Dang, this turned out to be longer than I expected! And it's not even the two week deadline! ^.^ Um, I might just bunk the rating up on this because I'm almost positive I'll include those more graphic scenes and quite frankly the T fanbase sucks so bad at reviewing! There was like... nada reviews for the last chapter and I don't exactly know if they count due to the actual content or person so... ANYWAY! Human names here are Hong Kong: Hui for intelligence. I was going to make it another name that meant 'for the people' but it included the name I made for Taiwan so I ruled it out. And also there's North Korea's name Hyo meaning 'familiar ways', but I assume NK will appear little/have little purpose at the moment. Anyway, enjoy! -and please give some feedback?
Vash looked around the room slowly. Kiku may have greeted him formally enough and everyone may not have minded the blond, per se, but it didn't change their expressions of clear disarray or disapproval. Here was a poor exotic man in near nudeness standing before them with hardly the best grasp on their language, it was natural for them to not trust him.
Kiku especially would not look the ex-merman in the eye and escorted himself to his room. The blond almost reached out to the distant figure before Yao's wise words broke his concentration.
"It seems that most of the servants have returned to their duties. If you don't mind, dinner is almost finished and it would be best to find you more suitable clothing. Come with me, please." the knowing Asian ordered. It almost angered Vash the way Yao was able to talk knowing he couldn't object but then again it was true and Vash had to behave himself.
The blond had to admit that even though he came from being a prince of the sea and living very well off, the human version of a palace was grand enough to take the breath out of him. Deep gold and red painted the walls and columns while the floor was of impeccable dark wood or elegant tile. The quality of the air even seemed higher as he breathed in vanilla and cinnamon through the house. Masterly crafted weapons hung proud above his head with different types of armor and trinkets that proved to have endured well in wars. Vash could hardly contain his curiosity of it all while Yao guided him through the large estate.
"It's bigger than most, hm?" Yao asked proudly.
"Wh-What? Oh! Yes. I wonder how often newcomers get lost between all the turns and passages with it's size. Still... it really is an amazing place. The style is so different and has more... elegance than even my old home."
"Old home? It's just you and me here, Vash. Think you can tell me of this home. The only thing we know about you is that you're from a far place beyond the sea and your first name. That is hardly enough for someone to stay in the house of the future emperor, aru!" Yao whined leading Vash through the last door and into a fair sized room.
"My old home was also a palace, I suppose. I lived with my six brothers and my sister while my grandfathers tried to set me up with a girl I had no feelings for. I wasn't interested in following their stupid wishes and left for here. There's little else to explain. I already said I come in peace, I meant it." Vash said coldly recalling his reason for coming to the Asian side of the world. His legs felt like they were pierced and bleeding inside-out from all the walking and Vash decided to relieve some of the pain by sitting on the bed in the room.
The room was smaller than probably most of the royals' chambers but Vash still noticed how it was in taste like the silken sheets and drapes to fine oils burning a sweet flowery scent. It didn't seem entirely unused with a few shoes neatly tucked aside and everything fully furnished so Vash then wondered if it was really alright to be getting so comfy on a stranger's bed. Yao's voice stopped him before he could get off to rashly.
"Stay. I will not ask more questions tonight, but don't think I won't try to still figure you out, aru! Besides, I have to get you ready before dinner. I hope my clothes fit you well, aru." the lithe Asian stated pulling out some more suitable attire.
"Your clothes? Is this your room?" Vash asked unsure of what answer he wanted. On one side of the argument, Vash knew the owner of the room and wasn't considered entirely disrespectful, on the other hand, he was close to naked and made quite cozy on a bed in a very secluded and distant bedroom.
"Of course, aru! This was small and most suitable for my needs. The larger rooms only serve to make me feel lonely. Plus, with the room being so far from the main area, it means less of a chance that Yong Soo or Hui with try to pull their pranks in here like firecrackers in my pillow or braiding my hair and putting make-up on me in my sleep or-"
"That's fine. I get it. Except who is this Hui and can you pass me a shirt?"
Yao blinked once before flushing lightly and nodding. Damn Europeans always knew how to push his buttons just right to get him venting! Still, now was a time to be professional as he stared at the blond's bare body. He was so nicely toned and built, it was a wonder he wasn't already claimed by a young maiden and had to escape from a forced marriage. Then again, under the proper circumstance the male could easily pull off the look of a very, very pretty woman with his long hair and glistening eyes and-
"Clothes Yao? You already said I didn't look appropriate, right?" Vash cut through Yao's train off thought clearly out of patience.
"A-ah! Yes, aru! They're not quite my size, but they might fit you well. I'll come back when you're dressed, aru." Yao blurted out already out the door.
Vash sighed as he stared at the outfit laid before him. He slipped on the shirt that was a forest green like his eyes of a Chinese style with two simple black embroideries running down each side of his chest with small black circle buttons running down as well. The pants were a bit tight but fit alright as most of the top was covered by the shirt and only the puffing black bottom part showed. Even with the slight puff they still showed off his slender legs well as well as his shirt hugging his firm curves every which way that could make any being lusting after the blond. Long green socks were also set out but they confused the blond more than the other items. Vash was hardly used to clothes in general, so the lower-body items especially bothered him. It took him using them as gloves to a hat to hair ties to anything else plausible before donning them on his feet. The black simple shoes were more understandable with the obvious shape to them but it still took a hardy ten minutes before Vash completed the look and went to bring Yao back it.
"I finished. This looks alright?" he asked unsure as he did a turn both way for the other to examine better.
"Aiyah! You take so long getting ready! And you didn't even do your hair yet, aru! Go back in, we haven't finished the look yet!" the dark brunette ordered getting out a black ribbon and brush from his vanity area. "Sit down while I fix your hair. I swear you have no idea on how to keep it, aru!"
Vash did as ordered not wanting to be on his feet too much before feeling a hard yank on his hair.
"AH! What the hell?"
"If you didn't want it to hurt you shouldn't have let it grow so tangled, aru! Really, no self-respecting being would let it get so bad. Even Kiku has morals about his plain locks and he keeps them short and simple!" Yao scolded continuing trying to brush Vash's messy hair.
Vash decided to try and be less angry at the treatment when Kiku was mentioned but it was still annoying. It took half an hour of yelps and hard strokes but the two eventually were able to get the blond's hair like silky gold strands. Yao tied most of the hair back in a low ponytail and had some locks frame his face. It wasn't actually all that similar to the Asian's own as it was still distinctly Vash's but the idea remained close.
"There you go, aru! Now we have to hurry up and make sure that everyone else is ready to eat and that dinner is made well! Hurry along, aru!"
It took another ten minutes of running around the palace to figure out Yong Soo was messing with the maids. Vash did not appreciate the extra running around and joined Yao in firmly dragging the annoying Korean to the dining area. Hui was the one Vash had not met before but was told by Yao he'd be in the garden and was not to worry about him as they went to get Kiku instead.
Yao knocked on the younger's door impatiently and sighed. They really were in a rush and a maid just told them Hui was not in the gardens. In the fear of what the other was probably doing Yao decided he would go find him himself.
"Vash, I trust you, go make sure Kiku is coming out for dinner. I requested his favorite and I expect everyone there ready by the time dinner is readied on your first night here. He can show you to the dining room from here so I'll see you there, aru!" the busy caretaker instructed before hurrying off.
Yao had ran just out of view as Kiku decided to open the door. He was slightly flustered and his entire chest stood bare for the whole world, well Vash, to see as only a towel covered his lower body. The small Japanese had his hair tossed about messily and moist while small droplets of water ran over his defined torso. If Vash had an ounce less of manners he would have looked like a fish with his mouth open and surprised at the sight before him but he kept his composer together well enough to behave properly.
"I am so sorry, Vash-sama! I had not meant to keep you waiting and I am sorry for being still unprepared! Will you give me a minute while I go put on something?" those naïve brown eyes pleaded so sweetly and gave a look of guilt that shot straight into Vash's heart and he nodded approval.
"Thank you. Come in, it will take only but a minute and then we may run to the dining room."
Before the blond even knew it his surely masochistic feet took the painful steps into the inviting room and Vash gulped. The entire ambiance of the room just felt more... sensual than the rest of the house. The vanilla scent seemed more intoxicating while a candle-light gave the room a yellowish shade of sophistication. The set up with few chrysanthemums placed around the bed gave off even more off an erotic feel. Perhaps the fact it was just the two of them in the room or the fact Kiku was actually changing in front of him but it was all... so arousing to be around, not as if the blond could know what his feelings were at the time, though.
In the blink of an eye Kiku had removed his towel and managed to get into more natural seeming clothes. He was dress simply with a white yutaka with red edges and decorating. Red accented shoes and a tie all pulled well together as the flush still appeared on his face. It was so relaxing Vash almost smiled at the calming sight but remained stone-faced. The fact Kiku just made eye contact did not help the matter either.
Vash could not pull his eyes off Kiku.
It was Kiku to speak up first and try to make something of the situation as he walked over the other male. "Vash-sama? I'm sorry I'm not dressed well right now, I want to give the impression that I am not as enriched and grossly elegant that most wealthy families are. I live my life for the people, and though better off than most of them naturally, I try to remain simple and work for them. Regardless, you shall see everyone in their best tomorrow when they appear." Kiku with such disdain Vash would almost think it from another person. "Oh dear! Vash-sama, we must run or Yao-San will have our heads! I shall lead the way!" Kiku gasped out hearing one of the clocks chime seven.
Kiku didn't even register himself grabbing onto Vash's wrist as he began to rush them through the halls and room. Vash didn't register Kiku slowing down either and his inexperienced feet had him crashing down and onto Kiku.
The blond felt the sore stinging through his heels and adjusted himself to get up until he realized Kiku was still holding him tight. The smaller even went so far to pull him back down and just... hold him there. There was no sense of any lust or malice in the embrace from Kiku but the sense of need and longing instead. Vash gasped when Kiku looked at him with his deep amber eyes and a small sad smile. Vash wanted Kiku to stop looking at him like that, so broken and cold, but all he could do was hold him closer and position the smaller on his lap.
Kiku blushed at the new position. It was now occurring to him what was going on and quite thoroughly shoved Vash away, much to the blond's dismay.
"I am so sorry, Vash-sama! I-I… you... You just reminded me of someone and...! Um, please think nothing of that! I thank you for playing along like that, you really are a kind soul. Would you escort me inside the dining room?" Kiku asked almost too softly as he reached out a hand for the other.
Vash rejected the hand as he stood up on his own. He wanted to avoid the other's eyes but failed miserably as he glanced at those mysterious orbs. It was cute how Kiku would just stand there with a blush spread over his cheeks but his eyes were just... longing.
"OI! LET GO OF MY BREASTS!" Kiku suddenly screamed feeling himself being groped from behind. It didn't take Vash long to see the door that was just in front of them wide open and Yong Soo clutching on Kiku's chest. It was amazing how distracted Vash was to notice even something so obvious happening as he shoved Yong Soo off.
"Tell me what the hell are you doing to him?" Vash demanded taking a protective stance in front of the smaller Asian.
"Hey, could you all try to be quieter? Dinner's been ready for the past ten minutes and Yao'll get testy is we don't hurry inside." a stranger's voice rang out in a monotone. The owner of the voice soon walked over and bowed slightly for Vash and in his confusion Vash almost thought he saw another Kiku, but this one looked even more stoic with a slight devious aura to him. "My apologies, Mr. Vash. I don't believe we met, my name is Hui and I'm the forth son of this palace. I suppose you know Kiku and... that already?" Hui said pointing at Yong Soo with deserved disgust.
Finally Yao came in and didn't even have to say a word for all the Asians to catch the murderous glare ordering that they stop messing around and get inside the dining room quickly already.
Each of the Asians went inside like whipped dogs with tails between their legs as they took the appropriate chair around the long table. Vash could only hover in the corner not knowing where to sit. Yao did a quick once-over at the seating before realizing the blond was still standing.
"Aiyah! Don't just stand there! Take a seat anywhere, there is plenty of places!" Yao commanded addressing Vash with a apologetic look.
Vash walked slowly over to the chair empty beside Kiku. It was simply the most convenient far from Yong Soo and didn't involve too much walking to the seat. That was purely the only reason! Yet as Vash began his slow and painful walk to the nearby chair all eyes were on him. It hadn't been very long but Vash had gotten very good and walking and covering the discomfort with grace and poise. He wasn't the tallest man that ever walked across those tiles but with the way he held himself on finely crafted legs said all the different. His golden hair managed to shine even tied up in the ponytail and his more simple Chinese-style ensemble swayed perfectly with his body against he soft lighting in the room. A soft sigh was heard from some of the onlookers as he sat down what seemed like too soon and not soon enough.
"Ah, now that we are all here, it is time to welcome our guest more properly, aru! Hello there, Vash. I am Wang Yao and I'm the babysitter of the delinquents before you." Yao said with a light tone.
"Huh? Are we really reintroducing ourselves, da ze? Anyway, I'm the great Im Yong Soo! I may only be the second brother, but I still get to be in charge of Korea with my twin brother when I get 'more mature'! Hyo-Hyo isn't with us 'cause he's already trying to take some lead over there and watch over the enemy so we don't hear from him unless it's important. Still, I'm the better one that owns your breasts since bey originated in me!" Yong Soo boasted loudly with a obnoxious laugh before abruptly hit by Yao.
Hui merely sipped at his tea and gazed briefly at Vash before turning away. "I am Hui. I believe in capitalism unlike some other people", he paused to look a Yao, "I know. I also like fireworks and doing things Yao doesn't like me doing since he's fun to bother." Hui said with the corners of his mouth twitching upwards in what one could assume as a smirk.
Vash tried to say something about all this not being necessary and that he was learning things he didn't need to know until he heard a calm and soothing voice reach his ears.
"I am Honda Kiku, first son and future emperor of all of Japan. As Yong Soo already mentioned, we are on bad terms with some of the other Asian groups so tomorrow we will have them arrive in order to achieve peace. I put my duty first and I always try to return a debt. I say this because I owe you for getting that annoying pervert off of me, Vash. Thank you." Kiku announced clearly grabbing Vash's hand and gratefully gripping it. "Thank you. I hope you like it here and that we become very close."
Before Vash even knew it everyone began to start serving themselves. Vash was still slightly flustered but returned the reassuring grip on his hand as he served with the other. It was after his plate was made and full that he realized he had no idea how to actually eat his meal; a fact that did not go unnoticed by Kiku.
"You eat with the chopsticks, Vash. Have you ever used them before?" the smaller asked letting go of the other and picking up the blond's chopsticks. "Have you ever seen them before?"
Vash shook his and wanted to shoot himself in frustration at the thought he didn't even know how to eat properly in this new place.
Kiku just gave a kind smile and put the two wooden sticks in Vash's hands with him guiding the hand swiftly. "I'll help you out until you get used to it, as a returning favor." Kiku explained leading Vash's hand to the plate and trying to get the blond to actually be able to pick up a group of rice.
'His hand is so soft...' they both thought to themselves at the initial touch.
"Returning a favor even though you're allowing me into your home, giving me clothes, and literally feeding me and you think I'm not the one indebted?"
"That is... not accountable. Yao brought you here, I only wish to make a humble guest feel as welcomed as I may."
Vash mumbled something incoherent but Kiku paid no mind as he tried to eat as well. The Japanese stopped trying to feed the other in hopes it'll come naturally which it mildly did as Vash until dropped some of the rice on himself and had pieces cling to his face. Reaching out and grazing his hand over Vash's exotic face was only the nice and natural thing to do for Kiku, of course.
"Ah, something is right here..." he commented on reaching out and discarding some of the stray grains.
"Uh- wha-what was it?" Vash questioned beginning to flush along with Kiku.
"I-I was merely-"
"Totally making moves on the new guy, da ze! Way to get around, brother! And with the pretty Taiwanese princess coming tomorrow, you'll have all the pretty lovers! No fair!" Yong Soo cut in rudely not noticing the glares he received.
At the thought of the other... competition Vash would have in a few hours he immediately felt sick and got up. "I feel like resting now. Thanks for the meal and the chopsticks lesson." he mumbled going to the door.
Kiku glared at Yong Soo with murderous intent as he tried his best to politely leave as well. "Yao-sama, I believe I lost my appetite. It would be best if I rest for tomorrow, as well. Sleep well, everyone." he said with forced softness as he bowed and exited the room.
"Huh? Is it something I said, da ze? Them two love birds going to fu-mate tonight?" the as always oblivious Korean asked at Hui.
"Let's just say Yao may or may not be looking at you with a cooking knife in hand for what you just said." the smaller male replied coolly.
"You. Damn. FOOL, aru!" Yao screamed chasing Yong Soo with the sharpened blade.
Outside the commotion in the dining room, Vash was able to wonder outside and find his way to the beach. He took off his shoes and socks while contemplating removing his shirt but didn't on the chance of someone finding him to just simply stick his feel in the chilling waters. He really never noticed the temperature changes of the waters like he did as a human. They normally felt mild and pleasant but now it was near the point of hurting him leaving them in too long. It didn't matter, though; the water mostly eased the soreness in his feet and relaxed him. The ocean was such a special thing to him and he didn't even know it before.
This was all he had left of his old self. Even if he hadn't tested it out yet, he knew he couldn't swim and much farther in the water would drown him quickly. It hurt to think of how he suddenly left; suddenly left Leala and his overall duty as a prince. This was a mistake, Vash knew, but it was already made. Even if he was stuck as a human forever and hurt forever, with any luck, maybe he could at least watch and protect Kiku from afar. He couldn't wield a bow or any other type of weapon like it, but he could find other ways, any way he could to make Kiku happier. It didn't make sense and probably never will, but Vash cared about the small prince. Even if it wasn't what one called loved, with his luck it will be. In only days Vash knew of Kiku and he's already become determined to make the smaller stick up for himself and be happy. Be happy for the two of them.
Man, so I'm a freaking physics kid now! Freaking sucks, the teacher is so baaaad! I just want to go back to chem already! T^T Plus, CITRUS HAS BETRAYED ME! My mom got me CALIFORNIA oranges, man! You don't get a Floridian CALIFORNIA oranges!-Why would we even IMPORT oranges, seriously, wth? Plus... they were so good. It was such a horrible betrayal! But then I got some FL ones and I'm a bit happier since they taste better and all but they still have seeds... So... I dunno which is better! *feels betrayed and annoyed with West coast things* California...
I feel like I lost any Cali reviews just now, but still, please do review! Seriously need them for motivation and support!