Disclaimer: Need not to say… I will eventually bring them back, don't worry… ^__^

Author's Note: Hehe… sorry about the Chapter 2. Don't worry, 'something' really happened between them. (I think, I should say please panic… ^__^) I thank all those who reviewed with all my heart. Arigato Gozaimasu!!! Oh, and about the recipe, it has nothing to do with the fic. I just made it up to regain my exhausted brain. ^___^ The first two chapters are fanfic and the third is a songfic.

Chapter 3: Freezing Warmth

~ " Execute operation B" ~

A harsh breeze clashed at a sturdy building, the highest one yet in Japan. Its rooms were the finest ones- luxurious beds and dining rooms with cabled televisions and an underground swimming pool and a Jacuzzi. People wearing expensive clothes from exotic species filled the hall, and at the rooftop was Yanagi with her arms at shoulder height and her feet was on a high chair. Her braided hair was on her shoulders and was about to fall. Then, she suddenly jumped with no hesitation while Recca was on the other building and was watching with fright.

" NO!! Yanagi!!!!"

However, Yanagi did not look at him, and instead, continued to fall right to the ground with no doubt and fear. Then, Kurei's voice called her, gently and sweet with not an inch of fear that she was falling straight to the ground without any hindrances that may break her fall.

" The guests might see you flying around. Besides, it's cold here. Let's head back."

Forgetting the fact that he was almost meters away from Yanagi and his voice was very mellow, she responded by warping in Kurei's arms and heading inside the hall holding his hand. It was a breathtaking, painstaking, blood-drying scene for Recca who headed downstairs with his head facing the ground and his hands inside his pockets.

They rode an elevator. She was holding his hand tighter because of the overwhelming excitement she felt as her fingers moved in between his. Staying as close as they could get, they watched the elevator's scale went down and stopped at the fifth floor. Then, they smiled at each other before entering a forest of people. They sat at a higher place reserved for special guests. After a while the host for tonight appeared at the stage, covered with silk, red cloth, and called Kurei for the purpose of the ball. After standing up, Kurei held Yanagi's hand and nodded.

" Scarlet, let's go."

" Scarlet?", she murmured under her breath before putting up a doubted smile and standing up, gracefully lifting a part of her gown from the hall's carpet.

The light shimmered on them. Then, Kurei brought her to the stage and walked forward, towards the microphone. He looked at her, innocently adoring the crowd, and in turn was being adored by the crowd before them. And when she noticed his handsomely glance, she sweetly smiled at him giving him confidence and assurance. Then, he announced with delight, " Tonight, we have gathered here to celebrate my engagement", and he continued after clearing his throat, " with Scarlet, my one and only precious love."

Hearing this, the crowd cheered and the sound of glasses being tapped with spoons filled the place. Granting the wish of their guests, they kissed each other.

The ball was a blast. It ended at almost daybreak, when a typhoon was the news in the air. The couple now strangled in happiness, went to their room and flung straight to bed after taking a fresh bath.

He was caressing her lips tenderly and she was attentive in how she furled her tongue inside his mouth, when a knock suddenly exploded at the door. They got dressed in their robes quickly, and flung open the door. It was two forms, and the other was carrying the other, flooded with blood.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You give me hope,

The strength, the will to keep on

No one else could make me feel this way

" Tokiya!! Fuuko!!" Yanagi shrieked when she beheld her friend's unfortunate figure, almost going to die. Tokiya thrust his hand to Yanagi making her shake with fear.

" Fuuko… and I were fighting for you!! And what did I get?!! A scene were YOU and THIS F*ING S*-"

" You don't have any idea what happened!!!!! You came here just to babble things out!" Yanagi was confused and so her tongue slipped.

" A year!! A year of longing, waiting…" Then, her voice softened, saying, " You don't know how much it hurts… how many days… and nights…"

Then, Kurei stepped close to Yanagi and shoved her to his back, blocking her physical contact with Tokiya. Tokiya called upon his weapon, an icicle, bringing cold air into the room, but in a split second, Yanagi was between them caring for the bleeding Fuuko who regained consciousness. Tokiya and Kurei's attention were caught. Tokiya kneeled down to her and hugged her tight, then, looked at her almost choking from the embrace.

" Want me dead or what?" Then, with a pause, she turned to Yanagi and continued, " Recca… Recca said you betrayed him… drugs, fire… the…"

Then, she fell on Tokiya's arms and fainted the very minute. Waiting for nothing more, Yanagi disappeared in thin air and Kurei called all his troops to find his half-brother, Recca.

And only you can bring out all the best I can do

I believe you turn the tide

And make me feel real good inside

It was raining. And Yanagi was out there, wearing no jacket or coat that could protect her from the rain- and from the pain. Soaked to the very bone, and soaked to the very soul, the blood of everlasting guilt, confusion and love ran throughout her freezing body.

" Recca"

All she could do was to repeat his name, hoping that he would come up. She was madly hopeless. Like she would gladly die the very second she would met him.

Her robe was starting to be filled with water and was getting heavier. Her hair was unfurled, and her feet were getting numb from the cold. It was the first time she had warped without knowing her destination. Her purpose was the only thing she had the brain to know. However, what was it? Was she searching for her friend, love or ex-fiancée? These were all the questions her mind did not bother to know.

She might not find him, she might even lose her way, but she continued. But what awaits her when she had finally found him? Slap him for being so childish? Ask 'again' for apology for what had happened? But why even bother to ask? It was 'he' who started it. It was 'he' to be blame for. But no, she could not do that- hurt 'him' and run away. But when? When all that she could give was wasted, dumped although she had given all she could?

You push me up

When I'm about to give up

You're on my side when no one seems to listen

A shop caught Yanagi's eyes. And unknown to her senses, Recca was hiding beside the building where she had stopped. It was the shop for wedding gowns. And she couldn't stop crying as memories trained in her head.

------------Flashback, starting to download…------------

------------Flashback, downloaded. Starting to play flashback---------

Tapping her foot, Fuuko was sitting impatiently on a chair as she waited for Yanagi. It didn't take her time to wait.

" Fuuko, I'm done," Yanagi announced as she opened the dresser's cover and showed off her gown. It was a gown as white as snow with ribbons and laces as its border. Fuuko's eyes sparkled with delight when Yanagi turned around.

" Recca would surely love to see you wearing that gown!!"

" Really?"

" I'll even bet on it!"

---------------------------------------------------

" This is the shop where I was supposed to buy my wedding gown," she said when she felt Recca's aura. Having nothing to hide anymore, he showed up and looked at her.

After a little chuckle, she continued, " You were so childish, then."

Then, she turned around and met his eyes with a smile.

And when you go,

You know the tears can't help but show

But when she sat down on the ground, her voice changed and she was holding back her tears.

" But you've changed"

" No, I did not," Recca protested as he stepped a foot towards her.

" After his fight with shadow, he carried me on his back. It was warm… Indeed it was very warm," she dreamily narrated. Then, she hid her face be bowing on her knees, and said, " I loved him, loved him so much- so much that I almost lose my senses when, I realized in my heart, that he had forgotten… about me. But when you came, all was ruined. You took him away from me. Where is he now that I need him?"

His eyes stated his guilt and lost. He noticed the coat he was wearing and offered it to her while saying, " It's cold. Here take this."

" It has always been cold"

You'll break this heart and tear it apart

And suddenly the madness starts

Recca stepped back. He held his jacket firmly in his hands, shaking from his despair.

" I bet you don't even know I could fly."

" Like yesterday?"

" So you were at the building"

" No, on the other building, close enough to see you both. I even called you but you ignored me."

" You're joking right? I don't remember hearing your voice."

" Because you were too busy thinking of my stupid half-brother."

" He's NOT stupid. And look who's talking. You didn't even replied to even one of my letters, and cared not to call on my birthday, even on our anniversary."

At that time, she stood up and yelled at him. Tears were falling down her cheeks. Hearing a car stop, she wiped them immediately, and turned around where the car had stopped.

It's your smile

Your face, your lips that I miss

It was Kurei. She playfully went to him and kissed his cheek. Kurei was surprised by how she missed him, considering the fact that they were together this morning. But then, when he noticed Recca's guilt he realized Yanagi was just making Recca jealous.

" So you have found him."

She nodded like a child and smiled at him. Her eyes were glowing of excitement that made him ride with her plan.

" I think we should head back now. It's cold here," he said while hugging her tighter, and she responded by cuddling closer to him.

Those sweet little eyes

That stare at me and make me say,

" I'm with you through all the way"

She pulled away from the embrace and stared at Recca's eyes, full of guilt and jealousy. Silence filled their gap. Having the courage to break the strong bond of silence, Kurei said, " Why not invite him to our apartment? Besides, we would be leaving that place when we got married for real."

Yanagi turned to him with surprise, and then, nodded. She went to Recca while saying, " Yes, yes my dear. It would be fun! Fuuko and Tokiya are there, too. It would be like old times, right Recca?"

'Cause it's you who fills the emptiness in me

Recca responded to her by not moving so she said, " Now, now Recca. Please don't be so childish. For once you must grow up."

" No, please stop. I have something more important to do. I must leave."

" More important (than me)?" Then, looked at him and continued after a pause, " Oh, the Hokage weapons. Now I see." Then, she turned again but to Kurei and asked, " My dear, aren't you collecting those weapons, too?"

" Yes, but I think I should throw them away. There's no room for them when you're near me."

It changes everything you see

When you know I've got you with me

Then, she nodded at Recca who disappeared in a split second. She looked at where she felt Recca's aura. She somehow knew that he was there- watching her go away, away from him. But why didn't he fight for her? Was all those jealousy just a facade? She was almost going to cry and her heart ached.

" Goodbye, Recca."

It was the sound of forever. She was saying goodbye for good, and not only for now because tomorrow she won't be there anymore- never will be as Ms. Yanagi but as Mrs. Scarlet…

----------Memory Deleted---------

Author's Note: Phew!!! Men are beneath Yanagi's shoes now. And umm… my w. b. is somewhat subsiding so umm… I've decided to make it a little bit more long and complex. THANKS FOR WAITING!!! I'm so pleased to all those who reviewed. Hehe… sorry about the delay, well, at least I made it longer, right? My assignments been killing me again, and will always will. Correction, TORTURING!!! Please Read and Review!!! ^__________^