Blue: This is the longest chapter I have written to date. Unfortunately it also took me way longer than I expected because I'm really, really, really tired! I stayed up all night last night fixing all the little typos and grammar mistakes I could find and then I went to breakfast with my mom. When I came home I could not for the life of me fall asleep! I even tried reading a Fruits Basket manga; But that only made it worse cause I kept getting ideas! So thus my period of insomnia stretches into thirty-six hours. This is very bad I have gone for four days without sleep before and its is NOT pretty!
Ivey: It's true she looked like crap!
Blue: ::opens her mouth, sighs and closes her mouth:: I'm too tired to yell at you right now. Moving on then… Oh, Amelie Rae Lanhoss you know I can't answer your question about Hana! It would ruin a LOT of good plot twists. Lets just say that you shouldn't give up on her just yet! And thank you for your comments on grieving. It's such a relief to be able to relate to someone about it. Ivey do your thing so we can go pass out!
Ivey: Never have, never will. Peace out!
This is dedicated to my best friend Josh. I have your sweatshirt hope that's cool!
What's Left Unsaid
By Blue
Tohru walked through the tiny graveyard behind the one room church with its dirt caked windows and peeling whitewashed walls to the most recently placed marker. On the simple wooden cross was carved the name 'Kyoko Aoki'. Sitting down on the grass she crossed her legs and placed a few of the dandelions in front of the marker.
"Hi mom it's me Tohru. I'm sorry I haven't been to visit more often, but it's been really busy at the castle. Hana said to tell you hello since she couldn't come today. She seemed like something was bothering her this morning, but she said it was nothing. I hope it's nothing at least. I've been practicing my reading and arithmetic like you wanted and I think I'm getting better. Oh and I made another friend! I met him a while ago and he's very kind. His name's Tomo and he gave me this yellow rose! He said that yellow roses mean friendship. Isn't it pretty?" Tohru picked up one of the dandelions and closed her eyes tightly. 'I wish that Tomo and I will become good friends.' Taking a deep breath she blew as hard as she could and all the puffy white seeds scattered and were carried off by the wind. "It looks like its going to rain doesn't? I guess I better start heading back. Please, watch over Hana I know there's something bothering her. I love you and I'll come visit again soon," she finished. Hopefully she would reach the castle before the downpour.
Yuki was finished tending his garden soon after Tohru left the castle grounds and found himself with nothing more do than wait around until dinner. As usual the young prince was absolutely dreading the evening. Every week it was the same. Yuki's father, King Yukio, whom Yuki was named after, was always the first one in the banquet hall no matter how many times Yuki tried to beat him there. When they were children Yuki and Akito made a game of it that both father and sons enjoyed. This ceased however after Queen Keiko died. King Yukio was consumed with grief withdrawing from his young sons. With the loss of his mother and the negligence of his father Akito clung to Yuki desperately. The sickly prince feared his little brother would abandon him as well and demanded all his attention. However, this only drove Yuki away. He spent more and more time in his mother's garden where Akito could often not follow.
Sunday after Sunday Yuki delayed his arrival as much as he dared. The meal was served promptly at seven and lately he had sauntered in as the last chime struck. The same four maids served the five-course meal like clockwork. First the soup, then the salad, next the meat (usually some new delicacy), afterwards cheese and fruit, and lastly a light dessert. Few words were shared between the royal family. "How is your health of late Akito?" and "Yuki, has your progress in fencing improved?" were the most common. Aside from that the only sounds made were of utensils clinking and the servants' careful steps upon the marble floor. The only break from the monotony was Lord Shigure's occasional attendance, which, thankfully, was rare.
Perhaps a trip to the market would coax him out of this Sunday afternoon stupor. Besides he hadn't been out of the palace in what seemed like forever. Having decided Yuki went to his room to find his cloak and grab a few gold coins. Entering his room he was startled to see Akito sitting by his window with his arms draped over the sill. Over the years Yuki had made a point to avoid being alone with his sibling as much as possible. While Yuki was physically stronger he was hindered by a deep seeded fear of Akito. Whether it was from his easily sparked temper or the memory of that first strike across the cheek Yuki wasn't sure, but no matter the cause it was a fact that he never lifted a finger against Akito. Not even in defense.
"Yuki, there you are." Akito looked over his shoulder at his fraternal twin. They were as different as night and day in features as well as personality. The only thing they shared was their willowy frames, pale complexion, and softness of speech all of which they received from their mother. They were nothing like their father in looks. King Yukio's fiery coloring and powerful build was the polar opposite of his heirs. Akito gained the explosive temper their father was known for, although the King had exercised more control over the years as Akito let his own slip.
"Akito," Yuki greeted as neutrally as possible. With hurried steps the gray haired prince approached his wardrobe and took out his brown hooded cloak. His dark purple cloak was in much better condition, but he wanted to avoid attention in town. Purple was a royal color. Yuki could feel his twin's eyes boring into him as he fished a few coins from the box on his nightstand.
"Where are you going?" asked Akito. Yuki didn't look at him when he answered trying to appear busy with securing his bootlaces.
"Into town."
"You'll be late for dinner."
"I'm never late for dinner." Yuki tensed as he felt Akito's arms wrap around his chest from behind.
"Will you bring me something?" he inquired with the slightest hint of excitement in his tone. Despite how twisted he'd become every once in a while the little boy who made up stories with Yuki and watched the birds in fascination would venture out from wherever it was he'd locked himself away.
"Of course Akito…"
When Tohru arrived back at the castle it was just starting to sprinkle. Nearing the servants' entrance she saw that someone was leaned against the wall with their arms crossed and appeared to be chewing on something. The something turned out to be what looked like a fishbone and the someone was the guard Tohru had meet only a few days ago.
"Hello!" Tohru said with a smile. To Tohru both the guard and Lord Shigure seemed a lot alike. They liked to tease, but she could tell that both men had good hearts. The guard looked up from the arduous task of drawing in the dirt with the toe of his boot and grinned back at her.
"Hey, there little missy! You're Tohru, right?" Tohru blinked and nodded her head. She had of course seen him, however they hadn't had the chance to be properly introduced.
"That creepy chick that's always seeing ghosts or visions or whatever was lookin' for ya. She said that one of the servants was blowin' chucks so they need you to help the other servers with that hoity toity dinner thing tonight. Ya know the one the chief always has with those two scrawny pale kids he calls his heirs.
Tohru stared at him speechless for a moment. It took another moment for Tohru to processes what the man had just said to her.
"Um, ok!" she said with a weak smile and bidding him goodbye she made her way to the kitchens.
Blue: I'll work on chapter um…. What are we on now eight? Nine? Never mind. I'll work on it once I take a ridiculously long nap. Don't forget to review. Night!
