Aoi was sitting on the chair and staring at the reflection in the mirror. She touched her forehead.
// Don't you think she looks kind of familiar in an odd way? //
Aoi remembers her past. Her parents were merchants from the Kutou city of Du'am. They were shrewd and careful with their money and business that in a mere two years, they had three separate shops across the country. Aoi remembered the day her relatives came over in tattered clothes and asked for money to set up a business too, for they were in a poor state. Pitying them, her parents loaded them quite a sum of money. It was heard that they succeeded in their tavern business in the capital, and everyone was happy for them. It was then Aoi's parents took in the twenty years old young man who fainted outside their house. She was fourteen then, and did not know much. However, she does remember that her parents liked the young man whom they described as 'capable and trustworthy'. He was very handsome too, and Aoi remembered falling in love with him. He knew it, and he told her he likes her too. She was happy, very happy, and she fell into his embrace. However, happiness wasn't there for long. The man was lying to her. He betrayed her love and trust for him. He set her parents up and forced them to no way but to the route of suicide. Aoi was horrified but yet could do nothing to save them. The man wouldn't let her die along with them. He said she's special. At least to him. And he smiled at her. A cold and unfeeling smile. Aoi then realized if she had not fallen into his trap at least, maybe she could sense something about him and warn her parents beforehand. But nobody would believe her. She looks like a bloody Hin and he was such a great actor that everyone believed that he's a saint. Aoi was locked up, and was often forced upon by the man, although he never had sex with her and she comforted herself with this point. He said she's not good enough for him. One night, he came back drunk. He started screaming at her for no reason. He was very scary with his fierce expression and angered bloodshot eyes. Perhaps someone aggravated him outside, she thought. Before she knew it, the man had pounced on her and tried to rip her clothes off. Shocked, Aoi started screaming but he laughed, saying nobody would be hearing her. He was touching and pawing her so much that she couldn't stand it anymore. She was about to push him away when a blinding blue light exploded in her eyes. She honestly thought she's dying, and that light is the light of God, pitying her and hence decided to end her life. She closed her eyes and blacked out, believing that her life had come to an end. She smiles happily as she began to lose her consciousness, not hearing the blood-curdling scream. When she regained consciousness, it's already early morning. She got up, and was feeling weird. She felt strong. Yet... Aoi turns. Her eyes flung opened wide and they nearly popped out. She screamed. The man who ruined her family and happiness. All disembowered and dismembered. His organs were hanging on the ceiling and some of his body parts couldn't be seen anywhere. He's no longer handsome. In fact, she couldn't even make out his face now. It's all ruined. Aoi was shivering in extreme fear as she staggered across the room. What happened...? As she was making out of the room, she passed a mirror on the table. She paused. She thought she saw something. Trying not to look at the bloody mess in the room, Aoi moved to the mirror cautiously. She looked inside and saw 'it'. Aoi screamed.....
// Yes... I've seen it... and now I'm seeing it again... Can you stop it... Genrou? Can you stop it...? //
Tears brimmed in Aoi's eyes as they rolled down her cheeks. She couldn't control it as she stares at the mirror where 'it' is now appearing once again. It was on that day when she saw 'it' and realized it was her who did it. The person who killed the man and left him with no complete corpse...
// I hate myself... Genrou... Stop it from appearing again... Stop me... No... Kill me.... //
On her forehead, was the bright blue character 'Heart'.
=-=-=-=-=
"Aoi, what are you doing?" Tasuki asked curiously, looking at Aoi. He had passed by the kitchen and saw her cooking. It's a stupid question to ask her what she's doing but he wants to know WHY she's doing it. Aoi turned with a surprised look on her face.
"Why, I'm cooking of course. Can't you tell?" Aoi replied with an amused look on her face. Tasuki flushed. Aoi didn't get it. Apart from being nice and all, Aoi is also a little dense at times. Yes. Aoi gives Tasuki the impression that she's a girl who could be easily fooled by people. Especially if the other party is a sweet-tongued person. He sighed. Maybe she's not dense. Just too innocent and naive. Tasuki smiles.
"Of course I know you are cooking. I'm really asking why are you doing this when you don't have to, you know." Tasuki said with a smile.
"Oh." Aoi was surprised again. "Well... you know... Genrou you saved me... and even gave me a lodging when I have nowhere else to go when you don't have to because I'm a complete stranger to you... and everyone was being so nice to me... I thought this is the least I could do... helping around with the chores and all..." Aoi replied with a shy smile.
"That's fine but, what do you mean by a complete stranger?" Tasuki frowned slightly, "We are... erm..." Tasuki flushed again, "We are lovers... so don't say anything like that or you will make me angry, okay?"
"Genrou...." Aoi gasped as she looked at Tasuki's face. Tasuki's words made her happy and gave her warmth. Tears brimmed in her eyes and Tasuki panicked. Did he say something wrong? Why is Aoi crying? Tasuki went forward and embraced Aoi.
"Hush... don't cry..." Tasuki said, trying to comfort Aoi, "Erm... I mean... I mean..."
"I understand, Genrou..." Aoi whispered as she hugged Tasuki, "I am crying because I'm happy...."
"Aoi..." Tasuki speaks softly as he lifted up her chin and looked into her blue eyes. He bent down and moved closer to her lips.
"GENROU!" Kouji shouted as he strode into the kitchen.
Tasuki almost jumped. Aoi was startled as she let Tasuki go and lowered her head, her face blushing. Tasuki glared at Kouji who looked at them with a puzzled look on his face.
"What?" Kouji asked, not knowing what he has done. Noticing Aoi's red face, Kouji guessed a thing or two and he grinned. "Ha. I'm sorry. I will leave you two to continue whatever you want to do now." Kouji said as he turned.
"Wait no!" Tasuki stopped Kouji. Looking at Aoi, he smiled and said gently, "You go on doing what you want while I go talk to Kouji, okay?"
Aoi nodded obediently and Tasuki went off with Kouji.
=-=-=-=-=
Tasuki walked to the hall with Kouji where they stood. Kouji looked around and Tasuki began to get impatiently. "What is it, Kouji? You didn't ask me here to just look at you looking around, is it? Or do you plan to renovate this place?" Tasuki said, sounding a little sarcastic. He's still sour at Kouji for spoiling his time with Aoi. He only came because he feared something important needed him seeing to.
"Genrou..." Kouji started before pausing, "I really don't know how to tell you this..."
"Hmm?" Tasuki couldn't understand Kouji's problem, yet Kouji worries him. It wasn't Kouji, but it's the look on his face. Kouji looked very worried and confused.
"I checked up on that girl."
"Who?"
"Aoi."
Tasuki snapped then. He couldn't believe Kouji. Checking up on Aoi?!
"Wha... what did you do that for?!" Tasuki almost growled at Kouji, "Do you suspect her of anything?! I see no problem with her! She's perfectly fine!"
"Genrou, you are saying that because you love her and I won't blame you for this because love blinds the truth usually." Kouji replied calmly, "However, I did once told you before that Aoi gives me the bad vibes and I had to check out why. Her background is the only thing I could check up on."
"So? You found out she's lying about her background or what?" Tasuki was getting very impatient and a little mad.
Kouji paused and looked at Tasuki. His friend is getting mad and he knew it. He doesn't know what to say. Kouji knows that Aoi is a good and nice girl but no one is perfect. Even the kindest person would make a mistake someday. Kouji sighed.
"No... Aoi's background is as what she told you. Her parents are merchants, passed away and all. They are correct." Kouji paused, to let his information sink in a little, "But only basically."
"What do you mean?" Tasuki asked, getting a little interested now. Is there something he doesn't know, or is Aoi hiding things from him? He loves her, but he couldn't stand the thought that she could be lying to him about something. He waits for Kouji to speak.
"Her parents DID NOT pass away in sickness as she said they did. Their case was slammed shut in the court as suicide. Their business was handed down not to Aoi strangely, but to a completely unrelated young man who barely stayed with the family for a year."
"A young man?!" Tasuki immediately shot back to life, "What young man?!" Tasuki could feel his jealousy rising. He wondered if that certain man was handsome or not, and if he had a past with Aoi. But maybe not. Aoi had been a virgin that night. Tasuki felt consoled by that point and he felt like a jerk for thinking that way.
Kouji was a little amused by Tasuki's reaction but he was still serious about the matter. He couldn't trust Aoi although he knows that she loves Tasuki too, and would not harm him. She had been with him for more than three months ever since that night he 'invaded' Tasuki's privacy and she had proved herself to be trustworthy and faithful to Tasuki. Kouji sighed.
"Well, the people asked described the man as a handsome, intelligent, kind and... ohhh damnit! They said too many good words about him that I'm too lazy to finish it!" Kouji frowned, "But the people said that Aoi didn't appear on the streets after her parents died. Maybe she wanted to stay at home, or perhaps she's locked up? Not possible but we shouldn't cross that out..." Kouji muttered, seeming to talk to himself than to Tasuki.
"So?" Tasuki still couldn't get it. What's with Kouji?!
"The thing is..." Kouji paused, "The man died soon. And Aoi disappeared. The man died in a rather... well... gross manner..." Kouji winced, "Even the way it had been described, it sounds bad."
"Hey, you've been talking halfday and I still don't get how this is related to Aoi!" Tasuki said, annoyed.
"Genrou! Don't you find it weird?! Weird in the sense that Aoi told you none of these?! Why is she keeping these from you?! Why did she disappear?! The man was murdered so grossly and she acted like she knew nothing! She didn't call onto the authorities for investigations and all that! Don't you find it at least a little suspecting?!" Kouji argued, "I would! And why? Because I'm not blinded by love! I'm just a bystander who tends to see things clearer! Wake up and think clear, Genrou!"
Tasuki remained silent. He stood there saying nothing. Yes, Kouji was right. He had believed Aoi all along, not questioning her much. In a way, he had pitied her for her predicament and did not want to upset her by asking for more details. As time goes by, Tasuki simply accepted what Aoi told him and did not ask anymore. He doesn't want think there's a need anymore. He loves her and he should trust her. But now Kouji said she could be lying to him. And big time too. Tasuki felt extremely uncomfortable at that thought. Finally, he looked up and into Kouji's eyes.
"I will ask her about this." Tasuki finally said, "Don't interfere or do anything before that, all right?"
"Genrou... I'm not sure if she would tell you anything at all...."
"She will." Tasuki replied confidently, "I know she will tell me."
Without waiting for Kouji's response, Tasuki simply turned and walked away. He gritted his teeth and clutched his fists as he walked down the corridor. He would hurt badly if Aoi is really lying to him. He prayed hard to Suzaku that she is not, and that she truly loves him the way she said she is.
// Don't you think she looks kind of familiar in an odd way? //
Aoi remembers her past. Her parents were merchants from the Kutou city of Du'am. They were shrewd and careful with their money and business that in a mere two years, they had three separate shops across the country. Aoi remembered the day her relatives came over in tattered clothes and asked for money to set up a business too, for they were in a poor state. Pitying them, her parents loaded them quite a sum of money. It was heard that they succeeded in their tavern business in the capital, and everyone was happy for them. It was then Aoi's parents took in the twenty years old young man who fainted outside their house. She was fourteen then, and did not know much. However, she does remember that her parents liked the young man whom they described as 'capable and trustworthy'. He was very handsome too, and Aoi remembered falling in love with him. He knew it, and he told her he likes her too. She was happy, very happy, and she fell into his embrace. However, happiness wasn't there for long. The man was lying to her. He betrayed her love and trust for him. He set her parents up and forced them to no way but to the route of suicide. Aoi was horrified but yet could do nothing to save them. The man wouldn't let her die along with them. He said she's special. At least to him. And he smiled at her. A cold and unfeeling smile. Aoi then realized if she had not fallen into his trap at least, maybe she could sense something about him and warn her parents beforehand. But nobody would believe her. She looks like a bloody Hin and he was such a great actor that everyone believed that he's a saint. Aoi was locked up, and was often forced upon by the man, although he never had sex with her and she comforted herself with this point. He said she's not good enough for him. One night, he came back drunk. He started screaming at her for no reason. He was very scary with his fierce expression and angered bloodshot eyes. Perhaps someone aggravated him outside, she thought. Before she knew it, the man had pounced on her and tried to rip her clothes off. Shocked, Aoi started screaming but he laughed, saying nobody would be hearing her. He was touching and pawing her so much that she couldn't stand it anymore. She was about to push him away when a blinding blue light exploded in her eyes. She honestly thought she's dying, and that light is the light of God, pitying her and hence decided to end her life. She closed her eyes and blacked out, believing that her life had come to an end. She smiles happily as she began to lose her consciousness, not hearing the blood-curdling scream. When she regained consciousness, it's already early morning. She got up, and was feeling weird. She felt strong. Yet... Aoi turns. Her eyes flung opened wide and they nearly popped out. She screamed. The man who ruined her family and happiness. All disembowered and dismembered. His organs were hanging on the ceiling and some of his body parts couldn't be seen anywhere. He's no longer handsome. In fact, she couldn't even make out his face now. It's all ruined. Aoi was shivering in extreme fear as she staggered across the room. What happened...? As she was making out of the room, she passed a mirror on the table. She paused. She thought she saw something. Trying not to look at the bloody mess in the room, Aoi moved to the mirror cautiously. She looked inside and saw 'it'. Aoi screamed.....
// Yes... I've seen it... and now I'm seeing it again... Can you stop it... Genrou? Can you stop it...? //
Tears brimmed in Aoi's eyes as they rolled down her cheeks. She couldn't control it as she stares at the mirror where 'it' is now appearing once again. It was on that day when she saw 'it' and realized it was her who did it. The person who killed the man and left him with no complete corpse...
// I hate myself... Genrou... Stop it from appearing again... Stop me... No... Kill me.... //
On her forehead, was the bright blue character 'Heart'.
=-=-=-=-=
"Aoi, what are you doing?" Tasuki asked curiously, looking at Aoi. He had passed by the kitchen and saw her cooking. It's a stupid question to ask her what she's doing but he wants to know WHY she's doing it. Aoi turned with a surprised look on her face.
"Why, I'm cooking of course. Can't you tell?" Aoi replied with an amused look on her face. Tasuki flushed. Aoi didn't get it. Apart from being nice and all, Aoi is also a little dense at times. Yes. Aoi gives Tasuki the impression that she's a girl who could be easily fooled by people. Especially if the other party is a sweet-tongued person. He sighed. Maybe she's not dense. Just too innocent and naive. Tasuki smiles.
"Of course I know you are cooking. I'm really asking why are you doing this when you don't have to, you know." Tasuki said with a smile.
"Oh." Aoi was surprised again. "Well... you know... Genrou you saved me... and even gave me a lodging when I have nowhere else to go when you don't have to because I'm a complete stranger to you... and everyone was being so nice to me... I thought this is the least I could do... helping around with the chores and all..." Aoi replied with a shy smile.
"That's fine but, what do you mean by a complete stranger?" Tasuki frowned slightly, "We are... erm..." Tasuki flushed again, "We are lovers... so don't say anything like that or you will make me angry, okay?"
"Genrou...." Aoi gasped as she looked at Tasuki's face. Tasuki's words made her happy and gave her warmth. Tears brimmed in her eyes and Tasuki panicked. Did he say something wrong? Why is Aoi crying? Tasuki went forward and embraced Aoi.
"Hush... don't cry..." Tasuki said, trying to comfort Aoi, "Erm... I mean... I mean..."
"I understand, Genrou..." Aoi whispered as she hugged Tasuki, "I am crying because I'm happy...."
"Aoi..." Tasuki speaks softly as he lifted up her chin and looked into her blue eyes. He bent down and moved closer to her lips.
"GENROU!" Kouji shouted as he strode into the kitchen.
Tasuki almost jumped. Aoi was startled as she let Tasuki go and lowered her head, her face blushing. Tasuki glared at Kouji who looked at them with a puzzled look on his face.
"What?" Kouji asked, not knowing what he has done. Noticing Aoi's red face, Kouji guessed a thing or two and he grinned. "Ha. I'm sorry. I will leave you two to continue whatever you want to do now." Kouji said as he turned.
"Wait no!" Tasuki stopped Kouji. Looking at Aoi, he smiled and said gently, "You go on doing what you want while I go talk to Kouji, okay?"
Aoi nodded obediently and Tasuki went off with Kouji.
=-=-=-=-=
Tasuki walked to the hall with Kouji where they stood. Kouji looked around and Tasuki began to get impatiently. "What is it, Kouji? You didn't ask me here to just look at you looking around, is it? Or do you plan to renovate this place?" Tasuki said, sounding a little sarcastic. He's still sour at Kouji for spoiling his time with Aoi. He only came because he feared something important needed him seeing to.
"Genrou..." Kouji started before pausing, "I really don't know how to tell you this..."
"Hmm?" Tasuki couldn't understand Kouji's problem, yet Kouji worries him. It wasn't Kouji, but it's the look on his face. Kouji looked very worried and confused.
"I checked up on that girl."
"Who?"
"Aoi."
Tasuki snapped then. He couldn't believe Kouji. Checking up on Aoi?!
"Wha... what did you do that for?!" Tasuki almost growled at Kouji, "Do you suspect her of anything?! I see no problem with her! She's perfectly fine!"
"Genrou, you are saying that because you love her and I won't blame you for this because love blinds the truth usually." Kouji replied calmly, "However, I did once told you before that Aoi gives me the bad vibes and I had to check out why. Her background is the only thing I could check up on."
"So? You found out she's lying about her background or what?" Tasuki was getting very impatient and a little mad.
Kouji paused and looked at Tasuki. His friend is getting mad and he knew it. He doesn't know what to say. Kouji knows that Aoi is a good and nice girl but no one is perfect. Even the kindest person would make a mistake someday. Kouji sighed.
"No... Aoi's background is as what she told you. Her parents are merchants, passed away and all. They are correct." Kouji paused, to let his information sink in a little, "But only basically."
"What do you mean?" Tasuki asked, getting a little interested now. Is there something he doesn't know, or is Aoi hiding things from him? He loves her, but he couldn't stand the thought that she could be lying to him about something. He waits for Kouji to speak.
"Her parents DID NOT pass away in sickness as she said they did. Their case was slammed shut in the court as suicide. Their business was handed down not to Aoi strangely, but to a completely unrelated young man who barely stayed with the family for a year."
"A young man?!" Tasuki immediately shot back to life, "What young man?!" Tasuki could feel his jealousy rising. He wondered if that certain man was handsome or not, and if he had a past with Aoi. But maybe not. Aoi had been a virgin that night. Tasuki felt consoled by that point and he felt like a jerk for thinking that way.
Kouji was a little amused by Tasuki's reaction but he was still serious about the matter. He couldn't trust Aoi although he knows that she loves Tasuki too, and would not harm him. She had been with him for more than three months ever since that night he 'invaded' Tasuki's privacy and she had proved herself to be trustworthy and faithful to Tasuki. Kouji sighed.
"Well, the people asked described the man as a handsome, intelligent, kind and... ohhh damnit! They said too many good words about him that I'm too lazy to finish it!" Kouji frowned, "But the people said that Aoi didn't appear on the streets after her parents died. Maybe she wanted to stay at home, or perhaps she's locked up? Not possible but we shouldn't cross that out..." Kouji muttered, seeming to talk to himself than to Tasuki.
"So?" Tasuki still couldn't get it. What's with Kouji?!
"The thing is..." Kouji paused, "The man died soon. And Aoi disappeared. The man died in a rather... well... gross manner..." Kouji winced, "Even the way it had been described, it sounds bad."
"Hey, you've been talking halfday and I still don't get how this is related to Aoi!" Tasuki said, annoyed.
"Genrou! Don't you find it weird?! Weird in the sense that Aoi told you none of these?! Why is she keeping these from you?! Why did she disappear?! The man was murdered so grossly and she acted like she knew nothing! She didn't call onto the authorities for investigations and all that! Don't you find it at least a little suspecting?!" Kouji argued, "I would! And why? Because I'm not blinded by love! I'm just a bystander who tends to see things clearer! Wake up and think clear, Genrou!"
Tasuki remained silent. He stood there saying nothing. Yes, Kouji was right. He had believed Aoi all along, not questioning her much. In a way, he had pitied her for her predicament and did not want to upset her by asking for more details. As time goes by, Tasuki simply accepted what Aoi told him and did not ask anymore. He doesn't want think there's a need anymore. He loves her and he should trust her. But now Kouji said she could be lying to him. And big time too. Tasuki felt extremely uncomfortable at that thought. Finally, he looked up and into Kouji's eyes.
"I will ask her about this." Tasuki finally said, "Don't interfere or do anything before that, all right?"
"Genrou... I'm not sure if she would tell you anything at all...."
"She will." Tasuki replied confidently, "I know she will tell me."
Without waiting for Kouji's response, Tasuki simply turned and walked away. He gritted his teeth and clutched his fists as he walked down the corridor. He would hurt badly if Aoi is really lying to him. He prayed hard to Suzaku that she is not, and that she truly loves him the way she said she is.