A/N: Minna! The Epilogue!
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Let Me Make You Happy
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It was a perfect day in Meifu.
But isn't it always a perfect day in the Land Of The Dead?
An ironic twist in words, Watari thought to himself wryly. Nevertheless, he leant back against the gnarled trunk of a sakura and closed his eyes in dreamy contemplation. Yes, it was a lovely day. The sun was shining in calm benediction, the doves were cooing to each other softly and the cherry blossoms danced a delightful dance of silent glee.
It was a perfect day.
Watari sighed heavily. Such a heavy price they had to pay for this tranquility and peace. Over three months had passed since the Akuma case and it was still playing in everyone's minds. True, they had had some rough times with Muraki but that Akuma had added that little bit of craziness to their lives like the way a leaf falls upon the surface of a pond. It was a slight thing but that little piece of leaf would send out ripples that distorts the calm waters. Akuma was like that leaf in a way.
Muraki was getting better, his physical scars gone and his emotional ones on the mend. Whether that was for the better or worse, Watari kept his opinions to himself. One thing for sure, the esteemed doctor would not be paying housecalls to the Shinigamis for a long time. . . . .perhaps even never again. Akuma had touched him too, in ways that were disturbing yet at the same time pitying also.
Oriya Mibu still cares and protects the man as best as he could from the nightmares.
It was ironic too, really. You reap what you sow. . . . But did anyone deserved Akuma? Even Muraki?
"You'll wrinkle your suit, sitting on the ground like that."
The voice, though delivering a reprimand, was mild and filled with the quiet satisfaction of a beautiful day and a beautiful occasion. The blond opened his eyes to smile at the shadow looming over him.
"Ohayo, Tatsumi."
A raised eyebrow was his reply and Watari obligingly sat a bit straighter and tugged at his jacket obediently. He wasn't used to wearing a suit, being more comfortable in his lab coat and jeans but one has to dress according to the circumstances and for today, the circumstances called for a suit. He then patted the ground next to him invitingly.
"Ne, Tatsumi, join me. It won't be for a while yet anyway."
The blue-eyed man hesitated for an instant, comparing the pros and cons of the possibility of getting his suit wrinkled and the option of sitting next to the scientist. It was a foregone conclusion. With a sigh, he acquiesced and sat down gingerly, albeit somewhat stiffly.
"You look very nice today, Tatsumi," Watari offered with a brilliant smile and the secretary found himself smiling back in return.
"Thank you. So do you, in fact. It's nice seeing you in something besides that lab coat of yours."
Watari's smile grew wider. He wondered what Tatsumi would say if he really said what he wanted to. That Tatsumi looked more than good in his charcoal gray three-piece suit and white silk tie. That the man actually looked sexy as hell and damn alluring. He wondered.
They sat in silence for a while and Tatsumi felt himself relaxing, leaning back against the tree and perhaps a bit to Watari's side. Why does he like being with the bubbly and ever cheerful scientist so much? Was it the opposites attract thing people talk about? If so, they had to be the most perfectly matched couple then (next to Tsuzuki and Hisoka of course. No two people could be so different yet so alike and so madly in love with each other). He was a serious man, dedicated in making sure that the office ran like a well-oiled machine and keeping the budget above the red line (near impossible with Tsuzuki around but he tried valiantly anyway) while Watari was a man dedicated to inventing the world's first gender-changing formula and more often than not, he contributed along with Tsuzuki the numerous amount of repair bills that found their way to Tatsumi's desk.
No matter the reason, he liked being with Watari anyway. Not that he ever told the blond that. . . . well, maybe in not so many words. . . .but it was undeniable that more and more he could be found in the blond's company lately.
He wondered what exactly is it that Watari felt for him.
"I hate it."
What? He repeated that out loud, wondering if he had spoken out his last thoughts and Watari was giving him the answer. . . .he hoped not.
The smile was gone from Watari's face, to be replaced with an expression as serious as Tatsumi himself could have worn when faced with the latest budget report.
"I hate it," he repeated. "I hate the fact that it takes some major earth- shaking experience to make us realize just how fragile life is."
Oh. Tatsumi couldn't help but let out a silent sigh of relief. So he wasn't talking about them. Rather, he was perhaps, referring to the Akuma case.
"You mean Akuma?" Tatsumi asked.
Watari nodded glumly. "Yeah. I mean, us being Shinigamis. . . we ought to know more than anyone how precious life is and we do! But just *how* precious. . . .we never really realize it until a bastard like Akuma comes along, makes hell out of everyone's lives and THEN it'd hit us just how good it is being alive. . . even as Shinigamis."
Tatsumi kept silent for a moment then said, "Takashi-san and Kyo-san you mean." It wasn't really a question. Just stating a fact.
A sigh. "Yes. When Kyo first came to us. . . .he was always smiling but you could tell he was hurting. . . but he kept on smiling. Then Takashi came and you thought, good for them! Until of course, that red-haired demon came," Watari snorted.
"It made me realize," he added softly, "that when you get a second chance at life, even as Shinigamis, it's still so easy to lose in a heartbeat. Move too fast, and you destroy that chance. Move too slow, and it'll slip from your grasp forever. . ."
As the blond said that, Tatsumi found a pair of amber brown eyes regarding him intently, his last words nearly a whisper and those eyes darkened with some hidden meaning. But he thought he understood what that look said and hardly aware of himself, he leaned forward slowly until his face was just inches from Watari's. Unbidden, his hand reached up to cup a porcelain smooth cheek gently and he whispered. "Have we lost our second chance at happiness?"
A small chuckle escaped the blond's lips, lips that a pair of blue eyes fixed upon with such intensity that that errant chuckle died an early death and his breath caught in his throat as he swallowed almost nervously. "Not unless both of us gave up without ever really chasing it."
His breath smelled of peppermints and ice-cream, Tatsumi thought to himself dazedly. His thumb rubbed against the cheek he was still palming and gently drifted down to rub against the blond's lower lip.
"Do you want me to?" a soft question, barely heard, but loud enough to fill Watari's universe and a lopsided grin crossed his mouth.
"Depends on what you're going to do." It was amazing really, that his voice could still function. His brain had short-circuited the instant that warm, large hand had cupped his cheek and his racing heart was purely in control now. He leaned forward even more until all that was separating him and Tatsumi were their glasses.
Tatsumi immediately rectified that problem, taking off first his then Watari's, putting them gently down, away from harm. Finished, his eyes went back to their intense scrutiny of a flushed face, sparkling brown eyes and lips that were simply begging to be kissed. . . . . .
Their lips were just a hairsbreadth away by now, breaths mingling together and eyes gently drifting close. Everything, the wind, the birds, even the sun seemed to stop in their tracks, frozen in that moment and like sweet pain, there was the barest hint of skin against skin, lips against lips and. . . .
CRASH!
"Itai! What did you do that for?"
"Me?! You're the one who was leaning too far out!"
"Well it was your idea to climb the tree in the first place!"
"And who was it that picked THAT particular branch may I ask?"
"You're too heavy!"
"Hey! We're the same size you idiot!"
Further blame, weight-insulting, name-throwing and general all out brawl and strangulation was cut short by a menacing shadow that LOOMED over them. That was the key word here; LOOMED.
"Tsusuki-SAN. Kyo-SAN. Just what the HELL were you doing?"
It was amazing really, Kyo and Tsuzuki confided to each other in whispered consultation, that Tatsumi could look even more scarier than normal. He seemed to have taken the word 'menacing' to new realms of art and suave, proving that not even mad doctors or crazed badly-colored-haired-evilguy- with-penchant-for-demon-names could hold a candle to his throne of being all out scary with just a few well-chosen words and pose.
Further observations or studies were cut short as firm hands grasped their collars and they were unceremoniously lifted off the ground, little legs waving in the air and furry and tufted ears twitching in shared nervousness.
Watari had a strong hold on Kittenish-Kyo while Tatsumi had a vicelike grip on Chibi-Inu-Tsuzuki.
"Kyo." stated Watari.
"Er. . . .hai?"
". . . . . . . . . ."
Tatsumi did a little better than Watari with the reprimands and threats, his being the more experienced at it and though his words were perfectly moduled at just a nice pitch and his face utterly calm, the little chibis squirmed uncomfortably.
"Kyo-san, I know it's been three months already but have you forgotten the fact that you had a near-death experience and only recently your burns healed fully? And Tsuzuki," he turned an acid gaze at the unrepentant inu. "This does not really help the fact that you had managed to destroy the library. . . .again. I'm adding another 5 years to the bill."
The inu howled in protest and the kitten mewled in shared pity, bringing their respective spouses in a flat run to them.
"Tsuzuki no baka! What the hell were you doing? Gomen, Tatsumi-san, Watari- san," a harassed Hisoka scooped up the offending inu and proceeded to scold it further, lamenting the now rumpled suit and the tie the inu had managed to loosen again despite repeated warnings to the contrary.
Taka was more controlled, politely asking for his recalcitrant husband/wife/life partner (depending on your point of view) which the blond did readily. Said kitten tried to look as adorable as possible. It didn't help the sensei that the kitten's hair was sexily mussed and he was nibbling on his tie, eyes peering up beneath lowered lashes. Those same beautiful eyes that were now a brilliantly pale pale blue.
"That was not a nice thing to do, Kyo," he scolded the younger man. "The both of them deserved their privacy," he added sternly. "As punishment, you can sleep on the couch tonight. Alone."
With lightning speed, the fluffy kitten disappeared to be replaced by the boy himself, looking even more sexy now he lost the paws, tail, ears and whiskers but still with that hair falling into his eyes, looking as though he had just gotten out of bed. Taka's. . . . lower regions underwent more than a slight tightening as he tried to ignore those earnestly pale eyes and arms that were wrapped around his waist, trailing softly up and down his back.
"You don't mean that, do you Taka?" Kyo had added that special pitch when saying his name, a slight singsong and a near purr giving it a whole world of meanings that promised something . . . something quite nice.
Damn Kyo.
He was growing perceptibly harder and that smile on Kyo's face showed that he felt it too and appeared to be more than willing to accommodate him.
He managed to open his mouth to say rather distractedly to their amused audience, "We'll be right back."
The four of them watched the sensei and Kyo run off with indulgent smiles and after a while, Hisoka dragged the protesting Tsuzuki away, throwing an apologetic look over his shoulder at Tatsumi and Watari. "The ceremony will start in half an hour," he called out.
The two men nodded and it was several minutes after the clearing had gone silent before Watari spoke up, somewhat nervously.
"Ano. . . . .wow, that was. . . . er. . ." He was stuttering, he couldn't believe it. He didn't know what to say or what he felt but his mouth seemed to feel that he ought to say something anyway while his heart was screaming at him to stop being such an idiot and finish what they started.
He turned around hurriedly, searching for his glasses when a hand, strong yet gentle, clasped his own, pulling him to a stop. Not daring to breathe even, he looked back to see Tatsumi staring back at him, looking. . . . .sad?
The taller man closed the distance between them easily to once again stand face to face with the blond. His hand was still clasped to his and Watari could feel a fine trembling running through it.
"Are you happy, being like this everyday, Yutaka?"
It was the first time Tatsumi had ever used his first name before and he felt an inexplicable wild joy at the sound. Was he a fool to set himself up for possible heartbreak? But what did he have to lose? A broken hope? A foolish dream? Rejection?
"No," he answered honestly enough. "I am happy, yes. But not *happy*."
Something flickered in the depths of those endlessly blue eyes and a thin smile graced his face. It was a smile filled with hope but also. . . fear.
"Can I make you happy, Yutaka?"
The blond took a moment to let his words sink in and in reply, he mirrored the older man's earlier action, cupping that cheek delicately.
"It depends, if you'd allow me to make you happy," he countered back, lightly but seriously.
The question or challenge hung in the air, charging it with a vibrant energy that simply thrummed with promises. It was now up to Tatsumi to make the last move, to set in motion what may have been the way to true joy or eternal despair of the afterlife.
He answered.
Heads leaned closer to each other and lips met lips to continue their interrupted journey.
For the first time in his life and afterlife, Tatsumi Seiichiro was a truly happy man.
It was a perfect day, Taka thought happily.
The sakura grove, near the pond, had been decorated simply, yet beautifully. White streamers hung festooned from tree to tree, encircling a small area which was arranged with some simple white folding chairs, enough to seat everyone in the Shokan office. Balloons also were hung, a pale pink, and they danced in tethered laughter with the sakuras.
It was perfect.
He stood at the back, near the end of the white aisle of cloth that marked the way to where Kacho was waiting, clad in a new suit and beaming as his staff filed their way in and sat themselves down in excited anticipation. These kinds of ceremonies were rare in Meifu, Tsuzuki's and Hisoka's being the first and last he had presided over and the chief was already getting a bit teary-eyed. He harrumphed to himself and blew his nose discreetly.
He had an image to keep up after all.
Taka took a deep breath, inhaling the sweet scent of cherry blossoms and marveled at how he could never tire of the pink rain. By his side, a hand snuck around his waist and gave a squeeze.
"Getting melancholy on me, old man?" A laughing voice teased.
He smiled into icy-warm blue eyes. "Just happy. Aren't you?"
"Deliriously so," came the confirmation. "Well?" A hand was extended and he took it, grasping it tightly, and firmly.
To think that just over three months ago he had nearly lost Kyo again, right in front of his eyes. . . true, Taka could have resigned from his post and joined Kyo but he wasn't ready and he knew without a doubt that Kyo wasn't ready for it too. They still had so much to live for, so much to experience, surrounded by the people they love.
When on that fateful night, Kyo had succumbed to his burns and injuries, his lungs stuttering to a stop, pure despair had filled his very being and he had wailed his grief. But like lightning, that crippling emotion had been replaced by something else; something to take over the despair replacing it with an emotion of total clarity;
Taka had felt pure rage. He had screamed then and what he screamed was totally unplanned. It just came out of his mouth and the thing that really threw them off was how a second later, Kyo had started to gasp again, his lungs kicking to life.
Taka had screamed, "DAMN IT KYO! YOU LEAVE ME NOW AND YOU CAN SLEEP ON WHATEVER HEAVENLY COUCH ALONE FOR ALL THE REST OF ETERNITY! I MEAN IT! I'LL EVEN STOP BEING GAY AND I'LL NEVER SLEEP WITH ANOTHER MAN! NOT EVEN YOU!"
When those baby weak breaths had been drawn in, all everyone could do was gape in astonishment and as one, they broke down in hysterical laughter and tears.
Though the curse was broken, his healing had been a long and painful one, his Shinigami healing powers being totally ripped to shreds and having to start over nearly as slow as a normal human.
But they were together again. That was the important thing. As Kyo had told him one night, as long as the sensei was with him, he could do anything. And now, here they are, about to walk down the aisle again, to renew their wedding vows.
Taka felt like crying with happiness. Instead, he held out his arm and with a smile said, "Shall we?"
They had no need of any music for this but the cooing of the white doves and the patter of the sakura petals. In short order, they came to stand before Kacho, staring deep into each other's eyes, lost to everyone but themselves.
The old man cleared his throat and said, his voice ringing out across the clearing, "Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today, to stand witness as these two reaffirm that sacred vow which had bound them in life and beyond.
We are gathered here today to stand witness as their vows of marriage are rededicated on this day, to bind them forevermore."
It was not like your usual speech that a priest would normally give but it was beautiful. Still looking deep into each other, their hands were clasped together, palm to palm, and they recited the vows that had been uttered first in life, and now in death.
Their voices were one and true.
"Should you ever cry
Then I will be the one to wipe your tears dry
Should you laugh with mirth
Then I will be the one to have given it birth
And should you ever fall from grace
Then I will be the one to save you, with my embrace.
This I so swear, today and forevermore."
* * *
It was passing strange yet poignantly moving that such a scene could be played out here in the Land Of The Dead, Enma thought to himself.
His fingers rubbed the rim of a golden bowl, filled to the brim with water yet strangely quiescent and perfectly flat and smooth as a mirror. And it was a mirror, showing to him the ceremony being held at the sakura grove of the JuuOhCho. The couple was walking down the white aisle hand in hand and a smile crept across his eternal face.
Death was not something to be avoided, he thought. Rather, it is the next stage that all have to go through to find completion. Not that he encouraged suicides, Enma mused, but neither should one run away from fate that is prescribed.
All deeds have to be accounted for. All dues must be paid and all obligations to be fulfilled.
The two of them were now reciting their vows, the words filtering through the liquid depths as clearly as if he was there by their side. Finished, they then proceeded to seal their vows with a kiss that barely hinted at the love they felt underneath.
His fingers ceased in their absent rubbing to dip into the waters over the couple. In response, a fresh breeze carried a swirling group of sakuras raining down on them, shielding them from public scrutiny and giving their own kisses to the happy couple.
And he gave them perhaps, the holiest benediction to ever be given.
"And so they live happily ever after."
~owari~
A/N:. . . . . . .I can't believe it, it's the end. . . . *sob*. . . . .How did you guys like it? You can't believe the heaviness in my heart at having to say goodbye to Kyo and Taka. . . But never fear! Another tale of our lovers will soon appear, whether you people want it or not (you better want it! @ . @ ) and I will further regale you with stories of joy, sadness, hope and love!
In other words; REVIEW and encourage me more!
A final say: Thank you so much to everyone for their support! Ja ne! P.S: Don't forget to look out for Kyo & Taka's story entitled: A Love Story. (Aaawww! How sweet!)
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Let Me Make You Happy
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It was a perfect day in Meifu.
But isn't it always a perfect day in the Land Of The Dead?
An ironic twist in words, Watari thought to himself wryly. Nevertheless, he leant back against the gnarled trunk of a sakura and closed his eyes in dreamy contemplation. Yes, it was a lovely day. The sun was shining in calm benediction, the doves were cooing to each other softly and the cherry blossoms danced a delightful dance of silent glee.
It was a perfect day.
Watari sighed heavily. Such a heavy price they had to pay for this tranquility and peace. Over three months had passed since the Akuma case and it was still playing in everyone's minds. True, they had had some rough times with Muraki but that Akuma had added that little bit of craziness to their lives like the way a leaf falls upon the surface of a pond. It was a slight thing but that little piece of leaf would send out ripples that distorts the calm waters. Akuma was like that leaf in a way.
Muraki was getting better, his physical scars gone and his emotional ones on the mend. Whether that was for the better or worse, Watari kept his opinions to himself. One thing for sure, the esteemed doctor would not be paying housecalls to the Shinigamis for a long time. . . . .perhaps even never again. Akuma had touched him too, in ways that were disturbing yet at the same time pitying also.
Oriya Mibu still cares and protects the man as best as he could from the nightmares.
It was ironic too, really. You reap what you sow. . . . But did anyone deserved Akuma? Even Muraki?
"You'll wrinkle your suit, sitting on the ground like that."
The voice, though delivering a reprimand, was mild and filled with the quiet satisfaction of a beautiful day and a beautiful occasion. The blond opened his eyes to smile at the shadow looming over him.
"Ohayo, Tatsumi."
A raised eyebrow was his reply and Watari obligingly sat a bit straighter and tugged at his jacket obediently. He wasn't used to wearing a suit, being more comfortable in his lab coat and jeans but one has to dress according to the circumstances and for today, the circumstances called for a suit. He then patted the ground next to him invitingly.
"Ne, Tatsumi, join me. It won't be for a while yet anyway."
The blue-eyed man hesitated for an instant, comparing the pros and cons of the possibility of getting his suit wrinkled and the option of sitting next to the scientist. It was a foregone conclusion. With a sigh, he acquiesced and sat down gingerly, albeit somewhat stiffly.
"You look very nice today, Tatsumi," Watari offered with a brilliant smile and the secretary found himself smiling back in return.
"Thank you. So do you, in fact. It's nice seeing you in something besides that lab coat of yours."
Watari's smile grew wider. He wondered what Tatsumi would say if he really said what he wanted to. That Tatsumi looked more than good in his charcoal gray three-piece suit and white silk tie. That the man actually looked sexy as hell and damn alluring. He wondered.
They sat in silence for a while and Tatsumi felt himself relaxing, leaning back against the tree and perhaps a bit to Watari's side. Why does he like being with the bubbly and ever cheerful scientist so much? Was it the opposites attract thing people talk about? If so, they had to be the most perfectly matched couple then (next to Tsuzuki and Hisoka of course. No two people could be so different yet so alike and so madly in love with each other). He was a serious man, dedicated in making sure that the office ran like a well-oiled machine and keeping the budget above the red line (near impossible with Tsuzuki around but he tried valiantly anyway) while Watari was a man dedicated to inventing the world's first gender-changing formula and more often than not, he contributed along with Tsuzuki the numerous amount of repair bills that found their way to Tatsumi's desk.
No matter the reason, he liked being with Watari anyway. Not that he ever told the blond that. . . . well, maybe in not so many words. . . .but it was undeniable that more and more he could be found in the blond's company lately.
He wondered what exactly is it that Watari felt for him.
"I hate it."
What? He repeated that out loud, wondering if he had spoken out his last thoughts and Watari was giving him the answer. . . .he hoped not.
The smile was gone from Watari's face, to be replaced with an expression as serious as Tatsumi himself could have worn when faced with the latest budget report.
"I hate it," he repeated. "I hate the fact that it takes some major earth- shaking experience to make us realize just how fragile life is."
Oh. Tatsumi couldn't help but let out a silent sigh of relief. So he wasn't talking about them. Rather, he was perhaps, referring to the Akuma case.
"You mean Akuma?" Tatsumi asked.
Watari nodded glumly. "Yeah. I mean, us being Shinigamis. . . we ought to know more than anyone how precious life is and we do! But just *how* precious. . . .we never really realize it until a bastard like Akuma comes along, makes hell out of everyone's lives and THEN it'd hit us just how good it is being alive. . . even as Shinigamis."
Tatsumi kept silent for a moment then said, "Takashi-san and Kyo-san you mean." It wasn't really a question. Just stating a fact.
A sigh. "Yes. When Kyo first came to us. . . .he was always smiling but you could tell he was hurting. . . but he kept on smiling. Then Takashi came and you thought, good for them! Until of course, that red-haired demon came," Watari snorted.
"It made me realize," he added softly, "that when you get a second chance at life, even as Shinigamis, it's still so easy to lose in a heartbeat. Move too fast, and you destroy that chance. Move too slow, and it'll slip from your grasp forever. . ."
As the blond said that, Tatsumi found a pair of amber brown eyes regarding him intently, his last words nearly a whisper and those eyes darkened with some hidden meaning. But he thought he understood what that look said and hardly aware of himself, he leaned forward slowly until his face was just inches from Watari's. Unbidden, his hand reached up to cup a porcelain smooth cheek gently and he whispered. "Have we lost our second chance at happiness?"
A small chuckle escaped the blond's lips, lips that a pair of blue eyes fixed upon with such intensity that that errant chuckle died an early death and his breath caught in his throat as he swallowed almost nervously. "Not unless both of us gave up without ever really chasing it."
His breath smelled of peppermints and ice-cream, Tatsumi thought to himself dazedly. His thumb rubbed against the cheek he was still palming and gently drifted down to rub against the blond's lower lip.
"Do you want me to?" a soft question, barely heard, but loud enough to fill Watari's universe and a lopsided grin crossed his mouth.
"Depends on what you're going to do." It was amazing really, that his voice could still function. His brain had short-circuited the instant that warm, large hand had cupped his cheek and his racing heart was purely in control now. He leaned forward even more until all that was separating him and Tatsumi were their glasses.
Tatsumi immediately rectified that problem, taking off first his then Watari's, putting them gently down, away from harm. Finished, his eyes went back to their intense scrutiny of a flushed face, sparkling brown eyes and lips that were simply begging to be kissed. . . . . .
Their lips were just a hairsbreadth away by now, breaths mingling together and eyes gently drifting close. Everything, the wind, the birds, even the sun seemed to stop in their tracks, frozen in that moment and like sweet pain, there was the barest hint of skin against skin, lips against lips and. . . .
CRASH!
"Itai! What did you do that for?"
"Me?! You're the one who was leaning too far out!"
"Well it was your idea to climb the tree in the first place!"
"And who was it that picked THAT particular branch may I ask?"
"You're too heavy!"
"Hey! We're the same size you idiot!"
Further blame, weight-insulting, name-throwing and general all out brawl and strangulation was cut short by a menacing shadow that LOOMED over them. That was the key word here; LOOMED.
"Tsusuki-SAN. Kyo-SAN. Just what the HELL were you doing?"
It was amazing really, Kyo and Tsuzuki confided to each other in whispered consultation, that Tatsumi could look even more scarier than normal. He seemed to have taken the word 'menacing' to new realms of art and suave, proving that not even mad doctors or crazed badly-colored-haired-evilguy- with-penchant-for-demon-names could hold a candle to his throne of being all out scary with just a few well-chosen words and pose.
Further observations or studies were cut short as firm hands grasped their collars and they were unceremoniously lifted off the ground, little legs waving in the air and furry and tufted ears twitching in shared nervousness.
Watari had a strong hold on Kittenish-Kyo while Tatsumi had a vicelike grip on Chibi-Inu-Tsuzuki.
"Kyo." stated Watari.
"Er. . . .hai?"
". . . . . . . . . ."
Tatsumi did a little better than Watari with the reprimands and threats, his being the more experienced at it and though his words were perfectly moduled at just a nice pitch and his face utterly calm, the little chibis squirmed uncomfortably.
"Kyo-san, I know it's been three months already but have you forgotten the fact that you had a near-death experience and only recently your burns healed fully? And Tsuzuki," he turned an acid gaze at the unrepentant inu. "This does not really help the fact that you had managed to destroy the library. . . .again. I'm adding another 5 years to the bill."
The inu howled in protest and the kitten mewled in shared pity, bringing their respective spouses in a flat run to them.
"Tsuzuki no baka! What the hell were you doing? Gomen, Tatsumi-san, Watari- san," a harassed Hisoka scooped up the offending inu and proceeded to scold it further, lamenting the now rumpled suit and the tie the inu had managed to loosen again despite repeated warnings to the contrary.
Taka was more controlled, politely asking for his recalcitrant husband/wife/life partner (depending on your point of view) which the blond did readily. Said kitten tried to look as adorable as possible. It didn't help the sensei that the kitten's hair was sexily mussed and he was nibbling on his tie, eyes peering up beneath lowered lashes. Those same beautiful eyes that were now a brilliantly pale pale blue.
"That was not a nice thing to do, Kyo," he scolded the younger man. "The both of them deserved their privacy," he added sternly. "As punishment, you can sleep on the couch tonight. Alone."
With lightning speed, the fluffy kitten disappeared to be replaced by the boy himself, looking even more sexy now he lost the paws, tail, ears and whiskers but still with that hair falling into his eyes, looking as though he had just gotten out of bed. Taka's. . . . lower regions underwent more than a slight tightening as he tried to ignore those earnestly pale eyes and arms that were wrapped around his waist, trailing softly up and down his back.
"You don't mean that, do you Taka?" Kyo had added that special pitch when saying his name, a slight singsong and a near purr giving it a whole world of meanings that promised something . . . something quite nice.
Damn Kyo.
He was growing perceptibly harder and that smile on Kyo's face showed that he felt it too and appeared to be more than willing to accommodate him.
He managed to open his mouth to say rather distractedly to their amused audience, "We'll be right back."
The four of them watched the sensei and Kyo run off with indulgent smiles and after a while, Hisoka dragged the protesting Tsuzuki away, throwing an apologetic look over his shoulder at Tatsumi and Watari. "The ceremony will start in half an hour," he called out.
The two men nodded and it was several minutes after the clearing had gone silent before Watari spoke up, somewhat nervously.
"Ano. . . . .wow, that was. . . . er. . ." He was stuttering, he couldn't believe it. He didn't know what to say or what he felt but his mouth seemed to feel that he ought to say something anyway while his heart was screaming at him to stop being such an idiot and finish what they started.
He turned around hurriedly, searching for his glasses when a hand, strong yet gentle, clasped his own, pulling him to a stop. Not daring to breathe even, he looked back to see Tatsumi staring back at him, looking. . . . .sad?
The taller man closed the distance between them easily to once again stand face to face with the blond. His hand was still clasped to his and Watari could feel a fine trembling running through it.
"Are you happy, being like this everyday, Yutaka?"
It was the first time Tatsumi had ever used his first name before and he felt an inexplicable wild joy at the sound. Was he a fool to set himself up for possible heartbreak? But what did he have to lose? A broken hope? A foolish dream? Rejection?
"No," he answered honestly enough. "I am happy, yes. But not *happy*."
Something flickered in the depths of those endlessly blue eyes and a thin smile graced his face. It was a smile filled with hope but also. . . fear.
"Can I make you happy, Yutaka?"
The blond took a moment to let his words sink in and in reply, he mirrored the older man's earlier action, cupping that cheek delicately.
"It depends, if you'd allow me to make you happy," he countered back, lightly but seriously.
The question or challenge hung in the air, charging it with a vibrant energy that simply thrummed with promises. It was now up to Tatsumi to make the last move, to set in motion what may have been the way to true joy or eternal despair of the afterlife.
He answered.
Heads leaned closer to each other and lips met lips to continue their interrupted journey.
For the first time in his life and afterlife, Tatsumi Seiichiro was a truly happy man.
It was a perfect day, Taka thought happily.
The sakura grove, near the pond, had been decorated simply, yet beautifully. White streamers hung festooned from tree to tree, encircling a small area which was arranged with some simple white folding chairs, enough to seat everyone in the Shokan office. Balloons also were hung, a pale pink, and they danced in tethered laughter with the sakuras.
It was perfect.
He stood at the back, near the end of the white aisle of cloth that marked the way to where Kacho was waiting, clad in a new suit and beaming as his staff filed their way in and sat themselves down in excited anticipation. These kinds of ceremonies were rare in Meifu, Tsuzuki's and Hisoka's being the first and last he had presided over and the chief was already getting a bit teary-eyed. He harrumphed to himself and blew his nose discreetly.
He had an image to keep up after all.
Taka took a deep breath, inhaling the sweet scent of cherry blossoms and marveled at how he could never tire of the pink rain. By his side, a hand snuck around his waist and gave a squeeze.
"Getting melancholy on me, old man?" A laughing voice teased.
He smiled into icy-warm blue eyes. "Just happy. Aren't you?"
"Deliriously so," came the confirmation. "Well?" A hand was extended and he took it, grasping it tightly, and firmly.
To think that just over three months ago he had nearly lost Kyo again, right in front of his eyes. . . true, Taka could have resigned from his post and joined Kyo but he wasn't ready and he knew without a doubt that Kyo wasn't ready for it too. They still had so much to live for, so much to experience, surrounded by the people they love.
When on that fateful night, Kyo had succumbed to his burns and injuries, his lungs stuttering to a stop, pure despair had filled his very being and he had wailed his grief. But like lightning, that crippling emotion had been replaced by something else; something to take over the despair replacing it with an emotion of total clarity;
Taka had felt pure rage. He had screamed then and what he screamed was totally unplanned. It just came out of his mouth and the thing that really threw them off was how a second later, Kyo had started to gasp again, his lungs kicking to life.
Taka had screamed, "DAMN IT KYO! YOU LEAVE ME NOW AND YOU CAN SLEEP ON WHATEVER HEAVENLY COUCH ALONE FOR ALL THE REST OF ETERNITY! I MEAN IT! I'LL EVEN STOP BEING GAY AND I'LL NEVER SLEEP WITH ANOTHER MAN! NOT EVEN YOU!"
When those baby weak breaths had been drawn in, all everyone could do was gape in astonishment and as one, they broke down in hysterical laughter and tears.
Though the curse was broken, his healing had been a long and painful one, his Shinigami healing powers being totally ripped to shreds and having to start over nearly as slow as a normal human.
But they were together again. That was the important thing. As Kyo had told him one night, as long as the sensei was with him, he could do anything. And now, here they are, about to walk down the aisle again, to renew their wedding vows.
Taka felt like crying with happiness. Instead, he held out his arm and with a smile said, "Shall we?"
They had no need of any music for this but the cooing of the white doves and the patter of the sakura petals. In short order, they came to stand before Kacho, staring deep into each other's eyes, lost to everyone but themselves.
The old man cleared his throat and said, his voice ringing out across the clearing, "Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today, to stand witness as these two reaffirm that sacred vow which had bound them in life and beyond.
We are gathered here today to stand witness as their vows of marriage are rededicated on this day, to bind them forevermore."
It was not like your usual speech that a priest would normally give but it was beautiful. Still looking deep into each other, their hands were clasped together, palm to palm, and they recited the vows that had been uttered first in life, and now in death.
Their voices were one and true.
"Should you ever cry
Then I will be the one to wipe your tears dry
Should you laugh with mirth
Then I will be the one to have given it birth
And should you ever fall from grace
Then I will be the one to save you, with my embrace.
This I so swear, today and forevermore."
* * *
It was passing strange yet poignantly moving that such a scene could be played out here in the Land Of The Dead, Enma thought to himself.
His fingers rubbed the rim of a golden bowl, filled to the brim with water yet strangely quiescent and perfectly flat and smooth as a mirror. And it was a mirror, showing to him the ceremony being held at the sakura grove of the JuuOhCho. The couple was walking down the white aisle hand in hand and a smile crept across his eternal face.
Death was not something to be avoided, he thought. Rather, it is the next stage that all have to go through to find completion. Not that he encouraged suicides, Enma mused, but neither should one run away from fate that is prescribed.
All deeds have to be accounted for. All dues must be paid and all obligations to be fulfilled.
The two of them were now reciting their vows, the words filtering through the liquid depths as clearly as if he was there by their side. Finished, they then proceeded to seal their vows with a kiss that barely hinted at the love they felt underneath.
His fingers ceased in their absent rubbing to dip into the waters over the couple. In response, a fresh breeze carried a swirling group of sakuras raining down on them, shielding them from public scrutiny and giving their own kisses to the happy couple.
And he gave them perhaps, the holiest benediction to ever be given.
"And so they live happily ever after."
~owari~
A/N:. . . . . . .I can't believe it, it's the end. . . . *sob*. . . . .How did you guys like it? You can't believe the heaviness in my heart at having to say goodbye to Kyo and Taka. . . But never fear! Another tale of our lovers will soon appear, whether you people want it or not (you better want it! @ . @ ) and I will further regale you with stories of joy, sadness, hope and love!
In other words; REVIEW and encourage me more!
A final say: Thank you so much to everyone for their support! Ja ne! P.S: Don't forget to look out for Kyo & Taka's story entitled: A Love Story. (Aaawww! How sweet!)