Thursday morning, September 3 – Kawashima residence
It was still dark outside when Ami awoke, still cuddled up to Ryuuji. At some point, rolling into him had become natural. Whether she did it intentionally or in her sleep, it seemed that she always woke up like this. Her head lay on his shoulder and chest, her hand was over his heart, one of her legs was thrown over one of his. His arm would be wrapped around her and his hand would be resting on her back, side, or hip. Although it had come to be like this most every morning, it wasn't getting old for her. With a smile, she thought that this is exactly how she wanted to wake up every morning for the rest of her life.
Opening her eyes at the moment of a flash of lightning, Ami saw an explosion of orange-gold hair on Ryuuji's other shoulder. With the lightning gone, Ami was still able to see the afterimage and she was sure she saw Ryuuji's other arm around the diminutive body as well.
What?! Ami cringed, What is Taiga doing in here?
BOOM! Rumble rumble rumble…
The sound of a sleepy whimper came from the other side of the bed in the midst of the recent thunder. Thunder? Ami relaxed when her mind was able to make sense of it all. Little Aiko-chan was terribly afraid of thunder. Even though she preferred to sleep in the same bed with Yasuko, the really big thunder-boomers would drive her up the stairs to cuddle up to Ryuuji. And, of course, little Aiko-chan looked just like Taiga… especially in the dark. In an instant, fear and anger became compassion and love for the little girl that had become such a darling around the house over the last several days. Reaching across Ryuuji's chest, Ami found Aiko-chan's fist clutching the sheet. Her little hand was shaking in terror. Ami covered the small hand with her own and instantly saw the glitter of open eyes in the darkness.
"Take my hand." Ami said quietly.
"Um… okay." Aiko-chan whimpered as she let go of the safety of the sheet covering Ryuuji and took the warm hand of the pretty blue haired model.
The little hand was still shaking when it slipped into Ami's grasp. Ami wanted to say encouraging words. She wanted to be compassionate and make the little girl feel so loved and protected that the thunder would no longer be a concern. Running through old television and movie lines, and even things Ryuuji had said, she thought she might have the right thing when she realized it was unnecessary. Aiko-chan's hand wasn't shaking any more, her breathing was slow and deep, and her eyes were closed. The little girl had finally found peaceful sleep, but she was still holding onto Ami's hand.
I guess it's not always what you say. Sometimes, what really counts is just being there. Ami smiled and closed her own eyes too.
.
The gray light of cloud filtered sunshine now filled the master bedroom of the Kawashima residence. Ryuuji opened his eyes and saw Ami and Aiko-chan holding hands across his chest. He vaguely remembered Aiko-chan crawling into the bed and hiding under the covers next to him during the worst of the nights thunderstorm. It was a good feeling to know that he could be a child's safe-haven from whatever was terrifying. It was especially good for Ryuuji since it was so often that he was the thing that was terrifying to other people. For whatever reason, this little girl had never found him to be scary, so letting her hide under his arm was something he would never deny her. But seeing Aiko-chan and Ami holding hands in their sleep brought up other emotions. Feelings he never really considered.
Is this what it would be like if Ami and I had a family? I mean… if Ami and I had children of our own… WHAT AM I THINKING? We would need to be married and she would never… She would never marry a guy like me. Would she? Ryuuji wondered for a few moments about his relationship. Sure, she said she loves me for now, but marriage is forever. She has her future to think about. Feeling the question out, he had to ask himself if he would consider marrying Ami. His head started to hurt with the internal struggle. Although his mind could come up with many reasons why it would be a bad idea, his heart was beating on his intellect with a baka-club. I am so far out of her league… someone that is at her level would be a better match for her in the long run. An actor or some successful person in the entertainment industry is what a person like Ami deserves. I would only slow her down. Wouldn't I? The heart refused to listen and insisted all such arguments were irrelevant. It's love, stupid! All that other stuff is meaningless.
With Ami's head on his shoulder and her arm reaching across his chest to hold little Aiko-chan's hand, he knew he wanted to side with his heart. It was a fantastic feeling to be part of something so trusting, so loving, and so wonderful. Precious few people in his life had ever accepted him like this. A sudden light made him blink and he was only a little surprised to feel tears running down his cheeks.
Outside, the the sky was starting to clear up and rays of bright sunshine were now streaming down through broken clouds. A brilliant light shone through the windows and the concertina doors that opened onto the veranda. The reflected light filled the bedroom with a warm glow that also reflected in Ryuuji's heart.
.
Thursday morning, September 3 – Kushieda residence
Minori was humming as she looked at the three Yukatas in front of her. All of them fit and none of them were blue and silver. She had a half-hearted chuckle as she thought of the recent phone call with Ami. The memory gave her a bittersweet smile. Truly, it was more sweet than bitter now. She knew that Ryuuji was a hell of a guy and she had liked him since before Taiga had even known who he was. Memories came flooding back to her.
Minori had barely been able to contain herself when he had remembered her name on the first day of their second year. Like Ami, she was not quite the ditz that she appeared to be and she knew exactly what it meant when Ryuuji stammered and blushed when she talked to him.
She remembered the chances that she had lost to straighten him out and let him know how she really felt. No, that wasn't right either… the chances weren't lost so much as they were thrown away. The most memorable instances were at Ami's beach house, then at the school Christmas party, and again at the Ski Lodge, she had been afforded every opportunity to let her true feelings be known to Ryuuji. But she hadn't. Each time she had stepped aside for Taiga.
Dammit Taiga…
No, even that was a poor excuse. Kitamura had been right; she had already decided long ago to forsake romantic involvement for her dream. Minori had known what lay ahead of her before she had even started high school. To be the best in softball and play at the international level, or perhaps even in the Olympics… she knew that she would have to make certain sacrifices. She would need to practice as much as possible and she would need to earn money so she could go to the right schools, the optional training camps, and get the best trainers. Romance would just take too much time away from her dream. Or so she had thought. Looking back at how much Ryuuji did for Taiga and how he was staying by Ami's side, she wondered if she might have been wrong. She imagined him with her at the batting cages, coming with her and cheering her on at practices and games, being in the stands for her… being at the games for her… being there for her…
Oh God, what have I done?
Minori was on her knees wiping the tears from her eyes for only a few moments before her determination kicked in. Standing up, she turned to the full length mirror on the back of her closet door and looked at the red swollen eyes in the reflection.
"It was my decision and mine alone!" She said to her sad but resolute reflection.
"I followed through with my decision and I will NOT second guess myself now!" Even if the eyes were still red and puffy, the fire was back in them now and Minori knew she would be able to make it through this day.
"Obon Festival is today, Minori's gonna play! Yay, yay, yay!" Minori's bright smile was back and she cheered herself into a happier look before going back to choosing which Yukata to wear.
.
Thursday morning, September 3 – Hisamitsu (Noto's) residence
"Noto-sama," Shinako's clear voice called out, "I'm glad I came early."
"Good morning, Shinako-san." Noto had just closed the gate in front of his house and was heading for the train station. He had an overnight bag with him and it was clear that he was going to be out for a while. Politely, he asked, "Shall we go inside?"
"We can talk while we walk." Shinako smiled as she took her younger but taller cousin's arm, "You are… heading for the train station. Are you on your way to the Kawashima house?"
"Yes," Noto always worried when he talked to Shinako but she seemed to be warmer to him now. Warmer to him than she had ever been before. He wondered about her change in attitude but perhaps it was not so much a change as a reveal. A three year difference in age was huge to kids, but Noto was becoming an adult now and suddenly a cousin that was only three years older was not so alien. "We are all going to the Obon Festival together. You are invited to come with us if you like."
"I already have similar plans, but thank you for asking." Shinako deftly declined his invitation. She knew this would be an outing of his friends from school and that she would be an outsider there. Due to the confrontational way that she had met them the other day, Shinako knew that she would probably be distrusted and unwanted by most of them. That was unfortunate; they all seemed like good people. "By the way, do you know Yamada Yukiko?"
"No," Noto's brow wrinkled, "but that name seems familiar."
"The Yamada family is in the hotel and restaurant business. Our family has some ties with theirs." Shinako told him, "She may be the heir apparent."
A sudden chill ran through Noto. Was Shinako about to suggest an arranged marriage to bring the two families together?
"I got a surprising phone call from her last night." Shinako continued, "It seems that she is good friends with Kawashima Ami and Takasu Yasuko."
"Oh yes," Noto now remembered the name from the outlandish stories that he had heard about what Ryuuji, Ami, his school teacher, and Ryuuji's mom had been doing in Tokyo and Okinawa, "I heard her name from Ryuuji and Ami."
"She said that she never met Maya-chan, but I should trust Ryuuji-kun's counsel."
"Really?" Noto was surprised. I guess the stories weren't so outlandish after all.
"She was actually more emphatic than that." Shinako laughed, "Ryuuji-kun must have made quite an impression on her. She actually said that I would be a fool not to trust him and…"
"And? And… what?" Noto prompted.
"She made me promise to let her know if Ami and Ryuuji split up." Shinako winked at her cousin, "I believe she has a thing for your scary looking friend."
"Wow." Noto was only briefly stunned. He knew from first hand experience just how amazing Ryuuji could be. Jeez Ryuuji, what the hell did you do in Tokyo? I may need to hear those stories again.
"This doesn't surprise you?" Shinako teased.
"A little," Noto admitted, "but Ryuuji is a pretty amazing guy. You know… his class position is actually higher than mine."
"What?" Shinako was surprised now. Ryuuji looked scary and seemed confident. By the way the little girl clung to him when the thunderstorm started, she knew he was someone that made people feel safe. But she had never considered that he was smart, or a good student. "What University is he going to?"
"Unless his plans changed, I don't think he's going to college." Noto said sadly.
"What?" Shinako's surprise was evident in her voice. What a terrible waste!
"His family is not wealthy and he is worried about the financial burden it would put on his mother." Noto related the story that Ryuuji had told him at the end of last year.
"Have you decided what University you will be attending?" Shinako asked.
"Maya and I will be going to the same University but… we are no longer considering Hokkaido." Noto said stiffly.
"Under the circumstances, I understand." Shinako's reply actually sounded reassuring.
"Speaking of Maya," Noto asked, "have you come to a decision?"
"Although I had a few reservations, I had decided to support you before I left the Kawashima house the other day." Shinako chuckled, "But after the phone call from Yamada-san, I no longer have any reservations. I will support you."
"Then," Noto breathed a sigh of relief, "it's over."
"I'm glad you have such high opinions of my abilities, but it is not over yet." Shinako warned her younger cousin, "Although she trusts me and will hold my opinion in high regard, Obāsan's decision is her own to make. Do not forget that there are other voices in the family that agree that you should be weighing the political options when choosing a bride."
"I see," Noto was still hopeful but not quite as positive as he had been just a few moments ago. "Still, Thank you Shinako-san. Thank you for believing in me."
"Well, we are here." Shinako said as they arrived at the entrance to the train station, "Have fun with your friends and enjoy the festival."
"Thank you, Shinako-san." Noto bowed to his elder cousin, "Thank you for your efforts."
.
Thursday noon, September 3 – Kawashima residence
Nanako was seated at the kitchen counter on a tall chair so she could assist Ryuuji in making a big lunch for everyone. Hisako had tried to get her to relax, but she was bored with so much relaxing. Although she didn't have the stamina to stand for a long period of time, Nanako was able to work on things that Ryuuji put in front of her, once the tall chair had been found.
At first, Ryuuji was concerned about her being in the kitchen. There are a lot of dangerous things in a kitchen for someone that doesn't have their usual physical or mental abilities. Nanako was still weakened and the medicines that she was taking during her recovery sometimes left her feeling dizzy or at least, hard to think clearly. She seemed to be handling herself well though and soon, Ryuuji had forgotten his misgivings and was glad to have her help. After all, there would be a lot of people over for lunch today. Since it was already looking like a hot day, Ryuuji was taking the opportunity to show Nanako how to prepare the Rei Shabu dish that he had learned how to make in Tokyo.
"Like this Takasu-kun?" Nanako asked about the thinly sliced cucumber she had just finished.
"Perfect, Nanako-chan!" Without thinking, Ryuuji's fingers combed through Nanako's long purple hair as he petted her head.
Nanako was surprised at this sudden intimacy, but she didn't object. Any response was frozen on her lips as she felt fire and ice all at once. An excited chill ran down her spine at the same time her face burned with blush.
"Ah!" Ryuuji cried out when he realized what he was doing. His hand retracted from Nanako's head as if he had just put it on a hot stove element. "I'm sorry, Nanako-chan! I've been around Aiko-chan so much this morning and she… um…"
"It's okay, Takasu-kun." Nanako focused on her sliced cucumber, "I didn't hate it…"
"If you're going to let him pet you, maybe you should start calling him Ryuuji-kun?" Hisako teased.
Nanako couldn't look up, but Ryuuji saw Hisako and Ami smirking from the other side of the counter as they watched Nanako and Ryuuji blush.
"Since he is showing her how to cook something, maybe she could call him senpai?" Ami suggested.
"Eep!" Nanako squeaked as her blush darkened and her lower lip started to tremble. Surely I didn't just tell Takasu-kun that it was okay to pet me… in front of Ami-chan!
"Hey, stop being mean to Nanako!" Maya rushed to her friend's side and pulled the head of purple hair into her chest. She looked defiantly back at Hisako more-so than Ami.
Hisako was thinking of a playful response when they all heard the sound of the doorbell. "I'll get it!"
After Hisako raced off to the front door, Ami leaned across the counter and told Maya, "You know Hisako was just teasing. She would never do anything to hurt Nanako."
"I know… It's just…" Maya found it hard to put her discomfort into words. She felt like Hisako was trying to steal her friend away. With the demands of Noto's family commitments always taking up so much of Maya's time, and Hisako here to take care of her friend all day and even at night… Maya had never felt more torn about her desire to love Noto and keep Nanako's friendship. Those were the thoughts storming in her confused brain when she looked up to see a happy Hisako arm in arm with a blushing Noto – walking into the room. "What the…"
"Hey!" Hisako sounded cheerful, "Look who I found at the front door!"
"YOU!" Maya shouted angrily at Hisako, "Do you hate me? Is that it?" Maya moved toward Hisako and raised a hand to slap as she yelled, "Why do you always…"
Ryuuji was about to caution Maya that slapping Hisako was a really bad idea. He knew from personal experience that the raven haired girl was a lot stronger than she looked. The words didn't come out before Hisako reacted. She caught Maya's wrist and spun the red head around.
Maya had a surprised and slightly scared look on her face as she ended up sitting in Hisako's lap with her arms pinned to her sides by a tight hug. For several minutes, Hisako simply held onto Maya. After a few fruitless struggles to try to free herself from Hisako's hold, she realized that she was nowhere near strong enough to break the tall models grapple.
Noto was halted from interfering by a firm, but gentle grip on his shoulder. When he turned to see who it was, the tall Australian blond compassionately returned his glance, but quietly shook her head. If he had thought Maya was in trouble, he would have tried to act anyway, but he knew that his girlfriend was in no danger. In fact, he greatly suspected that they were all trying to help.
"Ami is my friend too." Hisako's voice said softly from only a few centimeters from Mayas ear, "In fact, she was my friend before she was yours."
"Um…" Maya was confused and wanted to be released. This wasn't about Ami; this was about Nanako… and Noto. She wanted to run away from this embarrassment.
"For now, just be quiet and listen." Hisako told her. In a voice recalling fond memories, she said, "When we first met, I thought you and Nanako were so cute. I really had to restrain myself from just running up and hugging both of you." The sweetness in her voice became darker as she continued, "But then you hurt Ami and I was furious. I would have pounded your face into the dirt if I had caught up with you then, and Deena-chan… she would have helped me. You hurt Ami pretty bad and it really pissed me off."
"Oh…" Maya could tell from the strength of the arms holding her that Hisako had not made an empty threat. She knew she should be scared of this girl, but Maya's eyes were wet as Hisako forced her to remember how she had recently ignored Ami. She had behaved badly and she knew it. Ami said she had forgiven her, but…
"You have a very childish problem with accepting people. You are way to jealous and selfish for someone your age and it is going to wreck your relationships. If you really want to be happy, you're going to need to figure out what is making you act so childishly, and you'll need to get over it." Hisako continued, "It's obvious that you can't accept me. you think that I am trying to hurt you when I only ever wanted to help… and to be your friend."
"Huh?" Maya gaped. You want to be my friend? That can't be right!
"Nanako is your friend. Well, guess what… she is my friend too." Hisako looked over at Nanako. Yasuko was standing behind her now and offering support as Nanako looked back at Maya with sad, but hopeful eyes. "Are you so selfish that you won't let Nanako have any friends but you? And jealousy… are you the kind of person that gets angry to the point of violence if you see someone else with your boyfriend?"
"No." Maya answered, although she knew she had been behaving exactly that way. She could see the disappointment in her friends eyes. "I mean… I don't want to be like that… any more."
"That's good, because it is a weakness," Hisako told the captive red head, "There are too many people like Noriko in this world and if they find out about a weakness like that… they will use it against you. When they do, you will lose everything you hold dear."
"Ah!" Maya remembered Noto's look-alike cousin Noriko, that had tried to get Noto to break up his relationship with her. It was an unpleasant memory for Maya but it was also a painful memory for Noto. He still had many fond childhood memories with the cousin he had thought he could count on. The cousin that didn't think Maya was good enough for him. "What can I do?" Maya asked meekly.
"No-one can change overnight." Hisako relaxed her grip on the red head in her arms and smiled. Maya may be childish, but she was smart enough to know that she needed to change, and for that she needed help. "You can do this in small steps. For your first step, let me be Nanako's friend."
"I can't stop you from being her friend." Maya pouted.
"That's not what I mean." Hisako was petting Maya's head now as she explained, "For now, just accept it. In time, try to embrace it."
I don't know if I could ever embrace it. Maya hated herself as soon as the thought came to her mind. Am I this petty. Am I really so childish. I don't want to be like this – I want to be better. Noto deserves better! If I can't be better, I won't be good enough for him… I won't deserve to marry him! Is Noriko right about me?Tears started to fall from Maya's eyes. Somebody help me!
"You can do this." Hisako's voice was filled with compassion now, "You are surrounded by your friends now." Hisako gestured around the room. Then she took Maya's face and made her look into her own eyes as she said, "Even me. I want to be your friend if you will let me. And you know what friends do?"
Maya said nothing but she turned and looked up into Hisako's purple eyes. Purple eyes… like Nanako's. Even though she was still upset, Maya felt a comfort in those purple eyes and sensed a kindness there too.
"Friends help." Hisako said simply. She smiled and hugged the tear stained red head. This time, it was not so tight a hug and this time… Maya hugged back.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for being such an idiot." Maya felt Hisako's arms around her, and hands gently caressing her head and back. It was so relaxing, comforting and reassuring… Maya knew instantly that when she had children and they were in despair, this is how she would comfort them.
Hisako looked up to see Ami smiling back. Thank you Ami. You may never know how much this means to me. You gave me a second chance. You allowed me to be friends with your friends. I'll never let you down again.
Nanako mouthed a thank you from across the room. Even Noto seemed pleased.
Ryuuji and Nanako were just getting back to their cooking when the doorbell rang again.
"I'll get it this time." Ami called out. Dashing from the den and down the short flight of stairs to the foyer, she saw an indistinct figure with pink hair through the rain glass. Ami had a moment of trepidation as she paused with her hand on the door knob. There was only one person this could be. Despite Ryuuji's progress and his ability to be around Aiko-chan, Ami still felt a chill of concern. I know what she said, but will she really support me? That pink haired girl is one of two people that could destroy everything with just a few well chosen words. For a moment, Ami considered sending Minori away. She'll see him at school in a few days anyway… I might as well get this over with. Ami took a deep breath and opened the door.
"Amin!" Minori cried out in her usual spirited manner when the door opened. She saw a look on Ami's face that she didn't expect. Could it be concern? Disappointment? Disgust? "Oh, am I too early?"
"No, you're fine!" Ami gathered herself and looked at Minori again. She was carrying something that looked like an overnight bag and wearing a typical jock-girl outfit. Shorts and a t-shirt with some team name and a number on it. Her hair looked like a pink explosion… as if she had just run some water over it and shook it out like a dog. With mounting hope Ami said, "Please tell me you have a Yukata in the bag."
"Three!" Minori said cheerfully. Then nervously she said, "Eh heh heh. I couldn't make up my mind which one to wear. I was hoping you could help me decide."
"Oh really?" Now Ami was smiling. "As it happens, you have come to the right place."
.
Ami realized she hadn't given any warning to Minori only when she was escorting her pink haired friend into the room and noticed Aiko-chan siting in Yasuko's lap in the den. At least she isn't sitting in Ryuuji's lap, that would really make the muscle-head flip out. "Let me introduce you to…"
"OH MY GOD, WHEN DID TAIGA GET BACK? Why didn't you tell me, Amin?" Minori didn't know whether to be excited that her best friend was back, or angry with everyone for keeping Taiga's return a secret from her. She hadn't yet resolved that conflict when she realized something was wrong. Taiga was scared and clutching at Yasuko's sleeve. Taiga is scared… of me?
"That's not Taiga," Ami said calmly, "I know she looks like Taiga, but she is a grade schooler. Her name is Aiko-chan and she is staying with us until her parents get out of the hospital."
"Huh?" Minori didn't want to believe Ami. She wanted to believe that Taiga was back, but seeing the scared expression on the otherwise familiar looking face made her see the truth. As the fog of excitement and confusion cleared, she could see other little differences between this person and her Taiga. In a calmer voice she faced the little girl that she had just frightened, "I'm sorry! I'm sorry I scared you. I thought you were someone else but… I guess you've heard that a lot around these guys. It's just that… Taiga was my best friend and I haven't heard from her in… so long…" Minori was fighting hard to keep the tears from coming.
Ami could see Minori struggling and put a hand on distraught jock's shoulder.
"It's okay." Aiko-chan could see the pink haired teen was sad and it had only been her shouting that had scared her anyway, "I do hear that from a lot of Ami-senpai's friends." She offered, "Maybe it would be easier if I let everyone call me Taiga?"
"No!" a chorus of voices objected.
"Sweety," Yasuko cuddled the slightly stunned girl, "you may look like Taiga but you are a wonderful person too. You don't need to pretend to be anyone else."
"Thank you, onee-chan!" Aiko-chan relaxed into the warm embrace.
"Hee hee!" A thrilled Yasuko giggled and hugged her charge a little tighter, having been called onee-chan again.
"Hey," Noto said quietly to the Australian giantess while the others were chatting with Minori, "Why did you say 'no' ? You never even met Aisaka."
"I heard about her little stunt and how it hurt Ryuuji-sama." Deena explained quietly to Noto, "Regardless of whether it was from narcissism or cruelty, her actions were inexcusable."
"Narcissism?" Noto wondered what kind of stories she had heard. "She did leave a letter explaining…"
"The letter is why I suspect narcissism." Denna countered, "It didn't show that she was thinking about Ryuuji-sama's feelings so much as it showed how much she cared about what Ryuuji-sama thought of her."
"Hmmm." Noto considered her argument and what he remembered of the letter. He had to admit that she had a valid point but something else was bothering him. "Why did you start calling him Ryuuji-sama?"
"I heard Hisako call him that and I thought about it." Deena explained, "He organized Ami's modeling career comeback and salvaged Hisako's career from the gutter. You were there for his rescue and relief work. All around him, friendships are established or saved – and they're always strengthened. He does all this without really trying. It is so natural to him, he would blush if you pointed it out. He is a natural leader and he doesn't know it yet. How could you not call him Ryuuji-sama?"
"True…" Noto thought the Australian might not completely understand the Japanese cultural use of sama and said, "but, for an older person to use sama when addressing a younger person…"
"… is unusual, but shows great respect." Deena smiled as she finished the sentence. Then the smile dropped and she whispered, "If you are insinuating that he is not worthy of the respect, we will have to fight… Noto-san."
"No no no no!" Noto took a step back and bowed, "I do not disagree… and I meant no disrespect! I just wanted to make sure you understood the cultural implication."
"What's going on?" several people asked.
"Noto!" Maya called out from where she was sitting next to Hisako, "What disrespectful thing did you say to Deena-chan?"
Noto looked at his fiancé, but it was the predator's glare he was getting from Hisako that made him swallow hard. Suddenly, there was a strong arm around him pulling him in close to the tall blond.
"It's nothing, it's nothing!" Deena laughed it off, "Noto-kun was just being funny." From their expressions, Deena could see that nobody believed her but the most interesting expression was on the face of the new arrival. She was staring at Deena in disbelief. Nodding toward the pink haired girl, Deena said, "Ami-chan, I'm sorry for interrupting the introductions…"
"Oh, right…" Minori was then introduced to the members of the party that she had not yet met. She could see why Ami would be friends with other models, but Minori was curious why they were friends with military people… from other countries. It was also strange that their teacher was here, but she seemed to get along well with Ryuuji's mom so maybe they were already friends?
"What's in the bag?" Maya asked Minori after the introductions were over.
"I didn't know which one to wear, so I brought three Yukatas." Minori started to open the bag, "I was hoping you guys could help me pick."
"Let's do that after lunch." Nanako suggested, "It's ready now."
"And after we do your hair." Ami offered.
"My hair?" Minori was confused. She had shaken it out real good after her shower this morning. Her hand ran over the uneven spikes and clumps of her pink hair and she asked, "What's wrong with my hair?"
All the models started laughing and the others chuckled a bit as well. They weren't trying to be mean. As bad as her hair looked, they had assumed she was joking.
Minori nervously laughed along with them. She glanced over at Ryuuji. He wasn't laughing, but he wasn't paying attention either. As expected, he was finishing up the lunch preparations and getting all the food to the table. At least Ryuuji isn't laughing at me.
.
"That lunch was delicious Takasu-kun!" Minori said as she walked with the colorfully dressed group toward the shrine park.
"It's called Rei Shabu." Ryuuji said, "It's supposed to be a good dish on a hot day."
"Ryuuji made that for us in Okinawa." Suzume said.
"Okinawa?" Minori asked.
"We did a shoot down there." Hisako told her, "That's where we met Deena-chan and Major Charming."
"Wow…" Minori's thoughts were interrupted when she saw the rest of the party emerging from the garage entrance to the house. She had thought it strange that some of them left through the front door and went around to the garage to wait for the others. Now she understood, but that understanding brought new questions.
A surprised Minori saw her teacher in a wheelchair, being pushed by the Major. Yasuko was with them and it was clear to see that they had all become good friends. She was getting over the initial shock and about to ask why her sensei was in a wheelchair when a second wheelchair came out. Nanako was riding in the second wheelchair that Noto was pushing. Maya was practically glued to Noto's side as they walked down the driveway to join up with the rest of the party.
"Why are Nanako-chan and sensei in wheelchairs?" Minori suddenly realized that she hadn't noticed Nanako moving with her usual energy and sensei had moved around the house with very careful movements.
"Nanako is getting over snake bite and illness, so she gets tired very easily. Yuri-sensei's leg was broken while we were in Okinawa." Ami realized that Minori hadn't heard anything about their adventures all this time. She had been safely sequestered away at her training camp this whole time. Looking back, it was hard for Ami to believe that all this had happened just since the beginning of their summer break.
"How did sensei break her leg?" Minori was stunned. She wondered what else all of her friends had been up to over the summer. She knew that she had come back from a wonderful time at her camp and hoped that her friends hadn't been bored too much while she was gone.
"Horseback riding." Suzume answered.
"Horseback riding?" Minori was stunned again, "Yuri-sensei was riding a horse?"
Minori walked along in amazement as Suzume recounted the story of their photo shoot on the little island, riding the horses, and watching as a helicopter left with the unconscious Yuri-sensei, the Major, and a concerned onee-chan. Minori had heard several people call Ryuuji's mother by that title and wondered what the story was with that. But she would ask about that later… if she remembered.
Hearing Suzume's recounting of their time on Iejiima made the rest of the group remember all they had done since school had let out.
Minami Umeko remembered meeting the manager, the blue haired model, and the bubbly bouncy blond on the train station platform. She recounted her fear and surprise when the scary manager seized the distraught woman that turned out to be his high school teacher. She had remained out of sight, but she had watched their little group on her train car and it had been that short trip to Tokyo that her fear of the scary man had turned into admiration for the person she still though of as Mr. Manager.
Hisako too had been pulled in by Ryuuji-sama. It hadn't been charm or flowery promises that had won her over. His determination, loyalty, and honesty were things that had been sorely lacking in the people she had been interacting with for quite some time. She remembered sitting across the table from him in the small café and listening to him. He had revealed the truth about Ami, told her of his plans, and encouraged her. It would have been so easy not to believe a word of it, but even then – she had the feeling that he was speaking from the heart. She had been horrified, confused, happy, anxious, and hopeful in the short span of that conversation. His face was scary and he looked evil as hell itself, but she hadn't felt raw compassion like this from anyone in such a long time. Not long after that first conversation with him, she was reunited with Ami and just as Ryuuji-sama had said, Ami forgave her for everything. Ami had become more amazing and more wonderful than she had ever been. Gone was the airhead act and here was the Ami that Hisako had always liked… always idolized. Together, with Suzume, Ryuuji's mother and their high school teacher, they had toured Tokyo, shopped, and did a magazine interview together. Hisako had cried tears of joy after they asked her to come with them to Ami's house and then to Okinawa.
The Major recalled his first encounter when he saw his beloved Yuri for the first time. He saw her eyes for only a moment before she lost consciousness in his arms. In a short time he learned to trust Ryuuji-kun, admire the loyalty and friendship of Yasuko-chan, and fall in love with Yuri… his sleeping beauty. He was thankful to all the others as well. Ami, Hisako, Suzume, and even Corporal Walker were all supportive of his desire to build a relationship with Koigakubo Yuri. He remembered the recent flight from the Izu Islands when so many things had gone wrong for her students and friends. He would remember forever the tenderness she showed young Noto when his adrenaline had finally run out and courageous young man had collapsed before her with his head in her lap. Her face showed a compassionate smile while she held him there and ran her fingers through his unruly brown hair. Her actions spoke of a protectiveness and a love for her students that spoke volumes about her character. The Major had known from that instant that he was going to ask for her hand before that trip was over.
"So, um…" remembering the little adventure in the cave by Ami's family beach house from the previous year, Minori suggested, "anyone want to do a test of courage tonight?"
There was a momentary pause while everyone thought of the scary or dangerous things they had already faced during this summer break. Then, as one, everyone started laughing.
Minori looked around at everyone laughing and knew that there was something that the rest of them had all shared. Something had brought them all together and created bonds that would last for a long long time. Unfortunately, it was a something that she did not share with them. Her heart was saddened that she wasn't part of it, but it was yet another sacrifice that she had already accepted that she would have to make for her goal. The accepted sacrifices were why she made her decision not to cry, so many years ago. But it was hard not to be resentful or cry when she felt herself missing out on so much. No, it's nobody's fault but my own! The decision was mine, and mine alone. Nobody forced me to choose this path. In fact, they all tried to talk me out of it. So, there is no point in being resentful now. She was still feeling down, but she put on the famous Minori smile and pretended to be happy with everyone else.
Ami was not amused. She had grown weary of the fake Minori persona and now that she had cast her own facade aside, she was sick of it. She decided to do something about it when they all got to the shrine entrance. She planned on suggesting that they all break up into small groups since it would be difficult to move so many people around in a crowd. However, it didn't look like that would be a problem. She wasn't the only one that was stunned when they got to the big red Torii at the entrance to the shrine park.
There were no crowds. Half of the shops that should be open were shuttered or missing completely. It looked as if they had arrived on the wrong day. It seemed like the only ones that weren't surprised were the Major and Deena-chan.
"I was afraid of this." the Major said. "The Ministry of Health has been putting messages out for the last week to make people aware of the Pandemic crisis."
"I've seen those warnings," Umeko said, "but they only tell people to be cautious and…"
"Avoid going to crowded public places if it is unnecessary." her taller, but younger sister Suzume, finished her sentence.
"Unnecessary…" Noto said as he looked around the almost empty place, "like going to a festival." The idea that such a cornerstone of Japanese culture could be affected like this hadn't occurred to him before. By the looks on everyone else's face, he imagined they were thinking the same thing. I hope this experimental vaccine works. No longer thinking about just his own survival, he wanted to see Japan get back to normal. This Pandemic scare was having effects that were far greater than just the people that were infected.
"Hey!" Yasuko's bubbly cheery voice got everyone's attention, "Let's all have a good time, okay? We'll just pretend that this is our own private festival and we'll have a ball!"
"That's a great idea!" Yuri joined in. Looking up at the Major who was pushing her wheelchair she said, "I want some cotton candy. Will you take me there?"
"Great idea!" the Major boomed, "Cotton candy for everyone!" Spirits were raised and there was even a little cheering as they group headed over to the row of little shops.
"We'll be right with you guys," Ami grabbed Minori by the obi, "I just need to help Minori with her Yukata."
"Thanks Amin," Minori said, "I'm not really used to wearing these things."
"Drop the act, Minori." Ami waited until everyone else was far enough away and spoke quietly, "I know something is bothering you and that fake smile is starting to piss me off."
"I don't think I can…" Minori started to say, but Ami was ready for her.
"Yes you can. Just be honest for once and tell me what's bothering you." Ami countered.
"Are you sure you want to know?" Minori's smile dropped and her brow wrinkled a bit with worry. She knew this wouldn't be pleasant.
"Absolutely." Ami looked into Minori's eyes to show her how serious she was.
"It's you." Minori said, "You're bothering me. One little summer vacation… you and Ryuuji run off and have some wild adventures and come back as boyfriend and girlfriend! You were already living in the same house even if you sleep in different rooms…"
"Same room." Ami corrected.
"What?" a stunned Minori stopped her rant at hearing that.
"Same room, same bed." Ami clarified for her pink haired friend.
"WHAT?" Minori looked as if the blood had drained from her face. "How could you…"
"All we've done so far is kiss… and cuddle." Ami felt the need to be completely honest since she was demanding that of Minori.
"But… but… but…" Minori was on the verge of hyperventilating.
"I mean…" Ami looked into the completely stunned face but went on as if Minori was listening calmly, "I may have run my hands over his broad chest or his muscular thighs while he was sleeping once or twice. Still, I want to do more, but I don't think Ryuuji is ready for that. At least, not yet."
"MORE?" Minori's shock continued with each of Ami's revelations.
"I've had daydreams of the two of us married and… even having his children." Ami blushed a little as she admitted this, "But I don't know how Ryuuji would react to something like that."
"Ch… ch… CHILDREN? Minori gasped.
"I don't want to scare him off, you know." Ami looked into Minori's wide open eyes, "What do you think?"
"AMIIIIIIIIIII!" Minori shrieked.
"You did say you would be behind me a hundred and ten percent." Ami evenly returned the stare at the glaring pink haired jock. "Were you serious, or was it just another lie, like the ditzy muscle-head persona that you wear?"
"Huh?" Minori knew she had been trapped. She had shown her true feelings and she had to admit that she didn't really want Ami to win. "You saw right through me, huh?"
"Yep." Ami answered simply.
"Look, I don't know what's best for Ryuuji, but part of me…" Minori mustered up the courage to say this to her rival, "… a big part of me wants to think that there might still be a place in Ryuuji's heart… for me."
"And if I told you that you may not like what you're going to find out?" Ami asked.
"I still have to see for myself." Minori said sullenly, "I guess you'd like me to leave now."
"I do, but that wouldn't solve anything." Ami suddenly sounded bored with it all, "Drop the ditz persona and have fun. Relax and let Ryuuji see who you really are… and pay attention. You need to see who he really is too."
"I can stay?" there was disbelief in Minori's question.
"Yes." Ami answered simply.
"Why?" Minori asked, "Why are you letting me do this?"
"Because, you silly muscle-head," Ami smirked, "I really do want you on my side."
.
From the booth selling the cotton candy, Ryuuji could see Ami and Minori shake hands. They must have agreed on something. I wonder what all of Minori's yelling was about? They were heading this way now. Turning back towards the booth, he ordered two cotton candy's – a pink one and a blue one. The girls were back only moments after he took possession of the two fluffy treats. Ami took his right arm and Minori took his left arm. Ryuuji was suddenly blushing from the close contact. Sure, he had been close with Ami in Tokyo and Okinawa, but this was the home turf; someone from the school might see and… and what? Soon enough there would be pictures in magazines of Ami with Ryuuji. It's not like she had been trying to keep this any kind of secret.
Laughing away his own nervousness, he handed the cotton candy cones to the girls and they walked toward the game booths.
.
Without any crowds around, they were able to do everything they wanted, and had plenty of time before the fireworks would start. With Ryuuji, Noto, Haruta, and the Major trying to impress their girlfriends at all the arcades, it wasn't long before everyone had a stuffed animal to take home. There was a bit of laughter when Minori walked away with the biggest prize. The gigantic fluffy thing didn't resemble any recognizable animal but it was bigger than Minori. Ryuuji had offered to carry it for her.
"No!" Amy insisted, "I can't take your arm or hold your hand if you're lugging that monster around."
"I know!" Minori realized she also wouldn't be able to have Ryuuji's arm or hand this way, "I'll give it back and ask for a smaller prize."
"But Minori…" Ryuuji was going to argue that she had won the monster fairly.
"It's just too much Takasu-kun," Minori admitted, "I really don't have room for it." A melancholy fell over Minori as she saw the symmetry in this. "I'll just take it back. I'll trade it for something smaller."
Ami and Ryuuji walked back to the booth with Minori. Her spirit seemed to improve as she looked at the other prizes and picked out a penguin.
"Are you sure you're okay with this decision?" Ami asked the smiling jock.
"Yes," Minori said as she looked into the face of her penguin, "sometimes life is too busy for the big prize, so a smaller prize is just fine."
"Knock it off!" Ami threatened, "You're still to young to be getting all philosophical."
.
A part of the shrine park had a gently sloping hillside with a low rock wall running through it. It was one of the best places to view the fireworks and was usually packed. When they had been making their plans, they had thought that their group would be separated since they might not be able to find much room on the hillside, but that didn't turn out to be a problem. Although a few more people turned out to see the fireworks than had been at the festival, there still weren't many. Several picnic blankets had been brought along in the pockets of the wheelchairs. They were now on the grass, lined up against the rock wall. The wheelchairs stood empty nearby and everyone had found a comfortable place on the blankets.
"Can I have your attention?" Noto called out to the assembled group, "This won't take long and I'd like to finish it before the fireworks start."
Everyone politely turned their attention to Noto. Most of them expected this to be some announcement about his upcoming marriage with Maya, but a few of them remembered the promise between friends.
"Some of you don't know Kitamura Yusaku. He is a childhood friend of Ami-chan's and had been Takasu-kun's best friend for several years." Noto said, "He was able to graduate early and is already starting college in America… so he couldn't be here tonight. But, he sent this letter that he asked me to read. It is addressed to Takasu-kun, but it is for everyone to hear." Noto looked around and saw nothing but encouragement from the group. Unfolding the letter from his pocket, he read:
Takasu,
Everything is going well for me in America. I caught up with Sumire not long after arriving and she has accepted my request to start dating. The picture that is enclosed is from an end of summer vacation party that we attended together. The first semester of my Freshman year started in mid August, and I have already been asked to lead several study groups. The work is challenging but I feel that I am ready for it. If you get a chance, please tell Koigakubo Yuri-sensei that she did a good job of preparing me for this. Her extra English sessions have truly helped me to be successful in all of my classes.
Now, I must apologize to you. I wish I could be there now to see you surrounded by your friends. And yes, I truly believe that when this letter gets to you, there will be many friends around you. I know it took a long time, but people have finally started see you for who you really are. You're a good person, Takasu – you always have been and I believe you always will be. That is how the people around you, see you now.
Finally, let me say this for Haruta-kun's benefit: Although I believe it to be a floccinaucinihilipilification to utilize egregiously and unnecessarily obtuse verbiage, I cannot eschew obfuscation on this happenstance.
Your friend – always,
Kitamura Yūsaku
"Dude, what the heck was that last sentence about?" Haruta asked. His girlfriend also seemed puzzled, but they weren't the only ones.
"Don't you remember?" Noto was barely able to restrain a snicker, "He said there would be some big words in the letter."
Everyone was still laughing when the first fireworks lit up the night sky. Ryuuji was leaning back against the rock wall with Ami sitting between his legs and leaning back into his chest. Yasuko was nearby holding little Aiko-chan. Looking around as the fireworks dappled the landscape and his friends with brilliant, but momentary multicolored light, he could see other couples as well. Nanako was leaning into Hisako and they both had contented smiles as they watched the light show. Yuri-sensei and the Major weren't seeing much of the light show in the sky, but their inspired kissing was probably making some fireworks of their own. Noto and Maya were not far away from Hisako and Nanako, and finally there was Haruta and his fiancé.
Fiance? Ryuuji realized something as he looked back to the wonderful girl leaning into him. Besides Haruta, Noto is engaged to Maya and Major Locke is engaged to Yuri-sensei. Why have I been dragging my feet? There is no better time than right now, while the fireworks are going off. Yes! Even if she shoots me down I'll still let her know how I feel about her.
"Ami?" Ryuuji's mouth was suddenly dry.
"Yes?" Ami suddenly felt the nervousness in Ryuuji. For a brief moment, she was worried that he may be having another crisis, but for some reason, her mind played back the vivid dream of being married to Ryuuji and having children about. Her own panic set in and she was glad that no-one could see her blush in the darkness. She reflexively grabbed his hand and held it tight. Could he really be about to ask me… the question?
"I um…" I um… what? What do I say? Ryuuji looked around for inspiration and saw that the Major and Yuri-sensei had stopped kissing and were looking his way. They seemed to be giving him expressions of both disbelief and encouragement. He saw them still holding hands with their fingers interlaced and the engagement ring peeking out from one of Yuri-sensei's slender fingers. Engagement ring? Engagement ring! I don't have an engagement ring! What do I say? I um… need to go to the bathroom? No no no no! That's way to cliché! How can I NOT look like a complete idiot now… Ryuuji remembered how the Major handled it and how impressive he had been. "I was wondering if you preferred yellow gold or white gold?"
"White gold!" A chill ran up Ami's spine. She could feel her heart beating in her chest like a base drum. When she noticed that she hadn't been breathing, she took a shallow gasp of air and said, "Definitely white gold!"
"Yeah… white gold would look good on you." Ryuuji was recalling what the Major had said next when his memory skipped to the end of the Major's proposal and he realized that he hadn't saved himself at all. The Major had thought ahead to have a ring prepared, but… I still don't have a ring! Baka! Baka! Baka! Baka! He could feel Ami growing restless between his legs and he knew what she was expecting him to say next. How can I say the next line if I don't have the ring? Panic started to set in and he looked around for a way out. What he saw was surprising, if not helpful. Everyone was watching him now. Minori looked confused at first but seemed to figure it all out from everyone else's reactions. She seemed disappointed at first, but she shook that off and now wore a look of support and determination.
The Major could tell that something was amiss and could see Ryuuji's despair. Catching Ryuuji's attention, he mouthed What's wrong?
Ryuuji pointed to his ring finger with his thumb and shook his head.
The major closed his eyes for a moment as if in thought. Then he made a thumbs-up gesture that turned into a sweeping motion.
Go for it? Ryuuji blinked at the Major. Is he telling me to go for it?
"Ryuuji?" Ami called out to him without turning around. She was afraid to break the mood but he had been quiet for so long… Is he getting cold feet? Second thoughts? Am I not good enough?
"Snow or sakura?" Ryuuji asked. Knowing that the Major was giving his encouragement helped to calm Ryuuji a little bit. Still, he was tense after asking the second question. Now he was one step closer to hearing Ami's reply and remarkably, the dread of a negative response seemed to be slipping away.
"Witches!" Ami said.
"Witches?" Ryuuji's fragile calm was a little turbulent with Ami's unexpected response, but he was no longer as worried about panicking as he had been.
"I don't even want to wait for snow." Ami said as she turned over so she was facing him now. Her hands on his shoulders, she was looking down into his eyes when she timidly said, "Ryuuji, you are asking me to marry you… aren't you?"
"Um… yeah…" Ryuuji admitted, "but I don't have the ring yet so…"
"Forget the stupid ring!" Ami said urgently. "Just ask me!"
"Kawashima Ami," Ryuuji asked, "will you marry mumphh!" It was hard to finish the sentence with Ami kissing him like that. Not that many people could see how thoroughly he was being kissed; a waterfall of blue hair cascaded around Ryuuji's head as she kissed him. His arms went up and around her back and he pulled her down onto him as they kissed.
"Yes!" Ami said in the moment she broke off the first kiss and started the next.
"YES!" several voices said at once. Minori was a little shocked when she realized that hers was one of them.
"Are they going to be a mommy and daddy now?" Aiko-chan asked innocently. A few of the teens gasped or choked when they heard the question, but Yasuko only giggled.
"Not yet Aiko-chan," Yasuko smiled, "Soon, but not quite yet."
"Oh – nee – chaaaaaaaaan!" Ami growled before going in for her next kiss.
There was more giggling and subdued laughter now.
"The fireworks sure are impressive this year." Noto observed.
"I never knew that Japanese fireworks could be so… memorable." Deena-chan snickered.
The laughter was no longer subdued.
Ami hid her face in Ryuuji's neck and wrapped her arms around him. She could feel the muscles of his chest pushing back against the pressure of her breasts. The warmth of his body was like a fire and she relished basking in his flames. As long as there is one person out there that understands me, I'll be okay. But he's not 'out there' any more. He's right here next to me and I'm going to be so much better than 'okay' from now on!
With one hand on her back and the other on her head of blue hair, Ryuuji looked up at the sky and watched the fireworks above them. There was a girl in his arms that he loved, and she loved him back. Someone that he respected and she respected him back. And trust too… If only…
Ami felt him tense up and grow a little colder. "I know what you're thinking," Ami said sternly but softly into his ear, "so stop it." She gave him a minute to think about it, "As good as you've been as a manager for me, do you really think I could ever settle for anyone else? Honestly, if you left me, modeling and acting would be so boring."
"You win," Ryuuji relaxed again. His hand on her back started massaging her out of habit and he heard a soft moan as he felt her lips on his neck. "Hey… you wanna roll back over and see the rest of the fireworks?"
"Silly boy," Ami giggled, "What makes you think I'm not seeing fireworks right now?" She heard him gasp as her tongue slid across sensitive nerves and her lips closed again on his neck.
Oh yes, the fireworks are magnificent this year! It seemed to Ryuuji that the whole sky was lighting up before his eyes.