Author's Notes: Ahhh! First I'd like to thank Huffpuff-chan for converting this to HTML for me just to cut down my load. You're so great! ^__^!!. And I also forgot to mention to the question about a twincest story...hehe, I've got one underwraps already started. Shh...it's a secret. ^_~. Arigatou for all your reviews! I loved reading them. Hrm...I don't know if I'm going to do anything more with Reirei, Otaku. I might, but I'm not sure ^__^;. And yes, to the one's who mentioned Keisuke and Yui...I mean, why aren't there more? ;__; Keisuke's a really great guy...any girl'd be more than lucky to have him! Yui especially. Hrm...I'm introducing two new characters into this though...from Ryuusei Den. Touka and Chama Lee. Er...Chama Lee's supposed to have an accent, and I tried to give him one, but it's hard to give someone an accent when they don't have a specified one! (And the girl who translated the Gaiden didn't really give him one.) :/ Ah well. I think I explained their importance to Ryuusei Den pretty well so that you won't be completely lost if you haven't read it. Oh! And Tetsuya's...er...proposition to Keisuke. Do you guys think he should go through with it? Hehe, I can't decide yet...because I have two alternate ways to go...and it would be good either way. Anyway, hope you enjoy! ^__^!! This is very...fluffy, light...and um...quirky. Don't worry, by the upcoming chapters, Chichiri and others who are just sort of there will get more involved with the story.
In the distant country of Kutou, what used to be a thriving town was buried deep in rubble. Several houses were charred from fires that occurred long ago and half were barely standing from all the damage. It was basically the perfect place for runaways to hide or for thieves to live, though this town was basically vacant, for there were many others much like that in Kutou. Many years ago, when most of the present day seishi were children, the land itself faced various hardships. Anti-militia groups fought one another as well as the government. A lot of those soldiers wished to overthrow the emperor and to kill Nakago. Though, as the time went on, Nakago gained the encouragement from many in Kutou and eventually he killed the emperor...thus taking the land for himself and being named the new emperor of Kutou...
One of those said groups was one named Basara who's main objective was to start a revolution and free Kutou. They, however, failed and the leader who had won the hearts of his soldiers, Tessou, fell in battle. There were only two living survivors of this group that once held thirty or so young boys. One of them...was Shunkaku, who was better known by his celestial warrior name, Suboshi. But the other was the former strategist and old rival of Suboshi...rival in the respect that they were striving for the same position in Basara. Otherwise, the two boys got along rather well. The lone survivor was Chama Lee, a lad who's origin and accent were unknown nor spoken of.
Tessou had a little sister, though not by blood relation. This girl was an orphan of war, much like half the young men in Basara. Her true name was Shin, Touka. In the past, revenge led her heart to betray the ones she cared about for all the wrong reasons as well. She believed Basara had destroyed her home when in reality it was Kutou troops dressed like the riot group. They wished to give the Basara a bad name and achieved their goal, all a part of Nakago's plan to eliminate the threats. Touka double-crossed the people who cared about her by leaking inside information to Nakago himself. Yes, it slowly killed her inside, for in sending Shunkaku off to die, she hurt the one boy she truly loved...Koutoku.
The night Chama Lee told her of her mistake was the night she ran off in hopes to get revenge on Nakago...only to wind up kidnapped and used as leverage for one of the twins to Konan in order to pose as Chiriko. Amiboshi had been the one to agree and when Touka was eventually set free by the Seiryuu no Miko, she ran off in a frantic search for Koutoku, to stop him from doing this, but her search was in vain. No matter how hard she looked, she couldn't find the young flutist. So, in Touka's travels, she met up with Chama Lee once more and ever since then, they had been traveling together.
At the current moment, the pair had stumbled into that destroyed town in Kutou. They made a home in one of the less-ruined houses and set up what little things they did have. Touka was picking at some bread mindlessly, bringing it into her mouth. Glossy strands of black were held by a single ribbon and a couple stray wisps dipped into her eyes, only to be brushed aside. Her clothing was shabby and tattered, though she didn't seem to mind. Chama Lee was simply studying a few papers mindlessly, swatting away a few gnats that were circling him. The night air was humid and the sky thick and starless, more or less getting ready to rain.
"I think we should run off to Hokkan..." Touka stated mindlessly, pulling off another fluffy white piece and popping it in her mouth. "That way, it wouldn't be so hot..."
Chama Lee chuckled, glancing toward her, "That is what you always say. When Kutou is hot, you want to go to Hokkan. When is cold, you want to go to Sairou."
"Hn...I guess that's true. Maybe we should go to Konan. The weather's always nice there," She smiled, rocking forward slightly before she crawled to him, peeking over his shoulder. "What're you looking at?"
Before he got a chance to defend it, the girl snatched the parchment away, scanning over the lettering and furrowing her brows in confusion. The former soldier shook his head with a smile, "Why take something you do not understand?"
"Hm...because I'm curious," A beam was flashed toward the strange accented boy. "What is it?"
"It's plan. Plan to overthrow current emperor of Kutou. I was former intelligence and I promised to bring peace to Kutou."
"Well, if it's against Nakago, count me in! I'm not gonna let him get away with what he did to Koutoku all those years back," Her lips set together in determination.
"Ie. I cannot allow that."
"O-ooi! Why not?"
"Because your oniichan would strongly disapprove."
The girl's features softened and slowly grew solemn, "...Niichan." Her eyes lifted toward him again. "Can we go visit niichan's grave?"
"We were just there in morning, Touka."
"I know, demo...I just can't tell him enough times how sorry I am. I wish I hadn't been so vengeful..." Touka's eyes were filled to the brink with tears. "I almost got you killed too. I'm such a baka."
Chama Lee sighed and then stepped forward, surrounding her with his arms. Touka's frail shoulders heaved upward with her sobs and she sank into the comfort. Really, not a day went by that she didn't blame herself for what happened and he was forced to insist that she wasn't responsible and that he didn't hold her as such. But, no matter what he told her, she still condemned herself. He suspected that it was more due to this love she had for Koutoku...Seiryuu seishi Amiboshi. For really, it almost cost the life of his twin brother.
Unsure of what to say that he already hadn't before, Chama Lee lowered his chin to the top of her head. And with some thought, stated this, "Touka...things eventually mend themselves. That's what I learned. You made a mistake. We all do. Demo, Tessou does not hold you responsible. He would never. He wanted to buy you a pretty kimono, if we succeeded in overthrowing emperor and Nakago. And now, I'll take his place, Touka. I will get you that kimono."
She forced a smile at his words and then inched back slightly, drying her eyes, "A-arigatou, Chama Lee."
"Is no problem," He rubbed the back of his neck absently.
"I think I'll go outside to think!" Her words were suddenly cheerful as she offered him a quick wave, before disappearing out the door.
Touka got a few steps, only to plop down on a piece of rubble. Her eyes lifted toward the cloudy sky and her lips pinched downward. She had almost hoped she could see the stars that night. More to see the Seiryuu constellations than anything. But, they were far too blanketed to be visible. It was unpleasantly humid as well. The type of humidity that made it hard to breathe and made one's skin feel moist and sticky. Hopefully, the rainfall would carry it away in the days to come.
"Oh, Koutoku...I promised you that I would live no matter what. Demo, I really wish I could be living with you..."
At that point, a single firefly made it's lazy travel in her direction, encircling her head. Touka furrowed her brows, clapping hands around it. The insect was crushed between her palms and she let the crumbled form fall to the earth. Both hands were wiped off on her skirt and in the distance a low rumble sounded, followed up almost immediately with thick droplets of rain.
* * *
Tama-neko sat patiently at the side of the table, eating gleefully when Chichiri dropped him a bite of fish from the meal. Everyone else ate silently, save Tasuki's smacks and chomps, listening to Amiboshi's candy-coated story about who everyone was and why they were there. He conveniently left out the details as to what Suboshi did in the past or the fact that anyone was after them. The parents avidly listened to what their beloved 'son' told them with the mother dishing more food onto his place each time he took a bite. Yui glanced up at Kouji briefly since he was sitting directly opposite of her. They shared a smile before her attention drifted toward the elder twin as he wrapped up what he was saying.
"So once otouto heals up, we're going to head to one of the towers where the Byakko shrine is."
"You're welcome to stay as long as you want, Kai-Ka. As are you all," The father looked to each of them with a smile.
"Arigatou, Tousan," Amiboshi grinned and then ate a few bites more, drawing back his plate somewhat when he noticed his mother trying to give him another spoonful of food. "Kaasan, how much do you think I can eat?"
"I just want you to eat right. All that time away, you probably didn't each much of anything. I don't want you to catch ill..." She frowned.
The seishi laughed slightly, "Demo, you could let me finish what I do have before you go refilling it, ne?"
"I could go for some more!" Tasuki piped up.
Kouji rolled his eyes, "You could go for some manners too. Don't see you gettin' any of those."
Tasuki glared back at him, "I can so, if I wanted to. But, what good's manners do for a bandit? Ain't like we need to go bein' polite to the people we loot."
The mother and father blinked, questioning in unison, "B-bandit?"
Kouji instantly lowered his head to his palm and shook it, "You are such a baka!"
"Nani...?" The redhead quirked a brow, but then it hit him as he glanced toward the wary parents' faces. "Oh..."
"A-anou...Kaasan, Tousan. Er...it's not what you think..." Amiboshi began, though it was apparent that he had no obvious direction to his statement as he gave pleading looks to the others' for help.
Yui jumped to the rescue, stating quickly the first thing that popped to mind, "They're like Robin Hood!"
" 'Robin Hood'...?" Xi Fang quirked a brow, and she wasn't the only one confused.
"Anou...it's a western book in my world. It's about this man and a group of...well, I wouldn't -exactly- call them bandits, demo they were his...Merry Men..."
Tasuki blinked, before he burst into laughter, "Merry Men? Ooi! Ooi, Kouji, how ga--"
Kouji immediately slapped a hand over his leader's mouth, forcing a smile toward the others. He, then, leaned in closer, snapping at him through a hiss, "Shaddup, will ya?! Ya wanna get us in even deeper?!"
"What...did these Merry Men do, Yui-san?" Amiboshi urged her to continue before Tasuki made his parents even more uncomfortable.
"Well, they...um...stole from the rich and gave to the poor! It's rather quite noble," The Miko flashed Kouji a smile.
The blue-haired bandit smirked, puffing his chest up proudly, "What else would you expect from a dashing sort of guy like me?"
"It's a shame Tasuki isn't more like that, no da," Chichiri added to the conversation and dropped some more food for Tama.
"What's that s'posed to mean?!" Genrou glared over at his fellow seishi, who merely waved a hand innocently.
"Nothing. Nothing at all, no da."
"So...they aren't...bad?" The father questioned finally.
"Iya! Iya!" Amiboshi kept a smile on his visage. "I wouldn't have brought them here if they were."
"Un...we protect Mount Reikaku which is a holy mountain, you know. Just like Yui-san said, we're noble bandits. Not bad at all. Even Genrou. He's just a bit dumb is all," Kouji nodded, taking a glass from the table and drawing in a sip of it's contents.
"I am not!" Naturally Tasuki's temper forced him to snap back, but he started dishing himself out the food he had asked for before.
The other bandit rolled his eyes with a smirk, "I don't even have to dignify that with a response."
Xi Fang looked between the two and then sent a curious glance Yui's way. She couldn't help but wonder what happened between Kouji and her that night. Maybe she would get the chance to hear all the juicy details later. For now, she decided to be polite as she addressed the mother, "Do you need help clearing off the table? I can also dry dishes if you would like." This is Amiboshi's Kaasan after all. I can take her Kai-Ka stories so long as it makes me look good in front of him.
"That would be lovely, Xi Fang-chan!" The plump woman smiled. "I can always use an extra hand around the kitchen, demo Kai-Ka never wants to do much of anything."
Amiboshi sweatdropped, "Maybe if you asked me, Kaasan, then I would."
"Besides!" The father started proudly. "Kai-Ka needs to be helping me with the crops. It's almost near harvesting season. And our son is the hardest worker of them all. It would be no problem finding him a proper wife."
The elder twin spit out his drink he had just taken, coughing a few times afterward and managing to choke out, "Wife?"
"Shouldn't be hard. Xi Fang really likes him," Tasuki offered a fangy grin.
Blushing deeply, the girl shrank in her seat, "I do not."
Amiboshi offered a sympathetic smile her way, "Now isn't really the time to discuss such things."
"Hai, no da. We should start thinking up plans for once we get to Kutou, no da," Chichiri leaned forward.
"It would probably be better to wait until Suboshi can be a part of the discussion before we do so," Yui sighed somewhat. "I really hope he'll be all right."
"Otouto will be fine, Yui-san. I'm sure he'll be up and about by tomorrow."
"And if he's not, I might be able to generate more healing spells after I get some sleep," Xi Fang grinned and then winked. "So your boyfriend will be fine either way."
Kouji's voice caught in his throat, "B-boyfriend?" Oh man...I was flirting with a taken girl? Suboshi's taken girl?! I am so dead.
"Ie! Ie!" A line of pink spread across the miko's cheekbones. "It's nothing like that. Suboshi's not my boyfriend." I don't know what he is to me at this point. I don't even know how I feel about him.
The blue-haired bandit released a sigh of relief which Xi Fang's quick eye did notice. However, she chose to ignore it for now. Pushing herself up to her feet, she began to collect the plates that were obviously done, "So, where are we all sleeping?"
"Well..." The mother stood as well. "There is one spare bedroom. And then the living room. We've got plenty of blankets for everyone."
"Then Yui-chan and Xi Fang-chan should take the bedroom, no da," Chichiri nodded somewhat."
"Someone could sleep on the floor in my room," Amiboshi offered.
The trio declined their own way simultaneously, each having their own reason for not wanting to sleep in the same room as Suboshi.
"Need enough rollin' room..." Tasuki stated quickly.
"Gotta keep an eye on Genrou. Make sure he doesn't do some baka thing," Kouji chuckled weakly.
"And if he does, I have to be there to help, na no da!"
"A-all right..." The musician blinked. "It was only a suggestion."
"So, how about we agree at breakfast tomorrow to start coming up with plans?" Yui glanced between them, but then her gaze settled on Chichiri. He had more or less been appointed leader of this whole thing whether he knew it or not. Probably because he was the oldest of them all.
"Hai, no da. That sounds good," The monk reached downward to scoop up the cat and place him on his lap.
"Perhaps you all wouldn't mind helping me in the yard? The men, that is. I've got plenty of work to be done and I'm sure you all could help," The father suggested.
They reached an agreement, some more reluctant than others (namely Tasuki--but after Kouji called him lazy a couple times, he decided to help). And so, the boys went, leaving behind Xi Fang, the mother, and Yui. Two of them collected the plates and the woman paused, glancing toward the Seiryuu no Miko.
"Would you like to help too, dear?"
"Oh...well...I," Yui frowned, pushing herself up. "Normally, I would be more than willing. It's just...I hope you don't mind, demo I'd like to take this opportunity to talk to Suboshi."
"Suboshi? Oh...Shunkaku..." Kai-Ka's mother didn't want to refer to him as 'Suboshi' because then she would be forced to call the other twin 'Amiboshi' and accept the fact that he was once a celestial warrior for Seiryuu (which she just couldn't bring herself to do).
"Iya...iya. We don't mind at all! It'd probably do him a whole lot of good just to see you there," Xi Fang smiled with hidden meaning.
Yui could only shake her head with a grin, "Arigatou. I'll make up for it tomorrow, I swear!"
The blonde made her way into the back, guessing where Amiboshi's room was. Luckily for her, it was the right one on the first try and she peeked inward slowly. Suboshi's form seemed to be resting so peacefully there, a small smile forming on his lips. Yui let herself inside the rest of the way and then stepped over to that bed, sinking onto the edge of the mattress. Her hand moved forward, laying against his cheek. Afterward, slender fingers brushed aside bangs of light brown bordering on blond. He seemed to lean into the touches, mumbling something indistinct.
"Suboshi..." Her expression softened. "I wish you wouldn't have done this to yourself. Even if it was a matter of my life. I don't like the fact that you're suffering right now because of me."
He remained asleep which was probably a good thing considering his injuries. But, Yui almost wanted him to look at her and be able to say something in response. He had suffered a lot lately with his brother being hurt in a similar fashion and now this. If there was something she could do, then she wanted to do it. Out of all her seishi, Suboshi was the one who stuck by her the most. He experienced many of the things she did, just because he was by her side and even now. Even this time around...he came back to her and helped her so much.
"I went out tonight..." She started and then continued talking to the sleeping form. "I got a new dress and got to know Kouji a little better. It was kind of fun. Demo, I still couldn't help but worry about you."
Yui leaned in slowly, because it seemed appropriate, placing her lips against his own. Suboshi released a tiny sigh in the back of his throat, and (obviously still dreaming) his arms moved upward, pulling her against his chest. The Miko was taken by surprise and did all she could to prevent putting all her weight on him, but Suboshi was just too strong. She never realized how strong he was. Though, her heart beat furiously against her ribcage and she nervously let her eyes lift toward his face, the blood rushing into her cheeks.
"Niichan..." Suboshi uttered, drawing Yui closer. "Niichan, don't leave me again."
Niichan? He sounds younger. He must be dreaming about the past, A smile tugged on the corners of her lips, before it faded and she shook her head. Get a hold of yourself, Yui! You have to get out of this situation and without disturbing him, too. Because that would be really embarrassing.
She began to withdraw slowly as his grip lessened and eventually broke free. Yui rolled onto the opposite side, taking a moment to catch her breath that, up until that very moment, she had been holding without realizing it. The heat began to drain from her cheeks and rest of her body as her gaze moved toward the younger twin. Air was sucked into her lungs and she prepared to stand, but the next line of events prevented her from doing such. Suboshi turned onto his side, rolling atop the Miko. The flaxen-haired girl gasped, staring at him wide-eyed as he nestled his head against her bosom. He grumbled something about wanting to hear a story, but Yui couldn't quite make it out over the incessant pounding of her own heart.
What do I do? What do I do?! She glanced around frantically for an escape--
--But then the door opened and Amiboshi stepped in absently, "Otouto, I brought you some..."
His voice tapered off to silence as his gaze landed on the scenario. A flustered expression seized his features and he turned away fast, "Su-sumimasen!!"
"Amiboshi...! It's not what you--" Yui began to protest.
Though, Suboshi woke up then, opening one eye and stating sleepily, "Aniki...what's going on...?" He absently lifted his head from where it was resting and looked toward the girl beneath him. A single brow arched in question, but when it finally registered just what type of position he was in, he snapped away quickly. Only then, did he become aware of his physical pain. "Itte! What's going on?!"
"That's what I'd like to know, otouto..." Amiboshi glanced toward Yui. Something told him she had the answer.
"Ie! It's not what you think!" Yui sighed in exasperation, but then she told them the story, leaving out no detail. That way, they couldn't incriminate her for what happened. "So, that's it."
Suboshi appeared abashed as he hung his head, "I'm so sorry, Yui-sama."
"Un. It's fine..." She pushed herself up and then moved off the bed. "I think I'm just going to get out of here..." And die from embarrassment!
"H-hai..." The younger nodded. "Arigatou, though, Yui-sama. For coming by to see me. Regardless of my actions, I really appreciate it."
The girl smiled faintly, "It was no problem. I hope you feel better. Oyasumi, Amiboshi, Suboshi."
"Oyasumi!" Both called out, making it sound like one voice amplified.
Yui swiftly let herself out, collapsing against the door after she sealed it. When she heard the twins begin to laugh and talk, she went to move away, but was stopped by a sudden voice.
"My, my, Yui-san! You certainly look rosy!"
The fifteen year old glance up quickly, but was a bit relieved by who it was (for it could have been much worse were it someone else), "Xi Fang...oh."
"What happened in there? Must have been good to get you that color!" She grinned. "And even better if the red's growing deeper!"
"I...well...I...um..."
"C'mon! Let's get ready for bed and you can tell me all about it!" Xi Fang seized the Miko's arm, dragging her away.
This is probably a good thing. She can make me laugh about it and forget just how much my body liked being in that position! Yui stumbled along, sparing a final glance toward the twin's room, before she fell in step with Xi Fang. Let's just hope Suboshi forgets it as easily...
* * *
" 'The Miko thought to herself as she went toward the guest chambers...' " Keisuke turned the page, watching the appearing kanji that described the girls getting undressed and he snapped his gaze away. "You are one dirty book, you know that? You don't need to put that in there. Yui-chan's already been embarrassed enough! Baka hentai Suboshi..."
The college student pinched the bridge of his nose in annoyance and sealed the book shut, keeping his place with Yui's version of the story. The started project itself was odd, always remaining on those two sheets of paper, yet it was like the print was disappearing and restarting all over again. He didn't dare put an answer to it now, just decided to ignore the book until Yui had ample time to get done. Keisuke just felt like such a voyeur if he had to read about that. And that also reminded him...thank God it didn't describe Tomo's little triste with that soldier in full detail!
The noise of a speeding car caught his attention and Keisuke glanced up in time to see the vehicle swerve into their driveway, nearly knocking down the mailbox. The driver's side window was slowly rolled down to reveal Tetsuya, who was naturally sporting his sunglasses when it was night. Keisuke rolled his eyes. Maybe if Tetsuya took them off, he wouldn't nearly crash in the dark. However, the nineteen year old clutched the book under his arm and walked over to that car.
"Ooi, Keisuke, what're you doing?"
"What does it look like I'm doing?! I'm trying to read up on Yui-chan," He motioned to the book before he returned his attention to his friend. "What are you doing here? Did you find something out?"
"Ie...not yet. Though I told you all I probably could. I think Taka's our best bet at learning more. He did take down Nakago before, ne?"
"Un. Well, he didn't do a very good job of it if he's still thriving in there."
"So, that's why we send him in again! To kick some ass! Tamahome can do that sort of thing because that was what he was all about before. Karate kid-ing his way around 'The Universe of the Four Gods,' " Tetsuya smirked. "You gonna get in or what? I came by to get you."
"Fine, fine," The blond rolled his eyes, circling to the passenger's side and climbing in. "Where are we gonna go then?"
"Don't know...maybe to get drunk," He began to back them out of the driveway.
"You're not getting drunk when you have to drive me home!" Keisuke furrowed his brows, reaching up to turn on the light and then he opened the book once more.
"Ooi! What're you doing? That's distracting!"
"Shouldn't be with your stupid sunglasses on..."
"They're not stupid! They make me look cool. A dork like you naturally wouldn't know."
"I'm not a dork!"
"Un, un. Whatever you say, Keisuke."
Keisuke sank into silence, skimming over the pages to find a good spot. Right now, it was only describing Tasuki, Kouji, and Chichiri setting up for bed, "You know...this book went into full detail about Yui-chan getting changed."
"Un? What's so wrong about that?"
"It's Yui-chan!"
"And Yui-chan's pretty hot. I wouldn't mind--"
"Finish that sentence and I'm sure I'm going to have to hit you."
Tetsuya chuckled, "You really are such a dork, Keisuke."
"Hmph! At least nothing much is happening in here. The book brought up two new characters, though. Touka and Chama Lee. Who are they?"
"Beats the hell out of me. What side are they on?"
"I don't know. I assume ours since they hate Nakago. I just hope that Touka girl doesn't come ruin things for Xi Fang." In all honesty, Keisuke liked Xi Fang and Amiboshi's developing relationship, and he was routing for them.
"Why would she?"
"She likes Amiboshi."
"Hn...guess that would explain it."
"I suppose she's not bad. There seems to be something in their past. I don't really get it."
"You wouldn't. Only because you're a baka."
Keisuke furrowed his brows, bringing a fist into Tetsuya's upper arm. The friend winced, but his grip on the wheel didn't waver. A chuckle escaped the driver's lips and then both went silent as they looked toward the road ahead of them.
Finally, Tetsuya spoke up, "Maybe we should go in there."
"Nani?"
"Go into 'The Universe of the Four Gods' I mean. It just doesn't seem fair that there should be a sequel without our names in it."
"What could we do? We couldn't help Yui-chan! We'd probably only just get killed by Nakago pathetically and that would be it."
"Well, for starters...I'd go and meet Soi."
Keisuke's eyebrow twitched. He pretty much knew where this was going. Still, something possessed him to ask, "Doushite...?"
"Doesn't she sound like she'd be hot? They always describe her 'supple breasts' or her 'feminine curves.' Hell, she's fictional too, which means she's probably hotter than either of us can imagine."
"And she's also in love with Nakago."
"Eh, if she just met a charismatic guy like me...then I'm sure she'd forget him in an instant! No one'd blame her either. I can be even more dashing than that cold-hearted bastard Nakago."
"She could kill you easily, you know."
"Demo, she wouldn't! Heroes of books can't just die so easily."
"Since when did you become the hero?"
"Well, I'm charming, brave...charismatic. Everything a good hero should be."
"And you call me a baka?"
"The more I think about this, the more it could work!"
Keisuke coughed, "I'm not following you in there if you actually go through with it."
"I don't care. I wouldn't need my dorky sidekick there anyway. You'd only get in my way."
"Sidekick?! I was in the book before you!"
Tetsuya smirked and shrugged, making a turn and parking the car, "Doesn't mean anything to me."
The other sighed and then glanced up at the flashing sign. His eyes widened, "You brought us to a strip club?!"
"Un. All that talk about supple breasts made me want to see some. C'mon, let's go inside!"
"Tetsuya..." Keisuke shook his head in exasperation, before he followed his friend, keeping the book with him protectively.
* * *
"This is almost like a slumber party in my world!" Yui smiled brightly, finishing off the braid she had put in Xi Fang's hair.
"Slumber party...?"
"Oh...anou...just when a couple of people get together and spend the night with one another. They stay up late and gossip. I used to go to them with Miaka all the time."
"I see. So...does that mean you're going to tell me what happened between you and Suboshi? Or better yet...you and Kouji!" Xi Fang smirked. "Yui-san! You're just getting all the guys to fall for you!"
Yui's cheeks pinked at the thought. She hardly considered going out with Kouji anything interesting to talk about. It was a friendly date -- for lack of a better word. Even though she found the bandit highly attractive, there were still her feelings for Suboshi to consider. The feelings that left her completely flustered from earlier. Though, she still hadn't resolved everything with those feelings. The fact remained of what Suboshi did to Tamahome's family. Maybe...maybe things with Kouji would be easier. Yui blinked at the thought. How could she even think such a thing after only just meeting him?!
"A-anou. Kouji just took me out for a while as an apology for Tasuki," The Miko finally stated, taking a rubber band and putting those flaxen strands back in a messy bun.
"And he bought you a dress? And kept giving you smiles at supper? All just as an apology? I think not!" Xi Fang nudged her a couple times.
"Xi Fang! Really...it was nothing."
"Well~! How about things with you and Suboshi? Oh, oh! There you go blushing again!"
Yui brought her hands over her cheeks to cover them quickly, "You realize after this, I have free reign to ask you all the dirty questions I want."
She giggled, leaning in, "Only if it's juicy enough!"
"Well...when I went in there, Suboshi was sleeping. I decided to give him a kiss and he pulled me against him. When I finally got away, he rolled...on top of me."
Xi Fang gasped, bringing her hands over her lips. Yet, the smile was still present, "No way!"
"Un! And the worst part was...when Amiboshi walked in."
"Oh man! What'd you do?!"
"Well, I told them the truth, what do you think? I didn't want Suboshi's brother to go thinking I was trying to seduce his twin in his sleep!"
"Not that you would mind! And really, who'd blame you?" The girl chirped, closing her eyes happily. "Those two are more than gorgeous."
"And speaking of that...just what's going on between you and Amiboshi lately, hm?" Yui turned the conversation around in the opposite direction, canting her head with interest.
"Oh...you know...nothing spectacular." I don't really want to tell her about Amiboshi being in love with her in the past. She might decide to go like him since his issues are a bit less than Suboshi's. "I've been talking to him off and on..."
"And you like him?"
"Well, he's cute! Demo, I don't know if I would say like..."
"You know, maybe I could order him to return your feelings! Since I am his Miko!" Yui laughed. "Not that I think he would have any problem with doing so. I bet he already likes you back with as much time as he's been spending with you."
"H-honto ni? That really would be great. I mean, the last person I liked was Tamahome. And that definitely didn't work out."
"Tama...home...?" The Yotsubadai student tilted her head, before she forced a weak laugh. "You liked him too, huh?"
Xi Fang's eyes widened in surprise, "You did?"
"Un. That was what pretty much drove my desire to become Seiryuu no Miko. Because Miaka had him and I didn't. That, and I thought she only wanted to come here to see him. Pretty pathetic, huh?"
"Ie. I guess we can't change our feelings. Miaka's one lucky girl. And unfortunately there was only one Tamahome..." Her features became playful at that point. "At least this time there are two of the ones we like, ne?"
"Un!" Yui laughed in response.
"So, what's stopping you from being with Suboshi, hm?"
"You...know what's stopping me, Xi Fang."
"Hai! Demo...I also told you that if your feelings are strong enough, you should go for it."
"But, I'm not really sure they are. Getting past something this big...I mean, how many people do you know want to start a relationship with someone on top of the fact that their prospective boyfriend killed their best friend's boyfriend's family? I haven't really had enough time to think about it."
"Amiboshi said something to me tonight. He told me to try and understand Suboshi. I really can't, though. I mean, I understand his pain or what emotions drove him to think about doing something like that, but he actually went through with it..."
"Suboshi isn't the type to think about things rationally."
"I'd say, but see! My point was that maybe you could try and understand it. And you already proved me right. I just don't want to see you not happy if he's what you want. If Suboshi's truly sorry now and if he can prove it...then I see no reason why you shouldn't go for it."
"All I can say is...when and if it feels like the right time, then I'll be with him. For now, my heart's just so confused."
"And bringing Kouji into the picture isn't helping any, huh?"
"Kouji isn't in the picture. I only just met him, Xi Fang! You can't fall in love with someone without knowing them..." Yui lowered her gaze. "I learned that the hard way."
Xi Fang pursed her lips somewhat and nodded. But, with a mischievous look, she reached over to clutch the pillow. The fluffy head rest was launched in Yui's direction, connecting with her face. A flourish of white feathers exploded from the opening, drifting around them. The one responsible giggled as Yui furrowed a brow, peeling the case from her face. Of course, the annoyed expression turned to a smile and she retaliated by slamming the pillow across the other's lower back. Xi Fang's laughs stopped as she lurched forward a bit, and then she seized the other one that laid on the bed, making them evenly matched. With several snickers, they randomly began the pillow war, aiming for open areas and dodging the opponents' attacks.
Yui tucked her legs beneath herself, launching forward to bring the edge against the side of the raven-haired girl. Xi Fang fluidly made hers into a shield, deflecting hers and then sending several hits toward the miko's arms. Then, she rolled off the bed, springing to her feet with a beam. The blonde giggled, striking by jumping off the mattress and tossing the pillow at her chest. Xi Fang knocked the 'weapon' away with her forearm and it skid across the floor. Instead of retrieving it, Yui rushed forward, stealing away the one in Xi Fang's arms, whamming her on the head once before she just tossed it aside. Both girls collapsed into a fit of laughs, choking for air and drying the tears that were steadily streaming down their cheeks.
Puffing out her chest, Yui managed to choke out, "You never should have tried to take me on. For I am the all-mighty Makura no Miko!* No one stands against my superior skills!"
Xi Fang cracked up even more, "Hai, hai! Yui-sama...Makura no Miko!"
"Actually, I just have a lot of practice. I had the chance to cream Miaka quite a few times in our life!" The self-proclaimed 'priestess of pillows' grinned proudly.
"And you're covered in feathers."
"Only one unpleasant side effect from a pillow fight," She smirked, beginning to pluck the small pinions from her hair.
Xi Fang giggled, following suit and then becoming serious, "You think maybe we should make breakfast tomorrow? As a thank you toward Amiboshi's parents?"
"Trying to get on their good side, huh? Do you really have it that bad for Amiboshi?"
"Well, I'm not gonna lie and say that I don't want them to like me. But, it's not like I want them to make me his bride or something."
"You are so lying to me!" Yui crossed in front of her, collecting a pillow and giving her a final hit for good measure.
"Hey!" Xi Fang smirked, gasping the other and tossing it at Yui. Though it missed and landed on the bed instead. "Hn...good enough. Not exactly where I wanted it."
The Miko stuck out her tongue before she flopped back on the bed, brushing off any stray feathers she missed, "Still, it's a good idea. It'd make up for my lack of help today. I could make some food from my world. I'm pretty good at making pancakes."
"I certainly hope you're a better cook than Miaka," Xi Fang also dusted off those pillow stuffings, climbing in bed beside her.
"Trust me. I'm much better! I actually paid attention in Home Ec."
"Good! Then tomorrow first thing. See you there, Makura no Miko. You'll be on my turf this time around," She teased.
"Un! Demo, I've got the power of my world's food on my side!"
"Hehe...we'll just have to see. Oyasumi...Yui-chan."
Yui smiled some at the term. It almost reminded her of Miaka, and that was nice. It was nice to have fun this time around rather than the way it was with her first experience in the book. Those eyes closed slowly, "Oyasumi, Xi Fang-chan."
It didn't take long for both of them to drift off into a deep sleep.
**Next Chapter Previews:
One of the Seiryuu shichiseishi, Nakago, intent on getting what he wishes, comes up with a plan to gain information from the group traveling with Yui-sama. In the meantime, Yui-sama decides to get to know a bit more about the two Suzakuu seishi. Later, she decides to get advice from someone on matters of the heart. Next time in 'The Ties that Bind.' A heart torn between two can times shatter it to pieces.
*Note: Makura no Miko is supposed to mean 'Priestess of Pillows'...I'm not sure if it actually does, I just looked up the Japanese word for it in the dictionary. ^__^;