Tenshi: Since, Tenshi Kanashimi suggested to changing "Invisible" into a chaptered story, I thought that maybe that it was a good idea. So here's Chapter 2 to "Tender Twist". I do hope you like it! It's still a songfic and it's still a bit of angst but I really hope you still like it. Please review! Remember, flames are welcome! Thank you! ^^
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Disclaimer: I don't own Threads of Fate. I don't have the artistic mind of Squaresoft to create such an awesome game. Neither do I own the song "If Only Through Heaven's Eyes". The singing talent of 'N Sync and the fantastic soul of the songwriter own the song.
Pairing: Mint and Rue
Genre: Romance / Angst
Rating: PG – 13
Summary: Mint's changed attitude starts to catch Rue's eye.
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"words"
thoughts
lyrics
(AN)
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~Spirit~
Written by: The Angel Of Death, Tenshi Takai
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"Seriously Mint, I'm really sorry for how I've been treating you," Rue said looking down at his hands.
The two were in Mint's secret garden. Mint and Rue were talking about how each other have been doing. Rue was now apologizing to Mint.
"Rue, it's ok. I understand. I don't know why you're so worked up about this," Mint said, a small laugh accompanying her comment.
"Well, it's just that, you've been such a good friend to me lately but I don't exactly…" Rue said looking down trailing at the end.
"It's ok. Smile! The sun's bright!" Mint said smiling at Rue.
Rue looked at Mint and smiled. Mint looked up at the sky and sighed. Rue stared at Mint and felt a blush creep up his cheeks. Mint looked back at him and he immediately looked away.
I never thought you were
A fair weather friend
You never let me down
You're true to the end
Rue sneaked a peek at Mint and continued to gaze at her seeing that she wasn't looking back at him.
I never realized how friendly Mint was. I mean, I used to think that she was only a spoiled brat. But I guess she proved me wrong. She proved all of us wrong.
The winds blew hard and Mint's closed her eyes and smiled as her hair was being blown back by the wind. Rue smiled at the sight and a tinge of pink could be seen on his cheeks.
She helped me revive Claire and comforted me last night. I know she left me when I was trapped and didn't come back though she said she would but I wouldn't have been able to get that far without her competitiveness and help. And I'm sure she has a good explanation as to why she didn't come back.
"Hey Rue! Are you still there?" Mint said trying to get Rue's attention.
"Huh? What is it Mint?" Rue said realizing he had spaced out.
Mint laughed a bit and smiled at Rue.
"I'm being called inside. I think my father wants to talk to me," Mint said standing up.
"How'd you know? I mean, nobody knows where this place is, right?" Rue asked.
"I just know," Mint said. "C'mon! Let's go," Mint said cocking her head to the side.
"Sure," Rue said standing up too.
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And in the darkest hour
When all was lost
Somehow you left the light on
Faced the wrong
And showed the world a thing or two
Stood up for me and for you
"There you are princess. Your father is looking for you," a brown haired servant said as soon as Mint and Rue reached the door leading inside the castle.
"I'll be going there now. Thank you," Mint said smiling at the servant who bowed before Mint and left.
"Let's go Rue," Mint said walking towards a corridor.
"Where are we going Mint?" Rue asked following Mint.
"My dad's study. He's always there," Mint said.
They continued to walk in silence until Mint stopped in front of a door.
"Well, we're here. You can wait here for me to come back out but if you wish to leave, it's ok," Mint said holding the doorknob.
"It's ok. I'll wait," Rue said leaning on the wall opposite the door.
Mint shrugged and closed the door behind her as she went inside.
I wonder what her father wants.
Rue's thoughts were cut short when he heard Mint's voice from inside.
"Dad! They're my friends!" Mint said.
Rue's curiosity got the best of him and he went to the door and tried to listen inside.
"But princes are refusing to go here saying that the palace is infested with commoners. Let them stay outside the castle," Mint's father said.
"I don't care about stupid princes. They're egotistical jerks anyways. If my friends leave the castle then I'm coming too," Mint said.
And you should know
Some say it wasn't worth
The things we went through
I say it ain't worth losing you
"Mint, these princes are possible rulers of the throne. You need a king," Mint's father said.
"But dad, I could always get a commoner for a king. I want to marry for love and not because the person is a prince or something," Mint said.
"No. You will get a prince," Mint's father said.
"Dad, I don't know why you're so worked up about it. Mom was a commoner too and you married her. They've been there for me like mom has always been," Mint said and the door opened.
"Let's go Rue," Mint said as soon as she was outside.
Rue nodded and followed Mint.
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"What was that all about?" Rue asked once there were in Mint's room.
"Just my father wanting to talk about my marriage and stuff since I'm going to rule the kingdom after him. I think it's just stupid that I have to marry a prince. I mean, mom wasn't a princess and I don't want to marry just someone," Mint said lying down on her bed.
"I'm sure your father just wants the best for you," Rue said.
"Well, I already love someone else," Mint said gasping after a while realizing what she just said.
Rue looked down at his hands feeling a sharp pain in his chest but not knowing why.
"Really? I'm sure if you tell your father then he'll understand," Rue whispered.
"But he doesn't like me to even get too close to commoners. He only allows me to be friends with you guys so that he's sure that nobody will hurt his kingdom," Mint said sadly yet with a tone of annoyance.
"Has the person you love ever done anything for you?" Rue asked extremely inquisitive about the person.
"He's saved me more times that I can count," Mint said smiling.
Rue kept silent and smiled.
I hope you know how much
You changed all our lives
Someday you'll see
If only through heaven's eyes
Only through heaven's eyes
I can't believe she loves someone. I just hope that the person she loves returns the feeling. She deserves all the happiness in the world. She's selfless and helpful. Completely opposite of that she was before. But maybe, she's been like this for a long time. She's just kept it from others. She has helped me get Claire back. I want to repay her for what she's done.
"What if I help you get together with this guy?" Rue said looking up at Mint.
"Rue…are you…I mean…what if…" Mint started.
"Mint, you helped me too many time since our last quest together and I think it's time I repaid you. What's there to lose?" Rue said giving a small smile.
"My dad will never approve but…" Mint started and gave a slight frown.
Mint looked up at Rue as he smiled at Mint. Mint nodded her head.
"Alright. But I'm telling you now that it'll never work," Mint said.
"I can't believe I'm hearing you say that," Rue said shaking his head with a tone of laughter in his voice.
Mint gave a wry smile but suddenly frowned.
"I'm serious though Rue. It won't work whatever you're planning. I'm not…" Mint said softly.
"And I'm serious too. Don't worry. You're perfect! You're nice, pretty and smart. Not to mention, you have guts. This'll work. Trust me," Rue said, a reassuring tone in his voice.
Mint blushed, looked down and sighed.
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I still remember
The things that you said
I keep you're words alive
I could never forget
"C'mon! Tell me who it is! How am I going to help you if I don't know who I'm going to hook you up with?!" Rue said after telling Mint his plan.
"Well, you'll just have to live without me telling you. You'll find out if the plan works," Mint said grinning.
"Aw! C'mon! I won't tell anyone!" Rue said pouting.
"Nope! You can't force it out of me!" Mint said with determination.
"Not even if I torture you?" Rue whispered darkly.
"Yes," Mint said hesitantly.
"Let's see then," Rue said slowly advancing on Mint.
Mint was scared but didn't move from her spot. Without warning, Rue pounced on Mint and started tickling her. Mint started laughing really hard and backed up. Both of them fell on top of Mint's bed. Rue continued tickling Mint while Mint tried her best to catch Rue's hands. In her attempt to catch Rue's agile hands, she flailed her arms causing Rue to lose his balance. He was lucky to have been able to support himself with his arms and there was only silence. Rue realized the closeness of their faces and immediately lifted himself up.
"I'm so sorry Mint!" I didn't mean to. I…" Rue said.
"It's ok," Mint whispered, not fully finding her voice yet.
Mint sat down and sighed. Rue sneaked a glance at her and saw pieces of paper scattered on the floor. He stood up and walked over to the mess. Mint saw this and immediately stood up to where Rue was.
"That's mine Rue. I'll take care of it," Mint said.
"No, no. It's ok. It's probably my fault it got scattered anyways," Rue said picking up the pieces of paper.
"But Rue…" Mint started.
"It's ok. I'll pick it up," Rue said softly but firmly.
"Alright. Suit yourself," Mint said sitting down on her bed and watching Rue clean up the mess.
"There. See? I'll do fine," Rue said in a teasing manner.
"Whatever," Mint said taking the envelope.
Cause in the final hour
You made me proud
So proud that I could know you
Told the world
It's time that they believe in you
You stood for right and true
"What are these anyway?" Rue asked.
"Just a birthday gift," Mint said.
"Can I read them?" Rue asked.
"Sure," Mint said handing Rue the envelope again.
Rue took out a piece of paper and started reading.
Has anyone made you feel special that you thought he was falling for you? And that you start to fall for him too? Then he breaks the news that he's in love with someone…and that someone is not you.
Rue felt a stab at his heart but not really knowing why. He took out another piece and read. He put it back and hastily gave the envelope back to Mint.
"Thanks," Rue whispered.
There was complete calm in the room until Mint spoke up.
"When can we start with this plan of yours?" Mint asked.
"You want to do this?" Rue asked suddenly not wanting to continue with his plan.
"Of course. You worked hard on the plan. And if I don't do anything, nothing will happen right? I just wish he feels the same. But I still can't tell you who I love," Mint said.
"It's ok but are you sure? You don't have to. I mean, I don't want to force you. The chances of the person you like to like you back is great but I… Rue said wanting Mint to stop with the plan.
"Yes. I'm sure. But can I change some parts of the plan?" Mint asked.
"Sure. It's going to be your wedding," Rue said looking down.
"Thank you," Mint said smiling.
There was a knock on the door and a servant's head popped in the door.
"Princess, your father's looking for you," the servant said.
"Thank you. You may leave," Mint said standing up.
The servant blushed and hurriedly left. Rue saw this and immediately felt angry.
"You want me to come with you?" Rue asked standing up too.
"No need. I'll do fine," Mint said exiting the room.
Rue was left there to ponder on his thoughts.
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And you should know
Some say it wasn't the worth
The things we went through
I say it ain't worth losing you
"Don't worry too much Rue. Somebody's bound to be perfect with Mint," Claire said.
Rue and Claire were in the garden talking about Mint. Rue was confused about what to do with Mint and he decided to ask Claire.
"But what if the person she loves doesn't feel the same way?" Rue asked.
"Rue, you already said that Mint's beautiful. The one she loves is bound to see that beauty too," Claire said smiling at Rue.
"But I don't want her to get hurt. I don't care who that person is as long as he makes my Mint happy," Rue whispered not realizing he called Mint his.
"She won't," Claire said. "As long as you stand by her side," Claire continued smiling.
"Do you think she'll forget us when she gets her guy?" Rue asked.
"I don't think so. I think she seems to be the person who's loyal to her friends," Claire said.
"I hope so," Rue said sadly.
"Why are you so bent on helping Mint anyways?" Claire asked.
Rue kept silent and blushed. Claire saw this and smiled.
"Because she's always been there for me," Rue whispered almost inaudibly.
"And you love her," Claire said.
"What? I…" Rue said taken aback by what Claire said.
"There no point in denying it Rue. It's too obvious. Maybe that why you thought that you loved me. Because you thought that maybe, she'll never feel the same and she's too perfect for you. She's kind and beautiful. Not to mention, she can easily take care of herself and never lets anyone backstab her," Claire said.
I hope you know how much
You changed all our lives
Someday you'll see
If only through heaven's eyes
Only through heaven's eyes
Only through heaven's eyes
"Hey Rue! Hey Claire!" Mint voice rang out.
"Hello princess," Claire said smiling at the princess who was walking towards them.
Rue looked up and smiled then looked back down trying to conceal his blush. Mint looked confused at Rue and blushed a little. Claire saw their reactions and smiled.
"Please sit down princess," Claire said and moved aside creating a space in between her and Rue for Mint to sit on.
Mint sat down and continued on blushing.
"How are you doing princess?" Claire asked.
"I'm doing just fine. I just annoyed because my dad is still trying to set me up with princes," Mint said crossing her arms.
"I'm sure your father only wants what's best for you," Claire said smiling.
"That's what he said," Mint said pointing to Rue.
Claire just smiled.
"How's life treating you?" Mint asked Claire.
"I'm doing fairly fine. I would like to thank you," Claire said.
"Thank me? For what?" Mint asked.
"Rue said that you helped in getting me revived. He said that you've saved him a couple of times. Either through actions or words. Thank you," Claire said smiling.
"Sheesh! I didn't do much!" Mint said.
"That's not what Rue says," Claire said.
And so we can't forget
We've got to keep remembering them all
The ones who took the fall
They did it for us all
And we should learn from it
Stand up if you believe in it
You've got to face the world...be strong
"Please Claire! Rue's been the one who's been doing all the work. I remember when he saved me from this underground atelier guardian. If he didn't come on time, I'd be dead by now," Mint said.
"Rue's never told me about that," Claire said.
"Just like him. He's too humble really," Mint said with a slight laugh.
"He is," Claire said chuckling.
"But really. I'm not only one who helped him. There's Klaus, Mira, Elena, Prima, Rod, Fancy Mel and even Belle and Duke. I can't really take credit for anything. If given anything, I'd have to say I'm the one who's constantly pulling him down," Mint said gently.
"You did help! And you never pulled me down!" Rue said in protest.
Surprised, Mint and Claire looked at Rue. Realizing what he just did, he looked back down and turned red.
"Sorry. But you helped me a lot Mint in more ways that you can count," Rue said but only thinking of the last part.
"Don't give me too much credit Rue," Mint said smiling.
"Well, I'm going to leave the two of you now. See you again princess. Take care of her, ok Rue?" Claire said a playful smile on her lips.
Rue blushed harder while Mint got a confused look on her face.
"What are you thinking about?" Mint asked the silent Rue.
"Just the plan. I'm wondering what you're going to do," Rue said softly.
"Can I tell you something Rue? Promise not to laugh or get mad?" Mint said softly.
"I suppose," Rue said looking at Mint befuddled.
"Promise!" Mint said.
"Alright. I promise," Rue said firmly.
"You see…about the one I like…it's…it's actually…" Mint said looking down.
Rue looked at Mint, anticipating who the person was.
"It's um…" Mint said but stopped again.
What if the person you secretly love told you that he has already found the one he'll spend forever with? Would you be brave enough to ask who it is or bear the pain inside not knowing it you after all?
Rue perked up and shook his head.
"Wait Mint," Rue said looking intently at Mint.
And you should know
Some say it wasn't the worth
The things we went through
I say it ain't worth losing you
"What is it?" Mint asked looking back up at Rue.
"I've got something to tell you first. Before you tell me anything, I need to tell you that I…I think that…I think maybe…maybe I'm…I think I'm…I love you," Rue said, the last part in a rush.
Rue looked up and saw Mint's shocked expression. He immediately looked down and blushed.
"I don't want you to force yourself into saying anything to me. I just wanted to tell you that. I don't know what came over me. If you wish to forget I ever said anything, please do. I'm sorry if I'm confusing you and you should really forget I said anything because I don't want to lose you as a friend and I'd be really happy if we stay as friends and you get married because I'll be happy if you're happy and if…"
"Rue, you're blabbing," Mint said with a giggle cutting off Rue.
Rue closed his mouth.
"I'm sorry," Rue whispered.
"Rue…" Mint started.
"Just forget I said anything," Rue said hastily, cutting off Mint.
"Rue, just shut up for a second and hear me out ok," Mint said.
Rue closed his mouth again and looked at Mint who was waiting for Rue's silence. He closed his eyes, scared of what Mint would say.
I hope you know how much
You changed all our lives
Someday you'll see
If only through heaven's eyes
Only through heaven's eyes
"Rue," Mint said but Rue kept his eyes closed.
A few seconds passed and Rue was startled when Mint suddenly hugged him.
She's hugging me! What am I going to do? What am I going to do? Rue! Do something!
Rue didn't budge but after a few seconds tenderly wrapped his arms around Mint shocking them both.
"Thank you Rue," Mint whispered.
"I didn't do anything," Rue said murmured.
"You just made the plan much easier," Mint said smiling pulling out of the embrace.
Rue was utterly vexed and looked at Mint who was grinning.
"You're so dense," Mint said, shaking her head.
"What are you talking about Mint?" Rue asked.
"You. You're the one I love. Get it?" Mint said smiling brightly.
Rue continued to sit silently still trying to take everything up.
"You love me?" Rue asked.
"Yes. I love you," Mint said.
Rue just sat there.
"Can I ask why you love me?" Rue asked.
"Because you're Rue," Mint said.
Rue nodded his head.
"And why do you love me?" Mint asked quietly.
Rue looked up and saw Mint who was looking down somehow scared of the answer Rue would say. Rue smiled and cupped Mint's chin in his hands making Mint look into his eyes.
"Because you're Mint. The one who's kind, beautiful, smart and spunky," Rue said smiling at the teary-eyed Mint.
"But, I thought you loved Claire. Are you sure you love me?" Mint asked seemingly anxious of the situation.
"Yes. I love Claire as a sister and I see it now. You're the one I want to spend eternity and a day with. You're my angel on earth," Rue said, his smile never faltering.
"I never knew you were quite the sweet talker Rue," Mint kidded.
"There's much you don't know about me," Rue said smiling impishly.
"Oh? You don't know much about me either," Mint said smirking.
"I know one thing that's for sure," Rue said his grin growing bigger.
"What's that?" Mint asked.
"Your tickle spots," Rue said tickling Mint.
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~owari~
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Tenshi: Yeah! I'm done with this story! I made it! This story was tiring. Well, not really but it's our finals this week and I'm really tied up at the moment. I didn't think I would finish this story in before our exams. Anyways, this parts done. If you want an epilogue or something, tell me! I'd gladly make one after the exams. But remember, don't forget to review! I love reviews! Even flames! Hehe…I'd better go. I'm getting hyper. Well, review! Thanks! ^^
