Chapter 23 – Dance with me

Hey! Sorry for the late update.. Was waiting for comments, didn't get them so I updated anyway. Maybe my last chapter wasn't written that well? Well here is something for you r/t fans and t/t fans too. Please don't kill me for putting t/t together!! It's only temporary!! If you want – I can let Rui stay in Japan and not go after Shizuka!!

Tsukushi: Dancing! Cool! I love dancing! *frowns* but Rui is with Shizuka.. *sniff*

Rui: Don't worry.. *glares at Angel* I'm sure she'll put us together soon… Besides, did you hear what she said before? I'm not going to France.. .

Tsukasa: What are you talking about?! That will shorten my time with Tsukushi!!

Angel: Yeah yeah, don't worry *looks to reader* I'll put Rui and Tsukushi together.. Since I love him too ^^

Tsukushi: Hey! You love Rui too?!

Angel: *smiles* Sure and many other people I know too..

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Makino's P.O.V:

What are you doing Tsukushi? This is a private conversation!! Yet, I could not help myself. I had to look, I could barely catch their words but their actions said so much. It was so ironic.. that when I couldn't hear any part of their conversation, I heard these words. "I don't love Tsukushi, the only person in my heart is you." Had they really been talking about me? What happened next shattered all the remaining hopes left in my heart – he kissed her. Again I felt my world falling about me, the vortex that had once swallowed me when I had rejected Tsukasa's friendship.. it was back once again. A deep sea of despair.. melancholy wrapped itself around my heart. Freezing up all the warmth that was left.

It was then that I noticed that Shizuka wasn't responding to the kiss – I think it was this that made Rui pull away. This seemed to ignite a small flame in my heart, fighting the melt down the walls of ice. Maybe Shizuka didn't love him.. it almost seemed to much to hope for, considering their history together. I turned my back towards them, not wanting to see any more. Why am I still thinking of Rui? I promised myself I would forget him. But that is not easy, Rui is my first love. I don't think I have ever felt this way about a guy before.. except for maybe Tsukasa.. but it was only a close friendship between Tsukasa, right?

Yes, they were both important people in my life. Losing them meant pure hell for me – Rui had already made such a huge indent in my heart in only such a short time, it had taken years for Tsukasa to do the same thing. I guess I am in a vulnerable hormonal state now that I a teenager. But since this is coming from my mother, I don't know if I can really trust her..

I turned around to look at the pair again. They seemed to be in a hug, but Rui was pushing Shizuka away. I watched as he walked away, a clear sign of rejection. What was happening between them? Their relationship always seemed so complex, they seemed to be a couple and yet, they were not. The look of bitterness and pain in Rui's eyes as he walked away.. it made me want to run to him and comfort him. Maybe Shizuka didn't love him.. But I knew this was not the case as I took one last glance at Shizuka. Her face etched with pain and regret as she stared longing after Rui. Soon she turned to look out to sea again. I wondered what she was thinking. She is such an enigma.. just like Rui.

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"Tsukushi," Tsukasa's face appeared in the doorway, "There's a party tonight. We're going to the local pub." He grinned, "I have to go now.." he said before rushing off.


I stared after him. What was he being so mysterious about? Then the reality hit me. A party? I looked through my little suitcase – I had packed myself no 'party' clothes.. If I wore the dress I wore to Asai's party I was sure to be teased about it by her. I sighed before slipping on a simple t-shirt and jeans. Who cares about what Asai thinks? I walked out of the hotel to a local café. I was starving – all that swimming had really made me hungry.

I sat down beside the window that looked over the beach. My eyes scanned the menu automatically looking for the usual fish and chips.. before I remembered I was in Japan. I smiled at my own stupidity and ordered a simple set lunch. I looked out onto the beach again. It was really quite beautiful, I had always liked the beach – I could never get enough of it. My eyes followed the screeching seagulls and they circled around in the air..

"Tsukushi, can I sit down?"

I started before looking up into the eyes of Hanazawa Rui. "Hanazawa-san.." I stuttered before nodding, "You can sit down." I blushed, why was I saying such stupid things?

He grinned at me – which made me blush even more. He looked so handsome like that.. "I thought I told you to call me Rui?"

I blushed again, "Rui.."

He chuckled softly, "You look so cute when you blush."

I blushed again as he said that. I groaned inwardly, cursing myself for blushing so much. It made me seem like some lovesick teenager.. "Where's Shizuka?" I asked, trying to change the subject.

His face clouded over a moment, "I don't know.. Can we not talk about her?"

"Of course." Now I knew there was definitely something wrong between them. I hit myself mentally for bring up the subject. "What do you want to eat?"

"I'm not hungry.."

"Don't you just love the beach? I always get this great feeling when I go there.." I smiled, "The beach is my most favourite place in the whole world.."

He smiled lightly, "Tsukushi.." he said suddenly serious, "Do you consider me as your friend?"

"Yes of course."

He sat back, "Thankyou.."

Rui is certainly very strange and weird, but I can't help but like him.. He seemed to be mesmerized by the scenery outside, looking at the sea and the beach. But his eyes didn't seem to be focused – he was thinking again. I think he is the only person I know who thinks so much about everything. He always has this mysterious aura about him that seems to draw me to him. He really is the perfect Prince Charming of my dreams, he can be so cold and aloof one minute and nice and friendly the next.

"Excuse me miss, your food."

"Oh.. thankyou." I smiled before picking up my fork, ready to devour the food and set my rumbling stomach to rest.

"Tsukushi?" I immediately looked up, thinking it must be something important to have woken Rui from his reverie. "Can I have some?"

"What? I mean.. of course.. do you want me to order another one for you?" I asked, surprised that he was only asking about such a minor thing.

"No, it doesn't matter. Can I just eat some of yours?"

"Yeah, sure."

We picked up our chopsticks and started eating. Rui was eating so fast, and so much – even more than me! By the time my bento was finished, it seemed that he had eaten practically all of it, while I had only eaten a little. "Rui.. I thought you weren't hungry?"

"I'm not.." he said, looking at me innocently.

"Then why did you eat so much?!"

"It wasn't much.. I normally eat two or three bentos." He said carelessly.

My eyes widened in disbelief, "Why are you still so thin?"

He shrugged, "I've always been like this.."

I laughed, "You really are a pig!"

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It was already around nine when I went to the local pub – Shizuka had lent a nice skirt to me so I wouldn't look so daggy. I was secretly pleased about it, knowing that Asai and her friends would probably be jealous. Finally.. payback time. I strolled in casually and saw that Akira, Soujiro and Shizuka were already there along with Asai, Ayuhara and Yamano. I relished the looks of envious surprise on Asai's face – she herself was wearing a skimpy little see-through black dress that barely covered her butt.

"Nice dress," commented Akira.

I grinned, "Thanks to Shizuka.."

Shizuka smiled back, "Its okay. Besides, the dress suits you."

Ayuhara sniffed, "Why are you here?" she said haughtily. I could see the raging fires of jealousy behind her eyes. I wanted to retort, 'who invited you?'. I could only hold my temper in check for so long..

"Because I invited her." Hanazawa Rui's smooth voice cut in, he glared at Ayuhara coldly as she shrank back. "Hanazawa-dono.."

"Rui, you're here.." Shizuka smiled a brilliant smile before beckoning Rui to sit next to her.

Rui seemed to stand in a momentary indecision – I could see he was weakening against Shizuka's charms. His cold eyes were softening even though he still maintained his cool exterior. I was almost sure he would go and sit beside Shizuka when he suddenly dropped into the empty space beside me. I looked at him in surprise, why had he chosen me? He gave me a reassuring smile, which made me melt. Rui is the only one who has this weird effect on me. Even if he is only giving me small smiles occasionally I will feel so happy.

"Would you like to dance?" he asked softly.

"Me?" I stuttered.. before blushing again.

"Who else?" he asked amusedly.

I laughed weakly, "Sure."

He took me hand and led me out onto the dance floor. The DJ was playing a slow song and we danced in each other's arms. The rest of the world no longer existed, everything seemed a blur as it revolved around me and Rui. The dance was pure bliss for me, I was lifted into a state of euphoria so that I seemed to be floating. Rui is like a drug that I have already become addicted to.. I can't seem to get enough of it. All too soon the dance ended and we walked back to the others. My heart was skipping with joy – Rui had chosen me as the first person he danced with! Not Shizuka! Then I spotted that Tsukasa had arrived. I stared at him, shocked by his new look.

"Tsukasa.. Your hair.." I stammered. His usual curly hair was gone and replaced by smooth straight hair – like a cross between Soujiro and Akira's hair. Long and straight. He looked so strange with the new haircut, I had already gotten used to his curly bushy hair but I had to admit, he looked more handsome this way. I don't think I have ever viewed Tsukasa from this perspective before.. handsome? I smacked myself mentally, we were like brother and sister, I shouldn't think of him this way..

Everyone else seemed to be equally surprised by his hair and were staring at him. He seemed to enjoy being at the centre of everyone's attention. "Well? Do you think it looks nice?"

Soujiro was first to break the trance, "Yeah sure Tsukasa.." he grinned – trying to hide his laughter, "Sugoi dane. (It's great.)"

Tsukasa looked at him suspiciously, clearly not believing Soujiro's words.

"Of course you look soooo handsome Doumyouji-san!" cried Asai loudly, "You always do!"

He seemed to look faintly pleased with the flattery. I coughed, wasn't it obvious that it was all fake? He turned to face me anxiously waiting my approval. Was my opinion that important? "Well, Tsukasa.. You look er.. nice." I said, smiling.

Tsukasa beamed, like a little boy who had just been given a lollipop. "Really? It took me hours.."

"Yes, it looks very good on you." I repeated, he really was so cute. He grinned happily before taking up the seat on my left. I shifted uncomfortably, it seemed so awkward sitting between Rui and Tsukasa. "I'm going to the bathroom." I said before walking off.

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When I came back, Rui was dancing with Shizuka and Akira and Soujiro were off flirting with girls at the bar. Asai, Ayuhara and Yamano were gone as well, leaving only Tsukasa sitting alone. I walked over and sat down beside him. "Why aren't you dancing?"

"Because I'm waiting for you.." he said, blushing.

Suddenly I felt somebody pull me from my chair. "Makino, you want to dance?"

I grinned, "Sure Mimasaka-san." I let him take my hand and lead me to the dance floor. The music was fast and I had to admit – he was a pretty good dancer. "You dance very well.." I complimented.

"You're not bad yourself Makino." He flashed me a charming grin – which I'm sure would've made many girls swoon over him. But me, I still had Rui occupying a large space in my heart. Every now and then I would glance over at Rui and Shizuka. They seemed to fit together so perfectly, like a jigsaw puzzle. They were both very tall and elegant people. Even though it was pop music, they still swayed to their own rhythm as though lost in their own world. I was feeling a bit jealous, but still.. Rui had danced with me first. That was enough for me. The song ended but I couldn't help but notice that they were still dancing. I forced myself to look away from them.

"Tsukushi, would you like to dance?" Tsukasa asked.

I smiled, readily accepting any distraction offered. "Sure." I took his hand, "Let's go." He seemed surprised by my eagerness.

We danced slowly to the music, but my mind still rested on Rui, longing to see what he and Shizuka were doing. "Tsukushi.. daijoubu? (are you okay?)" Tsukasa said quietly, his eyes full of concern.

I looked up in surprise; it was not like Tsukasa to notice trivial things like what other people were thinking. "No, I'm fine Tsukasa."

He didn't seem to be convinced, but he let it go. "Tsukushi, there's something important I have to tell you."

"What?" I asked, my mind was still wandering not fully concentrating on his words.

"Tsukushi, will you be my girlfriend?" he asked.

I stopped dancing and stared at him in shock. Was this really Tsukasa in front of me? I never knew he would so openly declare his feelings for someone..

"Tsukushi, I've liked you ever since we were little." His voice trembled a little, "That day when you left.. it felt like a piece of me was missing. I have missed you so much Tsukushi.." he murmured, "Will you give me a chance?"

"I.. I don't know what to say Tsukasa." The effect of his words left me stunned, Tsukasa liked me? How could I have been so blind? I thought I could read him so well, and yet I had missed this important detail.. his feelings for me.

"Onegai.. (please)" his eyes pleaded me, I softened. How could I reject him? I knew that deep inside my heart I loved him, Rui was just some distant dream of mine. Tsukasa was reality. There was no chance of me being with Rui as long as Shizuka was here, so what was the point? It was unrequited love. Maybe I would be better off with Tsukasa. I nodded slowly, brushing a tear from my eye. Tsukasa's face lighted up immediately, I smiled slowly for the sake of Tsukasa. Maybe I would learn to love Tsukasa..

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Hope you liked that chapter.. I've been kinda busy getting obsessed with Yami no Matsuei lately.. hehe, decided I really like Tsuzuki and Tatsumi now – still my love for Rui persists. So here is my lovely chapter. I tried to change it as much as possible. No 'accidental kiss' between t/t, so now they are together.. (for maybe a couple of chapters? Not for long..)

So r/t fans, here is your time to vote (and do something to help them be together.. remember, the more time Tsukushi spends with Tsukasa.. the longer it takes for Rui and Tsukushi be together.. think carefully!!)

Question: Do you want Rui to go after Shizuka when she leaves for France?

Votes: Yes or No (and a reason would be good.. it can just be simply because you are an r/t fan! ^^)

* Angel *