This chapter is for everyone who's been so kind about this fic. Special mention for Mewta for some wonderful compliments and for someone else who reviewed but left no name - I hope you come back again!
The Promises of Tomorrow.
DISCLAIMER: Whass'at mean then? I dunno. . .
Chapter 3 - The New Boy.'
Touya's-day (Thursday)
Dear Diary – don't ask me how I got through the school day! Thank goodness no one asked me a question because I probably would have replied I'm having dinner at Touya's house!' to everyone! Aside from the excitement though there were some important matters to consider, should I eat *before* I went? If I did then I might not wolf down my food and embarrass myself but it's good manners to leave room for a meal when someone else is cooking it. It was a problem. . .
I know exactly how you feel, the dinner trays must pay for their crimes.
Yukito stopped looking - well, glaring at the tray - to see Touya towering over him. He cried.
The larger youth rolled his eyes. He replied. The pale boy giggled and sat back.
The football captain gasped dramatically. Yuki, I know I don't know you that well but. . .there is food on your plate. . .am I right in thinking this isn't a natural phenomenon?
Yukito blushed which seemed to fascinate the other student who watched the path of pink as it seeped up the slender neck and into the rounded cheeks.
Well I – I. . .uh. . .oh dear. The Snow Bunny managed looking distressed.
Touya's eyes hardened. Is someone giving you a hard time? It must be something serious to put you off your food. Just tell me Yuki and I'll sort it out.
No, no its not that, I just. . .well -.
Finally he explained his dilemma and it seemed Touya was giving it due consideration. . .until he started laughing. Several student groups nearby turned to look at the usually serious boy and then curiously turned their attention to the one that had amused him.
The New Boy.'
Touya choked. If you're hungry then eat, if not, then don't, it's as simple as that.
You won't mind? The taller youth shook his head. And your father won't mind?
Another smile. Once you've met tousan you'll understand why the very idea is preposterous.
Oh. . .well in that case-.
Seconds later the tray was empty and Touya was watching him sardonically having sat down at the table.
Happy now?
Yukito hummed, eyes half closed.
When the footballer continued to watch him and made no move to eat his own food the Snow Bunny roused himself.
Did you forget your lunch?
Iie, I rarely bring any.
No lunch!? Yukito gasped.
The youth shrugged. I don't have an appetite like yours, I'm usually still pretty fresh even after a big match.
You must have a lot of energy. The pale student looked suspiciously from side to side before leaning forward and whispering interrogatively. What's your secret?
Touya leaned even closer. You tell me yours and I'll tell you mine.
Yukito sat back quickly. Secrets? Me? I wish! What you see is what you get I'm afraid.
The other drawled, sounding dubious.
The Snow Bunny held the intense gaze as long as he could. . which wasn't long. Touya took pity on him.
So are you coming straight back to my house after fifth period?
Yukito suddenly swooped forward at the sight of a substantial crumb on in tray. He licked his fingertip and corrected his oversight. I made a cake so I need to go back and get it.
I'll go with you, you could give me that tour I mentioned.
He felt strangely unenthusiastic at the prospect.
Maybe I could meet your parents.
Yukito stilled as he whiped his fingers on a tissue. I live with my grandparents.
Oh. . . He thought for a moment that Touya was leaving a pause for him to fill with an explanation until he spoke again. Well, I could meet them instead.
Yukito knotted the napkin and replaced it slowly. They travel a lot. He turned to look out of the window and away from his companions searching expression unaware that his defensive body language gave away more than words.
Do they spend much time with you when they're home?
Well, they get up and go to bed early so I rarely see them.
Another long pause from Touya. Well, its good that they're still living life to the full.
Yukito enthused. I want to be just like them. He sat back dreamily. I'm going to fly all over the world.
His companion smiled. Have you ever been on a plane?
The pale boy frowned thoughtfully. I don't thin- he corrected himself abruptly. No. No I haven't.
I have. When I was younger.
What does it feel like?
How do you imagine it would feel?
Strange at first, then...then sort of natural after practice. He closed his eyes, enjoying a private daydream. Afterwards you'd want to glide or float everywhere because walking just seems like a pointless exercise. He opened his eyes again to find Touya watching him closely. Was I close? He asked.
I suppose it depends who you're with. He answered. I'm dreading Sakura's first flight. He shuddered eloquently. I can just imagine her hopping from the window to the aisle seat, squealing with excitement one moment then fear the next.
Yukito chuckled. I bet you wouldn't let her go without you!
Touya responded noncommittally.
You know Toya. The other youth began conversationally. If I didn't know better I'd say you had a sister complex.
Shut up. Was his reply.
Yukito shifted his satchel and watched the last students trickle out of the school building. Touya was late...or not coming. He'd been stood u-
He beamed as he saw Touya cycling towards him. You're late. He informed him when the bike stopped.
Gomen. I had to tell the kaijuu that I couldn't go home with her cause we're swinging by your place.
You should have left it to me! Yukito cried, instantly feeling guilty and still dreading showing his new friend his new home.
Nah. She'll be fine walking with her cousin, Tomoyo. I should warn you though, she hasn't shut up about your visit. They started pedalling beside eachother.
Well...Touya I think I should warn *you* that my house is a little, well it's...it's not like yours.
Inhabited by a noisy kaijuu you mean?
Yukito fixed his eyes on the passing concrete beneath them, unable to even chuckle at the remark. It's not that, its just - empty, - minimalist.
Everyone's homes are different Yuki, who cares if you have a sofa made of concrete, or -.'
Yukito zoned out. He could see his brightly coloured garden from here. At least that was one thing he could be proud of.
Despite what he'd said Touya was clearly surprised at the austerity of his home but Yukito could practically see the youths minds concluding that his grandparents must be ruled by tradition and old-style Japanese decor. In fact Touya was still stuck trying to remember the last time he'd see Tatami floors outside of a shrine!
Seeing his companion note the immaculate but sparse furnishings Yukito did something very rude, he ignored the fact he was supposed to give a tour and instead dragged his guest into the spacious kitchen where he seized the cake tin.
Here it is! He declared in a shrill voice. Lets go before Sakura gets impatient.
To his credit Touya didn't remind him of his manners, he just took the tin and nodded. You're right, kaijuu's got an appetite like a T-Rex.
Yukito could have kissed him for being so understanding but as soon as *that* notion entered his head he blushed furiously.
Alright then. He said quickly, more than happy to close the door on his silent home.
Sakura shrieked before running up the stairs faster than the speed of light, tearing a brush through her hair and straightening her dress, then racing back down. she completed.
The grey-haired boy finished his millisecond blink barely aware that the girl had disappeared!
Konnichiwa, Sakura-chan. The girl turned pink and seemed to be melting into a puddle until her brother huffed and pushed passed her.
Why is that when a kaijuu stands in a doorway you can't even see the house? Touya asked sarcastically.
Sakura stamped her foot. Kaijuu ja nai! She yelled and was in the process of shaking her fist at her brother's moving back when she heard Yukito laughing at which point she continued her meltdown.
Yuki, there's a clean pair of guest slippers by the mat. Touya called.
He replied as he lifted Sakura off the floor and dusted her off.
The girl nodded.
Kaijuu! Is this your mess in the kitchen?
What mess? She demanded hotly stomping off loudly enough to justify her oniichan's insults.
Yukito shook his head fondly already feeling the warm, familial glow of the household taking him over. He swapped his shoes for the offered slippers and headed in the direction of squabbling siblings.
You made yourself a snack? Touya was saying. You call *that* a snack? Thank goodness tousan's doing the cooking tonight!
I was starving!
Her brother responded dryly. Yukito peered at what was being discussed so heatedly...Touya had a point, whatever it was, was an off-white colour, lumpy, runny and all over the work-top.
It's a good thing we came back when we did. His friend muttered over his shoulder to him.
He scolded. Leave Sakura alone you big bully.
The tall youth looked surprised while his sister gazed at him like her saviour, protector, hero, guardian...to add to his previous position as a God.
Finally the football captain threw his hands in the air exasperatedly. Come on. He muttered directing Yukito out of the kitchen and up the stairs. Get that mess cleaned up! He called back to his pouting sister.
I can't believe she's won you over already you traitor. Touya accused him as they entered his room.
She's kawaii.
She doesn't look anything like you.
Iie, she takes after okaasan. Touya answered with a smile.
Are you like your otousan?
We share some personality traits but we don't look much alike. I guess I'm some weird throwback.
Well it certainly turned out well for you. Yukito murmured absently as he stared around Touya's room taking in the possessions and unaware of what he'd just said.
Would you like to sit down? The darker youth asked softly.
Yukito tore his nosey gaze away blushing guiltily. He sat in the swivel chair that Touya had pulled out from under his bed for him while Touya himself sat cross-legged on his bed.
Yukito didn't feel comfortable looking at Touya, nor did it feel polite to continue peering around his room, tempting though it were. He sighed and made an effort to meet the amused gaze.
What's so funny?
You are. Yukito cocked his head curiously. You're so easy to read. Sometimes.
Gomen, you just have a very interesting room.
Feel free to look around. You're obviously dying to.
The Snow Bunny stood up sheepishly and spent the next few minutes looking through Touya's CD's and book's oohing' and ahhing' intermittently until he came across a worn album and waited for Touya's nod to pull it out. Rather than opening it himself he carried it over to his companion and sat close to him so they could look through it together. They were all photo's, mostly of Touya and his mother and a tiny few of her with a baby Sakura. The significant space at the end of the small collection was taken up with fragile pressed flowers. Being as green-fingered as he was Yukito could identify the the blossoms immediately.
Cherry.
Peach...he looked at Touya.
Did you're mother make these for you?
He nodded. Towards the end she was confined to bed, I used to bring her flowers. I never knew she was keeping them like this until she'd gone. She gave them to me inside a stack of music sheets and said Keep practising on the piano, help you father take care of your little sister and don't be afraid of -', Touya stopped abruptly.
Yukito prompted.
She told me not to be afraid of...strange things'.
The petite youth was about to question this when his companion stood up suddenly.
'tousan's home. He said opening the door to hid room and indicating that Yukito should follow and true enough, although he hadn't heard a sound, the door had opened by the time they reached the bottom of the stairs.
Despite Touya's earlier words Yukito had expected the father to be cut along similar lines as his son; tall, dark and handsome. Well, he was tall, even taller than Touya and he was also just as handsome but his hair and eyes were a warm, rich auburn colour while his face was as pale skinned and friendly as his exuberant daughter's. Despite the openness of his features however, Yukito could see where his new friend had gained his air of mystery and also, like it had been with Touya, Yukito liked Fujitaka immediately.
It's so lovely to meet you. The older man enthused clasping his offered hand warmly within both of his. Touya so rarely brings his school friends home. Never in fact. He leaned in, smiling broadly. That's why I finished work early. I had to meet the exception.
The youth in question blinked at his father's less than subtle words and Fujitaka didn't attempt to mask the amused sparkle in his eyes. Yukito felt flustered to say the least and more than a little honoured.
I - I'm very glad to meet you too, Kinomoto-san. Arigato for inviting me into your home.
Now that I've met you it's safe to say you are always welcom -.
Sakura yelled, bombing onto the scene.
If you can bear the racket that is! Her father added wryly sweeping his little girl up into a hug and carrying her into the kitchen.
Would you like some help preparing the food? Touya called.
No, no. Don't trouble yourself.
It's no trouble. Touya returned, or at least he had been about to before Yukito chirped eagerly in his place and trotted into the kitchen. Touya rolled his eyes and followed.
Alright. That's it! Touya cried exasperatedly as Sakura splashed yet more soapy water onto the kitchen floor.
The little girl tore her gaze from Yukito's turned back to see the pool forming beneath her on the linoleum floor.
And you wonder why we didn't let you cook?
I can cook!
Oh I see. You just can't wash up?
No...yes...stop being mean!
He doesn't mean it Sakura. Fujitaka assured her. Do you have homework tonight?
She mumbled reluctantly.
Touya chuckled. Math again?
She growled again with feeling.
Oh, I love Math! Yukito cried enthusiastically as he paused his chopping and beamed dazzlingly at her.
Sakura blinked. M-me too!
As long as it doesn't involve numbers, huh kaijuu?
The projectile sponge hit Touya squarely on the chest with a very wet slap before the girl practically flew from the kitchen with one hand firmly clamped over her mouth but a few sniggers managing to escape.
The male occupants blinked for what must have been a full minute. Yukito recovered first and returned to his vigourous chopping, as did Fujitaka, Touya, however, took over his sisters' abandoned role of staring at their guest who hummed as he worked.
Are you cooking or daydreaming, Touya? His father remarked, the man didn't turn around but Touya knew he was smiling and as he turned back to his work, he realised he was too.
Yukito bit his lip awkwardly. Hai, thats...enough.
Are you sure? Fujitaka indicated the already generous portion of rice.
Better add another few spade-fulls Touya laughed. Yukito was beginning to feel very ashamed until the older man spoke up.
Eating a lot is a sign that you're healthy. He added several more big spoonfuls. Please fetch your sister, Touya.
Now, instead of feeling embarrassed by is appetite, Yukito felt proud of it, more than that, he felt warm all over and when they sat at the table to eat he couldn't remember ever being so content.
Fujitaka-san is a wonderful cook! Yukito enthused as they entered the kitchen with the dishes.
Lets just hope you don't start growing sideways. Touya teased, prodding Yukito's flat belly with his index finger. The smaller youth giggled unintentionally and slapped the hand away.
Ticklish? That is definitely going in my arsenal of weapons against you!
Why would you need an arsenal against me? Yukito pondered innocently and abruptly gathered some soapsuds from Sakura's abandoned washing-up bowl and planted them on his classmates nose.
Touya lunged for him, intent on retaliation but instead skidded on the spilt water on the floor. It seemed that even while falling Touya remained calm, it was very odd, Yukito heard the ominous squeak of the linoleum and turned expecting to see flailing arms. One arm was out to catch the nearest counter but that was soapy too so there was no telling whether his fingers could find a reliable hold. The weirdest thing was that while all that was going through Yukito's head he was already there catching hold of the much larger boy as he fell.
That sound came from Touya, not Yukito.
That was a close one, he muttered from above Yukito's head, his breath stirring the grey hair because of their proximity. You can put me down now. He added softly.
Just realising that he was holding his friend an inch off the ground Yukito dropped him abruptly.
Well, I said I thought you were strong. The other boy remarked wryly as he rubbed at his ribs where Yukito's arms had circled.
Yukito dismissed abruptly.
Maybe that's why you eat a lot.
Touya rolled his eyes in a manner that suggested he was taking note of every noncommittal and vague answer he received.
And people say I'm secretive!
Yukito didn't respond.
Have you always been such a verbal clam?
Yukito offered. More because he thought it was what Touya wanted to hear than that he actually knew the answer.
What changed? Touya asked next, with just a little too much *casual* interest.
He sighed. Touya was testing him. Again. Several times during dinner he had tried probing Yukito and his past, granted without much success because he little sister constantly overrode his queries, which was fortunate. He was feeling too mentally exhausted from the intensity of the darker youth to use evasive manoeuvres anymore. Sakura proved his saviour again as she came in with her plate and he was excused from answering.
Your mess nearly killed me! Touya accused her. You realise I would have come back as a ghost to haunt you?
Her plate and cutlery rattled.
Don't worry Sakura-chan, ghosts only stay to look after those they left behind, not to be mean to them. Yukito assured her, receiving a startled look from Touya and a slightly less stricken one from the little girl. Demo, your oniichan did nearly hurt himself so be careful, ne?
She cried, clasping her hands in front of her.
Hmph. Well its your turn to clear up tonight kaijuu so we'll see how well you do.
I'm going to do the tidying tonight, Fujitaka said as he joined them. That way Sakura can do her best on her Maths homework.
I'll help. Yukito volunteered, already moving towards the sink.
Certainly not! Fujitaka responded and Yukito was suddenly struck by a sense of familiarity with the man. You're a guest, besides, you helped with the preparation.
Well, if you're sure that's alright... but Fujitaka was already rattling plates and getting to work, instructing Sakura to do the same.
So, do you want to go talk in my room? Touya invited.
Talk? The territory suddenly seemed very dangerous. Um...I should...go home. My, uh, grandparents will be wondering where I am.
Touya cocked his head slightly. I thought they were travelling?
They are- they were! Th-they might have come back early as a...s-surprise.
Okay then. I'll walk you out.
Yukito nodded. Hai. Arigato gozaimasu, Fujitaka-san.
Do itashi mashite. the man replied coming forward and drying his hands so that he could offer one to Yukito. We hope to see you again soon.
I hope so too. Yukito said enthusiastically and felt a little embarrassed by a sudden attraction to his friend's father as he shook his hand.
Next he bent down to Sakura. he murmured and ruffled her hair. He wished he had a little sister like her and he said as much to Touya when they stepped out of the house and began walking down the street.
Yeah, I gathered you liked her. Touya chuckled. You can share her with me if you like. Protecting her by myself is tough. Despite the humour in his tone Yukito sensed that the other youth was being completely serious and he felt very flattered.
You like tousan too?
He blushed, remembering that moment when he'd had to surpress an urge to embrace the older man. Of course.
That's understandable I suppose.
It -, Yukito swallowed. It is?
Hai. You're very much alike. That was flattering too.
Is, uh, is that why you like me? He guessed hesitantly. Because I'm like your father?
Touya didn't attempt to deny it, whether that like' qualified as friendship or something more remained unclear. He replied, with such certainly that Yukito had to follow it up.
Why do you then?
Maybe I just like a mystery. Yukito sensed him looking at him from the corner of his eye but wasn't quite brave enough to look up himself. Perhaps I'd like to solve the puzzle.
Yukito stopped walking abruptly and turned to look up at him. Touya. Can I ask you a favour?
The other replied.
Yukito took a deep breath. Stop trying to know me. He blurted. Touya didn't quite managed to conceal his hurt.
No, I don't mean it like that! He rushed. I just...please don't push, it's not necessary for friends to know everything about eachother is it?
The tall youth gave him that prolonged look he was just getting used to before he smiled, the warmest yet. A new respect forming behind his eyes. I guess not. The new boy's relief was clear. But do you think that some day we might? He continued, surprising himself and his companion.
Yukito replied cautiously.
Then I promise that tomorrow I'll ease up.
Tomorrow? Yukito wondered until Touya spoke again.
Truth or dare, Yuki?
The youth didn't like either option very much. He replied.
If you could fly anywhere where would you go?
He pursed his lips. I think I'd like to travel to a different time rather than place so I can't really answer that.
Can I ask another one then?
Yukito tsked playfully, no longer threatened by the game. Okay, but it's your last and I have the option of refusing to answer it.
Fair enough. Touya conceded. What is your greatest treasure?
My garden. Yukito replied promptly hiding a smile at Touya's disappointed expression. Touya? Truth or dare?
*Who* is your greatest treasure?
Touya rolled his eyes and reluctantly opened his mouth to answer before Yukito covered it with his hand.
That's alright, your secret's safe with me. He grinned cheekily.
Shu uh. Shut up Touya growled against the small hand.
Yukito withdrew the touch with a laugh. Like I said, my lips are sealed.' He checked his watch. I really have to go now. Arigato for inviting me, it was wonderful to meet your family. He said sincerely.
I'll walk you home. Touya offered.
That's okay. I'll be fine on my own, Toya. The boy assured him beginning to walk away.
He called after a moments deliberation, the slight figure stopped and turned to look back at him with the moonlight glinting off his hair.
Who is, or was, *your* greatest treasure? He asked.
The other boy was silent for a moment, his face hidden by shadows. Sleep well, Toya. He said and carried on walking.
Touya watched him until he turned the corner. You're on your own too much Yuki. He murmured and as he closed the door behind him he resolved to change that.
Please oh please review this!!! God bless the few who already have but I still need opinions. I get points for a 20 page chapter right? Demerits for not looking up a Japanese recipe for them to be cooking though...*bows deeply* gomen nasai!