Reconnecting *Andy and Jasmine*

[glitters]

It felt like her throat was tightening. What was the matter with her? Jasmine stared at Andy, shaking her head slowly as she quietly answered, "N-no, nothing's wrong. It's just I...there's just been something on my mind for a while and every time I've been trying to tell you it it keeps disappearing on me. It's like it doesn't want me to say it."

She paused, blinking at him.

"...I'm not making sense. It's silly, you see it's doing it again. I keep thinking I'm scared or something but it's...it's stupid, really. Because it's something I should be able to just simply say, it's just...words! Words, like..." she shook her head, sighing frustratedly at herself and her stumbling again before she sucked in a deep breath, turned to Andy and said, "like...despite my father trying to be around for me and all like family should be, the greatest friend I think I've had in my life has been you. And even moreso than that...I...I think you're...the most important person to me, despite everything we've been through, too. I mean, besides Mother was to me, anyway. If that makes sense."


Which she was sure probably totally didn't. She didn't quite say what she thought she was feeling, if that was indeed what it was. But at least she successfully blabbered on again and made...some progress? Maybe?

[Andy Jammer]

Andy paused as she spoke, his body feeling a little tingly as she explained herself. He rubbed the back of his head and tried to explain himself as well.

"I think...you are important to me as well...I...I agreed to the mask's power, because I could use to defeat Trucido...and to protect you." he looked at his own hand, seemly fascinated with it, and continued. "I couldn't save Hala, and I nearly lost you more times than I can count."

He clenched his fist, "I won't let that happen again."

[glitters]

As funny as it was, it almost felt like Jasmine's heart started swimming in her chest when she heard that Andy had mutual feelings. Somehow she couldn't shake the thoughts of her father, the memories of him cursing and saying that Andy better look out for her "or else..."

She smiled so contently, so widely...maybe there could be something here that neither of them had realized before, something her mother had seen which would have made sense then why she always made fun of them--or at least Jasmine. Hmm. Did this put any of her thoughts at ease? Well, no, it just kind of excited them more. She prayed she wasn't getting her hopes up, though.

"Regardless of what you think, I believe in you with or without that mask," Jasmine let squeak a small giggle as she answered Andy, refraining from anymore scolding about his decision to make the deal he did (on the advice of her father, surprisingly), "I don't think I had paid enough attention to it before, but at least now it's come clear to me just how very noble your intentions are, Andy. Only the little girls can dream to grow up to be terrified by a monster, saved by a strong and noble warrior, reward them with a kiss and tell the tale for years to come. I almost feel a little silly being an odd girl, having been saved by my own warrior multiple times and seemingly ignoring what all he's done and doing for me. For that I apologize..."

She glanced over, he appeared to be focused on his hand which he'd clenched into a fist. Feeling an odd push from her nerves she leaned over and boldly kissed him on the cheek. Jasmine then quickly pulled back and turned away, not waiting to see his reaction (though really, a kiss to the cheek was a lot more acceptable and common than uh...). As much as she tried to keep herself composed her face burned, her cheeks a pale pink.

"...You'd deserved that a long time ago. Just like the stories, you're a genuine warrior."

[Andy Jammer]

"Huh? Thanking me? What do you-"

Then her kiss came, and he was frozen stiff. His limbs turned into cement, he became utterly rigid save for his eyes which blinked rather rapidly. There were few things he understood, he knew about fighting, nearly dying, how evil the Sumata were, how mistakes can haunt you forever. But this? Yeaaaaaaah no. He knew NOTHING about this. Or really, how to react. Should he thank her? Should he even need to? GOD DAMNIT ANDY SAY SOMETHING!

"I..."

Form more words than that!!

"...You don't really...need to thank me..."

...May wanna continue on that before hurting her feelings again.

"B-Because I...I'll still be here. And as long as this war is going on I will be there with you...so...save the thank yous for after it's all over Jasmine." he flashed a smile, "There will be plenty of time after for all this. Trust me."

[glitters]

Jasmine hadn't seen his initial reaction, so she missed the fun in seeing him become all flustered. She turned her head back in his direction as he spoke and as she listened to his words she couldn't help but remember what her father had told her.

And yet? Everything Vincent had said to her back in Ketulunanox still didn't make very much sense to her, but slowly she thought she was beginning to understand if she just, for once, listened and did as her father told her to.

And right now just as he said she should, Jasmine gave Andy her most longing smile, a happy beat in her heart and said in full confidence, "Of course, I'll see you when it's all over. Let's work our hardest and see that day."