Disclaimer: Same as always. The awesome Fushigi Yuugi characters shown in
this fic do not belong to me. They belong to Yuu Watase-san. So please
don't sue me. Unless. you desire textbooks for your settlement.
Author's note: I don't know. I think this chapter could definitely use more work and hopefully after I finish typing up the whole thing, I'll make this much, much better ^^; Enjoy!
~~~
1 Chapter 2
The three looked around and Tasuki started walking. "C'mon, let's go." Chichiri and Ruri followed.
After a couple of minutes, Ruri looked at chichiri, "Ne, Chichiri. What's wrong with Tasuki? He doesn't seem to totally be himself."
"I guess we're both still feeling it from the battle, no da. It was hard watching everyone we love leave or die, no da." Chichiri answered.
Ruri looked down, "Yeah, I saw all of it." She looked at Tasuki, "And I guess he's hiding it inside?"
Chichiri gave a small smile, "He wouldn't be Tasuki if he didn't, no da."
Tasuki turned to the two, "We're here." Chichiri and Ruri stood next to him. In front of them was a fairly large house and several men were outside
This is where I'll be staying! Ruri thought excitedly. No work, school, or anything to worry about!
"Well, c'mon." Tasuki told Ruri, "We don't have all day." Then Tasuki turned to Chichiri, "I guess you'll be leavin'?"
Chichiri nodded, "I'll be traveling, no da. Also, see what's going on in the palace, no da." Tasuki nodded and Chichiri turned to leave. "Ja." And he turned to Ruri, "Take care Ruri-chan, ok?" Then he left.
Ruri and Tasuki headed towards the hideaway. Several men who saw them coming waited at the entrance.
"Hey, Boss!" One of the men greeted him.
Tasuki greeted back, "Yo. Where's Kouji?"
"He left with a couple guys for a small raid. He should be back soon." Another answered.
Tasuki nodded. "Okay. Prepare a room for her." He pointed at Ruri. Then, "C'mon, Ruri. I'll get ya somethin' to eat." Ruri nodded.
She looked around her as they were going inside. She ignored the stares from the men and followed Tasuki to his room.
Inside, Tasuki took off his coat and gestured to a chair at the table. "Sit while I have them bring some food."
Ruri put her bag down on the floor and sat down. She looked around his room as she waited. The bed was in one corner, a dresser under the window and several objects on a shelf on the opposite wall of the bed. In the middle, with a rug underneath, is the table Ruri and Tasuki were sitting at.
When they started eating the first couple of minutes were quiet. Ruri looked up once in a while and looked at Tasuki. Is something bothering him? She looked down and picked at her food.
Once in a while Tasuki would take a glimpse at Ruri. Why me? He thought. He looked at her again. Ruri was picking at her food and he felt something was bothering her. "Oi, daijoubu ka?" He asked.
Ruri looked up with wide eyes, "Eh? H- hai! Daijoubu desu." She said and gave a small smile.
Tasuki gave a look. "Don't bullshit me little girl. There's something bothering ya. What wrong?"
Ruri looked down and clenched her fists. "Go- gomen nasai. Tasuki." She whispered.
"Eh?" Tasuki blinked, "For what?"
She still looked down, "For being a bother. I can see that you're not that thrilled with me being here. You probably have other things to worry about other than me."
Dammit! He thought. Then to Ruri, "Look, it's not that. It's just that it's a really bad time. It's really dangerous for someone like you to be going around."
"Really?" Ruri looked at him.
"Yeah, really. Now eat."
Ruri smiled and started eating. Later, when the two finished eating, a knock sounded on the door. Both turned to the door.
"Knock, knock. Who's there? It's the best friend of Genrou, Kouji. Kouji, come on in! Arigato." And the door opened to reveal a blue haired bandit.
"Hey, Kouji! It's been a while!" Tasuki exclaimed as he and Kouji did their Bandit Dance. Ruri smiled with a sweatdrop hanging over her head. "Did ya have a good haul?" Tasuki asked after their dance.
Kouji nodded. "Hell, yeah. By the way, who's the girl?" He looked at Ruri.
Ruri stood and bowed, "I'm Ruri. Nice to meet you." She smiled.
Tasuki scratched his head. "Geez, woman. You don't have to be so damn polite and formal."
"I know," Ruri said, "But it makes me look good." She giggled.
Kouji gave Tasuki a look and Tasuki saw him. "Chigau! It's not that!" He went to the door, "I'll take ya to your room, Ruri. I'll be back Kouji."
In the room, Ruri put her bag down and turned towards Tasuki. "This is where you'll be stayin'. If ya need anything, I'll have one of my men help you." He said, "I'll see ya tomorrow." He turned to leave.
"Oyasumi nasai." Ruri said.
Tasuki paused and turned his head towards her, "Oyasumi." With that he closed the door.
Ruri looked around the room and decided to put some stuff away since she would be there for a while, but as she opened her bag, she shook her head. "I'll get a dress from them." She opened the door and saw a young man standing by the door. "Hey, are you the guy Genrou said would help me?"
The guy nodded. He had short dark hair and brown eyes. "Yeah. Do ya need somethin'?"
Ruri smiled, "Yeah. First could get me a hot bath ready? And find me a dress?"
"Don't you have your own clothes?" The guy asked.
"Well, yeah. But I want a dress from this world." The guy blinked. "Onegai?"
The guy sighed and nodded. "Just give me a couple of minutes."
"Thanks!" Before closing the door, she asked one more question. "Hey, what's your name?"
The guy turned, "Takeshi." He turned to leave.
Several minutes later, a warm bath was set behind a screen and a dress was brought to her. And unexpectedly a robe was given to her as well. Ruri gave a big smile, "Arigato, Takeshi!"
He shrugged and left, "It's no problem."
When he left, ruri undressed and got into the tub, "Ah~~. Nothing like a good bath after a strange and interesting day." She put up her hair and leaned back in the tub.
Later, she got out of the tub, dried off, put on nightclothes and went to bed.
~~~
The next morning, Ruri awoke to the sun streaming through the window. Since when did the sun shine? I always have it shut in the morning. Then everything came back to her. Being brought into the book. The journey to the bandits' stronghold. Tasuki.
She quickly got out of bed and got ready for the day. She put on the dress Takeshi brought for her the night before. It was a dark blue dress with a white sash. At least I won't trip in this dress. She thought. As she finished putting her hair in a half-ponytail, there was a knock. "Come in."
The door opened and Takeshi's head popped in. He looked at her and gave her an appreciative look, "Hey, ya look pretty good!"
Ruri smiled and winked at him, "Thanks. You needed anything?"
"Yeah, Genrou wanted to see ya."
"Ok." Ruri looked in the mirror one last time and left with Takeshi.
~~~
When Ruri entered Tasuki's room, Tasuki was at the table eating breakfast. He looked up as she entered and looked back down to his food, "Take a seat," he said after a while.
She sat down where a meal was set for her. Before eating Ruri asked, "You wanted to see me?"
Tasuki nodded, "Yeah. I'm gonna be goin' on a raid this afternoon. You should stay here. It's safer and Kouji'll be here if ya need anything."
Ruri nodded and started eating. "When will you be back?"
Tasuki shrugged, "Probably 'til night."
"Oh." Ruri looked down at her food. She had finished half of it, but wasn't feeling hungry anymore. She got up, "I'm kinda full right now. So if you'll excuse me." She turned to leave. "Good luck with your raid." With that she left the room.
Right after Ruri left, Kouji entered the room. "Hey, I saw Ruri. Something seems to be botherin' her. Do ya know?"
Tasuki got up, "How the hell should I know? Anyway, look after the grounds while I'm gone. And look after Ruri."
Kouji's eyes glinted, "You care for her dontcha?"
"I don't know what the hell you're talkin' about. I'll see ya in a couple hours." Tasuki left the room leaving Kouji standing. Kouji shrugged.
~~~
When Ruri got to her room, she turned to Takeshi. "Ne, you can go and hang with your buddies. I'm not going to go anywhere."
Takeshi looked at her, "Are you sure?"
Ruri smiled, "Hai. I'm fine. Go have fun."
Takeshi shrugged, "If ya say so. Just shout if you need anything." With a wave he left.
Ruri entered her room and sighed. How? And why is Tasuki like that? He treats me like some responsibility. She sat beside the window. What am I doing wrong?
~~~
Several hours later, Kouji walked towards Ruri's room to tell her that lunch was ready. Earlier that day he saw Takeshi outside instead of watching Ruri. He was going to let the young bandit have it, but Takeshi told him that Ruri said he didn't have to look after her and she wasn't going to go anywhere. So Kouji wasn't surprised that there was no one at her door. He knocked on the door but got no answer. Kouji knocked again, but still didn't get an answer.
"Ruri-chan." He called out. No one answered. He started to get worried and peeked in. The sun was shining in and he saw her sitting in front of the window. He entered and called her again, "Ruri?"
Ruri started and turned to see Kouji, "Oh, Kouji."
He went up to her, "Daijoubu?"
Ruri smiled, "Hai. I was just daydreaming."
"Well, lunch is ready. Why don't you join us?"
"Are you sure?"
Kouji smiled, "Positive."
"Alright. Let's go." She got up with a smile and followed Kouji to the dining hall.
~~~
When they reached the dining hall, all the men stopped eating and stared at Kouji and Ruri. They both sweatdropped as the men turned back to their food quietly. Kouji and Ruri looked at each other. Then, Ruri took a step forward and cleared her throat. All the met turned to her. "I just want to say," she began, "that just because I'm a girl, you don't have to be polite. Just act like you would as if I wasn't here. Trust me, not much will surprise me."
At the moment a loud burp was heard and there was a pause. Then, Ruri started giggling, "Now that's timing!" All the men laughed and started acting normally.
Ruri and Kouji sat at the end of the table and started eating. All around them the men, who stayed back from the raid, started acting normally.
Ruri looked at Kouji, "Ne, I thought you two usually went on raids together."
Kouji nodded. "We do, but he asked no to stay here. Believe it or not he's concerned for you."
"Really?" Ruri looked down. "It doesn't seem so. He's so hard to get to.
Kouji laughed, "That's him alright!" He then looked at her closely. "You really like him, don't you?"
Ruri blushed, "Is it that obvious?"
Kouji laughed again. "To the rest and Genrou, no. To me, yes. Just looking at your eyes tells all." He leaned towards her. "You have very expressive eyes."
Ruri started and blinked. Then, she crossed her arms, "Thanks for the compliment, even if it isn't true."
Kouji looked at her for a couple seconds. "You really think that?"
Ruri shrugged. "Sure. Who on earth would like someone like me? I'm just too damn ordinary. I don't have an extraordinary feature let alone overall beauty." She got up. "When will Tasuki be coming in?"
"Probably before dinner." He answered.
She smiled, "Well, I'm done with my food. See you later." And she left the dining hall.
Kouji watched her leave and the scratched his head, "She's a lot more than she lets on." She's not sure of herself at all.
~~~
Ruri entered her room and went to her bag. Taking off the dress, she changed into a tank and jeans. She took her notebook to the window and sat down. After a few minutes of staring out the window, she started writing.
~~~
Ruri opened her eyes and saw Takeshi peering at her. She bolted up, "Takeshi!"
He smiled. "The boss and the others just arrived. I figured you wanted to know."
"Thanks," Ruri smiled. She stood up and stretched. "Shall we go?"
Takeshi and Ruri went to the entrance where everyone was waiting. Ruri stood next to Kouji and waited for them.
When everyone watching saw the men coming up the hill, they cheered. The men coming up the hill cheered as well and held up their loot.
Kouji walked towards Tasuki and Ruri followed. Ruri smiled at Tasuki, "Okaeri!" Kouji laughed as Tasuki blinked. Ruri kept smiling and Tasuki smiled back, "Thanks."
Ruri's heart soared. He smiled at me! Maybe I'm getting somewhere! She thought. And the three of them went inside.
~~~
Tasuki was sitting behind the desk, Kouji was standing next to him and Ruri was sitting next to the desk.
Kouji leaned towards Tasuki, "Is it wise that she's here?"
Tasuki took a quickly glance at Ruri, who was sitting quietly. "It'll be fine. She ain't gonna do anything." And they returned to business.
Ruri watched as the bandits were taking inventory of what they raided. As one of them was talking to Tasuki and Kouji, Ruri turned her gaze to the next guy who was holding a bag. She saw him quickly glance up and then sneak a couple small items into his shirt. Not to be caught staring, Ruri turned away and looked at Tasuki. Should I tell him? She asked herself. But then if I tell him, he might not believe me. I'll tell him when I'm sure of what I saw and Tasuki trusts me more.
After business was done, Ruri, Tasuki, and Kouji sat down for dinner. As Ruri ate she listened to Tasuki recount the raid.
"It was the usual. Nothin' went wrong and no one got hurt." Tasuki finished. He took a bite of his food.
Kouji nodded, "That's always the best."
"Ano~," Ruri started. They turned to her. "Do you guys always eat alone here? I figured you guys would be drunk by now."
The two bandits looked at each other and then looked down. "..."
Ruri sighed. "It's because of me, isn't it? Look, you can do whatever you want. I don't want to be a burden to you guys."
Tasuki pointed at her. "Listen. I said it before and I'll say it again. You ain't a burden, ok? So don't worry about it."
Ruri got up and smiled, "If you say so. Thanks for the meal!" She headed to the door. "By the way, what are you guys doing tomorrow?"
Each gave an evil smile. "Training day!" They said in unison.
Ruri nodded, "Ok, just wanted to know. Oyasumi!" And she left.
Tasuki and Kouji looked at each other again and Tasuki sighed. "I guess we should show her around. She only knows her way around the house."
Kouji smirked, "Well, then. Why dontcha handle that and I'll handle the training? Why Kouji, thanks! That's just what I was thinking! No problem!"
"Chigau!" Tasuki exclaimed. "You handle her and I'll deal with the training."
Kouji shook his head and seriously said, "Iya, Genrou. You really should spend some time with her. She is, after all, your responsibility. There's more to her than she let's on."
Tasuki looked down. "Fine, I'll do it. I'll show her around the grounds."
Kouji smiled, "By the way, when you're with her, take a look at her face."
Tasuki blinked, "Naze?"
Kouji winked, "Just watch her."
A knock sounded at the door. "Enter," Tasuki said. The door opened and Takeshi stepped into the room. "Ah, Takeshi."
Takeshi walked towards Tasuki. "Here's what you wanted, Boss. One of the men just came in with them."
Tasuki nodded, "Good." He took the papers and then looked at him. "Could ya give a message to Ruri?" Takeshi nodded. "Tell her that I'm gonna show her around after breakfast, so dress comfortably."
"Hai." Takeshi nodded and left.
~~~
Ruri had just put on her robe and proceeded to brush her hair. "Come in," she said when she heard a knock at the door.
Takeshi poked his head in and smiled, "Yo. I have a message for ya from Genrou. He said he's gonna show you around the grounds tomorrow, so wear something comfortable."
Ruri smiled, "Arigato. Oyasumi."
Takeshi waved and closed the door.
Author's note: I don't know. I think this chapter could definitely use more work and hopefully after I finish typing up the whole thing, I'll make this much, much better ^^; Enjoy!
~~~
1 Chapter 2
The three looked around and Tasuki started walking. "C'mon, let's go." Chichiri and Ruri followed.
After a couple of minutes, Ruri looked at chichiri, "Ne, Chichiri. What's wrong with Tasuki? He doesn't seem to totally be himself."
"I guess we're both still feeling it from the battle, no da. It was hard watching everyone we love leave or die, no da." Chichiri answered.
Ruri looked down, "Yeah, I saw all of it." She looked at Tasuki, "And I guess he's hiding it inside?"
Chichiri gave a small smile, "He wouldn't be Tasuki if he didn't, no da."
Tasuki turned to the two, "We're here." Chichiri and Ruri stood next to him. In front of them was a fairly large house and several men were outside
This is where I'll be staying! Ruri thought excitedly. No work, school, or anything to worry about!
"Well, c'mon." Tasuki told Ruri, "We don't have all day." Then Tasuki turned to Chichiri, "I guess you'll be leavin'?"
Chichiri nodded, "I'll be traveling, no da. Also, see what's going on in the palace, no da." Tasuki nodded and Chichiri turned to leave. "Ja." And he turned to Ruri, "Take care Ruri-chan, ok?" Then he left.
Ruri and Tasuki headed towards the hideaway. Several men who saw them coming waited at the entrance.
"Hey, Boss!" One of the men greeted him.
Tasuki greeted back, "Yo. Where's Kouji?"
"He left with a couple guys for a small raid. He should be back soon." Another answered.
Tasuki nodded. "Okay. Prepare a room for her." He pointed at Ruri. Then, "C'mon, Ruri. I'll get ya somethin' to eat." Ruri nodded.
She looked around her as they were going inside. She ignored the stares from the men and followed Tasuki to his room.
Inside, Tasuki took off his coat and gestured to a chair at the table. "Sit while I have them bring some food."
Ruri put her bag down on the floor and sat down. She looked around his room as she waited. The bed was in one corner, a dresser under the window and several objects on a shelf on the opposite wall of the bed. In the middle, with a rug underneath, is the table Ruri and Tasuki were sitting at.
When they started eating the first couple of minutes were quiet. Ruri looked up once in a while and looked at Tasuki. Is something bothering him? She looked down and picked at her food.
Once in a while Tasuki would take a glimpse at Ruri. Why me? He thought. He looked at her again. Ruri was picking at her food and he felt something was bothering her. "Oi, daijoubu ka?" He asked.
Ruri looked up with wide eyes, "Eh? H- hai! Daijoubu desu." She said and gave a small smile.
Tasuki gave a look. "Don't bullshit me little girl. There's something bothering ya. What wrong?"
Ruri looked down and clenched her fists. "Go- gomen nasai. Tasuki." She whispered.
"Eh?" Tasuki blinked, "For what?"
She still looked down, "For being a bother. I can see that you're not that thrilled with me being here. You probably have other things to worry about other than me."
Dammit! He thought. Then to Ruri, "Look, it's not that. It's just that it's a really bad time. It's really dangerous for someone like you to be going around."
"Really?" Ruri looked at him.
"Yeah, really. Now eat."
Ruri smiled and started eating. Later, when the two finished eating, a knock sounded on the door. Both turned to the door.
"Knock, knock. Who's there? It's the best friend of Genrou, Kouji. Kouji, come on in! Arigato." And the door opened to reveal a blue haired bandit.
"Hey, Kouji! It's been a while!" Tasuki exclaimed as he and Kouji did their Bandit Dance. Ruri smiled with a sweatdrop hanging over her head. "Did ya have a good haul?" Tasuki asked after their dance.
Kouji nodded. "Hell, yeah. By the way, who's the girl?" He looked at Ruri.
Ruri stood and bowed, "I'm Ruri. Nice to meet you." She smiled.
Tasuki scratched his head. "Geez, woman. You don't have to be so damn polite and formal."
"I know," Ruri said, "But it makes me look good." She giggled.
Kouji gave Tasuki a look and Tasuki saw him. "Chigau! It's not that!" He went to the door, "I'll take ya to your room, Ruri. I'll be back Kouji."
In the room, Ruri put her bag down and turned towards Tasuki. "This is where you'll be stayin'. If ya need anything, I'll have one of my men help you." He said, "I'll see ya tomorrow." He turned to leave.
"Oyasumi nasai." Ruri said.
Tasuki paused and turned his head towards her, "Oyasumi." With that he closed the door.
Ruri looked around the room and decided to put some stuff away since she would be there for a while, but as she opened her bag, she shook her head. "I'll get a dress from them." She opened the door and saw a young man standing by the door. "Hey, are you the guy Genrou said would help me?"
The guy nodded. He had short dark hair and brown eyes. "Yeah. Do ya need somethin'?"
Ruri smiled, "Yeah. First could get me a hot bath ready? And find me a dress?"
"Don't you have your own clothes?" The guy asked.
"Well, yeah. But I want a dress from this world." The guy blinked. "Onegai?"
The guy sighed and nodded. "Just give me a couple of minutes."
"Thanks!" Before closing the door, she asked one more question. "Hey, what's your name?"
The guy turned, "Takeshi." He turned to leave.
Several minutes later, a warm bath was set behind a screen and a dress was brought to her. And unexpectedly a robe was given to her as well. Ruri gave a big smile, "Arigato, Takeshi!"
He shrugged and left, "It's no problem."
When he left, ruri undressed and got into the tub, "Ah~~. Nothing like a good bath after a strange and interesting day." She put up her hair and leaned back in the tub.
Later, she got out of the tub, dried off, put on nightclothes and went to bed.
~~~
The next morning, Ruri awoke to the sun streaming through the window. Since when did the sun shine? I always have it shut in the morning. Then everything came back to her. Being brought into the book. The journey to the bandits' stronghold. Tasuki.
She quickly got out of bed and got ready for the day. She put on the dress Takeshi brought for her the night before. It was a dark blue dress with a white sash. At least I won't trip in this dress. She thought. As she finished putting her hair in a half-ponytail, there was a knock. "Come in."
The door opened and Takeshi's head popped in. He looked at her and gave her an appreciative look, "Hey, ya look pretty good!"
Ruri smiled and winked at him, "Thanks. You needed anything?"
"Yeah, Genrou wanted to see ya."
"Ok." Ruri looked in the mirror one last time and left with Takeshi.
~~~
When Ruri entered Tasuki's room, Tasuki was at the table eating breakfast. He looked up as she entered and looked back down to his food, "Take a seat," he said after a while.
She sat down where a meal was set for her. Before eating Ruri asked, "You wanted to see me?"
Tasuki nodded, "Yeah. I'm gonna be goin' on a raid this afternoon. You should stay here. It's safer and Kouji'll be here if ya need anything."
Ruri nodded and started eating. "When will you be back?"
Tasuki shrugged, "Probably 'til night."
"Oh." Ruri looked down at her food. She had finished half of it, but wasn't feeling hungry anymore. She got up, "I'm kinda full right now. So if you'll excuse me." She turned to leave. "Good luck with your raid." With that she left the room.
Right after Ruri left, Kouji entered the room. "Hey, I saw Ruri. Something seems to be botherin' her. Do ya know?"
Tasuki got up, "How the hell should I know? Anyway, look after the grounds while I'm gone. And look after Ruri."
Kouji's eyes glinted, "You care for her dontcha?"
"I don't know what the hell you're talkin' about. I'll see ya in a couple hours." Tasuki left the room leaving Kouji standing. Kouji shrugged.
~~~
When Ruri got to her room, she turned to Takeshi. "Ne, you can go and hang with your buddies. I'm not going to go anywhere."
Takeshi looked at her, "Are you sure?"
Ruri smiled, "Hai. I'm fine. Go have fun."
Takeshi shrugged, "If ya say so. Just shout if you need anything." With a wave he left.
Ruri entered her room and sighed. How? And why is Tasuki like that? He treats me like some responsibility. She sat beside the window. What am I doing wrong?
~~~
Several hours later, Kouji walked towards Ruri's room to tell her that lunch was ready. Earlier that day he saw Takeshi outside instead of watching Ruri. He was going to let the young bandit have it, but Takeshi told him that Ruri said he didn't have to look after her and she wasn't going to go anywhere. So Kouji wasn't surprised that there was no one at her door. He knocked on the door but got no answer. Kouji knocked again, but still didn't get an answer.
"Ruri-chan." He called out. No one answered. He started to get worried and peeked in. The sun was shining in and he saw her sitting in front of the window. He entered and called her again, "Ruri?"
Ruri started and turned to see Kouji, "Oh, Kouji."
He went up to her, "Daijoubu?"
Ruri smiled, "Hai. I was just daydreaming."
"Well, lunch is ready. Why don't you join us?"
"Are you sure?"
Kouji smiled, "Positive."
"Alright. Let's go." She got up with a smile and followed Kouji to the dining hall.
~~~
When they reached the dining hall, all the men stopped eating and stared at Kouji and Ruri. They both sweatdropped as the men turned back to their food quietly. Kouji and Ruri looked at each other. Then, Ruri took a step forward and cleared her throat. All the met turned to her. "I just want to say," she began, "that just because I'm a girl, you don't have to be polite. Just act like you would as if I wasn't here. Trust me, not much will surprise me."
At the moment a loud burp was heard and there was a pause. Then, Ruri started giggling, "Now that's timing!" All the men laughed and started acting normally.
Ruri and Kouji sat at the end of the table and started eating. All around them the men, who stayed back from the raid, started acting normally.
Ruri looked at Kouji, "Ne, I thought you two usually went on raids together."
Kouji nodded. "We do, but he asked no to stay here. Believe it or not he's concerned for you."
"Really?" Ruri looked down. "It doesn't seem so. He's so hard to get to.
Kouji laughed, "That's him alright!" He then looked at her closely. "You really like him, don't you?"
Ruri blushed, "Is it that obvious?"
Kouji laughed again. "To the rest and Genrou, no. To me, yes. Just looking at your eyes tells all." He leaned towards her. "You have very expressive eyes."
Ruri started and blinked. Then, she crossed her arms, "Thanks for the compliment, even if it isn't true."
Kouji looked at her for a couple seconds. "You really think that?"
Ruri shrugged. "Sure. Who on earth would like someone like me? I'm just too damn ordinary. I don't have an extraordinary feature let alone overall beauty." She got up. "When will Tasuki be coming in?"
"Probably before dinner." He answered.
She smiled, "Well, I'm done with my food. See you later." And she left the dining hall.
Kouji watched her leave and the scratched his head, "She's a lot more than she lets on." She's not sure of herself at all.
~~~
Ruri entered her room and went to her bag. Taking off the dress, she changed into a tank and jeans. She took her notebook to the window and sat down. After a few minutes of staring out the window, she started writing.
~~~
Ruri opened her eyes and saw Takeshi peering at her. She bolted up, "Takeshi!"
He smiled. "The boss and the others just arrived. I figured you wanted to know."
"Thanks," Ruri smiled. She stood up and stretched. "Shall we go?"
Takeshi and Ruri went to the entrance where everyone was waiting. Ruri stood next to Kouji and waited for them.
When everyone watching saw the men coming up the hill, they cheered. The men coming up the hill cheered as well and held up their loot.
Kouji walked towards Tasuki and Ruri followed. Ruri smiled at Tasuki, "Okaeri!" Kouji laughed as Tasuki blinked. Ruri kept smiling and Tasuki smiled back, "Thanks."
Ruri's heart soared. He smiled at me! Maybe I'm getting somewhere! She thought. And the three of them went inside.
~~~
Tasuki was sitting behind the desk, Kouji was standing next to him and Ruri was sitting next to the desk.
Kouji leaned towards Tasuki, "Is it wise that she's here?"
Tasuki took a quickly glance at Ruri, who was sitting quietly. "It'll be fine. She ain't gonna do anything." And they returned to business.
Ruri watched as the bandits were taking inventory of what they raided. As one of them was talking to Tasuki and Kouji, Ruri turned her gaze to the next guy who was holding a bag. She saw him quickly glance up and then sneak a couple small items into his shirt. Not to be caught staring, Ruri turned away and looked at Tasuki. Should I tell him? She asked herself. But then if I tell him, he might not believe me. I'll tell him when I'm sure of what I saw and Tasuki trusts me more.
After business was done, Ruri, Tasuki, and Kouji sat down for dinner. As Ruri ate she listened to Tasuki recount the raid.
"It was the usual. Nothin' went wrong and no one got hurt." Tasuki finished. He took a bite of his food.
Kouji nodded, "That's always the best."
"Ano~," Ruri started. They turned to her. "Do you guys always eat alone here? I figured you guys would be drunk by now."
The two bandits looked at each other and then looked down. "..."
Ruri sighed. "It's because of me, isn't it? Look, you can do whatever you want. I don't want to be a burden to you guys."
Tasuki pointed at her. "Listen. I said it before and I'll say it again. You ain't a burden, ok? So don't worry about it."
Ruri got up and smiled, "If you say so. Thanks for the meal!" She headed to the door. "By the way, what are you guys doing tomorrow?"
Each gave an evil smile. "Training day!" They said in unison.
Ruri nodded, "Ok, just wanted to know. Oyasumi!" And she left.
Tasuki and Kouji looked at each other again and Tasuki sighed. "I guess we should show her around. She only knows her way around the house."
Kouji smirked, "Well, then. Why dontcha handle that and I'll handle the training? Why Kouji, thanks! That's just what I was thinking! No problem!"
"Chigau!" Tasuki exclaimed. "You handle her and I'll deal with the training."
Kouji shook his head and seriously said, "Iya, Genrou. You really should spend some time with her. She is, after all, your responsibility. There's more to her than she let's on."
Tasuki looked down. "Fine, I'll do it. I'll show her around the grounds."
Kouji smiled, "By the way, when you're with her, take a look at her face."
Tasuki blinked, "Naze?"
Kouji winked, "Just watch her."
A knock sounded at the door. "Enter," Tasuki said. The door opened and Takeshi stepped into the room. "Ah, Takeshi."
Takeshi walked towards Tasuki. "Here's what you wanted, Boss. One of the men just came in with them."
Tasuki nodded, "Good." He took the papers and then looked at him. "Could ya give a message to Ruri?" Takeshi nodded. "Tell her that I'm gonna show her around after breakfast, so dress comfortably."
"Hai." Takeshi nodded and left.
~~~
Ruri had just put on her robe and proceeded to brush her hair. "Come in," she said when she heard a knock at the door.
Takeshi poked his head in and smiled, "Yo. I have a message for ya from Genrou. He said he's gonna show you around the grounds tomorrow, so wear something comfortable."
Ruri smiled, "Arigato. Oyasumi."
Takeshi waved and closed the door.