Disclaimer and Author's notes: Okay, this baby is a side story to an original story I'm collaborating on with Arianna Starr, or Aeri, or Neechan (as I call her). It's a very late Valentine's present since I'm still having writers block and dealing with bakayaru computers for Running the Guantles part 4, and I've finally learned to use the chaptering system here. This whole side story and the story line it's coming off of is from Aeri's imagination. I know little to nothing about YYH, so she had to help me along the way. Enjoy.
As always, I'm a broke college student with no money who owns none of the characters in YYH, or can claim credit for Jewelle, Lyn however, I did a lot of background work for. And Aeri is a working girl who doesn't own any of the YYH characters and settings either and can claim credit for Aoshi and Jewelle. Enjoy!
P.S. these are the only authors notes and disclaimers you have to put up with….^_^ happy belated valentines!
Jewelle sighed as she shifted one bag of groceries so she could unlock the door . I really hate this weather, she thought grumpily as she carefully shook out the wet umbrella. It's nice to be back in Japan without being on a mission or anything, but it's also kinda lonely without Lyn. I wish she could have come, but Aoshi. I mean dad, only wanted me to come and stay for a few months. She set the groceries down on the table. I still have trouble calling him 'dad', but maybe someday I'll be able to call him that… right now it feels awkward. She sighed and began putting the groceries away.
When she finished she wondered through the various rooms. Her father's home was a former dojo he had restored. It was 15 minutes out of Tokyo and had a nice ocean view. Right now the view was obscured by mist and fog. Jewelle stopped in the living room and glanced out the window. The huge window gave a view of the extensive gardens in the back yard. The rain had stopped but a dense fog was rolling in from the sea. She sighed. This kind of weather made her feel sad and a little depressed. I wonder why Kurama asked me to keep tomorrow open? Hmm.. she glanced at the calendar. Tomorrow's the 14th… I don't suppose he actually has something planned…
"Why the sad face, chere?" A deep, velvety male voice asked out of the blue. Jewelle turned her head sharply at the voice, her silvery-blue hair swinging. Her father stood in the doorway in a black trenchcoat and black fedora perched at a rakish angle on his head. His cornflower blue ears poked through the fedora's brim.
Jewelle sighed and was thankful he wasn't a thief. He never failed to take her by surprise. But he wouldn't have survived in Makai for long if he wasn't so quiet. "Oh…" she shrugged. "I don't know. I guess it's the weather… or something."
Aoshi shook his head and took off his trenchcoat. He disappeared then returned with the day's mail. "Here." He handed Jewelle a small, plain envelope. She took it and looked at it. It had her name and address on it, but no return address. She turned it over and checked the back. The return address was smudged beyond legibility. She sighed resignedly and opened it.
Aoshi watched from the kitchen as he fixed supper. He hadn't really liked the idea of Kurama fathering a child with his daughter. Over the last year he had been watching the former Makai thief and had realized Kurama had changed. It still bothered him though, at least Kurama could take care of her.
* * * *
Kurama walked home with a bounce in his step and a smile in his eyes. If everything went right, tomorrow would be a very good day. He just hoped he'd read Jewelle right. He wasn't really sure how she felt about him.
He had been as surprised as he was when he found out that Sakura was their future daughter. Jewelle had been floored by that news. Not that he blamed her, she had a lot on resting on her shoulders last summer.
* * * *
Jewelle re-read the letter. Kurama had something planned all right, but it didn't say what. " '… an afternoon of sightseeing and dinner at a nice restaurant. The dinner is formal dress. See you on the 14th, Kurama.' Did I bring a formal dress?"
Jewelle rummaged through her closet searching for the right clothes. I hope it doesn't rain tomorrow… but maybe the sightseeing will be include indoor stuff. So far she had pulled out a short charcoal skirt, burgundy shirt and a black sweater to wear over it. She was searching for the burgundy formal she had, before she realized that she'd left it at home. Oh shit! I would leave something I actually need. She sighed and flopped down on the bed, annoyed with herself.
* * * *
Jewelle fiddled with her food. Aoshi never failed to amaze
her with his cooking ability. He could cook anything, and he was teaching her
while she was here. It was great and she had a lot of fun, but right now she
felt a little down.
A frown touched Aoshi's face as he watched Jewelle. Her
emotions were hard to read, but her body language said a lot. She had been
surprised, but happy when she read the letter, but now she seemed a little
down. He hoped Kurama learned to read her. "What's wrong chere?" he
asked between bites.
"I forgot to bring my one formal dress with me, that's
what's wrong," she grumbled.
"Ah," he said. "I think I have a solution for
that."
Jewelle raised her a skeptical eyebrow. "Oh?"
Aoshi's silver eyes glittered in amusement. "But you
have to finish your dinner first."
* * *
"You can open your eyes now." Aoshi told his
daughter.
Jewelle removed her hands and opened one eye then the other.
"Oh my…" she breathed when she saw the sapphire blue dress. Spaghetti
straps and a sweetheart neckline shaped the bodice. The skirt was ankle length
with a sheer top layer hiding a shiny satin underskirt. "It's
perfect," she whispered softly and reached out to touch the smooth silk.
"Thank you, dad."
Aoshi bowed
dramatically and smiled. "You're welcome."
Jewelle giggled. Tomorrow will be a good day, she decided,
hugging her father.
Aoshi chuckled softly. Nothing was to good for her.