The last chapter was kind of... blah... so I'm posting another one. Kakyou is his X age, since he didn't technically appear in Tokyo Babylon (that I know of). Karen is sort of OOC.
PREMISE: Tokyo Babylon and X both occur in the year 1999. This means that Seishirou, Subaru, and Hokuto retain their TB ages/personalities.
DISCLAIMER: Tokyo Babylon/X and their characters are not mine.
Be Careful What You Wish For
Chapter 5: The Sakurazukamori, Revealed
As everyone got settled — this didn't take long as most people were already seated — Kamui headed toward the door.
"Where do you think you're going?"
Kamui blinked at the speaker, the red-headed woman who had called out the start of the meeting. Currently, she had her hands on her hips, looking very much like a disapproving mother.
"Uh... I don't belong here," he said helplessly, looking over at Hokuto for support. He had to locate her first, since she had moved from her twin's side to sit next to the pretty blonde man — Kakyou, Subaru had called him — she had been eyeing earlier. She met Kamui's eyes and shrugged, signalling that she, at least, was staying.
"Nonsense. It's obvious by that sad, pathetic look on your face that you're suffering from depression. And a severe case of denial," she accused, when he opened his mouth to protest. "Sit."
Cowed, he sat down next to Subaru.
"Now then," the woman said warmly, doing a complete 180 in her personality, "Welcome to a meeting of D.O.A. I'm your counselor, Karen." She flashed a beautiful smile as she slipped off her coat and draped it over the back of her chair, revealing a stunning body. She slid gracefully into her chair, the slit running up her dress gaping open and presenting a nice view of her long legs as she crossed them.
Formerly disinterested people snapped to attention. Kamui was impressed, thinking that this ability to shake even the most apathetic out of their indifference must come in handy in her line of work.
"I see a lot of old faces," Karen continued, fishing out a notepad and a pen from her purse. She had to bend a bit to do so, displaying cleavage. "But since people come on different days and there are some first-timers, I want everyone to say their given name and tell a bit about themselves."
She chewed on the end of her pen, making the mundane act look more seductive than thoughtful. Men were salivating, because shockingly enough, there are straight men out there. Just not the good ones. Unless they were already taken, of course.
"You," she pointed to Kamui. "Start."
Nervous, Kamui stood. "Uh... my name is Kamui." He looked at Subaru for guidance but his friend was staring blankly at his hat, which he'd removed from his head and placed onto his lap. "I'm a sophomore at CLAMP and an only child. I live with my mom and I don't know who my father is and kids used to make fun of me because of it, until I met Kotori and—"
"We don't want your life story, Kamui-san," Karen interrupted. "Just tell us why you're here."
Because you wouldn't let me leave.
"Um. I'm in love with this person and he doesn't feel the same?" Kamui ventured and was rewarded with a smile.
"That's good. Admitting your problem is the first step to healing," she encouraged. "So what do you plan to do about it?"
"Well, I went to see this guy who can grant Wishes, and promised him my soul in exchange for getting the guy I like to like me back."
Karen sweatdropped. "I see." She scribbled, Kamui — delusional, needs reality check, on her notepad. She paused then added, cute, probably a virgin, would make a nice uke. "That doesn't sound like a very good solution."
Kamui shook his head sadly. "No, it isn't. It didn't work."
Big surprise.
Karen indicated that he could be reseated and nodded at Subaru to go.
"Subaru. My sister forced me to come." He glared at Hokuto before giving it up as wasted effort, as she was too busy making little braids out of the sleeping Kakyou's hair to notice.
"The person I love wants to kill me."
"I'm sure that's not true," Karen soothed, and Kamui reached over to pat his arm reassuringly.
"Yes, it is," Subaru wailed, crushing his hat in distress. "He told me he's been waiting seven years for the perfect moment to stab his hand through my heart."
"Lovely," Karen commented, deciding to move on. They went around the room with no further incidents until they hit Kakyou.
"Kakyou-san, it's your turn."
Yawning, Kakyou cracked open one eye before reshutting it. "Must we do this every time?" he asked wearily. "Three times a week for the past 10 years... it gets a bit redundant."
Giving him a patient smile, Karen waited.
"Fine. I'm Kakyou, 26 years of age. My parents hate me and I hate them for forcing me to dreamgaze for their own political ends. Boys hated me when they found out I wasn't a girl, and girls hated me for being prettier than they were, except for one I met in a dream. I fell in love with her only I never saw her again," he recited monotonously. "I'm constantly on the search for her, which is why I spend all of my time comatose, except to attend these stupid meetings."
"Well, that's just dumb!" Hokuto exploded, startling everyone. "You can't waste your li—"
Her voice trailed off as Kakyou turned to look at her. Golden eyes locked on green and both froze.
Then, "You!" they cried out simultaneously.
"Karen-san?" Seiichiro peeked in. He had just finished the meeting with the self-help group he ran — Improving Family Relations — and being the courteous gentleman he was, was wondering if his coworker needed a lift home. After all, he wouldn't want such a lovely young woman walking home by herself, even if the sun was still out.
"Ah, I see you're not finished yet," he said hastily. "I'll leave you to it, then."
"No! We're quite through!" Karen jumped up, grabbing her purse and coat. "Till next time," she tossed over her shoulder as she hurried over to Seiichiro and took his arm possessively. The mild-mannered man reddened slightly but didn't protest.
"So I see you're wearing that tie I gave you, Seiichiro," she purred, tugging the article in question playfully. His answer was lost as they disappeared down the hallway.
"She didn't even get to everyone," Kamui stated.
Subaru nodded. "Oh well, let's go. Hokuto-chan!" he called out.
"You guys go ahead," she waved dismissively. "I'll catch up." She turned back to talk rapidly at Kakyou, who was smiling and looking quite happy.
Shrugging, Kamui and Subaru left.
"So, do you want to talk about it?" Kamui asked as they shuffled slowly down the street. Subaru seemed to have too little energy to go any faster.
"No, not really."
"Oh."
"It's just... I don't understand him at all!" Subaru made a frustrated noise. "He acted so nice before."
"Ah, but that was part of the bet."
Seishirou stepped into their path, smiling predatorily. While dressed in the usual white button-down, slacks, and tie, he was missing the glasses Subaru was so used to seeing him in. "Konnichiwa, Subaru-kun," he purred.
"Se-se-seishirou-san!" Subaru turned white and hid behind Kamui.
"Sei-chan!" Hokuto came running up and glomped him. "What's this I hear about you trying to kill my brother?"
Seishirou laughed as he regarded the bolder Sumeragi with amusement. "Are you going to try to stop me? You aren't powerful enough, you know."
Blinking, Hokuto let go and took a few steps back, realizing that there was indeed something different about Seishirou. Beneath the smiling face was a sort of coldness she had never before felt.
She studied him speculatively. "You won't kill him," she finally declared. At least, I hope not.
"I'm the Sakurazukamori—"
There was a collective gasp at the revelation.
"—and he's a Sumeragi. We're destined to fight."
"I'm a Sumeragi, too," Hokuto argued, "and you're not trying to kill me."
Seishirou grinned evilly, making her a lot less confident.
"Uh... are you?"
"NO!" Concern for his twin made Subaru forget his own fears, and he stumbled forward to place himself between Seishirou and Hokuto. He tilted his chin defiantly to look up at the older man, expressive eyes watering and lower lip quavering. Seishirou thought he looked quite adorable in his vulnerablility.
"Please, Seishirou-san, don't harm Hokuto. Do anything you want to me, but leave her alone!"
Seishirou seemed to consider this. "Anything?" he repeated, with a suggestive lift of the brow. He ran a finger along Subaru's jawline and blood rushed up to stain the pale skin crimson.
"Seishirou-san!"
"Haha, just kidding!" Seishirou lifted his hands, palms outward to display his harmlessness.
Subaru, Hokuto, and Kamui relaxed, sighing with relief.
"I'm just after Subaru-kun's blood. I won't kill you, Hokuto-chan."
This was not reassuring in the least. Kamui wished he could do something, but Seishirou was taller, broader, and physically stronger than he was. And if his claim to being the Sakurazukamori was true, he had enough magical power to rival the Sumeragi Head. Kamui could do nothing but watch.
"Why? What did I do, Seishirou-san?" Subaru half-whispered, feeling the tears spill over. They flowed unchecked as he cast his eyes downward, too ashamed to wipe them away but unable to stop crying.
Then, unbelievably gentle hands swept over his cheeks, brushing the tears away. Subaru trembled slightly as Seishirou knelt down on one knee and took his left hand.
"He's going to propose!" Hokuto cried excitedly. "Oh my baby brother, all grown up and ready to be a bride."
Kamui shot her a dirty look.
"Subaru-kun." The voice was extremely compelling, and Subaru looked deep into the amber eyes of the one he loved, even now.
"Do you remember our first meeting? Under the sakura tree?"
Kamui watched in shock as Seishirou removed Subaru's glove.
What's he doing? Subaru never takes those off!
Subaru had a faraway expression on his face, as if remembering something distant. "You're that boy," he breathed out. "The one I dream about."
"Yes," Seishirou said triumphantly. "And we made a bet then. When you were ready, I would spend a year with you. And if you could make me feel true feelings for you, you would get to live. If not, I would kill you."
He caressed the naked hand and Subaru shivered as his nerve endings tingled delightfully. He nearly fainted as Seishirou kissed the back, making a reverse pentagram flare up to the surface.
"You lost." The words were final, leaving no room for argument.
"How could you agree to something like that?" Kamui burst out, unable to contain his rage. Here was this evil person, trying to kill Subaru, and Subaru wasn't doing a thing to stop him. In fact, his hand was tightening over the Sakurazukamori's, a starry look in his eyes as if amazed by the simple sensation of holding hands.
As if hearing Kamui's thoughts, Subaru pulled his hand back, albeit reluctantly.
"I... I couldn't hear, because of the wind," he excused feebly. He didn't want to admit that he had been too flustered when the boy had started whispering in his ear to pay attention to what was being said.
"Well, this is where it ends," Seishirou said casually, standing back up and brushing dirt from his pants. He placed a friendly hand on Subaru's shoulder and smiled. "Well, it's been fun, Subaru-kun. Sayonara."
"WAIT!!!!"
His other hand, poised for the killing strike, halted midair.
"You said one year. But it's only been 10 months since you remet Subaru," Hokuto pointed out.
Seishirou puzzled over this. "You're right. How very peculiar," he muttered. "It's not like me to miscalculate."
"So Subaru-chan has two more months to make you fall in love with him!" Hokuto concluded brightly.
"Aa... I guess it's only fair." Seishirou looked disappointed as he lowered his hand, but then schooled his expression into that of the kind veterinarian that Subaru had fallen in love with.
"Let's forget this happened for now," he said cheerfully as he helped a bewildered Subaru put his glove back on. "Come, I'll treat everyone to coffee and dessert."
"Yay!" Hokuto cheered, bounding on ahead. "I want a parfait! And a chocolate donut!"
Kamui nudged Subaru into moving.
"Your life may possibly be weirder than mine," he sighed.
tbc...
----------
October 13, 2002
PREMISE: Tokyo Babylon and X both occur in the year 1999. This means that Seishirou, Subaru, and Hokuto retain their TB ages/personalities.
DISCLAIMER: Tokyo Babylon/X and their characters are not mine.
Chapter 5: The Sakurazukamori, Revealed
As everyone got settled — this didn't take long as most people were already seated — Kamui headed toward the door.
"Where do you think you're going?"
Kamui blinked at the speaker, the red-headed woman who had called out the start of the meeting. Currently, she had her hands on her hips, looking very much like a disapproving mother.
"Uh... I don't belong here," he said helplessly, looking over at Hokuto for support. He had to locate her first, since she had moved from her twin's side to sit next to the pretty blonde man — Kakyou, Subaru had called him — she had been eyeing earlier. She met Kamui's eyes and shrugged, signalling that she, at least, was staying.
"Nonsense. It's obvious by that sad, pathetic look on your face that you're suffering from depression. And a severe case of denial," she accused, when he opened his mouth to protest. "Sit."
Cowed, he sat down next to Subaru.
"Now then," the woman said warmly, doing a complete 180 in her personality, "Welcome to a meeting of D.O.A. I'm your counselor, Karen." She flashed a beautiful smile as she slipped off her coat and draped it over the back of her chair, revealing a stunning body. She slid gracefully into her chair, the slit running up her dress gaping open and presenting a nice view of her long legs as she crossed them.
Formerly disinterested people snapped to attention. Kamui was impressed, thinking that this ability to shake even the most apathetic out of their indifference must come in handy in her line of work.
"I see a lot of old faces," Karen continued, fishing out a notepad and a pen from her purse. She had to bend a bit to do so, displaying cleavage. "But since people come on different days and there are some first-timers, I want everyone to say their given name and tell a bit about themselves."
She chewed on the end of her pen, making the mundane act look more seductive than thoughtful. Men were salivating, because shockingly enough, there are straight men out there. Just not the good ones. Unless they were already taken, of course.
"You," she pointed to Kamui. "Start."
Nervous, Kamui stood. "Uh... my name is Kamui." He looked at Subaru for guidance but his friend was staring blankly at his hat, which he'd removed from his head and placed onto his lap. "I'm a sophomore at CLAMP and an only child. I live with my mom and I don't know who my father is and kids used to make fun of me because of it, until I met Kotori and—"
"We don't want your life story, Kamui-san," Karen interrupted. "Just tell us why you're here."
Because you wouldn't let me leave.
"Um. I'm in love with this person and he doesn't feel the same?" Kamui ventured and was rewarded with a smile.
"That's good. Admitting your problem is the first step to healing," she encouraged. "So what do you plan to do about it?"
"Well, I went to see this guy who can grant Wishes, and promised him my soul in exchange for getting the guy I like to like me back."
Karen sweatdropped. "I see." She scribbled, Kamui — delusional, needs reality check, on her notepad. She paused then added, cute, probably a virgin, would make a nice uke. "That doesn't sound like a very good solution."
Kamui shook his head sadly. "No, it isn't. It didn't work."
Big surprise.
Karen indicated that he could be reseated and nodded at Subaru to go.
"Subaru. My sister forced me to come." He glared at Hokuto before giving it up as wasted effort, as she was too busy making little braids out of the sleeping Kakyou's hair to notice.
"The person I love wants to kill me."
"I'm sure that's not true," Karen soothed, and Kamui reached over to pat his arm reassuringly.
"Yes, it is," Subaru wailed, crushing his hat in distress. "He told me he's been waiting seven years for the perfect moment to stab his hand through my heart."
"Lovely," Karen commented, deciding to move on. They went around the room with no further incidents until they hit Kakyou.
"Kakyou-san, it's your turn."
Yawning, Kakyou cracked open one eye before reshutting it. "Must we do this every time?" he asked wearily. "Three times a week for the past 10 years... it gets a bit redundant."
Giving him a patient smile, Karen waited.
"Fine. I'm Kakyou, 26 years of age. My parents hate me and I hate them for forcing me to dreamgaze for their own political ends. Boys hated me when they found out I wasn't a girl, and girls hated me for being prettier than they were, except for one I met in a dream. I fell in love with her only I never saw her again," he recited monotonously. "I'm constantly on the search for her, which is why I spend all of my time comatose, except to attend these stupid meetings."
"Well, that's just dumb!" Hokuto exploded, startling everyone. "You can't waste your li—"
Her voice trailed off as Kakyou turned to look at her. Golden eyes locked on green and both froze.
Then, "You!" they cried out simultaneously.
"Karen-san?" Seiichiro peeked in. He had just finished the meeting with the self-help group he ran — Improving Family Relations — and being the courteous gentleman he was, was wondering if his coworker needed a lift home. After all, he wouldn't want such a lovely young woman walking home by herself, even if the sun was still out.
"Ah, I see you're not finished yet," he said hastily. "I'll leave you to it, then."
"No! We're quite through!" Karen jumped up, grabbing her purse and coat. "Till next time," she tossed over her shoulder as she hurried over to Seiichiro and took his arm possessively. The mild-mannered man reddened slightly but didn't protest.
"So I see you're wearing that tie I gave you, Seiichiro," she purred, tugging the article in question playfully. His answer was lost as they disappeared down the hallway.
"She didn't even get to everyone," Kamui stated.
Subaru nodded. "Oh well, let's go. Hokuto-chan!" he called out.
"You guys go ahead," she waved dismissively. "I'll catch up." She turned back to talk rapidly at Kakyou, who was smiling and looking quite happy.
Shrugging, Kamui and Subaru left.
"So, do you want to talk about it?" Kamui asked as they shuffled slowly down the street. Subaru seemed to have too little energy to go any faster.
"No, not really."
"Oh."
"It's just... I don't understand him at all!" Subaru made a frustrated noise. "He acted so nice before."
"Ah, but that was part of the bet."
Seishirou stepped into their path, smiling predatorily. While dressed in the usual white button-down, slacks, and tie, he was missing the glasses Subaru was so used to seeing him in. "Konnichiwa, Subaru-kun," he purred.
"Se-se-seishirou-san!" Subaru turned white and hid behind Kamui.
"Sei-chan!" Hokuto came running up and glomped him. "What's this I hear about you trying to kill my brother?"
Seishirou laughed as he regarded the bolder Sumeragi with amusement. "Are you going to try to stop me? You aren't powerful enough, you know."
Blinking, Hokuto let go and took a few steps back, realizing that there was indeed something different about Seishirou. Beneath the smiling face was a sort of coldness she had never before felt.
She studied him speculatively. "You won't kill him," she finally declared. At least, I hope not.
"I'm the Sakurazukamori—"
There was a collective gasp at the revelation.
"—and he's a Sumeragi. We're destined to fight."
"I'm a Sumeragi, too," Hokuto argued, "and you're not trying to kill me."
Seishirou grinned evilly, making her a lot less confident.
"Uh... are you?"
"NO!" Concern for his twin made Subaru forget his own fears, and he stumbled forward to place himself between Seishirou and Hokuto. He tilted his chin defiantly to look up at the older man, expressive eyes watering and lower lip quavering. Seishirou thought he looked quite adorable in his vulnerablility.
"Please, Seishirou-san, don't harm Hokuto. Do anything you want to me, but leave her alone!"
Seishirou seemed to consider this. "Anything?" he repeated, with a suggestive lift of the brow. He ran a finger along Subaru's jawline and blood rushed up to stain the pale skin crimson.
"Seishirou-san!"
"Haha, just kidding!" Seishirou lifted his hands, palms outward to display his harmlessness.
Subaru, Hokuto, and Kamui relaxed, sighing with relief.
"I'm just after Subaru-kun's blood. I won't kill you, Hokuto-chan."
This was not reassuring in the least. Kamui wished he could do something, but Seishirou was taller, broader, and physically stronger than he was. And if his claim to being the Sakurazukamori was true, he had enough magical power to rival the Sumeragi Head. Kamui could do nothing but watch.
"Why? What did I do, Seishirou-san?" Subaru half-whispered, feeling the tears spill over. They flowed unchecked as he cast his eyes downward, too ashamed to wipe them away but unable to stop crying.
Then, unbelievably gentle hands swept over his cheeks, brushing the tears away. Subaru trembled slightly as Seishirou knelt down on one knee and took his left hand.
"He's going to propose!" Hokuto cried excitedly. "Oh my baby brother, all grown up and ready to be a bride."
Kamui shot her a dirty look.
"Subaru-kun." The voice was extremely compelling, and Subaru looked deep into the amber eyes of the one he loved, even now.
"Do you remember our first meeting? Under the sakura tree?"
Kamui watched in shock as Seishirou removed Subaru's glove.
What's he doing? Subaru never takes those off!
Subaru had a faraway expression on his face, as if remembering something distant. "You're that boy," he breathed out. "The one I dream about."
"Yes," Seishirou said triumphantly. "And we made a bet then. When you were ready, I would spend a year with you. And if you could make me feel true feelings for you, you would get to live. If not, I would kill you."
He caressed the naked hand and Subaru shivered as his nerve endings tingled delightfully. He nearly fainted as Seishirou kissed the back, making a reverse pentagram flare up to the surface.
"You lost." The words were final, leaving no room for argument.
"How could you agree to something like that?" Kamui burst out, unable to contain his rage. Here was this evil person, trying to kill Subaru, and Subaru wasn't doing a thing to stop him. In fact, his hand was tightening over the Sakurazukamori's, a starry look in his eyes as if amazed by the simple sensation of holding hands.
As if hearing Kamui's thoughts, Subaru pulled his hand back, albeit reluctantly.
"I... I couldn't hear, because of the wind," he excused feebly. He didn't want to admit that he had been too flustered when the boy had started whispering in his ear to pay attention to what was being said.
"Well, this is where it ends," Seishirou said casually, standing back up and brushing dirt from his pants. He placed a friendly hand on Subaru's shoulder and smiled. "Well, it's been fun, Subaru-kun. Sayonara."
"WAIT!!!!"
His other hand, poised for the killing strike, halted midair.
"You said one year. But it's only been 10 months since you remet Subaru," Hokuto pointed out.
Seishirou puzzled over this. "You're right. How very peculiar," he muttered. "It's not like me to miscalculate."
"So Subaru-chan has two more months to make you fall in love with him!" Hokuto concluded brightly.
"Aa... I guess it's only fair." Seishirou looked disappointed as he lowered his hand, but then schooled his expression into that of the kind veterinarian that Subaru had fallen in love with.
"Let's forget this happened for now," he said cheerfully as he helped a bewildered Subaru put his glove back on. "Come, I'll treat everyone to coffee and dessert."
"Yay!" Hokuto cheered, bounding on ahead. "I want a parfait! And a chocolate donut!"
Kamui nudged Subaru into moving.
"Your life may possibly be weirder than mine," he sighed.
tbc...
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October 13, 2002