Futame Kinen
"Harmful Memory"
I had positive responses (Yay! ::Grins:: ), so here's the second chapter! Sorry about the asterisks in the first one. The format I had to use wouldn't let me have italics. It all looked so nice and organized in italics...*sigh*...but don't worry. This chapter's much more straightforward!
Okay, a little pre-fic rant (I'm very sorry, but it's kind of necessary)...
I understand that in the minds of most people who read my fic there might seem to be Tasuki/Chichiri yaoi implications. This is NOT the case! I in NO way support any kind of Tasuki/Chichiri stuff. It's just that in my rather Eastern-influenced mind, it's okay for two guys to hug each other, and the word 'love' does not necessarily mean...that. Ahem.
I just wanted to clarify. So please, please, please don't flame me for yaoi since that wasn't the intent...and there isn't enough to warrant flaming if it was!
And by the way, I don't own Tasuki, Chichiri Fushigi Yuugi...or even a llama. Watase Yuu-sama does, as well as assorted other persona...Fushigi Yuugi, I mean. Not a llama. They might own a llama. I don't know...I'm just going to shut up now...
Once again, I'd appreciate it if you'd read and review! Thanks so much!
Chapter Two - Togetogeshii Nibankari, Mame Tomodachi
"Harsh Aftermath, Devoted Friend"
"No...no, no..." Chichiri sobbed quietly. Tasuki got to his feet, walking over to the monk's side.
"Hey, Chichiri..." he began, putting a comforting hand on Chichiri's shoulder.
"No!" Chichiri screamed, slapping Tasuki's hand off his shoulder and backing away. He shook his head, sinking down onto the wet shore, his head in his hands, his injured hand smearing blood on his face, and in his hair as he ran his hands through it, still shaking his head, paying no mind to the heavy rain that soaked his clothes. Tasuki sat down beside him, searching for something to say. He put a hand on the back of his neck, nervous, concerned but afraid to speak.
After a long moment Chichiri looked up. He'd managed to stop crying, but raindrops still coursed down his face like tears, rinsing some of the blood away. Seeing Tasuki he tore his eyes away, pulling his knees tightly against his chest.
"Chichiri, it's re..." Tasuki tried.
"No, no don't..." Chichiri begged, rising, turning to leave.
"Chichiri, what's WRONG? I know you didn't mean to do that, but can't y...?"
"Nothing's wrong!" Chichiri snapped. Tasuki leapt to his feet and darted in front of his friend, grabbing him by the shoulders. Chichiri tried to pull away, but Tasuki was stronger, and held on tight. The monk dropped his gaze to his feet.
"Look at me, damn it!" Tasuki snarled. Chichiri slowly brought his eye up to meet the penetrating gaze of Tasuki's twin amber orbs, able to meet that visage for only a moment before he had to take his eye away again, fresh, warm tears running down his cheek, mingling with the cold rainwater.
"Hey, I'm sorry Chichiri...don't cry..." Tasuki implored, taking one hand off Chichiri's shoulder, bringing it up to his face to wipe away the monk's tears.
"Just let me go!" Chichiri snapped. He tried to pull away again, but Tasuki was having none of it.
"Please, Chichiri..."
"Let me GO!" the monk demanded, swatting Tasuki's hands away, breaking into a run. Chichiri was fast, but Tasuki was faster and easily overtook him. He pulled Chichiri into an embrace, holding the monk tightly against him, tears falling from his golden eyes to dampen the shoulder of Chichiri's shirt along with the precipitation.
"Damn it Chichiri, don't do this to me..."
Neither noticed the cold, though Chichiri was without his kesa and Tasuki minus his nearly ever-present trench coat, yet paying it no heed did not cause the chill to cease to be - Tasuki could clearly feel Chichiri shivering slightly against him. Realizing how close they had to be for that to be possible, Tasuki released his friend and stepped back, red-faced.
"G...gomen, Chichiri..."
After recovering from their initial confusion, Nuriko and Hotohori had rushed out. They had watched from afar, though, as it became obvious that it would be futile to try and offer assistance. Things having calmed down, they came forward.
"Chichiri, what caused this?" Hotohori asked, obviously thinking that a simple rational explanation from their voice of reason, their oldest seishi, would allow everything to return to normal. Chichiri did not reply.
"Tasuki, are you alright?" Nuriko asked, placing his hands on Tasuki's shoulders.
"Yeah, I'm fine, it's Chichiri I'm w..." Tasuki was cut off mid-sentence by Nuriko's fierce hug. Fierce for Nuriko, meaning that Tasuki feared his ribs would be broken...Mitsukake walked quickly over to the group.
"Is anyone hurt?" the healer inquired.
"I wasn't before, but now I'm not so sure," Tasuki muttered as Nuriko released him. The "court princess" gave him a dark look, obviously debating whether or not to hit him.
"Chichiri, can I see your hand?" Mitsukake requested. Still Chichiri did not reply. Tamahome shadowed Miaka who, against Hotohori's requests, had followed, though not immediately. Chiriko trailed behind, holding Tama-neko tightly to his little chest, obviously nervous about disobeying Mitsukake, who had instructed him, too, to stay inside.
"Chichiri, Tasuki, are you alright?" Miaka squeaked.
"Miaka, don't get too close, you don't know what..." Tamahome began. At a glare from Tasuki he dropped his voice to a whisper before finishing, "he'll do." Chichiri heard him though, and his posture became rigid. Tamahome pushed Miaka back a little.
"Please, Chichiri. You're hurt..." Mitsukake began, reaching for the wrist of Chichiri's injured hand. The older man pulled away.
"Is something wrong?" Nuriko asked. Tamahome pulled Miaka to him, putting himself between her and Chichiri. Hotohori moved a little towards the space between the blue-haired seishi and his Miko, not directly between them, but close enough that he could easily protect Miaka.
Chichiri stepped back a little, away from the group. Chiriko walked up to him, taking one hand from Tama-neko and tugging on Chichiri's sleeve. Chichiri paid him no mind, however, too intent on Mitsukake. As the young boy had approached Chichiri, a look of panic had come to the healer's eyes, though he had said nothing. His stance had tensed as well, as though he was ready to dart forward and snatch Chiriko away if Chichiri tried to hurt the child.
"Chichiri, it's okay, you don't have to worry," Chiriko assured him.
"Chiriko..." Mitsukake said, sounding a little nervous.
"What do you think I'm going to do?" Chichiri asked softly, his voice barely audible.
"Tamahome, why don't you take Miaka to her room..." Hotohori said quietly. Not quietly enough. Chichiri heard and brought his head up a little, meeting Hotohori's nervous gaze with the stare of his mahogany eye. The downpour continued, distant lightning bolts occasionally illuminating the faces of the group.
Nuriko walked up to Chichiri, calmly pushing Chiriko a little ways a way so Mitsukake could relax, putting one slim hand on Chichiri's arm.
"Why don't you let Mitsukake see that hand?" Nuriko requested, trying to lead Chichiri towards the tall man. The cuts weren't really that bad, but it was a welcome distraction from the tense atmosphere. Chichiri ignored him, swinging his angry visage from Hotohori to Mitsukake, who had taken Chiriko's hand and pulled the boy behind him, and back to the emperor.
"What do you think I'm going to do?" Chichiri demanded, a little louder, his voice a low growl.
"Tamahome, take Miaka to her room...NOW," Hotohori ordered, his voice soft but still commanding. Tamahome nodded and complied, leading Miaka off hastily, ignoring her initial objection.
"Chichiri..." Chiriko began.
"Chiriko, shh!" Mitsukake hissed.
"Chichiri, please, it'll get infected or something. Let Mitsukake see your hand," Nuriko implored.
"WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU THINK I'M GOING TO DO?!?!" Chichiri snarled, shoving Nuriko away and taking a step towards Mitsukake. The healer stood his ground, but pushed Chiriko gently back a little.
The blue-haired monk stopped suddenly, falling back, shaking his head.
"G...gomen...gomen nasai..." he stammered, continuing to back up, gaining speed, finally turning and sprinting away. Tasuki moved to follow, but Nuriko put a hand on his shoulder, stopping him.
"What? Nuriko..." Tasuki began. Nuriko shook his head.
"No, Tasuki. Don't follow him...he probably needs to be alone a..."
"Like hell he does! Didn't you see his face? He needs someone with him! I don't want anything to happen to him!" Tasuki tried to break Nuriko's hold, but the other seishi only held on tighter, causing Tasuki to gasp in pain.
"I'm serious, Tasuki!"
"So am I!" Suddenly the bandit spun, too quickly for Nuriko to keep hold of him. Nuriko lifted a hand, but Tasuki caught his wrist.
"I'm GOING to follow Chichiri," he growled, locking gazes with Nuriko, his stubborn nature clearly at the fore. Before Nuriko could say a word, Tasuki turned and ran after Chichiri with all the speed granted him by Suzaku.
By the way (since I had someone ask about it)...I don't explain the flashbacks in the fic. They were more of a plot device...it's mostly about the results of them. I'm thinking of writing a sequel-y thing that revisits and explains them, so if anyone thinks this a worthy idea...tell me!
"Harmful Memory"
I had positive responses (Yay! ::Grins:: ), so here's the second chapter! Sorry about the asterisks in the first one. The format I had to use wouldn't let me have italics. It all looked so nice and organized in italics...*sigh*...but don't worry. This chapter's much more straightforward!
Okay, a little pre-fic rant (I'm very sorry, but it's kind of necessary)...
I understand that in the minds of most people who read my fic there might seem to be Tasuki/Chichiri yaoi implications. This is NOT the case! I in NO way support any kind of Tasuki/Chichiri stuff. It's just that in my rather Eastern-influenced mind, it's okay for two guys to hug each other, and the word 'love' does not necessarily mean...that. Ahem.
I just wanted to clarify. So please, please, please don't flame me for yaoi since that wasn't the intent...and there isn't enough to warrant flaming if it was!
And by the way, I don't own Tasuki, Chichiri Fushigi Yuugi...or even a llama. Watase Yuu-sama does, as well as assorted other persona...Fushigi Yuugi, I mean. Not a llama. They might own a llama. I don't know...I'm just going to shut up now...
Once again, I'd appreciate it if you'd read and review! Thanks so much!
Chapter Two - Togetogeshii Nibankari, Mame Tomodachi
"Harsh Aftermath, Devoted Friend"
"No...no, no..." Chichiri sobbed quietly. Tasuki got to his feet, walking over to the monk's side.
"Hey, Chichiri..." he began, putting a comforting hand on Chichiri's shoulder.
"No!" Chichiri screamed, slapping Tasuki's hand off his shoulder and backing away. He shook his head, sinking down onto the wet shore, his head in his hands, his injured hand smearing blood on his face, and in his hair as he ran his hands through it, still shaking his head, paying no mind to the heavy rain that soaked his clothes. Tasuki sat down beside him, searching for something to say. He put a hand on the back of his neck, nervous, concerned but afraid to speak.
After a long moment Chichiri looked up. He'd managed to stop crying, but raindrops still coursed down his face like tears, rinsing some of the blood away. Seeing Tasuki he tore his eyes away, pulling his knees tightly against his chest.
"Chichiri, it's re..." Tasuki tried.
"No, no don't..." Chichiri begged, rising, turning to leave.
"Chichiri, what's WRONG? I know you didn't mean to do that, but can't y...?"
"Nothing's wrong!" Chichiri snapped. Tasuki leapt to his feet and darted in front of his friend, grabbing him by the shoulders. Chichiri tried to pull away, but Tasuki was stronger, and held on tight. The monk dropped his gaze to his feet.
"Look at me, damn it!" Tasuki snarled. Chichiri slowly brought his eye up to meet the penetrating gaze of Tasuki's twin amber orbs, able to meet that visage for only a moment before he had to take his eye away again, fresh, warm tears running down his cheek, mingling with the cold rainwater.
"Hey, I'm sorry Chichiri...don't cry..." Tasuki implored, taking one hand off Chichiri's shoulder, bringing it up to his face to wipe away the monk's tears.
"Just let me go!" Chichiri snapped. He tried to pull away again, but Tasuki was having none of it.
"Please, Chichiri..."
"Let me GO!" the monk demanded, swatting Tasuki's hands away, breaking into a run. Chichiri was fast, but Tasuki was faster and easily overtook him. He pulled Chichiri into an embrace, holding the monk tightly against him, tears falling from his golden eyes to dampen the shoulder of Chichiri's shirt along with the precipitation.
"Damn it Chichiri, don't do this to me..."
Neither noticed the cold, though Chichiri was without his kesa and Tasuki minus his nearly ever-present trench coat, yet paying it no heed did not cause the chill to cease to be - Tasuki could clearly feel Chichiri shivering slightly against him. Realizing how close they had to be for that to be possible, Tasuki released his friend and stepped back, red-faced.
"G...gomen, Chichiri..."
After recovering from their initial confusion, Nuriko and Hotohori had rushed out. They had watched from afar, though, as it became obvious that it would be futile to try and offer assistance. Things having calmed down, they came forward.
"Chichiri, what caused this?" Hotohori asked, obviously thinking that a simple rational explanation from their voice of reason, their oldest seishi, would allow everything to return to normal. Chichiri did not reply.
"Tasuki, are you alright?" Nuriko asked, placing his hands on Tasuki's shoulders.
"Yeah, I'm fine, it's Chichiri I'm w..." Tasuki was cut off mid-sentence by Nuriko's fierce hug. Fierce for Nuriko, meaning that Tasuki feared his ribs would be broken...Mitsukake walked quickly over to the group.
"Is anyone hurt?" the healer inquired.
"I wasn't before, but now I'm not so sure," Tasuki muttered as Nuriko released him. The "court princess" gave him a dark look, obviously debating whether or not to hit him.
"Chichiri, can I see your hand?" Mitsukake requested. Still Chichiri did not reply. Tamahome shadowed Miaka who, against Hotohori's requests, had followed, though not immediately. Chiriko trailed behind, holding Tama-neko tightly to his little chest, obviously nervous about disobeying Mitsukake, who had instructed him, too, to stay inside.
"Chichiri, Tasuki, are you alright?" Miaka squeaked.
"Miaka, don't get too close, you don't know what..." Tamahome began. At a glare from Tasuki he dropped his voice to a whisper before finishing, "he'll do." Chichiri heard him though, and his posture became rigid. Tamahome pushed Miaka back a little.
"Please, Chichiri. You're hurt..." Mitsukake began, reaching for the wrist of Chichiri's injured hand. The older man pulled away.
"Is something wrong?" Nuriko asked. Tamahome pulled Miaka to him, putting himself between her and Chichiri. Hotohori moved a little towards the space between the blue-haired seishi and his Miko, not directly between them, but close enough that he could easily protect Miaka.
Chichiri stepped back a little, away from the group. Chiriko walked up to him, taking one hand from Tama-neko and tugging on Chichiri's sleeve. Chichiri paid him no mind, however, too intent on Mitsukake. As the young boy had approached Chichiri, a look of panic had come to the healer's eyes, though he had said nothing. His stance had tensed as well, as though he was ready to dart forward and snatch Chiriko away if Chichiri tried to hurt the child.
"Chichiri, it's okay, you don't have to worry," Chiriko assured him.
"Chiriko..." Mitsukake said, sounding a little nervous.
"What do you think I'm going to do?" Chichiri asked softly, his voice barely audible.
"Tamahome, why don't you take Miaka to her room..." Hotohori said quietly. Not quietly enough. Chichiri heard and brought his head up a little, meeting Hotohori's nervous gaze with the stare of his mahogany eye. The downpour continued, distant lightning bolts occasionally illuminating the faces of the group.
Nuriko walked up to Chichiri, calmly pushing Chiriko a little ways a way so Mitsukake could relax, putting one slim hand on Chichiri's arm.
"Why don't you let Mitsukake see that hand?" Nuriko requested, trying to lead Chichiri towards the tall man. The cuts weren't really that bad, but it was a welcome distraction from the tense atmosphere. Chichiri ignored him, swinging his angry visage from Hotohori to Mitsukake, who had taken Chiriko's hand and pulled the boy behind him, and back to the emperor.
"What do you think I'm going to do?" Chichiri demanded, a little louder, his voice a low growl.
"Tamahome, take Miaka to her room...NOW," Hotohori ordered, his voice soft but still commanding. Tamahome nodded and complied, leading Miaka off hastily, ignoring her initial objection.
"Chichiri..." Chiriko began.
"Chiriko, shh!" Mitsukake hissed.
"Chichiri, please, it'll get infected or something. Let Mitsukake see your hand," Nuriko implored.
"WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU THINK I'M GOING TO DO?!?!" Chichiri snarled, shoving Nuriko away and taking a step towards Mitsukake. The healer stood his ground, but pushed Chiriko gently back a little.
The blue-haired monk stopped suddenly, falling back, shaking his head.
"G...gomen...gomen nasai..." he stammered, continuing to back up, gaining speed, finally turning and sprinting away. Tasuki moved to follow, but Nuriko put a hand on his shoulder, stopping him.
"What? Nuriko..." Tasuki began. Nuriko shook his head.
"No, Tasuki. Don't follow him...he probably needs to be alone a..."
"Like hell he does! Didn't you see his face? He needs someone with him! I don't want anything to happen to him!" Tasuki tried to break Nuriko's hold, but the other seishi only held on tighter, causing Tasuki to gasp in pain.
"I'm serious, Tasuki!"
"So am I!" Suddenly the bandit spun, too quickly for Nuriko to keep hold of him. Nuriko lifted a hand, but Tasuki caught his wrist.
"I'm GOING to follow Chichiri," he growled, locking gazes with Nuriko, his stubborn nature clearly at the fore. Before Nuriko could say a word, Tasuki turned and ran after Chichiri with all the speed granted him by Suzaku.
By the way (since I had someone ask about it)...I don't explain the flashbacks in the fic. They were more of a plot device...it's mostly about the results of them. I'm thinking of writing a sequel-y thing that revisits and explains them, so if anyone thinks this a worthy idea...tell me!