I have to study for my SATs so my sister suggested I incorporate some of my SAT vocabulary words in each chapter. I'll go back to my previous chapters and insert them.

SAT words of the day: euphony - (n) pleasant, harmonious sound
clamor - (n) noisy outcry

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Part 1: Around the World

Chapter 13: Souvenirs!

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Tsukushi and Tsukasa didn't wake up until late in the morning, almost noon, since neither of them got much sleep the night before. (AN: o.O) Tsukushi was the first to wake up. Even though she knew she didn't sleep much she was very energized. She decided to let Tsukasa to continue sleeping while she takes a shower.

She was getting out of bed when Tsukasa's hold tightened. She froze, startled by the sudden movement. She turned back to look at Tsukasa and saw that he was still sleeping. His instinctive movement touched her. It made her feel very safe. She tried to get out of Tsukasa's hold but he was too strong. She was exasperated. Even while he's sleeping, he's still as strong as a lion. She knew she couldn't get out of bed unless he woke up so she lied back down.

It was only then that everything from last night came back to her. She turned as red as a strawberry. It was so embarrassing. She couldn't believe she was so wanton. She didn't struggle at all. And there was a few times she initiated it! She would never be able to live with this. She had sex before getting married! How horrible!

Tsukasa woke up while these thoughts were running around Tsukushi's head. He knew she was awake because she was drawing circles with her index finger on his chest. It was arousing the hell out of him.

Tsukushi didn't even know she was doing it. She was too worried.

"Good morning Tsukushi. I love waking up seeing you."

Tsukushi was startled at hearing Tsukasa's voice. "Tsukasa! I-"

Tsukasa placed a finger on her mouth. "Don't talk. I have a feeling what you say is going to make me angry. No regrets right?"

The no regrets part silenced her more than anything else could have. He was right. She entered this situation with her eyes wide open. She could've stopped him but she didn't.

Sensing Tsukushi was hesitant; Tsukasa took advantage and leaned in to kiss her. Tsukushi opened up to him without thinking. Who would have thought it took her only one night to let her guard down completely.

Tsukushi was so responsive to him that it made him crazy. She screamed and moaned at his touch.

It was one before they got out of bed. Tsukasa didn't want to get up but he knew Tsukushi didn't want to lazy around in bed. He got up and walked to the bathroom. He didn't bother to put on clothes, or try to cover himself.

Tsukushi took a pillow and threw it at him. "You should be more modest."

Tsukasa laughed, "What? Are you embarrassed? There's nothing I have to hide from you after last night." Tsukushi turned even redder.

Tsukasa stepped into the bathroom. Then he turned his head around and asked Tsukushi, "Do you want to take one with me?"

Tsuksuhi didn't say anything, but Tsukasa didn't expect an answer. He simply smiled at her then closed the door and Tsukushi was left to do war with herself. She wanted to go in and she didn't. She wanted to be with him but she was afraid to go to him. She spent a torturous minute thinking.

She knew she wasn't getting anywhere, and ended up yelling at herself for being a coward. She squared her shoulders and got out of bed. She took a deep breath before opening the door.

Her heart started beating rapidly as she stood by the doorway. She saw Tsukasa through the glass doors. Tsukasa didn't hear her because of the running water. Tsukushi thought, it's now or never. She paused for a second then opened the glass door.

Tsukasa was startled when he felt the cool air. He turned around and saw Tsukushi standing there, naked. His shock quickly turned to joy when she walked in and hugged him. He's so warm, she thought. She didn't know if it was from the water or his natural body heat. She didn't care.

"I love you," she said to him.

Tsukasa didn't say anything. He couldn't find any words that could convey the joy he felt so he showed her. Their lovemaking was slow and gentle.

********

They went to eat lunch at a place near where the ship was docked. Tsukushi wanted to eat authentic Chinese food because she didn't know when she would ever be back to China.

They went to one of the famous restaurants. Tsukasa didn't bother with the menu. He told the waiter to bring all of the chef's specialties. This made the restaurant manager skeptical as to whether or not they could pay for everything. After all they were a five star restaurant. The dishes Tsukasa ordered were quite pricey. There have been a few cases where people couldn't pay.

"Excuse me, since you ordered so much, could you please pay in advance?"

Tsukasa knew what this man was thinking. He was so mad that he was about to hit him. A kick from Tsukushi stopped him from doing anything except take out his wallet. The manager's eyes popped out when he saw a gold card in every pocket of Tsukasa's wallet.

"Which one do you accept?"

The manager swallowed hard and choked out, "Visa." Tsukasa took out the Visa gold card and handed it to the manager. "Thank you. Enjoy your food."

When the manager left, Tsukasa said, "Infuriating old man. I can't believe he thought I couldn't pay." Tsukushi laughed uncontrollably. Tsukasa narrowed his eyes. "What are you laughing about?"

"The all famous Doumyouji Tsukasa talked to as if he was a poor man. That's just too hilarious. I never thought I'd see that day come. Everywhere we went someone recognized you, even though we're not even in Japan. I can't believe we came to China and someone didn't know you."

"I don't see why he didn't know who I was. My family has big businesses here too. That man must be senile and doesn't watch the news." Then Tsukasa mused, "Maybe I'll buy this place just to fire him."

Tsukushi was horrified, "Don't you dare! He looked old enough to be your grandfather. He wouldn't be able to do anything else."

"Just a thought."

Inwardly Tsukushi smiled. She knew Tsukasa wouldn't do such a thing. Maybe he would've once, but not anymore.

She couldn't deny that being rich had its good points as long as the power wasn't abused. She's had a lot of fun these past few months, and she knew she wouldn't have been able to have it if it wasn't for Tsukasa.

She grew sad at the thought that their vacation was ending in a couple more weeks. When they go back, there's still a few more days of school. Tsukasa would have his graduation ceremony. Then she started laughing.

"What are you laughing about?"

Tsukushi shook her head, "It's nothing. I was just imagining you in a graduation gown."

Tsukasa had a scowl. "I'm not wearing one."

"Ehh?!??! Why not?"

"The F4 has never worn a uniform ever since junior high, and we're not going to start now."

"But it's a special day. What are you going to wear?"

Tsukasa shrugged, "It's just like any other day. It's not like school is over. We still have to go to college in the same place."

Tsukushi thought about it. What he said is true though. From elementary to college he's been in the same area (Eitoku has kindergarten to graduate school). Now that she thought about it Eitoku is really big to hold every grade. Tsukasa has never been to any other school, so each graduation ceremony was simply a stepping up ceremony to a new building. He was still going to be with the same people. Rich people all go to the same schools, probably because they wanted to isolate themselves from the rest of civilization who was regarded as beneath them.

Even though he was still going to be at Eitoku, they weren't going to be on the same campus. The thought of starting school the next year and not seeing him around was depressing.

"Don't make that face. It makes me want to kiss you."

Immediately Tsukushi changed her facial expression to grumpy. Tsukasa laughed. "Now you look like a monkey." Tsukushi stuck out her tongue.

Tsukasa stopped laughing and smiled at her. It made Tsukushi's heart skip a beat. "I'll still see you in school. Besides the college and high school campuses are only a few minutes apart."

"What are you talking about? I didn't say I was sad."

Tsukasa smirked. "If I waited for you to say these things, I'll wait forever."

Tsukushi didn't say anything because Tsukasa was right. She didn't know why she has a hard time saying such simple things. Luckily, right then, the food came. It was really quick, they ordered only 10 minutes ago. Tsukushi mused; it must've been because they saw Tsukasa's gold cards. If they didn't know him before, they knew him now. Everyone's always so eager to please the rich, no wonder they're so arrogant.

Tsukushi's stomach growled. Then again, she thought, being rich does have a lot of benefits. She dug into her food. Thankfully there was only one utensil, chopsticks. At Tsukasa's house there were so many she didn't know which one to use. It wasn't as simple as a fork, spoon, and knife. There were two forks and two spoons, in different shapes. She didn't understand the difference. She always had to ask Tsukasa which one to use. She was glad that he didn't make fun of her.

Tsukasa watched her eat. He didn't think he would ever get tired looking at her. She was so easily pleased. He simply enjoyed watching her. He'd never seen someone who was so open. When she's happy she'd smile, when she's mad she'd yell and when she's sad she'd cry. Sometimes she would try to hide her emotions but she'd always fail. It was her eyes. She'd never be able to hide the expression in them. Tsukasa wouldn't have it any other way. He didn't like those who didn't say what they mean. All his life he'd been dealing with these people. He didn't think there was someone as simple as Tsukushi.

If Tsukushi had heard what Tsukasa was thinking she'd be insulted. If anyone was simple it was Tsukasa. He never thought about the consequences of his actions, nor anything else for that matter.

They were more perfect than they thought.

********

After that huge lunch Tsukushi and Tsukasa walked around China. Tsukushi couldn't speak Mandarin very well but Tsukasa was fluent. Tsukushi didn't realize Tsukasa was fluent in so many languages: Mandarin, English, Italian, German and French. Maybe that's why his Japanese was so bad.

They didn't go anywhere special because it was late. There was going to be a tour group organized by the cruise tomorrow. So they just walked around to a lot of tourist shops. Tsukushi wanted to buy souvenirs for her friends. She totally forgot about them when they went to other places. If not she would've bought a little something from each place she went to.

Tsukushi found some cute trinkets for Yuki and Kazuya. She asked Tsukasa if they should buy something for the F3.

"Why would you need to buy them something? If they want it they could get it."

"But it's different. It's not really the gift, but the idea that you were thinking about them."

Tsukasa shrugged. He didn't understand what she was saying. The F3 could fly over to China whenever they want. It's not like they've never been here. But he didn't say anything. Tsukushi looked so happy when searching for gifts.

"You know Tsukasa, the best part of gifts is in the giving."

"What are you talking about? Receiving is the best."

"But it's also nice to see the reaction of the other person who received the gift." Tsukasa didn't say anything, because he knew it was true. When he saw her baffled reaction after she saw the Saturn necklace, he was filled with happiness.

Tsukushi didn't mind Tsukasa's silence. She was busy looking for gifts. She was thinking about what to get the F3. It was true that they had everything already, and there wasn't anything they couldn't buy themselves, so Tsukushi thought of buying something that they wouldn't buy themselves; nothing grand or fancy, but something simple and common.

Tsukushi saw a cute doll wearing a Chinese kimono. The kimono was dark blue with pink flowers. She picked it up to look closer. It was small, the length of her palm. It was very light. She turned the doll around and saw a hole that was closed. She didn't understand the need for it. Then the shopkeeper told her it was a water gun. The shopkeeper demonstrated by putting water in through the back hole. Then she pressed a button on the side and water squirted out from the mouth of the doll. Tsukushi laughed. It was so cute. She decided to buy it for Rui.

Even though Rui is with Shizuka she could still send it to him. She was sure Tsukasa or someone else would have his address. He's helped her so much through out the school year.

Okay, one down two to go, and they were the hardest to get things for. She didn't know them that well. They were both playboys. She had nothing in common with them. But it didn't seem right not to get them something when she was going to get others gifts.

Tsukushi thought long and hard and decided to get them ornaments, something goofy in their classy homes. As long as it's not tacky or plain ugly they should like it, if not they'll just put it somewhere and ignore it.

Tsukushi looked around with Tsukasa. He was no help. He didn't know what they like at all. Tsukushi found a shop that sold wind chimes. They were all so beautiful. There were different designs and they all made euphonious sounds. She decided to get one for all of her friends. She thought it was unfair to give only one thing to Soujiro and Akira when she gave more to everyone else but she couldn't think of anything for them and besides, she doubted they would mind.

Tsukasa paid for everything because Tsukushi didn't have money. Since the trip was a last minute thing she didn't bring anything. Tsukasa didn't mind paying but Tsukushi did. She was about to forget buying the wind chimes, they weren't expensive but buying one for everyone was a small sum she couldn't afford. Tsukasa ignored her clamors and told her to pick what she wanted or he'll buy one of every design.

This made the shopkeeper's eyes light up. He understood Tsukasa's words since he spoke Chinese. Tsukushi started out speaking in Chinese but when she began to argue with Tsukasa she slipped back to Japanese. The shopkeeper hoped the man would win the argument and buy one of everything.

Tsukushi was exasperated. She knew if she left the shop empty handed with Tsukasa he'll simply go back or order someone to buy everything. So she relented and looked for the design that suited her friends best. In the end even though they didn't buy one of every design, the shopkeeper was very happy. They left the shop with 14 wind chimes; Soujiro, Akira, Rui, Shigeru, Yuki, Kazuya, M, Sakurako, Tsubaki, mom&dad, brother, and Ryoko. (AN: Am I missing anyone?) Tsukushi also decided to buy one for Tsukasa. His bedroom always had a light breeze when the windows were open. His room was probably one of the coolest during summer. Tsukushi thought it would be wonderful to fall asleep listening to the wind chimes.

After Tsukushi was done buying the wind chimes, it was late. She looked at her watch, 7:27. They've been shopping for over 4 hours. Even though she was tired she wanted to shop some more but she knew that if she did, Tsukasa would buy everything she showed an interest in. For some reason he had this urge to shower her with gifts. When was he going to get it through his head that she didn't want his money? She could support herself.

They went to eat at a different Chinese restaurant, and of course it was five stars. Tsukasa wouldn't settle for less. Actually it's more like he can only eat well-garnished food.

Afterwards they went back to the ship. Tsukushi wanted to go find Ryoko. She wanted to give Ryoko the wind chime. Tsukasa didn't want to let her go but relented in the end. As long as she wasn't going to a guy Tsukasa didn't feel as irritated.

********

Ryoko was lying on her bed, staring up at the ceiling. She was thinking of what to do when she gets back to Japan. She would have to find a new apartment. She didn't want to go back to the orphanage. She hated the workers, but she might go back to visit the kids. They needed to know someone was supporting them.

[Knock Knock] Ryoko got up and walked towards the door. It could only be Tsukushi at the door; she didn't make any other friends during the time on the boat. Ryoko was right when she saw Tsukushi standing behind the door with a wide smile on her face.

"Tsukushi-chan! It's so nice to see you! How come you're not with Tsukasa?"

Tsukushi stepped into Ryoko's room, "I was just with him. We went shopping for souvenirs to give to our friends. I bought you something too!"

Ryoko was stunned. Why would Tsukushi buy her something? It wasn't her birthday or any occasion. She said as much to Tsukushi.

Tsukushi simply laughed, "You don't have to have a reason to give gifts to friends."

Ryoko smiled. "I suppose you're right." Then her eyes turned misty.

Tsukushi was instantly worried, "What's wrong?"

Ryoko shook her head, "It's nothing." Impulsively she hugged Tsukushi. "You're the best friend I've ever had."

Tsukushi smiled and hugged Ryoko back. "Come on, open you're gift."

"Okay," Ryoko dug into the bag Tsukushi gave her and took out the wind chime. "It's beautiful!" There were six (AN: Is there a special name for them?) midnight blue sticks. There were small yellow stars and light yellow moons decorated on the sticks. The middle stick had words written on it in white. It read: Shoot for the sky and land amongst the stars.

Ryoko couldn't help it; her eyes were tearing again. She tried to hide it by hugging Tsukushi again. "I love it! It's the best gift anyone's ever given to me."

"I'm glad you like it. I spent a lot of time picking the right wind chime for everyone."

After Ryoko hung it up by the doorway she sat back down. She looked hard at Tsukushi, "There's something different about you."

Tsukushi reacted negatively, "What do you mean? Is there something wrong with me?"

"Iie! Iie! I don't mean it like that. You've changed. And it seems like something overnight. You seem a lot happier and maybe a bit less uptight."

Tsukushi blushed, "I-I don't know what you mean."

"Aha! I knew it, something did happen." Ryoko wasn't about to let Tsukushi off that easily. "Did something happen between you and Tsukasa?" Tsukushi turned a deeper shade of red. "I was right!" Ryoko's eyes lit up. "You did it with Tsukasa?" Tsukushi turned even redder, if that was possible. Ryoko squealed, "Congratulations!!!!" She hugged Tsukushi tightly. "Tell me everything! Was it good?"

"Th-this isn't something you tell others."

"Aww, come on Tsukushi. A virgin doesn't get much excitement in these fields. And judging from your reactions I bet it was good."

Tsukushi was torn. She was so embarrassed that this subject was even brought up, but at the same time she felt like she really needed to talk to someone. Tsukushi relented, "He was good."

Ryoko squealed again. "You're so lucky!! You won't believe how many couples complain about their sex life." Ryoko saw that Tsukushi wasn't merely embarrassed; she was distraught. "What's wrong Tsukushi? Oh Kami- sama, don't tell me you're pregnant."

Tsukushi looked up at her in horror. "I-I didn't even think of that possibility! I don't think we used protection. What am I going to do if I am? I'm only 16!"

"Shh, shh, calm down. Think! When was your last period?"

Tsukushi took a deep breath, "Last week."

"That means you can't be pregnant. And to be on the safe side you'll take a pregnancy test when you get back to Japan." Ryoko was sorry she brought up the subject, especially since this wasn't what Tsukushi was worried about.

"So what were you distraught about if it wasn't the possibility of being pregnant? You didn't like sex?"

"Iie. I'm afraid it's the opposite." Tsukushi started crying, shocking Ryoko. Most people wouldn't cry right after admitting sex was superb. "I'm afraid I've become wanton. I'm starting to let my control slip. I want to be with him a lot now. I'm so afraid I'm relying on him too much. That I can't stand by myself anymore."

Ryoko brought Tsukushi into her arms and let Tsukushi cry it all out. "Silly, you're not wanton. You're acting like any other girl who's deeply in love. There's nothing wrong in wanting to be with the man you love or depending on him. That's what he's there for."

Tsukushi's tears subsided and with that most of her worries. "A relationship progresses further when you start needing him to be with you. Of course it's not the overly dependent way. And frankly I don't think you'll ever be that kind of girl. You're very strong and independent."

Tsukushi chuckled lightly, "Sometimes I'm not as strong as everyone thinks I am."

"Of course not! No one can be strong 24/7. Then you wouldn't be human. We all need to depend on each other. And it's better if we have good people around us to depend on. You have a lot, Doumyouji and your friends in Japan will always be there for you."

"And you too."

"Huh?"

"You're a good person too. I'm thankful that I met you."

Ryoko smiled, "I feel the same."

They continued for hours. Tsukushi felt easier talking about her relationship with Tsukasa. Even though she was still embarrassed she didn't feel like it was wrong to want to have sex. Tsukushi didn't want to think of what would have happened if Ryoko hadn't been there for her to talk to. She probably would've felt bad for the last few days of the trip, and maybe ignore Tsukasa for a while. This would've only hurt both of them. It was very hard for her to talk about these things to people, much less Tsukasa. It wasn't that she couldn't trust him or anything; it's just that it was hard to get words out in between being embarrassed and crying. Ryoko understood instantly and knew what to say. Tsukushi had a feeling Tsukasa would've simply said not to think so much, which wouldn't have helped Tsukushi at all.

When it was one, Tsukushi decided to go back to her room. She took the elevator up to her deck. She stopped between Tsukasa's door and her door. She stood there for a few minutes her heart was beating wildly. She saw her hand reaching out to Tsukasa's door. Her mind was shouting no! Go to your own room! But her body was reacting differently. She wanted to be with him, to feel his warmth. She took a deep breath to still her thoughts, and decided to go for it. It was time she approached him first.

She had her hand on his door and turned. The door wouldn't open. That's when she realized it was locked. She berated herself. Of course it's locked - these are auto lock doors. She walked back to stop in front of her door. She took out her key card and was about to swipe it through her door when she thought, would my key card work for Tsukasa's door? She decided there was no harm in trying. She swiped her card through, and saw the red light turn green. "It worked," Tsukushi whispered in astonishment. That meant that Tsukasa's key card works for her door too. Tsukushi didn't know whether to feel outraged or surprised. Outraged that she never had any privacy to begin with and surprised that Tsukasa didn't once barge into her room uninvited.

These thoughts flew out the window as she stepped through Tsukasa's door. The lights were off but the moonlight coming from the window was bright enough to light the room. Tsukushi looked at the bed. It was still made, meaning that Tsukasa wasn't there. She felt a pang of disappointment. Then she berated herself; did you think he was going to be waiting for you? His world doesn't revolve around yours. But that was exactly what Tsukushi was thinking. Tsukasa had always been there, even when she didn't want him to. The idea that he wouldn't be there just didn't occur to her.

"What took you so long?"

Tsukushi's head shot up at the sound of Tsukasa's voice. She looked at the door connecting their rooms. Tsukasa stood there in a Terri robe. He looks so gorgeous, she thought.

Tsukasa walked to Tsukushi. "I was getting impatient. I was about to go down to get you."

Feelings of embarrassment flew out the window, replaced by anger. "What do you think I am? A dog? Coming down to get me?" The idea of it was ridiculous. She could come and go wherever she pleases.

Tsukasa lifted a hand and caressed her cheek. "I missed you."

That instantly diffused her anger, leaving her feeling deflated. "That's not fair. You always say these things when I was getting the hang of yelling at you."

Tsukasa's eye twitched, "You shouldn't like yelling at me. It's not feminine."

Tsukushi scoffed, "If nobody kept you in line, you'd be unstoppable."

"Are you going to keep me in line the rest of your life?"

Tsukushi sighed, "Seems like there's nobody else who'll do it." This rewarded her a light pinch on her cheek. Tsukushi smiled.

"Is that a promise?" Tsukasa searched for the response in her eyes.

"Hai," Tsukushi whispered. She tiptoed to kiss him just as he was bending down. They fell down onto the bed.

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Hehe, I'm sure you can imagine the rest. Whew! That was a long chapter, but then again reading is nothing like writing. You all probably breezed by this chapter in minutes, where as I spent hours writing. ::Sighs:: the unfairness of it all. Hehe, well I hope my efforts were appreciated. Please REVIEW! And remember to tell me whom you think Ryoko should end up with: Rui or Soujiro, so far Rui is leading by two.