Chapter 1: New Winds

Grace Pearl

disclaimer: I don not nor ever will own the Paradise Kiss characters. They are purely Ai Yazawa's though if I may say so myself I have tried to be true to here style yet slowly shift it to my own plots. Thank you Ai Yazawa for creating Paradise Kiss.

Key : "" talk

''thoughts (mostly Yukari)

setting or scene change

A week after the fashion show

'It has been a week since the show.'

'And George hasn't call once.'

'There must be an explanation. Or he is being a sneaky bastard and hoping I'll pine for him'

Yukari gets up out of bed an gets ready for school. She has a long skin regiment now. One of the many ways she has changed

Dressed and ready to go she walks down the stairs slowly. Not making eye contact with the two people she is expecting to be in the kitchen.

He little brother cheerfully starts, "Morning Yuka- What happen to your face?!" he screeches to a stop. His usually know-it-all face not quite in shock. Yukari's bruises were becoming a usual part of the day.

"Nothing," she smiles painfully not even noticing the searing in her check, "Don't worry about it." Grabbing an apple out of a basket on the table she starts to walk out. She doesn't notice her mother's shaking hands or the angry look of hatred on her face. Feeling stronger and more resigned she proudly walks out and toward school.

On the train she begins the complex unraveling of her own stupidity and inexperience.

'Maybe if I had done things for my self things wouldn't have progressed the way they have.'

She watches a couple siting across from her holding hands, smiling and then snuggling.

'What was wrong with me? What did I ever do wrong? I tried to be what he wanted and at the same time my own person. Complicated S.O.B.'

Actually thinking this time and about herself for once. She begins to realize the real problem.

' George should like me for me. Why do I have to please him? I'm the one who hurts all the time. He is always saying nasty things to make me cry. If he doesn't like me I should just move one.'

'Since he hasn't called I'll take that as saying we're over.' She smiled evilly. 'I won't chase him, not any more. He can date anyone he wants. And so can I.'

Her already too sadistic smile grew. She walked of the train having conquered herself, shoulders back, head in the air, determined and independent. A few people stared or did a double take when she walked by. Yukari happily enlightened hardly even notices. Smiling attractively now, she feels good about herself and her assertiveness. Her natural beauty and the person she could be showing finally.

Tokumori Hiroyuki strolls into school not particularly paying attention. Ready for another day. Looking a little sad. As he reaches the classroom he sees Yukari. 'She looks different, better, but still gorgeous.' He smirked, showing his quirky side. 'She is hear early today' he noted.

"Hi,' he started, "this is new."

She smiled, "I need to have a good back up plan, so I guess I will have to actually work in school."

"Sounds about right," he took the seat next to her even though it wasn't his regular seat. She turned and smiled. Then he saw it. "What happened?! Who hit you? Was it ...mr. Unmentional? He was getting angry fast but logic told him that there wasn't a thing he could do in school so he switched to worry.

Laughing at his attentiveness, "No, no, it wasn't George. I haven't seen him in a while." She smiled coyly.

"If you protecting him you shouldn't be. No one has the right to hurt some one else," he seriously plowed, some of the other early birds turning an ear or eye in their direction.

"It wasn't George. It was my mother." Yukari said calmly, not lookin him in the eye but down at her desk. Still persisting with the infuriating smile and sorting through her papers.

"Your Mother?!' Tokumori asked in a whispered shock.

"Uh, huh," she replied still calm.

"That is against the law. You can turn her in. There are people to help you. You can go live with relatives or by yourself your almost an adult anyway. We'll find-"

"No we won't," she cut in.

"Why not," Anger coming back with her uncooperation.

"My little brother needs her." She cooly interjected.

"Oh." Stunned silence. "Isn't there anyone you can turn to," Tokumori asked. She was acting more mature. There were no tears or outbursts. This was the more mature Yukari. He was glad she was taking responsibility though he still would have like to take care of her.

The past week had been strange and eventful. She had been worried, distraught and angry. Their Friendship had been reinforced. She had begun to rely on him.

"I'm going to look for my dad. Actually, I know where he is. My mom was hiding letters from him in her room." She was very determined now. She had a plan.

"Where is he now? Do you need help?" Hiro offered.

"No, I'm going to write to him. He is currently living in the Shinjuku District now."

"If you need any help at all. You can always ask," he promised.

"You always worry about me too much." She laughed "Oh there is one thing."

"Yes," he waited as she deliberated.

"It's a lot to ask given your past." Warning signs going off in his head. He knew what was coming. "Miwako asked me to the movies. I think out of pity. I know Arashi is coming." She started to rush like the old Yukari. "Its tonight and I was hoping you would go with me." She looke up hopefully.

He knew he would regret it later but he said it anyway, "Sure, I'd be glad to."

Class was about to start. So Yukari was left alone with her thoughts. Miraculously she concentrated on work through the whole day.

George got up on Friday. Way to early, actually he planned it. He was meeting Kaori for coffee before school. He was really worried about Yukari. She hadn't called him since the show night. He hated to admit to even himself to others but he missed her. But like he was ever going to show attachment to anyone. He didn't want to end up like his mother. Disgustingly obsessed and clingy, but he did miss her, a lot.

Kaori was different now. More fun and accomidating. He used to be amused by her (the great George would never have a crush). Now she was still attractive, but not his greatest desire. With out Yukari, she might just do. Yukari not calling bothered him. She always ended up calling.

He and Kaori had spent almost every night together. Being friends and catching up. He had even taken her to the studio on Tuesday.

Miwako was still talking to Yukari. She had no reason to come to the studio now the show was over but Miwako and her were good friends. Miwako had seemed bothered on Tuesday and had been stiff to George. Did that mean she was mad that George was spending time with Kaori and not Yukari? Did Yukari say something to her? Probably making a girl jealouse meant when they made up it would be grand. George knew this. But now on Friday, a whole week later, she still hadn't called.

"Hi. It is way to early. You are ungodly to want to meet at this hour."

"Kaori, its only 6:30." He smirked.

"Only, you must be kinding." She grimaced.

They laughed over croissants and headed to school in Georges car. Kaori was the speaker all week in the Lecture hour. She was telling about her classes in England. So she walked up to the teachers lounge. George headed to his honors design class.

"George!"

"Oh, Miwako I didn't see you there. Good morning angel," he purred

"George, why haven't you called Caroline? She has been very sad," Miwako demanded, her hands on her hips.

"Really. I'm sorry I haven't had the time. She should have called me," George said pretending to be surprised. Inwardly he was smiling. 'She does miss me.'

"Miwako and Arashi invited Caroline to the movies tonight. You have to come too." She narrowed her eyes, looking like a very scary fairy.

"Well, if you insist." He said in a patronizing tone. With a looked of mixed pity and sympathy, he patter her hair, twirling a strand around his finger.

"Miwako means it." She said sadly. "Be nice."

The rest of the morning was uneventful. Arashi wasn't speaking to George or was avoiding him. He was angry that George had hurt Yukari. Usually the girls ,or guys, that George dated were not friends of the group. So they did not care too much about what happen. But everyone had grown to love the naive Yukari. To see her treated this way by another friends made them angry. Isabella was a little worried about Yukari too.

"I think she thought you chose Kaori over her, so she is staying away." She mothered, "George that girl is in love with you and your slowly breaking her heart. You really shouldn't treat her like that."

"Isabella, darling, don't worry your heart about it."

"It was cruel not to call her. Why does she have to call you anyway, why can't you call her?" She looked at him sadly. "Have you really moved onto Kaori? Hmm, I really thought you and Carrie would have lasted longer." sigh

"Isabella darling have I told you how beautiful you are? Worrying so will give you wrinkles. There is nothing the matter between Yukari and me."

But unfortunately he was wrong. Miwako talked to Yukari all though lunch, and texted each other during after noon classes. She almost cried because Caroline was giving up on George. She tried to talk her out of it, but failed. She was determined to fix it though. Arashi told her not to but couldn't budge her determination.

Dear Dad,

This is your daughter Yukari. I have only recently discovered your letters to us. I'm terribly sorry for not keeping in touch or writing sooner. I'm hoping we can meet. Please give me a call. I still am using the cell phone you bought for me

Love Your Daughter,

Yukari

'Hiro and I met at a café down the street from the theater. I showed him the letter as we walked to it.'

"It's perfect for the situation." He proclaimed, "Not too formal, not too long, sweet and too the point."

"Thanks," we walked in silence.

"I was wondering... I hope I'm not prying. What is going on with you and your boyfriend? Why aren't you going to the movies with him? I know there was trouble during the week but I would have thought you guys would make up." Yukari smiled wistfully, she was getting good at those mysterious smiles.

"As far as I'm concerned we are no longer together, if we ever were. I invited you today because you are my close friend and you help me figure my self out."

Hiro was happy they were apart, Yukari and her boyfriend, but he was worried about her. She was technically on the rebound. When she had been talking a blush had began to creep up on her face. Lots of people had told him that she had liked him, maybe it was true.

"So what happened between you and him to make it permanent?"

"Oh ...well... I've decided I don't like the way he treats me, and ... he went to meet another girl and hasn't talk to me since. He probably forgot I even existed. I wonder if I replaced some other girl?" She was laughing but it didn't reach her face it was just sound. She smiled sadly.

'She still has feelings for him.' He realized. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. This whole experience has forced me to grow up." He smiled and she smiled back.

"CAROLINE!!!" A pink fairy plowed into Yukari.

"Hi Miwako, have you been waiting long?"

Hiro smiled, 'She is really good. She should be an actress.' Arashi strolled up slowly. Miwako was a little shocked to see him and didn't really know what to say.

"Hey," he said, surprised to see Hiro.

"Sorry," Yukari filled in, "I invited Hiro to see the movie with us. Hope your not angry."

"How have you been doing?" Arashi plowed. "I saw your mother a couple days ago." Yukari was grateful for his helpfulness.

"Miwako doesn't want to miss the movie. Lets go!" She smiled.

They bought their tickets and some popcorn and soda. In the theater they sat down Hiro, Yukari, Miwako and Arashi. Before the lights dimmed Yukari thought she saw someone with blue hair, but stopped before finishing that thought.

'Don't even go there.'

Miwako tapped her arm. "Caroline, have you talk to George?" She whispered as the previews started.

'Speak of the devil.' "No I haven't talk to him a long time. Miwako...I think its over. No.. I know its over. At least for me. Sorry, but I'm done waiting. I really thought it might work, but he's not what I need right now." Yukari tried her patented smile, then realized no one could see it in the dark.

"I'm sorry Caroline."

'I know she really is sorry but I wish we could just not talk about it. I don't want her pity. This taught me to take more care of my self. I just need to practice.' "I can't say I'm surprised. George has always did what he wanted. I thought we might have had something but I was wrong. That's okay." Tears started to form in her eyes she should have well enough alone. 'I was doing so well.' "'Scuse me."

"Caroline are you okay?"

"I'm fine, I'll be right back." She had plans to go to the bathroom but didn't make it before she was to gone to care. Hiro found her in a dark hallway that led to an emergency exit. She was curled up and shaking.

"Come on, I'm taking you home," he said soothingly. Picking her up into his arms he started to walk out.

"But Miwako, Arashi and the movie." She blubbered into his chest.

"They'll understand." He carried her through the doors and hailed a taxi. She was almost asleep and was snuggling against his chest. What he didn't see was the blue haired man in the jag watching them from across the street.

Hiro didn't know where Yukari lived, he could always go into her bag and dig out her ID, but her really didn't want too. Her mother didn't seem to be the most pleasant person. So he carried her sleeping body into his apartment. At least his parents weren't in town and wouldn't be for a the weekend. He tucked her into his own bed. When a phone range. Not his but hers.

"Hello?"

Silence

"Hello?"

He hung up. It began to ring again. groan

"Hello?"

"Who is this?!" A high pitched voice squeaked. "Where is my daughter?"

"Mrs. Hayasaka. My name is Tokumori Hiroyuki. I'm Yukari's classmate. She fell asleep during our study session and I brought her to my house because I didn't know where she lived." He lied through his teeth. "Would you like to come pick her up?"

"No, wake her up and you tell her to get home right now!" click

'Well that was a fun experience. What do I do now?'

He decided then he couldn't let Yukari go home if she was being abused. He would let her stay at his house and they would figure something out tomorrow.

He was too late. He should have listened to Miwako. No one had ever stood up to his treatment before, at least not really. He had neglected her too much. He only meant to make her a little jealous like she had to him. 'Your playboy tendencies have finally caught up with you.' a voice that sounded like Isabella said to him.

"Quiet."

Great now he was talking to him self. It pained him to see her being carried by that boy . Even more to know she had been crying. Her tear covered face glistening in the moonlight. How was he ever going to fix this. He watched them leave in a taxi. Yukari was snuggle in What-ever-his-name-is's lap. He rubbed his eyes tiredly, utterly disappointed in himself.

To be continued

I wrote this a long time ago if you really want me to keep up the story let me know!