Runa stood there after the message ended wondering if she should call him
back. After debating with herself she picked up the phone and dialed his
number, after about five rings the answering machine picked up. Afraid to
leave a message she hung up her cheeks tinged pink.
"I think I'll call grandmother first. Yeah then maybe eat and a nap. Yeah I'll call Shigure later."
Her mind made up Runa picked up the phone and dialed her grandmother's number.
"Sakura residence." Droned the maids voice
" Betty can I talk to grandmother?"
"Miss Runa?"
"The one and only."
"Not calling to tell us you're in some unknown regions of the world like last time are you?"
"No, besides that was only once and I was fine."
"Hold on one moment please."
Runa chuckled at Betty's change in subject someone must have been standing there. She waited a couple minutes before her grandmother's voice could be heard on the other end.
" Hello Grandmother."
"Runa. I will be quick. There is something I wish to discuss with you."
"Ok I'm listening."
"I would greatly appreciate it if you came to the house. It is something I do not wish to discuss over the phone."
Runa sighed her shoulders slumping.
"Grandmother can it wait till later then?"
"No it is very important we talk about it now."
Runa shifted the phone and leaned against the wall.
"Then tell me now."
"Runa."
"What? I just got home from work (which wasn't entirely a lie) and I'm hungry, tired and I need a shower."
"One more moment of your time visiting your old dying Grandmother will not hurt you."
"You are not dying. * Silence * Fine I'll be over in five."
That done with she hung up the phone, grabbing her bag and keys she went back outside. She was in front of the compound gates debating whether or not to enter or make her wait when the door opened up and Evie stood there.
She seemed surprised to see her younger sister standing there but she regained her composure quickly.
"Runa what a surprise! What are you doing here?"
"I'm meeting with Grandmother she has some all important news to tell me."
Evie looked away before talking.
"Really? Well I have to go meet with the executive heads for Grandmother then I'll be back. Would you want to go out to eat?"
" We'll see. I might just take a nap. Bye Evie."
Runa said as she walked inside waving good-bye as Evie watched her retreating figure.
" Sleep will be the furthest thing from your mind."
Evie muttered before walking towards her car and driving away.
" Miss Runa."
"Hi Betty. Where's Grandmother?"
"She's in the back room, would you like for me to bring you some tea?"
"Sure it might distract her."
"Runa."
"What?"
Betty just shook her head before leaving to prepare the tea. Runa slipped off her shoes and walked towards the back of the house. Her Grandmothers favorite room, it over looked a small rock garden. It was peaceful and calming but too quiet for her taste.
She stopped at the door and knocked.
"Enter."
Runa slide open the door and bowed slightly before walking in and kneeling down across from her grandmother. Her back was turned away from her so she couldn't quiet see her Grandmother's entire face but she didn't look happy. Runa sat there and waited until her Grandmother spoke.
'She calls me and says its important and then doesn't say anything. This is why I didn't want to come over. Man my feet are getting numb.'
"Runa do you remember the day before your grandfather died?"
"Yes." She whispered her eyes softening at the mention of him
"Do you know what he made you promise?"
Runa sat for a couple seconds her eyes looking up at the ceiling in thought.
"Yes."
" Do you know why he made you make that promise?"
"Not really."
"The day before he died your Grandfather had made a deal, if you will, with another house. It was made for the benefit of both houses because he had finally figured out how to change our family's unmei."
"Change our destiny?"
"In order for it to work though someone of a sympathetic heart had to have been given to one of the cursed."
Runa stared at her Grandmother's back looking a little confused and wondering where this was going.
"So out of all our children one was selected and promised to one of three. The child was given the chance to pick our destiny for us. She was placed in a room with three animals and asked to choose one."
Runa shifted her feet and flexed her toes trying to get the blood flow going again. She was going to ask for her Grandmother to continue when there was a knock at the door.
"Enter." Said her Grandmother
Betty was standing in the door with a tray of tea. She walked in and placed it down between the two before bowing and walking out. Runa scooted over and poured the tea handing one to her grandmother first before taking her own and sitting back down.
She waited for her Grandmother to finish sipping her tea and continue talking. It was a whole five minutes of silence and tea sipping before she placed the cup down and began to speak again.
" So what animal did the child choose?" Runa asked Her Grandmother smiled slightly before the cold face went back up again.
"She chose the dog. The most noble and loyal out of the three, she chose justice for half of our destiny."
"Half but I though the child was to chose 'our' destiny." She said sarcastically
"True she did but a family is not one person but many. She chose the future for our destiny. A very wise choice if I may say."
"If she chose the future then what of the present and past? If such a thing can be done."
Runa saw her Grandmother smile slightly again her eyes taking a far off look.
" Two others were chosen for that task and they too are going to be learning of their fate but right now it is the future we are concerned with so it is to the future I am talking with."
"Grandmother what are you talking about? I think I'm lost, if you're talking to the child of 'our' future path then what are you talking about?" Runa asked confusion in her voice as she leaned over to look at her Grandmothers' face trying to figure out what was going on.
Her Grandmother didn't say a word after that just sat there sipping her tea quietly patiently waiting, for what Runa didn't know. Getting agitated she stood up and wobbled over to sit down in front of her.
"Is that what you wanted to tell me? Some story, prophecy or what ever that was?"
Runa was greeted by silence as her Grandmother raised her cup to her lips and took a sip.
" Grandmother."
She opened her eyes to see her granddaughter staring at her looking like the child she remembered before she grew up. She placed her cup down and smiled at her granddaughter cupping her face with her right hand.
" My little tenshi how much you have grown since that day when you were promised to another. How I wonder what I would have done differently knowing you were a free child instead of a promised one."
Runa blinked a couple times before she caught on to some of what she had just said.
"Promised? As in to someone else, like as in an arranged marriage to a total stranger?! Grandmother how could you!"
Runa yelled standing up her Grandmother's hand falling away from her face to her lap.
"Runa it was for the good of both out clans. This alliance will profit both our families and-"
"Are you listening to yourself? Who talks like that anyway? And who has arranged marriages? It's the twenty third century not feudal Japan you know. People have a say in whom they're going to marry, hell they don't even half to get married. No wonder father got upset when I left for America-Oh and Chris! Was that your doing too?!"
"I had no hand in _that _ matter. That was entirely you two and your lack of experience and maturity."
Runa narrowed her gaze and growled her hands planted on her hips as she glared down at her Grandmother.
" What do you mean lack of- I was plenty mature and so was Chris. Though when he suddenly got that wonderful job and had to just as suddenly stop seeing me I thought it was me but now I'm wondering if you and dad didn't have a hand in that."
"You to were not suitable for each other and you were already taken. He seemed to understand."
"What?! You told him that I was already engaged? How could you say that?"
"It was true you are engaged and I do not think your husband would like it if he found you were already married. You should be happy you are much more suited for-"
"No wonder I moved to America, I'm surprised Evie can stand living here!"
"Runa you must understand that-"
However Runa was no longer listening she was no longer in the room. She was running out of the house and compound. She made it our side in time to see Evie walking back inside but she didn't want to talk to her.
She ran past her not stopping when she heard her sisters' worried call. She didn't stop until she reached her apartment and even then she didn't go in. Instead she stood outside looking up at her window her eyes narrowed a frown on her face.
Evie was worried she didn't think Runa would take it that bad after all she hadn't when she was told about her arranged marriage actually she still blushed at the thought. Even though she had just learned today she wasn't upset but then again she was more 'traditional' than Runa was.
She didn't go inside just yet instead she opened her purse and fished out her cell phone and began to dial.
Runa took one last look at her apartment before closing and locking the door one last time. She shifted her bag over her shoulder as she walked down the steps and headed towards the train station.
" Shimatta!" she yelled stomping her foot
She reached it too late and missed the train, growling in frustration she took a seat and began to wait for the next one. Leaning her head back she gazed up at the florescent lights replaying the conversation with her Grandmother back in her head.
'How could she do that to me? And Chris that gaki how could he just leave me when I told him I loved him, that bakayarou how could he think I didn't love him. I told him yes didn't I?'
She sighed and closed her eyes letting the hum of the lights calm her down somewhat.
'Uragirimono. That's what he is, leaving me for a better job. Better my ass, that coward.'
"Itai!" Runa yelled and jumped up her eyes flying open and looking around.
She found a young boy grinning at her a toy gun in his hand, looking down she saw the small plastic dart that hit her in the head.
"Gaki." She said as she threw the dart back and picked up her bag.
She leaned against the wall and closed her eyes taking a deep breath before opening them up and exhaling.
"Running away?"
Runa whirled around to come face to face with a pair of brown eyes.
"Nani-yo?"
" To know why you're running away. Again."
When she didn't say anything he pinched her.
"Itai! Mou that hurts!"
"Then talk."
Runa glared at Shigure for about half a second before slumping down to the ground frowning her eyes watching the people pass them by. Shigure waited patiently besides her waiting for her to talk but he already knew what it was that had her upset.
Evie had called him and told him that she had run from the compound after meeting with her Grandmother. She did not look very happy either nor sad she just was angry. He searched a couple places before ending up at the station; he figured she would run like she did last time.
Runa's face soften somewhat but her eyes still were blazing with anger a small frown stilled creased her brow.
'Should I tell him? I mean he should know that I'm going to be wed off to someone I don't even know who. It could be some old perverted weirdo. Maybe he already knows?'
Runa glanced sideways at him from under her bangs watching his face. Shigure was watching the people pass by but turned his head when he felt Runa watching him. He raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything just stood there relaxed with his hands in his pockets.
She noticed he was dressed in a dark suit instead of his usual attire. She also noticed how well the suit fit him. Shigure watched her shake her head slightly before turning away a slight ting of pink to her cheeks.
'What was she thinking I wonder?'
"Do you think Grandmother would hate me if I refused."
"Refused what?"
"If I refused to-"
"Yes?"
She had his full attention now and he wasn't going to let her stop with out finishing.
"If I were to refuse thearrangedmarriageshesetupforme?"
"One more time only slower." He said he amused brown eyes looking at her flushed face.
Runa took a deep calming breath before saying it again only slower. Shigure looked down at her, she had her head bent down her hair shielding her face from his eyes. He shifted slightly against the stone pillar before asking his next question he had to know.
" You don't want this arranged marriage?"
"Iie."
A look of hurt passed through his eyes then disappeared. He stood there thinking for a couple minutes about what she had just said.
'She was told and yet she doesn't want to marry me? Well I didn't expect her to, baka that's why you introduced Chris to her so she wouldn't want to marry you.'
Shigure glanced down at her she was staring at the people passing by not really seeing them but at the same time seeing a part of them. She glanced away looking at her bag then back up.
Shigure sighed and held out his hand, she looked up at him then to his hand before grabbing it and letting him pull her up. The train had arrived and was calling for all boarders; Runa glanced behind her before turning back to Shigure.
He seemed different the light in his eyes seemed to have dimmed but she couldn't be entirely sure. She shifted her bag before backing up a little bit.
" How can I marry a total stranger? I mean I don't even know who the guy is and she wants me to marry him. I just can't do that."
'She doesn't know who it is?'
"So could you tell Grandmother I'm sorry but the future's gonna have to remain uncertain."
'She was never told? Interesting.'
Before he could speak Runa wrapped her arms around him and hugged him before pulling back and kissing him lightly on the corner of his mouth.
"Arigoto." She whispered before she walked away into the sea of people boarding the train.
Shigure was still dazed from learning she was never told and from the hug. She had hugged him and he was still eye level with all the people around him. He didn't transform, this was starting to tick him off. He didn't know why but he didn't want her to leave, and for some reason he couldn't figure out why she was able to hug him when the other woman he encountered weren't able to.
"Kuso!" he breathed as he realized Runa had just boarded the train and said good-bye. He shook his head and went after her.
Runa weaved her way though the people on the cars, she made it to the last train where she stood next to the pole. She was lost in though gazing out the window thinking about everything and nothing at all.
'Shigure. Ayame. Hatori. I'm going to miss them and Yuki, Kyou, and Tooru. I just met them but I know I'll miss them also.'
Runa bowed her head down letting her bangs shield the tears that were threatening to spill over.
'I don't want to leave them. They are like a part of my family; I grew up with them I hung out with them. Oh Shigure, I will really miss you. You who were always there for me, loyal to the end, too bad you always saw me as just a kid.'
She felt the train jerk forward signaling its movement and the beginning of her journey. She tipped forward and bumped into someone, she muttered her apologizes before straightening up and going back to staring at her feet.
'Wait, why do I care how he saw me? Is it because you care for him? Of course I care for him he was my best friend. So the fact that you've fallen for him has nothing to do with you missing him? I've fallen for him? I have haven't I? With out knowing it I seem to have fallen in- say it, you'll feel better. Why should I say it? I'm going away and even if I wasn't there is still the matter of my betrothal to some unknown stranger. Just say it, trust me. I am your sub conscious after all.'
Runa chewed on her bottom lip as she continued to debate with herself, after a good ten minutes she finally gave up and said it.
'I do feel a little better but what good does it do me? All I said was you would feel better not that it would solve anything.'
"Stupid sub conscious." She muttered as she shifted her bag to her left shoulder.
Evie was sitting down in the garden the Sakura blossoms blowing freely around her still form. She had come here to think and to wait for Shigure to bring Runa home like last time. She had not changed so she was still wearing her dark red suit, the jacket spread out on the ground next to her with her shoes. She was facing the tree looking up at its branches and watching the petals dance in the wind around her.
That is how Hatori found her, a breath taking vision of beauty just sitting there. He had been called at the compound and told of the situation. He went over to Shigure's house first to inform his younger cousins that Shigure might be a little late because of some matter he was attending to.
They seemed to buy it but he knew a better explanation was in order when this was all over. Then he went over to Ayame's to talk to him real quick, the hebi wasn't at all surprised by his news instead he seemed to be expecting it. After that interesting but short visit he went to talk to Evie.
He had found her sitting under the Sakura tree outback in the gardens. She was still in her suit the wind blowing through her blonde hair, the sakura petals tumbling and swirling down around her. He walked over and sat down next her after a moment.
Evie saw Hatori out of the corner of her eye, she was grateful for him to come, she wasn't sure if she could handle her sister disappearing and leaving her alone like that again.
Slowly her hand left her lap and intertwined with his, he gave it the slightest squeeze before bringing into his lap.
The cart was nearly empty but Runa hardly noticed she was still wrapped up in her own thoughts and worries. She could feel the tears at the edge of her lashes ready to spill over at the blink of an eye.
Her head was bent down and she was shaking slightly when he found her, he went through every cart looking for her worrying that she might have already left. He found her though standing up leaning slightly against the pole on the last train. Slowly he made his way towards her but she didn't seem to notice his approach, when he got close enough he heard her restrained cries.
Runa was chocking back the sobs that threatened to escape her lips. It wasn't fair; nothing was fair it always turned out bad. Nothing ever seemed to go her way. Not when she was younger and not now it all seemed to fall apart and every time she would put it back together thinking it would stay her luck would run out and she was left with nothing, just like before.
That made the tears over flow causing one to roll down her cheek and drop to the floor. She bit her lip to stop the sob from escaping but when she felt a hand on her shoulder and her named whispered she couldn't handle it.
The tears that she held at bay began to cascade down her face and her cries slipped from her lips. Soon she felt two arms wrap around her and she was pulled into a warm embrace. She continued to cry burrowing her face into the pliant body before her.
Shigure tighten his hold on her as he stroked her hair and whispered calming words in her ear. After awhile she stopped crying and he brushed her bangs away to see she had fallen asleep. He smiled as he picked her up and sat down on the near by seats, he adjusted her before he pulled out his cell phone.
Evie heard Hatori's phone ring and she tighten her grip on his hand. The sun had set a few hours ago and they hadn't heard anything from Shigure and now she was worried. What if he didn't find her? What if he did and she didn't want to come home? Or worse, she shook her head she didn't want to think about that.
She heard Hatori's muffled voice then nothing. She swallowed and dared to look his way, his dark green eyes were watching her. They seemed to speak volumes to her and he didn't even say anything. She let go of his hand and he got up and walked away. She waited till he was out of sight before she broke down crying her tears of joy and relief that her baby sister was fine.
Hatori drove to the station Shigure had told him they were at. He didn't say much but he could tell he was relieved and happy that he'd found her. When he pulled up and got out he say them sitting down on one of the benches, Shigure holding a sleeping Runa next to him.
"Shigure."
"Hari thanks for coming. I don't think I would have been able to make it home."
Hatori glanced down to see that Runa's face had tearstains and she still seemed to be crying somewhat. He only picked up her bag and waited for Shigure.
They arrived at the compound to be greeted by Evie she was still in her suit a little rumpled and tired but she was very happy to see her sister. When they brought her to her room Evie bowed low to the floor thanking Shigure for bringing her back.
"Arigoto Shigure-san. Arigoto domo." She whispered
"I think I'll call grandmother first. Yeah then maybe eat and a nap. Yeah I'll call Shigure later."
Her mind made up Runa picked up the phone and dialed her grandmother's number.
"Sakura residence." Droned the maids voice
" Betty can I talk to grandmother?"
"Miss Runa?"
"The one and only."
"Not calling to tell us you're in some unknown regions of the world like last time are you?"
"No, besides that was only once and I was fine."
"Hold on one moment please."
Runa chuckled at Betty's change in subject someone must have been standing there. She waited a couple minutes before her grandmother's voice could be heard on the other end.
" Hello Grandmother."
"Runa. I will be quick. There is something I wish to discuss with you."
"Ok I'm listening."
"I would greatly appreciate it if you came to the house. It is something I do not wish to discuss over the phone."
Runa sighed her shoulders slumping.
"Grandmother can it wait till later then?"
"No it is very important we talk about it now."
Runa shifted the phone and leaned against the wall.
"Then tell me now."
"Runa."
"What? I just got home from work (which wasn't entirely a lie) and I'm hungry, tired and I need a shower."
"One more moment of your time visiting your old dying Grandmother will not hurt you."
"You are not dying. * Silence * Fine I'll be over in five."
That done with she hung up the phone, grabbing her bag and keys she went back outside. She was in front of the compound gates debating whether or not to enter or make her wait when the door opened up and Evie stood there.
She seemed surprised to see her younger sister standing there but she regained her composure quickly.
"Runa what a surprise! What are you doing here?"
"I'm meeting with Grandmother she has some all important news to tell me."
Evie looked away before talking.
"Really? Well I have to go meet with the executive heads for Grandmother then I'll be back. Would you want to go out to eat?"
" We'll see. I might just take a nap. Bye Evie."
Runa said as she walked inside waving good-bye as Evie watched her retreating figure.
" Sleep will be the furthest thing from your mind."
Evie muttered before walking towards her car and driving away.
" Miss Runa."
"Hi Betty. Where's Grandmother?"
"She's in the back room, would you like for me to bring you some tea?"
"Sure it might distract her."
"Runa."
"What?"
Betty just shook her head before leaving to prepare the tea. Runa slipped off her shoes and walked towards the back of the house. Her Grandmothers favorite room, it over looked a small rock garden. It was peaceful and calming but too quiet for her taste.
She stopped at the door and knocked.
"Enter."
Runa slide open the door and bowed slightly before walking in and kneeling down across from her grandmother. Her back was turned away from her so she couldn't quiet see her Grandmother's entire face but she didn't look happy. Runa sat there and waited until her Grandmother spoke.
'She calls me and says its important and then doesn't say anything. This is why I didn't want to come over. Man my feet are getting numb.'
"Runa do you remember the day before your grandfather died?"
"Yes." She whispered her eyes softening at the mention of him
"Do you know what he made you promise?"
Runa sat for a couple seconds her eyes looking up at the ceiling in thought.
"Yes."
" Do you know why he made you make that promise?"
"Not really."
"The day before he died your Grandfather had made a deal, if you will, with another house. It was made for the benefit of both houses because he had finally figured out how to change our family's unmei."
"Change our destiny?"
"In order for it to work though someone of a sympathetic heart had to have been given to one of the cursed."
Runa stared at her Grandmother's back looking a little confused and wondering where this was going.
"So out of all our children one was selected and promised to one of three. The child was given the chance to pick our destiny for us. She was placed in a room with three animals and asked to choose one."
Runa shifted her feet and flexed her toes trying to get the blood flow going again. She was going to ask for her Grandmother to continue when there was a knock at the door.
"Enter." Said her Grandmother
Betty was standing in the door with a tray of tea. She walked in and placed it down between the two before bowing and walking out. Runa scooted over and poured the tea handing one to her grandmother first before taking her own and sitting back down.
She waited for her Grandmother to finish sipping her tea and continue talking. It was a whole five minutes of silence and tea sipping before she placed the cup down and began to speak again.
" So what animal did the child choose?" Runa asked Her Grandmother smiled slightly before the cold face went back up again.
"She chose the dog. The most noble and loyal out of the three, she chose justice for half of our destiny."
"Half but I though the child was to chose 'our' destiny." She said sarcastically
"True she did but a family is not one person but many. She chose the future for our destiny. A very wise choice if I may say."
"If she chose the future then what of the present and past? If such a thing can be done."
Runa saw her Grandmother smile slightly again her eyes taking a far off look.
" Two others were chosen for that task and they too are going to be learning of their fate but right now it is the future we are concerned with so it is to the future I am talking with."
"Grandmother what are you talking about? I think I'm lost, if you're talking to the child of 'our' future path then what are you talking about?" Runa asked confusion in her voice as she leaned over to look at her Grandmothers' face trying to figure out what was going on.
Her Grandmother didn't say a word after that just sat there sipping her tea quietly patiently waiting, for what Runa didn't know. Getting agitated she stood up and wobbled over to sit down in front of her.
"Is that what you wanted to tell me? Some story, prophecy or what ever that was?"
Runa was greeted by silence as her Grandmother raised her cup to her lips and took a sip.
" Grandmother."
She opened her eyes to see her granddaughter staring at her looking like the child she remembered before she grew up. She placed her cup down and smiled at her granddaughter cupping her face with her right hand.
" My little tenshi how much you have grown since that day when you were promised to another. How I wonder what I would have done differently knowing you were a free child instead of a promised one."
Runa blinked a couple times before she caught on to some of what she had just said.
"Promised? As in to someone else, like as in an arranged marriage to a total stranger?! Grandmother how could you!"
Runa yelled standing up her Grandmother's hand falling away from her face to her lap.
"Runa it was for the good of both out clans. This alliance will profit both our families and-"
"Are you listening to yourself? Who talks like that anyway? And who has arranged marriages? It's the twenty third century not feudal Japan you know. People have a say in whom they're going to marry, hell they don't even half to get married. No wonder father got upset when I left for America-Oh and Chris! Was that your doing too?!"
"I had no hand in _that _ matter. That was entirely you two and your lack of experience and maturity."
Runa narrowed her gaze and growled her hands planted on her hips as she glared down at her Grandmother.
" What do you mean lack of- I was plenty mature and so was Chris. Though when he suddenly got that wonderful job and had to just as suddenly stop seeing me I thought it was me but now I'm wondering if you and dad didn't have a hand in that."
"You to were not suitable for each other and you were already taken. He seemed to understand."
"What?! You told him that I was already engaged? How could you say that?"
"It was true you are engaged and I do not think your husband would like it if he found you were already married. You should be happy you are much more suited for-"
"No wonder I moved to America, I'm surprised Evie can stand living here!"
"Runa you must understand that-"
However Runa was no longer listening she was no longer in the room. She was running out of the house and compound. She made it our side in time to see Evie walking back inside but she didn't want to talk to her.
She ran past her not stopping when she heard her sisters' worried call. She didn't stop until she reached her apartment and even then she didn't go in. Instead she stood outside looking up at her window her eyes narrowed a frown on her face.
Evie was worried she didn't think Runa would take it that bad after all she hadn't when she was told about her arranged marriage actually she still blushed at the thought. Even though she had just learned today she wasn't upset but then again she was more 'traditional' than Runa was.
She didn't go inside just yet instead she opened her purse and fished out her cell phone and began to dial.
Runa took one last look at her apartment before closing and locking the door one last time. She shifted her bag over her shoulder as she walked down the steps and headed towards the train station.
" Shimatta!" she yelled stomping her foot
She reached it too late and missed the train, growling in frustration she took a seat and began to wait for the next one. Leaning her head back she gazed up at the florescent lights replaying the conversation with her Grandmother back in her head.
'How could she do that to me? And Chris that gaki how could he just leave me when I told him I loved him, that bakayarou how could he think I didn't love him. I told him yes didn't I?'
She sighed and closed her eyes letting the hum of the lights calm her down somewhat.
'Uragirimono. That's what he is, leaving me for a better job. Better my ass, that coward.'
"Itai!" Runa yelled and jumped up her eyes flying open and looking around.
She found a young boy grinning at her a toy gun in his hand, looking down she saw the small plastic dart that hit her in the head.
"Gaki." She said as she threw the dart back and picked up her bag.
She leaned against the wall and closed her eyes taking a deep breath before opening them up and exhaling.
"Running away?"
Runa whirled around to come face to face with a pair of brown eyes.
"Nani-yo?"
" To know why you're running away. Again."
When she didn't say anything he pinched her.
"Itai! Mou that hurts!"
"Then talk."
Runa glared at Shigure for about half a second before slumping down to the ground frowning her eyes watching the people pass them by. Shigure waited patiently besides her waiting for her to talk but he already knew what it was that had her upset.
Evie had called him and told him that she had run from the compound after meeting with her Grandmother. She did not look very happy either nor sad she just was angry. He searched a couple places before ending up at the station; he figured she would run like she did last time.
Runa's face soften somewhat but her eyes still were blazing with anger a small frown stilled creased her brow.
'Should I tell him? I mean he should know that I'm going to be wed off to someone I don't even know who. It could be some old perverted weirdo. Maybe he already knows?'
Runa glanced sideways at him from under her bangs watching his face. Shigure was watching the people pass by but turned his head when he felt Runa watching him. He raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything just stood there relaxed with his hands in his pockets.
She noticed he was dressed in a dark suit instead of his usual attire. She also noticed how well the suit fit him. Shigure watched her shake her head slightly before turning away a slight ting of pink to her cheeks.
'What was she thinking I wonder?'
"Do you think Grandmother would hate me if I refused."
"Refused what?"
"If I refused to-"
"Yes?"
She had his full attention now and he wasn't going to let her stop with out finishing.
"If I were to refuse thearrangedmarriageshesetupforme?"
"One more time only slower." He said he amused brown eyes looking at her flushed face.
Runa took a deep calming breath before saying it again only slower. Shigure looked down at her, she had her head bent down her hair shielding her face from his eyes. He shifted slightly against the stone pillar before asking his next question he had to know.
" You don't want this arranged marriage?"
"Iie."
A look of hurt passed through his eyes then disappeared. He stood there thinking for a couple minutes about what she had just said.
'She was told and yet she doesn't want to marry me? Well I didn't expect her to, baka that's why you introduced Chris to her so she wouldn't want to marry you.'
Shigure glanced down at her she was staring at the people passing by not really seeing them but at the same time seeing a part of them. She glanced away looking at her bag then back up.
Shigure sighed and held out his hand, she looked up at him then to his hand before grabbing it and letting him pull her up. The train had arrived and was calling for all boarders; Runa glanced behind her before turning back to Shigure.
He seemed different the light in his eyes seemed to have dimmed but she couldn't be entirely sure. She shifted her bag before backing up a little bit.
" How can I marry a total stranger? I mean I don't even know who the guy is and she wants me to marry him. I just can't do that."
'She doesn't know who it is?'
"So could you tell Grandmother I'm sorry but the future's gonna have to remain uncertain."
'She was never told? Interesting.'
Before he could speak Runa wrapped her arms around him and hugged him before pulling back and kissing him lightly on the corner of his mouth.
"Arigoto." She whispered before she walked away into the sea of people boarding the train.
Shigure was still dazed from learning she was never told and from the hug. She had hugged him and he was still eye level with all the people around him. He didn't transform, this was starting to tick him off. He didn't know why but he didn't want her to leave, and for some reason he couldn't figure out why she was able to hug him when the other woman he encountered weren't able to.
"Kuso!" he breathed as he realized Runa had just boarded the train and said good-bye. He shook his head and went after her.
Runa weaved her way though the people on the cars, she made it to the last train where she stood next to the pole. She was lost in though gazing out the window thinking about everything and nothing at all.
'Shigure. Ayame. Hatori. I'm going to miss them and Yuki, Kyou, and Tooru. I just met them but I know I'll miss them also.'
Runa bowed her head down letting her bangs shield the tears that were threatening to spill over.
'I don't want to leave them. They are like a part of my family; I grew up with them I hung out with them. Oh Shigure, I will really miss you. You who were always there for me, loyal to the end, too bad you always saw me as just a kid.'
She felt the train jerk forward signaling its movement and the beginning of her journey. She tipped forward and bumped into someone, she muttered her apologizes before straightening up and going back to staring at her feet.
'Wait, why do I care how he saw me? Is it because you care for him? Of course I care for him he was my best friend. So the fact that you've fallen for him has nothing to do with you missing him? I've fallen for him? I have haven't I? With out knowing it I seem to have fallen in- say it, you'll feel better. Why should I say it? I'm going away and even if I wasn't there is still the matter of my betrothal to some unknown stranger. Just say it, trust me. I am your sub conscious after all.'
Runa chewed on her bottom lip as she continued to debate with herself, after a good ten minutes she finally gave up and said it.
'I do feel a little better but what good does it do me? All I said was you would feel better not that it would solve anything.'
"Stupid sub conscious." She muttered as she shifted her bag to her left shoulder.
Evie was sitting down in the garden the Sakura blossoms blowing freely around her still form. She had come here to think and to wait for Shigure to bring Runa home like last time. She had not changed so she was still wearing her dark red suit, the jacket spread out on the ground next to her with her shoes. She was facing the tree looking up at its branches and watching the petals dance in the wind around her.
That is how Hatori found her, a breath taking vision of beauty just sitting there. He had been called at the compound and told of the situation. He went over to Shigure's house first to inform his younger cousins that Shigure might be a little late because of some matter he was attending to.
They seemed to buy it but he knew a better explanation was in order when this was all over. Then he went over to Ayame's to talk to him real quick, the hebi wasn't at all surprised by his news instead he seemed to be expecting it. After that interesting but short visit he went to talk to Evie.
He had found her sitting under the Sakura tree outback in the gardens. She was still in her suit the wind blowing through her blonde hair, the sakura petals tumbling and swirling down around her. He walked over and sat down next her after a moment.
Evie saw Hatori out of the corner of her eye, she was grateful for him to come, she wasn't sure if she could handle her sister disappearing and leaving her alone like that again.
Slowly her hand left her lap and intertwined with his, he gave it the slightest squeeze before bringing into his lap.
The cart was nearly empty but Runa hardly noticed she was still wrapped up in her own thoughts and worries. She could feel the tears at the edge of her lashes ready to spill over at the blink of an eye.
Her head was bent down and she was shaking slightly when he found her, he went through every cart looking for her worrying that she might have already left. He found her though standing up leaning slightly against the pole on the last train. Slowly he made his way towards her but she didn't seem to notice his approach, when he got close enough he heard her restrained cries.
Runa was chocking back the sobs that threatened to escape her lips. It wasn't fair; nothing was fair it always turned out bad. Nothing ever seemed to go her way. Not when she was younger and not now it all seemed to fall apart and every time she would put it back together thinking it would stay her luck would run out and she was left with nothing, just like before.
That made the tears over flow causing one to roll down her cheek and drop to the floor. She bit her lip to stop the sob from escaping but when she felt a hand on her shoulder and her named whispered she couldn't handle it.
The tears that she held at bay began to cascade down her face and her cries slipped from her lips. Soon she felt two arms wrap around her and she was pulled into a warm embrace. She continued to cry burrowing her face into the pliant body before her.
Shigure tighten his hold on her as he stroked her hair and whispered calming words in her ear. After awhile she stopped crying and he brushed her bangs away to see she had fallen asleep. He smiled as he picked her up and sat down on the near by seats, he adjusted her before he pulled out his cell phone.
Evie heard Hatori's phone ring and she tighten her grip on his hand. The sun had set a few hours ago and they hadn't heard anything from Shigure and now she was worried. What if he didn't find her? What if he did and she didn't want to come home? Or worse, she shook her head she didn't want to think about that.
She heard Hatori's muffled voice then nothing. She swallowed and dared to look his way, his dark green eyes were watching her. They seemed to speak volumes to her and he didn't even say anything. She let go of his hand and he got up and walked away. She waited till he was out of sight before she broke down crying her tears of joy and relief that her baby sister was fine.
Hatori drove to the station Shigure had told him they were at. He didn't say much but he could tell he was relieved and happy that he'd found her. When he pulled up and got out he say them sitting down on one of the benches, Shigure holding a sleeping Runa next to him.
"Shigure."
"Hari thanks for coming. I don't think I would have been able to make it home."
Hatori glanced down to see that Runa's face had tearstains and she still seemed to be crying somewhat. He only picked up her bag and waited for Shigure.
They arrived at the compound to be greeted by Evie she was still in her suit a little rumpled and tired but she was very happy to see her sister. When they brought her to her room Evie bowed low to the floor thanking Shigure for bringing her back.
"Arigoto Shigure-san. Arigoto domo." She whispered