Isolation
Disclaimer: I do not own Flame of Recca or any of the characters. I'm merely using them for my own pleasure. Please don't sue me. Thanks.
A/N: Back again after so long. Forgive me, minna-san. I've had this really troublesome cough. It kinda took away my inspiration along with my willpower to continue this fic. This is the second to the last chapter of Isolation. You won't have to put up with me anymore. ^^;; Anyway, this chapter will keep you guys hanging. [Ack, I spoiled it. Well, you know what to expect now. Please don't hit the back button yet!] Sorry in advance, but this is how I really planned it to be. Thank you for all the reviews --- you guys encourage me to write better.
BTW, this is really off topic, but I just started a new fic. Shame on me, I know. I couldn't resist writing. ^^ Anyway, it would keep me busy after finishing Isolation. It's all about Tokiya the vampire and Fuuko, granddaughter of a slayer. Pretty cool. I can't wait to finish this one so I can get working on that. ^^;; I can't write two fics at the same time. It wouldn't be pretty, if I did try.
I'll stop rambling now, and you guys can sue me for wasting your Internet time by emailing me. [I believe I gave out my email in the previous chapter] R&R please!
Chapter 7: Irony and Lies"Hello!" Fuuko bounced into the room, without waiting for his greeting.
Tokiya cocked an eyebrow. "Yes?"
"What?" Fuuko returned his look with a small giggle. "I decided to drop in. I mean, Yanagi and Recca are out, as usual...Domon is busy teaching Ganko soccer and Kaoru has his basketball practice. All their activities seem boring to me, so I thought I could crash by your place and uh...bond."
"Bond?" he repeated.
She nodded. "Anything wrong with that? Bond. It means two or more people spend quality time together and have fun. Don't tell me Mifuyu didn't teach you that." She giggled, looking at him. But seeing his expressionless face, she cleared her throat. "I mean, if you're up to it. You might be busy or something..." And it did look like it. He didn't look a bit enthusiastic as she was. Fuuko wondered if he was sick again.
"Actually..." he lied. "I'm a bit preoccupied. I'm sorry Fuuko. Maybe some other time?"
"Oh." Her face fell. "I see. Are you really that busy? Maybe I can help you..."
He shook his head and replied in his most polite voice, "No thank you. I'm really sorry. Perhaps we can see each other the next day? Or the following week?"
"Yeah, it might be better." She agreed. "Are you sure you're okay?"
He nodded reassuringly, though she doubted it. "Okay then. I'll see you around." There was an unmistakable look of disappointment in her face, and she had a hard time hiding it. "Bye." She attempted to smile and closed the door behind her.
"Ja ne." Tokiya raised a palm. As soon as the door was shut, he exhaled out loud and walked over to the chair he was previously sitting on. A book lay open on the kitchen counter, but now he found no interest in reading the next few chapters. He settled himself down, in a more lenient position than a few minutes ago. He sighed.
He just lied to her.
Lies were never new to him. He used them, whenever the need arose. However, it was never in his nature to tell a fib just for the sake of doing so. He wasn't so sure that his 'purpose' this time would justify what he just committed.
It flew out of his mouth. His mind wasn't helping either. Again, he was kept awake last night trying to think of a solution to his problem. Fuuko. She was like a nightmare. She beleaguered him, overtook his senses, his thoughts and all of what was left of his practical side took cover when she was around him. Not that he didn't enjoy it. He somewhat did. She was a nightmare but at the same time, a dream. Her persona was what captured him. He was fascinated with the way she carried herself, how she acted, how she viewed life as a person...
So why'd you lie, then? His inner mind asked him.
Reality strikes again. His ridiculous fantasies were erased immediately. He wanted to avoid her. He spent all night, debating on how he would handle the situation and the verdict was so. It was hard and many times he was tempted to lift the phone and call her. However, his pride and common sense held him back. The phone lay untouched.
She still loved him. Raiha. He could see it in her eyes each time he spent with her. He wasn't a fool. He knew that deep in her heart, she would not ever let go of that memory. And he didn't want to complicate things by telling her that he had fallen for her charms.
Besides, how would he tell her anyway without looking like a complete idiot?
He shook his head. It was useless. Why try?
*******
"I don't get it Yanagi. I really don't." Fuuko mumbled, playing with her fingers quietly. It's been 3 weeks and he hasn't called or accepted a single invitation to go out with me. Is he mad at me or something? He usually agrees to going out or just a simple walk. I've tried going to him, sending an email and calling but nothing seems to work. Nowadays, he's simply too busy."
"3 weeks? I wonder what's wrong with Tokiya-kun then..."
"You know, I don't have any idea on what he's busy on either! He doesn't tell me anything."
Yanagi shook her head sympathetically, putting her hand on Fuuko's shoulder. "Maybe he just has problems to sort out and wants to be left alone. You know Tokiya-sempai."
"No. It's not like that." Fuuko insisted. "That morning when we had breakfast at that coffee shop, I made him promise not to keep things from me anymore. We made a promise to tell each other things, problems or whatnot. So I don't understand why he's not living up to that pact."
"Maybe this calls for something else. Take it easy Fuuko. Why don't you go to his place and fix things?" her friend suggested calmly.
"You know what, maybe I will." Fuuko sighed, standing up and walking towards the door.
Though she meant well, that was clearly not the reaction Yanagi was expecting. "A..anou..Fuuko! Maybe now is not such a good time..." She stood up too and held her arm. "You're a bit upset at the moment. Take some time first, will you dear?"
"Why should I?"
"Because if you continue doing things this way, you'll end up getting into trouble...knowing you and Recca; you both tend to act before thinking."
She looked at Yanagi, confused. "Trouble? What do you mean? You're the one who told me to go to him right now. I'm sorry Yanagi, but this has gotten out of hand already. 3 weeks and the guy refuses to speak to me. There's something wrong and he doesn't want to spit it out. I'm going to make him do it, then. I'll see you later." She raised her hand as a sign of goodbye before grabbing her jacket and walking out of the house.
"Aa...hai." Was all she heard from her longhaired friend.
She wasn't angry. She was merely irritated. 21 days and no budge from the guy. What was going on?! Fuuko blew the stray tendrils on her face. There was no doubt about the fact that he was avoiding her for some particular reason. She was going to find out about it and hopefully straighten things up a bit.
What worried her the most is that he might be mad at her. It sent her feelings of uncertainty.
But then again, why would he be mad at her? He had no reason to be. She didn't do anything wrong to him. Everything was making her puzzled. It was confusing. The day at the park wasn't any different. In fact, she tried her best to ignore the troublesome memory of their shared moment. She never really knew the reason why he tried to kiss her. Well, she said to herself, you don't have to worry now. You're about to find the answers.
Yanagi's persistent words came back to her. Tokiya might be attracted to you.
Fuuko laughed it off. Yeah right. Words of flattery never worked for her, anyway. She never paid that much attention to her figure, her looks or how she carried herself physically. What good would it do? She had this philosophy on looks and substantial attributes. She came to believe that there would really come a day that people would see her for what she was and not for her body or expression. Still, vanity makes its presence known and there were times when she'd look at herself in front of the mirror and study the body kami-sama gave her.
She was satisfied with herself all in all. Her hair was a messy as it could be, but it was a wash and wear rule which carried on since she was 10 years old. Her figure was no problem, for she was naturally slim and gifted with ample curves. Her features would never hold a candle to Yanagi's but who would care? Raiha came to love her as Recca loved his hime so she had no problems whatsoever.
In fact, it wasn't really rare for her to have an admirer or two. She would occasionally receive trinkets, chocolates, flowers and some of the usual signs or subtle hints high school boys would send. However, she was swept off by her own ninja and that sent her devotees to the pit of disappointment. She didn't care about them. She was happy with him. His affectionate words could match even the poetic phrases of Robert Browning himself. But that kind of happiness was short lived. After Raiha had gone, the usual flood of flowers came back. She didn't bask in her fairly small moments fame now. The blossoms lay rotten in her locker, covered with books and papers.
Now that she did think of it, she wasn't that ugly or invisible after all. There were people who noticed her and were attracted to her.
But Tokiya Mikagami?
Fuuko coughed. It just couldn't be. She would have had to have long russet tresses, soft brown eyes and gentle tones. That was Yanagi. She knew that the master of the hyomon ken never looked at any girl except those who resembled his late sister. Yanagi happened to be one of the rare few, but her heart already belonged to Fuuko's childhood friend. The mere thought of Tokiya smitten sent Fuuko laughing out loud, causing by standers and strangers to look at her.
She smiled and excused herself quietly. That was why it was impossible for him to fall for her. She knew his type. The soft spoken, tender souls were what caused him to be reminded of his angelic neechan. But not her. Definitely not her. She was the complete opposite of the definition of a woman. Tomboyish, loud and outspoken as she is, Fuuko knew that she would never, ever come close to becoming Yanagi or the rest of the girls she had seen in class. While ladies nowadays kept to shy and subtle hints, Fuuko would brush everything away and focus her attention on more significant matters. With Raiha gone, she had no guy to swoon over, no gifts to cherish and certainly no tingly feelings to relish.
She came upon his door and smartly knocked. She brushed away her current thoughts and reminded herself of her goal. She was there to seek answers and get him to confess what was troubling him. Also, she added firmly, she wouldn't leave until she got a decent response.
The wooden door swung open to reveal Tokiya in a long shirt, sweatpants and running shoes. He was mildly surprised but the expression went back to its deadpan manner. "Hi. What are you doing here?" he inquired calmly.
Fuuko donned a smirk and raised her eyebrow. "I was wondering if you have time for a small chat, Tokiya. I hope you're not busy at the moment and even if you are, I won't entertain any excuses. I wish to talk to you about some things which have been bothering me."
"I'm going jogging at the park." He answered, indicating his outfit.
"No you're not." She told in a matter-of-fact tone. "We're going to talk."
He did not like the tone of her voice. Not one bit. "Fuuko," he began "why don't we do this---"
"Another time?" she finished, cutting him rudely. "Because for 3 weeks, that's all you've been saying." She retorted, brusquely. "Geez, can't you even make time for a friend? What has been keeping you so busy these times? I hope it isn't a girl, because I know you'd tell me. I won't even take the whole day. Just 15 minutes of your time. After that, you'd have the whole world to yourself."
"Fine then." He said, crossing his arms. "Talk."
"Aren't you even going to invite me in?" she asked disbelievingly. Normally, the polite boy would open the door, wide enough to let her inside his home. However...
"If you say that it will only take 15 minutes, I can afford to stand here by my doorway and listen to you." He replied. "So what is it?" he leaned against the side casually and looked at her expectantly. This was new. Suddenly she was headstrong and bossy. She was probably having a bad day, he noted. Still, he had not the time to talk to her --- nor the courage.
She nearly glared at him. Her temper was rising. She was never good when it came to patience and perseverance. Fine. If he wanted to take it outside, it was no deal to her. "What's going on?" she asked, getting straight to the point. If he was only going to allow her 15 minutes, better make good use of it.
"What do you mean?"
"You know very well what I mean."
"No, I don't."
It was a good thing she remembered to count up to 3. It wasn't that Fuuko got used to blowing up in front of the smallest matters. It was just that he was making this more difficult than she thought. "Mikagami," she uttered through clenched teeth. "I want to know why in the world you've been acting this way. It's about time you gave me a good reason."
"Acting like what, Fuuko?"
"Damnit, you're not making this any easier." She exclaimed out loud. "What the hell is wrong with you?! You're acting this all out, I know it and I know that you KNOW what I'm talking about. Spit it out."
She was right. He was lying and pretending. How come it wasn't reaching her? He had lied countless times before in front of different people. Even his professors would believe him. Though he never explored the medium, he knew quite well that he would make the quite perfect actor. Yet the mere sight of Fuuko, not fooled, proved that he needed to brush up his skills.
"Why are you avoiding me?" she asked in a gentler tone.
It hit him. Hard. He removed his gaze from her and let his eyes drop to the floor. "I don't know what you're talking about." He replied. Coolly, but a sign of hesitation was present in his voice.
"Yes you do."
"No. I don't."
She placed her hand over his chest. "Look at me." She commanded in firm tones. He unwillingly did so, taking another plunge into the world he so wanted to escape. A world filled with her beauty and happiness. It nearly caused him to go insane and now, he was taking it again. Fuuko was like nicotine. A drug. He couldn't stop thinking of her. He wanted to get out and stop the madness.
"Tokiya," she voiced out slowly. "Stop lying. I know you're avoiding me. Tell me why."
She wasn't letting him off. But hell, he didn't want it anymore!
"Why?" he repeated. "Fuuko, it's not that I'm avoiding you..."
"Then what is it?!" her anger was back. "Tell me now. I can't understand why I'm being treated this way! If you're mad at me, then tell me the reason why, Tokiya. Am I paining you? Tell me now, because I can't stand it any longer..." she trailed off silently. She too, bowed her head and refused to speak until he did his share. Tokiya had his own misgivings, but he had to reply.
"I'm not mad at you." He spoke, finally.
Her eyes flickered open. "Then what is it?" she pleaded.
"It's hard to explain, Kirisawa."
"You can tell me. Remember? You promised to tell me anything that bothers you. We made that promise Tokiya. What's happening to it now?"
That promise. He did remember. That sign called a yukibiri, often labeled as an immature gesture, started their trust and friendship. He did it and agreed, sincerely. But this was so damn hard for him! How could he tell her that he was ridiculously falling for her charms without getting hurt in the process? Why was she being so hard headed about it?
"Of course I remember. But you do know that some things aren't to be disclosed to anyone..."
"And why is that?" she challenged him. "I wouldn't bother you as much Tokiya, but I've got this nagging feeling that I have something to do with it."
"This doesn't concern you." He replied shortly, his pale eyes flashing for a split second.
Her eyes narrowed. "If it doesn't, then why am I being shoved aside like a useless piece of metal?"
"Kami-sama's sake, Fuuko, this isn't a game!" he snapped, losing his patience. "Like I said, it has nothing to do with you, okay? I need to be left alone, to think. I can't be with you all of the time. Heck, I need to be with myself and I don't need any interference. I've had enough inconveniences around me already, do you understand?"
She stared at him, slowly taking in all of what he said. A short moment later, tears began to form in her eyes. "I see." She trembled. "So, I'm an inconvenience to you? I'm a bother to you? If that was it...then why didn't you tell me?" Tears flowed freely.
Tokiya stood shocked, at the sight before him and partly because of what just came out of his mouth. The irony of it all was almost enough to drive him mad. What he said wasn't true at all. No, she wasn't even paining him. He just caused her the pain.
He made her cry.
It broke his heart to see her so. He had to do something, instead of standing there like a heartless fool. No. That wasn't him anymore. He cared for her.
This time, he could stop himself.
Tokiya raised his hand and gradually brushed the drops of clear liquid away from her eyes and a swift movement of his thumb caught them falling off her cheek. However, she drew back quickly and rubbed the back of her palm over her face. "Don't touch me." She muttered, coldly.
That was harsh, but he deserved it.
"I'm sorry." He began. "I didn't mean that."
"It sounded like you did. You're a terrible liar." Her voice came out louder and sounding harsher. "Your severe words were more than enough. I got the message. What was so hard about that, Mikagami?"
Not only did he cause her pain, but anger too.
"No Fuuko. Let me explain."
She laughed, indifferently. "Oh, now you want to explain? No thank you. Did you not hear me? That magnificent speech of yours already told me what I needed to know."
"It's not that. You've got it wrong."
"I don't need any interference. I've got enough inconveniences." She repeated his lines. "What does that say? It's simple really. You've never wanted me around you, am I correct? Gee, I get it. You just swept in to help me with my depression and now that I'm okay and everything, you want to resume becoming the ice block we all know. You know, there's really no need for you to explain. Reality bites, and I guess it's up to me to accept that fact."
"Fuuko...listen, please? You're not an hassle to me..."
"Then what was that I just heard, damnit?!"
"What you heard was the product of my stupidity." He replied, helplessly. "You've got to hear me out first because there's a big mistake..."
She stared at him defiantly. "Yeah, if there was any mistake committed here," her voice cracked one more time before she swallowed up what was left of her emotions and donned a stony expression. "it was getting to know you."
He could only stare back, his eyes begging her to stay and forgive him. She didn't take heed of his request. If he hurt her with what he just said a while ago, then her final statement struck him painfully. With one last glare, she turned her back on him and hurried away. He was stuck with nothing but silence in the background and his small breaths.
Frustrated, he banged his head against the wall. It hurt like hell, but it was nothing compared to the ache in his heart now. What a fool he had been. And maybe Fuuko was right after all. It was a mistake. A big mistake for her to get to know the real him.
He sighed. "K'sou."
Was it right that he let her go? Tokiya bit his lip, as his clenched hands shook. Maybe it was better this way. This was what he wanted...right? To be free from her...from her eyes, her laughter, her smile? What was this he was feeling? Mixed emotions and regret? There was no hint of relief in his heart. Only sadness, only pain.
No. Hard as it was, he shook out of his silent trance. It was the right thing. For both of them.
Are you sure?
Yes.
Then why are your eyes wet?
*******
"Tokiya-sempai? You're joking...right? You can't do that!"
"Yanagi, I have to. It's the best thing for me. I've got a lot of chances out there and if I do play my cards well, I'll be able to make a successful living."
"But what about..."
"I'm sorry about this. I'm going to start fixing things with my professor some time next week. Hopefully, I'll be cleared out by the end of the second term."
"...I see. Well, good luck to you Tokiya-sempai."
"Yanagi? Could you do me a favor before you hang up?"
"...hai. What is it?"
"Promise me you won't tell Fuuko. Not a single thing."
It took Yanagi only 3 seconds to figure out what happened when Fuuko came rushing back to her arms. Her eyes misted as she held her sobbing friend. Her heart ached. She felt Fuuko's agony. Yanagi could do nothing but stroke the plum colored hair and pat her back soothingly. The last time she saw Fuuko in deep pain was when the horrible news of Raiha's death broke out.
"He...he said I was a bother to...him..." Fuuko choked out.
Yanagi's eyes widened a bit. "What do you mean?"
"That's the reason why he was avoiding me...because he apparently doesn't enjoy my company." She said, her voice calming down. "And that's why I hate him." She finished before wiping her hand hastily over her eyes. "I hate him, Yanagi. He's nothing but an arrogant jerk. I should've known better than to go on with this foolish thing."
"Now dear, I'm sure he didn't mean anything..."
"Yanagi, he practically said it all! I wasn't deaf. I heard every damn word he said."
And she could say no more to console her distressed friend. Yanagi knew better than to object, so she kept her mouth closed as Fuuko proceeded to vent out her feelings. Now she knew what happened. That mysterious phone call from Tokiya...and now Fuuko was crying. She wasn't sure whether she was right in assuming that Tokiya was pretty much uncomfortable around Fuuko and the latter took it in the wrong way...but his decision was that of an idiot's. How could he do that in a time like this?
Playing matchmaker was harder than she thought it would be.
As soon as Fuuko got hold of herself, she asked what she planned to do about the situation. Fuuko's cobalt blue eyes hardened and her mouth was set in such a firm line that Yanagi could barely see her lips.
"Nothing."
"What do you mean, nothing?" Yanagi asked in disbelief.
Fuuko merely shrugged. "It's not my problem anymore. Besides, what's the use?"
Yanagi had tried to protest but at that point, Fuuko had already started to leave for the door.
*******
A quick run-in at the campus every lunchtime. There was anything but happiness seen in their eyes. Tokiya Mikagami was noted to be colder than usual and more preoccupied with something. People were scared to approach him and not one of his admirers dared to tease him, after hearing that he snapped at one of them pretty harshly. He was hardly seen as he spent most of his time gathering papers and information from his professors and the library.
She was concentrating on her studies, full blast. It did please her teachers that she was doing well in her subjects more than anyone else. However, Recca and her other friends were more than worried about her reaction. Word spread among the four about her big fight with Tokiya. She continued to ignore Yanagi's pleas to make up with the incoming college student. Fuuko remained firm on her verdict.
Another 3 weeks passed by and there were no signs of relenting. No one knew what was to become of the two.
And on one fateful day, just when autumn was about to end, Tokiya Mikagami had disappeared from the campus grounds. No one had any idea where he went. Some supposed he was sick, others thought he moved to another school. His teachers would not say anything about it except that their best student was gone and that he wouldn't return.
As for Fuuko, she couldn't care any less.
"So, what's the game plan?" she asked cheerfully after they picked up Kaoru from his school. "Aren't we going out for dinner or something this afternoon?"
"Yeah. Hime gets to choose tonight." Recca replied, holding his girlfriend's hand. Yanagi did choose where to go --- a simple seafood place where they could enjoy the quiet. Not much people their age preferred the place, but it was perfect enough. For two hours, it was talk city. The usual chatter. Fuuko simply chose to relax and listen to the bits and pieces of stories everyone had to share.
She was perfectly content until a familiar topic resurfaced.
"Say, what happened to Mikagami? I haven't seen him this past few days..." Recca asked.
Fuuko nearly coughed up her rice and toppings.
"I don't know..." Domon answered, shaking his head. "I would have enjoyed seeing the old chap. He was always such a perfect target for teasing. Maybe he decided to go into hiding once more. Do you know anything about it, Fuuko? Did he mention any plans or something?"
She swallowed the contents of her mouth before replying curtly. "No. I have no idea on what he plans to do with his life, so don't ask me." And with that, she went back to her dinner leaving everyone much surprised at her reaction. Recca and Yanagi exchanged worried looks.
"Well, I wanna know what Tokiya neesan is up to now." Kaoru chimed in. "I wanted to ask him to teach me a few stuff on my algebra project."
"Actually," Yanagi softly began, "he called me up before. He told me something..."
Everyone stopped talking and stared at her.
"Well?" Recca prompted her.
Yanagi looked hesitant before she continued. "He said that he'll be leaving for the US."
"What?" She blurted out in shock. "He's leaving?!"
It was her turn to be stared at. Yanagi nodded sadly. "Hai, Fuuko-chan. I wasn't supposed to tell you anything...but I feel that the same thing would happen again."
She sat still, staring at Yanagi's concerned eyes. "When?" she managed to ask.
"Tonight."