Full Circle: One Week… ~A~

AN: Sorry for the long wait… There are a few bits of this I am not completely happy with, but I would never get it out if I keep poking at it! And that would be a bad thing… cause I think Raven, is seriously going to start withholding chappy's of TMD and Bloodletting, if I didn't update… And since she is so wonderful for releasing her new HYD fic EVERYTHING, I had to get this out!

Thanks to SIO for the beta! And Many, many Thanks to all that have been commenting/reviewing, you all are the best!

Again I own nothing but the plot... and a few OC's…

(^o^)

"Oi, it's about time you got here!" Tsukasa nearly shouted at his wife when she entered the dining room. "I am starving." Tsukasa, Rui, Akira and Soujiroh were standing near the bar drinking.

"Where is Yuki?" Tsukushi asked as she realized the men were the only ones in the room.

"Yuki-chan said she left something in her room," Rui answered. He placed his drink on the bar and walked over to her; he leaned down and kissed Tsukushi gently on the cheek. "You look lovely tonight, Tsukushi." Tsukushi shook her head in amusement and patted Rui on the arm, just waiting for what she knew was coming. Tsukasa rushed forward and grabbed Rui by the arm, pulling him away from Tsukushi, causing Akira and Soujiroh to laugh at his actions.

"Oi! Hands off my wife, Hanazawa!"

"Maybe I should see what is keeping Yuki."

Tsukasa pushed her towards the table. No, you made me wait long enough." He pulled out her chair and motioned for her to sit down. Tsukushi reluncticly sat down as Soujiroh spoke up.

"Tsukushi, I will go escort Yuki-chan to dinner."

"That won't be nessasary, Nishikado-san." Everyone turned towards the source of the feminine voice. Yuki stood at the entrance of the dining room wearing a black yuka style dress, the skirt falling just above her knees, held together by an emerald obi belt, her hair pulled back in a loose bun with tendrils framing her face. She bowed slightly. "Gomen, if I have kept you waiting. I had a important phone call regarding my shop."

"Oi, just sit down…" Tsukasa huffed, not caring about anything but his empty stoumch.

Everyone converged around the elegantlydecorated table. Soujiroh pulled out a chair and motioned for Yuki to sit; she looked at him for a moment before moving to the other side, pulling out the chair between where Rui and Akira were standing. Rui placed his hand on top of hers, stilling her action.

"Alow me, Yuki-chan." Yuki smiled and sat down, as Rui helped push her chair in.

"Thank you, Rui-san." Rui just nodded as he took his seat beside her. Akira gave Soujiroh an amused look as took his seat. Soujiroh's smile didn't hide the dark look that flashed in his eyes as he quickly glanced at Yuki before sitting as well.

"Bring out the food!" Tsukasa bellowed. Tsukushi reached over and smacked the back of her husband's head. "Oi, wife. What was that for?!" Tsukasa huffed.

"There is no reason to yell, HUSBAND." Tsukushi half shouted back. "The staff knows we are ready. No need for you to be pushy."

"Hey, you are my wife, you are supposed to omitt me!"

"Tsakasa, I believe the word you mean is obey." Rui said calmly, the humor over Tsukasa's word slip barely contained. Akira openly laughed, as did Soujiroh. Yuki covered her mouth to hid her giggle. Tsukushi just looked at her husband contemplating smacking him again. "And Obey is not something that comes to mind, when it concerns Tsukushi." Tsukasa pouted, and was going to say something more, but the first course was brought out and quickly served.

Dinner passed quickly, despite the twelve courses Tsukasa insisted on. They jovially bantered and goofed around, taking great joy in poking fun at Tsukasa's improper word usage. Even Yuki joined in the friendly banter, but she was avoiding any direct eye contact with Soujiroh. Both Rui and Akira noted this, and filed it away for different reasons.

Yuki had to force herself to at least attempt to eat some of the sinful chocolate concoction in front of her, but after a few bites gave up; she was too full and couldn't eat another bite.

She put down her fork, daintily pulling her napkin from its spot on her lap, and wiped her mouth and folded it before placing it on the table.

"Hey that is a very special dessert flown in from the US; my sister sent for this night. But I guess your inferior pallet just cannot handle the rich flavor, but you should finish it." Tsukasa attempted a joke, but it came out badly.

"Don be rude, Tsukasa." Tsukushi chided.

"It is not that my--inferior--pallet is lacking, Tsukasa-kun, or are you forgetting that I own a sweets shop?" Yuki enjoyed being able to speak freely. "It's my inability to pack twelve courses in my tiny frame. As much as I would love too, I couldn't eat another bite if I tried." She laughed softly when Tsukushi started to reach across Rui's plate to Yuki's--old habits of the once pauper, die hard. Yuki picked up the plate and handed it to her friend.

"Thanks, Yuki." Tsukushi dug into the remaining portion of Yuki's dessert. Tsukasa looked as if he was going to say something to his wife, but then—for the first time in his life—held his tongue. Three sets of eyes watched Yuki smiling at Tsukushi, all surprised at her being so outspoken towards; two more in disbelief—one intrigued by her act, noting that there may be more to Tsukushi's quiet friend then first thought.

"As always, Tsukasa, you have out done yourself." Rui stated as he placed his napkin on his empty plate. "But it is getting very late. Tsukasa and Tsukushi congratulations on another year of happiness, and for the many more to come; I will wish you goodnight." As he stood, he added. "And a goodnight to you, Yuki-chan."

"Goodnight, Rui-chan." She smiled up at him warmly; moving to stand, he pulled out her chair for her. "Thank you." She nodded slightly to him, then turned to Tsukushi. " I am going to turn in as well, I will need some rest before I begin spoiling Rei shamelessly."

"It's a bit late for that; her father has been taking care of that very well," Tsukushi said jokingly.

"Hey!" Tsukasa protested. She just patted his arm and continued.

"But yes, we will all needs lots of rest to keep up with the Domyouji terror." She jokingly used the nickname that Akira had given Rei, when she was just a few months old and had become colicky. Yuki's and Tsukushi's laughter filled the large dinning room, as Tsukasa pouted. "We should go as well. 'Night, everyone." Goodnights were passed all around and they all went their separate ways.

Yuki was on the path right outside her bungalow when she heard rushing footsteps. She paused know what was coming. He had been eyeing her all through dinner, she knew it was a matter of time before Soujiroh sought her out.

"Yuki, wait," Soujiroh called out. Yuki stopped taking a deep breath before she turned around as Soujiroh caught up with her. He went to place his hand on her shoulder and she stepped to the side.

"Yes Nishikado-san?" Yuki's tone was cold. His hung in the air breifly before he quickly dropped it to his side.

"Look, Yuki, if this is about what happen after your parents…" She cut him off before he could continue.

"Our past aside…" Yuki clenched her fist at her side. Her mind was racing causing her to babble. "You are under a false impression of what I wanted that night." Yuki fought the urge to cry. "In all the years I have known you, and you me… knowing how I felt, you could not see past your own ego." She looked away. "Did you ever think that I went to see you that night because I simply needed the help of a friend? But no, you just cast my plea for help aside because you were too afraid of what it might mean if you helped me." Before he could answer, she turned around and rushed up the walk to her bungalow, leaving a stunned and confused Soujiroh watching her retreat.

She had slammed the door behind her and leaned her back against it, only then did she let the tears fall—sliding to the floor she pressed her cheek against her knee, trying not to wonder what could have been.

(^o^)

"Akira seems to have taken a liking to Yuki-chan." Rui observed as they observed the pair sitting near the windows across the room, sipping his tea, the only one in the group not drinking anything harder then that. "And it would seem Yuki may have feelings for him as well." He looked over at Soujiroh out of the corner of his eye. Soujiroh was watching Yuki's interaction with Akira, something he had been intently doing all day, his face expressionless. He turned away for the pair and faced the bar.

"It is good that she moved on, she is a special girl." Soujiroh finished off his drink and placed it on the bar. "I would have only ended up hurting her." He paused and turned to Rui. "But Akira might not be the best choice for her either. His track record is very similar to mine. Plus, Yuki is not involved with anyone else, nor is she older then him. She is not his type."

"True, she is different then his normal companions." Rui placed his cup down. "But maybe what makes her stand out; maybe Akira's tastes have changed, or he is simply grown up enough that he is looking for a more permanent relationship." Soujiroh shuddered at the thought of commitment. Hoping his best friend was not falling towards the trap Tsukasa had fallen for, even Rui seemed to have succumbed to a woman—though he had yet to meet the woman Rui was involved with. Secrets are something Rui is good at keeping. He only knew Rui was involved with someone, because he had skipped a dinner at the Domyouji house, to celebrate a private dinner with the woman, and Tsukasa had pitched a fit when Rui had showed up at the home a few days later to apologize to Tsukushi.

Though Tsukasa may have been more upset about the kiss Tsukushi had placed on Rui's cheek when she told him she was happy he found someone that made him happy, but not to screw it up. Rui just patted her on the head and smiled, as he normally did, promising to do his best. When he went to hug her, Tsukasa pulled them apart, shoving Rei into Rui's arms and grabbed a hold of Tsukushi kissing her; causing Tsukushi to smack Tsukasa out of embarrassment, and the others to laugh and Tsukasa's pouting.

"Somehow, though Yuki has grown up much in the last few years. I think she can handle herself." Rui stated matter plainly. "And I am sure Akira is well aware of what Tsukasa would do to him if he hurt Yuki." Soujiroh cringed over a memory of an encounter he had with Tsukushi, when she was pregnant with Rei.

"Yeah, Akira isn't stupid." Soujiroh took the drink the bartender placed in front of him. "Better him then me." He turned in time to see Akira guiding Yuki out of the lounge, by way of the deck. He downed his drink in one shot, slamming the glass down before he started walking the opposite way the pair went. "Night, Rui."

Rui watched Soujiroh sulk away, knowing despite Soujiroh's words, the Nishikado heir was deeply regeting something regarding Yuki. And given her actions for the last two days, what ever it had been, it had been something huge.

(^o^)

Akira and Yuki walked along the moonlit path back to her bungalow. Nether one saying anything, the only sound of the cicadas in the brush filled the cool night air. When they reached her door she turned to him looking at his chest, not wanted to look into his eyes. "Thank you, Akira-sa...-chan." He lifted her chin up to meet his gaze, as he lowered his down, so his lips almost brushed his.

"Sweet dreams, Yuki-chan" He closed the brief distance between them and kissed her gently on the lips. He reluctantly moved away from her. Yuki was smiling as she went into her bungalow, closing the door softly behind her. She knew she shouldn't let whatever was happening between her and Akira to go any farther. But she couldn't stop it, her soul felt free… something she hadn't felt since she first met Tenchi. She quickly went to her room turning on the light and flipping herself on to the bed. And sighed, she deserves a bit of happiness--why not just see where the connection takes them.

Akira watched her bungalow till he saw the bedroom light snap on. When he was assured, she was safely inside, he returned to the main lodge, amused at how much can change in just a few years. He had always thought Yuki was attractive in a cute kinda way…but then she had eyes only Soujiroh, and as much as Soujiroh complained about her worship, he had not done anything overtly to get rid of her. As if he really did want and need her around, but was unable to consciously admit to it. Akira was not one to deign his needs, but he was not one to poach on his friends' territory. But now Yuki's actions had made it clear that she had moved on. Akira headed back the lounge, he was not tired and he had a lot to accomplish before Yuki awoke in the morning.

He laughed to himself. Matsuoka Yuki didn't stand a chance.

(^o^)

For the next two days, everywhere that Yuki turned Akira was there, and when he wasn't, a reminder of him was being delivered--be it flowers--or chocolate; though her favorite had to have been the small stuffed panda she found in a basket at her door on the third morning. She placed the bear on her bed, humming a happy tune, before she left her bungalow and headed to the main lodge for breakfast. When she entered the lobby, Yuki was shocked at the amount of activity. When Tsukushi saw her she went over to her.

"Yuki, good you made it before we had to leave." Tsukushi hugged Yuki and said apologetically. "Tsukasa has been called to New York, and we have to leave early." She looked slightly sad. "But, I insist you stay the rest of the week! You haven't had a vacation in over eight months. You need to relax and have a bit of fun." Tsukushi gave Yuki a look firm look that said if she even thought of going home early; Tsukushi would never forgive her.

"Ok, Tsukushi I will stay." She looked greatly relived; Yuki hadn't had much time—outside of her work—since her parents had died. Tsukushi was just saddened that she wouldn't be able to spend more time with her. Something behind Yuki caught Tsukushi, causing Yuki to turn to see what it was. Akira and Soujiroh had entered talking quietly; Rui was following not to far behind them. Soujiroh was dressed in jeans and was wearing a brown leather jacket, carrying his pack and his bike helmet.

"Are you planning to leave as well?" Tsukushi asked as the men joined them.

"I was planning to leave later today. But with the storm that is headed this way; there is no reason to prolong my stay." Soujiroh looked at Yuki when he said the last bit. Akira patted him on the back.

"Take care on the ride back." Akira laughed and smirked at his friend. "You don't want to deprive the women of the world your face, if you were to get into an accident.

"It would be a great loss." Rui added merrily. Soujiroh just glared at his to friends.

"Oi, wife it's time to go!" Tsukasa shouted across the lobby, causing Rei—who he was holding—to squeal as she struggled to get out of her father's arms. Tsukushi just rolled her eyes.

"Sorry again Yuki, but we have to go." Tsukushi looked pointedly at Rui and Akira. "I am expecting you two to great care of Yuki." She beamed and them and added. "And no funny stuff." The latter comment directed at Akira.

"We will take good care of Yuki-chan." Rui promised as he leaned down and kissed Tsukushi's cheek. Akira winked at her.

"We will be perfect gentlemen." The gleam in his eyes and the laughter in his voice said something different, as he wrapped his arm over Rui's shoulder. Tsukushi hugged her friend again and after a few moments of farewells the lobby was empty of any activity, save for Rui, Akira and Yuki.

"Well I have a call the make, so Jenn will know that her hotel withstood the invasion." Rui slightly bowed to the others. "Lets meet for lunch, say around one." Akira nodded his head, before Rui turned and left.

"Sounds good." Akira turned to Yuki and brushed his lips across hers. "It would seem we are all alone." He pulled her closer and asked. "And what would you like to do today?"

"I'm not sure." Yuki looked up at him, and added. "Have any ideas?"

"I can think of a few things."

(^o^)

Yuki sat, with her legs tucked under her, on the deck of the lounge watching the moon rise. The night air was still holding onto the warmth of the day; she knew she should have left that morning when the Domyouji family left, but she couldn't help wanting to hold onto the tiny bit of freedom she still held--the freedom she would lose when she returned to Tokyo. She had spent the day with Akira, seeing the sites around the resort, talking and having fun. She wouldn't trade this day--or week--for anything. She was able to see the light after a year of darkness. Even if she wasn't able to escape from Tenchi's grasp, the warmth that Akira had shown her—a few sweet kisses, some light caresses—proved that she wasn't a possession, that she was worthy of tender care.

She slowly took a sip of her drink, enjoying the quite of the waxing night. An ache filling her heart, she knew where her heart was leading her, but was it right—fair to Akira. If she did manage to get away from Tenchi, she would never be able to return to Japan—meaning she wouldn't see Akira again—and if she wasn't able to get away from Tenchi, and Akira would be livid, that she lied—even if it was by omission, of Tenchi's existence. She shuddered at the thought of what would happen to her if she did go any farther with Akira and Tenchi found out. She doubted he would kill her, but she would wish she was dead. Yuki jumped when she felt a blanket being draped over her shoulders. She looked up to see Akira standing above her looking concerned.

"You looked cold, Yuki" Akira sat down next to her on the bench and placed his arm over her and pulled Yuki closer. He had seen her sitting outside, and he hadn't liked to look of despair on her face. Something inside of him twisted and he felt he had to reassure her—he had to make her know how he felt about her. He had spent years watching from the sidelines, as she pined over his best friend. Now that she seems to have gotten over her infatuation, Akira was not going to let her go—ever—it he had his say.

"This isn't some game," Akira spoke suddenly, surprising Yuki. "You are different. You are too innocent; I would never—could never--play with you, in that way." The moment he spoke the words, they both knew they were the truth. Yuki was different. He had never felt this way about any of the numerous encounters he had been a part of in the past. Yuki was afraid, that if he knew, Akira would think differently—that he would go away, but she had to say something; a large part of her fearful that he would reject her and she didn't want that.

"I'm not a…" Yuki spoke quietly, a deep blush staining her cheeks. "I mean… I've…" Akira placed his finger across her lips hushing her, before she could continue, finding it cute she wasn't able to admit she wasn't a virgin. A streak of jealousy ran through him, not wanting to think of the possibility that Yuki was so cold to Soujiroh because his best friend had used her and broken her heart.

"I am not Soujiroh." Akira cupped her face in his hand. Yuki shook her head.

"This has nothing to do with Nishikado-san." Yuki started pulling away from Akira, and began to stand. "He wasn't the one…" His hand dropping from her face, he grabbed her wrist, not letting her get too far.

"It doesn't matter." He leaned down and kissed her lips, closing the distance between them. He lifted his head and look into her eyes. "Anything before this, is in the past. Right now it is just you and me." He stepped back, letting go of her. Akira stood up and backed up a bit farther and held out his hand to Yuki—a silent invatation.

She looked into his eyes only hesitating for a moment before she placed her hand in his—slowly rising--and let him guided her down the stairs of the deck and towards his bungalow. Once inside he lead her to his bed room and motioned for her to enter. Akira entered after he and slowly closed the door; watching as she walked farther into the room, stopping a few feet away from the bed.

He moved to stand behind her, pulling her body to his, pressing her back to his chest; he lips never leaving her neck--never breaking contact--as he deftly unbuttoned her shirt with one hand as he gently guided her hand back between them with the other, so he could show her just how much he wanted—needed--her. Yuki stiffened for just a moment; she swallowed, urging the fleeting feeling of dread to go away. Once it had passed she pressed down his growing budge, lightly caressing him through his pants, causing him to groan softly into her neck as he pressed himself forward into her. A jolt of pleasure shot through her at the sound. Causing her to become surer of her actions, as she gently but firmly pressed her palm against his hardness again.

When he finished undoing the last of the buttons, he pulled the bottom of the blouse out from her skirt; slowly he ran his hands up her arm to her shoulders slowly pulling the silk from her body. When Akira exposed her bare shoulders he kissed the left one then ghosting his warm lips across the back of her neck until he landed on the right. He continued kiss and nipping at her shoulders and neck as he pulled her blouse down, gently pulling off of her and letting it fall to the floor.

Akira stepped back a bit, breaking their connection briefly as he pulled off his jacket letting it fall to the floor. He grabbed a hold of Yuki quickly turning her around pulling her into his arms as he ran his fingers through her hair, cradling the back for her head-kissing her deeply--as his other hand found the side zipper to her skirt and pulled it down. Yuki's skirt was soon pooled at her feet. Akira swept Yuki up into his arms carrying her over to the bed and laid her down on top of the covers—quickly joining her; before his lips found hers he growled out possessively.

"Mine."

(^o^)

The neatly dressed man, his dark hair pulled back into a loose ponytail; looked out at the rain soaked city, as the limo cruised down the quite street. Tenchi want to see how far the decorator had gotten, Yuki would be returning in three days and he want to surprise her. Maybe Yasha was right, if he did more for her—show a softer side; Yuki would be more relaxed and accept her place. While in Korea he knew until things changed Yuki could not be in his home, not while the old man was still alive. Tenchi would continue to let her stay in her childhood home; of course he would be staying with her. There was no way, now that he was back that he would be letting her out of his sight.

He was pulled from his musings as the limo gave a slight lurch signifying that it had stopped. Noting that he had arrived Tenchi quickly got out of the limo not waiting for his driver to get out and open his door. He took great care not to step in one of the many puddles that had formed on the walkway to the house. He didn't want the water to spoil his two hundred thousand yen Italian leather shoes.

Tenchi entered the home expecting to be greeted by the designer he had left in charge of the redecorating, but he was irritated at finding no one around; though he was impressed with the changes--from the stainless steal appliances and dark granite counter tops in the kitchen--to the dark leather of the furniture in the living room. The photos on the wall had been put in to new matching frames of pure silver. Tenchi ran his hand over the smooth surface of the counter, enjoying the coolness.

"I sent the designer and her crew home." Yasha's tall lean frame was leaning against the wall near the opening of the hall. Tenchi turned around, somewhat surprised to find Yasha there. "I've been looking around; got to say your taste will always be the same."

"And you dear brother will always be the same as well." Tenchi watched as the younger man walk into the room and over to the black leather couch, which was one not the new items Tenchi, had bought for the home. "Slinking in the shadows and peeping through windows."

"Where is the gratitude, and I came all this way." Yasha leaned against the leather couch. "Just to tell you I got a call from Taka." He started to play with the cuff of his leather coat lying across the back.

"Yasha, I do not have the time for your games. What ever it is, say it and then leave." He pulled a knife from the cutting board, momentarily tempted drive the blade into his brother's chest. Tenchi looked at his brother, a mask of indifference firmly in place. Yasha just smirked at him as he picked up his coat off the couch and walked away.

"If that is the way you are going to be fine." He walked to the door and pulled it open. "I just thought you'd like to know, dear sweet Yuki spent the night with Mimasaka Akira, in his bed." Yasha smiled wickedly to himself as he walked out closing the door slowly behind him. Enjoying the sounds of his brothers almost primal growl, and the crashed that followed. He stood there for a few minutes untill the sounds stopped and leasuraly walked away. It was going to be a wonderful day.

Tenchi left the knife embedded in the couch and he stepped back satisfied that there was not a usable piece of furniture left in the living room. His turned to the wall where her family pictures were hung with great care. He pulled a photo from the wall, taken at what must have been her High School graduation. She was standing next to her mother and her friend Tsukasa, Yuki was smiling brightly the look in her eyes loving, in a way she had never looked at him. Was she looking at Mimasaka that way? He flung the frame across the room like a Frisbee, satisfied momentarily with the sound of shattering glass and splintering wood.

Tenchi knew he should have followed his first instinct and taken Yuki to Korea with him; when it became apparent she couldn't stay in his home, without him being there. He had given her too much freedom in hopes she would come to accept his affections more warmly, and she had betrayed him. He had been too lenient with her, which would change. He pulled out his phone and hit speed dial.

"I have a job for you…"

Tenchi gave his orders and snapped shut his phone, he looked at the damage he had caused, brushing his hair off his face, tidying it up. He would wait as long as it took. Yuki would come home eventually. And he would be here, waiting.

(^o^)

End chapter 3.

Remember reviews are my drug of choice! And again I am so sorry about the lateness.