The Golden Pear [YA - Featured]

♫~Notes 15~♫

She pointed at the boy, then at herself, mimicked walking with her fingers until she gestured she was working with a shovel. Aiyoku stared at her in mute amazement as his brain translated the message.

"You... You mean..." he stuttered. "You want to work here with me?" He pointed at himself as if the thought made no sense.

Her corners of the lips turned slightly up as she nodded. Aiyoku blinked, smashing the tears in his eyes. "T-Thank you." He bowed.

After a quick change, and putting down the shawl, Aiyoku was ready. Together they headed to horses who neighed their hello. Each of them demanded a pat, and one pulled Aiyoku's hair to get the second round.

With both of them working, the horses' cubicles never sparkled so brightly in such a short time. Aiyoku kept talking about his experience and how he spent time with Star.

"I kinda fell asleep in her quarter twice in a row. It was comfy, but my back tried to murder me in the morning."

Freya looked at him, leaning against the shovel. Then she burst out laughing, holding her stomach. Aiyoku's surprise lasted only for a few seconds, as she choked, taking raspy breaths.

"You okay? Need water?" He dived next to her, his knees digging into the dirt.

She shook her head, concentrating on controlling her breathing. Breathing in with her nose and letting out with the mouth after a few moments. After a minute, she recovered.

"Is your throat that bad?"

She shrugged, standing up. Her eyes trailed his body, pointing at the biggest splotches.

This time, it was his turn to shrug. "It's just dirt. Nothing to worry about."

She gave him a puzzled expression. 'Don't you care how you look? You are the ideal Prince Charming.'

The awkward silence broke Mr. Sato-san's voice. "Oi, lovebirds!"

They jerked their bodies, and Aiyoku blushed like crazy, earning an amused grin from Freya.

"Look who returned!" He held out an urn.

Their teary eyes watched it, but slight smiles grew on their faces.

"Welcome home," Aiyoku whispered.

In silence, they headed to the car. The evening had come, and there was one last thing they had to do. Mrs. Sato-san took them all the way to the hill with the tree where Star died stargazing.

They stood there, watching the diamond sky in. After a few minutes, Mrs. Sato-san opened the urn, taking out the first ash to spread it around the tree. Then her husband would do the same, with Aiyoku and Freya following.

They took turns with memories floating in their minds. A few tears escaped, but neither lost their smile for a second. Life went on in an endless cycle.