Once ~ A two-shot

Once : Part two

After that, Me and Hana went as usual when we met at the party. We didn't talk as much, or laugh as much. We didn't go on the adventures we did as children anymore. I always felt kind of... lost. Like a part of was lost, actually. I sometimes even think that dad planned for us to slowly break apart like we are now, which is just my selfish way of saying that I wish it wasn't true. It didn't make a difference either way. I was married to the kind Sir Nathan and had a beautiful daughter. A few years after my daughter was born, though, Nathan was sent to be a soldier at war. I can't lie to myself and say I forgot about Hana and fell in love with Nathan, but I did love him. He was extremely important to me. So when letter came that he was shot and killed, I was crumbling. I had my daughter, so I had to be strong. I was strong for both of us that time. That strength is why she smiles so happily now, a year later. I'm 21 this time, and currently chasing the 3 year old Nami through the King's castle. She gets to the back, where the entrance to the garden is, before bumping into someone.

"Oh, I'm sorry." She says, taking a step back. I put a hand on her shoulder and sigh, as I look up to the person. It was Hana, of course, who was a full fledged adult now, as handsome as ever.

"Hello, Sir Hana. How are you?"

"I'm well, thank you, Miss Lucy. How have you been lately? I heard...."

Nami tugs at my dress and I look at her.

"Mother, you know this man?"

"Ah, yeah I do!"

He gives Nami a smirk and she laughs.

"Does Mother like him?"

I blush, taken aback.

"N-Nami!"

"What? I like him!"

I just smile, the soft breeze pushing my hair around as it becomes afternoon. I pat her back, sending her off somewhere else letting Gerard handle her.

"Shall we talk, for old time's sake?" I say to Hana, standing straight again.

"It sounds nice."

We naturally go to the tree and he looks at it with hands in pocket. I climb the branch, sitting and swinging my legs.

"Really, Lucy? We're adults."

"Why not? It's been a while, Hana."

He groans, but climbs up next to me and I laugh.

"Hey, I know it's awefully late to question about this now but.."

"What is it?"

"Why did you have to lie to me about having a wife?"

"That? I... I apologize for that.."

"Did my Father put you up to it? He didn't want us to associate, did he?"

"Lucy, it seemed like the good choice."

"Good choice? Couldn't you have just said that you started University and couldn't play with me on that single day anymore? It would've been easier to believe!"

"I did go to university, though!"

"I know! But that wasn't the news you decided to tell me!"

"Wait- Lucy I'm sorry!"

"...I forgive you. For that incident, I started my family, which I love dearly. But, at that time, I was in love with you Hana."

"Lucy."

He puts a hand on my tear streaked face and turns it towards him.

"I know. I loved you too."

No. I can feel myself breaking. I'm not quite sure if I forced him at that moment, but I leaned over and pressed my lips against his. I don't think it was all one sided, because soon after came a ring. The only problem was, with that ring, came a letter. A letter that took Hana away from me. 3 years after, I attend that same party. I haven't seen Hana for these 3 years, which has been leaving me thinking rude remarks like 'I'm surprised the King hasn't died yet.' and such. Greeting everyone and being complimented, I get suddenly hugged at my leg by a 6 year old Nami.

"Yes?"

"Mother! There's a boy in the garden! He's so mean!"

Looking up, I see a boy Nami's age pouting with his arms crossed over at the garden. Smiling at Nami, I gesture for her to back.

"Go, Nami. I'm sure he can be a good friend. He can be the person you can argue and laugh with."

Gerard sends me a grin and Nami runs back, but as a messenger whispers in his ear, I watch Gerard's face turn grim. He goes to me and leans close.

"Miss Nami, it's from the army. Sir Hana got wounded at war, he's at the base. It seems he's in critical condition."

My pupils dilate. I'm already panicking.

"Gerard. You're in charge of Nami until I get back."

"Understood."

I hike up my dress, running to my private car (( You don't know how badly I wanted to put carridge TT-TT )) and directing the chauffer to take me to the base. that 4 hour drive drove me insane but I hopped out and ran for it. Finding his room, I dive to his bed.

"Hana?! Hana!"

"He's been sleeping. I'll leave you two alone for now..." The doctor says, stepping out.

"Hana no, no, c'mon. Be okay..."

"Ha..ha... What kind of greeting is that?....Vulgar...."

I look at him, with his one eye open and wincing.

"You big fool, this isn't the time for jokes...!"

I hit the top of his head and he mutters an 'ow' before taking a look at me starting to cry.

"W-wait, I was just kidding around, I'm sorry..."

"Stupid! Idiot! Be sorry for a while!" I yell, crawling onto him and kissing him. The 26 year old me, I fell in love with a man who I've only met once a year for twenty years when I was only 6 years old. Now, I'll hold him, not stupid enough to let him go.