Broken Puzzle

A Misaki x Hatoko Fanfiction by Munkii

This story is unrelated to my other fanfictions, namely "Conceptions of Love" and "Lost in Dreams". It contains Shoujo-Ai, love between two girls. Please do not read this if this is not your type of story. Angelic Layer and all respective characters are copyright CLAMP, Japan.

Note: There was a review regarding Oujirou's 'special someone'. As far as I know (and I've seen the series four times), it is a character that has not been introduced. From what I understand, she is school teacher. Additionally, his special someone looks like Misaki. Notably, there are no other characters in the anime that look like Misaki, especially in terms of hair. This all may be different in the manga, which I have not read, and if that is the case, not much I can really do about it. Thank you everyone for reviewing.

Chapter 5
To Dream Again

.o..o…O…o..o.

The Sun was slowly setting in the late afternoon sky. Misaki and Hatoko were at the entrance to the Kobayashi residence, saying their goodbyes for the day. While in the past it was never hard to part ways with each other, now it seemed like it would be an eternity before they could share time together again. Of course, tomorrow was full and ripe for opportunity, but of course… that was tomorrow.

A bird's song floated gently on the warm breeze, and the occasional car passed along, yet when Misaki finally broke away from their last embrace of the day, it seemed like the world had gone silent and still. Her heart already yearned for another encounter with her precious friend as she waved good bye, walking slowly down the street. It seemed all to soon when the small girl disappeared from sight.

It wasn't long before Misaki's mind started buzzing about again at its normal capacity. And shortly there after, she remembered the bag of gifts she had left near Hatoko's bedside. They had forgotten about them completely, wrapped up in each other instead. Misaki smiled, it was like she was still in Hatoko's room, waiting to surprise her with cute little gifts and a bit of chocolate.

"Maybe tomorrow we can go practice Angelic Layer together. Hatoko-chan would like that…" Misaki whispered to herself as she made her way past the local park. A few children who just didn't want to go home for dinner where running around still, chasing each other, swinging, laughing. An older boy was sitting on a bench, facing away from Misaki. She looked closer: it was Oujirou. He wasn't sitting up very straight, but he didn't appear to be crying either. Misaki wished he hadn't been on the receiving end of such a nasty string of events, but there was nothing she could do to change the past.

Of course, Misaki wanted to stop and say hello to Oujirou, but she was already past due to be home, and she didn't want to be rude and run off as soon as she had greeted him. She glanced back to the bench. A child was crying at the bottom of a slide, and Oujirou had gotten up to see that he was okay. Misaki smiled.

"Oujirou-san is a good person, I hope things turn out well for him." Misaki turned back to look forward. She rounded a corner and the park disappeared. A few minutes later Misaki had arrived at her mother's house, just as the Sun began to slide off the sky, into the horizon. She opened the door and stepped in. Shuuko was there, smiling sweetly from the kitchen where she was already preparing dinner.

"Hi, Okaa-san. Sorry I'm a bit late." Misaki said as she removed her shoes.

"It's okay, Misaki. I should have figured you wanted to spend more time with Hatoko-chan." Shuuko replied. Misaki blushed as she stepped into the kitchen and began to wash her hands. "I'm glad things worked out between you two. She needs a person like you, who believes in her." Misaki whipped around in surprise as she began to dry her hands.

"Okaa-san, did… did…" Misaki began. She wasn't aware that her mother knew anything 'official' about her and Hatoko. Shuuko set down the knife she was using and turned around to hug Misaki.

"Oh, Misaki… I called over there when you had just left, making sure you were alright. Hatoko-chan's brother answered the phone. He said Hatoko was sad that you had to go home and how she was going on about how wonderful you are and I knew right then that something had happened between you two. It's okay if I know, right?" Shuuko asked, placing her hand on Misaki's head as she looked up.

"No no! I mean… yes, it's okay for you to know everything. I was going to tell you anyways because… because I'm so happy! Hatoko-chan is wonderful too and I love her very much and I want to make sure she's happy too." Misaki replied, speaking hurriedly as various emotional switches were flicked on and off inside of her. The thought of all the time she had spent with Hatoko that day was making her giddy. Shuuko smiled and let Misaki go.

"I would be happy to have her over for dinner, or to spend the night again, anytime. If she's important to you she's important to me." Misaki nodded gratefully. She was glad her mother understood what Hatoko meant to her, but was even more glad that she was alright, even excited, with having a daughter that decided a more feminine relationship was more desirable then perhaps a customary one.

"Thanks, Okaa-san." Misaki picked up the knife that Shuuko had set down, and she continued where her mother had left off. The mellow aroma of food cooking in a small pot on the stove was drifting through the air, and Misaki found herself quite hungry now that she thought about it.

.o..o…O…o..o.

Sunlight cascaded into the room and Misaki awoke to the sound of early morning birds. Today she had school, and so like every school day, she began to clean-up. Thoroughly awake and smelling of shampooed hair, she made her way into the kitchen to prepare a bit of breakfast for herself and her mother, who appeared shortly later to help.

Misaki's heart was beating slightly faster then normal as she picked up her school things and left the house, saying goodbye to Shuuko with a hug. Hatoko was probably leaving her house right now as well, and the thought of being next to her for their walk to school, even for ten minutes, was enough to send Misaki off dreaming. She began to hurry along to meet up with Hatoko.

It wasn't half a minute later when Misaki noticed Hatoko following behind, trying to catch up with Misaki's quick pace. Misaki spun around and drew Hatoko into a big hug. Kotarou and Tamayo were not far behind.

"Hatoko-chan!" Misaki exclaimed. "You surprised me!"

"We walked around the other side of the block so we could catch you earlier. I was going to surprise you, but you still noticed me." Hatoko explained, smiling big. "I wanted to because you left me a little surprise last night."

"Oh, right, the gifts… I forgot to share them with you while I was there. We hurried off to see Oujirou-san and then… well, that doesn't matter. Did you like them? Were the chocolates good?" Misaki let go of Hatoko and waved to Kotarou and Tamayo, who were pretending not to stare at the girls. Misaki took Hatoko's hand and they set off for school.

"I really liked all the nice little presents Misaki! But, I haven't tried the chocolates yet… I thought it might be nice to save them for after school or something when we can both enjoy them." Hatoko replied, walking close to Misaki.

"You're so sweet Hatoko-chan…"

It wasn't long until they reached the part of the walk where Hatoko left for her campus, and with a parting hug, she hurried off to school. Misaki watched for a few moments as Hatoko disappeared behind a hedge, then turned around to continue to her own school. Kotarou and Tamayo were just behind her, holding hands of course.

"You two look cute together, Misakachi! The championship duo in love! Nationally famous Angelic Layer players! The unstoppable team!" Tamayo started enthusiastically, dragging Misaki next to her. Misaki's face went red again, and she couldn't think of anything to say, so she remained quiet as Tamayo said various embarrassing things. The classrooms came into view and Misaki sighed, wishing the school day was already over.

.o..o…O…o..o.

The teacher's voice droned on about some silly novel while Misaki twirled her pencil around on her desk. A breeze was blowing through an open window, and it floated over to ruffle her hair just a little bit. Her eyes were directed to the board that the teacher was furiously scribbling on while talking excitedly about… about… Actually, Misaki wasn't quite sure what the teacher was talking about. Not just that, her eyes, while they appeared to be paying attention, were actually quite unfocused. Her mouth hang open just a small amount, as if someone had removed a drinking straw from her lips.

Of course, the only think on Misaki's mind was Hatoko. Every five seconds Misaki remembered some event or situation, or a time when Hatoko had glanced at her with that childish grin. Misaki's heart fluttered around as she recalled these happenings, and the only thing she wanted to do right now was run over and steal away with Hatoko.

The bell rang. School was out at long last. Misaki began to pickup her things, albeit slowly as she pulled her self out of a sea of dreams. The room was empty when she was ready to leave, even Kotarou and Tamayo had scurried off. Over lunch Misaki had heard them talking about going to the juice bar to 'drink juice', though Misaki knew they had other things planned. Misaki made her way to the door.

"Suzuhara-san, a word please." The teacher called. Misaki sighed. She just wanted to see Hatoko…

"Y-yes Sensei?" Misaki asked gingerly, looking up.

"Normally you pay attention in class… Well, all the time for that matter. I know you like to do your best. That why I'm curious why you had such a hard time today, perhaps you could answer that for me?" The teacher was a kindly woman, in her early thirties, with a cute face and short black hair. She was never harsh, so Misaki wasn't too worried, but still… Misaki didn't want to have a nice little conversation, perhaps while nibbling the candy on her desk in a content manner, instead of the customary cup of tea. In any case, Misaki couldn't find it in herself to lie about something so silly as daydreaming. She knew she was guilty, and while normally she didn't like getting in trouble, she couldn't have cared less right now.

"I was thinking about someone special, Sensei. I'm sorry, it's just, I miss her and I've been a bit naïve about the whole thing really and I want to make it up to her by being around whenever I can." Misaki explained carefully, ignoring the fact she had just admitted she was in love with a girl, even if in a subtle way.

"Oh, that's so sweet of you! I know you'll be fine, you have a knack for turning in homework and passing exams fine. I just wanted to make sure you were doing alright. You tell this dear friend of yours I approve of her choice in girlfriends, will you?" Misaki couldn't help but smile. Her teacher was so nice… She even accepted the fact without prejudice that Hatoko was a girl. Not even that… She seemed to have liked it…

"Umm… Sensei… If you don't mind, er… may I ask… Is your partner…" Misaki started, but she stopped as the woman winked at her.

"Oh yes, we are quite happy. But don't tell everyone now, Suzuhara-san, the school board would toss me out in an instant if they found out…" She smiled even broader this time, as if she had conquered a mountain in spite of a storm.

"Oh! I see! That's so wonderful!" Misaki replied, tapping a foot impatiently out of view, "But, I need to go, if that's okay with you, Sensei."

"Quite okay, have a nice afternoon." And with that, Misaki hurried on out of the room. By now, Hatoko would be waiting at the gates to the school grounds and Misaki certainly didn't want to keep her waiting anymore.

.o..o…O…o..o.

"Hatoko-chan!" Misaki called as soon as she had set eyes on her precious person. She dashed up and pulled the younger girl into a hug before she could say anything.

"Ah, Misaki! There you are! I was wondering where you were… Did something happen at school?" Hatoko asked, hugging back.

"Well… My teacher wanted to talk to me after class because I wasn't paying attention too well. It's okay, I'm not in trouble… Just kept me up a bit." Misaki let go of Hatoko and took her hand. "Should we go get our angels now?" Hatoko nodded, and they started the trip back towards Misaki's home recalling how boring the day had been without each other.

It was by chance they noticed a familiar figure sitting on the benches in the park. It was Oujirou, and he was talking animatedly to a couple children about something.

"We should go see how he's doing, Hatoko-chan." Misaki whispered. Hatoko nodded, and they walked over to the bench. Oujirou noticed them as they came around to the front side.

"Hello Misaki-chan, Hatoko-chan. How are you today?" Oujirou asked. The expression on his face seemed to be back to normal, and he spoke like he usually did. Misaki didn't know what to expect when she approached him, so was relieved to see that he was genial.

"Oh, we're okay. We just wanted to make sure you were doing okay, because I know you were hurting, and I'm your friend, so…" Misaki explained. Oujirou smiled back and Misaki sighed in relief.

"You shouldn't be worried about me, I wasn't very nice to you two. I wasn't respecting your feelings. I apologize." Oujirou gazed at Misaki and Hatoko. The children in the park had taken a few steps back and were playing around, but it was readily apparent they were eavesdropping as well. Misaki didn't really care.

"No no, we're fine. I want to know though, are you okay?" Misaki repeated sincerely.

"It's been rough, to be honest. She was very special to me, and I let her get away without really saying anything, so I'm feeling a bit stupid about that. But, I have been trying to pick myself up too. I was so set on winning Angelic Layer, and winning her heart, or winning your heart, that I forgot I stopped dreaming. I stopped growing and learning, and found myself in a rut. When all my dreams were smashed, I was lost." Oujirou glanced back at the children, who were watching him intently.

"I decided, maybe it was better if I started from scratch. Maybe if I became a bit less serious and a bit more childish, maybe I could learn again how to dream. Well, after coming here for a couple afternoons, I certainly feel better. Even if they are young, children certainly have a lot to teach grown-ups, and people like me, about not worrying."

"It's okay to be silly…" Hatoko murmured, looking over as a young boy slid down the slide, laughing. Oujirou turned to look as well.

"Certainly, though more and more, I'm finding I like the idea of being a school teacher. They call me the Great Teacher for Angelic Layer, perhaps I would be good at teaching grade school." Oujirou laughed and turned back to face Misaki and Hatoko.

"That sounds like a good idea, Oujirou-san. I already know your good at teaching." Just has Misaki had finished, crying could be heard from nearby, and Oujirou stood up. The same child that had tumbled down the slide yesterday to a bad landing had done it once again.

"Ah, I should take care of this. Thank you for stopping by, Misaki-chan, Hatoko-chan. We'll chat again soon, okay?" Oujirou waved and hurried off. Misaki and Hatoko said goodbye after him, and began their walk home. "Oh, Haru-kun, let me see your knee…"

Oujirou disappeared from sight, and feeling it safe to talk in privacy once again, Hatoko spoke up.

"Oujirou-san is doing better. He looks happy again." Hatoko said, looking up at Misaki, still holding her hand. Misaki nodded.

"People like him can never be sad for long. They just know how to be happy." Misaki's home came into view, and they made their way to the front door. Misaki opened it up with a key from her school bag, and they entered. They headed straight for Misaki's room, where Hikaru sat waiting for an adventure.

"Oh, Misaki! I almost forgot! I brought the chocolates you gave me. Let's have a few," Hatoko pulled out a small red box with gold lettering on it, reading 'Chocolate for Special Someone's'. She set it on the bed as she set down her books. Misaki nodded, and set down her own things, though perhaps a bit too slow as Hatoko wrapped her arms around her waist and pulled her to the bed to sit with her.

"My, Hatoko-chan… Anxious…" Misaki commented softly, smiling. She sidled up to Hatoko and wrapped an arm around her waist to pull her closer. Hatoko's head rested against her side now as the younger girl opened up the chocolates. Hatoko held up the box for Misaki.

"Pick one out for me?" She asked, and Misaki nodded, choosing a delicate looking dark chocolate truffle. She moved to place it in Hatoko's free hand, but noticing her mouth was open just enough to take a bite, Misaki put it to her lips instead. Of course, by now, both girls were blushing profusely, though neither of them seemed to care. Hatoko took her time chewing down half the truffle, and when it was gone, Misaki gave her the second half.

Hatoko set down the box as she swallowed the rest of the chocolate, and looked up at Misaki, who was gazing at her with rapt attention.

"Oh, Misaki…" Hatoko began, but the feelings in her chest were too powerful, and before she could stop to think, she had thrown herself over Misaki. She fell back on the bed, and Hatoko kissed her sweetly on the lips. Breaking after several moments of silence, Hatoko lifted her head. "I love you so much. So very much… Misaki…"

Misaki, who was mildly tense after Hatoko let up, let her muscles go. Her eyes caught Hatoko's yet again.

"I love you too, Hatoko…" Hatoko blushed to a greater degree at this and smiled as she noticed traces of chocolate were upon Misaki's lips. Misaki realized this and licked them off. A silly grin spread across her face. "The chocolate tastes good, don't you think?"

And quite suddenly, Angelic Layer didn't sound quite as fun as eating sweets.

.o..o…O…o..o.

Yay! Story finished! Me hopes you liked it, please stay tuned for more Shoujo-Ai fanfictions!

.oO Munkii