Author's Note: First AU fic! ^^ Wheeee~ I'm not that good that these kind
of fics, even though I adore them to bits. ^^;;; Okay, 1st Part = Heian
Dynasty of Japan. =P Oh, and I did research on this. =P Dozo yoroshiku!
1.1 Chapter 1: Within the Flow of Time
"Rukawa Kaede? Namae wa suteki," the Emperor's eyes gazed at the dark- haired guy. Sakuragi was at his side, while Rukawa was in front of the throne kneeling with his head lower. "Arigato gozaimasu, Your Majesty." "Raise your head, young man."
Rukawa's head raised slowly, his eyes meeting the Emperor's. He did not look directly at the Emperor when he entered the throne-room, and he noticed that instead of being the horrible tyrant that he thought the Emperor was ever since he was a child, the Emperor looked serene and friendly. If the Emperor was in civilian's clothes, no one would ever think that he was the Dragon of the country. The Emperor was in his fifties or sixties, and his white hair was crowned with gold and jewels. His physique was rather plump, which further enhanced his Santa-like features.
"Anzai desu ne. Ho ho ho."
Rukawa was taken aback by his friendliness and he found himself having a liking for the Emperor, who reminded him of his late Grandfather. Sakuragi cut in. "Oji-sama prefers people to call him by name. That makes the relationships in the Imperial Court closer, Rukawa-san."
"Demo. Your Majesty."
"Ah ah, Rukawa. Address me properly."
"Anzai-sama."
"Much better. Ho ho ho. Hana, why don't you take him to his room?" Sakuragi nodded firmly and walked Rukawa out of the throne-room and across the courtyard into the North wing of the Imperial Palace. Rukawa followed blindly as Sakuragi continued to talk about the palace's sights and such. He was oblivious to Sakuragi's babbling, for his mind was full of thoughts.
"Rukawa-san? Konnichiwa. Back to Earth."
"Nan da? Gomen ne. My mind wandered off," Rukawa said apologetically, but he did not smile. Sakuragi opened the doors. "Irrashai, Rukawa-san. If you have anything to ask or need, just call on me. My room is just opposite." He pointed to the room across the stone bridge. Outside both rooms was a beautiful garden. The pond was clear with a greenish-blue tint, and the small bridge was magnificently sculpted. Sakura was blossoming everywhere and the grass was neatly-trimmed, with a few fallen blossoms here and there. It was a sight to behold.
"Arigato gozaimasu, Sakuragi-san."
"Hai hai, Rukawa. It's late now. Oyasumi nasai!" Before Rukawa could say anything, Sakuragi had already walked across the bridge and entering his room. He looked at Sakuragi as he disappeared behind the bamboo doors. Rukawa sensed something. different about the red-headed man. After all, they were of two different worlds - He lived in a world of martial arts and vigorous trainings, while Sakuragi Hanamichi lived in a world of luxury and comfort. There was no way they could have ever crossed paths.
Sakuragi picked up the cup and drank the tea. Ever since young, he had learnt perfect manners and lessons on etiquette, history, swordplay and so on. His life had been controlled and watched closely by his parents as well as the Emperor. He was trained to be fit for the royal family.
Boring. Ick.
Sighing, he put the cup down. He admired Rukawa Kaede ever since he set his eyes on him. He admired his care-free life and freedom. He would give up all luxuries to live a life in Rukawa's world. Rukawa Kaede reminded him of a fox. His features were sharp, and "sly" or "cunning" sprang up to his mind almost immediately.
Rukawa Kaede the Kitsune.
He chuckled at that thought.
Rukawa. is different.
Rukawa couldn't sleep. For the whole night, he was thinking of Sakuragi Hanamichi. "That aho." He felt warm at his thoughts and shook away any of his warm feelings.
I think of him as a friend even though we only knew each other today. Is it the works of Fate?
Dawn was arriving quickly, and the sky turned into a beautiful shade of blue as sunlight peeked in.
As red as that hair.
"Ohayo gozaimasu, Rukawa-san!" Sakuragi opened the doors. Rukawa turned his face away from the door and continued sleeping. A vein appeared on Sakuragi's head. "Teme kitsune." "Kitsune?" Rukawa muttered softly enough for only he himself to hear. His eyebrow twitched. "Aho, let me sleep." "Teme ni." Sakuragi burst in and tore away the blanket. Rukawa glared at him icily at first, but stopped, realizing where he was.
"Gomen nasai. I forgot that I'm in the palace." His tone was still cold. "Why did you call me 'Kitsune'?" Sakuragi gave a smile and shrugged. "You remind me of one. Don't mind me. I should apologise for interrupting your sleep. But everyone at the breakfast table is waiting for you. C'mon now, rise and shine!"
Rukawa reluctantly got down from his bed in his sleeping robe. Sakuragi turned away, not letting him see his blush. Rukawa felt odd as he looked down. His pants had fallen off. Gasping, he pulled it back up. His cheeks flushed furiously. "Su. sumimasen yo.." "Maa. Just get dressed quickly and come for breakfast." Sakuragi left without looking back, his heart throbbing quickly.
Kuso. What am I thinking. Well. He's a guy, so it doesn't matter if I see anything. We are similar in THAT way too. KUSO! What am I thinking again? I feel like a baka.
Sakuragi walked over to the dining room, where the Emperor, the Empress, two princesses and two princes were waiting. "Sumimasen, minna-san."
The Empress noticed his odd expression and his reddened face and concerned, she asked gently, "Hanamichi, daijoubu desu ka? Are you having a fever? You look kind of red." "Daijoubu daijoubu. Rukawa-san is coming soon after he gets a change of clothes," Sakuragi tensed and a sweatdrop appeared on his head. The prince next to him was looking incredulous. "Hisashi, stop looking so weirdly at me!"
He chuckled and pointed his chopsticks at him. "Hanamichi has something wrong with him. What is it? That egoistic brain of the Tensai? Don't you agree, Akira?" "Teme." Sakuragi was getting mad, but he stopped himself from hitting Hisashi since he was, after all, a prince. The other prince sweatdropped, but only smiled. At that moment, Rukawa arrived, dressed in a nice-looking robe and his hair was kept neat. As he spotted Sakuragi, his blank expression changed.
"Rukawa-san? Come sit down," one of the princesses smiled at him, blushing. "Watashi wa Haruko desu. Dozo yoroshiku." Rukawa only nodded. The princess beamed as he looked at her.
Kami-sama. Bishounen!
Haruko was looking at him, starry-eyed. The princess next to her sighed and shook her head. "Haru-chan." "Aya-chan, why don't you introduce yourself too?" Haruko smiled at her. A sweatdrop appeared on her head.
"Very well. Watashi wa Ayako desu. Yoroshiku, Rukawa-san." Rukawa nodded at Ayako as well. Hisashi and Akira greeted him as Rukawa took his seat next to Sakuragi, who was dying of embarrassment inside even though he acted as if nothing as happened. Rukawa desperately held on to his ice-cold mask. The Emperor announced breakfast gaily.
"Itadakimasu." Everyone chorused and started to eat. Rukawa found himself amazed at the luxurious food. He never ate, nor seen them before. Sakuragi felt more and more uneasy as he noticed that Rukawa was staring at his food. Frustrated, Sakuragi picked up a sashimi and dropped it on top of Rukawa's bowl of rice.
"There. You must eat. We're taking you somewhere today, Rukawa-san," Sakuragi's brown eyes were fixed on Rukawa's. "We're taking you to the Shinto temple, and then where the Samurais train." Rukawa stared back coldly, unbelieving.
Do'aho.
Everyone sweatdropped as Sakuragi continued to blabber nonsense.
1.1 Chapter 1: Within the Flow of Time
"Rukawa Kaede? Namae wa suteki," the Emperor's eyes gazed at the dark- haired guy. Sakuragi was at his side, while Rukawa was in front of the throne kneeling with his head lower. "Arigato gozaimasu, Your Majesty." "Raise your head, young man."
Rukawa's head raised slowly, his eyes meeting the Emperor's. He did not look directly at the Emperor when he entered the throne-room, and he noticed that instead of being the horrible tyrant that he thought the Emperor was ever since he was a child, the Emperor looked serene and friendly. If the Emperor was in civilian's clothes, no one would ever think that he was the Dragon of the country. The Emperor was in his fifties or sixties, and his white hair was crowned with gold and jewels. His physique was rather plump, which further enhanced his Santa-like features.
"Anzai desu ne. Ho ho ho."
Rukawa was taken aback by his friendliness and he found himself having a liking for the Emperor, who reminded him of his late Grandfather. Sakuragi cut in. "Oji-sama prefers people to call him by name. That makes the relationships in the Imperial Court closer, Rukawa-san."
"Demo. Your Majesty."
"Ah ah, Rukawa. Address me properly."
"Anzai-sama."
"Much better. Ho ho ho. Hana, why don't you take him to his room?" Sakuragi nodded firmly and walked Rukawa out of the throne-room and across the courtyard into the North wing of the Imperial Palace. Rukawa followed blindly as Sakuragi continued to talk about the palace's sights and such. He was oblivious to Sakuragi's babbling, for his mind was full of thoughts.
"Rukawa-san? Konnichiwa. Back to Earth."
"Nan da? Gomen ne. My mind wandered off," Rukawa said apologetically, but he did not smile. Sakuragi opened the doors. "Irrashai, Rukawa-san. If you have anything to ask or need, just call on me. My room is just opposite." He pointed to the room across the stone bridge. Outside both rooms was a beautiful garden. The pond was clear with a greenish-blue tint, and the small bridge was magnificently sculpted. Sakura was blossoming everywhere and the grass was neatly-trimmed, with a few fallen blossoms here and there. It was a sight to behold.
"Arigato gozaimasu, Sakuragi-san."
"Hai hai, Rukawa. It's late now. Oyasumi nasai!" Before Rukawa could say anything, Sakuragi had already walked across the bridge and entering his room. He looked at Sakuragi as he disappeared behind the bamboo doors. Rukawa sensed something. different about the red-headed man. After all, they were of two different worlds - He lived in a world of martial arts and vigorous trainings, while Sakuragi Hanamichi lived in a world of luxury and comfort. There was no way they could have ever crossed paths.
Sakuragi picked up the cup and drank the tea. Ever since young, he had learnt perfect manners and lessons on etiquette, history, swordplay and so on. His life had been controlled and watched closely by his parents as well as the Emperor. He was trained to be fit for the royal family.
Boring. Ick.
Sighing, he put the cup down. He admired Rukawa Kaede ever since he set his eyes on him. He admired his care-free life and freedom. He would give up all luxuries to live a life in Rukawa's world. Rukawa Kaede reminded him of a fox. His features were sharp, and "sly" or "cunning" sprang up to his mind almost immediately.
Rukawa Kaede the Kitsune.
He chuckled at that thought.
Rukawa. is different.
Rukawa couldn't sleep. For the whole night, he was thinking of Sakuragi Hanamichi. "That aho." He felt warm at his thoughts and shook away any of his warm feelings.
I think of him as a friend even though we only knew each other today. Is it the works of Fate?
Dawn was arriving quickly, and the sky turned into a beautiful shade of blue as sunlight peeked in.
As red as that hair.
"Ohayo gozaimasu, Rukawa-san!" Sakuragi opened the doors. Rukawa turned his face away from the door and continued sleeping. A vein appeared on Sakuragi's head. "Teme kitsune." "Kitsune?" Rukawa muttered softly enough for only he himself to hear. His eyebrow twitched. "Aho, let me sleep." "Teme ni." Sakuragi burst in and tore away the blanket. Rukawa glared at him icily at first, but stopped, realizing where he was.
"Gomen nasai. I forgot that I'm in the palace." His tone was still cold. "Why did you call me 'Kitsune'?" Sakuragi gave a smile and shrugged. "You remind me of one. Don't mind me. I should apologise for interrupting your sleep. But everyone at the breakfast table is waiting for you. C'mon now, rise and shine!"
Rukawa reluctantly got down from his bed in his sleeping robe. Sakuragi turned away, not letting him see his blush. Rukawa felt odd as he looked down. His pants had fallen off. Gasping, he pulled it back up. His cheeks flushed furiously. "Su. sumimasen yo.." "Maa. Just get dressed quickly and come for breakfast." Sakuragi left without looking back, his heart throbbing quickly.
Kuso. What am I thinking. Well. He's a guy, so it doesn't matter if I see anything. We are similar in THAT way too. KUSO! What am I thinking again? I feel like a baka.
Sakuragi walked over to the dining room, where the Emperor, the Empress, two princesses and two princes were waiting. "Sumimasen, minna-san."
The Empress noticed his odd expression and his reddened face and concerned, she asked gently, "Hanamichi, daijoubu desu ka? Are you having a fever? You look kind of red." "Daijoubu daijoubu. Rukawa-san is coming soon after he gets a change of clothes," Sakuragi tensed and a sweatdrop appeared on his head. The prince next to him was looking incredulous. "Hisashi, stop looking so weirdly at me!"
He chuckled and pointed his chopsticks at him. "Hanamichi has something wrong with him. What is it? That egoistic brain of the Tensai? Don't you agree, Akira?" "Teme." Sakuragi was getting mad, but he stopped himself from hitting Hisashi since he was, after all, a prince. The other prince sweatdropped, but only smiled. At that moment, Rukawa arrived, dressed in a nice-looking robe and his hair was kept neat. As he spotted Sakuragi, his blank expression changed.
"Rukawa-san? Come sit down," one of the princesses smiled at him, blushing. "Watashi wa Haruko desu. Dozo yoroshiku." Rukawa only nodded. The princess beamed as he looked at her.
Kami-sama. Bishounen!
Haruko was looking at him, starry-eyed. The princess next to her sighed and shook her head. "Haru-chan." "Aya-chan, why don't you introduce yourself too?" Haruko smiled at her. A sweatdrop appeared on her head.
"Very well. Watashi wa Ayako desu. Yoroshiku, Rukawa-san." Rukawa nodded at Ayako as well. Hisashi and Akira greeted him as Rukawa took his seat next to Sakuragi, who was dying of embarrassment inside even though he acted as if nothing as happened. Rukawa desperately held on to his ice-cold mask. The Emperor announced breakfast gaily.
"Itadakimasu." Everyone chorused and started to eat. Rukawa found himself amazed at the luxurious food. He never ate, nor seen them before. Sakuragi felt more and more uneasy as he noticed that Rukawa was staring at his food. Frustrated, Sakuragi picked up a sashimi and dropped it on top of Rukawa's bowl of rice.
"There. You must eat. We're taking you somewhere today, Rukawa-san," Sakuragi's brown eyes were fixed on Rukawa's. "We're taking you to the Shinto temple, and then where the Samurais train." Rukawa stared back coldly, unbelieving.
Do'aho.
Everyone sweatdropped as Sakuragi continued to blabber nonsense.
