Chapter 29- Beautiful Contentment
There was always something about nature that fascinated Eri ever since she was a child. Be it the way flowers unfold their petals every time she was not aware, be it the way birds perched themselves on tree branches chirping away, be it the way butterflies danced across the meadows and fields- leaving behind their wake a trail filled with vibrant colours, and even be it the way the calming breeze swept over all nature- the sound of rustling leaves and rippling brooks… Everything.
A relaxed and contented tune left Eri's lips as she laid there on the grass, shadowed by a large tree. A few rays of sunlight escaped through gaps between the leaves, streaming down in thin streaks onto the girl-
She missed this.
After being cooped up in the house for five days, Minori finally deemed it 'safe' for her to step outside for some 'fresh air'- as fresh as the air could be in one's own backyard. During these past few twenty-four hour period, Eri had pleaded- begged, even- to be permitted to do something, anything, in order to get out of her room, going as far as to ask him if she could bring her laptop onto bed to work on a few minor cases that had been held on hold; of course, he forbid her from doing so. However, no matter how bored she grew to be, she was grateful for Minori's consideration and concern… It felt great, actually, to take a break from all the hectic workload.
From a distance, she could hear a few servants going about their usual business; the slight swishing sound of rakes and brooms indicating their current actions. They kept their distance from her, consciously quietening their voices to hushed whispers if ever they needed to communicate with one another; for that, Eri was thankful.
Idly, she wondered where her eldest cousin had gone off to since this morning.
"Yamaguchi-san, do you know where Minori-nii san is?"
After wandering through most of the halls and rooms of the Akino manor, Eri finally gave up her search for the older man. Turning to cast an inquiring look at her butler, she asked, "Did he leave the house?"
"He has some errand to do in town, Eri-sama, and will be back in the afternoon," Yamaguchi Kazuhito told her with a bow, "Before he left, Minori-sama has also told me to tell you that you are free to roam the gardens as long as you don't overtire yourself."
"Really?" Eri asked, brightening up considerably.
Yamaguchi nodded, "Really, Eri-sama."
...
Needless to say, not even five minutes after that little exchange, Eri had found herself lying in this particular spot… And soon, without her knowing, surrounded by the ever going voices of Nature, she dozed off.
...
Hatano Minori glanced down at his wristwatch for the fifth time since he arrived at the airport thirty minutes ago.
The flight information display system blinked once, updating the details. Dark eyes scanned through them, looking for a specific set of alphabets and numbers that he was certain would show up sooner or later. Sure enough, it was there on the board, with the word 'Arrived' blinking in bold letters beside it.
A quarter to an hour later, a woman with light brown hair and a pair of deep blue eyes that was obscured by a sunglasses walked into the arrival hall, her steps composed and at ease, with a type of gracefulness that was inborn- something that could never disappear even if she tried. Her head turned slightly, as if she was looking for someone in the midst of the growing crowd until they landed on Minori.
A smile flittered across her lips as she began heading his way. In response, Minori raised a hand and waved.
"It's been a long time since we've met, Minori-kun," the woman said in greeting, releasing her luggage when the younger man gently tugged it away from her grasp.
Minori nodded, "A long time indeed," He responded in agreement, "How long will you be here?"
The woman's smile widened, "One or two weeks, depending on how much time my manager managed to squeeze out from my schedule."
"That's good. Eri will be very glad to know you're here."
"You haven't told that child that I'm here, have you, Minori-kun?"
"She's still unaware of your coming. I kept it a secret as you've wished."
"Perfect. Well, we better get going."
Minori nodded once more and began to lead the way towards the basement parking lot, the woman trailing behind him. Silence descended between them before she broke it, saying-
"On the car, Minori-kun, please tell me everything that has happened these past few months."
His steps halted for a split second before resuming its original pace, a slight lift of his lips showed that he was not at all bothered by her sudden demand-
- "As you wish, Aunt Mari."
...
"Say, is she asleep?"
Haninozuka Mitsukuni peered down curiously at the honey-brown haired girl who was now lying on her side with an arm folded beneath her head like a pillow. His eyes softening almost instantly as he continued gazing at her still form, a faint smile hovering his lips- mimicking hers. Turning, he exchanged a glance with his cousin before looking towards his junior, a mischievous glint well-hidden behind his innocent expression "Kyo-chan, Ri-chan sure is cute when she's asleep, right?"
Then without waiting for him to reply, the sweet-lover skipped away, only pausing beside Mori to pull him along.
"We'll see you later, Kyo-chan! Be sure to carry Ri-chan inside so she doesn't catch a cold."
Ootori Kyoya watched the retreating backs of his friends and sighed. He should've known that they would pull something like this- especially the overly-hyper blond senior… Actually, he did have an inkling suspicion about their motive when they said they 'wanted to visit Ri-chan and see how she's doing' out of the blue after he more or less affirmed Honey's question of 'did you confess to Ri-chan already?' on the previous night.
Then again, he wondered if he really was so obvious in his affection for the girl… It seemed to be that everyone from the host knew. Everyone. Even that air-headed Tamaki.
He slid down against the bark of the tree and sat there for a moment, simply taking in the sight of the sleeping girl. Her chest rose and fell with every slow-drawn breath she took, the wind ruffling strands of her hair- causing her to shift a little in her sleep.
Kyoya brushed those offending strands away, his fingers lingering, tracing her cheeks gently after that. Her face was warm though it was evident that she had been out here for an extended period of time- courtesy to the residue heat of summer.
Autumn was arriving.
Though it was still a few weeks away, the effect of the season had already taken place; the slight discolouration on the tip of some leaves, the marginally cooler air that came along with the warm wind, the signs 'End Summer Sales' that hung on the windows of stores all over town, the appearance of thicker, warmer clothes and scarfs in malls and clothe shops…
He applied some pressure with the hand that was caressing her cheek, before letting that hand fall to her shoulder, lightly shaking her.
Eri stirred, a small yawn escaping her as she pushed herself up, hazy brain taking thirty seconds before processing the fact that there was someone beside her. She raised her head, a surprised but pleasant smile immediately making its way across her parted lips-
"You're here. Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"
"Honey-senpai calls this a 'surprise visit'." He told her, retracting his hand.
Pale blue eyes lit up in fond amusement, "That's so like him. Are they coming later on as well?"
"Most probably not, but Honey-senpai told me to tell you 'thank you' for that strawberry hall cake you sent him two weeks ago," He raised a brow, "I didn't know that you were giving cakes to him."
She laughed, "I just happened to pass by a newly-opened cake store and thought that the cakes on display were appetising enough. They offer free delivery services too, as long as you live within thirty minutes drive away from the store."
"I did notice that the number of cakes in our fridge is increasing, quite alarmingly- to be honest," He commented drily, "Now that I'm aware of the 'source' of the problem," he continued, stressing the word while shooting her a pointed look, "Maybe I should just give up in attempting to correct this situation and start thinking about installing a new fridge."
Eri looked at him with fake innocence shining in her eyes, "What problem?"
...
There was a subtle change in the way they interacted with each other. So subtle that even they themselves failed to realise…
Formal speeches between them had ebbed away a long time ago, and while their interaction during their final year in Ouran had somewhat been more carefree and friendly, there was now an air of intimacy that wasn't there before. It felt- somehow- safer to disclose personal thoughts that would otherwise be well-kept within them, each unconsciously yearning to understand the other, and wanting the other to understand themselves in return.
They hadn't mentioned much about work; opting to speak about lesser and simpler matters- about the past, about their friends, about their interests. Mundane things that had mysteriously became an exceedingly absorbing topic.
Though… there were certain things that remained the same.
As two individuals who appreciated quiet and silence, there was bound to be one party who had to step up and take the role of the 'topic starter'; Eri found herself easing into that role almost too easily. It wasn't a chore or something burdensome, in fact, she found herself liking the way Kyoya allowed her to take over the flow of their conversation. It was… endearing, so to say.
A rosy tint spread across cheeks that were paler than they used to be due to the illness. Gazing at her from the side, Kyoya felt something move within him, softening into a rare tender surge of emotion- one which made his heart clench, but wasn't painful.
Fuyumi had been in a state of ecstasy last night when she called. And this time, Kyoya found it in himself to be patient with her… and her squealing.
"Did you tell her? Did she tell you? Did you guys work everything out already? Kyoya, tell me!"
Ootori Kyoya pulled the phone away from his ringing ear, his fingers tightening around the small device he queerly had no urge to fling away that night. Patiently waiting for his older sister to finish her rant on the other side of the phone, he absent-mindedly tapped his ball-point pen against the surface of his desk.
" -You don't know how delighted I am that you've finally found someone. I was so worried for years that you'd never fully allow yourself to settle down, but Tamaki-kun called me a couple of days ago and told me of his phone call to you- He was crying, by the way, saying something about 'mommy finally grew up and confessed his love'. I've always wanted to ask but… Why does he call you 'mommy'?- "
He massaged the bridge of his nose out of habit, his sister's rambling vaguely registering in his mind. At the last sentence though, Kyoya felt his temples throb once, the need to punch Tamaki overwhelming him.
"Nee-san," He interrupted her calmly, "It would be to your best interest that you ignore what that blonde has to say."
"Now that's mean, Kyoya," Fuyumi chided, "Tamaki-kun is your best friend, isn't he?"
"No, he is not."
His answer had been instant, spoken out of clenched teeth. However, one could effortlessly detect the lack of malice or seriousness in his tone of voice. It was such a glaringly pronounced truth that yes, Suoh Tamaki was indeed his close friend- stupidity, annoyance, and all… Fuyumi knew, and wasn't fazed by his monotonous denial.
"Anyway, are you and Eri-san finally together?" The older woman pressed, coming back to her main topic at last.
"…Yes. Yes, we are."
"Congratulations, Kyoya!" She exclaimed, sounding genuinely joyful at the news. However, her pure elation didn't last as a thought crossed her mind, "Have you told father about it?" She asked, even if she was less worried than before.
If they have managed to come this far, they would be fine. No matter what their fathers were planning, they will certainly be.
Smiling softly though she knew that her brother wouldn't see it, Fuyumi spoke again, noticing his silence-
"Don't worry, Kyoya. Everything will turn out for the best in the end. You deserve it, as well as Eri-san. As for father, you should tell him only when you're ready- that is, if he doesn't know yet. Father has a way of doing that, you know…" She trails off, "But I'm sure the both of you will be fine as long as you stick to each other… Take care, Kyoya."
...
"Eri-sama, lunch is ready to be served."
One of the maids approached them somewhere in the middle of their conversation about the difference between the consumers in Japan and consumers elsewhere. Being overseas themselves for one year, observing and trying out other peoples' lifestyles, learning a whole new culture certainly had its benefits if they ever wanted to expand their business circle. The demands and standards vary extensively depending on which area a person lived in; that aside, the Ootoris certainly had some major advantage, with them running hospitals, medical centres and all. It would be safe to say that every place needed medical facilities- and resorts, as Eri had plainly put in. Relaxation and rest were things human beings required after all.
She nodded in acknowledgment at the maid, accepting Kyoya's offered hand to get up from the ground.
The maid bowed respectfully and left the couple alone again.
Eri glanced up at him and resumed their talk- though it was more of a conclusion if anything, "So, that'll be a project worth working on, I suppose?"
It was an unexpected turn of subject, one that happened naturally despite of their initial avoidance.
He readjusted his glasses, keeping his hand around her smaller one as they began walking back to the manor, he spoke after some time, his voice mellow and soft, "It'll be a good investment, on a long run. Still, it would be better if we graduate first."
"Too stressful?" She suggested understandingly.
"Something like that," He agreed.
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
Eri's personal library had grew considerably since he last stepped into this room. Kyoya scanned through the numerous additional titles that were clearly new on a shelf near the entrance and hummed in approval at a few of them.
"Those are shipped over from Japan," Eri informed him when she noticed his line of vision, "The ratings were high when I saw them on the net and I got curious," she confessed, smiling a little.
It was now two o'clock, three hours had passed since Kyoya dropped by.
Nestling herself in the window seat, Eri pulled out a book and motioned for him to take a seat anywhere he liked; he took one single glance around and settled for the armchair beside the mantle place. Satisfied that he had made himself comfortable, Eri focused her attention on the book in her hand, her fingers prying open the pages to where she had placed a bookmark in previously and soon, she had lost herself in the world the author created.
Silence filled the air, the sound of turning pages disrupting it now and then. Both of the occupants were fine with how things were; for them, the mere presence of the other was enough. In a way, it brought them back to the time they were third years in Ouran when they would sit close to each other while they each went about completing their own tasks. It was a comforting serenity that enveloped them then, now more so than before. The knowledge that they were together and they were no longer alone brought a welcomed sensation to their chests.
Life truly was more bearable with someone by their side…
Unknowingly, Eri had shut her book and was currently gazing at the side profile of her… beau, to quote a classical term. From his serious eyes, his straight nose, his sharp jawline, right down to his casual posture… There wasn't any skipping of beats for her heart, there was no 'novel-worthy' head-over-heels urge to 'tackle' him into a hug, there was no yearning for him to stare back at her, and there was certainly no craving to hear him say 'sweet-nothings' in her ears- for the both of them knew Ootori Kyoya does not do that.
Pure, unadulterated contentment was all she felt at the moment. Sitting there beside him, listening to his calm breathing, looking on as he concentrated on the book in his hand… It was more than enough.
She couldn't- and wouldn't- ask for more.
Maybe it was because their relationship had been built upon the sturdy foundation of friendship, which in turn was formed upon five long years of acquaintanceship that made their love a quiet and composed kind of love; maybe it was because the basis of their bond was made not because of 'lust' but of a genuine sense of companionship which blossomed into affection; maybe it was because… that was just the way they were.
A knock sounded, breaking her out from her thoughts.
"Come in," she called in a low tone, knowing well that whoever outside could hear her.
Yamaguchi pushed the door open and bowed, saying, "Eri-sama, Minori-sama has returned and is now requesting your presence in the living room."
"Nii-san?" Eri got up with a questioning look, "Did he say what he wants with me?"
"No, but he appears to be urgent."
Hearing that, Eri made a move towards the door, smiling appreciatively at Kyoya who followed close behind.
They rounded the stairs and that was when she saw her-
That familiar light brown hair, those gentle blue eyes, that smile, that face… That very woman whom Eri once had to learn to recognise from photos and videos was now standing before her… Arms stretched towards her and the voice, the very voice Eri had learnt to recognise through the phone, called out to her.
She couldn't think, couldn't feel. Comprehension left her, stunned and suddenly immobile.
...
She had waited so long for this…
…To be able to meet her mother face to face once again.
...
"Eri, my daughter, how have you been?"
...
…A brilliant smile broke out on her face.
So this is it, the 29th chapter~ =)
The update this time was faster than the last, wasn't it? XD
According to my calculations- which was rarely accurate, unfortunately- there will be about three to five more chapters, just to wrap things up.
Thank you all for your comments on the previous chapter! (And for the favourites and follows too~)
I do not own Ouran; OCs and plot is mine.
PS: My grandfather's 80th birthday is coming next month, do any of you have any song suggestions? (I'm thinking of doing a duet with my cousin but I can't think of anything appropriate to sing…)
~Lura =)
