Title: My Angel, My Savior
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I own nothing, it all belongs to the amazing Murakami Maki! All praise her like the goddess she is! *bows and grovels* However, the plot is mine and Aya, Mio, Migel...all belongs to me. ;)
Notes from Nori: Wow..just...wow. Thank you so much to everybody who has reviewed and supported my story. You're support is awesome! I thank you one and all! I think the story is coming along nicely and I hope it continues to meet your expectations! I'm sooooooooo sorry that this came out so late! I'm not even that pleased with it. *sigh*
_______________________________________________
"Oh the reconstructing you can do
With scissors and a little glue
And leave what's left to decorate the ground
Rediscovering your bliss is the sweetest part of
This---this is all we need right now." - Now by SheDaisey
_______________________________________________
"Shu-chan!" Ryuichi yelled, glomping the younger man as he opened the door to his apartment.
"Ryuichi, Mio? I thought we were going to meet at the mall."
The brunette vocalist stood, helping Shuichi up and beamed brightly. Looking over at Mio with slight confusion Shuichi arched an eyebrow. Emerald eyes displayed confusion in their depths as well and the girl shrugged.
"Ryuichi won't tell me what he's planning, but he says we have a change of plans." the little girl offered.
Before the cherry haired man could respond, Ryuichi took up his friends' hands and began dragging them away. Neither protested and exchanging bewildered looks, allowed him to lead the way. Down the hall and into the elevator, pressing the ground floor and then out of the building quickly Ryuichi dragged them. He reached the car and let their hands go, pulling out his keys. Opening the door he jumped in and picked up Kumagoro from the passenger seat.
"Good job watching the car, Kumagoro!" he cheered happily, hugging the rabbit.
"Go ahead and sit up front, Mio-chan." Shuichi said, opening the door for her.
"Thank you, Shuichi-san."
"Just Shuichi, ok? We're friends right?"
Mio smiled, a bit of color rising in her cheeks and nodded. She murmured a 'thank you' and hopped into the front seat with Ryuichi. Shutting the door behind the girl, Shuichi got into the back and let his mind dwell on what the other vocalist could possibly have in store for them. Whatever it was, he was sure it'd be quite exciting.
~___________________________________~
Migel sat at his usual spot, a brand new novel open and reading contently {2}. The warm sun hit his pale cheeks and he let a small smile touch his lips. Today was perfect. Peaceful, quiet, and with sunshine all around him. Sheer bliss-
"Migel!" screeched an annoyingly high voice in front of him.
Wincing slightly Migel lowered his book and sighed. Standing before him in a worn green sundress was an adorable little blonde girl clutching a teddy bear tightly to her chest. Her eyes were wide and curious, an odd spring green, almost hazel color to them. She beamed in what had to be a painfully bright manner and sat down beside Migel.
"Ossu, Mieji-chan{3}!" she said happily. "Nanigoto desu ka?{1}"
"Hello, Cherie, and please stop calling me that. I'm fine, why do you ask?"
Tucking a wild blonde curl behind her ear she wrinkled her nose. Migel stared back, removing his glasses and setting his novel aside.
"You haven't spoken to anybody at all since yesterday. Do you miss her much, Mieji?"
The strawberry haired boy sighed deeply, running his hand through his hair. Scooting closer and wrapping an arm around the boys' shoulder, the younger child smiled.
"You were very close to Aya-chan and Mio-chan, I'm sure you miss them a lot. You don't have to talk about it, but it'll make things easier, Mieji."
Migel sighed, "No, thanks anyway, Cherie. I'll simply sit and despair by myself, if you don't mind. Before you go, I want ask you something though."
"Ok tiger, shoot." she said with a nod.
"Do you ever miss them? You know, you're family?"
Face falling into a frown, the little girl by his side looked away. Holding the teddy bear under her chin she looked out over the yard.
"Never." she said. "They don't want me, I don't want them."
Migel was about to apologize when a sudden uproar came from the yard of kids. A car pulled up and Migel did a double take. Ryuichi? What was he doing here? Cherie stood quickly and clutching her bear, teetered off to open the gate. Ryuichi came into view, helping Mio and Kumagoro out of the front and Shuichi trailing them. All the kids waved to Ryuichi and Mio happily, shouting out greetings. Migel's heart stopped as he slowly came to his feet. Shindo Shuichi of Bad Luck? He had died and gone to heaven! Sakuma Ryuichi and Shindo Shuichi, only the two best vocalists in all of Japan, were walking his way right now! Ryuichi returned the greetings and then spotted Migel on the porch, he waved happily in the boys' direction.
"Hi, Migel!" Ryuichi cheered as they entered the yard.
Pink bunny in hand Mio rushed forward into the foray of kids and was ambushed with hugs and questions. She answered what she could politely and weaved her way to Migel. Giving him a rare, bright smile Mio engulfed him in a hug.
"Mio!" Migel said happily, returning the hug. "What are you guys doing here?"
Ryuichi bound over to them, a random child clutching his arm and Shuichi was sitting on the sidewalk tossing Cherie into the air and playing with every kid that was around. Shuichi laughed happily and talked animatedly with them.
"Wow, Shu-chan must sure like kids." Ryuichi said as the random child on his arm jumped off and ran towards the pink haired vocalist.
He turned back to Migel and smiled brightly at the two embracing children. Blushing Mio let go of Migel and mumbled something, Migel pocketed his glasses and looked over at Shuichi again.
"Is that.....Shindo Shuichi of Bad Luck?" he asked breathlessly.
At this both Mio and Ryuichi nodded vigorously. Migel gaped and at this time Shuichi decided to come over. He was carrying several little children and had one or two following him. He held out an adorable little red head to Ryuichi and cooed.
"Isn't it soooooo cute?!" he squealed. "Do you think Yuki'd let me keep it?"
Ryuichi tilted his head and laughed slightly, taking the child from Shuichi and setting him down lightly. The children continued to swarm and Shuichi bopped about happily. Mio sweat dropped and Migel stared in complete adoration.
"Er, Shuichi, are you still in there?" Ryuichi asked, knocking on Shuichi's head lightly. "We need to go na no da!"
Shuichi reluctantly put down the kids and they all let out a unified "Aw!" of despair. They all scattered slowly and Shuichi waved good-bye sadly before turning to Ryuichi with a pout.
"Yuki won't let me adopt a kid, he said living with me is like having six kids and he doesn't need another one." Shuichi complained. "I really like kids and I'd really like to have one of my own, but I guess that'll never happen."
The genki man would have launched into an all out rant, but his attention was caught suddenly by little Migel, who's mouth was still wide open. Shuichi blinked his big violet eyes and leaned down to look closer at him. His violet eyes locked with Migel's and the boy gulped visibly.
"Ryuichi," Shuichi said curiously. "I've found a mini Shuichi clone!"
To everyone's surprise Mio burst into a fit of giggles and clutched Kumagoro over her mouth to stifle them. Every eye turned to her and she flushed.
"Mio, you giggled! Wow, I've never heard you laugh so much before." Migel said in awe.
"Well, I've laughed."
Ryuichi beamed and picked Mio up happily, tossing her into the air. Startled, Mio let out another tiny giggle.
"Yay! Mio's first laugh!"
The strawberry haired boys laughed and Mio smiled brightly. Holding Mio Ryuichi tilted his head and closed his eyes with a bright smile.
"We'll go ask Lydia-san if we could borrow Migel for a while, ok?"
Without waiting for an answer Ryuichi, with Mio in his arms, entered the house and was gone. Once they were gone, Migel looked up and over at Shuichi. Feeling eyes on him, Shuichi turned to Migel and smiled.
"Hi, I'm Shindo Shuichi. I take it your name is Migel, right?"
"Y-yes. M-m-my name is Migel, Migel Chevalier. It's a pleasure to meet you, Shindo-sama." The boy managed to stutter, bowing deeply.
Shuichi laughed and hugged Migel tightly. "Wah! You're too cute, Migel- kun!" he cooed. "Call me Shuichi or Shu-chan! Shindo is too formal and I'm most certainly not a god!"
Standing in shock, Migel blushed hard. Shindo-sa..Er, Shuichi was hugging him! -The- Shindo Shuichi! He could have died happy on the spot when he met Ryuichi, but now, now he could die knowing that for a few minutes he had been the most ecstatic boy in the entire world! Pulling back and looking at the French boy curiously, Shuichi raised his eyebrows.
"Are you ok?"
"Erm, I'm fine. In fact, I am the luckiest, happiest kid in all of Tokyo!" Migel announced beaming.
"That's great, Migel-kun! Wow....hm, did anybody ever tell you that you look like a mini-me!"
Laughing lightly, Shuichi pat Migel's head, ruffling his almost identical pink locks. Migel beamed up at him, violet eyes lit up happily.
"You're eyes are a bit lighter and you're hair shorter, but otherwise, it's like looking at a nine-year-old me. Too kawaii! So, why are you here?"
Migel's cheery nature faltered slightly, but he continued to smile at the older man.
"Well, my-"
"We're back!" came Ryuichi's voice and he reappeared with Mio by his side. "Lydia-san said Migel could go! How great na no da!"
"Perfect!" Migel said brightly, clapping his hands together.
Lydia came out after the duo and smiled over at Migel in a paternal sort of way. The strawberry haired boy beamed back and then engulfed her into a hug.
"Thank you, Lydia!"
"It's no problem at all, my dear. I think you'll be right fine with Mr. Sakuma and Shindo here. Do me a favor and be a good lad, ok?" she asked gently as she released him.
He nodded, brushing long strands of fine hair from his face. Turning chibi and jumping around anxiously, Ryuichi glomped onto Lydia.
"Goooooo---meeeeeeen, Lydia-san!" he wailed, before speeding off in frenzy to the gate.
Bouncing with a big grin on his face he waved to the others and called them to come on. Gingerly walking down the stairs, clutching his 'mini-me's' hand, Shuichi waved good-bye to all the kids and exited. Mio hung back a moment and watched them with a small smile. Turning her emerald orbs on Lydia her face fell slightly.
"Lyidia-san.......I need to ask you something. It's very important." she said softly.
"Go on then child, ask me."
"It's about...........well, it's about Ryuichi and I." she said uncertainly. "Lydia I just need to know, do you think there's any hope for us? Do you really think Ryuichi can do this? Could he love me?"
"Well now, m'dear. That's a lot to chew on for somebody quite so young, eh? I canna say what will become of ye, but follow your heart. Be supportive and encouraging. Try and make things work between you. Fate will show you the right path to follow."
At that comment Mio visibly stiffen and turned her slightly narrowed eyes to her keeper. "I don't believe in fate." she said softly.
With that she turned on her heel and walked slowly down the path to the gate. Opening it slowly she looked back to give a small wave to Lydia before she joined the others in the car. There was no way that 'fate' was going to have any part in this.........
________________________________________________________________________
Mio looked around the mall, completely floored by the stores and the people. Aya-chan used to talk about shopping, malls, and shoes all the time, but Mio had never seen a store so huge before. Sure, she's gone to the grocery store once or twice with Lydia, but this........this was different. A sharp tug forward pulled her back into reality and she looked at the brunette before her, currently pulling her into a pet store. He beamed, cheeks flushed with excitement and he called to Shuichi and Migel to hurry up. Not being able to help herself, Mio smiled a bit at the back of the genki vocalist's head. He was so.........innocent and carefree. It seemed slightly surreal to her, she'd never seen somebody so happy with life.
"--Isn't it adorable?"
Blinking Mio found herself at Ryuichi's side near a cage of kittens. One was currently pressed against the glass, staring at Ryuichi with its head tilted. Putting a paw on the glass it meowed at him. Laughing slightly Ryuichi put his hand over the cat's paw. The kitten continued to look at Ryuichi curiously before putting it's paw down and meowing again. As an employee passed, Ryuichi tugged at his sleeve in a chibi like state.
"Could we pet the kitties?" he asked hopefully.
The man looked at him oddly, but nodded. Ryuichi did a little cheer and went back over to the cage where Migel and Shuichi had finally arrived at. Mio stood a little ways away from the group, looking at the kittens thoughtfully. How horrible it must be to be all cooped up in a cage like that, she thought. Looking back over at the rest of the group she watched how happy Migel seemed to be and the striking resemblance between Shuichi and himself. Smiling inwardly she noted how their eyes lit up at the sight of the tiny creatures and the way they seemed to be cooing the same words. How terribly ironic and almost freaky, she thought tilting her head.
Walking right up beside them she looked into the corner at the kitten they were watching excitedly. It was a sandy colored kitten with little white and amber colored flecks on its fur. It stood out from the rest of the litter, who were all gray and brown colored and the fact that he was sleeping away in the corner by himself.
"It reminds me of Yuki!" Shuichi laughed and Mio felt herself grin.
At that moment a bouncy little black cat with startling blue eyes came up to the sleeping kitten and bounced on it unceremoniously. The black cat mewed and meowed loudly, poking and biting at the sleepy kitten persistently. Finally the lighter colored kitten got up and meowed loudly at the other before rolling back over. The black kitten walked away dejectedly and rejoined the others. Mio could not help, but imagine that this was a kitten like scenario of what happened usually between Shuichi and Yuki, but said nothing and smiled. She spotted Ryuichi who was holding a gray kitten in his arms, petting it gently and went to go over, but stopped a blur of pink rushed past her feet.
Whirling around she spotted a small pink ball rolling away towards the door. Nearby she spotted a tiny little toddler girl, her eyes tearing up as she tugged on her father's sleeve and pointed towards the ball. Mio looked back at the rolling ball and quickly went to fetch it for the toddler. It rolled right out of the store and temporarily became hidden by a group of teens walking by. Kneeling down and trying to peer through the feet Mio let out a frustrated noise. Finally the group passed and she spotted a ball of pink boucing down the escalator. Beaming victoriously she followed the ball, cautiously stepping onto the escalator and clutching at the hand rail as it moved her downwards after the ball.
She came to the bottom level and fumbled off the moving stairs, looking around for the pink toy. Her green eyes becoming more frantic she finally spotted it slowly inching into a store. Giving a frustrated sigh she wondered why she was bothering to chase this silly thing. 'Oh well,' she thought darting forward. 'I've come this far.'
*
Ryuichi set the kitten back into its cage and the employee shut it up. Waving to the kittens Ryuichi looked over at Migel and Shuichi who were currently antagonizing the birds.{4} He walked over to them, noting Mio's absence and frowned slightly.
"Hey, where'd Mio go na no ka? I thought she came over with you guys?" Ryuichi said, voice growing more serious.
Shuichi blinked and shook his head slightly, looking down at little Migel who's eyes were wide.
"We thought she was with you. So, where'd she go?"
Eyes going slight wide, Ryuichi looked around wildly, not spotting the blonde girl anywhere. Where could she have possibly gone and why hadn't she told them she was going? He moved away from the others slightly, peering down the aisle of the pet store. Taking a deep breath he looked at the others with concern clearly etched onto his face.
"You guys check around the store and on the top floor, I'll go and check outside."
The violet-eyed duo gave Ryuichi a nod and immediately began to search the store, checking up and down the aisles. Dashing out of the store, Ryuichi glanced up and down the crowded mall, not seeing any sign of Mio anywhere. She had to be here, she just had to be! He quickly made his way over to the railing, pushing through the crowd to get there. How could this have happened? How could she have slipped out with out them noticing?
'If I lose her,' Ryuichi thought frantically. 'I'll never forgive myself. Ever.'
Tossing himself against the railing her quickly looked around below. There were kids here and there, but none of them were his Mio. How could she have gotten so far away from them? Sapphire eyes combing through the crowds thoroughly he sighed and made his way to the escalators. Quickly going as fast as he could down them he researched the crowds. Finally out of the corner of his eye he spotted a sheet of sandy blonde hair.
Mio hit her knees and tossed herself forward slightly, hand coming to clamp down on the ball that was headed under a rack of cards. She sighed and smiled to herself, standing up slowly, rubbing her knees. That little kid better appreciate this. Looking around, Mio bit her lip. Where exactly was she anyway? She remembered moving stairs and going down, turning left...or was it right? Looking around helplessly she slowly back up to a wall. She was lost and she'd never find her way out again! Panicking, Mio's breath quickened and she made a sharp turn around the rack.
As she came whipping around she smacked straight into another franticly moving person. The force of the collision sent her sprawling backwards and she let out a small 'oof!' as she went down. The person she had collided with made a noise as well and Mio quickly apologized.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" she said hastily, opening her eyes.
Recognizing the voice, Ryuichi's eyes shot open and he sighed with relief. Spotting Ryuichi in return Mio let out a noise and flung herself into the man's chest.
"Oh Ryuichi I was so scared!" Mio gasped, grasping at the singer tightly.
"It's ok, Mio na no da." Ryuichi whispered to her, petting her hair gently. "I was scared too."
Sniffling a bit, Mio pulled away and smiled at him. Smiling back, Ryuichi tilted his head at her.
"What made you leave anyway, Mio-chan? You worried us half to death!"
Sheepishly Mio blushed and held out the pink ball in her hand. Green eyes looking away bashfully she nibbled her lip.
"A little girl in the pet store dropped it and it rolled out the door. It got kicked around so much that it ended up here and I wanted to give it back to her." Mio explained as she looked back up at Ryuichi. "You're not mad at me, are you?"
Ryuichi felt his heart crumble into a billion little pieces at the girl's words and he smiled. Her huge adorable emerald eyes looked up at him pitifully and they were shining with unshed tears. She looked positively adorable and to think she nearly got lost herself to find a ball for a little girl. Sighing he ruffled her hair slightly and stood up, holding her in his arms.
"I'm not mad, Mio." He whispered, heading out of the store. "I could never be mad at you."
She smiled and hugged him tightly, wrapping her arms around his neck and putting her head on his shoulder.
"Thank you, Ryu-chan." She whispered.
The Nittle Grasper front man simply smiled and rubbed her back soothingly as they came into the main mall area to look for the others. Spotting them Ryuichi waved them over and then strawberry haired duo scrambled to meet up with them. As he waited Ryuichi continued to pat the girl in his arms gently, holding her tightly for reassurance that she wouldn't leave him again. He'd nearly had a heart attack when he realized she had gone earlier. What if he had never seen her again? How could he have ever lived with himself?
'I guess,' Ryuichi thought with a frown. 'I'm just not cut out for this parenting stuff. Maybe Mio'd be better off...without me.'
As Mio lay in his arms she closed her eyes, burying her face into his shoulder. She clung to him desperately and let out a shaky breath.
'Oh Ryuichi,' she thought desperately. 'How could I survive with out you? Maybe this time...this time I can belong. Maybe you'll keep-- I hope you'll keep me.'
_____________________________
{1} Ossu: informal Hi, Nanigoto desu ka: Is everything alright?
{2} Migel likes to read alot. ^^ Oh and he's French, though his name is based off the Spanish name Miguel. I have a French friend named Miguel and so I kinda shrunk him down several years and inserted him into the story. ^^
{3} I like to make up Japanese names for my friends. I'm very odd that way, but whatever. Like my friend Eilene is known as Eirin and stuff. ^^ So Meiji is Migel's "Japanese name" so to speak.
{4} NEVER, antagonize the birds. It can only lead to squawking and broken fingernails. Trust me...I know.....*shudders*
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I own nothing, it all belongs to the amazing Murakami Maki! All praise her like the goddess she is! *bows and grovels* However, the plot is mine and Aya, Mio, Migel...all belongs to me. ;)
Notes from Nori: Wow..just...wow. Thank you so much to everybody who has reviewed and supported my story. You're support is awesome! I thank you one and all! I think the story is coming along nicely and I hope it continues to meet your expectations! I'm sooooooooo sorry that this came out so late! I'm not even that pleased with it. *sigh*
_______________________________________________
"Oh the reconstructing you can do
With scissors and a little glue
And leave what's left to decorate the ground
Rediscovering your bliss is the sweetest part of
This---this is all we need right now." - Now by SheDaisey
_______________________________________________
"Shu-chan!" Ryuichi yelled, glomping the younger man as he opened the door to his apartment.
"Ryuichi, Mio? I thought we were going to meet at the mall."
The brunette vocalist stood, helping Shuichi up and beamed brightly. Looking over at Mio with slight confusion Shuichi arched an eyebrow. Emerald eyes displayed confusion in their depths as well and the girl shrugged.
"Ryuichi won't tell me what he's planning, but he says we have a change of plans." the little girl offered.
Before the cherry haired man could respond, Ryuichi took up his friends' hands and began dragging them away. Neither protested and exchanging bewildered looks, allowed him to lead the way. Down the hall and into the elevator, pressing the ground floor and then out of the building quickly Ryuichi dragged them. He reached the car and let their hands go, pulling out his keys. Opening the door he jumped in and picked up Kumagoro from the passenger seat.
"Good job watching the car, Kumagoro!" he cheered happily, hugging the rabbit.
"Go ahead and sit up front, Mio-chan." Shuichi said, opening the door for her.
"Thank you, Shuichi-san."
"Just Shuichi, ok? We're friends right?"
Mio smiled, a bit of color rising in her cheeks and nodded. She murmured a 'thank you' and hopped into the front seat with Ryuichi. Shutting the door behind the girl, Shuichi got into the back and let his mind dwell on what the other vocalist could possibly have in store for them. Whatever it was, he was sure it'd be quite exciting.
~___________________________________~
Migel sat at his usual spot, a brand new novel open and reading contently {2}. The warm sun hit his pale cheeks and he let a small smile touch his lips. Today was perfect. Peaceful, quiet, and with sunshine all around him. Sheer bliss-
"Migel!" screeched an annoyingly high voice in front of him.
Wincing slightly Migel lowered his book and sighed. Standing before him in a worn green sundress was an adorable little blonde girl clutching a teddy bear tightly to her chest. Her eyes were wide and curious, an odd spring green, almost hazel color to them. She beamed in what had to be a painfully bright manner and sat down beside Migel.
"Ossu, Mieji-chan{3}!" she said happily. "Nanigoto desu ka?{1}"
"Hello, Cherie, and please stop calling me that. I'm fine, why do you ask?"
Tucking a wild blonde curl behind her ear she wrinkled her nose. Migel stared back, removing his glasses and setting his novel aside.
"You haven't spoken to anybody at all since yesterday. Do you miss her much, Mieji?"
The strawberry haired boy sighed deeply, running his hand through his hair. Scooting closer and wrapping an arm around the boys' shoulder, the younger child smiled.
"You were very close to Aya-chan and Mio-chan, I'm sure you miss them a lot. You don't have to talk about it, but it'll make things easier, Mieji."
Migel sighed, "No, thanks anyway, Cherie. I'll simply sit and despair by myself, if you don't mind. Before you go, I want ask you something though."
"Ok tiger, shoot." she said with a nod.
"Do you ever miss them? You know, you're family?"
Face falling into a frown, the little girl by his side looked away. Holding the teddy bear under her chin she looked out over the yard.
"Never." she said. "They don't want me, I don't want them."
Migel was about to apologize when a sudden uproar came from the yard of kids. A car pulled up and Migel did a double take. Ryuichi? What was he doing here? Cherie stood quickly and clutching her bear, teetered off to open the gate. Ryuichi came into view, helping Mio and Kumagoro out of the front and Shuichi trailing them. All the kids waved to Ryuichi and Mio happily, shouting out greetings. Migel's heart stopped as he slowly came to his feet. Shindo Shuichi of Bad Luck? He had died and gone to heaven! Sakuma Ryuichi and Shindo Shuichi, only the two best vocalists in all of Japan, were walking his way right now! Ryuichi returned the greetings and then spotted Migel on the porch, he waved happily in the boys' direction.
"Hi, Migel!" Ryuichi cheered as they entered the yard.
Pink bunny in hand Mio rushed forward into the foray of kids and was ambushed with hugs and questions. She answered what she could politely and weaved her way to Migel. Giving him a rare, bright smile Mio engulfed him in a hug.
"Mio!" Migel said happily, returning the hug. "What are you guys doing here?"
Ryuichi bound over to them, a random child clutching his arm and Shuichi was sitting on the sidewalk tossing Cherie into the air and playing with every kid that was around. Shuichi laughed happily and talked animatedly with them.
"Wow, Shu-chan must sure like kids." Ryuichi said as the random child on his arm jumped off and ran towards the pink haired vocalist.
He turned back to Migel and smiled brightly at the two embracing children. Blushing Mio let go of Migel and mumbled something, Migel pocketed his glasses and looked over at Shuichi again.
"Is that.....Shindo Shuichi of Bad Luck?" he asked breathlessly.
At this both Mio and Ryuichi nodded vigorously. Migel gaped and at this time Shuichi decided to come over. He was carrying several little children and had one or two following him. He held out an adorable little red head to Ryuichi and cooed.
"Isn't it soooooo cute?!" he squealed. "Do you think Yuki'd let me keep it?"
Ryuichi tilted his head and laughed slightly, taking the child from Shuichi and setting him down lightly. The children continued to swarm and Shuichi bopped about happily. Mio sweat dropped and Migel stared in complete adoration.
"Er, Shuichi, are you still in there?" Ryuichi asked, knocking on Shuichi's head lightly. "We need to go na no da!"
Shuichi reluctantly put down the kids and they all let out a unified "Aw!" of despair. They all scattered slowly and Shuichi waved good-bye sadly before turning to Ryuichi with a pout.
"Yuki won't let me adopt a kid, he said living with me is like having six kids and he doesn't need another one." Shuichi complained. "I really like kids and I'd really like to have one of my own, but I guess that'll never happen."
The genki man would have launched into an all out rant, but his attention was caught suddenly by little Migel, who's mouth was still wide open. Shuichi blinked his big violet eyes and leaned down to look closer at him. His violet eyes locked with Migel's and the boy gulped visibly.
"Ryuichi," Shuichi said curiously. "I've found a mini Shuichi clone!"
To everyone's surprise Mio burst into a fit of giggles and clutched Kumagoro over her mouth to stifle them. Every eye turned to her and she flushed.
"Mio, you giggled! Wow, I've never heard you laugh so much before." Migel said in awe.
"Well, I've laughed."
Ryuichi beamed and picked Mio up happily, tossing her into the air. Startled, Mio let out another tiny giggle.
"Yay! Mio's first laugh!"
The strawberry haired boys laughed and Mio smiled brightly. Holding Mio Ryuichi tilted his head and closed his eyes with a bright smile.
"We'll go ask Lydia-san if we could borrow Migel for a while, ok?"
Without waiting for an answer Ryuichi, with Mio in his arms, entered the house and was gone. Once they were gone, Migel looked up and over at Shuichi. Feeling eyes on him, Shuichi turned to Migel and smiled.
"Hi, I'm Shindo Shuichi. I take it your name is Migel, right?"
"Y-yes. M-m-my name is Migel, Migel Chevalier. It's a pleasure to meet you, Shindo-sama." The boy managed to stutter, bowing deeply.
Shuichi laughed and hugged Migel tightly. "Wah! You're too cute, Migel- kun!" he cooed. "Call me Shuichi or Shu-chan! Shindo is too formal and I'm most certainly not a god!"
Standing in shock, Migel blushed hard. Shindo-sa..Er, Shuichi was hugging him! -The- Shindo Shuichi! He could have died happy on the spot when he met Ryuichi, but now, now he could die knowing that for a few minutes he had been the most ecstatic boy in the entire world! Pulling back and looking at the French boy curiously, Shuichi raised his eyebrows.
"Are you ok?"
"Erm, I'm fine. In fact, I am the luckiest, happiest kid in all of Tokyo!" Migel announced beaming.
"That's great, Migel-kun! Wow....hm, did anybody ever tell you that you look like a mini-me!"
Laughing lightly, Shuichi pat Migel's head, ruffling his almost identical pink locks. Migel beamed up at him, violet eyes lit up happily.
"You're eyes are a bit lighter and you're hair shorter, but otherwise, it's like looking at a nine-year-old me. Too kawaii! So, why are you here?"
Migel's cheery nature faltered slightly, but he continued to smile at the older man.
"Well, my-"
"We're back!" came Ryuichi's voice and he reappeared with Mio by his side. "Lydia-san said Migel could go! How great na no da!"
"Perfect!" Migel said brightly, clapping his hands together.
Lydia came out after the duo and smiled over at Migel in a paternal sort of way. The strawberry haired boy beamed back and then engulfed her into a hug.
"Thank you, Lydia!"
"It's no problem at all, my dear. I think you'll be right fine with Mr. Sakuma and Shindo here. Do me a favor and be a good lad, ok?" she asked gently as she released him.
He nodded, brushing long strands of fine hair from his face. Turning chibi and jumping around anxiously, Ryuichi glomped onto Lydia.
"Goooooo---meeeeeeen, Lydia-san!" he wailed, before speeding off in frenzy to the gate.
Bouncing with a big grin on his face he waved to the others and called them to come on. Gingerly walking down the stairs, clutching his 'mini-me's' hand, Shuichi waved good-bye to all the kids and exited. Mio hung back a moment and watched them with a small smile. Turning her emerald orbs on Lydia her face fell slightly.
"Lyidia-san.......I need to ask you something. It's very important." she said softly.
"Go on then child, ask me."
"It's about...........well, it's about Ryuichi and I." she said uncertainly. "Lydia I just need to know, do you think there's any hope for us? Do you really think Ryuichi can do this? Could he love me?"
"Well now, m'dear. That's a lot to chew on for somebody quite so young, eh? I canna say what will become of ye, but follow your heart. Be supportive and encouraging. Try and make things work between you. Fate will show you the right path to follow."
At that comment Mio visibly stiffen and turned her slightly narrowed eyes to her keeper. "I don't believe in fate." she said softly.
With that she turned on her heel and walked slowly down the path to the gate. Opening it slowly she looked back to give a small wave to Lydia before she joined the others in the car. There was no way that 'fate' was going to have any part in this.........
________________________________________________________________________
Mio looked around the mall, completely floored by the stores and the people. Aya-chan used to talk about shopping, malls, and shoes all the time, but Mio had never seen a store so huge before. Sure, she's gone to the grocery store once or twice with Lydia, but this........this was different. A sharp tug forward pulled her back into reality and she looked at the brunette before her, currently pulling her into a pet store. He beamed, cheeks flushed with excitement and he called to Shuichi and Migel to hurry up. Not being able to help herself, Mio smiled a bit at the back of the genki vocalist's head. He was so.........innocent and carefree. It seemed slightly surreal to her, she'd never seen somebody so happy with life.
"--Isn't it adorable?"
Blinking Mio found herself at Ryuichi's side near a cage of kittens. One was currently pressed against the glass, staring at Ryuichi with its head tilted. Putting a paw on the glass it meowed at him. Laughing slightly Ryuichi put his hand over the cat's paw. The kitten continued to look at Ryuichi curiously before putting it's paw down and meowing again. As an employee passed, Ryuichi tugged at his sleeve in a chibi like state.
"Could we pet the kitties?" he asked hopefully.
The man looked at him oddly, but nodded. Ryuichi did a little cheer and went back over to the cage where Migel and Shuichi had finally arrived at. Mio stood a little ways away from the group, looking at the kittens thoughtfully. How horrible it must be to be all cooped up in a cage like that, she thought. Looking back over at the rest of the group she watched how happy Migel seemed to be and the striking resemblance between Shuichi and himself. Smiling inwardly she noted how their eyes lit up at the sight of the tiny creatures and the way they seemed to be cooing the same words. How terribly ironic and almost freaky, she thought tilting her head.
Walking right up beside them she looked into the corner at the kitten they were watching excitedly. It was a sandy colored kitten with little white and amber colored flecks on its fur. It stood out from the rest of the litter, who were all gray and brown colored and the fact that he was sleeping away in the corner by himself.
"It reminds me of Yuki!" Shuichi laughed and Mio felt herself grin.
At that moment a bouncy little black cat with startling blue eyes came up to the sleeping kitten and bounced on it unceremoniously. The black cat mewed and meowed loudly, poking and biting at the sleepy kitten persistently. Finally the lighter colored kitten got up and meowed loudly at the other before rolling back over. The black kitten walked away dejectedly and rejoined the others. Mio could not help, but imagine that this was a kitten like scenario of what happened usually between Shuichi and Yuki, but said nothing and smiled. She spotted Ryuichi who was holding a gray kitten in his arms, petting it gently and went to go over, but stopped a blur of pink rushed past her feet.
Whirling around she spotted a small pink ball rolling away towards the door. Nearby she spotted a tiny little toddler girl, her eyes tearing up as she tugged on her father's sleeve and pointed towards the ball. Mio looked back at the rolling ball and quickly went to fetch it for the toddler. It rolled right out of the store and temporarily became hidden by a group of teens walking by. Kneeling down and trying to peer through the feet Mio let out a frustrated noise. Finally the group passed and she spotted a ball of pink boucing down the escalator. Beaming victoriously she followed the ball, cautiously stepping onto the escalator and clutching at the hand rail as it moved her downwards after the ball.
She came to the bottom level and fumbled off the moving stairs, looking around for the pink toy. Her green eyes becoming more frantic she finally spotted it slowly inching into a store. Giving a frustrated sigh she wondered why she was bothering to chase this silly thing. 'Oh well,' she thought darting forward. 'I've come this far.'
*
Ryuichi set the kitten back into its cage and the employee shut it up. Waving to the kittens Ryuichi looked over at Migel and Shuichi who were currently antagonizing the birds.{4} He walked over to them, noting Mio's absence and frowned slightly.
"Hey, where'd Mio go na no ka? I thought she came over with you guys?" Ryuichi said, voice growing more serious.
Shuichi blinked and shook his head slightly, looking down at little Migel who's eyes were wide.
"We thought she was with you. So, where'd she go?"
Eyes going slight wide, Ryuichi looked around wildly, not spotting the blonde girl anywhere. Where could she have possibly gone and why hadn't she told them she was going? He moved away from the others slightly, peering down the aisle of the pet store. Taking a deep breath he looked at the others with concern clearly etched onto his face.
"You guys check around the store and on the top floor, I'll go and check outside."
The violet-eyed duo gave Ryuichi a nod and immediately began to search the store, checking up and down the aisles. Dashing out of the store, Ryuichi glanced up and down the crowded mall, not seeing any sign of Mio anywhere. She had to be here, she just had to be! He quickly made his way over to the railing, pushing through the crowd to get there. How could this have happened? How could she have slipped out with out them noticing?
'If I lose her,' Ryuichi thought frantically. 'I'll never forgive myself. Ever.'
Tossing himself against the railing her quickly looked around below. There were kids here and there, but none of them were his Mio. How could she have gotten so far away from them? Sapphire eyes combing through the crowds thoroughly he sighed and made his way to the escalators. Quickly going as fast as he could down them he researched the crowds. Finally out of the corner of his eye he spotted a sheet of sandy blonde hair.
Mio hit her knees and tossed herself forward slightly, hand coming to clamp down on the ball that was headed under a rack of cards. She sighed and smiled to herself, standing up slowly, rubbing her knees. That little kid better appreciate this. Looking around, Mio bit her lip. Where exactly was she anyway? She remembered moving stairs and going down, turning left...or was it right? Looking around helplessly she slowly back up to a wall. She was lost and she'd never find her way out again! Panicking, Mio's breath quickened and she made a sharp turn around the rack.
As she came whipping around she smacked straight into another franticly moving person. The force of the collision sent her sprawling backwards and she let out a small 'oof!' as she went down. The person she had collided with made a noise as well and Mio quickly apologized.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" she said hastily, opening her eyes.
Recognizing the voice, Ryuichi's eyes shot open and he sighed with relief. Spotting Ryuichi in return Mio let out a noise and flung herself into the man's chest.
"Oh Ryuichi I was so scared!" Mio gasped, grasping at the singer tightly.
"It's ok, Mio na no da." Ryuichi whispered to her, petting her hair gently. "I was scared too."
Sniffling a bit, Mio pulled away and smiled at him. Smiling back, Ryuichi tilted his head at her.
"What made you leave anyway, Mio-chan? You worried us half to death!"
Sheepishly Mio blushed and held out the pink ball in her hand. Green eyes looking away bashfully she nibbled her lip.
"A little girl in the pet store dropped it and it rolled out the door. It got kicked around so much that it ended up here and I wanted to give it back to her." Mio explained as she looked back up at Ryuichi. "You're not mad at me, are you?"
Ryuichi felt his heart crumble into a billion little pieces at the girl's words and he smiled. Her huge adorable emerald eyes looked up at him pitifully and they were shining with unshed tears. She looked positively adorable and to think she nearly got lost herself to find a ball for a little girl. Sighing he ruffled her hair slightly and stood up, holding her in his arms.
"I'm not mad, Mio." He whispered, heading out of the store. "I could never be mad at you."
She smiled and hugged him tightly, wrapping her arms around his neck and putting her head on his shoulder.
"Thank you, Ryu-chan." She whispered.
The Nittle Grasper front man simply smiled and rubbed her back soothingly as they came into the main mall area to look for the others. Spotting them Ryuichi waved them over and then strawberry haired duo scrambled to meet up with them. As he waited Ryuichi continued to pat the girl in his arms gently, holding her tightly for reassurance that she wouldn't leave him again. He'd nearly had a heart attack when he realized she had gone earlier. What if he had never seen her again? How could he have ever lived with himself?
'I guess,' Ryuichi thought with a frown. 'I'm just not cut out for this parenting stuff. Maybe Mio'd be better off...without me.'
As Mio lay in his arms she closed her eyes, burying her face into his shoulder. She clung to him desperately and let out a shaky breath.
'Oh Ryuichi,' she thought desperately. 'How could I survive with out you? Maybe this time...this time I can belong. Maybe you'll keep-- I hope you'll keep me.'
_____________________________
{1} Ossu: informal Hi, Nanigoto desu ka: Is everything alright?
{2} Migel likes to read alot. ^^ Oh and he's French, though his name is based off the Spanish name Miguel. I have a French friend named Miguel and so I kinda shrunk him down several years and inserted him into the story. ^^
{3} I like to make up Japanese names for my friends. I'm very odd that way, but whatever. Like my friend Eilene is known as Eirin and stuff. ^^ So Meiji is Migel's "Japanese name" so to speak.
{4} NEVER, antagonize the birds. It can only lead to squawking and broken fingernails. Trust me...I know.....*shudders*