Title: Shuu-sama
Author: Kuroi Tenshi [kuroi_22@hotmail.com]
Pairing(s): Shuuichi+Yuki
Warnings: Shounen Ai (of course—what'd you expect from Gravitation?!)
OOCness—I can't seem to make them otherwise. ::sniffsniff:: Shuu-chan being
serious.
Rating: PG-15 (for language, definitely)
Disclaimers: Ain't mine, no money. Sue if you must—but I've got GodPapa behind me. Let me see you try. ::grin:: Standard disclaimers apply.
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Part 9
Shuuichi reached for the glass of mango juice at the table next to him, not once taking his eyes off the manga he was currently engrossed with. The protagonist was presently estranged from his lover. He wanted to know what would happen to him now that his rich girlfriend was taken away by her family's armed bodyguards.
The pink-haired teen frowned when his hand came to contact with nothing. Still not relenting from his comic book, he blindly groped for the glass. Still nothing. Placing the book down with an irritated sign, he found Sayuri grinning at him, holding his glass delicately in her left hand while the other waved. "Ruri-chan!" He jumped up from where he sat and tried to grab the glass from her.
She stepped back and held up high above her head while he continued to reach for it. But she, being a good three inches taller, managed to keep it out of his grasp. Her brother gave her an adorable pout. "I came to ask you if you wanted to escape with me," she replied, handing him the glass then sitting down on his bed. "You've been locking yourself in your room for the past few days with only your manga and doujinshi collection to keep you company. I know why. Aunt Mitsuki finally drove you up the wall?"
Keeping his eyes glued to the yellow-orange content of the glass he held in his hands, as he knew she would see the truth in his eyes, he replied, "no." Sayuri was correct, of course. The old woman had been driving him mad, asking him questions about Hawaiian and Victorian décor that he did not want to discuss that time, or any time in the near—or distant—future.
However, she didn't have to know about that. Sayuri would never let their aunt hear the end of it if she did. The daily bickering at dinner was enough for his ears. "I'm not hiding. I just like reading manga in the comfort of my room," he answered with a huge smile. "Wanna borrow some?" he offered, shoving some of his favorite in front of her.
"Liar," she scoffed then shrugged. "But anyway, the offer still stands. Don't you feel like you've been cooped in here forever? Four days with Ms. Perky and Nosy and I'm reliving the horror of being under her care from age two until I graduated elementary. It's freaky."
Shuuichi grinned. Yuna had told him about the times both were traumatized when they were entrusted to Aunt Mitsuki whenever their parents were out of town, which was a lot before he turned ten. Their aunt made them listen to what Ruri dubbed as her Tales of Woes, her 'romantic' elopement then her tragic widowhood.
"I'm sure it's not that bad. I remember being Listener No. 3 before Mom finally found us a decent sitter and Yuna was old enough not to need one," he chuckled as he remembered the priceless expression on Sayuri's face when it was announced they had a new sitter.
"You didn't suffer as much as we did," she replied flatly. "You were six when news came that her husband had squandered all their money before dying. It's pretty hazy to me as well, but Yuna was almost thirteen that time; she swears she nearly had a break down. Then she told us more stories about herself and her deceased husband."
His brows knitted thoughtfully. "Now that you think about it, I don't remember Uncle Akira much. Not one memory."
"Understandable," she retorted. "Though married, they didn't spend much time together. Dear Aunt liked life in Hokkaido while uncle Akira stayed in Kyushu. Couldn't stand her, I heard," she shrugged. "But then again, who could?"
"You're mean!" he exclaimed. "I see why you're irritable when it comes to Aunt Mitsuki, but don't you think you're being a little too much? She's still Mom's sister! She can be a little pesky and annoying but she only wants to be closer to us. Can't you see that she's lonely?"
"No, but I can see she's tacky," she replied, jumping up and turning to him. "Look, I'm sorry if I'm not so sympathetic as you, Ukan. But my heart simply isn't as big as yours. We've been at each other's throats for god knows how long and it only got worse after you left. So don't be disappointed I'm not licking every toe on her feet in adoration."
"But you can try to be a little nicer to her," he argued. He didn't like it when any of his family members fought. And they did on regular basis.
"I try, I honestly do," she said, her tone with a hint of exasperation. "But she tries her best to get under my skin. It's useless!" She threw her hands in the air then shook her head. "Forget it. I'm not here to argue about her. I wanted to ask you whether or not you'd like to go to the Pet Shop with me."
He looked around his room helplessly. There was still a pile of manga by the foot of his bed that he hasn't read. "I dunno, Ruri. I'm feeling a bit lazy…"
When he didn't seem like he was going to honor her with his company, her shoulders slumped. "Okay. I just thought I'd try to spend more time with you anyway." She gave him a small smile. "I guess I'll see you around...when you feel like it." She turned and walked toward the door.
"Wait!"
Sayuri bit the inside of her cheeks in an effort not to grin. She knew she could always count on the small-smile-slightly-slumped-shoulders to work! "Hai?"
"Give me ten minutes to get ready."
"Okay!" she grinned, leaping toward the bed and planting a big kiss on his forehead. "We're gonna have so much fun bonding!" She made her way toward the door, alternating from jumping and skipping. "I'll get the car. See you in ten!"
He stared as the door of his room slid close behind her. Bonding? What had he gotten himself into?
True to his promise, ten minutes later found Shuuichi, music idol, heir to a great fortune, sitting side by side a cheerful artist, whose face was pressed to the window while she looked outside with open glee.
Sayuri watched the men she hired chopping the Tikki figures she found all over the mansion into pieces. She would've done the job herself, but she had a more important task as of the moment. She'd have to settle with using the sliced pieces for firewood when winter came. And being the loving niece that she was, she'd share her abundant share of kindling with her aunt, telling her where exactly she got them.
She noted in disdain that Mitsuki's henchmen still loitered the place. "At least they're carrying paint gun," she said, gesturing at the real-looking paint guns they carried. "Honestly, what's she thinking?"
Shuuichi merely shrugged. He took out his MD player from his orange backpack and smiled as he watched his sister go through his MD collection.
"Nittle Grasper!" she exclaimed. She took out her own player and silence reigned the car for a few minutes before she broke it. "Neh, Shuu-chan," she said, tugging on his sleeves and pulling the earphones off.
"Hm?"
"Do you miss Yuki?"
He stared at her as if she'd grown another head. Miss Yuki? Why was she asking about Yuki? He opened his mouth to say that no, he didn't miss the evil bastard, but no words would come out.
She tucked her short brown hair behind her ear and looked out. "I'm not Setsuna; I won't slap your mouth with my stilettos by merely mentioning the Forbidden Word," she grinned, knowing full well Setsuna wouldn't do that. Her sister would think it too undignified. She'd probably open the door then push whoever said the name out while the car sped on the highway.
When he didn't say anything, she rolled her eyes. "I know how it is, you know. You still love him, don't you?"
"I'm sure he's happy with his new boyfriend."
"I've been told he's pinning after a music star. The one with pink hair and beautiful violet eyes—same shade as mine, I've been told."
"Why are we talking about this?"
"Because we've been avoiding the topic long enough. Of course Yuna thinks it's all for the best, but I beg to differ. Can you tell me more about this Yuki person you've been dating for almost a year now?"
"Dated," he corrected almost instantaneously.
She chuckled. "Dated," she amended. "Care to tell me anything about him? You see, I only know bits. He's a great writer—I've read his works—and he's got attitude. Oh, and yes, and let's not forget that he hurt my brother by cheating on him. Other than that, I know nothing about him."
"What difference would it make if I tell you anything more about him?" he asked. He didn't like where this was heading. He was still undecided with regards to his (ex) lover. He knew he still had feelings for him—his love wouldn't die just like that—but the hurt was still too strong.
"I'm trying to help you."
"Didn't Yuna tell you to stop playing psychologist?"
She scowled. "Low blow, Ukan. I like playing shrink, deal with it." Then grinned. "You attempting to change the subject tells me one thing. That your emotions are still in turbulence that you can't bear to talk about it."
Why couldn't I have gotten normal sisters? The eldest was a business whiz, who calculated a lot (not just numbers, mind you) and loved using psychological terrorism to get what she wanted. The other was a psychotic genki artist who loved playing shrink on her free time. "I hate it when you psychoanalyze," he whined, hoping she'd drop the topic.
"But I remember you liking it when it's done to other people—new employees, to be exact," she replied with a shrug. "Now, why don't we get to the bottom of this imbalance?"
"What imbalance?" He laughed nervously. "There's nothing to talk about, we're through; it's over. No more relationship. Bye-bye Yuki. I'm over him." He grabbed his bag from his side and rummaged for the drawing pad and coloring materials he knew Ryuuichi placed there days before. He fished them out and held it for her to see. "Look, Ruri! Papers and pens!"
She didn't seem impressed. He wondered what could divert her attention efficiently and quickly, as what he held in his hands failed. Aha! "They're given by Sakuma-san!"
Sayuri grabbed them then hugged the materials close to her heart. "Sakuma-sama!" The twenty-two-year-old then proceeded to draw and color, leaving Shuuichi and his "imbalance" at peace until they arrived at the Pet Shop.
When they finally arrived, Sayuri threw Shuuichi a dirty look. "That was low, Ukan. You used such an underhanded trick to keep me busy from our 'talk.' We'll have to re-sked," she said as the chauffeur opened the door for her and she got out.
He stood next to her, looking at the two-storey building in awe. "Why are we going here anyway? Don't tell me your fish died. Again."
"I don't have fishes any more. My current baby's Ratty, though he's back home—Mom didn't want me to bring him."
"Ratty? You've got a thing for rodents now?" he frowned. "That's…sneaky." He knew his sister had weird tastes when it came to pets, which she treated as her babies, but he couldn't understand what she found particularly lovable in a rat.
"Rodents?" She wrinkled her nose. "What're you talking about? I meant Ratty as in my little rattlesnake."
He stared at her. "Snake?"
"Ratty's adorable, you'll just love him the moment you see him!" she gushed as they entered the store. "Ooh! Squeaky toys! I'll have to get him lots of these! He loved the last squeaky mouse I gave him—squeeze and squeezed until it didn't squeak no more," she grinned devilishly while she dumped a handful of said toys in the basket.
"We came all the way here for a bunch of squeaky—WOOOOW!" Shuuichi's eyes widened as he stared at the dark brown fluffy kitten at the adoption center. He half-ran toward the cage and kneeled in front of her. "Hi, kitty, kitty, kitty!"
His sister smiled as she stood next to him, watching him play with the little kitten, which by the way, was hissing angrily with all fur standing. "Looks like we won't be staying long after all. I came here for a pretty little kitty," she remarked brightly.
"You're going to have one?" he asked, eyes wide with excitement. "Take her, take her!" He pointed to the kitty, ignoring the rapidly panicking salesclerk.
"Why don't you take her? I'm sure you can manage taking care of a cat," she replied, still smiling. "And I promise I won't let Ratty have her."
The pink-haired teen wrinkled his nose. "I changed my mind. I don't want to risk Ms. Kitty here as Ratty's breakfast."
"I'm giving a friend a cat for a present," she explained. "But we can still have the kitten, I'll just choose another one. Anyway, while you think about it, I'm gonna buy other kitty essentials. Be back in five," she gave him a delicate wave then walked off.
Shuuichi watched her go for a few seconds before turning back to the kitten now staring at him, breathing heavily, tail still raised in a hostile manner. "Hi," he greeted her. She hissed in response. "Good kitty!" He stared at the small frame, the thick fur and the pretty blue eyes. Kawaii!
He remembered the tabby cat next door at Yuki's apartment. He never admitted it, but Shuuichi knew Yuki adored cats. He recalled the blond novelist sneaking a bowl of milk more than once for the cat when he thought no one was watching. And he knew the only reason Yuki had lots of canned sardines in the pantry was because he gave it to the cat. Shuuichi sighed.
"Getting acquainted?" Sayuri smiled when she came back with her basket full with what she called "cat and snake essentials." Shuuichi was still coaxing the kitten to lick his hand with the cat scratching his offered palm. "So, you're going to have her?"
He stood up and shook his head. She meowed in protest at the loss of his touch. The little kitten was certainly deprived of a scratching post. "Why not?"
Because he reminds me too much of Yuki, he answered mentally. And I want to forget him. I have to get over him. And being reminded every time I look at the kitten wouldn't help. "I won't be a good master. Won't be able to take care of her well."
She shrugged. "Would you take it against me if I were to adopt her and give her to my friend? I knew she'd love the kitten. And she is rather adorable," she said, smiling at the kitten then glanced at her brother.
He gave her a noncommittal shrug.
"I'm sure you and kitty will cross paths again someday," she remarked before signaling the girl for the kitten. The girl was hesitant at first, knowing how hostile the cat had been, but Sayuri assured her that the kitten was perfect that way. She turned to Shuuichi again, "oh! Btw, would you like to name her?"
"Shouldn't the owner name the kitten?"
"Yeah," She replied. The girl returned with the kitten in a carrier. She walked toward the counter where she could have a collar for the kitten and chose a violet collar with a silver nametag. "What name? We'll have it engraved."
"Are you sure the owner won't mind?" he asked uncertainly, but he was brimming with pleasure. Even if he wouldn't be the kitten's owner, at least he'd get to name her.
"Positive," she assured him. "Well?"
"Hmm…let me see…. Francesca? Katrina?" He frowned, concentrating. He wanted to give the kitten a pretty name; a name no other cat elsewhere had been given. He wanted something nice, something unique…something cute, just as the little kitty. "I got it!"
~*~*~*~
"Neko-Neko?" Yuki stared at the kitten's silver tag in disbelief. Who would be heartless enough to give the cat a name that would cause her to hang her head down in shame? No wonder she hasn't stopped hissing.
Sayuri shrugged, dropping the bags on his floor. She had asked the driver to drop her off at the park where she could walk to Yuki's apartment, saying that she was going to give Neko-Neko to her new owner. Shuuichi wanted to come but thankfully, she was able to convince him to go visit Hiro instead. She handed the Squeaky Mouse to him with a smile. "Have fun!"
"The cat's mine?" He eyed the hissing kitten warily. This one didn't seem that friendly and he wasn't sure if he was up to the challenge of dealing with a PMS-ing kitten.
"No, but you get to keep it while the owner goes on a soul-searching break," she replied. "Hasn't sorted through his thoughts and emotions, you see."
"Everything's brand new," he commented as he stared at the bags by her feet.
"Well of course they're brand new! Nothing but the best for the kitty!" she huffed. She took the cat carrier from him and rolled her eyes. "Yuki, please, it would break Shu—Shura's—heart if the kitten dies. Take good care of her." She placed the carrier on the floor.
"But she looks…"
"Adorable? Sweet-tempered? Cute?" she supplied, raising an eyebrow. "Need I remind you why you need to make sure Neko-Neko's treated like a queen until the owner stops being a blockhead?"
"I know."
"Good. You understand. Now, I'm off to meet Shuu-chan for lunch. I'll be back to collect Neko-Neko in…it depends," she grinned, stepping out of the slippers for the visitors and slipping on her shoes. "Have fun."
He stared at the shut door for a few more minutes. Then shifted his gaze to the angry kitten. He liked cats, really, he did, but that didn't mean cats liked him in return. Some yes, but this one?
Yuki made a beeline for the kitchen. He's going to need his beer.
~*~*~*~
December 25I am dead.
Merry Christmas. This is supposed to be a happy day, isn't it? Yeah, right. Dad chose this happy occasion to drop the roof over my head. I still can't believe it. Aside from the roof that caved over my head, the ground also gave way beneath me.
I'm being overly melodramatic, I know; Sayuri would be pleased. But dammit! I have the right to overreact and act as though the world's ending. My beloved father chose the Christmas Dinner when the whole family with the Kamachis are together to tell me all about my Christmas present.
Meg and I are engaged.
Lightning, strike me now. It's not that I don't like Meg—she's really cool and pretty. BUT! I'm only sixteen, jeez! I haven't even gotten all my wisdom teeth yet, how can there be talk of marriages? And let's not forget the fact that she's my best friend? Marrying her would be like marrying Yuna or Ruri. Incest is not my thing. Meg was shocked too, guess she didn't know either. Come to think of it, almost everyone at the table was surprised. The only ones who weren't were Dad and Meg's dad.
Gaah! I still don't get it. Why? Why, oh, why, oh, why, oh, why?
Well, maybe I do get the logic in marrying because of business, but aren't both families wealthy and powerful enough without a political marriage to make teenage life crappier?
And a little warning would've been appreciated. I barely got out there intact. I was more than ready to scream my head of and demand what the hell was going on, but I really don't see the point of ruining the day for everybody. I just wish someone thought about ruining my Christmas.
Most kids get cars for birthdays or Christmas as present. But marriage? So we don't have to get married until we're eighteen, but what the heck is that all about? This may seem cheesy, but I wanna marry for love. My parents got married without some stupid arranged marriage forcing them. They were in love. So why can't I have that? This is so unfair. And on Christmas too. How can anyone feel like celebrating?
This is just too much, even for me. NG's latest single doesn't make up for this, no matter what Ruri insists. Easy for her to say, she's not the one suddenly engaged to her best friend. I guess this means I have superb intuition. I just wish I knew earlier why exactly I was feeling uneasy. Surprises are bad. They give you heart attacks. My spider sense is tingling a bit too late (curse you spider sense!). Excuse me while I encase myself in my own spider web with no intention of getting back to reality unless I return to the much taken for granted status of single-ness.
God, I'm rambling. But what can I say? I'm literally a basket case. I'm overcome with shock. My brain cells, the ones left functioning, are comatose. My nerves? Fried. Heart? Expired. Liver? Well…I don't drink so that's still pretty intact, my lungs too, don't smoke. But for the rest of me? (lots of angry marks all over the page)
Engaged to Megumi.
I gotta go. I need to fill the tub with water and drown myself in it.
Tbc
===
Okay, the update was a bit long, but forgive me? Encountered the red brick wall. Writer's block? I've got a whole darn wall! So I'm sorry if you guys had to wait really, really long. As for the link before, forget about it. Something came up and the link didn't show. But it's no biggie. You can still live your life without any big loss by missing that one. It just explained why I would be (was) away for a few months. Anyhow, I'm back now. Hopefully, the bulldozer will do the trick. ::grins::