A YCH from from the talented  YumiCh.

The pair snuck down the streets, dodging from awning to awning in an effort to stay dry. They laughed as they moved through a puddle, splashing the area around them. After a moment they took shelter near a bus stop to catch their breath. The sun had just set and the rain only further cooled the night.

"Where are you taking me?" the young woman asked, wringing out the water from her shirt. They sat down a moment, watching the scarce amount of cars driving by. She shook his arm, trying to get response other than his goofy grin. "Well?"

"You'll see," he answered again. He grabbed her hand and kissed it. "You'll see." He let out a deep breath, watching the rain beat down on the bus stop. She scooted closer to him, putting herself under his arm. Suddenly their little spot of safety was lit up. A bus screeched to a halt, the door sliding open. The bus driver looked down at them. "No thank you, we're just staying dry." With a nod the doors slid close and the bus drove off leaving them alone again. "Alright Mareit, you ready to go?"

"Gem I'm just following you."

"And I appreciate it." He stood, pulling her with him. "It's a little further."

"That's good. We'll catch a cold if we stay out much longer." Gem pulled her across the street and towards a group of office buildings. They ignored the comments of a few late workers giving them odd glances. Gem lead her around the buildings and to a nearby park. "Where are we going?"

"Almost there." They stepped off the sidewalk and sunk into the grass. "Just around the corner." Mareit pulled her pant's legs up, making wide steps to where Gem was heading. They arrived at a gate with a chain lock around it. Gem grinned at her, showing off a key he produced from his pocket.

"How do you-"

"I did a few odd jobs." He unlocked the padlock, letting Mareit in. She turned, watching him lock the gate back.

"When did you have the time?"

"I made the time. For us." He motioned for her to follow again. Mareit cocked an eyebrow, wondering when exactly he made the time since they were together nearly 24/7. In front of them was a building taped off with construction tape. Gem ducked under one of the lengths of tape, holding it open for Mareit to follow. She did, tentatively watching her step onto the concrete. Inside entryway a dim light shown from down the hallway. "Just through there."

Gem walked ahead of her and stood in the doorway, waiting for Mareit to reach him. He leaned back against the doorway, looking just a little smug. Mareit reached the doorway and gasped, "Oh my." Inside was a garden, perfectly tended to and filled with a variety of flowers. A few sun lights shown down from above, filling the large room with daylight. Most noticeable was a picnic table that was set with the stereotypical plaid table cloth and picnic basket. "You planned this?"

"Of course. Come on, the food should still be good." He walked over the table, beneath the artificial shade of a newly planted oak tree. Mareit followed, feeling her happiness growing by the moment. They sat down next to each other. Gem took the picnic basket, spreading out the food and drinks. He produced a candle and matchbox, setting up the romantic mood. Mareit grinned as the candle was lit. "There, perfect."

"How did you manage all of this?"

"Like I said, I did some work so I could get this set up." He made a plate for Mareit, setting it in front of her. After he did the same for himself they began to eat.

"But how? We spend all of our time together." Mareit began to eat her sandwich. "All of our time," she emphasized between bites.

"I may have slipped away during the night sometimes," Gem admitted sheepishly. "Only for a few hours at a time."

"Doing what?"

"Cleaning mostly. And a bit of planting."

"In here?"

"Yeah. You know we need money, and the guy who owns this place was willing to pay under the table." Mareit frowned, but understood. Things have been hard recently, especially since they were trying to get the band started up. Plus the fact that none of the four of them had any formal education didn't do them any favors. "I promise it's not going to become habit. I just wanted to do something special."

"Okay Gem." She gave him a sad smile, "Okay." Gem nodded in understanding. The pair continued their meal in a comfortable silence. Every now and then a rumble of thunder reverberated throughout the building. Mareit glanced up at one of the windows near the ceiling, watching the rain roll off the roof. "Do you know what this place is going to be?"

"I think some sort of indoor park, for days just like this."

"That sounds lovely." She took another bite of food. "We should remember to do this more."

"We will." He put down his sandwich, staring out at the greenery around them. "I promise." He looked at Mareit, seeing the love and sadness in her eyes. "It'll just get easier." She nodded, leaning her head on his shoulder. He wrapped his arm around her waist and gave her a little squeeze.

"It has to," Mareit whispered, more to herself than to Gem. "This has been wonderful Gem. Thank you."

"Anything for you Mareit. Now come on, I have something else to show." He stood up and Mareit followed shortly behind. They trekked through a path which seemed to be designed to look overgrown. A moment later Mareit heard the sound of running water. She peered around the corner and saw a pond with a waterfall attached to it. On the opposite side from the waterfall the pond ran off into a small river. The pond was covered in the shade of river birches intermittently spread out around the pond.

"Now what do you have planned?"

"I thought we'd take a swim."

"In our clothes?"

"No, I got some swim wear for us." Gem pointed to a small bag resting at the base of a tree. The wandered over and Gem reached into the bag. "It should fit you." He held out a one piece bathing suit, "But you keep gaining muscle mass so who knows." Mareit rolled her eyes and gave him a playful slap on the chest.

They undressed and put on their respective swim wear, making playful comments to each other. Satisfied she was properly dressed Mareit dipped a tow into the pond. "Chilly."

"It's always best to just get it over with." Gem stepped up beside her. Before she could react he grabbed both of her arms and fell backwards, dragging her down with him. She had just enough time to hold her breath before they plunged below the surface. They came up quickly and she spat out some of the water. "See it's not bad." Gem splashed some water up on her.

"You jerk," she playfully insulted, splashing back. They went back and forth for a moment before settling back. They eventually laid on their backs, hand in hand. They drifted around the pond, using their feet to kick back towards the center every time they neared the edge. The pair looked up at the false light, enjoying the warm rays.

"What time do you think it is?" Mareit's asked, her voice muffled through the water.

"I have no idea." She didn't ask any further and instead simply relaxed. They floated in silence, listening to the sounds around them. After a time the lights flickered slightly, the storm outside becoming stronger. "We should probably get out of the water, just in case."

"Agreed." They swam to the shore, pulling themselves out of the water. It seemed a cool breeze blew by, making Gem shiver slightly. "Now who's cold?"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah." He bent down to the bag they're swim wear was in and pulled out a few towels. He threw one at her haphazardly. Mareit caught it without much effort and watched her boyfriend dry himself off. "See something you like?"

"Maybe." She laughed, beginning to dry herself. "This has been a great night Gem." She bent down, drying her legs.

"Yes it has been." Suddenly Mareit couldn't see, Gem's towel draped over the top of her head. She let out a giggle and tore the towel off, ready to get her revenge. What she saw instead made her heart skip a beat. "Gem?" He was knelt down on one knee, looking up at her.

"Mareit. I know I don't have to tell you how much I love you, but I'll try to put it into words anyway. You've been by my side literally every single day I can remember, through everything that happened to us. They say for better or for worse, and we've already been through the worst so I feel there's no one I'd rather be with when it gets better. Mary-Ann I would be honored if you'd consider marrying me."

Gem reached into the bag and pulled out a small box. "Yes!" Mareit answered immediately. She fell, wrapping her arms around Gem.

"You didn't even let me show you the ring," Gem laughed, returning her embrace. Mareit could feel the tears begin to well up in her eyes. "I love you. I have always loved you, since the day you found me wandering the streets. I thought, and still think, that you make me a better person."

Mareit leaned in, kissing Gem deeply. "I love you Gem. I love you so much." He held the wooden box in front of her. She took it and opened it up. She smiled, reaching in for the simple golden ring. Gem gently took her hand, slipping the ring on her finger. It fit perfectly.

"I love you too Mareit. Forever and always."

"Forever and always Gem." The shared another kiss. Gem stood, helping Mareit to her feet. She held onto him, swaying back and forth. "Forever and always," she whispered again, her voice beginning to waiver. "Oh Gem," she started, finally letting out the tears she had held back. She hugged Gem as hard as she could.

She let him go and looked down at the ring. "I love this, but-"

"How much? Don't worry about it. I've been saving up for a really long time. Years." Mareit nodded and ran her fingers along the ring. "Whatever you think it cost just know that it was worth it to me." Gem grabbed her hands, "You are worth it to me. And when we finally hit it big we can look for another ring, if you want."

"No, this one is perfect. I wouldn't trade it for anything." Gem let her go and the pair sat on the bank of the pond, holding hands and talking about the future. For the first time in a while, things seemed to be looking up.

Art is ©  YumiCH
Gem and Mareit are ©  m-yeti