Author's notes: OK…before you read this part, I must warn you that it's really sad. So, if you were in bad mood or feeling desperate I don't recommend you read it. There is also major OOCness. Some characters are really evil (guess who? hehehehe) some are disappointing in a way and some are really surprising (VERY OOC).
Oh, yeah, what do think for a good ending? Sad ending or happy one? I'm really confused. Or maybe I should let it to my mood when I write the final chapter? I don't know, what do you think?
By the way, if this part made you desperate. Don't blame me I've warned you, and Sakuragi's dear fans there is no need to kill me…same for the others, OK? If you were wondering why, you'll found out soon enough in this part. ~_^
Enjoy
First night
Chapter Two/Part Two: Tears in the wedding
The two lovers decided to go to the lake before the wedding ceremony starts. Sendoh leaned on a tree trunk, studying with admiration his lover, who was leaning on the opposite tree enjoying the warmth of the sunrays, from head to toe. Rukawa was wearing white tunic with thin dark blue curves around its wild collar, blue coat band that hugged his slender waist, knee-length dark blue pants, and white bootee. The cool breezes were caressing the black bangs that covered his forehead and his closed eyes.
//Beautiful// Sendoh smiled to himself //and after today this beauty is only mine…No one can share it with me//
"Akira?" Rukawa opened his eyes and looked at Sendoh.
"What, Kaede?" Sendoh walked closer to him, smiling warmly.
"Do you remember our first meeting?"
Sendoh's smile got wilder and wilder "Of course, I do. Snow"
Sliding his hands around Rukawa's waist, Sendoh focused his eyes on his lover's.
"One-day of the winter's shiny days" Sendoh started his story "I was sitting here finishing in the half-frozen lake"
"We had just moved in to Shohoku" Rukawa said, "Oneesan and Ryota-Nissan were busy unpacking, so I decided to have a walk in the forest that day"
"Suddenly, I heard some noises behind me" Sendoh continued, "The noises were coming from the forest, just behind some bushes, so I took my arc and threw and arrow near the noises, then I yelled at whoever was there to show itself or I'll throw another arrow"
"I stepped on some branches while I was walking behind some bushes" Rukawa added, "Suddenly I saw an arrow crossed my sight…it was so close. And before I could recover from the shock I heard a voice demanding whoever was behind the bushes to appear, threading to throw another arrow"
"When the person behind the bushes appeared, I stunned. He was the most beautiful guy, I've ever seen in my life. I couldn't help but to smile warmly at him. And though his blue eyes were cold and his feminine face was expressionless, his beauty was screaming out loud"
"I saw a handsome young man standing there, looking at me. Then, he smiled at me the most beautiful and warmest smile I've ever seen in my whole life. His eyes were so warm and tender…I couldn't help but stare at them"
"I got closer to that mysterious beautiful guy, and introduced myself to him. Then I asked him about his name, he answered me with low cold voice. He said his name is Rukawa Kaede. And in spite of the cold weather around me and the snow that started to fall down that minute I felt a warm feeling rising in my heart"
"Sendoh Akira, this is what the young man said, introducing himself to me, and he asked for my name. I answered him with my usual low cold voice, but inside me there wasn't any trace of coldness or indifference"
"Ever since I saw my lovely Kaede, I knew that I had fallen in love with him and that I wanted to spend the rest of my life by his side"
"The warmth that I saw in my Akira's eyes has raised a new and lovely feeling inside me…a feeling I never felt before…somehow it filled a very large gap in my soul"
"I decided to call my beautiful Kaede, snow, 'coz his skin was white and soft just like the snow and also to remember the first time I met him under the snow" saying that, Sendoh's face slowly got closer and closer to Rukawa's, but before their lips meet, a drastic voice cut off from behind.
"SENDOH AKIRA AND RUKAWA KAEDE"
The two young men looked behind them, and saw some of the village's guards. Sendoh smiled at their leader and said joyfully "Hi Maki. Nice day, ne?"
Maki approached towards the couple, with very serious expression in his face.
When he got near them, he said coldly "Sendoh and Rukawa, you two are under arrest"
"What?" the two boys couldn't hide their shock
"But? Why?" Sendoh asked still under a great shock.
"No buts" Maki demanded "men, arrest these two"
In a second Maki's men surrounded the two boys, tied their hands behind their back and covered their eyes.
"Let's go" Maki ordered his men, and started to walk towards the village.
All the way to the village Sendoh was protesting and struggling to get himself and his lover free.
"Come on, Maki" he yelled "this isn't funny…Maki, are you listening to me?"
"This is our wedding day, for heaven's sake"
"Maki…we're going to be late for wedding ceremony, Maki, answer me"
But Maki didn't say a word, no matter Sendoh yelled or protested. On the other hand, Rukawa was very quiet and cooperative. He was thinking hardly to find an explanation for what is happening.
//What possibly have we done?// Rukawa searched every corner in his memory //neither one of us are troublemakers. He pays his taxes on time, so does Ryota-Nissan. Is it about the wedding? No way, we have already taken the permission from Minister Jin, just before he and Lord Akagi travel to the capital and we paid all the taxes too. So what's wrong? Why did Maki arrest us?!!!!//
After a while, the group stopped in front of the biggest building in the village. Maki knocked on the wooden door, and then opened it slowly. He entered the building followed by his men associating the blindfolded couple. When the whole group were inside, Maki turned to his men and said seriously "Untie them"
The men obeyed immediately and untied the two boys. As soon as the two got their hands free, they removed the blindfold off their eyes.
"Maki, you're in big trouble" Sendoh said angrily, while he was removing the blindfold "You have to explain what you have…do…done" Sendoh looked dumbly at his surroundings, so did Rukawa. Their eyes widen as soon as they realized where they were. They were in the church, and everyone is smiling happily at them. Sendoh looked at, now, smiling Maki.
"Wha…what the meaning of this?" He finally managed to say.
Maki chuckled "You two were already late…so the guys over there*Pointing at Koshino, Mitsui and Fujima*wanted to teach you a small lesson so they sought my help"
Sendoh rolled his eyes at his grinning friends "Which you've been happy to offer it, right?"
Maki rubbed his neck "well…Sendoh, how can I refuse to help these poor innocent boys? *Sigh* especially when it was Kenji who asked me."
Fujima blushed at Maki's comment.
"I should've guessed" Sendoh murmured under his breath, annoyed that his precious moment was cut off in this curl way.
"Come on, you two" Ayako smiled "You are already late…you don't want to be late anymore for your wedding ceremony, do you boys?" She winked at the couple.
Rukawa lowered his head, hiding the red color that appeared on his checks, while Sendoh grinned wildly and said, "No, we don't, Ayako…shall we, Kaede?"
Saying that, Sendoh held Rukawa's hand and the two approached towards the center of the hall under everyone's eyes.
***
Meanwhile, in front of the summer castle…
"Sakuragi, please…think of you're going to do?" Youhei said desperately "Lord Akagi will not be pleased, if he knew about it"
Sakuragi rolled his eyes, annoyed "Youhei, for the hundred time, I tell you Akagi's laws don't implement on me. I'm a nobleman and the right of the first night is one of my rights. Besides, Gori won't know if you guys don't open your mouths"
"But, Sakuragi" Yuji said, "this isn't ordinary couple, they are both men"
"So what?" Sakuragi glared at him "They can marry as an ordinary couple, can't they? And any law that implement upon ordinary couples, implement upon them as well, don't they? And the first night law is NOT an exception"
"But how can you deicide which one you'll take?" Anozumi chuckled.
"Maybe he'll take them both" Sauichiro laughed.
"I want the guy who- you guys said that- he's beautiful as a girl" Sakuragi said confidently.
Youhei sighed deeply, his friends weren't helping him at all "Saku…."
"STOP IT YOUHEI" Sakuragi cut off angrily "I'LL NOT CHANGE MY MIND…NO MATTER WHAT YOU SAY OR DO…I . WON'T . CHANGE . MY . MIND…let's go"
With that Sakuragi nudged his horse and headed towards the village followed by his friends.
***
After the wedding ceremony, the newlyweds and their friends headed to the public square. There everybody was dancing, singing and laughing happily while glancing at the two lovers, who were sitting in the head of the square chattering in low voice. Everyone saw them couldn't help but to smile in admiration. Sendoh was talking happily with Rukawa, sending from time to time joyful laughs, while Rukawa although kept his usual expressionless face, his eyes were unusually sparkling happily as he listened to his lover's voice.
"Happy, Kaede?" Sendoh whispered to Rukawa.
Rukawa nodded slightly "as long as you are by my side Akira, I'll always be happy"
Sendoh smiled and nuzzled Rukawa's neck "Then, I'll always be with you"
Feeling Sendoh's flesh against his, Rukawa arced his neck slightly, sending low meows. His heart was beating harder and harder every second enjoying this lovely moment.
But unfortunately this didn't last, because some annoying whistles cut off their moment.
Hearing these whistles, Sendoh looked up rolling his eyes at his annoying friends.
"What Sendoh, can't wait until you guys be alone?" Mitsui teased.
Rukawa blushed and lowered his head, while Sendoh sent warning glares to Mitsui.
Ignoring Sendoh's glares, Mitsui said "Come on guys, you two have to dance"
Rukawa jerked his head; he had never danced in his life. He looked at Sendoh and shook his head slightly.
"No thanks" Sendoh said to Mitsui "We don't feel like it"
"Come on" Mitsui pulled the couple to the middle of the square. "Hey, everyone, Sendoh and Rukawa will dance now"
In a minute all the people, who were dancing stopped and cleared the place for the couple clapping hardly.
Sendoh sighed "Well, Kaede. Looks that we have no choice"
"But I don't know how to dance" Rukawa whispered.
"Don't worry," Sendoh smiled "Let me guide you"
The music started, and the two started to dance. Rukawa allowed himself to be led by his lover, and after few seconds he rested his head on Sendoh's shoulder, as his soul slowly fused with the soft music and was drifted away from reality, wishing that they could stay like that forever.
But, after a short time Sendoh whispered in his ear. "Kaede?"
"Humm?" Rukawa looked at him with dreaming eyes.
"The music has ended" Sendoh smiled warmly at him.
Unable to resist anymore, Rukawa's face flushed into beautiful warm smile. For a second Sendoh forgot to breathe. How much he admire that smile? He would do anything in the world just to see that wonderful smile. But, unknown to Sendoh this would be the last time he sees this smile for a long time.
A big wave of clapping and cheering snapped Sendoh out from his daydream. The people returned to the dancing square and started to dance.
"Can I have this dance, please?" a girl asked Sendoh shyly.
"Sure, it's my pleasure" Sendoh smiled at her.
"Akira, I'll go and have some drink" Rukawa pointed to where the wine casks were queued up.
"OK, Kaede…I'll join you when I finish this dance"
"OK…Don't be late" With that Rukawa left Sendoh who held the girl and started to dance.
Suddenly, everyone heard sound of horses getting nearer; five horsemen associated with some guards suddenly appeared and stopped near the dancing group.
One of the horsemen with bright red hair approached little more than the others and stood in front of the people studying them carefully.
"I'm Lord Sakuragi Hanamichi" The young horseman said "I've heard that you guys having a wedding today, and so I've decided to join you and share your happiness, whose wedding is this?"
"It's mine, your grace" Sendoh stood in front of Sakuragi, bowing his head slightly "You are welcome, my lord"
"And you are?"
"Sendoh Akira, your grace"
Sakuragi studied Sendoh carefully "So, Can I be honored and meet your lucky bride?" He said coolly.
Youhei's heart started to beat hardly //Oh, God…please, let him change his mind//
"Well, my lord" Sendoh said politely "In fact there isn't any bride"
Sakuragi raised his eyebrows "No bride?" he asked, with pretending shock in his face.
"You see my lord" Sendoh rubbed his neck nervously "I've married my boyfriend a few minutes ago"
"I see. Where is your boyfriend, then?"
Sendoh turned his head, and spotted Rukawa watching them from a distance.
"Kaede" he called "Come here"
Sakuragi's heart skipped from its place, when he saw a handsome young man, with Snow-white skin, midnight black hair, blue foxy eyes and soft feminine features, making his way to their direction. He felt his throat getting drier, his breath becoming harder, and his heart beating faster. The guy's beauty was BREATHTAKING.
//This guy is definitely NOT a peasant// Sakuragi thought watching Rukawa carefully //He can NOT be a peasant…he is so pale as he never spend any time under the sun…I wonder if his skin is as soft as it looks//
Rukawa nodded greeting Sakuragi respectfully as he stood near Sendoh, who smiled proudly noticing tapping on his lover's shoulder.
Sakuragi dismounted his horse, and walked towards the couple with steady footsteps. Youhei felt the urge to scream to prevent Sakuragi from whatever he was going to do, but his voice died in his throat.
"Well…I guess I hope you both happiness" Sakuragi said; his eyes were still fixed on Rukawa.
Sendoh smiled "Thank you my lord, your presence has honored us"
"I'm not done yet" Sakuragi smirked, "I going to honor you even more. Tell me Sendoh have you asked the permission to hold this wedding and paid the taxes for it?"
"Yes, I have, your grace" Sendoh answered, puzzled.
"And why have you done this?"
"Because these are the laws, your grace" Sendoh replied, not knowing where Sakuragi want to get to with these questions.
"Good. Then, what would you do if you knew that there is one law you haven't followed to complete this wedding"
"Law?" Sendoh rose his eyebrows "What law?" he asked weakly, not sure if he wanted to know the answer.
"Come on, Sendoh…you seem to be an open minded guy, and I'm sure you won't object my request, especially when it's one of my rights as a nobleman"
"Request?!!…My lord, forgive my slow understanding, but I really don't know what you mean by all this!!!"
"Very well…I told you that I came to share you your happy event, but I have another purpose too, which is reclaiming my right on your pretty lover's first night"
Hearing what Sakuragi has just said everyone gasped in horror. Ayako covered her mouth with her hands, tears started to blur her vision. Miyagi hugged her from behind tightly. Mitsui felt his blood bowling, and was about to punch Sakuragi at the face. But Koshino grabbed his shoulder before he could move one step.
Rukawa widen his eyes terrified, his expressionless face turned paler from fear, and his hand unconsciously held Sendoh's and squeezed it tightly. Sendoh, however, stayed calm though his cheerful face became expressionless. His eyes were focused directly on Sakuragi's as if challenging him.
The two men stood few moments glaring at each other silently.
Finally Sendoh broke the silence.
"Over my dead body" he whispered softly.
Sakuragi's face stayed blank, he took few steps towards Sendoh and said lowly "What did you say? I don't believe I heard you well"
"I said over my dead body" Sendoh repeated, raising his voice with each word.
Sakuragi smirked; he turned and walked away slowly from Sendoh. Rukawa's heart was beating faster and faster. He was relived that Sendoh won't remise him under any circumstances but on the other hand, he was afraid from Sakuragi's reaction.
After he walked away some distance from Sendoh, Sakuragi stopped smirking dangerously, his fingers were playing with knob of his sword. All of the sudden, he unsheathed it and swung it towards Sendoh's neck, saying coolly "As you wish"
"NOOOO" Rukawa screamed. Sakuragi's sword stopped few inches away from Sendoh's neck.
Unable to control his emotions anymore, Rukawa threw himself under Sakuragi's feet, his tears started to fall.
"I'll go with you, your grace" he managed to say between his sobs "please, don't hurt him. I'll do anything you want…just don't hurt him"
"Kaede" Sendoh whispered weakly. He tried to get his lover up from the ground, but Sakuragi stopped him by pressing his shiny sword on Sendoh's neck. Sendoh looked at him, his eyes were full of hatred .
"Take one step closer to him," Sakuragi threaded "and I'll separate your head from your body"
Hearing these words, Rukawa snapped his head up and looked at his lover terrified. Weakly, he stood up and walked towards Sendoh, his tears were falling silently from his eyes. Pushing the sword away from Sendoh, Rukawa buried his face on Sendoh's shoulder whispering softly "Akira, forgive me"
And before Sendoh's hands could hold him in tight embrace, Rukawa pulled himself away from Sendoh and turned around facing Sakuragi.
"I'm ready to go, my lord," he said, lowering his head downcast.
Seeing the same scene repeating again in front of him, Youhei fought his tears back as they threaded to fall down. He had been seeing this scene every time Sakuragi reclaimed his right of the first night, and every time the same bitter feeling smashes his heart. But, what can he do? Nothing, because he was just like all these villagers. A follower. Nothing but a follower.
Sakuragi looked at the guy in front of him, a small smirk appeared on his face. He, then, looked at the crowd and asked, "How's the captain of the guards here?"
"I am, your grace" Maki said weakly. He didn't know why he felt afraid from the question, but he answered it anyway.
"Good" Sakuragi returned his sword to its place "now, tie him up to my horse"
Hearing the order everyone lowered his or her head, Ayako started to cry loudly on Miyagi's chest. Maki widened his eyes in disbelief. He stared at Sakuragi shocked as the latter mounted his horse. He couldn't believe that Sakuragi ordered him to tie up his friend's lover to his horse.
//Tie him up with my own hands// Maki thought, looking at his hands //How can I face all the people if I did that? How can face my friends? Koshino? Mitsui? Miyagi? Ayako? Sendoh?// with that thought Maki looked at Sendoh, who was looking at him, his eyes were begging Maki not to break his heart any further. //How can I face you, Sendoh after today? How can I face Kenji? How can I protect him after today? How? How?//
"Have you heard me, captain?" Sakuragi's sharp voice cut off his thoughts.
"Yes, my lord" Maki lowered his head.
"Good then do it"
"Yes, my lord"
Maki made his way to the silent boy with heavy steps, Ayako's crying was breaking his heart to million pieces. Passing by Sendoh he whispered "I'm sorry, Sendoh"
Maki stood in front of the motionless Rukawa, biting his lips. He took the guy's hands and tied them up together at one end of a rope and then tied the other end at the horse's saddle.
Sendoh watched Maki tying up his lover to Sakuragi's horse, clutching his fists tightly. His body was shaking violently, he wanted to move, to scream, to take Rukawa and run far away from everything, but his body refused to obey his mind. He felt his body has stiffened all of a sudden.
After he was done, Maki left the place quickly, not looking at anybody. Fujima ran after him worried. No one could say anything as Sakuragi nudged his horse and headed back to the castle.
Feeling the rope pulling him away, Rukawa snapped from his tranquility and took final glace at his lover.
"I LOVE YOU, AKIRA" Rukawa shouted, his eyes were full of tears "I LOVE YOU"
As in waking up from a dream, Sendoh's body jerked as soon he heard Rukawa's voice calling him.
"Kaede" he called back "KAEDE, I LOVE YOU KAEDE…. KAEDE"
He tried to run to Rukawa's disappearing figure, but strong arms held him tight. He struggled to get rid of them.
"LET GO" He shouted, his falling tears were wetting his checks and neck "I MUST SAVE MY KAEDE. I WON'T LET ANYONE TAKES HIM AWAY FROM ME. LET GO"
But his struggling was in vain, because whoever was holding him, tightened his grab even more.
Exhausted physically and mentally, Sendoh collapsed on the ground, crying bitterly.
"Forgive, Kaede" He whispered "I broke my promise to you, Forgive me"
And so the happy event in Shohoku village turned into tragedy.
T.B.C.
