Disclaimer: NigHtEyeZ does not own Hana Yori Dango.
AN: ^__^ Hi again! Let's make this short and easy. Hope you enjoy this fic so far and as for your reviews, thank you!
**Sacrifice Your Love**
Chapter four
She falls asleep in his embrace. But wake up to find the only evidence of his existents was his scent. The sweet yet musky smell lingered on the empty bed sheet just beside her. That's not what she wants. What she wants, was him. He was nowhere to be found. As she lay motionless in the same position on the bed, her hand crept silently towards the empty space beside her. It was cold, he had already left her for a long time.
Finally getting the strength to move, she sat up and noticed a note on the bedside table. She picked it up. 'Gone to attend some business. Will be back soon.' There were three black scribbles beneath the message. She barely could make out the words under the lines of cancellation. She just had to smile. The first one was 'From Domyouji'. He canceled that. The second read 'Love Domyouji'. He canceled that too. The third was 'Love Tsukasa'. Well, that too was canceled.
She read the last one. The one he had settled down on. 'Love Tsukasa, your one and only fiancé'. Sometimes he amazed her. Just a simple note was enough for her mood to turn better. She will remember to tease Tsukasa about it when he gets back.
~*~
There was more surprise to come when she saw a person lazing on the sofa while switching television channels with the remote control in his hand. "Hanazawa Rui." The two words came out from her mouth automatically. It brought his attention from the television to her. Rui patted the seat beside him and mentioned for her to come over. Which she did, without a second invitation.
The thumping of her heartbeat was getting louder and louder as she walked closer to him. She was having trouble breathing normally when she settled down right beside him. She didn't know what to say. Rui alone visiting her was certainly something awkward. But she liked this. The feeling of just sitting beside him was...appealing. A bouquet of flowers landed on her lap. "Eh?" Was she so deep in thought that she didn't realize Rui had switched the television off and was looking at her attentively now?
"Tsukasa." Rui said with no much more than a flicker in his bright blue eyes. Seeing her not understanding a word he says, he repeated, with a little more information. "Tsukasa gives you the flower." What he meant was the flowers were a gift from Tsukasa and not him. "He told me to bring you out."
"Why?" She hugged the flowers lightly and stared back at Rui.
"To sell you." He got up from the sofa and reach out his hand. To her, it was shockingly similar to that day. The day Tsukasa found her in the park. Rui's palm was awfully familiar too. "Tsukushi?" Rui called, wondering why isn't she responding.
"How much am I worth?" It was Rui's turn to be confused. Tsukushi took his hand and stood up. "How much can you get by selling me?" She sounded serious. Like there was no joke about it. It succeeded in making Rui laugh. He clutched his stomach and laughed till his heart content. Tsukushi stood still, admiring the seldom seen smile on his face.
When he was satisfied from laughing, he patted her head. "A lot." He replied while leading her out of the mansion. He then turned his face back to her. "You worth a lot to me Tsukushi."
~*~
It wasn't exactly a wonderful time spent with Rui. At first he suggested an expensive restaurant to take their lunch but Tsukushi declined, saying she wanted to walk around in town and maybe have lunch in a fast food restaurant. Unlike a certain curly-haired creature, Rui agreed without making much protest. Even tough so, by the look from his face, Tsukushi knew he did not enjoy the idea of 'walking'.
Just as she guessed, Rui did not talk much. He kept to himself all the time; sometimes a small smile appeared when Tsukushi said something that was weird to him. She felt very uneasy when she stepped into a fast food restaurant with Rui following behind her. As they seated themselves in a corner, Tsukushi can't help but noticing all eyes were on them. Well, on Rui to be precise. The man yawned and stared dreamily outside the glass windows. He didn't even know he was attracting everyone's attention.
[Most likely, he doesn't even care.] Slightly glancing at Rui, Tsukushi could understand why most of the young girls here are gapping at him to intensely. Rui propped his elbow on the table and rested his chin on his hand as he continue to stare outside. His long sleeved, baby blue coloured sweater goes well with his eyes. Showing not much of his skin but enough to prove the lean, muscular body hidden inside.
"Tsukushi?" Rui called her name for the second time. What is so interesting about his sweater? Did she notice that it hadn't been wash for a week? That thought amused him. And it almost made him smile again. He was a different man with her around. "Tsukushi?" This time, he waved his hand in front of her face. That did the trick.
"Huh?" Tsukushi lifted her head up too quickly, telling everyone that she was guilty of staring at Rui's sweater. She was thinking how good Tsukasa would look in this blue sweater. She made a note to ask Rui where did he get it later. Rui pointed his finger at the long queue. "You want me to order?" He nodded. Somehow, she was used to this guess-what-Rui-is-thinking game. "Fine."
~*~
Tsukushi carried the tray of food back to her table. There were some women standing by her table, blocking Rui from her view. She realized the situation as she walked closer. They were trying to 'befriend' with Rui. As usual, Rui did not give a damn about the women talking to him. He acted like none of them existed. Lifting an eyebrow Tsukushi wondered how was she going to deal with this. She placed the tray on the table and sat down on her seat, opposite Rui. "Tsukushi." Was that a sigh of relieve she heard from Rui?
"Can you excuse us? My friend doesn't like to talk much." Tsukushi smiled warmly at the women and tried to help Rui solve his problem. One of them shot a death glare at her then using her so-called 'sexy' voice, she spoke to Rui.
"Is that ugly woman your girlfriend? Don't make me disappointed!" The others around her nodded in agreement. Tsukushi felt her bad temper fire up. She was about to do/say something back at the impolite woman when she saw that Rui was frowning.
"Take that back." He was staring coldly at the woman. Having no reply, he clutched his fist and made his knuckles crack. "Take that back or I'll have to hurt you. You are already ugly enough." Tsukushi was shocked. That was the longest sentence she heard coming out from Rui!
The woman had stepped back a little, her face struck with shock and embarrassment. She spoke to Tsukushi. "Your boyfriend's a weirdo!" With that, she turned and made her escape along with the others.
"I didn't know you were that violent." And she thought Tsukasa was the only one. Tsukushi handed Rui a cup of coffee.
"Am not." Rui was relaxed and back to his usual lazy self. He took the polystyrene cup and drank his coffee straight away without adding milk or sugar. He then paused before pushing the cup towards Tsukushi again. "Don't want it."
"You shouldn't waste food like that." Tsukushi nagged like a mother but helped him to finish his coffee anyway. Setting the cup down, she asked him. "Good thing she didn't give us anymore trouble. Honestly, would you really hurt her?" She smiled, knowing the answer herself.
Picking up a wrapped burger, Rui unwrapped it and took a small bite. He paused again after he swallowed. Then he gave the untouched burger back to Tsukushi. "No." He leaned back against his chair and his legs bumped into Tsukushi's, announcing he finished lunch. "I'll just leave you here and run away myself."
"Meanie." Tsukushi muttered and pouted her lips playfully. She jumped back a little when Rui reach out his fingers to brush her lips. "What was that for?!"
Rui then pointed at his own lips. "Cracked." Tsukushi's lips were cracked, maybe because of the hot weather. She felt her own lips and remembered something else.
"Can you accompany me to buy something?" She remembered Tsukasa's lips also had the same problem. Buying a gift for your fiancé once in a while isn't a bad idea.
~*~
There were so many variety of lip-gloss that it made it hard for Tsukushi to choose from the rack. Flavours from Apple to Watermelon, she had to choose one, not too girlish and not too yucky or else Tsukasa wouldn't even touch it. Rui was in the same condition, amusing himself by finding weird flavours. His tall height stood out in the crowd of young girls in the small shop. Many eyes looked as he picked out one of the tube and examine its label before placing it back.
"Strawberry, chocolate, vanilla, lemon, blueberry, coconut...bubble gum?" Those were not the right taste for Tsukasa. Just when she was about to give up the search, her eyes caught 'the one' she had been searching for. It was even the last tube! She quickly grabbed it and headed for the counter.
After she paid, she stood outside the shop, she happily applied the lip- gloss on her own lips first. The taste was perfect! Then she realized Tsukasa would be applying this on his own lips later, which means this was going to be an...indirect kiss. She blushed heavily. "What flavour?"
Tsukushi turned to find Rui asking her a question. She had forgotten about him for a while there. "Guess." She smiled and rejoices at her good luck. Rui had question marks appearing on his head. How the heck is he going to guess over a hundred kinds of flavours?
He solved it in the simplest way. Hunching his back, he tilted his head and pressed his lips over Tsukushi's. Her eyes widen in pure surprise. Time stopped for them. Tsukushi's mind was in a blank. This wasn't a kiss. More like lips touching lips. Rui moved away from her and pressed his lips together. "Grape."
She lifted her fingers to touch the slightly burning lips of hers. Then red lines formed across her face. "No, it's peach." Rui paused for a moment before nodding thoughtfully, as if he hadn't done anything surprising. "Why'd you do that?"
"Do what?" Rui asked back with his innocent voice. "You asked me to guess." What he said wasn't exactly wrong. But neither was it right. Tsukushi believed he didn't did it on purpose though. As said, it wasn't a kiss. There was no reason to get mad at him.
"Just don't do that again. Domyouji wouldn't like it if he saw you do that." There was a sudden change in Rui's expression, but it was gone in a blink. "We better go back now, Domyouji may be back from his business."
Rui walked ahead. It was soft but still Tsukushi heard what Rui muttered under his breath. "I doubt that."
~*~
It was Sunday afternoon. Wasn't much of a surprise to Tsukushi when she found the street crowed with people taking their day off. It was hard to walk beside Rui with other passer-bys walking the other direction. So it ended up Tsukushi walking in front of Rui. She kept her sight on the pavement in order not to step on other's feet. Her partner had been quiet all this time. She wondered if he was still right behind her. But she did not have the guts to turn back, afraid to turn red when facing him. It wasn't everyday your fiancée's best friend kisses you.
The crowd lessens; Tsukushi lifted her sight up briefly to see she was out of the sardine crowd. She was now standing in front of a grand looking hotel. The doorman looked pretty smart wearing his uniform. He smiled at her as if he was in a good mood. A hand tugged at hers sharply. Tsukushi snapped back her head. "Rui?"
"Let's go the other way." Rui replied calmly but his grip on her hand was tight. He started to drag her the opposite way, back into the crowd.
"What? Why?" Thinking of melting into the sardine crowd again made her head ached. She was curious of Rui's sudden decision of taking another route.
"Tsukushi!" Rui tried in vain to urge her away. But it was too late. He knew she had seen something she shouldn't have seen. Slowly emerging out of the hotel was Tsukasa. Correction, it was Tsukasa and Yue.
~*~
It stung her eyes to watch Yue snuggling onto Tsukasa's arm as they walked down the steps. Tsukushi reminded herself that Yue was blind and it was normal for her to rely on Tsukasa when walking. But was it really that simple? Tsukasa said this was a 'business' he was attending. Then, a thought occurred in her mind. It frightens her. [Did he betray me?]
Tsukushi's heart was racing fast. Tsukasa still hasn't noticed her. She doesn't like this. She doesn't want him to betray her. "Domyouji." Her voice wasn't loud but Tsukasa answered her anyway.
Tsukasa blinked twice, maybe still confused of being caught red-handed. "Makino?" His expression darkened as he notice another person accompanying Tsukushi. "Rui? What are you doing here?" He shrugged off Yue's arms and charged towards them. With enough force, he shoved Rui till the man stumbles back a few steps. Tsukasa took Tsukushi in his protective embrace.
"Domyouji!!" Tsukushi struggled to push Tsukasa away in no avail. She was unhappy about him pushing Rui. "It is MY question to ask you what are you doing here!"
"Why are you here with Rui? I thought I told you I'll be back soon!" There was jealousy as sour as vinegar spilling out from his mouth. Tsukasa stared at Rui deadly, challenging him to take Tsukushi away.
"Baka! Did you forget that you've ASKED Rui to take me out?!" Boy, was she fuming now. Tsukushi had never been this angry with Tsukasa. Not even the time he locked her up in the mansion in New York that she had been so mad.
"Stupid woman, I would NEVER ask him to take you out!!" That, at least was true. The day Tsukasa ask Rui to date Tsukushi was the day he becomes penniless. Which is totally impossible.
"Then..."The couple stared at Rui, who was currently enjoying the view of the pigeons lining up on the telephone lines. Totally ignoring the fuming duos. Tsukasa rolled his eyes and started to walk away with his hand still holding Tsukushi's. "Hold it! What about Yue? You can't leave her here like that!" She was surprised how forgetful Tsukasa was.
"Rui, take Yue home. I'll deal with you later." Tsukasa said without turning back. All that was in his mind was the picture of Rui and Tsukushi having a wonderful 'date'. Which he did not like it one bit. He swears to chop off Rui's head one of these days.
~*~
They stayed quiet through the journey back to Tsukasa's mansion. Tsukushi had been thinking. So it was Rui's idea of taking her out. And she'd bet the flowers were from Rui too. Question number one. Why did he do so? Question number two. Why were Tsukasa and Yue inside a hotel? Clearly, she minded question number two the most. They could be doing anything for all she cares.
Tsukasa had shot her a few sneaky glances, as if deciding if he should break the ice or not. "Makino..." He placed his hand on top of hers. But she shifted her hand away from his without even looking at him. Tsukasa sighed. "Why are you doing this to me? Do you really think it's my fault? Rui deserves that push."
Tsukushi wondered to laugh or to strangle him. She was angry because he treated Rui that way but mainly, she was unhappy because Tsukasa had been with another woman. "What about Yue?" She finally returns his comment.
"What about her?" Tsukasa's innocent look could be compared with Rui's. As if suddenly realized why she wouldn't talk to him at first, his mood lightens. Tsukasa grinned evilly and slide closer to her. The car swerved a little, causing his arm to touch hers. He lifted his hand and touched her face lightly, making her face tinted in pink.
"Ita!" Tsukushi yelped as Tsukasa pinched her cheek. She pinched his cheeks back with both hands and soon they were in a war of the pinching game. In the end, they had small bruises everywhere from the pinching but they were laughing and giggling like little kids. For a moment there, Tsukasa was enhanced by Tsukushi's pure, genuine smile. He can't help it but to lean forward and gave her a peck on her temple.
"Last time you asked me to believe you. Would you trust me if I say Yue is my business partner and we were having lunch in that hotel just now?" He looked at Tsukushi with his eager black orbs, praying that she'll understand him.
Tsukushi regretted for suspecting Tsukasa. She knew Tsukasa loves her. And she promised herself that she would not doubt that love Tsukasa provided to her in future to come. For this man truly loves her and she... If she had loved him before she lost her memories, then she was falling all over again for him. This time even deeper.
Tsukasa became worried when Tsukushi didn't seem to be replying him. What if she doesn't want to believe him? What if she wants to leave him? No! She was too important to him. He did not want to lose her.
A sudden kiss melts every questions and doubts in their hearts. To Tsukasa's surprise, it was Tsukushi who had made the move. Her small hands trembled a bit as she held onto his shoulder, her nose brushed his cheek lightly and her face burning hot. Tsukasa pushed down the urge to pin her down. Her clumsy, inexperience kisses lighted up his desires. Closing his eyes and taking the reins, he joined her in the world where only they existed.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Domyouji, for you." Yesterday's incident somehow brought them even closer then before. Tsukasa would tease her non-stop for being jealous and Tsukushi would pout and throw stuffs at him. Being snatch a kiss during one of their fight-and-make-up session, Tsukushi remembers about the gift she had bought for him. She found it in her bag and gave it to him abruptly.
Tsukasa studied the peach flavoured lip-gloss before looking up at Tsukushi's face again. "When did you get this?" He asked with not much expression.
She was worried all of the sudden. "Yesterday, when Rui..." She stopped mid- sentence, mentally giving herself a lecture about saying the wrong things at the wrong time. Tsukushi tried to change the topic. "There were so many flavours and I can't find the right one for you. There's strawberry, blueberry... oh, there's even a bubble..."
Tsukushi can't continue her sentence as her mouth was locked in a breath- taking kiss. Tsukasa wouldn't let go of her until she was almost out of breath. "Thanks." He planted another kiss on her cheek. Smiling like a young boy, he nuzzled against her neck.
Tsukushi doesn't know what's the big deal. Or why is he so happy because of one little lip-gloss. But to Tsukasa, it told him that she was thinking of him yesterday. She had not forgot about him when she was on a date with Rui. This means a lot to him. How he wished they could stay like this forever. But sometimes, wishes may never come true.
~*~
"Tell me again why must I stay at Rui's place for the time being?" Fingers rubbing her temple gently, trying to ease the headache, Tsukushi asked her fiancé in a tired tone. Tsukasa had an arm around her waist and was currently directing Rui's driver to handle Tsukushi's luggage with care. Rui leaned against the wall and watched the scene quietly. He'll leave all the talking to Tsukasa.
"How many times do I have to tell you?" It wasn't his fault that he had to chase Tsukushi out from his mansion. "I have news this morning that the 'old hag' is coming back tonight." Tsukasa would never call Domyouji Kaeda any other name than that. He helpfully tucked a strand of Tsukushi's hair behind her ear before continuing. "If you don't remember, she isn't exactly the most wonderful person on earth."
That somehow made sense to Tsukushi. Although she really disliked the idea of leaving Tsukasa, the thought of meeting this woman wasn't any appealing. "Well... when can I come back?" Another fact that she didn't want to accept was that Tsukasa said they couldn't meet each other during his mother's stay.
"Until the old woman goes back to wherever she popped out from." Tsukasa eyed Rui wearily. Tsukushi was important to him and he could only trust three people to take care of her. Rui seemed to be an excellent choice, as he would not dare to imagine what might Akira or Soujirou 'teach' Tsukushi if she stayed with them. He had warned Rui beforehand that if anything happens to Tsukushi, physical or mentally, Tsukasa would not hesitate to break Rui's neck. "Don't worry. She never stays for long."
All of Tsukushi's bags were loaded inside the car by now; the driver went to inform his master, Rui. After saying a few words, Rui nodded and moved away from the wall. He looked solemnly at the two before entering the car first. It was time for her to go. Tsukushi glanced up sadly at Tsukasa as he held her tighter. Blushing furiously, she decided to ask him a stupid yet girlish question. "Will you miss me?"
It couldn't be seen by far, but a slight pink blush had crept on Tsukasa's face. "Get moving already, Rui's waiting." He loosened his arm and ushered her to go. Tsukushi bit her lower lip in disappointment. Couldn't he at least comfort her by saying he will? Heaving a sigh, she walked towards the car. She was stopped immediately with a pair of familiar arms from behind wrapped around her waist. "Domyouji?" She turned her head slightly to see the person behind her.
"Let Rui wait." Burying his head at the side of Tsukushi's neck, his lips made contact with her skin as he mumbled. "I won't miss you because you'll always be on my mind." Touched by his remark, Tsukushi blushed and lowered her head, her sweet smile hidden with her dark chocolate hair. If anything should happen to them, Tsukushi never wants to leave this man. Because he loves her and she knows it.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Rui patted Tsukushi's head gently. The girl grunted and turned her head away from his touch. A strand of her hair fell in front of her nose, making her twitch her dainty nose once in a while. Rui studied her frowning face and tried his best not to laugh hysterically. It was such a wonder that Tsukushi can even make Rui laugh when she's sleeping. Using her arms as her pillow, the hardness of the table was nothing compared to the hardness of the beds in Rui's guestrooms.
It has been a few days since Tsukushi moved in. Rui enjoyed her company although all he could give her was water, food and shelter. What he couldn't give her was time. Rui had to sleep fourteen hours a day and the other ten hours were already used up when he goes to work. So put it in another way, Tsukushi is always alone. But she didn't blame him. Of course, he knows Tsukushi is a brilliant and understanding woman. Too bad she's taken.
He finally decides to help her. Leaning down a bit closer to her, Rui brushed her hair out of the way, preventing it from tickling her nose. Tsukushi's lips parted slightly, breathing through her mouth. Rui's attention was suddenly focused on her lips. It looked smooth, luscious and tempting. He remembered the last time he tried it. It was too fast for his likeness. And he remembered how hard his heart was pumping when he tried to muster out an answer for the flavour of her lip-gloss.
Rui was loosing his self-control. And that didn't bother him. Closer and closer he leaned, wanting very badly to try her original taste. That was when the book on Tsukushi's lap fell with a loud 'bang'. Tsukushi straighten up, her eyes wide, startled and shocked. By then, Rui had also moved away from her in guilt.
Tsukushi looked around. She almost had forgotten where she was. Of course she was in Rui's mansion. She was in the living room. She was not in Tsukasa's mansion. She was not in Tsukasa's bedroom. Outside the window, the sky had already turned dark. How long she had been sleeping? "What time is it?"
There were no clocks hanging around the living room, so Rui had to glance on his watch. "Almost ten." Tsukushi's mouth dropped open like a goldfish. She shot up and ran outside the room. Rui followed behind her as she went inside another room, he stayed just outside the opened doorframe. He realized what her 'excitement' was when the phone rang.
Tsukushi grabbed the telephone at its first ring and smiled brightly. "Domyouji!" Good lord! She almost slept through his phone call! This was the only thing that cheers her up every single day. Every night, ten o'clock sharp, Tsukasa would phone her and they would talk till one or two in the morning. Usually, Tsukushi would sit down next to the phone from nine and wait patiently for her fiancé to call.
"Why is your voice different? Are you okay?" She spoke into the receiver softly, clutching it as tightly and as closely as she could. Tsukushi missed him badly. She was at the edge of doing anything just to be with Tsukasa again. "What do you mean only idiots gets sick? You mean to say only idiots DON'T get sick, ne? But I guess that's wrong since you are an idiot." She giggled and Rui swears he could hear the angry shouting sound from the other side of the line. Tsukushi did not notice Rui standing there.
The shouting of Tsukasa's then died down. Rui noted the side of Tsukushi's face turning pink. He wondered what is Tsukasa saying. "Jealous again? Why can't you stop picking on Rui?" Rui lifted an eyebrow. So they were talking about him?
"No Domyouji. He did not do anything 'unforgivable' to me. In fact I like staying here. Rui treats me better than you do. Maybe I'll stay here forever." And then Tsukushi smiled again as she stretched her arms straight, giving a lot of distance between the telephone and her ear. Tsukasa began to shout and curse once more.
Rui shook his head and silently closed the door. Tsukushi hadn't remembered any of her memories yet but she sure is becoming more and more like the older version of Tsukushi. Stepping on Tsukasa's weak side, threatening him and teasing him. All this yet Rui envied his friend. A bitter grin appeared as Rui wondered of he'll be able to love another.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Tsukushi was worried. She talked to Tsukasa yesterday night and his voice was very funny. She glanced at the study room's clock. It read ten thirty. And she looked at the motionless telephone. [Ring! Damn it! Ring!]
She doesn't know Tsukasa's phone number. And she was dead worried. Rui wasn't back from work and she doesn't know his company number either. Soujirou and Akira...well, they change cell phone too many times to stop the one-night-stand women from harassing them.
One more look at the clock. Ten thirty one. She was out of the study room in a flash.
~*~
"Domyouji-sama!" The butler and maid ducked as a flying vase shot over their heads and smashed the wall.
"Come in one more time and I'll throw the fucking table at you!" Tsukasa walked towards the door and slammed it shut. His breath was hard and ragged, as if he had entered a race. He went back to his huge cream- coloured bed and collapsed on it weakly. There was a timid knocking sound on the door. Tsukasa frowned, using his last strength to shout. "Shut the fuck up already! Get lost!" The knocking sound stopped.
Closing his eyes, Tsukasa sighed wearily. He had been busy dealing with Yue and the old hag these days and the only comfort he could find was Tsukushi. But the phone lines went haywires today and his cell phone ain't had run out of battery. He was in a bad mood not being able to make any call. Tsukasa tossed over on his side and images of Tsukushi invaded his mind. [How is she today?]
His thoughts froze as he heard the sliding sounds of the window in his room. He frowned irritably. [Just when will those assholes ever stop bothering me?]
The sneaky person crept as silently as he/she could towards Tsukasa's bed. Tsukasa reminded himself to fire whoever this person was first thing in the morning. In one swift move, Tsukasa counted his timing well and smacked the intruder's face with the only thing his hand could reach, a thick book. The person yelped and squatted down, covering her (Tsukasa know it was a girl from her voice) nose. "I thought I told you to get..."
Tsukasa switched on the bedside lamp and his eyes almost popped out. Tsukushi's face was red and she stared at him with wetness in her eyes. She squeezed her eyes shut and bent her head down so Tsukasa couldn't see her face. "Makino?! Are you alright?" Tsukasa hopped out from bed and knelt down beside her, ushering her to lift her head up so he could see how badly her face is damaged. "Makino!" He was really worried when she did not respond him.
He was so worried that he didn't notice her right hand taking hold of the book lying a few inches away from her feet. *WHAMP!!!* Tsukushi stood up and grinned evilly at Tsukasa, who was holding his head with both hands now. "Now you know how it hurts like hell."
"Why you..." Tsukasa tried to curse but his head throbbed painfully from the blow Tsukushi given him with the book. "That's not the way to treat a sick person." He mumbled under his breath. Tsukushi's sensitive ears heard him anyway.
"Sick?" She watched him stood up and lay flat on his bed. Tsukushi joined him, taking a seat beside him. The issue of asking him why is there so much security outside the Domyouji's mansion and why they wouldn't let her in was forgotten. It was her luck to sneak into the room Tsukasa occupied, the ground floor too. Placing a hand on his forehead, Tsukushi gasped. "Domyouji! You have a high fever!"
Tsukasa shut his eyes. After being hit on the head, the world was spinning rapidly around him. Feeling very guilty for her action earlier, Tsukushi run her fingers through Tsukasa's curly hair. She was surprised it felt soft and smooth, not hard and rough as she expected. Her eyes darted around the messy room. There was an untouched bowl of heavy medical smell liquid on the bedside table. Straight away, she knew the problem. "Why can't you take your medicine like an good boy?"
Straining his eyes open into small slits, Tsukasa muttered. "It taste horrible. And I'm not a 'boy'." He felt incredibly comfortable with her fingers gently messaging his throbbing head. The comfort increased, Tsukasa shifted his head closer until his hair brushed her thigh. Tsukushi smiled as Tsukasa realized he might as well rest his head on her lap, she thinks he looks like a lazy cat.
"Even if it is horrible, you don't have to throw things at them." It was funny how she could envision Tsukasa angrily throwing things at his butler and maid, acting childish and not wanting to take his medicine like a spoiled brat. "They're just doing their job." Taking the expensive looking china bowl with one hand, Tsukushi used the other to pat Tsukasa's cheek, mentioning for him to open his eyes.
Tsukasa's face cringed at the sight but then grinned. "Feed me." She blinked. What did he said? "Feed me. Mouth to mouth." His grin grew wider. With Tsukushi's personality, he knows she'd murder him first. Just when he thought he had won the fight, Tsukushi lifted the bowl to her mouth and took in one mouthful of the black liquid. "Ma-Makino?!" Tsukasa stammered. He sat up due to his shock.
She swallowed the medicine. Tsukasa can't believe it but she swallowed his medicine. Tsukushi stuck her tongue out and tried not to gag. "Look, it doesn't really taste that bad." [Yeah, it's disgusting!]
She did it for him. Tsukasa sighed at her madness and took the bowl from her hand. "Baka." Consuming it in one gulp, the taste was worse than he thought it would be. Finally, he gave the clean bowl back to Tsukushi. "There, happy now?" He asked while snaking his arm around her waist. "It is time for some catching up, Makino."
Tsukushi lowered her head bashfully and escaped from his lips. "I think you should rest." Her heart was thumping painfully against her chest, she felt her ears hot and his touch burnt her skin. But at the same time, she felt the need for his skin contact. She wanted to be in his arms. Wanted to remember how his kisses taste like.
"I think you should stay still and close your eyes." Tsukasa's deep throaty voice was dripping with affection and lust. She would be really dense not to notice his hunger for her. Tsukushi blushed but closed her eyes. "Good girl." Ever so gently, his lips brushed hers. Tempting her to confess her hidden needs too. Slightly biting his lower lip, punishing him for teasing her like that, Tsukushi won the fight again. Their light, playful kisses turned into deep, passionate ones.
When he finally left her lips, they were both in need of air. "I've missed you." Tsukasa blurted out all of the sudden. The hot and passionate atmosphere immediately turned into an awkward one with both of them blushing heavily, wondering what the heck to say.
The bitter, sweet taste of his kiss lingered inside Tsukushi's mouth. Unable to stop the frantic beatings of her heart, she chooses her only way out. "I'm going back..." She hit the breaks just in time before the words 'to Rui' came out. It just sounds weird. Tsukushi pushed herself up from the bed and smiled as if nothing happened. "Get well soon."
She found out that she couldn't move even one step with his black orbs watching her like that. Tsukasa shifted so he was sitting on the edge of his bed, he held out his left arm. With no words spoken, Tsukushi knows what he wants. As she stood in front of Tsukasa, he encircled her waist with one arm then buried his face gently against her flat stomach. Tsukushi placed one hand on his shoulder and the other run through his hair while her fingers playfully twirled a few strands of his curly hair. "Stay. Please stay."
His muffled and drowsy voice almost succeeded in stopping her from leaving. Tsukushi lifted Tsukasa's head, wanting him to look at her. "I was worried because you didn't call. Since everything is all right now, I have to go." That wasn't it. Tsukushi understands that there is another reason for her to leave. Rui would be damn worried about her if he couldn't find her.
She kissed him. Not his lips but his feverish forehead. [No, Makino. Everything is not all right.] He watched as she gently shoved his arm away and freed herself. [Everything is a mess. I'm not sure what to do.] It struck him funny when she sat on the windowsill, but he was in no mood to laugh. [I'm scared, Makino. I'm scared of losing you.]
"Domyouji." Tsukushi smiled, not knowing one bit of his thought. "I miss you too." She swung her legs to the outer side of the window and slides herself down to solid ground. Running out from Domyouji's mansion, Tsukushi never looked back.
She would have stayed that night.
She would never leave him that night.
If she knows their blessings are officially over after that night.
End of Chapter Four
AN: So the good part (At least I think so) is coming next! Hope you guys are still wondering where this silly little fic is going. And again, I have to sincerely ask you guys for some review. To push me into writing better then I usually do. Than you for reading!
Thank you notes:
babypookie: Thank you for being the first reviewer for chapter three!! Oh, don't I love to make Tsukasa suffer? *Smiles innocently.*
Joan: Tsukasa had to grow up sooner or later, ne? *Hugz* Thank you for liking my fic! Your question will be answered soon and I like the way you said Tsukuhi was an exception. ^_^
Fad[i]Ng` aWaY: Oh my god! Your nick's so cool. *Drools* Anyway, Rui had made a lot of appearance in this chapter, hope you like him here too! And yeah, I just love to make Tsukasa jealous of Rui. That's the whole idea, ne? Thank you for reviewing.
ThePinkSpider: Of course I will continue!! (Only it takes me a long time to update) Thank you for liking my style of writing! ^_~
blue: Well, I hope Yue is nothing much too. Thank you for your review again! I mean thank you soooo much! I will keep up the good work and do a better chapter!
Haruka605: *Giggles* I don't know if it's good to be addicted to a fic, but I'm darn please you are. Thank you so much for saying that! You're such a dear!
Sam: Thank you for the compliment! But I would like to say I don't write really well. (Even though I'm overjoyed when you said I am) I have loads of spelling mistake and past/present tense mistake. And yes, there's something about Yue, we're going to know soon. Thank you for reviewing!
Ruth: *Bingo!* Something did happen to Tsukushi. *NigHtEyeZ zips mouth* But I ain't telling. And I'll try my hardest not to torture them. *Grins evilly* Thank you for guessing!
sheilapiglet: Oops, I forget to think of a happy ending for Rui!! *Gasp!* Thank you for reminding me!! Thanks a lot! Now let's see. Tsukushi with Tsukasa or Tsukushi with Rui.?
Jeslene: Haha! As I said, I'm very insane too. Thanks for your wonderful review. And I love your fic too! Even I seldom have the time to read it. *Bad NigHtEyeZ, bad!* Don't worry, I really admire your work and I hope to get to read it soon!
XxSwtDreamerxX: Yes, you'll have to keep on guessing. And that's pretty smart of you to notice the title. *Hides in the dark corner sulking* Anyway, if anyone of them the characters die, I'll be dead meat. *Smiles* Thank you for liking T&T pairing!!!
jjj: Why, thank you for reviewing!
NigHtEyeZ: Popcorn, anyone?
AN: ^__^ Hi again! Let's make this short and easy. Hope you enjoy this fic so far and as for your reviews, thank you!
**Sacrifice Your Love**
Chapter four
She falls asleep in his embrace. But wake up to find the only evidence of his existents was his scent. The sweet yet musky smell lingered on the empty bed sheet just beside her. That's not what she wants. What she wants, was him. He was nowhere to be found. As she lay motionless in the same position on the bed, her hand crept silently towards the empty space beside her. It was cold, he had already left her for a long time.
Finally getting the strength to move, she sat up and noticed a note on the bedside table. She picked it up. 'Gone to attend some business. Will be back soon.' There were three black scribbles beneath the message. She barely could make out the words under the lines of cancellation. She just had to smile. The first one was 'From Domyouji'. He canceled that. The second read 'Love Domyouji'. He canceled that too. The third was 'Love Tsukasa'. Well, that too was canceled.
She read the last one. The one he had settled down on. 'Love Tsukasa, your one and only fiancé'. Sometimes he amazed her. Just a simple note was enough for her mood to turn better. She will remember to tease Tsukasa about it when he gets back.
~*~
There was more surprise to come when she saw a person lazing on the sofa while switching television channels with the remote control in his hand. "Hanazawa Rui." The two words came out from her mouth automatically. It brought his attention from the television to her. Rui patted the seat beside him and mentioned for her to come over. Which she did, without a second invitation.
The thumping of her heartbeat was getting louder and louder as she walked closer to him. She was having trouble breathing normally when she settled down right beside him. She didn't know what to say. Rui alone visiting her was certainly something awkward. But she liked this. The feeling of just sitting beside him was...appealing. A bouquet of flowers landed on her lap. "Eh?" Was she so deep in thought that she didn't realize Rui had switched the television off and was looking at her attentively now?
"Tsukasa." Rui said with no much more than a flicker in his bright blue eyes. Seeing her not understanding a word he says, he repeated, with a little more information. "Tsukasa gives you the flower." What he meant was the flowers were a gift from Tsukasa and not him. "He told me to bring you out."
"Why?" She hugged the flowers lightly and stared back at Rui.
"To sell you." He got up from the sofa and reach out his hand. To her, it was shockingly similar to that day. The day Tsukasa found her in the park. Rui's palm was awfully familiar too. "Tsukushi?" Rui called, wondering why isn't she responding.
"How much am I worth?" It was Rui's turn to be confused. Tsukushi took his hand and stood up. "How much can you get by selling me?" She sounded serious. Like there was no joke about it. It succeeded in making Rui laugh. He clutched his stomach and laughed till his heart content. Tsukushi stood still, admiring the seldom seen smile on his face.
When he was satisfied from laughing, he patted her head. "A lot." He replied while leading her out of the mansion. He then turned his face back to her. "You worth a lot to me Tsukushi."
~*~
It wasn't exactly a wonderful time spent with Rui. At first he suggested an expensive restaurant to take their lunch but Tsukushi declined, saying she wanted to walk around in town and maybe have lunch in a fast food restaurant. Unlike a certain curly-haired creature, Rui agreed without making much protest. Even tough so, by the look from his face, Tsukushi knew he did not enjoy the idea of 'walking'.
Just as she guessed, Rui did not talk much. He kept to himself all the time; sometimes a small smile appeared when Tsukushi said something that was weird to him. She felt very uneasy when she stepped into a fast food restaurant with Rui following behind her. As they seated themselves in a corner, Tsukushi can't help but noticing all eyes were on them. Well, on Rui to be precise. The man yawned and stared dreamily outside the glass windows. He didn't even know he was attracting everyone's attention.
[Most likely, he doesn't even care.] Slightly glancing at Rui, Tsukushi could understand why most of the young girls here are gapping at him to intensely. Rui propped his elbow on the table and rested his chin on his hand as he continue to stare outside. His long sleeved, baby blue coloured sweater goes well with his eyes. Showing not much of his skin but enough to prove the lean, muscular body hidden inside.
"Tsukushi?" Rui called her name for the second time. What is so interesting about his sweater? Did she notice that it hadn't been wash for a week? That thought amused him. And it almost made him smile again. He was a different man with her around. "Tsukushi?" This time, he waved his hand in front of her face. That did the trick.
"Huh?" Tsukushi lifted her head up too quickly, telling everyone that she was guilty of staring at Rui's sweater. She was thinking how good Tsukasa would look in this blue sweater. She made a note to ask Rui where did he get it later. Rui pointed his finger at the long queue. "You want me to order?" He nodded. Somehow, she was used to this guess-what-Rui-is-thinking game. "Fine."
~*~
Tsukushi carried the tray of food back to her table. There were some women standing by her table, blocking Rui from her view. She realized the situation as she walked closer. They were trying to 'befriend' with Rui. As usual, Rui did not give a damn about the women talking to him. He acted like none of them existed. Lifting an eyebrow Tsukushi wondered how was she going to deal with this. She placed the tray on the table and sat down on her seat, opposite Rui. "Tsukushi." Was that a sigh of relieve she heard from Rui?
"Can you excuse us? My friend doesn't like to talk much." Tsukushi smiled warmly at the women and tried to help Rui solve his problem. One of them shot a death glare at her then using her so-called 'sexy' voice, she spoke to Rui.
"Is that ugly woman your girlfriend? Don't make me disappointed!" The others around her nodded in agreement. Tsukushi felt her bad temper fire up. She was about to do/say something back at the impolite woman when she saw that Rui was frowning.
"Take that back." He was staring coldly at the woman. Having no reply, he clutched his fist and made his knuckles crack. "Take that back or I'll have to hurt you. You are already ugly enough." Tsukushi was shocked. That was the longest sentence she heard coming out from Rui!
The woman had stepped back a little, her face struck with shock and embarrassment. She spoke to Tsukushi. "Your boyfriend's a weirdo!" With that, she turned and made her escape along with the others.
"I didn't know you were that violent." And she thought Tsukasa was the only one. Tsukushi handed Rui a cup of coffee.
"Am not." Rui was relaxed and back to his usual lazy self. He took the polystyrene cup and drank his coffee straight away without adding milk or sugar. He then paused before pushing the cup towards Tsukushi again. "Don't want it."
"You shouldn't waste food like that." Tsukushi nagged like a mother but helped him to finish his coffee anyway. Setting the cup down, she asked him. "Good thing she didn't give us anymore trouble. Honestly, would you really hurt her?" She smiled, knowing the answer herself.
Picking up a wrapped burger, Rui unwrapped it and took a small bite. He paused again after he swallowed. Then he gave the untouched burger back to Tsukushi. "No." He leaned back against his chair and his legs bumped into Tsukushi's, announcing he finished lunch. "I'll just leave you here and run away myself."
"Meanie." Tsukushi muttered and pouted her lips playfully. She jumped back a little when Rui reach out his fingers to brush her lips. "What was that for?!"
Rui then pointed at his own lips. "Cracked." Tsukushi's lips were cracked, maybe because of the hot weather. She felt her own lips and remembered something else.
"Can you accompany me to buy something?" She remembered Tsukasa's lips also had the same problem. Buying a gift for your fiancé once in a while isn't a bad idea.
~*~
There were so many variety of lip-gloss that it made it hard for Tsukushi to choose from the rack. Flavours from Apple to Watermelon, she had to choose one, not too girlish and not too yucky or else Tsukasa wouldn't even touch it. Rui was in the same condition, amusing himself by finding weird flavours. His tall height stood out in the crowd of young girls in the small shop. Many eyes looked as he picked out one of the tube and examine its label before placing it back.
"Strawberry, chocolate, vanilla, lemon, blueberry, coconut...bubble gum?" Those were not the right taste for Tsukasa. Just when she was about to give up the search, her eyes caught 'the one' she had been searching for. It was even the last tube! She quickly grabbed it and headed for the counter.
After she paid, she stood outside the shop, she happily applied the lip- gloss on her own lips first. The taste was perfect! Then she realized Tsukasa would be applying this on his own lips later, which means this was going to be an...indirect kiss. She blushed heavily. "What flavour?"
Tsukushi turned to find Rui asking her a question. She had forgotten about him for a while there. "Guess." She smiled and rejoices at her good luck. Rui had question marks appearing on his head. How the heck is he going to guess over a hundred kinds of flavours?
He solved it in the simplest way. Hunching his back, he tilted his head and pressed his lips over Tsukushi's. Her eyes widen in pure surprise. Time stopped for them. Tsukushi's mind was in a blank. This wasn't a kiss. More like lips touching lips. Rui moved away from her and pressed his lips together. "Grape."
She lifted her fingers to touch the slightly burning lips of hers. Then red lines formed across her face. "No, it's peach." Rui paused for a moment before nodding thoughtfully, as if he hadn't done anything surprising. "Why'd you do that?"
"Do what?" Rui asked back with his innocent voice. "You asked me to guess." What he said wasn't exactly wrong. But neither was it right. Tsukushi believed he didn't did it on purpose though. As said, it wasn't a kiss. There was no reason to get mad at him.
"Just don't do that again. Domyouji wouldn't like it if he saw you do that." There was a sudden change in Rui's expression, but it was gone in a blink. "We better go back now, Domyouji may be back from his business."
Rui walked ahead. It was soft but still Tsukushi heard what Rui muttered under his breath. "I doubt that."
~*~
It was Sunday afternoon. Wasn't much of a surprise to Tsukushi when she found the street crowed with people taking their day off. It was hard to walk beside Rui with other passer-bys walking the other direction. So it ended up Tsukushi walking in front of Rui. She kept her sight on the pavement in order not to step on other's feet. Her partner had been quiet all this time. She wondered if he was still right behind her. But she did not have the guts to turn back, afraid to turn red when facing him. It wasn't everyday your fiancée's best friend kisses you.
The crowd lessens; Tsukushi lifted her sight up briefly to see she was out of the sardine crowd. She was now standing in front of a grand looking hotel. The doorman looked pretty smart wearing his uniform. He smiled at her as if he was in a good mood. A hand tugged at hers sharply. Tsukushi snapped back her head. "Rui?"
"Let's go the other way." Rui replied calmly but his grip on her hand was tight. He started to drag her the opposite way, back into the crowd.
"What? Why?" Thinking of melting into the sardine crowd again made her head ached. She was curious of Rui's sudden decision of taking another route.
"Tsukushi!" Rui tried in vain to urge her away. But it was too late. He knew she had seen something she shouldn't have seen. Slowly emerging out of the hotel was Tsukasa. Correction, it was Tsukasa and Yue.
~*~
It stung her eyes to watch Yue snuggling onto Tsukasa's arm as they walked down the steps. Tsukushi reminded herself that Yue was blind and it was normal for her to rely on Tsukasa when walking. But was it really that simple? Tsukasa said this was a 'business' he was attending. Then, a thought occurred in her mind. It frightens her. [Did he betray me?]
Tsukushi's heart was racing fast. Tsukasa still hasn't noticed her. She doesn't like this. She doesn't want him to betray her. "Domyouji." Her voice wasn't loud but Tsukasa answered her anyway.
Tsukasa blinked twice, maybe still confused of being caught red-handed. "Makino?" His expression darkened as he notice another person accompanying Tsukushi. "Rui? What are you doing here?" He shrugged off Yue's arms and charged towards them. With enough force, he shoved Rui till the man stumbles back a few steps. Tsukasa took Tsukushi in his protective embrace.
"Domyouji!!" Tsukushi struggled to push Tsukasa away in no avail. She was unhappy about him pushing Rui. "It is MY question to ask you what are you doing here!"
"Why are you here with Rui? I thought I told you I'll be back soon!" There was jealousy as sour as vinegar spilling out from his mouth. Tsukasa stared at Rui deadly, challenging him to take Tsukushi away.
"Baka! Did you forget that you've ASKED Rui to take me out?!" Boy, was she fuming now. Tsukushi had never been this angry with Tsukasa. Not even the time he locked her up in the mansion in New York that she had been so mad.
"Stupid woman, I would NEVER ask him to take you out!!" That, at least was true. The day Tsukasa ask Rui to date Tsukushi was the day he becomes penniless. Which is totally impossible.
"Then..."The couple stared at Rui, who was currently enjoying the view of the pigeons lining up on the telephone lines. Totally ignoring the fuming duos. Tsukasa rolled his eyes and started to walk away with his hand still holding Tsukushi's. "Hold it! What about Yue? You can't leave her here like that!" She was surprised how forgetful Tsukasa was.
"Rui, take Yue home. I'll deal with you later." Tsukasa said without turning back. All that was in his mind was the picture of Rui and Tsukushi having a wonderful 'date'. Which he did not like it one bit. He swears to chop off Rui's head one of these days.
~*~
They stayed quiet through the journey back to Tsukasa's mansion. Tsukushi had been thinking. So it was Rui's idea of taking her out. And she'd bet the flowers were from Rui too. Question number one. Why did he do so? Question number two. Why were Tsukasa and Yue inside a hotel? Clearly, she minded question number two the most. They could be doing anything for all she cares.
Tsukasa had shot her a few sneaky glances, as if deciding if he should break the ice or not. "Makino..." He placed his hand on top of hers. But she shifted her hand away from his without even looking at him. Tsukasa sighed. "Why are you doing this to me? Do you really think it's my fault? Rui deserves that push."
Tsukushi wondered to laugh or to strangle him. She was angry because he treated Rui that way but mainly, she was unhappy because Tsukasa had been with another woman. "What about Yue?" She finally returns his comment.
"What about her?" Tsukasa's innocent look could be compared with Rui's. As if suddenly realized why she wouldn't talk to him at first, his mood lightens. Tsukasa grinned evilly and slide closer to her. The car swerved a little, causing his arm to touch hers. He lifted his hand and touched her face lightly, making her face tinted in pink.
"Ita!" Tsukushi yelped as Tsukasa pinched her cheek. She pinched his cheeks back with both hands and soon they were in a war of the pinching game. In the end, they had small bruises everywhere from the pinching but they were laughing and giggling like little kids. For a moment there, Tsukasa was enhanced by Tsukushi's pure, genuine smile. He can't help it but to lean forward and gave her a peck on her temple.
"Last time you asked me to believe you. Would you trust me if I say Yue is my business partner and we were having lunch in that hotel just now?" He looked at Tsukushi with his eager black orbs, praying that she'll understand him.
Tsukushi regretted for suspecting Tsukasa. She knew Tsukasa loves her. And she promised herself that she would not doubt that love Tsukasa provided to her in future to come. For this man truly loves her and she... If she had loved him before she lost her memories, then she was falling all over again for him. This time even deeper.
Tsukasa became worried when Tsukushi didn't seem to be replying him. What if she doesn't want to believe him? What if she wants to leave him? No! She was too important to him. He did not want to lose her.
A sudden kiss melts every questions and doubts in their hearts. To Tsukasa's surprise, it was Tsukushi who had made the move. Her small hands trembled a bit as she held onto his shoulder, her nose brushed his cheek lightly and her face burning hot. Tsukasa pushed down the urge to pin her down. Her clumsy, inexperience kisses lighted up his desires. Closing his eyes and taking the reins, he joined her in the world where only they existed.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Domyouji, for you." Yesterday's incident somehow brought them even closer then before. Tsukasa would tease her non-stop for being jealous and Tsukushi would pout and throw stuffs at him. Being snatch a kiss during one of their fight-and-make-up session, Tsukushi remembers about the gift she had bought for him. She found it in her bag and gave it to him abruptly.
Tsukasa studied the peach flavoured lip-gloss before looking up at Tsukushi's face again. "When did you get this?" He asked with not much expression.
She was worried all of the sudden. "Yesterday, when Rui..." She stopped mid- sentence, mentally giving herself a lecture about saying the wrong things at the wrong time. Tsukushi tried to change the topic. "There were so many flavours and I can't find the right one for you. There's strawberry, blueberry... oh, there's even a bubble..."
Tsukushi can't continue her sentence as her mouth was locked in a breath- taking kiss. Tsukasa wouldn't let go of her until she was almost out of breath. "Thanks." He planted another kiss on her cheek. Smiling like a young boy, he nuzzled against her neck.
Tsukushi doesn't know what's the big deal. Or why is he so happy because of one little lip-gloss. But to Tsukasa, it told him that she was thinking of him yesterday. She had not forgot about him when she was on a date with Rui. This means a lot to him. How he wished they could stay like this forever. But sometimes, wishes may never come true.
~*~
"Tell me again why must I stay at Rui's place for the time being?" Fingers rubbing her temple gently, trying to ease the headache, Tsukushi asked her fiancé in a tired tone. Tsukasa had an arm around her waist and was currently directing Rui's driver to handle Tsukushi's luggage with care. Rui leaned against the wall and watched the scene quietly. He'll leave all the talking to Tsukasa.
"How many times do I have to tell you?" It wasn't his fault that he had to chase Tsukushi out from his mansion. "I have news this morning that the 'old hag' is coming back tonight." Tsukasa would never call Domyouji Kaeda any other name than that. He helpfully tucked a strand of Tsukushi's hair behind her ear before continuing. "If you don't remember, she isn't exactly the most wonderful person on earth."
That somehow made sense to Tsukushi. Although she really disliked the idea of leaving Tsukasa, the thought of meeting this woman wasn't any appealing. "Well... when can I come back?" Another fact that she didn't want to accept was that Tsukasa said they couldn't meet each other during his mother's stay.
"Until the old woman goes back to wherever she popped out from." Tsukasa eyed Rui wearily. Tsukushi was important to him and he could only trust three people to take care of her. Rui seemed to be an excellent choice, as he would not dare to imagine what might Akira or Soujirou 'teach' Tsukushi if she stayed with them. He had warned Rui beforehand that if anything happens to Tsukushi, physical or mentally, Tsukasa would not hesitate to break Rui's neck. "Don't worry. She never stays for long."
All of Tsukushi's bags were loaded inside the car by now; the driver went to inform his master, Rui. After saying a few words, Rui nodded and moved away from the wall. He looked solemnly at the two before entering the car first. It was time for her to go. Tsukushi glanced up sadly at Tsukasa as he held her tighter. Blushing furiously, she decided to ask him a stupid yet girlish question. "Will you miss me?"
It couldn't be seen by far, but a slight pink blush had crept on Tsukasa's face. "Get moving already, Rui's waiting." He loosened his arm and ushered her to go. Tsukushi bit her lower lip in disappointment. Couldn't he at least comfort her by saying he will? Heaving a sigh, she walked towards the car. She was stopped immediately with a pair of familiar arms from behind wrapped around her waist. "Domyouji?" She turned her head slightly to see the person behind her.
"Let Rui wait." Burying his head at the side of Tsukushi's neck, his lips made contact with her skin as he mumbled. "I won't miss you because you'll always be on my mind." Touched by his remark, Tsukushi blushed and lowered her head, her sweet smile hidden with her dark chocolate hair. If anything should happen to them, Tsukushi never wants to leave this man. Because he loves her and she knows it.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Rui patted Tsukushi's head gently. The girl grunted and turned her head away from his touch. A strand of her hair fell in front of her nose, making her twitch her dainty nose once in a while. Rui studied her frowning face and tried his best not to laugh hysterically. It was such a wonder that Tsukushi can even make Rui laugh when she's sleeping. Using her arms as her pillow, the hardness of the table was nothing compared to the hardness of the beds in Rui's guestrooms.
It has been a few days since Tsukushi moved in. Rui enjoyed her company although all he could give her was water, food and shelter. What he couldn't give her was time. Rui had to sleep fourteen hours a day and the other ten hours were already used up when he goes to work. So put it in another way, Tsukushi is always alone. But she didn't blame him. Of course, he knows Tsukushi is a brilliant and understanding woman. Too bad she's taken.
He finally decides to help her. Leaning down a bit closer to her, Rui brushed her hair out of the way, preventing it from tickling her nose. Tsukushi's lips parted slightly, breathing through her mouth. Rui's attention was suddenly focused on her lips. It looked smooth, luscious and tempting. He remembered the last time he tried it. It was too fast for his likeness. And he remembered how hard his heart was pumping when he tried to muster out an answer for the flavour of her lip-gloss.
Rui was loosing his self-control. And that didn't bother him. Closer and closer he leaned, wanting very badly to try her original taste. That was when the book on Tsukushi's lap fell with a loud 'bang'. Tsukushi straighten up, her eyes wide, startled and shocked. By then, Rui had also moved away from her in guilt.
Tsukushi looked around. She almost had forgotten where she was. Of course she was in Rui's mansion. She was in the living room. She was not in Tsukasa's mansion. She was not in Tsukasa's bedroom. Outside the window, the sky had already turned dark. How long she had been sleeping? "What time is it?"
There were no clocks hanging around the living room, so Rui had to glance on his watch. "Almost ten." Tsukushi's mouth dropped open like a goldfish. She shot up and ran outside the room. Rui followed behind her as she went inside another room, he stayed just outside the opened doorframe. He realized what her 'excitement' was when the phone rang.
Tsukushi grabbed the telephone at its first ring and smiled brightly. "Domyouji!" Good lord! She almost slept through his phone call! This was the only thing that cheers her up every single day. Every night, ten o'clock sharp, Tsukasa would phone her and they would talk till one or two in the morning. Usually, Tsukushi would sit down next to the phone from nine and wait patiently for her fiancé to call.
"Why is your voice different? Are you okay?" She spoke into the receiver softly, clutching it as tightly and as closely as she could. Tsukushi missed him badly. She was at the edge of doing anything just to be with Tsukasa again. "What do you mean only idiots gets sick? You mean to say only idiots DON'T get sick, ne? But I guess that's wrong since you are an idiot." She giggled and Rui swears he could hear the angry shouting sound from the other side of the line. Tsukushi did not notice Rui standing there.
The shouting of Tsukasa's then died down. Rui noted the side of Tsukushi's face turning pink. He wondered what is Tsukasa saying. "Jealous again? Why can't you stop picking on Rui?" Rui lifted an eyebrow. So they were talking about him?
"No Domyouji. He did not do anything 'unforgivable' to me. In fact I like staying here. Rui treats me better than you do. Maybe I'll stay here forever." And then Tsukushi smiled again as she stretched her arms straight, giving a lot of distance between the telephone and her ear. Tsukasa began to shout and curse once more.
Rui shook his head and silently closed the door. Tsukushi hadn't remembered any of her memories yet but she sure is becoming more and more like the older version of Tsukushi. Stepping on Tsukasa's weak side, threatening him and teasing him. All this yet Rui envied his friend. A bitter grin appeared as Rui wondered of he'll be able to love another.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Tsukushi was worried. She talked to Tsukasa yesterday night and his voice was very funny. She glanced at the study room's clock. It read ten thirty. And she looked at the motionless telephone. [Ring! Damn it! Ring!]
She doesn't know Tsukasa's phone number. And she was dead worried. Rui wasn't back from work and she doesn't know his company number either. Soujirou and Akira...well, they change cell phone too many times to stop the one-night-stand women from harassing them.
One more look at the clock. Ten thirty one. She was out of the study room in a flash.
~*~
"Domyouji-sama!" The butler and maid ducked as a flying vase shot over their heads and smashed the wall.
"Come in one more time and I'll throw the fucking table at you!" Tsukasa walked towards the door and slammed it shut. His breath was hard and ragged, as if he had entered a race. He went back to his huge cream- coloured bed and collapsed on it weakly. There was a timid knocking sound on the door. Tsukasa frowned, using his last strength to shout. "Shut the fuck up already! Get lost!" The knocking sound stopped.
Closing his eyes, Tsukasa sighed wearily. He had been busy dealing with Yue and the old hag these days and the only comfort he could find was Tsukushi. But the phone lines went haywires today and his cell phone ain't had run out of battery. He was in a bad mood not being able to make any call. Tsukasa tossed over on his side and images of Tsukushi invaded his mind. [How is she today?]
His thoughts froze as he heard the sliding sounds of the window in his room. He frowned irritably. [Just when will those assholes ever stop bothering me?]
The sneaky person crept as silently as he/she could towards Tsukasa's bed. Tsukasa reminded himself to fire whoever this person was first thing in the morning. In one swift move, Tsukasa counted his timing well and smacked the intruder's face with the only thing his hand could reach, a thick book. The person yelped and squatted down, covering her (Tsukasa know it was a girl from her voice) nose. "I thought I told you to get..."
Tsukasa switched on the bedside lamp and his eyes almost popped out. Tsukushi's face was red and she stared at him with wetness in her eyes. She squeezed her eyes shut and bent her head down so Tsukasa couldn't see her face. "Makino?! Are you alright?" Tsukasa hopped out from bed and knelt down beside her, ushering her to lift her head up so he could see how badly her face is damaged. "Makino!" He was really worried when she did not respond him.
He was so worried that he didn't notice her right hand taking hold of the book lying a few inches away from her feet. *WHAMP!!!* Tsukushi stood up and grinned evilly at Tsukasa, who was holding his head with both hands now. "Now you know how it hurts like hell."
"Why you..." Tsukasa tried to curse but his head throbbed painfully from the blow Tsukushi given him with the book. "That's not the way to treat a sick person." He mumbled under his breath. Tsukushi's sensitive ears heard him anyway.
"Sick?" She watched him stood up and lay flat on his bed. Tsukushi joined him, taking a seat beside him. The issue of asking him why is there so much security outside the Domyouji's mansion and why they wouldn't let her in was forgotten. It was her luck to sneak into the room Tsukasa occupied, the ground floor too. Placing a hand on his forehead, Tsukushi gasped. "Domyouji! You have a high fever!"
Tsukasa shut his eyes. After being hit on the head, the world was spinning rapidly around him. Feeling very guilty for her action earlier, Tsukushi run her fingers through Tsukasa's curly hair. She was surprised it felt soft and smooth, not hard and rough as she expected. Her eyes darted around the messy room. There was an untouched bowl of heavy medical smell liquid on the bedside table. Straight away, she knew the problem. "Why can't you take your medicine like an good boy?"
Straining his eyes open into small slits, Tsukasa muttered. "It taste horrible. And I'm not a 'boy'." He felt incredibly comfortable with her fingers gently messaging his throbbing head. The comfort increased, Tsukasa shifted his head closer until his hair brushed her thigh. Tsukushi smiled as Tsukasa realized he might as well rest his head on her lap, she thinks he looks like a lazy cat.
"Even if it is horrible, you don't have to throw things at them." It was funny how she could envision Tsukasa angrily throwing things at his butler and maid, acting childish and not wanting to take his medicine like a spoiled brat. "They're just doing their job." Taking the expensive looking china bowl with one hand, Tsukushi used the other to pat Tsukasa's cheek, mentioning for him to open his eyes.
Tsukasa's face cringed at the sight but then grinned. "Feed me." She blinked. What did he said? "Feed me. Mouth to mouth." His grin grew wider. With Tsukushi's personality, he knows she'd murder him first. Just when he thought he had won the fight, Tsukushi lifted the bowl to her mouth and took in one mouthful of the black liquid. "Ma-Makino?!" Tsukasa stammered. He sat up due to his shock.
She swallowed the medicine. Tsukasa can't believe it but she swallowed his medicine. Tsukushi stuck her tongue out and tried not to gag. "Look, it doesn't really taste that bad." [Yeah, it's disgusting!]
She did it for him. Tsukasa sighed at her madness and took the bowl from her hand. "Baka." Consuming it in one gulp, the taste was worse than he thought it would be. Finally, he gave the clean bowl back to Tsukushi. "There, happy now?" He asked while snaking his arm around her waist. "It is time for some catching up, Makino."
Tsukushi lowered her head bashfully and escaped from his lips. "I think you should rest." Her heart was thumping painfully against her chest, she felt her ears hot and his touch burnt her skin. But at the same time, she felt the need for his skin contact. She wanted to be in his arms. Wanted to remember how his kisses taste like.
"I think you should stay still and close your eyes." Tsukasa's deep throaty voice was dripping with affection and lust. She would be really dense not to notice his hunger for her. Tsukushi blushed but closed her eyes. "Good girl." Ever so gently, his lips brushed hers. Tempting her to confess her hidden needs too. Slightly biting his lower lip, punishing him for teasing her like that, Tsukushi won the fight again. Their light, playful kisses turned into deep, passionate ones.
When he finally left her lips, they were both in need of air. "I've missed you." Tsukasa blurted out all of the sudden. The hot and passionate atmosphere immediately turned into an awkward one with both of them blushing heavily, wondering what the heck to say.
The bitter, sweet taste of his kiss lingered inside Tsukushi's mouth. Unable to stop the frantic beatings of her heart, she chooses her only way out. "I'm going back..." She hit the breaks just in time before the words 'to Rui' came out. It just sounds weird. Tsukushi pushed herself up from the bed and smiled as if nothing happened. "Get well soon."
She found out that she couldn't move even one step with his black orbs watching her like that. Tsukasa shifted so he was sitting on the edge of his bed, he held out his left arm. With no words spoken, Tsukushi knows what he wants. As she stood in front of Tsukasa, he encircled her waist with one arm then buried his face gently against her flat stomach. Tsukushi placed one hand on his shoulder and the other run through his hair while her fingers playfully twirled a few strands of his curly hair. "Stay. Please stay."
His muffled and drowsy voice almost succeeded in stopping her from leaving. Tsukushi lifted Tsukasa's head, wanting him to look at her. "I was worried because you didn't call. Since everything is all right now, I have to go." That wasn't it. Tsukushi understands that there is another reason for her to leave. Rui would be damn worried about her if he couldn't find her.
She kissed him. Not his lips but his feverish forehead. [No, Makino. Everything is not all right.] He watched as she gently shoved his arm away and freed herself. [Everything is a mess. I'm not sure what to do.] It struck him funny when she sat on the windowsill, but he was in no mood to laugh. [I'm scared, Makino. I'm scared of losing you.]
"Domyouji." Tsukushi smiled, not knowing one bit of his thought. "I miss you too." She swung her legs to the outer side of the window and slides herself down to solid ground. Running out from Domyouji's mansion, Tsukushi never looked back.
She would have stayed that night.
She would never leave him that night.
If she knows their blessings are officially over after that night.
End of Chapter Four
AN: So the good part (At least I think so) is coming next! Hope you guys are still wondering where this silly little fic is going. And again, I have to sincerely ask you guys for some review. To push me into writing better then I usually do. Than you for reading!
Thank you notes:
babypookie: Thank you for being the first reviewer for chapter three!! Oh, don't I love to make Tsukasa suffer? *Smiles innocently.*
Joan: Tsukasa had to grow up sooner or later, ne? *Hugz* Thank you for liking my fic! Your question will be answered soon and I like the way you said Tsukuhi was an exception. ^_^
Fad[i]Ng` aWaY: Oh my god! Your nick's so cool. *Drools* Anyway, Rui had made a lot of appearance in this chapter, hope you like him here too! And yeah, I just love to make Tsukasa jealous of Rui. That's the whole idea, ne? Thank you for reviewing.
ThePinkSpider: Of course I will continue!! (Only it takes me a long time to update) Thank you for liking my style of writing! ^_~
blue: Well, I hope Yue is nothing much too. Thank you for your review again! I mean thank you soooo much! I will keep up the good work and do a better chapter!
Haruka605: *Giggles* I don't know if it's good to be addicted to a fic, but I'm darn please you are. Thank you so much for saying that! You're such a dear!
Sam: Thank you for the compliment! But I would like to say I don't write really well. (Even though I'm overjoyed when you said I am) I have loads of spelling mistake and past/present tense mistake. And yes, there's something about Yue, we're going to know soon. Thank you for reviewing!
Ruth: *Bingo!* Something did happen to Tsukushi. *NigHtEyeZ zips mouth* But I ain't telling. And I'll try my hardest not to torture them. *Grins evilly* Thank you for guessing!
sheilapiglet: Oops, I forget to think of a happy ending for Rui!! *Gasp!* Thank you for reminding me!! Thanks a lot! Now let's see. Tsukushi with Tsukasa or Tsukushi with Rui.?
Jeslene: Haha! As I said, I'm very insane too. Thanks for your wonderful review. And I love your fic too! Even I seldom have the time to read it. *Bad NigHtEyeZ, bad!* Don't worry, I really admire your work and I hope to get to read it soon!
XxSwtDreamerxX: Yes, you'll have to keep on guessing. And that's pretty smart of you to notice the title. *Hides in the dark corner sulking* Anyway, if anyone of them the characters die, I'll be dead meat. *Smiles* Thank you for liking T&T pairing!!!
jjj: Why, thank you for reviewing!
NigHtEyeZ: Popcorn, anyone?