Undying Love – Keep the Players on the Game Board
Author's Note: I'm sorry everyone. I won't be able to update in the next three weeks or so. I've got about eight projects simultaneously, and each project is worth 30% of my term mark. I've also got a final exam for my extra math class, and a very important unit test for science this coming Tuesday. I've also got a couple of crucial presentations on May 10 and 12, so I have to greatly prepare for them too.
I truly apologize for not being able to update. I've already greatly cut down my time at Neopets, since I'm on an unofficial quitting status, but my workload from school has prohibited me from updating my story. I've also been working on my projects constantly for the whole weekend… but I'm nowhere close to being finished. Sorry to disappoint everyone. I'll try my best to update Undying Love after all of these summative projects are completed, if my final year exams haven't arrived at that time.
If you would like to keep up-to-date with my status, check out my LiveJournal. (A link to my LiveJournal is in my author profile.) I update every day on my LiveJournal… and I'll occasionally talk about the status of my stories there as well. By the way, if you want to add me as a LJ friend, go ahead. I would love some LJ friends who are interested in fanfiction too!
---------------------------------
Chapter Dedications: My chapter dedications basically go to all of the readers who have recently reviewed my story. I couldn't have gotten the inspiration to continue my writing without you, all!
To be honest, I actually lost a lot of my enthusiasm while writing my story to the point that I didn't feel like updating anymore. But then, I read the reviews, and realize that it's worth the hard work to continue writing my chapters. It really makes me happy when I read your reviews, and I appreciate the input and suggestions of improvement that some of you have also given me. Thank you so much for your relentless support for this story!
---------------------------------
Additional Note: Along with a new chapter of Undying Love, I've also written a one-shot, Romance/Angst fanfic called Falling. It's an Inuyasha one-shot, mind you, and contains the Inuyasha/Kagome/Naraku love triangle. I'm planning on writing an Inuyasha story once I've completed Undying Love, and I decided to write Falling, sort of as an experimental fanfic, if you will. I'd appreciate it if you took a look at Falling, as well. I really need some input as to how I can improve writing my Inuyasha fanfics, before releasing my other new story after Undying Love. Thanks for your help, everyone!
---------------------------------
The next morning…
In the confines of the quiet bedroom, an awkward blue and white clump sat on the bed, moaning softly. But underneath this weird-looking clump, a beautiful masculine figure could be seen ruffling under the medium-sized blanket, as the tired youth woke up from his few precious hours of slumber. It was quite unfortunate for the boy, that he had to wake up at around 6 o' clock in the morning, and that he barely got any sleep that night…
After a few more minutes, the well-sculptured man had forced himself out of bed, knowing that Yu-Baaba would be further displeased with him… if he was late for work. Haku didn't need to be psychic to know that Yu-Baaba wasn't happy with Chihiro's overnight stay; Yu-Baaba preferred to be appraised of all the things that were happening in the bathhouse, ahead of time.
Haku let out a disgruntled breath when he thought of Chihiro; his mind had been plagued of most unhappy thoughts of her all night. It seemed so long ago when Haku had desperately wished that Chihiro would stay with him forever, in the Spirit World. But now, it was quite clear that he and Chihiro were certainly mixing like oil and water; their relationship was collapsing very quickly. What the two of them needed to do was to spend some quality time together, and come to an agreement about their feelings and thoughts of each other…
---------------------------------
A few minutes later…
Haku quickly slapped on a loose green top on his perfectly-toned chest, and slipped on comfortably-matching pants, taking brief moments to smooth out the wrinkles of his clothing. The troubled boy ruffled his blue-green hair several times, before becoming satisfied with his somewhat rugged look. Haku slid quickly into his wooden sandals, as he took one last glance at the masculine river spirit staring back at him.
It is time to face her, my Chihiro…
---------------------------------
Ten minutes later…
Rin, Chihiro, and Haku were now standing in front of the doorway that led to the human world, staring at it in silence. Rin glanced quickly at Haku, sadly noticing the fact that they both had no intentions of talking to each other… or acknowledging each other's presence, for the most part.
The three of them had been observing the newly-painted doorway for some time, and Rin came to the conclusion that there was nothing more exciting to see about some dark, empty tunnel. If Rin knew any better, she thought that Haku and Chihiro's deep, emotionless stares could have literally burned five-meter holes around the narrow tunnel.
Several more times had passed; the silence was reeked of animosity, and Rin didn't like it one bit. Ever since this morning, Rin had silently noted of Chihiro's lack of spirit and optimism; Chihiro was about as enthusiastic as Kaonashi… and that said a lot. It was as if someone has replaced her jolly and fun-filled friend with some detached, motionless doll, who looked like a super, baggy-eyed version of Chihiro, who clearly had a major sleep deficiency.
'This is so frustrating…' Rin thought sullenly, finally deciding to break the silence… "So… Chihiro, what did you think of your stay at the Spirit World?" Rin asked carefully, knowing the fact that there just seemed to be some uncomfortable feeling still lingering between the three of them. 'Maybe that wasn't wise of me to ask such as question…'
Chihiro wore a grimmer and more depressing look after registering Rin's question quietly. Just like Rin, Chihiro also could clearly notice the fact that there had been a most stern and lifeless shroud that hang around the three close friends. Though the question directed at Chihiro made her feel somewhat uneasy, she still thought that it was much better than that deafly silence… "It was… it was okay, I guess…"
Rin's eyes rose in question; Chihiro was a most terrible liar… she was as see-through as non-tinted windows that were polished and washed many times. Besides, Chihiro's uncertain and quiet voice didn't support Chihiro's case; she definitely thought that her stay at the Spirit World was far from okay. Even Haku, who was having a hard time disregarding Chihiro, by deeply admiring the worn-out stones of the doorway in front of him, turned his head and wore a most skeptical, but… guilty look.
Chihiro dolefully observed the question expression that was apparent on Rin's features, and of the guilty mask that her boyfriend wore. 'Even when he is sad, he still looks like perfection in its purest form. I want to tell him so badly that last night's happenings were not his fault… that bygones should be bygones, but last night made me realize that our love is not all it seems to be anymore…'
"Well…" Chihiro began carefully, before fiddling with her fingers. "I guess it could have been a lot better… I mean, my stay at the Spirit World wasn't as good as I expected it to be. There were just some problems that came up during my stay, that I wished never happened… but what's done is done, as they always say…"
Haku glimpsed at Chihiro, knowing that her last meaningful sentence had been meant for him. He too, greatly wished that last night's events hadn't happened at all, but he knew that last night was a test of their love and trust… and they had both failed. But even though he knew that last night's events were partly Chihiro's fault too, he couldn't help but feel remorseful of his actions, after seeing the grave features that played out on her pretty face. It had greatly bothered him that Chihiro and him had a most terrible fight on the day of her first visit to the Spirit World, in six years…
"Uh… Rin? Do you mind giving us a few minutes alone?" the pretty brunette asked softly, as Chihiro gave her female friend a pleading look.
Rin switched her glances between Haku and Chihiro, before nodding slightly and leaving the couple in another disturbing silence…
---------------------------------
"So… Haku, what do you think we should do about, you know… us?" Chihiro murmured softly, making sure to keep her distance from her boyfriend, who was sitting beside her on the grass.
"We can't ignore last night's events and pretend that things were like they used to be…" confessed Haku, glancing quickly at Chihiro, before diverting his gaze back at the doorway… the doorway that Chihiro would go through in a few minutes, and leave him to his solitude once again.
Chirhio frowned at his blunt response, but knew that every word was true; the two of them could not just let last night be some mere bygone. "I know, Haku, I know…"
"So… what do you want to do then? I know that you and I regret what happened last night. Maybe, perhaps… you can stay another night here, and we can come to agreeing terms about the incid--"
"No, Haku, I can't… and I won't. I don't believe spending more time would do us any good. I need some time to reflect, alone…" whispered Chihiro, as she continued to play with the locks of her silky hair, not bearing to look directly at Haku's eyes.
"I understand, Chihiro. I'll give you a week then, and then we can discuss about last nig--"
"Haku, I don't think you understand at all. I want to break up."
---------------------------------
Haku was standing silently beside Rin, as he watched out of the corner of his left eye. Both Rin and Chihiro looked near to tears, as the two close friends went into a long embrace. In all honesty, Haku wanted nothing more than to grab Chihiro's small hands into his own, and convince her to stay with him, even though their relationship was weakening. Though Chihiro and him were not at the best of romantic terms, he didn't want to break up with Chihiro…
'Yes, we did have our shares of differences and fights… but the break up isn't a way to mend our relationship. Even though she may not feel the same way about me anymore… I still love her.' Haku admitted to himself, as he watched Chihiro heading towards his direction.
Chihiro and Haku were now a hair's breath from each other, as they stared into each other's eyes. The depressed river spirit continued to hold his unbreakable gaze on his lover, while she diverted her eyes from the caring young man, guilty about putting him into such a miserable state.
"Well, I guess this is it…" Chihiro exclaimed slowly, taking one knowing glance at the doorway behind them.
"Yes… it is." Haku said quietly, not knowing what else to say at a time like this.
"Haku… I'm so sorr--"
"You don't have to apologize for anything. I know you thought you were doing what was right for our current situation…"
"Oh Haku. I… umm, do you think the break-up was right?" Chihiro asked uncomfortably.
Suddenly, the grass below Haku's feet had absorbed all of his attention, before he confessed… "I never liked the idea of breaking up, especially with you, of all people… and I don't think I ever will."
'Oh Haku, I'm so sorry.' Chihiro glanced at Haku, ,who was now trying to avoid her gaze once again. Chihiro placed her hand meaningfully on Haku's broad shoulders, as Haku turned to meet her.
Chihiro opened her mouth slightly, trying to find the words that would comfort Haku at a time like this, but Haku's previous words echoed clearly in her mind: 'I never liked the idea of breaking up, especially with you, of all people… and I don't think I ever will.' Chihiro frowned as the realization hit her; there were no words that she could say that would comfort Haku, were there?
Chihiro pulled Haku in for a hug, startling the unprepared boy, before he returned the hug more than willingly. The couple stayed in that warm and lovingly position for some moments, before breaking apart.
"I… uh, I have to go now, you know… before my parents start wondering where I've been for the last couple of hours…" Chihiro murmured nervously.
Haku sighed, as the last remains of her warmth and love left his body. He so very missed those unexplainable and incredible feelings that they had shared a few minutes ago, and now more than ever… regretted their breakup. "Yeah… I guess it is time for goodbyes, isn't it?"
"Yeah…" Chihiro replied softly, before Haku took her hands and squeezed them gently.
"Is there any way I can change your mind about the break-up?" the grim river spirit asked softly, deeply wishing that there was some way to salvage their relationship. "I still love you, Chihiro…"
"I know, Haku, don't you think I already know that? It just makes it harder for me to stay away from you, knowing that you still love me… but I just need some time to think about us, okay?"
Haku nodded his head reluctantly, before releasing Chihiro from his gentle grasp; what else could he have done? He wasn't about to go as low as to force Chihiro to stay with him; she just had as much say in their relationship as he had… "Chihiro… before you leave, I need to know something. Do you still love me?"
"Haku, I… I lov--" Chihiro tried confessing the three important words she could say so easily in the past, but found that she couldn't finish the words. "I… I don't know anymore, Haku. I still feel the warmth spread across my body, or my heart beating faster… when I think of you. I know that I feel something special when I'm with you, but I don't know if that is love… or just another form of lust or infatuation."
An uncomfortable silence befell the couple right after Chihiro said those words. Now that the truth about their feelings was out in the open, the two no longer knew what to do from here. "I think you should go Chihiro; I don't want your parents to get worried…"
Chihiro looked slightly taken aback by the change of topics, but thought that it was for the best at the moment. "Yeah, guess so…" Chihiro whispered, before slowly heading towards the doorway.
"Chihiro?" the young man said softly, as his words lingered in the subtle wind.
"Yes, Haku?" Chihiro questioned, turning to glance at Haku one more time.
"I'll miss you, Chihiro."
Chihiro's eyes widened for a second in surprise, before her eyes soften at his words. "I'll miss you too, Haku."
---------------------------------
Haku watched solemnly as Chihiro's retreating form left his view, while she entered the dark tunnel. He sighed softly, starting at the spot where Chihiro was a few minutes ago. 'I already miss you, Chihiro…' Haku thought to himself, before glancing knowingly at Rin.
"Let's go back to the bathhouse."
Rin inclined her head once in agreement, before slowly following Haku back to the bathhouse. An awkward shroud had encompassed the two close friends, and they remained silent for the next few minutes as they slowly walked to the direction of the bathhouse. No words needed to be said; they both greatly missed Chihiro.
Haku turned his head up, staring at the beautiful and clear, bright blue sky. This morning, almost everything seemed to be perfect, from the lush grass to the gentle breeze. And yet, Haku hardly felt like his day was even remotely close to perfect; he needed someone to share all of today's natural beauty with… he wanted and need his Chihiro.
'If destiny ever offered to grant me one wish, I would use it to mend all damages to my love life, and to bring back Chihiro by my side. I… I hate being alone… I can't bear to live without her angelic presence; I don't want to return to a life without her. If only…' Haku told himself quietly.
Suddenly, as if the gods had heard his prayer, a young and loud, feminine voice called out his name. Haku turned only to meet a concerned and panicked Chihiro, as his pupils widen in complete shock. These weren't the prayers he had hoped for, as he stared at Chihiro's depressing disposition. His stomach knotted uncomfortably… he could feel it; something was very wrong…
"Haku, something awful has happened!" Chihiro exclaimed quickly, a mix of confusion and fear in her chestnut eyes.
"I don't understand what you mean, Chihiro."
"Haku, the doorway has been… sealed, somehow. I can't get back home."
---------------------------------
Meanwhile, a red-haired female peered at the couple from afar, chuckling in amusement. Her black eyes scanned the brunette, who was notifying her former boyfriend of the alarming morning happenings, before the beautiful male's eyes dilated as the information processed into his mind. The fiery and clever female's laughs only increased in volume, as she watched the two; her plan had worked like a charm.
'The players are here, and the game board is set; it's time for the games to begin.'
---------------------------------
My Ending Note: If you don't know already, I've created a one-shot fanfic called Falling. I badly want your input on this… since it is my first Inuyasha fanfic, my first Angst fanfic, and my first one-shot… all combined. LOLz. I really want to know what you think of Falling.