Passion's Flame: Monotone
By Siren Silver
AN: Hey all you readers! I do hope you're enjoying the new version. I'm trying to turn things in a new direction. Thank you to all who reviewed! If you didn't read the original version, then poo poo on you! Just joking, most of it was hard to follow anyway. Side note, Rei is going to Juuban High. It's easier to write scenes with them together this way.
jtjswann23- Thank you! I love that you love it!
Miyaka-chan- Your insight did indeed help alot! Don't worry, Rei will get all the revenge she needs!
Firako-chan-You also helped alot. Yep I'm going to continue. Can't let my baby die, can I?
Alitheria- Oh thanks. Please please please update "And I Love You"!! I'm dying here!
Talia Moon-Yes Wufei is Heero's love rival. Oops, but maybe I should have said three close male friends? 'Cause they aren't going to like each other for a long long time into the story, if at all.
Alexa-You'll know! I'm writing now! Geez don't you people ever give me a break? It's always more more, now now. Write, damn you, write! You guys don't realize I'm lazy! J/k disregard the following note.
Sadie-myst-chan- Yeah it is longer! Longer is always better! Wow, that's a bad hentai pun there...hee hee
Icyfire-Oh continue with GRIEVE! Need more! NOW! Anyway, thanks! I'm not to fond of Relena myself, but I try not to bash her. Don't worry, she'll probably never come up in this story.
Cilla-chan-Do you realize how hard it is to read Need? It's so long and filled with Rei/Heero goodness. I'm only on chapter five! I had to stop reading, because you inspired me to write more. I would have never finished Chapter 2 if I didn't stop. That's fine about the email, you always leave good and long reviews anyway. I like the Relena/Heero past too, it makes more sense that way. Don't worry, Minako will be much better in this version. Though she'll still have be infatuated with Heero, other wise I lose the whole reason for my Fei/Rei scenes.
PAN: (Is there such a thing as Post Author's Note?) It's my birthday! MY BIRTHDAY! I'M 16!!! I'm mature! Calm! Level-headed! Car-less! Broke! My job sucks! Anyway on to the opening poem, prose, funny lyrical thing!
~*~Monotone~*~
She breathes, she sighs
Inside she dies
She puts her heart in his hands
And He says good bye
You're on your own
Was voiced in stone
Her eyes speak volumes
But all that is heard is monotone
Look at what she's become
Emotionless, she is numb
She's lost all her trust in love
To her past, she succumbs
She can't believe she's alone
Her life is now monotone
All alone behind heart's walls
A world of grey, it's monotone
~*~
" She's so freaky, you know?"
" She is supposed to be cruel too. How in the world do her friends stand her?"
" You're right. She is such a bitch towards people. She always has been."
" How could Rei-chan be her friend? Rei's popular and she's just..."
" I know, just so like eww."
Giggling drifted on the afternoon breeze. Makoto froze, watching the two girls with burning eyes. A cold rush of pain passed through her. Would everyone always see her as the bully with no heart? It hurt so much, knowing people would only accept what they saw on the outside. Blushing darkly and lowering her head, Makoto Kino walked briskly away. Several people stared in amusement, knowing the big great Kino could be hurt so easily.
A pair of violet eyes widened in horror as Makoto near fled the scene, unable to take the giggling and the whispers. Duo Maxwell stood in regret, knowing full well she'd never accept any sympathy from HIM of all people. He turned back to look at the stone grey two-story building that was Juuban High School. His eyes drifted to the door as if he searching for something. Duo's eyes widened when he found what he was searching for.
" Hey, Heero! What's up?" Duo yelled, waving at his bestfriend, and room mate, with a smile on his face. Heero Yuy walked to Duo silently, his eyes dark and foreboding. Duo took one glance and winced. Something bad was up. Heero wasn't exactly a cheery person, but he never looked so depressed during a school day.
" Nothing, Duo," came a curt reply by Heero. He ran a hand through his messy dark head, irritation and regret running through him. 'Why the hell am I such a bastard?' Heero thought intensely. He pulled at his black uniform, doing anything to keep from glancing at Duo. The two took off in the direction of their apartment, ignoring the light sunshine and gentle breeze.
It was a nice day out, the weather fair and mild. The birds were chirping in the sakura trees, which would bloom in a couple of weeks. Children were begging their mothers for candy and little girls were playing ball in Tokyo Park. So no one could understand why two perfectly healthy and sexy young men could be that depressed. Heero received many hard and curious looks, while Duo merely seemed apologetic for his friend's behavior. The darkness the resonated from Heero was astounding, Duo could feel it making him depressed. Their shuffle soon turned into a brisk walk with Heero walking into and around people with out so much as a word. Mumbled sorries and gomens came from Duo as he tried to keep up. He was so engrossed with trying to find Heero he ran right into him.
Heero had stopped cold at the sight of Makoto Kino, who was darkly throwing rocks at a dumpster. Each blow came hard, the stone crunching against dented metal. Her eyes reflected shame and anger, glistening with cold light that came from years of hardening herself against others. Heero looked regretful at the pain on Mako's face, before schooling his features into indifference. Duo took a glance at Heero, wincing at his buddy's hard distant expression. The young man then turned abruptly around to see another hard stone plow into the in metal. One slim hand started to reach towards Makoto, but hard reality smacked it down.
He couldn't help her, she wouldn't accept it. So why did he feel this way, when he knew that even trying would cause him more pain?
Duo knew that Makoto Kino couldn't tolerate him. She only saw him as a womanizing bastard, an imagine fueled by stuck up ex-girlfriends, rumors, and gossip. His sharp ears picked up the phrase, "...judging me only on rumors..." uttered painfully. Makoto let out a low growl as she threw her last stone. She wiped the hidden tears from her eyes, and strode off down the sidewalk, her footsteps echoing on the pavement. Duo felt a sharp pang of regret and guilt at having not said anything to her. His lips whispered her name before he looked at Heero.
" It's sad, isn't it?" Heero said softly, looking at Duo's violet eyes.
" What is?" came Duo's reply. Was Heero refering to Makoto or something else? When Heero talked like this it always meant something was bothering him.
" Makoto Kino, possibly one of the nicest girls in school, is treated as a horrible beast because of a false reputation. No one really knows her, but they still judge her. She hates that sort of thing. Yet, you like her so damn much, and she won't give you the time of day because of your false reputation. You would swear on your last breath that I loved a certain girl. But because of what she was, I broke her soul. I couldn't trust her, even though I hate snap judgments. Now I can't even look at you. The hypocrisy on such a beautiful day is astonishing. Isn't the world just fucking peachy?" Heero spat out darkly, his voice raw and angered.
Heero's eyes had darkened from cobalt blue to near black with emotion. His lips thinned in a dark frown, while Duo just stared. Loved a girl...broke her soul? Duo wondered what the hell Heero could possibly be talking about. 'Can't look at me? What does that have to do...' the thought was cut short when realization dawned upon him.
" Heero, you couldn't be talking about..."
" I broke up with Hino-san. It wasn't working out."
'Broke up? BROKE UP!? You tore her heart out and shredded it into pieces! You took her pride and smashed through it!' Heero thought, torn between wanting to scream his frustration and keeping his dignity. He finally stared intensely at Duo, at the all too familiar burning hue of deep violet. Duo's eyes widened in surprise when he saw the intensity in which Heero was staring at him.
" You have her eyes, Duo."
~*~
Black hair shone like a raven's wing in the sun, as a young girl swept the path with a bamboo broom. Her eyes were blank as she dimly registered the people walking by. The young miko took a strange comfort in the task, liking the mind numbing effect it had. Rei Hino went about her daily chores, trying to keep her mind off of what had happened a few days ago. It worked for a bit, but after her chores were done there was nothing she could do but face her thoughts. Rei didn't want to complete her very last chore, which was to sweep the path to the shrine in which she lived.
Rei Hino was the shinto priestess of Hiwaka Jinja, the Hino family shrine. She had swept the same spot so many times now, so she was soon forced to give up her retreat from her school and love life. Walking silently towards the house portion of her shrine, Rei held the broom with a loose and careless hand. She just let it drop at the door, not really caring about it. She strode past the sitting room, past the fire room, past Yuuichiro's room to her own room. She opened and then shut the door behind her, locking it. Her numb body sagged against the oak door, turmoil making her weak. Rei slumped onto her bed, her eyes toneless and dull. Was she always going to be so...numb? Where was the sorrow that she had felt when she looked into those burning blue eyes? The anguish she had pushed away? She needed to feel it all, all the pain and sorrow and fury, if only to reinforce her opinion that men in general were scum.
" Why did I let him get to me? So many males had already proven to me that no one can be trusted. You can't have faith in anybody. I had hoped for years that somebody would prove me wrong. That maybe I was just holding onto an unfounded idea. " Rei said wistfully. Her eyes began to tear, and her mind felt her emotionless state slide away into nothingness. She wasn't a robot, and she was usually passionate and expressive. But she wouldn't let anyone see her break down. Not when she had been so strong for years. She put up with too much, to let a break up get to her. And yet, even as her burning thoughts raced in her mind, her eyes filled with tears.
Rei wasn't a robot, and She couldn't push away the feelings any longer. She had put up the mask so well around her friends. Yet somehow she never felt happy, she couldn't concentrate at school, and her friends knew something was amiss. Rei wiped a silent tear away from her eye and pulled her raven black hair from her cheek.
" REI-CHAN! Onegai, come here!" A low male voice called. Rei grimaced and got off her bed. She had been moments from sleep. But now, being called on by that idiot Yuucichiro, she forced a slight smile and kept her lazy eyes open. She strode unsteadily towards the door and opened it to an unfamiliar scene. Phobos and Deimos, her two pet crows were perched on top of poor Yuuichiro's head. Each one had razor sharp beaks that were currently being dug into his scalp.
" I..ow...think they-quit it- are hungry. Where is their foo-I'm getting to it, you stupid-food?" Yuuchiro asked in a shaking voice. He winced and glared upwards at the two pests. Rei just raised her eyebrows in response.
" It's in the pantry, Yuu-kun. Phobos, Deimos! You two know better," Rei said with a light chuckle. She then raised her arm and the crows flew off, knowing they were to be fed soon. The male sighed in relief.
" Arigato, Rei-chan." He said, patting her on the shoulder and running off. Rei heard the sounds of the pantry door opening up. She rolled her eyes in amusement and then headed back to her bed. She no longer felt the need to mull over her thoughts and drifted off into a deep sleep.
~*~
Chang Wufei strode up the steps of the awfully quaint Shinto shrine, carrying his suitcase in one strong hand. So he would be staying at a place like this? The evening sunset cast a soft pink light on questioning onyx eyes, as they roamed over the almost rustic setting of stone statues and koi ponds. It was quite a lovely confection of color, the light cerelean of the pond, the soft gold of the sun, the deep green of the trees.
A small smile softened the harsh lines of a previously skeptical expression, and those dark eyes widened at the simple peace that permeated the surroundings. Wufei took off his gold rimmed reading glasses with a strong slim fingered hand, and slid them in his pocket. He stopped staring, and walked towards the shrine itself with a wide grin.
Unlike his rowdy school friends at home, Wufei was relatively mild tempered. He appreciated subtle beauty like no one else he knew, his girlfriend at home included. Oh sure, he was quite proud and could be very haughty. But as a scholar, the simple aesthetic pleasure of a beautiful landscape was quite calming and enjoyable. He took to the calmness of the structure, arching gracefully in a salute to the almighty Amatersu (is that right?). Wufei shook his head, absolutely delighted at his place to stay. He could train hard here, and no one would bother him. He could meditate near the soft gurgling of the pond, climb the trees, and read in the grass. It wouldn't be so bad. This was a small eden in the bustling city of Tokyo, and it's small area was unusually wide and open, like the fields he had trained in at home. Plus, he had heard nothing but wondrous things about the Hino Family. Hino Akira was a popular politician, honorable and wise. His daughter was a shrine miko, a priestess, and was supposed to be very polite and spiritual. Hino Shinji, the priest of the Hiwaka Jinja shrine, was supposed to be a great man too.
The fall of foot steps made Wufei turn his head. Two young girls girls racing up the steps, huffing and puffing with each one. Her brilliant sapphire eyes were narrowed with agravation, and her long golden hair cascaded behind her. Her school seifuku (uniform) flapped about and her chest was heaving. The girl in front of her wasn't fazed at all, her wavy auburn hair flashing in the setting sun. Her emerald eyes were lowered in a challenge as she smirked at her tiring friend. In her slender hand was a red ribbon, and the taller girl raced ahead. Wufei watched in curiousity. The blonde tired out and couldn't run anymore.
" Baka," she uttered in a low growl, " I want my ribbon!" Her voice was sort of raw and she stopped to catch her breath. Wufei chuckled, his excellent hearing picking up the low muttered curses. He watched from the top of the stairs as the stronger brunette barreled by him. She was heading to the shrine, and respectably, started to slow down and walk. Her long legs gave her a very elegant stride. The blonde wasn't about to take defeat however, and with renewed energy, charged up the steps. Still tired, her energy faded on her and she tripped up, crashing into an innocent bystander. Wufei's eyes widened in shock as the blonde girl collided with him, sending them both into the ground.
" Woman!" He growled, the blonde sprawled on top of him. She blushed, scarlet curling upon her cheeks. Her hair fell over her face, and Wufei could only glare at her until she smiled at him and got off of him. She reached out a hand to help him up. Wufei took it and stood up, glaring and brushing the dirt off of his white silk shirt. A husky chuckle was heard behind the two of them as the confidant brunette tossed the red ribbon to the other girl.
" Gomen ne, sir. Aino-chan isn't very coordinated. My name is Kino Makoto. I'm awfully sorry for this." She said, her voice still laughing at the hapless blonde. Makoto bowed, and headed back up to the temple. The blonde blushed heavily, and handed him his suitcase.
" I'm terribly sorry, sir. My name is Aino Minako, please forgive me." She said, her rich voice taking on a persausive tone. Wufei just nodded at her, his face softening gradually. Normally he would have shouted until he was blue in his face, but she apologised sincerely. If Meiran had done the samething, she would have just laughed mockingly at him. Minako stared at him, raking in his dark eyes, and thick black hair. His silk was smudged a bit, and she felt bad for that. But other than the small note of irritation in his eyes, he was quite cute. Wufei wondered at Minako's appraising stare, his thoughts running a mile a minute. 'Why is she staring at me like that? Did I miss some dirt?' He wondered questioningly, looking down to see a small smudge of dirt on his lower leg. He bent over to brush it off, feeling like a fool already.
" Apology accepted Aino-san. My name is Chang Wufei. I'm sure I'll see you around." He said quietly and dismissively. With that, he headed towards the shrine. When he and Minako reached the door, the brunette Makoto and three other people were waiting there. Three pairs of eyes stared at him, making Wufei feel a little awkward. A smile broadened on one face, a face that belonged to a wisened old man. He bowed to Wufei, smiling deeply.
" Welcome to the Hiwaka Shrine! I believe you'll find your stay here quite enjoyable."
" Nani?!" Came the outraged voice of a young girl. Wufei turned his head in the direction of the voice, only to find hard, burning, violet eyes boring into his own.
And that's the next chapter! Remember! Reviews are like Heroine for writers!
By Siren Silver
AN: Hey all you readers! I do hope you're enjoying the new version. I'm trying to turn things in a new direction. Thank you to all who reviewed! If you didn't read the original version, then poo poo on you! Just joking, most of it was hard to follow anyway. Side note, Rei is going to Juuban High. It's easier to write scenes with them together this way.
jtjswann23- Thank you! I love that you love it!
Miyaka-chan- Your insight did indeed help alot! Don't worry, Rei will get all the revenge she needs!
Firako-chan-You also helped alot. Yep I'm going to continue. Can't let my baby die, can I?
Alitheria- Oh thanks. Please please please update "And I Love You"!! I'm dying here!
Talia Moon-Yes Wufei is Heero's love rival. Oops, but maybe I should have said three close male friends? 'Cause they aren't going to like each other for a long long time into the story, if at all.
Alexa-You'll know! I'm writing now! Geez don't you people ever give me a break? It's always more more, now now. Write, damn you, write! You guys don't realize I'm lazy! J/k disregard the following note.
Sadie-myst-chan- Yeah it is longer! Longer is always better! Wow, that's a bad hentai pun there...hee hee
Icyfire-Oh continue with GRIEVE! Need more! NOW! Anyway, thanks! I'm not to fond of Relena myself, but I try not to bash her. Don't worry, she'll probably never come up in this story.
Cilla-chan-Do you realize how hard it is to read Need? It's so long and filled with Rei/Heero goodness. I'm only on chapter five! I had to stop reading, because you inspired me to write more. I would have never finished Chapter 2 if I didn't stop. That's fine about the email, you always leave good and long reviews anyway. I like the Relena/Heero past too, it makes more sense that way. Don't worry, Minako will be much better in this version. Though she'll still have be infatuated with Heero, other wise I lose the whole reason for my Fei/Rei scenes.
PAN: (Is there such a thing as Post Author's Note?) It's my birthday! MY BIRTHDAY! I'M 16!!! I'm mature! Calm! Level-headed! Car-less! Broke! My job sucks! Anyway on to the opening poem, prose, funny lyrical thing!
~*~Monotone~*~
She breathes, she sighs
Inside she dies
She puts her heart in his hands
And He says good bye
You're on your own
Was voiced in stone
Her eyes speak volumes
But all that is heard is monotone
Look at what she's become
Emotionless, she is numb
She's lost all her trust in love
To her past, she succumbs
She can't believe she's alone
Her life is now monotone
All alone behind heart's walls
A world of grey, it's monotone
~*~
" She's so freaky, you know?"
" She is supposed to be cruel too. How in the world do her friends stand her?"
" You're right. She is such a bitch towards people. She always has been."
" How could Rei-chan be her friend? Rei's popular and she's just..."
" I know, just so like eww."
Giggling drifted on the afternoon breeze. Makoto froze, watching the two girls with burning eyes. A cold rush of pain passed through her. Would everyone always see her as the bully with no heart? It hurt so much, knowing people would only accept what they saw on the outside. Blushing darkly and lowering her head, Makoto Kino walked briskly away. Several people stared in amusement, knowing the big great Kino could be hurt so easily.
A pair of violet eyes widened in horror as Makoto near fled the scene, unable to take the giggling and the whispers. Duo Maxwell stood in regret, knowing full well she'd never accept any sympathy from HIM of all people. He turned back to look at the stone grey two-story building that was Juuban High School. His eyes drifted to the door as if he searching for something. Duo's eyes widened when he found what he was searching for.
" Hey, Heero! What's up?" Duo yelled, waving at his bestfriend, and room mate, with a smile on his face. Heero Yuy walked to Duo silently, his eyes dark and foreboding. Duo took one glance and winced. Something bad was up. Heero wasn't exactly a cheery person, but he never looked so depressed during a school day.
" Nothing, Duo," came a curt reply by Heero. He ran a hand through his messy dark head, irritation and regret running through him. 'Why the hell am I such a bastard?' Heero thought intensely. He pulled at his black uniform, doing anything to keep from glancing at Duo. The two took off in the direction of their apartment, ignoring the light sunshine and gentle breeze.
It was a nice day out, the weather fair and mild. The birds were chirping in the sakura trees, which would bloom in a couple of weeks. Children were begging their mothers for candy and little girls were playing ball in Tokyo Park. So no one could understand why two perfectly healthy and sexy young men could be that depressed. Heero received many hard and curious looks, while Duo merely seemed apologetic for his friend's behavior. The darkness the resonated from Heero was astounding, Duo could feel it making him depressed. Their shuffle soon turned into a brisk walk with Heero walking into and around people with out so much as a word. Mumbled sorries and gomens came from Duo as he tried to keep up. He was so engrossed with trying to find Heero he ran right into him.
Heero had stopped cold at the sight of Makoto Kino, who was darkly throwing rocks at a dumpster. Each blow came hard, the stone crunching against dented metal. Her eyes reflected shame and anger, glistening with cold light that came from years of hardening herself against others. Heero looked regretful at the pain on Mako's face, before schooling his features into indifference. Duo took a glance at Heero, wincing at his buddy's hard distant expression. The young man then turned abruptly around to see another hard stone plow into the in metal. One slim hand started to reach towards Makoto, but hard reality smacked it down.
He couldn't help her, she wouldn't accept it. So why did he feel this way, when he knew that even trying would cause him more pain?
Duo knew that Makoto Kino couldn't tolerate him. She only saw him as a womanizing bastard, an imagine fueled by stuck up ex-girlfriends, rumors, and gossip. His sharp ears picked up the phrase, "...judging me only on rumors..." uttered painfully. Makoto let out a low growl as she threw her last stone. She wiped the hidden tears from her eyes, and strode off down the sidewalk, her footsteps echoing on the pavement. Duo felt a sharp pang of regret and guilt at having not said anything to her. His lips whispered her name before he looked at Heero.
" It's sad, isn't it?" Heero said softly, looking at Duo's violet eyes.
" What is?" came Duo's reply. Was Heero refering to Makoto or something else? When Heero talked like this it always meant something was bothering him.
" Makoto Kino, possibly one of the nicest girls in school, is treated as a horrible beast because of a false reputation. No one really knows her, but they still judge her. She hates that sort of thing. Yet, you like her so damn much, and she won't give you the time of day because of your false reputation. You would swear on your last breath that I loved a certain girl. But because of what she was, I broke her soul. I couldn't trust her, even though I hate snap judgments. Now I can't even look at you. The hypocrisy on such a beautiful day is astonishing. Isn't the world just fucking peachy?" Heero spat out darkly, his voice raw and angered.
Heero's eyes had darkened from cobalt blue to near black with emotion. His lips thinned in a dark frown, while Duo just stared. Loved a girl...broke her soul? Duo wondered what the hell Heero could possibly be talking about. 'Can't look at me? What does that have to do...' the thought was cut short when realization dawned upon him.
" Heero, you couldn't be talking about..."
" I broke up with Hino-san. It wasn't working out."
'Broke up? BROKE UP!? You tore her heart out and shredded it into pieces! You took her pride and smashed through it!' Heero thought, torn between wanting to scream his frustration and keeping his dignity. He finally stared intensely at Duo, at the all too familiar burning hue of deep violet. Duo's eyes widened in surprise when he saw the intensity in which Heero was staring at him.
" You have her eyes, Duo."
~*~
Black hair shone like a raven's wing in the sun, as a young girl swept the path with a bamboo broom. Her eyes were blank as she dimly registered the people walking by. The young miko took a strange comfort in the task, liking the mind numbing effect it had. Rei Hino went about her daily chores, trying to keep her mind off of what had happened a few days ago. It worked for a bit, but after her chores were done there was nothing she could do but face her thoughts. Rei didn't want to complete her very last chore, which was to sweep the path to the shrine in which she lived.
Rei Hino was the shinto priestess of Hiwaka Jinja, the Hino family shrine. She had swept the same spot so many times now, so she was soon forced to give up her retreat from her school and love life. Walking silently towards the house portion of her shrine, Rei held the broom with a loose and careless hand. She just let it drop at the door, not really caring about it. She strode past the sitting room, past the fire room, past Yuuichiro's room to her own room. She opened and then shut the door behind her, locking it. Her numb body sagged against the oak door, turmoil making her weak. Rei slumped onto her bed, her eyes toneless and dull. Was she always going to be so...numb? Where was the sorrow that she had felt when she looked into those burning blue eyes? The anguish she had pushed away? She needed to feel it all, all the pain and sorrow and fury, if only to reinforce her opinion that men in general were scum.
" Why did I let him get to me? So many males had already proven to me that no one can be trusted. You can't have faith in anybody. I had hoped for years that somebody would prove me wrong. That maybe I was just holding onto an unfounded idea. " Rei said wistfully. Her eyes began to tear, and her mind felt her emotionless state slide away into nothingness. She wasn't a robot, and she was usually passionate and expressive. But she wouldn't let anyone see her break down. Not when she had been so strong for years. She put up with too much, to let a break up get to her. And yet, even as her burning thoughts raced in her mind, her eyes filled with tears.
Rei wasn't a robot, and She couldn't push away the feelings any longer. She had put up the mask so well around her friends. Yet somehow she never felt happy, she couldn't concentrate at school, and her friends knew something was amiss. Rei wiped a silent tear away from her eye and pulled her raven black hair from her cheek.
" REI-CHAN! Onegai, come here!" A low male voice called. Rei grimaced and got off her bed. She had been moments from sleep. But now, being called on by that idiot Yuucichiro, she forced a slight smile and kept her lazy eyes open. She strode unsteadily towards the door and opened it to an unfamiliar scene. Phobos and Deimos, her two pet crows were perched on top of poor Yuuichiro's head. Each one had razor sharp beaks that were currently being dug into his scalp.
" I..ow...think they-quit it- are hungry. Where is their foo-I'm getting to it, you stupid-food?" Yuuchiro asked in a shaking voice. He winced and glared upwards at the two pests. Rei just raised her eyebrows in response.
" It's in the pantry, Yuu-kun. Phobos, Deimos! You two know better," Rei said with a light chuckle. She then raised her arm and the crows flew off, knowing they were to be fed soon. The male sighed in relief.
" Arigato, Rei-chan." He said, patting her on the shoulder and running off. Rei heard the sounds of the pantry door opening up. She rolled her eyes in amusement and then headed back to her bed. She no longer felt the need to mull over her thoughts and drifted off into a deep sleep.
~*~
Chang Wufei strode up the steps of the awfully quaint Shinto shrine, carrying his suitcase in one strong hand. So he would be staying at a place like this? The evening sunset cast a soft pink light on questioning onyx eyes, as they roamed over the almost rustic setting of stone statues and koi ponds. It was quite a lovely confection of color, the light cerelean of the pond, the soft gold of the sun, the deep green of the trees.
A small smile softened the harsh lines of a previously skeptical expression, and those dark eyes widened at the simple peace that permeated the surroundings. Wufei took off his gold rimmed reading glasses with a strong slim fingered hand, and slid them in his pocket. He stopped staring, and walked towards the shrine itself with a wide grin.
Unlike his rowdy school friends at home, Wufei was relatively mild tempered. He appreciated subtle beauty like no one else he knew, his girlfriend at home included. Oh sure, he was quite proud and could be very haughty. But as a scholar, the simple aesthetic pleasure of a beautiful landscape was quite calming and enjoyable. He took to the calmness of the structure, arching gracefully in a salute to the almighty Amatersu (is that right?). Wufei shook his head, absolutely delighted at his place to stay. He could train hard here, and no one would bother him. He could meditate near the soft gurgling of the pond, climb the trees, and read in the grass. It wouldn't be so bad. This was a small eden in the bustling city of Tokyo, and it's small area was unusually wide and open, like the fields he had trained in at home. Plus, he had heard nothing but wondrous things about the Hino Family. Hino Akira was a popular politician, honorable and wise. His daughter was a shrine miko, a priestess, and was supposed to be very polite and spiritual. Hino Shinji, the priest of the Hiwaka Jinja shrine, was supposed to be a great man too.
The fall of foot steps made Wufei turn his head. Two young girls girls racing up the steps, huffing and puffing with each one. Her brilliant sapphire eyes were narrowed with agravation, and her long golden hair cascaded behind her. Her school seifuku (uniform) flapped about and her chest was heaving. The girl in front of her wasn't fazed at all, her wavy auburn hair flashing in the setting sun. Her emerald eyes were lowered in a challenge as she smirked at her tiring friend. In her slender hand was a red ribbon, and the taller girl raced ahead. Wufei watched in curiousity. The blonde tired out and couldn't run anymore.
" Baka," she uttered in a low growl, " I want my ribbon!" Her voice was sort of raw and she stopped to catch her breath. Wufei chuckled, his excellent hearing picking up the low muttered curses. He watched from the top of the stairs as the stronger brunette barreled by him. She was heading to the shrine, and respectably, started to slow down and walk. Her long legs gave her a very elegant stride. The blonde wasn't about to take defeat however, and with renewed energy, charged up the steps. Still tired, her energy faded on her and she tripped up, crashing into an innocent bystander. Wufei's eyes widened in shock as the blonde girl collided with him, sending them both into the ground.
" Woman!" He growled, the blonde sprawled on top of him. She blushed, scarlet curling upon her cheeks. Her hair fell over her face, and Wufei could only glare at her until she smiled at him and got off of him. She reached out a hand to help him up. Wufei took it and stood up, glaring and brushing the dirt off of his white silk shirt. A husky chuckle was heard behind the two of them as the confidant brunette tossed the red ribbon to the other girl.
" Gomen ne, sir. Aino-chan isn't very coordinated. My name is Kino Makoto. I'm awfully sorry for this." She said, her voice still laughing at the hapless blonde. Makoto bowed, and headed back up to the temple. The blonde blushed heavily, and handed him his suitcase.
" I'm terribly sorry, sir. My name is Aino Minako, please forgive me." She said, her rich voice taking on a persausive tone. Wufei just nodded at her, his face softening gradually. Normally he would have shouted until he was blue in his face, but she apologised sincerely. If Meiran had done the samething, she would have just laughed mockingly at him. Minako stared at him, raking in his dark eyes, and thick black hair. His silk was smudged a bit, and she felt bad for that. But other than the small note of irritation in his eyes, he was quite cute. Wufei wondered at Minako's appraising stare, his thoughts running a mile a minute. 'Why is she staring at me like that? Did I miss some dirt?' He wondered questioningly, looking down to see a small smudge of dirt on his lower leg. He bent over to brush it off, feeling like a fool already.
" Apology accepted Aino-san. My name is Chang Wufei. I'm sure I'll see you around." He said quietly and dismissively. With that, he headed towards the shrine. When he and Minako reached the door, the brunette Makoto and three other people were waiting there. Three pairs of eyes stared at him, making Wufei feel a little awkward. A smile broadened on one face, a face that belonged to a wisened old man. He bowed to Wufei, smiling deeply.
" Welcome to the Hiwaka Shrine! I believe you'll find your stay here quite enjoyable."
" Nani?!" Came the outraged voice of a young girl. Wufei turned his head in the direction of the voice, only to find hard, burning, violet eyes boring into his own.
And that's the next chapter! Remember! Reviews are like Heroine for writers!