Title: Changing Fates
by dytia

chapter 3: Memories


Note to readers: Leina, thank you for pointing out the inconsistencies of tenses. Actually, everything is supposed to be in past tense. And I just noticed that there was lots of typo and grammar errors in chapter 2. Gomen ne!! I am just too lazy to correct it. I will correct it but maybe later. Please bear with me. m^-^m*

Okay let's get back to the story...

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Susumu on the way getting that glass of water bumped into a distraught Doumyouji. He immediately blurted out the fact that Makino have woke up. The scowl on Doumyouji's face instantly transformed into a wide smile as he raced towards Makino's room only to find... Makino sobbing in Rui's embrace!!!

" What are you doing?!!!!! Get your hands of her!!" he yelled. His fist landed hard on Rui's face. Rui's body went flying towards the other side of the room. Doumyouji (in his insane mode) proceed to bash the unsuspecting Rui. Makino screamed in horror as she jumped down from the bed towards Rui. She grabbed Doumyouji's fist screaming, "Stop it!! Stop it!! You idiot!!"

Doumyouji tried to pull away. He glared towards Makino. Looking at her big, brown, tearful eyes, he slowly regained his sanity. He pulled Makino into his arms. Makino squirmed.
"NO!!" Doumyouji did not notice it and proceed to hug her tightly. Makino tried to fight him but he was stronger than her. She was confused by his sudden change in behavior.

Who is this guy? Why is he hugging me as if I am his most important person? Am I?

" I am so glad you woke up, Makino. I.."
" Let go of me!!!"
" Makino?!" With all her strength, she pushed Doumyouji away. He reluctantly let go of her.

"Makino, what are you doing..?" Makino did not reply. She looked very angry with Doumyouji. Suddenly, she yelled at him," What sort of person are you coming here and hit other people as you please?"
" Makino... He was hugging you! How can I let somebody else hug my girlfriend as he please?"
" Who is your girlfriend?"
" Makino.. don't start again.." he sighed.
" I don't know who you are but you have no right charging in here.."
" Why are you saying this?" Doumyouji tried to seize her hand but Makino resisted him. " Don't touch me."
" Makino.." He was so confused (me: poor Tsukasa..).
" In fact, I don't want to see you again. Ever. Leave..."
" What are you talking about? Are you mad?!!
" I am telling you to leave!!!"
" Makino!!"

Makino did not reply. Then, she glanced towards Rui. The angry look in her eyes immediately soften the moment her eyes fell on Rui. She went toward him as he slowly got up.

" Are you okay?"
" Yeah.. Makino.. I ca..." Rui did not manage to finish his word as all of a sudden, Makino hugged him. Doumyouji was too shocked to do anything. He does not understand why is she doing this to him. She began to cry.. in fact she was sobbing with tears...
" Rui.. Hold me.. I.. I .. am scared..."
Rui was surprised by her request. Doumyouji was overwhelmed by anger but he managed to held back. Slowly, he put his arms around her (much to Doumyouji's chagrin ;I ). At the very same time, the rest of the gang came into the room.

" What's happening?" asked a bewildered Sojirou.
Rui looking up at the stunned Tsukasa. He slowly explained, " Makino cannot remember anything. She had lost all her memories."

Crash... Susumu dropped his glass of water. He stared at his sister in disbelief. "Onee-san."
"Aye!! That's impossible," whined Kazuya. He wanted to go towards Makino but was held back by Akira and Sojirou. Shigeru slowly stepped forward towards Makino and Rui. She kneeled down and gently asked, " Is it true, Tsukushi-chan?"

Makino looked up to Shigeru and nodded. " I don't even know my name."
" I was only trying to comfort her when Doumyouji came and attack me."
" I was not attacking Rui." Doumyouji angrily retorted back before he hurriedly left the room.

Shigeru could only shook her head. Poor Doumyouji. Then, she noticed Makino's bloodied hand. "Tsukushi-chan. Your arm is bleeding. We better call a nurse."
" Did Doumyouji did that?" asked Kazuya in alarm.
" No.. The intravenous line was accidentally pulled off. Here, let me help you get back into the bed." said Rui.

Shortly after that, Mama and Papa came in. Mama went into hysteria when she found out (aaa... now all my efforts grooming her to be Doumyouji's bride are wasted!!) They called the doctor who said that this might be one of the side effects he had talked about.

" How long will this last?"
" I am not sure. maybe days.. weeks.. months.. Perhaps she won't even remember."
" Can we do anything to help?" asked Yuki. The doctor nodded. " You can try take her to places where she might regain her memories back. Her favorite hang out, school.. You can also tell her about her past but do not push it. It might become unbearable to the patient. Let the memories come back on its own. That is the best thing you can do."
Kazuya started to grin and happily exclaimed. " Yosh!! No problem. Leave it to ME!! Ouch.. Shigeru.. why did you hit me for?"
" Hey.. don't forget about me..." she boldly replied..
" And me. I am sure I can be a great help too," Yuki smiled. Then, she felt a hand on her arm. She turned to find Sojirou smiling at her. She immediately blushed. " Nishikado-kun."
" Shigeru. Yuki. You can count on Akira and me too. After all, can't let Makino stay in that state. Without her, Doumyouji would be unbearable," he said.
" Not unbearable. More like scary. " said Akira.
" Is Doumyouji all right? In fact, where is he?" asked Shigeru. Akira replied, " I think he is still somewhere around the hospital. Let him cool off for a while. It seemed that Tsukushi was very terrified of him after his fight with Rui just now."
" Actually, it was weird to see Makino this way.. She cannot even stop crying after meeting Doumyouji," said Shigeru.
" Yet she did confront Doumyouji. Any body would be scared of him but she stood up against him. Just like the old Makino would." said Yuki with absolute certainty.
" Poor Doumyouji. His own girlfriend are terrified of him and refused to see him. As if it was not enough, Makino is with Rui, " Sojirou remarked.
" What if... Makino fell back in love with Rui? You know how she is with him."
Shigeru gasped, " No way!!"
Sojirou nodded. " That's why it is important for all of us to help Tsukushi regain her memory back. With or without Doumyouji's help."

At the hospital's rooftop.

Doumyouji was standing beside the railing looking really angsty. He cannot believe that Makino could forget him just like that. He just could not accept that.

Am I not important to you, Makino? Am I that easy to be forgotten by you?

He began to scream it out loud. As loud as he could.

" Makino!!! Why didn't you remember me?!!!!!!! Why??!!! Why are you with Rui?!!"

He screamed and shouted with all his heart. All his frustrations bursting to get out. As he did so, he did not notice that someone was watching him. He did not notice that he was not alone.

" Ano... daijoubu ka??" A soft female voice greeted him from behind. He was startled. As he turned towards the voice, he saw a beautiful, long-haired girl in a patient outfit staring back at him. He wondered how did she got up here while leaning on that crutch. Then, he remembered that there was an elevator. He turned away.
" No.. I am not all right. just leave me alone." She moved nearer to him.
" Perhaps you need someone to hear your problem. Whatever it is.. you can tell me."
" I said leave me alone!!! Are you deaf??" he yelled at her.
The girl was taken aback." I .. I am so sorry... I did not mean to bother you. It just that you looked very disturbed. I just want to help."
" You can't help. I know you can't."
" You haven't tell me what was your problem? How can you be so sure that I cannot help? At least.. I can be your friend.."

Doumyouji glared back at her. This girl tenderly smiled back at him. Sheesh.. this girl really could not take no for an answer.

" Can't you wipe that stupid smile off your face? It is nauseating." Her smile faded a little. The girl was shocked beyond words. This guy was so callous. She forced back a smile. " Perhaps you really need some time alone. It is all right.. I can wait."

She turned to leave. In doing so, she slipped and fell. Doumyouji saw it. He was reluctant to help. But seeing the girl struggle to get up, he took pity on her.

" Here.. Lean on me." The girl looked up to see Doumyouji extending his hand toward her. She took it and pulled herself up.

"Thank you."
" Do not thank me. You looked so pitiful I just have to help you." The girl laughed.
" What are you giggling about?"
" I just knew that you have a good heart."
" What nonsense are you talking about? Hayaku.. I'll help you to the elevator.."

At the elevator, the girl hesitantly let Doumyouji's hand go. As she got into the elevator, she asked him, " Well.. since you won't let me thank you. At least, tell me your name."

He shrugged. " Why should I tell you?"
" Well, since you don't want to tell me your name. I'll tell you mine. My name is Umi. Yoroshiku."
Doumyouji just nodded. " Whatever. Now, get on your way."

As the elevator closes, he turned around towards the open sky. He said to himself out loud, "You have to calm down, Tsukasa. You have gotten through worst things than this. She'll remember you sooner or later. And then everything's going to be fine."

But even saying it out loud did not make him feel any better.

In Makino's room.

" Rui, do you think I will get my memory back?"
" Sure.. It will take some time but I am certain you will remember." She sighed.
" Right now, I just hope I don't have to see that monster again."
" I don't think that's a good idea. Doumyouji.. although he is like that. He cares for you very much." She shook her head.
" He said that I was his girlfriend. I can't believe the nerve of that guy. How could I even like somebody like that?"

Rui wanted to tell Makino the truth but did not have the courage to do it.

Stupid! This is your chance. Don't you love her?

He looked at Makino looking at him with those big brown eyes. When did he realize that he loved her? When did this friendship turned into love? He remembered the time when Makino said that she finally realized the person she really loved was Doumyouji and the way she reacted when he confessed his feelings towards her in New York. He remember the sorrow he felt then. But he did not want her to feel guilty. That was why he hide his feelings. That was why he told her that it was all right. That it was okay for them to stay just friends. He thought it was enough to see her happy with Doumyouji. But now, he realized it was not so. He could not be happy this way.

But using her illness as means for you to be happy. That's so despicable.

" Rui.. why are you so quiet all of a sudden? Is it wrong for me to ask?"
" I am sorry, Makino. I cannot answer your question. Even if I tell you now, I am sure you would be more confused. After you regain your memories, I am sure you will find the answer you are looking for." Makino nodded.
" You were right. " She smiled, " I hope I will remember everything soon."
" I hope so, too.." He smiled back. Then, he got up to leave but he was stopped by Makino. She blushed. " Ano... could you stay here for the night?" Rui hesitated. He stared at Makino.
" Makino... I don't think I should." But I want to stay with you.
" My parents already went home. And I am too scared to stay here alone."
" But.. I think me staying here would not be a goo..."

They were interrupted by the sound of Kazuya yelling, " Tsukushi-chan!!!" Followed by Shigeru and Yuki, both carrying flowers and gifts. Rui looked away hiding his blushing face. Makino was too surprised to say anything.

" Kazuya-kun. .. err.. oh yeah.. Shigeru.. Yuki.."
" Tsukushi, look here. We brought you lots of flowers. This soup is very beneficial for your health. I had my chef to do it especially for you. It has ginseng, shark fin.."
" And I brought you lots of dumplings from the dango shop in case you were hungry. The doctor said you need to eat a lot to regain your strength."
" Hey.. you too.. you are going to overwhelm her," said Kazuya. Then, he turn towards Tsukushi as he happily exclaimed, " Tsukushi-chan, you can stay at my house after you go out of the hospital. And I will show you your old yearbooks and you will remember our happy memories in junior high .. and I will take you around our old school.. and Eitoku.. in my car.. And then we can go on a vacation in my boat. Oh.. and after that, we can go to..."
" KAZUYA!!!!" yelled both Shigeru and Yuki.

Makino burst out laughing. In fact she was laughing so hard, tears came to her eyes. The three of them were left speechless.
" Makino, what's wrong?" She shook her head.. " No, it's just that I am so happy. I am so happy that I have great friends like al of you and Rui. In fact, I am so happy that everyone has been so nice to me."

" Tsukushi... " Yuki could not help it crying as she hugged Makino. Shigeru beamed happily as Kazuya looking very confused as he was unable to comprehend why was Yuki crying. Rui quietly left the room.

He was walking towards the elevator when the elevator opened and who else but Doumyouji himself was inside it. He hesitated when he saw Rui. Rui took no notice of it and entered the elevator. Both of them remained silent until they reach the ground floor. As they walked out, Rui suddenly said, " It is not my fault Makino cannot remember."

" Are you saying that I am the one to blame?"
" No.. but I want you to stop acting this way. You are not doing any good."
" Then tell me what would you do if you were me. The most important person in my life could not even remember me. And now she refused to even see me."
" As time goes on.. she will remember you."
" What happens if she doesn't?"
" Stop saying that. Worrying won't make things better. In the mean time, perhaps it is best you stay away from her."
" Who are you to say that I should stay away from her?"
" Well. at least until you regain some sanity. Makino's still weak and she does not need to waste her strength dealing with your childish behavior."
" Why you.."

Doumyouji tried to punch him but this time Rui managed to swerve in time and punched him back.

" This brought back lots of memories, isn't it?"

Doumyouji shrugged. Rui continued, " I don't want to fight with you. Back then, I promised I will take care of Makino for you. That I will make her happy. Today, I am telling you that I have kept that promise and I will continue keeping it."
" Rui.."
" Don't worry.. Makino once told me that after everything that happens, she still loves you. And this time, I don't think that anything has changed. Her memories might be gone but her heart still the same. Just remember that."

And with that, Rui walked away. Doumyouji wiped his cheek. Argh.. It still stinging with pain.

I guessed it was pay back for the one in Makino's room. Just like the time in New York.. Rui.. you really haven't changed.

He chuckled to himself.

Yeah... at the end, I just have to trust Rui.

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ooo... I just have to torture Tsukasa... kyakyakya... oh well, he is just so adorable when he is in his angsty mode. Don't you think so? ^-^ And I really hated that Umi character but since I have decided to follow the manga plot, I have to put her in here. I have pondered a lot on Rui's real feelings to Tsukushi and that he never dared to show it. Yet I wanted to stress that Rui's have a great sense of loyalty towards Tsukasa so he would not try to seduce Tsukushi right away. But for how long??

Thank you for the reviews.. Really need that to keep me going. ^-^ Please continue with your feedback. Really need it. Oh yeah.. After a few chapters, I promise you will have Tsukushi back with Tsukasa. So, be patient.

chapter 4 preview: Umi met Makino and Rui. She told Makino about her meeting with Doumyouji. Makino felt something after seeing Umi with Doumyouji but could not understand what was it.