Wings on Shadows
Chapter 2: Innocent Infatuations
By: Flamegaruru
FG: Well, we have gone through quite a, BIG, shock on Saturday. Takato admitted to liking Juri.
Ruki: ………
Takato: '_' I don't know if it's safe for me to be here anymore.
FG: Most likely not. Now, I must do a speech and then, on to the story!
Okay. So I watched the new episode on Saturday morning and froze, catching a few dozen flies in my mouth in the process. I knew I hated Daisuke for SOME reason! (JK Dai-chan!) I had a bad feeling about that episode; too much Rukato had been happening and so my hopes had to be shattered. Shattered, not destroyed. Daisukefire once said that 'while Jurato is hard to ignore (of course), Rukato is exotic'. It is, and therefore I shall not give up hope on it. After all, I am a Taiora supporter, and the creator of Digimon said they are together, so… And that ends my speech. I just want you other Rukato supporters out there not to give up hope (especially since we are seeing Ruki drop off romantic hints). See my quotes for this story below to see why.
Disclaimer: Do you seriously think I own Digimon? C'mon. If I did, this Saturday's episode would have been a LOT different for starters! So, no, I do not own Digimon. I hope the plot is mine, and that is all. I hope you enjoy. Oh, I also do not own the song 'Across the Tears'. I hope it is appropriate, although I am in a depressed mood myself.
"Faith is permitting ourselves to be seized by the things we do not see"- Martin Luther
"I used to think that if you looked too deeply into the glass, you would lose yourself"- Padmé Amidala
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Across the tears I'll find myself
Checking everything one by one
To a tomorrow where I can be myself
Running through the morning to the park where you wait for me
My shoes are getting tight again
Ruki laid sprawled on her bed, her eyes fixed on the luminescent stars glittering the sky. Reluctantly she tore her gaze from them and sighed, remembering the day's not so fun events.
First off, she had to go through two hours of dining etiquette, endure another hour or so of dress fittings, be attacked by a psychotic Count, and go for four hours of immense boredom at a treaty dinner, which required much sitting, and even more arguing. Of course, when she was 'attacked', Ruki had to get away from danger and that's when she met Takato. So maybe her day wasn't all that bad. Ruki smirked a bit and crawled under the covers. A few minutes later, Ruki drifted off into sleep…
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Takato stretched his long arms out as he walked across his small home. The little candle next to his bed burned brightly, softly accenting the walls. Takato walked slowly to his large bed, reminiscing about one of the best days of his life. He had met a wonderful girl with a bright personality, and she was very beautiful. After she had left, Takato had to tilt his head upwards to stop his nosebleed. (A/N: LOL) Of course it wasn't his fault that Ruki was a Princess. Yet, he still hadn't given up all hope of getting together with her. Besides, Takato had read fairy tales, too. The Princess always fell in love with the lowly farmboy and they had that nice happy ending. Takato rolled his eyes. Perhaps.
Takato pulled the warm blanket up to his chin. He'd be happy just being her friend. He'd still get to see her often. He would be able to do lots of things with her. Of course, there were other things he wanted to do other than talk. Takato wanted to lose himself in her fathomless eyes (and not feel guilty about it), to hold her in his arms, run his hands through, trail his fingers across her face, to become dizzy from her presence…off Takato escaped into the world of fantasies.
I can't seem to catch up with myself as I grow
My heart is the only thing that's hesitating
I want to be stronger, but for what?
I asked you, but
You just laughed as if I were strange
One week later
Ruki blinked drowsily. Why had Ryou gotten her up so early? What was she wearing a cloak for? Must she stealthily creep about the castle, her home? More importantly: how was she going to disembowel Ryou for not bringing any food? She was starving. Ruki glared at Ryou's back. I wonder if he is fully aware of the danger he's in. He had better have a good reason for dragging me out of bed.
Ruki stopped as they reached the horse pens. She smiled as Ryou led out her golden-colored horse, Kitsune. (A/N: Yami: Kitsune is a fox. Renamon is a fox! Isn't that brilliant? Rei: *drags Yami away by his ear* They get the picture, Yami-sama) After grabbing the reins, Ruki gently pet Kitsune's nuzzle. "I hope you're not as hungry as I am," Ruki whispered loud enough so Ryou could hear it.
" Sorry," Ryou sweatdropped under Ruki's stern glare. He led his horse out (A/N: Sorry. Couldn't think of anything that tied into Cyberdramon -.-'). " You know Jen sleeps next to the kitchen. He'd hear me and then we couldn't go where we're going now."
" Which is…?" Ruki prompted as they mounted their horses.
" It's a surprise," Ryou winked as they trotted westward.
" Better be worth skipping breakfast for," Ruki muttered.
As they continued to move west, Ruki sighed, remembering Ryou's excuse for being breakfast-less. Her father had engaged her to marry Jenrya on her nineteenth birthday. The day was only a week away. Ruki watched the birds flutter across the sky. I wish I didn't have to marry Jen. He's nice and all, but I don't want to marry someone Dad chose just to rule our kingdom.
Earlier that week, Ruki had told these feelings to her grandmother. She told Ruki that she sadly had no choice in the matter. She should try to like Jen more. Her grandma smiled at her. Then she said it was more important to fall in love than just be married off to someone you didn't love. Ruki's eyes hardened. There's always a choice.
" Ryou, if you don't tell me where we're going, I might have to revert to cannibalism," Ruki growled as Ryou visibly gulped.
" West Shinjuku, your highness."
Ruki felt nervous all of a sudden, but was smart not to show it. " Dare I ask why?"
Ryou turned and looked Ruki straight in the eyes. " To see that Takato guy."
Ruki threw her arms around Kitsune's neck to keep herself from falling down. Ryou came beside her and helped her up, laughing. Ruki snarled ominously in his direction.
" And why are we doing that?" Ruki turned so Ryou could not see her face.
" I have to get shoes for my trusty steed," Ryou lied through his teeth. He needed an excuse or he'd be creamed. Whipped cream was Ruki's way of beating up Ryou and he didn't want to experience it again for a long time. " Besides, you promised you'd see him again."
Ruki glanced at Ryou from the corner of her eye. She didn't think he'd heard her say that. She was about to snap a reply at him when she saw the cottage. It was small and had beautiful cherry blossom trees. Ruki grinned with awe as they approached a little gate.
" While you were being taught how to hold a spoon correctly, I did some learning of my own. I learned that Takato lives here," Ryou and Ruki tied the reins for their horses around a tree.
" I know," Ruki whispered as they stepped up to the door.
Ryou looked at Ruki strangely. " How do you know that?"
" I just…do," she quietly said and they stepped inside.
The place was nice and homey, Ruki decided. All the necessities were there. Glancing around, Ruki saw Takato peacefully sleeping on the bed.
Forgetting about Ryou completely, Ruki slowly walked up to the bed where she tentatively sat down. Ruki gently brushed a few stray bangs away from his eyes. Ruki placed her left hand firmly on the other side of Takato so as not to fall. Blankly staring at him, Ruki softly called his name.
" Takato…"
~ Takato's dream ~
A few blossoms fluttered their way across his vision; Takato slowly blinked. As always, there she was sitting under the largest tree. Takato's mind was in a daze as he moved to her. Still staring, Takato sat next to her. He could see her sweet smile, hear her voice gently calling out his name. Takato leaned in closer, trying hard to see her face…
" Takato, Takato, wake up…"
Wait. He knew that voice…didn't he?
" Takato…"
Ruki?
Somewhere in my heart there's a strong me
He only comes out once in a while, but
You taught me
Across the tears I'll find myself
Checking everything one by one
To a tomorrow where I can be myself
~ End of dream ~
" Ruki!" Takato's eyes shot up and he leapt up.
Unfortunately, leaping up meant leaping into Ruki. Takato fell forward while Ruki tumbled down. Takato propped his arms on either side of Ruki, stopping his face mere inches from hers. Takato found he couldn't swallow the lump in his throat. Actually, he slowly realized, he didn't want to move.
" Any day would be nice."
Takato was shook from his daydreams as he hear Ruki speak. " Huh?"
" Do you mind getting off of me?" Ruki squirmed uncomfortably.
This time Takato didn't have to imagine Ruki's blush (A/N: Yami: That was a special thing from the previous chapter. Rei: Right. Only those who read it could understand it). Yes, I do mind, Takato thought, but obeyed Ruki's wishes. They both sat up.
" I see she's already got you trained," an arrogant voice piped up.
Ruki gasped as she realized that Ryou was there. She narrowed her eyes at him. There he was, leaning against the door, smiling smugly. Like a stupid Cheshire cat. Oh how Ruki longed to introduce his face properly to her fists!
" A bit drafty in here, eh?" Ryou smirked even larger, looking at Takato.
Raising an eyebrow, Ruki followed Ryou's gaze to Takato. Ruki felt her face heat up, turning it red. She let out a small squeal and quickly turned her head, eyes as wide as saucers.
Takato blinked in surprise to Ruki's reaction. What is so appalling about me that Ruki would… Takato glanced down and he immediately fell to the floor. How embarrassing, Takato thought as he found a shirt and slipped it on.
Meanwhile, Ryou was having a hard time trying not to burst a lung. Ruki's expression was classic!
" Uh, is there anything I can get you guys?" Takato asked as he stood up.
" I am starving," Ruki stated, still not making eye contact with Takato.
" I have to do some things in town. Have fun!" Ryou snickered as he left.
Fun indeed, Ruki glared at Ryou's departing figure. When we get back home, I'll show him fun. Ruki grinned the way she did when she was planning to do something devilish. She turned around to see Takato staring at her. Seeing her look at him cause Takato to quickly look away and start making breakfast.
Everyone just thinks I'm a nice guy
It's a little galling
Being able to fight isn't the only way to be strong
I know that, but I can't say it
It's hard to see you get hurt for me
That's why I'm trying to get stronger
Even if it's just a little bit
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ After breakfast ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"You have a beautiful horse," Takato said as he ran his hand along Kitsune's mane.
" She knows it," Ruki grinned as they laughed.
" They say a beautiful trainer makes a magnificent horse. You must have trained her," Takato said as he gazed at Ruki.
Ruki willed her gaze from Takato's penetrating one. " Have these trees always been here?"
Takato followed Ruki's pointed hand to the cherry blossom trees. " Yes. That's partly the reason I got this place. My parents died three years ago. I've been living here ever since," Takato kneeled under the largest tree. "They were murdered on the way back home. But that's not the worst part." Why am I telling her this? " They died on my birthday. Conveniently, that's what today is. I've never had a 'happy' birthday since." Takato's chest heaved as he tried not to cry.
Ruki looked sadly at Takato. I guess I should be lucky I still have my parents. Ruki knelt next to Takato and placed her hand on his shoulder. A red-eyed (not the color, the expression) Takato looked back at her. Ruki smiled and then Takato let himself be held by her.
" It's okay. You can cry now," Ruki whispered as she gently ran her fingers through Takato's hair.
Will my invisible wings get bigger, too?
Just like when my shoes get too tight
Will I notice all of a sudden?
Across the tears you're laughing
I'm sure I'll be able to get across, too
From my fingertips, to tomorrow
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
" So you have to marry Jen on your birthday?" Takato looked at Ruki who nodded.
An hour after the conversation under the cherry tree, Takato and Ruki headed into West Shinjuku to pick up Takato's horse. Along the way, Ruki told Takato about how she was being forced to marry next week.
" My dad always says to 'think of your country'. What about me? Why can't I think of what I want?" Ruki said, slightly agitated.
They walked in silence for a long time until Takato answered. " If I were in your position, I'd do the same thing as your dad says. Why worry just about myself when hundreds of other people are worse off? Then I'd have the power to make their lives better. Besides," Takato grinned and winked. "I could probably find something that I liked and also would be good for the country."
Ruki gaped at Takato. "That's a very mature answer."
Takato puffed indignantly. "Am I not capable of maturity?" Ruki raised her eyebrows. " Ugh!" Takato threw his hands in the air.
Ruki smirked at Takato as they moved on. " So, what do you want for your birthday?" She asked as they entered town.
" Respect."
Ruki grinned broadly as Takato led them through town. Along the way, several vendors cheerily waved at Takato who seemed equally happy to see them.
" My friends Hirokazu and Kenta are the owners of this horse 'nursery'," Takato explained to Ruki as they came across an old, brown, dingy-looking barn on the town out-skirts.
Suddenly (Yami: OOOOO!! The suspense! Rei: *shoves Yami's head down* -.-' quiet, Yami-sama! People are trying to read! ) a low rumble shook the barn and two goofy looking boys emerged running, one-the tallest with spiky brown hair- with his back on fire. The shorter one with glasses threw a bucket of water on the other one, effectively putting out the flames. Takato chuckled nervously while Ruki blinked skeptically at the other boys.
" They look like a bunch of dunderheads to me. However they could run a business is," Ruki stopped as she saw a suspicious looking Ryou hanging out by the barn doors.
" Hirokazu! Kenta!" Takato merrily greeted his friends as they walked up.
" Hey Chumly," Hirokazu said.
" Another one of Hirokazu's attempts at riding Duke failed," Kenta's nasally voice explained.
" Dare I ask how fire was involved?" Takato raised an eyebrow.
" No, you don't," Hirokazu mumbled and walked back to the barn.
" Hey, Takato, you never introduced your lady friend," Kenta pointed out while he pushed up his glasses.
" Sorry!" Takato smiled. "Ruki, this is Kenta; Kenta, meet Ruki."
" Pleasure to meet you Miss Ruki," Kenta bowed his head.
" Likewise," Ruki nodded.
" Okay, here's how Hirokazu caught on fire," Kenta started as the trio made their way to the barn. " You know how he's always trying to ride Duke? Well, he tried to slip on the saddle and Duke bucked, sending Hirokazu to the floor. Unluckily for Hirokazu, a hot coal rolled out of the stove and lit his shirt on fire."
" I think Duke is smarter than you guys give him credit for," Takato smirked as they went inside the barn.
" Hey, Miss Ruki, may I ask you something?" Kenta politely inquired as they entered the barn, Ruki glaring suspicously at Ryou.
" Sure," Ruki said.
" Why are you wearing a cloak over your head? Your face is hardly discernible."
" Oh." Ruki blinked. "Well," Ruki started, but a grumpy looking Hirokazu entered, leading a reddish-brown colored horse in by the reins.
" Duke!" Takato happily cried, running up to the equally happy animal, patting its back.
" That thing had better not get sick again, because if it does, I'm not taking care of it," Hirokazu puffed and headed out of the barn, Kenta hot on his heels, saying something about customers and coals.
" Kitsune is eating some hay in the next room. I think I'll go check on her," Ryou winked as he headed out.
One of these days, Ruki shook her head at Ryou. It was then when Ruki decided to have some fun.
" What kind of a name is Duke?"
Takato narrowed his eyes. " I don't know. What kind of a name is Kitsune?"
Ruki smirked. " At least it's better than a dog's name."
" Are you calling my horse a dog?"
" I once knew a golden retriever named Duke. He decided to 'spray' the castle we were staying at."
Takato's chest puffed out. " I'll have you know that foxes are very closely related to dogs!"
Ruki growled. " So what do you really want for your birthday?"
Takato smiled evilly. He had gotten Ruki. " I want to know why you're wearing that hood," Takato said, stepping into Ruki's close proximity.
Ruki stared at Takato, not knowing how to react. Why does this one boy make me feel so differently? Yet more importantly; is my heart beating faster? " Well you know, I am a princess, fleeing my homeland. I have to look inconspicuous."
Takato just grinned as he continued to lose himself in her eyes, moving closer as he did so. He saw that Ruki was debating whether or not to move. " Why are you fighting it?" He whispered.
" I don't know what you're talking about," Ruki replied, never taking her eyes away from Takato's. Why am I not moving? Is it because I don't want to?
" You know," Takato's voice was barely audible as his and Ruki's bodies almost touched.
Ruki didn't even blink as Takato slowly pulled off her hood, his arms guiding it down to a resting-place on her back. It seemed as if neither one minded Takato's arms staying back with the hood. Takato slowly leaned his head down as Ruki closed her eyes and slowly tilted her head upwards. Their lips met softly brushing against each other, then enveloping in a more passionate kiss. They continued in that fashion for several seconds before Ruki broke away, chest heaving and eyes wild.
" I shouldn't have done that,' Ruki said, he hands subconsciously touching her ponytail, then putting her hood over her head.
" I'm sorry," Takato murmured, still mesmerized by the brief taste of heaven to think about why Ruki broke away.
The doors of the barn suddenly burst open, several horses with men on them trotting in. Ruki visibly gulped as her father sternly looked down at her and gave Takato a disgusted look.
" I am very disappointed with your running away Ruki, but am just as appalled by the fact you ran off to be with this low lying filth," Ruki's father cringed.
Ruki's eyes blazed at her father's remark. " Takato is not filth! He is a nice, compassionate person…" she was cut off by a wave from her father's hand.
" I do not care. You are coming home this instant. Ryou's punishment is already being decided. And if I ever catch sight of you," he drawled, pointing a finger to an enrage Takato. "Near my daughter ever again, it's straight to the dungeons for you!" The king's horse galloped out of the barn while a knight picked up a distressed Ruki, plopped her on his horse, and then they too went away from the barn.
Takato barely saw the quick wave Ruki gave him. All he could see now was red. Releasing a yell of anger, Takato furiously kicked the hay, and then repeatedly punched the wall. Minutes passed and his rage slowly died down, as did Takato's punching. Takato slowly sank to the ground, succumbing to tears. Duke slowly came in and nuzzled his head against Takato's. Takato buried his face in Duke's mane, muffling the sobs.
Somewhere in my heart there's a strong me
He only comes out once in a while, but
You taught me
Across the tears I'll find myself
Checking everything one by one
To a tomorrow where I can be myself
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
FG: Thus ends this chapter!
Yami: Did everyone get that thing about Duke?? Huh? Duke, Dukemon?? Didja?
Ruki: -.-'
Takato: '-'
FG: ^_^'
Okay, thanks to KevinEC for pointing out my mistake last chapter even though I'm too lazy to fix it! Even psychos like me make mistakes! (all the time) And, BIG WHOOP to Angst Gurl, my 50th reviewer for 'Hurry up, Goggle-head!! T-T I feel loved. That story should have the next chapter up in a week or tow, since I have finals EVERY day this week. -.-' Blecccchhhh…
~Flamegaruru~