Disclaimer: FoR is not mine. Chapter title "I Was Brought to My Senses" by Sting.
Author's notes: It's practically finished. Just wow, I'm so happy for myself because I practically finished something and just yay! I mean, some parts I'm happy with, some parts I think sucked balls but um, yeah.
Thanks to everyone who reviewed! loujane14 (yes, that's it, basically, hee) Teishya (thank you! As for the sequel, um, probably not :() mischkaaa (hee, I thought the termites comment was very him. Glad you liked the chapter!) cLoTiHeArT (aww, thankies! Hee, Raiha, he's actually nice, I like him) alf05 (it's about to end, but I hope you like how it ends ) shesschan (oh wow 3:30? thanks so much for reading and reviewing! I'm glad you at least enjoyed it!) Aoi-chan (lil sis! I like that line too:)) malo (lovin? Not yet, hehe, but I didn't really write it here so you can just use your imagination, haha. As for the sequel, er, I really don't want to make one because I just seriously cannot put them through another conflict, I can't! I am incapable of angsting for long periods! Perhaps I'll just write like one-shots, but not another WiP) yan-chan (I think I can only actually write Tokiya, he's like the star of this fic and Fuuko was like secondary but you know, when I was writing that part, I supposed it's a difference in character interpretation. It's just that Fuuko strikes me as someone who's driven by emotion, yes she's tough and strategic but most of her decisions and her very reasons are rooted in emotion. And the situation she was in, she's not an idiot, she knew it looked bad and you know, I kept trying to place myself in the situation, basically if you were a girl, no matter how tough you were but if you were in that situation and it seems so hopeless and just frustrating, I mean I don't cry and I'd freaking cry if that happened to me. And she did smack him at one point, hee. Oh my, this is long.) rhapsodizing riyoko (um, dude, just read fic for my reply about Raiha) kyrenesidheg (aww, thankies. I am blushing madly here, thanks so much!) kyusetsuki satsuki (I love the word 'kilig') hotaru no hikari (yes, I did! Thank you so much for reviewing!) facadephazzad (you'll have a good idea how it ends here) Shenhui (Haha, yeah, I guess I pay a lot more attention to Tokiya than I previously thought. And dude, about Fuuko, read my reply to yan-chan, hee) abubi-chan (haha, so many people with the lemon. I shall succumb eventually) midnight solitaire (that is a strange request, but glad you liked the rest of it!) cetauri (Am I considered a ToFuu pusher? LOL. And no, I really don't like writing angst, I can't stand breaking people up after I've painstakingly put them together so I couldn't do it, heh) lady orheal (thanks!) anon (dude, are you mikaro? And thank you for quoting that line, because I like thought so hard about it and I'm glad at least one person thought it was special!) obsessed-chan (I so love your comment about Raiha, because I have a soft spot for Raiha and I actually feel bad for him and yeah) tofuu-chan (hey girl! no worries babe, lemon? A bit in the epilogue...maybe...bwahahaha) sachiko (dude, it's like my flaw, I hate writing angst and breaking people up, as much as possible I don't like extending the characters' suffering, it's a complex, hee. I just can't do it. Writing about the fight actually freaking exhausted me, seriously. And about Fuuko crying, my reply to yan-chan is my well reply to you. Thank you so much for reviewing and I'm glad you liked some parts of it!) scorchingblue (Eeek! Here's an update! Hope you enjoy it! Thanks for the review.) AGAIN I TALK A LOT. You should be used to it by now.
THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR READING AND PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW!
I was brought to my senses
I was blind but now that I can see
Every signpost in nature
Said you belong to me
--I Was Brought to My Senses, Sting
Chapter Eleven: I Was Brought To My Senses
Mornings before weddings were always chaotic. A lifetime of bedlam, people going back and forth, never quite getting to their destination and yet finding themselves right where they should be; a seemingly endless search for something perfect and ideal, only to end up in a moment of silent promise with someone not perfect and not ideal but beautiful in every way. It was perhaps the universe's attempt at symbolism. Perhaps not, Tokiya decided that these days, thinking was not something he had to do every minute of the day.
He checked his reflection in the mirror one more time and made sure that his hair, braided to one side, was neatly set, his shoes polished and without a fleck of dust and his slacks impeccably ironed. His tie, well, he never quite got the hang of ties. They were the bane of his existence and it was the best he could do.
Tokiya headed out the door and was surprised to find Kagerou waiting on the other side, hand fisted into a knock.
"Kagerou-sama," he greeted.
"Tokiya-san, I was coming to check on you, I see you're ready," she said, bestowing him an approving smile.
"I'm sorry, were you all waiting for me downstairs?" he asked.
"Oh no, Fuuko and Yanagi went ahead half an hour ago. The entourage needs to be there early. Recca and Domon caught a ride with Kuukai and the others. I guess it's just the two of us, Shigeo will be driving us there," she relayed.
"I see, well, shall we go ahead?" he replied and offered his arm to her.
"Just a second, let me fix that tie," Kagerou offered. She reached out and placed them on the wide knot at the base of his throat and adjusted it trimly.
"Arigatou."
She gave him a small nod. She pursed her lips in thought before speaking. "I'm glad you found your happiness, Tokiya-san."
It was such a random outburst that Tokiya could only tilt his head to the side in question.
Kagerou placed a hand on his shoulder in a firm grip. "Tokiya, I want to ask for your forgiveness. I've grown to care for you as if you were my own son, and I'm sorry that I have not always treated you as such. I took advantage of the painful events in your life and used it to further my own son's cause without considering what's best for you. And for that, I apologize."
"Kagerou-sama, you have nothing to apologize for. My quest for revenge were all my own," he answered sincerely.
"And I exploited it, if you had spiraled further down that dark path, I could only blame myself for never holding out my hand to you, and mayhap I have pushed you down farther," she said, the letdown in her eyes so palpable that Tokiya could feel it prickle his skin.
Tokiya shook his head. "If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have met them; I wouldn't have been part of Hokage; I wouldn't be who I am today."
"You've changed, Tokiya-san," she said with a half-smile.
"No, I haven't changed. I just grew up."
Kagerou emitted a clipped laughter. "You grew up rather well."
Tokiya proffered his arm once more. "Shall we?"
She graciously accepted and hooked her arm in his as they walked towards the hotel elevators.
Recca fidgeted in his seat for the umpteenth time, his hips banging against Tokiya's in the jam-packed pew. Tokiya clicked his tongue in annoyance and gave Recca a sideways glare. "What the hell is wrong with you sea-monkey? You're not the one getting married."
"It's this suit, I think it's a little too snug," Recca answered as he slipped a finger in his collar trying to make space between the linen fabric and his skin.
"It's not snug, it's called a tailored fit you oafish reprobate. I understand you're not used to it since you're more comfortable wearing those hideous and ridiculously baggy potato sack you call clothes," he said in one breath.
Recca looked at him oddly.
"What?" Tokiya asked.
"I was just wondering man, do you just come up with these insults on the spot or do you write them in little white cue cards in advance, you know, just waiting for the right time to pull them out?" Recca said.
"You have the intelligence of a still-born pig."
"You know that doesn't really answer my question."
Kagerou, who was in the pew in front of theirs, situated between Shigeo and Kuukai, turned to them and sternly said, "Will you two quiet down? The ceremony is about to start."
As if just waiting for Kagerou's cue, the haunting organ music reverberated throughout the church hall and all susurrus around them came to a sudden halt. The crowd unanimously turned their heads to anticipate the entrance of the bride and her entourage.
Ganko came out first, blonde hair settled on her shoulders, a wicker basket filled with red rose petals in her hand. She daintily showered the rich carpet with the soft flowers as she walked through it and Tokiya could see her mouth silently moving in one-two counts. A short distance away from her, Yanagi marched in the arms of a brunette man that Tokiya remembered seeing during Joker's bachelor party. Her hair flowed down her back and her stance was as regal as a princess'. Fuuko came out next beside Tsukishiro, still looking rather uncomfortable in her red gown as if she couldn't wait to strip out of it. She gave Tokiya a small wave as she passed their pew. The girls settled on the left side of the hall while the boys went to the right.
Raiha walked down the aisle with Miki and Aki as escorts. He walked up the altar steps and stood beside Joker as the Neon's sisters stayed opposite them. The music changed its beat to the familiar keys of the wedding march and everyone stood up from their seats. Neon came in looking more beautiful than ever without all the rouge that usually cluttered her features. Her lace veil framed the peaceful smile on her face, eyes never leaving the man waiting for her at the altar.
The priest stood between the bride and groom and cleared his throat before starting. "We are all gathered here to witness…"
Tokiya wasn't really all that interested and settled into his stoic façade as he zoned out the proceedings. It was a long while when he felt Recca stir in his seat beside him. The silver-haired bishonen turned to the ninja and found him staring straight ahead. Tokiya followed his line of vision and wasn't surprised to see that it stopped at Yanagi who looked back at him as she quaintly blew him a kiss and mouthed "I love you." Recca promptly blushed and mouthed the words back. Tokiya searched out for Fuuko, a feat not too difficult as she was right beside Recca's hime. Her head was slightly bowed down and he didn't need to be a psychic to know she had somehow managed to doze off. Tokiya grinned in spite of himself. How could it have taken him so long to realize she was the girl for him?
Tokiya stood by the sidelines as he watched the guests shout well-wishes and throw rice at the newlyweds for good luck. He felt a presence sidle up beside him and the scent of vanilla gave her identity away.
"Had a good nap?" he asked in that obnoxious omniscient tone.
"Shit, was I that transparent? I thought I did a pretty good job of pretending I was deep in prayer," Fuuko said as she covered a yawn with her fist.
"No, I can just read you really well," he said as he slipped an arm around her waist.
"Weddings are boring," she observed.
"Ishijima would probably beg to differ; I'd say he found it really touching," he returned.
"Kami, was that him bawling in the background? I was this close to getting up and giving the sorry sod a smack upside the head for disturbing my sleep." She held up her thumb and index finger, a centimeter of space between them.
"Oh come now, it's not his fault you don't have a sentimental bone in your body," he teased.
"And you do?"
Tokiya gave her his ever famous trademark smirk. "You know me too well."
With arms around each other's waist, Tokiya and Fuuko followed the crowd outside the church hall. They met with the rest of Hokage over by the Hanabishi van. The crew drove back to the hotel where the reception was to be held.
They entered the largest function hall of the hotel. It was bathed in red roses, a color that once meant blood to them all now held a different and deeper meaning. Fuuko tugged on Tokiya's sleeve as soon as they crossed the threshold.
"I have bridesmaid duties to attend to, I'll see you later," she said casually as she tiptoed and gave him a quick peck on the cheek.
Tokiya headed towards the table reserved for the rest of Team Hokage, minus Fuuko and Yanagi. The group ate the served dinner in relative silence, all rather famished after missing lunch. The only sound that can be heard was Domon's loud chewing.
After dinner, Tokiya made a quick trip to the little boys' room. When he returned he found Fuuko standing by the bar with an insistent Fujimaru hot on her heels. The vein on her forehead was about to pop out. He strode to her side and grabbed her hand.
"You promised me a dance, Kirisawa," he said almost imperatively. He gave Fujimaru a threatening glare as he half-dragged Fuuko.
Once they were on the dance floor and swaying slowly to violin strings of a song foreign to Tokiya's ears, Fuuko found her voice. "You didn't save me, Mi-chan, I was about to kick his ass."
"And ruin the dress?" he returned with an eyebrow raised.
"So you saved the dress," she said petulantly.
"Indulge me here, Kirisawa," he coaxed as he ran his hand along her lower back.
She placed her hands on his nape and smiled sweetly. "Thank you, my dashing hero."
He chuckled softly as they continued to rock leisurely to the music while she softly sung the lyrics to the instrumentals in the air while he listened intently. "There are places I'll remember, all my life, though some have changed, some forever not for better, some move on and some remain; all these places have their moments, with lovers and friends, I still can recall; some are dead and some are living; In my life I've loved them all; But of all these friends and lovers; There is no one compares with you; And these memories lose their meaning; When I think of love as something new; Though I know I'll never lose affection; For people and things that went before; I know I'll often stop and think about them; In my life I love you more…"
"That's a nice song," he said lowly as she let the instrumentals take over once more.
"I think it's yours," she whispered to him.
"It could be ours…"
"Aren't you the romantic?" she joshed.
"You have that effect on me," he confessed as he drew her closer to him.
She laid her head on his shoulder as a new song came. And in a jolt she stiffened in his arms. He turned his head sideways and found the source of her discomfiture; Raiha was off in the corner watching them. When his and Tokiya's gazes locked, the former Uruha assassin quickly turned away and headed towards the foyer. Tokiya saw Fuuko's eyes follow his strides.
"Go," he said simply, one word that said everything.
"I just want to say goodbye," she said.
"I know."
She placed her hands on either side of his cheeks and drew him down in the lightest of kisses, a promise to come back to him.
Tokiya watched her follow Raiha outside, where he could no longer see her. He was about to go back to his table when Yanagi blocked his path.
"Tokiya-san, care to dance?" she said as she held out her hand.
"I could never deny you," he said on impulse.
She shook her head and gave a small laugh. "You don't have to say things like that, Tokiya-san. I know I'm no longer your number one girl, in fact I'm sure I never was."
Yanagi placed a hand on his shoulder and guided his to her waist. A couple of months back this simple touch would've sent thrills to his spine, but not now. Those thrills were reserved for someone else.
"Is that your way of letting me go?" he said bluntly.
She laughed again as if he was one of her impertinent wards. "I never had you, Mikagami-sempai. I'm not the one who showed you how to live again."
And he felt as if they were Mifuyu's words spoken to him through Yanagi's voice.
Yanagi continued cautiously, "I would like to be your friend, Tokiya-san, as Sakoshita Yanagi and not as a replacement for your sister."
"I would like that."
Once upon a time, he thought letting go would be the hardest thing to do, but now he only felt translucent ebullience run through his being and it gave him the distinct sensation of lightheadedness. It was catharsis, and it was beautiful.
Fuuko sat alone at Team Hokage's table, the skirt of her gown gathered between her thighs as she rubbed her sore feet with one hand and held a glass of iced tea in another. Her red stilettos lay forgotten on the chair next to her. Tokiya placed them on the floor so he could sit beside her. She extended her legs on his lap and he wordlessly volunteered to massage the soles of her feet for her.
"When I get married, I'm going barefoot," she announced with finality.
"That won't be an issue for me," he replied cheekily.
Fuuko coughed and spurted iced tea all over the table linen gracelessly. He only smirked at her anxiety and did not feel the least bit insulted that she would react so violently at the mere suggestion of marriage to him. They were young and it was the farthest thing from her mind. But they grew up in different worlds. She always had love and knew love; she had room to dream of other things. It was different with him, with all the tragedy that he met at such a young age; he couldn't help but want to start forever as soon as he found the person he wanted to spend it with. But if he had to wait, then she was the one person worth waiting for.
"Still learning how to drink from a glass like humans, monkey?" he jibed.
"Shut up."
"How did goodbye go?" he asked surreptitiously.
She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. "He said you're lucky to have me."
"I am," he readily admitted.
"Good that you know. I'm a catch," she joshed.
He cosseted her. "Quite so."
"In fact, I'm basically trading down. You're far below my level of hotness," she continued with mock haughtiness as she placed her feet level on the floor and swiveled her torso sideways to face him.
Tokiya matched her tone and drew closer. "I think my fan club would beg to disagree."
"Dude, my fan club has a charter in China," she replied.
"I believe mine has a European charter. That's several countries more than yours," he said.
"I have a mailing list."
"I have a website with its own domain name."
"What is it? 'www dot imacoldegotisticalasshat dot com'"
"No, it's 'www dot fuukothinkstokiyaisthehottestmanalive dot org'"
"Yeah, right!"
"Admit it, you think I'm irresistible," he chided.
Fuuko scowled at him. "How would you like me to resist you for a month?"
Tokiya immediately grabbed her by the nape and pulled her face towards his. He parted her lips with an insistent tongue and let the pink muscle run wantonly inside the hot cavern of her mouth, cajoling her own tongue to come and play. When he let her go, he was breathless.
"Is that the best you can do?" she said with a smirk.
"Don't challenge me if you know what's good for you," he replied huskily.
"I think I can handle whatever you throw my way," she said impishly.
He was just about to kiss her again when unwanted company intruded.
"Stop that! Think of the children!" Recca yelled dramatically. Domon coolly followed his heels.
"Go away, Hanabishi," Tokiya replied without looking at him.
"As soon as you two promise to stop subjecting us to this…" Recca gesticulated his arms wildly while searching out for the right word before finally settling on, "THIS!"
"Then don't watch," the ensui-wielder said nonchalantly.
"How can we not when you two are making out around every corner," Recca whined.
"What he means to say is get a room," Domon supplied helpfully. He gave Tokiya a suggestive wink.
Fuuko seethed. "Hey, I am right here!"
"You could do a lot more things in a room," Domon continued.
"I am still right here, you know," she said impatiently.
Recca flashed his palm at her as if to halt her speech. "Stuff it, girly, men are talking."
Tokiya swore steam came out of Fuuko's ears as her face quickly reddened in rage. "Why you despicable, chauvinistic piece of vermin!"
She was about to jump up and attack the ninja when the loud clinking of a fork against a wine glass stole everyone's attention.
Miki and Aki stood on the small makeshift stage at the front of the hall. Miki leaned in to the microphone stand and said, "All right, ladies, it's time for the bride to throw her bouquet."
"Calling all the single ladies in the house, gather up here," Aki invited.
Fuuko only said, "Pfft."
Tokiya leaned closer and whispered to her, "You know there's a bet going on who's going to catch the bouquet."
Fuuko's ears perked. "How much is the pot?"
"Up to 15,000 Yen; I bet on you of course," he answered with a Cheshire grin.
"It's in the bag," she said confidently.
Fuuko rushed towards the stage, forgetting her shoes.
Joker assisted his new wife up the foot high stage. Neon flashed the women that converged at the center of the dance floor (ages ranging from sixteen to sixty) a smile before facing the wall as she prepared to throw her bouquet of roses. It was pure pandemonium as everyone dived for the coveted prize. Fuuko disappeared in the horde for a couple of seconds before emerging victorious, raising the balled up flowers in her right hand as if it were an F1 silver cup. The other women had disappointed looks on their faces but clapped for Fuuko nonetheless.
"Damn it!" They heard someone curse behind them. Recca, Domon and Tokiya turned around to find Shigeo Hanabishi looking like a forlorn cowboy.
"I bet on your mother, Recca," he replied to their questioning looks. The three promptly guffawed.
Fuuko ran towards Tokiya and threw herself at him in a tight embrace. He had to take a step back to balance her catapulted weight. "Told you I'd get it!"
"Never doubted it for a moment," he said with a mad grin.
"So, fifty-fifty?" she bartered.
"Hmm, more like seventy-thirty," he returned.
"How about sixty-forty and you buy me a really nice dinner?" she said.
"It's a deal."
There was nothing more tiring than the end of a vacation. It wasn't as if he bought more clothes so it was just frustrating how, for some reason, all his things would not fit back in the bags he brought with him. Tokiya decided there was no point in arguing with the physics of packing and just grabbed an extra laundry bag from the hotel and stuffed the things that would not fit inside his luggage in it. He made a round of his room one more time to check and see if he left anything before heading down the lobby to check out. Only Domon was already downstairs and ready to go and they had to wait for thirty minutes before the rest of Hokage caught up with them. And they had to spend another thirty minutes as everyone said their goodbyes to Team Kuu and the friendlier members of Uruha. Numbers and addresses were exchanged and promises of another get-together were made. Tokiya wouldn't mind the latter, this was definitely a memorable vacation and he wouldn't think twice about seeing them all again. In a way, friend, enemy or both, they were all his kindred spirits.
After saying his goodbye to Saicho, Tokiya turned around to pick up his luggage from where left it on the floor. As he bent down to reach the handle, a pair of leather boots appeared in the horizon of his vision.
"Raiha-san," Tokiya greeted evenly as he straightened up and gave the ninja a stare down.
"Mikagami-san, I'm sure I'm the last person you want to see right now. But, I wanted to apologize for any problems I've caused between you and Fuuko," Raiha said.
Tokiya took a moment before answering. "I won't say that it was nothing, but I have to tell you, if the situation were reversed, I would've probably done the same thing."
Raiha smiled ironically. He held out a hand and Tokiya shook it without second thought. "You're a good man, Mikagami-san."
"I'm sure you are, too. Otherwise Fuuko would not trust you," the ensui-wielder returned.
"But you're the one she loves," he said with a tinge of regret in his accent.
"And incredibly smart as well," Tokiya said with a smirk.
Raiha laughed genuinely. "Perhaps someday, we can have tea together. I think we may have a lot more things in common."
Tokiya nodded sincerely at the Uruha. Raiha gave him a small bow before moving away.
He felt a tap on his shoulder and turned around to see Fuuko carrying a snoozing Ganko. If she heard their conversation, she never gave any outward indication.
"Come on, Mi-chan, let's go home," she said with a wistful smile.
An unfamiliar and yet not unknown feeling passed through his veins at her words; an elusive sensation that he thought he'd forgotten forever, like the feeling you get on the eve of your birthday or the first time you feel a snowflake land on the tip of your nose.
"Yeah, home."
The drive back was uneventful as everyone practically passed out as soon as the engine revved up. Tokiya offered to drive the rest of the way as Mr. Hanabishi looked worse for wear and he was half afraid the elder man would fall asleep during the drive. They drove to Yanagi's house first then Domon's next. Tokiya decided to be dropped off at Fuuko's house so the Hanabishis can go straight home, and besides his home was just a short distance away. He helped Fuuko get their luggage from the back of the van as she was occupied with Ganko who slept like a log.
Before Mr. Hanabishi drove off, Fuuko's mother was already out the door and graciously asked them inside for tea. Kagerou politely begged off but promised to come by the next day so she can also give Kagome-sama some souvenir presents they brought for her.
Mrs. Kirisawa took the sleeping Ganko from Fuuko's arms. "Tokiya-san, would you like to stay for some tea first?"
"Thank you, Kirisawa-sama, but I'll have to pass. I would really like to get home first," Tokiya answered.
"I understand, darling, do drop by some other time," she kindly offered.
"I most certainly will," he said.
"Alright, I'll leave you two then and take Ganko up to bed. Fuuko, get back in quickly, I don't want you catching a cold," the matriarch reminded before heading inside the house.
Tokiya and Fuuko faced each other and were oddly at a loss for words.
"So…" Tokiya began.
"This is weird, Mi-chan," Fuuko said with a nervous giggle.
"It is but I like it just the same," he said steadily.
"It's all real, right? I didn't just dream up this entire vacation," she replied.
"It's all real," he assured her.
She worried her lower lip before speaking up again. "Kiss me."
Tokiya furrowed his brows at her, he wasn't sure it was such a good idea to kiss her with their front door wide open and her mother could just walk out and catch them.
"I just want to see what it feels like to kiss you, right here, in front of our house, in our hometown, where I grew up, where everyone knows us, where our lives are," she explained.
He immediately understood what she was asking for. He bent his head down and kissed her full on the lips, letting his mouth linger over hers a bit longer than he intended to.
"So?" he sighed.
"It's good, we're good."
Tokiya let one corner of his lips hook into a smile as he fondly caressed her cheek. There it was again, a snowflake on the tip of his nose.
"Good night, monkey."
"Good night, Mi-chan."
Additional disclaimers: The song playing, I'm sure you already know this, but it's 'In My Life' by The Beatles. And I just love this song, it's actually my favourite song and it's so applicable to everyone and I thought it was perfect for Mi-chan. Also, the whole bet about who catches the bouquet? I totally stole that from Clueless.
A/N: You know, I could actually end this right here, but I'll write the epilogue anyway.
THANKS FOR READING AND PLEASE TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK!
ADD'L NOTES: I had to re-upload since ffnet ruined one of my jokes. Boo!