A/N- Alright, the last chapter concluded the "Feather Arc", as I've begun to refer to it in my mind. Time for the second story arc to begin. I have no idea where this is going to go yet so bear with me if the story seems a little choppy! Akira won't be around as much, but he'll be in and out. This chapter takes place immediately after the events of the last one, so if you're fuzzy on the details re-read it. Thanks for your support on the previous chapters, let's finish strong, eh?
Disclaimer- Don't own
Pairings- I think the last chapter made it abundantly clear what the pairing is.
Warnings- None for this chapter. It's pretty tame, even by my standards.
Chapter 9- Of the Frying Pan Into the Fire
"Over? Oh my dear Watanuki, things are just getting started.", Yuko said in a suddenly serious tone, "We have much to discuss once everyone leaves."
Watanuki stared at her in total shock. He wasn't prepared for her comments. The entire room went silent. The Ame-Warashi and Zashiki-Warashi departed without a word. The latter giving Watanuki a sympathetic look. Himawari and Kohane looked at each other and began to walk towards the front door.
Watanuki, never one to forget his manners, stopped them, saying, "Himawari, Kohane, are you leaving so soon? I think we should celebrate what we've accomplished so far!"
"You shouldn't celebrate something that isn't over, Kimihiro.", Kohane cautioned.
"She's right Watanuki, besides," Himawari agreed, "Yuko seems like she wants to talk right now."
Watanuki looked over towards Yuko who hadn't smiled or spoken since a minute or two ago. She nodded upon hearing Himawari's words. Watanuki gulped, suspecting that things were less than good for him. The two girls gave supportive smiles and left as quickly as they could.
Watanuki looked over at Domeki and Akira, clearly expecting them to leave. Domeki didn't move an inch and stared directly into Watanuki's eyes, giving no indication of movement. Akira smiled widely when Watanuki looked over towards him.
"What?", he asked, even though his smile made it obvious he knew "what".
Watanuki rolled his eyes and turned over to Yuko, who actually had a hint of a smile on her lips.
"I don't think they're going to leave.", Watanuki said.
Yuko smiled widely and answered, "That's fine. I have business with Domeki anyway and if you don't mind either of them hearing what I'm going to tell you then there isn't really a problem."
Watanuki wasted no time in asking a question, "Alright, now what is it that you have to tell me? It seems serious."
"It is. We have to discuss payment.", Yuko said with her usual smile.
There was silence. That is there was silence for two seconds before Watanuki exploded.
"WHAT!? How could I possibly owe you for this!? I mean sure you sent us a letter, and sure you told us how to remove the feathers… and personally removed them… and sent spirits to help us…", Watanuki sputtered as he slowly realized that he might owe Yuko quite a bit.
Domeki looked a little worried, and Akira raised an eyebrow, not yet knowing what exactly to store sold. Watanuki looked downright terrified. At this rate he would probably end up owing Yuko more than the price of his wish!
"I think you have the wrong idea.", Yuko soothed.
Watanuki looked hopeful.
"You don't owe me. I owe YOU.", Yuko explained with a huge smile.
"W-W-What!?", Watanuki stuttered, completely taken aback.
Yuko kept smiling and began explaining again, "To be specific I owe both you AND Domeki."
"How?", Domeki asked in a confused voice.
"That feather,", Yuko started, "is, as I'm sure you've noticed, incredibly powerful. Because of this it is also incredibly valuable. Even though the feather was shattered and you two had to call on my aid to restore it, its value not only covered the costs of repairing it, it far exceeded them. By giving it to me, you two have become rich in the currency of my store, so to speak."
Watanuki was surprised to say the least, but his brain was still working enough to ask a question, "Why Domeki too?"
Yuko looked at Watanuki as he were insane and answered, "Are you thinking straight? If you'd sensed that feather when you were alone, that ghost would have pushed you into traffic and killed you! Not only did Domeki save your life that time, he also allowed you to find it in the first place!"
Watanuki was about to protest about how he would have been fine, when Akira interjected, "Makes sense to me!"
Watanuki shot him a death glare. Akira looked moderately surprised, having never been on the receiving side of Watanuki's anger.
"Fine. Whatever. So me and Domeki can make a really big wish? If so, I just want whatever credit I've accrued to go towards my original wish.", Watanuki requested.
At this Yuko looked down at the floor a little guiltily, "I'm afraid I can't do that, Watanuki."
Watanuki looked angry and annoyed, but mostly disappointed.
"Why not!?", he demanded.
"Unfortunately, we already agreed on your method of payment. That is say, your job at the store is what is paying for your wish. Since you were not on the job when you found the feather I cannot grant your request to put your payment for the feather towards your original wish.", Yuko answered sadly.
Crestfallen, Watanuki looked at the floor and refused to meet anyone's eyes. Both Akira and Domeki saw that he was feeling down and moved to comfort him. Akira placed his left hand on Watanuki's left shoulder, while Domeki had his right hand on Watanuki's right shoulder. This created a semi-hug from both men to the distraught teen.
"T-Thanks you guys. I'm fine now.", Watanuki reassured them.
Yuko began again, "I'm sorry about that Watanuki, but there's really nothing I can do. Look on the bright side though! You can wish for a whole lot with how much you two have earned!"
Watanuki smiled, "I guess that's true. Thank you Yuko."
"Now, think hard… is there anything you really want?", Yuko questioned.
Watanuki thought hard, his thoughts mostly focused of the events of the previous day. It was pretty crazy from start to finish. His mind wandered to some of the high points and some of the low points.
'So much worry could have been avoided if I had just been able to take care of myself a little better.', Watanuki mused.
Watanuki took a deep breath to compose himself, believing himself ready to make his wish.
"Yuko. I know what I want.", Watanuki stated firmly.
"What is it, Watanuki? What do you wish for?"
"I wish I could protect myself better! I know that I can't do everything by myself, and I don't want everyone to stop caring about me, but I think I make them worry too much. If I were more self sufficient, a lot of bad things that happened today could have been prevented.", Watanuki explained.
Yuko closed her eyes and smiled softly, "Understood. Your wish will be granted. I can't predict how your new ability to protect yourself will manifest, though."
Watanuki nodded, also smiling.
"That's fine. I'll take what I can get.", Watanuki said amicably.
Yuko, her eyes still closed, summoned some of her power. Strange wisps of power surrounded Watanuki and threaded themselves around him. They formed lines which criss-crossed his entire body. The threads glowed brightly for a few moments before fading, presumably they were entering Watanuki's body.
"Once again I remind you, I don't know how this will help you protect yourself, only that it will.", Yuko explained, "Your new power should be active the next time you wake up after sleeping for at least six hours."
Watanuki nodded in understanding. Yuko then turned to face Domeki.
"You're next, Domeki! What is it, if anything, that you want?", Yuko probed.
Domeki appeared lost in thought, considering the near limitless possibilities.
'I wonder what he's gonna wish for. … Not that I care.', Watanuki wondered.
Domeki thought for a moment more before he answered with certainty, "I want the same thing as Watanuki."
Watanuki was momentarily taken aback before he tried to clarify Domeki's statement, "You mean you wish that you could take care of yourself better? To be honest ,I don't think you really need that, you do a good job of that already."
"You misunderstand. When I say I want the same thing I mean EXACTLY the same thing. I wish I was able to protect YOU better, not myself.", Domeki corrected.
"W- What!? What are you thinking!? I don't want you to wish for something like that! Why don't you wish for something better, like money or happiness?", Watanuki shouted.
"Wish accepted!", Yuko announced before Domeki had a chance to respond.
"Yuko, no! I don't want this! I want to be able to take care of myself! I want Domeki to not have to save me so he can be happier!", Watanuki protested.
The room went dead silent. Yuko, Domeki, and Akira looked totally taken by surprise. Watanuki looked completely mortified. He obviously hadn't meant to shout out that last part. Even though he looked embarrassed and uncomfortable with the situation, Watanuki didn't take his words back.
The silence was broken by muffled laughter. It of course came from Akira. He was obviously trying quite hard to cover it up, but wasn't having much luck. His laughing broke much of the tension in the room. Yuko quickly recovered from her shock and had her smile out in full force. While poor Domeki looked a bit flustered.
Akira continued to laugh as he spoke, "I'm sorry, but Watanuki's outburst was pretty funny. I'll just step outside for a minute."
Akira quickly made his way towards the hallway that he'd originally made his entrance through. When he had left Domeki turned to face Watanuki.
"You idiot.", Domeki chastised, "How could I be happy if you were hurt and I could have done something to prevent it? Don't worry, I'm may be making this wish to protect you, but you being safe is the easiest way for me to be happy."
"D-Domeki…", Watanuki stuttered, "That's one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me. It's certainly the nicest thing YOU'VE ever said to me…"
Before Domeki had a chance to reply he was covered in the same threads of power that had seeped into Watanuki. The process repeated itself, with the light emanating from the threads slowly embedding themselves into Domeki. When that was done, both teens turned towards Yuko just as Akira reentered the room.
"It's the same deal for you, Domeki, as it is for Watanuki.", Yuko explained, "Meaning you will receive a power upon awaking after six hours of sleep. It will definitely help you protect your precious Watanuki, but I have no idea how it will do so."
"I think you guys are going to be pretty powerful.", Akira predicted, "Unfortunately, I have to get home. It's been really fun hanging out with you guys. I'm sure we'll meet again. In fact…"
Akira trailed off and rummaged through his pocket. He pulled out a dark blue cell phone.
"I'll give you my cell phone so the three of us can reach each other at any time!", Akira explained, with his bubbly smile.
'Man, Akira is a really smiley person. I'm surprised how much the feather was affecting his overall mood.', Watanuki concluded.
Even while he was thinking this, Watanuki looked over to his side to where Domeki was standing. Domeki shook his head in the negative and shrugged his shoulders. Watanuki sighed with annoyance. Akira raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"What's wrong?"
"Neither Domeki nor myself have cell phones.", Watanuki explained, "I can't afford one, and I thought Domeki would have one, but apparently he doesn't. I'm sorry."
Akira looked a bit disappointed, but understanding.
"Actually Watanuki, you and Domeki have a little credit left over from your wishes.", Yuko interrupted, "Enough, to say, pay for a cell phone for a few years. Say the word and it's yours."
Watanuki's face erupted with happiness. He looked over to Domeki, who nodded his assent.
"I wish me and Domeki had pre-paid cell phones!", Watanuki shouted exuberantly.
Yuko smiled and made a quick run to the treasure room. When she came back she was holding two cell phones. One was a deep green, and she gave it to Domeki. The other was black, and she presented this one to Watanuki. They were "coincidentally" the same model as Akira's, so he showed them how to use the phones. After that they exchanged numbers, and Akira took off.
He was gone for all to twenty seconds when Watanuki's phone rang. The caller ID said that it was Akira calling. Watanuki answered it, excited to be getting his first call.
"Hey it's Akira Kisaragi, is this Watanuki?", Akira asked.
"Yes. Is there something you needed, Akira?", Watanuki questioned.
Akira paused before answering, "Sort of. I got one of my feelings as I was leaving. I think something good will happen to you if you say 'I'd love to' to the next question you are asked."
"Say 'I'd love to' to the next question someone asks me?" Watanuki repeated.
"Yep. Say 'I'd love to'.", Akira confirmed.
"Ok. I will."
"Promise me you will!"
"Ha ha, fine, I promise! I'll talk to you later, alright?"
"Alright. Bye now!"
"Bye."
Watanuki chuckled slightly at the strange call. He ignored the question look of Domeki and the knowing look of Yuko.
"Well it's about… eight o'clock, so why don't I get dinner started?", Watanuki suggested.
"Why don't you eat at the temple instead?", Domeki countered, his face giving away nothing.
Watanuki didn't have time to reply before Yuko intervened, "Mokona and myself already ate while we were waiting for you , Watanuki. The two of you probably have a lot to talk about anyway."
Watanuki gave her a questioning glance, but she didn't acknowledge it.
"So? What do you say?", Domeki asked again.
'Damn that Akira! I bet he know exactly what the question would be, and made me promise because he knew I'd say no!", Watanuki seethed internally.
"I'd… love… to…", Watanuki ground out.
Domeki seemed more shocked than he ever had been, while Yuko's smug smile threatened to make Watanuki explode in anger.
"Bye bye, Watanuki! See you tomorrow!", Yuko called cheerily.
Watanuki stopped, moments from leaving the house, and considered this, 'Huh. I thought I was staying at her house tonight. She must be mistaken or confused or something.'
Domeki held the door open for Watanuki as the pair left. Watanuki nodded his head in thanks. They began the walk to the temple in the cool night air. There was a silence that was somewhere between companionable and awkward. This was mostly because of Watanuki's reluctance to be traveling with Domeki. It was also because of Domeki's usual tendency to say nothing unless absolutely necessary.
They reached the temple without a single word having passed between them. Domeki led the way to a sitting area, where Watanuki assumed Domeki took his meals. Domeki stared at Watanuki expectantly. Watanuki tried to ignore it, but that proved too difficult a task.
"What!? What do you want!?", he shouted nervously.
Domeki responded in a much quieter tone of voice, "I thought you were going to make dinner."
Watanuki immediately protested, "You invite me over and then ask ME to cook!?"
Domeki cocked his head to the side in confusion, "You'd rather eat my cooking?"
With that, Watanuki ran out of steam and couldn't find any words to counter Domeki's semi-logic. Instead of arguing, he walked briskly into the kitchen. The glasses wearing teen immediately started complaining about the lack of ingredients. However, Watanuki eventually found just the right materials to make a simple pan fried fish entrée . The time passed in relative silence, with only the sounds of cooking to break it. Watanuki was beginning to wonder why he was there in the first place.
'What's with this out of the blue invitation? I mean, I'm the first to admit that I don't read Domeki very well, but this is certainly a surprise. Yuko mentioned having something to talk about, didn't she? Maybe it has something to do with that.', Watanuki concluded.
In an hour or so, dinner was served and the duo sat down to eat. Dinner went the way most of Watanuki's interactions with Domeki had been lately, that is, silently. It took another half an hour to finish eating in a quiet that threatened to make Watanuki jump up and shout to break it. This, however, proved not to be necessary. Dinner ended and Domeki was quick to speak up.
"Watanuki,", Domeki began seriously, "We have something important to discuss."
'Finally! I was about to go insane over here!', Watanuki thought as he internally rolled his eyes.
"It's about what happened between us… you know, at the store?", Domeki explained.
Watanuki turned a deep shade of red and attempted to reassure Domeki, "About that… I don't blame you at all. The feather was controlling you and there was really no other way to get our fragments of it out. I'd be more than happy to just forget the whole incident."
Now it was Domeki's turn to gain some color in his cheeks as he explained further, "While it's true that I never would have… kissed… you without the feather's influence, that isn't exactly what I wanted to talk about."
"If it's not that, then what is it?", Watanuki asked in a confused voice.
"I noticed something about the feathers influence.", Domeki elaborated, "It didn't just create feelings out of nowhere. It took emotions or character traits that were already present and amplified. In other words, your pride, Kunogi's desire to be alone, and my… lust were all there prior to the infection of the feather, just in a manageable amount."
Watanuki considered this and replied with, "What are you trying to say, Domeki?"
Domeki paused before continuing, "I like you. As more than a friend. I want to be with you."
It was one of the few times in Watanuki's life where he couldn't come up with anything to say. Whatever he had been expecting, it hadn't been this. Domeki seemed to take Watanuki's shock in stride and waited patiently for him to snap out of it.
"Y-You like me? ME!?", Watanuki exclaimed.
Domeki nodded.
"Since when?"
"I don't remember exactly. But awhile ago."
Another pause.
"I know this is sudden, and I don't expect you to share my feelings. I would, however, appreciate at least one chance with you. To that end, will you go on a date with me?", Domeki all but blurted out.
Watanuki's first instinct was to shout a resounding "NO!". He might have done this, too, had it not been for vibrations emanating from his pocket. Someone had just sent Watanuki a text. Watanuki, glad for the distraction, opened his phone. The text was from Akira. It had only two words in it.
'Say yes.'
Watanuki looked at the text as if he thought it were some kind of trick. The text was indisputably Akira's, though. Besides who even had his number aside from Akira and Domeki? No one, that's who. That said, Watanuki was caught between a rock and a hard place. He didn't have much of a desire to go on a date with Domeki, but if Akira said to say yes, then there must be a good reason behind it.
Domeki continued to stare at Watanuki intently for a few minutes. After a time, though, he sighed and began to clean up the remnants of dinner. Domeki assumed that Watanuki's answer would be in the negative column.
"Yes."
Domeki's head snapped with near inhuman speed towards the boy that had spoken that word.
"Say again?", Domeki requested, not trusting his own ears.
"I said… yes."
A/N- Things are going to heat up between our favorite spirit seeing boys from here on out! I'm actually pretty excited to write the next chapter. Akira will call or text from time to time, but he's going to have very little direct influence in future chapters. I wonder what Watanuki and Domeki's new powers are going to be! I've decided on Watanuki's, but I'm not sure about Domeki's yet.
I guess I'll answer a review or two-
James Birdsong- Glad you liked the last chapter. Hope this one wasn't too boring. It's mostly set up for other plotlines.
EchizenRyomaLover- Ah ha ha, yeah I figured that was her most dominant negative quality. I was laughing while I wrote it actually!
Thank you for your approval! That scene was the most difficult to write. I know the delivery of the confession and kiss was a bit rushed, but as you pointed out the situation called for it. You got a more official confession in this chapter, so I hope that was better! I know the romance was mild, but to be quite frank that was my first time ever writing a scene like that. I'll try to get something longer and more serious in there, but I don't think I'm very good at those situations. In other words, no promises! (Sorry.)
I'm pretty sure it's Fai, but you never know, could be one of the others.
