Always Have 3
Always Have

.:: seihitai naru ::.

Chapter 3

Some things will never change.

/* Fushigi Yuugi characters have been created by Yuu Watase; reincarnated characters are mine – so to speak */

Sanziko walked to Kitsune and bent down so that they were at eye-level. He reached out to wipe her tears on one cheek and rubbed his thumb near her eyes.

Kitsune looked up to him…

"Soi."

"Nakago-sama."

"It has been a long time, Soi. I didn't think I'd ever find you."

"Nakago. Is it really you?" She reached up to feel his face, his hair, her hand finally settling on his shoulder.

"No, Kitsune. I'm a bit nicer now, I think."

"It doesn't matter either way. I knew you'd come for me…"

Their lips met in a tender kiss – their first since they were separated.

Sanziko was first to draw back. "Will you forgive me?"

"Hai. What for?"

"I never told you…" This time the kiss was more intense – as if to make up for centuries lost.

"Aishiteru."

Kitsune was more amiable the next time they met at lunch hour. They were talking about their present lives: sports, hobbies, family, and anything else they could think of.

"Have you met any of the others, Nak-, (clears throat) Sanziko?" Kitsune asked in a casual tone.

Sanziko shifted in his seat, as if in discomfort. "What? Uh… not really." He sipped from his water bottle. "So when are your track team tryouts?"

Kitsune noticed the apparent attempt to change the subject. Not only are you nicer, you've also lost your… touch. Why doesn't he want to answer my question? Is Tomo nearby? Has he… "This coming weekend. I'm trying not to work out too much."

"That would probably be best. You don't want to tire your muscles…"

Has he hooked up with Yui? No. No way. WE're soulmates. Yui's out of the picture. "I'm sorry, what were you saying?" Right?

Sanziko reached for her hand. "Are you alright? Maybe you have been working too hard. I was, um, wondering if I could come watch you and cheer you."

"Oh that would be great! That is so sweet of you, Nakago. Oops, I mean, you're so sweet, Sanziko." Kitsune was sincerely delighted by this kind of treatment from her lover.

Was I that bad? Sanziko wondered as he saw that Soi was quite pleased.

Beep! Checking his answering machine was routine for Sanziko as soon as he laid his keys at the kitchen table. Routine – just like walking Kitsune home. He smiled at the thought.

"Message 1." His father's voice came on the line: "Sanz, I'll be home late tonight, OK? I have a couple of projects I still need to work on. Sorry, kiddo. Why don't you get ready for our camping trip next week?" Beep!

"Message 2." This time it was a young cheerful feminine voice: "Hi! Do you think it's so sappy if I tell you I was so happy to just hear your voice on the machine? (giggle) Sorry, Sanziko, I'm too giddy today. Anyway, the term's about to end soon (pause, serious voice) you've been warned." Beep!

"Kuso."

/* So what do you think? Come on! Review the story, OK? Onegai! */