Chapter 25
(Chika's POV)
Today was the day, Akahana and my birthday. I woke early and stretched then rubbed my aching left leg. It always ached in the morning but I walked out of it. I rolled out of bed and slipped into my slippers and shuffled out to the kitchen. I started coffee but when I turned around, Dad was behind me with two small matching gifts. "Good morning Tygrus and happy birthday." He said, setting the presents onto the table to give me a hug.
"Morning Daddy." I replied, hugging him in return.
"Coffee?" he asked, looking over my head to the coffee pot.
"Yea I started some… I couldn't sleep any more for some reason…" I trailed off, rubbing my leg.
Dad nodded and sat down at the table. The coffee finished and I poured three mugs. I handed Dad his camouflage mug and placed Akahana's black and purple pinstripe mug in her spot while keeping my hands wrapped around my warm leopard print mug. We drank our coffee in relative silence until Akahana stumbled out of bed. "Good morning Hummingbird." Dad said, standing and hugging her.
"Morning Pappa," Akahana said, hugging him in return
"Okay, Aka's awake. Now, what are those?" I asked, pointing to the presents. "Curious leopard wants to know."
"Oh… well, both of you are 16 now so I got you something fitting for your new age." Dad said, handing each of us a gift.
I took my small box and counted to three with Akahana before ripping the wrapping paper off and staring at the contents of the small white box. There were two small key's on a woven loop. I pulled them out and stared at them. "Dad, I don't understand…" Akahana said.
"Oh… it is rather vague and strange to give you just a slip of paper but I talked to the land lord and he said that it would be alright if I got you a greenhouse for your birthday. It's already set up and there are some plants waiting for you." Dad explained, running a hand through his hair.
"Really? Oh, Thank you Daddy!" Akahana squealed, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Dad…?" I began, holding up the keys.
He smiled and held out his hands at us. We took them and he led us out of the apartment and out into the backyard. A medium sized greenhouse had been assembled and next to it was a 1980 black Yamaha XS1100. "It was your mother's bike and I think she would want you to have it." Dad explained, leading me over to it.
A dark leopard print Motorcycle helmet was resting on the seat and it had a bright red ribbon on its handles. "She called it Shi no Tenshi or Tenshi for short." He continued to explain.
I touched the handle and murmured the bike's name in English, "Death's Angel…"
"Alright, now, you two have school today. And, since your school already licensed you to ride a motorcycle, why don't you take Akahana to school today?" Dad suggested and I smiled widely.
"Dad… Thank you!" I all but screamed, flinging myself at him in a bone crushing hug.
"Okay okay… You're welcome Tygrus." Dad replied, spinning me around a little before releasing me.
"Guess I'll need to dress for a bike ride," Akahana chuckled. "Chika and I can put our uniforms in our bags, and change at school."
"I'll go get dressed!" I shouted, sprinting back into the house so excited.
I threw on my uniform in a bag and donned an outfit composed of jeans and a black t-shirt before grabbed Haru's jacket before bolting for the kitchen. "Breakfast first, then school." Akahana said, grabbing my braid and hauling me back to the table.
I growled playfully before starting to dig in. Akahana had already eaten so she went and got dressed. Our lunches were already made by Dad last night so, when Akahana emerged, ready to go, I grabbed her arms and hauled her outside. Dad had moved Tenshi to the front parking area and had taken off the bow. I wound my hair up into a bun and slammed my helmet on and tossing a spare helmet at Akahana. We got on and I turned on the bike. "Hold on tight sweet thing." I said, revving the engine and peeling out of the parking area.
Tenshi handled like a dream and was wicked fast. We made it to school in record time, drifting to a halt at the front entrance. Akahana had gripped to my back the entire way and I had to peel her off. "Whoa…" A few people gasped as I turned Tenshi off and stepped off.
I took off my helmet and shook my hair free. "Chi-love?" I heard Haru ask, and I turned to look at him staring at my new bike.
"Hey Haru." I said, wheeling Tenshi into the parking area and securing it. "Like my birthday present?"
"Birthday?" he, Yuki, Kyo, Tohru and Momiji asked at the same time.
"Yes. We turned 16last night and this morning." I explained, throwing a cover over the bike and giving it an affectionate pat. "Did we not tell you?"
"No you didn't!" Kyo shouted.
"Dang, sorry guys." I said, starting to play with my braid. "We're having a party this weekend at a park near our apartment complex. You guys can come if you want."
The first bell rang and I smiled. "Come on, we're gonna be late." I said, grabbing Haru and Momiji's arm and pulling them toward the school.
Momiji laughed and skipped ahead while Haru twisted out of my hold and grabbed my hand. "Chika, why didn't you tell me that it was your birthday?" he asked, pulling me to a stop.
"Don't worry about it Haru, it's no big deal." I said, squeezing his hand.
"It is a big deal Chi-love." He said, shaking his head. "You're my girlfriend. Your birthday is something I need to know."
"Haru, I barely remember my birthday until the morning of." I laughed. "Seriously, don't worry about it… but, if you feel really bad about it… waddya say we skip out on school during lunch and go have a picnic?" I offered, keeping my voice quiet.
He smiled and nodded, releasing my hand to wrap around my waist. "I love you." He whispered in my ear and kissed the shell.
I blushed lightly before wrapping my arm around his waist and resting my head on his shoulder. We got to class and actually learned things before lunch was called. We snuck off campus and I wheeled Tenshi out or the parking area and down the street a little before hopping on. Haru got on behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist. "I would say you can drive but Tenshi was my mom's… ain't nobody gonna drive this baby except for me." I said and Haru chuckled.
"Holding onto you is just fine." He said, pressing his chin onto my shoulder.
I revved the engine and drove off. We found a park nearby the school and coasted until we found a spot. Parking the bike near a large tree, we used the cover as a blanket and ate our food together. Dad had packed Akahana and I a small cake which I shared with Haru. We cuddled afterwards until my phone started to ring. I picked it up and saw that it was Akahana. "Hey sweet thing. School over?" I said, answering it.
"Chika Alta Ohayashi! What the hell were you thinking skipping school?!" Akahana all but screamed at me, making me hold the phone away from my head. "And don't give me that crap about it being your birthday, no way I'm letting you off the hook!"
"Okay okay I'm sorry I skipped out on class. I'll come get you now… oh wait, I need to swing by Shigure's so I can drop off Haru… could you walk with Yuki and the others and I'll get you there?" I asked, thinking as I spoke.
I heard her sigh of frustration. "Fine, but we are so not done talking about this!" Akahana warned.
I smiled. "Okay, see you soon. Bye." I said, hanging up.
"We had better go." I said, making to stand but Haru grabbed me and pulled me down, pinning me under him.
"We've got some time…" he smiled slyly. "Besides, I want to give you a special present." He winked at me and proceeded to kiss me silly.
XXXX
The rest of the week flew by. I got chewed out by Akahana and Dad for ditching school but I was forgiven after I promised to behave. The day of the party dawned and I snuck out to my bike. Still in my pajamas, I rode to Ayame's shop. "Ah Chika! Come to pick up those dresses and shoes?" Ayame asked, floating into the room.
"Hey Aya. And yes, that's why I'm here. Are they done?" I asked, taking off my helmet and shaking my braid free.
"Right here!" he sang, rushing into his shop and returning with matching boxes. "They match just like you wanted but the shoes are so different, just like you wanted."
"Perfect." I said, taking the boxes and securing them to the back of Tenshi. "I'll see you at the party." I said, gunning the engine and speeding off.
The ride home was a little slower, seeing as I had to make sure not to lose or damage the boxes. Creeping back into the house, I saw Akahana already awake and waiting for me, slowly stirring her coffee. "Oh… Hey Aka." I said, rather nervously.
"Thought Dad said you couldn't take the bike out unless you told him where you were going, AND that I went with you?" she asked calmly, her voice cold as ice.
"I just shot over to Ayame's shop to pick up our birthday outfits." I replied, producing the boxes. "You know how Mom always made us wear matching outfits on our birthday?... well, I thought that we could do it ourselves this year… in memory of her." I said softly, my heart almost breaking at the truth in my words and I knew Akahana could hear it in my voice.
"Aww, Chi-Chi," Aka cooed. "That's so… Wait? Did you say Ayame's shop?"
"Yes but don't worry. I picked something you would like. Modest but still sexy." I said, handing her the box marked 'Akahana'
"Why... do I not believe you?" She took the box and gave it a sour look. "I'm invoking my rights to wear something underneath should I need to cover up."
"I promise you won't need to." I replied, giving her a sincere smile before slipping into our room. "Don't forget, we have to be at the park to set up in a few hours." I called, starting to get dressed.
I opened the box and pulled out the dress. It was blue, lavender, muted leopard and leopard print swirled together. It was a flowy, strapless dress with sweetheart neckline decorated with teal gems along a twisted band on the bodice and reached the knee. My heels were relatively clear pumps with leopard print accents. I put them on and gained a few inches. I braided my hair before rolling it into a braided bun on my head, letting a small portion hang free. Putting on some light makeup and some jewelry before stepping out.
"You almost ready in there?" Akahana said, appearing in her matching dress and lovely golden heeled sandals with crystal accents. Her hair was in a teased side ponytail, and she had on plum eye shadow that made the green in her eyes pop, and she wore shimmery blackberry lip gloss. "Hey, that green shadow really makes the gold in your eyes stand out. If you're done, we need to get going. For once, I actually want to show off something you picked out."
"See? What did I tell you? Nothing to worry about," I said, smiling and gently patting her arm. "Come on. Dad's already left and we're taking Tenshi to the park."
"Riding a motorcycle while wearing dress. Yeah, that shouldn't be a problem," she said, rolling her eyes.
I laughed and grabbed my keys.
XXXX
The park was fabulous and practically set up by the time Akahana and I got there. "Hey girls!" Dad said, coming over and hugging us.
No sooner had he let us go before I was kidnaped. "Oh Chika-chan, you look fabulous!" Ayame sang, swinging me around, making Akahana laugh at my misery.
Ayame had come with Shigure, Kyo, Tohru, Yuki, Hatori and Momiji. "Ayame, put her down," Hatori said, making the snake place me on my feet. I only had a moment of freedom before Momiji tackled me.
"Hi Momiji!" I said, hugging the boy in return.
"Chika! I'm so excited for the party. Didn't Ayame and your Dad do a good job decorating?"
"It's wonderful." I laughed. I looked around at everyone. Tohru and Kyo were playing eye tag while Shigure, Hatori and Ayame were conversing quietly. Then I noticed Haru wasn't there…
Guess Momji could tell who I was looking for, cause he said, "Haru went to get Kisa. He'll be by soon."
I smiled and nodded. I looked over and noticed Yuki had gone right Aka. He smiled at her, making her blush a little. "You look beautiful."
"Don't look bad yourself," she said, batting her eyelashes slightly. Wait! Was my sister was flirting!?
"Oh, Aka-dear!" Ayame cried. He ran over and began clapping his hands. "You look absolutely darling! I want you to know that you and your sister will receive the royal treatment you so rightly deserve. Now, be a dear and tell me where to put your presents."
"Brother, stop it. You're being rude," Yuki warned.
"Oh, Yuki. Don't feel embarrassed because I'm infatuated with your girlfriend." Ayame laughed.
"Shut up!"
"Maybe we should come back." A slow voice said, making me turn from the fighting brothers to see Haru and Kisa had come, Kisa wearing my old dress.
"Hi there guys!" I said happily, trotting over and getting to Kisa's level. "Thanks for coming little cub." I said, smiling.
"Kisa!" Akahana shouted. She ran from Yuki's side and over to where we were standing. She scooped Kisa into her arms and spun her around. "I'm so glad to see you."
"Looks like she has her priorities straight sir." I said, laughing lightly at the abandoned Yuki.
"Chika! Akahana!" A soft voice said from the other side of the park.
Akahana and I turned and saw a young woman walking our way. Her hair was a bright mop of all the colors of the rainbow while bright blue and vivid green stood out the most. Her hazel eyes sparkled as did her lip ring and heavily pierced ears. Her tight black clothes showed off her heavily tattooed body. A black lace crop top showed off her interwoven flower tattoos on her ribcage and waist as well as her tropical sea creature sleeves. Her tight, ripped skinny jeans showed off her tanned legs and her knee height rough boots completed her intended look: punk rocker chick. "Aunt Kayo!" we shouted, running towards Dad's younger sister.
"Long time no see baby girls!" Kayo said, meeting our hug by picking us up and spinning us around. "How are my favorite nieces?"
"We're fine." I replied, darting over and grabbing Haru's arm. "Aunt Kayo, this is my boyfriend Hatsuharu Sohma. Haru, this is my aunt, Kayo Ando—" I began but Kayo cut me off.
"It's back to Ohayashi. Kade and I got a divorce." Kayo said, offering a hand to Haru. "Nice ta meet the guy that snagged my little leopard's affections and attentions." She said, smiling brightly.
"Aunt Kayo, I'd like to meet you to Yuki," Akahana introduced, holding Yuki's hand.
"A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Ohayashi," Yuki said.
Kayo instantly say it and started gushing. "Oh. My. GOODNESS!" she all but screamed, grabbing Akahana and spinning her again. "My little Rose Bud went and got herself a boyfriend! I thought this day would have never come! I can see it, there, in your eyes my little Rose Bud. You love this boy yes?"
"Aunt Kayo!" Akahana blushed, looking about ready to crawl under a rock. "Can't you leave the gushing for Chika? … Besides, we haven't even gotten that serious," she mumbled that last part.
"Oh how rude of me." Kayo laughed, releasing her. "I forgot you are like your mother was before she met Daiki. Now Chika…" she rounded towards me, "Is more like me."
I laughed. I introduced her to the other Sohmas and she gushed over Kisa. She noticed a lot of things and was a little blunt about it. She pointed out Tohru and Kyo instantly. She also liked Shigure and Ayame almost as instant. However, Hatori earned a low, long whistle. "Kayo, enough." Dad said, coming to her side and resting a large hand on her shoulder.
"It's just like Ayame and Hatori." I heard Kyo mutter as Kayo instantly walked away towards the food table.
"Oh no, she's a lot worse," Akahana added.
"Well, that explains how you and Chika were able to handle those two so well," Yuki noted, rubbing his temple.
"Kayo has been through a lot but she's always been a bubbly person." I said, smiling at her.
"Let's have cake! Or open some of these presents!" She called suddenly.
I laughed, taking Haru's hand in my own. Some more people arrived; family friends, uncles and Dad's co-workers that helped raise us. Finally, when everyone was there, Dad announced it was time to eat. Somehow, Kayo was seated next to Hatori and, from my seat, I could see that she had taken a shine to the good doctor. Her personality really toned down as she talked to him. "Present time!" Momiji announced, rushing over to the present table.
Kayo bolted to the table and bounced next to it. "Open mine first!" she sang, holding a pair of black spider web paper boxes.
"Oh boy, what do you think it is this time?" Akahana joked, nudging my shoulder. I shrugged and stood up and walked over to the table Dad pulled out two chairs and we sat down. Everyone brought chairs over as well and sat near us. Kayo handed us her presents and waiting, bouncing as we opened them.
"Oh Kayo!" I sang happily, pulling out a set of black ink pens and a red harmonica.
"Oh wow! Just what I needed!" Akahana said, revealing a professional set of drawing and coloring pencils.
"Let you're artistic sides soar!" she said, spinning in place and hugging us.
The gifts continued and we got a plethora of interesting gifts but none topped what Haru gave me after cake had been cut. He grabbed my arm and pulled me to the side, under a weeping willow tree. "What's up Haru?" I asked, curious.
He started rubbing the back of his neck. "Chika…" he began, his voice taking a serious tone. "You know I love you. I… I want to spend the rest of my life with you. But, well, obviously we're too young to get married or even engaged but…" he pulled out a small box. "I'd like you to have this promise ring so that you know that I want my happily ever after with you." He got on one knee and opened it, revealing a silver band crowned with a heart shaped gem of leopardite.
I covered my mouth, happy tears welling in my eyes. I dropped to my knees and kissed him. He kissed me back, somehow managing to slip the ring onto my finger. I felt something within me snap loose and I never felt so… free…
XXXX
(Narrator's POV)
Meanwhile…
Though this was Chika and Akahana's birthday party, something heavy was weighing on Kyo's heart. Ever since Tohru had come after her when his true form had been exposed, he felt that he had started to really fall for her. Granted, he had always liked her but he had never felt this before. And he hated himself for it.
"Tohru, can I talk to you for a moment?" he asked her, quietly approaching her side.
"Oh, sure."
They walked to the side and, instantly, Kyo didn't know what to say. He started talking, just saying syllables but got frustrated. "Gah! I don't even know what I want to say!" he yelled, falling into his accidental voice.
"Kyo, what's wrong?" Tohru asked. She placed a concern hand on his shoulder. "If something's bothering you, you know you can tell me, right?"
"That's just it. You're the problem!" He blurted out but immediately heard his words. "I didn't mean it like that! I mean, my feelings for you are the problem!... wait, I didn't mean it like that either. They and you aren't a problem, it's just—"
"Kyo…"
He instantly shut up and looked softly at Tohru. She raised her hand again, this time taking Kyo's hand. He gently squeezed her fingers. She smiled that adorable smile of hers, the one he loved and thought was meant just for him.
"Was there something you wanted to tell me?" she asked sweetly.
Kyo couldn't take his eyes off her. She really was cute in her elegant sheath style adopted, a piece of ombre chiffon elongated from strapless neck to under ruffled hem with flattering beadwork at front bust. Her flowy dress looked like an orange creamsicle. 'It shouldn't be this hard,' he thought. 'Just say it! Go ahead and say it.' He sighed. He needed his voice steady, without questions or fears of embarrassment. He reached out with his other hand and brushed a stray hair out of her face. Tucking it behind her ear, he brushed his thumb over her cheek, causing a light, rosy blush to appear. He smiled.
"Tohru…"
"Yes?"
"I… I…" He shook himself. Now wasn't the time to get chocked up and sappy. 'Just say it…' "I love you."
Tohru gasped, the blush deepening on her cheeks. Her small gasp startled him. Wait! Did he just say it out loud? He did, didn't he? But why wasn't she saying anything? Was it too soon? Did she even feel the same? It was too late now. No taking it back. He had spoken from his heart, and now everything else lay in Tohru's next words.
"I mean, it's alright if you don't feel the same way but… but that's how I feel for you…" he said softly yet she didn't say anything. "Come on, say something… anything!"
Small tears formed and one strayed down her cheek. Kyo panicked! He hadn't meant to make her cry. He just wanted to tell her… but now she was crying.
"Ah come on, don't cry" Kyo said "I didn't mean to make you cry. I just—"
His rambling was silenced as a soft fingertip pressed to his lips. He paused and looked down to see Tohru was smiling at him. Her eyes were still filled with tears, but they spoke of happiness. He gulped as she released him.
"I love you too."
He smiled, relaxed and relieved. "Can… can I hug you?" she asked quietly.
"I'll turn into a cat. That would be hard to explain to everyone here." Kyo replied, rather disappointed that he was still cursed.
"I think it'll be okay. After all, Chika's family knows about the curse, and most of their dad's friends have gone home," Tohru said, sneaking her arms around his waist.
He cringed, dreading the change but wanted the hug. A moment passed and another. He wasn't changing into a cat! He looked down to see Thoru's arms still wrapped around him, and her head rested on his chest. She felt him tense and opened her eyes, looking at him with the same confusion reflected on his own face.
"Kyo…" She pulled back a bit, still keeping her arms around his waist. "You're not a cat."
Kyo was too stunned for words. Tohru had hugged him, and he was still human. Words could not describe his feelings toward the shocking revelation. For a moment, he just stood there, not looking at anything. Tohru started to worry. She made to move her arms so she could see if Kyo was alright, but stopped when she felt his own wrap tightly around her. It was the first time he had ever been able to hug anyone outside of the Zodiac. The feel of his arms around her was all she needed to know what was happening, and she eagerly returned the embrace.
The curse had been broken!
XXXX
Meanwhile meanwhile…
The hour was getting late and people starting heading home. Akahana smiled as she watched her aunt and father talk about old times, her dad earning a few playful punches as he recalled his baby sister's more embarrassing moments. She smiled then turned to look around. Chika and Haru had disappeared some time ago, as did Tohru and Kyo. She smiled. She knew by the emotions coming from both Sohma boys that they each had something going on. For Haru, Aka knew he was planning to give Chika the promise ring. She really hoped her sister liked it. As for Kyo, he was extremely nervous and frustrated. Yep, signs of a boy about to confess to his girlfriend. She wished him luck.
"So Kayo, which year were you born in?" Shigure asked, trying to be sneaky.
Without missing a beat and being completely serious, Kayo replied, "Year of the Pina Colada."
Shigure gave her a strange look but Ayame laughed. "I like her." He laughed, making Shigure nod in agreement.
"What year were you born in Shigure?" Kayo asked.
"The Dog. Same with Aya and Hari," he replied, making Kayo laugh.
"We're just a pack of mangy mutts then." Kayo laughed, suddenly throwing her head back and howling, enticing Ayame and Shigure to join her.
Both Hatori and Daiki rubbed their foreheads. "Why do I associate with you again?" they asked in unison.
Aka couldn't help but laugh too. 'Poor Dad and Hatori,' she thought. 'What are they going to do now that there's three of them?' As she continued to watch them, she sensed a presence behind her. She smiled as a hand rested on her shoulder. She turned around to see Yuki standing over her. He was looking at the adults, amused by their antics.
"I think we might be seeing more of your aunt around," he noted.
"I think you might be right." Aka chuckled. "You know she's really taken a liking to Hatori…"
"Oh?" He smiled. Aka laughed at his attempt at a smirk. She might have been an empath, but Yuki knew his family better.
"Akahana, do you think it would be alright if I walked you home?" Yuki asked.
"Sure. Just let me notify the boss." She slid out of her seat and walked over to the adults. She told her dad she and Yuki were leaving, but not before a certain trio had a say in it.
"What is this madness?" Kayo said, suddenly appearing next to Akahana and placing an arm around her shoulders. "Walking with a boy, my little Rose Bud?"
"He's just walking me home, Aunt Kayo. No need to get all worked up."
"But that's my job!" Kayo said, whining at the last syllable. "Aya, she won't let me do my job!"
"How rude. Yuki, your girlfriend is being so mean to her dear sweet aunt," Ayame said, starting in on Yuki. "Honestly little brother, how could you just steal this fair maiden away after her aunt traveled all this way to celebrate the day of her birth?"
Akahana could sense they were just teasing, but it was annoying to both her and Yuki all the same. Then Akahana had an idea. "Now Aya, don't be so mean. As the elder sibling, you have to be respectful. If he wants to walk me home on my birthday, I don't see why he can't."
"It would seem that it is Akahana's birthday wish." Shigure said, coming along side as well.
"But Rose Bud… I really wanted to talk to you. I wanted to spend some more time with you." Kayo said, pouting a little bit.
"But Aunty?" Akahana pouted. "Why would I do that when I know you want to stay? You do have... certain things keeping you here, after all." Akahana made a quick glance in Hatori's direction, then turned back to her aunt with a smile and a wink.
Catching the hint, Kayo quirked her face and nodded. Pressing a hand onto Yuki's shoulder she gave it a squeeze. "Treat her well young sir." She said in mock seriousness before winking and bouncing away.
"Ha, ha. Very funny." Akahana replied and made a quick getaway.
Soon, she was walking with Yuki. As they walked, they talked about the party. Both of them agreed they saw a spark between Hatori and Kayo, but decided to let Chika get together with Shigure and Ayame to solve that problem. They were having so much fun, but soon Akahana began to notice the surroundings were different.
"Yuki, my house is in the opposite direction."
"I thought we could take the long way," Yuki explained. "There's something I wanted to show you."
Aka shrugged and followed him. Before she knew it, they were coming up to the restaurant they went to about a week ago "Yuki, what are we doing here?"
He didn't answer. Instead, he took her by the hand and led her around back to the gardens. He didn't stop until they reached the rose garden. Standing there, Aka felt a surge of emotions flood her chest. This was a special place for them.
"Yuki…"
He turned and smiled at her. The sun had already begun to set, casting everything in a warm golden glow. Aka felt as though she had been pulled into the pages of a fairy tale. As she drew her gaze back to Yuki, she felt her heart begin to flutter. His smile was warm and his eyes were shining in the sunlight, so kind and caring. He really did look like a prince. His hands were in his pocket and he stepped closer. He pulled out his hand and presented her with a small box. It was wrapped in a mauve paper and tied with a silver bow.
"Happy birthday, Akahana."
"Thank you." She took the box from his hands. It was so beautifully wrapped, Akahana took time to carefully remove the bow and wrapped. Beneath the paper was a white box. She removed the top and gasped when she saw what lay inside. It was a necklace. The chain was rhodium-plated, and a crystal centered inside an elegant design made of rose gold.
"Oh Yuki, it's beautiful." She fingered jewelry, running over the tiny diamonds. "Thank you so much."
"Here." Taking the box from her hand. "Let's see how it looks." Yuki slipped the necklace from the box. He walked around behind her. He undid the clasp, then reach around her to place it around her neck. He did the clasp and then settled his hands on her shoulders.
"It looks beautiful, just like you," he whispered.
Akahana had to resist the urge to lean back into his arms. They stood there for a moment, gazing out as the sun set, turning the sky gold and the clouds a rosy pink. Though the weather was warm she crossed her arms and let herself be wrapped up in the moment.
Suddenly Yuki began to tense up. His hands dropped from her shoulders, and he took a half step back. Akahana was nervous. She turned and saw Yuki had his head was raised toward the sky and his hands fell at his sides. Akahana was worried, and used her empathic ability to probe his emotions. She sensed from him disbelief, amazement…
"Yuki?" Akahana raised her hand gentle brushed the tear away with her thumb. Yuki's hand reached up and took hold of her hand, pressing it against his cheek. When he lowered his eyes they were watery and filled with a joy Akahana could not describe. He smiled and tried to speak, but it was as if the words had escaped him.
"Yuki, what is it?" Akahana asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
In an instant, Yuki drew his hand from hers and embraced her. Akahana was shocked. His arms wrapped tightly around her, holding her close against him. She could feel his heart beating frantically inside his chest. His face was buried in her hair as one of his hands cradled the back of her head. Then she knew.
"But..how?" she whispered into in shoulder.
Yuki only shook his head, refusing to let her go. He would find out later how the curse was broken. Right now, all he wanted was to hold Akahana in his arms. He had never been able to embrace anyone outside the Zodiac. Tears of joy slipped down his face but he didn't care. To have the curse finally broken, to able to hold a girl he cared for in his arms without fear… It was more than he could've asked for.
The joy that radiated from him overwhelmed her. In all her life, never had Akahana felt such happiness from anyone. She leaned her head on his shoulder as tears streamed down her face. Her tears began to soak through Yuki's shirt, prompting him to tighten his grip. Akahana choked back a sob, and instead slipped her hands free to wrap her arms around him. They held each other for a long time. Finally, Yuki broke the embrace. He pulled back and looked down at Akahana. She looked up at him, tears still running down her cheek. She smiled at him, mirroring the joy he felt. He smiled back, reaching up to cup her face in his hands. He leaned forward till his forehead rested against hers. His eyes were closed for a moment. When he opened them, her yellow green eyes were looking back at him. Then his gaze fell to her lips. Akahana smiled and her eyes drifted closed as his lips brushed over hers.
At first the kiss was awkward, but as their confidence grew, it became soft and gentle. Akahana's arms slid from his waist to grasp his shoulders. Yuki's hands slid to cup the back of her head. One hand moved to release the tie on her ponytail, tangling his fingers into her hair. The sky darkened above, leaving a faint golden violet horizon. The stars were just beginning to come out. The night was quiet as they stood close together among the roses.