Seashells

[sunrises]

Just ignore this post if you're not a fan of Kokoro, alright? e-e; This one-shot was written so that I could have a grasp of what Retasu and Jishou's relationship is like, that's all. Nothing more, nothing less.

Title: Seashells
Summary: Retasu and Jishou have a conversation by the beach.
Disclaimer: ...I lied. Jishou belongs to Mia Ikumi and Reiko Yoshida, but I created details for him. You should know that I don't own Retasu either, ne. x-x;

"...It's been a while since you've seen Shirogane Ryou, correct?"

Jishou seemed to be a little hesitant as he began on this topic, but he knew that it was the only way to make this girl face her problems. The adult placed his gaze on the seashell basket that the green-haired girl was carrying. Was this one of her many ways to take her mind off him?

"...Yes, it has been a while. Why do you ask, Beaumont-senpai?" She finally replied, kneeling down to pick up a seashell. "It's not like I need him or anything."

Jishou tilted his head to the side, but he didn't say anything. "...He gave you confidence, didn't he? And you began to have a crush on him.. and you were going to tell him your feelings, but..."

"Ichi--Shirogane-chan married him before I had the chance." Retasu broke off, her voice bitter. "I know that I'm not supposed to be depressed, but..."

"You admired him?" Jishou replied, kneeling to meet the girl face-to-face. "...I may not have the same problems that you have, but I'll certainly promise that I'll try and help you."

Retasu blinked. "But you don't know him. So how do you promise to help me..?" She asked, bringing her knees closer to her so that she could hug them tightly.

"...By helping you get over him."

Retasu let out a hollow laugh. "I highly doubt it, but thanks for the offer."

Jishou's expression changed to one of concern. Depression was deadly if it was as serious as the one in Retasu's case, and it looked like she was close - no, she was probably at the breaking point already.

"....I promise I'll help you. I hate seeing anybody looking as depressed as you are." He vowed, placing his heart on his chest. "I don't want you to be sad, alright?"

Retasu couldn't help but give a small smile upon seeing Jishou's expression. "A-alright, I'll try and become cheerful. I can't promise that I can be it right away, but.. slowly, but steadily..."

"...you'll become much, much happier.." Jishou finished as he helped the girl to her feet. "Kyr was talking about you the other day. I can see why he's so determined to help you out.."

Retasu blinked. "You know Kyr-kun?"

Jishou sweatdropped. He had forgotten that he was going around as a Japanese-American. "...He's a student of mine." He replied quickly, rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment as he spoke.

If Retasu noticed his change in voice, she didn't say so. "...That works. But---" The girl was silenced by the look that Jishou gave her.

"...I'd adopt you if I could, you know. I never did have any daughters.. and I'm currently not too fond of my son's choice in girlfriends..."

Retasu couldn't help but laugh. "The over-protective father?"

Jishou gave a nod. "That's exactly what I am. But my elder son's too independent.. it looks like he doesn't need me.." He replied sadly. Retasu gave a weak nod at his words, embracing the adult.

"...I'm sorry. I'm sure that your son loves you.."

Jishou patted Retasu on the back, giving a smile. Had it really been that long since somebody had hugged him in this manner..? He didn't know, but he didn't care at the moment...