Disclaimer: I do not claim this series or any of these characters as my own, they all belong to their creators, their production companies, yadda yadda yadda so donÕt sue me.
BTW: I sincerely apologize for the quotes in the next few chapters, I am using a Mac at the moment and things are not like I expected. Anyway please enjoy!
Sweet Bitterness
Chapter Five - Saturday Night Activities
by: Shoujo Priestess
ÒYou dirty cheater I see whatÕs going on!Ó
ÒHehehehehehehehe do I still get paid?Ó
ÒSure, with a kick to the head!Ó
Yui walked out of her room, a bit dazed, and saw that Tetsuya and Kensuke were in the middle of a bitter fight to the death, or perhaps it was just a misunderstanding between two video game otakus. In any case she was not in the mood to witness such behavior.
ÒDid you boys happen to see where Taka went?Ó She asked sadly.
ÒUh, no we were... occupied...Ó Kensuke said smoothing out his hair and turning off the game. ÒDid something happen?Ó
ÒYeah, I just told him how things were and then he stormed out of here *sigh* I did not want to get his hopes up about anything, I mean, I had to be honest with him, it tore me up to do it but...Ó
Tetsuya slipped on his glasses which had fallen off during the scuffle and put a reassuring arm around his girlfriend. ÒYou did good, that's why people turn to you whenever they have a crisis, heÕll come around after cooling off.Ó
ÒYeah Yui you did only what you felt was right.Ó Kensuke agreed. ÒTell you what, IÕll call him up tomorrow and take him to a ball game or something, then have a talk with him myself.Ó In a way, besides being a friend, Kensuke had assumed the big brother role with Taka and always looked out for him even when if he felt the man was in the wrong.
ÒThanks Kensuke, that makes me feel better.Ó Yui said.
ÒYeah well, IÕm heading back.Ó Kensuke said picking up his keys, he and Tetsuya shared an apartment near the college they both attended. ÒSee you guys later.Ó
Tetsuya kissed Yui and smiled. ÒDonÕt worry so much about it, things will work out between everyone.Ó
ÒI just have this bad feeling,Ó Yui said holding Tetsuya in a hug. ÒIÕve never seen Taka so angry, it just saddened me so much because I know that he feels so much pain and...Ó
Tetsuya put a finger up to YuiÕs lips to silence her. ÒThings will work out, give it time and you will see that everything will be as it should.Ó
Ò*sigh* Maybe youÕre right.Ó Yui smiled reaching up for a second kiss.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
By the end of the third consecutive movie they had watched NurikoÕs legs felt as if they had been welded into their position, staying still for six hours was not a wise thing to do. Miaka sat up and allowed the man to get up and walk around to get the feeling back, as he grumbled to himself Miaka laughed in spite of herself, it was just too cute seeing Nuriko try to keep an aura about him while walking like a duck with two left feet.
ÒAnd just whatÕs so funny?Ó He scoffed.
ÒYou are.Ó Miaka said wrapping herself in the quilt.
ÒWell I sure am glad my suffering is so amusing to you.Ó
Miaka burst into another fit of giggles as Nuriko finally got the feeling back and collapsed into the leather chair that was across from the couch. First he stretched out, then he stuck out his tongue at Miaka. ÒStay away from me!Ó
Of course this simple statement was MiakaÕs cue to disobey. She stood up and tied the quilt around her neck like a cape, she assumed the role of the villain, and then ran around the chair a few times before jumping on top of Nuriko and taking secret pleasure in the fact that he seemed genuinely surprised at her action. She smiled. ÒYouÕre so cute when you get annoyed.Ó
ÒIÕm not annoyed, IÕm in pain! Did you eat bricks this morning?Ó Nuriko asked to which Miaka responded by punching him in the arm. He punched her back and for a few minutes they acted like four year olds in a playful squabble, soon however they settled down, content. He smiled and put his arms around her waist. ÒThis is nice, just being like this.Ó He said warmly.
Miaka put her hands on NurikoÕs face and nodded. ÒI havenÕt been this happy in a long time, I feel like IÕm finally at peace. I want to thank you.Ó
Nuriko took MiakaÕs hand in his own and brought it to his lips, he kissed it softly and looked at the girl with his warm eyes. ÒYou make me happy too.Ó It was such a simple statement but it meant a lot to him, perhaps if he had thought longer about it he could have made a more poetic statement, but at that moment it was enough.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
ÒBack!Ó Tetsuya called walking into the apartment. He slipped off his shoes and went to see what Kensuke was up to, he found his friend in front of the computer writing an email. ÒAnything smutty?Ó He joked.
ÒYep, mine always are.Ó Kensuke joked back. ÒActually, this is to the others. Thought that they should know about the situation and to be on the lookout for Taka.Ó
ÒWhat do you mean by lookout?Ó
ÒI went by his apartment tonight and he wasnÕt there. I asked the doorman if he had come by and he said that Taka stormed in and then out about ten minutes later carrying a backpack... Very strange if you ask me, I think that maybe he will go and hang out with one of the other guys for a few days.Ó
ÒBut why leave his place?Ó
Kensuke turned around in his chair and sighed. ÒHe told me that he was going to ask Miaka to move in with him once they had made up, but regardless of that, there are plenty of memories in that place already.Ó
ÒI guess so...Ó Tetsuya said looking thoughtful for a moment. ÒSo who do YOU think is right?Ó
ÒThis is between my sister and him, I just want it to be done with. Whatever the result.Ó
ÒWell, Yui and I seem to think that he needs to just move on.Ó
ÒReally?Ó
ÒThe guy cheated on your sister! Are you telling me youÕre okay with his one night stand with some girl that was here on vacation?Ó Tetsuya asked, shocked that Kensuke did not seem to have much input on the situation.
ÒYeah well I see your point, but doesnÕt everyone deserve a second chance?Ó Kensuke asked softly turning back around and sending the letter. ÒBut if my sister is happy in the arms of another who am I to protest?Ó
Tetsuya sighed. ÒAnd to think this evening started out so good.Ó
ÒWant to play Battle Fighter 7 Turbo again?Ó
ÒSure, but if I catch you cheating again IÕll break a bottle over your head!Ó
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
ÒShit! Ya beat me AGAIN!Ó Was the statement of the evening as Tasuki threw down his cards and forked over the last of his chips. ÒHow is it that a damn kid can beat me?!?Ó
ÒTasuki itÕs only a matter luck, skill does not play that big of a role.Ó Chiriko said taking the newly won chips and stacking them neatly in rows. ÒAre you mad?Ó
ÒI ainÕt mad, I just canÕt believe how good you are! We ought to go to Vegas and rack up!Ó
ÒTasuki-san! IÕm too young to get into a casino.Ó Chiriko reminded him.
ÒWeÕll get Chichiri to put a spell on ya, give ya a moustache and some height, make a man outta ya!Ó
ÒHow about keeping Chichiri out of this, no da?Ó Chichiri said dealing out a fresh hand. ÒAre any of you guys going to play this next round?Ó
ÒIÕm on my way to bed, IÕve about had it.Ó Mitsukake said fixing himself a cup of tea to take to his bedroom. ÒChiriko, please get to bed at a decent hour.Ó
ÒRight right.Ó Chiriko said waving a hand towards the tall doctor. ÒWhatever you say.Ó
ÒWell how about you, Nakago? Want to play, no da?Ó
ÒForget it, the little one counts cards.Ó Was NakagoÕs reply from the couch. He was watching a show about HistoryÕs greatest dictators and was getting into it. ÒBesides IÕm busted.Ó
ÒWell I guess thatÕs it for the evening, no da.Ó Chichiri said beginning to clean up. ÒNot much of a game with only two people, looks like you won Chiriko.Ó
ÒGreat! Now I can buy that microscope IÕve had my eye on!Ó
ÒDamn kid, why donÕt you spend the dough on good stuff? Like how about loaning me a few bills so I can get some nice sake next time I go to the market?Ó Tasuki asked throwing an arm around the boy. ÒIÕll give ya a sip if you want.Ó
Nakago looked up from the couch and smirked. ÒWhat about the sake you have under your bed?Ó
ÒShut up Nakago...Ó Tasuki said through a forced smile. ÒIt wasnÕt like I wouldnÕt share it with everyone!Ó
ÒNever a quiet moment here is there?Ó Chichiri winked to Chiriko, Chiriko nodded in agreement and slipped off to his bedroom with the money before Tasuki could notice.
It was an unlikely roommate situation. When they had first arrived in the city Mitsukake, being a fully trained doctor and capable of payments, found himself renting a spacious three bedroom apartment. Soon after Chichiri and Chiriko moved into the other two rooms, Chichiri paying half the rent thanks to his job as a Yoga instructor and part time fortune teller and since Chiriko was a full time student he lived rent free. About two months later Tasuki and Nakago showed up, both not having a place to stay so the others graciously took them in. Chiriko moved into ChichiriÕs room and Nakago and Tasuki took the third bedroom, under the condition that both find jobs and contribute to the rent.
Time in the city had mellowed most of the men out. Mitsukake, who had always been quiet, was more vocal and had allowed his hair to grow out just a bit, his bangs shaggy across his forehead. He acted like a father towards Chiriko who had shot up a good six inches and was now in the middle of adolescence. Under MitsukakeÕs care the boy continued his studies and was enrolled in college level courses. Chiriko had decided to become a doctor, like his mentor.
Chichiri was almost the same aside from the fact that he had traded in his traditional black Chinese shoes for worn Birkenstocks and that he now repressed his magic usage. He could still perform most of the spells he knew but for the sake of a normal life he preferred not to. He was well respected at work and at home was still the mediator between squabbles, sometimes on weekends he would go to the beach alone and fish, still his favorite past time.
Time had even changed Nakago and Tasuki, an unlikely friendship that oddly worked. In a way, Nakago had taken TamahomeÕs place when it came to setting Tasuki off and Tasuki always found great humor in playing jokes on the blond man. The pair even worked together at a fast food restaurant a few blocks away, Nakago was of course the manager and, if Tasuki had done anything to annoy him that day, made sure that there was extra work for his fanged friend. Scrubbing the toilets was a assignment he particularly enjoyed handing out.
Since it was late none of them expected the knock on the door, the pizzas had been delivered hours ago and no one had invited anyone to stay the night. Nakago, being closest to the door, got up to open it and found Taka on the other side.
ÒWhat are you doing here?Ó Nakago asked.
ÒI should ask you the same question.Ó Taka answered, his eyes not believing what he saw.
ÒCome on in,Ó Nakago said stepping aside. ÒEveryoneÕs inside. You should have called, we would have made you dinner.Ó
Taka shook his head not knowing if Nakago was being cute or serious and walked into the kitchen. ÒHey guys, long time no see.Ó He said with a smile.
ÒTaka-baby!Ó Tasuki leapt up from the table and gave his old friend a noogie. ÒLong time no see!Ó
ÒOw man take it easy!Ó Taka said punching Tasuki in the ribs. ÒI use my head for thinking, unlike some people!Ó
ÒHehehehehehehe same old Taka!Ó
ÒWant anything to drink, no da?Ó
ÒI could sure use a cup of coffee, actually how about we go down to the place across the street? IÕll buy.Ó Taka asked looking at his friends.
ÒBest thing IÕve heard all night!Ó Tasuki said grabbing his coat. ÒMitsy and the kid are already asleep so IÕll take their share.Ó
ÒArenÕt you coming?Ó Taka asked Nakago who was sitting back on the couch.
ÒYou WANT me to come?Ó
Taka grinned, the night was finally looking up. ÒEverythingÕs under the bridge so how about it?Ó
ÒWhy not?Ó Nakago reasoned. ÒLet me get my jacket.Ó
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
While Taka and the others were out getting coffee Miaka was getting ready to leave NurikoÕs apartment, she had hardly been at home during the last few days and the pile of unfinished homework was calling to her. She decided to be a good girl and spend her Sunday catching up so that her teachers would not deem her a complete academic failure. It wasnÕt that Miaka was not a good student, she just was distracted too easily.
Still wearing NurikoÕs clothes she carried her own in a brown paper bag under her arm, she wanted to somehow keep the man with her even when they were parted. Nuriko walked her to the door and leaned on it while they tried to say goodbye to each other. He was holding her hands in his and smiling, finally the smiles were coming to him more often and to him were more meaningful now that he knew the girl felt the same way.
ÒI wish I didnÕt have to go.Ó Miaka said softly, almost in a pleading whisper.
More than anything Nuriko wanted to tell her it was okay for her to stay the night, every night for that matter, but knew that the girl had responsibilities. ÒIÕll be thinking about you, and about the next time we can be together.Ó
ÒWhen is?Ó
ÒWhenever you want, my door is always open for you.Ó
Miaka gave Nuriko a kiss on the cheek and then another soft one on the lips. Nuriko responded to the kiss and held the girl a bit closer. Afterwards he couldnÕt help that his grin grew a bit haphazard, the unexpected emotional showing had left him helpless to his facial response. Miaka smiled and left the apartment, neither one said goodbye because that was a word that they never wanted to say to one another ever again.
After she was gone Nuriko walked over to the window and watched as Miaka got into a taxi and left towards her home, he looked to the sky that had no stars because of the clouds. It was okay, there were stars in his eyes so he didnÕt need the ones in the sky. In the distance thunder rumbled and Nuriko closed his eyes, the storm would lull him to sleep nicely.
~*~ end chapter five ~*~
BTW: I sincerely apologize for the quotes in the next few chapters, I am using a Mac at the moment and things are not like I expected. Anyway please enjoy!
Sweet Bitterness
Chapter Five - Saturday Night Activities
by: Shoujo Priestess
ÒYou dirty cheater I see whatÕs going on!Ó
ÒHehehehehehehehe do I still get paid?Ó
ÒSure, with a kick to the head!Ó
Yui walked out of her room, a bit dazed, and saw that Tetsuya and Kensuke were in the middle of a bitter fight to the death, or perhaps it was just a misunderstanding between two video game otakus. In any case she was not in the mood to witness such behavior.
ÒDid you boys happen to see where Taka went?Ó She asked sadly.
ÒUh, no we were... occupied...Ó Kensuke said smoothing out his hair and turning off the game. ÒDid something happen?Ó
ÒYeah, I just told him how things were and then he stormed out of here *sigh* I did not want to get his hopes up about anything, I mean, I had to be honest with him, it tore me up to do it but...Ó
Tetsuya slipped on his glasses which had fallen off during the scuffle and put a reassuring arm around his girlfriend. ÒYou did good, that's why people turn to you whenever they have a crisis, heÕll come around after cooling off.Ó
ÒYeah Yui you did only what you felt was right.Ó Kensuke agreed. ÒTell you what, IÕll call him up tomorrow and take him to a ball game or something, then have a talk with him myself.Ó In a way, besides being a friend, Kensuke had assumed the big brother role with Taka and always looked out for him even when if he felt the man was in the wrong.
ÒThanks Kensuke, that makes me feel better.Ó Yui said.
ÒYeah well, IÕm heading back.Ó Kensuke said picking up his keys, he and Tetsuya shared an apartment near the college they both attended. ÒSee you guys later.Ó
Tetsuya kissed Yui and smiled. ÒDonÕt worry so much about it, things will work out between everyone.Ó
ÒI just have this bad feeling,Ó Yui said holding Tetsuya in a hug. ÒIÕve never seen Taka so angry, it just saddened me so much because I know that he feels so much pain and...Ó
Tetsuya put a finger up to YuiÕs lips to silence her. ÒThings will work out, give it time and you will see that everything will be as it should.Ó
Ò*sigh* Maybe youÕre right.Ó Yui smiled reaching up for a second kiss.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
By the end of the third consecutive movie they had watched NurikoÕs legs felt as if they had been welded into their position, staying still for six hours was not a wise thing to do. Miaka sat up and allowed the man to get up and walk around to get the feeling back, as he grumbled to himself Miaka laughed in spite of herself, it was just too cute seeing Nuriko try to keep an aura about him while walking like a duck with two left feet.
ÒAnd just whatÕs so funny?Ó He scoffed.
ÒYou are.Ó Miaka said wrapping herself in the quilt.
ÒWell I sure am glad my suffering is so amusing to you.Ó
Miaka burst into another fit of giggles as Nuriko finally got the feeling back and collapsed into the leather chair that was across from the couch. First he stretched out, then he stuck out his tongue at Miaka. ÒStay away from me!Ó
Of course this simple statement was MiakaÕs cue to disobey. She stood up and tied the quilt around her neck like a cape, she assumed the role of the villain, and then ran around the chair a few times before jumping on top of Nuriko and taking secret pleasure in the fact that he seemed genuinely surprised at her action. She smiled. ÒYouÕre so cute when you get annoyed.Ó
ÒIÕm not annoyed, IÕm in pain! Did you eat bricks this morning?Ó Nuriko asked to which Miaka responded by punching him in the arm. He punched her back and for a few minutes they acted like four year olds in a playful squabble, soon however they settled down, content. He smiled and put his arms around her waist. ÒThis is nice, just being like this.Ó He said warmly.
Miaka put her hands on NurikoÕs face and nodded. ÒI havenÕt been this happy in a long time, I feel like IÕm finally at peace. I want to thank you.Ó
Nuriko took MiakaÕs hand in his own and brought it to his lips, he kissed it softly and looked at the girl with his warm eyes. ÒYou make me happy too.Ó It was such a simple statement but it meant a lot to him, perhaps if he had thought longer about it he could have made a more poetic statement, but at that moment it was enough.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
ÒBack!Ó Tetsuya called walking into the apartment. He slipped off his shoes and went to see what Kensuke was up to, he found his friend in front of the computer writing an email. ÒAnything smutty?Ó He joked.
ÒYep, mine always are.Ó Kensuke joked back. ÒActually, this is to the others. Thought that they should know about the situation and to be on the lookout for Taka.Ó
ÒWhat do you mean by lookout?Ó
ÒI went by his apartment tonight and he wasnÕt there. I asked the doorman if he had come by and he said that Taka stormed in and then out about ten minutes later carrying a backpack... Very strange if you ask me, I think that maybe he will go and hang out with one of the other guys for a few days.Ó
ÒBut why leave his place?Ó
Kensuke turned around in his chair and sighed. ÒHe told me that he was going to ask Miaka to move in with him once they had made up, but regardless of that, there are plenty of memories in that place already.Ó
ÒI guess so...Ó Tetsuya said looking thoughtful for a moment. ÒSo who do YOU think is right?Ó
ÒThis is between my sister and him, I just want it to be done with. Whatever the result.Ó
ÒWell, Yui and I seem to think that he needs to just move on.Ó
ÒReally?Ó
ÒThe guy cheated on your sister! Are you telling me youÕre okay with his one night stand with some girl that was here on vacation?Ó Tetsuya asked, shocked that Kensuke did not seem to have much input on the situation.
ÒYeah well I see your point, but doesnÕt everyone deserve a second chance?Ó Kensuke asked softly turning back around and sending the letter. ÒBut if my sister is happy in the arms of another who am I to protest?Ó
Tetsuya sighed. ÒAnd to think this evening started out so good.Ó
ÒWant to play Battle Fighter 7 Turbo again?Ó
ÒSure, but if I catch you cheating again IÕll break a bottle over your head!Ó
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
ÒShit! Ya beat me AGAIN!Ó Was the statement of the evening as Tasuki threw down his cards and forked over the last of his chips. ÒHow is it that a damn kid can beat me?!?Ó
ÒTasuki itÕs only a matter luck, skill does not play that big of a role.Ó Chiriko said taking the newly won chips and stacking them neatly in rows. ÒAre you mad?Ó
ÒI ainÕt mad, I just canÕt believe how good you are! We ought to go to Vegas and rack up!Ó
ÒTasuki-san! IÕm too young to get into a casino.Ó Chiriko reminded him.
ÒWeÕll get Chichiri to put a spell on ya, give ya a moustache and some height, make a man outta ya!Ó
ÒHow about keeping Chichiri out of this, no da?Ó Chichiri said dealing out a fresh hand. ÒAre any of you guys going to play this next round?Ó
ÒIÕm on my way to bed, IÕve about had it.Ó Mitsukake said fixing himself a cup of tea to take to his bedroom. ÒChiriko, please get to bed at a decent hour.Ó
ÒRight right.Ó Chiriko said waving a hand towards the tall doctor. ÒWhatever you say.Ó
ÒWell how about you, Nakago? Want to play, no da?Ó
ÒForget it, the little one counts cards.Ó Was NakagoÕs reply from the couch. He was watching a show about HistoryÕs greatest dictators and was getting into it. ÒBesides IÕm busted.Ó
ÒWell I guess thatÕs it for the evening, no da.Ó Chichiri said beginning to clean up. ÒNot much of a game with only two people, looks like you won Chiriko.Ó
ÒGreat! Now I can buy that microscope IÕve had my eye on!Ó
ÒDamn kid, why donÕt you spend the dough on good stuff? Like how about loaning me a few bills so I can get some nice sake next time I go to the market?Ó Tasuki asked throwing an arm around the boy. ÒIÕll give ya a sip if you want.Ó
Nakago looked up from the couch and smirked. ÒWhat about the sake you have under your bed?Ó
ÒShut up Nakago...Ó Tasuki said through a forced smile. ÒIt wasnÕt like I wouldnÕt share it with everyone!Ó
ÒNever a quiet moment here is there?Ó Chichiri winked to Chiriko, Chiriko nodded in agreement and slipped off to his bedroom with the money before Tasuki could notice.
It was an unlikely roommate situation. When they had first arrived in the city Mitsukake, being a fully trained doctor and capable of payments, found himself renting a spacious three bedroom apartment. Soon after Chichiri and Chiriko moved into the other two rooms, Chichiri paying half the rent thanks to his job as a Yoga instructor and part time fortune teller and since Chiriko was a full time student he lived rent free. About two months later Tasuki and Nakago showed up, both not having a place to stay so the others graciously took them in. Chiriko moved into ChichiriÕs room and Nakago and Tasuki took the third bedroom, under the condition that both find jobs and contribute to the rent.
Time in the city had mellowed most of the men out. Mitsukake, who had always been quiet, was more vocal and had allowed his hair to grow out just a bit, his bangs shaggy across his forehead. He acted like a father towards Chiriko who had shot up a good six inches and was now in the middle of adolescence. Under MitsukakeÕs care the boy continued his studies and was enrolled in college level courses. Chiriko had decided to become a doctor, like his mentor.
Chichiri was almost the same aside from the fact that he had traded in his traditional black Chinese shoes for worn Birkenstocks and that he now repressed his magic usage. He could still perform most of the spells he knew but for the sake of a normal life he preferred not to. He was well respected at work and at home was still the mediator between squabbles, sometimes on weekends he would go to the beach alone and fish, still his favorite past time.
Time had even changed Nakago and Tasuki, an unlikely friendship that oddly worked. In a way, Nakago had taken TamahomeÕs place when it came to setting Tasuki off and Tasuki always found great humor in playing jokes on the blond man. The pair even worked together at a fast food restaurant a few blocks away, Nakago was of course the manager and, if Tasuki had done anything to annoy him that day, made sure that there was extra work for his fanged friend. Scrubbing the toilets was a assignment he particularly enjoyed handing out.
Since it was late none of them expected the knock on the door, the pizzas had been delivered hours ago and no one had invited anyone to stay the night. Nakago, being closest to the door, got up to open it and found Taka on the other side.
ÒWhat are you doing here?Ó Nakago asked.
ÒI should ask you the same question.Ó Taka answered, his eyes not believing what he saw.
ÒCome on in,Ó Nakago said stepping aside. ÒEveryoneÕs inside. You should have called, we would have made you dinner.Ó
Taka shook his head not knowing if Nakago was being cute or serious and walked into the kitchen. ÒHey guys, long time no see.Ó He said with a smile.
ÒTaka-baby!Ó Tasuki leapt up from the table and gave his old friend a noogie. ÒLong time no see!Ó
ÒOw man take it easy!Ó Taka said punching Tasuki in the ribs. ÒI use my head for thinking, unlike some people!Ó
ÒHehehehehehehe same old Taka!Ó
ÒWant anything to drink, no da?Ó
ÒI could sure use a cup of coffee, actually how about we go down to the place across the street? IÕll buy.Ó Taka asked looking at his friends.
ÒBest thing IÕve heard all night!Ó Tasuki said grabbing his coat. ÒMitsy and the kid are already asleep so IÕll take their share.Ó
ÒArenÕt you coming?Ó Taka asked Nakago who was sitting back on the couch.
ÒYou WANT me to come?Ó
Taka grinned, the night was finally looking up. ÒEverythingÕs under the bridge so how about it?Ó
ÒWhy not?Ó Nakago reasoned. ÒLet me get my jacket.Ó
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
While Taka and the others were out getting coffee Miaka was getting ready to leave NurikoÕs apartment, she had hardly been at home during the last few days and the pile of unfinished homework was calling to her. She decided to be a good girl and spend her Sunday catching up so that her teachers would not deem her a complete academic failure. It wasnÕt that Miaka was not a good student, she just was distracted too easily.
Still wearing NurikoÕs clothes she carried her own in a brown paper bag under her arm, she wanted to somehow keep the man with her even when they were parted. Nuriko walked her to the door and leaned on it while they tried to say goodbye to each other. He was holding her hands in his and smiling, finally the smiles were coming to him more often and to him were more meaningful now that he knew the girl felt the same way.
ÒI wish I didnÕt have to go.Ó Miaka said softly, almost in a pleading whisper.
More than anything Nuriko wanted to tell her it was okay for her to stay the night, every night for that matter, but knew that the girl had responsibilities. ÒIÕll be thinking about you, and about the next time we can be together.Ó
ÒWhen is?Ó
ÒWhenever you want, my door is always open for you.Ó
Miaka gave Nuriko a kiss on the cheek and then another soft one on the lips. Nuriko responded to the kiss and held the girl a bit closer. Afterwards he couldnÕt help that his grin grew a bit haphazard, the unexpected emotional showing had left him helpless to his facial response. Miaka smiled and left the apartment, neither one said goodbye because that was a word that they never wanted to say to one another ever again.
After she was gone Nuriko walked over to the window and watched as Miaka got into a taxi and left towards her home, he looked to the sky that had no stars because of the clouds. It was okay, there were stars in his eyes so he didnÕt need the ones in the sky. In the distance thunder rumbled and Nuriko closed his eyes, the storm would lull him to sleep nicely.
~*~ end chapter five ~*~
