Welcome to Gaia! ::

He'd almost forgotten how stubborn and defiant Natalia could be. Now that fire was directed at him, and rather unexpectedly. He could only stare, dumbfounded, as she lectured him and poked at his chest. Asch could then feel his blood boil at the very thought of her being that idiot's bride, and having to feign happiness. But wasn't that the duty of the "real" Luke? The Luke that he wasn't anymore?

Asch's thoughts were suddenly derailed as Natalia's lips touched his, even if for the briefest of moments. He stared at her in shock as she stepped back, then turned to leave. His swordsman's reflexes suddenly leaping into action as his hand quickly grabbed her wrist, before he even had time to think.

"Wait," he heard himself saying.

Holding fast to her hand, Asch stood up so that he was right next to her. He had a decision to make. A part of him had hoped that she would have quietly accepted his decision and left it at that, but he honestly had known better. That wasn't the Natalia he knew. He should have expected this sort of reaction.

But now, if he let her walk out... he would have his way. His pride would be gratified and his duty fulfilled. But at what cost? Was he going to just push her away when she so willing to accept him? Had he not longed and dreamed for such a moment? Was he really willing to just throw it all away?

Yet at the same time, if he gave in, what would that mean for her? Would that really be any sort of future... for either of them? Practical ideas aside, he was also... scared. Scared of being rejected and replaced again. And what about his duty to Team Rocket?

He made his choice.

Taking Natalia by the shoulder with his other hand, he turned her towards him. His lips finding hers in the next instant as he kissed her.

Although he didn't speak, this was his answer.

As he kissed her, Asch released Natalia's wrist and brought that hand up to her cheek. He wiped away her tears with a simple brush of his thumb, before pulling away. His mind screaming at him. What was he doing? She had forced his hand, but the simple fact of the matter was... he did still have feelings for her, and he didn't want to lose her... not again.

He gave Natalia a serious stare, but despite that, there was a faint glimmer in his eyes. "This is between us," he told her.

This could easily bite both of them in the butt, and already Asch's mind was coming up with terrible scenarios and doubts. His loyalty was to Team Rocket, and now Natalia was demanding things of him as well. He would be walking a dangerous path to try and balance both. But... had he not stopped her... would Natalia really have left him? He mentally cursed himself for his weakness.

His eyes searched hers for a moment as she agreed to keep this a secret. At least she agreed to that much, and for that he was grateful.

Asch nodded, and despite his doubts, being this close to Natalia felt right, even if forbidden.

Her request at dinner drew a small smile, softening his normally hardened features. "All right," he conceded while taking her hand to lead Natalia back to the table until she sat. Once she had, he seated himself once more as well. He then stared at her quietly, even while picking up a menu.

Her kindness was beyond measure, and Asch felt a little guilty. He didn't deserve such kindness, even from her, and yet he was allowing it to happen. No doubt Luke and Guy would give her a hard time for showing him such mercy and understanding. But Natalia accepted him, even as he was, and it meant the world to him.