You'd think I'd be more efficient than this, huh.
@_@ Okay. My brilliant excuse this time is my pottery classes. I spend the whole day out and only return in the afternoons, and I have too little time with the computer to type then. I might have given up on this story already, except when I read all the old reviews I get so encouraged. And I really like the text when I read it. ^^'' So I just keep on. For you guys too, especially Winter and Miyami. *_* Even Yui, who reviewed the last chapter. It's rare that I get something that says what I wrote was exciting. I think this is a bit of a plodding story - a slow one. It's so great that the events captivate you enough to make it exciting. Winter-san, I looked at your bio and found that you liked Nakkie/Yui. I'm so glad you're reading this even if it's Yui/Sub. I'm sorry I can't properly write in Nakago; I don't know how to characterize him very well (so he may get out of character. Gomen!) Miyami-san, you're right, that's pretty high indeed. Well, the twins were kind of working under the gods, right? A boss has the right to write his employees. Anyhow, thank you very much. While other reviewers have disappeared, you've stuck by. ^_~ Arigato, and Enjoy! (Douzu~!)
Till the next chapter! I'm hoping to finish this story by this year, so it might be out soon!
~ Sable Knight, hanging on!
P.S. Cheer for me! Nine days till my birthday - ten till the anniversary of this ficcie!
Chapter 7. Please Explain
A weary blonde head was bowed low over a science paper. This is too much. Just too much.
The owner of that head tried her best to scrawl her answers - I know them, I KNOW them! - onto the sheet, but her hand wasn't working, and her brain refused to supply any intelligent guesses. She gave up with a sigh, and still keeping her head down, proceeded to massage her temples thoroughly. The words matter and molecules glazed over her eyes as two wet stains suddenly appeared on her paper. Darnit. I'm crying. But I only deserve to, right? I should give myself at least that reward. Too much is happening, all in rapid succession. Even Miaka would have trouble handling something like this. She rubbed her face dry. Seir -god, why is happening? If I'm not careful, this will get in the way of my academics. Concentrate on the exam. Think about earrings...Nakago...Suboshi...another time. Thank heavens that he was assigned to sit somewhere else. At the far end of the class, too. I shouldn't be complaining. Now, concentrate! She furrowed her brow, did her best to clear her mind, and started on answering the pop quiz, like the good star student that she was.
The class shuffled and whistled, most of them not taking the test seriously. A different blonde head, this one slightly darker and carried by a spunky lad, who was not trying to answer his work in particular. Instead he leaned over to the person seated beside him, who incidentally was identical to him. "Ne, aniki. Can I copy off your paper? Just this once? After all, I cleaned our closet out yesterday while you were studying." His brother raised his eyebrows. "You only cleaned our closet because it was your turn. And you had time to study after dinner, only you watched the ball game with dad instead. You have no excuse." "Aw, come on! I had a rough day yesterday."
Kotou's eyes softened. His brother's swollen cheek had long since died down, but he knew it must still hurt inside. Still...cheating? That wasn't really his field. But if it's only for now...I mean, so long as it doesn't become a habit, it's okay. I guess. Mentally hitting himself repeatedly, he pushed his paper towards his brother slightly by way of saying yes. "Thanks," Shun whispered gratefully. I'm going to regret this, Kotou thought again. "It's not my fault if the answers are wrong, either." He muttered. "Don't worry. They'll all be correct. I know you. You study almost as much as Y-...a girl." His twin's voice had grown a bit lower, and he deliberately faced his paper squarely. Kotou decided not to press it. Shifting in his seat, he glanced up for a second at the desk in front of the room, and saw two very blue eyes staring directly at him. He flushed and burrowed his head down quickly. Oh no...did he see?
A fourth blonde head, this one held up with utter pride, surveyed its new class with a taste of disregard. It's a shame I'm only staying long enough to help those chosen by destiny. If I really were to head this class for a whole year, I would make certain that they grew to be strong, smart little children - not these vulgar sloths that I see before me now. He gave a humph and straightened his tie, not having anything much to do. His eyes flickered over to a quiet, hunched-up figure at the front, and he grinned in a petting way. I wonder. Will Yui be able to pass the gods' test? Or is she not strong enough? Like that time when she summoned Seiryuu - I had thought her willpower would be enough...I was wrong. He gritted his teeth, and squeezed his hands together. I can't hold that in my memory, though...come now, Nakkie, you were offered a chance to start anew by the gods. Don't waste it. Passing those sapphire eyes over his students once more, he settled on a whispering pair at the back of the room. Cheating, I suppose. One of the two looked up and saw his new teacher boring his eyes into him. Turning a guilty shade of peach, he quickly turned away. Stifling a grin, Mr. Kagami Fines eased into his seat and began to look over the papers on his desk. Make that strong, smart and disciplined children. The world today. How do I punish those two, I wonder? This will be interesting. His head down, he grinned maliciously.
That all added up to a total of four blonde heads, all leaning down, and all thinking rapidly.
***
It was one hour and fifteen minutes later when Yui Hongou was finally able to escape from the classroom. Or so she tried to. "Lady Yu - pardon - Miss Hongou, may I have a word?" He rested his hand on her shoulder, and she winced. He might as well have said, 'we should have a word'. It's not like I have any other choice, right, Nakago? She glared at him, cool and refined as always, but there was an intense blazing in her eyes that meant she was feeling otherwise. "Of course, Mr. Fines." His smile and tone were equally steely. "To my desk, then." Avoiding several dagger looks from a cluster of female students huddled near the door (apparently they had fallen quickly under their new teacher's spell), she allowed herself to be dragged to the front of the room, and plunked into a chair. With a sweet smile at the bunch of girls, he asked them to leave (they did, giggling evermore). "Now. I suppose you're curious about all this." Yui rubbed her wrists, trying not to appear very interested. Curious? How about upset? This past week has been nothing but a jumble of surprises. Crazy surprises. But yeah, I am wondering what the heck is going on. Why am I the one to be tortured?
"Well. Mildly at the most, I guess." His eyebrows twitched as he spoke in reply. "You shouldn't lie to me. I have permission from the gods to read your mind, you know." The student felt her face slowly grow hotter. She did her best to keep her voice steady, but unfortunately 'her best' was not enough. "You were always pushing me around like this! Now, you're threatening to read my mind? If I thought you had any sort of respect for me, even as your priestess, now I'm absolutely certain you don't. But I can't complain anymore, can I? I mean, I'm just a -" She crossed her arms tightly over her chest and sniffed. "- A pawn in your game. In the game of the four gods. So go ahead, read my mind. It'll make it a lot easier for us both, anyway." Aware of the familiar prickling at the back of her eyes, she started to rub them, muttering, "Darn dust...always gets into it..." Ready not to recieve any sympathy from her bygone seishi, she almost jumped out of her seat when a steady hand was suddenly placed on her shoulder.
She looked up and saw his stunning blue eyes looking at her gently. "Hey. I've made mistakes in the past and I know it. But I'm not so heartless anymore. The gods have given me a chance, shown me a path to repent for my wrong ways - and I'm taking it. Think of me as a new person. Don't hold the memory of Nakago in your mind anymore. He's gone." Yui shifted her eyes downwards, not daring to believe his words. He speaks gently...softly, as if he were telling the truth. Like he really is new and repentant. But how many times did I fall for his sweet talk before? How many times did I trip and fall and blunder because of his lying? I can't trust you anymore, Nakago. Not even this Kagami of yours. He's just an illusion. You're...still there, and always will be. When she didn't respond to him, he tilted her chin up. The younger blonde bristled. He had only done that once before. That time when he kissed me - he cupped my face in his hands like this...she quickly dragged her chair back, away from his grasp, away from his touch. Scared. He noticed.
"I meant no harm. I just wanted to see your face - distrusting, as expected. But still beautiful. You haven't changed your appearance since the Book, I suppose?" She felt compelled to answer, in an attempt to regain her pride. "I did, you know. I grew my hair. To try and forget."Ack! That last line had shot out of my mouth without thought! Naka - no, Mr. Fines, smoothed his hair. "I thought of that as well. Shortening my locks to gain a new look along with my new life. But it seems I have to hold on. For the sake of punishment, if anything. And even if I did change my hair, I wouldn't dare take off this." He touched his earring tenderly. "It's a trademark of my being, so I'm easily recognized by it. But I'll never remove it. It means too much." It was at that moment that she realized he had been telling the truth. I feel the same way. We always had that link, didn't we? She calmed her nerves by breathing in deeply, finally prepared to confront the truth. Dare I take the risk? I guess there's nothing else for it. I can only hope that god will be kind. "So you're here to help me, huh?"
He closed his eyes, that confident smile gracing his features.
"Ah. You've finally realized it."
***
When the ex-Seiryuu no Miko stepped off the bus two hours later her head was still whirling like mad.
She leaned against the walkway-wall leading to her apartment, a hand pressed to her forehead. Even then it was difficult to process all that Nakago had told her. I'm still so confused - but at least some things have been answered. This is wrong, though - this is making me feel weaker...should it be like this? I guess...it's just...the shock. Regaining her composture just enough to walk without falling over, she wandered feebly to the main building and began to ascend the staircase, every step draining more and more energy out of her till she felt obliged to collapse. Luckily she reached her apartment in time, and as soon as the door was flung open, sank to the floor in a frenzy of weakness. A piece of paper, as if by magic, was swept off the hall table by a sliver of wind (blown in through the door), and carried down into Yui's lap. She picked it up, breath ragged. Why am I so tired...? Oh! What's this. A letter from mom? She unfolded it cautiously.
It read,
'Hi honey,
Your father and I are to have a business dinner with Mr. Kimura regarding the new sales plan. I left some frozen chicken chops and coleslaw in the freezer, lower left compartment, for your dinner. Please prepare the meal yourself. If you're feeling up to it, you can prepare a little more and have a guest over - Miaka, Fu, Morin, or even those new neighbors of ours (so long as you're comfortable with it). Anyway, take care of yourself. We're going to the opera right after our meal so don't expect us back any earlier than twelve.
~ Mother
By the way, Miaka can sleep over if you want her to. ^_^ '
Yui refolded it and stuffed it into her breastpocket, resting on the floor for a moment more. Well, I can't lie here forever. Mom has just given me the perfect oppurtunity to speak with Miaka, which I need to do so badly. Maybe even speak to...him. I'll have to get ready for dinner. She picked herself up, stretched (her bones cricked loudly), then headed over to the phone, her strength newly restored. The conversation with her best friend was very brief (so as to avoid confrontation on Yui's part, and to not miss a show on Miaka's) and they parted with fast 'bye'. Once that was done, the blonde was quick to shower (No melodramatic baths this time, she told herself firmly) and dress smartly. The food was soon taken care of, even the extras which were prepared for Miaka. All that's left is...a small sigh escaped her lips. Before I can speak to him properly - before I can try to explain all this - I have to get on his good side. And to do that I must apologize. But I was never good at this! Darn. She pulled off her apron. Today is the day I take risks in making a fool of myself.
She patted her hair into place, smoothed down her outfit (a simple yet elegant black piece), slipped on her shoes, and walked out of the main door. Night had fallen quickly, and already one or two stars were out. She found her heart racing as she faced her neighbor's entrance. Will they decline? Or maybe accept? I mean, I don't want to seem to eager. Her hand raised, poised to knock. She hesitated again. Would Miaka mind? I didn't tell her I was having other people else over. But then again, she usually enjoys company. Her fingers drew in closer, ready to rap on the wood. She paused again. Agh! Quit it, Yui! Stop stalling! This time will come sooner or later. Do it now while the circumstances are still favorable. She shut her eyes tightly and banged on the door, waiting for an answer, and ironically hoping that no one would come to the door.
It was still for a moment. They're not here? She thought, hopeful and disappointed all at once.
"Yeah, yeah, wait! I'm --"
The door suddenly swung open, and Miss Hongou was caught off guard, barely missing it.
"--Coming?"
Two pairs of stunned blue eyes met, like sapphire gleam and ocean tide clashing over the crescent sky.
***
Where is the heart of my dearly beloved
And why does he look so?
It's almost as if he doesn't know me,
As if he never knew the love -
The life we shared before, tell me,
That isn't true, is it? Warn me -
Hearts get broken no matter what time.
Explain to me -
Just what is going on,
Why am I aching?
Why am I crying?
~ Dizzy with Distress