Authors note: This has become an odd story. For those of you who continue to read this is chapter 2 of 3 in regards to the flashback. One more chapter and we get into the real story. The title of this story is a funny thing. It first chapter, Black Roses denoted death and hate, This chapter, Love in the Mist is named after the flower of the same name. That flower means…. You puzzle me. Every chapter I name will be after a flower name.
NOW…. I have a few more notes. Sachiko and Yumi will not become Seours, nor is there going to Toko. For me… it is easier to write this way and I'm going where my muse leads me and I hope …. Dear lord to I hope among other things that my muse does not leave me stranded on this one. I hope you enjoy this chapter and please let me know what you think but please keep all comments professional and clean. It's only respectful.
~ Snow
Love In the Mist
How is it that you captivated my senses?
Took what little peace I had and flipped that around.
I don't know how you did it.
I am compelled to wonder what spell you've cast over me.
I didn't think I could feel again.
Feel my heart fill with more than just air.
Fire and ice start to make whole what I had lost.
I won't say love but I feel a heat rising,
And that icy truth is all that is safe for me to say.
Thinking of love is beyond my grasp.
It is playing with my mind the way my heart and soul feel.
Feelings of captivation and a heart filled when I am around you.
Is purely a tortured satisfaction.
When she woke up the light streaming through her French windows scorched her retinas and made her grimace at the shock the sun distributed. With her eyes slammed shut she stretched out her long slender frame in her bed and winced. Her hand flew to her ribs, and chest. She felt this pain before but has been so long it was nothing more than a fleeting memory until she woke. She stood gingerly working and moving her body as she walked to her full length mirror. She dropped her night gown from her shoulders and examined her body. Her eyes narrowed to deadly slits as she spied multiple bruises coloring her torso. She slid her hand over her skin, probed the sensitive areas. Anger filled her senses. She never lost to anyone. Even as a student she learned so quickly her sensei marveled at the speed in which she absorbed knowledge of the arts then applied it in combat. She was 17 and she could not remember the last time she lost. Last night she was beaten. Who was that warrior she fought, who ruined her attempts. Her father found that Suguru could not or would not continue with the project. She would not forget the look her father gave her and the nod that gave her license to kill. She cut the breaks of that common automobile sure of the crash that would happen. The mother was supposed to be easy but it was as if they waited for her. No, it must have been the grappling hook, and the way in clinked on the roof gutter. Her mistake fueled her mood and drove her from that gray tone of disappointment and self-recrimination to red fury. No one will beat her and live. She donned her uniform after a quick shower and slid on her veil of the proper well trained princess of the most powerful family in japan.
xxx
Yumi walked to school with heavy thoughts racing across her mind. That woman. She was graceful and wonderful in combat but she could not picture Lillian's Ice Princess as Sachiko, assassin. But early this morning, before dawn painted the sky she learned she is capable. Her tears could be heard though the phone as Jun informed her daughter that her father was dead and her brother was kept overnight for observation. After that conversation Yumi shed tears for her father, the man she admired and loved. Sleep never came and Aoi found her in the kitchen sipping tea in the dark. The woman was a godsend. She knew how to handle Yumi and her moods, and even now as she knew Yumi needed to be consoled it had to be Yumi who initiated contact. Yumi had to extend her hands first. Aoi left the kitchen and came back with her nurse's bag and redressed Yumi's wound. Yumi made not a sound as she tried to plot her revenge. She wished the death of that woman to be slow and agonizing starting with the people closest to her then finally drive the dagger home. She rounded the gate and froze momentarily as she saw Sachiko standing there praying. She walked up watching her, memorizing her body, remembering their fight. Once next to her she folded her hands together closed her eyes and prayed for her father and the strength to continue in this place with this killer so close in proximity. When Sachiko drew away she breathed easier. As she walked to her class she wondered, how could she get close to the coldest person she had ever met.
xxx
The day seemed to drag on as she planed her next attack. When would she attempt her next shot at her target? How will she take them out? What will she use? All of those questions are what kept her from going to the rose mansion. She needed to be left alone and she found solace in the music that flowed from the magnificent grand piano. Her fingers slid and stroked the keys, sometimes slowly, sometimes forcefully and she let the music slip, slide, and glide into her soul. She heard the door open and almost shot the people who encroached on her sanctuary, but she continued to play. When her last note was hit and the sound faded into the distance now only a memory she looked to her fellow student council members.
"You should know that you cannot run from us Sachiko. And you will do what is required of you," remarked her Grand Soeur. Sachiko shifted on the bench she sat on as Sei leered at her in the most lecherous of ways. "Cinderella will commence. You will be the title character, and you will do all duties asked of you." Sachiko looked to her onee-sama stood gracefully then shot every person in the room a go to hell look.
"I do what is needed but you have no power over the choices I make Onee Sama," Sachiko jabbed as she flew through the room. Sachiko heard the sighs and the protest from her big sister as she opened the door. It was an odd experience as she found a body beneath her and the most soulful brown eyes looking back up at her as they grimaced in pain from the impact.
xxx
Yumi hated cleaning the choir room. It was huge and no one helped. Most of the time she didn't care but as the day progressed her arm began to burn and the pain was stifling. She carried the cleaning supplies in one hand and the broom and rags in her other. She heard the bickering down the hall and shook her head. Some people spent too much energy being rude. Then she felt the truck ram into her causing her to release her supplies and brace against impact. When she looked up she found deep blue staring down at her and for a moment she was lost. Then her mind caught up with her, Sachiko.
"I beg your pardon," gritted Sachiko. Yumi cocked her head from the floor.
"Actually I beg yours," Yumi coldly clipped then a smile tugged at her lips as she saw a fire flare up inside of Sachiko, "Your thigh is between my legs and you have me pinned helpless under you."
Sachiko pushed off the ground as Yumi slid out from under her. Yumi could feel the cold hatred fill in the pit of her stomach but she gained a thread of delight as she saw red slide up her throat to Sachiko's cheeks. Yumi stood brushed off her skirt and found a blonde giving her the cleaning supplies, and a broad grin on her lips.
"Next time, watch were you are going. You never know who you run into causing injury," Yumi said as she turned from a flustered Sachiko.
Yumi placed the cleaning materials down and rubbed her shoulder where the blade impaled her last night and almost cursed. Yumi picked up the disinfectant and began dusting the tops chairs and then the piano. Yumi turned to the door as it opened and gave a small smile to the dark headed beauty. There was a time where Yumi may have found herself attracted to such a woman but Yoko Mizuno was too perceptive for her own good. Yumi nodded her thanks as Yoko took the broom and swept the floor helping Yumi.
'I came to apologize on behalf of my little sisters missing manners," Yoko smiled as Yumi scoffed, "I also wanted to talk to you about coming on board and helping us with our production. We have many things to do and not enough hands." Yumi stopped cleaning and looked at Yoko. Yoko was offering her what she needed most. A way to get close to Sachiko. Perfect.
"It will have to cost you, Yoko-Sama," Yumi teased which caused Yoko's demeanor to perk up at the prospect of helping not just the roses, but her little sister. Yoko for some reason felt something between the two and had never seen Sachiko react the way she did with Yumi underneath her.
"What will that be..." asked Yoko as she probed for a name.
"Yumi Fukuzawa is my name and my price is an apology from your hot headed little sister," Yumi stated matter factually as she continued dusting. She saw Yoko nod and heard her excuse herself for a moment. Yumi smiled knowing where she went. No more than a few moment had passed did Yumi hear Sachiko fighting with the other roses in the hall claiming she had no reason to apologize to a commoner such as Yumi. Just as Yumi was heading to the door it flew open. There stood an indignant Sachiko. Yumi laughed.
"What are you laughing at?" ground out Sachiko.
"Oh nothing but a petulant child being told what to do and not wanting to do it," Yumi laughed then carried on, "This commoner wanted only and apology for being bulldozed in the hallway." Yumi saw Sachiko's face flush again and Yoko threw up her hands in defeat as Yumi shot Sachiko's own words back at her. Sachiko looked to her onee-sama and pleaded with her eyes.
"I apologize for the simple fact that you found yourself in my way," Sachiko angrily forced out. Yumi cocked her head to the side, and then looked at Yoko.
"Is she serious?" Yumi asked Yoko in regards to the apology. Yoko only shrugged, and then Yumi turned her sights onto Sachiko. Sachiko's breathing hitched as Brown eyes hit hers and bored into her soul. Yumi looked at the killer of her father dead in the eyes. She pierced Sachiko's veil and saw something there she didn't expect and it was emotion. Yumi Shook her head and began to walk from the room. When Yumi walked to the door a voice made her freeze in her tracks.
"Please forgive my rudeness earlier" Sachiko whispered. Yumi turned and looked Sachiko in the eyes one more time and then looked to Yoko.
"So what do you need me to do? Please tell me as I put these things away," Yumi said to Yoko as she walked through the door but was stopped.
"Don't just walk away like that," demanded Sachiko. Yumi kept walking as Yoko walked with her telling her about the production until Sachiko hurried ahead and stopped right in front of Yumi making Yumi look up at her.
'Don't you get it? I have accepted your apology Sachiko-sama. I have no further business to conduct with you. Please keep going Yoko, I don't think we have much time." With those words Yumi knew she hit a cord, a deep sharp resounding cord inside of Sachiko, and she liked it.
xxx
Sachiko settled in step behind her onee-sama and the...ingrate. There was something oddly familiar about the brown haired imp in front of her. She carried herself with such dignity and poise. It was surprising to see. The gymnasium opened before them as Yoko led the girl in to the space. Rei and Yoshino were already practicing the waltz when everyone else walked through the door. Sachiko went to Rei and Yoshino and politely cut in so she could do her duties of Cinderella. Rei was not the best dancer in Lillian but she had the height and build, and truth be told Sachiko did find herself thinking that Rei was a handsome woman in her own right. Sachiko's thoughts ran to the night before as her boredom took the best of her. The other fighter, they seemed agile if not graceful in their technique. Where they female? Sachiko's thoughts were interrupted when Rei stopped dancing.
"I'm sorry Sachiko but it is time for my Kendo practice. Thank you for the lessons today and for being my partner," Rei smiled as she went to exit the gym Sachiko only smiled and nodded her head.
"Hello Sa-chi-ko," purred a voice in her ear as a hand and arm slipped around her waist. Sachiko sighed and rolled her eyes. The blonde slid around Sachiko and began waltzing. Shockingly Sei was a wonderful dancer but the height was slightly off. Sachiko ignored the woman in her arms and looked around the gym when she saw the girl. Her eyes bored into her, and wouldn't leave her. She leaned over and asked Yoko a question and Yoko smiled and explained something and judging by the motions Yoko was showing it was a dance question. Sachiko was spun around and her eyes landed on Sei for a moment before they went back to the girl.
"What's her name?" inquired Sachiko coldly.
"She is interesting isn't she, Sa-chi-ko?' Sei purred again in her ear, "One can say... you might be interested." Sachiko shoved Sei away and found Sei laughing at her expense. Sachiko's hand curled into a fist and she took a step toward Sei. Just as she was about to slug the girl there was a tap on her shoulder. She spun around leading with her elbow toward the throat. She expelled a breath as she saw hands and arms fly up haphazardly. Sachiko pretended to stagger as if shocked praying to Maria-sama she was not found out.
"Whoa there. I'm sorry, I was wondering if you could show me how to dance. I have never danced before and Yoko said you were a good teacher," Yumi supplied. Sachiko's eyes shifted from bringer of death to ice cold. However Yumi did not back down. She did not cringe away from the glare that many people would shy away from.
"Forgive me. I stumbled in surprise to your presence behind me. I will teach in apology for my behavior," Sachiko clipped still feeling the effects of embarrassment. Yumi smiled and Sachiko felt something she never felt before. It was a haze; not a feeling per say, but it was a haze.
xxx
Yumi saw the fist clench and knew she needed to intervene before Sei became a dead woman. She was watching Sachiko, trying to decipher a rhythm to her body, her movements. Yumi found Sachiko Ogasawara beautiful, graceful, and deadly. Yumi could see the tale signs of martial arts training in the turns, the balance, and the posture poised to pounce on and enemy. The best way to know her movements was to move with her.
"Start here, and don't look down. Place your hands here and here," Sachiko instructed. Yumi swallowed nervously. The only other person she danced with was her brother because she needed to learn for one of the Daiske Group's functions. Sachiko led her through the waltz and Yumi staggered about the gym feeling as if she were being tugged like a rag doll. But she trudged on feeling herself becoming better in her movements, feeling her confidence grow with each beat.
"You are doing well, Yumi. But don't stare at our feet. You will not be able to synchronize your movements with your partners," Sachiko advised. Yumi's eyes snapped up to Sachiko's blue eyes as she spoke her words. Yes she needed to synchronize her movements to Sachiko's. Thus began the routine that lasted for the next 4 days.
Sachiko found her thoughts filled with her target at hand. It was time to try again but this blasted show had drained her of time and energy. She was in the dressing room putting on her gown. She smoothed out the lines, placed on her shoes, and looked in the mirror. She was perfect, nothing more or less than perfect. She sighed at the insanity of it all. Her father wanted her to know the business for she was the next head of the family. He appointed her his body guard to keep her close and to learn. He also made her into a killer to know the dangers of life, and to learn that ruthlessness can save a person, can make them stronger. However the past four day being with that girl. Teaching that girl, and finding her easy smile shed a different light. She found her feelings in a haze experiencing an emotion she never experienced before. There was something about that girl. There was something missing in those brown yes or maybe there was something more. It was as if the girl had walls thicker than her own. Sachiko gathered the front of her gown and turned to leave. The brown eyes of the girl in her thoughts slammed into her causing the wind to be knocked from her lungs. Then the look was gone, it was as fast as a flash. She walked past Yumi muttered good morning then went to find Yoko.
000000
The day of the show was slightly stressful for all parties involved. Yumi had breakfast with Suguru and Yuuki and discussed the condition of her brother and the progress of Yumi's project with Sachiko Ogasawara. Yumi didn't miss the look of mischief on Suguru and Yuuki's faces when Yumi departed for school. Sachiko, that name spun many conflicting emotions in her. She saw the killer, met the killer and knew the killer, but there was a shimmer of humanity behind those azure eyes and it threw Yumi for a loop. She was born to guard her family with all she had, and to kill if necessary. Yumi sighed as she knew her duty, and revenge for her father was a duty she would need to perform. Getting close to Sachiko was easy enough and the more time she spent with Sachiko the easier it became to read her movements, and soon it would be easier to read her actions. It was like setting a person up in a game of chess. Moving the pawns in the right way, never give an opening and feel out their game, their strategy. Yumi was a defensive player; let the attack come to her pawns. Yumi found herself in front of the door to the dressing room and went in. The sight before her caused her mouth to gape open. The dress, the hair, the lighting, it all made Sachiko look otherworldly. Beauty was not the word, it was more. Yumi found her chest tighten and her stomach clench. Yumi swallowed slightly then the thought of her father hit her, and she threw up a mask. She felt it slide over her features. When Sachiko walked by she could smell the fresh soft scent of gardenia. When the door closed Yumi sat down, back taught and straight. This should not be happening. It didn't matter. She had her duty.
Xxx
Sachiko found Yoko directing the designs, sets and the other roses. They were waiting for the representative from Hanadera to make his appearance and Sachiko's stomach was found in her throat. She hated the Hanadera Student council president. He made her skin crawl and with each and every second that tingling sensation crept along her skin. It was like she was being watched. She nonchalantly looked around the stage and found she was of no use there and made her way to fresh air. The air was risk and cool for an autumn day and Sachiko found the chill comforting taking the heat from her flushed skin. Yumi's stare, yes it was a stare, left her thinking, but more than anything she could not shake the feeling of being watched. She closed her eyes and tried to search out the intruder. She used all 5 senses but could not figure it out.
"You are as beautiful as spring flower,' spoke a VERY male voice behind her, she spun around knowing that voice and threw a dagger hidden in the bodice of her dress. He caught it and laughed, "And as dangerous as a cornered viper. Tell me," The intruder began as she stepped closer to Sachiko invading her space, "do you bite?" Sachiko snatched her dagger back from the man but found her wrist in a vice like grip.
"Let me go," she gritted through her teeth. Her instincts spoke to her but she had to subdue the urges to beat the man before her into a bloody mass of meat.
"Take your bloody hands off her," shouted Sei as she ran towards Sachiko dressed in her costume for the show. Sachiko's eyes we cast down as her frustration and embarrassment got the better of her. She lifted her eyes as a hand touched Suguru's. Yumi calmly, but fiercely spoke.
"You are a guest here, but we can remove you from this production. Release her, please President," Yumi spoke with and edge to her voice. Sachiko looked to her savior as Kashiwagi pulled Sachiko into an embrace.
"Why can I not touch... my fiancé?" Suguru smiled as he found Yumi's eyes blaze with fire and Sachiko's face turn from the girl. But Sachiko noticed Yumi's presence again. Her hand found Suguru's shoulder and she firmly spun Suguru's to face her.
"I ask you again kind sir, let the girl go. Here on these grounds she is protected," Yumi indicated with her head towards Sei and Rei. They looked ready to pounce. Suguru let go of Sachiko's hand and Sachiko walked off toward the Greenhouse.
"You are an interesting person," Suguru said as he for a split second pleaded forgiveness with his eyes. Yumi let him go as he walked to the Gym.
Xxx
Yumi's anger flared as Suguru's boldness. She was shocked by the initial thought of Sachiko being hers resonated in her mind. It threw her off. When the exchange with Kashiwagi was finished Yumi looked after the path Sachiko had taken. She felt a shove to her back and she looked and found Sei.
"Go, I think she needs your assistance," Sei winked.
"Why don't you go? You have known her longer," Yumi said insolently. Then Sei laughed and gestured to their costumes.
"Yumi-chan you make me laugh. I'm the knight and shining armor. I save damsels in distress. You, as a lady in waiting, save their dignity and innocence." Yumi almost scoffed at the last statement, "Or im a complete shit and Sachiko hates me, and she would much rather your presence than mine."
"Ok I can believe that because you are obnoxious," Yumi smiled then walked toward the greenhouse. Suguru neglected to inform her of a few things. No wonder why Yuuki and Suguru exchanged such mischievous looks between them. She is going to kill that charismatic bastard, but first things first, Sachiko. Yumi took a breath, put her walls in place and opened the door. She found her standing in front on the red rose tree fiddling with a handkerchief. Yumi stood next to her offering her presence as a security blanket. If Sachiko needed her she would reach out if not Yumi would leave. After many moments Yumi bowed her head and turned from Sachiko toward the door.
"There are preparations to be done Sachiko-sama. I'll go back and help. Please come by the allotted time of the performance," Yumi said softly trying to be supportive. When Yumi took her step toward the door Sachiko spoke.
"Did you know that in the Victorian Era flowers had meanings," Sachiko began then continued when Yumi turned around and stayed with her, "Red was passion, lust, and love." Yumi nodded.
"But deep red colored roses, that beautiful color of blood on petals do you know what it means?" Sachiko asked looking at Yumi. Yumi did not comment as Sachiko continued, "It means shame." Sachiko covered her mouth as she felt a sob choke her.
"Why do you cry Sachiko-Sama?" Yumi asked as she placed an arm around Sachiko and she buried her head in the crook of Yumi's neck. Sachiko shook her head.
"Frustration. It is nothing more than pressure and frustration. You would not know my reasons but I feel comfortable with you here to share a moment of… nakedness." Sachiko stopped as Yumi pulled away. She needed space so she thought for a split second and saw and something wonderful. Yumi walked over and picked the flower, and came back to Sachiko and gave it to her. Her heart hammered at their nearness. Then she turned toward the door. When she looked back Sachiko stared at her.
"The orange colored roses mean fascination. When given, the deliver is supposed to be fascinated. Sachiko," Yumi began but wanted to sear her sight into Sachiko's and for a moment she let her wall down, "I find you fascinating." With those final words Yumi left for the show.
XXX
The day was a success. But when Sachiko found herself in her black field clothes and a mask over her face she had thoughts of Yumi. She lost the battle again with her nemesis which kept her from her goal but she was beginning to take everything n stride. There was something about that fighter that rang within her. It was a familiarity she couldn't shake. Soon she would get what she needed and be damned with that Daiske Family.
XXX
Yumi finished her fight, and smiled. All of her progress has paid off. She could read her foe like a book and found the excitement exhilarating yet sad. Yumi sat in the dark as she undressed and found the word friend pass through her mind. DAMN! You really got yourself into it this time. Yuuki walked through her door as she admitted him entrance and smiled. She couldn't meet that all knowing smile.
"You do realize you don't need to do this, Yumi," Yuuki stated as he lounged on her bed as she stood brushing out her hair.
"Our father needs his revenge," Yumi claimed robotically.
"Suguru told me of your interaction with Sachiko Ogasawara. There is something there sister. Think about it. Would father want you to kill a friend?" Yuuki asked knowing the answer. He got off the bed and went to the door when his sister spoke.
"Yuuki, I don't think I can kill her, but," Yumi's eyes landed on her hands, "I don't think I can tell her who I am either." Yuuki walked across the room and placed a steady hand on his sister's shoulder.
"Then don't. Protect the head of the family; guard them with your life. By no means does it say kill other people," Yuuki helped. When Yumi looked to her brother he nodded and walked from the room. Sleep did not find Yumi Fukuzawa that night.
XXX
"I'm proud of her," Yuuki said to his lover as the settled down for bed. Suguru reached over and pulled his young lover to him and spooned around his back stroking his arm.
"I was worried she was on a vendetta and now she isn't it makes my Job easier and I don't want to see Yumi hurt the people she cares for and Yuuki, she cares for that pit viper," Suguru said as he kisses Yuuki's shoulder. Yuki stopped Suguru's ministrations.
"Everything will work out and I was thinking," Yuuki began as she flipped to face his love, "What if there was a silent merger in a few years?" Suguru's shot open.
"I marry her in name only and she silently take the Daiske Family in to the fold in a merger through... mutual affections for the benefit of the family," Suguru smiled, "I like it lover." Yuuki slipped his hand down between them and purred.
"I like it too."
