal played back in her head. She had been so certain of what his answer would be. They’d been each other's rock since they were kids, the only other person who knew the pain of what they went through. But also the joy of finding a stable home, regular meals to eat, and a happy life together.

It was a secret to no one that they were in love, especially themselves. They had already been living in domestic bliss. Sharing routines, looking out for one another, comfortable silences as they just enjoyed each other's company.

But even beyond just enjoying spending time together, there were the quieter, deeper things that were getting harder to ignore.

Ginny smiled to herself remembering all the times she’d caught him staring at her. He’d turn away quickly when he noticed he was caught, but not fast enough that she didn’t see that twinkle in his eye. The pink blush to his cheeks. The tiny curve at the edge of his lips, like he was happy just to see her exist.

She’d tease him about it of course, but it always made her heart flutter regardless. No doubt he has caught her looking at him the same way, just as many times.

Even harder to ignore still, were the lingering touches. Growing up together had given them a level of intimacy outside of normal friendships already, but there was more than that. Hugs goodbye held on a little too long, neither wanting to let the other go. Numerous times did they both have to fight the instinct to hold the other's hand when out on walks.

It was like they both frequently forgot they weren’t already in a romantic relationship. At least, not officially.

Which is why Kuma saying no to her suggesting they should get married, was so shocking. She knows why. Now. She wished that he could have just explained to her in the moment instead of trying to change the subject, but in fairness, the guy probably didn’t expect to be proposed to that day.

After it was explained to her that he feared history repeating itself and the same fate would happen to her as it did to his mother, she understood completely. It didn’t really make it hurt any less however.

She was still left with that painful longing. The yearning ache to be with him in the way that every couple in love should be allowed to be.

Pressed up against him like this, she could hear his heartbeat clearly. A slow and steady rhythm that showed how relaxed he was with her. Relaxed was certainly how she could describe how she felt right now, his heavy hands covering her entire back feeling like a toasty weighted blanket.

Even if she still felt the pangs of yearning for him, she thanked her lucky stars to be able to experience this. As horrible as their past was, everything has only felt right ever since this sweet, impossibly kind boy let her stay by his side. She’d never trade any of what she had now for the world.

Not that it would ever stop her wanting more. Live life with no regrets, a motto that their leader, Dragon, was fond of. One that Ginny herself had fully intended to live by. She wanted to respect Kuma’s wishes of not getting married, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t act married, didn’t it? Like a couple at least? They already were by most people's standards!

Just because they weren’t going to be able to make it official, didn’t mean they couldn’t be together together. In other words, she wasn’t going to give up on him. She’d had breakthroughs with him before…a few came to mind.

She bent her head up to look at Kuma. His face was calm and relaxed, his eyes had closed, though one eyelid did peak open when he felt Ginny stir.

‘’You ok there?’’ Kuma asked.

Ginny looked up at him coyly, her uninjured leg had risen into the air behind her, waving back and forth. If she had free use of both of her legs, it would have given him the impression that she was kicking her feet. In combination with the cute smile she gave him, and seeing a certain glint in her eye, it gave him the unnerving feeling that she was just about to ask him something… a little daring.

Whether he should be worried or not was certainly a thought on his mind. Ginny with a scheme in her head was a wily creature to control indeed.

‘’Kumachiii~?’’ Ginny cooed, while drawing a little circle with her finger tip into his shirt. ‘’You know what else we haven’t done in a whiiiile?~’’

His brows knitted together, both eyes now open, looking down at her with nervous anticipation. ‘’W-What? What haven’t we done?...’’

‘’Oh, you know~’’, she replied, her leg still waving back and forth casually. Kuma notices the blush blossoming under the freckles on her cheeks was getting redder, her eyes almost shining.

He was about to ask what she meant once more, but she answered him without a word. She pursed her lips together, and blew him a kiss.

Ah. Of course. His own cheeks were now growing redder too.

‘’Ginny…’’ he started, swallowing a lump in his throat. ‘’You…you know I said I didn’t want to make too much of a habit of this…right?’’ He stammers, the right words feeling difficult to find.

‘’Yeah, and why was that~?’’ Ginny pushed, her smile not faltering for a second.

He had to swallow again, his mouth feeling dry as his nerves built up. They had kissed before.

Not often, only about three times so far. The first had been a special request from Ginny. As she grew into a beautiful young woman, the boys in their village had taken notice. Many had asked her out on dates. All of which she turned down of course, none of them ever came close to what she was interested in. Or specifically, who.

Being asked out was at least preferable to some other ideas those boys had. Some were…fast. Or at least tried to be. Ginny was always faster, slapping any wandering hands and lips that tried to slink in her direction. Which led to her request.

Despite how viciously she was turning down advances from the village boys, it didn’t mean she didn’t want to experience a little romance in her life. Many young women did. Their first kiss was meant to be something special, to be shared with someone special.

And the only person she could think of that was that level of special to her, was her dear friend Kumachi.

Thus, her request. She asked her best friend in the world to be her first kiss. Kuma was certainly shocked at that moment, not at all expecting what she was going to ask for. Knocked him off his feet in fact. The memory of the loud thud he made when he fell on his back made Ginny giggle to this day. But he compiled…

With Kuma on his knees, sweating buckets and as red as a tomato, he nervously pressed his lips to Ginny's eagerly waiting ones. It wasn’t perfect. First contact was more a bump together than the gentle pressing she imagined. And they hadn’t quite lined up right.

But that didn’t matter. That fluttering feeling in Ginny's chest whenever she was close to Kuma, had felt like it had now burst into a thousand butterflies flapping their wings in her chest. She had already felt her feelings towards him had been evolving by then.

She wanted to have her first kiss from him, not just coming from a place of familiarity and safety. Not that she wanted to admit that back then. But at that moment, she couldn’t lie to herself anymore.

She wanted nothing more than to keep practicing this kissing thing with him in the future. Wanting something and actually getting it,are two different things however. The poor boy looked scared to death just from this alone. Maybe she’d ask him again later, when he was more ready…

At that same time, the sensation in Kuma's chest was more of a pounding. The loud drumming of his heart echoed through his body and rang in his ears. He had wanted so much for this to go right. His best friend in the world was trusting him with something so sacred and important after all. Ginny asked him personally. He knew how sought after she was by the men in town, he’d be blind not to see why.

To be asked when she had so many perfectly good suitors was…an honor. He might even have referred to it as a gift…that she had asked him to be the other half in such a big milestone. Not to mention, it was the same milestone for him. He would have wanted his first kiss to be with someone special too, and that person was Ginny.

They both remembered the pulling away afterwards. Their faces were both red, and both couldn’t help letting out a big laugh. The build up of nerves and tension suddenly letting go, only leaving this giddy, joyous feeling. Neither knew if they did any good, all they knew was that it felt nice as it was. A memory that they were both happy to share.

The second kiss…wasn’t as nice.

It was after Ginny’s proposal. Guests arriving at the church right afterwards was both horrible timing, and a blessing.

She wanted to strangle Kuma, force him to explain why he said no when she knew he was as in love with her as she was with him. What did he even mean by ‘’he just didn’t want to make her unhappy.’’?. With Kuma distracted by the visitors it meant she could go to her room and nurse her broken heart at least.

To his credit, he did try to come find her later after their visitors had left. Knocking on her door with a plate of food in hand in hopes of some forgiveness. A lot of angry yelling through the old wood on her part, and many promises of explanation on his, the lock did eventually undo.

It broke Kuma's heart to see what state she was in on the other side. Hair a mess, eyes red and puffy, and her teeth in a grimace from anger and fighting back more tears from flowing. Knowing he had hurt her so much, from trying to prevent her any pain, caused his own eyes to mist up.

What followed was his promised explanation. About his memories as a child, and of how his family was torn apart. That if his father never married his mother, then there was a chance she could have avoided her ultimate fate...

Kuma and Ginny had shared some memories of their pasts before, though not often. Most of it was too painful to remember. The story made more tears flow, Ginny now more understanding of Kuma's reasoning for rejecting the proposal, though her anger was still there. It was just now redirected.

What happened to his parents was tragic obviously, but that didn’t mean the same would happen to them! They were more prepared! They’d lived the slave life and escaped it!

Besides, as a buccaneer Kuma’s father must have been a strong man, but surely Kuma’s ‘’hands of liberation’’ made him a near unstoppable force if anyone did try to force them back into that world.

But no argument Ginny could give would change Kuma’s mind. The risk was too great. He already had two of the most important people in his life ripped away from him. He was certain he wouldn’t be able to survive losing Ginny too, especially if his own blood was the cause…

So they stood there together, in cold silence. Their faces stained and wet. Now they both had understanding, but felt all the worse for it. Ginny was the first to break the uncomfortable quiet. She asked if this was as far as their love for each other could go, then she’d like to kiss the future she thought they’d have together, goodbye.

There were no fumbling nerves that time. Kuma had paused for a moment, but solemnly understood. He knelt down once more for her, Ginny tilting her face up for him, her body trembling. Their lips slowly met, no bumping this time, and more on target.

Ginny had convinced herself that maybe if they did this, she’d feel that burst of fluttering wings again. Something to help her feel better. But no.

The only thing she felt was a heavy pit in her stomach, with Kuma feeling much the same. The life where they could have done this together every morning and every night as husband and wife, wasn’t going to happen.

Kuma had already known that life was out of his reach, but facing that reality directly like this, hurt more than anything.

They lingered like that for a moment. Despite the heartbreak, they didn’t want it to end this way. But they had no choice.

Lips eventually parted, for what they thought was going to be the last time.

The third time, however, was significantly nicer.

Their hearts might have been wounded for a while, but time heals all. They were still devoted to each other in life, even if romance was something they had to hold back. They were each other’s treasure still, and couldn’t live without each other.

Life went on as normal, and soon came that faithful day when Dragon and Iva got them out of jail. Their new path in life together had begun, it would take a little while before the Revolutionary Army would fully take form, but all big changes in the world start with small steps.

In n time at all after that fateful encounter, both Kuma and Ginny had their first mission with the at-the-time small group of Freedom Fighters. It wasn’t anything as big as they’d be able to do later as the Revolutionary Army, some mercenary work with towns and kingdoms that had a more stable means for a successful uprising. It was important work nonetheless. And a job well done was worth celebrating.

A little wine had been shared. Not something the two of them usually indulged in. Too expensive of a luxury on its own, but occasionally their friends back in the Sorbet kingdom would give them a bottle if they could.

This particular night with the other Freedom Fighters wasn’t a big smashing party, but at least it was a lively celebration among new comrades. Kuma himself had been nursing a glass of wine and enjoying the atmosphere. Ginny was at least on her second glass. She’d be able to drain the whole bottle herself in seconds if they weren’t all sharing.

It was easy for her to corner him. While Kuma enjoyed the friendly atmosphere, he could be something of a wallflower at gatherings. A little request from Ginny to join her outside to ‘’get some fresh air’’ and they both slipped out with no one else the wiser.

Now with all the privacy they could get, Ginny made her move. ‘’Hey you remember our last kiss?’’ Kuma nearly spat out his current sip of wine. It was the last thing he was expecting, so he enquired why she’d want to bring that up. They were having a good night, why spoil it by bringing up something that hurt so much?

Ginny said that was the point. Why should they leave their ‘’last’’ kiss together on such a sour note? Why not ‘’try’’ again when they’re both in a good mood and celebrating a big win for their cause? Make their memory of their supposed last kiss be a happy one.

Kuma did push back a little, asking her how much of the wine she had that night and if she was just running on liquid encouragement. It wouldn’t be right for him to do such a thing with a woman under the influence.

‘’But if I wasn’t, you would huh~?’’. She promptly let him know how much she had to drink. With Ginny's iron stomach, it’d take several bottles at least to make her a little tipsy, and she’d only drank about a bottle and a half's worth so far.

Maybe it was the fact he’d had some alcohol himself, and maybe he was still coasting on a good mood from their successful mission, with the happy atmosphere of his new allies in helping people where they need it. Whatever it was, he felt that flutter in his chest again.

The flutter wasn’t the only thing he could feel of course. As pleasant as the flutter was, his chest still tightened from concern too. The last one was supposed to be the last one. If they weren’t going to stick to this promise, then how was going to be able to…resist.

If he decided to be lax on his conviction to not putting Ginny in any risk of danger, then it could end up a slippery slope. The taste of her on his lips again will only make him want more.

But at the same time, how could he refuse? Their last kiss was something he tried to forget, but the first, as unpractised and clumsy as it was, still lingered in his mind to that day.

If the memory of the second kiss was hurting him so much, then he couldn’t imagine what it was doing to poor Ginny. He couldn’t bear the thought of something he caused being such a painful reminder to her. If this could help mend the pain, even a little, then maybe he could be able to handle it.

Just once more, for Ginny.

So he said yes. On the condition that this one should be the last one. Kuma had barely finished his sentence before Ginny cheered and immediately grabbed his shirt, using it as leverage to hoist herself up his torso and literally climb him.

The special training exercises she’d been getting were certainly working, Kuma thought as he quickly moved to hold her, not wanting her to potentially fall. Her enthusiasm was very Ginny-esque of her. It made his heart flutter all the more.
This position they were in, holding her small delicate body close to his broad chest, this felt…different. The sudden climbing had left her a little winded, making Kuma very aware of the feeling of her rib cage expanding and shrinking as he held her in his large hands.

In their previous attempts, he’d been on his knees for her to be able to reach. He vaguely remembered that they could have been holding hands too. That detail was more foggy, the nervousness and excitement of the kiss itself burning into his memory more.

But this time, their bodies were close. Their eyes were level. He could make out the twinkle of excitement and accomplishment in Ginny's determined stare, her cheeks blushing, but her smile showing no hint of shyness. The look of a woman who was going to get what she wanted. And as she brought her arms up to wrap around his wide neck, bringing their faces inch by inch closer, in that moment he was willing to give her anything.

Eyes closed, and lips met perfectly. Anything would be automatically better than their second, but this had already surpassed their first. Soft flesh lingered, drinking in what it could. It still hurt, thinking at the time that this was going to be their actual last, but that sting was at least dulled by how wonderful it felt.

Kuma had thought for a second that this wonderful moment was already over when he felt Ginny adjust her lips from his, only for another surge of warmth to hit him when he felt her kiss him again. This one had a little more pressure on it, like she really wanted him to really feel it this time. Ginny was making sure this one would be the one to remember it seemed.

When she pressed yet another kiss to him,that warmth was turning into more of an inner heat in his core. So many kisses in a row, one after another, each more sweet than the last. Unconsciously his hands held her tighter, while Ginny's arms wrapped themselves around Kuma’s wide neck. As if they both couldn’t let the other go.

Though eventually the moment came where he almost let his conviction break. Alas, it only brought him back down to earth with a sudden jolt. A tiny, barely audible moan, had escaped Ginny’s throat. A wonderful, terrible sound.

How could he resist her ever again after this? He’d want nothing more than to be her reason to keep making more wonderful sounds like that for the rest of his days. But that was not luxury meant for him.

This was supposed to be their actual parting gift to their future of romance together. No more. It was time to stop.

Lips parted with a light smack as Kuma pulled her away. Ginny whined, her eyes looking at him with hurt surprise.

Kuma could only offer her a flushed apology. This was as far as they could go. Anymore and…he wouldn’t have been able to stop her. It was too nice. Too lovely.

At the very least, there were no tears this time. Ginny couldn’t hide her disappointment, but wearily smiled back anyway, to which Kuma did the same. It still stung, the promise that this would be the real last time, being a heavy feeling in their hearts. But having this delicious taste at least once, was better than never at all.

Bringing them back to now, the supposed ‘’last’’ time still not sticking anyway.

‘’Why was thaaaat~?’’ Ginny repeated.

‘’B-because…’’ Kuma stammered, his mouth feeling dry. ‘’...I wouldn’t be able to resist you anymore.’’

‘’Ya-huh. And what's the harm in that~?’’ That mischievous smile was surrounded by her blushing cheeks. ‘’Maybe you’ll experience how you make me feel anytime I look at you!’’

‘’Ginny…’’ A red glow was forming on his face again, though this time the cause involved some frustration too. ‘’The more we do this, the harder it is for me to say no to you…and you know why I can’t marry you! Please don’t make me keeping hurting you like this, because it hurts for me too…’’

Ginny’s brow furrowed. She might have been the one to often push Kuma out of his comfort zone for his own benefit, but she didn’t want him to be upset either. She was just looking to make him feel good above all else. To let him know he could be happy, he just needed to let himself have it. He deserved it.

‘’Kumachi…’’ With a grunt, she grabbed a hold of his shirt and pulled herself further up his chest, making Kuma huff in quiet annoyance. Ginny was never going to make this easy for him.

She came to a stop when she reached just below his chin, resting her head to his chest once more while still looking up to his face. To her credit, she didn’t look as mischievous as before. Her expression had become more wistful.

‘’I’m not asking you to marry me again. I know that ship has sailed…‘’, she says, her tone also notably replacing its confidence with something more subdued.

Kuma mentally scalded himself at feeling a slight twinge of hurt to hear that. You hypocrite, he told himself silently. You were going to say no to her forever but have the gall to feel bad when she finally accepts that fact? Having Ginny say it out loud was more real then him just saying it in his own head.

But it was for the best…it’ll help prevent a worst kind of hurt down the line.

Ginny raised her hand to Kuma’s face, where she trailed her soft finger tips along the sharp edge of his chin absentmindedly. The delicate sensation was pleasantly ticklish.

‘’Do you have to be married to kiss?’’ Ginny asked placidly, her eyes focused more on what her fingers were doing rather than directly at Kuma.

‘’Well, n-no…’’ Kuma stammered the answer. ‘’Not at all…’’

‘’So we should be able to kiss while not being married, right?’’ Ginny’s focus had returned to looking Kuma in the eye, making him even more nervous then he was already with this line of questioning.

He had considered it before. Just living together, doing what married people did without it being official. They practically have already been doing that for years. Just without the dating, kissing and…the rest. He’d met plenty of people with full romantic lives and never married. He wasn’t so naive to think that marriage was the end all be all to romantic relationships.

Kuma just felt like Ginny deserved someone who could give her whatever she wanted, no questions asked. Since she proposed herself, it was obvious that marriage was what she wanted.

Plus, he wasn’t sure how it’d look for a pastor to date with no intention of it ending in marriage. Not that he’d put too much concern into how people would judge him for that. His beliefs were centered around freedom and joy, not judging others.

Though with her current line of questioning, it sounded like maybe Ginny was open to being more…flexible about the situation? Kuma didn’t like how it sounded like she was lowering her wants and desires for his sake. She deserved the world and more, but if that was something she was truly ok with, then maybe he could be too…

‘’I-I suppose…’’ Kuma timidly answered. ‘’Would…that make you happy?’’

What was a gentle touching of his cheek, now turned into a hard pinch. ‘’H-Hey!’’ Kuma yelped in surprise.

‘’You big idiot!’’ Ginny growled, propping herself up on her elbows to look him angrily in the eyes directly. Kuma gulped, only able to stare back in fear of what he might have wrought.

‘’You know I want to make you happy too, right?! I’m trying to find a way we could make it work. Find ways we can be together in the way we want without…making it official…’’ Ginny’s outburst trailed off quieter than it had started. She bit her lip and looked away from Kuma. Being fiery was in her nature, but being angry at him right now wasn’t what she wanted.

‘’Wait, wait! I just meant that…’’ Kuma thought carefully about his words. Dreading another potential mishap that would make her mad at him. ‘’I meant…would you be ok…doing that, knowing that it wouldn’t ever end up with us being married? Because…I w-would…love to be like that with you. Be like a couple I mean…’’

Kuma strummed the fingers he still had rested on Ginny's back, looking for a way to get this nervous energy out somehow. ‘’I would…love to be able to hold you. And to…k-kiss you, married or not…’’ Kuma smiled shyly, not able to look Ginny in the eye. ‘’I want to give you everything you’d ever want or need…I just can’t give you that. I care about you too much to put you in that kind of danger. ’’

‘’Oh Kumachi…’’ Ginny pouted. How can he be so cute all the time? She couldn’t keep being angry at him if he was going to be so sweet. Ginny grumbled, but couldn’t stop herself from smiling anyway.

‘’As much as I would love to be officially yours…we don’t need to get married to prove we mean a lot to each other…’’ Ginny leaned forward on her elbows, stretching herself a little to touch her forehead to his, both her hands now finding their way to either side of his chin. ‘’That's what I’ve been trying to tell you this whole time…’’

She raised her head up a little further, her eyes drifting closed as Ginny placed a tender kiss to his forehead. ‘’I want to be able to show you how much I love you, married or not…’’

Kuma could feel his heart swell again. How much I love you…how much I love you…the words repeated in his head, again and again. They lingered in his mind, how wonderful and terrible that a few sweet words could cause his chest to ache so much. If he could only know what to say that could express what he was feeling to her, but he was never the best at sharing what his heart truly felt.

‘’Ginny…I know I haven’t been the best at saying the right thing in these moments but…making you happy, is what makes me happy.’’ Kuma started, not confident that he was going to say the right thing, but Ginny deserved to at least hear him try.

‘’But aside from that, I just love…being around you. Spending my days with you, having moments were I get to hold you close to me…’’

He gently pushed his hand on her side, indicating that he wanted her to move a little lower. She did so, bringing them back to eye level. ‘’I d-do…wish I could kiss you…every day that I can….’’

Now it felt like Ginny’s heart was the one about to burst. She shook her head, smiling partially in disbelief, but mostly in happiness. This silly sweet man…he might never know fully what he does to her. Trying to keep his distance for her sake when all she wanted was him. In any way he was happy to give her.

He’d never know how happy he was making her right now.

Their faces were close, eyes staring deeply into each other. He could see the sparkle of joy in hers, she could see the shine of devotion in his.

That blush that was coming and going for the last while had returned to his face, her cheeks were likely no different. His lips were slightly parted, as if he had more he’d planned to say, but he’d become tongue tied.

How could he possibly get his brain to form a sentence when his lovely, beautiful saviour Ginny, was in his arms like this? So close that he could feel the hitch of anticipation in her breathing. He’d nearly forgotten to breathe himself.

‘’Well then~’’ Ginny giggled, tilting his chin upwards towards her, her target in sight. ‘’We should get started on that, shouldn’t we~?’’

With that, the small gap between their lips closed, the soft skin pressing together. They might have only had a few times of practice for this, but even now, on just their fourth try, they could already tell this one had topped all others.

Like before, they let this first one linger. Savouring the taste, just enjoying this precious moment they get to share. It wasn’t long before they couldn’t resist pressing another kiss to each other. Only to be followed by another after that.

All the stress and heartbreak from the rocky path their romance was forced to take to get here, melted away in this moment. Instead their hearts were once again filled with those fluttering butterflies, their wings sending wondrous tingles throughout their connected bodies.

Ginny could swear she could hear the loud thud inside his chest. Maybe she could just feel it beating below her. Another pleasant reminder that she was able to get this close to him.

To be held lovingly in the same strong hands that could create so much destruction if he wanted to. Yet he was using them to gently hold her close. So delicately, as if afraid he would hurt her so easily, but firmly, like he’d fear ever letting her go.

Eventually their long string of kisses had to break, when neither of them could stop the smiles forming on their faces. They giggled in unison, only laughing further at the coincidental timing.

After taking a brief needed breath, Ginny took the opportunity to press kiss after kiss to Kuma's cheeks. The barrage peppered over his skin, making him smile even more. ‘’Ginny, that tickles!”

Ginny ended her sweet attack with another big kiss to his lips. ‘’Mmmmmmmwah! Don’t expect me to stop when I can finally get my hands on you Kumachi!’’

Kuma laughed again, though did raise his hand to rub her cheek affectionately with his thumb, effectively stopping her onslaught. ‘’It feels so good to be able to make you this happy Ginny.’’

Ginny’s brow furrowed, while also pouting her lips in a childish manner. ‘’I better be making you happy too! I don’t want you to do this just for me…’’

Kuma chuckled softly, pushing gently on the back of her head so he could reach to kiss her cheek in return. ‘’ You are my happiness, Ginny. Ever since you came into my life. All those years ago when you helped free us all, to now. You make me happy just being around you!’’

His eyes turned away from Ginny for a moment, a hint of sadness within them ‘’I never thought I’d be able to just…hold you and…kiss you. Like a lover would…without, you know…’’. That well known obstacle didn’t need repeating at this point. ‘’But…if you’ll have me, without that. Then you’d be making me the happiest man in the world!’’

Ginny could only stare at that sweet smile of his. Her lip quivered when the hint of tears burned at the corner of her eyes. ‘’You…you stupid adorable dummy!’’ She exclaimed, pinching his cheeks again ‘’Sayin’ such sweet things, you’re gonna make me cry! Married or not, I just want to be able to love you, of course I’d have you!’’

‘’Don’t start crying, you’ll make me cry too!’’ Kuma smiled, despite his protest, he could still feel the wet sting beginning in his own eyes. He raised one of his hands to gently peel hers from his face, the tiny appendage dwarfed in his.

‘’Still, I am worried that if we’re seen acting like a couple in public, then someone might use that against you.’’ Kuma said softly, marveling at how delicate her hand felt in his own.

The Revolutionary Army certainly wouldn’t have a problem with them getting together. Hell, some of them probably thought that they were already an item. Iva would probably exclaim ‘’Finally!’’ There was a chance that Dragon could disapprove, if only because he too has concerns of enemies using loved ones against you.They were both sure that ultimately Dragon would support people wanting to live free in the way they want in the end though.

Kuma thought back to something his father had told him shortly after they became enslaved. He said that it was their local doctor who was forced to tell government allied soldiers that their family had buccaneers. His father held no ill-will towards the man anyway, or at least never made it seem that way to his son. That doctor was trying to protect his own family after all. He had no choice.

It just went to show that even your friends might be forced to hurt you when backed into a corner. Thus, Kuma’s fear that even without being officially linked together in the form of marriage, them being together at all might be enough to still cause harm.

‘’Pffftt, why worry about that when we’re already high ranking members of the RA?’’ Ginny dismissed passively. ‘’If a government supporter recognises who and what we are, I don’t think it’d matter who you were dating.’’

She had a point, Kuma admitted to himself. They were already big targets individually without his blood being a factor in it.

‘’If you’re that worried about it, I suppose we can keep any romantic stuff to ourselves in private.’’ Ginny sighed, using her free hand to reach up and casually play with a curl of his hair.

‘’Would you really be ok with that? That doesn’t really seem fair to you…’’Kuma replies.

Ginny makes a sound like a dismissive huff, but looks back up to Kuma’s face with a smile. ‘’Eh, I’ve said it before already! I’m just happy to love you, Kumachi~’’

Kuma’s face is still for a moment. It would be a dream come true to love her as fully and openly as any other couple would. He felt so selfish to request that they hide their love, like it was something to be ashamed of. And it was only his blood that was to blame for it.

But she’d still have him, love him despite that. Ginny truly was a blessing sent from heaven.

‘’Ginny, I…’’ That inconvenient lump in his throat came back. His chest felt so tight, and those tears were still threatening to fall. It all hurt, but at the same time, felt so wonderful. ‘’ I…I love you so much Ginny.’’ he finally choked out.

She sharply inhaled, almost like she’d been given a sudden shock. Perhaps she was. It’s not every day you get to see your most desired fantasy come true. She didn’t know how long she had been wanting to hear him say those words.

‘’Kumachi…’’ Even though she was grinning ear to ear, those tears finally started to shed. Her heart was so full, she couldn’t hold them back anymore. The sight of her smiling and crying, clearly from feeling so much joy, was also what made Kuma allow his own tears to fall.

‘’I said I’d cry if you did~’’ Kuma sniffled with his own wide smile.

‘’It’s your your own fault for being so cute!’’ Ginny playfully retorted while trying to wipe the tears away. After a moment of rubbing, her face was dry, though still very red. Her smile was, of course, still bright.

‘’Now, since you’ve given me the all clear, I want to get back to showing you how much I love you~.’’ For the second time that night, Ginny reached up to wrap her arms around his thick neck, burying her hands into his mass of curly hair.

‘’Just what I was hoping to do~’’ Kuma answered back, wrapping his large hands around her once more, as he welcomed her lips to his, for a wonderful fifth time.