Raimundo thought the awkwardness was going to drive him insane. He cleared his throat, and ventured,

"Uh, so...since this tearful reunion is over, can we get looking for the Wu or somthin'?"

Raimundo wondered momentarily if he should sneak off and talk to the cowboy. He know he didn't want to -- that would be hella awkward -- but having been deprived of his company for so long had made him grow a bit...lonely. He wanted to talk to him, but like how he used to before things got so completely and utterly confusing and complicated.

He sighed and casually slumped away from the others. The Shen Gong Wu could wait -- he needed to talk to Clay.

Raimundo stopped when he came within a few feet of Clay. He flashed a quick glance behind him as to make sure no one was within earshot. He swallowed. Great, he had spent all this time trying to avoid the cowboy, and now he had just confronted him on his own free will? What the hell was wrong with him?

He blinked, facing Clay without saying anything.

Raimundo's face flushed slightly (much to his annoyance) when he heard Clay speak. He couldn't help but think of how cute he was when he was acting bashful.

"Hey there yourself," he replied, trying to act as nonchalant as possible.

Raimundo was equally surprised at how bold Clay was being. The thought of being alone in a room with Clay caused his cheeks to flush a slight pink, but they resided after a moment.

"Uh...y-yeah." He managed out of his dry throat. "You're right...we need to talk...in private."

(I SENCE FORESHADOWING :D)

"Uh...sure." Raimundo said, scratched the side of his head tentavely. Casually putting his hands back in his pockets, he began walking with Clay.

Okay, great. Now...what was he going to say?

After a few moments of walking in silence, Raimundo thought it would be best to start up a conversation, even if it was a simple one.

"So..how have things been?" he ventured, not looking directly at his companion.

Raimundo was about to say "good", but he stopped himself.

"Bad." He said honestly. He obviously didn't notice the clouds, because he kept talking.

"I...miss you." The sentence came out a tad more awkward than he would have liked.

Raimundo stopped walking as his face began to furiously heat up. Well, it was now in the open. Feeling slightly bolder than before, he decided to sheild any signs of aphrihension he felt and continue. He might as well, him and Clay were already on the same page.

"I...I wish you would come back to the Temple." he stated. For some unknown reason, his throat began growing extreamly tight and he felt his eyes begin to water up. Oh great. Why the hell was  he getting all emotional and teary? He faced the ground to hide his expression; he continued, trying to keep his voice steady.

"I can't think straight when you're not there. I miss you terribly. I'm sorry if what I said earlier caught you off guard or wasn't fair of me to say, but I really, really wan't to have you back at the Temple. I...need you." Although it sounded a little sappier than he would have liked, he was relieved he finally got what needed to be said out. Now he waited in tantalizing silence for his responce.

Raimundo didn't bother looking up when he felt a few droplettes of rain pelt him on his head. Great. Just great. As the rain continued, it began falling at a faster pace, until Raimundo was completely soaked.

"Damn it..." he mumbled. Raimundo sighed. At least in the rain Clay couldn't tell her was crying.

(perv heheh XD)

Raimundo's eyes shot open as he felt a furious blush spread across his face. Clay's hand was so much larger than his, and it was so strong...

He averted his eyes as his face grew even redder and allowed Clay to lead him into shelter.

Raimundo blushed furiously when Clay came in contact with his skin. His blushed deepened when he heard him speak.

"Clay, I..." he started, not knowing exactly how to go about this subject. It was as if all his boldness has left him.

"I want to know where we stand." he stated finally. "I mean...what am I to you?"

Raimundo stopped dead. His face grew redder (If that was even possible) as he slowly took in a breath. There was a short paused.

"...w...what?" he finally choked out, utter shock and disbelief hung in his voice.

Raimundo lowered his gaze at his feet, his face continuing to blush furiously. Had he just said what he thought he just said...? He swallowed.

"...do...do you really mean that...?" he sputtered.

Raimundo's heart skipped a beat. He didn't look up; his eyes had grown unbearably wattery and he had reluctantly began shedding a few tears. An unknown source tugged at his heart; he felt a curious warmth envelope his insides, causing his heart to feel as if a hole had just been filled. Gingerly lifting his hand up, he wiped his watery eyes. He didn't know what to say.

"I..." he hesitated, his voice shaking.

Raimundo looked up to meet Clay's gaze as his face was pulled within inches of the Texan's. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he breathed into Clay's face,

"...I...love you, too."

With that, he gingerly closed the gap between them before giving Clay time to respond.

(Me too...on paren'ts compputer.)

Raimundo felt his spine go stiff as Clay reacted to the kiss; he felt Clay's palm on the side of his face. It felt so right...

Leaning into the cowboy, Raimundo slowly slid his arms around Clay's neck.

(g2g...nighty niiight <33)

As Clay pulled him closer, Raimundo's blushed deepened. Being pressed against the larger boy caused his sences to go wild; suconciously he parted his lips slightly and nibbled at Clay's bottom lip.

(Dude, while I'm writing this I just spilt f*cking cofee on my pants....Dx)

Raimundo blinked stupidly at Clay. His face turned beat red when he realised what Clay was suggesting.

"Uh...you're right." he said, sounding a little stupid. "Maybe we should...um...hang them up somewhere. To dry."

Taking a small step back, Raimundo hesitantly removed his shirt before ringing it out onto the floor. He turned and blushed slightly, feeling exsposed.

"So...we're just goingto hang out here until it stops raining?" he asked, wondering what "hanging out" would include.