Disclaimers: I don't own Fuuko, Raiha or any other Flame of Recca characters. Song: never had a dream come true by s club 7.

From me: yo! this is another of those first-time fics. please R & R and if there are any suggestions, they are most welcome! =)





"Everybody's got something they have to leave behind

1 One regret from yesterday that just seems to grow with time

There's no use looking back or wondering

How it could be now or might have been

Oh this I know but still I can't find ways to let you go"



"Gomen, Raiha," Fuuko managed a tiny smile.

"Don't say anything, Fuuko. You'll tire yourself out," he whispered, concern etched in his face. His eyes were filled with care. As Fuuko looked up at them, she felt as if she was being soaked in the wonderful, warm light of his eyes. She let a little contented sigh escape from her lips, even though her breathing had become increasingly laboured.

Raiha supported Fuuko's head on his lap, gently stroking the beautiful brown hair he had grown to love. His fingers encountered some tangles and he delicately straightened them out. Unconsciously, he smiled. It was just like her, he mused. She didn't care if her hair was tangled, not like most girls. She was just a child of the wind, carefree, blowing wherever it wished, dancing on the treetops. A familiar scent wafted up to his nose and he recalled something.



~*~

(a few months ago)

"Eh.. Fuuko, what shampoo do you use?"

"Ah?" Fuuko was surprised, then quickly answered, "Oh, I don't use shampoo."

"Nani?!"

Seeing the incredulous look on Raiha's normally composed face, Fuuko burst into laughter.

"HAHAHAHAHA! You look so funny!" She guffawed. "Anyway, why would you want to know?" She eyed him curiously.

"Um."

"I didn't know guys cared for their hair so much."

"Well, I obviously have more hair than you do." he retorted.

"True, true." She shrugged. "Hey, I gotta go. Bye!"

"You haven't told me." Raiha sighed and shrugged.

The next morning, he found a package waiting for him beside his breakfast.

"Eh??" He raised an eyebrow as he opened it. His lips curved into a smile as he drew out a bottle of shampoo.



~*~



Raiha bent his head a little and inhaled. The light scent of eucalyptus teased his nose. He liked it so much. It was fresh, earthy and he liked the coolness that seemed to fill his lungs as he smelt it. Silly, why was he thinking about shampoo?

A soft breeze encircled the both of them momentarily, then stole away as quickly as it had come. Fuuko closed her eyes and listened to the "pssh- shh" of the waves as they washed onto the shore. Seagulls rode the winds and called noisily to each other. Her skin tingled as the rays of the setting sun shone over her.

Raiha studied her face intently. The sun seemed to have warmed her cheeks and chased away some of the paleness. He missed the healthy pink flush that used to tinge each cheek. He missed the irrepressible, boundless energy that used to burst out from her. He missed her loud, raucous voice and the way she romped around with her equally crazy friends.

He sighed. Even brave, fearless Fuuko could not win this battle, for it was not one of physical strength. Raiha clenched his left hand into a fist and silently pounded the sand. He hated the thing that was going to take Fuuko away. He hated even more the fact that he could not stop it. Suddenly, he wished that his skills were in the medical field instead.

There is a way to save her.

"Huh?" Raiha looked up, startled. He could have sworn he heard a voice.