Thank you, wonderful readers and reviewers!
Sorry about making the last story so sad, it gave me a really good story line! And Chihiro has been away from Taro for thirteen years… in case you didn't understand from the last story… you will when this is over!
"drop-off-ending-y" I love that word, herbblade!
I drew a picture of Minako on MS Paint but I don't know if it'll turn up on this program… if you can't see it, it should have been on the right of the page.
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"watch where you're going, asshole!" she yelled, picking herself up and shoving him by the shoulder.
"who ran into who, you little brat?" he retorted.
"oh, shut up!" Minako stomped off, deciding to head home.
The stranger narrowed his eyes at her, recognising something. But what? What made this girl – whom had just been so very rude to him – so familiar? Something in her face gave him the feeling of security, but that's impossible!
Minako arrived home and pushed the door of the apartment open. Her mother had already gotten home and was waiting patiently in the living room. The look of disappointment plastered on her face was not new to Minako.
"where have you been, Minako? Do you know how serious your behaviour is becoming? You got suspended as soon as you left the office, if this goes on, you'll be expelled!"
"I don't really give one, mom." She blankly stepped through the room.
Chihiro sighed. "but I do. You know how hard it is already, and you're just making things worse!"
Minako stood still, her face emotionless. Though her mother was right, the only thing she could think about was how crappy her life was. She said nothing and continued to stare into space.
"Minako!"
she remained deadly silent, hoping Chihiro would just give up. "Minako, if this doesn't end… I may even get you a psychiatrist."
She sighed and turned to face her. "mom, you know you can't afford that, so don't even try threatening me," she said.
"I know I can't at the moment, but I'll do whatever it takes. I just want to know what's wrong-"
"nothing is wrong!" Minako shouted. "I… I just want dad… that's all. I wish dad was here." Tears bubbled up in her eyes. "that's all I want… dad!"
Chihiro's face softened a little. What could she tell her now? How could she explain the truth? Was she really old enough to know? "Minako… I'm sorry. Your… your father…"
"what?" she asked, urging her to carry on. "what about him?" she was anxious now.
Maybe I shouldn't have said anything. Now she won't rest until I tell her, Chihiro thought. "he's…"
"what?! Is he dead? Just tell me, mom!" to Minako, knowing something like that wouldn't matter, as long as she knows about him. Or was it a divorce? She thought. No, mom's too young. A one night stand, perhaps?
Chihiro licked her suddenly dry lips. She opened her mouth to finally let it out, but she was not sure if Minako would believe her. Then there was a sudden knock at the door. She went to answer it as Minako's blood boiled with frustration. She was sure the world was against her.
Chihiro opened the door and gasped at the sight. Minako, who stayed in her position glanced form where she was. "you?! Are you stalking me or something?!"
Her mother, who was still panting in what looked like fear/surprise, shook her head in disbelief. The man standing before her; dark hair, emerald eyes and a well toned body. It was him.
"Chihiro?" he said as if he had just seen an angel.
She was too stunned to speak, yet scared as well. Without thinking, her feet retreated slowly until she fell onto the sofa, trying to breath properly.
"Chihiro, are you alright?" Taro asked, allowing himself in. he was actually dressed normally, like he'd always lived in the Human World; a white shirt – top button open and not tucked in – and greyish jeans. He lay a hand on her forehead and smiled when he was sure she was okay. "I missed you so much… why did you go?" he saw Minako staring in confusion. "and who the hell is she?"
"who the hell am I? I could ask you the same thing!" Minako returned, standing her mother in protection. "mom, who is that guy?"
"mom…?" Taro's eyes widened to Chihiro who was still recovering. "you… you have a child? I thought... I thought you loved me!"
"I-I do, Taro!" Chihiro managed. "it's not what you think at all!"
"mom, what's he talking about?"
she fought her tears and took several deep breaths. "… Taro, Minako is your daughter…"
silence over come the room. Both Minako and Taro held equally shocked faces. "WHAT?!" Minako screamed. "you mean to tell me that this bastard is my father?! Thanks for nothing!" she picked herself up and stormed to her room, leaving the former couple behind.
"Chihiro… she can't be my daughter. I mean, we haven't even-"
"yes, we have." She reminded him with a certain look on her face. "remember Katsu?"
he looked as if he had stopped breathing for a moment. Remembering him was like fully swallowing a butcher's knife. But the hardest part was knowing that Chihiro was being raped by Katsu in his body. She was being attacked under his nose and he could do nothing to stop it. "how could I forget?"
she smiled weakly. "that's why I left. I was afraid you'd get mad-"
"why would I get mad? You know I love you with all my heart!"
"it's not that… I thought you'd hate the fact that you have a child but never know the feeling of knowing it's yours. Plus, you were already in a bad mood."
He looked to his side and smiled. "you still haven't changed… always thinking things through to the last detail…"
Chihiro watched him, trying to remember how it first felt to know she was in love. The green eyes of comfort she fell for and the arms she longed to fall asleep in. "not exactly. I didn't think how it would affect you…"
"all that matters is that I found you. I don't care as long as we're together…" he leaned in for a kiss. It was like it was their first kiss, awkward and exciting.
"Taro…" she began, in between breaths. "what about… Minako…? She's… your daughter…!"
"I know…" he pulled away from Chihiro and examined her expression. It looked as though she were begging him to do this for her. He sighed. "Chihiro, I don't even think she remotely likes me!"
"she does! I know she does! She just… finds it hard to show emotions. She's missed you so much." She got up but her legs were still shaking, like she was still unsure if he would just vanish. "I've missed you. Please, do your best to talk to her… it would mean a lot to me."
He glanced at Minako's bedroom door then back to the woman he loved. Inhaling with bravery, he got to his feet and hesitated slightly but eventually agreed.
