The Promise

THE PROMISE / YAKUSOKU / 約束

A RETELLING OF A ONESHOT SHORT STORY BY TOMEKICHI

**Story Designation**---Canon Compatible

**Synopsis**

When a new family moved into the neighborhood, they soon went next door to introduce themselves, and offered a get-acquainted gift to the established family who would be their close neighbors. A young boy named Yukinari meets the new family's only child, a very feminine looking boy, with a pronounced girl-like aura around them, named Chitose. They are about the same age and soon become very intimate and loyal friends. However, Chitose has always been sickly and weak, and has to spend a good amount of time in bed. As time went by, Yukinari tries to play with and help Chitose keep a bright outlook on their life, despite their health concerns. Also, the more time Yukinari spent with Chitose, the more the thought was kept in the back of his mind that Chitose was probably a girl pretending to be a boy. But this did not matter very much to Yukinari, whether boy or girl, he grew to appreciate and love Chitose for who they were.

However, eventually, Chitose had to go overseas for many lengthy and painful operations, to be performed over a long period of time. Yukinari says that he will wait on them. The two friends make a solemn and faithful promise between them, to be kept in each one's heart. But when Chitose eventually returns, they are not their perceived birth gender of that of a boy, but are now a cute, pretty girl. Will their friendship with Yukinari be rekindled and renewed ? Will the sacred promise made between the two be honored and fulfilled ?

**Character Profiles**

Click on each character's profile picture to be taken to that character's profile page

Chitose TokiwasYukinari"Male" Chitose

**The Promise---A Canon Compatible Retelling of a Oneshot Short Story by Tomekichi**

On the day that the new family moved into the neighborhood, they soon went next door to introduce themselves, and to offer a get-acquainted gift to the established family in the community. Yukinari, a young boy with the established family, was introduced to the new family's only child. A boy about the same age as Yukinari, and named Chitose Tokiwas. Yukinari was pleased to meet someone about his own age, but was quite taken aback by the boy's very feminine looks, as well as a delicate and girl-like aura that seemed to encircle Chitose. Chitose that day was even dressed like a little girl, wearing a hoodie with a cartoon snowman on the front, girl's styled short shorts, and white knee socks. Even though Yukinari was a bit embarrassed being around Chitose, nevertheless, Chitose took an instant liking to Yukinari, even holding hands with him on their first day together. Both Mom's were so happy that Chitose had found a friend to be around and to play with.

But it soon became apparent that Chitose's play time and activities would be very limited. Chitose was not allowed outside, and spent a good deal of time in bed. However, that did not deter or stop Yukinari from seeing and playing with Chitose nearly every day. Chitose had a weak and frail body, and had to take it easy with just about anything that they did. Most of their activities were held in Chitose's bedroom, or elsewhere in the house. Even then, Chitose did not have a lot of energy or stamina. As time went by, the friendship and love between the two only grew more pronounced, and deepened to that of a very personal and intimate, heartfelt emotional and social bond between the two. Also, although the subject was never brought up, Yukinari always kept in the back of his mind the supposition that Chitose might actually be a girl pretending to be a boy. But that did not matter to Yukinari in the least. Whether boy or girl, he was in love with him/her, this because of his/her mild, kind, and appreciative personality.

After a few months had passed, one day Yukinari and his mom came over to the Tokiwas' household, to spend time together, Mom with Mom, and Yukinari with Chitose. Chitose was in the bedroom, in bed of course, but was so glad to see Yukinari. This turned out to be a very happy time, because Yukinari wanted to present Chitose with a friendship gift. A pretty bow to wear in their hair (just like how girls do), that Yukinari had seen at the candy store! Chitose was excited and thrilled to receive the gift. But then, Chitose, instead of wearing it in their hair, instead had Yukinai come near to them in bed, and placed the bow in his hair, a little to the side of his forehead, worn just like a girl would! Both moms were watching from the bedroom door, and Yukinari's mom thanked Mrs. Tokiwas for always keeping an eye on Yukinari whenever he would come over to play. Not saying a word, Yukinari wore the bow all the rest of the day, to honor the loaning of the present to him by Chitose.

Unfortunately, the moms had to discuss some important concerns regarding Chitose and their illness, this to be done privately in the kitchen, and were soon gone from the bedroom door. After the moms left, Chitose shifted into a serious mood, telling Yukinari straight up about what is to shortly happen. Chitose has to go overseas for a series of lengthy and complicated operations. So they will be living overseas for a while. Yukinari excitedly asks when Chitose will be coming back ? This because Yukinari soulfully confessed that he does not want to be apart from Chitose. Chitose remarks that they do not know how long this will take, it is just that they will return when they fully recover from the operation(s). Emotions are now running high, as Chitose begins to cry, and says that they are scared of the whole situation. Chitose inquires as to what is to happen if something goes wrong ? What if they end up dying ? Yukinari offers the only thing that his child's mind could think of at this spur-of-the-moment, potentially distressful situation. He offers that *the both of them get married*, when Chitose can return after they are all better, and have came back home !

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A FEW YEARS LATER

Yukinari is now in high school. He has become a affable, kind, and mature teenager. He is congenial with everyone, though he never became close friends with anyone else, boy or girl. He always remembered his promise to the one friend that be kept close to his heart.

Yukinari comes home one day after school, to be greeted by Mom with a cheerful, 'Welcome Home'. He notes an extra pair of shoes by the front door, and wonders if there is a guest in the house ? Yes, indeed! Mom joyfully announces that Chitose is back ! Go to the front room and see for yourself ! This he does.

*" I'm home, Yukinari ! I've come back ! "*, shouts Chitose with glee.

Yukinari is dressed in the male school uniform, but so is Chitose, dressed in the same male uniform of the same school that Yukinari attends. Chitose looks much the same as they did when they left, although now as an older teenager. However, they are so much more attractive, and has such a remarkable resemblance to that of a typical teenage girl.

" Welcome back, Chitose! ", cries Yukinari, " I really missed you ! " Both friends are passionately hugging one another as they speak. " I really missed you, too, Yukinari ! ", replies Chitose, " I can even go to school here now, that means that I can attend the same school as you do ! " Yukinari observes that the two of them will be together even at school, and that is so good to know. But the high school Yukinari attends is an all-boys school. How is that attendance possible ? Chitose matter-of-factly states that everyone already knows them as a boy, so they don't see a problem being in an all-boys school ! Hearing this, Yukinari makes a mental note that Chitose was probably a boy all along. Also, Chitose came back all better now, so just like we promised, LET'S GET MARRIED !

That weekend, Yukinari had to attend a club session at school on Saturday morning. Now just getting home in the early afternoon, he is still dressed in his male school uniform. He goes to the front room, only to find Chitose lounging on the couch. " Welcome home, Yukinari !", is the cheerful greeting offered by Chitose. Chitose is dressed in white hoodie, and girl's stretch ski slacks. Yukinari comments that he notices that Chitose is making themselves 'at home', as usual. As soon as Yukinari sits down on the other end of the couch, Chitose jumps up, and plops themselves down right next to Yukinari. Chitose then puts their arms around Yukinari's neck, nuzzles their cheek to his cheek, and passionately purrs---

" Yukinari-kun ! *Let's get married !* "

Slightly annoyed, Yukinari gently states, as he separates cheeks from Chitose, " Just to let you know, I said that way back then because I though you were a girl. I don't intend on *marrying a guy*. "

" I see. Then wait here for a second. ", says Chitose with a concerned and contemplative look on their face. Chitose retires to another room. After a while, the door opens and Chitose thanks him for waiting. But, oh my, how Chitose has changed !!! She is wearing a girl's sailor suit school uniform, complete with a pleated mini-skirt. Wow ! So attractive ! Chitose says that it was Yukinari's mom's school uniform from when she herself was in jr. high school. It fits perfectly !

" What about now ? ", offers Chitose with a huge smile on her face .

Yukinari is quite taken aback, and is at a loss for words. After a short time has passed, he finally says that Chitose is just cross-dressing, nothing more. Chitose counters with the idea that she thought that Yukinari would like her cuteness, and that she really looked like a girl. Seeing is believing! She is a real girl now! Yukinari admits that she is definitely cute. "Good, now will you marry me if I'm like this ?" Yukinari turns away from facing the cute girl, and states that even if you dress like that, aren't you really still a guy ? Chitose takes her hands and tactfully places them on Yukinari's cheeks, gently turning his face so that he is looking at her face, close enough to be within kissing range. Chitose cries out with her whole mind, heart, and soul---

" Whether you think we are both guys, or not, **I love you, Yukinari !!!** "

Yukinari says nothing. Chitose silently questions herself, wondering why is Yukinari looking at her with those 'straight forward', deadpan eyes ? Both silently look at each other for a very long time. Finally, Yukinari apologizes, saying that he has to do homework that has to be turned in soon, and turns to leave. **" Wait ! "**, cries out Chitose. Yukinari leaves the front room and heads for his bedroom. Chitose is left to herself, and without making a sound, her heart breaks and she begins to drip tears from her big, soulful eyes. Once inside his bedroom, Yukinari sinks to the floor, scrunched up, propping up against the bedroom door from the inside. For the next hour or so, he thinks deeply and as objectively as he can. He ends up with his face buried in his hands, in complete and abject confusion and uncertainty.

Late that afternoon, Yukinari has changed out of his school uniform, and is wearing a t-shirt, pants, and a zipup jacket. He returns to sitting on the couch in the front room. Mom comes in, but says nothing. Soon, Yukinari asks if Chitose is still here ? No, she left a while ago. Mom wants to know if some sort of misunderstanding or rift has occurred between you two ? Yukinari says not really. Mom knows different, that he is not telling her what she wants to know. Mom discerns this from the fact that Yukinari is plainly upset, and would not get this upset over something trivial. Mom points out that he has loved Chitose since they were little kids. Yukinari confesses that was because all this time, he thought Chitose was actually a girl, and not a perceived boy . After a long silence, mom speaks again. She says that Chitose's father wants to see him, and can he go over to their house early this evening ? Yukinari is puzzled. Why would Chitose's dad want to speak to him ?

Early that evening, finds Yukinari entering the front room of the Tokiwa's household. Dad is sitting at a low table, having a drink of sake. He apologizes for calling Yukinari over on such short notice. You wanted to talk, asks Yukinari ? Thoughts race through Yukinari's mind, wondering if this conversation is going to be about the fact that he has not, so far, responded to the marriage promise ? Yukinari has not, because, he now knows that Chitose seems to be a guy, and not a girl pretending to be a guy, as he had always thought.

Dad begins by again apologizing for the fact that Chitose has been pestering you about marrying. With all that happening, Dad realizes that it seems to mean that Yukinari would not be able to have any kind of girl friend, what with Chitose constantly 'getting in the way'. Plus, being still in high school, Yukinari has their own life to lead, so as to graduate, and should not consider marriage right now. But please understand that Chitose ***loves you deeply, with all her heart.*** Early on, when we first moved here, Chitose was perceived as a boy, but fell in love with you, Yukinari, That love is what kept Chitose alive, able to fight against the illness that manifested itself all these years, with few complaints from Chitose about the 'cards that they were dealt with' in life. Chitose may have misunderstood what you were saying back then, but that was because Chitose believed themselves to be a boy on the outside, but a girl on the inside. A girl who would eventually marry. But that misunderstanding saved Chitose from giving up on themselves. Dad thanks Yukinari for his marriage offer, nonetheless.

Yukinari is silent, as he ponders things over in his mind. What is this about a misunderstanding ? On my part ? On Chitose's part ? Did I misunderstand my own feelings back then, because I though that Chitose was secretly a girl in a boy's body ? These feelings of mine, can I really trust them ? What about back then ? What about now ?

About this time, Mrs. Tokiwa comes into the front room, and sees Yukinari. She beckons him to come to this other room. When Yukinari enters the room, it is a sight to behold ! Chitose is dressed in a fancy, ornate pure white wedding gown, complete with a white chiffon veil. Yukinari is stunned into abject silence, with his eyes as wide as saucers, and with his jaw 'dropping to the ground' !

" What do you think ? ", begins Chitose, " Does it look good on me ? Mom said that she wore this very wedding dress for her own wedding ! I'm sorry ! I wanted us to get married no matter what, so I told Mom about it. She said that if I wore this, you would be duly impressed. You see, in wanting to marry you, I thought that I *had to get better*, no matter what.

     So I worked hard at doing just that, all the way until I returned, all the way until today. I often thought that it would have been much better if I had just died, and not go through the almost constant pain and suffering that were the inevitable consequences of the surgeries. But each time those thoughts would cross my mind, I found myself thinking that ***I had to live,*** because that is what I had promised you that day, *that we would eventually marry !* Since I have been back, maybe you thought that you could not marry another boy. *But one of the operations **changed me into a real girl on the outside**, to match the real girl that I have been, and am now, on the inside !* So I'm really grateful to you, Yukinari-kun, 'cause it was you who kept me alive!

It's not that I have always liked guys---- ***I like you, Yukinari-kun !!! "*** Chitose ends with her eyes moist and wet with tears.

Yukinari becomes frozen in silence, with a blank and puzzled look on his face, not knowing just what to say. His emotions and feelings are coming so crowded together that his mind can't process all the thoughts and sensations fast enough. He fights for some semblance of logical thinking in a mind overwhelmed by the free will and desires of his heart. Soon, his mind clears enough that he can begin to 'review the bidding'. The priority and importance of his ideas now are, One, Chitose is telling me her most private, honest, and purest feelings, and what they mean to her. Two, Chitose has not changed her mind, heart, and soul, not one bit, from when I loved "him" from way back then. Three, even if you were a "boy" back then, you were still the cutest, most feminine, most pleasing, most loving girl that I had ever come to know or befriend. And four, **this is all of Chitose right before me, past, present, and future.**

Yukinari's heart explodes with love and devotion to this very special person standing right in front of him. He gently encircles his arms around Chitose, and brings her close to him, pressing her into his chest, with her face on his shoulder, nuzzling his cheek. Yukinari whispers into Chitose's ear---

" I know we can't marry right away, ***but you are already my bride !*** "

Chitose softly, but awkwardly tells Yukinari in a low voice, " Does that mean you like me ? "

Yukinari answers, " I remember now. I also fell for you back then **because it was you, Chitose !!!** "

" Yukinari ............... ", passionately whispers Chitose, as she wraps her arms around Yukinari, and digs her fingers into his backside 'wing bones'. Passion explodes into a romantic display of colorful and intensive fireworks, as the two lovers embrace in a lengthy, moist, sexy, erotic, and a most explicit / sensual kiss. Such a kiss, is displayed right in front of Chitose's parents ! Girlfriend and boyfriend for now, bride and groom for later ! The promise fulfilling boy and the faithful trans girl, united in mind, heart, and spirit at last !!!

( THE END )

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