Letters: Part XI
If anyone said it was ever easy: they lied. Life isn't easy. In fact it is the most bloody confusing thing ever! One moment you're sitting on the couch, playing video games, with your best friend humming softly to herself while making dinner, and the next? The next you're fighting, she leaves, you feel like an idiot, and then it all finally clicks. The fact that you can't live without her; that you can't smile without her… That just knowing she isn't coming home? It rips your heart to shreds and you wonder how it will ever mend.
In a city she didn't know, with streets and faces unfamiliar, the figure upon the motorcycle did her best to navigate her way. If she wasn't so stupid… if she had just said she was sorry… if she had just… just… There were so many things she could have done to stop her from leaving, so many, but in the end nothing was done. Pulling to the side of the road, before her was a run down bakery, Natsuki slid off the seat of her bike, stumbling for a few moments as her legs were not quite accustom to the ground. Riding for several hours straight always did this to her.
Rain plummeted down, even Mother Nature held no mercy for the young stupid woman. "Damn…" Grumbled the leather clad figure, before slipping into the front door of some place named: Sun Hai Cakes. It was comforting, the atmosphere. The air smelled of freshly baked sweets and honey. No one manned the front till, nor did anyone come to greet her. Perhaps no one was home? "Hello?" Natsuki called nervously, eyeing the curtain covered door suspiciously.
No answer.
So again, Natsuki attempted a call, stepping all the more closer to the crack of light that rested just behind the curtain, "Hello? Is anyone…"
"Hello hello!" An elderly woman gleefully responded, popping out from behind the curtain with a tray of fresh baked buns. The sudden action in itself causing Natsuki to jump backwards, mere inches from having hit the stand of cookies behind her. This of course was missed by the older woman as she bustled about, offering her new found customer a steaming hot bun, "Manju?" (Note: a steamed bun filled with a sweet azuki bean paste) Those eyes seemed almost sealed shut as it was almost next to impossible to see the baker's eyes.
Natsuki was about to decline when her stomach betrayed her brain issuing a low growl. This in turn caused Natsuki to blush and the woman to chuckle softly, "Ara it seems like someone is a little hungry. Come my husband and I are just about to eat supper, won't you join us?" It was such an inviting, and open invitation.
"I couldn't trouble you…" Natsuki began but was cut off by a waving hand.
"Nonsense! It is never a trouble, my husband and I are old and do not get much company. Come," As she spoke she motioned back to the curtained area, stepping in herself, "It would be our honour to have you."
There was little room to argue, and Natsuki knew this. So cautiously she followed the elderly woman, surprised by the warm comforts this back room offered in comparison to the front section of the bakery. It smelled so sweet, with little treats all about. Then off to the back corner appeared to be the connected kitchen and stairs that led presumably to a second floor and living quarters. The small table only held two seats – one to which was already occupied by a man with silver hair and slouched posture.
"Darling, look, we have company." Spoke the woman in excitement to, what Natsuki guessed, was her husband.
In this type of situation it was an amazement just how well mannered our biker could be. With a deep bow, Natsuki took the moment to introduce herself, "Kuga Natsuki, thank you for having me."
"Oh Natsuki-chan, it is a pleasure! A pleasure indeed!" Motioning to herself then to the man, the woman continued, "My name is Kokoshi and this is my husband, Futsomi." Shuffling off to the stove the woman – Kokoshi – motioned to a chair pushed up against the back wall, "Could you grab that Natsuki-chan? The miso shiru is almost done I just need to add a more few spices."
"Mhm," As instructed, Natsuki brought the chair over, setting it down in the empty space, "Can I help you with anything Kokoshi-san?"
"Ara, Natsuki-chan is so sweet. Perhaps she could reach the bowls for me?" Kokoshi motioned to the cupboard just off to the left, "Third shelf up."
She sounded so much like Shizuru, with her 'aras' and just that accent. Natsuki let off a silent sigh, finding the bowls with ease and setting them up before taking her seat at the table. It was a weird feeling, to sit with complete strangers, about to share a meal. It was strange… but for some reason it felt more then welcoming. How long had it been since she had felt like this? This… like a family… with parents to watch her, take care of her… too long. Perhaps someday Shizuru and I will be able to create a warm feeling like this for someone…
Drawn from her thoughts, the contents of her bowl become rather full, Natsuki smiled, thanking Kokoshi. All welcomed the meal. Initially there was little conversation, just simply things like how old was she, where did she live, what brought her all this way. Of course, when that last question was asked, one have to be blind not to see the visible pain that emanated from the biker.
"I'm… I'm looking for a friend."
"Ara, and what is your friend doing in Kyoto? Does she live here?"
"Yes… well no… sort of…" Natsuki found it hard to voice just what was running through her mind. "Her parents live here you see, and she came to visit them."
"Ah, well that is nice. So if she is visiting her parents then why is Natsuki-chan all the way out here? Shouldn't she be waiting at home for this friend to return?" Inquired Kokoshi.
"I…I…"
It was the first time Futsomi spoke, and to be honest, he did not speak for very long, "She's in love." Grumbled the man, apparently hard around the edges, but with an underlying wisdom and understanding that most only dreamt of, "Come to bring her home no doubt, because you were stupid the first time and ended up chasing her away…"
"Futsomi!" Kokoshi scolded about to say more to her husband before Natsuki broke in.
"He's right…" This caused Kokoshi to stop, Futsomi continuing to work away at his soup. Setting down her own set of dishware, Natsuki fought hard against the tears, biting the base of her lip, "I… I really messed up… And… and… as punishment I am about to lose the best thing that has ever happened to me." A comforting hand settled upon her shoulder and Natsuki looked back, startled. There sat Kokoshi, with a warm look of a mother with experience; knowledge.
"Natsuki-chan, I am sure whatever happened you simply being here… it proves just how much you care. And if this woman has any sense at all she will see that. Ah, young love these days. So drastic! Futsomi and I had an arranged marriage. Though at first I did not like it, nor did he, in time we accepted it, even fell in love. The world back then was not as confusing as it is now. But I am sure you will manage things just fine Natsuki-chan." Savouring her remaining soup, Kokoshi set down her bowl, smiling widely, "So what do you have in mind to sweep her off her feet?"
"She doesn't… doesn't even know where she lives, am I right?" It was Futsomi speaking again, his words hitting Natsuki like a sac of bricks. Why did this guy have to be so blunt, yet so right?
"I… well… no…" Natsuki admitted in defeat.
Noticing this inner struggle, Kokoshi felt a sympathy for the girl and lightly slapped her husband on the arm. Wasn't it enough that this young girl was in pain? Her husband just had to make it worse by pointing out every flaw in her heroic rescue. Shooting him a glance that screamed, 'You did this! Fix it!' Kokoshi smirked as her husband caved, setting down his own dishware.
"What's the name?" Grunted Futsomi, in a way he was rather similar to Natsuki… grunts, grumbles and mumbles.
"Name?" Natsuki's eyes shot up, puzzled by the question, "What do you…"
"Family name, we've been in the business long enough. We might just know her by her family name." Was this girl out to lunch? Futsomi hadn't seen someone so distraught since… since… oh right since his own mother said he wasn't allowed to play outside anymore with the boys. That he had to become a suitable boy… right…
"Oh!" Gently, Natsuki smacked her palm to her forehead. Being clueless was sometimes a given, but in front of guests? Only Shizuru ever made her so confused… yet so loved at once… "Fujino, her family name is Fujino." Natsuki watched in sheer confusion as both other jaws dropped at the table, "What… you know them!" Asked the young girl with a sudden excitement ringing clear in her voice.
"Know them! They're just the biggest name in all of Kyoto! The Grand Fujino!" Kokoshi responded in shock. "Didn't you see the company sign on your way in? There must have been over a dozen billboards and such…" The elderly woman couldn't help but chuckle as Natsuki shook her head in shock.
"Well they are faithful customers. We run a deliver to them every morning of fresh baked treats. You can go with Futsomi tomorrow to the estate, neh Futsomi?" A grunt was provide, most likely meaning yes and if it meant no… well there was no such option. "So you just rest here for the night. I shall clean out the guest room and first thing tomorrow you can find your friend."
"I… I wouldn't want to be a bother…" Began Natsuki, but was not able to finish.
"No trouble at all, none at all! Come, we'll go set up the futon." Kokoshi motioned for Natsuki to follow, scooping up the dishes and setting them in the sink on her way by. Up the stairs they went. Though it was small, it was comfortable. It was only a few moments before she was provided with a towel to take a shower.
It wasn't something she would normally do – accept all this help. But in a strange place, with no idea where to go, Natsuki found herself thankful. After her shower, and good nights to both Kokoshi and Futsomi, Natsuki found herself staring at an unfamiliar ceiling.
"I'm coming Shizuru… wait for me… I'm almost there…"
-
Somewhere In Kyoto
A figure tossed and turned in her sleep. Normally it wasn't this hard to sleep. Normally Natsuki was over in just the next room… Normally…
"Nat-su-ki…" Mumbled the figure.
Author: Omg! Omg! Omg! I actually got a chapter done for Letters! I actually got a chapter... -Faints-
...
Alright! -jumps back up- So there you have it! Don't ask me when the next chapter will come up... I haven't started it! But I am thinking maybe another chapter or two? That sounds about good doesn't it?
Anyways, review! And if you haven't already, vote in my poll. I'm using what the results are from that to base my latest story on.
Ah, and before I forget, here is your omake:
The OMAKE
Author: I make a toast to...
Natsuki: Does it have mayo on it?
Author: No... its... a... toast... not toast...
Natsuki: -Glares- If it doesn't have mayo then it isn't a toast!
Shizuru: Ara, Natsuki I think what Author is trying to say is she is making a toast - Raises her glass-
Natsuki: Don't raise your glass Shizuru! Author is lying to us! She isn't really going to give us any toast!
Nao: Stupid pup...
Natsuki: What's that Spider?!
Nao: Stupid pup. That's what I said. You deaf too? The Author said she offered a toast, not toast!
Natsuki: I heard that the first three times! And I will say it again, I don't see the toast!
Nao: -Sigh- Shizuru how do you deal with this?
Natsuki: Deal with what? What are you hinting at you spider!?
Shizuru: -Somehow has a cup of tea- Ara, well I think its quite cute... though sometimes I do wonder...
Author: -Feels neglected-
Nao: Cute? You've got a weird sense of cute Fujino
Shizuru: Ara, why thank you Yuuki-chan.
Nao: -Blushes-
Natsuki: Oi! What are you blushing at?!
Nao: NOTHING!!
Shizuru: So Yuuki-chan, how is your fanfiction coming along.
Nao: -Glares at Author who is in the corner rocking back and forth- It isn't, damn Author is too busy working on you and the pup she has forgotten to write about me...
Author: That isn't true! You know that Nao-chan!
Nao: Yeah!? Then why are all your stories about them!? -Points to Natsuki and Shizuru-
Author: -Pouts- Because... because... they're easy to write about...
Nao: Are you saying I am difficult?
Author: GAH! No! Never Nao-chan! I'm saying your partner is difficult!! -Tears up-
Nao: Oi! Don't cry! If you cry I swear I'm going to...
Author: Nao-chan run away with me and we shall cause havoc in the world together! Beat up a bunch of people and skip classes and... and...
Miyu: -Sword materializes-
Author: -Turns pale white- M-m-m-miyu... where.. where did you come from? -Gulps-
Miyu: Author must die -Monotone voice-
Author: I'm too young to die!! Nao-chan! Save me! Shizuru! Natsuki!
Nao: You got yourself into this...
Natsuki: Yeah I agree with the Spider on that one.
Nao: Really?
Natsuki: Yeah
Nao: Thanks?
Natsuki: No problem
Shizuru: Ara, has both Natsuki-chan and Yuuki-chan forgotten something?
Both: What?
Shizuru: -Points at Author who is running madly from Miyu's pointy sword- If Author dies, neither of you will get what you want. No mayo for Natsuki and no story for Nao
Both: ... O-O
Nao: Shit!
Natsuki: We have to save Author!
Shizuru: -Sips tea- Ara, it seems you two are a tad to late... -Points to Director who has gotten a hold of Author-
Author: -Crying- No!! I don't want to go study! I don't wanna! Director-san! Please!!
Director: No Author, not this time. You're going to sit at that desk and do your work! - Hauls Author off-
Natsuki: Shit...
Nao: I'm never going to get that story now!
Natsuki: -Sobbing- Mayo!
Shizuru: -Calmly sipping tea with a sobbing Natsuki in her lap and an almost sobbing Nao rambling to her left- Ara ara...