Delicate Flower Petals

Chapter 7 - "The Beginning of Something Strange"

Mesagi: GAH! It's been much too long since I wrote anything . Between school, being grounded, artwork and other writing projects, I've not been able to find the time to begin the next chapter of DFP. Now, though, I have found time to actually write. I like this story, it's going nicely and I'd like to finish it. I have major plans, and I don't think what I have is really even the tip of the iceberg . though it might be. Who knows? Well, onto the next chapter!

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Yukito sat patiently in the living room with Sakura, smiling to her and laughing, talking with her. He always enjoyed talking with Sakura; she was such a sweet girl. Kero was sitting and eyeing the cookies still, though Sakura had made it quite clear that he wasn't to eat any more of them. Though she had promised to bake some more when they got back home, and that seemed to have subdued his sweet tooth for the time being.

***

It was a good, solid hour before the moving van had arrived, traffic having kept it from reaching its destination any sooner. Aya was quite glad when she felt the van stop, and the engines turn off. Soon after she saw the crack of light as the back was opened and she was greeted with the glaring eyes of the dark haired mover. Feeling awkward again, she moved swiftly out of the van to be out of the mover's way.

Watching with a slight smile on her face for a short time, Aya's thoughts were elsewhere, her thoughts drifting to the events that would take place that very night. She would return to the park and speak with her angel . He claimed not to be an angel, but still, to her, that was what he would be. He was so beautiful . how could he not be?

"Hey, keep out of the way," came a voice, and she jumped. Seeing the dark haired mover, she again felt awkward and backed out of his way, only to fall in the way of another mover. "Just go inside," spoke the dark haired mover in an irritated manner, and she swiftly replied if for nothing else but to get away from him.

Climbing the few stairs up to the apartment that she now would share with Yukito, she pushed the door open.

***

Sakura blinked and looked out the window, a presence filling her for a moment, though it was soon gone.

"Hey, kiddo, what is it?" Kero asked, looking curiously at her at her sudden movement.

"Ohh, it's nothing Kero-chan," she replied, waving her hands in front of her with a nervous smile. She glanced out the window again for good measure, and saw the moving truck. "Ohh! They're here!"

Yukito blinked and looked out the window as well. "So they are . Kero-chan, it would be best if you went back into Sakura-chan's back-pack," he spoke wisely, smiling in his usual kind manner.

"I don't waaaanna," he complained, but never the less, he went into the cute bear shaped pack that Sakura usually had with her, in order to keep Kero out of sight.

The door was opened shortly after, and Aya stepped into the apartment with a smile on her face, shy and nervous when she saw Sakura there. "H . Hello," she spoke softly, smiling kindly to the young girl.

"Stay out of the way," came the same voice of the dark haired mover that she had heard several times before. Again, out of her awkwardness and nervousness to be around the older man, she hurried out of the way and into the living room, where Yukito and Sakura had matched looks of surprise on their faces upon seeing the dark haired mover.

"Touya-san!" Yukito exclaimed, standing quickly to greet his friend, as well as to help him with the heavy box that he was carrying. "I don't need your help," Touya replied irritably, though he made no movement to keep Yukito from taking the box from him.

"Gya! Oniichan!" Sakura exclaimed after Yukito, blinking in surprise. "You always have a new job ."

"Shut up," he replied, not even in the mood to pick on his little sister. He had to be in a bad mood if he wouldn't even make fun of her. Secretly he had already grown a very strong dislike for this Aya girl. A rich girl from across town, coming from her nice, large home, and moving into such a small apartment. And with Yukito no less. Why did she move in here, instead of into some elaborate apartment where he could be sure that she would leave Yukito alone?

"Ahh . You . already all know each other," Aya spoke softly, blushing a bit in embarrassment. This was growing to be a very interesting encounter.

"Gomen! Where are my manners? This cute girl here is Sakura-chan, and this is her older brother Touya," Yukito said with a bright smile, oblivious to the irritated mood that Touya was in. Sakura curtseyed and smiled when introduced, and Touya just grunted and returned to his work. The sooner he got it done, the sooner he could leave.

"Ah! I have a present for you," Sakura spoke brightly, moving over to Aya and producing a tied package for her. The young girl smiled brightly as Aya took it. Aya was presently surprised when she opened it to find the home baked cookies.

"They look wonderful, thank-you Sakura-chan," she spoke softly, a bright smile on her face.

In Sakura's bag, Kero shivered and worked hard to keep himself from bursting forth to take one of the cookies. How could he resist? They were chocolate chip!

"I will save them for now, I had a big lunch before I left and they wouldn't be appreciated properly! I will tell you how they tasted, though I have no doubt that they will taste great!" she added, more cheerful and comfortable around this girl. She had a warm feeling around her that seemed strangely similar to that of Yue.

Sakura tilted her head to the side upon seeing the feather charm that was around Aya's neck. Aya had forgotten to tuck it back safely into the confines of her shirt, leaving it dangling to be openly seen. Sakura's eyes widened and then quickly, she hid the expression of recognize that came to her face. Thoughts raced through the young magician's head as she smiled, nervous.

***

Aya smiled and waved as Sakura and Touya left, and she still received some rather nasty glares from Touya, which she flinched back from. She felt like she was invading on something very important for him. It was something greater than friendship, and she knew it. Yukito didn't seem to mind, though. In fact, he seemed quite glad to have someone living with him.

"Someone to share lonely hours with!" had been his cheerful comment.

Gently, Aya touched a hand to the feather that she wore, a slightly warm feeling filling her. She was so comfortable here, in this new place. Yukito felt familiar, despite the fact that she had only met him in the park a short time ago.

With a soft smile she retreated to the room that would soon be shaped into her bedroom. Now, only the bed and dresser were set up, with everything else packed away in boxes. Over the next few days, she would have fun unpacking her things and setting up her room as she felt it would suit.

That wasn't important though. She just had to stay awake for now, pretending to be asleep, until the time was right for her to get up and go meet her Angel once again.

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Mesagi: Well, hope you enjoyed that. Tis all I can offer you for the moment. There will be another chapter soon, though probably not for a bit. There seems to be growing gaps of time where I have nothing to present for my *cough, cough* loyal *cough, cough* fans.

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Next Chapter: Aya leaves to meet her Angel, but before she leaves, she notices that Yukito is missing from the apartment. Strange things seem to be happening all around her, and she can't figure any of it out.