Authors Notes: Gomen! Gomen! Gomen! I feel like a very terrible author… I haven't updated on my scheduled update day again… I was supposed to update on the tenth of September... I hate missing deadlines. pouts My lateness in updating has been caused by what my friends and I call the 'September homework attack'. Goodness… you people should see the pile of things I have to do for next week. Well, at least I have updated right? I'm terribly sorry if there isn't much fluff in this fic. I just don't want things to go too fast, I want to keep their relationship as realistic as possible. Anyway, want to keep this short… :)
Disclaimer: I do not own it… I would want to though. Tekken 5 characters look sooo adorable… especially Xiao and Christie! :)
This chapter is dedicated to my honors math teacher who, despite being a guy, shows signs of… lol… PMS… wahahaha! :P
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Finding my way to you
Chapter 10: Pee-Em-Es
By: Misao Yuy (yes… a new pen name. I'm over Seta lol… Heero Yuy is cuter.)
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RECAP"I just thought that you might have wanted to get to bed faster. It wouldn't be an overall good night if we had to walk for half an hour just to get to bed right after you had tired yourself out, right?" Xiaoyu looked thoughtful for a moment then finally relaxed as he carried her back to the inn.
"Alright. Fine. Carry me if you must. But remember that you'll pay later." She told him matter-of-factly.
"I don't doubt that for an instant." He replied. She felt him shift her weight and bend down to pick something up. Her smiling companion suddenly slipped a small beautiful purple flower behind her ear.
"How is that for payment?" He asked mischievously, a slight shimmer present in his eyes.
She gave a happy cry and didn't complain at all on the way back. Once they got back to the inn and settled into the futon Jin asked Xiaoyu a question.
"You didn't pray tonight." Xiaoyu smiled at this,
"I didn't need to. If someone wants to be my friend they can take me for who I am." He laughed at her response and pulled the covers further over himself.
"I don't want to say I told you so but I did."
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It had already been two weeks since the festival. As usual, the two, Xiaoyu and Jin, still traveled all around the country searching for God knows what. Although the purpose of traveling was still the same for both and they're still the same people traveling together, a thing that has changed between the two is their relationship.
For instance, the two had now been sleeping in one futon but only, only, for a number of reasons and nothing more, or so they say.
Logical reason number one: The storms are far from over and was just, indeed, getting started on that memorable night.
Logical reason number two: Their disguise has changed from 'extremely-close-loving-and-caring-brother-and-sister' to 'hinting-at-a-relationship-but-not-quite-there-yet'. This, according to Xiaoyu, was to throw off anyone who was following them.
Logical reason number three: Obviously, since they sleep under one futon, it costs them less. After the Tanabata festival, Xiaoyu had been worried sick that all her money almost got depleted from the festivities and food. Sleeping under one futon was another one of her brilliant ways to save money.
Logical reason number four: As stated above, the storms were far from over. This would imply that nights would be scary, thunder-filled and hella cold. Sleeping under one futon would mean more warmth because of the body heat of the person sleeping next to you. And yes, this was another one of Xiaoyus ideas.
Logical reason number five: Sleeping together, on one futon, under one blanket was more… comfortable. Sure, Xiaoyu still whimpered whenever there were thunder storms but still, Jin gave her a sense of comfort and protection that she no longer felt so frightened about thunder storms. Well, at least not as much as she used to.
However, it was much, much, later that something very unexpected happened. Something Xiaoyu never dreamed would become a problem.
"Hey Jinny-chan! This place looks good enough. Let's stay here for the evening. I'm dead tired." Jin stared at her worriedly for a second then stole a glance at the inn looking very much dubious.
"Oh I don't know Xiaoyu… it looks… sorta… really… not quite… very old." Xiaoyu stared at him, her left eyebrow raised.
"Sorta, really, not quite, very old?" It took a while before Jin could fully analyze what he had just said. That didn't make sense. He smiled sheepishly.
"I mean, I think it looks old Xiao." That was an understatement in his mind. The place did not look 'sorta' or 'very' old. It was more like, ancient or even Jurassic. The place was obviously falling apart. Xiaoyu just grinned.
"Yeah, I guess you're right. Let's keep going."
"If you're too tired I could carry you, you know." He offered and she politely refused, her pride getting the better of her.
"No need. I'll manage."
"Whatever you say Xiao."
Jin stared at Xiaoyu for a while then smiled at her change of attitude as they continued down the road they were on. As they made their way, they encountered a few more inns and not one of them were approved by both as one or the other would reject the place. Finally after walking for another fifteen minutes, the 'couple' finally agreed on which place to stay in for the evening.
Once inside, Xiaoyu talked to the innkeeper and came back with a huge frown. Once close enough, she motioned towards a man in the corner of the room.
"That guy over there? He's part of the local spy network. He's got something which, according to him, would interest us." Jin tried to look surprised and actually succeeded. He had known about a lot of the local spy networks since his grandfather would always spy on the opposing companies and spies was something that was part of the Kazama's everyday acquaintance. He had already noticed quite a few who were part of them as Xiaoyu and himself walked through the towns. Nevertheless, he still followed her to the corner.
When they got there, Jin examined the man. Now he was someone he has never seen before. He looked as if he was in his forties and that the years hasn't exactly been good to him. Sliver hair and wrinkles had accompanied his aging as well as loss of hair and a few gigantic warts. He jumped to greet the two as they reached the table.
"Hey! I never thought I'd be able to catch with you two and talk to you! I'm glad I caught up with you. I've got some interesting news for you, well that is assuming that you haven't already heard about it." Xiaoyu moved her hands as if motioning him to continue as he looked at Jin questioningly.
"There's someone a day behind you. He's a man and he's very good too, very well trained. We wouldn't have known about him if he hadn't slipped up. He seemed a little too eager about all this." At this, Jins eyes narrowed and he slipped into the conversation surprising both their informant and Xiaoyu.
"Excuse me but, what did this guy look like? Which of us was he interested in?" Jin looked into the mans eyes as if it was written there on his eyes. The man however, did not speak. Xiaoyu looked confused at first then suddenly her eyes widened and she let out a cough. Without thinking, the Chinese grabbed her pouch with money and held it to their informant. At this, the man seemed much more friendly and answered Jins question.
"He didn't really let us on which among the two of you he was after. All I know is that he wears a cloak. He has black hair and black eyes. He looked typical and didn't stand out at all. He had a few tattoos but none of us got close enough to get a definite shape." The Chinese nodded and then turned to leave and after a few seconds, was followed by Jin too. Their informant however, instead of returning to whatever business he was doing, continued to stare at the 'couple' and smiled at their retreating form.
"Is it true what they're saying about you?" Their informant suddenly blurted out. At this statement Xiaoyu stopped walking. What were they saying about me? Us? Were they even talking about her?
"What are you talking about?" She asked confusion written on her face.
"You don't know?! It's everywhere! People all over the towns you've been have been saying that you're married to him. So is it true?" The 'couple' stiffened and the Chinese slowly turned around.
"Why you little-"
"Xiaoyu! Don't. It'll just cause more mayhem." Because of his effort to stop her, he managed to grab onto the third part of her body he was never supposed to have contact with.
Her hair.
As he lunged forward in an attempt to stop Xiaoyu from attacking the men, he desperately grabbed whatever part of her he could reach and pulled it. Unfortunately, that part was her hair.
"aRGhggHHHhgg!!! Let go! Let go!" She pulled out her blades once again thinking about landing one right on his face. Fortunately for her, she thought about it once again and thought that letting a teensy tease get to her was better than actually loosing it once again. Instead of the usual blades, she attempted to twist around in a flash then send him tumbling to the ground with one her 'mighty' kicks. Her friend, however, is much faster than her and Jin easily dodged this moving out of the way before her foot had a chance to connect with his leg, or rather, ankle. The informant they left behind just shook his head in amusement as he watched the two proceed to the second level of the inn.
As soon as they reached their room and Xiaoyu closed the door behind them, Xiaoyu suddenly stopped. She sat down, her face looking thoughtful. She was having another change of mood. Jin looked at her inquiringly, a pinch of worry present in his face. Before he could ask anything though, Xiaoyu snapped her fingers.
"Argh. Damn, I knew it Jin! I knew it! I knew it!" The obviously frustrated girl stood up from her spot and started walking back and forth across the room, her hands clutching her head. At this, Jins face was now filled with worry. Something was not right.
"Knew what? Xiaoyu are you okay?"
"I knew it Jin! I knew someone was following us! And, of course, it's because of me that he's a day behind." Xiaoyu smiled proudly. Jin however, knowledgeable in both Spying and Xiaoyu, shook his head in disapproval.
"No you didn't Xiao. It was a downwind trail. You were just being yourself." She glared at him.
"Yeah, go ahead and ruin my moment." Although he didn't like the thought that she was once again angry with him, surprisingly, he found himself thinking how absolutely adorable Xiaoyu was when she was angry with her lips pouting. Inwardly kicking himself for being such a sick man, he shook his head, scratched his head then looked apologizing at Xiaoyu.
"I'm sorry, I was just saying the truth you know. I can't let your head grow that big now can I? It would just add to your already too heavy weight." This was, obviously, a very bad comeback. It was a comment that you would rather keep to yourself then share with someone as hot headed as Xiaoyu.
"TOO HEAVY?! TOO HEAVY???" Jin winced as she screamed her lungs out. Whoa boy. What had he gotten himself into now?
"Xiao, Xiao, Xiao. I was just kidding alright?"
"Well, don't do that! Can't I gloat at least a little now that my precautions have had an effect?" Jin shrugged.
"If you prefer to then no one is stopping you. Personally, I am tired from finding an agreeable place to sleep in. Oyasumi." Xiaoyu wrinkled her nose at the 'cheap' way he had escaped the argument. Grumbling something under her breath about how she had no one to gloat to now, she eventually took her place in the futon that they shared.
"Oyasumi Jinny-chan."
A few moments had passed, then…
"Oh… no…" She shifted uncomfortably under the sheet. She was shivering at the thought of having to say what she was about to say. She couldn't say it. Not to Jin. It was bound to be extremely embarrassing. But then, they were friends anyway right? And… perhaps he already knows about this? Besides, wasn't she Ling Xiaoyu the great? Wasn't she supposed to be strong and fearless?
Strong and fearless. Those had nothing to do with what she was about to say. Cursing under her breath, she took one last deep breath before she went in for the plunge.
"Ji-Ji-Jinny-chan?" She tapped his shoulder gently only to get a grunting sound from him. She tried again.
"Jinny-chan... oi…" She tapped him again this time harder. This time though, he surprised her by shooting up from the bed into a sitting position.
"Wha-What is it Xiao?! Are you alright-wha-what… oh." Jin clamed down as he looked around. Everything was peaceful, no use getting worked up for nothing.
"Jinny-chan… I need some bandages. Now." He examined her carefully. So… was something really wrong? He looked at her face worriedly.
"Aren't the bandages in your pack? Is something wrong?" Xiaoyu shook her head immediately. She didn't want him to get the wrong idea. She just wanted this to pass by as if it was nothing. Absolutely nothing.
"No, they aren't. I don't think we have any. And well, this inn isn't really in the center of the town now is it?" Jin looked around for a moment.
"I don't think so. Actually, we're pretty far from town. I don't think there's anyone around for miles. What do you need the bandages for? Are you… are you hurt? You're not hurt are you?" Although she was touched at the concern in his face and voice, she still hated the fact that he was making such a fuss about the whole thing. Kuso! Kuso! Kuso!
"No Jinny-chan. I am not hurt. It's… it's just…" She stopped. How was she to explain this to him? Would he even understand it? Silence. Yes, maybe he would just give in if she didn't say a single word. Not a word.
"What is it?"
"I-I don't want to tell you… But… I really do need some bandages right now." There was a slight sign of hurt in his face but it quickly changed into confusion. She was getting panicked. This is taking too long. All she needed was bandages. How long does it take for him to tell her where she could get the damn bandages?!
"Well, if it's really necessary, I think we have some extra cloth. Maybe you could use those instead. Would you want them?" Her eyes widened with joy and she immediately yanked the piece of cloth out of his hands and ran off out of the inn and into the forest as if an enemy was pursuing her.
After a while, Jin began to get worried. He followed her trail then called out to her.
"Xiaoyu? Are you okay? Do you need any help or anything with... well… whatever you're doing there?" Her reply was a frustrated growl, the sound of rustling leaves then a loud 'baka'. Jin could only wonder what was happening where Xiaoyu was. He would have followed but somehow, he sensed that Xiaoyu would rather be alone right now.
"Yes! Yes! Yes! I am perfectly fine damnit! I do not need your assistance or whatsoever! I AM FINE!!!" He winced and waited a bit longer slightly worried.
After a while, a very flushed and very embarrassed looking Xiaoyu emerged from one of the bushes. She gave him glare as if to tell him 'I dare you say anything about this'. Sensing this, Jin shut his mouth. He had no intention asking. He simply gestured towards the entrance of the inn.
"Shall we go back in then?" The Chinese's mood immediately switched from 'ready to make war' to her normal cheerful and energetic self. She ran ahead of him slightly skipping as she made her way back to the comfort of the futon they were both lying on just a few minutes ago.
For the umpteenth time of the day, Jin shook his head in recognition. Sure, Xiaoyu may be his friend. But, after all this time they had spent together? He did not understand her at all.
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Authors Notes: Ahahaha… oh well… I don't know if everyone understood the chapter and what Xiaoyu was fussing about. I'm sure you all did. Well, grls would understand this anyway, lol, just put it together. The title, the mood swings, bandages, a flustered Xiaoyu… oh well, maybe if anyone didn't quite get what I was implying here, I'll just tell you in the next chapter lol. I just thought I haven't written anything slightly funny lately. I needed a change of mood. Heehee. :) Ooh and yes, who could be following them? :P I hope everyone enjoyed that short chapter. :) It was really exciting writing this since an earthquake happened while I was doing so. It was 4 in the scale thing… I forgot what you call it lol. It helped me wake up since I was typing this half-asleep lol. :P
Reply to reviews:
TokyoPrincess: Hands a box of tissue heehee, there, there. :) pouts didn't let you finish your review. :( What were you supposed to say anyway? Did you enjoy the chapter? Hehehe… I'll try to insert more fluff in the upcoming chapters. I was rereading the previous chapter and I kept squirming.. they look so kawaii!!! ()
Baccus Cremaeus: Heehee! Catching up on your Japanese huh? Hehehe, it's a really wonderful language. :) OOHH!!! And thank you so so so so so so so so so sooooooooooooooooooo much for giving me the site! Thank you so much! It's actually pretty lame of me since, well, believe it or not, that was the very first Tekken site I've visited. I know it's pathetic right? And I call myself a fan shakes head. Thank you so much for telling me the site. You're right, Xiaoyu looks so adorable! There are new characters too… it saddens me though that Lei, Steve and Nina weren't there… :( And who's that new Kazama? Ah! Thanks again! And I hope you enjoyed this chapter! :)
skittle-xtreme: Here's more! Lol. Not much fluff here. I don't want things looking too fast and rushed. I think I'm going to take my time with regards to their relationship don't you think? :) Thank you for your support. I'm glad you like the story!
muonline-fan: I'm so glad that you thought the chapter was worth the wait! I'm glad you lied it! :) And no, don't ever think that I would give up on this fic. I won't. I promised myself that this would be the very first long fic of mine that I would actually finish. Your reviews always make me happy.. you should see me after I read reviews.. hehehe. Oh and as for your question, nope I don't study in La Salle. I wish I did though… yes, La Salle is in the Philippines. How did you know? Are you from the Philippines? Coolie! I am! I am! Lol. Thanks for the support! :D:D:D
mi-chan: WOOT WOOT! Hahaha! Did you feel the earthquake? Pretty strong huh? Hehehe… and woot! I was sooo happy last Tuesday! La Salle won again! Woot woot! Are you watching the game on Sunday? It's DLSU against ADMU again… woot woot! Go La Salle… thank you for your support! I think I'm updating my UM fic soon. :)
Potty: Once again thank you for your support! I am very glad that you're enjoying the ride so far hehehe. More fluff to come soon… and probably more action mwahaha! Stick with me! :)
Jeanie: Thanks for the compliment and your kind words… hehehe, I'm getting a big head. lol. Oh cool! The colorguard looks like such a cool job. Hehehe… I'd be so proud if I was holding the flag hehehe. You do cross country running?! 3.1 miles… oh my goodness that is far.. I would die if I run for a kilometer. Lol, kidding. Thank you again for all your support! I really appreciate it! :)
Lyzz2nwn: Whoa... that was long. Hehehe, but I don't really mind. I like communicating with my readers heehee. :) I'm terribly sorry if I haven't checked out your livejournal account. As I said I'm under a huge pile of homework… I've got two speeches due on Monday, another on Tuesday, a book report on Monday, a long test on Tuesday, two quarterly tests on the 24th frustrating math problems, our class' newsletter to write, a biography to write, a surprise party for our teacher to plan, daily homework and my other stories to write. I of course, put this on top priority when it comes to updating fics. Hehehe. :) My IT teacher used to be soooo bad in English. He would always try to make his voice slang when it isn't so it ended up sounding terrible and he kept saying "we'll gonna go to the computer lab now" shakes head He should just act normally. I've come to hate essays too... because of the number of essays I've written in the past week. Goodness, school is a nightmare now! And b7y the way, I hoipe your still alive and haven't forgotten about this story seeing how absolutely late I update this… I'm sorry! I'm sorry I couldn't make my note long this time… it's 4 in the morning and I am half awake… I've got school at seven... I think I'll turn in now…
Many thanks again to everyone who reviewed! adores reviewers Thanks for sticking with the story guys even if it takes me forever to update this. Thanks so much! Your kind words does wonders to my mood. J
Please leave me a review! Comments and suggestions are very much appreciated. Give me inspiration! :)
signs off
.:: misao yuy ::.