Disclaimer: I do not own PMK. Don't sue.
Chapter 2: At the Shrine
It's always the shrine, Tetsunosuke thought as he waited by the gate. Sure enough, he saw Saya strolling towards him. She wore a lovely pink kimono and tottered daintily on her geta. Seeing him there, she hurried over, tripped on her geta. "Saya, you should be more careful," Tetsu scolded her gently as he caught her.
Saya smiled in reply. I'm alright. Then together, they'll go and wash their hands and mouths by the washing trough. Together they'll mount the steps and ring the bell. Afterwards they'll offer up their prayers and wishes to the gods above.
Saya glanced shyly at the boy next to her. Tetsu was growing up fast. They both were growing. Soon, they'd leave their childhood behind. Saya knew in her heart that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with that reckless redhead who had saved her from those ruffians a year ago. Now Tetsu stood with his eyes closed and his hands clasped in earnest prayer. Blushing, she followed his example.
"Saya, let's go! One, two..." Tetsu counted out the steps as they walked away from the offertory box. When they reached fifteen, they turned together and flung their coins. Glinting in the sunlight, the coins sailed through the air...
"Oh, no, I guess we've gotta do it again." Both coins clinked against the edge of the box and rolled onto the ground. Suddenly as she watched him retrieve the coins, she was afraid. Sixteen. Soon she'll be sixteen. What then? A life like Akesato-nee's? Stuck forever in that glittering Shimabara until her looks ran out? Will she and Tetsu follow in the footsteps of Yamanami and Akesato? Deeply in love and yet...
Why is Saya looking at me so? Tetsu sniffed himself. He was certain he had gotten rid of the smell.
In a fit of pique at the Comedian Trio, he had taken Saizou to their rooms and encouraged the bad-tempered creature to rip their futons apart. Unfortunately, he was caught red-handed by Nagakura and Harada. They chased him all round the compound before he fell into the cesspool by accident. Afterwards, they avoided him with good reason.
It had taken a three hour soaking in the tub to rid him of the stench. Still, it was a good two days before anyone would come near him. Only Tatsu-nii would approach him during that time. His brother was having a cold and lost his sense of smell.
They were walking along the river. Tetsu, you'll always be the same, wouldn't you? Saya shyly reached out to touch his hand and quickly drew back. Tetsu reached out and clasped her small hand in his. "Saya..." He stopped uncertain what to say next as he gazed into her eyes. She's beautiful, he thought.
The willow leaves rustled in the wind as they stood on the bridge. There were only the two of them. The troubles, worries and pains of the real world cannot intrude on this sacred moment. He held her hands in his. Waiting. Unsure. Finally, he took a deep breath and gave her a chaste peck on her cheek, whispering "I love you, Saya."
Tetsu was taken totally by surprise as his demure little Saya responded with a passionate kiss on his lips. He kissed her back, letting his arms enfold her frame, holding her close...Tetsu, do you have the faintest idea how much I love you?
"Aww...Puppy-kun's had his first kiss!" The couple quickly drew apart as Toudou Heisuke strolled by in the company of a young woman. Flustered, Saya fled. "Saya!" Tetsu reached out to grab her hand. Too late. He watched as she disappeared in the distance.
"Thanks a lot, Toudou-san," Tetsu gave the Eighth Patrol captain a glare which Toudou happily ignored.
Saya was sleepless even after the long night's work was done and she had retired to her bed. I love you...Simple words. She'd never be able to speak them to him. That's it. She's been thinking of him all this while. She often stopped by the window in the hope of seeing him running by on an errand or other, until the cook scolded her for laziness.
Her close friend, Hana, slept soundly next to her. Hana had a man not too long ago. He was the Eighth Patrol's Toudou Heisuke, so she boasted. It happened right under this very roof. The old madam who ran the establishment was furious and would have thrown Hana out if Toudou had not defended her.
Anyhow, Hana was not really serious about him. She was just out for fun. Toudou may be interested in having a pretty mistress hidden somewhere. But he does seem to be paying more attention to his fiancée as he is expected to. Such was the fate of girls like Akesato, Hana and Saya.
Saya climbed out of her bed and out onto the balcony. The stars twinkled above. Distant, cold and silent. She curled up and watched them. Wishing...praying...
Author's notes:
Yahaa! A romance scene. Please review.