Playing with Sakura by Shinzona
Disclaimers:
TB/X1999 was created by the prestigious CLAMP.
In this chapter no animals/vets/doctors/onmyouji were harmed, although...
Subaru's OOC, you have been warned. His 'thoughts' don't perfectly correlate with his 'words'.
Seishiro's inner depths aren't revealed (yet), cos everything he said/did in TB/X1999 is irrelevant, they're were all beautiful lies. LIES! He's such a deceiving person and likes to manipulate his environment to achieve his own dark aims. Gives him a full sense of control and power.That's how I define SEISHIRO-SAN's POWER! And I like it (hearts).
Enjoy this next chapter. If you have any comments, please let me know, don't let me fall in a bottomless abyss, but enlighten me with your insights. I only exist for you, readers...
BIG THANKS for the reviews!!! I appreciate it!
Round 2: General Check-up
"Please take a seat, Subaru-kun. I'm just going to grab some medicine in the storage room. I'll be back in a minute."
"...ah, arigato, Seishiro-san..." I'm wandering over this intimidating, well-lit, clean room while I'm sitting on this high operating table. Seishiro-san's huge back disappears behind the storage's door while I'm having difficulties with the plastic sheet on this dark green leather table. Hygienic metallic instruments are nicely set in compartments behind glasses in cupboards. Next, I'm gazing at the various coloured wall posters presenting the wonders of animals' internal organs. So fascinating, countless of tissues with Latin-given names. Yet, it gives me the creeps just trying to locate those places inside of my own body. Nonetheless, I'm trying to understand the meaning of it all. Introspection, waah! And I'm not even an animal, although my sister always finds the opportunity to treat me like a lost little puppy. So degrading. Not that those animals are inferior, don't get me wrong. Well, actually they are, in the physical sense, just look at their morphology. A human's is far more complex and requires more study to fully comprehend. I think? But it doesn't mean that you shouldn't treat animals with less respect. They are a so-called 'lower form of life', but we, humans, wouldn't have evolved to our stage of 'higher life forms', without passing through their stage?
Why did you study to become a veterinarian, Seishiro-san? A local GP title would have been a more suited alibi to mask your bloody 'true' profession and secondly more rewarding for an ambitious man like you, wouldn't it? Not that some deserve it more than others. You know what I mean. Just look at the status and privileges you're given while practicing human's medicine. While being an animal's doctor, you're first automatically called 'Vet', then 'doctor', like it's a drag of some sort. Well, scrap all that, it's just prejudice nonsense. It doesn't matter, if you 'like' the job you're practicing or are devoted for the rest of your working days then it's okay, really, I guess...
"..ouch!..."Why did you do that for? Both my gloved hands clutch at the plastic sheet. That stings! Now, I'm really turning scarlet! I Don't have to pretend. And how come I didn't saw you closing in on me? It's not like you're invisible. Although I recall you having some great magical capabilities, I can't permit myself letting my shields drop. It's me again and my lunatic nature. I should learn to get rid of it and be more aware. I know I'm capable of it. I just have to focus, besides I'm just a few inches of a powerful man. How long have I been looking forward for this rematch.
"I'm sorry Subaru-kun, I didn't mean to startle you. But it was preferable to not prepare you while I put on the disinfectant. Are you okay?"
You're so irresistible when you look concerned, but are you really? Because by judging your past motives, I strongly doubt it. I'm wondering why you're acting as though you've never seen me before. Have I grown so much that my traits drastically changed? Surely, you remember something, you were 18 at that time. Did you suffer from amnesia after our encounter? It was the meeting of a lifetime! Why did you put so much effort introducing yourself at Ikebukuro? You didn't have to make me recall your name. You thought I wouldn't remember YOU? Sure, I was so young and you took pity of me, only a bit. But frankly, now, you shouldn't underestimate me and my psychic powers. And you, reaching 25, you matured considerably and put up a much more unbreakable demeanour. Your aura's more controlled as you'll like me to believe. Are you hiding something? What is it?
"Subaru-kun."
"...Y-yes?..." Geez, what now! I'm going to have an heart attack for NOT paying attention. I hope Hokuto isn't prying into my brain right now! Cos this privileged treatment by Seishiro-san isn't me doing any good. I'm absentmindedly drowning in his experienced hands resulting in losing myself in thoughts and losing grip of reality. This is so unhealthy! That's maybe why I'm paying a visit to the doctor's...Oh, you're wearing glasses now? So, all those years in college back lashed at your visual capabilities. Poor Sei-chan. You're not at your full powers like 9 years ago. Oh well, it'll work into my advantage, cos I'll need it.
"You're staring...but I don't mind. I'm not going to hurt you, you know. You're so cute when you look like that."
"..." Grrr, he caught me off guard. Again. Tell me if I'm wrong, but did my lower-jaw just fell open? So embarrassing, especially when he's putting an angelical smile. I hate it when people do that. Taking advantage of a person so easily by saying dead simple magical spells covered with futile cheeky words. Maybe when I'll be more grown up, I'll learn the trick and do the same. It's just a matter of time. Gulp, why's he staring at me now? Is he going to admit he knows what I knows? His powerful aura's enveloping me. A penny for your thoughts? Onegai. Does he remember? NO, no don't sit next to me. Yuck, my hands are getting sweaty making my black gloves all sticky.
"Subaru-kun?"
"H-hai?" I start swinging with my legs with at slow pace. It's like I'm drifting and it evacuates all this strange tension out of my body. I'll have to swing harder cos the silence is driving me slightly nuts.
"Would you like something to drink? I can offer you some tea, if you want. ..." I slowly nodded and off he went to another room without letting me start another phrase. So weird, this whole charade. Does he really don't have any recollection, whatsoever of what happened 9 years ago? He looks so laid-back. Maybe I'm mistaken him for another, but I'm so positive about it. He's the one I encountered under that Sakura tree! His aura's radiance isn't what it's supposed to be, but the core's still the same, I can feel it! And how can you mistake such a delightful presence. It's him! I'm sure of it! And the name Sakurazuka, that says it all. Sure there are hundreds of Sakurazuka in the country, but that doesn't matter. It's him!
"Subaru-kun! Would you like some vanilla creamed cookies along with that tea!"
"...sure, anything's good Seishiro-san..." What did he just say? Vanilla creamed what??? He's asking me what I want with my tea? Shouldn't he be more worried about something else, for example, I dunno, what happened some time ago! My eyes are filled with unshed tears. This is so stressful and frustrating. Doesn't he remember? He thinks I don't remember and wants to lay it off a bit? Or he doesn't want to remember? You're in denial, Seishiro-san? You're panicking? Well, I'll let it rest and 'play' along, just to see where 'this' is heading to. And yes, I'm quite thirsty, so bring along the beverages!
"..." What's that faint presence closing on on me? Where is it coming from? Hey! It's just beneath me. I'll take a peep by carefully letting my head drop between my legs and probing the pale marble surface. Ooh! There you are! Aren't you the mushiest fluffiest thingy I've ever seeeen! Come to Suuuuby!
"...argh!..." He bit me! That dog took a grab of my gloved hand! Let go of me! AAAWwww! I'm losing my balance! Don't drag me of the table. Little bastard! I hope Seishiro-san doesn't see me all sprawled on the floor...oups...too late. Sooo embarrassing.
"Subaru-kun! Are you feeling well! Did you faint?"
"...no, no, Seishiro-san...the dog..." Bwah! What's he thinking of me right now? As one of Japan's most powerful white onmyouji or a little boy who isn't a match against a sick little puppy? I really don't want to know. I never thought I could fall so low...
"Luckily, I'm here to rescue you, Subaru-kun. Here, let me help you get up. Did Ebony hurt you?"
Sigh. Seishiro-san/Subaru-kun: 1-0. Sigh.
"...arigato Seishiro-san. No, I-I'm fine, just a bit dizzy, but it'll pass..." All lies, but necessary to keep up front. I can do this.
Oh, this scenery's so touching. I wish I could paint that moment into a breathtaking aquarelle and delicately frame it. Seishiro-san's holding little wide-eyed Ebony into his arms and strokes its back with intensive care. You sure know how to calm one's nerves into a blink of an eye, neh Seishiro-san. I'm mesmerized with that serious and devoted look. The puppy fixes you like God's representative. This gaze you once gave me 9 years ago. You recall that moment under the Sakura, that intoxicating experience?
"Don't mind Ebony, she's a feisty tempered one. Actually, I'm wondering how she escaped from her settlement. I guess she can't stand it to be confined in a small compartment and managed a way to free herself."
I can't take this anymore! Why am I suddenly so agitated again? Why's this situation so wrong, but feels right in a wicked kinda way? My magical abilities tell me that 'that man', Seishiro Sakurazuka isn't the right person. It's not him. Then why is my heart telling me otherwise, what's drawing me close to him? Why isn't he reacting? Why's he looking so immensely sad while pampering the puppy? That's so confusing. Something cruel has happened? I need to know! Surely, I've left signals all over the place to make him confront me or at least to engage the first round. On my side, it would be childish and coward to keep it away. Better let it out. What will I say? How'll I ask him or how'll I get it out of him? A 'do you remember 9 years ago' or bluntly 'you're the Sakurazukamori, isn't it?' I feel like I'm going to be sick...
"Do you like this tea? It's Sakura tea. I've put some sugar in it to enhance the taste at its fullest. It's wonderful, isn't it?
I inhale the scent. The vapours are empowering my whole face, stroking my half closed eyes. The tea's like you. Seishiro-san. You've settled yourself close to me. The cup is really hot, but I don't mind, my heart is beating so fast, it'll pop out any minute. I'm going to be really sick. I want to end this game. Right now. I have so many doubts and you can make them all go away. Don't be so cruel. Oh well, if you won't dig up the past. I WILL.
"...Seishiro-san..."
"Yes, Subaru-kun?"
"...euh, I don't know how to ask this, but..."
"Yes, go on. What's the matter?
You don't feel well?"
"No, I'm alright. Well actually, it goes like this..." Don't look me like that, it's not like I'm going to end your life right now. Well, 'you' on the contrary are torturing me. And don't talk, just hush. That soothing voice makes my head melt.
"Subaru-kun, a little advice from me, just let it out."
No, I said, no more talking, just listening...to me. His nostalgic eyes are fixing me like they're piercing right through me. It's like what I'm going to say is already out in bookstores and shouldn't be bothered wasting breath upon. How can that be? Oh, crap, a single sweat drop escapes from my upper neck and makes its descent. Don't mind physical reactions. They're just natural after all. I'm swallowing this big ball of tension.
Okay here we go...
...9 years ago...
Enough playing around...
...that day...
Gather some courage and spit it out...
...that moment...
"Seishiro-san, ..."
... the one under the Sakura Tree...
"Subaru-kun...?"
... the one whose life you spared...
"...do you remember what happened..."
...I still wear the scars of our encounter...
"SUBARU-CHAN! SUBARU-CHAN! ARE YOU ALRIGHT???"
I'm going to cry. In heaven's name, what are you doing here, Hokuto-chan!!!?
To be continued
TB wouldn't be complete without Hokuto Sumeragi. She's like the glue who holds those two protagonists together. I really do believe that. She's their booster in human form.
Ebony's well, Seishiro's puppy. The poor thing was left behind by a couple of youngsters who couldn't take care of the fury animal. They couldn't afford bringing him along on their sunny escapade in the southern of France. So they told Seishiro-san...
Anyway, if you want to read the next chappie, review and I'll put my heart and soul into the third. Any constructive suggestions are always welcome!!!
Come on, just click on 'review'.
And all X/TB-cast will love you FOREVER, especially Sei-chan!
Beta-reader note: Sakura tea... No, it's not one of my crazy-TB-fan girl-invention. It actually does exist! I visited one of those specialised tea-stores with hundreds of flavours and there was this one who smelled fruity and sweet... It really waked my nose-senses! When I looked at the constitution of the leaves, I just couldn't believe what my eyes were telling me: "a Japanese green tea scented with cherry blossom"... or something like that. Of course, I had to buy it and I'm now the happy-crazy owner of a bag of Sakura-tea! And it tastes gooooood... Got to buy more... more... more...