A bump in the road woke Toshinori from his dozing. He shook his head and looked around, trying to get his bearings.
Toshinori had fallen asleep standing up, but the bus was empty now so at least there wasn't anyone to see. He shifted his weight. He couldn't feel his feet anymore. The vibrations from the rough roads had numbed out most of his body.
He put his hand on his sore shoulder and cringed when he felt how sweaty he was. Reaching forward he cracked open one of the bus windows, sighing deeply at the welcome breeze. The sun had set half an hour ago and now the air had a pleasant coolness.
Pulling out his phone he went to check the time, but it had died on the second hour of the trip. He sighed. He didn't bring a charger either.
Toshinori moved to the front of the bus and bent down to look out the front window. He could see a small patch of light ahead on the otherwise dark road.
He decided to try and engaged the bus driver in conversation, "So Tatuino...is there any hotels? Or inns?"
The driver raised an eyebrow and nodded their head but said nothing. Toshinori took that as a sign to shut up.
The bus stopped on the road just outside of town. Toshinori hopped off, giving the driver a wave. He received an apathetic nod in response.
The bus had dropped him off in front of a small grocery store, but it's lights were off, closed for the evening. From what he could tell there was only walking paths into the town, there was simply no way for a car to enter. Toshinori was surprised, he didn't think there was any towns left like this.
He walked around the store and let out a small gasp. Moss spotted stone streets wove their way between white walled wooden houses, lit by the yellow glow of old light bulbs shining through open doors and windows and from large lanterns hanging from carved wooden beams.
"Woah...it's like that bus was a time machine," he muttered.
He walked slowly through the streets. Compared to the city, this was almost true silence. A stillness he had forgotten could exist. He touched a lantern as he walked by. It wasn't fake plastic or aluminum. It was iron, and judging front the rest of the architecture, probably handmade and very old.
A small painted wooden sigh out front of a large house was the only clue that he had found a ryokan. It looked much like others houses, white walls with dark wood accents and roof.
He knocked softly. From inside he heard muffled conversation and occasional bursts of laughter. Sliding open the door he poked his head inside. Several sandals were stored haphazardly at the entrance and he could see shadows moving behind the shoji in the room to the left.
Toshinori shuffled in shyly, "Excuse me?" he called out.
The conversation turned to whispers and then silence before the rice paper door slide back and several heads poked out.
"Who's there?" said the bottom head.
Toshinori stood awkwardly as he was scrutinized by several pairs of eyes. From what he could tell there were two older men and women peeking at him curiously, waiting for him to answer.
Toshinori waved and they looked him over again before quickly retreating back into the room.
"Were you expecting a guest?"
"No!"
"Did you check that electron mail thing?"
"Of course I did! But it's November now. No one comes here in November!"
"Well obviously someone has, that living skeleton is here."
"Hush he might hear you!"
All Might twitched. He couldn't believe they actually thought they were being quiet. He coughed loudly and the trio stumbled back out into the entrance.
They bowed to him and the woman spoke pensively, "Welcome to Tatuino guest house! We're sorry we weren't expecting anyone!"
Toshinori bowed low, "Please forgive me for intruding. It was most rude of me to come unannounced."
The younger of the two men shrugged, "Oh well at least he's a polite skeleton- Owch!"
The woman had elbowed him and he glared at her, "What?" he said with more than a touch of annoyance.
"Don't be rude!" She spat hitting him on the arm. He flinched back and retreated several steps away.
She shuffled forward and returned Toshinori's bow, "Please excuse my brother. He isn't used to newcomers. Will you be needing a room?"
Toshinori shook his head, "I'm sorry I'm not sure at the moment. I came here looking for someone."
The younger man huffed, "Well why are you here we aren't an information booth!" This time he was cuffed by the older man who growled at him.
"You look a bit worse for wear," said the woman kindly as she could, "Why don't you come in and have a cup of tea and we will see how we can help you."
Toshinori awkwardly removed his shoes and bowed before following the woman to where they had been sitting.
The group had been huddled around a small table with a tv in the corner, sitting on a stand made of old magazines. There were several sake bottles opened on the table and three small glasses, half full of liquor.
"Please excuse the mess," said the older man grinning at Toshinori, "We weren't expecting anyone." He motioned to the table, "Please sit."
Toshinori shuffled and sat on a pillow near the end of the table.
The older man grunted, crouched and sighed loudly as he sat down, "So, what can I call you?"
"Oh I'm Yagi Toshinori," He said with a small head bow.
"Yagi huh? Nice to meet you. I'm Oono. Don't mind my wife's brother Kenta. He's just a freeloader here himself."
"I heard that!" said Kenta leaning into the room, "And I'm not a freeloader my parents left the house to me and my sister!"
Kenta was booted into the room and rolled across the floor as his sister came in with a tray. How she had managed not to spill the tea was a mystery.
"They left it to us under the premise we work. Now it's Oono's and mine. We let you live here cause you're a dunce," she kicked her brother one more time. He sat up and slunk over to the table, pouting.
Toshinori squirmed during the whole exchange. People sure were informal here.
"Please excuse us," said Oono laughing, "We aren't in host mode right now."
Toshinori smiled sheepishly, "Please don't change for me. I am most grateful for whatever hospitality you offer."
"Oh you are such a polite man!" said the woman passing him his tea, "People from the city aren't always as curtious as you. Always in such a rush, oh and you can call me Yumi dear."
Toshinori blushed and took the tea from her with a quiet thank you. As he drank it his stomach rumbled. He hadn't eaten anything since lunch. He placed his hand on his side to quiet the noise. He didn't want to impose.
Oono refilled one of the glasses and offered it to Toshinori who shook his head.
"So how can we help you Mr. Yagi?" Said Oono as he reclined back, downing the sake he just offered.
"Oh I'm... I'm looking for someone," said Toshinori drumming his fingers on his teacup, "Maybe you know where I can find her? Her name is Sakurai Kenko."
They all thought for a moment before shaking their heads.
"No I'm sorry Mr. Yagi..." said Yumi sadly.
"Oh..." Toshinori's shoulders slumped, "And this is Tatuino?"
They nodded and Toshinori curled his finger around his chin. He was sure Shioto that said Tatuino.
"Maybe she is here Mr. Yagi," said Yumi patting his hand, "We just haven't seen her yet?"
Toshinori nodded, "Is there anyway I could use your phone please? Mine is dead and I can ask her daughter for some more information."
"Of course!" Yumi turned an hit her brother on the arm, "Kenta go get the phone."
Kenta grumbled as he left and Toshinori pulled out his wallet, "Please it will be a long distance call to Tokyo," he bowed his head and held out his last bill, "It isn't much but please take this for your help."
"Oh don't be ridiculous," Yumi scoffed and waved away the money, "You city people. You don't pay for being a good person Mr Yagi."
"If you end up staying then we can talk money," said Oono grinning.
Toshinori bowed, "Of course, Thank you again," he blushed and put his money back in his pocket as Kenta returned with the phone.
Kenta frowned and gestured over to the right, "There's another room over there you can use if you want some privacy."
Toshinori thanked him for the phone and crosses the hall. As he closed the door behind him he heard the tv volume go up.
The room looked like it was another sitting area for guests with a low table and several pillows. He sat down and fished out his wallet. Luckily he had the presence of mind to write down Shioto's number before his phone had died.
It rang several times before Shioto picked up.
"Moshi Moshi you have a Shioto."
"Shioto, I'm sorry to call this late, it's All Might."
"All Might Sensei? Did you make it to Tatuino alright?"
Toshinori sighed, "Yes I'm here, but I can't seem to find your mother. No one has heard of the name Sakurai. I can search more in the morning but for now any information you can give would be helpful."
"Hmm well I still can't remember an address but I do remember my great aunts place has a name. Ho...to...Hotaru that's it. Everyone called it Hotaru orchard"
"Thank you. I will check that."
There was silence, Toshinori could almost hear Shioto squirming.
"...let me know what happens okay?"
"I promise little Shioto. You get to bed now."
"Oh my god All Might it's eight o'clock."
"It's a school night! Sleep is the foundation of good learning! And health!"
"Wow you sound like Iida right now. I'm almost sixteen. My bedtime was eight in elementary school."
All Might huffed, "Oh...Well...don't stay up to late then."
"I won't I promise."
"Shioto...will you please tell Midoroya I'll be back soon? And that I'm sorry I didn't talk to him before I left."
"I already did All Might. He wishes you luck too."
Toshinori felt his shoulders tense, "What did you tell him?"
He heard an over exaggerated yawn, "Oh well maybe I am tired. I might take your advice and turn in early."
He sighed and decided not to press her. It would only cause him more anxiety.
"Thank you, Good night Shioto."
"Good night All Might."
He hung up and had a sudden thought. Had he just chastised Shioto about her bed time? He shook it off and headed back.
As he entered the room with Yumi and the others they all turned to him expectantly.
"Shioto is a lovely name!" said Yumi clapping her hands together, "Is that your daughter?"
Toshinori balked. He knew the walls were thin but he was expecting more privacy then that, "Umm no."
"Oh," said Yumi sounding slightly disappointed, "Well you just talk to her so sweetly."
Toshinori avoided the comment and bowed, "Thank you for the use of your phone. Sakurai is apparently staying at a place called Hotaru Orchard. Is that near here?"
All three raised their eyebrows.
"Hotaru orchard..." said Oono scratching his stubble, "He wouldn't be looking for Odorichan?"
Yumi put her hand on her head, "Oh that's right! She's been Odorichan for so long I forgot her real name! It is Kenko isn't it?"
Oono shrugged, "I couldn't tell you, you've known her longer than I have."
"She's Miss Yue's niece," Yumi nodded as she remembered, "Used to come here all the time as a girl. We called her Odorichan cause she was our little dancer." She poked her husband in the ribs, "She here cause poor Miss Yue got sick! Odorichan said she was getting better though."
Toshinori felt the tension in his legs. Now that he was close, his desire to see Sakurai was causing him to tremble, "Please, how do I get there from here?"
"Oh my goodness it's about a twenty minute walk from here Mr. Yagi, and it's up the mountain in the dark," Yumi shook her head as she spoke.
"I'll be fine. Please just point me in the right direction." He knelt and pressed his head to the tatami, "Please it is very important."
Yumi frowned, "Well if you insist Mr. Yagi."
"Thank you!" Toshinori dove to the entrance and furiously began putting on his shoes.
"So you can rush like city folk," said a Yumi shaking her head again, "Hold on a moment Mr. Yagi."
Yumi shuffled away and returned moments later. She gently took Toshinori's hand and pressed a flashlight into his palm. "Please use this to stay safe."
"Oh please you don't have to..." Toshinori blushed at her caring.
"I won't hear of you leaving without it!" She chastised, waving her finger at him, "If you're going to go walking this late at night you will do it safely."
"Thank you..." he said smiling at her, "I shall return it in the morning."
"You better stop in for tea!" said Oono slapping him in the back, "Any friend of Odorichan is a friend of ours!" He stopped, his eyes suddenly narrowing, "You are her friend aren't you?"
"Oh well umm..." Toshinori massaged the back of his neck, "I'm her coworker...and I owe her an apology is more accurate..."
Kenta's face screwed up in confusion, "You came all the way from Tokyo to say you're sorry?"
When Kenta said it, suddenly Toshinori was aware of how crazy it sounded, "Um yes?"
Yumi looked coyly at her husband, "Look Oono, real men do say sorry."
Oono rolled his eyes, "Yea yea. Well I'll take you to the road Yagi and you can make your way from there."
"Thank you," said Toshinori bowing deeply, "All of you."
Yumi gave him a small wave, "Do come see us tomorrow Mr. Yagi. And bring Odorichan with you."
Toshinori nodded and waved goodbye as he followed Oono out the door.
As they headed down the street Toshinori gazed at the houses. Some of their windows were open and he could hear laughter and conversations floating through the streets.
"This is an amazing place," said Toshinori reverently.
"I guess it must seem pretty crazy to you city folk. Kinda backwards." Oono laughed heartily.
Toshinori waved his hands panicking, "Oh no I didn't mean anything bad!"
Oono laughed deep in his belly, "It's alright Mr. Yagi. Okinawa, it's a wonderful island. Vitality seeps from the very earth," Oono raised his hands dramatically before smiling and patting Toshinori hard on the shoulder, "You look like you need some if I'm being totally honest my friend."
Toshinori chuckled, "Thank you...for helping me even though I'm a stranger."
"I like to think I'm good at reading people Yagi." He grinned and as they paused under a light Toshinori could see the deep laugh lines on his face. A face that had seen years of happiness and hard work.
Oono chuckled to himself again, "You seem like a really good guy."
Toshinori bowed his head slightly, "Thank you. I will try to live up to your opinion of me."
Oono guffawed,"My you're a strange one. Well, here's the road!"
Oono pointed up a path where the stonework ended. From what Toshinori could see the dirt road wound into the forest and up the side of a large hill, or a small mountain. Toshinori wasn't sure which category it fit into. Up several hundred feet he could barely make out a plateau where he could see light twinkling.
Oono gave him one final pat on the back, "Good luck to you my friend. Don't trip! And use that flashlight!"
Oono headed back off down the road and Toshinori started down the dark path. It was covered in a canopy of thick trees which rustled occasionally in the breeze.
He turned on the flashlight once the lights of the town began to fade. This wasn't the same darkness as the city, which was cold and hid unknown dangers. This dark was quiet, gentle, allowing for other senses to experience the world around. He could her crickets chirping and night animals rustling in the underbrush.
The world here was so alive.
As he climbed higher he would occasionally stop to look down the hill through breaks in the trees. The lights from Tatuino were the only in sight, leaving the stars to shine at their full beauty. He looked over the sky. How long had it been since he'd seen the Milky Way?
The climb was hard on Toshinori. He hadn't had a session in almost two weeks and while he didn't feel anything like he was dying, he certainly didn't have the same energy as before. His breathing was laboured and some of his muscles were twitching. When he finally came out of the forest into a clearing his breath caught in his throat.
It was a large beautiful crafted two story Japanese style home, warm with welcoming light. Beside the house a large tree grew, it's branches growing around the top of the house like protective arms. Behind the house was a large pond, so large it was almost a lake, the moon sparkling it's reflection in the still water.
It was beautiful. Toshinori had seen pictures of places like this, but he had never taken the time to visit one. He took a deep breath, the smell of water and earth was strong. Oono was right, vitality did seep from the very ground here.
Anxiousness started to gnaw at his stomach, but he pushed through, switching off his flashlight and walking to the door.
The engawa creaked as he put his weight on it, but he could tell it was sturdy. He took another moment to calm his nerves before knocking on the old wooden beam beside the entrance.
There was some shuffling and he heard steps coming through the house, then Sakurai's voice, "Hold on auntie! No you sit down. This is why I'm here! The doctor told you rest!"
His heart stopped as the door slid open.
Toshinori had forgotten the effect she had on him, how easily she could steal his breath. Sakurai wore hair was loose, flowing around her shoulders like water and she had on a white sundress dotted with blue flowers, made of thin fabric that the light shone through. His heart began to ache. Oh god he hadn't realized how much he had missed her.
She was smiling at first, but her face quickly fell into shock. She stared at him for a moment, as if she couldn't understand who was standing before her.
Slowly Toshinori raised his hand, "Hello Sakurai."
He caught her reflexively as she threw herself around him, her hands winding into his hair and squeezing the shirt in his back. He clutched her to him as well, sinking his face into her neck.
"Oh god Toshinori..." she whispered. Her voice was anguished and happy at the same time, and it quivered slightly as her breaths became ragged.
Toshinori was surprised. This wasn't the reaction he thought he was going to get. Sakuria pulled back and looked him in he eyes, her hands gently cradling his face.
"Oh Toshinori are you alright?" She brushed away his bangs from his face, "How did you get here? You must be so tired. Why are you here?"
Toshinori was still resting his hands on the small of her back, holding on to her possessively, "I had to come find you. I had to apologize."
"You silly thing," she sniffed, her eyes had begun to tear up.
"I'm so sorry Kenko..." he dropped his forehead to hers, "What I said...it was cruel..."
"Oh don't. It's alright, it's okay." She sniffed and closed her eyes her nose touching his, "Please, please just tell me things are fine, that you're okay now..." She looked at him again her eyes searching for confirmation.
He nodded, holding her gaze. His blue eyes shining with indomitably, "I don't lose Kenko. Before...you were right I was a coward. I'm sorry."
She laughed as a tear fell down her cheek. She ran her hands over his face again, "Don't be sorry. I told you before," she lightly tapped him on the head, "You don't have to ask for my forgiveness."
His nose nuzzled hers softly, "Will you please come back Kenko?"
She pulled back, her face confused, "Come back? What do you mean?"
Her reaction shocked him slightly, "I shouldn't have told you to go. I need...I would like it if you came back."
Sakurai untangled herself from him. Her hands were on her hands on her hips, "Yagi did you think I actually left you?"
Toshinori blinked several times, "Umm..."
"You really think I left my job, my child, and you just because you were having a temper tantrum?" She had cocked her head and raised an eyebrow.
Toshinori rubbed the back of his neck, "But I thought...I heard you weren't coming back after the first week."
"Because my aunt caught a cold and they were worried it was her pneumonia acting back up!" She held her hands up, before dropping them to her sides, "I was coming back by Friday!"
Toshinori stood dumbfounded, "But Shioto said...and Nedzu..."
Sakurai rubbed her brow, "Well I can't say anything about Mr. Nedzu but Shioto has a talent for confusing the words if and when, whenever it suits her needs." Her mouth was a tight line of annoyance and she sighed, "I'm sorry you came all the way out here Mr. Yagi," she rubbed her arm, "When you didn't have to."
Toshinori smiled at her, "I'm still glad I did."
"Who is it Kenko?"
An old woman had appeared at the door, her silver hair reflecting the moonlight.
"Oh goodness auntie! Get back into bed now!" Sakurai rushed over to her aunt and began trying to push her inside, "It's getting cold out here!"
Sakurai turned back to Toshinori, "Please come in, I just have to sit her down."
"I am not going to bed until you introduce me to our guest," said her aunt stubbornly.
"Yes, yes okay auntie, but don't come out here again," They moved into the house, Sakurai ushering her aunt foreword, "I cannot take more time off my job if you get sick again!"
Her aunt scoffed, "Well, you didn't have to-"
Sakurai shushed her with a wave of her hand, "Do not start with me!"
"I guess spats run in the family," thought Toshinori as he followed, closing the door behind him.
He looked around. The house had dark wood floors in the walkways and tatami mats in the rooms he could see. He removed his shoes and placed them respectfully off to the side of the genkan.
Toshinori found Kenko and Yue in the living area. He exhaled, almost whistling as he entered. If anything made him feel as if he was back in time it was this room.
The fusuma were all closed in to ward off the chill of the evening, but that meant he could see the elaborate ink painting in its full glory. It was a forest, with fireflies floating through the foliage. The ranma panels above them had elaborately carved mountain scenes. In the center was the irori where Sakurai was helping her aunt sit on the burgundy cushions.
Yue attempted to wave away Sakurai's support, "I'm not an invalid yet. I can sit down myself," she muttered.
"Auntie, the more you rest the faster you'll get better. Which will make us both happy," Sakurai draped a knitted shawl over her aunts shoulders and her aunt patted her hand affectionately.
Toshinori shuffled uncomfortably at the door, unsure what he should be doing.
Sakurai came over and gestured to the irori, "Please sit Mr. Yagi. Oh dear you look a mess," she said fussing over his wrinkled clothes. Toshinori suddenly felt self conscious. He probably stank.
As he followed her to the center of the room he opened his mouth to speak, but it was his stomach that spoke instead, grumbling loudly.
Sakurai glared at him, "Have you eaten?"
Toshinori smiled weakly and Sakurai sighed before pushing him onto the floor beside the small table, "I'll be right back. Lucky for you I made a large batch."
Toshinori sat awkwardly for a moment before glancing at Sakurai's aunt. The woman was older, her hair almost completely silver except for a few bands of black at her temples. Her dark brown eyes gave her a very traditional look and Toshinori thought she wouldn't be out of place in an ancient Japanese's painting.
She was smiling at him he realized and he startled back before bowing, "Please excuse me. My name is Yagi Toshinori. It's very nice to meet you."
"It is nice to finally meet you as well ."
She spoke slowly, and so softly, just loud enough that Toshinori didn't have to struggle to hear her. She also held an air of elegance and her accent spoke of different roots than those of the country.
"I am Yue Shimabukuro, but please, call me Miss Yue," she shifted so she was sitting on her knees. Added with the yukata she was wearing and she made the perfect picture of old Japan.
She folded her hands neatly in her lap, "I've heard so much about you, Mr. Yagi."
Toshinori smiled nervously, "I hope they weren't all terrible." He suddenly felt as if he was at his own grandmothers house, and had to be on his best behaviour.
"So self deprecating..." She said raising her eyebrows slightly, "Well Kenko did say you were like that sometimes."
Toshinori flushed and fiddled with his fingers in his lap. He wondered what else Sakuria had said about him.
He smelled spices and turned just as Sakuria entered carrying a ceramic bowl of curry and rice in one hand and a steaming cup of tea in the other.
He started to jump up to help but Sakurai stuck out her foot, pinning him down by his thigh.
"Nope, don't get up."
Toshinori attempted to wiggle out from under her but she held him there by digging her toe into his leg.
She frowned down at him, "I will not hear any arguing. Sit. Eat." He relented and she placed the plate in front of him before sitting opposite her aunt.
Yue shook her head tutting, "You don't have to act like everyone is a child just because you're a mother Kenko."
Sakurai flushed, embarrassed by her behaviour, "I'm sorry Mr. Yagi... that was rude of me."
He shook his head, "I know better than to disobey you Ms. Sakurai."
Sakurai looked horrified and flushed a deeper shade of scarlet while her aunt laughed.
"I think he just put you in your place Kenko," she covered her mouth with her sleeve as she continued to giggle.
Toshinori and Sakuria both blushed and looked deeply into their laps. Toshinori's stomach grumbled audibly again, agitated by the smell of food.
Miss Yue's laughter finally died down, "Oh you two are ridiculous. Please Mr. Yagi eat. Kenko is very good at curries."
Toshinori obeyed eagerly. He had never gotten to taste Sakurai's cooking before. It was so much more rich than curries from a restaurant, the dish made according the the cooks preferences. He could taste more earthiness and the chunks of apple were larger adding pockets of soft sweetness. It's homeyness made him feel warm and content.
His ear began to tingle and he looked over to see Sakurai looking at him from the corner of her eye. She was chewing in her pinky. Toshinori smiled to himself. He had missed her little habits.
Miss Yue smiled, "So you are a teacher at UA Mr. Yagi?"
He nodded, his mouth full of curry and rice. He attempted to conceal it with his hand but Yue waved him away, "Please don't worry yourself Mr. Yagi. You're starving. We are more lax on manners here, but we make up for it with hospitality." She chuckled to herself.
Toshinori nodded again and swallowed, "I am a teacher..."
"Kenko was very vague on some details I'm afraid," Sakuria shot her a look but Miss Yue continued unaffected, "What do you teach?"
He quickly chewed through another bite, "Oh...foundational hero studies."
Miss Yue raised her eyebrows, "Foundational hero studies? You wouldn't be All Might would you?"
Toshinori stopped eating and Sakurai glared at her aunt, "Auntie please, let him eat."
Miss Yue smirked coyly, "Well I'm just surprised you didn't tell me we were going to have someone so... important in the house." Miss Yue glance at Sakurai, conveying something to her niece that Toshinori couldn't understand.
"I had no idea he was coming," Sakurai said through gritted teeth, attempting to keep up the facade with a forced smile.
"Please, Miss Yue I've been retried for over a year," said Toshinori attempting to intervene, "I'm just a man now. Please don't give me any special treatment."
Miss Yue gave him an impassive expression, "A true man, is greater then you think Mr. Yagi."
Sakurai shook her head, "He's been traveling for hours auntie. He doesn't need the third degree tonight." She stood and walked around to her aunt, gently touching her shoulders, "And you need to rest."
"Oh but I'm having a lovely time!" She patted Toshinori's hand and he flushed slightly.
"Yes well you can have a lovely time interrogating him...tomorrow," said Sakurai squeezing her aunts shoulder to emphasize her point.
"Well if you insist," Miss Yue stood and coughed slightly, "It was lovely to talk to you Mr Yagi. I hope we can continue our conversations tomorrow."
Toshinori stood and bowed. "Thank you Miss Yue."
"Kenko dear," she said as she pulled her shawl tighter, "Make sure you set him up in the guest room please."
Toshinori waved his hands, "Oh please I don't want to impose! I can go back and stay in the guest house."
"Nonsense," said Yue shaking her head, "You have come all this way to see Kenko, you will stay here."
Sakurai led her aunt out of the room and Toshinori slumped back to the table. Everything was happening so fast today he felt as if he was stuck on an amusement park ride.
His stomach growled again, reminding him of his hunger and he went back to eating. He thought he would be polite and wait for Sakuria to return, but the curry was too good, and he was too hungry.
When Sakurai came back she smiled at him warmly, "Is it alright Mr. Yagi? Do you need some more?
He shook his head and swallowed his last bite, "No, I probably over ate to be honest. It was great, thank you."
Sakurai knelt beside him pulling her dress under her knees. Toshinori noticed she seemed nervous, tense.
"I'm happy you're here Mr. Yagi...but I have to ask. Why did you come here exactly?"
Toshinori noticed her formal language and he felt the flutter of nervousness in his heart
"I came to ask you to come back," he pushed his plate to the side and lent forward on his elbows.
"Because otherwise you'd die?" She asked quietly. Toshinori could see her fiddling with the hem of her dress.
He pushed his thumbs into the bridge of his nose, "That and other things..."
The conversation lulled for a moment, both of them unsure of how to proceed.
Sakurai started first, "I'm glad you want me to come back, but I would have even if you didn't ask," she sat a little straighter, "I said I wouldn't give up on you Mr Yagi. I won't let you die, I promise you."
Toshinori put his hands in the table to steady himself. His fear was winning. He had come all this way, and now he was faltering at the end.
He took a deep breath and forced the words out, "I didn't ask you to come back just so you could keep me alive Kenko..."
He saw her swallow hard and bite her lip, her hands clasped tightly together in front of her. Toshinori felt a wave of guilt. What he had said, how he had treated her, it must have hurt.
He knew how she felt about him, it had been obvious in her eyes when she left, and now it was obvious in her actions, her willingness to be there for him, even if it hurt her. But that didn't mean she was going to let him in and Toshinori could sense that door was precariously close to closing.
"Sakurai, about what I said, at the train station...I was trying to protect you," he looked at her, his eyes pleading silently.
She returned his gaze but her face remained stoic.
Toshinori tried again, "I didn't say how actually felt. I apologize." Inwardly he kicked himself. He sounded like an idiot.
Sakurai sighed and stood up. Toshinori reached for her, grasping her hand, "Wait please...Sakurai I-"
"Toshinori," she said firmly.
He stopped and felt guilty again. He began to release his grip, but she smiled at him gently and held on to him. Motioning with her head, she helped pull him to his feet. He stumbled as his legs began to cramp, but she caught him and he steadied himself on her shoulders.
"It's getting late," she said quietly as her fingernails light grazed the back of his hand, "You've been traveling all day. Any conversations can be had tomorrow."
Toshinori's face fell in disappoint but he nodded and replied, "Tomorrow."
Sakurai averted her eyes, fiddling with a strand of her hair, "Let's get you to bed."
Sakurai led him past a set of stairs and around the corner, stopping at a small room. The fusuma and shoji had been pulled back, giving the room and unobstructed view of the lake.
Sakuria pulled the shoji shut before going to to the closest to pull out a futon and blanket. She placed them on the floor before going back into the closet. After searching for a second she walked back to him, handing Toshinori a blue and white striped yukata.
"The bathroom is down the hall on the right. Please take a bath while I get your bed ready."
"I can help Sakurai..." he said lamely.
She shook her head, "It's fine Mr. Yagi. And please leave your clothes in the laundry room. I'll wash them before tomorrow, since you don't have a spare." She smirked but quickly composed herself.
Toshinori almost argued but decided he was in enough trouble. He glanced back as he left, but Sakurai was facing away from him, already smoothing out the futon.
After his shower Toshinori laid his clothes over the washing machine as asked, and headed to his room.
He walked in expecting to see Sakurai but the room was empty, the futon perfectly laid out. Beside it was a small white cup of tea, still steaming. As he picked it up a piece of paper floated off the bottom. He looked at it curiously before bending over to retrieve it.
This will help you sleep. See you in the morning.
Kenko
He rubbed his thumb over the familiar handwriting, his face prickling with emotion. Taking out his wallet he pulled out the thank you card she had written him for the festival. He delicately folded the notes together before placing them back carefully.
He walked over to the shoji and opened one, welcoming the air again. It felt refreshing on his skin, still warm from the bath. He gazed across the lake, which reflected the stars and moon like glass.
A small breeze blew across the water, breaking the image into a thousand peices. After a moment it settled and the sky returned to the water, a perfect copy of the heavens above. He breathed in deeply. Toshinori was glad he had come, whatever the outcome may be.
He pulled the note out of his wallet again, gazing at it longingly.
"Goodnight Kenko..."
Surprise! I really didn't think I was going to get another chapter done before I left. I had been having some trouble with the last chapters but this one just flowed out so easily! There won't be another chapter until I get back, I actually don't have time ;). but hopefully this is a better cliff hanger then the last one :)