Picking Up The Pieces
By: Angela Timchuk and Karen McVicker
(A.K.A. Makino & deDanaan)
Chapter Five
Crossroads
Akira and Tsubaki rounded the corner at the top of the stairs, headed in the direction of the study, where the maid had told them they could find everyone.
"So what did you mean when you said you were moving back?" he questioned, remembering when he asked her about all the luggage earlier. "You're not just here for a few weeks holidays?"
"I'm back for good," she answered tersely. "There's only so much a person can put up with." Her expression was guarded and her eyes bitter. Akira knew right away what she was saying. It wasn't hard to read between the lines. He knew her marriage hadn't been particularly happy, but not many upper-class unions were. It was a fact of life. What had happened to bring her home? He was curious.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"No!….yes…..I don't know." She obviously had no idea what she wanted.
"So what happened?" he prodded gently, not wishing to provoke another act of violence. Three times in short succession was quite enough, thank you.
"I'd finally had enough, if you must know." Her reply was low, clipped and even. "I was sick of being a wife in name only to a man who prized me for no other reason but the link I gave him to the Doumyouji empire. I was sick of the indignity of having each and every one of his many mistresses--empty- headed starlets for the most part--paraded in front of me. I was sick of L.A. and dying a slow death in that house."
"Does Tsukasa know?" he questioned. She nodded
"He was the one who told me to come home."
"I see." It made sense, Tsukasa had been a changed man when he returned from New York. He had most definitely done some growing up. "So what are you going to do? What about your husband?"
"He's agreed to a divorce as long as it's kept out of the papers and that's fine by me because it would be very ugly. I'm so tired now, I'm just glad it's proving to be mostly painless. I get a generous settlement that makes me independent of my family so I can't really complain." Akira looked over at Tsubaki.
"Do you have any regrets?" There was something about the look on her face that said she did and she knew it was written there as plain as day.
She sighed. "I regret the wasted years. If my mother hadn't interfered in my life, things could have…."
"DON'T TOUCH ME!!! GET YOUR HANDS OFF ME!!!"
"What the hell was that?" Akira had been startled by the sudden screaming.
"YUUSUKE!!! YUUSUKE!!!" The screams were followed by loud noises--the sounds of things crashing and smashing. The pair drew to a halt outside the door of the room where the sounds originated.
"YUUSUKEEE!!!!!" This last scream was raw and primal and sent a chill snaking up their backs.
"Should we see what's going on?" Akira asked, stepping forward to open the door.
CRUNCH!!!
"GYAAAAAAA!!!!!" Akira had to bite down on his tongue to stop himself from swearing loud enough for the whole house to hear. What the fuck was happening? He turned around to glare at Tsubaki, suspecting she was the perpetrator, but he found she was looking past him, in front of him. He looked down to see Tama standing there, clutching her cane in a gnarled fist. Now it all made sense. The old woman had whacked him in the shins with the head of her cane.
"Don't interfere. I'll take care of things here," she told them sternly. As Tsubaki opened her mouth to say something, Tama added "And don't argue. If you know what's good for you, you'll go talk some sense into your brother's head before he does something stupid." She stood in front of them, resolute.
"Let's go, Akira," Tsubaki pouted as she led the way to the study--only Tama could make her feel like she was a little girl again.
**********
Tsukasa stood up at once from his place on the sofa when he heard the screams. Eumi squeaked, surprised by the sudden movement. "Did you hear that?" he asked, turning and facing Soujirou and Rui. They could tell by his expression how worried he was. "I'd better go make sure she's okay." His friends sighed as he turned and hurried to the door. Rui spoke as he opened it.
"Don't Tsukasa! Leave them be!" Tsukasa was stopped dead in his tracks by the tone of his friend's voice and swivelled around to look at him. "Shigeru and Yuuki are with her," Rui continued, "they'll take care of her. Besides, it wouldn't be right if you went in there, considering your history." Tsukasa stood quietly in the doorway for a few moments mulling over Rui's statement. He had to admit Rui was right, but it was so damn frustrating to not be able to help the only woman he had ever loved.
**************
Akira limped slowly along the hall behind Tsubaki. "What's with the women in this house?" He groaned as he catalogued his injuries. Tsubaki turned and eyed him.
"Quit your whining, you were hit by an old woman. She's in her eighties, so how strong can she be?" Akira rolled his eyes back and shook his head. He couldn't believe she'd forgotten what she'd done to him. Tsubaki changed the subject suddenly. "Do me a favour, Akira, and don't tell anyone else what I've told you today. It's something I don't want getting around just now." He nodded…..it sounded like he and Tsukasa were the only ones to know about it so far. Did that mean her parents were in the dark?
As they approached the study, they found Tsukasa standing in the doorway, looking thoughtful. Akira grinned as he hobbled by him and made his way to where Soujirou was. "Don't ask." he said as he sat on the end of the desk. Soujirou let out a chuckle at the sight of his friend.
"Tsukasa!" Tsubaki moved over to where her brother was standing and hugged him. He was hesitant at first, as if he expected her to whack him at any given time, but when he realized it was a genuine hug he leaned in towards her and returned the embrace. He was glad she was there, especially now. Despite their feisty childhood they had always been close, particularly over the last few years. Tsukasa had spent time with Tsubaki at her home in Los Angeles when he was going to school in the states and had seen how she lived. Not only had it brought him closer to his sister, it had made him even more determined not settle for a marriage arranged by his mother. It had made him realize it had always been Makino or no-one else. He couldn't imagine how things had been for Tsubaki and was adamant he would not share her fate.
"How are you doing, nee-chan?" Tsukasa asked as her broke away from her grasp. He led her by the hand and, after Rui had picked up Eumi and scooted over to make room, sat beside her on the sofa.
"Funny, I was just going to ask you the same thing." she replied, smiling as Eumi began to fuss and Rui did his best to quiet her.
Tsukasa rested his elbows across his knees. "I'm sure you're aware of what's going on here."
Tsubaki placed a hand on his shoulder, consoling him. "Yeah that twit, Akira, filled me in." Tsukasa couldn't help but smirk at her comment, while Akira could only sigh. Would he ever get any respect?
"I wonder what's going on in there? It's quieter now." Tsukasa stood up, folded his hands behind his back, and began to pace back and forth across the floor.
**********
"Please Tsukushi, we're here to help you, let us help you." Yuuki's gentle touch and pleading voice finally got through to Tsukushi.
"I'm sorry." She finally replied, "I really am. I shouldn't have burdened you with all this." Her shoulders slumped and Shigeru and Yuuki looked at each other. Neither of them had any idea what she was going through so how the hell could they help her?
"Tsukushi, we love you." Shigeru countered. "You aren't a burden! We're your friends, we're here for you." Even though it had been five years since they'd last seen each other, Tsukushi knew Shigeru was sincere. They had always been comfortable with each other, even in the beginning, when they didn't really know what to make of each other.
Yuuki turned around as the door opened, surprised at what she saw. "Ano…Tsukushi, I think there's someone here to see you." she told her friend, tapping on her shoulder to get her attention. Tsukushi turned around and her friends were encouraged to see a smile cross her lips, even if it was for only a split second.
"Makino-san."
"Tama-san….it's been a long time."
"Hasn't it? I understand something terrible has happened." The old woman's bluntness was refreshing. Everyone else seemed like they were skirting the subject, skittish about the whole thing.
"Yuusuke is dead." Tama bowed her head, her intuition confirmed.
"Hanazawa-san, can you do me a favour and bring a tray of food for Makino- san? Go to the kitchen, they'll be able to help you there." the old woman addressed Shigeru. "I'm sure she's quite hungry. When was the last time you ate, Makino?"
"Yesterday morning, I think." Tsukushi replied as Shigeru stood up and made her way to the door.
"Matsuoka-san" Tama pointed at Yuuki, who had begun unpacking the contents of the suitcase she had brought from Tsukushi's apartment. Yuuki stopped dead in her tracks and waited to hear what Tama had to say. "I'd like to have a few words with Makino, alone. I'm sure there are still many things for you to do." Yuuki nodded, understanding she was being dismissed. But the old woman was right--she had lots to do still, and hadn't had a chance yet to check back with Kazuya to see if he'd gotten a hold of Susumu.
"I'll be back in a little while, Tsukushi-chan." she told her friend as she left the room with Shigeru.
**********
Shigeru and Yuuki entered the study. The pair were quiet and sported somber faces. Yuuki went over to the large window behind Doumyouji's desk and stared through it, not really seeing the manicured gardens beyond. Shigeru fell to her husband's side and stared up at him through glassy eyes. Tsukasa immediately began questioning them. "What happened in there?"
"It was so awful." Shigeru's voice cracked as she remembered the state Tsukushi was in.
Yuuki took up the story, still staring unfocused through the window as she spoke. "It finally hit her--she was upset before, but it hadn't really hit her. She just out and out snapped." She whispered, barely audible, as she struggled to fight back her tears. Shigeru continued on with the story when she realized how distraught Yuuki was. She began to tell them what had happened from the time they found Tsukushi at the bottom of the shower until the time Tama had entered the room sent them off with jobs to do.
The atmosphere in the room was grave, everyone held Tsukushi in their thoughts and prayers. Tsukasa finally stopped pacing and sat down at his desk in silent contemplation. He picked a pen up off the blotter in front of him and twirled it between thumb and forefinger as his mind struggled to take in everything he had just heard. He envisioned Tsukushi ransacking the room in her grief and it haunted him.
"There are a lot of things to be done." Shigeru stated suddenly, breaking the silence. "Tama asked me to get Makino something to eat." She hated being idle. If she kept herself busy, she might be able to get Tsukushi's reaction off her mind. At least for a little while. Rui stood up, set Eumi on his hip, and followed his wife. "Someone's been fussing and could probably use a snack. I'll come with you and give you a hand." After they left, Yuuki walked away from the window. She crossed the room and headed for the door, "I have some calls to make." Tsukasa nodded.
"Akira, Soujirou, can you please excuse us, too?" Tsubaki had spoken, "I'd like to speak with Tsukasa…alone!" She met Akira's gaze for a second and Soujirou noticed something unspoken pass between them. What was that?
"Sure, nee-chan." He answered. "Come on, Soujirou, let's go give Yuuki a hand." The pair followed Yuuki, closing the door behind them on the Doumyouji siblings.
By: Angela Timchuk and Karen McVicker
(A.K.A. Makino & deDanaan)
Chapter Five
Crossroads
Akira and Tsubaki rounded the corner at the top of the stairs, headed in the direction of the study, where the maid had told them they could find everyone.
"So what did you mean when you said you were moving back?" he questioned, remembering when he asked her about all the luggage earlier. "You're not just here for a few weeks holidays?"
"I'm back for good," she answered tersely. "There's only so much a person can put up with." Her expression was guarded and her eyes bitter. Akira knew right away what she was saying. It wasn't hard to read between the lines. He knew her marriage hadn't been particularly happy, but not many upper-class unions were. It was a fact of life. What had happened to bring her home? He was curious.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"No!….yes…..I don't know." She obviously had no idea what she wanted.
"So what happened?" he prodded gently, not wishing to provoke another act of violence. Three times in short succession was quite enough, thank you.
"I'd finally had enough, if you must know." Her reply was low, clipped and even. "I was sick of being a wife in name only to a man who prized me for no other reason but the link I gave him to the Doumyouji empire. I was sick of the indignity of having each and every one of his many mistresses--empty- headed starlets for the most part--paraded in front of me. I was sick of L.A. and dying a slow death in that house."
"Does Tsukasa know?" he questioned. She nodded
"He was the one who told me to come home."
"I see." It made sense, Tsukasa had been a changed man when he returned from New York. He had most definitely done some growing up. "So what are you going to do? What about your husband?"
"He's agreed to a divorce as long as it's kept out of the papers and that's fine by me because it would be very ugly. I'm so tired now, I'm just glad it's proving to be mostly painless. I get a generous settlement that makes me independent of my family so I can't really complain." Akira looked over at Tsubaki.
"Do you have any regrets?" There was something about the look on her face that said she did and she knew it was written there as plain as day.
She sighed. "I regret the wasted years. If my mother hadn't interfered in my life, things could have…."
"DON'T TOUCH ME!!! GET YOUR HANDS OFF ME!!!"
"What the hell was that?" Akira had been startled by the sudden screaming.
"YUUSUKE!!! YUUSUKE!!!" The screams were followed by loud noises--the sounds of things crashing and smashing. The pair drew to a halt outside the door of the room where the sounds originated.
"YUUSUKEEE!!!!!" This last scream was raw and primal and sent a chill snaking up their backs.
"Should we see what's going on?" Akira asked, stepping forward to open the door.
CRUNCH!!!
"GYAAAAAAA!!!!!" Akira had to bite down on his tongue to stop himself from swearing loud enough for the whole house to hear. What the fuck was happening? He turned around to glare at Tsubaki, suspecting she was the perpetrator, but he found she was looking past him, in front of him. He looked down to see Tama standing there, clutching her cane in a gnarled fist. Now it all made sense. The old woman had whacked him in the shins with the head of her cane.
"Don't interfere. I'll take care of things here," she told them sternly. As Tsubaki opened her mouth to say something, Tama added "And don't argue. If you know what's good for you, you'll go talk some sense into your brother's head before he does something stupid." She stood in front of them, resolute.
"Let's go, Akira," Tsubaki pouted as she led the way to the study--only Tama could make her feel like she was a little girl again.
**********
Tsukasa stood up at once from his place on the sofa when he heard the screams. Eumi squeaked, surprised by the sudden movement. "Did you hear that?" he asked, turning and facing Soujirou and Rui. They could tell by his expression how worried he was. "I'd better go make sure she's okay." His friends sighed as he turned and hurried to the door. Rui spoke as he opened it.
"Don't Tsukasa! Leave them be!" Tsukasa was stopped dead in his tracks by the tone of his friend's voice and swivelled around to look at him. "Shigeru and Yuuki are with her," Rui continued, "they'll take care of her. Besides, it wouldn't be right if you went in there, considering your history." Tsukasa stood quietly in the doorway for a few moments mulling over Rui's statement. He had to admit Rui was right, but it was so damn frustrating to not be able to help the only woman he had ever loved.
**************
Akira limped slowly along the hall behind Tsubaki. "What's with the women in this house?" He groaned as he catalogued his injuries. Tsubaki turned and eyed him.
"Quit your whining, you were hit by an old woman. She's in her eighties, so how strong can she be?" Akira rolled his eyes back and shook his head. He couldn't believe she'd forgotten what she'd done to him. Tsubaki changed the subject suddenly. "Do me a favour, Akira, and don't tell anyone else what I've told you today. It's something I don't want getting around just now." He nodded…..it sounded like he and Tsukasa were the only ones to know about it so far. Did that mean her parents were in the dark?
As they approached the study, they found Tsukasa standing in the doorway, looking thoughtful. Akira grinned as he hobbled by him and made his way to where Soujirou was. "Don't ask." he said as he sat on the end of the desk. Soujirou let out a chuckle at the sight of his friend.
"Tsukasa!" Tsubaki moved over to where her brother was standing and hugged him. He was hesitant at first, as if he expected her to whack him at any given time, but when he realized it was a genuine hug he leaned in towards her and returned the embrace. He was glad she was there, especially now. Despite their feisty childhood they had always been close, particularly over the last few years. Tsukasa had spent time with Tsubaki at her home in Los Angeles when he was going to school in the states and had seen how she lived. Not only had it brought him closer to his sister, it had made him even more determined not settle for a marriage arranged by his mother. It had made him realize it had always been Makino or no-one else. He couldn't imagine how things had been for Tsubaki and was adamant he would not share her fate.
"How are you doing, nee-chan?" Tsukasa asked as her broke away from her grasp. He led her by the hand and, after Rui had picked up Eumi and scooted over to make room, sat beside her on the sofa.
"Funny, I was just going to ask you the same thing." she replied, smiling as Eumi began to fuss and Rui did his best to quiet her.
Tsukasa rested his elbows across his knees. "I'm sure you're aware of what's going on here."
Tsubaki placed a hand on his shoulder, consoling him. "Yeah that twit, Akira, filled me in." Tsukasa couldn't help but smirk at her comment, while Akira could only sigh. Would he ever get any respect?
"I wonder what's going on in there? It's quieter now." Tsukasa stood up, folded his hands behind his back, and began to pace back and forth across the floor.
**********
"Please Tsukushi, we're here to help you, let us help you." Yuuki's gentle touch and pleading voice finally got through to Tsukushi.
"I'm sorry." She finally replied, "I really am. I shouldn't have burdened you with all this." Her shoulders slumped and Shigeru and Yuuki looked at each other. Neither of them had any idea what she was going through so how the hell could they help her?
"Tsukushi, we love you." Shigeru countered. "You aren't a burden! We're your friends, we're here for you." Even though it had been five years since they'd last seen each other, Tsukushi knew Shigeru was sincere. They had always been comfortable with each other, even in the beginning, when they didn't really know what to make of each other.
Yuuki turned around as the door opened, surprised at what she saw. "Ano…Tsukushi, I think there's someone here to see you." she told her friend, tapping on her shoulder to get her attention. Tsukushi turned around and her friends were encouraged to see a smile cross her lips, even if it was for only a split second.
"Makino-san."
"Tama-san….it's been a long time."
"Hasn't it? I understand something terrible has happened." The old woman's bluntness was refreshing. Everyone else seemed like they were skirting the subject, skittish about the whole thing.
"Yuusuke is dead." Tama bowed her head, her intuition confirmed.
"Hanazawa-san, can you do me a favour and bring a tray of food for Makino- san? Go to the kitchen, they'll be able to help you there." the old woman addressed Shigeru. "I'm sure she's quite hungry. When was the last time you ate, Makino?"
"Yesterday morning, I think." Tsukushi replied as Shigeru stood up and made her way to the door.
"Matsuoka-san" Tama pointed at Yuuki, who had begun unpacking the contents of the suitcase she had brought from Tsukushi's apartment. Yuuki stopped dead in her tracks and waited to hear what Tama had to say. "I'd like to have a few words with Makino, alone. I'm sure there are still many things for you to do." Yuuki nodded, understanding she was being dismissed. But the old woman was right--she had lots to do still, and hadn't had a chance yet to check back with Kazuya to see if he'd gotten a hold of Susumu.
"I'll be back in a little while, Tsukushi-chan." she told her friend as she left the room with Shigeru.
**********
Shigeru and Yuuki entered the study. The pair were quiet and sported somber faces. Yuuki went over to the large window behind Doumyouji's desk and stared through it, not really seeing the manicured gardens beyond. Shigeru fell to her husband's side and stared up at him through glassy eyes. Tsukasa immediately began questioning them. "What happened in there?"
"It was so awful." Shigeru's voice cracked as she remembered the state Tsukushi was in.
Yuuki took up the story, still staring unfocused through the window as she spoke. "It finally hit her--she was upset before, but it hadn't really hit her. She just out and out snapped." She whispered, barely audible, as she struggled to fight back her tears. Shigeru continued on with the story when she realized how distraught Yuuki was. She began to tell them what had happened from the time they found Tsukushi at the bottom of the shower until the time Tama had entered the room sent them off with jobs to do.
The atmosphere in the room was grave, everyone held Tsukushi in their thoughts and prayers. Tsukasa finally stopped pacing and sat down at his desk in silent contemplation. He picked a pen up off the blotter in front of him and twirled it between thumb and forefinger as his mind struggled to take in everything he had just heard. He envisioned Tsukushi ransacking the room in her grief and it haunted him.
"There are a lot of things to be done." Shigeru stated suddenly, breaking the silence. "Tama asked me to get Makino something to eat." She hated being idle. If she kept herself busy, she might be able to get Tsukushi's reaction off her mind. At least for a little while. Rui stood up, set Eumi on his hip, and followed his wife. "Someone's been fussing and could probably use a snack. I'll come with you and give you a hand." After they left, Yuuki walked away from the window. She crossed the room and headed for the door, "I have some calls to make." Tsukasa nodded.
"Akira, Soujirou, can you please excuse us, too?" Tsubaki had spoken, "I'd like to speak with Tsukasa…alone!" She met Akira's gaze for a second and Soujirou noticed something unspoken pass between them. What was that?
"Sure, nee-chan." He answered. "Come on, Soujirou, let's go give Yuuki a hand." The pair followed Yuuki, closing the door behind them on the Doumyouji siblings.
