Disclaimers: CLAMP owns WISH. I can only wish.

Setting: Post-Volume 4, after Kohaku is finally together with her reincarnated Shuichiiro. Hisui is alone preparing to surprise. Or is she?

Italics denote personal primary thoughts. Secondary thoughts are in normal font. Will adhere to the english manga's way of using 'he' and 'she', so as not to confuse the english-manga readers.

P.S When I say 'man', I'm using it in the context of gender, not (im/)mortality.

A day of Me, You… and him

Finally they were gone, for a reasonably safe amount of time.

Heaving a sigh of relief, a lone figure turned back towards the gleaming red motorbike and carefully took note of the surroundings once more. This would be taxing but the outcome would be worth it. For just a day, she would give them Heaven in its glory… recreating a small corner of God's garden.

Closing both eyes, white-clad arms stretched outwards as if only able to embrace an invisible globe halfway. Not hearing the soft murmurs of mildly rustling grass or leafy boughs as they brushed against each other, concentrating only on the invigorating swell of power that rushed through every pore and nerve of her being.

For a moment, the sudden roar of wind in both ears nearly overwhelmed her… then it dwindled into tickly whispers. To finally unleash carefully stored energy was gratifying, for Hisui had not felt so alive in ages. Let's see whether I could do it or not…

It was what she had expected. Delicate butterflies in a myriad of hues flitted shyly among the blossoms that had been induced to grow so quickly. Broad willow boughs gave partial shade to yellow daisies. Irises, a light shade of purple-blue, were separated between clusters of vibrantly white lilies. If sunlight had emotion, then such an entity would be smiling indulgently upon this not-so-little plot of fertile tranquility. The plants that had already been present, such as hollyhocks a shade of deep pink bordering on red, along with pale green maple, seemed to sway approvingly at these strategically located newcomers. Intimate without encroaching on each other's space, even the well-fed finches chirped noisily in praise of this outcome.

Walking in between two lines of drying sheets, the good-natured seraphim stopped and turned to review her work lovingly. It was a good outlet for stress. Such a sight made this 'gardener' very happy and satisfied, especially the presence of a reminder of her past.

It was rather windy. She wasn't sure if it was a result of unsuppressed hougan, or the fact that when she had still been an Angel Master, there was always a breeze present. Playful, teasing, sometimes defiant until its source was worn out; it was similar to being accompanied by a mischievous child.

This one seemed particularly energetic, the way it whipped the sheets almost violently, recalling images of stormy seas churning up white foam. Due to such activity, Hisui had been 'slapped' more than once by the almost-dry laundry. Standing among flapping muslin and cotton trimmed with silk, the familiar sound of unfettered joy muted in its celebration filled her ears, as she remembered being found out…

"There you are. Ryuuki was worrying about where you'd gone."

"What harm could come to one in Heaven?"

Looking down over dusty ancient cliffs older than herself, one could see clear waters lapping meekly at the uneven base of rock below. This place was the only one most likely to experience strong winds and for some inexplicable reason, it was a favourite resting ground of hers.

Crossing his arms while shaking a head of dark brown hair in mock-disapproval, Ransho had a conspiratorial look on his face. Bending closer, he stage-whispered, "I won't tell a soul about your secret."

Eh? Hisui did not understand. Seeing the inquiring look on his counterpart's face, the Angel Master of Earth smiled at her.

"You came here to be embraced by spontaneity, thrilled by the unknown and suspended on the edge of space without fear; for you possess wings to fly with, should you topple. The wind, the wings, the edge, the fall… Why do you keep returning; what do you seek?"

She couldn't answer, for it was something that she herself did not yet understand. The truth in his voice paralysed something within her. A smokescreen was necessary.

"Who knows? Perhaps I want to fall and see what happens, but I am cowardly enough not to try."

After that conversation, she did not return to this secluded spot. The angel that Kohaku looked up to brooded over the issue like a child whose hidden cravings had been exposed. It not only seemed sinful, but also made her feel… naked and lacking. Was she not one of the highest authorities under God's guidance that many looked up to? Then appropriate behaviour should be demonstrated. Hence Hisui became the true embodiment of serenity by forbidding herself further silly frivolity. The heart was calm; in turn the mind was soothed.

Then came that significant day at the bridge. The healing of a broken branch, the meeting of differing sides, the clandestine encounters that followed and finally, the established connection through fused passion and honesty.

Kokyou was the cushioning gale, the edge and the wings. He had awoken her from the shell she had fashioned about oneself out of duty and protection. Time bred cosy familiarity between the angel and demon. Occasionally though, she dreamt. Vividly remembered the thrilling caress of untamed willfulness, while excited by the anticipation of being poised on a peak of chance and tipping the unknown balance…

Strange, where was the feel of- Fair lashes lifting, hazy green pupils looked into unblinking redness. A welcome shock to the senses, while also a dire warning to the defences. The mouth felt dry, amazement briefly manifesting itself on sylph-like features as she stared at this unprecedented intrusion.

"Where are Hari and Ryuuri?"

Not releasing his hold on embroidered cloth bunched in one fist, the demon snorted in an unattractive manner as he replied, "Back in Hell, training to become stronger. Hm…"

Did this one have to show up here now, of all times? He probably didn't know that the others had gone to the beach upon Kohaku's suggestion. Before she could tell him, careless fingers reached out to rub stray strands the colour of honey between cool fingertips. How quiet everything seemed.

"Your hair has been tangled by the wind. Allow me."

Even as he spoke, dark wings stretched out with a mild crackle of silver lightning, forming strategic branches that shoved and scorched sturdy iron frames -which supported hanging laundry- further away on both sides, giving them thrice as much space as before. The fallen angel was greatly impressed and troubled by this display of much improved noble maturity and power.

No longer the impulsive, spiteful demon I know? His Sendanshuurai has reached new levels. Managing to do that while isolating his target from harm… A choice candidate indeed, if you cannot provide an heir to your father's throne, Kokyou. The last thought hurt, reminding her of the guilt she felt at being unable to fulfil her beloved's wishes in that aspect.

The sheet where Koryuu had handled it was unblemished, even as a black comb shaped like a half-moon and intricately patterned with red tulips appeared in his left hand. Moving deftly to position himself behind her, firm pressure on tense shoulders induced Hisui to sit down on dry grass.

Staring forward while clamping down on the sudden urge to turn around or run off, she didn't really see anything. Gentle, gliding motions of blunt wooden teeth through her hair soothed, while each downy strand being skillfully manipulated made her uneasy about the hidden comfort derived from his presence. The silence was finally too much for a pampered soul to take.

"Ah… Kohaku and the others went to the beach. They thought it'd be fun, but there was some necessary housekeeping to be done-"

"So you and the others convinced Kokyou to go along for juvenile fun, in the meantime allowing you to recapture Paradise found… to be lost at the end of the day."

"It's a worthwhile surprise for them!"

The immortal homemaker had forgotten how badly this one's sarcasm could provoke and sting. Her significant other knew how to handle his cousin but she didn't, hence she had always chosen to respond with calm silence as her shield. After the couple's fortieth anniversary, Kohaku's tormentor barely came to visit them, until the sleeping angel had awoken and then that one took up all his time whenever he was on Earth. Annoyed at his focus, nevertheless relief had never felt so sweet. Routine went on as before, and Hisui was contented. Now she was anything but that blessed state, and- Why so worked up?

"A gift that should drain you so thoroughly of whatever hougan a fallen angel is left with, I'd be amazed if you aren't asleep by sunset. Healthy colour has already left your cheeks. Since when are you so quick to anger?"

Unruffled reproach in his tone was both amusing and wearying to her. How quickly the young grow up. Now their roles seemed to be reversed, and this thought made her shake her head as she chuckled.

"I must be getting old. Rest will solve this, if not other problems."

At that strange reply, ministrations to untangled waves ceased. There was the mildest rustle of grass against velvet, and then Kokyou's cousin was facing her on both knees.

Looking down into a pallid complexion, he could see that the damp shine in enigmatic green eyes looked suspiciously closer to anguish than mirth. This may make her even warier of me, but I can't help it…

"Tell me what weighs so heavily upon you. Even the act of confiding will help, if I can't. I won't betray you.

"Please."

The eloquent appeal worked. They tumbled out, from the inability to help his cousin in a certain aspect, to the state of his eye. The former Archangel of Wind had rarely cried, but now she did and due to lack of experience, was unaware of saltwater leaving telltale tracks on pale skin. Not that she cared, but her confidante did.

Comb forgotten, one thumb wiped away visible pain on each cheek. Unfortunately, the sight of this one's trusting vulnerability also wiped away the façade he had sworn to maintain, to keep anyone from ever guessing a potentially disastrous secret, nurtured by time and imagination. Pent-up, flattened impulse reared its head. I'm sorry…

"Hisui…"

Sliding an unlined palm along the jaw-line to cup a damp cheek, the alien motion and unusual hoarseness in his mellow timbre induced her to look up questioningly at him, naïve innocence defining every line of her posture.

Finally peering beyond drapes of neutrality, raw emotion reflected in deep crimson pools caused her to forget breathing momentarily. This shouldn't happen- It isn't real- Don't weaken me again-

Seeing pencil-fine strokes of long dark lashes as he drew closer, unable to decide on a course of action, she hesitated for a moment that she would regret forever.

Warm. So… confusing.

Then gradually increased pressure made her light-headed with sensual pleasure, as careful hands pulled her closer against the other. Snowy silk involuntarily returned the embrace of charcoal velvet, as reverent tenderness became fervent want. The sensation of bare skin touching aroused flesh beneath fragile cloth was akin to an electric shock. Closed eyelids flew open, for Hisui felt as if she had plummeted into a tank of crushed ice. She inhaled sharply.

"Koryuu-"

The younger man drew back slightly, and she saw the glistening curve of rosy temptation. Taking deep ragged breaths as if breathing had become cumbersome, she gasped out the first thing that came to mind.

"This… game… I will not play any longer. It is wrong. I love Kokyou."

"Game?" That word was gratingly uttered, as if iron filings had been sadistically scraped across glass. He was now gripping her by the shoulders, staring into that lightly flushed visage.

"To me, a game would have something that could be won. How could it be a game when I would never win?"

Scornful bitterness made Hisui pity him. The bleak pain evinced in those cerise slits was heartbreaking. This one thoroughly obfuscated her; the more distance between them the better. No, that was evasion. This had to be addressed, instead of being allowed to linger and fester.

Praying that it would come out right, her left hand reached up for his right wrist.

"Doing this does not benefit you. Neither does selfish impulse-"

"Stop pitying yourself. And stop belittling me. Why do you try to demean this-"

"Because this ca- Will not progress!"

Silence.

Taking a deep breath, she soldiered on.

"Tell me, Koryuu. Do you know what my favourite catchphrase is?"

He shook his head.

"It is 'Jumping the shark'. Do you know when I like to use it?"

Another shake of the head.

"Exactly. You may observe, comment and intimidate, but have you ever made the effort to try and really understand someone? Even with Kohaku?

"First and foremost, be a friend. Be my friend, Koryuu."

He understood what she really meant. And that was all it took for the tension to dissipate. They were in agreeable accord once more.

Now seated back to back, the two immortals leant against one another. Hands beside each other, skin barely touching as the rest of the afternoon was lost in snatches of conversation, enjoyment of nature led to gradually improving comfortableness in shared quietness. Watching, listening, observing…

Not angel. Not demon. In this bubble of time, they were two souls coming to an understanding and establishing a foundation of platonic togetherness. Even if they knew what could never be voiced. Pretending so no one would be hurt, and to keep it simple. It was a pattern that must not be disturbed ever again.

This was the sole principle that made everything safe.

But all things must come to an end.

The air became cooler. Kokyou would soon return. It was time to go.

Rising to his feet in one fluid motion, Koryuu bade Hisui goodbye.

Watching the demon fly away, a pale hand smoothed back stray strands, before she realised a comb was clutched between trembling fingers. The earthbound entity would remember all this, for it would be impossible to forget his kindness. Warm lips. Cool charm. Dangerous yearning that reminded her of personally betraying Kokyou. Of what it meant, to always have and be denied in the same breath… for as long as she lived.

As he returned to Hell and the buildings on earth became tiny specks, Koryuu decided to keep the promise… in his own way. I will do as you wish. I'll be a friend to Kohaku and you. And someday, maybe I'll be more than that to someone…Hisui…

And in the meantime, invisible winds seemed to whisper that perhaps someday, it could be different. There would be nothing separating two beings; no barriers of lies, lovers or unchangeable circumstances would exist in such a world.

Eventually, they would be free.

Owari

0o--------------------------o0

A/N: This will most probably be the end of this fanfic, unless inspired again. Trying to straddle the line of ambiguity is tough while playing with Koryuu x Hisui, and I doubt I can do it for a third chapter (while also running out of inspiration). Plus, canon Kokyou x Hisui is not something I want to really breach, so I'll leave the rest up to your imagination. Kindly comment on anything, like how it can be improved, etc. Concrit is preferable.

Jumping the shark: This refers to something going bad, and likely to be irreparably so. Originated from the episode in 'Happy Days', when Fonzie jumped over a tank of sharks with his motorbike. That episode supposedly marked the start where the show began to suck.