Broken Puzzle
A Misaki x Hatoko Fanfiction by Munkii
This story is unrelated to my other fanfictions, namely "Conceptions of Love" and "Lost in Dreams". It contains Shoujo-Ai, love between two girls. Please do not read this if this is not your type of story. Angelic Layer and all respective characters are copyright CLAMP, Japan.
Broken Puzzle takes place after the end of the National Championships. And again, we delve into the magic of Misaki and Hatoko…
Chapter 1
A Missing Piece
.o..o…O…o..o.
Misaki was a smart girl. She did well in school, save for sports, where she always just managed to squeak by in. However, when it came to her own emotions, she could always find something amiss. When under this sort of stress, she became easily confused. She didn't want to be, that was the way it was, and she was content with it so long as she had the time to sort her feelings out. Misaki gazed off into the distance.
"Misaki-chan," Oujirou said, attempting to get Misaki's attention. Misaki turned to Mihara Oujirou, the Prince of the Layer, the Great Teacher, as he was known. Since the end of the match where Hikaru had beaten Wizard atop the Layer, Oujirou had been somewhat insistent with Misaki, asking her to go places with him more then once a week. Maybe it was just her way, but Misaki always agreed, and found herself being around Oujirou for extended periods of time. It's not that she didn't like it, but… It was confusing, and she could not bring herself to act what she felt as normal. Perhaps she did like being around Oujirou, perhaps she was thinking too much. Just the same; she sighed.
"I'm sorry, Oujirou-san, I am getting tired." Misaki replied, and she gazed towards the ground. Her mind was buzzing with feelings. Feelings of her Mother, and her friends, and her good fortune… Oujirou was in there too, but something was out of place. Oujirou was… Oujirou… Misaki couldn't place it. She remembered all the good things Oujirou had done for her, but in her heart she knew there was something awry with so many of them, like they had been done half-heartedly, or selfishly.
"Would you like me to take you home?" Oujirou asked, staring intently at Misaki's face. Misaki nodded slowly. It was unlike her to end the enjoyment of others, but her head was swimming. She wanted to really just be alone for a little bit. If not to figure things out, then to clear her mind at least a little.
Nothing was said on the walk home, Misaki not looking up. Oujirou seemed concerned, but couldn't find anything to say. He was quite aware that despite her normally positive attitude, she had her own troubles. She was a master at hiding them, at least until under pressure. In any case, they were having a good time not long ago, and he couldn't place his finger on the issue at hand. He mentally ran though all the things that happened that day, but none seemed to stand out as boring or overwhelming. Still, Oujirou found himself second guessing his own dealings that day multiple times.
Misaki had begun living with her mother Shuuko in a nice little house not far from the stadium and the hospital. It was a bit closer to school, and quite a bit closer to a Piffle Princess. Overall, she greatly enjoyed her new residence, but most especially because her mother was there.
Shuuko was the nicest, most gentle person Misaki had ever known. It wasn't long after their wonderful match on the Layer that Misaki had moved in, and already they were catching up fast after more then seven years of being apart. Each morning they would awake at similar times to prepare breakfast together, and then a bit of lunch. Yuuko, Shuuko's assistant, would occasionally stop by and they would eat their morning meal. Then, just before Shuuko left for the Angelic Layer Co. building, Misaki's friends would be at the front door to walk to school.
Misaki and Oujirou reached the doorstep, and they parted with a simple thanks and goodbye. Misaki let herself in, as her mother was not there. Heading straight to her room, she collapsed on the bed. A suitcase was packed in the corner; she would be going with her mother on a small trip to Osaka to speak with doctors there about Shuuko's health. They would be leaving late tomorrow morning.
And just as soon as Misaki had settled on the bed, the pit of sadness in her heart came forth, aching greatly. A tear escaped her eye as she stared at the ceiling, motionless. Finding her mother was one thing, but Misaki knew that this matter wasn't the problem. Even with her normally outgoing attitude and optimism, she knew that deep down there was still trouble. A subtle but quite emotional weakness in her soul. But it wasn't always there.
Whenever Misaki was participating in Angelic Layer, this weight on her heart seemed to lift, if only temporarily. Perhaps it was the fact that she was all worked up in the excitement of the challenge. Perhaps it was all the cheering going on, telling her to keep giving her best. She didn't know.
"It's not Oujirou-san's fault," thought Misaki. She pondered the idea for a moment. No, it wasn't his fault. Misaki had let him into her life in the first place. She had let him take her places. Misaki closed her eyes. "Oujirou-san is not it…" Misaki's mind skipped back to Angelic Layer.
"I am the champion… But what does that mean if I am like this?" Misaki sighed, turning to her side and bringing her knees higher. "What does that mean if I am not happy?" Her breath stopped for a moment, the truth was right in front of her: she wasn't happy. Ever since the end of the championships, she found herself becoming more and more confused. More and more often she found herself unable to be happy inside.
It's not that she wasn't proud of herself. She had conquered Angelic Layer like no one ever had. She had beaten a technically superior angel and deus, and it was no small feat. To make it even greater, she met her mother.
"No, that's wrong… I didn't do it myself. Hatoko-chan helped me. And Oujirou-san, and Icchan-san…" Misaki corrected herself. "Hatoko-chan helped me the most…"
More confusion entered into Misaki's thoughts as she recalled all her matches with those people around her. She moved her hand over to her face to brush away tears, realizing she was crying. Just as she was about to rest her arm down again, the phone rang. Misaki sniffled and picked up the handset in her room.
"Hello? Suzuhara Residence,"
"Misaki, it's me." It was Hatoko. Misaki sighed. Hatoko had finally remembered to ask for Misaki's new phone number earlier that day.
"Hi Hatoko-chan," Misaki replied, sniffling. She didn't have to keep up appearances with Hatoko. They had already been through a lot together, and Misaki trusted that things would stay between them.
"Misaki, are you feeling well?" Hatoko asked. "Do you have the flu like I had?"
"No, Hatoko-chan… I'm just…" Misaki's voice faded. She didn't want to admit she wasn't happy. It had been the same with her mother, but that was on another subject at another time. And as far as Misaki could tell, was a completely unrelated subject.
"It's okay Misaki, you don't have to tell me… I just wanted to go to Piffle Princess with you to practice, but if your not feeling…" Hatoko replied kindly, but Misaki spoke up.
"I would really like to go, Hatoko-chan, but I already told Oujirou-san that I was tired… If he sees me there… He might be mad at me for not telling him the truth, and I don't want that."
"Oh, that makes sense… Is there something we can do instead maybe? You are leaving tomorrow for a few days so we won't get a chance to do something later this week, so… Maybe do something else?"
"I would like that Hatoko-chan, but I don't know… I wouldn't be much fun," Misaki sighed again. She wanted to spend some time with Hatoko, but it just didn't look good. Everywhere she could think of was where Oujirou might be. Moments passed as Misaki searched for some activity.
"Misaki, why don't I just come over and we figure this out then. Kotarou and Tamayo-chan are heading in the direction of your mother's house, they can leave me there. How's that Misaki?" Hatoko offered genuinely, even though she was inviting herself over. Most people would mind the question, but Misaki took it as Hatoko intended it to be.
"Please, if you wouldn't mind, I would like that. Maybe you can stay for dinner." Misaki managed a smile. The afternoon wasn't going to be totally wasted after all.
"See you soon, Misaki." Hatoko replied, and Misaki said goodbye. Her mind was somewhat clearer now, and she sat up to look out the window.
.o..o…O…o..o.
A knock was heard at the door, and Misaki made her way to open it. Hatoko was standing there with a happy look on her face, Kotarou and Tamayo behind her.
"Thanks for bringing Hatoko-chan over," Misaki said smiling.
"Hope you have fun, Hatoko needs to be home later tonight, but it doesn't really matter when." Kotarou replied. "See you two later." Kotarou and Tamayo waved goodbye and left to go about their original plans and Misaki closed the door behind Hatoko.
In her hands, Hatoko had her angel Suzuka, even though they wouldn't be going to the Angelic Layer store and practice place known as the Piffle Princess.
"Hatoko-chan, would you like something to drink? We have milk, or juice, if you'd like."
"No thanks, I don't feel very thirsty." Hatoko replied, and Misaki led the younger girl to her room. Her feelings had settled down, and though still uncertain, she wanted to make the best of things for the time being. Hatoko had gone out of her way to visit, even when they didn't have a clue as to what they were going to do that afternoon. They entered Misaki's room.
Hatoko was the first to notice Athena was home that day, and she nearly jumped over to the angel, which was right beside Hikaru. Misaki smiled and moved next to her friend.
"Mother is preparing for her trip tomorrow, so she didn't need to bring her angel with her today. She said I could take care of her." Misaki explained, picking up her mother's angel. Minute scratches of matches past could be seen all over, but the angel looked just as majestic as it always had. Misaki noticed Hatoko's stare. "Would you like to hold her?"
Hatoko gently took the doll in her hands after setting down Suzuka next to Hikaru. She looked ecstatic. Misaki noticed, and a slight smile spread on her lips as she remembered her own memories of Athena.
"Not many people get to hold Athena like this Misaki… She's so wonderful of an angel!" Hatoko said joyfully as she stroked the angel's white hair. Hatoko set Athena back next to Hikaru, opposite of Suzuka. "One of these days, I hope to have a match with Athena. I think it would be fun."
"I'm sure it could be arranged, maybe when things settle down a bit for mother, we can go see where she helps Icchan-san figure things out. It was exciting when I last went, it was the first time I got to see all the things that go on inside the other parts of the Angelic Layer building. Most people just see the stadium and eating areas." Misaki smiled again and turned to look at the three angels. "So much has happened recently."
"Misaki, you are an excellent deus. A lot of Angelic Layer players look up to you now. Well… all of them. Just the same goes for Athena too." Hatoko replied.
"You were there too, Hatoko-chan. You helped me by being my Second. I don't think I could have gotten as far as I have without your help. You are the only one I want to be my Second in the future." Misaki placed her hand on Hatoko's shoulder, and a subtle pinkish hue crept onto the younger girl's face.
Hatoko led Misaki over and they sat on the edge of Misaki's bed. Gazing out the window like Misaki had done many times already, they sat in silence for a few moments.
"Is there anything you would like to do today that you thought of while I was walking over?" Hatoko asked, turning to look at Misaki.
"No, I'm sorry Hatoko-chan. I was still confused and everything. I wish these unhappy feelings would go away, but, I don't know." Misaki let herself fall backwards onto her bed, and she stretched her arms. "Normally I would be all energetic and everything, but… I feel like I'm missing a piece of me right now. A piece to a big puzzle about me."
"A piece that is needed to be happy. You don't know what it is, and so it's hard to find." Hatoko added. Misaki sat up and turned to look at her younger friend.
"Have you felt something similar in the past, Hatoko-chan?" Misaki asked, and Hatoko looked away to hide a blush. Moments passed.
"I feel something similar everyday, but I don't know what to do about it either. Thankfully, it has gone away right now." Hatoko replied, turning back to Misaki looking like her normal self.
"I don't feel confused right now either, although I am talking to you, so perhaps it isn't on my mind. But, if you aren't feeling to well Hatoko-chan, you can always count on me to be around for you, you know." Misaki put an arm around Hatoko. "You are special to me, and I'll do what I can do for you like you do for me, okay?"
"That means a lot to me Misaki," Hatoko leaned towards Misaki and rested her head against her.
"I guess we both have our own troubles, Hatoko-chan." Misaki concluded. A few minutes passed, and Misaki could find no reason to disturb Hatoko, who looked quite content. "Hatoko-chan, what are your parents like? I don't think I've ever met them."
"My father runs the dojo with my mother. It's mostly their life, and I only really see them for breakfast and dinner. They try to get me interested in martial arts, but I always say no. It's not that I don't like them… it's just…"
"Don't like sports?" Misaki offered.
"Yup… I don't like sports." Hatoko replied, smiling.
"Me neither," Misaki looked towards the hallway outside her room. The sound of a closing door could be heard, and Hatoko scooted way from Misaki so she could get up. Misaki glanced at the clock. "Okaa-san is home, Hatoko-chan."
Misaki and Hatoko made their way to meet Shuuko, who greeted them both happily.
"Misaki, how was your day?" Shuuko asked as she set her jacket on a hook.
"It was alright, I spent some time with Oujirou-san after school, then Hatoko-chan came to visit me after I came home." Misaki hoped her mother wouldn't catch onto her troubles. She didn't want to make her worry.
"Oh, really? That was nice of Hatoko-chan to visit," Shuuko replied sweetly as she hugged Misaki.
"How are you Hatoko-chan? Is everything going well with you?"
Hatoko nodded, a bit restless at being in the presence of one of the greatest idols she ever had, not to mention the fact that she got to see Athena up close just a short while ago.
"Misaki showed me your angel; I like Athena very much…" Hatoko replied, unconsciously scooting closer to Misaki.
"I'm glad you like her, Hatoko-chan. She is very dear to me because I have spent so much time with her. I guess I'm still a bit childish, what can I say?" Shuuko smiled. "Hmm… It's getting about time for dinner, would you like to stay over?"
"If it isn't a trouble, I would like to very much. Especially since you and Misaki are leaving tomorrow for your trip." Hatoko replied, trying to keep her enthusiasm from being too obvious.
.o..o…O…o..o.
It was beginning to darken outside. Shuuko and the younger girls had just finished eating dinner, and they were busy cleaning up.
"Okaa-san, me and Hatoko-chan will finish clean up, it's okay." Misaki offered, and Shuuko nodded. Shuuko began to leave the dining area when the phone rang. She picked up the receiver. Misaki and Hatoko glanced over anxiously. Shuuko could be heard talking to a man.
"Ah, I see. I wonder why people do such bad things… Yes, I would feel the same way. … I don't think that will be a problem. I'd be happy to…" Shuuko was saying as two sets of ears tuned in from the sink. "No no, it'll be fine. Tomorrow morning we have time to make a stop. We aren't really leaving till 10:30. … Okay, see you then." Shuuko set down the phone.
"Hatoko-chan, that was your father on the phone. It seems there was a robbery not far from your house and he thinks it would be best if you stayed over here tonight. I hope you don't mind." Shuuko relayed, smiling. A smile broke out on Hatoko's face.
"No, not at all. I hope everything is fine at home though." Hatoko replied as she carefully put dishes into the dishwasher.
"It didn't sound serious, but your father did sound a bit uneasy. He's just worried about you. Anyways, I guess we'll need to setup a bed for Hatoko-chan… Where to get one of those…" Shuuko wondered. She turned to look at Misaki for inspiration.
"The couch is the closest thing to a bed isn't it?" Misaki replied. She looked at Hatoko, who was looking back u pat her. That wouldn't be fun at all since she wouldn't be able to chat with her. It was a silent agreement. Shuuko read the expression on her daughter's face.
"You two are young and small still aren't you? Why not share Misaki's bed? It's a bit bigger then the one at my sister's house." Shuuko suggested. Hatoko turned away to hide a joyful blush quickly, and Misaki nodded her head at the idea without knowing the younger girl's reaction.
"Okay. Hatoko-chan, you'd better not be a cover hog." Misaki toyed, turning back to the dish in her hand.
"When I was a young girl, I lived in a small house, and we didn't really have room for my friends to sleep comfortably. So, whenever one came over, we always shared my bed. Quite a few times I remember waking up with all the sheets on my side…" Shuuko explained, remembering the past with a smile.
"You don't mind, do you Hatoko-chan? Sharing my bed, that is." Misaki turned her head to look at Hatoko, who had regained her normal flesh tone.
"I think it will be fun… I can tell you all of Kotarou's dirty secrets." Hatoko replied with a silly expression on her face. The dishes were just about done now, Misaki handed the last one to Hatoko and she placed in neatly in the dishwasher before closing the door.
"If that's all sorted out, I guess I'm going to say goodnight so you can go about your own business. Sleep well." Shuuko said with a kiss for Misaki on her forehead. "Goodnight Misaki. Take care of Hatoko-chan for me."
"Goodnight Okaa-san, I will." Misaki replied. Shuuko made her way out of the kitchen and Misaki led Hatoko back to her room.
"Hmm, need pajamas for Hatoko-chan…" Misaki open up the top drawer of her dresser and pulled out a giant purple t-shirt with Winnie the Pooh on it. She handed the shirt to Hatoko. "This should do fine for you."
"Oh, it's cute Misaki!" Hatoko exclaimed. She began to remove her school uniform and Misaki turned away quickly. Hatoko noticed this. "Oh, you don't have to worry about that Misaki… Our underwear is probably the same color anyways."
"Hatoko-chan!" Misaki jumped, but found a lack of words to express herself further. She moved to grab her normal pajamas from the same drawer, nervously beginning to remove her own uniform and put on the flannel top and bottoms.
"Silly Misaki…" Hatoko commented softly as she set her things in a neat pile to the side. "Don't be worried about changing clothes in front of a girl." Misaki looked up at Hatoko after pulling her bottoms on.
"It's just… I don't…" Misaki sighed, "You're right… I'm just being silly."
"I don't want to make you feel strange Misaki, I can…"
"No, it's okay, Hatoko-chan. If I can share my troubles with you, a little bit of skin won't hurt either." Misaki set her uniform on the chair at her desk. "I'm going to go brush my teeth real fast, okay?" Hatoko nodded and Misaki left the room, leaving the young girl to herself. Hatoko turned her gaze to the three angels, sitting together, both Athena and Suzuka holding Hikaru in a gentle embrace. Hatoko let the significance wash over her in feelings. She let her head droop.
"Misaki…" Hatoko sighed. "Am I the missing piece of your broken puzzle?" A tear escaped her eye. It hadn't been the first.
.o..o…O…o..o.
Alas! It has been a great while since my last published fiction… In any case, I've gotten anxious for some Shoujo-Ai between Misaki and Hikaru! Please enjoy!
Go Go Misaki x Hatoko!
.oO Munkii