The Fluffy List by Shinzona and Purple Cloud
Disclaimer: Clamp owns X1999, we own Lover's Corner…that's something, neh?
Chapter 3: At the store
"'Lover's Corner'?"
"…'Lover's Corner'…is THAT… it?"
"I think so, Kamui."
Subaru adjusts his gaze on Sorata's list to read the name for the hundreth time, such as a modest child who has to practice real hard for his alphabet. Then, sheepishly, the older seal raises his brows to catch a glimpse of a puzzled Kamui, not enough for the latter to notice.
"So, should we enter it?"
Kamui swallows hard to contain a blush after interrupting the awkard silence and breaking the embarassing tension raising between him and his fellow seal.
"…w-what? Oh, sure, we could do that, although…"
"…yes…what…what is it?"
"Mmmm… Kamui, are you sure?"
"…Subaru-san, by the look of it. We could… just maybe. Perhaps, we could just take a look at it."
"I suppose we could do 'that'."
"Have you ever entered such a, err…, similar store, Subaru-san?"
"No, not exactly. But that's not what I'm worried about. I'm just wondering why Sorata would want us to visit it."
"But we've been wandering the mall for thirty minutes searching for the place Sorata has mentioned on the list.
I doubt there is another store with the same name. Is there?"
Kamui inwardly hopes that they are mistaken and that there's actually another store with a similar name but with a dissimilar purpose.
"You're probably right, Kamui. That's what I think so too. And I also trust Sorata's harmless intentions. Why don't we go in 'there' and see what happens next…"
Somehow, the rare face expression on the magician's face displaying a hidden hesitation hit the younger Seal by surprise.
"Are you sure? You seemed a bit reluctant earlier."
"Oh, it's maybe nothing, but I've sensed a familiar aura nearby."
"Subaru-san? Who…How…?"
"Oh, it's probably nothing. I had a strong feeling just earlier but it vanished or dampened in an instant."
Kamui's eyes narrow an instant at the sound of the apprehension in Subaru's voice. Afraid of letting the most insignificant sign of danger pass him by, he closes his eyelids and stretches his aura around his surroundings.
Not losing track of one single facial expression Kamui might make, Subaru whispers to him :
"Kamui…so, do you sense anything?"
Every corner of Kamui's mind catches a glimpse of the field, but nothing. Nothing to alert his senses. Kamui partly opens his eyes and faces Subaru's gaze.
"I don't feel any threatening presence around us."
"There you go. It was certainly just my imagination playing tricks on me."
Subaru soflty pats Kamui on the head to reassure him, but the latter doesn't seem to acknowledge his gesture as he takes Subaru's fair hand away from his tousled hair. Instinctively, the brutal gesture makes a rush of fear and uncomfort run through Subaru's spine. Kamui, noticing with horror the recoiling seal, attempts to make amends for his unthoughtful wave with pleading eyes.
"B-but Subaru, you're very experienced with this kind of stuff. It surely must have been something worth catching your attention. You of all people, it must…"
Subaru feels that Kamui is again being dragged in the malicious spiral that his destiny is. The more they'll discuss the issue, the more Kamui will get depressed. Of course the issue is of great importance.
But not today.
No, they have been sent here to have a good time, likely more to take a huge break from all the heartache and battles their minds and bodies have gone through, since…Ever since they first stood foot on earth, truly.
Taking matters in his own hands, Subaru decides to do whatever it takes to get his friend reassured. That's why Subaru softly places his hands on Kamui's face and casts him his best smile.
"I wouldn't worry about it, Kamui. If there is a problem, we will deal with it when time comes. Let's focus on finding out why we should visit this store and having a fine afternoon together."
"That's a good idea."
"I'm glad you agree with me, Kamui."
" So, shall we? Or should 'I' lead the way?"
To pull Subaru out of his dreamlike state, mostly induced by Kamui's involuntarily teasing last phrase, the younger seal drops his gorgeous white smile hiding all the wickedness directed at the magician and soothingly pulls on his white sleeve to actually make him move ahead.
But no effect.
Gaining a bit of courage he fiercly grabs Subaru's trenchcoat clasping the fair fabric immensely with his delicate fingers trying to get a reaction out him. Anything will do.
"… sure Kamui."
… is all the magician can say while Kamui drags him along into the store with full determination. With his free hand, Kamui pushes the door wide open, making a little bell ring a happy tune.
"Hello and welcoooome to Luuuver's Cornerrrrrr!"
Their minds freeze at the sound of that horrible genkifull voice sending fully sharged electricity bolts through fragile bodies. Subaru abruptly halts in front of the door as to defend the younger boy from further psychological assaults.
Unfortunaly, Subaru's protective motion produced an unwanted effect. As Subaru counteracts Kamui's rushed pace, he makes the latter trip on his feet, instantly unbalancing an entire body which displayes an elegant 90 degrees spin meaning to end on the carpet.
Obviously aware of the unavoidable collapse onto the redwine velvet carpet, Kamui lightly closes his eyes at the rapid commotion and waits for the tumult his body will have to go through. Tensing every muscle, thus avoiding reopening those nasty wounds invicible at first sight but still healing under aneasthetic bandages.
Letting his head fall back he's ready to greatly accept the pain his entire life had been dedicated to. Embracing martyrship, his arms widely spread to hang in the air, distancing themselves from his interminable falling body.
Soon, the hurt will claim this falling angel.
The younger seal wonders why the ground hasn't claimed him yet.
Perhaps, he has been claimed. And his wounded limbs' nerves haven't processed the blow somehow…
…or…
…he opens his eyes to see what is happening and narrows them as he casts a glance at the blurry vision settled above him. A silhouette caught in a flamboyant light.
Suddenly, Kamui senses a protective hand he should have noticed before, and an arm. A strong arm, yet bony, trailing his lower back slightly, moving, obviously trying to get a response out of his stunned shape.
"Are…are you alright…Kamui?"
At the Sumeragi's soothing voice, Kamui's eyes open broadly. Disoriented, he tries to move his head closer to that voice. That soothing voice. Unfortunaly, Kamui's messy hair falls over his eyes, once again blurring his vision. Unable to get a clearer picture of his fellow seal mate, Kamui lets out a faint sigh.
Feeling upset and helpless in those arms, Kamui once again lets his eyelids rest, not even considering meeting Subaru's gaze, afraid for what the other response might be.
To his great astonishment, Kamui feels balmy fingertips trailing his lower cheek up to his front- head. At last those affectionate touches delivers Kamui from his untidy hair and unlocks wide purple eyes, with thick eyelashes rising to a rare fully worried and devoted Sumeragi.
"Are… you… okay…, Kamui?"
Kamui lets out a small sigh, reaching only the Sumeragi's ear and sending a hot wave between the two young men. For as the air grows warmer between them second by second, Subaru's hand hesitantly travels once again Kamui's fair face to halt at his flushed cheek.
Swallowing a bit at Kamui's response to his closeness and hanging in mid-air, resting totally in his embrace, his white trenchcoat slips on both sides of Kamui almost drapping him in a light down radiating caring and tenderness.
Finally letting loose of this perfect hug, Subaru pushes Kamui closer to his slightly bowed body. Little by little, he lifts the fragile boy up with his arm resting behind his back alongside with his other hand seizing Kamui's free arm.
Kamui tenses at the sudden movement moving up his spine and clutches with one hand the Onmyouji's shoulder to gain a bit of direction. Slightly moisturizing his lips, he realizes he has been saved by Subaru in extremis. Apparently, the younger seal is a bit confused for as he shows a slight shake of his legs against Subaru's.
"S-subaru-san, I…I'm alright. Thank you."
Subaru experiences relief washing over him hearing those comforting words out of his leader's mouth. Actually hearing he's in no danger, his grip on the boy lessens on command and watches with delight at how he prevented Kamui to be badly hurt.
Kamui, passing his hand through his hair, not knowing whether the headache came from the persisting echo of the genki voice or the shock his head had to endure by the fall, Kamui eventually pulls himself together and catches Subaru's arm again ready to face the situation he has been put up with his dear friend.
"Okay, big big mistake. I suggest we leave, Subaru-san!"
Kamui turns around, wanting to drag Subaru along towards the exit of that creepy store. But the magician doesn't move one inch and stays put, ready to greet the silhouette who has been busy writing something down at his counter. The man is tall, clad in a casual beige suit with light pink shirt, a fair pony-tail happily swinging behind him. Alerted by the sound of the two visitors, he halts his writings and looks up at his new visitors, revealing a tanned face. Too tanned for his own good, as though he spends most of his time under UV-lights for his wage doesn't permit him to seek the sun southwards. At the sight of Subaru and Kamui, a sudden flashing white smile appears across his lips as he playfully starts to move his pencil between his fingers. A predatory glow enhances his aquamarine eyes as he checks them out head to toe.
"My my my…what can I do for such a lovely and cute… couple?"
That last word makes Kamui just want to die right here right now while Subaru's jaw takes a big plunge. Pulling himself together again, he takes in a breath to explain the reason of their presence.
"We…"
"Hush! Let me guess…"
A blanket of mystery envelops the salesman's face as he closes his eyes in utter concentration like only a mind-reader would. Subaru is intrigued by the purpose of the sudden change of attitude the man has brought. Placing a finger on his partly parted lips, one of the salesman's eyes reopens, letting a glint of wisdom appearing in his aquamarine split.
"Mmm, I see a big occasion laying a distant future…. No! In a nearby future! Let me rephrase that: I see a ceremony… the most important in your life… what you've been waiting for since ever… for this beautiful day to come… and your path has lead you into my store… you have chosen me to be an infinite pion of that day… "
Clasping his hands together, he sends Kamui and Subaru a million worth compassionate look and follows with another dramatic moment…
"I feel honoured to be your humble servant for this short, but oh so important event of a lifetime! You won't regret it, I promise you this from the bottom of my heart! "
The 'couple' could distantly notice how the salesman' eyes become watery while his nose moves slightly to retaining every flow of emotion.
"Err, Sorata's li…"
Kamui managed to whisper, still clunging to Subaru's sleeve and not wanting to let go due to a massive shock his mind has gone through after entering this parallel strange world. A world… full of white and feathers… still not realizing he's greeted by a Keiichi-like radiating genkiness and suffocating enthousiasm.
"SORATA ARISUGAWA!"
The salesman slaps himself on the forehead at the sudden realisation of his own misfortune. His features take a sudden normality at the sound of Kamui's murmurs to the Magician. As he steps out of his dramatic introduction, he mistakenly takes Subaru for Sorata, but goes on with his estatic movements with a sing-song voice.
"Yes, yes, we spoke on the phone! I'm so glad to finally meet you in person, although I wasn't expecting to see such a good-looking person in front of me."
The pony-tailed man dances his way to the stunned couple standing on the doorstep. He improvises a little slide before standing a few inches away of Subaru who just gives him an expressionless face, except for a slight frowning brow.
To reassure a petrified Kamui who's slightly parting his lips and just gazing at him, the salesman quickly turns to him, not knowing what has provoked this reaction. Seeing those purple eyes growing larger by the second, the salesman bows in front of him to deepen his aquamarine gaze into those purple gems.
"Oh, and you must be missy-lucky! You are indeed so bloody fortunate and kawaii if I may say! Sorata-san surely didn't exaggerate when he mentioned you being the most beautiful angel he ever set eyes upon!"
The genki guy gives Subaru an approving and loving wink. Subaru has to act soon, but he doesn't know how to put a monosyllable in this book.
"I think…"
Come what may, he just continues the monologue thinking Subaru wants to assert Sorata's words spoken over the phone and appreciates that he has remembered them.
"Where did you catch him, if I may ask? Tell me your secret, please, I won't tell a soul!"
The estatic salesperson, almost kneeling in front of Kamui who wants to vanish and regrets the mischievious idea to put foot in that peculiar store in the first place.
"… we-are-not-a-couple…"
Kamui softly mumbles stressing every word, contrasting with the poor salesman's anticipated response. Assessing every word he's just heard, the salesman straightens his back with disbelief and disappointment flashing through his overtanned face.
"Argh? That's your secret?! You're pretending to be a couple!? B-but that doesn't make any sense if you ask me!"
"No, we are not! It's that we…"
"So, you are together… or not?"
Saying those words, a crooked smile appears on his lips. The older seal feels his head starting to go round and round and finally steps in.
"Um, sir, could I …"
Subaru has done this before and wants to avoid this kind of trouble. There's going to be some serious blush after the revelations and he doesn't know if Kamui will be the one bearing it.
"Shogou Asagi is the name! I'm all ears!"
"So err, Shogou-san, I'm afraid there has been a mix up. I'm not Sorata Arisugawa and this young man here, is not his lover."
"Oh, I see. I'm sorry, my mistake. I couldn't dream of breaking you two apart, could I? But I reckon I could be of further assistance since I'm not only at Sorata-san's disposal, hmm?"
Kamui fires a glare at Subaru, urging him, no, pleading him to set everything straight. Subaru's eyes go wide and he nodds invicibly to Kamui's command sending him electricity to his head.
"A-and he's not MY lover either, Shogou-san."
There, Subaru is relieved that's cleared up once and for all. Nevertheless, Shogo raises an suspecting eyebrow.
"I, Subaru Sumragi, and Kamui Shirou, are actually here on behalf of Sorata-san. He asked me to deal with whatever business you've had with him. I'm wondering if you could shed some light on this? "
"I see, I see… "
Shogou takes a step back to get a better view and looks at both of them from head to toe, cupping his chin.
"I know! If you could please follow me…"
The two seals frown eyebrows while staring in each other's eyes and guessing each other's next move. Hesitantly, they both follow Shogou to the back of the store. After walking through a red-velvet paved corridor with smooth carpet that inhibited the sound of their shoes and golden framed mirrors on the walls, their senses are being confronted with a spectacular panorama. Kamui can't believe what his eyes were showing him and stays speechless.
"Oh no, not that again…"
Subaru lets his eyes close partially and drops his head putting a hand to his forehead to somehow erase what has been harshly presented ahead of him. The scenery in front of him flows like a river of melancholy and a hidden longing of a passed loved one resurfacing again.
The ravishing whites and sparkling veils and golden frames magnify a thousand times the timid store outlet. Like a hidden fountain, like a great cavern of lost treasure, the core of the store just hits them with all its brightness and pride.
"…Subaru-san?"
The younger seal speaks out a deliteful tone to shake up the seal, oblivious of his thoughts running through his mind.
"TA-DA!"
Meanwhile, Shogou Asagi has gone standing in the epicentre of the circle-shaped room, his arms wide open to present his pride and joy waiting for compliments coming from the two seals. He knows they will thank him later, so he just…
"So, what do you think? Isn't this view just splendid! And look at the countless wedding gowns!"
Kamui only manages a 'oooohhhh' sound and speaks while traveling to the center of the place where a soft white leather cushion is resting along with some fluffly pillows and strands of silken pink threads, waiting to be tide in huge ribbons.
"It's so beautiful…I never knew…"
Kamui's never finished that sentence as something just above his head has caught his attention. He lifts his eyes up the ceiling and is instantly mesmerized by the chandelier hovering majestically over the bridal shop. In his eyes dance the thousands lights of the crystals of the chandelier, every color of the rainbow.
"Let me show you what you actually came for. Just a minute, please. Don't go anywhere! And behave yourself while I'm gone…"
Shogou leaves his two customers that surprisingly haven't responded in a bitter way to his last little teaser for their senses are totally claimed by the overdose of shiny yet soft fabric surrounding them. Subaru shakes his head and blinks in order to come back to reality.
"Kamui, where did…"
The sight of Kamui just makes him remain silent: Kamui has just approached one of the gowns, a white velvet dress, that is standing out of all the others by its simplicity.
Subaru, already regretting he has spoken, doesn't dare to move, for he might disturb the royal silence set upon the room. He just stands there, watching as Kamui reaches out for the gown. Placing the sleeve, the purest white velvet, carefully on his cheek, Kamui closes his eyes to experience the softness and warmth.
The older Seal feels a smile being carried across his face making his cold heart melt at the same time, while staring at how Kamui emerges himself in the velvetiness of the fabric. Somehow an angel named Kamui has descended from heaven to bestow an ethereal display in front of the white onmyouji.
But Subaru's heart takes a leap downwards, dragging his smile along, as Kamui's face suddenly tenses. The young Kamui gazes at his scarred hands, feeling the velvet slip away as his memories and his destiny force upon him. Swiftly, Subaru feels himself wanting to take that lost lamb into his arms, whispering him words that the velvet he just touched could be real…should be real… can be real. If only he wished it.
Subaru pulls himself out of his reverie and marches towards the young seal. Kamui notices the soft shuffle of Subaru's combat boots on the smooth deep carpet, breaking through the silence as an invitation back. The velvet sleeve elegantly slips out of his hand as he approaches his companion, releasing his train of thoughts.
"I still don't understand why Sorata would ask us to visit a bridal shop. I just don't have a clue. What were his motives behind this? I wonder…"
"I think I know, Kamui. Maybe Sorata-san wanted you to feel happiness and stability by visiting this shop."
Kamui's gaze turns into a questioning and uncomprehensive one.
"…by seeing countless of… 'gowns'? I-I…"
"Think about it, Kamui. You radiated when you set your gaze upon this room. A sort of renewed delight, but sadly forgotten, violently locked away in your once innocent reminiscences, for as you had to undergo many hazardous and mind-robbing experiences at such an otherwise flourishing and untarnished stage in your life."
"Err… Subaru-san, I-I don't understand what you're trying to tell me…"
Subaru desesperately searches for words that will reach Kamui's tormented and confused mind. If only he could make him feel reassurance and comfort.
"Life hasn't treated you easy lately, Kamui."
"Oh…I guess... it hasn't been easy."
"But you're coping well, really well."
"… with your help, Subaru-san. With your help… I could… anything... "
"… Kamui?"
"… you too. Life hasn't let you go off lightly either… when you were my age. "
"… Kamui, I…"
Realizing the weight of the words that have just slipped his mouth, Kamui lowers his head in utter shock and shamefully turns his back away from a nostalgic Subaru. He anxiously starts playing nervously with a white veil.
"Gomen! Gomen. I didn't mean to…"
Subaru's heart pinches at Kamui's reaction. When will he learn not to let his emotions take control over his voice and body as soon as one mention his past? He's aware that it only hurts Kamui to see him like this. Softly wrapping Kamui's shaking shoulders, he whispers some words hoping to tell Kamui that he's all right with it.
"… bring out… 'old memories'?"
This last phrase doesn't need more explaining as Kamui just stares at Subaru trying to hide his old scars.
Out of the blue, a voice coming from nowhere, well, actually from behind some curtain, cooes at a struck-by-destiny Kamui and Subaru.
"Ah! Oooh! There you are! I hope the little cute couple didn't do any bad thingies during my short absence?"
The two Seals spin around to come face to face with a huge mountain of white veil and lace and broderie that appears to be the source of the cooing.
"Well, what d'you think?"
Shogou frees himself from the white mountain, holding up a clotheshanger. As he straightens it up, a pure white cascade of velvet appears in front of the two bedazzled men. The dress instantly seems to have mesmerized Kamui and Subaru for as it is of the purest white silk they've ever set eyes upon. Decorated with fine pearls and velvety strings, the wedding gown leaves a parting-lips-Kamui and sparkling-shojou-eyes Subaru.
"Isn't she beautiful? She's the finest I have, house-made of course."
Still holding the wrapped veil in one hand, Kamui steps towards the faultless white dress from the centre of the room till the end of the circleshaped room, leaving a white river of an uncurled veil trail behind him.
Kamui timidly puts his hand up to reach the dress Shogou's holding. Hesitant to touch this piece of artwork, he firstly asks in a shaky voice.
"Can I…?"
To follow Kamui's captivated state of mind, Shogo follows with an equally whisper and soft aquamarine eyes…
"You may."
Kamui's eyes grow wider at that permission, revealing a peaceful smile. As soon as his hand makes contact with the fabric, Kamui narrows his eyes to fully experience the softness of the silky dress. Already lost in a sea of emotions, he's unaware of Subaru's upcoming presence behind him.
"It's... so soft."
"…Kamui."
"Like feathers…
"Kamui."
"And petals."
"Kamui?"
"…mmm…."
"Kamui?"
"…yes?"
"You forgot your veil."
With that said, Subaru tenderly places the tiara with matching veil on Kamui's thick fluffy hair serving as a cushion. As a response, Kamui blinks as the piece of jewelry resting on him, as if it has been made for him.
"I must have a picture of this scene right now!"
A watery-eyed Shogo can't contain this overdose of affection of the scene bestowed before him, a scene of two friends entangled in a loving moment.
"But my joy would reach its climax…if you two…"
Both awaking from their dreamlike state, Subaru wonders, having merely listened to Shogou's request.
"…if we?"
Kamui frowns at why his heart is slightly beating faster for as it has been at peace just a second ago. Seeing Subaru as stoic as ever isn't helping.
"Yes, I'd highly appreciate it if you two could…if you have some time to spare… for…"
Not knowing what causes his blood to rush through his body, as though they are about to face one of their countless battles, Kamui finally asks.
"If we what, Shogou-san?"
"Well, if you two could dress up as husband and wife, wearing the matching dress and costume, of course."
And as that bomb unleashes all of its intensity, someone drops hard on the floor…
TBC
First of all, big thanks to all the reviewers and their patience! The update took a long long time…
Anyway, it was a rather difficult chappie to write, writer's block, but there's more to come.
This is just an appetizer. So stay tuned! And review, please.