(A/n: Hi guys, welcome back! Sorry it took so long to upload this next chapter. I wrote so many different variations then kept changing what I wanted to happen xD grr, it was very frustrating and the first time this has happened to me so that was not cool T_T If you want to know some of the stuff that happened, just ask haha it might make you laugh; or want to kill me hehe. Anyway, hope you enjoy it!
P.S Thanks for reviewing!
Chapter 36: Lick Drink Suck.
Syaoran yawned as his eyes flickered open, squinting as the light winked at him through a gap in the drapes. He recognised the décor from Tomoyo's the last time he slept at hers. Had they come back here last night? He couldn't remember a thing. He stretched out his arms and continued yawning when a stirring under the covers caused his yawn to become strangled in his throat. He gasped as he slowly began to pull back the covers. Had he brought someone back with him? Or was it Sakura? He was sure it wasn't the latter unless Tomoyo and Eriol had been completely out of it themselves - there's no way they would let that happen. He decided he didn't want to know and pulled the covers back over, tiptoeing towards the door. As he opened the door he found a shirtless Eriol opposite him doing the same sneaky dance hoping not to wake up Tomoyo. Syaoran peered over his shoulder to see a girl hugging a pillow. The girl in question was definitely not Tomoyo. She had brown hair. Auburn brown hair. She turned her head and buried her face into the pillow. It was Sakura.
"Eriol!" he hissed. "What the fuck is going on?!" Eriol dragged his hand down his face as he carefully pulled the door shut. Syaoran did the same then pointed down the corridor. They walked in silence down the stairs. Eriol headed for the back, sliding open the large French doors that led to a lavish garden. Syaoran was behind him and as soon as he slid the door closed he turned to him and took a few steps back. "Before you say anything it's not what it looks like." Eriol said.
Syaoran laughed but Eriol could see he was all but amused. "Eriol, you're my closest cousin and best friend but so help me God if the next words out of your mouth aren't "I didn't have sex with Sakura" I'm going to kill you." He said it so calmly yet the crazy look in his eyes left Eriol feeling unnerved. He chuckled nervously and put his hands up in a surrendering pose.
"I didn't have sex with Sakura." He said slowly and he heard a sigh of relief from Syaoran who scratched his head in frustration. "What the fuck is she doing in bed with you then?" he asked, his eyebrows furrowed in anger. Before Eriol could speak the door slid open and out walked Tomoyo wearing the shirt Eriol seemed to be missing.
"What're you two doing out here?" she asked cocking her head to the side. Her wavy hair cascaded to the side and Eriol found himself gravitating towards her in a daze. He brushed his fingers through her hair as his other hand caressed her cheek. "Good morning darling." He said leaning in to kiss her. "Nice shirt." She giggled at him and pushed him away playfully. "Morning." She replied then she looked over at Syaoran then back to Eriol. "Have you two been up all night?" she asked. Eriol looked at Syaoran then back to Tomoyo. "Huh?" Tomoyo laughed. "Well Sakura went up to bed and we went up too but then you came back down and I could hear you two drinking and talking before I fell asleep."
"No we... came up." Eriol replied. "Must've gotten into bed and blacked out." He said looking at Syaoran. Tomoyo giggled. "Yeah probably. You were already drunk the first time you came up. I'm surprised you found the right room. Sakura was in the room opposite. You would have scared the crap out of her."
Eriol chuckled nervously. "Yeah. That would have been awkward."
Syaoran placed his hands behind his head and exhaled sharply. "Okay I am not drinking again. Nothing good comes from it." He said looking up at the sky. Tomoyo giggled again. "What do you mean? You and Sakura.. you.. didn't you?" she asked bewildered.
Syaoran's hands dropped. "No. What are you talking about?"
Tomoyo buried her head in her hands. Eriol walked up behind her and began softly massaging her shoulders. "What's the matter darling?" he asked placing a kiss on her head. Tomoyo lifted her head from her hands and stared at Syaoran.
"I felt so bad after our talk that I vouched for you with Sakura and then you… why don't either of you remember? You were getting all friendly last night." She rolled her eyes. "She was waiting for you..." she said wide eyed and eyebrows raised.
"Upstairs."
Eriol stopped kissing his girlfriend's head for a moment to share a look with Syaoran. He raised an eyebrow at his cousin who rolled his eyes.
"That's... interesting." Said Eriol.
"Poor Sakura, she must have been embarrassed." Tomoyo thought, then she pulled a face as though deep in thought. "Unless of course.. maybe she fell asleep. Or she doesn't remember." She shrugged. "Oh well. At least you're back I'm her good books." She said smiling at Syaoran sweetly. He rolled his lower lip between his teeth then stuck his hands in his pocket. "Thanks." He said looking down at his feet. When he looked up again a blush spread across his cheeks as Sakura joined them.
"Ohayo!" Sakura chirped cheerily. Tomoyo and Eriol turned to her grinning. "Good morning princess." Eriol teased. His grin faded when she held up his phone. "Eriol isn't this your phone? I found it in my bed. Weird, huh?" Eriol took his phone and slipped it in his pants, chuckling nervously who Tomoyo raised an eyebrow at him.
"Blacked out huh?" she said with an amused look on her face. Eriol blushed. He stuck his bottom lip out.
"Sorry."
Tomoyo laughed. "I was wondering why I didn't get a cuddle." Her eyebrows shot up and she gasped. "Wait that means... Syaoran!" she yelled looking over at the boy in question with a hand on her hip. Syaoran stuck his bottom lip out in the same manner as Eriol.
"Sorry." He said with a grin. Tomoyo blushed. "Idiots!" she said crossing her arms.
"Hooee? Did I miss something?" Sakura asked oblivious to the looks the others were giving each other. Tomoyo rolled her eyes then smiled at her.
"Be glad you did sweetie." She said walking back inside the house. "Honey, it's time to make it up to me." She said beckoning Eriol with her index finger. Eriol turned on his heels and ran after her.
Syaoran pulled his hands out of his pockets and strolled over to Sakura. She blushed as he got closer. He cleared his throat and rubbed the back of his neck. "So..." he began, a pink hue covering his cheeks. "Did you enjoy your birthday meal?" he asked. Sakura nodded.
"It was lovely, thanks for treating me." She replied. She began fiddling with her fingers and looked down. "Erm. Sorry about last night, I- well, you know how I get when I drink." She said, her blush deepening. Syaoran chuckled.
"Yes I do know. Unfortunately... my memory of the night is very vague right now so I might need some help recalling what exactly happened." He said rubbing his neck again. Sakura looked up at him and bit her lower lip.
"You really don't remember?" she asked, a hint of disappointment in her voice. Syaoran shook his head.
"Sorry." He said pressing his lips together. Sakura nodded once.
"Okay. No, it's... good you don't. I'm embarrassed about it anyway I don't really want to refresh your memory." She confessed. "Anyway, we should go back in. I want some breakfast." She grinned then turned to leave. Syaoran cleared his throat again.
"Erm. Sakura."
She turned back to face him, her hair falling messily to frame her face. She smiled at him sweetly.
"Can I take you out sometime?" he asked meekly, his cheeks flaring up again. Sakura blushed.
"You mean like a date?" she asked timidly. Syaoran shook his head.
"Not like a date, Sakura. I want to take you out on an official date." He said now sounding more confident. Sakura chewed on her lower lip for what seemed like forever to Syaoran before she finally released her lip and grinned at him.
"Sure Syaoran." She replied. "That would be nice."
Touya sighed as he attempted to read the book he had picked off the shelf on Freud and his theories on the unconscious mind. His own mind started to wander as he flipped the pages impatiently, scanning the information of the psyche and Freud's categorisation of the mind into the id, ego and super ego. He read this with much more enthusiasm but soon became bored when he reached the psychosexual stages and when he reached dream analysis he was ready to fall sleep himself. He closed the book and pushed it aside, examining the piece of paper on the table with the topics that would come up on the upcoming exams.
"Oh I give up." he muttered to himself. He packed his books away into his messenger bag then stood up walking briskly to the exit. A group of guys sitting by the tennis courts caught his attention. They were chattering excitedly amongst themselves, laughing and high fiving as they watched a game of tennis being played. He recognised two of them from his classes. Touya shrugged then turned to leave the premises when he heard one of them yell "Go Kiisu!" which made him stop and turn back. He edged closer towards the tennis courts and was surprised to see Kiisu playing tennis against Yukito. He held back a laugh at the fact that they were both wearing very typical tennis clothes and they even appeared to be matching. They were both dressed in white, Yukito sporting knee length shorts and a polo t shirt and a red sweatband around his head while Kiisu wore a tennis dress which was the object of the attention from the rowdy boys and some white pumps. She had a red cap on to protect her eyes from the sun. When he approached the court they were playing on he took a seat next to the guys who he recognised from a few classes. They said hello to him and he just nodded his head as his attention returned to his friends. Though Yukito was fast, Kiisu's form was an advantage for her on the court as she slid elegantly across it, rebutting his shots with her own. He smiled subconsciously until a shove to his arm made him scowl.
"She's fucking hot, right? Those legs...pwoar!" he said with an exaggerated exhale.
Sending the other student a glare, Touya moved off the bench and towards the sidelines so he was visible to the two. Yukito was the first to notice him and gave him a wave. Kiisu looked over to who he was waving to and blushed at the intense gaze he was giving her, suddenly feeling very uncomfortable. She had promised Yukito she would play tennis with him but she hadn't played in so long that she didn't own an outfit and had dug out her high school one which fit her size wise but she had grown taller which meant the dress was shorter than she had remembered it being. Of course Yukito didn't comment on it as he never made any comments about her physical appearance other than a polite "you look nice" every now and then but she was sure that Touya would have something to say about it. Yukito had already walked over and was by her side as Touya approached them.
"Don't you two look adorable in your matching outfits?" Touya teased, a grin slowly spreading across his face at their blushing faces. Kiisu pulled her cap off and began fanning herself with it, shutting her eyes and running her fingers through her hair to stop it from sticking to her perspiring face. She sighed deeply as she continued to fan herself, her skin glistening in the sun. Touya felt his own breath hitch and he glanced over at Yukito who gulped loudly and pulled at the collar of his t shirt desperately.
"I-I'll go get us some water." he stammered before he scampered off. Touya let out a snort then laughed aloud causing Kiisu to open her eyes and stop her fanning.
"What's so funny?" she asked. Touya shook his head with a smile.
"You really are something else, Mary."
"Mary?" Kiisu asked, no idea why he would call her another girl's name.
"As in virgin." Touya said with a smirk. Kiisu's face dropped. She was about to retort when Yukito returned with two drinks. He handed a bottle of water to her and she took it happily.
"Arigato Yuki-chan" she said sweetly. Unscrewing the bottle cap she wrapped her mouth around the bottle and downed it greedily. She was so parched that the water tasted sweeter than ever and she gulped it down without a care in the world. The two boys watched her with astonished eyes, observing the way the water was trickled round either side of her mouth and elegantly flowed down her neck and chest. Kiisu opened her eyes and was startled to find them watching her. She chuckled nervously. "Sorry, I was just really thirsty. Did you want some?" She asked wiping her mouth with the back of her hand and screwing the cap back on the bottle.
"You should really be mindful over your behaviour and who is around you." Touya said glancing over his shoulder at the guys on the bench who were still watching her. Kiisu looked over and gave them a small wave. She turned to Touya.
"What do you mean? They're my cheering squad. They were encouraging me." She said putting a hand on her hip and giving him a frown. Touya scoffed.
"Sorry to disappoint you love, but the only thing they were encouraging was your prancing around so they could perv on you." He said looking at her dress. "Couldn't find one shorter, huh?" he asked sarcastically. She let out a snarl and dropped her bottle to the ground. She about to pounce on Touya when Yukito grabbed her by the waist lifting her up.
"Woah there." He said trying to calm her down. Kiisu kicked her legs hoping to catch Touya but he had stepped back and was now smirking at her.
"Nice panties." He teased riling her up even more.
"Let me at him!" she screamed. Touya laughed.
"Jeez woman, is it that time of the month?" he asked. Kiisu growled louder.
"You sexist, conceited, chauvinistic asshole!" she screamed at him. Sensing that her anger was not getting her anywhere, she stopped her kicking and turned to Yukito with a smile.
"Yuki-chan," she began, "If you let me go I will buy you lunch. Anything you like, it's on me." She said sweetly. With those magic words Yukito's grip on her loosened and she jumped on an unsuspecting Touya whose eyes widened with horror as she knocked him to the ground.
"Yukito you traitor!" Touya yelled at Yukito who shrugged with a grin.
"You shouldn't have wound her up then, should you?" was his reply as he announced that he was heading for the showers. Kiisu proceeded to choke Touya, looking around frantically for her tennis racket to deliver a harsher penalty. After a minute of struggling and protesting, Touya suddenly went quiet. Perhaps it was the fact that she was sat on him in an attempt to keep him still or maybe he secretly liked being choked. Or both. Either way, he was quickly becoming aroused and he found it to be inconvenient and unsettling. He stopped moving and Kiisu smiled evilly as she delivered her punishment when a prod beneath her caused her to yelp. At first she assumed it was Touya had poked her but then she realised that both of his arms were on hers trying to stop her choking him to death. She yelped again and jumped off him as fast as she could, her face going red in the process. Touya smirked at her and propping himself up on his elbows.
"Pervert!" she yelled at him, pulling her dress down as much as physically possible. Touya gave her a quick body scan before resting his eyes on hers.
"You sit on me in- in- that," he gestured to her dress, "then expect me not to get a boner? You really are a fucking virgin, aren't you?" he asked irritated. She huffed and crossed her arms.
"Oh screw you Kinomoto!" she shouted.
Touya looked away and scoffed then turned back, his eyes slowly trailing up her slender legs deliberately. His lips curled into a smug smile.
"Anytime sweetheart."
Touya smiled to himself as he stole a glance at Kiisu who had reluctantly agreed to help him study since apparently this was her favourite topic. No matter how much he annoyed her she was still willing to help him and he found that admirable. She lifted her head from her notes to find him watching her. She exhaled sharply through her nose.
"Can I help you with something?" she asked looking quite annoyed. Touya grinned.
"Well if you're offering.. I know a spot here which is always vacant." He replied causing her to blush. "How shocking (!)" she said sarcastically then dropped her pen and crossed her arms. "I'm not studying with you if you're going to continue making crude comments like that." She said in a low voice looking around to see if anyone else had heard. Touya chuckled softly.
"Alright I'll stop. It's just those reading glasses of yours. You look like a sexy librarian right now." He drawled. Kiisu rolled her eyes.
"There's no such thing as a sexy librarian in real life. Maybe you should spend less time on misleading websites and more time studying!" she hissed. He grinned again.
"Which websites are these, Kiisu? Have you got one in mind?" he asked cheekily. Kiisu exhaled sharply again, her nose flaring as well as her cheeks.
"You're a pig." She said putting her glasses back on and going over her notes again. Touya laughed silently.
"And you're so easy to wind up." He mumbled before flicking a piece of paper at her to which she gave him a death glare. She stood up and loomed over him causing Touya's eyebrows stitched in worry.
"Where are you going?" he asked. She was still glaring at him when she turned.
"To look for a book." She said walking away.
Touya smirked to himself as he admired her legs in the dark grey skinny jeans she was wearing. He pushed back his chair silently and followed her, a cheeky smile adorning his lips. He found winding her up to be a great pass time for him. He watched in amusement as she fingered the books one by one mouthing the names to herself silently. She looked up at the books above her head then mouthed a small "aha!" with a click of her fingers and reached over for the book. Her face screwed in annoyance as she struggled to reach for the book. She sighed as she stretched further. Touya stood behind her leaning on some books and enjoying the view of her exposed skin as she struggled. Deciding that he had let her suffer enough, he approached her and reached up for the book, deliberately pressing his torso against her back in the process. She gasped at the contact, turning her head quickly to see who the perpetrator was then sighed when she saw it was him.
"What are you doing?" she asked through gritted teeth. Touya smirked.
"What does it look like I'm doing? I'm helping." He said deliberately letting the book slide through his fingers and pressing himself against her again, this time grazing his crotch against her behind. He heard a strangled gasp from her and smirked before finally grabbing the book and pulling it down.
"Here you go." He said handing her the book, a wide grin on his face. She gave him a half disgusted half astonished look and shook her head.
"You really are a piece of work aren't you?" she asked agitated. Touya's grin disappeared as he stepped forward. Kiisu took a step back hoping to create some distance when her back met the book shelf.
"Am I?" Touya asked closing in on her. "Then why don't you do me?" he asked, his eyes intensely violating hers. She swallowed hard then put her free hand out in front of her over his chest.
"Stop. Don't come any closer." She warned though her voice wasn't convincing either of them of her authority. Touya smirked and took another step, pressing her palm against his chest.
"Or what?" he asked, his warm breath tickling her face. Kiisu swallowed again and her cheeks felt warmer.
"You look a little flushed, Kiisu." Touya said resting an arm by her head. She tried to move to the side and escape but he put his other arm out trapping her.
"Are you nervous?" he asked his eyes still on hers. Her eyebrows stitched together in worry as she moved her hand off him and clutched the book across her chest with both arms. Her eyes dropped. Seconds later his index finger was under her chin, tilting her head to look at him.
"Cheer up kid, I'm only having a laugh." He said in a gentler voice. "Didn't mean to upset you." He moved his other arm away freeing her from his block and she scurried away back to the desk. He shook his head and sighed.
"Guess the fun's over." He said to himself then shrugged and walked back.
.
Eriol plated up the last of the food then took it to the table where his friends were sat down eagerly awaiting breakfast. Sakura clasped her hands together and grinned at the food in front of her. "Itadakimasu!" she chirped then got stuck in. Syaoran sniggered at her and she turned her head towards him.
"What?" she asked with a pout. He shook his head then ruffled her hair.
"You're just so darn cute." He replied with a grin. Sakura blushed.
"Stop that." She said smacking his hand away. Tomoyo giggled at the two then turned to Eriol.
"This is delicious sweetie." She said taking a bite and letting out a satisfied moan. Eriol raised an eyebrow playfully.
"Anything to elicit that sound from you darling." He said with a wink. Syaoran scoffed.
"Guys please, we're trying to eat breakfast here." He said flustered. He turned back to Sakura.
"So where do you want to go..?" he asked in an ambiguous tone. Eriol interjected.
"Are you two going somewhere? Where's our invite?" he asked. Syaoran blushed then glared at him.
"Yes, we are going on a date. Did you want to join us?" he asked through gritted teeth. Clearly reading people wasn't Eriol's forte as he grinned sheepishly.
"A double date? Sure, we would love to, wouldn't we darling?" he asked Tomoyo enthusiastically. Tomoyo, who thankfully was very observant, chuckled nervously.
"No sweetie, I think they should go on their first date alone. I'm sure they don't need an audience."
Eriol frowned. "Alright. Though they sure love being in the audience when they're not wanted." He said looking at Sakura. She blushed.
"For the last time Eriol, it was an accident. Do you think I want to see you butt naked?!" she asked flustered. Tomoyo laughed at her outburst and Eriol hummed. "Maybe." He replied, grinning at a blushing Sakura. Syaoran groaned in disgust at the visual image that appeared in his head. He ate his food quietly.
"Syaoran, no. I don't really have anything particular in mind." Sakura said in response to his earlier question. Syaoran nodded.
"Okay. Well I was thinking we could go roller skating but I'm not sure where we would fit food in as we'll probably want to go home and shower after skating." He said then continued eating. When he looked up he saw everyone's gaze on him. "What?" he asked defensively.
"You? You want to go roller skating?" Tomoyo asked. "Don't you remember the roller skating fiasco of '08? You swore never to wear a pair of skates again." She reminded him. Eriol laughed.
"The what? What happened?" he asked. Tomoyo giggled. "Let's just say Syaoran learned how to do the splits that day."
Eriol groaned and screwed up his face as though in pain. "Ouch." He said. He turned to Syaoran. "Are you crazy? You want to go through that again? Are you missing the pain?" he asked. Tomoyo leaned in to whisper something to Eriol and he sniggered. "Maybe." He replied laughing. Syaoran glared at them.
"What was that?" he asked crossing his arms. Eriol shrugged. "Tomoyo was just suggesting perhaps you might find pleasure in pain." He said with a grin. Syaoran scowled.
"Har har very funny."
"I don't get it." Sakura said looking at them. "What does that mean? You like being hurt? Why would anybody want that? Why have you turned red Syaoran? Are you sick?"
Syaoran shook his head then stood up, picking up his plate and taking it over to the sink. Tomoyo giggled. "I'll explain it to you later sweetie." She said to Sakura. The plate clattered in the sink as Syaoran turned around.
"Please don't explain it to her." He said walking back to the table. The vein by his temple was throbbing as he stood behind Sakura and covered her ears with his hands. "You two should keep your sexual innuendos and dirty minds to yourselves. You worry about me taking advantage and then you fill her head with all this crap! Stop it!" he hissed at Tomoyo and Eriol. They both started laughing.
"Fine, we'll stop." Eriol said. Tomoyo leaned in again and whispered something to her boyfriend. He nodded. "I know. It's slightly disturbing." He replied. Syaoran went red.
"What was that?"
"Oh nothing. Don't worry, we won't ruin her for you." Tomoyo said with a cheeky grin. Syaoran huffed and pulled a face at her. He moved his hands from Sakura's ears then sat down next to her.
"I don't want to take you on a typical date to the movies and I thought you might love to go roller-skating since it's kind of your thing." He shrugged. "You used to go everywhere with those pink skates of yours and you always looked so happy doing it." He said with a smile that caused Sakura's stomach to do a flip. Oh no, not this again, thought Sakura.
"That's very thoughtful Syao-kun." She said smiling back at him. "And so sweet."
.
Touya watched Kiisu cross the threshold into the house she called home, Touya drummed his fingers on the steering wheel waiting for her to shut the door. It was the least he could do after she spent the whole day helping him study so when she said she was going home he somehow convinced her to follow him home where he borrowed his father's car and gave her a more comfortable journey home. In his opinion, not hers. She mentioned something about chancing it with the perverts on the bus as they weren't as bad as him. Touya chuckled to himself as he remembered the comment.
When she didn't close the door, he decided to wait a while longer, curiosity getting the better of him. He rolled down the window and could hear what sounded like an argument between her and who he could only assume was her father. As the voices got louder, he had already taken his seat belt off and unlocked the car door. He wouldn't just walk in there if they were having a normal dispute but this sounded like something was escalating and he couldn't bear the thought of her getting hurt. Shutting the car door he edged closer to the house. The sound of dull thud made him fasten his pace as he listened closely. A glass smashing. A scream. Touya heart rapped frantically against his ribcage as he approached the door.
"Kiisu?" he asked cautiously, his eyes widening at the sight before him. She was on the ground, back against the wall, legs sprawled out, head lolling to the side. "Kiisu!" he called out as he rushed by her side. She turned to look at him, a gash on the side of her forehead weeping blood.
"Touya. It's okay, just go. I'm fine." She murmured, her words barely eligible. Touya's head turned to the perpetrator to his right who had now passed out on the sofa, a bottle hanging from his hands. The bottle fell to the ground as he muttered harshly under his breath. Before he could explode, Kiisu's hand was on his cheek, forcing him to look at her.
"Don't. Please." She begged him, her silver eyes a dull grey now.
"Let's go." He said pulling her up slowly. She shook her head. "No. I'm fine, really. It's just a scratch." She said.
"Just. Shut up." Touya shut his eyes in frustration. "I'm not leaving you here with him." There was no convincing him, though she tried. His grip on her hand tightened as he led her out of the house, closing the door behind them.
.
"Sakura's not home tonight so you can stay in her room." He said as he led her up the stairs and into his room. She sat on the bed obligingly as he went to get a first aid kit. She breathed shallowly, unable to collect her thoughts.
Touya returned with the kit and a damp white cloth in his hand. He bent down in front of her and placed the kit on Kiisu's lap. Holding her chin gently with one hand, he dabbed the cloth on her forehead with the other. She flinched at the stinging sensation. Touya pulled back slightly.
"Sorry." He whispered. "You have to clean it to avoid getting an infection." He explained then continued. Once he was satisfied the wound was clean he took a little bit of ointment and applied it using his little finger. Kiisu sighed. The cool gel felt soothing against the stinging cut. Touya looked at her with sympathetic eyes before reaching for a sterile bandage and applying it over the wound, pressing it place. When he finished Kiisu bowed her head, avoiding his gaze. Her hair fell in front of her eyes as she whispered those two little words that made him want to punch the wall.
"I'm sorry."
Touya sighed heavily as he closed the first aid kit and put it on the dresser next to him. "What are you sorry about? Lying to me?" he asked lifting her chin. "You said he was harmless. This." He said caressing his thumb over her forehead. "This isn't harmless." he said his eyes drilling into hers. She sniffed, blinking back tears.
"He's not usually like this. Just- when he's had too much he-"
Touya sighed again then rubbed his hands over his face.
"Just- get some rest. Do you want some painkillers?" he asked. Kiisu shook her head. He moved off the floor and rummaged through his wardrobe where he pulled out a pair of chequered red pants and a grey t shirt.
"You can wear these. They're clean." He said handing her the clothes. She took them and stood up. Touya showed her into Sakura's room and then let her change. When he knocked on the door and received no answer he slowly opened it, announcing his presence. Kiisu was sat on the bed, still dressed in her own clothes. She had a photo frame in her hand. It was the one Sakura kept by her bed of Nadeshiko. Her eyes were filled with tears and Touya came and sat next to her.
"She was beautiful, huh?" Kiisu nodded. She chewed on her lip for a few seconds. "I can't stay." She said setting the photo back in its place by the bed. "I need to go back-"
"What! You're not going back there Kiisu. Don't be fucking stupid." Touya said standing up. Kiisu stood up too, her eyebrows furrowing in anger.
"I'm going back, Touya. You can't stop me. I need to be there." She said walking past him. Touya grabbed her arm.
"Kiisu!" he yelled, trying to drum sense into her.
"Let me go." She yelled desperately.
"No!" he said forcing her to face him. Tears streamed down her face as she struggled to wipe her eyes. His eyebrows stitched together in anger and worry as he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her, allowing her to let it all out. She shoved her fists against him refusing his help and wanting to run back to her familiar place but he squeezed her tighter until she gave in.
"It's okay. You're safe here." He whispered against her ear. "You're okay."
.
Touya stirred in his sleep, whimpering silently as he attempted to save the girl in his dreams from the ominous shadow that was dragging her away. He ran and ran towards her but he couldn't seem to get close enough. Every time he thought he was there he would reach his fingers out to grab on but she slipped right through them like smoke.
"(Save me!)" She yelled, her words haunting him.
"I will. I'll save you." Touya mumbled, his own voice waking him up.
"Kiisu?" he whispered opening his eyes to see a sleeping figure next to him. "K-Kiisu." He said slightly taken back. He never heard her coming in during the night. She stirred in her sleep, reaching for the covers but grabbing his arm instead and wrapping it around her waist. He flinched and wondered if he should move it but he she looked so peaceful that he didn't want to wake her.
"Onee-chan! I'm back!" Sakura's cheery voice yelled as she opened the door. She gasped at the sight of Kiisu in her brother's bed with Touya's arm around her.
"Woops, sorry." She whispered backing away slowly and shutting the door gently.
"Hm?" Kiisu stirred again then opened her eyes slowly. Her hand was still clutching Touya's arm and when she realised she slowly turned onto her back then darted her eyes to the right where Touya was grinning at her cheekily.
"Morning sweetheart." He said in a husky voice. She quickly jumped out of the bed.
"S-sorry I-" she stammered. His chuckle seemed to make the awkwardness dissipate.
"It's okay but erm- Sakura's back. She-" he said cocking his head. Kiisu gasped and her hands shot to her face.
"(Aw crap !)"
.
"What a pleasant surprise to have you join us, Miss Sohma." Fujitaka said taking a bite of his breakfast.
"Thanks for letting me stay." Kiisu replied turning into a tomato.
"That's quite alright. Touya tells me that they are doing some work at your house. You're more than welcome to stay here. Of course..." Fujitaka cleared his throat then looked down at his plate. "Perhaps more appropriate sleeping arrangements can be made. I appreciate that you and Touya are adults but I don't think it sets a very good example for my teenage daughter." Fujitaka finished. Touya almost choked on his food and Kiisu bowed her head in shame as well as to hide how red her cheeks had turned. Touya swallowed his food then spoke up.
"Dad! I told you I slept on the floor." He said avoiding Sakura's gaze.
"In any case. Perhaps Kiisu-san can sleep in Sakura's room. I can arrange for-"
"Thank you but that won't be necessary, I won't be staying tonight." Kiisu said, finally looking up. "Thank you so much for the hospitality Kinomoto-san."
"Are you sure? Do you have somewhere else to go?" Fujitaka asked. Kiisu nodded. Fujitaka also nodded. "Okay but honestly you can stay here anytime." He said with a kind smile that warmed Kiisu's heart. He looked at his watch then excused himself.
"I must be off to work now. Have a great day kids." He said standing up. He walked over and placed a kiss on top of Sakura's head. "Be good." He smiled before leaving. Kiisu smiled sadly at the image of the father and daughter relationship she secretly yearned for. Touya sipped on his coffee and stole a look at her, noticing that she had barely touched her food.
"Why aren't you eating?" he asked. She looked up at him with a heart-breaking smile.
"I'm not that hungry." She replied. "I-I should go. Sorry for crashing your family breakfast." She said turning to Sakura. "And thanks for not saying anything to your dad. I mean it was all innocent anyway but-"
Touya tutted. "You don't have to explain yourself to her." He said receiving a glare from Sakura.
"It's fine. I'm sure you're smarter than to get involved with this baka!"
"Like you can talk, Kaiju!" Touya retorted at his sister. She huffed.
"I told you to stop calling me that! Gaki!"
Kiisu laughed at the sibling rivalry and Touya smiled, glad to finally see her smile. Sakura, realising they had a guest smiled sheepishly. "Sorry Kiisu-san. My onee-chan can bring out the worst of me." She said blushing. Touya snorted.
"That would insinuate you had a good side, kaiju!"
"It's fine. I know how much your brother loves to wind people up, ne?" she said turning to Touya who scowled at her.
"Aren't guests supposed to be polite?" he asked darting his eyes to the side. Kiisu smiled. "Well this guest is leaving now." She said standing up. "Arigatou gozaimasu." She said and smiled at Sakura.
"Wait! I'm coming with you." Touya said quickly following her. As he put his shoes on Kiisu opened the door then let out a small gasp.
"Yuki-chan! You startled me." She said taking a step back. Yukito smiled his usual friendly and unconditional smile.
"Ohayo. Gomen nasai, I didn't mean to." He said. "I didn't expect to see you here." He said then seeing Touya in the background raised his hand as a greeting.
"Ohayo."
Touya simply cocked his head at him. Yukito turned his attention back to Kiisu, his expression turning to worry as he noticed a small plaster on her forehead. She had successfully hidden it with her hair at breakfast but it became exposed when she jumped back.
"What happened here? Are you okay?" he asked worriedly as his hand instinctively reached to brush her hair back to inspect the cut. Kiisu nodded, her cheeks warming up.
"Oh that's nothing, I just had a bit of an accident last night but I'm fine. Sorry for worrying you." She said with a smile.
"Kiisu-san, you got hurt?" Sakura asked coming up from behind her. "Is that what the first aid kit was doing in Touya's room.." she said trailing off before Yukito's voice brought her back.
"Ohayo Sakura-chan!" he said cheerily.
"Ohayo Yuki-chan!" she replied brightly. Touya shoved her aside gently. "Go away. Don't you have your own friends to annoy Kaiju?" he asked. She glared at him and stomped on his foot leaving him hopping on one foot in pain and cursing under his breath. She smiled in satisfaction as she walked over to clear the table.
"Would you like some breakfast Yuki-chan? There's plenty!" she called out.
"No thank you, I've already had some." Yukito replied then turned back to Kiisu. "How did you get that cut?" he asked. Kiisu squirmed under his gaze then looked at Touya.
"She knocked it off the side of the dresser, isn't that right, bukiyou?(clumsy)" Touya answered. He ran his fingers through the side of his hair and cleared his throat. "We were revising for the psych exam last night." A strange feeling overcoming him as he lied to his best friend. Yukito nodded.
"I see." He said then frowned. "You should be more careful, you could have seriously hurt yourself." He said ruffling Kiisu's hair. She nodded. "Hai." She said moving past him and waving at them.
..
Kiisu tutted when she spotted Touya heading her way. She crossed her arms and looked the other way, hoping the bus would pull up and save her from the moment she was about to have. She looked at the watch on her wrist and sighed. The bus wasn't coming for another twenty minutes. She leaned against the bus stop and crossed her legs and arms hoping he would take the hint.
"If you're going to start on me now, please don't…" she began before he could even speak. She sighed wearily then shut her eyes, angling her head up so she could soak in the morning sun. Although there was a crisp chill in the air, the sun's rays felt warm against her skin. Touya watched in awe as the sunlight illuminated her face; she resembled a fallen angel.
"I appreciate your concern but there really is no need to worry. Last night... was an accident. Just believe me on that." She said softly. A shadow overcame her view as she felt the heat dissipate, leaving her face feeling cool. She opened her eyes to find the culprit who had blocked the sun. His unflinching deep brown eyes exuded worry, frustration and anger all at once. The two lines in between in eyes looked as though they were set in stone. Kiisu's lips carved into a small smile as she reached over and gently poked him in the area.
"Don't frown too much, this will stay like this." She teased. His hand jerked up to her wrist in a swift motion, holding on tightly. Startled by the sudden action Kiisu gasped. She looked at him with wide unhopeful eyes. His grip loosened on her wrist into a gentle hold as he lowered her hand from his face and let go. She looked up at him, her eyes darting back and forth at his own. She parted her lips and swallowed hard, trying to read his thoughts.
"Just stop." She said letting her eyes drop. "Stop trying to save me," she whispered finally looked up at him. His face had turned red, his breathing was heavy, his chest puffing. When he stepped forward she squeezed her eyes shut. Then she felt his hands on her jaw, warm against her cold cheeks. She gasped and opened her eyes to stare into his deep hazel orbs, noting the gold flecks in the corner of his irises she had never seen before.
"You're so annoying." He whispered, his warmth breath tickling her cheeks and lips. She felt her cheeks warming up and exhaled sharply.
"Sorry to be such a bother." She said rolling her eyes. Touya smiled and rolled his eyes playfully. He looked off into the distance tapping his foot.
"Your bus is here." He said turning back to look at her. "Let me come with you." He pleaded, his intense gaze returning. He swallowed hard and focused his attention on her lips so he didn't drown in her orbs. Kiisu shook her head.
"I'll be okay." she replied.
..
It had become a ritual for her whenever she returned home. Ever since the first day back when she hesitantly pushed back that door and she was hit with waves of those horrific memories which caused her to freeze, fear chilling her bones and paralysing her. Ever since that day she would stand by the door and chant a mantra to herself to calm herself down and to keep those haunting memories at bay. She slowly reached out a hand and pushed back the door gently, half expecting to see her mother's lifeless body lying in a fresh pool of blood, a large kitchen knife by her frail pale hand. The crimson red blood on her snow white body seeming almost poetic and sinful all at once.
So she had her ritual. Her mantra. "You'll be okay." She repeated the chant three times then pushed back the door, steeling herself. She let out a deep sigh at the sight of her father. When her mother wasn't haunting her, her father was taunting her with his own form of grieving. She understood his suffering, it was natural to grieve over the death of your spouse but she did not agree with his means. He was sat on the sofa (his permanent residence) more drunk than she had ever seen him, yet he reached over for the whisky bottle on the table. Anger gnawed at her bones, disgusted and having had enough of this. She took quick steps towards him then reached for the bottle herself. He grumbled angrily and attempted to stand up, just about making it. He reached for the bottle in her hand and they both wrestled for possession of it. She couldn't remembered how she stumbled back or how she managed to hit her head on the corner on the wooden cabinet by the door but she did, falling back against the wall to steady herself. That's when he had walked in. Touya Kinomoto. She couldn't blame him for thinking the worst. There was her father in his not so finest moment and her having fallen flat on her butt, blood trickling down her face. No, she couldn't blame him for misreading the situation. It really wasn't father's fault, if anything it was her own for thinking she could out-wrestle him, but she understood how it might have seemed from Touya's perspective.
That didn't matter now, she had to return home to see how he was doing. If she didn't fix him food he never ate as he never bothered to look. She wondered how he had managed on his own before she came back home. It was apparent that her arrival had fuelled his descent down this dark path. She cursed herself for resembling her mother. The fates had indeed played a cruel joke on her, leaving her without a mother and yet a permanent reminder of her every time she looked in the mirror. She had her hair, dark as night; and her ghostly grey eyes. She also inherited the beauty spot that was imbedded on her top lip just right of her cupids bow as well as the light speckled freckles that were carelessly scattered across the bridge of her nose and cheeks. She hated it. She sighed wearily as she pinched the bridge of her nose with her thumb and forefinger. She had considered leaving home many times before but two things always held her back. One; she had nowhere else to go and no money to afford rent anywhere decent. She could get a job but even then she could probably only afford to pay half the price which meant she would have to move in with a stranger and she had enough bad experiences at her old boarding school to put her off having a roommate for life. The other reason, of course was that she felt obligated to look after her father. If she abandoned him, where would he be? Where was he when you needed him? When he sent you off to boarding school? She shook the thoughts away. He was still her father. She felt a vibration in her pocket and pulled out her phone. It was a message from Touya.
Hey trouble. Let me know you're okay. Call me if you need anything.
A small smile formed on her lips at the message.
.
"You're gonna miss your chance if you haven't already." Sakura sang as she splashed the last plate with soapy water. She squeezed the soft sponge and watched the foam cover the plate. She heard Yukito clear his throat and sip on his tea.
"What are you talking about?" He asked, although she knew very well he knew what she meant. She rinsed the plate then placed it on the rack to dry. She picked up a dish cloth and dried her hands on it before bunching it up and throwing it at Yukito's head. He caught it before it hit him in the face then laughed.
"Hey! You like me remember? I'm the brother you wish you had." He reminded her of her words then threw the cloth back at her. She caught it and put it back in its place then walked towards the table, taking a seat next to him.
"That's precisely why I'm telling you this. Kiisu-chan slept here last night." She said widening her eyes and raising her eyebrows at him.
"Yeah, so?"
"In my onee-chan's room." She continued. Yukito nodded slowly. "Okay... where did Touya sleep?" He asked.
"In his bed!"
"So he let Kiisu-chan sleep on the floor?" He asked shocked. "And she was hurt as well!"
Sakura leaned over and smacked him on the side of the head. Yukito pouted.
"You're mean."
"They slept together! In his bed!" Sakura hissed.
"Maybe she just didn't want to sleep in your room with you..." Yukito suggested.
"My room was free last night. I slept at Tomoyo-chan's." She said, a blush slowly creeping to her cheeks. "Anyway, I'm only letting you know what I saw. I don't know if anything happened but.. If you like her then you need to say something. I know he's my onee-chan but we both know what he's like with girls and Kiisu-chan doesn't deserve that." She said. When she heard Touya's key in the door she jumped up and quickly ran towards the stairs but not before she turned to him, balled her hands into fists and shook them at him. "Team Yuki!" She cheered quietly before disappearing up the stairs. Yukito laughed.
Touya walked through the door with a huff. He kicked off his shoes then slipped his house slippers on and shuffled over to the kitchen. He poured himself a mug of coffee then joined Yukito at the table.
"You're grumpier than usual. What's up?" Yukito asked. Touya grunted and shrugged his shoulders. "Nothing." He replied. "I'm tired."
"What really happened with Kiisu?" Yukito asked pulling a few notebooks out of his bag. Surprised at the question, Touya looked up from his coffee. Yukito smiled. "I've known you long enough to know when you're lying to me."
Touya frowned. "I can't tell you." He replied looking back down at the mug in his hands. He picked it up and brought it up to his lips, taking a long sip. Yukito scowled at him.
"Is this some weird sex thing that resulted in an injury?" he asked. Touya choked on his coffee and spluttered the drink all over the table. Yukito scooted his chair back. Touya grabbed a handful of paper towels and cleaned himself up.
"What kind of question is that!?" he asked. "No it was not a weird sex thing, jeez!" he yelled, his face turning scarlet. Yukito shrugged.
"She did stay the night and the injury occurred sometime last night I presume." Yukito replied. "And it wouldn't be the first time it's happened to you." He said bursting into laughter. Touya growled and got up to fetch a damp dish cloth to clean the table.
"I didn't sleep with her!" he yelled scrubbing the table harshly. Yukito laughed.
"Okay, if you say so. How else can you explain what I saw this morning? Kiisu rushing out, you running after her. You have to admit it does look suspicious." He said watching Touya intently. Touya stopped cleaning and looked over at him.
"Believe what you like."
"So nothing happened?"
Touya hesitated then resumed his circular motions on the table in an attempt to act nonchalant.
"Nothing happened." He replied then stopped cleaning and looked over at Yukito, his hand clutching the cloth tightly.
"Why do you care anyway, I thought you didn't like her." He said raising an eyebrow. Yukito cleared his throat and shrugged.
"When did I say that?" he asked looking at his mug. He heard Touya exhale sharply through his nose.
"Stop beating around the bush. If you like her, tell me."
"Why, do you like her?" Yukito asked. He reached over for his bag and pulled out a few books. Touya took the cloth and walked over to the sink where he rinsed it and hung it on the side to air out. He returned to the table and pulled his chair out. He looked at Yukito smugly.
"I asked first."
Yukito pulled one of the books in front of him. He opened it and scanned the words absentmindedly.
"Yes," he said lifting his eyes off the page to look at Touya who took the seat opposite him. "I do. Do you?" Yukito asked. Touya reached over and took the book from Yukito, setting it before himself. He swallowed hard as he processed the information in front of him then lifted his left shoulder in a shrug.
"Maybe."
Yukito hummed in thought then pulled the book back to his side. "This is odd. We've never liked the same girl before."
Touya smiled and reached for the book again. He flipped through the pages casually.
"Not for a long time anyway." He replied in a low voice. Yukito's ears pricked up.
"Huh? Who are you talking about?" he asked. Touya shook his head.
"No one, never mind."
"No seriously, tell me." Yukito implored. Touya sighed. He shut the book then slid it across the table. Yukito stopped it when it reached him.
"Let's study." Touya said reaching for a textbook in the pile Yukito had taken out of his bag.
Yukito nodded. "Okay. Speaking of the past, guess who is back in town? Yuri." He said casually then proceeded to read his own book. Touya's head whipped up so fast he felt he may have given himself whiplash. "W-what?"
"Yeah, I heard she's back now. She only went abroad to study and now she's finished." He explained. Touya fiddled with the corner of the page he was on, avoiding Yukito's gaze.
"Why didn't you say anything sooner? Have you seen her?" he asked. Yukito smiled. "I was going to tell you yesterday. And no, I thought we could go together. I know she'd love to see you. She always used to ask about you whenever we spoke after she moved."
"She did?" Touya asked in a voice lacking confidence that it was unusual. Yukito nodded again. "Yes, of course. Weren't you two super close?"
Touya nodded. "I guess." Yukito laughed. "You guess? I often worried that my best friend and my girlfriend were going to run off together." Yukito admitted still laughing. Touya rolled his eyes with a smile.
"Oh yeah we definitely planned to." He joked.
.
.
.
Touya's usual cool and calm demeanour was replaced by a nervous twitchy one. He patted his pockets rapidly then readjusted his jacket before running his hands through his hair.
"I need a smoke." He said pulling out his packet and fished out a cigarette then tapped it against the carton. Yukito laughed.
"You know how she felt about them. Plus you'll smell." He said with a wide smile. Touya scowled then returned the cigarette back in its carton before putting them away. Kiisu raised an eyebrow recalling the numerous times she voiced her own opinion about smoking yet he never listened once.
"I'm going to the rest room. I'll be right back." Touya announced then strolled away.
"What's up with him, isn't Yuri-san your ex?" Kiisu asked feeling somewhat peeved. Yukito laughed.
"Yes but Touya and Yuri were very close." He replied.
"They were?"
"Mmhm." Yukito nodded.
When Touya returned, he stood by the table looming over them.
"Sit down." Kiisu said. Touya shook his head.
"No, I'm okay." He replied. His eyes darted to the door then widened with excitement as a tall slender girl with waist length dark ash coffee coloured hair walked in. Her eyes lit up when she saw Yukito and she hurriedly walked towards them. She was wearing a long sleeved floral patterned green kimono style summer dress that fell two inches above her knees. The material of the dress was a soft flowy material that glided effortlessly with her and matched her light green eyes as well as her nude coloured ankle boots and matching purse. When she reached the table Yukito stood and bowed respectfully unsure of how to greet her after so long but with a wave of her perfectly manicured fingers she pulled him into a hug.
"Yukito-chan, it's been so long. How have you been?" she took in his form and gasped. "Wow, you look exactly the same except a little bit taller I guess. Still as cute as ever though." She said pulling away and observing his face. Yukito's cheeks tinted sightly.
"Yuri-chan, welcome back." He replied then he gestured to Kiisu who had also stood up and was smiling politely at Yuri. "Yuri-chan, this is Kiisu-chan." He told her then he turned to Kiisu. "This is Yuri-chan, an old friend of ours."
Kiisu bowed her head at the brunette who did the same. "It's very nice to meet you. I've heard great things from Yukito-chan." Kiisu said. Yuri let out a small laugh.
"I hope so." She replied grinning at Yukito. A clear of his throat caused Yuri to turn to Touya who towered over her. She gasped as she was forced to look up at him.
"Touya?" she asked. "Oh my gosh, that can't be you. You've grown so much!" she said placing her hands on his forearms. He flashed a bashful grin at her and nodded. Her light green eyes widened in astonishment as she embraced him. Kiisu watched as his eyes closed and a small smile appeared on his face as he wrapped his arms around Yuri. She couldn't explain the disappointment she felt in that moment.
.
"Gosh Touya, you've really changed. You look so different- I can't put my finger on it." Yuri commented as she scanned his face. She turned to Kiisu. "You would not believe how sweet and innocent he looked only a few years back. And now-" she turned back to Touya.
"You seem to have this tall dark mysterious vibe about you, huh?" she winked at him and Touya felt his cheeks warming up.
"I was never sweet or innocent." He said screwing his face at her. Yuri laughed turning to Yukito.
"Am I wrong?" she asked with a bright smile. "Wasn't he always a sweetheart?"
Kiisu let out a silent scoff which made Yukito laugh. "Ree, everyone was a sweetheart to you although I am quite surprised that Touya was no exception. He's got a reputation to uphold now." He teased, his eyes now on Touya who scowled at him. Yuri laughed again then reached over and pinched Touya's cheek.
"You will always be the sweet boy who shared half his sandwich with me." She smiled. Yukito pinched the other cheek.
"And me." He teased. Touya's face turned red. He shook their hands away.
"Leave me alone, will ya? And you!" he turned to Yukito. "I didn't share it, you just took it from my hand!"
Yukito laughed nervously. "Well I forgot mine too." He said with a shrug. Kiisu laughed at the threesome as they chattered about past memories. After a while, Yuri turned to her with an apologetic smile.
"I'm sorry Kiisu-chan, you must be feeling left out. Now that you've heard about the past, why don't you fill me in on the present? What are these two like now, hmm?" she asked with a wink. "Don't be afraid to tell the truth."
Kiisu blushed. "I, well- I mean."
"I'm going to get some drinks from the bar." Touya announced standing up. Yuri nodded.
"I'll come with you. You keep thinking Kiisu-chan!" she giggled as she slipped her arm through Touya's and walked away with him. Kiisu let out a sigh of relief. Yukito chuckled.
"Are you okay? You're not feeling weird or awkward are you?" He asked. Kiisu shook her head and watched Yuri and Touya at the bar. Their smiles hid secrets only they appeared to share.
"Touya looks really happy, ne?" she asked. Yukito nodded.
"Mm. He's always had a soft spot for Yuri-chan." Then his smile waded. "A lot of girls find her intimidating but don't let that get to you." He said nudging her playfully with his shoulder.
"What do you mean?" Kiisu asked. "I mean she's nice. And beautiful. Smart.. And easy going... Okay I see where you're coming from." She said coyly. "She's perfect."
Yukito laughed. "You're funny. And all of the above. And you're not totally an insult to the eyes I guess." He said with a playful roll of his eyes. Kiisu pulled a face.
"Hey! Cheeky." She said nudging him back.
.
"So..." Yuri began as they waited for their drinks. She turned her head to look at Yukito and Kiisu. "Are those two dating?" she asked Touya. He laughed.
"What? I'm curious." Yuri said with a straight face. Touya smirked.
"Were you hoping to rekindle the old flame?" he teased. Yuri blushed and slapped him on the arm.
"Tell me."
Touya shook his head. "They're not together..."
"But he likes her, right? I can tell. He's got that same look in his eyes that he used to have when he looked at me." She said looking back at Yukito. Touya nodded.
"I guess." He said glancing at Yuri's pouty face. The waiter caught their attention and placed a tray on the counter with a selection of drinks they had ordered. Touya paid him then grabbed each side of the tray when he felt a hand on his arm.
"Touya," Yuri began with wide hopeful eyes. "Do an old friend a favour..."
.
"Kiisu-chan! Don't just sit there looking bashful. Come on." Yuri said handing her a shot glass. Before she accepted it Touya took the glass from Yuri.
"She doesn't drink." He told Yuri who turned to Kiisu.
"You don't?" she asked.
"Actually, I do." Kiisu replied taking the shot glass from Touya's hand and downing it quickly then placed the shot glass down on the table. She grimaced at the taste and Yukito and Yuri both laughed at the face she pulled. She took the lemon wedge that had come with it and sucked on it. Her throat felt like it was on fire and her eyes began watering.
"Don't worry, after a few you won't even notice the taste anymore." Yuri said as she picked up a full shot glass and was convincing Touya to have it, Yukito leaned closer to Kiisu.
"Hey, you don't have to do anything you're not comfortable with." He whispered. Kiisu blushed and nodded. She took the lemon out of her mouth.
"I know. It's just been a while since I've had a drink that's all." She muffled. In truth she had a feeling she would be needing something to take off the edge this evening as it was sure to be a long night.
Touya didn't need much convincing. He took the shot straight and didn't bat an eyelid as he tapped the glass on the table and looked at Kiisu with intelligible eyes. She rolled her eyes at him.
"Kiisu-chan." Yuri said passing her another shot glass. Kiisu took the glass and downed it again very quickly. She grimaced again shutting her eyes and sticking her tongue out in disgust. Her eyesight became blurry as she tried to pry her eyes open. She could see Touya's hand twitching as it closed around the small glass on the table. When it came back to Kiisu again she reached over for the glass now feeling a little bit positive since the bitter taste was wearing off and her insides suddenly felt warm and fuzzy. As the cold glass touched her wet lips Touya reached over and took it from her, downing it instead.
"Hey no fair. That was mine." She whined. Touya smirked.
"Are you whining right now? I think that's enough for you missy." He said getting up. "Let me take you home." He said helping her up. She wrapped her arms around him to steady herself. "I don't wanna go home." She moaned. Yukito stood up.
"Shall we go back to mine? It's not too far from here and I have a spare room since my roommate moved out."
Yuri jumped out. "You moved out of your parents' house Yuki-chan? Ooh let's go, I want to see your new place!" she squealed excitedly.
.
"This is an uncomfortable ride." Kiisu whined grabbing Touya's shoulders. He chuckled.
"Just hold on tight, we're almost there." He said looking ahead at Yukito and Yuri. She had wrapped her arm around Yukito's and was resting her head against his shoulder. Yukito didn't seem to mind but his own body language was giving off a casual vibe. Once they reached Yukito's apartment Touya set Kiisu down.
"Oh yay that ride was making me nauseous." She said, squinting her eyes to look at him. Touya scowled at her.
"You're welcome. Piggy back rides aren't known to be comfortable."
Kiisu shrugged. "Thanks. Yuki-chan how come I've never been to yours before? It's really nice. And so tidy." She said turning her attention to the simply decorated but tasteful apartment.
"I've never brought a girl back here." Yukito said then realising what he said could be mis-interpreted he stammered.
"I mean we had a rule. I wasn't allowed to bring girls round and she didn't bring any boys round, not even friends." He explained. Kiisu giggled.
"Oh okay sorry I assumed you lived with a guy."
Yukito laughed. "I'm not so old-fashioned, I am quite open minded you know." He said walking down the corridor. "I'll give you the tour next time, but this is my room." He said opening the door then closing it. He pointed to the room next to it. "This is the spare room. Come." He said taking her by the hand. Once they were in the empty room he pointed to the neatly done bed. Kiisu sat down on the edge of the bed and Yukito bent down next to her. He reached for her feet and slipped off her shoes one at a time then gave each foot a small squeeze and rub. Kiisu giggled.
"That tickles!" she said pulling her feet up and crossing her legs. Yukito grinned at her. "Kiisu-chan. Sorry for allowing you to get like this. I wanted to respect your choices." He said looking down at her lap. She ruffled his hair causing him to look back up.
"You always do. I like that about you." Kiisu said with a small smile as she scanned his face. "Yuki-chan, I just want you to know that I'm so thankful to have you in my life-" her sentence was cut short by Yukito's lips as they pressed softly against hers. The kiss was short and sweet as though it needed no explanation but she certainly did. She was getting tired of these spontaneous unexplainable kisses she'd been receiving recently. Yukito pulled away, his cheeks pink with embarrassment but he smiled at her nonetheless, his light brown eyes looking into hers.
"Sorry," he said breaking the silence. "I like you a lot." As she looked at him, Kiisu caught a glimpse of Touya in the background from the corner of her eye. She opened her mouth to reply but Yukito stopped her. "You don't have to say anything. I just finally had the courage to say it... You should rest." He said rubbing the side of her arm. As he walked away Kiisu felt light headed. She lied down on the bed to steady herself. She didn't know why but she suddenly felt emotional at the thought of coming between the two boys who had given her more family than she had known her whole life. "I'm sorry." She whispered as she buried her face into the pillow. "I'm sorry."
.
After chattering and reminiscing about the past and a few bottles of beers Yukio groaned and lifted his heavy head.
"I'm calling it a night." He said struggling to get up.
"Boo!" Yuri jeered as she tugged on his pants. "Don't be such a girl."
Touya laughed. "I'm having de ja vu right now." He said. Yuri nodded and pointed at Touya then clicked her fingers.
"Senior year. Yuki's living room. His parents got back from their trip a day earlier and caught us." Touya nodded with a wide grin.
"We didn't see him for 2 weeks." He laughed. Yukito frowned.
"It was not funny. You two always dragged me into something or other. Whose idea was it to ditch, hmm?" he asked looking at Yuri with raised eyebrows. She grinned at him.
"It was actually Touya's but he knew you wouldn't say no to me." She said sticking her tongue out playfully. Yukito gasped and pointed at them both.
"You totally played me!" he said in a disgraced voice. Touya laughed. "It wasn't the first time either. If you would have just agreed from the start I wouldn't have resorted to such measures." He grinned. Yukito gave him daggers then chuckled.
"I've never been able to out-last you two so I shall bid you.. adieu." Yukito grinned giving them a salute. Yuri grinned back at him. "Goodnight sweetie."
"And then there were two." Touya said with a smug look on his face. Yuri laughed. "Yes we'll see who comes out on top." She said with a wink. Touya laughed as he lifted his glass to meet hers. "Challenge accepted." He said as the glasses made a clinking sound.
.
"Okay okay let's do lick drink suck." Yuri said with a giggle. "The kids at my university used to play it at parties."
"I like the sound of this game." Touya drawled, a cheeky smile playing on his lips.
"So what you do is.." Yuri said as she stood up and stumbled over to the kitchen area. She rifled through the cupboards then returned with a salt shaker then sat down next to Touya.
"Okay so what you do is.." she said slurring her words. Touya sniggered as he watched her explain the rules of the game. She was close enough that he could smell the faint scent of vanilla. He smiled remembering how she had always smelled like that. "Okay you ready?" she asked turning her head to face him. Her light green eyes rimmed with a pink glaze. He nodded and she grinned.
"Okay I'll go first." She said as she licked the back of her hand between her thumb and index finger before sprinkling some salt on the area. She picked up a slice of lime with the same hand as her other hand held the shot glass. She licked the salt off before downing her shot then quickly shoved the lime into her mouth, suckling on the citrus to eliminate the taste of the whisky. Touya grinned as he watched the face she pulled. She pointed towards him then the drink on the table then removed the lime from her mouth before licking the remainder of it from her lips. Touya's attention drifted towards her swollen pink lips. He licked his own lips then squinted his eyes and looked at her mysteriously. Yuri grinned.
"Touya Kinomoto, are you seriously giving me that look." She asked with a grin. He smirked at her. "I don't know what you mean." he said picking up the shot glass and sipping it. He stretched his jaw and winced.
"I need some lime." He said before leaning in and kissing her, licking her lips in the process. She placed her hand against his chest and pushed him away gently laughing.
"You have definitely changed. The old Touya would have never thought to do that." She said poking him in the chest. Touya smirked.
"Oh the old Touya thought about it, believe me. He just missed his chance that's all." He said giving her a knowing smile. Yuri's smile vanished.
"Oh." She said quietly as she thought about what he had just told her. He gave her a lopsided smile.
"Your turn." He said pouring her another drink. Yuri pulled a face and he laughed. "Come on. You don't wanna lose, do you?" he asked. Yuri groaned.
"I can't do it. You win." She said leaning back against the sofa.
"That's a shame." Touya said drinking it for her. "I was hoping you'd come out on top." He said suggestively before turning his body and leaning in to kiss her again. This time she didn't push him away.
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(A/n: Ooh, bad Touya! Hehe. Hope you guys enjoyed the chapter. Sorry for cutting the Syao/Saku bit short but there will be more of them in the upcoming chapter!
Also a bit of background on Yuri. She was an old school classmate of Touya and Yukito. Touya admired her (the only girl he's actually ever been nice to – shocking, I know haha) but of course he never said anything and in the end her and Yukito started dating. At some point she ended up having to move away to the states and now she's back to stir up some trouble I guess haha. No, well you'll find out why she came back next chapter :p anyway, til next time! ^_^ take care!)