Chapter 4:

Later that night, Sorata looked at the doctor in horror as Karen lay unconscious yet again on the bed in her dressing room. "What?" he choked.

The doctor winced. "Arisugawa-san... I'm sorry but... Karen-san is dying... she has consumption."

Sorata looked down at the floor and then up at Hinoto who was sitting next to the bedside where Karen still rested. "She's dying..." he murmured, hardly able to bring himself to believe him. He looked up sadly. "She mustn't know, Hinoto... the show must go on."

The white haired woman nodded gravely.

* * * * *

The next morning, Seiichirou sat at his typewriter, stealing glances at Karen. She was sitting on his bed, coughing every now and then into a napkin. Seiichirou looked back down at his typewriter, typing out the last words on the page. "The penniless sitar player had waited all night and now for the first time, he began to feel the cold stab of jealousy." Swallowing, he looked at Karen again. "Where were you last night?" He asked in a hurt tone.

She glanced at him. "I... I-I told you... I was sick."

He got up and went to her bedside. "You don't have to lie to me." He sat on the bed next to her, taking her hand into his.

She looked him sorrowfully. "We.. we have to end it." He went silent, looking across the room. "Everyone knows... Sorata knows and sooner or later, Yuuto-sama will find out." He still hadn't reacted and she lifted a hand to his face. "On opening night I have to sleep with Yuuto-sama... and the jealousy will drive you mad..." With a sigh, she stood up.

He looked at her desperately. "Then, then I'll write a song.... and--and we'll put it in the show and no matter how bad things get, or whatever happens, whenever you hear it or when you sing it or whistle it or hum it, then it will mean--it'll mean we love one another. I won't get jealous." He followed her as she left the room to stand on the balcony outside.

"It doesn't work that way, Seiichirou... we have to end it." She shied away from him when he tried to touch her face.

Swallowing, he began to sing. "Never knew... I could feel like this... like I've never seen the sky before." She glanced back at him.


Later, he sat in the corner of the room, watching Kusanagi and Karen rehearse as the penniless sitar player and the Courtesan. "Now, this new scene is where the... sitar player writes a secret song for the courtesan... so that no matter what happens, no matter how bad things get, that they'll always remember their love. So let's take it from your line, Karen." Karen swept toward Kusanagi dramatically. "We can't do this!" she cried in a stage whisper, taking his hands.

"Do not fear. We will conduct our love affair right under the Maharaja," Kusanagi whispered back.

Seiichirou sat and watched them, thinking back to that morning and the song he had sung to her. /Seasons may change... winter to spring.../

Kusanagi collapsed, sound asleep. Sorata stood up, coughing loudly. "Honestly amigo, this is impossible!"

/But I love you until the end of time... Come what may, come what may... I will love you.. until my dying day.../

Karen laughed at the fallen Kusanagi and glanced at Seiichirou slyly.

Suddenly the world seems such a perfect place... he sang, picking up Kusanagi's part. He smiled at Karen, his mind wandering back to the moments they had shared over the past few days. He recalled the picnic with Yuuto, the way they had allowed themselves to get as close to each other as they could without the Duke noticing, almost like a game.

Suddenly it moves with such a perfect grace. Suddenly my life doesn't seem such a waste. It all revolves around you, they sang together, unable to keep the affection out of their voices and expressions, even though there were so many people watching them.

Seiichirou closed his eyes, remembering more. The nights they had spent poring over the script, lounging around his apartment in various stages of undress, laughing and talking with each other. The mornings that they awoke by each others' side, holding each other under the covers and watching the sun rise over the city.

And there's no mountain too high, no river too wide. Sing out this song and I'll be there by your side! Storm clouds may gather and stars may collide...

Moments that he would remember forever, even if they had to end soon.

He swallowed hard and looked up at her, his momentary sadness fading as his voice strongly proclaimed the sentiments he had written especially for her. As long as they had the song... as long as they knew that they loved each other, everything would be all right.

"But I love you..." he sang to her, under the pretense of practicing the song while Kusanagi was unconscious.

"I love you," she echoed, smiling at him.

"Until the end..."

"Until the end..."

"Of... time...

Their eyes locked across the room, and everything else vanished, all the people milling around, all the busy preparations going on. Nothing existed but the two of them and the emotions they were feeling. And in the corner of the room, Satsuki stood with Yuuto. She looked meaningfully at the blonde man, then flicked her eyes toward the pair, a strange, knowing smile on her face.

Come what may, come what may... I will love you until my dying day..." They finished singing to each other. And although Seiichirou was too blinded by affection and happiness to see it, a dark shadow passed across Karen's face.


Seiichirou nodded to the person he was speaking to, telling him the lines of the play. "And then the magical sitar player falls from the roof and says 'The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return."

Satsuki looked at Yuuto, rolling her eyes mockingly. "This ending's silly. Why would the courtesan go for the penniless writer?" When the duke looked up at her with shocked realization on his face, she gasped and covered her mouth, pretending to have slipped by accident. "I mean, SITAR PLAYER." She met Yuuto's eyes and shifted her gaze to Seiichirou, sitting in the corner and looking over the lines. She nodded with a smirk on her face, then began to walk away.

"Come what may, I will love yoooou, come what maaay... I will love you until my dying daaaay." The cast on the stage sang, surrounding the two lead actors. Sorata was pretending to sob, a maharajah's turban on his head. The song ended and all the cast members looked to Yuuto expectantly.

He barely managed to control his rage, speaking through gritted teeth. "I don't like this... ending."

The actors looked slightly shocked. "Don't like it, my dear Duke?" Sorata asked, stepping forward.

Yuuto stood up, gripping his cane with white knuckles. "Why would she chose the penniless... sitar player? When the maharajah is offering her a lifetime of security and money? That... that's real love. When the sitar player has satisfied his lust, he will leave her with nothing."

Seiichirou looked at the duke, beginning to get angry.

"Sorry!" Keiichi yelled from his position on the far back of the stage. He began to walk forward. "I'm sorry, but that ending doesn't uphold the Bohemian ideals of Truth, Freedom, Beauty and Lo--"

"I DON'T CARE ABOUT YOUR RIDICULOUS DOGMA!" Yuuto screamed, rudely cutting off Keiichi, who looked hurt. "Why SHOULDN'T the courtesan chose the maharajah?"

Something in Seiichirou snapped. "BECAUSE SHE DOESN'T LOVE YOU!" he screamed. Everyone in the room looked at him. Karen swallowed and Keiichi looked at Seiichirou in shock.

Paling, the writer took a few deep breaths and tried to regain his composure. he stammered softly. Him. She... she doesn't love /him/.

There were a few minutes of tense silence, as everyone stared at Yuuto to see how he would react. Pressing his lips together in a tight line, Yuuto narrowed his eyes at Karen and said in a very soft, controlled voice, Oh. I see.

Karen met his gaze, and lifted her head in a vaguely defiant manner. Yuuto's eyes shifted to Seiichirou, whose expression was deeply ashamed and worried.

Yuuto barked, quickly shifting his attention to the man in the maharajah's turban. This ending will be rewritten. With the courtesan choosing the maharajah... A smirk flitted across his features, then immediately disappeared as he spat out the next words with venom. And /without/ the lovers' 'secret song'. He took a moment to compose himself, then continued. It will be rehearsed in the morning and prepared in time for the opening tomorrow night.

But... but Yuuto-sama, that is impossible! Sorata cried, chagrined.

Karen, thinking fast, decided it was time for her to step in and use her considerable charm to mediate the situation. she said in a chiding voice, stepping down from the stage and walking toward Yuuto. Poor Yuuto-sama is being treated /appallingly/. She glanced at Seiichirou, feigning disdain. These... /silly/ writers let their imaginations run away with them, she continued, praying that Seiichirou would understand that she was only acting. Coming closer to Yuuto, she gave the man her best come-hither glance, though inside she was disgusted by the mere sight of him. Now why don't you and I... have a little /supper/... and afterwards we can let Arisugawa-san know how we would like the play to end, ne?

Yuuto's face remained impassive. Karen softened her expression, giving the blonde man her sweetest smile. Pressing his lips together, he nodded hesitantly.

With a sigh, Seiichirou turned away, his heart already beginning to break.

* * * * *

I don't want you to sleep with him, Seiichirou said later, as Karen was preparing herself for her dinner with Yuuto.

Karen turned around in surprise, and her heart wrenched at the look of sorrow and deep hurt on her love's face. With a soft sigh, she looked away. He could ruin everything... she said softly, tears glistening in her eyes.

She stopped talking as a few of the other dancers passed by, not wanting them to see her talking to Seiichirou. When they had left, she moved toward him again and whispered, It's for us. You promised... She moved closer, rubbing her cheek against his and whispering into his ear. You promised me you wouldn't be jealous... It'll be all right.

Seiichirou shook his head, feeling as if he were about to cry.

Yes... yes, it'll be all right. She stroked his cheek gently, then glanced around worriedly. He's waiting for me, she murmured, beginning to move away.

No... no... Seiichirou said in a voice that was almost a sob, clutching her arm. Karen looked at him for a moment, at the unashamed desperation on his face, and sighed, leaning her cheek against his again.

She could still feel him trembling a little, overcome with emotion, so she did the only thing she could think of to calm him down. she sang, softly and slowly, into his ear.

She pulled away slowly and looked at him, watching the inner turmoil reflected in his eyes. Finally his face cleared and he made a weak attempt at a smile. Come what may, he echoed in a whisper, attempting to convince himself as much as her. He paused, looking into her eyes a moment longer before reluctantly turning away.

* * * * *

Later that night, Seiichirou waited glumly in the empty theater along with Keiichi and nearly everyone else who was involved with the play. The atmosphere was tense, as they were all waiting for news about whether Karen had managed to calm Yuuto down.

At the same time, Karen was just entering the tower room to face Yuuto. Lifting the veil that hung over her face, she fixed the Duke with her best alluring look. My dear Yuuto-sama, I hope I have not kept you waiting.


Back at the theater, silence reigned, except for the occasional cough or clinking of glasses. Seiichirou had just downed his second glass of absinthe when he felt a hand on his shoulder, and abruptly Satsuki plopped herself into his lap and gave him a look of mock sympathy. Don't worry, she said in a cruelly teasing voice. You'll get your ending! As soon as Yuuto-sama gets his... end... in...

She didn't even have time to snicker over her bawdy pun before Seiichirou, whose nerves were already shot, shoved her hard. The room immediately erupted into chaos, and Kusanagi rushed to Satsuki's rescue before Seiichirou could do any more damage in his upset state.

You keep your hands off me! Satsuki shouted in a shaky voice, as Kusanagi attempted to calm her down. The actor shot Seiichirou a disapproving look, patting the distraught woman's shoulder.

Once Satsuki had quieted, Kusanagi left her and walked toward Seiichirou, shaking his head. Never fall in love with a woman who sells herself, he said, his tone regretful. It always ends BAD! He shouted the last word, catching everyone's attention and making the room fall silent once again.


The boy has a ridiculous obsession with me, Karen told Yuuto coolly, with a little chuckle. She was going to have to use all her considerable skills as an actress to convince Yuuto that she didn't care about Seiichirou. If only he hadn't been so rash, and hadn't given it away like that! Quickly she pushed all regrets out of her mind and concentrated on saving her job and the Flower, the only home she'd ever known.

I-- I mean, I indulge his fantasies, because he's so talented, she continued with a shrug. But we only need him until tomorrow night, after all...


There is a dance, in the brothels of my hometown, Kusanagi called out, breaking the silence in the theater. He snapped his fingers, and Subaru played a chord on the piano. It tells the story... of a prostitute... He gestured toward Satsuki, and a spotlight landed on her. The room broke into scandalized giggling, and someone whistled at Satsuki as she stepped down to join Kusanagi in the middle of the theater. ... and the man... who falls in love with her.

Satsuki twirled around a few times, running her hands up and down her body seductively. Then, abruptly, the tune of a tango began to play, and she and Kusanagi slowly moved into position for the dance, their heels clicking sharply against the wood floor.

First... there is desire, Kusanagi growled out, moving in close to Satsuki and dancing with her. Then... passion. Their movements became sharper and more intense. When he pulled her close, she looked over his shoulder at another man who was sitting down and reached out toward him.

Then... suspicion! Kusanagi pulled away and gripped Satsuki's wrist painfully, as she continued to look at the other man. Jealousy! Anger! Betrayal! Violently he spun her out and pulled her back in. When love is for the highest bidder, there can be no trust. Without trust, there is no love! He continued to grip her wrists as they danced across the floor. Jealousy... yes, jealousy... He released Satsuki, letting her fall into the arms of the other man. ...will drive you... /mad/!

Stepping into the center of the theater, he began to sing in his rough, deep voice. As he sang, Satsuki danced in the arms of the other man. You don't have to put on that red light...

A second man joined the first, and she spun off into his arms, dancing between the two. Walk the streets for money, you don't care if it's wrong or if it is right... More men took the stage, surrounding her, and Seiichirou watched with an odd ache in his heart. What if it were Karen... his Karen... in that position?

Kusanagi cried, as Satsuki danced with each of the men, allowing them to touch and kiss her. You don't have to wear that dress tonight! Roxanne! You don't have to sell your body to the night!

Seiichirou, unable to watch anymore, got to his feet and started for the door, singing softly to himself. His eyes upon your face... his hand upon your hand... He imagined what Karen was probably doing with Yuuto at that moment, and the very thought of it made anger unlike any he'd ever felt before rise within him. His lips caress your skin... It's more than I can stand!

Why does my heart cry? Seiichirou went on, his voice taking on a plaintive tone. Feelings I can't fight... He walked among the tangoing couples, making his way toward the door. You're free to leave me, but just don't deceive me... And please believe me when I say, I love you!


In the tower, Yuuto was crossing the room to stand beside Karen. If this production succeeds, he said softly, you will no longer be a nightclub dancer. You'll be an actress. He leaned close and whispered into her ear. And I... I can make you a star. He dropped his head to nuzzle her shoulder, then motioned to his assistant to open the box he was holding.

Inside was a huge, beautiful necklace made completely of diamonds.

Yuuto smiled as he fastened it around her neck. Accept this... as a gift from this maharajah to his courtesan, he said softly.

Karen breathed. Thank you... She leaned close to Yuuto. And the ending?

Let Arisugawa keep his fairy tale ending, Yuuto whispered slowly.


Why does my heart cry? Seiichirou walked out into the night, leaving the sound of Kusanagi's voice and the sight of the tango dancers behind. Feelings I can't fight... His expression was utterly miserable as he trudged through Flower's courtyard. You're free to leave me, but just don't deceive me...

Meanwhile, Karen and Yuuto had stepped out onto the balcony, and Karen stared down at the courtyard beneath as Yuuto continued to kiss and caress her neck and shoulders.

... and please believe me when I say.... I love you! Seiichirou called out into the night, praying that his words would somehow be carried to Karen.

His prayer came true, as she looked down at that moment and spotted him. Their eyes met, and time seemed to stop for a moment. Karen tried to force herself to look away, to leave Seiichirou behind for the moment and concentrate on pleasing Yuuto, but she could somehow feel Seiichirou's misery and she could not allow herself to keep hurting him. Staring down at him, knowing that she was giving up her lifelong dream of being an actress in that single action, she opened her mouth and sang softly to him.

Seeing her, Seiichirou drew a shaky breath and smiled a little.

... I will love you... till my dying... day. She finished the song in a whisper, and suddenly she could not bear the feeling of Yuuto's hands on her or his lips on her neck for another moment. she said in a harsh whisper.

Yuuto whispered, a bit of suspicion in his tone. His suspicion was verified when he looked down and saw a single familiar silhouette, standing slumped over in the courtyard below the balcony. Oh, I see, he whispered with measured venom. It's our very own penniless sitar player.

Karen spun around, leaving the balcony and stepping back into the tower. Yuuto followed her, shutting the doors behind him and glaring balefully at her.

My dear Yuuto-sama-- she gasped out.

The enraged man leapt forward and gripped Karen's wrists painfully, pushing her down onto the ground. Karen gave a sharp cry as she fell. You... you made me believe that you loved me, he gritted out, trembling with
rage and frustration.

Karen sobbed out.

Yuuto stared down at her for an endless moment, then, in one smooth movement, wrenched the necklace from around her neck and threw it onto the floor.

Why does my heart cry...

Karen attempted to stumble away from the furious Yuuto, pushing things over on the table as she ran.

Feelings I can't fight...

He caught up to her, grabbed her shoulders and threw her down onto the ground.

As the tango continued in the theater and Seiichirou continued to wander around outside, Yuuto pulled Karen back to her feet and pulled her close against him. Why does my heart cry, he sang in a low, mocking growl, ripping the back of her bodice off, biting into her shoulder as she struggled to get away.

It seemed to Karen that the entire world was screaming, and the sound roared in her ears as Yuuto shoved her onto the bed and hovered above her, his face a contorted mask of rage.

Back at the theater, Kusanagi mimed slitting Satsuki's throat, and the dancer tumbled to the ground.

Karen closed her eyes, bracing herself for what she knew was coming next.

And, a moment later, opened them again to see a concerned Nataku emerging from the shadows, staring down at the man he had just knocked unconscious.

* * * * *

After all that had gone on earlier, the night was finally silent. Seiichirou stood at the window of his small flat, his heart racing and his body tense. What had happened to Karen? Did she really still love him? What had Yuuto done to her? His mind whirled with questions, and before he had a chance to come up with an answer to any of them, the door opened and Karen stumbled in, followed by Nataku.

Seeing that her clothing was disheveled and her face was streaked with tears, Seiichirou hurried forward to meet Karen, and she fell into his arms, sobbing. I... I couldn't, I couldn't go through with it, she gasped, holding him tightly. I saw you there and I... I felt terrible, and I couldn't pretend... She pulled away, shaking her head. And Yuuto, he... he saw... and he... and he... She couldn't bring herself to tell Seiichirou what had almost happened to her, so she just buried her face into his shoulder and murmured, Seiichirou... I... I love you...

It's okay, he murmured soothingly, stroking her hair and wrapping his arms tightly around her waist.

I didn't want to pretend anymore, she sobbed. I can't do it... I don't want to lie... I... She pulled back, holding his face in her hands. And he /knows/, she whispered intensely. He knows... he saw!

It's all right, Seiichirou murmured, cupping her cheek. You don't have to pretend anymore. We'll leave.

She shook her head, sounding lost.

We'll leave tonight! he continued, his voice gaining strength.

But... the show...

I don't care, he whispered, looking into her eyes. I don't care about the show. We love each other. That's all that matters.

Karen managed a smile, as he gently wiped the tears from her face. Yes... yes... as long as we have each other, she breathed, kissing him. We have each other.

Reluctantly Seiichirou pulled away from her and addressed Nataku. Take Karen-san to her dressing room and help her get the things she'll need. No one must see you, understand?

I understand, the dancer said solemnly.

You go and pack, Seiichirou murmured to Karen, handing her his coat and helping her put it on. I'll be waiting...

Giving a weak little laugh, Karen gave him a long, desperate kiss before leaving the room with Nataku.

end chapter 4