Chapter 11 – The Hide-Away

She looked so tired, sitting there at his desk with her cheek rested on the palm of her hand. She was staring out the window with a blank stare. The color had returned to her face, but nothing could be done to calm the emotion in her expression. Thoughts of confusion, guilt, and who knew what else. What more could he do at this moment to tame her depression?

Machi sighed and turned around, catching Yuki staring at her. He flushed slightly and went back to folding his laundry. Beginning to blush a bit herself, Machi turned her attention back to what was beyond the window. It was sunny and clear outside, which didn't fit her mood. The sky should have had more clouds in it. Not completely covering the sky, but at least half of it.

"Hey," Yuki started. "Shigure and I decided that we should all go to the beach tomorrow. So much has been going on, and we figured you'd want to get away from it all."

Yuki looked at her to see her reaction. When she looked back at him, he smiled reassuringly. Machi looked down for a moment to consider it.

"The beach?" she asked softly.

"Mmhm," Yuki replied, putting the last of his clean clothes into his closet, taking care to make sure Machi didn't see his pile of underwear. "It's supposed to be really warm down there tomorrow. We'll go swimming and eat some watermelon. Ms. Honda may even barbeque if she feels like it."

Machi's stomach gurgled at the thought. It had been ages since she had a good barbeque dinner. As much as she wanted to deny, going to the beach sounded like a splendid idea.

"Well, I don't want to bring down the mood," she added.

"Nonsense," Yuki said, shaking his head. "We'll be happy to have you come along. We decided to go because of you."

"... I'll think about it."

Yuki sighed and stuck his hands into his pockets. There had to be something he could do to cheer her up. Something to get her to be more responsive.

"... I have an idea," he said. "I want to show you something very dear to me. Only one other person knows about it. I think I can trust you to keep it a secret."

Machi looked up with interest. No doubt, Yuki had many secrets, but now he was going to share one with her? For a moment, she could put away her sadness, and let it be replaced with curiosity. But for the sake of saving face, she kept her composure, though on the inside she was wagging her puppy tail.

Yuki got closer to her and whispered in her ear as if others were listening.

"I have a secret base."

"A secret base?" Machi repeated in disbelief.
"Mmhm. A secret base."

"... Like … like a tree-house?" Machi asked, her face beginning to light up ever so slightly. Feeling proud of himself for impressing her, Yuki carried on.

"No, even better. And I'd like to take you to see it."

"Where is it?"

"It's in the forest ahead of this house. Would you like to go see it now?"

Machi looked around to see that no one else was around. She looked up at him, smiled a bit, and nodded.

"Okay. When you're ready, I'll meet you on the porch. Don't tell anyone about where we're going."

Just for an affect, Yuki held a finger up to his mouth as if to tell her to keep quiet. Machi seemed hypnotized by this and kept her mouth shut. Once he walked out, he smiled to himself at his success. Machi had smiled at him, and it had been at least a week since she had done so. Hopefully, this would work to keep her mind off of her brother's death. With a little luck, they may even become closer.

"Where are you off to?" Shigure asked from his office. He was typing on his computer; probably updating his smutty story.

"Going out for a walk," Yuki said quickly. "Machi's going to join me in a bit."

"... Have fun," Shigure said. He watched Yuki walk outside of the house, almost out of breath. He seemed awfully chipper this morning...

Once in Tohru's room, Machi grabbed the nearest clothes she could find and rushed herself as she changed out of her pajamas. She nearly stumbled as she attempted to throw her top off. After buttoning up her jeans and putting on a clean blouse, she looked in Tohru's mirror to check her hair. She nearly gasped from what she saw.

Machi's hair was all over the place. The messiest it had ever been in a while. True, she had just gotten out of bed not long ago, but this was ridiculous. And to think she was around Yuki, looking like this. Why hadn't he said anything?

She grasped at her unruly locks and tried to tame them with her hand, her face brimming with a bright blush. Tohru came around the corner, carrying a basket full of her laundry.

"Oh, hi Machi!" she chimed. "How are you feeling today?"

"... G-Good," Machi answered, trying to unhook her finger from a tangle in her hair.

"That's great to hear... Um... do you need help?"

Machi stopped what she was doing, not knowing how to answer.

"Hair can be quite a challenge, huh?" Tohru said with humor. She opened her drawer and took out her comb and brush. She even took out a blue ribbon.

"I can do my own hair," Machi objected.

"Oh, please let me help you! I can make your hair look really nice! I mean, not to say it didn't look nice already-"

"Alright," Machi interrupted. "... But don't make me look really girly."

Tohru grabbed a chair and had her sit down. Machi winced as Tohru combed through the knots.

"Sorry! Are you alright?" Tohru apologized.

"I'm fine..." Machi sighed.

Tohru smiled and continued to care for Machi's hair. The girl below her had been her for a little over a week, and they had been sharing the same bed, yet she felt as if she didn't know her at all. Perhaps she'd be more comfortable here if Tohru got to know her a bit more.

"Are you going anywhere today?" Tohru asked, trying to be pleasant. "It's a beautiful day outside."

"Yes," Machi said, her eyes staring off distantly at the thought.

"Oh, really? Where are you going?"

"I'm going to Y-"

Machi stopped herself, remembering what Yuki had told her. She wasn't allowed to say where they were going.

"I-I'm going to go... visit the pet store."

"Oh, I love the pet store! All the animals are so cute! Cats are my favorite."

"I like cats too."

"You do? That's cool. They're awfully cuddly. I'm afraid Yuki isn't too fond of them though."

"... I went to the pet store with him once. He held a kitten while we were there."

"He did? I didn't think he would. He must be moving on..."

"From what?"

Tohru froze for a moment, but shook her head and continued to do Machi's hair.

"It's nothing really. Yuki... had a bad experience when he was younger. It's why he doesn't like cats."

"Oh..."

Tohru applied the finishing touches and tied the ribbon into a neat little knot, allowing it to tie back some of her hair into a loose braid. Her bangs still hung in their usual manner, but had extra shine to them from the brushing. Two loose strands of hair hung from either side of her face.

"Wahh!" Tohru cried with joy. "You look so pretty! If I do say so myself I hope you like it."

Machi ran a hand over the top of her head, and then brought it to the braid in the back. She began to play around with it, while taking care not to break it. Tohru began to panic a little, not knowing whether Machi was trying to mess with it or simply observe it.

"It's not bad," Machi said before leaving. "... Thanks."

Machi rushed down the stairs, hoping that she hadn't kept Yuki waiting long.

"Hello there, Machi," Shigure said, peaking out from his office with a smug look.

Machi turned around in surprise, not expecting him to be there.

"H-Hello," she said in return, bowing in respect.

"And where are you off to on this fine day?"

"The pet store," Machi lied.

"Oh, is that so? Is Yuki going with you?"

"Mmhm."

Shigure's eyebrows rose with suspicion. But he successfully hid his concern and gave a friendly smile.

"Have fun! And be safe you two!"

Machi bowed again, not looking him in the eyes, and exited through the front door. Shigure rubbed his chin with his forefinger and thumb, thinking to himself. Unfortunately for them, he was feeling rather mischievous, and he wasn't going to let this feeling go to waste on a day like this.

"Those two are up to something," he said out loud, pretending to be some kind of detective. "I better call Aya to do some investigating..."

~:~:~:~:~:~

"I like your hair," Yuki said as he watched her come onto the porch. "What made you do it differently?"

"I didn't do it, Tohru did," Machi said.

"I was about to say..."

"... It's too girly."

"It does look a little strange on you, but it's still nice. That was kind of Ms. Honda to do that for you. I'll be sure to thank her later."

Machi shrugged and looked away. Yuki smiled at her and took her by the hand.

"Ready to go to my..." he started. He lowered his voice to a whisper. "... secret base?"

His purple eyes glowed with mischievousness. Yet she couldn't let go of his gaze. He seemed much younger than he was for a moment. She wanted to follow him wherever he would take her. Even if she wasn't sure where.

Machi nodded, allowing him to lead her.

Yuki's hand warmed hers as he pulled her along slowly. Her eagerness grew with every step they took, making her wonder what kind of hide-away he had. Surely, he would have one because of all the publicity at school. Even so called "princes" needed a break once in a while.

She imagined his base would be covered and hidden by thick foliage. On the inside, it would be dark and cool. There would be light colored curtains in one area, and a comfy chair in the corner. And to the side would be a bookcase filled with his choice of good reads. It sounded... perfect.

"We're almost there," Yuki said. "I think you'll be pleasantly surprised."

Machi grinned at the thought, letting her imagination run free.

Looking around, Yuki made sure that both of them were alone. When the coast was clear, he pulled her deeper into the brush of the forest.

"Close your eyes," he said. "I'll lead you there."

Machi clamped her eyes shut and slowly tip-toed around the plants below her. Within a few moments, Yuki stopped.

"Okay, open your eyes."

With great anticipation, Machi opened her eyes. In front of her lay a small vegetable patch. Most of it was still blooming and yet to be in season. Nothing else seemed to be around.

Was this it?

"This is your secret base?" Machi asked.

"What do you think?"

"Oh... it's... it's nice," she replied, feeling thoroughly disappointed.

"You don't seem too impressed."

"No, I am, it's just... I guess I was expecting something more... secret-basey?"

"Ah..."

Yuki sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He should have known that she wouldn't be impressed. Tohru was delighted to see it for the first time, but then again, she was very easy to impress. Machi was not.

"I... guess I should have shown something more flashy," Yuki chuckled bitterly.

Feeling bad for upsetting Yuki, Machi knelt down and took a look at the garden.

"I do like it though," she said. "I really do. The garden looks very healthy and green. I can tell you take good care of it."

"Yeah," sighed Yuki, who knelt down as well. "It's a hobby of mine, I suppose... What were you expecting before we got here?"

"Well... An actual secret base, with a chair and curtains... or something like that."

"Oh, and a garden can't be a secret base?"

Machi pouted.

"It can, I guess..."

Well, today's plan was a bit of a failure. But at least she wasn't wallowing like she was earlier, and that's what his goal was intentionally.

"What are you growing?" she asked, trying to become interested in his hobby.

"Just some lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, and strawberries," Yuki answered. "I want to start growing peppers too. And maybe even a pumpkin."

"Sounds hard," Machi said. "I couldn't grow anything like this."

"It's not too bad. The plants themselves do most of the work. All you need to do is take care of them and keep the bugs away."

"Could you teach me?"

"Huh? Uh... S-Sure," Yuki said, surprised she even asked.

"... In return, I'll help you build the rest of your base."

"Sure... Wait, what?"

Machi got up and held her hands out in front of her, mentally measuring the area around the small garden.

"The wall to your base should start here. And a window... So you can see your produce."

"But Machi... I don't think I need-"

"Every secret base needs a hide-away," Machi said, as if she were stating fact. "It gets too hot out here, and you'll need shade. You could get heat stroke."

"Well, I haven't yet, so I think I'll be fine."

"... And the chair would go here..."

Yuki crossed his arms, and chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief.

"You really want me to make a hide-away?"

"Yes. And I'll help if you teach me how to tend a garden."

"... Deal. You design a hide-away, and I will teach you how to work a garden."

Machi smiled in agreement.

So the day hadn't been a total loss. Yuki could see that she was happy. Despite being unsure about the hide-away, at least she could have an activity to keep her mind off her situation.

Before she could say another word, they heard a noise. The bushes behind them were rustling.

"What is that?" Yuki asked. Machi shrugged, watching the bushes curiously.

"It might be a bear," she said calmly.

"I would hope not," Yuki said, starting to sweat a little. How could she be so calm after saying that?

The rustling got closer and closer. Both he and Machi were starting to get ready to run. Then suddenly, a tall figure popped out and announced itself with an all too familiar flamboyancy. Yuki nearly keeled over.

"YUKI!" cried Ayame. "It's been AGES! What are you doing in this dirty and daft forest? We must leave at once before your cleanliness is spoiled! And who is this LOVELY woman I keep hearing about?"

"Who is he?" Machi asked. Immediately, Yuki took her by the hand.

"Just ignore him, just ignore him," he said, while leading Machi away from the situation.

Ayame gasped.

"IGNORE ME? Why, how cruel of you, Yuki. How could one not see his own flesh and blood? Eugh, I feel faint of breath."

"Come on, let's go," Yuki said, urging Machi on and dragging her by the hand.

"H-How did he find your base?" Machi asked, more confused than anything.

"It doesn't matter, we have to get away."

"Is he dangerous?"

"Very."

No matter how fast Yuki was going, Ayame seemed to be catching up behind them. Knowing it was hopeless, he stopped to face his problem.

"I thought you said he was dangerous," Machi said, watching the white haired man prance to them.

Yuki sighed and placed a hand over his face in embarrassment.

"Now Yuki, you didn't think you could leave without introducing this young lady to me, now did you? Haha!"

"I tried..."

Ayame faced Machi and took her hand in his.

"Darling, you must tell me your name."

"M-Machi," she answered, not being sure what to make of this man before her.

"Forgive me for... interrupting your little rendezvous, but I just HAD to meet you. Shigure's told me so much about you. I am Ayame, Yuki's older brother."

"... So this is your brother," Machi said, looking over at Yuki, who was facing the other way with his hands on his hips.

"The pleasure is mine, mademoiselle," Ayame said, quickly planting his lips onto her hand. "You are a beautiful young specimen I should have you know. I wouldn't be surprised if Yuki dreamed of you every night. Oh how love has overtaken him. You must understand-"

"Brother, you are going TOO far," Yuki said, fuming.

"Tet tet tet, Yuki," Ayame added. "It isn't polite to interrupt. I know you want alone time with your love, but you MUST have PATIENCE."

"I have NONE for you."
"So tell me, Ms." Ayame continued, ignoring Yuki's scowls, "I hope time has been kind to you. You've been through sooooo much! I feel for you my dear, I really do. FEAR NOT! LOVERS IN LOVE WILL PREVAIL! Yuki is your prince and he will take you to greener fields on a brilliant, white steed. Both of you shall ride off into the sunset and conquer death!"

Yuki pushed him aside.

"Machi, I apologize for my brother's ignorance. He means well, but he gets ahead of himself."

"It's alright," she answered, still stunned.

"Where are you two going?" Ayame asked after he calmed down.

"Home," Yuki said. "We've had enough for one day."

"Ah! To Shigure's house. I shall come with you. I haven't seen Tohru and Kyou-Kyou in a long time. I'm sure they've missed me... Is Machi staying with you for the time being?"

"Yes... she's been staying in Tohru's room."

"Oh, how kind of her. Tohru never fails to amaze me with her kindness. I'm way overdue for giving her a new dress. I'll make you one too, Machi!"

"I'm not that into dresses..." Machi stated.

"Well, is there something you would like?" Ayame pressed on.

Machi stopped in her tracks, her face turning sour and stoic. They had come to the front of the house.

"Machi?" Yuki asked. "What is it?"

"... Kakeru," Machi whispered.

Yuki looked upon the porch. Indeed, Kakeru was there. It looked like he had been waiting a long time.

"I wonder what he's doing here..."

"Someone you know?" Ayame asked.

Yuki nodded. With a little more effort, he urged Machi onward towards the house, though she was obviously reluctant to get any closer.

"It's okay," he cooed, rubbing her back and coaxing her over.

Kakeru saw them approaching and got up from where he was sitting. He wasn't smiling.

"Kakeru..." Yuki said, acknowledging his presence. "What's going on?"

"... I have something to tell you, Machi," he said, turning to his sister.

Machi almost hid behind Yuki, like a child would behind its mother.

"What is it?" Yuki asked, hoping he'd hurry.

Kakeru reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. He handed it to Yuki, who took it and unfolded it. It was an invitation.

"Your brother's funeral is tomorrow," he said to Machi, who was still avoiding his gaze. "... You... You weren't invited, but I figured you may want to go anyway... I'm sorry I didn't come sooner. I kinda snuck out to see you."

"... Thank you," Machi said softly, looking at the ground.

Kakeru gave Yuki a soft and bitter smile before leaving the property. Once he was in the forest, he didn't turn back.

Hey guys! Sorry it's been so long since I've updated. You probably already know, I've been very busy. More than ever now that I'm in college. But I'm still trying to put time aside for my stories as well. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and keep an eye open for A Happy Medium. Keep me posted on how this story is doing. :)

Thanks for reading! - Dragondustbubblez