:: Chapter 2 ::
It was morning. The birds chirped sweetly, singing their songs of life. Tasuki knocks on the door.
"Aoi, are you ready?" he asked.
"Yes. Please wait for a moment, Genrou."
Tasuki felt surprised inwardly. He thought she would call him Tasuki. Oh well... it doesn't mean much, right? It's all the same to him, Tasuki thought.
The door opened and Tasuki was startled. In front of him was a soft beauty, the most beautiful woman he had ever seen in his life. Her shiny blonde hair was let down free, flowing straight to her waist. Her blue eyes sparkles like a pair of blue gems. Tasuki found himself fantasizing about all sorts of things before he knew it.
"Genrou?" Aoi's soft voice broke his trance.
"Ah yes, Aoi?" Tasuki asked. She was looking at him, but not at his face. He soon realised what was the problem. He covered his groin with both his hands and he chuckled nervously, face turning red. He was soooooo embarrassed to let her catch him fantasizing about her! What would she think now?
// God... she would probably think I'm a sex maniac... //
Aoi giggled and said nothing to that. Tasuki blushed and led her down the corridor, out of the mountains. He's going to bring her to her relative now.
=-=-=-=-=
"Hey what's the meaning of this!" Tasuki yelled as Aoi was being pushed out of the tavern. Tasuki held onto Aoi tightly in order to prevent her from falling. Aoi's eyes were red and it looked watery.
The fat tavern-woman stepped out and shouted, "I said I'm not going to keep this kid here!!! She's an outcast for god's sake!"
"You...!" Tasuki felt like punching the fat woman out of her guts but he kept his hands to himself. He believed himself to be a total gentleman, even if his occupation is the chief bandit.
Aoi struggled out of Tasuki's tight grip and she cried in defence, "I'm not a Hin! I'm just born like this! I can't help it!"
"And I can't help it that I can't let you stay because of the way you look." the woman said with a note of finality in her tone, "Leave now or I will call the soldiers on you!"
"How could you do this to me?! My parents gave you most of their money to help you set up your business here!" Aoi cried out both in sorrow and anger. Tears were flowing out of her blue eyes now.
The fat woman looked slightly embarrassed at that. "Shutup and leave now!!!" she shouted, pushing Tasuki and Aoi. Tasuki growls and bares his fangs. The fat woman took a step back.
"Let's leave, Aoi! We must not beg such people!" Tasuki said angrily as he grabbed Aoi's hand and led her away from the watching crowd.
=-=-=-=-=
"Kouji, how is she?" Tasuki asked his friend when he came into the hall. Kouji shook his head.
"She still refuses to eat or see anyone. I think she's too upset." Kouji replied.
Tasuki bit his lips at that. Aoi had ran straight back to her room immediately once they reached the bandit lair. There she locked the door and refused any communication. Tasuki was worried that the girl might do something silly. Kouji observed Tasuki and a faint grin appeared on his ever boyish face.
"What?" Tasuki asked with a note of irritation when he noticed his best friend looking at him in such a funny manner.
"Well... you looks like you are VERY worried for her, Genrou!" Kouji laughed. Tasuki was about to protest when Kouji continued, "Well, it's just as well. You are not getting any younger, Genrou. Thirty-four! You are thirty-four years old this year! It's time to get a wife, ne?"
Tasuki's face flushed red hot at Kouji's words. Then he bared his fangs and growled at Kouji. "Oh shutup! You know I hate women! All they do is to cry!"
Kouji shook his finger in front of Tasuki's face, "Oh well, that's not what your heart is saying, right?" Kouji pulled back his hand before Tasuki could snatch and bite it in silent humiliation. Kouji laughed and walked out of the room. Tasuki walked out of the hall as well, about to go back to his room. How dare Kouji tease him! He isn't married himself! What right does he have to tease him that way!
Tasuki stopped short when he noticed that he's just outside Aoi's room. Then he remembered that the only way to get back to his own room has to get pass Aoi's room first. Sighing softly, he tried to crept pass her room as silently as possible.
"Who's there?" came Aoi's voice.
Tasuki's heart dropped. She heard him?
"Is it Genrou...?"
Sighing again, Tasuki pushed open the door. He cursed himself silently for it. He doesn't really know why he wants to be in her room. Chat with her? Bleh. When Aoi saw that it was Tasuki, she quickly wiped away her tears and forced a smile onto her soft face.
"Hi Genrou... I thought you are busy with Kouji-san over some matters...?" Aoi said, clearly embarrassed about her crying.
A strange feeling surged within Tasuki's body as he watched Aoi. He went a few steps closer, wanting to wipe her tears away. However, Tasuki stopped short. He turned away from Aoi, and in a soft voice, replied to Aoi's earlier question, "No... we... we are just... just talking about trivial matters regarding Mt. Reikaku..."
"I see..." Aoi said softly, head bowed down.
There was silence in the room for a moment as both Tasuki and Aoi kept quiet. Suddenly, a shadow towers over Aoi and she looked up, surprised. A bigger surprise was waiting for her as she looked up. Tasuki held her hands and kissed her. Aoi's eyes widened, feeling extremely astounded. For a moment, she was in a daze, not really knowing what was happening. By the time she came around, she began to struggle against Tasuki. However, Tasuki did not let go of Aoi. Using a bit of force, he had Aoi lying on the bed. Aoi couldn't call out for help, since Tasuki wouldn't let go of her lips. And she knew it's useless, because it's Tasuki's turf here and nobody is going to help her. Aoi is beginnning to wonder if Tasuki's earlier kindness to her had been a show or not. Still, Aoi had a strange feeling in her and Tasuki actually... well... is a good kisser... He made her comfortable... feel good... and wanted...
// GOD!!!! What the hell am I doing?! //
Tasuki sprang up from the bed and breathed heavily, face red hot. His back was facing Aoi, who sat up looking startled. Her bosoms had been half-revealed and a single nipple was even out of the dress, as Tasuki had jerked her dress down rather hard and quickly. She took a few slow and deep breathes, as if trying to comprehend what had happened in the space of that few minutes.
"I... I... I'm sorry..." Tasuki stuttered nervously as his conscience screamed at his earlier act, "I... I wasn't thinking..."
Tasuki nearly jump out of his skin when a pair of soft tender white arms embraced him gently from behind.
"It's alright, Genrou..." Aoi's voice sounded strange, "If you would... I will let you have my life, my future... and everything of mine in your hands..."
Tasuki's face reddens as he heard what Aoi said. He could feel his suppressed urge coming back once more as he felt Aoi's breasts on his back.
"I... I can't... Aoi..." Tasuki started, ears starting to get red as well, "You are all alone in this world... I will be a bastard if I take advantage of you at this time... You are... weak... and so... not thinking properly... Please... let go of me..." Tasuki almost pleaded.
Aoi's face reddened at Tasuki's words. Still, she's not ready to let him go until he agrees to finish his business with her. He had made her feel so wanted just now... and she likes the feeling... Furthermore... Aoi thinks she's starting to like Tasuki too... No... she won't let him go...
"Are you speaking from your heart, Genrou...? Are you sure you don't want me? If you are not interested in me in the least, why did you react that way in the morning? If you are not interested in me in the least, why did you do what you did just now...?"
Silence.
"Answer me, Genrou." Aoi said, not letting go of Tasuki's waist.
Silence once more.
"Genrou!" Aoi forced again and this time, with unexpected results.
Tasuki swirled around suddenly, breaking free of Aoi's hold on him. Aoi was stunned. Tasuki had a wild look on his face, yet his eyes seems gentle. Putting his hands onto the front of Aoi's dress, Tasuki tears it open, rendering Aoi stark naked efficiently. Aoi cried out as Tasuki grabbed her right breast and pushed her to the bed. The two kissed like they had never before and were ferocious in their quest for love. Under the soft light of the flicking candle-fire, their night was spent together in the warm embrace of each another's love...
=-=-=-=-=
Tasuki smiled. He kissed the sleeping figure beside him before getting down from the bed. After years of loneliness stuck with the boys of Mt. Reikaku, he had finally found someone who could give him love. He thought he could never love again after the loss of Reirei and Miaka. But then he had to remind himself that Miaka belongs to Tamahome or rather, Taka Sukinami. As Tasuki was having these thoughts, Aoi stirred on the bed and made a slight noise. Tasuki smiled as he was done wearing his clothes and he exits the room quietly.
"Genrou!" a voice boomed loudly as Tasuki shuts the door silently as not to wake the sleeping Aoi up. He jumped when he heard the loud voice. He turned and sees Kouji with a sly grin. "Hey," Kouji greeted with a dubious smile, "Did you enjoy yourself last night?"
"What?" Tasuki asked, not quite getting Kouji's meaning. "I mean, you never left that girl's room last night ever since you went in. I bet you did something to the poor girl." he grinned.
"YOU MEAN YOU INVADED MY PRIVACY?!" Tasuki nearly screamed, but was dragged away by Kouji. "Shhh!!!" Kouji hissed, "We are outside the girl's room! Do you want to embarrass her!"
"I'm already embarrassed." Tasuki mumbled angrily, finding it hard to believe that Kouji actually knew what he had done to Aoi. Who knows, he might even have peeped through the whole process and told about it to everyone in Mt. Reikaku.
"Oh." Kouji said, looking surprised. He knew Tasuki somehow had the hots for Miaka, but he wasn't sure if Tasuki still does. "Mmm... Genrou... there's something I need to speak to you about... It's about that girl... Err... her name is Aoi right...?" Kouji asked.
"Yeah, what about her?" Tasuki asked, not looking as if he's taking Kouji seriously. The two pals were always kidding with each another anyway.
"Don't you think she looks kind of familiar in an odd way?" Kouji said. Tasuki frowned and he thinks seriously. Yeah... he had always thought so ever since the first time he met Aoi. "So what about it..?" Tasuki asked.
"Well... I don't know... but... she just gives me the creeps somehow, even though she is a nice girl, always helping us out here and there." Kouji said. "She does?" Tasuki was surprised. He always thought that Aoi cooped herself up in her room.
Smilingly, Kouji nudged Tasuki and winked, "Anyway, I can tell she's a very nice girl! So don't bully her and treat her well! We all kind of like her now and if you bully her..." Kouji laughed, "We will oust you!"
"Hey!" Tasuki protested, "That's my private matters!"
Kouji ignored Tasuki's protests and laughed, walking down the corridor and Tasuki ran after him, trying to demand an explanation from him. They completely missed Aoi, who had been standing in one corner, listening.
It was morning. The birds chirped sweetly, singing their songs of life. Tasuki knocks on the door.
"Aoi, are you ready?" he asked.
"Yes. Please wait for a moment, Genrou."
Tasuki felt surprised inwardly. He thought she would call him Tasuki. Oh well... it doesn't mean much, right? It's all the same to him, Tasuki thought.
The door opened and Tasuki was startled. In front of him was a soft beauty, the most beautiful woman he had ever seen in his life. Her shiny blonde hair was let down free, flowing straight to her waist. Her blue eyes sparkles like a pair of blue gems. Tasuki found himself fantasizing about all sorts of things before he knew it.
"Genrou?" Aoi's soft voice broke his trance.
"Ah yes, Aoi?" Tasuki asked. She was looking at him, but not at his face. He soon realised what was the problem. He covered his groin with both his hands and he chuckled nervously, face turning red. He was soooooo embarrassed to let her catch him fantasizing about her! What would she think now?
// God... she would probably think I'm a sex maniac... //
Aoi giggled and said nothing to that. Tasuki blushed and led her down the corridor, out of the mountains. He's going to bring her to her relative now.
=-=-=-=-=
"Hey what's the meaning of this!" Tasuki yelled as Aoi was being pushed out of the tavern. Tasuki held onto Aoi tightly in order to prevent her from falling. Aoi's eyes were red and it looked watery.
The fat tavern-woman stepped out and shouted, "I said I'm not going to keep this kid here!!! She's an outcast for god's sake!"
"You...!" Tasuki felt like punching the fat woman out of her guts but he kept his hands to himself. He believed himself to be a total gentleman, even if his occupation is the chief bandit.
Aoi struggled out of Tasuki's tight grip and she cried in defence, "I'm not a Hin! I'm just born like this! I can't help it!"
"And I can't help it that I can't let you stay because of the way you look." the woman said with a note of finality in her tone, "Leave now or I will call the soldiers on you!"
"How could you do this to me?! My parents gave you most of their money to help you set up your business here!" Aoi cried out both in sorrow and anger. Tears were flowing out of her blue eyes now.
The fat woman looked slightly embarrassed at that. "Shutup and leave now!!!" she shouted, pushing Tasuki and Aoi. Tasuki growls and bares his fangs. The fat woman took a step back.
"Let's leave, Aoi! We must not beg such people!" Tasuki said angrily as he grabbed Aoi's hand and led her away from the watching crowd.
=-=-=-=-=
"Kouji, how is she?" Tasuki asked his friend when he came into the hall. Kouji shook his head.
"She still refuses to eat or see anyone. I think she's too upset." Kouji replied.
Tasuki bit his lips at that. Aoi had ran straight back to her room immediately once they reached the bandit lair. There she locked the door and refused any communication. Tasuki was worried that the girl might do something silly. Kouji observed Tasuki and a faint grin appeared on his ever boyish face.
"What?" Tasuki asked with a note of irritation when he noticed his best friend looking at him in such a funny manner.
"Well... you looks like you are VERY worried for her, Genrou!" Kouji laughed. Tasuki was about to protest when Kouji continued, "Well, it's just as well. You are not getting any younger, Genrou. Thirty-four! You are thirty-four years old this year! It's time to get a wife, ne?"
Tasuki's face flushed red hot at Kouji's words. Then he bared his fangs and growled at Kouji. "Oh shutup! You know I hate women! All they do is to cry!"
Kouji shook his finger in front of Tasuki's face, "Oh well, that's not what your heart is saying, right?" Kouji pulled back his hand before Tasuki could snatch and bite it in silent humiliation. Kouji laughed and walked out of the room. Tasuki walked out of the hall as well, about to go back to his room. How dare Kouji tease him! He isn't married himself! What right does he have to tease him that way!
Tasuki stopped short when he noticed that he's just outside Aoi's room. Then he remembered that the only way to get back to his own room has to get pass Aoi's room first. Sighing softly, he tried to crept pass her room as silently as possible.
"Who's there?" came Aoi's voice.
Tasuki's heart dropped. She heard him?
"Is it Genrou...?"
Sighing again, Tasuki pushed open the door. He cursed himself silently for it. He doesn't really know why he wants to be in her room. Chat with her? Bleh. When Aoi saw that it was Tasuki, she quickly wiped away her tears and forced a smile onto her soft face.
"Hi Genrou... I thought you are busy with Kouji-san over some matters...?" Aoi said, clearly embarrassed about her crying.
A strange feeling surged within Tasuki's body as he watched Aoi. He went a few steps closer, wanting to wipe her tears away. However, Tasuki stopped short. He turned away from Aoi, and in a soft voice, replied to Aoi's earlier question, "No... we... we are just... just talking about trivial matters regarding Mt. Reikaku..."
"I see..." Aoi said softly, head bowed down.
There was silence in the room for a moment as both Tasuki and Aoi kept quiet. Suddenly, a shadow towers over Aoi and she looked up, surprised. A bigger surprise was waiting for her as she looked up. Tasuki held her hands and kissed her. Aoi's eyes widened, feeling extremely astounded. For a moment, she was in a daze, not really knowing what was happening. By the time she came around, she began to struggle against Tasuki. However, Tasuki did not let go of Aoi. Using a bit of force, he had Aoi lying on the bed. Aoi couldn't call out for help, since Tasuki wouldn't let go of her lips. And she knew it's useless, because it's Tasuki's turf here and nobody is going to help her. Aoi is beginnning to wonder if Tasuki's earlier kindness to her had been a show or not. Still, Aoi had a strange feeling in her and Tasuki actually... well... is a good kisser... He made her comfortable... feel good... and wanted...
// GOD!!!! What the hell am I doing?! //
Tasuki sprang up from the bed and breathed heavily, face red hot. His back was facing Aoi, who sat up looking startled. Her bosoms had been half-revealed and a single nipple was even out of the dress, as Tasuki had jerked her dress down rather hard and quickly. She took a few slow and deep breathes, as if trying to comprehend what had happened in the space of that few minutes.
"I... I... I'm sorry..." Tasuki stuttered nervously as his conscience screamed at his earlier act, "I... I wasn't thinking..."
Tasuki nearly jump out of his skin when a pair of soft tender white arms embraced him gently from behind.
"It's alright, Genrou..." Aoi's voice sounded strange, "If you would... I will let you have my life, my future... and everything of mine in your hands..."
Tasuki's face reddens as he heard what Aoi said. He could feel his suppressed urge coming back once more as he felt Aoi's breasts on his back.
"I... I can't... Aoi..." Tasuki started, ears starting to get red as well, "You are all alone in this world... I will be a bastard if I take advantage of you at this time... You are... weak... and so... not thinking properly... Please... let go of me..." Tasuki almost pleaded.
Aoi's face reddened at Tasuki's words. Still, she's not ready to let him go until he agrees to finish his business with her. He had made her feel so wanted just now... and she likes the feeling... Furthermore... Aoi thinks she's starting to like Tasuki too... No... she won't let him go...
"Are you speaking from your heart, Genrou...? Are you sure you don't want me? If you are not interested in me in the least, why did you react that way in the morning? If you are not interested in me in the least, why did you do what you did just now...?"
Silence.
"Answer me, Genrou." Aoi said, not letting go of Tasuki's waist.
Silence once more.
"Genrou!" Aoi forced again and this time, with unexpected results.
Tasuki swirled around suddenly, breaking free of Aoi's hold on him. Aoi was stunned. Tasuki had a wild look on his face, yet his eyes seems gentle. Putting his hands onto the front of Aoi's dress, Tasuki tears it open, rendering Aoi stark naked efficiently. Aoi cried out as Tasuki grabbed her right breast and pushed her to the bed. The two kissed like they had never before and were ferocious in their quest for love. Under the soft light of the flicking candle-fire, their night was spent together in the warm embrace of each another's love...
=-=-=-=-=
Tasuki smiled. He kissed the sleeping figure beside him before getting down from the bed. After years of loneliness stuck with the boys of Mt. Reikaku, he had finally found someone who could give him love. He thought he could never love again after the loss of Reirei and Miaka. But then he had to remind himself that Miaka belongs to Tamahome or rather, Taka Sukinami. As Tasuki was having these thoughts, Aoi stirred on the bed and made a slight noise. Tasuki smiled as he was done wearing his clothes and he exits the room quietly.
"Genrou!" a voice boomed loudly as Tasuki shuts the door silently as not to wake the sleeping Aoi up. He jumped when he heard the loud voice. He turned and sees Kouji with a sly grin. "Hey," Kouji greeted with a dubious smile, "Did you enjoy yourself last night?"
"What?" Tasuki asked, not quite getting Kouji's meaning. "I mean, you never left that girl's room last night ever since you went in. I bet you did something to the poor girl." he grinned.
"YOU MEAN YOU INVADED MY PRIVACY?!" Tasuki nearly screamed, but was dragged away by Kouji. "Shhh!!!" Kouji hissed, "We are outside the girl's room! Do you want to embarrass her!"
"I'm already embarrassed." Tasuki mumbled angrily, finding it hard to believe that Kouji actually knew what he had done to Aoi. Who knows, he might even have peeped through the whole process and told about it to everyone in Mt. Reikaku.
"Oh." Kouji said, looking surprised. He knew Tasuki somehow had the hots for Miaka, but he wasn't sure if Tasuki still does. "Mmm... Genrou... there's something I need to speak to you about... It's about that girl... Err... her name is Aoi right...?" Kouji asked.
"Yeah, what about her?" Tasuki asked, not looking as if he's taking Kouji seriously. The two pals were always kidding with each another anyway.
"Don't you think she looks kind of familiar in an odd way?" Kouji said. Tasuki frowned and he thinks seriously. Yeah... he had always thought so ever since the first time he met Aoi. "So what about it..?" Tasuki asked.
"Well... I don't know... but... she just gives me the creeps somehow, even though she is a nice girl, always helping us out here and there." Kouji said. "She does?" Tasuki was surprised. He always thought that Aoi cooped herself up in her room.
Smilingly, Kouji nudged Tasuki and winked, "Anyway, I can tell she's a very nice girl! So don't bully her and treat her well! We all kind of like her now and if you bully her..." Kouji laughed, "We will oust you!"
"Hey!" Tasuki protested, "That's my private matters!"
Kouji ignored Tasuki's protests and laughed, walking down the corridor and Tasuki ran after him, trying to demand an explanation from him. They completely missed Aoi, who had been standing in one corner, listening.