約束だよ
By – Hime no Ichigo

Genre: General/Romance
Rating: G
Pairing: DOUJOU Atsushi x KASAHARA Iku
Story Type: Drabble
Summary: When I come back, I'll tell you I love you.

Disclaimer: Toshokan Sensou is the intellectual property of Arikawa Hiro.

Notes: This is from this week's theme: "driving". Takes place in Kakumei no Tsubasa.

If anything can be said about Kasahara Iku, it is her determination to prove him wrong. Rash and inconsiderate of consequences and how many more white hair her superiors will sprout, she does it all in the name of justice.

Just as he thinks he has her figured out, she surprises him yet again.

Her world is too black and white, decidedly right and wrong, that it sometimes pains him to bring her back to reality, the ugly truth. He tries hard to be unbiased, but it is impossible. Komaki has always constantly reminded him of this; her value to the Force should not be undermined because of his over-protectiveness. The ability of Komaki to pinpoint exactly his weaknesses hurts, and so he tries, again and again.

But like all dreams and ideals, they end when least expected. With everyone out of commission except Kasahara, he has no choice but to leave her the car keys—even when he knows she's the least reliable of all drivers; they can't abandon the last hope they have. Her sense of direction is only slightly better than the average person, really only useful when in the wild, as fitting for her monkey-like tendencies.

Take it and go, he says, as his vision slowly blackens. The bloodied bandages feel damp and uncomfortable, and the longer Kasahara stays, the worse it is. Your priority is to get to safety. Don't be scared. Don't look back.

He's always been weak to her tears, and with some difficulty, he pats her on the head like usual, giving her a source of encouragement and reassurance.

Doujou doesn't expect a response other than yes, sir!, but he should have known better; Kasahara yanks him up by the collar, seemingly forgetting his injured state and kisses him, demanding him to stay alive until she comes back.

Shocked, he doesn't say anything, but at her salute, he smiles. She's like them now – has been for a while, but never in situations like this – making promises and expecting them to be kept and fulfilled after battles, just like what he and Komaki always do.

Your parents will be proud of you if you choose to tell them truth, is his last thought before he falls unconscious.

- Owari -

Authoress' Notes: I hope everyone's watched the movie! I'm waiting for the live action.